sgc20151231_10k.htm

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

FORM 10-K

 

[X] ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2015

 

[  ] TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the transition period from ____________ to _______________

 

Commission File Number 001-05869

 

SUPERIOR UNIFORM GROUP, INC.

(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter)

 

Florida
(State or Other Jurisdiction of Incorporation or Organization)

11-1385670
(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)

 

10055 Seminole Blvd.

Seminole, Florida 33772

(Address of Principal Executive Offices, including Zip Code)

 

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (727) 397-9611

 

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

 

Title of Each Class

Name of Each Exchange on Which Registered

Common Stock, par value $.001 per share

Listed on the NASDAQ Stock Market

 

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: N/A

 

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act.

 

 Yes

 

 No

  X

 

 

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act.

 

 Yes

 

 No

  X

 

 

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

 

 Yes

  X

 No

 

 

        

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).

 

 Yes

  X

 No

 

 

 

Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of registrant's knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K.   X 

 

 
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Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer”, “accelerated filer”, and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

 

Large accelerated filer         

Accelerated filer X 

Non-accelerated filer        

Smaller Reporting Company X

        

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act).

 

Yes                         No X   

 

At June 30, 2015, the aggregate market value of the registrant’s common shares held by non-affiliates, computed by reference to the last sales price ($16.54) as reported by the NASDAQ Stock Market, was approximately $152,000,000 (based on the assumption, solely for purposes of this computation, that all directors and officers of the registrant were affiliates of the registrant).

  

The number of shares of common stock outstanding as of February 22, 2016 was 13,982,102 shares.

   

Documents Incorporated by Reference:

 

Portions of the registrant's Definitive Proxy Statement to be filed with the Commission not later than 120 days after the conclusion of the registrant’s fiscal year ended December 31, 2015, relating to its Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be held May 6, 2016, are incorporated by reference to furnish the information required by Items 10, 11, 12, 13 and 14 of Part III.

 

The exhibit index may be found on Pages 47-48.

 

PART I

 

References Used

 

References in this Form 10-K to “the Company,” “Superior,” “we,” “our,” or “us” mean Superior Uniform Group, Inc. together with its subsidiaries, except where the context otherwise requires. Unless otherwise indicated, all share and per share information in this Form 10-K has been adjusted for all periods presented to give retroactive effect to the 2-for-1 stock split effective on February 4, 2015.

 

Special Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

 

Certain matters discussed in this Form 10-K are "forward-looking statements" intended to qualify for the safe harbors from liability established by the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements can generally be identified by use of the words “may,” “will,” “should,” “could,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “estimate,” “believe,” “intend,” “project,” “potential” or “plan” or the negative of these words or other variations on these words or comparable terminology. Forward-looking statements in this Form 10-K include, without limitation: (1) projections of revenue, income, and other items relating to our financial position and results of operations, (2) statements of our plans, objectives, strategies, goals and intentions, (3) statements regarding the capabilities, capacities, market position and expected development of our business operations, and (4) statements of expected industry and general economic trends.

 

Such forward-looking statements are subject to certain risks and uncertainties that may materially adversely affect the anticipated results. Such risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, the following: general economic conditions, including employment levels in the areas of the United States in which the Company’s customers are located; changes in the healthcare, industrial, commercial, leisure and public safety industries where uniforms and service apparel are worn; the impact of competition; the price and availability of cotton and other manufacturing materials; our ability to successfully integrate operations following consummation of acquisitions; attracting and retaining senior management and key personnel, and those risks discussed under Item 1A of this report entitled “Risk Factors.” Shareholders, potential investors and other readers are urged to consider these factors carefully in evaluating the forward-looking statements made herein and are cautioned not to place undue reliance on such forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements made herein are only made as of the date of this Form 10-K and we disclaim any obligation to publicly update such forward-looking statements to reflect subsequent events or circumstances. 

 

Item 1.         Business

 

Superior Uniform Group, Inc. was organized in 1920 and was incorporated in 1922 as a New York company under the name Superior Surgical Mfg. Co., Inc. In 1998, the Company changed its name to Superior Uniform Group, Inc. (“Superior”) and its state of incorporation to Florida.  

 

 
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On July 1, 2013, the Company acquired substantially all of the assets of HPI Direct, Inc. (“HPI”), a company specializing in the design, manufacture and distribution of uniforms to major domestic retailers, foodservice chains, transportation and other service industries throughout the United States. The purchase price for the asset acquisition consisted of approximately $32.5 million in cash, subject to adjustment and inclusive of the real estate purchase described below, the issuance of approximately 418,000 restricted shares of Superior’s common stock, the potential future payment of up to $7.2 million in additional contingent consideration through 2017, and the assumption of certain liabilities of HPI. The transaction also included the acquisition of the corporate offices and warehouse distribution facility from an entity related to HPI.

 

Superior is comprised of two reportable business segments: (1) Uniforms and Related Products, and (2) Remote Staffing Solutions. Superior’s Uniforms and Related Products segment, through its signature marketing brands—Fashion Seal Healthcare®, HPI Direct®, Superior I.D.™, Worklon®, UniVogue® and BlueFusion®,—manufactures and sells a wide range of uniforms, corporate identity apparel, career apparel and accessories for the hospital and healthcare fields; hotels; fast food and other restaurants; transportation, and the private security, industrial and commercial markets. In excess of 95% of Superior’s Uniforms and Related Products segment’s net sales are from the sale of uniforms and service apparel and directly-related products.

 

Superior services its Remote Staffing Solutions segment through multiple The Office Gurus entities, including its direct and indirect subsidiaries in El Salvador, Belize, and the United States, (collectively, “TOG”). TOG is a near-shore premium provider of cost effective multilingual telemarketing and total office support solutions.

 

Products

 

Superior manufactures and sells a wide range of uniforms, corporate identity apparel, career apparel and accessories for the medical and health fields as well as for the industrial, commercial, leisure, and public safety markets in its Uniforms and Related Products segment. Its principal products are:

 

 

Uniforms and service apparel and related products for personnel of:

 

 

Hospitals and health facilities;

 

Hotels, commercial buildings, residential buildings, and food service facilities;

 

Retail stores;

 

General and special purpose industrial uses;

 

Commercial enterprises (career apparel for banks, airlines, etc.);

 

Public and private safety and security organizations; and

 

Miscellaneous service uses.

 

 

Miscellaneous products:

          

  directly related to uniforms and service apparel specified above (e.g. boots and sheets); and 
 

for use by linen suppliers and industrial launderers, to whom a substantial portion of Superior's uniforms and service apparel are sold; such products being primarily industrial laundry bags.

 

Uniforms and service apparel and related products account for in excess of 95% of net sales; no other single class of product listed above accounts for more than 10% of net sales.

 

Services

 

Through the recruitment and employment of highly qualified English-speaking agents, we provide our customers with extended office support from a versatile call and contact center environment in our Remote Staffing Solutions segment.

 

Competition

 

Superior competes in its Uniforms and Related Products segment with more than three dozen firms, including divisions of larger corporations. Superior competes with national and regional manufacturers, such as Cintas Corporation, Unifirst Corporation, G&K Services and ARAMARK—a division of privately held ARAMARK Corporation. Superior also competes with local firms in most major metropolitan areas. The nature and degree of competition varies with the customer and the market. Industry statistics are not available, but we believe Superior is one of the leading suppliers of garments to hospitals, industrial clean rooms, hotels, motels, and food service establishments, and uniforms to linen suppliers. Superior experiences competition primarily in the areas of product development, styling and pricing. We believe that the strength of our brands and marketing, coupled with the quality of our products, allow us to compete effectively. 

 

 
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The market in which TOG operates has evolved into a global multi-billion dollar marketplace that is highly competitive and fragmented.  TOG’s competitors in the Remote Staffing Solutions segment range in size from very small firms offering specialized services or short-term project completion to very large independent firms, and include the in-house operations of many customers and potential customers. We compete directly and indirectly with various companies that provide contact center and other business process outsourcing solutions on an outsourced basis. These companies include, but are certainly not limited to, global providers such as APAC Customer Services, Convergys, Sitel, Atento, Sykes, Harte Hanks, and Teleperformance.   TOG also competes with local entities in other offshore geographies.  The list of potential competitors includes both publicly traded and privately held companies.

 

Customers

 

Superior has a substantial number of customers, the largest of which accounted for approximately 6.0% of its 2015 net sales.

 

Backlog

 

Although Superior at all times has a substantial backlog of orders, we do not consider this significant since our backlog of orders at any time consists primarily of recurring firm orders being processed and filled.

 

Superior normally completes shipments of orders from stock within one week after the receipt of the order. As of February 22, 2016, the backlog of all orders that we believe to be firm was approximately $9,300,000, compared to approximately $7,200,000 as of February 23, 2015.

 

Raw Materials and Inventory

 

The principal fabrics used in our business are made from cotton, polyester, wool, silk, synthetic and cotton-synthetic blends.    The majority of our fabrics are sourced in the Far East. The raw materials used in the fabrics we source from our suppliers are primarily cotton, polyester yarn, dyestuffs and chemical components of synthetic fabrics. 

 

Superior markets itself to its customers as a "stock house." Therefore, Superior at all times carries substantial inventories of raw materials (principally piece goods) and finished garments, which requires substantial working capital. Superior's principal raw materials are textile products. In 2015 and 2014, approximately 22% and 22%, respectively, of our products were obtained from suppliers located in Central America. Superior does not believe that it is dependent upon any of its suppliers, despite the concentration of its purchasing from a few sources, as other suppliers of the same or similar products are readily available. However, if Superior is unable to continue to obtain its products from Central America, it could significantly disrupt Superior’s business. Because the Company manufactures and sources products in Central America, the Company is affected by economic conditions in those countries, including increased duties, possible employee turnover, labor and other unrest and lack of developed infrastructure.

 

Intellectual Property

 

Superior owns and uses several trademarks and service marks relating to its brands that have significant value and are instrumental to its ability to market its products. Superior’s most significant trademark is its mark "Fashion Seal Healthcare " (presently registered with the United States Patent and Trademark Office until August 6, 2017). The Fashion Seal Healthcare trademark is critically important to the marketing and operation of Superior’s business, as more than 25% of Superior's products are sold under that name.

 

Environmental Matters

 

In view of the nature of our business, compliance with federal, state, and local laws regulating the discharge of materials into the environment, or otherwise relating to the protection of the environment, has had no material effect upon our operations or earnings, and we do not expect it to have a material impact in the future.

 

Employees

 

Superior employed 1,278 persons, of which 1,268 were full-time employees, as of December 31, 2015.

 

 

Securities Exchange Act Reports

 

The Company maintains an internet website at the following address: www.superioruniformgroup.com. The information on the Company's website is not incorporated by reference in this annual report on Form 10-K.

 

 
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We make available on or through our website certain reports and amendments to those reports that we file with or furnish to the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC") in accordance with the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act"). These include our annual reports on Form 10-K, our quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, our current reports on Form 8-K, and Section 16 filings by our officers, directors and 10% shareholders. We make this information available on our website free of charge as soon as reasonably practicable after we or they electronically file the information with, or furnish it to, the SEC.

 

Item 1A.     Risk Factors

 

Our business, operations and financial condition are subject to various risks, and many of those risks are driven by factors that we cannot control or predict. The following discussion addresses those risks that management believes are the most significant, and you should take these risks into account in evaluating us or any investment decision involving us. Additional risks and uncertainties not presently known or that we currently believe to be less significant may also adversely affect us.

 

Risks Relating To Our Industry

 

We face intense competition within our industry and our revenue may decrease if we are not able to respond to this competition effectively.

 

Customers in the uniform and corporate identity apparel industry choose suppliers primarily based upon the quality, price and breadth of products offered. We encounter competition from a number of companies in the geographic areas we serve. Major competitors for our Uniforms and Related Products segment include publicly held companies such as Cintas Corporation, Unifirst Corporation and G&K Services, as well as ARAMARK — a division of ARAMARK Corporation. We also compete with a multitude of regional and local competitors that vary by market. If our existing or future competitors seek to gain or retain market share by reducing prices, we may be required to lower our prices, which would adversely affect our operating results. Similarly, if customers or potential customers perceive the products offered by our existing or future competitors to be of higher quality than ours or part of a broader product mix, our revenues may decline, which would adversely affect our operating results. In addition, our competitors generally compete with us for acquisition candidates, which can increase the price for acquisitions and reduce the number of acquisition candidates available to us.

 

Regional or national economic slowdowns, high unemployment levels, or cost increases might have an adverse effect on our operating results.

 

Our primary products are provided to workers employed by our customers and, as a result, our business prospects are dependent upon levels of employment and overall economic conditions, among other factors. Our revenues are impacted by our customers’ opening and closing of locations and reductions and increases in headcount. For example, between 2009 and 2013, voluntary employee turnover declined significantly because fewer alternative jobs were available to employees of our customers.  As a result, uniform orders on a per-employee basis decreased among many of our customers.

