UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
FORM 20-F
¨ | REGISTRATION STATEMENT PURSUANT TO SECTION 12(b) OR (g) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 |
OR
x | ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 |
For the fiscal year ended March 30, 2013
OR
¨ | TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 |
OR
¨ | SHELL COMPANY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 |
Date of event requiring this shell company report
For the transition period from to
Commission file number: 001-32635
BIRKS & MAYORS INC.
(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)
Not Applicable
(Translation of Registrants name into English)
Canada
(Jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)
1240 Phillips Square
Montreal Québec
Canada
H3B 3H4
(Address of principal executive offices)
Michael Rabinovitch, 954-590-9462 (telephone), 954-590-9062 (facsimile)
5870 North Hiatus Road
Tamarac, Florida 33321
(Name, Telephone, E-mail and/or Facsimile number and Address of Company Contact Person)
Securities registered or to be registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
Title of each class |
Name of each exchange on which registered | |
Class A Voting Shares, without nominal or par value | NYSE MKT LLC |
Securities registered or to be registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:
None.
Securities for which there is a reporting obligation pursuant to Section 15(d) of the Act:
None.
The number of outstanding shares of each of the issuers classes of capital or common stock as of the close of the period covered by the Annual Report was:
7,115,641 | Class A Voting Shares, without nominal or par value | |
7,717,970 | Class B Multiple Voting Shares, without nominal or par value | |
0 | Series A Preferred Shares, without nominal or par value, issuable in series |
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act. ¨ Yes x No
If this report is an annual or transition report, indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. ¨ Yes x No
Note: Checking the box above will not relieve any registrant required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 from their obligations under those Sections.
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. x Yes ¨ No
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files). x Yes ¨ No
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, or a non-accelerated filer. See definition of accelerated filer and large accelerated filer in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):
Large accelerated filer ¨ | Accelerated filer ¨ | Non-accelerated filer x |
Indicate by check mark which basis of accounting the registrant has used to prepare the financial statements included in this filing:
U.S. GAAP x | International Financial Reporting Standards as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board ¨ |
Other ¨ |
If Other has been checked in response to the previous question, indicate by check mark which financial statement item the registrant has elected to follow: Item 17 ¨ Item 18 ¨
If this is an Annual Report, indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). ¨ Yes x No
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INTRODUCTION
References
Unless the context otherwise requires, the terms Birks & Mayors, the Company, we, us, and our are used in this Annual Report to refer to Birks & Mayors Inc., a Canadian corporation, and its subsidiaries on a consolidated basis. In addition, the term Mayors refers to Mayors Jewelers, Inc., a Delaware corporation, and its wholly-owned subsidiary, Mayors Jewelers of Florida, Inc., a Florida corporation, and the merger refers to the merger of Mayors with a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company, as approved by the stockholders on November 14, 2005. The term Birks refers to Henry Birks & Sons Inc., the legal name of Birks & Mayors prior to the merger.
Presentation of Financial and Other Information
The consolidated financial statements of Birks & Mayors contained in this Annual Report are reported in United States (U.S.) dollars and have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States, or U.S. GAAP. Unless otherwise indicated, all monetary references herein are denominated in U.S. dollars; references to dollars or $ are to U.S. dollars and references to Cdn$ or Canadian dollars are to Canadian dollars.
Throughout this Annual Report, we refer to our fiscal year ending March 29, 2014 as fiscal 2014 and our fiscal years ended March 30, 2013, March 31, 2012, and March 26, 2011, as fiscal 2013, fiscal 2012 and fiscal 2011, respectively. Our fiscal year ends on the last Saturday in March of each year. The fiscal years ended March 30, 2013 and March 26, 2011 consisted of 52 weeks with four thirteen-week periods. The fiscal year ended March 31, 2012 consisted of 53 weeks with one fourteen-week period and three thirteen-week periods.
Forward-Looking Information
This Annual Report and other written reports and releases and oral statements made from time to time by the Company contain forward-looking statements which can be identified by their use of words like plans, expects, believes, will, anticipates, intends, projects, estimates, could, would, may, planned, goal, and other words of similar meaning. All statements that address expectations, possibilities or projections about the future, including, without limitation, statements about our strategies for growth, expansion plans, sources or adequacy of capital, expenditures and financial results are forward-looking statements.
One must carefully consider such statements and understand that many factors could cause actual results to differ from the forward-looking statements, such as inaccurate assumptions and other risks and uncertainties, some known and some unknown. No forward-looking statement is guaranteed and actual results may vary materially. Such statements are made as of the date provided, and we assume no obligation to update any forward-looking statements to reflect future developments or circumstances.
One should carefully evaluate such statements by referring to the factors described in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), especially on Forms 20-F and 6-K. Particular review is to be made of Items 3, 4 and 5 of this Form 20-F where we discuss in more detail various important risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ from expected or historical results. All written or oral forward-looking statements attributable to us are expressly qualified in their entirety by these cautionary statements. Since it is not possible to predict or identify all such factors, the identified items are not a complete statement of all risks or uncertainties.
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PART I
Item 1. | Identity of Directors, Senior Management and Advisers |
Not applicable.
Item 2. | Offer Statistics and Expected Timetable |
Not applicable.
Item 3. | Key Information |
Selected Financial Data
The following financial data as of March 30, 2013 and March 31, 2012 and for the years ended March 30, 2013, March 31, 2012 and March 26, 2011 have been derived from our audited consolidated financial statements, which are included elsewhere in this Annual Report. The following financial data as of March 26, 2011, March 27, 2010 and March 28, 2009 and for the years ended March 27, 2010 and March 28, 2009 have been derived from our audited consolidated financial statements not included in this Annual Report. The fiscal year ended March 31, 2012 consisted of 53 weeks, while all other fiscal years in the table below consisted of 52 weeks. The historical results included below and elsewhere in this Annual Report are not necessarily indicative of our future performance.
The data presented below is only a summary and should be read in conjunction with our audited consolidated financial statements, including the notes thereto, included elsewhere in this Annual Report. You should also read the following summary data in conjunction with Item 5, Operating and Financial Review and Prospects included elsewhere in this Annual Report.
Income Statement Data:
Fiscal Year Ended | ||||||||||||||||||||
March 30, 2013 | March 31, 2012 (1) | March 26, 2011 | March 27, 2010 | March 28, 2009 | ||||||||||||||||
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Net sales |
$ | 292,759 | $ | 302,317 | $ | 270,948 | $ | 255,057 | $ | 270,896 | ||||||||||
Cost of sales |
166,585 | 169,087 | 154,640 | 150,405 | 155,083 | |||||||||||||||
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Gross profit |
126,174 | 133,230 | 116,308 | 104,652 | 115,813 | |||||||||||||||
Selling, general and administrative expenses |
110,806 | 118,075 | 107,444 | 106,453 | 114,204 | |||||||||||||||
Depreciation and amortization |
4,563 | 4,713 | 5,267 | 5,192 | 6,212 | |||||||||||||||
Impairment of goodwill and long-lived assets (2) |
| | | 1,353 | 13,555 | |||||||||||||||
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Total operating expenses |
115,369 | 122,788 | 112,711 | 112,998 | 133,971 | |||||||||||||||
Operating income (loss) |
10,805 | 10,442 | 3,597 | (8,346 | ) | (18,158 | ) | |||||||||||||
Interest and other financial costs |
9,272 | 10,200 | 11,319 | 11,127 | 9,967 | |||||||||||||||
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Income (loss) before income taxes |
1,533 | 242 | (7,722 | ) | (19,473 | ) | (28,125 | ) | ||||||||||||
Income tax expense (benefit) |
20 | 23 | 24 | (2 | ) | 32,854 | ||||||||||||||
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Net income (loss) attributable to common shareholders |
$ | 1,513 | $ | 219 | $ | (7,746 | ) | $ | (19,471 | ) | $ | (60,979 | ) | |||||||
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Net income (loss) per common share |
$ | 0.11 | $ | 0.02 | $ | (0.68 | ) | $ | (1.71 | ) | $ | (5.38 | ) | |||||||
Net income (loss) per common share diluted |
$ | 0.11 | $ | 0.02 | $ | (0.68 | ) | $ | (1.71 | ) | $ | (5.38 | ) | |||||||
Weighted average common shares outstanding |
13,538 | 11,392 | 11,390 | 11,390 | 11,339 | |||||||||||||||
Weighted average common shares outstanding diluted |
13,544 | 11,438 | 11,390 | 11,390 | 11,339 | |||||||||||||||
Dividends per share |
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Balance Sheet Data:
As of March 30, 2013 |
As of March 31, 2012 |
As of March 26, 2011 |
As of March 27, 2010 |
As of March 28, 2009 |
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(In thousands) | ||||||||||||||||||||
Working capital (3) |
$ | 27,563 | $ | 31,351 | $ | 32,093 | $ | 39,230 | $ | 46,956 | ||||||||||
Total assets |
$ | 179,952 | $ | 185,167 | $ | 184,323 | $ | 191,734 | $ | 206,131 | ||||||||||
Bank indebtedness |
$ | 67,307 | $ | 61,557 | $ | 61,928 | $ | 64,520 | $ | 85,777 | ||||||||||
Long-term debt (including current portion) |
$ | 41,895 | $ | 50,965 | $ | 50,315 | $ | 53,724 | $ | 47,632 | ||||||||||
Stockholders equity |
$ | 16,351 | $ | 11,628 | $ | 11,340 | $ | 18,387 | $ | 34,968 | ||||||||||
Common Stock: |
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Value |
$ | 64,489 | $ | 60,896 | $ | 60,895 | $ | 60,895 | $ | 60,895 | ||||||||||
Shares |
14,834 | 11,392 | 11,391 | 11,390 | 11,390 |
(1) | The fiscal year ended March 31, 2012 consisted of 53 weeks. |
(2) | Impairment of goodwill and other assets for fiscal 2010 includes the recognition of a $1.4 million non-cash impairment charge resulting from the impairment of long-lived assets at certain of our retail locations and assets held for sale related to our Rhode Island manufacturing facility. Impairment of goodwill and long-lived assets for fiscal 2009 includes the impact of an $11.2 million non-cash impairment charge due to managements determination that goodwill was fully impaired and the recognition of a $2.3 million non-cash impairment charge resulting from the impairment of long-lived assets at certain of our retail locations and our Rhode Island manufacturing facility. |
(3) | Working capital represents current assets less current liabilities. |
Dividends and Dividend Policy
We have not paid dividends since 1998 and do not currently intend to pay dividends on our Class A voting shares or Class B multiple voting shares in the foreseeable future. Our ability to pay dividends on our Class A voting shares and Class B multiple voting shares are restricted by our credit agreements. See Item 5, Operating and Financial Review and Prospects Liquidity and Capital Resources. If dividends were declared by our Board of Directors, shareholders would receive a dividend equal to the per share dividend we would pay to holders of our Class A voting shares or holders of Class B multiple voting shares. Dividends we would pay to U.S. holders would generally be subject to withholding tax. See Item 10, Additional InformationTaxation.
RISK FACTORS
Risks Related to the Company
Our business depends, in part, on factors affecting consumer spending that are out of our control.
Our business depends on consumer demand for our products and, consequently, is sensitive to a number of factors that influence consumer spending, including general economic conditions, consumer confidence in future economic conditions and political conditions, recession and fears of recession, consumer debt, disposable consumer income, conditions in the housing market, consumer perceptions of personal well-being and security, fuel prices, inclement weather, interest rates, foreign exchange rates, sales tax rate increases, inflation, and war and fears of war. In particular, the economic downturn and uncertain economic environment in the past years has led to decreased discretionary spending, which adversely impacted the luxury retail business and lead to declining revenues and losses for our business. Jewelry purchases are discretionary for consumers and may be particularly and disproportionately affected by adverse trends in the general economy and the equity markets. Adverse changes in factors affecting discretionary consumer spending could reduce consumer demand for our products, resulting in a reduction in our sales and harming our business and operating results. A substantial portion of our customers use credit, either from our private label and proprietary credit cards or another consumer credit source, to purchase jewelry. When there is a downturn in the general economy, fewer people may use or be approved for credit, which could result in a reduction in net sales and/or an increase in bad debt, which in turn, could lead to an unfavorable impact on our overall profitability. Our belief that we currently have sufficient liquidity to fund our operations is based on certain assumptions about the future state of the economy, the future availability of borrowings to fund our
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operations and our future operating performance. To the extent that the economy and other conditions affecting our business are significantly worse than we anticipate, we may not achieve our projected level of financial performance and we may determine that we do not have sufficient capital to fund our operations.
We may require additional financing or capital, which may not be available on commercially reasonable terms, or at all. Capital raised through the sale or issuance of equity securities may result in dilution to our shareholders. Failure to obtain such additional financing or capital could have an adverse impact on our liquidity and financial condition.
Within the last five years, the general economic and capital market conditions in the United States and other parts of the world have deteriorated significantly and have adversely affected access to and the cost of capital. There is a possibility that our existing cash, cash generated from operations and funds available under our credit agreements may be insufficient to fund our future operations, including capital expenditures, or to repay debt when it becomes due, and as a result, we may need to raise additional funds through public or private equity or debt financing, including funding from governmental sources, which may not be possible. The sale of additional equity securities could result in significant dilution to our shareholders, and the securities issued in future financings may have rights, preferences and privileges that are senior to those of our common stock. The incurrence of additional indebtedness would result in increased debt service obligations and could result in operating and financing covenants that may restrict our operations. Financing may be unavailable in amounts or on terms acceptable to us, or at all, which could have a material adverse impact on our business, including our ability to continue as a going concern.
We have significant indebtedness, which could adversely affect our operations, liquidity and financial condition.
We currently have a significant amount of indebtedness and significant debt service obligations in proportion to our assets and stockholders equity. Our debt levels fluctuate from time to time based on seasonal working capital needs. The following table sets forth our total indebtedness (includes bank indebtedness and current and long-term portion of debt), total stockholders equity, total capitalization and ratio of total indebtedness to total capitalization as of:
March 30, 2013 | March 31, 2012 | |||||||
Total indebtedness |
$ | 109,202,000 | $ | 112,522,000 | ||||
Total stockholders equity |
16,351,000 | 11,628,000 | ||||||
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Total capitalization |
$ | 125,553,000 | $ | 124,150,000 | ||||
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Ratio of total indebtedness to total capitalization |
87.0 | % | 90.6 | % |
This high degree of leverage could adversely affect our results of operations, liquidity and financial condition. For example, it could:
| make it more difficult for us to satisfy our obligations with respect to our indebtedness; |
| increase our vulnerability to adverse economic and industry conditions; |
| require us to dedicate a substantial portion of cash from operations to the payment of debt service, thereby reducing the availability of cash to fund working capital, capital expenditures and other general corporate purposes; |
| limit our ability to obtain additional financing for working capital, capital expenditures, general corporate purposes or acquisitions; |
| create additional risk to us and our shareholders if we were unable to renew our credit facilities under similar terms and conditions; |
| place us at a disadvantage compared to our competitors that have a lower degree of leverage; and |
| negatively affect the price of our stock. |
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Significant restrictions on our excess borrowing capacity could result in our inability to fund our cash flow requirements needed to support our day-to-day operations.
Our ability to fund our operations and meet our cash flow requirements in order to fund our operations is dependent upon our ability to maintain positive excess availability under our senior credit facilities. Both our senior secured revolving credit facility administrative agent and our senior secured term loans administrative agent may impose, at any time, discretionary reserves, which would lower the level of borrowing availability under our senior secured revolving credit facility (customary for asset based loans), at their reasonable discretion, to: i) ensure that we maintain adequate liquidity for the operation of our business, ii) cover any deterioration in the amount or value of the collateral, and iii) reflect impediments to the lenders to realize upon the collateral. There is no limit to the amount of discretionary reserves that our senior secured revolving credit facility administrative agent may impose at its reasonable discretion. However, our senior secured term loan administrative agents ability to impose discretionary reserves at its reasonable discretion is limited to 5% of the term loan borrowing capacity. From February 11, 2009 to February 23, 2009, the senior secured term loan lender imposed a discretionary reserve of $4 million. While our senior secured revolving credit facility administrative agent or lenders have not historically imposed such a restriction, it is uncertain whether conditions could change and cause such a reserve to be imposed in the future. In addition, the value of our inventory is periodically assessed by our lenders and, based upon these reviews, our borrowing capacity could be significantly increased or decreased. Another factor impacting our excess availability includes, among others, changes in the U.S. and Canadian dollar exchange rate, which could increase or decrease our borrowing availability. Furthermore, under the terms of our senior credit facilities, a $12.5 million and a $5.0 million seasonal availability block is imposed by the senior secured revolving credit facility administrative agent and the senior secured term loans administrative agent each year from December 20th to January 20th and from January 21st to February 10th, respectively, and both our senior secured revolving credit facility and our senior secured term loans are subject to cross default provisions with all other loans, by which if we are in default with any other loan, the default will immediately apply to both the senior secured revolving credit facility and the senior secured term loans. Any significant discretionary reserves or other restrictions imposed by our lenders could have a significant impact on our ability to fund our operations and meet our cash flow requirements.
Our business could be adversely affected if our relationships with any primary vendors are terminated or if the delivery of their products is delayed or interrupted.
We compete with other jewelry retailers for access to vendors that will provide us with the quality and quantity of merchandise necessary to operate our business, and our merchandising strategy depends upon our ability to maintain good relations with significant vendors. Certain brand name watch manufacturers, including Rolex, have distribution agreements with our Company that, among other things, provide for specific sales locations, yearly renewal terms and early termination provisions at the manufacturers discretion. In fiscal 2013, merchandise supplied by Rolex and sold through our stores accounted for approximately 28% of our total net sales. Our relationships with primary suppliers, like Rolex, are generally not pursuant to long-term agreements.
We obtain materials and manufactured items from third-party suppliers. Any delay or interruption in our suppliers abilities to provide us with necessary materials and components may affect our manufacturing capabilities or may require us to seek alternative supply sources. Any delay or interruption in receiving supplies could impair our ability to supply products to our stores and, accordingly, could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition. The abrupt loss of any of our third-party suppliers, especially Rolex, or a decline in the quality or quantity of materials supplied by any third-party suppliers could cause significant disruption in our business.
Our business could be adversely affected if we are unable to successfully negotiate favorable lease terms.
As of May 31, 2013, we had 53 leased retail stores, which include the capital lease of our Canadian headquarters and Montreal flagship store. The leases are generally for a term of five to ten years, with rent being a fixed minimum base plus, for a majority of the stores, a percentage of the stores sale volume (subject to some adjustments) over a specified threshold. A significant number of our leases are up for renewal within the next two years and there is increasing demand and competition for key retail locations especially in Canada. We have generally been successful in negotiating leases for new stores and lease renewals as our current leases near expiration. However, if we are unsuccessful at negotiating favorable lease and renewal terms, our business, financial condition, and operating results could be adversely affected. In addition, even if lease terms are successfully negotiated, it will most likely require significant capital expenditures to remodel or relocate stores.
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Our strategy to develop the Birks product brand through international expansion, including our proposed expansion into China, may add complexity to our operations and may require additional capital or strain our resources and adversely impact our financial results and liquidity.
One of our strategies is to continue to develop the Birks product brand through expansion of all sales channels including international channels of distribution. The expansion into markets outside of Canada and the United States, including our proposed expansion into China, would add complexity to our operations and may require additional capital or strain our resources and adversely impact our financial results and our liquidity. International expansion would place increased demands on our operational, managerial and administrative resources at all levels of the Company. These increased demands may cause us to operate our business less efficiently, which in turn could cause deterioration in our performance or could adversely affect our inventory levels. Furthermore, our ability to conduct business in international markets may be adversely affected by legal, regulatory, political and economic risks. Any international expansion strategy could also be adversely impacted by the global economy or the economy of the region of the world in which we choose to expand. If we expand internationally, we may incur significant costs related to starting up and maintaining foreign operations. Costs may include, but are not limited to obtaining prime locations for stores, setting up foreign offices and distribution centers, as well as hiring experienced management. We may be unable to open and operate new stores successfully, or we may face operational issues that could delay our intended pace of international store openings. These additional costs will require us to raise additional cash through the issuance of additional equity or debt financing which if we are not able to obtain at a sufficient level to fund the operation could negatively impact the availability of funding to operate our operations.
We may not successfully manage our inventory, which could have an adverse effect on our net sales, profitability, cash flow and liquidity.
As a retail business, our results of operations are dependent on our ability to manage our inventory. To properly manage our inventory, we must be able to accurately estimate customer demand and supply requirements and purchase new inventory accordingly. If we fail to sell the inventory we purchase or manufacture, we may be required to write-down our inventory or pay our vendors without new purchases, creating additional vendor financing, which would have an adverse impact on our earnings and cash flows. Additionally, a portion of the merchandise we sell is carried on a consignment basis prior to sale or is otherwise financed by vendors, which reduces our required capital investment in inventory. Any significant change in these consignment or vendor financing relationships could have a material adverse effect on our net sales, cash flows and liquidity.
Fluctuations in the availability and prices of our raw materials and finished goods may adversely affect our results of operations.
We offer a large selection of distinctive high quality merchandise, including diamond, gemstone and precious metal jewelry, rings, wedding bands, earrings, bracelets, necklaces, charms, timepieces and gifts. Accordingly, significant changes in the availability or prices of diamonds, gemstones, and precious metals we require for our products could adversely affect our earnings. Further, both the supply and price of diamonds are significantly influenced by a single entity, the Diamond Trading Corporation. We do not maintain long-term inventories or otherwise hedge a material portion of the price of raw materials. A significant increase in the price of these materials could adversely affect our net sales and gross margins.
Our credit business may be adversely affected by changes in applicable laws and regulations.
The operation of our credit business subjects us to substantial regulation relating to disclosure and other requirements upon origination, servicing, debt collection and particularly upon the amount of finance charges we can impose. Any adverse change in the regulation of consumer credit could adversely affect our earnings. For example, new laws or regulations could limit the amount of interest or fees we, or our banks, can charge on consumer loan accounts, or restrict our ability to collect on account balances, which could have a material adverse effect on our earnings. Compliance with existing and future laws or regulations could require material expenditures or otherwise adversely affect our business or financial results. Failure to comply with these laws or regulations, even if inadvertent, could result in negative publicity, and fines, either of which could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations.
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We are exposed to currency exchange risks that could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations and financial condition.
While we report financial results in U.S. dollars, a substantial portion of our sales are recorded in Canadian dollars. For our operations located in Canada, non-Canadian currency transactions and assets and liabilities subject us to foreign currency risk. Conversely, for the operations located in the U.S., non-U.S. currency transactions and assets and liabilities subject us to foreign currency risk. In addition, material fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates, resulting in a weakening of the Canadian dollar relative to the U.S. dollar, could significantly reduce our borrowing availability under our secured revolving credit facility, which is denominated in U.S. dollars, and limit our ability to finance our operations. For purposes of financial reporting, our financial statements are reported in U.S. dollars by translating, where necessary, net sales and expenses from Canadian dollars at the average exchange rates prevailing during the period, while assets and liabilities are translated at year-end exchange rates, with the effect of such translation recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income. As a result, for purposes of financial reporting, foreign exchange gains or losses recorded in earnings relate to non-Canadian dollar transactions of the operations located in Canada and non-U.S. dollar transactions of the operations located in the U.S. We expect to continue to report our financial results in U.S. dollars. Consequently, our reported earnings could fluctuate materially as a result of foreign exchange translation gains or losses.
We operate in a highly competitive and fragmented industry.
The retail jewelry business is highly competitive and fragmented, and we compete with nationally recognized jewelry chains as well as a large number of independent regional and local jewelry retailers and other types of retailers who sell jewelry and gift items, such as department stores and mass merchandisers. We also compete with internet sellers of jewelry. Because of the breadth and depth of this competition, we are constantly under competitive pressure that both constrains pricing and requires extensive merchandising and marketing efforts in order for us to remain competitive.
We are controlled by a single shareholder whose interests may be different from yours.
As of May 31, 2013, Goldfish Trust beneficially owns or controls 72.9% of all classes of our outstanding voting shares, which are directly owned by Montrovest B.V. (Montrovest). The trustee of Goldfish Trust is Rohan Private Trust Company Limited (the Trustee). Dr. Lorenzo Rossi di Montelera, who is the Companys Chairman of the Board, is a beneficiary of Goldfish Trust. Under our restated articles, Montrovest, as holder of the Class B multiple voting shares, has the ability to control most actions requiring shareholder approval, including electing the members of our Board of Directors and the issuance of new equity.
The Trustee and Montrovest may have different interests than you have and may make decisions that do not correspond to your interests. In addition, the fact that we are controlled by one shareholder may have the effect of delaying or preventing a change in our management or voting control.
Hurricanes and other severe weather conditions could cause a disruption in our operations, which could have an adverse impact on our results of operations.
Our U.S. operations are located in Georgia and Florida, regions that are susceptible to hurricanes. In the past, hurricanes have forced the closure of some of our stores, resulting in a reduction in net sales during such periods. Future hurricanes could significantly disrupt our U.S. operations and could have a material adverse effect on our overall results of operations. In addition, severe weather such as ice storms, snow storms and blizzards in Canada can cause conditions whereby peak holiday shopping could be materially affected.
Terrorist acts or other catastrophic events could have a material adverse effect on Birks & Mayors.
Terrorist acts, acts of war or hostility, natural disasters or other catastrophic events could have an immediate disproportionate impact on discretionary spending on luxury goods upon which our operations are dependent. For example, in the aftermath of the terrorist attacks carried out on September 11, 2001, tourism and business travel was significantly reduced in all of our markets, which had an adverse impact on our net sales. Similarly, the SARS epidemic in Toronto, Ontario in the spring of 2003 had an adverse impact on net sales in our stores in that region. Similar future events could have a material adverse impact on our business and results of operations.
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We may not be able to adequately protect our intellectual property and may be required to engage in costly litigation as a protective measure.
To establish and protect our intellectual property rights, we rely upon a combination of trademark and trade secret laws, together with licenses, exclusivity agreements and other contractual covenants. In particular, the Birks and Mayors trademarks are of significant value to our retail operations. The measures we take to protect our intellectual property rights may prove inadequate to prevent misappropriation of our intellectual property. Monitoring the unauthorized use of our intellectual property is difficult. Litigation may be necessary to enforce our intellectual property rights or to determine the validity and scope of the proprietary rights of others. Litigation of this type could result in substantial costs and diversion of resources, may result in counterclaims or other claims against us and could significantly harm our results of operations.
Risks Related to Class A Voting Shares
Our share price could be adversely affected if a large number of Class A voting shares are offered for sale or sold.
Future issuances or sales of a substantial number of our Class A voting shares by us, Montrovest, or another significant shareholder in the public market could adversely affect the price of our Class A voting shares, which may impair our ability to raise capital through future issuances of equity securities. As of May 31, 2013, we had 7,115,641 Class A voting shares issued and outstanding. Sales of restricted securities in the public market, or the availability of these Class A voting shares for sale, could adversely affect the market price of Class A voting shares.
As a retail jeweler with a limited public float, the price of our Class A voting shares may fluctuate substantially, which could negatively affect the value of our Class A voting shares and could result in securities class action claims against us.
The price of our Class A voting shares may fluctuate substantially due to, among other things, the following factors: (1) fluctuations in the price of the shares of a small number of public companies in the retail jewelry business; (2) additions or departures of key personnel; (3) announcements of legal proceedings or regulatory matters; and (4) general volatility in the stock market. The market price of our Class A voting shares could also fluctuate substantially if we fail to meet or exceed expectations for our financial results or if there is a change in financial estimates or securities analysts recommendations.
Significant price and value fluctuations have occurred in the past with respect to the securities of retail jewelry and related companies. In addition, because the public float of our Class A voting shares is relatively small, the market price of our Class A voting shares is likely to be volatile. There is limited trading volume in our Class A voting shares, rendering them subject to significant price volatility. In addition, the stock market has experienced volatility that has affected the market prices of equity securities of many companies, and that has often been unrelated to the operating performance of such companies. A number of other factors, many of which are beyond our control, could also cause the market price of our Class A voting shares to fluctuate substantially. In the past, following periods of downward volatility in the market price of a companys securities, class action litigation has often been pursued. If our Class A voting shares were similarly volatile and litigation was pursued against us, it could result in substantial costs and a diversion of our managements attention and resources.
We are governed by the laws of Canada, and, as a result, it may not be possible for shareholders to enforce civil liability provisions of the securities laws of the U.S.
We are governed by the laws of Canada. A substantial portion of our assets are located outside the U.S. and some of our directors and officers are residents outside of the U.S. As a result, it may be difficult for investors to effect service within the U.S. upon us or our directors and officers, or to realize in the U.S. upon judgments of courts of the U.S. predicated upon civil liability of Birks & Mayors and such directors or officers under U.S. federal securities laws. There is doubt as to the enforceability in Canada by a court in original actions, or in actions to enforce judgments of U.S. courts, of the civil liabilities predicated upon U.S. federal securities laws.
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We expect to maintain our status as a foreign private issuer under the rules and regulations of the SEC and, thus, are exempt from a number of rules under the Exchange Act of 1934 and are permitted to file less information with the SEC than a company incorporated in the U.S.
As a foreign private issuer, we are exempt from rules under the Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the Exchange Act) that impose certain disclosure and procedural requirements for proxy solicitations under Section 14 of the Exchange Act. In addition, our officers, directors and principal shareholders are exempt from the reporting and short-swing profit recovery provisions of Section 16 of the Exchange Act and the rules under the Exchange Act with respect to their purchases and sales of our Class A voting shares. Moreover, we are not required to file periodic reports and financial statements with the SEC as frequently or as promptly as U.S. companies whose securities are registered under the Exchange Act, nor are we required to comply with Regulation FD, which restricts the selective disclosure of material information. Accordingly, there may be less publicly available information concerning us than there is for U.S. public companies.
If we were treated as a passive foreign investment company (PFIC) some holders of our Class A voting shares would be subject to additional taxation, which could cause the price of our Class A voting shares to decline.
We believe that our Class A voting shares should not be treated as stock of a PFIC for U.S. federal income tax purposes, and we expect to continue operations in such a manner that we will not be a PFIC. If, however, we are or become a PFIC, some holders of our Class A voting shares could be subject to additional U.S. federal income taxes on gains recognized with respect to our Class A voting shares and on certain distributions, plus an interest charge on certain taxes treated as having been deferred under the PFIC rules.
