hookerfurniture10q080110.htm


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

 
FORM 10-Q
 


Quarterly report pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

For the quarterly period ended August 1, 2010

Commission file number 000-25349

HOOKER FURNITURE CORPORATION
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 
Virginia   54-0251350
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)   (IRS employer identification no.)
  440 East Commonwealth Boulevard, Martinsville, VA  24112  
  (Address of principal executive offices, zip code)  
     
  (276) 632-0459  
  (Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)  
 
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 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 (Section 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, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company.  See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
 
Large accelerated Filer ¨      Accelerated filer x
Non-accelerated Filer ¨ (Do not check if a smaller reporting company)    Smaller reporting company ¨
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).  Yes ¨ No x

Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer’s classes of common stock as of September 7, 2010
 
Common stock, no par value   10,782,068
(Class of common stock)  (Number of shares)
 
 
 

 
TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
     
PART I.  FINANCIAL INFORMATION   
     
Item 1.  Financial Information  3
     
Item 2.   Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations  15 
     
Item 3.   Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk  26 
     
Item 4.   Controls and Procedures  27
     
PART II.  OTHER INFORMATION   
     
Item 5.   Other Information  28
     
Item 6.   Exhibits  29 
     
Signature    30 
 
 
 
 

 
PART I.  FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1.  Financial Statements

HOOKER FURNITURE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(In thousands, including share data)
(Unaudited)
   
August 1,
   
January 31,
 
   
2010
   
2010
 
             
Assets
           
Current Assets
           
Cash and cash equivalents   $ 29,804     $ 37,995  
Accounts receivable, less allowance for doubtful accounts                
  of $1,930 and $1,938 on each date     27,344       25,894  
Inventories     46,955       36,176  
Prepaid expenses and other current assets     5,564       3,468  
Total current assets     109,667       103,533  
Property, plant, and equipment, net     21,631       22,747  
Intangible assets     3,468       3,468  
Cash surrender value of life insurance policies     14,218       14,810  
Other assets     4,690       4,541  
Total assets   $ 153,674     $ 149,099  
                 
Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity
               
Current Liabilities
               
Trade acccounts payable
  $ 13,674     $ 10,425  
Accrued salaries, wages and benefits
    2,793       2,184  
Other accrued expenses
    1,915       1,953  
Accrued dividends
    1,077       1,077  
Total current liabilities
    19,459       15,639  
Deferred compensation
    6,566       5,868  
Total liabilities
    26,025       21,507  
                 
Shareholders' equity
               
Common stock, no par value, 20,000 shares authorized,
               
  10,782 and 10,775 shares issued and oustanding on each date, respectively
    17,110       17,076  
Retained earnings
    110,169       110,073  
Accumulated other comprehensive income
    370       443  
Total shareholders' equity
    127,649       127,592  
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity
  $ 153,674     $ 149,099  
 
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

 
3

 
HOOKER FURNITURE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(In thousands, except per share data)
(Unaudited)
   
Thirteen Weeks Ended
   
Twenty-Six Weeks Ended
 
   
August 1,
   
August 2,
   
August 1,
   
August 2,
 
   
2010
   
2009
   
2010
   
2009
 
                         
Net sales
  $ 53,377     $ 45,978     $ 104,730     $ 98,041  
                                 
Cost of sales
    41,421       36,283       80,505       77,119  
Casualty loss
    183       -       2,208       -  
Insurance recovery
    (183 )     -       (1,708 )     -  
   Total cost of sales
    41,421       36,283       81,005       77,119  
                                 
      Gross profit
    11,956       9,695       23,725       20,922  
                                 
Selling and administrative expenses
    10,387       10,254       20,450       21,435  
Asset impairment (credit) charge
    -       (60 )     -       613  
                                 
      Operating income (loss)
    1,569       (499 )     3,275       (1,126 )
                                 
Other income (expense), net
    44       (26 )     56       (29 )
                                 
      Income (loss) before income taxes
    1,613       (525 )     3,331       (1,155 )
                                 
Income tax expense (benefit)
    435       (62 )     1,079       (236 )
                                 
      Net income (loss)
  $ 1,178     $ (463 )   $ 2,252     $ (919 )
                                 
Earnings (loss) per share
                               
      Basic
  $ 0.11     $ (0.04 )   $ 0.21     $ (0.09 )
      Diluted
  $ 0.11     $ (0.04 )   $ 0.21     $ (0.09 )
                                 
Weighted average shares outstanding:
                               
      Basic
    10,757       10,752       10,757       10,752  
      Diluted
    10,768       10,752       10,767       10,752  
                                 
Cash dividends declared per share
  $ 0.10     $ 0.10     $ 0.20     $ 0.20  
 
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

 
4

 
HOOKER FURNITURE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(In thousands)
(Unaudited)
   
Twenty-Six Weeks Ended
 
   
August 1,
   
August 2,
 
   
2010
   
2009
 
Cash flows from operating activities
           
   Cash received from customers
  $ 102,047     $ 105,197  
   Cash paid to suppliers and employees
    (107,059 )     (77,914 )
   Insurance proceeds received on casualty loss
    1,350       -  
   Income taxes paid, net
    (1,863 )     (1,021 )
   Interest paid, net
    (54 )     (278 )
      Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities
  $ (5,579 )   $ 25,984  
                 
Cash flows from investing activities
               
   Purchase of property, plant, and equipment
    (382 )     (1,292 )
   Proceeds from the sale of property and equipment
    18       13  
   Premiums paid on officers' life insurance
    (1,195 )     (1,259 )
   Proceeds received on officers' life insurance
    1,102       986  
      Net cash used in investing activities
    (457 )     (1,552 )
                 
Cash flows from financing activities
               
   Proceeds from short-term borrowing
    -       4,532  
   Payments on short-term borrowing
    -       (1,882 )
   Cash dividends paid
    (2,155 )     (2,154 )
   Payments on long-term debt
    -       (1,423 )
      Net cash used in financing activities
    (2,155 )     (927 )
                 
Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents
  $ (8,191 )   $ 23,505  
Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the period
    37,995       11,804  
   Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the period
  $ 29,804     $ 35,309  
                 
Reconciliation of net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
               
   Net income (loss)
  $ 2,252     $ (919 )
       Depreciation and amortization
    1,500       1,506  
       Non-cash restricted stock awards and performance grants
    34       40  
       Restructuring and asset impairment charges
    -       613  
       Provision for doubtful accounts
    100       601  
       Deferred income taxes
    (787 )     (964 )
       Loss on disposal of property
    -       101  
       Changes in assets and liabilities:
               
          Accounts receivable
    (1,551 )     6,516  
          Inventories
    (10,779 )     18,730  
          Prepaid expenses and other current assets
    (792 )     214  
          Trade accounts payable
    3,249       (674 )
          Accrued salaries, wages, and benefits
    609       352  
          Accrued income taxes
    3       -  
          Other accrued expenses
    (41 )     (580 )
          Deferred compensation
    624       384  
          Other long-term liabilities
    -       64  
             Net cash (used in) provided by operating activties
  $ (5,579 )   $ 25,984  
 
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.
 
