UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

Form 10-K

 

 

Commission File Number 1-2661

 

CSS INDUSTRIES, INC.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

 

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code:

(215) 569-9900

 

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

 

 

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

 

None

(Title of class)

 

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 þ

 

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 þ

 

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 þ     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 the definitive proxy or information statement incorporated by reference in Part III of this annual report on Form 10-K or any amendment to this annual report on Form 10-K.  o

 

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

Large accelerated filer o     Accelerated filer þ     Non-accelerated filer o

 

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

 

The aggregate market value of the voting stock held by non-affiliates of the registrant is $298,672,775. Such aggregate market value was computed by reference to the closing price of the common stock of the registrant on the New York Stock Exchange on September 30, 2006, being the last trading day of the registrant’s most recently completed second fiscal quarter. Such calculation excludes the shares of common stock beneficially owned at such date by certain directors and officers of the registrant, by the Farber Foundation and by the Farber Family Foundation, as described under the section entitled “Ownership of CSS Common Stock” in the proxy statement to be filed by the registrant for its 2007 Annual Meeting of Stockholders. In making such calculation, registrant does not determine the affiliate or non-affiliate status of any holders of the shares of common stock for any other purpose.

 

At May 22, 2007, there were outstanding 10,889,838 shares of common stock.

 

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

 

Portions of the registrant’s definitive proxy statement for its 2007 Annual Meeting of Stockholders are incorporated by reference into Part III of this Form 10-K.

 

 

CSS INDUSTRIES, INC.
FORM 10-K
FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDED MARCH 31, 2007
INDEX

 

 

General

 

CSS Industries, Inc. (“CSS” or the “Company”) is a consumer products company primarily engaged in the design, manufacture, procurement, distribution and sale of seasonal and social expression products, principally to mass market retailers. These seasonal and all occasion products include gift wrap, gift bags, gift boxes, boxed greeting cards, gift tags, tissue paper, decorations, classroom exchange Valentines, decorative ribbons and bows, Halloween masks, costumes, make-up and novelties, Easter egg dyes and novelties, and craft and educational products. CSS’ product breadth provides its retail customers the opportunity to use a single vendor for much of their seasonal product requirements. A substantial portion of CSS’ products are manufactured, packaged and warehoused in thirteen facilities located in the United States, with the remainder purchased primarily from manufacturers in Asia and Mexico. The Company’s products are sold to its customers by national and regional account sales managers, sales representatives, product specialists and by a network of independent manufacturers’ representatives. CSS maintains a purchasing office in Hong Kong to administer Asian sourcing opportunities. The Company’s operating subsidiaries include Paper Magic Group, Inc. (“Paper Magic”), Berwick Offray LLC (“Berwick Offray”) and Cleo Inc (“Cleo”). In fiscal 2007, the Company combined the operations of its Cleo and Berwick Offray subsidiaries in order to improve profitability and efficiency through the elimination of redundant back office functions, certain senior management positions, a non-core product line and excess manufacturing capacity.

 

The Company’s goal is to expand by developing new or complementary products, by entering new markets, by acquiring companies that are complementary with its existing operating businesses and by acquiring other businesses with leading market positions.

 

Principal Products  CSS designs, manufactures, distributes and sells a broad range of seasonal consumer products primarily through the mass market distribution channel. Christmas products include gift wrap, gift bags, gift boxes, boxed greeting cards, gift tags, decorative tissue paper, decorations and decorative ribbons and bows. CSS’ Valentine product offerings include classroom exchange Valentine cards and other related Valentine products, while its Easter product offerings include Dudley’s^® brand of Easter egg dyes and related Easter seasonal products. For Halloween, CSS offers a full line of Halloween merchandise including make-up, costumes, masks and novelties. In addition to seasonal products, CSS also designs and markets all occasion boxed greeting cards, gift bags, tissue, decorative ribbons and bows and craft items to its mass market, craft and floral retail and wholesale distribution customers, and teachers’ aids and other learning oriented products to the education market through the mass market, school supply distributors and teachers’ stores.

 

CSS operates thirteen manufacturing and/or distribution facilities located in Pennsylvania, Maryland, South Carolina, Tennessee and Texas. A description of the Company’s product lines and related manufacturing and/or distribution facilities is as follows:

 

 

 

Other products, designed to the specifications of CSS, are imported primarily from Asian manufacturers.

 

During our 2007 fiscal year, CSS experienced no material difficulties in obtaining raw materials from suppliers.

 

Intellectual Property Rights  CSS has a number of copyrights, patents, trademarks and intellectual property licenses which are used in connection with its products. Substantially all of its designs and artwork are protected by copyright. Intellectual property license rights which CSS has obtained are viewed as especially important to the success of its Valentine products. It is CSS’ view that its operations are not dependent upon any individual patent, trademark, copyright or intellectual property license. The collective value of CSS’ intellectual property is viewed as substantial and CSS seeks to protect its rights in all patents, copyrights, trademarks and intellectual property licenses.

 

Sales and Marketing  Most of CSS’ products are sold in the United States and Canada by national and regional account sales managers, sales representatives, product specialists and by a network of independent manufacturers’ representatives. CSS maintains permanent showrooms in New York City, Memphis, Dallas, Atlanta and Hong Kong where buyers for major retail customers will typically visit for a presentation and review of the new lines. Products are also displayed and presented in showrooms maintained by various independent manufacturers’ representatives in major cities in the United States and Canada. Relationships are developed with key retail customers by CSS sales personnel and independent manufacturers’ representatives. Customers are generally mass market retailers, discount department stores, specialty chains, warehouse clubs, drug and food chains, dollar stores, independent card and floral shops and retail teachers’ stores. Net sales to Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. and its affiliates and Target Corporation accounted for approximately 27% and 11% of total net sales, respectively, during fiscal 2007. No other customer accounted for 10% or more of the Company’s net sales in fiscal 2007. Approximately 75% of the Company’s sales are attributable to seasonal (Christmas, Halloween, Valentine’s Day and Easter) products, with the remainder attributable to everyday products. Approximately 65% of CSS’ sales relate to the Christmas season. Seasonal products are generally designed and marketed beginning up to 18 to 20 months before the holiday event and manufactured during an eight to ten month production cycle. Due to these long lead time requirements, timely communication with third party factories, retail customers and independent manufacturers’ representatives is critical to the timely production of seasonal products. Because the products themselves are primarily seasonal, sales terms do not generally require payment until just before or just after the holiday, in accordance with industry practice. CSS products generally are not sold under guaranteed or return privilege terms. All occasion ribbon and bow products are also sold through sales representatives or independent manufacturers’ representatives to wholesale distributors and independent small retailers who serve the floral, craft and retail packaging trades. The Company also sells custom products to private label customers, to other social expression companies, and to converters of the Company’s ribbon products. Custom products are sold by both independent manufacturers’ representatives and CSS sales managers.

 

Competition among retailers in the sale of the Company’s products to end users is intense. CSS seeks to assist retailers in developing merchandising programs designed to enable the retailers to meet their revenue objectives while appealing to their consumers’ tastes. These objectives are met through the development and manufacture of custom configured and designed products and merchandising programs. CSS’ years of experience in merchandising program development and product quality are key competitive advantages in helping retailers meet their objectives.

 

Competition  CSS’ principal competitor in Christmas products is Plus Mark, Inc. (a subsidiary of American Greetings Corporation). Image Arts Inc., a subsidiary of Hallmark Cards, Inc., is also a competitor in the boxed greeting card business. CSS competes, to a limited extent, with other product offerings of Hallmark Cards, Inc. and American Greetings Corporation. These competitors are larger and have greater resources than the Company. In addition, CSS also competes with various domestic and foreign companies in each of its other product offerings.

 

CSS believes its products are competitively positioned in their primary markets. Since competition is based primarily on price, timely delivery, creative design and the ability to serve major retail customers with single, combined product shipments for each holiday event, CSS’ focus on products combined with consistent service levels allows it to compete effectively in its core markets.

 

Employees

 

At May 22, 2007, approximately 2,700 persons were employed by CSS (increasing to approximately 3,300 as seasonal employees are added).