Our assessment of our internal control over financial reporting may identify material weaknesses in the future and may result in an attestation with an adverse or qualified opinion from our independent auditors, which could reduce confidence in our financial statements and negatively affect the price of our securities.
We are subject to reporting obligations under U.S. securities laws. Beginning with our Annual Report on Form 20-F for fiscal 2008, Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act requires us to prepare a management report on the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting. Our management may conclude that our internal control over our financial reporting is not effective. If at any time in the future, we are unable to assert that our internal control over financial reporting is effective, market perception of our financial condition and the trading price of our stock may be adversely affected and customer perception of our business may suffer, all of which could have a material adverse effect on our operations. Further, our auditors do not audit our internal controls over financial reporting due to our market capitalization, and therefore, there has been no independent attestation of our internal controls over financial reporting. Had such attestation been performed, it may have revealed material weaknesses in our internal controls.
If the costs and burden of being a public company outweigh its benefits, we may in the future decide to discontinue our status as a publicly traded company.
As a public company, we currently incur significant legal, accounting and other expenses. In addition, the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, as well as rules subsequently implemented by the SEC and the NYSE MKT LLC (NYSE MKT), have imposed various requirements on public companies, including requiring establishment and maintenance of effective disclosure and financial controls as well as mandating certain corporate governance practices. Our management and other personnel devote a substantial amount of time and financial resources to these compliance initiatives. As such, if it is determined in the future that the costs and efforts of being a public company outweigh the benefits of being a public company, we may decide to discontinue our status as a publicly traded or registered company.
New regulations related to conflict minerals could adversely impact our business.
The Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act contains provisions to improve transparency and accountability concerning the supply of certain minerals, known as conflict minerals, originating from the Democratic Republic of Congo (the DRC) and adjoining countries. As a result, in August 2012 the SEC adopted annual disclosure and reporting requirements for those companies who use conflict minerals mined from the DRC and adjoining countries in their products. These new requirements will require due diligence efforts in fiscal 2014 with initial disclosure requirements beginning in May 2014. There will be costs associated with complying with these disclosure requirements, including those costs that may be incurred in conducting due diligence procedures to determine the sources of conflict minerals used in our products and other potential changes to products, processes or
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sources of supply as a consequence of such verification activities. The implementation of these rules could adversely affect the sourcing, supply and pricing of materials used in our products. As there may be only a limited number of suppliers offering conflict free conflict minerals, we cannot be sure that we will be able to obtain necessary conflict free conflict minerals in sufficient quantities or at competitive prices. Also, we may face reputational challenges if we determine that certain of our products contain minerals not determined to be conflict free or if we are unable to sufficiently verify the origins for all conflict minerals used in our products through the procedures we may implement.
Item 4. | Information on the Company |
THE COMPANY
Corporate History and Overview
Birks & Mayors is a leading North American luxury jewelry brand which designs, develops, makes and retails fine jewelry, timepieces, sterling silver and gifts. As of May 31, 2013, Birks & Mayors operated 53 luxury jewelry stores, 30 stores under the Birks brand, located in all major cities across Canada, 2 retail locations in Calgary and Vancouver under the Brinkhaus brand, 20 stores under the Mayors brand, located in Florida and Georgia, and 1 store under the Rolex brand name. As a luxury jeweler, most of our jewelry products are made of 18 karat gold, platinum or sterling silver, with or without precious gemstones, with significant emphasis on quality craftsmanship and distinctive design. For fiscal 2013, we had net sales of $292.8 million.
Birks predecessor company was founded in Montreal in 1879 and developed over the years into Canadas premier designer, manufacturer and retailer of fine jewelry, timepieces, sterling and plated silverware and gifts. In addition to being a nationwide retailer with a strong brand identity, we are also highly regarded in Canada as a designer and maker of jewelry and a provider of recognition programs, service awards and business gifts. We believe that operating our stores under the Birks brand distinguishes us from many competitors because of our longstanding reputation and heritage of being trustworthy, offering only the highest standard of quality and craftsmanship and products, our ability to offer distinctively designed, exclusive products, a large selection of distinctive high quality merchandise at many different price points, and by placing a strong emphasis on providing a superior shopping experience to our clients.
From 1950 through 1990, Birks aggressively expanded its retail business and by the early 1990s it had approximately 220 stores in Canada and the U.S. After a period of rapid expansion in the 1980s, followed in the early 1990s by a period of declining margins and significant erosion in consumer spending coupled with significantly higher indebtedness resulting from a family buy-out, Birks experienced significant financial losses. These financial difficulties ultimately led to the purchase of Birks by Borgosesia Acquisitions Corporation in 1993, a predecessor company of Regaluxe Investment S.á.r.l., which is referred to in this Annual Report as Regaluxe. Effective March 28, 2006, Regaluxe was acquired through a merger with Iniziativa S.A. (Iniziativa). As of May 31, 2007 and June 4, 2007, respectively, following a reorganization, Iniziativa and Montrolux S.A. transferred all of the shares they respectively held in the Company to their parent company, Montrovest. Following the 1993 acquisition of Birks, Birks operations were evaluated and a program of returning Birks to its historic core strength as the leading Canadian luxury jeweler was initiated.
In August 2002, Birks invested $15.05 million to acquire approximately 72% of the voting control in Mayors, which was experiencing an unsuccessful expansion beyond its core markets and was incurring significant losses.
Between August 2002 and November 2005, it became apparent to both Mayors and Birks management that it was in the best interests of the shareholders to combine the two companies. Management believed that such combination would create a stronger capital base, improve operating efficiencies, reduce the impact of regional issues, simplify the corporate ownership of Mayors, eliminate management and board of directors inefficiencies with managing intercompany issues, and possibly increase shareholder liquidity. Upon the consummation of the merger on November 14, 2005, each outstanding share of Mayors common stock not then owned by Birks was converted into 0.08695 Class A voting shares of Birks. As a result of the merger, Mayors common stock ceased trading on the American Stock Exchange (AMEX) and Birks & Mayors began trading on the AMEX, which is now known as the NYSE MKT, under the trading symbol BMJ. Following the merger, Birks & Mayors worked very diligently to fully integrate the Birks business with Mayors. As a result of the merger, we believe the combined company has improved operational efficiencies and diversity and depth of its products and distribution capabilities.
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In the last three fiscal years, we invested a total of approximately $14.4 million of capital expenditures primarily associated with remodeling existing stores and the opening of new stores. We expect to invest an additional $14.2 million of capital expenditures in fiscal 2014 of which approximately 30% will be in the U.S., 60% will be in Canada and 10% in China. We expect to finance these capital expenditures in the U.S. and Canada mainly from operating cash flow and our senior secured revolving credit facility. We intend to finance the capital expenditures in China by raising $5.0 million of capital in the form of equity and debt from our controlling shareholder, Montrovest.
During fiscal 2013, we closed four Mayors stores located in Plantation, Florida, Wellington, Florida, Estero, Florida and Buford, Georgia and two Birks stores located in Richmond, British Columbia and Hamilton, Ontario. In addition, during May 2012, we closed our Birks store at the Toronto Eaton Centre and we entered into a new lease for a smaller location in the same center beginning in August 2012 and expiring in January 2018. During fiscal 2012, we closed five Mayors stores located in Fort Myers, Florida, Sanford, Florida, Jensen Beach, Florida, Tampa, Florida and Altamonte Springs, Florida. During fiscal 2011, we closed one of our Birks stores located in Scarborough, Ontario and opened a new store located in Orlando, Florida operating under the Rolex brand name. In May 2009, we also discontinued production at our Rhode Island manufacturing facility in order to reduce operating expenses and operate more efficiently by consolidating more of our production activities into our Montreal facility and by purchasing finished goods from third parties. The Rhode Island facility was sold during fiscal 2011.
Our sales are divided into two principal product categories: jewelry and timepieces. Jewelry also includes sales of other product offerings we sell such as giftware, as well as repair and custom design services.
The following table compares our sales of each product category for the last three fiscal years (dollars in thousands):
Fiscal Year-Ended | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
March 30, 2013 | March 31, 2012 (1) | March 26, 2011 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Jewelry and other |
$ | 164,492 | 56.2 | % | $ | 172,487 | 57.1 | % | $ | 159,306 | 58.8 | % | ||||||||||||
Timepieces |
128,267 | 43.8 | % | 129,830 | 42.9 | % | 111,642 | 41.2 | % | |||||||||||||||
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Total |
$ | 292,759 | 100.0 | % | $ | 302,317 | 100.0 | % | $ | 270,948 | 100.0 | % | ||||||||||||
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The following table sets forth our operations in geographic markets in which we operate (dollars in thousands):
Fiscal Year Ended | ||||||||||||
March 30, 2013 | March 31, 2012 (1) | March 26, 2011 | ||||||||||
Net sales |
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Canada |
$ | 158,834 | $ | 163,027 | $ | 144,903 | ||||||
U.S. |
133,925 | 139,290 | 126,045 | |||||||||
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Total revenues |
$ | 292,759 | $ | 302,317 | $ | 270,948 | ||||||
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Long-lived assets |
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Canada |
$ | 18,966 | $ | 20,330 | $ | 20,232 | ||||||
U.S. |
9,963 | 7,805 | 7,366 | |||||||||
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Total long-lived assets |
$ | 28,929 | $ | 28,135 | $ | 27,598 | ||||||
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(1) | The fiscal year ended March 31, 2012 consisted of 53 weeks. |
Birks & Mayors is a Canadian corporation. Our corporate headquarters are located at 1240 Phillips Square, Montreal, Québec, Canada H3B 3H4. Our telephone number is (514) 397-2501. Our website is www.birksandmayors.com.
Products
We offer distinctively designed, exclusive products and a large selection of distinctive high quality merchandise at many different price points. This merchandise includes designer jewelry, diamond, gemstone, and precious metal jewelry, timepieces and giftware. Part of our strategy is to increase our exclusive offering of internally designed and/or produced goods sold to our customers, consisting primarily of bridal, diamond and other fine jewelry, as well as gold and sterling silver jewelry and timepieces, all of which leverage the Birks and Mayors brands loyalty in their respective markets and in order to differentiate our products with unique and exclusive designs.
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Our Canadian stores, operating under the Birks and Brinkhaus brands, carry a large selection of prestigious brand name timepieces, including our own proprietary watch line as well as timepieces made by Baume & Mercier, Bvlgari, Cartier, Corum, Frederique Constant, Gucci, IWC, Jaeger Le Coultre, Montblanc, Rolex and Tag Heuer. We also carry an exclusive collection of high quality jewelry and timepieces that we manufacture. We emphasize our own jewelry offerings but also include designer jewelry made by Aaron Basha, Andrea Candela, Damiani, DiModolo, Gucci, Kwiat, Marco Bicego, Roberto Coin, and Van Cleef & Arpels, most of which are exclusive to our stores in Canada. Our two Brinkhaus retail locations also offer Ebel, Panerai, Patek Philippe and Rolex timepieces. We also offer a variety of high quality giftware, including writing instruments made by Cartier and Montblanc.
Our U.S. stores, operating under the Mayors brand, carry a large selection of prestigious brand name timepieces, including Baume & Mercier, Breitling, Bvlgari, Chanel, Corum, Frederique Constant, Jaeger Le Coultre, IWC, Montblanc, Patek Philippe, Panerai, Rolex, Tag Heuer and Zenith. Designer jewelry offerings in our stores operating under the Mayors brand include jewelry made by Aaron Basha, Damiani, DiModolo, Ivanka Trump, Kwiat, Mikimoto, Roberto Coin, and a variety of high quality giftware, including writing instruments made by Montblanc. In addition, stores operating under the Mayors brand carry Birks brand timepieces and jewelry products on an exclusive basis in their markets. Our Rolex store offers exclusively Rolex brand timepieces.
We have one primary channel of distribution: the retail division, which accounts for approximately 94% of net sales, as well as three other channels of distribution, including our corporate sales, gold exchange and internet, which combined account for approximately 6% of net sales.
Product Design, Development, Sourcing and Manufacturing
We established a product development process that supports our strategy to further develop and enhance our product offering in support of the Birks brand development. The centerpiece of this process is our Product Review Committee, which ultimately approves all new product designs and introductions. During fiscal 2013, fiscal 2012, and fiscal 2011, approximately 19%, 22%, and 19%, respectively, of our jewelry products acquired for sale were internally designed, sourced or manufactured. Products that are not designed and internally manufactured are sourced from suppliers worldwide, enabling us to sell an assortment of fine quality merchandise often not available from other jewelers in our markets. Our staff of buyers procures distinctive high quality merchandise directly from manufacturers, diamond cutters, and other suppliers worldwide. Our gemstone acquisition team, product sourcing team and category managers specialize in sourcing merchandise in categories such as diamonds, precious gemstones, pearls, timepieces, gold jewelry, and giftware. Retail and merchandising personnel frequently visit our stores and those of competitors to compare value, selection, and service, as well as to observe client reaction to merchandise selection and determine future needs and trends.
We have manufacturing facilities in Montreal and Florida that enable us to offer unique, exclusive and high-quality products through an efficient supply chain. The manufacturing facilities in Montreal and Florida occupy space within our corporate buildings, which we lease subject to lease agreements (see Properties below for more information). The products produced at these two facilities are primarily diamond jewelry with a focus on bridal jewelry. The current production capabilities at these two facilities are not limited to our current production levels and we believe we have the capacity to meet future anticipated growth. Our manufacturing capabilities provide quality control; image enhancement by enabling us to promote our craftsmanship and exclusive design and manufacturing capabilities; improved economics by retaining the margin that would otherwise be paid to a third party provider; and capability to provide customized and/or special design jewelry for customers.
The Montreal facility is the largest in volume of our manufacturing facilities and is involved in all aspects of manufacturing fine jewelry with the exception of the cutting of rough diamonds and other precious stones. The facility focuses on manufacturing stone set jewelry and repairs. The Florida facility focuses on hand-made one of a kind jewelry pieces and repairs. From fiscal 2005 to fiscal 2009, we had a Rhode Island factory that was involved in the production of silver and gold jewelry, as well as stone set jewelry, however, production was discontinued at this facility in May 2009 with much of the production transferred to our Montreal facility, or outsourced to third parties. The Rhode Island facility was sold during fiscal 2011.
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Availability of Products
Although purchases of several critical raw materials, notably platinum, gold, silver, diamonds, pearls and gemstones, are made from a relatively limited number of sources, we believe that there are numerous alternative sources for all raw materials used in the manufacture of our finished jewelry, and that the failure of any principal supplier would not have a material adverse effect on our operations. Any material changes in foreign or domestic laws and policies affecting international trade may have a material adverse effect on the availability of the diamonds, other gemstones, precious metals and non-jewelry products we purchase. Significant changes in the availability or prices of diamonds, gemstones and precious metals we require for our products could adversely affect our earnings. Furthermore, both the supply and price of diamonds are significantly influenced by a single entity, the Diamond Trading Corporation. We do not maintain long-term inventories or otherwise hedge a material portion of the price of raw materials. A significant increase in the price of these materials could adversely affect our net sales, gross margin and earnings. However, in the event of price increases, we will generally attempt to pass along any price increases to our customers.
In fiscal 2013, we purchased jewelry, timepieces and giftware for sale in our stores from over 200 suppliers. Many of these suppliers have long-standing relationships with us. We compete with other jewelry retailers for access to vendors that will provide us with the quality and quantity of merchandise necessary to operate our business. Our relationships with primary suppliers, like Rolex, are generally not pursuant to long-term agreements. Although we believe that alternative sources of supply are available, the abrupt loss of any of our key vendors, especially Rolex, or a decline in the quality or quantity of merchandise supplied by our vendors could cause significant disruption in our business. In fiscal 2013, merchandise supplied by Rolex and sold through our stores operating under the Mayors, Rolex, Birks and Brinkhaus brands accounted for approximately 28% of our total net sales. If Rolex terminated its distribution agreements with us, such termination would have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and operating results. We believe that current relationships with our key vendors are good.
Seasonality
Our sales are highly seasonal, with the third fiscal quarter (which includes the holiday shopping season) historically contributing significantly higher sales than any other quarter during the year. Sales in the first, second, third and fourth quarters in both fiscal 2013 and fiscal 2012 were 24%, 19%, 34% and 23%.
Retail Operations, Merchandising and Marketing
General
We believe we are differentiated from most of our competitors because we offer distinctively designed, exclusive products and a selection of distinctive high quality merchandise at a wide range of price points. We keep the majority of our inventory on display in our stores rather than at our distribution facility. Although each store stocks a representative selection of jewelry, timepieces, giftware and other accessories, certain inventory is tailored to meet local tastes and historical merchandise sales patterns of specific stores.
We believe that our stores elegant surroundings and distinctive merchandise displays play an important role in providing an atmosphere that encourages sales. We pay careful attention to detail in the design and layout of each store, particularly lighting, colors, choice of materials and placement of display cases. We also use window displays as a means of attracting walk-in traffic and reinforcing our distinctive image. Our Visual Display department designs and creates window and store merchandise case displays for all of our stores. Window displays are frequently changed to provide variety and to reflect seasonal events such as Christmas, Valentines Day, Mothers Day and Fathers Day.
Personnel and Training
We place substantial emphasis on the professionalism of our sales force to maintain our position as a leading luxury jeweler. We strive to hire only highly motivated, professional and customer-oriented individuals. All new sales professionals attend an intensive training program where they are trained in technical areas of the jewelry business, specific sales and service techniques and our commitment to client service. Management believes that attentive personal service and knowledgeable sales professionals are key components to our success.
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As part of our commitment to continuous, on-the-job training, we have established Birks University and Mayors University, a formalized system of in-house training with a primary focus on client service, selling skills and product knowledge that involves extensive classroom training, the use of detailed operational manuals, in-store mentorship programs and a leading edge product knowledge program which includes on-line testing. In addition, we conduct in-house training seminars on a periodic basis and administer training modules with audits to (i) enhance the quality and professionalism of all sales professionals, (ii) measure the level of knowledge of each sales professional, and (iii) identify needs for additional training. We also provide all management team members with more extensive training that emphasizes leadership skills, general management skills, on-the-job coaching and training instruction techniques.
Advertising and Promotion
One of our key marketing goals is to build on our reputation in our core markets as a leading luxury jewelry brand offering high quality merchandise in an elegant, sophisticated environment. For example, we frequently run advertisements that associate the Birks and Mayors brands with internationally recognized brand names such as Cartier, Patek Philippe, Rolex, and Van Cleef and Arpels, among others. Advertising and promotions for all stores are developed by our personnel in conjunction with outside creative professionals.
Our advertising reinforces our role as a world class luxury brand that aims to deliver a total shopping experience that is as memorable as our merchandise. Our marketing efforts consist of advertising campaigns on television, billboards, print, catalog mailings, special events, media and public relations, distinctive store design, elegant displays, partnerships with key suppliers and associations with prestige institutions. The key goals of our marketing initiatives are to enhance customer awareness and appreciation of our two retail brands, Birks and Mayors, as well as the Birks product brand, and to increase customer traffic, client acquisition and retention and net sales.
Credit Operations
We have two private label credit cards, one for each of our Birks and Mayors retail brands which are administered by third-party banks that own the credit card receivable balances. In addition, stores operating under the Mayors brand also have a Mayors proprietary credit card which we administer.
Our credit programs are intended to complement our overall merchandising and sales strategy by encouraging larger and more frequent sales to a loyal customer base. Sales under the Birks and Mayors private label credit cards accounted for approximately 19% of our net sales during fiscal 2013. Sales under the Birks and Mayors private label credit cards are generally made without credit recourse to us. However, we are permitted to ask the bank to approve credit purchases under these private label credit cards, for which the bank holds credit recourses if the customer does not pay. These recourse credit lines are limited to 25% and 20% of the nonrecourse credit lines issued by the banks for the private label Birks credit card and Mayors credit card, respectively. Receivables generated on sales under the Mayors proprietary credit card are recorded on our balance sheet since we maintain the full credit risk.
Distribution
Our retail locations receive the majority of their merchandise directly from our distribution warehouses located in Tamarac, Florida, Montreal, Québec, and Dorval, Québec. Merchandise is shipped from the distribution warehouse utilizing various air and ground carriers. We also transfer merchandise between retail locations to balance inventory levels and to fulfill client requests, and a very small portion of merchandise is delivered directly to the retail locations from suppliers.
Competition
Our research indicates that the North American retail jewelry industry is approximately a $67 billion industry and is highly competitive and fragmented, with a few very large national and international competitors and many medium and small regional and local competitors. The market is also fragmented by price and quality. Although Birks and Mayors are luxury jewelry brands, we compete with companies within and outside of this segment. Our competitors include national and international jewelry chains as well as independent regional and local jewelry retailers. We also compete with other types of retailers such as department stores and specialty stores and, to a lesser extent, catalog showrooms, discounters, direct mail suppliers, televised home shopping networks, and Internet sites. Many of these competitors have greater financial resources than we do. We believe that competition in our markets is based
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primarily on the total brand experience including trust, quality craftsmanship, product design and exclusivity, product selection, service excellence, including after sales service, and, to a certain extent, price. With the current consolidation of the retail industry, we believe that competition with other general and specialty retailers and discounters will continue to increase. Our success will depend on various factors, including general economic and business conditions affecting consumer spending, the performance of national and international retail operations, the acceptance by consumers of our merchandising and marketing programs, store locations and our ability to properly staff and manage our stores.
Regulation
Our operations are affected by numerous federal, provincial and state laws that impose disclosure and other requirements upon the origination, servicing and enforcement of credit accounts and limitations on the maximum amount of finance charges that may be charged by a credit provider. In addition to our proprietary and private label credit cards, credit to our clients is primarily available through third-party credit cards such as American Express®, Visa®, MasterCard® and Discover®, without recourse to us in the case of a clients failure to pay. Any change in the regulation of credit that would materially limit the availability of credit to our traditional customer base could adversely affect our results of operations and financial condition.
We generally utilize the services of independent customs agents to comply with U.S. and Canadian customs laws in connection with our purchases of gold, diamond and other jewelry merchandise from foreign sources.
Diamonds extracted from certain regions in Africa, including Zimbabwe, and believed to be used to fund terrorist activities, are considered conflict diamonds. We support the Kimberley Process, an international initiative intended to ensure diamonds are not illegally traded to fund conflict. As part of this initiative, we require our diamond suppliers to acknowledge compliance with the Kimberley Process and invoices received for diamonds purchased by us must include a certification from the vendor that the diamonds and diamond-containing jewelry are conflict free. Through this process and other efforts, we believe that the suppliers from whom we purchase diamonds exclude conflict diamonds from their inventories.
In August 2012, the SEC issued rules that require companies that manufacture products using certain conflict minerals, including gold, to determine whether those minerals originated in the DRC or adjoining countries. If the minerals originate in the DRC, or if companies are not able to establish where they originated, extensive disclosure regarding the sources of those minerals, and in some instances an independent audit of the supply chain, is required. It is not yet known what additional costs we will have to incur in order to comply with the rules, but the costs are not expected to be material. We will be required to file our first disclosure report by May 31, 2014 for the calendar year ended December 31, 2013.
Trademarks and Copyrights
The designations Birks and Mayors, and the Birks and Mayors logos, are our principal trademarks and are essential to our ability to maintain our competitive position in the luxury jewelry segment. We maintain a program to protect our trademarks and will institute legal action where necessary to prevent others from either registering or using marks that are considered to create a likelihood of confusion with our trademarks. We are also the owner of the original jewelry designs created by our in-house designers and have entered into agreements with several outside designers pursuant to which these designers have assigned to us the rights to use copyrights of designs and products created for us.
Organizational Structure
The following chart sets forth our ownership interest in each of our significant subsidiaries as of March 30, 2013:
Name |
Jurisdiction of Incorporation |
Ownership and Voting Interest |
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Mayors Jewelers, Inc. |
Delaware | 100 | % | |||||
Mayors Jewelers of Florida, Inc. |
Florida | 100 | % |
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Properties
In December 2000, we entered into a capital lease agreement for our Montreal head office and store pursuant to which we lease the building, including the Montreal flagship store, for a term of 20 years ending December 11, 2020. The net annual rental rate was Cdn$1,830,125 (approximately $1.8 million U.S. dollars) for the period that ended on December 11, 2012, and increases on a compounded basis by 10% on each third annual anniversary date thereafter (except for the last two years when no increase will take place). The current net annual rental rate is Cdn$2,013,138 (approximately $2.0 million U.S. dollars). The lease is an absolute triple net lease to the landlord, and we are responsible for any and all additional expenses, including, without limitation, taxes and structural expenses. Subject to specific terms and conditions, we have four options to renew and extend the term of the lease for four further terms of five years each, except for the last option which is five years less eleven days, terminating on November 30, 2040. Subject to specific terms and conditions, we also have two options to purchase the premises, which may be exercised no later than six months prior to the end of the fifteenth year of the term of the lease and the end of the twentieth year of the term of the lease, respectively.
Our U.S. operations are managed through a local headquarters located in Tamarac, Florida. On September 13, 2004, we entered into a lease agreement for this location for a term of 15 years terminating on November 30, 2020. The current net annual rental rate is $710,918 for the period ending November 30, 2013. We have two options to renew for five years each.
We lease all of our other store locations. We believe that all of our facilities are well maintained and in good condition and are adequate for our current needs. We are actively reviewing all leases that expire in the next 12 months to determine whether to renew the leases.
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Following is a listing of all our properties as of March 30, 2013:
Size (Square Feet) |
Expiration of Lease |
Location | ||||
Operating Stores |
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Canada: Bayshore Centre |
2,544 | September 2013 | Ottawa, ON | |||
Bloor |
15,620 | September 2014 | Toronto, ON | |||
Brinkhaus |
1,946 | March 2017 | Calgary, AB | |||
Brinkhaus |
750 | May 2014 | Vancouver, BC | |||
Carrefour Laval |
3,391 | August 2017 | Laval, QC | |||
Chinook Shopping Centre |
2,342 | March 2015 | Calgary, AB | |||
Cornwall Centre |
2,349 | April 2015 | Regina, SK | |||
Willowdale Fairview Mall |
2,353 | August 2014 | North York, ON | |||
Fairview Pointe-Claire |
4,210 | March 2016 | Pointe-Claire, QC | |||
First Canadian Place |
2,243 | May 2016 | Toronto, ON | |||
Halifax |
3,316 | January 2014 | Halifax, NS | |||
Edmonton Manulife Centre |
4,196 | November 2014 | Edmonton, AB | |||
Montreal Flagship Store |
19,785 | December 2020 | Montreal, QC | |||
Oakridge Shopping Centre |
2,244 | December 2013 | Vancouver, BC | |||
Oakville Place |
2,801 | March 2014 | Oakville, ON | |||
Park Royal |
3,537 | September 2013 | West Vancouver, BC | |||
Place Ste-Foy |
2,366 | June 2017 | Ste-Foy, QC | |||
Promenades St-Bruno |
2,346 | June 2013 | St-Bruno, QC | |||
Rideau Centre |
7,251 | April 2014 | Ottawa, ON | |||
Rockland Centre |
3,019 | August 2013 | Mount Royal, QC | |||
Saskatoon |
3,486 | October 2013 | Saskatoon, SK | |||
Sherway Gardens |
4,611 | February 2017 | Etobicoke, ON | |||
Southcentre Shopping Centre |
3,029 | August 2014 | Calgary, AB | |||
Southgate Shopping Centre |
2,915 | September 2013 | Edmonton, AB | |||
Square One |
3,360 | December 2013 | Mississauga, ON | |||
St-John |
2,038 | August 2015 | St-John, NB | |||
Toronto Dominion Square |
5,568 | January 2022 | Calgary, AB | |||
Toronto Eaton Centre |
1,042 | January 2018 | Toronto, ON | |||
Vancouver |
20,221 | January 2015 | Vancouver, BC | |||
Victoria |
1,561 | December 2016 | Victoria, BC | |||
Winnipeg |
3,187 | February 2023 | Winnipeg, MB | |||
Yorkdale |
2,530 | April 2015 | Toronto, ON |
17
United States: |
||||||
Aventura Mall |
3,447 | January 2017 | N. Miami Beach, FL | |||
Town Center at Boca Raton |
5,878 | January 2017 | Boca Raton, FL | |||
Westfield Brandon |
4,110 | June 2015 | Brandon, FL | |||
Dadeland Mall |
5,700 | January 2017 | Miami, FL | |||
The Falls |
1,643 | January 2014 | Miami, FL | |||
Florida Mall |
5,070 | March 2020 | Orlando, FL | |||
The Galleria at Fort Lauderdale |
5,954 | July 2016 | Ft. Lauderdale, FL | |||
The Gardens Mall |
5,099 | January 2020 | Palm Beach Gardens, FL | |||
International Plaza |
5,583 | January 2022 | Tampa, FL | |||
Lenox Square Mall |
2,991 | September 2018 | Atlanta, GA | |||
Lincoln Road |
4,250 | May 2014 | Miami Beach, FL | |||
Mall at Millenia |
2,088 | February 2023 | Orlando, FL | |||
Miami International Mall |
3,246 | January 2016 | Miami, FL | |||
North Point Mall |
1,145 | March 2022 | Alpharetta, GA | |||
PGA Commons |
5,197 | April 2014 | Palm Beach Gardens, FL | |||
Rolex Store in Mall at Millenia |
1,171 | January 2020 | Orlando, FL | |||
Phipps Plaza |
2,182 | January 2018 | Atlanta, GA | |||
Westfield Southgate |
4,605 | January 2015 | Sarasota, FL | |||
Village of Merrick Park |
4,894 | January 2023 | Coral Gables, FL | |||
Weston Commons |
4,000 | July 2017 | Weston, FL | |||
St-Johns Town Center |
3,458 | October 2017 | Jacksonville, FL | |||
Other Properties |
||||||
Tamarac Corporate office |
47,851 | November 2020 | Tamarac, FL | |||
Montreal Corporate office |
58,444 | December 2020 | Montreal, QC | |||
Dorval Distribution Center Montreal | 7,667 | March 2014 | Dorval, QC |
Total annual base rent for the above locations for fiscal 2013 was approximately $16 million. In addition to the retail stores above, we have also entered into two lease agreements to open Birks mono-brand stores in Canada. One of the stores will open in July 2013 at the Dix-30 Mall in Brossard, Quebec and will be 1,691 square feet with a lease expiration date of March 30, 2023. The other store will also open in July 2013 at the Mapleview Centre in Burlington, Ontario and will be 1,384 square feet in size with a lease expiration in June 2023.
