FOCUS
FORWARD
A N N U A L R E P O R T 2 0 1 8
Lifetime Brands is
a global designer,
developer, and marketer
of a broad range of
world-recognized
branded consumer
products used in
the home.
2
LIFETIME BRANDS, INC.
2018 ANNUAL REPORT
Dear fellow shareholders:
2018 was a year of change for both Lifetime Brands and
the consumer products industry as a whole. With the
acquisition of Filament Brands completed in March 2018,
we embraced this change as an opportunity to relaunch
Lifetime Brands and create a best-in-class company that
is well positioned to capitalize on the rapidly evolving
macroeconomic and industry landscape.
2018 - A Year of Transition
and Progress
In the ten months since we closed the acquisition,
we have made significant progress executing on our
strategic priorities. The achievements in 2018 have built
a strong foundation for growth, and we look forward to
executing on our business plan in 2019.
This past year was an important transition year for our
company, particularly with the integration of Filament
Brands. The acquisition created a substantially larger and
more diversified business and expanded our portfolio of
brands and products, while consolidating our distribution
platforms. We expect this will produce stronger free cash
flow and provide balance sheet flexibility in the future.
We are pleased to have implemented over $11 million of
annual cost savings – well beyond our original target of
$8 million – and we realized $3 million of these savings
in 2018. We look forward to realizing the full benefit of
these cost savings in 2019.
Lifetime embarked on two additional transformational
initiatives in 2018. We began a corporate-wide review
of our existing products and implemented an enhanced
process for new product development. This initiative
will enable growth opportunities as we focus on core
product categories where we can generate an attractive
return on the resources we utilize. Additionally, in the
fourth quarter of 2018, we restructured our e-commerce
activities to better focus on effectively growing our sales
and increasing product exposure and profitability in this
fast-growing channel. We are confident that these efforts
have effectively set the stage for profitable growth.
In 2018, we also established a new business model for
our international business. This included the complete
reorganization of our European operations to enhance
efficiencies and create a product portfolio that will be
unrivaled in the housewares business. We announced
these changes in the third quarter of 2018, and the
revised business model will be fully implemented by
the third quarter of 2019. As part of the new business
model, we combined eight standalone warehouses and
two separate business units into one operation based in
Birmingham, England. By consolidating our operations,
customers will be able to order all products from one
business and receive one invoice from one ship point.
The operation will be considerably more efficient and
will offer best-in-class service levels and scale for
competitive advantage.
Concurrent with the European reorganization, we are
also repositioning our international product offering.
To that end, we are eliminating from our portfolio several
product categories that had minimal or negative margin
contribution, and we are adding other product categories
that position us to win with our differentiated brands
and product offerings. This includes the elimination of
the large private label dining offering out of the UK and
the addition of several growth brands into our existing
markets, including Maxwell & Williams and London
Pottery (both added in early 2019). We also remain
focused on our recent marketing of the Mikasa brand
throughout Europe, which had a strong start last year.
Finally, in 2019 we will launch a dedicated international
sales effort that will enable Lifetime Brands to capitalize
on opportunities to sell our brands and products in many
countries where we previously sold through distributors.
By selling directly in our primary markets, we will
eliminate the substantial cost of country distributors
and make our products more competitive in those
local markets.
Today, Lifetime Brands has a leading portfolio of stable
brands with growth opportunities across multiple
channels. We have created a platform of unmatched
scale, which enables us to better maximize sales growth
and operational effectiveness and increase operating
LIFETIME BRANDS, INC.
2018 ANNUAL REPORT
3
cash flow and profit margin. Combined with a best-in-
class product innovation engine, we are well positioned
to strategically drive growth and expand market share
in core categories.
As I’ve outlined, we have made significant progress on our
transformation, and we are excited about the growth and
value creation opportunities ahead. This year, we will be
focused on executing on our strategic priorities to:
2019 - Building on Our
Momentum and Focusing
on Profitable Growth Initiatives
Looking ahead, we are focused on building on the
foundation we established in 2018 and launching several
growth initiatives in 2019. One such initiative is the
introduction of a greatly expanded commercial food
service line under the Mikasa Hospitality banner. The line
will comprise product categories in which we are already a
global leader for consumer offerings and will capitalize on
our existing footprint in commercial food service where we
are a leader in North America for smallwares. Among other
categories, this will include dinnerware, mugs, flatware,
and cutlery. Importantly, we will be able to supply all price
points in this end market.
A second major growth initiative for 2019 is positioning
the core lines of business for growth by pivoting our
business model from a sales and transactional focus to a
strategic product-and category-driven process. This will
allow us to make decisions that target sustainable growth
and profitability rather than reactively making decisions
that may have only short-term benefits. We are in the
process of institutionalizing a new product development
framework, which will be consistent throughout the
company. Combined with a strategic business framework,
we will create a roadmap for driving business decisions
for each product category. As a result, we will be better
positioned to invest in growth opportunities and reallocate
investment from peripheral activities. We plan to fully
implement both of these initiatives by the end of the year
and we expect them to begin yielding results within 2019.
• Capitalize on cost synergies implemented in 2018;
• Institute a process to optimize profitability and
growth opportunities;
• Continue to identify administrative cost
effectiveness opportunities;
• Increase investment in brand equity;
• Continue optimizing e-commerce market share and
growth across all channels;
• Generate growth in pure play e-commerce, omni
channel, and direct-to-consumer;
• Execute on and realize benefits of the EU reorganization;
• Roll out our international business strategy; and
• Roll out our expanded commercial food service strategy.
Thank you for your continued support of Lifetime Brands.
We are excited about our prospects for the year ahead
and we look forward to creating meaningful value for
our shareholders.
Sincerely,
Robert B. Kay
Chief Executive Officer
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LIFETIME BRANDS, INC.
2018 ANNUAL REPORT
LIFETIME BRANDS, INC.
2018 ANNUAL REPORT
5
Lifetime Brands –
Enriching Our
Customers’ Lives
Since 1945, our products have been staples
of better living. This legacy and continuous
innovation has resulted in Lifetime Brands being
the #1 supplier in the U.S. of many household
products, including Kitchen Tools and Gadgets,
Cutlery, Cutting Boards, Kitchen Scales, Bath
Scales, and Tea Kettles. We’re committed to
our customers. We’re in touch with their needs,
and we’re constantly working to innovate and
bring them the highest quality products to
better manage their households every day.
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LIFETIME BRANDS, INC.
2018 ANNUAL REPORT
We Understand
Brands
And we love creating new products in our brand lines that excite
retailers and consumers. From our classic Farberware and
KitchenAid gadgets, tools, and cutlery, to time-tested Taylor
scales, to brands that put clever spins on tools for living, like
Chef’n and Rabbit, we make domestic tasks easier—and fun.
We grace tabletops with elegance and style with our Mikasa
and Pfaltzgraff dinnerware, and flatware from Towle, Wallace,
and International. We’re constantly expanding our portfolio, and
sell our products in many international markets where we feature
our complete portfolio and some additional internationally focused
brands, including MasterCraft, KitchenCraft, and London Pottery.
LIFETIME BRANDS, INC.
2018 ANNUAL REPORT
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LIFETIME BRANDS, INC.
2018 ANNUAL REPORT
Listening. Adapting.
Evolving.
Lifetime pays attention to what our customers need. We understand
how they use our products, and we’re always looking for ways to
innovate and improve on them. In fact, we put out an astounding
4,000+ new products each year. We hold more than 1,000 design and
utility patents, and our award-winning global design and engineering
teams are on top of all the latest trends. Our Open Innovation
program connects us with thousands of independent inventors,
and gives us tons of new ideas to bring to life in the marketplace.
LIFETIME BRANDS, INC.
2018 ANNUAL REPORT
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LIFETIME BRANDS, INC.
2018 ANNUAL REPORT
Focused on
the Future
We’ve been serving up the best in housewares for nearly 75 years, and in
some ways, we’re just getting started. We’re constantly looking ahead for new
opportunities to expand our vision. This includes recently bringing Filament
Brands’ exciting brands into the fold. Lifetime’s legacy of innovation has propelled
us to the top of the housewares market; our Focus Forward vision will keep us
there, and in constantly expanding consumer and commercial categories.
LIFETIME BRANDS, INC.
2018 ANNUAL REPORT
11
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-K
☒ ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 or 15 (d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE
ACT OF 1934
☐ TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 or 15 (d) OF THE SECURITIES
EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the fiscal year ended: December 31, 2018
or
For the transition period from to
Commission file number: 0-19254
LIFETIME BRANDS, INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Delaware
(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization)
11-2682486
(I.R.S. Employer
Identification No.)
1000 Stewart Avenue, Garden City, New York 11530
(Address of principal executive offices, including Zip Code)
(516) 683-6000
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
Common Stock, $.01 par value
(Title of each class)
The NASDAQ Global Select Market
(Name of each exchange on which registered)
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 ☐ No ☒
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act. Yes ☐ No ☒
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 ☒ No ☐
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of
Regulation S-T (§ 232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit such
files). Yes ☒ No ☐
Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K (§ 229.405 of this chapter) 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. ☒
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting company, or an
emerging growth company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer”, “accelerated filer”, “smaller reporting company,” and “emerging growth company”
in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act:
Large accelerated filer
Non-accelerated filer
Accelerated filer
☒
Smaller reporting company ☒
Emerging growth company ☐
If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or
revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ☐
☐
☐
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act). Yes ☐ No ☒
The aggregate market value of 12,631,159 shares of the voting common equity held by non-affiliates of the registrant as of June 29, 2018, the last day of the
registrant’s most recently completed second fiscal quarter, was approximately $159,784,161. Directors, executive officers, and trusts controlled by said
individuals are considered affiliates for the purpose of this calculation and may not necessarily be considered affiliates for any other purpose.
The number of shares of common stock, par value $.01 per share, outstanding as of February 28, 2019 was 20,756,392.
Parts of the registrant’s definitive proxy statement for the 2019 Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be filed pursuant to Regulation 14A under the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934 are incorporated by reference in Part III of this Annual Report.
DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE
LIFETIME BRANDS, INC.
FORM 10-K
TABLE OF CONTENTS
PART I
Item 1.
Item 1A.
Item 1B.
Item 2.
Item 3.
Item 4.
Business
Risk Factors
Unresolved Staff Comments
Properties
Legal Proceedings
Mine Safety Disclosures
PART II
Item 5.
Item 6.
Item 7.
Item 7A.
Item 8.
Item 9.
Item 9A.
Item 9B.
PART III
Market For Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity
Securities
Selected Financial Data
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
Financial Statements and Supplementary Data
Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure
Controls and Procedures
Other Information
Item 10.
Item 11.
Item 12.
Item 13.
Item 14.
Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance
Executive Compensation
Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters
Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence
Principal Accounting Fees and Services
PART IV
Item 15.
Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules
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22
22
23
23
23
25
26
45
46
47
47
49
49
49
49
49
49
49
1
DISCLOSURE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
This Annual Report on Form 10-K of Lifetime Brands, Inc. (the “Company” and, unless the context otherwise requires, references to
the “Company” shall include its consolidated subsidiaries) contains “forward-looking statements” as defined by the Private Securities
Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements include information concerning the Company’s and its subsidiaries’
plans, objectives, goals, strategies, future events, future revenues, performance, capital expenditures, financing needs and other
information that is not historical information. Many of these statements appear, in particular, under the headings Business and
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations included in Item 1 of Part I and Item 7 of
Part II, respectively. When used in this Annual Report on Form 10-K, the words “estimates,” “expects,” “anticipates,” “projects,”
“plans,” “intends,” “believes,” “may,” “should,” “seeks,” “will,” “potential” and variations of such words or similar expressions are
intended to identify forward-looking statements. All forward-looking statements, including, without limitation, the Company’s
assessment of historical operating trends and the application of that assessment with regards to future periods, are based upon the
Company’s current expectations and various assumptions. The Company believes there is a reasonable basis for its expectations and
assumptions, but there can be no assurance that the Company will realize its expectations or that the Company’s assumptions will
prove correct.
There are a number of risks and uncertainties that could cause the Company’s actual results to differ materially from the forward-
looking statements contained in this Annual Report. Important factors that could cause the Company’s actual results to differ
materially from those expressed as forward-looking statements are set forth in this Annual Report, including the risk factors discussed
in Part I, Item 1A under the heading Risk Factors.
Except as may be required by law, the Company undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise forward-looking statements
which may be made to reflect events or circumstances after the date made or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events.
WHERE YOU CAN FIND OTHER INFORMATION
The Company is required to file its Annual Reports on Forms 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Forms 10-Q, Current Reports on Form 8-K,
and other reports and documents as required from time to time with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (the
“SEC”). The Company also maintains a website at http://www.lifetimebrands.com. Information contained on this website is not a part
of or incorporated by reference into this Annual Report. The Company makes available on its website the Company’s Annual Report
on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, Current Reports on Form 8-K and amendments to these reports as soon as
reasonably practicable after these reports are filed with or furnished to the SEC. Users can access these reports free of charge on the
Company’s website. The SEC also maintains an Internet site that contains reports, proxy and information statements, and other
information regarding the Company’s electronic filings with the SEC at http://www.sec.gov.
2
PART I
Item 1. Business
OVERVIEW
The Company designs, sources and sells branded kitchenware, tableware and other products used in the home and markets its products
under a number of widely-recognized brand names and trademarks, which are either owned or licensed by the Company or through
retailers’ private labels and their licensed brands. The Company’s products, which are targeted primarily towards consumers
purchasing moderately priced kitchenware, tableware and housewares, are sold through virtually every major level of trade. The
Company generally markets several lines within each of its product categories under more than one brand. The Company sells its
products directly to retailers (who may resell the Company’s products through their Internet websites) and, to a lesser extent, to
distributors. The Company also sells a limited selection of its products directly to consumers through its own Internet websites.
The Company’s product categories include two categories of products used to prepare, serve and consume foods, Kitchenware
(kitchen tools and gadgets, cutlery, kitchen scales, thermometers, cutting boards, shears, cookware, pantryware, spice racks and
bakeware) and Tableware (dinnerware, stemware, flatware and giftware); and one category, Home Solutions, which comprises other
products used in the home (thermal beverageware, bath scales, weather and outdoor household products, food storage, neoprene travel
products and home décor).
The Company continually evaluates opportunities to expand the reach of its brands and to invest in other companies, both foreign and
domestic, that own or license complementary brands. In 2018, the Company made significant progress in this initiative and in March
2018, pursuant to a merger agreement, the Company completed the acquisition of Taylor Holdco LLC and its subsidiaries (dba
Filament Brands, and which the Company refers to as “Filament”). Filament primarily designs, markets and distributes consumer and
food service precision measurement products (including kitchen scales, thermometers and timers), bath scales, wine accessories,
kitchen tools, and hydration products, and select outdoor products to major retailers in the United States, Canada and select
distributors throughout Europe and Asia. Filament distributes products under the Taylor, Salter, Springfield, HoMedics, Rabbit,
Houdini, Metrokane, Mako, EatSmart, TravelWise, Chef’n, Vibe, d.stil, RBT and private label brand names. Pursuant to the
acquisition of Filament, the Company issued approximately 27% of its then-outstanding shares to Taylor Parent, LLC (“Taylor
Parent”), and entered into a stockholders agreement (the “Stockholders Agreement”) with Taylor Parent, pursuant to which Taylor
Parent has the right to: (i) designate up to two persons for nomination for election or appointment to the Company’s Board of
Directors, for so long as Taylor Parent beneficially owns at least 20% of the outstanding common stock of the Company on a fully
diluted basis and (ii) designate one person for nomination for election or appointment to the Company’s Board of Directors, for so
long as Taylor Parent beneficially owns more than 10% of the outstanding common stock of the Company on a fully diluted basis. The
other rights granted to Taylor Parent under the Stockholders Agreement are discussed in greater detail under Item 1A, “Risk Factors”,
below.
The Company has a presence in international markets through subsidiaries and affiliate companies that are based outside of the United
States. Lifetime Brands Europe Limited is a wholly-owned subsidiary trading as Kitchen Craft. Kitchen Craft is a leading supplier of
kitchenware and tableware products and accessories in the United Kingdom (“U.K.”) and in over 80 other countries. The Company
has been working to consolidate the operations of Lifetime Brands Europe Limited to create operational efficiencies and expects this
to be completed in 2019. Beginning in 2019, Lifetime Brands Europe Limited’s brand development and design teams, as well as
distribution and administrative teams, will be combined and operated out of one state of the art facility. This restructuring is expected
to drive new product development while meeting consumer needs.
The Company also has a subsidiary in the People’s Republic of China (“China”) to supply kitchenware and tableware products to the
Chinese market and a subsidiary based in Hong Kong to facilitate the sale of its products to other parts of Asia and smaller markets
elsewhere in the world. The Company has a presence in Mexico and other parts of Latin America (excluding Brazil) through its 30%
equity interest in Grupo Vasconia, S.A.B. (“Vasconia”), a housewares company and aluminum manufacturer based in Mexico, and a
strategic alliance with a Canadian company to distribute many of the Company’s products in Canada.
The Company is a Delaware corporation, incorporated on December 22, 1983.
3
The Company’s top brands and their respective product categories as of December 31, 2018 are:
Brand
Licensed/Owned
Farberware® ................. Licensed (1)
Mikasa® ....................... Owned
Taylor® ........................ Owned
KitchenAid® ................. Licensed
KitchenCraft® .............. Owned
Pfaltzgraff® .................. Owned
BUILT NY® ................. Owned
Rabbit® ........................ Owned
Kamenstein® ................ Owned
MasterClass® ............... Owned
Product Category
Kitchenware
Tableware and Home Solutions
Kitchenware and Home Solutions
Kitchenware
Kitchenware
Kitchenware, Tableware and Home Solutions
Home Solutions
Kitchenware
Kitchenware
Kitchenware
(1) The Company has a royalty free license to utilize the Farberware® brand, primarily for its kitchenware products, for a term that
expires in 2195, subject to earlier termination under certain circumstances.
With the exception of the Company’s sterling silver products, the Company sources almost all of its products from suppliers located
outside the United States, primarily in China. The Company manufactures its sterling silver products at a leased facility in San
Germán, Puerto Rico and fills canisters with spices and assembles spice racks at its owned Winchendon, Massachusetts distribution
facility.
BUSINESS SEGMENTS
The Company has two reportable operating segments, U.S. and International. The U.S. segment includes the domestic operations of
the Company’s business that design, market and distribute its products to retailers, distributors and directly to consumers through retail
websites. Business operations conducted outside the U.S. are included in the International segment. Prior to December 31, 2018, the
U.S. segment was reported as two separate reportable segments, Wholesale and Retail Direct. The Company realigned its operating
segments to reflect the changes in how the Company manages its business, reviews operating performance and allocates resources.
The prior period segment information has been recast to reflect the current reportable segment structure of the Company.
Additional information regarding the Company’s reportable segments is included in Note L- Business Segments of the Notes to the
consolidated financial statements included in Item 15.
CUSTOMERS
The Company’s wholesale customers include mass merchants, specialty stores, national chains, department stores, warehouse clubs,
supermarkets, off-price retailers, food service distributors, home and garden centers, pharmacies, food and beverage outlets and
Internet retailers.
The Company’s products are sold globally to a diverse customer base including mass merchants (such as Walmart and Target),
specialty stores (such as Bed Bath & Beyond and Dunelm), national chains (such as Williams Sonoma, Sur La Table and Kohl’s),
department stores (such as Macy’s, Belk and John Lewis), warehouse clubs (such as Costco, Sam’s Club and BJs), supermarkets (such
as Publix, Kroger, HEB, Meijer, Winn-Dixie, Tesco, Waitrose and Sainsbury’s), off-price retailers (such as TJX Companies, Ross
Stores and Big Lots), food service distributors (such as US Foods, Clark Food Service and Jetro), home and garden centers (such as
TrueValue, ACE Hardware Stores and Wyevale), pharmacies (such as Walgreens), food and beverage outlets (such as Starbucks) and
Internet retailers (such as Amazon). The Company also does business with independent retailers, including through business-to-
business Internet sites aimed at independent retailers.
The Company also operates its own consumer Internet sites that provide information about the Company’s products and offer
consumers the opportunity to purchase a limited selection of the Company’s products directly.
During the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016, Wal-Mart Stores, Inc., including Sam’s Club and Asda Superstore,
(“Walmart”), accounted for 14%, 15%, and 16% of consolidated net sales, respectively. During the year ended December 31, 2016,
Costco Wholesale Corporation, (“Costco”), accounted for 10% of consolidated net sales. No other customer accounted for 10% or
more of the Company’s net sales during these periods.
4
DISTRIBUTION
The Company sells its products directly to retailers and, to a lesser extent, to distributors. The Company also sells a limited quantity of
the Company’s products to individual consumers and smaller retailers through its own Internet sites. The Company operates
distribution centers at the following locations:
Location
Rialto, California ...........................................................................................
Robbinsville, New Jersey ..............................................................................
Birmingham, England (1) ................................................................................
Winchendon, Massachusetts ..........................................................................
Corby, England (1) ..........................................................................................
Las Cruces, New Mexico ...............................................................................
Medford, Massachusetts ................................................................................
Size
(square feet)
703,000
700,000
183,000
175,000
143,000
24,000
5,590
(1)
In 2019, the Company will consolidate its Birmingham, England and Corby, England distribution centers. The Company’s
International segment will be operated out of one distribution center in Aston, England, which will be approximately 228,000
square feet.
SALES AND MARKETING
The Company’s sales and marketing staff coordinates directly with its wholesale customers to devise marketing strategies and
merchandising concepts and to furnish advice on advertising and product promotion. The Company has developed many promotional
programs for use in the ordinary course of business to promote sales throughout the year.
The Company’s sales and marketing efforts are supported from its principal offices and showroom in Garden City, New York, as well
as showrooms in New York, New York; Medford, Massachusetts; Atlanta, Georgia; Bentonville, Arkansas; Issaquah, Washington;
Pawtucket, Rhode Island; Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin; Birmingham, England; Corby, England and Hong Kong.
The Company generally collaborates with its largest wholesale customers and in many instances produces specific versions of the
Company’s product lines with exclusive designs and/or packaging for their stores.
DESIGN AND INNOVATION
At the heart of the Company is a culture of innovation and new product development. The Company’s global in-house design and
development teams currently consist of approximately 110 professional designers, artists and engineers. Utilizing the latest available
design tools, technology and materials, these teams create new products, redesign existing products and create packaging and
merchandising concepts.
SOURCES OF SUPPLY
The Company sources its products from hundreds of suppliers, almost all of which are located outside the United States (other than the
suppliers for the Company’s sterling silver products). Most of the Company’s suppliers are located in China. The Company also
sources products from suppliers in Hong Kong, Vietnam, the United States, Taiwan, India, Slovakia, Malaysia, the U.K., Indonesia,
Czech Republic, Thailand, American Samoa, Mexico, Portugal, Japan, Italy, France, Poland, South Korea, Slovenia, Canada, Sweden,
Turkey, Netherlands, Australia, Denmark, Israel, Belgium, Germany and the Philippines. The Company orders products substantially
in advance of the anticipated time of their sale by the Company. The Company does not have any formal long-term arrangements with
any of its suppliers and its arrangements with most manufacturers allow for flexibility in modifying the quantity, composition and
delivery dates of orders.
MANUFACTURING
The Company manufactures its sterling silver products at its leased manufacturing facility in San Germán, Puerto Rico and fills jars
and other containers with spices and assembles spice racks at the Company’s owned Winchendon, Massachusetts distribution facility.
The Company contracts with third parties to manufacture all of its other products.
5
COMPETITION
The markets for kitchenware, tableware and other products used in the home including home décor products are highly competitive
and include numerous domestic and foreign competitors, some of which are larger than the Company. The primary competitive factors
in selling such products are innovative products, brand, quality, aesthetic appeal to consumers, packaging, breadth of product line,
distribution capability and selling price.
PATENTS AND LICENSES
The Company owns approximately 750 design and utility patents. The Company does not believe that the expiration of any of its
patents would have a material adverse effect on either of the Company’s segments.
The Company holds certain rights to use the Farberware brand for kitchen tools and gadgets, cutlery, cutting boards, shears and certain
other products which together represent a material portion of its sales, through a fully-paid, royalty-free license for a term that expires
in 2195, subject to earlier termination under certain circumstances. The Company also holds a license to use the KitchenAid brand
subject to a license agreement that will expire in December 2021. The Company originally entered into a licensing arrangement for
use of the KitchenAid brand in 2000, and has renewed the license, typically for three-year periods, since that time.
BACKLOG
Backlog is not material to the Company’s business, because actual confirmed orders from the Company’s customers are typically
received within close proximity to the required shipment dates.
EMPLOYEES
At December 31, 2018, the Company had a total of approximately 1,500 full-time employees, of whom 200 were located in Asia, 300
were located in Europe and 1,000 were located in the United States. The Company also hires seasonal workers at its distribution
centers through temporary staffing agencies. None of the Company’s employees are represented by a labor union or subject to
collective bargaining agreements, except as required by local law.
REGULATORY MATTERS
The Company and its affiliates are subject to significant regulation by various governmental, regulatory and other administrative
authorities.
As a manufacturer and distributor of consumer products, the Company is subject to the Consumer Products Safety Act in the United
States and the Consumer Protection Act in the U.K. Additionally, laws regulating certain consumer products exist in some cities and
states, as well as in other countries in which the Company or its subsidiaries and affiliates sell products.
The Company’s spice filling operation is regulated by the Food and Drug Administration.
The Company’s operations also are subject to national, state and local environmental and health and safety laws and regulations,
including those that impose workplace standards and regulate the discharge of pollutants into the environment and establish standards
for the handling, generation, emission, release, discharge, treatment, storage and disposal of materials and substances including solid
and hazardous wastes.
The Company is subject to risks and uncertainties associated with economic and political conditions around the world, including but
not limited to, foreign government regulations, taxes including value-added taxes, import and export duties/tariffs and quotas, anti-
dumping regulations, incidents and fears involving security, terrorism and wars, political unrest and other restrictions on trade and
travel.
SEASONALITY
The Company’s business and working capital needs are highly seasonal, with a majority of sales occurring in the third and fourth
quarters. In 2018, net sales in the third and fourth quarters accounted for 62% of total annual net sales. In anticipation of the pre-
holiday shipping season, inventory levels increase primarily in the June through October time period.
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GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION
Geographic information concerning the Company’s revenues and long-lived assets is contained in Note B- Revenue and Note L-
Business Segments of the Notes to the consolidated financial statements included in Item 15 of this Annual Report.
RESTRUCTURING
In connection with the Company’s March 2018 acquisition of Filament, the Company commenced a restructuring plan to integrate the
operations of Filament with the Company’s operations and realize the savings expected from the synergies of the acquisition. During
the year ended December 31, 2018 the Company incurred $2.1 million of Filament restructuring charges, primarily related to
severance, of which $1.4 million is accrued at December 31, 2018.
During the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017, the Company incurred $0.2 million and $1.0 million, respectively, of
restructuring expense, primarily related to severance, for the integration of its legal entities operating in Europe. In 2018, the Company
finalized its integration plans for its European operations and took further steps to consolidate its operations. The Company will
combine its physical locations in the U.K. in 2019 and expects to incur approximately $1.5 million of restructuring and integration
charges in 2019. At December 31, 2018, $0.2 million of restructuring charges related to the European restructuring plan were accrued.
During the year ended December 31, 2016 the Company recorded $2.4 million of restructuring expense related to its review of the
U.S. segment, which included the realignment of product categories and implementation of cost reduction initiatives.
Item 1A. Risk Factors
The Company’s businesses, operations, liquidity and financial condition are subject to various risks. The Company’s business,
financial condition or results of operation could be significantly affected by the risks below or additional risks not presently known to
the Company or by risks that the Company presently deems immaterial, such as changes in the economy, disruptions due to terrorist
activity or manmade or natural disasters, or changes in law or accounting standards. The risks and uncertainties described below are
those that the Company considers material.
Economic and political risks
The Company’s business may be materially adversely affected by market conditions and by global and economic conditions and
other factors beyond its control.
The Company’s performance is affected by general economic factors, the strength of retail economies and political conditions that are
beyond its control. Retail economies are impacted by factors such as consumer demand and the condition of the retail industry, which
in turn, are affected by general economic factors. These general economic factors include, among other factors:
•
•
•
•
recession, inflation, deflation, unemployment and other factors adversely affecting consumer spending patterns generally;
conditions affecting the retail environment for the home and other matters that influence consumer spending in the home
retail industry specifically;
conditions affecting the housing markets;
consumer credit availability and consumer debt levels;
• material input costs, including fuel and energy costs and labor cost inflation;
•
•
•
•
•
•
foreign currency translation;
interest rates and the ability to hedge interest rate risks;
government policies including tax policies relating to value-added taxes, import and export duties and quotas,
antidumping regulations and related tariffs, import and export controls and social compliance standards;
the impact of natural disasters, conflicts and terrorist activities;
unfavorable economic conditions in the United States, the U.K., continental Europe, Asia and elsewhere; and
unstable economic and political conditions, lack of legal regulation enforcement, civil unrest and political activism,
particularly in Asia.
The occurrence of negative events related to any of the foregoing may adversely impact the Company’s results of operations and
financial condition.
7
The Company’s U.K. operations and sales may be materially adversely affected by the exit of the U.K. from the European Union.
The referendum held in the U.K. on June 23, 2016 resulted in a determination that the U.K. should exit the European Union. Such an
exit from the European Union would be unprecedented and it is unclear what impact this would have on the U.K.’s access to the EU
Single Market and on the legal and regulatory environment in which the Company operates, as well as its effect on the global
macroeconomic environment. Net sales attributable to U.K. domiciled businesses were $92.6 million for the year ended December 31,
2018, and represent approximately 13% of the Company’s consolidated net sales for the period.
Significant uncertainty remains regarding the U.K.’s exit from the European Union. The uncertainty surrounding the terms of the
U.K.’s exit and its consequences could adversely impact the U.K. economy, customers and investor confidence. Such uncertainty may
contribute to additional market volatility, including volatility in the value of the U.K. pound and European euro, and may adversely
affect the Company’s businesses, results of operations, and financial condition.
The Company’s business may be materially adversely affected by the imposition of tariffs and other trade policies implemented by
the U.S. and other governments.
Recently, the U.S. government has announced and, in some cases, implemented additional tariffs on certain foreign goods, including
finished products and raw materials such as steel and aluminum. These tariffs and potential tariffs have resulted or may result in
increased prices for these imported goods and materials and may limit the amount of these goods and materials that may be imported
into the U.S.
A majority of the Company’s products are sourced from vendors in China, and in 2018 tariffs were imposed by the United States
Trade Representative on certain finished products imported by the Company into the U.S. from China. The tariffs have been
implemented in multiple phases, with effective dates of July and August 2018, for a 25% tariff on certain products, and with an
effective date of September 2018 for a 10% tariff on certain other products, which may increase to 25%. In response to the tariffs, the
Company may seek to increase prices to its customers, which may diminish demand for its products. Additionally, if the Company is
unable to increase prices, this may result in the lowering of the gross margin that the Company realizes from the sale of its products.
The results of either eventuality could adversely affect the Company’s results of operations and financial condition. Moreover, the
imposition of further policies restrictive on trade by the U.S. government, or the imposition of retaliatory policies or tariffs by other
governments, may adversely affect the Company’s results of operations and financial condition.
Liquidity and financial risks
The Company has substantial indebtedness and the highly seasonal nature of the Company’s business impacts its borrowing
needs.
The Company has a substantial amount of indebtedness and is dependent on the availability of its bank loan facilities to finance its
liquidity needs. As of December 31, 2018, the Company had $315.0 million of consolidated debt, including $42.1 million under its
senior secured asset-based revolving credit facility (the “ABL Agreement”) and $272.9 million outstanding under a senior secured
term loan credit facility (the “Term Loan” and, collectively with the ABL Agreement, the “Debt Agreements”). The ABL Agreement
provides for, among other things, a maximum aggregate principal amount of $150.0 million and will mature on March 2, 2023. The
Term Loan will be repaid in quarterly payments of principal equal to 0.25% of the original aggregate principal amount of the Term
Loan, which payments commenced June 30, 2018. At December 31, 2018, borrowings under the Debt Agreements represented
approximately 44.5% of total capital (indebtedness plus stockholders’ equity). The maximum borrowing amount under the ABL
Agreement may be increased to up to $200.0 million if certain conditions are met. One or more tranches of additional term loans (the
“Incremental Facilities”) may be added under the Term Loan if certain conditions are met. The Incremental Facilities may not exceed
the sum of (i) $50.0 million plus (ii) an unlimited amount so long as, in the case of (ii) only, the Company’s secured net leverage ratio,
as defined in the Term Loan, is no greater than 3.75 to 1.00 subject to certain limitations and for the period defined.
The Company utilized the proceeds of borrowings under the Debt Agreements (i) to repay in full all existing indebtedness for
borrowed money under its former credit agreement and (ii) to finance, in part, the acquisition of Filament, the refinancing of certain
indebtedness of Filament and its subsidiaries, and the payment of fees and expenses in connection with the foregoing. The Company
may be unable to generate cash sufficient to pay when due the principal of, interest on, or other amounts due with respect to, its
indebtedness. In addition, the Company’s business is seasonal with a significant amount of its revenue realized during the latter
portion of the year. Therefore, the Company’s borrowing needs fluctuate widely based upon its seasonal working capital requirements.
8
The Company’s leverage and the effects of seasonal fluctuations in its cash flow, borrowing requirements and ability to borrow could
have significant negative consequences on the Company’s financial condition and results of operations, including:
•
•
•
impairing the Company’s ability to meet the financial covenants, if and when applicable, contained in the ABL
Agreement or to generate cash sufficient to pay interest or principal due under its Debt Agreements, which could result in
an acceleration of some or all of the Company’s outstanding debt;
limiting the Company’s ability to borrow money, dispose of assets or sell equity to fund the Company’s working capital,
capital expenditures, dividend payments, debt service, strategic initiatives or for other obligations or purposes;
limiting the Company’s flexibility in planning for, or reacting to, changes in the economy, the markets, regulatory
requirements, its operations or business;
• making the Company more highly leveraged than some of its competitors, which may place the Company at a competitive
disadvantage;
• making the Company more vulnerable to downturns in the economy or its business;
•
requiring a substantial portion of the Company’s cash flow from operations to make interest payments;
• making it more difficult for the Company to satisfy other obligations;
•
•
risking credit rating downgrades of the Company, which could increase future debt costs and limit the future availability
of debt financing; and
preventing the Company from borrowing additional funds as needed or taking advantage of business opportunities as they
arise, pay cash dividends or repurchase common stock.
To the extent the Company incurs additional indebtedness, the risks described above could increase. In addition, the Company’s actual
cash requirements in the future may be greater than expected. The Company’s cash flow from operations may not be sufficient to
service its outstanding debt or to repay the outstanding debt as it becomes due, and the Company may not be able to borrow money,
sell assets or otherwise raise funds on acceptable terms, or at all, to service or refinance its debt.
The Company’s failure to meet certain covenants or comply with other requirements of its Debt Agreements may materially and
adversely affect the Company’s assets, financial position and cash flows.
The ABL Agreement, under certain circumstances, requires the Company to maintain a certain fixed charge coverage ratio. As a result
of this and other covenants within the Debt Agreements, the Company may be limited in its ability to incur additional debt, make
investments or undertake certain other business activities. These requirements could limit the Company’s ability to obtain future
financing and may prevent the Company from taking advantage of attractive business opportunities. The Company’s ability to meet
the covenants or requirements in its Debt Agreements may be affected by events beyond the Company’s control, and the Company
may not be able to satisfy such covenants and requirements. A breach of these covenants or the Company’s inability to comply with
the restrictions could result in an event of default under the Debt Agreements, which in turn could result in an event of default under
the terms of the Company’s other indebtedness. Upon the occurrence of an event of default under the Company’s Debt Agreements,
after the expiration of any grace periods, the Company’s lenders could elect to declare all amounts outstanding under the Company’s
debt arrangements, together with accrued interest, to be immediately due and payable. If this happens, the Company cannot assure that
its assets would be sufficient to repay in full the amounts due under the Debt Agreements or the Company’s other indebtedness.
The Company’s borrowings, and discount rate applied to sale of receivables, are subject to interest rate fluctuations and an
increase in interest rates could adversely affect the Company’s financial results.
The Company’s borrowings bear interest at floating rates. An increase in interest rates would adversely affect the Company’s
profitability. To the extent that the Company’s access to credit may be restricted because of its own performance, its bank lenders’
performances or conditions in the capital markets generally, the Company would not be able to operate normally.
The Company’s Receivables Purchase Agreement also depends upon LIBOR, as it is a component of the discount rate applicable to
the agreement. If LIBOR increases, the Company may not be able to rely on the Receivables Purchase Agreement, which could have a
material and adverse effect upon the Company’s financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.
The Company’s inability to complete future acquisitions or strategic alliances and/or integrate acquired businesses could have a
material adverse effect on the Company’s business and results of operations.
The Company has historically achieved growth through acquisitions, investments and joint ventures. The Company seeks acquisition
opportunities that complement and expand its operations, some of which are based outside the United States. The Company may not
9
be able to identify and successfully negotiate suitable acquisitions, obtain financing for future acquisitions on satisfactory terms,
obtain regulatory approval or otherwise complete acquisitions in the future.
