0000921503-11-000014.txt : 20110408 0000921503-11-000014.hdr.sgml : 20110408 20110408160700 ACCESSION NUMBER: 0000921503-11-000014 CONFORMED SUBMISSION TYPE: 10-K PUBLIC DOCUMENT COUNT: 10 CONFORMED PERIOD OF REPORT: 20110131 FILED AS OF DATE: 20110408 DATE AS OF CHANGE: 20110408 FILER: COMPANY DATA: COMPANY CONFORMED NAME: BLYTH INC CENTRAL INDEX KEY: 0000921503 STANDARD INDUSTRIAL CLASSIFICATION: MISCELLANEOUS MANUFACTURING INDUSTRIES [3990] IRS NUMBER: 362984916 STATE OF INCORPORATION: DE FISCAL YEAR END: 0131 FILING VALUES: FORM TYPE: 10-K SEC ACT: 1934 Act SEC FILE NUMBER: 001-13026 FILM NUMBER: 11749602 BUSINESS ADDRESS: STREET 1: ONE EAST WEAVER STREET CITY: GREENWICH STATE: CT ZIP: 06831 BUSINESS PHONE: 2036611926 MAIL ADDRESS: STREET 1: ONE EAST WEAVER STREET CITY: GREENWICH STATE: CT ZIP: 06831 FORMER COMPANY: FORMER CONFORMED NAME: BLYTH INDUSTRIES INC DATE OF NAME CHANGE: 19940408 10-K 1 fy11form10_k.htm FY11 10-K fy11form10_k.htm




UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549

 
 
           (Mark One)

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

For the fiscal year ended January 31, 2011

or

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

For the transition period from ______________ to ______________

Commission File number 1-13026

BLYTH, INC.
(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter)

Delaware
36-2984916
(State or Other Jurisdiction of
Incorporation or Organization)
(I.R.S. Employer
Identification No.)
One East Weaver Street
Greenwich, Connecticut
 
06831
(Address of Principal Executive Offices)
(Zip Code)

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (203) 661-1926

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

 
Title of each class
Name of each exchange
on which registered
Common Stock, par value $0.02 per share
New York Stock Exchange

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:  None

 
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act.  Yes o      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  o     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 o

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 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files) Yes o      No o

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 registrant’s knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K.  x

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 the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):

Large accelerated filer o
 
Non-accelerated filer o
Accelerated filer x
 
Smaller reporting company o
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act). Yes  o      No  x
 

The aggregate market value of the voting common equity held by non-affiliates of the registrant was approximately $202.9 million based on the closing price of the registrant’s Common Stock on the New York Stock Exchange on July 31, 2010 and based on the assumption, for purposes of this computation only, that all of the registrant’s directors and executive officers are affiliates.

As of March 31, 2011, there were 8,230,502 outstanding shares of Common Stock.

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

Portions of the 2011 Proxy Statement for the Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be held on June 9, 2011 (Incorporated into Part III).




TABLE OF CONTENTS
PART I
         
Item 1.
   
4
Item 1A.
   
9
Item 1B.
   
15
Item 2.
   
15
Item 3.
   
15
Item 4.
   
16
 
PART II
         
Item 5.
   
17
Item 6.
   
20
Item 7.
   
21
Item 7A.
   
41
Item 8.
   
43
Item 9.
   
82
Item 9A.
   
82
Item 9B.
   
84
 
PART III
         
Item 10.
   
85
Item 11.
   
85
Item 12.
   
85
Item 13.
   
85
Item 14.
   
85
 
PART IV
Item 15.
   
86



 
PART I

 
(a)   General Development of Business

Blyth, Inc. (together with its subsidiaries, the “Company,” which may be referred to as “we,” “us” or “our”) is a multi-channel company competing primarily in the home fragrance and decorative accessories industry. We design, market and distribute an extensive array of decorative and functional household products including candles, accessories, seasonal decorations, household convenience items and personalized gifts. We also market weight management products, nutritional supplements and energy drinks. In addition, we manufacture and market chafing fuel and other products for the foodservice trade. Our distribution channels include direct sales, catalog, Internet and wholesale. Sales and operations take place primarily in the United States, Canada and Europe, with additional activity in Mexico, Australia and the Far East.

Additional Information
 
Additional information is available on our website, www.blyth.com. Our annual reports on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K and any amendments thereto filed or furnished pursuant to the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 are available on our website free of charge as soon as reasonably practicable following submission to the SEC. Also available on our website are our corporate governance guidelines, code of conduct, and the charters for the audit committee, compensation committee, and nominating and corporate governance committee, each of which is available in print to any shareholder who makes a request to Blyth, Inc., One East Weaver Street, Greenwich, CT 06831, Attention: Secretary. The information posted to www.blyth.com, however, is not incorporated herein by reference and is not a part of this report.

(b)   Financial Information about Segments

We report our financial results in three business segments: the Direct Selling segment, the Catalog & Internet segment and the Wholesale segment. These segments accounted for approximately 64%, 18% and 18% of consolidated net sales, respectively, for fiscal 2011. Financial information relating to these business segments for fiscal 2009, 2010 and 2011 appears in Note 20 to the Consolidated Financial Statements and is incorporated herein by reference.

(c)           Narrative Description of Business

Direct Selling Segment

In fiscal 2011, the Direct Selling segment represented approximately 64% of total sales. Our principal Direct Selling business is PartyLite, which sells premium candles and home fragrance products and related decorative accessories. PartyLite® brand products are marketed in North America, Europe and Australia through a network of independent sales consultants using the party plan method of direct selling. These products include fragranced and non-fragranced candles, bath products and a broad range of related accessories.

In October 2008, we acquired our interest in ViSalus, a distributor-based business that sells weight management products, nutritional supplements and energy drinks. ViSalus represented approximately 6% of total sales of the Direct Selling segment during fiscal 2011.


United States Market

Within the United States market, PartyLite® brand products are sold directly to consumers through a network of independent sales consultants. These consultants are compensated on the basis of PartyLite product sales at parties organized by them and parties organized by consultants recruited by them. Over 18,000 independent sales consultants located in the United States were selling PartyLite products at January 31, 2011. PartyLite products are designed, packaged and priced in accordance with their premium quality, exclusivity and the distribution channel through which they are sold.
 
ViSalus Sciences® (“ViSalus”) brand products are also sold directly to consumers using one-to-one sales model through independent sales distributors, who are compensated based on the products they sell and products sold by distributors recruited by them. Customers and distributors generally set a 90 day fitness goal, known as the Body By Vi Challenge, and purchase and consume ViSalus products to help them achieve their goal. Independent distributors sell ViSalus brand products using a one-to-one direct sales model.

International Market

In fiscal 2011, PartyLite products were sold internationally by more than 45,000 independent sales consultants located outside the United States. These consultants were the exclusive distributors of PartyLite brand products internationally. PartyLite’s international markets at the end of fiscal 2011 were Australia, Austria, Canada, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Italy, Mexico, Norway, Poland, Switzerland, Slovakia and the United Kingdom.

We support our independent sales consultants with inventory management and control, and satisfy delivery requirements through an Internet-based order entry system, which is available to all independent sales consultants in the United States, Canada and Europe.

Business Acquisition

During fiscal 2009, we signed a definitive agreement to purchase ViSalus, a direct seller of weight management products, nutritional supplements and energy drinks, through a series of investments. On October 21, 2008, we completed the initial investment and acquired a 43.6% equity interest in ViSalus for $13.0 million in cash. In addition, we may be required to make additional purchases of ViSalus’ equity interest to increase our equity ownership over time to 57.5%, 72.7% and 100.0%. These additional purchases are currently conditioned upon ViSalus meeting certain operating targets in calendar years 2010, 2011 and 2012. ViSalus did not meet its predefined operating target for calendar year 2010. However, we have the right to waive this requirement and increase our ownership interest to 57.5%. If we elect to increase our ownership interest to 57.5% in ViSalus in 2011, we will be required to make the additional purchases of ViSalus in 2012 and 2013 if ViSalus meets it predefined operating targets in those years.

Catalog & Internet Segment

In fiscal 2011, this segment represented approximately 18% of total sales. We design, market and distribute a wide range of household convenience items, personalized gifts and photo storage products, within this segment. These products are sold through the Catalog and Internet distribution channel under brand names that include As We Changeâ, Easy Comfortsâ, Exposuresâ, Home Marketplaceâ, Miles Kimballâ and Walter Drakeâ.

In February 2011, we assigned the assets and liabilities of Boca Java for the benefit of its creditors and exited this business. The proceeds from the sale of the assets will be used to discharge the claims of the creditors. In January 2011, the Company recorded a $1.1 million impairment charge. The impairment charge recorded was for the write-off of fixed assets, inventories on hand and other assets, net of expected recoveries.



Wholesale Segment

In fiscal 2011, this segment represented approximately 18% of total sales. Products within this segment include candles and related accessories, seasonal decorations and home décor products such as lamps, picture frames and decorative metal accessories. In addition, chafing fuel and tabletop lighting products and accessories for the “away from home” or foodservice trade are sold in this segment. Our wholesale products are designed, packaged and priced to satisfy the varying demands of retailers and consumers within each distribution channel.

Products sold in the Wholesale segment in the United States are marketed through the premium consumer wholesale channels and sold to independent gift shops, specialty chains, department stores, food and drug outlets, mass retailers, hotels, restaurants and independent foodservice distributors through independent sales representatives, our key account managers and our sales managers. Our sales force supports our customers with product catalogs and samples, merchandising programs and selective fixtures. Our sales force also receives training on the marketing and proper use of our products.

Product Brand Names

The key brand names under which our Direct Selling segment products are sold are:

PartyLite®
Well Being by PartyLite®
Two Sisters Gourmetâ by PartyLite®
ViSalus Sciences®
 
The key brand names under which our Catalog & Internet segment products are sold are:
 
As We Change®
Easy Comforts®
Exposures®
Home Marketplace®
Miles Kimball®
Walter Drake®
 
The key brand names under which our Wholesale segment products are sold are:
 
Ambria®
CBK®
Colonial Candle®
Colonial Candle of Cape Cod®
Colonial at HOME®
HandyFuel®
Seasons of Cannon Falls®
Sterno®

New Product Development

Concepts for new products and product line extensions are directed to the marketing departments of our business units from within all areas of the Company, as well as from our independent sales representatives and worldwide product manufacturing partners. The new product development process may include technical research, consumer market research, fragrance studies, comparative analyses, the formulation of engineering specifications, feasibility studies, safety assessments, testing and evaluation.



Manufacturing, Sourcing and Distribution

In all of our business segments, management continuously works to increase value and lower costs through increased efficiency in worldwide production, sourcing and distribution practices, the application of new technologies and process control systems, and consolidation and rationalization of equipment and facilities. Net capital expenditures over the past five years have totaled $48.9 million and are targeted to technological advancements and significant maintenance and replacement projects at our manufacturing and distribution facilities. We have also closed several facilities and written down the values of certain machinery and equipment in recent years in response to changing market conditions.

We manufacture most of our candles using highly automated processes and technologies, as well as certain hand crafting and finishing, and source nearly all of our other products, primarily from independent manufacturers in the Pacific Rim, Europe and Mexico. Many of our products are manufactured by others based on our design specifications, making our global supply chain approach critically important to new product development, quality control and cost management. We have also built a network of stand-alone highly automated distribution facilities in our core markets.

Customers

Customers in the Direct Selling segment are individual consumers served by independent sales consultants. Sales within the Catalog & Internet segment are also made directly to consumers. Wholesale segment customers primarily include independent gift and department stores, specialty chains, foodservice distributors, hotels and restaurants. No single customer accounts for 10% or more of Net Sales. One customer within the Wholesale segment accounted for $1.9 million, or approximately 10% of the Accounts Receivables balance as of January 31, 2011.

Competition

All of our business segments are highly competitive, both in terms of pricing and new product introductions. The worldwide market for home expressions products is highly fragmented with numerous suppliers serving one or more of the distribution channels served by us. In addition, we compete for direct selling consultants with other direct selling companies. Because there are relatively low barriers to entry in all of our business segments, we may face increased competition from other companies, some of which may have substantially greater financial or other resources than those available to us. Competition includes companies selling candles manufactured at lower costs outside of the United States. Moreover, certain competitors focus on a single geographic or product market and attempt to gain or maintain market share solely on the basis of price.

Employees

As of January 31, 2011, we had approximately 2,300 full-time employees, of whom approximately 30% were based outside of the United States. Approximately 60% of our employees are non-salaried. We do not have any unionized employees in North America. We believe that relations with our employees are good. Since our formation in 1977, we have never experienced a work stoppage.

Raw Materials

All of the raw materials used for our candles, home fragrance products and chafing fuel, principally petroleum-based wax, fragrance, glass containers and corrugate, have historically been available in adequate supply from multiple sources. In fiscal 2011, costs continued to increase for certain raw materials, such as paraffin and other wax products, diethylene glycol (DEG), ethanol and paper, which impacted profitability in all three segments.



Seasonality

Our business is seasonal, with our net sales strongest in the third and fourth fiscal quarters due to increased shipments to meet year-end holiday season demand for our products. For additional information, see “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations – Seasonality.”

Trademarks and Patents

We own and have pending several trademark and patent registrations and applications in the United States Patent and Trademark Office related to our products. We also register certain trademarks and patents in other countries. While we regard these trademarks and patents as valuable assets to our business, we are not dependent on any single trademark or patent or group thereof.

Environmental Law Compliance

Most of the manufacturing, distribution and research operations are affected by federal, state, local and international environmental laws relating to the discharge of materials or otherwise to the protection of the environment. We have made and intend to continue to make expenditures necessary to comply with applicable environmental laws, and do not believe that such expenditures will have a material effect on our capital expenditures, earnings or competitive position.

(d)           Financial Information about Geographic Areas

For information on net sales from external customers attributed to the United States and international geographies and on long-lived assets located in and outside the United States, see Note 20 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.






















We may be unable to increase sales or identify suitable acquisition candidates.

Our ability to increase sales depends on numerous factors, including market acceptance of existing products, the successful introduction of new products, growth of consumer discretionary spending, our ability to recruit new independent sales consultants, sourcing of raw materials and demand-driven increases in production and distribution capacity. Business in all of our segments is driven by consumer preferences. Accordingly, there can be no assurances that our current or future products will maintain or achieve market acceptance. Our sales and earnings results can be negatively impacted by the worldwide economic environment, particularly the United States, Canadian and European economies. There can be no assurances that our financial results will not be materially adversely affected by these factors in the future.

Our historical growth has been due in part to acquisitions, and we continue to consider additional strategic acquisitions. There can be no assurances that we will continue to identify suitable acquisition candidates, complete acquisitions on terms favorable to us, finance acquisitions, successfully integrate acquired operations or that companies we acquire will perform as anticipated.

We may be unable to respond to changes in consumer preferences.

Our ability to manage our inventories properly is an important factor in our operations. The nature of our products and the rapid changes in customer preferences leave us vulnerable to an increased risk of inventory obsolescence. Excess inventories can result in lower gross margins due to the excessive discounts and markdowns that might be necessary to reduce inventory levels. Our ability to meet future product demand in all of our business segments will depend upon our success in sourcing adequate supplies of our products; bringing new production and distribution capacity on line in a timely manner; improving our ability to forecast product demand and fulfill customer orders promptly; improving customer service-oriented management information systems; and training, motivating and managing new employees. The failure of any of the above could result in a material adverse effect on our financial results.
 
A downturn in the economy may affect consumer purchases of discretionary items such as our products which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Our results of operations may be materially affected by conditions in the global capital markets and the economy generally, both in the United States and elsewhere around the world. Recently, concerns over inflation, energy costs, geopolitical issues, the availability and cost of credit, the U.S. mortgage market and a declining real estate market in the United States have contributed to increased volatility and diminished expectations for the economy. A continued or protracted downturn in the economy could adversely impact consumer purchases of discretionary items including demand for our products. Factors that could affect consumers’ willingness to make such discretionary purchases include general business conditions, levels of employment, energy costs, interest rates and tax rates, the availability of consumer credit and consumer confidence. A reduction in consumer spending could significantly reduce our sales and leave us with unsold inventory. The occurrence of these events could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
 



The turmoil in the financial markets in recent years could increase our cost of borrowing and impede access to or increase the cost of financing our operations and investments and could result in additional impairments to our businesses.
 
United States and global credit and equity markets have undergone significant disruption in recent years, making it difficult for many businesses to obtain financing on acceptable terms. In addition, in recent years equity markets have experienced rapid and wide fluctuations in value. If these conditions continue or worsen, our cost of borrowing, if needed, may increase and it may be more difficult to obtain financing for our businesses. In addition, our borrowing costs can be affected by short and long term debt ratings assigned by independently rating agencies. A decrease in these rating agencies would likely increase our cost of borrowing and/or make it more difficult for us to obtain financing. In the event current market conditions continue we will more than likely be subject to higher interest costs than we are currently incurring and may require our providing security to guarantee such borrowings. Alternatively, we may not be able to obtain unfunded borrowings in that amount, which may require us to seek other forms of financing, such as term debt, at higher interest rates and with additional expenses.
 
In addition, we may be subject to future impairments of our assets, including accounts receivable, investments, inventories, property, plant and equipment, goodwill and other intangibles, if the valuation of these assets or businesses declines.
 
We face diverse risks in our international business, which could adversely affect our operating results.
 
We are dependent on international sales for a substantial amount of our total revenue. For fiscal 2009, 2010 and 2011, revenue from outside the United States was 41%, 45% and 45% of our total revenue, respectively. We expect international sales to continue to represent a substantial portion of our revenue for the foreseeable future. Due to our reliance on sales to customers outside the United States, we are subject to the risks of conducting business internationally, including:
  
 
 
United States and foreign government trade restrictions, including those which may impose restrictions on imports to or from the United States;
 
 
 
foreign government taxes and regulations, including foreign taxes that we may not be able to offset against taxes imposed upon us in the United States, and foreign tax and other laws limiting our ability to repatriate funds to the United States;

 
 
the laws and policies of the United States, Canada and certain European countries affecting the importation of goods (including duties, quotas and taxes);
       
 
 
foreign labor laws, regulations and restrictions;

 
 
difficulty in staffing and managing foreign operations and difficulty in maintaining quality control;
 
 
 
adverse fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates and interest rates, including risks related to any interest rate swap or other hedging activities we undertake;
       
 
 
political instability, natural disasters, health crises, war or events of terrorism;
       
 
 
transportation costs and delays; and
 
 
 
the strength of international economies.


We are dependent upon sales by independent consultants and distributors.

A significant portion of our products are marketed and sold through the direct selling method of distribution, where products are primarily marketed and sold by independent consultants or distributors to consumers without the use of retail establishments. This distribution system depends upon the successful recruitment, retention and motivation of a large number of independent consultants and distributors to offset frequent turnover. The recruitment and retention of independent consultants and distributors depends on the competitive environment among direct selling companies and on the general labor market, unemployment levels, economic conditions, and demographic and cultural changes in the workforce. The motivation of our consultants and distributors depends, in large part, upon the effectiveness of our compensation and promotional programs, its competitiveness compared with other direct selling companies, the successful introduction of new products, and the ability to advance through the consultant ranks.
 
Our sales are directly tied to the levels of activity of our consultants, which is a part-time working activity for many of them. Activity levels may be affected by the degree to which a market is penetrated by the presence of our consultants, the amount of average sales per party, the amount of sales per consultant, the mix of high-margin and low-margin products in our product line and the activities and actions of our competitors.

Earnings of independent sales consultants and distributors are subject to taxation, and in some instances, legislation or governmental agencies impose obligations on us to collect or pay taxes, such as value added taxes, and to maintain appropriate records. In addition, we may be subject to the risk in some jurisdictions of new liabilities being imposed for social security and similar taxes with respect to independent sales consultants and distributors. In the event that local laws and regulations or the interpretation of local laws and regulations change to require us to treat independent sales consultants or distributors as employees, or that independent sales consultants and distributors are deemed by local regulatory authorities in one or more of the jurisdictions in which we operate to be our employees rather than independent contractors or agents under existing laws and interpretations, we may be held responsible for social charges and related taxes in those jurisdictions, plus related assessments and penalties, which could harm our financial condition and operating results.

Our profitability may be affected by shortages or increases in the cost of raw materials.

Certain raw materials could be in short supply due to price changes, capacity, availability, a change in production requirements, weather or other factors, including supply disruptions due to production or transportation delays. While the price of crude oil is only one of several factors impacting the price of petroleum wax, it is possible that recent fluctuations in oil prices may have a material adverse effect on the cost of petroleum-based products used in the manufacture or transportation of our products, particularly in the Direct Selling and Wholesale segments. In recent years, substantial cost increases for certain raw materials, such as paraffin, diethylene glycol (DEG), ethanol and paper, negatively impacted profitability of certain products in all three segments. In addition, a number of governmental authorities in the U.S. and abroad have introduced or are contemplating enacting legal requirements, including emissions limitations, cap and trade systems and other measures to reduce production of greenhouse gases, in response to the potential impacts of climate change. These measures may have an indirect effect on us by affecting the prices of products made from fossil fuels, including paraffin and DEG, as well as ethanol, which is used as an additive to gasoline. Given the wide range of potential future climate change regulations and their effects on these raw materials, the potential indirect impact to our operations is uncertain.


In addition, the potential impact of climate change on the weather is highly uncertain. The impact of climate change may vary by geographic location and other circumstances, including weather patterns and any impact to natural resources such as water. Severe weather in the locations where fossil fuel based raw materials are produced, such as increased hurricane activity in the Gulf of Mexico, could disrupt the production, availability or pricing of these raw materials.

We expect not to be disproportionately affected by these measures compared with other companies engaged in the same businesses.

We are dependent upon our key corporate management personnel.

Our success depends in part on the contributions of our key corporate management, including our Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Robert B. Goergen, as well as the members of the Office of the Chairman: Robert H. Barghaus, Vice President and Chief Financial Officer; Robert B. Goergen, Jr., Vice President and President, Multi-Channel Group; and Anne M. Butler, Vice President and President, PartyLite Worldwide. The loss of any of the key corporate management personnel could have a material adverse effect on our operating results.

Our businesses are subject to the risks from increased competition.

Our business is highly competitive both in terms of pricing and new product introductions. The worldwide market for decorative and functional products for the home is highly fragmented with numerous suppliers serving one or more of the distribution channels served by us. In addition, we compete for independent sales consultants and distributors with other direct selling companies. Because there are relatively low barriers to entry in all of our business segments, we may face increased competition from other companies, some of which may have substantially greater financial or other resources than those available to us. Competition includes companies selling candles manufactured at lower costs outside of the United States. Moreover, certain competitors focus on a single geographic or product market and attempt to gain or maintain market share solely on the basis of price.

We depend upon our information technology systems.

We are increasingly dependent on information technology systems to operate our websites, process transactions, manage inventory, purchase, sell and ship goods on a timely basis and maintain cost-efficient operations. Previously, we have experienced interruptions resulting from upgrades to certain of our information technology systems which temporarily reduced the effectiveness of our operations. Our information technology systems depend on global communications providers, telephone systems, hardware, software and other aspects of Internet infrastructure that have experienced significant system failures and outages in the past. Our systems are susceptible to outages due to fire, floods, power loss, telecommunications failures, break-ins and similar events. Despite the implementation of network security measures, our systems are vulnerable to computer viruses, break-ins and similar disruptions from unauthorized tampering with our systems. The occurrence of these or other events could disrupt or damage our information technology systems and inhibit internal operations, the ability to provide customer service or the ability of customers or sales personnel to access our information systems.

The Internet plays a major role in our interaction with customers and independent consultants and distributors. Risks such as changes in required technology interfaces, website downtime and other technical failures, security breaches, and consumer privacy are key concerns related to the Internet. Our failure to successfully respond to these risks and uncertainties could reduce sales, increase costs and damage our relationships.



Management uses information systems to support decision making and to monitor business performance. We may fail to generate accurate financial and operational reports essential for making decisions at various levels of management. Failure to adopt systematic procedures to quality information technology general controls could disrupt our business and reduce sales. In addition, if we do not maintain adequate controls such as reconciliations, segregation of duties and verification to prevent errors or incomplete information, our ability to operate our business could be limited.

Changes in our effective tax rate may have an adverse effect on our reported earnings.

Our effective tax rate and the amount of our provision for income taxes may be adversely affected by a number of factors, including:

 
 
the jurisdictions in which profits are determined to be earned and taxed;
  
 
adjustments to estimated taxes upon finalization of various tax returns;
 
 
changes in available tax credits;
 
 
changes in the valuation of our deferred tax assets and liabilities;
 
 
the resolution of issues arising from uncertain positions and tax audits with various tax authorities;
 
 
changes in accounting standards or tax laws and regulations, or interpretations thereof; and
 
 
penalties and/or interest expense that we may be required to recognize on liabilities associated with uncertain tax positions.
 

ViSalus’ business is affected by extensive laws, governmental regulations and similar constraints, and their failure to comply with those constraints may have a material adverse effect on ViSalus’ financial condition and operating results.

ViSalus is affected by extensive laws, governmental regulations, administrative determinations, court decisions and similar constraints. Such laws, regulations and other constraints exist at the federal, state or local levels in the United States, including regulations pertaining to:

 
 
the formulation, manufacturing, packaging, labeling, distribution, importation, sale and storage of their products;
  
 
product claims and advertising, including direct claims and advertising by ViSalus, as well as claims and advertising by distributors, for which they may be held responsible;
 
 
their network marketing program; and
 
 
taxation of their independent distributors (which in some instances may impose an obligation on ViSalus to collect the taxes and maintain appropriate records).

There can be no assurance that ViSalus or its distributors are in compliance with all of these regulations, and the failure by ViSalus or its distributors’ failure to comply with these regulations or new regulations could lead to the imposition of significant penalties or claims and could negatively impact ViSalus’ business. In addition, the adoption of new regulations or changes in the interpretations of existing regulations may result in significant compliance costs or discontinuation of product sales and may negatively impact the marketing of ViSalus’ products, resulting in significant loss of sales revenues.



In addition, ViSalus’ network marketing program is subject to a number of federal and state regulations administered by the FTC and various state agencies in the United States. ViSalus is subject to the risk that, in one or more markets, its network marketing program could be found not to be in compliance with applicable law or regulations.  Regulations applicable to network marketing organizations generally are directed at preventing fraudulent or deceptive schemes, often referred to as “pyramid” or “chain sales” schemes, by ensuring that product sales ultimately are made to consumers and that advancement within an organization is based on sales of the organization’s products rather than investments in the organization or other non-retail sales related criteria. The regulatory requirements concerning network marketing programs do not include “bright line” rules and are inherently fact-based, and thus, even in jurisdictions where ViSalus believes that its network marketing program is in full compliance with applicable laws or regulations governing network marketing systems, it is subject to the risk that these laws or regulations or the enforcement or interpretation of these laws and regulations by governmental agencies or courts can change. The failure of ViSalus’ network marketing program to comply with current or newly adopted regulations could negatively impact its business in a particular market or in general.

Increased cost of our catalog and promotional mailings can reduce our profitability.

Postal rate increases and paper and printing costs affect the cost of our catalog and promotional mailings. Future additional increases in postal rates or in paper or printing costs would reduce our profitability to the extent that we are unable to pass those increases directly to customers or offset those increases by raising selling prices or by reducing the number and size of certain catalog circulations.

Climate change may pose physical risks that could harm our results of operations or affect the way we conduct our business.

Several of our facilities are located in areas exposed to the risk of hurricanes or tornadoes. The effect of global warming on such storms is highly uncertain. Based on an assessment of the locations of the facilities, the nature and extent of the operations conducted at such facilities, the prior history of such storms in these locations, and the likely future effect of such storms on those operations and on the Company as a whole, we do not currently expect any material adverse effect on the results of operation from such storms in the foreseeable future.

Failure to comply with Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 might have an impact on market confidence in our reported financial information.

We must continue to document, test, monitor and enhance our internal control over financial reporting in order to satisfy the requirements of Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. We will continue to perform the documentation and evaluations needed to comply with Section 404. If during this process our management identifies one or more material weaknesses in our internal control over financial reporting, we will be unable to assert our internal control as effective.


 


 
None.


The following table sets forth the location and approximate square footage of our major manufacturing and distribution facilities as of March 31, 2011:

 
Location
 
Use
 
Business Segment
 
Approximate Square Feet
     
Owned
Leased
Arndell Park, Australia
  Distribution
Direct Selling
38,000
Batavia, Illinois
  Manufacturing and Research & Development
Direct Selling and Wholesale
420,000
Carol Stream, Illinois
  Distribution
Direct Selling
515,000
Cumbria, England
  Manufacturing and related distribution
Direct Selling
90,000
Elkin, North Carolina
  Manufacturing and related distribution
Wholesale
292,300
Heidelberg, Germany
  Distribution
Direct Selling
6,000
Monterrey, Mexico
  Distribution
Direct Selling
45,000
Oshkosh, Wisconsin
  Distribution
Catalog & Internet
386,000
Texarkana, Texas
  Manufacturing and related distribution
Wholesale
154,000
65,000
Tilburg, Netherlands
  Distribution
Direct Selling
442,500
Union City, Tennessee
  Warehouse and distribution
Wholesale
393,000
31,000

Our executive and administrative offices are generally located in leased space (except for certain offices located in owned space).


In August 2008, a state department of revenue proposed to assess additional corporate income taxes on us for fiscal years 2002, 2003 and 2004 in the amount of $34.9 million including interest and penalties. The state department of revenue has subsequently reduced this amount to $16.9 million, including interest and penalties. In February 2011, the state department of revenue issued a notice of intent to assess additional corporate income taxes for fiscal years 2005, 2006 and 2007 in the amount of $14.0 million, including interest and penalties. We intend to vigorously protest all of these assessments. As of January 31, 2011, we established a reserve for this matter which we believe is adequate based on existing facts and circumstances. The ultimate resolution of these matters could exceed our recorded reserve in the event of an unfavorable outcome; however, we cannot estimate such a loss at this time.

We are involved in litigation arising in the ordinary course of business. In our opinion, existing litigation will not have a material adverse effect on our financial position, results of operations or cash flows.











PART II
 
Item 5.  Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

Our Common Stock is traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol BTH. The following table provides the closing price range for the Common Stock on the New York Stock Exchange:

   
High
   
Low
 
Fiscal 2010
 
First Quarter
  $ 44.49     $ 16.12  
Second Quarter
    45.98       29.90  
Third Quarter
    47.90       33.81  
Fourth Quarter
    38.75       28.09  
   
Fiscal 2011
 
       First Quarter
  $ 59.03     $ 26.79  
Second Quarter
    59.22       32.57  
Third Quarter
    46.11       36.39  
Fourth Quarter
    45.71       33.39  

Many of our shares are held in “street name” by brokers and other institutions on behalf of stockholders, and we had approximately 2,800 beneficial holders of Common Stock as of March 31, 2011.

During fiscal 2011 and 2010, the Board of Directors declared dividends as follows:

Regular Dividend
 
Fiscal 2010
   
Fiscal 2011
 
        Second Quarter
  $ 0.10     $ 0.10  
Fourth Quarter
  $ 0.10     $ 0.10  
                 
Special Dividend
               
Fourth Quarter
  $ 1.00 1   $ 1.00  
1Declared in January 2010 and paid in first quarter of fiscal 2011.

Our ability to pay cash dividends in the future depends upon, among other things, our ability to operate profitably and to generate significant cash flows from operations in excess of investment and financing requirements that may increase in the future to, for example, fund new acquisitions or retire debt.













 

The following table sets forth, for the equity compensation plan categories listed below, information as of January 31, 2011:

 
Equity Compensation Plan Information
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Plan Category
 
(a)
 
 
 
 
Number of securities to be issued upon exercise of outstanding options, warrants and rights1
   
(b)
 
 
 
 
Weighted-average
exercise price of outstanding options, warrants and rights1
   
(c)
 
 
 
Number of securities remaining available for future issuance under equity compensation plans (excluding securities reflected in column (a))
 
Equity compensation plans approved by security holders
    47,600     $ 109.16       821,588  
Equity compensation plans not approved by security holders
    -       -       -  
Total
    47,600     $ 109.16       821,588  

1 The information in this column excludes 137,036 restricted stock units outstanding as of January 31, 2011.

The following table sets forth certain information concerning the repurchases of the Company’s Common Stock made by the Company during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2011.

 
Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities (1)

Period
 
(a) Total Number of Shares Purchased (2)
   
(b) Average Price Paid per Share
   
(c) Total Number of Shares Purchased as Part of Publicly Announced Plans or Programs
   
(d) Maximum Number of Shares that May Yet Be Purchased Under the Plans or Programs
 
November 1, 2010 -November 30, 2010
    -       -       -       1,182,398  
December 1, 2010 -December 31, 2010
    -       -       -       1,182,398  
January 1, 2011 -January 31, 2011
    -       -       -       1,182,398  
Total
    -       -       -       1,182,398  
_____________________________
1 On September 10, 1998, our Board of Directors approved a share repurchase program pursuant to which we were originally authorized to repurchase up to 250,000 shares of Common Stock in open market transactions. From June 1999 to June 2006, the Board of Directors increased the authorization under this repurchase program, five times (on June 8, 1999 to increase the authorization by 250,000 shares to 500,000 shares; on March 30, 2000 to increase the
authorization by 250,000 shares to 750,000 shares; on December 14, 2000 to increase the authorization by 250,000 shares to 1.0 million shares; on April 4, 2002 to increase the authorization by 500,000 shares to 1.5 million shares; and on June 7, 2006 to increase the authorization by 1.5 million shares to 3.0 million shares). On December 13, 2007, the Board of Directors authorized a new repurchase program, for 1.5 million shares, which became effective after we exhausted the authorized amount under the old repurchase program.  As of January 31, 2011, we have purchased a total of 3,317,602 shares of Common Stock under the old and new repurchase programs.  The repurchase programs do not have expiration dates.  We intend to make further purchases under the repurchase programs from time to time. The amounts set forth in this paragraph have been adjusted to give effect to the reverse stock split executed in fiscal 2009.
 
2 This does not include the 16,760 shares that we withheld in order to satisfy employee withholding taxes upon the distribution of vested restricted stock units.
 

 
 
Performance Graph

The performance graph set forth below reflects the yearly change in the cumulative total stockholder return (price appreciation and reinvestment of dividends) on our Common Stock compared to the Standard and Poor’s (“S&P”) 500 Index and the S&P SmallCap 600 Index for the five fiscal years ended January 31, 2011. The graph assumes the investment of $100 in Common Stock and the reinvestment of all dividends paid on such Common Stock into additional shares of Common Stock and such indexes over the five-year period.  We believe that we are unique and do not have comparable industry peers. Since our competitors are typically not public companies or are themselves subsidiaries or divisions of public companies engaged in multiple lines of business, we believe that it is not possible to compare our performance against that of our competition. In the absence of a satisfactory peer group, we believe that it is appropriate to compare us to companies comprising S&P SmallCap 600 Index, the index we are currently tracked in by S&P.

Blyth Performance Graph

Item 6.   Selected Financial Data

Set forth below are selected summary consolidated financial and operating data for fiscal years 2007 through 2011, which have been derived from our audited financial statements for those years. The information presented below should be read in conjunction with “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” and our consolidated financial statements, including the notes thereto, appearing elsewhere in this Report. The per share amounts and number of shares outstanding have been adjusted to give effect to the 1-for-4 reverse stock split of our common stock that we implemented on January 30, 2009.


     Year ended January 31,  
(In thousands, except per share and percent data)
 
2007
   
2008
   
2009
   
2010
   
2011
 
Statement of Earnings Data: (1) (4)
                             
  Net sales
  $ 1,220,611     $ 1,164,950     $ 1,050,793     $ 958,077     $ 900,927  
  Gross profit
    596,669       615,471       577,216       525,499       499,630  
  Goodwill and other intangibles impairment
    48,812       49,178       48,751       16,498       -  
  Operating profit (2)
    15,644       30,887       4,028       29,983       46,607  
  Interest expense
    19,074       15,540       10,001       7,755       7,209  
  Earnings (loss) from continuing operations
                                       
    before income taxes and noncontrolling interest
    5,369       21,725       (11,525 )     22,074       38,406  
  Earnings (loss) from continuing operations
                                       
    attributable to Blyth, Inc.
    2,555       11,072       (15,480 )     17,694       25,556  
  Loss from discontinued operations
                                       
    attributable to Blyth, Inc. (3)
    (105,728 )     -       -       -       -  
  Net earnings (loss) attributable to Blyth, Inc.
    (103,173 )     11,072       (15,480 )     17,694       25,556  
  Basic net earnings (loss) from continuing operations
                                       
    attributable per Blyth, Inc. common share
  $ 0.26     $ 1.15     $ (1.73 )   $ 1.99     $ 3.02  
  Basic net loss from discontinued operations
                                       
    attributable per Blyth, Inc. common share
  $ (10.63 )   $ -     $ -     $ -     $ -  
  Basic net earnings (loss) attributable per Blyth, Inc. common share
  $ (10.37 )   $ 1.15     $ (1.73 )   $ 1.99     $ 3.02  
Diluted net earnings (loss) from continuing operations
                                 
    attributable per Blyth, Inc. common share
  $ 0.26     $ 1.14     $ (1.73 )   $ 1.98     $ 3.00  
  Diluted net loss from discontinued operations
                                       
    attributable per Blyth, Inc. common share
  $ (10.56 )   $ -     $ -     $ -     $ -  
  Diluted net earnings (loss) attributable per Blyth, Inc. common share
  $ (10.30 )   $ 1.14     $ (1.73 )   $ 1.98     $ 3.00  
  Cash dividends declared, per share
  $ 2.00     $ 2.16     $ 2.16     $ 1.20     $ 1.20  
  Basic weighted average number
                                       
    of common shares outstanding
    9,945       9,648       8,971       8,912       8,462  
  Diluted weighted average number
                                       
    of common shares outstanding
    10,014       9,732       8,971       8,934       8,508  
Operating Data:
                                       
  Gross profit margin
    48.9 %     52.8 %     54.9 %     54.8 %     55.5 %
  Operating profit margin
    1.3 %     2.7 %     0.4 %     3.1 %     5.2 %
  Net capital expenditures
  $ 17,714     $ 9,421     $ 8,173     $ 5,384     $ 8,218  
  Depreciation and amortization
    34,630       31,974       18,628       16,592       13,697  
Balance Sheet Data:
                                       
  Total assets
  $ 774,638     $ 667,422     $ 574,103     $ 522,993     $ 501,765  
  Total debt
    215,779       158,815       145,731       110,544       110,985  
  Total stockholders' equity
    363,693       299,068       248,498       256,274       249,454  
 
(1) Statement of Earnings Data includes the results of operations for periods subsequent to the respective purchase acquisitions of As We Change, acquired in August 2008, and ViSalus, acquired in October 2008, none of which
  individually or in the aggregate had a material effect on the Company’s results of operations.
(2) Fiscal 2007 and 2008 earnings include restructuring charges recorded in the Wholesale and Direct Selling segments of $24.0 million and $2.3 million, respectively. Fiscal 2009,  2010 and 2011 earnings include changes in estimated
      restructuring charges recorded in the Direct Selling segment of $1.7 million, $0.1 million and $0.8 million, respectively (See Note 4 to the Consolidated Financial Statements).
(3) In fiscal 2007, the Kaemingk Edelman, Euro-Decor, Gies and Colony businesses were sold.  The results of operations for these business units have been reclassified to discontinued operations for all periods presented.
(4) Refer to Note 22 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for the definitive agreement to sell all of the net assets of the Midwest-CBK business.
 
 
 


Item 7.   Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

The financial and business analysis below provides information that we believe is relevant to an assessment and understanding of our consolidated financial condition, changes in financial condition and results of operations. This financial and business analysis should be read in conjunction with our consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements set forth in Item 8 “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.”

Overview

Blyth is a designer and marketer of home fragrance products and accessories, home décor, seasonal decorations, household convenience items and personalized gifts. We also market weight management products, nutritional supplements and energy drinks, as well as chafing fuel and other products for the foodservice trade. We compete in the global home expressions industry, and our products can be found throughout North America, Europe and Australia. Our financial results are reported in three segments, the Direct Selling segment, the Catalog & Internet segment and the Wholesale segment. These reportable segments are based on similarities in distribution channels, customers and management oversight.

Fiscal 2011 Net sales are comprised of an approximately $579 million Direct Selling business, an approximately $160 million Catalog & Internet business and an approximately $162 million Wholesale business. Sales and earnings growth differ in each segment depending on geographic location, market penetration, our relative market share and product and marketing execution, among other business factors.

Our current focus is driving sales growth and profitability of our brands so we may leverage more fully our infrastructure. New product development continues to be critical to all three segments of our business. In the Direct Selling segment, monthly sales and productivity incentives are designed to attract, retain and increase the earnings opportunity of independent sales consultants and distributors. In the Catalog & Internet channel, product, merchandising and circulation strategy are designed to drive strong sales growth in newer brands and expand the sales and customer base of our flagship brands.  In the Wholesale segment, sales initiatives are targeted to independent retailers and national accounts.

Recent Developments

In February 2011, we exited our gourmet coffee and tea business, Boca Java, and recorded a $1.1 million charge in fiscal 2011 as further detailed in Note 22 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

On April 4, 2011, we entered into a definitive agreement to sell substantially all of the net assets of our seasonal, home décor and home fragrance business (“Midwest-CBK”) within the Wholesale segment for approximately $35 million, which, before transaction related costs, is approximately equal to its net book value upon closing. We expect to receive cash proceeds of approximately $23 million and a one year promissory note secured by fixed assets included with the transaction of approximately $12 million. The sale is contingent upon the buyer obtaining financing and is expected to close before the end of May 2011. The agreement provides for the payment of a termination fee if the buyer does not complete the transaction. In fiscal 2011, total net sales for Midwest-CBK were $105.1 million.

These transactions will be presented as discontinued operations in the first quarter of fiscal 2012.



Business Acquisition

On August 4, 2008, we signed an agreement to purchase ViSalus, a direct seller of weight management products, nutritional supplements and energy drinks, through a series of investments. On October 21, 2008, we completed the initial investment and acquired a 43.6% equity interest in ViSalus for $13.0 million in cash. In addition, we may be required to make additional purchases of ViSalus’ equity interest to increase our equity ownership over time to 57.5%, 72.7% and 100.0%. These additional purchases are currently conditioned upon ViSalus meeting certain operating targets in calendar years 2010, 2011 and 2012. ViSalus did not meet its predefined operating target for calendar year 2010. However, we have the right to waive this requirement and increase our ownership interest to 57.5%. If we elect to increase our ownership interest to 57.5% in ViSalus in 2011, we will be required to make the additional purchases of ViSalus in 2012 and 2013 if ViSalus meets it predefined operating targets in those years.

Segments

Within the Direct Selling segment, the Company designs, manufactures or sources, markets and distributes an extensive line of products including scented candles, candle-related accessories and other fragranced products under the PartyLite® brand. The Company also has an interest in another direct selling business, ViSalus Sciences, which sells weight management products, nutritional supplements and energy drinks. All products in this segment are sold in North America through networks of independent sales consultants and distributors. PartyLite brand products are also sold in Europe and Australia.

Within the Catalog & Internet segment, we design, source and market a broad range of household convenience items, premium photo albums, frames, holiday cards, personalized gifts and kitchen accessories. These products are sold directly to the consumer under the As We Change®, Easy Comforts®, Exposures®, Home Marketplace®, Miles Kimball® and Walter Drake® brands. These products are sold in North America.

Within the Wholesale segment, we design, manufacture or source, market and distribute an extensive line of home fragrance products, candle-related accessories, seasonal decorations such as ornaments and trim, and home décor products such as picture frames, lamps and textiles.  Products in this segment are sold primarily in North America to retailers in the premium and specialty markets under the CBK®, Colonial Candle of Cape Cod®, Colonial at HOME® and Seasons of Cannon Falls® brands. In addition, chafing fuel and tabletop lighting products and accessories for the “away from home” or foodservice trade are sold through this segment under the Ambria®, HandyFuel® and Sterno® brands.


 
The following table sets forth, for the periods indicated, the percentage relationship to Net Sales and the percentage increase or decrease of certain items included in our Consolidated Statements of Earnings (Loss):
 
                   
               
Percentage Increase (Decrease) from Prior Period
 
   
Percentage of Net Sales
 
Fiscal 2010 Compared to Fiscal 2009
 
Fiscal 2011 Compared to Fiscal 2010
 
   
Years Ended January 31
   
2009
 
2010
 
2011
Net sales
    100.0     100.0     100.0     (8.8 )   (6.0 )
Cost of goods sold
    45.1     45.2     44.5     (8.7 )   (7.2 )
Gross profit
    54.9     54.8     55.5     (9.0 )   (4.9 )
Selling
    38.1     38.4     37.4     (8.3 )   (8.2 )
Administrative
    11.8     11.6     12.9     (9.9 )   3.9  
Operating profit
    0.4     3.1     5.2     N/M     N/M  
Earnings from continuing operations
    -1.5     1.8     2.8     N/M     N/M  

N/M - Percent change from the prior year is not meaningful in concluding on our performance due to nonrecurring goodwill and other intangible impairments.

Fiscal 2011 Compared to Fiscal 2010

Consolidated Net Sales

Net sales decreased $57.2 million, or approximately 6.0%, from $958.1 million in fiscal 2010 to $900.9 million in fiscal 2011. The decrease is a result of lower sales in PartyLite’s North American business as well as the impact of weaker European currencies versus the U.S. dollar. This decrease was partially offset by an increase in sales in our Wholesale segment. International sales represented 45% of total sales for fiscal 2010 and 2011.

Net Sales – Direct Selling Segment

Net sales in the Direct Selling segment decreased $56.4 million, or 8.9%, from $635.2 million in fiscal 2010 to $578.8 million in fiscal 2011.

PartyLite’s U.S. sales decreased 25% from the prior year due to the impact of continued weakness in consumer discretionary spending and a decline in active independent sales consultants, as well as fewer shows per consultant resulting in less opportunity to promote our products and recruit new consultants. PartyLite’s active independent U.S. sales consultant base declined 17% on a year-over-year basis.

In PartyLite’s European markets, sales decreased 7% in U.S. dollars. On a local currency basis, sales decreased approximately 2% principally due to lower sales in Germany, the United Kingdom and in the Nordic region partly offset by increased sales in France and Austria. PartyLite Europe sales decline is partly attributed to the weakened economy within the European Union and poor weather condition at year end. However, PartyLite’s active independent European sales consultant base increased 4% on a year-over-year basis. PartyLite Europe represented approximately 54% of PartyLite’s worldwide net sales in fiscal 2010 compared to 58% in fiscal 2011.

PartyLite Canada reported a 9% decrease compared to the prior year in U.S. dollars, or a 16% decline on a local currency basis driven primarily by the same factors as PartyLite U.S. PartyLite Canada’s active independent sales consultant base declined 6% on a year-over-year basis.

Sales at ViSalus increased $20.6 million or 157% from $13.1 million in fiscal 2010 to $33.7 million in fiscal 2011. This growth is a result of a 330% increase in distributors on a year-over-year basis.


Net sales in the Direct Selling segment represented approximately 66% of total Blyth net sales in fiscal 2010 compared to 64% in fiscal 2011.

Net Sales – Catalog & Internet Segment

Net sales in the Catalog & Internet segment decreased $6.1 million, or 3.7%, from $166.0 million in fiscal 2010 to $159.9 million in fiscal 2011. This decline was due to select catalog circulation reductions within Miles Kimball, particularly in the Walter Drake, Exposures and Home Marketplace catalogs in an effort to reduce selling costs while reaching more targeted buyers. In addition, Boca Java sales decreased $3.0 million or 34.5% from $8.7 million in fiscal 2010 to $5.7 million in fiscal 2011. This decline was due to reduce consumer demand for Boca Java products.
 
Net sales in the Catalog & Internet segment accounted for approximately 18% of total Blyth net sales in fiscal 2010 and fiscal 2011.

Net Sales – Wholesale Segment

Net sales in the Wholesale segment increased $5.4 million, or 3.4%, from $156.8 million in fiscal 2010 to $162.2 million in fiscal 2011. The increase in sales was due to a 7% increase within our Midwest-CBK business due to increased volume in the Seasonal product line. This increase was partially offset by a decline in the food service business which continues to feel the impact of weak demand due to higher customer discounts and incentives.

Net sales in the Wholesale segment represented approximately 16% of total Blyth net sales in fiscal 2010 compared to 18% in fiscal 2011.

Consolidated Gross Profit and Operating Expenses

Blyth’s consolidated gross profit decreased $25.9 million, or 4.9%, from $525.5 million in fiscal 2010 to $499.6 million in fiscal 2011. The decrease in gross profit is primarily attributable to the 6% decrease in sales and higher commodity costs partly offset by lower operating expenses. The gross profit margin increased from 54.8% in fiscal 2010 to 55.5% in fiscal 2011 principally due to the sharp increase in sales for ViSalus, which carries a higher gross margin than our other businesses, lower product costs and price increases at the Miles Kimball Company, as well as reduced distribution and restructuring costs at Midwest-CBK associated with the combination of these two businesses, partially offset by higher commodity costs across all business units.

Blyth’s consolidated selling expense decreased $30.3 million, or approximately 8.2%, from $367.5 million in fiscal 2010 to $337.2 million in fiscal 2011. The decrease in selling expense, which includes commission and promotional expenses, is largely due to its variable nature with sales, which decreased 6% versus the prior year.  Selling expense as a percentage of net sales decreased from 38.4% in fiscal 2010 to 37.4% in fiscal 2011. This decline is primarily due to efficiencies gained at Miles Kimball resulting from selected circulation reductions and consolidation of the sales and marketing operations of the Midwest-CBK business.

Blyth consolidated administrative expenses increased $4.3 million, or 3.8%, from $111.5 million in fiscal 2010 to $115.8 million in fiscal 2011. The increase in expense is principally due to the additional equity compensation expense of $1.7 million associated with ViSalus’ improved operating performance and charges of $0.7 million due to the write down of assets for the Boca Java business. In addition, in fiscal 2010 administrative expenses included a $1.9 million non-recurring gain resulting from the settlement of the Miles Kimball Company pension plan.
 

 
Administrative expenses as a percentage of sales increased from 11.6% for fiscal 2010 to 12.8% for fiscal 2011.
In fiscal 2010, impairment charges of $16.5 million for goodwill and other intangibles were recognized in the Direct Selling segment. ViSalus experienced a substantial decline in revenues and operating margins last year compared to its forecasts. This shortfall in revenues and profit was primarily attributable to decreased consumer spending due to changes in the business environment and a higher than anticipated attrition rate in its distributor base. As a result, the goodwill and intangibles in the Direct Selling segment were determined to be impaired in fiscal 2010.

Blyth’s consolidated operating profit increased $16.6 million from $30.0 million in fiscal 2010 to $46.6 million in fiscal 2011. The increase is primarily due to the goodwill and other intangibles impairment recorded in fiscal 2010 of $16.5 million and cost savings in cost of good sold and selling expenses as previously mentioned, offset by the impact of a 12% decrease in sales at PartyLite Worldwide.

Operating Profit - Direct Selling Segment

Operating profit in the Direct Selling segment increased $5.9 million, from $43.8 million in fiscal 2010 to $49.7 million in fiscal 2011. The increase is primarily due to the non-recurring $16.5 million goodwill and other intangible impairment related to ViSalus recorded in fiscal 2010 and this year’s improved operating results within ViSalus, partially offset by PartyLite’s lower operating profit resulting from lower sales.

Operating (Loss) Profit – Catalog & Internet Segment

Operating profit in the Catalog & Internet segment improved $4.5 million from an operating loss of $4.8 million in fiscal 2010 to a small operating loss of $0.3 million in fiscal 2011. This improvement is primarily due to this year’s improved operating margin within the Miles Kimball Company due to favorable gross margin, lower product costs, price advances and decreased operating expenses as a result of selected catalog circulation reductions. This was partly offset by charges of $1.1 million recorded at Boca Java for the impairment of assets and the recording of a non-recurring gain of $1.9 million on the settlement of the Miles Kimball Company pension plan recorded in fiscal 2010.

Operating Loss – Wholesale Segment

Operating loss in the Wholesale segment decreased $6.2 million from $9.0 million in fiscal 2010 to $2.8 million in fiscal 2011. This improvement is primarily attributable to the 7% increase in sales within Midwest-CBK as well as distribution and administrative cost savings recognized as a result of the Midwest-CBK combination. This was partly offset by lower operating profit at Sterno due to lower sales and sharply higher commodity costs.

Other Expense (Income)

Interest expense decreased $0.6 million, from $7.8 million in fiscal 2010 to $7.2 million in fiscal 2011, primarily due to the payment of the matured 7.90% Senior Notes in October 2009 partially offset by higher interest expense at ViSalus.

Interest income decreased $0.4 million, from $1.4 million in fiscal 2010 to $1.0 million in fiscal 2011, principally due to lower interest rates earned on invested cash during fiscal 2011.

 
 
Foreign exchange and other losses were $1.6 million in fiscal 2010 compared to $2.0 million in fiscal 2011. The loss recorded in fiscal 2010 and 2011 includes an impairment of auction rate securities of $0.9 million and $1.3 million respectively. The loss recorded in fiscal 2011 of $1.3 million represents the difference between the auction rate security par value of $10.0 million and its liquidated value of $8.7 million. Also included within Foreign exchange and other in fiscal 2011 is a $0.6 million loss due to the impairment of an investment in a LLC.
 
Income tax expense increased $8.0 million from $5.6 million in fiscal 2010 to $13.6 million in fiscal 2011. The increase in income tax expense was due primarily to a reduction in pretax losses in the United States and a $9.1 million tax benefit recorded in the prior year for the favorable closure of audits previously accrued partially offset by the tax impact of the non-deductible portion of goodwill and other intangible impairments and impairments of investments for which a partial tax benefit was recorded. The effective tax rate was 25.6% in fiscal 2010 compared to 35.8% for the current year.
 
The Net earnings attributable to Blyth, Inc. were $17.7 million in fiscal 2010 compared to earnings of $25.5 million in fiscal 2011. The improvement is primarily attributable to the $16.5 million goodwill and intangibles impairment and improved operating results at Midwest-CBK, Miles Kimball and ViSalus, partially offset by lower operating profits at PartyLite, Sterno and Boca Java.

As a result of the foregoing, earnings from operations increased $7.8 million, from earnings of $17.7 million in fiscal 2010 to $25.5 million in fiscal 2011. Basic and diluted earnings per share from operations were $1.99 and $1.98 per share for fiscal 2010 compared to income of $3.02 and $3.00 per share for fiscal 2011.

Fiscal 2010 Compared to Fiscal 2009

Consolidated Net Sales

Net sales decreased $92.7 million, or approximately 9%, from $1,050.8 million in fiscal 2009 to $958.1 million in fiscal 2010. The decrease is a result of a decline in sales in PartyLite’s North American businesses and overall declines in sales in our Wholesale and Catalog & Internet segments. This decrease was partially offset by an increase in sales within PartyLite’s European markets.

Net Sales – Direct Selling Segment

Net sales in the Direct Selling segment decreased $29.3 million, or 4%, from $664.5 million in fiscal 2009 to $635.2 million in fiscal 2010.