 

With the exception of the bargaining units at the gift wrap facilities in Memphis, Tennessee and the ribbon manufacturing facility in Hagerstown, Maryland, which totaled approximately 600 employees as of May 22, 2007, CSS employees are not represented by labor unions. Because of the seasonal nature of certain of its businesses, the number of production employees fluctuates during the year. The collective bargaining agreement with the labor union representing Cleo’s production and maintenance employees at the Cleo gift wrap plant and warehouses in Memphis, Tennessee remains in effect until December 31, 2007. The collective bargaining agreement with the labor union representing the Hagerstown-based production and maintenance employees remains in effect until December 31, 2009.

 

The Company believes that relationships with its employees are good.

 

SEC Filings

 

The Company’s Internet address is www.cssindustries.com. On its website, the following filings are posted as soon as reasonably practicable after they are electronically filed with or furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission: its annual report on Form 10-K, its quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, its current reports on Form 8-K and any amendments to those reports filed or furnished pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. All such filings on the Company’s website are available free of charge.

 

You should carefully consider each of the risk factors we describe below, as well as other factors described in this annual report on Form 10-K and elsewhere in our SEC filings.

 

Our results of operations fluctuate on a seasonal basis, and quarter to quarter comparisons may not be a good indicator of our performance. Seasonal demand fluctuations may adversely affect our cash flow and our ability to sell our products.

 

Approximately 75% of our sales are attributable to seasonal (Christmas, Halloween, Valentine’s Day and Easter) products, with the remainder being attributable to everyday products. Approximately 65% of our sales relate to the Christmas season. The seasonal nature of our business results in low sales and operating losses in our first and fourth quarters, and high shipment levels and operating profits in our second and third quarters. As a result, our quarterly results of operations fluctuate during our fiscal year, and a quarter-to-quarter comparison is not a good indication of our performance or how we will perform in the future. For example, our overall results of operations in the future may fluctuate substantially based on seasonal demand for our products. Such variations in demand could have a material adverse effect on the timing of cash flow and therefore our ability to meet our obligations with respect to our debt and other financial commitments. Seasonal fluctuations also affect our inventory levels. We must carry significant amounts of inventory, especially before the Christmas retail selling period. If we are not successful in selling the inventory during the relevant period, we may have to sell the inventory at significantly reduced prices, or we may not be able to sell the inventory at all.

 

We rely on a few mass market retailers, warehouse clubs and national drug store chains for a significant portion of our sales. The loss of sales, or a significant reduction of sales, to one or more of our large customers may adversely affect our business, results of operations and financial condition. Past and future consolidation within the retail sector also may lead to reduced profit margins, which may adversely affect our business, results of operations and financial condition.

 

A few of our customers are material to our business and operations. Our sales to Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. and its affiliates and Target Corporation accounted for approximately 27% and 11% of our sales, respectively, during our 2007 fiscal year. No other single customer accounted for 10% or more of our sales in fiscal 2007. Our ten largest customers, which include mass market retailers, warehouse clubs and national drug store chains, accounted for approximately 62% of our sales in our 2007 fiscal year. Our business depends, in part, on our ability to identify and define product and market trends, and to anticipate, understand and react to changing consumer demands in a timely manner. There can be no assurance that our large customers will continue to purchase our products in the same quantities that they have in the past. The loss of sales, or a significant reduction of sales, to one or more of our large customers may adversely affect our business, results of operations and financial condition. Further, in recent years there has been a great amount of consolidation among our retail customer base. As the retail sector consolidates, our customers become larger, and command increased leverage in negotiating prices and other terms of the sales of our products. Past and future consolidation may lead to reduced profit margins, which may adversely affect our business, results of operations and financial condition.

 

Increases in raw material and energy costs, resulting from acts of nature, such as hurricanes, earthquakes or influenza pandemics, or other factors, may raise our cost of goods sold and adversely affect our business, results of operations and financial condition.

 

Paper and petroleum-based materials are essential in the manufacture of our products, and the cost of such materials is significant to our cost of goods sold. Energy costs, especially fuel costs, also are significant expenses in the production and delivery of our products. Increased costs of raw materials or energy resulting from acts of nature, such as hurricanes, earthquakes or influenza pandemics, or other factors, may result in declining margins and operating results if market conditions prevent us from passing these increased costs on to our customers through timely price increases on our products.

 

Risks associated with our use of foreign suppliers may adversely affect our business, results of operations and financial condition.

 

For some of our product lines, particularly our Halloween, Easter, Christmas boxed greeting cards, gift bags, gift tags and tissue paper product lines, we use foreign suppliers to manufacture a significant portion of our products. Approximately 40% of our sales in fiscal 2007 are related to products sourced from foreign suppliers. Our use of foreign suppliers exposes us to risks inherent in doing business outside of the United States, including risks associated with foreign currency fluctuations, transportation costs and delays, difficulties in maintaining and monitoring quality control, compliance with foreign laws and regulations, costs relating to the imposition or retrospective application of duties on imported products, economic or political instability, international public health issues, and restrictions on the repatriation of profits and assets.

 

Increased overseas sourcing by our competitors and our customers may reduce our market share and profit margins, adversely affecting our business, results of operations and financial condition.

 

We have relatively high market shares in many of our seasonal product categories. Most of our product markets have shown little or no growth in recent years, and we continue to confront significant cost pressure as our competitors source certain products from overseas and certain customers increase direct sourcing from overseas factories. Increased overseas sourcing by our competitors and certain customers may result in a reduction of our market share and profit margins, adversely affecting our business, results of operations and financial condition.

 

Bankruptcy of our key customers may increase our exposure to losses from bad debts, and may adversely affect our business, results of operations and financial condition.

 

Many of our largest customers are mass market retailers. The mass market retail channel in the United States has experienced significant shifts in market share among competitors in recent years, causing large retailers to experience liquidity problems and file for bankruptcy protection. There is a risk that these key customers will not pay us, or that payment may be delayed because of bankruptcy or other factors beyond our control, which could increase our exposure to losses from bad debts. Additionally, our business, results of operations and financial condition may be adversely affected if these mass market retailers were to cease doing business as a result of bankruptcy, or significantly reduce the number of stores they operate.

 

Our business, results of operations and financial condition may be adversely affected by volatility in the demand for our products.

 

Our success depends on the sustained demand for our products. Many factors affect the level of consumer spending on our products, including, among other things, general business conditions, interest rates, the availability of consumer credit, taxation, the effects of war, terrorism or threats of war or terrorism, fuel prices and consumer confidence in future economic conditions. Our business, and that of most of our customers, may experience periodic downturns in direct relation to downturns in the general economy. A general slowdown in the economies in which we sell our products, or even an uncertain economic outlook, could adversely affect consumer spending on discretionary items, such as our products, and, in turn, could adversely affect our sales, results of operations and financial condition.

 

Our business, results of operations and financial condition may be adversely affected if we are unable to hire and retain sufficient qualified personnel.

 

Our success depends, to a substantial extent, on the ability, experience and performance of our senior management. Our inability to retain our senior management team, or our inability to attract and retain qualified replacement personnel, may adversely affect us. We also regularly hire a large number of seasonal employees. Any difficulty we may encounter in hiring seasonal employees may result in significant increases in labor costs, which may have an adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.

 

Our business, results of operations and financial condition may be adversely affected if we fail to extend or renegotiate our collective bargaining contracts with our labor unions as they expire from time to time, or if our unionized employees were to engage in a strike, or other work stoppage.

 

Approximately 600 of our employees at our ribbon manufacturing facility in Hagerstown, Maryland and at our gift wrap facilities in Memphis, Tennessee are represented by labor unions. The collective bargaining agreement with the labor union representing the Hagerstown-based production and maintenance employees will expire on December 31, 2009. The collective bargaining agreement with the labor union representing Cleo’s production and maintenance employees at the Cleo gift wrap plant and warehouses in Memphis, Tennessee will expire on December 31, 2007. Although we believe our relations with our employees are satisfactory, no assurance can be given that we will be able to successfully extend or renegotiate our collective bargaining agreements as they expire from time to time. If we fail to extend or renegotiate our collective bargaining agreements, if disputes with our unions arise, or if our unionized workers engage in a strike or other work related stoppage, we could incur higher ongoing labor costs or experience a significant disruption of operations, which could have an adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.