  

If we are unable to offset these effects through the addition of new customers (through acquisition or otherwise), the penetration of existing customers with a broader mix of product and service offerings, or decreased production costs that can be passed on in the form of lower prices, our revenue growth rates will be negatively impacted. Events or conditions in a particular geographic area, such as adverse weather and other factors, could also hurt our operating results. While we do not believe that our exposure is greater than that of our competitors, we could be adversely affected by increases in the prices of fabric, natural gas, gasoline, wages, employee benefits, insurance costs and other components of product cost unless we can recover such increases through proportional increases in the prices for our products and services. Competitive and general economic conditions might limit our ability and that of our competitors to increase prices to cover such increases in our product cost.

 

Volatility in the global financial markets could adversely affect results.

 

In the past, global financial markets have experienced extreme disruption, including, among other things, volatility in security prices, diminished liquidity and credit availability, rating downgrades of certain investments and declining valuations of others. In addition, global equity markets have been highly volatile this year. There can be no assurance that there will not be further change or volatility, which could lead to challenges in our business and negatively impact our financial results. The tightening of credit in financial markets adversely affects the ability of our customers and suppliers to obtain financing for significant purchases and operations and could result in a decrease in orders and spending for our products and services. We are unable to predict the likely duration and severity of any disruption in financial markets and adverse economic conditions and the effects they may have on our business and financial condition.

  

 

 
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The uniform and corporate identity apparel industry is subject to pricing pressures that may cause us to lower the prices we charge for our products and adversely affect our financial performance.

 

Many of our competitors source their product requirements from developing countries to achieve a lower cost operating environment, possibly with lower costs than our offshore facilities, and those manufacturers may use these cost savings to reduce prices. To remain competitive, we must adjust our prices from time to time in response to these industry-wide pricing pressures. Moreover, increased customer demands for allowances, incentives and other forms of economic support could reduce our gross margins and affect our profitability. Our financial performance may be negatively affected by these pricing pressures if we are forced to reduce our prices and we cannot reduce our product costs proportionally or if our product costs increase and we cannot increase our prices proportionately.

  

Increases in the price of finished goods and raw materials used to manufacture our products could materially increase our costs and decrease our profitability.

 

The principal fabrics used in our business are made from cotton, wool, silk, synthetic and cotton-synthetic blends. The prices we pay for these fabrics and our finished goods are dependent on the market price for the raw materials used to produce them, primarily cotton and chemical components of synthetic fabrics including raw materials such as chemicals and dyestuffs. These finished goods and raw materials are subject to price volatility caused by weather, supply conditions, government regulations, economic climate, currency exchange rates, labor costs, and other unpredictable factors.  Fluctuations in petroleum prices also may influence the prices of related items such as chemicals, dyestuffs and polyester yarn.

 

For example, during the latter part of 2010, cotton prices began increasing dramatically and reached historically high levels during 2011 due to weather-related and other supply disruptions, which when combined with robust global demand, particularly in Asia, created concerns about availability and increased costs for our products.  While were able to pass on a portion of these price increases to our customers during most of 2011, we saw a negative impact on our gross margins from the fourth quarter of 2011 through 2012.

 

Any increase in raw material prices increases our cost of sales and can decrease our profitability unless we are able to pass the costs on to our customers in the form of higher prices. In addition, if one or more of our competitors is able to reduce their production costs by taking advantage of any reductions in raw material prices or favorable sourcing agreements, we may face pricing pressures from those competitors and may be forced to reduce our prices or face a decline in net sales, either of which could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.

 

Changing international trade regulation on imports of textiles and apparel may increase competition in our industry. Future quotas, duties or tariffs may increase our costs or limit the amount of products that we can import.

 

Our operations are subject to various international trade agreements and regulations, such as the North American Free Trade Agreement, as supplemented (NAFTA), Dominican Republic–Central America Free Trade Agreement (CAFTA-DR), Haitian Hemispheric Opportunity through Partnership Encouragement Act, as amended (HOPE), and African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), and the activities and regulations of the World Trade Organization (WTO). Generally, these trade agreements benefit our business by reducing or eliminating the duties and/or quotas assessed on products manufactured in a particular country. However, trade agreements can also impose requirements that negatively affect our business, such as limiting the countries from which we can purchase raw materials and setting quotas on products that may be imported into the United States from a particular country. In addition, increased competition from developing countries could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations or financial condition.

 

The countries in which our products are manufactured or into which they are imported may from time to time impose new quotas, duties, tariffs and requirements as to where raw materials must be purchased, additional workplace regulations, or other restrictions on our imports or adversely modify existing restrictions. Adverse changes in these costs and restrictions could harm our business. We cannot assure you that future trade agreements will not provide our competitors an advantage over us, or increase our costs, either of which could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations or financial condition.

 

The corporate identity apparel and uniform industry is subject to changing fashion trends and if we misjudge consumer preferences, the image of one or more of our brands may suffer and the demand for our products may decrease.

 

The apparel industry, including uniforms and corporate identity apparel, is subject to shifting customer demands and evolving fashion trends and our success is also dependent upon our ability to anticipate and promptly respond to these changes. Failure to anticipate, identify or promptly react to changing trends or styles may result in decreased demand for our products, as well as excess inventories and markdowns, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations, and financial condition. In addition, if we misjudge consumer preferences, our brand image may be impaired. We believe our products are, however, in general, less subject to fashion trends compared to many other apparel manufacturers because we manufacture and sell uniforms, corporate identity apparel and other accessories.

 

 
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Risks Relating To Our Business

 

Our success depends upon the continued protection of our trademarks and other intellectual property rights and we may be forced to incur substantial costs to maintain, defend, protect and enforce our intellectual property rights.

 

Our owned intellectual property and certain of our licensed intellectual property have significant value and are instrumental to our ability to market our products. While we own and use several trademarks, our “Fashion Seal Healthcare” mark is critically important to our business, as more than 25% of our products are sold under that name.  We cannot assure you that our owned or licensed intellectual property or the operation of our business does not infringe on or otherwise violate the intellectual property rights of others.  We cannot assure you that third parties will not assert claims against us on any such bases or that we will be able to successfully resolve such claims.  In addition, although we seek international protection of our intellectual property, the laws of some foreign countries may not allow us to protect, defend or enforce our intellectual property rights to the same extent as the laws of the United States. We could also incur substantial costs to defend legal actions relating to use of our intellectual property or prosecute legal actions against others using our intellectual property, either of which could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations or financial condition. There also can be no assurance that we will be able to negotiate and conclude extensions of existing license agreements on similar economic terms or at all.

 

Our customers may cancel or decrease the quantity of their orders, which could negatively impact our operating results.

 

Although we have long-standing customer relationships, we do not have long-term contracts with many of our customers. Sales to many of our customers are on an order-by-order basis. If we cannot fill customers’ orders on time, orders may be cancelled and relationships with customers may suffer, which could have an adverse effect on us, especially if the relationship is with a major customer. Furthermore, if any of our customers experience a significant downturn in their business, or fail to remain committed to our programs or brands, the customer may reduce or discontinue purchases from us. The reduction in the amount of our products purchased by customers could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations or financial condition.

 

In addition, some of our customers have experienced significant changes and difficulties, including consolidation of ownership, increased centralization of buying decisions, restructurings, bankruptcies and liquidations. A significant adverse change in a customer relationship or in a customer’s financial position could cause us to limit or discontinue business with that customer, require us to assume more credit risk relating to that customer’s receivables or limit our ability to collect amounts related to previous purchases by that customer, all of which could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations or financial condition.

 

We have significant pension obligations with respect to our employees and our available cash flow may be adversely affected in the event that payments become due under any pension plans that are unfunded or underfunded.

 

A portion of our active and retired employees participate in defined benefit pension plans under which we are obligated to provide prescribed levels of benefits regardless of the value of the underlying assets, if any, of the applicable pension plan. If our obligations under a plan are unfunded or underfunded, we will have to use cash flow from operations and other sources to pay our obligations either as they become due or over some shorter funding period. As of December 31, 2015, we had approximately $8.9 million in unfunded or underfunded obligations related to our pension plans, compared to $8.1 million as of December 31, 2014.

 

We may undertake acquisitions to expand our business, which may pose risks to our business.

 

We selectively pursue acquisitions from time to time as part of our growth strategy. We compete with others within our industry for suitable acquisition candidates. This competition may increase the price for acquisitions and reduce the number of acquisition candidates available to us. As a result, acquisition candidates may not be available to us in the future on favorable terms. Even if we are able to acquire businesses on favorable terms, managing growth through acquisition is a difficult process that includes integration and training of personnel, combining plant and operating procedures, and additional matters related to the integration of acquired businesses within our existing organization. Unanticipated issues related to integration may result in additional expense or in disruption to our operations, either of which could negatively impact our ability to achieve anticipated benefits. While we believe we will be able to fully integrate acquired businesses, we can give no assurance that we will be successful in this regard.  

 

 

 
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We are subject to international, federal, state and local laws and regulations and failure to comply with them may expose us to potential liability.

 

We are subject to international, federal, state and local laws and regulations affecting our business, including those promulgated under the Occupational Safety and Health Act, the Consumer Product Safety Act, the Flammable Fabrics Act, the Textile Fiber Product Identification Act, the rules and regulations of the Consumer Products Safety Commission and various labor, workplace and related laws, as well as environmental laws and regulations. Failure to comply with such laws may expose us to potential liability and have an adverse effect on our results of operations.

 

Shortages of supply of sourced goods from suppliers, interruptions in our manufacturing, and local conditions in the countries in which we operate could adversely affect our results of operations.

 

We utilize multiple supply sources and manufacturing facilities. However, an unexpected interruption in any of the sources or facilities could temporarily adversely affect our results of operations until alternate sources or facilities can be secured. In 2015 and 2014 approximately 22% and 22%, respectively, of our products were obtained from suppliers located in Central America. If we are unable to continue to obtain our products from Central America, it could significantly disrupt our business. Because we source products and maintain operations in Central America, we are affected by conditions in Central America, including increased duties, possible employee turnover, labor and other unrest and lack of developed infrastructure.

 

Our business may be impacted by adverse weather.

 

Our corporate headquarters is located in Florida, which is a hurricane-sensitive area. Should a hurricane occur, the possibly resulting infrastructure damage and disruption to the area could negatively affect Superior, such as by damage to, or total destruction of, our headquarters and surrounding transportation infrastructure. In addition, similar disruptions to the business of our customers located in areas affected by hurricanes may adversely impact sales of our products.

 

Our Remote Staffing Solutions business is dependent on the trend toward outsourcing.

 

Our business and growth depend in large part on the industry trend toward outsourced customer contact management services. Outsourcing means that an entity contracts with a third party, such as us, to provide customer contact services rather than perform such services in-house. There can be no assurance that this trend will continue, as organizations may elect to perform such services themselves. A significant change in this trend could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

 

Inability to attract and retain key management or other personnel could adversely impact our business.

 

Our success is dependent on the skills, experience, and efforts of our senior management and other key personnel.  If, for any reason, one or more senior executive or key personnel was not to remain active in our company, or if we were unable to attract and retain senior management or key personnel, our results of operations could be adversely affected.

 

Certain existing shareholders have significant control. 

 

At December 31, 2015, our executive officers and certain of their family members collectively owned 33.5% of our outstanding common stock. As a result, our executive officers and certain of their family members have significant influence over the election of our Board of Directors, the approval or disapproval of any other matters requiring shareholder approval, and the affairs and policies of our company.

  

Item 1B.     Unresolved Staff Comments

 

None. 

 

 
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Item 2.         Properties

 

The Company has an ongoing program designed to maintain and improve its facilities. Generally, all properties are in satisfactory condition. The Company's properties are currently fully utilized and have aggregate productive capacity to meet the Company's present needs as well as those of the foreseeable future. The material manufacturing and distribution locales are rented for nominal amounts from cities providing incentives for businesses to locate in their area - all such properties may be purchased for nominal amounts. As a result, it is believed that the subject lease expirations and renewal terms thereof are not material. Set forth below are the principal locations of our facilities. Except as otherwise noted, our facilities are used by our Uniforms and Related Products segment.

 

  Seminole, Florida Plant of approximately 60,000 square feet owned by the Company; used as principal administrative office for warehousing and shipping, the corporate design center and as office space for our Remote Staffing Solutions business.
 

Eudora, Arkansas – Plant of approximately 217,000 square feet, partially leased from the City of Eudora requiring payment of only a nominal rental fee; used for manufacturing, warehousing, and shipping; lease expiring December 1, 2216.

 

Alpharetta, Georgia – Plant of approximately 75,000 square feet owned by the Company; used for manufacturing, warehousing and office space.

 

Alpharetta, Georgia – Facility of approximately 31,000 square feet leased by the Company, used for warehousing; lease expiring on 12/31/2016.

 

San Salvador, El Salvador – Office space of approximately 23,200 square feet; owned by The Office Gurus, LTDA De C.V., a subsidiary of SUG Holding, and Fashion Seal Corporation, wholly-owned subsidiaries of the Company; used as office space for our Remote Staffing Solutions business.

 

Belize – Office space of approximately 9,300 square feet, owned by The Office Gurus, Ltd.; used as office space for our Remote Staffing Solutions business.

 

Haiti – Manufacturing facility of approximately 40,000 square feet; leased by Superior Sourcing, a subsidiary of SUG Holding – current lease expiring in 2024.

  ●  Miscellaneous – Lexington, Mississippi: facility used for warehousing and shipping, approximately 40,000 square feet – owned by the Company.

