hookerfurn10q103110.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 October 31, 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   o
Accelerated filer   x
 
Non-accelerated filer  o ((Do not check if smaller reporting company)
 
Smaller reporting company o
 
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 December 6, 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. 
3
     
Item 2.  
14
     
Item 3.  
26
     
Item 4.  
27
     
PART II.  OTHER INFORMATION  
     
Item 6.  
28
     
29
 
 
 
 
 

 
 
 
PART I.  FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1.    Financial Statements

HOOKER FURNITURE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(In thousands, including share data)
(Unaudited)
   
October 31,
   
January 31,
 
   
2010
   
2010
 
             
Assets
           
Current Assets
           
    Cash and cash equivalents
  $ 20,460     $ 37,995  
    Accounts receivable, less allowance for doubtful accounts
               
      of $2,004 and $1,938 on each date
    28,409       25,894  
    Inventories
    55,622       36,176  
    Prepaid expenses and other current assets
    5,457       3,468  
Total current assets
    109,948       103,533  
    Property, plant, and equipment, net
    21,173       22,747  
    Intangible assets
    3,468       3,468  
    Cash surrender value of life insurance policies
    14,560       14,810  
    Other assets
    4,691       4,541  
Total assets
  $ 153,840     $ 149,099  
                 
Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity
               
Current Liabilities
               
    Trade accounts payable
  $ 14,264     $ 10,425  
    Accrued salaries, wages and benefits
    2,427       2,184  
    Other accrued expenses
    1,662       1,953  
    Accrued dividends
    1,077       1,077  
        Total current liabilities
    19,430       15,639  
Deferred compensation
    6,682       5,868  
                  Total liabilities
    26,112       21,507  
                 
Shareholders' equity
               
    Common stock, no par value, 20,000 shares authorized,
               
    10,782 and 10,775 shares issued and outstanding on each date, respectively.
    17,134       17,076  
Retained earnings
    110,261       110,073  
Accumulated other comprehensive income
    333       443  
        Total shareholders' equity
    127,728       127,592  
                  Total liabilities and shareholders' equity
  $ 153,840     $ 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
   
Thirty-Nine Weeks Ended
 
   
October 31,
   
November 1,
   
October 31,
   
November 1,
 
   
2010
   
2009
   
2010
   
2009
 
                         
Net sales
  $ 55,735     $ 52,605     $ 160,465     $ 150,646  
                                 
Cost of sales
    43,460       39,928       123,965       117,047  
Casualty loss
    -       -       2,208       -  
Insurance recovery
    -       -       (1,708 )     -  
   Total cost of sales
    43,460       39,928       124,465       117,047  
                                 
      Gross profit
    12,275       12,677       36,000       33,599  
                                 
Selling and administrative expenses
    10,610       10,894       31,060       32,329  
Asset impairment charge
    -       -       -       613  
                                 
        Operating income
    1,665       1,783       4,940       657  
                                 
Other income (expense), net
    27       (93 )     83       (122 )
                                 
      Income before income taxes
    1,692       1,690       5,023       535  
                                 
Income tax expense
    522       733       1,601       497  
                                 
       Net income
  $ 1,170     $ 957     $ 3,422     $ 38  
                                 
Earnings per share
                               
       Basic
  $ 0.11     $ 0.09     $ 0.32     $ 0.00  
       Diluted
  $ 0.11     $ 0.09     $ 0.32     $ 0.00  
                                 
Weighted average shares outstanding:
                               
       Basic
    10,757       10,752       10,757       10,752  
       Diluted
    10,768       10,764       10,768       10,762  
                                 
Cash dividends declared per share
  $ 0.10     $ 0.10     $ 0.30     $ 0.30  
 
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)
 
   
Thirty-nine Weeks Ended
 
   
October 31,
   
November 1,
 
   
2010
   
2009
 
Cash flows from operating activities
           
   Cash received from customers
  $ 156,389     $ 154,522  
   Cash paid to suppliers and employees
    (168,370 )     (119,671 )
   Insurance proceeds received on casualty loss
    1,708       -  
   Income taxes paid, net
    (3,087 )     (1,728 )
   Interest paid, net
    (60 )     (262 )
      Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities
    (13,420 )     32,861  
                 
Cash flows from investing activities
               
   Purchase of property, plant, and equipment
    (688 )     (1,264 )
   Proceeds from the sale of property and equipment
    2       10  
   Proceeds received on notes issued for the sale of property and equipment
    23       23  
   Premiums paid on officers' life insurance
    (1,321 )     (1,352 )
   Proceeds received on officers' life insurance
    1,102       986  
      Net cash used in investing activities
    (882 )     (1,597 )
                 
Cash flows from financing activities
               
   Proceeds from short-term borrowing
    -       4,493  
   Payments on short-term borrowing
    -       (4,382 )
   Cash dividends paid
    (3,233 )     (3,231 )
   Payments on long-term debt
    -       (5,218 )
      Net cash used in financing activities
    (3,233 )     (8,338 )
                 
Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents
  $ (17,535 )   $ 22,926  
Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the period
    37,995       11,804  
   Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the period
  $ 20,460     $ 34,730  
                 
Reconciliation of net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
               
   Net income
  $ 3,422     $ 38  
       Depreciation and amortization
    2,254       2,377  
       Non-cash restricted stock awards and performance grants
    58       61  
       Restructuring and asset impairment charges
    -       613  
       Provision for doubtful accounts
    395       850  
       Deferred income taxes
    (745 )     (107 )
       Loss on disposal of property
    9       115  
       Changes in assets and liabilities:
               
          Accounts receivable
    (2,911 )     3,163  
          Inventories
    (19,447 )     26,703  
          Prepaid expenses and other current assets
    (949 )     (1,439 )
          Trade accounts payable
    3,839       (276 )
          Accrued salaries, wages, and benefits
    243       629  
          Accrued income taxes
    (253 )     -  
          Other accrued expenses
    (38 )     (644 )
          Deferred compensation
    703       577  
          Other long-term liabilities
    -       201  
             Net cash (used) provided by operating activities
  $ (13,420 )   $ 32,861  
 
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 Thirty-Nine Weeks Ended October 31, 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 August 2, 2010 and the thirty-nine week period (also referred to as “nine months,” “nine-month period,” or “first nine months”) that began on February 1, 2010, both ended on October 31, 2010.  These financial statements also include the thirteen-week period that began August 3, 2009 and the thirty-nine week period that began February 2, 2009, both ended on November 1, 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
 
   
October 31,
   
January 31,
 
   
2010
   
2010
 
             
Finished furniture
  $ 58,533     $ 40,205  
Furniture in process
    743       798  
Materials and supplies
    10,530       7,258  
   Inventories at FIFO
    69,806       48,261  
Reduction to LIFO basis
    14,184       12,085  
   Inventories
  $ 55,622     $ 36,176  
 
3.  
 Property, Plant and Equipment
 
   
October 31,
   
January 31,
 
   
2010
   
2010
 
Buildings and land improvements
  $ 23,996     $ 23,708  
Machinery and equipment
    3,501       3,507  
Furniture and fixtures
    27,774       27,494  
Other
    4,138       4,043  
   Total depreciable property at cost
    59,409       58,752  
Less accumulated depreciation
    39,800       37,603  
   Total depreciable property, net
    19,609       21,149  
Land
    1,357       1,357  
Construction in progress
    207       241  
   Property, plant and equipment, net
  $ 21,173     $ 22,747  
 
 
7

 
 
4.
Intangible Assets
 
   
October 31,
   
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
 
   
October 31,
   
January 31,
 
   
2010
   
2010
 
             
Trade accounts receivable
  $ 23,476     $ 19,400  
Receivable from factor
    6,937       8,432  
Allowance for doubtful accounts
    (2,004 )     (1,938 )
   Accounts receivable
  $ 28,409     $ 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, invoices for domestic upholstery products are generated and transmitted to our customers, with copies to the factor on a daily basis, as products are shipped to our customers.  The factor collects the amounts due and remits collected funds, less factoring fees, 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 domestic upholstery accounts receivable are factored with recourse to us. The amounts of these receivables at October 31, 2010 and January 31, 2010 were $93,000 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 of potentially uncollectible amounts for these receivables in our calculation of our allowance for doubtful accounts.

 
8

 
 
6.
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
 
   
Thirteen Weeks Ended
   
Thirty-Nine Weeks Ended
 
   
October 31,
   
November 1,
   
October 31,
   
November 1,
 
   
2010
   
2009
   
2010
   
2009
 
Net income
  $ 1,170     $ 957     $ 3,422     $ 38  
Loss on interest rate swap
    -       -       -       (26 )
Portion of swap agreement's fair value
                               
      reclassified to interest expense
    -       -       -       118  
Reclassification to income of cumulative
                               
      balance related to ineffective swap
    -       76               76  
Reclassification to income of unamortized
                               
      balance of swap termination payment
    -       61               61  
Unrealized gain on interest rate swap
    -       137       -       229  
Portion of accumulated actuarial gain on Supplemental
                               
      Retirement Income Plan reclassified to deferred
                               
         compensation expense
    (59 )     (55 )     (178 )     (164 )
Other comprehensive income (loss) before tax
    (59 )     82       (178 )     65  
Income tax benefit (expense)
    22       (31 )     67       (25 )
         Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax
    (37 )     51       (111 )     40  
      Comprehensive net income
  $ 1,133     $ 1,008     $ 3,311     $ 78  
 
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 October 31, 2010 and January 31, 2010 were $143,000 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 book value of the pledged collateral to our estimate of its net realizable value of $300,000. The estimated net realizable value for the pledged collateral of $300,000 at October 31, 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 continue to believe that the net realizable value of $300,000 is reasonable and approximates the pledged collateral’s fair value. We unsuccessfully attempted to obtain title to the pledged collateral from the supplier’s shareholders in lieu of foreclosure. Subsequent to the end of our fiscal 2011 third quarter, we initiated foreclosure proceedings.
 
 
9

 
 
8.
Earnings Per Share
  
Since 2006, we have issued restricted stock awards to non-employee members of the board of directors under the Company’s stock incentive plan each January, and expect to continue to grant these awards to non-employee board members in the future following each annual meeting of the shareholders.  As of October 31, 2010 and January 31, 2010 there were 24,965 and 17,640 shares, respectively, of restricted stock outstanding, net of forfeitures and vested shares.  Restricted shares awarded, but 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
   
Thirty-nine Weeks Ended
 
   
October 31,
   
November 1,
   
October 31,
   
November 1,
 
   
2010
   
2009
   
2010
   
2009
 
                         
Net income
  $ 1,170     $ 957     $ 3,422     $ 38  
   Less: Unvested participating restricted stock dividends
    3       2       4       6  
              Net earnings allocated to unvested participating
                               
              restricted stock
    -       2       -       -  
Earnings available for common shareholders
    1,167       953       3,418       32  
                                 
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       12       11       10  
   Weighted average shares outstanding for diluted
                               
       earnings per share
    10,768       10,764       10,768       10,762  
                                 
Basic earnings per share
  $ 0.11     $ 0.09     $ 0.32     $ 0.00  
                                 
Diluted earnings per share
  $ 0.11     $ 0.09     $ 0.32     $ 0.00  
 
 
10

 
 
9.
Long Term Debt and Interest Rate Swaps
 
As of October 31, 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 October 31, 2010.  There were no additional borrowings outstanding under the revolving credit line on October 31, 2010.  Any principal outstanding under the credit line is due March 1, 2011. Additionally, we had $14.6 million available to borrow against the cash surrender value of company-owned life insurance policies at October 31, 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 manage 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.

Prior to September 1, 2010, we were party to an interest rate swap agreement that provided, in effect, a fixed interest rate of 4.1% 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 loans (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 qualified as an effective hedge after that date. Through the remainder of the term of the interest rate swap, which terminated during our fiscal 2011 third quarter on September 1, 2010, all changes in the swap’s fair value were charged against net income except for scheduled payments under the agreement.
 
Fair Value Disclosure of Derivative Instruments
 
The following table provides quantitative fair value disclosures regarding our interest rate swap at October 31, 2010 and January 31, 2010:
 
       
Fair Value at Dates Indicated
   
       
Quoted Prices in
 
Significant
   
   
Carrying Value and
 
Active Markets
 
Other
 
Significant
   
Balance Sheet Location
 
for Identical
 
Observable
 
Unobservable
   
(Other Accrued
 
Instruments
 
Inputs
 
Inputs
   
Expenses)
 
(Level 1)
 
(Level 2)
 
(Level 3)
                 
Interest rate swap at October 31, 2010
  $ -       $ -    
Interest rate swap at January 31, 2010
    (33 )       (33 )  
 
 
11

 
 
   
Thirteen Weeks Ended
   
Thirty-Nine Weeks Ended
 
   
October 31,
   
November 1,
   
October 31,
   
November 1,
 
   
2010
   
2009
   
2010
   
2009
 
Interest rate swap:
                       
Loss recognized in other comprehensive income
  $ -     $ -     $ -     $ (26 )
Loss reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive
                               
   income into interest expense, net
    -       -       -       118  
Loss recognized in net income
    -       (130 )     -       (130 )
Loss recognized in net income on change
                               
   in fair value of derivative financial instrument
    -       (22 )     -       (22 )
 
10.
Employee Benefit Plans
 
We maintain a supplemental retirement income plan (“SRIP”) for certain former and current executives. The liability for the SRIP at October 31, 2010 and January 31, 2010 was $7.2 million and $6.3 million, respectively, and is shown in our consolidated balance sheets as follows:
 
   
October 31,
   
January 31,
 
   
2010
   
2010
 
             
Accrued salaries, wages and benefits (current portion)
  $ 514     $ 436  
Deferred compensation (long-term portion)
    6,682       5,868  
   Total liability
  $ 7,196     $ 6,304  
 
Components of net periodic benefit cost for the SRIP are as follows:
 
   
Thirteen Weeks Ended
   
Thirty-Nine Weeks Ended
 
   
October 31,
   
November 1,
   
October 31,
   
November 1,
 
   
2010
   
2009
   
2010
   
2009
 
Net periodic benefit cost
                       
   Service cost
  $ 146     $ 158     $ 437     $ 474  
   Interest cost
    85       89       255       267  
   Actuarial gain
    (59 )     (54 )     (177 )     (162 )
      Net periodic benefit cost
  $ 172     $ 193     $ 516     $ 579  
 
 
12

 
 
11.
Income Taxes
 
We recorded income tax expense of $522,000 for the fiscal 2011 third quarter compared to $733,000 for prior year quarterly period.  Lower income tax expense was the result of a lower effective tax rate. The effective tax rate decreased to 30.8% for the fiscal year 2011 third quarter from 43.4% for the prior year quarterly period. The effective rate in the fiscal 2010 third quarter was higher than our typical effective tax rate due to the accrual of a federal income tax penalty and the establishment of a valuation allowance against certain state loss carry forwards.  In the fiscal 2011 third quarter, the impact of permanent differences resulted in an effective rate lower than the 35% Federal income tax rate.

We recorded income tax expense of $1.6 million during the first nine months of fiscal 2011, compared to $497,000 for the comparable 2010 period, due primarily to higher pre-tax income.  Our effective tax rate fell to 31.9% from 92.9%. The effective rate in the fiscal 2010 nine-month period was higher than our typical effective tax rate due to the accrual of a federal income tax penalty and the establishment of a valuation allowance against certain state loss carry forwards.  In the fiscal 2011 nine-month period, the impact of permanent differences resulted in an effective rate lower than the 35% Federal income tax rate.
 
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 in excess of our $500,000 insurance deductible 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. During our fiscal 2011 third quarter, we received the final payment of $358,000 for amounts due to us from our insurance carrier. This amount was recorded in the  “Prepaid expenses and other current assets” line of the current assets portion of our condensed consolidated balance sheet at the end of our fiscal 2011 second quarter on August 1, 2010. We consider the claim to be closed.
 
13.
Subsequent Events
 
Bradington-Young Division Consolidation
 
On November 8, 2010, we announced the consolidation of the Cherryville, NC operations and division offices of our Bradington-Young domestic upholstery division from Cherryville to Hickory, NC. The consolidation will result in $1.1 million in impairment charges to write down real and personal property assets to fair value, severance and benefits costs of $312,000 and disassembly and moving costs of $40,000. We expect to complete the consolidation by mid-January 2011.

Dividends

At its December 7, 2010 meeting, our board of directors declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.10 per share, payable on February 25, 2011 to shareholders of record at February 11, 2011.
 
 
13

 
 
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 August 2, 2010 and the thirty-nine week period (also referred to as “nine months,” “nine-month period,” or “first nine months”) that began on February 1, 2010, both ended on October 31, 2010.  This report discusses our results of operations for these periods compared to the fiscal year 2010 thirteen-week period that began August 3, 2009 and the thirty-nine week period that began February 2, 2009, both ended on November 1, 2009 and our financial condition as of October 31, 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, and bedroom furniture under the Hooker Furniture brand, and youth furniture sold under the Opus Designs by Hooker brand.  Our residential upholstered seating companies include Hickory, 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 make 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.
 
 
14

 
 
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 significantly 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.

Our order backlog improved to more historical levels during our fiscal 2011 third quarter, as both the severity of the factors detailed above and incoming order rates have moderated. At October 31, 2010 our order backlog stood at 5.7 weeks of sales, compared to 6.6 weeks at the end of our fiscal 2011 second quarter and 8.2 weeks at the end of our  fiscal 2011 first quarter. We are continuing to monitor incoming order rates and conditions with our sourcing and transportation partners, in order to achieve optimum inventory levels.

Several factors negatively affected our order backlog in the first half of fiscal 2011, which lengthened the time and increased the cost for getting our products to our distribution facilities in the U.S. Our order backlog increased primarily due to supply and transportation delays. These factors were as follows:

§  
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 from late 2008 through the fall of 2009. By the late spring / early summer 2010, most vendors had returned to historical production levels and lead times.

§  
The shipping lines that we utilize to transport imported goods reduced 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.

§  
The number of shipping containers available at any particular time decreased due to longer shipping cycles and a decline in the number of new containers being manufactured.

Fiscal 2011 third quarter net sales increased 6.0% over the comparable prior year quarter, which represents the second consecutive quarter of year-over-year quarterly sales increases. Casegoods sales increased in the low 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 have been initially 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 encouraged by the improvements we see both at Hooker and in the industry at large.
 
 
15

 
 
The following are the principal factors that impacted our results of operations during the three and nine-month periods ended October 31, 2010:

§  
Net sales increased by $3.1 million, or 6.0%, to $55.7 million during the fiscal year 2011 third quarter, compared to net sales of $52.6 million during the fiscal year 2010 third quarter.  This is the second consecutive quarterly sales increase. For the first nine months of fiscal 2011, net sales increased $9.8 million or 6.5% compared to the same fiscal 2010 period.

§  
Gross margins for the fiscal 2011 third quarter decreased and gross margins for the fiscal 2011 first nine months remained essentially flat compared to the prior year periods, both primarily due to increased freight costs on imported products and a $500,000 charge related to a fire at one of our distribution facilities during our fiscal 2011 first quarter. These increased costs were partially offset by improved margins at our upholstery division, primarily due to efficiencies resulting from increased upholstery sales.