 

Our acquisition strategy involves risks, and difficulties in integrating potential acquisitions may adversely affect our business, results of operations and financial condition.

 

We regularly evaluate potential acquisition opportunities to support and strengthen our business. We cannot be sure that we will be able to locate suitable acquisition candidates, acquire possible acquisition candidates, acquire such candidates on commercially reasonable terms, or integrate acquired businesses successfully. Future acquisitions may require us to incur additional debt and contingent liabilities, which may adversely affect our business,

results of operations and financial condition. The process of integrating acquired businesses into our existing operations may result in operating, contract and supply chain difficulties, such as the failure to retain clients or management personnel. Also, prior to our completion of any acquisition, we could fail to discover liabilities of the acquired business for which we may be responsible as a successor owner or operator in spite of any investigation we may make prior to the acquisition. Such difficulties may divert significant financial, operational and managerial resources from our existing operations, and make it more difficult to achieve our operating and strategic objectives. The diversion of management attention, particularly in a difficult operating environment, may adversely affect our business, results of operations and financial condition.

 

Our inability to protect our intellectual property rights, or infringement claims asserted against us by others, may adversely affect our business, results of operations and financial condition.

 

We have a number of copyrights, patents, trademarks and intellectual property licenses which are used in connection with our products. While our operations are not dependent upon any individual copyright, patent, trademark or intellectual property license, we believe that the collective value of our intellectual property is substantial. We rely upon copyright and trademark laws in the United States and other jurisdictions and on confidentiality agreements with some of our employees and others to protect our proprietary rights. If our proprietary rights were infringed, our business could be adversely affected. In addition, our activities could infringe upon the proprietary rights of others, who could assert infringement claims against us. We could face costly litigation if we are forced to defend these claims. If we are unsuccessful in defending such claims, our business, results of operations and financial condition could be adversely affected.

 

We seek to register our trademarks in the United States and elsewhere. These registrations could be challenged by others or invalidated through administrative process or litigation. In addition, our confidentiality agreements with some employees or others may not provide adequate protection in the event of unauthorized use or disclosure of our proprietary information, or if our proprietary information otherwise becomes known, or is independently developed by competitors.

 

Various laws and governmental regulations applicable to a manufacturer or distributor of consumer products may adversely affect our business, results of operations and financial condition.

 

Our business is subject to numerous federal, state, provincial, local and foreign laws and regulations, including laws and regulations with respect to labor and employment, import and export activities, taxes, chemical usage, air emissions, wastewater and storm water discharges and the generation, handling, storage, transportation, treatment and disposal of waste materials, including hazardous materials. Although we believe that we are in substantial compliance with all applicable laws and regulations, because legal requirements frequently change and are subject to interpretation, we are unable to predict the ultimate cost of compliance or the consequences of non-compliance with these requirements, or the effect on our operations, any of which may be significant. If we fail to comply with applicable laws and regulations, we may be subject to criminal sanctions or civil remedies, including fines, injunctions, or prohibitions on importing or exporting. We cannot be certain that existing laws or regulations, as currently interpreted or reinterpreted in the future, or future laws or regulations, will not have an adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.

 

Our business, results of operations and financial condition may be adversely affected by national or global changes in economic or political conditions.

 

Our business, results of operations and financial condition may be adversely affected by national or global changes in economic or political conditions, including foreign currency fluctuations and fluctuations in inflation and interest rates, a national or international economic downturn, and any future terrorist attacks, and the national and global military, diplomatic and financial exposure to such attacks or other threats.

 

None.

 

The following table sets forth the location and approximate square footage of the Company’s manufacturing and distribution facilities:

 

 

The Company also owns two former manufacturing facilities aggregating 210,000 square feet which it is in the process of selling, and utilizes owned and leased space aggregating 151,000 square feet for various marketing and administrative purposes, including 21,000 square feet utilized as an office and showroom in Hong Kong. The headquarters and principal executive office of the Company are located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

 

The Company is the lessee of approximately 14,000 square feet of space (which was used in former operations), portions of which have been subleased by the Company, as sublessor, to various sublessees. The Company also owns a distribution facility (approximately 135,000 square feet) which has been leased to a third party.

 

On February 17, 2004, a group of six domestic producers of tissue paper and a labor union jointly filed an antidumping duty petition with the International Trade Administration of the U.S. Department of Commerce (“Commerce Department”) and the U.S. International Trade Commission (“ITC”), in which the petitioners sought the imposition of duties on certain tissue paper products imported from China. The Company, as an importer from China of certain products that were the subject of these investigations, contested the imposition of these duties in proceedings before the ITC and the Commerce Department.

 

In February 2005, the Commerce Department issued its final determination in which it found that certain tissue paper products are being sold into the United States from China at less than fair value. In March 2005, the ITC issued its final determination in which it found that an industry in the United States is materially injured by reason of imports from China of certain tissue paper products. As a result of these determinations, certain tissue paper products imported from China are now subject to the imposition of tissue duties. On May 25, 2005, the Company filed an appeal of the ITC’s final determination which was subsequently denied on August 31, 2006 by the United States Court of International Trade. The Company is now contesting the final determination of the ITC in proceedings before the United States Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit, which proceedings were initiated by the Company on October 27, 2006.

 

In the fiscal year ended March 31, 2005, the Company recognized an expense of approximately $2,300,000 for these duties, reflecting the maximum liability of the Company’s Cleo subsidiary for duties relating to subject tissue paper products imported from China during the 2005 fiscal year based on the applicable deposit rates established by

the Commerce Department. The amount of Cleo’s actual liability for tissue duties pertaining to the fiscal year ended March 31, 2005, which liability is capped at the deposit rates in effect with respect to the period of time that the subject products were imported by Cleo, will be determined at the time of “liquidation” of the applicable entries by the United States Customs & Border Protection. Liquidation of the applicable entries has been enjoined pending the outcome of the Company’s appeal.

 

With respect to the fiscal years ended March 31, 2007 and 2006, the Company believes that it did not import from China any tissue paper products that are subject to the imposition of tissue duties pursuant to the aforementioned final determinations of the Commerce Department and the ITC.

 

CSS and its subsidiaries are also involved in ordinary, routine legal proceedings that are not considered by management to be material. In the opinion of Company counsel and management, the ultimate liabilities resulting from such lawsuits and claims will not materially affect the consolidated financial position of the Company or its results of operations or cash flows.

 

Not applicable.

 

The common stock of the Company is listed for trading on the New York Stock Exchange. The following table sets forth the high and low sales prices per share of that stock, and the dividends declared per share, for each of the quarters during fiscal 2007 and fiscal 2006.

 

 

 

At May 22, 2007, there were approximately 2,370 holders of the Company’s common stock and there were no shares of preferred stock outstanding.

 

The ability of the Company to pay any cash dividends on its common stock is dependent on the Company’s earnings and cash requirements and is further limited by maintaining compliance with financial covenants contained in the Company’s credit facilities. The Company anticipates that quarterly cash dividends will continue to be paid in the future.

 

Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

 

A total of 600 shares were repurchased at an average price of $33.00 in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2007. As of March 31, 2007, there remained an outstanding authorization to repurchase 247,424 shares of outstanding CSS common stock as represented in the table below.

 

 

 

Performance Graph

 

The graph below compares the cumulative total stockholders’ return on the Company’s common stock for the period from April 1, 2002 through March 31, 2007, with (i) the cumulative total return on the Standard and Poors 500 (“S&P 500”) Index and (ii) a peer group, as described below (assuming the investment of $100 in our common stock, the S&P 500 Index, and the peer group on April 1, 2002 and reinvestment of all dividends).

 

 

The peer group utilized consists of American Greetings Corporation, Blyth, Inc., Lenox Group Inc. (f/k/a Department 56, Inc.), Russ Berrie and Company, Inc. and Enesco Group, Inc. The Company selected this group as its peer group because they are engaged in businesses that are sometimes categorized with the Company’s business. However, management believes that a comparison of the Company’s performance to this peer group will be flawed, because the businesses of the peer group companies are in large part different from the Company’s. In this regard, the Company competes with only one division of American Greetings, Blyth is principally focused on fragranced candle products and related candle accessories, competing only with some of the Company’s products, and the other companies principally sell collectible and/or giftware items.