 
5

 
HOOKER FURNITURE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Dollar and share amounts in tables, except per share amounts, in thousands unless otherwise indicated)
(Unaudited)
For the Twenty-Six Weeks Ended August 1, 2010

1.
Preparation of Interim Financial Statements

The condensed consolidated financial statements of Hooker Furniture Corporation and subsidiaries (referred to as “we,” “us,” “our,” “Hooker” or the “Company”) have been prepared in accordance with the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”).  In the opinion of management, these statements include all adjustments necessary for a fair statement of the results of all interim periods reported herein.  All such adjustments are of a normal recurring nature.  Certain information and footnote disclosures prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) are condensed or omitted pursuant to SEC rules and regulations.  However, we believe that the disclosures made are adequate for a fair presentation of our results of operations and financial position.  Operating results for the interim periods reported herein may not be indicative of the results expected for the year.  These financial statements should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes included in our annual report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended January 31, 2010.

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires us to make estimates and assumptions that affect both the reported amounts of 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 our estimates.

The financial statements contained herein are being filed as part of a quarterly report on Form 10-Q covering the thirteen-week period (also referred to as “three months,” “three-month period,” “quarter” or “quarterly period”) that began May 3, 2010 and the twenty-six week period (also referred to as “six months,” “six-month period,” or “first half”) that began on February 1, 2010, both ended on August 1, 2010.  These financial statements also include the thirteen-week period that began May 4, 2009 and the twenty-six week period that began February 2, 2009, both ended on August 2, 2009.

References in these notes to the condensed consolidated financial statements of the Company to:

§  
the 2011 fiscal year and comparable terminology mean the fiscal year that began February 1, 2010 and will end January 30, 2011; and

§  
the 2010 fiscal year and comparable terminology mean the fiscal year that began February 2, 2009 and ended January 31, 2010.

 
6


2.
Inventories
 
   
August 1,
   
January 31,
 
   
2010
   
2010
 
             
Finished furniture
  $ 49,741     $ 40,205  
Furniture in process
    621       798  
Materials and supplies
    9,654       7,258  
   Inventories at FIFO
    60,016       48,261  
Reduction to LIFO basis
    13,061       12,085  
   Inventories
  $ 46,955     $ 36,176  
 
3.  
Property, Plant and Equipment
         
   
August 1,
   
January 31,
 
   
2010
   
2010
 
Buildings and land improvements
  $ 23,819     $ 23,708  
Machinery and equipment
    3,563       3,507  
Furniture and fixtures
    27,724       27,494  
Other
    4,104       4,043  
   Total depreciable property at cost
    59,210       58,752  
Less accumulated depreciation
    39,100       37,603  
   Total depreciable property, net
    20,110       21,149  
Land
    1,357       1,357  
Construction in progress
    164       241  
   Property, plant and equipment, net
  $ 21,631     $ 22,747  
 
 
7

 
4.
Intangible Assets
 
   
August 1,
   
January 31,
 
   
2010
   
2010
 
Non-amortizable Intangible Assets
           
Trademarks and trade names - Bradington-Young
  $ 2,676     $ 2,676  
Trademarks and trade names - Sam Moore
    396       396  
Trademarks and trade names - Opus Designs
    396       396  
   Total trademarks and tradenames
    3,468       3,468  
 
5.
Accounts Receivable

   
August 1,
   
January 31,
 
   
2010
   
2010
 
             
Trade accounts receivable
  $ 22,598     $ 19,400  
Receivable from factor
    6,676       8,432  
Allowance for doubtful accounts
    (1,930 )     (1,938 )
   Accounts receivable
  $ 27,344     $ 25,894  

“Receivable from factor” represents amounts due with respect to factored accounts receivable. We factor substantially all of our domestic upholstery accounts receivable, without recourse to us.

Under our factoring agreement entered into on July 15, 2009, invoices for upholstery products are generated and transmitted to our customers, with copies to the factor on a daily basis, as products are shipped to our upholstery customers.  The factor collects the amounts due and remits collected funds to us semi-weekly. We retain ownership of the accounts receivable until the invoices are 90 days past due. At that time, the factor pays us the net invoice amount, less factoring fees and takes ownership of the accounts receivable. The factor is then entitled to collect the invoices on its own behalf and retain any subsequent remittances. The invoiced amounts are reported as accounts receivable on our condensed consolidated balance sheets when the merchandise is delivered to our customer until payment is received from the factor.

A limited number of accounts receivable are factored with recourse to us. The amounts of these receivables at August 1, 2010 and January 31, 2010 were $146,000 and $205,000, respectively. If the factor is unable to collect the amounts due, invoices are returned to us for collection. We include an estimate for these potentially uncollectible receivables in our calculation of our allowance for doubtful accounts.

 
8


6.  
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
   
   
Thirteen Weeks Ended
   
Twenty-Six Weeks Ended
 
   
August 1,
   
August 2,
   
August 1,
   
August 2,
 
   
2010
   
2009
   
2010
   
2009
 
Net income
  $ 1,178     $ (463 )   $ 2,252     $ (919 )
Loss on interest rate swap
    -       (7 )     -       (26 )
Portion of swap agreement's fair value
                               
      reclassified to interest expense
    -       56       -       118  
Unrealized gain on interest rate swap
    -       49       -       92  
Portion of accumulated acturial gain on Supplemental
                               
      Retirement Income Plan reclassified to deferred
                               
         compensation expense
    (59 )     (55 )     (119 )     (110 )
Other comprehensive loss before tax
    (59 )     (6 )     (119 )     (18 )
Income tax benefit
    22       2       45       7  
         Other comprehensive loss, net of tax
    (37 )     (4 )     (74 )     (11 )
      Comprehensive net income (loss)
  $ 1,141     $ (467 )   $ 2,178     $ (930 )
      
7. 
Supplier Receivable
 
From May 2007 through September 2009, we advanced payments to, and provided financing guarantees for one of our finished goods suppliers to facilitate the supplier’s purchase of raw materials and supplies to ensure timely delivery of finished goods to us.  The balance of the advances and other miscellaneous amounts due from this supplier at August 1, 2010 and January 31, 2010 were $142,000 and $124,000, respectively, and are fully reserved. In order for the supplier to obtain additional bank financing, we issued a standby letter of credit on July 14, 2008 as security in the amount of $600,000. In conjunction with the issuance of the letter of credit, we entered into a security agreement with the supplier and the supplier’s shareholders, which provided us with a security interest in certain assets of the supplier and its shareholders. During September 2009, prior to the expiration of the letter of credit, the supplier ceased operations, and defaulted on its bank notes, and its lender drew on our $600,000 letter of credit. Subsequently, we reimbursed our letter of credit provider for the $600,000. During fiscal year 2010, we wrote down the receivable to our estimate of the collateral’s net realizable value of $300,000. The estimated net realizable amount for the pledged collateral of $300,000 at August 1, 2010 and January 31, 2010 is recorded in the long-term section of our condensed consolidated balance sheets in “Other assets.” Based on a recent appraisal, we believe that the net realizable value of $300,000 is reasonable and approximates the pledged collateral’s fair value. During our fiscal 2011 second quarter, we began working with the supplier’s shareholders to obtain the deed in lieu of foreclosure and plan to offer the property for sale.

 
9

 
8.   
Earnings Per Share
        
Since 2006, we have issued restricted stock awards to non-employee members of the board of directors under the Stock Plan each January, and expect to continue to grant these awards to non-employee board members in the future.  As of August 1, 2010 and January 31, 2010 there were 24,965 and 17,640 shares, respectively, of restricted stock outstanding, net of forfeitures and vested shares on each date.  Restricted shares awarded that have not yet vested are considered when computing diluted earnings per share.

The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted earnings per share:
 
   
Thirteen Weeks Ended
   
Twenty-Six Weeks Ended
 
   
August 1,
   
August 2,
   
August 1,
   
August 2,
 
   
2010
   
2009
   
2010
   
2009
 
                         
Net income
  $ 1,178     $ (463 )   $ 2,252     $ (919 )
   Less: Unvested participating restricted stock dividends
    2       2       4       4  
              Net earnings allocated to unvested participating
                               
              restricted stock
    -       -       -       -  
Earnings available for common shareholders
    1,176       (465 )     2,248       (923 )
                                 
Weighted average shares outstanding for basic
                               
       earnings per share
    10,757       10,752       10,757       10,752  
Dilutive effect of non-vested restricted stock awards
    11       -       10       -  
   Weighted average shares outstanding for diluted
                               
       earnings per share
    10,768       10,752       10,767       10,752  
                                 
Basic earnings (loss) per share
  $ 0.11     $ (0.04 )   $ 0.21     $ (0.09 )
                                 
Diluted earnings (loss) per share
  $ 0.11     $ (0.04 )   $ 0.21     $ (0.09 )
 
 
10

 
9.   
Long Term Debt and Interest Rate Swaps
 
As of August 1, 2010, we had an aggregate $13.1 million available under our $15.0 million revolving credit facility to fund working capital needs.  Standby letters of credit in the aggregate amount of $1.9 million, used to collateralize certain insurance arrangements and for imported product purchases, were outstanding under our revolving credit facility as of August 1, 2010.  There were no additional borrowings outstanding under the revolving credit line on August 1, 2010.  Any principal outstanding under the credit line is due March 1, 2011. Additionally, we had $14.2 million available to borrow on the cash surrender value of company-owned life insurance policies at August 1, 2010, with no loans outstanding.

From time to time we have entered into swap agreements to hedge against the potential impact of increases in interest rates on our floating-rate debt instruments.  Swap agreements that hedge exposures to changes in interest rates expose us to credit risk and market risk.  Credit risk is the potential failure of the counterparty to perform under the terms of the swap agreement.  We attempt to minimize this risk by entering into transactions with high-quality counterparties.  Market risk is the potential adverse effect on the value of the swap agreement that results from a decline in interest rates.  The market risk associated with interest-rate contracts is managed by establishing and monitoring parameters that limit the types and degree of market risk that may be undertaken.

We are party to an interest rate swap agreement that provided, in effect, for a fixed interest rate of 4.1% through 2010 on our term loans. Prior to our fiscal 2010 third quarter, we accounted for our interest rate swap agreement as a cash flow hedge and recognized the fair value of the agreement on the balance sheet in shareholders’ equity under the caption “accumulated other comprehensive income.”  The related gains or losses on this instrument were recorded through comprehensive income and, accordingly, were included in accumulated other comprehensive income on the balance sheet until recognized in net income.  The gains or losses on this transaction were recognized in net income in the periods in which interest expense on our term notes (the related hedged item) were recognized in net income. In August 2009, we repaid our term loans in full. As a result, our interest rate swap no longer qualifies as an effective hedge. Through the remainder of the term of this interest rate swap, which terminated on September 1, 2010, all changes in the swap’s fair value were charged against net income except for scheduled payments under the agreement.

As of August 1, 2010 we were party to one derivative financial instrument, as described in the following table:
 
         
Fixed
         
   
Notional
   
Interest
         
Agreement
 
Amount
   
Rate
 
Expiration Date
 
Fair Value
 
                     
Interest rate swap
  $ 787       3.09 %
September 1, 2010
  $ (6 )
 
 
11

 
Fair Value Disclosure of Derivative Instruments
 
The following table provides quantitative fair value disclosures regarding our interest rate swap at August 1, 2010 and January 31, 2010:
 
      Fair Value at Dates Indicated
   
Carrying Value and
 
Quoted Prices in
 
Significant
   
 
Balance Sheet
 
Active Markets
 
Other
 
Significant
 
 Location
 
for Identical
 
Observable
 
Unobservable
 
(Other Accrued
 
Instruments
 
Inputs
 
Inputs
 
Expenses)
 
(Level 1)
 
(Level 2)
 
(Level 3)
               
Interest rate swap at August 1, 2010
 $                           (6
)    
 $               (6
)  
Interest rate swap at January 31, 2010
                            (33
)    
                (33
 

   
Thirteen Weeks Ended
   
Twenty-Six Weeks Ended
 
   
August 1,
   
August 2,
   
August 1,
   
August 2,
 
   
2010
   
2009
   
2010
   
2009
 
Interest rate swap:
                       
Loss recognized in other comprehensive income
  $ -     $ (7 )   $ -     $ (26 )
Loss reclassified from accumulated other  comprehensive income into interest expense, net
    -       56        -       118  
Loss recognized in net income
    -       -       -       -  

 
12

 
10. 
Employee Benefit Plans
 
Components of net periodic benefit cost:

   
Thirteen Weeks Ended
   
Twenty-Six Weeks Ended
 
   
August 1,
   
August 2,
   
August 1,
   
August 2,
 
   
2010
   
2009
   
2010
   
2009
 
Net periodic benefit cost
                       
   Service cost
  $ 146     $ 158     $ 292     $ 316  
   Interest cost
    85       89       170       178  
   Actuarial gain
    (59 )     (54 )     (118 )     (108 )
      Net periodic benefit cost
  $ 172     $ 193     $ 344     $ 386  

11. 
Income Taxes
 
We recorded income tax expense of $435,000 for the fiscal 2011 second quarter, as compared to an income tax benefit of $62,000 for the fiscal year 2010 second quarter.  The effective rate increased to 26.9% for the fiscal year 2011 second quarter from 11.8% for the fiscal year 2010 second quarter, primarily due to the greater annual pre-tax income expected for fiscal year 2011 compared to fiscal year 2010.   The change in tax expense is attributed to the fact that we had a net pre-tax loss for the second quarter last year and pre-tax income for second quarter of fiscal year 2011.  The change in effective tax rate reflects the tax benefit of a one-time charitable contribution of inventory of $56,000 made this quarter and the reversal of a tax penalty previously accrued as an uncertain tax position of $90,000, which related to a prior tax period.

We recorded income tax expense of $1.1 million during the first six months of fiscal 2011, as compared to a benefit of $236,000 for the first six months of fiscal 2010.  Our effective tax rate rose to 32.4% from 20.4% for the same period last year, due primarily to the $4.5 million increase in pre-tax income, which reduces the benefit of our favorable permanent differences, partially offset by the removal of the $90,000 tax penalty mentioned above.
 
 
13

 
12. 
Casualty Loss
 
On March 10, 2010, we experienced a fire at one of our warehouse facilities in Martinsville, Va. The fire was contained to an area of approximately 2,000 square feet within a 580,000 square foot facility. The costs associated with the fire exceeded our insurance deductible of $500,000 and those amounts were fully covered by insurance. During the first half of fiscal 2011, we recorded a casualty loss of $2.2 million and an insurance recovery of $1.7 million, both in cost of sales. The net charge to cost of sales of $500,000 represents our insurance deductible. At August 1, 2010, we had a receivable of $358,000 for amounts due to us from our insurance carrier. The receivable is recorded in the “Prepaid expenses and other current assets” line of the current assets portion of our condensed consolidated balance sheet. We received this amount subsequent to the end of our second fiscal quarter.

13.
Subsequent Events
 
Dividends
 
At its September 8, 2010 meeting, our board of directors declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.10 per share, payable on November 26, 2010 to shareholders of record at November 12, 2010.
 
Insurance Proceeds
 
On August 26, 2010, we received a $358,000 reimbursement from our insurance carrier, which represented the final amount due to us for expenses we incurred related to our fiscal 2011 first quarter casualty loss.
 
 
14


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

This quarterly report on Form 10-Q includes our unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements for the thirteen-week period (also referred to as “three months,” “three-month period,” “quarter” or “quarterly period”) that began May 3, 2010 and the twenty-six week period (also referred to as “six months,” “six-month period,” or “first half”) that began on February 1, 2010, both ended on August 1, 2010.  This report discusses our results of operations for these periods compared to the fiscal year 2010 thirteen-week period that began May 4, 2009 and the twenty-six week period that began February 2, 2009, both ended on August 2, 2009 and our financial condition as of August 1, 2010, as compared to January 31, 2010.

References in this report to:

§  
the 2011 fiscal year and comparable terminology mean the fiscal year that began February 1, 2010 and will end January 30, 2011; and

§  
the 2010 fiscal year and comparable terminology mean the fiscal year that began February 2, 2009 and ended January 31, 2010.

Nature of Operations

Incorporated in Virginia in 1924, Hooker Furniture Corporation (the “Company”, “we”, “us”, and “our”) is ranked among the nation’s top 10 largest publicly traded furniture sources, based on 2009 shipments to U.S. retailers, according to Furniture/Today, a leading trade publication.  We are a key resource for residential wood and metal furniture, commonly referred to in the industry as “casegoods” and upholstered furniture.  Our major casegoods furniture product categories include home entertainment, home office, accent, dining, bedroom and bath furniture under the Hooker Furniture brand, and youth furniture sold under the Opus Designs by Hooker brand.  Our residential upholstered seating companies include Cherryville, N.C.-based Bradington-Young, LLC, a specialist in upscale motion and stationary leather furniture, and Bedford, Va.-based Sam Moore Furniture LLC, a specialist in upscale occasional chairs with an emphasis on cover-to-frame customization.  An extensive selection of designs and formats along with finish and cover options in each of these product categories makes us a comprehensive residential furniture resource, primarily for retailers targeting the medium and upper-medium price range.  Our principal customers are retailers of residential home furnishings who are broadly dispersed throughout North America.  Customers include independent furniture stores, internet and specialty retailers, department stores, catalog merchants, interior designers and national and regional chains.

Overview

We have seen a growing consumer preference for lower-priced, high-quality imported furniture products since 2001.  Led by this change in consumer demand, from 2003 to 2008 we increased our focus on high-quality imported home furnishings with a systematic exit from domestic wood furniture manufacturing.  As a result, we have replaced a domestic production operating model for wood furniture, which had high overhead and high fixed costs, with a low overhead, variable cost import model.  We are now focused on imported casegoods, as well as both domestically produced and imported upholstered home furnishings.  Maintaining domestic upholstered furniture manufacturing allows us to offer quick turnaround on orders for custom leather and fabric upholstered seating and remains an important part of our strategy.

 
15

 
Since the fall of 2006, our business has been impacted by low levels of consumer confidence and a weak housing market.  By late 2008, this malaise, exacerbated by weak credit markets, had spread to the broader U.S. economy.  As a result, the residential home furnishings industry has seen an unprecedented decline in demand for its products.  Discretionary purchases of furniture, particularly at the middle and upper-middle price points where we compete, have been highly affected by low consumer confidence.  Current economic factors, such as high unemployment and difficult housing and mortgage markets, have resulted in a weak retail environment.  We believe, however, that our current business model continues to provide us with flexibility to respond to changing market conditions by adjusting inventory purchases from suppliers.

Due to the prolonged downturn and weak demand for residential furniture products as a result of the recession, our Asian sourcing partners realigned production in their plants by closing production lines, laying off employees and making other changes in order to balance production with decreased demand. The shipping lines that we utilize to transport these sourced goods to us have likewise adjusted their capacity by temporarily taking portions of their fleets out of service and reducing the speed of their remaining ships in order to increase fuel efficiency. These factors have lengthened the time and increased the cost for getting our products to our distribution facilities in the U.S. Additionally, the number of shipping containers available at any particular time has decreased due to longer shipping cycles and the number of new containers being manufactured has declined. As our incoming order rates have increased, our order backlog has increased due to these supply and transportation issues. At August 1, 2010 our order backlog stood at 6.6 weeks of sales, as compared to 5.7 weeks at August 2, 2009 and 8.2 weeks at the end of our fiscal 2011 first quarter. While we are encouraged by the sequential improvement in our backlog since our fiscal 2011 first quarter-end, we are continuing to work closely with our sourcing and transportation partners to further reduce these backlog delivery times to more acceptable levels, as well as working to secure new sources in these areas. We have seen some improvement in our sourcing partner’s production capacities since the end of the 2011 fiscal first quarter and expect further improvement as the year progresses. We note very limited improvement in Asian transportation capacity; however, we expect improvement through the second half of our 2011 fiscal year. Consequently, we expect that our backlog delivery times will continue to improve. However, our revenues and margins are likely to continue to be negatively affected until manufacturing and shipping capacity improve.

Fiscal 2011 second quarter net sales increased 16.1% over the comparable prior year quarter, breaking nine consecutive quarters of year over year quarterly sales decreases. Casegoods sales increased in the high single digits during the quarter and we realized significant increases in upholstery sales over the prior year quarter. This increase in upholstery sales mirrors current furniture industry trends. Generally, past furniture industry recoveries were first marked by increased upholstery sales. While the uniqueness of the present economic situation and unpredictable nature of consumer behavior may complicate our industry’s recovery, we are very encouraged by the improvements we see both at Hooker and in the industry at large.
 
 
16

 
The following are the principal factors that impacted our results of operations during the three and six-month periods ended August 1, 2010:

§  
Net sales increased by $7.4 million, or 16.1%, to $53.4 million during the fiscal year 2011 second quarter, compared to net sales of $46.0 million during the fiscal year 2010 second quarter.  This is the first overall sales increase since our fiscal year 2008 fourth quarter. For the first half of fiscal 2011, net sales increased $6.7 million or 6.8% compared to the same fiscal 2010 period. These quarterly and year-to-date increases reflect increased incoming order rates in our upholstery divisions.

§  
Gross margins for the fiscal 2011 second quarter and fiscal 2011 first half improved primarily due to:

□  
lower freight costs as a percentage of sales for casegoods and the savings from the closure  of our California warehouse, partially offset by the $500,000 charge related to the fire at one of our distribution facilities during our fiscal 2011 first quarter; and
□  
increased margins at our upholstery division, primarily due to increased upholstery sales.

§  
The improvement in gross margin in the first half of fiscal 2011 was partially offset by a $500,000 net charge ($312,000 or $0.03 per share, after tax) to cost of sales to recognize our insurance deductible for a fire that occurred at one of our distribution facilities during the fiscal 2011 first quarter.

§  
Selling and administrative expenses decreased as a percentage of sales compared to the corresponding three and six month fiscal year 2010 periods, primarily as a result of cost cutting measures implemented during fiscal 2010, and, lower selling expenses, professional fees and bad debts. Selling and administrative expenses also decreased in absolute terms for the fiscal 2011 first half.

§  
Operating income for the fiscal year 2011 second quarter was $1.6 million, or 2.9% of net sales, compared to an operating loss of $499,000, or -1.1% of net sales, in the fiscal year 2010 second quarter. For the six-month periods, operating income was $3.3 million or 3.1% of net sales in the fiscal year 2011 first half, compared to an operating loss of $1.1 million or -1.2% of net sales, for fiscal 2010. This improvement was principally due to improved domestic upholstery plant utilization and the lack of asset impairment activity during the fiscal year 2011 first half, as compared to the corresponding prior year period, partially offset by expenses related to the fire at our distribution center.

 
17


Results of Operations

The following table sets forth the percentage relationship to net sales of certain items included in the condensed consolidated statements of operations included in this report.

   
Thirteen Weeks Ended
   
Twenty-Six Weeks Ended
 
   
August 1,
   
August 2,
   
August 1,
   
August 2,
 
   
2010
   
2009
   
2010
   
2009
 
Net sales
    100.0 %     100.0 %     100.0 %     100.0 %
Cost of sales
    77.6       78.9       76.8       78.7  
Casualty loss
    0.3       -       2.1       -  
Insurance recovery
    (0.3 )     -       (1.6 )     -  
Total cost of sales
    77.6       78.9       77.4       78.7  
Gross profit
    22.4       21.1       22.7       21.3  
Selling and administrative expenses
    19.5       22.3       19.5       21.9  
Restructuring and asset impairment (credit) charge
    -       (0.1 )     -       0.6  
Operating income (loss)
    2.9       (1.1 )     3.1       (1.2 )
Other income, net
    0.1       -       0.1       -  
Income (loss) before income taxes
    3.0       (1.1 )     3.3       (1.2 )
Income tax expense (benefit)
    0.8       (0.1 )     1.0       (0.2 )
Net income (loss)
    2.2       (1.0 )     2.2       (1.0 )
 
Fiscal 2011 Second Quarter Compared to Fiscal 2010 Second Quarter

Net sales for the fiscal year 2011 second quarter increased $7.4 million, or 16.1% to $53.4 million compared to $46.0 million for the fiscal 2010 second quarter. The increase was principally due to higher unit volume, partially offset by lower overall average selling prices due to the mix of products sold. Unit volume increased across all divisions compared to the fiscal 2010 second quarter.

Net sales of imported upholstery increased approximately 56% from the prior year quarter, while overall domestic upholstery sales increased approximately 29% in the same period. Case goods net sales increased approximately 8%.
 
Overall, average selling prices were lower for the fiscal year 2011 second quarter as compared to the fiscal year 2010 second quarter, primarily due to the mix of products shipped. Average selling prices for casegoods and imported and domestically produced upholstered furniture decreased in the low single digits. Imported leather average selling prices were essentially flat as compared to the prior year fiscal quarter, while domestic leather selling prices decreased in the high single digits for the same period.
 
 
18

 
Overall, gross profit margin increased to 22.4% of net sales in the fiscal year 2011 second quarter compared to 21.1% in the fiscal year 2010 second quarter, mainly as a result of lower freight costs for casegoods. Gross margins for casegoods improved modestly in the fiscal year 2011 second quarter compared to the fiscal 2010 second quarter, primarily due to decreased levels of product discounting due to improvements in our inventory mix, lower returns and allowances and the exit from our California warehouse during fiscal 2010. Gross margins for upholstered furniture improved, due to lower fixed costs as a percentage of sales resulting from higher sales, manufacturing efficiencies due to higher production rates and cost reduction efforts, partially offset by higher raw material and manufacturing costs due to changes in product mix.

Selling and administrative expenses decreased as a percentage of sales and were essentially flat in absolute terms. For the fiscal year 2011 second quarter, selling and administrative expenses were 19.5% of net sales or $10.4 million, as compared to $10.3 million, or 22.3% of net sales, for the fiscal year 2010 second quarter.  The decrease in spending as a percentage of sales was principally due to the impact of cost reductions implemented in fiscal year 2010, undertaken in response to lower sales volume, as well as lower employee benefits expense, professional fees, and selling expenses.

Operating profitability for the fiscal 2011 second quarter increased year over year compared to the fiscal 2010 second quarter. This increase reflects the improved gross profit margins and lower fixed costs as a percentage of sales at our upholstery companies due to higher sales volumes.  As a result, we realized operating income for the fiscal year 2011 second quarter of $1.6 million, or 2.9% of net sales, compared to operating loss of $499,000, or -1.1% of net sales, in the fiscal year 2010 second quarter.

We recorded income tax expense of $435,000 for the fiscal 2011 second quarter and an income tax benefit of $62,000 for the fiscal year 2010 second quarter.  The effective rate increased to 26.9% for the fiscal year 2011 second quarter from 11.8% for the fiscal year 2010 second quarter, primarily due to the greater annual pre-tax income expected for fiscal year 2011 compared to fiscal year 2010.   The change in tax expense is attributed to the fact that we had a net pre-tax loss for the second quarter last year and pre-tax income for second quarter of fiscal year 2011.  The change in effective tax rate reflects the tax benefit of a one-time charitable contribution of inventory made this quarter and the reversal of previously accrued tax penalty relating to a prior tax period.

Fiscal year 2011 second quarter net income was $1.2 million, or $0.11 per share, compared to a net loss of $463,000, or ($0.04) per share, in the fiscal year 2010 second quarter.

Fiscal 2011 First Half to Fiscal 2010 First Half

Net sales for the fiscal year 2011 first half increased $6.7 million, or 6.8% to $104.7 million compared to $98.0 million for the fiscal 2010 first half. The increase was principally due to higher unit volume, partially offset by slightly lower average selling prices, due to the mix of products sold. Unit volume increased in our upholstery divisions compared to the fiscal 2010 first half, while remaining essentially flat in our casegoods division compared to the prior year period.

Net sales of imported upholstery increased approximately 47% in the first six months of fiscal 2011, while domestic upholstery sales increased by approximately 26% in the same period. Casegoods net sales decreased approximately 3%, as compared to the prior year first half.
 
 
19

 
Overall, average selling prices decreased during the fiscal year 2011 first half compared to the fiscal year 2010 first half, primarily due to the mix of products shipped. Average selling prices for casegoods and domestically produced fabric-upholstered furniture decreased in the mid-single digits. Average selling prices for our domestically produced leather upholstered furniture decreased significantly, while average selling prices for our imported leather upholstery decreased slightly as compared to the prior year first half.

Overall, gross profit margin increased to 22.7% of net sales in the fiscal year 2011 first half compared to 21.3% in the fiscal year 2010 first half. Gross margins for casegoods improved significantly in the fiscal year 2011 first half compared to the fiscal year 2010 first half, primarily due to decreased levels of product discounting and returns and allowances, lower freight costs and the exit from our California warehouse during fiscal 2010. Partially offsetting these improvements was a $500,000 net charge to cost of sales for our insurance deductible related to the distribution center fire. Gross margins for upholstered furniture improved, due to lower fixed costs as a percentage of sales resulting from higher sales rates, manufacturing efficiencies due to increased production rates and cost reduction efforts, partially offset by higher raw material and manufacturing costs due to changes in product mix.

Selling and administrative expenses decreased to $20.5 million or 19.5% of net sales for the fiscal year 2011 first half, compared to $21.4 million or 21.9% of net sales for the fiscal year 2010 first half.  The decrease in spending was principally due to the impact of cost reductions implemented in fiscal year 2010, undertaken in response to lower sales volume, as well as lower selling expenses, professional fees, bad debt expense, and employee benefits expense.

Operating profitability for the fiscal 2011 first half increased year over year compared to the fiscal year 2010 first half, reflecting improved gross profit margins, the absence of any impairment charges in fiscal 2011 and lower fixed costs as a percentage of sales at our upholstery companies due to higher sales volumes.  As a result, we realized operating income for the fiscal year 2011 first half of $3.3 million, or 3.1% of net sales, compared to operating loss of $1.1 million, or           -1.2% of net sales, in the fiscal year 2010 first half.

We recorded income tax expense of $1.1 million during the first six months of fiscal 2011, up from a benefit of $236,000 for the first six months of fiscal 2010.  Our effective tax rate rose to 32.4% from 20.4% for the same period last year, due primarily to the increase in pre-tax income, which reduces the benefit of the favorable permanent differences, partially offset by the decrease in uncertain tax positions.

Fiscal year 2011 first half net income was $2.3 million, or $0.21 per share, compared to a net loss of $919,000, or ($0.09) per share, in the fiscal year 2010 first half.

 
20

 
Although we report operating results for both of our divisions in one operating segment on a consolidated basis in our financial statements, we are providing the following division information because we believe it helps supplement the information provided in our financial statements:

   
Thirteen Weeks Ended
   
Twenty-Six Weeks Ended
 
   
August 1, 2010
   
August 2, 2009
   
August 1, 2010
   
August 2, 2009
 
      $    
% Segment
Net Sales
      $    
% Segment 
Net Sales
      $    
% Segment
Net Sales
      $    
% Segment 
Net Sales
 
Net Sales
                                                       
  Casegoods
  $ 34.5           $ 31.9           $ 67.1           $ 69.1        
  Upholstery
    18.9             14.1             37.6             28.9        
  Total
  $ 53.4           $ 46.0           $ 104.7           $ 98.0        
                                                         
Gross Margin
                                                       
  Casegoods
  $ 9.3       27.1 %   $ 8.1       25.2 %   $ 18.7       27.9 %   $ 17.7       25.6 %
  Upholstery
    2.6       13.8 %     1.6       11.7 %     5.0       13.3 %     3.3       11.3 %
  Total
  $ 12.0       22.4 %   $ 9.7       21.1 %   $ 23.7       22.7 %   $ 21.0       21.3 %
                                                                 
Operating Margin
                                                               
  Casegoods
  $ 2.3       6.6 %   $ 0.9       3.0 %   $ 5.0       7.5 %   $ 2.6       3.7 %
  Upholstery
    (0.7 )     -3.7 %     (1.4 )     -10.3 %     (1.7 )     -4.6 %     (3.7 )     -12.8 %
  Total
  $ 1.6       2.9 %   $ (0.5 )     -1.1 %   $ 3.3       3.1 %   $ (1.1 )     -1.2 %
 
Note: Some totals and percentages above may not recalculate exactly, due to rounding.

Outlook

Although business has improved since the end of fiscal 2010, our outlook for the remainder of fiscal year 2011 is one of continued cautious optimism. While we expect retail furniture conditions to remain weak, we have seen some signs of improving consumer demand. Dealer and consumer response to our new products has been encouraging and we expect this to have a positive impact on the second half of fiscal 2011. However, continuing economic uncertainty, supply chain challenges and aggressive competition for consumer discretionary dollars could derail our recovery.  We believe that our product and business model positions us to take advantage of any upturn in the economy. Continued attention to cost control and an intense focus on improving sourced product availability and delivery continue to be our priorities.

 
21

 
Our new Envision product line, which was designed to address the needs and tastes of Gen X and Gen Y consumers, was introduced in October 2008 and debuted on retail sales floors during the fiscal 2010 first quarter.  While response to this new line has been encouraging, we have not yet seen an overall rebound in big-ticket consumer products such as furniture, so we remain cautious in our planning and continue to take actions to address challenges to our profitability.  Some of those actions include:

§  
deferring, reducing or eliminating certain spending plans;
§  
continuing to refine the management of our supply chain, warehousing and distribution operations; and
§  
increasing inventory levels to respond to increasing sales and extended lead times from our suppliers.

Our domestic upholstery manufacturing operations have been particularly impacted by the prolonged sales downturn due to the higher fixed overhead costs as a percentage of reduced net sales for these operations.  To mitigate the impact of these sales declines we are:

§  
pursuing additional distribution channels and offering an array of new products and designs, which are generating additional sales growth;
§  
taking actions to streamline our domestic upholstery operations, by improving efficiency and reducing overhead; and,
§  
continuing to evaluate our operating costs to better match costs to current sales volume levels.
 
Our upholstery division reported an operating loss of 3.7% of net sales for the fiscal 2011 second quarter, which is an improvement over the operating loss of 10.3% of net sales for the comparable fiscal 2010 period and a sequential improvement over the fiscal 2011 first quarter operating loss of 5.5%. Year to date, the upholstery division operating loss has declined from -12.8% in the fiscal 2010 first half to -4.6% in the fiscal 2011 first half. While we see improvement over the corresponding prior year periods and upholstery sales have increased substantially overall, upholstery margins and profits are still disappointing. This reflects manufacturing inefficiencies related to introducing new products, inefficiencies related to increasing production levels to support increased sales and slower than expected savings realization from our continuous improvement initiatives. We have responded by intensifying our focus on cost reduction and sales growth initiatives for our upholstery operations. Cost reduction measures have included reducing personnel, consolidating manufacturing facilities, implementing Lean Manufacturing and introducing technological changes to reduce labor costs. Additionally, we have realigned upholstery division management to more intensely focus on areas of concern and continue to evaluate division efficiency. In terms of sales growth, we have focused on updating our upholstery lines with more contemporary offerings while retaining our best selling traditionally-styled items. In the fiscal 2011 first quarter, we began shipping the recently introduced Envision product line to respond to the needs of a younger consumer, a market that we believe will recover more quickly than our traditional customer base. With continued emphasis on cost control and product development, coupled with continued improvement in business, we believe that we can build a profitable upholstery business model by the end of fiscal 2011.

 
22

 
Financial Condition, Liquidity and Capital Resources

Balance Sheet and Working Capital

As of August 1, 2010, assets totaled $153.7 million, increasing from $149.1 million at January 31, 2010, principally due to increases in inventories, prepaid expenses and other current assets and accounts receivable partially offset by a decrease in cash and cash equivalents. Shareholders’ equity remained essentially unchanged at $127.6 million at both August 1, 2010 and January 31, 2010, with net income being offset by dividends.  We had no long-term debt at either August 1, 2010 or January 31, 2010.

Net working capital (current assets less current liabilities) increased by $2.3 million or 2.6%, to $90.2 million as of August 1, 2010, from $87.9 million at the end of fiscal 2010. This increase reflects increases of $6.1 million in current assets and $3.8 million in current liabilities.  Our working capital ratio (the relationship between our current assets and current liabilities) stood at 5.6:1 at August 1, 2010 compared to 6.6:1 at January 31, 2010.

The increase in current assets was principally due to increases of $10.8 million in inventories, $2.1 million in prepaid expenses and other current assets and $1.4 million in net accounts receivable, partially offset by an $8.2 million decrease in cash and cash equivalents. We increased our inventories in anticipation of increased sales and to improve service levels. The increase in prepaid expenses and other current assets is primarily due to an accrued company owned life insurance claim and a receivable recorded for amounts due to us from our insurance carrier for the casualty loss discussed above. Net accounts receivable increased due to higher sales. The decrease in cash reflects cash used to fund increased inventories, increased accounts receivable and higher prepaid expenses and other current assets.

The increase in current liabilities is primarily due to higher accounts payable, which changed primarily due to greater inventory purchases due to higher sales, and, to a lesser extent, increased accrued salaries, wages, and benefits.

Consolidated inventories increased 29.8%, to $47.0 million as of August 1, 2010 from $36.2 million at January 31, 2010. This increase was mainly due to increased purchases of imported casegoods inventory in response to anticipated higher incoming order rates.  Upholstery inventories increased approximately 45% since January 31, 2010, in response to higher incoming order rates and in order to improve service levels.

Cash Flows – Operating, Investing and Financing Activities

During the six months ended August 1, 2010, cash-on-hand, insurance proceeds received on our casualty loss ($1.4 million), and proceeds received on the surrender of company-owned life insurance policies ($1.1 million) were used to fund $5.6 million in cash for operations (primarily to fund increased inventory purchases due to higher sales), cash dividends ($2.2 million), premiums paid on company-owned life insurance policies ($1.2 million), and capital expenditures to maintain and enhance our business operating systems and facilities ($382,000.)

During the six months ended August 2, 2009, cash generated from operations ($26.0 million), short-term borrowing against our factored receivables ($4.5 million) and proceeds received on certain life insurance policies ($986,000) funded an increase in cash and cash equivalents ($23.5 million), payment of cash dividends ($2.2 million), repayment of borrowing against our factored receivables as they were collected by our agent ($1.8 million), scheduled principal payments on long-term debt ($1.4 million), premiums paid on company-owned life insurance policies ($1.1 million) and capital expenditures to maintain and enhance our business operating systems and facilities ($1.3 million.)

 
 
23

 
We used $457,000 of cash for investing activities during the first six months of fiscal year 2011 compared to $1.6 million during the six-month period ended August 2, 2009.  During the first six months of fiscal year 2011, we paid premiums of $1.2 million on company-owned life insurance, used $382,000 to purchase property, plant and equipment and received $1.1 million in proceeds from the cash surrender value of company-owned life insurance policies on former employees. In the 2010 six-month period, we used $1.1 million to purchase property, plant and equipment, paid life insurance premiums of $1.3 million and received proceeds of $986,000 from company-owned life insurance.

We used $2.2 million of cash for financing activities during the first six months of fiscal year 2011 compared to $927,000 in the six-month period ended August 2, 2009.  During the first six months of fiscal year 2011, we paid cash dividends of $2.2 million. During the first six months of fiscal year 2010, we received $4.5 million from short-term borrowing against our factored accounts receivable, paid cash dividends of $2.2 million, repaid $1.8 million of the loan against our factored receivables as the receivables were collected by our agent and made payments of $1.4 million on our term loan.

Debt Covenant Compliance

The credit agreement for our revolving credit facility, includes, among other requirements, financial covenants as to minimum tangible net worth, the ratio of funded debt to earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization, and maximum capital expenditures.  We were in compliance with these covenants as of August 1, 2010.
 
Liquidity, Financial Resources and Capital Expenditures

As of August 1, 2010, we had an aggregate $13.1 million available under our $15.0 million revolving credit facility to fund working capital needs.  Standby letters of credit in the aggregate amount of $1.9 million, used to collateralize certain insurance arrangements and for imported product purchases, were outstanding under our revolving credit facility as of August 1, 2010.  There were no additional borrowings outstanding under the revolving credit line on August 1, 2010.  Any principal outstanding under the credit line is due March 1, 2011.

We believe that we have the financial resources (including available cash and cash equivalents, expected cash flow from operations, lines of credit and the cash surrender value of company-owned life insurance) needed to meet business requirements for the foreseeable future, including capital expenditures and working capital. Cash flow from operations is highly dependent on incoming order rates and our operating performance.  We expect to spend $1.5 million to $3.0 million in capital expenditures during the remainder of fiscal year 2011 to maintain and enhance our operating systems and facilities.

Critical Accounting Policies

There have been no material changes to our critical accounting policies and estimates from the information provided in Item 7, “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations”, included in our fiscal 2010 annual report on Form 10-K.

 
24

 
Forward-Looking Statements

Certain statements made in this report, including under  “Item 2 - Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations,” are not based on historical facts, but are forward-looking statements.  These statements reflect our reasonable judgment with respect to future events and typically can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as “believes,” “expects,” “projects,” “intends,” “plans,” “may,” “will,” “should,” “would,” “could”  or “anticipates,” or the negative thereof, or other variations thereon, or comparable terminology, or by discussions of strategy.  Forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements.  Those risks and uncertainties include but are not limited to:

§  
current economic conditions and instability in the financial and credit markets including their potential impact on our (i) sales and operating costs and access to financing, (ii) customers and suppliers and their ability to obtain financing or generate the cash necessary to conduct their respective businesses;
 
§  
general economic or business conditions, both domestically and internationally;
 
§  
price competition in the furniture industry;
 
§  
changes in domestic and international monetary policies and fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates affecting the price of our imported products and raw materials;
 
§  
the cyclical nature of the furniture industry, which is particularly sensitive to changes in consumer confidence, the amount of consumers’ income available for discretionary purchases, and the availability and terms of consumer credit;
 
§  
risks associated with the cost of imported goods, including fluctuations in the prices of purchased finished goods and transportation and warehousing costs;
 
§  
supply, transportation and distribution disruptions, particularly those affecting imported products;
 
§  
adverse political acts or developments in, or affecting, the international markets from which we import products, including duties or tariffs imposed on those products;
 
§  
risks associated with domestic manufacturing operations, including fluctuations in capacity utilization and the prices of key raw materials, transportation and warehousing costs, domestic labor costs and environmental compliance and remediation costs;
 
§  
our ability to successfully implement our business plan to increase sales and improve financial performance; risks associated with distribution through retailers, such as non-binding dealership arrangements;
 
§  
capital requirements and costs;
 
§  
competition from non-traditional outlets, such as catalog and internet retailers and home improvement centers;
 
§  
changes in consumer preferences, including increased demand for lower quality, lower priced furniture due to declines in consumer confidence and/or discretionary income available for furniture purchases and the availability of consumer credit;
 
§  
higher than expected costs associated with product quality and safety, including regulatory compliance costs related to the sale of consumer products and costs related to defective products; and
 
§  
achieving and managing growth and change, and the risks associated with acquisitions, restructurings, strategic alliances and international operations.
 
Any forward-looking statement that we make speaks only as of the date of that statement, and we undertake no obligation, except as required by law, to update any forward-looking statements whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise.
 
 
25


Item 3.  Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk

We are exposed to market risk from changes in interest rates and foreign currency exchange rates, which could impact our results of operations or financial condition.  We manage our exposure to these risks through our normal operating and financing activities. With respect to interest rates, we also may use interest rate swap agreements.

From time to time we have entered into swap agreements to hedge against the potential impact of increases in interest rates on our floating-rate debt instruments.  Swap agreements that hedge exposures to changes in interest rates, expose us to credit risk and market risk.  Credit risk is the potential failure of the counterparty to perform under the terms of the swap agreement.  We attempt to minimize this risk by entering into transactions with high-quality counterparties.  Market risk is the potential adverse effect on the value of the swap agreement that results from a decline in interest rates.  The market risk associated with interest-rate contracts is managed by establishing and monitoring parameters that limit the types and degree of market risk that may be undertaken.

Amounts outstanding under our revolving line of credit bear interest at variable rates.  There was no outstanding balance under our revolver, other than standby letters of credit in the amount of $1.9 million, as of August 1, 2010.  Therefore, a fluctuation in market interest rates of one percentage point (or 100 basis points) would not have a material impact on our results of operations or financial condition. See note 9 to the condensed consolidated financial statements included in this report for more information about our interest rate swap agreements.

For imported products, we generally negotiate firm pricing denominated in U.S. Dollars with our foreign suppliers, typically for periods of at least one year.  We accept the exposure to exchange rate movements beyond these negotiated periods. We do not use derivative financial instruments to manage this risk.  Most of our imports are purchased from China.  The Chinese currency now floats within a limited range in relation to the U.S. Dollar, resulting in additional exposure to foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations.

Since we transact our imported product purchases in U.S. Dollars, a relative decline in the value of the U.S. Dollar could increase the price we pay for imported products beyond the negotiated periods.  We generally expect to reflect substantially all of the effect of any price increases from suppliers in the prices we charge for imported products.  However, these changes could adversely impact sales volume or profit margins during affected periods.
 
 
26

 
Item 4.  Controls and Procedures

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

Our management, with the participation of our principal executive officer and principal financial officer, evaluated the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures as of the end of the fiscal quarter ended August 1, 2010.  Based on this evaluation, our principal executive officer and principal financial officer have concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures are effective to provide reasonable assurance that information required to be disclosed in the reports that we file or submit under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, is accumulated and communicated to the Company’s management, including its principal executive officer and principal financial officer, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure and are effective to provide reasonable assurance that such information is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the Securities and Exchange Commission rules and forms.
 
Changes in Internal Controls

There have been no changes in our internal control over financial reporting during the fiscal quarter ended August 1, 2010, that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.
 
 
27

 
PART II.  OTHER INFORMATION
 
Item 5.  Other Information.

Material Amendment to Compensatory Arrangement
 
At the annual meeting of shareholders, held on June 8, 2010, the Company’s shareholders approved the 2010 Amendment and Restatement of the Hooker Furniture Corporation 2005 Stock Incentive Plan (the “2010 Incentive Plan”). The 2010 Incentive Plan extended the term of the prior 2005 Stock Incentive Plan to June 9, 2015. In addition:
 
§  
The types of awards permitted under the 2010 Incentive Plan include restricted stock, stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock units, performance shares (shares tied to the attainment of performance objectives), performance share units and performance grants. The prior plan permitted only grants of restricted stock, restricted stock units, stock appreciation rights and performance grants.
 
§  
Under the 2010 Incentive Plan annual automatic restricted stock awards for outside directors will be issued on the third business day following each annual meeting of shareholders (instead of the tenth business day in January, as under the prior plan) and the number of shares awarded will be determined based on fees paid to outside directors on an annual meeting-to-annual meeting basis (instead of on a calendar year basis, as under the prior plan).
 
The remaining shares of the Company’s common stock reserved for issuance under the prior plan when it expired were carried over and reserved for issuance under the 2010 Incentive Plan.  No additional shares were reserved under the 2010 Incentive Plan.  Shares related to outstanding awards made under the prior plan that expire or are forfeited will be added back to the shares reserved under the 2010 Incentive Plan (as would shares under awards issued under the 2010 Incentive Plan that expire or are forfeited).
 
This description of material changes made to the prior plan under the 2010 Incentive Plan is a summary only and is qualified by reference to the full text of the 2010 Incentive Plan, which is incorporated herein by reference to the copy of the 2010 Incentive Plan filed as Appendix A to the Company’s proxy statement for its 2010 Annual Meeting of Shareholders, filed with the SEC on May 7, 2010.
 
 
28


Item 6.  Exhibits

3.1
Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation of the Company, as amended March 28, 2003 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 of the Company’s Form 10-Q (SEC File No. 000-25349) for the quarter ended February 28, 2003)

3.2
Amended and Restated Bylaws of the Company (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.2 to the Company’s Form 10-Q (SEC File No. 000-25349) for the quarter ended August 31, 2006)

4.1
Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation of the Company (See Exhibit 3.1)

4.2
Amended and Restated Bylaws of the Company (See Exhibit 3.2)
 
10.1
2010 Amendment and Restatement of the Hooker Furniture Corporation 2005 Stock Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to Appendix A of the Company’s Definitive Proxy Statement dated May 7, 2010 (SEC File No. 000-25349))

10.2
Employment Agreement between Bruce R. Cohenour and Hooker Furniture Corporation, dated June 8, 2010 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K (SEC File No. 000-25349) filed on June 10, 2010)**

10.3*
          
31.1*

31.2*

32.1*
 
____________
*Filed herewith
** Management contract or compensatory plan
 
 
29


SIGNATURE

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.
 
  HOOKER FURNITURE CORPORATION  
       
Date: September 8, 2010
By:
/s/ E. Larry Ryder                                            
    E. Larry Ryder  
    Executive Vice President – Finance and  
    Administration and Chief Financial Officer  
 
 

 
30