Item 4A. | Unresolved Staff Comments |
Not applicable.
Item 5. | Operating and Financial Review and Prospects |
The following discussion should be read in conjunction with our consolidated financial statements and the notes thereto included elsewhere in this Annual Report. The following discussion includes certain forward-looking statements. For a discussion of important factors, including the continuing development of our business, actions of regulatory authorities and competitors and other factors which could cause actual results to differ materially from the results referred to in the forward-looking statements, see Item 3., Key Information under the heading Risk Factors and the discussion under the heading Forward-Looking Information at the beginning of this Annual Report.
Throughout this Annual Report we refer to our fiscal years ended March 30, 2013, March 31, 2012 and March 26, 2011, as fiscal 2013, fiscal 2012 and fiscal 2011, respectively. Our fiscal year ends on the last Saturday in March of each year. The financial reporting periods referred to as fiscal 2013 and fiscal 2011 consisted of 52 weeks while the financial reporting period referred to as fiscal 2012 consisted of 53 weeks.
Overview
Birks & Mayors is a leading designer, maker and purveyor of luxury jewelry, timepieces and giftware in the U.S. and Canada. As of March 30, 2013, our retail operations total square footage was approximately 223,868. The average square footage of our three Birks flagship stores in Canada was approximately 18,500, while the average square footage for all other Birks retail stores in Canada was approximately 3,100. The average square footage of our two Brinkhaus locations was 1,300, while the average square footage of our Mayors retail stores was approximately 3,900.
18
We operate our business in two geographic areas, Canada and the Southeastern U.S. We have two reportable segments, Retail and Other. Retail is comprised of all our retail operations in the U.S. and Canada on a combined basis. In Canada, we operate stores under the Birks brand and two stores under the Brinkhaus brand. In the Southeastern U.S., we operate stores under the Mayors brand and one store under the Rolex brand. Other consists primarily of our corporate sales division, which services business customers by providing them unique items for recognition programs, service awards and business gifts. Also included in Other is manufacturing, which manufactures unique products primarily for the retail segment of our business, wholesale, internet and gold exchange, which buys gold and other precious metals from customers and sells the gold to refiners.
Our net sales are comprised of revenues, net of discounts, in each case, excluding sales tax. Sales are recognized at the point of sale when merchandise is taken or shipped. Sales of consignment merchandise are recognized on a full retail basis at such time that the merchandise is sold. Revenues for gift certificates and store credits are recognized upon redemption. Customers use cash, checks, debit cards, third-party credit cards, private label and proprietary credit cards and house accounts (primarily for corporate sales customers) to make purchases. The level of our sales is impacted by the number of transactions we generate and the size of our average retail sale. For fiscal 2013, fiscal 2012, and fiscal 2011, our total average unit retail sale in the U.S. was $4,073, $3,909 and $3,359, respectively, which excludes service and repair transactions. For fiscal 2013, fiscal 2012, and fiscal 2011, our total average unit retail sale in Canada was $1,120, $1,022 and $899, respectively, which excludes service and repair transactions.
Our operating costs and expenses are primarily comprised of cost of sales and selling, general and administrative expenses. Cost of sales includes cost of merchandise, direct inbound freight and duties, direct labor related to repair services, the costs of our design and creative departments, manufacturing costs, inventory shrink, damage and obsolescence, jewelry, watch and giftware boxes, as well as depreciation and amortization of production facilities and production tools, dies and molds and, in addition, product development costs. Selling, general and administrative expenses (SG&A) include, but are not limited to, all non-production payroll and benefits (including non-cash compensation expense), store and head office occupancy costs, overhead, credit card fees, information systems, professional services, consulting fees, repairs and maintenance, travel and entertainment, insurance, legal, human resources and training expenses. Occupancy, overhead and depreciation are generally less variable relative to net sales than other components of SG&A such as credit card fees and certain elements of payroll, such as commissions. Another significant item in SG&A is marketing expenses, which include marketing, public relations and advertising costs (net of amounts received from vendors for cooperative advertising) incurred to increase customer awareness of both our retail brands and the Birks product brand. Marketing has historically represented a significant portion of our SG&A. As a percentage of sales, marketing expenses represented 3.7%, 3.3% and 2.9% of sales for fiscal 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively. Additionally, SG&A includes indirect costs such as freight, including inter-store transfers, receiving costs, distribution costs, and warehousing costs. The amount of these indirect costs in SG&A was approximately $3.8 million, $3.8 million and $3.5 million for fiscal 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively. Depreciation and amortization includes depreciation and amortization of our stores and head office, including buildings, leasehold improvements, furniture and fixtures, computer hardware and software and automobiles and amortization of intangibles.
Over the short-term, we may focus our efforts on those strategies and key drivers of our performance that are necessary in the current business climate, which include our ability to:
| grow sales, gross margin rate and gross profits; |
| manage expenses and assets efficiently in order to optimize profitability and cash flow; and |
| maintain flexible and cost effective sources of borrowings to finance our operations and strategies. |
Over the long-term, we believe that the key drivers of our performance will be our ability to:
| execute our merchandising strategy to increase net sales and maintain and expand gross margin by lowering discounts, developing and marketing higher margin exclusive and unique products, and further developing our internal capability to design, develop, manufacture or source products; |
19
| execute our marketing strategy to enhance customer awareness and appreciation of our two retail brands, Birks and Mayors, as well as the Birks product brand, and to maintain and eventually increase customer traffic, client acquisition and retention and net sales through regional and national advertising campaigns on television, billboards, print, catalog mailings, in-store events, community relations, media and public relations, partnerships with key suppliers, such as Mayors relationship with Rolex, and associations with prestige institutions; |
| continue to develop the Birks product brand through expansion of all sales channels including international channels of distribution; |
| provide a superior client experience through consistent outstanding customer service that will ensure customer satisfaction and promote frequent customer visits, customer loyalty, and strong customer relationships; and |
| increase our retail stores average retail transaction, conversion rate, productivity of our store professionals and inventory and four-wall profitability. |
Foreign Currency
Because we have operations in the U.S. and Canada, our results are affected by foreign exchange rate changes. Revenue and expenses incurred in Canadian dollars are translated into U.S. dollars for reporting purposes. Changes in the value of the Canadian dollar compared to the U.S. dollar between periods may materially impact our results and may materially affect period over period comparisons. Over the past several years, the value of the Canadian dollar has varied significantly compared to the U.S. dollar which, for reporting purposes, in some instances, has resulted in material fluctuations in our net sales, expenses and our profits from our Canadian operations, when expressed in U.S. dollars. As of March 30, 2013, we had not hedged these foreign exchange rate risks.
Comparable Store Sales
We use comparable store sales as a key performance measure for our business. We do not include our non-retail store sales in comparable store calculations. Stores enter the comparable store calculation in their thirteenth full month of operation under our ownership. Stores that have been resized and stores that are relocated are evaluated on a case-by-case basis to determine if they are functionally the same store or a new store and then are included or excluded from comparable store sales, accordingly. Comparable store sales is calculated in local currency terms and measures the percentage change in net sales for comparable stores in a period compared to the corresponding period in the previous year. If a comparable store is not open for the entirety of both periods, comparable store sales measures the change in net sales for the portion of time that such store was open in both periods.
The percentage increase in comparable store sales for the periods presented below is as follows:
Fiscal Year Ended | ||||||||||||
March 30, 2013 | March 31, 2012 | March 26, 2011 | ||||||||||
Canada |
7 | % | 4 | % | 2 | % | ||||||
U.S. |
2 | % | 6 | % | 1 | % | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||
Total |
4 | % | 5 | % | 2 | % | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
The increase in comparable store sales during fiscal 2013, fiscal 2012 and fiscal 2011 was primarily related to an increase in our average sale transaction in both the U.S. and Canada. The U.S. comparable store sales growth in fiscal 2013 were impacted by Mayors no longer carrying Cartier in certain stores, which had a 5% negative impact on comparable store sales growth in the U.S. and a 3% negative impact on our total comparable store sales growth.
Results of Operations
The following is a discussion of factors affecting our results of operations for fiscal 2013 and fiscal 2012. This discussion should be read in conjunction with our consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included elsewhere in this Annual Report.
20
Fiscal 2013 Compared to Fiscal 2012
The following table sets forth, for fiscal 2013 and fiscal 2012, the amounts in our consolidated statements of operations:
Fiscal Year Ended | ||||||||
March 30, 2013 | March 31, 2012 | |||||||
(In thousands) | ||||||||
Net sales |
$ | 292,759 | $ | 302,317 | ||||
Cost of sales |
166,585 | 169,087 | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
Gross profit |
126,174 | 133,230 | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
Selling, general and administrative expenses |
110,806 | 118,075 | ||||||
Depreciation and amortization |
4,563 | 4,713 | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
Total operating expenses |
115,369 | 122,788 | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
Operating income |
10,805 | 10,442 | ||||||
Interest and other financing costs |
9,272 | 10,200 | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
Income before income taxes |
1,533 | 242 | ||||||
Income tax expense |
20 | 23 | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
Net income |
$ | 1,513 | $ | 219 | ||||
|
|
|
|
Net Sales
Fiscal Year Ended | ||||||||
March 30, 2013 | March 31, 2012 | |||||||
(In thousands) | ||||||||
Net sales Retail |
$ | 274,725 | $ | 279,345 | ||||
Net sales Other |
18,034 | 22,972 | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
Total Net Sales |
$ | 292,759 | $ | 302,317 | ||||
|
|
|
|
Net Sales. Net sales for fiscal 2013 were $292.8 million, a decrease of $9.6 million, or 3.2% as compared to fiscal 2012. The decrease in net retail sales was primarily driven by $7.3 million of lower sales associated with the closure of eleven retail store locations in fiscal 2013 and 2012 and $4.4 million of lower sales related to the extra week in fiscal 2012 partially offset by comparable store sales growth of 4%. The decrease in Net Sales Other was primarily the result of a $2.6 million decrease in revenues related to our refining operations, $1.3 million of lower Corporate Sales and $0.5 million of lower internet sales.
Gross Profit
Fiscal Year Ended | ||||||||
March 30, 2013 | March 31, 2012 | |||||||
(In thousands) | ||||||||
Gross Profit Retail |
$ | 120,554 | $ | 125,749 | ||||
Gross Profit Other |
5,620 | 7,481 | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
Total Gross Profit |
$ | 126,174 | $ | 133,230 | ||||
|
|
|
|
Gross Profit. Gross profit was $126.2 million or 43.1% of net sales for fiscal 2013 compared to $133.2 million or 44.1% of net sales for fiscal 2012. The decrease in gross profit was primarily related to the decrease in sales as well as the 100 basis point decrease in gross margin rate. Included in the $7.1 million decrease in gross profit was $1.9 million of lower gross profit related to the extra week in fiscal 2012. The 100 basis point decrease in gross margin was primarily attributable to product sales mix with sales of higher priced products which have a lower margin rate representing a larger percentage of the overall sales as well as a strategic decision to more aggressively reduce inventory of discontinued products and brands. The decrease in Gross Profit Other was primarily a result of lower revenues from our refining operations and Corporate Sales businesses.
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses. Selling, general and administrative expenses were $110.8 million, or 37.8% of net sales, for fiscal 2013 compared to $118.1 million, or 39.1% of net sales, for fiscal 2012. The $7.3 million decrease in SG&A during fiscal 2013, as compared to fiscal 2012, was primarily driven by $2.4 million of lower expenses related to the closure of eleven retail store locations in fiscal 2013 and 2012, $1.9 million of lower incentive compensation, $2.1 million of lower post-employment benefit expense related to the departure of our former Chief Executive Officer incurred in fiscal 2012, $0.5 million of lower expenses related to foreign currency translation, and approximately $1.0 million of lower expenses related to the extra week in fiscal 2012, partially offset by $0.9 million of higher marketing expenses.
21
Depreciation and Amortization. Depreciation and amortization expense during fiscal 2013 was $4.6 million compared to $4.7 million during fiscal 2012 primarily due to the lower number of stores in fiscal 2013 compared to fiscal 2012.
Interest and Other Financing Costs. Interest and other financing costs were $9.3 million for fiscal 2013 compared to $10.2 million for fiscal 2012. The $0.9 million decrease was primarily associated with lower rates on our senior secured term loan and the $3.5 million partial pay down of the cash advances from our controlling shareholder, Montrovest.
Income Tax Expense. Income tax expense was $20,000 for fiscal 2013, as compared to an income tax expense of $23,000 for fiscal 2012. The relatively low amount of tax expense in fiscal 2013 and 2012 is due to the utilization of unrecognized losses carryforward. In addition, we are recording a 100% valuation allowances on the full value of the deferred tax assets generated by our U.S and Canadian operations as the criteria for the recognition of these assets was not met at March 30, 2013.
Fiscal 2012 Compared to Fiscal 2011
The following table sets forth, for fiscal 2012 and for fiscal 2011, the amounts in our consolidated statements of operations:
Fiscal Year Ended | ||||||||
March 31, 2012 | March 26, 2011 | |||||||
(In thousands) | ||||||||
Net sales |
$ | 302,317 | $ | 270,948 | ||||
Cost of sales |
169,087 | 154,640 | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
Gross profit |
133,230 | 116,308 | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
Selling, general and administrative expenses |
118,075 | 107,444 | ||||||
Depreciation and amortization |
4,713 | 5,267 | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
Total operating expenses |
122,788 | 112,711 | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
Operating income |
10,442 | 3,597 | ||||||
Interest and other financing costs |
10,200 | 11,319 | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
Income (loss) before income taxes |
242 | (7,722 | ) | |||||
Income tax expense |
23 | 24 | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
Net income (loss) |
$ | 219 | $ | (7,746 | ) | |||
|
|
|
|
Net Sales
Fiscal Year Ended | ||||||||
March 31, 2012 | March 26, 2011 | |||||||
(In thousands) | ||||||||
Net sales Retail |
$ | 279,345 | $ | 257,150 | ||||
Net sales Other |
22,972 | 13,798 | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
Total Net Sales |
$ | 302,317 | $ | 270,948 | ||||
|
|
|
|
Net Sales. Net sales for fiscal 2012 were $302.3 million, an increase of $31.4 million, or 11.6% as compared to fiscal 2011. The increase in net retail sales was primarily driven by comparable store sales growth of 5%, $7.6 million of higher sales due to a new store opening, $4.4 million of higher sales related to the extra week in fiscal 2012 and $3.1 million of higher sales related to translating the sales of our Canadian operations into U.S. dollars with a relatively stronger Canadian dollar offset by $4.6 million of lower sales associated with the closure of six retail store locations. The increase in Net Sales Other was primarily the result of an $8.1 million increase in revenues related to our refining operations and $0.6 million increase in Corporate Sales.
22
Gross Profit
Fiscal Year Ended | ||||||||
March 31, 2012 | March 26, 2011 | |||||||
(In thousands) | ||||||||
Gross Profit Retail |
$ | 125,749 | $ | 113,131 | ||||
Gross Profit Other |
7,481 | 3,177 | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
Total Gross Profit |
$ | 133,230 | $ | 116,308 | ||||
|
|
|
|
Gross Profit. Gross profit was $133.2 million or 44.1% of net sales for fiscal 2012 compared to $116.3 million or 42.9% of net sales for fiscal 2011. The increase in gross profit was primarily related to the increase in sales as well as the 114 basis point increase in gross margin rate. Included in the $16.9 million increase in gross profit was $1.5 million of higher gross profit resulting from the impact of translating the gross profit of our Canadian operations into U.S. dollars with a relatively stronger Canadian dollar and $1.9 million of higher gross profit related to the extra week in fiscal 2012. The 114 basis point increase in gross margin was primarily attributable to retail price increases and a reduction in promotional pricing activities. The increase in Gross Profit Other was primarily a result of higher profits from our refining operations.
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses. Selling, general and administrative expenses were $118.1 million, or 39.1% of net sales, for fiscal 2012 compared to $107.4 million, or 39.7% of net sales, for fiscal 2011. The $10.6 million increase in SG&A during fiscal 2012, as compared to fiscal 2011, was primarily driven by $4.5 million of higher compensation expenses related to higher sales, margin and operating performance, $2.1 million of post-employment benefits related to the departure of our former Chief Executive Officer, approximately $1.9 million of higher compensation expense related to the termination of the salary reduction program initiated in March 2009, $1.8 million increased marketing expenses, $1.4 million of higher expenses related to foreign currency translation, and approximately $1.0 million of higher expenses related to the extra week in fiscal 2012.
Depreciation and Amortization. Depreciation and amortization expense during fiscal 2012 was $4.7 million compared to $5.3 million during fiscal 2011. The $0.6 million decrease was primarily due to the closure of six stores and lower levels of capital expenditures.
Interest and Other Financing Costs. Interest and other financing costs were $10.2 million for fiscal 2012 compared to $11.3 million for fiscal 2011. The $1.1 million decrease was primarily associated with lower rates related to our senior secured term loans and the $5.0 million cash advance from our controlling shareholder, Montrovest.
Income Tax Expense. Income tax expense was $23,000 for fiscal 2012, as compared to an income tax expense of $24,000 for fiscal 2011. The relatively low amount of tax expense in fiscal 2012 and 2011 is due to utilization of unrecognized losses carryforward.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
Our ability to meet our cash flow requirements in order to fund our operations and investments is dependent upon our ability to maintain positive excess availability under our senior secured revolving credit facility. In June 2011, we executed an amendment and extension of our $132 million senior secured revolving credit facility and $12.5 million senior secured term loan, which was set to expire in December 2011. Our $132 million senior secured revolving credit facility was amended and extended for a total of $115 million and bears interest at a floating rate of LIBOR plus 2.25% to LIBOR plus 3.0% (based on excess availability thresholds and interest coverage thresholds). The $12.5 million senior secured term loan was amended and extended for a total of $18 million and is subordinated in lien priority to our senior secured revolving credit facility and bear interest at a rate of the greater of 11% per annum or one-month LIBOR based rate plus 8%. In August 2012, we renegotiated the interest rate charged on our $18 million senior secured term loan reducing the interest rate to the greater of 9.5% per annum or one-month LIBOR plus 6.5%. At March 30, 2013, the interest rate on the senior secured term loan was 9.5% per annum. These two credit facilities have a four-year term expiring in June 2015 and are used to finance working capital, finance capital expenditures, provide liquidity to fund our day-to-day operations and for other general corporate purposes. The terms of the amended senior secured credit facilities provide that no financial covenants are required to be met other than maintaining positive excess availability at all times. We have complied with the requirement to maintain positive excess availability at all times and as such no financial covenants are required to be met. Our excess borrowing capacity was $16.4 million as of March 30, 2013 and $23.7 million at March 31, 2012.
23
Under the terms of the amended and restated facilities, both our senior secured credit facility administrative agent and our senior secured term loan administrative agent may impose, at any time, discretionary reserves, which would lower the level of borrowing availability under our senior secured revolving credit facility (customary for asset based loans), at their reasonable discretion, to: i) ensure that we maintain adequate liquidity for the operation of our business, ii) cover any deterioration in the amount or value of the collateral and iii) reflect impediments to the lenders to realize upon the collateral. There is no limit to the amount of discretionary reserves that our senior secured revolving credit facility administrative agent may impose at its reasonable discretion, however, our senior secured term loan administrative agents ability to impose discretionary reserves at its reasonable discretion is limited to 5% of the term loan borrowing capacity. Furthermore, a $12.5 million, and a $5.0 million seasonal availability block are imposed by the senior secured revolving credit facility administrative agent and the senior secured term loan administrative agent each year from December 20th to January 20th and from January 21st to February 10th, respectively, and both our senior secured revolving credit facility and our senior secured term loan are subject to cross default provisions with all other loans by which if we are in default with any other loans, the default will immediately apply to both the senior secured revolving credit facility and the senior secured term loan.
The senior secured revolving credit facility and secured term loan contain limitations on our ability to pay dividends, more specifically, among other limitations, we can pay dividends only at certain excess borrowing capacity thresholds and the aggregate dividend payment for the twelve-month period ended as of any fiscal quarter cannot exceed 33% of the consolidated net income for such twelve-month period. Additionally, we are required to maintain a fixed charge coverage ratio of at least 1.30 to 1.00 and a minimum excess availability of $30 million in order to qualify for payment of dividends.
Borrowings under our senior secured revolving credit facility for the periods indicated in the table below were as follows:
Fiscal Year Ended | ||||||||
March 30, 2013 | March 31, 2012 | |||||||
(In thousands) | ||||||||
Senior secured revolving credit facility availability |
$ | 83,719 | $ | 85,299 | ||||
Amount borrowed at year end |
67,307 | 61,557 | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
Excess borrowing capacity at year end |
$ | 16,412 | $ | 23,742 | ||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
Average outstanding balance during the year |
$ | 78,371 | $ | 71,045 | ||||
Average excess borrowing capacity during the year |
$ | 14,698 | $ | 17,539 | ||||
Maximum borrowing outstanding during the year |
$ | 100,548 | $ | 88,143 | ||||
Minimum excess borrowing capacity during the year |
$ | 8,002 | $ | 8,994 | ||||
Weighted average interest rate for year |
3.6 | % | 3.6 | % |
In addition to the previously mentioned financing arrangements, we had other outstanding loans as of March 30, 2013, which primarily consisted of a Cdn$10.0 million ($9.8 million in U.S. dollars) secured term loan from Investissement Québec of which Cdn$7.7 million ($6.6 million in U.S. dollars) remained outstanding as of March 30, 2013, bearing interest at a rate of prime plus 5.5% per annum, which equated to 8.5% at March 30, 2013 and is repayable in 36 equal monthly payments of Cdn$208,333 ($205,133 in U.S. dollars) beginning in April 2013; a Cdn$2.9 million ($2.9 million in U.S. dollars) secured term loan with Investissement Québec of which Cdn$0.7 million ($0.7 million in U.S. dollars) remained outstanding as of March 30, 2013, bearing interest at a rate of prime plus 3.5% per annum (which equated to 6.5% at March 30, 2013) and repayable in 12 monthly installments of Cdn$55,000 ($54,155 in U.S. dollars) beginning in April 2013, and a $1.5 million cash advance from our controlling shareholder, Montrovest. This advance is repayable upon demand by Montrovest once conditions stipulated in our senior credit facilities permit such a payment. Commensurate with the amendment of our senior credit facilities, in June 2011, we amended the terms of the $5.0 million cash advance, reducing the annual interest rate from 16%, net of any withholding taxes, representing an effective interest of 17.8% to 11%, net of any withholding taxes, representing an effective interest rate of approximately 12.2%. In addition, the amended terms (i) eliminated the 7% fee required to be paid to Montrovest upon conversion of the advance into a convertible debenture or Class A voting shares, (ii) eliminated the convertibility of the cash advance into a convertible debenture or Class A voting share in the event of a private placement and (iii) required a one-time payment of a closing fee of $75,000. In August 2012, a partial repayment of $3.5 million was made on these cash advances as a result of the proceeds from the stock rights offering.
24
The following table summarizes cash flows from operating, investing and financing activities:
(in thousands) | Fiscal 2013 |
Fiscal 2012 |
Fiscal 2011 |
|||||||||
Net cash provided by (used in): |
||||||||||||
Operating activities |
$ | 6,176 | $ | 4,583 | $ | 10,314 | ||||||
Investing activities |
(6,278 | ) | (4,572 | ) | (1,619 | ) | ||||||
Financing activities |
838 | (194 | ) | (8,859 | ) | |||||||
Effect of changes in exchange rate on cash and cash equivalents |
(37 | ) | (32 | ) | 103 | |||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
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Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents |
$ | 699 | $ | (215 | ) | $ | (61 | ) | ||||
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Net cash provided by operating activities was $6.2 million during fiscal 2013 as compared to $4.6 million during fiscal 2012. The increase in cash flows generated from operations during fiscal 2013 was primarily the result of an increase in income from operations and a decrease in the level of inventories during fiscal 2013 compared to an increase in the level of inventory during fiscal 2012 partially offset by a decrease in the level of accrued liabilities in fiscal 2013 compared to an increase in the level of accrued liabilities during fiscal 2012. The decrease in inventory was primarily due to the closure of six stores in 2013. The decrease in the level of accrued liabilities was primarily associated with $2.1 million of post-employment benefits related to the departure of our former Chief Executive Officer that was paid in fiscal 2013 and higher accrued incentive compensation associated with our improved operating performance in fiscal 2012.
Net cash provided by operating activities was $4.6 million during fiscal 2012 as compared to $10.3 million during fiscal 2011. The decrease in cash flows generated from operations during fiscal 2012 was primarily the result of an increase in the level of inventories during fiscal 2012 compared to a decrease in the level of inventory during fiscal 2011 and a decrease in the level of accounts payable in fiscal 2012 compared to an increase in the level of accounts payable during fiscal 2011, partially offset by income from operations during the year compared to a loss from operations in the prior year and a larger increase in accrued liabilities. The increase in inventory reflected a 6% increase in comparable store inventory levels. The decrease in the level of accounts payable was primarily associated with a lower level of payables to Damiani International B.V. (Damiani) in accordance with our five-year distribution agreement entered into in 2009, and lower payables associated with our taking advantage of more early pay discounts at the end of fiscal 2012. In connection with the Damiani distribution agreement we purchased $10.6 million of jewelry products with payments to be made on an annual basis equal to the greater of the cost value of the products sold during the previous year or a minimum annual payment, totaling $5.6 million during the term of the agreement and the right to return up to $5.0 million of any unsold Damiani products to Damiani at the end of the term of the agreement. The larger increase in accrued expenses in fiscal 2012 compared to fiscal 2011 is primarily related to $2.1 million of post-employment benefits related to the departure of our former Chief Executive Officer and higher accrued incentive compensation associated with our improved operating performance.
During fiscal 2013, net cash used in investing activities was $6.3 million compared to $4.6 million used during fiscal 2012. The $1.7 million increase in net cash used in investing activities primarily reflects more cash outlays for store remodelings. During fiscal 2012, net cash used in investing activities was $4.6 million compared to $1.6 million used during fiscal 2011. The $2.9 million increase in net cash used in investing activities primarily reflects more cash outlays for store remodelings.
Net cash provided by financing activities was $838,000 in fiscal 2013, as compared to $194,000 cash used during fiscal 2012. The $1.0 million variance in cash flows related to financing activities was primarily due to an increase use of our senior secured revolving credit facility and proceeds from our stock rights offering net of higher repayments of long-term debt. Included in financing activities during the fiscal 2013, was $3.6 million of net proceeds associated with a stock rights offering in August 2012 of which $3.5 million of the proceeds was used to pay down interest-bearing debt under our Amended and Restated Cash Advance Agreements with our controlling shareholder, Montrovest. Montrovest exercised its rights under our stock rights offering and purchased 3,100,088 Class A voting shares for a total subscription price of $3.5 million. The $8.7 million reduction in cash flows used in financing activities between fiscal 2012 and 2011 was primarily due to an increased use of our senior secured revolving credit facility and higher borrowings under our senior secured term loans to fund the lower cash flows from operating activities and higher cash outlays for investing activities compared to the prior year.
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The following table details capital expenditures in fiscal 2013, 2012 and 2011:
Fiscal Year Ended | ||||||||||||
March 30, 2013 | March 31, 2012 | March 26, 2011 | ||||||||||
(In thousands) | ||||||||||||
New stores and renovations |
$ | 4,787 | $ | 3,434 | $ | 1,373 | ||||||
Electronic equipment, computer hardware and software |
1,220 | 1,073 | 1,284 | |||||||||
Furniture and fixtures |
547 | 134 | 134 | |||||||||
Manufacturing equipment |
12 | 63 | 55 | |||||||||
Other |
22 | 105 | 168 | |||||||||
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Total capital expenditures (1) |
$ | 6,588 | $ | 4,809 | $ | 3,014 | ||||||
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(1) | Includes capital expenditures financed by capital leases of $160,000 in fiscal 2013, $81,000 in fiscal 2012, and $322,000 in fiscal 2011 as well as capital expenditures included in accounts payable as of the end of the fiscal year. |
Capital expenditures for fiscal 2014 are projected to be approximately $14.2 million and are expected to be used primarily for store remodeling and new stores as well as some I.T. projects. The increase of approximately $7.6 million in expected capital expenditures as compared to fiscal 2013 is due to higher planned expenditures associated with the opening of 3 new Birks mono-brand stores, including our first store in China, store renovations and information systems upgrades. The expected source of funds for the projected fiscal 2014 capital expenditures is operating cash flows, our senior secured revolving line of credit and by raising $5 million in capital in the form of equity and debt for capital expenditures related to the new store in China.
Maintenance of sufficient availability of funding through an adequate amount of committed financing is necessary for us to fund our day-to-day operations. Our ability to make scheduled payments of principal, or to pay the interest or additional interest, if any, or to fund planned capital expenditures and store operations will depend on our ability to maintain adequate levels of available borrowing and our future performance, which to a certain extent, is subject to general economic, financial, competitive, legislative and regulatory factors, as well as other events that are beyond our control. We believe that we currently have sufficient working capital to fund our operations. Our investment of opening a store in China will only be pursued if we are successful at raising the additional funds necessary to do this without using our existing line of credit. This belief is based on certain assumptions about the state of the economy, the availability of borrowings to fund our operations and estimates of projected operating performance. To the extent that the economy and other conditions affecting our business are significantly worse than we anticipate, we may not achieve our projected level of financial performance and we may determine that we do not have sufficient capital to fund our operations.
Research and development, patents and licenses, etc.
None.
Trend Information
During fiscal 2013, we benefitted from improved domestic and international tourism in the U.S. and a stable economy in Canada. In the U.S., the continued high unemployment in Florida negatively impacted spending by U.S. customers in the more moderate price points, although mitigated by increased spending by tourists, especially in the Florida region. In Canada, student protests disrupted tourism and customer shopping patterns in the downtown Montreal area in the summer and political and economic uncertainty in Quebec and across Canada seemed to hover over the region throughout the holiday season. Increased competition for space in Canada continued to put pressure on occupancy costs and space retention for key locations. Third party brands continue to follow through on opening their own stores and closing distribution in select retail centers and lowering the margins that are earned by retailers impacting our gross margin levels.
We are continuing to pursue our strategy to develop the Birks product brand through the opening of two new Birks mono-brand stores in Canada and expansion of all sales channels including international channels of distribution. We are currently in the process of opening a Birks mono-brand store in Quebec and in Ontario and a Birks mono-brand store in China. We are currently negotiating an agreement with our majority shareholder, Montrovest, to fund our expansion into China with an investment of $5.0 million in equity and debt.