 

 

 

 

Overview

 

Approximately 75% of the Company’s sales are attributable to seasonal (Christmas, Valentine’s Day, Easter and Halloween) products, with the remainder being attributable to everyday products. Seasonal products are sold primarily to mass market retailers, and the Company has relatively high market shares in many of these categories. Most of these markets have shown little or no growth in recent years, and the Company continues to confront significant cost pressure as its competitors source certain products from overseas and its customers increase direct sourcing from overseas factories. Increasing customer concentration has augmented their bargaining power, which has also contributed to price pressure.

 

The Company has taken several measures to respond to cost and price pressures. CSS continually invests in product and packaging design and product knowledge to assure it can continue to provide unique added value to its customers. In addition, CSS substantially expanded an office and showroom in Hong Kong to better meet customers’ buying needs and to be able to provide alternatively sourced products at competitive prices. CSS continually evaluates its efficiency and productivity in its North American production and distribution facilities and

in its back office operations to maintain its competitiveness domestically. In the last four fiscal years, the Company has closed three manufacturing plants and five warehouses totaling 800,000 square feet. Additionally, in fiscal 2007 the Company combined the management and back office support for its Memphis, Tennessee based Cleo gift wrap operation into its Berwick Offray ribbon and bow subsidiary. This action enhanced administrative efficiencies and is expected to provide incremental penetration of gift packaging products into broader everyday channels of distribution.

 

The Company’s everyday craft, trim-a-package and stationery product lines have higher inherent growth potential due to higher market growth rate. Further, the Company’s everyday craft, trim-a-package, stationery and floral product lines have higher inherent growth potential due to CSS’ relatively low current market share. The Company has established project teams to pursue top line sales growth in these and other areas.

 

The seasonal nature of CSS’ business results in low sales and operating losses in the first and fourth quarters and high sales levels and operating profits in the second and third quarters of the Company’s fiscal year, thereby causing significant fluctuations in the quarterly results of operations of the Company.

 

Historically, significant growth at CSS has come through acquisitions. Management anticipates that it will continue to utilize acquisitions to stimulate further growth.

 

Litigation

 

As discussed in Item 3. Legal Proceedings in this annual report on Form 10-K, on May 25, 2005, the Company filed an appeal of the ITC’s final determination imposing duties on certain tissue paper products imported from China, which appeal was subsequently denied on August 31, 2006 by the United States Court of International Trade. The Company is now contesting the final determination of the ITC in proceedings before the United States Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit, which proceedings were initiated by the Company on October 27, 2006. In the fiscal year ended March 31, 2005, the Company recognized an expense of approximately $2,300,000 for these duties, reflecting the maximum liability of the Company’s Cleo subsidiary for duties relating to subject tissue paper products imported from China during the 2005 fiscal year based on the applicable deposit rates established by the Commerce Department.

 

The amount of Cleo’s actual liability for tissue duties pertaining to the fiscal year ended March 31, 2005, which liability is capped at the deposit rates in effect with respect to the period of time that the subject products were imported by Cleo, will be determined at the time of “liquidation” of the applicable entries by the United States Customs & Border Protection. Liquidation of the applicable entries has been enjoined pending the outcome of the Company’s appeal.

 

CSS and its subsidiaries are also involved in ordinary, routine legal proceedings that are not considered by management to be material. In the opinion of Company counsel and management, the ultimate liabilities resulting from such lawsuits and claims will not materially affect the consolidated financial position of the Company or its results of operations or cash flows.

 

Results of Operations

 

Fiscal 2007 Compared to Fiscal 2006

 

Consolidated sales for fiscal 2007 increased 1% to $530,686,000 from $525,494,000 in fiscal 2006. The increase in sales was primarily due to higher sales of Christmas gift wrap and boxed greeting cards, partially offset by lower sales of tissue, gift bags and ribbons and bows.

 

Cost of sales, as a percentage of sales, decreased to 74% in 2007 from 76% in 2006. The improvement in cost of sales is primarily due to improved manufacturing and distribution efficiencies achieved in the gift wrap, gift bag and tissue product lines and the impact of higher sales of gift wrap and boxed greeting cards, partially offset by incremental costs of $706,000 associated with the restructuring program, which includes $660,000 related to the write-down of inventory.

 

Selling, general and administrative (“SG&A”) expenses, as a percentage of sales, increased to 18% in 2007 from 17% in 2006. The increase in SG&A expenses, as a percentage of sales, is primarily due to incremental share-

based compensation expense related to the adoption of SFAS No. 123R, “Share-Based Payment,” increased incentive compensation expense and incremental costs of $909,000 associated with the restructuring program established in the current year.

 

Restructuring expenses were $2,327,000 in fiscal 2007 and $37,000 in fiscal 2006. The increase in restructuring expenses was due to the establishment of a restructuring program in the current year to combine the operations of the Cleo and Berwick Offray subsidiaries, to close Cleo’s Maysville, Kentucky production facility and to exit a non-material, non-core business. See Note 3 to the consolidated financial statements for further discussion.

 

Interest expense, net decreased to $2,285,000 in 2007 from $3,279,000 in 2006. The decrease in interest expense, net was primarily due to lower borrowing levels during fiscal 2007 compared to the prior year and increased cash balances.

 

Income before income taxes was $36,804,000, or 7% of sales, in fiscal 2007 and $32,716,000, or 6% of sales, in fiscal 2006. Excluding costs relating to the restructuring program in fiscal 2007 and including the pro forma effect of stock option expense in the prior fiscal year for the Company’s adoption of SFAS No. 123R, income before income taxes increased 36% to $40,745,000 in fiscal 2007 from $30,031,000 in fiscal 2006.

 

Income taxes, as a percentage of income before taxes, were 35% in 2007 and 33% in 2006. The increase in the effective tax rate is primarily due to a non-recurring, one-time favorable impact of the American Jobs Creation Act of 2004 of approximately $430,000 relating to the repatriation of earnings from the Company’s foreign affiliates that was recorded in the prior year. Also contributing to the increase is a portion of the share-based compensation expense recorded in the current year as a result of the adoption of SFAS No. 123R not being deductible for tax purposes.

 

Net income for the year ended March 31, 2007 increased 9% to $23,889,000 from $21,841,000 in 2006. Excluding costs relating to the restructuring program in fiscal 2007 and including the pro forma effect of stock option expense in the prior fiscal year for the Company’s adoption of SFAS No. 123R, net income increased 35% to $26,412,000 in fiscal 2007 from $19,548,000 in fiscal 2006 and diluted earnings per share increased 33% to $2.42 in fiscal 2007 compared to prior year diluted earnings per share of $1.82.

 

Fiscal 2006 Compared to Fiscal 2005

 

Consolidated sales for fiscal 2006 decreased 2% to $525,494,000 from $536,362,000 in fiscal 2005. The decline in sales was due primarily to lower sales of Christmas gift wrap, everyday ribbons and bows and boxed greeting cards. This sales decline was partially offset by increased sales of seasonal tissue and gift bags and reduced customer program expenses.

 

Cost of sales, as a percentage of sales, increased to 76% in 2006 from 74% in 2005. The increase in cost of sales, as a percentage of sales, was due to a decline in the operating performance of our gift wrap and tissue product lines. This decline was primarily due to increased product and energy costs, including increased fuel costs during our peak seasonal shipping season.

 

SG&A expenses, as a percentage of sales, increased to 17% in 2006 from 16% in 2005. The increase in SG&A expenses, as a percentage of sales, was primarily due to incremental costs related to severance associated with a workforce reduction and recruiting and relocation costs resulting from the hiring of key managers, partially offset by decreased incentive compensation expense.

 

Restructuring expenses were $37,000 in fiscal 2006 and $2,537,000 in fiscal 2005. The decrease in restructuring expenses was due to limited restructuring activities occurring in fiscal 2006 compared to fiscal 2005. During fiscal 2005, the Company recorded restructuring expenses related to its administrative office located in Minneapolis, Minnesota in the amount of $1,207,000 and recorded restructuring expenses related to the closure of its plant located in Anniston, Alabama in the amount of $1,330,000.

