Natuzzi S.p.A
Annual Report on Form 20-F
2012
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 20-F
______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the Fiscal Year Ended: December 31, 2012
Commission file number: 001-11854
NATUZZI S.p.A.
(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)
Republic of Italy
(Jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)
Via Iazzitiello 47, 70029, Santeramo in Colle, Bari, Italy
(Address of principal executive offices)
Mr. Pietro Direnzo
Tel. +39 331 1943296
pdirenzo@natuzzi.com
Via Iazzitiello 47, 70029 Santeramo in Colle, Bari, Italy
(Name, telephone, e-mail and/or facsimile number and address of company contact person)
Securities registered or to be registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
Title of each class
Name of each exchange on which registered
American Depositary Shares, each representing one Ordinary Share
Ordinary Shares, with a par value of €1.00 each
New York Stock Exchange
New York Stock Exchange
(for listing purposes only)
Securities registered or to be registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:
None
Securities for which there is a reporting obligation pursuant to Section 15(d) of the Act:
None
Indicate the number of outstanding shares of each of the issuer’s classes of capital or common stock as of the close of the period covered by the annual report:
As of December 31, 2012 54,853,045 Ordinary Shares
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act.
Yes
No
If this report is an annual or transition report, indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of
1934.
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 and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and
posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and
post such files).
Yes
No
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, or a non-accelerated filer. See definition of “accelerated filer and large accelerated filer”
in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):
Large accelerated filer
Accelerated filer
Non-accelerated filer
Indicate by check mark which basis of accounting the registrant has used to prepare the financial statements included in this filing:
U.S. GAAP
IFRS
Other
If “Other” has been checked in response to the previous question, indicate by check mark which financial statement item the registrant has elected to follow.
Item 17
Item 18
If this is an annual report, indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).
Yes
No
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
PART I ........................................................................................................................... 3
ITEM 1. IDENTITY OF DIRECTORS, SENIOR MANAGEMENT AND ADVISERS ..................................... 3
ITEM 2. OFFER STATISTICS AND EXPECTED TIMETABLE ........................................................... 3
ITEM 3. KEY INFORMATION .......................................................................................... 3
Selected Financial Data ......................................................................................... 3
Exchange Rates .................................................................................................. 5
Risk Factors....................................................................................................... 5
ITEM 4. INFORMATION ON THE COMPANY ........................................................................ 11
Introduction .................................................................................................... 11
Organizational Structure ..................................................................................... 12
Strategy .......................................................................................................... 13
Manufacturing .................................................................................................. 17
Supply-Chain Management .................................................................................. 20
Products ......................................................................................................... 22
Advertising ..................................................................................................... 24
Retail Development ........................................................................................... 25
Markets .......................................................................................................... 25
Incentive Programs and Tax Benefits ...................................................................... 30
Management of Exchange Rate Risk ....................................................................... 32
Trademarks and Patents ...................................................................................... 32
Regulation ...................................................................................................... 32
Environmental Regulatory Compliance ................................................................... 32
Insurance ........................................................................................................ 32
Description of Properties .................................................................................... 33
Capital Expenditures .......................................................................................... 33
ITEM 4A. UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS ...................................................................... 34
ITEM 5. OPERATING AND FINANCIAL REVIEW AND PROSPECTS ............................................... 34
Critical Accounting Policies ................................................................................. 34
Results of Operations ......................................................................................... 38
2012 Compared to 2011 ..................................................................................... 39
2011 Compared to 2010 ..................................................................................... 43
Liquidity and Capital Resources ............................................................................ 45
Contractual Obligations and Commitments .............................................................. 47
Trend information............................................................................................. 49
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements ........................................................................... 49
Related Party Transactions .................................................................................. 49
New Accounting Standards under Italian and U.S. GAAP ............................................. 49
i
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
ITEM 6. DIRECTORS, SENIOR MANAGEMENT AND EMPLOYEES ................................................ 50
Compensation of Directors and Officers .................................................................. 54
Statutory Auditors ............................................................................................. 54
External Auditors ............................................................................................. 55
Employees ...................................................................................................... 55
Share Ownership .............................................................................................. 59
ITEM 7. MAJOR SHAREHOLDERS AND RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS ..................................... 59
Major Shareholders............................................................................................ 59
Related Party Transactions .................................................................................. 60
ITEM 8. FINANCIAL INFORMATION ................................................................................. 60
Consolidated Financial Statements ......................................................................... 60
Export Sales .................................................................................................... 61
Legal and Governmental Proceedings ..................................................................... 61
Dividends ....................................................................................................... 61
ITEM 9. THE OFFER AND LISTING .................................................................................. 62
Trading Markets and Share Prices .......................................................................... 62
ITEM 10. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ............................................................................ 63
By-laws .......................................................................................................... 63
Material Contracts ............................................................................................ 69
Exchange Controls ............................................................................................ 70
Taxation ......................................................................................................... 70
Documents on Display ....................................................................................... 75
ITEM 11. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK ......................... 76
ITEM 12. DESCRIPTION OF SECURITIES OTHER THAN EQUITY SECURITIES ................................... 77
ITEM 12A. DEBT SECURITIES ..................................................................................... 77
ITEM 12B. WARRANTS AND RIGHTS ........................................................................... 77
ITEM 12C. OTHER SECURITIES ................................................................................... 78
ITEM 12D. AMERICAN DEPOSITARY SHARES ................................................................... 78
PART II ....................................................................................................................... 79
ITEM 13. DEFAULTS, DIVIDEND ARREARAGES AND DELINQUENCIES ......................................... 79
ITEM 14. MATERIAL MODIFICATIONS TO THE RIGHTS OF SECURITY HOLDERS AND USE OF PROCEEDS . 79
ITEM 15. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES .......................................................................... 80
ITEM 16. [RESERVED] ................................................................................................ 82
ITEM 16A. AUDIT COMMITTEE FINANCIAL EXPERT ............................................................. 82
ITEM 16B. CODE OF ETHICS ........................................................................................ 82
ITEM 16C. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES ..................................................... 82
ITEM 16D. EXEMPTIONS FROM THE LISTING STANDARDS FOR AUDIT COMMITTEES. ...................... 83
ii
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
ITEM 16E. PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES BY THE ISSUER AND AFFILIATED PURCHASERS ............ 83
ITEM 16F. CHANGE IN REGISTRANT’S CERTIFYING ACCOUNTANT ........................................... 84
ITEM 16G. CORPORATE GOVERNANCE ........................................................................... 84
ITEM 16H. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURE. ........................................................................... 88
PART III ...................................................................................................................... 89
ITEM 17. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS ................................................................................. 89
ITEM 18. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS ................................................................................. 89
ITEM 19. EXHIBITS ................................................................................................... 89
iii
PRESENTATION OF FINANCIAL INFORMATION
In this annual report on Form 20-F (the “Annual Report”), references to “€” or “Euro” are to the Euro
and references to “U.S. dollars,” “dollars,” “U.S.$” or “$” are to United States dollars.
Amounts stated in U.S. dollars, unless otherwise indicated, have been translated from the Euro
amount by converting the Euro amounts into U.S. dollars at the noon buying rate in New York City for cable
transfers in foreign currencies as certified for customs purposes by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York (the
“Noon Buying Rate”) for euros on December 31, 2012 of U.S.$ 1.3186. The foreign currency conversions in
this Annual Report should not be taken as representations that the foreign currency amounts actually represent
the equivalent U.S. dollar amounts or could be converted into U.S. dollars at the rates indicated.
The Consolidated Financial Statements included in Item 18 of this Annual Report are prepared in
conformity with accounting principles established by the Italian Accounting Profession (“Italian GAAP”). These
principles vary in certain significant respects from generally accepted accounting principles in the United States
(“U.S. GAAP”). See Note 29 to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in Item 18 of this Annual
Report. All discussions in this Annual Report are in relation to Italian GAAP, unless otherwise indicated.
In this Annual Report, the term “seat” is used as a unit of measurement. A sofa consists of three seats;
an armchair consists of one seat.
The terms “Natuzzi,” “Natuzzi Group”, “Company,” “Group,” “we,” “us,” and “our,” unless otherwise
indicated or as the context may otherwise require, mean Natuzzi S.p.A. and its consolidated subsidiaries.
1
FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION
The Company makes forward-looking statements in this Annual Report. Statements that are not
historical facts, including statements about the Group’s beliefs and expectations, are forward-looking
statements. Words such as “believe,” “expect,” “intend,” “plan” and “anticipate” and similar expressions are
intended to identify forward-looking statements but are not exclusive means of identifying such statements.
These statements are based on management’s current plans, estimates and projections, and therefore readers
should not place undue reliance on them. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the dates they were
made, and the Company undertakes no obligation to update or revise any of them, whether as a result of new
information, future events or otherwise.
Projections and targets included in this Annual Report are intended to describe our current targets and
goals, and not as a prediction of future performance or results. The attainment of such projections and targets is
subject to a number of risks and uncertainties described in the paragraph below and elsewhere in this Annual
Report. See “Item 3. Key Information—Risk Factors.”
Forward-looking statements involve inherent risks and uncertainties, as well as other factors that may
be beyond our control. The Company cautions readers that a number of important factors could cause actual
results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statement. Such factors include, but are
not limited to: effects on the Group from competition with other furniture producers, material changes in
consumer demand or preferences, significant economic developments in the Group’s primary markets,
significant changes in labor, material and other costs affecting the construction of new plants, significant changes
in the costs of principal raw materials, significant exchange rate movements or changes in the Group’s legal and
regulatory environment, including developments related to the Italian Government’s investment incentive or
similar programs. The Company cautions readers that the foregoing list of important factors is not exhaustive.
When relying on forward-looking statements to make decisions with respect to the Company, investors and
others should carefully consider the foregoing factors and other uncertainties and events.
2
PART I
ITEM 1. IDENTITY OF DIRECTORS, SENIOR MANAGEMENT AND ADVISERS
Not applicable.
ITEM 2. OFFER STATISTICS AND EXPECTED TIMETABLE
Not applicable.
ITEM 3. KEY INFORMATION
Selected Financial Data
The following table sets forth selected consolidated financial data for the periods indicated and is
qualified by reference to, and should be read in conjunction with, the Consolidated Financial Statements and the
notes thereto included in Item 18 of this Annual Report and the information presented under “Operating and
Financial Review and Prospects” included in Item 5 of this Annual Report. The statement of operations and
balance sheet data presented below have been derived from the Consolidated Financial Statements.
The Consolidated Financial Statements, from which the selected consolidated financial data set forth
below has been derived, were prepared in accordance with Italian GAAP, which differ in certain respects from
U.S. GAAP. For a discussion of the principal differences between Italian GAAP and U.S. GAAP as they relate
to the Group’s consolidated net loss and shareholders’ equity, see Note 29 to the Consolidated Financial
Statements included in Item 18 of this Annual Report.
3
Year Ended At December 31,
2012
2012
2011
2010
2009
2008
(millions of dollars,
except per Ordinary
Share)(1)
(millions of euro,
except per Ordinary Share)
$528.2
76.9
605.2
(405.1)
200.1
(170.9)
(51.5)
(22.3)
(0.41)
(5.9)
(28.3)
(5.3)
(33.6)
0.1
(33.7)
(0.62)
-
€409.2
59.6
468.8
(313.8)
155.0
(132.4)
(39.9)
(17.3)
(0.32)
(4.6)
(21.9)
(4.1)
(26.0)
0.1
(26.1)
(0.48)
-
€425.3
61.0
486.3
(326.1)
160.2
(144.3)
(43.3)
(27.3)
(0.50)
17.3
(10.0)
(8.9)
(18.9)
0.7
(19.6)
(0.36)
-
€460.5
58.1
518.6
(321.5)
197.1
(154.3)
(42.4)
0.4
0.01
(4.4)
(4.0)
(7.0)
(11.0)
0.1
(11.1)
(0.20)
-
€450.6
64.8
515.4
(329.8)
185.6
(149.6)
(46.6)
(10.6)
(0.19)
3.1
(7.5)
(9.8)
(17.3)
0.4
(17.7)
(0.32)
-
€587.8
78.2
666.0
(478.8)
187.2
(172.3)
(49.9)
(35.0)
(0.64)
(25.8)
(60.8)
(1.5)
(62.3)
(0.4)
(61.9)
(1.13)
-
Statement of Operations Data:
Amounts in accordance with Italian GAAP :
Net sales:
Leather- and fabric-upholstered furniture ..........
Other(2) ..................................................
Total net sales ………………………………..
Cost of sales .................................................
Gross profit .................................................
Selling expenses ............................................
General and administrative expenses...................
Operating income (loss) ..................................
Operating income (loss) per Ordinary Share ………………
Other income (expense), Net (3) (4) (5)......... .....
Income (loss) before taxes and minority interests …
Income taxes ................................................
Income (loss) before non-controlling interests ……
Non-controlling interest..................................
Net income (loss) .........................................
Net income (loss) per Ordinary Share ………………….…
Dividends declared per share ……………………………
Amounts in accordance with U.S. GAAP:
Net sales .....................................................
Operating income (loss) (6)..............................
Operating income (loss) per Ordinary Share (6)………….
Net income (loss) ..........................................
Net income (loss) per Ordinary Share (basic and diluted) ........
Weighted average number of Ordinary Shares Outstanding......
$592.9
(25.2)
(0.45)
(38.1)
(0.70)
54,853,045
€459.3
(19.5)
(0.35)
(29.5)
(0.54)
54,853,045
€488.3
(31.9)
(0.58)
(12.4)
(0.23)
54,853,045
€510.8
0.4
0.01
(8.8)
(0.16)
54,853,045
€506.0
(14.2)
(0.26)
(25.9)
(0.47)
54,853,045
€670.1
(40.0)
(0.73)
(55.7)
(1.02)
54,850,643
Balance Sheet Data :
Amounts in accordance with Italian GAAP :
Current assets...............................................
Total assets ..................................................
Current liabilities ..........................................
Long-term debt.............................................
Non-controlling interest ..................................
Shareholders’ equity attributable to Natuzzi S.p.A.
and Subsidiaries(7).........................................
Net Asset ……………………………………….
Amounts in accordance with U.S. GAAP:
Total assets ..................................................
Shareholders’ equity attributable to Natuzzi S.p.A.
and Subsidiaries…..........................................
Net Asset ……………………………………….
$405.5
627.8
175.6
9.6
3.3
370.7
€307.5
476.1
133.2
7.3
2.5
281.1
€327.3
511.0
122.9
10.8
3.0
310.5
€298.6
503.9
107.8
13.6
2.1
323.2
€301.9
508.6
116.8
5.9
1.9
325.0
€318.5
543.8
136.3
3.3
0.8
345.2
374.1
283.7
313.5
325.3
326.9
346.0
$633.7
368.0
€480.6
279.1
€511.0
308.6
€508.5
321.7
€521.1
327.6
€560.5
353.3
371.3
281.6
311.6
323.8
329.5
354.1
_________________
1) Income Statement amounts are converted from euros into U.S. dollars by using the average Federal Reserve Bank of New York Euro exchange rate
for 2012 of U.S.$ 1.2909 per 1 Euro. Balance Sheet amounts are converted from euros into U.S. dollars using the Federal Reserve Bank of New
York Noon Buying Rate of U.S.$ 1.3186 per 1 Euro as of December 31, 2012. Source: Bloomberg (USCFEURO Index).
2) Sales included under “Other” principally consist of sales of polyurethane foam and leather to third parties and sales of living room accessories.
3) Other income (expense), net is principally affected by gains and losses, as well as interest income and expenses, resulting from measures adopted
by the Group in an effort to reduce its exposure to exchange rate risks. See “Item 5. Operating and Financial Review and Prospects — Results of
Operations — 2012 Compared to 2011,” “Item 11. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk” and Notes 3, 26 and 27 to the
Consolidated Financial Statements included in Item 18 of this Annual Report.
4
4) Other income (expense), net in 2008 was negatively affected by the impairment losses of long-lived assets, a one-time employee termination
benefit and the provision for contingent liabilities.
5) Other income (expense), net in 2011 was positively affected by the net Chinese relocation compensation and negatively affected by the impairment
losses of long-lived assets, a one-time employee termination benefit and the provision for contingent liabilities. See Note 26 to the Consolidated
Financial Statements included in Item 18 of this Annual Report.
6) Under US GAAP the impairment losses of € 0.9 million for 2012, have been classified as “general and administrative expenses” and are included as
part of operating loss. Consequently, the impairment losses of € 5.9 million for 2011 and of € 0.7 million for 2010, respectively, have been
reclassified to “general and administrative expenses” from the line “other income/(expenses), net”, where they were classified in 2011 and 2010.
These reclassifications are not material to the Company’s financial statements.
7) Share capital as of December 31, 2012, 2011, 2010, 2009 and 2008 amounted to €54.9 million, €54.9 million, €54.9 million, €54.9 million and
€54.9 million, respectively. Shareholder’s Equity represents the Total Equity attributable to Natuzzi S.p.A and its subsidiaries.
The following table sets forth, for each of the periods indicated, the Federal Reserve Bank of New
York Noon Buying Rate for the Euro expressed in U.S. dollars per Euro.
Exchange Rates
Year:
2008
2009
2010
2011
2012
Average(1)
1.4695
1.3955
1.3216
1.4002
1.2909
At Period End
1.3919
1.4332
1.3269
1.2973
1.3186
Month ending on:
High
31-Oct-2012
30-Nov-2012
31-Dec-2012
31-Jan-2013
29-Feb-2013
30-Mar-2013
___________
1.3133
1.3010
1.3260
1.3584
1.3692
1.3098
Low
1.2876
1.2715
1.2930
1.3047
1.3054
1.2782
(1) The average of the Noon Buying Rates for the relevant period, calculated using the average of the Noon Buying Rates
on the last business day of each month during the period. Source: Federal Reserve Statistical Release on Foreign Exchange
Rates–Historical Rates for Euro Area; Bloomberg (USCFEURO Index).
The effective Noon Buying Rate on March 30, 2013 was U.S.$ 1.2816 to 1 Euro.
Risk Factors
Investing in the Company’s ADSs involves certain risks. You should carefully consider each of the
following risks and all of the information included in this Annual Report.
The Group has a recent history of losses; the Group’s future profitability and financial
condition depend to a large extent on its ability to overcome macroeconomic and operational
challenges The Group reported net losses in 2012 (€26.1 million), 2011 (€19.6 million), 2010 (€11.1
million), 2009 (€17.7 million) and 2008 (€61.9 million), while it reported an operating loss in each of 2012 and
2011 (€17.3 million and €27.3 million respectively) and an operating income of €0.4 million in 2010 after two
years of operating losses (€10.6 million in 2009 and €35.0 million in 2008). In addition, the Group’s net sales
5
declined from €666.0 million in 2008 to €468.8 million in 2012. As evidenced by these financial results, we
may not be able to achieve or maintain profitability on a consistent basis.
The Group attributes its negative results in 2012 to a difficult macroeconomic environment affecting
the furniture industry as a whole (particularly evident in some mature markets such as Europe), including
extreme weakness in economic activity in the Euro-zone, declining disposable income for consumers as a result
of fiscal austerity measures that continue to be in place in some EU countries, continued high prices for raw
materials and price competition from low-cost manufacturers. These negative trends have been partially offset
by moderate signs of sales recovery from the Americas. See “Item 5. Operating and Financial Review and
Prospects.” The Group has also faced increased labor costs for some of its manufacturing plants operating
abroad. See “Item 4. Information on the Company—Manufacturing” for further information.
Our results of operations in the future will depend on our ability to overcome these and other
challenges. Our failure to achieve profitability in the future could adversely affect the trading price of our shares
and our ability to raise additional capital and, accordingly, our ability to grow our business. There can be no
assurance that we will succeed in addressing any or all of these risks, and the failure to do so could have a
material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and operating results.
The worldwide economic downturn over the past few years has impacted the Group’s
business and could continue to significantly impact our operations, sales, earnings and
liquidity in the foreseeable future Economic conditions deteriorated significantly in the United States
and worldwide in late 2008 and general economic conditions did not fully recover in 2009. During 2010, the
global economy started to show, on the whole, small signs of recovery, although there were considerable
differences in the rate of recovery (if any) among regions. During 2011, the global economy, after an
encouraging first half, subsequently lost momentum, with particular reference to the Euro-zone, as a
consequence of the sovereign debt crisis affecting Greece, Portugal, Spain, Italy and Ireland. In 2012, the global
economy continued to grow at a modest pace, but this growth was curbed by the stagnation of economic activity
in Europe, as well as the slow-down of some emerging economies.
Prospects for full economic recovery, therefore, still remain uncertain, especially in the so-called
western economies, where private consumption is negatively impacted by a general weakness in the job market,
continuing vulnerability in the real-estate sector, a decreasing level of savings among families, high levels of
public indebtedness in most developed countries, austerity measures designed to reduce public expenditures and
consequent decreased consumer credit and spending. Furthermore, the persistent funding difficulties of
Europe’s banking industry, or a resurgence of the sovereign debt crisis in Europe, could diminish the banking
industry’s ability to lend to the real economy, thus setting in motion a negative spiral of declining production, a
weakening financial sector and higher unemployment.
These persistently difficult conditions have resulted in a decline in our sales and earnings over the past
few years and could continue to impact our sales and earnings in the future. Sales of residential furniture are
impacted by downturns in the general economy primarily due to decreased discretionary spending by
consumers. The general level of consumer spending is affected by a number of factors, including, among
others, general economic conditions, inflation, consumer confidence and the availability of consumer credit, all
of which are generally beyond our control. Consumer purchases of residential furniture decline during periods
of economic downturn, when disposable income is lower. The economic downturn also impacts retailers, our
primary customers, and may result in the inability of our customers to pay the amounts owed to us. In addition,
if our retail customers are unable to sell our products or are unable to access credit, they may experience
financial difficulties leading to bankruptcies, liquidations, and other unfavorable events. If any of these events
occur, or if unfavorable economic conditions continue to challenge the consumer environment, our future sales,
earnings, and liquidity would likely be adversely impacted.
6
The Group’s ability to generate the significant amount of cash needed to service our
debt obligations and our ability to refinance all or a portion of our indebtedness or obtain
additional financing depends on multiple factors, many of which may be beyond our control
Our ability to make scheduled payments due on our existing and anticipated debt obligations, to refinance and
to fund planned capital expenditure and development efforts will depend on our ability to generate cash. We
will require generation of sufficient operating cash flow from our projects to service our current and future
projected indebtedness. Our ability to obtain cash to service our existing and projected debts is subject to a
range of economic, financial, competitive, legislative, regulatory, business and other factors, many of which are
beyond our control. We may not be able to generate sufficient cash flow from operations to satisfy our existing
and projected debt obligations, in which case, we may have to undertake alternative financing plans, such as
refinancing or restructuring our debt, selling assets, reducing or delaying capital investments, or seek to raise
additional capital on terms that may be onerous or highly dilutive. Our ability to refinance our indebtedness will
depend on the financial markets and our financial condition at such time. To the extent we have borrowings
under bank overdrafts that are payable upon demand or which have short maturities, we may be required to
repay or refinance such amounts on short notice, which may be difficult to do on acceptable financial terms or at
all. At December 31, 2012, we had €26.9 million of bank overdrafts outstanding. In addition, while we had
€77.7 million of cash and cash equivalents at December 31, 2012, a portion of this amount is held by our
Chinese subsidiary and cannot be paid to us as a dividend without incurring withholding taxes. We cannot
assure you that any refinancing or restructuring would be possible, that any assets could be sold, or, if sold, of
the timing of the sales or the amount of proceeds that would be realized from those sales. We cannot assure you
that additional financing could be obtained on acceptable terms, if at all, or would be permitted under the terms
of our various debt instruments then in effect. Our failure to generate sufficient cash flow to satisfy our existing
and projected debt obligations, or to refinance our obligations on commercially reasonable terms, would have
an adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
The Group’s operations have benefited in 2012 and in previous years from a temporary
work force reduction program that, if not continued, may have an impact on the Group’s
future performance Due to the persistently difficult business environment that has negatively affected the
Group’s order flow over the past few years, in September 2011 the Company renewed the agreement with the
Italian trade unions and the Ministry of Labor pursuant to which it was entitled to benefit from the “Cassa
Integrazione Guadagni Straordinaria” (or “CIGS”), an Italian temporary lay-off program, for a two-year period that
will expire in October 2013. The extraordinary and temporary lay-off programs have been extended several
times in the past by the Ministry of Labor but there is no guarantee that the Group will be able to renew this lay-
off program upon the expiration of its two-year term and, if this lay-off program is not renewed, the future
performance of the Group may be negatively impacted. For more information see “Item 6. Directors, Senior
Management and Employees”.
A failure to offer a wide range of products at different price-points could result in a
decrease in our future earnings The Group has been trying for the past few years to widen its price-
point offerings in order to attract a wider base of consumers. The potential inability of the Group in achieving
this goal may negatively affect the Group’s ability to generate future earnings.
Part of our growth strategy includes the development of new stores each year. If we
and our dealers are not able to open new stores or effectively manage the growth of these
stores, our ability to grow and our profitability could be adversely affected Our ability and the
ability of our dealers to identify and open new stores in desirable locations and operate such stores profitably is
an important factor in our ability to grow successfully. We have in the past and will likely continue to purchase
or otherwise assume operation of company-brand stores from independent dealers to the extent that such stores
are considered strategic for the promotion of the Natuzzi Italia brand. Increased demands on our operational,
managerial, and administrative resources could cause us to operate our business, including our existing and new
stores, less effectively, which in turn could cause deterioration in our profitability.
7
Demand for furniture is cyclical and may fall in the future Historically, the furniture
industry has been cyclical, fluctuating with economic cycles, and sensitive to general economic conditions,
housing starts, interest rate levels, credit availability and other factors that affect consumer spending habits.
Due to the discretionary nature of most furniture purchases and the fact that they often represent a significant
expenditure to the average consumer, such purchases may be deferred during times of economic uncertainty
such as those being recently experienced in some of our markets, such as the United States and, particularly,
Europe.
In 2012, the Group derived 41.5% of its leather and fabric-upholstered furniture net sales from the
Americas, 44.0% from Europe and 14.5% from the rest of the world. A long-lasting economic slowdown in
the United States or Europe may have a material adverse effect on the Group’s results of operations.
The Group operates principally in a niche area of the furniture market The Group is a
leading player in the production of leather-upholstered furniture, with 95.2% of net sales of upholstered
furniture in 2012 derived from the sale of leather-upholstered furniture. Consumers have the choice of
purchasing upholstered furniture in a wide variety of styles and materials, and consumer preferences may
change. There can be no assurance that the current market for leather-upholstered furniture will not decrease.
The furniture market is highly competitive The Group operates in a highly competitive
industry that includes a large number of manufacturers. No single company has a dominant position in the
industry. Competition is generally based on product quality, brand name recognition, price and service.
The Group principally competes in the upholstered furniture sub-segment of the furniture market. In
Europe, the upholstered furniture market is highly fragmented. In the United States, the upholstered furniture
market includes a number of relatively large companies, some of which are larger and have greater financial
resources than the Group. Some of the Group’s competitors offer extensively advertised, well-recognized
branded products.
Competition has increased significantly in recent years as foreign producers from countries with lower
manufacturing costs have begun to play an important role in the upholstered furniture market. Such
manufacturers are often able to offer their products at lower prices, which increases price competition in the
industry. In particular, manufacturers in Asia and Eastern Europe have increased competition in the lower-
priced segment of the market. As a result of the actions and strength of the Group’s competitors and the
inherent fragmentation in some markets in which it competes, the Group is continually subject to the risk of
losing market share, which may lower its sales and profits.
Market competition may also force the Group to reduce prices and margins, thereby reducing its cash
flows.
The highly competitive nature of the industry means that we are constantly at risk of losing market
share, which would likely result in a loss of future sales and earnings. In addition, due to high levels of
competition, it may not be possible for us to raise the prices of our products in response to inflationary
pressures or increasing costs, which could result in a decrease in our profit margins.
Fluctuations in currency exchange rates have adversely affected and may adversely
affect the Group’s results The Group conducts a substantial part of its business outside of the Euro zone.
An increase in the value of the Euro relative to other currencies used in the countries in which the Group
operates will reduce the relative value of the revenues from its operations in those countries, and therefore may
adversely affect its operating results or financial position, which are reported in Euro. In addition to this risk,
the Group is subject to currency exchange rate risk to the extent that its costs are denominated in currencies
other than those in which it earns revenues. In 2012, a significant portion of the Group’s net sales (60%), but
approximately 50% of its costs, were denominated in currencies other than the Euro. The Group also holds a
substantial portion of its cash and cash equivalents in currencies other than the Euro, including a large amount in
RMB received as compensation for the relocation of its Chinese manufacturing plant. The Group is therefore
8
exposed to the risk that fluctuations in currency exchange rates may adversely affect its results, as has been the
case in recent years. For more information, see Item 11, “Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about
Market Risk.”
The Group faces risks associated with its international operations The Group is exposed
to risks that arise from its international operations, including changes in governmental regulations, tariffs or
taxes and other trade barriers, price, wage and exchange controls, political, social, and economic instability in
the countries where the Group operates, inflation, exchange rate and interest rate fluctuations. Any of these
factors could have a material adverse effect on the Group’s results.
The price of the Group’s principal raw materials is difficult to predict – Leather is used in
approximately 87.4% of the Group’s upholstered furniture production, and the acquisition of cattle hides
represents approximately 20.0% of total cost of goods sold. The dynamics of the raw hides market are
dependent on the consumption of beef, the levels of worldwide slaughtering, worldwide weather conditions and
the level of demand in a number of different sectors, including footwear, automotive, furniture and clothing.
The Group’s past results and operations have significantly benefited from government
incentive programs, which may not be available in the future – Historically, the Group derived
significant benefits from the Italian Government’s investment incentive programs for under-industrialized
regions in Southern Italy, including tax benefits, subsidized loans and capital grants. See “Item 4. Information
on the Company—Incentive Programs and Tax Benefits.” In recent years, the Italian Parliament replaced these
incentive programs with an investment incentive program for all under-industrialized regions in Italy, which is
currently being implemented by the Group through grants, research and development benefits. There are no
indications at this time that the Italian Government will implement new initiatives to support companies located
in under-industrialized regions in Italy. Therefore, there can be no assurance that the Group will continue to be
eligible for such grants, benefits or tax credits for its current or future investments in Italy.
In recent years, the Group has opened manufacturing operations in China, Brazil and Romania and up
through 2011, was granted tax benefits and export incentives by the relevant governmental authorities in those
countries. There can be no assurance that the Group will benefit from such tax benefits or export incentives in
connection with future investments.
The Group is dependent on qualified personnel The Group’s ability to maintain its
competitive position will depend to some considerable degree upon the personal commitment of its founder,
chairman and CEO, Mr. Pasquale Natuzzi, as well as its ability to continue to attract and maintain highly
qualified managerial, manufacturing and sales and marketing personnel. There can be no assurance that the loss
of key personnel would not have a material adverse effect on the Group’s results of operations.
Investors may face difficulties in protecting their rights as shareholders or holders of
ADSs The Company is incorporated under the laws of the Republic of Italy. As a result, the rights and
obligations of its shareholders and certain rights and obligations of holders of its ADSs (as defined below) are
governed by Italian law and the Company’s statuto (or by-laws). These rights and obligations are different from
those that apply to U.S. corporations. Furthermore, under Italian law, holders of ADSs have no right to vote
the shares underlying their ADSs; however, pursuant to the Deposit Agreement (as defined below), ADS
holders do have the right to give instructions to The Bank of New York Mellon, the ADS depositary, as to how
they wish such shares to be voted. For these reasons, the Company’s ADS holders may find it more difficult to
protect their interests against actions of the Company’s management, board of directors or shareholders than
they would if they were shareholders of a company incorporated in the United States.
One shareholder has a controlling stake of the Company Mr. Pasquale Natuzzi, who
founded the Company and is currently Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the board of directors,
beneficially owns, as of April 19, 2013, 30,151,175 Ordinary Shares, representing 55.0% of the Ordinary
Shares outstanding (60.1% of the Ordinary Shares outstanding if the Ordinary Shares owned by members of Mr.
Natuzzi’s immediate family (the “Natuzzi Family”) are aggregated). As a result, Mr. Natuzzi has the ability to
9
exert significant influence over our corporate affairs and to control the Company, including its management and
the selection of its board of directors. Since December 16, 2003, Mr. Natuzzi has held his entire beneficial
ownership of Natuzzi S.p.A. shares through INVEST 2003 S.r.l., an Italian holding company wholly-owned by
Mr. Natuzzi and with its registered office located at Via Gobetti 8, Taranto, Italy.
In addition, under the Deposit Agreement dated as of May 15, 1993, as amended and restated as of
December 23, 1996 and as of December 31, 2001 (the “Deposit Agreement”), among the Company, The Bank
of New York Mellon, as Depositary (the “Depositary”), and owners and beneficial owners of American
Depositary Receipts (“ADRs”), the Natuzzi Family has a right of first refusal to purchase all the rights, warrants
or other instruments which The Bank of New York Mellon, as Depositary under the Deposit Agreement,
determines may not lawfully or feasibly be made available to owners of ADSs in connection with each rights
offering, if any, made to holders of Ordinary Shares.
Because a change of control of the Company would be difficult to achieve without the cooperation of
Mr. Natuzzi and the Natuzzi Family, the holders of the Ordinary Shares and the ADSs may be less likely to
receive a premium for their shares upon a change of control of the Company.
Purchasers of our Ordinary Shares and ADSs may be exposed to increased transaction
costs as a result of the proposed European financial transaction tax On 14 February 2013, the
European Commission adopted a proposal for a directive on the financial transaction tax (hereafter “EU FTT”)
to be implemented under the enhanced cooperation procedure by eleven Member States initially (Austria,
Belgium, Estonia, France, Germany, Greece, Italy, Portugal, Slovenia, Slovakia and Spain). Member States may
join or leave the group of participating Member States at later stages. The proposal will be negotiated by
Member States, and, subject to an agreement being reached by the participating Member States, a final directive
will be enacted. The participating Member States will then implement the directive in local legislation. The aim
of the European Commission is for the EU FTT to enter into force on 1 January 2014. If the proposed directive
is adopted and implemented in local legislation, investors in Ordinary Shares and ADSs may be exposed to
increased transaction costs.
Our auditors, like other independent registered public accounting firms operating in
Italy, are not permitted to be subject to inspection by the Public Company Accounting
Oversight Board, and as such, investors may be deprived of the benefits of such inspection
Our independent registered public accounting firms that issue the audit reports included in our Annual Reports
filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”), as auditors of companies that are traded
publicly in the United States and firms registered with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board, or
PCAOB, are required by the laws of the United States to undergo regular inspections by the PCAOB to assess
its compliance with SEC rules and PCAOB professional standards. Because our auditors are a registered public
accounting firm in Italy, a jurisdiction where the PCAOB is currently unable under Italian law to conduct
inspections, our auditors, like other independent registered public accounting firms in Italy, are currently not
inspected by the PCAOB.
Inspections of audit firms that the PCAOB has conducted where allowed have identified deficiencies in
those firms’ audit procedures and quality control procedures, which may be addressed as part of the inspection
process to improve future audit quality. The lack of PCAOB inspections in Italy prevents the PCAOB from
regularly evaluating our auditor’s audits and quality control procedures. As a result, the inability of the PCAOB
to conduct inspections of auditors in Italy may deprive investors of the benefits of PCAOB inspections.
10
ITEM 4. INFORMATION ON THE COMPANY
Introduction
The Group is primarily engaged in the design, manufacturing and marketing of contemporary and
traditional leather and fabric-upholstered furniture, principally sofas, loveseats, armchairs, sectional furniture,
motion furniture and sofa beds, living room furnishings and accessories.
The Group is one of the world’s leading companies for the production of leather-upholstered furniture
and believes that it has a leading share of the market for leather-upholstered furniture in the United States and
Europe based on research conducted by the Centre for Industrial Studies or CSIL, a well-known, unaffiliated
and reputable Italian market research firm, with reference to market information for the market for leather-
upholstered furniture in the United States and Europe, respectively (Sources: CSIL, “Upholstered Furniture: World
Market Outlook 2013”, August 2012). Our distribution network covers approximately 100 countries.
The Group sells its “Natuzzi Italia” branded furniture principally through franchised Divani & Divani by
Natuzzi and Natuzzi Italia furniture stores. As of March 31, 2013, the Group sells its furniture through 99
Divani & Divani by Natuzzi and 186 Natuzzi Italia stores, of which 45 are directly owned by the Group, and
through 13 concessions in the United Kingdom. The concessions are store-in-store concept managed directly by
a subsidiary of the Company located in the United Kingdom. As of March 31, 2013, there were 314 Natuzzi
galleries worldwide (store-in-store concept managed by independent partners). In 2013, the Group intends to
continue to follow the strategy of positioning the Natuzzi Italia brand in the high-end segment of the market,
consolidating its product portfolio.
In 2012, the Group decided to re-brand its “Natuzzi” points of sale and products as “Natuzzi Italia,” to
leverage and reinforce the fact that these products are “Made in Italy.”
In the last quarter of 2005 and the beginning of 2006, the Group moved some of the production of its
most popular Natuzzi models in the United States under a collection named “Natuzzi Editions” to its
manufacturing facilities outside of Italy in order to increase profitability by avoiding increased production costs
at its Italian plants due to the weak U.S. dollar. This move included models and covers made of leather and
microfibers, but did not include any “Total Look” furnishings. The “Natuzzi Editions” collection was mainly
distributed through wholesale customers.
Based on the success and sales volumes generated by the “Natuzzi Editions” collection, the Group
decided to promote this collection as a distinct brand under the “Natuzzi Editions” label in the Americas region
and under the “Leather Editions” brand in Europe and in the Rest of the World, with limited numbers of models
and covers exclusively for wholesale distribution, thus targeting the medium/medium-low segment of the
market.
The Group strategically decided to leverage the Natuzzi name in the Americas region, and therefore
maintained the brand as “Natuzzi Editions” due to its name recognition in the marketplace and in order to assure
prior customers of the Group’s continuing strength and presence in that region. In Europe and the Rest of the
World, the brand is presented as “Leather Editions” in order to avoid conflicting with the Group’s well-
established network of stores and galleries that were already operating under the Natuzzi name.
The current “Leather Editions” brand was officially presented in January 2010 during a well-known
worldwide trade fair in Cologne, Germany, under the name “Editions” as a new trademark intended for the
traditional wholesale market. Both the “Natuzzi Editions” and the “Editions” collections were targeted
specifically to large customers and were intended to help the Group recover market share.
Throughout 2011, customer response demonstrated that the “Editions”/“Natuzzi Editions” brand
positioned itself in the medium end of the market, hence targeting independent retailers. During the third
quarter of 2011, the Group reworked the “Editions”/“Natuzzi Editions” brand’s motto to be “Leather and
11
Craftsmanship” and launched its new logo for the brand in Europe and Asia: “Leather Editions”. In the Americas,
the brand continues to be “Natuzzi Editions”.
In 2012, the Group started to open stores selling “Leather Editions” branded furniture in China. In
2013, the Group intends to continue to expand the market share of the “Natuzzi Editions”/“Leather Editions”
brand and to further develop its gallery program.
In addition to the repositioning of “Natuzzi Editions”/“Leather Editions” for the medium end of the
market, in the first quarter of 2011, the Group launched a new brand, “Softaly”, targeting key-accounts with the
mission of offering good prices, quality and customized service. With the repositioning of the “Natuzzi
Editions”/“Leather Editions” brand, the Group believed it was opportune to launch this new brand, dedicated
solely to key-account customers, that would still permit the Group to better control the supply chain—from the
purchasing of raw materials to delivery.
The “Softaly” brand is focused only on offering exclusive products to key-account customers and
following their requested customizations. Such customized products can be listed as private label or unbranded.
The selection of key-account customers is based on the forecasted volume that such customers can generate on a
regular basis. The “Softaly” brand is currently marketed in North America, Europe, Brazil and in the Asia-Pacific
regions through a few customers, such as Macy’s, Rooms-to-Go, The Brick, Leon’s and American Signature in
North America; Conforama, Begros, But and Harvey’s in Europe; Magazine Luize and Tok & Stok in Brazil;
and Nitori in the Asia-Pacific region.
The Group’s brand portfolio since 2007 has also included the “Italsofa” brand, with the objective of
positioning “Italsofa” as a higher market alternative to very low-cost Chinese competitors, targeting young
consumers in particular. With the aim of better rationalizing its product offering, the Group has decided not to
make further investments in the “Italsofa” brand. All the models developed thus far will be progressively
absorbed by the Group’s other brand offerings. The Group will continue to assist those partners that have
opened “Italsofa” points of sale and to convert the existing “Italsofa” stores or galleries into new projects of the
Group.
On June 7, 2002, the Company changed its name from Industrie Natuzzi S.p.A. to Natuzzi S.p.A. The
statuto, or by-laws, of the Company provide that the duration of the Company is until December 31, 2050. The
Company, which operates under the trademark “Natuzzi,” is a società per azioni (joint stock company) organized
under the laws of the Republic of Italy and was incorporated in 1959 by Mr. Pasquale Natuzzi, who is currently
the Chairman of the Board of Directors, Chief Executive Officer, and controlling shareholder of the Company.
Most of the Company’s operations are carried out through various subsidiaries that individually conduct a
specialized activity, such as leather processing, foam production and shaping, furniture manufacturing,
marketing or administration.
The Company’s principal executive offices are located at Via Iazzitiello 47, 70029 Santeramo, Italy,
which is approximately 25 miles from Bari, in Southern Italy. The Company’s telephone number is: +39 080
882-0111. The Company’s general sales agent subsidiary in the United States is Natuzzi Americas, Inc. (“Natuzzi
Americas”), located at 130 West Commerce Avenue, High Point, North Carolina 27260. Natuzzi Americas
telephone number is: +1 336 887-8300.
Natuzzi S.p.A. is the parent company of the Natuzzi Group. As of March 30, 2013, the Company’s
principal operating subsidiaries were:
Organizational Structure
12
Registered office
Activity
Salvador de Bahia, Brazil
Shanghai, China
Shanghai, China
Shanghai, China
Baia Mare, Romania
Santeramo in Colle, Italy
Santeramo in Colle, Italy
Santeramo in Colle, Italy
Santeramo in Colle, Italy
High Point, NC, USA
Madrid, Spain
Dietikon, Switzerland
Copenhagen, Denmark
Hereentals, Belgium
Köln, Germany
Stockholm, Sweden
Tokyo, Japan
London, UK
Shanghai, China
Sydney, Australia
Moscow, Russia
New Delhi, India
Bari, Italy
Amsterdam, Holland
Santeramo in Colle, Italy
(1)
(1)
(1)
(1)
(1)
(2)
(3)
(4)
(4)
(4)
(4)
(4)
(4)
(4)
(4)
(4)
(4)
(4)
(4)
(4)
(4)
(4)
(5)
(5)
(6)
Name
Italsofa Nordeste S/A
Italsofa Shanghai Ltd
Softaly Shanghai Ltd
Natuzzi China Ltd
Italsofa Romania
Natco S.p.A.
I.M.P.E. S.p.A.
Nacon S.p.A.
Lagene S.r.l.
Natuzzi Americas Inc.
Natuzzi Iberica S.A.
Natuzzi Switzerland AG
Natuzzi Nordic
Natuzzi Benelux S.A.
Natuzzi Germany Gmbh
Natuzzi Sweden AB
Natuzzi Japan KK
Natuzzi Services Limited
Natuzzi Trading Shanghai Ltd
Natuzzi Oceania PTI Ltd
Natuzzi Russia OOO
Natuzzi India Furniture PVT Ltd
Italholding S.r.l.
Natuzzi Netherlands Holding
Natuzzi Trade Service S.r.l.
Percentage of
ownership
100.00
96.50
100.00
100.00
100.00
99.99
100.00
100.00
100.00
100.00
100.00
100.00
100.00
100.00
100.00
100.00
100.00
100.00
100.00
100.00
100.00
100.00
100.00
100.00
100.00
(1) Manufacture and distribution
(2) Intragroup leather dyeing and finishing
(3) Production and distribution of polyurethane foam
(4) Services and distribution
(5) Investment holding
(6) Transportation services
See Note 1 to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in Item 18 of this Annual Report for
further information on the Company’s subsidiaries.
Strategy
The negative performance of the Group in 2012 and in recent years has largely been the result of
several challenges specific to the furniture industry and prevalent in the economy at large. For instance, the
discretionary spending of consumers on furnished goods has been negatively impacted in recent years by the
persistent effects of the global economic downturn, largely as a result of lower home values, high levels of
unemployment and personal debt, austerity measures to consolidate public imbalances in advanced economies
(within the EU in particular), and generally reduced access to consumer credit.
In spite of this difficult economic environment, the Group’s primary objective is to expand and
strengthen its presence in the global upholstered furniture market in terms of sales and production, while at the
same time increasing the Group’s profit and efficiency. In order to achieve its objectives, the Group continue to
focus its efforts on:
-
-
striving for product, process and material innovations to reduce complexity;
improving service to clients;
13
-
-
-
-
improving product quality;
creating more efficiency in the manufacturing and procurement process by revising product cost
structures and focusing more on the R&D and engineering process;
focusing on fast growing markets such as Brazil, Russia, India and China (known collectively as the
“BRIC” countries);
consolidating market shares in mature markets thanks to:
a)
the development of the business-to-business trademark “Natuzzi Editions” / ”Leather Edition”,
originally launched in 2010;
the specific “Key-Account” (or Private Label) program intended to help the Group recover
market share among large customers in historically established markets such as North America
and Europe;
a rationalization of the existing distribution channel while increasing the number of points-of-sale
on a worldwide basis;
a commercial organization with focus on differentiation by brands, regions and distribution
channels; and
a reduction in redundancies in Group processes, with a focus on increasing integration within the
Group and processes optimization by adopting the best practices under our recently implemented
enterprise resource planning system, or “SAP”.
b)
c)
d)
e)
The Brand Portfolio Strategy of the Group The Group competes in all price segments of the
leather upholstered furniture market with a complementary range of furnishings and accessories to deliver the
“total living concept”. The Group has divided its extensive product range into three different business
propositions each with specific brand name, identity, target and positioning: a) Natuzzi Italia; b) Natuzzi
Editions (only for the Americas region) and Leather Editions (Europe and Rest of the World regions); and c)
Softaly /private labels. This differentiated brand portfolio is designed to address all market segments to increase
sales and profitability.
a)
The Natuzzi Italia brand is the most established consumer brand within the Group’s
portfolio. It is sold through single brand stores, concessions and galleries delivering sofas that are designed and
made in Italy, priced at the middle to high-end, with unique and customized materials, workmanship and
finishes, thanks to the Natuzzi heritage of fine craftsmanship in the leather sofas segment. The positioning of the
“Natuzzi Italia” brand is one that delivers the total Italian living concept by extending its line to complementary
decorative products and furnishings for the living room. The benefit consists in helping consumers make their
home a harmonious, beautiful environment. Through the style and quality of its products and the merchandizing
techniques in its stores, the Group aims to make this brand aspirational yet affordable. From the identification of
consumer preferences and market trends to the delivery of the living room in the consumer’s home, Natuzzi
directly controls the production and distribution value chain, with the aim of ensuring ultimate quality at
competitive prices. All models are designed in the Group’s Style Center in Italy and are primarily manufactured
at the Group’s Italian factories.
b.1)
The Leather Editions collection includes products with a wide range of upholstery
positioned in the medium- to low-segments of the market, leveraging on the know-how and the high credibility
of Natuzzi in the leather upholstery business. “Leather Editions” products are manufactured at the Group’s
foreign plants (Romania, China and Brazil) and sold through the wholesale channel into Europe and the Rest of
the World region (excluding the Americas region), with specific display systems within galleries and
merchandising materials designed to emphasize the core values of “Leather & Craftsmanship”. Its product
offering is developed according to regional market needs and linked with specific plants to serve regional
customers.