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To further pursue our sustainability objectives and further differentiate our Birks product brand, we are moving towards focusing on the exclusive use of Canadian diamonds for our Birks product brand offering. The Birks Canadian diamond products will be delivered with a certificate of authenticity and a guarantee of origin of the Canadian diamond.
Off-balance sheet arrangements
From time to time, we guarantee a portion of our private label credit card sales to our credit card vendor. As of March 30, 2013 and March 31, 2012, the amount guaranteed under such arrangements was approximately $6.0 million and $4.4 million, respectively. The bad debt experienced under these guarantees has not been material. See Note 12(b) to the consolidated financial statements included in this Annual Report on Form 20-F for additional discussion. We had no other off-balance sheet arrangements as of March 30, 2013.
Commitments and Contractual Obligations
The following table discloses aggregate information about our contractual cash obligations as of March 30, 2013 and the periods in which payments are due:
Payments due by Period | ||||||||||||||||||||
Total | Less Than 1 Year |
1-3 Years | 3-5 Years | More than 5 Years |
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Contractual Obligations |
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Debt maturities(4) |
$ | 95,047 | $ | 3,111 | $ | 90,231 | $ | 205 | $ | 1,500 | ||||||||||
Capital lease obligations |
14,155 | 683 | 1,483 | 2,037 | 9,952 | |||||||||||||||
Fixed rate interest expenses(2) |
10,145 | 1,662 | 3,104 | 2,737 | 2,642 | |||||||||||||||
Operating lease obligations(1) |
70,996 | 15,893 | 23,961 | 15,608 | 15,534 | |||||||||||||||
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Total(3) |
$ | 190,343 | $ | 21,349 | $ | 118,779 | $ | 20,587 | $ | 29,628 | ||||||||||
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(1) | The operating lease obligations do not include insurance, taxes and common area maintenance (CAM) charges to which we are obligated. CAM charges were $4,294 in fiscal 2013, $4,316 in fiscal 2012, and $4,338 in fiscal 2011. |
(2) | The fixed rate interest expenses are associated with the capital lease and debt obligations disclosed above and do not include floating rate interest payable on $75.5 million of floating rate debt and an additional $18.0 million of debt that becomes floating rate debt if interest rates rise above a certain level. |
(3) | In addition to the above and as of March 30, 2013, we had $1.7 million of outstanding letters of credit. |
(4) | Includes bank indebtedness in the 1-3 year category to reflect the current expiration date of the line of credit. |
Leases
We lease all of our retail locations under operating leases with the exception of our Montreal store, which is under a capital lease. Additionally, we have operating leases for certain equipment.
Operating leases for store locations are expensed over the term of the initial lease period. While lease renewal periods are available on most leases, renewal periods are not included in the accounting lease term because we believe there are no punitive terms or circumstances associated with non-renewal that would reasonably assure renewal. The accounting lease term typically includes a fixturing period and the rental payments are expensed on a straight-line basis over the lease term. All reasonably assured rent escalations, rent holidays, and rent concessions are included when considering the straight-line rent to be expensed. Lease incentives are recorded as deferred rent and amortized as reductions to lease expense over the lease term. Contingent rent payments vary by lease, are based on a percentage of revenue above a predetermined sales level and are expensed when it becomes probable the sales levels will be achieved. This level is different for each location and includes and excludes various types of sales.
Leasehold improvements are capitalized and typically include fixturing and store renovations. Amortization of leasehold improvements begins on the date the asset was placed in service and extends to the lesser of the economic life of the leasehold improvement and the initial lease term. Our lease of our Montreal headquarters land and
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building is accounted for as a capital lease. The lease is for a 20-year period from the date of inception, December 12, 2000. The lease allows for several additional term extensions of the lease; however, management has only committed for the initial 20-year period. The implicit interest rate of the long-term debt associated with the capital lease is 10.74%. The outstanding principal balance at March 30, 2013 on this capital lease was $13.8 million.
Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires us to make estimates and assumptions about future events and their impact on amounts reported in the financial statements and related notes. Since future events and their impact cannot be determined with certainty, the actual results may differ from those estimates. These estimates and assumptions are evaluated on an on-going basis and are based on historical experience and on various factors that are believed to be reasonable. We have identified certain critical accounting policies as noted below.
Revenue recognition
Sales are recognized at the point of sale when merchandise is picked up by the customer or shipped. Shipping and handling fees billed to customers are included in net sales. Revenues for gift certificate sales and store credits are recognized upon redemption. Prior to recognition as a sale, gift certificates are recorded as accrued liabilities on the balance sheet. Based on historical redemption rates, a portion of certificates outstanding and not subject to unclaimed property laws are recorded as income. Certificates outstanding and subject to unclaimed property laws are maintained as accrued liabilities until remitted in accordance with local ordinance. Sales of consignment merchandise are recognized at such time as the merchandise is sold and are recorded on a gross basis because we are the primary obligor of the transaction, have general latitude on setting the price, have discretion as to the suppliers, are involved in the selection of the product and have inventory loss risk. Sales are reported net of returns and sales taxes. We generally give our customers the right to return merchandise purchased by them within 10 to 90 days, depending on the products sold and record a provision at the time of sale for the effect of the estimated returns. Repair sales are recorded at the time the service is rendered.
Allowance for inventory shrink and slow moving inventory
The allowance for inventory shrink is estimated for the period from the last physical inventory date to the end of the reporting period on a store by store basis and at our factories and distribution centers. The shrink rate from the most recent physical inventory, in combination with historical experience, is the basis for providing a shrink allowance.
We write down inventory for estimated slow moving inventory equal to the difference between the cost of inventory and the estimated market value based on assumptions about future demand and market conditions. If actual market conditions are less favorable than those projected by management, additional inventory write-downs may be required.
Allowance for doubtful accounts
We maintain allowances for doubtful accounts for estimated losses resulting from the inability of our customers to make required payments. If the financial condition of our customers were to deteriorate, resulting in an impairment of their ability to make payments, additional allowances may be required.
Impairment of long-lived assets
We periodically review the estimated useful lives of our depreciable assets and changes in useful lives are made on a prospective basis unless factors indicate the carrying amounts of the assets may not be recoverable and an impairment write-down is necessary. However, we review our long-lived assets for impairment once events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of the asset may not be recoverable. An impairment loss would be recognized when the estimated undiscounted future cash flows expected to result from the use of an asset and its eventual disposition is less than its carrying value. Measurement of an impairment loss for such long-lived assets is based on the difference between the carrying value and the fair value of the asset, with fair value being determined based upon discounted cash flows or appraised values, depending on the nature of the asset. Long-lived assets to be disposed of are reported at the lower of the carrying amount or fair value less cost to sell. During fiscal 2013, 2012 and 2011, we did not recognize any long-lived asset impairment charges in our consolidated financial statements.
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Income tax assets
Management judgment is required in determining the valuation allowance recorded against deferred tax assets and we record valuation allowances when we determine that it is more-likely-than-not that such deferred tax assets will not be realized in the future. We determined that the criteria for recognition of these assets was not met at the reporting date given our history of losses. We have recorded a $56.6 million valuation allowance against the full value of net deferred tax assets as of March 30, 2013 (see Note 9(a) to the consolidated financial statements). This valuation allowance could be reduced in the future based on sufficient evidence indicating that it is more likely than not that a portion of our deferred tax assets will be realized. Additionally, foreign and domestic tax authorities periodically audit our income tax returns. These audits often examine and test the factual and legal basis for positions we have taken in our tax filings with respect to our tax liabilities, including the timing and amount of deductions and the allocation of income among various tax jurisdictions (tax filing positions). We believe that our tax filing positions are reasonable and legally supportable. However, in specific cases, various tax authorities may take a contrary position. In evaluating the exposures associated with our various tax filing positions, we record reserves using a more-likely-than-not recognition threshold for income tax positions taken or expected to be taken. Earnings could be affected to the extent we prevail in matters for which reserves have been established or we are required to pay amounts in excess of established reserves.
Inflation
The impact of inflation on our operations has not been significant to date.
Safe Harbor
See section entitled Forward-Looking Information at the beginning of this Annual Report on Form 20-F.
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Item 6. | Directors, Senior Management and Employees |
EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND DIRECTORS
The following table sets forth information about our executive officers and directors, and their respective ages and positions as of May 31, 2013:
Name |
Age |
Position | ||
Dr. Lorenzo Rossi di Montelera |
72 | Chairman of the Board & Director | ||
Thomas A. Andruskevich |
62 | Vice Chairman of the Board & Director | ||
Jean-Christophe Bédos |
48 | President, Chief Executive Officer & Director | ||
Emily Berlin |
66 | Director | ||
Shirley A. Dawe |
67 | Director | ||
Elizabeth Eveillard |
66 | Director | ||
Louis L. Roquet |
70 | Director | ||
Niccolò Rossi di Montelera |
40 | Director | ||
Guthrie J. Stewart |
57 | Director | ||
Deborah Nicodemus |
59 | Executive Vice President & Chief Merchandising & Marketing Officer | ||
Michael Rabinovitch |
43 | Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer | ||
Hélène Messier |
53 | Vice President & Chief Talent Officer | ||
Marco Pasteris |
52 | Vice President, Business Development | ||
Albert J. Rahm, II |
59 | Vice President, Retail Store Operations | ||
Miranda Melfi |
49 | Vice President, Legal Affairs & Corporate Secretary | ||
Milton Thacker, III |
52 | Vice President & Chief Information Officer/ Process Innovation |
Directors
Dr. Lorenzo Rossi di Montelera, age 72, has served as Chairman of our Board of Directors since 1993, and prior to the merger, Dr. Rossi di Montelera served on the board of directors of Mayors. Dr. Rossi di Monteleras term as a director of Birks & Mayors expires in 2013. He is also on the Board of Directors of Azimut S.p.A. and the Advisory Board of the Global Leadership Institute of New York. Dr. Rossi di Montelera is also a director of Gestofi S.A. and a beneficiary of the Goldfish Trust that beneficially owns or controls all of the shares of the Company held by Montrovest. Dr. Rossi di Montelera is the father-in-law of Mr. Carlo Coda-Nunziante who is our Vice President, Strategy. Dr. Rossi di Montelera is also the father of Mr. Niccolò Rossi di Montelera, a fellow director and who, as an employee of Gestofi S.A., provides consulting services to the Company.
Thomas A. Andruskevich, age 62, has been our Vice Chairman of the Board since November 2011. He was our President and Chief Executive Officer from June 1996 until March 31, 2012 and joined the Board of Directors of Birks in 1999. Mr. Andruskevichs term as director of Birks & Mayors expires in 2013. From August 2002 until March 31, 2012, he was the President and Chief Executive Officer of Mayors. From August 2002, he has been Chairman of the Board of Directors of Mayors. From 1994 to 1996, he was President and Chief Executive Officer of the clothing retailer Mondi of America. From 1989 to 1994, he was Executive Vice President of International Trade & Fragrance of Tiffany & Co., and from 1982 to 1989, Mr. Andruskevich served as Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Tiffany & Co. He is also a member of the Advisory Board and of the Marketing Committee of Brazilian Emeralds, Inc. and a director of Cole Credit Priority Trust III, Inc.
Jean-Christophe Bédos, age 48, was our Chief Operating Officer since January 2012 and became our President and Chief Executive Officer on April 1, 2012. He became a director of Birks & Mayors on April 19, 2012, and his term as a director expires in 2013. He has over 25 years of experience in merchandising, marketing, branding and product development in the global retail luxury sector. Mr. Bédos was President and Chief Executive Officer of French jeweler Boucheron from May 2004 to September 2011. Prior to that, he was the Managing Director of Cartier France from 2002 to 2004, and International Executive Manager alongside the President and Chief Executive Officer of Richemont International from 2000 to 2002. Mr. Bédos started his career in the jewelry industry at Cartier in 1988.
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Emily Berlin, age 66, has been a member of our Board of Directors since November 2005. Ms. Berlins term as a director of Birks & Mayors expires in 2013. She was a member of the board of directors of Mayors from October 2002 until November 14, 2005. She was a Senior Managing Director of Helm Holdings International from 2001 until December 2012, which is a member of a diversified privately owned group of companies operating principally in Central and South America where she focused principally on the banking and energy sectors. Since January 2013, Ms. Berlin has been serving as a strategic consultant to SoEnergy International Inc., an affiliate of Helm Holdings International, operating in the energy sector and to Deer Isle Capital LLC, an advisory firm that focuses on growth and catalyst capital. She also serves on the board of the International Womens Forum Florida. From 1974 to 2000, she was a member of the law firm Shearman & Sterling, becoming a partner in 1981.
Shirley A. Dawe, age 67, has been a member of our Board of Directors since 1999. Ms. Dawes term as a director of Birks & Mayors expires in 2013. She is also a Corporate Director and has been President of Shirley Dawe Associates Inc., a Toronto-based management consulting company specializing in the retail sector since 1986. From 1969 to 1985, she held progressively senior executive positions with Hudsons Bay Company. Her expertise in the retail sector led to her appointment on industry-specific public task forces and to academic and not-for-profit boards of directors. Her wide management and consumer marketing experience brought Ms. Dawe to the board of directors of numerous public and private companies in Canada and the U.S.
Elizabeth M. Eveillard, age 66, has been a member of our Board of Directors since November 2005. Ms. Eveillards term as a director of Birks & Mayors expires in 2013. She was a member of the board of directors of Mayors from August 2002 until November 14, 2005 and is an independent consultant with over 30 years of experience in the investment banking industry. From 2000 to 2003, she was a consultant and Senior Managing Director, Retailing and Apparel Group, Bear, Stearns & Co., Inc. From 1988 to 2000, she served as Managing Director and Head of the Retailing Group, PaineWebber Incorporated. From 1972 to 1988 she held various positions at Lehman Brothers, including Managing Director in the Merchandising Group. She serves as a director of numerous non-profit organizations.
Louis L. Roquet, age 70, has been a director of Birks & Mayors since August 8, 2007. Mr. Roquets term as a director of Birks & Mayors expires in 2013. Mr. Roquet has been Managing Director of Cevital Spa, a large Algerian manufacturer of food products since January 2012. He has served as General Manager of the City of Montréal from January 2010 to January 2012. From April 2004 to October 2009, Mr. Roquet served as President and Chief Operating Officer of Desjardins Venture Capital and was responsible for managing Desjardins venture capital funds together with those of Capital Regional and Cooperatif Desjardins, a publicly-traded company established in 2001 with an authorized capitalization of $1.0 billion. From 2002 to 2004, Mr. Roquet served as President and General Manager of Societe des alcools du Quebec (SAQ), Quebecs Liquor Board. Prior to 2002, he held the title of President and Chief Executive Officer of Investissement Quebec, Secretary General of the City of Montréal and General Manager of Montréal Urban Community. He also serves as a director of numerous non-profit organizations.
Niccolò Rossi di Montelera, age 40, was elected to our Board of Directors in September 2010. Mr. Rossi di Monteleras term as a Director of Birks & Mayors expires in 2013. Mr. Rossi di Montelera has been a consultant for Gestofi S.A. since August 2009 and provides consulting services to the Company in the areas of e-commerce, new product and brand development and wholesale in addition to being involved with the Companys business development activities and strategic initiatives. From 2007 to 2009, he served as the Companys Group Divisional Vice President responsible for product development, wholesale and e-commerce. From 2005 to 2006, he served as the Companys Group Director responsible for product development. From 2002 to 2003, he worked at Regaluxe Investments SA and was responsible for the North American business development for Royale de Champagne and from 1999 to 2002, he was a Project Leader for Ferrero Group. He was a member of the Supervisory Board of the Directors of Montrovest until June 30, 2012. Mr. Rossi di Montelera is the son of Dr. Rossi di Montelera, the Companys Chairman of the Board and is the brother-in-law of Mr. Carlo Coda-Nunziante who is the Companys Vice President, Strategy.
Guthrie J. Stewart, age 57, was appointed to our Board of Directors in October 2010. Mr. Stewarts term as a Director of Birks & Mayors expires in 2013. From 2001 to 2007, Mr. Stewart was a partner of EdgeStone Capital Partners, a Canadian private equity firm. From 1992 to 2000 he served principally as Group EVP Global Development and President and Chief Executive Officer of the Canadian operations of Teleglobe Inc. From 1987 to 1992, he was the Vice President, Legal and Corporate Development of BCE Mobile Inc. (currently Bell Mobility) and from 1979 to 1986, Mr. Stewart was a corporate, commercial and securities lawyer at Osler, Hoskin & Harcourt. Mr. Stewart also has been and currently is a member of a number of other corporate boards and advisory boards.
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Other Executive Officers
Deborah Nicodemus, age 59, is our Executive Vice President & Chief Merchandising and Marketing Officer effective May 2, 2011. Prior to joining the Company, Ms. Nicodemus held the position of President, Merchandise Planning and Marketing at Berrnico, LLC and from 2004 to 2007, she was the Executive Vice President, Merchandise Planning, Procurement and Marketing of Whitehall Jewelers, Inc. From 2002 to 2004, she held the position of Vice President, Merchandising and Planning at The Donna Karan Company (a LVMH company) and from 1992 to 2001, she was with DFS Group Ltd (a LVMH company), most recently as Vice President, Merchandise Planning, Procurement and Allocation.
Michael Rabinovitch, age 43, is our Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer and has been with Birks & Mayors since August 2005. Prior to joining Birks & Mayors, Mr. Rabinovitch had been Vice President of Finance of Claires Stores, Inc. since 1999. Before joining Claires Stores, Inc., Mr. Rabinovitch was Vice President of Accounting & Corporate Controller at an equipment leasing company. Mr. Rabinovitch spent five years with Price Waterhouse LLP. Mr. Rabinovitch is a licensed CPA and a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants.
Albert J. Rahm, II, age 59, is our Vice President, Retail Store Operations and has been with Birks & Mayors since April 2007. Prior to joining us, Mr. Rahm was the President of C.D. Peacock, a jewelry retail in Chicago from March 2006 until April 2007 and prior to that was Vice President, Retail Store Operations for Mayors since 1991 and for Birks since 2005 until March 2006. Prior to joining Mayors in 1991, Mr. Rahm owned and operated three retail jewelry stores for a fourteen-year period in Shreveport, Louisiana.
Hélène Messier, age 53, is our Vice President & Chief Talent Officer and has been with Birks since November 2000. Prior to joining Birks, she was Assistant General Manager of the Federation des Producteurs de Lait du Québec from November 1997 to November 2000. From 1982 to 1997, she held various management positions both in operations and human resources with Bell Canada.
Miranda Melfi, age 49, is our Vice President, Legal Affairs and Corporate Secretary and has been with Birks & Mayors since April 2006. Prior to joining us, Ms. Melfi was with Cascades Inc., a publicly-traded pulp and paper company for eight years and held the position of Vice President, Legal Affairs, Boxboard Group. From 1994 to 1998, Ms. Melfi was Vice President, Legal Affairs and Corporate Secretary at Stella-Jones Inc., a publicly-traded wood products company, and from 1991 to 1994, practiced corporate, commercial and securities law with Fasken Martineau DuMoulin LLP.
Marco Pasteris, age 52, is our Vice President, Business Development and has been with Birks since September 1993 in several capacities including Vice President, Finance and Treasurer. Prior to joining Birks & Mayors, Mr. Pasteris was the representative of the Fata S.p.A. of Pianezza, Italy in Sovitalprodmash, Volsk, Russia (a Fata S.p.A. Joint Venture) from 1991 to 1993. Before joining Sovitalprodmash, Mr. Pasteris was Controller of International Operations at the Gruppo Finanziaro Tessile S.p.A., Torino, Italy, where he spent six years.
Milton Thacker, III, age 52, is our Vice President & Chief Information Officer and has been with Birks & Mayors since 1994. From 1994 to 2004, Mr. Thacker held various information technology positions leading to his role as Vice President & Chief Information Officer starting in 2004. Prior to joining Birks & Mayors, Mr. Thacker led the IT divisions at Tate Andale and Marlenn Corporation, manufacturers, and held various IT positions at The Kronheim Company, a wholesale distributor, and at New England Development, a shopping center developer.
COMPENSATION OF DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS
Director Compensation
During fiscal 2013, each director who was not an employee of the Company received an annual fee of $25,000 for serving on our Board of Directors and $1,500 for each Board meeting attended in person. The chairperson of each of the audit committee, compensation committee and corporate governance committee received an additional annual fee of $10,000, $8,000 and $5,000, respectively. Since October 2012, the members of each of the audit committee, compensation committee and corporate governance committee received an additional annual fee of $5,000, $4,000 and $2,500, respectively and the independent member of the executive committee received an additional annual fee of $4,000. The chairperson of any special independent committee of directors that may be established from time to
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time is entitled to receive $10,000 for his or her service and the other members of the committee are each entitled to receive $5,000 for their service on such committee. Each director who is not an employee of the Company is entitled to receive a grant of 5,000 stock appreciation rights on April 1 of each year, an increase from 1,000 stock appreciation rights previously granted prior to September 2012. In April 2012, 1,000 stock appreciation rights were granted to each non-employee director. In September 2012 and April 2013, 4,000 and 5,000, respectively, of stock appreciation rights were granted to each non-employee director. All directors were reimbursed for reasonable travel expenses incurred in connection with the performance of their duties as directors.
Executive Compensation
We are a foreign private issuer under U.S. securities laws and not a reporting issuer under Canadian securities laws and are therefore not required to publicly disclose detailed individual information about executive compensation in our home jurisdiction. However, the executive compensation of our Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer and three other most highly compensated executive officers are detailed in our Management Proxy Circular as such document is referred to below. Under the Canada Business Corporations Act, being the statute under which we were incorporated, we are only required to provide certain information on aggregate executive compensation. The aggregate compensation paid by us to our ten executive officers in fiscal 2013, two of which left the Company and were executive officers for only part of the year, was approximately $3,157,000 (annual salary).
The summary compensation table regarding our Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer and three other most highly compensated executive officers and the option/SAR grants and exercise of options tables in our Management Proxy Circular will be filed on Form 6-K with the SEC in connection with our 2013 Annual and Special Meeting of Shareholders.
Birks & Mayors Incentive Plans
Long-Term Incentive Plan
In 2006, Birks & Mayors adopted a Long-Term Incentive Plan to attract and retain the best available personnel for positions of substantial responsibility, to provide additional incentive to employees and consultants and to promote the success of Birks & Mayors business. As of May 31, 2013, there were 112,320 cash-based stock appreciation rights that were granted to members of the Companys Board of Directors and stock options to purchase 460,000 shares of the Companys Class A voting shares granted to eleven members of the Companys senior management team under the Long-Term Incentive Plan. The stock appreciation rights outstanding as of May 31, 2013, under the Long-Term Incentive Plan have a weighted average exercise price of $1.93 and the stock options outstanding as of May 31, 2013, under the Long-Term Incentive Plan have a weighted average exercise price of $0.99.
In general, the Long-Term Incentive Plan is administered by Birks & Mayors Board of Directors or a committee designated by the Board of Directors (the Administrator). Any employee or consultant selected by the Administrator is eligible for any type of award provided for under the Long-Term Incentive Plan, except that incentive stock options may not be granted to consultants. The selection of the grantees and the nature and size of grants and awards are wholly within the discretion of the Administrator. The Long-Term Incentive Plan provides for the grant of incentive stock options that qualify under Section 422 of the Code and non-statutory options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock awards, restricted stock units and performance unit or share awards, as such terms are defined in the Long-Term Incentive Plan.
The Long-Term Incentive Plan authorizes the issuance of 900,000 Class A voting shares, which consists of authorized but unissued Class A voting shares. In the event of a stock dividend, stock split, reverse stock split, combination or reclassification or similar transaction or other change in corporate structure affecting Class A voting shares, adjustments will be made to the Long-Term Incentive Plan.
We cannot issue Class A voting shares or awards under the Long-Term Incentive Plan if such issuance, when combined with the Class A voting shares issuable under any of our other equity incentive award plans and all other Class A voting shares issuable under the Long-Term Incentive Plan would exceed 1,304,025 Class A voting shares, unless the issuance of such shares or awards in excess of this limit is approved by the shareholders of the Company. However, this limit shall not restrict the Company to issue awards under the Long-Term Incentive Plan that are payable other than in shares, including cash-settled stock appreciation rights. As of March 30, 2013, the Company could issue 265,896 of additional Class A voting shares or awards under its Long-Term Incentive Plan without exceeding this limit.
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In the event of a change in control of Birks & Mayors, the Administrator, at its sole discretion, may determine that all outstanding awards shall become fully and immediately exercisable and vested. In the event of dissolution or liquidation of Birks & Mayors, the Administrator may, at its sole discretion, declare that any stock option or stock appreciation right shall terminate as of a date fixed by the Administrator and give the grantee the right to exercise such option or stock option right.
In the event of a merger or asset sale or other change in control, as defined by the Long-Term Incentive Plan, the administrator may, in its sole discretion, take any of the following actions or any other action the administrator deems to be fair to the holders of the awards:
| Provide that all outstanding awards upon the consummation of such a merger or sale shall be assumed by, or an equivalent option or right shall be substituted by, the successor corporation or parent or subsidiary of such successor corporation; |
| Prior to the occurrence of the change in control, provide that all outstanding awards to the extent they are exercisable and vested shall be terminated in exchange for a cash payment equal to the change in control price; or |
| Prior to the occurrence of the change in control, provide for the grantee to have the right to exercise the award as to all or a portion of the covered stock, including, if so determined by the administrator, in its sole discretion, shares as to which it would not otherwise be exercisable. |
Employee Stock Purchase Plan
In 2006, Birks & Mayors adopted an Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP), which was approved in February 2006. The ESPP permits eligible employees, which do not include executives of Birks & Mayors Inc., to purchase our Class A voting shares from Birks & Mayors at 85% of their fair market value through regular payroll deductions. A total of 100,000 shares of our Class A voting shares are reserved for issuance under the ESPP. As of May 31, 2011, 99,995 shares have been issued under the ESPP and no additional shares will be issued under this plan.
CEO and Senior Executives Long-Term Cash Incentive Plans
During the year ended March 30, 2013, the Board of Directors approved the long-term cash incentive plans (LTCIPs) for the Chief Executive Officer and Senior Executive members. The intention of the LTCIPs are to reward the Chief Executive Officer and other members of senior management based on our performance over three-year cycles, the first of which began with the fiscal 2013 through fiscal 2015 period. The approval of a new three-year cycle is at the discretion of the Board of Directors on recommendation of the compensation committee. The payouts under the LTCIPs will be based on our earnings before tax (EBT) performance with the payout level earned during the three-year period either increasing or decreasing based on our EBT performance levels versus thresholds established in each of the three years of the three-year cycle and afterwards, if the LTCIPs are continued. The payout will be 1/3 of the LTCIPs value earned at the end of the first three year cycle and 1/3 of the LTCIPs value for every year thereafter, subject to the Chief Executive Officer and participating executives continued employment and subject to the payment not causing any default on the Companys credit facilities. The LTCIPs payouts will continue to rise or fall based on the Companys performance each year. The total LTCIPs pool is only created to compensate if EBT is above a certain growth rate and the payout is capped so that the total three-year costs of the programs combined does not exceed 10% of our total earnings before taxes for the three-year period.
Birks Employee Stock Option Plan
Effective May 1, 1997, Birks adopted an Employee Stock Option Plan (the Birks ESOP) designed to attract and retain the services of selected employees or non-employee directors of Birks or its affiliates who are in a position to make a material contribution to the successful operation of our business. The Birks ESOP was amended as of June 20, 2000. Effective as of November 15, 2005, no awards will be granted under the Birks ESOP. However, the Birks ESOP will remain in effect until the outstanding awards thereunder terminate or expire by their terms. As of March 30, 2013, there were 6,674 Class A voting shares underlying options granted under the Birks ESOP. As of May 31, 2013, there were no Class A voting shares underlying options granted under the Birks ESOP following the Offer to Amend (as described below).
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Mayors Equity-Incentive Plans
1991 Stock Option Plan and Long-Term Incentive Plan
The Company has outstanding employee stock options and SARs issued to employees and members of the Board of Directors of Mayors under the 1991 Stock Option Plan (the 1991 Plan) and the Long-Term Incentive Plan (the Mayors LTIP) approved by the former Board of Directors of Mayors. Under these plans, the option price was required to equal the market price of the stock on the date of the grant or in the case of an individual who owned 10% or more of the common stock of Mayors, the minimum price was to be set at 110% of the market price at the time of issuance. Options granted under these programs generally became exercisable from six months to three years after the date of grant, provided that the individual was continuously employed by Mayors, or in the case of directors, remained on the Board of Directors. All options generally expired no more than ten years after the date of grant. No further awards will be granted under these plans. However, these plans will remain effective until the outstanding awards issued under the plans terminate or expire by their terms. As of May 31, 2013, there were 21,737 and 9,081 Class A voting shares underlying awards granted under the Mayors LTIP and the 1991 Plan, respectively, following the Offer to Amend (as described below). The awards outstanding under the Mayors LTIP and the 1991 Plan have a weighted average exercise price of $1.00 and $7.18, respectively.
Stock Option Amendments
The Company entered into an Amendment to the Stock Appreciation Rights Agreement with Mr. Andruskevich, the Companys former Chief Executive Officer, dated March 16, 2010 and an Amendment to the Stock Appreciation Rights Agreement with Mr. Rabinovitch, the Companys Chief Financial Officer, dated March 16, 2010, relating to the amendment of certain outstanding stock appreciation rights held by such individuals. The amended stock appreciation rights have the same terms as the existing stock appreciation rights except that there has been a reduction in the exercise price, a reduction in the number of Class A voting shares that are subject to the amended stock appreciation rights, a new ten year term and certain new provisions relating to a change in control, a liquidation or dissolution and a going-private transaction of the Company.