 

Interest expense, net increased to $3,279,000 in 2006 from $2,374,000 in 2005 primarily due to higher average borrowing levels during the year as a result of cash expended with the March 2005 repurchase of 1,739,760 shares of common stock as a result of the Company’s tender offer which expired on March 4, 2005, as well as the impact of higher interest rates.

 

Income before income taxes was $32,716,000, or 6% of sales, in fiscal 2006 and $47,118,000, or 9% of sales, in fiscal 2005.

 

Income taxes, as a percentage of income before taxes, were 33% in 2006 and 35% in 2005. The decrease in the effective tax rate was primarily due to a one-time favorable impact of the American Jobs Creation Act of 2004 of approximately $430,000 relating to the repatriation of earnings from the Company’s foreign affiliates.

 

Net income for the year ended March 31, 2006 decreased 29% to $21,841,000 from $30,692,000 in 2005.

 

Reconciliation of Certain Non-GAAP Measures

 

Management believes that presentation of results of operations adjusted for the affects of non-recurring costs related to a restructuring program in fiscal 2007 and the pro forma impact of recognizing stock option expense as if the Company had adopted SFAS No. 123R, “Share-Based Payment,” in fiscal 2006, provides useful information to investors because it enhances comparability between the current year and prior year reporting periods.

 

 

 

Diluted earnings per share for the year ended March 31, 2007 does not add due to rounding.

 

Liquidity and Capital Resources

 

At March 31, 2007, the Company had working capital of $188,309,000 and stockholders’ equity of $261,110,000. The increase in accounts receivable, net of reserves, to $37,169,000 at March 31, 2007 from $35,582,000 at March 31, 2006 was primarily the result of higher sales in the current year. Inventories decreased from $103,770,000 to $82,138,000 primarily due to improved inventory management. The decrease in other current assets from $18,906,000 to $13,665,000 is primarily due to the current year collection of an insurance claim receivable of $4,012,000 related to water damage in a manufacturing facility. Capital expenditures decreased to $5,289,000 in fiscal 2007 from $9,515,000 in fiscal 2006. The increase in stockholders’ equity was primarily attributed to the current year net income and capital contributed upon exercise of employee stock options, partially offset by payments of cash dividends.

 

The Company’s Board of Directors previously authorized a buyback of the Company’s common stock pursuant to prices and other terms and conditions that the Company’s officers may deem appropriate. Any such buy back is subject to compliance with regulatory requirements and relevant covenants of the Company’s credit facilities. As of March 31, 2007, the Company has 247,424 shares remaining available for repurchase under the

Board’s authorization. The Company repurchased 9,800 shares for $323,000 and 218,100 shares for $7,167,000 in fiscal 2007 and fiscal 2006, respectively.

 

The Company relies primarily on cash generated from its operations and seasonal borrowings to meet its liquidity requirements. Historically, a significant portion of CSS revenues are seasonal with approximately 80% of sales recognized in the second and third quarters. As payment for sales of Christmas related products is usually not received until just before or just after the holiday selling season in accordance with general industry practice, short-term borrowing needs increase throughout the second and third quarters, peaking prior to Christmas and dropping thereafter. Seasonal financing requirements were met under a $50,000,000 revolving credit facility with five banks and an accounts receivable securitization facility with an issuer of receivables-backed commercial paper. This facility has a funding limit of $100,000,000 during peak seasonal periods and $25,000,000 during off-peak seasonal periods. In addition, the Company has outstanding $30,000,000 of 4.48% senior notes due ratably in annual $10,000,000 installments through December 2009. These financing facilities are available to fund the Company’s seasonal borrowing needs and to provide the Company with sources of capital for general corporate purposes, including acquisitions as permitted under the revolving credit facility. At March 31, 2007, there were no borrowings outstanding under the revolving credit facility and there were long-term borrowings of $30,000,000 related to the senior notes. For information concerning these credit facilities, see Note 8 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

Based on its current operating plan, the Company believes its sources of available capital are adequate to meet its ongoing cash needs for at least the next 12 months.

 

As of March 31, 2007, the Company’s contractual obligations and commitments are as follows (in thousands):

 

 

 

 

As of March 31, 2007, the Company’s other commitments are as follows (in thousands):

 

 

The Company has a letter of credit that guarantees the funding of workers compensation claims. The Company has no financial guarantees or other arrangements with any third parties or related parties other than its subsidiaries.

 

In the ordinary course of business, the Company enters into arrangements with vendors to purchase merchandise in advance of expected delivery. These purchase orders do not contain any significant termination payments or other penalties if canceled.

 

Critical Accounting Policies

 

In preparing our consolidated financial statements, management is required to make estimates and assumptions that, among other things, affect the reported amounts of assets, revenue and expenses. These estimates and assumptions are most significant where they involve levels of subjectivity and judgment necessary to account for highly uncertain matters or matters susceptible to change, and where they can have a material impact on our

financial condition and operating performance. Below are the most significant estimates and related assumptions used in the preparation of our consolidated financial statements. If actual results were to differ materially from the estimates made, the reported results could be materially affected.

 

Revenue

 

Revenue is recognized from product sales when goods are shipped, title and risk of loss have been transferred to the customer and collection is reasonably assured. 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 estimated reductions to revenue, based primarily on historical experience, for customer returns and chargebacks that may arise as a result of shipping errors, product damaged in transit or for other reasons that become known subsequent to recognizing the revenue. These provisions are recorded in the period that the related sale is recognized and are reflected as a reduction from gross sales and the related reserves are shown as a reduction of accounts receivable, except reserves for customer programs which are shown as a current liability. If the amount of actual customer returns and chargebacks were to increase or decrease significantly from the estimated amount, revisions to the estimated allowance would be required.

 

Accounts Receivable

 

The Company offers seasonal dating programs related to certain seasonal product offerings pursuant to which customers that qualify for such programs are offered extended payment terms. Customers generally do not have the right to return product except for reasons the Company believes are typical of our industry, including damaged goods, shipping errors or similar occurrences. With few exceptions, the Company is not required to repurchase products from its customers, nor does the Company have any regular practice of doing so. In addition, the Company mitigates its exposure to bad debts by evaluating the creditworthiness of its major customers utilizing established credit limits and purchasing credit insurance when appropriate and available. Bad debt and returns and allowances reserves are recorded as an offset to accounts receivable while reserves for customer programs are recorded as accrued liabilities. The Company evaluates accounts receivable related reserves and accruals monthly by specifically reviewing customer’s creditworthiness, historical recovery percentages and outstanding customer program arrangements.

 

Inventory Valuation

 

Inventories are valued at the lower of cost or market. Cost is primarily determined by the first-in, first-out method although certain inventories are valued based on the last-in, first-out method. The Company writes down its inventory for estimated obsolescence in an amount equal to the difference between the cost of the inventory and the estimated market value based upon assumptions about future demand, market conditions, customer planograms and sales forecasts. Additional inventory write downs could result from unanticipated additional carryover of finished goods and raw materials, or from lower proceeds offered by parties in our traditional closeout channels.

 

Goodwill

 

Goodwill is subject to an assessment for impairment using a two-step fair value-based test, the first step of which must be performed at least annually, or more frequently if events or circumstances indicate that goodwill might be impaired. The first step compares the fair value of a reporting unit to its carrying amount, including goodwill. For each of the reporting units, the estimated fair value is determined utilizing a multiple of earnings before interest, income taxes, depreciation and amortization. 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 implied fair value of the goodwill. If the implied fair value of goodwill is less than the carrying amount of the goodwill, an impairment loss would be reported.

 

Accounting for Income Taxes

 

As part of the process of preparing our consolidated financial statements, we are required to estimate our actual current tax expense (state, federal and foreign), including the impact of 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, plant and equipment, and valuation of inventories. Temporary differences and operating loss and credit carryforwards 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 increase such allowance in a period, we would record additional tax expense in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations. The management of the Company periodically estimates the probable tax obligations of the Company using historical experience in tax jurisdictions and informed judgments. There are inherent uncertainties related to the interpretation of tax regulations. 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.