The Natuzzi Editions collection includes similar products and targets the same market
segments as the “Leather Editions” collection, except that the “Natuzzi Editions” collection is sold solely in the
b.2)
14
Americas. In the Americas the Natuzzi Group has historically held a notable market share thanks to its strong
reputation among wholesalers and the high recognition of the “Natuzzi Editions” name.
c)
The Softaly brand was introduced by the Group at the beginning of 2011 as a key-account
program to compete in low-end segments of the market. The objective of the key-account program is to recover
business from large distributors and develop additional volume. The Natuzzi Group aims to replicate the best
practices applied in connection with the most demanding customers in terms of quality, service and price. Each
account will be managed by dedicated key-account teams under the following guidelines to maintain efficiency:
-
-
accurate forecasting;
product offerings to create production efficiency through synergies on raw material, components and
coverings, resulting in a focused collection with few models, versions and coverings;
-
dedicated manufacturing plant: China for Asia Pacific and American accounts (other than those located
in Brazil), Romania for European accounts and Brazil for Brazilian accounts; and
-
dedicated supply chain and transportation service (full truck or full container).
Precise market segmentation, clear, simple brand positioning and clearly defined customer and
consumer targets are intended to enhance the Group’s competitive strengths in all market segments to gain
market share.
As discussed above, the Group’s brand portfolio since 2007 has also included the “Italsofa” brand, with
the objective of positioning “Italsofa” as a higher market alternative to very low-cost Chinese competitors,
targeting young consumers in particular. With the aim of better rationalizing its product offering, the Group has
decided not to make further investments in the “Italsofa” brand. All the models developed thus far will be
progressively absorbed by the Group’s other brand offerings. The Group will continue to assist those partners
that have opened “Italsofa” points of sale and to convert the existing “Italsofa” stores or galleries into new
projects of the Group.
Improvement of the Group’s Retail Program and Brand Development — The Group has
made significant investments to improve its existing distribution network and strengthen its brands, primarily
through an increase in the number of Natuzzi stores and Natuzzi galleries worldwide. See “Item 4. Information
on the Company—Markets.”
In 2011, according to the World Luxury Tracking survey by Lagardère Global Advertising in
cooperation with an independent market-research company, IPSOS, the Natuzzi brand was ranked as the best-
known global brand within the furniture category, and the second best-known brand if all sectors are
considered, based on a sample of 8,800 luxury consumers from seven countries (Italy, France, Germany, Spain,
UK, the United States and Japan).
Such recognition of the Natuzzi brand among luxury consumers from developed countries is the result
of investments the Company has made over the past decade in its products, communication, in-store experience
and customer service, thus securing a premium inherent in the brand itself. This consumer brand awareness
encourages the Company to carry on in its brand development, through the rationalization of the Group’s brand
portfolio and enhancement of the Group’s distribution network, in order to further increase consumers’
familiarity with the Natuzzi brand, and their association of it as a luxury brand. As of March 31, 2013, the
Group sells its furniture through 99 Divani & Divani by Natuzzi and 186 Natuzzi Italia stores, of which 45 are
directly owned by the Group, and through 13 concessions in the United Kingdom. The concessions are a store-
in-store concept managed directly by a subsidiary of the Company located in the United Kingdom. As of March
31, 2013, there were 301 Natuzzi Italia galleries worldwide (store-in-store concepts managed by independent
partners).
Apart from the Natuzzi Italia stores and Divani & Divani by Natuzzi network, as of March 31, 2013
Italsofa operates 14 stores and 194 galleries, whilst Natuzzi Editions/Leather Editions galleries totaled 366 as of the
15
same date. In the second half of 2012, six new galleries were opened in Brazil under a private label for a specific
client.
The Group’s penetration into fast developing market continued in 2012 with nine new Natuzzi Italia
store openings in the BRIC countries, where our greatest effort has been focused on the Brazilian market. At our
Salvador de Bahia site in Brazil, we opened a permanent showroom of more than 1,000 square meters
(approximately 10,764 square feet) in September 2012 that features all the brands of the Group. This
showroom has been designed to host fairs that we hold a few times a year, as well as visits by customers. The
“Natuzzi Italia” brand will officially enter the Brazilian market during the course of 2013, with four new stores as
well as seven galleries in progress.
In 2012, the Group’s development strategy also focused on the American market, where partners in
Florida, Texas and California opened Natuzzi Italia stores in 2012.
The Group’s future retail strategy will be focused on improving same-store sales, making the existing
network more efficient, and continuing expansion where the business model is properly executed and shows
greatest potential. The willingness to support all of our partners and our joint efforts in continuously looking for
new retail solutions are clearly visible at the Group’s headquarters, where three new showrooms have been built
(one for each brand, “Natuzzi”, “Natuzzi Editions”/“Leather Editions” and “Softaly”) in order to properly test the
effectiveness of the Group’s “retail concept” as well as to host all of the visitors during the Retail Congress in an
energizing setting.
The expansion of products that the Group offers for the high-end segment has required an adjustment
to the presentation of these products at their points-of-sale. The Natuzzi product offering is increasingly
oriented towards the concept of “total living”. Therefore, single-brand Natuzzi points-of-sale have been recently
refurnished in order to recreate a complete living room environment, including the use of interior decorations.
Product Diversification and Innovation The Group believes that it is the Italian
manufacturing company in the furniture and home decoration industry most capable of offering consumers
carefully developed, coordinated living rooms at competitive prices through its “Total Look” offer, which was
first introduced in 2006. The Total Look offer is conceived in accordance with the latest trends in design,
materials and colors, and includes high quality sofas, furnishings (including wall units, dining tables and chairs)
and accessories, all of which are developed in-house and presented in harmonic and personalized solutions. The
Group has taken a number of steps to broaden its product lines, including the development of new models, such
as modular and motion frames, and the introduction of new materials and colors, including exclusive fabrics and
microfibers. The Group believes that expanding its Total Look offerings will strengthen its relationships with
the world’s leading distribution chains, which are interested in offering branded packages. The Group has also
invested in the Natuzzi Style Center in Santeramo in Colle, Italy, to serve as a creative hub for the Group’s
design activities.
In 2011, the Group introduced a new innovative material in production under the “Softaly” brand
specifically for the North American and the Brazilian markets: Next Leather®. This material is made of genuine
leather left-overs, pressed together and adhered to the fabric core. The backside is then bonded with bits and
pieces of leather. This type of material can also be referred to as reconstituted leather. Next Leather® is a
bonded leather that contains a minimum of 17 percent leather in the product. The above-noted construction
meets the United States Federal Trade Commission’s definition of bonded leather. The introduction of this
material has enabled the Group to enter a new market with very competitive price points. The Group currently
produces models composed of a mix of leather and Next Leather® for the North American market and 100%
Next Leather® for the Brazilian market. The Natuzzi Group is also exploring the marketability of introducing
fabric sofas into the Softaly collection. The first test launch of fabric models was completed at the Cologne fair
in January 2013. The Natuzzi Group also displayed certain fabric sofa models, for a second test, at the Milan
fair in April 2013.
16
Manufacturing
Our manufacturing facilities are located in Italy, China, Romania and Brazil.
As of March 31, 2013, in addition to the headquarters site, the Group operated six production
facilities and three warehouses (one for leather, one for finished goods and one for accessories) in Italy. Four of
the facilities are engaged in upholstery cutting and sewing and assembly of finished and semi-finished products,
and employed, as of February 28, 2013, 1,999 workers, 31% of whom are not directly involved in production.
Seven of these nine facilities are located either in, or within a 25-mile radius of, Santeramo, where the Group’s
headquarters are located. Assembly operations at the Group’s production facilities also include leather cutting
and sewing and attaching foam and covering to frames.
These operations retain many characteristics of production by hand and are coordinated at the
production facilities through the use of a management information system that identifies by number (by means
of a bar-code system) each component of every piece of furniture and facilitates its automatic transit through the
different production phases up to the storehouse.
In June 2010, the Group initiated a “Lean Production” process review that is aimed at improving
product quality while regaining competitiveness. In December 2010, new prototypes of the more efficient
product line were created. The industrialization of the prototyped product lines was defined in May 2011, and
in December 2011 three new production lines were already completed in a new dedicated plant (located in
Iesce, Matera, Italy). These new production lines produce approximately 60% of the Italian production of
motion products. We also moved the manufacturing of wooden frames that was originally executed in the
production site located in Santeramo in Colle (Ba), Italy, to the Iesce, Matera, Italy, plant, thus further
optimizing both productivity and logistics costs through a direct, in-loco integration of sofa assembly.
These new “Lean Production” lines were also implemented in 2011 in the Company’s manufacturing
subsidiary located in Romania (4 lines), thus contributing to a marked increase in the productivity level as well
as a reduction in industrial costs in this plant.
During 2012, the Group extended these new production lines on a worldwide basis, implementing
these techniques in the Group’s manufacturing sites located in China and Brazil, while continuing to develop
existing production lines. In particular, two additional production lines were implemented in the Italian plants
(one in the “Iesce 2” plant and the other in the Ginosa plant), four were implemented in the Chinese plant, and
one was implemented in the Brazilian plant. The Group plans to continue this development program in 2013.
During 2012, the Group launched a project aimed at improving service levels, as well as significantly
reducing logistics costs by linking the orders received from clients directly to the involved suppliers and relevant
finished-goods warehouse. The key points of this project are:
-
switching from a “make-to-stock” supply approach based on forecasted demand, to the adoption of a
“make-to-order” supply approach based on the actual level of orders, so that supply starts upon the receipt of the
order from the client; and
-
the elimination of the accessory warehouse in the Laterza (Italy) site.
The Group has already implemented 80% of the scheduled project’s rollout. The targeted deadline
for the project rollout is July 2013.
Operations at all of the Group’s facilities are normally conducted Monday through Friday with two
maximum eight-hour shifts per day.
Two of the Group’s production facilities are involved in the processing of leather hides to be used as
upholstery. One of the facilities is a leather dyeing and finishing plant located near Udine. The Udine facility
receives both raw and tanned cattle hides, sends raw cattle hides to subcontractors for tanning, and then dyes
and finishes the hides. The other facility, located near Vicenza, is a warehouse that receives semi-finished hides
17
and sends them to various subcontractors for processing, drying and finishing, and then arranges for the finished
leather to be shipped to the Group’s assembly facilities. Hides are tanned, dyed and finished on the basis of
orders given by the Group’s central office in accordance with the Group’s “on demand” planning system, as well
as on the basis of estimates of future requirements. The movement of hides through the various stages of
processing is monitored through the management information system. See “Item 4. Information on the
Company—Manufacturing—”Supply-Chain Management”.”
The Group produces, directly and by subcontracting, nine grades of leather in approximately 35
finishes and 235 colors. The hides, after being tanned, are split and shaved to obtain uniform thickness and
separated into “top grain” and “split” (top grain leather is primarily used in the manufacture of most “Natuzzi”-
branded leather products, while split leather is used, in addition to top grain leather, in the manufacture of some
“Natuzzi”-branded products and most “Natuzzi Editions”/“Leather Editions”). The hides are then colored with
dyes and treated with fat liquors and resins to soften and smooth the leather, after which they are dried. Finally,
the semi-processed hides are treated to improve the appearance and strength of the leather and to provide the
desired finish. The Group also purchases finished hides from third parties.
One of the Group’s production facilities, IMPE S.p.A. (“IMPE”), which is located near Naples and
employed 54 workers as of February 28, 2013, is engaged in the production of flexible polyurethane foam and,
because the facility’s production capacity is in excess of the Group’s needs, also sells foam to third parties. In
2012, IMPE obtained ISO 14001 certification in accordance with the environmental policy of the Natuzzi Group
and also improved safety conditions at the plant. As part of the Group’s efforts to improve its production
process, we have substituted some chemical compounds with more ecologically-friendly materials. In 2013, we
anticipate that IMPE will invest in new technical equipment in order to more efficiently produce polyurethane
foam and to reduce excess scrap production.
As a result of intensive R&D activity, the Company has developed a new family of highly resilient
materials. The new polymer matrix is safer than others available in the market because of its improved flame
resistance, and it is more environmentally-friendly because it can be disposed of without releasing harmful by-
products and because the raw materials used to make it cause less harmful environmental impacts during
handling and storage.
The Group manufactures the “Natuzzi Editions”/“Leather Editions” and “Softaly” collections mainly
outside of Italy. If orders exceed production capacity at the foreign plants, “Natuzzi Editions”/“Leather Editions”
products are also manufactured in the Company’s Italian plants.
The Group owns the land and buildings for its principal assembly facilities located in Santeramo in
Colle, Matera, its leather dyeing and finishing facility located near Udine, its foam-production facility located
near Naples, and its facilities located in Ginosa, Laterza, Brazil and Romania.
The Chinese plant owned by the Group was subject to an expropriation process by local Chinese
authorities since the plant was located on land that was intended for public utilities.
Negotiations involving the expropriation process began in 2009 and were concluded in 2011. The
agreement setting forth the payment of compensation for the expropriated plant was signed with Chinese
authorities on January 26, 2011. As compensation for this expropriation, the parties agreed upon a total
indemnity of Chinese Yuan (CNY or RMB, hereafter) 420 million, which is equivalent to approximately €46.7
million based on the Yuan-Euro exchange rate as of December 31, 2011. The Company collected the full
amount of the indemnity payment from the local Chinese authorities in 2011.
The Group identified a new production plant of 88,000 square meters, which was made available in
January 2011, to compensate for the production capacity reduction caused by the expropriation. The relocation
process began in February 2011 and was completed, as planned, by the end of May 2011, after equipment and
machinery was moved to the new plant. The relocation produced a turn-over of approximately 20% in
manpower because of the distance of the new plant to the old one (approximately 35 kilometers). Management
had already reabsorbed the turn-over effect by hiring new manpower by the end of April 2011.
18
Furthermore, in order to minimize the imbalances on production capacity caused by the relocation, a
new plant of 15,000 square meters was leased, starting in July 2010. This smaller plant is located 1 kilometer
from the new production plant of 88,000 square meters and focuses on sofa sewing and assembly processes. In
March 2012, the Group closed the production activity at the leased plant and, therefore, did not renew the
agreement for the leased plant, since the new production site was at that time fully operational.
The Group owns two plants in Brazil that, in the past, have been used for the production of furnishings
for the Americas region. Due to the appreciation over the past few years of the Brazilian Real versus the U.S.
dollar in particular, which has reduced the competitiveness of these two plants, the Group decided to
temporarily close one plant and reduce the production capacity of the other down to a level that remains
sufficient to serve only the Brazilian market.
However, after frequent interactions between the Group and top local retailers in the past few years,
as well as in light of the high level of fragmentation of the Brazilian market, which consists primarily of small
producers with low levels of know-how, the Group believes that the Latin American region currently represents
a very good opportunity for the development of additional business.
Therefore, the Group intends to continue investing in the Latin American market, with a particular
focus on Brazil, by better organizing operating, sales and marketing activities, as well as developing the current
distribution channel of “Natuzzi Editions”/“Leather Editions” points-of-sale. Furthermore, the Group intends to
also open “Natuzzi Italia” stores in Brazil during the course of 2013.
Starting in July 2010, the Company ceased all supplying relationships with sub-contractors near
Santeramo in Colle and internalized their portion of production with the aim of better ensuring high quality
standards and customer service.
Raw Materials — The principal raw materials used in the manufacture of the Group’s products are
cattle hides, polyurethane foam, polyester fiber, wood and wood products.
The Group purchases hides from slaughterhouses and tanneries located mainly in Italy, Brazil,
Germany, Paraguay, other countries in South America and Europe. The hides purchased by the Group are
divided into several categories, with hides in the lowest categories being purchased mainly in Brazil. The hides
in the middle categories are purchased mainly in Italy and certain other parts of Europe and hides in the highest
categories are purchased in Germany and in the United Kingdom. A significant number of hides in the lowest
categories are purchased at the “wet blue” stage — i.e., after tanning — while some hides purchased in the
middle and highest categories are unprocessed. The Group has implemented a leather purchasing policy
according to which a percentage of leather is purchased at a finished or semi-finished stage. Therefore, the
Group has had a smaller inventory of “split leather” to sell to third parties. Approximately 80% of the Group’s
hides are purchased from ten suppliers, with whom the Group enjoys long-term and stable relationships. Hides
are generally purchased from the suppliers pursuant to orders given every one to two months specifying the
number of hides, the purchase price and the delivery date.
Hides purchased from Europe are delivered directly by the suppliers to the Group’s leather facilities
near Udine, while those purchased outside of Italy are inspected overseas by technicians of the Group, delivered
to an Italian port and then sent by the Group to the Udine facility and subcontractors. Management believes
that the Group is able to purchase leather hides from its suppliers at reasonable prices as a result of the volume
of its orders, and that alternative sources of supply of hides in any category could be found quickly at an
acceptable cost if the supply of hides in such category from one or several of the Group’s current suppliers
ceased to be available or was no longer available on acceptable terms. The supply of raw cattle hides is
principally dependent upon the consumption of beef, rather than on the demand for leather.
During the first half of 2012, the prices for hides increased. During the second half of 2012 the prices
remained substantially stable, with a slow decrease in prices in the last months of 2012. Due to the volatile
nature of the hides market, there can be no assurances that any current trend in prices will continue. See “Item
3. Key Information—Risk Factors—The price of the Group’s principal raw material is difficult to predict.”
19
The Group also purchases fabrics and microfibers for use in coverings. Both kinds of coverings are
divided into several price categories: most fabrics and some particular microfibers are in the highest price
categories, while the most inexpensive of some microfibers are in the lowest price categories. Fabrics are
purchased exclusively in Italy from about a dozen suppliers which provide the product at the finished stage.
Microfibers are purchased in Italy, South Korea and China through some suppliers who provide them at the
finished stage. Microfibers purchased from the Group’s Italian supplier are in some cases imported by the
supplier at the greige, or semi-finished, stage and then finished (dyed and bonded) in Italy. Fabrics and
microfibers are generally purchased from the suppliers pursuant to orders given every week specifying the
quantity (in linear meters) and the delivery date. The price is determined before the fabrics or microfiber is
introduced into the collection.
Fabrics and microfibers purchased from the Italian suppliers are delivered directly by the suppliers to
the Group’s facility in Laterza, while those purchased outside of Italy are delivered to an Italian port and then
sent to the Laterza facility. Microfibers and fabrics included in “Natuzzi Editions”/“Leather Editions” and
“Softaly” products are delivered directly by the suppliers to Chinese, Romanian and Brazilian ports and then sent
to the Group’s Shanghai, Baia Mare and Salvador de Bahia facilities. The Group is able to purchase such
products at reasonable prices as a result of the volume of its orders. The Group continuously searches for
alternative supply sources in order to obtain the best product at the best price.
Price performance of fabrics is quite different from that of microfibers, depending on the different
range of the products’ quality. Because fabrics are purchased exclusively in Italy and are composed of natural
fibers, their prices are influenced by the cost of labor and the quality of the product. During 2012, the market
prices for fabrics and microfibers were influenced by a slow decreasing trend of raw materials. The price of
microfibers is mainly influenced by the international availability of high-quality products and raw materials at
low costs, especially from Asian markets.
The Group obtains the chemicals required for the production of polyurethane foam from major
chemical companies located in Europe (including Germany, Italy and the United Kingdom) and the polyester
fiber filling for its polyester fiber-filled cushions from several suppliers located mainly in Korea, China, Taiwan
and India. The chemical components of polyurethane foam are petroleum-based commodities, and the prices
for such components are therefore subject to, among other things, fluctuations in the price of crude oil, which
has increased in the last past few months. The Group obtains wood and wood products for its wooden frames
from suppliers in Italy and Eastern Europe. Through its plant located in Romania, the Group has begun engaging
directly in the cutting and transportation of wood from Romanian forests.
With regard to the Group’s collection of home furnishing accessories (tables, lamps, rugs, home
accessories and wall units in different materials), most of the suppliers are located in Italy and other European
countries, while some hand-made products (such as rugs) are made in India. Before being introduced in the
collection, all items are tested in accordance with European and world safety standards. In the design phase
particular attention is paid to the choice of innovative technological solutions that add value to the product and
ensure long lasting quality. The Group’s packaging for each product has a higher standard than the average
products marketed by its competitors, in an effort to ensure better customer service.
Supply-Chain Management
Procurement Policies and Operations Integration — In order to improve customer service
and reduce industrial costs, the Group in 2009 established a policy for handling suppliers and supply logistics.
All of the sub-departments working in the logistics Department have been reorganized to maximize efficiency
throughout the supply-chain. The Logistics Department now coordinates periodic meetings among all of its
working groups in order to identify areas of concern that arise in the supply-chain, and to identify solutions that
will be acceptable to all groups. The Logistics Department is responsible for monitoring the proposed solutions
in order to ensure their effectiveness. Additionally, in order to improve access to supply-chain information
throughout the Group, the Logistics Department (with the support of the Information Systems Department) has
20
created a new portal that allows the Logistics Department and other departments (such as Customer Service and
Sales) to monitor the movement of goods through the supply-chain. Currently, changes to this system are in
progress in order to improve service level and customer satisfaction in terms of real time update of the portal
with the relevant information.
Production Planning (Order Management, Production, Procurement) — The Group’s
commitment to reorganizing procurement logistics has led to:
1) the development of a logistic-production model to customize the level of service to customers;
2) a stable level of the size of the Group’s inventory of raw materials and/or components, particularly
those pertaining to coverings. This positive impact was made possible by both the development of software that
allows more detailed production programming and broader access by suppliers themselves, and a more general
reorganization of supplier relationships. Suppliers are now able to provide assembly lines at Italian plants with
requested components within four hours;
3) the planning and partial completion of the industrial reorganization of the local production center;
and
4) since January 2009, the SAP system has been implemented throughout the organization.
The Group also plans procurements of raw materials and components:
i) “On demand” for those materials and components (which the Group identifies by code numbers)
that require a shorter lead time for order completion than the standard production planning cycle for customers’
orders. This system allows the Group to handle a higher number of product combinations (in terms of models,
versions and coverings) for customers all over the world, while maintaining a high level of service and
minimizing inventory size. Procuring raw materials and components “on demand” eliminates the risk that these
materials and components would become obsolete during the production process; and
ii) “Upon forecast” for those materials and components requiring a long lead time for order
completion. The Group utilizes a new forecast methodology, developed in cooperation with a consulting firm.
This methodology balances the Group’s desire to maintain low inventory levels against the Sales Department’s
needs for flexibility in filling orders, all the while maintaining high customer satisfaction levels. This new
methodology is currently being developed together with the Group’s Information Systems Department, in order
to create a new intranet portal, called Advanced Planning and Optimization (“APO”). This tool was launched in
March 2011 for sales coming from the North American and Asia Pacific markets, under the supervision of a
forecast manager and, starting in June 2011, was implemented worldwide. This tool currently supports
corporate logistics, operations managers and sales managers in better forecasting the future demand for the
Group’s products so as to improve the lead time from materials supply to sales delivery. Currently, changes to
the APO system are in progress to improve communication between the Sales Department and the Logistics
Department and therefore reducing inventory and speeding up related steps in the supply chain. Special
production programs — those requiring lead times shorter than three weeks — are only available to a restricted
group of customers, for a limited group of collections and product combinations.
Since 2012, a new methodology concerning furnishing management has been introduced. A better
supplier’s partnership enabled the Group to handle furnishings components without storing them in our
warehouses, resulting in improved service and reducing inventory levels.
Lead times can be longer than those mentioned above when a high number of unexpected orders are
received.
Delivery times vary depending on the place of discharge (transport lead times vary widely depending
on the distance between the final destination and the production plant).
All planning activities (finished goods load optimization, customer order acknowledgement,
production and suppliers’ planning) are synchronized in order to guarantee that during the production process,
21
the correct materials are located in the right place at the right time, thereby achieving a maximum level of
service while minimizing handling and transportation costs.
Load Optimization — With the aim of decreasing costs and safeguarding product quality, the
Group attains optimum load levels for shipping by using software developed through a research partnership with
the University of Bari and the University of Copenhagen, completed in June 2006.
This software manages customers’ orders to be shipped by sea with the goal of maximizing the number
of orders shipped in full containers. If a customer’s order does not make optimal use of container space,
revisions to the order quantities are suggested. This activity, which was previously a prerogative of the Group’s
headquarters, has been almost completely transferred to Natuzzi Americas in High Point, North Carolina.
Now, this software is also undergoing testing by customers.
As far as the load composition by truck is concerned, the Group uses software designed to minimize
total transport costs by taking into account volume and route optimization for customers’ orders in defined
areas. This software was developed by the Group jointly with Polytechnic of Bari and the University of Lecce.
Transportation — The Group delivers goods to customers by common carriers. Those goods
destined for the Americas and other markets outside Europe are transported by sea in 40-foot high cube
containers, while those produced for the European market are generally delivered by truck and, in some cases,
by railway. In 2012, the Group shipped 9,869 containers to overseas countries and approximately 3,870 full
load mega-trailer trucks to European destinations, serving a total of 3,176 different delivery points. To improve
service levels, a method of Supplier Vendor Rating has been developed to measure performance of carriers and
distributors providing direct service. This rating system has already been extended to transport by land, and is
now ready to be expanded to sea transport.
The Group relies principally on several shipping and trucking companies operating under “time-
volume” service contracts to deliver its products to customers and to transport raw materials to the Group’s
plants and processed materials from one plant to another. In general, the Group prices its products to cover its
door-to-door shipping costs, including all customs duties and insurance premiums. Some of the Group’s
overseas suppliers are responsible for delivering raw materials to the port of departure, therefore transportation
costs for these materials are generally under the Group’s control.
Products
The Group is committed to the conception, prototyping (for sofas and furnishings), production (for
sofas only) and commercialization of a wide range of upholstered furniture, both in leather and in fabric, as well
as furnishings and accessories. The Group also collaborates with acclaimed third-party designers and engineers
for the conception and prototyping of certain products in order to enhance brand visibility, especially with
respect to the Natuzzi brand.
New models are the result of a constant information flow that stems from the market (whose
preferences are analyzed, filtered and translated by the product managers into a brief, including specific styles,
functions and price points), and is communicated to the group of designers who, through constant work with
the team from the prototypes department, sketches the creation of new products in accordance with the
guidelines received. The diversity of customer tastes and preferences and the natural inclination of the Group to
offer new solutions result in the development of products that are increasingly personalized.
More than 150 highly-qualified people work in these activities, and typically about 70 new sofa models
are generally introduced each year. The Group conducts its research and development efforts and activities
from its headquarters in Santeramo in Colle, Italy, in accordance with stringent quality standards and has earned
the ISO 9001 certification for quality and the ISO 14001 certification for its low environmental impact. The
ISO 14001 certification also applies to the Company’s tannery subsidiary, Natco S.p.A., located near Udine,
22
Italy. The Group’s plant in Laterza and the Santeramo headquarters have also received an ISO 9001 certification
for their roles in the design and production of furnishings and accessories.
The product development process is also based on specific needs of particular clients (key accounts /
mass dealers) who are capable of generating a critical mass of sales that enable the product to achieve the right
market penetration. The Group’s product range falls within six broad categories of furniture: stationary
furniture (sofas, loveseats and armchairs); sectional furniture; motion furniture; sofa beds; and occasional chairs
(including recliners and body massage chairs); sliding furniture, a new category that the Group launched in 2011
which differentiates itself from stationary or motion furniture, with seats that slide forward, allowing the
consumer to adjust seat length.
The Group’s wide range of products includes a comprehensive collection of sofas and armchairs with
particular styles, coverings and functions, with more than two million combinations. The Group’s offering is
divided into three different brands and collections that satisfy different market needs:
a) Natuzzi Italia: an inspirational, middle- to high-end consumer brand, vigorously promoted
worldwide as “Made in Italy”;
b) Natuzzi Editions/Leather Editions: a trademark that leverages on the Group’s strength in
leather and craftsmanship offering products at the medium- to low-end of the market; and
c) Softaly: a brand that aims to offer the best price at the low-end of the market that satisfies the needs
of key accounts under private label.
The Group’s brand portfolio since 2007 has also included the Italsofa brand, with the objective of
positioning Italsofa as a higher market alternative to very low-cost Chinese competitors, targeting young
consumers in particular. With the aim of better rationalizing its product offering, the Group has decided not to
make further investments in the Italsofa brand. All the models developed thus far will be progressively absorbed
by the Group’s other brand offerings. The Group will continue to assist those partners that have opened Italsofa
points of sale and to convert the existing Italsofa stores or galleries into new projects of the Group.
The Natuzzi collection, positioned in the medium-high market, focuses on making Italian quality and
style accessible through coordinated and innovative living rooms. This collection stands out for high quality in
the choice of materials and finishes, as well as the creativity and details of its designs. As of March 31, 2013, this
line of products offered 100 models. Regarding the range of coverings offered, the Natuzzi Italia retail collection
has 13 leather articles in 78 colors and 18 softcover articles in 90 colors. The collection also includes a selection
of additional furniture (wall units, tables, lamps, carpets), accessories (pots and candles), and furniture for the
dining room (tables, chairs, lamps) to offer complete furnishings with the aim of enabling the Group to become
a real “Lifestyle Company.” For instance, in 2012, new coffee tables and matching wall units were introduced to
the Natuzzi collection using precious materials such as Carrara marble, as well as new dining room sets and
cupboards designed by Claudio Bellini.
The Natuzzi Editions/Leather Editions collection, as of March 31, 2013, consisted of 173 models.
The increase in the number of models in this collection is mainly due to the introduction of this collection in the
European and Asian markets, which resulted in the addition of more modern styles to the product portfolio.
Regarding the range of coverings offered in the collection, Natuzzi Editions/Leather Editions offers 12 articles
in leather available in 78 colors and one article in fabric with six colors. In 2012 some assorted throw pillows
upholstered with fabric inspired by the Apulian trulli were introduced, as a tribute to the brand’s origins.
The Softaly collection, as of March31, 2013 is composed of 72 models including exclusive models for
key accounts. Apart from the new covering, Next Leather®, the Softaly brand utilizes the existing covers in
production, and is evaluating the introduction of fabric sofas.
23
The Group’s overall sales are also partly attributable to unbranded production, developed on the basis
of specific provision agreements for important key accounts and mass-dealer clients like Macy’s, and Rooms To
Go.
Innovation remains a strategic activity for the Group. An important step in this direction is the “3P
Project” (Production, Preparation and Process). The 3P Project aims at reaching different goals, such as the
reduction in complexity of products, improvement in production efficiency and increase in standardization and
cost reduction, through the adoption of an innovative methodology that is specific for the industrialization
processes. Such methodology has already been successfully implemented worldwide by different companies that
apply the principles of “Lean Enterprise” and “waste-hunting”. The 3P Project was put into practice during the
first week of July 2011 in one of the Group’s plants, “Iesce 1”, located in Matera (Italy), in cooperation with a
consulting company.
Twenty-five professionals of the Company, including managers and employees from the Research &
Development (“R&D”), Operations and Human Resources departments, were involved in the 3P Project.
During the five days spent in the plant, these people started to set the basis for conceiving a completely new way
of designing product.
The objective of the 3P Project was to reduce, through its complete re-engineering, the number of
components in one of our armchair models, and consequently reduce its overall production cost. The Company,
through the 3P Project, was able to achieve a 46% reduction in the number of components and a 13% reduction
in the production costs of that model. Therefore, considering the encouraging results achieved with the 3P
Project, it was extended to certain models of the Softaly collection as well, through the implementation of the
“Lean Product Development” project, with the aims of reducing waste, focusing on value-added activity,
reducing product complexity and increasing efficiency in the production phase, as well as component
standardization.
Innovation, quality, cost control and a high level of customer service are at the basis of growth as a
strategic priority. Within our R&D department we have significant expertise, and this expertise and skill is
integrated throughout the company, across departments, assisting the Group in maximizing results and fully
leveraging our resources.
The Group believes that the “Lean Product Development” program is an innovative approach to new
product development: it focuses on know-how and technical features that must characterize an area where the
ability to innovate is a key factor.
The recently launched “Lean Product Development” program aims at reaching the above- mentioned
ambitious goals, through training sessions, workshops and activities in the field.
The Group also takes part in the “Material Connexion Program,” which promotes constant innovation
in materials and processes.
The Natuzzi Group has also invested in a futuristic reclining chair developed by a design centre located
in New Zealand. We believe that this concept chair will redefine “living in comfort.” This project will be
launched by the end of 2013.
Research and development expenses were € 7.9 million in 2012, € 7.3 million in 2011, and €7.0
million in 2010.
Advertising
The Group’s Communications System was developed to regulate all methods used in each market to
advertise the brand name, and it operates simultaneously on different levels: the “brand-building level”
establishes the brand’s philosophy, while the “traffic-building level” aims to attract consumers to points-of-sale
using various kinds of initiatives, such as presentations of new collections, new store openings and promotional
activities.
24
Advertising in store galleries is carried out with the help of the “Retail Advertising Kit,” a collection of
templates that enable direct advertising of consumer brands or the advertising of such brands in conjunction
with the retailer’s brand.
Retail Development
The Retail Department team continues to develop useful sales tools for the market, including manuals
and guidelines to be followed when it comes to managing a store and/or a gallery (Store Operations Manual,
Visual Merchandising Manual, etc.) designed to enhance the performance of the store (for more information,
see “Item 4. Information on the Company—Strategy”).
The most important tool developed in 2012 was “Your Design by Natuzzi,” a 3D Room planner that
uses state-of-the-art software, which enhances the ability of retail staff to execute sales and has helped the
Company become more deeply involved in interior design for customers. Dedicated training for stores
worldwide has been made available and we have noticed a measurable increase in average purchases where the
“Your Design by Natuzzi” planner has been implemented. A dedicated area, called the Design Studio, will be
installed in premium location Natuzzi Italia stores to host this system, together with other dedicated tool for
architects and designers.
A concept evolution specially designed for stores-in-stores, called the Educational Center, has also
been developed for both Natuzzi Italia as well as the Leather Editions brands.
The Chinese market is expected to be positively affected by the improved Leather Editions concept,
which should boost the opening plan already started in 2012 when 8 new directly-operated stores were opened.
Markets
The Group markets its products internationally as well as in Italy. Outside Italy, the Group sells its
leather furniture principally on a wholesale basis to major retailers and furniture stores. In 1990, the Group
began selling its leather-upholstered products in Italy and abroad through franchised Divani & Divani by Natuzzi
and Natuzzi (now “Natuzzi Italia”) furniture stores. Since 2001, the Group has also sold its furniture through
directly owned Natuzzi (now “Natuzzi Italia”) stores and Divani & Divani by Natuzzi stores. Starting in the second
half of 2007, the Group has sold its promotional line in China through Italsofa stores, of which there were 14
worldwide as of March 31, 2013.
The following tables show the number of the Groups stores and galleries as of March 31, 2013
according to the main geographical areas and brands.
Stores
Natuzzi
Italia
Americas
Europe
Europe (ex Italy)
Italy
Rest of the World
Middle East & Africa
Asia-Oceania
Total
13
97
95
2
76
16
60
186
Divani &
Divani by
Natuzzi
-
99
13
86
-
-
-
99
Natuzzi Editions
/Leather Editions
Italsofa**
TOTAL
-
-
-
-
8
-
8
8
6
1
-
1
7
6
1
14
19
197
108
89
91
22
69
307
25
TOTAL
Italsofa**
Americas
Europe
Galleries/
Concessions*
Natuzzi
Italia
74
217
217
-
23
5
18
314
Unbranded/
Private label
6
-
-
-
-
-
-
6
* The concessions are store-in-store concept managed directly by a subsidiary of the Company located in the United Kingdom.
** With the aim of better rationalizing its product offering, the Group has decided not to make further investments in the Italsofa brand. All the models
thus far developed will be progressively absorbed by the Group’s other brand offerings. The Group will continue to assist those partners that have opened
Italsofa points of sale and to convert the existing Italsofa stores or galleries into new projects of the Group.
Natuzzi Editions /
Leather Editions
208
122
122
-
36
3
33
366
Europe (ex Italy)
Italy
Rest of the World
Middle East & Africa
Asia-Oceania
Total
429
369
369
-
82
15
67
880
141
30
30
-
23
7
16
194
The following tables show the leather and fabric-upholstered furniture net sales and number of seats
sold of the Group broken down by geographic market for each of the years indicated:
Leather and Fabric Upholstered Furniture, Net Sales (in millions of Euro)
2012
2011
2010
Americas(1)
Europe
Natuzzi Italia
Other (2)
Natuzzi Italia
Other (2)
143.5
16.2
127.3
220.3
131.9
88.4
61.5
33.3
28.2
425.3
(1) Outside the United States, the Group also sells its products to customers in Canada and Central and South America
41.5%
3.9%
37.6%
44.0%
23.4%
20.6%
14.5%
6.9%
7.6%
100.0%
33.7%
3.8%
29.9%
51.8%
31.0%
20.8%
14.5%
7.8%
6.7%
100.0%
35.7%
3.4%
32.3%
51.7%
31.5%
20.2%
12.6%
6.8%
5.8%
100.0%
164.2
15.5
148.7
238.1
145.0
93.1
58.2
31.6
26.6
460.5
169.9
15.9
154.0
180.0
95.8
84.2
59.5
28.2
31.3
409.4
Natuzzi Italia
Other (2)
Rest of the World
Total
(collectively, the “Americas”).
(2) Since 2010, the “Other” item includes net sales from the “Natuzzi Editions/Leather Editions” and “Italsofa” brands, as well as
“Softaly”/private label and unbranded products.
Leather and Fabric Upholstered Furniture, Net Sales (in seats) (3)
2012
2011
2010
Americas(1)
Europe
Natuzzi Italia
Other (2)
Natuzzi Italia
Other (2)
Rest of the World
Natuzzi Italia
Other (2)
832,976
37,293
795,683
635,955
228,421
407,534
211,839
61,115
150,724
49.6%
2.2%
47.3%
37.8%
13.6%
24.2%
12.6%
3.6%
9.0%
776,171
45,777
730,394
780,791
331,983
448,808
230,858
78,787
152,071
43.4%
2.6%
40.9%
43.7%
18.6%
25.1%
12.9%
4.4%
8.5%
886,471
40,112
846,359
847,452
370,626
476,826
220,670
73,050
147,620
45.4%
2.1%
43.3%
43.4%
19.0%
24.4%
11.3%
3.7%
7.6%
Total
1,787,820
(1) Outside the United States, the Group also sells its products to customers in Canada and Central and South America
100.0%
100.0%
1,680,770
1,954,593
100.0%
(collectively, the “Americas”).
26
(2) Since 2010, the “Other” item includes net sales from the “Natuzzi Editions/Leather Editions” and “Italsofa” brands, as well as
“Softaly”/private label and unbranded products.
(3) Includes seats produced at Group-owned facilities and, until June 2010, also by subcontractors. Seats are a unit
measurement. A sofa consists of three seats; an armchair of one.
1. United States and the Americas.
In 2012, net sales of leather and fabric-upholstered furniture in the United States and the Americas
were € 169.9 million, up 18.4% from € 143.5 million reported in 2011, and the number of seats sold increased
by 7.3%, from 776,171 in 2011 to 832,976 in 2012.
The Group’s principal customers are major retailers. The Group advertises its products to retailers
and, recently, to consumers in the United States, Canada, and Latin America (excluding Brazil) both directly
and through the use of various marketing tools. The Group also relies on its network of sales representatives
and on the furniture fairs held at its High Point, North Carolina offices each spring and fall to promote its
products.
The Group’s sales in the United States, Canada and Latin America (excluding Brazil) were handled by
Natuzzi Americas until June 30, 2010. Starting on July 1, 2010, as a part of a general reorganization of the
Group’s commercial activities, world-wide third-party sales have been handled by the parent company, Natuzzi
S.p.A. Natuzzi Americas still maintains offices in High Point, North Carolina, the heart of the most important
furniture manufacturing and distribution region in the United States, and provides Natuzzi S.p.A with agency
services. The staff at High Point provides customer service, trademarks and products promotions, credit
collection assistance, and generally acts as the customers contact for the Group. As of February 28, 2013, the
High Point North Carolina operation had 50 employees, 30 independent sales representatives and seven sub-
representatives for the United States and Canada. They are regionally supervised by four Vice Presidents.
As mentioned above, beginning on July 1, 2010, the invoicing for the Group’s Latin American
operations has been managed by the parent company, Natuzzi S.p.A. Until the end of the first half of 2011, the
representative office in São Paulo, Brazil, had oversight for trademarks and products promotion activities for all
markets south of the US-Mexico border. During the second half of 2011, this responsibility moved back to
Natuzzi Americas.
Since the second half of 2011, the commercial office in São Paulo has overseen the Brazilian market.
During 2012, the São Paulo office was closed due to increases in rent, and since that time the Brazilian
management team has been searching for a new office location in São Paulo, the heart of our Brazilian and Latin
American business. In the meantime, most of the commercial activities are based in the Group’s facility located
in Salvador de Bahia, Brazil. The Group’s commercial structure in Brazil has been reinforced, from nine
representatives in 2011 to eleven as of the end of 2012. The former Group’s country manager of Spain and
Portugal is now in charge of organizing the launch of the Natuzzi Italia brand in Brazil in 2013. Positive growth
in sales was recognized in 2012 in Brazil: from €3.6 million in 2011 to €6.6 million in 2012.
A directly owned store operates in New York City under the brand Natuzzi Italia. In addition to this
store, as of March 31, 2013, there were also twelve Natuzzi Italia single-brand stores operating in the Americas
that are owned by local dealers (four in each of the United States and Mexico, two in Canada, and one in each of
Panama and Venezuela). Furthermore, as of the same date, there were five Italsofa single-brand stores in Brazil
and one in Venezuela.
2. Europe.
During 2012, the Group continued to consolidate its position in Europe by investing in stores and
galleries. Net sales of leather and fabric-upholstered furniture in Europe (including Italy) decreased by 18.3% in
2012 to € 180.0 million (from € 220.3 million in 2011), with the number of seats sold decreasing by 18.5%,
from 780,791 in 2011 to 635,955 in 2012.
27
2a) Italy. Since 1990, the Group has sold its upholstered products within Italy principally through
the Divani & Divani franchised network of furniture stores (now Divani & Divani by Natuzzi). As of March 30,
2013 there were 86 Divani & Divani by Natuzzi stores, two Natuzzi stores and one Italsofa store located in Italy.
The Group directly owns 19 of these stores, including the two stores operating under the Natuzzi name.
2b) Outside Italy. The Group expands into the European markets mainly through single-brand
stores (local dealers, franchisees or directly operated stores). As of March 31, 2013, 108 single-brand stores
were operating in Europe: under the Divani & Divani by Natuzzi franchise brand, 11 were located in Portugal
and two in Greece; and the remaining 95 were under the Natuzzi Italia name (18 in France, 15 in Spain, 12 in
Holland, 11 in Russia, six each in in the United Kingdom and Switzerland, four each in the Czech Republic and
Poland, three in Cyprus, two each in Malta, Slovenia and Croatia, and one each in Armenia, Belgium, Bosnia-
Herzegovina, Estonia, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Latvia, Serbia and Ukraine). Of these stores, 25 were
directly owned by the Group as of March 31, 2013 and all were operated under the Natuzzi Italia name: 15 in
Spain, six in Switzerland and four in the United Kingdom. Apart from the Natuzzi Italia stores, the Group also
operates 13 concessions in the United Kingdom.
Given the size of the Russian market and its strategic relevance to the Group’s future growth, a local
representative office was opened in Moscow in February 2010, with the aim of managing sales, marketing and
customer service for Russia and the Ukraine, and to supervise the opening of new single-brand stores in the
Russian market. During the course of 2012 through March 31, 2013 three new Natuzzi Italia stores have opened
in Russia.
3. Rest of the World.
3a) Middle East & Africa. In 2012, net sales of leather and fabric-upholstered furniture in the
Middle East & Africa decreased to € 13.4 million, from € 15.3 in 2011, and the number of seats sold decreased
from 56,434 in 2011 to 49,302 in 2012. As of March 31, 2013, the Group had a total of 16 Natuzzi Italia stores
in the Middle East & Africa: four in Israel, three each in Turkey and Saudi Arabia, two in the United Arab
Emirates, and one each in Egypt, Kuwait, Lebanon and Qatar. In addition, six single-brand stores were
operating under the brand Italsofa in Israel.
In January 2012, following the worsening of the European Union’s diplomatic relations with Iran and
Syria, the Company decided to cease any kind of business relations with these two countries. No impairment
issue arose following the interruption of business relations with those two countries.
The tables below summarize the Group’s yearly turnover (in thousands of Euro) before this decision
was taken and the relative percentage of total upholstery net sales for 2011 and 2012 with particular reference
to turnover generated in countries currently subject to sanctions by the Office of Foreign Assets Control of the
United States Department of the Treasury.
2011
Country
Natuzzi brand
Other *
Total 2011
Net Sales
%
Net Sales
%
Net Sales
%
IRAN
SUDAN
SYRIA
NORTH KOREA
CUBA
All Other Countries
Total upholstery net
Sales
€ 161.2
€ 0.0
€ 20.0
€ 0.0
€ 0.0
0.09%
0.00%
0.01%
0.00%
0.00%
€ 432.5
€ 0.0
€ 64.1
€ 0.0
€ 0.0
0.17%
0.00%
0.03%
0.00%
0.00%
€ 593.7
€ 0.0
€ 84.1
€ 0.0
€ 0.0
0.14%
0.00%
0.02%
0.00%
0.00%
€ 176,858.3
99.90% € 247,739.2
99.80% € 424,597.4
99.84%
€ 177,039.5
100.00%
€ 248,235.8
100.00%
€ 425,275.2
100.00%
* Including “Italsofa” and “Natuzzi Editions/Leather Editions” brands, as well as “Softaly”/private label and unbranded products.
28
2012
Country
Natuzzi brand
Other *
Total 2012
Net Sales
%
Net Sales
%
Net Sales
%
IRAN
SUDAN
SYRIA
NORTH KOREA
CUBA
All Other Countries
Total upholstery net
Sales
€ 75.0
€ 0.0
€ 0.0
€ 0.0
€ 0.0
0.06%
0.00%
0.00%
0.00%
0.00%
€ 0.0
€ 0.0
€ 0.0
€ 0.0
€ 0.0
0.00%
0.00%
0.00%
0.00%
0.00%
€ 75.0
€ 0.0
€ 0.0
€ 0.0
€ 0.0
0.02%
0.00%
0.00%
0.00%
0.00%
€ 133,966.0
99.94% € 275,224.0
0.00% € 409,190.0
99.98%
€ 134,041.0
100.00%
€ 275,224.0
100.00%
€ 409.265,0
100.00%
* Including “Italsofa” and “Natuzzi Editions/Leather Editions” brands, as well as “Softaly”/private label and unbranded products.
Considering that the combined sales for Iran and Syria have never exceeded one-fifth of one-percent of
Natuzzi total upholstery net sales, Natuzzi does not believe that its previous activities in and contacts with Iran
and Syria constituted a material part of its operations. No turnover has ever been generated in Sudan.
Furthermore, the Group does not believe that a reasonable investor would consider Natuzzi’s prior interests and
activities in Iran or Syria to be a material investment risk, either from an economic, financial or reputational
point of view, given their extremely limited extent and nature.
The Group has not had, nor does it plan to have, any commercial contacts with the governments of
Iran or Syria, or with entities controlled by such governments. To the best of Natuzzi’s knowledge, the Group
was in business with independent Iranian and Syrian dealers that were not controlled by, owned or otherwise
related to the governments of Iran or Syria.
3b) Asia-Oceania. In 2012, net sales of leather and fabric-upholstered furniture in the Asia-
Oceania region slightly decreased to €46.1 million from €46.2 million in 2011, and the number of seats sold
decreased 6.9%, from 174,424 in 2011 to 162,444 in 2012.
Natuzzi Trading (Shanghai) Co., Ltd. acts as a regional office and manages the commercial part of the
business throughout the region. Furthermore, the Group also controls a subsidiary in Japan, an agency in South
Korea and an agency for Australia and New Zealand. All of these offices report to the regional office in
Shanghai. The general strategy for the Natuzzi brand is to further expand the store network throughout the
region, with a strong emphasis on the Chinese market.
As of March 31, 2013, 60 single-brand Natuzzi stores were operating in the Asia-Oceania market: 34
in China, seven in Australia, six in Taiwan, five in India, and one each in Indonesia, South Korea, Malaysia, New
Zealand, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam. In addition, as of the same date, the Group had eight
single-brand Leather Editions stores located in China and one Italsofa store located in India. The Group also
maintains 67 galleries in the Asia-Oceania region, of which 18 are under the Natuzzi Italia name (eight located in
Japan, six in Australia, two in Thailand, and one each in India and New Zealand), 16 under the Italsofa name
(seven located in India and six in Taiwan, two in Australia, and one in Japan), and 33 under the Leather Editions
name (sixteen in China, ten in Australia, four in India and three in Taiwan).
The Group is currently planning to further expand its presence in China, specifically with single-brand
stores located in medium-sized cities across the country.
3c) India. The Group is focusing its efforts and seeking to further invest in the Indian market. A
local representative office was opened in New Delhi in the beginning of 2010 to manage sales, marketing and
customer service and supervise the Natuzzi stores and Italsofa retail roll-out in the Indian market. As of March
31, 2013, there were five Natuzzi Italia stores and one Italsofa store in the Indian market.
Expansion into New Markets — The Group first targeted the United States market in 1983 and
subsequently began diversifying its geographic markets, particularly in the highly fragmented European markets
29
(outside of Italy). Although the Group is currently a leader in the leather-upholstered furniture segment in the
United States and Europe (Source: “Upholstered Furniture: World Market Outlook 2013”, August 2012”), it is now
focusing its attention on the BRIC countries and other developing markets. The Group intends to continue its
growth in these markets.
Customer Credit Management — The Group maintains an active credit management program.
The Group evaluates the creditworthiness of its customers on a case-by-case basis according to each customer’s
credit history and information available to the Group. Throughout the world, the Group utilizes “open terms”
in 80% of its sales and obtains credit insurance for almost 60% of this amount; less than 13% of the Group’s
sales are commonly made to customers on a “cash against documents” and “cash on delivery” basis; and lastly,
about 7% of the Group’s sales are supported by a “letter of credit” or “payment in advance.”
Incentive Programs and Tax Benefits
Historically, the Group derived benefits from the Italian Government’s investment incentive program
for under-industrialized regions in Southern Italy, which includes the area that serves as the center of the
Group’s operations. The investment incentive program provided tax benefits, capital grants and subsidized
loans. There can be no assurance that the Group will continue to be eligible for such grants, benefits or tax
credits for its current or future investments in Italy.
In December 1996, the Company and the “Contract Planning Service” of the Italian Ministry of
Industrial Activities signed a “Program Agreement” with respect to the “Natuzzi 2000 project.” In connection
with this project, the Group prepared a multi-faceted program of industrial investments for the increase of the
production capacity of leather and fabric upholstered furniture in the area close to its headquarters in Italy.
According to this “Program Agreement”, the Company should have made investments for € 295.2 million and at
the same time the Italian government should have contributed in the form of capital grants for € 145.5 million.
In 1997, the Company received, under the aforementioned project, capital grants for € 24.2 million. During
2003, the Company revised its growth and production strategy due to the strong competition from competitors
in countries like China and Brazil. Therefore, as a consequence of this change in the economic environment, in
2003 the Company requested to the Italian Ministry of Industrial Activities for the revision of the original
“Program Agreement” as follows: reduction of the investment to be made from € 295.2 million to € 69.8
million, and reduction of the related capital grants from € 145.5 million to € 35.0 million. In April 2005, the
Company received from the Italian Government the final approval of the “Program Agreement” confirming
these revisions. In 2010, a committee appointed by the Ministry of Industrial Activities prepared the final
technical report according to which the overall industrial investments acknowledged under the last version of
the “Program Agreement” as agreed in 2005 changed from € 69.8 million to the final amount of € 66.0 million.
Accordingly, the related total capital grants under the “Program Agreement” changed from € 35.0 million to the
final amount of € 33.3 million. Therefore, the receivable for capital grants still due to the Company is € 9.1
million. However, in 2010, the Ministry of Industrial Activities determined an overall net receivable of only €
7.1 million. In fact, the Ministry of Industrial Activities claims that interest in arrears of € 1.8 million has
accrued on capital grants paid in advance in 1997 for investments originally planned and subsequently not
included in the final version of the “Program Agreement”, as agreed in 2005. The remaining part of the
reduction of € 0.2 million is attributable to fees owed to Committee appointed by the Ministry. Hence, the
Company has allocated in its balance sheet, as a precautionary measure, an overall devaluation for such
receivable of € 3.7 million, as the result of the € 1.7 million reduction in the final amount of capital grants not
approved (reduced from € 35.0 million to € 33.3 million), the claimed interest in arrears (€ 1.8 million), and
the fees due to the Ministry Committee (€ 0.2 million).
On April 27, 2004, the Technical-Scientific Committee of the Italian Ministry of Education,
University and Research approved a four-year research project presented by the Company in February 2002
related to improvement and development in leather manufacturing and processing. The Committee approved a
maximum capital grant of € 2.4 million and a 10-year subsidized loan for a maximum amount of € 3.0 million at
30
a subsidized interest rate of 0.5% to be used in connection with industrial research expenses and prototype
developments (as published on August 20, 2004, in the Italian Official Gazette (Gazzetta Ufficiale della Repubblica
Italiana) n° 195). In 2007 and 2008, the Company provided the aforementioned Committee with the complete
list of expenses to be acknowledged under such project and that had been incurred between 2002 through 2007.
As a result of these costs, the Italian Government in June 2008 provided a € 2.0 million subsidized loan and a €
1.5 million operating subsidy to the Company and in February 2010 also provided a € 0.6 million subsidized
loan and a € 0.6 million operating subsidy. In 2010, the committee appointed by the Ministry of Education
University and Research prepared the final technical report according to which all of the costs incurred were
acknowledged. Therefore, in 2010, the Ministry provided a € 0.4 million subsidized loan and a € 0.3 million
operating subsidy to the Company. All of the receivables under this project have been collected by the
Company.
In 2006, the Company entered into an agreement with the Italian Ministry of Industrial Activities for
the incentive program denominated “Integrated Package of Benefits—Innovation of the working national
program ‘Developing Local Entrepreneurs’” for the creation of a centralized information system in Santeramo in
Colle that will be utilized by all Natuzzi points-of-sale around the world. This agreement acknowledges costs of
€ 7.2 million and € 1.9 million for the development and industrialization program, respectively. On March 20,
2006, the Italian Industrial Ministry issued a concession decree providing for a provisional grant to the Company
of € 2.8 million and a loan of € 4.3 million, to be repaid at a rate of 0.74% over 10 years. Between December
2006 and September 2008, the Company provided the aforementioned Committee with the list of expenses to
be acknowledged under such project and that have been incurred between July 2005 and November 2007 (date
of completion of the program) totaling € 10.8 million. In April 2009, the Italian Government provided, as
advance payment, a € 3.9 million subsidized loan and a € 1.9 million operating subsidy to the Company. In
2010, the Ministry Committee has completed the acknowledgement of all of the costs incurred by the Company
under the aforementioned project and, therefore, is expected to issue the final decree necessary for the
disbursement of the subsidies still owed to the Company. In April 212, the Italian Government provided, as
advance payment, a € 0.6 million operating subsidy to the Company.
During 2008, the Italian Ministry of Industrial Activities approved a new incentive program, entitled
“Made in Italy – Industry 2015.” The objective of this program is to facilitate the realization and development of
new production technologies and services with high innovation value in order to stimulate awareness for
products that are made in Italy. In December 2008, the Company submitted to the Italian Ministry of Industrial
Activities its proposal, entitled “i-sofas.” The “i-sofas” program envisions a total investment of € 3.9 million, up
to € 1.7 million of which may be contributed as a grant by the Italian Ministry of Industrial Activities. In
October 2011, the Italian Ministry of Industrial Activities issued a concession decree reducing the total
investment from € 3.9 to € 1.9 million and, accordingly, capital grants from up to € 1.7 million to € 0.7
million.
In April 2010, Natuzzi S.p.A., as the leader of a coalition of 19 institutions (including universities,
research centers and other industrial companies), submitted to the Italian Ministry of Education, University and
Research a project proposal entitled “Future Factory,” which hopes to be financed using National Operating Plan
(Piano Operativo Nazionale) funds. This project concerns the research and development of technologies and
advanced applications for the control, monitoring and management of industrial processes. This project
anticipates an overall cost of € 17.4 million, of which Natuzzi is supposed to bear € 3.3 million (€ 2.6 million as
industrial research-related costs, and € 0.7 million as experimental activity-related costs). In March 2011, the
Ministry informed the Company that it was included on a short list of companies being considered for the grant.
In April 2012 the Ministry approved the Feasibility Study and the Program Agreement is subject to negotiation.
However, there can be no guarantee that the Company will receive any such grant from the Italian Government.
In December 2010, Italsofa Romania, a wholly-owned operating subsidiary of the Company, took part
in a European consortium (Augmented Reality Technologies in FACTories - ARTiFACT) of partners who excel
in their respective fields of knowledge. The main objective of the project is to enhance the competitiveness of
European companies and to optimize production efficiency in order to provide workers on the shop-floor level
31
with context-based information. In addition, the industrial partners and scientific research institutes involved in
the project are able to challenge international competitors. The ARTiFACT consortium consists of 14 European
partners. The total investments included in the ARTiFACT project amount to € 5.6 million, and the overall
capital grant is €3.8 million, of which € 0.2 million is earmarked for Italsofa Romania.
Management of Exchange Rate Risk
The Group is subject to currency exchange rate risk in the ordinary course of its business to the extent
that its costs are denominated in currencies other than those in which it earns revenues. Exchange rate
fluctuations also affect the Group’s operating results because it recognizes revenues and costs in currencies other
than Euro but publishes its financial statements in Euro. The Group also holds a substantial portion of its cash
and cash equivalents in currencies other than the Euro, including a large amount in RMB received as
compensation for the relocation of its Chinese manufacturing plant. The Group’s sales and results may be
materially affected by exchange rate fluctuations. For more information, see “Item 11. Quantitative and
Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk.”
Trademarks and Patents
The Group’s products are sold under the “Natuzzi”, “Italsofa”, “Leather Editions”, “Natuzzi Editions” and
“Softaly” trademarks. These trademarks and certain other trademarks, such as “Divani & Divani by Natuzzi”, have
been registered in all those countries in which the Group has a commercial interest, such as Italy, the European
Union and elsewhere. In order to protect its investments in new product development, the Group has also
undertaken the practice of registering certain new designs in most of the countries in which such designs are
sold. The Group currently has more than 1,500 design patents and patents pending. Applications are made
with respect to new product introductions that the Group believes will enjoy commercial success and have a
high likelihood of being copied.
Regulation
The Company is incorporated under the laws of the Republic of Italy. The principal laws and
regulations that apply to the operations of the Company—those of Italy and the European Union—are different
from those of the United States. Such non-U.S. laws and regulations may be subject to varying interpretations
or may be changed, and new laws and regulations may be adopted, from time to time. Our products are subject
to regulations applicable in the countries where they are manufactured and sold. Our production processes are
regularly inspected to ensure compliance with applicable regulations. While management believes that the
Group is currently in compliance in all material respects with such laws and regulations (including rules with
respect to environmental matters), there can be no assurance that any subsequent official interpretation of such
laws or regulations by the relevant governmental authorities that differs from that of the Company, or any such
change or adoption, would not have an adverse effect on the results of operations of the Group or the rights of
holders of the Ordinary Shares or the owners of the Company’s ADSs. See “Item 4. Information on the
Company—Environmental Regulatory Compliance,” “Item 10. Additional Information—Exchange Controls”
and “Item 10. Additional Information—Taxation.”
Environmental Regulatory Compliance
The Group operates all of its facilities in compliance with all applicable laws and regulations.
The Group maintains insurance against a number of risks. The Group insures against loss or damage
to its facilities, loss or damage to its products while in transit to customers, failure to recover receivables,
Insurance
32
certain potential environmental liabilities, product liability claims and Directors and Officer Liabilities. While
the Group’s insurance does not cover 100% of these risks, management believes that the Group’s present level
of insurance is adequate in light of past experience.
Description of Properties
The location, approximate size and function of the principal physical properties used by the Group as
of March 31, 2013 are set forth below:
Country
Location
Size
(approximate
square meters)
Function
Production
Capacity per
day
Unit of
Measure
Santeramo in Colle (BA)
29,000
Headquarters, prototyping, showroom
(Owned)
28,000
Sewing and product assembly (Owned)
Italy
Italy
Italy
Italy
Italy
Italy
Italy
Italy
Italy
Italy
U.S.A.
Santeramo in Colle,
Iesce2 (BA)
Matera La Martella
Ginosa (TA)
Matera, Iesce1
Laterza (TA)
Laterza (TA)
Laterza (TA)
Qualiano (NA)
Pozzuolo del Friuli (UD)
High Point – North
Carolina
38,000
16,000
10,000
11,000
13,000
20,000
12,000
21,000
10,000
Romania
Baia Mare
75,600
China
Shanghai
88,000
Brazil
Salvador de Bahia – Bahia
28,700
General warehouse of sofas and accessory
furnishing (Owned)
Sewing and product assembly (Owned)
Motion product assembly, manufacturing of
wooden frames (Owned)
Leather cutting (Owned)
Fabric and lining cutting, leather warehouse
(Owned)
Accessory Furnishing Packaging and
Warehouse (Owned)
Polyurethane foam production (Owned)
Leather dyeing and finishing (Owned)
Office and showroom for Natuzzi Americas
(Owned)
Leather cutting, sewing and product assembly,
manufacturing of wooden frames,
polyurethane foam shaping, fiberfill
production and wood and wooden product
manufacturing (Owned)
Leather cutting, sewing and product assembly,
manufacturing of wooden frames,
polyurethane foam shaping, fiberfill
production (Leased)
Leather cutting, sewing and product assembly,
manufacturing of wooden frames,
polyurethane foam shaping, fiberfill
production (Owned)
N.A.
1,400
N.A.
900
200 /
500
7,500
6,000
N.A.
87
14,000
N.A.
N.A.
Seats
N.A.
Seats
Seats /
Wooden Frames
Square Meters
Linear Meters
N.A.
Tons
Square Meters
N.A.
2,900
Seats
3,000
Seats
700
Seats
The Group believes that its production facilities are suitable for its production needs and are well
maintained. The Group’s production facilities are operated utilizing close to 70.0% of their production capacity.
Operations at all of the Group’s production facilities are normally conducted Monday through Friday with two
eight-hour shifts per day. Up until July 2010, the Group utilized subcontractors to meet demand variability.
The following table sets forth the Group’s capital expenditures for each year for the three-year period
ended December 31, 2012:
Capital Expenditures
33
Land and plants ……………………
Equipment ………………………..
Intangible assets……………………
Total………………………
2011
Year ending December 31, (millions of Euro)
2010
0.2
13.8
3.1
17.1
2012
0.1
5.1
3.0
8.2
0.9
18.8
1.3
21.0
Capital expenditures during the last three years were primarily made to make improvements to
property, plant and equipment, for the expansion of the Company’s retail network as well as for SAP
implementation. In 2012, capital expenditures were primarily made to make improvements at the Group’s
existing facilities and in particular in Italy (Santeramo in Colle, Pozzuolo del Friuli and Qualiano), in Romania
and in China and to further develop the SAP system.
The Group expects that capital expenditures in 2013 will be approximately € 15 million, which is
expected to be financed with cash flow from operations. The Group plans to direct such capital expenditures
mainly to productivity improvements in its existing plants, to carry on the updating and implementation of the
SAP system, and to open new stores and galleries. The Group expects almost all of the new store and gallery
openings to be in Asia and Brazil.
ITEM 4A. UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS
None.
ITEM 5. OPERATING AND FINANCIAL REVIEW AND PROSPECTS
The following discussion of the Group’s results of operations, liquidity and capital resources is based
on information derived from the audited Consolidated Financial Statements and the notes thereto included in
Item 18 of this Annual Report. These financial statements have been prepared in accordance with Italian GAAP,
which differ in certain respects from U.S. GAAP. For a discussion of the principal differences between Italian
GAAP and U.S. GAAP as they relate to the Group’s consolidated net losses and shareholders’ equity, see Note
29 to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in Item 18 of this Annual Report. All information that is
not historical in nature and disclosed under “Item 5—Operating and Financial Review and Prospects” is deemed
to be a forward-looking statement. See “Item 3. Key Information—Forward Looking Information.”
Critical Accounting Policies
Use of Estimates — The significant accounting policies used by the Group to prepare its financial
statements are described in Note 3 to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in Item 18 of this Annual
Report. The application of these policies requires management to make estimates, judgments and assumptions
that are subjective and complex, and which affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities as of any
reporting date and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during any reporting period. The Group’s
financial results could be materially different if different estimates, judgments or assumptions were used. The
following discussion addresses the estimates, judgments and assumptions that the Group considers most material
based on the degree of uncertainty and the likelihood of a material impact if a different estimate, judgment or
assumption were used. Actual results could differ from such estimates, due to, among other things, uncertainty,
lack or limited availability of information, variations in economic inputs such as prices, costs, and other
significant factors including the matters described under “Risk Factors.”
Long-lived Assets — Management reviews long-lived assets for impairment whenever changes in
circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of the assets may not be recoverable and would record an
impairment charge if necessary. Recoverability of assets to be held and used is measured by a comparison of the
carrying amount of an asset to future undiscounted and discounted net cash flows expected to be generated by
34
the asset and are significantly impacted by estimates of future prices for our products, capital needs, economic
trends and other factors. If the carrying value of a long-lived asset is considered impaired, an impairment charge
is recorded for the amount by which the carrying value of the long-lived asset exceeds its estimated recovery
value, in relation to its use or realization, as determined by reference to the most recent corporate plans. The
Company analyzes its overall valuation and performs an impairment analysis of its long-lived assets in accordance
with Italian GAAP and U.S. GAAP (long-lived assets have to be tested for impairment whenever the events or
changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may be not recoverable).
Due to a market capitalization that falls below the carrying amount of the company, and history of
operating loss and revenues decline, management has performed impairment tests on certain long-lived assets
where losses have been generated.
The fair value analysis of each long-lived asset in use is unique and requires that management use
estimates and assumptions that are deemed prudent and reasonable for a particular set of circumstances.
Management believes that the estimates used in the analyses are reasonable; however, changes in estimates could
affect the relevant valuations and the recoverability of the carrying values of the assets. The cash flows employed
in our 2012 undiscounted and discounted cash flow analyses for impairment analysis of long lived assets in use
were based on 2013-2015 year financial forecasts developed internally by management.
While management believes its estimates are reasonable, many of these matters involve significant
uncertainty, and actual results may differ from the estimates used. The key inputs that were used in performing
the 2012 impairment test for long-lived assets are as follows:
Year Ended Dec. 31, 2012
Long lived assets (in
use) located in
Italy (Production site)
Italy (Retail site)
Brazil(Production site)
America (Retail site)
Spain (Retail site)
U.K. (Retail site)
Total assets tested
Cash flows
Undiscounted
Discounted
Third-party
independent appraisal
Undiscounted
Discounted
Discounted
Carrying value of
the asset tested
g
WACC
71,186
1,166
13,815
13,889
797
1,544
102,397
n/a
0.5%
n/a
n/a
0.5%
0.5%
n/a
12%
n/a
n/a
12%
12%
Sales
CAGR
2013-15
17%
5%
n/a
13%
6%
10%
n/a – Not Applicable
g – estimated long term growth rate taken from “Damodaran Online” at http://pages.stern.nyu.edu/~adamodar/
WACC – Weighted Average Cost of Capital
Sales CAGR – Sales Cumulative Average Growth Rate
The fair value analysis of each long-lived asset not in use is determined by means of third party
independent appraisal.
With reference to Italian production site which represents the most significant carrying amount,
management believe that the undiscounted cash flow exceeds the carrying value with a sufficient cushion.
The sales cumulative average growth rate for Italy production site is based on the three year sales plan
internally prepared by management of the high end brand Natuzzi Italia, which is only produced at the Italian
production site and sold at a worldwide level (in particular the growth is mainly related to the emerging markets
such as Asia Pacific, Russia and Brazil).Included in the cash flow analysis is an assumption of costs, which is
primarily based on historical actual costs, and adjusted for certain programs already implemented or expected to
be implemented during 2013. Management believe that these cost assumptions are reasonable and achievable.
35
The deterioration of the macroeconomic environment, retail industry and the deterioration of our
performance, could affect our Italian long lived assets. In performing the impairment analysis management has
performed a sensitivity analysis assuming a short fall in three years sales forecast (worst case of 20% decrease),
which results in an undiscounted cash flow exceeding the carrying amount of long lived assets with an adequate
cushion.
Based on our sensitivity analysis, we do not believe that the long-lived asset balance is at risk of
impairment at the end of the year because the fair values are substantially in excess of the carrying values.
However, long lived assets impairment charges may be recognized in future periods to the extent
changes in factors or circumstances occur, including deterioration in the macroeconomic environment, retail
industry, deterioration in our performance or our future projections, or changes in our plans for one or more
long lived assets.
During 2012, the Company performed an impairment review of its fixed assets and an impairment
loss of €0.9 million was recorded for the assets related to retail stores in Spain. During 2011 the Company
recorded an impairment loss of €1.0 million for its Pojuca plant in Brazil. No impairment losses arose in 2010.
For a discussion of the differences between Italian GAAP and U.S. GAAP with respect to the above
impairment analysis and the effect on net loss and shareholders’ equity as of December 31, 2012, please see
Note 29(g) of the Consolidated Financial Statements included in item 18 of this Annual Report.
Goodwill and intangible assets — Management tests goodwill and intangible assets for
impairment by reporting unit at least once a year or whenever the events or changes in circumstances indicate
that the carrying amount of goodwill and intangible assets may be not recoverable.
The Company analyzes its overall valuation and performed the impairment analysis of its goodwill and
intangible assets in accordance with Italian and U.S. GAAP. Under Italian GAAP the Company amortizes the
goodwill and intangible assets arising from business acquisition on a straight-line basis over a period of five years.
Under U.S. GAAP goodwill and intangible assets are not amortized but annually tested for impairment.
At December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010, the Company recorded an impairment loss for its goodwill
and intangible assets of €0.9 million, €5.9 million and €0.7 million, respectively.
Furthermore, the Company would like to highlight that the net book value of goodwill (net of
impairment charge) as of December 31, 2012 under Italian GAAP and U.S. GAAP was € 0.1 million (0.02% of
total assets) and nil, respectively (see notes 12 and 29(d) of the Consolidated Financial Statements included in
Item 18 of this Annual Report).
For a discussion of the differences between Italian GAAP and U.S. GAAP with respect to the above
impairment analysis and the effect on net loss and shareholders’ equity as of December 31, 2012, please see
Note 29(d) of the Consolidated Financial Statements included in Item 18 of this Annual Report.
The fair value as of December 31, 2012 was determined based on Discounted Cash analyses, which
require significant assumptions and estimates about the future operations of the reporting unit. Significant
judgments inherent in this analysis include the determination of appropriate discount rates, the amount and
timing of expected future cash flows and growth rates. The cash flows employed in our 2012 discounted cash
flow analyses were based on 2013-2015 year financial forecasts developed internally by management for the
“Italian retail owned stores”. The credit crisis experienced in Italy during 2011 and 2012 negatively impacted the
Company’s results and management’s expectations for the Italian market where private consumption remains
weak. In addition, in 2011 and 2012, the Italian Government passed significant tax, social security, and other
extraordinary measures in order to meet the European Commission and European Financial Stability Facility
requirements. Such measures were recognized by the international community as a positive step in the right
direction, but also resulted in a negative impact in the medium to short-term growth expectation of consumer
36
demand and the overall market recovery. The key inputs used in performing the impairment test of “Italian
retail owned stores” relate to an estimated long term growth rate of 0.5% (0.5% in 2011), a weighted average
cost of capital equal to 12.47% (9.67% in 2011), and an estimated average growth rate in sales of 5.0% (2.5%
in 2011) for the subsequent years. The low growth rates used in the 2012 analysis reflect the difficult economic
outlook in the key markets in which we operate. See “Trend Information” below.
Although management believes its estimates are reasonable, actual results may differ, and future
downward revisions to management’s estimates, if any, may result in further charges in future periods.
Recoverability of Deferred Tax Assets — Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for
the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the accounting in the consolidated financial
statements of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases, as well as for losses available for
carrying forward in the various tax jurisdictions. Deferred tax assets are reduced by a valuation allowance to an
amount that is reasonably certain to be realized. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are calculated using enacted
tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to
be recovered or settled. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in
the period that includes the enactment date.
In assessing the feasibility of the realization of deferred tax assets, management considers whether it is
reasonably certain that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. The ultimate
realization of deferred tax assets is dependent upon the generation of future taxable income during the periods
in which those temporary differences become deductible and the tax loss carry forwards are utilized. Estimating
future taxable income requires estimates about matters that are inherently uncertain and requires significant
management judgment, and different estimates can have a significant impact on the outcome of the analysis.
In 2012, because most of the Italian and foreign subsidiaries realized significant pre-tax losses and were
in a cumulative loss position, management did not consider it reasonably certain that the deferred tax assets of
those companies would be realized in the scheduled reversal periods (see Note 16 to the Consolidated Financial
Statements included in Item 18 of this Annual Report). In making its determination that a valuation allowance
was required, management considered the scheduled reversal of deferred tax liabilities and tax planning
strategies but was unable to identify any relevant tax planning strategies available to reduce the need for a
valuation allowance.
Changes in the assumptions and estimates related to future taxable income, tax planning strategies and
scheduled reversal of deferred tax liabilities could affect the recoverability of the deferred tax assets. If actual
results differ from such estimates and assumptions the Group financial position and results of operation may be
affected.
One-time termination benefits - In September 2011, the Company renewed its agreement with
the Trade Unions to participate in a temporary workforce reduction program for 24 months beginning on
October 16, 2011 (provided for under Italian law July, 23 1991 n. 223 e D.M. August 20, 2002 n. 31444)
pursuant to a special Social Security procedure known as “CIGS - Cassa Integrazione Guadagni Straordinaria”. The
average number of employees involved in the CIGS program within the Group’s Italian facilities for the 2011-
2013 period is 1,273 and these employees are currently employed in our Italian headquarters and production
sites. In October 2011, the Italian Ministry of Labor accepted the Company’s request, and admitted the
Company to a 24-month lay-off period, in order to support the reorganization process of the Company that
assumes a surplus of 1,060 employees at the end of the lay-off period (October 15, 2013).
Pursuant to the above-mentioned agreement, as of December 31, 2011, the Company, accrued a one-
time termination benefits reserve with an accrual of €5.4 million (for the 1,060 employees to be dismissed)
recorded as a non-operating expense, under the line “other income/(expense) net” of the consolidated
statement of operations for the year ended December 31, 2011.
In accordance with Italian GAAP this cost was recognized in 2011, due to the fact that in that year the
Company formally decided to adopt the termination plan (which was approved by the Company’s board of
37
directors) and was able to reasonably estimate the related one-time termination benefits. As of December 31,
2012, the Company had not made any official announcement or notification to the terminated employees in
connection with the work termination plan and the one-time termination benefits. Under Italian GAAP, the
communication or announcement to third parties of the plan of termination of workers is not relevant to the
recognition of the cost for the termination benefits related to the terminated workers.
Although management believes its estimates of the one-time termination benefits are reasonable,
different assumptions regarding the number of employees to be laid off, the outcome of the negotiations with
the trade unions and the relevant Italian Ministries, and other factors, could lead to different conclusions, which
could have a significant impact on the figures determined.
Under U.S. GAAP, considering the guidance of ASC 420, the one-time termination benefits have to
be recorded in the consolidated statement of operations when the termination plan is communicated to the
employees and meets all the criteria indicated in paragraph 420-10-25-4. Therefore, under U.S. GAAP the cost
of the one-time termination benefits was reversed out of the consolidated statement of operations.
Allowances for Returns and Discounts — The Group records revenues net of returns and
discounts. The Group estimates sales returns and discounts and creates an allowance for them in the year of the
related sales. The Group makes estimates in connection with such allowances based on its experience and
historical trends in its large volumes of homogeneous transactions. However, actual costs for returns and
discounts may differ significantly from these estimates if factors such as economic conditions, customer
preferences or changes in product quality differ from the ones used by the Group in making these estimates.
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts — The Group makes estimates and judgments in relation to
the collectability of its accounts receivable and maintains an allowance for doubtful accounts based on losses it
may experience as a result of failure by its customers to pay amounts owed. The Group estimates these losses
using consistent methods that take into consideration, in particular, insurance coverage in place, the
creditworthiness of its customers and general economic conditions. Changes to assumptions relating to these
estimates could affect actual results. Actual results may differ significantly from the Group’s estimates if factors
such as general economic conditions and the creditworthiness of its customers are different from the Group’s
assumptions.
Revenue Recognition — Under Italian GAAP, the Group recognizes sales revenue, and accrues
associated costs, at the time products are shipped from its manufacturing facilities located in Italy and abroad. A
significant part of the products are shipped from factories directly to customers under sales terms such that
ownership, and thus risk, is transferred to the customer when the customer takes possession of the goods.
These sales terms are referred to as “delivered duty paid,” “delivered duty unpaid,” “delivered ex quay” and
“delivered at customer factory.” Delivery to the customer generally occurs within one to six weeks from the
time of shipment. The Group’s revenue recognition under Italian GAAP is at variance with U.S. GAAP. For a
discussion of revenue recognition under U.S. GAAP, see Note 29(c) to the Consolidated Financial Statements
included in Item 18 of this Annual Report.
Results of Operations
Summary — In 2012, the Group had net losses of € 26.1 million, increasing from net losses of €
19.6 million in 2011; Group net sales decreased by 3.6%, from € 486.4 million in 2011 to € 468.8 million in
2012, due primarily to a decrease of 6.0% in seats sold, as compared to 2011, particularly concentrated in
Europe (-18.5%). In 2012, net sales of the Natuzzi Italia branded products, which target the high-end of the
market, decreased by 22.9% to € 139.9 million (from € 181.4 million in 2011), with the number of Natuzzi
Italia-branded seats sold decreasing by 28.4% as compared to 2011 (-31.2% in Europe). Net sales of the
Natuzzi Editions/Leather Editions, Italsofa brand and Softaly/unbranded products increased by 10.5% in 2012, to €
269.5 million from € 243.9 million in 2011, with the number of seats sold increasing by 1.7%.
38
The overall Group performance in 2012 was strongly affected by the persisting poor trend in sales
from Europe, which suffered from weak trends with respect to household consumption that were further
burdened by austerity-driven policies in place in certain countries, but also by the extension of the slowdown in
some emerging economies. In the Americas, on the contrary, thanks to a slight recovery in consumption but
also to the effectiveness of our commercial strategy, the Group has recorded positive performance (growth of
18.4% over 2011).
The general recessionary climate that the Group has operated within over the past few years,
especially in those markets that have historically been important to us, such as Europe, has had an adverse effect
on consumers’ disposable incomes, which has also contributed to a change in consumer preferences toward a
preference for products at the medium-to-lower end of the market.
Despite these challenges, the Group is committed to focusing on reorganization activities that will
improve the competitiveness of its operating structure. Specifically, the Group will continue to invest in
product and process innovations that implement the “Lean” perspective. In addition, our commercial
organization is being reviewed in order to have it more effectively respond to market demands, with particular
attention to fast-growing markets. The Company will also continue to further implement cost-saving measures
aimed at overhead costs and to develop our business relations with important customers by leveraging our
capability in offering quality service and competitive products.
The following table sets forth certain statement of operations data expressed as a percentage of net
sales for the years indicated:
Year Ended December 31,
2012
Net sales ................................................................ 100.0%
Cost of sales ................................................................ 66.9
Gross profit ................................................................ 33.1
Selling expenses ................................................................28.2
8.5
General and administrative expenses ................................
(3.7)
Operating margin ................................................................
(1.0)
Other income (expense), net ..........................................................
Income taxes ................................................................ 0.9
(5.6)
Net loss ................................................................
2011
100.0%
67.0
33.0
29.7
8.9
(5.6)
3.6
1.8
(4.0)
2010
100.0%
62.0
38.0
29.7
8.2
0.1
(0.8)
1.4
(2.1)
See “Item 4. Information on the Company—Markets” for tables setting forth the Group’s net leather-
and fabric-upholstered furniture sales and seats sold, which are broken down by geographic market, for the
years ended December 31, 2010, 2011 and 2012.
2012 Compared to 2011
Total Net Sales for 2012, including sales of leather and fabric-upholstered furniture and other sales
(principally sales of polyurethane foam and leather sold to third parties as well as of accessories), decreased
3.6% to € 468.8 million, as compared to € 486.4 million in 2011.
Net sales for 2012 of leather and fabric-upholstered furniture decreased 3.7% to €409.4 million, as
compared to €425.3 million in 2011. The 3.7% decrease was due principally to a 6.0% decrease in the number
of seats sold. Net sales of Natuzzi Italia-branded furniture accounted for 34.2% of our total furniture net sales in
2012 (as compared to 42.6% in 2011), and net sales of the other brands, namely Natuzzi Editions/Leather
Editions, Italsofa, and Softaly products accounted for 65.8% of our total net sales for 2012 (as compared to 57.4%
in 2011).
39
Net sales for 2012 of leather-upholstered furniture decreased 3.3% to €389.8 million, as compared to
€ 403.0 million in 2011, and net sales for 2012 of fabric-upholstered furniture decreased 11.8% to € 19.6
million, as compared to € 22.2 million in 2011.
In the Americas, net sales of upholstered furniture in 2012 increased by 18.4% to €169.9 million, as
compared to €143.5 million in 2011, and seats sold increased by 7.3% to 832,977. Net sales of Natuzzi
Editions/Leather Editions, Italsofa and Softaly products increased 21.0% over 2011 at €154.0 million, while net
sales of the higher-priced Natuzzi Italia-branded furniture were € 15.9 million, down 1.7% as compared to
2011. In Europe, net sales of upholstered furniture in 2012 decreased 18.3% to €180.0 million, as compared to
€220.3 million in 2011, due to the combined effect of a 27.4% decrease in net sales of Natuzzi Italia-branded
furniture and to a 4.7% decrease in net sales of Natuzzi Editions/Leather Editions, Italsofa and Softaly products. In
the Rest of the World, net sales of upholstered furniture decreased 3.3% to €59.5 million, as compared to
€61.5 million in 2011.
Net sales for 2012 of the Natuzzi Italia-branded furniture decreased 22.9% over 2011 to €139.9
million, with the number of Natuzzi Italia-branded seats sold decreasing by 28.4%. During 2012 net sales of
Natuzzi Editions/Leather Editions, Italsofa and Softaly products increased 10.5% to €269.5 million, as compared to
€243.9 million in 2011, with the number of seats sold increased by 1.7%.
In 2012, total seats sold decreased 6.0% to 1,680,770 from 1,787,820 units sold in 2011. Negative
performance was recorded in Europe (down 18.5% to 635,955 seats) and in the Rest of the World region
(down 8.2% to 211,839 seats), whereas the Group reported positive results in the Americas (up 7.3% to
832,977 seats).
The following provides a more detailed country-by-country examination of the changes in volumes in
our principal markets, according to the Group’s two main sales categories:
- Natuzzi Brand. In terms of seats sold under the Natuzzi brand, the Group recorded negative
results in Canada (-1.6%), the United States (-19.6%), Mexico (-39.5%), South Korea (-16.9%), Australia (-
27.0%), China (-36.0%), Taiwan (-19.6%), Israel (-20.2%), United Kingdom (-35.6%), Germany (-24.9%),
France (-40.0%), Belgium (-40.1%), Spain (-44.0%), Netherlands (-29.1%), Switzerland (-32.1%), and Italy (-
27.9%). Positive results were reported in Saudi Arabia (+9.5%), India (+33.5%), Russia (+36.9%) and Chile
(+71.2%).
- Natuzzi Editions/Leather Editions, Italsofa and Softaly/Unbranded products. The
Group recorded a decrease over 2011 in terms of seats sold in countries, such as Chile (-18.8%), Puerto Rico (-
18.3%), Saudi Arabia (-7.4%), Taiwan (-26.4%), Israel (-23.9%), Turkey (-13.4%), Japan (-27.3%), Germany
(-23.6%), France (-21.3%), Spain (-32.4%), Netherlands (-24.2%), Russia (-20.5%), Czech Republic (-
18.8%), Cyprus (-63.0%), Portugal (-28.6%), Ireland (-11.8%) and Sweden (-22.6%). Positive results were
reported in Canada (+22.7%), the United States (+1.9%), Mexico (+20.4%), Venezuela (+151.6%), Brazil
(+151.5%), Peru (+220.6%), South Korea (+17.4%), Australia (+35.8%), China (+14.3%), India (+45.5%),
UAE (+4.7%), United Kingdom (+14.0%), France (+5.9%), Switzerland (+22.4%), Finland (+10.7%),
Austria (+20.2%), Poland (+23.7%) and Denmark (+7.6%).
Other Net Sales (principally sales of polyurethane foam and leather sold to third parties, as well as of
accessories) decreased 2.7% to € 59.4 million, as compared to € 61.1 million in 2011.
Cost of Sales in 2012 decreased by 3.7% to € 313.8 million (representing 66.9% of net sales), as
compared to € 326.1 million (or 67.0% of net sales) in 2011. In particular, consumption costs (defined as
purchases plus beginning stock minus final stock and plus leather processing) increased slightly as a percentage of
total net sales, passing from 44.3% in 2011 to 44.6% in 2012, mainly due to a different sales mix (more
Softaly/private label products sold), but these results reflect the positive impact of efficiency measures that have
been introduced, including better management of outsourced materials and components, in the absence of
which consumption costs would have been higher as a percentage of total net sales. Transformation costs
(defined as manufacturing labor costs and industrial costs) saw an improvement, in terms of the percentage of
40
the total net sales, declining slightly from 22.7% in 2011 to 22.4% in 2012, mainly due to higher efficiency in
the Group’s operations following the extension of the Moving Line approach in our manufacturing plants.
Gross Profit. The Group’s gross profit decreased 3.3% in 2012 to €155.0 million (33.1% of net
sales), as compared to €160.3 million in 2011 (33.0% of net sales) as a result of the factors described above.
Selling Expenses decreased 8.2% in 2012 to €132.4 million, as compared to €144.3 million in
2011, and, as a percentage of net sales, decreased to 28.2% from 29.7% in 2011.
In particular, in 2012 transportation costs increased in Euro terms to €47.6 million, from €46.4
million reported in 2011, but also as percentage of total net sales (10.2% from 10.5% one year ago) due to a
different sales-mix (higher sales of lower-priced Softaly/private label products), as well as to more shipments
with longer routes, especially towards North America. These costs would have been higher if we had not
implemented efficiency recovery measures to rationalize the Group’s logistics, such as renegotiation of
transportation tariffs, better management of customs expenses and a reduced number of third-party storage,
together with a renegotiation of storage fees.
Commissions to agents increased slightly in 2012 over 2011, passing from 1.9% of total net sales to
2.1% in 2012. Advertising expenses decreased by € 4.8 million compared to 2011, representing 4.2% of total
net sales in 2012 (5.0% in 2011).
General and Administrative Expenses. In 2012, the Group’s general and administrative
expenses decreased by 7.9% to € 39.9 million, from € 43.3 million in 2011, and, as a percentage of net sales,
from 8.9% in 2011 to 8.5% in 2012. The reduction both in absolute terms and as percentage on net sales is the
results of the reorganization measure implemented at Group level.
Operating Income (Loss). As a result of the factors described above, the Group had an operating
loss of €17.3 million for 2012, compared to an operating loss of €27.3 million in 2011.
Other Income (expenses), net. The Group registered other expense, net, of €4.6 million in 2012
as compared to other income, net, of €17.3 million in 2011, which was higher in 2011 primarily due to the
refund from the Chinese government following the expropriation of one of the Group’s plants.
Within the line “other income / (expenses), net” of the consolidated statement of operations for the
year ended December 31, 2012, the Company has charged the amount of €0.7 million, (€2.5 million for 2011),
for the estimated probable liabilities related to some claims (including tax claims) and legal actions in which it is
involved.
In 2012, Natuzzi Iberica, one of the Group’s controlled companies, performed an impairment review
of its fixed assets and an impairment loss of €0.9 million was recorded. This impairment loss was due, in
particular, to the decline in cash flow projections related to the uncertain prospects for full economic recovery
in Spain, since private consumption was negatively impacted by a general weakness in the job market, high
levels of public indebtedness, and a decreasing level of savings among families. See Note 26 to the Consolidated
Financial Statements included in Item 18 of this Annual Report.
Net interest expenses, included in other expense, net, in 2012 was € 0.2 million, as compared to net
expenses of € 0.5 million in 2011. See Note 26 to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in Item 18 of
this Annual Report.
The Group registered a € 2.5 million foreign-exchange net loss in 2012 (included in other income
(expense), net), as compared to a net gain of € 0.5 million in 2011. The foreign exchange gain in 2012 primarily
reflected the following factors:
-
a net realized loss of € 1.6 million in 2012 (as compared to a net realized gain of € 1.9 million in 2011)
on domestic currency swaps due to the difference between the forward rates of the domestic currency swaps
and the spot rates at which the domestic currency swaps were closed (the Group uses the forward rate to hedge
its price risks against unfavorable exchange rate variations);
41
-
a net realized gain of € 2.3 million in 2012 (compared to a loss of € 1.2 million in 2011), from the
difference between invoice exchange rates and collection/payment exchange rates;
-
a net unrealized loss of € 4.6 million in 2012 (compared to an unrealized gain of € 0.4 million in 2011)
on accounts receivable and payable; and
-
a net unrealized gain of € 1.4 million in 2012 (compared to an unrealized loss of € 0.6 million in
2011), from the mark-to-market evaluation of domestic currency swaps.
The Group also recorded in 2012 other expenses, net, included in “other income (expense), net”, of €
1.9 million, compared to other income, net of € 17.3 million reported in 2011. The €1.9 million under
“Other, net” reflected the following factors:
-
a € 0.7 million contingent-liabilities provision for estimated losses related to some claims (including
tax claims) and legal actions in 2012, while in 2011, the provisions for contingent liabilities amounted to € 2.5
million;
-
other expenses of €0.3 million deriving from the write-off of fixed assets in 2012, almost the same
amount as reported for 2011;
-
a € 0.9 million loss deriving from the impairment of long-assets (Natuzzi Iberica).
The Group does not use hedge accounting and records all fair value changes of its domestic currency
swaps in its statement of operations. See Note 26 to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in Item 18
of this Annual Report.
Income Taxes. In 2012, the Group had an effective tax rate of 19.42% on its losses before taxes and
non-controlling interests, compared to the Group’s effective tax rate of 88.9% reported in 2011.
For the Group’s Italian companies the effective tax rate (i.e., the obligation to accrue taxes despite
reporting a loss before taxes) was, in part, due to the regional tax known as “Irap” (Imposta regionale sulle attività
produttive; see Note 16 to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in Item 18 of this Annual Report).
This regional tax is generally levied on the gross profits determined as the difference between gross revenue
(excluding interest and dividend income) and direct production costs (excluding labor costs, interest expenses
and other financial costs). As a consequence, even if an Italian company reports a pre-tax loss, it could still be
subject to this regional tax. In 2012, same Italian companies within the Group reported losses but had to pay
“Irap.”
As in 2011, because most of the Italian and foreign subsidiaries realized significant pre-tax losses and
were in a cumulative loss position, management did not consider it reasonably certain that the deferred tax
assets of those companies would be realized in the scheduled reversal periods (see Note 16 to the Consolidated
Financial Statements included in Item 18 of this Annual Report).
Net Loss. Reflecting the factors above, the Group reported a net loss of €26.1 million in 2012, as
compared to a net loss of €19.6 million in 2011. On a per-Ordinary Share, or per-ADS basis, the Group had
net losses of €0.48 in 2012, as compared to net losses of €0.36 in 2011.
As disclosed in Note 29 to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in Item 18 of this Annual
Report, established accounting principles in Italy vary in certain significant respects from generally accepted
accounting principles in the United States. Under U.S. GAAP, the Group would have had net losses of € 32.2
million, € 13.1 million and € 8.9 million in 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively, compared to net losses of €
26.1 million, € 19.6 million and € 11.1 million in 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively under Italian GAAP.
42
2011 Compared to 2010
Net Sales for 2011, including sales of leather and fabric-upholstered furniture and other sales
(principally sales of polyurethane foam and leather sold to third parties as well as of accessories), decreased
6.2% to € 486.4 million, as compared to € 518.6 million in 2010.
Net sales for 2011 of leather and fabric-upholstered furniture decreased 7.6% to €425.3 million, as
compared to €460.5 million in 2010. The 7.6% decrease was due to a combination of factors, principally a
8.5% decrease in the number of seats sold. Net sales of Natuzzi-branded furniture accounted for 42.6% of our
total furniture net sales in 2011 (as compared to 41.7% in 2010), and net sales of Natuzzi Editions/Leather
Editions, Italsofa brand and Softaly products accounted for 57.4% of our total net sales for 2011 (as compared to
58.3% in 2010).
Net sales for 2011 of leather upholstered furniture decreased 6.5% to €403.0 million, as compared to
€ 431.1 million in 2010, and net sales for 2011 of fabric upholstered furniture decreased 24.1% to € 22.3
million, as compared to € 29.4 million in 2010.
In the Americas, net sales of upholstered furniture in 2011 decreased by 12.6% to €143.5 million, as
compared to €164.2 million in 2010, and seats sold decreased by 12.4% to 776,171, as compared to 886,471 in
2010. Net sales of Natuzzi Editions/Leather Editions, Italsofa brand and Softaly products decreased 14.4%
compared to 2010, while net sales of the higher-priced Natuzzi-branded furniture increased 4.5% as compared
to 2010. In Europe, net sales of upholstered furniture in 2011 decreased 7.5% to €220.3 million, as compared
to €238.1 million in 2010, due to the combined effect of a 9.0% decrease in net sales of Natuzzi-branded
furniture and to a 5.0% decrease in net sales of Natuzzi Editions/Leather Editions, Italsofa brand and Softaly
products. In the Rest of the World, net sales of upholstered furniture increased 5.7% to €61.5 million, as
compared to €58.2 million in 2010.
Net sales for 2011 of the Natuzzi-branded furniture decreased 5.6% to €181.4 million, as compared to
€192.1 million in 2010, with the number of Natuzzi-branded seats sold decreasing by 5.6%. During 2011, net
sales of Natuzzi Editions/Leather Editions, Italsofa brand and Softaly products decreased 9.1% to €243.9 million, as
compared to €268.4 million in 2010, with the number seats sold decreasing by 9.5%.
In 2011, total seats sold decreased 8.5% to 1,787,820 from 1,954,593 sold in 2010. Negative
performance was recorded in the Europe region (down 7.9% to 780,791 seats) and in the Americas region
(down 12.4% to 776,171 seats), whereas the Group had positive results in the Rest of the World (up 4.6% to
230,858 seats).
The following provides a more detailed country -by -country examination of the changes in volumes in
our principal markets, according to the Group’s two main sales categories:
-
Natuzzi Brand. In terms of seats sold under the Natuzzi brand, the Group recorded negative results
in Australia (-23.8%), Chile (-42.0%), Spain (-18.8%), France (-13.2%), United Kingdom (-10.5%), Italy (-
12.3%), the Netherlands (-4.1%), Switzerland (-8.6%), Ireland (-29.3%), Portugal (-32.6%), Denmark (-
27.8%) and Belgium (-26.7%). Positive results were reported in the United States (+8.11%), Canada (4.5%),
Korea (+7.5%), Germany (+2.9%), China (+39.0%), Mexico (+59.1%), Taiwan (+7.8%) and UAE
(+3.1%).
-
Natuzzi Editions/Leather Editions, Italsofa brand and Softaly products. The Group
recorded a decrease in terms of seats sold in many countries, among which were Saudi Arabia (-20.7%), United
States (-21.2%), Canada (-12.2), Israel (-15.0%), Spain (-21.8%), Belgium (-20.2%), France (-17.6%), United
Kingdom (-14.6%), Holland (-12.3%), Portugal (-58.1%) and Sweden (-9.6%). Positive results were reported
in Germany (+30.0%), Korea (+20.2%), Japan (+6.6%), India (+44.0%) and China (+11.1%).
Other Net Sales (principally sales of polyurethane foam and leather sold to third parties, as well as of
accessories) increased 5.1% to € 61.1 million, as compared to € 58.1 million in 2010.
43
Cost of Sales in 2011 increased in absolute terms by 14.2% to € 326.1 million (representing 67.0%
of net sales), as compared to € 321.5 million (or 62.0% of net sales) in 2010. The increase in cost of sales as a
percentage of sales primarily reflects higher raw material costs, particularly of leather, and a negative sales mix.
Labor costs also increased as a percentage of sales, reflecting higher salaries in China, Romania and Italy, and to
a lesser extent Brazil, as well as the effect of a temporary shift of production from China to Italy during the
relocation of our Chinese plant. Other manufacturing costs also increased as a percentage of sales reflecting
lower sales and the new plant in China.
Gross Profit. The Group’s gross profit decreased 18.7% in 2011 to €160.3 million (33.0% of net
sales), as compared to €197.1 million in 2010 (38.0% of net sales) as a result of the factors described above.
Selling Expenses decreased 6.5% in 2011 to €144.3 million, as compared to €154.3 million in
2010, and, as a percentage of net sales, remained at the same level as in 2010 (+29.7%). The stable
performance as a percentage of sales primarily reflects a reduction in transportation costs and lower
commissions and advertising expenses.
General and Administrative Expenses. In 2011, the Group’s general and administrative
expenses increased by 2% to € 43.3 million, from € 42.5 million in 2010, and, as a percentage of net sales,
increased from 8.2% in 2010 to 8.9% in 2011. The percentage increase is linked to the net sales decrease.
Operating Income (Loss). Reflecting the above factors, the Group had an operating loss of €27.3
million for 2011, as compared to operating income of €0.4 million in 2010.
Other Income (expenses), net. The Group registered other income, net, of €17.3 million in
2011 as compared to other expenses, net of €4.4 million in 2010.
Under the line “other income/(expense) net” of the consolidated statement of operations for the year
ended December 31, 2011 the Chinese relocation effects was recorded as compensation amount of €46.7
million (equal to RMB 420 million) and write-off of €18.4 million (equivalent to RMB 165 million) of all fixed
assets owned by Italsofa Shanghai that were not transferred in the new industrial site (the industrial building and
some machines and equipment). In addition the Chinese subsidiary recorded other extraordinary expenses for
employee compensation and fees of €3.2 million (equivalent to RMB 28 million).
The Company has also recorded an impairment loss of €1.0 million under the line other income
(expense) on the plant located in Brazil in Pojuca- State of Bahia and based on the annual impairment analysis
with a third-party independent appraisal.
The Company, at December 2011, increased the One-time termination benefits reserve with an
accrual of €5.5 million (for the 1,060 employees to be dismissed) recorded as a non-operating expense, under
the line “other income/(expense) net” of the consolidated statement, based on the new restructuring program
signed with the Trade Unions, in order to support the reorganization process of the Company, that assumes a
surplus of 1,060 employees at the end of the lay-off period (October 15, 2013).
Net interest expenses, included in other expense, net, in 2011 was € 0.5 million, as compared to net
expenses of € 1.0 million in 2010. See Note 26 to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in Item 18 of
this Annual Report.
The Group registered a € 0.5 million foreign-exchange net gain in 2011 (included in other income
(expense), net), as compared to a net gain of € 1.0 million in 2010. The foreign exchange gain in 2011 primarily
reflected the following factors:
- a net realized gain of € 1.9 million in 2011 (as compared to a net realized loss of € 3.1 million from
2010) on domestic currency swaps due to the difference between the forward rates of the domestic currency
swaps and the spot rates at which the domestic currency swaps were closed (the Group uses the forward rate to
hedge its price risks against unfavorable exchange rate variations);
44
- a net realized loss of € 1.2 million in 2011 (compared to a gain of € 6.8 million in 2010), from the
difference between invoice exchange rates and collection/payment exchange rates;
- a net unrealized gain of € 0.4 million in 2011 (compared to an unrealized loss of € 1.8 million in 2010)
on accounts receivable and payable; and
- a net unrealized loss of € 0.6 million in 2011 (compared to an unrealized loss of € 0.9 million in
2010), from the mark-to-market of domestic currency swaps.
The Group also recorded other expenses, included in other income (expense), net, in 2011 of € 17.4
million, compared to other expenses of € 4.5 million reported in 2010. These expenses reflected the following
factors:
- a € 2.5 million contingent-liabilities provision for estimated losses related to some claims (including
tax claims) and legal actions in 2011, while in 2010, the provisions for contingent liabilities amounted to € 3.8
million;
- other expenses of €0.3 million deriving from the write-off of fixed assets in 2011, while in 2010, the
other expenses deriving from the write off of fixed assets amounted to € 0.5 million;
- € 1.5 million as other expense, net in 2011, compared to other income, net of € 0.2 million in 2010.
The Group does not use hedge accounting and records all fair value changes of its domestic currency
swaps in its statement of operations.
Income Taxes. In 2011, the Group had an effective tax rate of 88.9% on its losses before taxes and
non-controlling interests, compared to the Group’s effective tax rate of 172.5% reported in 2010.
For the Group’s Italian companies the effective tax rate (i.e., the obligation to accrue taxes despite
reporting a loss before taxes) was, in part, due to the regional tax known as “Irap” (see Note 16 to the
Consolidated Financial Statements included in Item 18 of this Annual Report). In 2011, most Italian companies
within the Group reported losses but had to pay “Irap.”
In 2011, the Group’s effective income tax rate was also negatively affected by a considerable increase
in the non-current deferred tax assets valuation allowance. In 2011, because most of the Italian and foreign
subsidiaries realized significant pre-tax losses and were in a cumulative loss position, management did not
consider it reasonably certain that the deferred tax assets of those companies would be realized in the scheduled
reversal periods (see Note 16 to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in Item 18 of this Annual
Report).
Net Loss. Reflecting the factors above, the Group reported a net loss of €19.6 million in 2011, as
compared to a net loss of €11.1 million in 2010. On a per-Ordinary Share, or per-ADS basis, the Group had
net losses of €0.36 in 2011, as compared to net losses of €0.20 in 2010.
As disclosed in Note 29 to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in Item 18 of this Annual
Report, established accounting principles in Italy vary in certain significant respects from generally accepted
accounting principles in the United States. Under U.S. GAAP, the Group would have had net losses of € 13.1
million, € 8.9 million and € 25.9 million in 2011, 2010 and 2009, respectively, compared to net losses of €
19.6 million, € 11.1 million and € 17.7 million in 2011, 2010 and 2009, respectively under Italian GAAP.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
In the ordinary course of business, our principal uses of funds are for the payment of operating
expenses, working capital requirements, capital expenditures and restructuring of operations. The Group’s
principal source of liquidity has historically been its existing cash and cash equivalents and cash flow from
operations, supplemented to the extent needed to meet the Group’s short term cash requirements by accessing
45
the Group’s existing lines of credit. Management believes that the Group has sufficient sources of liquidity to
fund working capital expenditures and other contractual obligations for the next 12 months.
In light of the downturn of the global economy and the continuing uncertainty about these conditions
in the foreseeable future, we are focused on effective cash management, controlling costs, and preserving cash in
order to continue to make necessary capital expenditures and acquisition of stores. For example, we reviewed
all capital projects for 2013 and are committed to execute only those projects that are necessary for business
operations.
As of December 31, 2012, the Group had cash and cash equivalents on hand of €77.7 million, and
unsecured lines of credit for cash disbursements totaling €48.3 million. The Group uses these lines of credit to
manage its short-term liquidity needs. The unused portions of these lines of credit amounted to approximately
€1 million (see Note 13 to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in Item 18 of this Annual Report) as
of December 31, 2012. At December 31, 2012, we had €26.9 million in bank overdrafts outstanding. Amounts
borrowed by the Group under these credit facilities are not subject to any restrictions on their use, but are
repayable either on demand (for bank overdrafts) or on a short-term basis (for other bank borrowings under
existing credit lines). Given their nature, these lines of credit may be terminated by the banks at any time. If
these lines of credit are terminated on short notice, we would need to find alternative sources of liquidity or
refinance these amounts on short notice, which could be difficult to do on favorable terms. See “Item 3 – Key
Information – Risk Factors.” The Group’s borrowing needs generally are not subject to significant seasonal
fluctuations.
Although we had €77.7 million in cash and cash equivalents on hand at December 31, 2012, a
substantial portion of this amount consists of the unused portion of the relocation compensation payment
received in connection with our Chinese plant in 2011. To the extent management intends to move the cash
from China by a dividend distribution, a withholding tax of 10% and the income taxes in Italy (equal to 27.5%
of 5% of the dividends distributed) would have to be paid. Tax liabilities that would result from repatriation of
cash from China have been recorded in the financial statements.
Cash Flows The Group’s cash and cash equivalents were € 77.7 million as of December 31, 2012,
as compared to € 94.0 million as of December 31, 2011. The most significant changes in the Group’s cash flows
between 2011 and 2012 are described below.
Cash flow used by operating activities was € -8.2 million in 2012, as compared to cash flow used in
operations of € -19.9 million in 2011.
As at December 31, 2012, we had a general decrease in inventory level of € 11.3 million in
comparison with December 31, 2011, due mostly to more efficient warehouse management.
Net cash used in investment activities in 2012 was € -6.5 million compared to a net cash of € 28.1
million generated in 2011. The decrease in cash in was primarily due to the receipt in 2011 of €46.7 million in
a relocation compensation payment from the local Chinese authority, partially offset by lower capital
expenditures.
In 2012, the main investments carried out by the Group were related primarily to adapting the
structure of the Group’s existing facilities and in particular in Italy (Santeramo in Colle, Pozzuolo del Friuli and
Qualiano), in Romania and in China and to further develop the SAP system.
Cash used by financing activities in 2012 totaled € -0.9 million, as compared to € 23.2 million of cash
generated by financing activities in 2011; this change is mainly due to a decrease in short term borrowings. In
fact in 2011 the increase in short term borrowing were € 24.1 million as compared to an increase of € 2.8
million reported in 2012.
Management believes that the Group has sufficient sources of liquidity to fund working capital
expenditures and other contractual obligations for the next 12 months. The Group’s principal source of
liquidity is its existing cash and cash equivalents, supplemented to the extent needed to meet the Group’s short
46
term cash requirements by accessing the Group’s existing lines of credit. Moreover, management highlights
that the Group’s cash liquidity is sufficient for its normal course of business, even if most of the cash is mainly in
China and, in that management decides to move this cash from China by means of a dividend distribution, a
withholding tax of 10% has to be paid, according to the Chinese law currently in force, in addition to income
taxes in Italy (equal to 27.5% of 5% of the distributed dividends). Tax liabilities that would result from
repatriation of cash from China have been recorded in the financial statements.
As of December 31, 2012, the Group’s long-term contractual cash obligations amounted to € 104.9
million of which € 17.9 million comes due in 2013 (€ 17.9 million in 2012). See “Item 5. Operating and
Financial Review and Prospects — Contractual Obligations and Commitments.” The Group’s long-term debt
represented less than 5.0% of shareholders’ equity as of December 31, 2012 and 2011 (see Note 18 to the
Consolidated Financial Statements included in Item 18 of this Annual Report). As of December 31, 2012 and
2011 there were no covenants on the above long-term debt. The Group’s principal uses of funds are expected to
be the payment of operating expenses, working capital requirements, capital expenditures and restructuring of
operations. See “Item 4. Products” for further description of our research and development activities. See “Item
4. Incentive Programs and Tax Benefits” for further description of certain government programs and policies
related to our operations. See “Item 4. Capital expenditure” for further description of our capital expenditures.
Contractual Obligations and Commitments
The Group’s current policy is to fund its cash needs, accessing its cash on hand and existing lines of
credit, consisting of short-term credit facilities and bank overdrafts, to cover any short-term shortfall. The
Group’s policy is to procure financing and access credit at the Company level, with the liquidity of Group
companies managed through a cash-pooling zero-balancing arrangement with a centralized bank account at the
Company level and sub-accounts for each subsidiary. Under this arrangement, cash is transferred to subsidiaries
as needed on a daily basis to cover the subsidiaries’ cash requirements, but any positive cash balance at
subsidiaries must be transferred back to the top account at the end of each day, thus centralizing coordination of
the Group’s overall liquidity and optimizing the interest earned on cash held by the Group.
As of December 31, 2012, the Group’s long-term debt consisted of € 10.8 million (including the
current portion of such debt) outstanding under subsidized loans granted by the Italian government (see “Item 4.
Incentive Programs and Tax Benefits”) and its short-term debt consisted of € 26.9 million outstanding under its
existing lines of credit, comprised entirely of bank overdrafts. This compares to € 24.2 million of short-term
debt as of December 31, 2011.
As of December 31, 2012, all of the Group’s long-term debt and short-term debt were denominated
in euro. For the maturity profile of the Group’s long-term debt, please consult the table labeled “Contractual
Obligations” below. Short-term overdrafts are payable on demand. Other bank borrowings under existing lines
of credit have other short-term maturities. The bulk of the group’s long-term debt bears interest at a 3-month
Euribor (360) plus a 1.0% spread per annum, with 24.4% of its long-term debt bearing interest at 0.74% per
annum. The Group’s short-term debt bears interest at floating rates, with a weighted average interest rate per
annum of 2.16% on the Group’s overdraft borrowing as of December 31, 2012, compared to 1.91% as of
December 31, 2011. The Group does not have outstanding any other debt instruments, except that it has
entered derivative instruments to reduce its exposure to the risk of short-term declines in the value of its foreign
currency denominated revenues and not for speculative or trading purposes. For additional information on these
derivative instruments, see “Item 11. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk—Exchange
Rate Risks.”
The Group maintains cash and cash equivalents in the currencies in which it conducts its operations,
principally Chinese Yuan, U.S. dollars, euro, New Romanian Leu, British pounds and Canadian dollars.
The following table sets forth the material contractual obligations and commercial commitments of the
Group (of the type required to be disclosed pursuant to Item 5F of Form 20-F) as of December 31, 2012:
47
Contractual Obligations
Payments Due by Period (thousands of euro)
Total
Less than 1
year
2-3 years
4-5 years
After 5
years
Long-term debt
Bank overdrafts
Total Debt(1)
Interest due on Total Debt (2)
Operating Leases (3)
Total Contractual Cash Obligations
_________
(1) Please see Note 18 to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in Item 18 of this Annual Report for more information on the
Group’s long-term debt. See Notes 13 and 18 of the Consolidated Financial Statements included in Item 18 of this Annual Report
on Form 20-F.
10,788
26,948
37,736
1,105
104,860
143,701
447
-
447
9
12,495
12,951
882
-
882
18
38,153
39,053
5,956
-
5,956
320
36,300
42,576
3,503
26,948
30,451
758
17,912
49,121
(2) Interest due on Total debt has been calculated using rates contractually agreed with lenders.
(3) The leases relate to the leasing of manufacturing facilities and stores by several of the Group’s companies.
Under Italian law, the Company and its Italian subsidiaries are required to pay a termination indemnity
to their employees when these cease their employment with the Company or the relevant subsidiary. Likewise,
the Company and its Italian subsidiaries are required to pay an indemnity to their sales agents upon termination
of the sales agent’s agreement. As of December 31, 2012, the Group had accrued an aggregate employee
termination indemnity of € 25.7 million. In addition, as of December 31, 2012, the Company had accrued a
sales agent termination indemnity of € 1.3 million and a one-time termination indemnity benefit of € 6.1
million. The one-time termination benefit includes the amount to be paid on the separation date to certain
workers to be terminated on an involuntary basis. See Notes 3(o) and 19 of the Consolidated Financial
Statements included in Item 18 of this Annual Report. These amounts are not reflected in the table above. It is
not possible to determine when the amounts that have been accrued will become payable.
On September, 2011 the Company and the Trade Unions submitted a request to the Italian Ministry
of Labor to access for 24 months (starting from October 16, 2011) the unemployment benefits (Italian law July,
23 1991 n. 223 e D.M. August 20, 2002 n. 31444) granted by a special Social Security procedure called “CIGS -
Cassa Integrazione Guadagni Straordinaria”. Under this program, government funds cover a part of the salaries of
workers who are laid off or whose hours are reduced. The average number of positions involved in the CIGS
program within the Group’s Italian facilities for the 2011-2013 period is 1,273 and these employees are
currently employed in the Italian headquarters and production sites. In October 2011, the Italian Ministry of
Labor accepted the Company’s request to participate in the program, and admitted the Company to a 24-month
layoff period in order to support the reorganization process of the Company that assumes a surplus of 1,060
employees at the end of the lay-off period (October 15, 2013). Under the program, during the 24-month layoff
period the Company is subject to a formal commitment to make investments (e.g., equipment related to the
production activities; marketing, sales and distribution network development; research and development;
patents; trademarks; training requalification) for a total amount of €50.0 million. These amounts are not
reflected in the table above because it is not possible to determine when this investment will be carried out.
The Group is also involved in a number of claims (including tax claims) and legal actions arising in the
ordinary course of business. As of December 31, 2012, the Group had accrued provisions relating to these
contingent liabilities in the amount of € 9.4 million. See “Item 8. Financial Information—Legal and
Governmental Proceedings” and Notes 19 and 26 to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in Item 18
of this Annual Report.
48
Trend information
Despite the still modest, heterogeneous and fragile character of the current global economic recovery,
continued improvements in survey indicators suggest that the world economy is gradually gaining some traction,
although the recovery is likely to remain slow and different across regions.
In most major non-Euro zone advanced economies, there have been tentative signs of improvement,
but a number of factors, such as fiscal imbalances, elevated household debt levels, temporary fiscal stimulus
packages, high levels of unemployment and a general weakness in some local economies, will continue to weigh
on medium-term growth prospects. In emerging economies, growth is rebounding following a slight reduction
in the pace of activity that occurred in 2012. Accordingly, these economies are expected to provide a significant
contribution to global growth going forward.
In the Euro-zone, available data continue to signal that economic weakness has extended into the
beginning of 2013, with signs of stabilization that have only recently commenced to appear, even if at low
levels. At the same time, necessary balance sheet adjustments in the public and private sectors will continue to
weigh on economic activity for the rest of 2013. Later in the year, economic activity should gradually recover,
supported by a strengthening of global demand, especially coming from the emerging countries, and a more
accommodating monetary policy. Ongoing fiscal consolidation of imbalances is likely to weigh on the pace of
recovery, if any.
In light of this uncertain situation, the Company plans to continue to improve its efficiency by
controlling costs, to fight counterfeiting and unfair competition, to encourage innovation, to improve quality
and, above all, to strive to regain its competitiveness and profitability.
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
As of December 31, 2012, neither Natuzzi S.p.A. nor any of its subsidiaries was a party to any off-
balance sheet arrangements.
Related Party Transactions
Please see “Item 7. Major Shareholders and Related Party Transactions” of this Annual Report.
New Accounting Standards under Italian and U.S. GAAP
Process of Transition to International Accounting Standards — Following the entry into
force of European Regulation No. 1606 of July 2002, EU companies whose securities are traded on regulated
markets in the EU have been required, since 2005, to adopt International Financial Reporting Standards
(“IFRS”), formerly known as IAS, in the preparation of their consolidated financial statements. Given that the
Company’s securities are only traded on the NYSE, the Company is not subject to this requirement and
continues to report its financial results in accordance with Italian GAAP and to provide the required
reconciliation of certain items to U.S. GAAP in the Company’s Annual Reports on Form 20-F.
Italian GAAP — There are no recently issued accounting standards under Italian GAAP that have
not been adopted by the Group.
U.S. GAAP — Recently issued but not yet adopted U.S. accounting pronouncements relevant
for the Company are outlined below:
“Presentation of Comprehensive Income (Topic 220)”, which revises the manner in which entities
present comprehensive income in their financial statements. The new guidance removes the presentation
options in ASC 220, “Comprehensive income”, and requires entities to report components of comprehensive
income in either (i) a continuous statement of comprehensive income or (ii) two separate but consecutive
49
statements. Under the two-statement approach, an entity is required to present components of net income and
total net income in the statement of net income. The statement of other comprehensive income should
immediately follow the statement of net income and include the components of other comprehensive income
and a total for other comprehensive income, along with a total for comprehensive income. The amendments in
this ASU do not change the items that must be reported in other comprehensive income or when an item of
other comprehensive income must be reclassified to net income. The amendments in this ASU should be applied
retrospectively and they are effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after
December 15, 2011. The provisions of ASU 2011-05 did not have a material impact on the Company’s
consolidated financial statements.
In December 2011, the FASB issued ASU 2011-11, “Balance Sheet (Topic 210): Disclosures about
offsetting Assets and Liabilities”. The objective of this update is to provide enhanced disclosures that will enable
financial statements’ users to evaluate the effect or potential effect of netting arrangements on an entity’s
financial position. This includes the effect or potential effect of rights of setoff associated with an entity’s
recognized assets and recognized liabilities within the scope of this ASU. The amendments require enhanced
disclosures by requiring improved information about financial instruments and derivative instruments that are
either (1) offset in accordance with either Section 210-20-45 or Section 815-10-45 or (2) subject to an
enforceable master netting arrangement or similar agreement, irrespective of whether they are offset in
accordance with either Section 210-20-45 or Section 815-10-45. The amendments in this update are effective
for annual reporting periods beginning on or after January 1, 2013, and interim periods within those annual
periods. An entity should provide the disclosures required by those amendments retrospectively for all
comparative periods presented. The provisions of ASU 2011-11 are not expected to have a material impact on
the Company’s consolidated financial statements.
In December 2011, the FASB issued ASU 2011-12, “Comprehensive Income (Topic 220): Deferral of
the Effective Date for Amendments to the Presentation of Reclassifications of Items out of Accumulated Other
Comprehensive Income in Accounting Standard Update No 2011-05”. The amendments in this ASU supersede
certain pending paragraphs in ASU 2011-05, to effectively defer the requirement that companies present
reclassification adjustments for each component of accumulated other comprehensive income in both net
income and other comprehensive income on the face of the financial statements. Companies are still required to
present reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive income on the face of the financial statements
or disclose those amounts in the notes to the financial statements. The provisions of ASU 2011-12 are not
expected to have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.
ITEM 6. DIRECTORS, SENIOR MANAGEMENT AND EMPLOYEES
The board of directors of Natuzzi S.p.A. currently consists of eight members, whose term will expire
on the date in which the shareholders’ meeting will approve the financial statements for fiscal year 2013. The
directors and senior executive officers of the Company as of February 28, 2013, were as follows:
50
Name
Age Position with the Company
Pasquale Natuzzi *
Antonia Isabella Perrone *
Annamaria Natuzzi *
Giuseppe Antonio D’Angelo *
Maurizia Iachino Leto di Priolo *
Giuseppe Desantis*
Giuseppe Marino*
Andrea Martinelli*
Vittorio Notarpietro
Antonio Cavallera
Giuseppe Cacciapaglia
Giambattista Massaro
Colacicco Angelo
Pasquale De Ruvo
Nabila Metwally
Fernando Di Gaetano
Giuseppe Vito Stano
Giuseppe Pellegrino
Simon Hughes
72
Chairman of the Board of Directors, Chief Executive Officer & ad
interim Chief Human Resources Officer
43 Director
47 Director
47 Outside Director
62 Outside Director
50 Outside Director
47 Outside Director
65 Outside Director
50 Chief Financial Officer
34 Chief Strategic Planning, Organization & Corporate Comm. Officer
45 Chief Internal Control Systems Officer
51 Chief Operating Officer
44 Chief Information Technology
38 Chief Legal & Security Officer
54 Chief Commercial Officer EMEA
51 Chief Commercial Officer Americas
53 Chief Worldwide Softaly Division
50 Chief Commercial Officer Brazil
53 Chief Commercial Officer Asia Pacific
* The above mentioned members of the board of directors were elected at the Company’s annual general shareholders’
meeting held on April 28, 2011.
Pasquale Natuzzi, currently Chairman of the Board of Directors, Chief Executive Officer and ad
interim Chief Human Resources Officer, founded the Company in 1959. Mr. Natuzzi held the title of sole
director of the Company from its incorporation in 1972 until 1991, when he became the Chairman of the Board
of Directors. Mr. Natuzzi has creative skills and is directly involved with brand development and product
styling. He takes care of strategic partnerships with existing and new accounts.
Antonia Isabella Perrone is a Director and is involved in the main areas of Natuzzi Group
management, from the definition of strategies to retail distribution, marketing and brand development, and
foreign transactions. In 1998, she was appointed sole director of a company in the agricultural-food sector,
wholly owned by the Natuzzi Family (as defined above). She became part of the Natuzzi Group in 1994, dealing
with marketing and communication for the Italian market under the scope of retail development management
until 1997. She has been married to Pasquale Natuzzi since 1997.
Annamaria Natuzzi is a Director of the Company and holds 2.6% of the Company’s outstanding
share capital. She is currently involved in defining the Group’s strategy. She entered the Group in 1980, first
working in Production Management (until 1985) and then with Sales Management (until 1995), mainly dealing
with the Italian and European markets. She gained significant experience in Research and Development
Management, where she remained until 2004. She is the daughter of Pasquale Natuzzi.
Giuseppe Antonio D’Angelo is an Outside Director of the Company and is currently Executive
Vice President of Anglo-America regions with Ferrero International SA. Before joining Ferrero in 2009, he
acquired significant international experience in general management of multinational companies such as General
Mills (from 1997 to 2009), S.C. Johnson & Son (from 1991 to 1997) and Procter & Gamble (from 1989 to
1991). Mr. D’Angelo earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics from LUISS University of Rome in
1988. He received certification from Harvard Business School in the Advanced Management Program in 2004.
Maurizia Iachino Leto di Priolo is an Outside Director of the Company. She has gained expertise
in the executive search field as a partner at Spencer Stuart Italy, an executive search consulting firm. Since
51
2001, she has been advising quoted and private companies on corporate governance. Since 2007, she has been
leading the governance practice at Key2people. She is member of “Consiglio di Reggenza della Banca d’Italia” ,
independent member in the committee for 4th Generation in DeAgostini Group, board member of Fondazione
Franco Parenti, and currently Chairman of OXFAM Italy. Ms. Iachino was President of Save the Children Italy
from 2001 to 2007, she has been member of the scientific committee of NED Community, the Italian
Community of Non-Executive Directors, and member of the board of directors of Fondazione AEM/A2A.
Giuseppe Desantis is an Outside Director of the Company and is currently General Manager for
G.T.S – General Transport Service S.p.A, European leader in intermodal transports. From 1984 to 2008, he
had covered roles of increasing responsibility within the Natuzzi Group, last but not least, the role of the
Company’s Vice President. From 1994 to 1997 he has been Vice President of “Confindustria - Bari”. From 2001
to 2011 he has been President of “Sezione Legno Arredo – Confindustria Basilicata”. From 2001 to 2005 Mr.
Desantis has been member of “Direttivo del Comitato del Distretto del Mobile imbottito – Matera” and from 2008 to
early 2011 he has been member of “Direttivo del Comitato del Distretto del legno e Arredo - Puglia”. Since 2002, he
has been an Outside Director of Banca d’Italia – Bari.
Giuseppe Marino is an Outside Director of the Company and currently is an associate professor of
tax law at the University of Milan. Mr. Marino is admitted to the Milan Bar and to the Italian Supreme Court, he
is a chartered accountant and an official auditor and coordinator of the Master in Tax Law program at Bocconi
University of Milan. He is a member of important tax law associations, within the role of member of the
Academic Committee of the European Association of Tax Law Professors (EATLP), member of the Committee
Rules of Behavior in Tax Law in the Chartered Accountant Association in Milan, and a member of various
Editorial Boards of tax law reviews. He is also a member of the board of directors of Alcofinance SA and
Alcogroup SA (Belgium), a member of the board of statutory auditors of SOL S.p.A. (listed on the Milan Stock
Exchange) as well as of two other non-listed financial companies.
Andrea Martinelli is an Outside Director of the Company and currently he is Chairman of the
Andrea Martinelli Sarl, Strategic Consultant Company. From 2008 to 2012 he was Chief Operating Officer
West Europe/MENA for MCCI and Executive Board Director of METRO Cash & Carry International. From
2004 to 2008, he was a Regional Operation Officer Russia – Ukraine – Kazakhstan and a member of the
management board for MCCI. From 1999 to 2003, he also served as the Managing Director for MCCI Italy.
From 1995 to 1998, Mr. Martinelli served as the CEO Personnel Care – Division International for FMCG
Group Italy, Greece and France, and from 1986 to 1995, he was the Managing Director of Generale
Supermercati Italia and a board member of Holding SME.
Vittorio Notarpietro is the Chief Financial Officer of the Company. He rejoined the Group in
September 2009. From 1991 to 1998, he was the Finance Director and Investor Relation Manager in the
Group. From 1999 to 2006, he was IT Holding Group Finance Vice President. From 2006 to 2009, he was the
CEO of Malo S.p.A., a leading Italian company in the luxury sector.
Antonio Cavallera is the Chief Strategic Planning, Organization & Corporate Comm. Officer of
the Company. He joined the Company in December 2005 and covered roles of increasing responsibility in the
HR & Organization Department. From November 2010 to August 2011 he was Corporate & Commercial HR
Manager and from June 2009 to November 2010 as Commercial HR Manager. He has also served as Training
& Change Management Manager from July 2008 to June 2009 and HR Retail Specialist from September 2006
to June 2009.
Giuseppe Cacciapaglia is the Chief Internal Control Systems Officer and he joined the Company in
July 1996, primarily focusing on carrying out financial audit activities of the Group. Previously Mr.Cacciapaglia
worked with Reconta Ernst & Young within the financial audit services. From 2006 to 2009, he was also
member of the Statutory Audit Committee of “Santeramo in Colle” Municipality.
Giambattista Massaro is the Chief Operating Officer. He was from January 2010 to January 2012
Chief Procurement Officer. He returned to the Company in January 2010 after his service as CEO of Ixina Italy
52
S.r.l. - Snaidero Group from 2007 to 2009. From 1993 to 2007, he was General Manager of Purchasing,
Logistics and Overseas Operation and a member of the board of directors of the Natuzzi Group. From 1992 to
1993, he was Executive Assistant to Mr. Natuzzi, and from 1990 to 1992, he was Pricing and Costs Manager.
He joined the Company in 1987 as a buyer. He also previously served as Chairman of Natco S.p.A., Natuzzi
Trade Service S.r.l. and Lagene as well as Director of Italsofa Bahia Ltda., Italsofa Romania S.r.l. and Natuzzi
Asia Ltd.
Pasquale De Ruvo is the Chief Legal and Security Officer. He joined the Company in April 2003 as
Security Manager. He covered this role until May 2012 when he has taken in charge his actual position. Previous
his experience in Natuzzi Group Mr Pasquale De Ruvo has developed his professional career in the Department
of Defence – “186° RGT Paracadutisti Folgore”.
Angelo Colacicco is the Chief Information Officer of the Company, a position he has served in since
October 2007. He joined the Company in its HR & Organization department in 1994. In 1996, he served as a
software specialist in the IT department and from 2000 to 2007, he was the IT manager for all Sales and
distribution processes.
Simon Hughes is the Chief Commercial Officer Asia Pacific. He joined the Company in September
2010 as Chief of Natuzzi and Italsofa Division. Mr. Hughes has developed strong experience in Retail
Development in the Asia Pacific region and has assumed an increasing role of responsibility in Levi’s as Product
Manager - New Zealand from 1987 to 1992, Merchandising/Marketing Manager in Korea from 1992 to 1995
and Pan Asia Merchandising Manager from 1995 to 1997. He was Chief Operating Officer at CK Jeans – Asia
from 1997 to 2006, Managing Director at Warnaco from 2006 to 2008 and CEO at Bendon from 2008 to 2010,
which has its main distribution in Australia and New Zealand.
Nabila Metwally is the Chief Commercial Officer EMEA. She joined the Company in 1992 as Sales
Manager for Germany, Austria and Switzerland for Spagnesi S.p.a (a Natuzzi Group company). From 1997 to
1998 she was Sales Manager Europe for the Brand Spagnesi International. From 1998 to 1999 she was the
International Sales Manager for wood trim furnishings. From 1999 to 2002 she was the Regional Sales &
Marketing Manager for Germany, Austria and Switzerland. After an experience in Ceccotti HD as Export Sales
& Marketing Manager from 2002 to 2004, she returned to the Natuzzi Group as Italsofa Sales & Development
Manager EMEA. In September 2012, she was also appointed as Global Key Account Manager in charge of
Softaly, after previously serving in that position on an interim basis.
Fernando Di Gaetano is the Chief Commercial Officer Americas. He joined the Company in July
2012. He joined Natuzzi after spending more than 20 years in the fields of general management, marketing and
finance, where he gained international experience in North America, Europe, Middle East and Africa, as
manager for De Cecco, Ermenegildo Zegna, Parmalat and IBM.
Giuseppe Vito Stano is the Chief Worldwide Softaly Division Officer and Sole Director of Natuzzi
Americas. From May 2011 to December 2012, he was regional manager of Natuzzi and Italsofa EMEA and India,
and from April 2010 to May 2011 he was regional manager for Western and Southern Europe and the Middle
East. Prior thereto, he was the Italsofa brand Manager of the Group from November 2008 to December 2009.
He developed his professional career as the Key Global Account Management Vice President after being Sales
Administration Director of the Company since 1991. He was also a Director of Natuzzi Americas, Inc. From
1986 to 1991, he was Executive Vice President of Natuzzi Upholstery Inc. (currently Natuzzi Americas, Inc.) in
the United States. Prior to that, he was Assistant Vice President of Natuzzi Upholstery Inc. He joined the
Group in 1980, as a staff member of the Company’s Export Department.
Giuseppe Pellegrino is the Chief Commercial Officer Brazil. He rejoined the Company in March
2011. From January 1987 to January 2000 he covered roles of increasing responsibility in the sales area as Area
Manager Europe and Regional Manager Europe in the Group. From April to November 2000 he was worldwide
commercial director in Incanto Divani S.p.A.. From 2000 through 2011 he also worked in many upholstery
53
companies as commercial director, including Biflex S.p.A., Max Divani S.p.A, Contempo S.p.A., and News
S.r.l, as well as sales representative for Decoro and Calia.
Compensation of Directors and Officers
As a matter of Italian law, the compensation of executive directors is determined by the board of
directors, while the Company’s shareholders generally determine the base compensation for all board members,
including non-executive directors. Compensation of the Company’s executive officers is determined by the
Chief Executive Officer. A list of significant differences between the Group’s corporate governance practices
and those followed by U.S. companies listed on the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”) may be found at
www.natuzzi.com. See “Item 16G. Corporate Governance on the Company—Strategy” for a description of
these significant differences. None of our directors or senior executive officers is party to a contract with the
Company that would entitle such persons to benefits upon the termination of service as a director or
employment, as the case may be.
Aggregate compensation paid by the Group to the directors and officers was approximately € 2.5
million in 2012. The compensation paid in 2012 to the members of the Board of Directors is set forth below
individually:
Name
Pasquale Natuzzi*
Antonia Isabella Perrone
Annamaria Natuzzi*
Giuseppe Antonio D’Angelo
Maurizia Iachino Leto di Priolo
Giuseppe De Santis*
Giuseppe Marino
Andrea Martinelli
Base Compensation
€ 0
€ 35,544
€ 0
€ 35,544
€ 35,544
€ 0
€ 35,544
€ 35,544
*For 2012, these directors renounced their compensation.
In 2012 due to persisting negative performance of the Group, the Company decided to suspend any
incentive plans for top and middle management. Incentive plans for other workers and the sales force have not
changed, although these incentive systems are under review.
In 2013 the incentive systems will be reviewed in order to be compliant with 2013 budget targets.
The compensation policy, which considers organizational impacts and cost control measures, continues to be
driven by values such as motivation, meritocracy and selectivity. The compensation policy is compliant with
labor market standards, and reflects the relevant skills, responsibilities and position of each employee within the
organization, as well as market rates for such employees, while also aiming to preserve the Group’s human
capital.
Statutory Auditors
The following table sets forth the names of the three members of the board of statutory auditors of the
Company and the two alternate statutory auditors and their respective positions for the periods covered by this
Annual report. The current board of statutory auditors was elected for a three-year term on April 30, 2010.
Name
Carlo Gatto ...............................................
Gianvito Giannelli........................................
Cataldo Sferra.............................................
Costante Leone ..........................................
Giuseppe Pio Macario ...................................
Position
Chairman
Member
Member
Alternate
Alternate
54
On April 29, 2013, at the annual general shareholders’ meeting, Mr. Gatto and Mr. Sferra were re-
appointed as Chairman and Member, respectively, of the board of statutory auditors of the Company for
another three-year term, and Mr. Leone was reappointed as an Alternate Member for the same period. In
addition, at the same meeting, Mr. Giuseppe Macario was appointed as a Member and Mr. Francesco Venturelli
was appointed as an Alternate Member of the board of statutory auditors, each for a three-year term.
During 2012, the statutory auditors of the Group received approximately € 0.9 million in
compensation in the aggregate for their services to the Company and its Italian subsidiaries.
According to Rule 10A-3 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, unless an exemption applies,
companies whose securities are listed on U.S. national securities exchanges must establish an audit committee
meeting specific requirements. In particular, all members of this committee must be independent and the
committee must adopt a written charter. The committee’s prescribed responsibilities include (i) the
appointment, compensation, retention and oversight of the external auditors; (ii) establishing procedures for the
handling of “whistle blower” complaints; (iii) discussion of financial reporting and internal control issues and
critical accounting policies (including through executive sessions with the external auditors); (iv) the approval of
audit and non-audit services performed by the external auditors; and (v) the adoption of an annual performance
evaluation. A company must also have an internal audit function, which may be out-sourced, as long as it is not
out-sourced to the external auditor.
The Company relies on an exemption from these audit committee requirements provided by
Exchange Act Rule 10A-3(c)(3) for foreign private issuers with a board of statutory auditors established in
accordance with local law or listing requirements and subject to independence requirements under local law or
listing requirements. See “Item 16D. Exemption from Listing Standards for Audit Committees” for more
information.
External Auditors
On April 30, 2010, at the annual general shareholders’ meeting, Reconta Ernst & Young S.p.A., with
offices in Bari, Italy, was appointed as the Company’s external auditor for the three-year period ending with the
approval of 2012 financial statements. On April 29, 2013, at the annual general shareholders’ meeting, Reconta
Ernst & Young S.p.A., was re-appointed as the Company’s external auditor for an additional three-year period
ending with the approval of the 2015 financial statements.
Employees
As of December 31, 2012, the Group had 6,742 employees (of which 3,177 were located in Italy and
3,565 were located abroad), as compared to 6,665 on December 31, 2011. The following is a breakdown of the
Group’s employees by qualification for the periods indicated:
Qualification
Top managers
Middle managers
Clerks
Laborers
Total
2012
66
170
1,211
5,295
6,742
2011
62
127
1,206
5,270
6,665
Change between
2011 and 2012
4
43
5
25
77
We believe in the importance of Corporate Social Responsibility and have enjoyed generally good
relations with our employees.
Italian law provides that, upon termination of employment for whatever reason, employees located in
Italy are entitled to receive certain severance payments based on the length of employment. As of December 31,
55
2012, the Company had €25.7 million reserved for such termination indemnities, with such reserves being
equal to the amounts, calculated on a percentage basis, required by Italian law.
As a result of the economic crisis and due to persistently difficult business conditions that continued to
negatively affect the Group, the Company entered into an important agreement with the Italian trade unions and
the Ministry of Labor on September 22, 2011, to improve production efficiency by rationalizing the Group’s
production and services organizations in Italy. This restructuring program, based on the “Cassa Integrazione
Guadagni Straordinaria per riorganizzazione” (or CIGS in connection with restructuring), is a temporary lay-off
program pursuant to which government funds partially cover the cost of salaries of workers who are laid off or
whose hours are reduced. The Company’s participation in this program is set to expire on October 15, 2013.
According to the CIGS restructuring program, the Company expects a redundancy of approximately
1,273 workers at the end of the two-year plan. During 2012, the Company has responded to this anticipated
redundancy with the following initiatives:
-
Resignation incentives: in accordance with Italian law, on May 28, 2012, Natuzzi S.p.A. entered into an
agreement with trade unions that would permit the resignation of a total of 118 workers from June 4, 2011 to
September 30, 2012, on a voluntary basis, with an incentive payment of €13,000 for early adopters, or €11,000
for those resigning after July 1, 2011 and until September 30, 2012. A total of 27 workers resigned under this
program.
-
“Accordo di Programma”: on February 8, 2013, we entered into an agreement, or an “Accordo di
Programma”, with the Italian Ministry of Economic Development, which is part of an initiative aimed at
promoting the growth of the upholstered furniture industry within the Murgia area, which is located in the
Puglia and Basilicata regions. By entering into the “Accordo di Programma”, the Company is eligible to receive a
portion of € 101 million in proposed grants that would be made available by the Italian government and the
Puglia and Basilicata regions to companies in the upholstered furniture sector that are located in those regions
and that propose initiatives seeking to promote growth in the region, particularly where those initiatives have a
positive social impact. As part of this program, Natuzzi has proposed two highly innovative and modern
industrial projects that the Company hopes to have included in the “Accordo di Programma”. However, while the
program’s requirements are quite broad, ultimate Italian government funding for this program, the approval of
our proposals and the award of the grants are not guaranteed, and grant monies awarded, if any, are highly
unlikely to be awarded in the short or medium term. In addition, there is no guarantee we will qualify for a
significant amount of the grant monies awarded thereunder.
Based on the agreement signed in September 2011 with the trade unions and the Italian Ministry of
Labor, the Company, as of December 31, 2011 increased its one-time termination benefits reserve with an
accrual of € 5.4 million (for the 1,060 employees to be dismissed) recorded as a non-operating expense, under
the line “other income/(expense) net” of the consolidated statement of operations for the year ended December
31, 2011.
As of the date of this Annual Report, the Company is currently engaged in negotiations with the
relevant Italian government authorities on the potential extension of its participation in the CIGS program, but a
final agreement has not been reached, and as such no change has been made in the Company’s one-time
termination benefits reserve. The Company’s objective is to achieve greater flexibility in its cost structure,
increase its competitiveness and hasten its return to profitability in response to the current business
environment. The Company can provide no assurance as to the outcome of these negotiations. For further
discussion, see Note 26 to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in Item 18 of this Annual Report.
In addition, the Company is continuing its investment plan as contemplated by the agreement with the
Italian trade unions, and will during the 24-month layoff period, make the following investments for a total
amount of €50 million:
56
-
-
-
-
-
equipment related to production activities (machinery, equipment and other production tools);
electronic equipment, computers and software;
marketing, sales and distribution network development;
research and development, patents and trademarks; and
training and requalification
The Company, even in a difficult financial situation and notwithstanding the global economic
downturn, has decided to focus on the improvement of its human capital to increase productivity and
competitiveness of its Italian production sites.
In light of this, several initiatives have been undertaken by the Human Resources and Organization
department in order for the Group to recover its competitiveness, improve its customer service and enhance
product quality. In particular, the Group’s human resources department has undertaken the following
initiatives:
i)
SAP Human Capital Management: We have implemented our first human resources
management system, SAP Human Capital Management, which compiles all human capital information in a single
worldwide database, across the Group’s organizations. We anticipate that this system will improve the
efficiency and effectiveness of our human resources management, allowing for central management of the
Group’s resources by allowing for the timely monitoring of performance and costs, improving the flow of
communication and integrating the Group’s processes. Once fully implemented, this system will contain and
track personnel data, training plans, career paths, fields of expertise currently required (and expected to be
required in the future), hiring plans, and other useful information. This human resources management system
also allows for tracking of organizational data, performance, travel, reporting and budgeting. Initial rollout of
the SAP system began with training in January 2012, involving key human resources employees on a country-
by-country basis, and initial implementation is expected to be completed by July 2013. In Italy, SAP went live
in October 2012, beginning with the Organizational Management and Personal Administration modules,
followed by training modules that were launched in January 2013. In 2014, we anticipate that additional SAP
modules such as travel, performance, recruiting and planning will be implemented.
ii)
Workforce Training and Qualification: We have continued to invest significantly in the
development, updating and upgrading of initiatives aimed at re-training and re-qualifying certain members of the
Group’s workforce (including those workers that are participating in the CIGS program). In particular, 112
training courses involving 1,288 employees, including laborers, employees, executives and directors, for a total
of 30,360 hours of training, have been organized. Set forth below are statistics on the training provided during
2012 as part of the aforementioned CIGS program, broken down by hours of training and number of attendees
from each department within the Group:
57
ORGANIZATIONAL AREA
Strategic Planning Org
Brand Officer
Finance Officer
Human Resources
Internal Control System
Information Technology
Legal Officer
Retail
Softaly
EMEA
Lagene
Nacon
Operations
Plants
Commercial
Retraining of Laid-Off Workers
Total
HOURS
651
2,667
2,101
1,802
381
1,440
398
357
300
1,114
394
1,620
11,293
1,773
2,000
2,070
30,360
%
2%
9%
7%
6%
1%
5%
1%
1%
1%
4%
1%
5%
37%
6%
7%
7%
100%
ATTENDEES
18
95
66
79
9
25
8
7
8
42
34
146
289
76
150
236
1288
Based on the aforementioned CIGS restructuring program, during the 24-month temporary lay-off
program, the Company will make an investment in training of €850,000 to support skills development and re-
training of its employees. Such training was focused on managerial, linguistic and specialization activities. The
type of training provided is set forth below:
TRAINING TYPE
Commercial
Company Profile
Information Technology
Linguistic
Managerial
Corporate Regulations
Job-specific activities
TOTAL
%
13%
1%
5%
20%
37%
4%
20%
100%
A considerable portion of the training budget was dedicated to the retraining of employees affected by
the lay-off measures, as mandated by Italian laws on workforce reductions, and was undertaken by the Company
pursuant to the CIGS agreement. In particular, 236 workers who were laid-off have been provided a total of
2,070 hours of training.
Moreover, in 2012, the Group developed the “Nat Change” project. This project provides for a
complex and structured training contemplating up to 12,700 hours of training intended to support the Company
and hundreds of its employees, middle and top management, in order for them to acquire modern management
skills. 198 employees have been trained in different skills and areas such as English, “lean thinking” in the
administration area, change management and project management.
The average satisfaction rating for all our training courses was about 82%, an increase of one
percentage point compared to the average rating measured in 2011, with percentages ranging from 97% for
courses on information technology to 64% for courses on corporate regulations.
In 2012 a total of €597,359 was invested, of which €519,882 (87%) was covered by sources of
financing arising from inter-professional funds or made available by public institutions. Consistent with the
actions already implemented in the course of 2012, during 2013 the Company will continue to invest in training
activities intended to update, retrain and upgrade the skills of its human resources. The main areas of
educational action for 2013 are: managerial skills, language skills, technical skills and regulatory obligations.
58
The Group also maintains a company intranet and, as a major employer in the Bari/Santeramo in
Colle area, is an important participant in community life.
Share Ownership
Mr. Pasquale Natuzzi, who founded the Company and is currently its Chief Executive Officer and
Chairman of the Board of Directors, as of April 19, 2013, beneficially owns 30,151,175 Ordinary Shares,
representing 55.0% of the Ordinary Shares outstanding (60.1% of the Ordinary Shares outstanding if the 5.1%
of the Ordinary Shares owned by members of Mr. Natuzzi’s immediate family (the “Natuzzi Family”) are
aggregated).
As a result, Mr. Natuzzi controls Natuzzi S.p.A., including its management and the selection of the
members of its board of director. Since December 16, 2003, Mr. Natuzzi has held his entire beneficial
ownership of Natuzzi S.p.A. shares through INVEST 2003 S.r.l., an Italian holding company wholly-owned by
Mr. Natuzzi and having its registered office at Via Gobetti 8, Taranto, Italy.
Starting on September 27, 2011 and through April 19, 2013, INVEST 2003 S.r.l. has purchased a total
of 793,086 Natuzzi S.p.A. ADSs (representing approximately 1.4% of the Company’s total shares outstanding),
at an average price of U.S.$ 2.40 per ADS. These purchases were made in accordance with a purchase plan
undertaken pursuant to Rule 10b-18 (“Purchases of Certain Equity Securities by the Issuer and Others”) promulgated
under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the “Rule 10b-18 Plan”). On April 18, 2008, INVEST 2003 S.r.l.
purchased 3,293,183 ADSs, each representing one Ordinary Share, at the price of U.S.$ 3.61 per ADS. For
more information, refer to Schedule 13D, filed with the SEC on April 24, 2008, and related Amendment No. 1
to Schedule 13D, filed with the SEC on April 8, 2013. For further discussion, see Note 20 to the Consolidated
Financial Statements included in Item 18 of this Annual Report.
In relation to the “Natuzzi Stock Incentive Plan 2004-2009” (see “Item 10. Additional Information—
Authorization of Shares”), the total number of new Natuzzi Ordinary Shares that were assigned without
consideration to the beneficiary employees in 2006, 2007 and 2008 represents 0.3% of the current outstanding
shares.
Each of the Company’s other directors (with the exception of Mrs. Anna Maria Natuzzi) and officers
owns less than 1% of the Company’s Ordinary Shares and ADSs. None of the Company’s directors or officers
has stock options.
ITEM 7. MAJOR SHAREHOLDERS AND RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
Major Shareholders
Mr. Pasquale Natuzzi, who founded the Company and is currently its Chief Executive Officer and
Chairman of the Board of Directors, as of April 19, 2013, beneficially owns 30,151,175 (including Ordinary
Shares and ADSs), representing 55.0% of the Ordinary Shares outstanding (60.1% of the Ordinary Shares
outstanding if the 5.1% of the Ordinary Shares owned by the Natuzzi Family are aggregated). Since December
16, 2003, Mr. Natuzzi has held his entire beneficial ownership of Natuzzi S.p.A. shares through INVEST 2003
S.r.l., an Italian holding company wholly-owned by Mr. Natuzzi and having its registered office at Via Gobetti
8, Taranto, Italy.
The following table sets forth information, as reflected in the records of the Company as of April 19,
2013, with respect to each person who owns 5% or more of the Company’s Ordinary Shares or ADSs:
59
Pasquale Natuzzi (1)
Credit Suisse (2)
Quaeroq CVBA (3)
Number of Shares
Owned
30,151,175
2,781,529
2,760,400
Percent
Owned
55.0%
5.1%
5.0%
(1)
Includes ADSs purchased on April 18, 2008 and purchases made from September 27, 2011 through April 19, 2013 under
the Rule 10b-18 Plan. If Mr. Natuzzi’s Ordinary Shares are aggregated with those held by members of the Natuzzi Family, the amount
owned would be 32,951,177 and the percentage ownership of Ordinary Shares would be 60.1%.
(2)
(3)
According to the Schedule 13G filed with the SEC by Credit Suisse on February 14, 2013.
According to the Schedule 13G filed with the SEC by Quaeroq CVBA on November 18, 2008.
As indicated in Item 6. Share Ownership, Mr. Natuzzi controls Natuzzi S.p.A., including its
management and the selection of the members of its board of director. Since December 16, 2003, Mr. Natuzzi
has held his entire beneficial ownership of Natuzzi S.p.A. shares through INVEST 2003 S.r.l., an Italian holding
company wholly-owned by Mr. Natuzzi and having its registered office at Via Gobetti 8, Taranto, Italy. Since
September 27, 2011, INVEST 2003 S.r.l. has purchased an additional 1.4% of the Company’s Ordinary Shares
in a series of open market transactions made pursuant to the Rule 10b-18 Plan.
In addition, the Natuzzi Family has a right of first refusal to purchase all the rights, warrants or other
instruments which The Bank of New York Mellon, as depositary under the Deposit Agreement, determines may
not lawfully or feasibly be made available to owners of ADSs in connection with each rights offering, if any,
made to holders of Ordinary Shares. None of the shares held by the above shareholders have any special voting
rights.
As of April 19, 2013, 54,853,045 Ordinary Shares were outstanding. As of the same date, there were
22,663,325 ADSs (equivalent to 22,663,325 Ordinary Shares) outstanding. The ADSs represented 41.3% of
the total number of Natuzzi Ordinary Shares issued and outstanding.
Since certain Ordinary Shares and ADSs are held by brokers or other nominees, the number of direct
record holders in the United States may not be fully indicative of the number of direct beneficial owners in the
United States or of where the direct beneficial owners of such shares are resident.
Related Party Transactions
Transactions with related parties amounted to € 4.7 million in 2012 sales and € 4.3 million as at
December 31, 2012 in trade receivables and were conducted at arm’s length. Other than the foregoing
transactions, neither the Company nor any of its subsidiaries was a party to a transaction with a related party
that was material to the Company or the related party, or any transaction that was unusual in its nature or
conditions, involving goods, services, or tangible or intangible assets, nor is any such transaction presently
proposed. During the same period, neither the Company nor any of its subsidiaries made any loans to or for the
benefit of any related party. For purposes of the foregoing, “related party” has the meaning ascribed to it in Item
7.B of Form 20-F.
ITEM 8. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Consolidated Financial Statements
Please refer to “Item 18. Financial Statements” of this Annual Report.
60
Export Sales
Export sales from Italy totaled approximately € 108.7 million in 2012, down 23% from 2011. That
figure represents 26.6% of the Group’s 2012 net leather and fabric-upholstered furniture sales.
Legal and Governmental Proceedings
The Group is involved in legal proceedings, including several minor claims and legal actions, arising in
the ordinary course of business with suppliers and employees.
During 2010 the Group charged to other income (expense), net the amount of €1.0 million for the
probable tax contingent liabilities related to income taxes and other taxes of some foreign subsidiaries. This
amount represents the amount that is expected to be claimed back by the tax authorities in case of tax audit.
Furthermore, in 2010, the Company established a provision of €2.8 million for contingent liabilities related to
several minor claims and legal actions arising in the ordinary course of business. See Note 19 to the
Consolidated Financial Statements included in Item 18 of this Annual Report.
During 2011, the Group also increased its provision to €1.4 million for the probable tax contingent
liabilities related to income taxes of the Company and some foreign subsidiaries. Furthermore, in 2011, the
Company set up a provision of €1.1 million for contingent liabilities related to several minor claims and legal
actions arising in the ordinary course of business.
During 2012 the Group charged to other income (expense), net the amount of €0.1 million for the
probable tax contingent liabilities related to income taxes and other taxes of the parent company and some
foreign subsidiaries. In 2012 the remaining amount of €0.6 million of the provisions for contingent liabilities is
related to several minor claims and legal actions arising in the ordinary course of business.
Apart from the proceedings described above, neither the Company nor any of its subsidiaries is a party
to any legal or governmental proceeding that is pending or, to the Company’s knowledge, threatened or
contemplated against the Company or any such subsidiary that, if determined adversely to the Company or any
such subsidiary, would have a materially adverse effect, either individually or in the aggregate, on the business,
financial condition or results of the Group’s operations.
Dividends
Considering that the Group reported a negative net result in 2012 and the capital requirements
necessary to implement the restructuring of the operations and its planned retail and marketing activities, the
Group decided not to distribute dividends in respect of the year ended on December 31, 2012. The Group has
also not paid dividends in any of the prior three fiscal years.
The payment of future dividends will depend upon the Company’s earnings and financial condition,
capital requirements, governmental regulations and policies and other factors. Accordingly, there can be no
assurance that dividends in future years will be paid at a rate similar to dividends paid in past years or at all.
Dividends paid to owners of ADSs or Ordinary Shares who are United States residents qualifying
under the Income Tax Convention will generally be subject to Italian withholding tax at a maximum rate of
15%, provided that certain certifications are given timely. Such withholding tax will be treated as a foreign
income tax which U.S. owners may elect to deduct in computing their taxable income, or, subject to the
limitations on foreign tax credits generally, credit against their United States federal income tax liability. See
“Item 10. Additional Information—Taxation—Taxation of Dividends.”
61
ITEM 9. THE OFFER AND LISTING
Trading Markets and Share Prices
Natuzzi’s Ordinary Shares are listed on the NYSE in the form of ADSs under the symbol “NTZ.”
Neither the Company’s Ordinary Shares nor its ADSs are listed on a securities exchange outside the United
States. The Bank of New York Mellon is the Company’s Depositary for purposes of issuing the American
Depositary Receipts evidencing ADSs.
Trading in the ADSs on the NYSE commenced on May 15, 1993. The following table sets forth, for
the periods indicated, the high and low closing prices per ADS as reported by the NYSE.
New York Stock Exchange
Price per ADS (in US dollars)
Low
High
1.63
1.00
2.78
2.10
1.78
Low
3.12
3.42
2.58
2.10
Low
2.35
2.43
1.96
1.78
Low
1.87
Low
1.97
1.78
1.81
1.87
2.19
2.13
2.00
2008
2009
2010
2011
2012
2011
First quarter
Second quarter
Third quarter
Fourth quarter
2012
First quarter
Second quarter
Third quarter
Fourth quarter
2013
First quarter
Monthly data
October 2012
November 2012
December 2012
January 2013
February 2013
March 2013
April 2013 (through April 19)
4.63
3.51
5.76
4.75
3.79
High
4.72
4.75
3.57
3.13
High
3.79
3.13
2.75
2.34
High
2.34
High
2.34
2.00
2.00
2.34
2.32
2.28
2.32
62
ITEM 10. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
By-laws
The following is a summary of certain information concerning the Company’s shares and By-laws
(statuto) and of Italian law applicable to Italian stock corporations whose shares are not listed on a regulated
market in the European Union, as in effect at the date of this Annual Report. In particular, Italian issuers of
shares that are not listed on a regulated market of the European Community are governed by the rules of the
Italian civil code (the “Civil Code”). The summary contains all the information that the Company considers to be
material regarding the shares, but does not purport to be complete and is qualified in its entirety by reference to
the By-laws or Italian law, as the case may be.
General — The issued share capital of the Company consists of 54,853,045 Ordinary Shares, with a
par value of € 1.00 per share. All the issued shares are fully paid, non-assessable and in registered form.
The Company is registered with the Companies’ Registry of Bari at No. 19551, with its registered
office in Santeramo in Colle (Bari), Italy.
As set forth in Article 3 of the By-laws, the Company’s corporate purpose is the production,
marketing and sale of sofas, armchairs, furniture in general and raw materials used for their production. The
Company is generally authorized to take any actions necessary or useful to achieve its corporate purpose.
Authorization of Shares — At the extraordinary meeting of the Company’s shareholders on July
23, 2004, shareholders authorized the Company’s board of directors to carry out a free capital increase of up to
€500,000, and a capital increase against payment of up to €3.0 million to be issued, in connection with the grant
of stock options to employees of the Company and of other Group companies. On January 24, 2006 the
Company’s board of directors, in accordance with the Regulations of the “Natuzzi Stock Incentive Plan 2004-
2009” (which was approved by the board of directors in a meeting held on July 23, 2004), decided to issue
without consideration 56,910 new Ordinary Shares in favor of the beneficiary employees. Consequently, the
number of Ordinary Shares increased on the same date from 54,681,628 to 54,738,538. On January 23, 2007,
the Company’s board of directors, in accordance with the Regulations of the “Natuzzi Stock Incentive Plan
2004-2009,” decided to issue without consideration 85,689 new Ordinary Shares in favor of beneficiary
employees. Consequently, the number of Ordinary Shares increased on the same date from 54,738,538 to
54,824,227. On January 24, 2008 the Company’s board of directors, in accordance with the Regulations of the
“Natuzzi Stock Incentive Plan 2004-2009,” decided to issue without consideration 28,818 new Ordinary Shares
in favor of the beneficiary employees. Consequently, the number of Ordinary Shares increased on the same date
from 54,824,227 to 54,853,045, the current number.
Form and Transfer of Shares — The Company’s Ordinary Shares are in certificated form and are
freely transferable by endorsement of the share certificate by or on behalf of the registered holder, with such
endorsement either authenticated by a notary in Italy or elsewhere or by a broker-dealer or a bank in Italy. The
transferee must request that the Company enter his name in the register of shareholders in order to exercise his
rights as a shareholder of the Company.
Dividend Rights — Payment by the Company of any annual dividend is proposed by the board of
directors and is subject to the approval of the shareholders at the annual shareholders’ meeting. Before
dividends may be paid out of the Company’s unconsolidated net income in any year, an amount at least equal to
5% of such net income must be allocated to the Company’s legal reserve until such reserve is at least equal to
one-fifth of the par value of the Company’s issued share capital. If the Company’s capital is reduced as a result
of accumulated losses, dividends may not be paid until the capital is reconstituted or reduced by the amount of
such losses. The Company may pay dividends out of available retained earnings from prior years, provided that,
after such payment, the Company will have a legal reserve at least equal to the legally required minimum. No
interim dividends may be approved or paid.
63
Dividends will be paid in the manner and on the date specified in the shareholders’ resolution
approving their payment (usually within 30 days of the annual general meeting). Dividends that are not
collected within five years of the date on which they become payable are forfeited to the benefit of the
Company. Holders of ADSs will be entitled to receive payments in respect of dividends on the underlying
shares through The Bank of New York Mellon, as ADR depositary, in accordance with the deposit agreement
relating to the ADRs.
Voting Rights — Registered holders of the Company’s Ordinary Shares are entitled to one vote per
Ordinary Share.
As a registered shareholder, the Depositary (or its nominee) will be entitled to vote the Ordinary
Shares underlying the ADSs. The Deposit Agreement requires the Depositary (or its nominee) to accept voting
instructions from holders of ADSs and to execute such instructions to the extent permitted by law. Neither
Italian law nor the Company’s By-laws limit the right of non-resident or foreign owners to hold or vote shares of
the Company.
Board of directors — Under Italian law and pursuant to the Company’s By-laws, the Company
may be run by a sole director or by a board of directors, consisting of seven to eleven individuals. The
Company is currently run by a board of directors composed of eight individuals (see “Item 6. Directors, Senior
Management and Employees”). The board of directors is elected by the Assembly of Shareholders at a
shareholders’ meeting, for the period established at the time of election but in no case for longer than three
fiscal years. A director, who may, but is not required to be a shareholder of the Company, may be reappointed
for successive terms. The board of directors has the full power of ordinary and extraordinary management of
the Company and in particular may perform all acts it deems advisable for the achievement of the Company’s
corporate purposes, except for the actions reserved by applicable law or the By-laws to a vote of the
shareholders at an ordinary or extraordinary shareholders’ meeting. See also “Item 10. Additional
Information—Meetings of Shareholders.”
The board of directors must appoint a chairman (presidente) and may appoint a vice-chairman. The
chairman of the board of directors is the legal representative of the Company. The board of directors may
delegate certain powers to one or more managing directors (amministratori delegati), determine the nature and
scope of the delegated powers of each director and revoke such delegation at any time. The managing directors
must report to the board of directors and board of statutory auditors at least every 180 days on the Company’s
business and the main transactions carried out by the Company or by its subsidiaries.
The board of directors may not delegate certain responsibilities, including the preparation and
approval of the draft financial statements, the approval of merger and de-merger plans to be presented to
shareholders’ meetings, increases in the amount of the Company’s share capital or the issuance of convertible
debentures (if any such power has been delegated to the board of directors by vote of the extraordinary
shareholders’ meeting) and the fulfillment of the formalities required when the Company’s capital has to be
reduced as a result of accumulated losses that reduce the Company’s stated capital by more than one-third. See
also “Item 10. Additional Information—Meetings of Shareholders”.
The board of directors may also appoint a general manager (direttore generale), who reports directly to
the board of directors and confer powers for single acts or categories of acts to employees of the Company or
persons unaffiliated with the Company.
Meetings of the board of directors are called no less than five days in advance by registered letter, fax,
telegram or e-mail by the chairman on his own initiative and must be called upon the request of any director.
Meetings may be held in person, or by video-conference or tele-conference, in the location indicated in the
notice convening the meeting, or in any other destination, each time that the chairman may consider necessary.
The quorum for meetings of the board of directors is a majority of the directors in office. Resolutions are
adopted by the vote of a majority of the directors present at the meeting. In case of a tie, the chairman has the
deciding vote.
64
Directors having any interest in a proposed transaction must disclose their interest to the board and to
the statutory auditors, even if such interest is not in conflict with the interest of the Company in the same
transaction. The interested director is not required to abstain from voting on the resolution approving the
transaction, but the resolution must state explicitly the reasons for, and the benefit to the Company of, the
approved transaction. In the event that these provisions are not complied with, or that the transaction would
not have been approved without the vote of the interested director, the resolution may be challenged by a
director or by the board of statutory auditors if the approved transaction may be prejudicial to the Company. A
managing director must solicit prior board approval of any proposed transaction in which he has any interest and
that is within the scope of his powers. The interested director may be held liable for damages to the Company
resulting from a resolution adopted in breach of the above rules. Finally, directors may be held liable for
damages to the Company if they illicitly profit from insider information or corporate opportunities.
The board of directors may transfer the Company’s registered office within Italy, set up and eliminate
secondary offices and approve mergers by absorption into the Company of any subsidiary in which the Company
holds at least 90% of the issued share capital. The board of directors may also approve the issuance of shares or
convertible debentures and reductions of the Company’s share capital in case of withdrawal of a shareholder if
so authorized by the Company’s by-laws.
Under Italian law, directors may be removed from office at any time by the vote of shareholders at an
ordinary shareholders’ meeting. However, if removed in circumstances where there was no just cause, such
directors may have a claim for damages against the Company. Directors may resign at any time by written notice
to the board of directors and to the chairman of the board of statutory auditors. The board of directors must
appoint substitute directors to fill vacancies arising from removals or resignations, subject to the approval of the
board of statutory auditors, to serve until the next ordinary shareholders’ meeting. If at any time more than half
of the members of the board of directors appointed by the Assembly of Shareholders resign, such resignation is
ineffective until the majority of the new board of directors has been appointed. In such a case, the remaining
members of the board of directors (or the board of statutory auditors if all the members of the board of
directors have resigned or ceased to be directors) must promptly call an ordinary shareholders’ meeting to
appoint the new directors.
Shareholders determine the remuneration of the directors at ordinary shareholders’ meetings at which
they are appointed. The board of directors, after consultation with the board of statutory auditors, may
determine the remuneration of directors that perform management or other special services for the Company,
such as the managing director, within a maximum amount established by the shareholders. Directors are
entitled to reimbursement for expenses reasonably incurred in connection with their functions.
Statutory Auditors — In addition to electing the board of directors, the Assembly of Shareholders,
at ordinary shareholders’ meetings of the Company, elects a board of statutory auditors (collegio sindacale),
appoint its chairman and set the compensation of its members. The statutory auditors are elected for a term of
three fiscal years, may be re-elected for successive terms and may be removed only for cause and with the
approval of a competent court. Expiration of their office will have no effect until a new board is appointed.
membership of the board of statutory auditors is subject to certain good standing, independence and professional
requirements, and shareholders must be informed as to the offices the proposed candidates hold in other
companies prior to or at the time of their election. In particular, at least one standing and one alternate member
must be a certified auditor.
The Company’s By-laws provide that the board of statutory auditors shall consist of three statutory
auditors and two alternate statutory auditors (who are automatically substituted for a statutory auditor who
resigns or is otherwise unable to serve).
The Company’s board of statutory auditors is required, among other things, to verify that the
Company (i) complies with applicable laws and its By-laws, (ii) respects principles of good governance, and (iii)
maintains adequate organizational structure and administrative and accounting systems. The Company’s board
of statutory auditors is required to meet at least once every ninety days. The board of statutory auditors reports
65
to the annual shareholders’ meeting on the results of its activity and the results of the Company’s operations. In
addition, the statutory auditors of the Company must be present at meetings of the Company’s board of
directors and shareholders’ meetings.
The statutory auditors may decide to call a meeting of the shareholders or the board of directors, ask
the directors information about the management of the Company, carry out inspections and verifications at the
Company and exchange information with the Company’s external auditors. Additionally, the statutory auditors
have the power to initiate a liability action against one or more directors after adopting a resolution with an
affirmative vote by two thirds of the auditors in office. Any shareholder may submit a complaint to the board of
statutory auditors regarding facts that such shareholder believes should be subject to scrutiny by the board of
statutory auditors, which must take any complaint into account in its report to the shareholders’ meeting. If
shareholders collectively representing 5% of the Company’s share capital submit such a complaint, the board of
statutory auditors must promptly undertake an investigation and present its findings and any recommendations
to a shareholders’ meeting (which must be convened immediately if the complaint appears to have a reasonable
basis and there is an urgent need to take action). The board of statutory auditors may report to a competent
court serious breaches of directors’ duties.
External Auditor — The audit of the Company’s accounts is entrusted, as per current legislation,
to an independent audit firm whose appointment falls under the competency of the Shareholders’ Meeting, upon
the board of statutory auditors’ opinion. In addition to the obligations set forth in national auditing regulations,
Natuzzi’s listing on the NYSE requires that the audit firm issues a report on the annual report on Form 20-F, in
compliance with the auditing principles generally accepted in the United States. Moreover, the audit firm is
required to issue an opinion on the efficacy of the internal control system applied to financial reporting. No
changes were identified in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the
2012 fiscal year that have materially affected or are reasonably likely to affect the Company’s internal control
over financial reporting.
The external auditor or the firm of external auditors is appointed for a three-year term and its
compensation is determined by a vote at an ordinary shareholders’ meeting, having heard the board of statutory
auditors, and may be removed only for just cause by a vote of the shareholders’ meeting and with the approval
of a competent court.
On April 30, 2010, the Company’s shareholders appointed Reconta Ernst & Young S.p.A., with
registered offices at Via Po, 32, Rome, Italy, as its external auditor for three-year term. For the entire duration
of their office the external auditors or the firm of external auditors must meet certain requirements provided for
by law.
Meetings of Shareholders — Shareholders are entitled to attend and vote at ordinary and
extraordinary shareholder’s meetings. Votes may be cast personally or by proxy. Shareholder meetings may be
called by the Company’s board of directors (or the board of statutory auditors) and must be called if requested
by holders of at least 10% of the issued shares. If a shareholders’ meeting is not called despite the request by
shareholders and such refusal is unjustified, a competent court may call the meeting. Shareholders are not
entitled to request that a meeting of shareholders be convened to vote on matters which, as a matter of law,
shall be resolved on the basis of a proposal, plan or report by the Company’s board of directors.
The Company may hold general meetings of shareholders at its registered office in Santeramo, or
elsewhere within Italy or at locations outside Italy, following publication of notice of the meeting in any of the
following Italian newspapers: “Il Sole 24 Ore,” “Corriere della Sera” or “La Repubblica” at least 15 days before the
date fixed for the meeting.
The Assembly of Shareholders must be convened at least once a year. The Company’s annual stand-
alone financial statements are prepared by the board of directors and submitted for approval to the ordinary
shareholders’ meeting, which must be convened within 120 days after the end of the fiscal year to which such
financial statements relate. This term may be extended by up to 180 days after the end of the fiscal year, as long
66
as the Company continues to be bound by law to draw up consolidated financial statements or if particular
circumstances concerning its structure or its purposes so require. At ordinary shareholders’ meetings,
shareholders also appoint the external auditors, approve the distribution of dividends, appoint the board of
directors and statutory auditors, determine their remuneration and vote on any matter the resolution or
authorization of which is entrusted to them by law.
Extraordinary shareholders’ meetings may be called to vote on proposed amendments to the By-laws,
issuance of convertible debentures, mergers and de-mergers, capital increases and reductions, when such
resolutions may not be taken by the board of directors. Liquidation of the Company must be resolved by an
extraordinary shareholders’ meeting.
The notice of a shareholders’ meeting may specify two or more meeting dates for an ordinary or
extraordinary shareholders’ meeting; such meeting dates are generally referred to as “calls.”
The quorum for an ordinary meeting of shareholders is 50% of the Ordinary Shares, and resolutions
are carried by the majority of Ordinary Shares present or represented. At an adjourned ordinary meeting, no
quorum is required, and the resolutions are carried by the majority of Ordinary Shares present or represented.
Certain matters, such as amendments to the By-laws, the issuance of shares, the issuance of convertible
debentures and mergers and de-mergers may only be effected at an extraordinary meeting, at which special
voting rules apply. Resolutions at an extraordinary meeting of the Company are carried, on first call, by a
majority of the Ordinary Shares. An adjourned extraordinary meeting is validly held with a quorum of one-
third of the issued shares and its resolutions are carried by a majority of at least two-thirds of the holders of
shares present or represented at such meeting. In addition, certain matters (such as a change in purpose or
corporate form of the company, demergers, mergers, the transfer of its registered office outside Italy, its
liquidation prior to the term set forth in its By-laws, the extension of the term, the revocation of liquidation and
the issuance of preferred shares) are approved by the holders of more than two-thirds of the shares present and
represented at such meeting that must also represent more than one-third of the issued shares.
According to the By-laws, in order to attend any shareholders’ meeting, shareholders, at least five days
prior to the date fixed for the meeting, must deposit their share certificates at the offices of the Company or
with such banks as may be specified in the notice of meeting, in exchange for an admission ticket. Owners of
ADRs may make special arrangements with the Depositary for the beneficial owners of such ADRs to attend
shareholders’ meetings, but not to vote at or formally address such meetings. The procedures for making such
arrangements will be specified in the notice of such meeting to be mailed by the Depositary to the owners of
ADRs.
Shareholders may appoint proxies by delivering in writing an appropriate power of attorney to the
Company. Directors, auditors and employees of the Company or of any of its subsidiaries may not be proxies
and any one proxy cannot represent more than 20 shareholders.
Preemptive Rights — Pursuant to Italian law, holders of Ordinary Shares or of debentures
convertible into shares, if any exist, are entitled to subscribe for the issuance of shares, debentures convertible
into shares and rights to subscribe for shares, in proportion to their holdings, unless such issues are for non-cash
consideration or preemptive rights are waived or limited and such waiver or limitation is required in the interest
of the Company. There can be no assurance that the holders of ADSs may be able to exercise fully any
preemptive rights pertaining to Ordinary Shares.
Preference Shares. Other Securities — The Company’s By-laws allow the Company to issue
preference shares with limited voting rights, to issue other classes of equity securities with different economic
and voting rights, to issue so-called participation certificates with limited voting rights, as well as so-called
tracking stock. The power to issue such financial instruments is attributed to the extraordinary meeting of
shareholders.
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The Company, by resolution of the board of directors, may issue debt securities non-convertible into
shares, while it may issue debt securities convertible into shares through a resolution of an extraordinary
shareholders’ meeting.
Segregation of Assets and Proceeds — The Company, by means of an extraordinary
shareholders’ meeting resolution, may approve the segregation of certain assets into one or more separate pools.
Such pools of assets may have an aggregate value not exceeding 10% of the shareholders’ equity of the company.
Each pool of assets must be used exclusively for the carrying out of a specific business and may not be attached
by the general creditors of the Company. Similarly, creditors with respect to such specific business may only
attach those assets of the Company that are included in the corresponding pool. Tort creditors, on the other
hand, may always attach any assets of the Company. The Company may issue securities carrying economic and
administrative rights relating to a pool. In addition, financing agreements relating to the funding of a specific
business may provide that the proceeds of such business be used exclusively to repay the financing. Such
proceeds may be attached only by the financing party and such financing party would have no recourse against
other assets of the Company.
The Company has no present intention to enter into any such transaction and none is currently in
effect.
Liquidation Rights — Pursuant to Italian law and subject to the satisfaction of the claims of all
other creditors, shareholders are entitled to a distribution in liquidation that is equal to the nominal value of
their shares (to the extent available out of the net assets of the Company). Holders of preferred shares, if any
such shares are issued in the future by the Company, may be entitled to a priority right to any such distribution
from liquidation up to their par value. Thereafter, all shareholders would rank equally in their claims to the
distribution or surplus assets, if any. Ordinary Shares rank pari passu among themselves in liquidation.
Purchase of Shares by the Company — The Company is permitted to purchase shares, subject to
certain conditions and limitations provided for by Italian law. Shares may only be purchased out of profits
available for dividends or out of distributable reserves, in each case as appearing on the latest shareholder-
approved stand-alone financial statements. Further, the Company may only repurchase fully paid-in shares.
Such purchases must be authorized by the Assembly of Shareholders at an ordinary shareholders’ meeting. The
aggregate purchase price of such shares may not exceed the earnings reserve specifically approved by
shareholders. Shares held in violation of the above conditions and limitations must be sold within one year of
the date of purchase. Similar limitations apply with respect to purchases of the Company’s shares by its
subsidiaries.
A corresponding reserve equal to the purchase price of such shares must be created in the balance
sheet, and such reserve is not available for distribution, unless such shares are sold or cancelled. Shares
purchased and held by the Company may be resold only pursuant to a resolution adopted at an ordinary
shareholders’ meeting. The voting rights attaching to the shares held by the Company or its subsidiaries cannot
be exercised, but the shares are counted for quorum purposes in shareholders’ meetings. Dividends attaching to
such shares will accrue to the benefit of other shareholders; pre-emptive rights attaching to such shares will
accrue to the benefit of other shareholders, unless the shareholders’ meeting authorizes the Company to
exercise, in whole or in part, the pre-emptive rights thereof.
In May 2009, the ordinary shareholders’ meeting of the Company approved a share buyback program
as proposed by the board of directors. As of the date hereof, the share buyback program has not been
implemented and, in accordance with its terms, the Company is no longer able to purchase its shares as part of
the aforementioned share buyback program.
The Company does not own any of its ordinary shares.
Notification of the Acquisition of Shares — In accordance with Italian antitrust laws, the Italian
Antitrust Authority is required to prohibit the acquisition of control in a company which would thereby create
or strengthen a dominant position in the domestic market or a significant part thereof and which would result in
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the elimination or substantial reduction, on a lasting basis, of competition, provided that certain turnover
thresholds are exceeded. However, if the turnover of the acquiring party and the company to be acquired
exceed certain other monetary thresholds, the antitrust review of the acquisition falls within the exclusive
jurisdiction of the European Commission.
Minority Shareholders’ Rights. Withdrawal Rights — Shareholders’ resolutions which are
not adopted in conformity with applicable law or the Company’s By-laws may be challenged (with certain
limitations and exceptions) within ninety days by absent, dissenting or abstaining shareholders representing
individually or in the aggregate at least 5% of Company’s share capital (as well as by the board of directors or
the board of statutory auditors). Shareholders not reaching this threshold or shareholders not entitled to vote at
Company’s meetings may only claim damages deriving from the resolution.
Dissenting or absent shareholders may require the Company to buy back their shares as a result of
shareholders’ resolutions approving, among others things, material modifications of the Company’s corporate
purpose or of the voting rights of its shares, the transformation of the Company from a stock corporation into a
different legal entity, or the transfer of the Company’s registered office outside Italy. The buy-back would
occur at a price established by the board of directors, upon consultation with the board of statutory auditors and
the Company’s external auditor, having regard to the net assets value of the Company, its prospective earnings
and the market value of its shares, if any. The Company’s By-laws may set forth different criteria to determine
the consideration to be paid to dissenting shareholders in such buy-backs.
Each shareholder may bring to the attention of the board of statutory auditors facts or actions which
are deemed wrongful. If such shareholders represent more than 5% of the share capital of the Company, the
board of statutory auditors must investigate without delay and report its findings and recommendations to the
shareholders’ meeting.
Shareholders representing more than 10% of the Company’s share capital have the right to report to a
competent court serious breaches of the duties of the directors, which may be prejudicial to the Company or to
its subsidiaries. In addition, shareholders representing at least 20% of the Company’s share capital may
commence derivative suits before a competent court against its directors, statutory auditors and general
managers.
The Company may waive or settle the suit unless shareholders holding at least 20% of the shares vote
against such waiver or settlement. The Company will reimburse the legal costs of such action in the event that
the claim of such shareholders is successful and the court does not award such costs against the relevant
directors, statutory auditors or general managers.
Any dispute arising out of or in connection with the By-Laws that may arise between the Company and
its shareholders, directors, or liquidators shall fall under the exclusive jurisdiction of the Tribunal of Bari (Italy).
Liability for Mismanagement of Subsidiaries — Under Italian law, companies and other legal
entities that, acting in their own interest or the interest of third parties, mismanage a company subject to their
direction and coordination powers are liable to such company’s shareholders and creditors for ensuing damages
suffered by such shareholders. This liability is excluded if (i) the ensuing damage is fully eliminated, including
through subsequent transactions, or (ii) the damage is effectively offset by the global benefits deriving in general
to the company from the continuing exercise of such direction and coordination powers. Direction and
coordination powers are presumed to exist, among other things, with respect to consolidated subsidiaries.
The Company is subject to the direction and coordination of INVEST 2003 S.r.l.
Material Contracts
In the two years immediately preceding the filing of this Annual Report on Form 20-F, neither the
Company nor any member of the Group has been a party to a material contract, other than contracts entered
into in the ordinary course of business.
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Chinese Production Plant Lease - The Chinese plant previously owned by the Group was subject
to an expropriation process by local Chinese authorities so that the land could be used for public utilities instead.
In March 2010, Natuzzi China Ltd. entered into a lease with Shanghai Yuanchao Electronic Science and
Technology Co., Ltd. relating to a new 88,000 square meter production plant to compensate for the production
capacity reduction caused by the expropriation. For further information, see “Item 4—Manufacturing”. A copy
of the lease is incorporated by reference as an exhibit to the Annual Report on Form 20-F for the year ended
December 31, 2011 filed by Natuzzi S.p.A. with the Securities Exchange Commission on April 30, 2012.
Exchange Controls
There are currently no exchange controls, as such, in Italy restricting rights deriving from the
ownership of shares. Residents and non-residents of Italy may hold foreign currency and foreign securities of
any kind, within and outside Italy. Non-residents may invest in Italian securities without restriction and may
transfer to and from Italy cash, instruments of credit and securities, in both foreign currency and Euro,
representing interest, dividends, other asset distributions and the proceeds of any dispositions.
Certain procedural requirements, however, are imposed by law. Regulations on the use of cash and
bearer securities are contained in the legislative decree No.231 of November 21, 2007, as amended from time
to time, which implemented in Italy the European directives on anti-money laundering No. 2005/60 and
2006/70. Such legislation requires that transfers of cash or bearer bank or postal passbooks or bearer
instruments in Euro or in foreign currency, effected for whatsoever reason between different parties, shall be
carried out by means of credit institutions and any other authorized intermediaries when the total amount of the
value to be transferred is equal to or more than €1,000. Credit institutions and other intermediaries effecting
such transactions on behalf of residents or non-residents of Italy are required to maintain records of such
transactions for ten years, which may be inspected at any time by Italian tax and judicial authorities. Non-
compliance with the reporting and record-keeping requirements may result in administrative fines or, in the
case of false reporting and in certain cases of incomplete reporting, criminal penalties. The Bank of Italy is
required to maintain reports for ten years and may use them, directly or through other government offices, to
police money laundering, tax evasion and any other unlawful activity.
Individuals, non-profit entities and partnerships that are residents of Italy must disclose on their annual
tax returns all investments and financial assets held outside Italy, as well as the total amount of transfers to,
from, within and between countries other than Italy relating to such foreign investments or financial assets, even
if at the end of the taxable period foreign investments or financial assets are no longer owned. Generally, no
such tax disclosure is required if the total value of the foreign investments or financial assets at the end of the
taxable period or the total amount of the transfers effected during the fiscal year does not exceed €10,000. In
addition, no such tax disclosure is required in respect of securities deposited for management with qualified
Italian financial intermediaries and in respect of contracts entered into through their intervention, provided that
the items of income derived from such foreign financial assets are collected through the intervention of the same
intermediaries. Corporate residents of Italy are exempt from these tax disclosure requirements with respect to
their annual tax returns because this information is required to be disclosed in their financial statements.
There can be no assurance that the current regulatory environment in or outside Italy will persist or
that particular policies presently in effect will be maintained, although Italy is required to maintain certain
regulations and policies by virtue of its membership of the EU and other international organizations and its
adherence to various bilateral and multilateral international agreements.
The following is a summary of certain U.S. federal and Italian tax matters. The summary contains a
description of the principal U.S. federal and Italian tax consequences of the purchase, ownership and disposition
of Ordinary Shares or ADSs by a holder who is a citizen or resident of the United States or a U.S. corporation or
Taxation
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who otherwise will be subject to U.S. federal income tax on a net income basis in respect of the Ordinary Shares
or ADSs. The summary is not a comprehensive description of all of the tax considerations that may be relevant
to a decision to purchase or hold Ordinary Shares or ADSs. In particular, the summary deals only with
beneficial owners who will hold Ordinary Shares or ADSs as capital assets and does not address the tax
treatment of a beneficial owner who owns 10% or more of the voting shares of the Company or who may be
subject to special tax rules, such as banks, tax-exempt entities, insurance companies or dealers in securities or
currencies, or persons that will hold Ordinary Shares or ADSs as a position in a “straddle” for tax purposes or as
part of a “constructive sale” or a “conversion” transaction or other integrated investment comprised of Ordinary
Shares or ADSs and one or more other investments. The summary does not discuss the treatment of Ordinary
Shares or ADSs that are held in connection with a permanent establishment through which a non-resident
beneficial owner carries on business or performs personal services in Italy.
The summary is based upon tax laws and practice of the United States and Italy in effect on the date of
this Annual Report, which are subject to change.
Investors and prospective investors in Ordinary Shares or ADSs should consult their own advisors as to
the U.S., Italian or other tax consequences of the purchase, beneficial ownership and disposition of Ordinary
Shares or ADSs, including, in particular, the effect of any state or local tax laws.
For purposes of the summary, beneficial owners of Ordinary Shares or ADSs who are considered
residents of the United States for purposes of the current income tax convention between the United States and
Italy (the “Income Tax Convention”), and are not subject to an anti-treaty shopping provision that applies in
limited circumstances, are referred to as “U.S. owners”. Beneficial owners who are citizens or residents of the
United States, corporations organized under U.S. law, and U.S. partnerships, estates or trusts (to the extent
their income is subject to U.S. tax either directly or in the hands of partners or beneficiaries) generally will be
considered to be residents of the United States under the Income Tax Convention. Special rules apply to U.S.
owners who are also residents of Italy, according to the Income Tax Convention.
For the purpose of the Income Tax Convention and the United States Internal Revenue Code of 1986,
as amended, beneficial owners of ADRs evidencing ADSs will be treated as the beneficial owners of the
Ordinary Shares represented by those ADSs.
Taxation of Dividends
i)
Italian Tax Considerations — As a general rule, Italian laws provide for the
withholding of income tax on dividends paid by Italian companies to shareholders who are not residents of Italy
for tax purposes, currently levied at a 20% rate on dividends paid as of January 1, 2012. Italian laws provide a
mechanism under which non-resident shareholders can claim a refund of, as of January 1, 2012, up to one-
fourth of Italian withholding taxes on dividend income by establishing to the Italian tax authorities that the
dividend income was subject to income tax in another jurisdiction in an amount at least equal to the total refund
claimed. U.S. owners should consult their own tax advisers concerning the possible availability of this refund,
which traditionally has been payable only after extensive delays. Alternatively, reduced rates (normally 15%)
may apply to non-resident shareholders who are entitled to, and comply with procedures for claiming, benefits
under an income tax convention.
Under the Income Tax Convention, dividends derived and beneficially owned by U.S. owners are
subject to an Italian withholding tax at a reduced rate of 15%.
However, the amount initially made available to the Depositary for payment to U.S. owners will
reflect withholding at the 20% rate. U.S. owners who comply with the certification procedures described
below may then claim an additional payment of 5% of the dividend (representing the difference between the
20% rate applicable as of January 1, 2012, and the 15% rate, and referred to herein as a “treaty refund”). The
certification procedure will require U.S. owners (i) to obtain from the U.S. Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) a
form of certification required by the Italian tax authorities with respect to each dividend payment (IRS Form
6166), unless a previously filed certification will be effective on the dividend payment date (such certificates are
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effective until March 31 of the year following submission), (ii) to produce a statement whereby the U.S. owner
represents to be a U.S. owner individual or corporation and does not maintain a permanent establishment in
Italy, and (iii) to set forth other required information. IRS Form 6166 may be obtained by filing a request for
certification on IRS Form 8802. (Additional information, including IRS Form 8802, can be obtained from the
IRS website at www.irs.gov. Information appearing on the IRS website is not incorporated by reference into
this document.) The time for processing requests for certification by the IRS normally is 30 to 45 days.
Accordingly, in order to be eligible for the procedure described below, U.S. owners should begin the process of
obtaining certificates as soon as possible after receiving instructions from the Depositary on how to claim a
treaty refund.
The Depositary’s instructions will specify certain deadlines for delivering to the Depositary the
documentation required to obtain a treaty refund, including the certification that the U.S. owners must obtain
from the IRS. In the case of ADSs held by U.S. owners through a broker or other financial intermediary, the
required documentation should be delivered to such financial intermediary for transmission to the Depositary.
In all other cases, the U.S. owners should deliver the required documentation directly to the Depositary. The
Company and the Depositary have agreed that if the required documentation is received by the Depositary on or
within 30 days after the dividend payment date and, in the reasonable judgment of the Company, such
documentation satisfies the requirements for a refund by the Company of Italian withholding tax under the
Convention and applicable law, the Company will within 45 days thereafter pay the treaty refund to the
Depositary for the benefit of the U.S. owners entitled thereto.
If the Depositary does not receive a U.S. owner’s required documentation within 30 days after the
dividend payment date, such U.S. owner may for a short grace period (specified in the Depositary’s
instructions) continue to claim a treaty refund by delivering the required documentation (either through the
U.S. owner’s financial intermediary or directly, as the case may be) to the Depositary. However, after this
grace period, the treaty refund must be claimed directly from the Italian tax authorities rather than through the
Depositary. Expenses and extensive delays have been encountered by U.S. owners seeking refunds from the
Italian tax authorities.
Distributions of profits in kind will be subject to withholding tax. In that case, prior to receiving the
distribution, the holder will be required to provide the Company with the funds to pay the relevant withholding
tax.
ii)
United States Tax Considerations — The gross amount of any dividends (that is, the
amount before reduction for Italian withholding tax) paid to a U.S. owner generally will be subject to U.S.
federal income taxation as foreign-source dividend income and will not be eligible for the dividends-received
deduction allowed to domestic corporations. Dividends paid in Euro will be included in the income of such
U.S. owners in a dollar amount calculated by reference to the exchange rate in effect on the day the dividends
are received by the Depositary or its agent. If the Euro are converted into dollars on the day the Depositary or
its agent receives them, U.S. owners generally should not be required to recognize foreign currency gain or loss
in respect of the dividend income. U.S. owners who receive a treaty refund may be required to recognize
foreign currency gain or loss to the extent the amount of the treaty refund (in dollars) received by the U.S.
owner differs from the U.S. dollar equivalent of the Euro amount of the treaty refund on the date the dividends
were received by the Depositary or its agent. Italian withholding tax at the 15% rate will be treated as a foreign
income tax which U.S. owners may elect to deduct in computing their taxable income or, subject to the
limitations on foreign tax credits generally, credit against their U.S. federal income tax liability. The rules
governing the foreign tax credit are complex and U.S. owners are urged to consult their own tax advisers in this
regard. Dividends will generally constitute foreign-source “passive category” income for U.S. tax purposes.
Subject to certain exceptions for short-term and hedged positions, the U.S. dollar amount of dividends
received by an individual with respect to the Ordinary Shares or ADSs will be subject to taxation at reduced
rates if the dividends are “qualified dividends”. Dividends paid on the Ordinary Shares or ADSs will be treated
as qualified dividends if (i) the Company is eligible for the benefits of a comprehensive income tax treaty with
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the United States that the IRS has approved for the purposes of the qualified dividend rules and (ii) the Company
was not, in the year prior to the year in which the dividend was paid, and is not, in the year in which the
dividend is paid, a passive foreign investment company (“PFIC”). The Income Tax Convention has been
approved for the purposes of the qualified dividend rules, and the Company believes it is eligible for the benefits
of the Income Tax Convention. Based on the Company's audited financial statements and relevant market and
shareholder data, the Company believes that it was not treated as a PFIC for U.S. federal income tax purposes
with respect to its 2011 or 2012 taxable year. In addition, based on the Company's audited financial statements
and its current expectations regarding the value and nature of its assets, the sources and nature of its income,
and relevant market and shareholder data, the Company does not anticipate becoming a PFIC for its 2013
taxable year.
The U.S. Treasury has announced its intention to promulgate rules pursuant to which holders of ADSs
or common stock and intermediaries through whom such securities are held will be permitted to rely on
certifications from issuers to treat dividends as qualified for tax reporting purposes. Because such procedures
have not yet been issued, it is not clear whether the Company will be able to comply with the procedures.
Holders of Ordinary Shares and ADSs should consult their own tax advisers regarding the availability of the
reduced dividend tax rate in the light of the considerations discussed above and their own particular
circumstances.
Foreign tax credits may not be allowed for withholding taxes imposed in respect of certain short-term
or hedged positions in securities or in respect of arrangements in which a U.S. owner’s expected economic
profit is insubstantial. U.S. owners should consult their own advisers concerning the implications of these rules
in light of their particular circumstances.
A beneficial owner of Ordinary Shares or ADSs who is, with respect to the United States, a foreign
corporation or a nonresident alien individual, generally will not be subject to U.S. federal income tax on
dividends received on Ordinary Shares or ADSs, unless such income is effectively connected with the conduct
by the beneficial owner of a trade or business in the United States.
Taxation of Capital Gains
i)
Italian Tax Considerations — Under Italian law, capital gains tax (“CGT”) is generally
levied on capital gains realized by non-residents from the disposal of shares in companies resident in Italy for tax
purposes even if those shares are held outside of Italy. However, capital gains realized by non-resident holders
on the sale of non-qualified shareholdings (as defined below) in companies listed on a stock exchange and
resident in Italy for tax purposes (as is the Company’s case) are not subject to CGT. In order to benefit from
this exemption, such non-Italian-resident holders may need to file a certificate evidencing their residence
outside of Italy for tax purposes.
A “qualified shareholding” consists of securities that entitle the holder to exercise more than 2% of the
voting rights of a company with shares listed on a stock exchange in the ordinary meeting of the shareholders or
represent more than 5% of the share capital of a company with shares listed on a stock exchange. A “non-
qualified shareholding” is any shareholding that does not exceed either of these thresholds. The relevant
percentage is calculated taking into account the shareholdings sold during the prior 12-month period.
Capital gains realized upon disposal of a “qualified” shareholding are partially included in the
shareholders’ taxable income, for an amount equal to 49.72% with respect to capital gains realized as of January
1, 2009. If a taxpayer realizes taxable capital gains in excess of 49.72% of capital losses of a similar nature
incurred in the same tax year, such excess amount is included in his total taxable income. If 49.72% of such
taxpayer’s capital losses exceeds its taxable capital gains, then the excess amount can be carried forward and
deducted from the taxable amount of similar capital gains realized by such person in the following tax years, up
to the fourth, provided that it is reported in the tax report in the year of disposal.
The above is subject to any provisions of an income tax treaty entered into by the Republic of Italy, if
the income tax treaty provisions are more favorable. The majority of double tax treaties entered into by Italy,
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including the Income Tax Convention, in accordance with the OECD Model tax convention, provide that
capital gains realized from the disposition of Italian securities are subject to CGT only in the country of
residence of the seller.
The Income Tax Convention between Italy and the U.S. provides that a U.S. owner is not subject to
the Italian CGT on the disposal of shares, provided that the shares are not held through part of a permanent
establishment of the U.S. owner in Italy.
ii)
United States Tax Considerations — Gain or loss realized by a U.S. owner on the sale
or other disposition of Ordinary Shares or ADSs will be subject to U.S. federal income taxation as capital gain or
loss in an amount equal to the difference between the U.S. owner’s basis in the Ordinary Shares or the ADSs
and the amount realized on the disposition (or its dollar equivalent, determined at the spot rate on the date of
disposition, if the amount realized is denominated in a foreign currency). Such gain or loss will generally be
long-term capital gain or loss if the U.S. owner holds the Ordinary Shares or ADSs for more than one year. The
net amount of long-term capital gain recognized by a U.S. owner that is an individual holder generally is subject
to taxation at a reduced rate. Deposits and withdrawals of Ordinary Shares by U.S. owners in exchange for
ADSs will not result in the realization of gain or loss for U.S. federal income tax purposes.
A beneficial owner of Ordinary Shares or ADSs who is, with respect to the United States, a foreign
corporation or a nonresident alien individual will not be subject to U.S. federal income tax on gain realized on
the sale of Ordinary Shares or ADSs, unless (i) such gain is effectively connected with the conduct by the
beneficial owner of a trade or business in the United States or (ii), in the case of gain realized by an individual
beneficial owner, the beneficial owner is present in the United States for 183 days or more in the taxable year of
the sale and certain other conditions are met.
Taxation of Distributions from Capital Reserves
Italian Tax Considerations — Special rules apply to the distribution of certain capital reserves.
Under certain circumstances, such a distribution may be considered as taxable income in the hands of the
recipient depending on the existence of current profits or outstanding reserves at the time of distribution and
the actual nature of the reserves distributed. The application of such rules may also have an impact on the tax
basis in the Ordinary Shares or ADSs held and/or the characterization of any taxable income received and the
tax regime applicable to it. Non-resident shareholders may be subject to withholding tax and CGT as a result of
such rules. You should consult your tax adviser in connection with any distribution of capital reserves.
Other Italian Taxes
Estate and Inheritance Tax — A transfer of Ordinary Shares or ADSs by reason of death or gift is
subject to an inheritance and gift tax levied on the value of the inheritance or gift, as follows:
·
Transfers to a spouse or direct descendants or ancestors up to €1,000,000 to each beneficiary are
exempt from inheritance and gift tax. Transfers in excess of such threshold will be taxed at a 4% rate on the
value of the Ordinary Shares or ADSs exceeding such threshold;
·
Transfers between relatives within the fourth degree other than siblings, and direct or indirect
relatives-in-law within the third degree are taxed at a rate of 6% on the value of the Ordinary Shares or ADSs
(where transfers between siblings up to a maximum value of €100,000 for each beneficiary are exempt from
inheritance and gift tax); and
·
Transfers by reason of gift or death of Ordinary Shares or ADSs to persons other than those described
above will be taxed at a rate of 8% on the value of the Ordinary Shares or ADSs.
If the beneficiary of any such transfer is a disabled individual, whose handicap is recognized pursuant to
Law No. 104 of February 5, 1992, the tax is applied only on the value of the assets received in excess of
€1,500,000 at the rates illustrated above, depending on the type of relationship existing between the deceased
or donor and the beneficiary.
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The tax regime described above will not prevent the application, if more favorable to the taxpayer, of
any different provisions of a bilateral tax treaty, including the convention between Italy and the United States
against double taxation with respect to taxes on estates and inheritances, pursuant to which non-Italian resident
shareholders are generally entitled to a tax credit for any estate and inheritance taxes possibly applied in Italy.
Italian Financial Transaction Tax — In December 2012, Italy introduced a financial transaction
tax (the “IFTT”), which, as of March 1, 2013, is applicable, among other transactions, to all trades entailing the
transfer of title of (i) shares or equity-like financial instruments issued by companies resident in Italy, such as the
Ordinary Shares; and (ii) securities representing the shares and financial instruments under (i) above (including
depositary receipts such as the ADSs), regardless of the residence of the issuer. The IFTT may also apply to the
transfer of Ordinary Shares and ADSs by a U.S. resident.
For 2013 only, the IFTT will apply at a rate of 0.22% for over-the-counter transactions, reduced to
0.12% for trades executed on a regulated market or multilateral trading facility. As of 2014, such rates will be
reduced to 0.2% and 0.1%, respectively. The New York Stock Exchange should qualify as a regulated market
for such purposes.
The rules governing the IFTT are fairly complex and still subject to further clarification to be issued by
the Italian tax authorities. As to its basic features, it should be noted that the IFTT (i) is levied on a tax base
equal to (x) the market value (calculated by taking the net balance of daily trades on the relevant securities) or,
in the absence of any such market value, (y) the consideration paid for each trade; and (ii) is borne by the
purchaser but is collected by the financial intermediaries (including non-resident financial intermediaries)
intervening in the relevant trades.
However, a number of exemptions apply, including with respect to trades of securities issued by
companies having an average market capitalization lower than €500 million in the month of November of the
year preceding the year in which the trade takes place. Companies, the securities of which are listed on a foreign
regulated market, and which could benefit from this exemption, such as the Company, need a confirmation by
the Italian Ministry of Economy and Finance.
EU Financial Transaction Tax — On February 14, 2013, the European Commission proposed the
implementation of the EU FTT (see “Item 3. Key Information—Risk Factors”) that may also apply to the
transfer of Ordinary Shares and ADSs by a U.S. resident as of January 1, 2014. Moreover, the implementation
of the proposed EU FTT may also affect the IFTT, as described above.
United States Information Reporting and Backup Withholding Requirements - In
general, information reporting requirements will apply to payments by a paying agent within the United States
to a non-corporate (or other non-exempt) U.S. owner of dividends in respect of the Company Shares or ADSs,
or the proceeds received on the sale or other disposition of the Company Shares or ADSs. Backup withholding
may apply to such amounts if the U.S. owner fails to provide an accurate taxpayer identification number to the
paying agent on a properly completed IRS Form W-9 or otherwise comply with the applicable requirements of
the backup withholding rules. Amounts withheld as backup withholding will be creditable against the U.S.
owner’s U.S. federal income tax liability, provided that the required information is timely furnished to the IRS.
Documents on Display
The Company is subject to the information reporting requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of
1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), applicable to foreign private issuers. In accordance therewith, the
Company is required to file reports, including annual reports on Form 20-F, and other information with the
U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. These materials, including this Annual Report, are available for
inspection and copying at the SEC’s Public Reference Room at 100 F Street, N.E., Washington, D.C. 20549.
Please call the Commission at 1-800-SEC-0330 for further information on the public reference room. As a
foreign private issuer, we have been required to make filings with the SEC by electronic means since November
4, 2002. Any filings we make electronically will be available to the public over the Internet at the SEC’s
75
website at http://www.sec.gov. The Form 20-F and reports and other information filed by the Company with
the Commission will also be available for inspection by ADS holders at the Corporate Trust Office of The Bank
of New York Mellon at 101 Barclay Street, New York, New York 10286.
ITEM 11. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
The following discussion of the Group’s risk management activities includes “forward-looking
statements” that involve risks and uncertainties. Actual results could differ materially from those projected in
the forward looking statements. See “Forward Looking Information.” A significant portion of the Group’s net
sales and its costs, are denominated in currencies other than the euro, in particular the U.S. dollar.
The Group is exposed to market risks principally from fluctuations in the exchange rates between the
euro and other currencies, including in particular the U.S. dollar, and to a significantly lesser extent, from
variations in interest rates.
Exchange Rate Risks The Group’s foreign exchange rate risks in 2012 arose principally in
connection with the Chinese yuan, U.S. dollars, Canadian dollars, British pounds, Australian dollars, Japanese
yen, Swiss francs, Romanian Leu, Swedish kroner, Norwegian kroner and Danish kroner, as well as in
connection with Euros for the Company’s subsidiary located in Eastern Europe.
As of December 31, 2012 and 2011, the Group had outstanding trade receivables denominated in
foreign currencies totaling € 56.5 million and € 52.1 million, respectively, of which 49.5% and 53.8%,
respectively, were denominated in U.S. dollars. On those same dates, the Group had € 27.6 million and € 22.1
million, respectively, of trade payables denominated in foreign currencies, principally U.S. dollars. See Notes 6
and 14 to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in Item 18 of this Annual Report.
As of December 31, 2012, the Company was a party to a number of currency forward contracts
(known in Italy as domestic currency swaps), all of which are designed to hedge future sales denominated in
U.S. dollars and other currencies. As of the same date, no option contract was outstanding (as was the case as of
December 31, 2011). The Group does not use such foreign exchange contracts for speculative trading purposes.
As of December 31, 2012, the notional amount in Euro terms of all of the outstanding currency
forward contracts totaled € 47.4 million. As of December 31, 2011, the notional amounts of all of the
outstanding currency forward contracts totaled € 46.1 million. At the end of 2012, such currency forward
contracts had notional amounts of Canadian dollars 17.5 million, U.S.$ 13.2 million, € 9.2 million, British
pounds 5.8 million, Australian dollars 4.7 million, Japanese yen 186.0 million, Norwegian kroner 8.0 million
and Swedish kroner 3.4 million. All of these forward contracts had various maturities extending through June
2013. See Note 27 to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in Item 18 of this Annual Report.
The table below summarizes (in thousands of euro equivalent) the contractual amounts of currency
forward contracts (no options were outstanding) intended to hedge future cash flows from accounts receivable
and sales orders as of December 31, 2012 and 2011:
Euro equivalent of contractual amounts of
currency forward contracts as of:
Canadian dollars ....................................
U.S. dollars ..........................................
Euro* ...................................................
British pounds .......................................
Australian dollars ...................................
Japanese yen .........................................
Norwegian kroner ..................................
Swedish kroner .....................................
Swiss francs ..........................................
Total ...................................................
December 31,
2012
€13,588
10,100
9,479
7,231
3,719
1,811
1,071
387
984
€47,387
2011
€5,041
11,493
14,264
6,950
3,800
2,452
481
630
984
€46,095
* Used by the Group’s Romanian subsidiary to hedge its net collections denominated in Euro.
76
As of December 31, 2012, these forward contracts had a net unrealized gain of € 1.4 million,
compared to a net unrealized loss of € 0.3 million as of December 31, 2011. The Group recorded this amount
in “other income (expense), net” in its Consolidated Financial Statements. See Note 27 to the Consolidated
Financial Statements included in Item 18 of this Annual Report.
The following table presents information regarding the contract amount in thousands of Euro
equivalent and the estimated fair value of all of the Group’s foreign exchange contracts: contracts with
unrealized gains are presented as “assets” and derivative contracts with unrealized losses are presented as
“liabilities.”
December 31, 2012
December 31, 2011
Contract
Amount
39,684
7,702
€47,386
Unrealized
gains (losses)
907
1
€908
Contract
Amount
17,537
28,558
€46,095
Unrealized
gains (losses)
36
(630)
€(594)
Assets .................
Liabilities ............
Total ... ……….
The Group’s foreign currency forward contracts as of December 31, 2012 had maturities of a
maximum of six months. The potential loss in fair value of all of the Group’s forward contracts outstanding as
of December 31, 2012 that would have resulted from a hypothetical, instantaneous and unfavorable 10% change
in currency exchange rates would have been approximately € 4.0 million. This sensitivity analysis assumes an
instantaneous and unfavorable 10% fluctuation in exchange rates affecting the foreign currencies of all of the
Group’s hedging contracts outstanding as of the end of 2012.
For the accounting of transactions entered into in an effort to reduce the Group’s exchange rate risks,
see Notes 3 and 27 to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in Item 18 of this Annual Report.
At December 31, 2012, the Group had approximately € 57 million in cash and cash equivalents held in
Chinese yuan (€ 64 million as at December 31, 2011). Exchange rate fluctuations in respect of this amount
could have significant positive or negative effects on our results of operations in future periods.
Interest Rate Risks To a significantly lesser extent, the Group is also exposed to interest rate
risk. As of December 31, 2012, the Group had € 37.7 million (equivalent to 7.9% of the Group’s total assets as
of the same date) in debt outstanding (bank overdrafts and long-term debt, including the current portion of such
debt), which is for the most part subject to floating interest rates. See Notes 13 and 18 to the Consolidated
Financial Statements included in Item 18 of this Annual Report.
In the normal course of business, the Group also faces risks that are either non-financial or non-
quantifiable. Such risks principally include country risk, credit risk and legal risk.
ITEM 12. DESCRIPTION OF SECURITIES OTHER THAN EQUITY SECURITIES
ITEM 12A. DEBT SECURITIES
Not applicable.
ITEM 12B. WARRANTS AND RIGHTS
Not applicable.
77
ITEM 12C. OTHER SECURITIES
Not applicable.
ITEM 12D. AMERICAN DEPOSITARY SHARES
Fees paid by ADR holders - The Bank of New York Mellon, as the depositary of our ADSs (the
“Depositary”), collects its fees for delivery and surrender of ADSs directly from investors depositing shares or
surrendering ADSs for the purpose of withdrawal or from intermediaries acting for them. The Depositary
collects fees for making distributions to investors by deducting those fees from the amounts distributed or by
selling a portion of distributable property to pay the fees. The Depositary may generally refuse to provide fee-
attracting services until its fees for those services are paid.
Persons depositing or withdrawing shares
must pay:
$5.00 (or less) per 100 ADSs (or portion of 100
ADSs)
A fee for the distribution of proceeds of sales of
securities or rights in an amount equal to the lesser
of: (i) the fee for the issuance of ADSs referred to
above which would have been charged as a result of
the deposit by owners of securities (for purposes
hereof treating all such securities as if they were
shares) or shares received in exercise of rights
distributed
them, respectively, but which
securities or rights are instead sold by the Depositary
and the net proceeds distributed and (ii) the amount
of such proceeds
Registration or transfer fees
to
Expenses of the Depositary
charges
and other governmental
Taxes
the
Depositary or the custodian have to pay on any ADS
or share underlying an ADS, for example, stock
transfer taxes, stamp duty or withholding taxes
Any charges incurred by the Depositary or its agents
for servicing the deposited securities
For:
• Depositing or substituting
the underlying
shares
Selling or exercising rights
•
• Cancellation of ADSs for the purpose of
withdrawal, including if the deposit agreement
terminates
• Distribution of securities distributed to holders
of deposited securities which are distributed by
the Depositary to ADS registered holders
• Transfer and registration of shares on our share
register to or from the name of the Depositary
or its agent when you deposit or withdraw
shares
• Cable, telex and facsimile transmissions (when
expressly provided in the deposit agreement)
• Converting foreign currency to U.S. dollars
• As necessary
• As necessary
Fees payable by the Depositary to the Company
i)
Fees incurred in past annual period - From January 1, 2012 to December 31, 2012,
the Depositary waived a total of $2,137.65 in administrative fees for routine corporate actions including services
relating to Natuzzi’s annual general meeting of shareholders
78
ii)
Fees to be paid in the future - The Company does not have any agreements in place
with the Depositary for the payment or reimbursement of fees or other direct or indirect payments by the
Depositary to the Company in connection with its ADS program.
PART II
ITEM 13. DEFAULTS, DIVIDEND ARREARAGES AND DELINQUENCIES
None.
ITEM 14. MATERIAL MODIFICATIONS TO THE RIGHTS OF SECURITY HOLDERS AND USE OF PROCEEDS
None.
79
ITEM 15. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
(a) Disclosure Controls and Procedures — The Company carried out an evaluation under the
supervision and with the participation of the Company’s management, including the Chief Executive Officer and
Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of the Company’s disclosure controls
and procedures as of December 31, 2012. There are inherent limitations to the effectiveness of any system of
disclosure controls and procedures, including the possibility of human error and the circumvention or
overriding of the controls and procedures. Accordingly, even effective disclosure controls and procedures can
only provide reasonable assurance of achieving their control objectives.
Based on the Company’s evaluation of its disclosure controls and procedures, the Chief Executive
Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures were
effective as of December 31, 2012 to provide reasonable assurance that information required to be disclosed in
the reports the Company files and submits under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and
reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’s applicable rules and forms, and that it is accumulated
and communicated to the Company’s management, including the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial
Officer, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.
(b) Management’s Annual Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting — The
Company’s management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial
reporting as defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.
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. Because of its inherent limitations, internal controls over
financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Even when determined to be effective, they can
provide only reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation and
presentation of financial statements. 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 and procedures may deteriorate.
To assess the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting, the Company’s
management, including the Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer, used the criteria described
in “Internal Control—Integrated Framework” issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the
Treadway Commission (“COSO”).
The Company’s management assessed the effectiveness of its internal control over financial reporting
as of December 31, 2012. Based on such assessment, the Company’s management has concluded that as of
December 31, 2012, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting was effective and that there were
no material weaknesses in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.
The effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2012 has been
audited by Reconta Ernst & Young S.p.A., an independent registered public accounting firm, as stated in their
report on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting, which follows below.
80
(c) Attestation Report of the Registered Public Accounting Firm
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
To the Board of Directors and Shareholders of
Natuzzi S.p.A.
We have audited Natuzzi S.p.A. and Subsidiaries’ internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2012, based on criteria
established in Internal Control–Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (the COSO
criteria). Natuzzi S.p.A. and Subsidiaries’ 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 Annual 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 conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards
require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting
was maintained in all material respects. Our audit included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing
the risk that a material weakness exists, testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the
assessed risk, and performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a
reasonable basis for our opinion.
A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of
financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting
principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance
of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide
reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally
accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations
of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized
acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.
Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of
any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in
conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.
In our opinion, Natuzzi S.p.A. and Subsidiaries maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December
31, 2012, based on the COSO criteria.
We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the consolidated
balance sheets of Natuzzi S.p.A. and Subsidiaries as of December 31, 2012 and 2011 and the related consolidated statement of operations,
changes in shareholders' equity and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2012 and our report dated April 30,
2013 expressed an unqualified opinion thereon.
/s/ Reconta Ernst & Young S.p.A.
Bari, Italy
April 30, 2013
81
ITEM 16. [RESERVED]
ITEM 16A. AUDIT COMMITTEE FINANCIAL EXPERT
The Company has determined that, because of the existence and nature of its board of statutory
auditors, it qualifies for an exemption provided by Exchange Act Rule 10A-3(c)(3) from many of the Rule 10A-
3 audit committee requirements. The board of statutory auditors has determined that each of its members is an
“audit committee financial expert” as defined in Item 16A of Form 20-F. For the names of the members of the
board of statutory auditors, see “Item 6. Directors, Senior Management and Employees—Statutory Auditors”
and Item 16G. Corporate Governance—Audit Committee and Internal Audit Function.”
Each of the audit committee financial experts is independent under the NYSE Independence Standards
that would apply to audit committee members in the absence of our reliance on the exemption in Rule 10A-
3(c)(3).
ITEM 16B. CODE OF ETHICS
The Company has adopted a code of ethics, as defined in Item 16B of Form 20-F under the Exchange
Act. This code of ethics applies, among others, to the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial
Officer. The Company’s code of ethics is downloadable from its website at www.natuzzi.com/codeofethics/.
If the Company amends the provisions of its code of ethics that apply to the Company’s Chief Executive Officer
and Chief Financial Officer, or if the Company grants any waiver of such provisions, it will disclose such
amendment or waiver on its website at the same address.
ITEM 16C. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES
Reconta Ernst & Young S.p.A. (“Ernst & Young”, hereafter) has served as Natuzzi S.p.A.’s principal
independent public auditor for fiscal year 2012 and 2011 for which it audited the consolidated financial
statements included in this Annual Report.
The following table sets forth the aggregate fees billed and billable to the Company by Ernst & Young
in Italy and abroad during the fiscal years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011, for audit fees, audit–related fees,
tax fees and all other fees for audit.
Audit fees
Audit-related fees
Tax fees
Other fees
Total fees
2012
2011
(Expressed in thousands of euros)
876
-
3
-
879
870
-
-
-
870
Audit fees in the above table are the aggregate fees billed and billable in connection with the audit of
the Company’s annual financial statements.
Tax fees consist of fees billed and billable in connection with the professional services rendered for tax
compliance.
The Company’s board of statutory auditors expressly pre-approves on a case-by-case basis any
engagement of our independent auditors for audit and non-audit services provided to our subsidiaries or to us.
All services rendered by our independent
82
auditors for audit and non-audit services were pre-approved by our board of statutory auditors in
accordance with this policy.
ITEM 16D. EXEMPTIONS FROM THE LISTING STANDARDS FOR AUDIT COMMITTEES.
The Company is relying on the exemption from listing standards for audit committees provided by
Exchange Act Rule 10A-3(c)(3). The basis for this reliance is that the Company’s board of statutory auditors
meets the following requirements set forth in Exchange Act Rule 10A-3(c)(3):
1)
2)
3)
4)
5)
6)
the board of statutory auditors is established and selected pursuant to Italian law expressly permitting
such a board;
the board of statutory auditors is required under Italian law to be separate from the Company’s board
of directors;
the board of statutory auditors is not elected by management of the Company and no executive officer
of the Company is a member of the board of statutory auditors;
Italian law provides for standards for the independence of the board of statutory auditors from the
Company and its management;
the board of statutory auditors, in accordance with applicable Italian law and the Company’s governing
documents, is responsible, to the extent permitted by Italian law, for the appointment, retention and
oversight of the work (including, to the extent permitted by law, the resolution of disagreements
between management and the auditor regarding financial reporting) of any registered public
accounting firm engaged for the purpose of preparing or issuing an audit report or performing other
audit, review or attest services for the Company, and
to the extent permitted by Italian law, the audit committee requirements of paragraphs (b)(3), (b)(4)
and (b)(5) of Rule 10A-3 apply to the board of statutory auditors.
The Company’s reliance on Rule 10A-3(c)(3) does not, in its opinion, materially adversely affect the
ability of its board of statutory auditors to act independently and to satisfy the other requirements of Rule 10A-
3.
ITEM 16E. PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES BY THE ISSUER AND AFFILIATED PURCHASERS
Starting on September 27, 2011 and through April 19, 2013, INVEST 2003 S.r.l., an Italian limited
liability company wholly owned by Mr. Natuzzi, Chairman of the Board of Directors and CEO of the Company,
has purchased a total of 793,086 Natuzzi S.p.A. ADSs, (representing approximately 1.4% of the Company’s
total shares outstanding), at the average price of € 1.80 (U.S.$ 2.40) per ADS. Each of these purchases was
made through open-market transactions in accordance with the Rule 10b-18 Plan, which is not subject to an
expiration date or maximum cap. See “Item 6. Directors, Senior Management and Employees—Share
Ownership.”
The following table summarizes the purchases of the Company’s ADSs made by INVEST 2003 S.r.l.,
on a monthly basis, since January 1, 2012.
83
Trading month
Total
number of
ADSs
purchased
Weighted
average
price per
ADS (in
Euro (1)
Total
Number of
Shares
Purchased
as Part of
Publicly
Announced
Plans or
Programs
Maximum
Number
(or Appropriate
U.S. Dollar
Value) of Shares
(or Units) that
May Yet Be
Purchased
Under the Plans
or Programs
January 1 - January 31, 2012
February 1 - February 28, 2012
March 1 - March 31, 2012
April 1 - April 30, 2012
May 1 - May 31, 2012
June 1 - June 30, 2012
July 1 - July 31, 2012
August 1 - August 31, 2012
September 1 - September 30, 2012
October 1- October 31, 2012
November 1- November 30, 2012
December 1- December 31, 2012
January 1- January 31, 2013
February 1 - February 29, 2013
March 1 - March 31, 2013
April 1 – April 19, 2013
Total ADSs purchased since
January 1, 2012
48,461
38,274
7,526
6,873
16,240
52,987
71,192
40,304
5,551
43,595
148,659
86
49,264
83,648
17,157
80,992
710,809
€ 2.23
€ 2.68
€ 2.36
€ 2.13
€ 2.11
€ 2.29
€ 2.01
€ 1.67
€ 1.87
€ 1.61
€ 1.58
€ 1.48
€ 1.72
€ 1.75
€ 1.72
€ 1.65
€ 1.86
(1) Euro equivalents of U.S. dollar prices, converted into euros based on the March 29, 2013 exchange rate of US$1.2816 per €1.00.
From January 1, 2012 to December 31, 2012, no purchases were made by or on behalf of the
Company or any other affiliated purchaser of the Company’s Ordinary Shares or ADSs.
ITEM 16F. CHANGE IN REGISTRANT’S CERTIFYING ACCOUNTANT
None.
ITEM 16G. CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
Under NYSE rules, we are permitted, as a listed foreign private issuer, to adhere to the corporate
governance rules of our home country in lieu of certain NYSE corporate governance rules.
Corporate governance rules for Italian stock corporations (società per azioni) like the Company, whose
shares are not listed on a regulated market in the European Union, are set forth in the Civil Code. As described
in more detail below, the Italian corporate governance rules set forth in the Civil Code differ in a number of
ways from those applicable to U.S. domestic companies under NYSE listing standards, as set forth in the NYSE
Listed Company Manual.
84
As a general rule, our company’s main corporate bodies are governed by the Civil Code and are
assigned specific powers and duties that are legally binding and cannot be derogated from. The Company
follows the traditional Italian corporate governance system, with a board of directors (consiglio di
amministrazione) and a separate board of statutory auditors (collegio sindacale) with supervisory functions. The two
boards are separate and no individual may be a member of both boards. Both the members of the board of
directors and the members of the board of statutory auditors owe duties of loyalty and care to the Company. As
required by Italian law, an external auditor (revisore contabile) is in charge of auditing its financial statements.
The members of the Company’s board of directors and board of statutory auditors, as well as the external
auditor, are directly and separately appointed by shareholder resolution at the general shareholders’ meetings.
This system differs from with the unitary system envisaged for U.S. domestic companies by the NYSE listing
standards, which contemplate the board of directors serving as the sole governing body.
Below is a summary of the significant differences between Italian corporate governance rules and
practices, as the Company has implemented them, and those applicable to U.S. issuers under NYSE listing
standards, as set forth in the NYSE Listed Company Manual.
Independent Directors
NYSE Domestic Company Standards — The NYSE listing standards applicable to U.S. companies provide
that “independent” directors must comprise a majority of the board. In order for a director to be considered
“independent”, the board of directors must affirmatively determine that the director has no “material” direct or
indirect relationship with the company. These relationships “can include commercial, industrial, banking,
consulting, legal, accounting, charitable and familial relationship (among others).”
More specifically, a director is not independent if such director or his/her immediate family members
has certain specified relationships with the company, its parent, its consolidated subsidiaries, their internal or
external auditors, or companies that have significant business relationships with the company, its parent or its
consolidated subsidiaries. Ownership of a significant amount of stock is not a per se bar to independence. In
addition, a three-year “cooling off” period following the termination of any relationship that compromised a
director’s independence must lapse before that director can again be considered independent.
Our Practice — The presence of a prescribed number of independent directors on the Company’s
board is neither mandatory by any Italian law applicable to the Company nor required by the Company’s By-
laws.
However, Italian law sets forth certain independence requirements applicable to the Company’s
statutory auditors. Statutory auditors’ independence is assessed on the basis of the following rules: a person
who (i) is a director, or the spouse or a close relative of a director, of the Company or any of its affiliates, or (ii)
has an employment or a regular consulting or similar relationship with the Company or any of its affiliates, or
(iii) has an economic relationship with the Company or any of its affiliates which might compromise his/her
independence, cannot be appointed to the Company’s board of statutory auditors. The law sets forth certain
principles aimed at ensuring that any member of the board of statutory auditors who is a chartered public
accountant (inscritto nel registro dei revisori contabili) be substantively independent from the company subject to
audit and not be in any way involved in the company’s decision-making process. The Civil Code mandates that
at least one standing and one alternative member of the board of statutory auditors be a chartered public
accountant. Each of the current members of the board of statutory auditors is a chartered public accountant.
Executive Sessions
NYSE Domestic Company Standards — Non-executive directors of U.S. companies listed on the NYSE
must meet regularly in executive sessions, and independent directors should meet alone in an executive session
at least once a year.
85
Our Practice — Under the laws of Italy, neither non-executive directors nor independent directors are
required to meet in executive sessions. The members of the Company’s board of statutory auditors are required
to meet at least every 90 days.
Audit Committee and Internal Audit Function
NYSE Domestic Company Standards — U.S. companies listed on the NYSE are required to establish an
audit committee that satisfies the requirements of Rule 10A-3 under the Exchange Act and certain additional
requirements set by the NYSE. In particular, all members of this committee must be independent and the
committee must adopt a written charter. The committee’s prescribed responsibilities include (i) the
appointment, compensation, retention and oversight of the external auditors; (ii) establishing procedures for the
handling of “whistle blower” complaints; (iii) discussion of financial reporting and internal control issues and
critical accounting policies (including through executive sessions with the external auditors); (iv) the approval of
audit and non-audit services performed by the external auditors and (v) the adoption of an annual performance
evaluation. A company must also have an internal audit function, which may be out-sourced, except to the
independent auditor.
Our Practice — Rule 10A-3 under the Exchange Act provides that foreign private issuers with a board
of statutory auditors established in accordance with local law or listing requirements and meeting specified
requirements with regard to independence and responsibilities (including the performance of most of the
specific tasks assigned to audit committees by Rule 10A-3, to the extent permitted by local law) (the “Statutory
Auditor Requirements”) are exempt from the audit committee requirements established by the rule. The
Company is relying on this exemption on the basis of its separate board of statutory auditors, which is permitted
by the Civil Code and which satisfies the Statutory Auditor Requirements. Notwithstanding that, our board of
statutory auditors, consisting of independent and highly professional experts, comply with the requirements
indicated at points (i), (iii) and (iv) of the preceding paragraph.
The Company also has an internal audit function, which has not been outsourced.
Compensation Committee
NYSE Domestic Company Standards — Under NYSE standards, the compensation of the CEO of U.S.
domestic companies must be approved by a compensation committee (or equivalent) comprised solely of
independent directors. The compensation committee must also make recommendations to the board of
directors with regard to the compensation of other officers, incentive compensation plans and equity-based
plans. Disclosure of individual management compensation information for these companies is mandated by the
Exchange Act’s proxy rules, from which foreign private issuers are generally exempt.
Our Practice — Under Italian law, the compensation of executive directors is determined by the board
of directors, having consulted with the Board of Statutory Auditors, while the Company’s shareholders
determine the base compensation of all the Board members, including non-executive directors. Compensation
of the Company’s executive officers is determined by the Chief Executive Officer. The Company does not
produce a compensation report. However, the Company discloses aggregate compensation of all of its directors
in its annual financial statements prepared in accordance with Italian GAAP and in Item 6 of its Annual Report.
Nominating Committee
NYSE Domestic Company Standards — Under NYSE standards, a domestic company must have a
nominating committee (or equivalent) comprised solely of independent directors, which is responsible for
nominating directors.
Our Practice — As allowed by Italian laws, the Company has not established a nominating committee
(or equivalent) responsible for nominating its directors. Directors may be nominated by any of the Company’s
shareholders or the Company’s board of directors. Mr. Natuzzi, by virtue of owning a majority of the
outstanding shares of the Company, controls the Company, including its management and the selection of its
board of directors.
86
Corporate Governance and Code of Ethics
NYSE Domestic Company Standards — Under NYSE standards, a company must adopt governance
guidelines and a code of business conduct and ethics for directors, officers and employees. A company must also
publish these items on its website and provide printed copies on request. Section 406 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act
requires a company to disclose whether it has adopted a code of ethics for its principal executive officer,
principal financial officer, principal accounting officer or controller, or persons performing similar functions,
and if not, the reasons why it has not done so. The NYSE listing standards applicable to U.S. companies provide
that codes of conduct and ethics should address, at a minimum, conflicts of interest; corporate opportunities;
confidentiality; fair dealing; protection and use of company assets; legal compliance; and reporting of illegal and
unethical behavior. Corporate governance guidelines must address, at a minimum, directors’ qualifications,
responsibilities and compensation; access to management and independent advisers; management succession;
director orientation and continuing education; and annual performance evaluation of the board.
Our Practice — In January 2011, the Company’s board of directors approved the adoption of a
compliance program to prevent certain criminal offenses, according to the Italian Decree 231/2001. The
Company has adopted a code of ethics that applies to all employees of the Company, including the Company’s
Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, and principal accounting officer. The Company believes that
its code of ethics and the conduct and procedures adopted by the Company address the relevant issues
contemplated by the NYSE standards applicable to U.S. companies noted above.
Certifications as to Violations of NYSE Standards
NYSE Domestic Company Standards — Under NYSE listing standards, the CEO of a U.S. company listed
on the NYSE must certify annually to the NYSE that he or she is not aware of any violation by the company of
the NYSE corporate governance standards. The company must disclose this certification, as well as that the
CEO/CFO certification required under Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, has been made in the
company’s annual report to shareholders (or, if no annual report to shareholders is prepared, its annual report).
Each listed company on the NYSE, both domestic and foreign issuers, must submit an annual written affirmation
to the NYSE regarding compliance with applicable NYSE corporate governance standards. In addition, each
listed company on the NYSE, both domestic and foreign issuers, must submit interim affirmations to the NYSE
upon the occurrence of specified events. A domestic issuer must file such an interim affirmation whenever the
independent status of a director changes, a director is added or leaves the board, a change occurs to the
composition of the audit, nominating/corporate governance, or compensation committee, or there is a change
in the company’s classification as a “controlled company.”
The CEO of both domestic and foreign issuers listed on the NYSE must promptly notify the NYSE in
writing if any executive officer becomes aware of any material non-compliance with the NYSE corporate
governance standards.
Our Practice — Under the NYSE rules, the Company’s CEO is not required to certify annually to the
NYSE whether he is aware of any violation by the Company of the NYSE corporate governance standards.
However, the Company is required to submit an annual affirmation of compliance with applicable NYSE
corporate governance standards to the NYSE within 30 days of the filing of its annual report on Form 20-F with
the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. The Company is also required to submit to the NYSE an interim
written affirmation any time it is no longer eligible to rely on, or chooses to no longer rely on, a previously
applicable exemption provided by Rule 10A-3, or if a member of its audit committee ceases to be deemed
independent or an audit committee member had been added.
Under NYSE rules, the Company’s CEO must notify the NYSE in writing if any executive officer
becomes aware of any material non-compliance by the Company with NYSE corporate governance standards.
87
Shareholder Approval of Adoption and Modification of Equity Compensation Plans
NYSE Domestic Company Standards — Shareholders of a U.S. company listed on the NYSE must approve
the adoption of and any material revision to the company’s equity compensation plans, with certain exceptions.
Our Practice — Although the Company’s shareholders must authorize (i) the issuance of shares in
connection with capital increases, and (ii) the buy-back of its own shares, the adoption of equity compensation
plans does not per se require prior approval of the shareholders.
ITEM 16H. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURE.
Not applicable.
88
PART III
ITEM 17. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Our financial statements have been prepared in accordance with Item 18 hereof.
ITEM 18. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Our audited consolidated financial statements are included in this Annual Report beginning at page F-
1.
Index to Consolidated Financial Statements
Reports of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firms …………………….
Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2012 and 2011 ………………...
Consolidated Statements of Operations for the Years Ended
December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010...…………………………………………
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders' Equity for the Years Ended
December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010……………………………………………
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Years Ended
December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010..........................................................
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements ……………………………….
Page
F-1
F-2
F-3
F-4
F-5
F-6
ITEM 19. EXHIBITS
1.1
2.1
4.1
English translation of the by-laws (Statuto) of the Company, as amended and restated as of January 24,
2008 (incorporated by reference to the Form 20-F filed by Natuzzi S.p.A. with the Securities
Exchange Commission on June 30, 2008, file number 1-11854).
Deposit Agreement dated as of May 15, 1993, as amended and restated as of December 31, 2001,
among the Company, The Bank of New York, as Depositary, and owners and beneficial owners of
ADRs (incorporated by reference to the Form 20-F filed by Natuzzi S.p.A. with the Securities and
Exchange Commission on July 1, 2002, file number 1-11854).
Lease Contract for Customized Standard Factory Building, entered into between Shanghai Yuanchao
Electronic Science and Technology Co., Ltd. and Natuzzi China Ltd., dated as of March 22, 2010
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Form 20-F filed by Natuzzi S.p.A. with the Securities
and Exchange Commission on April 30, 2012, filed number 1-11854).
8.1 List of Significant Subsidiaries.
12.1 Certification of the Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of
2002.
12.2 Certification of the Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of
2002.
13.1 Certifications pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
89
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
To the Board of Directors and Shareholders of
Natuzzi S.p.A.
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Natuzzi S.p.A. and Subsidiaries as of December 31,
2012 and 2011 and the related consolidated statements of operations, changes in shareholders' equity and cash flows
for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2012. These 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 conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United
States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the
financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting
the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used
and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We
believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated financial
position of Natuzzi S.p.A. and Subsidiaries at December 31, 2012 and 2011, and the consolidated results of their
operations and their cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2012, in conformity with
established accounting principles in the Republic of Italy.
Established accounting principles in the Republic of Italy 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 29 to the consolidated financial statements.
We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United
States), Natuzzi S.p.A. and Subsidiaries’ internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2012, based on
criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of
the Treadway Commission and our report dated April 30, 2013 expressed an unqualified opinion thereon.
/s/ Reconta Ernst & Young S.p.A.
Bari, Italy
April 30, 2013
F- 1
F- 2
Natuzzi S.p.A. and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Statements of Operations
Years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010
(Expressed in thousands of euros except per share data)
Net sales
Cost of sales
Gross profit
Selling expenses
General and administrative expenses
Operating income/(loss)
Other income/(expense), net
Earning/(loss) before taxes and non-controlling interest
Income taxes
Net income/(loss)
Less:
Net income/(loss) attributable to non-controlling interest
Net income/(loss) attributable to Natuzzi S.p.A.and Subsidiaries
22
23
24
25
26
16
2012
2011
2010
468,844
(313,847)
154,997
(132,417)
(39,862)
(17,282)
(4,577)
(21,859)
(4,171)
(26,030)
(74)
(26,104)
486,364
(326,068)
160,296
(144,290)
(43,298)
(27,292)
17,299
(9,993)
(8,884)
(18,877)
(709)
(19,586)
518,634
(321,501)
197,133
(154,267)
(42,468)
398
(4,427)
(4,029)
(6,952)
(10,981)
(97)
(11,078)
Basic loss per share
Diluted loss per share
3z)
3z)
(0.48)
(0.48)
(0.36)
(0.36)
(0.20)
(0.20)
Average Ordinary Shares Outstanding
Average Ordinary Shares Outstanding assuming dilution
54,853,045
54,853,045
54,853,045
54,853,045
54,853,045
54,853,045
See accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements
F- 3
Natuzzi S.p.A. and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders’ Equity
Years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010
(Expressed in thousands of euros)
Balances at
December 31, 2009
Exchange difference on translation of financial
statement
Net Income (loss)
Balances at
December 31, 2010
Exchange difference on translation of financial
statement
Net Income (loss)
Balances at
December 31, 2011
Italsofa Shanghai dividend distribution
IMPE acquisition minority interest
Exchange difference on translation of financial
statement
Net Income (loss)
Balances at
December 31, 2012
Share Capital
amount
Reserves
Additional
paid in
capital
Retained
earnings
Equity
attributable
to Natuzzi
S.p.A.
Non-
controlling
interest
Total Share
holders’
equity
54,853
42,780
8,282
219,112
325,027
1,860
326,887
9,170
9,170
155
9,325
(11,078)
(11,078)
97
(10,981)
54,853
42,780
8,282
217,204
323,119
2,112
325,231
6,944
6,944
214
7,158
(19,586)
(19,586)
709
(18,877)
54,853
42,780
8,282
204,562
310,477
3,035
313,512
160
0
160
(186)
(360)
(186)
(200)
(3,396)
(3,396)
(39)
(3,435)
(26,104)
(26,104)
74
(26,030)
54,853
42,780
8,442
175,062
281,137
2,524
283,661
See accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements
F- 4
F- 5
Natuzzi S.p.A. and Subsidiaries
Notes to consolidated financial statements
(Expressed in thousands of euros except as otherwise indicated)
1.
Description of business and Group composition
The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Natuzzi S.p.A. (‘Natuzzi’ or
the ‘Company’) and of its subsidiaries (together with the Company, the ‘Group’). The Group's
primary activity is the design, manufacture and marketing of contemporary and traditional leather and
fabric upholstered furniture. The subsidiaries included in the consolidation at December 31, 2012,
together with the related percentages of ownership, are as follows:
Name
Italsofa Nordeste S.A.
Italsofa Shanghai Ltd
Softaly Shanghai Ltd
Natuzzi China Ltd.
Italsofa Romania
Natco S.p.A.
I.M.P.E. S.p.A.
Nacon S.p.A.
Lagene S.r.l.
Natuzzi Americas Inc.
Natuzzi Iberica S.A.
Natuzzi Switzerland AG
Natuzzi Nordic
Natuzzi Benelux S.A.
Natuzzi Germany Gmbh
Natuzzi Sweden AB
Natuzzi Japan KK
Natuzzi Services Limited
Natuzzi Trading Shanghai Ltd
Natuzzi Oceania Ltd
Natuzzi Russia OOO
Natuzzi India Furniture PVT Ltd
Italholding S.r.l.
Natuzzi Netherlands Holding
Natuzzi Trade Service S.r.l.
Percent of
ownership
Registered
office
Activity
100.00
96.50
100.00
100.00
100.00
99.99
100.00
100.00
100.00
100.00
100.00
100.00
100.00
100.00
100.00
100.00
100.00
100.00
100.00
100.00
100.00
100.00
100.00
100.00
100.00
Salvador, Brazil
Shanghai, China
Shanghai, China
Shanghai, China
Baia Mare, Romania
Bari, Italy
Qualiano,Italy
Bari, Italy
Bari, Italy
High Point, NC, USA
Madrid, Spain
Kaltbrunn, Switzerland
Copenaghen, Denmark
Geel, Belgium
Dusseldorf, Germany
Stockholm, Sweden
Tokyo, Japan
London, UK
Shanghai, China
Sydney, Australia
Moscow, Russia
New Delhi, India
Bari, Italy
Amsterdam, Holland
Bari, Italy
(1)
(1)
(1)
(1)
(1)
(2)
(3)
(4)
(4)
(4)
(4)
(4)
(4)
(4)
(4)
(4)
(4)
(4)
(4)
(4)
(4)
(4)
(5)
(5)
(6)
(1) Manufacture and distribution
(2)
(3)
(4)
(5)
(6)
Intragroup leather dyeing and finishing
Production and distribution of polyurethane foam
Distribution
Investment holding
Transportation services
In 2012 Natuzzi S.p.A. acquired the 9.16% of the shares of I.M.P.E. S.p.A. previously
owned by third parties and now this Company 100% owned by Natuzzi S.p.A. Moreover, in 2012 our
F - 6
Natuzzi S.p.A. and Subsidiaries
Notes to consolidated financial statements
(Expressed in thousands of euros except as otherwise indicated)
dormant subsidiaries Kingdom of Leather Limited, Natuzzi United Kingdom Limited and La Galleria
Limited were closed.
In June 2011 the Company established Natuzzi India to grow the Natuzzi market sales in that
market.
In March 2010 the Company incorporated a new subsidiary, Natuzzi Russia OOO, which
owns a store and provides sales support for the Group in that country.
2.
Basis of preparation
The financial statements utilized for the consolidation are the financial statements of each
Group company at December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010. The 2012, 2011 and 2010 financial
statements have been adopted by the respective Boards of Directors of the relevant companies.
The financial statements of subsidiaries are adjusted, where necessary, to conform to
Natuzzi's accounting principles and policies, which are consistent with Italian legal requirements
governing financial statements considered in conjunction with established accounting principles
promulgated by the Italian Accounting Profession (OIC).
Established accounting principles in the Republic of Italy 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 29 to the consolidated financial
statements.
3.
Summary of significant accounting policies
The significant accounting policies followed in the preparation of the consolidated financial
statements are outlined below.
a) Principles of consolidation
The consolidated financial statements include all affiliates and companies that Natuzzi
directly or indirectly controls, either through majority ownership or otherwise. Control is presumed
to exist where more than one-half of a subsidiary's voting power is controlled by the Company or the
Company is able to govern the financial and operating policies of a subsidiary or control the removal or
appointment of a majority of a subsidiary's board of directors. Where an entity either began or ceased
to be controlled during the year, the results of operations are included only from the date control
commenced or up to date control ceased.
The assets and liabilities of subsidiaries are consolidated on a line-by-line basis and the
carrying value of intercompany investments held is eliminated against the related shareholder's equity
accounts. The non-controlling interests of consolidated subsidiaries are separately reported in the
consolidated balance sheets and consolidated statements of operations. All intercompany balances and
transactions are eliminated in consolidation.
F - 7
Natuzzi S.p.A. and Subsidiaries
Notes to consolidated financial statements
(Expressed in thousands of euros except as otherwise indicated)
b) Foreign currency transactions
Foreign currency transactions are recorded at the exchange rates applicable at the transaction
dates. Assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currency are remeasured at year-end exchange
rates. Foreign exchange gains and losses resulting from the remeasurement of these assets and
liabilities are included in other income (expense), net, in the consolidated statements of operations.
c) Forward and collars exchange contracts
The Group enters into forward exchange contracts (known in Italian financial markets as
domestic currency swaps) and, for a limited number of contracts, into so called “zero cost collars”
exchange rate derivative instruments to manage its exposure to foreign currency risks. The Group
does not enter into these contracts on a speculative basis, nor is hedge effectiveness constantly
monitored. As a consequence of this, forward and collar exchange contracts are not used to hedge any
on or off-balance sheet items. Therefore, at December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010 all unrealized gains
or losses on such contracts are recorded in other income (expense), net, in the consolidated
statements of operations.
d) Financial statements of foreign operations
The financial statements of the foreign subsidiaries expressed in the foreign currency are
translated directly into euro as follows: i) year-end exchange rate for assets, liabilities, and
shareholders’ equity and ii) average exchange rates during the year for revenues and expenses. The
resulting exchange differences on translation are recorded as a direct adjustment to shareholders’
equity.
e) Cash and cash equivalents
The Company classifies as cash and cash equivalents cash on hand, amounts on deposit and on
account in banks and cash invested temporarily in various instruments with maturities of three months
or less at time of purchase.
f) Marketable debt securities
Marketable debt securities are valued at the lower of cost or market value determined on an
individual security basis. A valuation allowance is established and recorded as a charge to other income
(expense), net, for unrealized losses on securities. Unrealized gains are not recorded until realized.
Recoveries in the value of securities are recorded as part of other income (expense), net, but only to
the extent of previously recognized unrealized losses.
Gains and losses realized on the sale of marketable debt securities were computed based on a
weighted-average cost of the specific securities being sold.
Realized gains and losses are charged to other income (expense), net.
g) Accounts receivable and payable
Receivables are stated at nominal value net of an allowance for doubtful accounts. Payables
are stated at face value.
F - 8
Natuzzi S.p.A. and Subsidiaries
Notes to consolidated financial statements
(Expressed in thousands of euros except as otherwise indicated)
The Group records revenues net of returns and discounts. The Group estimates sales
returns and discounts and creates an allowance for them in the year of the related sales. The Group
makes estimates in connection with such allowances based on its experience and historical trends in its
large volumes of homogeneous transactions. However, actual costs for returns and discounts may
differ significantly from these estimates if factors such as economic conditions, customer preferences
or changes in product quality differ from the ones used by the Group in making these estimates.
The Group makes estimates and judgments in relation to the collectibility of its accounts
receivable and maintains an allowance for doubtful accounts based on losses it may experience as a
result of failure by its customers to pay amounts owed. The Group estimates these losses using
consistent methods that take into consideration, in particular, insurance coverage in place, the
creditworthiness of its customers and general economic conditions. Changes to assumptions relating
to these estimates could affect actual results. Actual results may differ significantly from the Group’s
estimates if factors such as general economic conditions and the creditworthiness of its customers are
different from the Group’s assumptions.
h) Inventories
Raw materials are stated at the lower of cost (determined under the specific cost method for
leather hides and under the weighted-average method for other raw materials) and replacement cost.
Goods in process and finished goods are valued at the lower of production cost and net
realizable value. Production cost includes direct production costs and production overhead costs. The
production overhead costs are allocated to inventory based on the manufacturing facility’s normal
capacity.
The provision for slow moving and obsolete raw materials and finished goods is based on the
estimated realizable value net of the costs of disposal.
i) Property, plant and equipment
Property, plant and equipment is stated at historical cost, except for certain buildings which
were revalued in 1983, 1991 and 2000 according to Italian revaluation laws. Maintenance and repairs
are expensed; significant improvements are capitalized and depreciated over the useful life of the
related assets. The cost or valuation of fixed assets is depreciated on the straight-line method over the
estimated useful lives of the assets (refer to note 10). The related depreciation expense is allocated to
cost of goods sold, selling expenses and general and administrative expenses based on the usage of the
assets.
Intangible assets and Goodwill
j)
Intangible assets primarily include software, trademarks and Goodwill and Intangible assets,
and are stated at the lower of amortized cost or recoverable amount. The carrying amounts of these
assets are reviewed to determine if they are in excess of their recoverable amount, based on
discounted cash flows, at the consolidated balance sheet date. If the carrying amount exceeds the
recoverable amount, the asset is written down to the recoverable amount.
F - 9
Natuzzi S.p.A. and Subsidiaries
Notes to consolidated financial statements
(Expressed in thousands of euros except as otherwise indicated)
Software, trademarks, patents and goodwill are amortized on a straight-line basis over a
period of five years.
k) Investment in affiliates
The affiliate enterprise is Salena S.r.l. in which the Company owns 49% and has a significant
influence. This affiliate has interests in real estate. We account for ownership interest under the
acquisition cost method since we have significant influence but we do not control.
Impairment of long-lived assets and long-lived assets to be disposed of
l)
The Company reviews long-lived assets, including intangible assets with estimable useful
lives, for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount
of an asset may not be recoverable. Recoverability of assets to be held and used is measured by a
comparison of the carrying amount of an asset with its recoverable value, which is the higher of a)
future discounted cash flows expected to be generated by the asset or b) estimated fair value less costs
to sell. If such assets are considered to be impaired, the impairment to be recognized is measured by
the amount by which the carrying amount of the assets exceeds the recoverable value of the assets.
Assets to be disposed of are reported at the lower of their carrying amount and their fair value less
costs to sell. Estimated fair value is generally determined through various valuation techniques
including discounted cash flow models, quoted market values and third-party independent appraisals,
as considered necessary.
m) Income taxes
Income taxes are accounted for under the asset and liability method. Deferred tax assets and
liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the
financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases and
for losses available for carryforward in the various tax jurisdictions. Deferred tax assets are reduced by
a valuation allowance to an amount that is more likely than not to be realized. Deferred tax assets and
liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in
which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The effect on deferred tax
assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in income in the period that includes the
enactment date.
n) Government grants
Capital grants compensate the Group for the partial cost of an asset and are part of the Italian
government's investment incentive program, under which the Group receives amounts generally equal
to a percentage of the aggregate investment made by the Group in the construction of new
manufacturing facilities, or in the improvement of existing facilities, in designated areas of the
country.
Capital grants from government agencies are recorded when there is reasonable assurance
that the grants will be received and that the Group will comply with the conditions applying to them.
Until December 31, 2000 capital grants were recorded, net of tax, within reserves in
shareholders' equity. As from January 1, 2001 all new capital grants are recorded in the consolidated
F - 10
Natuzzi S.p.A. and Subsidiaries
Notes to consolidated financial statements
(Expressed in thousands of euros except as otherwise indicated)
balance sheet initially as deferred income and subsequently recognized in the consolidated statement of
operations as revenue on a systematic basis over the useful life of the related asset.
In addition when capital grants are received after the year in which the related assets are
acquired, the depreciation of the capital grants is recognized as income as follows: (a) the depreciation
of the grants related to the amortization of the assets recorded in statements of operations in the years
prior to the date in which the grants are received, is recorded in other income (expense), net; (b) the
depreciation of the grants related to the amortization of the assets recorded in statements of operations
of the year, is recorded in net sales.
At December 31, 2012 and 2011 the deferred income for capital grants shown in the
consolidated balance sheet amounts to 9,209 and 9,815, respectively.
The amortization of these grants recorded in net sales of the consolidated statement of
operations for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010, amounts to 606, 543 and 748,
respectively.
Cost reimbursement grants relating to research, training and other personnel costs are
credited to income when there is a reasonable assurance of receipt from government agencies.
o) Employees' leaving entitlement
Leaving entitlements represent amounts accrued for each Italian employee that are due and
payable upon termination of employment, assuming immediate separation, determined in accordance
with applicable Italian labour laws. The Group accrues the full amount of employees' vested benefit
obligation as determined by such laws for leaving entitlements. At December 31, 2012 and 2011
employees’ leaving entitlement shown in the consolidated balance sheets amounts to 25,717 and
26,742, respectively.
Under such Italian labor laws, upon termination of an employment relationship, the former
employee has the right to receive termination benefits for each year of service equal to the employee’s
gross annual salary, divided by 13.5. The entitlement is increased each year by an amount
corresponding to 75% of the rise in the cost of living index plus 1.5 points.
The expenses recorded for the leaving entitlement for the years ended on December 31,
2012, 2011 and 2010 were 6,393, 6,668 and 6,521, respectively.
p) Revenue recognition
The Company recognizes revenue on sales at the time products are shipped from the
manufacturing facilities, and when the following criteria are met: persuasive evidence of an
arrangement exists; the price to the buyer is fixed and determinable and collectability of the sales price
is reasonably assured.
Revenues are recorded net of returns and discounts. Sales returns and discounts are
estimated and provided for in the year of sales. Such allowances are made based on historical trends.
The Company has the ability to make a reasonable estimate of such allowances due to large volumes of
homogeneous transactions and historical experience.
F - 11
Natuzzi S.p.A. and Subsidiaries
Notes to consolidated financial statements
(Expressed in thousands of euros except as otherwise indicated)
q) Cost of sales, selling expenses, general and administrative expenses
Cost of sales consist of the following expenses: the change in opening and closing
inventories, purchases of raw materials, labor costs, third party manufacturing costs, depreciation and
amortization expense of property, plant and equipment used in the production of finished goods,
energy and water expenses (for instance light and power expenses), expenses for maintenance and
repairs of production facilities, distribution network costs (including inbound freight charges,
warehousing costs, internal transfer costs and other logistic costs involved in the production cycle),
rentals and security costs for production facilities, small-tools replacement costs, insurance costs, and
other minor expenses.
Selling expenses consist of the following expenses: shipping and handling costs incurred for
transporting finished products to customers, advertising costs, labor costs for sales personnel, rental
expense for stores, commissions to sales representatives and related costs, depreciation and
amortization expense of property, plant and equipment and intangible assets that, based on their
usage, are allocated to selling expense, sales catalogue and related expenses, warranty costs, exhibition
and trade-fair costs, advisory fees for sales and marketing of finished products, expenses for
maintenance and repair of stores and other trade buildings, bad debt expense, insurance costs for trade
receivables and other related costs, and other miscellaneous expenses.
General and administrative expenses consist of the following expenses: costs for
administrative personnel, advisory fees for accounting and information-technology services, traveling
expenses for management and other personnel, depreciation and amortization expenses related to
property, plant and equipment and intangible assets that, based on their usage, are allocated to general
and administrative expense, postage and telephone costs, stationery and other office-supplies costs,
expenses for maintenance and repair of administrative facilities, statutory auditors and external
auditors fees, and other miscellaneous expenses.
As noted above, the costs of Group’s distributions network, which include inbound freight
charges, warehousing costs, internal transfer costs and other logistic costs involved in the production
cycle, are classified under the “cost of sales” line item.
r) Shipping and handling costs
Shipping and handling costs sustained to transport products to customers are expensed in the
periods incurred and are included in selling expenses. Shipping and handling expenses recorded for the
years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010 were 42,577, 40,554 and 43,844, respectively.
s) Advertising costs
Advertising costs are expensed in the periods incurred and are included in selling expenses.
Advertising expenses recorded for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010 were 19,527,
24,332 and 28,072, respectively.
t) Commission expense
Commissions payable to sales representatives and the related expenses are recorded at the
time shipments are made by the Group to customers and are included in selling expenses.
F - 12
Natuzzi S.p.A. and Subsidiaries
Notes to consolidated financial statements
(Expressed in thousands of euros except as otherwise indicated)
Commissions are not paid until payment for the related sale’s invoice is remitted to the Group by the
customer.
u) Warranties
Warranties are estimated and provided for in the year of sales. Such allowances are made
based on historical trends. The Company has the ability to make a reasonable estimate of such
allowances due to large volumes of homogeneous transactions and historical trends.
v) Research and development costs
Research and development costs are expensed in the period incurred. At December 31,
2012 and 2011 research and development expenses were 7,954 and 7,325 respectively.
w) Contingencies
Liabilities for loss contingencies are recorded when it is probable that a liability has been
incurred and the amount of the loss can be reasonably estimated.
x) Use of estimates
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with established accounting policies
requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and
liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and
reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ
from those estimates.
y) Leases
The Company has evaluated is existing lease contracts and concluded that all of its contracts
are operating in nature. As such, lease expenses are recognized when incurred over the term of the
lease.
z) Earnings (losses) per share
Basic earnings (losses) per share is calculated by dividing net earnings (losses) attributable to
ordinary shareholders by the weighted-average number of ordinary shares outstanding during the
period. Diluted earnings (losses) per share include the effects of the possible issuance of ordinary
shares under share grants and option plans in the determination of the weighted average number of
ordinary shares outstanding during the period.
The following table provides the amounts used in the calculation of losses per share:
Net loss attributable to ordinary shareholders
Weighted-average number of ordinary shares
outstanding during the year
Increase resulting from assumed conversion of
share grants and options
Weighted-average number of ordinary shares and
potential shares outstanding during the year
2012
(26,104)
2011
(19,586)
2010
(11,078)
54,853,045
54,853,045
54,853,045
-
-
-
54,853,045
54,853,045
54,853,045
F - 13
Natuzzi S.p.A. and Subsidiaries
Notes to consolidated financial statements
(Expressed in thousands of euros except as otherwise indicated)
4.
Cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents are analyzed as follows:
Cash on hand
Bank accounts
2012
163
77,550
77,713
2011
314
93,726
94,040
The following table shows the Group’s cash and cash equivalents broken-down by
country/region
China
Europe
North America
South America
Other
2012
61,546
15,234
556
200
177
77,713
2011
70,073
22,474
907
439
147
94,040
The Company anticipates that its existing cash and cash equivalents resources, including
availability under its letter of credit (see note 13) and cash flows from operations, will be adequate to
satisfy its liquidity requirements and capital expenditures through calendar year 2013. If available
liquidity is not sufficient to meet the Company’s operating and debt service obligations as they come
due, the management could pursue alternative financing arrangements or reduce expenditures as
necessary to meet the Company’s cash requirements throughout 2013.
5.
Marketable debt securities
Details regarding marketable debt securities are as follows:
Foreign corporate bonds
2012
4
4
2011
4
4
Further information regarding the Group's investments in marketable debt securities is as
follows:
2012
Foreign corporate bonds
Total
Cost
4
4
Gross unrealized
(Losses)
Gains
-
-
-
-
Fair
value
4
4
F - 14
Natuzzi S.p.A. and Subsidiaries
Notes to consolidated financial statements
(Expressed in thousands of euros except as otherwise indicated)
2011
Foreign corporate bonds
Total
Cost
4
4
Gross unrealized
(Losses)
Gains
-
-
-
-
Fair
value
4
4
The contractual maturity of the Group's marketable debt securities at December 31, 2012 is
on short term.
6.
Trade receivables, net
Trade receivables are analyzed as follows:
North American customers
Other foreign customers
Domestic customers
Trade bills receivable
Total trade receivables
(Allowance for doubtful accounts)
Total trade receivables, net
2012
37,288
41,208
24,421
-
102,917
(9,848)
93,069
2011
31,639
44,921
26,992
34
103,586
(10,647)
92,939
Trade receivables are due primarily from major retailers who sell directly to their
customers. Trade receivables due from related parties amounted to 4,283 as at December 31, 2012
(3,078 in 2011). Sales to related parties amounted to 4,750 in 2012 (6,637 in 2011). Transactions
with related parties were conducted at arm’s length.
As of December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010 and for each of the years in the three-year period
ended December 31, 2012, the Company had customers who exceeded 5% of trade receivables
and/or net sales as follows:
Trade receivables
N° of customers
% of trade receivables
2012
2011
2010
2
2
2
17%
15%
16%
Net sales
N° of customers
% of net sales
2012
2011
2010
2
2
2
15%
14%
20%
In 2012, 2011 and 2010 one customer accounted for approximately 8%, 9% and 15% of the
total net sales of the Group, respectively. This customer operates many furniture stores throughout
the world.
F - 15
Natuzzi S.p.A. and Subsidiaries
Notes to consolidated financial statements
(Expressed in thousands of euros except as otherwise indicated)
The Company insures with a third party its collection risk in respect of a significant portion
of accounts receivable outstanding balances, and estimates an allowance for doubtful accounts based on
the insurance in place, the credit worthiness of its customers, as well as general economic conditions.
The following table provides the movements in the allowance for doubtful accounts:
Allowance for doubtful accounts
Balance, beginning of year
Charges-bad debt expense
(Reductions-write off of uncollectible accounts)
Balance, end of year
2012
10,647
471
(1,270)
9,848
2011
9,373
1,695
(421)
2010
9,330
430
(387)
10,647 9,373
Trade receivables denominated in foreign currencies at December 31, 2012 and 2011
totaled 56,526 and 52,164, respectively. These receivables consist of the following:
Trade receivables in foreign currencies
U.S. dollars
Canadian dollars
British pounds
Australian dollars
Other currencies
Total
7.
Other receivables
Other receivables are analyzed as follows:
2012
28,004
15,497
3,255
3,237
6,533
56,526
2011
28,097
10,758
4,945
3,635
4,730
52,165
Receivable from National Institute for Social Security
Government capital grants
VAT
Receivable from tax authorities
Advances to suppliers
Other
2012
16,940
7,561
8,016
2,086
9,418
6,991
51,012
2011
12,713
7,518
7,138
2,374
7,198
6,820
43,761
The “Receivable from National Institute for Social Security” represents the amounts
anticipated by the Company on behalf of such governmental institute related to salaries for those
employees subject to temporary work force reduction.
The receivable for “Government capital grants” represents amounts due from government
agencies related to capital expenditures that have been incurred.
F - 16
Natuzzi S.p.A. and Subsidiaries
Notes to consolidated financial statements
(Expressed in thousands of euros except as otherwise indicated)
The “VAT” receivable includes value added taxes and interest thereon reimbursable to
various companies of the Group. While currently due at the balance sheet date, the collection of the
VAT receivable may extend over a maximum period of up to two years.
The “Receivable from the tax authorities” represents principally advance taxes paid in excess
of the amounts due and interest thereon.
The “Advances to suppliers” represents principally advance payment for services and general
expenses.
The “Other” caption primarily includes deposits and certain receivables related to green
incentive for photovoltaic investment.
8.
Inventories
Inventories are analyzed as follows:
Leather and other raw materials
Goods in process
Finished products
2012
51,901
8,541
21,827
82,269
2011
61,042
7,783
24,712
93,537
As of December 31, 2012 and 2011 the provision for slow moving and obsolete raw
materials and finished products included in inventories amounts to 6,252 and 5,678, respectively.
9.
Prepaid expenses and accrued income
Prepaid expenses and accrued income are analyzed as follows:
Accrued income
Prepayments
2012
25
2,006
2,031
2011
76
2,521
2,597
Prepayments mainly include the rent advance payment on factory building.
10.
Property, plant and equipment and accumulated depreciation
Fixed assets are listed below together with accumulated depreciation.
F - 17
Natuzzi S.p.A. and Subsidiaries
Notes to consolidated financial statements
(Expressed in thousands of euros except as otherwise indicated)
2012
Land and industrial buildings
Machinery and equipment
Airplane
Office furniture and equipment
Retail gallery and
store furnishings
Transportation equipment
Leasehold improvements
Construction in progress
Total
Cost or Accumulated Net Book Annual rate of
valuation depreciation
(62,803)
(98,867)
(10,834)
(21,031)
169,810
123,262
24,075
23,033
Value depreciation
107,007 0 – 10%
24,395 10 – 25%
13,241 3%
2,002 10 – 20%
32,581
4,630
17,831
1,370
396,592
(30,043)
(4,147)
(7,406)
-
(235,131)
2,538 25 – 35%
483 20 – 25%
10,425 10 – 20%
1,370 -
161,461
2011
Land and industrial buildings
Machinery and equipment
Airplane
Office furniture and equipment
Retail gallery and
store furnishings
Transportation equipment
Leasehold improvements
Construction in progress
Total
Cost or Accumulated Net Book Annual rate of
valuation depreciation
174,108
123,835
24,075
22,882
(59,349)
(96,647)
(10,112)
(20,504)
Value depreciation
114,759 0 – 10%
27,188 10 – 25%
13,963 3%
2,378 10 – 20%
32,506
4,830
18,495
945
401,676
(29,060)
(4,200)
(6,003)
-
(225,875)
3,446 25 – 35%
630 20 – 25%
12,492 10 – 20%
945 -
175,801
The following table shows the Long lived assets down by country:
Italy
Romania
Brazil
United States of America
China
Spain
UK
Other countries
Total
2012
98,365
19,386
13,815
13,889
12,589
797
1,543
1,077
161,461
2011
103,772
21,173
16,160
14,784
14,458
2,220
2,000
1,234
175,801
In 2012 the Company performed an impairment review of its fixed assets and an impairment
loss of 864 was recorded (788 as Machinery and equipment and 76 as Office furniture and equipment)
F - 18
Natuzzi S.p.A. and Subsidiaries
Notes to consolidated financial statements
(Expressed in thousands of euros except as otherwise indicated)
related to Spain. The Company determined the fair value of the assets using the Discounted Cash
Flow, at the lowest level for which identifiable cash flows are independent of other cash flows, and
compared it with the carrying value of its fixed assets. An impairment loss arose due, in particular, to
the decline in cash flow projections related to the uncertain prospects for full economic recovery in
Spain, since private consumption was negatively impacted by a general weakness in the job market,
high levels of public indebtedness, and a decreasing level of savings among families.
In China Land and industrial buildings was impacted by the write-off of the Italsofa
Shanghai’s assets a consequence of the relocation agreement signed in January 2011 with the Chinese
authorities. In April 2011, this agreement has been executed and Italsofa Shanghai relocated its
manufacturing process to a new industrial site. All fixed assets that were not transferred to the new
industrial site (the industrial building, some machines and equipment, etc.) have been written-off by
the Company, and recorded under the line “other income/(expense) net” of the consolidated
statement of operations for the year ended December 31, 2011 resulting in a loss of 18,388(equivalent
to RMB 165 Mln). As a consequence of this relocation, Italsofa Shanghai collected a relocation
compensation fund of 46,691 (equal to RMB 420 million), which was recorded as non-operating
income, under the line “other income/(expense) net” of the consolidated statement of operations for
the year ended December 31, 2011.
In Brazil the Company in order to improve its worldwide manufacturing efficiency, in 2008
decided to close and try to sell one of the two Brazilian manufacturing plants located in Pojuca - State
of Bahia, recording an impairment loss of 2,911. As a result of this decision, as of December, 31 2009
the Company prepared the impairment test, based on a third-party independent appraisal, and
determined that the carrying value of this manufacturing plant (net of the 2008 impairment loss
already recorded), was less than the fair value less cost to sell. As a consequence, no additional
impairment loss was recorded in the 2009 consolidated statement of operations.
During 2010, the Company formally confirmed the decision to sell this manufacturing plant
with a Board of Director’s resolution. The plant was classified as property, plant and equipment since
not all criteria to record it as held for sale had been met. As of December 31, 2010, the Company
performed the annual impairment analysis with a new third-party independent appraisal and
determined that its carrying value was less than the fair value less cost to sell. As a consequence, no
additional impairment loss was recorded in the 2010 consolidated statement of operations.
During 2011, the Company, was not able to sell this plant and, at the end of 2011, engaged a
third-party independent consulting firm to review the fair market value of Pojuca plant. With this new
external appraisal, the management performed the annual impairment analysis and determined that its
carrying value as of December 31, 2011 exceeds its fair value. Therefore, as of December 31, 2011
the carrying value of Pojuca plant was reduced to its fair value. This resulted in an impairment loss of
1,036, that was recorded, under the line “other income/(expense) net” of the consolidated statement
of operations for the year ended December 31, 2011(see note 26).
As of December 31, 2012 the company has revaluated its earlier decision to sell the plant,
given its current growth plans in Brazil, and is currently not actively marketing the plant for sale. As of
F - 19
Natuzzi S.p.A. and Subsidiaries
Notes to consolidated financial statements
(Expressed in thousands of euros except as otherwise indicated)
December 31, 2012, the Company performed the annual impairment analysis with a new third-party
independent appraisal and determined that its carrying value was less than the fair value less cost to
sell. As a consequence, no additional impairment loss was recorded in the 2012 consolidated
statement of operations. As of December 31, 2012 the carrying value, net of the 2008 and 2011
impairment loss, is 5,891.
In Italy, the Company in 2008 decided to close and try to sell six industrial buildings
mainly utilized as warehouses and located in the cities of Altamura and Matera nearby the Group’s
headquarters in Santeramo. As a result of this decision the Company performed an impairment analysis
and recorded an impairment loss of 1,792.
During 2009 the Company sold one of the above industrial buildings (not impaired in 2008)
and in 2010 one of them was reactivated as a consequence of demand from the “made in Italy”
production.
During 2011 none of the remaining four buildings were sold by the Company. As of
December, 31 2011, the Company performed a new impairment analysis with a third-party
independent appraisal and determined that their carrying values as of December 31, 2011 were less
than the respective fair value. As consequence, no additional impairment loss was recorded in the
2011 consolidated statement of operations. As of December 31, 2011 the carrying value, net of the
2008 impairment loss, of the four remaining industrial buildings is 5,109.
During 2012 one of those buildings was sold for cash consideration of 1,500, close to its
carrying value. As of December 31, 2012, the Company performed the annual analysis on the
remaining three buildings not in use and determined that their carrying values as of December, 31
2012, were less than the fair market value less costs to sell. As consequence, no additional impairment
loss was recorded in the 2012 consolidated statement of operations. The Company’s management
estimated the fair value of these industrial buildings based on observable market transactions involving
sales of comparable buildings and third party independent appraisals. As of December 31, 2012 the
carrying value, net of the 2008 impairment loss, of the three remaining industrial buildings not in use
is 3,842.
11.
Intangible assets
Intangible assets consist of the following, together with accumulated amortization:
2012
Software
Trademarks, patents and other
Total
Gross carrying
Accumulated
amortization
amount
23,279
12,725
36,004
(19,499)
(11,723)
(31,222)
Net book
value
3,780
1,002
4,782
F - 20
Natuzzi S.p.A. and Subsidiaries
Notes to consolidated financial statements
(Expressed in thousands of euros except as otherwise indicated)
2011
Software
Trademarks, patents and other
Total
Gross carrying Accumulated
amortization
(17,234)
(11,670)
(28,904)
amount
21,592
12,371
33,963
Net book
value
4,358
701
5,059
Amortization expense recorded for these assets was 2,683, 3,714 and 3,850 for the years
ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively. Estimated amortization expense for the next
five years is 2,694 in 2013, 1,492 in 2014, 208 in 2015, 86 in 2016 and 41 in 2017.
12.
Goodwill
At December 31, 2012 and 2011 the net book value of goodwill may be analyzed as follows:
Gross amount
Less accumulated amortization
Total, net
2012
9,136
(9,055)
81
2011
9,136
(8,875)
261
The changes in the carrying amount of goodwill for the year ended December 31, 2012,
2011 and 2010 are as follows:
Balance, beginning of year
Increase for new acquisition
Reductions for amortization
Balance, end of year
2012
261
-
(180)
81
2011
711
-
(450)
261
2010
2,226
-
(1,515)
711
The Goodwill is entirely related to a small operating unit named “Italian retail owned
stores”.
13.
Bank overdrafts
Bank overdrafts consist of the following:
Bank overdrafts
2012
26,948
2011
24,157
Bank overdrafts are payable on demand. The weighted average interest rates on the above
overdrafts at December 31, 2012 and 2011 are as follows:
Bank overdrafts
2012
2.16%
2011
1.91%
F - 21
Natuzzi S.p.A. and Subsidiaries
Notes to consolidated financial statements
(Expressed in thousands of euros except as otherwise indicated)
Letters of credit available to the Group amounted to 48,258 and 51,682 at December 31,
2012 and 2011, respectively. The unused portion of these facilities, for which no commitment fees are
due, amounted to 1,093 and 12,749 at December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively.
14.
Accounts payable-trade
Accounts payable-trade totaling 63,328 and 63,543 at December 31, 2012 and 2011,
respectively, represent principally amounts payable for purchases of goods and services in Italy and
abroad, and include 27,564 and 22,110 at December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively, denominated
in foreign currencies.
15.
Accounts payable-other
Accounts payable-other are analyzed as follows:
Provision for warranties
Advances from customers
Cooperative advertising and quantity discount
Withholding taxes on payroll and on others
Other accounts payable
Total
2012
5,804
4,356
4,347
2,091
4,435
21,033
2011
7,180
3,618
3,891
1,884
4,843
21,416
“Other accounts payable” represents principally VAT payable.
The following table provides the movements in the “Provision for warranties”:
Balance, beginning of year
Charges to profit and loss
Reductions for utilization
Balance, end of year
2012
7,180
1,000
(2,376)
5,804
2011
8,661
1,355
(2,836)
7,180
2010
8,706
2,112
(2,157)
8,661
16.
Taxes on income
Italian companies are subject to two enacted income taxes at the following rates:
IRES (state tax)
IRAP (regional tax)
2012
27.50%
4.82%
2011
27.50%
4.82%
2010
27.50%
4.82%
F - 22
Natuzzi S.p.A. and Subsidiaries
Notes to consolidated financial statements
(Expressed in thousands of euros except as otherwise indicated)
IRES is a state tax and is calculated on the taxable income determined on the income before
taxes modified to reflect all temporary and permanent differences regulated by the tax law. The
enacted IRES tax rate for 2012, 2011 and 2010 is 27.50% of taxable income.
IRAP is a regional tax and each Italian region has the power to increase the current rate of
3.90% by a maximum of 1.00%. In general, the taxable base of IRAP is a form of gross profit
determined as the difference between gross revenues (excluding interest and dividend income) and
direct production costs (excluding labour costs, interest expense and other financial costs). The
enacted IRAP tax rate due in Puglia region for 2012, 2011 and 2010 is 4.82% (3.90% plus 0.92%).
Total income taxes for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010 are allocated as
follows:
Current:
- Domestic
- Foreign
Total (a)
Deferred:
- Domestic
- Foreign
Total (b)
Total (a+b)
2012
2011
2010
(1,856)
(8,309)
(10,165)
(1,842)
(836)
(2,678)
(1,980)
(5,285)
(7,265)
(1,000)
6,994
5,994
(4,171)
-
(6,206)
(6,206)
(8,884)
-
313
313
(6,952)
Certain foreign subsidiaries enjoy significant tax benefits, such as corporate income tax
exemptions or reductions of the corporate income tax rates effectively applicable. The tax
reconciliation table reported below shows the effect of such “tax exempt income” on the Group’s
2012, 2011 and 2010 income tax charge.
Consolidated “Net income/(loss) before income taxes” of the consolidated statement of
operations for the year ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010, is analyzed as follows:
Domestic
Foreign
Total
2012
(11,144)
(10,715)
(21,859)
2011
(22,553)
12,560
(9,993)
2010
(11,414)
7,385
(4,029)
The effective income taxes differ from the expected income tax expense (computed by
applying the IRES state tax, which is 27.5% for 2012, 2011 and 2010, to income before income taxes
and non-controlling interest) as follows:
F - 23
Natuzzi S.p.A. and Subsidiaries
Notes to consolidated financial statements
(Expressed in thousands of euros except as otherwise indicated)
Expected tax benefit at nominal tax rates
Effects of:
-Tax exempt income
-Aggregate effect of different tax rates in foreign jurisdictions
- Italian regional tax
- Expiration and write off tax loss carry-forwards
- Non-deductible expenses
- Provisions for contingent liabilities
- Depreciation and impairment of goodwill
- Effect of net change in valuation allowance established against
deferred tax assets
- Tax effect of unremitted earnings
Actual tax charge
2012
6,011
1,109
965
(1,854)
-
(993)
-
(5)
2011
2,748
1,505
1,429
(1,796)
(10,086)
(1,940)
-
(5)
2010
1,108
1,376
2,184
(1,951)
(1,080)
(2,987)
-
(5)
(8,679)
(725)
(4,171)
(1,549)
810
(8,884)
(5,229)
(366)
(6,952)
The effective income tax rates for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010 were
19.08%, 88.9% and 172.6%, respectively.
The related Income tax debt recorded for the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011 is
9,199 and 1,335, respectively.
The tax effects of temporary differences that give rise to deferred tax assets and deferred tax
liabilities at December 31, 2012 and 2011 are presented below:
Deferred tax assets:
Tax loss carry-forwards
Provision for warranties
Allowance for doubtful accounts
Unrealized net losses on foreign exchange
Impairment of long-lived assets
One-time termination benefits
Inventory obsolescence
Goodwill and intangible assets
Intercompany profit on inventory
Provision for contingent liabilities
Provision for sales representatives
Total gross deferred tax assets
Less valuation allowance
Net deferred tax assets (a)
F - 24
2012
2011
67,099
1,787
3,411
347
2,231
1,693
1,268
1,608
1,166
2,523
408
83,541
(81,780)
1,761
58,271
2,153
3,699
355
2,288
1,863
1,305
1,764
1,078
2,139
387
75,302
(73,100)
2,202
Natuzzi S.p.A. and Subsidiaries
Notes to consolidated financial statements
(Expressed in thousands of euros except as otherwise indicated)
Deferred tax liabilities:
Unrealized net gains on foreign exchange
Unremitted earnings of subsidiaries
Withholding tax on unremitted earnings of
subsidiaries
Government Grants
Other temporary differences
Total deferred tax liabilities (b)
Net deferred tax assets
(liabilities) (a + b)
(529)
(137)
(1,000)
(570)
(96)
(2,332)
(842)
(412)
-
(570)
(6,906)
(8,728)
(571)
(6,528)
A valuation allowance has been established for most of the deductible tax temporary
differences and tax loss carry-forwards.
The valuation allowance for deferred tax assets as of December 31, 2012 and 2011 was
81,780 and 73,101, respectively. The net change in the total valuation allowance for the years ended
December 31, 2012 and 2011 was an increase of 8,679 and 1,549, respectively. In assessing the
reliability of deferred tax assets, management considers whether it is more likely than not that some
portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. The ultimate realization of deferred tax
assets is dependent upon the generation of future taxable income during the periods in which those
temporary differences become deductible and the tax loss carry-forwards are utilized.
In 2011 the Other temporary differences of 6,906 included the deferred tax liability related
to the taxable net gain recorded in the Group consolidated financial statements as a consequence of the
Chinese relocation (note 26), reversed in 2012 as consequence of the completion of certain formal and
compliance requirements.
Starting from 2011, in Italy, a new tax rule has been adopted for tax losses carry forwards.
From 2011 all net losses carried forward no longer expire, with the only limitation being that such loss
carryforwards can be utilized to off-set a maximum of 80% of the taxable income in each following
year. The new tax rule is applicable also to net losses recorded in previous periods.
Given the cumulative loss position of the Company and of most of the Italian and foreign
subsidiaries as of December 31, 2012 and 2011, and despite the new tax rule described above,
management has considered the scheduled reversal of deferred tax liabilities and tax planning
strategies, in making their assessment. The management after a reasonable analysis as of December 31,
2012 and 2011 has not identified any relevant tax planning strategies prudent and feasible available to
reduce the valuation allowance. Therefore, at December 31, 2012 and 2011 the realization of the
deferred tax assets is primarily based on the scheduled reversal of deferred tax liabilities, except in
certain historically profitable jurisdictions.
Based upon this analysis, management believes it is not “more likely than not” that Natuzzi
Group will realize the benefits of these deductible differences and net operating losses carry-forwards,
net of the existing valuation allowance at December 31, 2012 and 2011.
F - 25
Natuzzi S.p.A. and Subsidiaries
Notes to consolidated financial statements
(Expressed in thousands of euros except as otherwise indicated)
Net deferred income tax assets are included in the consolidated balance sheets as follows:
2012
Gross deferred tax assets
Less Valuation allowance
Deferred tax assets
Deferred tax liabilities compensated
Net deferred tax assets
Current
3,306
(1,545)
1,761
(1,236)
525
Non-current
80,235
(80,235)
-
-
-
Total
83,541
(81,780)
1,761
(1,236)
525
Deferred tax liabilities
(1,096)
-
(1,096)
Net deferred tax assets (liabilities)
2011
Gross deferred tax assets
Less Valuation allowance
Deferred tax assets
Deferred tax liabilities compensated
Net deferred tax assets
Current
3,273
(1,483)
1,790
(1,412)
378
Non-current
72,029
(71,617)
412
(412)
-
(571)
Total
75,302
(73,100)
2,202
(1,824)
378
Deferred tax liabilities
-
(6,906)
(6,906)
Net deferred tax assets (liabilities)
(6,528)
As of December 31, 2012, taxes that are due on the distribution of the portion of
shareholders' equity equal to unremitted earnings of some of the subsidiaries is 1,137 (412 at
December 31, 2011) and the 10% of the withholding tax has also posted considering that these
unremitted earnings will be distributed as dividends. The Group has provided for such taxes as the
likelihood of distribution is probable.
As of December 31, 2012 the tax losses carried-forward of the Group total 231,525 and
expire as follows:
2013
2014
2015
2016
2017
Thereafter
No expiration
Total
3,215
1,020
1,666
1,208
5,275
43,623
175,518
231,525
F - 26
Natuzzi S.p.A. and Subsidiaries
Notes to consolidated financial statements
(Expressed in thousands of euros except as otherwise indicated)
17.
Salaries, wages and related liabilities
Salaries, wages and related liabilities are analyzed as follows:
Salaries and wages
Social security contributions
Vacation accrual
Total
18.
Long-term debt
2012
1,632
3,384
2,951
7,967
2011
2,058
2,451
3,531
8,040
Long-term debt at December 31, 2012 and 2011 consists of the following:
0.25% long-term debt payable in semi-annual
installments with final payment due July 2013
2.25% long-term debt payable in annual equal
installments with final payment due May 30, 2015
3-month Euribor (360) plus a 1.0% spread long-term
debt with final payment due August 2015
0.74% long-term debt payable in annual installments
with final payment due April 2018
2012
300
885
6,974
2,629
2011
900
1,165
9,402
3,056
Total long-term debt
Less: (current installments)
Long-term debt, excluding current installments
10,788
(3,503)
7,285
14,523
(3,735)
10,788
The most significant Long term debt of a nominal amount of 10,000 was obtained in 2010
with installments payable on a quarterly basis and with final payments due August 2015. This long
term floating-rate provides variable installments based on the 3-month Euribor (360) plus a 1.0%
spread. Out of the total amount, the Company received 9,000 in 2010 and 1,000 in 2011. During
2012 the Company timely paid all the installments of these long term loans.
Loan maturities after 2013 are summarized below:
2014
2015
2016
2017
Thereafter
Total
3,271
2,685
440
442
447
7,285
F - 27
Natuzzi S.p.A. and Subsidiaries
Notes to consolidated financial statements
(Expressed in thousands of euros except as otherwise indicated)
At December 31, 2012 and 2011 there are no covenants on the above long-term debt. In
addition, at December 31, 2012 and 2011 there is no long-term debt denominated in foreign
currencies.
Interest expense related to long-term debt for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011
and 2010 was 209, 295 and 116 respectively. Interest expense is paid with the related installment
(quarterly, semi-annual or annual).
19.
Other liabilities
Other liabilities consist of:
Provision for tax and legal proceedings
One-time termination benefits
Termination indemnities for sales agents
Other provisions
2012
8,293
6,135
1,300
1,297
17,025
2011
12,237
6,703
1,215
177
20,332
The Group is involved in a number of certain and probable claims (including tax claims) and
legal actions arising in the ordinary course of business. In the opinion of management, the ultimate
disposition of these matters, after the provision accrued, will not have a material adverse effect on the
Group’s consolidated financial position or results of operations. The changes in the balance of
“Provision for tax and legal proceedings” for the year ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010 are as
follows:
Provision for tax and legal proceedings
2012
2011
2010
Balance, beginning of year
-Increase for new provision
-(Reductions)
Balance, end of year
12,237
740
(4,684)
8,293
14,244
2,492
(4,499)
12,237
14,952
3,812
(4,520)
14,244
The “One-time termination benefits” include the amounts to be paid on the separation date
of certain workers and have been determined by the Company based on the current applicable Italian
law and regulations for involuntarily termination of employees. On September, 2011 the Company
and the Trade Unions submitted a request to the Italian Ministry of Labor to access for 24 months
(starting from October 16, 2011) to the unemployment benefits (Italian law July, 23 1991 n. 223 e
D.M. August 20, 2002 n. 31444) granted by a special Social Security procedure called “CIGS - Cassa
Integrazione Guadagni Straordinaria”. The average number of positions involved in the CIGS program
within the Group’s Italian facilities for the 2011-2013 period is 1,273 and are currently employed in
the Italian headquarters and production sites. On October, 2011 the Italian Ministry of Labor accepted
the above request, and admitted the Company to a 24 months layoff period, in order to support the
reorganization process of the Company that assumes a surplus of 1,060 employees at the end of the
F - 28
Natuzzi S.p.A. and Subsidiaries
Notes to consolidated financial statements
(Expressed in thousands of euros except as otherwise indicated)
lay-off period (October 15, 2013). Based on the above signed agreement, the Company, at December
31, 2011 increased the One-time termination benefits reserve to 6,703 with an addition accrual of
5,446 (for the 1,060 employees to be dismissed) recorded as a non-operating expense, under the line
“other income/(expense) net” of the consolidated statement of operations for the year ended
December 31, 2011(see note 26).
One time termination benefit
Balance, beginning of year
-Increase for new provision
-(Reductions)
Balance, end of year
2012
6,703
-
(568)
6,135
2011
2,046
5,446
(789)
6,703
2010
2,046
-
-
2,046
During 2012 and 2011, the Company paid the one-time termination benefits of 568 and
789, respectively, to the workers terminated pursuant to individual agreements reached during the
year.
The Company has not determined the effected employees interested by the above mentioned
lay-off program and, therefore, no notification has been made to terminated employees.
20.
Shareholders' equity
The share capital is owned, as of December 31, as follows:
Mr. Pasquale Natuzzi*
Mrs. Anna Maria Natuzzi
Mrs. Annunziata Natuzzi
Public investors
* through Invest 2003 S.r.l.
An analysis of the “Reserves” is as follows:
Legal reserve
Monetary revaluation reserve
Government capital grants reserve
Majority shareholder capital contribution
Total
2012
54.5%
2.6%
2.5%
40.4%
100.0%
2011
53.5%
2.6%
2.5%
41.4%
100.0%
2012
11,199
1,344
29,749
488
42,780
2011
11,199
1,344
29,749
488
42,780
The number of ordinary shares issued at December 31, 2012 and 2011 is 54,853,045. The
par value of one ordinary share is euro 1.
Italian law requires that 5% of net income of the parent company and each of its consolidated
Italian subsidiaries be retained as a legal reserve, until this reserve is equal to 20% of the issued share
F - 29
Natuzzi S.p.A. and Subsidiaries
Notes to consolidated financial statements
(Expressed in thousands of euros except as otherwise indicated)
capital of each respective company. The legal reserve may be utilized to cover losses; any portion
which exceeds 20% of the issued share capital is distributable as dividends. The combined legal
reserves totaled 11,199 at December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively.
During 2008 the majority shareholder made a contribution of 488 recorded by the Company
under shareholder’s equity in the line item “reserves”. This contribution was made based on the rules
which regulate the cost reimbursement grants related to research and development costs.
No taxes would be payable on the distribution of the government capital grants reserve.
The cumulative translation adjustment included in retained earnings of shareholders’ equity
related to translation of the Group’s foreign assets and liabilities at December 31, 2012 was a debit of
3,875 (credit of 1,102 at December 31, 2011).
Non-controlling interest - Non-controlling interest shown in the accompanying
consolidated balance sheet at December 31, 2012 is 2,524 (3,035 at December 31, 2011). The
variation includes the effect of the:
- acquisition of the 9.16% of the shares of I.M.P.E. S.p.A. previously owned by third parties
and now fully owned by Natuzzi S.p.A at a price of 200.
- distribution in September 2012 of Rmb 47.7 million of retained earnings from Italsofa
Shanghai (China) owned by Natuzzi S.p.A only for 96.50% that generate an impact of 186.
21.
Commitments and contingent liabilities
Several companies of the Group lease manufacturing facilities and stores under non-
cancellable lease agreements with expiry dates through 2023. Rental expense recorded for the years
ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010 was 17,931, 18,710 and 15,284, respectively. As of
December 31, 2012, the minimum annual rental commitments are as follows:
2013
2014
2015
2016
2017
Thereafter
Total
17,912
18,004
18,296
18,883
19,270
12,495
104,860
Certain banks have provided guarantees at December 31, 2012 to secure payments to third
parties amounting to 893 (3,295 at December 31, 2011). These guarantees are unsecured and have
various maturities extending through December 31, 2015.
On September, 2011 the Company and the Trade Unions submitted a request to the Italian
Ministry of Labor to access for 24 months (starting from October 16, 2011) to the unemployment
benefits (Italian law July, 23 1991 n. 223 e D.M. August 20, 2002 n. 31444) granted by a special
F - 30
Natuzzi S.p.A. and Subsidiaries
Notes to consolidated financial statements
(Expressed in thousands of euros except as otherwise indicated)
Social Security procedure called “CIGS - Cassa Integrazione Guadagni Straordinaria”. The average number
of positions involved in the CIGS program within the Group’s Italian facilities for the 2011-2013
period is 1,273 and are currently employed in the Italian headquarters and production sites. On
October, 2011 the Italian Ministry of Labor accepted the above request, and admitted the Company to
a 24-month layoff period, in order to support the reorganization process of the Company that assumes
a surplus of 1,060 employees at the end of the lay-off period (October 15, 2013). Based on the above
mentioned agreement, the Company, during the 24-month layoff period, has a formal commitment to
make investments (equipment related to the production activities; marketing, sales and distribution
network development; research and development; patents; trademarks; training requalification) for an
average amount of 25,000 per year.
If at the end of the lay-off period (October 15, 2013) the “CIGS - Cassa Integrazione Guadagni
Straordinaria” is not extend by the Italian Ministry of Labor, the Company will provide the above
employees with a formal termination communication.
22.
Segmental and geographical information
The Group operates in a single industry segment, that is, the design, manufacture and
marketing of contemporary and traditional leather and fabric upholstered furniture. It offers a wide
range of upholstered furniture for sale, manufactured in production facilities located in Italy and
abroad (Romania, Brazil and China).
Net sales of upholstered furniture analyzed by coverings are as follows:
Sales of upholstered furniture
2012
2011
2010
Upholstered furniture - Leather
Upholstered furniture - Fabric
Subtotal
389,778
19,627
409,405
403,032
22,243
425,275
431,089
29,441
460,530
Other sales
Total
59,439
468,844
61,089
486,364
58,104
518,634
Within leather and fabric upholstered furniture, the Company offers furniture in the
following categories: stationary furniture (sofas, loveseats and armchairs), sectional furniture, motion
furniture, sofa beds and occasional chairs, including recliners and massage chairs.
“Other sales” includes sales of excess volumes of polyurethane foam, leather by-products and
certain pieces of furniture (coffee tables, lamps and rugs) which, for 2012, 2011 and 2010 totaled
56,400, 61,089 and 58,104, respectively. Furthermore, for 2012 only, the “Other sales” item also
includes 3,180 as a reversal of accruals made by the Company in the previous years. See Note 29 (m).
The following tables provide information upon the net sales of upholstered furniture and of
long-lived assets by geographical location. Net sales are attributed to countries based on the location of
customers.
F - 31
Natuzzi S.p.A. and Subsidiaries
Notes to consolidated financial statements
(Expressed in thousands of euros except as otherwise indicated)
Sales of upholstered furniture
United States of America
Italy
England
Canada
France
Spain
Belgium
Germany
Holland
Australia
China
Other countries (none greater than 2%)
Total
23.
Cost of sales
Cost of sales is analyzed as follows:
2012
2011
2010
108,137
34,121
32,261
45,024
19,195
13,587
14,185
16,984
7,552
12,758
9,491
96,110
409,405
94,192
46,151
32,384
35,580
21,049
21,556
19,412
20,719
9,961
12,282
10,484
101,505
425,275
114,113
51,694
33,814
40,769
24,121
27,305
23,251
18,318
10,476
15,157
8,013
93,499
460,530
Opening inventories
Purchases
Labor
Third party manufacturers
Other manufacturing costs
Closing inventories
Total
2012
93,537
186,579
75,699
11,212
29,089
(82,269)
313,847
2011
87,356
211,403
79,148
10,305
31,393
(93,537)
326,068
2010
81,564
208,738
75,772
12,439
30,344
(87,356)
321,501
The line item “Other manufacturing costs” includes the depreciation expenses of property
plant equipment used in the production of finished goods. This depreciation expense amounted to
9,505, 9,472 and 11,457 for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively.
24.
Selling expenses
Selling expenses is analyzed as follows:
F - 32
Natuzzi S.p.A. and Subsidiaries
Notes to consolidated financial statements
(Expressed in thousands of euros except as otherwise indicated)
Salaries
Fairs
Commissions
Freight
Promotion
Advertising
Depreciations
Product repairs
Samples
Credit insurance cost
Bad debts
Other commercial insurance cost
Other Freight costs
Rent
Consultancy
Utilities
Other
Total
2012
21,526
3,339
9,697
40,293
1,690
19,527
4,057
4,594
900
527
471
548
7,323
13,008
707
2,278
1,931
132,417
25.
General and administrative expenses
General and administrative expenses is analyzed as follows:
Salaries
Consultancy
Electronic data processing
Mail & Phone
Other
Printing & Stationery
Depreciations
Travel expenses
Cars cost
Directors and auditors - fees
Non deductibles and indirect taxes
2012
17,998
4,127
196
1,085
2,109
643
3,470
5,148
1,214
982
2,890
39,862
26.
Other income /(expense), net
Other income/(expense), net is analyzed as follows:
F - 33
2011
26,950
2,984
9,107
39,434
1,863
24,333
5,367
4,046
1,419
611
1,695
580
6,924
13,908
765
2,583
1,722
144,290
2011
17,013
4,380
300
1,382
1,877
791
4,160
7,004
1,459
1,368
3,564
43,298
2010
26,875
2,927
10,402
45,796
1,650
28,072
7,644
4,104
1,366
564
430
463
4,912
12,989
1,221
2,629
2,223
154,267
2010
17,059
4,631
227
1,281
2,224
719
4,318
6,061
1,380
1,363
3,205
42,468
Natuzzi S.p.A. and Subsidiaries
Notes to consolidated financial statements
(Expressed in thousands of euros except as otherwise indicated)
Interest income
(Interest expense and bank commissions)
Interest income/(expense), net
Gains (losses) on foreign exchange, net
Unrealized exchange gain (losses) on
exchange derivative instruments, net
Other, net
Total
2012
1,561
(1,719)
(158)
(3,396)
908
(1,931)
(4,577)
2011
1,373
(1,860)
(487)
1,042
(594)
17,338
17,299
2010
576
(1,575)
(999)
1,935
(888)
(4,475)
(4,427)
“Gains (losses) on foreign exchange, net” are related to the following:
Net realized gains (losses) on
exchange derivative instruments
Net realized gains (losses) on
accounts receivable and payable
Net unrealized gains (losses) on
accounts receivable and payable
Total
“Other, net” are related to the following:
Provisions for contingent liabilities
Impairment losses of long-lived assets
One-time termination benefits
Chinese relocation compensation
Expenses for the Chinese relocation
Write-off of fixed assets
Other, net
Total
2012
2011
2010
(1,101)
1,933
(3,057)
2,309
(1,247)
6,801
(4,604)
(3,396)
356
1,042
(1,809)
1,935
2012
(740)
(864)
-
-
-
(339)
12
(1,931)
2011
(2,492)
(1,036)
(5,446)
46,691
(21,631)
(311)
1,563
17,338
2010
(3,812)
-
-
-
-
(454)
(209)
(4,475)
Provisions for contingent liabilities - The Company has charged to other income (expense),
net in 2012, 2011 and 2010 the amount of 740, 2,492 and 3,812, respectively, for the estimated
probable liabilities related to some claims (including tax claims) and legal actions in which it is
involved.
During 2012 the Group has charged to other income (expense), net the amount of 114 for
the probable tax contingent liabilities related to income taxes and other taxes of the parent company
and some foreign subsidiaries. The remaining amount of 626 of the provisions for contingent liabilities
is related to several minor claims and legal actions arising in the ordinary course of business.
F - 34
Natuzzi S.p.A. and Subsidiaries
Notes to consolidated financial statements
(Expressed in thousands of euros except as otherwise indicated)
During 2011 the Group charged to other income (expense), net the amount of 1,358 for the
probable tax contingent liabilities related to income taxes and other taxes of the parent company and
some foreign subsidiaries. The remaining amount of 1,134 of the provisions for contingent liabilities is
related to several minor claims and legal actions arising in the ordinary course of business.
During 2010 the Company charged to other income (expense), net the amount of 1,033 for
the probable tax contingent liabilities related to income taxes and other taxes of some foreign
subsidiaries. The remaining amount of 2,779 of the provisions for contingent liabilities is related to
several minor claims and legal actions arising in the ordinary course of business.
Impairment losses of long-lived assets – In 2012 the Company performed an impairment
review of its fixed assets related to retail stores in Spain and an impairment loss of 864 was recorded.
The Company determined the fair value of the reporting unit and compared it with the carrying value
of its fixed assets.
In 2011 the Company performed the annual impairment analysis of some Brazilian plants
with a third-party independent appraisal and this resulted in an impairment loss of 1,036 recorded
under the line other income (expense), net of the consolidated statement of operations for the year
ended December 31, 2011.
One-time termination benefits - In September 2011, the Company and the Trade Unions
submitted a request to the Italian Ministry of Labor to access for 24 months (starting from October 16,
2011) to the unemployment benefits (Italian law July, 23 1991 n. 223 e D.M. August 20, 2002 n.
31444) granted by special Social Security procedure called “CIGS - Cassa Integrazione Guadagni
Straordinaria”. The average number of positions involved in the CIGS program within the Group’s
Italian facilities for the 2011-2013 period is 1,273 and are currently employed in the Italian
headquarters and production sites. On October, 2011 the Italian Ministry of Labor accepted the above
request, and admitted the Company to a 24 months layoff period, in order to support the
reorganization process of the Company that assumes a surplus of 1,060 employees at the end of the
lay-off period (October 15, 2013). Based on the above signed agreement, the Company, at December,
2011 increased the One-time termination benefits reserve with an accrual of 5,446 (for the 1,060
employees to be dismissed) recorded as a non-operating expense, under the
line “other
income/(expense) net” of the consolidated statement of operations for the year ended December 31,
2011. No additional accruals were made for the year ended December 31, 2012.
Chinese relocation compensation - On January 26, 2011 Italsofa Shanghai ltd (a Chinese
subsidiary) signed an agreement with the Shanghai Municipality and Shanghai n.12 Metro Line
Development Co. Ltd to abandon the industrial site and relocate to another industrial site. In April
2011, this agreement was executed and Italsofa Shanghai relocated its manufacturing process to a new
industrial site. As a consequence of the signed agreement Italsofa Shanghai collected a relocation
compensation amount of 46,691 (equal to RMB 420 million), which was recorded as non-operating
income, under the line “other income/(expense) net” of the consolidated statement of operations for
the year ended December 31, 2011.
F - 35
Natuzzi S.p.A. and Subsidiaries
Notes to consolidated financial statements
(Expressed in thousands of euros except as otherwise indicated)
Expenses for the Chinese relocation - As a consequence of the above relocation, all fixed
assets owned by Italsofa Shanghai that were not transferred in the new industrial site (the industrial
building and some machines and equipment) were written-off recording a loss of 18,388 (equivalent
to RMB 165 Mln). In addition the Chinese subsidiary recorded other extraordinary expenses for
employees compensation and fees of 3,243 (equivalent to RMB 28 Mln). The consolidated statement
of operations for the year ended December 31, 2011 includes under the line “other income/(expense)
net” the cumulative expenses for the Chinese relocation of 21,631.
Write off of fixed assets - The write off of fixed assets includes the net book value of those
fixed assets that refer mainly to damaged items and that were no longer in conformity with the
production quality standards. As of December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010 the write offs of fixed assets
amount to 339, 311 and 454, respectively.
27.
Financial instruments and risk management
A significant portion of the Group's net sales and its costs are denominated in currencies
other than the euro, in particular the U.S. dollar. The remaining costs of the Group are denominated
principally in euros. Consequently, a significant portion of the Group's net revenues are exposed to
fluctuations in the exchange rates between the euro and such other currencies. The Group uses
forward exchange contracts (known in Italy as domestic currency swaps) and zero cost collars to
reduce its exposure to the risks of short-term declines in the value of its foreign currency denominated
revenues. The Group uses such derivative instruments to protect the value of its foreign currency
denominated revenues, and not for speculative or trading purposes.
The Group is exposed to credit risk in the event that the counterparties to the domestic
currency swaps and zero cost collars fail to perform according to the terms of the contracts. The
contract amounts of the domestic currency swaps and zero cost collars described below do not
represent amounts exchanged by the parties and, thus, are not a measure of the exposure of the Group
through its use of those financial instruments. The amounts exchanged are calculated on the basis of
the contract amounts and the terms of the financial instruments, which relate primarily to exchange
rates. The immediate credit risk of the Group's domestic currency swaps is represented by the
unrealized gains or losses on the contracts. Management of the Group enters into contracts with
creditworthy counter-parties and believes the risk of material loss from such credit risk to be remote.
The table below summarizes in euro equivalent the contractual amounts of forward exchange contracts
and zero cost collars used to hedge principally future cash flows from accounts receivable and sales
orders at December 31, 2012 and 2011:
F - 36
Natuzzi S.p.A. and Subsidiaries
Notes to consolidated financial statements
(Expressed in thousands of euros except as otherwise indicated)
U.S. dollars
Euro
Canadian dollars
British pounds
Australian dollars
Swiss francs
Norwegian kroner
Swedish kroner
Japanese yen
Total
2012
10,101
9,479
13,588
7,231
3,719
0
1,071
387
1,811
47,386
2011
11,493
14,264
5,041
6,950
3,800
984
481
630
2,452
46,095
The following table presents information regarding the contract amount in euro equivalent
amounts and the estimated fair value of all of the Group's forward exchange and zero cost collar
contracts. Contracts with net unrealized gains are presented as ‘assets’ and contracts with net
unrealized losses are presented as ‘liabilities’.
2012
Unrealized
gains (losses)
907
1
908
Contract
amount
39,684
7,702
47,386
2011
Contract
amount
17,537
28,558
46,095
Unrealized
gains (losses)
36
(630)
(594)
Assets
Liabilities
Total
At December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010, the exchange derivative instruments contracts had a
net unrealized income (expense), of 908, (594) and (888), respectively. These amounts are recorded
in other income (expense), net in the consolidated statements of operations (see note 26).
Unrealized gains (losses) on forward exchange contracts are determined by using quoted
prices in active markets for similar forward exchange contracts.
The fair value of zero cost collars is determined using pricing models developed based on the
exchange rates in active markets.
Refer to note 3 (c) for the Group’s accounting policy on forward exchange contracts and
zero cost collars.
28.
Fair value of financial instruments
The following table summarizes the carrying value and the estimated fair value of the
Group's financial instruments:
F - 37
Natuzzi S.p.A. and Subsidiaries
Notes to consolidated financial statements
(Expressed in thousands of euros except as otherwise indicated)
Assets:
-Marketable debts securities
Liabilities:
-Long-term debt
2012
Carrying
value
2011
Fair
value
Carrying
value
4
4
4
Fair
value
4
10,788
10,169
14,523
13,503
Cash and cash equivalents, receivables, payables and bank overdraft approximate fair value
because of the short maturity of these instruments.
Market value for quoted marketable debt securities is represented by the securities exchange
prices at year-end. Market value for unquoted securities is represented by the prices of comparable
securities, taking into consideration interest rates, duration and credit standing of the issuer.
Fair value of the long-term debt is estimated based on cash flows discounted using current
rates available to the Company for borrowings with similar maturities.
29.
Application of generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of
America
The established accounting policies followed in the preparation of the consolidated financial
statements (Italian GAAP) vary in certain significant respects from those generally accepted in the
United States of America (US GAAP).
The calculation of net loss and shareholders' equity in conformity with US GAAP is as
follows:
F - 38
Natuzzi S.p.A. and Subsidiaries
Notes to consolidated financial statements
(Expressed in thousands of euros except as otherwise indicated)
Reconciliation of net loss:
Net loss attributable to Natuzzi S.p.A. and
subsidiaries in conformity with Italian GAAP
Adjustments to reported income:
(a) Revaluation of property, plant and equipment
(b) Government grants
(c) Revenue recognition
(d) Goodwill and intangible assets
(e) Translation of foreign financial statements
(f) One-time termination benefits
Tax effect of US GAAP adjustments
Net loss attributable to Natuzzi S.p.A. and
subsidiaries in conformity with US GAAP
2012
2011
2010
(26,104)
(19,586)
(11,078)
28
619
-
(1,056)
2,677
(568)
(5,123)
28
626
2,599
(5,756)
4,565
4,657
(201)
27
640
(1,462)
505
2,896
-
(398)
(29,527)
(13,068)
(8,870)
Basic loss per share in conformity with US GAAP
Diluted loss per share in conformity with US GAAP
(0.54)
(0.54)
(0.24)
(0.24)
(0.16)
(0.16)
Reconciliation of equity attributable to Natuzzi S.p.A. and Subsidiaries:
Equity attributable to Natuzzi S.p.A. and Subsidiaries
in conformity with Italian GAAP
(a) Revaluation of property, plant and equipment
(b) Government grants
(c) Revenue recognition
(d) Goodwill and intangible assets
(e) Translation of foreign financial statements
(f) One-time termination benefits
(g) Long-lived assets
Tax effect of US GAAP adjustments
Equity attributable to Natuzzi S.p.A. and Subsidiaries
in conformity with US GAAP
2012
2011
281,137
310,477
(424)
(9,543)
(3,558)
(81)
10,469
6,135
388
(5,418)
(452)
(10,161)
(3,558)
977
4,553
6,703
388
(295)
279,105
308,632
The condensed consolidated balance sheets as at December 31, 2012 and 2011, and the
condensed consolidated statements of operations for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and
2010, which include all the US GAAP differences commented below are as follows:
F - 39
Natuzzi S.p.A. and Subsidiaries
Notes to consolidated financial statements
(Expressed in thousands of euros except as otherwise indicated)
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets as at December 31, 2012 and 2011
Dec. 31, 2012
Dec. 31, 2011
ASSETS
Current assets
Non current assets
TOTAL ASSETS
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Current liabilities
Non current liabilities
Equity attributable to Natuzzi S.p.A. and Subsidiaries
Non-controlling interest
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
301,772
178,871
480,643
132,810
66,204
279,105
2,524
480,643
322,961
188,015
510,976
122,831
76,478
308,632
3,035
510,976
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations Years Ended
December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010
Net sales
Cost of sales
Gross profit
Selling expenses
General and administrative expenses
Operating income/(loss)
Other income /(expenses), net
Net income/(loss) before income taxes
Income taxes
Net income /(loss)
Less: Net income attributable to
non-controlling interest
Net loss attributable to
Natuzzi S.p.A. and subsidiaries
2012
2011
2010
459,271
(318,148)
141,123
(122,963)
(37,623)
(19,463)
(666)
(20,129)
(9,324)
(29,453)
488,321
(333,771)
154,550
(143,180)
(43,298)
(31,928)
28,529
(3,399)
(8,960)
(12,359)
510,755
(321,892)
188,863
(146,741)
(42,468)
346
(1,469)
(1,815)
(6,958)
(8,773)
74
709
97
(29,527)
(13,068)
(8,870)
The tables below set forth the reconciliation of net sales and operating income (loss) from
Italian GAAP to US GAAP for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010:
F - 40
Natuzzi S.p.A. and Subsidiaries
Notes to consolidated financial statements
(Expressed in thousands of euros except as otherwise indicated)
Reconciliation of net sales from Italian GAAP to US GAAP
Net sales in conformity with
Italian GAAP
2012
2011
2010
468,844
486,364
518,634
(b) Government grants (reclassification)
(c) Revenue recognition (adjustment)
( i) Cost paid to resellers (reclassification)
(m) Contingent liabilities reversal (reclassification)
(470)
(600)
(5,323)
(3,180)
(542)
7,000
(4,501)
-
(748)
(4,893)
(2,238)
-
Net sales in conformity with
US GAAP
459,271
488,321
510,755
Reconciliation of operating loss from Italian GAAP to US GAAP
Operating income/(loss) in conformity with
Italian GAAP
2012
2011
2010
(17,282)
(27,292)
398
(a) Revaluation prop, plant and equ. (adjustment)
(b) Government grants (adjustment)
(c) Revenue recognition (adjustment)
(d) Goodwill and intangible assets amortization
28
619
-
(116)
28
626
2,599
156
27
640
(1,462)
1,211
(adjustment)
(d) Goodwill and intangible assets impairment
(941)
(5,910)
(706)
(adjustment)
(f) One-time termination benefits
(568)
(789)
(adjustment)
(g) Impairment of Long-lived assets
(864)
(1,036)
(reclassification)
(h) Write-off of fixed assets (reclassification)
(339)
(311)
Operating income/(loss) in conformity
with US GAAP
(19,463)
(31,928)
-
-
(454)
346
The differences which have a material effect on net loss and/or shareholders' equity are
disclosed as follows:
(a)
Certain property, plant and equipment has been revalued in accordance with
Italian laws. The revalued amounts are depreciated for Italian GAAP purposes. US GAAP does not
allow for such revaluations, and depreciation is based on historical costs. The revaluation primarily
relates to industrial buildings. The adjustment to net loss and shareholders’ equity represents the
reversal of excess depreciation recorded under Italian GAAP on revalued assets.
F - 41
Natuzzi S.p.A. and Subsidiaries
Notes to consolidated financial statements
(Expressed in thousands of euros except as otherwise indicated)
(b)
Under Italian GAAP until December 31, 2000 government grants related to capital
expenditures were recorded, net of tax, within reserves in shareholders' equity. Subsequent to that
date such grants have been recorded as deferred income and recognized in the consolidated statement
of operations as revenue or other income, as appropriate under Italian GAAP (see note 3 n)), on a
systematic basis over the useful life of the asset.
Under US GAAP, such grants, when received, are classified either as a reduction of the cost
of the related fixed asset or as a deferred credit and amortized over the estimated remaining useful
lives of the assets. The amortization is treated as a reduction of depreciation expense and classified in
the consolidated statement of operations according to the nature of the asset to which the grant
relates.
The adjustments to net loss represent mainly the annual amortization of the pre December
31, 2000 capital grants based on the estimated useful life of the related fixed assets. The adjustments to
shareholders' equity are to reverse the amounts of capital grants credited directly to equity for Italian
GAAP purposes, net of the amounts of amortization of such grants for US GAAP purposes.
Amortization of deferred income related to grants recognized as revenues under Italian
GAAP of 470, 542 and 748 for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010 respectively
would be reclassified to depreciation expense and recorded in cost of goods sold under US GAAP, in
the period such amounts are recognized.
(c)
Under Italian GAAP, the Group recognizes sales revenue, and accrued costs
associated with the sales revenue, at the time products are shipped from its manufacturing facilities
located in Italy and abroad. Most of the products are shipped from factories directly to customers
under terms that transfer the risks and ownership to the customer when the customer takes possession
of the goods. These terms are “delivered duty paid”, “delivered duty unpaid”, “delivered ex quay” and
“delivered at customer factory”. Delivery to the customer generally occurs within one to six weeks
from the time of shipment.
US GAAP requires that revenue should not be recognized until it is realized or realizable and
earned, which is generally at the time delivery to the customer occurs. Accordingly, the Italian GAAP
for revenue recognition differs from US GAAP.
The principal effects of this variance on the accompanying consolidated balance sheets as of
December 31, 2012 and 2011 and related consolidated statements of operations for each of the years
in the three-year period ended December 31, 2012 are indicated below:
F - 42
Natuzzi S.p.A. and Subsidiaries
Notes to consolidated financial statements
(Expressed in thousands of euros except as otherwise indicated)
Effect of revenue recognition adjustment on
Trade receivables, net
Inventories
Total effect on current assets (a)
Accounts payable-trade
Income taxes
Total effect on current liabilities (b)
Total effect on shareholders' equity (a-b)
Effect of revenue recognition adjustment on
Net sales
Gross profit
Operating income/(loss)
Net Income/(loss)
2012
(600)
(222)
-
-
2012
Effects
Increase
(Decrease)
(17,100)
11,440
(5,660)
2011
Effects
Increase
(Decrease)
(16,500)
11,062
(5,438)
(2,103)
-
(2,103)
(3,558)
2011
7,000
3,492
2,599
2,599
(1,880)
-
(1,880)
(3,558)
2010
(4,893)
(2,141)
(1,462)
(1,875)
(d)
Under Italian GAAP, the Company amortizes the goodwill arising from business
acquisitions on a straight-line basis over a period of five years. In addition, under Italian GAAP, the
Company has allocated certain intangible assets, having definite lives and arising from a business
acquisition and asset acquisition under the caption goodwill.
Under US GAAP, in accordance with Accounting Standards Certification (ASC) 350,
Intangible, Goodwill and Other, the Company do not amortize goodwill. The Company annually assesses
goodwill impairment at the end of its fiscal year by applying a fair value test. In the first step of testing
for goodwill impairment, the Company estimates the fair value of each reporting unit, which we have
determined to be the geographic operating segments and compare the fair value with the carrying
value of the net assets assigned to each reporting unit. The above U.S. and Italian GAAP goodwill is
entirely related to a small reporting unit named “Italian retail owned stores”. If the fair value is less
than its carrying value, then a second step would be performed to determine the fair value of the
goodwill. In this second step, the fair value of goodwill is determined by deducting the fair value of a
reporting unit’s identifiable assets and liabilities from the fair value of the reporting unit as a whole, as
if that reporting unit had just been acquired and the purchase price were being initially allocated. If the
fair value of the goodwill is less than its carrying value for a reporting unit, an impairment charge
would be recorded.
The changes in the carrying amount of goodwill, intangible assets and US deferred taxes
arising from business and asset acquisitions are as follows:
F - 43
Natuzzi S.p.A. and Subsidiaries
Notes to consolidated financial statements
(Expressed in thousands of euros except as otherwise indicated)
Balance at Dec.31, 2009
Impairment
Amortization
Balance at Dec. 31, 2010
Impairment
Amortization
Balance at Dec.31, 2011
Impairment
Amortization
Balance at Dec.31, 2012
Goodwill
Intangibles
US Deferred Taxes
US
Italian
6,911 2,227
US
1,542
Italian
-
Goodwill
(194)
Intangible
(485)
(706)
-
- (1,516)
711
6,205
(5,910)
-
295
(295)
-
-
-
(450)
261
-
(180)
81
-
(305)
1,237
-
(296)
941
(645)
(296)
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
(80)
(274)
274
-
-
-
-
-
-
95
(390)
-
95
(295)
202
93
-
In 2010 Natuzzi performed its annual impairment review of goodwill and an impairment loss
of 706 was recorded. An impairment loss arose due, in particular, to the decline in cash flow
projections related to the uncertain prospects for full economic recovery in Italy. The 2010 discount
rate used to discount future cash flow and the expected level of sales of finished products remained
substantially unchanged compared to 2009. The impairment loss resulted primarily from a decrease in
expected cash flows.
In 2011, the Company performed its annual impairment test, which resulted in the
impairment charge of 5,910. As part of its 2011 close process, Natuzzi revised its sales growth
projections for the Italian retail owned stores as the recovery in the Italian retail furniture market
failed to materialize with the strength anticipated, following the crisis started in prior years. In
addition the domestic and Eurozone credit crisis experienced in 2011 negatively impacted the
Company’s results and management’s expectations for the economic recovery in Italy where private
consumption remains weak. In addition, in 2011, the Italian Government passed significant tax, social
security, and other extraordinary measures in order to meet the European Commission and European
Financial Stability Facility requirements. Such measures were recognized by the International
community as a positive step in the right direction, but also resulted in a negative impact in the
medium to short-term growth expectation of consumer demand and the overall market recovery.
As a result of the factors described above and the resulting revisions in the expected level of
sales of finished products through its Italian retail owned stores, as well as the related operating
income, the Company concluded that the carrying value of the goodwill related to such operating unit
as of December 31, 2011 was less than the fair value of the reporting unit based on the step one
impairment test required by ASC 350. The Company performed the required step two of the
impairment test by comparing the implied fair value of goodwill to its carrying amount. The fair value
of the reporting unit as of December 31, 2011 was determined based on a discounted cash flow
analysis, which requires significant assumptions and estimates about the future operations of the
reporting unit. Significant judgments inherent in this analysis include the determination of appropriate
F - 44
Natuzzi S.p.A. and Subsidiaries
Notes to consolidated financial statements
(Expressed in thousands of euros except as otherwise indicated)
discount rates, the amount and timing of expected future cash flows and growth rates. The cash flows
employed in our 2011 discounted cash flow analyses were based on 2012-2014 year financial forecasts
developed internally by management. The key inputs that were used in performing the impairment
tests related to the estimated long term growth rate of 0.5% (1% in 2010), the weighted average cost
of capital equal to 9.67% (9.91% in 2010), and an estimated average growth rate in sales of 2.5% (6%
in 2010) for the subsequent years.
In 2012 Natuzzi performed its annual impairment test of goodwill and an impairment loss of
295 was recorded. The Company determined the fair value of the reporting unit on a discounted cash
flow basis. An impairment loss arose due, in particular, to the continued decline in cash flow
projections related to the uncertain prospects for full economic recovery in Italy, since private
consumption was negatively impacted by a general weakness in the job market, high levels of public
indebtedness, and a decreasing level of savings among families. As a result of the impairment test, the
implied fair value of goodwill was zero and therefore, the Company recorded an impairment charge of
645 for the residual amount of the intangibles with a cumulative impairment loss of 941. The key
inputs that were used in performing the impairment tests related to the estimated long term growth
rate of 0.5% (the same in 2011), the weighted average cost of capital equal to 12,47% (9.67% in
2011), and an estimated average growth rate in sales of 5% (2,5% in 2011) for the subsequent years.
Under US GAAP the impairment losses of 941 for 2012, 5,910 for 2011 and of 706 for
2010, respectively, have been classified as “general and administrative expenses” and are included as
part of operating loss. In prior years, these impairment losses were not included in the reconciliation
of operating loss and classified under the line “other income/(expenses), net”. These reclassifications
are not material to the Financial Statements.
(e)
Under Italian GAAP as of December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010, the financial
statements of the foreign subsidiaries expressed in a foreign currency are translated directly into euro
as follows: (i) year-end exchange rate for assets, liabilities, share capital and retained earnings and (ii)
average exchange rates during the year for revenues and expenses. The resulting exchange differences
on translation are recorded as a direct adjustment to shareholders’ equity (see note 3 d)).
Under US GAAP as of December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010 the Natuzzi’s foreign subsidiaries
financial statements have been translated on the basis of the guidance included in ASC No. 830-20,
Foreign Currency Transactions (Formerly FASB Statement No. 52). Under US GAAP, foreign subsidiaries
are considered to be an integral part of Natuzzi due to various factors including significant
intercompany transactions, financing, and cash flow indicators. Therefore, the functional currency for
these foreign subsidiaries is the functional currency of the parent, namely the euro. As a result all
monetary assets and liabilities are remeasured, at the end of each reporting period, using euro and the
resulting gain or loss is recognized in the consolidated statements of operations. For all non-monetary
assets and liabilities, share capital and retained earnings historical exchange rates are used. The average
exchange rates during the year are used for revenues and expenses, except for those revenues and
expenses related to assets and liabilities translated at historical exchange rates. The resulting exchange
differences on translation are recognized in the statements of operations.
F - 45
Natuzzi S.p.A. and Subsidiaries
Notes to consolidated financial statements
(Expressed in thousands of euros except as otherwise indicated)
At December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010 the US GAAP difference arises due to the
requirement to use the local currency as the functional currency under Italian GAAP as compared to
US GAAP, which requires that the functional currency be determined based on certain indicators
which may, or may not result in the local currency being determined to be the functional currency.
Consequently, the Company recorded in the US GAAP reconciliation (a) income of 2,677 for 2012,
4,565 for 2011 and of 2,896 for 2010, respectively; and (b) an increase in shareholders’ equity of
10,467 and 4,553 for 2012 and 2011, respectively.
(f)
Under Italian GAAP, the Company during 2008 recognized the cost of one-time
termination benefits of 4,605 related to the employees to be terminated on an involuntary basis as
indicated in the plan of termination.
During 2011, the Company recognized additional cost of one-time termination benefits of
5,446 related to the employees to be terminated on an involuntary basis at the end of 24 months
special Social Security procedure called “CIGS - Cassa Integrazione Guadagni Straordinaria”, starting from
October 16, 2011 to October 15, 2013 (see note 26).
During 2012, no additional accrual was made and the Company paid 568 of one-time
termination benefits to the workers terminated pursuant to individual agreements.
In accordance with Italian GAAP this cost has been recognized in 2011 and 2008 as in such
year the Company has formally decided to adopt the termination plan (approval by the Board of
Directors) and is able to reasonably estimate the related one-time termination benefits.
The Company has not determined the effected employees interested by the above mentioned
lay-off program and, therefore, no notification has been made to terminated employees. Under Italian
GAAP for the recognition of the cost for the termination benefits related to the terminated workers
the communication or announcement to third parties of the plan of termination of workers is not
relevant.
ASC No. 420, Exit or Disposal Obligations , paragraph 8 states that the liability for the one-
time termination benefits provided to current employees that are involuntarily terminated under the
terms of a benefit arrangement that, in substance, is not an ongoing benefit arrangement or an
individual deferred compensation contract is measured and recognized if a one-time arrangement exist
at the date the plan of termination meets all the following criteria and has been communicated to the
employees: (a) management, having the authority to approve the action, commits to a plan of
termination; (b) the plan identifies the number of employees to be terminated, their job classifications
or functions and their locations, and the expected completion date; (c) the plan establishes the terms
of the benefit arrangement, including the benefits that employees will receive upon termination
(including but not limited to cash payments), in sufficient detail to enable employees to determine the
type and amount of benefits they will receive if they are involuntarily terminated; (d) actions required
to complete the plan indicate that it is unlikely that significant changes to the plan will be made or that
the plan will be withdrawn.
F - 46
Natuzzi S.p.A. and Subsidiaries
Notes to consolidated financial statements
(Expressed in thousands of euros except as otherwise indicated)
Therefore, on the basis of the above discussion, the Italian GAAP for recognition in the
consolidated statement of operations for the year ended December 31, 2011 of the one-time
termination benefits related to the employees to be terminated involuntarily differs from US GAAP.
Under US GAAP, considering the guidance of ASC 420, the one-time termination benefits
has to be recorded in the consolidated statement of operations when the termination plan is
communicated to the employees and meets all the criteria indicated in ASC 420. Therefore, under US
GAAP the cost of the one-time termination benefits of 5,446 less amounts paid during the year of 789
has been reversed out of the consolidated statement of operations for the year ended December 31,
2011.
During 2012, the Company paid one-time termination benefits of 568 to the workers
terminated pursuant to individual agreements that were reached.
The residual difference of equity under US GAAP of 6,135 is attributable to the 1,060
workers that the Company decided to terminate on an involuntary basis (see notes 19), but where all
the criteria in ASC 420 have not been met.
(g)
The Company in order to improve its worldwide manufacturing efficiency, in
2008 decided to close and try to sell one of the two Brazilian manufacturing plants located in Pojuca -
State of Bahia, recording an impairment loss. Under US GAAP the impairment loss has been
measured by the amount by which the carrying value exceeds its fair value less cost to sell of 388. The
difference between ITA GAAP and US GAAP related to costs to sell was reported in the US GAAP
reconciliation for the year ended December 31, 2008 and is continued to be reflected as an adjustment
in the equity reconciliation.
During 2011, the Company performed an impairment test of its Pojuca plant in Brazil and
determined that its carrying value as of December 31, 2011 exceeds its fair value. No cost to sell has
been considered in the evaluation of the 2011 fair value measurement. Therefore, as of December 31,
2011 the carrying value of Pojuca plant was reduced to its fair value. This resulted in an impairment
loss of 1,036, that under Italian GAAP were classified under the line “other income /(expense), net”
in the consolidated statement of operations for the year ended December 31, 2011 (see note 26).
Under US GAAP these impairment losses were classified as “general and administrative expenses” and
were included as part of operating loss.
Further, there is no difference between Italian GAAP and US GAAP regarding the
classification of the manufacturing facility of Brazil and industrial building of Italy in the consolidated
balance sheets as of December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010 as under both GAAP these assets are classified
under the line property, plant and equipment held and used (see note 10).
Furthermore, under ITA GAAP the Company has stopped the depreciation process related
to the Brazilian manufacturing facility, whereas under US GAAP such process has not been stopped.
Notwithstanding such GAAP difference, and because of a different foreign currency translation process
of the financial statements, as described in Note 29 (e), the reconciliations of the net result and net
equity were not affected.
F - 47
Natuzzi S.p.A. and Subsidiaries
Notes to consolidated financial statements
(Expressed in thousands of euros except as otherwise indicated)
In addition, during 2012 the Company performed an impairment review of its fixed assets
related to retail stores in Spain and an impairment loss of 864 was recorded. Under Italian GAAP the
impairment losses of the retails stores in Spain of 864 for the year ended December 31, 2012 have
been classified under the line “other income /(expense), net” in the consolidated statement of
operations for the year ended December 31, 2012. Under US GAAP these impairment losses have
been classified as “general and administrative expenses” and have been included as part of operating
loss.
(h)
During 2012, 2011 and 2010 the Company under Italian GAAP has recognized the
write-off of tangible assets of 339, 311 and of 454, respectively, as part of non-operating loss. Under
US GAAP such write-off charge would be included as part of operating loss.
(i)
Under Italian GAAP certain costs paid to resellers are reflected as part of selling
expenses. Under US GAAP, in accordance with ASC No. 605-50 (Revenue Recognition – Customer
Payments and Incentive) (Formerly EITF 01-09), these costs should be recorded as a reduction of net
sales. Such expenses include advertising contributions paid to resellers which amounted at December
31, 2012, 2011 and 2010 to 5,323, 4,501 and 2,238, respectively.
(j)
Under Italian GAAP, the Company includes its warranty cost as a component of
selling expenses in the consolidated statement of operations. Under US GAAP, warranty costs would
be included as a component of cost of sales. For the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010
warranty cost amounting to 4,593, 4,046 and 4,104, respectively, would be reclassified from selling
expenses to cost of sales under US GAAP.
(k)
Under Italian GAAP the Company includes provisions for contingent tax liabilities
under the line other income (expense), net in the consolidated statement of operations. For the years
ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010, these income taxes provisions are approximately 31, 658
and 392, respectively. Under US GAAP these amounts would be classified in the line income taxes of
the consolidated statements of operations.
(l)
Under Italian GAAP the Company records a tax contingent liability (income tax
exposure) when it is probable that the liability has been incurred and the amount of the loss can be
reasonably estimated.
The Company adopted the provisions of ASC No. 740-10, Income Taxes Overall, on January 1,
2007. ASC 740 clarifies the accounting for uncertainty in income taxes recognized in an enterprise’s
financial statements and prescribes a threshold of more-likely-than-not for recognition of tax benefits
and liabilities on uncertain tax position taken or expected to be taken in a tax return. ASC 740 also
provides related guidance on measurement, derecognition, classification, interest and penalties, and
disclosure. As a result of the implementation of ASC 740 as of January 1, 2007, the Company did not
recognize any increase or decrease in the liability for unrecognized tax benefits, in respect of the Italian
GAAP.
There are no differences between the amounts recognized by the Company under ASC 740
and the amounts recognized under Italian GAAP.
F - 48
Natuzzi S.p.A. and Subsidiaries
Notes to consolidated financial statements
(Expressed in thousands of euros except as otherwise indicated)
The following table provides the movements in the liability for unrecognized tax benefits for
the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011:
Balance, beginning of the year
Additions based on tax positions related to the current year
Additions for tax positions of prior years
Foreign exchange
Reductions due to statute of limitations expiration
Settlements
Balance, end of year
2012
1,072
-
31
(42)
-
(520)
541
2011
1,552
23
706
(216)
(604)
(389)
1,072
The Company recognized interest and penalties, accrued in relation to the uncertainties in
income taxes disclosed above, in other income (expense), net. During the years ended December 31,
2012, 2011 and 2010, the Company recognized approximately 2, (929), and 3 in interest and
penalties, respectively. The total provision for the payment of interest and penalties as at December
31, 2012 and 2011 amounted to approximately 608 and 786, respectively. At December 31, 2012
and 2011 there are 134 and 128, respectively, of unrecognized tax benefits that if recognized would
affect the annual effective tax rate. The Company anticipates that it is reasonably possible that no
material additional tax benefits will be recognized within the next 12 months.
The Company operates in many foreign jurisdictions. With no material exceptions, the
Company is no longer subject to examination by tax authorities for years prior to 2008.
(m)
During 2012, certain legal and tax claims pertaining to the Company’s Brazilian
subsidiary, Italsofa Nordeste S.A., were reversed due to a favorable decision by the relevant court and
due to the expiration of the relevant statute of limitations, respectively. Based on this favorable
decision, the Company, with assistance from its advisors, has evaluated the likelihood of loss arising
from these claims as “remote” and, therefore, the Company reversed the accrual made in previous
years.
Under Italian GAAP the Company classified this reversal under the line “net sales” (other
revenues) for 3,180. Under US GAAP this reversal would be reclassified from net sales to “general and
administrative expenses” as part of the operating result.
(n)
The consolidated statements of cash flows for the years ended December 31, 2012,
2011 and 2010 prepared by the Company under Italian GAAP is in conformity with US GAAP ASC
No. 230, Statement of Cash Flow (Formerly FASB Statement No. 95).
Comprehensive Income Comprehensive income/(loss) generally encompasses all
changes in shareholders’ equity (except those arising from transactions with owners). The Company’s
comprehensive income (loss) under U.S. GAAP does not differ from its U.S. GAAP net income (loss)
indicated in Note 29.
F - 49
Natuzzi S.p.A. and Subsidiaries
Notes to consolidated financial statements
(Expressed in thousands of euros except as otherwise indicated)
Recently issued Accounting Pronouncements Recently issued but not yet adopted
U.S. Accounting pronouncements relevant for the Company are as follows:
In December 2011, the FASB issued ASU 2011-11, “Balance Sheet (Topic 210): Disclosures
about offsetting Assets and Liabilities”. The objective of this update is to provide enhanced disclosures
that will enable financial statements’ users to evaluate the effect or potential effect of netting
arrangements on an entity’s financial position. This includes the effect or potential effect of rights of
setoff associated with an entity’s recognized assets and recognized liabilities within the scope of this
ASU. The amendments require enhanced disclosures by requiring improved information about
financial instruments and derivative instruments that are either (1) offset in accordance with either
Section 210-20-45 or Section 815-10-45 or (2) subject to an enforceable master netting arrangement
or similar agreement, irrespective of whether they are offset in accordance with either Section 210-20-
45 or Section 815-10-45. The amendments in this update are effective for annual reporting periods
beginning on or after January 1, 2013, and interim periods within those annual periods. An entity
should provide the disclosures required by those amendments retrospectively for all comparative
periods presented. The provisions of ASU 2011-11 are not expected to have a material impact on the
Company’s consolidated financial statements.
30.
Subsequent events
No significant event has occurred after year end.
F - 50
SIGNATURE
The registrant, Natuzzi S.p.A., hereby certifies that it meets all of the requirements for filing
on Form 20-F and that it has duly caused and authorized the undersigned to sign this annual report on
its behalf.
NATUZZI S.p.A.
By
/s/ Pasquale Natuzzi
Name:
Title:
Pasquale Natuzzi
Chief Executive Officer
Date: April 30, 2013
Exhibit Index
1.1
2.1
4.1
English translation of the by-laws (Statuto) of the Company, as amended and restated as of
January 24, 2008 (incorporated by reference to the Form 20-F filed by Natuzzi S.p.A. with
the Securities and Exchange Commission on June 30, 2008, file number 1-11854).
Deposit Agreement dated as of May 15, 1993, as amended and restated as of December 31,
2001, among the Company, The Bank of New York, as Depositary, and owners and
beneficial owners of ADRs (incorporated by reference to the Form 20-F filed by Natuzzi
S.p.A. with the Securities and Exchange Commission on July 1, 2002, file number 1-
11854).
Lease Contract for Customized Standard Factory Building, entered into between Shanghai
Yuanchao Electronic Science and Technology Co., Ltd. and Natuzzi China Ltd., dated as of
March 22, 2010 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Form 20-F filed by Natuzzi
S.p.A. with the Securities and Exchange Commission on April 30, 2012, filed number 1-
11854).
8.1
List of Significant Subsidiaries.
12.1
12.2
Certification of the Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley
Act of 2002.
Certification of the Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley
Act of 2002.
13.1
Certifications pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
Exhibit 8.1
Registered office
Activity
Salvador de Bahia, Brazil
Shanghai, China
Shanghai, China
Shanghai, China
Baia Mare, Romania
Santeramo in Colle, Italy
Santeramo in Colle, Italy
Santeramo in Colle, Italy
Santeramo in Colle, Italy
High Point, NC, USA
Madrid, Spain
Dietikon, Switzerland
Copenhagen, Denmark
Hereentals, Belgium
Köln, Germany
Stockholm, Sweden
Tokyo, Japan
London, UK
Shanghai, China
Sydney, Australia
Moscow, Russia
New Delhi, India
Bari, Italy
Amsterdam, Holland
Santeramo in Colle, Italy
(1)
(1)
(1)
(1)
(1)
(2)
(3)
(4)
(4)
(4)
(4)
(4)
(4)
(4)
(4)
(4)
(4)
(4)
(4)
(4)
(4)
(4)
(5)
(5)
(6)
List of Significant Subsidiaries:
Name
Italsofa Nordeste S/A
Italsofa Shanghai Ltd
Softaly Shanghai Ltd
Natuzzi China Ltd
Italsofa Romania
Natco S.p.A.
I.M.P.E. S.p.A.
Nacon S.p.A.
Lagene S.r.l.
Natuzzi Americas Inc.
Natuzzi Iberica S.A.
Natuzzi Switzerland AG
Natuzzi Nordic
Natuzzi Benelux S.A.
Natuzzi Germany Gmbh
Natuzzi Sweden AB
Natuzzi Japan KK
Natuzzi Services Limited
Natuzzi Trading Shanghai Ltd
Natuzzi Oceania PTI Ltd
Natuzzi Russia OOO
Natuzzi India Furniture PVT Ltd
Italholding S.r.l.
Natuzzi Netherlands Holding
Natuzzi Trade Service S.r.l.
Percentage of
ownership
100.00
96.50
100.00
100.00
100.00
99.99
100.00
100.00
100.00
100.00
100.00
100.00
100.00
100.00
100.00
100.00
100.00
100.00
100.00
100.00
100.00
100.00
100.00
100.00
100.00
(1) Manufacture and distribution
(2) Intragroup leather dyeing and finishing
(3) Production and distribution of polyurethane foam
(4) Services and distribution
(5) Investment holding
(6) Transportation services
I, Pasquale Natuzzi, certify that:
Exhibit 12.1
1.
I have reviewed this annual report on Form 20-F of Natuzzi S.p.A.;
Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit
2.
to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such
statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;
Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this
3.
report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the
company as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;
The company’s other certifying officer(s) and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining
4.
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 company
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 company, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by
others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being
prepared;
(b)
Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal
control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable
assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial
statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;
(c)
Evaluated the effectiveness of the company’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 company’s internal control over financial
reporting that occurred during the period covered by the annual report that has materially
affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the company’s internal control over financial
reporting; and
The company’s other certifying officer(s) and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation
5.
of internal control over financial reporting, to the company’s auditors and the audit committee of the
company’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):
(a)
(b)
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
company’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and
Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who
have a significant role in the company’s internal control over financial reporting.
Date: April 30, 2013
/s/ Pasquale Natuzzi
Name:
Title:
Pasquale Natuzzi
Chief Executive Officer
Exhibit 12.2
I, Vittorio Notarpietro, certify that:
1.
2.
3.
4.
I have reviewed this annual report on Form 20-F of Natuzzi S.p.A.;
Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit
to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under
which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;
Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this
report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash
flows of the company as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;
The company’s other certifying officer(s) 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 company 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 company, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others
within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;
(b) Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over
financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance
regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for
external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;
Evaluated the effectiveness of the company’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
(c)
(d) Disclosed in this report any change in the company’s internal control over financial reporting
that occurred during the period covered by the annual report that has materially affected, or
is reasonably likely to materially affect, the company’s internal control over financial
reporting; and
5.
The company’s other certifying officer(s) and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation
of internal control over financial reporting, to the company’s auditors and the audit committee of
the company’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):
(a)
(b)
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 company’s
ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and
Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have
a significant role in the company’s internal control over financial reporting.
Date: April 30, 2013
/s/ Vittorio Notarpietro
Name:
Title:
Vittorio Notarpietro
Chief Financial Officer
Exhibit 13.1
Certification
Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
(Subsections (a) and (b) of Section 1350, Chapter 63 of Title 18, United States Code)
Pursuant to section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (subsections (a) and (b) of
section 1350, chapter 63 of title 18, United States Code), each of the undersigned officers of Natuzzi
S.p.A. (the “Company”), does hereby certify, to such officer’s knowledge, that:
The Annual Report on form 20-F for the year ended December 31, 2012 (the “Form 20-F”)
of the Company fully complies with the requirements of section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934 and information contained in the Form 20-F fairly presents, in all material
respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.
Dated: April 30, 2013 /s/ Pasquale Natuzzi
Pasquale Natuzzi
Chief Executive Officer
Dated: April 30, 2013 /s/ Vittorio Notarpietro
Vittorio Notarpietro
Chief Financial Officer
A signed original of this written statement required by Section 906 has been provided to
Natuzzi S.p.A. and will be retained by Natuzzi S.p.A. and furnished to the Securities and Exchange
Commission or its staff upon request.