PartyLite’s U.S. sales decreased approximately 14% for fiscal 2010 compared to fiscal 2009, due to the U.S. economic recession, which led to lower consumer discretionary spending, a decline in PartyLite shows as well as a decrease in shows per consultant, all resulting in less opportunity to promote our products and recruit new consultants. We increased promotional activities to attract and retain consultants, hostesses and guests to attend shows.  As a result, PartyLite’s active independent U.S. sales consultants remained approximately even on a year-over-year basis.

PartyLite Canada reported a 17% decrease for fiscal 2010 compared to fiscal 2009 in U.S. dollars, or 15% on a local currency basis. The sales decrease in Canada is primarily due to the weak Canadian economy which contributed to the decline in consultant base of 8% and a decrease in PartyLite shows year-over-year.

 
In PartyLite’s European markets, sales increased 3% in U.S. dollars for fiscal 2010 compared to fiscal 2009, driven by strong sales in Germany, France and Austria. On a local currency basis, PartyLite Europe sales increased approximately 5%, driven by an increase of approximately 2,000 consultants. PartyLite Europe represented approximately 50% of PartyLite’s worldwide net sales in fiscal 2009 compared to 54% in fiscal 2010, reflecting the continued sales growth within the European markets.

Net sales in the Direct Selling segment represented approximately 63% of total Blyth net sales in fiscal 2009 compared to 66% in fiscal 2010.

Net Sales – Catalog & Internet Segment

Net sales in the Catalog & Internet segment decreased $24.1 million, or 13%, from $190.1 million in fiscal 2009 to $166.0 million in fiscal 2010. Sales decreased across all catalogs due to lower consumer discretionary spending, as well as a planned reduction in catalog circulation in an effort to reduce selling costs through more targeted catalog delivery.

Net sales in the Catalog & Internet segment accounted for approximately 18% of total Blyth net sales in fiscal 2009 and fiscal 2010.

Net Sales – Wholesale Segment

Net sales in the Wholesale segment decreased $39.4 million, or 20%, from $196.2 million in fiscal 2009 to $156.8 million in fiscal 2010. The decrease is primarily a result of reduced sales within our home décor, seasonal décor and food service product lines, which have been adversely impacted by the weak housing market and overall economy. Net sales in the Wholesale segment represented approximately 19% of total Blyth net sales in fiscal 2009 compared to 16% in fiscal 2010.

Consolidated Gross Profit and Operating Expenses

Blyth’s consolidated gross profit decreased $51.7 million, or 9%, from $577.2 million in fiscal 2009 to $525.5 million in fiscal 2010. The decrease in gross profit is primarily attributable to the 9% decrease in sales, partially offset by rigorous cost controls. These efforts included consolidating some operations and workforce reductions, specifically related to distribution operations. The gross profit margin decreased slightly from 54.9% in fiscal 2009 to 54.8% in fiscal 2010, primarily due to the impact of sales declining at a greater rate than promotional expenses, partially offset by cost reduction measures and a general decrease in most commodity costs, specifically wax products and diethylene glycol (“DEG”).

Blyth’s consolidated selling expense decreased $33.2 million, or approximately 8%, from $400.7 million in fiscal 2009 to $367.5 million in fiscal 2010. The decrease in selling expense is primarily the result of the reduced sales within the Wholesale segment, PartyLite U.S. and the Catalog & Internet segment. Selling expense as a percentage of net sales increased from 38.1% in fiscal 2009 to 38.4% in fiscal 2010 which is primarily a result of promotional initiatives in the Direct Selling segment to drive sales, partially offset by the consolidation of the sales and marketing operations of our seasonal and home décor Wholesale operations.

Blyth’s consolidated administrative expenses decreased $12.3 million, or 10%, from $123.8 million in fiscal 2009 to $111.5 million in fiscal 2010. This decline is principally due to improved expense management on a year-over-year basis. The consolidation of some of our operations has allowed us to reduce administrative costs. The merger of the Midwest and CBK operations within the Wholesale segment resulted in an approximately 23% reduction in that business unit’s administrative expenses when compared to fiscal 2009. Also contributing to the improvement is a $1.9 million gain on a pension plan settlement. Administrative expenses as a percentage of sales declined slightly from approximately 11.8% for fiscal 2009 to 11.6% for fiscal 2010.

 
 
Impairment charges of $48.8 million for goodwill and other intangibles were recognized in the Catalog & Internet segment in fiscal 2009, compared to a $16.5 million impairment recorded in the Direct Selling segment in fiscal 2010. In fiscal 2009 and 2010 we reviewed the performance of the Miles Kimball and ViSalus businesses, respectively, and their projected outlooks. Both businesses experienced lower revenue growth and reduced operating margins than anticipated. This shortfall in revenues and profit was primarily attributable to decreased consumer spending due to changes in the business environment and an overall weak economy. As a result, the goodwill and intangibles in the Catalog & Internet segment were determined to be impaired in fiscal 2009 and in the Direct Selling segment during fiscal 2010.

Blyth’s consolidated operating profit increased $26.0 million from $4.0 million in fiscal 2009 to $30.0 million in fiscal 2010. The increase is primarily due to the decrease in goodwill and other intangibles impairments, partially offset by the impact of the 9% decrease in sales.

Operating Profit - Direct Selling Segment

Operating profit in the Direct Selling segment decreased $30.6 million, from $74.4 million in fiscal 2009 to $43.8 million in fiscal 2010. More than half of the decrease is attributable to the $16.5 million goodwill and other intangible impairments related to ViSalus recorded in fiscal 2010. The remaining decline in operating income is attributable to a decline in operating income for PartyLite’s U.S. operations, primarily a result of the 14% decrease in sales. Partially offsetting this decline is sales growth within PartyLite Europe.

Operating Loss – Catalog & Internet Segment

Operating loss in the Catalog & Internet segment decreased from $59.1 million in fiscal 2009, to $4.8 million in fiscal 2010. The lower operating loss is primarily due to the nonrecurring goodwill and other intangibles impairments charges of $48.8 million recorded during fiscal 2009 and a $1.9 million gain as the result of the pension plan settlement realized during fiscal 2010. Excluding the effect of these items, the operating loss would have been $10.3 million in fiscal 2009 as compared to $6.7 million in fiscal 2010. This improvement is principally due to the nonrecurring impact of ERP implementation issues experienced in fiscal 2009 that increased shipping and customer service costs and cost reductions at the Miles Kimball Company and Boca Java.

Operating Loss – Wholesale Segment

Operating loss in the Wholesale segment decreased $2.2 million from $11.2 million in fiscal 2009 to $9.0 million in fiscal 2010. This reduction is primarily the result of a 28% improvement in Selling and Administrative expenses across the segment, primarily due to the merger of the Midwest and CBK operations. This was offset by a 20% decrease in sales across the segment due to a soft housing market and a continuing weak economy.

Consolidated Other Expense (Income)

Interest expense decreased $2.2 million, from $10.0 million in fiscal 2009 to $7.8 million in fiscal 2010, primarily due to the payoff of the matured 7.90% Senior Notes during fiscal 2010.

Interest income decreased $2.9 million, from $4.3 million in fiscal 2009 to $1.4 million in fiscal 2010, due to sharply lower interest rates earned on invested cash during fiscal 2010.



Foreign exchange and other losses were $9.8 million in fiscal 2009 compared to $1.6 million in fiscal 2010. The loss recorded in fiscal 2009 includes $5.2 million for the permanent impairment of our investment in RedEnvelope and a write-down of $2.1 million related to our preferred stock portfolio that was previously classified as a trading investment. The loss in fiscal 2010 included a $0.9 million loss on the sale of an auction rate security investment.
 
Income tax expense increased $1.8 million from $3.8 million in fiscal 2009 to $5.6 million in fiscal 2010. The increase in income tax expense was due primarily to a reduction in pretax losses in the United States and a $9.1 million reduction in our unrecognized tax benefits, partially offset by the tax impact of the non-deductible portion of goodwill and other intangible impairments and impairments of investments for which a partial tax benefit was recorded. The effective tax rate was a negative 33.3% in fiscal 2009 as a result of our net loss compared to an expense of 25.6% in fiscal 2010.
 
The Net loss attributable to Blyth, Inc. was $15.5 million in fiscal 2009 compared to earnings of $17.7 million in fiscal 2010. The improvement is primarily attributable to the $48.8 million goodwill and intangibles impairments recorded during the third quarter of fiscal 2009, partially offset by the $16.5 million goodwill and intangibles impairment recorded in the second quarter of fiscal 2010 and lower sales in relation in fiscal 2009 compared to fiscal 2010.

As a result of the foregoing, earnings from operations increased $33.2 million, from a loss of $15.5 million in fiscal 2009 to earnings of $17.7 million in fiscal 2010. Basic and diluted earnings (loss) per share from operations were ($1.73) for fiscal 2009 compared to income of $1.99 and $1.98 per share, respectively, for fiscal 2010.

Seasonality

Historically, our operating cash flow for the first nine months of the fiscal year shows little if any positive cash flow due to requirements for meeting working capital needs for inventory purchases and the extension of credit through the holiday season. Our fourth quarter, however, historically generates a surplus of cash resulting from a large concentration of our business occurring during the holiday season. Over one third of our total revenue was recorded in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2011.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

Cash and cash equivalents decreased $1.7 million from $207.4 million at January 31, 2010 to $205.7 million at January 31, 2011.

We typically generate positive cash flow from operations due to favorable gross margins and the variable nature of selling expenses, which constitute a significant percentage of operating expenses. We generated $93.4 million in cash from operations in fiscal 2010 compared to $39.3 million in fiscal 2011. This decline was primarily driven by net changes in operating assets and liabilities which resulted in the use of cash of $13.9 million in fiscal 2011 compared to a source of cash $35.9 million in the prior year. This decrease was primarily driven by higher inventories resulting from lower than expected sales and a reduction in accounts payable as we endeavored to take advantage of early discount programs. Included in earnings in fiscal 2011 were non-cash charges for depreciation and amortization, and amortization of unearned stock-based compensation of $13.7 million and $2.1 million, respectively.

Due to the seasonal nature of our businesses we generally do not have significant positive cash flow from operations until our fourth quarter. Our working capital needs are the highest in late summer prior to the start of the holiday season. If demand for our products falls short of expectations, we could be required to maintain higher inventory balances than forecasted which could negatively impact our liquidity.



Net cash provided by investing activities was $6.1 million in fiscal 2010, compared to a use of $0.3 million in fiscal 2011. Proceeds from the sale of investments in fiscal 2011 generated $14.1 million of cash primarily through liquidation of equity securities and maturities of short-term certificates of deposit. Uses of cash in fiscal 2011 included purchases of short-term investments of $6.9 million and net capital expenditures for property, plant and equipment of $8.2 million.

Net cash used in financing activities in fiscal 2010 was $41.3 million compared to $39.3 million in fiscal 2011. The current year included the reduction of our long-term debt and capital lease obligations by $0.6 million, compared to long-term debt and capital lease payments of $38.0 million in the prior year. During fiscal 2011, we purchased treasury stock of $20.6 million and paid dividends of $18.8 million compared to $4.0 million and $1.8 million in the prior year. We will continue to monitor carefully our cash position, and will only make additional repurchases of outstanding debt or treasury shares and pay dividends when we have sufficient cash surpluses available to do so.
 
A significant portion of our operations are outside of the United States. A significant downturn in our business in our international markets would adversely impact our ability to generate operating cash flows. Operating cash flows would also be negatively impacted if we experienced difficulties in the recruitment, retention and our ability to maintain the productivity of our independent consultants. Sales decreased in PartyLite’s U.S. market from the prior year by $49.8 million, or 25%, which was driven by lower activity by existing consultants and a lower number of PartyLite shows held resulting from difficult economic conditions. Management’s key areas of focus have included stabilizing the consultant base through training and promotional incentives, which has had several continuous years of decline in the United States. While we are making efforts to stabilize and increase the number of active independent sales consultants, it may be difficult to do so in the current economic climate due to reduced consumer discretionary spending. If our U.S. consultant count continues to decline it will have a negative impact on our liquidity and financial results.

We anticipate total capital spending of approximately $9.0 million for fiscal 2012. A major influence on the forecasted expenditures is our investment in the growth of the PartyLite European operations as well as investments in information technology systems. We have grown in part through acquisitions and, as part of our growth strategy, we expect to continue from time to time in the ordinary course of business to evaluate and pursue acquisition opportunities as appropriate. We believe our financing needs in the short and long term can be met from cash generated internally.  Information on debt maturities is presented in Note 12 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

On October 21, 2008, we acquired a 43.6% interest in ViSalus for $13.0 million and incurred acquisition costs of $1.0 million for a total cash acquisition cost of $14.0 million. We may purchase additional interests in ViSalus that will require additional capital resources, increasing our ownership to 100%. These additional purchases are currently conditioned upon ViSalus meeting certain operating targets in calendar years 2010, 2011 and 2012. ViSalus did not meet its predefined operating target for calendar year 2010. However, we have the right to waive this requirement and increase our ownership interest to 57.5%. As such the amount representing the allocation of losses equivalent to the noncontrolling interest in ViSalus has been reclassified to Stockholder’s equity as noncontrolling interest as it is no longer probable of being redeemed. If we elect to increase our ownership interest to 57.5% in ViSalus in 2011, we will be required to make the additional purchases of ViSalus in 2012 and 2013 if ViSalus meets it predefined operating targets in those years. As of January 31, 2011, if ViSalus meets its projected operating targets, the total expected redemption value of noncontrolling interest will be approximately $37.6 million paid through 2014. The total expected redemption value could increase or decrease depending upon whether ViSalus exceeds or falls short of its operating projections. We expect the payment, if any, will be out of existing cash balances and future cash flows from operations.



The current status of the United States and global credit and equity markets have made it difficult for many businesses to obtain financing on acceptable terms. If these conditions continue or worsen, our cost of borrowing may increase and it may be more difficult to obtain financing for our businesses. Obtaining a new credit facility will more than likely require higher interest costs and may require our providing security to guarantee such borrowings. Alternatively, we may not be able to obtain unfunded borrowings, which may require us to seek other forms of financing, such as term debt, at higher interest rates and additional expense. A significant amount of our cash and cash equivalents are held by our international subsidiaries in foreign banks, and as such may be subject to foreign taxes, unfavorable exchange rate fluctuations and other factors limiting our ability to repatriate funds to the United States.

In addition, if economic conditions decline, we may be subject to future impairments of our assets, including accounts receivable, inventories, property, plant and equipment, investments, deferred tax assets, goodwill and other intangibles, if the valuation of these assets or businesses decline.

Cash held in foreign locations was approximately $58 million and $82 million as of January 31, 2010 and 2011, respectively. We had no short term borrowings outstanding as of January 31, 2010 and 2011 or at anytime during the past year.

As of January 31, 2011, we had $2.0 million available under an uncommitted facility issued by a bank, to be used for letters of credit through January 31, 2012.  As of January 31, 2011, no amount was outstanding under this facility.

As of January 31, 2011, we had $2.1 million in standby letters of credit outstanding that are fully collateralized through a certificate of deposit funded by us.

In May 1999, we filed a shelf registration statement for issuance of up to $250.0 million in debt securities with the Securities and Exchange Commission. On September 24, 1999, we issued $150.0 million of 7.90% Senior Notes due October 1, 2009 at a discount of approximately $1.4 million, which was amortized over the life of the notes. During the first nine months of fiscal 2010 we repurchased $12.6 million of these notes prior to their maturity date. The final principal payment of $24.7 million was made upon maturity in October 2009.

On October 20, 2003, we issued $100.0 million 5.50% Senior Notes due on November 1, 2013 at a discount of approximately $0.2 million, which is being amortized over the life of the notes. Such notes contain among other provisions, restrictions on liens on principal property or stock issued to collateralize debt.  As of January 31, 2011, we were in compliance with such provisions. Interest is payable semi-annually in arrears on May 1 and November 1. The notes may be redeemed in whole or in part at any time at a specified redemption price. The proceeds of the debt issuances were used for general corporate purposes.

As of January 31, 2010 and 2011, Miles Kimball had approximately $7.7 million and $7.2 million, respectively, of long-term debt (including current portion) outstanding under a real estate mortgage note payable, which matures on June 1, 2020.  Under the terms of the note, payments of principal and interest are required monthly at a fixed interest rate of 7.89%.


As of January 31, 2010 and 2011, Midwest-CBK had $0.1 million, of long-term debt outstanding under an Industrial Revenue Bond (“IRB”), which matures on January 1, 2025. The bond is backed by an irrevocable letter of credit.  The loan is collateralized by certain of Midwest-CBK’s assets. The amount outstanding under the IRB bears interest at short-term floating rates, which on a weighted average was 0.6 % as of January 31, 2011. Interest payments are required monthly and the principal is due upon maturity.

As of January 31, 2010 and 2011 ViSalus had two long-term loans totaling $2.7 million and $3.2 million outstanding related to notes payable to RAM and ViSalus’ three founders. Under the terms of the notes, interest is accrued at a fixed annual interest rate of 10.0% in addition to the $0.6 million interest cost as a result of ViSalus achieving certain performance criteria (see Note 3 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information).

On February 28, 2011, ViSalus repaid $0.6 million of the loan due to founders and RAM and also the lump-sum interest payment of $0.6 million due at maturity on the loan. In March 2011, ViSalus paid the loan balance of $3.3 million including interest accrued due to Blyth.

The estimated fair value of our $110.5 million and $111.0 million total long-term debt (including Capital leases) at January 31, 2010 and 2011 was approximately $95.6 million and $110.2 million, respectively. The fair value of the liability is determined using the fair value of its notes when traded as an asset in an inactive market and is based on current interest rates, relative credit risk and time to maturity. 

The following table summarizes the maturity dates of our contractual obligations as of January 31, 2011:

Payments Due by Period
 
         
Less than
               
More than
 
Contractual Obligations (In thousands)
 
Total
   
1 year
   
1 - 3 Years
   
3 - 5 Years
   
5 Years
 
  Long-Term Debt(1)
  $ 110,730     $ 1,239     $ 103,916     $ 1,421     $ 4,154  
  Capital Leases(2)
    255       90       135       30       -  
  Interest(3)
    18,235       6,112       10,600       760       763  
  Purchase Obligations(4)
    33,284       32,025       1,259       -       -  
  Operating Leases
    47,835       15,030       16,951       7,819       8,035  
  Unrecognized Tax Benefits(5)
    12,211       -       -       -       -  
     Total Contractual Obligations
  $ 222,550     $ 54,496     $ 132,861     $ 10,030     $ 12,952  
(1) Long-term debt includes 5.5% Senior Notes due November 1, 2013, a mortgage note payable-maturity June 1, 2020, and an Industrial Revenue Bond ("IRB") with a maturity date of January 1, 2025 (See Note 12 to the Consolidated Financial Statements).
 
(2) Amounts represent future lease payments, excluding interest, due on five capital leases, which end between fiscal 2011 and fiscal 2013 (See Note 14 to the Consolidated Financial Statements).
 
(3) Interest expense on long-term debt is comprised of $15.1 million relating to Senior Notes, $3.0 million in mortgage interest, $16 thousand of interest due on the MKC Wisconsin Loan, $4 thousand of interest due on the CBK Industrial Revenue Bond, $27 thousand relating to the Visalus founder loans and approximately $39 thousand of interest relating to future capital lease obligations.
 
(4) Purchase obligations consist primarily of open purchase orders for inventory.
                         
(5) There are no unrecognized tax benefits expected to be realized within the next 12 months, and $12.2 million for which we are not able to
 
reasonably estimate the timing of the potential future payments (See Note 15 to the Consolidated Financial Statements).
 


On December 13, 2007, our Board of Directors authorized a new stock repurchase program for 1,500,000 shares, in addition to 3,000,000 shares authorized under the previous plan. The new stock repurchase program became effective after we exhausted the authorized amount under the old repurchase program. We repurchased approximately 582,000 shares during fiscal 2011. As of January 31, 2011, the cumulative total shares purchased under the new and old program was 3,317,602, at a total cost of approximately $249.4 million. The acquired shares are held as common stock in treasury at cost.


During fiscal 2011, we paid $18.8 million in dividends, compared to $1.8 million in fiscal 2010. The total dividends declared during fiscal 2011 were approximately $10.0 million, which includes the $8.2 million special dividend declared in November 2010 and paid in December 2010. Our ability to pay cash dividends in the future is dependent upon, among other things, our ability to operate profitably and to generate significant cash flows from operations in excess of investment and financing requirements that may increase in the future to, for example, fund new acquisitions or retire debt. As we normally do, we will review our dividend policy prior to our next dividend payment (historically we have paid dividends in May and November), and may adjust the rate of our semi-annual dividend if necessary.

We do not maintain any off-balance sheet arrangements, transactions, obligations or other relationships with unconsolidated entities that would be expected to a have a material current or future effect upon our financial statements. We utilize derivatives for operational purposes (i.e. forward exchange forward contracts).

Critical Accounting Policies

Our discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations are based upon our consolidated financial statements which have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States. The preparation of these financial statements requires us to make estimates and judgments that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses, and related disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities. On an ongoing basis, we evaluate our estimates, including those related to bad debts, sales adjustments, inventories, income taxes, restructuring and impairments, contingencies and litigation. We base our estimates on historical experience and on various other assumptions that we believe to be reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis for making judgments about the carrying values of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources.  Actual results may differ from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions.

Note 1 to the Consolidated Financial Statements includes a summary of the significant accounting policies and methods used in the preparation of our consolidated financial statements. The following are our critical accounting policies and methods.

Revenue Recognition

Revenues consist of sales to customers, net of returns and allowances. We recognize revenue upon delivery, when both title and risk of loss are transferred to the customer. We present revenues net of any taxes collected from customers and remitted to government authorities.

Generally, our sales are based on fixed prices from published price lists. We record estimated reductions to revenue for customer programs, which may include special pricing agreements for specific customers, volume incentives and other promotions.  Should market conditions decline, we may increase customer incentives with respect to future sales. We also record reductions to revenue based primarily on historical experience, for estimated customer returns and chargebacks that may arise as a result of shipping errors, product damage in transit or for other reasons that can only become known subsequent to recognizing the revenue. If the amount of actual customer returns and chargebacks were to increase significantly from the estimated amount, revisions to the estimated allowance would be required. In some instances, we receive payment in advance of product delivery. Such advance payments occur primarily in our direct selling and direct marketing channels and are recorded as deferred revenue in Accrued expenses in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Upon delivery of product for which advance payment has been made, the related deferred revenue is reversed and recorded as revenue.


We establish an allowance for doubtful accounts for trade and note receivables. The allowance is determined based on our evaluation of specific customers’ ability to pay, aging of receivables, historical experience and the current economic environment. While we believe we have appropriately considered known or expected outcomes, our customers’ ability to pay their obligations, including those to us, could be adversely affected by declining retail sales resulting from such factors as contraction in the economy or a general decline in consumer spending. Some of our wholesale business units offer seasonal dating programs pursuant to which customers that qualify for such programs are offered extended payment terms for seasonal product shipments, which is a common practice in some of our channels. The sales price for our products sold pursuant to such seasonal dating programs is fixed prior to the time of shipment to the customer. Customers do not have the right to return product, except for rights to return that we believe are typical of our industry for such reasons as damaged goods, shipping errors or similar occurrences. We are not required to repurchase products from our customers, nor do we have any regular practice of doing so. We believe that we are reasonably assured of payment for products sold pursuant to such seasonal dating programs based on our historical experience with the established list of customers eligible for such programs. If, however, product sales by our Wholesale segment’s customers during the seasonal selling period should fall significantly below expectations, such customers’ financial condition could be adversely affected, increasing the risk of not collecting these seasonal dating receivables and, possibly, resulting in additional bad debt charges. We do not make any sales under consignment or similar arrangements.

Inventory valuation

Inventories are valued at the lower of cost or market. Cost is determined by the first-in, first-out method. We write down our inventory for estimated obsolete, excess and unmarketable inventory by an amount equal to the difference between the cost of inventory and the estimated market value based upon assumptions about future demand, market conditions, customer planograms and sales forecasts. If market acceptance of our existing products or the successful introduction of new products should significantly decrease, additional inventory write-downs could be required.  Potential additional inventory write-downs could result from unanticipated additional quantities of obsolete finished goods and raw materials, and/or from lower disposition values offered by the parties who normally purchase surplus inventories.

Restructuring and impairment charges on long-lived assets

In response to changing market conditions and competition, our management regularly updates our business model and market strategies, including the evaluation of facilities, personnel and products.  Future adverse changes in economic and market conditions could result in additional organizational changes and possibly additional restructuring and impairment charges. Historically, we have reviewed long-lived assets, including property, plant and equipment and other intangibles with definite lives for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicated that the carrying amount of such an asset might not be recoverable. Management determines whether there has been an impairment on long-lived assets held for use in the business by comparing anticipated undiscounted future cash flow from the use and eventual disposition of the asset or asset group to the carrying value of the asset.  The amount of any resulting impairment is calculated by comparing the carrying value to the fair value. Long-lived assets that meet the definition of held for sale are valued at the lower of carrying amount or net realizable value. Assets or asset groups are determined at the lowest level possible for which identifiable cash flows are largely independent of the cash flows of other assets and liabilities. For assets whose aggregate undiscounted cash flows are less than its carrying value, the assets are considered potentially impaired and actual impairments, if any, would be determined to the extent the assets carrying value exceeds its aggregate fair value.


Goodwill and other indefinite lived intangibles

We had approximately $11.2 million and $10.9 million of goodwill and other indefinite lived intangibles, as of January 31, 2010 and 2011, respectively. Goodwill and other indefinite lived intangibles are subject to an assessment for impairment using a two-step fair value-based test and other intangibles are also subject to impairment reviews, which are performed at least annually or more frequently if events or circumstances indicate that goodwill or other indefinite lived intangibles might be impaired.

We perform our annual assessment of impairment as of January 31, which is our fiscal year-end date, or as deemed necessary. For goodwill, the first step is to identify whether a potential impairment exists. This first step compares the fair value of a reporting unit to its carrying amount, including goodwill. Fair value for each of our reporting units is estimated utilizing a combination of valuation techniques, namely the discounted cash flow methodology and the market multiple methodology. The fair value of the reporting units is derived using a combination of the outcome of the two valuation techniques described above and depends in part on whether the market multiple methodology has sufficient similar transactions occurring in a recent timeframe. The discounted cash flow methodology assumes the fair value of an asset can be estimated by the economic benefit or net cash flows the asset will generate over the life of the asset, discounted to its present value. The discounting process uses a rate of return that accounts for both the time value of money and the investment risk factors. The market multiple methodology estimates fair value based on what other participants in the market have recently paid for reasonably similar assets. Adjustments are made to compensate for differences between the reasonably similar assets and the assets being valued. If the fair value of the reporting unit exceeds the carrying value, no further analysis is necessary. If the carrying amount of the reporting unit exceeds its fair value, the second step is performed. The second step compares the carrying amount of the goodwill to the estimated fair value of the goodwill. If fair value is less than the carrying amount, an impairment loss is reported as a reduction to goodwill and a charge to operating expense.

Our assumptions in the discounted cash flow methodology used to support recoverability include the reporting unit’s five year business outlook. The business outlook is a five year projection of the business unit’s financial performance. The business outlook includes the cash expected to be generated from the reporting unit based on certain assumptions for revenue growth, capital spending and profit margins. This serves as the basis for the discounted cash flow model in determining fair value. Additionally, the discount rate utilized in the cash flow model values the reporting unit to its net present value taking into consideration the time value of money, other investment risk factors and the terminal value of the business. For the terminal value, we used a multiple of earnings before income taxes, depreciation and amortization (“EBITDA”) multiplied by a certain factor for which an independent third party would pay for a similar business in an arms length transaction. In determining this factor we used information that was available for similar transactions executed in the marketplace. The multiple of EBITDA used contemplates, among other things, the expected revenue growth of the business, which in turn would require the use of a higher EBITDA multiple if revenue were expected to grow at a higher rate than normal.  The following circumstances could impact our cash flow and cause further impairments to reported goodwill:



· unexpected increase in competition resulting in lower prices or lower volumes,
· entry of new products into the marketplace from competitors,
· lack of acceptance of our new products into the marketplace,
· loss of a key employee or customer,
· significantly higher raw material costs, and
· economic downturn
· other micro/macroeconomic factors.


Goodwill

Miles Kimball

As a result of our third quarter of fiscal 2009 impairment assessment, we determined that the goodwill related to the Miles Kimball reporting unit, in the Catalog & Internet segment, was impaired. The Miles Kimball Company continued to experience substantial declines in operating performance when compared to prior years’ results and its strategic outlook. We believe this shortfall in performance was primarily attributable to decreased consumer spending due to changes in the business environment and adverse economic conditions. As a result of the impairment analysis performed, the goodwill was determined to be fully impaired, as the fair value of the reporting unit was less than its carrying value, including goodwill. Accordingly, we recorded a non-cash pre-tax goodwill impairment charge of $29.0 million, which included the $1.3 million related to As We Change, during the third quarter of fiscal 2009.

Direct Selling Segment

In the second quarter of fiscal 2010, ViSalus revised downward its revenues forecast for the current fiscal year as a result of lower demand for its product reflecting lower consumer spending attributed to the domestic economic recession and a higher than anticipated attrition rate in its distributor base. These factors together required management to focus its efforts on stabilizing its distributor base and curtailing its international expansion plans. Accordingly, management reduced its current year and long-term forecasts in response to the weakening demand for its products. The impairment analysis performed indicated that the goodwill in ViSalus was fully impaired, as its fair value was less than its carrying value, including goodwill. Accordingly, we recorded a non-cash pre-tax goodwill impairment charge of $13.2 million, during the second quarter of fiscal 2010. The January 31, 2011 impairment assessment of the remaining $2.3 million of the goodwill within this segment indicates that it is fully recoverable.

Other

In August 2005, we acquired a 100% interest in Boca Java, a small gourmet coffee and tea company. Boca Java sells its products primarily through the Internet and is included in the Catalog & Internet segment. Boca Java represents a separate reporting unit and is reviewed for impairment on an annual basis. We completed an impairment assessment during fiscal 2009 which indicated that the goodwill of $1.9 million was fully impaired and recorded a charge to write off the goodwill.

Significant assumptions

If actual revenue growth, profit margins, costs and capital spending should differ significantly from the assumptions included in our business outlook used in the cash flow models, the reporting unit’s fair value could fall significantly below expectations and additional impairment charges could be required to write down goodwill to its fair value and, if necessary, other long lived-assets could be subject to a similar fair value test and possible impairment. Long-lived assets represent primarily fixed assets and other long-term assets excluding goodwill and other intangibles.

 
 
There are two main assumptions that are used for the discounted cash flow analysis: first, the discount rate and second the terminal multiple. This discount rate is used to value the gross cash flows expected to be derived from the business to its net present value. The discount rate uses a rate of return to account for the time value of money and an investment risk factor. For the terminal multiple, we used EBITDA multiplied by a factor for which an independent third party would pay for a similar business in an arms length transaction. In determining this factor we used information that was available for similar transactions executed in the marketplace. The multiple of EBITDA used contemplates, among other things, the expected revenue growth of the business which in turn would require the use of a higher EBITDA multiple if revenue were expected to grow at a higher rate than normal. A change in the discount rate is often used by management to alter or temper the discounted cash flow model if there is a higher degree of risk that the business outlook objectives might not be achieved. These risks are often based upon the business units past performance, competition, confidence in the business unit management, position in the marketplace, acceptance of new products in the marketplace and other macro and microeconomic factors surrounding the business.

If management believes there is additional risk associated with the business outlook it will adjust the discount rate and terminal value accordingly. The terminal value is generally a multiple of EBITDA and is discounted to its net present value using the discount rate. Capital expenditures are included and are consistent with the historical business trend plus any known significant expenditures.

Trade Names and Trademarks

Our trade name and trademark intangible assets relate to our acquisitions of Miles Kimball and Walter Drake (reported in the Catalog & Internet segment) and our acquisition of a controlling interest in ViSalus in October 2008 (reported in the Direct Selling segment). We had approximately $9.0 million and $8.6 million in trade names and trademarks as of January 31, 2010 and 2011, respectively.
 
We perform our annual assessment of impairment for indefinite-lived intangible assets as of January 31, which is our fiscal year-end, or upon the occurrence of a triggering event. We use the relief from royalty method to estimate the fair value for indefinite-lived intangible assets. The underlying concept of the relief from royalty method is that the inherent economic value of intangibles is directly related to the timing of future cash flows associated with the intangible asset. Similar to the income approach or discounted cash flow methodology used to determine the fair value of goodwill, the fair value of indefinite-lived intangible assets is equal to the present value of after-tax cash flows associated with the intangible asset based on an applicable royalty rate. The royalty rate is determined by using existing market comparables for royalty agreements using an intellectual property data base. The arms-length agreements generally support a rate that is a percentage of direct sales. This approach is based on the premise that the free cash flow is a more valid criterion for measuring value than “book” or accounting profits.
 
As a result of our fiscal 2009 impairment assessments, we determined that the recorded values of trade names and trademarks in the Miles Kimball reporting unit, in the Catalog & Internet segment, were impaired. In the third and fourth quarters of fiscal 2009 we performed additional impairment assessments due to changes in the business environment and adverse economic conditions currently experienced due to the continued decrease in consumer spending. As a result of these impairment analyses performed, the trade names and trademarks in this reporting unit were determined to be impaired, as their fair value was less than their carrying value. Accordingly, we recorded non-cash pre-tax impairment charges of $15.0 million and $2.9 million in the third and fourth quarters, respectively of fiscal 2009.
 
 
 

During the second quarter of fiscal 2010, we performed impairment assessments due to adverse economic conditions currently experienced due to the continued decrease in consumer spending and a higher then expected distributor attrition rate. We determined that the recorded values of trade names, trademarks and customer relationships within ViSalus, in the Direct Selling segment, were impaired. As a result of these impairment analyses performed, the intangible assets were determined to be impaired, as their fair value was less than their carrying value. Accordingly, we recorded a non-cash pre-tax impairment charge of $3.1 million related to the trade names and trademarks and $0.2 million related to customer relationships.

During fiscal 2011, the Exposure’s brand in the Miles Kimball business, within the Catalog & Internet segment, experienced substantial declines in revenues when compared to forecasts and prior years. The Company believes this shortfall in revenue was primarily attributable to decreased consumer spending and adverse economic conditions. As a result of the impairment analysis performed, the indefinite-lived trade name in this brand was determined to be partially impaired, as the fair value of this brand was less than its carrying value. Accordingly, the Company recorded a non-cash pre-tax impairment charge of $0.3 million, resulting in carrying value as of January 31, 2011 of $1.4 million.

As of January 31, 2011, we performed our annual impairment analysis on the trade names and trademarks of the Catalog & Internet and ViSalus assets. The three primary assumptions used in the relief from royalty method are the discount rate, the perpetuity growth rate and the royalty rate. This discount rate is used to value the expected net cash flows to be derived from the royalty to its net present value. The discount rate uses a rate of return to account for the time value of money and an investment risk factor. The perpetuity growth rate estimates the businesses sustainable long-term growth rate. The royalty rate is based upon past royalty performance as well as the expected royalty growth rate using both macro and microeconomic factors surrounding the business. A change in the discount rate is often used by management to risk adjust the discounted cash flow analysis if there is a higher degree of risk that the estimated cash flows from the indefinite-lived intangible asset may not be fully achieved. These risks are often based upon the business units’ past performance, competition, position in the marketplace, acceptance of new products in the marketplace and other macro and microeconomic factors surrounding the business. If, however, actual cash flows should fall significantly below expectations, this could result in an impairment of our indefinite-lived intangible assets.

If the discount rate had increased by 0.5% and royalty rate had decreased by 0.5%, the estimated fair value of the trade names and trademarks within the Catalog & Internet segment would have decreased by $2.8 million to $4.7 million. This decrease would have required us to take an additional impairment charge of $2.8 million to write-down our indefinite lived intangibles to its estimated fair value. Conversely, if the discount rate had decreased by 0.5% and the royalty rate had increased by 0.5%, the estimated fair value of the trade names and trademarks within the Catalog and Internet segment would have increased by $3.9 million, resulting in no impairment charge. There would have been no impact in the recorded value of the ViSalus trade names and trademarks within the Direct Selling segment, if the same changes in discount and royalty rate assumptions had occurred as the value would have exceeded its recorded value by $2.8 million and $8.6 million, respectively.



Accounting for income taxes

As part of the process of preparing our Consolidated Financial Statements, we are required to estimate our actual current tax exposure (state, federal and foreign), together with assessing permanent and temporary differences resulting from differing bases and treatment of items for tax and accounting purposes, such as the carrying value of intangibles, deductibility of expenses, depreciation of property and equipment, and valuation of inventories. Temporary differences result in deferred tax assets and liabilities, which are included within our Consolidated Balance Sheets. We must then assess the likelihood that our deferred tax assets will be recovered from future taxable income. Actual results could differ from this assessment if sufficient taxable income is not generated in future periods. To the extent we determine the need to establish a valuation allowance or change the allowance in a period, we would include this as an expense within the tax provision in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Earnings (Loss). Management periodically estimates our probable tax obligations using historical experience in tax jurisdictions and informed judgments. There are inherent uncertainties related to the interpretation of tax regulations in the jurisdictions in which we transact business. The judgments and estimates made at a point in time may change based on the outcome of tax audits, as well as changes to or further interpretations of regulations. If such changes take place, there is a risk that the tax rate may increase or decrease in any period. Amounts accrued for the tax uncertainties, primarily recorded in long-term liabilities, total $12.3 million and $12.2 million at January 31, 2010 and 2011, respectively. Accruals relate to tax issues for U.S. federal, domestic state, and taxation of foreign earnings.

Blyth’s historical policy has been to consider its unremitted foreign earnings as not indefinitely invested except for amounts deemed required for working capital and expansion needs and as such provide deferred income tax expense on these undistributed earnings. The Company periodically reassesses whether the non-US subsidiaries will invest their undistributed earnings indefinitely.

As of January 31, 2011, we determined that $236.2 million of cumulative undistributed foreign earnings were not reinvested indefinitely by our non-U.S. subsidiaries. During fiscal 2010 and fiscal 2011, we repatriated $150.0 million and $16 million respectively. As a result, $3.3 million of a reduction to deferred taxes was recorded in the current year as an increase to our Net earnings on those unremitted earnings.

In August 2008, a state department of revenue proposed to assess additional corporate income taxes on us for fiscal years 2002, 2003 and 2004 in the amount of $34.9 million including interest and penalties.  The state department of revenue has subsequently reduced this amount to $16.9 million, including interest. In February 2011, the state department of revenue issued a notice of intent to assess additional corporate income taxes for fiscal years 2005, 2006 and 2007 in the amount of $14.0 million, including interest and penalties. We intend to vigorously protest all of these assessments.  As of January 31, 2011, we established a reserve for this matter which we believe is adequate based on existing facts and circumstances. The ultimate resolution of these matters could exceed our recorded reserve in the event of an unfavorable outcome; however, we cannot estimate such a loss at this time.

 Impact of Adoption of Recently Issued Accounting Standards

We have reviewed all guidance issued but not implemented as of the filing date and have determined that only the following could or do have a significant affect on our financial statements.


In December 2010, the FASB issued ASU 2010-29, “Business Combinations (Topic 805): Disclosure of supplementary pro forma information for business combinations.” This update changes the disclosure of pro forma information for business combinations. These changes clarify that if a public entity presents comparative financial statements, the entity should disclose revenue and earnings of the combined entity as though the business combination that occurred during the current year had occurred as of the beginning of the comparable prior annual reporting period only. Also, the existing supplemental pro forma disclosures were expanded to include a description of the nature and amount of material, nonrecurring pro forma adjustments directly attributable to the business combination included in the reported pro forma revenue and earnings. These changes become effective for Blyth beginning February 1, 2011. The Company’s adoption of this update did not have an impact on the Company’s consolidated financial condition or results of operations.

In December 2010, the FASB issued ASU 2010-28, “Intangible –Goodwill and Other (Topic 350): When to perform Step 2 of the goodwill impairment test for reporting units with zero or negative carrying amounts.” This update requires an entity to perform all steps in the test for a reporting unit whose carrying value is zero or negative if it is more likely than not (more than 50%) that a goodwill impairment exists based on qualitative factors, resulting in the elimination of an entity’s ability to assert that such a reporting unit’s goodwill is not impaired and additional testing is not necessary despite the existence of qualitative factors that indicate otherwise. These changes become effective for Blyth beginning February 1, 2011. Based on the most recent impairment review of Blyth’s goodwill in January 2011, management has determined these changes will not have an impact on the Company’s consolidated financial condition or results of operations.
 
In April 2010, the FASB issued ASU 2010-13, "Compensation—Stock Compensation (Topic 718) - Effect of Denominating the Exercise Price of a Share-Based Payment Award in the Currency of the Market in Which the Underlying Equity Security Trades (A consensus of the FASB Emerging Issues Task Force)" (“ASU 2010-13”). ASU 2010-13 clarifies that a share-based payment award with an exercise price denominated in the currency of a market in which a substantial portion of the entity’s equity securities trades should not be considered to contain a condition that is not a market, performance, or service condition. Therefore, such an award should not be classified as a liability if it otherwise qualifies as equity. This clarification of existing practice is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning on or after December 15, 2010, with early application permitted. The Company’s adoption of this update did not have an impact on the Company’s consolidated financial condition or results of operations.

In January 2010, the FASB issued ASU 2010-06, "Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures (Topic 820) - Improving Disclosures about Fair Value Measurements" (“ASU 2010-06”). ASU 2010-06 requires new disclosures regarding transfers in and out of the Level 1 and 2 and activity within Level 3 fair value measurements and clarifies existing disclosures of inputs and valuation techniques for Level 2 and 3 fair value measurements. The new disclosures and clarifications of existing disclosures are effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2009, except for the disclosure of activity within Level 3 fair value measurements, which is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2010, and for interim periods within those years. This update has changed a portion of our disclosures beginning February 1, 2010 and will change our disclosure in fiscal 2012 regarding the activity within Level 3. This update is not expected to have a material impact on our consolidated financial condition or results of operations.

 
Forward-looking and Cautionary Statements

Certain statements contained in this report may constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements involve a number of risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual results to differ materially, as discussed more fully elsewhere in this report and in our previous filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Item 7A.    Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

Market Risk

We have operations outside of the United States and sell our products worldwide. Our activities expose us to a variety of market risks, including the effects of changes in interest rates, foreign currency exchange rates and commodity prices. These financial exposures are actively monitored and, where considered appropriate, managed by us. We enter into contracts, with the intention of limiting these risks, with only those counterparties that we deem to be creditworthy, in order to also mitigate our non-performance risk. International sales represented 45% of total sales of the Company for fiscal 2011.

Interest Rate Risk

We are subject to interest rate risk variable rate debt. As of January 31, 2011, we are subject to interest rate risk on approximately $0.1 million of variable rate debt. A 1-percentage point increase in the interest rate would not have a significant impact on pre-tax earnings.
 
Investment Risk

We are subject to investment risk on our marketable securities due to market volatility. As of January 31, 2011, we held equity instruments with an adjusted cost basis of $13.8 million which have been adjusted to its fair value based on current market data.

Foreign Currency Risk

We use foreign exchange forward contracts to hedge the impact of foreign currency fluctuations on foreign denominated inventory purchases, net assets of our foreign operations, intercompany payables and certain foreign denominated loans. We do not hold or issue derivative financial instruments for trading purposes.

The Company has hedged the net assets of certain of its foreign operations through foreign currency forward contracts. The realized and unrealized gains/losses on these hedges are recorded within AOCI until the investment is sold or disposed of. The net after-tax gain related to the derivative net investment hedges in Accumulated other comprehensive income (“AOCI”) as of January 31, 2010 and January 31, 2011 was $5.2 million and $5.6 million, respectively.

We have designated our foreign currency forward contracts related to certain foreign denominated loans and intercompany payables as fair value hedges. The gains or losses on the fair value hedges are recognized into earnings and generally offset the transaction gains or losses in the foreign denominated loans that they are intended to hedge.
 


 
We have designated our forward exchange contracts on forecasted intercompany inventory purchases and future purchase commitments as cash flow hedges and, as such, as long as the hedge remains effective and the underlying transaction remains probable, the effective portion of the changes in the fair value of these contracts will be recorded in AOCI until earnings are affected by the variability of the cash flows being hedged. Upon payment of each
commitment, the underlying forward contract is closed and the corresponding gain or loss is transferred from AOCI and is included in the measurement of the cost of the acquired asset. If a hedging instrument is sold or terminated prior to maturity, gains and losses are deferred in AOCI until the hedged item is settled. However, if the hedged item is no longer probable to occur, the resultant gain or loss on the terminated hedge is recognized into earnings immediately. The net after-tax gain included in AOCI at January 31, 2011 is $0.1 million and is expected to be transferred into earnings within the next twelve months upon settlement of the underlying commitment.

For consolidated financial statement presentation, net cash flows from such hedges are classified in the categories of the Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows with the items being hedged.

The following table provides information about our foreign exchange forward contracts accounted for as cash flow hedges as of January 31, 2011:


   
US Dollar
   
Average
   
Unrealized
 
(In thousands, except average contract rate)
 
Notional Amount
   
Contract Rate
   
Gain (Loss)
 
Canadian Dollar
  $ 2,050       1.00     $ 15  
Euro
  $ 11,475     $ 1.32     $ (181 )
    $ 13,525             $ (166 )

The foreign exchange contracts outstanding have maturity dates through October 2011.



 
Item 8.   Financial Statements and Supplementary Data
 

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm


The Board of Directors and Stockholders of Blyth, Inc.


We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Blyth, Inc. and Subsidiaries (the “Company”) as of January 31, 2011 and 2010, and the related consolidated statements of earnings (loss), stockholders' equity, and cash flows for the years then ended.  Our audits also included the financial statement schedule listed at Item 15(a)(2). These financial statements and schedule are the responsibility of the Company's management.  Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements and 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. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated financial position of the Company at January 31, 2011 and 2010, and the consolidated results of their operations and their cash flows for the years then ended, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. Also, in our opinion, the related financial statement schedule, when considered in relation to the basic financial statements taken as a whole, presents fairly in all material respects the information set forth therein.

We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of January 31, 2011, based on criteria established in Internal Control-Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission and our report dated April 8, 2011 expressed an unqualified opinion thereon.

 
                                                                        
                                                                  /s/ Ernst & Young LLP

Stamford, Connecticut
April 8, 2011






REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

To the Board of Directors and Stockholders of Blyth, Inc.
Greenwich, Connecticut

We have audited the accompanying consolidated statements of loss, stockholders' equity, and cash flows for the period ended January 31, 2009 of Blyth, Inc. and subsidiaries (the "Company").  Our audit also included information for fiscal year ended 2009 in the financial statement schedule listed in the Index at Item 15. These financial statements and financial statement schedule are the responsibility of the Company's management.  Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the financial statements and financial statement schedule based on our audit.

We conducted our audit 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. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audit provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

In our opinion, such consolidated financial statements referred to above of Blyth, Inc. and subsidiaries present fairly, in all material respects, the results of their operations and their cash flows for the period ended January 31, 2009, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. Also, in our opinion, the 2009 information in such 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.

As discussed in Note 1 to the consolidated financial statements, the accompanying consolidated financial statements have been retrospectively adjusted for the adoption of new accounting guidance for the presentation and disclosure of noncontrolling interests.


/S/ DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP


Stamford, Connecticut
April 13, 2009 (April 9, 2010 as to the effects of the immaterial restatement discussed in Note 1, and the effects of  the adoption of new accounting guidance for the presentation and disclosure of noncontrolling interests as discussed in Note 1)


 
 
BLYTH, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
 
As of January 31, (In thousands, except share and per share data)
 
2010
   
2011
 
ASSETS
           
Current assets:
           
Cash and cash equivalents
  $ 207,394     $ 205,748  
Short-term investments
    5,000       8,700  
Accounts receivable, less allowance for doubtful receivables $2,243 in 2010 and $1,344 in 2011
    18,694       17,586  
Inventories
    102,203       108,222  
Prepaid and other
    23,997       27,583  
Deferred income taxes
    6,769       2,096  
       Total current assets
    364,057       369,935  
Property, plant and equipment, at cost:
               
Land and buildings
    103,997       103,521  
Leasehold improvements
    7,944       8,212  
Machinery and equipment
    129,299       127,703  
Office furniture, data processing equipment and software
    68,641       64,758  
Construction in progress
    914       1,643  
      310,795       305,837  
    Less accumulated depreciation
    202,808       204,336  
      107,987       101,501  
Other assets:
               
Investments
    19,072       7,576  
Goodwill
    2,298       2,298  
Other intangible assets, net of accumulated amortization of $12,254 in 2010 and $13,338 in 2011
    12,176       10,792  
Other assets
    17,403       9,663  
       Total other assets
    50,949       30,329  
       Total assets
  $ 522,993     $ 501,765  
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
               
Current liabilities:
               
Current maturities of long-term debt
  $ 582     $ 1,330  
Accounts payable
    57,338       51,783  
Accrued expenses
    60,895       61,102  
Dividend payable
    8,826       -  
Income taxes payable
    4,913       3,581  
       Total current liabilities
    132,554       117,796  
Deferred income taxes
    686       2,049  
Long-term debt, less current maturities
    109,962       109,655  
Other liabilities
    24,984       25,195  
Commitments and contingencies
    -       -  
Redeemable noncontrolling interest
    (1,470 )     -  
Stockholders' equity:
               
Preferred stock - authorized 10,000,000 shares of $0.01 par value; no shares issued
    -       -  
Common stock - authorized 50,000,000 shares of $0.02 par value; issued 12,765,919 shares in 2010 and 12,791,515 shares in 2011
    255       256  
Additional contributed capital
    144,233       146,355  
Retained earnings
    494,524       510,102  
Accumulated other comprehensive income
    20,591       16,951  
Treasury stock, at cost, 3,972,112 shares in 2010 and 4,561,014 shares in 2011
    (403,329 )     (424,210 )
       Total stockholders' equity
    256,274       249,454  
Noncontrolling interest
    3       (2,384 )
       Total  equity
    256,277       247,070  
       Total liabilities and equity
  $ 522,993     $ 501,765  
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
 



 
 
BLYTH, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
 
For the year ended January 31, (In thousands, except per share data)
 
2009
   
2010
   
2011
 
Net sales
  $ 1,050,793     $ 958,077     $ 900,927  
Cost of goods sold
    473,577       432,578       401,297  
    Gross profit
    577,216       525,499       499,630  
Selling
    400,658       367,487       337,191  
Administrative
    123,779       111,531       115,832  
Goodwill and other intangibles impairment
    48,751       16,498       -  
    Total operating expense
    573,188       495,516       453,023  
    Operating profit
    4,028       29,983       46,607  
Other expense (income):
                       
     Interest expense
    10,001       7,755       7,209  
     Interest income
    (4,261 )     (1,410 )     (1,007 )
     Foreign exchange and other, net
    9,813       1,564       1,999  
    Total other expense
    15,553       7,909       8,201  
     Earnings (loss) before income taxes
    (11,525 )     22,074       38,406  
Income tax expense
    3,840       5,649       13,618  
     Net earnings (loss)
    (15,365 )     16,425       24,788  
Less: Net earnings (loss) attributable to the noncontrolling interests
    115       (1,269 )     (768 )
Net earnings (loss) attributable to Blyth, Inc.
    (15,480 )     17,694       25,556  
Basic:
                       
Net earnings (loss) attributable per Blyth, Inc. common share
  $ (1.73 )   $ 1.99     $ 3.02  
Weighted average number of shares outstanding
    8,971       8,912       8,462  
Diluted:
                       
Net earnings (loss) attributable per Blyth, Inc. common share
  $ (1.73 )   $ 1.98     $ 3.00  
Weighted average number of shares outstanding
    8,971       8,934       8,508  
Cash dividend declared per share
  $ 2.16     $ 1.20     $ 1.20  
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
 










 
 
BLYTH, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
 
   
Blyth, Inc.'s Stockholders
                 
               
Accumulated
             
Redeemable
     
       
Additional
     
Other
             
Noncontrolling
     
   
Common
 
Contributed
 
Retained
 
Comprehensive
 
Treasury
 
Noncontrolling
 
Total
 
Interest
 
Comprehensive
 
(In thousands)
 
Stock
 
Capital
 
Earnings
 
Income (Loss)
 
Stock
 
Interest
 
Equity
 
(Temporary Equity)
 
Income (Loss)
 
Balance at January 31, 2008
  $ 254   $ 138,927   $ 522,328   $ 25,444   $ (387,885 ) $ -   $ 299,068   $ -   $ -  
Net loss for the year
                (15,480 )               115     (15,365 )         (15,365 )
Distribution to noncontrolling interest
                                  (115 )   (115 )            
Foreign currency translation adjustments
                      (4,318 )               (4,318 )         (4,318 )
Net unrealized loss on certain investments (net of tax benefit of $546)
                      (2,375 )               (2,375 )         (2,375 )
Net gain on cash flow hedging instruments (net of a tax liability of $377)
                      615                 615           615  
      Comprehensive loss
                                                    (21,443 )
Comprehensive income attributable to the noncontrolling interests
                                                    (115 )
      Comprehensive loss attributable to Blyth, Inc.
                                                  $ (21,558 )
Common stock issued in connection with long-term incentive plan
    1                                   1              
Amortization of unearned compensation
          2,380                             2,380              
Dividends paid ($2.16 per share)
                (19,406 )                     (19,406 )            
Treasury stock purchases
                            (11,093 )         (11,093 )            
Accretion of redeemable noncontrolling interest
                (893 )                     (893 )   893        
Balance at January 31, 2009
  $ 255   $ 141,307   $ 486,549   $ 19,366   $ (398,978 ) $ -   $ 248,499   $ 893   $ -  
Net earnings (loss) for the year
                17,694                 201     17,895     (1,470 )   16,425  
Distribution to noncontrolling interest
                                  (198 )   (198 )            
Foreign currency translation adjustments (net of tax liability of $261)
                      1,558                 1,558           1,558  
Net unrealized gain on certain investments (net of tax liability of $315)
                      438                 438           438  
Realized loss on sale of available
for sale investment (net of tax benefit
of $197)
                      322                 322           322  
Realized gain on pension plan termination (net of tax liability of $749)
                      (1,153 )               (1,153 )         (1,153 )
 Net unrealized gain on cash flow hedging
instruments (net of tax liability of $30)
                      60                 60           60  
      Comprehensive income
                                                    17,650  
Comprehensive loss attributable to the noncontrolling interests
                                                    1,269  
      Comprehensive income attributable to Blyth, Inc.
                                                  $ 18,919  
Stock-based compensation
          2,926                             2,926              
Dividends declared ($1.20 per share)
                (10,612 )                     (10,612 )            
Reversal of accretion of redeemable noncontrolling interest
                893                       893     (893 )      
Treasury stock purchases
                            (4,351 )         (4,351 )            
Balance at January 31, 2010
  $ 255   $ 144,233   $ 494,524   $ 20,591   $ (403,329 ) $ 3   $ 256,277   $ (1,470 ) $ -  
Net earnings (loss) for the year
                25,556                 224     25,780     (992 ) $ 24,788  
Distribution to noncontrolling interest
                                  (149 )   (149 )            
Reclass of Redeemable Noncontrolling
Interest to Noncontrolling Interest
                                  (2,462 )   (2,462 )   2,462        
Foreign currency translation adjustments
(net of tax benefit of $286)
                    (5,108 )               (5,108 )         (5,108 )
Reclassification adjustments for realized
and unrealized gain (loss) activity (net of
tax liability of $201)
                  1,271                 1,271           1,271  
 Net unrealized gain on net investment
hedginginstruments (net of tax liability
of $239)
                      399                 399           399  
 Net unrealized loss on cash flow hedging
instruments (net of tax benefit of $109)
                      (202 )               (202 )         (202 )
      Comprehensive Income
                                                    21,148  
 Comprehensive loss attributable to the
noncontrolling interests
                                                    768  
      Comprehensive Income attributable to Blyth, Inc.
                                                  $ 21,916  
Common stock issued in connection with long-term incentive plan
    1     (1 )                           -              
Stock-based compensation
          2,123                             2,123              
Dividends declared ($1.20 per share)
                (9,978 )                     (9,978 )            
Treasury stock purchases 1
                            (20,881 )         (20,881 )            
Balance, January 31, 2011
  $ 256   $ 146,355   $ 510,102   $ 16,951   $ (424,210 ) $ (2,384 ) $ 247,070   $ -        
                                                         
1) This includes shares withheld in order to satisfy employee withholding taxes upon the distribution of vested restricted stock units.
                               