 

Item 3.         Legal Proceedings

 

We are a party to certain lawsuits in the ordinary course of business. We do not believe that these proceedings, individually or in the aggregate, will have a material adverse effect on our financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

 

Item 4.         Mine Safety Disclosures

 

Not applicable.

  

PART II

 

Item 5.         Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

 

The principal market on which Superior's common shares are traded is the NASDAQ Stock Market under the symbol “SGC”.

 

The following table sets forth the high and low sales prices and cash dividends declared on our common stock by quarter for 2015 and 2014 as reported in the consolidated transaction reporting system of the NASDAQ Stock Market. The prices and dividends shown have been retroactively adjusted for the 2-for-1 stock split effective February 4, 2015.

 

 
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    QUARTER ENDED  
    2015       2014  
   

Mar. 31

   

June 30

   

Sept. 30

   

Dec. 31

     

Mar. 31

   

June 30

   

Sept. 30

   

Dec. 31

 
Common Shares:                                                                    
High   $ 20.92     $ 23.73     $ 20.21       $ 19.90       $ 8.44     $ 9.49     $ 11.47     $ 14.99  
                                                                     

Low

  $ 14.54     $ 15.06     $ 15.65       $ 15.48       $ 6.75     $ 7.40     $ 7.56     $ 9.50  
                                                                     

Dividends (total for 2015- - $0.315; 2014-$0.285)

  $ 0.075     $ 0.075     $ 0.083       $ 0.083       $ 0.068     $ 0.068     $ 0.075     $ 0.075  

 

We declared cash dividends of $0.075 per share in the first and second quarters and $0.083 per share in the third and fourth quarters during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2015.

 

We intend to pay regular quarterly distributions to our holders of common shares, the amount of which may change from time to time. Future distributions will be declared and paid at the discretion of our Board of Directors, and will depend upon cash generated by operating activities, our financial condition, capital requirements, and such other factors as our Board of Directors deem relevant.

 

Under our credit agreement with Fifth Third Bank, if an event of default exists, we may not make distributions to our shareholders. The Company is in full compliance with all terms, conditions and covenants of its credit agreement.

 

On December 29, 2014, the Board of Directors declared a 2-for-1 stock split of the Company’s common stock. The record date for the split was January 12, 2015, and the stock split became effective on February 4, 2015.

 

On February 22, 2016, we had 153 shareholders of record and the closing price for our common shares on the NASDAQ Stock Market was $17.03 per share.

 

Information regarding the Company’s equity compensation plans is incorporated by reference to the information set forth in Item 12 of Part III of this Form 10-K under the section entitled “Equity Compensation Plan Information.”

 

Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

 

The table below sets forth information with respect to purchases made by or on behalf of Superior Uniform Group, Inc. or any “affiliated purchaser” (as defined in Rule 10b-18(a)(3) under the Exchange Act) of our common shares during the three months ended December 31, 2015.

 

Period

(a) Total Number of

Shares Purchased

(b) Average Price Paid

per Share

(c) Total Number

of Shares

Purchased as Part

of Publicly

Announced Plans

or Programs

(d) Maximum

Number of Shares

that May Yet Be

Purchased Under the

Plans or Programs1

Month #1

       

(October 1, 2015 to

-

-

-

 

October 31, 2015)

       

Month #2

       

(November 1, 2015 to

-

-

-

 

November 30, 2015)

       

Month #3

       

(December 1, 2015 to

-

-

-

 

December 31, 2015)

       

TOTAL

-

-

-

 

 

1On August 1, 2008, the Company’s Board of Directors approved an increase to the outstanding authorization to allow for the repurchase of 1,000,000 additional shares of the Company’s outstanding shares of common stock. There is no expiration date or other restriction governing the period over which we can make our share repurchases under the program. All such purchases (of which there were none during the three months ended December 31, 2015) were open market transactions.

 

 
10

 

 

Item 6.        Selected Financial Data

Not applicable

 

 
11

 

 

Item 7.        Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

 

The following discussion should be read in conjunction with our consolidated financial statements, which present our results of operations for the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014, as well as our financial positions at December 31, 2015 and 2014, contained elsewhere in this Form 10-K. Some of the information contained in this discussion and analysis or set forth elsewhere in this Form 10-K, including information with respect to our plans and strategy for our business, includes forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. You should review the “Special Note Regarding Forward Looking Statements” and “Risk Factors” sections of this Form 10-K for a discussion of important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from the results described in or implied by the forward-looking statements contained in the following discussion and analysis.

 

Business Outlook 

 

Uniforms and Related Products

 

Historically, we have manufactured and sold a wide range of uniforms, career apparel and accessories, which comprises our Uniforms and Related Products segment. Our primary products are provided to workers employed by our customers and, as a result, our business prospects are dependent upon levels of employment and overall economic conditions, among other factors. Our revenues are impacted by our customers’ opening and closing of locations and reductions and increases in headcount. Additionally, between 2009 and 2013 voluntary employee turnover had declined significantly because fewer alternative jobs were available to employees of our customers.  While the current economic environment in the United States remains somewhat sluggish, we are continuing to see an improvement in the employment environment and voluntary employee turnover has been increasing.  We also continue to see an increase in the demand for employees in the healthcare sector as a result of the Affordable Care Act. These factors are expected to have positive impacts on our prospects for growth in net sales in 2016; however, recent volatility in global equity markets may reflect a decrease in investor confidence in the global economy.

 

During 2015 we have continued our efforts to increase penetration of the direct health care market. We were awarded our first two group purchasing organization contracts and increased the number of healthcare facilities that we are able to pursue for direct sales by at least 4,500. These contracts give us the ability to pursue these healthcare facilities as customers. We are actively working to acquire these potential customers and to grow our direct healthcare business over the next several years. We expect to be awarded additional agreements for other group purchasing organizations in the future.

 

We have been and continue to actively pursue acquisitions to increase our market share in the Uniforms and Related Products segment. Additionally, we are looking for acquisitions in the promotional products and branded merchandise market as we believe this product line is a synergistic fit with our uniform business. The Company completed its most recent acquisition of HPI Direct, Inc. on July 1, 2013.  

 

Remote Staffing Solutions

 

We are pursuing a diversified business model to include growth of our Remote Staffing Solutions segment, operating in El Salvador, Belize, and the United States. This business segment was initially started to provide remote staffing services for the Company at a lower cost structure in order to improve our own operating results.   It has in fact enabled us to reduce our operating expenses in our Uniforms and Related Products segment and to more effectively service our customers’ needs in that segment.  We began selling remote staffing services to other companies at the end of 2009. We have grown this business from approximately $1 million in net sales to outside customers in 2010 to approximately $12 million in net sales to outside customers in 2015.  We have spent significant effort over the last several years improving the depth of our management infrastructure in this segment to support significant growth in this segment in 2016 and beyond.  We increased net sales to outside customers in this segment by approximately 49% in 2015 as compared to 2014 and by approximately 42% in 2014 as compared to 2013.  We are investing in a new call center building in El Salvador expected to be completed mid 2016 that will essentially double our existing capacity there. We spent approximately $2 million on the El Salvador project in 2014, $4 million in 2015 and expect to spend in excess of an additional $3 million to complete the project in 2016. We are also investing in smaller renovations that will add additional capacity in our Belize and United States locations as well. We continue to receive a favorable response from the market for our services and we believe this sector will continue to grow significantly in 2016 and beyond.  

 

 
12

 

  

Operations

 

Net Sales

 

   

2015

   

2014

   

% Change

 

Uniforms and Related Products

  $ 198,319,000     $ 188,199,000       5.4 %

Remote Staffing Solutions

    15,604,000       11,424,000       36.6 %

Net intersegment eliminations

    (3,606,000 )     (3,374,000 )     6.9 %

Consolidated Net Sales

  $ 210,317,000     $ 196,249,000       7.2 %

  

Net Sales

 

Net sales for the Company increased 7.2% from $196,249,000 in 2014 to $210,317,000 in 2015. The 7.2% aggregate increase in net sales is split between growth in our Uniforms and Related Products segment (contributing 5.2%) and increases in net sales after intersegment eliminations from our Remote Staffing Solutions segment (contributing 2.0%). Intersegment eliminations reduce total net sales by the amount of sales of remote staffing solutions to the Uniforms and Related Products segment by the Remote Staffing Solutions segment. See Note 17 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for more information and a reconciliation of segment net sales to total net sales.

 

Uniforms and Related Products net sales increased 5.4% in 2015. The increase in net sales is attributed primarily to our continued market penetration as well as continued improvement in the economy including increases in voluntary employee turnover in the marketplace. These increases were partially offset by the fact that the second quarter of 2014 included approximately $5,000,000 for a rollout of a new uniform program for an existing customer.   While we continue to service this account, the sales in 2015 were significantly below the prior year amount.

 

Remote Staffing Solutions net sales increased 36.6% before intersegment eliminations and 49.0% after intersegment eliminations in 2015. These increases are attributed to continued market penetration in 2015, both with respect to new and existing customers.

 

Cost of Goods Sold

 

Cost of goods sold consists primarily of direct costs of acquiring inventory, including cost of merchandise, inbound freight charges, purchasing costs, and inspection costs for our Uniforms and Related Products segment. Cost of goods sold for our Remote Staffing Solutions segment includes salaries and payroll related benefits for agents. The Company includes shipping and handling fees billed to customers in net sales. Shipping and handling costs associated with out-bound freight are generally recorded in cost of goods sold. Other shipping and handling costs are included in selling and administrative expenses.

 

As a percentage of net sales, cost of goods sold for our Uniforms and Related Products Segment was 67.1% in 2015 and 65.7% in 2014. The increase as a percentage of net sales is primarily attributed to an increase in direct product costs as a percentage of net sales during 2015 (contributing 1.2%).  The increase in direct costs as a percentage of net sales is largely tied to the absence of the prior year rollout of the new uniform program for approximately $5,000,000 described above.  The account related to this rollout had a higher gross margin than our average account, because it required a higher level of customer service, distribution and other related costs reflected in selling and administrative expenses over several quarters both prior to and during the rollout. The increase is also due to the addition of new business in 2015 that carries a lower gross margin percentage than our average account. This new business, however, requires a lower level of customer service, distribution and other related costs reflected in selling and administrative expenses.

 

As a percentage of net sales, cost of goods sold for our Remote Staffing Solutions Segment was 45.0% in 2015, and 43.2% in 2014. The percentage increase in 2015 as compared to 2014 is primarily attributed to an increase in the percentage of segment revenue coming from the domestic portion of our Remote Staffing Solutions segment from 14.8% in 2014 to 23.7% in 2015. The hourly rates charged for domestic services are higher than offshore services but the margin percentage earned is lower.

 

Selling and Administrative Expenses

 

As a percentage of net sales, selling and administrative expenses for our Uniforms and Related Products Segment approximated 24.8% in 2015 and 26.0% in 2014. The decrease as a percentage of net sales is attributed primarily to higher net sales in 2015 to cover operating expenses (contributing 1.3%). These decreases were partially offset by increased pension settlement losses recognized in 2015 (contributing 0.1%) as well as higher ongoing pension and retirement plan expense primarily as a result of lower discount rates in 2015 as compared to 2014 (contributing 0.2%) and other minor net decreases (contributing 0.2%).

 

 
13

 

  

As a percentage of net sales, selling and administrative expenses for our Remote Staffing Solutions Segment approximated 33.2% in 2015 and 35.3% in 2014. The decrease as a percentage of net sales is attributed primarily to the impact in 2015 of higher net sales to cover operating expenses.

 

Interest Expense and Tax

 

Interest expense increased to $519,000 for the year ended December 31, 2015 from $484,000 for the year ended December 31, 2014. This increase is attributed primarily to an increase in the rate paid on a portion of the Company’s long-term debt as a result of the interest rate swap that became effective on July 1, 2014, partially offset by lower average borrowings outstanding during the year.

 

The effective income tax rate in 2015 was 30.9% and in 2014 was 35.3%.  The 4.4% decrease in such effective tax rate is attributed primarily to the reversal of deferred tax on income from foreign operations that was determined to be permanently invested (1.0%), an increase in the tax benefit on foreign income (1.7%), a decrease in non-deductible share based compensation as a percentage of taxable earnings (contributing 0.3%) and other items (1.4%) .

 

Liquidity and Capital Resources

 

Overview

 

The Company uses a number of standards for its own purposes in measuring its liquidity, such as: working capital, profitability ratios, long-term debt as a percentage of long-term debt and equity, and activity ratios. The Company’s balance sheet is very strong at this point and provides the ability to pursue acquisitions, to invest in new product lines and technologies, and to invest in additional working capital as necessary. As of December 31, 2015, approximately $884,000 of our cash is held in our foreign subsidiaries and cannot be repatriated without recognizing and paying Federal income taxes on this amount.

 

The Company’s primary source of liquidity has been its net income. In addition, effective July 1, 2013, the Company entered into a five year $30,000,000 term loan to finance the acquisition of substantially all of the assets of HPI Direct, Inc.   At December 31, 2015, the Company also had $25 million in two revolving credit facilities available for use as needed, under which $2,200,000 was outstanding at December 31, 2015. Effective February 10, 2016, the Company exercised its rights to terminate the second revolving credit facility that was available to the Company in the amount of $10 million, in accordance with its terms. This credit facility was scheduled to mature on July 1, 2016 and was not considered necessary.