Additionally, the Company may not be able to successfully integrate the business of Filament or future acquired businesses into its
existing business without substantial costs, delays or other operational or financial difficulties. Potential difficulties the Company may
encounter as part of the integration process include the following:
•
•
•
•
•
the potential inability to successfully combine businesses in a manner that permits the Company to achieve the cost
synergies expected to be achieved as a result of the consummation of the acquisition and other benefits anticipated to
result from the acquisition;
the potential inability to integrate acquired companies’ products and services;
challenges leveraging the customer information and technology of the two companies;
challenges effectuating the Company’s diversification strategy, including challenges achieving revenue growth from sales
of each company’s products and services to the clients and customers of the other company;
complexities associated with managing the combined businesses, including difficulty addressing possible differences in
corporate cultures and management philosophies and the challenge of integrating complex systems, technology, networks,
and other assets of each of the companies in a seamless manner that minimizes any adverse impact on customers, clients,
employees, lenders, and other constituencies; and
•
potential unknown liabilities and unforeseen increased expenses or delays associated with the acquisition.
It is possible that the integration process could result in diversion of the attention of each company’s management, which could
adversely affect each company’s ability to maintain relationships with customers, clients, employees, and other constituencies or the
Company’s ability to achieve the anticipated benefits of the acquisition, or could reduce each company’s operating results or
otherwise adversely affect the Company’s business and financial results.
Foreign exchange variability and currency controls could materially adversely affect the Company’s operating results and
financial condition.
The Company’s functional currency is the U.S. dollar. Changes in the relation of foreign currencies to the U.S. dollar will affect the
Company’s sales and profitability and can result in exchange losses because the Company has operations and assets located outside
the United States. The Company, especially its foreign subsidiaries and affiliates, transacts business in currencies other than the U.S.
dollar, primarily U.K. pounds, and to a lesser degree, Chinese renminbi, Euros, Hong Kong dollars, Mexican peso and Canadian
dollars. Such transactions affect the Company’s operating results and financial condition. Foreign operations expose the Company to
foreign currency fluctuations, for both transactions and financial reporting translation purposes. In the consolidated financial
statements, local currency financial results are translated into U.S. dollars based on the exchange rates prevailing during the reporting
periods. During times of a strengthening U.S. dollar, the reported revenues and earnings of the Company’s international operations
will be reduced because the local currencies will translate into fewer U.S. dollars. As described below, during times of a weakening
U.S. dollar, the Company’s costs related to the supplies and inventory it sources internationally will increase.
The vast majority of the Company’s inventory is purchased from Chinese suppliers in U.S. dollars, including inventory purchased by
the Company’s international operations. As a result, the gross margin from international operations is subject to volatility from
movements in exchange rates, which could have an adverse effect on the financial condition and results of operations and profitability
from international operations. The Company has entered into foreign exchange derivative contracts to hedge the volatility of exchange
rates related to a portion of its international inventory purchases. The Company cannot ensure, however, that these hedges will fully
offset the impact of foreign currency rate movements. If the Chinese renminbi should appreciate against the U.S. dollar, the costs of
the Company’s products will likely rise over time because of the impact the strengthening renminbi will have on the Company’s cost
of sales, and the Company may not be able to pass on these price increases to its customers. The Company is also subject to the risks
of currency controls and devaluations. Currency controls may limit the Company’s ability to convert currencies into U.S. dollars or
other currencies, as needed, to pay dividends or make other payments from funds held by subsidiaries in countries imposing such
controls, which could adversely affect the Company’s liquidity.
If the Company expands its international operations, it will be subject to increased foreign exchange variability which could have a
material adverse effect on the Company’s results of operations.
10
The Company’s business requires it to maintain large fixed costs that can affect its profitability.
The Company’s business requires it to maintain large distribution facilities in its key markets, which represent high fixed rental costs
relating to its leased facilities. In addition, significant portions of the Company’s selling, general and administrative expenses,
including leased showrooms, are fixed, as they neither increase nor decrease proportionally with sales. Furthermore, the Company’s
gross margins depend, in part, on its ability to spread sourcing costs, of which a significant portion are fixed, over its products sold.
Decreased demand or the need to reduce inventories can lower the Company’s ability to absorb certain sourcing costs and adversely
affect its results of operations. This is exacerbated by the high degree of seasonality impacting the Company, which results in lower
demand during the first two quarters of the year, while many of the operating costs remain fixed, which further affects profitability.
Cost reduction efforts may not be successful and restructuring benefits may not be realized.
In order to operate more efficiently and control costs, the Company may announce restructuring plans from time to time, including
workforce reductions, global facility consolidations and other cost reduction initiatives that are intended to generate operating expense
savings. The implementation of restructuring plans could be disruptive to the Company’s operations, result in higher than anticipated
charges and otherwise adversely affect the Company’s results of operations and financial condition. In addition, the Company’s ability
to complete restructuring plans and achieve the anticipated benefits from a plan is subject to estimates and assumptions and may vary
materially from the Company’s expectations, including as a result of factors that are beyond the Company’s control. Furthermore,
following completion of a restructuring plan, the business may not be more efficient or effective than prior to implementation of the
plan.
If the Company’s goodwill or other long-term assets become impaired, the Company will be required to record impairment
charges, which may be significant.
A portion of the Company’s long-term assets consists of goodwill recorded as a result of the Company’s acquisitions; other
identifiable intangible assets, including trade names; and fixed assets. At December 31, 2018, goodwill, net of impairment totaled
$91.7 million. The Company does not amortize goodwill but rather reviews it for impairment on an annual basis or more frequently
when events or changes in circumstances indicate that its carrying value may not be recoverable. If the carrying value of a reporting
unit exceeds its current fair value as determined based on the discounted future cash flows of the reporting unit or comparable market
sales and earnings multiples, the goodwill or intangible asset is considered impaired and is reduced to fair value. Events and
conditions that could result in impairment include a prolonged period of global economic weakness, a decline in economic conditions
and/or a slow, weak economic recovery, as well as sustained declines in the price of the Company’s common stock, adverse changes
in the regulatory environment, adverse changes in the market share of the Company’s products, adverse changes in interest rates,
further corporate income tax reforms or other factors leading to reductions in the long-term sales or profitability that the Company
expects. Determination of the fair value of a reporting unit includes developing estimates which are highly subjective and incorporate
calculations that are sensitive to minor changes in underlying assumptions. Management’s assumptions change as more information
becomes available. Changes in these assumptions could result in an impairment charge in the future, which could have a significant
adverse impact on the Company’s reported earnings. If future operating performance of one or more of the Company’s operating
segments does not meet expectations, the Company may be required to record a significant charge during the period in which any
impairment of the Company’s goodwill or other long-term assets is determined.
In 2018, the Company’s European tableware business experienced a decline in operating performance and management reduced its
expectations for future cash flows. The Company performed an interim impairment assessment in the third quarter of 2018, which
resulted in a $2.2 million non-cash goodwill impairment charge. Events and circumstances indicated that $22.9 million of assets of the
European tableware reporting unit might be impaired; however, the Company’s estimate of undiscounted cash flows indicated that
such carrying amounts were expected to be recovered. Nonetheless, it is reasonably possible that the estimate of undiscounted cash
flows may change in the near term resulting in the need to write down those assets to fair value.
As of October 1, 2018, the excess of fair value of the European kitchenware reporting unit, which carries goodwill of $10.0 million,
was approximately 7% over its carrying value. Management’s projections used to estimate the cash flows include increasing net sales
and operational improvements expected as a result of the consolidation of locations in the U.K. As a result of the European
restructuring plan, the European kitchenware and tableware reporting units were combined into one reporting unit as of January 1,
2019. Changes in any of the significant assumptions, including the identified restructuring activities, used in the valuation of the
reporting unit could materially affect the expected cash flows, and such impacts could potentially result in a material non-cash
impairment charge.
As of October 1, 2018, the fair value of the U.S. reporting unit, which carries goodwill of approximately $81.6 million was
approximately 9% over its carrying value. Management’s projections used to estimate fair value included increasing net sales and the
realizations of the savings expected from the Company’s acquisition of Filament. Changes in any of the significant assumptions used
11
in the valuation of the reporting unit could materially affect the expected cash flows, and such impacts could potentially result in a
material non-cash impairment charge.
The Company’s acquisition of Filament was accounted for as a business combination using the acquisition method of accounting in
accordance with Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) Topic 805, which
established a new basis of accounting for all identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed at fair value as of March 2, 2018. The
long-term assets acquired consist of goodwill and other identifiable intangible assets, including trade names. If the future operating
performance of Filament does not meet expectations, the Company may be required to record a significant charge during the period in
which any impairment of the Company’s goodwill or other long-term assets is determined.
The Company is not currently aware of any negative changes in its assumptions that could lead to the fair value of the reporting units
being less than the carrying value.
The recognition of an impairment of the Company’s goodwill or any of the Company’s assets would negatively affect the Company’s
results of operations and total capitalization, the effect of which could be material.
The Company’s projections of product demand, sales and net income are highly subjective in nature and the Company’s future
sales and net income could vary materially from the Company’s projections.
From time to time, the Company may provide projections to its stockholders, lenders, the investment community, and other
stakeholders of the Company’s future sales and net income. Since the Company does not have long-term purchase commitments from
customers and the customer order and shipment process is very short, it is difficult for the Company to accurately predict the demand
for many of its products, or the amount and timing of the Company’s future sales and related net income. The Company’s projections
are based on management’s best estimate of sales using historical sales data and other information deemed relevant. These projections
are highly subjective since sales can fluctuate substantially based on the demands of retail customers and due to other risks described
in this Annual Report. Additionally, changes in retailer inventory management strategies could make the Company’s inventory
management more difficult. Because the Company’s ability to forecast product demand and the timing of related sales requires
significant subjective input, future sales and net income could vary materially from the Company’s projections.
Increases in the cost of employee benefits could materially adversely impact the Company’s financial results and cash flows.
The Company self-insures a substantial portion of the costs of employee healthcare and workers compensation. This could result in
higher volatility in the Company’s earnings and exposes the Company to higher financial risks. The Company’s medical costs in
recent years have generally increased and an aging workforce and other employee demographics could result in an increase in medical
costs beyond what the Company has experienced or expects. The Company has stop-loss coverage in place for catastrophic events, but
the aggregate impact of a high number of claims up to the Company’s stop-loss limit may have an effect on the Company’s
profitability.
There are inherent limitations on the effectiveness of the Company’s controls.
The Company does not expect that its disclosure controls or the Company’s internal controls over financial reporting will prevent or
detect all errors and all fraud. A control system, no matter how well-designed and operated, can provide only reasonable, not absolute,
assurance that the control system’s objectives will be met. The design of a control system must reflect the fact that resource constraints
exist, and the benefits of controls must be considered relative to their costs. Further, because of the inherent limitations in all control
systems, no evaluation of controls can provide absolute assurance that misstatements due to error or fraud will not occur or that all
control issues and instances of fraud, if any, have been detected. The design of any system of controls is based in part on certain
assumptions about the likelihood of future events, and there can be no assurance that any design will succeed in achieving its stated
goals under all potential future conditions. Projections of any evaluation of the effectiveness of controls to future periods are subject to
risks. Over time, controls are revised, as necessary, due to changes in conditions or deterioration in the degree of compliance with
policies or procedures. Based on the material weakness in internal control over financial reporting relating to the Filament business
combination that is disclosed in Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting, the Company has revised its
controls relating to the review of the valuation of intangible assets acquired in business combinations. If in the future the Company’s
controls become inadequate, it could fail to meet its financial reporting obligations, its reputation may be adversely affected, its
business and operating results could be harmed, and the market price of its stock could decline.
12
Customer risks
The Company faces intense competition from other companies worldwide and if the Company is unable to compete successfully,
the Company’s business, results of operations and financial condition could be materially and adversely affected.
The markets for the Company’s products are intensely competitive with the principal competitive factors being product innovation,
brand name, product quality, aesthetic appeal to customers, packaging, breadth of product offerings, distribution capability, delivery
time and price. Advantages or disadvantages in any of these competitive factors may be sufficient to cause the customer to consider
changing providers of the kinds of products that the Company sells. The Company competes with many other suppliers, some of
which are larger than the Company, have greater financial and other resources or employ brands that are more established, have
greater consumer recognition or are more favorably perceived by consumers or retailers than the Company’s brands. Some
competitors may be willing to reduce prices and accept lower profit margins to compete with the Company. As a result of this
competition, the Company could lose market share and sales, or be forced to reduce its prices to meet competition. If the Company’s
product offerings are unable to compete successfully, the Company’s business, results of operations and financial condition could be
materially and adversely affected.
Changes in the Company’s customer purchasing practices could materially adversely affect the Company’s operating results.
The Company’s wholesale customers include mass merchants, specialty stores, national chains, department stores, warehouse clubs,
supermarkets, off-price retailers and Internet retailers. Unanticipated changes in purchasing and other practices by the Company’s
customers, including a customer’s pricing and payment terms, inventory destocking, limitations on shelf space, more extensive
packaging requirements, changes in order quantities, use of private label brands and other practices, could materially and adversely
affect the Company’s business, results of operations and financial condition. In addition, as a result of the desire of retailers to more
closely manage inventory levels, there is a growing trend among retailers to make purchases on a “just-in-time” basis. While the
Company generally orders products substantially in advance of the anticipated time of their sale by the Company, this trend may
require the Company to shorten its lead time for production in certain cases and more closely anticipate demand, which may require
the Company to carry additional inventories. The Company’s annual earnings and cash flows also depend to a great extent on the
results of operations in the latter half of the year due to the seasonality of its sales. The Company’s success and sales growth is also
dependent on its evaluation of consumer preferences and changing trends.
As certain online retailers grow they may continue to demand lower pricing, special packaging, shorter lead times for the delivery of
products, smaller more frequent shipments, or impose other requirements on product suppliers. The cost of compliance with
customers’ demands could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business, results of operations and financial condition.
Many of the Company’s wholesale customers are significantly larger than the Company, have greater financial and other resources
and also purchase goods directly from vendors in Asia and elsewhere. Decisions by large customers to increase their purchases
directly from overseas vendors could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business, results of operations and financial
condition. Significant changes or financial difficulties, including consolidations of ownership, restructurings, bankruptcies,
liquidations or other events that affect retailers, could result in fewer retailers selling the Company’s products, reliance on a smaller
group of customers, an increase in the risk of extending credit to these customers or limitations on the Company’s ability to collect
amounts due from these customers. Although the Company has long-established relationships with many of its customers, the
Company does not have any long-term supply or binding contracts or guarantees of minimum purchases. Purchases by the Company’s
customers are generally made using individual purchase orders. Customers may cancel their orders, change purchase quantities from
forecast volumes, delay purchases for a number of reasons beyond the Company’s control or change other terms of their business
relationship with the Company. Significant or numerous cancellations, reductions, delays in purchases or changes in business practices
by customers could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business, results of operations and financial condition.
Retailers place great emphasis on timely delivery of products for specific selling seasons, especially during the third fiscal quarter, and
on the fulfillment of consumer demand throughout the year. The Company cannot control all of the various factors that might affect
product delivery to retailers. Failure to deliver products to the Company’s retailers in a timely and effective manner, often under
special vendor requirements to use specific carriers and delivery schedules, could damage the Company’s reputation and brands and
result in a loss of customers or reduced orders.
Changes at the Company’s large customers, or actions taken by them, and consolidation in the retail industry could materially
adversely affect the Company’s operating results.
In 2018, Walmart accounted for approximately 14% of the Company’s consolidated net sales, and the Company’s top ten customers
accounted for approximately 56% of the Company’s consolidated net sales. A material reduction in sales to Walmart or other top
customers in the aggregate, could have a significant adverse effect on the Company’s business and operating results. In addition,
pressures by such customers that would cause the Company to materially reduce the price of its products could result in reduced
13
operating margin. Any significant changes or financial difficulties that affect these customers, such as reduced sales by such customers
(whether for reasons that affect a particular customer or the retail industry in general) may also result in reduced demand for the
Company’s products. The Company would also be subject to increased credit risk with respect to such customers. In particular, the
concentration of the Company’s business with Walmart extends to its international business, including in China, as well as through
Vasconia in Mexico and the Company’s strategic alliance in Canada, due to the market presence of Walmart in these foreign
countries. Any changes in purchasing practices or decline in the financial condition, of Walmart or other large customers may have a
material adverse impact on the business, results of operations and financial condition of the Company.
The Company’s large customers also have significant purchasing leverage. Customers may demand lower pricing, special packaging,
shorter lead times for the delivery of products or impose other requirements on product suppliers like the Company. These business
demands may relate to inventory practices, logistics or other aspects of the customer-supplier relationship. If the Company does not
effectively respond to the demands of its customers, they could decrease or eliminate their purchases from the Company. These risks
could be exacerbated if such large customers consolidate, or if the Company’s smaller customers consolidate to become larger
customers, which would increase their purchasing leverage. A reduction in the purchases of the Company’s products by its wholesale
customers or the costs of complying with customer business demands could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business,
financial condition and results of operations.
The Company’s customers could carry products that directly compete with the Company’s products for retail space and consumer
purchases. There is a risk that these customers could give higher priority to products of, or form alliances with, the Company’s
competitors. The failure of customers to provide the Company’s products with similar or better levels of promotional support and
retail space as competitors receive could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business, results of operations and financial
condition.
The rapidly changing retail environment could result in the loss of, or a material reduction in, sales to the Company’s brick-and-
mortar customers, which could materially adversely affect the Company’s business, results of operations, financial condition and
cash flows.
The retail environment is highly competitive. Consumers are increasingly embracing shopping online and through mobile commerce
applications. As a result, a greater portion of total consumer expenditures with retailers is occurring online and through mobile
commerce applications. If the Company’s brick-and-mortar retail customers fail to maintain or grow their overall market position
through the integration of physical retail presence and digital retail, these customers may experience financial difficulties including
store closures, bankruptcies or liquidations. This could, in turn, substantially reduce the Company’s revenues, increase credit risk and
have a material adverse effect on the Company’s results of operations, financial condition and cash flows.
If the Company is unable to effectively manage Filament’s and the Company’s existing Internet business, its reputation and
operating results may be harmed.
The success of Filament’s and the Company’s Internet business depends, in part, on factors over which the Company may have
limited control. The Company must successfully respond to changing consumer preferences and buying trends relating to Internet
usage. The Company is also vulnerable to certain additional risks and uncertainties associated with the Internet, including: changes in
required technology interfaces; website downtime and other technical failures; costs and technical issues as the Company upgrades its
website software; computer viruses; changes in applicable federal and state regulations; security breaches; data breaches; and
consumer privacy concerns. In addition, the Company must keep up to date with competitive technology trends, including the use of
improved technology, creative user interfaces and other Internet marketing tools such as paid search, which may increase its costs and
which may not succeed in increasing sales or attracting customers. The Company’s failure to successfully respond to these risks and
uncertainties might adversely affect the sales in its Internet business, as well as damage the Company’s reputation and brands.
Demand for new products and the inability to develop and introduce new competitive products at favorable profit margins could
adversely affect the Company’s performance and prospects for future growth.
New product introductions and product innovation are significant contributors to the Company’s growth strategy and the Company’s
long-term success in the competitive retail environment depends in part on the Company’s ability to develop and market a continuing
stream of innovative new products that meet changing consumer preferences. The uncertainties associated with developing and
introducing new products, such as the market demands and the costs of development and production may impede the successful
development and introduction of new products. Acceptance of the new products may not meet sales expectations due to several
factors, such as the Company’s failure to accurately predict market demand or its inability to resolve technical issues in a timely and
cost-effective manner. Additionally, the inability to develop new products on a timely basis could result in the loss of business to
competitors.
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Supply chain risks
International suppliers subject the Company to regional regulatory, political, economic and foreign currency exchange risk that
could materially and adversely affect the Company’s operating results.
The Company sources its products from suppliers located principally in Asia, Europe and the United States. The Company’s vendors
in Asia, from whom a substantial majority of the Company’s products are sourced, are located primarily in China, which subjects the
Company to various risks within the region including regulatory, political, economic and foreign currency changes. The Company’s
ability to select and retain reliable vendors and suppliers who provide timely deliveries of quality parts and products efficiently will
impact its success in meeting customer demand for timely delivery of quality products. The Company’s sourcing operations and its
vendors are impacted by labor costs in China, where labor historically has been readily available at low cost relative to labor costs in
North America. However, as China is experiencing rapid social, political and economic changes, labor costs have risen in some
regions and labor in China may not continue to be available to the Company at costs consistent with historical levels. Changes in labor
or other laws may be enacted, in China or in other countries in which the Company does business, which could have a material
adverse effect on the Company’s operations and/or those of the Company’s suppliers. Changes in currency exchange rates might
negatively affect the Company and its overseas vendors’ profitability and business prospects. The Company does not have access to its
vendors’ financial information and the Company is unable to assess its vendors’ financial condition, including their liquidity.
Interruption of supplies from any of the Company’s vendors, or the loss of one or more key vendors, could have a negative effect on
the Company’s business and operating results.
The Company’s international trade subjects it to transportation risks.
The Company imports its products for delivery to its distribution centers, as well as arranges for its customers to import goods to
which title has passed overseas or at a port of entry. For purchases that are to be delivered to its distribution centers, the Company
arranges for transportation, primarily by sea, from ports in Asia and Europe to ports in the United States, principally New
York/Newark/Elizabeth and Los Angeles/Long Beach, and in the U.K., principally Felixstowe. Accordingly, the Company is subject
to risks incidental to such transportation. These risks include, but are not limited to, increases in fuel costs, fuel shortages, the
availability of ships, increased security restrictions, work stoppages, weather disruptions and carriers’ ability to provide delivery
services to meet the Company’s shipping needs. Transportation disruptions and increased transportation costs could materially
adversely affect the Company’s business, results of operations and financial condition.
The Company depends on third-party manufacturers to produce the majority of its products, which presents quality control risks to
the Company.
With the exception of the Company’s sterling silver products, the Company sources almost all of its products from suppliers located
outside the United States, primarily in China, which restricts the Company’s ability to monitor and control their manufacture of the
Company’s goods.
Although the Company has agreements with its third party manufacturers regarding quality standards and regularly audits the facilities
of its manufacturers through its quality control program, the third party manufacturers may not continue to meet the Company’s
quality standards, social standards regarding its workforce that are expected in the United States or legislation and regulations that
apply to the products the Company contracts to manufacture. Failure by the Company’s manufacturers to meet these standards could,
in turn, increase order cancellations, returns and price concessions and decrease customer demand for the Company’s products. Non-
compliance with the Company’s product standards, regulatory requirements or product recall (or other regulatory actions) could have
a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.
The Company’s product costs are subject to price fluctuation.
Various commodities comprise the raw materials used to manufacture the Company’s products. The prices of these commodities have
historically fluctuated on a cyclical basis and have often depended on a variety of factors over which the Company has no control.
Additionally, labor costs represent a significant component of the Company’s supplier’s manufacturing costs and the Company’s
suppliers may increase the prices they charge the Company if they experience rising labor costs. The cost of producing and
distributing the Company’s products is also sensitive to energy costs, duties and tariffs. The selling prices of the Company’s products
have not always increased in response to raw material, labor or other cost increases, and the Company is unable to determine to what
extent, if any, it will be able to pass future cost increases through to its customers. The Company’s inability to come to favorable
agreements with its suppliers or to pass increased costs through to the Company’s customers could materially and adversely affect its
financial condition or results of operations.
15
Intellectual property risks
The loss of certain licenses or material changes in royalty rates could materially adversely affect the Company’s operating margin
and cash flow.
Significant portions of the Company’s business are dependent on trade names, trademarks and patents, some of which are licensed
from third parties. In 2018, sales of licensed brands accounted for approximately 30% of the Company’s gross sales. The Company’s
licenses for many of these brands require it to pay royalties based on sales. Many of these license agreements are subject to
termination by the licensor, if, for example, the Company fails to satisfy certain minimum sales obligations or breaches the terms of
the license. The loss of significant licenses or a material increase in the royalty rates the Company pays or other new terms negotiated
upon renewal of such licenses could result in a reduction of the Company’s operating margins and cash flow from operations or
otherwise adversely affect its business.
The Company holds certain rights to use the Farberware brand for kitchen tools and gadgets, cutlery, cutting boards, shears and certain
other products which together represent a material portion of its sales, through a fully-paid, royalty-free license for a term that expires
in 2195, subject to earlier termination under certain circumstances. The licensor is a joint venture of which the Company is a 50%
owner. The other 50% owner of the joint venture has the right to terminate the Company’s license if the Company materially breaches
any of the material terms of the license and fails to cure the material breach within 180 days of notice of the breach, if it is determined
in an arbitration proceeding that money damages alone would not be sufficient compensation to the licensor and that the breach is so
egregious as to warrant termination of the license and forfeiture of the Company’s rights to use the brand under that license agreement.
If the Company were to lose the Farberware license for kitchen tools and gadgets, cutlery, cutting boards, shears and other products
through termination as a result of an uncured breach, its business, results of operations and financial condition would be materially
adversely affected.
Sales of KitchenAid branded products, to a lesser extent, also represent a material portion of the Company’s sales. The Company’s
license to use the KitchenAid brand is subject to a license agreement that has a three-year term that will expire in December 2021. The
Company originally entered into a licensing arrangement for use of the KitchenAid brand in 2000, and has renewed the license,
typically for three-year periods, since that time. Although it expects to be able to renew its current KitchenAid license prior to its
expiration, there is no assurance that the Company will be able to do so on reasonable terms, or at all, and any failure to do so could
have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business, results of operations and financial condition.
The Company may not be able to adequately establish or protect its intellectual property rights, and the infringement or loss of the
Company’s intellectual property rights could harm its business.
To establish and protect the Company’s intellectual property rights, the Company relies upon a combination of U.S., foreign and
multi-national patent, trademark, copyright and trade secret laws, together with licenses, confidentiality agreements and other
contractual arrangements. The measures that the Company takes to protect its intellectual property rights may prove inadequate to
prevent third parties from infringing or misappropriating the Company’s intellectual property, or from breaching their contractual
obligations to the Company.
The Company has obtained and applied for numerous U.S. and foreign trademark, service mark and patent registrations, and will
continue to evaluate the registration of additional marks, patents or other intellectual property, as appropriate. The Company cannot
guarantee that any of its pending applications will be approved by the applicable governmental authorities. Moreover, even if such
applications are approved, third parties may seek to oppose, declare invalid or otherwise challenge these registrations. Failure to
obtain registrations for the Company’s intellectual property in the United States and other countries could limit the Company’s ability
to protect its intellectual property rights and impede the Company’s marketing efforts and operations in those jurisdictions.
The Company may need to resort to litigation to enforce or defend its intellectual property rights. If a competitor or collaborator files a
patent application claiming technology also claimed by the Company, or a trademark application claiming a trademark, service mark
or trade dress also used by the Company, in order to protect the Company’s rights, the Company may have to participate in opposition
or interference proceedings before the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office or a similar foreign agency. The Company cannot guarantee
that the operation of its business does not infringe or otherwise violate the intellectual property rights of third parties, and the
Company’s intellectual property rights may be challenged by third parties or invalidated through administrative process or litigation.
The costs associated with protecting intellectual property rights, including costs associated with litigation or administrative
proceedings, may be material and there can be no assurance that any such litigation or administrative proceedings will be successful.
Any such matters or proceedings could be burdensome, divert the time and resources of the Company’s personnel and the Company
may not prevail. Furthermore, even if the Company’s intellectual property rights are not directly challenged, disputes among third
parties could lead to the weakening or invalidation of the Company’s intellectual property rights, or other parties such as the
Company’s competitors may independently develop technologies that are substantially equivalent or superior to the Company’s
technology.
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The laws of certain foreign countries in which the Company operates or may operate in the future do not protect, and the governments
of certain foreign countries do not enforce, intellectual property rights to the same extent as do the laws and government of the U.S.,
which may negate the Company’s competitive or technological advantages in such markets. Moreover, any repeal or weakening of
intellectual property laws or enforcement of those laws in the United States or foreign jurisdictions could make it more difficult for the
Company to adequately protect its intellectual property rights, negatively impacting their value and increasing the cost of enforcing
the Company’s rights. If the Company is unable to establish or adequately protect its intellectual property rights, the Company’s
business, financial condition and results of operations could be materially and adversely affected.
If the Company is unable to protect the confidentiality of its proprietary information and know-how, the value of the Company’s
technology, products and services could be harmed significantly.
In addition to registered intellectual property, the Company relies on know-how and other proprietary information in operating its
business. If this information is not adequately protected, then it may be disclosed or used in an unauthorized manner. To the extent
that consultants, vendors, key employees or other third parties apply technology independently developed by them or by others to the
Company’s proposed products in the absence of a valid license or suitable non-disclosure or assignment of inventions provisions,
disputes may arise as to the ownership of or rights to use such technology, which may not be resolved in the Company’s favor. If other
parties breach confidentiality or other agreements, or if the Company’s registered intellectual property is not protected in the U.S. or
foreign jurisdictions, this could harm the Company by enabling the Company’s competitors and other entities, who may have greater
experience and financial resources, to copy or use the Company’s proprietary information in the advancement of their products,
methods or technologies.
The Company’s brands are subject to reputational risks and damage to the Company’s brands or reputation could adversely affect
its business.
The Company’s brands and its reputation are among its most important assets. The Company’s ability to attract and retain customers
depends, in part, upon external perceptions of the Company, the quality of its products and its corporate and management integrity.
The consumer goods industry is by its nature more prone to reputational risks than other industries. This has been compounded in
recent years by the free flow of unverified information on the Internet and, in particular, on social media. Damage to the Company’s
brands or reputation or negative publicity or perceptions about the Company could adversely affect its business.
Operational and regulatory risks
Interruptions in the Company’s operations caused by outside forces could cause material losses.
The Company’s worldwide operations could be subject to natural and man-made disasters, telecommunications failures, water
shortages, tsunamis, floods, hurricanes, typhoons, fires, extreme weather conditions, conflicts, acts of terrorism, health epidemics and
other business interruptions. The occurrence of any of these business disruptions could seriously harm the Company’s business,
revenue and financial condition and increase the Company’s costs and expenses. If the Company’s or its manufacturers’ warehousing
facilities or transportation facilities are damaged or destroyed, the Company would be unable to distribute products on a timely basis,
which could harm the Company’s business. The Company’s back-up operations may be inadequate, and the Company’s business
interruption insurance may not be sufficient to compensate for any losses that may occur.
The Company’s international operations present special challenges that the Company may not be able to meet, and this could
materially and adversely affect the Company’s financial results.
The Company conducts business outside of the United States through subsidiaries, affiliates and joint ventures. These entities have
operations and assets in the U.K., Mexico, Canada, China and Hong Kong. Therefore, the Company is subject to increases and
decreases in its investments in these entities resulting from the impact of fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates. These
entities also bear risks similar to those risks faced by the Company. However, there are specific additional risks related to these
organizations, such as the failure of the Company’s partners or other investors to meet their obligations and higher credit and liquidity
risks related to thinly capitalized entities. Failure of these entities or the Company’s vendors to adhere to required regulatory or other
standards, including social compliance standards, could materially and adversely impact the Company’s reputation and business.
In addition, the Company sells its products in foreign countries and seeks to increase its level of international business activity.
Accordingly, the Company is subject to various risks, including:
• U.S.-imposed embargoes of sales to specific countries;
•
•
foreign import controls (which may be arbitrarily imposed or enforced);
import regulations and duties;
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•
•
•
•
•
•
export regulations (which require the Company to comply with stringent licensing regimes);
anti-dumping regulations;
price and currency controls;
exchange rate fluctuations;
dividend remittance restrictions;
expropriation of assets;
• war, civil uprisings and riots;
•
•
•
•
•
government instability;
the necessity of obtaining governmental approval for new and continuing products and operations;
legal systems or decrees, laws, taxes, regulations, interpretations and court decisions that are not always fully developed
and that may be retroactively or arbitrarily applied;
unanticipated income taxes, excise duties, import taxes, export taxes or other governmental assessments; and
difficulties in managing a global enterprise.
Any significant violations of regulations or the occurrence of the events listed above could result in civil or criminal sanctions or the
loss of export or other licenses, which could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business, results of operations and
financial condition. In addition, the Company’s organizational structure may limit its ability to transfer funds between countries,
particularly into and out of the United States, without incurring adverse tax consequences. Any of these events could result in a loss of
business or other unexpected costs that could reduce sales or profits and have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial
condition, results of operations and cash flows.
The Company operates in a regulated environment that imposes significant compliance requirements. Non-compliance with these
requirements could subject the Company to sanctions and materially adversely affect the Company’s business.
The Company is subject in the ordinary course of its business, in the United States and elsewhere, to many statutes, ordinances, rules
and regulations that, if violated by the Company or its affiliates, partners or vendors, could have a material adverse effect on the
Company’s business. The Company is required to comply with the United States Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (“FCPA”), the U.K.
Bribery Act and similar anti-bribery, anti-corruption and anti-kickback laws adopted in many of the countries in which the Company
does business which prohibit the Company from engaging in bribery or making other prohibited payments to foreign officials for the
purpose of obtaining or retaining business and also require maintenance of adequate record-keeping and internal accounting practices
to accurately reflect transactions. Under the FCPA, companies operating in the United States may be held liable for actions taken by
their strategic or local partners or representatives. The U.K. Bribery Act is broader in scope than the FCPA in that it directly addresses
commercial bribery in addition to bribery of government officials and it does not recognize certain exceptions, notably facilitation
payments that are permitted by the FCPA. Civil and criminal penalties may be imposed for violations of these laws. In many of the
countries in which the Company operates, particularly those with developing economies, it is or has been common for government
officials and businesses to engage in business practices that are prohibited by these laws. If the Company does not properly implement
and maintain practices and controls with respect to compliance with applicable anti-corruption, anti-bribery and anti-kickback laws, or
if the Company fails to enforce those practices and controls properly, the Company may be subject to regulatory sanctions, including
administrative costs related to governmental and internal investigations, civil and criminal penalties, injunctions and restrictions on the
Company’s business and capital raising activities, any of which could materially and adversely affect the Company’s business, results
of operations and financial condition. The Company’s employees, distributors, dealers and other agents could engage in conduct that
is not in compliance with such laws for which the Company might be held responsible. If the Company’s employees, distributors,
dealers or other agents are found to have engaged in illegal practices, the Company could suffer substantial penalties and the
reputation, business, results of operations and financial condition of the Company could be materially adversely affected.
New and future laws and regulations governing the Internet and e-commerce could have a material adverse effect on the
Company’s business, results of operations and financial condition.
The Company is subject to laws and regulations governing the Internet and e-commerce. These existing and future laws and
regulations may impede the growth of the Internet, e-commerce or other online services. These regulations and laws may cover
taxation, user privacy, data protection, pricing, content, copyrights, distribution, electronic contracts and other communications,
consumer protection, the provision of online payment services, broadband residential Internet access and the characteristics and
quality of products and services. It is not clear how existing laws governing issues such as property ownership, sales and other taxes,
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and personal privacy apply to the Internet and e-commerce. Unfavorable resolutions of these issues could diminish the demand for the
Company’s products on the Internet and increase the cost of doing business.
On June 21, 2018, the U.S. Supreme Court decided South Dakota v. Wayfair, Inc. et al, (the “Wayfair Decision”), a case that
challenged existing law under which online retailers are not required to collect sales tax unless they have a physical presence in the
buyer’s state. The Wayfair Decision established that a state may enforce or adopt laws requiring online retailers to collect and remit
sales tax if there is a substantial nexus between the online retailer’s activity and the state, even if the retailer has no physical presence
within the taxing state. If additional states enact and enforce laws requiring the Company to start calculating, collecting and remitting
sales taxes in those states, the Company could incur substantial tax liabilities, including taxes on past sales, as well as penalties and
interest. The imposition by state governments of sales tax collection obligations on out-of-state internet retailers could also create
additional administrative burdens on the Company. This decision and the enactment and enforcement of laws resulting from this
decision could also impact where the Company is required to file state income taxes. As a result, the Company’s effective income tax
rate, the cost of the Company’s e-commerce business, and the growth of its e-commerce business, could be materially adversely
effected by the Wayfair Decision and other new laws or regulations governing the internet and e-commerce. This potential negative
impact on the Company’s e-commerce business could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s overall business, results of
operations and financial condition.
A failure in or compromise of the Company’s operating systems or infrastructure or those of third parties could disrupt the
Company’s business and cause losses.
The Company relies on many information technology systems for the operation of its principal business functions, including, but not
limited to, the Company’s enterprise resource planning, warehouse management, inventory forecast and ordering and call center
systems. In the case of the Company’s inventory forecast and ordering system, most of the Company’s orders are received directly
through electronic connections with the Company’s largest customers. Additionally, the success of certain product categories in a
competitive marketplace is dependent upon the creation and launch of new, innovative products. Accordingly, to keep pace within a
competitive retail environment, the Company uses and will continue to evaluate new technologies to improve the efficiency of
designing new innovative products. The failure or compromise of any of these systems or technologies could have a material adverse
effect on the Company’s business and results of operations.