 
 
BLYTH, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
 
Year ended January 31, (In thousands)
 
2009
   
2010
   
2011
 
Cash flows from operating activities:
                 
     Net earnings (loss)
  $ (15,365 )   $ 16,425     $ 24,788  
     Adjustments to reconcile net earnings (loss) to net cash
                       
        provided by operating activities:
                       
      Depreciation and amortization
    18,628       16,592       13,697  
      Goodwill and other intangibles impairment charges
    48,751       16,498       -  
      Impairment of assets
    8,034       376       3,523  
      (Gain) Loss on sale of assets
    13       30       (267 )
      Stock-based compensation expense
    1,836       2,695       2,123  
      Unrealized loss on trading investments
    2,096       -       -  
      Deferred income taxes
    (13,376 )     6,630       8,827  
      Equity in (earnings) losses of investee
    (116 )     120       587  
      Gain on pension plan termination
    -       (1,902 )     -  
    Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of effect of business acquisitions and divestitures:
                       
      Accounts receivable
    5,062       10,977       926  
      Inventories
    (5,972 )     36,160       (7,183 )
      Prepaid and other
    7,566       252       2,001  
      Other long-term assets
    2,510       1,268       1,793  
      Accounts payable
    (7,800 )     9,666       (4,105 )
      Accrued expenses
    (15,068 )     (5,753 )     72  
      Other liabilities
    (5,679 )     (4,090 )     (6,390 )
      Income taxes
    6,722       (12,574 )     (1,048 )
                   Net cash provided by operating activities
    37,842       93,370       39,344  
Cash flows from investing activities:
                       
    Purchases of property, plant and equipment, net of disposal proceeds
    (8,173 )     (5,384 )     (8,218 )
    Purchases of short-term investments
    (69,716 )     (5,000 )     (6,899 )
    Proceeds from sales of short-term investments
    84,777       -       11,892  
    Note receivable issued under revolving credit facility
    (4,416 )     -       -  
    Proceeds from the repayment of note receivable
    4,416       -       -  
    Proceeds from sales of assets, net of costs
    36       3,939       21  
    Purchases of long-term investments
    (3,070 )     (521 )     -  
    Proceeds from sale of long-term investments
    7,204       6,494       2,237  
    Purchase of businesses, net of cash acquired
    (15,814 )     -       -  
    Cash settlement of net investment hedges
    -       6,563       638  
                   Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities
    (4,756 )     6,091       (329 )
Cash flows from financing activities:
                       
    Purchases of treasury stock
    (11,093 )     (3,981 )     (20,557 )
    Borrowings from bank line of credit
    560,800       -       -  
    Repayments on bank line of credit
    (560,800 )     -       -  
    Borrowings on long-term debt
    -       2,660       840  
    Repayments on long-term debt
    (12,682 )     (37,774 )     (535 )
    Payments on capital lease obligations
    (507 )     (187 )     (113 )
    Dividends paid
    (19,406 )     (1,785 )     (18,803 )
    Distributions to noncontrolling interest
    -       (198 )     (149 )
                   Net cash used in financing activities
    (43,688 )     (41,265 )     (39,317 )
    Effect of exchange rate changes on cash
    (5,995 )     2,774       (1,344 )
                   Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
    (16,597 )     60,970       (1,646 )
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year
    163,021       146,424       207,394  
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year
  $ 146,424     $ 207,394     $ 205,748  
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:
                       
   Cash paid during the year for:
                       
         Interest
  $ 9,547     $ 8,471     $ 6,159  
         Income taxes
    7,643       12,021       12,477  
   Non-cash transactions:
                       
  Capital leases for equipment
    30       71       198  
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
 


BLYTH, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
Note  1.       Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
 
Blyth, Inc. (the “Company”) is a multi-channel company competing primarily in the home fragrance and decorative accessories industry. The Company designs, markets and distributes an extensive array of decorative and functional household products including candles, accessories, seasonal decorations, household convenience items and personalized gifts, as well as products for the foodservice trade, nutritional supplements and weight management products. The Company competes in the global home expressions industry and the Company’s products can be found throughout North America, Europe and Australia. Our financial results are reported in three segments: the Direct Selling segment, the Catalog & Internet segment and the Wholesale segment.

A summary of the significant accounting policies applied in the preparation of the accompanying consolidated financial statements follows:

Principles of Consolidation

The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Blyth, Inc. and its subsidiaries. The Company consolidates entities in which it owns or controls more than 50% of the voting shares and/or investments where the Company has been determined to have control. The portion of the entity not owned by the Company is reflected as the noncontrolling interest within the Equity section of the Consolidated Balance Sheets and in the case of the redeemable noncontrolling interest, within the mezzanine section of the Consolidated Balance Sheets between Long-term liabilities and Equity. Investments in companies that are not consolidated but where we have significant influence are reported using the equity method and are recorded in Other assets in the Consolidated Balance Sheets.  All inter-company balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

Certain of the Company’s subsidiaries operate on a 52 or 53-week fiscal year ending on the Saturday nearest to January 31st.  European, Mexican and Australian operations and one domestic direct selling entity maintain a calendar year accounting period, which is consolidated with the Company’s fiscal period. The application of this consolidation policy has been consistently applied and has not had a significant impact on the Company’s consolidated financial condition or results of operations.

Effective February 1, 2009, the Company has adopted the requirements of ASC 810, “Consolidation” (“ASC 810”), which establishes accounting and reporting standards for noncontrolling interests, including changes in a parent’s ownership interest in a subsidiary, and requires, among other things, that noncontrolling interests in subsidiaries be classified within equity. As a result of the adoption, the Company has reported noncontrolling interests, other than Redeemable noncontrolling interests, as a component of equity in the Consolidated Balance Sheets and the Net earnings (loss) attributable to the noncontrolling interests has been separately disclosed in the Consolidated Statements of Earnings (Loss). The prior periods presented have also been retrospectively restated to conform to the current classification required by ASC 810.

Estimates

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



Credit Concentration

The Company’s credit sales are principally to department and gift stores, mass merchandisers and distributors, which purchase the Company’s products for resale. The Company performs ongoing credit evaluations of its customers and generally does not require collateral. The Company makes provisions for estimated credit losses. No single customer accounts for 10% or more of Net Sales. One customer within the Wholesale segment accounted for $1.9 million, or approximately 11% of the Accounts Receivables balance as of January 31, 2011.

Foreign Currency Translation

The Company’s international subsidiaries generally use their local currency as their functional currency. Therefore, all Balance Sheet accounts of international subsidiaries are translated into U.S. dollars at the year-end rates of exchange and Statement of Earnings (Loss) items are translated using the weighted average exchange rates for the period.  Resulting translation adjustments are included in Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) (“AOCI”) within the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Transactional gains and losses arising from the impact of currency exchange rate fluctuations on transactions in a currency other than the local functional currency are included in Foreign exchange and other, net within the Consolidated Statements of Earnings (Loss).

Investments

The Company makes investments from time to time in the ordinary course of its business that may include common and preferred equity securities, debt instruments, and long-term investments and/or joint ventures. The Company’s investments are accounted for in accordance with the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) Topics 320 to 325, “Investments.” The Company reviews investments for impairment using both quantitative and qualitative factors. Unrealized gains and losses on available-for-sale investment securities that are considered temporary and are not the result of a credit loss are included in AOCI, net of applicable taxes, while realized gains and losses are reported in earnings. For investments held as trading, all realized and unrealized gains and losses are reported in earnings. The equity method of accounting is used to account for investments in common stock in which the Company owns less than the majority of voting stock and has the ability to exercise significant influence over the operating and financial policies of the investee but lacks control.

Derivatives and Other Financial Instruments

The Company uses foreign exchange forward contracts to hedge the impact of foreign currency fluctuations on foreign denominated inventory purchases, intercompany payables and certain loans. It does not hold or issue derivative financial instruments for trading purposes.  The Company has also hedged the net assets of certain of its foreign operations through foreign currency forward contracts.

The Company has designated forward exchange contracts on forecasted intercompany purchases and purchase commitments as cash flow hedges and as long as the hedge remains effective and the underlying transaction remains probable, the effective portion of the changes in the fair value of these contracts are recorded in AOCI until earnings are affected by the variability of the cash flows being hedged.  With regard to commitments for inventory purchases, upon payment of each commitment, the underlying forward contract is closed and the corresponding gain or loss is transferred from AOCI and is realized in the Consolidated Statements of Earnings (Loss). If a hedging

 
instrument is sold or terminated prior to maturity, gains and losses are deferred in AOCI until the hedged item is settled. However, if the hedged item is probable of no longer occurring, the resultant gain or loss on the terminated hedge is recognized into earnings immediately.

The Company has designated its foreign currency forward contracts related to certain foreign denominated loans and intercompany payables as fair value hedges. The gains or losses on the fair value hedges are recognized into earnings and generally offset the transaction gains or losses in the foreign denominated loans that they are intended to hedge.

For consolidated financial statement presentation, net cash flows from such hedges are classified in the categories of the Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows with the items being hedged. Forward contracts held with each bank are presented within the Consolidated Balance Sheets as a net asset or liability, based on netting agreements with each bank and whether the forward contracts are in a net gain or loss position. Refer to Note 8 for further details on our accounting for derivative instruments.

Cash and Cash Equivalents

The Company considers all highly-liquid debt instruments purchased with an original maturity of three months or less to be cash equivalents. Insignificant amounts due from credit card companies for the settlement of credit card transactions are included in cash equivalents because they are both short-term and highly-liquid instruments and typically take one to three business days to be received by the Company. The major credit card companies making these payments are highly accredited businesses and the Company does not deem them as having material counterparty credit risk.

The Company holds its cash investments with high credit quality financial institutions. Cash balances in the Company’s U.S. concentration accounts are insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation up to $250,000 per bank. The Company has $2.1 million of restricted cash in a certificate of deposit that is used as collateral to standby letters of credit, which is reported in Investments. This cash will be restricted until the standby letters of credit are relieved by the beneficiaries.

Inventories

Inventories are valued at the lower of cost or market. Cost is determined by the first-in, first-out method. The Company records provisions for obsolete, excess and unmarketable inventory in Cost of goods sold.

Shipping and Handling

The Company classifies shipping and handling fees billed to customers as Revenue, and shipping and handling costs as Cost of goods sold.

Property, Plant and Equipment

Property, plant and equipment are stated at cost, less accumulated depreciation. Depreciation expense for fiscal 2009, 2010 and 2011 was $17.0 million, $15.2 million and $13.5 million, respectively. The amortization of assets obtained through capital leases is also recorded as a component of depreciation expense. Depreciation is provided for principally by use of the straight-line method for financial reporting purposes. Leasehold improvements are amortized


over the lives of the respective leases or the service lives of the improvements, whichever is shorter. The Company records gains and losses from the sale of property, plant and equipment in operating profit.

During fiscal 2009, $6.7 million relating to a distribution center within the Wholesale segment was reclassified to a long-term asset available for sale within Other assets in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. In December 2010, the Company entered into a contract to sell the distribution center. As a result, the Company reclassified the asset from Other Assets to a current asset within Prepaid and other in the Consolidated Balance Sheets.

In January 2011, the Company reviewed the recoverability of its Boca Java assets within the Catalog and Internet segment due to the continued decline in revenues and profitability and management’s planned disposal of the assets. As a result of this decline, management concluded the assets of Boca Java were not fully recoverable and recorded an impairment charge of $0.9 million to write off certain assets of Boca Java. The depreciation expense for the year as stated above includes this impairment. Refer to Note 22 for a more detailed discussion on this transaction.

The principal estimated lives used in determining depreciation are as follows:


Buildings
27 to 40 years
Leasehold improvements
  5 to 10 years
Machinery and equipment
  5 to 12 years
Office furniture, data processing equipment and software
  3 to 7 years


Goodwill and Other Indefinite Lived Intangibles

Goodwill and Other indefinite-lived intangibles are subject to an assessment for impairment at least annually or more frequently if events or circumstances indicate that goodwill or other indefinite lived intangibles might be impaired. The Company performs its annual assessment of impairment as of January 31.

For goodwill, the first step is to identify whether a potential impairment exists. This is done by comparing the fair value of a reporting unit to its carrying amount, including goodwill. Fair value for each of the Company’s reporting units is estimated utilizing a combination of valuation techniques, namely the discounted cash flow methodology and the market multiple analysis. The discounted cash flow analysis assumes the fair value of an asset can be estimated by the economic benefit or net cash flows the asset will generate over the life of the asset, discounted to its present value. The discounting process uses a rate of return that accounts for both the time value of money and the investment risk factors. The market multiple analysis estimates fair value based on what other participants in the market have recently paid for reasonably similar assets. Adjustments are made to compensate for differences between the reasonably similar assets and the assets being valued. If the fair value of the reporting unit exceeds the carrying value, no further analysis is necessary. The fair value of the reporting units is derived by using a combination of the two valuation techniques described above.  If the carrying amount of the reporting unit exceeds its fair value, the second step is performed. The second step compares the carrying amount of the goodwill to the estimated fair value of the goodwill. If fair value is less than the carrying amount, an impairment loss is reported as a reduction to the goodwill and a charge to operating expense.

For indefinite-lived intangible assets, the Company uses the relief from royalty method to estimate the fair value for indefinite-lived intangible assets and compares this value to book value. The underlying concept of the relief from royalty method is that the inherent economic value of intangibles is directly related to the timing of future cash flows associated with the intangible asset. Similar to the income approach or discounted cash flow methodology used to


determine the fair value of goodwill, the fair value of indefinite-lived intangible assets is equal to the present value of after-tax cash flows associated with the intangible asset based on an applicable royalty rate. The royalty rate is determined by using existing market comparables for royalty agreements. The arms-length agreements generally support a rate that is a percentage of direct sales. This approach is based on the premise that the free cash flow is a more valid criterion for measuring value than “book” or accounting profits.

Impairment of Long-Lived Assets

The Company reviews long-lived assets, including property, plant and equipment and other intangibles with definite lives for impairment or whenever events or changes in circumstances indicated that the carrying amount of such an asset might not be recoverable. When indicators are present, management determines whether there has been an impairment on long-lived assets held for use in the business by comparing anticipated undiscounted future cash flow from the use and eventual disposition of the asset or asset group to the carrying value of the asset. The amount of any resulting impairment is calculated by comparing the carrying value to the fair value.  Long-lived assets that meet the definition of held for sale are valued at the lower of carrying amount or net realizable value. Assets or asset groups are determined at the lowest level possible for which identifiable cash flows are largely independent of the cash flows of other assets and liabilities. For assets whose aggregate undiscounted cash flows are less than its carrying value, the assets are considered potentially impaired and actual impairments, if any, would be determined to the extent the assets carrying value exceeds its aggregate fair value.

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)

Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) includes net earnings (loss), as reported in the Consolidated Statements of Earnings (Loss) and Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) (“OCI”). OCI is comprised of foreign currency cumulative translation adjustments, unrealized gains and losses on certain investments in debt and equity securities, the net gains and losses on cash flow hedging instruments and net investment hedges and a realized gain on a Pension Plan termination.  The Company reports, by major components and as a single total, the change in comprehensive income (loss) during the period as part of the Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity.

The following table presents the components of the Company’s AOCI, net of deferred tax liabilities of $9.0 million and $8.6 million as of  January 31, 2010 and 2011, respectively:


(In thousands)
 
Foreign currency translation adjustments
   
Unrealized gain (loss) on certain investments
   
Net gain (loss) on cash flow hedges
   
Net gain on net investment hedges
   
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)
 
                               
Balance at January 31, 2010
  $ 16,059     $ (737 )   $ 72     $ 5,197     $ 20,591  
Balance at January 31, 2011
  $ 10,951     $ 534     $ (130 )   $ 5,596     $ 16,951  

Income Taxes

Income tax expense is based on taxable income, statutory tax rates and the impact of non-deductible items. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the expected tax consequences of temporary differences between the tax basis of assets and liabilities and their reported amounts. The Company periodically estimates whether its tax benefits are more likely than not sustainable on audit, based on the technical merits of the position. There are inherent uncertainties related to the interpretation of tax regulations in the jurisdictions in which the Company transacts business. The judgments and estimates made at a point in time may change based on the outcome of tax audits, as well as changes to or further interpretations of regulations. If such changes take place, there is a risk that the Company’s tax rate may increase or decrease in any period.



Deferred tax assets and liabilities reflect the Company’s best estimate of the tax benefits and costs expected to realize in the future. The Company establishes valuation allowances to reduce its deferred tax assets to an amount that will more likely than not be realized.

In accordance with ASC 740, “Income Taxes” (“ASC 740”), the Company recognizes the tax benefit from an uncertain tax position only if it is more likely than not that the tax position will be capable of withstanding examination by the taxing authorities based on the technical merits of the position. A number of years may elapse before an uncertain tax position for which we have established a tax reserve is audited and finally resolved, and the number of years for which we have audits that are open varies depending on the tax jurisdiction (a current summary is provided in Note 15 to the Consolidated Financial Statements). When facts and circumstances change, we reassess these probabilities and record any necessary adjustments to the provision.

During fiscal 2010 and 2011, the Company determined that a portion of its undistributed foreign earnings are not reinvested indefinitely by its non-U.S. subsidiaries, and accordingly, recorded a deferred income tax expense related to these undistributed earnings. The Company periodically reassesses whether the non-U.S. subsidiaries will invest their undistributed earnings indefinitely.

Revenue Recognition

Revenues consist of sales to customers, net of returns and allowances. The Company recognizes revenue upon delivery, when both title and risk of loss are transferred to the customer. The Company presents revenues net of any taxes collected from customers and remitted to governmental authorities.

The Company records estimated reductions to revenue for customer programs, which may include special pricing agreements for specific customers, volume incentives and other promotions.  The Company also records reductions to revenue, based primarily on historical experience, for estimated customer returns and chargebacks that may arise as a result of shipping errors, product damage in transit or for other reasons that can only become known subsequent to recognizing the revenue.  In some instances, the Company receives payment in advance of product delivery.  Such advance payments occur primarily in the direct selling and direct marketing channels and are recorded as deferred revenue.  Upon delivery of product for which advance payment has been made, the related deferred revenue is reversed and recorded to revenue. Gift card sales are also included in deferred revenue. Upon expiration or redemption, the related deferred revenue is recorded to revenue. The Company considers applicable escheat laws and historical redemption data when realizing gift card revenue.

The Company has established an allowance for doubtful accounts for its trade and note receivables. The allowance is determined based on the Company’s evaluation of specific customers’ ability to pay, aging of receivables, historical experience and the current economic environment.

Some of the Company’s business units offer seasonal dating programs pursuant to which qualifying customers are offered extended payment terms for seasonal product shipments, which is a common practice in some of its industries. The sales price for the Company’s products sold pursuant to such seasonal dating programs is fixed prior to the time of shipment to the customer. Customers do not have the right to return product, except for rights to return that the Company believes are typical of the industry for such reasons as damaged goods, shipping errors or similar occurrences. The Company is not required to repurchase products from its customers and does not have regular practice of doing so. The Company does not make any sales under consignment or similar arrangements.

 
 
Earnings per Common and Common Equivalent Share
 
Basic earnings per common share and common share equivalents are computed based upon the weighted average number of shares outstanding during the period. These outstanding shares include both outstanding common shares and vested restricted stock units (“RSUs”) as common stock equivalents. Diluted earnings per common share and common share equivalents reflect the potential dilution that could occur if options and fixed awards to be issued under stock-based compensation arrangements were converted into common stock.

Employee Stock Compensation

The Company has share-based compensation plans as described in Note 17 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.  In accordance with U.S. Generally Accepted Accounting Principals (“GAAP”) the Company measures and records compensation expense, based on estimated fair values, for all share-based awards made to employees and directors, including stock options, restricted stock and restricted stock units.  The Company recognizes compensation expense for share-based awards expected to vest on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period of the award based on their grant date fair value.

Operating Expenses

Cost of goods sold includes the cost of raw materials and their procurement costs, inbound and outbound freight, and the direct and indirect costs associated with the personnel, resources and property plant and equipment related to the manufacturing, warehousing, inventory management and order fulfillment functions. Selling expenses include customer service costs, the costs associated with trade shows and showrooms, catalog costs including printing and shipping, commissions paid to consultants, the salaries and benefits related to personnel within the marketing and selling functions, costs associated with promotional offers to independent consultants, and other selling and marketing expenses. Administrative and other expenses includes salaries and related benefits associated with various administrative departments, including human resources, legal, information technology, finance and executive, as well as professional fees and administrative facility costs associated with leased buildings, office equipment and supplies.

Promotional Offers to Independent Consultants, Hostesses and Guests

PartyLite’s sales are generated by its independent consultants, who strive to maximize three interrelated objectives, namely selling product, scheduling (or booking) parties and recruiting new consultants. In order to encourage its consultants to accomplish these goals, PartyLite makes monthly promotional offers including free or discounted products to hostesses and guests holding and attending shows and annual incentive trips and the payment of bonuses to consultants.

Promotions including free or discounted products are designed to increase revenues by providing incentives for guests attending the parties and hostesses holding the shows. These include (1) discounted product offers to hostesses who hold shows or meet certain sales objectives at the shows, (2) offering free or discounted products to guests whose purchases exceed a certain level, and (3) offering special “party only” discount offers by guests attending a show. Promotional offers for free products are recorded as a charge to Cost of goods sold when incurred, and promotional offers for discounted products are recorded as a reduction of revenue when incurred with the full cost of the product being charged to Cost of goods sold.



Annual incentive trips (paid for by PartyLite for consultants) and bonuses (usually in the form of cash or an allowance against the cost of an incentive trip) are awarded to consultants who recruit new consultants during promotional periods or achieve certain sales levels. Estimated costs related to these promotional offers are recorded as compensation within Selling expense as they are earned. During fiscal 2009, 2010 and 2011, related promotional expenses were recorded of $9.8 million, $8.2 million and $7.2 million, respectively.

Advertising and Catalog Costs

The Company expenses the costs of advertising as incurred, except the costs for direct-response advertising, which are capitalized and amortized over the expected period of future benefit.

Direct-response advertising relates to the Miles Kimball business and consists primarily of the costs to produce direct-mail order catalogs. The capitalized production costs are amortized for each specific catalog mailing over the period following catalog distribution in proportion to revenues (orders) received, compared to total estimated revenues for that particular catalog mailing. The amortization period is generally from three to six months and does not exceed twelve months.

In certain of the Company’s Wholesale and Direct Selling businesses, catalog production costs are capitalized and expensed as the catalogs are distributed, generally over less than a twelve month period.

Other

On January 30, 2009, the Company executed a 1-for-4 reverse stock split. Concurrent with this split the Company reduced its authorized common shares from 100,000,000 to 50,000,000 but did not adjust the par value of each common share, which was and remains at $0.02 per share. The fiscal 2009 Common stock and Additional contributed capital balances should have reflected this adjustment. The Company has corrected the classification between these two equity accounts. The following table displays the impact to the individual line items of the Consolidated Balance Sheets and Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity as of January 31, 2009:


             
(In thousands)
 
As Previously Reported
   
As Restated
   
Adjustment
 
Common stock
  $ 1,019     $ 255     $ (764 )
Additional contributed capital
    140,543       141,307       764  

This immaterial restatement had no impact on the Company’s consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

Note 2.       New Accounting Pronouncements
 
The following is a list of accounting standard updates either adopted by the Company for fiscal 2011 or standards that could have a significant impact on future financial statements or disclosures upon adoption:

In December 2010, the FASB issued ASU 2010-29, “Business Combinations (Topic 805): Disclosure of supplementary pro forma information for business combinations.” This update changes the disclosure of pro forma information for business combinations. These changes clarify that if a public entity presents comparative financial statements, the entity should disclose revenue and earnings of the combined entity as though the business combination that
 

occurred during the current year had occurred as of the beginning of the comparable prior annual reporting period only. Also, the existing supplemental pro forma disclosures were expanded to include a description of the nature and amount of material, nonrecurring pro forma adjustments directly attributable to the business combination included in the reported pro forma revenue and earnings. These changes become effective for Blyth beginning February 1, 2011. The Company’s adoption of this update did not have an impact on the Company’s consolidated financial condition or results of operations.

In December 2010, the FASB issued ASU 2010-28, “Intangible –Goodwill and Other (Topic 350): When to perform Step 2 of the goodwill impairment test for reporting units with zero or negative carrying amounts.”  This update requires an entity to perform all steps in the test for a reporting unit whose carrying value is zero or negative if it is more likely than not (more than 50%) that a goodwill impairment exists based on qualitative factors, resulting in the elimination of an entity’s ability to assert that such a reporting unit’s goodwill is not impaired and additional testing is not necessary despite the existence of qualitative factors that indicate otherwise. These changes become effective for Blyth beginning February 1, 2011. Based on the most recent impairment review of Blyth’s goodwill in January 2011, management has determined these changes will not have an impact on the Company’s consolidated financial condition or results of operations.

In January 2010, the FASB issued ASU 2010-06, "Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures (Topic 820) - Improving Disclosures about Fair Value Measurements" (“ASU 2010-06”). ASU 2010-06 requires new disclosures regarding transfers in and out of the Level 1 and 2 and activity within Level 3 fair value measurements and clarifies existing disclosures of inputs and valuation techniques for Level 2 and 3 fair value measurements. The new disclosures and clarifications of existing disclosures are effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2009, except for the disclosure of activity within Level 3 fair value measurements, which is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2010, and for interim periods within those years. The adoption of this update did not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial condition or results of operations.

In April 2010, the FASB issued ASU 2010-13, "Compensation—Stock Compensation (Topic 718) - Effect of Denominating the Exercise Price of a Share-Based Payment Award in the Currency of the Market in Which the Underlying Equity Security Trades (A consensus of the FASB Emerging Issues Task Force)" (“ASU 2010-13”). ASU 2010-13 clarifies that a share-based payment award with an exercise price denominated in the currency of a market in which a substantial portion of the entity’s equity securities trades should not be considered to contain a condition that is not a market, performance, or service condition. Therefore, such an award should not be classified as a liability if it otherwise qualifies as equity. This clarification of existing practice is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning on or after December 15, 2010, with early application permitted. The Company’s adoption of this update did not have an impact on the Company’s consolidated financial condition or results of operations.

Note 3.       Business Acquisitions
 
In August 2008, the Company signed a definitive agreement to purchase ViSalus Holdings, LLC (“ViSalus”), a direct seller of weight management products, nutritional supplements and energy drinks, through a series of investments.

On October 21, 2008, the Company completed its initial investment and acquired a 43.6% equity interest in ViSalus for $13.0 million in cash. Additionally, as provided in the acquisition agreement, and amended in September 2009, the Company has provided ViSalus with a $3.0 million revolving credit facility through July 2014, of which $3.0 million was outstanding as of January 31, 2011 and 2010. The Company may be required to make additional purchases of
 

ViSalus’ equity interest to increase our equity ownership over time to 57.5%, 72.7% and 100.0%. These additional purchases are conditioned upon ViSalus meeting certain operating targets in calendar years 2010, 2011 and 2012. The purchase prices of the additional investments are based on ViSalus’ future operating results.  The Company has the option to acquire the remaining interest in ViSalus, even if they do not meet the predefined operating targets.

The Company has accounted for the acquisition of ViSalus as a business combination under SFAS No. 141 “Business Combinations,” since the Company obtained control of ViSalus prior to the effective date of ASC 805. The Company analyzed the criteria for consolidation in accordance with ASC 810, and has determined it has control of ViSalus based on the following factors.  ViSalus is currently majority owned collectively by Blyth and Ropart Asset Management Fund, LLC and Ropart Asset Management Fund II, LLC (collectively, “RAM”), a related party (see Note 16 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information).  Moreover, the Company has taken into account the composition of ViSalus’ three-member board of managers, one of whom is an executive officer of the Company, one of whom is a principal of RAM and one of whom is a founder and executive officer of ViSalus. Additionally, the Company and RAM together control ViSalus’ compensation committee and control the compensation of the ViSalus executive officer who serves on ViSalus’ board of managers. Consequently, all of the members of ViSalus’ board of managers may be deemed to operate under the Company’s influence.

The Company has also taken into account ViSalus’ governing documents, which afford the Company significant rights with respect to major corporate actions and the right to force the other owners of ViSalus’ equity instruments to sell them in some corporate transactions.  Finally, the Company considered the mechanisms that are in place to permit it to purchase the remaining noncontrolling interest in ViSalus over the next several years.

As discussed above, the Company is required to purchase the remaining noncontrolling interests in ViSalus if ViSalus meets certain operating targets. As a result, these noncontrolling interests were determined to be redeemable and are accounted for in accordance with the guidance of ASC 480-10-S99-3A, and the non-codified portions of Emerging Issues Task Force Topic D-98, “Classification and Measurement of Redeemable Securities.” Accordingly, the Company had begun recognizing these noncontrolling interests outside of permanent equity and accreted changes in their redemption value through the date of redemption during the time at which it was probable that the noncontrolling interests would be redeemed.  The accretion of the redemption value had been recognized as a charge to retained earnings, and to the extent that the resulting redemption value exceeds the fair value of the noncontrolling interests, the differential was reflected in the Company’s earnings per share (“EPS”).  During the second quarter of fiscal 2010 ViSalus’ revenue forecast for the prior fiscal year was revised downward as a result of lower demand for its product, reflecting lower consumer spending attributed to the domestic economic recession and a higher than anticipated attrition rate in its distributor base. These factors together have required management to focus its efforts on stabilizing its distributor base and curtailing its international expansion plans. Accordingly, management reduced its long-term forecasts in response to the weakening demand for its products. The revisions in ViSalus’ near-term and long-term projections have resulted in management concluding that it is no longer probable that Blyth would be obligated to purchase the remaining ownership interest in ViSalus. Accordingly, during the second quarter of fiscal 2010, the Company reversed both its accretion of its redeemable noncontrolling interest to zero and the previous EPS accretion adjustment for the portion in excess of fair value. ViSalus did not meet its predefined operating target for calendar year 2010. However, we have the right to waive this requirement and increase our ownership interest to 57.5%. As such the amount representing the allocation of losses equivalent to the noncontrolling interest in ViSalus has been reclassified to Stockholder’s equity as noncontrolling interest as it is no longer redeemable. If we elect to increase our ownership interest to 57.5% in ViSalus in 2011, the noncontrolling interest will become redeemable and as such we will be required to make the additional purchases of ViSalus in 2012 and 2013 if ViSalus meets it predefined operating targets in those years.

 
If ViSalus meets its projected operating targets, the total expected redemption value of noncontrolling interest will be approximately $37.6 million paid through 2014. The total expected redemption value could increase or decrease depending upon whether ViSalus exceeds or falls short of its operating projections.

The acquisition of ViSalus by Blyth involves related parties, as discussed in Note 16 to the Consolidated Financial Statements. In addition to Blyth, the other owners of ViSalus consist of: its three founders (each of whom currently own approximately 11.7% of ViSalus for a total of 35.3%) (“the founders”), RAM which currently owns 15.2%, and a small group of employees who collectively own approximately 5.9% of ViSalus. Blyth’s initial investment in ViSalus of $13.0 million was paid to ViSalus ($2.5 million), RAM ($3.0 million) and each of the three founders ($2.5 million each).  Mr. Goergen, Blyth’s chairman and chief executive officer, beneficially owns approximately 33.4% of Blyth’s outstanding common stock, and together with members of his family, owns substantially all of RAM.

On February 1, 2010, ViSalus received a financing commitment from the founders and RAM for up to $1.2 million to fund its operations for calendar year 2010, $0.6 million of which has been borrowed as of January 31, 2011.  The loan is due on February 28, 2011 and interest accrues at 10% per annum payable quarterly in arrears.  In addition to the 10% interest, the loan requires ViSalus to pay a further lump-sum interest payment at maturity of $0.6 million in addition to its principal amount due. In April 2010, the Company also loaned ViSalus an additional $0.3 million which is due on February 28, 2011. The loan accrues interest at 10% per annum payable quarterly in arrears. These loans are secured by ViSalus’ assets and have preference over all existing loans from the founders, RAM and the Company.

As of January 31, 2011, ViSalus had outstanding notes payable, excluding interest, to RAM and the founders of $3.2 million, in addition to $3.3 million due to Blyth.

On February 28, 2011, ViSalus repaid $0.6 million of the loan due to founders and RAM and also the lump-sum interest payment of $0.6 million due at maturity on the loan. In March 2011, ViSalus paid the loan balance of $3.3 million including interest accrued, due to Blyth.

Note 4.       Restructuring and Impairment Charges
 
During fiscal 2007, the Company recorded charges related to the restructuring of the North American operations of the Direct Selling segment in recognition of the decline in sales in this channel. Restructuring charges associated with the termination of 91 employees included severance costs of $1.5 million and lease termination expenses of $0.5 million related to the impairment of a North American distribution facility. Adjustments to lease termination costs of $1.7 million, $0.1 million and $0.8 million were recorded to Costs of goods sold, in fiscal 2009, 2010 and 2011, respectively, based on changes in our estimate of the ability to sub-lease the property. In fiscal 2011, given the limited lease term and market conditions, the Company fully impaired the lease assuming no future sub-lease income through its lease expiration in fiscal 2013.


The following is a tabular rollforward of the restructuring charges described above that were recorded on the Consolidated Balance Sheets of the Company:

 
   
Wholesale Segment
   
Direct Selling
Segment
       
(In thousands)
 
Severance Costs
   
Lease Obligation
   
Severance Cost
   
Total
 
Balance at January 31, 2008
  $ 138     $ 1,151     $ 100     $ 1,389  
     Changes in estimate during fiscal 2009
    -       1,701               1,701  
     Payments made in fiscal 2009
    (138 )     (865 )     (100 )     (1,103 )
Balance at January 31, 2009
  $ -     $ 1,987     $ -     $ 1,987  
     Changes in estimate during fiscal 2010
    -       129       -       129  
     Payments made in fiscal 2010
    -       (789 )     -       (789 )
Balance at January 31, 2010
  $ -     $ 1,327     $ -     $ 1,327  
     Changes in estimate during fiscal 2011
    -       832       -       832  
     Payments made in fiscal 2011
    -       (788 )     -       (788 )
Balance at January 31, 2011
  $ -     $ 1,371     $ -     $ 1,371  


Note 5.      Investments

The Company considers all money market funds and debt instruments, including certificates of deposit and commercial paper, purchased with an original maturity of three months or less to be cash equivalents, unless the assets are restricted. The carrying value of cash and cash equivalents approximates their fair value.

The Company’s investments as of January 31, 2011 consisted of a number of financial securities including equity securities, preferred stocks, certificates of deposit, and an investment in a limited liability company. The Company accounts for its investments in equity instruments in accordance with ASC 320, “Investments – Debt & Equity Securities.”

The following table summarizes, by major security type, the amortized costs and fair value of the Company’s investments:


   
January 31, 2010
   
January 31, 2011
 
(In thousands)
 
Cost Basis 1
   
Fair Value
   
Net unrealized gain (loss) in AOCI
   
Cost Basis 1
   
Fair Value
   
Net unrealized gain (loss) in AOCI
 
Auction Rate Securities
    10,000       9,424       (576 )     10,000       8,700       -  
Equity securities
    6,103       6,256       153       4,620       5,118       498  
Certificates of deposit
    7,413       7,413       -       2,065       2,065       -  
   Total available for sale investments
  $ 23,516     $ 23,093     $ (423 )   $ 16,685     $ 15,883     $ 498  
Equity method investment in LLC 2
            979                       393          
   Total investments
          $ 24,072                     $ 16,276          
                                                 
1) The cost basis represents the actual amount paid or the basis assumed following a permanent impairment of that asset. The equity securities consist of $4.6 million for preferred stock as of January 31, 2011.
 
The basis for the preferred stock was their fair value as of February 1, 2009, the date that they were reclassified from trading to available for sale.
                 
2) The equity method investment is reported at cost, adjusted by the Company's proportionate share of investee's earnings or loss. This may not be equal to the investment's fair market value.
 
The Company recorded impairment charge of $0.6 million for the twelves months ended January 31,2011.
                           

Short-term investments held as of January 31, 2010 and 2011 consist of $5.0 million of certificates of deposit that have maturities greater than three months but less than twelve months and an auction rate security valued at $8.7 million. The certificates of deposits are recorded at cost and interest earned on these is realized in Interest income in the Consolidated Statements of Earnings (Loss). In conjunction with a decision made prior to year end, the ARS was sold in February 2011 and is presented as short-term investments as of January 31, 2011 in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. The Company determined that the decrease in value of its ARS was other than temporary and therefore recorded a charge of $1.3 million representing the difference in the par value of the ARS of $10.0 million and its liquidated value of $8.7 million. The charge of $1.3 million was recorded in Foreign exchange and other in the Consolidated Statements of Earnings (Loss) for the year ended January 31, 2011.


As of January 31, 2010 and 2011, the Company held $6.3 million and $5.1 million of preferred stock investments which are classified as long-term available for sale securities. Unrealized gains and/or losses on these investments that are considered temporary are recorded in AOCI. These securities are valued based on quoted prices in inactive markets. For the year ended January 31, 2010 and 2011, the Company recorded an unrealized gain net of tax of $0.1 million and $0.3 million, respectively, in AOCI.

The following table summarizes the proceeds and realized gains and losses on the sale of available for sale investments recorded in Foreign exchange and other within the Consolidated Statements of Earnings (Loss). Gains and losses are calculated using the specific identification method.


(In thousands)
 
Year Ended January 31,
 
   
2010
   
2011
 
Net proceeds
  $ 5,238     $ 1,889  
Realized gains (losses)
  $ (870 )   $ (894 )


The Company holds an investment in a limited liability company (“LLC”) obtained through its ViSalus acquisition. The LLC is accounted for under the equity method as the Company holds a minority interest in this company. The Company recorded an impairment charge of $0.6 million in fiscal 2011, reflecting a downward revision of its current and long term forecasted revenue and profits. This impairment was recorded in the Consolidated Statement of Earnings (Loss) in Foreign exchange and other. As Blyth owns a 43.6% share in ViSalus, a portion of this impairment is attributable to noncontrolling interest and therefore, the net impairment recorded to Blyth’s Net earnings is $0.3 million. The investment in this LLC involves related parties as discussed in Note 16.

Also included in long-term investments are certificates of deposit that are held as collateral for the Company’s outstanding standby letters of credit. These investments are recorded at cost and interest earned is recorded in Interest income in the Consolidated Statements of Earnings (Loss).

In addition to the investments noted above, the Company holds mutual funds as part of a deferred compensation plan which are classified as available for sale. As of January 31, 2010 and 2011, the fair value of these securities was $1.0 million. These securities are valued based on quoted prices in an active market. Unrealized gains and losses on these securities are recorded in AOCI. These mutual funds are included in Other assets in the Consolidated Balance Sheets.

Note 6.       Inventories

The major components of Inventories are as follows:

 
January 31, (In thousands)
 
2010
   
2011
 
Raw materials
  $ 8,482     $ 7,840  
Finished goods
    93,721       100,382  
   Total
  $ 102,203     $ 108,222  

As of January 31, 2010 and 2011, the inventory valuation adjustments totaled $15.0 million and $16.4 million, respectively. The Company recorded provisions for obsolete, excess and unmarketable inventory to Cost of goods sold in the Consolidated Statements of Earnings (Loss) for fiscal 2009, 2010 and 2011 of $6.1 million, $4.5 million and $9.2 million, respectively.





Note 7.       Prepaid and Other

Prepaid and other consists of the following:

January 31, (In thousands)
 
2010
   
2011
 
Income and other taxes
  $ 2,269     $ 1,736  
Catalogs
    6,319       7,407  
Promotions
    3,952       3,013  
Foreign exchange forward contracts
    144       15  
Asset available for sale
    -       5,865  
Other
    11,313       9,547  
   Total
  $ 23,997     $ 27,583  

Note 8.       Derivatives and Other Financial Instruments

The Company uses foreign exchange forward contracts to hedge the impact of foreign currency fluctuations on foreign denominated inventory purchases, net assets of our foreign operations, intercompany payables and loans. It does not hold or issue derivative financial instruments for trading purposes. The Company has hedged the net assets of certain of its foreign operations through foreign currency forward contracts. The realized and unrealized gains/losses on these hedges are recorded within AOCI until the investment is sold or disposed of. As of January 31, 2011, there were no outstanding net investment hedges. The cumulative net after-tax gain related to net investment hedges in AOCI as of January 31, 2010 and January 31, 2011 was $5.2 million and $5.6 million, respectively.
 
The Company has designated its foreign currency forward contracts related to certain foreign denominated loans and intercompany payables as fair value hedges. The gains or losses on the fair value hedges are recognized into earnings and generally offset the transaction gains or losses in the foreign denominated loans that they are intended to hedge.

The Company has designated forward exchange contracts on forecasted intercompany inventory purchases and future purchase commitments as cash flow hedges and as long as the hedge remains effective and the underlying transaction remains probable, the effective portion of the changes in the fair value of these contracts will be recorded in AOCI until earnings are affected by the variability of the cash flows being hedged. Upon payment of each commitment, the underlying forward contract is closed and the corresponding gain or loss is transferred from AOCI and is realized in the Consolidated Statements of Earnings (Loss). If a hedging instrument is sold or terminated prior to maturity, gains and losses are deferred in AOCI until the hedged item is settled.  However, if the hedged item is probable of not occurring, the resultant gain or loss on the terminated hedge is recognized into earnings immediately. The net after-tax loss included in accumulated AOCI at January 31, 2011 for cash flow hedges is $0.1 million and is expected to be transferred into earnings within the next twelve months upon settlement of the underlying commitment.

For financial statement presentation, net cash flows from such hedges are classified in the categories of the Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows with the items being hedged. Forward contracts held with each bank are presented within the Consolidated Balance Sheets as a net asset or liability, based on netting agreements with each bank and whether the forward contracts are in a net gain or loss position. The foreign exchange contracts outstanding have maturity dates through October 2011.


The table below details the fair value and location of the Company’s hedges in the Consolidated Balance Sheets:
 
(In thousands)
 
January 31, 2010
   
January 31, 2011
 
 
Derivatives designated as hedging instruments
     
Prepaid and Other
       
Accrued Expenses
       
Prepaid and Other
       
Accrued Expenses
Foreign exchange forward contracts in an asset position
  $ 144     $ 56     $ 19     $ 83  
Foreign exchange forward contracts in a liability position
    (56 )     (125 )     (18 )     (380 )
   Net derivatives at fair value
  $ 88     $ (69 )   $ 1     $ (297 )


Gain and loss activity related to the Company’s cash flow hedges for the year ended January 31, are as follows:

Cash Flow Hedging Relationships
Amount of Gain (Loss) Recognized in
AOCI on Derivative (Effective Portion)
Location of Gain (Loss) Reclassified from AOCI into Income (Effective Portion)
Amount of Gain (Loss) Reclassified from
AOCI into Income (Effective Portion)
(In thousands)
2010
2011
 
2010
2011
Foreign exchange forward contracts
$90
($310)
Cost of goods sold
($1,410)
$540

For the year ended January 31, 2010 and 2011, the Company recorded a gain of $0.7 million and $0.4 million, respectively, to AOCI related to foreign exchange forward contracts accounted for as Net Investment hedges.

For the fiscal year ended January 31, 2010 and 2011, the Company recorded losses of $1.2 and   $0.7 million, respectively, related to foreign exchange forward contracts accounted for as Fair Value hedges, to Foreign exchange and other.

Note 9.       Goodwill and Other Intangibles

Goodwill is subject to an assessment for impairment using a two-step fair value-based test and, as such, other intangibles are also subject to impairment reviews, which must be performed at least annually or more frequently if events or circumstances indicate that goodwill or other indefinite- lived intangibles might be impaired.

The Company performs its annual assessment of impairment as of January 31st.  For goodwill, the first step is to identify whether a potential impairment exists. This is done by comparing the fair value of a reporting unit to its carrying amount, including goodwill.  Fair value for each of the Company’s reporting units is estimated utilizing a combination of valuation techniques, namely the discounted cash flow methodology and the market multiple methodology. The discounted cash flow methodology assumes the fair value of an asset can be estimated by the economic benefit or net cash flows the asset will generate over the life of the asset, discounted to its present value. The discounting process uses a rate of return that accounts for both the time value of money and the investment risk factors. The market multiple methodology estimates fair value based on what other participants in the market have recently paid for reasonably similar assets. Adjustments are made to compensate for differences between the reasonably similar assets and the assets being valued. If the fair value of the reporting unit exceeds the carrying value, no further analysis is necessary. If the carrying amount of the reporting unit exceeds its fair value, the second step is performed. The second step compares the carrying amount of the goodwill to the estimated fair value of the goodwill. If fair value is less than the carrying amount, an impairment loss is reported as a reduction to the goodwill and a charge to operating expense.

In the second quarter of fiscal 2010, the ViSalus business, within the Direct Selling segment, revised downward its revenues forecast for the current fiscal year as a result of lower demand for its product reflecting lower consumer spending attributed to the domestic economic recession and a higher than anticipated attrition rate in its distributor base. These factors together have required management to focus its efforts on stabilizing its distributor base and
 

curtailing its international expansion plans. Accordingly, management reduced its short-term and long-term forecasts in response to the weakening demand for its products. The impairment analysis performed indicated that the goodwill in ViSalus was fully impaired, as its fair value was less than its carrying value, including goodwill. Accordingly, the Company recorded a non-cash pre-tax goodwill impairment charge of $13.2 million, during the second quarter of fiscal 2010.

The gross value of goodwill was $15.5 million in the Direct Selling segment. As of January 31, 2011, the carrying amount of the Company’s goodwill within the Direct Selling segment was $2.3 million.

The following table shows changes in goodwill for the fiscal years ended January 31, 2010 and 2011:

(In thousands)
 
Direct Selling
 
Balance as of January 31, 2009
  $ 13,988  
ViSalus acquisition
    1,501  
Impairment charges
    (13,191 )
Balance as of January 31, 2010 and 2011
  $ 2,298  


The Company uses the relief from royalty method to estimate the fair value for indefinite-lived intangible assets. The underlying concept of the relief from royalty method is that the inherent economic value of intangibles is directly related to the timing of future cash flows associated with the intangible asset. Similar to the income approach or discounted cash flow methodology used to determine the fair value of goodwill, the fair value of indefinite-lived intangible assets is estimated based on the present value of after-tax cash flows associated with the intangible asset based on an applicable royalty rate. The royalty rate is determined by using existing market comparables for royalty agreements using an intellectual property data base. The arms-length agreements generally support a rate that is a percentage of direct sales. This approach is based on the premise that the free cash flow is a more valid criterion for measuring value than “book” or accounting profits.

Other intangible assets include indefinite-lived trade names and trademarks and customer relationships related to the Company’s acquisition of Miles Kimball, Walter Drake and As We Change, which are reported in the Catalog and Internet segment; and other intangible assets of ViSalus, which is reported in the Direct Selling segment.

In connection with the ViSalus goodwill impairment analysis performed for the second quarter of fiscal 2010, the Company also analyzed and recorded additional impairment charges totaling $3.1 million, for certain of the Company’s trade names. This impairment was the result of a downward revision of its revenue forecast, lower consumer spending and higher than anticipated attrition rate in its distributor base.

During fiscal 2011, the Exposures brand under the Miles Kimball business, within the Catalog & Internet segment, experienced substantial declines in revenues when compared to its forecasts and prior years. The Company believes this shortfall in revenue was primarily attributable to decreased consumer spending, due to changes in the business environment and adverse economic conditions. As a result of the impairment analysis performed, the indefinite-lived trade name in this brand was determined to be partially impaired, as the fair value of this brand was less than its carrying value. Accordingly, the Company recorded a non-cash pre-tax impairment charge of $0.3 million resulting in a carrying value of $1.4 million.


The indefinite-lived trade names and trademarks were valued at $9.0 million and $8.6 million as of the fiscal years ended January 31, 2010 and 2011, respectively. The Company does not amortize the indefinite-lived trade names and trademarks, but rather tests for impairment annually as of January 31, and upon the occurrence of a triggering event.

The gross value of all indefinite trade names and trade marks by segment was $28.1 million in the Catalog & Internet segment and $4.2 million in the Direct Selling segment. The gross value of all customer relationships by segment was $15.4 million in the Catalog & Internet segment and $0.3 million in the Direct Selling segment.
 
Other intangible assets include the following:

   
Direct Selling Segment
   
Catalog & Internet Segment
   
Total
 
(In thousands)
 
Indefinite-lived trade names and trademarks
   
Customer relationships
   
Indefinite-lived trade names and trademarks
   
Customer relationships
   
Indefinite-lived trade names and trademarks
   
Customer relationships
 
Other intangibles at January 31, 2009
  $ 4,200     $ 271     $ 7,850     $ 4,519     $ 12,050     $ 4,790  
Amortization
    -       (64 )     -       (1,293 )     -       (1,357 )
Impairments
    (3,100 )     (207 )     -       -       (3,100 )     (207 )
Other intangibles at January 31, 2010
  $ 1,100     $ -     $ 7,850     $ 3,226     $ 8,950     $ 3,226  
Amortization
    -       -       -       (1,084 )     -       (1,084 )
Impairments
    -       -       (300 )     -       (300 )     -  
Other intangibles at January 31, 2011
  $ 1,100     $ -     $ 7,550     $ 2,142     $ 8,650     $ 2,142  

Amortization expense is recorded on an accelerated basis over the estimated lives of the customer lists ranging from 5 to 12 years. Amortization expense was $1.4 million in fiscal 2010 and $1.1 million in fiscal 2011. Estimated amortization expense for the next five fiscal years, beginning with fiscal 2012 is as follows: $0.7 million, $0.6 million, $0.6 million, $0.2 million and an insignificant amount to be amortized in fiscal 2016. The weighted average remaining life of the Company’s customer lists was 4.6 years at January 31, 2011.

Note 10.       Fair Value Measurements
 
The fair-value hierarchy established in ASC 820 prioritizes the inputs used in valuation techniques into three levels as follows:

 
Level-1 – Observable inputs – quoted prices in active markets for identical assets and liabilities
 
Level-2 – Observable inputs other than the quoted prices in active markets for identical assets and liabilities – such as quoted prices for similar instruments, quoted prices for identical or similar instruments in inactive markets, or other inputs that are observable or can be corroborated by observable market data;
 
Level-3 – Unobservable inputs – includes amounts derived from valuation models where one or more significant inputs are unobservable and require the Company to develop relevant assumptions.
 
 

Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis
 
The following table summarizes the financial assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of the measurement date, January 31, 2011, and the basis for that measurement, by level within the fair value hierarchy:

 
(In thousands)
 
Balance as of January 31, 2011
   
Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1)
   
Significant other observable inputs (Level 2)
   
Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3)
 
Financial assets
                       
  Certificates of deposit
  $ 2,065     $ -     $ 2,065     $ -  
  Equity Securities 1
    13,818       -       5,118       8,700  
  Deferred compensation plan assets 2
    978       978       -       -  
  Foreign exchange forward contracts
    102       -       102       -  
    Total
  $ 16,963     $ 978     $ 7,285     $ 8,700  
Financial liabilities
                               
  Foreign exchange forward contracts
  $ (398 )   $ -     $ (398 )   $ -  
1) In February 2011, the Company sold its only remaining Auction Rate Security for $8.7 million. The Company recorded a charge of $1.3 million for the fiscal year ended January 2011 representing the difference in its par and liquidated value.
2) There is an offsetting liability for the obligation to its employees in Other liabilities.
 

The table below summarizes the changes in the fair value of Level-3 financial asset, representing the Company’s only remaining Auction Rate Security, for the twelve month period ended January 31, 2011:


(In thousands)
 
Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3)
 
Fair value February 1, 2010
  $ 9,424  
Reversal of unrealized loss
  $ 576  
Realized loss 1
    (1,300 )
Fair value January 31, 2011
  $ 8,700  
(1) In February 2011, the Company sold its only remaining Auction Rate Security for $8.7 million. The Company recorded
 a charge of $1.3 million for the fiscal year ended January 2011 representing the difference between its par and liquidated value.
 

The Company values its investments in equity securities within the deferred compensation plan using level 1 inputs, by obtaining quoted prices in active markets. The deferred compensation plan assets consist of shares of mutual funds, for which there are quoted prices in an active market. The Company also enters into both cash flow and fair value hedges by purchasing forward contracts. These contracts are valued using level 2 inputs, primarily observable forward foreign exchange rates. The Company values certain preferred stock investments using information classified as level 2. This data consists of quoted prices of identical instruments in an inactive market and third party bid offers. The certificates of deposit have been valued using information classified as level 2, as these are not traded on the open market and are held unsecured by a single counterparty. The equity securities consist of a preferred stock portfolio and one Auction Rate Security that take into consideration many factors including the credit quality of both the issuer and its guarantor and value of the collateral, all of which aids in the determination of the default risk, credit risk and downgrade risk. Additionally, prior to the Company’s determination that the impairment of its ARS was other than temporary, the Company utilized input from valuation specialists in performing discounted cash flow and market analyses. Since there is not an active observable market currently for these securities, they have been classified as a level 3 input.
 
The carrying values of cash and cash equivalents, trade and other receivables and trade payables are considered to be representative of their respective fair values. 
 
 
Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Nonrecurring Basis
 


 
The Company is required, on a non-recurring basis, to adjust the carrying value or provide valuation allowances for certain assets using fair value measurements in accordance with ASC 820. The Company’s assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis include property, plant and equipment, goodwill, intangibles and other assets. These assets are not measured at fair value on a recurring basis; however, they are subject to fair value adjustments in certain circumstances, such as when there is evidence that impairment may exist.
 