 

Accounts receivable – trade increased 7.0% from $27,956,000 as of December 31, 2014 to $29,914,000 as of December 31, 2015.  This increase is primarily attributed to higher net sales in 2015.

 

Prepaid expenses and other current assets increased 38.2% from $4,497,000 on December 31, 2014 to $6,214,000 as of December 31, 2015. The increase is primarily attributed to an increase in prepaid income taxes payable of $711,000 due to higher estimated payments made during 2015 as compared to 2014 and an increase in deposits with vendors for upcoming purchases of finished goods of $884,000 and prepayment of one year’s rent associated with a new factory in Haiti of $119,000.

 

Inventories increased 9.1% from $58,282,000 on December 31, 2014 to $63,573,000 as of December 31, 2015. This increase is primarily due to the timing of inventory purchases and higher inventory levels required to meet higher net sales volumes.

 

Other intangible assets decreased from $16,288,000 on December 31, 2014 to $14,222,000 as of December 31, 2015. This decrease is attributed to scheduled amortization of existing intangible assets.

 

Other assets increased from $137,000 on December 31, 2014 to $1,940,000 as of December 31, 2015. This increase is attributed primarily to $895,000 from the long term portion of the lease that was entered into in 2015 whereby the Company prepaid approximately 8.5 years of rent; and an $893,000 increase in cash surrender value of company owned life insurance policies purchased in 2015.

 

Accounts payable increased 21.3% from $9,706,000 on December 31, 2014 to $11,775,000 on December 31, 2015. This increase is primarily due to the timing of inventory purchases and higher inventory levels required to meet higher net sales volumes.

 

Other current liabilities decreased 7.6% from $8,995,000 on December 31, 2014 to $8,307,000 on December 31, 2015. This decrease is primarily due to a reduction in accrued salaries, wages and commissions payable of $555,000 due to lower incentive compensation payable in 2015 a reduction in income taxes payable of $637,000 due to higher estimated payments made during 2015 as compared to 2014; partially offset by other miscellaneous increase of $504,000.

 

 
14

 

  

Long-term pension liability increased 10.4% from $8,084,000 on December 31, 2014 to $8,925,000 on December 31, 2015. This increase is primarily attributed to actuarial losses in the current year of $327,000, losses on assets of $515,000 and current year interest cost on the outstanding obligations of $951,000, partially offset by $1,000,000 in Company contributions in 2015.

 

As part of its acquisition of HPI in 2013, the Company recorded a liability for an acquisition related contingent liability. This amount will be earned by the former owners of HPI based upon the performance of HPI following the acquisition for each of the years from 2014 through 2017. The total amount of this liability initially expected to be paid was $7,200,000. This liability was discounted on our consolidated balance sheets to recognize the time value of the liability. The liability on our consolidated balance sheets will be increased each year to reflect the interest component of this liability. The increase is being recorded through other expense in selling and administrative expense in the consolidated statements of comprehensive income. We made our initial earn-out payment with respect to calendar year 2014 at the maximum amount of $1,200,000 during 2015.  Because the relevant performance of the acquired business was slightly below the required target for 2015 the remaining liability was reduced by $200,000 at December 31, 2015.  The remaining acquisition related contingent liability at December 31, 2015 was $5,653,000, an amount that is subject to remeasurement at the end of each reporting period.  The next payment of $1,800,000 will be paid during the first quarter of 2016.

 

At December 31, 2015, the working capital of the Company was approximately $79,380,000 and the working capital ratio was 4.2 to 1. At December 31, 2014, the working capital of the Company was approximately $77,191,000 and the working capital ratio was 4.5 to 1. Superior at all times carries substantial inventories of raw materials (principally piece goods) and finished garments, which requires substantial working capital. The Company believes that income generated from operations and outside sources of credit, both trade and institutional, are adequate to fund the Company’s operations for the next 12 months and beyond.

 

Cash Flows

 

In 2015, cash and cash equivalents decreased by approximately $3,550,000. Cash provided by operating activities was $8,352,000, cash used in investing activities was $8,045,000 primarily related to fixed asset additions of $8,069,000, and $3,857,000 was used in financing activities. Financing activities included the payment of cash dividends of $4,255,000 and net repayments of borrowings of $1,085,000; partially offset by proceeds received from exercise of stock options of $1,840,000.

 

Capital Expenditures

 

The Company has an on-going capital expenditure program designed to maintain and improve its facilities. Capital expenditures were approximately $8,069,000 and $4,936,000 in 2015 and 2014, respectively. We are investing in a new call center building in El Salvador expected to be completed in June 2016 that will essentially double our existing capacity there. We spent approximately $2.2 million on the El Salvador project in 2014, $4.6 million in 2015 and expect to spend approximately $2.5 million to complete the project in 2016.

 

Dividends and Share Repurchase Program

 

During the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014, the Company paid cash dividends of approximately $4,255,000 and $3,663,000, respectively. During 2015, the Company increased its regular quarterly dividend to $0.0825 per quarter beginning with the third quarter dividend. Total dividends paid in 2015 were $0.315 per share compared to $0.285 per share in 2014.

 

On August 1, 2008, the Company’s Board of Directors approved an increase to the outstanding authorization under its common stock repurchase program to allow for the repurchase of 1,000,000 additional shares of the Company’s outstanding shares of common stock. Under this program, the Company reacquired and retired -0- shares of its common stock in the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014. At December 31, 2015, the Company had 261,675 shares remaining for purchase under its common stock repurchase program. Shares purchased under the common stock repurchase program are constructively retired and returned to unissued status. We consider several factors in determining when to make share repurchases, including among other things, our cost of equity, our after-tax cost of borrowing, our debt to total capitalization targets and our expected future cash needs. There is no expiration date or other restriction governing the period over which we can make our share repurchases under the program. The Company anticipates that it will continue to pay dividends and that it will repurchase additional shares of its common stock in the future as financial conditions permit.

 

Credit Agreement

 

Effective July 1, 2013, the Company entered into an amended and restated 5-year credit agreement with Fifth Third Bank that made available to the Company up to $15,000,000 on a revolving credit basis (the “Initial Credit Facility”) in addition to a $30,000,000 term loan utilized to finance the acquisition of substantially all of the assets of HPI Direct, Inc. Interest is payable on the term loan at LIBOR plus 0.95% (1.38% at December 31, 2015) and on the revolving credit agreement at LIBOR (rounded up to the next 1/8th of 1%) plus 0.95% (1.45% at December 31, 2015). Both loans are based upon the one-month LIBOR rate for U.S. dollar based borrowings.  The Company pays an annual commitment fee of 0.10% on the average unused portion of the commitment under the Initial Credit Facility.  The available balance under the Initial Credit Facility is reduced by outstanding letters of credit.   As of December 31, 2015, there was an outstanding balance of $472,000 under letters of credit.

 

 
15

 

  

Effective October 22, 2013, the credit agreement was amended to, among other things, increase the amount of permitted investments in subsidiaries that are not parties to the credit agreement and related agreements, from $1 million to $5 million.

 

On May 1, 2014, the credit agreement was further amended to provide for an additional $10 million revolving credit facility with Fifth Third Bank (the “Add on Credit Facility”), pursuant to the Second Amendment to Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement and Other Loan Documents, dated May 1, 2014. We refer to the Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement and Other Loan Documents, as so amended, as the “Credit Agreement.” The Add on Credit Facility expires on July 1, 2016. Interest is payable on the Add on Credit Facility at LIBOR (rounded up to the next 1/8th of 1%) plus 0.95% based upon the one-month LIBOR rate for U.S. dollar based borrowings (1.45% at December 31, 2015). The Company pays an annual commitment fee of 0.50% on the average unused portion of the commitment under the Add on Credit Facility. Effective February 10, 2016, the Company exercised its rights to terminate the Add on Credit Facility as it was no longer considered necessary.

 

The remaining scheduled amortization for the term loan is as follows: 2016 $2,750,000; 2017 $3,000,000; 2018 $16,000,000. The term loan does not include a prepayment penalty. In connection with the Credit Agreement, the Company incurred approximately $68,000 of debt financing costs, which primarily consisted of legal fees. These costs are being amortized over the life of the agreement and are recorded as additional interest expense.

 

Our obligations under the Credit Agreement are secured by substantially all of the operating assets of Superior Uniform Group, Inc. and are guaranteed by all domestic subsidiaries of Superior Uniform Group, Inc. The agreement contains restrictive provisions concerning a maximum funded senior indebtedness to EBITDA ratio as defined in the agreement (3.5:1), a maximum funded indebtedness to EBITDA ratio as defined in the agreement (4.0:1) and fixed charge coverage ratio as defined in the agreement (1.25:1).

 

Interest Rate Swap Agreement

 

In order to reduce interest rate risk on the term loan, the Company entered into an interest rate swap agreement with Fifth Third Bank, N.A. in July 2013 that was designed to effectively convert or hedge the variable interest rate on a portion of our term loan under the Credit Agreement to achieve a net fixed rate of 2.53% per annum, beginning July 1, 2014 with an original notional amount of $14,250,000 that is adjusted to match the outstanding principal on the related debt. The notional amount of the interest rate swap is reduced by the scheduled amortization of the principal balance of the term loan of $187,500 per month through July 1, 2015 and $250,000 per month through June 1, 2018. The remaining notional balance of $3,250,000 will be eliminated at the maturity of the term loan on July 1, 2018.

 

Under the terms of the interest rate swap, the Company will receive variable interest rate payments and make fixed interest rate payments on an amount equal to the notional amount at that time. Changes in the fair value of the interest rate swap designated as the hedging instrument that effectively offset the variability of cash flows associated with the variable-rate, long-term debt obligation are reported in other comprehensive income (“OCI”), net of related income tax effects. At December 31, 2015, the interest rate swap had a negative fair value of $114,000, which is presented in other current liabilities within our consolidated balance sheet. The changes in the balances are shown as an increase in OCI in 2015 of $37,000 and as a reduction of OCI in 2014 of $26,000, net of tax of $20,000 in 2015 and net of tax benefit of $21,000 in 2014. The Company does not currently expect any of these losses to be reclassified into earnings over the subsequent twelve-month period.

 

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

 

The Company does not engage in any off-balance sheet financing arrangements. In particular, we do not have any interest in variable interest entities, which include special purpose entities and structured finance entities.

 

Critical Accounting Policies

 

Our significant accounting policies are described in Note 1 to the consolidated financial statements included in this Form 10-K. Our discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations are based upon our consolidated financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. The preparation of the financial statements requires us to make estimates and judgments that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues, expenses, and related disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities. On an on-going basis, we evaluate the estimates that we have made. These estimates are based upon our historical experience and on various other assumptions that we believe to be reasonable under the circumstances. Our actual results may differ from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions.

 

 
16

 

 

Our critical accounting estimates require our most difficult or subjective judgments or estimates about the effect of matters that are inherently uncertain. A discussion of our critical accounting estimates, the underlying judgments and uncertainties used to make them and the likelihood that materially different estimates would be reported under different conditions or using different assumptions is as follows:

 

Allowance for Losses on Accounts Receivable

 

Judgments and estimates are used in determining the collectability of accounts receivable. The Company analyzes specific accounts receivable and historical bad debt experience, customer credit worthiness, current economic trends and the age of outstanding balances when evaluating the adequacy of the allowance for doubtful accounts. Management judgments and estimates are used in connection with establishing the allowance in any accounting period. Changes in estimates are reflected in the period they become known. If the financial condition of the Company’s customers were to deteriorate, resulting in an impairment of their ability to make payments, additional allowances may be required. An additional impairment in value of one percent of net accounts receivable would require an increase in the allowance for doubtful accounts and would result in additional expense of approximately $299,000. The Company’s concentration of risk is also monitored and at year-end 2015, no customer(s) had an account balance greater than 10% of receivables and the five largest customer account balances totaled $7,702,000. Additionally, the Company advances funds for certain of its suppliers to purchase raw materials. The Company deducts payment for these raw materials from payments made to the suppliers upon completion of the related finished goods. The Company had a receivables balance from one of its suppliers located in Haiti totaling approximately $2,569,000 at December 31, 2015. This amount is included in accounts receivable-other on the consolidated balance sheet.

 

Inventories

 

Superior markets itself to its customers as a "stock house." Therefore, Superior at all times carries substantial inventories of raw materials (principally piece goods) and finished garments. Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market value. Judgments and estimates are used in determining the likelihood that new goods on hand can be sold to customers. Historical inventory usage and current revenue trends are considered in estimating both excess and obsolete inventories. If actual product demand and market conditions are less favorable than those projected by management, additional inventory write-downs may be required, which may be material.