 

Share-Based Compensation

 

Effective April 1, 2006, the Company adopted SFAS No. 123R, using the modified prospective transition method and began accounting for its share-based compensation using a fair-value based recognition method. Under the provisions of SFAS No. 123R, share-based compensation cost is estimated at the grant date based on the fair value of the award and is expensed ratably over the requisite service period of the award. Determining the appropriate fair-value model and calculating the fair value of share-based awards at the grant date requires considerable judgment, including estimating stock price volatility, and the expected option life.

 

The Company uses the Black-Scholes option valuation model to value employee stock awards. The Company estimates stock price volatility based on historical volatility of its common stock. Estimated option life assumptions are also derived from historical data. The Company recognizes compensation expense using the straight-line amortization method for share-based compensation awards with graded vesting. Had the Company used alternative valuation methodologies and assumptions, compensation cost for share-based payments could be significantly different.

 

Accounting Pronouncements

 

See Note 13 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for information concerning recent accounting pronouncements and the impact of those standards.

 

Forward-Looking and Cautionary Statements

 

This report includes “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, including statements regarding the Company’s expectation that it will sell facilities held for sale within the next 12 months for an amount greater than the current carrying value; improved profitability and efficiency from the Company’s restructuring program to combine the operations of its Cleo and Berwick Offray subsidiaries; estimated future expenses in connection with such restructuring program; continued use of acquisitions to stimulate further growth; the Company’s expected ultimate liabilities from lawsuits and claims; the expected future impact of changes in accounting principles; and the anticipated effects of measures taken by the Company to respond to cost and price pressures. Forward-looking statements are based on the beliefs of the Company’s management as well as assumptions made by and information currently available to the Company’s management as to future events and financial performance with respect to the Company’s operations. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date made. The Company undertakes no obligation to update any forward-looking statements to reflect the events or circumstances arising after the date as of which they were made. Actual events or results may differ materially from those discussed in forward-looking statements as a result of various factors, including without limitation, general market conditions, increased competition, increased operating costs, including labor-related and energy costs and costs relating to the imposition or retrospective application of duties on imported products, currency risks and other risks associated with international markets, risks associated with the combination of the operations of the Company’s Cleo and Berwick Offray subsidiaries, including restructuring costs and the risk that such costs may exceed the expected amounts described herein, the risk that customers may become insolvent, costs of compliance with governmental regulations and government investigations, liability

associated with non-compliance with governmental regulations, including regulations pertaining to the environment, Federal and state employment laws, and import and export controls and customs laws, and other factors described more fully elsewhere in this annual report on Form 10-K and in the Company’s previous filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. As a result of these factors, readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on any forward-looking statements included herein or that may be made elsewhere from time to time by, or on behalf of, the Company.

 

The Company’s activities expose it to a variety of market risks, including the effects of changes in interest rates and foreign currency exchange rates. These financial exposures are actively monitored and, where considered appropriate, managed by the Company as described below.

 

Interest Rate Risk

 

The Company’s primary market risk exposure with regard to financial instruments is to changes in interest rates. Pursuant to the Company’s variable rate lines of credit, a change in either the lender’s base rate or LIBOR would affect the rate at which the Company could borrow funds thereunder. Based on average borrowings under these credit facilities of $28,547,000 for the year ended March 31, 2007, a 1% increase or decrease in floating interest rates would have increased or decreased annual interest expense by approximately $285,000. Based on an average cash balance of $32,872,000 for the year ended March 31, 2007, a 1% increase or decrease in interest rates would have increased or decreased annual interest income by approximately $329,000.

 

Foreign Currency Risk

 

Approximately 4% of the Company’s sales in fiscal 2007 were denominated in a foreign currency. The Company considers its risk exposure with regard to foreign currency fluctuations insignificant as it enters into foreign currency forward contracts to hedge the majority of firmly committed transactions and related receivables that are denominated in a foreign currency. The Company has designated its foreign currency forward contracts as fair value hedges. The gains or losses on the fair value hedges are recognized in earnings and generally offset the transaction gains or losses on the foreign denominated assets that they are intended to hedge.

 

CSS INDUSTRIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

INDEX

 

 

The Board of Directors and Stockholders of

CSS Industries, Inc.:

 

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of CSS Industries, Inc. and subsidiaries as of March 31, 2007 and 2006, and the related consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income, cash flows and stockholders’ equity for each of the years in the three-year period ended March 31, 2007. In connection with our audits of the consolidated financial statements, we also have audited the financial statement schedule, Schedule II — Valuation and Qualifying Accounts. These consolidated financial statements and financial statement schedule are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these consolidated financial statements and financial statement schedule based on our audits.

 

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

 

In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of CSS Industries, Inc. and subsidiaries as of March 31, 2007 and 2006, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended March 31, 2007, 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 consolidated financial statements taken as a whole, presents fairly, in all material respects, the information set forth therein.

 

As discussed in Notes 1 and 5 to the consolidated financial statements, effective April 1, 2006, the Company adopted Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 123R, Share-Based Payment, using the modified prospective transition method.

 

We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the effectiveness of CSS Industries, Inc.’s internal control over financial reporting as of March 31, 2007, based on criteria established in Internal Control — Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO), and our report dated June 1, 2007 expressed an unqualified opinion on management’s assessment of, and the effective operation of, internal control over financial reporting.

 

 

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

June 1, 2007

CSS INDUSTRIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(In thousands, except share and per share amounts)

 

 

See notes to consolidated financial statements.

CSS INDUSTRIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

(In thousands, except per share amounts)

 

 

See notes to consolidated financial statements.

CSS INDUSTRIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(In thousands)

 

 

See notes to consolidated financial statements.

CSS INDUSTRIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

(In thousands, except share and per share amounts)

 

 

See notes to consolidated financial statements.

CSS INDUSTRIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

MARCH 31, 2007

 

(1)  SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

 

Principles of Consolidation

 

The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of CSS Industries, Inc. (“CSS” or the “Company”) and all of its subsidiaries. All significant intercompany transactions and accounts have been eliminated in consolidation.

 

Foreign Currency Translation and Transactions

 

Translation adjustments are charged or credited to a separate component of stockholders’ equity. Gains and losses on foreign currency transactions are not material and are included in other income, net in the consolidated statements of operations.

 

Nature of Business

 

CSS is a consumer products company primarily engaged in the design, manufacture, procurement, distribution and sale of seasonal and social expression products, principally to mass market retailers. These seasonal and all occasion products include gift wrap, gift bags, gift boxes, boxed greeting cards, gift tags, tissue paper, decorations, classroom exchange Valentines, decorative ribbons and bows, Halloween masks, costumes, make-up and novelties, Easter egg dyes and novelties, and craft and educational products. CSS’ product breadth provides its retail customers the opportunity to use a single vendor for much of their seasonal product requirements. A substantial portion of CSS’ products are manufactured, packaged and warehoused in thirteen facilities located in the United States, with the remainder purchased primarily from manufacturers in Asia and Mexico. The Company’s products are sold to its customers by national and regional account sales managers, sales representatives, product specialists and by a network of independent manufacturers’ representatives.

 

The Company’s operating subsidiaries include Paper Magic Group, Inc. (“Paper Magic”), Berwick Offray LLC (“Berwick Offray”) and Cleo Inc (“Cleo”). In fiscal 2007, the Company combined the operations of its Cleo and Berwick Offray subsidiaries in order to improve profitability and efficiency through the elimination of redundant back office functions, certain senior management positions, a non-core product line and excess manufacturing capacity. Approximately 600 of its 2,700 employees (increasing to approximately 3,300 as seasonal employees are added) are represented by labor unions. The collective bargaining agreement with the labor union representing the production and maintenance employees in Memphis, Tennessee remains in effect until December 31, 2007. The collective bargaining agreement with the labor union representing the production and maintenance employees in Hagerstown, Maryland remains in effect until December 31, 2009.

 

Reclassification

 

Certain prior period amounts have been reclassified to conform with the current year classification.

 

Use of Estimates

 

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Judgments and assessments of uncertainties are required in applying the Company’s accounting policies in many areas. Such estimates pertain to the valuation of inventory and accounts receivable, the assessment of the recoverability of goodwill and other intangible assets, income tax accounting, the valuation of share-based awards and resolution of litigation and other proceedings. Actual results could differ from these estimates.