§  
Selling and administrative expenses decreased both as a percentage of sales and in absolute terms compared to the corresponding three and nine-month fiscal year 2010 periods, primarily as a result of cost cutting measures implemented during fiscal 2010. Additionally, lower bad debts, lower compensation expense and lower professional fees for the three-month period and lower bad debt expense, selling expenses and professional fees for the nine-month period contributed to the improvements.

§  
Operating income for the fiscal year 2011 third quarter was $1.7 million, or 3.0% of net sales, compared to operating income of $1.8 million, or 3.4% of net sales, in the fiscal year 2010 third quarter. This decrease is primarily due to increased freight costs on imported products, partially offset by decreased selling and administrative expenses and improved domestic upholstery plant utilization due to higher sales. For the nine-month periods, operating income was $4.9 million or 3.1% of net sales, compared to operating income of $657,000 or 0.4% of net sales for the comparable 2010 fiscal period. This improvement was principally due to lower selling and administrative expenses, improved domestic upholstery plant utilization due to higher upholstery sales and the absence of asset impairment activity during the fiscal year 2011 first nine months, compared to the corresponding prior year period, partially offset by the expenses related to the fire at our distribution center.

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
   
Thirty-nine Weeks Ended
 
   
October 31,
   
November 1,
   
October 31,
   
November 1,
 
   
2010
   
2009
   
2010
   
2009
 
Net sales
    100.0 %     100.0 %     100.0 %     100.0 %
Cost of sales
    78.0       75.9       77.3       77.7  
Casualty loss
    -       -       1.4       -  
Insurance recovery
    -       -       (1.1 )     -  
Total cost of sales
    78.0       75.9       77.6       77.7  
Gross profit
    22.0       24.1       22.4       22.3  
Selling and administrative expenses
    19.0       20.7       19.4       21.5  
Restructuring and asset impairment charge
    -       -       -       0.4  
Operating income
    3.0       3.4       3.1       0.4  
Other income (expense), net
    0.1       (0.2 )     0.1       (0.1 )
Income before income taxes
    3.0       3.2       3.1       0.3  
Income tax expense
    0.9       1.4       1.0       0.3  
Net income
    2.1       1.8       2.1       -  
 
 
16

 
 
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
 
Thirty-nine Weeks Ended
 
   
October 31, 2010
   
November 1, 2009
   
October 31, 2010
   
November 1, 2009
 
    $    
% Segment
Net Sales
    $    
% Segment 
Net Sales
    $    
% Segment
Net Sales
    $    
% Segment 
Net Sales
 
Net Sales
                                                       
  Casegoods
  $ 36.7           $ 35.4           $ 103.8           $ 104.5        
  Upholstery
    19.0             17.2             56.7             46.1        
  Total
  $ 55.7           $ 52.6           $ 160.5           $ 150.6        
                                                         
Gross Margin
                                                       
  Casegoods
  $ 9.5       25.9 %   $ 10.5       29.7 %   $ 28.2       27.2 %   $ 28.2       26.9 %
  Upholstery
    2.8       14.5 %     2.2       12.7 %     7.8       13.7 %     5.4       11.8 %
  Total
  $ 12.3       22.0 %   $ 12.7       24.1 %   $ 36.0       22.4 %   $ 33.6       22.3 %
                                                                 
Operating Margin
                                                               
  Casegoods
  $ 2.2       6.0 %   $ 3.0       8.4 %   $ 7.2       6.9 %   $ 5.5       5.3 %
  Upholstery
    (0.5 )     -2.8 %     (1.2 )     -6.8 %     (2.3 )     -4.0 %     (4.9 )     -10.6 %
  Total
  $ 1.7       3.0 %   $ 1.8       3.4 %   $ 4.9       3.1 %   $ 0.7       0.4 %
Note: Some totals and percentages above may not recalculate exactly, due to rounding.
 
 
17

 
 
Fiscal 2011 Third Quarter Compared to Fiscal 2010 Third Quarter

Net sales for the fiscal year 2011 third quarter increased $3.1 million, or 6.0% to $55.7 million compared to $52.6 million for the fiscal 2010 third quarter. The increase was principally due to higher unit volume. Unit volume increased across all divisions compared to the fiscal 2010 third quarter.

Net sales of imported upholstery increased approximately 49% from the prior year quarter, while domestic upholstery sales were essentially flat as compared to the prior year period. Case goods net sales increased approximately 4%.

Overall, average selling prices decreased approximately 2% for the fiscal year 2011 third quarter compared to the fiscal year 2010 third quarter, due primarily to the mix of products shipped. Casegoods average selling prices decreased approximately 2%, while domestically produced leather and upholstered furniture average selling prices decreased approximately 7% and 4%, respectively. Average selling prices for imported leather upholstered furniture increased 7.5%.

Overall, gross profit margin decreased to 22.0% of net sales in the fiscal year 2011 third quarter compared to 24.1% in the fiscal year 2010 third quarter, mainly as a result of higher freight costs for imported products. Gross margins for casegoods decreased modestly in the fiscal year 2011 third quarter compared to the fiscal 2010 third quarter, primarily due to higher freight costs. Gross margins on both domestically produced and imported upholstered furniture improved, due to manufacturing efficiencies due to higher production rates and cost reduction efforts.

Selling and administrative expenses decreased both as a percentage of sales and in absolute terms. For the fiscal year 2011 third quarter, selling and administrative expenses were 19.0% of net sales or $10.6 million, as compared to $10.9 million, or 20.7% of net sales, for the fiscal year 2010 third 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 bad debts and employee benefits expense due to a reversal of an employee bonus accrual due to lower earnings.

Operating profitability for the fiscal 2011 third quarter decreased year over year compared to the fiscal 2010 third quarter. This decrease was primarily due to increased freight costs on imported products, partially offset by decreased selling and administrative expenses and improved domestic upholstery plant utilization due to higher sales. As a result, we realized operating income for the fiscal year 2011 third quarter of $1.7 million, or 3.0% of net sales, compared to operating income of $1.8 million, or 3.4% of net sales, in the fiscal year 2010 third quarter.

We recorded income tax expense of $522,000 for the fiscal 2011 third quarter compared to $733,000 for the prior year quarterly period.  Lower income tax expense was the result of a lower effective tax rate. The effective tax rate decreased to 30.8% for the fiscal year 2011 third quarter from 43.4% for the prior year quarterly period.  At the income levels experienced in both quarters, the effective tax rate is particularly sensitive to the impact of differences between financial statement accounting and tax accounting and other adjustments.  The effective rate in the fiscal 2010 third quarter was higher than our typical effective tax rate due to the accrual of a federal income tax penalty and the establishment of a valuation allowance against certain state loss carry forwards, which were partially offset by the impact of certain permanent differences, principally life insurance proceeds and premiums and additional deductions for contributions of inventory.  In the fiscal 2011 third quarter, the impact of the permanent differences resulted in an effective rate lower than the 35% Federal income tax rate.

Fiscal year 2011 third quarter net income was $1.2 million, or $0.11 per share, compared to net income of $957,000, or $0.09 per share, in the fiscal year 2010 third quarter.
 
 
18

 
 
Fiscal 2011 First Nine Months to Fiscal 2010 First Nine Months

Net sales for the first nine months of fiscal 2011 increased $9.8 million, or 6.5% to $160.5 million compared to $150.6 million for the fiscal 2010 first nine months. The increase was principally due to higher unit volume, partially offset by a decline in average selling prices, due to the mix of products sold. Unit volume increased across all divisions in the fiscal 2011 nine-month period compared to the prior year period.

Net sales of imported upholstery increased approximately 48% in the first nine months of fiscal 2011, while domestic upholstery sales increased by approximately 16% in the same period. Casegoods net sales decreased approximately 1%, compared to the prior year first nine months.

Overall, average selling prices decreased approximately 3% during the fiscal year 2011 nine month period compared to the fiscal year 2010 nine-month period, primarily due to the mix of products shipped. Casegoods average selling prices decreased 4%, while domestically produced leather and upholstered furniture decreased approximately 9% and 4%, respectively. Average selling prices of imported leather upholstery increased 2%.

Overall, gross profit margin increased to 22.4% of net sales in the fiscal year 2011 nine-month period compared to 22.3% in the fiscal year 2010 nine-month period. Gross margin for casegoods improved in the fiscal year 2011 nine-month period compared to the fiscal year 2010 nine-month period, primarily due to decreased levels of product discounting and returns and allowances 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

§  
manufacturing efficiencies due to increased production rates,
§  
cost reduction efforts,
§  
partially offset by higher raw material and manufacturing costs as a percentage of sales due to changes in product mix.

Selling and administrative expenses decreased to $31.1 million or 19.4% of net sales for the fiscal year 2011 nine-month period, compared to $32.3 million or 21.5% of net sales for the comparable fiscal year 2010 period.  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 bad debt expense and selling expenses.

Operating profitability for the fiscal 2011 first nine months increased year-over-year compared to the same fiscal year 2010 period, reflecting slightly improved gross margins, lower selling and administrative expenses as a percentage of sales, 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 nine months of $4.9 million, or 3.1% of net sales, compared to operating income of $657,000, or 0.4% of net sales, in the comparable fiscal year 2010 period.

We recorded income tax expense of $1.6 million during the first nine months of fiscal 2011, compared to $497,000 for the comparable 2010 period, due primarily to higher pre-tax income.  Our effective tax rate fell to 31.9% from 92.9%. At the income levels experienced in both periods, the effective tax rate is particularly sensitive to the impact of differences between financial statement accounting and tax accounting and other adjustments.  The effective rate in the fiscal 2010 nine-month period was higher than our typical effective tax rate due to the accrual of a federal income tax penalty and the establishment of a valuation allowance against certain state loss carry forwards, which were partially offset by the impact of certain permanent differences, principally life insurance proceeds and premiums and additional deductions for contributions of inventory.  In the fiscal 2011 nine-month period, the impact of the permanent differences resulted in an effective rate lower than the 35% Federal income tax rate.