The Company is subject to cyber security risks and may incur increasing costs in efforts to minimize those risks and to comply with
regulatory standards.
The Company employs information technology systems and operates websites which allow for the secure storage and transmission of
proprietary or confidential information regarding the Company’s customers, employees and others, including credit card information
and personal identification information. The Company has made significant efforts to secure its computer network to mitigate the risk
of possible cyber-attacks, including, but not limited to, data breaches, and is continuously working to upgrade its existing information
technology systems and provide employee awareness training around phishing, malware, and other cyber risks to ensure that the
Company is protected, to the greatest extent possible, against cyber risks and security breaches. Despite these efforts security of the
Company’s computer networks could be compromised which could impact operations and confidential information could be
misappropriated, which could lead to negative publicity, loss of sales and profits or cause the Company to incur significant costs to
reimburse third- parties for damages, which could adversely impact profits.
Additionally, the Company must comply with increasingly complex and rigorous regulatory standards enacted to protect businesses
and personal data, including the General Data Protection Regulation (“GDPR”) and the California Consumer Privacy Act. GDPR is a
comprehensive European Union privacy and data protection reform, effective in 2018, which applies to companies that are organized
in the European Union or otherwise provide services to consumers who reside in the European Union, and imposes strict standards
regarding the sharing, storage, use, disclosure and protection of end user data and significant penalties (monetary and otherwise) for
non-compliance. The California Consumer Privacy Act creates new data privacy rights, effective in 2020. Any failure to comply with
GDPR, the California Consumer Privacy Act, or other regulatory standards, could subject the Company to legal and reputational risks.
Misuse of or failure to secure personal information could also result in violation of data privacy laws and regulations, proceedings
against the Company by governmental entities or others, damage to the Company’s reputation and credibility, and could have a
material adverse effect on the Company’s business and results of operations.
The Company sells consumer products which involve an inherent risk of product liability claims.
The marketing of certain of the Company’s consumer products involve an inherent risk of product liability claims or recalls or other
regulatory or enforcement actions initiated by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, by the Office of Fair Trading in the
U.K., by other regulatory authorities or through private causes of action. The Company has in the past, and may have in the future,
recalls (both voluntary and involuntary) of its products. Any defects in products the Company markets could harm the Company’s
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reputation, adversely affect its relationship with its customers and decrease market acceptance of the Company’s products and the
strength of the brand names under which the Company markets such products. Potential product liability claims may exceed the
amount of the Company’s insurance coverage (which is subject to self-insured retention amounts) and could materially damage the
Company’s business and its financial condition. Additionally, the Company’s product standards could be impacted by new or revised
environmental rules and regulations or other social initiatives.
The Company may incur material costs due to environmental liabilities which could have a material adverse effect on the
Company’s business, financial condition and results of operations.
The Company is subject to a broad range of federal, state, local, foreign and multi-national laws and regulations relating to the
environment. These include laws and regulations that govern:
•
•
•
discharges to the air, water and land;
the handling and disposal of solid and hazardous substances and wastes; and
remediation of contamination associated with release of hazardous substances at the Company’s facilities and at off-site
disposal locations.
The Company may incur material costs to comply with increasingly stringent environmental laws and enforcement policies.
Moreover, there are proposed international accords and treaties, as well as federal, state and local laws and regulations, which would
attempt to control or limit the causes of climate change, including the effect of greenhouse gas emissions on the environment. In the
event that the U.S. government or foreign governments enact new climate change laws or regulations or make changes to existing laws
or regulations, compliance with applicable laws or regulations may result in increased manufacturing costs for the Company’s
products, such as by requiring investment in new pollution control equipment or changing the ways in which certain of the Company’s
products are made. The Company may incur some of these costs directly and others may be passed on to the Company from its third-
party suppliers. Although the Company believes that it is substantially in compliance with applicable environmental laws and
regulations at its facilities, the Company may not always be in compliance with such laws and regulations or any new laws and
regulations in the future, which could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business, financial condition and results of
operations.
Wallace Silversmiths de Puerto Rico, Ltd. (“WSPR”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company, operates a manufacturing facility
in San Germán, Puerto Rico that is leased from the Puerto Rico Industrial Development Company (“PRIDCO”). In March 2008, the
United States Environmental Protection Agency (the “EPA”) announced that the San Germán Ground Water Contamination site in
Puerto Rico (the “Site”) had been added to the Superfund National Priorities List due to contamination present in the local drinking
water supply.
In May 2008, WSPR received from the EPA a Notice of Potential Liability and Request for Information pursuant to 42 U.S.C.
Sections 9607(a) and 9604(e) of the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (“CERCLA”). In July
2011, WSPR received a letter from the EPA requesting access to the property that it leases from PRIDCO to conduct an environmental
investigation, and the Company granted such access. In February 2013, the EPA requested access to conduct a further environmental
investigation at the property. PRIDCO agreed to such access and the Company consented. The EPA conducted a further investigation
during 2013 and, in April 2015, notified the Company and PRIDCO that the results from vapor intrusion sampling may warrant the
implementation of measures to mitigate potential exposure to sub-slab soil gas. The Company reviewed the information provided by
the EPA and requested that PRIDCO, as the property owner, find and implement a solution acceptable to the EPA. While WSPR did
not cause the sub-surface condition that resulted in the potential for vapor intrusion, in order to protect the health of its employees and
continue its business operations, it has nevertheless implemented corrective action measures to prevent vapor intrusion, such as
sealing the floors of the building and conducting periodic air monitoring to address potential exposure.
On August 13, 2015, the EPA released its remedial investigation and feasibility study (“RI/FS”) for the Site. On December 11, 2015,
the EPA issued the Record of Decision (“ROD”) for an initial operable unit (a discrete action towards addressing problems at the
Site), electing to implement its preferred remedy which consists of soil vapor extraction and dual-phase extraction/in-situ treatment.
This selected remedy includes soil vapor extraction (“SVE”) to address soil (vadose zone) source areas at the Site, impermeable cover
as necessary for the implementation of SVE, dual phase extraction in the shallow saprolite zone, and in-situ treatment as needed to
address residual sources. The EPA’s estimated capital cost for its selected remedy is $7.3 million. The EPA also designated a second
operable unit under which the EPA has and will continue to conduct further investigations to determine the nature and extent of
groundwater contamination, as well as a determination by the EPA on the necessity of any further response actions to address
groundwater contamination. In February 2017, the EPA indicated that it planned to expand its field investigation for the RI/FS to a
second operable unit to further determine the nature and extent of the groundwater contamination at and from the Site and to
determine the nature of the remedial action needed to address the contamination. The EPA has requested access to the property
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occupied by WSPR to install monitoring wells and to undertake groundwater sampling as part of this expanded investigation. WSPR
has consented to the EPA’s access request, provided that the EPA receives PRIDCO’s consent, as the property owner.
In December 2018, the Company, WSPR, and other identified Potentially Responsible Parties affiliated with the Site entered into
tolling agreements to extend the statute of limitations for potential claims for the recovery of response costs for the initial operable
unit under Section 107 of CERCLA. The tolling agreements do not constitute in any way an admission or acknowledgment of any
fact, conclusion of law or liability by the parties to the agreements. WSPR never used the primary contaminant of concern and did not
take up its tenancy at the Site until after the EPA had discovered the contamination in the local water supply. The EPA has also issued
notices of potential liability to a number of other entities affiliated with the Site, which used the contaminants of concern.
Accordingly, based on the above uncertainties and variables, it is not possible at this time for the Company to estimate its share of
liability, if any, related to this matter. However, in the event of one or more adverse determinations related to this matter, it is possible
that the ultimate liability resulting from this matter and the impact on the Company’s results of operations could be material. In
addition, previously unknown contamination of property underlying or in the vicinity of the Company’s manufacturing facility or
other properties that are currently or have formerly been owned, operated or used by the Company is discovered, the Company could
be required to incur material unforeseen expenses. If this occurs, it may have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business,
financial condition and results of operations.
The Company’s executives and other key employees are critical to the Company’s success. The loss of and/or failure to attract and
maintain its highly skilled employees could adversely affect the Company’s business.
The Company’s success depends, in part, on the efforts and skills of its executives and other key employees. The Company’s key
employees are experienced and highly qualified in the housewares industry. The loss of any of the Company’s executive officers or
other key employees could harm the business and the Company’s ability to timely achieve its strategic initiatives. The Company’s
success also depends, in part, on its ability to identify, hire and retain other skilled personnel. The Company’s industry is characterized
by a high level of employee mobility and aggressive recruiting among competitors for personnel with successful track records. The
Company may not be able to attract and retain skilled personnel or may incur significant costs in order to do so.
Uncertainties associated with the acquisition of Filament may cause a loss of management personnel and other key employees of
Filament or the Company which could adversely affect the Company’s future business and operations following the acquisition.
The Company’s success after the acquisition of Filament will depend in part upon its ability to retain key management personnel and
other key employees of Filament or the Company. Current and prospective employees of Filament and the Company may experience
uncertainty about their roles within the Company following the acquisition or other concerns regarding the Company’s operations
following the acquisition, any of which may have an adverse effect on the Company’s ability to attract or retain key management and
other key personnel. Accordingly, no assurance can be given that the Company will be able to attract or retain key management
personnel and other key employees following the acquisition to the same extent that the Company has previously been able to attract
or retain such employees.
As a result of the Company’s acquisition of Filament, Taylor Parent has significant influence over the Company and its interests
may conflict with the Company’s or its stockholders in the future.
As a result of the issuance of common stock to Taylor Parent, Taylor Parent has significant influence over the Company. Going
forward, Taylor Parent’s degree of control will depend on, among other things, its level of ownership of the Company’s common
stock and its ability to exercise certain rights under the terms of the Stockholders Agreement that the Company entered into with
Taylor Parent in connection with the acquisition and merger agreement.
Under the Stockholders Agreement, for so long as Taylor Parent continues to beneficially own at least 50% of the shares it received at
the consummation of the acquisition, neither the Company nor any of its subsidiaries may take any of the following actions without
the approval of the directors designated by Taylor Parent, such approval not to be unreasonably withheld: (i) enter into any agreement
for a transaction that would result in a change of control of the Company; (ii) consummate any transaction for the sale of all or
substantially all of the Company’s assets; (iii) file for reorganization pursuant to Chapter 11, or for liquidation pursuant to Chapter 7,
of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code; (iv) liquidate or dissolve the business and affairs of the Company; (v) take any Board of Directors action
to seek an amendment to the Company’s Certificate of Incorporation or approve, or recommend that the Company’s stockholders
approve, an amendment to the Company’s Amended and Restated Bylaws, except as required by Delaware Law (as defined in the
merger agreement) or other applicable law and other than amendments that would not materially and disproportionately affect Taylor
Parent; (vi) incur additional debt in excess of $100 million in the aggregate, subject to certain exceptions; (vii) acquire or dispose of
assets or a business, in each case with an individual value in excess of $100 million; (viii) terminate the employment of the Chief
Executive Officer, other than for cause (in which case the Company shall consult in good faith with Taylor Parent on a replacement
21
Chief Executive Officer); or (ix) adopt a stockholder rights plan that does not exempt as “grandfathered persons” the stockholders
party to the Stockholders Agreement and their affiliates from being deemed “acquiring persons” due to their beneficial ownership of
the common stock of the Company upon the public announcement of adoption of such stockholder rights plan (it being understood
that no such plan shall restrict any stockholder party to the Stockholders Agreement or its affiliates from acquiring, in the aggregate,
common stock up to the level of their aggregate percentage beneficial ownership as of the public announcement of the adoption of
such stockholder rights plan).
Accordingly, Taylor Parent’s influence over the Company and the consequences of such control could have a material adverse effect
on the Company’s business and business prospects and negatively impact the trading price of its common stock.
Item 1B. Unresolved Staff Comments
None
Item 2. Properties
The following table lists the principal properties at which the Company operated its business at December 31, 2018:
Location
Description
Rialto, California (1) ................................ West Coast warehouse and
distribution facility ..................
Robbinsville, New Jersey(1) ..................... Principal East Coast warehouse
and distribution facility ...........
Birmingham, England (2) ......................... Offices, showroom, warehouse
and distribution facilities .........
Winchendon, Massachusetts(1)................. Warehouse and distribution
Size
(square feet)
Owned/
Leased
703,000
700,000
204,000
Leased
Leased
Leased
facility, and spice packing line
175,000
Owned
Corby, England (2) .................................... Offices, showroom, warehouse
and distribution facility ...........
Garden City, New York(3) ........................ Corporate headquarters/main
showroom ................................
Medford, Massachusetts(1) ....................... Offices, showroom, warehouse
and distribution facility ...........
San Germán, Puerto Rico(1) ..................... Sterling silver manufacturing
facility .....................................
Las Cruces, New Mexico(1) ..................... Offices, warehouse and
distribution facilities ...............
Shanghai, China(3) ................................... Offices..........................................
Oak Brook, Illinois(1) ............................... Offices..........................................
Guangzhou, China(3) ................................ Offices..........................................
Seattle, Washington(1) .............................. Offices..........................................
York, Pennsylvania(1) .............................. Offices..........................................
New York, New York (1) ......................... Offices and showrooms ...............
Atlanta, Georgia(1) ................................... Showrooms ..................................
Kowloon, Hong Kong(3) .......................... Offices and showroom .................
Bentonville, Arkansas(1) .......................... Offices and showroom .................
Newtown, Pennsylvania (1) ...................... Offices..........................................
Pawtucket, Rhode Island (1) ..................... Offices and showroom .................
Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin(1) .............. Showroom ....................................
168,000
159,000
69,000
55,000
33,000
22,000
18,000
18,000
17,500
14,000
12,000
11,000
7,300
7,000
5,900
4,900
4,000
Leased
Leased
Leased
Leased
Leased
Leased
Leased
Leased
Leased
Leased
Leased
Leased
Leased
Leased
Leased
Leased
Leased
(1)
(2)
(3)
Location primarily used by the U.S. segment.
Location used by the International segment. In 2019, the Company will consolidate its Birmingham, England and Corby,
England locations. The Company’s International segment will be operated out of one leased location in Aston, England, which
will be approximately 228,000 square feet.
Location used by all segments.
22
Item 3. Legal Proceedings
WSPR, a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company, operates a manufacturing facility in San Germán, Puerto Rico that is leased from
the PRIDCO. In March 2008, the EPA announced that the Site had been added to the Superfund National Priorities List due to
contamination present in the local drinking water supply.
In May 2008, WSPR received from the EPA a Notice of Potential Liability and Request for Information pursuant to 42 U.S.C.
Sections 9607(a) and 9604(e) of the CERCLA. In July 2011, WSPR received a letter from the EPA requesting access to the property
that it leases from PRIDCO to conduct an environmental investigation, and the Company granted such access. In February 2013, the
EPA requested access to conduct a further environmental investigation at the property. PRIDCO agreed to such access and the
Company consented. The EPA conducted a further investigation during 2013 and, in April 2015, notified the Company and PRIDCO
that the results from vapor intrusion sampling may warrant the implementation of measures to mitigate potential exposure to sub-slab
soil gas. The Company reviewed the information provided by the EPA and requested that PRIDCO, as the property owner, find and
implement a solution acceptable to the EPA. While WSPR did not cause the sub-surface condition that resulted in the potential for
vapor intrusion, in order to protect the health of its employees and continue its business operations, it has nevertheless implemented
corrective action measures to prevent vapor intrusion, such as sealing the floors of the building and conducting periodic air monitoring
to address potential exposure.
On August 13, 2015, the EPA released its RI/FS for the Site. On December 11, 2015, the EPA issued the ROD for an initial operable
unit, electing to implement its preferred remedy which consists of soil vapor extraction and dual-phase extraction/in-situ treatment.
This selected remedy includes SVE to address soil (vadose zone) source areas at the Site, impermeable cover as necessary for the
implementation of SVE, dual phase extraction in the shallow saprolite zone, and in-situ treatment as needed to address residual
sources. The EPA’s estimated capital cost for its selected remedy is $7.3 million. The EPA also designated a second operable unit
under which the EPA has and will continue to conduct further investigations to determine the nature and extent of groundwater
contamination, as well as a determination by the EPA on the necessity of any further response actions to address groundwater
contamination. In February 2017, the EPA indicated that it planned to expand its field investigation for the RI/FS to a second operable
unit to further determine the nature and extent of the groundwater contamination at and from the Site and to determine the nature of
the remedial action needed to address the contamination. The EPA has requested access to the property occupied by WSPR to install
monitoring wells and to undertake groundwater sampling as part of this expanded investigation. WSPR has consented to the EPA’s
access request, provided that the EPA receives PRIDCO’s consent, as the property owner.
In December 2018, the Company, WSPR, and other identified Potentially Responsible Parties affiliated with the Site entered into
tolling agreements to extend the statute of limitations for potential claims for the recovery of response costs for the initial operable
unit under Section 107 of CERCLA. The tolling agreements do not constitute in any way an admission or acknowledgment of any
fact, conclusion of law or liability by the parties to the agreements. WSPR never used the primary contaminant of concern and did not
take up its tenancy at the Site until after the EPA had discovered the contamination in the local water supply. The EPA has also issued
notices of potential liability to a number of other entities affiliated with the Site, which used the contaminants of concern.
Accordingly, based on the above uncertainties and variables, it is not possible at this time for the Company to estimate its share of
liability, if any, related to this matter. However, in the event of one or more adverse determinations related to this matter, it is possible
that the ultimate liability resulting from this matter and the impact on the Company’s results of operations could be material.
Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosure
Not applicable.
PART II
Item 5. Market For Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities
The Company’s common stock is traded under the symbol “LCUT” on the NASDAQ Global Select Market (“NASDAQ”).
At December 31, 2018, the Company estimates that there were approximately 2,200 record holders of the Company’s common stock.
The Company is authorized to issue 100 shares of Series A Preferred stock and 2,000,000 shares of Series B Preferred stock, none of
which were issued or outstanding at December 31, 2018.
The Board of Directors currently intends to continue paying cash dividends for the foreseeable future, although the Board of Directors
may in its discretion determine to modify or eliminate such dividends at any time.
23
The following chart compares the cumulative total return on the Company’s common stock with the NASDAQ Market Index, the
Company’s peer group and the Hemscott Group Index for Housewares & Accessories. The comparisons in this chart are required by
the SEC and are not intended to forecast or be indicative of the possible future performance of the Company’s common stock.
PERFORMANCE GRAPH
Date
Lifetime
Brands, Inc.
Hemscott
Group Index
Peer
Group
NASDAQ
Market
Index
12/31/2013 ................................................................................ $
12/31/2014 ................................................................................ $
12/31/2015 ................................................................................ $
12/31/2016 ................................................................................ $
12/31/2017 ................................................................................ $
12/31/2018 ................................................................................ $
100.00 $
110.37 $
85.99 $
116.43 $
109.19 $
67.28 $
100.00 $
121.07 $
138.07 $
142.38 $
100.11 $
62.43 $
100.00 $
87.53 $
77.87 $
72.72 $
87.05 $
87.48 $
100.00
114.75
122.74
133.62
173.22
168.30
(1) The graph assumes $100 was invested as of the close of trading on December 31, 2013 and dividends were reinvested.
Measurement points are at the last trading day of each of the fiscal years ended December 31, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017 and 2018.
The material in this chart is not soliciting material, is not deemed filed with the SEC and is not incorporated by reference in any
filing of the Company under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended,
irrespective of any general incorporation by reference language in such filing. A list of the companies included in the
Company’s Hemscott Group Index will be furnished by the Company to any stockholder upon written request to the Chief
Financial Officer of the Company. Peer issuers included in the peer group identified include, Acushnet Holdings Corp.,
Callaway Golf Co., Crocs, Inc., Delta Apparel, Inc., Hamilton Beach Brands Holding Co., Helen of Troy Ltd., JAKKS Pacific,
Inc., Lands’ End, Inc., Libbey, Inc., Movado Group, Inc., Oxford Industries, Inc., The Buckle, Inc. and Tupperware Brands
Corp.
24
The table below sets forth information regarding issuer purchases of equity securities:
Period
Total number of
shares
purchased(1)
Average price
paid per share
Total number of
shares
purchased as
part of publicly
announced
plans or
programs (2)
December 1- December 31, 2018 .............................................
1,770 $
10.03
— $
Maximum
approximate
dollar value of
shares that
may yet be
purchased
under the plans
or programs
subsequent to
end of period (2)
6,771,467
(1) The repurchased shares were acquired other than as part of a publicly announced plan or program. The Company repurchased
these securities in connection with its Amended and Restated 2000 Long Term Incentive Plan which allows participants to use
shares to satisfy certain tax liabilities arising from the vesting of restricted stock. The number above does not include unvested
shares forfeited back to the Company pursuant to the terms of the Company’s stock compensation plans.
(2) On April 30, 2013, the Board of Directors of Lifetime Brands, Inc. authorized the repurchase of up to $10.0 million of the
Company’s common stock. The repurchase authorization permits the Company to effect the repurchases from time to time
through open market purchases and privately negotiated transactions. No repurchases occurred during the three months ended
December 31, 2018.
Item 6. Selected Financial Data
The selected consolidated statement of operations data for the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016 and the selected
consolidated balance sheet data as of December 31, 2018 and 2017 have been derived from the Company’s audited consolidated
financial statements included elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K. The selected consolidated statement of operations data
for the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014 and the selected consolidated balance sheet data at December 31, 2016, 2015 and
2014 have been derived from the Company’s audited consolidated financial statements included in the Company’s Annual Reports on
Form 10-K for those respective years, which are not included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
This information should be read together with the discussion in Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and
Results of Operations and the Company’s consolidated financial statements and Notes to those statements included elsewhere in this
Annual Report on Form 10-K.
Year ended December 31,
2018
2017
2016
2015
2014
(in thousands, except per share data)
STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS DATA(1) ........................
Net sales .................................................................................... $
Cost of sales ..............................................................................
Distribution expenses (2) ............................................................
Selling, general and administrative expenses (3) ........................
Intangible asset impairment ......................................................
Restructuring expenses .............................................................
Income from operations ............................................................
Interest expense .........................................................................
Financing expense .....................................................................
Loss on early retirement of debt ...............................................
Income before income taxes and equity in earnings .................
Income tax provision.................................................................
Equity in earnings (losses), net of taxes (4) ................................
Net (loss) income ...................................................................... $
364,319
58,050
140,903
—
1,024
15,180
(4,291)
—
(110)
704,542 $ 579,476 $ 592,619 $ 587,670 $ 586,010
373,129
375,719
448,785
54,202
57,006
69,716
133,786
130,397
162,933
3,384
—
2,205
2,420
2,324
125
21,384
27,077
18,579
(6,418)
(4,803)
(18,004)
(758)
—
—
(66)
(346)
(272)
13,862
509
(5,825)
(2,889)
(6,493)
660
1,544
(1,720) $
373,284
54,815
134,903
—
437
24,231
(5,746)
(154)
—
18,331
(6,627)
574
12,278 $
22,002
(7,030)
748
15,720 $
10,779
(9,032)
407
2,154 $
Basic (loss) income per common share ..................................... $
(0.09) $
0.15 $
1.11 $
0.89 $
0.11
Weighted-average shares outstanding – basic ...........................
19,452
14,505
14,174
13,850
13,519
Diluted (loss) income per common share.................................. $
(0.09) $
0.14 $
1.08 $
0.86 $
0.11
Weighted-average shares outstanding – diluted ........................
19,452
14,955
14,549
14,266
13,974
Cash dividends declared per common share ............................. $
0.17 $
0.17 $
0.17 $
0.16 $
0.15
25
December 31,
2018
2017
2016
2015
2014
(in thousands)
BALANCE SHEET DATA(1)
Current assets ............................................................................ $ 318,804 $ 258,423 $
Current liabilities ......................................................................
71,515
Working capital .........................................................................
186,908
Total assets ................................................................................
401,521
Short-term borrowings ..............................................................
69
Long-term debt .........................................................................
94,744
Stockholders’ equity .................................................................
210,279
84,876
233,928
708,572
1,253
304,774
279,493
256,447 $
91,286
165,161
399,854
9,456
86,201
197,728
243,380 $
91,361
152,019
398,331
19,898
80,350
199,468
258,117
83,869
174,248
421,402
10,765
127,655
188,233
Notes:
(1) The acquisition of Filament in March 2018 affects the comparability of the periods.
(2) The 2016 period includes a $1.2 million charge to correct prior years’ depreciation of certain assets within the U.S. segment.
(3)
In 2018, 2015 and 2014, the Company recorded a credit of $1.7 million, a net charge of $0.7 million and a credit of $4.2 million,
respectively, related to adjustments to the fair value of certain contingent consideration. The 2018, 2017, 2016 and 2015 periods
include the impact of unrealized gains (losses) on foreign currency contracts of $1.9 million, ($2.8) million, $0.7 million and
$0.3 million, respectively.
In 2014, the Company recorded a charge of $6.0 million, net of tax, for a reduction of the fair value of the Company’s
investment in GS Internacional S/A.
(4)
Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
The following discussion should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements for the Company and Notes thereto
set forth in Item 15. This discussion contains forward-looking statements relating to future events and the future performance of the
Company based on the Company’s current expectations, assumptions, estimates and projections about it and the Company’s industry.
These forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties. The Company’s actual results and timing of various events could
differ materially from those anticipated in such forward-looking statements as a result of a variety of factors, as more fully described
in this section and elsewhere in this Annual Report including those discussed under “Disclosures regarding Forward-Looking
Statements,” under Item 1A “Risk Factors” and under Item 7A “Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures Regarding Market Risk.”
The Company undertakes no obligation to update publicly any forward-looking statements for any reason, even if new information
becomes available or other events occur in the future, other than as required by law.
ABOUT THE COMPANY
The Company designs, sources and sells branded kitchenware, tableware and other products used in the home. The Company’s
product categories include two categories of products used to prepare, serve and consume foods, Kitchenware (kitchen tools and
gadgets, cutlery, kitchen scales, thermometers, cutting boards, shears, cookware, pantryware, spice racks and bakeware) and
Tableware (dinnerware, stemware, flatware and giftware), and one category, Home Solutions, which comprises other products used in
the home (thermal beverageware, bath scales, weather and outdoor household products, food storage, neoprene travel products and
home décor). In 2018, Kitchenware products and Tableware products accounted for approximately 82% of the Company’s U.S. net
sales and 84% of the Company’s consolidated net sales. In 2017, Kitchenware products and Tableware products accounted for
approximately 89% of the Company’s U.S. net sales and 91% of the Company’s consolidated net sales.
The Company markets several product lines within each of its product categories and under most of the Company’s brands, primarily
targeting moderate price points through virtually every major level of trade. The Company believes it possesses certain competitive
advantages based on its brands, its emphasis on innovation and new product development and its sourcing capabilities. The Company
owns or licenses a number of leading brands in its industry including Farberware®, Mikasa®, Taylor®, KitchenAid®, KitchenCraft®,
Pfaltzgraff®, Built NY®, Rabbit®, Kamenstein® and MasterClass®. Historically, the Company’s sales growth has come from expanding
product offerings within its product categories, by developing existing brands, acquiring new brands (including complementary brands
in markets outside the United States), and establishing new product categories. Key factors in the Company’s growth strategy have
been the selective use and management of the Company’s brands and the Company’s ability to provide a stream of new products and
designs. A significant element of this strategy is the Company’s in-house design and development teams that create new products,
packaging and merchandising concepts.
26
The Company continually evaluates opportunities to expand the reach of its brands and to invest in other companies, both foreign and
domestic, that own or license complementary brands. During 2018, the Company made significant progress in this initiative and in
March 2018, pursuant to a merger agreement, the Company completed the acquisition of Taylor Holdco LLC and its subsidiaries (dba
Filament Brands, and which the Company refers to as “Filament”). Filament primarily designs, markets and distributes consumer and
food service precision measurement products (including kitchen scales, thermometers and timers), bath scales, wine accessories,
kitchen tools, hydration products and select outdoor products to major retailers in the United States and Canada and to select
distributors throughout Europe and Asia. Filament distributes products under the Taylor, Salter, Springfield, HoMedics, Rabbit,
Houdini, Metrokane, Mako, EatSmart, TravelWise, Chef’n, Vibe, d.stil, RBT and private label brand names.
BUSINESS SEGMENTS
The Company has two reportable operating segments, U.S. and International. The U.S. segment includes the domestic operations of
the Company’s business that designs, markets and distributes its products to retailers, distributors and direct to consumers through
retail websites. Business operations conducted outside the U.S., are included in the International segment. Prior to December 31, 2018,
the U.S. segment was reported as two separate reportable segments, Wholesale and Retail Direct. The Company realigned its
operating segments to reflect the changes in how the Company manages its business, reviews operating performance and allocates
resources. The prior period segment information has been recast to reflect the current reportable segment structure of the Company.
EQUITY INVESTMENTS
The Company owns approximately 30% of the outstanding capital stock of Vasconia, an integrated manufacturer of aluminum
products and one of Mexico’s largest housewares companies.
The Company accounts for its investment in Vasconia using the equity method of accounting and has recorded its proportionate share
of Vasconia’s net income, net of taxes, as equity in earnings in the Company’s consolidated statements of operations. Pursuant to a
Shares Subscription Agreement (the “Agreement”), the Company may designate four persons to be nominated as members of
Vasconia’s Board of Directors. Shares of Vasconia’s capital stock are traded on the Bolsa Mexicana de Valores, the Mexican Stock
Exchange. The Quotation Key is VASCONI.
The Company recorded equity in earnings of Vasconia, net of taxes, of $887,000, $415,000 and $570,000 for the years ended
December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016, respectively.
In 2016 the Company sold its 40% equity interest in GS Internacional S/A (“GSI”), a wholesale distributor of branded housewares
products in Brazil. The Company initially acquired GSI in December 2011 and accounted for this investment using the equity method
of accounting; however, impairment losses recognized in 2014 reduced the value of the investment to zero. Upon the sale of its equity
interest in GSI the Company recognized a net gain of $189,000 which is included within equity in earnings (losses), net of tax for the
year ended December 31, 2016.
In February 2012, the Company acquired a 50% stake in Grand Venture Holdings Limited (“Grand Venture”), a joint venture with
Manweal Development Limited (“Manweal”), a Chinese corporation, to distribute Mikasa® products in China, which included an
initial investment by the Company of $500,000. The Company and Manweal each own 50% of Grand Venture and have rights and
obligations proportionate to their ownership percentages. The Company accounts for its investment in Grand Venture using the equity
method of accounting and has recorded its proportionate share of Grand Venture’s net loss in equity in earnings (losses) in the
Company’s consolidated statements of operations. Due to continuing operating losses the Company evaluated the carrying value of its
investment for other-than temporary impairment under the equity-method of accounting and recorded an impairment charge of
approximately $0.2 million during the year ended December 31, 2018.
SEASONALITY
The Company’s business and working capital needs are highly seasonal, with a majority of sales occurring in the third and fourth
quarters. In 2018, 2017 and 2016, net sales for the third and fourth quarters accounted for 62%, 60% and 61% of total annual net sales,
respectively. In anticipation of the pre-holiday shipping season, inventory levels increase primarily in the June through October time
period.
RECENT DEVELOPMENTS
The U.S. government recently announced and, in some cases, implemented additional tariffs on certain foreign goods, including
certain finished products and raw materials such as steel and aluminum. These tariffs and potential tariffs have resulted or may result
27
in increased prices for these imported goods and materials and may limit the amount of these goods and materials that may be
imported into the U.S. A substantial majority of the Company’s products are sourced from vendors in China.
Tariffs were imposed by the United States Trade Representative on certain finished products imported by the Company into the U.S.
from China. The tariffs have been implemented in multiple phases, with effective dates of July and August 2018, for a 25% tariff on
certain products, and with an effective date of September 2018 for a 10% tariff on certain other products, which may be increased to
25%. The Company is developing a plan to further mitigate the impact of any additional increase on the price of certain finished goods
imported by the Company into the U.S. In response to the tariffs, the Company may seek to increase prices to its customers, which
may diminish demand for its products. Additionally, if the Company is unable to increase prices, it may result in the lowering the
gross margin that the Company realizes from the sale of its products. The results of either could adversely affect the Company’s
results of operations and financial condition.
EFFECT OF ADOPTION OF ACCOUNTING PRINCIPLES
Adopted Accounting Pronouncements
Effective January 1, 2018, the Company adopted Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2017-01, Clarifying the Definition of a
Business. This standard assists with evaluating whether transactions should be accounted for as acquisitions (or disposals) of assets or
businesses. This standard will be applied prospectively to acquisitions and has not had an impact on the Company’s consolidated
financial statements.
Effective January 1, 2018, the Company adopted ASC Topic 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers. The standard supersedes
existing revenue recognition guidance and replaces it with a five step revenue model with a core principle that an entity recognizes
revenue to reflect the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the
entity expects to be entitled to in exchange for those goods or services. The Company adopted the new guidance under the modified
retrospective approach. The adoption of this guidance did not have a significant impact on the Company’s consolidated financial
statements. The adoption resulted in the recognition of a right of a return asset related to certain product returns by increasing the
returns liability; this gross up had no corresponding impact on the consolidated statement of operations.
Effective January 1, 2018, the Company adopted ASU 2017-12, Derivatives and Hedging (Topic 815): Targeted Improvements to
Accounting for Hedging Activities, which expands and refines hedge accounting for both non-financial and financial risk components
and aligns the recognition and presentation of the effects of the hedging instrument and the hedged item in the financial statements.
The guidance also makes certain improvements to simplify the application of hedge accounting guidance and ease the administrative
burden of hedge documentation requirements and assessing hedge effectiveness. The Company applied the new guidance to existing
cash flow hedge relationships using a modified retrospective approach. No adjustment was recorded to opening retained earnings on
the date of adoption, as there was no ineffectiveness previously recorded in retained earnings that would have been included in other
comprehensive income if the new guidance had been applied since hedge inception. The adoption of this ASU did not have a material
impact on the Company’s financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.
Effective September 30, 2018, the Company adopted ASU 2017-04, Intangibles – Goodwill and Other (Topic 350): Simplifying the
Test for Goodwill Impairment, to simplify the subsequent measurement of goodwill by eliminating the second step of the goodwill
impairment test. Under this standard, an entity should perform its annual or interim goodwill impairment test by comparing the fair
value of a reporting unit with its carrying amount. An entity should recognize an impairment charge for the amount by which the
carrying amount exceeds the reporting unit’s fair value. The loss recognized should not exceed the total amount of goodwill allocated
to that reporting unit. The Company early adopted this standard and the guidance was applied to the Company’s September 30, 2018
interim and October 1, 2018 annual goodwill impairment tests.
Accounting Pronouncements to be Adopted in Future Periods
Updates not listed below were assessed and either determined to not be applicable or are expected to have a minimal effect on the
Company’s financial position, results of operations, and disclosures.
In February 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-02, Income Statement- Reporting Comprehensive Income: Reclassification of Certain
Tax Effects from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, which addresses the effect on items within accumulated other
comprehensive income (loss) of the change in the U.S. federal corporate tax rate due to the enactment of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act
(the “Tax Act”) on December 22, 2017. The guidance is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, with early
adoption permitted. Upon adoption, the Company does not expect to elect to reclassify the stranded income tax effects of the Tax Act
from accumulated other comprehensive income to retained earnings.
28
In August 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-15, Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230): Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and
Cash Payments, which reduces the diversity in practice on how certain transactions are classified in the statement of cash flows. The
guidance is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, and interim periods within fiscal years beginning after
December 15, 2019. Early adoption is permitted.
In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842), which requires a lessee, in most leases, to initially recognize a
lease liability for the obligation to make lease payments and a right-of-use asset for the right to use the underlying asset for the lease
term. The guidance is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, and interim periods within those years. The
guidance requires adoption using a modified retrospective transition approach with either 1) periods prior to the adoption date being
recast or 2) a cumulative-effect adjustment recognized to the opening balance of retained earnings on the adoption date with prior
periods not recast. The Company adopted this standard on January 1, 2019 using the cumulative-effect adjustment method and elected
certain practical expedients allowed under the standard. The Company’s project team assessed the effect of the adoption of this
standard on its accounting policies, business processes, internal controls over financial reporting and related disclosures. Upon
adoption, the Company estimates assets and liabilities will increase by approximately $91.0 million and $104.5 million, respectively.
Changes in the Company’s lease population or changes in incremental borrowing rates may alter this estimate. The Company does not
expect to recognize a material cumulative-effect adjustment to retained earnings upon adoption. The Company will provide expanded
disclosures as a result of the guidance upon adoption.
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
The following table sets forth statement of operations data of the Company as a percentage of net sales for the periods indicated
below.
Year Ended December 31,
2017
100.0%
62.9
2016
100.0%
63.4
37.1
10.0
24.3
—
0.2
2.6
(0.7)
—
1.9
(1.6)
0.1
0.4%
36.6
9.6
22.0
—
0.4
4.6
(0.8)
—
3.8
(1.2)
0.1
2.7%
Net sales .......................................................................
Cost of sales .................................................................
Gross margin ................................................................
Distribution expenses ...................................................
Selling, general and administrative expenses ...............
Impairment of goodwill ................................................
Restructuring ................................................................
2018
100.0%
63.7
36.3
9.9
23.1
0.3
0.3
Income from operations ...............................................
2.7
Interest expense ............................................................
(2.6)
Loss on early retirement of debt ................................... —
Income before income taxes and equity in earnings.....
Income tax provision ....................................................
Equity in earnings, net of taxes ....................................
0.1
(0.4)
0.1
Net (loss) income .........................................................
(0.2)%
29
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
2018 COMPARED TO 2017
As a result of the Company’s realignment of its reportable segments into two categories, U.S. and International, in the fourth quarter
of 2018, previous periods presented have been recast to conform to the current period presentation.
Net Sales
Net sales for the year 2018 were $704.5 million, an increase of $125.0 million, or 21.6%, compared to net sales of $579.5 million in
2017. Net sales from Filament for the period from March 2, 2018, the date of the acquisition of Filament, were $128.8 million.
Net sales for the U.S. segment in 2018 were $612.0 million, an increase of $130.3 million, or 27.1%, compared to net sales of
$481.7 million in 2017.
Net sales for the U.S. segment’s Kitchenware product category in 2018 were $331.6 million, an increase of $54.9 million, or 19.8%,
compared to net sales of $276.7 million in 2017. The increase in the U.S. segment’s Kitchenware product category was primarily
attributable to contributions from Filament, and to a lesser extent, an increase in pantryware club program sales and an increase in
tools and gadget off price retailer sales. These increase were partially offset by a decline in tools and gadget club sales and a decline in
novelty kitchenware sales.
Net sales for the U.S. segment’s Tableware product category in 2018 were $169.7 million, an increase of $16.9 million, or 11.1%,
compared to net sales of $152.8 million for 2017. The Tableware product category sales increase was primarily attributable to
warehouse club programs and an increase in sales from Fitz and Floyd, which was acquired in August 2017.
Net sales for the U.S. segment’s Home Solutions products category in 2018 were $110.7 million, an increase of $58.6 million,
compared to net sales of $52.1 million in 2017. The increase primarily reflects contributions from Filament and an increase in
hydration programs. This increase was partially offset by a decline in home décor sales attributable to a customer bankruptcy and a
decline in a customer program.
Net sales for the International segment in 2018 were $92.6 million, a decrease of $5.2 million, compared to net sales of $97.8 million
for 2017. In constant currency, a non-GAAP financial measure, which excludes the impact of foreign exchange fluctuations and was
determined by applying 2018 average exchange rates to 2017 local currency amounts, net sales decreased approximately 7.9%. The
decrease, in constant currency, is due to a decline in private label tableware sales and a decline in kitchenware export and field sales.
Gross margin
Gross margin for 2018 was $255.8 million, or 36.3%, compared to $215.2 million, or 37.1%, for the corresponding period in 2017.
Gross margin for the U.S. segment was $223.5 million, or 36.5%, for 2018 compared to $183.4 million, or 38.1%, for 2017. Gross
margin fluctuates from period to period based on a number of factors, including product and customer mix. The decrease in gross
margin percentage is attributable to a change in customer and product mix from the Kitchenware and Tableware product categories,
partially offset by the impact of Filament.
Gross margin for the International segment was $32.2 million, or 34.8%, for 2018 compared to $31.8 million, or 32.5%, for 2017. The
increase in gross margin in the International segment is attributable to the tableware products favorable customer and product mix.
Distribution expenses
Distribution expenses were $69.7 million for the 2018 period as compared to $58.1 million for the 2017 period. Distribution expenses
as a percentage of net sales were 9.9% and 10.0% in 2018 and 2017, respectively. Distribution expenses as a percentage of net sales
for the U.S. segment were approximately 9.5% in 2018 and 9.8% in 2017. Distribution expenses in 2018 and 2017 include
$2.7 million and $0.7 million, respectively, for the Company’s west coast distribution facility relocation which was completed in
2018. Distribution expenses as a percentage of sales shipped from the Company’s warehouses located in the United States for the U.S.
segment were 10.4% and 10.8% for 2018 and 2017, respectively. The decrease reflects the addition of Filament, which has less
distribution expense as a percentage of net sales than the Company’s historical operations.
Distribution expenses as a percentage of net sales for the International segment were approximately 12.5% and 10.8% for 2018 and
2017, respectively. Distribution expenses as a percentage of sales shipped from the Company’s warehouses for the International
30
segment were 13.1% and 12.3% for 2018 and 2017, respectively. The increase reflects an increase in labor and facility expenses, in
part, due to an increase in inventory for new branded product portfolio.
Selling, general and administrative expenses
Selling, general and administrative (“SG&A”) expenses for 2018 were $162.9 million, an increase of $22.0 million, or 15.6%, as
compared to $140.9 million for 2017.
SG&A expenses for 2018 for the U.S. segment were $119.1 million, an increase of $22.4 million, or 23.2%, compared to
$96.7 million for 2017. The 2018 period reflects an increase related to the Company’s acquisition of Filament, including an increase in
intangible amortization expense. The acquisition related increases offset a decrease in employee, office and selling expense due to
synergies realized from the acquisition of Filament. As a percentage of net sales, SG&A expenses were 19.5% for 2018 compared to
20.1% for 2017.
SG&A expenses for 2018 for the International segment were $23.6 million, compared to $27.1 million for 2017. The decrease was due
in part to unrealized losses on foreign currency contracts of $2.6 million in the prior period, as compared to a net realized and
unrealized gain of $150 thousand in the 2018 period. The 2017 period also includes expenses of approximately $0.7 million
attributable to the implementation of Systems, Applications and Products (“SAP”), which is software that the Company uses in the
management of its business, which were not repeated in 2018. As a percentage of net sales, SG&A expenses decreased to 25.5% for
2018 compared to 27.7% for 2017.
Unallocated corporate expenses for 2018 were $20.2 million compared to $17.2 million for 2017. The increase in the 2018 period was
attributable to an increase in professional fees, share based compensation expense and insurance expense partially offset by a decrease
in short term incentive compensation expense.
Impairment of goodwill
During the third quarter of 2018 the Company performed an interim impairment assessment of the European tableware reporting unit
which resulted in a $2.2 million non-cash goodwill impairment charge. No impairment charges were recorded in the 2017 period.
Restructuring expenses
During 2018, the Company recorded $2.1 million of restructuring expense, primarily for severance, related to the Company’s Filament
integration.
During 2018 and 2017, the Company recorded $0.2 million and $1.0 million, respectively, of restructuring expense, primarily for
severance, related to the integration of operations in Europe.
Interest expense
Interest expense for 2018 was $18.0 million compared to $4.3 million for 2017. The increase in expense was attributable to the
financing obtained in connection with the acquisition of Filament.
Loss on early retirement of debt
In connection with the financing obtained for the acquisition of Filament, the Company wrote-off $0.1 million of the debt issuance
costs.
In April 2017, the Company repaid the outstanding balance under its former term loan with JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A, as
administrative agent and co-collateral Agent, and HSBC Bank USA, National Association (“HSBC Bank USA”), as syndication agent
and co-collateral Agent (the “Former Term Loan”). In connection therewith, the Company wrote off debt issuance costs of
$0.1 million.
Income tax provision
The income tax provision was $2.9 million in 2018 and $9.0 million in 2017. The Company’s effective tax rate for 2018 was 567.6%,
compared to 83.8% for 2017. The effective tax rate in 2018 was driven by nondeductible expenses related to the Filament acquisition,
impairment of goodwill in the foreign jurisdictions, the increase in liability related to uncertain tax positions, and state taxes. The
31
effective tax rate in 2017 was driven by the reduced deferred tax assets resulting from the application of a lower corporate tax rate
under the Tax Act, enacted in December 2017, and the estimated transition tax.
Due to the complexities involved in accounting for the Tax Act, the Company was required to include in its 2017 financial statements
the reasonable estimate of the impact of the Tax Act on its earnings to the extent such reasonable estimate had been determined.
Accordingly, the U.S. provision for income tax for 2017 is based on the reasonable estimate guidance. The Company continued to
assess the impact from the Tax Act in 2018 and recorded an adjustment of approximately $0.7 million.
Equity in earnings
The Company’s equity in earnings, net of tax, for 2018 and 2017 are as follows:
Equity in earnings of Grupo Vasconia:
Equity earnings, net of tax ........................................ $
Tax benefit (provision) recorded in equity in
earnings (1) ............................................................
Tax act transition adjustments ..................................
Equity in earnings of Grupo Vasconia ...............................
Impairment of Grand Venture ............................................
$
Year Ended December 31,
2018
2017
(in thousands)
807
—
80
887
(227)
660
$
176
239
—
415
(8)
407
$
(1)
Income tax provision related to the valuation allowance for deferred taxes associated with the cumulative foreign currency
translation adjustment.
Equity in earnings of Vasconia, net of taxes, was $887,000 in 2018, as compared to $415,000 in 2017. Vasconia reported income from
operations for 2018 of $11.4 million, as compared to $10.5 million for 2017 and reported net income of $2.9 million in 2018,
compared to $1.2 million in 2017.
Due to the operating losses in the Company’s investment in Grand Venture, the Company evaluated the carrying value of its
investment for other-than temporary impairment under the equity method of accounting, and recorded an impairment charge of
approximately $0.2 million during the year ended December 31, 2018.
32
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
2017 COMPARED TO 2016
As a result of the Company’s realignment of its reportable segments into two categories, U.S. and International, in the fourth quarter
of 2018, previous periods presented have been recast to conform to the current period presentation.
Net Sales
Net sales for the year 2017 were $579.5 million, a decrease of $13.1 million, or 2.2%, compared to net sales of $592.6 million in 2016.
Net sales for the U.S. segment in 2017 were $481.7 million, a decrease of $9.8 million, or 2.0%, compared to net sales of
$491.5 million in 2016.
Net sales for the U.S. segment’s Kitchenware product category in 2017 were $276.7 million, a decrease of $10.4 million, or 3.6%,
compared to net sales of $287.1 million in 2016. The decrease in the U.S. segment’s Kitchenware product category was attributable to
declines in pantryware and cutlery warehouse club sales and a decline in tools and gadget sales due to certain retailer programs not
repeating. These declines were partially offset by an increase in bakeware sales and an increase in sales to on-line retailers across all
Kitchenware product categories.
Net sales for the U.S. segment’s Tableware product category in 2017 were $152.9 million, a decrease of $3.1 million, or 2.0%,
compared to net sales of $156.0 million for 2016. The Tableware product category sales decrease was primarily attributable to a
decline in housewares and metals warehouse club programs. These decreases were partially offset by an increase in sales from Fitz
and Floyd of approximately $7.0 million.
Net sales for the U.S. segment’s Home Solutions products category in 2017 were $52.1 million, an increase of $3.7 million, or 7.6%,
compared to net sales of $48.4 million in 2016. The increase reflects an increase in hydration programs and a new lunch bag program
at a warehouse club. This increase was partially offset by a decline in home décor sales attributable to the SKU simplification
initiative.
Net sales for the International segment in 2017 were $97.8 million, a decrease of $3.3 million, compared to net sales of $101.1 million
for 2016. In constant currency, a non-GAAP financial measure, which excludes the impact of foreign exchange fluctuations and was
determined by applying 2017 average exchange rates to 2016 local currency amounts, net sales increased approximately 0.3%. The
increase, in constant currency, is due to an increase in kitchenware sales to on-line retailers and export sales, partially offset by a
decline in tableware sales with certain customers.
Gross margin
Gross margin for 2017 was $215.2 million, or 37.1%, compared to $216.9 million, or 36.6%, for the corresponding period in 2016.
Gross margin for the U.S. segment was $183.4 million, or 38.1%, for 2017 compared to $183.2 million, or 37.3%, for 2016. Gross
margin fluctuates from period to period based on a number of factors, including product and customer mix. The increase in margin is
attributable to changes in customer and product mix in the Kitchenware and Tableware product categories and a reduction in customer
allowances. These increases were partially offset by a decrease in gross margin in the Home Solutions product category due to a
change in customer mix and an increase in customer allowances.
Gross margin for the International segment was $31.8 million, or 32.5%, for 2017 compared to $33.7 million, or 33.4%, for 2016. The
decrease in gross margin in the International segment is the result of a change in customer mix, tableware product lines de-emphasized
and higher customer allowances. The decrease in gross margin in the International segment is also the result of the strengthened U.S.
dollar against the U.K. pound.
Distribution expenses
Distribution expenses were $58.1 million for the 2017 period as compared to $57.0 million for the 2016 period. In 2016, the Company
identified and corrected an error in the accumulated depreciation balance relating to certain leasehold improvements at one of its U.S.
warehouses. Accordingly, distribution expense for the year ended December 31, 2016 includes $1.2 million of additional depreciation
expense to properly reflect the accumulated depreciation balance of these assets as of December 31, 2016. Excluding this additional
depreciation expense, distribution expenses as a percentage of net sales were 10.0% and 9.4% in 2017 and 2016, respectively.
33
Distribution expenses as a percentage of net sales for the U.S. segment were approximately 9.8% in 2017 and 9.4% in 2016.
Excluding the additional depreciation expense described above, distribution expenses as a percentage of net sales for the U.S. segment
were approximately 9.3% in 2016. Excluding the depreciation expense described above, distribution expenses as a percentage of sales
shipped from the Company’s warehouses located in the United States for the U.S. segment were 10.8% and 10.1% for 2017 and 2016,
respectively. The increase reflects expenses associated with the Company’s west coast distribution facility relocation, including
inefficiencies in preparation for the relocation, as well as an increase in employee costs and facility expenses on lower sales. The
increase is also partially attributable to an increase in freight expense on higher sales to prepaid freight customers.
Distribution expenses as a percentage of net sales for the International segment were approximately 10.8% and 10.9% for 2017 and
2016, respectively. Distribution expenses as a percentage of sales shipped from the Company’s warehouses for the International
segment were 12.3% and 12.6% for 2017 and 2016, respectively. The decrease reflects improved labor management and a decrease in
freight rates.
Selling, general and administrative expenses
SG&A expenses for 2017 were $140.9 million, an increase of $10.5 million, or 8.1%, as compared to $130.4 million for 2016.
SG&A expenses for 2017 for the U.S. segment were $96.7 million, an increase of $2.5 million, or 2.7%, compared to $94.2 million
for 2016. The 2017 period reflects employee severance, intangible amortization related to the Company’s 2016 acquisitions, the
inclusion of Fitz and Floyd and expenses associated with retailer credit concerns. The increase was partially offset by a decrease in
short-term incentive compensation expense. As a percentage of net sales, SG&A expenses were 20.1% for 2017 compared to 19.2%
for 2016.
SG&A expenses for 2017 for the International segment were $27.1 million, compared to $19.7 million for 2016. The increase was due
in part to unrealized losses on foreign currency contracts of $2.8 million in the current period, resulting from the Company’s hedging
activity, as compared to unrealized gains of approximately $0.7 million in 2016. The 2016 period includes realized gains on the
settlement of foreign currency contracts of approximately $1.4 million and translation gains of approximately $1.7 million. These
gains were not repeated in 2017. The 2017 period also includes expenses of approximately $0.7 million attributable to the
implementation of SAP. As a percentage of net sales, SG&A expenses increased to 27.7% for 2017 compared to 19.5% for 2016.
Unallocated corporate expenses for 2017 were $17.2 million compared to $16.5 million for 2016. The increase in the 2017 period was
primarily attributable to an increase in professional and acquisition related fees, partially offset by a decrease in short-term incentive
compensation expense.
Restructuring expenses
During 2017, the Company recorded $1.0 million of restructuring expense, primarily for severance, related to the integration of
operations in Europe.
Restructuring expenses related to the U.S. restructuring plan were $2.4 million for 2016. The expense for the 2016 period includes
severance of approximately $0.7 million and consulting expense of approximately $1.6 million.
Interest expense
Interest expense for 2017 was $4.3 million compared to $4.8 million for 2016. The decrease in interest expense is attributable to the
use of operating cash flow to reduce indebtedness and a decrease in the average borrowing rate due to Former Term Loan repayments.
Loss on early retirement of debt
In April 2017, the Company repaid the outstanding balance under its Former Term Loan. In connection therewith, the Company
wrote-off debt issuance costs of $0.1 million.
In April 2016, the Company made a prepayment of $15.2 million in accordance with the amended terms of the Company’s Former
Term Loan. In connection therewith, the Company wrote-off debt issuance costs of $0.3 million.
Income tax provision
The income tax provision was $9.0 million in 2017 and $7.0 million in 2016. The Company’s effective tax rate for 2017 was 83.8%,
compared to 32.0% for 2016. The higher effective tax rate in 2017 was driven by the reduced deferred tax assets resulting from the
34
application of a lower corporate tax rate under the Tax Act and the estimated transition tax on foreign unremitted earnings. The higher
rate in 2017 also resulted from foreign pretax losses in jurisdictions where the local statutory rate is lower than the current U.S.
corporate income tax rate and a portion for which no benefit has been recognized due to a valuation allowance. The effective tax rate
in 2016 reflected a reduction of deferred tax liabilities in the U.K. as a result of a rate change enacted in 2016 as well as a favorable
foreign tax rate differential for income earned in the U.K.
Transition tax on non-U.S. subsidiaries’
earnings ......................................................... $
Re-measurement of U.S. deferred tax assets
and liabilities .................................................
Total impact of the Tax Act on the provision
for income taxes ............................................ $
Year Ended
December 31, 2017
(in thousands)
338
2,981
3,319
Due to the complexities involved in accounting for the recently enacted Tax Act, the Company is required to include in its financial
statement the reasonable estimate of the impact of the Tax Act on earnings to the extent such reasonable estimate has been determined.
Accordingly, the U.S. provision for income tax for 2017 is based on the reasonable estimate guidance.
Equity in earnings (losses)
The Company’s equity in earnings (losses), net of tax, for 2017 and 2016 are as follows:
Year Ended December 31,
2017
2016
(in thousands)
Equity in earnings of Grupo Vasconia:
Equity earnings, net of tax .......................................... $
Tax benefit (provision) recorded in equity in
earnings (1) ..............................................................
Equity in earnings of Grupo Vasconia .................................
Equity in earnings of GSI:
Gain on sale of investment, net of tax ........................
Equity in earnings of GSI .....................................................
Equity in losses of other investments ...................................
$
176
239
415
—
—
(8)
407
$
1,087
(517)
570
189
189
(11)
748
$
(1)
Income tax provision related to the valuation allowance for deferred taxes associated with the cumulative foreign currency
translation adjustment.
Equity in earnings of Vasconia, net of taxes, was $415,000 in 2017, as compared to $570,000 in 2016. Vasconia reported income from
operations for 2017 of $10.5 million, as compared to $5.6 million for 2016, and reported net income of $1.2 million in 2017,
compared to $3.5 million in 2016.
As described above, the Company sold its 40% equity interest in GSI during the year ended December 31, 2016. Upon the sale of its
equity interest in GSI the Company recognized a net gain of $189,000. This gain represents the net consideration received of
2.3 million Brazilian reals (approximately $567,000) reduced by currency translation losses of $378,000 that were recognized when
the equity interest was sold.
CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES AND ESTIMATES
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations discusses the Company’s consolidated
financial statements which have been prepared in accordance with GAAP and with the instructions to Form 10-K and Article 10 of
Regulation S-X. The preparation of these financial statements requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the
reported amounts of assets and liabilities, the 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. On an on-going basis, management evaluates its estimates
and judgments based on historical experience and on various other factors that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances,
35
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. The Company evaluates these estimates including those related to revenue recognition, allowances for doubtful
accounts, reserves for sales returns and allowances and customer chargebacks, inventory mark-down provisions, health insurance
reserves, impairment of goodwill, tangible and intangible assets, stock compensation expense, accruals related to the Company’s tax
positions and tax valuation allowances. Actual results may differ from these estimates using different assumptions and under different
conditions. The Company’s significant accounting policies are more fully described in Note A- Significant Accounting Policies in the
Notes to the consolidated financial statements included in Item 15. The Company believes that the following discussion addresses its
most critical accounting policies, which are those that are most important to the portrayal of the Company’s consolidated financial
condition and results of operations and require management’s most difficult, subjective and complex judgments.
Inventory
Inventory consists principally of finished goods sourced from third-party suppliers. Inventory also includes finished goods, work in
process and raw materials related to the Company’s manufacture of sterling silver products. Inventory is priced using the lower of cost
(first-in, first-out basis) or net realizable value. The Company estimates the selling price of its inventory on a product by product basis
based on the current selling environment. If the estimated selling price is lower than the inventory’s cost, the Company reduces the
value of the inventory to its net realizable value. Net realizable value is the estimated selling price in the ordinary course of business,
less reasonably predictable costs of completion, disposal and transportation.
Accounts Receivable
The Company periodically reviews the collectability of its accounts receivable and establishes allowances for estimated losses that
could result from the inability of its customers to make required payments. A considerable amount of judgment is required to assess
the ultimate realization of these receivables including assessing the initial and on-going creditworthiness of the Company’s customers.
The Company also maintains an allowance for anticipated customer deductions. The allowances for deductions are primarily based on
contracts with customers. However, in certain cases the Company does not have a formal contract and, therefore, customer deductions
are non-contractual. To evaluate the reasonableness of non-contractual customer deductions, the Company analyzes currently
available information and historical trends of deductions. If the financial conditions of the Company’s customers or general economic
conditions were to deteriorate, resulting in an impairment of their ability to make payments or sell the Company’s products at
reasonable sales prices, or the Company’s estimate of non-contractual deductions varied from actual deductions, revisions to
allowances would be required, which could adversely affect the Company’s financial condition. Historically, the Company’s
allowances have been appropriate and have not resulted in material unexpected charges.
Goodwill, intangible assets and long-lived assets
Goodwill and intangible assets deemed to have indefinite lives are not amortized but, instead, are subject to an annual impairment
assessment. Additionally, if events or conditions were to indicate the carrying value of a reporting unit may not be recoverable, the
Company would evaluate goodwill and other intangible assets for impairment at that time. As it relates to the goodwill assessment, the
Company first assesses qualitative factors to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less
than its carrying amount as a basis for determining whether it is necessary to perform the quantitative goodwill impairment testing
described in ASU Topic 350, Intangibles – Goodwill and Other. If, after assessing qualitative factors, the Company determines that it
is not more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount, then performing the quantitative test is
unnecessary and the Company’s goodwill is considered to be unimpaired. However, if based on the Company’s qualitative assessment
it concludes that it is more likely than not that the fair value of the reporting unit is less than its carrying amount, or if the Company
elects to bypass the qualitative assessment, the Company will proceed with performing the quantitative impairment test. In January
2017, the FASB issued revised guidance that simplifies the test for goodwill impairment, effective for fiscal years beginning after
December 15, 2019, with early adoption permitted. The Company elected to early adopt the guidance in the third quarter of 2018.
Under the revised guidance, if a reporting unit’s carrying value exceeds its fair value, an impairment charge will be recorded to reduce
the reporting unit to fair value. Prior to the revised guidance, the amount of the impairment was the difference between the carrying
value of the goodwill and the “implied” fair value, which was calculated as if the reporting unit had just been acquired and accounted
for as a business combination.
Long-lived assets, including intangible assets deemed to have finite lives, are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in
circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. Impairment indicators include, among other
conditions, cash flow deficits, historic or anticipated declines in revenue or operating profit or material adverse changes in the
business climate that indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may be impaired. When impairment indicators are present, the
recoverability of the asset is measured by comparing the carrying value of the asset to the estimated undiscounted future cash flows
expected to be generated by the asset. If the asset is considered to be impaired, the impairment to be recognized is measured by the
amount by which the carrying amount of the asset exceeds the fair value of the asset.
36
Due to a decline in operating performance at the Company’s European tableware business and reduced expectations for future cash
flows, the Company performed an interim impairment assessment in the third quarter of 2018, which resulted in a $2.2 million non-
cash goodwill impairment charge.
The Company bypassed the optional qualitative impairment analysis for its reporting units with goodwill for its annual October 1,
2018 impairment test. Accordingly, the estimated fair value of each of the reporting units was determined using the income approach
and market approach. The significant assumptions used under the income approach, or discounted cash flow method, are projected net
sales, projected earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortization (“EBITDA”), terminal growth rates, and the cost of
capital. Projected net sales, projected EBITDA and terminal growth rates were determined to be significant assumptions because they
are three primary drivers of the projected cash flows in the discounted cash flow fair value model. Cost of capital was also determined
to be a significant assumption as it is the discount rate used to calculate the current fair value of those projected cash flows. Under the
income approach, the resultant estimated fair value of the reporting units exceeded their carrying value as of October 1, 2018.
As of October 1, 2018, the excess of fair value of the European kitchenware reporting unit, which carries goodwill of $10.0 million,
was approximately 7% over its carrying value. Management’s projections used to estimate the cash flows include increasing net sales
and operational improvements expected as a results of the consolidation of locations in the U.K. As a result of the European
restructuring plan, the European kitchenware and tableware reporting units were combined into one reporting unit as of January 1,
2019. Changes in any of the significant assumptions, including the identified restructuring activities, used in the valuation of the
reporting unit could materially affect the expected cash flows, and such impacts could potentially result in a material non-cash
impairment charge.
As of October 1, 2018, the fair value of the U.S. reporting unit, which carries goodwill of approximately $81.6 million was
approximately 9% over its carrying value. Management’s projections used to estimate fair value included increasing net sales and the
realizations of the savings expected from the Company’s acquisition of Filament. Changes in any of the significant assumptions used
in the valuation of the reporting unit could materially affect the expected cash flows, and such impacts could potentially result in a
material non-cash impairment charge.
The Company is not currently aware of any negative changes in its assumptions that could lead to the fair value of the reporting units
being less than the carrying value.
Revenue recognition
The Company sells products:
• Wholesale, to retailers and distributors, and
• Retail, directly to consumers.
Effective January 1, 2018, the Company adopted ASC Topic 606, discussed in Note A- Significant Accounting Policies included in
the Notes to the consolidated financial statements included in Item 15, regarding revenue recognition. Wholesale sales and retail sales
are recognized at the point in time the customer obtains control of the products in an amount that reflects the consideration the
Company expects to be entitled to in exchange for those products. The Company primarily transfers control and records revenue for
product sales upon shipment. Sales arrangements with delivery terms that are not FOB Shipping Point are not recognized upon
shipment and the transfer of control for revenue recognition is evaluated based on the associated shipping terms and customer
obligations. Shipping and handling fees that are billed to customers in sales transactions are included in net sales. Net sales exclude
taxes that are collected from customers and remitted to the respective taxing authorities.
The Company offers various sales incentives and promotional programs to its wholesale customers in the normal course of business.
These incentives and promotions typically include arrangements such as cooperative advertising, buydowns, volume rebates and
discounts. These arrangements represent forms of variable consideration, and an estimate of sales returns are reflected as reductions in
net sales in the Company’s consolidated statements of operations. These estimates are based on historical experience and other known
factors or as the most likely amount in a range of possible outcomes. On a quarterly basis, variable consideration is assessed on a
portfolio approach in estimating the extent to which the components of variable consideration are constrained.
Payment terms vary by customer, but generally range from 30 to 90 days or at the point of sale for the Company’s retail direct sales.
The Company incurs certain direct incremental costs to obtain contracts with customers, such as sales-related commissions, where the
recognition period for the related revenue is less than one year. These costs are expensed as incurred and recorded within SG&A
expenses in the consolidated statement of operations. Incidental items that are immaterial in the context of the contract are expensed as
incurred.
37
Share-based compensation
The Company accounts for its share-based compensation arrangements in accordance with ASC Topic 718, Stock Compensation,
which requires the measurement of compensation expense for all share-based compensation granted to employees and non-employee
directors at fair value on the date of grant and recognition of compensation expense over the related service period for awards.
Forfeitures are accounted for as they occur.
The Company uses the Black-Scholes option valuation model to estimate the fair value of its stock options. The Black-Scholes option
valuation model requires the input of highly subjective assumptions including the expected stock price volatility of the Company’s
common stock and the risk-free interest rate. Changes in these subjective input assumptions can materially affect the fair value
estimate of the Company’s stock options on the date of the option grant.
Performance share awards are initially valued at the Company’s closing stock price on the date of grant. Each performance award
represents the right to receive up to 150% of the target number of shares of common stock. The number of shares of common stock
earned will be determined based on the attainment of specified performance goals by the end of the performance period, as determined
by the Compensation Committee. Compensation expense for performance awards is recognized over the vesting period, and will vary
based on remeasurement during the performance period. If achievement of the performance metrics is not probable during the
performance period, compensation expense is reversed. The awards are forfeited if the performance metrics are not achieved as of the
end of the performance period. The performance share awards vest in full at the end of a three year period.
The Company bases the estimated fair value of restricted stock awards on the fair value of its common stock on the date of grant. The
estimated fair value of an award is determined based on the closing price of the Company’s common stock on the date of grant
multiplied by the number of shares awarded. Compensation expense is recognized on a straight-line basis over the vesting period.
Restructuring Expenses
Costs associated with restructuring activities are recorded at fair value when a liability has been incurred. A liability has been incurred
at the point of closure for any remaining operating lease obligations and at the communication date for severance.
In connection with the Company’s March 2018 acquisition of Filament, the Company commenced a restructuring plan to integrate the
operations of Filament with the Company’s operations and realize the savings expected from the synergies of the acquisition. During
the year ended December 31, 2018 the Company incurred $2.1 million of Filament restructuring charges, primarily related to
severance, of which $1.4 million is accrued at December 31, 2018.
During the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017, the Company incurred $0.2 million and $1.0 million, respectively, of
restructuring expense, primarily related to severance, for the integration of its legal entities operating in Europe. In 2018, the Company
finalized its integration plans for its European operations and took further steps to consolidate its operations. The Company will
combine its physical locations in the U.K. in 2019 and expects to incur approximately $1.5 million of restructuring and integration
charges in 2019. At December 31, 2018, $0.2 million of restructuring charges related to the European restructuring plan were accrued.
During the year ended December 31, 2016 the Company recorded $2.4 million of restructuring expense related to its review of the
U.S. segment, which included the realignment of product categories and implementation of cost reduction initiatives.
Employee healthcare
The Company self-insures certain portions of its health insurance plan. The Company maintains an accrual for unpaid claims and
estimated claims incurred but not yet reported (“IBNR”). Although management believes that it uses the best information available to
estimate IBNR claims, actual claims may vary significantly from estimated claims.
Income taxes
The Company applies the required provisions for financial statement recognition, measurement and disclosure of uncertain tax
positions recognized in the Company’s financial statements. Tax positions must meet a more-likely-than-not recognition threshold and
measurement attribute for financial statement recognition and measurement of a tax position taken. The valuation allowance is also
calculated, established or maintained when it is “more likely than not” that all or a portion of deferred tax assets will not be realized.
On December 22, 2017, the Tax Act was enacted. The Tax Act is one of the most comprehensive changes in the U.S. corporate tax
law and policy since 1986 and certain provisions are extremely complex in their application. The Tax Act revises the U.S. corporate
income tax by, among other things, lowering the corporate income tax rate from 35% to 21%, adopting a quasi-territorial income tax
38
system and imposing a one-time transition tax on foreign unremitted earnings, and setting limitations on the deductibility of certain
costs (e.g., interest expense).
The lower U.S. corporate income tax rate is effective January 1, 2018, however the Company’s U.S. deferred tax assets and liabilities
were adjusted in 2017 when the new tax law was enacted. Additionally, in 2017, as part of the transition to the new quasi-territorial
tax system, the Tax Act imposes a one-time tax on deemed repatriation of foreign subsidiaries’ earnings. The U.S. provision for
income tax for 2017 was based on the reasonable estimate guidance provided by SAB 118. The Company is continuing to assess the
impact from the Tax Act. Changes in interpretations of the Tax Act, future legislative action to address questions that arise because of
the Tax Act, changes in accounting standards for income taxes or related interpretations in response to the Tax Act, or any updates or
changes to estimates the Company has utilized to calculate the impact of the Tax Act could result in material changes to the
Company’s future income tax provision.
Derivatives
The Company accounts for derivative instruments in accordance with ASC Topic 815, Derivatives and Hedging, discussed in Note A-
Significant Accounting Policies included in the Notes to the consolidated financial statements included in Item 15. ASC Topic 815
requires that all derivative instruments be recognized on the balance sheet at fair value as either an asset or liability. Changes in the
fair value of derivatives that qualify as hedges and have been designated as part of a hedging relationship for accounting purposes
have no net impact on earnings until the hedged item is recognized in earnings. The change in the fair value of hedges are included in
accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) and is subsequently recognized in the Company’s consolidated statements of
operations to mirror the location of the hedged items impacting earnings.
For derivatives that do not qualify or are not designated as hedging instruments for accounting purposes, changes in fair value are
recorded in operations.
Foreign currency
Foreign currency denominated assets and liabilities are translated into U.S. dollars at exchange rates prevailing at the balance sheet
dates. Revenues, costs and expenses are translated into U.S. dollars at average exchange rates for the relevant period. Income and
losses resulting from translation are recorded as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss). Gains and losses
from foreign currency transactions, including the unrealized gain or loss on the fair value of foreign exchange contracts not designated
as hedges and the realized gain or loss on all foreign exchange contracts, whether or not designated as hedges, are recognized in
SG&A expenses in the consolidated statements of operations.
Commitments and Contingencies
The Company is subject to various claims and contingencies related to lawsuits, certain taxes and environmental matters, as well as
commitments under contractual and other commercial obligations. The Company recognizes liabilities for contingencies and
commitments when a loss is probable and estimable.
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
The Company’s principal sources of cash to fund liquidity needs are: (i) cash provided by operating activities and (ii) borrowings
available under its revolving credit facility under the ABL Agreement. The Company’s primary uses of funds consist of working
capital requirements, capital expenditures, acquisitions and investments and payments of principal and interest on its debt.
At December 31, 2018 and 2017, the Company had cash and cash equivalents of $7.6 million and working capital of $233.9 million at
December 31, 2018 compared to $186.9 million at December 31, 2017. The current ratio (current assets to current liabilities) was 3.8
to 1.0 at December 31, 2018 compared to 3.6 to 1.0 at December 31, 2017.
At December 31, 2018, borrowings under the Company’s ABL Agreement were $42.1 million and $272.9 million was outstanding
under the Term Loan. At December 31, 2017 $94.7 million was outstanding under the former revolving credit facility. The borrowings
in 2018 were primarily attributable to the financing of the acquisition of Filament.
The Company believes that availability under the revolving credit facility under its ABL Agreement and cash flows from operations
are sufficient to fund the Company’s operations for the next twelve months. However, if circumstances were to adversely change, the
Company may seek alternative sources of liquidity including debt and/or equity financing. However, there can be no assurance that
any such alternative sources would be available or sufficient. The Company closely monitors the creditworthiness of its customers.
Based upon its evaluation of changes in customers’ creditworthiness, the Company may modify credit limits and/or terms of sale.
39
However, notwithstanding the Company’s efforts to monitor its customers’ financial condition, the Company could be materially
affected by changes in the future.
Credit Facilities
In March 2018, the Company entered into the ABL Agreement with the Company, as a borrower and a guarantor, the other borrowers
(the “ABL Borrowers”) party thereto, the other guarantors party thereto, JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. (“JPMorgan”), as administrative
agent, and the lenders and issuing banks party thereto, evidencing a senior secured asset-based revolving credit facility provided to the
Company and the ABL Borrowers in the maximum aggregate principal amount of $150.0 million, which facility will mature on
March 2, 2023, and the Company entered into the Term Loan with the Company, as the borrower and a guarantor, the other
guarantors, JPMorgan, as administrative agent, Golub Capital LLC, as syndication agent, and the lenders party thereto, providing for a
senior secured term loan credit facility to the Company in the principal amount of $275.0 million, which will mature on February 28,
2025. The Term Loan will be repaid in quarterly payments of principal equal to 0.25% of the original aggregate principal amount of
the Term Loan, which payments commenced June 30, 2018. The maximum borrowing amount under the ABL Agreement may be
increased to up to $200.0 million if certain conditions are met. One or more tranches of Incremental Facilities may be added under the
Term Loan if certain conditions are met. The Incremental Facilities may not exceed the sum of (i) $50.0 million plus (ii) an unlimited
amount so long as, in the case of (ii) only, the Company’s secured net leverage ratio, as defined in and computed pursuant to the Term
Loan, is no greater than 3.75 to 1.00 subject to certain limitations and for the period defined pursuant to the Term Loan.
At December 31, 2018, borrowings outstanding under the ABL Agreement were $42.1 million and open letters of credit were
$3.4 million. At December 31, 2018, availability under the ABL Agreement was approximately $104.5 million. The borrowing
capacity under the ABL Agreement depends, in part, on eligible levels of certain current assets comprising the borrowing base and the
Company’s ability to meet and maintain a financial ratio, if and when applicable. Due to the seasonality of the Company’s business,
this may mean that the Company will have greater borrowing availability during the third and fourth quarters of each year. The
borrowing capacity under the ABL Agreement will depend, in part, on eligible levels of accounts receivable and inventory that
fluctuate regularly. Consequently, the $150.0 million commitment thereunder may not represent actual borrowing capacity.
At December 31, 2018, $272.9 million was outstanding under the Term Loan. At December 31, 2018, unamortized debt issuance costs
of $1.5 million and $7.5 million offset the short-term and long-term outstanding balances, respectively, of the Term Loan.
Borrowings under the revolving credit facility bear interest, at the Company’s option, at one of the following rates: (i) an alternate
base rate, defined, for any day, as the greater of the prime rate, a federal funds and overnight bank funding based rate plus 0.5% or
one-month LIBOR plus 1.0%, plus a margin of 0.25% to 0.75%, or (ii) LIBOR plus a margin of 1.25% to 1.75%. The respective
margins are based upon the Company’s total leverage ratio, as defined in and computed pursuant to the ABL Agreement. Interest rates
on outstanding borrowings under the ABL Agreement at December 31, 2018 ranged from 2.4% to 6.25%. In addition, the Company
paid a commitment fee of 0.375% on the unused portion of the ABL Agreement during the year ended December 31, 2018.
The Term Loan facility bears interest, at the Company’s option, at one of the following rates: (i) an alternate base rate, defined, for
any day, as the greater of the prime rate, a federal funds and overnight bank funding based rate plus 0.5% or one-month LIBOR plus
1.0%, plus a margin of 2.50% or (ii) LIBOR plus a margin of 3.50%. The interest rate on outstanding borrowings under the Term
Loan at December 31, 2018 was 6.0%.
Availability under the ABL Agreement depends on the valuation of certain current assets and the Company’s ability to meet and
maintain a financial ratio, if and when applicable. Due to the Company’s seasonality, this may mean that the Company will have
greater borrowing availability during the third and fourth quarters of each year. The borrowing capacity under the ABL Agreement
will depend, in part, on eligible levels of accounts receivable and inventory that fluctuate regularly. Consequently, the $150.0 million
commitment thereunder may not represent actual borrowing capacity.
The Company will classify a portion of the revolving credit facility under its ABL Agreement as a current liability if the Company
intends to and is able to repay the loan from cash flows from operations which are expected to occur within the year. Repayments and
borrowings under the facility can vary significantly from planned levels based on cash flow needs and general economic conditions.
The Company’s payment obligations under its debt agreements are unconditionally guaranteed by its existing and future U.S.
subsidiaries with certain minor exceptions. Certain payment obligations under the ABL Agreement are also direct obligations of its
foreign subsidiary borrowers designated as such under the ABL Agreement and, subject to limitations on such guaranty, are
guaranteed by the foreign subsidiary borrowers, as well as by the Company. The obligations of the Company under the debt
agreements and any hedging arrangements and cash management services and the guarantees by its domestic subsidiaries in respect of
those obligations are secured by substantially all of the assets and stock (but in the case of foreign subsidiaries, limited to 65% of the
capital stock in first-tier foreign subsidiaries and not including the stock of subsidiaries of such first-tier foreign subsidiaries) owned
40
by the Company and the U.S. subsidiary guarantors, subject to certain exceptions. Such security interest consists of (1) a first-priority
lien, subject to certain permitted liens, with respect to certain assets of the Company and its domestic subsidiaries (the “ABL
Collateral”) pledged as collateral in favor of lenders under the ABL Agreement and a second-priority lien in the ABL Collateral in
favor of the lenders under the Term Loan and (2) a first-priority lien, subject to certain permitted liens, with respect to certain assets of
the Company and its domestic subsidiaries (the “Term Loan Collateral”) pledged as collateral in favor of lenders under the Term Loan
and a second-priority lien in the Term Loan Collateral in favor of the lenders under the ABL Agreement.
The debt agreements provide for customary restrictions and events of default. Restrictions include limitations on additional
indebtedness, acquisitions, investments and payment of dividends, among other things. Further, the ABL Agreement provides that
during any period (a) commencing on the last day of the most recently ended four consecutive fiscal quarters on or prior to the date
availability under the ABL Agreement is less than the greater of $15.0 million or 10% of the aggregate commitment under the ABL
Agreement at any time and (b) ending on the day after such availability has exceeded the greater of $15.0 million or 10% of the
aggregate commitment under the ABL Agreement for forty-five (45) consecutive days, the Company is required to maintain a
minimum fixed charge coverage ratio of 1.10 to 1.00 as of the last day of any period of four consecutive fiscal quarters.
The Company was in compliance with the covenants of the ABL Agreement and Term Loan at December 31, 2018.
The Company expects that it will continue to borrow and repay funds, subject to availability, under the ABL Agreement based on
working capital and other corporate needs.
Covenant Calculations
Consolidated adjusted EBITDA (a non-GAAP financial measure), which is defined in the Company’s Debt Agreements, is used in the
calculation of the Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio, Secured Net Leverage Ratio, Total Leverage Ratio and Total Net Leverage Ratio,
which are required to be provided to the Company’s lenders pursuant to its Debt Agreements.
The following is the Company’s consolidated adjusted EBITDA, for the last four fiscal quarters:
Consolidated adjusted EBITDA for the four quarters ended
December 31, 2018
(in thousands)
Three months ended December 31, 2018 ..................................................... $
Three months ended September 30, 2018 .....................................................
Three months ended June 30, 2018 ..............................................................
Three months ended March 31, 2018 ...........................................................
Pro forma projected synergies ......................................................................
Permitted non-recurring charge limitation ....................................................
30,876
22,722
3,910
(529)
8,546
(605)
Total for the four quarters ................................................................... $
64,920
Non-GAAP financial measure
Consolidated adjusted EBITDA is a non-GAAP financial measure within the meaning of Regulation G and Item 10(e) of Regulation
S-K, each promulgated by the Securities and Exchange Commission. This measure is provided because management of the Company
uses this financial measure in evaluating the Company’s on-going financial results and trends. Management also uses this non-GAAP
information as an indicator of business performance. Consolidated adjusted EBITDA, as discussed above, is also one of the measures
used to calculate financial covenants required to be provided to the Company’s lenders pursuant to its Debt Agreements.
Investors should consider these non-GAAP financial measures in addition to, and not as a substitute for, the Company’s financial
performance measures prepared in accordance with GAAP. Further, the Company’s non-GAAP information may be different from the
non-GAAP information provided by other companies including other companies within the home retail industry.
41
The following is a reconciliation of net (loss) income as reported to consolidated adjusted EBITDA for the years ended December 31,
2018 and 2017 and each fiscal quarter of 2018 and 2017:
Three Months Ended
March 31,
2018
June 30,
2018
September 30,
2018
(in thousands)
December 31,
2018
Year Ended
December 31,
2018
Net (loss) income as reported ...............
$ (11,598) $
(6,057)
5,948 $ 9,987 $ (1,720)
Subtract out:
Undistributed equity (earnings) losses, net .....
(77)
(155)
Add back:
Income tax provision (benefit)………………..
Interest expense…………………………….…
Loss on early retirement of debt………….…...
Depreciation and amortization…………….…..
Impairment of goodwill………………….……
Stock compensation expense…………….…....
Contingent consideration fair value adjustment
Unrealized loss (gain) on foreign currency
contracts…………………………………..
Other permitted non-cash charges (1) ………….
Acquisition related expenses…………….…….
Restructuring expenses(2) ……………….……..
Integration charges(2) ……………………….....
Warehouse relocation(2) …………………….…
Pro forma Filament adjustment (3) ………….…
Projected synergies (4) …………………….…...
(3,810)
2,103
66
4,309
—
838
—
393
287
809
406
35
2,384
3,326
—
(1,765)
4,676
—
6,422
—
921
—
(2,112)
916
391
395
110
168
—
—
(185)
906
5,634
—
6,076
2,205
1,268
—
(190)
307
43
552
103
55
—
—
(128)
(545)
7,558
5,591
—
6,522
—
1,108
(1,774)
2,889
18,004
66
23,329
2,205
4,135
(1,774 )
(33)
—
523
971
433
118
—
—
(1,942)
1,510
1,766
2,324
681
2,725
3,326
8,546
Consolidated adjusted EBITDA, before limitation …………
Permitted non-recurring charge limitation(2) ………...
$ (529)
$
3,910 $ 22,722 $ 30,876 $ 65,525
(605)
Consolidated adjusted EBITDA…………………………….
$ 64,920
42
Three Months Ended
March 31,
2017
June 30,
2017
September 30,
2017
(in thousands)
December 31,
2017
Year Ended
December 31,
2017
Net (loss) income as reported………………………………………
$ (1,331)
$ (2,096) $ 4,330 $ 1,251 $ 2,154
Subtract out:
Undistributed equity (earnings) losses, net..................
(540)
(430)
Add back:
Income tax provision (benefit)……………………….
Interest expense………………………………………
Loss on early retirement of debt…………………...…
Depreciation and amortization, net…………………...
Stock compensation expense…………………………
Restructuring expenses (5) ……………………………
Severance expense(5) …………………………………
Warehouse relocation(5) ……………………………...
Permitted acquisition related expenses, net of
acquisition not completed…………………………
Unrealized loss (gain) on foreign currency contracts...
(944)
941
—
3,286
804
—
—
—
35
295
(1,698)
1,001
110
3,348
726
254
155
—
(9)
1,456
326
3,505
1,172
—
4,063
952
272
—
—
166
897
265
8,169
1,177
—
3,468
908
498
166
667
2,424
169
(379)
9,032
4,291
110
14,165
3,390
1,024
321
667
2,616
2,817
Consolidated adjusted EBITDA…………………………………… $ 2,546 $ 2,817 $ 15,683 $ 19,162 $ 40,208
(1)
(2)
(3)
(4)
(5)
Other permitted non-cash charges include a non-cash purchase accounting adjustment to step-up the fair value of acquired
inventory, a permitted exclusion from the Company’s consolidated adjusted EBITDA, pursuant to the Company’s Debt
Agreements.
Permitted non-recurring charges include severance expense, warehouse relocation costs, transition expenses and restructuring
expenses. These are permitted exclusions from the Company’s consolidated adjusted EBITDA, subject to limitations, pursuant
to the Company’s Debt Agreements.
Pro forma Filament adjustment represents a permitted adjustment to the Company’s consolidated adjusted EBITDA for the
acquisition of Filament on March 2, 2018 pursuant to the Company’s Debt Agreements.
Pro forma projected synergies represents the amount of projected cost savings, operating expense reductions, restructuring
charges and expenses and cost saving synergies projected by the Company as a result of actions taken through December 31,
2018 or expected to be taken as of December 31, 2018, net of the benefits realized during the twelve months ended
December 31, 2018. Pro forma projected synergies is a permitted exclusion from the Company’s consolidated adjusted
EBITDA, subject to limitations, pursuant to the Company’s Debt Agreements.
Restructuring expenses, severance expenses and warehouse relocation expenses represent non-recurring charges incurred during
such periods and are permitted exclusions from the Company’s consolidated adjusted EBITDA, pursuant to the Company’s
former credit agreement.
Other Credit Agreements
A subsidiary of the Company has a credit facility (“HSBC Facility”) with HSBC Bank (China) Company Limited, Shanghai Branch
(“HSBC”) for up to 18.0 million ($2.6 million) Chinese renminbi. The HSBC Facility is subject to annual renewal and may be used to
fund general working capital needs of the Company’s subsidiary which is a trading company in the China. Borrowings under the
HSBC Facility are guaranteed by the Company and are granted at the sole discretion of HSBC. At December 31, 2017, 0.5 million
($69,000) Chinese renminbi, were outstanding under the HSBC Facility. No borrowings were outstanding under the HSBC Facility at
December 31, 2018.
Accounts Receivable Purchase Agreement
To improve its liquidity during seasonally high working capital periods, the Company has an uncommitted Receivables Purchase
Agreement with HSBC Bank USA, as Purchaser (the “Receivables Purchase Agreement”). Under the Receivables Purchase
Agreement, the Company may offer to sell certain eligible accounts receivable (the “Receivables”) to HSBC Bank USA, which may
accept such offer, and purchase the offered Receivables. Under the Receivables Purchase Agreement, following each purchase of
Receivables, the outstanding aggregate purchased Receivables shall not exceed $25.0 million. HSBC Bank USA will assume the
credit risk of the Receivables purchased; and, the Company will continue to be responsible for all non-credit risk matters. The
Company will service the Receivables, and as such servicer, collect and otherwise enforce the Receivables on behalf of HSBC Bank
USA. The term of the agreement is for 364 days and shall automatically be extended for annual successive terms unless terminated.
Either party may terminate the agreement at any time upon sixty days’ prior written notice to the other party. Pursuant to this
43
agreement, the Company sold $86.0 million and $90.2 million of Receivables during the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017,
respectively. At December 31, 2018 and 2017, $18.0 million and $16.4 million, respectively, of receivables sold are outstanding and
are due to HSBC Bank USA from customers. A charge of $453,000 and $328,000 related to the sale of the Receivables is included in
SG&A expenses in the consolidated statement of operations for the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively.
Inventory
Inventory, a large component of the Company’s working capital, is expected to fluctuate from period to period, with inventory levels
higher primarily in the June through October time period. The Company also expects inventory turnover to fluctuate from period to
period based on product and customer mix. Certain product categories have lower inventory turnover rates as a result of minimum
order quantities from the Company’s vendors and customer replenishment needs. Certain other product categories experience higher
inventory turns due to lower minimum order quantities or trending sale demands. For the three months ended December 31, 2018
inventory turnover was 3.0 times, or 121 days, as compared to 2.9 times, or 126 days, for the three months ended December 31, 2017.
The increase in turnover and decrease in turnover days primarily reflects the inclusion of Filament.
Capital expenditures
Capital expenditures for the year ended December 31, 2018 were $7.9 million, and were primarily composed of expenditures relating
to the Company’s relocation of its west coast distribution facility and website and software development.
Derivatives
In April 2018, the Company entered into interest rate swap agreements with an aggregate notional amount of $125.0 million. The
Company designated the interest rate swaps as cash flow hedges of the Company’s exposure to the variability of the payment of
interest on a portion of its Term Loan borrowings. The hedge periods in these agreements are set to expire in March 2023, and
amortize over this period.
The Company has also entered into certain foreign exchange contracts, primarily to offset the earnings impact related to fluctuations in
foreign currency exchange rates associated with sales and inventory purchases denominated in foreign currencies. These foreign
exchange contracts have not been designated as hedges as required in order to apply hedge accounting. The changes in the fair value
of these contracts are recorded in the consolidated statement of operations.
Dividends
The Board of Directors declared a dividend of $0.0425 per share, payable on each of May 15, 2017, August 15, 2017, November 15,
2017, February 15, 2018, May 15, 2018, August 15, 2018, November 15, 2018 and February 15, 2019.
Cash provided by operating activities
Net cash provided by operating activities was $19.2 million in 2018 compared to $17.0 million in 2017 and $29.7 million in 2016. The
increase in 2018 as compared to 2017 is attributable to a decrease in payments of accounts payable and accrued expenses and an
increase in collection of receivables, partially offset by an increase in inventory purchases. The decrease in 2017 as compared to 2016,
is attributable to an increase in inventory purchases and payments of accounts payable and accrued expenses, partially offset by a
change in the timing of collection of receivables.
Cash used in investing activities
Net cash used in investing activities was $224.2 million in 2018 compared to $15.4 million in 2017 and $24.4 million in 2016. The
2018 investing activity includes the cash consideration paid for the acquisition of Filament and capital expenditures related to the
Company’s relocation of its west coast distribution facility. The 2017 investing activity includes software capital expenditures related
to SAP and capital expenditures related to the Company’s relocation of its west coast warehouse and distribution facility, as well as
the Company’s acquisition of Fitz and Floyd. The 2016 investing activity includes the Company’s acquisition of inventory and
intangibles from Focus Products Group, LLC, and the acquisition of the Copco® product lines.
Cash used in financing activities
Net cash used in financing activities was $205.3 million in 2018 compared to $2.3 million in 2017 and $4.2 million in 2016. In 2018
the Company entered into new debt agreements, the proceeds of which were principally used to finance the Company’s acquisition of
Filament. In 2017 the Company had net repayments of $1.5 million under its former credit agreement, which included net borrowings
of $8.0 million under its former revolving credit facility and repayments of $9.5 million under its Former Term Loan. The Company
44
had net repayments of $4.0 million under its former credit agreement in 2016, which included net borrowings of $21.4 million under
its former revolving credit facility and repayments of $25.5 million under its Former Term Loan.
CONTRACTUAL OBLIGATIONS
As of December 31, 2018, the Company’s contractual obligations were as follows (in thousands):
Payment due by period
Total
Less than
1 year
1-3 years
3-5 years
More than
5 years
Operating leases ................................................................................ $ 137,665 $ 16,238 $ 29,396 $
Short-term debt .................................................................................
—
Long-term debt .................................................................................
5,500
Interest on debt ..................................................................................
37,147
Minimum royalty payments ..............................................................
17,427
Post retirement benefits.....................................................................
811
2,750
312,268
107,475
26,436
6,590
2,750
—
18,724
7,927
421
29,333 $
—
47,580
34,589
1,082
882
62,698
—
259,188
17,015
—
4,476
Total .................................................................................................. $ 593,184 $ 46,060 $ 90,281 $ 113,466 $ 343,377
Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
Market risk represents the risk of loss that may impact the consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows of the
Company. The Company is exposed to market risk associated with changes in interest rates and foreign currency exchange rates. The
Company believes it has moderate exposure to these risks. The Company assesses market risk based on changes in interest rates and
foreign currency exchange rates utilizing a sensitivity analysis that measures the potential loss in earnings and cash flows based on a
hypothetical 10% or 100 basis point change in these rates.
The Company’s functional currency is the U.S. dollar. The Company has foreign operations through its acquisitions, investments and
strategic alliances in the U.K., Mexico, Canada, Hong Kong and China; therefore, the Company is subject to increases and decreases
in its investments resulting from the impact of fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates. Additional transactions exposing the
Company to exchange rate risk include sales, certain inventory purchases and operating expenses. Through its subsidiaries, portions of
the Company’s cash, trade accounts receivable and trade accounts payable are denominated in foreign currencies. For the year ended
December 31, 2018, approximately 12% of the Company’s net sales revenue was in foreign currencies, compared to 15% for the year
ended December 31, 2017. These sales were primarily denominated in U.K. pounds, Euros and Canadian dollars. The Company
makes most of its inventory purchases from Asia and uses the U.S. dollar for such purchases. In the Company’s consolidated
statements of operations, foreign exchange gains and losses are recognized in SG&A expense. A hypothetical 10% change in
exchange rates, with the U.S. dollar as the functional and reporting currency, would result in an approximately $2.0 million increase in
SG&A expenses.
The Company is a party from time to time to certain foreign exchange contracts, primarily to offset the earnings impact related to
fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates associated with inventory purchases denominated in foreign currencies. Included in
SG&A expenses in the consolidated statement of operations is a gain of $150,000 related to these foreign exchange derivative
contracts. No foreign exchange contracts were outstanding at December 31, 2018.
The Company’s ABL Agreement and Term Loan bear interest at variable rates. The Credit Agreement provides for interest rates
linked to one of the LIBOR, the Prime Rate or the Federal Funds Rate; therefore, the Company is subject to increases and decreases in
interest expense resulting from fluctuations in interest rates. The Company entered into an interest rate swap agreement in April 2018
to manage interest rate exposure in connection with its variable interest rate borrowings. As of December 31, 2018, approximately
$190.0 million of the Company’s debt carries a variable rate of interest, as compared to $90.7 million at December 31, 2017. The
remainder of the debt at December 31, 2018 (approximately $125.0 million) carries a fixed rate of interest through the use of interest
rate swaps. A hypothetical and instantaneous 100 basis point increase in the Company’s variable interest rates would increase interest
expense by approximately $2.2 million over a twelve month period. The sensitivity analysis above assumes interest rate changes are
instantaneous and parallel shifts in the yield curve.
Interest rate swaps expose the Company to counterparty credit risk for nonperformance. The Company manages its exposure to
counterparty credit risk by dealing with counterparties who are international financial institutions with investment grade credit ratings.
Although the Company’s credit risk is the replacement cost at the estimated fair value of these instruments, the Company believes that
the risk of incurring credit risk losses as a result of counterparty nonperformance is remote.
45
The Company does not enter into derivative financial instruments for trading purposes.
Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data
The Company’s consolidated financial statements as of and for the year ended December 31, 2018 in Item 15 commencing on page F-
1 are incorporated herein by reference.
The following tables set forth certain unaudited consolidated quarterly statement of operations data for the eight quarters ended
December 31, 2018. This information is unaudited, but in the opinion of management, it has been prepared substantially on the same
basis as the audited consolidated financial statements appearing elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K and all necessary
adjustments, consisting only of normal recurring adjustments, have been included in the amounts stated below to present fairly the
unaudited consolidated quarterly results of operations. The consolidated quarterly data should be read in conjunction with the
Company’s audited consolidated financial statements and the Notes to such statements appearing elsewhere in this Annual Report.
The results of operations for any quarter are not necessarily indicative of the results of operations for any future period:
Year ended December 31, 2018
First
quarter
Second
quarter
Third
quarter
Fourth
quarter
(in thousands, except per share data)
Net sales .............................................................................. $
Gross margin .......................................................................
Income (loss) from operations .............................................
Net income (loss) ................................................................
Basic income (loss) per common share ...............................
Diluted income (loss) per common share ............................
118,169 $
45,087
(13,316)
(11,598)
(0.70)
(0.70)
148,651 $
52,078
(3,301)
(6,057)
(0.30)
(0.30)
209,448 $
73,785
12,303
5,948
0.29
0.29
228,274
84,807
22,893
9,987
0.49
0.49
Year ended December 31, 2017
First
quarter
Second
quarter
Third
quarter
Fourth
quarter
(in thousands, except per share data)
Net sales .............................................................................. $
Gross margin .......................................................................
Income (loss) from operations .............................................
Net income (loss) ................................................................
Basic income (loss) per common share ...............................
Diluted income (loss) per common share ............................
113,356 $
43,941
(1,874)
(1,331)
(0.09)
(0.09)
117,393 $
42,797
(3,141)
(2,096)
(0.14)
(0.14)
165,957 $
57,188
9,333
4,330
0.30
0.29
182,770
71,231
10,862
1,251
0.09
0.08
46
Item 9. Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure
None
Item 9A. Controls and Procedures
Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures
The Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer of the Company (its principal executive officer and principal financial
officer, respectively) have concluded, based on their evaluation as of December 31, 2018 and the material weakness in internal control
over financial reporting described below, and subject to the limitation described below relating to the Company’s acquisition of
Filament on March 2, 2018, that the Company’s controls and procedures were not effective as of December 31, 2018 to ensure that
information required to be disclosed by the Company in the reports filed by it under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended,
is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms, and include controls
and procedures designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by the Company in such reports is accumulated and
communicated to the Company’s management, including the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer of the Company, as
appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.
Changes in Internal Controls
On March 2, 2018, the Company acquired Filament. The Company has begun to integrate processes and operations of Filament with
those of the Company and is evaluating and will continue to evaluate the impact of any changes to internal control over financial
reporting. Except for any changes in internal controls related to the integration of Filament into the post-acquisition combined
company, during the quarter ended on December 31, 2018, there has been no change in the Company’s internal control over financial
reporting that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect the Company’s internal control over financial
reporting.
Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting
Management of the Company is responsible for establishing and maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for
performing an assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2018. Internal control
over financial reporting is defined in Rule 13a-15(f) or 15d-15(f) promulgated under the Exchange Act as a process designed by, or
under the supervision of, the Company’s principal executive and principal financial officers and effected by the Company’s Board of
Directors, management and other personnel, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the
preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.
Internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that:
•
•
•
Pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and
dispositions of the assets of the Company;
Provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit the preparation of financial statements
in accordance with U.S. 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
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.
All internal control systems, no matter how well designed, have inherent limitations. Because of the inherent limitations, internal
control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. 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 the degree of compliance with
the policies or procedures may deteriorate. Accordingly, even those systems determined to be effective can provide only reasonable
assurance with respect to financial statement preparation and presentation.
Management performed an assessment of the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of
December 31, 2018 using the criteria set forth in the Internal Control-Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring
Organizations of the Treadway Commission (2013 framework). Based on this assessment the Company’s management concluded that
its internal control over financial reporting was not effective as of December 31, 2018 and resulted in a material weakness because
there was no evidence of review of certain key assumptions used in the valuation of intangible assets acquired in the Filament business
combination. The Company implemented controls to remediate this material weakness in the Company’s internal control over
financial reporting prior to the issuance of the Company’s audited financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2018.
47
Management’s assessment of and conclusion on the effectiveness of disclosure controls and procedures and internal controls over
financial reporting did not include the internal controls related to the operations acquired in the 2018 acquisition of Filament, which is
included in the Company’s 2018 consolidated financial statements and constituted 12% and 22% of total and net assets, respectively,
as of December 31, 2018 and 18% of net sales for the year then ended.
The effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2018 has been audited by Ernst &
Young LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, as stated in their report.
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
To the Stockholders and the Board of Directors of Lifetime Brands, Inc.
Opinion on Internal Control over Financial Reporting
We have audited Lifetime Brands, Inc.’s and subsidiaries internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2018, based on
criteria established in Internal Control— Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the
Treadway Commission (2013 framework) (the COSO criteria). In our opinion, because of the effect of the material weakness
described below on the achievement of the objectives of the internal control criteria, Lifetime Brands, Inc. and subsidiaries (the
Company) has not maintained effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2018, based on the COSO criteria.
As indicated in the accompanying Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting, management’s assessment of
and conclusion on the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting did not include the internal controls of Filament, which
is included in the 2018 consolidated financial statements of the Company and constituted 12% and 22% of total and net assets,
respectively as of December 31, 2018 and 18% of net sales for the year then ended. Our audit of internal control over financial
reporting of the Company also did not include an evaluation of the internal control over financial reporting of Filament.
A material weakness is a deficiency, or combination of deficiencies, in internal control over financial reporting, such that there is a
reasonable possibility that a material misstatement of the company’s annual or interim financial statements will not be prevented or
detected on a timely basis. The following material weakness has been identified and included in management’s assessment. A material
weakness in internal control over financial reporting existed as of December 31, 2018 related to the evidence of review of certain key
assumptions used in the valuation of intangible assets acquired in the Filament business combination.
We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States)
(PCAOB), the 2018 consolidated financial statements of the Company. This material weakness was considered in determining the
nature, timing and extent of audit tests applied in our audit of the 2018 consolidated financial statements, and this report does not
affect our report dated March 14, 2019, which expressed an unqualified opinion thereon.
Basis for Opinion
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 Report on 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 are a public accounting firm registered with the PCAOB and are required to be independent with respect to the
Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange
Commission and the PCAOB.
We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. 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.
Definition and Limitations of Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
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
48
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.
/s/ Ernst & Young LLP
Jericho, NY
March 14, 2019
Item 9B. Other Information
Not applicable.
PART III
Items 10, 11, 12, 13 and 14
The information required under these items is contained in the Company’s 2019 Proxy Statement, which will be filed with the SEC
within 120 days after the close of the Company’s fiscal year covered by this Annual Report on Form 10-K and is incorporated herein
by reference.
PART IV
Item 15. Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules
(a) See Financial Statements and Financial Statement Schedule on page F-1.
(b) Exhibits:
Exhibit Index
No.
2.1
3.1
3.2
3.3
10.1
10.2
10.3
10.4
Description
Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of December 22, 2017, by and among the Company, TPP Acquisition I Corp.,
TPP Acquisition II LLC, Taylor Parent, LLC, Taylor Holdco, LLC, and CP Taylor GP, LLC. (incorporated by reference
to Exhibit 2.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on December 29, 2017)
Second Restated Certificate of Incorporation of the Company (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.2 to the Company’s
Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2005)
Certificate of Amendment to Second Restated Certificate of Incorporation of Lifetime Brands, Inc. (incorporated by
reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed June 10, 2016)
Amended and Restated By-Laws of the Company (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the Company’s Current
Report on Form 8-K filed on December 8, 2016)
License Agreement dated December 14, 1989 between the Company and Farberware, Inc. (incorporated by reference to
the Company’s registration statement No. 33-40154 on Form S-1)(P)
Evan Miller employment agreement dated July 1, 2003 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.41 to the Company’s
Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2003)*
Evan Miller Amendment of Employment Agreement dated June 29, 2007 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to
the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed July 3, 2007)*
Employment Agreement, dated January 12, 2017, by and between Lifetime Brands, Inc. and Jeffrey Siegel (incorporated
by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed January 19, 2017)*
49
10.5
10.6
10.7
10.8
10.9
10.10
10.11
10.12
10.13
10.14
10.15
10.16
10.17
10.18
10.19
10.20
10.21
10.22
Amendment to the Amended and Restated Employment Agreement, dated November 8, 2017, between Lifetime Brands,
Inc. and Jeffrey Siegel (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for
the quarter ended September 30, 2017) *
Lease Agreement dated as of May 10, 2006 between AG Metropolitan Endo, L.L.C and Lifetime Brands, Inc. for the
property located at 1000 Stewart Avenue in Garden City, New York (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.1 to the
Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed May 15, 2006)
First Amendment to the Lease Agreement dated as of May 10, 2006 between AG Metropolitan Endo, L.L.C and Lifetime
Brands, Inc. for the property located at 1000 Stewart Avenue in Garden City, New York (incorporated by reference to
Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2006)
Lifetime Brands Inc. Amended and Restated 2000 Long-Term Incentive Plan dated June 28, 2018 (incorporated by
reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed June 29, 2018) *
Form of Restricted Stock Award Agreement under the Amended and Restated 2000 Long-term Incentive Plan
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed August 10, 2015) *
Form of Deferred Stock (Performance-Vesting) Award Agreement under the Amended and Restated 2000 Long-term
Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed
August 10, 2015) *
Amended and Restated 2000 Incentive Bonus Compensation Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the
Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed June 23, 2017) *
Amended and Restated Employment Agreement, dated September 10, 2015, between Lifetime Brands, Inc. and Laurence
Winoker (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed September 16,
2015) *
Amendment to the Amended and Restated Employment Agreement, dated November 8, 2017, between Lifetime Brands,
Inc. and Laurence Winoker (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q
for the quarter ended September 30, 2017) *
Shares Subscription Agreement by and among Lifetime Brands, Inc., Ekco, S.A.B. and Mr. José Ramón Elizondo Anaya
and Mr. Miguel Ángel Huerta Pando, dated as of June 8, 2007 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.1 to the
Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed June 11, 2007)
Amendment No.1 dated September 5, 2007 to the Shares Subscription Agreement by and among Lifetime Brands, Inc.,
Ekco, S.A.B. and Mr. José Ramón Elizondo Anaya and Mr. Miguel Ángel Huerta Pando, dated as of June 8, 2007
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.17 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended
December 31, 2008)
Amendment No. 2 dated September 25, 2008 to the Shares Subscription Agreement by and among Lifetime Brands, Inc.,
Ekco, S.A.B. and Mr. José Ramón Elizondo Anaya and Mr. Miguel Ángel Huerta Pando, dated as of June 8, 2007
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.21 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended
December 31, 2008)
Lease Agreement between Granite Sierra Park LP and Lifetime Brands, Inc. dated June 29, 2007 (incorporated by
reference to Exhibit 99.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed July 6, 2007)
Asset Purchase Agreement between Mikasa, Inc. and Lifetime Brands, Inc. dated June, 6 2008 (incorporated by reference
to Exhibit 99.1 to the Company’s Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2008)
Third Amended and Restated Employment Agreement, dated as of November 24, 2015, by and between Lifetime Brands,
Inc. and Ronald Shiftan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed
November 30, 2015)*
Amendment to the Third Amended and Restated Employment Agreement, dated November 8, 2017, between Lifetime
Brands, Inc. and Ronald Shiftan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form
10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2017) *
Retirement Agreement, dated June 11, 2018, by and between Lifetime Brands, Inc. and Ronald Shiftan (incorporated by
reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed June 12, 2018)
Share Purchase Agreement, dated November 4, 2011, by and among Lifetime Brands, Inc. and Creative Tops Holding
Limited and Creative Tops Far East Limited (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.2 to the Company’s Current Report
on Form 8-K filed November 8, 2011)
50
10.23
10.24
10.25
10.26
10.27
10.28
10.29
10.30
10.31
10.32
10.33
10.34
10.35
10.36
10.37
10.38
10.39
Senior Secured Credit Agreement, dated as of July 27, 2012, among Lifetime Brands, Inc., the Subsidiary Guarantors, the
Lenders and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as Administrative Agent and Collateral Agent (incorporated by reference to
Exhibit 10.6 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2013)
Amendment No. 1 to the Senior Secured Credit Agreement, dated as of November 13, 2012, among Lifetime Brands,
Inc., the Subsidiary Guarantors party thereto, the Swap Agreement Counterparty, the financial institutions party thereto
and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as Administrative Agent (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.3 to the Company’s
Current Report on Form 8-K filed June 27, 2013)
Amendment No. 2 to the Senior Secured Credit Agreement, dated as of June 21, 2013, among Lifetime Brands, Inc., the
Subsidiary Guarantors party thereto, the financial institutions party thereto and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as
Administrative Agent (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed
June 27, 2013)
Share Purchase Agreement, dated January 15, 2014, relating to Thomas Plant (Birmingham) Limited (incorporated by
reference to Exhibit 99.2 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed January 17, 2014)
Deed of Variation and Settlement, dated April 1, 2015, by and among Lifetime Brands, Inc. and the sellers of Thomas
Plant (Birmingham) Limited (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q
filed May 8, 2015)
Employment Agreement, dated November 28, 2014, by and between Lifetime Brands, Inc. and Daniel Siegel
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed December 3, 2014)*
Amendment of Employment Agreement dated April 27, 2015 between Lifetime Brands, Inc. and Daniel Siegel
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed April 29, 2015)*
Employment Agreement, dated November 8, 2017, between Lifetime Brands, Inc. and Daniel Siegel (incorporated by
reference to Exhibit 10.4 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2017) *
Form of Amended and Restated Director’s and Officer’s Indemnification Agreement (incorporated by reference to
Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on January 28, 2016)
Receivables Purchase Agreement, dated as of September 30, 2016 by and among Lifetime Brands, Inc., as a Seller and as
a Seller Agent and initial Servicer, for itself and each of its subsidiaries thereto as a Seller, and HSBC Bank USA,
National Association, as Purchaser (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form
8-K filed October 4, 2016)
Lease agreement dated as of February 14, 2017 between Baseline Opportunity LLC and Lifetime Brands Inc. for property
located at 1221 North Alder Avenue, Rialto, California (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s
Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2017)
Voting Agreement, dated as of December 22, 2017, by and among Taylor Parent, Jeffrey Siegel, Ronald Shiftan, Daniel
Siegel and Clifford Siegel (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed
on December 29, 2017)
Employment Agreement, dated as of December 22, 2017, by and between Robert Kay and the Company. (incorporated by
reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on December 29, 2017) *
Stockholders Agreement, dated as of March 2, 2018, by and between Lifetime Brands, Inc. and Taylor Parent, LLC
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on March 6, 2018).
Letter Agreement and Joinder, dated as of November 9, 2018, by and between Lifetime Brands, Inc., Taylor Parent, LLC
and Centre Capital Investors V, LP. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.01 to the Company’s Current Report on
Form 8-K filed on November 15, 2018).
Credit Agreement, dated as of March 2, 2018, by and among Lifetime Brands, Inc., the other borrowers from time to time
party thereto, the other loan parties from time to time party thereto, the lenders from time to time party thereto, and
JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as Administrative Agent (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Company’s
Current Report on Form 8-K filed on March 6, 2018).
Loan Agreement, dated as of March 2, 2018, by and among Lifetime Brands, Inc., the other loan parties from time to time
party thereto, the lenders from time to time party thereto, JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as Administrative Agent and
Golub Capital LLC, as Syndication Agent. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to the Company’s Current Report
on Form 8-K filed on March 6, 2018)
14.1
Code of Ethics dated February 28, 2013 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 14.1 to the Company’s Current Report on
Form 8-K filed March 6, 2013)
51
21.1
23.1
23.2
23.3
31.1
31.2
32.1
99.1
99.2
Subsidiaries of the Company
Consent of Ernst & Young LLP
Consent of Castillo Miranda Y Compania, S.C.
Consent of KPMG Cardenas Dosal, S. C. (Mexico)
Certification by Robert B. Kay, Chief Executive Officer and Director, pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) or Rule 15d-14(a) of the
Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
Certification by Laurence Winoker, Senior Vice President – Finance, Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer, pursuant to
Rule 13a-14(a) or Rule 15d-14(a) of the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the
Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
Certification by Robert B. Kay, Chief Executive Officer and Director, and Laurence Winoker, Senior Vice President –
Finance, Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906
of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
Report of Independent Registered Accounting Firm on the consolidated financial statements of Grupo Vasconia, S.A.B.
(formerly Ekco, S.A.B.)
Report of Independent Registered Accounting Firm on the consolidated financial statements of Grupo Vasconia, S.A.B.
(formerly Ekco, S.A.B.)
101.INS XBRL Instance Document
101.SCH XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document
101.DEF XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document
101.CAL XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document
101.LAB XBRL Taxonomy Extension Labels Linkbase Document
101.PRE XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document
Notes to exhibits:
*
Compensatory plans in which the directors and executive officers of the Company participate.
(c) Financial Statement Schedules — the response to this portion of Item 15 is submitted as a separate section of this Annual Report.
52
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.
SIGNATURES
Lifetime Brands, Inc.
/s/ Robert B. Kay
Robert B. Kay
Chief Executive Officer and Director
Date: March 14, 2019
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
/s/ Robert B. Kay
Robert B. Kay
/s/ Ronald Shiftan
Ronald Shiftan
/s/ Laurence Winoker
Laurence Winoker
/s/ Jeffrey Siegel
Jeffrey Siegel
/s/ Michael J. Jeary
Michael J. Jeary
/s/ John Koegel
John Koegel
/s/ Cherrie Nanninga
Cherrie Nanninga
/s/ Craig Phillips
Craig Phillips
/s/ Bruce Pollack
Bruce Pollack
/s/ Dennis E. Reaves
Dennis E. Reaves
/s/ Michael J. Regan
Michael J. Regan
/s/ Michael Schnabel
Michael Schnabel
Title
Date
Chief Executive Officer and Director
March 14, 2019
(Principal Executive Officer)
Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors,
March 14, 2019
Chief Operating Officer and Director
Senior Vice President – Finance,
March 14, 2019
Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer
(Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)
Executive Chairman of the Board of Directors
March 14, 2019
Director
Director
Director
Director
Director
Director
Director
Director
53
March 14, 2019
March 14, 2019
March 14, 2019
March 14, 2019
March 14, 2019
March 14, 2019
March 14, 2019
March 14, 2019
Item 15
LIFETIME BRANDS, INC.
LIST OF FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULE
The following consolidated financial statements of Lifetime Brands, Inc. are filed as part of this Annual Report under Item 8 –
Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm ........................................................................................................... F-2
Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2018 and 2017 .................................................................................................. F-3
Consolidated Statements of Operations for the Years ended December 31, 2018, 2017, and 2016 ............................................... F-4
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive (Loss) Income for the Years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016 ................. F-5
Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity for the Years ended December 31, 2018, 2017, and 2016 ............................... F-6
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Years ended December 31, 2018, 2017, and 2016 .............................................. F-7
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements ................................................................................................................................... F-8
The following consolidated financial statement schedule of Lifetime Brands, Inc. required pursuant to Item 15(a) is submitted
herewith:
Schedule II – Valuation and Qualifying Accounts
S-1
All other financial schedules are not required under the related instructions or are inapplicable, and therefore have been omitted.
The unaudited supplementary data regarding quarterly results of operations are incorporated by reference to the information set forth
in Item 8 – Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.
F-1
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
To the Stockholders and the Board of Directors of Lifetime Brands, Inc.
Opinion on the Financial Statements
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Lifetime Brands, Inc. and subsidiaries (the Company) as of
December 31, 2018 and 2017, the related consolidated statements of operations, comprehensive income (loss), stockholders’ equity
and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2018, and the related notes and the financial statement
schedule listed in the Index at Item 15(a) (collectively referred to as the “consolidated financial statements”). In our opinion, the
consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company at December 31, 2018
and 2017, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2018, in
conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.
We did not audit the financial statements of Grupo Vasconia, S.A.B. and Subsidiaries, a corporation in which the Company has a 30%
interest. In the consolidated financial statements, the Company’s investment in Grupo Vasconia, S.A.B. and Subsidiaries is stated at
$22.6 million and $23.8 million as of December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively, and the Company’s equity in the net income of
Grupo Vasconia, S.A.B. and Subsidiaries is stated at $0.9 million in 2018, $0.4 million in 2017 and $0.6 million in 2016. Those
statements were audited by other auditors whose reports have been furnished to us, and our opinion, insofar as it relates to the amounts
included for Grupo Vasconia, S.A.B. and Subsidiaries, is based solely on the reports of the other auditors.
We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States)
(PCAOB), the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2018, based on criteria established in Internal
Control-Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (2013 framework)
and our report dated March 14, 2019 expressed an adverse thereon.
Basis for Opinion
These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the
Company’s financial statements based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the PCAOB and are required to
be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and
regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit
to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud.
Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to
error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence
regarding the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used
and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements. We believe
that our audits and the reports of other auditors provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
/s/ ERNST & YOUNG LLP
We have served as the Company’s auditor since 1984.
Jericho, New York
March 14, 2019
F-2
LIFETIME BRANDS, INC.
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(in thousands-except share data)
ASSETS
CURRENT ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents .................................................................................................................... $
Accounts receivable, less allowances of $7,855 at December 31, 2018 and $6,190 at December 31,
2017 .................................................................................................................................................
Inventory ..............................................................................................................................................
Prepaid expenses and other current assets ............................................................................................
Income taxes receivable .......................................................................................................................
TOTAL CURRENT ASSETS ....................................................................................................
PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT, net ...........................................................................................................
INVESTMENTS ............................................................................................................................................
INTANGIBLE ASSETS, net .........................................................................................................................
DEFERRED INCOME TAXES ....................................................................................................................
OTHER ASSETS ...........................................................................................................................................
December 31,
2018
2017
7,647 $
7,600
125,292
173,601
10,822
1,442
318,804
25,762
22,582
338,847
733
1,844
108,033
132,436
10,354
—
258,423
23,065
23,978
88,479
5,826
1,750
TOTAL ASSETS ............................................................................................................. $ 708,572 $ 401,521
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
CURRENT LIABILITIES
Current maturity of term loan ............................................................................................................... $
Short term loan .....................................................................................................................................
Accounts payable .................................................................................................................................
Accrued expenses .................................................................................................................................
Income taxes payable ...........................................................................................................................
1,253 $
—
38,167
45,456
—
TOTAL CURRENT LIABILITIES ............................................................................................
DEFERRED RENT & OTHER LONG-TERM LIABILITIES .....................................................................
DEFERRED INCOME TAXES ....................................................................................................................
INCOME TAXES PAYABLE, LONG-TERM .............................................................................................
REVOLVING CREDIT FACILITY ..............................................................................................................
TERM LOAN ................................................................................................................................................
STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Preferred stock, $1.00 par value, shares authorized: 100 shares of Series A and 2,000,000 shares of
84,876
23,339
15,141
949
42,080
262,694
—
69
25,461
44,121
1,864
71,515
20,249
4,423
311
94,744
—
Series B; none issued and outstanding .............................................................................................
—
—
Common stock, $.01 par value, shares authorized: 50,000,000 at December 31, 2018 and 2017;
shares issued and outstanding: 20,764,143 at December 31, 2018 and 14,902,527 at
December 31, 2017 ..........................................................................................................................
Paid-in capital .......................................................................................................................................
Retained earnings .................................................................................................................................
Accumulated other comprehensive loss ...............................................................................................
208
258,637
55,264
(34,616)
149
178,909
60,546
(29,325)
TOTAL STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY ......................................................................................
279,493
210,279
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY ..................................... $ 708,572 $ 401,521
See Notes to consolidated financial statements.
F-3
LIFETIME BRANDS, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(in thousands – except per share data)
Year Ended December 31,
2018
2017
2016
Net sales .................................................................................................................................. $ 704,542 $ 579,476 $ 592,619
Cost of sales ............................................................................................................................
375,719
448,785
364,319
Gross margin ...........................................................................................................................
Distribution expenses ..............................................................................................................
Selling, general and administrative expenses ..........................................................................
Impairment of goodwill ..........................................................................................................
Restructuring expenses ...........................................................................................................
Income from operations ..........................................................................................................
Interest expense .......................................................................................................................
Loss on early retirement of debt .............................................................................................
Income before income taxes and equity in earnings ...............................................................
Income tax provision...............................................................................................................
Equity in earnings, net of taxes ...............................................................................................
255,757
69,716
162,933
2,205
2,324
18,579
(18,004)
(66)
509
(2,889)
660
215,157
58,050
140,903
—
1,024
15,180
(4,291)
(110)
10,779
(9,032)
407
216,900
57,006
130,397
—
2,420
27,077
(4,803)
(272)
22,002
(7,030)
748
NET (LOSS) INCOME......................................................................................................... $
(1,720) $
2,154 $
15,720
BASIC (LOSS) INCOME PER COMMON SHARE ......................................................... $
(0.09) $
0.15 $
DILUTED (LOSS) INCOME PER COMMON SHARE ................................................... $
(0.09) $
0.14 $
1.11
1.08
See Notes to consolidated financial statements.
F-4
LIFETIME BRANDS, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)
(in thousands)
Year ended December 31,
Net (loss) income ............................................................................................................................ $ (1,720) $ 2,154 $
Other comprehensive (loss) income , net of tax:
2018
2017
2016
15,720
Translation adjustment ..........................................................................................................
Less: Amount reclassified ............................................................................................
(5,906)
—
7,823
—
(23,061)
378
Total translation (loss) gain ................................................................................
(5,906)
7,823
(22,683)
Deferred gains (losses) on cash flow hedges : .......................................................................
Settlement of cash flow hedge .....................................................................................
Fair value adjustment, net of tax of $38 in 2018, $0 in 2017 and $11 in 2016 ............
(14) —
17
161
Total deferred gains on cash flow hedges ..........................................................
147
17
—
17
17
Effect of retirement benefit obligations: ................................................................................
Net income (loss) arising from retirement benefit obligations, net of tax of $93 in
2018, ($132) in 2017 and ($135) in 2016 ................................................................
373
(228)
(202)
Less: amortization of loss included in net (loss) income, net of tax of $23 in 2018,
$42 in 2017 and $36 in 2016 ...................................................................................
Total effects of retirement benefit obligations....................................................
95
468
62
(166)
54
(148)
Other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax ...............................................................................
(5,291)
7,674
(22,814)
Comprehensive (loss) income ......................................................................................................... $ (7,011) $ 9,828 $
(7,094)
See Notes to consolidated financial statements.
F-5
LIFETIME BRANDS, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
(in thousands)
Common stock
Shares
Amount
BALANCE AT DECEMBER 31, 2015......... 14,030 $
Comprehensive (loss) income:
Net income ............................................. —
Translation adjustment ........................... —
Derivative fair value adjustment ............ —
Effect of retirement benefit obligations .. —
Total comprehensive loss ..............
Restricted shares issued to directors ................
27
234
Net shares issued to employees ........................
Stock compensation expense ........................... —
Excess tax benefit from stock options, net ....... —
Exercise of stock options .................................
265
Dividends (1) ..................................................... —
BALANCE AT DECEMBER 31, 2016......... 14,556 $
Comprehensive (loss) income:
Net income ............................................. —
Translation adjustment ........................... —
Derivative fair value adjustment ............ —
Effect of retirement benefit obligations .. —
Total comprehensive income ........
30
Restricted shares issued to directors ................
Net issuance of restricted shares to employees ....
97
Stock compensation expense ........................... —
Net exercise of stock options ...........................
254
Shares effectively repurchased for required
140 $
—
—
—
—
—
3
—
—
3
—
146 $
—
—
—
—
—
1
—
2
Paid-in
capital
165,780 $ 47,733 $
Retained
earnings
—
—
—
—
—
2,124
2,911
435
2,350
—
15,720
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
(2,472)
173,600 $ 60,981 $
—
—
—
—
—
1
3,390
2,535
2,154
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
Accumulated other
comprehensive
loss
(14,185) $
—
(22,683)
17
(148)
—
—
—
—
—
—
(36,999) $
—
7,823
17
(166)
—
—
—
—
Total
199,468
15,720
(22,683)
17
(148)
(7,094)
—
2,127
2,911
435
2,353
(2,472)
197,728
2,154
7,823
17
(166)
9,828
—
2
3,390
2,537
employee withholding taxes
(34)
Adoption of ASU 2016-09 ............................... —
Dividends (1) ..................................................... —
BALANCE AT DECEMBER 31, 2017......... 14,903 $
—
—
—
149 $
(694)
77
—
—
(46)
(2,543)
178,909 $ 60,546 $
—
—
—
(29,325) $
(694)
31
(2,543)
210,279
Comprehensive (loss) income:
Net loss ................................................... —
Translation adjustment ........................... —
Derivative fair value adjustment ............ —
Effect of retirement benefit obligations .. —
Total comprehensive loss ..............
Restricted shares issued to directors ................
Net issuance of restricted shares to employees
Issuance of 5,593,116 shares of common
46
211
stock for acquisition of Filament, net of
equity issuance costs
5,593
Stock compensation expense ........................... —
Net exercise of stock options ...........................
58
Shares effectively repurchased for required
employee withholding taxes
(47)
Dividends (1) ..................................................... —
BALANCE AT DECEMBER 31, 2018......... 20,764 $
—
—
—
—
—
2
56
—
1
—
—
208 $
—
—
—
—
—
(2)
75,914
4,091
285
(1,720)
—
—
—
—
(5,906)
147
468
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
(1,720)
(5,906)
147
468
(7,011)
—
—
75,970
4,091
286
(560)
—
—
(3,562)
258,637 $ 55,264 $
—
—
(34,616) $
(560)
(3,562)
279,493
(1)
Cash dividend declared per share of common stock, were $0.17, $0.17 and $0.17 in 2016, 2017 and 2018, respectively.
See Notes to consolidated financial statements.
F-6
LIFETIME BRANDS, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(in thousands)
OPERATING ACTIVITIES
Net (loss) income .............................................................................................................. $
Adjustments to reconcile net (loss) income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization ................................................................................
Impairment of goodwill ...........................................................................................
Amortization of financing costs ..............................................................................
Deferred rent ...........................................................................................................
Deferred income taxes .............................................................................................
Net loss on disposal of fixed assets .........................................................................
Stock compensation expense ...................................................................................
Undistributed equity (earnings) losses ....................................................................
Loss on early retirement of debt ..............................................................................
Contingent consideration fair value adjustment ......................................................
Changes in operating assets and liabilities (excluding the effects of business
acquisitions) .................................................................................................................
Accounts receivable ................................................................................................
Inventory .................................................................................................................
Prepaid expenses, other current assets and other assets ...........................................
Accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities .......................................
Income taxes receivable ..........................................................................................
Income taxes payable ..............................................................................................
NET CASH PROVIDED BY OPERATING ACTIVITIES.....................
INVESTING ACTIVITIES
Purchases of property and equipment ................................................................................
Filament acquisition, net of cash acquired ........................................................................
Acquisitions, net of cash acquired .....................................................................................
Equity investments ............................................................................................................
Net proceeds from sale of property ...................................................................................
NET CASH USED IN INVESTING ACTIVITIES ..................................
FINANCING ACTIVITIES
Year ended December 31,
2018
2017
2016
(1,720) $
2,154 $
15,720
23,329
2,205
1,543
57
2,086
—
4,135
(545)
66
(1,774)
8,020
(13,819)
540
(3,153)
(1,442)
(353)
19,175
(7,902)
(216,527)
—
—
249
(224,180)
14,189
—
519
(642)
1,030
—
3,390
(379)
110
—
1,481
10,818
(951)
(9,778)
—
(4,935)
17,006
(6,311)
—
(9,072)
—
15
(15,368)
14,148
—
650
(243)
(1,951)
84
2,942
(544)
272
—
(17,977)
4,491
(1,199)
12,255
132
969
29,749
(3,380)
—
(21,699)
567
64
(24,448)
Proceeds from revolving credit facility .............................................................................
Repayments of revolving credit facility ............................................................................
Proceeds from Term Loan .................................................................................................
Repayments of Term Loan ................................................................................................
Repayments of Credit Agreement term loan .....................................................................
Proceeds from short term loan ...........................................................................................
Payments from short term loan .........................................................................................
Payment of financing costs................................................................................................
Payment of equity issuance costs ......................................................................................
Cash dividends paid ..........................................................................................................
Payment of capital lease obligations .................................................................................
Proceeds from the exercise of stock options......................................................................
Payments of tax withholding for stock based compensation .............................................
Excess tax benefit from stock options ...............................................................................
NET CASH PROVIDED BY (USED IN) FINANCING ACTIVITIES ..
Effect of foreign exchange on cash .............................................................................................
INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS ..................................
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year ..........................................................................
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT END OF YEAR .................................................... $
268,912
(320,767)
275,000
(2,063)
—
216
(278)
(11,171)
(936)
(3,273)
(77)
286
(561)
—
205,288
(236)
47
7,600
7,647 $
237,658
(229,696)
—
—
(9,500)
187
(239)
(31)
—
(2,475)
(94)
2,537
(644)
—
(2,297)
376
(283)
7,883
7,600 $
268,242
(246,756)
—
—
(25,500)
118
(248)
(30)
—
(2,413)
(68)
2,353
(86)
223
(4,165)
(384)
752
7,131
7,883
See Notes to consolidated financial statements
F-7
LIFETIME BRANDS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
DECEMBER 31, 2018
NOTE A — SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Organization and business
Lifetime Brands, Inc. (the “Company”) designs, sources and sells branded kitchenware, tableware and other products used in the home
and markets its products under a number of brand names and trademarks, which are either owned or licensed by the Company or
through retailers’ private labels. The Company sells its products directly to retailers (including through their Internet websites) and, to
a lesser extent, to distributors. The Company also sells a limited selection of its products directly to consumers through its own
Internet websites.
Basis of presentation
The accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting
principles (“U.S. GAAP”) for financial information and with the instructions to Form 10-K.
The accompanying consolidated financial statements include estimates and assumptions relating to the reporting of assets and
liabilities and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities to prepare these financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP.
The most significant of these estimates and assumptions relate to revenue recognition, allowances for doubtful accounts, reserves for
sales returns and allowances and customer chargebacks, inventory mark-down provisions, impairment of tangible and intangible
assets, stock based compensation expense, estimates for unpaid healthcare claims, derivative valuations, accruals related to the
Company’s tax positions and tax valuation allowances. Although these and other estimates and assumptions are based on the best
available information, actual results could be materially different from these estimates.
Principles of consolidation
The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its subsidiaries. All intercompany
accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.
Foreign currency
Foreign currency denominated assets and liabilities are translated into U.S. dollars at exchange rates prevailing at the balance sheet
dates. Revenues, costs and expenses are translated into U.S. dollars at average exchange rates for the relevant period. Income and
losses resulting from translation are recorded as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss). Gains and losses
from foreign currency transactions, including the unrealized gain or loss on the fair value of foreign exchange contracts not designated
as hedges and the realized gain or loss on all foreign exchange contracts, whether or not designated as hedges, are recognized in
selling, general and administrative expenses in the consolidated statements of operations. Foreign currency gain/loss included within
selling, general and administrative expenses was a $0.5 million loss in 2018, a $3.0 million loss in 2017 and a $4.2 million gain in
2016.
Revenue recognition
The Company sells products wholesale, to retailers and distributors, and retail, directly to the consumer. Wholesale sales and retail
sales are recognized at the point in time the customer obtains control of the products, in an amount that reflects the consideration the
Company expects to be entitled to in exchange for those products.
The Company offers various sales incentives and promotional programs to its customers in the normal course of business. These
incentives and promotions typically include arrangements such as cooperative advertising, buydowns, volume rebates and discounts.
These arrangements and returns are reflected as reductions of revenue at the time of sale. See Note B – Revenue for additional
information.
Cost of sales
Cost of sales consist primarily of costs associated with the production and procurement of product, inbound freight costs, purchasing
costs, royalties and other product procurement related charges.
F-8
Distribution expenses
Distribution expenses consist primarily of warehousing expenses and freight-out expenses. Freight-out expenses were $14.5 million,
$11.5 million and $11.0 million for the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016, respectively. Handling costs of products sold
are included in cost of sales.
Advertising expenses
Advertising expenses are expensed as incurred and are included in selling, general and administrative expenses. Advertising expenses
were $4.4 million, $3.4 million and $3.7 million for the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016, respectively.
Accounts receivable
The Company periodically reviews the collectability of its accounts receivable and establishes allowances for estimated losses that
could result from the inability of its customers to make required payments. A considerable amount of judgment is required to assess
the ultimate realization of these receivables including assessing the initial and on-going creditworthiness of the Company’s customers.
The Company also maintains an allowance for anticipated customer deductions. The allowances for deductions are primarily based on
contracts with customers.
However, in certain cases the Company does not have a formal contract and, therefore, customer deductions are non-contractual. To
evaluate the reasonableness of non-contractual customer deductions, the Company analyzes currently available information and
historical trends of deductions.
The sale of accounts receivable, under the Company’s Receivable Purchase Agreement with HSBC, are reflected as a reduction of
accounts receivable in the Company’s consolidated balance sheet at the time of sale and any related expense is included in selling,
general and administrative expenses in the Company’s consolidated statements of operations.
Inventory
Inventory consists principally of finished goods sourced from third-party suppliers. Inventory also includes finished goods, work in
process and raw materials related to the Company’s manufacture of sterling silver products. Inventory is priced using the lower of cost
(first-in, first-out basis) or net realizable value. The Company estimates the selling price of its inventory on a product by product basis
based on the current selling environment. If the estimated selling price is lower than the inventory’s cost, the Company reduces the
value of the inventory to its net realizable value. Net realizable value is the estimated selling price in the ordinary course of business,
less reasonably predictable cost of completion, disposal and transportation.
Property and equipment
Property and equipment is stated at cost. Property and equipment, other than leasehold improvements, are depreciated using the
straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets. Building and improvements are depreciated over 30 years and
machinery, furniture and equipment over periods ranging from 3 to 10 years. Leasehold improvements are amortized over the term of
the lease or the estimated useful lives of the improvements, whichever is shorter. Advances paid towards the acquisition of property
and equipment and the cost of property and equipment not ready for use before the end of the period are classified as construction in
progress.
Cash equivalents
The Company considers all highly liquid instruments with a maturity of three months or less when purchased to be cash equivalents.
Concentration of credit risk
The Company’s cash and cash equivalents are potentially subject to concentration of credit risk. The Company maintains cash with
several financial institutions that, in some cases, is in excess of Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation insurance limits.
Concentrations of credit risk with respect to trade accounts receivable are limited due to the large number of entities comprising the
Company’s customer base.
During the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016, Wal-Mart Stores, Inc., including Sam’s Club and, in the United Kingdom,
Asda Superstore, (“Walmart”), accounted for 14%, 15% and 16% of net sales, respectively. During the year ended December 31,
F-9
2016, Costco Wholesale Corporation, (“Costco”), accounted for 10% of net sales. Sales to Walmart are included in the Company’s
U.S. and International segments. Sales to Costco are primarily included in the U.S. segment. No other customers accounted for 10% or
more of the Company’s sales during these periods.
Fair value measurements
Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) Topic 820, Fair Value Measurements
and Disclosures, provides enhanced guidance for using fair value to measure assets and liabilities and establishes a common definition
of fair value, provides a framework for measuring fair value under U.S. generally accepted accounting principles and expands
disclosure requirements about fair value measurements. Fair value measurements included in the Company’s consolidated financial
statements relate to the Company’s annual goodwill and other intangible asset impairment tests and derivatives, described in Notes F-
Goodwill and Intangible Assets and H- Derivatives, respectively.
Fair value of financial instruments
The Company determined that the carrying amounts of cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable and accounts payable are
reasonable estimates of their fair values because of their short-term nature. The Company determined that the carrying amounts of
borrowings outstanding under its ABL Agreement and Term Loan approximate fair value since such borrowings bear interest at
variable market rates.
Derivatives
The Company accounts for derivative instruments in accordance with ASC Topic 815, Derivatives and Hedging, (“ASC 815”). ASC
815 requires that all derivative instruments be recognized on the balance sheet at fair value as either an asset or liability. Changes in
the fair value of derivatives that qualify as hedges and have been designated as part of a hedging relationship for accounting purposes
have no net impact on earnings until the hedged item is recognized in earnings. The change in the fair value of hedges are included in
accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) and is subsequently recognized in the Company’s consolidated statements of
operations to mirror the location of the hedged items impacting earnings.
For derivatives that do not qualify or are not designated as hedging instruments for accounting purposes, changes in fair value are
recorded in operations.
Goodwill, intangible assets and long-lived assets
Goodwill and intangible assets deemed to have indefinite lives are not amortized but, instead, are subject to an annual impairment
assessment. Additionally, if events or conditions were to indicate the carrying value of a reporting unit may not be recoverable, the
Company would evaluate goodwill and other intangible assets for impairment at that time. As it relates to the goodwill assessment, the
Company first assesses qualitative factors to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less
than its carrying amount as a basis for determining whether it is necessary to perform the quantitative goodwill impairment testing
described in ASU Topic 350, Intangibles – Goodwill and Other. If, after assessing qualitative factors, the Company determines that it
is not more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount, then performing the quantitative test is
unnecessary and the Company’s goodwill is considered to be unimpaired. However, if based on the Company’s qualitative assessment
it concludes that it is more likely than not that the fair value of the reporting unit is less than its carrying amount, or if the Company
elects to bypass the qualitative assessment, the Company will proceed with performing the quantitative impairment test. In January
2017, the FASB issued revised guidance that simplifies the test for goodwill impairment, effective for fiscal years beginning after
December 15, 2019, with early adoption permitted. The Company elected to early adopt the guidance in the third quarter of 2018.
Under the revised guidance, if a reporting unit’s carrying value exceeds its fair value, an impairment charge will be recorded to reduce
the reporting unit to fair value. Prior to the revised guidance, the amount of the impairment was the difference between the carrying
value of the goodwill and the “implied” fair value, which was calculated as if the reporting unit had just been acquired and accounted
for as a business combination.
The Company also evaluates qualitative factors to determine whether or not its indefinite lived intangibles have been impaired and
then performs quantitative tests if required. These tests can include the relief from royalty model or other valuation models.
Long-lived assets, including intangible assets deemed to have finite lives, are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in
circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. Impairment indicators include, among other
conditions, cash flow deficits, historic or anticipated declines in revenue or operating profit or material adverse changes in the
business climate that indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may be impaired. When impairment indicators are present, the
recoverability of the asset is measured by comparing the carrying value of the asset to the estimated undiscounted future cash flows
F-10
expected to be generated by the asset. If the carrying amount of the asset is not recoverable, the impairment to be recognized is
measured by the amount by which the carrying amount of each long-lived asset exceeds the fair value of the asset.
Income taxes
The Company accounts for income taxes using the asset and liability method. Under this method, deferred tax assets and liabilities are
determined based on differences between financial reporting and tax bases of assets and liabilities and are measured using the enacted
tax rates and laws that are expected to be in effect when the differences are expected to reverse. The Company accounts for foreign
income taxes based upon anticipated reinvestment of profits into respective foreign tax jurisdictions.
The Company applies the authoritative guidance for the financial statement recognition, measurement and disclosure of uncertain tax
positions recognized in the Company’s financial statements. In accordance with this guidance, tax positions must meet a more-likely-
than-not recognition threshold and measurement attribute for the financial statement recognition and measurement of a tax position. A
valuation allowance is required to be established or maintained when it is “more likely than not” that all or a portion of deferred tax
assets will not be realized.
Share-based compensation
The Company accounts for its share-based compensation arrangements in accordance with ASC Topic 718, Stock Compensation,
which requires the measurement of compensation expense for all share-based compensation granted to employees and non-employee
directors at fair value on the date of grant and recognition of compensation expense over the related service period. Forfeitures are
accounted for as they occur.
The Company uses the Black-Scholes option valuation model to estimate the fair value of its stock options. The Black-Scholes option
valuation model requires the input of highly subjective assumptions including the expected stock price volatility of the Company’s
common stock and the risk-free interest rate. Changes in these subjective input assumptions can materially affect the fair value
estimate of the Company’s stock options on the date of the option grant.
Performance share awards are initially valued at the Company’s closing stock price on the date of grant. Each performance award
represents the right to receive up to 150% of the target number of shares of common stock. The number of shares of common stock
earned will be determined based on the attainment of specified performance goals by the end of the performance period, as determined
by the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors. Compensation expense for performance awards is recognized over the
vesting period, and will vary based on remeasurement during the performance period. If achievement of the performance metrics is
not probable of achievement during the performance period, compensation expense is reversed. The awards are forfeited if the
performance metrics are not achieved as of the end of the performance period. The performance share awards vest at the end of a three
year period, as determined by the Compensation Committee.
The Company bases the estimated fair value of restricted stock awards on the date of grant. The estimated fair value is determined
based on the closing price of the Company’s common stock on the date of grant multiplied by the number of shares awarded.
Compensation expense is recognized on a straight-line basis over the vesting period.
Employee healthcare
The Company self-insures certain portions of its health insurance plan. The Company maintains an accrual for estimated unpaid
claims and claims incurred but not yet reported (“IBNR”). Although management believes that it uses the best information available to
estimate IBNR claims, actual claims may vary significantly from estimated claims.
Restructuring expenses
Costs associated with restructuring activities are recorded at fair value when a liability has been incurred. A liability has been incurred
at the point of closure for any remaining operating lease obligations and at the communication date for severance.
In connection with the Company’s March 2018 acquisition of Filament, the Company commenced a restructuring plan to integrate the
operations of Filament with the Company’s operations and realize the savings expected from the synergies of the acquisition. During
the year ended December 31, 2018 the Company incurred $2.1 million of Filament restructuring charges, primarily related to
severance, of which $1.4 million is accrued at December 31, 2018.
During the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017, the Company incurred $0.2 million and $1.0 million, respectively, of
restructuring expense, primarily related to severance, for the integration of its legal entities operating in Europe. In 2018, the Company
F-11
finalized its integration plans for its European operations and took further steps to consolidate its operations. The Company will
combine its physical locations in the U.K. in 2019 and expects to incur approximately $1.5 million of restructuring and integration
charges in 2019. At December 31, 2018, $0.2 million of restructuring charges related to the European restructuring plan were accrued.
During the year ended December 31, 2016 the Company recorded $2.4 million of restructuring expense related to its review of the
U.S. segment, which included the realignment of product categories and implementation of cost reduction initiatives.
Commitments and Contingencies
The Company is subject to various claims and contingencies related to lawsuits, certain taxes and environmental matters, as well as
commitments under contractual and other commercial obligations. The Company recognizes liabilities for contingencies and
commitments when a loss is probable and estimable.
Adopted Accounting Pronouncements
Effective January 1, 2018, the Company adopted Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2017-01, Clarifying the Definition of a
Business. This standard assists with evaluating whether transactions should be accounted for as acquisitions (or disposals) of assets or
businesses. This standard will be applied prospectively to acquisitions and has not had an impact on the Company’s consolidated
financial statements.
Effective January 1, 2018, the Company adopted ASC Topic 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers. The standard supersedes
existing revenue recognition guidance and replaces it with a five step revenue model with a core principle that an entity recognizes
revenue to reflect the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the
entity expects to be entitled to in exchange for those goods or services. The Company adopted the new guidance under the modified
retrospective approach. The adoption of this guidance did not have a significant impact on the Company’s consolidated financial
statements. The adoption resulted in the recognition of right of a return asset related to certain product returns by increasing the returns
liability; this gross up had no corresponding impact on the consolidated statement of operations.
Effective January 1, 2018, the Company adopted ASU 2017-12, Derivatives and Hedging (Topic 815): Targeted Improvements to
Accounting for Hedging Activities, which expands and refines hedge accounting for both non-financial and financial risk components
and aligns the recognition and presentation of the effects of the hedging instrument and the hedged item in the financial statements.
The guidance also makes certain improvements to simplify the application of hedge accounting guidance and ease the administrative
burden of hedge documentation requirements and assessing hedge effectiveness. The Company applied the new guidance to existing
cash flow hedge relationships using a modified retrospective approach. No adjustment was recorded to opening retained earnings on
the date of adoption, as there was no ineffectiveness previously recorded in retained earnings that would have been included in other
comprehensive income if the new guidance had been applied since hedge inception. The adoption of this ASU did not have a material
impact on the Company’s financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.
Effective September 30, 2018, the Company adopted ASU 2017-04, Intangibles – Goodwill and Other (Topic 350): Simplifying the
Test for Goodwill Impairment, to simplify the subsequent measurement of goodwill by eliminating the second step of the goodwill
impairment test. Under this standard, an entity should perform its annual or interim goodwill impairment test by comparing the fair
value of a reporting unit with its carrying amount. An entity should recognize an impairment charge for the amount by which the
carrying amount exceeds the reporting unit’s fair value. The loss recognized should not exceed the total amount of goodwill allocated
to that reporting unit. The Company early adopted this standard and the guidance was applied to the Company’s September 30, 2018
interim and October 1, 2018 annual goodwill impairment tests.
Accounting pronouncements to be adopted in future periods
Updates not listed below were assessed and either determined to not be applicable or are expected to have a minimal effect on the
Company’s financial position, results of operations, and disclosures.
In February 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-02, Income Statement- Reporting Comprehensive Income: Reclassification of Certain
Tax Effects from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, which addresses the effect on items within accumulated other
comprehensive income (loss) of the change in the U.S. federal corporate tax rate due to the enactment of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act
(the “Tax Act”) on December 22, 2017. The guidance is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, with early
adoption permitted. Upon adoption, the Company does not expect to elect to reclassify the stranded income tax effects of the Tax Act
from accumulated other comprehensive income to retained earnings.
F-12
In August 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-15, Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230): Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and
Cash Payments, which reduces the diversity in practice on how certain transactions are classified in the statement of cash flows. The
guidance is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, and interim periods within fiscal years beginning after
December 15, 2019. Early adoption is permitted.
In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842), which requires a lessee, in most leases, to initially recognize a
lease liability for the obligation to make lease payments and a right-of-use asset for the right to use the underlying asset for the lease
term. The guidance is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, and interim periods within those years. The
guidance requires adoption using a modified retrospective transition approach with either 1) periods prior to the adoption date being
recast or 2) a cumulative-effect adjustment recognized to the opening balance of retained earnings on the adoption date with prior
periods not recast. The Company adopted this standard on January 1, 2019 using the cumulative-effect adjustment method and elected
certain practical expedients allowed under the standard. The Company’s project team assessed the effect of the adoption of this
standard on its accounting policies, business processes, internal controls over financial reporting and related disclosures. Upon
adoption, the Company estimates assets and liabilities will increase by approximately $91.0 million and $104.5 million, respectively.
Changes in the Company’s lease population or changes in incremental borrowing rates may alter this estimate. The Company does not
expect to recognize a material cumulative-effect adjustment to retained earnings upon adoption. The Company will provide expanded
disclosures as a result of the guidance upon adoption.
NOTE B —REVENUE
The Company sells products wholesale, to retailers and distributors, and sells products retail, directly to consumers. Wholesale sales
and retail sales are recognized at the point in time the customer obtains control of the products in an amount that reflects the
consideration the Company expects to be entitled to in exchange for those products. To indicate the transfer of control, the Company
must have a present right to payment, legal title must have passed to the customer, the customer must have the significant risks and
rewards of ownership, and where acceptance is not a formality, the customer must have accepted the product or service. The
Company’s principal terms of sale are FOB Shipping Point, or equivalent, and, as such, the Company primarily transfers control and
records revenue for product sales upon shipment. Sales arrangements with delivery terms that are not FOB Shipping Point are not
recognized upon shipment and the transfer of control for revenue recognition is evaluated based on the associated shipping terms and
customer obligations. Shipping and handling fees that are billed to customers in sales transactions are included in net sales and
amounted to $3.5 million, $2.7 million and $2.6 million for the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016, respectively. Net
sales exclude taxes that are collected from customers and remitted to the taxing authorities.
The Company offers various sales incentives and promotional programs to its wholesale customers from time to time in the normal
course of business. These incentives and promotions typically include arrangements such as cooperative advertising, buydowns,
volume rebates and discounts. These arrangements represent forms of variable consideration, and an estimate of sales returns are
reflected as reductions in net sales in the Company’s consolidated statements of operations. These estimates are based on historical
experience and other known factors or as the most likely amount in a range of possible outcomes. On a quarterly basis, variable
consideration is assessed on a portfolio approach in estimating the extent to which the components of variable consideration are
constrained.
Payment terms vary by customer, but generally range from 30 to 90 days or at the point of sale for the Company’s retail direct sales.
The Company incurs certain direct incremental costs to obtain contracts with customers, such as sales-related commissions, where the
recognition period for the related revenue is less than one year. These costs are expensed as incurred and recorded within selling,
general and administrative expenses in the consolidated statement of operations. Incidental items that are immaterial in the context of
the contract are expensed as incurred.
F-13
The following tables present the Company’s net sales disaggregated by segment, product category and geographic region for the years
ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016 (in thousands).
U.S. segment
Kitchenware ............................................................. $
Tableware .................................................................
Home Solutions ........................................................
Total U.S. segment .........................................
International segment
Kitchenware .............................................................
Tableware .................................................................
Total International segment ............................
Year Ended December 31,
2018
2017
(in thousands)
$
$
331,603
169,709
110,661
611,973
58,164
34,405
92,569
276,745
152,846
52,128
481,719
59,686
38,071
97,757
2016
287,100
155,961
48,488
491,549
59,742
41,328
101,070
Total net sales ........................................ $
704,542
$
579,476
$
592,619
United States ...................................................................... $
United Kingdom ................................................................
Rest of World .....................................................................
575,158
65,852
63,532
$
2018
2017
(in thousands)
460,788
74,834
43,854
2016
$
472,962
74,991
44,666
Total net sales ........................................................... $
704,542
$
579,476
$
592,619
Year ended December 31,
NOTE C —ACQUISITIONS
Filament
On December 22, 2017, the Company entered into an agreement providing for the acquisition of Filament by the Company. The
acquisition was completed on March 2, 2018. The aggregate consideration for Filament, after taking into account certain adjustments,
was $294.4 million, consisting of $217.5 million of cash consideration and 5,593,116 newly issued shares of the Company’s common
stock, with a value equal to $76.9 million based on the market value of the Company’s common stock as of March 2, 2018. The cash
portion of the consideration was revised for certain adjustments as defined in the agreement.
The purchase price, as adjusted, has been determined to be as follows (in thousands):
Cash ......................................................................................... $
Share consideration..................................................................
217,511
76,905
Total purchase price ....................................................... $
294,416
The purchase price was allocated based on the Company’s preliminary estimate of the fair value of the assets acquired and liabilities
assumed, as follows (in thousands):
Accounts receivable .......................................................... $
Inventory...........................................................................
Other assets .......................................................................
Other liabilities .................................................................
Deferred income tax .........................................................
Goodwill and other intangibles .........................................
26,224
29,444
5,620
(22,449)
(13,877)
269,454
Total allocated value ......................................................... $
294,416
The acquisition is being accounted for as a business combination using the acquisition method of accounting in accordance with
FASB ASC Topic 805, Business Combinations (“ASC Topic 805”), which established a new basis of accounting for all identifiable
assets acquired and liabilities assumed at fair value. ASC Topic 805 allows the acquiring company to adjust preliminary amounts
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recognized at the acquisition date to their subsequently determined final fair values during a measurement period, generally up to one
year from the date of the acquisition. The fair values of net assets acquired are based on the Company’s preliminary estimate of the
respective fair values. While the final valuation of net assets may result in material adjustments to the respective fair values and
resulting goodwill, the Company currently expects any future adjustments to be related to income taxes. During the three months
ended December 31, 2018, the Company decreased goodwill by approximately $10.1 million due to certain opening balance sheet fair
value adjustments, primarily related to deferred taxes. Goodwill results from such factors as an assembled workforce. The total
amount of goodwill is not expected to be deductible for tax purposes. The goodwill and other intangible assets are included in the U.S.
segment. Customer relationships and certain trade names, which are included in intangible assets, net, are amortized on a straight-line
basis over their estimated useful lives (see Note F– Goodwill and Intangible Assets).
The year ended December 31, 2018 includes the operations of Filament for the period from March 2, 2018, the date of the acquisition
of Filament, to December 31, 2018. The consolidated statement of operations for the year ended December 31, 2018, includes
$128.8 million of net sales contributed by Filament.
Included in Selling, general and administrative expenses for the year ended December 31, 2018 is a $1.8 million credit to reflect the
change in fair value of a contingent consideration obligation acquired by the Company in connection with its acquisition of Filament.
Unaudited Pro forma Results
The following table presents the Company’s pro forma consolidated net sales, income before income taxes and equity in earnings and
net (loss) income for the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017. The unaudited pro forma results include the historical statement of
operations information of the Company and of Filament, giving effect to the Filament acquisition and related financing as if they had
occurred at the beginning of the periods presented.
The unaudited pro forma results do not include any revenue or cost reductions that may be achieved through the business combination
or the impact of non-recurring items directly related to the business combination.
The unaudited pro forma results are not necessarily indicative of the operating results that would have occurred if the Filament
acquisition had been completed as of the date for which the pro forma financial information is presented. In addition, the unaudited
pro forma results do not purport to project the future consolidated operating results of the combined company.
Year ended December 31,
2018
2017
Net sales .......................................................................... $
Income before income taxes and equity in earnings........
Net (loss) income ............................................................
Diluted (loss) income per common share ........................ $
$
(In thousands, except per share data)
747,549
14,151
5,794
0.28
730,353
2,439
(267)
(0.01)
$
Fitz and Floyd
On August 31, 2017, the Company acquired the Fitz and Floyd business, including the trade names and related working capital, from
Fitz and Floyd Enterprises, LLC (“Fitz”) for cash in the amount of $9.1 million. The purchase price was funded by borrowings under
the Company’s revolving credit facility.
The assets and operating results of the Fitz and Floyd business are reflected in the Company’s consolidated financial statements in
accordance with ASC Topic 805 commencing from the date of the acquisition of Fitz. The consolidated statement of operations for the
year ended December 31, 2017 includes $7.7 million of net sales attributable to the Fitz and Floyd brands.
The purchase price was allocated based on the Company’s estimate of the fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed, as
follows (in thousands):
Accounts Receivable ........................................................... $
Inventory..............................................................................
Other assets ..........................................................................
Other liabilities ....................................................................
Goodwill and other intangibles ............................................
Total allocated value ............................................................ $
3,115
5,424
458
(2,056)
2,131
9,072
F-15
On the basis of estimated fair values, the excess of the purchase price over the net assets acquired of $2.1 million has been allocated as
follows: $1.7 million for customer relationships and trade names and $0.4 million for goodwill. The goodwill recognized results from
such factors as an assembled workforce and the value of other synergies expected from combining operations with the Company. All
the goodwill and other intangibles are included in the U.S. segment. Customer relationships and trade names are amortized on a
straight-line basis over their estimated useful lives (see Note F- Goodwill and Intangible Assets).
Focus
In September 2016, the Company acquired the Amco Houseworks®, Chicago™ Metallic and Swing-A-Way® kitchenware and
bakeware brands, together with their related inventory, from Focus Products Group International, LLC (“Focus”) for cash in the
amount of $8.8 million. The assets and operating results of the Focus brands are reflected in the Company’s consolidated financial
statements in accordance with ASC Topic 805, commencing from the date of the acquisition of Focus. The consolidated statement of
operations for the year ended December 31, 2016 includes $3.6 million of net sales attributable to the Focus brands. The purchase
price was allocated based on the Company’s estimate of the fair values of the assets acquired, including inventory ($3.5 million) and
customer relationships and trade names ($5.3 million). Customer relationships and trade names are amortized on a straight-line basis
over their estimated useful lives of 15 years.
Copco
In October 2016, the Company acquired the Copco® product line from Wilton Industries, Inc., for cash in the amount of $12.3 million.
The product line includes thermal and hydration beverageware, tea kettles and kitchen organization products. The assets and operating
results of the Copco® brands are reflected in the Company’s consolidated financial statements in accordance with ASC Topic 805,
commencing from the date of the acquisition of the Copco® brands. The consolidated statement of operations for the year ended
December 31, 2016 includes $3.9 million of net sales attributable to the Copco® brands. The purchase price was allocated based on the
Company’s estimate of the fair values of the assets acquired, including inventory ($3.9 million) and customer relationships and trade
names ($8.4 million). Customer relationships and trade names are amortized on a straight-line basis over their estimated useful lives of
15 and 10 years, respectively.
NOTE D — SALE OF ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE
In order to improve its liquidity during seasonally high working capital periods, in 2016 the Company entered into an uncommitted
Receivables Purchase Agreement with HSBC Bank USA, National Association (“HSBC Bank USA”), as Purchaser (the “Receivables
Purchase Agreement”). Under the Receivables Purchase Agreement, the Company may offer to sell certain eligible accounts
receivable (the “Receivables”) to HSBC Bank USA, which may accept such offer, and purchase the offered Receivables. Under the
Receivables Purchase Agreement, following each purchase of Receivables, the outstanding aggregate purchased Receivables shall not
exceed $25.0 million. HSBC Bank USA will assume credit risk of the Receivables purchased; provided, however, that the Company
will continue to be responsible for all non-credit risk matters. The Company will service the Receivables, and as such servicer, collect
and otherwise enforce the Receivables on behalf of HSBC Bank USA. The term of the agreement is for 364 days and shall
automatically be extended for annual successive terms unless terminated. Either party may terminate the agreement at any time upon
sixty days’ prior written notice to the other party. Pursuant to this agreement, the Company sold $86.0 million and $90.2 million of
Receivables during the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively. At December 31, 2018 and 2017, $18.0 million and
$16.4 million, respectively, of receivables sold are outstanding and are due to HSBC Bank USA from customers. A charge of
$453,000 and $328,000 related to the sale of the Receivables is included in selling, general and administrative expenses in the
consolidated statement of operations for the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively.
NOTE E — EQUITY INVESTMENTS
The Company owns approximately 30% of the outstanding capital stock of Grupo Vasconia, S.A.B. (“Vasconia”) an integrated
manufacturer of aluminum products and one of Mexico’s largest housewares companies. Shares of Vasconia’s capital stock are traded
on the Bolsa Mexicana de Valores, the Mexican Stock Exchange. The Quotation Key is VASCONI. The Company accounts for its
investment in Vasconia using the equity method of accounting and records its proportionate share of Vasconia’s net income in the
Company’s statement of operations. Accordingly, the Company has recorded its proportionate share of Vasconia’s net income
(reduced for amortization expense related to the customer relationships acquired) for the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and
2016 in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations. The value of the Company’s investment balance has been translated
from Mexican pesos (“MXN”) to U.S. dollars (“USD”) using the spot rate of MXN 19.64 and MXN 19.68 at December 31, 2018 and
2017, respectively. The Company’s proportionate share of Vasconia’s net income has been translated from MXN to USD using the
average exchange rates of MXN 18.71 to 19.81, MXN 17.81 to 20.30 and MXN 18.02 to 19.85, during the years ended December 31,
2018, 2017 and 2016, respectively. The effect of the translation of the Company’s investment, as well as the translation of Vasconia’s
balance sheet, resulted in a decrease of the investment of $1.9 million during the year ended December 31, 2018 and an increase of the
F-16
investment of $1.0 million during the year ended December 31, 2017. These translation effects are recorded in accumulated other
comprehensive loss. The Company received cash dividends of $115,000, $28,000 and $205,000, from Vasconia during the years
ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016, respectively. Included in prepaid expenses and other current assets at December 31, 2018
and 2017 was $95,000 and $64,000, respectively, due from Vasconia.
Summarized income statement information for the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016, as well as summarized balance
sheet information as of December 31, 2018 and 2017, for Vasconia, calculated in accordance with U.S. GAAP, in USD and MXN is
as follows:
2018
Year Ended December 31,
2017
(in thousands)
2016
USD
MXN
USD
MXN
USD
MXN
Income Statement
Net sales .................................................. $
Gross profit .............................................
Income from operations ..........................
Net income
179,547 $
36,891
11,402
2,887
3,456,852 $
711,941
222,115
57,590
167,283 $
34,626
10,475
1,164
3,157,671 $
655,186
199,170
23,983
149,533 $
27,205
5,611
3,491
2,795,009
510,617
105,334
68,230
December 31,
2018
2017
(in thousands)
USD
MXN
USD
MXN
Balance Sheet
Current assets ............................................................................................... $
Non-current assets ........................................................................................
Current liabilities .........................................................................................
Non-current liabilities ..................................................................................
96,135 $
86,279
64,831
32,261
1,888,602 $
1,694,969
1,273,619
633,772
91,157 $
87,900
50,766
39,147
1,793,832
1,729,745
998,993
770,352
The Company recorded equity in earnings of Vasconia, net of taxes, of $0.9 million, $0.4 million and $0.6 million for the years ended
December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016, respectively. Equity in earnings in 2018 includes $0.1 million net deferred tax benefit due to a
change in the tax basis of the investment as a result of the Tax Act. Equity in earnings in 2017 and 2016 includes deferred tax benefit
(expense) of $0.2 million and ($0.5) million, respectively, due to the requirement to record tax benefits for foreign currency translation
losses through other comprehensive income (loss), with a corresponding adjustment to deferred tax liabilities.
As of December 31, 2018, the fair value (based upon the quoted stock price) of the Company’s investment in Vasconia was
$31.9 million. The carrying value of the Company’s investment in Vasconia was $22.6 million.
In February 2012, the Company entered into a joint venture, Grand Venture Holdings Limited (“Grand Venture”), with Manweal
Development Limited (“Manweal”), a Chinese corporation, to distribute Mikasa® products in China, which included an initial
investment by the Company of $500,000. The Company and Manweal each own 50% of Grand Venture and have rights and
obligations proportionate to their ownership percentages. The Company accounts for its investment in Grand Venture using the equity
method of accounting and has recorded its proportionate share of Grand Venture’s net loss as equity in earnings (losses) in the
Company’s consolidated statements of operations. Due to the operating losses the Company evaluated the carrying value of its
investment for other-than temporary impairment under the equity method of accounting and recorded an impairment charge of
approximately $0.2 million during the year ended December 31, 2018. As of December 31, 2018 and 2017, the carrying value of the
Company’s investment in Grand Venture was $0 and $228,000, respectively.
During the year ended December 31, 2016, the Company sold its 40% equity interest in GS Internacional S/A (“GSI”), a wholesale
distributor of branded housewares products in Brazil. The Company initially acquired GSI in December 2011 and accounted for this
investment using the equity method of accounting; however, impairment losses in 2014 reduced the investment balance to zero. Upon
the sale of its equity interest in GSI the Company recognized a net gain of $189,000. This gain is included within equity in earnings
(losses), net of tax, and represents the net consideration received of 2.3 million Brazilian reals (approximately $567,000) reduced by
currency translation losses of $378,000 recognized upon the sale of the equity interest in GSI.
F-17
NOTE F — GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS
The Company’s intangible assets, all of which are included in the U.S. and International segments, consist of the following (in
thousands):
Year Ended December 31,
2018
2017
Goodwill………………………….. $
Indefinite -lived intangible assets:
Trade names………………...
Finite -lived intangible assets:
Impairment
Gross
93,895 $ (2,205) $
Accumulated
Amortization
— $
Net
91,690 $ 15,772 $ — $ 15,772
Gross
Net
Accumulated
Amortization
58,216
—
—
58,216 7,616 — 7,616
Licenses…………………….
Trade names………………...
Customer relationships……...
Other………………………..
15,847
43,689
175,482
6,510
(9,825)
(13,965)
(27,538)
(1,259)
6,022 15,847 (9,375)
(11,109)
29,724 33,368
147,944 52,961 (16,966)
(800)
1,165
5,251
6,472
22,259
35,995
365
Total……………………………… $
393,639 $ (2,205) $
(52,587) $
338,847 $ 126,729 $ (38,250) $ 88,479
A summary of the activities related to the Company’s intangible assets for the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016
consists of the following (in thousands):
Goodwill and Intangible Assets, December 31, 2015 $
Acquisition of trade names ............................................
Acquisition of customer relationships ...........................
Acquisition of other intangible assets ............................
Foreign currency translation adjustment ........................
Amortization ..................................................................
Goodwill and Intangible Assets, December 31, 2016
Acquisition of goodwill .................................................
Acquisition of trade names ............................................
Acquisition of customer relationships ...........................
Foreign currency translation adjustment ........................
Amortization ..................................................................
Goodwill and Intangible Assets, December 31, 2017
Acquisition of goodwill .................................................
Acquisition of trade names ............................................
Acquisition of customer relationships ...........................
Acquisition of other intangible assets ............................
Foreign currency translation adjustment ........................
Amortization ..................................................................
Impairment of goodwill .................................................
Intangible
Assets
78,492
5,159
8,878
50
(11,400)
(6,161)
75,018
—
1,134
563
2,823
(6,831)
72,707
—
61,500
124,430
5,367
(1,524)
(15,323)
—
$
Goodwill
18,101
—
—
—
(3,900)
—
14,201
434
—
—
1,137
—
15,772
78,795
—
(672)
—
(2,205)
Total Intangible
Assets and
Goodwill
$ 96,593
5,159
8,878
50
(15,300)
(6,161)
89,219
434
1,134
563
3,960
(6,831)
88,479
78,795
61,500
124,430
5,367
(2,196)
(15,323)
(2,205)
Goodwill and Intangible Assets, December 31, 2018 $
247,157
$
91,690
$ 338,847
The weighted-average amortization periods for the Company’s finite-lived intangible assets as of December 31, 2018 are as follows:
Trade names ...................................................................................
Licenses .........................................................................................
Customer relationships ..................................................................
Other ..............................................................................................
15
33
14
10
Years
F-18
Estimated amortization expense for each of the five succeeding fiscal years is as follows (in thousands):
Year ending December 31,
2019 ................................................................................................................... $
2020 ...................................................................................................................
2021 ...................................................................................................................
2022 ...................................................................................................................
2023 ...................................................................................................................
16,841
16,827
16,349
16,349
16,309
Amortization expense for the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016 was $15.3 million, $6.8 million and $6.2 million,
respectively.
Annual indefinite-lived trade name impairment test
In 2018, the Company elected to first perform a qualitative assessment to determine if it was more likely than not that the fair values
of the Company’s indefinite-lived trade names were less than the carrying values. The Company considered events and circumstances
that could affect the significant inputs used to determine the fair values of the indefinite-lived trade names. Based on the qualitative
assessment, the Company determined it was not more likely than not that the fair values of the Company’s indefinite-lived trade
names were less than the carrying values as of October 1, 2018.
Goodwill impairment test
During the third quarter of 2018, the Company performed an interim impairment assessment of its European tableware business due to
a decline in operating performance and reduced expectations for future cash flows. The impairment assessment resulted in
a $2.2 million non-cash goodwill impairment charge. The European tableware business is a reporting unit within the International
segment. The fair value of the reporting unit was determined based on a combined income and market approach. The resulting fair
value was approximately 12% below the reporting unit’s carrying value.
The Company bypassed the optional qualitative impairment analysis for its reporting units with goodwill for its annual October 1,
2018 impairment test. Accordingly, the estimated fair value of each of the reporting units was determined using the income approach
and market approach. The significant assumptions used under the income approach, or discounted cash flow method, are projected net
sales, projected earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortization (“EBITDA”), terminal growth rates, and the cost of
capital. Projected net sales, projected EBITDA and terminal growth rates were determined to be significant assumptions because they
are three primary drivers of the projected cash flows in the discounted cash flow fair value model. Cost of capital was also determined
to be a significant assumption as it is the discount rate used to calculate the current fair value of those projected cash flows. Under the
income approach, the resultant estimated fair value of the reporting units exceeded their carrying value as of October 1, 2018.
As of October 1, 2018, the excess of fair value of the European kitchenware reporting unit, which carries goodwill of $10.0 million,
was approximately 7% over its carrying value. Management’s projections used to estimate the cash flows include increasing net sales
and operational improvements expected as a results of the consolidation of locations in the U.K. As a result of the European
restructuring plan, the European kitchenware and tableware reporting units will be combined into one reporting unit as of January 1,
2019. Changes in any of the significant assumptions, including the identified restructuring activities used in the valuation of the
reporting unit could materially affect the expected cash flows, and such impacts could potentially result in a material non-cash
impairment charge.
As of October 1, 2018, the fair value of the U.S. reporting unit, which carries goodwill of approximately $81.6 million was
approximately 9% over its carrying value. Management’s projections used to estimate fair value included increasing net sales and the
realization of the savings due to additional synergies expected from the Company’s acquisition of Filament. Changes in any of the
significant assumptions used in the valuation of the reporting unit could materially affect the expected cash flows, and such impacts
could potentially result in a material non-cash impairment charge.
The Company is not currently aware of any negative changes in its assumptions that could lead to the fair value of the reporting units
being less than the carrying value. As of December 31, 2018, the Company assessed the carrying value of goodwill and determined
based on qualitative factors, no impairment existed.
NOTE G — DEBT
In March 2018, the Company entered into a credit agreement (the “ABL Agreement”) with JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A.
(“JPMorgan”), as administrative agent, and the lenders and issuing banks party thereto, evidencing a senior secured asset-based
F-19
revolving credit facility provided to the Company in the maximum aggregate principal amount of $150.0 million, which facility will
mature on March 2, 2023, and a new loan agreement (the “Term Loan” and together with the ABL Agreement, the “Debt
Agreements”) with the Company, as the borrower and a guarantor, the other guarantors, JPMorgan, as administrative agent, Golub
Capital LLC, as syndication agent, and the lenders party thereto, providing for a senior secured term loan credit facility to the
Company in the original principal amount of $275.0 million, which will mature on February 28, 2025. The Term Loan requires
quarterly payments of principal equal to 0.25% of the original aggregate principal amount of the term loan facility beginning June 30,
2018. The maximum borrowing amount under the ABL Agreement may be increased to up to $200.0 million if certain conditions are
met. One or more tranches of additional term loans (the “Incremental Facilities”) may be added under the Term Loan if certain
conditions are met. The Incremental Facilities may not exceed the sum of (i) $50.0 million, plus (ii) an unlimited amount so long as, in
the case of (ii) only, the Company’s secured net leverage ratio, as defined in and computed pursuant to the Term Loan, is no greater
than 3.75 to 1.00 subject to certain limitations and for the period defined pursuant to the Term Loan.
At December 31, 2018, borrowings outstanding under the ABL Agreement were $42.1 million, and open letters of credit were
$3.4 million. At December 31 2018, availability under the ABL Agreement was approximately $104.5 million. Availability under the
ABL Agreement depends on the valuation of certain current assets comprising the borrowing base. Due to the seasonality of the
Company’s business, this may mean that the Company will have greater borrowing availability during the third and fourth quarters of
each year. The borrowing capacity under the ABL Agreement will depend, in part, on eligible levels of accounts receivable and
inventory that fluctuate regularly. Consequently, the $150.0 million commitment thereunder may not represent actual borrowing
capacity at any given time.
At December 31, 2018, $272.9 million was outstanding under the Term Loan. At December 31, 2018, unamortized debt issuance costs
of $1.5 million and $7.5 million offset the short-term and long-term outstanding balances, respectively, of the Term Loan.
As of December 31, 2018, the future principal payments of the Term Loan are as follows (in thousands):
2019 ......................................................................................... $
2020 .........................................................................................
2021 .........................................................................................
2022 .........................................................................................
2023 .........................................................................................
Thereafter .................................................................................
2,750
2,750
2,750
2,750
2,750
259,188
Total ............................................................................... $
272,938
The Company’s payment obligations under its Debt Agreements are unconditionally guaranteed by its existing and future U.S.
subsidiaries, with certain minor exceptions. Certain payment obligations under the ABL Agreement are also direct obligations of its
foreign subsidiary borrowers designated as such under the ABL Agreement and, subject to limitations on such guaranty, are
guaranteed by the foreign subsidiary borrowers, as well as by the Company. The obligations of the Company under the Debt
Agreements and any hedging arrangements and cash management services and the guarantees by its domestic subsidiaries in respect
of those obligations are secured by substantially all of the assets and stock (but in the case of foreign subsidiaries, limited to 65% of
the capital stock in first-tier foreign subsidiaries and not including the stock of subsidiaries of such first-tier foreign subsidiaries)
owned by the Company and the U.S. subsidiary guarantors, subject to certain exceptions. Such security interest consists of (1) a first-
priority lien, subject to certain permitted liens, with respect to certain assets of the Company and its domestic subsidiaries (the “ABL
Collateral”) pledged as collateral in favor of lenders under the ABL Agreement and a second-priority lien in the ABL Collateral in
favor of the lenders under the Term Loan and (2) a first-priority lien, subject to certain permitted liens, with respect to certain assets of
the Company and its domestic subsidiaries (the “Term Loan Collateral”) pledged as collateral in favor of lenders under the Term Loan
and a second-priority lien in the Term Loan Collateral in favor of the lenders under the ABL Agreement.
Borrowings under the revolving credit facility bear interest, at the Company’s option, at one of the following rates: (i) an alternate
base rate, defined, for any day, as the greater of the prime rate, a federal funds and overnight bank funding based rate plus 0.5% or
one-month LIBOR, plus 1.0%, plus a margin of 0.25% to 0.75%, or (ii) LIBOR plus a margin of 1.25% to 1.75%. The respective
margins are based upon the Company’s total leverage ratio, as defined in and computed pursuant to the ABL Agreement. Interest rates
on outstanding borrowings under the ABL Agreement at December 31, 2018 ranged from 2.4% to 6.25%. In addition, the Company
paid a commitment fee of 0.375% on the unused portion of the ABL Agreement during 2018.
The Term Loan bears interest, at the Company’s option, at one of the following rates: (i) an alternate base rate, defined, for any day, as
the greater of the prime rate, a federal funds and overnight bank funding based rate, plus 0.5% or one-month LIBOR (at the
Company’s option), plus 1.0%, plus a margin of 2.50% or (ii) LIBOR plus a margin of 3.50%. The interest rate on outstanding
borrowings under the Term Loan at December 31, 2018 was 6.0%.
F-20
The Debt Agreements provide for customary restrictions and events of default. Restrictions include limitations on additional
indebtedness, acquisitions, investments and payment of dividends, among other things. Further, the ABL Agreement provides that
during any period (a) commencing on the last day of the most recently-ended four consecutive fiscal quarters on or prior to the date
that availability under the ABL Agreement is less than the greater of $15.0 million or 10% of the aggregate commitment under the
ABL Agreement at any time and (b) ending on the day after such availability has exceeded the greater of $15.0 million or 10% of the
aggregate commitment under the ABL Agreement for forty-five (45) consecutive days, the Company is required to maintain a
minimum fixed charge coverage ratio of 1.10 to 1.00 as of the last day of any period of four consecutive fiscal quarters.
The Company was in compliance with the covenants of the Debt Agreements at December 31, 2018.
At December 31, 2017, borrowings outstanding under the Company’s former credit facility were $94.7 million and open letters of
credit were $3.2 million. Availability under the former credit agreement was approximately $58.0 million at December 31, 2017.
Upon entering into the Debt Agreements in March 2018 the Company repaid its outstanding borrowings under its former credit
agreement. In connection therewith, debt issuance costs of $66,000 were written off.
Other Credit Agreements
A subsidiary of the Company has a credit facility (“HSBC Facility”) with HSBC Bank (China) Company Limited, Shanghai Branch
(“HSBC”) for up to 18.0 million ($2.8 million) Chinese renminbi. The HSBC Facility is subject to annual renewal and may be used to
fund general working capital needs of the Company’s subsidiary which is a trading company in the People’s Republic of China.
Borrowings under the HSBC Facility are guaranteed by the Company and are granted at the sole discretion of HSBC. At
December 31, 2018 there was no outstanding borrowings under the HSBC Facility. At December 31, 2017, 0.5 million ($69,000)
Chinese renminbi were outstanding under the HSBC Facility.
NOTE H — DERIVATIVES
The Company is a party to interest rate swap agreements, with an aggregate notional value of $125.0 million at December 31, 2018.
The Company designated the interest rate swaps as cash flow hedges of the Company’s exposure to the variability of the payment of
interest on a portion of its Term Loan borrowings. The hedge periods of these agreements commenced in April 2018 and expire in
March 2023. The notional amounts are reduced over these periods.
The Company has also entered into certain foreign exchange contracts, primarily to offset the earnings impact related to fluctuations in
foreign currency exchange rates associated with inventory purchases denominated in foreign currencies. The aggregate gross notional
values of foreign exchange contracts at December 31, 2017 was $34.9 million. No contracts are outstanding at December 31, 2018.
These foreign exchange contracts have not been designated as hedges as required in order to apply hedge accounting. The changes in
the fair values of these contracts are recorded in earnings immediately.
The fair values of the Company’s derivative financial instruments included in the consolidated balance sheets are presented as follows
(in thousands):
Derivatives designated as hedging instruments
Balance Sheet Location
2018
2017
December 31,
Interest rate swaps ......................................................... Prepaid expenses
Other assets
$
42 $
157
11
—
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments
Balance Sheet Location
2018
2017
December 31,
Foreign exchange contracts ........................................... Accrued Expenses
$ — $
1,951
The fair value of the derivatives have been obtained from the counterparties to the agreements and were based on Level 2 observable
inputs using proprietary models and estimates about relevant future market conditions.
The counterparties to the derivative financial instruments are major international financial institutions. The Company is exposed to
credit risk for the net exchanges under these agreements, but not for the notional amounts. The Company does not anticipate non-
performance by any of its counterparties.
F-21
The amounts of the gains and losses related to the Company’s derivative financial instruments designated as hedging instruments are
recognized in other comprehensive income (loss) as follows (in thousands):
Derivatives designated as hedging instruments
Year ended December 31,
2017
2018
2016
Interest rate swaps ......................................................................................... $
161 $
17 $
17
During the year ended December 31, 2018 the Company recognized $0.4 million of interest expense related to the interest rate swaps.
Gains or losses on the interest rate swaps will be reclassified into earnings as interest expense as the interest expense on the debt is
recognized in earnings.
In connection with the financing transaction described in Note G – Debt, the Company settled its outstanding interest rate swaps,
which had been accounted for as hedges and had an aggregate notional value of $5.3 million. The net gain at such time was
reclassified into interest expense during the year ended December 31, 2018.
The amounts of the gains and losses related to the Company’s derivative financial instruments not designated as hedging instruments
are recognized in earnings as follows (in thousands):
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments
Location of Gain or (Loss)
Foreign exchange contracts................. Selling, general and administrative
Year Ended December 31,
2017
2016
2018
expense ........................................... $
150 $
(2,592) $
2,182
NOTE I — CAPITAL STOCK
Cash dividends
Dividends were declared in 2018 and 2017 as follows:
Dividend per share
Date declared
Date of record
Payment date
$0.0425
$0.0425
$0.0425
$0.0425
$0.0425
$0.0425
$0.0425
$0.0425
March 8, 2017
June 22, 2017
August 4, 2017
November 7, 2017
March 8, 2018
June 28, 2018
July 31, 2018
November 7, 2018
May 1, 2017
August 1, 2017
November 1, 2017
February 1, 2018
May 1, 2018
August 1, 2018
November 1, 2018
February 1, 2019
May 15, 2017
August 15, 2017
November 15, 2017
February 15, 2018
May 15, 2018
August 15, 2018
November 15, 2018
February 15, 2019
On March 12, 2019, the Board of Directors declared a quarterly dividend of $0.0425 per share payable on May 15, 2019 to
shareholders of record on May 1, 2019.
Stock repurchase program
On April 30, 2013, Lifetime’s Board of Directors authorized the repurchase of up to $10.0 million of the Company’s common stock.
The repurchase authorization permits the Company to effect repurchases from time to time through open market purchases and
privately negotiated transactions. No shares were repurchased during the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016.
Preferred stock
The Company is authorized to issue 100 shares of Series A Preferred Stock and 2,000,000 shares of Series B Preferred Stock, none of
which has been issued or is outstanding at December 31, 2018.
Long-term incentive plan
The Company’s Amended and Restated 2000 Long-Term Incentive Plan (the “Plan”) provides for the granting of awards of up to
6,187,500 shares of common stock. These shares of the Company’s common stock are available for grants to directors, officers,
employees, consultants and service providers and affiliates in the form of stock options or other equity-based awards. The Plan
authorizes the Board of Directors of the Company, or a duly appointed committee thereof, to issue incentive stock options, non-
F-22
qualified options, restricted stock, performance-based awards and other stock-based awards. Options that have been granted under the
Plan expire over a range of five to ten years from the date of grant and vest over a range of up to four years from the date of grant.
Shares of restricted stock that have been granted under the Plan vest over a range of up to four years from the date of grant.
Performance-based awards that have been granted under the Plan vest after three years based upon the attainment of specified
performance goals. In June 2018, the shareholders of the Company approved an amendment to the Company’s Plan to revise the terms
and conditions of Plan to, among other things, increase the shares available for grant under the plan by 900,000 shares. As of
December 31, 2018, there were 946,109 shares available for the grant of awards under the Plan.
Stock options
A summary of the Company’s stock option activity and related information for the three years ended December 31, 2018, is as
follows:
Options outstanding at December 31, 2015 ........................
Grants ............................................................................
Exercises .......................................................................
Cancellations.................................................................
Expirations ....................................................................
Options outstanding at December 31, 2016 ........................
Grants ............................................................................
Exercises .......................................................................
Cancellations.................................................................
Expirations ....................................................................
Options outstanding at December 31, 2017 ........................
Grants ............................................................................
Exercises .......................................................................
Cancellations.................................................................
Expirations ....................................................................
Options
2,242,202 $
66,850
(272,325)
(30,750)
(230,577)
1,775,400
125,750
(300,000)
(45,700)
(99,250)
1,456,200
205,750
(58,000)
(22,375)
(32,750)
Options outstanding at December 31, 2018 ........................
1,548,825
Options exercisable at December 31, 2018 .........................
1,279,825 $
Weighted-
average
exercise
price
Weighted-
average
remaining
contractual
life (years)
Aggregate
intrinsic
value
14.28
15.44
9.01
15.39
27.16
13.44
17.38
11.34
16.40
20.40
13.64
13.56
4.93
16.95
15.50
13.87
13.76
4.2 $
450,500
3.2 $
450,500
The aggregate intrinsic value in the table above represents the total pre-tax intrinsic value that would have been received by the option
holders had all option holders exercised their exercisable in-the-money stock options on December 31, 2018. The intrinsic value is
calculated for each in-the-money stock option as the difference between the closing price of the Company’s common stock on
December 31, 2018 and the exercise price.
The total intrinsic values of those stock options that were exercised in the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016 were
$361,000, $2,071,000 and $1,848,000, respectively. The intrinsic value of a stock option that is exercised is calculated at the date of
exercise.
Total unrecognized stock option compensation expense at December 31, 2018, before the effect of income taxes, was $1.0 million and
is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 1.6 years.
The Company values stock options using the Black-Scholes option valuation model. The Black-Scholes option valuation model, as
well as other available models, was developed for use in estimating the fair value of traded options, which have no vesting restrictions
and are fully transferable. The Black-Scholes option valuation model requires the input of highly subjective assumptions including the
expected stock price volatility and risk-free interest rate. Because the Company’s stock options have characteristics significantly
different from those of traded options, changes in the subjective input assumptions can materially affect the fair value estimates of the
Company’s stock options. The weighted-average per share grant date fair value of stock options granted during the years ended
December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016, was $4.47, $6.37 and $5.43, respectively.
F-23
The fair values for these stock options were estimated at the dates of grant using the following weighted-average assumptions:
Historical volatility ...................................................................................
Expected term (years) ...............................................................................
Risk-free interest rate ................................................................................
Expected dividend yield............................................................................
2018
34%
6.0
2.72%
1.22%
2017
39%
6.0
1.97%
0.98%
2016
39%
6.0
1.37%
1.10%
Restricted Stock
A summary of the Company’s restricted stock activity and related information for the three years ended December 31, 2018 is as
follows:
Non-vested restricted shares, December 31, 2015 .....
Grants ...................................................................
Vested ...................................................................
Cancellations ........................................................
Non-vested restricted shares, December 31, 2016 .....
Grants ...................................................................
Vested ...................................................................
Cancellations ........................................................
Non-vested restricted shares, December 31, 2017 .....
Grants ...................................................................
Vested ...................................................................
Cancellations ........................................................
Non-vested restricted shares, December 31, 2018 .....
Restricted
Shares
101,435
109,170
(46,306)
(2,475)
161,824
133,352
(69,795)
(6,064)
219,317
223,884
(90,926)
(25,730)
326,545
Weighted-
average
grant date
fair value
14.77
15.64
14.79
14.93
15.35
18.32
15.39
16.07
17.12
13.25
17.14
14.96
14.63
$
$
Total unrecognized compensation expense
remaining ................................................................. $
3,482,300
Weighted-average years expected to be recognized
over ...........................................................................
1.6
The total fair value of restricted stock that vested during the year ended December 31, 2018 was $1.1 million.
Performance shares
Each performance award represents the right to receive up to 150% of the target number of shares of common stock. The number of
shares of common stock earned will be determined based on the attainment of specified performance goals at the end of the
performance period, as determined by the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors. The shares are subject to the terms and
conditions of the Plan.
F-24
A summary of the Company’s performance-based award activity and related information for the three years ended December 31, 2018
is as follows:
Non-vested performance -based awards,
December 31, 2015 .................................................
Grants .................................................................
Cancellations ......................................................
Non-vested performance -based awards,
December 31, 2016 .................................................
Grants .................................................................
Cancellations ......................................................
Non-vested performance -based awards,
December 31, 2017 .................................................
Grants .................................................................
Vested .................................................................
Cancellations ......................................................
Non-vested performance -based awards,
Performance -
based
awards (1)
66,150
82,000
(2,188)
145,962
87,000
(4,070)
228,892
182,300
(58,888)
(13,017)
$
Weighted-
average
grant date
fair value
14.84
15.69
14.94
15.32
18.45
16.52
16.49
12.81
14.84
15.95
December 31, 2018 .................................................
339,287
$
14.82
Total unrecognized compensation expense
remaining ............................................................... $
2,388,000
Weighted-average years expected to be recognized
over .........................................................................
1.7
(1)
Represents the target number of shares to be issued for each performance-based award.
The total fair value of performance-based awards that vested during the year ended December 31, 2018 was $792,000.
On March 12, 2019, the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors determined the performance goals set forth in the
performance-based awards granted in 2016 were attained and 66,761 shares vested.
The Company recognized total stock compensation expense of $4.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2018, of which
$0.7 million represents stock option compensation expense and $3.4 million represents restricted stock and performance-based
compensation expense. The Company recognized total stock compensation expense of $3.4 million for the year ended December 31,
2017, of which $1.1 million represents stock option compensation expense and $2.3 million represents restricted stock and
performance-based compensation expense. The Company recognized total stock compensation expense of $2.9 million for the year
ended December 31, 2016, of which $1.4 million represents stock option compensation expense, $1.5 million represents restricted
stock, including restricted stock granted to directors and performance-based compensation expense, and $32,000 represents stock
awards.
F-25
NOTE J — (LOSS) INCOME PER COMMON SHARE
Basic (loss) income per common share has been computed by dividing net (loss) income by the weighted-average number of shares of
the Company’s common stock outstanding. Diluted (loss) income per common share adjusts net (loss) income and basic (loss) income
per common share for the effect of all potentially dilutive shares of the Company’s common stock. The calculations of basic and
diluted (loss) income per common share for the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016, are as follows:
2018
2017
(in thousands - except per share amounts)
2016
Net (loss) income – Basic and Diluted ................................... $
Weighted-average shares outstanding – Basic .....................
Effect of dilutive securities: Stock options and other stock
(1,720)
19,452
$
2,154
14,505
$
15,720
14,174
awards
—
Weighted-average shares outstanding – Diluted ..................
19,452
450
14,955
Basic (loss) income per common share .................................. $
Diluted (loss) income per common share .............................. $
(0.09)
(0.09)
$
$
0.15
0.14
$
$
375
14,549
1.11
1.08
The computations of diluted (loss) income per common share for the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016 excludes
1,869,120, 1,190,261 and 1,335,113, respectively, related to options to purchase shares and other stock awards. These shares were
excluded due to their antidilutive effect.
NOTE K — INCOME TAXES
The components of income before income taxes and equity in earnings are as follows:
Domestic ..................................................................................... $
Foreign ........................................................................................
5,455
(4,946)
$
(in thousands)
17,728
(6,949)
$
22,114
(112)
Total income before income taxes and equity in earnings .......... $
509
$
10,779
$
22,002
Year Ended December 31,
2018
2017
2016
The provision for income taxes (before equity in earnings) consists of:
Year Ended December 31,
2018
2017
2016
(in thousands)
Current:
Federal ................................................................................. $
State and local .....................................................................
Foreign ................................................................................
Deferred ........................................................................................
775
351
(323)
2,086
$
7,041
957
4
1,030
$
8,000
498
483
(1,951)
Income tax provision .................................................................... $
2,889
$
9,032
$
7,030
On December 22, 2017, the Tax Act was enacted. The Tax Act revises the U.S. corporate income tax by, among other things, lowering
the corporate income tax rate from 35% to 21%, adopting a quasi-territorial income tax system, imposing a one-time transition tax on
foreign unremitted earnings, and setting limitations on the deductibility of certain costs (e.g., interest expense). For the year ended
December 31, 2017, the Company accrued $338,000 of tax expense for the Tax Act’s one-time transition tax on the Company’s
material wholly owned foreign subsidiaries’ accumulated, unremitted earnings and $3.0 million in provisional expense related to the
net change in deferred tax assets stemming from the Tax Act’s reduction of the U.S. federal tax rate from 35% to 21%.
In response to the Act, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) provided guidance by issuing Staff Accounting
Bulletin No. 118 (“SAB 118”), which has since been codified by the release of ASU No. 2018- 05, Income Taxes
(Topic 740): Amendments to SEC Paragraphs Pursuant to SEC Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 118. ASU 2018-05 allows companies to
record provisional amounts during a measurement period with respect to the impacts of the Act for which the accounting requirements
F-26
under ASC Topic 740 are not complete, but a reasonable estimate has been determined. The measurement period under ASU 2018-05
ends when a company has obtained, prepared, and analyzed the information that was needed in order to complete the accounting
requirements under ASC Topic 740, but cannot exceed one year.
As of December, 31, 2018, the Company has completed the accounting for the effects of the Act. The Company has included the
impact of the Act on its annual effective tax rate and has recorded an additional provision of $0.7 million primarily related to an
adjustment to the estimated transition tax liability, including an uncertain tax position.
Since January 1, 2018, the Tax Act has subjected the Company to a tax on global intangible low-taxed income (“GILTI”) earned by
certain foreign subsidiaries, base erosion anti-abuse tax (“BEAT”), foreign derived intangible income tax (“FDII”), and IRC
Section 163(j) interest limitation (“Interest Limitation”). Entities can make an accounting policy election to either recognize deferred
taxes for temporary basis differences expected to reverse as GILTI in future years or provide for the tax expense related to GILTI in
the year the tax is incurred. The Company has elected to account for the GILTI tax as a current period expense. The Company did not
have GILTI liability and was not subject to BEAT in 2018. The tax impact of FDII was immaterial. The Company incurred an Interest
Limitation in 2018, resulting in a deferred tax asset related to interest carried forward of approximately $1.0 million.
Deferred income taxes reflect the net tax effects of temporary differences between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities for
financial reporting purposes and the amounts used for income tax purposes. Significant components of the Company’s deferred
income tax assets and (liabilities) are as follows:
December 31,
2018
2017
(in thousands)
Deferred income tax assets: ......................................................
Deferred rent expense ..................................................... $
Stock options ..................................................................
Inventory .........................................................................
Operating loss and non-deductible interest carry-
forward .......................................................................
Accounts receivable allowances .....................................
Accrued compensation....................................................
Depreciation and amortization ........................................
Other ...............................................................................
3,504
2,982
1,446
7,071
734
1,026
—
1,753
$
2,212
2,903
970
4,114
264
623
247
1,882
Total deferred income tax assets ..................................... $
18,516
$
13,215
Deferred income tax liabilities:
Fixed assets ..................................................................... $
Intangibles ......................................................................
Equity in earnings ...........................................................
(2,540)
(27,534)
—
$
Total deferred income tax liabilities ......................
(30,074)
Net deferred income tax (liability) asset ..................................
Valuation allowance .................................................................
(11,558)
(2,850)
—
(8,732)
(56)
(8,788)
4,427
(3,024)
Net deferred income tax (liability) asset .................................. $
(14,408)
$
1,403
As of December 31, 2018, a preliminary net deferred tax liability of $13.9 million was recorded in purchase accounting in connection
with the Filament acquisition, including uncertain tax positions of $0.3 million. The Company continues to assess the tax accounting
consideration under business combination accounting which concludes during the first quarter of 2019.
The Company has generated various state net operating loss carryforwards of which $24.9 million remained at December 31, 2018
that begin to expire in 2026. The Company has net operating losses in foreign jurisdictions of $15.9 million at December 31, 2018 that
begin to expire in 2020. The Company also has U.S. losses of $5.3 million that can be carried forward indefinitely and are subject to
IRC section 382 limitations.
F-27
The provision for income taxes (before equity in earnings) differs from the amounts computed by applying the applicable federal
statutory rates as follows:
Provision for federal income taxes at the statutory rate ..........................
Increases (decreases):
Year Ended December 31,
2018
21.0%
2017
35.0%
2016
35.0%
State and local income taxes, net of Federal income tax benefit ...
Foreign rate differences .................................................................
Non-deductible expenses ...............................................................
Tax Act- revaluation of net deferred tax assets and other .............
Tax Act- transition tax...................................................................
Uncertain tax positions ..................................................................
Research and development credit ..................................................
Federal return to provision ............................................................
Other..............................................................................................
97.4
(110.3)
228.5
16.8
43.0
302.8
(18.5)
(27.5)
14.4
6.1
7.2
3.7
27.7
3.1
0.6
—
—
0.4
3.6
(7.9)
3.4
—
—
—
—
—
(2.1)
Provision for income taxes .....................................................................
567.6%
83.8%
32.0%
The estimated values of the Company’s gross uncertain tax positions at December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016 are liabilities of
$2.0 million, $161,000 and $109,000, respectively, and consist of the following:
Year Ended December 31,
2018
2017
2016
Balance at January 1 ........................................................................ $
Additions based on tax positions related to the current year ..
Additions based on tax positions related to the prior year......
Reductions for tax position of prior years ..............................
Settlements .............................................................................
(161)
(626)
(1,302)
114
—
(in thousands)
(109)
$
(82)
—
30
—
$
(157)
—
—
—
48
Balance at December 31 .................................................................. $
(1,975)
$
(161)
$
(109)
The Company had approximately $29,000 and $24,000, net of federal and state tax benefit, accrued at December 31, 2018 and 2017,
respectively, for the payment of interest. The Company’s policy for recording interest and penalties is to record such items as a
component of the provision for income taxes.
If the Company’s tax positions are ultimately sustained, the Company’s liability, including interest, would be reduced by $2.0 million,
all of which would impact the Company’s tax provision. On a quarterly basis, the Company evaluates its tax positions and revises its
estimates accordingly. The Company believes that it is reasonably possible that none of its tax positions will be resolved within the
next twelve months.
The Company is no longer subject to U.S. Federal income tax examinations for the years prior to 2015. The Company has identified
the following jurisdictions as “major” tax jurisdictions: U.S. Federal, California, Massachusetts, Georgia, New Jersey, New Mexico,
Texas and the United Kingdom. At December 31, 2018, the periods subject to examination by the Company’s major state jurisdictions
are generally for the years ended 2014 through 2017. In certain jurisdictions Filament may have additional periods subject to
examination.
NOTE L — BUSINESS SEGMENTS
Segment information
The Company has two reportable segments, U.S. and International. Prior to October 1, 2018, the U.S. segment was reported as two
separate reportable segments, U.S. Wholesale and Retail Direct. The Company changed its reporting structure to reflect how the
Company is managing its operations as well as what the chief operating decision maker reviews to make organizational decisions
about resource allocations. Prior period segment information has been recast to reflect the current reportable segment structure of the
Company.
The Company has segmented its operations to reflect the manner in which management reviews and evaluates the results of its
operations. The U.S. segment includes the Company’s primary domestic business that designs, markets and distributes its products to
F-28
retailers, distributors and its internet websites. The International Segment consists of certain business operations conducted outside the
U.S. Management evaluates the performance of the U.S. and International segments based on net sales and income (loss) from
operations. Such measures give recognition to specifically identifiable operating costs such as cost of sales, distribution expenses and
selling, general and administrative expenses. Certain general and administrative expenses, such as senior executive salaries and
benefits, stock compensation, director fees and accounting, legal fees and consulting fees, are not allocated to the specific segments
and are reflected as unallocated corporate expenses.
Year Ended December 31,
2018
2017
(in thousands)
2016
Net sales:
U.S.......................................................................... $
International ...........................................................
611,973
92,569
Total net sales ............................................... $
704,542
Income from operations:
U.S. (1) .................................................................... $
International (2) .......................................................
Unallocated corporate expenses .............................
44,213
(5,395)
(20,239)
Total income from operations ....................... $
18,579
Depreciation and amortization:
U.S. (3) .................................................................... $
International ...........................................................
Total depreciation and amortization ............. $
Capital expenditures:
U.S.......................................................................... $
International ...........................................................
Total capital expenditures ............................. $
18,840
4,489
23,329
7,746
156
7,902
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
481,719
97,757
$
491,549
101,070
579,476
$
592,619
39,341
(6,984)
(17,177)
15,180
10,004
4,185
14,189
4,176
2,135
6,311
$
$
$
$
$
$
40,515
3,052
(16,490)
27,077
10,231
3,917
14,148
2,956
424
3,380
(1)
(2)
In 2018 and 2016, income from operations for the U.S. segment includes $2.1 million and $2.4 million, respectively, of
restructuring expenses related to the Filament integration and the U.S. restructuring plan, respectively, as described in Note A –
Significant Accounting Policies. The 2016 period also includes a $1.2 million charge to correct prior years’ depreciation of
certain assets within the U.S. segment.
In 2018 and 2017 income from operations for the International segment includes $0.2 million and $1.0 million of restructuring
expenses related to the integration of entities in Europe, as described in Note A – Significant Accounting Policies.
(3) The 2016 period includes a $1.2 million charge to correct prior years’ depreciation of certain assets within the U.S. segment.
December
2018
2017
(in thousands)
Assets:
U.S. .......................................................................... $
International .............................................................
Unallocated/ corporate/ other...................................
604,532
94,210
9,830
$
282,011
105,984
13,526
Total assets ..................................................... $
708,572
$
401,521
F-29
Year Ended December
2018
2017
(in thousands)
Goodwill:
U.S. ...................................................................................
Beginning balance ................................................... $
Acquisition activity .................................................
Ending balance ........................................................
International ......................................................................
Beginning balance ...................................................
Foreign currency translation adjustment .................
Impairment ..............................................................
2,846
78,795
81,641
12,926
(672)
(2,205)
Ending balance ........................................................
10,049
$
2,412
434
2,846
11,789
1,137
—
12,926
Total goodwill ......................................................... $
91,690
$
15,772
Geographical information
The following table sets forth long-lived assets by the major geographic locations:
December,
2018
2017
(in thousands)
Long-lived assets, excluding intangible assets, at
period-end:
United States ............................................................... $
United Kingdom .........................................................
Rest of World..............................................................
47,812
1,896
480
$
45,285
2,779
729
Total .................................................................. $
50,188
$
48,793
NOTE M — COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
Operating leases
The Company has lease agreements for its corporate headquarters, distribution centers, showrooms and sales offices that expire
through 2029. These leases generally provide for, among other things, annual base rent escalations and additional rent for real estate
taxes and other costs.
Future minimum payments under non-cancelable operating leases are as follows (in thousands):
Year Ending December 31,
2019 ................................................................................................................. $
2020 .................................................................................................................
2021 .................................................................................................................
2022 .................................................................................................................
2023 .................................................................................................................
Thereafter ........................................................................................................
16,238
14,898
14,498
14,744
14,589
62,698
Total ....................................................................................................... $
137,665
Future minimum lease payments exclude payments for leases that have not yet commenced.
Rent and related expenses under operating leases were $18.4 million, $16.8 million and $16.6 million for the years ended
December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016, respectively.
F-30
Royalties
The Company has license agreements that require the payment of royalties on sales of licensed products which expire through 2023.
Future minimum royalties payable under these agreements are as follows (in thousands):
Year ending December 31,
2019 ................................................................................................................... $
2020 ...................................................................................................................
2021 ...................................................................................................................
2022 ...................................................................................................................
2023 ...................................................................................................................
Thereafter ..........................................................................................................
7,927
8,485
8,942
926
156
—
Total ......................................................................................................... $
26,436
Legal proceedings
Wallace Silversmiths de Puerto Rico, Ltd. (“WSPR”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company, operates a manufacturing facility
in San Germán, Puerto Rico that is leased from the Puerto Rico Industrial Development Company (“PRIDCO”). In March 2008, the
United States Environmental Protection Agency (the “EPA”) announced that the San Germán Ground Water Contamination site in
Puerto Rico (the “Site”) had been added to the Superfund National Priorities List due to contamination present in the local drinking
water supply.
In May 2008, WSPR received from the EPA a Notice of Potential Liability and Request for Information pursuant to 42 U.S.C.
Sections 9607(a) and 9604(e) of the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (“CERCLA”). In July
2011, WSPR received a letter from the EPA requesting access to the property that it leases from PRIDCO to conduct an environmental
investigation, and the Company granted such access. In February 2013, the EPA requested access to conduct a further environmental
investigation at the property. PRIDCO agreed to such access and the Company consented. The EPA conducted a further investigation
during 2013 and, in April 2015, notified the Company and PRIDCO that the results from vapor intrusion sampling may warrant the
implementation of measures to mitigate potential exposure to sub-slab soil gas. The Company reviewed the information provided by
the EPA and requested that PRIDCO, as the property owner, find and implement a solution acceptable to the EPA. While WSPR did
not cause the sub-surface condition that resulted in the potential for vapor intrusion, in order to protect the health of its employees and
continue its business operations, it has nevertheless implemented corrective action measures to prevent vapor intrusion, such as
sealing the floors of the building and conducting periodic air monitoring to address potential exposure. On August 13, 2015, the EPA
released its remedial investigation and feasibility study (“RI/FS”) for the Site. On December 11, 2015, the EPA issued the Record of
Decision (“ROD”) for an initial operable unit, electing to implement its preferred remedy which consists of soil vapor extraction and
dual-phase extraction/in-situ treatment. This selected remedy includes soil vapor extraction (“SVE”) to address soil (vadose zone)
source areas at the Site, impermeable cover as necessary for the implementation of SVE, dual phase extraction in the shallow saprolite
zone, and in-situ treatment as needed to address residual sources. The EPA’s estimated capital cost for its selected remedy is
$7.3 million. The EPA also designated a second operable unit under which the EPA has and will continue to conduct further
investigations to determine the nature and extent of groundwater contamination, as well as a determination by the EPA on the
necessity of any further response actions to address groundwater contamination. In February 2017, the EPA indicated that it planned
to expand its field investigation for the RI/FS to a second operable unit to further determine the nature and extent of the groundwater
contamination at and from the Site and to determine the nature of the remedial action needed to address the contamination. The EPA
has requested access to the property occupied by WSPR to install monitoring wells and to undertake groundwater sampling as part of
this expanded investigation. WSPR has consented to the EPA’s access request, provided that the EPA receives PRIDCO’s consent, as
the property owner. WSPR never used the primary contaminant of concern and did not take up its tenancy at the Site until after the
EPA had discovered the contamination in the local water supply. The EPA has also issued notices of potential liability to a number of
other entities affiliated with the Site, which used the contaminants of concern.
In December 2018, the Company, WSPR, and other identified Potentially Responsible Parties affiliated with the Site entered into
tolling agreements to extend the statute of limitations for potential claims for the recovery of response costs for the initial operable
unit under Section 107 of CERCLA. The tolling agreements do not constitute in any way an admission or acknowledgment of any
fact, conclusion of law or liability by the parties to the agreements. Accordingly, based on the above uncertainties and variables, it is
not possible at this time for the Company to estimate its share of liability, if any, related to this matter. However, in the event of one or
more adverse determinations related to this matter, it is possible that the ultimate liability resulting from this matter and the impact on
the Company’s results of operations could be material.
F-31
The Company is, from time to time, involved in other legal proceedings. The Company believes that other current litigation is routine
in nature and incidental to the conduct of the Company’s business and that none of this litigation, individually or collectively, would
have a material adverse effect on the Company’s consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows.
Other Contingencies
The Company identified certain probable and estimable non-income tax exposure matters in connection with its acquisition of
Filament and recorded an accrual of approximately $1.9 million, including interest, associated with these matters.
NOTE N — RETIREMENT PLANS
401(k) plan
The Company maintains a defined contribution retirement plan for eligible employees under Section 401(k) of the Internal Revenue
Code. Participants can make voluntary contributions up to the Internal Revenue Service limit of $18,500 ($24,500 for employees 50
years or over) for 2018. The Company suspended its matching contribution in 2009 as an expense savings measure. The Company’s
United Kingdom-based subsidiaries maintain defined contribution pension plans.
Retirement benefit obligations
The Company assumed retirement benefit obligations, which are paid to certain former executives of a business acquired in 2006. The
obligations under the agreements with these former executives are unfunded and amounted to $6.6 million at December 31, 2018 and
$7.3 million at December 31, 2017.
The discount rate used to calculate the retirement benefit obligations was 3.98% at December 31, 2018 and 3.33% at December 31,
2017. The retirement benefit obligations are included in accrued expenses and deferred rent and other long-term liabilities.
The Company expects to recognize $84,000 of actuarial losses included in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) in net
periodic benefit cost in 2019.
Expected benefit payments for each of the next five fiscal years and in the aggregate for the five fiscal years thereafter are as follows
(in thousands):
Year ending December 31,
2019 .................................................................................................................... $
2020 ....................................................................................................................
2021 ....................................................................................................................
2022 ....................................................................................................................
2023 ....................................................................................................................
2024 through 2028 ..............................................................................................
421
407
404
449
433
1,937
NOTE O — OTHER
Inventory
The components of inventory are as follows:
Finished goods .................................................................... $
Work in process...................................................................
Raw materials ......................................................................
165,969
375
7,257
$
125,355
86
6,995
Total .................................................................................... $
173,601
$
132,436
December 31,
2018
2017
(in thousands)
F-32
Property and equipment
Property and equipment consist of:
Machinery, furniture and equipment .................................. $
Leasehold improvements....................................................
Building and improvements ...............................................
Construction in progress.....................................................
Land ...................................................................................
Less: accumulated depreciation and amortization ..............
2018
106,525
29,803
770
1,032
100
138,230
(112,468)
December 31,
(in thousands)
$
2017
91,282
32,591
787
3,122
100
127,882
(104,817)
Total .......................................................................... $
25,762
$
23,065
Depreciation and amortization expense of property and equipment for the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016 was
$8.0 million, $6.6 million and $8.0 million, respectively
Included in machinery, furniture and equipment at each of December 31, 2018 and 2017 is $1.8 million and $2.0 million, respectively,
related to assets recorded under capital leases. Included in accumulated depreciation and amortization at December 31, 2018 and
December 31, 2017 is $1.7 million and $1.9 million, respectively, related to assets recorded under capital leases.
Accrued expenses
Accrued expenses consist of:
December 31,
2018
2017
(in thousands)
Customer allowances and rebates ........................................... $
Compensation and benefits .....................................................
Interest .....................................................................................
Vendor invoices ......................................................................
Royalties..................................................................................
Commissions ...........................................................................
Freight .....................................................................................
Professional fees......................................................................
VAT ........................................................................................
Foreign exchange contracts .....................................................
Restructuring ...........................................................................
Other .......................................................................................
12,184
9,065
243
3,487
1,916
1,557
4,160
2,473
79
—
1,557
8,735
$
11,662
9,613
191
4,027
1,744
786
4,002
3,160
1,176
1,951
—
5,809
Total ............................................................................... $
45,456
$
44,121
F-33
Deferred rent & other long-term liabilities
Deferred rent & other long-term liabilities consist of:
December 31,
2018
2017
(in thousands)
Deferred rent liability ......................................................... $
Retirement benefit obligations ...........................................
Non-income tax liability.....................................................
Royalty obligation ..............................................................
Other long term obligations................................................
13,832
6,169
1,860
1,324
154
$
13,399
6,829
—
—
21
Total .......................................................................... $
23,339
$
20,249
Supplemental cash flow information
Year Ended December 31,
2018
2017
(in thousands)
2016
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:
Cash paid for interest ........................................................... $
Cash paid for taxes ...............................................................
Non-cash investing activities:
Translation adjustment ......................................................... $
16,319
2,599
$
3,791
12,936
$
4,171
6,384
(5,906)
$
7,823
$
(23,061)
Components of accumulated other comprehensive loss, net
Accumulated translation adjustment:
Balance at beginning of year ............................................. $
Translation adjustment during period ................................
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other
comprehensive loss: (1)
Year Ended December 31,
2018
2017
(in thousands)
2016
(27,821)
(5,906)
$
(35,644)
7,823
$
(12,961)
(23,061)
Currency translation adjustment ...............................
Balance at end of year ........................................................ $
—
(33,727)
$
—
(27,821)
378
(35,644)
$
Accumulated deferred gains (losses) on cash flow
hedges:
Balance at beginning of year ............................................. $
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other
comprehensive loss:(2)
Settlement of cash flow hedge..................................
Derivative fair value adjustment, net of tax .......................
Balance at end of year ........................................................ $
Accumulated effect of retirement benefit obligations:
Balance at beginning of year ............................................. $
Net gain (loss) arising from retirement benefit
14
$
(3)
$
(20)
(14)
161
161
(1,518)
$
$
—
17
14
(1,352)
$
$
—
17
(3)
(1,204)
obligations, net of tax ....................................................
373
(228)
(202)
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other
comprehensive loss:
Amortization of loss, net of tax(3) .............................
Balance at end of year ........................................................ $
95
(1,050)
$
62
(1,518)
$
54
(1,352)
(1) Amount is recorded in equity in earnings (losses) on the consolidated statements of operations.
(2) Amounts reclassified are recorded in interest expense on the consolidated statement of operations.
(3) Amount is recorded in selling, general and administrative expenses on the consolidated statements of operations.
F-34
Item 15(a)
COL. A
Description
LIFETIME BRANDS, INC.
SCHEDULE II - VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS
(in thousands)
COL. B
COL. C
COL. D
COL. E
Balance at
beginning
of period
Additions
Due to
acquisitions
Charged to
costs and
expenses
Deductions
Balance at
end of
period
Year ended December 31, 2018
Deducted from asset accounts:
Allowance for doubtful accounts ............................... $
Reserve for sales returns and allowances ..................
1,158 $
5,032
$
6,190 $
— $
421
421 $
786
4,296(c)
$
(448)(a) $
(3,390)(b)
1,496
6,359
5,082
$
(3,838)
$
7,855
Year ended December 31, 2017
Deducted from asset accounts:
Allowance for doubtful accounts ............................... $
Reserve for sales returns and allowances ..................
648 $
5,077
$
5,725 $
— $
—
— $
594
4,332(c)
$
(84)(a) $
(4,377)(b)
1,158
5,032
4,926
$
(4,461)
$
6,190
Year ended December 31, 2016
Deducted from asset accounts:
Allowance for doubtful accounts ............................... $
Reserve for sales returns and allowances ..................
697 $
4,603
$
5,300 $
— $
—
— $
127
5,110(c)
$
(176)(a) $
(4,636)(b)
648
5,077
5,237
$
(4,812)
$
5,725
Year ended December 31, 2015
Deducted from asset accounts:
Allowance for doubtful accounts ............................... $
Reserve for sales returns and allowances ..................
815 $
5,848
— $
—
226
6,504(c)
$
(344)(a) $
(7,749)(b)
697
4,603
$
6,663 $
— $
6,730
$
(8,093)
$
5,300
(a) Uncollectible accounts written off, net of recoveries.
(b) Allowances granted.
(c) Charged to net sales.
S-1
Subsidiaries of the Registrant
State/Country of
Name of subsidiary
Incorporation
Creative Tops Limited ................................................................................................................ United Kingdom
Creative Tops NL B.V. ............................................................................................................... Netherlands
Grand Venture Enterprises Limited ............................................................................................ Hong Kong
Kitchen Craft (Asia) Limited ...................................................................................................... Hong Kong
La Cafetiere (UK) Limited .......................................................................................................... United Kingdom
Lifetime Brands (Jersey) Limited ............................................................................................... Jersey, Channel Islands
Lifetime Brands do Brasil Participacoes Ltda............................................................................. Brazil
Lifetime Brands Europe Limited ................................................................................................ United Kingdom
Lifetime Brands Global Limited ................................................................................................. Hong Kong
Lifetime Brands Global Trading (Shanghai) Company Limited ................................................. China
Lifetime Brands Holdings Limited ............................................................................................. United Kingdom
Lifetime Brands UK Limited ...................................................................................................... United Kingdom
New Goal Development Limited ................................................................................................ Hong Kong
Pfaltzgraff Factory Stores, Inc. ................................................................................................... Delaware
PlanetBox LLC ........................................................................................................................... California
The Chef’n Corporation .............................................................................................................. Washington
Thomas Plant (Birmingham) Holdings Limited.......................................................................... United Kingdom
TMC Acquisition Inc. ................................................................................................................. Delaware
Trinity Sourcing (Shenzhen) Ltd. ............................................................................................... China
Trinity Sourcing Ltd. .................................................................................................................. Hong Kong
Wallace Silversmiths de Puerto Rico Ltd. .................................................................................. Cayman Islands
LTB de México, S.A. de C.V. ..................................................................................................... Mexico
Exhibit 21.1
Ownership
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
99.99%
CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
We consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration Statements on Form S-8 (Nos. 333-105382, 333-146017, 333-
162734, 333-186208, 333-208961, 333-221613, 333-226666) pertaining to the Amended and Restated 2000 Long-Term Incentive
Plan of Lifetime Brands, Inc. of our reports dated March 14, 2019, with respect to the consolidated financial statements and schedule
of Lifetime Brands, Inc., and the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting of Lifetime Brands, Inc. included in this
Annual Report (Form 10-K) for the year ended December 31, 2018.
Exhibit 23.1
/s/ ERNST & YOUNG LLP
Jericho, New York
March 14, 2019
Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
Exhibit 23.2
To the Board of Directors and Stockholders of
Avenida 16 de septiembre #346
Colonia El Partidor
Cuautitlán, Estado de México,
C.P. 54879
We consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration Statements on Form S-8 (Nos. 333-105382, 333-146017, 333-
162734, 333-186208, 333-208961, 333-221613, 333-226666) of Lifetime Brands, Inc. of our report dated March 13, 2019 relating to
the consolidated financial statements (not presented separately herein) of Grupo Vasconia, S.A.B. and subsidiaries (the “Company”)
included in the December 31, 2018 annual report on Form 10-K of Lifetime Brands, Inc.
Our report dated March 13, 2019 contains an explanatory paragraph that states that International Financial Reporting Standards as
issued by the IASB vary in certain significant respects from generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America.
Information relating to the nature and effect of such differences is presented in note 24 to the consolidated financial statements of the
Company.
Castillo Miranda y Compañía, S.C. (BDO Mexico)
/s/ C.P.C. Jose Luis Villalobos Zuazua
C.P.C. Jose Luis Villalobos Zuazua
Partner
Mexico City, Mexico
March 13, 2019
Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
Exhibit 23.3
The Board of Directors and Stockholders
Grupo Vasconia, S.A.B.
We consent to the incorporation by reference in the registration statements No. 333-105382, 333-146017, 333-162734, 333-186208,
333-208961, 333-221613 and 333-226666 on Forms S-8 of Lifetime Brands, Inc., of our report dated March 15, 2018, with respect to
the consolidated statements of financial position of Grupo Vasconia, S.A.B. and subsidiaries (the “Company”) as of December 31,
2017, and the related consolidated statements of comprehensive income, cash flows and changes in stockholders’ equity for each of
the years in the two-year period ended December 31, 2017 and the related notes, not included herein, which report appears in the
December 31, 2018 annual report on Form 10-K of Lifetime Brands, Inc.
Our report dated March 15, 2018 contains an explanatory paragraph that states that International Financial Reporting Standards as
issued by the IASB vary in certain significant respects from generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America.
Information relating to the nature and effect of such differences is presented in note 24 to the consolidated financial statements of the
Company.
KPMG Cardenas Dosal, S.C.
/s/ Erick G. Aguilar
Erick G. Aguilar
Mexico City, Mexico
March 13, 2019.
I, Robert B. Kay, certify that:
CERTIFICATION
Exhibit 31.1
1. I have reviewed this Annual Report on Form 10-K of Lifetime Brands, Inc. (“the registrant”);
2. Based on my knowledge, this Annual 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 Annual Report;
3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this Annual 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 Annual Report;
4. The registrant’s other certifying officers 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 Annual 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 fourth fiscal quarter 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 officers 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 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: March 14, 2019
/s/ Robert B. Kay
Robert B. Kay
Chief Executive Officer and Director
I, Laurence Winoker, certify that:
CERTIFICATION
Exhibit 31.2
1. I have reviewed this Annual Report on Form 10-K of Lifetime Brands, Inc. (“the registrant”);
2. Based on my knowledge, this Annual 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 Annual Report;
3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this Annual 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 Annual Report;
4. The registrant’s other certifying officers 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 Annual 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 fourth fiscal quarter 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 officers 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 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: March 14, 2019
/s/ Laurence Winoker
Laurence Winoker
Senior Vice President – Finance, Treasurer and Chief
Financial Officer
Exhibit 32.1
Certification by Robert B. Kay, Chief Executive Officer and Director, and Laurence Winoker, Senior Vice President – Finance,
Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer, Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley
Act of 2002.
I, Robert B. Kay, Chief Executive Officer, and I, Laurence Winoker, Senior Vice President – Finance, Treasurer and Chief Financial
Officer, of Lifetime Brands, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “Company”), each hereby certifies that:
(1) The Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2018 (the “Form 10-K”) fully complies
with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended; and
(2) The information contained in the Form 10-K fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of
operations of the Company.
/s/ Robert B. Kay
Robert B. Kay
Chief Executive Officer and Director
/s/ Laurence Winoker
Laurence Winoker
Senior Vice President- Finance, Treasurer
and Chief Financial Officer
Date: March 14, 2019
Date: March 14, 2019
A signed original of this certification required by 18 U.S.C. Section 1350 has been provided to Lifetime Brands, Inc. and will be
retained by Lifetime Brands, Inc. and furnished to the SEC or its staff upon request.
This certification is being furnished solely pursuant to 18 U.S.C. 1350, shall not be deemed “filed” with the Securities and Exchange
Commission for purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 or otherwise subject to liability under that section, and
shall not be deemed incorporated by reference into any filing of the Company under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, irrespective of any general incorporation by reference language contained in such
filing.
Exhibit 99.1
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
Shareholders and Board of Directors
Grupo Vasconia, S.A.B.
Opinion on the consolidated financial statements
We have audited the accompanying consolidated statement of financial position of Grupo Vasconia S.A.B. and subsidiaries (the
“Company”) as of December 31, 2018, the related consolidated statements of comprehensive income, stockholders’ equity, and cash
flows for the year ended December 31, 2018, and the related notes (collectively referred to as the “consolidated financial statements”).
In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company as of
December 31, 2018, and the results of operations and cash flows for the year ended December 31, 2018, in conformity with
International Financial Reporting Standards as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board (“IASB”).
Differences from U.S. generally accepted accounting principles
International Financial Reporting Standards as issued by the IASB vary in certain significant respects from U.S. generally accepted
accounting principles. Information relating to the nature and effect of such differences is presented in Note 24 to the consolidated
financial statements.
Basis for Opinion
These consolidated financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an
opinion on the Company’s consolidated financial statements based on our audit. We are a public accounting firm registered with the
Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (“PCAOB”) and are required to be independent with respect to the
Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange
Commission and the PCAOB.
We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB and in accordance with International Standards on Auditing.
Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the consolidated financial
statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. Our audit included performing procedures to assess the
risks of material misstatement of the consolidated financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that
respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the
consolidated financial statements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made
by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the consolidated financial statements. We believe that our audit
provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.
CASTILLO MIRANDA Y COMPAÑÍA, S.C.
/s/ Jose Luis Villalobos Zuazua
Jose Luis Villalobos Zuazua
We have served as the Company’s auditor since 2018.
Mexico City, Mexico
March 13, 2019
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
Exhibit 99.2
To the Stockholders and Board of Directors
Grupo Vasconia, S.A.B.:
Opinion on the Consolidated Financial Statements
We have audited the accompanying consolidated statements of financial position of Grupo Vasconia, S.A.B. and subsidiaries (the
“Company”) as of December 31, 2017, the related consolidated statements of comprehensive income, cash flows, and changes in
stockholders’ equity for each of the years in the two-year period ended December 31, 2017, and the related notes (collectively, the
consolidated financial statements). In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the
financial position of the Company as of December 31, 2017, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the years in
the two-year period ended December 31, 2017, in conformity with International Financial Reporting Standards as issued by the
International Accounting Standards Board (“IASB”).
Differences from U.S. Generally Accepted Accounting Principles
International Financial Reporting Standards as issued by the IASB vary in certain significant respects from U.S. generally accepted
accounting principles. Information relating to the nature and effect of such differences is presented in note 24 to the consolidated
financial statements.
Basis for Opinion
These consolidated financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an
opinion on these consolidated financial statements based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the Public
Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB) and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in
accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission
and the PCAOB.
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit
to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the consolidated financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to
error or fraud. Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the consolidated financial
statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining,
on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the consolidated financial statements. Our audits also included
evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall
presentation of the consolidated financial statements. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
KPMG CARDENAS DOSAL, S.C.
/s/ Erick G. Aguilar
Erick G. Aguilar
We served as the Company’s auditor from 2014
Mexico City, Mexico
March 15, 2018
12
LIFETIME BRANDS, INC.
2018 ANNUAL REPORT
Corporate Information
CORPORATE HEADQUARTERS
1000 Stewart Avenue
Garden City, NY 11530
(516) 683-6000
CODE OF ETHICS
A copy of the Company’s Code of Ethics will be furnished
to any stockholder, without charge, upon written request to
the Senior Vice President – Finance of the Company.
INDEPENDENT REGISTERED
PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
Ernst & Young LLP
One Jericho Plaza
Jericho, NY 11753
TRANSFER AGENT & REGISTRAR
Computershare
P.O. Box 505000
Louisville, KY 40233-5000
United States
By Overnight Delivery
462 South 4th Street
Suite 1600
Louisville, KY 40233-5000
United States
ANNUAL MEETING
The Annual Meeting of Stockholders will
be held at 10:30 a.m., Eastern Time,
on Thursday, June 27, 2019
at the Corporate Headquarters.
Officers and Directors
JEFFREY SIEGEL
Chairman of the Board of Directors
Executive Chairman
ROBERT B. KAY
Chief Executive Officer
Director
DANIEL SIEGEL
President
LAURENCE WINOKER
Senior Vice President – Finance
Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer
SARA SHINDEL
General Counsel and Secretary
MICHAEL J. JEARY
Director
JOHN KOEGEL
Director
CHERRIE NANNINGA
Director
CRAIG PHILLIPS
Director
BRUCE G. POLLACK
Director
DENNIS E. REAVES
Director
MICHAEL J. REGAN
Director
MICHAEL SCHNABEL
Director
RONALD SHIFTAN
Director
Focused forward for growth.
Lifetime Brands, Inc.
1000 Stewart Avenue, Garden City, New York 11530
www.lifetimebrands.com