On March 18, 2010, the Company filed with the SEC a Tender Offer Statement on Schedule TO which included therein an Offer to Amend Certain Outstanding Options (the Offer to Amend), relating to an offer by the Company to its current employees and subsidiaries employees to amend certain of their outstanding options to purchase the Companys Class A voting shares. Only options granted under the Henry Birks & Sons Inc. Employee Stock Option Plan effective as of May 1, 1997 and amended as of June 20, 2000 and Mayors Jewelers, Inc. 1991 Amended Stock Option Plan, with an exercise price per share greater than $4.00 (in the currency in which such option was granted) that remained outstanding as of the expiration of the offer on April 16, 2010, were eligible to be amended in the offer. Pursuant to the Offer to Amend, the Company received, as of April 16, 2010, tendered eligible stock options covering 85,786 shares of its Class A voting shares and provided amended options to purchase up to 12,077 shares of the Companys Class A voting shares, thereby reducing the number of shares issuable upon exercise of outstanding options by 73,709 shares. The amended stock options have exactly the same terms as the eligible stock options, but they are exercisable for a lesser number of Class A voting shares, they have a new exercise price of $1.05 per share, a new ten-year term, and different terms in the event of a change in control, going-private transaction, or a liquidation or dissolution of the Company, as described in the Offer to Amend.
BOARD PRACTICES
Our by-laws state that the Board of Directors will meet immediately following the election of directors at any annual or special meeting of the shareholders and as the directors may from time to time determine. See Item 10. Additional InformationArticles of Incorporation and By-laws.
Under our Restated Articles of Incorporation, our directors serve one-year terms although they will continue in office until successors are appointed. None of the members of our Board has service agreements providing for benefits upon termination of employment, except for Mr. Andruskevich, our former President and Chief Executive Officer, and Mr. Bédos, our current President and Chief Executive Officer. See Item 10. Additional InformationMaterial ContractsEmployment Agreements.
Our Board of Directors has determined that five of our nine directors (Emily Berlin, Shirley A. Dawe, Elizabeth Eveillard, Louis L. Roquet and Guthrie J. Stewart) qualify as independent directors within the meaning of Section 803A of the NYSE MKT Company Guide.
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All of the directors on our Compensation, Corporate Governance and Audit committees are independent. We are a controlled company (one in which more than 50% of the voting power is held by an individual, a group or another company) within the meaning of the rules of the NYSE MKT. Accordingly, we are not required under the NYSE MKT rules to have a majority of independent directors, a nominating and corporate governance committee and a compensation committee (each of which, under the NYSE MKT rules, would otherwise be required to be comprised entirely of independent directors). Since the merger, our Board of Directors has been comprised of a majority of independent directors, except for fiscal year 2013 following the appointment of Mr. Bédos, our President and Chief Executive Officer, as an additional director of the Company, during which our Board of Directors was comprised of 50% of independent directors.
Notwithstanding the fact that we qualify for the controlled company exemption, we maintain a Corporate Governance Committee and a Compensation Committee comprised solely of independent directors.
During fiscal 2013, our Board of Directors held a total of five board of directors meetings and eighteen committee meetings. During such period, eight out of the then ten directors attended 100% of the meetings of the Board of Directors, and two directors attended 80% and 60%, respectively, of the Board meetings.
Our Board of Directors is supported by committees, which are working groups that analyze issues and provide recommendations to the Board of Directors regarding their respective areas of focus. The executive officers interact periodically with the committees to address management issues. During fiscal 2013, our Board of Directors was composed of the four main committees below. The Board of Directors may from time to time also create special committees of the Board as needed.
1. Audit Committee. We have a separately-designated standing audit committee established in accordance with Section 3(a)(58)(A) of the Exchange Act. The audit committee operates under a written charter adopted by the Board of Directors. The audit committee reviews the scope and results of the annual audit of our consolidated financial statements conducted by our independent auditors, the scope of other services provided by our independent auditors, proposed changes in our financial accounting standards and principles, and our policies and procedures with respect to its internal accounting, auditing and financial controls. The audit committee also examines and considers other matters relating to our financial affairs and accounting methods, including selection and retention of our independent auditors. During fiscal 2013, the audit committee held three meetings and all members of the audit committee attended these meetings during such period except for one member who attended 67% of the meetings. During fiscal 2013, the audit committee was comprised of Louis L. Roquet (Chair), Emily Berlin and Guthrie Stewart, each of whom was financially literate and an independent (as defined by the NYSE MKT listing standards and SEC rules), non-employee director of Birks & Mayors. We have determined that Louis Roquet is financially sophisticated and have waived the requirement for the present time under the audit committees charter that at least one member of the audit committee be designated as an audit committee financial expert as this term is defined under SEC rules. Neither the SEC nor the NYSE MKT requires us to designate an audit committee financial expert and we have not determined that any of our current directors would qualify as such.
2. Compensation Committee. We have a standing compensation committee. The compensation committee operates under a written charter adopted by the Board of Directors. The purpose of the compensation committee is to recommend to the Board of Directors executive compensation, including base salaries, bonuses and long-term incentive awards for the Chief Executive Officer and certain other executive officers of Birks & Mayors. The compensation committee also establishes criteria for goals and objectives for variable compensation, evaluates the performance of the Chief Executive Officer on an annual basis and provides recommendations to the Board of Directors regarding Chief Executive Officer and senior management succession plans. Certain decisions regarding compensation of certain other executive officers are reviewed by the compensation committee. During fiscal 2012, the compensation committee led the board initiative for leadership transition of the Chief Executive Officer. During fiscal 2013, the compensation committee held eight meetings and all of the members of the compensation committee attended these meetings during such period except for one who attended 88% of the meetings. During fiscal 2013, the compensation committee was comprised of Shirley A. Dawe (Chair), Guthrie J. Stewart, and Elizabeth Eveillard. Every member of the Compensation Committee was an independent (as defined by the NYSE MKT listing standards), non-employee director of Birks & Mayors.
3. Corporate Governance Committee. We have a standing corporate governance committee which has also assumed the functions of a nominating committee in accordance with the SEC rules and NYSE MKT listing requirements on nominating committees. The corporate governance committee is responsible for overseeing all aspects of our
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corporate governance policies. The corporate governance committee is also responsible for the oversight and review of all related party transactions and for nominating potential nominees to the Board of Directors. Our policy with regard to the consideration of any director candidates recommended by a shareholder is that we will consider such candidates and evaluate such candidates by the same process as candidates identified by the corporate governance committee. During fiscal 2013, the corporate governance committee held four meetings and all members of the corporate governance committee attended these meetings during such period except for one member who attended 50% of the meetings. Our corporate governance committee is comprised of three directors and operates under a written charter adopted by the Board of Directors. The current members are Emily Berlin (Chair), Louis L. Roquet, and Guthrie J. Stewart. Every member of the Corporate Governance Committee is an independent (as defined by the NYSE MKT listing standards), non-employee director of Birks & Mayors.
4. Executive Committee. We have a standing executive committee. The executive committee operates under a written charter adopted by the Board of Directors. The purpose of the executive committee is to provide a simplified review and approval process in between meetings of the Board of Directors for certain corporate actions. The intent of the executive committee is to facilitate our efficient operation with guidance and direction from the Board of Directors. The goal is to provide a mechanism that can assist in our operations, including but not limited to, the monitoring of the implementation of policies, strategies and programs. In addition, the executive committees mandate is to assist the Board with respect to the development, continuing assessment and execution of the Companys strategic plan. The executive committee is comprised of at least three members of the Board of Directors. Vacancies on the committee are filled by majority vote of the Board of Directors at the next meeting of the Board of Directors following the occurrence of the vacancy. During fiscal 2013, the executive committee had five members consisting of: Dr. Lorenzo Rossi di Montelera (Chair), Jean-Christophe Bédos, Elizabeth Eveillard, Niccolò Rossi di Montelera and Mr. Gerald Berclaz until he passed away in April 2013. During fiscal 2013, the executive committee held five meetings. All of the members of the executive committee attended these meetings during such period except for one member who attended 60% of the executive committee meetings.
EMPLOYEES
As of March 30, 2013, we employed approximately 790 persons. None of our employees are governed by a collective bargaining agreement with a labor union. We believe our relations with our employees are good and we intend to continue to place an emphasis on recruiting, training, retraining and developing the best people in our industry.
Retail employees include only those employees within our retail selling locations, while administration includes all other activities including corporate office, merchandising, supply chain operations and corporate sales. The table below sets forth headcount by category and geographic location for the periods indicated:
Canada | U.S. | Total | ||||||||||
As of March 30, 2013: |
||||||||||||
Administration |
216 | 87 | 303 | |||||||||
Retail |
316 | 171 | 487 | |||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||
Total |
532 | 258 | 790 | |||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||
As of March 31, 2012: |
||||||||||||
Administration |
224 | 112 | 336 | |||||||||
Retail |
305 | 197 | 502 | |||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||
Total |
529 | 309 | 838 | |||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||
As of March 26, 2011: |
||||||||||||
Administration |
219 | 111 | 330 | |||||||||
Retail |
290 | 211 | 501 | |||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||
Total |
509 | 322 | 831 | |||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
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SHARE OWNERSHIP
The following table sets forth information regarding the beneficial ownership of our Class A voting shares as of May 31, 2013, based on 7,115,641 Class A voting shares, by each executive officer and each director:
Name of Beneficial Owner |
Number of Class A Voting Shares Beneficially Owned |
Percentage of Beneficially Owned |
||||||
Dr. Lorenzo Rossi di Montelera(1) |
6,738 | * | ||||||
Thomas A. Andruskevich(2) |
432,009 | 5.8 | % | |||||
Jean-Christophe Bédos (3) |
50,000 | * | ||||||
Shirley A. Dawe(4) |
1,545 | * | ||||||
Emily Berlin(5) |
47,821 | * | ||||||
Elizabeth Eveillard(6) |
91,296 | 1.3 | % | |||||
Louis L. Roquet |
| | ||||||
Niccolò Rossi di Montelera |
| | ||||||
Guthrie J. Stewart |
| | ||||||
Deborah Nicodemus(7) |
16,666 | * | ||||||
Michael Rabinovitch(8) |
21,013 | * | ||||||
Marco Pasteris(9) |
167,820 | 2.3 | % | |||||
Albert J. Rahm, II(10) |
| |
* | Less than 1%. |
(1) | Includes (a) options to purchase 1,738 Class A voting shares which are currently exercisable or exercisable within 60 days at exercise prices of $7.14 and $8.98 per share and expire either on January 1, 2014 or January 1, 2015, and (b) an option for 5,000 Class A voting shares at an exercise price Cdn$7.73 per share and expires on April 23, 2014. Dr. Rossi di Montelera is a beneficiary of Goldfish Trust. Goldfish Trust beneficially owns or controls 7,717,970 Class A voting shares to which Montrovest would be entitled upon conversion of the Class B multiple voting shares held by Montrovest in addition to 3,100,088 Class A voting shares. Holders of Class B multiple voting shares are entitled to ten votes for each Class B multiple voting share held, whereas holders of Class A voting shares are entitled to one vote per Class A voting share held. Dr. Rossi di Montelera expressly disclaims beneficial ownership over the shares held by Montrovest. |
(2) | Includes (a) an option to purchase 242,944 Class A voting shares which is exercisable at a price of $1.00 per share and expires on March 31, 2014, (b) warrants to purchase 131,209 Class A voting shares exercisable at a price of $3.34 per share and expire on August 20, 2022, (c) 17,390 SARs that are exercisable at an exercise price of $1.00 per share and expire on March 31, 2014, and (d) 40,466 Class A voting shares. |
(3) | Includes an option to purchase 150,000 Class A voting shares, exercisable at a price of $1.04 per share and which expires on January 4, 2022. The option vests over a period of three (3) years beginning on January 4, 2012 and currently 50,000 are vested and included in the table above. An option to purchase 100,000 Class A voting shares was granted, exercisable at a price of $0.84 per share and which expires on April 18, 2023, has not yet vested and has not been included in the table above. This option vests over a period of three (3) years beginning on April 18, 2013. |
(4) | Includes 1,545 Class A voting shares. |
(5) | Includes (a) an option to purchase 869 Class A voting shares exercisable at a price of $8.98 per share, which expires January 1, 2014, and (b) 46,952 Class A voting shares. |
(6) | Includes (a) options to purchase 1,738 Class A voting shares at exercise prices of $7.14 and $8.98 which expire either on January 1, 2014 or January 1, 2015, (b) 2,608 Class A voting shares held directly, and (c) 86,950 Class A voting shares owned by her husband. |
(7) | Includes an option to purchase 25,000 Class A voting shares, of which 8,333 are vested, exercisable at a price of $1.26 per share which expire on May 2, 2021. An option to purchase 25,000 Class A voting shares, of which none are vested, exercisable at a price of $0.89 and expire on November 14, 2022, has not been included as the option is not vested. |
(8) | Includes (a) stock appreciation rights to purchase 4,347 Class A voting shares which are exercisable at an exercise price of $1.00 per share and expire on March 16, 2020, and (b) an option to purchase 25,000 Class A voting shares, of which 16,666 are vested, exercisable at a price of $1.25 and expire on September 23, 2020. An option to purchase 25,000 Class A voting shares, of which none are vested, exercisable at a price of $0.89 and expire on November 14, 2022, has not been included as the option is not vested. |
(9) | Includes (a) options to purchase 2,170 Class A voting shares which is exercisable at a price of $1.05 per share and expires on April 16, 2020, (b) options to purchase 15,000 Class A voting shares, of which 10,000 are vested, exercisable at a price of $1.25 and expire on September 23, 2020, (c) Warrants to purchase 48,110 Class A voting shares exercisable at prices of $3.34 to $6.21 per share and expire August 20, 2022, and (d) 107,540 Class A voting shares. An option to purchase 10,000 Class A voting shares, of which none are vested, exercisable at a price of $0.89 and expire on November 14, 2022, has not been included as the option is not vested. |
(10) | An option to purchase 15,000 Class A voting shares exercisable at a price of $0.89 per share and which expires on November 14, 2022, has not been included as the option is not vested. |
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For arrangements involving the issuance or grant of options or shares of the Company to such named executive officers and other employees, see above under the heading Compensation of Directors and Officers and Item 10. Additional InformationMaterial AgreementsEmployment Agreements.
Item 7. | Major Shareholders and Related Party Transactions |
MAJOR SHAREHOLDERS
The following table sets forth information regarding the beneficial ownership of our Class A voting shares as of May 31, 2013 by each person or entity who beneficially owns 5% or more of outstanding voting securities, including the Class A voting shares and Class B multiple voting shares. The major shareholders listed with Class B multiple voting shares are entitled to ten votes for each Class B multiple voting share held, whereas holders of Class A voting shares are entitled to one vote per Class A voting share held. Unless otherwise indicated in the table, each of the individuals named below has sole voting and investment power with respect to the voting shares beneficially owned by them. The calculation of the percentage of outstanding shares is based on 7,115,641 Class A voting shares and 7,717,970 Class B multiple voting shares outstanding on May 31, 2013, adjusted where appropriate, for shares of stock beneficially owned but not yet issued.
Beneficial ownership is determined under rules issued by the SEC. Under these rules, beneficial ownership includes any of the Class A voting shares or Class B multiple voting shares as to which the individual or entity has sole or shared voting power or investment power and includes any shares as to which the individual or entity has the right to acquire beneficial ownership within 60 days through the exercise of any warrant, stock option or other right. The inclusion in this Annual Report of such voting shares, however, does not constitute an admission that the named individual is a direct or indirect beneficial owner of such voting shares. The voting shares that a person has the right to acquire within 60 days of May 31, 2013 are deemed outstanding for the purpose of calculating the percentage ownership of such person, but are not deemed outstanding for the purpose of calculating the percentage owned by any other person listed. For information regarding entities or persons that directly or indirectly control us, see Item 3. Key Information Risk Factors Risks Related to the Company.
Name of Beneficial Owner (1) |
Number of Class A Voting Shares Beneficially Owned |
Percentage of Beneficially Owned |
||||||
Goldfish Trust (2) |
10,818,058 | 72.9 | % | |||||
Rohan Private Trust Company Limited (3) |
10,818,058 | 72.9 | % | |||||
Thomas A. Andruskevich(4) |
432,009 | 5.8 | % | |||||
Montrovest BV(5) |
10,818,058 | 72.9 | % | |||||
Prime Investments S.A. (6) |
1,536,047 | 21.6 | % |
(1) | Unless otherwise noted, each person has sole voting and investment power over the shares listed opposite his or her name. |
(2) | Includes 10,818,058 Class A voting shares, of which 7,717,970 Class A voting shares to which Montrovest would be entitled upon conversion of the Class B multiple voting shares held by Montrovest. The Class B multiple voting shares entitle the holder to ten votes for each Class B multiple voting share held and each Class B multiple voting share is convertible into one Class A voting share. The shares held by Montrovest are beneficially owned by Goldfish Trust. Dr. Rossi di Montelera who is the Companys Chairman of the Board of Directors is a beneficiary of Goldfish Trust. The class B multiple voting shares entitle the holder to ten votes for each Class B multiple voting share held and each Class B multiple voting share is convertible into one Class A voting share. |
(3) | Trustee of Goldfish Trust. Includes 10,818,058 Class A voting shares, of which 7,717,970 Class A voting shares to which Montrovest would be entitled upon conversion of the Class B multiple voting shares held by Montrovest. The shares held by Montrovest are beneficially owned by Goldfish Trust. Dr. Rossi di Montelera is a beneficiary of Goldfish Trust. The Class B multiple voting shares entitle the holder to ten votes for each Class B multiple voting share held and each Class B multiple voting share is convertible into one Class A voting share. |
(4) | Includes (a) options and SARs to purchase 260,334 Class A voting shares, (b) warrants to purchase 131,209 Class A voting shares and (c) 40,466 Class A voting shares. |
(5) | Comprised of 10,818,058 Class A voting shares, of which 7,717,970 Class A voting shares to which Montrovest would be entitled upon conversion of the Class B multiple voting shares held by Montrovest. The Class B multiple voting shares entitle the holder to ten votes for each Class B multiple voting share held and each Class B multiple voting share is convertible into one Class A voting share. |
(6) | The Company has been advised that Asiya Trust Co. PTE. Ltd., as trustee of the Beech Settlement trust, exercises voting and investment control over the securities held of record by Prime Investments S.A. |
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As of May 31, 2013, there were a total of 320 holders of record of our Class A voting shares, of which 247 were registered with addresses in the United States. Such United States record holders were, as of such date, the holders of record of approximately 57% of our outstanding Class A voting shares. The number of record holders in the United States is not representative of the number of beneficial holders nor is it representative of where such beneficial holders are resident since many of these ordinary shares were held of record by brokers or other nominees. None of our Class B multiple voting shares are held in the United States.
Following the stock rights offering in August 2012, Montrovest purchased 3,100,058 Class A voting shares bringing its beneficial ownership of the Companys shares to 72.9% from 67.8%.
RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
Diamond Supply Agreement
On August 15, 2002, Birks entered into a Diamond Inventory Supply Agreement with Prime Investments S.A. and a series of conditional sale agreements with companies affiliated with Prime Investments S.A. pursuant to which Prime Investments S.A., a related party, is entitled to supply Birks and its subsidiaries or affiliates with at least 45%, on an annualized cost basis, of such companys aggregate loose diamond requirements, conditional upon the prices remaining competitive relative to market and needs in terms of quality, cut standards and specifications being satisfied. During fiscal 2013, Birks purchased approximately $0.3 million of diamonds and finished goods from Prime Investments S.A. and related parties. As of May 31, 2013, Prime Investments S.A. beneficially owned 21.6% of the outstanding Class A voting shares of Birks & Mayors.
Management Consulting Services Agreement
In June 2011, we entered into a management consulting services agreement with Montrovest. Under the agreement, we pay Montrovest an annual retainer fee of 140,000 (equivalent to approximately $180,000) in exchange for services related to the raising of capital for international expansion projects and such other services relating to merchandising and/or marketing of the Companys products as the Company may request. The agreement was in effect until June 2012 and will be extended automatically for successive terms of one year unless either party gives a 60 day notice of its intention not to renew. The yearly renewal of the agreement is subject to the review and approval of the Companys Corporate Governance Committee and the Board of Directors. Mr. Berclaz, was one of the Companys directors until his death in April 2013 and, was the Chairman of the Supervisory Board of Directors of Montrovest and Mr. Coda-Nunziante, the Companys Vice President, Strategy was a managing director of Montrovest until June 30, 2012. In fiscal 2013, we paid approximately $180,000 under this agreement to Montrovest. In April 2013, the agreement was renewed for an additional one year period ending June 8, 2014. Our Board of Directors approved our entering into the agreement and its renewal with Montrovest in accordance with our Code of Conduct relating to related party transactions.
Cash Advance Agreements
In February 2009 and May 2009, we received $2.0 million and $3.0 million, respectively, in the form of cash advances from our controlling shareholder, Montrovest, to finance our working capital needs and for general corporate purposes. These advances and any interest thereon are subordinated to the indebtedness of our existing senior credit facilities and secured term loans and were convertible into a convertible debenture or Class A voting shares in the event of a private placement or, are repayable upon demand by Montrovest subject to the conditions stipulated in our senior credit facilities. These cash advances bore interest at an annual rate of 16%, net of any withholding taxes, representing an effective interest rate of approximately 17.8%. If converted into convertible debentures or Class A voting shares, a fee of 7% of the outstanding principal amount of the cash advance would have been paid to Montrovest. In June 2011, the cash advance agreements were amended and restated reducing the annual interest rate to 11%, net of any withholding taxes, representing an effective interest rate of approximately 12.2%, removing the requirement to pay a 7% fee to Montrovest upon conversion into convertible debentures or Class A voting shares and eliminating the convertibility of the cash advance into a convertible debenture or Class A voting shares in the event of a private placement. In addition, the amended and restated cash advance agreements required a one-time payment of an amendment fee of $75,000 in fiscal 2012. In August 2012, we repaid $3.5 million of these cash advances from the proceeds of our stock rights offering.
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Consulting Services Agreement
On June 30, 2009, our Companys Board of Directors approved our Company entering into a consulting services agreement with Gestofi S.A. (Gestofi) in accordance with our Companys Code of Conduct relating to related party transactions. Under the agreement, Gestofi undertook to assign Mr. Niccolò Rossi di Montelera as the employee of Gestofi responsible for providing the consulting services related to the development of our Companys e-commerce, new product development, wholesale business and such other services reasonably requested by our Chief Executive Officer or Chairman. The consulting services are provided to us for a fee of approximately Cdn$13,700 per month less any applicable taxes plus out of pocket expenses. The initial one-year term of the agreement began on August 1, 2009 and the agreement may be renewed for additional one-year terms. The agreement was renewed in June 2011, April 2012 and April 2013 for additional one-year terms. Mr. Niccolò Rossi di Montelera is a member of our Companys Board of Directors and the son of Dr. Lorenzo Rossi di Montelera, our Chairman and a director of Gestofi.
Reimbursement Letter Agreement
In accordance with our Companys Code of Conduct related to related party transactions, in April 2011, February 2012 and April 2013, our Corporate Governance Committee and Board of Directors approved, for additional one year periods, the reimbursement to Regaluxe S.r.l. of expenses, such as rent, communication, administrative support and analytical service costs, incurred in supporting the office of Dr. Lorenzo Rossi di Montelera, our Chairman, for work performed on behalf of the Company, up to a yearly maximum of $250,000. During fiscal 2013, the Company paid $241,000 to Regaluxe S.r.l. under this agreement.
Distribution Agreement
In April 2011, our Corporate Governance Committee and Board of Directors approved the Companys entering in a Wholesale and Distribution Agreement with Regaluxe S.r.l. Under the agreement, Regaluxe S.r.l. is to provide services to the Company to support the distribution of the Companys products in Italy through authorized dealers. The initial one-year term of the agreement began on June 1, 2011. Under this agreement, we pay Regaluxe S.r.l. a net price for our products equivalent to the price, net of taxes, for the products paid by retailers to Regaluxe S.r.l. less a discount factor of 3.5%. The agreements initial term was until May 30, 2012 and may be renewed by mutual agreement for additional one-year terms. In February 2012 and April 2013, the agreement was renewed for an additional one year period. During fiscal 2013, we paid approximately $3,000 to Regaluxe S.r.l. under this agreement.
Item 8. | Financial Information |
Consolidated Financial Statements
See Item 18. Financial Statements.
Dividend Policy
For a discussion of our dividend policy, see Item 3. Key InformationDividends and Dividend Policy.
Legal Proceedings
We are from time to time involved in litigation incident to the conduct of our business. Although such litigation is normally routine and incidental, it is possible that future litigation can result in large monetary awards for compensatory or punitive damages. We believe that no litigation that is currently pending or threatened will have a material adverse effect on our financial condition.
Significant Changes
No significant changes have occurred since the date of the annual financial statements included in this Annual Report.
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Item 9. | The Offer and Listing |
TRADING MARKET
Effective November 15, 2005, our Class A voting shares were listed and began to trade on the NYSE MKT under the symbol BMJ. The following table sets forth, for all recently completed full financial years since we began trading on the NYSE MKT, the reported high and low sale prices for the Class A voting shares:
Birks & Mayors Inc. Highest/Lowest Stock Price for the Five Most Recent Full Financial Years |
||||||||
Fiscal year |
Highest | Lowest | ||||||
2013 |
$ | 1.19 | $ | 0.72 | ||||
2012 |
$ | 1.71 | $ | 0.90 | ||||
2011 |
$ | 6.20 | $ | 0.70 | ||||
2010 |
$ | 1.80 | $ | 0.26 | ||||
2009 |
$ | 4.33 | $ | 0.20 |
The following table sets forth, for each of the most recent six months, the reported high and low sale prices for the Class A voting shares:
Birks & Mayors Inc. Highest/Lowest Stock Price for the Most Recent Six Months |
||||||||
Month |
Highest | Lowest | ||||||
January 2013 |
$ | 0.94 | $ | 0.72 | ||||
February 2013 |
$ | 0.94 | $ | 0.78 | ||||
March 2013 |
$ | 0.93 | $ | 0.82 | ||||
April 2013 |
$ | 0.91 | $ | 0.68 | ||||
May 2013 |
$ | 0.97 | $ | 0.84 | ||||
June 2013 |
$ | 1.34 | $ | 0.77 |
The following table sets forth, for each quarter in fiscal 2013 and 2012 and any subsequent period, the reported high and low sale prices for the Class A voting shares:
Birks & Mayors Inc. Highest/Lowest Stock Price for Each Quarter in fiscal 2013 and 2012 and Any Subsequent Period |
||||||||
Subsequent Period | Highest | Lowest | ||||||
Quarter ended June 2013 |
$ | 1.34 | $ | 0.68 | ||||
Fiscal 2013 |
||||||||
Quarter ended March 2013 |
$ | 0.94 | $ | 0.72 | ||||
Quarter ended December 2012 |
$ | 1.17 | $ | 0.72 | ||||
Quarter ended September 2012 |
$ | 1.19 | $ | 0.89 | ||||
Quarter ended June 2012 |
$ | 1.15 | $ | 0.89 | ||||
Fiscal 2012 |
||||||||
Quarter ended March 2012 |
$ | 1.39 | $ | 0.94 | ||||
Quarter ended December 2011 |
$ | 1.36 | $ | 0.92 | ||||
Quarter ended September 2011 |
$ | 1.71 | $ | 0.90 | ||||
Quarter ended June 2011 |
$ | 1.69 | $ | 1.10 |
Item 10. | Additional Information |
ARTICLES OF INCORPORATION AND BY-LAWS
Our Restated Articles of Incorporation do not restrict the type of business that we may carry on. A copy of our Restated Articles of Incorporation and our By-laws are contained in exhibits to the F-4 registration statement (File No. 333-126936) that we filed with the SEC on July 27, 2005, and which we incorporate by reference herein (F-4). A copy of our By-law No. One is contained as an exhibit to the Form 20-F that we filed with the SEC on July 3, 2012, and which we incorporate by reference. Additionally, certain rights of our shareholders pursuant to our Restated Articles of Incorporation, our By-laws and the Canada Business Corporations Act were set out in the F-4 and we refer you to the headings therein entitled Description of Birks Capital Stock and Comparison of Stockholder Rights.
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On April 19, 2012, our Board of Directors approved an amendment to our by-laws to, among other things, add the title and description of the Vice Chairman position, revise the declaration of dividends section of the by-laws, and add a banking and borrowing arrangements section to the bylaws. Under Canadian law, the amendment to our bylaws had to be ratified by the shareholders of the Company. At our 2012 Annual and Special Meeting of Shareholders, our shareholders ratified the amendment to our by-laws.
MATERIAL CONTRACTS
We have not entered into any material contract other than in the ordinary course of business and other than those described below or in Items 4, 5, 7 and 19 of this Annual Report on Form 20-F.
Employment Agreements
Thomas A. Andruskevich
Thomas A. Andruskevich was employed by Birks & Mayors, as well as by its subsidiary, Mayors. Mr. Andruskevich resigned from the Company effective March 31, 2012. We had two employment agreements with Mr. Andruskevich, one of which was through Mayors. On April 21, 2011, the Company and Mayors, respectively, each entered into an Addendum to Employment Agreement with Mr. Andruskevich, extending the employment agreement indefinitely on the same terms and conditions until either party provided ninety days prior written notice to the other to terminate the employment agreement. The termination date could not be prior to March 31, 2012, and as such, the notice of termination could not be given prior to December 31, 2011. In accordance with his employment agreements, as described below, should Mr. Andruskevich be unable to find another suitable employment, we were required to pay Mr. Andruskevich his salary and benefits for a period of up to twelve months by continuing to pay him a base salary, a monthly bonus calculated by taking the average bonus for the three prior fiscal years and dividing by twelve, all benefits, plus a lump sum cash payment of $39,000 for disability and life insurance. We have also allowed him to purchase the company-owned vehicles that he used during his employment at fair market value.
Birks Employment Agreement
Under the employment agreement, Mr. Andruskevich served as President and Chief Executive Officer of Birks & Mayors and received an annual base salary and an income bonus, which would be adjusted based upon the achievement of certain net income goals by Birks & Mayors in the preceding year set forth in our annual profit plan and strategic plan. Under the agreement, Mr. Andruskevichs minimum base salary was $663,916 increased from $662,000 from the previous year due to a pre-existing performance based criteria. Additionally, Mr. Andruskevich would receive an annual performance bonus based upon the achievement of specific performance criteria, which were set each year by our compensation committee. Mr. Andruskevich was also entitled to certain benefits such as life insurance, health, dental and disability insurance, financial planning expenses and other reasonable expenses. Under his employment agreement since May 15, 1996, Mr. Andruskevich received three separate grants of stock options, namely, (i) an option with an anti-dilutive feature to subscribe for a number of our Class A voting shares which, immediately following their issue, would represent 2% of our issued and outstanding shares of capital stock (on a fully diluted basis); (ii) an option to subscribe for 126,272 Class A voting shares; and (iii) an option to subscribe for 126,266 Class A voting shares. Each such option was exercisable for a period of 10 years following retirement or two years after termination of his employment.