 

Goodwill

 

Goodwill represents the excess of the cost of an acquisition over the fair value of the net assets acquired. The Company tests goodwill for impairment annually as of December 31st and/or when an event occurs or circumstances change such that it is more likely than not that impairment may exist. Examples of such events and circumstances that the Company would consider include the following:

 

macroeconomic conditions such as deterioration in general economic conditions, limitations on accessing capital, or other developments in equity and credit markets;

   

industry and market considerations such as a deterioration in the environment in which the Company operates, an increased competitive environment, a decline in market-dependent multiples or metrics (considered in both absolute terms and relative to peers), a change in the market for the Company's products or services, or a regulatory or political development;

   

cost factors such as increases in raw materials, labor, or other costs that have a negative effect on earnings and cash flows;

   

overall financial performance such as negative or declining cash flows or a decline in actual or planned revenue or earnings compared with actual and projected results of relevant prior periods;

   
other relevant entity-specific events such as changes in management, key personnel, strategy, or customers.

 

Goodwill is tested at a level of reporting referred to as "the reporting unit." The Company's reporting units are defined as each of its two reporting segments with all of its goodwill included in the Uniforms and Related Products segment.

 

An entity has the option to first assess qualitative factors to determine whether the existence of events or circumstances leads to a determination that it is more likely than not (that is, a likelihood of more than 50%) that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount. If, after assessing the totality of events or circumstances, an entity determines it is not more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount, then performing the impairment test is unnecessary. The Company completed its assessment of the qualitative factors as of December 31, 2015 and determined that it was not more likely than not that the fair value of the reporting unit was less than its carrying value.

 

 
17

 

  

Insurance

 

The Company self-insures for certain obligations related to health insurance programs. The Company also purchases stop-loss insurance policies to protect it from catastrophic losses. Judgments and estimates are used in determining the potential value associated with reported claims and for losses that have occurred, but have not been reported. The Company's estimates consider historical claim experience and other factors. The Company's liabilities are based on estimates, and, while the Company believes that the accrual for loss is adequate, the ultimate liability may be in excess of or less than the amounts recorded. Changes in claim experience, the Company's ability to settle claims or other estimates and judgments used by management could have a material impact on the amount and timing of expense for any period.

 

Pensions 

 

The Company is the sponsor of two noncontributory qualified defined benefit pension plans, providing for normal retirement at age 65, covering all eligible employees (as defined). Periodic benefit payments on retirement are determined based on a fixed amount applied to service or determined as a percentage of earnings prior to retirement. The Company is also the sponsor of an unfunded supplemental executive retirement plan (SERP) in which several of its employees are participants. Pension plan assets for retirement benefits consist primarily of fixed income securities and common stock equities. Effective June 30, 2013, the Company no longer accrues additional benefits for future service or for future increases in compensation levels for the company’s primary defined benefit pension plan. 

 

The Company’s pension obligations are determined using estimates including those related to discount rates and asset values. The discount rates used for the Company’s pension plans of 4.09% to 4.19% were determined based on the Citigroup Pension Yield Curve.  This rate was selected as the best estimate of the rate at which the benefit obligations could be effectively settled on the measurement date taking into account the nature and duration of the benefit obligations of the plan using high-quality fixed-income investments currently available (rated AA or better) and expected to be available during the period to maturity of the benefits. The 8% expected return on plan assets was determined based on historical long-term investment returns as well as future expectations given target investment asset allocations and current economic conditions.

 

At December 31, 2015, the Company’s projected benefit obligation under its pension plans exceeded the fair value of the plans’ assets by $8,925,000 and thus the plans are underfunded. In 2015, a reduction in the expected return on plan assets of 0.25% would have resulted in additional expense of approximately $37,000, while a reduction in the discount rate of 0.25% would have resulted in additional expense of approximately $101,000 and would have reduced the funded status by $981,000 for the Company’s defined benefit pension plans. Interest rates and pension plan valuations may vary significantly based on worldwide economic conditions and asset investment decisions. For additional information on our benefit plans, please refer to “Note 8 – Benefit Plans” in the notes to the consolidated financial statements included in this Form 10-K.

 

Income Taxes

 

The Company is required to estimate and record income taxes payable for federal, state and foreign jurisdictions in which the Company operates. This process involves estimating actual current tax expense and assessing temporary differences resulting from differing accounting treatment between tax and book that result in deferred tax assets and liabilities. In addition, accruals are also estimated for federal and state tax matters for which deductibility is subject to interpretation. Taxes payable and the related deferred tax differences may be impacted by changes to tax laws, changes in tax rates and changes in taxable profits and losses. Federal income taxes are not provided on that portion of unremitted earnings of foreign subsidiaries that are expected to be reinvested indefinitely. Reserves are also estimated for uncertain tax positions that are currently unresolved. The Company routinely monitors the potential impact of such situations and believes that it is properly reserved. For the year ending December 31, 2015, we recognized a net decrease in total unrecognized tax benefits of approximately $80,000. As of December 31, 2015, we had an accrued liability of $500,000 for unrecognized tax benefits. We accrue interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits in income tax expense, and the related liability is included in other long-term liabilities on the accompanying consolidated balance sheet.

 

 
18

 

  

Share-Based Compensation

 

The Company recognizes expense for all share-based payments to employees, including grants of employee stock options, in the financial statements based on their fair values. Share-based compensation expense that was recorded in 2015 and 2014 includes the compensation expense for the share-based payments granted in those years. In the Company’s share-based compensation strategy we utilize a combination of stock options; stock appreciation rights (“SARS”) that fully vest on the date of grant and restricted shares of common stock that vest over time. The fair value of the options and SARS granted is recognized as expense on the date of grant. The Company used the Black-Scholes-Merton valuation model to value any share-based compensation. Option valuation methods, including Black-Scholes-Merton, require the input of highly complex and subjective assumptions including the risk free interest rate, dividend rate, expected term and common stock price volatility rate. The Company determines the assumptions to be used based upon current economic conditions. While different assumptions may result in materially different stock compensation expenses, changing any one of the individual assumptions by 10% would not have a material impact on the recorded expense. Expense for unvested shares of restricted stock is recognized over the required service period. For additional information on share-based compensation and the assumptions we use, please refer to “Note 12 – Share Based Compensation” in the notes to the consolidated financial statements included in this Form 10-K.

 

Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk

 

Not applicable.

 

 
19

 

 

Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

 

 

 

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

 

 

To the Board of Directors and Stockholders

Superior Uniform Group, Inc. and Subsidiaries:

 

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Superior Uniform Group, Inc. and Subsidiaries (the “Company”) as of December 31, 2015 and 2014, and the related consolidated statements of comprehensive income, shareholders’ equity, and cash flows for each of the years in the two-year period ended December 31, 2015. We also have audited the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2015, based on criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (2013). The Company’s management is responsible for these consolidated financial statements, for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting, and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, included in the accompanying Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these consolidated financial statements and an opinion on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting 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 audits to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement and whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audits of the consolidated financial statements included examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the consolidated financial statements, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, and evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. Our audit of internal control over financial reporting included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, and testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk. Our audits also included performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinions.

 

A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements. Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

 

In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Superior Uniform Group, Inc. and Subsidiaries as of December 31, 2015 and 2014, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the years in the two-year period ended December 31, 2015, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. Also in our opinion, Superior Uniform Group, Inc. and Subsidiaries maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2015, based on criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (2013).

 

/s/ Mayer Hoffman McCann P.C.

 

  

February 25, 2016

Clearwater, Florida

 

 
20

 

     

SUPERIOR UNIFORM GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

    

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31,

 

   

2015

   

2014

 

Net sales

  $ 210,317,000     $ 196,249,000  
                 

Costs and expenses:

               

Cost of goods sold

    138,884,000       127,512,000  

Selling and administrative expenses

    52,018,000       50,724,000  

Interest expense

    519,000       484,000  
      191,421,000       178,720,000  
                 

Income before taxes on income

    18,896,000       17,529,000  

Taxes on income

    5,830,000       6,180,000  
                 

Net income

  $ 13,066,000     $ 11,349,000  
                 

Weighted average number of shares outstanding during the period

               

(Basic)

    13,761,009       13,298,452  

(Diluted)

    14,578,644       13,864,698  

Per Share Data:

               

Basic

               

Net earnings

  $ 0.95     $ 0.85  

Diluted

               

Net earnings

  $ 0.90     $ 0.82  
                 

Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:

               

Defined benefit pension plans:

               
                 

Recognition of net losses included in net periodic pension costs

    499,000       211,000  
                 

Recognition of settlement loss included in net periodic pension costs

    297,000       134,000  
                 

Current period (loss) gains

    (1,410,000 )     (3,050,000 )
                 

Gain (loss) on cash flow hedging activities

    37,000       (26,000 )
                 

Other comprehensive loss

    (577,000 )     (2,731,000 )
                 

Comprehensive income

  $ 12,489,000     $ 8,618,000  
                 

Dividends per common share

  $ 0.315     $ 0.285  

 

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

 
21

 

 

SUPERIOR UNIFORM GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31,

 

ASSETS

 
                 
   

2015

   

2014

 

CURRENT ASSETS:

               

Cash and cash equivalents

  $ 1,036,000     $ 4,586,000  

Accounts receivable, less allowance for doubtful accounts of $848,000 and $680,000, respectively

    29,914,000       27,956,000  

Accounts receivable - other

    3,262,000       4,135,000  

Inventories

    63,573,000       58,282,000  

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

    6,214,000       4,497,000  

TOTAL CURRENT ASSETS

    103,999,000       99,456,000  
                 

PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT, NET

    22,524,000       16,285,000  

OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS, NET

    14,222,000       16,288,000  

GOODWILL

    4,135,000       4,135,000  

DEFERRED INCOME TAXES

    4,980,000       3,636,000  

OTHER ASSETS

    1,940,000       137,000  
    $ 151,800,000     $ 139,937,000  
                 

LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY

 
                 

CURRENT LIABILITIES:

               

Accounts payable

  $ 11,775,000     $ 9,706,000  

Other current liabilities

    8,307,000       8,995,000  

Current portion of long-term debt

    2,750,000       2,375,000  

Current portion of acquisition-related contigent liability

    1,787,000       1,189,000  

TOTAL CURRENT LIABILITIES

    24,619,000       22,265,000  
                 

LONG-TERM DEBT

    21,200,000       22,660,000  

LONG-TERM PENSION LIABILITY

    8,925,000       8,084,000  

LONG-TERM ACQUISITION-RELATED CONTINGENT LIABILITY

    3,866,000       5,745,000  

OTHER LONG-TERM LIABILITIES

    500,000       580,000  

DEFERRED INCOME TAXES

    -       191,000  

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (NOTE 11)

               

SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY:

               

Preferred stock, $.001 par value - authorized 300,000 shares (none issued)

    -       -  

Common stock, $.001 par value - authorized 50,000,000 shares, issued and outstanding - 13,917,465 and 13,514,566, respectively.

    14,000       13,000  

Additional paid-in capital

    33,806,000       29,501,000  

Retained earnings

    65,392,000       56,843,000  

Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax:

               

Pensions

    (6,448,000 )     (5,834,000 )

Cash flow hedges

    (74,000 )     (111,000 )

TOTAL SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY

    92,690,000       80,412,000  
    $ 151,800,000     $ 139,937,000  

 

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

 
22

 

 

SUPERIOR UNIFORM GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY

YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31,

 

 

   

Common

Shares

   

Common

Stock

   

Additional

Paid-In

Capital

   

Retained

Earnings

   

Accumulated

Other

Comprehensive

(Loss) Income,

net of tax

   

Total

Shareholders’

Equity

 

Balance, January 1, 2014

    13,040,816     $ 13,000     $ 25,821,000     $ 49,315,000     $ (3,214,000 )   $ 71,935,000  

Common shares issued upon exercise of options, net

    340,062       -       2,013,000       (158,000 )             1,855,000  

Restricted shares issued

    106,016       -       229,000                       229,000  

Common shares issued upon exercise of Stock Appreciation Rights (SARs)

    27,672       -       -                       -  

Share-based compensation expense

                    1,175,000                       1,175,000  

Excess benefit from exercise of stock options

            -       231,000                       231,000  

Excess benefit from exercise of SARS

                    32,000                       32,000  

Cash dividends declared ($.285 per share)

                            (3,663,000 )             (3,663,000 )

Comprehensive Income (Loss):

                                               

Net earnings

                            11,349,000               11,349,000  

Net change during the period related to:

                                               

Cash flow hedges, net of taxes of $21,000

                                    (26,000 )     (26,000 )

Pensions, net of taxes of $1,546,000

                                    (2,705,000 )     (2,705,000 )

Comprehensive Income:

                                            8,618,000  
                                                 

Balance, December 31, 2014

    13,514,566       13,000       29,501,000       56,843,000       (5,945,000 )     80,412,000  

Common shares issued upon exercise of options, net

    294,659       1,000       2,101,000       (262,000 )             1,840,000  

Restricted shares issued

    8,326               282,000                       282,000  

Common shares issued upon exercise of Stock Appreciation Rights (SARs)

    99,914       -       -                       -  

Share-based compensation expense

                    1,079,000                       1,079,000  

Excess benefit from exercise of stock options

                    618,000                       618,000  

Excess benefit from exercise of SARS, net

                    225,000                       225,000  

Cash dividends declared ($0.315 per share)

                            (4,255,000 )             (4,255,000 )

Comprehensive Income (Loss):

                                               

Net earnings

                            13,066,000               13,066,000  

Net change during the period related to:

                                               

Cash flow hedges, net of taxes of $20,000

                                    37,000       37,000  

Pensions, net of taxes of $339,000

                                    (614,000 )     (614,000 )

Comprehensive Income:

                                            12,489,000  
                                                 

Balance, December 31, 2015

    13,917,465     $ 14,000     $ 33,806,000     $ 65,392,000     $ (6,522,000 )   $ 92,690,000  

 

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

 
23

 

 

SUPERIOR UNIFORM GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31,

 

   

2015

   

2014

 
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES                
Net income   $ 13,066,000     $ 11,349,000  
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided from operating activities:                

Depreciation and amortization

    3,873,000       3,839,000  

Provision for bad debts - accounts receivable

    266,000       197,000  

Share-based compensation expense

    1,361,000       1,404,000  

Deferred income tax (benefit) provision

    (1,216,000 )     1,000  

(Gain) on disposals of property, plant and equipment

    (1,000 )     (91,000 )

Adjustment to acquisition-related contingent liability

    (200,000 )     -  

Accretion of acquisition-related contingent liability

    119,000       128,000  

Changes in assets and liabilities:

               
Accounts receivable - trade     (2,224,000 )     (5,418,000 )
Accounts receivable - other     873,000       (2,000 )
Inventories     (5,291,000 )     (8,796,000 )
Prepaid expenses and other current assets     (1,717,000 )     1,515,000  
Other assets     (1,803,000 )     18,000  
Accounts payable     2,069,000       1,343,000  
Other current liabilities     (631,000 )     1,180,000  
Long-term pension liability     (112,000 )     216,000  
Other long-term liabilities     (80,000 )     (45,000 )
Net cash provided from operating activities     8,352,000       6,838,000  
                 
                 
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES                

Additions to property, plant and equipment

    (8,069,000 )     (4,936,000 )

Proceeds from disposals of property, plant and equipment

    24,000       128,000  

Net cash used in investing activities

    (8,045,000 )     (4,808,000 )
                 
                 
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES                

Proceeds from long-term debt

    67,331,000       55,117,000  

Repayment of long-term debt

    (68,416,000 )     (56,332,000 )

Payment of cash dividends

    (4,255,000 )     (3,663,000 )

Payment of contingent liability

    (1,200,000 )     -  

Proceeds received on exercise of stock options

    1,840,000       1,855,000  

Excess tax benefit from exercise of stock options and SARS

    843,000       263,000  
Net cash used in financing activities     (3,857,000 )     (2,760,000 )
                 
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents     (3,550,000 )     (730,000 )
                 
Cash and cash equivalents balance, beginning of year     4,586,000       5,316,000  
                 
Cash and cash equivalents balance, end of year   $ 1,036,000     $ 4,586,000  

 

See accompanying notes to consolidated interim financial statements.

 

 
24

 

  

Superior Uniform Group, Inc. and Subsidiaries

 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

Years Ended December 31, 2015 and 2014

 

NOTE 1 – Summary of Significant Accounting Policies:

 

a)  Business description

 

Superior’s Uniforms and Related Products segment, through its signature marketing brands—Fashion Seal Healthcare®, HPI Direct®, Superior I.D.™, Worklon®, UniVogue® and BlueFusion®manufactures and sells a wide range of uniforms, corporate identity apparel, career apparel and accessories for the hospital and healthcare fields; hotels; fast food and other restaurants; transportation; and the private security, industrial and commercial markets. In excess of 95% of Superior’s Uniforms and Related Products segment’s net sales are from the sale of uniforms and service apparel and directly-related products.

 

b)  Basis of presentation

 

The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Superior Uniform Group, Inc. and its wholly-owned subsidiaries, The Office Gurus, LLC, SUG Holding and Fashion Seal Corporation; The Office Gurus, LTDA, De C.V., The Office Masters, LTDA, De C.V. and The Office Gurus, Ltd., each a subsidiary of Fashion Seal Corporation and SUG Holding; and Power Three Web Ltda. and Superior Sourcing, each a wholly-owned subsidiary of SUG Holding. All of these entities are referred to collectively as “the Company”.

 

c)  Cash and cash equivalents

 

The Company considers all highly liquid investments with an original maturity of three months or less at the time of purchase to be cash equivalents.

 

d)  Revenue recognition and allowance for doubtful accounts

 

The Company recognizes revenue as products are shipped and title passes and as services are provided. The Company collects sales tax for various taxing authorities. It is the Company’s policy to record these amounts on a net basis. Therefore, these amounts are not included in net sales for the Company. A provision for estimated returns and allowances is recorded based upon historical experience and current allowance programs. Judgments and estimates are used in determining the collectability of accounts receivable. The Company analyzes specific accounts receivable and historical bad debt experience, customer credit worthiness, current economic trends and the age of outstanding balances when evaluating the adequacy of the allowance for doubtful accounts. Management judgments and estimates are used in connection with establishing the allowance in any accounting period. Changes in estimates are reflected in the period they become known. Charge-offs of accounts receivable are made once all collection efforts have been exhausted. If the financial condition of the Company's customers were to deteriorate, resulting in an impairment of their ability to make payments, additional allowances may be required.

 

e)  Accounts receivable-other

 

The Company purchases raw materials and has them delivered to certain suppliers of the Company. The Company pays for the raw materials and then deducts the cost of these materials from payments to the suppliers at the time the related finished goods are invoiced to the Company by those suppliers.

 

f)  Advertising expenses

 

The Company expenses advertising costs as incurred. Advertising costs for the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively, were $135,000 and $114,000.

 

g)  Cost of goods sold and shipping and handling fees and costs  

 

Cost of goods sold consists primarily of direct costs of acquiring inventory, including cost of merchandise, inbound freight charges, purchasing, receiving and inspection costs, for our Uniforms and Related Products segment. Cost of goods sold for our Remote Staffing Solutions segment includes salaries and payroll related benefits for agents. The Company includes shipping and handling fees billed to customers in net sales. Shipping and handling costs associated with out-bound freight are generally recorded in cost of goods sold. Other shipping and handling costs are included in selling and administrative expenses and totaled $9,327,000 and $9,170,000 for the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively.

 

 
25

 

  

h)  Inventories

 

Inventories are stated at the lower of cost (first-in, first-out method) or market value. Judgments and estimates are used in determining the likelihood that goods on hand can be sold to customers. Historical inventory usage and current revenue trends are considered in estimating both excess and obsolete inventories. If actual product demand and market conditions are less favorable than those projected by management, additional inventory write-downs may be required.

 

i)  Property, plant and equipment

 

Property, plant and equipment are stated at cost, less accumulated depreciation and amortization. Major renewals and improvements are capitalized, while replacements, maintenance and repairs which do not improve or extend the life of the respective assets are expensed on a current basis. Costs of assets sold or retired and the related accumulated depreciation and amortization are eliminated from accounts and the net gain or loss is reflected in the consolidated statements of comprehensive income within selling and administrative expenses.

 

j)  Goodwill

 

Goodwill represents the excess of the cost of an acquisition over the fair value of the net assets acquired. The Company tests goodwill for impairment annually as of December 31st and/or when an event occurs or circumstances change such that it is more likely than not that impairment may exist. Examples of such events and circumstances that the Company would consider include the following:

 

macroeconomic conditions such as deterioration in general economic conditions, limitations on accessing capital, or other developments in equity and credit markets;

   

industry and market considerations such as a deterioration in the environment in which the Company operates, an increased competitive environment, a decline in market-dependent multiples or metrics (considered in both absolute terms and relative to peers), a change in the market for the Company's products or services, or a regulatory or political development;

   

cost factors such as increases in raw materials, labor, or other costs that have a negative effect on earnings and cash flows;

   

overall financial performance such as negative or declining cash flows or a decline in actual or planned revenue or earnings compared with actual and projected results of relevant prior periods;

   
other relevant entity-specific events such as changes in management, key personnel, strategy, or customers. 

 

Goodwill is tested at a level of reporting referred to as "the reporting unit." The Company's reporting units are defined as each of its two reporting segments with all of its goodwill included in the Uniforms and Related Products segment.

 

An entity has the option to first assess qualitative factors to determine whether the existence of events or circumstances leads to a determination that it is more likely than not (that is, a likelihood of more than 50%) that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount. If, after assessing the totality of events or circumstances, an entity determines it is not more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount, then performing the impairment test is unnecessary. The Company completed its assessment of the qualitative factors as of December 31, 2015 and determined that it was not more likely than not that the fair value of the reporting unit was less than its carrying value.

 

k)  Other intangible assets

 

Other intangible assets consist of customer relationships, a non-compete agreement and a trade name acquired in previous business acquisitions.

 

 
26

 

 

The cost, amortization and net value of customer relationships and non-compete agreement as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 were as follows:

  

   

Customer

Relationships

   

Weighted

Average Life

(years)

   

Non-Compete Agreement

   

Weighted

Average Life

(years)

 

December 31, 2015

                               

Cost

  $ 10,221,000       9.6     $ 5,000,000       5  

Accumulated amortization

    (3,199,000 )             (2,500,000 )        

Net

  $ 7,022,000             $ 2,500,000          
                                 

December 31, 2014

                               

Cost

  $ 10,221,000       9.6     $ 5,000,000       5  

Accumulated amortization

    (2,133,000 )             (1,500,000 )        

Net

  $ 8,088,000             $ 3,500,000          

  

Amortization expense for other intangible assets was $2,066,000 and $2,065,000 for the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively. Amortization expense for other intangible assets is expected to be $2,042,000 for the year ending December 31, 2016; $1,920,000 in 2017; $1,420,000 in 2018; $920,000 in each of the years ending December 31, 2019 through 2022; and $460,000 in 2023.

 

As part of the acquisition of HPI in 2013, the Company recorded $4,700,000 as the fair value of the acquired trade name in other intangible assets. This asset is considered to have an indefinite life and as such is not being amortized.

 

l)  Depreciation and amortization

 

Plant and equipment are depreciated on the straight-line basis at 2.5% to 5% for buildings, 2.5% to 20% for improvements, 10% to 33.33% for machinery, equipment and fixtures and 20% to 33.33% for transportation equipment. Leasehold improvements are amortized over the terms of the leases inasmuch as such improvements have useful lives of at least the terms of the respective leases.

 

m)  Employee benefits

 

Pension plan costs are funded currently based on actuarial estimates, with prior service costs amortized over 20 years. The Company recognizes settlement gains and losses in its consolidated financial statements when the cost of all settlements in a year is greater than the sum of the service cost and interest cost components of net periodic pension cost for the plan for the year.

 

n)  Insurance

 

The Company self-insures for certain obligations related to employee health programs. The Company also purchases stop-loss insurance policies to protect it from catastrophic losses. Judgments and estimates are used in determining the potential value associated with reported claims and for losses that have occurred, but have not been reported. The Company's estimates consider historical claim experience and other factors. The Company's liabilities are based on estimates, and, while the Company believes that the accrual for loss is adequate, the ultimate liability may be in excess of or less than the amounts recorded. Changes in claim experience, the Company's ability to settle claims or other estimates and judgments used by management could have a material impact on the amount and timing of expense for any period.

 

o)  Taxes on income

 

Income taxes are provided for under the liability method, whereby deferred tax assets are recognized for deductible temporary differences and operating loss and tax credit carryforwards and deferred tax liabilities are recognized for taxable temporary differences. Temporary differences are the differences between the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and their tax bases. Deferred tax assets are reduced by a valuation allowance when, in the opinion of management, it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are adjusted for the effects of changes in tax laws and rates on the date of enactment. The calculation of the Company’s tax liabilities also involves dealing with uncertainties in the application of complex tax regulations. The Company recognizes liabilities for uncertain income tax positions based on estimates of whether, and the extent to which, additional taxes will be required. The Company also reports interest and penalties related to uncertain income tax positions as income taxes. Refer to Note 7.

 

 
27

 

  

p)  Impairment of long-lived assets

 

Long-lived assets, such as property and equipment, and purchased intangibles subject to amortization, are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. Recoverability of the asset is measured by comparison of its carrying amount to future net cash flows the asset is expected to generate. If such assets are considered to be impaired, the impairment to be recognized is measured as the amount by which the carrying amount of the asset exceeds its fair value. There was no impairment of long-lived assets for the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014.

 

q)  Share-based compensation

 

The Company awards share-based compensation as an incentive for employees to contribute to the Company’s long-term success. Historically, the Company has issued options and stock-settled stock appreciation rights. At December 31, 2015, the Company had 4,168,786 shares of common stock authorized for awards of share-based compensation under its 2013 Incentive Stock and Awards Plan.

 

The Company recognizes share-based compensation expense for all awards granted to employees, which is based on the fair value of the award on the date of grant. Determining the appropriate fair value model and calculating the fair value of stock compensation awards requires the input of certain highly complex and subjective assumptions, including the expected life of the stock compensation awards and the Company’s common stock price volatility, risk free interest rate and dividend rate. The assumptions used in calculating the fair value of stock compensation awards represent management’s best estimates, but these estimates involve inherent uncertainties and the application of judgment. As a result, if factors change and the Company deems it necessary to use different assumptions, stock compensation expense could be materially different from what has been recorded in the current period.

 

r)  Earnings per share

 

Historical basic per share data is based on the weighted average number of shares outstanding. Historical diluted per share data is reconciled by adding to weighted average shares outstanding the dilutive impact of the exercise of outstanding stock options and stock-settled stock appreciation rights.

 

s)  Comprehensive income

 

Other comprehensive income (loss) is defined as the change in equity during a period, from transactions and other events, excluding changes resulting from investments by owners (e.g., supplemental stock offering) and distributions to owners (e.g., dividends).

 

t)  Operating segments

 

The Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) establishes standards for the way that public companies report information about operating segments in annual financial statements and establishes standards for related disclosures about product and services, geographic areas and major customers. The Company has reviewed the standard and determined that it has two reportable segments, Uniforms and Related Products and Remote Staffing Solutions.

 

u)  Risks and concentrations  

 

Financial instruments that potentially subject the Company to concentrations of credit risk include cash in banks in excess of federally insured amounts.  The Company manages this risk by maintaining all deposits in high quality financial institutions and periodically performing evaluations of the relative credit standing of the financial institutions. When assessing credit risk the Company considers whether the credit risk exists at both the individual and group level. Consideration is given to the activity, region and economic characteristics when assessing if there exists a group concentration risk. At December 31, 2015 and 2014, the Company had no customers with an accounts receivable balance greater than 10% of the total accounts receivable. At December 31, 2015 and 2014, the top five accounts receivable customer balances totaled $7,702,000 and $7,128,000, respectively, or approximately 25.7% and 25.5% of the respective total accounts receivable balances. The Company’s largest customer for each of the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014 had net sales of approximately $12,537,000 and $11,215,000, respectively, or approximately 6.0% and 5.7% of the respective total net sales for the Company. The Company’s five largest customers for the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014 had net sales of approximately $48,900,000 and $43,153,000, respectively, or approximately 23.3% and 22.0% of the respective total net sales for the Company.   

 

 
28

 

  

Included in accounts receivable-other on the Company’s consolidated balance sheets at December 31, 2015 and 2014 are receivable balances from a supplier in Haiti totaling $2,569,000 and $3,758,000, respectively.

 

In 2015 and 2014, approximately 22% and 22%, respectively, of the Company’s products were obtained from suppliers located in Central America. Any inability by the Company to continue to obtain its products from Central America could significantly disrupt the Company’s business. Because the Company manufactures and sources products in Central America, the Company is affected by economic conditions in those countries, including increased duties, possible employee turnover, labor unrest and lack of developed infrastructure.

 

v)  Fair value of financial instruments

 

The carrying amounts of cash and cash equivalents, receivables and accounts payable approximated fair value as of December 31, 2015 and 2014, because of the relatively short maturities of these instruments. The carrying amount of the Company’s long-term debt approximated fair value as the rates are adjustable based upon current market conditions.

 

w) Stock Split

 

On December 29, 2014, the Board of Directors declared a 2-for-1 stock split of the Company’s common stock.  The record date for the split was January 12, 2015, and the stock split became effective on February 4, 2015.  All share and per share information in these consolidated financial statements are presented as though the stock split occurred prior to January 1, 2014.

 

x)  Use of estimates

 

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ materially from those estimates.

 

y)  Recent Accounting Pronouncements

 

In January 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2016-01, “Financial Instruments - Overall (Subtopic 825-10): Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities.” The updated guidance enhances the reporting model for financial instruments, which includes amendments to address aspects of recognition, measurement, presentation and disclosure. The amendment to the standard is effective for the Company beginning on June 1, 2018. While the Company is currently assessing the impact of the new standard, it does not expect this new guidance to have a material impact on its Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

In November 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-17 “Income Taxes (Topic 740): Balance Sheet Classification of Deferred Taxes,” which simplifies the presentation of deferred income taxes. Under the new accounting standard, deferred tax assets and liabilities are required to be classified as noncurrent, eliminating the prior requirement to separate deferred tax assets and liabilities into current and noncurrent. The new guidance is effective for the Company beginning on January 1, 2017, with early adoption permitted. The standard may be adopted prospectively or retrospectively to all periods presented. The Company is currently assessing the timing of adoption of the new guidance, but does not expect it will have a material impact on the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

In July 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-11 “Inventory (Topic 330): Simplifying the Measurement of Inventory,” which simplifies the subsequent measurement of inventories by replacing the lower of cost or market test with a lower of cost and net realizable value test. The guidance applies only to inventories for which cost is determined by methods other than last-in first-out (“LIFO”) and the retail inventory method. The new guidance is effective for the Company beginning on January 1, 2017, with early adoption permitted. This new guidance is not expected to have a material impact on the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606) that will supersede most current revenue recognition guidance, including industry-specific guidance. The core principle of the new guidance is that an entity will recognize revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. The standard provides a five-step analysis of transactions to determine when and how revenue is recognized. Other major provisions include the capitalization and amortization of certain contract costs, ensuring the time value of money is considered in the transaction price, and allowing estimates of variable consideration to be recognized before contingencies are resolved in certain circumstances. Additionally, the guidance requires disaggregated disclosures related to the nature, amount, timing, and uncertainty of revenue that is recognized. The amendments are required to be adopted by the Company on January 1, 2017. The FASB has implemented a one year delay in the effective date of Topic 606. Transition to the new guidance may be done using either a full or modified retrospective method. The Company is currently evaluating the full effect that the adoption of this standard will have on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

 

 
29

 

 

NOTE 2 - Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Receivable:

 

The activity in the allowance for doubtful accounts receivable was as follows:

 

   

2015

   

2014

 

Balance at the beginning of year

  $ 680,000     $ 560,000  
                 

Provision for bad debts

    266,000       197,000  
                 

Charge-offs

    (98,000 )     (105,000 )
                 

Recoveries

    -       28,000  
                 

Balance at the end of year

  $ 848,000     $ 680,000  

  

NOTE 3 - Reserve for Sales Returns and Allowances:

 

The activity in the reserve for sales returns and allowances was as follows:

 

   

2015

   

2014

 

Balance at the beginning of year

  $ 1,308,000     $ 793,000  
                 

Provision for returns and allowances

    4,547,000       6,024,000  
                 

Liability assumed in acquisition of business

    -       -  
                 

Actual returns and allowances paid to customers

    (4,471,000 )     (5,509,000 )
                 

Balance at the end of year

  $ 1,384,000     $ 1,308,000  

  

NOTE 4 - Inventories:

 

   

December 31,

 
   

2015

   

2014

 

Finished goods

  $ 48,206,000     $ 44,610,000  

Work in process

    860,000       323,000  

Raw materials

    14,507,000       13,349,000  
    $ 63,573,000     $ 58,282,000  

 

NOTE 5 - Property, Plant and Equipment:

 

   

December 31,

 
   

2015

   

2014

 

Land

  $ 4,485,000     $ 4,485,000  

Buildings, improvements and leaseholds

    16,601,000       11,329,000  

Machinery, equipment and fixtures

    43,791,000       42,686,000  
      64,877,000       58,500,000  

Accumulated depreciation and amortization

    (42,353,000 )     (42,215,000 )
    $ 22,524,000     $ 16,285,000  

 

Depreciation and amortization charges were approximately $1,807,000 and $1,774,000 in 2015 and 2014, respectively.

 
30

 

 

NOTE 6 - Long-Term Debt:        

 

   

December 31,

2015

   

December 31,

2014

 
                 
                 

Term loan payable to Fifth Third Bank, maturing July 1, 2018

  $ 21,750,000     $ 24,375,000  
                 

Note payable to Fifth Third Bank, pursuant to revolving credit agreement, maturing July 1, 2016

    -       440,000  
                 

Note payable to Fifth Third Bank, pursuant to revolving credit agreement, maturing July 1, 2018

    2,200,000       220,000  
                 
    $ 23,950,000     $ 25,035,000  

Less payments due within one year included in current liabilities

    2,750,000       2,375,000  
                 

Long-term debt less current maturities

  $ 21,200,000     $ 22,660,000  

 

Effective July 1, 2013, the Company entered into an amended and restated 5-year credit agreement with Fifth Third Bank that made available to the Company up to $15,000,000 on a revolving credit basis (the “Initial Credit Facility”) in addition to a $30,000,000 term loan utilized to finance the acquisition of substantially all of the assets of HPI Direct, Inc. Interest is payable on the term loan at LIBOR plus 0.95% (1.38% at December 31, 2015) and on the revolving credit facility at LIBOR (rounded up to the next 1/8th of 1%) plus 0.95% (1.45% at December 31, 2015). Both loans are based upon the one-month LIBOR rate for U.S. dollar based borrowings.  The Company pays an annual commitment fee of 0.10% on the average unused portion of the commitment under the Initial Credit Facility.  The available balance under the Initial Credit Facility is reduced by outstanding letters of credit.   As of December 31, 2015, there was an outstanding balance of $472,000 under letters of credit.

 

Effective October 22, 2013, the credit agreement was amended to, among other things, increase the amount of permitted investments in subsidiaries that are not parties to the credit agreement and related agreements, from $1 million to $5 million.

 

On May 1, 2014, the credit agreement was further amended to provide for an additional $10 million revolving credit facility with Fifth Third Bank (the “Add on Credit Facility”), pursuant to the Second Amendment to Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement and Other Loan Documents, dated May 1, 2014. The Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement and other Loan Documents, as so amended, is referred to herein as the “Credit Agreement.” The Add on Credit Facility matures July 1, 2016. Interest is payable on the Add on Credit Facility at LIBOR (rounded up to the next 1/8th of 1%) plus 0.95% based upon the one-month LIBOR rate for U.S. dollar based borrowings (1.45% at December 31, 2015). The Company pays an annual commitment fee of 0.50% on the average unused portion of the commitment under the Add on Credit Facility. Effective February 10, 2016, the Company exercised its rights to terminate the Add on Credit Facility, as it was no longer considered necessary.

 

In order to reduce interest rate risk on the term loan, the Company entered into an interest rate swap agreement with Fifth Third Bank in July 2013 that was designed to effectively convert or hedge the variable interest rate on a portion of our term loan under the Credit Agreement to achieve a net fixed rate of 2.53% per annum, beginning July 1, 2014 with an original notional amount of $14,250,000 that is adjusted to match the outstanding principal on the related debt. The notional amount of the interest rate swap is reduced by the scheduled amortization of the principal balance of the term loan of $187,500 per month through July 1, 2015 and $250,000 per month through June 1, 2018. The remaining notional balance of $3,250,000 will be eliminated at the maturity of the term loan on July 1, 2018.

 

Under the terms of the interest rate swap, the Company will receive variable interest rate payments and make fixed interest rate payments on an amount equal to the notional amount at that time. Changes in the fair value of the interest rate swap designated as the hedging instrument that effectively offset the variability of cash flows associated with the variable-rate, long-term debt obligation are reported in Other Comprehensive Income (“OCI”), net of related income tax effects. At December 31, 2015, the interest rate swap had a negative fair value of $114,000, which is presented in other current liabilities within the consolidated balance sheets. The changes in the balances are shown as an increase in OCI in 2015 of $37,000 and as a reduction of OCI in 2014 of $26,000, net of tax of $20,000 in 2015 and net of tax benefit of $21,000 in 2014. The Company does not currently expect any of those losses to be reclassified into earnings over the subsequent twelve-month period.

 

 
31

 

  

The remaining scheduled amortization for the term loan is as follows: 2016 $2,750,000; 2017 $3,000,000; and 2018 $16,000,000. The term loan does not include a prepayment penalty. In connection with the credit agreement, the Company incurred approximately $68,000 of debt financing costs, which primarily consisted of legal fees. These costs are being amortized over the life of the credit agreement and are recorded as additional interest expense.

 

Our obligations under the Credit Agreement are secured by substantially all of the operating assets of Superior Uniform Group, Inc. and are guaranteed by all domestic subsidiaries of Superior Uniform Group, Inc. The agreement contains restrictive provisions concerning a maximum funded senior indebtedness to EBITDA ratio as defined in the agreement (3.5:1), a maximum funded indebtedness to EBITDA ratio as defined in the agreement (4.0:1) and fixed charge coverage ratio as defined in the agreement (1.25:1).

 

NOTE 7 – Taxes on Income:

 

Aggregate income tax provisions consist of the following:

 

   

2015

   

2014

 

Current:

               

Federal

  $ 6,527,000     $ 5,576,000  

State and local

    519,000       603,000  
      7,046,000       6,179,000  

Deferred tax provision (benefit)

    (1,216,000 )     1,000  
                 
    $ 5,830,000     $ 6,180,000  

 

The significant components of the deferred income tax asset (liability) are as follows:

 

   

2015

   

2014

 

Deferred income tax assets:

               

Pension accruals

  $ 3,678,000     $ 3,340,000  

Operating reserves and other accruals

    1,231,000       1,069,000  

Tax carrying value in excess of book basis of goodwill

    1,514,000       621,000  

Deferred income tax liabilities:

               

Book carrying value in excess of tax basis of property

    (691,000 )     (572,000 )

Deferred expenses

    (752,000 )     (1,013,000 )
                 

Net deferred income tax asset

  $ 4,980,000     $ 3,445,000  

 

The difference between the total statutory Federal income tax rate and the actual effective income tax rate is accounted for as follows:

 

   

2015

   

2014

 
                 

Statutory Federal income tax rate

    34.0

%

    34.0

%

State and local income taxes, net of Federal income tax benefit

    1.6       2.2  

Effect of change in unrecognized tax benefit

    (0.1 )     -  

Untaxed foreign income

    (6.0 )     (3.3 )

Non-deductible share-based employee compensation expense

    1.3       1.6  

Other items

    0.1       0.8  

Effective income tax rate

    30.9

%

    35.3

%

  

Only tax positions that meet the more-likely-than-not recognition threshold are recognized in the consolidated financial statements.