Fiscal year 2011 first nine month net income was $3.4 million, or $0.32 per share, compared to net income of $38,000, or essentially $0.00 per share, in the comparable fiscal year 2010 period.
 
 
19

 
 
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 there was an 8% increase in attendance at our showroom at the recent Fall International Home Furnishings Market, both of which we expect to have a positive impact on the remainder of fiscal 2011. However, continuing economic uncertainty, supply chain challenges and aggressive competition for consumer discretionary dollars could easily derail our potential 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 planning, forecasting and delivery continue to be our priorities.

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
§  
managing inventory levels in order to achieve an optimum balance between product availability and working capital management.

Our domestic upholstery manufacturing operations have been particularly impacted by the prolonged sales downturn due to the higher fixed overhead costs for these operations. Our upholstery division reported an operating loss of 2.8% of net sales for the fiscal 2011 third quarter, which is an improvement over the operating loss of 6.8% of net sales for the comparable fiscal 2010 period and a sequential improvement over both the fiscal 2011 second quarter operating loss of 3.7% and the fiscal 2011 first quarter operating loss of 5.5%. Year to date, the upholstery division operating loss has declined from 10.6% in the fiscal 2010 nine-month period to 4.0% in the fiscal 2011 nine month period.

While we see improvement over the comparable prior year periods and upholstery sales have increased substantially overall, upholstery margins and profits are still disappointing. This reflects several factors, including:

§  
manufacturing inefficiencies related to introducing new products;
§  
inefficiencies related to recent decreased  production levels in response to reduced orders; and
§  
slower than expected savings realization from our continuous improvement initiatives.

 
20

 
 
We have responded by:

§  
pursuing additional distribution channels and offering an array of new products and designs, which are generating additional sales growth. This has included a focus 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 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;

§  
taking actions to streamline our domestic upholstery operations, by improving efficiency and reducing overhead which has included reducing personnel, consolidating manufacturing facilities 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; and

§  
continuing to evaluate our operating costs to better match costs to current sales volume levels by intensifying our focus on cost reduction and sales growth initiatives for our upholstery operations.

Subsequent to the end of our fiscal 2011 third quarter, we announced that we will consolidate Bradington-Young’s Cherryville, NC domestic upholstery manufacturing facility and offices into its facilities in Hickory, NC,  which we expect to be completed by mid-January 2011. In connection with the consolidation, we expect to record total restructuring and related asset impairment charges of approximately $1.5 million pretax ($1.0 million after-tax, or $0.10 per share) all in the fiscal 2011 fourth quarter as follows:

§  
Non-cash asset impairment charges of approximately $1.1 million pretax ($725,000 after tax, or $0.07 per share) to write down the Cherryville facility’s real and personal property to estimated fair market value;

§  
Severance and benefit costs of approximately $312,000 pretax ($206,000 after tax, or $0.02 per share); and

§  
Disassembly costs and moving costs of approximately $40,000, which will be expensed as incurred during the 2011 fiscal fourth quarter.
 
We expect to save approximately $1 million in annual operating costs from this consolidation at Bradington-Young.
 
 
21

 
 
Financial Condition, Liquidity and Capital Resources

Balance Sheet and Working Capital

As of October 31, 2010, assets totaled $153.8 million, increasing from $149.1 million at January 31, 2010, principally due to increases in inventories, accounts receivable and prepaid expenses and other current assets, partially offset by a decrease in cash and cash equivalents. Shareholders’ equity remained essentially unchanged at $127.7 million at October 31, 2010 compared to $127.6 million at January 31, 2010, with net income for the fiscal 2011 nine-month period being offset by dividends.  We had no long-term debt at either October 31, 2010 or January 31, 2010.

Net working capital (current assets less current liabilities) increased by $2.6 million or 3.0%, to $90.5 million as of October 31, 2010, from $87.9 million at the end of fiscal 2010. This increase reflects increases of $6.4 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 October 31, 2010 compared to 6.6:1 at January 31, 2010.

The increase in current assets was principally due to increases of $19.4 million in inventories, $2.5 million in net accounts receivable and $2.0 million in prepaid expenses and other current assets, partially offset by a $17.5 million decrease in cash and cash equivalents. We increased our inventories in anticipation of increased sales and to improve service levels. Net accounts receivable increased due to higher sales. The increase in prepaid expenses and other current assets was primarily due to an accrued company owned life insurance claim, increases in deferred income taxes due and increases in income taxes recoverable on lower projected taxable income. 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 increased primarily due to the inventory purchases discussed below, and, to a lesser extent, increased accrued salaries, wages, and benefits.