We entered into an Amendment to Employment Agreement with our former Chief Executive Officer, Thomas A. Andruskevich, dated March 16, 2010, to cancel the outstanding options for 509,121 Class A voting shares at exercise prices ranging from Cdn$6.00 to Cdn$7.00 per share held by Mr. Andruskevich, including the anti-dilutive feature, referenced in his employment agreement dated April 16, 2008. In addition, we entered into an Amendment to Employment Agreement with Mr. Andruskevich dated March 16, 2010, granting a new stock option providing Mr. Andruskevich the right to purchase 242,944 Class A voting shares at an exercise price equal to US$1.00 per share. This amendment also provides that in the event of a going-private transaction, the new option will remain outstanding and will be exercisable for a cash payment instead of Class A voting shares. The cash payment will be equal to the fair market value of the Class A voting shares on the date of exercise reduced by the exercise price applicable to such new option.
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Pursuant to Mr. Andruskevichs employment agreement with us, we could terminate Mr. Andruskevichs employment with just and sufficient cause for such termination. If we desired to terminate the agreement, we had to provide Mr. Andruskevich with a ninety days notice, provided, however that such notice of termination could not provide for a termination date prior to March 31, 2012. If we wished to terminate the agreement and Mr. Andruskevich was unable to find suitable employment for a period of up to twelve months from the date of termination, we had to compensate Mr. Andruskevich and entitle him to benefits through the date of termination and for a period of up to twelve months by continuing to pay him a base salary, a monthly bonus calculated by taking the average bonus for the three prior fiscal years and dividing by 12, all benefits, plus a lump sum cash payment, if not already paid by Mayors, of $39,000 for disability and life insurance. If we terminated the agreement without cause or Mr. Andruskevich resigned for good reason, Mr. Andruskevich was entitled to the base salary which shall have accrued to the date of such termination, any accrued but unpaid vacation pay, performance bonus earned in connection with each year ending on or prior to the date of such termination, benefits, as well as a pro rata portion of the average annual bonus for the three prior fiscal years, plus a lump sum cash payment, if not already paid by Mayors, of $39,000 for disability and life insurance.
Additionally, we would pay Mr. Andruskevich his base salary and pro rata annual bonus for the greater of one (1) year or the unexpired portion of the term in a lump sum and be entitled to benefits and we would continue to pay his base salary and the said average annual bonus on a monthly basis for an additional period of up to twelve months should Mr. Andruskevich be unable to find another suitable employment position. In the event Mr. Andruskevichs employment terminated as a result of his death, for cause, as a result of disability or due to his resignation without good reasons, he would receive his base salary through the date of termination or resignation, as well as a pro rata amount for any cash bonus payable to him. The agreement prohibits Mr. Andruskevich from competing with us in our business for or on behalf of any entity whose operations are located primarily in Canada, in the States of Florida or Georgia or any state or foreign country in which Birks receives at least 10% of its revenues at such time (i) during his employment, (ii) during the period immediately following a termination of employment during which or in respect to which Mr. Andruskevich continues to receive payments or had received a lump sum payment or (iii) in the event of Mr. Andruskevichs voluntary departure, during the twelve month period immediately following the date of his departure. During, the non-compete period, Mr. Andruskevich also agrees not to solicit any of our senior executives.
As of May 31, 2013, all payments required under these agreements have been made.
Mayors Employment Agreement
Under the Mayors employment agreement, Mr. Andruskevich served as the Chairman of the Board of Directors of Mayors, and as President and Chief Executive Officer of Mayors and received an annual base salary from Mayors of $600,000 and had the opportunity to receive an annual cash bonus based upon the achievement of objective performance criteria, which were set each year by the compensation committee and approved by the Board of Directors. Mr. Andruskevich was also entitled to certain benefits such as an executive retirement benefit, life, disability, health, dental and vision insurance and other reasonable expenses.
Pursuant to his employment agreement with Mayors, if Mayors wished to terminate the agreement, it had to provide Mr. Andruskevich with a ninety days notice, provided, however that such notice of termination could not provide for a termination date prior to March 31, 2012. If Mayors wished to terminate the agreement and Mr. Andruskevich was unable to find suitable employment for a period of up to twelve months from the date of termination, Mayors had to compensate Mr. Andruskevich and entitle him to benefits through the date of termination and for a period of up to twelve months by continuing to pay him a base salary, a monthly bonus calculated by taking the average bonus for the three prior fiscal years and dividing by 12, all benefits, plus a lump sum cash payment of $39,000 for disability and life insurance.
If Mayors terminated the agreement without cause or Mr. Andruskevich resigned for good reasons, Mr. Andruskevich was entitled to the base salary which shall have accrued to the date of such termination, any accrued but unpaid vacation pay, performance bonus earned in connection with each year ending prior to the date of such termination, benefits as well as a pro rata portion of the average annual bonus for the three prior fiscal years, plus a lump sum cash payment of $39,000 for disability and life insurance. Additionally, Mayors had to pay Mr. Andruskevich his base salary and a pro rata annual bonus for the greater of one (1) year or the unexpired portion of the term in a lump sum and be entitled to benefits and we would continue to pay his base salary and the said average annual bonus payable on a monthly basis for an additional period of up to twelve months should
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Mr. Andruskevich be unable to find another suitable employment position. If Mr. Andruskevichs employment was terminated without cause or if he resigned for good reason within the two year period following a change of control, Mr. Andruskevich would receive his annual base salary, annual bonus and financial planning, health, and dental benefits for the greater of two years or the unexpired portion of the term plus one year, and Mr. Andruskevich would also be entitled to certain bonus compensation and a lump sum cash payment of $39,000 for disability and life insurance as well as a gross-up amount that on an after-tax basis equals the excise tax that would be imposed on the foregoing amounts. If Mr. Andruskevichs employment terminated as a result of his death, for cause, as a result of disability or due to his resignation without good reasons, he would receive his base salary though the date of termination or resignation, as well as a pro rata amount for any cash bonus payable to him.
As of May 31, 2013, all payments required under this agreement have been made.
The agreement prohibits Mr. Andruskevich from competing with Mayors in certain markets for or on behalf of any entity whose operations are located primarily in Canada, in the State of Florida or Georgia or any state or foreign country in which Mayors receives at least 10% of its revenues at such time (i) during his employment, (ii) during the period immediately following a termination of employment up to a maximum period of twelve months during which or in respect to which Mr. Andruskevich continues to receive payments or has received a lump sum payment or (iii) in the event of Mr. Andruskevichs voluntary departure, during the twelve month period immediately following the date of his departure, and to solicit Mayors senior executives.
Jean-Christophe Bédos
On January 4, 2012, we entered into an employment agreement, or the Agreement, with Jean-Christophe Bédos, who succeeded Mr. Andruskevich as the President & Chief Executive Officer effective April 1, 2012, and prior to that was our Chief Operating Officer. The Agreement provides Mr. Bédos with a base salary of CDN$700,000 ($676,393 in U.S. dollars based on foreign exchange rates as of May 31, 2012), an annual cash bonus set at a minimum of CDN$282,500 ($272,973 in U.S. dollars based on foreign exchange rates as of May 31, 2012) for fiscal year ended March 30, 2013, an option to purchase 150,000 shares of the Companys Class A voting shares that will vest over three years and other health and retirement benefits. If Mr. Bédos is terminated without cause or resigns for good reason, as these terms are defined in the Agreement, the Agreement provides that Mr. Bédos will receive (i) any earned and accrued but unpaid base salary, (ii) up to 12 months of salary in lieu of further salary or severance payments, (iii) certain health benefits for up to twelve months, and (iv) his bonus through the date of termination. Mr. Bédos is prohibited from competing with us during his employment and for a period of twelve-months thereafter.
EXCHANGE CONTROLS
There are currently no laws, decrees, regulations or other legislation in Canada that restricts the export or import of capital or that affects the remittance of dividends, interest or other payments to non-resident holders of our securities other than withholding tax requirements. There is no limitation imposed by Canadian law or by our Restated Articles of Incorporation or our other organizational documents on the right of a non-resident of Canada to hold or vote our Class A voting shares, other than as provided in the North American Free Trade Agreement Implementation Act (Canada) and in the Investment Canada Act, as amended by the World Trade Organization Agreement Implementation Act.
The Investment Canada Act requires notification and, in certain cases, advance review and approval by the Government of Canada of the acquisition by a non-Canadian of control of a Canadian business, all as defined in the Investment Canada Act. Generally, the threshold for review will be higher in monetary terms, and in certain cases an exemption will apply, for an investor ultimately controlled by persons who are nationals of a WTO Member or have the right of permanent residence in relation thereto.
TAXATION
MATERIAL U.S. FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSEQUENCES OF OWNING AND DISPOSING OF
BIRKS CLASS A VOTING SHARES
The following discussion is based on the U.S. Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (the Code), applicable Treasury regulations, administrative rulings and pronouncements and judicial decisions currently in effect, all of which could change. Any change, which may be retroactive, could result in U.S. federal income tax consequences different from those discussed below. The discussion is not binding on the Internal Revenue Service, and there can be no assurance that the Internal Revenue Service will not disagree with or challenge any of the conclusions described below.
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Except where specifically noted, the discussion below does not address the effects of any state, local or non-U.S. tax laws (or other tax consequences such as estate or gift tax consequences). The discussion below relates to persons who hold Birks & Mayors Class A voting shares as capital assets within the meaning of Section 1221 of the Code. The tax treatment of those persons may vary depending upon the holders particular situation, and some holders may be subject to special rules not discussed below. Those holders would include, for example:
| banks, insurance companies, trustees and mutual funds; |
| tax-exempt organizations; |
| financial institutions; |
| pass-through entities and investors in pass-through entities; |
| traders in securities who elect to apply a mark-to-market method of accounting; |
| broker-dealers; |
| holders who are not U.S. Holders (as defined below); |
| persons whose functional currency is not the U.S. dollar; |
| holders who are subject to the alternative minimum tax; and |
| holders of Birks & Mayors Class A voting shares who own 5% or more of either the total voting power or the total value of the outstanding Class A voting shares of Birks & Mayors. |
Holders should consult their own tax advisors concerning the U.S. federal income tax consequences of the ownership of Birks & Mayors Class A voting shares in light of their particular situations, as well as any consequences arising under the laws of any other taxing jurisdiction.
As used in this document, the term U.S. Holder means a beneficial holder of Birks & Mayors Class A voting shares that is (1) an individual who is a U.S. citizen or U.S. resident alien, (2) a corporation, or other entity taxable as a corporation, created or organized in or under the laws of the U.S. or any political subdivision of the U.S., (3) an estate which is subject to U.S. federal income tax on its worldwide income regardless of its source or (4) a trust (x) that is subject to primary supervision of a court within the U.S. and the control of one or more U.S. persons as described in section 7701(a)(30) of the Code or (y) that has a valid election in effect under applicable U.S. Treasury regulations to be treated as a U.S. person.
If a partnership holds Birks & Mayors Class A voting shares, the U.S. federal income tax treatment of a partner will generally depend upon the status of the partner and the activities of the partnership. Partners of partnerships that hold Birks & Mayors Class A voting shares should consult their tax advisors regarding the U.S. federal income tax consequences to them.
Dividends and Distributions
Subject to the passive foreign investment company (PFIC) rules discussed below, the gross amount of dividends paid to U.S. Holders of our Class A voting shares, including amounts withheld to reflect Canadian withholding taxes, will be treated as dividend income to these U.S. Holders, to the extent paid out of current or accumulated earnings and profits, as determined under U.S. federal income tax principles. This income will be includable in the gross income of a U.S. Holder on the day actually or constructively received by the U.S. Holder. Dividends generally will not be eligible for the dividends received deduction allowed to corporations upon the receipt of dividends distributed by U.S. corporations.
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Subject to certain conditions and limitations, Canadian withholding taxes on dividends may be treated as foreign taxes eligible for credit against a U.S. Holders U.S. federal income tax liability. For purposes of calculating the foreign tax credit, dividends paid on our Class A voting shares will be treated as income from sources outside the U.S. and generally will constitute passive income. Special rules apply to certain individuals whose foreign source income during the taxable year consists entirely of qualified passive income and whose creditable foreign taxes paid or accrued during the taxable year do not exceed $300 ($600 in the case of a joint return). U.S. Holders should consult their tax advisors to determine their eligibility to use foreign tax credits.
To the extent that the amount of any distribution exceeds our current and accumulated earnings and profits for a taxable year, the distribution first will be treated as a tax-free return of capital, causing a reduction in the adjusted basis of our Class A voting shares (thereby increasing the amount of gain, or decreasing the amount of loss, to be recognized by the U.S. Holder on a subsequent disposition of the Class A voting shares), and the balance in excess of adjusted basis will be taxed as capital gain recognized on a sale or exchange.
With respect to certain U.S. Holders who are not corporations, including individuals, certain dividends received from a qualified foreign corporation may be subject to reduced rates of taxation. A qualified foreign corporation includes a foreign corporation that is eligible for the benefits of a comprehensive income tax treaty with the United States which the U.S. Treasury determines to be satisfactory for these purposes and which includes an exchange of information program. U.S. Treasury guidance indicates that the current income tax treaty between Canada and the U.S. meets these requirements, and we believe we are eligible for the benefits of that treaty. In addition, a foreign corporation is treated as a qualified foreign corporation with respect to dividends received from that corporation on shares that are readily tradable on an established securities market in the U.S. Our Class A voting shares, which are listed on the NYSE MKT, should be considered readily tradable on an established securities market in the U.S. Individuals that do not meet a minimum holding period requirement during which they are not protected from the risk of loss or that elect to treat the dividend income as investment income pursuant to Section 163(d)(4) of the Code will not be eligible for the reduced rates of taxation regardless of the trading status of our Class A voting shares. In addition, the rate reduction will not apply to dividends if the recipient of a dividend is obligated to make related payments with respect to positions in substantially similar or related property. This disallowance applies even if the minimum holding period has been met. U.S. Holders should consult their own tax advisors regarding the application of these rules given their particular circumstances. The rules governing the foreign tax credit are complex. Certain U.S. Holders of our Class A voting shares may not be able to claim a foreign tax credit with respect to amounts withheld for Canadian withholding taxes. U.S. Holders are urged to consult their tax advisors regarding the availability of the foreign tax credit under their particular circumstances.
Sale or Exchange of Class A Voting Shares
For U.S. federal income tax purposes, subject to the rules relating to PFICs described below, a U.S. Holder generally will recognize taxable gain or loss on any sale or exchange of our Class A voting shares in an amount equal to the difference between the amount realized for our Class A voting shares and the U.S. Holders tax basis in such shares. This gain or loss will be capital gain or loss and generally will be treated as U.S. source gain or loss. Long-term capital gains recognized by certain U.S. Holders who are not corporations, including individuals, generally will be subject to a maximum rate of U.S. federal income tax of currently 23.8%, which includes the new 3.8% Medicare surtax imposed by Section 1411. The deductibility of capital losses is subject to limitations.
Passive Foreign Investment Company
We believe that our Class A voting shares should not be treated as stock of a PFIC for U.S. federal income tax purposes, and we expect to continue our operations in such a manner that we will not be a PFIC. In general, a company is considered a PFIC for any taxable year if either (i) at least 75% of its gross income is passive income or (ii) at least 50% of the value of its assets is attributable to assets that produce or are held for the production of passive income. The 50% of value test is based on the average of the value of our assets for each quarter during the taxable year. If we own at least 25% by value of another companys stock, we will be treated, for purposes of the PFIC rules, as owning our proportionate share of the assets and receiving our proportionate share of income of the other company. Based on the nature of our income, assets and activities, and the manner in which we plan to operate our business in future years, we do not expect that we will be classified as a PFIC for any taxable year.
If, however, we are or become a PFIC, U.S. Holders could be subject to additional U.S. federal income taxes on gain recognized with respect to our Class A voting shares and on certain distributions, plus an interest charge on certain taxes treated as having been deferred by the U.S. Holder under the PFIC rules.
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Backup Withholding and Information Reporting
In general, information reporting requirements will apply to dividends in respect of our Class A voting shares or the proceeds received on the sale, exchange, or redemption of our Class A voting shares paid within the United States (and in certain cases, outside of the U.S.) to U.S. Holders other than certain exempt recipients (such as corporations), and a 28% backup withholding tax may apply to these amounts if the U.S. Holder fails to provide an accurate taxpayer identification number, to report dividends required to be shown on its U.S. federal income tax returns or, in certain circumstances, to comply with applicable certification requirements. The amount of any backup withholding from a payment to a U.S. Holder will be allowed as a refund or credit against the U.S. Holders U.S. federal income tax liability, provided that the required information or appropriate claim for refund is furnished to the Internal Revenue Service.
MATERIAL CANADIAN FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSEQUENCES OF THE OWNERSHIP AND DISPOSITION OF OUR CLASS A VOTING SHARES
The following discussion is a summary of the material Canadian federal income tax considerations under the Income Tax Act (Canada) and the regulations thereunder (referred to in this Form 20-F as the Canadian Tax Act) of the ownership of our Class A voting shares, generally applicable to holders of our Class A voting shares who, for purposes of the Canadian Tax Act and at all relevant times, are not (and are not deemed to be) resident in Canada, hold our Class A voting shares as capital property, deal at arms length, and are not affiliated, with Birks & Mayors, and who do not use or hold (and are not deemed to use or hold) Class A voting shares in connection with carrying on business or part of a business in Canada (referred to in this Form 20-F as Non-resident Holders). This discussion does not apply to holders that are insurers that carry on an insurance business in Canada and elsewhere or an authorized foreign bank (as defined under the Canadian Tax Act).
This summary is based upon the current provisions of the Canadian Tax Act, the current provisions of the Canada-United States Income Tax Convention, if applicable (referred to in this Form 20-F as the Convention), all specific proposals to amend the Canadian Tax Act publicly announced by the Minister of Finance of Canada prior to the date hereof (referred to in this Form 20-F as the Tax Proposals) and the current published administrative and assessing practices of the Canada Revenue Agency. This summary assumes that the Tax Proposals will be enacted substantially as proposed and does not otherwise take into account or anticipate any change in law or administrative and assessing practices, whether by legislative, governmental or judicial action, although no assurance can be given in these respects. This summary does not take into account or consider any provincial, territorial or foreign income tax legislation or considerations. For purposes of the Canadian Tax Act, all amounts relevant in computing a Non-resident Holders liability under the Canadian Tax Act must be computed in Canadian dollars. Amounts denominated in a currency other than Canadian dollars (including adjusted cost base and proceeds of disposition) must be converted into Canadian dollars based on the prevailing exchange rate at the relevant time.
This summary is of a general nature only and is not intended to be, nor should it be construed to be, legal or tax advice to Non-resident Holders of our Class A voting shares. Accordingly, Non-resident Holders of our Class A voting shares should consult their own tax advisors with respect to their particular circumstances.
Dividends on Our Class A Voting Shares
Dividends paid or credited (or deemed to have been paid or credited) on our Class A voting shares to a Non-resident Holder will be subject to Canadian withholding tax of 25% of the gross amount of those dividends (subject to reduction in accordance with an applicable income tax convention between Canada and the Non-resident Holders country of residence). In the case of a Non-resident Holder who is a resident of the U.S. for purposes of the Convention, is entitled to the benefits of the Convention (referred to in this Form 20-F as a U.S. Holder) and is the beneficial owner of the dividend, the rate of withholding tax will generally be reduced to 15% or, if the Non-resident Holder is a corporation that owns at least 10% of our voting shares, to 5%.
Disposition of Our Class A Voting Shares
A Non-resident Holder will not be subject to tax under the Canadian Tax Act in respect of any capital gain realized by that Non-resident Holder on a disposition of a Class A voting share, unless the Class A voting share constitutes taxable Canadian property (as defined in the Canadian Tax Act) of the Non-resident Holder at the time of disposition and the Non-resident Holder is not entitled to relief under an applicable income tax convention between
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Canada and the Non-resident Holders country of residence. If at the time of such disposition the Class A voting shares are listed on a designated stock exchange (which includes the NYSE MKT), the Class A voting shares will generally not constitute taxable Canadian property of a Non-resident Holder unless (a) at any time during the 60-month period that ends at the time the Class A voting shares are disposed of, both (i) 25% or more of the issued shares of any class of the capital stock of the Corporation were owned by or belonged to one or any combination of the Non-resident Holder and persons with whom the Non-resident Holder did not deal at arms length, and (ii) more than 50% of the fair market value of the Class A voting shares was derived directly or indirectly from one or any combination of real or immovable property situated in Canada, Canadian resource properties, timber resource properties (as such terms are defined under the Canadian Tax Act) or options in respect of, interests in, or civil law rights in, any such properties, or (b) the Class A voting shares are otherwise deemed to be taxable Canadian property.
As long as Class A voting shares are listed on a recognized stock exchange (which includes the NYSE MKT), a Non-resident Holder who disposes of Class A voting shares that are taxable Canadian property will not be required to satisfy the obligations imposed under section 116 of the Canadian Tax Act.
DOCUMENTS ON DISPLAY
We file reports, including Annual Reports on Form 20-F, and other information with the SEC pursuant to the rules and regulations of the SEC that apply to foreign private issuers. You may read and copy any materials filed with the SEC at the following location of the SEC, Public Reference Room, 100 F Street, N.E., Washington, D.C. 20549. Please call the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330 for further information on the public reference room. Filings we make electronically with the SEC are also available to the public on the Internet at the SECs website at http://www.sec.gov.
Item 11. | Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk |
We are exposed to various market risks. Market risk is the potential loss arising from adverse changes in market prices and rates. We have not entered into derivative or other financial instruments for trading or speculative purposes.
Interest Rate Risk
We are exposed to market risk from fluctuations in interest rates. Borrowing under the senior secured credit facility and the term loan from Investissement Québec bear interest at floating rates, which are based on LIBOR plus a fixed additional interest rate. As of March 30, 2013, we have not hedged these interest rate risks. As of March 30, 2013, we had approximately $75.5 million of floating-rate debt and an additional $18.0 million of debt that becomes floating rate debt if interest rates rise above a certain level. Accordingly, our net income will be affected by changes in interest rates. Assuming a 100 basis point increase or decrease in the interest rate under our floating rate debt, our interest expense on an annualized basis would have increased or decreased, respectively, by approximately $0.8 million.
Currency Risk
While we report our financial results in U.S. dollars, a substantial portion of our sales are earned in Canadian dollars. For our operations located in Canada, non-Canadian currency transactions and assets and liabilities subject us to foreign currency risk. Conversely, for the operations located in the U.S., non-U.S. currency transactions and assets and liabilities subject us to foreign currency risk. For purposes of our financial reporting, our financial statements are reported in U.S. dollars by translating, where necessary, net sales and expenses from Canadian dollars at the average exchange rates prevailing during the period, while assets and liabilities are translated at year-end exchange rates, with the effect of such translation recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income. As a result, for purposes of our financial reporting, foreign exchange gains or losses recorded in earnings relate to non-Canadian dollar transactions of the operations located in Canada and non-U.S. dollar transactions of the operations located in the U.S. We expect to continue to report our financial results in U.S. dollars in accordance with U.S. GAAP. Consequently, our reported earnings could fluctuate materially as a result of foreign exchange translation gains or losses. To mitigate the impact of foreign exchange volatility on our earnings, from time to time we may enter into agreements to fix the exchange rate of U.S. dollars to Canadian dollars. For example, we may enter into agreements to fix the exchange rate to protect the principal and interest payments on our U.S. dollar denominated debt and other liabilities held in our Canadian operation. If we do so, we will not benefit from any increase in the value of the
49
Canadian dollar compared to the U.S. dollar when these payments become due. As of March 30, 2013, we had not hedged these foreign exchange rate risks. As of March 30, 2013, we had approximately $3.4 million of net assets subject to transaction foreign exchange rate risk related to changes in the exchange rate between the U.S. dollar and Canadian dollar, which would impact the level of our earnings if there were fluctuations in U.S. and Canadian dollar exchange rate. Assuming a 10 percent strengthening or weakening of the Canadian dollar in relationship to the U.S. dollar, as of March 30, 2013, our earnings would have decreased or increased, respectively, by approximately $0.2 million. This analysis does not consider the impact of fluctuations in U.S and Canadian dollar exchange rates on the translation of Canadian dollar results into U.S. dollars. In addition to the impact on earnings, fluctuation between the U.S. and Canadian dollar exchange rates impacts the level of our borrowing availability under our senior secured revolving credit facility which is denominated in U.S. dollars. Assuming a 10 percent strengthening or weakening of the Canadian dollar in relationship to the U.S. dollar, as of March 30, 2013, our borrowing availability would have increased or decreased, respectively, by approximately $0.7 million. Changes in the exchange rates of Canadian dollars to U.S. dollars could also impact our Canadian sales and gross margin if the Canadian dollar strengthens significantly and impacts our Canadian consumers behavior.
Commodity Risk
The nature of our operations results in exposure to fluctuations in commodity prices, specifically diamonds, platinum, gold and silver. We monitor prices and may decide, if appropriate, to utilize derivative financial instruments and physical delivery contracts to hedge our exposure to risks related to the change in gold prices. If we utilize derivative financial instruments, we would be exposed to credit-related losses in the event of non-performance by counter-parties to the financial instruments. In addition, if gold prices decrease below those levels specified in our various hedging agreements, we would lose the value of a decline in the price of gold which could have an equal effect on our cost of sales. However, such gains may not be realized in future periods and our hedging activities may result in losses, which could be material. No hedging contracts existed as of March 30, 2013. Our retail sales and gross margin could also be materially impacted if prices of diamonds, platinum, gold or silver rise so significantly that our consumers behavior changes or if price increases cannot be passed onto our customers.
Item 12. | Description of Securities Other than Equity Securities |
Not applicable.
PART II
Item 13. | Defaults, Dividend Arrearages and Delinquencies |
Not applicable.
Item 14. | Material Modifications to the Rights of Security Holders and Use of Proceeds |
Not applicable.
Item 15. | Controls and Procedures |
Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures
We maintain disclosure controls and procedures that are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in our Exchange Act reports is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SECs rules and forms, and that such information is accumulated and communicated to our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure. Our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, conducted an evaluation of our disclosure controls and procedures, as defined under Exchange Act Rule 13a-15(e), as of the end of the period covered by this Annual Report on Form 20-F. Based upon that evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have concluded that, as of March 30, 2013, our disclosure controls and procedures, as defined under Exchange Act Rule 13a-15(e), were effective.
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Managements Annual Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting
Our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting, as defined under Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f). Our internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the U.S. Internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that: (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of our assets, (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that our receipts and expenditures are being made only in accordance with authorizations of our management and directors; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of our assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.
Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements on a timely basis. Therefore, even those systems determined to be effective can provide only reasonable assurance with respect to consolidated financial statements preparation and presentation. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.
Our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer assessed the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of the end of the period covered by this Annual Report based on the criteria established in Internal ControlIntegrated Framework (1992) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. Managements assessment included an evaluation of the design of our internal control over financial reporting and testing of the operational effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting. Based on that assessment, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that as of March 30, 2013, our internal control over financial reporting was effective.
This Annual Report does not include an attestation report of our independent registered public accounting firm regarding internal controls over financial reporting. As a non-accelerated filer, our report was not subject to attestation by our independent registered public accounting firm pursuant to rules of the SEC that permit us to provide only our report on internal controls over financial reporting in this Annual Report.
Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting
There was no change in our internal controls over financial reporting that occurred during the period covered by this Annual Report that materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal controls over financial reporting.
Item 16A. | Audit Committee Financial Expert |
The Board of Directors determined that Louis Roquet had an adequately high level of financial sophistication to meet the NYSE MKT listing standards that he be financially sophisticated even though he could not technically meet the requirements to be designated an audit committee financial expert as such term is defined by the SEC. Therefore, rather than amend the audit committees charter to remove the requirement that at least one member of the audit committee be designated as an audit committee financial expert, the Board of Directors decided to waive that requirement for the present time. See Item 6. Directors, Senior Management and EmployeesBoard Practices.
Item 16B. | Code of Ethics |
We have adopted a code of ethics, within the meaning of this Item 16B of Form 20-F under the Exchange Act. Our code of ethics applies to our Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, and Controller. Our code of ethics is available on our website at www.birksandmayors.com. If we amend the provisions of our code of ethics that apply to our Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer and persons performing similar functions, or if we grant any waiver of such provisions, we will disclose such amendment or waiver on our website at the same address.
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Item 16C. | Principal Accountant Fees and Services |
During fiscal 2013 and fiscal 2012, we retained KPMG LLP, our independent auditors, to provide services in the following categories and amounts:
Audit Fees
The aggregate fees billed by KPMG LLP for professional services rendered for the audit and interim review of our financial statements was Cdn$345,000 ($339,700 in U.S. dollars) in fiscal 2013 and Cdn$405,000 ($398,779 in U.S. dollars) in fiscal 2012.
Audit Related Fees
During fiscal 2012, KPMG LLP provided Cdn$50,000 ($49,232 in U.S. dollars) of audit related services in connection with the executed stock rights offering. During fiscal 2013 KPMG LLP did not provide audit related services.
Tax Fees
During fiscal 2013 and fiscal 2012, KPMG LLP provided tax advisory services for a total amount of approximately Cdn$3,850 ($3,791 in U.S. dollars) and Cdn$34,700 ($34,167 in U.S. dollars), respectively.
All Other Fees
During fiscal 2013 and fiscal 2012, KPMG LLP did not provide other services.
Pre-Approval Policies and Procedures
The audit committee has established a pre-approval policy as described in Rule 2-01(c)(7)(i) of Regulation S-X. The audit committee approves in writing, in advance, any audit or non-audit services provided to Birks & Mayors by the independent accountants that are not specifically disallowed by the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. None of the services described in the preceding three sections were approved by the audit committee pursuant to Rule 2-01(c)(7)(i)(C).
Item 16D. | Exemptions from the Listing Standards for Audit Committees |
Not applicable.
Item 16E. | Purchases of Equity Securities by the Issuer and Affiliated Purchasers |
We did not, nor did any affiliated purchaser, purchase any of our equity securities during fiscal 2013.
Item 16F. | Change in Registrants Certifying Accountant |
Not applicable.