 

Inventories

 

The Company records inventory at the date of taking title, which occurs upon receipt or prior to receipt dependent on supplier shipping terms. The Company adjusts unsalable and slow-moving inventory to its estimated net realizable value. Substantially all of the Company’s inventories are stated at the lower of first-in, first-out (FIFO) cost or market. The remaining portion of the inventory is valued at the lower of last-in, first-out (LIFO) cost or market, which was $955,000 and $2,065,000 at March 31, 2007 and 2006, respectively. Had all inventories been valued at the lower of FIFO cost or market, inventories would have been greater by $818,000 and $911,000 at March 31, 2007 and 2006, respectively. Inventories consisted of the following (in thousands):

 

 

Assets Held for Sale

 

Assets held for sale in the amount of $2,564,000 represents two former manufacturing facilities which the Company is in the process of selling. The Company expects to sell these facilities within the next 12 months for an amount greater than the current carrying value. The Company ceased depreciating these facilities at the time they were classified as held for sale.

 

Property, Plant and Equipment

 

Property, plant and equipment are stated at cost. Depreciation is provided generally on the straight-line method and is based on estimated useful lives or terms of leases as follows:

 

 

When property is retired or otherwise disposed of, the related cost and accumulated depreciation and amortization are eliminated from the consolidated balance sheet. Any gain or loss from the disposition of property, plant and equipment is included in other income, net. Maintenance and repairs are expensed as incurred while improvements are capitalized and depreciated over their estimated useful lives. Depreciation expense was $14,101,000, $14,264,000 and $14,009,000 for the years ended March 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005, respectively.

 

Impairment of Long-Lived Assets

 

Long-lived assets, except for goodwill and indefinite lived intangible assets, are reviewed for impairment when circumstances indicate the carrying value of an asset may not be recoverable. Recoverability of assets to be held and used is measured by a comparison of the carrying amount of the assets to future net cash flows estimated by the Company to be generated by such assets. If such assets are considered to be impaired, the impairment to be recognized is the amount by which the carrying amount of the assets exceeds the fair value of the assets. Assets to be disposed of are recorded at the lower of their carrying value or estimated net realizable value.

 

Goodwill and Intangible Assets

 

When a company is acquired, the difference between the fair value of its net assets, including intangibles, and the purchase price is recorded as goodwill. In the fourth quarter of fiscal 2007, 2006 and 2005, the Company performed the required annual impairment test of the carrying amount of goodwill and indefinite lived assets and determined that no impairment existed. Other intangible assets with definite useful lives are required to continue to be amortized over their respective estimated useful lives.

 

At March 31, 2007, in addition to goodwill, the Company had $4,290,000 of other intangible assets relating to trade names that are not subject to amortization and $38,000 of other intangible assets, which is net of accumulated amortization of $619,000, relating primarily to a covenant not to compete, that is being amortized over five years (see Note 2).

 

Derivative Financial Instruments

 

The Company uses certain derivative financial instruments as part of its risk management strategy to reduce interest rate and foreign currency risk. Derivatives are not used for trading or speculative activities.

 

The Company recognizes all derivatives on the consolidated balance sheet at fair value. On the date the derivative instrument is entered into, the Company generally designates the derivative as either (1) a hedge of the fair value of a recognized asset or liability or of an unrecognized firm commitment (“fair value hedge”), or (2) a hedge of a forecasted transaction or of the variability of cash flows to be received or paid related to a recognized asset or liability (“cash flow hedge”). Changes in the fair value of a derivative that is designated as, and meets all the required criteria for, a fair value hedge, along with the gain or loss on the hedged asset or liability that is attributable to the hedged risk, are recorded in current period earnings. Changes in the fair value of a derivative that is designated as, and meets all the required criteria for, a cash flow hedge are recorded in accumulated other comprehensive loss and reclassified into earnings as the underlying hedged item affects earnings. The portion of the change in fair value of a derivative associated with hedge ineffectiveness or the component of a derivative instrument excluded from the assessment of hedge effectiveness is recorded currently in earnings. Also, changes in the entire fair value of a derivative that is not designated as a hedge are recorded immediately in earnings. The Company formally documents all relationships between hedging instruments and hedged items, as well as its risk-management objective and strategy for undertaking various hedge transactions. This process includes relating all derivatives that are designated as fair value or cash flow hedges to specific assets and liabilities on the consolidated balance sheet or to specific firm commitments or forecasted transactions.

 

The Company also formally assesses, both at the inception of the hedge and on an ongoing basis, whether each derivative is highly effective in offsetting changes in fair values or cash flows of the hedged item. If it is determined that a derivative is not highly effective as a hedge or if a derivative ceases to be a highly effective hedge, the Company will discontinue hedge accounting prospectively.

 

The Company enters into foreign currency forward contracts in order to reduce the impact of certain foreign currency fluctuations. Firmly committed transactions and the related receivables and payables may be hedged with forward exchange contracts. Gains and losses arising from foreign currency forward contracts are recognized in income or expense as offsets of gains and losses resulting from the underlying hedged transactions. The notional amount of open forward exchange contracts as of March 31, 2007 was $294,000 and the related gain was not material. The notional amount of open forward exchange contracts as of March 31, 2006 was $494,000 and the related loss was not material.

 

Income Taxes

 

Income taxes are accounted for under the asset and liability method. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases and operating loss and credit carryforwards. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences and carryforwards are expected to be recovered or settled. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date.

 

Revenue Recognition

 

The Company recognizes revenue from product sales when the goods are shipped, title and risk of loss have been transferred to the customer and collection is reasonably assured. Provisions for returns, allowances, rebates to customers and other adjustments are provided in the same period that the related sales are recorded.

 

Product Development Costs

 

Product development costs consist of purchases of outside artwork, printing plates, cylinders, catalogs and samples. The Company typically begins to incur product development costs approximately 18 to 20 months before the applicable holiday event and amortizes the costs monthly over the selling season, which is generally within two to four months of the holiday event. The expense of certain product development costs that are related to the manufacturing process are recorded in cost of sales while the portion that relates to creative and selling efforts are recorded in selling, general and administrative expenses.

 

Product development costs capitalized as of March 31, 2007 and 2006 were $5,647,000 and $5,689,000, respectively, and are included in other current assets in the consolidated financial statements. Product development expense of $7,887,000, $7,384,000 and $6,759,000 was recognized in the years ended March 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005, respectively.

 

Shipping and Handling Costs

 

Shipping and handling costs are reported in cost of sales in the consolidated statements of operations.

 

Stock-Based Compensation

 

Effective April 1, 2006, the Company adopted Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (“SFAS”) No. 123R, “Share-Based Payment,” using the modified prospective transition method, and began accounting for its share-based compensation using a fair-value based recognition method. Under the provisions of SFAS No. 123R, share-based compensation cost is estimated at the grant date based on a fair-value model. Calculating the fair value of share-based awards at the grant date requires considerable judgment, including estimating stock price volatility and expected option life.

 

The Company uses the Black-Scholes option valuation model to value employee stock awards. The Company estimates stock price volatility based on historical volatility of its common stock. Estimated option life assumptions are also derived from historical data. The Company recognizes compensation expense using the straight-line amortization method for share-based compensation awards with graded vesting. Had the Company used alternative valuation methodologies and assumptions, compensation cost for share-based payments could be significantly different.

 

Net Income Per Common Share

 

The following table sets forth the computation of basic net income per common share and diluted net income per common share for the years ended March 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005.

 

Options on 58,000 shares, 643,000 shares and 23,000 shares of common stock were not included in computing diluted net income per common share for the years ended March 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005, respectively, because their effects were antidilutive.

 

Statements of Cash Flows

 

For purposes of the consolidated statements of cash flows, the Company considers all holdings of highly liquid debt instruments with a maturity at time of purchase of three months or less to be cash equivalents.

 

(2)  GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS

 

Goodwill and other indefinite lived intangible assets are subject to fair-value based impairment tests performed, at a minimum, on an annual basis. The Company performs its annual assessment of impairment in the fourth fiscal quarter. These impairment tests are conducted on each reporting unit of the Company, and may require two steps. For goodwill, the initial step is designed to identify potential impairment by comparing an estimate of the fair value for each applicable reporting unit to its respective carrying value. For those reporting units where the carrying value exceeds its fair value, a second step is performed to measure the amount of goodwill impairment, if any. With respect to indefinite lived intangible assets, the impairment test is performed by comparing the fair value of the intangible to its carrying value. In the fourth quarter of fiscal 2007, 2006 and 2005, the Company performed the required annual impairment test of the carrying amount of goodwill and indefinite lived intangible assets and determined that no impairment existed.