The following tables summarizes the assets measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis as of the measurement date, January 31, 2010 and 2011 respectively, by level within the fair value hierarchy and identifies the losses recorded during the fiscal year:


(In thousands)
 
Balance as of January 31, 2010
   
Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1)
   
Significant other observable inputs (Level 2)
   
Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3)
   
Total impairment losses
 
  Goodwill
  $ 2,298     $ -     $ -     $ 2,298     $ (13,191 )
  Indefinite-lived trade names and trademarks
    8,950       -       -       8,950       (3,100 )
  Customer Relationships
    3,226       -       -       3,226       (207 )
  Assets held for sale
    6,492       -       -       6,492       (376 )
                                    $ (16,874 )



(In thousands)
 
Balance as of January 31, 2011
   
Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1)
   
Significant other observable inputs (Level 2)
   
Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3)
   
Total impairment losses
 
  Goodwill
  $ 2,298     $ -     $ -     $ 2,298     $ -  
  Indefinite-lived intangibles
    8,650       -       -       8,650       (300 )
  Customer Relationships
    2,142       -       -       2,142       -  
Property, plant & equipment
    101,501       -       -       101,501       (865 )
Assets held for sale 1
    5,865       -       -       5,865       -  
                                    $ (1,165 )
1) Included in prepaid and other as of January 31, 2011. (See Note 1)
         

Goodwill and indefinite-lived intangibles are subject to impairment testing on an annual basis, or sooner if circumstances indicate a condition of impairment may exist. The valuation uses assumptions such as interest and discount rates, growth projections and other assumptions of future business conditions. These valuation methods require a significant degree of management judgment concerning the use of internal and external data. In the event these methods indicate that fair value is less than the carrying value, the asset is recorded at fair value as determined by the valuation models. As such, the Company classifies goodwill and other intangibles subjected to nonrecurring fair value adjustments as level 3. See Note 9 for further details on the asset impairment review performed during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2011.

The fair value of the Company’s long-lived assets, primarily Property, plant and equipment and assets held for sale, is reviewed whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that carrying amount of a long-lived assets may not be recoverable. Management determines whether there has been an impairment on long-lived assets held for use in the business by comparing anticipated undiscounted future cash flow from the use and eventual disposition of the asset or asset group to the carrying value of the asset.  The amount of any resulting impairment is calculated by comparing the carrying value to the fair value.  Long-lived assets that meet the definition of held for sale are valued at the lower of carrying amount or net realizable value.  Assets or asset groups are determined at the lowest level possible for which identifiable cash flows are largely independent of the cash flows of other assets and liabilities. For assets whose aggregate undiscounted cash flows are less than its carrying value, the assets are considered potentially impaired and actual impairments, if any, would be determined to the extent the assets carrying value exceeds its aggregate fair values. See Note 1 for further details of an impairment charge related to Boca Java long-lived assets in fiscal 2011.



The valuation of these assets uses a significant amount of management’s judgment and relies heavily on the information provided by third parties. The current local real estate market, regional comparatives, estimated concessions and transaction costs are all considered when determining the fair value of these assets. Due to the nature of this information and the assumptions made by management the Company has classified the inputs used in valuing these assets as level 3.
 
Note 11.       Accrued Expenses
 
Accrued expenses consist of the following:


January 31, (In thousands)
 
2010
   
2011
 
Compensation and benefits
  $ 20,269     $ 20,815  
Deferred revenue
    13,645       14,190  
Promotional
    8,235       7,435  
Interest payable
    1,618       2,030  
Taxes, other than income
    2,882       3,270  
Self-insurance reserves
    2,081       1,816  
Postage and freight
    2,446       1,763  
Other
    9,719       9,783  
   Total
  $ 60,895     $ 61,102  

Note 12.       Long-Term Debt
 
Long-term debt consists of the following:


January 31, (In thousands)
 
2010
   
2011
 
5.50% Senior Notes
  $ 99,918     $ 99,940  
Other
    10,626       11,045  
      110,544       110,985  
Less current maturities
    (582 )     (1,330 )
    $ 109,962     $ 109,655  

In May 1999, the Company filed a shelf registration statement for issuance of up to $250.0 million in debt securities with the Securities and Exchange Commission.  On September 24, 1999, the Company issued $150.0 million of 7.90% Senior Notes due October 1, 2009 at a discount of approximately $1.4 million, which was amortized over the life of the notes. During the first nine months of fiscal 2010, the Company repurchased $12.6 million of these notes, settling the debt early, and made principal payments of $24.7 million upon maturity.

On October 20, 2003, the Company issued $100.0 million 5.50% Senior Notes due on November 1, 2013 at a discount of approximately $0.2 million, which is being amortized over the life of the notes. Such notes contain among other provisions, restrictions on liens on principal property or stock issued to collateralize debt. As of January 31, 2011, the Company was in compliance with such provisions. Interest is payable semi-annually in arrears on May 1 and November 1. The notes may be redeemed in whole or in part at any time at a specified redemption price. The proceeds of the debt issuances were used for general corporate purposes.

As of January 31, 2010 and 2011, Miles Kimball had approximately $7.7 million and $7.2 million, respectively, of long-term debt outstanding under a real estate mortgage note payable which


matures June 1, 2020.  Under the terms of the note, payments of principal and interest are required monthly at a fixed interest rate of 7.89%.

As of January 31, 2010 and 2011, Midwest-CBK had $0.1 million of long-term debt outstanding under an Industrial Revenue Bond (“IRB”), which matures on January 1, 2025. The bond is backed by an irrevocable letter of credit issued by a bank and is collateralized by certain of Midwest-CBK’s assets.  The amount outstanding under the IRB bears interest at short-term floating rates, which on a weighted average was 0.6% at January 31, 2011.  Interest payments are required monthly under the terms of the bond.

As of January 31, 2011, ViSalus had two long-term loans totaling $3.2 million outstanding related to notes payable to RAM and ViSalus’ three founders. Under the terms of the notes, interest is accrued at a fixed annual interest rate of 10.0% in addition to the $0.6 million interest cost as a result of ViSalus achieving certain performance criteria see Note 3 for additional information.


Maturities under debt obligations for the fiscal years ending January 31 are as follows (In thousands):
     
2012
  $ 1,330  
2013
    3,422  
2014
    100,629  
2015
    712  
2016
    738  
Thereafter
    4,154  
    $ 110,985  

The Company’s debt is recorded at its amortized cost basis. The estimated fair value of the Company’s $110.5 million and $111.0 million total long-term debt (including current portion) at January 31, 2010 and 2011 was approximately $95.6 million and $110.2 million, respectively.  The fair value of the liability is determined using the fair value of its notes when traded as an asset in an inactive market and is based on current interest rates, relative credit risk and time to maturity. Due to the nature of the information used, the Company considers these to be level 2 measurements.

As of January 31, 2011, the Company had a total of $2.0 million available under an uncommitted bank facility to be used for letters of credit. The issuance of letters of credit under this facility will be available until January 31, 2012. As of January 31, 2011, no amount was outstanding under this facility.

As of January 31, 2011, the Company had $2.1 million in standby letters of credit outstanding that are collateralized with a certificate of deposit.

Note 13.       Employee Benefit Plans
 
The Company has defined contribution employee benefit plans in both the United States and certain of its foreign locations, covering substantially all eligible non-union employees. Contributions to all such plans are principally at the Company’s discretion. Total expense related to all defined contribution plans in the United States for the fiscal years ended January 31, 2009, 2010 and 2011 was $4.5 million, $3.4 million and $3.3 million, respectively. The continued decrease in expense compared to prior periods is primarily due to the reductions in personnel and profit sharing contributions made during the year.

Certain of the Company’s non-U.S. subsidiaries provide pension benefits to employees or participate in government sponsored programs.  The cost of these plans or government sponsored


programs was $1.7 million $2.0 million and $1.8 million in fiscal 2009, 2010 and 2011 respectively. Most employees outside the United States are covered by government sponsored and administered programs. Other contributions to government-mandated programs are not expected to be significant.

The Company entered into an employment agreement with its Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Robert B. Goergen, dated as of August 1, 2000. This contract has been amended and restated from time to time to extend his term of employment and provide other benefits. Benefits pursuant to the agreement have been funded by a purchased annuity contract.

During fiscal 2009, the Company recognized a pre-tax $1.9 million unrealized gain in the Consolidated Statement of Earnings (Loss) due to the termination of Miles Kimball Company Retirement Plan in 2007.

Note 14.       Commitments and Contingencies
 
In August 2008, a state department of revenue proposed to assess additional corporate income taxes on the Company for fiscal years 2002, 2003 and 2004 in the amount of $34.9 million including interest and penalties. The state department of revenue has subsequently reduced this amount to $16.9 million, including interest.  In February 2011, the state department of revenue, issued a notice of intent to assess additional corporate income taxes for fiscal years 2005, 2006 and 2007 in the amount of $14.0 million, including interest and penalties. The Company intends to vigorously protest all of these assessments. As of January 31, 2011, the Company has a reserve for these matters that it believes is adequate based on existing facts and circumstances. The ultimate resolution of these matters could exceed the Company’s recorded reserve in the event of an unfavorable outcome.  It is reasonably possible that losses in excess of the Company’s recorded reserve could be incurred; however, the Company cannot estimate such a loss at this time.

The Company has contingent liabilities that have arisen in the ordinary course of its business, including pending litigation. The Company believes the outcome of these matters and the state department of revenue matter discussed above will not have a material adverse affect on its consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

The Company utilizes operating and capital leases for a portion of its facilities and equipment. Generally, the leases provide that the Company pay real estate taxes, maintenance, insurance and other occupancy expenses applicable to leased premises. Certain leases provide for renewal for various periods at stipulated rates.


The minimum future rental commitments under operating and capital leases for the fiscal years ending January 31 are as follows (In thousands):
     
2012
  $ 15,142  
2013
    10,905  
2014
    6,199  
2015
    4,801  
2016
    3,049  
2017 and thereafter
    8,035  
      Total minimum payments required
  $ 48,131  

Rent expense for the years ended January 31, 2009, 2010 and 2011 was $17.2 million, $16.3 million and $15.5 million, respectively.


Pursuant to the employment agreement identified above, upon the death of both Mr. Goergen and his spouse, the Company will, upon the demand of the estate of either Mr. Goergen or his spouse, buy back from such estate up to 1,875,000 shares of Company Common Stock within 90 days of such demand at the fair market value thereof (as defined in the employment agreement) or register the public offer and sale by such estate of up to 1,875,000 shares of Common Stock. In connection with the employment agreement, the Company and Mr. Goergen entered into a registration rights agreement relating to the registration of up to 1,875,000 shares of Common Stock as described above in the event that the Company chooses not to purchase such shares upon the death of both Mr. Goergen and his spouse. There is no specified effective date or stock price requirement in the agreements and the Company’s only obligation is to use its best efforts to have the registration become effective.  The Company will not be obligated to purchase or register such shares, notwithstanding the death of both Mr. Goergen and his spouse, if the survivor’s estate, or his or her beneficiaries, as the case may be, can then sell all of the shares of the common stock owned by them without registration. At January 31, 2011, the Company has recorded a liability of approximately $0.2 million related to the estimated future costs to register the securities.

The Company has contingent liabilities that have arisen in the ordinary course of its business, including pending litigation. The Company believes the outcome of these matters will not have a material adverse effect on its consolidated financial position, results of operations, or cash flows.

Note 15.       Income Taxes
 
Earnings (loss) from operations before income taxes and minority interest:


Year ended January 31, (In thousands)
 
2009
   
2010
   
2011
 
  United States
  $ (81,843 )   $ (43,387 )   $ (28,689 )
  Foreign
    70,318       65,461       67,095  
    $ (11,525 )   $ 22,074     $ 38,406  


Income tax expense attributable to continuing operations consists of the following:


Year ended January 31, (In thousands)
 
2009
   
2010
   
2011
 
Current  income tax expense:
                 
  Federal
  $ (40 )   $ (10,550 )   $ 4,824  
  State
    2,418       436       (563 )
  Foreign
    12,698       9,044       9,608  
      15,076       (1,070 )     13,869  
Deferred income tax expense (benefit):
                       
  Federal
    (10,277 )     7,253       (360 )
  State
    (757 )     64       240  
  Foreign
    (202 )     (598 )     (131 )
      (11,236 )     6,719       (251 )
    $ 3,840     $ 5,649     $ 13,618  
 

 
Significant components of the Company’s deferred tax assets and liabilities are as follows:
 
January 31, (In thousands)
 
2010
   
2011
 
Deferred tax assets:
           
  Amortization
  $ 17,200     $ 14,418  
  Accrued expenses and other
    7,983       3,624  
  Allowance for doubtful receivables
    1,233       417  
  Employee benefit plans
    3,093       2,831  
  Inventory reserves
    3,788       3,709  
  Net operating loss and other tax credit carryforwards
    25,071       27,095  
  Capital loss carryforward
    11,104       12,154  
  Uncertain tax positions
    4,063       4,042  
  Other reserves
    2,122       2,394  
  Valuation allowance
    (21,036 )     (26,682 )
      54,621       44,002  
Deferred tax liabilities:
               
  Prepaids
    (6,341 )     (7,790 )
  Undistributed foreign earnings
    (28,347 )     (21,932 )
  Depreciation and amortization
    (10,733 )     (10,683 )
      (45,421 )     (40,405 )
Net deferred tax asset
  $ 9,200     $ 3,597  


The Company’s valuation allowance relates to certain U.S. and non-U.S. tax loss carryforwards, state deferred tax assets, and a U.S. capital loss carryforward, for which the Company believes, due to various limitations in these foreign jurisdictions related to the tax loss carryforwards and due to limitations imposed by U.S. federal and state tax regulations, it is more likely than not that such benefits will not be realized. As of January 31, 2011, the Company had net operating loss carryforwards, which consisted of approximately $12.1 million of U.S. federal net operating losses that will expire on January 31, 2023 and 2026, $101.5 million of U.S. state net operating losses that will begin to expire in 2013, and foreign net operating losses of $17.6 million, which will begin to expire in 2012. As of January 31, 2010, the Company had a $32.7 million U.S. capital loss carryforward of which the majority will expire on January 31, 2012.  Finally, the Company has state deferred tax assets of $1.0 million, that due to the fact that the businesses that these assets relate to have a history of net operating losses, it is more likely than not that a benefit for these assets will not be recognized.

As of January 31, 2011, the Company determined that $236.2 million of undistributed foreign earnings were not reinvested indefinitely by its non-U.S. subsidiaries. An accumulated deferred tax liability has been recorded against these undistributed earnings of $21.9 million, a decrease of $6.4 million over the prior year. Of the current year amount, $3.3 million was recorded as an expense for undistributed earnings to the Company’s Net earnings in the current period.

As of January 31, 2011, undistributed earnings of foreign subsidiaries considered permanently reinvested, for which deferred income taxes have not been provided, were approximately $90.9 million. Determining the tax liability that would arise if these earnings were remitted is not practicable.


 
A reconciliation of the provision for income taxes to the amount computed at the federal statutory rate is as follows:
 
Year ended January 31, (In thousands)
 
2009
   
2010
   
2011
 
Tax at statutory rate
  $ (3,918 )   $ 7,726     $ 13,442  
Tax effect of:
                       
   U.S. state income taxes, net of federal benefit
    (1,383 )     348       (112 )
   Tax exempt interest
    (200 )     (23 )     (33 )
   Permanent differences
    283       (220 )     (45 )
   Non-consolidated losses (earnings)
    -       907       (35 )
   Valuation allowance on deferred tax assets
    801       -       -  
   Valuation allowance movement on capital loss carryforward
    (931 )     (263 )     313  
   Change in reserve for tax contingencies
    3,384       (8,745 )     591  
   Non-deductible goodwill impairment
    6,448       4,617       -  
   Foreign dividend and subpart F income
    6,832       8,870       16,775  
   Tax (benefit) on undistributed foreign earnings
    4,079       6,819       (3,259 )
   Foreign tax rate differential
    (12,156 )     (14,470 )     (14,025 )
   Other
    601       83       6  
    $ 3,840     $ 5,649     $ 13,618  

The Company adopted the provisions for recognizing and measuring uncertain tax positions taken or expected to be taken in a tax return that affect amounts reported in the financial statements as required by ASC 740. As a result of the implementation of this guidance, the Company recognized a $6.1 million increase in the liability for unrecognized tax benefits that may not be realized and an asset of $3.3 million. These amounts accounted for a net $2.8 million reduction to the Company’s February 1, 2007 Retained earnings balance. The following is a reconciliation of the total amounts of unrecognized tax benefits excluding interest and penalties during the year ended January 31, 2011:
 
(In thousands)
     
Balance as of February 1, 2010
  $ 12,271  
Gross increases – tax positions prior periods
    -  
Gross decreases – tax positions prior periods
    (11 )
Gross increases – tax positions current period
    247  
Gross decreases – tax positions current period
    (115 )
Decreases – settlements with taxing authorities
    (143 )
Reductions - lapse of statute of limitations
    (38 )
Balance as of January 31, 2011
  $ 12,211  

As of January 31, 2011, the Company had $12.2 million of gross unrecognized tax benefits, excluding interest and penalties. This amount represents the portion that, if recognized, would impact the effective tax rate. The Company recognizes interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits in income tax expense. As of January 31, 2011, the Company had $6.9 million accrued for the payment of interest and penalties, Penalties and interest in the amount of $0.6 million adversely impacted the current year tax rate and favorably impacted the prior year tax rate by $2.7 millions. As of January 2010, the Company had $6.6 million accrued for the payment of interest and penalties. 
Due to the various jurisdictions in which the Company files tax returns and the uncertainty regarding the timing of the settlement of tax audits, it is possible that there could be other significant changes in the amount of unrecognized tax benefits in fiscal 2012, but the amount cannot be estimated.
 
The Company files income tax returns in the U.S. federal jurisdiction, various state and local jurisdictions, and many foreign jurisdictions. The number of years with open tax audits varies depending on the tax jurisdiction. The Company’s major taxing jurisdictions include the United States (including the state jurisdictions of Connecticut, Illinois and Massachusetts), Canada, Germany and Switzerland.  In the United States, the Company is currently open to
 
 
examination by the Internal Revenue Service for fiscal years 2009 and 2010. The Company is currently under audit in a number of states for fiscal years 2002 through 2005 and is open to examination for fiscal years 2005 through 2010. Additionally, in Canada and Germany the Company is open to examination for fiscal years 2007 through 2010. In Switzerland, the Company is open to examination for fiscal 2009 and 2010. 

In August 2008, a state department of revenue proposed to assess additional corporate income taxes on the Company for fiscal years 2002, 2003 and 2004 in the amount of $34.9 million including interest and penalties. The state department of revenue has subsequently reduced this amount to $16.9 million, including interest. In February 2011, the state department of revenue issued a notice of intent to assess additional corporate income taxes for fiscal years 2005, 2006 and 2007 in the amount of $14.0 million, including interest and penalties. The Company intends to vigorously protest all of these assessments. As of January 31, 2011, the Company established a reserve for this matter which it believes is adequate based on existing facts and circumstances. The ultimate resolution of these matters could exceed the Company’s recorded reserve in the event of an unfavorable outcome; however, the Company cannot estimate such a loss at this time.

 
Note 16.        Related Party Transactions

As discussed in Note 3 to the Consolidated Financial Statements, the acquisition of ViSalus by Blyth in October 2008 involved related parties. RAM owns a significant noncontrolling interest in ViSalus. Robert B. Goergen, Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer of the Company; Robert B. Goergen, Jr., Vice President of the Company and President of the Multi-Channel Group; and Todd A. Goergen, son of Robert B. Goergen and Pamela Goergen (who is also a director of the Company), and brother of Robert B. Goergen, Jr., own, directly or indirectly, substantially all of the interests in RAM. Todd A. Goergen was a member of the Board of Managers of ViSalus at the time of acquisition. Mr. Goergen, the Company’s chairman and chief executive officer, beneficially owns approximately 33.4% of the Company’s outstanding common stock, and together with members of his family, owns substantially all of RAM.

On February 1, 2010, ViSalus received a financing commitment from the founders and RAM for up to $1.2 million to fund its operations for calendar year 2010, $0.6 million of which has been borrowed as of January 31, 2011. The loan is due on February 28, 2011 and interest accrues at 10% per annum payable quarterly in arrears. In addition to the 10% interest, the loan requires ViSalus to pay a further lump-sum interest payment at loan maturity of $0.6 million. The loan is secured by ViSalus assets and has preference over existing loans from the founders, RAM and the Company.

As of January 31, 2011, ViSalus had outstanding notes payable, excluding interest, to RAM and the founders of $3.2 million, in addition to $3.3 million due to Blyth.

On February 28, 2011, ViSalus repaid $0.6 million of the loan due to founders and RAM and also the lump-sum interest payment of $0.6 million due at maturity on the loan. In March 2011, ViSalus paid the loan balance of $3.3 million including interest accrued, due to Blyth.

As discussed in Note 5 to the Consolidated Financial Statements, the investment in the LLC involves related parties. RAM holds an approximately 18% interest in the LLC. In addition to this interest, they also have significant influence on the management of the LLC and representation on its board of managers.




Note 17.       Stock-Based Compensation

Effective January 30, 2009, the Company’s common stock and related equity based instruments were subject to a 1-for-4 reverse stock split. All historical stock-based compensation disclosures have been adjusted accordingly.

Summary of Plans

As of January 31, 2011, the Company had one active stock-based compensation plan, the Amended and Restated 2003 Omnibus Incentive Plan (“2003 Plan”), available to grant future awards. In addition, the Company maintains two inactive stock-based compensation plans (the Amended and Restated 1994 Employee Stock Option Plan and the Amended and Restated 1994 Stock Option Plan for Non-Employee Directors), under which vested and unexercised options remain outstanding. There were 1,020,449 shares authorized for grant under these plans as of January 31, 2011, and there were approximately 821,588 shares available for grant under these plans. The Company’s policy is to issue new shares of common stock for all stock options exercised and restricted stock grants.

The Board of Directors and the stockholders of the Company have approved the adoption and subsequent amendments of the 2003 Plan. The 2003 Plan provides for grants of incentive and nonqualified stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock, restricted stock units, performance shares, performance units, dividend equivalents and other stock unit awards to officers and employees. The 2003 Plan also provides for grants of nonqualified stock options to directors of the Company who are not, and who have not been during the immediately preceding 12-month period, officers or employees of the Company or any of its subsidiaries. Restricted stock and restricted stock units (“RSUs”) are granted to certain employees to incent performance and retention. RSUs issued under these plans provide that shares awarded may not be sold or otherwise transferred until restrictions have lapsed. The release of RSUs on each of the vesting dates is contingent upon continued active employment by the employee until the vesting dates. A total of 41,060 RSUs were granted during fiscal 2011.

In accordance with U.S. GAAP, the Company measures and recognizes compensation expense for all share-based payment awards made to employees and directors, including employee stock options, restricted stock and RSUs based on estimated fair values.

Stock-based compensation expense recognized during the period is based on the value of the portion of stock-based payment awards that is ultimately expected to vest during the period. Stock-based compensation expense recognized in the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Earnings (Loss) for the fiscal years ended January 31, 2009, 2010 and 2011 includes compensation expense for restricted stock, RSUs and stock-based awards granted subsequent to January 31, 2006 based on the grant date fair value estimated in accordance with the provisions of  ASC 718, “Compensation—Stock Compensation” (“ASC 718”). The Company recognizes these compensation costs net of a forfeiture rate for only those awards expected to vest, on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period of the award, which is over periods of 3 years for stock options; 2 to 5 years for employee restricted stock and RSUs; and 1 to 2 years for non-employee restricted stock and RSUs. Forfeitures are estimated at the time of grant and revised, if necessary, in subsequent periods if actual forfeitures differ from those estimates.

 



 
Transactions related to restricted stock and RSUs are summarized as follows:
 
   
Shares
   
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value
   
Aggregate Intrinsic Value (In thousands)
 
Nonvested restricted stock and RSUs at January 31, 2009
    75,119     $ 89.51        
    Granted
    83,089       32.64        
    Vested
    (48,653 )     88.14        
    Forfeited
    (8,317 )     67.47        
Nonvested restricted stock and RSUs at January 31, 2010
    101,238     $ 45.31     $ 2,844  
    Granted
    41,060       46.98          
    Vested
    (29,838 )     66.77          
    Forfeited
    (11,415 )     36.54          
Nonvested restricted stock and RSUs at January 31, 2011
    101,045     $ 40.64     $ 3,397  
Total restricted stock and RSUs at January 31, 2011
    137,036     $ 52.64     $ 4,607  

Compensation expense related to restricted stock and RSUs for fiscal 2009, 2010 and 2011 was approximately $1.8 million, $2.7 million and $2.0 million, respectively. The total recognized tax benefit for fiscal 2009, 2010 and 2011 was approximately $0.7 million, $0.9 million and $0.7 million, respectively. The total intrinsic value of restricted stock and RSUs vested during fiscal 2010 and 2011 was $0.9 million and $1.2 million, respectively. The weighted average grant date fair value of restricted stock and RSUs granted during fiscal 2009, 2010 and 2011 was approximately $80, $33 and $47 per share, respectively. The average grant date fair value of restricted stock and RSUs vested during fiscal 2009, 2010 and 2011 was approximately $105, $88 and $67 per share, respectively.

As of January 31, 2011, there was $1.1 million of unearned compensation expense related to non-vested restricted stock and RSU awards. This cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 1.4 years. As of January 31, 2011, 101,045 restricted stock awards with a weighted average grant date fair value of $40.64 are unvested.  The total unrecognized stock-based compensation cost to be recognized in future periods as of January 31, 2011 does not consider the effect of stock-based awards that may be issued in subsequent periods.

Transactions involving stock options are summarized as follows:
 
   
Option Shares
   
Weighted Average Exercise Price
   
Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life
   
Aggregate Intrinsic Value
 
Outstanding at January 31, 2009
    79,425     $ 107.10       3.30       -  
    Options expired
    (17,300 )     104.99                  
Outstanding and exercisable at January 31, 2010
    62,125       107.68       2.42       -  
    Options expired
    (14,525 )     102.86                  
Outstanding and exercisable at January 31, 2011
    47,600     $ 109.16       1.71       -  

At January 31, 2010 and 2011, options to purchase 62,125 and 47,600 shares, respectively, were vested and exercisable.

The aggregate intrinsic value in the table above represents the difference between the Company’s closing stock price on the last trading day of fiscal 2011 and the exercise price, multiplied by the number of in-the-money options that would have been received by the option holders had all option holders exercised their options on January 31, 2011.  Intrinsic value will change in future periods based on the fair market value of the Company’s stock and the number of shares outstanding.  There were no grants or exercises during fiscal 2009, 2010 and 2011.


The Company used the Black-Scholes option-pricing model to determine fair value for stock option grants. The Company’s determination of fair value of stock-based payment awards on the date of grant using an option-pricing model is affected by the Company’s stock price as well as assumptions regarding a number of highly complex and subjective variables. These variables include, but are not limited to, the Company’s expected stock price volatility over the term of the awards, and actual and projected employee stock option exercise behaviors.

Note 18.       Earnings Per Share
 
Effective January 30, 2009, the Company’s common stock and related equity-based instruments were adjusted in a 1-for-4 reverse stock split. In accordance with ASC 260, “Earnings per Share” (“ASC 260”) all historical earnings per share amounts have been adjusted accordingly.

Vested restricted stock units issued under the Company’s stock-based compensation plans participate in a cash equivalent of the dividends paid to common shareholders and are not considered contingently issuable shares. Accordingly, these RSUs are included in the calculation of basic and diluted earnings per share as common stock equivalents. RSUs that have not vested and are subject to a risk of forfeiture are included in the calculation of diluted earnings per share.

The components of basic and diluted earnings per share are as follows:


Year ended January 31, (In thousands)
 
2009
   
2010
   
2011
 
Net earnings (loss) attributable to Blyth, Inc.
  $ (15,480 )   $ 17,694     $ 25,556  
Weighted average number outstanding:
                       
Common shares
    8,961       8,889       8,424  
Vested restricted stock units
    10       23       38  
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding:
                       
         Basic
    8,971       8,912       8,462  
         Dilutive effect of non-vested restricted shares units
    -       22       46  
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding:
                       
         Diluted
    8,971       8,934       8,508  
Basic net earnings (loss) attributable per common share
  $ (1.73 )   $ 1.99     $ 3.02  
Diluted net earnings (loss) attributable per common share
  $ (1.73 )   $ 1.98     $ 3.00  

As of January 31, 2009, 2010 and 2011, options to purchase 79,425, 62,125 and 47,600 shares of common stock, respectively, are not included in the computation of diluted earnings per share because the effect would be antidilutive.

In accordance with ASC 260, diluted earnings per share for the year ended January 31, 2009 have been computed in the same manner as basic earnings per share due to the net loss from operations.

Note 19.       Treasury and Common Stock
 
 
Treasury Stock (In thousands, except shares)
 
Shares
   
Amount
 
Balance at January 31, 2008
    3,639,338     $ (387,885 )
Treasury stock purchases
    202,886       (11,093 )
Balance at January 31, 2009
    3,842,224     $ (398,978 )
Treasury stock purchases
    120,000       (3,981 )
Treasury stock withheld in connection with long-term incentive plan
    9,888       (370 )
Balance at January 31, 2010
    3,972,112     $ (403,329 )
Treasury stock purchases
    582,032       (20,557 )
Treasury stock withheld in connection with long-term incentive plan
    6,870       (324 )
Balance at January 31, 2011
    4,561,014     $ (424,210 )


 
 
Common Stock (In thousands, except shares)
           
Changes in Common Stock were:
 
Shares
   
Amount
 
Balance at January 31, 2008
    12,730,615     $ 254  
Common stock issued in connection with long-term incentive plan
    2,594       1  
Balance at January 31, 2009
    12,733,209     $ 255  
Common stock issued in connection with long-term incentive plan
    32,710       -  
Balance at January 31, 2010
    12,765,919     $ 255  
Common stock issued in connection with long-term incentive plan
    25,596       1  
Balance at January 31, 2011
    12,791,515     $ 256  


Stock Repurchase Plan

For the year ended January 31, 2010 and 2011, the Company has purchased 120,000 and 582,032 shares on the open market, for a cost of $4.0 million and $20.6 million respectively bringing the cumulative total purchased shares to 3,317,602 and a total cost of approximately $249.4 million. A total of 1,182,398 shares remain authorized for purchase under the existing plan. The acquired shares are held as common stock in treasury at cost.

Note 20.       Segment Information
 
The Company’s financial results are reported in three segments - the Direct Selling segment, the Catalog & Internet segment and the Wholesale segment. These reportable segments are based on similarities in distribution channels, customers and management oversight.

Within the Direct Selling segment, the Company designs, manufactures or sources, markets and distributes an extensive line of products including scented candles, candle-related accessories and other fragranced products under the PartyLite® brand.  PartyLite also offers gourmet foods under the Two Sisters Gourmetâ by PartyLiteâ brand name. The Company also operates ViSalus Sciences®, a Direct Selling business, which is focused on selling nutritional supplements and weight management products. Products in this segment are sold in North America through networks of independent sales consultants. PartyLite brand products are also sold in Europe and Australia.

Within the Catalog & Internet segment, the Company designs, sources and markets a broad range of household convenience items, premium photo albums, frames, holiday cards, personalized gifts and kitchen accessories. These products are sold directly to the consumer under the As We Change ®, Easy Comforts®, Exposures®, Home Marketplace®, Miles Kimball® and Walter Drake® brands. These products are sold in North America.

Within the Wholesale segment, the Company designs, manufactures or sources, markets and distributes an extensive line of home fragrance products, candle-related accessories, seasonal decorations such as ornaments and trim, and home décor products such as picture frames, lamps and textiles. Products in this segment are sold primarily in North America to retailers in the premium, specialty and mass channels under the CBK®, Colonial Candle of Cape Cod®, Colonial at HOME® and Seasons of Cannon Falls® brands. In addition, chafing fuel and tabletop lighting products and accessories for the “away from home” or foodservice trade are sold through this segment under the Ambria®, HandyFuel® and Sterno® brands.


 
Operating profit in all segments represent net sales less operating expenses directly related to the business segments and corporate expenses allocated to the business segments. Other income (expense) includes interest expense, interest income and equity in earnings of investees, which are not allocated to the business segments.  Identifiable assets for each segment consist of assets used directly in its operations and intangible assets, if any, resulting
from the purchase of businesses.  Unallocated Corporate within the identifiable assets include corporate cash and cash equivalents, short-term investments, prepaid income tax, corporate fixed assets, deferred bond costs, deferred income taxes and other long-term investments and assets, which are not allocated to the business segments.

See Note 22 for more information on the Company’s disposal and exit of the gourmet coffee and tea business, Boca Java, in February 2011 and the Midwest-CBK business in April, 2011.

The geographic area data includes net trade sales based on product shipment destination and long-lived assets (which consist of fixed assets and other long-term assets) based on physical location.












































Operating Segment Information


Year ended January 31, (In thousands)
                       
Financial Information
   
2009
     
2010
     
2011
 
Net Sales
                 
 Direct  Selling
  $ 664,489     $ 635,194     $ 578,820  
 Multi-channel Group:
                       
     Catalog & Internet
    190,059       166,044       159,895  
      Wholesale (4)
    196,245       156,839       162,212  
 Subtotal Multi-channel Group
    386,304       322,883       322,107  
 Total
  $ 1,050,793     $ 958,077     $ 900,927  
 Earnings (1)
                       
 Direct  Selling
  $ 74,381     $ 43,778     $ 49,718  
 Multi-channel Group:
                       
     Catalog & Internet
    (59,118 )     (4,781 )     (278 )
     Wholesale (4)
    (11,235 )     (9,014 )     (2,833 )
 Subtotal Multi-channel Group
    (70,353 )     (13,795 )     (3,111 )
 Operating profit
    4,028       29,983       46,607  
 Other income (expense)
    (15,553 )     (7,909 )     (8,201 )
 Earnings before income taxes and minority interest
  $ (11,525 )   $ 22,074     $ 38,406  
 Identifiable Assets
                       
 Direct  Selling
  $ 317,868     $ 205,615     $ 235,618  
 Multi-channel Group:
                       
      Catalog & Internet
    66,341       58,040       71,616  
      Wholesale (4)
    103,163       81,928       51,567  
 Subtotal Multi-channel Group
    169,504       139,968       123,183  
 Unallocated  Corporate
    86,731       177,410       142,964  
 Total
  $ 574,103     $ 522,993     $ 501,765  
 Capital Expenditures (2)
                       
 Direct  Selling
  $ 3,287     $ 3,999     $ 6,584  
 Multi-channel Group:
                       
      Catalog & Internet
    1,624       305       688  
        Wholesale (4)
    2,876       1,062       450  
 Subtotal Multi-channel Group
    4,500       1,367       1,138  
 Unallocated Corporate
    386       18       496  
 Total
  $ 8,173     $ 5,384     $ 8,218  
 Depreciation and Amortization
                       
 Direct  Selling
  $ 9,961     $ 9,263     $ 7,369  
 Multi-channel Group:
                       
      Catalog & Internet
    4,232       4,019       3,638  
    Wholesale (4)
    3,875       2,921       2,271  
 Subtotal Multi-channel Group
    8,107       6,940       5,909  
 Unallocated Corporate
    560       389       419  
 Total
  $ 18,628     $ 16,592     $ 13,697  
 GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION
                       
 Net Sales
                       
 United States
  $ 624,956     $ 528,474     $ 495,600  
 International
    425,837       429,603       405,327  
 Total
  $ 1,050,793     $ 958,077     $ 900,927  
 Long Lived Assets (3)
                       
 United States
  $ 84,328     $ 72,852     $ 69,011  
 International
    36,026       35,135       32,490  
 Total
  $ 120,354     $ 107,987     $ 101,501  

(1)  
Fiscal 2009 and 2011, earnings within the Catalog & Internet segment include non-cash pre-tax goodwill and other intangible impairment charges of $48.8 million and $0.3 million respectively. Fiscal 2010 earnings include non-cash pre-tax goodwill and other intangibles impairment charges of $16.5 million within the Direct Selling segment (See Note 9 to the Consolidated Financial Statements).
(2)  
Capital expenditures are presented net of disposals and transfers. The unallocated corporate balance is net of transfers to other divisions.
(3)  
$23.1 million of the International long-lived assets as of January 31, 2011 were in the Netherlands.
(4)  
Refer to Note 22 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for the definitive agreement to sell all of the net assets  of the Midwest-CBK business.





Note 21.       Selected Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited)

A summary of selected quarterly information for the years ended January 31 is as follows:

 
   
2010 Quarter Ended
 
   
(In thousands, except per share data)
 
   
April 30
   
July 31
   
October 31
   
January 31
 
Net sales
  $ 214,724     $ 199,354     $ 221,578     $ 332,421  
Gross profit
    117,802       105,919       115,033       186,745  
Operating profit (loss)
    5,786       (14,647 )     2,985       35,859  
Net earnings (loss)
    2,424       (15,830 ) (2)     (1,439 )     31,270  
Net earnings (loss) attributable to Blyth, Inc.
    2,435       (15,562 )     (970 )     31,791  
Basic
                               
     Net earnings (loss) per common share (1)
  $ 0.27     $ (1.74 )   $ (0.11 )   $ 3.58  
Diluted
                               
     Net earnings (loss) per common share (1)
  $ 0.27     $ (1.74 )   $ (0.11 )   $ 3.57  

 
   
2011 Quarter Ended
 
   
(In thousands, except per share data)
 
   
April 30
   
July 31
   
October 31
   
January 31
 
Net sales
  $ 201,545     $ 180,636     $ 215,472     $ 303,275  
Gross profit
    115,201       100,044       110,693       173,692  
Operating profit
    7,063       4,135       5,740       29,670  
Net earnings
    4,102       696       2,122       17,869  (3)
Net earnings attributable to Blyth, Inc.
    4,507       741       2,580       17,728  
Basic
                               
     Net earnings per common share (1)
  $ 0.51     $ 0.09     $ 0.31     $ 2.14  
Diluted
                               
     Net earnings per common share (1)
  $ 0.51     $ 0.09     $ 0.31     $ 2.13  
(1) The sum of per share amounts for the quarters does not necessarily equal that reported for the year because the computations are made independently.
 
(2) Second quarter, fiscal 2010 Net Loss, includes a goodwill and other intangible asset impairment charge of $16.5 million.
 
(3) Fourth quarter, fiscal 2011 Net Earnings, includes asset impairments of $3.2 million representing the impairment of assets associated with Boca Java disposition of $1.1
 
million (Refer to Note 22), the write down of an Auction Rate Security of $1.3 million (Refer to Note 5), and lease termination cost of $0.8 million. (Refer to Note 4).
 
 
Note 22.       Subsequent Events
 
On February 11, 2011, the Company assigned all the assets and liabilities of the Boca Java business through a court approved assignment for the benefit of its creditors. The proceeds from the sale of the assets will be used to discharge the claims of the creditors. In January 2011, the Company assessed the recoverability of these assets and recorded a $1.1 million impairment charge. This charge was primarily to write down its fixed assets, inventories on hand and other assets, net of any expected recoveries and was recorded to Cost of goods sold of $0.4 million and Administrative expenses of $0.7 million in Consolidated Statement of Earnings (Loss) within the Catalog and Internet Segment in Fiscal 2011.

On April 4, 2011, the Company entered into a definitive agreement to sell substantially all of the net assets of its seasonal, home décor and home fragrance business (“Midwest-CBK”) within the Wholesale segment for approximately $35 million, which, before transaction related costs, is approximately equal to its net book value upon closing. The Company expects to receive cash proceeds of approximately $23 million and a one year promissory note secured by fixed assets included with the transaction of approximately $12 million. The sale is contingent upon the buyer obtaining financing and is expected to close before the end of May 2011. The agreement provides for the payment of a termination fee if the buyer does not complete the transaction. In fiscal 2011, total net sales for Midwest-CBK were $105.1 million.

These transactions will be presented as discontinued operations in the first quarter of fiscal 2012.



 
 


 
Item 9.     Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure

None.

Item 9A.  Controls and Procedures

(a) Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

We conducted an evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation of management, including the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures (as such term is defined in Rules 13a−15(e) and 15d−15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”)) as of January 31, 2011. Based on that evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of January 31, 2011.

(b) Management’s Assessment of Internal Control over Financial Reporting

Management 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. Our internal control system over financial reporting is designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. Because of 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.

Management has assessed the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of January 31, 2011. 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). The objective of this assessment is to determine whether our internal control over financial reporting was effective as of January 31, 2011. Based on our assessment utilizing the criteria issued by COSO, management has concluded that our internal control over financial reporting was effective as of January 31, 2011.

Our independent registered public accounting firm has issued an attestation report on our internal control over financial reporting. The report appears herein below.

(c) Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

There have been no changes in our internal control over financial reporting identified in connection with the evaluation required by paragraph (d) of Exchange Act Rules 13a-15 or 15d-15 that occurred during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2011 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.


Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

The Board of Directors and Stockholders of Blyth, Inc.

We have audited Blyth, Inc., and Subsidiaries’ (the “Company”) internal control over financial reporting as of January 31, 2011, based on criteria established in Internal Control-Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (the COSO criteria). The Company’s management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting, and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting included in the accompanying Management’s Assessment of Internal Control over Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audit.

We conducted our audit 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 effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audit included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk, and performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.

A 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 generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) 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 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.

In our opinion, the Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of January 31, 2011, based on the COSO criteria.

We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the consolidated balance sheet of the Company as of January 31, 2011, and the related consolidated statements of earnings (loss), stockholders' equity, and cash flows for the year then ended and our report dated April 8, 2011 expressed an unqualified opinion thereon.
 
 
                                                          /s/ Ernst & Young LLP
 
Stamford, Connecticut
April 8, 2011


Item 9B.  Other Information

On April 4, 2011, the Company entered into a definitive agreement to sell substantially all of the net assets of its seasonal, home décor and home fragrance business (“Midwest-CBK”) within the Wholesale segment for approximately $35 million, which, before transaction related costs, is approximately equal to its net book value upon closing. The Company expects to receive cash proceeds of approximately $23 million and a one year promissory note secured by fixed assets included with the transaction of approximately $12 million. The sale is contingent upon the buyer obtaining financing and is expected to close before the end of May 2011. The agreement provides for the payment of a termination fee if the buyer does not complete the transaction. In fiscal 2011, total net sales for Midwest CBK were $105.1 million.


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


PART III

Item 10.  Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance
 
The information required by this Item will be set forth in our Proxy Statement for our annual meeting of stockholders scheduled to be held on June 9, 2011 (the “Proxy Statement”) under the captions “Nominees for Election as Directors,” “Executive Officers,” “Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance,” “Code of Conduct” and “Board of Director and Committee Meetings” and is incorporated herein by reference.

Item 11.  Executive Compensation
 
The information required by this Item will be set forth in our Proxy Statement under the captions “Executive Compensation Information,” “Employment Contracts and Severance Arrangements,” “Compensation Committee Report” and “Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation” and is incorporated herein by reference.
 
Item 12.  Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters
 
The information required by this Item is set forth in Item 5 above and will also be forth in our Proxy Statement under the caption “Security Ownership of Management and Certain Beneficial Owners” and is incorporated herein by reference.
 
Item 13.  Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence
 
The information required by this Item will be set forth in our Proxy Statement under the captions “Director Independence” and “Certain Relationships and Related Transactions” and is incorporated herein by reference.

Item 14.  Principal Accounting Fees and Services
 
The information required by this Item will be set forth in our Proxy Statement under the caption “Independent Auditor Fees” and is incorporated herein by reference.


PART IV

Item 15.   Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules

(a)(1).     Financial Statements
 
The following consolidated financial statements are contained on the indicated pages of this report:

   
Page No. 
   
Reports of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
Statements:
 
 
Consolidated Balance Sheets
 
Consolidated Statements of Earnings (Loss)
 
Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements


(a)(2).    Financial Statement Schedules
 
The following financial statement schedule is contained on the indicated page of this report:
Page No.

Valuation and Qualifying Accounts                                                                                                   S-2
 
All other schedules are omitted because they are inapplicable or the requested information is shown in the consolidated financial statements or related notes.

(a)(3).    Exhibits

Exhibit No.
Description of Exhibit
   
2.1
Membership Interest Purchase Agreement, dated as of August 4, 2008, among Blyth, Inc., Blyth VSH Acquisition Corporation, ViSalus Holdings, LLC and the members of ViSalus Holdings, LLC (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.1 to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on August 5, 2008)
   
2.2*
Asset Purchase Agreement between MVP Group International, Inc., Midwest-CBK, Inc. and the other parties thereto dated as of April 4, 2011.
   
3.1
Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed June 10, 2010)
   
3.2
Amended and Restated Bylaws (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.2 to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed June 10, 2010)
   




4.1(a)
Form of Indenture, dated as of May 20, 1999, between the Registrant and First Union National Bank, as Trustee (incorporated by reference to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form S-3 (Reg. No. 333-77721) filed on May 4, 1999)
   
4.1(b)
Form of Second Supplemental Indenture dated as of October 23, 2003 between the Registrant and Wachovia Bank, National Association, Trustee (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on October 22, 2003)
   
10.1
Standard Form Industrial Lease dated April 22, 1993, between Carol Point Builders I General Partnership and PartyLite Gifts, Inc. (incorporated by reference to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form S-1 (No. 33-77458))
   
10.1(a)
First Amendment, dated August 21, 1995, between ERI-CP, Inc., a Delaware corporation, as successor to Carol Point Builders I General Partnership, and PartyLite Gifts, Inc., to Standard Form Industrial Lease dated April 22, 1993, between Carol Point Builders I General Partnership and PartyLite Gifts, Inc. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.4(a) to the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended January 31, 1996)
   
10.1(b)
Second Amendment, dated August 4, 2000, between Carol Point LLC, a Massachusetts limited liability company, as successor landlord to ERI-CP Inc., and PartyLite Gifts, Inc., to Standard Form Industrial Lease dated April 22, 1993, between Carol Point Builders I General Partnership and PartyLite Gifts, Inc. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.4(a) to the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended January 31, 1996) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3(b) to the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended January 31, 2002)
   
10.1(c)
Third Amendment, dated February 28, 2001, between Carol Point LLC, a Massachusetts limited liability company, as successor landlord to ERI-CP Inc., and PartyLite Worldwide, Inc., as tenant, pursuant to Assignment and Assumption Agreement, dated January 31, 2001, between PartyLite Gifts, Inc. (assignor) and PartyLite Worldwide, Inc. (assignee), to Standard Form Industrial Lease dated April 22, 1993, between Carol Point Builders I General Partnership and PartyLite Gifts, Inc. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.4(a) to the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended January 31, 1996) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3(c) to the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended January 31, 2002)
   
10.2
Lease Agreement, dated June 25, 1997, between Carol Stream I Development Company, as landlord, PartyLite Gifts, Inc., as tenant, and the Registrant, as guarantor (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.5 to the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended January 31, 1998)

10.2(a)
First Amendment to Lease, dated February 1, 2001, between MP 437 Tower CS, Inc. by RREEF Management Company, as landlord, as successor to Carol Stream I Development Company, and PartyLite Worldwide, Inc., as tenant, pursuant to Assignment and Assumption Agreement, dated January 31, 2001, between PartyLite Gifts, Inc. (assignor) and PartyLite Worldwide, Inc. (assignee) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.4(a) to the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended January 31, 2002)



   
10.3+
Form of Indemnity Agreement between the Registrant and each of its directors (incorporated by reference to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form S-1 (No. 33-77458))
   
10.4+
Blyth Industries, Inc. Non-Qualified Deferred Compensation Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K as filed on December 21, 1999)
   
10.5+
Amended and Restated Employment Agreement dated as of December 11, 2008 by and between the Registrant and Robert B. Goergen (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K as filed on December 12, 2008)
   
10.6+
Registration Rights Agreement dated as of August 1, 2000 by and between the Registrant and Robert B. Goergen (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.10 to the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended October 31, 2000)
   
10.6(a)+
Amendment No. 1 dated as of March 12, 2004 to the Registration Rights Agreement dated as of August 1, 2000 by and between the Registrant and Robert B. Goergen (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.7(a) to the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended January 31, 2004)
   
10.7+
Amended and Restated 1994 Employee Stock Option Plan of the Registrant (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed April 17, 2000)
   
10.7(a)+
Amendment No. 1 to the Amended and Restated 1994 Employee Stock Option Plan of the Registrant (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.9(a) to the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended January 31, 2004)
   
10.8+
Form of Non-transferable Incentive Stock Option Agreement under the Amended and Restated 1994 Employee Stock Option Plan of the Registrant (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended July 31, 1996)
   
10.9+
Form of Non-transferable Non-Qualified Stock Option Agreement under the Amended and Restated 1994 Employee Stock Option Plan of the Registrant (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.3 to the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended July 31, 1996)
   
10.10+
Amended and Restated 1994 Stock Option Plan for Non-Employee Directors of the Registrant (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed April 19, 2002)

10.10(a)+
Amendment No. 1 to the Amended and Restated 1994 Stock Option Plan for Non-Employee Directors of the Registrant (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.12(a) to the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended January 31, 2004)
   



10.11+
Form of Stock Option Agreement under the 1994 Stock Option Plan for Non-Employee Directors of the Registrant (incorporated by reference to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form S-1 (No. 33-77458))
   
10.12+
Amended and Restated 2003 Omnibus Incentive Plan  (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed June 6, 2008)
   
10.13+
Amendment No. 1 to Amended and Restated Employment Agreement dated as of December 10, 2009 by and between the Registrant and Robert B. Goergen (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K as filed on December 10, 2009)
   
10.14+
Blyth, Inc. Retention and Severance Agreement dated December 17, 2010 by and between Blyth, Inc. and Robert H. Barghaus (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed December 17, 2010)
 
   
10.15+
Blyth, Inc. Retention and Severance Agreement dated December 17, 2010 by and between Blyth, Inc. and Anne M. Butler (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed December 17, 2010)
 
   
10.16+
Blyth, Inc. Retention and Severance Agreement dated December 17, 2010 by and between Blyth, Inc. and Robert B. Goergen, Jr. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed December 17, 2010)
 
   
16.1+
Letter Regarding Change in Certifying Accountant (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 16.1 to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K as filed on May 14, 2009)
   
21.1*
List of Subsidiaries
   
23.1*
Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
   
23.2*
Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
   
31.1*
Section 302 Certification of Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
   
31.2*
Section 302 Certification of Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
   
32.1*
Certification of Chairman and Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
   
32.2*
Certification of Vice President and Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002


*
Filed herewith.
+
Management contract or compensatory plan required to be filed by Item 15(a)(3) of this report.


 
89

 

 
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.


                                              
                                             BLYTH, INC.
                                                          
                                            By: /s/ Robert B. Goergen      
                            
                             Name: Robert B. Goergen
                            Title: Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
                                     
                                             Date:  April 8, 2011                                
 

 
 
90

 
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities 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
 
Title
 
Date
 
           
           
/s/ Robert B. Goergen
 
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer;
 
 April 8, 2011
     Robert B. Goergen
 
Director (Principal Executive Officer)
     
           
           
/s/ Robert H. Barghaus
 
Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
 
 April 8, 2011
     Robert H. Barghaus
 
(Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)
     
           
           
/s/ Anne M. Busquet
 
Director
 
 April 8, 2011
     Anne M. Busquet
         
           
           
/s/ Pamela M. Goergen
 
Director
 
 April 8, 2011
     Pamela M. Goergen
         
           
           
/s/ Neal I. Goldman
 
Director
 
 April 8, 2011
     Neal I. Goldman
         
           
           
/s/ Carol J. Hochman
 
Director
 
 April 8, 2011
     Carol J. Hochman
         
           
           
/s/ Wilma H. Jordan
 
Director
 
 April 8, 2011
     Wilma H. Jordan
         
           
           
/s/ James M. McTaggart
 
Director
 
 April 8, 2011
     James M. McTaggart
         
           
           
/s/ Howard E. Rose
 
Director
 
 April 8, 2011
     Howard E. Rose
         




 
 
 
 
 

 
SCHEDULE II- VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS
For the years ended January 31, 2009, 2010 and 2011
(In thousands)


   
Balance at
   
Charged to
         
Balance at
 
   
Beginning
   
Costs and
         
End of
 
Description
 
of Period
   
Expenses
   
Deductions
   
Period
 
2009
                       
Allowance for doubtful accounts
  $ 2,006     $ 5,648     $ (4,216 )   $ 3,438  
Income tax valuation allowance
    17,493       7,467       (3,427 )     21,533  
2010
                               
Allowance for doubtful accounts
  $ 3,438     $ 3,534     $ (4,729 )   $ 2,243  
Income tax valuation allowance
    21,533       1,165       (1,662 )     21,036  
                                 
2011
                               
Allowance for doubtful accounts
  $ 2,243     $ 302     $ (1,201 )   $ 1,344  
Income tax valuation allowance
    21,036       5,709       (63 )     26,682  

 

 
S-2
 
92
 

EX-21.1 2 exhibit21_1.htm EXHIBIT 21.1 LIST OF SUBSIDIARIES exhibit21_1.htm




 
                                                                                                  Exhibit Exhibit 21.1
 
 

 
 
SUBSIDIARIES OF BLYTH, INC.
 
Subsidiaries of the Registrant/U.S.
 
Other Names Under Which Subsidiary Does Business
 
State of Incorporation
1. Blyth Home Expressions, Inc.
     
Delaware
2. Blyth Direct Selling Holdings, Inc.
     
Delaware
3. Blyth Catalog and Internet Holdings, Inc.
     
Delaware
4. Blyth VSH Acquisition Corp.*
     
Delaware
5. Boca Java, Inc.
     
Delaware
6. Candle Corporation of America (Delaware)
     
Delaware
7. FVA Ventures, Inc.*
 
ViSalus Sciences
 
California
8. KWA, Inc.
     
Minnesota
9. Midwest - CBK, Inc.
 
Midwest, Colonial Candle, CBK
 
New York
10. Miles Kimball Company
     
Wisconsin
11. PartyLite Gifts, Inc.
 
PartyLite
 
Virginia
12. PartyLite Holding, Inc.
     
Delaware
13. PartyLite Worldwide, Inc.
 
PartyLite
 
Delaware
14. Purple Tree, Inc.
     
Delaware
15. The Sterno Group LLC
     
Delaware
16. ViSalus Holdings, LLC*
     
Delaware
 

 
 
 

 
Subsidiaries of the Registrant/International
 
Country of Incorporation
17. Blyth Asia Limited
 
Hong Kong
18. Blyth Candles Ltd.
 
Ireland
19. Blyth Holding B.V.
 
Netherlands
20. Blyth HomeScents International UK Limited
 
England
21. Blyth International BV
 
Netherlands
22. Blyth UK LLP
 
England
23. Midwest of Cannon Falls Inc.
 
Canada
24. PartyLite A.p.S.
 
Denmark
25. PartyLite A.S.
 
Norway
26. PartyLite Europe Technology GmbH
 
Germany
27. PartyLite Gifts, Ltd.
 
Canada
28. PartyLite GmbH
 
Germany
29. PartyLite Handelsgesellschaft m.b.H.   Austria
30. PartyLite Importaciones S.A. de C.V.
 
Mexico
31. PartyLite Manufacturing Limited
 
England
32. Partylite Oy  
Finland
33. PartyLite Pty Limited
 
Australia
34. PartyLite, S.A. de C.V.
 
Mexico
35. PartyLite SARL, Ltd.
 
Switzerland
36. PartyLite SARL
 
France
37. PartyLite s.p. z o.o.
  Poland
38. PartyLite S.R.L.      Italy
39. PartyLite s.r.o.   Czech Republic
40. PartyLite Trading SA
 
Switzerland
41. PartyLite U.K., Ltd.
 
England
42. Servicios Administrativos PartyLite, S.A. de C.V.
 
Mexico
 
* Blyth VSH Acquistion Corp. holds a 43.6% interest in ViSalus Holdings, LLC. FVA Ventures, Inc. is a wholly-owned subsidiary of ViSalus Holdings, LLC.
 
 

 

 
 

 

EX-2.2 3 exhibit2_2.htm EXHIBIT 2.2 MWCBK CONTRACT exhibit2_2.htm


Exhibit 2.2

 
Execution Version



 
ASSET PURCHASE AGREEMENT
BETWEEN
MVP GROUP INTERNATIONAL, INC.,
MIDWEST - CBK, INC.
AND THE OTHER PARTIES HERETO
dated as of
April 4, 2011
 




LEGAL02/32385550v21
 
 

 

TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
 

 
SECTION 1.                           DEFINITIONS.
 
SECTION 2.                           BASIC TRANSACTION.
 
(a)           Purchase and Sale of Assets.
(b)           Assumption of Liabilities.
(c)           Purchase Price
(d)           The Closing.
(e)           Purchase Price Allocation
(f)           Net Asset Book Value Adjustment.
 
SECTION 3.                           SELLER’S REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES.
(a)           Organization of Seller.
(b)           Authorization of Transaction.
(c)           Non-contravention.
(d)           Brokers’ Fees.
(e)           Title to and Condition of Assets.
(f)           Selected Financial Data.
(g)           Real Property.
(h)           Acquired Intellectual Property.
(i)             Acquired Tangible Assets.
(j)            Acquired Inventory.
(k)           Acquired Contracts.
(l)           Acquired Receivables.
(m)           Environmental, Health, and Safety Matters
(n)           Legal Compliance
(o)           Tax Matters.
(p)           Litigation
(q)           Product Warranty; Product Liability.
(r)           Solvency
(s)           Employees and Independent Contactors.
(t)           Accounts Payable
(u)           Acquired Assets
(v)           Transactions with Related Parties
(w)           Absence of Certain Payments
(x)           Absence of Undisclosed Liabilities
 
SECTION 4.                           BUYER’S REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES. [INSERT PAGE NUMBER]
 
(a)           Organization of Buyer and SPEs.
(b)           Ownership of Buyer and SPEs.
(c)           Authorization of Transaction.
(d)           Non-contravention.
 
 
LEGAL02/32385550v21
 
 

 

(e)           Brokers’ Fees.
 
SECTION 5.                           POST-CLOSING COVENANTS.
 
(a)           General
(b)           Amendment to 2007 Asset Purchase Agreement
(c)           Preservation of Records
(d)           Employee Matters
(e)           Non-Competition.
(f)           Name Change
(g)           Amendment to License Agreement
(h)           License Consents
(i)           Additional Agreements of Buyer and Seller
(j)           IDB Property and IDB Lease
(k)           Real Property Taxes
 
SECTION 6.                           DELIVERIES AT THE CLOSING; CONDITIONS AND TERMINATION.
 
(a)           Deliveries of Seller.
(b)           Deliveries of Buyer.
 
SECTION 7.                           REMEDIES FOR BREACHES OF THIS AGREEMENT.
 
(a)           Survival of Representations and Warranties.
(b)           Indemnification Provisions for Buyer’s Benefit.
(c)           Indemnification Provisions for Seller’s Benefit.
(d)           Limitations.
(e)           Notice of Potential Claims for Indemnification.
(f)           Objection to Non-Third-Party Indemnification Claim.
(g)           Matters Involving Third Parties.
(h)           Determination of Adverse Consequences.
(i)            Exclusive Remedy.
(j)            Blyth Guaranty
 
SECTION 8.                           MISCELLANEOUS.
 
(a)           Press Releases and Public Announcements.
(b)           No Third-Party Beneficiaries.
(c)           Entire Agreement.
(d)           Succession and Assignment.
(e)           Payments to Buyer.
(f)           Counterparts.
(g)           Headings.
(h)           Notices.
(i)            Governing Law.
(j)            Amendments and Waivers.
(k)           Severability.
(l)            Expenses.
(m)           Construction.
(n)           Incorporation of Exhibits and Schedules.
 
 
LEGAL02/32385550v21
 
 

 

(o)           Confidentiality Agreement.
 
 
LEGAL02/32385550v21
 
 

 

Schedules and Exhibits
 
Schedules

Schedule 1                                      -           Acquired Contracts
Schedule 2                                      -           Acquired Intellectual Property
Schedule 3                                      -           Assumed Purchase Orders
Schedule 4                                      -           Excluded Assets
Schedule 4(b)                                 -           Ownership of Buyer
Schedule 5                                      -           Excluded Liabilities
Schedule 5(i)                                  -           Transition Services
Schedule 5(j)                                  -           Back Stop Letter of Credit
Schedule 6                                      -           Leased Real Property
Schedule 7                                      -           Purchase Price Allocation
Schedule 8                                      -           Personnel
Schedule 9                                      -           Restricted Customers
Schedule 10                                    -           License Consents

Exhibits

Exhibit A                                     -           Form of Assignment and Assumption Agreement
Exhibit B-1                                      -           Form of Patent Assignment
Exhibit B-2                                      -           Form of Trademark Assignment
Exhibit B-3                                      -           Form of Copyright Assignment
Exhibit B-4                                      -           Form of Foreign Patent Assignment
Exhibit B-5                                      -           Form of Foreign Trademark Assignment
Exhibit C                                         -           Selected Financial Data
Exhibit D-1                                     -            Form of Lease Assignment and Assumption Agreement (Midwest-CBK)
Exhibit D-2                                     -            Form of Lease Assignment and Assumption Agreement (Blyth Asia Limited)
Exhibit D-3                                     -            Form of Lease Assignment and Assumption Agreement (IDB Lease)     
Exhibit E                                         -            Form of Loan Agreement
Disclosure Schedule                    -            Exceptions to Representations and Warranties


 
LEGAL02/32385550v21
 
 

 

ASSET PURCHASE AGREEMENT
 
This Asset Purchase Agreement (this “Agreement”) is entered into as of April 4, 2011, by and between MVP GROUP INTERNATIONAL, INC., a Kentucky corporation (“Buyer”), MIDWEST - CBK, INC., a New York corporation (“Seller”), the SPEs (as defined below) and, solely for purposes of Section 7(j), Blyth, Inc., a Delaware corporation (“Blyth”).  Buyer and Seller are referred to collectively herein as the “Parties.”
 
WHEREAS, Buyer desires to purchase from Seller substantially all of the assets of Seller’s Wholesale business segment, the primary products of which include candles and related accessories, seasonal decorations and home décor products and which is primarily conducted under the trademarks “CBK,” “Colonial Candle,” “Colonial Candle of Cape Cod,” “Colonial at HOME” and “Seasons of Cannon Falls” (the “Business”), and to assume certain of the liabilities of Seller related thereto; and
 
WHEREAS, Seller desires to sell to Buyer such assets and assign to Buyer such liabilities.
 
Now, therefore, in consideration of the foregoing premises and the mutual promises herein made and the representations, warranties and covenants herein contained, and for other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, the Parties agree as follows.
 
SECTION 1.                                Definitions.
 
Acquired Assets” means all of Seller’s right, title, and interest in and to the following, and only the following, specified assets:
 
(a)           the Leased Real Property;
 
(b)           the Owned Real Property;
 
(c)           the Acquired Elkin Assets;
 
(d)           the Acquired Union City Assets;
 
(e)           the Acquired Cannon Falls Assets;
 
(f)           the Assumed Purchase Orders;
 
(g)           the Acquired Receivables;
 
(h)           the Acquired Contracts;
 
(i)           the Acquired Intellectual Property;
 
(j)           the Acquired Inventory;
 
(k)           the Acquired Rights;
 

LEGAL02/32385550v21
 
 

 

(l)           the Prepaid Expenses;
 
(m)           the Pending Claims; and
 
(n)           the Miscellaneous Assets.
 
provided, however, that the term “Acquired Assets” shall not include any of the Excluded Assets.
 
Acquired Contracts” means the agreements, contracts, leases, subleases and other similar arrangements (in each case, whether written or oral), and rights thereunder listed on Schedule 1.
 
Acquired Cannon Falls Assets” means all of the tangible assets of Seller that are used to operate the Cannon Falls Facility.
 
Acquired Elkin Assets” means all of the tangible assets of Seller that are used to operate the Elkin Facility.
 
Acquired Intellectual Property” means (i) the Intellectual Property listed on Schedule 2, provided, that, to the extent that Seller uses any unregistered trademarks or product names in connection with the Business that are not listed on Schedule 2, such unregistered trademarks or product names shall be Acquired Intellectual Property and (ii) the copyright or other proprietary right embodied in any original works of authorship either created by Seller or for which Seller has obtained the intellectual property rights and which are transferred into Buyer’s physical possession pursuant hereto.
 
Acquired Inventory” means the inventory of the Business as listed on Exhibit INV to the Closing Date Net Asset Book Value Statement.
 
Acquired Receivables” means the accounts, notes, and other receivables of the Business which are listed on Exhibit AR to the Closing Date Net Asset Book Value Statement, including the non-trade receivables listed on Exhibit NR to the Closing Date Net Asset Book Value Statement.
 
Acquired Rights” means all rights of Seller arising on or after the Closing Date associated with the Acquired Contracts and all rights of Seller associated with the Acquired Receivables.
 
Acquired Union City Assets” means all of the tangible assets of Seller that are used to operate the Union City Facility.
 
Additional Assurances” has the meaning set forth in Section 8(o) below.
 
Adverse Consequences” means all actions, suits, proceedings, hearings, investigations, charges, complaints, claims, demands, injunctions, judgments, orders, decrees, rulings, damages, dues, penalties, fines, costs, reasonable amounts paid in settlement, liabilities, obligations, taxes,  liens, losses, expenses, and fees, including court costs and reasonable attorneys’ fees and expenses.
 

 
LEGAL02/32385550v21
 
 

 

 
Affiliate” has the meaning set forth in Rule 12b-2 of the regulations promulgated under the Securities Exchange Act; provided, however, that, with respect to Seller, “Affiliate” shall mean, collectively, Blyth and any direct and indirect subsidiaries of Blyth.  With respect to Buyer, “Affiliate” shall include the SPEs unless Seller exercises its rights under that certain Pledge Agreement (as that term is defined in the Loan Agreement).
 
Agreement” has the meaning set forth in the preface above.
 
Aggregate Accounting Fees” has the meaning set forth in Section 2(f)(iii) below.
 
Assumed Accounts Payable” means the accounts payable listed on Exhibit AP to the Closing Date Net Asset Book Value Statement.
 
Assumed Accrued Expenses” means the accrued expenses listed on Exhibit AE to the Closing Date Net Asset Book Value Statement.
 
Assumed Liabilities” means the following, and only the following, liabilities of the Seller:
 
 
(a)
the Assumed Accounts Payable;
 
 
(b)
the Assumed Purchase Orders;
 
 
(c)
the Assumed Accrued Expenses;
 
 
(d)
all obligations and liabilities of Seller under the Acquired Contracts arising or accruing on or after the Closing Date;
 
 
(e)
all obligations and liabilities of Seller under the Leases arising or accruing on or after the Closing Date;
 
 
(f)
all obligations and liabilities arising out of Buyer’s or the SPEs’ ownership and/or operation of the Elkin Facility on or after the Closing Date;
 
 
(g)
all obligations and liabilities arising out of Buyer’s or the SPEs’ lease, ownership and/or operation of the Union City Facility on or after the Closing Date;
 
 
(h)
all obligations and liabilities arising out of Buyer’s or the SPEs’ ownership and/or operation of the Cannon Falls Facility on or after the Closing Date;
 
 
(i)
all obligations and liabilities arising out of Buyer’s operation of the Business on or after the Closing Date; and
 
 
(j)
all obligations and liabilities arising out of Buyer’s or the SPEs’ ownership and/or operation of the Owned Real Property set forth in clause (a) of the definition thereof.
 

 
LEGAL02/32385550v21
 
 

 

 
provided, however, that the term “Assumed Liabilities” shall not include any of the Excluded Liabilities.
 
Assumed Purchase Orders” means the open inventory purchase orders related to the Business as of 11:59 p.m., New York City time on the Closing Date to be listed on the updated Schedule 3 to be delivered pursuant to Section 2(f)(i), below.
 
Blyth” has the meaning set forth in the preface above.
 
Business” has the meaning set forth in the preface above.
 
Buyer” has the meaning set forth in the preface above.
 
Buyer Closing Date Net Asset Book Value Statement” has the meaning set forth in Section 2(f) below.
 
Buyer Determined Closing Date Net Asset Book Value Statement” has the meaning set forth in Section 2(f) below.
 
Cannon Falls Facility” means the office and support center facilities of Seller located at 32057 and 32007 64th Avenue, Cannon Falls, MN 55009.
 
CERCLA” has the meaning set forth in Section 3(m) below.
 
Closing” has the meaning set forth in Section 2(d) below.
 
Closing Date” has the meaning set forth in Section 2(d) below.
 
Closing Date Net Asset Book Value” means the Net Asset Book Value, as of 11:59 p.m., New York City time, on the Closing Date.
 
Closing Date Net Asset Book Value Statement” has the meaning set forth in Section 2(f) below; provided, however, that pending delivery of the Closing Date Net Asset Book Value Statement as provided in such Section 2(f), the term Closing Date Net Asset Book Value Statement shall mean Exhibit C attached hereto, except that, to the extent that any of the assets and liabilities shown on such Exhibit C have changed between the Financial Statement Date and the Closing Date, such Exhibit C shall be deemed to be adjusted to reflect such changes in the assets and liabilities shown thereon during the period from the Financial Statement Date to and including the Closing Date.  Notwithstanding any provisions of this Agreement to the contrary in determining the Closing Date Net Asset Book Value (i) the net book value of the property, plant and equipment as set forth on the summary page of Exhibit C shall be the net book value of such property, plant and equipment and (ii) the liabilities being added back in determining the Closing Date Net Asset Book Value and the cash payment due Seller at Closing as set forth on the summary page of Exhibit C shall be added back to the extent such liabilities are included in the Closing Date Net Asset Book Value Statement.
 
Code” means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.
 

 
LEGAL02/32385550v21
 
 

 

Confidentiality Agreement” means that certain Confidentiality Agreement between the Buyer and Blyth.
 
Confidential Information” has the meaning ascribed to such term in the Confidentiality Agreement.
 
Contract Consent Costs” has the meaning ascribed to such term in 0 below.
 
Disclosure Schedule” has the meaning set forth in Section 3 below.
 
Dispute Resolution Period” has the meaning set forth in Section 7(f) below.
 
Elkin Facility” means the plant and distribution center of Seller located at 430 Gentry Lane, Elkin, North Carolina  28621.
 
Environmental, Health, and Safety Requirements” means all federal, state, local, and foreign statutes, regulations, ordinances, and similar provisions having the force or effect of law, all judicial and administrative orders and determinations, and all common law concerning public health and safety, worker health and safety, and pollution or protection of the environment, including all those relating to the presence, use, production, generation, handling, transportation, treatment, storage, disposal, distribution, labeling, testing, processing, discharge, release, threatened release, control, or cleanup of any hazardous materials, substances, or wastes, chemical substances or mixtures, pesticides, pollutants, contaminants, toxic chemicals, petroleum products or byproducts, asbestos, polychlorinated biphenyls, noise, or radiation.
 
Excluded Assets” means (i) all of the membership interests in and any assets of The Sterno Group LLC, a Delaware limited liability company, (ii) all of the capital stock and any assets (other than Miscellaneous Assets) of KWA, Inc., a Minnesota corporation, (iii) all of the capital stock and any assets (other than Miscellaneous Assets) of Blyth Asia Limited, a Hong Kong private company, (iv) all of the capital stock and any assets of Midwest of Cannon Falls Inc. (Canada), a Canada federal corporation, (v) the stand alone distribution facility at 1000 Candle Wycke Lane, Elkin, NC  28621 and (vi) the assets of the Seller that are listed on Schedule 4.
 
Excluded Liabilities” means any liability or obligation of Seller other than those set forth in the definition of “Assumed Liabilities”, including: (a) any liability arising out of or relating to the operation of the Business by Seller prior to the Closing Date or Seller’s leasing, ownership or operating of real property, including any liability relating to products manufactured or distributed by or for the Seller, prior to the Closing Date; (b) any liability under any Acquired Contract that arises out of or relates to any breach of such Acquired Contract (or occurrence that would, with the passage of time, lead to the breach of such Acquired Contract) that occurred prior to the Closing Date; (c) any liability of Seller or any of Seller’s Affiliates for Taxes relating to any period on and prior to the Closing Date, including any liability of Seller or any of Seller’s Affiliates for Taxes as a result of Seller’s operation of the Business prior to the Closing Date or, except as otherwise agreed to in Section 8(l), Taxes payable by Seller or any of Seller’s Affiliates that will arise as a result of the sale of the Assets pursuant to this Agreement; (d) any liability of Seller that relates to payroll, vacation, sick leave, workers’ compensation, unemployment benefits, pension benefits, health care plans or benefits or other employee plans
 

 
LEGAL02/32385550v21
 
 

 

or benefits of any kind for Seller’s employees or former employees or both, in every case arising out of and relating to Seller’s employment of such employees or former employees and including any liability of Seller under any employment, severance, retention or termination agreement with any employee of Seller or any of Seller’s Affiliates; (e) any liability of Seller or any of Seller’s Affiliates as set forth in Schedule 5, (f) any liability of Seller under this Agreement or other document executed in connection with the transactions contemplated hereby; and (g) any liability of Seller based upon Seller’s acts or omissions occurring after the Closing.
 
Final Closing Date Net Asset Book Value” has the meaning set forth in Section 2(f) below.
 
Financial Statement Date” means February 26, 2011.
 
Fragrance Names” has the meaning set forth in Section 3(h)(iii) below.
 
GAAP” means United States generally accepted accounting principles as in effect from time to time, consistently applied.
 
Guaranty” has the meaning set forth in Section 5(d) below.
 
IDB Lease”  means that certain Second Amended and Restated Master Industrial Development Lease Agreement between The Industrial Development Board of the City of Union City, Tennessee and CBK,LTD., LLC dated June 1, 1995.
 
IDB Property” shall mean the property leased by Seller pursuant to the IDB Lease, including the improvements thereon.
 
Improvements” has the meaning set forth in Section 3(g) below.
 
Indemnification Notice” has the meaning set forth in Section 7(e) below.
 
Indemnified Party” has the meaning set forth in Section 7(e) below.
 
Indemnifying Party” has the meaning set forth in Section 7(e) below.
 
Intellectual Property” means: (a) inventions (whether patentable or unpatentable and whether or not reduced to practice), improvements thereto, and patents, patent applications, and patent disclosures, together with reissuances, continuations, continuations-in-part, revisions, extensions, and reexaminations thereof, (b) trademarks, service marks, trade dress, logos, slogans, trade names, Internet domain names and telephone numbers, together with translations, adaptations, derivations, and combinations thereof and including goodwill associated therewith, and applications, registrations, and renewals in connection therewith, (c) websites, graphics, designs, labels, packaging and other copyrightable works, copyrights, and applications, registrations, and renewals in connection therewith, (d) product specifications, formulations, trade secrets and confidential business information (including ideas, research and development, know-how, formulas, compositions, manufacturing and production processes and techniques, technical data, designs, drawings, specifications, customer and supplier lists, pricing and cost information, and business and marketing plans and proposals), (e) computer software (including source code, executable code, data, databases, and related documentation), (f) advertising and promotional materials, (g) other proprietary rights, and (h) copies and tangible embodiments thereof (in whatever form or medium).
 

 
LEGAL02/32385550v21
 
 

 

 
Interim Depreciation Amount” has the meaning set forth in Section 2(c) below.
 
IP Assignments” shall mean the Patent Assignment, Trademark Assignment, Copyright Assignment, foreign Patent Assignment and foreign Trademark Assignment in the form of Exhibit B-1, Exhibit B-2, Exhibit B-3, Exhibit B-4 and Exhibit B-5, respectively.
 
Knowledge” means actual knowledge of Rick Contino, Sean Peters and Treesa Hundley after reasonable investigation.
 
Leased Real Property” means the real property leased by Seller listed in Schedule 6 below.
 
Lease Assignments” shall mean the assignment and assumption agreements in the form of Exhibit D-1, Exhibit D-2, Exhibit D-3 with respect to applicable Lease.
 
Leases” means the lease agreements or other contracts, including all amendments, extensions, renewals, guaranties, and other agreements with respect thereto, pursuant to which Seller holds any interest in any Leased Real Property.
 
Lien” means any mortgage, pledge, lien, right of way, easement, encroachment, encumbrance, charge, claim or other security interest or restriction on use other than (a) liens for Taxes not yet due and payable or for Taxes that the taxpayer is contesting in good faith through appropriate proceedings and as to which appropriate reserves have been established and (b) purchase money liens and liens securing rental payments under capital lease arrangements.
 
Loan Agreement” shall mean that certain Loan Agreement by and among the SPEs, Seller and the other parties thereto attached hereto as Exhibit E and the other documents and agreements required to be executed in connection therewith, including the Pledge Agreement, the deeds of trust, mortgages and other documents to perfect the security interests granted pursuant to that agreement.
 
Material Adverse Change” means any change, event, effect or condition that, individually or together with any other change, event, effect or condition, has had, or is reasonably likely to have, a material adverse effect on the Business, the Acquired Assets, the Assumed Liabilities, results of operations or financial condition of the Business, taken as a whole, or on the ability of Seller to consummate timely the transactions contemplated hereby; provided, however, that none of the following shall constitute a Material Adverse Change: any adverse change, event, effect or condition (i) arising from or relating to general economic, financial or securities market conditions in the United States or global economy, including changes in interest or exchange rates, (ii) arising from or relating to general changes or developments in the industries in which the Business operates, including general changes in any legal requirement of any governmental authority of general applicability to companies in the industries in which the Business operates, (iii) arising from or relating to national or international political or social conditions, including the engagement by the United States in hostilities,

 
LEGAL02/32385550v21
 
 

 

whether or not pursuant to the declaration of a national emergency or war, or the occurrence of any military or terrorist attack anywhere in the world or any escalation or worsening of any such hostilities, (iv) as a result of changes in GAAP,  (v) arising from or relating to financial, banking, or securities markets, or (vi) as a result of or related to this Agreement, the transactions contemplated hereby or the announcement hereof, including on the customers and suppliers of the Business, except, in the case of the foregoing clauses (i), (ii), or (iii), to the extent such events, circumstances, developments, changes or effects referred to therein have a materially disproportionate impact on the Business, taken as a whole, as compared to other companies in the industry in which the Business operates.  In addition to the foregoing, if Seller intentionally or willfully refuses or fails to perform any covenant hereunder due on or before Closing, then such an intentional or willful refusal or failure shall, after notice and a reasonable opportunity to cure, constitute a Material Adverse Change.

Material Adverse Effect” means any effect that would be materially adverse to the ability of any Party to consummate timely the transactions contemplated hereby in accordance with the terms set forth herein.

Miscellaneous Assets” means the tangible personal property listed on Exhibit QA to the Closing Date Net Asset Book Value Statement. The life insurance policies listed on Exhibit QA-1 to the Closing Date Net Asset Book Value Statement (and the related trust agreement) are Excluded Assets and shall not treated as Miscellaneous Assets or Acquired Assets.

Net Asset Book Value” means the difference between (a) the sum of the values of the Acquired Inventory, the Acquired Receivables, the Acquired Elkin Assets, the Acquired Union City Assets, the Acquired Cannon Falls Assets, the Owned Real Property, the IDB Property, the Miscellaneous Assets and the Prepaid Expenses less (b) the amount of the Assumed Accounts Payable and the Assumed Accrued Expenses, in each case determined in accordance with the Seller’s Past Practice.
 
Net Asset Book Value Adjustment” means the adjustment to the Purchase Price provided for in Section 2(f).
 
Note Face Amount” has the meaning set forth in Section 2(c) below.
 
Objection” has the meaning set forth in Section 7(f) below.
 
Ordinary Course of Business” means the ordinary course of the Seller’s business as presently conducted.
 
Owned Real Property” means the real property owned by Seller and located at (a) that certain 17 acre (approximate) lot located in Union City, Civil District 13, Obion County, Tennessee, bounded by North Clover Street, Everett Boulevard, Sherwood Drive that is east of Seller's facility at 600 Sherwood Drive, Union City, Tennessee  38261, (b) 430 Gentry Lane, Elkin, North Carolina  28621 and (c) 32057 and 32007 64th Avenue, Cannon Falls, MN 55009.
 
Party” has the meaning set forth in the preface above.
 

 
LEGAL02/32385550v21
 
 

 

Pending Claims” means any claim that Seller may have related to the Business for funds recoverable under the Continued Dumping and Subsidy Offset Act of 2000.
 
Person” means an individual, a partnership, a corporation, a limited liability company, an association, a joint stock company, a trust, a joint venture, an unincorporated organization, any other business entity or a governmental entity (or any department, agency, or political subdivision thereof).
 
Personnel” has the meaning set forth in Section 3(s) below.
 
Prepaid Expenses” means the prepaid expenses listed on Exhibit PE to the Closing Date Net Asset Book Value Statement.
 
Purchase Price” has the meaning set forth in Section 2(c) below.
 
Real Property” means, collectively, the Leased Real Property and the Owned Real Property.
 
Real Property Laws” has the meaning set forth in Section 3(g) below.
 
Restricted Business” means selling Restricted Products in the Restricted Territories.
 
Restricted Customers” means the customers listed on Schedule 9 hereto.
 
Restricted Period” has the meaning set forth in Section 5(e)(i) below.
 
Restricted Products” means (a) candles, seasonal decorations and home décor products and (b) private label liquid or dry pot pourri and private label incense.
 
Restricted Territories” has the meaning set forth in Section 5(e)(i) below.
 
Sales Figures” has the meaning set forth in Section 3(f) below.
 
Securities Exchange Act” means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.
 
Selected Financial Data” has the meaning set forth in Section 3(f) below.
 
Seller’s Past Practice” means the practices and procedures (including, assumptions, valuation methods and estimates and methods of accounting used for purposes of determining the book value of inventory (including inventory in the assets on the balance sheet when title to such inventory passes to Seller), receivables, allowance for doubtful accounts, customer incentives and discounts and returns and allowances) used by Seller in the Ordinary Course of Business in determining the book value of the assets and liabilities of the Seller for purposes of preparing financial statements of the Seller in accordance with GAAP, consistently applied, which practices and procedures have been disclosed to Buyer insofar as they relate to the valuation of the assets and liabilities of the Seller that are included in the Net Asset Book Value.
 
Seller” has the meaning set forth in the preface above.
 

 
LEGAL02/32385550v21
 
 

 

SPEs” shall mean, collectively, (i) 430 Gentry Road, LLC, a North Carolina Limited Liability Company, (ii) 32007 64th Street, LLC, a Minnesota Limited Liability Company and (iii) 600 East Sherwood, LLC a Tennessee Limited Liability Company, each of which may be referred to herein as an SPE.
 
Structuring Matters” means the failure by Buyer and India Overseas Bank to resolve to the satisfaction of India Overseas Bank (x) United States Tax withholding requirements or (y) arrange for the transfer of the outstanding swap agreement between Buyer and Royal Bank of Scotland (under Buyer’s existing credit facility with Royal Bank of Scotland) to a swap agreement between Buyer and India Overseas Bank (under Buyer’s credit facility being put into place with India Overseas Bank).
 
Tax” or “Taxes” means any federal, state, local, or foreign taxes, charges, fees, imposts or other assessments, including those related to income, gross receipts, license, payroll, employment, excise, severance, stamp, occupation, premium, windfall profits, environmental (including taxes under Code §59A), customs duties, capital stock, franchise, profits, withholding, social security (or similar), unemployment, disability, real property, personal property, sales, use, transfer, registration, value added, alternative or add-on minimum, estimated, or other tax of any kind whatsoever, whether computed on a separate or consolidated, unitary or combined basis or in any other manner, including any interest, penalty, or addition thereto, whether disputed or not.
 
Tax Benefit” has the meaning set forth in Section 7(g) below.
 
Tax Return” means any return, declaration, report, claim for refund, or information return or statement relating to Taxes, including any schedule or attachment thereto, and including any amendment thereof.
 
Tennessee SPE” shall mean the SPE referred to in clause (iii) of the defined term “SPEs.”
 
Termination Fee” has the meaning set forth in Section 6(d) below.
 
Third-Party Claim” has the meaning set forth in Section 7(g) below.
 
Transaction Documents” has the meaning set forth in Section 3(b) below.
 
Union City Facility” means the office facility and distribution center of Seller located at 600 Sherwood Drive, Union City, Tennessee  38261.
 

 
LEGAL02/32385550v21
 
 

 

SECTION 2.                                Basic Transaction.
 
(a)           Purchase and Sale of Assets.
 
On and subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement, Buyer and the SPEs agree to purchase from Seller, and Seller agrees to sell, transfer, convey, and deliver to Buyer, all of the Acquired Assets at the Closing for the consideration specified below in this Section 2.  All Acquired Assets shall be acquired by the Buyer except for the Acquired Assets acquired by the SPEs as specifically set forth on Exhibit A of the Assignment and Assumption Agreement.
 
(b)           Assumption of Liabilities.
 
On and subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement, Buyer agrees to assume and become responsible for all of the Assumed Liabilities at the Closing.  Buyer will not assume or have any responsibility, however, with respect to any other obligation or liability of Seller not included within the definition of Assumed Liabilities.
 
(c)           Purchase Price
 
.  The Buyer and SPEs agree to pay to the Seller an amount (the “Purchase Price”) equal to $35,757,741 less (i) the product of $3,500 multiplied by the number of days from and after March 26, 2011 to and including the earlier of April 30, 2011 and the Closing Date and (ii) the product of $4,400 multiplied by the number of days, if any, from and after April 30, 2011 to and including the Closing Date (the sum of the amounts described in (i) and (ii), the “Interim Depreciation Amount”).  The Purchase Price shall be payable by (A) wire transfer of $23,659,721 in immediately available U.S. dollar funds to an account designated by Seller and (B) the issuance of a Promissory Note (as defined in the Loan Agreement) in the face amount of $12,098,020 less the Interim Depreciation Amount (the “Note Face Amount”).  The Purchase Price is subject to adjustment as provided in Section 2(f) below.  At the Closing, the Buyer and SPEs shall also pay to Seller an additional amount equal to the product of the Note Face Amount multiplied by 4.50%, which amount represents interest for the first year on the Promissory Note.
 
(d)           The Closing.
 
The closing of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement (the “Closing”) shall take place at the offices of Alston & Bird LLP, in Atlanta, Georgia, commencing at 12:01 a.m. local time on May 31, 2011, or such earlier date as the Seller and Buyer may agree, (the “Closing Date”) and the effective time of the Closing shall be 11:59 p.m. New York City time on the Closing Date.
 
(e)           Purchase Price Allocation
 
.  The Purchase Price is being allocated among the Acquired Assets by the Parties as set forth on Schedule 7 and if the Purchase Price is adjusted pursuant to Section 2(f), below, such adjusted Purchase Price will be allocated in a manner consistent with the allocation set forth on Schedule 7.  Such allocation is intended to comply with the requirements of Section 1060 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.  Seller and Buyer shall file Form 8594 with their respective Tax Returns consistent with such allocation.  The Parties shall treat and report the
transaction contemplated by this Agreement in all respects consistently for purposes of any federal, state or local Tax, including the calculation of gain, loss and basis with reference to the Purchase Price allocation made pursuant to this Section 2(e).  The parties shall not take any action or position inconsistent with the obligations set forth in this Agreement.  Seller agrees to indemnify and hold Buyer and its Affiliates harmless and Buyer hereby agrees to indemnify and hold Seller harmless, from and against any and all losses, liabilities and expenses (including additional income taxes and reasonable fees and disbursements of counsel) that may be incurred by the indemnified party as a result of the failure of the indemnifying party so to report the sale and purchase of the Acquired Assets as required by applicable laws.
 

 
LEGAL02/32385550v21
 
 

 

 
(f)           Net Asset Book Value Adjustment.
 
(i)           No later than 60 days after the Closing, the Buyer shall deliver to the Seller an unaudited statement of the Closing Date Net Asset Book Value which will be in the same format as Exhibit C hereto, including with respect to exhibits and schedules (the “Closing Date Net Asset Book Value Statement”), together with (A) a certificate of an authorized officer of the Seller stating that the Closing Date Net Asset Book Value Statement was prepared in accordance with Seller’s Past Practice and (B) an updated Schedule 3 (listing of Assumed Purchase Orders) which updated Schedule 3 will be in the same format as Schedule 3 attached hereto and will reflect the open purchase orders related to the Business as of 11:59 p.m., New York City time on the Closing Date.  The Seller shall notify the Buyer, in writing, within ten business days of Buyer’s delivery of the Closing Date Net Asset Book Value Statement whether it agrees or disagrees with the Closing Date Net Asset Book Value as shown on the Closing Date Net Asset Book Value Statement.  If the Seller agrees with the Closing Date Net Asset Book Value Statement, then the Closing Date Net Asset Book Value set forth therein shall be deemed to be final and binding upon the Parties pursuant to Section 2(f)(iv) below and the relevant Party shall make the payment, if any, required of it as set forth in this Section 2(f).
 
(ii)           If the Seller disagrees with the Closing Date Net Asset Book Value as shown on the Closing Date Net Asset Book Value Statement, then as soon as practicable following the Closing Date (but not later than 30 days after the date upon which Buyer delivers the Closing Date Net Asset Book Value Statement), the Seller shall prepare and deliver to the Buyer, its own statement of the Closing Date Net Asset Book Value which will be in the same format as Exhibit C hereto, including with respect to exhibits and schedules (the “Seller Closing Date Net Asset Book Value Statement” and the Closing Date Net Asset Book Value as reflected on the Seller Closing Date Net Asset Book Value Statement being referred to herein as the “Seller Determined Closing Date Net Asset Book Value”), which Seller Closing Date Net Asset Book Value Statement shall have been have reviewed and approved, in writing, by a nationally recognized accounting or inventory valuation firm reasonably acceptable to Buyer, as fairly presenting the Closing Date Net Asset Book Value.  In preparing the Seller Closing Date Net Asset Book Value Statement, the Seller shall be entitled to have access to the books and records of the Buyer and the work papers of the Buyer prepared in connection with the preparation of the Closing Date Net Asset Book Value Statement and shall be entitled to discuss such books and records and work papers with the Buyer and those persons responsible for the preparation thereof.  The Seller Closing Date Net Asset Book Value Statement shall be prepared in accordance with Seller’s Past Practice.  In the event that in preparing the Closing Date Net Asset Book Value Statement the Buyer conducts a physical inventory, the Seller shall be entitled to have one or more representatives present during the conduct of such physical inventory.
 

 
LEGAL02/32385550v21
 
 

 

 
(iii)           In the event that the Buyer does not agree with the Seller Determined Closing Date Net Asset Book Value as reflected on the Seller Closing Date Net Asset Book Value Statement, the Buyer shall so inform the Seller in writing within 10 business days after the Buyer’s receipt thereof, such writing to set forth the objections of the Buyer in reasonable detail.  If the Seller and the Buyer cannot reach agreement as to any disputed matter relating to the Closing Date Net Asset Book Value within 15 days after notification by the Buyer to the Seller of a dispute, the Parties shall forthwith refer such unresolved disputed matter to a nationally recognized accounting firm mutually agreeable to the Seller and the Buyer for resolution, with the understanding that: (A) the amount of each such disputed matter, as finally determined by such firm, shall not be less than the amount thereof shown in Seller’s Closing Date Net Asset Book Value Statement nor greater than the amount thereof shown in the Buyer’s objection delivered pursuant to this clause (iii); and (B) such firm shall resolve all disputed items within 20 days after such disputed items are referred to it.  If the Buyer and the Seller are unable to agree on the choice of an accounting firm, then the Buyer and the Seller shall select a regionally or nationally recognized accounting firm by lot (after excluding their respective regular outside accounting firms, if applicable, and the accounting firm that initially reviewed and approved the Seller Closing Date Net Asset Book Value Statement as set forth in Section 2(f)(ii)).  The fees and disbursements of the accounting firm engaged pursuant to this Section 2(f)(iii) (the “Aggregate Accounting Fees”) shall be allocated between the Buyer, on the one hand, and the Seller, on the other hand, as follows: a portion of the Aggregate Accounting Fees equal to the product of the Aggregate Accounting Fees and a fraction, the numerator of which is the aggregate dollar amount of the disputed items resolved by such accounting firm in favor of the Seller and the denominator of which is the aggregate dollar amount of all disputed items submitted to such accounting firm for resolution, shall be allocated to the Buyer, and the remainder shall be allocated to the Seller (in each case as finally determined by such accounting firm).
 
(iv)           The Closing Date Net Asset Book Value shall be deemed final for the purposes of this Agreement upon the earliest of (A) the failure of the Seller to object to the Closing Date Net Asset Book Value Statement delivered to Seller by Buyer pursuant to Section 2(f)(i) by the 10th day following receipt thereof by the Seller; (B) the failure of the Seller to deliver to the Buyer the Seller Closing Date Net Asset Book Value Statement reflecting the Seller Determined Closing Date Net Asset Book Value by the 30th day following the receipt by Seller of the Closing Date Net Asset Book Value Statement; (C) the failure of the Buyer to deliver an objection to the Seller Closing Date Net Asset Book Value Statement by the 30th day following receipt thereof by the Seller; (D) the resolution by the Buyer and the Seller of all remaining disputed items with respect to the Closing Date Net Asset Book Value pursuant to the second sentence of Section 2(f)(iii); and (E) the resolution of all disputed items with respect to the Closing Date Net Asset Book Value by a nationally recognized accounting firm in accordance with Section 2(f)(iii).  The final determinations of such matters shall be non-appealable and incontestable by the Parties and their respective successors and assigns and not subject to collateral attack for any reason other than manifest error or fraud.
 

 
LEGAL02/32385550v21
 
 

 

(v)           The Buyer shall be entitled to have access to the books and records of the Seller and the work papers of the Seller  prepared in connection with the preparation of the Closing Date Net Asset Book Value Statement and the calculation of the Closing Date Net Asset Book Value and shall be entitled to discuss such books and records and work papers with the Seller and those persons responsible for the preparation thereof.  The accounting firm selected pursuant to Section 2(f)(iii), if any, shall be entitled to have access to the books and records of the Buyer and the Seller and the work papers of the Buyer and the Seller prepared in connection with the preparation of the Closing Date Net Asset Book Value Statement, the Seller Closing Date Net Asset Book Value Statement, the objection of Buyer delivered pursuant to Section 2(f)(iii) and the respective calculations of Closing Date Net Asset Book Value associated therewith, and shall be entitled to discuss such books and records and work papers with the Buyer and the Seller and those persons responsible for the preparation thereof.
 
(vi)           The Parties agree that the purpose of determining the Closing Date Net Asset Book Value is to measure changes in the applicable components taken into consideration in determining the Closing Date Net Asset Book Value, which components were used in the calculation of the Closing Date Net Asset Book Value as set forth on Exhibit C, including any exhibits and schedules thereto.  Such process is not intended to permit the introduction of different components, judgments, accounting methods, policies, principles, practices, procedures, classifications or estimation or valuation methodologies for the purpose of determining the Closing Date Net Asset Book Value from the judgments, accounting methods, policies, principles, practices, procedures, classifications or estimation methodologies described or used, as applicable, in Exhibit C, including any exhibits and schedules thereto.
 
(vii)           If the Closing Date Net Asset Book Value as finally determined pursuant to this Section 2(f) (the “Final Closing Date Net Asset Book Value”), as adjusted pursuant to the final sentence of this Section 2(f)(vii), exceeds $23,659,721, then, subject to the provisions of the penultimate sentence of this Section 2(f)(vii), the Purchase Price shall be increased by an amount equal to the amount of such excess.  If the Final Closing Date Net Asset Book Value”), as adjusted pursuant to the final sentence of this Section 2(f)(vii), is less than $23,659,721, then, subject to the provisions of the penultimate sentence of this Section 2(f)(vii), the Purchase Price shall be decreased by an amount equal to the amount of such shortfall.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, no adjustment shall be made to the Purchase Price pursuant to this Section 2(f) unless such adjustment as determined pursuant to this Section 2(f)(vii) results in a positive or negative adjustment to the Purchase Price equal to or greater than $200,000, and in such case the entire amount of such positive or negative adjustment shall be made to the Purchase Price.  For the purpose of this Section 2(f)(vii), “Final Closing Date Net Asset Value” shall not include the value of any property, plant and equipment set forth on Exhibit PE to the Closing Date Net Asset Book Value Statement.
 
(viii)           If, pursuant to Section 2(f)(vii), Buyer is required to make a payment to Seller, Buyer shall pay such amount to the Seller, by wire transfer of immediately available U.S. dollar funds to such account as shall be designated by the Seller in writing, within five business days after the date upon which the Closing Date Net Asset Book Value is deemed final as set forth in Section 2(f)(iv).  If, pursuant to Section 2(f)(vii), Seller is required to make a payment to Buyer, Seller shall pay such amount to the Buyer, by wire transfer of immediately available U.S. dollar funds to such account as shall be designated by Buyer in writing, within five business days after the date upon which the Closing Date Net Asset Book Value is deemed final as set forth in Section 2(f)(iv).
 

 
LEGAL02/32385550v21
 
 

 

 
(g)           Pre-Closing Covenants. Between the date of this Agreement and the Closing Date, Seller shall afford Buyer (at Buyer’s cost and expense) and its representatives access to, during normal business hours, in a manner so as not to interfere with the normal business operations of the Seller and upon reasonable prior written notice, the properties, contracts, books and records and other documents and data pertaining to the Seller related to the business. Any such data or information shall be subject to the Confidentiality Agreement. Except as otherwise contemplated or permitted by this Agreement or with the prior consent of Buyer (such consent not to be unreasonably withheld or delayed), between the date of this Agreement and the Closing Date, Seller shall operate the Business in the Ordinary Course of Business consistent with past practices.  The Seller shall have the exclusive authority to manage and operate the Business during the period between the date of this Agreement Date and the Closing Date.  Seller will not amend or terminate any Acquired Contract between the date of this Agreement and the Closing Date except in the Ordinary Course of Business or with Buyer’s written consent, which shall not be unreasonably withheld or delayed.  Subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement, between the date of this Agreement and the Closing Date, Seller and Buyer shall, and shall cause their affiliates  to  deliver or cause to be delivered at the Closing the Transaction Documents (including the exhibits to the agreement and the Loan Agreement) and other items to be delivered by such Persons at or prior to the Closing and (ii) not take any action that will have the effect of unreasonably delaying, impairing or impeding the Closing  of the Transactions contemplated by this Agreement.  The Seller shall (at Buyer’s sole cost and expense) use commercially reasonable efforts to assist Buyer in obtaining any financing sought by Buyer in connection with the transactions contemplated hereby including making appropriate officers of the Seller available to participate in informational meetings, assisting with the preparation of information packages and disclosure documents in connection with such financing; provided, that obtaining any such financing shall not be a condition to the Closing of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement.  The Buyer shall use commercially reasonable efforts to resolve the Structuring Matters and shall keep Seller apprised of its discussions and negotiations in connection therewith.

 
SECTION 3.                                Seller’s Representations and Warranties.
 
Seller represents and warrants to Buyer that the statements contained in this Section 3 are correct and complete as of the date of this Agreement and as of the Closing Date, except as set forth in the disclosure schedule accompanying this Agreement (the “Disclosure Schedule”).  The Disclosure Schedule will be arranged in paragraphs corresponding to the lettered and numbered paragraphs contained in this Section 3 and the other sections of this Agreement pursuant to which disclosure is made or items are referred to in the Disclosure Schedule.
 
(a)           Organization of Seller.
 
Seller is a corporation duly organized, validly existing, and in good standing under the laws of the jurisdiction of its incorporation, with full corporate power and authority to conduct its business as now being conducted by it, to own and use the properties it purports to own and use, and to perform its obligations under the Acquired Contracts.
 

 
LEGAL02/32385550v21
 
 

 

 
(b)           Authorization of Transaction.
 
Seller has full corporate power and authority to execute and deliver this Agreement and the documents contemplated hereby, including the Exhibits to this Agreement and Loan Agreement (the “Transaction Documents”) and to perform its obligations thereunder.  This Agreement constitutes, and the other Transaction Documents when executed will constitute, the valid and legally binding obligation of Seller, enforceable against it in accordance with its terms and conditions.  The execution, delivery and performance of the Transaction Documents have been duly authorized by Seller.
 
(c)           Non-contravention.
 
Neither the execution and delivery of this Agreement, nor the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby (including the assignments and assumptions referred to in Section 2 above), will (i) violate any constitution, statute, regulation, rule, injunction, judgment, order, decree, ruling, charge, or other restriction of any government, governmental agency, or court to which Seller or the Acquired Assets are subject or any provision of the charter or bylaws of Seller or (ii) conflict with, result in a breach of, constitute a default under, result in the acceleration of, create in any party the right to accelerate, terminate, modify, or cancel, or require any notice under any agreement, contract, lease, license, instrument, or other arrangement to which Seller is a party or by which it is bound or to which any of its assets is subject (or result in the imposition of any Lien upon any of its assets), except (other than with respect to any Acquired Assets) where the violation, conflict, breach, default, acceleration, termination, modification, cancellation, failure to give notice, or Lien would not have a Material Adverse Effect.  The Seller does not need to give any notice to, make any filing with, or obtain any authorization, consent, or approval of any government or governmental agency in order for the Parties to consummate the transactions contemplated by this Agreement (including the assignments and assumptions referred to in Section 2 above), except where the failure to give notice, to file, or to obtain any authorization, consent, or approval would not have a Material Adverse Effect.
 
(d)           Brokers’ Fees.
 
Seller has no liability or obligation to pay any fees or commissions to any broker, finder, or agent with respect to the transactions contemplated by this Agreement for which Buyer could become liable or obligated.
 
(e)           Title to and Condition of Assets.
 
Seller has good and marketable title to, or a valid leasehold interest in, the Acquired Assets, free and clear of any Liens or restriction on transfer.  Seller has the right to transfer the Acquired Assets to Buyer, free and clear of any Liens.  The Acquired Assets which constitute tangible personal property are in normal operating condition, reasonable wear excepted.
 
(f)           Selected Financial Data.
 

 
LEGAL02/32385550v21
 
 

 

Attached hereto as Exhibit C are the following financial data (the “Selected Financial Data”):
 
(i)           the book value of the Acquired Elkin Assets, as of the Financial Statement Date, determined in accordance with Seller’s Past Practice;
 
(ii)           the book value of the Acquired Union City Assets, as of the Financial Statement Date, determined in accordance with Seller’s Past Practice;
 
(iii)           the book value of the Acquired Cannon Falls Assets, as of the Financial Statement Date, determined in accordance with Seller’s Past Practice;
 
(iv)           the book value of the Acquired Inventory, as of the Financial Statement Date, determined in accordance with Seller’s Past Practice;
 
(v)           the book value of the Acquired Receivables, as of the Financial Statement Date, determined in accordance with Seller’s Past Practice;
 
(vi)           the obligations of the Seller in respect of the Assumed Accounts Payables, as of the Financial Statement Date, determined in accordance with Seller’s Past Practice;
 
(vii)           the expenses incurred by the Seller in operating the Elkin Facility during the period February 1, 2010 through January 31, 2011;
 
(viii)           the expenses incurred by the Seller in operating the Union City Facility during the period February 1, 2010 through January 31, 2011;
 
(ix)           the expenses incurred by the Seller in operating the Cannon Falls Facility during the period February 1, 2010 through January 31, 2011; and
 
(x)           the sales of products by the Seller in connection with the conduct of the Business during the period February 1, 2010 through January 31, 2011 (the “Sales Figures”).
 
The Selected Financial Data fairly present the values, obligations and expenses set forth therein and are based upon the books and records of the Seller, which have been maintained in accordance with GAAP, consistently applied.
 
(g)           Real Property.
 
(i)           Section 3(g)(i) of the Disclosure Schedule sets forth the address of each parcel of Leased Real Property, and a true and complete list of all Leases for each such Leased Real Property (including the date, term and termination date, and name of the parties to such Lease document).  Seller has delivered to Buyer a true and complete copy of each such Lease document.  Except as set forth in Section 3(g)(i) of the Disclosure Schedule, with respect to each such Lease:
 

 
LEGAL02/32385550v21
 
 

 

  (A)           such Lease is legal, valid, binding, enforceable and in full force and effect;
 
(B)         the transactions contemplated by this Agreement do not require the consent of any other party to such Lease, will not result in a breach of or default under such Lease, and will not otherwise cause such Lease to cease to be legal, valid, binding, enforceable and in full force and effect on identical terms following the Closing;
 
(C)         Seller’s possession and quiet enjoyment of the Leased Real Property under such Lease has not been disturbed and, to the Knowledge of Seller, there are no disputes with respect to such Lease;
 
(D)         Seller is not and, to the Knowledge of the Seller, no other party to any Lease is, in breach of or default under such Lease; and, to the Knowledge of Seller, no event has occurred or circumstance exists that, with the delivery of notice, the passage of time or both, would constitute such a breach or default, or permit the termination, modification or acceleration of rent under such Lease;
 
(E)         no security deposit or portion thereof deposited with respect to such Lease has been applied in respect of a breach of or default under such Lease that has not been redeposited in full;
 
(F)         Seller does not owe, and will not owe in the future, any brokerage commissions or finder’s fees with respect to such Lease;
 
(G)         the other party to such Lease is not an Affiliate of, and otherwise does not have any economic interest in, Seller;
 
(H)         Seller has not subleased, licensed or otherwise granted any Person the right to use or occupy the Leased Real Property or any portion thereof; and
 
(I)         Seller has not collaterally assigned or granted any other Lien in such Lease or any interest therein.
 
(ii)           Except as set forth in Section 3(g)(ii) of the Disclosure Schedule or as do not result in, or would not be reasonably be expected to result in, material liability to the Business, or as would not reasonably be expected to interfere in any material respect with the conduct of the Business, the Seller has good, valid and marketable fee simple title to the Owned Real Property, free and clear of all Liens.  There are no outstanding options, rights of first offer or rights of first refusal to purchase such Owned Property or any portion thereof.
 
(iii)           All buildings, structures, fixtures, building systems and equipment, and all components thereof, included in the Real Property (the “Improvements”) are in good condition and repair, reasonable wear and tear excepted.
 
(iv)           The Owned Real Property and, to the Knowledge of Seller, the Leased Real Property is in compliance with all applicable building, zoning, subdivision, health
 

 
LEGAL02/32385550v21
 
 

 

and safety and other land use laws, including the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, as amended, and all insurance requirements affecting the Leased Real Property (collectively, the “Real Property Laws”).  Seller has not received any notice of violation of any Real Property Law.
 
(v)           Each parcel of Real Property has direct access to a public street adjoining the Real Property or has access to a public street via insurable easements benefiting such parcel of Real Property, and such access is not dependent on any land or other real property interest that is not included in the Real Property.  None of the Improvements or any portion thereof is dependent for its access, use or operation on any land, building, improvement or other real property interest that is not included in the Real Property.
 
(vi)           All water, oil, gas, electrical, steam, compressed air, telecommunications, sewer, storm and waste water systems and other utility services or systems for the Real Property have been installed and are operational and sufficient for the operation of the Business as currently conducted thereon.
 
(vii)           Seller’s use or occupancy of the Real Property or any portion thereof and the operation of the Business as currently conducted is not dependent on a “permitted non-conforming use” or “permitted non-conforming structure” or similar variance, exemption or approval from any governmental authority.
 
(viii)           None of the Real Property or any portion thereof is located in a flood hazard area (as defined by the Federal Emergency Management Agency).
 
(h)           Acquired Intellectual Property.
 
(i)           To the Knowledge of Seller: (a) no third party has interfered with, infringed upon, misappropriated, or violated the Acquired Intellectual Property or is doing any of the aforesaid at this time; and (b) no Acquired Intellectual Property interferes with, infringes upon or violates the intellectual property rights of any third-party.  No copyrighted or copyrightable material included in the Acquired Intellectual Property infringes upon or violates the copyrights of any third party.  No know-how, process, formula, or product included in the Acquired Intellectual Property violates any trade secret of any third party.
 
(ii)           Schedule 2 identifies (a) each license, agreement, or other permission that Seller has granted to any third party with respect to any of the Acquired Intellectual Property (together with any exceptions) and (b) each license, agreement, or other permission that has been granted to Seller with respect to any of the Acquired Intellectual Property.  All of the items identified on Schedule 2 constitute all of the Acquired Contracts relating to the Acquired Intellectual Property.  With respect to each item listed on Schedule 2 and on Section 3(h)(v) of the Disclosure Schedule, as well as each other item of Acquired Intellectual Property, except as otherwise set forth in Section 3(h)(ii) or Section 3(h)(iv) of the Disclosure Schedule:
 
(A)         Seller possesses all right, title, and interest in and to the item, free and clear of any Lien, license, or other restriction, and Seller is not obligated to pay any royalties with respect thereto;
 

 
LEGAL02/32385550v21
 
 

 

(B)         the item is not subject to any outstanding injunction, judgment, order, decree, ruling, or charge;
 
(C)         no action, suit, proceeding, hearing, investigation, charge, complaint, claim, or demand is pending or, to the Knowledge of Seller, is threatened that challenges the legality, validity, enforceability, use, or ownership of the item;
 
(D)         Seller has never agreed to indemnify any Person for or against any interference, infringement, misappropriation, or other conflict with respect to the item; and
 
(E)         no loss or expiration of the item is threatened, pending, or reasonably foreseeable.
 
(iii)           Schedule 2 includes (i) all fictional names, trade marks, trade names and service marks that have been registered with the applicable governmental authority, including the United States Patent and Trademark Office or the equivalent national trademark office in any foreign jurisdiction, including the European Union, all of which are currently in compliance with all applicable laws, and are valid and enforceable and (ii) all material unregistered trademarks.  Section 3(h)(iii) of the Disclosure Schedule includes a complete list of common law trademarks for the fragrance names that are used in the Business (the “Fragrance Names”).  Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, Seller makes no representations or warranties with respect to any Fragrance Names (including, without limitation, any Fragrance Names not listed on Section 3(h)(iii) of the Disclosure Schedule), including, without limitation, with respect to the existence or extent of common law trademark rights therein or with respect to whether use of such names may violate any third party’s rights.  Neither the inclusion of any Fragrance Name in Section 3(h)(iii) of the Disclosure Schedule nor anything else in this Agreement shall constitute an admission by Seller as to the existence of any protectable rights in such Fragrance Names or be relied upon by Purchaser to assert rights against Seller or its licensees hereafter.
 
(iv)           Section 3(h)(iv) of the Disclosure Schedule identifies each material item of Acquired Intellectual Property that any third party owns and Seller uses pursuant to license, sublicense, agreement, or permission.  Seller has delivered to Buyer correct and complete copies of all such licenses, sublicenses, agreements, and permissions (as amended to date).  All of the items identified on Section 3(h)(iv) of the Disclosure Schedule constitute Acquired Contracts.  With respect to each such item of used Intellectual Property required to be identified in Section 3(h)(iv) of the Disclosure Schedule, except as otherwise set forth in Section 3(h)(ii) or Section 3(h)(iv) of the Disclosure Schedule:
 
(A)         Seller has not granted any sublicense or similar right with respect to the license, sublicense, agreement, or permission; and
 
(B)         no loss or expiration of the item is threatened, pending, or reasonably foreseeable, except for patents expiring at the end of their statutory terms (and not as a result of any act or omission by Seller, including without limitation, a failure by Seller to pay any required maintenance fees).
 

 
LEGAL02/32385550v21
 
 

 

(v)         Section 3(h)(v) of the Disclosure Schedule identifies each patent or registration that has been issued to Seller which is used in the operation of the Business and identifies each pending patent application or application for registration that Seller has made with respect to any of the Intellectual Property used by Seller in the Business. Seller has delivered to Buyer correct and complete copies of all such patents, registrations and applications (as amended to date).  Section 3(h)(v) of the Disclosure Schedule also identifies each material Internet domain name used in the operation of the Business.
 
(vi)           The Acquired Intellectual Property constitutes all of the material Intellectual Property used by Seller in the operation of the Business.
 
(i)           Acquired Tangible Assets.
 
The machinery, equipment, and other tangible assets included in the Acquired Assets are free from material defects (patent and latent), have been maintained in accordance with normal industry practice, and are in good operating condition and repair (subject to normal wear and tear).
 
(j)           Acquired Inventory.
 
The Acquired Inventory is all of the inventory currently in existence which is used in connection with the Business conducted with the Acquired Assets.  The Acquired Inventory consists of manufactured and processed parts, work in process, and finished goods, all of which is fit for the purpose for which it was procured or manufactured.  The Acquired Inventory has been written down to its net realizeable value which is the lower of cost or market on Exhibit C.  Inventory now on hand that was purchased after the Financial Statement Date and inventory purchased pursuant to the Assumed Purchase Orders but not yet on hand was purchased in the Ordinary Course of Business at a cost not exceeding market prices prevailing at the time of purchase.
 
(k)           Acquired Contracts.
 
Schedule 1 contains a list of, and Seller has delivered to Buyer a correct and complete copy of, each written Acquired Contract (as amended to date) and a written summary setting forth the material terms and conditions of each oral Acquired Contract.  With respect to Seller, and, to the best knowledge of Seller, each other party to each Acquired Contract: (A) the agreement is legal, valid, binding and enforceable in accordance with its terms, and in full force and effect; (B) no party is in material breach or default, and no event has occurred that with notice or lapse of time would constitute a material breach or default, or permit termination, modification, or acceleration, under the agreement; and (C) no party has repudiated any provision of the agreement.  Except as set forth on Section 3(k) of the Disclosure Schedule, neither the execution or delivery of this Agreement nor the consummation of any transactions contemplated hereby requires Seller to obtain any consent of another person under any material Acquired Contract.
 
(l)           Acquired Receivables.
 

 
LEGAL02/32385550v21
 
 

 

The Acquired Receivables are all of the receivables currently in existence that are related to the Business conducted with the Acquired Assets.  All Acquired Receivables are valid receivables subject to no setoffs or counterclaims and are current and collectible in accordance with their terms and at their recorded amounts, subject only to the reserve for bad debts, charge-backs and the like set forth in Exhibits AR-1, AR-2 and AR-3 to the Closing Date Net Asset Book Value Statement (without duplication).
 
(m)           Environmental, Health, and Safety Matters.  With respect to the Business and any real property owned or operated by the Business at any time:
 
(i)           Seller has complied and is in compliance, in each case in all material respects, with all Environmental, Health, and Safety Requirements.
 
(ii)           Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, Seller has obtained, has complied, and is in compliance with, in each case in all respects, all material permits, licenses and other authorizations that are required pursuant to Environmental, Health, and Safety Requirements for the occupation of the Real Property and the operation of its business as conducted thereon; and a list of all such material permits, licenses and other authorizations is set forth in Section 3(m)(ii) of the Disclosure Schedule.
 
(iii)           Seller has not received any written or oral notice, report or other information regarding any actual or alleged material violation of Environmental, Health, and Safety Requirements, or any material liabilities or potential material liabilities (whether accrued, absolute, contingent, unliquidated or otherwise), including any material investigatory, remedial or corrective obligations, relating to the operations of the Business or concerning  the Real Property arising under Environmental, Health, and Safety Requirements.
 
(iv)           Seller has not treated, stored, disposed of, arranged for or permitted the disposal of, transported, handled, manufactured, distributed, or released any substance, including without limitation any hazardous substance, or owned or operated any Real Property or facility (and no such property or facility is contaminated by any such substance) that would give rise to any current or future material liabilities, including any material liability for response costs, corrective action costs, personal injury, property damage, natural resources damages or attorney fees, pursuant to the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act of 1980, as amended (“CERCLA”) or the Solid Waste Disposal Act, as amended or any other Environmental, Health, and Safety Requirements.
 
(v)           No hazardous substances are present at, on or under any Real Property;
 
(vi)           Neither this Agreement nor the consummation of the transactions that are the subject of this Agreement will result in any material obligations for site investigation or cleanup, or notification to or consent of government agencies or third parties, pursuant to any of the so-called “transaction-triggered” or “responsible property transfer” Environmental, Health, and Safety Requirements.
 

 
LEGAL02/32385550v21
 
 

 

(vii)           Seller has not, at any Real Property, designed, manufactured, sold, marketed, installed, or distributed products or other items containing asbestos.
 
(viii)           Seller has furnished to Buyer all environmental audits, reports and other material environmental documents relating to the Business and to the Real Property that are in its possession.
 
(n)           Legal Compliance.  Seller has complied in all material respects with all applicable laws (including rules, regulations, codes, plans, injunctions, judgments, orders, decrees, rulings, and charges thereunder and including the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, 15 U.S.C. 78dd-1, et seq.) of federal, state, local, and foreign governments (and all agencies thereof), and no action, suit, proceeding, hearing, investigation, charge, complaint, claim, demand, or notice has been filed or commenced against any of them alleging any failure so to comply.
 
(o)           Tax Matters.
 
(i)           Seller has filed all material Tax Returns that it was required to file. All such Tax Returns were correct and complete in all material respects. All material Taxes owed by Seller (whether or not shown on any Tax Return) have been paid.  Seller is not currently the beneficiary of any extension of time within which to file any income Tax Return.  Seller has withheld and paid all Taxes required to have been withheld and paid in connection with amounts paid or owing to any employee, independent contractor, creditor, stockholder, or other third party, and all Forms W-2 and 1099 required with respect thereto have been properly completed and timely filed.
 
(ii)           There is no material dispute or claim concerning any Tax liability of Seller either: (A) claimed or raised by any authority in writing; or (B) as to which Seller has Knowledge.
 
(p)           Litigation.  Section 3(p) of the Disclosure Schedule sets forth each instance in which Seller: (i) is subject to any outstanding injunction, judgment, order, decree, ruling, or charge; or (ii) is a party or, to the Knowledge of Seller, is threatened to be made a party to any action, suit, proceeding, hearing, or investigation of, in, or before any court or quasi-judicial or administrative agency of any federal, state, local, or foreign jurisdiction or before any arbitrator, in either case, affecting the Business or the Acquired Assets.
 
(q)           Product Warranty; Product Liability.
 
(i)           Substantially all of the products manufactured, sold, leased, or delivered by Seller in the operation of the Business have conformed in all material respects with all applicable contractual commitments and all express and implied warranties, and Seller has no material liability (whether known or unknown, whether asserted or unasserted, whether absolute or contingent, whether accrued or unaccrued, whether liquidated or unliquidated, and whether due or to become due) for replacement or repair thereof or other damages in connection therewith.
 

 
LEGAL02/32385550v21
 
 

 

 
(ii)           Seller has no material liability (whether known or unknown, whether asserted or unasserted, whether absolute or contingent, whether accrued or unaccrued, whether liquidated or unliquidated, and whether due or to become due) arising out of any injury to individuals or property as a result of the ownership, possession, or use of any product manufactured, sold, leased, or delivered by Seller in its operation of the Business conducted with the Acquired Assets.
 
(r)           Solvency.  Seller is not now insolvent and will not be rendered insolvent by any of the transactions contemplated hereby.  As used in this Section 3(r), “insolvent” means that the sum of the debts and other probable liabilities of Seller exceed the present fair saleable value of Seller’s assets.
 
(s)           Employees and Independent Contactors.
 
(i)           Schedule 8 sets forth the name, annual salary for the fiscal year ended January 31, 2011, hiring date, accrued paid time off and accrued vacation for each of the employees of the Business (the “Personnel”).  None of the Personnel has received any raise or compensation in the last six months except in the Ordinary Course of Business and Seller has made no promise or commitment to change the level of compensation of any Personnel except for annual or employment anniversary date raises of general application in the Ordinary Course of Business.  Seller is not nor has it been in a material dispute with any of the Personnel, and, to the Knowledge of Seller, Seller has no reason to believe that any Personnel will not accept employment or engagement with Buyer if such employment or engagement is so offered.
 
(ii)           Section 3(s)(ii) of the Disclosure Schedules sets forth a list of all workers’ compensation claims filed against Seller or any of its Affiliates from January 1, 2005 through January 2011 by any Personnel.
 
(iii)           Each member of the Personnel has been properly classified as an employee or independent contractor, as applicable, under applicable law.
 
(t)           Accounts Payable.  The Assumed Accounts Payable are related solely to the Business and were incurred in the Ordinary Course of Business.
 
(u)           Acquired Assets.  The Acquired Assets constitute all of the material assets that are currently utilized by the Seller to operate the Business conducted by Seller with the assets being purchased by Buyer.
 
(v)           Transactions with Related Parties .  Except as set forth on Section 3(v) of the Disclosure Schedule, no officer, director, or shareholder (or immediate family member of the foregoing) or Affiliate of Seller is currently engaged in transactions with, is currently providing services to, is currently accepting services from, or is otherwise currently doing business with Seller in connection with the Business or the Acquired Assets.
 

 
LEGAL02/32385550v21
 
 

 

 
(w)           Absence of Certain Payments.  Neither Seller nor, to Seller’s Knowledge, any other Person acting for or on behalf of Seller has directly or indirectly made any contribution, gift, bribe, rebate, payoff, influence payment, kickback, or other payment to any Person, private or public, regardless of form, whether in money, property, or services (i) to obtain favorable treatment in securing business for the Seller (ii) to pay for favorable treatment for business secured for Seller or (iii) to obtain special concessions or for special concessions already obtained, for or in respect of Seller, in each case, in violation of any law applicable to Seller.
 
(x)           Absence of Undisclosed Liabilities.  Except as and to the extent liabilities are specifically reflected in the Financial Statements or disclosed on the Schedules attached hereto or reflected in the Assumed Contracts, the Business has no liabilities or obligations of any nature (whether accrued, absolute, contingent or otherwise).
 
SECTION 4.                                Buyer’s Representations and Warranties.
 
Buyer represents and warrants to Seller that the statements contained in this Section 4 are correct and complete as of the date of this Agreement and as of the Closing Date.
 
(a)           Organization of Buyer and SPEs.
 
Buyer is a corporation duly organized, validly existing, and in good standing under the laws of the jurisdiction of its incorporation, with full corporate power and authority to conduct its business as now being conducted by it and to own and use the properties it purports to own and use. The SPEs are special purpose limited liability companies formed for the sole purpose of acquiring the specific Acquired Assets to be acquired by them hereunder and are duly organized, validly existing, and in good standing under the laws of the jurisdiction of their respective incorporation, with full corporate power and authority to own and use the specific Acquired Assets to be acquired by them hereunder.
 
(b)           Ownership of Buyer and SPEs.
 
As of the date hereof, all issued and outstanding shares of capital stock of the Buyer and SPEs are held by the persons and in the amounts set forth in Schedule 4(b).
 
(c)           Authorization of Transaction.
 
Buyer and the SPEs have full corporate or limited liability company power and authority to execute and deliver the Transaction Documents applicable to them and to perform their
 

 
LEGAL02/32385550v21
 
 

 

respective obligations thereunder.  This Agreement constitutes, and the other Transaction Documents when executed will constitute, the valid and legally binding obligation of Buyer and the SPEs, as applicable, enforceable against them in accordance with their terms and conditions.  The execution, delivery and performance of the Transaction Documents have been duly authorized by Buyer and the SPEs.
 
(d)           Non-contravention.
 
Neither the execution and delivery of this Agreement, nor the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby (including the assignments and assumptions referred to in Section 2 above), will (i) violate any constitution, statute, regulation, rule, injunction, judgment, order, decree, ruling, charge, or other restriction of any government, governmental agency, or court to which Buyer or any SPE is subject or any provision of their respective charter, organizational document or bylaws or (ii) conflict with, result in a breach of, constitute a default under, result in the acceleration of, create in any party the right to accelerate, terminate, modify, or cancel, or require any notice under any agreement, contract, lease, license, instrument, or other arrangement to which Buyer or any SPE is a party or by which they are bound or to which any of their respective assets are subject, except where the violation, conflict, breach, default, acceleration, termination, modification, cancellation, failure to give notice, or Lien would not have a Material Adverse Effect.  None of Buyer nor the SPEs need to give any notice to, make any filing with, or obtain any authorization, consent, or approval of any government or governmental agency in order for the Parties to consummate the transactions contemplated by this Agreement (including the assignments and assumptions referred to in Section 2 above), except where the failure to give notice, to file, or to obtain any authorization, consent, or approval would not have a Material Adverse Effect.
 
(e)           Brokers’ Fees.
 
Buyer has no liability or obligation to pay any fees or commissions to any broker, finder, or agent with respect to the transactions contemplated by this Agreement for which Seller could become liable or obligated.
 
SECTION 5.                                Post-Closing Covenants.
 
The Parties agree as follows with respect to the period following the Closing:
 
(a)           General.  Each Party shall, at the request of any other Party from time to time and at any time, whether on or after the Closing Date, and without further consideration, execute and deliver such deeds, assignments, transfers, assumptions, conveyances, powers of attorney, receipts, acknowledgments, acceptances and assurances as may be reasonably necessary to procure for the Party so requesting, and its successors and assigns, or for aiding and assisting in collecting and reducing to possession, any and all of the Acquired Assets, or for the assumption of the Assumed Liabilities, or to otherwise satisfy and perform the obligations of the Parties hereunder.  Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, Seller shall, upon the request of Buyer, in a timely manner on and after the Closing Date execute and deliver to Buyer such other documents, releases, assignments and other instruments as may be reasonably required to effectuate completely the transfer and assignment to Buyer of, and to vest fully in Buyer, Seller’s rights to, the Acquired Assets.  In furtherance of the foregoing, Seller shall accumulate weekly the proceeds of any Acquired Receivables received by it and such proceeds shall be remitted to Buyer no later than the third business day following the last day of the week in which received and shall be held in trust for the benefit of Buyer until so remitted.
 

 
LEGAL02/32385550v21
 
 

 

 
(b)           Amendment to 2007 Asset Purchase Agreement.  Section 6(c) of that certain Asset Purchase Agreement dated April 27, 2007 to which Buyer and Candle Corporation of America are parties is hereby deleted in its entirety and shall have no further force or effect.
 
(c)           Preservation of Records.  Seller shall preserve and keep copies of all financial records and other data (to the extent not physically transferred to the Buyer at or after the Closing) related to the Business conducted with the Acquired Assets, including customer lists, referral sources, research and development reports, production reports, any performance testing results on products, service and warranty records, financial and accounting records, creative materials, advertising materials, promotional materials, correspondence and other similar documents for a period of five years from the Closing Date and shall make such documents available to Buyer as may be reasonably required by Buyer in connection with, among other things, the conduct by the Buyer of the Business conducted with the Acquired Assets.  In addition, the Parties shall each, and shall cause their respective Affiliates to, preserve and keep the financial records held by it relating to the Business conducted with the Acquired Assets prior to the Closing for a period of three (3) years from the Closing Date and shall make such records available to the other Party as may be reasonably required by such other Party in connection with, among other things, the conduct by the Buyer of the Business, any insurance claims, Tax Returns, governmental investigations, or securities offerings and shall permit such other Party to make and keep copies of such records, at such other Party’s sole cost and expense.
 
(d)           Employee Matters.  At the Closing, Buyer shall offer employment on an at-will basis, to those persons listed in Schedule 8 (provided, however, that Buyer shall not be required to offer employment to such persons listed on Schedule 8 as are listed in that certain letter delivered by Buyer to Seller dated as of even date herewith), such offer of employment to be at a base salary comparable to those upon which such persons were, on the date of execution of this Agreement (subject to any increase for annual or employment anniversary date raises of general application in the Ordinary Course of Business through the Closing Date), employed by Seller and such persons shall be entitled to benefits offered to Buyer’s employees generally (it being understood and agreed that the provisions of this Section 5(d) are not for the benefit of any of the persons listed in Schedule 8 and shall not, and shall not be construed to, give or vest in any of such persons any right or entitlement to employment, engagement or continued employment or engagement or to a particular level of compensation or benefits with or from either Seller or Buyer) and (B) make appropriate arrangements to transition those persons offered employment who have accepted employment with the Buyer to the payroll accounting or accounts payable systems and, if applicable, other human resources systems of Buyer and to Buyer’s benefit plans if applicable.
 

 
LEGAL02/32385550v21
 
 

 

 
(e)           Non-Competition.
 
(i)           In consideration of the Purchase Price and the assumption by Buyer of the Assumed Liabilities, for a period of five years from the Closing Date (the “Restricted Period”), Seller and its Affiliates shall not, except as provided in Section 5(e)(v), below, manufacture or sell Restricted Products in the United States or its territories, Mexico or Canada (the “Restricted Territories”).
 
(ii)           During the Restricted Period, Seller and its Affiliates shall not, directly or indirectly through another entity, (x) induce or attempt to induce any customer to cease doing Restricted Business with Buyer or any of its Affiliates, (y) induce or attempt to induce any supplier, licensee, licensor, franchisee or other business relation of Buyer or any of its Affiliates to terminate its Restricted Business related relationship with Buyer or such Affiliate or (z) interfere with the Restricted Business related relationship between Buyer and/or such Affiliate and any such customer, supplier, licensor, licensee or franchisee (including by making any negative statements or communications to such customer, supplier, licensor, licensee or franchisee about Buyer or such Affiliates) with the goal of disrupting such Restricted Business related relationship;
 
(iii)           During the Restricted Period, Seller and its Affiliates shall not, directly or indirectly through another entity, solicit, induce or conspire with or attempt to solicit, induce or conspire with any employee, independent contractor or officer of Buyer or any of its Affiliates to leave the employ or engagement of Buyer or any of its Affiliates, or to compete in the Restricted Business against the Buyer or any of its Affiliates or interfere with the employment or professional relationship between Buyer or any of its Affiliates and any employee, independent contractor or officer of Buyer or such Affiliate(s) in any way that is adverse to such employment or professional relationship;
 
(iv)           During the Restricted Period, Seller and its Affiliates shall not divert or attempt to divert any or all of the Restricted Business of Buyer’s or any of Buyer’s Affiliate’s customers or suppliers from Buyer or its Affiliates in violation of this Agreement or applicable law (including any applicable trade secrets law).
 
(v)           Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in this Agreement, Seller and its Affiliates shall be entitled to manufacture and sell, and shall not be restricted in any way from manufacturing or selling, to any Person, whether in the Restricted Territories or otherwise:
 
(A)         Non-fragranced candles and non-candle products under the brand names Sterno®, Ambria®, or Handy Fuel®;
 
(B)         candles and candle-related products directly to consumers through its PartyLite® brand, including through in-person meetings, Internet and catalogue;
 

 
LEGAL02/32385550v21
 
 

 

(C)          Restricted Products manufactured by Seller or its Affiliates for and under the name of a third party other than (y) Restricted Customers and (z) third parties who resell Restricted Products to Restricted Customers under the brand name of the Restricted Customers (for the avoidance of doubt, Seller and its Affiliates may manufacture and sell Restricted Products under the name of a third party that is not a Restricted Customer—but not under a Restricted Customer’s trade name or its private label brand name—for sale, directly or indirectly, to Restricted Customers for retail sales by those Restricted Customers); and
 
(D)         Restricted Products directly to consumers through Miles Kimball Company, including through Internet and catalogue.
 
(vi)           The covenants in this Section 5(e) are severable and separate, and the unenforceability of any specific covenant in this Section 5(e) is not intended by any Party to, and shall not, affect the provisions of any other covenant in this Section 5(e).  If any court of competent jurisdiction shall determine that the scope, time, or territorial restrictions set forth in this Section 5(e) are unreasonable as applied to Seller, the Parties acknowledge their mutual intention and agreement that those restrictions be enforced to the fullest extent the court deems reasonable, and that they thereby shall be reformed to that extent as applied to Seller.
 
(vii)           All of the covenants in this Section 5(e) are intended by each Party hereto to be, and shall be construed as, an agreement independent of any other provision in this Agreement and the existence of any claim or cause of action of Seller against Buyer, whether predicated on this Agreement or otherwise, shall not constitute a defense to the enforcement by Buyer of any covenant in this Section 5(e).  It is specifically agreed that the time periods specified in Section 5(e)(i) shall be computed by excluding from that computation any time during which Seller has been found by a court of competent jurisdiction to have been in violation of any provision of Section 5(e).
 
(viii)           Buyer and Seller hereby agree that this Section 5(e) is a material and substantial part of this Agreement, and absent Seller agreeing to be bound by this Section 5(e), Buyer would not have consummated the Acquisition.
 
(ix)           The parties hereto agree that money damages would not necessarily be an adequate remedy for any breach of this Section 5(e).  Because of the difficulty in measuring the economic losses that may be incurred by Buyer as a result of any breach by Seller of the covenants in this Section 5(e) and because of the immediate and irreparable damage that could be caused to Buyer for which it would have no other adequate remedy, Seller agrees that Buyer may enforce the provisions of this Section 5(e) by any equitable or legal means, including seeking an appropriate injunction or restraining order against Seller if a breach of any of those provisions occurs.  Therefore, in the event of a breach or threatened breach of this Section 5(e), Buyer or its successors or assigns may, in addition to other rights and remedies existing in their favor, apply to any court of competent jurisdiction for specific performance and/or injunctive or other relief (temporary and/or permanent), in order to enforce, or prevent any violations of, the provisions hereof.
 

 
LEGAL02/32385550v21
 
 

 

(x)           Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in this Agreement:
 
(A)         nothing in this Agreement shall or shall be deemed to prohibit the running by Seller or any of Seller’s Affiliates of general advertisements, not specifically addressed to Buyer or its Affiliates, offering employment or the hiring of any person who responds to any such general advertisement; and
 
(B)         neither Seller nor any of its Affiliates shall be restricted from owning, and each shall be entitled to be the owner of, not more than 5% of the outstanding securities of any class of an entity, whether engaged in the Restricted Business or not, which is publicly traded, so long as Seller has no active participation in the business of such entity.
 
(xi)           The provisions of this Section 5(e) shall expire, terminate and be of no further force or effect if the Borrowers (as defined in the Loan Agreement) fail to repay the entire outstanding principal amount of the Loan (as defined in the Loan Agreement) on or before the Facility Termination Date (as defined in the Loan Agreement).
 
(f)           Name Change.  Within 30 days after the Closing Date, Seller shall cause Midwest of Cannon Falls Canada, Midwest-CBK, Inc., and any other entity controlled or under common control with Seller that uses trademarks purchased hereunder, to each change its name to exclude any trademark purchased by Buyer hereunder.
 
(g)           Amendment to License Agreement.  The term “Patent” in that certain Patent License Agreement dated April 27, 2007 between Buyer and Seller is hereby amended to include U.S. Patent Application No. 11-549,017 filed with the United States Patent and Trademark Office on October 12, 2006 under the title “Container Candle with Mottled  Appearance.”
 
(h)           License Consents.  Following the Closing, Buyer may seek to obtain the consent to assignment of the license agreements referenced on Schedule 10. In the event Buyer seeks such consent within 60 days following the Closing and the licensor or counter party to such agreement requires a payment for such consent or refuses to consent and Buyer is required to purchase a comparable license, then Seller shall reimburse Buyer for 50% of the Contract Consent Costs with respect to each such license referenced on Schedule 10 computed on a license by license basis up to an aggregate amount not to exceed $200,000 such that that aggregate amount Seller shall be obligated to reimburse Buyer shall in no event exceed $100,000. Buyer shall be responsible for 100% of the Contract Consent Costs not otherwise required to be reimbursed by Seller. “Contract Consent Costs” means the payments made by Buyer in connection with obtaining the consents to the assignment of the contracts listed on Schedule 10 directly to the licensor and/or counter party to such agreements. Contract Consent Costs will include the costs to obtain a comparable replacement license to the extent that a consent to an assignment of the license cannot be obtained.  Any Contract Consent Costs paid by the Buyer (and not reimbursed by Seller) hereunder in excess of $100,000 (to the extent not reimbursed by Seller) shall, dollar-for-dollar, count toward the satisfaction of the aggregate deductible to be met for Buyer under Section 7(b)(i) as an Adverse Consequence thereunder.
 

 
LEGAL02/32385550v21
 
 

 

 
(i)           Additional Agreements of Buyer and Seller.  Buyer and Seller shall provide the transition services set forth on Schedule 5(i).  In addition, if Parties should determine that additional transition services would be required or otherwise be advisable between the date of this Agreement and the Closing Date, the Parties shall cooperate in good faith to amend Schedule 5(i) to add such services.
 
(j)           IDB Property and IDB Lease.  Buyer shall cause the Tennessee SPE to comply with the terms and obligations of the IDB Lease and any Credit Facility Documents (as defined in the IDB Lease), including providing sufficient funds to make any payments required thereunder and causing the Tennessee SPE to fulfill such other obligations under the IDB Lease applicable to the leasee thereunder.  Neither Buyer nor the Tennessee SPE shall take any action to (i) cause the Bonds (as defined in the IDB Lease) to be redeemed or (ii) purchase the IDB Property whether pursuant to Article XII of the IDB Lease or otherwise. The covenants set forth in the previous sentence of this Section 5(h) shall expire upon the satisfaction of all obligations of the Buyer and the SPEs under the Loan Agreement; provided, that, such expiration shall not relieve Buyer from any liability resulting from a breach of such provision occurring prior to such expiration.
 
Buyer shall use reasonable commercial efforts to have the Seller and its Affiliates removed and released from any Credit Facility Documents (as defined in the IDB Lease) within 30 days following the Closing. In the event the Buyer fails to comply with the previous sentence, it shall deliver a back-stop letter of credit to the letter of credit attached as Schedule 5(j) which backstop letter of credit shall remain in place for all period during which the letter of credit attached as Schedule 5(j) remains outstanding, including any extensions. In the event the Buyer fails to comply with the previous sentence, if applicable, it shall cash collateralize the letter of credit attached as Schedule 5(j) in an amount not less than $125,000, which cash collateral may be used to satisfy indemnification obligations of Buyer related to the IDB Lease.   In the event that Buyer shall be unable to have the Seller and its Affiliates removed and released from all Credit Facility Documents, Seller may request that (i) the Pledge Agreement and Loan Agreement be amended (and the Buyer, Seller and SPEs shall take such actions as are necessary to, and cause their affiliates to, effectuate such amendment) such that the obligations supported by the “pledged collateral” (as defined in the Pledge Agreement) and the security interests granted under the Loan Agreement shall support and provide security to Seller its obligations under the Credit Facility Documents and that the covenants applicable to the Borrowers under the Loan Agreement with respect to the SPEs shall remain in full force and effect notwithstanding the repayment of all obligations under the Loan Agreement so long as Seller or Blyth has any obligations (contingent or otherwise) under the Credit Facility Documents and (ii) Buyer and the Tennessee SPE purchase the IDB Property pursuant to the IDB Lease and satisfy in full and defease the related outstanding bonds at the sole cost and expense of Buyer and the Tennessee  SPE (and the Buyer, Seller and SPEs shall take such actions as are necessary to, and cause their affiliates to, effectuate such purchase and defesance).
 

 
LEGAL02/32385550v21
 
 

 

 
(k)           Real Property Taxes.  Seller has accrued Taxes for the Real Property (including any Taxes levied on the fixed assets located therein) in accordance with the Taxes that were due in 2010 and the accrual for such Taxes are taken into account on Exhibit C hereto. The Parties agree that to the extent that the Taxes due and payable on the Real Property (including any Taxes levied on the fixed assets located therein) for 2011 exceed those that were due and payable in 2010, then Seller shall promptly reimburse Buyer following written notice from Buyer for the portion of such increased Taxes that were attributable from the period beginning on January 1, 2011 and through and including the Closing Date.
 
SECTION 6.                                Deliveries at the Closing; Conditions and Termination.
 
(a)           Deliveries of Seller.
 
At the Closing, in addition to such other actions as provided for herein:
 
(i)           Seller will execute, acknowledge (if appropriate), and deliver to Buyer an Assignment and Assumption Agreement in the form of Exhibit A;
 
(ii)           Seller shall execute and deliver to the Buyer the IP Assignments;
 
(iii)           Seller shall execute and deliver to the Buyer and the SPEs the Loan Agreement to be executed by Seller;
 
(iv)           Seller shall deliver certified resolutions of Seller’s board of directors authorizing the execution and delivery by Seller of this Agreement, the Transaction Documents and all instruments and documents to be delivered in connection herewith and therewith and consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby and thereby; and
 
(v)           Seller shall deliver to Buyer such other instruments of sale, transfer, conveyance, and assignment (including the Lease Assignments) as Buyer and its counsel may reasonably request.
 
(b)           Deliveries of Buyer.
 
At the Closing, in addition to such other actions as provided for herein:
 
(i)           Buyer and the SPEs will execute, acknowledge (if appropriate), and deliver to Seller an Assignment and Assumption Agreement in the form of Exhibit A;
 
(ii)           Buyer shall execute and deliver to the Seller the IP Assignments;
 
(iii)           The SPEs and the other affiliates of Buyer shall execute and deliver the Loan Agreement to be executed by them;
 

 
LEGAL02/32385550v21
 
 

 

(iv)           Buyer shall pay to the Seller the Purchase Price as set forth in Section 2(c); and
 
(v)           Buyer shall deliver to Seller such other instruments of sale, transfer, conveyance, and assignment (including the Lease Assignments) as Seller and its counsel may reasonably request.
 
(c)           Condition to Closing. The parties agree and acknowledge that there are no conditions to Closing except that (i) it shall be a condition to Seller’s obligations to consummate the Closing (which condition may be waived by Seller) that Buyer shall deliver a certificate executed by an officer of Buyer attesting to the accuracy of the representations and warranties of Buyer and the SPEs as of the Closing Date (except for such inaccuracies that would not result in a Material Adverse Effect) and of their compliance with the covenants and obligations of Buyer and the SPEs to be performed prior to Closing hereunder (except for such noncompliance that would not result in a Material Adverse Effect) and (ii) it shall be a conditions to Buyer’s obligations to consummate the Closing (which condition may be waived by Buyer) that Seller shall deliver a certificate executed by an officer of Seller attesting to the accuracy of the representations and warranties of Seller as of the Closing Date (except for such inaccuracies that (A) with respect to the representations and warranties set forth in Section 3, other than those set forth in Sections 3(a) and 3(b), would not result in a Material Adverse Change and (B) with respect to the representations and warranties set forth in Sections 3(a) and 3(b), would not result in such representations and warranties failing to be true and correct in all material respects) and of Seller’s compliance with the covenants and obligations of Seller to be performed prior to Closing hereunder (except for such noncompliance that would not result in a Material Adverse Change).
 
(d)           Termination. This Agreement may be terminated, by written notice given prior to the Closing: (a) by mutual written consent of Seller and Buyer; (b) by written notice from Buyer, in the event there has been a Material Adverse Change with respect to Seller, and (c) by written notice from Seller, if Buyer and its Affiliates fail to consummate the transactions contemplated by this Agreement on or prior to May 31, 2011 and Seller stood ready and willing to consummate the transactions contemplated by this Agreement on or prior to such date. If this Agreement is terminated (i) in accordance with clause (b) of the previous sentence, this Agreement shall become null and void and of no effect with no liability to any party and all further obligations of the parties under this Agreement shall terminate, except for Section 8 (other than Section 8(e)); provided, however, the liability of Seller for any breach of its representations, warranties, covenants or agreements set forth in this Agreement occurring prior to the termination of this Agreement shall survive the termination of this Agreement and (ii) in accordance with clause (c) of the previous sentence, Buyer shall be liable to Seller for liquidated damages equal to the Termination Fee.  Buyer acknowledges that the Termination Fee is not intended as a penalty and is an estimate as of the date of this Agreement of the damages to be incurred by Seller if Buyer and the SPEs fail to close the transactions contemplated by this Agreement.  The parties acknowledge that the agreements contained in this Section 8(d) are an integral part of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, and that, without these agreements, the parties would not enter into this Agreement.  Accordingly, if Buyer fails to promptly pay the amount due pursuant to this Section 8(d)  and, in order to obtain such payment, Seller commences a suit that results in a judgment against Buyer for the Termination Fee or any
 

 
LEGAL02/32385550v21
 
 

 

portion thereof, Buyer shall pay to Seller (i) its documented out-of-pocket costs and expenses (including reasonable attorneys’ fees) in connection with such suit and (ii) interest on such amount or portion thereof at the prime rate of Bank of America N.A. in effect on the date such payment was required to be made through the date of payment in addition to the Termination Fee.  The termination right set forth in clause (c) above and the payment of the Termination Fee provided for in this paragraph shall be Seller’s sole remedy against Buyer and the SPEs for their failure to close the transactions contemplated by this Agreement except as provided herein.
 
The “Termination Fee” shall equal $1,500,000.00; provided, that if the Buyer proves by a preponderance of the evidence that it failed to close the transactions contemplated hereby prior to May 31, 2011 as a result of the Structuring Matters, the Termination Fee shall be $500,000.
 
SECTION 7.                                Remedies for Breaches of This Agreement.
 
(a)           Survival of Representations and Warranties.
 
All of the representations and warranties of Buyer and Seller contained in this Agreement shall survive the Closing and continue in full force and effect for a period of fifteen months thereafter; provided, however, that the representations and warranties contained in: (i) Sections 3(b), 3(d) and 3(e) and Sections 4(b) and (e) shall survive the Closing and continue in full force and effect indefinitely; and (ii) Sections 3(m) and (o) shall survive the Closing and continue in full force and effect until the 90th day following the applicable statute of limitations.
 
(b)           Indemnification Provisions for Buyer’s Benefit.
 
(i)           In the event Seller breaches any of its representations, warranties, and covenants contained in this Agreement, and, provided that Buyer makes a written claim for indemnification against Seller pursuant to Sections 7(e) and 8(h) below within the survival period (if there is an applicable survival period pursuant to Section 7(a) above), then Seller agrees to indemnify Buyer from and against the entirety of any Adverse Consequences Buyer or its Affiliates may suffer (including any Adverse Consequences Buyer or its Affiliates may suffer after the end of such survival period) resulting from, arising out of, relating to, in the nature of, or caused by the breach; provided, however, that (A) Seller shall not have any obligation to indemnify Buyer from and against any Adverse Consequences resulting from, arising out of, relating to, in the nature of, or caused by the breach of any representation or warranty of Seller contained in Section 3(c) or Sections 3(f)-(t) above unless and until Buyer has suffered Adverse Consequences by reason of all such breaches in excess of a $300,000 aggregate deductible (after which point Seller will be obligated only to indemnify Buyer from and against further such Adverse Consequences) and (B) (other than with respect to Seller’s representations and warranties contained in Sections 3(a), (b), (d), (e), (m) and (o) as to which the aggregate ceiling will be an amount equal to the Purchase Price), there will be a $8,000,000 aggregate ceiling on the obligation of Seller to indemnify Buyer from and against Adverse Consequences resulting from, arising out of, relating to, in the nature of, or caused by breaches of the representations and warranties of Seller.
 

 
LEGAL02/32385550v21
 
 

 

(ii)           Seller agrees to indemnify Buyer from and against the entirety of any Adverse Consequences Buyer may suffer resulting from, arising out of, relating to, in the nature of, or caused by any liability of Seller that is not an Assumed Liability, indefinitely.
 
(c)           Indemnification Provisions for Seller’s Benefit.
 
(i)           In the event Buyer or any SPE breaches any of its representations, warranties, and covenants contained in this Agreement, and, provided that Seller makes a written claim for indemnification against Buyer pursuant to Sections 7(e) and 8(h) below within the survival period (if there is an applicable survival period pursuant to Section 7(a) above), then Buyer agrees to indemnify Seller from and against the entirety of any Adverse Consequences suffered (including any Adverse Consequences suffered after the end of such survival period) resulting from, arising out of, relating to, in the nature of, or caused by the breach.
 
(ii)           Buyer agrees to indemnify Seller from and against the entirety of any Adverse Consequences suffered resulting from, arising out of, relating to, in the nature of, or caused by any Assumed Liability.
 
(iii)           Each SPE shall be jointly and severally liable for the indemnification obligations of Buyer pursuant to this Agreement unless otherwise released by Seller.
 
(d)           Limitations.
 
Notwithstanding the foregoing, no indemnification for any Adverse Consequences shall be made pursuant to Section 7 if and to the extent that such Adverse Consequences (and any liabilities with respect thereto) were taken into account in determining the final Net Asset Book Value as set forth on the final Closing Date Net Asset Book Value Statement.
 
(e)           Notice of Potential Claims for Indemnification.
 
 In order for Buyer or Seller (each, as the case may be, the “Indemnified Party”) to be entitled to any indemnification provided for under this Section 7, such Indemnified Party shall give prompt written notice (an “Indemnification Notice”) to the other Party (each, as the case may be, an “Indemnifying Party”) of any matter or event that could give rise to any Adverse Consequences for which indemnification by an Indemnifying Party under this Section 7 may be due, including, but not limited to, any Third-Party Claim.  Each Indemnification Notice shall specify with particularity the basis on which indemnification is sought and the Indemnified Party’s good faith estimate of the amount and nature of any Adverse Consequences and, in the case of a Third-Party Claim, contain (by attachment or otherwise) all such other information as such Indemnified Party may have received from the third party claimant concerning such Third-Party Claim.  After the delivery of an Indemnification Notice, the Indemnified Party shall provide prompt written notice to such Indemnifying Party of all developments relating to any related Adverse Consequences and any material changes in Indemnified Party’s good faith estimate of the amount and nature of any related Adverse Consequences.  The Indemnified Party shall provide the Indemnifying Party with access, upon reasonable notice and during normal business hours, to its books and records, properties and personnel relating to such Adverse Consequences.  The Indemnified Party will not be entitled to indemnification for Adverse
 

 
LEGAL02/32385550v21
 
 

 

Consequences of the Indemnified Party to the extent that any unreasonable delay in providing an Indemnification Notice or notice of future developments or other failure to follow the procedures set forth in this Section 7(e) prejudices the Indemnifying Party’s ability to defend a Third-Party Claim or otherwise affects the Indemnifying Party’s ability to reduce the nature or amount of any related Adverse Consequences.
 
(f)           Objection to Non-Third-Party Indemnification Claim.
 
Upon receipt of an Indemnification Notice not involving a Third-Party Claim, an Indemnifying Party shall have 20 business days to object to the claim set forth in the Indemnification Notice by delivery of a written objection (an “Objection”) to the Indemnified Party specifying in reasonable detail the basis for such objection.  Failure to timely deliver an Objection shall constitute a final and binding acceptance of the claim by such an Indemnifying Party.  If the Indemnifying Party timely delivers an Objection, the parties shall in good faith seek to resolve any dispute within the 20 business day period following such Objection (the “Dispute Resolution Period”).  If the Parties have not resolved their dispute within the Dispute Resolution Period, either party may bring an action and the parties shall proceed in accordance therewith.
 
(g)           Matters Involving Third Parties.
 
(i)           At any time within 15 business days after the receipt of an Indemnification Notice with respect to a claim by a third party that could, including with the lapse of time, the giving of notice or both, give rise to any Adverse Consequences for which indemnification by an Indemnifying Party under this Section 7 may be due (each, a “Third-Party Claim”), the Indemnifying Party will have the right to assume the defense of the Third-Party Claim with counsel of its choice reasonably satisfactory to the Indemnified Party; provided, however, that the Indemnifying Party must conduct the defense of the Third-Party Claim actively and diligently thereafter in order to preserve its rights in this regard; provided further, that the Indemnified Party may retain separate co-counsel at its sole cost and expense and participate in the defense of the Third-Party Claim.
 
(ii)           So long as the Indemnifying Party has assumed and is conducting the defense of the Third-Party Claim in accordance with Section 7(g)(i) above, (A) the Indemnifying Party will not consent to the entry of any judgment on or enter into any settlement with respect to the Third-Party Claim without the prior written consent of the Indemnified Party (not to be unreasonably withheld), it being agreed between the Parties that the Indemnified Party shall have the right to withhold consent if the judgment or proposed settlement requires the admission of wrongdoing on the part of the Indemnified Party or an injunction or other equitable relief upon the Indemnified Party and (B) the Indemnified Party will not consent to the entry of any judgment or enter into any settlement with respect to the Third-Party Claim without the prior written consent of the Indemnifying Party (not to be unreasonably withheld).
 
(iii)           In the event the Indemnifying Party does not assume and conduct the defense of the Third-Party Claim in accordance with Section 7(g)(i) above, however, (A) the Indemnified Party may defend against, and consent to the entry of any judgment on or enter into any settlement with respect to, the Third-Party Claim in any manner it reasonably may deem appropriate (and the Indemnified Party need not consult with, or obtain any consent from, the Indemnifying Party in connection therewith) and (B) the Indemnifying Party will remain responsible for any Adverse Consequences the Indemnified Party may suffer resulting from, arising out of, relating to, in the nature of, or caused by the Third-Party Claim to the fullest extent provided in this Section 7.
 

 
LEGAL02/32385550v21
 
 

 

 
(h)           Determination of Adverse Consequences. Indemnification payments under this Section 7 shall be paid by the Indemnifying Party without reduction for any Tax Benefits available to the Indemnified Party.  However, to the extent that the Indemnified Party recognizes Tax Benefits as a result of any Adverse Consequences, the Indemnified Party shall pay the amount of such Tax Benefits (but not in excess of the indemnification payment or payments actually received from the Indemnifying Party with respect to such Adverse Consequences) to the Indemnifying Party as such Tax Benefits are actually recognized by the Indemnified Party.  For this purpose, the Indemnified Party shall be deemed to recognize a tax benefit (a “Tax Benefit”) with respect to a taxable year if, and to the extent that, the Indemnified Party’s cumulative liability for Taxes through the end of such taxable year, calculated by excluding any Tax items attributable to the Adverse Consequences from all taxable years, exceeds the Indemnified Party’s actual cumulative liability for Taxes through the end of such taxable year, calculated by taking into account any Tax items attributable to the Adverse Consequences and the receipt of indemnification payment under this Section 7 for all taxable years (to the extent permitted by relevant Tax law and treating such Tax items as the last items taken into account for any taxable year).  All indemnification payments under this Section 7 shall be deemed adjustments to the Purchase Price.
 
(i)           Exclusive Remedy. Other than with respect to the rights and remedies under the Loan Agreement or the Net Asset Book Value Adjustment set forth in Section 2(f), Buyer and Seller acknowledge and agree that the foregoing indemnification provisions in this Section 7 shall be the exclusive remedy of Buyer and Seller with respect to the transactions contemplated by this Agreement; provided that, in the case of fraud or willful misrepresentation or breach, the foregoing indemnification provisions shall not be exclusive, but shall be in addition to any other rights or remedies to which Buyer and Seller or their respective assigns, as the case may be, may be entitled at law or in equity.  Without limiting the generality of the immediately preceding sentence, but subject to the proviso contained therein, Buyer and Seller hereby waive any statutory, equitable, or common law rights or remedies relating to any environmental matters, including without limitation any such matters arising under any Environmental, Health, and Safety Requirements and including without limitation any arising under CERCLA.
 
(j)           Blyth Guaranty.  Blyth, as the beneficial owner of all of the equity interests of Seller, hereby agrees to unconditionally, irrevocably and absolutely guaranty to Buyer and its permitted assigns the prompt and complete payment of all amounts owing to such Person by Seller pursuant to this Section 7.  In the event Seller fails or refuses to timely pay any amounts owing Buyer (or its permitted assigns) under this Section 7, Buyer (or its permitted assigns) shall make a written demand upon Blyth at the address set forth on the signature page hereto to pay such unpaid amounts.
 

 
LEGAL02/32385550v21
 
 

 

 
SECTION 8.                                Miscellaneous.
 
(a)           Press Releases and Public Announcements.
 
No Party shall issue any press release or public announcement relating to the subject matter of this Agreement without the prior written approval of the other Party; provided, however, that any Party may make any public disclosure it believes in good faith is required by applicable law or any listing or trading agreement concerning its publicly traded securities (in which case the disclosing Party will advise the other Party prior to making the disclosure).
 
(b)           No Third-Party Beneficiaries.
 
 This Agreement shall not confer any rights or remedies upon any Person other than the Parties and their respective successors and permitted assigns.
 
(c)           Entire Agreement.
 
This Agreement (including the documents (including, without limitation, the Confidentiality Agreement) referred to herein) constitutes the entire agreement between the Parties and supersedes any prior understandings, agreements, or representations by or between the Parties, written or oral, to the extent they relate in any way to the subject matter hereof.
 
(d)           Succession and Assignment.
 
This Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the Parties named herein and their respective successors and permitted assigns.  No Party may assign either this Agreement or any of its rights, interests, or obligations hereunder without the prior written approval of the other Party; provided, however, that Buyer may (i) assign any or all of its rights and interests hereunder to one or more of its Affiliates and (ii) designate one or more of its Affiliates to perform its obligations hereunder (in any or all of which cases Buyer nonetheless shall remain responsible for the performance of all of its obligations hereunder).
 
(e)           Payments to Buyer.
 
The Parties agree that amounts payable to Buyer by Seller pursuant to any right of Buyer to indemnification under this Agreement may at the option of Seller, may not be paid in cash but shall reduce the face amount of the Promissory Note on a dollar for dollar basis from the date such payment is due from Seller.  The Seller agrees (i) that it shall not offset amounts payable by Buyer to it against the proceeds of Acquired Receivables that may be received by it after the date hereof, such proceeds of Accounts Receivable to be forwarded as provided in Section 5(a), above, (ii) to provide reasonable notice of any proposed set off under this Section 8(e) and (iii) that it shall not reduce the Promissory Note by amounts payable to Buyer pursuant to Section 2(f) of this Agreement.
 
(f)           Counterparts.
 

 
LEGAL02/32385550v21
 
 

 

This Agreement may be executed in one or more counterparts (including by means of electronic transmission), each of which shall be deemed an original but all of which together will constitute one and the same instrument.
 
(g)           Headings.
 
The section headings contained in this Agreement are inserted for convenience only and shall not affect in any way the meaning or interpretation of this Agreement.
 
(h)           Notices.
 
All notices, requests, demands, claims, and other communications hereunder shall be in writing.  Any notice, request, demand, claim, or other communication hereunder shall be deemed duly given on receipt as shown by written or electronic records and either (i) delivered personally to the recipient, (ii) sent to the recipient by reputable overnight courier service (charges prepaid), (iii) sent to the recipient by facsimile transmission or electronic mail, or (iv) mailed to the recipient by certified or registered mail, return receipt requested and postage prepaid, and addressed to the intended recipient as set forth below:
 
If to Seller:                                              Blyth, Inc.
One East Weaver Street
Greenwich, CT 06831
Attention:  Michael S. Novins, Esq.
Fax:  (203) 552-9168
 
Copy to:                                                 Alston & Bird LLP
Bank of America Plaza
101 South Tryon Street, Suite 4000
Charlotte, North Carolina 28280-4000
Attention:                      Lee R. Rimler, Esq.
Fax Number: (704) 444-1673

If to Buyer or the SPEs:                       MVP Group International, Inc.
1031 Le Grand Blvd.
Charleston, SC 29492
Attention: Jud Wooddy
Fax:  (843) 216-8386
 
Copy to:                                                Nelson Mullins Riley & Scarborough LLP
               201 17th St., NW, Suite 1700
              Atlanta, GA 30363
              Attention:  Rusty Pickering, Esq.
              Fax:  (404) 322-6035
 
Any Party may change the address to which notices, requests, demands, claims, and other communications hereunder are to be delivered by giving the other Party notice in the manner herein set forth.  The copies referred to above in this Section 8(h) shall not be required to effectively deliver notice pursuant hereto to the Parties and the failure of any Party to provide
 

 
LEGAL02/32385550v21
 
 

 

such a copy or to provide a copy as provided for in the notice provision(s) of any document, instrument or agreement executed in connection herewith, shall not constitute a breach of this Agreement or of any such document, instrument or agreement.
 
(i)           Governing Law.
 
This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the domestic laws of the State of New York without giving effect to any choice or conflict of law provision or rule (whether of the New York or any other jurisdiction) that would cause the application of the laws of any jurisdiction other than the State of New York.
 
(j)           Amendments and Waivers.
 
No amendment of any provision of this Agreement shall be valid unless the same shall be in writing and signed by Buyer and Seller.  No waiver by any Party of any provision of the Agreement or any default, misrepresentation, or breach of warranty or covenant hereunder, whether intentional or not, shall be valid unless the same shall be in writing and signed by the Party making such waiver nor shall such waiver be deemed to extend to any prior or subsequent default, misrepresentation, or breach of warranty or covenant hereunder or affect in any way any rights arising by virtue of any prior or subsequent such occurrence.
 
(k)           Severability.
 
Any term or provision of this Agreement that is invalid or unenforceable in any situation in any jurisdiction shall not affect the validity or enforceability of the remaining terms and provisions hereof or the validity or enforceability of the offending term or provision in any other situation or in any other jurisdiction.
 
(l)           Expenses.
 
Each of Buyer and Seller shall bear its own costs and expenses (including legal fees and expenses) incurred in connection with this Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby.  Buyer and Seller shall each pay 50% of the transfer, mortgage and recording taxes and fees associated with the transfer of the Owned Real Estate.
 
(m)           Construction.
 
The Parties have participated jointly in the negotiation and drafting of this Agreement.  In the event an ambiguity or question of intent or interpretation arises, this Agreement shall be construed as if drafted jointly by the Parties and no presumption or burden of proof shall arise favoring or disfavoring any Party by virtue of the authorship of any of the provisions of this Agreement.  Any reference to any federal, state, local, or foreign statute or law shall be deemed also to refer to all rules and regulations promulgated thereunder, unless the context requires otherwise.  The word “including” shall mean including without limitation.
 
(n)           Incorporation of Exhibits and Schedules.
 

 
LEGAL02/32385550v21
 
 

 

The Exhibits and Schedules identified in this Agreement are incorporated herein by reference and made a part hereof.
 
(o)           Confidentiality Agreement.
 
The Parties acknowledge and agree that (a) each of the Parties shall be bound by each and all of the terms, provisions and conditions set forth in the Confidentiality Agreement as if it were an original party thereto, and by doing so, it shall have all of the rights and obligations of a party thereto, with Buyer having the same rights and obligations as MVP (as defined in the Confidentiality Agreement) and Seller having the same rights and obligations as Blyth (as defined in the Confidentiality Agreement) and (b) the Confidentiality Agreement shall remain in full force and effect notwithstanding the execution and delivery of this Agreement and the consummation of the transactions that are contemplated hereby; provided, however, that in the event that the transactions contemplated hereby are consummated, Buyer shall be entitled to use, in connection with the conduct of the business conducted by Buyer with the Acquired Assets, the Confidential Information provided to it by Seller to conduct such business.  Without limiting the foregoing, Buyer and Seller acknowledge that each has heretofore provided, and will hereafter provide, sensitive Confidential Information to the other and that each has heretofore granted, and will hereafter grant, access to the other’s personnel who are critical to the conduct of their respective businesses.  Accordingly, each of the Parties further promises and agrees that, in the event that this Agreement is terminated for any reason, it will not thereafter (a) use any Confidential Information provided to it by the other Party in connection with the conduct of a business that is competitive with that of such other Party, or (b) for a period of three years from the date of such termination, hire, engage as a consultant or otherwise engage the services of any of the other Party’s employees (the “Additional Assurances”).  The foregoing Additional Assurances are intended to supplement the Confidentiality Agreement and shall be governed by the provisions of Sections 7, 9, 10 and 12 of the Confidentiality Agreement, which are incorporated herein and made a part hereof.  If the final judgment of a court of competent jurisdiction declares that any term or provision of this Section 8(o) is invalid or unenforceable, the Parties agree that the court making the determination of invalidity or unenforceability shall have the power to reduce the scope, duration, or area of the term or provision, to delete specific words or phrases, or to replace any invalid or unenforceable term or provision with a term or provision that is valid and enforceable and that comes closest to expressing the intention of the invalid or unenforceable term or provision, and this Section 8(o) shall be enforceable as so modified after the expiration of the time within which the judgment may be appealed.
 
* * * * *
 

 
LEGAL02/32385550v21
 
 

 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Parties hereto have executed this Agreement as of the date first above written.
 

 
MIDWEST - CBK, INC.


By:                                                                
Name:           Michael Novins
Title:             Vice President, General
      Counsel and Secretary



SOLELY FOR PURPOSES OF SECTION 7(J):

BLYTH, INC.


By:                                                                
Name:           Michael Novins
Title:             Vice President and General Counsel















[Signatures Continue on Following Page]

Signature Page to Asset Purchase Agreement
 
 

 

MVP GROUP INTERNATIONAL, INC.


By:                                                                
Name:           Jud Wooddy
 
Title:
Executive Vice President and General Counsel



430 GENTRY ROAD, LLC

By:                                                                    
Name:           Jud Wooddy
Title:             Vice President



32007 64TH STREET, LLC

By:                                                                    
Name:           Jud Wooddy
Title:             Vice President



600 EAST SHERWOOD, LLC

By:                                                                      
Name:           Jud Wooddy
Title:             Vice President


Signature Page to Asset Purchase Agreement
 
 

 

 
EX-23.1 4 exhibit23_1.htm EXHIBIT 23.1 CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM exhibit23_1.htm

 

 
Exhibit 23.1
 


CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
 

 


We consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration Statements (No. 333-92557, No. 333-93237, No. 333-91144, and No. 333-117547) on Form S-8 of our reports dated April 8, 2011, with respect to the consolidated financial statements and schedule of Blyth, Inc. and the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting of Blyth, Inc., included in this Annual Report (Form 10-K) for the year ended January 31, 2011.


 
 
                                               /S/ ERNST & YOUNG LLP
 
Stamford, Connecticut
April 8, 2011
 

 

 
 
 
 
 


 
 

 

EX-23.2 5 exhibit23_2.htm EXHIBIT 23.2 CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM exhibit23_2.htm


Exhibit 23.2


CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
 

 
 
We consent to the incorporation by reference in Registration Statements No. 333-92557, No. 333-93237, No. 333-91144, and No. 333-117547 on Form S-8 of our report dated April 13, 2009 (April 9, 2010 as to the effects of the immaterial restatement described in Note 1, and the effects of the adoption of new accounting guidance for the presentation and disclosure of noncontrolling interests discussed in Note 1) relating to the January 31, 2009 consolidated statements of loss, stockholders' equity and cash flows and financial statement schedule of Blyth, Inc. and subsidiaries appearing in this Annual Report on Form 10-K of Blyth, Inc. and subsidiaries for the year ended January 31, 2011.
 
  
 
/s/ DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP
 Stamford, CT  
April 8, 2011

 
 

 

EX-31.1 6 exhibit31_1.htm EXHIBIT 31.1 CERTIFICATION exhibit31_1.htm
Exhibit 31.1
 
CERTIFICATION
 
I, Robert B. Goergen, certify that:
 
 
1.
I have reviewed this Annual Report on Form 10-K of Blyth, Inc.;
 
 
2.
Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;
 
 
3.
Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;
 
 
4.
The registrant's other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:
 
(a) Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;
 
(b) Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;
 
(c) Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant's disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and
 
(d) Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant's most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant's fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant's internal control over financial reporting; and
 
 
5.
The registrant's other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant's auditors and the audit committee of the registrant's board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):
 
(a) All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant's ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and
 
(b) Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting.
 
Date: April 8, 2011
 
/s/ Robert B. Goergen
Robert B. Goergen
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer

 
 

 

EX-31.2 7 exhibit31_2.htm EXHIBIT 31.2 CERTIFICATION exhibit31_2.htm
Exhibit 31.2
 
CERTIFICATION
 

 
I, Robert H. Barghaus, certify that:
 
 
1.
I have reviewed this Annual Report on Form 10-K of Blyth, Inc.;
 
 
2.
Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;
 
 
3.
Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;
 
 
4.
The registrant's other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:
 
(a) Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;
 
(b) Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;
 
(c) Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant's disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and
 
(d) Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant's most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant's fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant's internal control over financial reporting; and
 
 
5.
The registrant's other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant's auditors and the audit committee of the registrant's board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):
 
(a) All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant's ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and
 
(b) Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting.
 
Date: April 8, 2011
 
/s/ Robert H. Barghaus
Robert H. Barghaus
Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

 
 

 

EX-32.1 8 exhibit32_1.htm EXHIBIT 32.1 SECTION 906 CERTIFICATION exhibit32_1.htm
Exhibit 32.1
 
CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO
18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350,
AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO
SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002
 
In connection with the Annual Report of Blyth, Inc. (the “Company”) on Form 10-K for the period ending January 31, 2011 as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the “Report”), I, Robert B. Goergen, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Company, certify, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. § 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that:
 
 
(1)             The Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and
 
 
(2)             The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and result of operations of the Company.
 
 
 
/s/ Robert B. Goergen
 
 
Robert B. Goergen
 
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
 
April 8, 2011
 
This certification is made solely for the purpose of 18 U.S.C. § 1350, subject to the knowledge standard contained therein, and not for any other purpose.


 
 

 
EX-32.2 9 exhibit32_2.htm EXHIBIT 32.2 SECTION 906 CERTIFICATION exhibit32_2.htm
Exhibit 32.2
 
CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO
18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350,
AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO
SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002
 
                In connection with the Annual Report of Blyth, Inc. (the “Company”) on Form 10-K for the period ending January 31, 2011 as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the “Report”), I, Robert H. Barghaus, Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of the Company, certify, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. § 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that:
 
                    (1)           The Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and
 
                    (2)           The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and result of operations of the Company.
 
 
 
/s/ Robert H. Barghaus
 
 
Robert H. Barghaus
 
 
Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
 
 
April 8, 2011
 
 
 
This certification is made solely for the purpose of 18 U.S.C. § 1350, subject to the knowledge standard contained therein, and not for any other purpose.

 
 

 
GRAPHIC 10 performance_graph.jpg BLYTH PERFORMANCE GRAPH begin 644 performance_graph.jpg M_]C_X``02D9)1@`!`0$`8`!@``#_VP!#``@&!@<&!0@'!P<)"0@*#!0-#`L+ M#!D2$P\4'1H?'AT:'!P@)"XG("(L(QP<*#7J#A(6&AXB)BI*3E)66EYB9FJ*CI*6FIZBIJK*SM+6VM[BYNL+#Q,7& MQ\C)RM+3U-76U]C9VN'BX^3EYN?HZ>KQ\O/T]?;W^/GZ_\0`'P$``P$!`0$! M`0$!`0````````$"`P0%!@<("0H+_\0`M1$``@$"!`0#!`<%!`0``0)W``$" M`Q$$!2$Q!A)!40=A<1,B,H$(%$*1H;'!"2,S4O`58G+1"A8D-.$E\1<8&1HF M)R@I*C4V-S@Y.D-$149'2$E*4U155E=865IC9&5F9VAI:G-T=79W>'EZ@H.$ MA8:'B(F*DI.4E9:7F)F:HJ.DI::GJ*FJLK.TM;:WN+FZPL/$Q<;'R,G*TM/4 MU=;7V-G:XN/DY>;GZ.GJ\O/T]?;W^/GZ_]H`#`,!``(1`Q$`/P#W^BBB@`HH MHH`****`"BBB@`HHHH`****`"BBB@`HHHH`****`"BBB@`HHHH`****`"BBB M@`HHHH`****`"BBB@`HHHH`****`"BBB@`HHHH`****`"BBB@`HHHH`****` M"BBB@`HHHH`****`"BBB@`HHHH`****`"BBB@`HHHH`****`"BBB@`HHHH`* M***`"BBB@`HHHH`****`"BBB@`HHHH`****`"BBB@`HHHH`****`"BBB@`HH MHH`****`"BBB@`HHHH`****`"BBB@`HHHH`****`"BBB@`HHHH`****`"BBB M@`HHHH`****`"BBB@`HHHH`****`"BBB@`HHHH`****`"BBB@`HHHH`****` M"BBB@`HHHH`****`"BBB@`HHHH`****`"BBB@`HHHH`****`"BN,^+%]=Z=\ M,=:N[&ZGM;F-(RDT$A1US(HX8Y/3'/-):NWI^(Y+EAS>OX'T/17E-[XQO_``YX\\9W-UP\B+@C(R"1QGGFND\1>,;RTOM2TO1M,-Y0020&;GLO?-)S2CS>OX:_H-Q:E;T_&W^9V5%>)?\)?XH?PSX"U"ZLK M];F?4%0Q6]XK-J49BR&;!`4,Q/RMTQFO1O!WBRX\3+J4%_I$FDZEIUP(+FU: M=9@I*AE(=0`<@U2U;7;_`"7^9GS*Z\_^#_D=/17%?%F^N]-^&NJW=C=3VMRG ME;)H)"CKF10<$Y'0^&M:O-;TUYM0T:ZTB\BE:&:VN/F`8=T<`!U.>&''6JL]?(E. MZ3[FS17G/QFU*;3/"NFRIJE[ID+ZK!'@X-$O%GB'Q'I3Q2G5O[5:21+90N8V#.B[26R.!S2CJ[?UMUT5Y?I7QIT_4_$-K9C3XX],O+C[-:W@U"%YFBD@_,?4'O5B;XA^ M(;^;7[;0_")N5TF>>VENWU%(U!0?*5#+DL>3MZ#`YYX4G:/-_6G_``XOK_`$":TUC0S&+O3)+@$8D8!&655(8$'/3MCT)IJP13E:W4 M]#HKSJ\^(^MV,VD6\W@J?[7J\DZV=J+^,R%$0,C-QM7=NY!;Y0">>E4#\8KR M/3'U"Y\'7<-M8WOV+5I6O(RMH^\+\F/FEZ@G`4>YZTU%MV%TO_7]:'JE%<#X MU^(UYX2N93%X;EN["W53/>SW:6D9+`D+%O'[YL`Y"\CI4VM?$&YLM3T:PTCP M]<:M/J]D]W;HMPL)7`!`;<,`8/)SQZ&HO_7WO]`;L[/^OZN=Q17!)\383X)3 M7'TBX74)+PZ='I@D!9KO<5$>_&`,C[Q'`[9X,H^(-QIOAW5M3\4>&[W19=-V M;H=ZS)-OX3RY1A6.3@CMWI^?]?UJ"UM8[BBN$\$?$F+Q9JMQI5U8065_'#]H M1+;48KV-X\A2?,CX5@2/E/."#4?B:35/$?CJ#PA9ZM=Z3816'V^]N;%PEQ)E M]J1H_P#`,@DD9STH:>GG_7Z!I9L[^BO-O#UZOAE?$7D^-XO$]G9VK74%E/>I M-=Q,BGS`\@R=N<#IQGH/XK>G>/\`6]1\+_VVG@J\*W`A&GP1W*R-.3(R- MLR`@]\X!Q5K1/B'>:AK^F:=JOAFZTF'5H#-IUQ+<))YVU`[!E7E.#QDY/H*$ MKOE7K_7W"NOZ\MSNZ*\8\,?$36-(T^>34-'U#4=,_MN:UFU26[4^1NE"HJ(V M691D#L!T%>STHOFBI+K_`))_J%]6NW^;7Z!1113&%%%%`!1110`4444`%%%% M`!1110`4444`%%%%`!1110`4444`%%%%`!1110`4444`%%%%`!1110`4444` M%%%%`!1110`4444`%%%%`!1110`4444`%%%%`!1110`4444`%%%%`!1110`4 M444`%%%%`!1110`4444`%%%%`!1110`4444`%%%%`!1110`4444`%%%%`!11 M10`445#=7=M8VLMU=SQ6]O$NZ265PJH/4D\"ANVK`FHKE=!^)/A#Q-J7]G:1 MK<4]V02L31O$7QUV[U&X]\#/'-=518/(****`.:\?^'KOQ5X(U+1+&2".YNE M0(T[$(,.KA:EXT\0>)+J!-`U2SM[9MH=Y%"IY9W*%[EA MC&?PJM\*O#UW)\/KB]U.61]0UN$*9Y%^;R%3RX>/38-WJ=W->G5GVVN:=>:U M?:/!<;[^Q6-KF+8PV!QE>2,'(]":5ERN/=6^6XVV[/M_P%_7R.!TKP-XH33O M"5IJEQHY_P"$?O@ZM;-)\]NL>T?>7E\Y]!BM&[T_6_"J^,M>L7TZ2YU"XAFL MXIR[`X54V,``=S'A0"Z-9O!%=W(CPT[$("'5CD@$]CVJ"#PM?1>.-5UMI;?[-=Z7'91J&;>'4G)( MQC'/KGVKKJ*EJ_X_BK?D/=)=O\T_T/,T^'VO6'ACPF=,O=/7Q#X>5U03[VM9 MA("K@D`..#D$#V[Y'1:?:^.+?3X7O=0T>[OYKU7N8_*=(;>VQADA(^9FXR"_ MKCM49^*/@D:Z=&/B&U%Z'\L@AO+W8Z>9C9[?>Z\=>*TM=\8Z!X:N[&TU;4!; MW%\VRVC$3R,YR!T4'')')Q5R&9B`4C)R!@'GGCH/>NGDC66)XW&5=2I^AK&\2^+M"\(6L-SKM]]DAG? MRXV\IY-S8SC"*>U4/#WQ)\)>*M3_`+.T75OM5WY9D\O[-*GRC&3EE`[CO4JS MNBFWHW_6IQ_A[X5ZIH^KV5NZ>&3H]C.\734?4)U!)5'9T*K@G[RG=\HP1 MGCJ_#WA6]TFV\51SR6S-J^H7%U`8V8[4D4!0^0,'CG&:Z^JUCJ-GJ=NT]C^""*&DXN#ZJWY?\``!.VW?\`S_S9P,G@'6[;PQX3.F7U MC%XA\.Q[8VF#O;3!EVNI(`8`COC/';.15O/ASKVK>&/$[:G>::_B/7C"',(= M+:%(F7:H)!8\`G)'4X[9KT+6=9L/#^DSZIJEQ]GLK<`RR[&?;D@#A02>2.@J MX)4:$2[AY97=N/`QUS3OJV.+<;-=/T.7UCPQ>:AXO\*:M#);K;Z1Y_GHS$,V M^,*-@`P>?4BN:U/X;ZO>>"O%6C1W%@+G5]9-_`[.^Q8R\;88[`".G-= M1HWQ&\(^(-:?1]*UN"YOEW8C".H?;UV,0%?U^4G(!/3FM^UU&SO9[J&UN8YI M+63RIPASY;X!VGWP1Q[U2DXM/^M[_FA7TM_77_-GEOBGX6ZUKGB+7;N&709K M;5+=42?4+=Y;BT94VA8OX4!/)8SN$21 MB6_P#6S_0\V?X=:F_A6>S2^M8M4@UR M36;"3YFBW;RR+)P#@@X..G49Z&Q?>#_%7BSPOJVG^*]7TU9KH1_98-/MR8+= MD;<&)?YGW$#(/``XZUV5AK6GZG>W]G9W'F7&GRB*Y38P\MB,@9(P>/3-$6M: M?-KL^BQW&=0@A6>2'8WRHQP#NQ@\]@KVOAJTE,(@BM]#T]8EQG)=I&4/DX`V@[>,XSTN^*?"^K7&NVGB;P MQ>6MMK=M";5H[U6:WN82V=K[?F4@_,"._!]NPJAK.LV'A_29]4U2X^SV5N`9 M9=C/MR0!PH)/)'04V^O8<4]EU//-*^&FK+/KVK:B^AVNIZEIO'Y]*MZ]X`U;4?AWX=T*UFTYKS26MWE@NMYM;DQKM*OM`8KGGI MSCD>GH?G1BW\_=^[V[]V.V,YJOI.JV6N:7;ZGITWG6=PN^*3:R[AZX8`C\13 MZ6[6_"[_`,POT]?QLO\`(\FU'P;J'A3P%X^GO#I0BU&U26./383#'$P3#*(R M,!0>AR2>I`K<\->%_$FI:MX=UGQ%J.G366DVFZP%K$ZRS-)&%+3;B0"!_=/) MYXZ5Z34%Y=P:?8W%[=/Y=O;QM+*^"=JJ,DX')X':IVDY>2_"_P#F)1=TH^?X MV_KYGG8^'FK?\('>:%]HLOM4VL_;U?>^P1^>LF"=N=V!Z8SWKTNN"A^-'P^G MGCB3Q$@9V"@O:SHH)..6*``>Y.!7>*P90RD$$9!'>FE:*BME_DE^@E%*3??_ M`#;_`%%HJM5=LD4J!E<>A!X-+LUTM^`TS&U@^&!J^A?VK]B^W&9AI?F@$[]O.S M\`.O&=O?%><:A-JVOGQGKS^*]3TB;P]<216=C:SB.$+$NY6E0CY]Y]?IR.*[ MS0?AMX0\,ZE_:.D:)%!=@$+*TCRE,]=N]CM/;(QQQ3M8^'/A'7]:35]3T.WN M+Y=I,A9E#[>F]00K^GS`\#'2F_+S^3[@FET[?/R.#\_6_&/C'1[2?7=5T>*[ M\,1WMS%I\QBS*7'0'.TY(Y'.!C/)K'T74_$4.C^`_$MSXGU6ZGOM673);664 M?9VAW2)DH`-SX7.YB3GGL*]J_L'3/[=&M?90-0%K]D$H=AB+.[;MSMZ]\9JC M'X)\/1:;IFG)I^+32[H7EG'YTG[J4,6W9W9/+'@Y'/2M%**:=NOZM_D[!+6- MOZVM^>IYIJ*:IJ>H_$*Z_P"$RU>P&B2^?:VMM=;44B'<-P/)0D8V@@9!IOB' M7M9\2:?HT-I>Z[_:/]A1ZE/::1/'9+N;&9);ACPN-V(PI]DZCXFU MS5/$>GV5^MW>I&<.BA`"KXQD9'W?_`*IM1BEV27X MW_(\L\#^(]7T>7Q%9WY\2?VC;Z=)>0Z?K+-3U2[UZ]AAN[">8/;%9X1;B&SDE3_=!`[G->D:W1#%PWF&+/R^^>E7W\ M*:))%K$3664UDYOQYK_OOEV^OR\^-_`L]_JVL079T%9Y8TN"N&C\O*$$9VMGYP>N*[QOA=X);7#K)\/6QO3)Y MA.Y_+W>OEYV>_P!WKSUKH9-'L)M9M]7>#-_;PO!%+O8;48@L,9P>.*]D(!!!Z&LS3O#FD:5H7]B6EC&-,PZFVD)E5@Y)8'>3D$D\'U MHZ-=[&BDDEZGG5I::CX:\7>'M+M_%FKZS:^(+6<77VNY$IBVQ[EFA/6,9/N/ MK@8YWP_&VA_#A5A\0>(1/J^LM8I#:LLLORRR`K#N*B)G'+2$GGG%>K^'/`'A M;PG=S7>B:1%:W$R[7EWO(VWK@%R=H]0,9P/054G^%O@NY34$ET*)EU"83W'[ MZ09D!8AE^;Y/O-]W'!(Z4FM;^7ZI_P!?Y$WTM_6SU/)I[[6G^%OQ!TK69K]F MT^>W6.*_O5NYHMS(2IE4`-TS[=/6O<[V6TA\*SR7[M'9K9,9W12Q6/9\Q``) M/&>@-9B?#OPG%IE_IL.CQQ66H+&MS!%+(BR"/[IP&&#QR1@GOFNE$2+"(MH\ ML+MVGD8Z8HDKIKNE^5@B[)>3;^^QX?I:7WAJZ\&?VH^G^(O#4ETD.B:C!OM[ MJV,BJ$W("`RXSE3N/,#%>DZ3\-/!VAZW_;&FZ'!!?`LRR!W94+==J%BJ^V`,#@8JX/!7AP M:[?:T=*A:_OX3!=.[,RS(0`59"=G.T9XYIVUOZ_C;_+5[Z^0)I;KM^O^>QQ. MG1:EX1\:^&K*V\4:GKUKK<$S74=_.)PNQ-RRQ'JBDG'<$>O&*_@U=1UK3[#Q MO?\`CF\LKBYOW26RFF7["4$C((5B)&UB`,').><$G-=SX<\`>%O"=W-=Z)I$ M5K<3+M>7>\C;>N`7)VCU`QG`]!4:?#KPC'XE;Q"NAV_]J-)YOFDL5#_WPF=@ M;/.0,YYZ\U2>O]=_Z_X;03^&W]=?Z^7?4\PDU6X@^(?B'2FEOK#3+[7K>.\U M.U)4IF/Y(@ZD%-[#!8=!]:V=:T.XUGXLZ_;V^MZEI2Q:)"Y>PD"2.0QV@N03 MCU`P3ZUZ#<>#M`NH-7AGT]9(]7=9+Y6D?]ZP``/7Y2,#[N*LQ>'=+@U.?4DM MF^V3VRVDLK2NQ>)>@.3^O4^M8J#Y8KJO_D;?G_5]U;?S?_MU_P`OZ[>8+K^M M:[X6^'^ES:Q.ZOG<#R>0?PW!I,<>DW!W30+(X,AR#EGSO)R!WZ M`#I6D]>:W7^OP_KK>J+Y.3FZ6_#_`#.%NVU'Q'XPU^T?Q1?:-;:#IL$EM#:R M*B.7BW-),K`B11@`@\8/4_\`$QMIGE6QO4LYI/+. M0J3."%ZDD8R0,5Z]K/@+PMXAO[6^U;1H+JYM4\N-W+#Y>P8`X<#T;..?6B\\ M!>&-0\-VOA^[TF.73+3'D0M(^8_H^[=W]:;>FG=?K_F1;WD_*WY?Y/[SRV35 MO%I\":;9W6J7%I?IXGAT]+B'48KF98B#\DSQG:[J3@A@,X&17I>L:6-&^&6L M6`O;V]\K3;G_`$B^F,LSY1CEF/7K5R/P7X>BTC3]*BTR..RT^X2YMHD=EV2J M20Q(.6.2?O$Y[YK7O+2#4+&XLKI/,M[B-HI4R1N5A@C(Y'![4IZP:77_`"2_ MS-822G&3Z?YMG@+:GXQMOAQX?TK5VT.T\*:O:QV9U*&"666UC91M,@9@H)]1 MP.>G%;GCB;Q&_BK3_"'AX:I)966DI.%T[58["60@E-YD=3N4`#Y1W.>U>IR> M&=&F\,CPY+8I)I(@%N+9V8@(.@W$[LC`PE"Y@ ML$\NV+SR!T7&,;PVXCV)-$M=N_\`G^1FE:WI_E^9YC<6FI^*H_AU/K.M7EO? M3SW%O)/I=_&0=JOB17CW+O(4*2#W(P*V+[7;ZVTOXJ.^JW2&R<):,;A@8"8A M@)S\N6(Z8YKOM7\$>&]=T:TTC4-*BDL+,@V\*,T8CP,#!0@]#TJGJOPU\'ZW MJDVI:CH<-Q>31>5)(7<;EQMS@,!N`Z-C(P.>*EIWE;K?\;?Y?C\A]8OM_P`' M_/\``Y"XAU3Q#X^T+2#X@UBQLI/#<=U<"RNC&TCB03FO7(/#NE6VJP:I%:[; MR"S%C')YC';"#D+C.#R.I&?>HG\*:))%K$3664UDYOQYK_OOEV^OR\. M%;!90IV\$Y&8K3Q9873SEXKBVMTMVNHKF<*([B%3AI$PQ.!D?>"G#`@$'-`[ M/8WJ*R](UR/5I)XC9W5G/"%8PW04,T;9V.-K-P<,,'!!4@@5J4"O<****`"B MBB@`HHHH`****`"BBB@`HHHH`****`"BBB@`HHHH`****`"BBB@`HHHH`*** M*`"BBB@`HHHH`****`"BBB@`HHHH`****`"BBB@`HHHH`****`"BBB@`HHHH M`****`"BBB@`HHHH`****`"BBB@`HHHH`****`"BBB@`HHHH`****`"BBB@` MHHHH`****`"BBB@`HHHH`****`"BBB@`HHHH`****`"BBB@`HHHH`****`"B MBB@`HHHH`****`"BBB@`HHHH`****`"BBB@`HHHH`****`.2N&_M7Q78/;VN MIP7=G+(ER+F&40>3L=0R,'M5UG3M=OK&2QT^ M:9((8K=HW=$9@6\R)FYX!PPX'8\UU%<_X[_Y)YXE_P"P5=?^BFI-W(+5MI%] M!&5D\1ZG<$G.^6.V!'M\L('Z5-_9UU_T&;[_`+X@_P#C=:%%(#/_`+.NO^@S M??\`?$'_`,;H_LZZ_P"@S??]\0?_`!NM"B@#/_LZZ_Z#-]_WQ!_\;H_LZZ_Z M#-]_WQ!_\;K0HH`S_P"SKK_H,WW_`'Q!_P#&Z/[.NO\`H,WW_?$'_P`;K0HH M`S_[.NO^@S??]\0?_&Z/[.NO^@S??]\0?_&ZT**`,_\`LZZ_Z#-]_P!\0?\` MQNC^SKK_`*#-]_WQ!_\`&ZT**`,_^SKK_H,WW_?$'_QNC^SKK_H,WW_?$'_Q MNM"B@#/_`+.NO^@S??\`?$'_`,;H_LZZ_P"@S??]\0?_`!NM"B@#/_LZZ_Z# M-]_WQ!_\;H_LZZ_Z#-]_WQ!_\;K0HH`S_P"SKK_H,WW_`'Q!_P#&Z/[.NO\` MH,WW_?$'_P`;K0HH`S_[.NO^@S??]\0?_&Z/[.NO^@S??]\0?_&ZT**`,_\` MLZZ_Z#-]_P!\0?\`QNC^SKK_`*#-]_WQ!_\`&ZT**`,_^SKK_H,WW_?$'_QN MC^SKK_H,WW_?$'_QNM"B@#/_`+.NO^@S??\`?$'_`,;H_LZZ_P"@S??]\0?_ M`!NM"B@#/_LZZ_Z#-]_WQ!_\;H_LZZ_Z#-]_WQ!_\;K0HH`S_P"SKK_H,WW_ M`'Q!_P#&Z/[.NO\`H,WW_?$'_P`;K0HH`S_[.NO^@S??]\0?_&Z/[.NO^@S? M?]\0?_&ZT**`,_\`LZZ_Z#-]_P!\0?\`QNC^SKK_`*#-]_WQ!_\`&ZT**`,_ M^SKK_H,WW_?$'_QNC^SKK_H,WW_?$'_QNM"B@#/_`+.NO^@S??\`?$'_`,;H M_LZZ_P"@S??]\0?_`!NM"B@#/_LZZ_Z#-]_WQ!_\;H_LZZ_Z#-]_WQ!_\;K0 MHH`S_P"SKK_H,WW_`'Q!_P#&Z/[.NO\`H,WW_?$'_P`;K0HH`S_[.NO^@S?? M]\0?_&Z/[.NO^@S??]\0?_&ZT**`,_\`LZZ_Z#-]_P!\0?\`QNC^SKK_`*#- M]_WQ!_\`&ZT**`,_^SKK_H,WW_?$'_QNC^SKK_H,WW_?$'_QNM"B@#/_`+.N MO^@S??\`?$'_`,;H_LZZ_P"@S??]\0?_`!NM"B@#/_LZZ_Z#-]_WQ!_\;H_L MZZ_Z#-]_WQ!_\;K0HH`S_P"SKK_H,WW_`'Q!_P#&Z/[.NO\`H,WW_?$'_P`; MK0HH`S_[.NO^@S??]\0?_&Z/[.NO^@S??]\0?_&ZT**`,_\`LZZ_Z#-]_P!\ M0?\`QNC^SKK_`*#-]_WQ!_\`&ZT**`,_^SKK_H,WW_?$'_QNC^SKK_H,WW_? M$'_QNM"B@#/_`+.NO^@S??\`?$'_`,;H_LZZ_P"@S??]\0?_`!NM"B@#/_LZ MZ_Z#-]_WQ!_\;H_LZZ_Z#-]_WQ!_\;K0HH`S_P"SKK_H,WW_`'Q!_P#&Z/[. MNO\`H,WW_?$'_P`;K0HH`S_[.NO^@S??]\0?_&Z/[.NO^@S??]\0?_&ZT**` M,_\`LZZ_Z#-]_P!\0?\`QNC^SKK_`*#-]_WQ!_\`&ZT**`*.DRRRV),\K2ND M\T>]@`2%D91G``Z`=JO5GZ-_QXR?]?=S_P"CGK0H`****`"BBB@`HHHH`*** M*`"BBB@`HHHH`****`"BBB@`HHHH`****`"BBB@`HHHH`****`"BBB@`HHHH M`****`"BBB@`HHHH`****`"N?\=_\D\\2_\`8*NO_135T%<_X[_Y)YXE_P"P M5=?^BFH`Z"BBB@`HHHH`****`"BBB@`HHHH`****`"BBB@`HHHH`****`"BB MB@`HHHH`****`"BBB@`HHHH`****`"BBB@`HHHH`****`"BBB@`HHHH`**** M`"BBB@`HHHH`****`"BBB@`HHHH`****`"BBB@`HHHH`****`"BBB@`HHHH` M****`"BBB@`HHHH`****`,_1O^/&3_K[N?\`T<]:%9^C?\>,G_7W<_\`HYZT M*`"BBB@`HHHH`****`"BBB@`HHHH`****`"BBB@`HHHH`****`"BBB@`HHHH M`****`"BBB@`HHHH`****`"BBB@`HHHH`****`"BBB@`KG_'?_)//$O_`&"K MK_T4U=!7/^._^2>>)?\`L%77_HIJ`.@HHHH`****`"BBB@`HHHH`****`"BB MB@`HHHH`****`"BBB@`HHHH`****`"BBB@`HHHH`****`"BBB@`HHHH`**** M`"BBB@`HHHH`****`"BBB@`HHHH`****`"BBB@`HHHH`****`"BBB@`HHHH` M****`"BBB@`HHHH`****`"BBB@`HHHH`****`"BBB@#/T;_CQD_Z^[G_`-'/ M6A6?HW_'C)_U]W/_`*.>M"@`HHHH`****`"BBB@`HHHH`****`"BBB@`HHHH M`****`"BBB@`HHHH`****`"BBB@`HHHH`****`"BBB@`HHHH`****`"BBB@` MHHHH`*Y_QW_R3SQ+_P!@JZ_]%-705S_CO_DGGB7_`+!5U_Z*:@#H****`"BB MB@`HHHH`****`"BBB@`HHHH`****`"BBB@`HHHH`****`"BBB@`HHHH`**** M`"BBB@`HHHH`****`"BBB@`HHHH`****`"BBB@`HHHH`****`"BBB@`HHHH` M****`"BBB@`HHHH`****`"BBB@`HHHH`****`"BBB@`HHHH`****`"BBB@`H MHHH`S]&_X\9/^ONY_P#1SUH5GZ-_QXR?]?=S_P"CGK0H`****`"BBB@`HHHH M`****`"BBB@`HHHH`****`"BBB@`HHHH`****`"BBB@`HHHH`****`"BBB@` MHHHH`****`"BBB@`HHHH`XR/2M/;QA%)I4'F7]K$]*T^\-S;'4$8R/*8SJ5RT19R2Q,1D*'))/3K4VG>'-+TKS!:P2;'3R M_+EN))4C3^Y&KL1&O3Y5`'`XX&&K+=?U_D4I)2N]3,T"QM-(\3:CI^G01P6; M65M<-'&,`RLTJLY]68(N3U.,U7^(NHW5OX-U^VBT:^NH9-*N-UW"\`CBS&X. MX/(K\#D[5/!XR>*W](T+3]#BDCL(Y5$A!9I9Y)FP!@#<[$A0.BYP.PYJAX[_ M`.2>>)?^P5=?^BFH;N3_`%_7YFIIM[/?6[2W&F7>GN'*B*Z:)F(P/F'ENXQS MCKG@\=,W***0!1110`4444`%%%%`!1110`4444`%%%%`!1110`4444`%%%%` M!1110`4444`%%%%`!1110`4444`%%%%`!1110`4444`%%%%`!1110`4444`% M%%%`!1110`4444`%%%%`!1110`4444`%%%%`!1110`4444`%%%%`!1110`44 M44`%%%%`!1110`4444`9^C?\>,G_`%]W/_HYZT*S]&_X\9/^ONY_]'/6A0`4 M444`%%%%`!1110`4444`%%%%`!1110`4444`%%%%`!1110`4444`%%%%`!11 M10`4444`%%%%`!1110`4444`%%%%`!1110`4444`%<_X[_Y)YXE_[!5U_P"B MFKH*Y_QW_P`D\\2_]@JZ_P#134`=!1110`4444`%%%%`!1110`4444`%%%%` M!1110`4444`%%%%`!1110`4444`%%%%`!1110`4444`%%%%`!1110`4444`% M%%%`!1110`4444`%%%%`!1110`4444`%%%%`!1110`4444`%%%%`!1110`44 M44`%%%%`!1110`4444`%%%%`!1110`4444`%%%%`&?HW_'C)_P!?=S_Z.>M" ML_1O^/&3_K[N?_1SUH4`%%%%`!1110`4444`%%%%`!1110`4444`%%%%`!11 M10`4444`%%%%`!1110`4444`%%%%`!1110`4444`%%%%`!1110`4444`%%%% M`!7/^._^2>>)?^P5=?\`HIJZ"N?\=_\`)//$O_8*NO\`T4U`'04444`%%%%` M!1110`4444`%%%%`!1110`4444`%%%%`!1110`4444`%%%%`!1110`4444`% M%%%`!1110`4444`%%%%`!1110`4444`%%%%`!1110`4444`%%%%`!1110`44 M44`%%%%`!1110`4444`%%%%`!1110`4444`%%%%`!1110`4444`%%%%`!111 M0!GZ-_QXR?\`7W<_^CGK0K/T;_CQD_Z^[G_T<]:%`!1110`4444`%%%%`!11 M10`4444`%%%%`!1110`4444`%%%%`!1110`4444`%%%%`!1110`4444`%%%% M`!1110`4444`%%%%`!1110`5S_CO_DGGB7_L%77_`**:N@KG_'?_`"3SQ+_V M"KK_`-%-0!T%%%%`!1110`4444`%%%%`!1110`4444`%%%%`!1110`4444`% M%%%`!1110`4444`%%%%`!1110`4444`%%%%`!1110`4444`%%%%`!1110`44 M44`%%%%`!1110`4444`%%%%`!1110`4444`%%%%`!1110`4444`%%%%`!111 M0`4444`%%%%`!1110`4444`9^C?\>,G_`%]W/_HYZT*S]&_X\9/^ONY_]'/6 MA0`4444`%%%%`!1110`4444`%%%%`!1110`4444`%%%%`!1110`4444`%%%% M`!1110`4444`%%%%`!1110`4444`%%%%`!1110!RLLVKV/B*Q$VJ^>UW-+OT MV.*,QQ6RAL2`[1("#Y8)+%V%0!@%^[T)-./*M_ MZT_X;7U+BX\WO?U_7Y%G1)M0@UF]TN_OWOREO#=)-)&B%=Y=60!`!M!CR,Y/ MS^GTJX\FVFN$223=&ZKM4G)R00,=36OHFCW MEC<7%YJ>H1WU[-''#YL5N85$:9VC;N;YLNQ)R`,G_7W<_P#HYZT*S]&_X\9/^ONY_P#1SUH4`%%%%`!1110`4444 M`%%%%`!1110`4444`%%%%`!1110`4444`%%%%`!1110`4444`%%%%`!1110` M4444`%%%%`!1110`4444`%%%%`!7/^._^2>>)?\`L%77_HIJZ"N?\=_\D\\2 M_P#8*NO_`$4U`'04444`%%%%`!1110`4444`%%%%`!1110`4444`%%%%`!11 M10`4444`%%%%`!1110`4444`%%%%`!1110`4444`%%%%`!1110`4444`%%%% M`!1110`4444`%%%%`!1110`4444`%%%%`!1110`4444`%%%%`!1110`4444` M%%%%`!1110`4444`%%%%`!1110!GZ-_QXR?]?=S_`.CGK0K/T;_CQD_Z^[G_ M`-'/6A0`4444`%%%%`!1110`4444`%%%%`!1110`4444`%%%%`!1110`4444 M`%%%%`!1110`4444`%%%%`!1110`4444`%%%%`!1110`4444`%<_X[_Y)YXE M_P"P5=?^BFKH*Y_QW_R3SQ+_`-@JZ_\`134`=!1110`4444`%%%%`!1110`4 M444`%%%%`!1110`4444`%%%%`!1110`4444`%%%%`!1110`4444`%%%%`!11 M10`4444`%%%%`!1110`4444`%%%%`!1110`4444`%%%%`!1110`4444`%%%% M`!1110`4444`%%%%`!1110`4444`%%%%`!1110`4444`%%%%`&?HW_'C)_U] MW/\`Z.>M"L_1O^/&3_K[N?\`T<]:%`!1110`4444`%%%%`!1110`4444`%%% M%`!1110`4444`%%%%`!1110`4444`%%%%`!1110`4444`%%%%`!1110`4444 M`%%%%`!1110`5S_CO_DGGB7_`+!5U_Z*:N@KG_'?_)//$O\`V"KK_P!%-0!T M%%%%`!1110`4444`%%%%`!1110`4444`%%%%`!1110`4444`%%%%`!1110`4 M444`%%%%`!1110`4444`%%%%`!1110`4444`%%%%`!1110`4444`%%%%`!11 M10`4444`%%%%`!1110`4444`%%%%`!1110`4444`%%%%`!1110`4444`%%%% M`!1110`4444`9^C?\>,G_7W<_P#HYZT*S]&_X\9/^ONY_P#1SUH4`%%%%`!1 M110`4444`%%%%`!1110`4444`%%%%`!1110`4444`%%%%`!1110`4444`%%% M%`!1110`4444`%%%%`!1110`4444`92>(M.F\1G0893+>I"TTOEC*Q!2@VL> MS?.IV]<CKK4<;Z5-;7,>K^(V=U9SPA6 M,-T%#-&V=CC:S<'##!P05((%4_'?_)//$O\`V"KK_P!%-46@3OJFNWVK+:7= MM;M:6]L%N[=X7+J9&;Y7`)`\Q1N'!.<$XJI\1=.NKCP;K]S%K-]:PQZ5<;K2 M%(#'+B-R=Q>-GY'!VL.!Q@\TFK$'8453TVRGL;=HKC4[O4'+EA+=+$K`8'RC MRT08XSTSR>>F+E(`HHHH`****`"BBB@`HHHH`****`"BBB@`HHHH`****`"B MBB@`HHHH`****`"BBB@`HHHH`****`"BBB@`HHHH`****`"BBB@`HHHH`*** M*`"BBB@`HHHH`****`"BBB@`HHHH`****`"BBB@`HHHH`****`"BBB@`HHHH M`****`"BBB@`HHHH`****`,_1O\`CQD_Z^[G_P!'/6A6?HW_`!XR?]?=S_Z. M>M"@`HHHH`****`"BBB@`HHHH`****`"BBB@`HHHH`****`"BBB@`HHHH`** M**`"BBB@`HHHH`****`"BBB@`HHHH`****`"BBB@`HHHH`*Y_P`=_P#)//$O M_8*NO_135T%<_P"._P#DGGB7_L%77_HIJ`.@HHHH`****`"BBB@`HHHH`*** M*`"BBB@`HHHH`****`"BBB@`HHHH`****`"BBB@`HHHH`****`"BBB@`HHHH M`****`"BBB@`HHHH`****`"BBB@`HHHH`****`"BBB@`HHHH`****`"BBB@` MHHHH`****`"BBB@`HHHH`****`"BBB@`HHHH`****`"BBB@#/T;_`(\9/^ON MY_\`1SUH5GZ-_P`>,G_7W<_^CGK0H`****`"BBB@`HHHH`****`"BBB@`HHH MH`****`"BBB@`HHHH`****`"BBB@`HHHH`****`"BBB@`HHHH`****`"BBB@ M`HHHH`****`"N?\`'?\`R3SQ+_V"KK_T4U=!7/\`CO\`Y)YXE_[!5U_Z*:@# MH****`"BBB@`HHHH`****`"BBB@`HHHH`****`"BBB@`HHHH`****`"BBB@` MHHHH`****`"BBB@`HHHH`****`"BBB@`HHHH`****`"BBB@`HHHH`****`"B MBB@`HHHH`****`"BBB@`HHHH`****`"BBB@`HHHH`****`"BBB@`HHHH`*** M*`"BBB@`HHHH`S]&_P"/&3_K[N?_`$<]:%9^C?\`'C)_U]W/_HYZT*`"BBB@ M`HHHH`****`"BBB@`HHHH`****`"BBB@`HHHH`****`"BBB@`HHHH`****`" MBBB@`HHHH`****`"BBB@`HHHH`****`"BBB@`KG_`!W_`,D\\2_]@JZ_]%-7 M05S_`([_`.2>>)?^P5=?^BFH`Z"BBB@`HHHH`****`"BBB@`HHHH`****`"B MBB@`HK#\2^+]#\(6\%QKMW):P3N4CD%O+(NX#."44@'&2`<9P<=#6Y0`5'// M#:V\MQ<2QPP1(7DDD8*J*!DDD\``G*8_)V07)%O*Q8&/S(C\KD/C&-I.0,\+@ M!*YTVE:K8ZYI=OJ>F7,=S9W";XI4Z,/Y@@Y!!Y!!!P15RO.?!GPKTC1O`MWX M:U:8ZF;R1)-1C6X=8EE&U@J!2"N,(<\,W!/&%';:)HFG>'-'@TG2;?[/8P;O M+BWL^W30%K&A17/_\`"*_\5?\`\)#_`&]KG_8-^V?Z'_J]G^JQ M_P`"Z_>YK0UO2O[;T>?3OM]]8>=M_P!)L)O*F3#!OE;!QG&#[$T`:%%9^B:5 M_8FCP:=]OOK_`,G=_I-_-YLSY8M\S8&<9P/8"L_^R/$7_"7_`-I?\)1_Q)/^ M@1]@C_YY[?\`79W??^?I[=*`.@HK/UNTU&^T>>VTG5/[+OGV^7>?9UG\O#`G MY&X.0".>F<]J-$M-1L='@MM6U3^U+Y-WF7GV=8/,RQ(^1>!@$#CKC/>@#0HK MG_\`BL/^$O\`^8'_`,(S_P!MOMG^K_[X_P!9_P".^]:&M_VQ_8\_]@?8?[3^ M7R?M^_R?O#=NV?-]W=C'?%`&A16?HG]L?V/!_;_V'^T_F\[[!O\`)^\=NW?\ MWW=N<]\UQ_CCQIXN\,1:I<6'@K[;IMI%O34C?H1RH)9H`-^U6)SR.%)R!R`# MT"BN#^$WB_5_&7@Y+W6-/DAGB?RA>;0L=YC@NJ]00>&P-N>AZJO>4`%%%%`! M1110`4444`%%%%`!1110`4444`%%%%`!1110`4444`%%%%`!1110`4444`%% M%%`!1110`4444`%%%075Y#91"29FPS;55$9V8]<*J@DG`)X'0$]!32;=D-1< MG9$]-D8I$[K&TC*I(1<98^@R0,_4BL[5-9@T:2*;4;K3K+3W.PW-W>"$[\$A M0&&#T_O`]>.*SM0OH'\):KJVG";Q+#-!)Y=O:3HPF4;@8XRF!@$L"1E^,?,0 M!5**6LF4HI:R?Z_U^!L:?J5OJD7GV9:2W*J5FQA7)Z@9YR.,\<$XZ@@7*\H^ M"OC75/%UKJ9U#2%A6&0!+VU3R[=A_##LS]Y%(`(S\@0,YL%3D MYGR;>84445)`4444`9^C?\>,G_7W<_\`HYZT*S]&_P"/&3_K[N?_`$<]:%`! M1110`4444`%%%%`!1110`4444`%%%%`!1110`4444`%%%%`!1110`4444`%% M%%`!1110`4444`%%%%`!1110`4444`%%%%`!17*RV-VTO0K?5;#$6H:AX;N;R\G0?/-,JQ,LC'NRF M1\$]`<=*I0>)?\`L%77_HIJKZ!8VFD>)M1T M_3H(X+-K*VN&CC&`96:56<^K,$7)ZG&:K_$74;JW\&Z_;1:-?74,FE7&Z[A> M`1Q9C<'<'D5^!R=JG@\9/%)JQGKU_KJ=A15/3;V>^MVEN-,N]/<.5$5TT3,1 M@?,/+=QCG'7/!XZ9N4@"BBB@`HHKP3XW:_K>E^,K:WT[6-1L(&TQ9&-O9(-[`$9S@#UZ8R<*>G"X?V\W%NUDWWV&DVTENSWNBO!?A/XL\72S:RJZ?J M7B%%\GFYU-`8?OX*^8Q!#\GY2?NCD\&N^\*P^.[SQ)>W_B"YN--TM7#6^EL+ M6<.&5LCS8U#85L$9`.,`EN36^*R^6';]Y-63W2>J3^&_-U[>>VH^5IV>F_X' M8:EJVFZ-;K<:IJ%I8P,X19+J98E+8)P"Q`S@$X]C5B">&ZMXKBWECF@E0/') M&P974C(((X((YS7)>+-76SCFTO5-"U'7;:[7G:/YZP@-\OF%V*,V0"!C@ MKDCD5T,6D01Z7;Z?YD_DVX"QF*3[.0H&`O[K8``.``,<"N:5!PC&]VT]=[]B;PM>Y?L[Y+;0K*6XOFU-A&L74;K//$[")$9MVW:S;1ED&`B_+@=` M1FE_PLK_`*DGQE_X*O\`[*NJT?4O[8TJ&_\`L5[9>;N_T>]B\N5,,1\RY.,X MR/8BJK86I1CS3C9>J_0:G3>R_K\"5+BXD^TJME)&T>1&9G0)*><8*EB!P.HS MST[4QAJ4MFFQK6UNMWS@JTZ8YX'*'/3GZCWK/_X27_BJO["_L36?^PA]E_T3 M[F__`%F?^`]/O<5>UC6+#0-*FU/4Y_(LX-OF2;&;;N8*.%!/4CM4.E44HQ4= M96:ZWOMIKN'M%NDOZ]2=H9FO$E%TR0HO^I5%PY.>6)!..F`,=\YS@5KK3)+J MSO;:2_F>.[4H0Z)B)#D,$V@'."0"Q;&`>>07:/K%AK^E0ZGID_GV<^[RY-C+ MNVL5/#`'J#VKSCXE_%>;PGJL&F:(+*YO(]WVV.YAD/E95&CP05!R&/0GMTK? M!X/$XC$>PI1]]=U:UN^FFNFO70/;N"4E^2/0H-)>UL3:6]_<0H)GE1TVM)AB M6*LT@;=\S$YP#C'7DFXT$C7B3B[F6-5P8`$V,>>22N[//8CH/?/D_P`./BWJ M?BOQ6-(UB'3X$E@=K?[-%(&>1<';DLP`V!SSCIU['TW7-6;1---ZNF:AJ(5@ MK0V$0DE`/\6TL"1G'3)YSC`)%8S!8G#5_85DN9^FM_/^M0^L.I>3UWZ(LHM\ MGVEGDMYLY,$8C:/'7`9LMGMR`._':F--?I9I)]CA>?=^\A2X.-O/W&*CQ%9L.J^(V\3FPF\, MHFD[F`U1-01AMVDJ?**ALDX4CL2>2!D\RI2T6[5_Z M\C9:>1;Q(!:3-&RY,X*;%//!!;=GCL#U'OAJ7\+_`&G"7'^CYWYMI!G&?NY7 MY^G\.>WJ*K:Y8ZCJ&FF'2M7?2KO<&6X6!)ACNI1Q@@CT(.<=2,7V?-]^D9+\1.2_E^[_@G6-JMA'9I=S7D,,#MM#S M.(QNYRIW8PPP<@\C!]*N5A^'=+U[3?M/]M^(_P"V?,V^3_H*6_E8SN^Z?FSD M=>F/>CQ!X/T'Q08CK%C]H,:E5(F>/(SG!V,-PSR,YQSCJ:EPHQJ\KE>/=*_W M)\OSO8=XM:)K^M/^'_`W*HZ=K6E:QYO]F:G97OE8\S[-.LFS.<9VDXS@_D:E M2PMX_M/EB1!<9WA)7`!.=^OI8?+%NR?WK_`"N0^(?&WA_PK/## MK5Z]J\ZEXB;:5U<`X.&52,CC(SD9'J*\N^(GQA_Y!O\`PA.N_P#/7[7_`*)_ MN;/]:G^_T_'M7M3)=F\1DFA%J%^>,PDN3SR&W8`Z<;3T/KQQGCOP+'XNM/.U M*XEEELUE%A#9Q[/FDP`)"2V[E4Y&T#DGCIZF55G>'-'GU;5KC[/8P;?,EV,^W`[;P+:7 MNJZ+/(NO-"]G#!J+J89G+!U1?N;BP55#!@.Y4$%1VL^EVGBWP[%;^)-"C7S5 MS+97)24PO@J2KJ3@X)PZD'!['@+.98>K7=;"I*&UE9:][=GW$J">& MZMXKBWECF@E0/')&P974C(((X((YS4E4X+:'1M&BM+"UD:"RMQ'!;1L"Q5%P MJ`N0,X`&6(]SWK'\)>)K[Q"EW%J?AO4M$O+-PDJ72[HI"68?NI>!(`%!)``^ M88R.:\89TE%%%`!1110`4444`%%%%`!1110`4444`%%%%`!1110`4444`%%% M%`!1110`445EZEXET'1KA;?5-;TVQG9`ZQW5TD3%*W=RN>#@L0&*)D8W8(SQR<`YNA:CKNJV]RFLZ#)H&"3QD"JY7NR^1[O3^OQ^1MR21PQ/+*ZI&BEF=C@*!U)/ M85G:OKEMH=O+=7L5U]D@C,MQ<10-(L*>I"Y8]#G:#M'+8'-8M_X`MM0UZQU: M77O$`:TFCG^RB_)MY9$;.YHR"!GH0FT8Z`6W>,X!()8Y)PR_,`/\*]SXM;C2O%9ALN!*<.-_.Y8DD]R2:DHHH`****`"BBB@#/T;_CQD_Z^[G_T<]:% M9^C?\>,G_7W<_P#HYZT*`"BBB@`HHHH`****`"BBB@`HHHH`****`"BBB@`H MHHH`****`"BBB@`HHHH`****`"BBB@`HHHH`****`"BBB@`HHHH`****`('L MK=[^*^:/-S%&\2/D\*Q4L,=.2B_E5*Q\.:5IUQZUIGVJX2(0J_GR)\@).,*P'5C^==)16E*M4I2YJ/3UK?[O3'>O1Z**K%8NMBZGM:[O+Y+\@C%15D%%%%,XW87/R]6&S15TYJ,DY*Z[?UMZC4FEH5+&_COU9XD<1X#1RY5D MF0_==&4D$'&>N>F0,C-NL_6M4TW2;#S=7D6.RE=8'>2,M&-_`WD`A5.<%FPO M(R>:D:VFM;-(=-\F,1MD1RABI7D[`0?D'0`X(4W;[RO=D]- M'^!S]T?&B?$BQ:".T?PE);O%<*'4R1R!2PD.0K`EBJ`*7&`20"1CK*@:\A2\ M2U=F6611H;>65(9)W1"RQ1E0SD#[HW$#)Z< MD#U(H`DJ.>>&UMY;BXECA@B0O))(P544#)))X``YS7/^$O$6K^(DN[C4/#%W MHEHK@6;7"=)\7SW]QNBOK;5=(M[FSOC'%J$(:UN$`#D.FY657!YV_- M@J>G(ZUY_P##7X91>#K2[)GNH-7G*F2X6.-ML/)$:LRL.OWL8)91QC:3Z3]F M@^U?:O)C^T;/+\W:-^W.=N>N,\XJI04'9N_H7.FJ;LW?T_K\CF_"UEXGL/[3 M&LZ[)K1^46K36$=F@8;MV-A+$$[1DKVRNX&M&^\-Z=KD=DVO6-EJ%Q9R>;#( M8-H1L]@22!PN1D@X'MC8HI<]OAT)YVOAT_KO_7Y!1114$!1110`4444`%%%% M`!1110`4444`%%%%`&?HW_'C)_U]W/\`Z.>M"L_1O^/&3_K[N?\`T<]:%`!1 M110`4444`%%%%`!1110`4444`%%%%`!1110`4444`%%%%`!1110`4444`%%% M%`!1110`4444`%%%%`!1110`4444`%%%%`!1110`5S_CO_DGGB7_`+!5U_Z* M:N@KG_'?_)//$O\`V"KK_P!%-0!T%%%%`!1110`4444`%%%%`!1110`4444` M%%%%`!1110`4444`%%%%`!1110`4444`%%%%`!1110`4444`%%%%`$%[9P:C M87%C=1^9;7,30RIDCXJI=Z7I]_/;3WEC;7$UJV^WDFA5VB;(.5)&5.0.1Z M"NFC7482I5-8O\'T:_)]T^]K2UK=%NJR6S6WVF2!Y)&DRZQ33$H'YZ$@E0>! M@<#'`ZY=%>VD]U<6L-U#)+<,KN`Y7(Y&>M3UAK'1EJ31!#<$Q1 M?:46WFD8H(S(#EAD_*>XP"1P#CJ!R!%INDZ;HUNUOI>GVEC`SEVCM85B4M@# M)"@#.`!GV%3W%M!=P-!FM'<'BN>\4VGC62\LKKPKJFE11Q9$]EJ%NQ2;(/S&1O\`B'3/"^EMJ>L3R06:N$:58))0A/3=L4D#/&3Q MD@=2*DT36].\1Z/!JVDW'VBQGW>7+L9-VUBIX8`CD$6.:"5`\O(7.T-@D;L9P2,XI\J6['RI;O^ MOR^ZYS/B+PAX0\:W!GU32X]3NK!&BW0RLC#DGRRZLH)!!^5C\N[/&[GH66[N M[-/WC6$C-E]FV1U7G`!(*ANF>&'4#/#5,]!4]%%2VWN2Y-[A1112$%%%%`!1110 M`4444`%%%%`!1110`4444`%%%%`!1110!GZ-_P`>,G_7W<_^CGK0K/T;_CQD M_P"ONY_]'/6A0`4444`%%%%`!1110`4444`%%%%`!1110`4444`%%%%`!111 M0`4444`%%%%`!1110`4444`%%%%`!1110`4444`%%%%`!1110`4444`%<_X[ M_P"2>>)?^P5=?^BFKH*Y_P`=_P#)//$O_8*NO_134`=!1110`4444`%%%%`! M1110`4444`%%%%`!1110`4444`%%%%`!1110`4444`%%%%`!1110`4444`%% M%%`!1110`4444`49='L)M9M]7:#&H01-"DZ.RDQMR48`@.N>0&R`>1@U>HK& M&DZA%XK?58=7<:?-`L<^G2HTBEUSB2-B^(S@@$!<'!)Y((U7OKWY6LM+W^[R MZ^5Q;&S11160QLD<+\(OA7#_:%Q=ZR=.3R8Y%B93(6<^6K'+"-`"JY M)P```"2%/>5EZA;K!IU^991<03#!MKQ?,B(8X:,``L=^=N#NQD`*1\I:BI.R MW*C%3:4=_P`SG_AGX]7Q_P"&C?/:26UY;N(;I0C>47QG,;'@@CG;G*YP>"&: MQ=:!XCN/B18ZPNOR)X=MK=RVF@X\R9E*8(50"F-K@N6(8$``'BWH%H;7P_'8 M:/;VNDQ6DK0I:20F0PHO9L.,NW#[L\A_XL[CM-:1O>)=%IO,1=H`G<)CGJ@. MTGGJ1Z>@IRARNTF$J:@[2>O]?+YJXU+^VF^TK:S1W,UOD20PR*75N?E//!R" M.<4QA>W5FFQELI6;YP5$K*G/`YVA\8Y^90\2Z=6:6-<)EV*KUY"YVAL$C=C."1G%3T45+;>Y+DWN%%%%(044 M44`%%%%`!1110`4444`%%%%`!1110`4444`%%%%`!1110`4444`%%%%`&?HW M_'C)_P!?=S_Z.>M"L_1O^/&3_K[N?_1SUH4`%%%%`!1110`4444`%%%%`!11 M10`4444`%%%%`!1110`4444`%%%%`!1110`4444`%%%%`!1110`4444`%%%% M`!1110`4444`%%!(`)/05PNG>)F71M3UEM5O[N9;*6]AL;FT$,(0#1G)^;DG%9_Q%UW1['P;K^G7FJV-O?3Z5<>3;37" M)))NC=5VJ3DY((&.IIM6$=A15/3=6TW6;=KC2]0M+Z!7*-):S+*H;`."5)&< M$''N*N4@"BBB@`HHHH`****`"BBB@`HHHH`****`"BBB@`HHHH`****`"BBB M@`HHHH`****`"BBB@`HHHH`****`"BBB@`HHHH`Y'4-?NO"6N*=>O$ET'4I_ M+M;QPJ-93$$B*3``,9`)5^JX(?C#5UU5-3TRRUC39].U&W2XM)UV21/T(_F" M#@@CD$`CFL[PS9Z[IUK/8ZS!C+#.>_(RW7-T MZM)36DEHUW71KS[_`"?3]L\IO(\_/E^9@[=V M.=N<9QSBIZ*:=G<"CHVH/JNC6E]+:36)_XE(8`\'(S@9ZC@U> MJIJ=ZVG:;/>)9W-X85W_`&>U4-*X[[02`3CG&7];B\BW11168PHHHH`****`"BBB M@`HHHH`****`"BBN5\?^,_\`A!M!@U/[!]M\VY6W\OSO+QE6;.=I_N],=ZUH M4*E>HJ5-7D]A-I*[.JHKR#0?CQ:ZKK$5I>Z&]E:LLCRW*3M.8U5&8G8L>2/E MY/89)X%=/_PN'P'_`-!W_P`E)_\`XBNZMDV849'_'GAKQ1?O8Z-J7VFYCB,S)Y$B80$`G+*!U8?G5KQ#J&N:=!#)HNA)K#LQ6 M6(WJV[(,<,-RD$=0>0>G!YQQO"UHU%2G'EE_>]W\[%O6NO7EW?^(_MNG2[_(L/L*1^1E@ M5_>`Y;:N5YZYS4*FGS7DE;UU]+)K[VD%S0;?*N)8%:2/:1-/Y$32>3`FZ23:"=JCNQQ@#UKR?XG^+]0N?A[;:EIL.N:#,-56!EN5:U MF=?*=L_*V2I.._5?:O7ZRO$'AO2?%%@ECK-I]IMHY1,J>8Z8<`@'*D'HQ_.N MC+L31P]:-2K&Z3O\NUMB9IM61X!\*_$_B#4?B3I-K?:YJ=S;2>=OAGNY'1L0 MN1D$X/(!_"OI2N5T?X;^$M`U6'4],TGR+R#=YM" ML_1O^/&3_K[N?_1SUH4`%%%%`!1110`4444`%%%%`!1110`4444`%%%%`!11 M10`4444`%%%%`!1110`4444`%%%%`!1110`4444`%%%%`!1110`4444`%%%% M`!7/^._^2>>)?^P5=?\`HIJZ"N?\=_\`)//$O_8*NO\`T4U`'04444`%%%%` M!1110`4444`%%%%`!1110`4444`%%%%`!1110`4444`%%%%`!1110`4444`% M%%%`!1110`4444`%%%%`!1110`4444`%5-3U*UTC39]0O7=+6W7?*Z1-(57N M=J@G`ZDXX&2>!5NBG&UUS;`1P3Q7,$<\$J2PRJ'CDC8,KJ1D$$<$$=ZDK@XQ M+\/_`!#*9'2/P9?MF,*AVZ95OB*"IM2B[Q>S_1 M^:ZK]&F).X4445SC"BBB@`HHHH`**QM#U#7+V>]CUC0DTQ(6"P2QWJW"W`RV M6&%!4<`_,`3NZ#!J#Q#X57Q!/#,-VFHVJ75C=0W-M)G9-!('1L'!P1P>01^%6]R)!-(/"_C33]9OKS3)+:V\S>L$LA<[HV48!0#JP[U[5115X M_,*V.J*K6W2MIVU?ZA&"BK(****XB@HHHH`****`"BBB@`HHHH`****`"BBB M@`HHHH`S]&_X\9/^ONY_]'/6A6?HW_'C)_U]W/\`Z.>M"@`HHHH`****`"BB MB@`HHHH`****`"BBB@`HHHH`****`"BBB@`HHHH`****`"BBB@`HHHH`**** M`"BBB@`HHHH`****`"BBB@`HHHH`*Y_QW_R3SQ+_`-@JZ_\`135T%<_X[_Y) MYXE_[!5U_P"BFH`Z"BBB@`HHHH`****`"BBB@`HHHH`****`"BBB@`HHHH`* M***`"BBB@`HHHH`****`"BBB@`HHHH`****`"BBB@`HHHH`****`"BBB@`HH MHH`@O+*TU&U>UOK6&YMI,;X9XPZ-@Y&0>#R`?PJI=ZIHOAZ"V@O+[3],AV[+ M>.:9(5VJ`,*"0,`$<#IQ6E7AW[1/_,M_]O7_`+2KT3*N]H[:Y21@N0,X4DXR1S[U>GD:*"21(7 MF=%++%&0&<@?=&X@9/3D@>XKYA^$&A_V_P"++JU_M34].V6+R>=IUQY,C8DC M&TG!^7G./4"OJ*MLXR^GE^(5*$N;KJA4YN:N<&?'VN7TZ0Z+X`UR9PK/*=2V MV*J`0!M9LACR>,@\=^<:OAF3QO+.)/$T.APVKP;EBL3*9DD)'RMN)7`&X'!/ M.,$BNGHKDJ8FFX.%.DE?KJW^+LODBE%]68WB'PIH?BJ"&'6M/2Z2!B\1+,C( M2,'#*0<'C(S@X'H*TK*S@TZPM[&UC\NVMHEAB3).U%``&3R>`.M3T5SNK4<% M3M"@`H MHHH`****`"BBB@`HHHH`****`"BBB@`HHHH`****`"BBB@`HHHH`****`"BB MB@`HHHH`****`"BBB@`HHHH`****`"BBB@`HHJ*YN(;.UEN;B01PPH9)';HJ M@9)_*@$KZ$M<_P"._P#DGGB7_L%77_HIJN:1KD>K23Q&SNK.>$*QAN@H9HVS ML<;6;@X88.""I!`JGX[_`.2>>)?^P5=?^BFH"]SH****`"BBB@`HHHH`**** M`"BBB@`HHHH`****`"BBB@`HHHH`****`"BBB@`HHHH`****`"BBB@`HHHH` M****`"BBB@`HHHH`****`"BBB@`HHHH`****`"BBB@`HHHH`****`"BBB@`H MHHH`****`"BBB@`HHHH`****`"BBB@`HHHH`****`"BBB@`HHHH`S]&_X\9/ M^ONY_P#1SUH5GZ-_QXR?]?=S_P"CGK0H`****`"BBB@`HHHH`****`"BBB@` MHHHH`****`"BBB@`HHHH`****`"BBB@`HHHH`****`"BBB@`HHHH`****`"B MBB@`HHHH`*S/$5C-J?AG5+"WQYUS:2Q1Y.!N92!^M:=%'H.+Y6F%RZF1F^5P"0/,4;AP3G!.*J?$73KJX\&Z_E7&ZTA2`QRXCU3_H<]<_[ M\V7_`,CT?\(]JG_0YZY_WYLO_D>J_C2R>>WTZY-Y<)'!J-F?L\;!4D8W$8R_ M&3@9P,XYR02!BW+9VNO:GJ4-W#YUK`B6IC8D*['$CJ<=5(,8(Y!P01C(IVTO MZ_I_F-JRN,_X1[5/^ASUS_OS9?\`R/1_PCVJ?]#GKG_?FR_^1ZR]!TQFTS7- M*0MH_EWN&M]-<>5`IBC;;"Q48#`Y)"J0S-C!PQ?X?(G\->$-.!/-C%&XS"EAIES%!) M?6EOHUSJ.F:9&MM8W"Z:9HX?E#&6Y:*1B1_$Z``GJ<9H4&QJ#>J_K;_,Z3_A M'M4_Z'/7/^_-E_\`(]'_``CVJ?\`0YZY_P!^;+_Y'KE[JU6&XE\/6.GV\NFG M6O+33RPBMROV/SO+;`.(S)\Q`5N_RD9KK_"YA&AI#!8"P$$LD+6JR^8D3*Y! M"'^YG[O`P,#:O0)JWYB:L0?\(]JG_0YZY_WYLO\`Y'K+\2Z?K6C>%=7U2W\8 M:RT]E937$:R0614LB%@#BW!QD>HKM*Y_QW_R3SQ+_P!@JZ_]%-2$'_"/:I_T M.>N?]^;+_P"1Z/\`A'M4_P"ASUS_`+\V7_R/7044`<__`,(]JG_0YZY_WYLO M_D>C_A'M4_Z'/7/^_-E_\CU7\:63SV^G7)O+A(X-1LS]GC8*DC&XC&7XR<#. M!G'.2"0,6Y;.UU[4]2ANX?.M8$2U,;$A78XD=3CJI!C!'(."",9%.VE_7]/\ MQM65QG_"/:I_T.>N?]^;+_Y'H_X1[5/^ASUS_OS9?_(]9>@Z8S:9KFE(6T?R M[W#6^FN/*@4Q1MMA8J,!@U3_H<]<_[\V7_P`CT?\`"/:I_P!#GKG_`'YL MO_D>N7GL[73;76=2\-QF%+#3+F*YU$#YKZY`!#%A_K60JV7(.&8@'.\"2^M+ M?1KG4=,TR-;:QN%TTS1P_*&,MRT4C$C^)T`!/4XS0H-C4&]5_6W^9TG_``CV MJ?\`0YZY_P!^;+_Y'H_X1[5/^ASUS_OS9?\`R/6(=.T:VTKQ):3Z+8W>G:9> M;[.QDMD>.-V@C;:BD87+NW3^^?6NE\-Z%;>&]!MM,MDC41@M(8T"*TC'<[!1 MP`6)P!P!@#@4K?I^(FFBK_PCVJ?]#GKG_?FR_P#D>C_A'M4_Z'/7/^_-E_\` M(]=!12$<7X:T_6M9\*Z1JEQXPUE9[VRAN)%C@L@H9T#$#-N3C)]36I_PCVJ? M]#GKG_?FR_\`D>CP)_R3SPU_V"K7_P!%+704`<__`,(]JG_0YZY_WYLO_D>C M_A'M4_Z'/7/^_-E_\CU#\0+)[SP5JV+RX@CBM)I'2!@OFX0D*QQD+GD@$9Q@ MG&0;ES''J>LI92;S%;VADDV.R$-)E%PPP0=JR<@@C(IVTN-JR3_KI_F0_P#" M/:I_T.>N?]^;+_Y'H_X1[5/^ASUS_OS9?_(]9NAZ4EAKNNZ796\.B(UO`\*: M:%,84M*HFVL@42G;@@J1A4Y;M%HD2P^%(-)5Y9?M.JW5ONEA6^J MV&(M0U#PW:95B99&/=E,CX)Z`XZ41BY;?UHW^A48.;LCLO\`A'M4 M_P"ASUS_`+\V7_R/1_PCVJ?]#GKG_?FR_P#D>N;U"PL=*DU72[*#RK*>'3Y& MMX``LTTD[1G?R.)`JJY/)&>O0[O@RW2R35K-;2.Q,-Z`UE;MFW@)BC;$1P/E M.=Q^5?F9N.Y.7?\`KM_F2TTD_P"MK_J3_P#"/:I_T.>N?]^;+_Y'H_X1[5/^ MASUS_OS9?_(]=!14B.+\-:?K6L^%=(U2X\8:RL][90W$BQP604,Z!B!FW)QD M^IK4_P"$>U3_`*'/7/\`OS9?_(]'@3_DGGAK_L%6O_HI:Z"@#G_^$>U3_H<] M<_[\V7_R/1_PCVJ?]#GKG_?FR_\`D>H?B!9/>>"M6Q>7$$<5I-(Z0,%\W"$A M6.,A<\D`C.,$XR#8K>T,DFQV0AI,HN&&"#M63D$$9%.VEQM6 M2?\`73_,A_X1[5/^ASUS_OS9?_(]'_"/:I_T.>N?]^;+_P"1ZS=#TI+#7==T MNRMX=$1K>!X4TT*8PI:51-M9`HE.W!!4C"IRW:+1(EA\*0:2KRR_:=5NK?=* MY=F07$K.68Y)RB-R>Y]Z?+^GX@U9-O\`K2YK_P#"/:I_T.>N?]^;+_Y'H_X1 M[5/^ASUS_OS9?_(]9:Z5IY\71R:5!YFH6D\D^HZDPRY#*VVV+C!;[R$)R%5% M)P=F<&-VTO0K?5;#$6H:AX;N;R\G0?/-,JQ,LC'NRF1\$]`<=*(QN?]^;+_`.1Z/^$>U3_H<]<_[\V7_P`CUS]SH:0SZOHV MBVB+:O:V-U+:1,$%P?.?S03P-TD<>TDG#=SC)K9\'EHWUBU2R%A:V]VBV]D" MN+<&&-BF$RHY8G"DCYNM*Q/*[7_KH_U)_P#A'M4_Z'/7/^_-E_\`(]'_``CV MJ?\`0YZY_P!^;+_Y'KH**0CB_#6GZUK/A72-4N/&&LK/>V4-Q(L<%D%#.@8@ M9MR<9/J:U/\`A'M4_P"ASUS_`+\V7_R/1X$_Y)YX:_[!5K_Z*6N@H`Y__A'M M4_Z'/7/^_-E_\CT?\(]JG_0YZY_WYLO_`)'J'X@63WG@K5L7EQ!'%:32.D#! M?-PA(5CC(7/)`(SC!.,@W+F./4]92RDWF*WM#))L=D(:3*+AA@@[5DY!!&13 MMI<;5DG_`%T_S(?^$>U3_H<]<_[\V7_R/1_PCVJ?]#GKG_?FR_\`D>LW0]*2 MPUW7=+LK>'1$:W@>%--"F,*6E43;60*)3MP05(PJGR_I^(-63;_`*TN:_\`PCVJ?]#GKG_?FR_^ M1Z/^$>U3_H<]<_[\V7_R/66NE:>?%T9J%I/)/J.I,,N0RMMMBXP6^\A M"@..E)1;_KR M;_0?+?8WO^$>U3_H<]<_[\V7_P`CT?\`"/:I_P!#GKG_`'YLO_D>N=%M)I^F M^(K0WES<>;KMK#//.^7D606ROD@``$,1A0``<`"N@\+V\-A=:YIUG#'!8VM\ M%@@B4*D0:&)V50.`-S,<#U-/D=K^7^7^8.#6H[_A'M4_Z'/7/^_-E_\`(]'_ M``CVJ?\`0YZY_P!^;+_Y'KH**DDXO0-/UK5=.EN)_&&LJZ7MW;@)!9`;8KB2 M)3S;GG:@)]\].E:G_"/:I_T.>N?]^;+_`.1Z/!O_`"`[G_L*ZE_Z6S5T%`'/ M_P#"/:I_T.>N?]^;+_Y'H_X1[5/^ASUS_OS9?_(]:>JV;W^G2VZ7EQ:!Q\TE MN0'V]P"0<9Z9'([$'!'.>'RL_AOPAIW)!L8KF09/W(XUQSZ[V0_@?2FE=-^G MZ_Y#MIU3_H<]<_[\V7_P`CT?\`"/:I_P!#GKG_`'YLO_D>LVQTBWT; MQPL%G8P:?'<6,Q2:V;<]VP:+<]QD`EU+?*27)W.21G!BTQ9-(L_%,*7=S62"!03@``;F'````X``I\MU==K_C8=NYK_`/"/:I_T.>N?]^;+ M_P"1Z/\`A'M4_P"ASUS_`+\V7_R/61J>AZ6VN6UK86_G:TLD$PNF&6T^W0J, M!Q@HK!&4(#\Q9R05W8@L8HQJVF:N$7^TKK6KRSGGQ\[P+YX6,GKM'E1D#H", M]S0HMB46U=?UHW^G_#&]_P`(]JG_`$.>N?\`?FR_^1Z/^$>U3_H<]<_[\V7_ M`,CU5TBQDM?&NO!KZYN)9K*U@``Z``4U3_`*'/7/\`OS9?_(]=!14DG/\`@QYV\/NMQ<27,L>H7T1F MD50SA+N502%`7.`.@`]JZ"N?\&_\@.Y_["NI?^ELU=!0`4444`%%%%`!1110 M`4444`%%%%`!1110`4444`%%%%`!1110`445S?BN(W5YX_\`QZC_`(0W2_\` MGZUS_P`'M[_\>H`Z"BN?_P"$-TO_`)^M<_\`![>__'J/^$-TO_GZUS_P>WO_ M`,>H`Z"BN?\`^$-TO_GZUS_P>WO_`,>H_P"$-TO_`)^M<_\`![>__'J`.@HK MG_\`A#=+_P"?K7/_``>WO_QZC_A#=+_Y^M<_\'M[_P#'J`.@HKG_`/A#=+_Y M^M<_\'M[_P#'J/\`A#=+_P"?K7/_``>WO_QZ@#H**Y__`(0W2_\`GZUS_P`' MM[_\>H_X0W2_^?K7/_![>_\`QZ@#H**Y_P#X0W2_^?K7/_![>_\`QZC_`(0W M2_\`GZUS_P`'M[_\>H`Z"BN?_P"$-TO_`)^M<_\`![>__'J/^$-TO_GZUS_P M>WO_`,>H`Z"BN?\`^$-TO_GZUS_P>WO_`,>H_P"$-TO_`)^M<_\`![>__'J` M.@KG_'?_`"3SQ+_V"KK_`-%-1_PANE_\_6N?^#V]_P#CU8?C3PGIUMX%\0SI MWO_P`> MH_X0W2_^?K7/_![>_P#QZ@#9N[*WOX5BN8]Z+(DH&2,,C!E/'HR@U!=:18WE MC+9SPEH99/-;$C!@^[<&5@=RL"`00000,8Q6;_PANE_\_6N?^#V]_P#CU'_" M&Z7_`,_6N?\`@]O?_CU`7-6PTVVTVT^S6XE*$DLTTSRNY/=GWO_QZ MC_A#=+_Y^M<_\'M[_P#'J'KN!-I7A32M&4)9B^\D1>2()]0N)X@GH(Y'91TQ MTIUKX6TBSTVZT^*VD:WNEVRB:XDE8J!@`.S%E`'0`C;VQ5?_`(0W2_\`GZUS M_P`'M[_\>H_X0W2_^?K7/_![>_\`QZC<"W'X=TR+2FTY8IO(9S(7-S*9MY.= M_FEO,W?[6[...E7-/T^UTNRCL[.+RX$R0"Q8DDDDEB268DDDDDDDDUD?\(;I M?_/UKG_@]O?_`(]1_P`(;I?_`#]:Y_X/;W_X]0!T%<_X[_Y)YXE_[!5U_P"B MFH_X0W2_^?K7/_![>_\`QZL/QIX3TZV\"^(9TN=9+QZ9]`'>45S_\`PANE_P#/UKG_`(/;W_X]1_PANE_\_6N?^#V]_P#CU`&S M=V5O?PK%/1E!J"ZTBQO+&6SGA+0RR>:V)&#!]VX,K`[E M8$`@@@@@8QBLW_A#=+_Y^M<_\'M[_P#'J/\`A#=+_P"?K7/_``>WO_QZ@+FK M8:;;:;:?9K<2E"26::9Y7)HXH[=;9`)& M^6-1@`'.?QZ^]9G_``ANE_\`/UKG_@]O?_CU'_"&Z7_S]:Y_X/;W_P"/4/7< M";2O"FE:,H2S%]Y(B\D03ZA<3Q!/01R.RCICI3K7PMI%GIMUI\5M(UO=+ME$ MUQ)*Q4#``=F+*`.@!&WMBJ__``ANE_\`/UKG_@]O?_CU'_"&Z7_S]:Y_X/;W M_P"/4;@7H-`TZVTW^STBD-N91,WF3R2.[A@VYG9BS'('4G@8Z<5I5S__``AN ME_\`/UKG_@]O?_CU'_"&Z7_S]:Y_X/;W_P"/4`=!17/_`/"&Z7_S]:Y_X/;W M_P"/4?\`"&Z7_P`_6N?^#V]_^/4`'@3_`))YX:_[!5K_`.BEKH*X/P7X3TZY M\"^'IWN=9#R:9;.PCUJ\103$IX590%'L``.U;G_"&Z7_`,_6N?\`@]O?_CU` M&S>V<&H6,]E=1^9;SQM%(F2-RD8(R.1QZ4R73K.XANH9H%EBNEV3I)\RNNW; M@@]L=JR?^$-TO_GZUS_P>WO_`,>H_P"$-TO_`)^M<_\`![>__'J`N:.F:/:: M1&Z6OVAC(06>YNI;ASCH-\C,V!S@9P,GU-/MM+L[,H8(2FQY9%^=CAI&+.>3 MW))]L\8K+_X0W2_^?K7/_![>_P#QZC_A#=+_`.?K7/\`P>WO_P`>IW8>1-8^ M%-+TV]^UVC:@C^8\IC.IW+1%W)+$QF0HVMF#7(*N)) MGD4*26*HK$A%)))50`?3BJ?_``ANE_\`/UKG_@]O?_CU'_"&Z7_S]:Y_X/;W M_P"/5-D&Y8M?"VD6>G7-A%;RF"Y`$GFW,LCX`PH#LQ90N/E`(V]1BK>F:39Z M/;O!91NJNYDD>65Y9)&.!N9W)9C@`9)/``Z`5F?\(;I?_/UKG_@]O?\`X]1_ MPANE_P#/UKG_`(/;W_X]3N!T%%<__P`(;I?_`#]:Y_X/;W_X]1_PANE_\_6N M?^#V]_\`CU`!X$_Y)YX:_P"P5:_^BEKH*X/P7X3TZY\"^'IWN=9#R:9;.PCU MJ\103$IX590%'L``.U;G_"&Z7_S]:Y_X/;W_`./4`;-[9P:A8SV5U'YEO/&T M4B9(W*1@C(Y''I3)=.L[B&ZAF@66*Z79.DGS*Z[=N"#VQVK)_P"$-TO_`)^M M<_\`![>__'J/^$-TO_GZUS_P>WO_`,>H"YHZ9H]II$;I:_:&,A!9[FZEN'.. M@WR,S8'.!G`R?4T^VTNSLRA@A*;'ED7YV.&D8LYY/WO\`\>IW8>1-8^%-+TV]^UVC:@C^8\IC M.IW+1%W)+$QF0HVMF#7(*N))GD4*26*HK$A%)))50` M?3BJ?_"&Z7_S]:Y_X/;W_P"/4?\`"&Z7_P`_6N?^#V]_^/5-D&Y/;>%='M=- MN+".WE,%QMWF2ZED?Y<;=LC,67;@%=I&T\C!J_I^G6NEVOV>T1U3<69I)&D= MV/4L[$LQ]R2:R?\`A#=+_P"?K7/_``>WO_QZC_A#=+_Y^M<_\'M[_P#'J86. M@HKG_P#A#=+_`.?K7/\`P>WO_P`>H_X0W2_^?K7/_![>_P#QZ@`\"?\`)//# M7_8*M?\`T4M=!7!^"_">G7/@7P].]SK(>33+9V$>M7B*"8E/"K*`H]@`!VK< M_P"$-TO_`)^M<_\`![>__'J`-F]LX-0L9[*ZC\RWGC:*1,D;E(P1DY)/MGC%9?_"&Z7_S]:Y_X/;W_`./4?\(;I?\` MS]:Y_P"#V]_^/4[L/(FL?"FEZ;>_:[1M01_,>4QG4[EHB[DEB8S(4.22>G6I M].\/Z;I5W/=6<#I+/G=OF=U4%BQ"*S$(I))PH`_(52_X0W2_^?K7/_![>_\` MQZC_`(0W2_\`GZUS_P`'M[_\>I`]=S2ET:PF@OX9+?='?MNN1O;YSM5,YS\I MPJ],8QGKS3M-TRTTFT^S6:2!"Q=FEE>5W8GDL[DLQ]R3T`[5E_\`"&Z7_P`_ M6N?^#V]_^/4?\(;I?_/UKG_@]O?_`(]0#UW.@HKG_P#A#=+_`.?K7/\`P>WO M_P`>H_X0W2_^?K7/_![>_P#QZ@`\&_\`(#N?^PKJ7_I;-705P?A/PGIT^CW# MO__'J` M-\@$$'H:J6>EV=A#%#;0[(X8%MT4L6`C7HO)/Y]3WK+_`.$-TO\`Y^M<_P#! M[>__`!ZC_A#=+_Y^M<_\'M[_`/'J`N7=+\/Z;HSLUE%,F5V*LES)*L2_W8U= MB(UZ?*@`X''`Q.FEV:3RS+"1)+.+ASO;YI`@0'&?[J@8Z<9ZUE_\(;I?_/UK MG_@]O?\`X]1_PANE_P#/UKG_`(/;W_X]3NP)CX4TLZK+J2MJ$=S-*)I/*U.Y MCC=P``3&L@0\*!C&,#%3Q>']-@UF35HX'%V^229G*`D`%EC+;%8@`%@`3Z\F MJ7_"&Z7_`,_6N?\`@]O?_CU'_"&Z7_S]:Y_X/;W_`./4M@>NYLI96\=_->K' MBXFC2)WR>50L5&.G!=OSHM[*WM9KF6&/:]U()9CDG__`!ZC_A#=+_Y^M<_\'M[_`/'J0@\&_P#(#N?^PKJ7_I;-705S?@:% M;;PW)`AD*1ZGJ"*9)&=B!>3#EF)+'W))/>NDH`****`"BBB@`HHHH`****`" MBBB@`HHHH`****`"BBB@`HHHH`*Y_P`0_P#(<\)_]A63_P!(KJN@KG_$/_(< M\)_]A63_`-(KJ@#'_P"%P^`_^@[_`.2D_P#\15[1_B1X2U_58=,TS5O/O)]W MEQ_9Y5W;5+'EE`Z`]ZZJBNR4\&XOEIR3_P`:?_MB_-$VEW_K[SP/Q#\;O$ND M^)=5TV"QTEH;2\F@C:2*0L51RH)Q(!G`]*]9\!^(+OQ1X+T_6;Z.&.YN?,WK M`I"#;(RC`))Z*.]>?ZU\"/[8U[4=3_X23R?MES)<>7]AW;-[%L9\P9QGKBO1 M_!_AW_A$_"MEHGVK[5]FW_OO+V;MSL_WU>QFM7*Y8."PEO:75]&M+ M.^ZMO8SIJ?,^;8/^$PT'_A*O^$9^W_\`$X_Y]O)?^YYGWMNW[O/7]:H^-7F_ MXDL,<6I3I-?%)(-.NS;2RJ()6P'\R/@$`_>'3OTKJJS-9T8:NMH5O[JQFM)O M.BFMA&6#;&0\2(RD8<]J^?FZ;MR)K36[3U[K167EK;N;Q=KW\_R.+CNKNSEO M;6,:SIZ+=::RVNHWAN)0'N=KL)!))\C`;2F\_=/`W<]0WB"=[-1!8J=0>ZEM M?L[3$*C(&.YG"G"E5!!V_P`2CO3E\+P-&QO+^]O;EY8)&NIO+#D0R>8B81%4 M*&ST7)R>>F&Z=ITTGB;4]3GMI;:%U6&&*1D.]AP\PV$\,JQ*,D']WT&>9EK& MW]=!W5OZ_KS_`."SG].USQ%<1^&;@V\-S?7>CS3RPF[,<+G=`1(Y$?!P3P$. M"V.F6KL]*U!-6TBRU&*-XX[J!)U1\;E#*#@XXSS5'3?#5MI@L=EU=3?8K:2T MA\TIQ$Y0X.%&=HC4`]<=>)?\`L%77_HIJZ"N? M\=_\D\\2_P#8*NO_`$4U`'04444`%%%%`$-U#)/:R117$EM(ZX6:,*63W`8$ M9^H(]JX/3[.(Z'HVD3[KBQGUR]AN$N&\SST5KE@')^]ED4G/7%>A5FS:!IL^ MFMI[0.MNTS7'[N9T=9"Y".N.G%--)6L4FN5K^MFOU.-T^QM-5E ML-#U"".XTF+^TQ';2J#'B*X6.+@\?(C$#TX]!76^%+B:[\(Z/<7$C232V<3. M[=6)0G]:_Y_@$FGLK?UM_78=1114DA7/^._\`DGGB7_L% M77_HIJZ"N?\`'?\`R3SQ+_V"KK_T4U`'04444`%%%%`!7G\=GR7EI`ZSNI4&2>201J3N*QJS$1J3 M@E4`!P..!6I3;T2"3NVPHHHI""BBB@#G_`G_`"3SPU_V"K7_`-%+705S_@3_ M`))YX:_[!5K_`.BEKH*`"BBB@!K@LC!6VL1@-C.#ZUY^+:33]-\16AO+FX\W M7;6&>>=\O(L@ME?)```(8C"@``X`%>A51ET:PF@OX9+?='?MNN1O;YSM5,YS M\IPJ],8QGKS3BTKW5_\`AT_T*BTMSCFTAI(=3T+3=(LKG3(-63_0966*W2/[ M.DI4C:V%,I!P%/WCQBNI\.2VTFBQI:6,%A'!));M;6X`CC='96"8`RNX'!P, MCL.E,/A72#IJ6/DW`CCE,ZRB[F$XD.06\[=YF2"1G=T..G%:=I:0V-K';6ZE M8HQ@;F+$^I+$DL2>2222>33NK?=^5A-I]/Z_X)-1114B"BBB@#G_``)_R3SP MU_V"K7_T4M=!7/\`@3_DGGAK_L%6O_HI:Z"@`HHHH`*Y?7;)_P#A+?#=ZUY< M,HO'C2VW`1+_`*-,2V`,LQP.23@#@#)SU%07%E;W4UM--'NDM9#+".ORLPY]:<79W&G:_HSEX_#.B3>/!>V^CV,$NGIY[SPVR(\MQ+N&6<#)PH8X M/!,@/4#'7U!#:06\]Q/&A$EPX>4EB=Q"A1UZ<`<#^M3TNEA=;A1110`4444` M<_X$_P"2>>&O^P5:_P#HI:Z"N?\``G_)//#7_8*M?_12UT%`!1110`5QWBK2 M;6"_L=833X//-[;+-J.\FY@4R(JI%D?<;.&`91AF.UB2#V-9;>'M-;5CJ?E2 MBX+!W5;B18G<#`=H@VQF``PQ4GY5YX&'%VDF!B1^&=$F\>"]M]'L8)=/3SWG MAMD1Y;B7<,LX&3A0QP>"9`>H&.OJ"&T@MY[B>-")+AP\I+$[B%"CKTX`X']: MGI=+!UN%%%%`!1110!S_`(-_Y`=S_P!A74O_`$MFKH*Y_P`&_P#(#N?^PKJ7 M_I;-704`%%%%`!7`>.?$FDQW=OIUQK=E:/9WUG--#)=)&[GSD/*DYVJN6)Z= M.>#7?U!=V5O?PK%/1E!IQ=I)]F--+:)E<` M3.L;,IRK/&#LIZAX6L[^T@N[6357WPSQB1&Q9W)& M5/!P0#^%=17/^(?^0YX3_P"PK)_Z175`!_P@G@__`*%30_\`P70__$T?\()X M/_Z%30__``70_P#Q-'AC5_$6J?:O[?\`"_\`8?E[/)_T^.Y\[.=WW`-N,+UZ M[O:CQ/J_B+2_LO\`8'A?^W/,W^=_I\=MY.,;?O@[LY;ITV^]`!_P@G@__H5- M#_\`!=#_`/$T?\()X/\`^A4T/_P70_\`Q-<'\3?B;XC\(^,=&TO2]"DFMI7# MLSKN_M#/R^5%MR5(+#MNW;?EV_?[SPQJ_B+5/M7]O^%_[#\O9Y/^GQW/G9SN M^X!MQA>O7=[4`'_"">#_`/H5-#_\%T/_`,34-WX/\#6%K)=7GASP[;V\0W22 MS6,"(@]22N!4WB?5_$6E_9?[`\+_`-N>9O\`._T^.V\G&-OWP=VI/ M$T<T@D3(ZC^'=[ISZC:Z/X6GL8PQ>YBMK=HE"]XM+AHXKA97>*,N&!,)&[G[YQC!;``R3J$L M.A>,=$U0B3Q`MA-/=R1*B0M&(@D3(,[OF4K&H^&OA]H]N+C4]$\ M,6,#-L$ES:6\2EO3+`#/!JQ#::[J6I:;/J=GIME!92-.K6MZ\[R,49-I#1(% M7#DDY/W0,=Q-K<-]<:SIXT_4-.MI88II0EW&TK$Y1=RQJZ9`#,"=W&X>M#0E MJ4)O#GP\MA:&?1?"\0O&"VI>UMU\]CT"9'S$Y'2GR^%_`$&H0:?+H7AJ.]G! M:&W>T@$D@'4JN,G&#TK#U*^_M33M;O[F'R)+GPU#+!$YR49C*6"^^[RO?.WV MJQ>Y\S6/,_X_?[:T[RL_?V_Z/C'M_K?_`!_WJN36S_K6W]?=YE.%M&_ZLG^I MO?\`"">#_P#H5-#_`/!=#_\`$T?\()X/_P"A4T/_`,%T/_Q-=!14$G/_`/"" M>#_^A4T/_P`%T/\`\31_P@G@_P#Z%30__!=#_P#$UT%%`'/_`/"">#_^A4T/ M_P`%T/\`\31_P@G@_P#Z%30__!=#_P#$UT%%`'/_`/"">#_^A4T/_P`%T/\` M\36'XT\%^%;7P+XAN+?PUHT,\6F7+QR1V$2LC")B""%R"#SFN\KG_'?_`"3S MQ+_V"KK_`-%-0`?\()X/_P"A4T/_`,%T/_Q-'_"">#_^A4T/_P`%T/\`\370 M44`<_P#\()X/_P"A4T/_`,%T/_Q-'_"">#_^A4T/_P`%T/\`\37044`<_P#\ M()X/_P"A4T/_`,%T/_Q-92Z1\.9-'_M6'0-"FLC(T220Z6DAD<,4(150LYW` M@;0<]LUU]U:V]]:R6MU#'/;RKMDBD4,KCN"#P1[5PMO);Z=I&DWUP\=OI]EK MUZT\KD+'"I>YC4D]`-SJ,]LTTKK%]!>-U#*RZ?"0P/0@[:YR MPU"STF?3M;U&YBMM*G_M,PW$K!4/FW"RQX)X^=%8CU_&NN\*6\UIX1T>WN(V MCFBLXE=&ZJ0@X/TIN*LW?^M?\OQ"44NM_P!?/^NY6_X03P?_`-"IH?\`X+H? M_B:/^$$\'_\`0J:'_P""Z'_XFN@HJ23G_P#A!/!__0J:'_X+H?\`XFL/QIX+ M\*VO@7Q#<6_AK1H9XM,N7CDCL(E9&$3$$$+D$'G-=Y7/^._^2>>)?^P5=?\` MHIJ`#_A!/!__`$*FA_\`@NA_^)H_X03P?_T*FA_^"Z'_`.)KH**`.?\`^$$\ M'_\`0J:'_P""Z'_XFC_A!/!__0J:'_X+H?\`XFN@HH`Y_P#X03P?_P!"IH?_ M`(+H?_B:HVGA[X>WVE-JEMH/AV2P3S-UQ]@A"`(2K')7&`5//3C/2NHNK6WO MK62UNH8Y[>5=LD4BAE<=P0>"/:N=\/:?9W?AB:WN;6&:!-1O&6*2,,H*W,A4 MX/'!`(],"A_"V4DK7\_\RC/I'P\@TNRU'_A&-*FMKT*;8VVB><\@9=P(1(RW MW1GIQ6G%X(\'30I*OA/10KJ&`?3(U.#Z@J"#['FN?MYK*V\,^$I[WQ*=#5=+ M58Y2D2AV*1<"2560'`/RXW$$D?=-=MH\]W=:+8SW\(AO)($>:,#&UR!D8[#_^A4T/_P`%T/\`\37045`C MG_\`A!/!_P#T*FA_^"Z'_P")H_X03P?_`-"IH?\`X+H?_B:Z"B@#@_!?@OPK M=>!?#UQ<>&M&FGETRV>222PB9G8Q*222N22>%_`6HO=I9^'?#\QM) MS;S[-/B(20`$KG;U`89].G4&NI=%D1D<95A@CU%W2FE>_I^J&EH4?[+^&YTE-4BT#0Y[225H8FM]*25I75 MBI"*B%GY5ON@\`GIS5W3_"O@75;)+RS\,Z')"^0"=,C4@@X*LI0%6!!!!`(( M(-9<6NZ;X9\+1S7`LDG;5;V&R%U*D,:.9YADNW"*%SDCG'`!)`/3>&!:'0XY M+/4H-2662266[MY`\I7_P"$$\'_`/0J M:'_X+H?_`(FC_A!/!_\`T*FA_P#@NA_^)KH**D1S_P#P@G@__H5-#_\`!=#_ M`/$T?\()X/\`^A4T/_P70_\`Q-=!10!P?@OP7X5NO`OAZXN/#6C33RZ9;/)) M)81,SL8E)))7))/.:W/^$$\'_P#0J:'_`."Z'_XFCP)_R3SPU_V"K7_T4M=! M0!S_`/P@G@__`*%30_\`P70__$T?\()X/_Z%30__``70_P#Q-=!10!S_`/P@ MG@__`*%30_\`P70__$UEW>B_#RRU*/3Y_#FBK<.5'RZ0K(A8X4.X0JA8\#<1 MGMFNTK@;J[N=)\37P75Q;WEUJ<+6VFF-&^VQ,D*,<'+D*%?E"H7:2P(H6Z7] M?U]_H'2Y&]%:>-F0G^R4$;,OWE60IL9ASE021@Y`P:TO\` MA!/!_P#T*FA_^"Z'_P")K`A6)O%-EIECJ\5RMKJLUW)9+#MGM=R3%S*2#_\`H5-# M_P#!=#_\37044".?_P"$$\'_`/0J:'_X+H?_`(FC_A!/!_\`T*FA_P#@NA_^ M)KH**`.#\%^"_"MUX%\/7%QX:T::>73+9Y))+")F=C$I))*Y))YS6Y_P@G@_ M_H5-#_\`!=#_`/$T>!/^2>>&O^P5:_\`HI:Z"@#G_P#A!/!__0J:'_X+H?\` MXFC_`(03P?\`]"IH?_@NA_\`B:Z"B@#G_P#A!/!__0J:'_X+H?\`XFLU]#^' ML>K_`-EMX;T7[4"H;&DH8T9N55I`FQ6(QA203D8'(KLJX#7EB_MRYTVSU>+[ M3>WUI6&"EC\O`R0.>O..AJW_P@G@__H5-#_\`!=#_`/$U$]E:VOQ! MLI8+>**2XL+MYG1`&D;?;C+'N<`#GL*Z6FUHGW_S8-6.?_X03P?_`-"IH?\` MX+H?_B:/^$$\'_\`0J:'_P""Z'_XFN@HI".?_P"$$\'_`/0J:'_X+H?_`(FC M_A!/!_\`T*FA_P#@NA_^)KH**`.#\)^"_"MSH]P\_AK1I7&IWZ!GL(F(5;N9 M5'*]`H``[``5N?\`"">#_P#H5-#_`/!=#_\`$T>#?^0'<_\`85U+_P!+9JZ" M@#G_`/A!/!__`$*FA_\`@NA_^)H_X03P?_T*FA_^"Z'_`.)KH**`.?\`^$$\ M'_\`0J:'_P""Z'_XFJD/A?P%<:E=:=#X=\/R7=HJ//$NGQ$QA\[<_+U.TG'7 M&#W%=77,Z9I]G:>,M9M[:UBAA>PMF=(T"AF:2X+$XZDDDD]Z:5[C2T;_`*W* M1T7X=?9K^X&@^'VBL)OL]PR:;&VR7"_(`$^9OF48&3DXZ\5+I?AOP'K$#RV? MAC1B(W,#_P#H5-#_`/!=#_\`$T?\()X/_P"A4T/_`,%T M/_Q-=!10!S_@W_D!W/\`V%=2_P#2V:N@KG_!O_(#N?\`L*ZE_P"ELU=!0`44 M44`%%%%`!1110`4444`%%%%`!1110`4444`%%%%`!1110`5R_B^]BT_4/"UU M,D[QIJKY$$#S.__&:/^$RTO_GUUS_P17O_`,9KH**`.;D\5Z+,\+RV&LN\ M+[XF;P_>DHVTKE?W/!VLPR.Q([U)_P`)EI?_`#ZZY_X(KW_XS7044`<__P`) MEI?_`#ZZY_X(KW_XS45UXHT.^M9+6[TW5[BWE7;)%+X?O'1QZ$&'!%=+5+5- M3CTNW21H9KB66010V\.W?*Y!.U=Q`Z`G)(``.328'/6NK^%K+3I-.M-"U""Q MEW"2VB\-7:QOD8.5$.#D=:9#J?A*WM4M8?#U[';HCHD2>&;H(JO]\`"#`#=Q MW[UL0>)+9K2_FOK6ZTZ2PB\^X@N0A=(\$AQY;,K`[6Z$\@CK4EAG_"9:6/^777/_!#>_\` MQFJ6I:WX8UB%(=4T34;Z)&WHEUX;NY0K=,@-"<'WK1M/$4DM]!:WVAZEIGV@ ME89+IH&21P"VP>5*Y!VACR`/E/.>*M:KK*Z8T$4=G=7UW/N,5M:[-[*N-S9= ME4`9')(Y(`R32>FHEY&-=Z[X:OYK::\T;4KF6U??;O-X M@HDUWPW-J4.I2Z-J3W\*E(KIO#EV98U.J:G'I=NDC0S7$LL@BAMX=N^5R"=J[B!T!.20``A1_X3+2_P#GUUS_`,$5[_\`&:/^ M$RTO_GUUS_P17O\`\9KH*1CM4L>@&:`,#_A,M+_Y]=<_\$5[_P#&:/\`A,M+ M_P"?77/_``17O_QFK>D>(+36606T1L.>W3DUJTVFG M9C:L[,Y__A,M+_Y]=<_\$5[_`/&:P_&GBS3KGP+XA@2VUD/)IERBF31;Q%!, M3#EFB`4>Y(`[UWE<_P"._P#DGGB7_L%77_HIJ0@_X3+2_P#GUUS_`,$5[_\` M&:/^$RTO_GUUS_P17O\`\9KH**`.?_X3+2_^?77/_!%>_P#QFC_A,M+_`.?7 M7/\`P17O_P`9KH**`.?_`.$RTO\`Y]=<_P#!%>__`!FC_A,M+_Y]=<_\$5[_ M`/&:VKJYCL[62XE$ACC7WEW+:6] MG<2[/G1I`=[`-M&V-F.`V.@S1;J.SM__&:/^$RT MO_GUUS_P17O_`,9J'_A*+JXLK5;#3(YM4F$^^UDN?+2,PMLE_>!#GYB`OR\Y M!X&<;NG7T.J:9:W]ON\FYB65-PP<,,C/OS3LQ69D?\)EI?\`SZZY_P""*]_^ M,T?\)EI?_/KKG_@BO?\`XS7044@.?_X3+2_^?77/_!%>_P#QFL/QIXLTZY\" M^(8$MM9#R:9__&:/^$RTO_GUUS_P17O_`,9KH**`.?\`^$RTO_GU MUS_P17O_`,9H_P"$RTO_`)]=<_\`!%>__&:Z"B@#G_\`A,M+_P"?77/_``17 MO_QFC_A,M+_Y]=<_\$5[_P#&:VKJYCL[62XE$ACC7WEW+:6]G<2[/G1I`=[`-M&V-F.`V.@S1;J.SM_P#QFC_A,M+_`.?77/\`P17O_P`9J#_A*+VXM;-;#2H9+^83^;#< M79BBB:%@DB^8$8L=Q^7Y1D`DXZ5N:7?IJFE6FH1QR1I__`!FN@HH`X/P7XLTZV\"^'H'M MM9+QZ9;(QCT6\=21$HX98B&'N"0>U;G_``F6E_\`/KKG_@BO?_C-'@3_`))Y MX:_[!5K_`.BEKH*`.?\`^$RTO_GUUS_P17O_`,9H_P"$RTO_`)]=<_\`!%>_ M_&:Z"B@#G_\`A,M+_P"?77/_``17O_QFC_A,M+_Y]=<_\$5[_P#&:WG<1HSM M]U1D\9XKG+;QA'__`!FG0>(W73;V6^T^ M1;ZRF\B6TLBUSN__ M`!FN@HI".?\`^$RTO_GUUS_P17O_`,9H_P"$RTO_`)]=<_\`!%>__&:Z"B@# M@_!?BS3K;P+X>@>VUDO'IELC&/1;QU)$2CAEB(8>X)![5N?\)EI?_/KKG_@B MO?\`XS1X$_Y)YX:_[!5K_P"BEKH*`.?_`.$RTO\`Y]=<_P#!%>__`!FC_A,M M+_Y]=<_\$5[_`/&:Z"B@#G_^$RTO_GUUS_P17O\`\9H_X3+2_P#GUUS_`,$5 M[_\`&:Z"L1]:OI=9EM-/TM+JUM94ANYFN1&Z,P#?(A7#[592*`(O^ M$RTO_GUUS_P17O\`\9H_X3+2_P#GUUS_`,$5[_\`&:M'7(_^$ICT-(69C:R7 M#S9PJ%60!.G)(?/7@8]:UJ+:7`Y__A,M+_Y]=<_\$5[_`/&:/^$RTO\`Y]=< M_P#!%>__`!FN@HH`Y_\`X3+2_P#GUUS_`,$5[_\`&:/^$RTO_GUUS_P17O\` M\9KH**`.#\%^+-.MO`OAZ![;62\>F6R,8]%O'4D1*.&6(AA[@D'M6Y_PF6E_ M\^NN?^"*]_\`C-'@3_DGGAK_`+!5K_Z*6N@H`Y__`(3+2_\`GUUS_P`$5[_\ M9H_X3+2_^?77/_!%>_\`QFN@HH`Y_P#X3+2_^?77/_!%>_\`QFC_`(3+2_\` MGUUS_P`$5[_\9KH*YR\\2W5MJLD*:8LEA!=0VD\YN-LHDEV[2D>W#(/,7)W` M\-@''(M78+:7'_\`"9:7_P`^NN?^"*]_^,T?\)EI?_/KKG_@BO?_`(S26?B6 M6YU%$DL5BL)[N6RMKCS]TCRQ[]VZ/;A5_=O@[B3@9`S70T6!IIV9S_\`PF6E M_P#/KKG_`((KW_XS1_PF6E_\^NN?^"*]_P#C-=!10!S_`/PF6E_\^NN?^"*] M_P#C-'_"9:7_`,^NN?\`@BO?_C-=!10!P?A/Q9IT&CW"/;:R2=3OW^31;QQA MKN9ARL1&<'D=0<@X((K<_P"$RTO_`)]=<_\`!%>__&:/!O\`R`[G_L*ZE_Z6 MS5T%`'/_`/"9:7_SZZY_X(KW_P",T?\`"9:7_P`^NN?^"*]_^,UT%%`'/_\` M"9:7_P`^NN?^"*]_^,T?\)EI?_/KKG_@BO?_`(S705B:=XCCU'6-3LEL[F&* MQBCD$\R%/.W&0$JA&=H,9P?XNW&"0=B+_A,M+_Y]=<_\$5[_`/&:/^$RTO\` MY]=<_P#!%>__`!FHK?Q@EQINIWHTZZC^R7:6D,,P\N2=G6/82K`%-QE`PW(' M)`Z#8TRXU">!_P"T["*SN$?;MAN/.C<8!#*VU3WQRHY!ZC!+LP:L9G_"9:7_ M`,^NN?\`@BO?_C-'_"9:7_SZZY_X(KW_`.,UT%%(1S__``F6E_\`/KKG_@BO M?_C-'_"9:7_SZZY_X(KW_P",UT%%`'/^#?\`D!W/_85U+_TMFKH*Y_P;_P`@ M.Y_["NI?^ELU=!0`4444`%%%%`!1110`4444`%%%%`!1110`4444`%%%%`!1 M110`5S_B'_D.>$_^PK)_Z175=!6/KVDWFIMID]A>P6EU879N4:>V,Z-F*2(J M5#H>DI.<]J`+Z)?#[3ON+<[L^1B!AY?7&[Y_F[=-O0^O#&CU(V:*EW:BZ#?/ M(;9BA'/`7S,@].=QZ'UXR_L?C#_H.Z'_`.":;_Y*H^Q^,/\`H.Z'_P"":;_Y M*J^=_P!)%^T>^GW(FU*WU234B]K(PLOLX6:)7VO*=^<1MNPK;=W.%Z@;NC1Z M*)?#[3ON+<[L^1B!AY?7&[Y_F[=-O0^O&1]C\8?]!W0__!--_P#)5'V/QA_T M'=#_`/!--_\`)5-U6XI66GD7*LW%1LM/+^OZTV-1H]2-FBI=VHN@WSR&V8H1 MSP%\S(/3G<>A]>*/B>.*73HEN=.N+RU$RM,;61UG@`R1)&(_G)!`&$(;!.,] M##]C\8?]!W0__!--_P#)5'V/QA_T'=#_`/!--_\`)51)MF;DWN8:'4_[&U1- M/FUFYTMA&D9O[0_:8E+D3"-94#R!8R"/,#$G@;^E8]K;ZA:>']?T.QTZ^ETF MXL+F2RNY[.47,\A4*(Y-^'!0?*I9?G7:!]SYNT^Q^,/^@[H?_@FF_P#DJC[' MXP_Z#NA_^":;_P"2J$VG<479I]B2R\.RQ7EO=7VMZEJ1M\M#%=+`J1N5*[AY M42$G:6')(^8\9YJAXJLD;5+/4+K^TS8QVLT$G]F>=YP=FC9?]2/,Q\AY4@=, MY!JW]C\8?]!W0_\`P33?_)5'V/QA_P!!W0__``33?_)5)W8EHQ:K%IUS% M>VE]<7VL:'%9(R0&3;<#S`1*T8*Q_P"N4ECA>&YXJW>VMS'J-]I`M+IY+_4K M.\BG2W.*73HEN=.N+RU$RM,;61UG@`R1)& M(_G)!`&$(;!.,]#R\EI>7VF36UO)K%YI)O+(PKJ,$B3QXN5,@&]5E9`NT[GR M>#\Q'3HOL?C#_H.Z'_X)IO\`Y*H^Q^,/^@[H?_@FF_\`DJICH[B3LTSGO^$9 M@L9[V:QT=87M=:M?L'E6^!!"WD>=Y(`^1#F3=MP#\V>]4H]/N)_'5O?PZ,+: M1-0G%S(--F$QC,WJQ"GE.20<8.<&WJD&EGPS'!IGAJ6/2Y+X$Q7&E3R0QX0GS/L2[79-P"[ M=JC<=^#C<>A^Q^,/^@[H?_@FF_\`DJC['XP_Z#NA_P#@FF_^2JE2WET?MOG6,4T2O% M]HE$J_,S!3M*A3@GKD9Q73:#I[Z3X?T[3I'5Y+:VCB=EZ$JH!Q[9K/\`L?C# M_H.Z'_X)IO\`Y*H^Q^,/^@[H?_@FF_\`DJCF=K?U_6H.3>[.@HKG_L?C#_H. MZ'_X)IO_`)*H^Q^,/^@[H?\`X)IO_DJD(Z"N?\=_\D\\2_\`8*NO_134?8_& M'_0=T/\`\$TW_P`E53U;0?%6LZ-?:7<:_HRP7MO);R-'H\H8*ZE21FY(S@^A MH`ZRBN?^Q^,/^@[H?_@FF_\`DJC['XP_Z#NA_P#@FF_^2J`.@HKG_L?C#_H. MZ'_X)IO_`)*H^Q^,/^@[H?\`X)IO_DJ@#H*X]=*U*STRRN4LGGN;'5[F[^RQ MR('ECD>91M+,%SME#8)'3'!K0^Q^,/\`H.Z'_P"":;_Y*H^Q^,/^@[H?_@FF M_P#DJFFUL-2:5OZZK]3#FT*]6QLIKW1)-4B>2[GGTI9(OWK.@HKG_L?C#_H.Z'_X)IO_`)*H M^Q^,/^@[H?\`X)IO_DJD(Z"BN?\`L?C#_H.Z'_X)IO\`Y*H^Q^,/^@[H?_@F MF_\`DJ@`\"?\D\\-?]@JU_\`12UT%.WC:31Y2 MQ5%"@G%R!G`]!5S['XP_Z#NA_P#@FF_^2J`.@HKG_L?C#_H.Z'_X)IO_`)*H M^Q^,/^@[H?\`X)IO_DJ@#H*Y.\T6_DM]>>.#=))J<%]:IO4><(E@.W.?ER8F M7G'KTJY]C\8?]!W0_P#P33?_`"51]C\8?]!W0_\`P33?_)5--K5?UJG^@U)H MDT*VN\:K?7=I):2ZA<^:MM*R,\:K&D8W%&9&K.?3_"VDV=TGEW M%O9Q12ID':RH`1D<'D=JI_8_&'_0=T/_`,$TW_R51]C\8?\`0=T/_P`$TW_R M51S:6]/P"[:U.@HKG_L?C#_H.Z'_`.":;_Y*H^Q^,/\`H.Z'_P"":;_Y*I". M@HKG_L?C#_H.Z'_X)IO_`)*H^Q^,/^@[H?\`X)IO_DJ@`\"?\D\\-?\`8*M? M_12UT%.WC:31Y2Q5%"@G%R!G`]!5S['XP_P"@ M[H?_`()IO_DJ@#H**Y_['XP_Z#NA_P#@FF_^2J/L?C#_`*#NA_\`@FF_^2J` M.@KB-2\-RG7Y9X=)-Q<7%_%=0:GYBK]B4"-9%Y;>-PC/"*0V[#8&36O]C\8? M]!W0_P#P33?_`"51]C\8?]!W0_\`P33?_)5'6X&=8:#XCM/%EA=W.H:?.WC:31Y2Q5%"@G%R!G`]!5 MS['XP_Z#NA_^":;_`.2J`.@HKG_L?C#_`*#NA_\`@FF_^2J/L?C#_H.Z'_X) MIO\`Y*H`Z"N*U31=0F\2/-%ITDTTEY;S6^J^F:#XJTJU>W@U_1F1[B>X)?1Y2=TLK2L.+D M<;G('MCKUJY]C\8?]!W0_P#P33?_`"50!T%%<_\`8_&'_0=T/_P33?\`R51] MC\8?]!W0_P#P33?_`"50!T%9-M97$?BS4;UH\6\UG;1(^1RR/,6&.O`=?SJK M]C\8?]!W0_\`P33?_)5'V/QA_P!!W0__``33?_)5-.P[Z-%.\T"[NX=<5HN) MM4@O(5\S'G)&D&5R#\N3&R\X]^*M^$].;3[>^*Z5_9%I-<;[?3]R'R5V*"=L M9*)N8,VU21SD\DBE^Q^,/^@[H?\`X)IO_DJC['XP_P"@[H?_`()IO_DJB_\` M7W?Y`W=W.@HKG_L?C#_H.Z'_`.":;_Y*H^Q^,/\`H.Z'_P"":;_Y*I".@HKG M_L?C#_H.Z'_X)IO_`)*H^Q^,/^@[H?\`X)IO_DJ@`\&_\@.Y_P"PKJ7_`*6S M5T%9^BZ9_9&F"U,WG2-++<2R!=H:261I'VKDX7<[8!)(&`23R="@`HHHH`** M**`"BBB@`HHHH`****`"BBB@`HHHH`****`"BBB@`HHHH`****`"BBB@`HHH MH`****`"BBB@`HHHH`****`"BBB@`HHHH`****`"BBB@`HHHH`****`"BBB@ M`HHHH`****`"BBB@`HHHH`****`"BBB@`HHHH`****`"BBB@`HHHH`****`" MBBB@`HHHH`****`"BBB@`HHHH`****`"BBB@`HHHH`****`"BBB@`HHHH`** M**`"BBB@`HHHH`****`"BBB@`HHHH`****`"BBB@`HHHH`****`"BBB@`HHH MH`****`"BBB@`HHHH`****`"BBB@`HHHH`****`"BBB@`HHHH`****`"BBB@ M`HHHH`****`"BBB@`HHHH`****`"BBB@`HHHH`****`"BBB@`HHHH`****`" MBBB@`HHHH`****`"BBB@`HHHH`****`"BBB@`HHHH`****`"BBB@`HHHH`** M**`"BBB@`HHHH`****`"BBB@`HHHH`****`"BBB@`HHHH`****`"BBB@`HHH MH`****`"BBB@`HHHH`****`"BBB@`HHHH`****`"BBB@`HHHH`****`"BBB@ 7`HHHH`****`"BBB@`HHHH`****`/_]D_ ` end