Item 16G. | Corporate Governance |
Our securities are listed on the NYSE MKT. There are no significant ways in which our corporate governance practices differ from those followed by domestic companies under the listing standards of that exchange except for proxy delivery requirements. The NYSE MKT requires the solicitation of proxies and delivery of proxy statements for all shareholder meetings, and requires that these proxies be solicited pursuant to a proxy statement that conforms to the proxy rules of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. As a foreign private issuer, the Company is exempt from the proxy rules set forth in Sections 14(a), 14(b), 14(c) and 14(f) of the Act. The Company solicits proxies in accordance with applicable rules and regulations in Canada.
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Item 16H. | Mine Safety Disclosure |
Not applicable.
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PART III
Item 19. | Exhibits |
The following exhibits are part of this Annual Report on Form 20-F.
Exhibit Number |
Description of Document | |
1.1 |
Restated Articles of Incorporation, as amended, of Birks & Mayors Inc., effective as of November 14, 2005. Incorporated by reference from Exhibit 3.2 of the Henry Birks & Sons Inc. Registration Statement on Form F-4 originally filed with the SEC on July 27, 2005 and as subsequently amended on September 8, 2005, September 21, 2005 and September 29, 2005. | |
1.2 |
By-laws of Birks & Mayors Inc., as amended, effective as of November 14, 2005. Incorporated by reference from Birks & Mayors Inc.s Form 20-F filed with the SEC on July 3, 2012. | |
2.1 |
Form of Birks Class A voting share certificate. Incorporated by reference from the Henry Birks & Sons Inc. Registration Statement on Form F-4 originally filed with the SEC on July 27, 2005 and as subsequently amended on September 8, 2005, September 21, 2005 and September 29, 2005. | |
4.1 |
Agreement and Plan of Merger and Reorganization, dated as of April 18, 2005, as amended as of July 27, 2005, among Henry Birks & Sons Inc., Mayors, Inc. and Birks Merger Corporation, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Henry Birks & Sons Inc. Incorporated by reference from the Henry Birks & Sons Inc. Registration Statement on Form F-4 originally filed with the SEC on July 27, 2005 and as subsequently amended on September 8, 2005, September 21, 2005 and September 29, 2005. | |
4.2 |
Form of Directors and Officers Indemnity Agreement. Incorporated by reference from the Henry Birks & Sons Inc. Registration Statement on Form F-4 originally filed with the SEC on July 27, 2005 and as subsequently amended on September 8, 2005, September 21, 2005 and September 29, 2005. | |
4.3 |
Henry Birks & Sons Inc. Employee Stock Option Agreement, dated as of May 1, 1997, amended as of June 20, 2000. Incorporated by reference from the Henry Birks & Sons Inc. Registration Statement on Form F-4 originally filed with the SEC on July 27, 2005 and as subsequently amended on September 8, 2005, September 21, 2005 and September 29, 2005. | |
4.4 |
Henry Birks & Sons Inc., Form of Amended Stock Option Agreement under the 1997 Stock Option Plan. Incorporated by reference from Birks & Mayors Inc.s Schedule TO-1 filed with the SEC on March 18, 2010. | |
4.5 |
Lease Agreement between Birks and Anglo Canadian Investments SA, dated as of December 12, 2000. Incorporated by reference from the Henry Birks & Sons Inc. Registration Statement on Form F-4 originally filed with the SEC on July 27, 2005 and as subsequently amended on September 8, 2005, September 21, 2005 and September 29, 2005. | |
4.6 |
Lease Agreement between Mayors and Westpoint Business Park, Ltd dated September 13, 2004. Incorporated by reference from Birks & Mayors Inc.s Form 20-F filed with the SEC on July 19, 2006. |
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4.7 |
Diamond Supply Agreement between Prime Investments S.A. and Birks, dated as of August 15, 2002. Incorporated by reference from the Henry Birks & Sons Inc. Registration Statement on Form F-4 originally filed with the SEC on July 27, 2005 and as subsequently amended on September 8, 2005, September 21, 2005 and September 29, 2005. | |
4.8 |
Conditional Sale Agreement between Rosy Blue N.V. and Birks, dated as of August 15, 2002. Incorporated by reference from the Henry Birks & Sons Inc. Registration Statement on Form F-4 originally filed with the SEC on July 27, 2005 and as subsequently amended on September 8, 2005, September 21, 2005 and September 29, 2005. | |
4.9 |
Conditional Sale Agreement between Rosy Blue Inc. and Birks, dated as of August 15, 2002. Incorporated by reference from the Henry Birks & Sons Inc. Registration Statement on Form F-4 originally filed with the SEC on July 27, 2005 and as subsequently amended on September 8, 2005, September 21, 2005 and September 29, 2005. | |
4.10 |
Conditional Sale Agreement between Rosy Blue Sales Ltd. and Birks, dated as of August 15, 2002. Incorporated by reference from the Henry Birks & Sons Inc. Registration Statement on Form F-4 originally filed with the SEC on July 27, 2005 and as subsequently amended on September 8, 2005, September 21, 2005 and September 29, 2005. | |
4.11 |
Conditional Sale Agreement between Rosy Blue Hong Kong Ltd. and Birks, dated as of August 15, 2002. Incorporated by reference from the Henry Birks & Sons Inc. Registration Statement on Form F-4 originally filed with the SEC on July 27, 2005 and as subsequently amended on September 8, 2005, September 21, 2005 and September 29, 2005. | |
4.12 |
Conditional Sale Agreement between Rosy Blue Finance S.A. and Birks, dated as of August 15, 2002. Incorporated by reference from the Henry Birks & Sons Inc. Registration Statement on Form F-4 originally filed with the SEC on July 27, 2005 and as subsequently amended on September 8, 2005, September 21, 2005 and September 29, 2005. | |
4.13 |
Registration Rights Agreement between Birks and Prime Investments S.A., dated as of February 4, 2005. Incorporated by reference from the Henry Birks & Sons Inc. Registration Statement on Form F-4 originally filed with the SEC on July 27, 2005 and as subsequently amended on September 8, 2005, September 21, 2005 and September 29, 2005. | |
4.14 |
Employment Agreement between Mr. Thomas A. Andruskevich and Mayors effective April 1, 2008. Incorporated by reference from the Birks & Mayors Annual Report on Form 20-F filed with the SEC on June 30, 2008. | |
4.15 |
Employment Agreement between Mr. Thomas A. Andruskevich and Birks & Mayors on April 1, 2008. Incorporated by reference from the Birks & Mayors Annual Report on Form 20-F filed with the SEC on June 30, 2008. | |
4.16 |
Amendment to Employment Agreement between Mr. Thomas A. Andruskevich and Birks & Mayors dated March 16, 2010. Incorporated by reference from Birks & Mayors Form 6-K filed with the SEC on March 17, 2010. | |
4.17 |
Amendment to Employment Agreement between Mr. Thomas A. Andruskevich and Birks & Mayors dated March 16, 2010. Incorporated by reference from Birks & Mayors Form 6-K filed with the SEC on March 17, 2010. |
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4.18 |
Amendment to Employment Agreement between Mr. Thomas A. Andruskevich and Birks & Mayors dated June 30, 2010. Incorporated by reference from the Birks & Mayors Annual Report on Form 20-F filed with the SEC on July 12, 2010. | |
4.19 |
Amendment to Employment Agreement between Mr. Thomas A. Andruskevich and Mayors dated June 30, 2010. Incorporated by reference from the Birks & Mayors Annual Report on Form 20-F filed with the SEC on July 12, 2010. | |
4.20 |
Addendum to Employment Agreement between Birks & Mayors Inc. and Thomas Andruskevich, dated April 21, 2011. Incorporated by reference from the Birks & Mayors Annual Report on Form 20-F filed with the SEC on July 8, 2011. | |
4.21 |
Addendum to Employment Agreement between Mayors Jewelers, Inc. and Thomas A. Andruskevich, dated April 21, 2011. Incorporated by reference from the Birks & Mayors Annual Report on Form 20-F filed with the SEC on July 8, 2011. | |
4.22 |
Employment Agreement between Michael Rabinovitch and Mayors, dated as of August 1, 2005. Incorporated by reference from the Henry Birks & Sons Inc. Registration Statement on Form F-4 originally filed with the SEC on July 27, 2005 and as subsequently amended on September 8, 2005, September 21, 2005 and September 29, 2005. | |
4.23 |
Form of Senior Management Long-Term Cash Incentive Plan. Incorporated by reference from the Birks & Mayors Inc. Annual Report on Form 20-F filed with the SEC on June 18, 2007. | |
4.24 |
Employment Agreement between Miranda Melfi and Birks & Mayors dated February 24, 2006. Incorporated by reference from Birks & Mayors Inc.s Form 20-F filed with the SEC on July 19, 2006. | |
4.25 |
Amended and Restated Management Consulting Services Agreement between Birks & Mayors Inc. and Montrovest B.V., dated as of June 8, 2011. Incorporated by reference from the Birks & Mayors Annual Report on Form 20-F filed with the SEC on July 8, 2011. | |
4.26 |
Mayors Jewelers, Inc., (f/k/a Jan Bell Marketing, Inc.) 1991 Stock Option Plan. Incorporated by reference from Birks & Mayors Inc.s Registration Statement on Form S-8 filed with the SEC on April 26, 2006. | |
4.27 |
Mayors Jewelers, Inc., Form of Amended Stock Option Agreement under the 1991 Stock Option Plan. Incorporated by reference from Birks & Mayors Inc.s Schedule TO-1 filed with the SEC on March 18, 2010. | |
4.28 |
Mayors Jewelers, Inc., 2004 Long-Term Incentive Plan. Incorporated by reference from Birks & Mayors Inc.s Registration Statement on Form S-8 filed with the SEC on April 26, 2006. | |
4.29 |
Birks & Mayors Inc. 2006 Employee Stock Purchase Plan. Incorporated by reference from Birks & Mayors Inc.s Form 20-F filed with the SEC on July 19, 2006. | |
4.30 |
Birks & Mayors Inc. Long-Term Incentive Plan. Incorporated by reference from Birks & Mayors Inc.s Form 20-F filed with the SEC on July 19, 2006. | |
4.31 |
Stock Option Agreement dated on or about April 23, 2004 between Birks & Mayors Inc. and Peter OBrien. Incorporated by reference from Birks & Mayors Inc.s Form 20-F filed with the SEC on July 19, 2006. |
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4.32 | Stock Option Agreement dated on or about April 23, 2004 between Birks & Mayors Inc. and Dr. Lorenzo Rossi di Montelera. Incorporated by reference from Birks & Mayors Inc.s Form 20-F filed with the SEC on July 19, 2006. | |
4.33 | Warrant Agreement dated November 14, 2005 between Mayors Jewelers, Inc. and Carlo Coda-Nunziante. Incorporated by reference from Birks & Mayors Inc.s Form 20-F filed with the SEC on July 19, 2006. | |
4.34 | Warrant Agreement dated November 14, 2005 between Mayors Jewelers, Inc. and Joseph A. Keifer. Incorporated by reference from Birks & Mayors Inc.s Form 20-F filed with the SEC on July 19, 2006. | |
4.35 | Warrant Agreement dated November 14, 2005 between Mayors Jewelers, Inc. and Marco Pasteris. Incorporated by reference from Birks & Mayors Inc.s Form 20-F filed with the SEC on July 19, 2006. | |
4.36 | Amended and Restated Warrant Agreement dated November 14, 2005 between Mayors Jewelers, Inc. and Henry Birks & Sons Inc. Incorporated by reference from Birks & Mayors Inc.s Form 20-F filed with the SEC on July 19, 2006. | |
4.37 | Amended and Restated Warrant Agreement dated November 14, 2005 between Mayors Jewelers, Inc. and Henry Birks & Sons Inc. Incorporated by reference from Birks & Mayors Inc.s Form 20-F filed with the SEC on July 19, 2006. | |
4.38 | Amended and Restated Warrant Agreement dated November 14, 2005 between Mayors Jewelers, Inc. and Henry Birks & Sons Inc. Incorporated by reference from Birks & Mayors Inc.s Form 20-F filed with the SEC on July 19, 2006. | |
4.39 | Form of Stock Appreciation Rights Agreement. Incorporated by reference from the Birks & Mayors Inc. Annual Report on Form 20-F filed with the SEC on June 18, 2007. | |
4.40 | Stock Appreciation Rights Agreement between Mr. Thomas A. Andruskevich and Mayors Jewelers, Inc. dated August 9, 2005. Incorporated by reference from the Birks & Mayors Annual Report on Form 20-F filed with the SEC on July 12, 2010. | |
4.41 | Amendment to Stock Appreciation Rights Agreement between Mr. Thomas A. Andruskevich and Birks & Mayors dated March 16, 2010. Incorporated by reference from Birks & Mayors Form 6-K filed with the SEC on March 17, 2010. | |
4.42 | Amendment to Stock Appreciation Rights Agreement between Michael Rabinovitch and Birks & Mayors dated March 16, 2010. Incorporated by reference from Birks & Mayors Form 6-K filed with the SEC on March 17, 2010. | |
4.43 | Loan Agreement between Birks & Mayors Inc. and Investissement Québec, dated January 26, 2009. Incorporated by reference from the Birks & Mayors Inc. Annual Report on Form 20-F filed with the SEC on July 6, 2009. | |
4.44 | Loan Agreement between Birks & Mayors Inc. and Investissement Québec, dated February 20, 2009. Incorporated by reference from the Birks & Mayors Inc. Annual Report on Form 20-F filed with the SEC on July 6, 2009. | |
4.45 | Amended and Restated Cash Advance Agreement between Birks & Mayors Inc. and Montrovest B.V., dated June 8, 2011. Incorporated by reference from the Birks & Mayors Annual Report on Form 20-F filed with the SEC on July 8, 2011. | |
4.46 | Amended and Restated Cash Advance Agreement between Birks & Mayors Inc. and Montrovest B.V., dated June 8, 2011. Incorporated by reference from the Birks & Mayors Annual Report on Form 20-F filed with the SEC on July 8, 2011. |
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4.47 | Distribution Agreement between Birks & Mayors Inc., Mayors Jewelers, Inc. and Damiani International B.V., dated as of September 26, 2009. Incorporated by reference from the Birks & Mayors Annual Report on Form 20-F filed with the SEC on July 12, 2010.+ | |
4.48 | Employment Agreement between Birks & Mayors Inc. and Deborah Nicodemus, dated February 22, 2011. Incorporated by reference from the Birks & Mayors Annual Report on Form 20-F filed with the SEC on July 8, 2011. | |
4.49 | Second Amended and Restated Revolving Credit and Security Agreement, among Birks & Mayors Inc., Mayors Jewelers, Inc. Certain Financial Institutions, as Lenders, Bank of America, N.A., as Administrative Agent, Bank of America, N.A. (acting through its Canada branch) as Canadian Agent, Bank of America, N.A. and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as Co-Collateral Agents with Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated and Wells Fargo Capital Finance, LLC, as Co-Lead Arrangers and Co-Book Managers, dated as of June 8, 2011. Incorporated by reference from the Birks & Mayors Annual Report on Form 20-F filed with the SEC on July 8, 2011. | |
4.50 | Amended and Restated Term Loan and Security Agreement, among Birks & Mayors Inc., Certain Financial Institutions, as Lenders, GB Merchant Partners, LLC, as Administrative Agent and Co-Collateral Agent and Wells Fargo Credit, Inc., as Co-Collateral Agent and as Documentation Agent, dated as of June 8, 2011. Incorporated by reference from the Birks & Mayors Annual Report on Form 20-F filed with the SEC on July 8, 2011. | |
4.51 | Letter Agreement between Mayors Jewelers and Thomas A. Andruskevich, dated November 14, 2005. Incorporated by reference from the Birks & Mayors Registration Statement on Form F-3 filed with the SEC on March 25, 2011. | |
4.52 | Letter Agreement between Mayors Jewelers and Filippo Recami, dated November 14, 2005. Incorporated by reference from the Birks & Mayors Registration Statement on Form F-3 filed with the SEC on March 25, 2011. | |
4.53 | Letter Agreement between Mayors Jewelers and Joseph Keifer, dated November 14, 2005. Incorporated by reference from the Birks & Mayors Registration Statement on Form F-3 filed with the SEC on March 25, 2011. | |
4.54 | Letter Agreement between Mayors Jewelers and Marco Pasteris, dated November 14, 2005. Incorporated by reference from the Birks & Mayors Registration Statement on Form F-3 filed with the SEC on March 25, 2011. | |
4.55 | Letter Agreement between Mayors Jewelers and Carlo Coda-Nuziante, dated November 14, 2005. Incorporated by reference from the Birks & Mayors Registration Statement on Form F-3 filed with the SEC on March 25, 2011. | |
4.56 | Employment Agreement between Birks & Mayors Inc. and Jean-Christophe Bédos, dated January 4, 2012. Incorporated by reference from the Birks & Mayors Registration Statement on Form F-1 filed with the SEC on April 27, 2012. | |
4.57 | Canadian Offering Memorandum, dated as of April 27, 2012. Incorporated by reference from the Birks & Mayors Registration Statement on Form F-1 filed with the SEC on April 27, 2012. | |
4.58 | Form of Subscription Rights Certificate. Incorporated by reference from the Birks & Mayors Registration Statement on Form F-1 filed with the SEC on May 24, 2012. | |
8.1* | Subsidiaries of Birks & Mayors Inc. |
58
12.1* | Certification of President and Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Exchange Act Rules 13a-14(a) and 15d-14(a). | |
12.2* | Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Exchange Act Rules 13a-14(a) and 15d-14(a). | |
13.1* | Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. | |
13.2* | Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. | |
15.1* | Consent of KPMG LLP. | |
101.INS** | XBRL Instance Document* | |
101.SCH** | XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document* | |
101.CAL** | XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document* | |
101.DEF** | XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document* | |
101.LAB** | XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document* | |
101.PRE** | XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document* |
* | Filed herewith. |
+ | Confidential treatment has been requested with respect to certain portions of this exhibit. Omitted portions have been filed separately with the SEC. |
** | XBRL (Extensible Business Reporting Language) information is furnished and not filed or a 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 Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and is not otherwise subject to liability under these Sections. |
59
SIGNATURES
The registrant hereby certifies that it meets all of the requirements for filing on Form 20-F and that it has duly caused and authorized the undersigned to sign this Annual Report on its behalf.
BIRKS & MAYORS INC. | ||||||
Date: July 3, 2013 | /s/ Michael Rabinovitch | |||||
Michael Rabinovitch, | ||||||
Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer |
60
Item 17. | Financial Statements |
Not applicable.
Item 18. | Financial Statements |
61
Page | ||||
F-2 | ||||
Consolidated Balance Sheets as of March 30, 2013 and March 31, 2012 |
F-3 | |||
F-4 | ||||
F-5 | ||||
F-6 | ||||
F-7 | ||||
F-8 |
F-1
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
To the Stockholders and Board of Directors of Birks & Mayors Inc.
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Birks & Mayors Inc. as of March 30, 2013 and March 31, 2012 and the related consolidated statements of operations, comprehensive income (loss), stockholders equity and cash flows for each of the years ended March 30, 2013, March 31, 2012 and March 26, 2011. These consolidated financial statements are the responsibility of Birks & Mayors Inc.s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these consolidated financial statements based on our audits.
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated financial position of Birks & Mayors Inc. as of March 30, 2013 and March 31, 2012 and its consolidated results of operations and its consolidated cash flows for each of the years ended March 30, 2013, March 31, 2012 and March 26, 2011 in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.
/s/ KPMG LLP*
July 3, 2013
Montréal, Canada
* CPA auditor, CA, public accountancy permit No. A104329 |
KPMG LLP is a Canadian limited liability partnership and a member firm of the KPMG network of independent member firms affiliated with KPMG International Cooperative (KPMG International), a Swiss entity. KPMG Canada provides services to KPMG LLP |
F-2
BIRKS & MAYORS INC.
As of | ||||||||
March 30, 2013 | March 31, 2012 | |||||||
(In thousands) | ||||||||
Assets |
||||||||
Current assets: |
||||||||
Cash and cash equivalents |
$ | 3,826 | $ | 3,127 | ||||
Accounts receivable |
6,639 | 7,100 | ||||||
Inventories |
137,011 | 143,475 | ||||||
Prepaids and other current assets |
2,592 | 2,357 | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
Total current assets |
150,068 | 156,059 | ||||||
Property and equipment |
27,326 | 25,796 | ||||||
Intangible assets |
955 | 973 | ||||||
Other assets |
1,603 | 2,339 | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
Total non-current assets |
29,884 | 29,108 | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
Total assets |
$ | 179,952 | $ | 185,167 | ||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
Liabilities and Stockholders Equity |
||||||||
Current liabilities: |
||||||||
Bank indebtedness |
$ | 67,307 | $ | 61,557 | ||||
Accounts payable |
42,210 | 44,593 | ||||||
Accrued liabilities |
9,193 | 12,991 | ||||||
Current portion of long-term debt |
3,795 | 5,567 | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
Total current liabilities |
122,505 | 124,708 | ||||||
Long-term debt |
38,100 | 45,398 | ||||||
Other long-term liabilities |
2,996 | 3,433 | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
Total long-term liabilities |
41,096 | 48,831 | ||||||
Commitments and Contingencies |
||||||||
Stockholders equity: |
||||||||
Class A common stock no par value, unlimited shares authorized, issued and outstanding 7,115,641 and 3,673,615, respectively |
25,876 | 22,283 | ||||||
Class B common stock no par value, unlimited shares authorized, issued and outstanding 7,717,970 |
38,613 | 38,613 | ||||||
Preferred stock no par value, unlimited shares authorized, none issued |
| | ||||||
Additional paid-in capital |
15,949 | 15,831 | ||||||
Accumulated deficit |
(69,854 | ) | (71,367 | ) | ||||
Accumulated other comprehensive income |
5,767 | 6,268 | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
Total stockholders equity |
16,351 | 11,628 | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
Total liabilities and stockholders equity |
$ | 179,952 | $ | 185,167 | ||||
|
|
|
|
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements
On behalf of the Board of Directors: | ||||
/s/ Jean-Christophe Bédos | /s/ Louis L. Roquet | |||
Jean-Christophe Bédos, Director | Louis L. Roquet, Director |
F-3
BIRKS & MAYORS INC.
Consolidated Statements of Operations
Fiscal Year Ended | ||||||||||||
March 30, 2013 | March 31, 2012 | March 26, 2011 | ||||||||||
(In thousands, except per share amounts) | ||||||||||||
Net sales |
$ | 292,759 | $ | 302,317 | $ | 270,948 | ||||||
Cost of sales |
166,585 | 169,087 | 154,640 | |||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||
Gross profit |
126,174 | 133,230 | 116,308 | |||||||||
Selling, general and administrative expenses |
110,806 | 118,075 | 107,444 | |||||||||
Depreciation and amortization |
4,563 | 4,713 | 5,267 | |||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||
Total operating expenses |
115,369 | 122,788 | 112,711 | |||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||
Operating income |
10,805 | 10,442 | 3,597 | |||||||||
Interest and other financing costs |
9,272 | 10,200 | 11,319 | |||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||
Income (loss) before income taxes |
1,533 | 242 | (7,722 | ) | ||||||||
Income tax expense |
20 | 23 | 24 | |||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||
Net income (loss) |
$ | 1,513 | $ | 219 | $ | (7,746 | ) | |||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||
Weighted average common shares outstanding: |
||||||||||||
Basic |
13,538 | 11,392 | 11,390 | |||||||||
Diluted |
13,544 | 11,438 | 11,390 | |||||||||
Net income (loss) per share: |
||||||||||||
Basic |
$ | 0.11 | $ | 0.02 | $ | (0.68 | ) | |||||
Diluted |
$ | 0.11 | $ | 0.02 | $ | (0.68 | ) |
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
F-4
BIRKS & MAYORS INC.
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss)
Fiscal Year Ended | ||||||||||||
March 30, 2013 | March 31, 2012 | March 26, 2011 | ||||||||||
(In thousands, except per share amounts) | ||||||||||||
Net income (loss) |
$ | 1,513 | $ | 219 | $ | (7,746 | ) | |||||
Other comprehensive (loss) income: |
||||||||||||
Foreign currency translation adjustments |
(501 | ) | (11 | ) | 675 | |||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||
Total comprehensive income (loss) |
$ | 1,012 | $ | 208 | $ | (7,071 | ) | |||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
F-5
BIRKS & MAYORS INC.
Consolidated Statements of Stockholders Equity
(In thousands of dollars)
Voting common stock outstanding |
Voting common stock |
Additional paid-in capital |
Retained earnings (Accumulated deficit) |
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) |
Total | |||||||||||||||||||
Balance at March 27, 2010 |
11,390,377 | $ | 60,895 | $ | 15,728 | $ | (63,840 | ) | $ | 5,604 | $ | 18,387 | ||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||||
Net loss |
| | | (7,746 | ) | | (7,746 | ) | ||||||||||||||||
Cumulative translation adjustment |
| | | | 675 | 675 | ||||||||||||||||||
|
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||
Total comprehensive loss |
| | | | | (7,071 | ) | |||||||||||||||||
Compensation expense resulting from stock options granted to Management |
| | 19 | | | 19 | ||||||||||||||||||
Exercise of stock options |
128 | | | | | | ||||||||||||||||||
Compensation expense resulting from amendment of previously granted stock options to employees |
| | 5 | | | 5 | ||||||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||||
Balance at March 26, 2011 |
11,390,505 | $ | 60,895 | $ | 15,752 | $ | (71,586 | ) | $ | 6,279 | $ | 11,340 | ||||||||||||
Net income |
| | | 219 | | 219 | ||||||||||||||||||
Cumulative translation adjustment |
| | | | (11 | ) | (11 | ) | ||||||||||||||||
|
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||
Total comprehensive income |
| | | | | 208 | ||||||||||||||||||
Compensation expense resulting from stock options granted to Management |
| | 79 | | | 79 | ||||||||||||||||||
Exercise of stock options |
1,080 | 1 | | | | 1 | ||||||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||||
Balance at March 31, 2012 |
11,391,585 | $ | 60,896 | $ | 15,831 | $ | (71,367 | ) | $ | 6,268 | $ | 11,628 | ||||||||||||
Net income |
| | | 1,513 | | 1,513 | ||||||||||||||||||
Cumulative translation adjustment |
| | | | (501 | ) | (501 | ) | ||||||||||||||||
|
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||
Total comprehensive income |
| | | | | 1,012 | ||||||||||||||||||
Compensation expense resulting from stock options granted to Management |
| | 118 | | | 118 | ||||||||||||||||||
Issuance of Class A shares for stock rights offering, net of taxes of $0 |
3,442,026 | 3,593 | | | | 3,593 | ||||||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||||
Balance at March 30, 2013 |
14,833,611 | $ | 64,489 | $ | 15,949 | $ | (69,854 | ) | $ | 5,767 | $ | 16,351 | ||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
F-6
BIRKS & MAYORS INC.
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
Fiscal Year Ended | ||||||||||||
March 30, 2013 | March 31, 2012 | March 26, 2011 | ||||||||||
(In thousands) | ||||||||||||
Cash flows from operating activities: |
||||||||||||
Net income (loss) |
$ | 1,513 | $ | 219 | $ | (7,746 | ) | |||||
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash provided by operating activities: |
||||||||||||
Depreciation and amortization |
4,771 | 4,992 | 5,788 | |||||||||
Amortization of debt costs |
706 | 830 | 1,614 | |||||||||
Other operating activities, net |
93 | 195 | (238 | ) | ||||||||
Decrease (increase) in: |
||||||||||||
Accounts receivable |
401 | 940 | 1,563 | |||||||||
Inventories |
5,225 | (3,357 | ) | 5,457 | ||||||||
Prepaids and other current assets |
(300 | ) | 41 | (46 | ) | |||||||
(Decrease) increase in: |
||||||||||||
Accounts payable |
(2,212 | ) | (3,435 | ) | 3,277 | |||||||
Accrued liabilities and other long-term liabilities |
(4,021 | ) | 4,158 | 645 | ||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||
Net cash provided by operating activities |
6,176 | 4,583 | 10,314 | |||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||
Cash flows (used in) from investing activities: |
||||||||||||
Additions to property and equipment |
(6,254 | ) | (4,511 | ) | (2,567 | ) | ||||||
Proceeds from sale of assets held for sale |
60 | | 975 | |||||||||
Other investing activities, net |
(84 | ) | (61 | ) | (27 | ) | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||
Net cash used in investing activities |
(6,278 | ) | (4,572 | ) | (1,619 | ) | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||
Cash flows (used in) from financing activities: |
||||||||||||
Increase (decrease) in bank indebtedness |
6,159 | 638 | (3,380 | ) | ||||||||
Repayment of obligations under capital leases |
(2,406 | ) | (1,937 | ) | (2,743 | ) | ||||||
Proceeds from stock rights offering, net of costs |
3,593 | | | |||||||||
Payment of loan origination fees and costs |
| (1,907 | ) | | ||||||||
Repayment of long-term debt |
(6,481 | ) | (2,429 | ) | (2,707 | ) | ||||||
Increase in long-term debt |
| 5,502 | | |||||||||
Other financing activities |
(27 | ) | (61 | ) | (29 | ) | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities |
838 | (194 | ) | (8,859 | ) | |||||||
Effect of exchange rate on cash |
(37 | ) | (32 | ) | 103 | |||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents |
699 | (215 | ) | (61 | ) | |||||||
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of year |
3,127 | 3,342 | 3,403 | |||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||
Cash and cash equivalents, end of year |
$ | 3,826 | $ | 3,127 | $ | 3,342 | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information: |
||||||||||||
Interest paid |
$ | 8,261 | $ | 9,066 | $ | 9,866 | ||||||
Non-cash transactions: |
||||||||||||
Property and equipment additions acquired through capital leases |
$ | 160 | $ | 81 | $ | 322 | ||||||
Property and equipment additions included in accounts payable and accrued liabilities |
$ | 732 | $ | 558 | $ | 341 |
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
F-7
BIRKS & MAYORS INC.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Years ended March 30, 2013, March 31, 2012 and March 26, 2011
Birks & Mayors Inc. (Birks & Mayors or Birks or the Company) is incorporated under the Canada Business Corporations Act. The principal business activities of the Company and its subsidiaries are the design, manufacture and retail sale of luxury jewelry, timepieces and giftware. The Companys consolidated financial statements are prepared using a fiscal year which consists of 52 or 53 weeks and ends on the last Saturday in March of each year. The fiscal years ended March 30, 2013 and March 26, 2011 include 52 weeks and the fiscal year ended March 31, 2012 includes 53 weeks.
1. | Basis of presentation: |
These consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Canadian parent company Birks & Mayors and its wholly-owned subsidiary, Mayors Jewelers, Inc. (Mayors), and are reported in U.S. dollars and in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the U.S. These principles require management to make certain estimates and assumptions that affect amounts reported and disclosed in the financial statements and related notes. The most significant estimates include valuation of inventories and accounts receivable, provisions for income taxes, valuation of deferred tax assets and the recoverability of long-lived assets. Actual results could differ from these estimates. Periodically, the Company reviews all significant estimates and assumptions affecting the financial statements relative to current conditions and records the effect of any necessary adjustments. All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated upon consolidation.
Future operations
These financial statements have been prepared on a going concern basis in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the U.S. The going concern basis of presentation assumes that the Company will continue its operations for the foreseeable future and be able to realize its assets and discharge its liabilities and commitments in the normal course of business. The Companys ability to fund its operations and meet its cash flow requirements in order to fund its operations is dependent upon its ability to maintain positive excess availability under its senior secured revolving credit facilities as described in note 6.
The Company believes that it will be able to adequately fund its operations and meet its cash flow requirements for the next twelve months. This determination, however, could be impacted by future economic, financial, competitive, legislative and regulatory factors, as well as other future events that are beyond the Companys control. If any of the factors or events described previously result in operating performance being significantly lower than currently forecasted or if the Companys senior lenders impose additional restrictions on its ability to borrow on the Companys collateral or if the Company does not maintain positive excess availability under its senior secured revolving credit facilities, there could be significant uncertainty about the Companys ability to continue as a going-concern, and its capacity to realize the carrying value of its assets and repay its existing and future obligations as they generally become due without obtaining additional financing which may not be available. These financial statements do not reflect adjustments that would be necessary if the going concern assumption was not appropriate.
F-8
BIRKS & MAYORS INC.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Years ended March 30, 2013, March 31, 2012 and March 26, 2011
2. | Significant accounting policies: |
(a) | Revenue recognition: |
Sales are recognized at the point of sale when merchandise is picked up by the customer or shipped to a customer. Shipping and handling fees billed to customers are included in net sales. Revenues for gift certificate sales and store credits are recognized upon redemption. Prior to recognition as a sale, gift certificates are recorded as accrued liabilities on the balance sheet. Based on historical redemption rates, gift certificates and store credits, not subject to unclaimed property laws, are recorded as income. Gift certificates and store credits outstanding and subject to unclaimed property laws are maintained as accrued liabilities until remitted in accordance with local ordinances.
Sales of consignment merchandise are recognized at such time as the merchandise is sold and are recorded on a gross basis because the Company is the primary obligor of the transaction, has general latitude on setting the price, has discretion as to the suppliers, is involved in the selection of the product and has inventory loss risk. Sales are reported net of returns and sales taxes. The Company generally gives its customers the right to return merchandise purchased by them within 10 to 90 days, depending on the product sold and records a provision at the time of sale for the effect of the estimated returns. Revenues for repair services are recognized when the service is delivered to and accepted by the customer.
Revenue related to the Companys purchases of gold and other precious metals from our customers are recognized when the Company delivers the goods, and receives and accepts an offer from a refiner to purchase the gold and other precious metal.
(b) | Cost of sales: |
Cost of sales includes direct inbound freight and duties, direct labor related to repair services, design and creative, the jewelry studio, inventory shrink, inventory thefts, and boxes (jewelry, watch and giftware). Indirect freight including inter-store transfers, purchasing and receiving costs, distribution costs and warehousing costs are included in selling, general and administrative expenses. Purchase discounts are recorded as a reduction of inventory cost and are recorded to cost of sales as the items are sold. Mark down dollars received from vendors are recorded as a reduction of inventory costs to the specific items to which they apply and are recognized in cost of sales once the items are sold. Other vendor allowances, primarily related to the achievement of certain milestones, are infrequent and insignificant and are recognized upon achievement of the specified milestone in cost of sales. Included in cost of sales is depreciation related to manufacturing machinery, equipment and facilities of $208,000, $279,000 and $521,000 for the years ended March 30, 2013, March 31, 2012 and March 26, 2011, respectively.
(c) | Cash and cash equivalents: |
The Company considers all highly liquid investments purchased with original maturities of three months or less. Amounts receivable from credit card issuers are included in cash and cash equivalents and are typically converted to cash within 2 to 4 days of the original sales transaction. These amounts totaled $1.9 million at March 30, 2013 and March 31, 2012.
(d) | Accounts receivable: |
Accounts receivable arise primarily from customers use of the Mayors credit card and sales to Birks & Mayors corporate customers. Several installment sales plans are offered to the Mayors credit card holders which vary as to repayment terms and finance charges assessed. Finance charges on Mayors consumer credit receivables, when applicable, accrue at rates ranging from 7.9% to 18% per annum. Finance charges on Mayors consumer credit accounts are not significant. The Company maintains allowances for doubtful accounts associated with
F-9
BIRKS & MAYORS INC.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Years ended March 30, 2013, March 31, 2012 and March 26, 2011
the accounts receivable recorded on the balance sheet for estimated losses resulting from the inability of its customers to make required payments. The allowance is determined based on a combination of factors including, but not limited to, the length of time that the receivables are past due, the Companys knowledge of the customer, economic and market conditions and historical write-off experiences. The Company classifies a receivable account as past due if a required payment amount has not been received within the allotted time frame (generally 30 days), after which internal collection efforts commence. Once all internal collection efforts have been exhausted and management has reviewed the account, the account is put on nonaccrual status and may be sent for external collection or legal action. Upon the suspension of the accrual of interest, interest income is recognized to the extent cash payments received exceed the balance of the principal amount owed on the account. After all collection efforts have been exhausted, including internal and external collection efforts, an account is written off.
The Company guarantees a portion of its private label credit card sales to its credit card vendor. The Company maintains a liability associated with these outstanding amounts. Similar to the allowance for doubtful accounts, the liability related to these guaranteed sales amounts are based on a combination of factors including the length of time the receivables are past due to the Companys credit card vendor, the Companys knowledge of the customer, economic and market conditions and historical write-off experiences of similar credits. If the financial conditions of our customers were to deteriorate, resulting in an impairment of their ability to make payments, additional allowances may be required.
(e) | Inventories: |
Retail inventories and inventories of raw materials are valued at the lower of average cost or market. Inventories of work in progress and Company manufactured finished goods are valued at the lower of average cost (which includes material, labor and overhead costs) or market. The Company records provisions for lower of cost or market, damaged goods, and slow-moving inventory. The cost of inbound freight and duties are included in the carrying value of the inventories.
The allowance for inventory shrink is estimated for the period from the last physical inventory date to the end of the reporting period on a store by store basis and at our factories and distribution centers. The shrink rate from the most recent physical inventory, in combination with historical experience, is the basis for providing a shrink allowance. Inventory is written down for estimated slow moving inventory equal to the difference between the cost of inventory and the estimated market value based on assumptions about future demand and market conditions. If actual market conditions are less favorable than those projected by management, additional inventory write-downs may be required.
F-10
BIRKS & MAYORS INC.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Years ended March 30, 2013, March 31, 2012 and March 26, 2011
(f) | Property and equipment: |
Property and equipment are recorded at cost. Maintenance and repair costs are charged to selling, general and administrative expenses as incurred, while expenditures for major renewals and improvements are capitalized. Depreciation and amortization are computed using the straight-line method based on the estimated useful lives of the assets as follows:
Asset |
Period | |
Buildings |
Lesser of term of the lease or the economic life | |
Leasehold improvements |
Lesser of term of the lease or the economic life | |
Software and electronic equipment |
3 - 10 years | |
Molds |
2 - 5 years | |
Furniture and fixtures |
5 - 8 years | |
Equipment and vehicles |
3 - 8 years |
(g) | Intangible assets: |
Trademarks and tradenames are amortized using the straight-line method over a period of 15 to 20 years. The Company had $1.7 million and $1.6 million of intangible assets at March 30, 2013 and March 31, 2012, respectively. The Company had $0.7 million and $0.6 million of accumulated amortization of intangibles at March 30, 2013 and March 31, 2012, respectively.
(h) | Deferred financing costs: |
The Company amortizes deferred financing costs incurred in connection with its financing agreements using the effective interest method over the related period of the financing. Such deferred costs are included in other assets in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets.
(i) | Warranty accrual: |
The Company generally provides warranties on its jewelry and watches for periods extending up to three years and has a battery replacement policy for its private label watches. The Company accrues a liability based on its historical repair costs for such warranties.
(j) | Income taxes: |
Deferred income taxes reflect the net tax effects of (a) temporary differences between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities for financial statement reporting purposes and the bases for income tax purposes, and (b) operating losses and tax credit carryforwards. Deferred income tax assets are evaluated and, if realization is not considered to be more-likely-than-not, a valuation allowance is provided (see note 9(a)).
(k) | Foreign exchange: |
Monetary assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies are translated at the rates of exchange in effect at the balance sheet date. Other balance sheet items denominated in foreign currencies are translated at the rates prevailing at the respective transaction dates. Revenue and expenses denominated in foreign currencies are translated at average rates prevailing during the year. Gains (losses) on foreign exchange of $0.1 million, ($0.3) million and $0.4 million were recorded in cost of goods sold for the years ended March 30, 2013, March 31, 2012 and March 26, 2011, respectively and ($174,000), ($113,000) and $12,000 of (losses) gains on foreign exchange were recorded in interest and other financial costs related to U.S. dollar denominated debt of the Companys Canadian operations for the years ended March 30, 2013, March 31, 2012 and March 26, 2011, respectively.
F-11
BIRKS & MAYORS INC.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Years ended March 30, 2013, March 31, 2012 and March 26, 2011
Birks & Mayors Canadian operations functional currency is the Canadian dollar while the reporting currency of the Company is the U.S. dollar. The assets and liabilities denominated in Canadian dollars are translated for reporting purposes at exchange rates in effect at the balance sheet dates. Revenue and expense items are translated at average exchange rates prevailing during the periods. The resulting gains and losses are accumulated in other comprehensive income.
(l) | Impairment of long-lived assets: |
The Company periodically reviews the estimated useful lives of its depreciable assets and changes in useful lives are made on a prospective basis unless factors indicate the carrying amounts of the assets may not be recoverable and an impairment write-down is necessary. However, the Company will review its long-lived assets for impairment once events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of the asset may not be recoverable. An impairment loss would be recognized when the estimated undiscounted future cash flows expected to result from the use of an asset and its eventual disposition is less than its carrying value. Measurement of an impairment loss for such long-lived assets would be based on the difference between the carrying value and the fair value of the asset, with fair value being determined based upon discounted cash flows or appraised values, depending on the nature of the asset. Long-lived assets to be disposed of are reported at the lower of the carrying amount or fair value less cost to sell. No impairment charge was required in fiscal 2013, 2012 and 2011.
(m) | Advertising and marketing costs: |
Advertising and marketing costs are generally charged to expense as incurred and are included in selling, general and administrative expenses in the consolidated statements of operations. However, certain expenses such as those related to catalogs are expensed at the time such catalogs are shipped to recipients. The Company and its vendors participate in cooperative advertising programs in which the vendors reimburse the Company for a portion of certain specific advertising costs which are netted against advertising expense in selling, general and administrative expenses, and amounted to $2.9 million for each of the years ended March 30, 2013, March 31, 2012 and March 26, 2011. Advertising and marketing expense, net of vendor cooperative advertising allowances, amounted to $10.8 million, $9.9 million and $8.0 million in the years ended March 30, 2013, March 31, 2012 and March 26, 2011, respectively.
(n) | Pre-opening expenses: |
Pre-opening expenses related to the opening of new and relocated stores are expensed in the period incurred.
(o) | Operating leases: |
All material lessor incentive amounts on operating leases are deferred and amortized as a reduction of rent expense over the term of the lease. Rent expense is recorded on a straight-line basis, which takes into effect any rent escalations, rent holidays and fixturing periods. Lease terms are from the inception of the fixturing period until the end of the initial lease term and generally exclude renewal periods. However, renewal periods would be included in instances in which the exercise of the renewal period option would be reasonably assured and failure to exercise such option would result in an economic penalty. Contingent rent payments vary by lease, are based on a percentage of revenue above a predetermined sales level and are expensed when it becomes probable the sales levels will be achieved. This level is different for each location and includes and excludes various types of sales.
F-12
BIRKS & MAYORS INC.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Years ended March 30, 2013, March 31, 2012 and March 26, 2011
(p) | Earnings per common share: |
Basic earnings per share (EPS) is computed as net earnings divided by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding for the period. Diluted EPS includes the dilutive effect of the assumed exercise of stock options, warrants and equity settled stock appreciation rights.
The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted earnings per common share for the years ended March 30, 2013, March 31, 2012 and March 26, 2011:
Fiscal Year Ended | ||||||||||||
March 30, 2013 | March 31, 2012 | March 26, 2011 | ||||||||||
(In thousands, except per share data) | ||||||||||||
Basic income (loss) per common share computation: |
||||||||||||
Numerator: |
||||||||||||
Net income (loss) |
$ | 1,513 | $ | 219 | $ | (7,746 | ) | |||||
Denominator: |
||||||||||||
Weighted-average common shares outstanding |
13,538 | 11,392 | 11,390 | |||||||||
Income (loss) per common share |
$ | 0.11 | $ | 0.02 | $ | (0.68 | ) | |||||
Diluted income (loss) per common share computation: |
||||||||||||
Numerator: |
||||||||||||
Net income (loss) |
$ | 1,513 | $ | 219 | $ | (7,746 | ) | |||||
Denominator: |
||||||||||||
Weighted-average common shares outstanding |
13,538 | 11,392 | 11,390 | |||||||||
Dilutive effect of stock options, warrants and stock appreciation rights (SARs) |
6 | 46 | | |||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||
Weighted-average common shares outstanding diluted |
13,544 | 11,438 | 11,390 | |||||||||
Diluted income (loss) per common share |
$ | 0.11 | $ | 0.02 | $ | (0.68 | ) |
For the year ended March 30, 2013, the effect from the assumed exercise of 232,821 Class A voting shares underlying outstanding stock options and 382,693 Class A voting shares underlying outstanding warrants were excluded from the computation of diluted earnings per share due to their antidilutive effect. For the year ended March 31, 2012, the effect from the assumed exercise of 230,694 Class A voting shares underlying outstanding stock options and 382,693 Class A voting shares underlying outstanding warrants were excluded from the computation of diluted earnings per share due to their antidilutive effect. For the year ended March 26, 2011, the effect from the assumed exercise of 547,326 Class A voting shares underlying outstanding stock options, 382,693 Class A voting shares underlying outstanding warrants, and 21,737 Class A voting shares underlying outstanding stock appreciation rights were excluded from the computation of diluted earnings per share due to their antidilutive effect.
(q) | Commodity and currency risk: |
The Company has exposure to market risk related to gold, silver, platinum and diamond purchases and foreign exchange risk. The Company may periodically enter into gold futures contracts to economically hedge a portion of these risks. During the years ended and as of March 30, 2013 and March 31, 2012, there were no such contracts outstanding.
F-13
BIRKS & MAYORS INC.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Years ended March 30, 2013, March 31, 2012 and March 26, 2011
(r) | The Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued Accounting Standards Update (ASU) 2011-05, Comprehensive Income (Topic 220) Presentation of Comprehensive Income (ASU 2011-05). ASU 2011-05 eliminates the option to present components of other comprehensive income (OCI) as part of the statement of changes in stockholders equity. The amendments in this standard require that all non-owner changes in stockholders equity be presented either in a single continuous statement of comprehensive income or in two separate but consecutive statements. The Company adopted this guidance effective for the fiscal year ended March 30, 2013, and applied the recommendation retrospectively for fiscal years ended March 31, 2012, and March 26, 2011. These standards do not affect the calculation or reporting of earnings per share. |
3. | Accounts receivable: |
Accounts receivable at March 30, 2013 and March 31, 2012 consist of the following:
As of | ||||||||
March 30, 2013 | March 31, 2012 | |||||||
(In thousands) | ||||||||
Customer trade receivables |
$ | 4,884 | $ | 5,135 | ||||
Other receivables |
1,755 | 1,965 | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
$ | 6,639 | $ | 7,100 | |||||
|
|
|
|
Included in customer trade receivables as of March 30, 2013 and March 31, 2012, was $0.3 million and $0.2 million, respectively, of net trade receivables on nonaccrual status.
Continuity of the allowance for doubtful accounts is as follows (in thousands):
Balance March 27, 2010 |
$ | 2,518 | ||
Additional provision recorded |
247 | |||
Net write-offs |
(283 | ) | ||
|
|
|||
Balance March 26, 2011 |
2,482 | |||
Additional provision recorded |
231 | |||
Net write-offs |
(248 | ) | ||
|
|
|||
Balance March 31, 2012 |
2,465 | |||
Reduction in provision recorded |
(23 | ) | ||
Net write-offs |
(333 | ) | ||
|
|
|||
Balance March 30, 2013 |
$ | 2,109 | ||
|
|
Certain sales plans relating to customers use of Mayors credit cards provide for revolving lines of credit and/or installment plans under which the payment terms exceed one year. These receivables, amounting to approximately $2.9 million and $3.7 million at March 30, 2013 and March 31, 2012, respectively, are included in accounts receivable in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets.
4. | Inventories: |
Inventories are summarized as follows:
As of | ||||||||
March 30, 2013 | March 31, 2012 | |||||||
(In thousands) | ||||||||
Raw materials |
$ | 3,609 | $ | 5,134 | ||||
Work in progress |
426 | 1,233 | ||||||
Retail inventories and manufactured finished goods |
132,976 | 137,108 | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
$ | 137,011 | $ | 143,475 | |||||
|
|
|
|
F-14
BIRKS & MAYORS INC.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Years ended March 30, 2013, March 31, 2012 and March 26, 2011
Continuity of the obsolescence reserve for inventory is as follows (in thousands):
Balance March 27, 2010 |
$ | 4,890 | ||
Additional charges |
1,535 | |||
Deductions |
(1,339 | ) | ||
|
|
|||
Balance March 26, 2011 |
5,086 | |||
Additional charges |
2,462 | |||
Deductions |
(2,868 | ) | ||
|
|
|||
Balance March 31, 2012 |
4,680 | |||
Additional charges |
1,327 | |||
Deductions |
(2,408 | ) | ||
|
|
|||
Balance March 30, 2013 |
$ | 3,599 | ||
|
|
5. | Property and equipment: |
The components of property and equipment are as follows:
As of | ||||||||
March 30, 2013 | March 31, 2012 | |||||||
(In thousands) | ||||||||
Land |
$ | 6,414 | $ | 6,520 | ||||
Buildings |
9,444 | 9,478 | ||||||
Leasehold improvements |
44,770 | 46,944 | ||||||
Equipment and vehicles |
2,193 | 2,360 | ||||||
Molds |
1,238 | 1,254 | ||||||
Furniture and fixtures |
9,599 | 9,983 | ||||||
Software and electronic equipment |
20,260 | 19,476 | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
93,918 | 96,015 | |||||||
Accumulated depreciation |
(66,592 | ) | (70,219 | ) | ||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
$ | 27,326 | $ | 25,796 | |||||
|
|
|
|
Property and equipment, having a cost of $13.7 million and a net book value of $8.1 million at March 30, 2013, and a cost of $19.5 million and a net book value of $11.0 million at March 31, 2012, are under capital leasing arrangements.
6. | Bank indebtedness: |
During fiscal 2012, the Company executed an amendment and extension of its $132 million senior secured revolving credit facility and $12.5 million senior secured term loan which were set to expire in December 2011. The $132 million senior secured revolving credit facility was amended and extended for a total of $115 million and bears interest at a floating rate of LIBOR plus 2.25% to LIBOR plus 3.0% (based on interest coverage and excess availability thresholds). Prior to the amendment, the $132 million senior secured revolving credit facility bore interest in the range of LIBOR plus 2.5% to LIBOR plus 3.0% (based on excess availability thresholds) for up to a $124 million tranche of the facility and in the range of LIBOR plus 4.5% to LIBOR plus 5.0% (based on excess availability thresholds) for an $8 million tranche of the facility. During fiscal 2012, in conjunction with the amendment and extension of the senior secured revolving credit facility, the Companys $12.5 million senior secured term loan bearing interest at the greater of 16% per annum or one-month LIBOR plus 12% was also amended and extended for a total of $18 million and is subordinated in lien priority to the senior secured revolving credit facility and bearing interest at a rate of the greater of 11% per annum or one-month LIBOR based rate plus 8%. In August 2012, the Company renegotiated the interest rate charged on its $18 million senior secured term loan reducing the interest rate to the greater of 9.5% per annum or one-month LIBOR plus 6.5%. These two credit facilities have a four-year term expiring in June 2015 and will be used to
F-15
BIRKS & MAYORS INC.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Years ended March 30, 2013, March 31, 2012 and March 26, 2011
finance working capital, capital expenditures and provide liquidity to fund the Companys day-to-day operations and for other general corporate purposes. The amended senior secured credit facilities provide that no financial covenants, other than the Companys limitations on paying dividends, are required to be met other than maintaining positive excess availability at all times.
As of March 30, 2013 and March 31, 2012, bank indebtedness consisted solely of the Companys senior secured revolving credit facility which had an outstanding balance of $67.3 million and $61.6 million, respectively. The senior secured revolving credit facility is collateralized by substantially all of the Companys assets. The Companys ability to fund its operations and meet its cash flow requirements is dependent upon its ability to maintain positive excess availability under its senior credit facilities. Under the terms of the amended and restated facilities, both the senior secured revolving credit facility administrative agent and the senior secured term loan administrative agent may impose, at any time, discretionary reserves, which would lower the level of borrowing availability under the Companys senior secured revolving credit facility (customary for asset based loans), at their reasonable discretion, to: i) ensure that the Company maintain adequate liquidity for the operation of its business, ii) cover any deterioration in the amount or value of the collateral, and iii) reflect impediments to the lenders to realize upon the collateral.
There is no limit to the amount of discretionary reserves that the Companys senior secured revolving credit facility administrative agent may impose at its reasonable discretion. However, the Companys senior secured term loan administrative agents ability to impose discretionary reserves at its reasonable discretion is limited to 5% of the term loan borrowing capacity. No discretionary reserves were imposed during fiscal 2013, 2012 and 2011.
While the Companys senior secured revolving credit facility lenders or their administrative agent have not historically imposed such a restriction, it is uncertain whether conditions could change and cause such a reserve to be imposed in the future. In addition, the value of the Companys inventory is periodically assessed by its lenders and based upon these reviews the Companys borrowing capacity could be significantly increased or decreased. Another factor impacting the Companys excess availability includes, among others, changes in the U.S. and Canadian dollar exchange rate, which could increase or decrease the Companys borrowing availability. Furthermore, a $12.5 million and a $5.0 million seasonal availability block is imposed by the senior secured revolving credit facility administrative agent and the senior secured term loan administrative agent each year from December 20th to January 20th and from January 21st to February 10th, respectively, and both the Companys senior secured revolving credit facility and the senior secured term loan are subject to cross default provisions with all other loans by which if the Company is in default with any other loan, the default will immediately apply to both the senior secured revolving credit facility and the senior secured term loan. As of March 30, 2013, a 100 basis point strengthening or weakening of the Canadian versus the U.S. dollar would cause an approximate $369,000 increase or decrease in the amount of excess availability. The Companys excess availability was $16.4 million as of March 30, 2013.
The senior secured revolving credit facility also contains limitations on the Companys ability to pay dividends, more specifically, among other limitations, the Company can pay dividends only at certain excess borrowing capacity thresholds and the aggregate dividend payment for the twelve-month period ended as of any fiscal quarter cannot exceed 33% of the consolidated net income for such twelve-month period. Additionally, the Company is required to maintain a fixed charge coverage ratio of at least 1.30 to 1.00 and a minimum excess availability of $30 million in order to qualify for payment of dividends. Besides these financial covenants related to paying dividends, the terms of this facility provide that no financial covenants are required to be met.
F-16
BIRKS & MAYORS INC.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Years ended March 30, 2013, March 31, 2012 and March 26, 2011
The information concerning the Companys senior secured credit facility is as follows:
Fiscal Year Ended | ||||||||
March 30, 2013 | March 31, 2012 | |||||||
(In thousands) | ||||||||
Maximum borrowing outstanding during the year |
$ | 100,548 | $ | 88,143 | ||||
Average outstanding balance during the year |
$ | 78,371 | $ | 71,045 | ||||
Weighted average interest rate for the year |
3.6 | % | 3.6 | % | ||||
Effective interest rate at year-end |
3.6 | % | 3.6 | % |
As security for the bank indebtedness, the Company has provided some of its lenders the following: (i) general assignment of all accounts receivable, other receivables and trademarks; (ii) general security agreements on all of the Companys assets; (iii) insurance on physical assets in a minimum amount equivalent to the indebtedness, assigned to the lenders; (iv) a mortgage on moveable property (general) under the Civil Code (Québec) of $246,160,000 (Cdn$250,000,000); (v) lien on machinery, equipment and molds and dies; and (vi) a pledge of trademarks and stock of the Companys subsidiaries.
F-17
BIRKS & MAYORS INC.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Years ended March 30, 2013, March 31, 2012 and March 26, 2011
7. | Long-term debt: |
(a) | Long-term debt consists of the following: |
As of | ||||||||
March 30, 2013 | March 31, 2012 | |||||||
(In thousands) | ||||||||
Senior secured term loans that are subordinated in lien priority to the Companys senior secured revolving credit facility and bear interest at an annual rate of the greater of 9.5% per annum or one-month LIBOR based rate plus 6.5% with a four-year term expiring in June 2015. |
$ | 18,000 | $ | 18,000 | ||||
Obligation under capital lease on land and building, pursuant to a sale-leaseback transaction. The term loan is being amortized using an implicit annual interest rate of 10.74% over the term of the lease of 20 years with a balloon payment related to the land component and is repayable in monthly installments of approximately $165,185 (Cdn$167,762). The balance at March 30, 2013 and March 31, 2012 was Cdn$13,981,000 and Cdn$14,333,000, respectively. |
13,767 | 14,346 | ||||||
Term loan from Investissement Québec, bearing interest at an annual rate of prime plus 5.5%, repayable beginning in April 2012 in 48 equal monthly capital repayments of $205,133 (Cdn$208,333), secured by the assets of the Company. The balance at March 30, 2013 and March 31, 2012 was Cdn$7,708,000 and Cdn$10,000,000, respectively. |
7,590 | 10,009 | ||||||
Obligations under capital leases, at annual interest rates between 6% and 10%, secured by leasehold improvements, furniture, and equipment, maturing at various dates to April 2018. |
388 | 2,289 | ||||||
Cash advance provided by the Companys controlling shareholder bearing interest at an annual rate of 11%, net of withholding taxes (Note 14(c)) |
1,500 | 5,000 | ||||||
Term loan from Investissement Québec, bearing interest at an annual rate of prime plus 3.5%, repayable beginning in May 2009 in 20 monthly capital repayments of $34,462 (Cdn$35,000) and thereafter 40 monthly payments of $54,155 (Cdn$55,000), secured by the assets of the Company and subject to certain financial covenants. The balance at March 30, 2013 and March 31, 2012 was Cdn$660,000 and Cdn$1,320,000, respectively. (b) |
650 | 1,321 | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
41,895 | 50,965 | |||||||
Current portion of long-term debt |
3,795 | 5,567 | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
$ | 38,100 | $ | 45,398 | |||||
|
|
|
|
(b) | The Company must comply with certain financial covenants associated with one of its terms loans with Investissement Quebec reflected in the preceding table. As of March 30, 2013, the Company was in compliance with these financial covenants. |
(c) | Future minimum lease payments for capital leases required in the following five years and thereafter are as follows (in thousands): |
Year ending March: |
||||
2014 |
$ | 2,160 | ||
2015 |
2,127 | |||
2016 |
2,093 | |||
2017 |
2,217 | |||
2018 |
2,190 | |||
Thereafter |
12,410 | |||
|
|
|||
23,197 | ||||
Less imputed interest |
9,042 | |||
|
|
|||
$ | 14,155 | |||
|
|
(d) | Principal payments on long-term debt required in the following five years and thereafter, including obligations under capital leases, are as follows (in thousands): |
F-18
BIRKS & MAYORS INC.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Years ended March 30, 2013, March 31, 2012 and March 26, 2011
Year ending March: |
||||
2014 |
$ | 3,795 | ||
2015 |
3,182 | |||
2016 |
21,224 | |||
2017 |
1,183 | |||
2018 |
1,059 | |||
Thereafter |
11,452 | |||
|
|
|||
$ | 41,895 | |||
|
|
(e) | As of March 30, 2013 and March 31, 2012, the Company had $1.7 million and $1.8 million, respectively, of outstanding letters of credit which were provided to certain lenders. |
(f) | In December 2000, the Company entered into a capital lease agreement for the Companys Montreal head office and store pursuant to which the Company leases the building, including the Montreal flagship store, for a term of 20 years ending December 11, 2020. The net annual rental rate was Cdn $1,830,125 (approximately $1.8 million U.S. dollars) for the period that ended on December 11, 2012, and increases on a compounded basis by 10% on each third annual anniversary date thereafter (except for the last two years when no increase will take place). The current net annual rental rate is Cdn$2,013,138 (approximately $2.0 million U.S. dollars). The lease is an absolute triple net lease to the landlord, and the Company is responsible for any and all additional expenses, including, without limitation, taxes and structural expenses. Subject to specific term and conditions, the Company has four options to renew and extend the term of the lease for four further terms of five years each, except for the last option which is five years less eleven days, terminating on November 30, 2040. Subject to specific terms and conditions, the Company also has two options to purchase the premises, which may be exercised no later than six months prior to the end of the fifteenth year of the term of the lease and the end of the twentieth year of the term of the lease, respectively. |
8. | Benefit plans and stock-based compensation: |
(a) | Stock option plans and arrangements: |
(i) | The Company can issue stock options and SARs to executive management, key employees and directors under a stock-based compensation plan. |
The Company has a Long-Term Incentive Plan under which awards may be made in order to attract and retain the best available personnel for positions of subst