 

The carrying amount of goodwill was $30,952,000 at March 31, 2007. In addition to goodwill, the Company has $4,290,000 of other intangible assets relating to trade names that are not subject to amortization and $38,000 of other intangible assets, net of accumulated amortization of $619,000, relating primarily to a covenant not to compete that is being amortized over five years. Accumulated amortization at March 31, 2007 and 2006 was $619,000 and $525,000 respectively, and amortization expense was $94,000 for fiscal 2007, $94,000 for fiscal 2006 and $151,000 for fiscal 2005. The aggregate estimated amortization expense for intangible assets remaining as of March 31, 2007 is $38,000 in fiscal 2008.

 

(3)  BUSINESS RESTRUCTURING

 

On November 27, 2006, the Board of Directors of the Company approved a restructuring plan to combine the operations of its Cleo and Berwick Offray subsidiaries, to close Cleo’s Maysville, Kentucky production facility and to exit a non-material, non-core business. This restructuring was undertaken in order to improve profitability and efficiency through the elimination of redundant back office functions, certain senior management positions and excess manufacturing capacity. The Company expects to complete the restructuring plan by September 30, 2007. As part of the restructuring plan, the Company recorded a restructuring reserve of $1,323,000, including severance related to 29 employees. Also, in connection with the restructuring plan, the Company recorded an impairment of property, plant and equipment at the affected facilities of $422,000, which is included in restructuring expenses. Additionally, during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2007, there was an increase in the restructuring reserve in the amount of $582,000 primarily related to the ratable recognition of retention bonuses for employees providing service until their termination date. During the year ended March 31, 2007, the Company made payments of $449,000, primarily related to severance. As of March 31, 2007, the remaining liability of $1,456,000 was classified as a current liability in the accompanying consolidated balance sheet and will be paid in fiscal 2008. The Company expects to incur additional charges related to other restructuring costs of approximately $250,000 during fiscal 2008.

 

Selected information relating to the aforementioned restructuring follows (in thousands):

 

On November 1, 2004, a subsidiary of the Company announced the anticipated closure of its plant located in Anniston, Alabama. As of the end of fiscal 2005, the Company had communicated termination of employment to 89 employees. Manufacturing operations were moved to other locations of the Company and this project was substantially completed by June 2005. As part of this restructuring plan, the Company accrued $206,000 for severance costs during fiscal 2005. During fiscal 2005, the Company increased the restructuring reserve by $1,124,000, primarily related to facility exit costs and medical benefits for employees providing service until their termination date. All payments for termination costs and facility exit costs were made by the end of fiscal 2006.

 

On May 5, 2004, a subsidiary of the Company announced a restructuring of its business and established a restructuring reserve related to its administrative office located in Minneapolis, Minnesota. This restructuring was undertaken in order to gain efficiencies within the business unit and was substantially completed by the first quarter of fiscal 2006. As part of this restructuring plan, the Company accrued $377,000 for termination costs and costs related to the restructuring of the administrative office. As of the end of fiscal 2005, the Company had communicated termination of employment to 33 employees. In fiscal 2005, the Company increased the restructuring reserve in the amount of $255,000 related to the ratable recognition of retention bonuses for employees providing service until their termination date. Additionally, during fiscal 2005, there was an increase in the restructuring reserve in the amount of $177,000 related to unutilized office space and of $398,000 related to other restructuring expenses. The Company increased the restructuring reserve by $37,000 during fiscal 2006 primarily related to the ratable recognition of retention bonuses for employees providing service until their termination. Final payments for termination costs of $4,000 were made in the first quarter of fiscal 2007.

 

(4)  TREASURY STOCK TRANSACTIONS

 

The Company’s Board of Directors previously authorized a buyback of the Company’s common stock at prices and pursuant to other terms and conditions that the Company’s officers may deem appropriate. Any such buy back is subject to compliance with regulatory requirements and relevant covenants of the Company’s credit facilities. As of March 31, 2007, the Company has 247,424 shares remaining available for repurchase under the Board’s authorization. The Company repurchased 9,800 shares for $323,000 in fiscal 2007, 218,100 shares for $7,167,000 in fiscal 2006, and 1,981,560 shares for $69,004,000 in fiscal 2005.

 

(5)  STOCK OPTION PLANS

 

Under the terms of the 2004 Equity Compensation Plan (“2004 Plan”), the Human Resources Committee (“Committee”) of the Board of Directors may grant incentive stock options, non-qualified stock options, restricted stock grants, stock appreciation rights, stock bonuses and other awards to officers and other employees. Grants under the 2004 Plan may be made through August 3, 2014. The term of each grant is at the discretion of the Committee, but in no event greater than ten years from the date of grant. The Committee has discretion to determine the date or dates on which granted options become exercisable. All options outstanding as of March 31, 2007 become exercisable at the rate of 25% per year commencing one year after the date of grant. At March 31, 2007, options to acquire 1,350,175 shares were available for grant under the 2004 Plan.

 

Under the terms of the CSS Industries, Inc. 2006 Stock Option Plan for Non-Employee Directors (“2006 Plan”), non-qualified stock options to purchase up to 200,000 shares of common stock are available for grant to non-employee directors at exercise prices of not less than the fair market value of the underlying common stock on the date of grant. Under the 2006 Plan, options to purchase 4,000 shares of the Company’s common stock are granted automatically to each non-employee director on the last day that the Company’s common stock is traded in November from 2006 to 2010. Each option will expire five years after the date the option is granted and commencing one year after the date of grant, options begin vesting and are excisable at the rate of 25% per year. At March 31, 2007, options to acquire 180,000 shares were available for grant under the 2006 Plan.

 

Prior to April 1, 2006, the Company accounted for its equity incentive plans under the recognition and measurement provisions of Accounting Principles Board (“APB”) Opinion No. 25, “Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees,” and related Interpretations, as permitted by SFAS No. 123, “Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation.” Effective April 1, 2006, the Company adopted the fair value recognition provisions of SFAS No. 123R, “Share-Based Payment,” using the modified prospective transition method. Under that transition method, stock

compensation cost recognized in fiscal 2007 includes: (a) compensation cost for all share-based payments granted prior to, but not vested as of April 1, 2006, based on the grant date fair value estimated in accordance with the original provisions of SFAS No. 123, (b) compensation cost for all share-based payments granted subsequent to April 1, 2006, based on the grant date fair value estimated in accordance with the provisions of SFAS No. 123R, and (c) compensation cost for all share-based payments modified, repurchased, or cancelled subsequent to April 1, 2006. Compensation cost is recognized on a straight-line basis over the vesting period during which employees perform related services. In accordance with the modified prospective transition method, the consolidated financial statements for fiscal 2006 and fiscal 2005 have not been restated to reflect the impact of SFAS No. 123R.

 

The Company issues treasury shares for stock option exercises. Prior to the adoption of SFAS No. 123R, the Company presented all tax benefits of deductions resulting from share-based payment arrangements as operating cash flows in the consolidated statements of cash flows. SFAS No. 123R requires that the cash flows resulting from the tax benefits from tax deductions in excess of the compensation cost recognized for those share awards (referred to as excess tax benefits) be classified as financing cash flows. The $1,822,000 excess tax benefit classified as a financing cash inflow for the year ended March 31, 2007 would have been classified as an operating cash inflow if the Company had not adopted SFAS No. 123R.

 

Compensation cost related to stock options recognized in operating results (included in selling, general and administrative expenses) was $2,825,000 and the associated future income tax benefit recognized was $666,000 in the year ended March 31, 2007. For the year ended March 31, 2007, basic and diluted income per share was $.20 lower than if the Company had continued to account for share-based compensation under APB Opinion No. 25.

 

The following table illustrates the effect on net income and net income per share if the Company had applied the fair value recognition provisions of SFAS No. 123 to options granted under the Company’s stock option plans for the years ended March 31, 2006 and 2005: