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U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission

Washington, D.C. 20549

Form 10-Q

 

 

(Mark One)

[ X ] Quarterly report under Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

For the quarterly period ended March 31, 2004 .

[ ] Transition report under Section 13 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act

For the transition period from _______________ to _______________.

Commission file number 1-12580 .

 

 

THE VERMONT TEDDY BEAR CO., INC.

(Exact name of small business issuer as specified in its charter)

 

 

New York 03-0291679

(State or other jurisdiction (I.R.S. Employer

of incorporation or organization) Identification No.)

6655 Shelburne Road, Post Office Box 965

Shelburne, Vermont 05482

(Address of principal executive offices)

(802) 985-3001

(Issuer's telephone number)

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.

Yes X ; No .

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an accelerated filer (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).

Yes__; No X.

APPLICABLE ONLY TO CORPORATE ISSUERS

As of May 10, 2004, there were 4,980,991 shares of the registrant's common stock (par value $.05 per share) outstanding.

The Vermont Teddy Bear Co., Inc.

Index to Form 10-Q

March 31, 2004

 

 

Page No.

Part I - Financial Information

 

Item 1. Consolidated Financial Statements

 

Consolidated Balance Sheets as of March 31, 2004 and June 30, 2003

3

Consolidated Statements of Income for the three and nine months ended March 31, 2004 and 2003

4

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the nine months ended March 31, 2004 and 2003

5

   

Item 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial

Condition and Results of Operations

13

Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosure About Market Risk

19

Item 4. Controls and Procedures

19

   

Part II - Other Information

 

Item 1. Legal Proceedings

19

Item 2. Changes in Securities and Use of Proceeds

20

Item 3. Defaults upon Senior Securities

20

Item 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders

20

Item 5. Other Information

20

Item 6. Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K

20

Signatures

21

   
   
   

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1. Consolidated Financial Statements

THE VERMONT TEDDY BEAR CO., INC AND SUBSIDIARIES

Consolidated Balance Sheets

 

March 31, 2004

 

June 30,

2003

ASSETS

(Unaudited)

   

Cash and cash equivalents

$ 8,354,500

 

$ 5,168,177

Restricted cash

539,814

 

532,641

Accounts receivable, trade (net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $13,000 as of March 31, 2004 and June 2003)

410,037

 

62,214

Inventories

5,152,814

 

4,778,439

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

1,295,001

 

1,271,478

Deferred income taxes

544,811

 

525,522

Total Current Assets

16,296,977

 

12,338,471

Property and equipment, net

7,303,640

 

7,679,721

Deposits and other assets

1,163,922

 

1,004,233

Goodwill and indefinite lived intangibles

5,383,260

--

Other intangibles, net

249,722

--

Total Assets

$ 30,397,521

 

$ 21,022,425

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY

     

Accounts payable

$ 5,754,944

 

$ 3,727,671

Accrued expenses

1,777,410

 

1,416,992

Deferred revenue

1,636,257

 

--

Current portion of long-term debt

845,875

 

783,000

Current portion of capital lease obligations

177,730

 

182,273

Income taxes payable

882,807

 

--

Total Current Liabilities

11,075,023

 

6,109,936

       

Long-term debt, net of current portion

1,944,875

 

1,695,000

Capital lease obligations, net of current portion

4,800,490

 

4,918,847

Deferred income taxes

221,083

 

137,344

Total Liabilities

$ 18,041,471

 

$ 12,861,127

Series C convertible redeemable preferred stock

Authorized 110 shares; issued 69.0 shares; outstanding 9.3 and 18.3 shares at

March 31, 2004 and June 30, 2003 respectively; $93,042 and $183,000

Liquidation value at March 31, 2004 and June 30, 2003, respectively.

 

93,042

 

 

164,889

Series D convertible redeemable preferred stock

Authorized 260 shares; issued 250 shares, outstanding 250 shares, $2,510,274

Liquidation value at March 31, 2004.

 

2,510,274

 

--

Stockholders' Equity:

     

Preferred stock, $.05 par value:

Authorized 1,000,000 shares Series A; issued and outstanding,

90 shares

 

1,458,000

 

 

1,404,000

Common stock, $.05 par value:

Authorized 20,000,000 shares; issued 8,151,777 and 8,033,520;

Outstanding 4,979,491 and 4,861,234 shares at March 31, 2004

and June 30, 2003, respectively

 

407,589

 

401,676

Additional paid-in capital

13,638,089

 

13,518,960

Retained earnings

5,512,684

 

3,935,401

Treasury stock, at cost, 3,172,286 shares at March 31, 2004, and June 30, 2003

(11,263,628)

 

(11,263,628)

Total Stockholders' Equity

9,752,734

 

7,996,409

Total Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity

$ 30,397,521

$ 21,022,425

       

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

THE VERMONT TEDDY BEAR CO., INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Consolidated Statements of Income

For the Three and Nine Months Ended March 31, 2004 and 2003

(Unaudited)

 

Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended

2004

2003

2004

2003

Net revenues

$ 20,078,040

$ 14,528,266

$ 38,468,011

$ 28,902,301

Cost of goods sold

8,186,536

 

5,393,461

 

16,150,569

 

10,960,968

Gross Profit

11,891,504

 

9,134,805

 

22,317,442

 

17,941,333

Operating expenses:

             

Marketing and selling expenses

7,504,129

 

5,822,239

 

14,503,747

 

11,993,269

General and administrative expenses

1,757,745

 

1,489,422

 

4,314,726

 

3,818,743

9,261,874

 

7,311,661

 

18,818,473

 

15,812,012

Operating Income

2,629,630

 

1,823,144

 

3,498,969

 

2,129,321

Interest income

10,348

 

20,716

 

28,108

 

104,561

Interest expense

(167,193)

 

(168,122)

 

(504,498)

 

(445,598)

Other income

251

 

--

 

2,493

 

5,729

Income before income taxes

2,473,036

 

1,675,738

 

3,025,072

 

1,794,013

Income tax provision

(1,034,890)

(670,295)

(1,296,563)

(717,605)

Net Income

1,438,146

 

1,005,443

 

1,728,509

 

1,076,408

Series A preferred stock dividends

(18,000)

 

(18,000)

 

(54,000)

 

(54,000)

Series C preferred stock dividends

(1,392)

 

(2,709)

 

(6,471)

 

(15,786)

Series D preferred stock dividends

(30,822)

 

--

 

(72,602)

 

--

Accretion of original issue discount

--

 

(13,623)

 

(18,153)

 

(40,869)

Net income available to Common stockholders

$ 1,387,932

 

$ 971,111

 

$ 1,577,283

 

$ 965,753

               

Basic net income per common share

$ 0.28

$ 0.20

$ 0.32

$ 0.17

               

Diluted net income per common share

$ 0.22

$ 0.18

$ 0.27

$ 0.16

               

Weighted average number of common shares outstanding

4,973,906

 

4,853,372

 

4,913,569

 

5,665,789

               

Weighted average number of diluted common shares outstanding

6,323,312

5,477,490

6,093,384

6,501,398

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

THE VERMONT TEDDY BEAR CO., INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

For the Nine Months Ended March 31, 2004 and 2003

(Unaudited)

 

2004

 

2003

Cash flows from operating activities

     

Net Income

$ 1,728,509

 

$ 1,076,408

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash

from operating activities:

     

Depreciation and amortization

621,555

 

693,898

Deferred income taxes

64,450

 

--

Gain on disposal of fixed assets

--

 

(5,729)

Changes in assets and liabilities net of assets acquired and

liabilities assumed:

     

Accounts receivable, trade

(110,820)

 

37,957

Inventories

98,542

 

(1,703,119)

Prepaid and other current assets

175,136

 

(330,970)

Deposits and other assets

46,864

 

(87,886)

Accounts payable

376,765

 

1,599,579

Accrued expenses

(103,836)

 

296,502

Deferred revenue

1,636,257

 

--

Net cash from operating activities

4,533,422

 

1,576,640

       

Cash flows from investing activities:

     

Purchases of property and equipment

(122,813)

 

(404,805)

Proceeds from sale of property and equipment

--

 

6,305

Cash paid for business acquired

(1,373,206)

 

--

Decrease (increase) in restricted cash

(7,173)

 

57,621

Net cash from investing activities

(1,503,192)

 

(340,879)

       

Cash flows from financing activities:

     

Borrowings of short-term debt

500,000

 

200,000

Borrowings of long-term debt

1,000,000

3,000,000

Payments of short-term debt

(500,000)

(200,000)

Payments of long-term debt

(687,250)

(326,250)

Principal payments on capital lease obligations

(122,899)

(124,522)

Issuance of common stock

35,042

687,572

Acquisition of treasury stock

--

 

(11,146,128)

Payment of preferred stock dividends

(68,800)

 

(15,786)

Net cash from financing activities

156,093

 

(7,925,114)

Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents for the period

3,186,323

 

(6,689,353)

       

Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period

5,168,177

 

12,231,990

       

Cash and cash equivalents, end of period

$ 8,354,500

 

$ 5,542,637

Supplemental Disclosures of Cash Flow Information:

Cash paid for interest

$ 499,789

$ 431,738

Cash paid for income taxes

20,000

 

390,000

     

Supplemental Disclosures of Non-cash Investing and Financing Activities:

     

Conversion of Series C preferred stock to common stock

$ 90,000

 

$ 506,958

Warrant modification

--

 

84,000

Accretion of original issue discount

18,153

 

40,869

Issuance of Series D preferred stock for business acquired

2,500,000

 

--

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

THE VERMONT TEDDY BEAR CO., INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

(1) Basis of Presentation

The interim financial statements of The Vermont Teddy Bear Co., Inc. (the "Company") included herein have been prepared, without audit, pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") and, in the opinion of management, reflect all adjustments necessary to present fairly the financial condition and results of operations for such interim periods. Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in the financial statements prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles have been condensed or omitted pursuant to such rules and regulations. Certain prior period amounts have been reclassified to conform to the current-year financial statement presentation. It is suggested that these financial statements be read in conjunction with the audited financial statements and notes thereto for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2003, included in the Company's filing with the SEC on Form 10-K. The Company's sal es are seasonal in nature and, therefore, the results for these interim periods are not necessarily indicative of the results expected for the respective full years.

 

(2) Basis of Consolidation

The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of The Vermont Teddy Bear Co., Inc. and its wholly owned subsidiaries, SendAMERICA, Inc. and Calyx & Corolla, Inc. All material inter-company balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

 

(3) Use of Estimates

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Management bases its estimates on historical experience and on various assumptions which are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances.

(4) Earnings Per Share

The following tables reconcile the net income and the weighted average common shares outstanding to the diluted net income and shares used in the computation of basic and diluted earnings per share:

Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended

 

03/31/04

 

03/31/03

 

03/31/04

 

03/31/03

Net Income available to common stockholders used in basic EPS calculation

$1,387,932

 

$971,111

 

$1,577,283

 

$965,753

Add: Dividends on Series C Preferred Stock

1,392

 

2,709

 

6,471

 

15,786

Accretion of original issue discount

attributable to Series C Preferred Stock

--

 

13,623

 

18,153

 

40,869

Dividends on Series D Preferred Stock

30,822

--

72,602

--

Net Income available to common stockholders used in diluted EPS calculation

$1,420,146

$987,443

$1,674,509

$1,022,408

 

 

Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended

 

03/31/04

 

03/31/03

 

03/31/04

 

03/31/03

Weighted average number of shares used in basic EPS calculation

4,973,906

 

4,853,372

 

4,913,569

 

5,665,789

               

Add: Common shares issuable upon exercise of:

             

Stock options

976,340

 

967,008

 

958,143

 

1,071,431

Warrants

193,111

 

193,111

 

193,111

 

193,111

Convertible preferred stock

796,834

 

174,326

 

692,574

 

348,120

Total Common shares issuable

6,940,191

 

6,187,817

 

6,757,397

 

7,278,451

               

Less: Shares assumed to be repurchased under

Treasury stock method

(616,879)

 

(710,327)

 

(664,013)

 

(777,053)

Weighted average number of shares used in diluted EPS calculation

6,323,312

 

5,477,490

 

6,093,384

 

6,501,398

Diluted weighted average shares outstanding for the three and nine months ended March 31, 2004 exclude 6,000 and 27,500 potential common shares respectively because the price of the potential common shares was greater than the average market price of the common stock for that period.

Diluted weighted average shares outstanding for the three and nine months ended March 31, 2003 exclude 22,000 and 73,500 potential common shares respectively because the price of the potential common shares was greater than the average market price of the common stock for that period.

 

(5) Stock-Based Compensation

Stock-based compensation cost is accounted for using the intrinsic value method in accordance with Accounting Principles Board Opinion No. 25 "Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees." Accordingly, no accounting recognition is given to stock options granted at fair market value until they are exercised. Upon exercise, net proceeds, including the tax benefits realized, are credited to shareholders' equity.

Had the Company recognized compensation costs for its stock option and purchase plans based on fair market value for awards under those plans, in accordance with Statements of Financial Accounting Standards ("SFAS") No. 123 "Accounting for Stock Based Compensation," pro forma net income and pro forma net income per share would have been as follows:

Nine Months Ended

 

03/31/04

 

03/31/03

Net Income available to common stockholders

$1,577,283

 

$ 965,753

Deduct: Total stock-based employee compensation expense determined under fair market value method for awards, net

     

of related tax effects

($61,436)

 

($120,837)

Pro forma Net Income available to common stockholders

$1,515,847

 

$ 844,916

       

Basic EPS - as reported

$0.32

 

$0.17

Basic EPS - pro forma

$0.31

 

$0.15

Diluted EPS - as reported

$0.27

 

$0.16

Diluted EPS - pro forma

$0.26

 

$0.14

The fair values used to compute pro forma net income and net income per share were estimated at their fair value at the grant date using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model with the following weighted average assumptions:

 

2004

2003

Risk-free interest rate

3.86%

3.83%

Expected dividend yield

0%

0%

Expected volatility

46.0%

60.1%

Expected lives

10 years

10 years

 

(6) Recent Accounting Pronouncements

In January and December 2003, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued FASB Interpretation No. 46 (FIN 46) and No. 46, revised (FIN 46R), "Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities". These statements, which address perceived weaknesses in accounting for entities commonly known as special-purpose or off-balance-sheet entities, require consolidation of certain interests or arrangements by virtue of holding a controlling financial interest in such entities. Certain provisions of FIN 46R related to interests in special purpose entities were applicable for the period ended December 31, 2003. The Company must apply FIN 46R to its interests in all entities subject to the interpretation as of the first annual period ending after March 15, 2004. Adoption of this new method of accounting for variable interest entities did not and is not expected to have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial position or results of operations.

In May 2003, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued SFAS No. 150, "Accounting for Certain Financial Instruments with Characteristics of Both Liabilities and Equity." This pronouncement establishes standards for how an issuer classifies and measures certain financial instruments with characteristics of both liabilities and equity. It requires that an issuer classify certain financial instruments as liabilities. The provisions of this statement are effective for transactions that are entered into or modified after May 31, 2003. The adoptions of SFAS No. 150 did not have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial position or results of operations.

(7) Indebtedness

On August 29, 2003, the Company closed on a $1,000,000 loan facility (the "Acquisition Loan") with Banknorth, N.A. for the acquisition of substantially all of the assets and the assumption of certain liabilities of the floral delivery business Calyx & Corolla from Equity Resource Partners, LLC. The Acquisition Loan is being repaid by monthly payments of principal of $16,667 and interest over a term of five years. The Company had the option to select one of two interest rate options, as follows: (i) a variable rate equal to either the bank's prime rate minus 0.50% (adjusted daily) or (ii) LIBOR (for 30, 60, 90 day interest periods) plus 2.20% (except that no more than three LIBOR based borrowings would be allowed at any one time). The Acquisition Loan was subject to an origination fee of 0.25% of the principal amount. The origination fee and certain other costs totaling $18,000 incurred in connection with the acquisition loan were deferred and are being amortized over the five year term of the loan. At closing, the Company selected a 3.32 percent interest rate based on the 30 day LIBOR rate.

(8) Acquisition

On August 29, 2003, the Company, through a wholly-owned subsidiary, Calyx & Corolla, Inc., a Delaware corporation, purchased substantially all of the assets and assumed certain liabilities of the floral delivery business Calyx & Corolla from Equity Resource Partners, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company. The acquisition was consummated pursuant to an Asset Purchase Agreement and related documents on August 29, 2003. The results of Calyx & Corolla's operations have been included in the Company's consolidated financial statements since August 29, 2003.

The acquired assets included accounts receivable, inventory, the trade name, customer databases and lists, other intellectual property, and fixed assets, including order processing equipment and certain office furnishings used in the Calyx & Corolla floral delivery business. Working capital obligations assumed include trade payables, accrued compensation and certain executory contracts. Calyx & Corolla, Inc. holds the acquired assets and liabilities assumed and continues the Calyx & Corolla business.

The consideration paid was $3.7 million consisting of $1.2 million paid in cash and the remainder paid in the form of 250 shares of the Company's Series D Convertible Redeemable Preferred Stock ("Series D Preferred") at a fair value of $10,000 per share. In addition, the Company incurred approximately $173,000 of transaction costs consisting primarily of legal and accounting fees. The Series D Preferred shares are convertible into the Company's common stock at a price of $3.53 per common share and have voting rights on an as-converted basis. A portion of the cash consideration paid was financed with the five-year Acquisition Loan in the amount of $1.0 million from Banknorth, N.A, the remainder of the cash consideration and transaction costs paid was funded from cash on hand.

The following table sets forth the consideration paid by the Company:

Cash consideration

$ 1,200,000

Series D convertible redeemable preferred stock

2,500,000

Transaction costs and expenses

173,206

Total consideration

$ 3,873,206

The acquisition was accounted for using the purchase method, and accordingly, the purchase price was allocated to the assets acquired and liabilities assumed based on their estimated fair values on the acquisition date.

The following table sets forth the allocation of the purchase consideration to working capital, fixed assets and intangible assets acquired:

Accounts receivable

$ 237,003

Inventory

472,917

Prepaid expenses

199,259

Deposits

3,504

Equipment

91,626

Other intangible-trademark and tradename

1,220,000

Customer list

310,000

Goodwill

4,163,260

Accounts payable

(1,650,508)

Deferred revenue

(1,118,761)

Accrued expenses

(55,094)

 

$ 3,873,206

 

The amount allocated to the trademark, tradename and customer list was determined by management after considering the results of an independent appraisal based on established valuation techniques. The customer list is being amortized over its estimated useful life of 3 years. The goodwill, trademark, tradename and customer list will be deductible for tax purposes over the tax life of 15 years.

The following unaudited pro forma information for the Company and its consolidated subsidiaries for the following three and nine month periods ended March 31, 2004 and 2003 was prepared assuming the acquisition of Calyx & Corolla occurred on July 1, 2002. These pro forma amounts are not necessarily indicative of operating results that would have occurred if the Calyx & Corolla acquisition had occurred on July 1, 2002.

Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended

March 31, March 31,

 

2004

2003

2004

2003

Revenue

$ 20,078,040

$ 18,113,316

$ 39,620,132

$ 40,689,451

Net income attributable to common shareholders

$ 1,387,932

$ 958,178

$ 1,438,808

$ 1,042,664

Basic income per common share

$ 0.28

$ 0.20

$ 0.29

$ 0.18

         

Diluted net income attributable to common shareholders

$ 1,420,146

$ 1,037,010

$ 1,536,034

$ 1,161,819

Diluted income per diluted share

$ 0.22

$ 0.17

$ 0.25

$ 0.16

         

Each of the shares of Series D Preferred has a minimum liquidation value of $10,000 per share, and is convertible into 2,832 shares of the Company's common stock. The Series D Preferred ranks junior to both Series A and Series C Preferred Stock but senior to all other shares of capital stock of the Company. The Series D Preferred stockholders may, at any time after December 31, 2004, require the Company to redeem some or all of the Series D Preferred shares at their minimum liquidation value, not to exceed $650,000 annually on a rolling 12-month basis. The Series D Preferred requires mandatory redemption of all outstanding shares at the minimum liquidation value along with all accrued but unpaid dividends ten years after issuance. The Series D Preferred carries voting rights on an as-converted basis, and, as a class, has the right to elect one member to the Company's Board of Directors. The Series D Preferred shares have a cumulative preferred cash dividend of 5.0 % per annum, payable quarterly.

The Company obtained consent from its lessor in the sale-leaseback transaction and its lender related to this transaction as a result of restrictive covenants contained in certain of its lending arrangements.

There are no material relationships among the parties to the acquisition of Calyx & Corolla or their affiliates, officers, directors, members or managers, or any of their associates.

Subsequent to the August 29, 2003 closing date of the Calyx & Corolla acquisition, Equity Resource Partners, LLC reimbursed the Company $225,000 related to obligations of Equity Resource Partners, LLC paid by the Company.

 

(9) Segment Information

Operating segments represent components of the Company's business that are evaluated regularly by the Chief Executive Officer in assessing performance and resource allocation. The Company has determined that its reportable segments consist of the Gram delivery service, Retail Operations, and Corporate/Wholesale (including licensing). The Gram delivery service is comprised of Bear-Gram, PajamaGram, Calyx & Corolla floral, and TastyGram delivery services.

The Bear-Gram delivery service involves sending personalized teddy bears directly to recipients for special occasions such as birthdays, anniversaries, weddings, and new births, as well as holidays such as Valentine's Day, Christmas, and Mother's Day. Bear-Gram orders are placed through the toll free number, on-line at vermontteddybear.com , or through the catalog.

The PajamaGram delivery service involves sending pajamas and related loungewear and spa products to recipients as gifts for similar special occasions and holidays. PajamaGram orders are placed via a toll free number or online at pajamagram.com.

The Calyx & Corolla business was acquired on August 29, 2003 for the purposes of extending the Company's product offerings in the gift delivery service industry to include floral delivery service. The Calyx & Corolla delivery service involves sending premium flowers and plants with unique up-scale arrangements and containers to recipients, direct from the growers, as gifts for special occasions and holidays. Calyx & Corolla orders are placed through a catalog, via a toll free number or online at calyxandcorolla.com.

SendAMERICA, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary, is a business that extends the Company's product offerings in the gift delivery service industry to include food related gift products, under the service mark "TastyGram", delivered to recipients for special occasions and holidays. TastyGram orders are placed via a toll free number or online at tastygram.com.

The Retail Operation segment involves a retail location and family tours of its teddy bear factory in Shelburne, located ten miles south of Burlington, Vermont. The Company also has a retail store located on Route 100 in Waterbury, Vermont. In an effort to make a visit to the stores more entertaining and draw additional traffic, the Company has implemented the Make-A-Friend-For-Life bear assembly area at both stores, where visitors can participate in the creation of their own teddy bear.

The Wholesale/Corporate segment develops opportunities in the corporate affinity market and certain wholesale markets.

The reporting segments follow the same accounting policies used for the Company's consolidated financial statements as described in the summary of significant accounting policies. Management evaluates a segment's performance based upon gross margin and gross margin percentage.

 

   

"Gram

Services"

     

Three Months

Ended 03/31/04

Bear-Gram Service

PajamaGram Service

Calyx & Corolla Service

TastyGram

Service

Retail Operations

Corporate/ Wholesale

Net Revenues

$13,050,137

$ 2,611,070

$ 3,619,427

$ 107,241

$ 392,964

$ 297,201

Cost of Goods Sold

4,899,693

995,891

1,937,564

87,676

132,457

133,255

Gross Margin

$ 8,150,444

$ 1,615,179

$ 1,681,863

$ 19,565

$ 260,507

$ 163,946

Gross Margin %

62.5%

61.9%

46.5%

18.2%

66.3%

55.2%

 

"Gram

Services"

Three Months Ended 03/31/03

Bear-Gram Service

PajamaGram Service

Calyx & Corolla Service

TastyGram

Service

Retail Operations

Corporate/ Wholesale

Net Revenues

$ 12,151,047

$1,785,435

--

$ 147,425

$ 404,546

$ 39,813

Cost of Goods Sold

4,304,460

806,829

--

116,965

148,302

16,905

Gross Margin

$ 7,846,587

$ 978,606

--

$ 30,460

$ 256,244

$ 22,908

Gross Margin %

64.6%

54.8%

--

20.7%

63.3%

57.5%

   

"Gram

Services"

     

Nine Months Ended 03/31/04

Bear-Gram Service

PajamaGram Service

Calyx & Corolla Service

TastyGram

Service

Retail Operations

Corporate/ Wholesale

Net Revenues

$ 20,895,460

$ 4,560,637

$ 9,787,635

$ 248,433

$ 2,470,028

$ 505,818

Cost of Goods Sold

8,001,607

1,820,198

5,039,121

174,366

873,531

241,746

Gross Margin

$ 12,893,853

$ 2,740,439

$ 4,748,514

$ 74,067

$ 1,596,497

$ 264,072

Gross Margin %

61.7%

60.1%

48.5%

29.8%

64.6%

52.2%

 

"Gram

Services"

Nine Months Ended 03/31/03

Bear-Gram Service

PajamaGram Service

Calyx & Corolla Service

TastyGram

Service

Retail Operations

Corporate/ Wholesale

Net Revenues

$ 22,346,948

$ 3,149,363

--

$ 322,077

$ 2,822,226

$ 261,687

Cost of Goods Sold

8,119,846

1,514,775

--

271,435

925,497

129,415

Gross Margin

$ 14,227,102

$ 1,634,588

--

$ 50,642

$ 1,896,729

$ 132,272

Gross Margin %

63.7%

51.9%

--

15.7%

67.2%

50.5%

 

The Company believes that there is no discernable basis to identify assets by segment. Revenues from individual customers, revenues between business segments, and revenues, operating profit and identifiable assets of foreign operations are not significant.

 

(10) Legal Proceedings

The Company is a party in a suit against 538 Madison Realty Company pending in the Supreme Court of the State of New York, County of New York, seeking a declaration that a lease with 538 Madison Realty Company is terminated.

On October 24, 1996, the Company entered into a ten-year lease for 2,600 square feet on Madison Avenue in New York City. On December 7, 1997, the Company's 538 Madison Avenue location was closed due to structural problems at neighboring 540 Madison Avenue. On December 16, the Company announced that it was permanently closing that retail location. The City of New York deemed the 538 Madison Avenue building uninhabitable from December 8, 1997 to April 9, 1998, and the Company has not made any rent payments on the lease since December, 1997. On December 24, 1998, the Company received a notice from its landlord of 538 Madison Avenue alleging that it was in default under the lease for failure to resume occupancy, and demand for back rent for the period July 8, 1998 to December 31, 1998 in the amount of $144,355. Further on January 4, 1999 the Company received a demand to resume rent payments beginning January 1999. The Company disputed the landlord's position and believed it was not obliga ted to resume occupancy or pay rent under the lease. As a result, on May 25, 1999, the Company commenced action in the Supreme Court of the State of New York, County of New York against 538 Madison Realty Company. The action sought breach of contract damages and a declaration that the contract at issue, the former lease between the parties, has been terminated. The landlord moved to dismiss the action based on purported documentary evidence, being the lease itself. That motion was denied by order entered April 12, 2000. After having unsuccessfully attempted to resolve the disputes and after engaging in document discovery, the Company moved for summary judgment on its claims and dismissal of the landlord's claims. That motion was granted by order dated July 25, 2001 and judgment was entered in favor of the Company and against the landlord in the amount of $211,146 on August 10, 2001. The landlord filed an appeal of that judgment and, as settlement discussions were unsuccessful, posted a bond to stay e nforcement of the judgment pending its appeal, which was argued on November 1, 2002. That judgment was affirmed by a 3-2 vote of New York's Appellate Division, First Department. Based on the two dissenting votes, the landlord had a right of appeal to New York's Court of Appeals. That appeal was fully briefed and then argued on February 10, 2004. On March 25, 2004, the New York Court of Appeals issued a decision reversing the Appellate Division, and denying the Company's summary judgment motion. This decision returns the case to the New York Supreme Court for a determination as to whether the Company's lease was terminated or continued in effect following the December 7, 1997 incident. The Company will continue to pursue all of its legal remedies to resolve the litigation favorably by decision or settlement. The Company has accrued management's estimated cost of $220,000 to settle this contingency, but no assurance can be given that this dispute can be settled for this amount. In the event that no settlem ent is reached and the Company is not successful in its suit against 538 Madison Realty Company, the remaining amount owed under the lease over its remaining term at face value is $2,825,000.

There are various other claims, lawsuits, and pending actions against the Company incident to the operations of its businesses. It is the opinion of management, after consultation with counsel, that the ultimate resolution of such claims, lawsuits and pending actions will not have a material adverse effect on the Company's consolidated financial position, results of operations or liquidity. There can be no assurance, however, that claims will not be made against the Company in the future. Such claims, if material, may adversely affect the Company's businesses and results of operations.

 

 

 

 

Item 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

The following discussion and analysis provides information that the Company's management believes is relevant to an assessment and understanding of the Company's results of operations and financial condition. The discussion should be read in conjunction with the financial statements and footnotes that appear elsewhere in this report filed on Form 10-Q. This report contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1993 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. The words "believe," "expect," "anticipate," "intend," "estimate," and other expressions that predict or indicate future events and trends, and that do not relate to historical matters, identify forward-looking statements. Such statements involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those set forth in such forward-looking state ments. The Company undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by applicable laws and regulations.

 

Summary

The Company's sales are seasonal in nature and, therefore, the results for interim periods are not necessarily indicative of the results expected for the respective full years. It is more instructive to compare the Company's performance in each interim period to the performance in the same interim period of prior years, in the context of comparable seasonal forces. In the period described in this report, net revenues increased substantially in the Company's Gram segment over the same period in the prior year due to increases in revenues from the Calyx & Corolla, PajamaGram and the Wholesale/Corporate business. The Bear-Gram business, with lower net revenues than the prior year on a year to date basis, had increased net revenues over the prior year during the same three month period described in this report. While the addition of the Calyx & Corolla business to the Gram segment increased the Company's sales durin g the Valentine's Day selling season, it is not one of the major holiday seasons for the Calyx & Corolla businesses, and thus the Company achieved improved balance in its seasonal business cycle. The Company's net margins also increased in this period, due to increased margin dollars in the Calyx & Corolla, PajamaGram and Wholesale/Corporate businesses, which offset decreased margins in the Bear-Gram, Retail, and TastyGram businesses. While lower as a percent of net revenues, net marketing and selling expenses increased during the period described in this report. Increases in marketing expenses for the PajamaGram and Calyx & Corolla lines were offset by decreases in marketing expenses for the Corporate/Wholesale, Retail and Tasty Gram businesses during the period.

Critical Accounting Policies

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions about future events that affect the amounts reported in the financial statements and accompanying notes. Future events and their impact cannot be determined with absolute certainty. Therefore the determination of estimates requires the exercise of judgment. Actual results inevitably will differ from those estimates, and such differences may be material to the financial statements.

We believe application of accounting policies, and the estimates inherently required therein, are reasonable. These accounting policies and estimates are constantly reevaluated, and adjustments are made when facts and circumstances dictate a change.

We have identified certain critical accounting policies, which are described below:

Inventory Valuation

The Company carries its inventory at the lower of cost or market on a first-in, first-out basis. The Company makes certain assumptions to adjust inventory based on historical experience and current information in order to assess that inventory is recorded properly at the lower of cost or market. If actual market conditions are less favorable than those projected by management, additional inventory adjustments may be required. These adjustments can have a significant impact on future operating results and financial position.

Providing for Litigation Contingencies

The Company is involved in litigation incidental to its business, the disposition of which is expected to have no material effect on the Company's financial position or results of operations. It is possible, however, that future results of operations for any particular quarterly or annual period could be materially affected by differences between the Company's assumptions related to these proceedings and actual results. The Company accrues its best estimate of the probable cost for the resolution of legal claims. Such estimates are developed in consultation with outside counsel handling these matters and are based upon a combination of litigation and settlement strategies. To the extent additional information arises, it is possible that the Company's best estimate of its probable liability in these matters may change.

Returns and Allowances Provision

The Company accrues a provision for returns and allowances. The Company makes certain assumptions to adjust this provision based on historical experience and current information in order to assess that the provision is estimated properly. If actual market conditions are less favorable than those projected by management, additional adjustments to the provision may be required. These adjustments can have a significant impact on future operating results and financial position.

Goodwill and Indefinite Lived Intangibles

The Company acquired Calyx & Corolla, Inc. on August 29, 2003. This acquisition resulted in $5,383,000 of goodwill and other indefinite lived intangible assets. The Company will test goodwill and other indefinite lived intangible assets for impairment at least annually. The Company expects to complete its impairment testing as of June 30, 2004. Management's estimates of market values, projections of future cash flows and other factors are significant factors in testing goodwill and indefinite lived intangible assets for impairment. If these estimates or projections change in the future, the Company may be required to record an impairment charge. These adjustments can have a significant impact on future operating results and financial position.

Income Tax Provision

The Company provides for income taxes at rates equal to our combined federal and state effective rates, however, certain estimates are made based on historical experience and various other assumptions that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances. Subsequent revisions to the estimated net realizable value of deferred tax assets, deferred tax liabilities and other income tax liabilities could cause our provision for income taxes to vary significantly from period to period.

Results of Operations

Comparison of the three-month periods ended March 31, 2004 and 2003.

Net revenues for the three month period ended March 31, 2004 totaled $20,078,000, an increase of $5,550,000 from net revenues of $14,528,000 for the three month period ended March 31, 2003. By business segment, $899,000 in increased revenues were attributable to the Bear-Gram gift delivery service, $826,000 in increased revenues were attributable to the PajamaGram gift delivery service segment, $257,000 in increased revenues to the Corporate/Wholesale segment. New revenues of $3,619,000 were generated from the recently acquired Calyx and Corolla floral delivery segment. These increases were offset by $40,000 in decreased revenues in the TastyGram segment and $11,000 in decreased revenues in the Retail Store segment. Revenues in the Bear-Gram segment increased due to additional advertising on syndicated radio programming and television advertising for the Valentine's Day holiday period in this segment while revenues in the PajamaGram increased due to additional radio advertising.

Gross margin increased $2,757,000 to $11,892,000 for the three month period ended March 31, 2004, from $9,135,000 for the three month period ended March 31, 2003. Gross margin dollar increases in the PajamaGram, Bear-Gram, and Corporate/Wholesale segments, primarily the result of higher net revenues in these segments, and the gross margin dollar contribution from the recently acquired Calyx & Corolla segment for the three months ended March 31, 2004, were partially offset by a decrease in gross margin dollars in the TastyGram segment. Gross margin as a percentage of net revenues decreased to 59.2 percent from 62.9 percent in the quarter. Increased bear unit manufacturing costs as domestic bear production volume was adjusted to the Company's lower net revenues experienced in the first six months of the fiscal year resulted in a 2.1 percentage point decrease in the Bear-Gram segment. An increase of 7.1 percentage points in the PajamaGram segment resulted from improved unit gross margins and product mix changes in the period. The 2.3 percentage point decrease in the Corporate/Wholesale segment is the result of a large volume sale of imported bears in the three month period ended March 31, 2004. The 46.5 gross margin percentage contribution resulting from the recently acquired Calyx & Corolla segment, which is less as a percentage of net revenues than the Company's overall gross margin percentage, contributed to the decrease in gross margin as a percentage of net revenues.

Marketing and Selling expenses increased $1,682,000 to $7,504,000 for the three month period ended March 31, 2004, from $5,822,000 for the comparable period ending March 31, 2003. Increased Bear-Gram advertising costs of $336,000, which include radio, television, catalog, Internet and print, increased PajamaGram radio advertising costs of $328,000, increased call center and customer service costs of $3,000 and $1,061,000 in marketing and selling costs associated with the Company's recently acquired Calyx & Corolla segment were partially offset by decreased TastyGram radio marketing and merchandising costs of $27,000, decreased Corporate/Wholesale marketing and selling costs of $15,000 and decreased Retail Store costs of $4,000 durin g the three month period ended March 31, 2004. Marketing and selling expenses decreased as a percentage of net revenues to 37.4 percent from 40.1 percent in the quarter.

General and administrative expenses increased to $1,758,000 for the three month period ended March 31, 2004, compared to $1,489,000 for the three month period ended March 31, 2003. As a percentage of net revenues, general and administrative expenses decreased to 8.8 percent for the three month period ended March 31, 2004, from 10.3 percent for the comparable period ended March 31, 2003. General and administrative expenses for the three month period ended March 31, 2004 include $218,000 of expenses attributable to the recently acquired Calyx and Corolla floral delivery segment.

Interest expense decreased to $167,000 for the three month period ended March 31, 2004, compared to $168,000 for the comparable period ending March 31, 2003. Interest income decreased to $10,000 as a result of lower interest rates in the three month period ended March 31, 2004, compared to $21,000 for the three month period ended March 31, 2003.

The Company has recorded a tax provision of $1,035,000 for the three month period ended March 31, 2004, which is comprised of a current provision of $1,007,000, an effective income tax rate of 40.7 percent, and a deferred provision of $28,000 resulting primarily from amortization of tax basis goodwill and acquired intangibles. The Company recorded a tax provision of $670,000 for the comparable period ended March 31, 2003, at an effective income tax rate of 40.0 percent.

As a result of the foregoing factors, the Series A Preferred Stock dividends of $18,000, the Series C Preferred Stock dividends of $1,400, and the Series D Preferred Stock dividends of $31,000, the net income available to Common Stockholders for the three month period ended March 31, 2004 was $1,388,000, compared to a net income available to Common Stockholders of $971,000 for the three month period ended March 31, 2003.

 

 

Comparison of the nine-month periods ended March 31, 2004 and 2003.

Net revenues for the nine month period ended March 31, 2004 totaled $38,468,000, an increase of $9,566,000 from net revenues of $28,902,000 for the nine month period ended March 31, 2003. By business segment, increases in PajamaGram revenues of $1,411,000, increases in Corporate/Wholesale segment, and new revenues of $9,788,000 generated from the recently acquired Calyx and Corolla floral delivery segment were partially offset by $1,451,000 in decreased revenues attributable to the Bear-Gram gift delivery service, $352,000 in decreased revenues attributable to the Retail Store segment, and $74,000 in decreased revenues to the TastyGram segment. Revenues in the PajamaGram segment increased as the Company increased radio advertising and revenues in the Bear-Gram segment decreased as the Company curtailed radio and catalog advertising in this segment in the nine month period. R evenues in the Retail Store segment declined due to fewer tourists visiting the Company's factory retail store in the nine month period ended March 31, 2004.

Gross margin increased $4,376,000 to $22,317,000 for the nine month period ended March 31, 2004, from $17,941,000 for the nine month period ended March 31, 2003. Gross margin dollar increases in the PajamaGram, Corporate/Wholesale, and TastyGram segments, and the contribution from the recently acquired Calyx & Corolla segment for the nine months ended March 31, 2004, were partially offset by gross margin dollar decreases in the Bear-Gram segment and the Retail Store segment, primarily the result of lower net revenues in these segments. Gross margin as a percentage of net revenue decreased to 58.0 percent from 62.1 percent in the nine month period. Increased bear unit manufacturing costs as domestic bear production volume was adjusted to the Company's lower net revenues resulted in a 2.0 percentage point decrease in the Bear-Gram segment. The decrease of 2.6 percentage points in the Retail Store segment is associated with higher unit costs in this segment. An increase of 8.2 percentage points in the PajamaGram segment resulted from improved unit gross margins and product mix changes in the period. The gross margin increase of 14.7 percentage points in the TastyGram gift delivery service segment is attributed to higher unit gross margins and improved product mix in this segment as compared to the nine month period ended March 31, 2003. The 48.5 gross margin percentage contribution resulting from the recently acquired Calyx & Corolla segment, which is less as a percentage of net revenues than the Company's overall gross margin percentage, contributed to the decrease in gross margin as a percentage of net revenues. During this nine month period, the Calyx & Corolla gross margin was negatively impacted by $62,000 of costs related to the relocation of Calyx & Corolla's fulfillment and inventory operations to the Company's Shelburne, Vermont loca tion.

Marketing and Selling expenses increased $2,511,000 to $14,504,000 for the nine month period ended March 31, 2004, from $11,993,000 for the comparable period ending March 31, 2003. Increased PajamaGram radio and catalog advertising costs of $466,000 and $3,011,000 in marketing and selling costs associated with the Company's recently acquired Calyx & Corolla segment were partially offset by decreased Bear-Gram advertising costs of $510,000, which include radio, television, catalog, Internet and print costs as the Company scaled back its radio and catalog advertising, decreased TastyGram radio marketing and merchandising costs of $225,000, decreased call center and customer service costs of $132,000, decreased Retail Store costs of $51,000, and decreased Corporate/Wholesale marketing and selling costs of $48,000 during the nine month period ended March 31, 2004. Marketing and selling expenses as a p ercent of net revenues decreased to 37.7 percent from 41.5 percent in the nine month period. Calyx & Corolla Marketing and Selling costs include $40,000 in temporary occupancy costs and $9,000 in salaries and other costs related to the relocation of Calyx & Corolla's operations to the Company's Shelburne, Vermont location. Calyx & Corolla Marketing and Selling costs also include $60,000 in wage and severance costs for employees at the Vero Beach, Florida location whose positions have been eliminated during this period. The wage costs savings may be partially offset by adding staff at the Shelburne, Vermont location.

General and Administrative expenses increased to $4,315,000 for the nine month period ended March 31, 2004, compared to $3,819,000 for the nine month period ended March 31, 2003. As a percentage of net revenues, general and administrative expenses decreased to 11.2 percent for the nine month period ended March 31, 2004, from 13.2 percent for the comparable period ended March 31, 2003. General and administrative expenses for the nine month period ended March 31, 2004 include $702,000 of expenses attributable to Calyx & Corolla, of which $19,000 are related to the relocation of Calyx & Corolla's information technology operations to the Company's Shelburne, Vermont location. Calyx & Corolla General and Administrative costs also include $127,000 in wage and severance costs for employees at the Vero Beach, Florida location whose positions have been eliminated during this period. The wage costs savings may be partially offset by adding staff at the Shelburne , Vermont location.

Interest expense increased to $504,000 due to increased long term debt obligations for the nine month period ended March 31, 2004, compared to $446,000 for the comparable period ending March 31, 2003. Interest income decreased to $28,000 as a result of lower cash balances and lower interest rates in the nine month period ended March 31, 2004, compared to $105,000 for the nine month period ended March 31, 2003.

The Company has recorded a tax provision of $1,297,000 for the nine month period ended March 31, 2004, which is comprised of a current provision of $1,232,000, an effective income tax rate of 40.7 percent, and a deferred provision of $65,000 resulting primarily from amortization of tax basis goodwill and acquired intangible assets. The Company recorded a tax provision of $718,000 for the comparable period ended March 31, 2003, at an effective income tax rate of 40.0 percent.

As a result of the foregoing factors and the Series A Preferred Stock dividends of $54,000, the Series C Preferred Stock dividends of $6,500, the accretion of an original issue discount of $18,000, and the Series D Preferred Stock dividends of $73,000, the net income available to Common Stockholders for the nine month period ended March 31, 2004 was $1,577,000, compared to a net income available to Common Stockholders of $966,000 for the nine month period ended March 31, 2003.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

The following is a summary of the Company's contractual commitments and other obligations as of March 31, 2004. The Company's Other Long-Term Obligations are comprised of employment contracts and certain consulting arrangements.

Payments due by fiscal period

Contractual

Obligations

Total

Amounts representing interest

Sub total

By June 30, 2004

1-3 years

3-5 years

More than 5 years

Long-Term Debt Obligations

$2,790,750

($157,908)

$2,948,658

$269,956

$2,259,647

$419,055

--

Capital Lease Obligations

$4,978,220

($4,406,966)

$9,385,186

$175,972

$2,111,667

$1,407,778

$5,689,769

Operating Lease Obligations

$3,741,958

--

$3,741,958

$344,208

$2,051,040

$860,013

$486,697

Series C & D Redeemable Preferred Stock Obligations

$3,017,854

--

$3,017,854

$32,646

$1,626,754

$1,358,453

--

Other Long-Term Liabilities

$461,047

--

$461,047

$129,797

$320,833

$10,417

--

Total

$14,989,829

($4,564,874)

$19,554,702

$952,579

$8,369,942

$4,055,716

$6,176,466

 

As of March 31, 2004, the Company's cash position increased to $8,894,000, from $5,701,000 at June 30, 2003. Of the $8,894,000, $540,000 is classified as restricted cash; there was $533,000 of restricted cash at June 30, 2003. The largest component of the restricted cash is $470,000 restricted by a debt service reserve, which was required as part of the Acquisition Loan agreement with Banknorth, N.A., that is required to be maintained as part of the Company's sale-leaseback transaction. Cash increases provided by net income, increases in deferred revenue and the cash provided from the borrowing from Banknorth, N.A. associated with the acquisition of Calyx & Corolla were offset by the cash paid for the acquisition of Calyx & Corolla and payments on long term debt.

On August 29, 2003, the Company closed on the $1.0 million Acquisition Loan facility with Banknorth, N.A. for the acquisition of substantially all of the assets and the assumption of certain liabilities of the floral delivery business Calyx & Corolla from Equity Resource Partners, LLC. The Acquisition Loan is being repaid by monthly payments of principal and interest over a term of five years. The Company had the option to select one of two interest rate options, as follows: (i) a variable rate equal to either the bank's prime rate minus 0.50% (adjusted daily) or (ii) LIBOR (for 30, 60, 90 day interest periods) plus 2.20% (except that no more than three LIBOR based borrowings would be allowed at any one time). The Acquisition Loan was subject to an origination fee of 0.25% of the principal amount. At closing, the Company selected a 3.32 percent interest rate based on the 30 day LIBOR rate.

The Company's sales are heavily seasonal, with Valentine's Day, Mother's Day and Christmas as the Company's largest sales seasons, resulting in fluctuations in working capital obligations similar to those incurred during the same periods in past years.

The Company intends to continue to invest in support of its growth strategy. These investments include primarily continued advertising and marketing programs designed to enhance the Company's brand name recognition, retain and acquire new customers, expand its current product offerings and further develop its web site and operating infrastructure.

The Company believes that its existing cash and cash equivalent balances, together with funds generated from operations and available borrowings under its loan commitments from Banknorth, N.A., will be sufficient to finance the Company's operations for at least the next twelve months.

 

Commitments & Contingencies

On October 24, 1996, the Company entered into a ten-year lease for 2,600 square feet on Madison Avenue in New York City. On December 7, 1997, the Company's 538 Madison Avenue location was closed due to structural problems at neighboring 540 Madison Avenue. On December 16, the Company announced that it was permanently closing that retail location. The City of New York deemed the 538 Madison Avenue building uninhabitable from December 8, 1997 to April 9, 1998, and the Company has not made any rent payments on the lease since December, 1997. On December 24, 1998, the Company received a notice from its landlord of 538 Madison Avenue alleging that it was in default under the lease for failure to resume occupancy, and demand for back rent for the period July 8, 1998 to December 31, 1998 in the amount of $144,355. Further on January 4, 1999 the Company received a demand to resume rent payments beginning January 1999. The Company disputed the landlord's position and believed it was not obliga ted to resume occupancy or pay rent under the lease. As a result, on May 25, 1999, the Company commenced action in the Supreme Court of the State of New York, County of New York against 538 Madison Realty Company. The action sought breach of contract damages and a declaration that the contract at issue, the former lease between the parties, has been terminated. The landlord moved to dismiss the action based on purported documentary evidence, being the lease itself. That motion was denied by order entered April 12, 2000. After having unsuccessfully attempted to resolve the disputes and after engaging in document discovery, the Company moved for summary judgment on its claims and dismissal of the landlord's claims. That motion was granted by order dated July 25, 2001 and judgment was entered in favor of the Company and against the landlord in the amount of $211,146 on August 10, 2001. The landlord filed an appeal of that judgment and, as settlement discussions were unsuccessful, posted a bond to stay e nforcement of the judgment pending its appeal, which was argued on November 1, 2002. That judgment was affirmed by a 3-2 vote of New York's Appellate Division, First Department. Based on the two dissenting votes, the landlord had a right of appeal to New York's Court of Appeals. That appeal was fully briefed and then argued on February 10, 2004. On March 25, 2004, the New York Court of Appeals issued a decision reversing the Appellate Division, and denying the Company's summary judgment motion. This decision returns the case to the New York Supreme Court for a determination as to whether the Company's lease was terminated or continued in effect following the December 7, 1997 incident. The Company will continue to pursue all of its legal remedies to resolve the litigation favorably by decision or settlement. The Company has accrued management's estimated cost of $220,000 to settle this contingency, but no assurance can be given that this dispute can be settled for this amount. In the event that no settlem ent is reached and the Company is not successful in its suit against 538 Madison Realty Company, the remaining amount owed under the lease over its remaining term at face value is $2,825,000.

There are various other claims, lawsuits, and pending actions against the Company incident to the operations of its businesses. It is the opinion of management, after consultation with counsel, that the ultimate resolution of such claims, lawsuits and pending actions will not have a material adverse effect on the Company's consolidated financial position, results of operations or liquidity. There can be no assurance, however, that claims will not be made against the Company in the future. Such claims, if material, may adversely affect the Company's businesses and results of operations.

 

Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk

The Company's earnings and cash flows are subject to fluctuations due to changes in interest rates primarily from its investment of available cash balances in money market funds. Under its current policies, the Company does not use interest rate derivative instruments to manage exposure to interest rate changes. A ten percent fluctuation in interest rates would not have a material impact on the Company's ability to meet its financial obligations.

 

Item 4. Controls and Procedures

(a) Disclosure Controls and Procedures. Under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Accounting Officer, we have evaluated the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures pursuant to Exchange Act Rule 13a-14(c) as of the end of the period covered by this report. Based on that evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Accounting Officer have concluded that these disclosures and procedures are effective. There were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting during the quarter ended March 31, 2004 that have materially affected, or reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal controls over financial reporting.

(b) Internal Controls. Since the date of the evaluation described above, there have not been any significant changes in our internal accounting controls or in other factors that could significantly affect those controls.

PART II. OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1. Legal Proceedings

The Company is a party in a suit against 538 Madison Realty Company pending in the Supreme Court of the State of New York, County of New York, seeking a declaration that a lease with 538 Madison Realty Company is terminated. A description of the background and current status of this action appears in Part I, Note 10 of this report under the heading Legal Proceedings.

There are various other claims, lawsuits, and pending actions against the Company incident to the operations of its businesses. It is the opinion of management, after consultation with counsel, that the ultimate resolution of such claims, lawsuits and pending actions will not have a material adverse effect on the Company's consolidated financial position, results of operations or liquidity. There can be no assurance, however, that claims will not be made against the Company in the future. Such claims, if material, may adversely affect the Company's businesses and results of operations.

 

Item 2. Changes in Securities and Use of Proceeds

Not applicable.

Item 3. Defaults Upon Senior Securities

Not applicable.

Item 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Stockholders

There were no matters submitted to a vote of stockholders for the quarter ended March 31, 2004.

Item 5. Other Information

Elisabeth B. Robert, the Company's Chief Executive Officer/Chief Financial Officer and Mark J. Sleeper, the Chief Accounting Officer, have furnished to the SEC the certification with respect to this Form 10-Q that is required by Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. See exhibit 32.

 

Item 6. Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K

(a) Exhibits

31 Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certifications.

32 Certifications pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 by Elisabeth B. Robert, President, Chief Executive Officer, Treasurer, and Chief Financial Officer and Mark J. Sleeper, Chief Accounting Officer (filed herein).

(b) Reports on Form 8-K

As reported on March 25, 2004

The Company filed a Form 8-K with respect to the decision of the New York Court of Appeals to reverse the New York Appellate Division's decision to grant the Company summary judgment in its action against 538 Madison Realty Company in the Supreme Court of the State of New York, County of New York.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Signatures

Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Company has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

 

The Vermont Teddy Bear Co., Inc.

Date: May 17, 2004 /s/ Elisabeth B. Robert ,

Elisabeth B. Robert,

Chief Executive Officer and

Chief Financial Officer