Consolidated net inventories increased approximately 54%, to $55.6 million as of October 31, 2010 from $36.2 million at January 31, 2010. This increase primarily reflects increased purchases of imported casegoods inventory in response to anticipated higher incoming order rates.  Upholstery net inventories increased approximately 74%, with imported upholstery inventories more than doubling, 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 nine months ended October 31, 2010, cash-on-hand, insurance proceeds received on our warehouse casualty loss ($1.7 million), and proceeds received on the surrender of company-owned life insurance policies ($1.1 million) were used to fund $13.4 million in cash for operations (primarily to fund increased inventory purchases in anticipation of  higher sales), cash dividends ($3.2 million), premiums paid on company-owned life insurance policies ($1.3 million), and capital expenditures to maintain and enhance our business operating systems and facilities ($688,000).
 
 
22

 
 
During the nine months ended November 1, 2009, cash generated from operations ($32.9 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 ($22.9 million), principal payments on long-term debt ($5.2 million), payment of cash dividends ($3.2 million), repayment of borrowing against our factored receivables as they were collected by our agent ($4.4 million),  premiums paid on life insurance policies ($1.4 million) and capital expenditures to maintain and enhance our business operating systems and facilities ($1.3 million).

We used $882,000 of cash for investing activities during the first nine months of fiscal year 2011 compared to $1.6 million during the nine-month period ended November 1, 2009.  During the first nine months of fiscal year 2011, we paid premiums of $1.3 million on company-owned life insurance, used $688,000 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. During the fiscal year 2010 nine-month period, we used $1.3 million to purchase property, plant and equipment, paid premiums of $1.4 million on and received proceeds of $986,000 from company-owned life insurance.

We used $3.2 million of cash for financing activities during the first nine months of fiscal year 2011 compared to $8.3 million in the nine-month period ended November 1, 2009.  During the first nine months of fiscal year 2011, we paid cash dividends of $3.2 million. During the first nine months of fiscal year 2010, we received $4.5 million from short-term borrowing against our factored accounts receivable, made payments of $5.2 million on our term loans, repaid $4.4 million of the loan against our factored receivables as the receivables were collected by our agent and paid cash dividends of $3.2 million.

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 October 31, 2010.

Liquidity, Financial Resources and Capital Expenditures

As of October 31, 2010, we had $20.5 million of cash and cash equivalents, $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 October 31, 2010.  There were no additional borrowings outstanding under the revolving credit line on October 31, 2010.  Any principal outstanding under the credit line is due March 1, 2011.

We believe that we have the financial resources needed to meet business requirements for the foreseeable future, including capital expenditures and working capital. Our primary sources of liquidity include available cash and cash equivalents, expected cash flow from operations, our $15 million revolving line of credit, the factoring arrangement for our upholstery division accounts receivable and the cash surrender value of company-owned life insurance. Cash flow from operations is highly dependent on incoming order rates and our operating performance.  We expect to spend $600,000 to $1.1 million in capital expenditures during the remainder of fiscal year 2011 to maintain and enhance our operating systems and facilities.
 
 
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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.

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,” and the notes to the condensed consolidated financial statements included in this report, 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;
 
 
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§  
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.
 
 
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In addition, risks and uncertainties that may affect forward-looking statements regarding our announced plans to transfer and consolidate Bradington-Young’s Cherryville, NC operations and corporate offices to Hickory, NC, include but are not limited to:
 
§  
when or whether we are able to implement and complete the Cherryville relocation and consolidation as expected;
 
§  
whether we incur higher than expected charges or cash expenditures related to the Cherryville relocation and consolidation;
 
§  
whether we will achieve anticipated operating cost savings and efficiencies when and if the Cherryville relocation and consolidation is completed;
 
§  
whether we experience disruptions to our domestic manufacturing operations resulting from the planned Cherryville relocation and consolidation;
 
§  
when and whether we will be able to dispose of the Cherryville plant and surplus or obsolete machinery and equipment at anticipated values.
 
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.

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 October 31, 2010.  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 former interest rate swap agreements.
 
 
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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 suppliers located in 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.

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 October 31, 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 October 31, 2010, that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

 
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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*
     
 
31.1*
     
 
31.2*
     
 
32.1*
     
 
101(*)#
The following financial statements from the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended October 31, 2010, formatted in Extensible Business Reporting Language (“XBRL”): (i) condensed consolidated balance sheets, (ii) condensed consolidated statements of operations, (iii) condensed consolidated statements of cash flows, and (iv) the notes to the condensed consolidated financial statements, tagged as blocks of text.
____________
*Filed herewith
 
#
Under Rule 406T of Regulation S-T, this exhibit is deemed not filed or part of a registration statement or prospectus for purposes of Sections 11 or 12 of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, is deemed not filed for purposes of Section 18 of the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and otherwise is not subject to liability under those sections.
 
 
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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: December 8, 2010   
By:
/s/  E. Larry Ryder                        
   
E. Larry Ryder
 
   
Executive Vice President – Finance and
Administration and Chief Financial Officer
 
       


 
 
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