 

As of December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively, we have $500,000 and $580,000 of unrecognized tax benefits, all of which, if recognized, would favorably affect the annual effective income tax rate.  We do not expect any significant amount of this liability to be paid in the next twelve months. Accordingly, the balance of $500,000 is included in other long-term liabilities.

 

 
32

 

  

Changes in the Company’s gross liability for unrecognized tax benefits, excluding interest and penalties, were as follows: 

 

   

2015

   

2014

 

Balance at January 1,

  $ 462,000     $ 497,000  

Additions based on tax positions related to the current year

    58,000       59,000  

(Reductions) additions for tax positions of prior years

    2,000       (7,000 )

Reductions due to lapse of statute of limitations

    (123,000 )     (87,000 )

Balance at December 31,

  $ 399,000     $ 462,000  

  

We recognize interest and penalties accrued related to unrecognized tax benefits in the provision for income taxes. During 2015 and 2014, we recorded $27,000 and $28,000 respectively, for interest and penalties, net of tax benefits. During 2015 and 2014, we reduced the liability by $44,000 and $38,000, respectively, of interest and penalties due to lapse of statute of limitations. At December 31, 2015 and 2014, we had $101,000 and $118,000, respectively, accrued for interest and penalties, net of tax benefit.

 

We anticipate that it is reasonably possible that the total amount of unrecognized tax benefits could decrease by approximately $59,000 within the next 12 months due to the closure of tax years by expiration of the statute of limitations and audit settlements related to various state tax filing positions. The earliest year open to federal examinations is 2012 and significant state examinations is 2009.

 

We have not provided deferred taxes on undistributed earnings attributable to foreign operations that have been considered to be reinvested indefinitely. These earnings relate to ongoing operations and were $12,236,000 and $9,107,000 at December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively. It is not practical to determine the income tax liability that would be payable if such earnings were not indefinitely reinvested.

 

NOTE 8 – Benefit Plans:

 

Defined Benefit Plans

 

The Company is the sponsor of two noncontributory qualified defined benefit pension plans, providing for normal retirement at age 65, covering all eligible employees (as defined). Periodic benefit payments on retirement are determined based on a fixed amount applied to service or determined as a percentage of earnings prior to retirement. The Company is also the sponsor of an unfunded supplemental executive retirement plan (SERP) in which several of its employees are participants. Pension plan assets for retirement benefits consist primarily of fixed income securities and common stock equities.

 

Effective June 30, 2013, the Company no longer accrues additional benefits for future service or for future increases in compensation levels for the company’s primary defined benefit pension plan. 

 

Effective December 31, 2014, the Company no longer accrues additional benefits for future service for the Company’s hourly defined benefit plan.

 

The Company recognizes the funded status of its defined benefit post retirement plans in the Company’s consolidated balance sheets.

 

At December 31, 2015, the Company’s projected benefit obligation under its pension plans exceeded the fair value of the plans’ assets by $8,925,000 and thus the plans are underfunded.

 

It is our policy to make contributions to the various plans in accordance with statutory funding requirements and any additional funding that may be deemed appropriate.

 

 
33

 

  

The following tables present the changes in the benefit obligations and the various plan assets, the funded status of the plans, and the amounts recognized in the Company's consolidated balance sheets at December 31, 2015 and 2014: 

 

   

December 31,

 
   

2015

   

2014

 
                 

Changes in benefit obligation

               

Benefit obligation at beginning of year

  $ 25,470,000     $ 21,633,000  

Service cost

    48,000       81,000  

Interest cost

    951,000       1,001,000  

Actuarial loss (gain)

    327,000       4,168,000  

Benefits paid

    (2,006,000 )     (1,413,000 )

Benefit obligation at end of year

    24,790,000       25,470,000  
                 

Changes in plan assets

               

Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year

    17,386,000       18,016,000  

Actual return on assets

    (515,000 )     783,000  

Employer contributions

    1,000,000       -  

Benefits paid

    (2,006,000 )     (1,413,000 )

Fair value of plan assets at end of year

    15,865,000       17,386,000  
                 

Funded status at end of year

  $ (8,925,000 )   $ (8,084,000 )
                 

Amounts recognized in consolidated balance sheet

               

Long-term pension liability

  $ (8,925,000 )   $ (8,084,000 )
                 
                 

Amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income consist of:

               

Net actuarial loss

  $ 10,106,000     $ 9,153,000  

 

Information for pension plans with projected benefit obligation in excess of plan assets

 

   

December 31,

 
   

2015

   

2014

 

Projected benefit obligation

  $ 24,790,000     $ 25,470,000  

Fair value of plan assets

    (15,865,000 )     (17,386,000 )
    $ 8,925,000     $ 8,084,000  

 

Components of net periodic benefit cost         

 

Net periodic benefits cost

 

2015

   

2014

 

Service cost - benefits earned during the period

  $ 48,000     $ 81,000  

Interest cost on projected benefit obligation

    951,000       1,001,000  

Expected return on plan assets

    (1,343,000 )     (1,395,000 )

Recognized actuarial loss

    772,000       322,000  

Settlement loss

    460,000       208,000  

Net periodic pension cost after settlements

  $ 888,000     $ 217,000  

 

The pension settlement loss included in the table above relates to lump sum payments made to various employees upon their retirement or termination each year.

 

The estimated net actuarial loss for the defined benefit pension plans that will be amortized from accumulated other comprehensive income into net periodic benefit cost over the next fiscal year is $1,061,000.

 

The table below presents various assumptions used in determining the benefit obligation for each year and reflects the percentages for the various plans.

 

 
34

 

  

Weighted-average assumptions used to determine benefit obligations at December 31,

  

    Discount Rate    

Long Term Rate

of Return

    Salary Scale  
   

Corp.

   

Plants

   

Corp.

   

Plants

    Corp.     Plants  

2014

    3.86 %     3.74 %     8.00 %     8.00 %     N/A       N/A  

2015

    4.19 %     4.09 %     8.00 %     8.00 %     N/A       N/A  

 

Weighted-average assumptions used to determine net periodic benefit cost for years ending December 31,

 

    Discount Rate    

Long Term Rate

of Return

    Salary Scale  
   

Corp.

   

Plants

   

Corp.

    Plants    

Corp.

    Plants  

2014

    4.82 %     4.66 %     8.00 %     8.00 %     N/A       N/A  

2015

    3.86 %     3.74 %     8.00 %     8.00 %     N/A       N/A  

 

The methodology used to determine the expected rate of return on the pension plan assets was based on a review of actual returns in the past and consideration of projected returns based upon our projected asset allocation. Our strategy with respect to our investments in pension plan assets is to be invested with a long-term outlook. Therefore, the risk and return balance of our asset portfolio should reflect a long-term horizon. Our pension plan asset allocation at December 31, 2015, 2014 and target allocation for 2016 are as follows:

 

    Percentage of Plan
Assets at
December 31,
   

Target

Allocation

 
Investment description  

2015

   

2014

   

2016

 

Equity securities

    64%       63%       65%  

Fixed income

    15%       15%       15%  

Other

    21%       22%       20%  

Total

    100%       100%       100%  

 

The Company plans to contribute $500,000 to our defined benefit pension plans in 2016.

 

The following table includes projected benefit payments for the years indicated:

 

Year

Projected Benefit Payments

 

2016

$ 2,034,000  

2017

$ 2,182,000  

2018

$ 1,318,000  

2019

$ 1,437,000  

2020

$ 2,054,000  
2021-2025 $ 7,853,000  

 

Rabbi Trust

 

In connection with the Company’s unfunded SERP, we have purchased life insurance contracts on the lives of designated individuals during 2015. The insurance contracts associated with the SERP are held in a Rabbi trust. The trust is the owner and beneficiary of such insurance contracts. The policies are being utilized to help offset the costs and liabilities of the SERP. The cash surrender value of the life insurance contracts was $893,000 at December 31, 2015. We recognized an investment loss on the cash surrender value of these life insurance contracts of $7,000 in 2015.  The cash surrender value of these policies is included in other assets in the Consolidated Sheet as of December 31, 2105.

 

Defined Contribution Plan

 

The Company provides a defined contribution plan covering qualified employees. The plan includes a provision that allows employees to make pre-tax contributions under Section 401(k) of the Internal Revenue Code. The plan provides for the Company to make a guaranteed match equal to 25% of each employee’s eligible contributions. The plan also provides the Company with the option of making an additional discretionary contribution to the plan each year. Currently the discretionary contribution is set at 3% of eligible employees’ payroll. The Company contributions for the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014 were approximately $903,000 and $782,000, respectively.

 

 
35

 

 

NOTE 9 – Quarterly Results for 2014 and 2015 (Unaudited):                

 

   

Quarter Ended

 
   

March 31,

2014

   

June 30,

2014

   

September 30,

2014

   

December 31,

2014

 
                                 

Net sales

  $ 41,027,000     $ 53,230,000     $ 52,291,000     $ 49,701,000  
                                 

Gross profit

  $ 14,056,000     $ 19,006,000     $ 18,433,000     $ 17,242,000  
                                 

Income before taxes on income

  $ 1,878,000     $ 5,867,000     $ 5,168,000     $ 4,616,000  
                                 

Net income

  $ 1,218,000     $ 3,907,000     $ 3,368,000     $ 2,856,000  
                                 

Per Share Data:

                               

Basic

                               

Net income

  $ 0.09     $ 0.30     $ 0.25     $ 0.21  
                                 

Diluted

                               

Net income

  $ 0.09     $ 0.29     $ 0.24     $ 0.20  
                                 

Average Outstanding Shares (Basic)

    13,128,946       13,207,804       13,375,566       13,481,494  

Average Outstanding Shares (Diluted)

    13,553,740       13,648,540       14,004,202       14,252,310  

 

 

   

Quarter Ended

 
   

March 31,

2015

   

June 30,

2015

   

September 30,

2015

   

December 31,

2015

 
                                 

Net sales

  $ 46,347,000     $ 54,116,000     $ 56,662,000     $ 53,192,000  
                                 

Gross profit

  $ 15,796,000     $ 18,531,000     $ 19,224,000     $ 17,882,000  
                                 

Income before taxes on income

  $ 3,223,000     $ 5,394,000     $ 5,581,000     $ 4,698,000  
                                 

Net income

  $ 2,043,000     $ 3,624,000     $ 4,031,000     $ 3,368,000  
                                 

Per Share Data:

                               

Basic

                               

Net income

  $ 0.15     $ 0.26     $ 0.29     $ 0.24  
                                 

Diluted

                               

Net income

  $ 0.14     $ 0.25     $ 0.28     $ 0.23  
                                 

Average Outstanding Shares (Basic)

    13,584,922       13,730,646       13,833,561       13,894,907  

Average Outstanding Shares (Diluted)

    14,548,084       14,577,342       14,585,688       14,603,464  

 

NOTE 10 – Rentals:

 

Aggregate rent expense, including month-to-month rentals, approximated $339,000 and $342,000 for the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively. Long-term lease commitments totaling $274,000 are as follows: 2016 - $260,000; 2017 - $14,000; and 2018 $-0-.

 

On July 1, 2015 the Company entered into a lease agreement for certain property in Haiti for its uniform and related products business. The initial term of the lease is for 104 months beginning February 1, 2016, with a total rent payment of approximately $1,127,000 of which $1,014,000 was prepaid as of December 31, 2015.

 

 
36

 

  

NOTE 11 – Contingencies:

 

The Company is involved in various legal actions and claims arising from the normal course of business. In the opinion of management, the ultimate outcome of these matters will not have a material impact on the Company’s results of operations, cash flows, or financial position.

 

During 2005, the Company entered into severance protection agreements with senior management. The terms of these agreements require the Company to potentially make certain payments to members of senior management in the event of a change in control of the Company.

 

NOTE 12 – Share-Based Compensation:

 

In 2003, the stockholders of the Company approved the 2003 Incentive Stock and Awards Plan (the “2003 Plan”), authorizing the granting of incentive stock options, non-qualified stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock, performance stock and other stock based compensation. This plan expired in May of 2013, at which time, the stockholders of the Company approved the 2013 Incentive Stock and Awards Plan (the “2013 Plan”), authorizing the granting of incentive stock options, non-qualified stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock, performance stock and other stock based compensation. A total of 5,000,000 shares of common stock (subject to adjustment for expirations and cancellations of options outstanding from the 2003 Plan subsequent to its termination) have been reserved for issuance under the 2013 Plan. All incentive stock options and stock appreciation rights awards under both plans have been or will be granted at prices at least equal to the fair market value of the shares on the date of grant. Awards (all of which are exercisable at each respective year end) granted to date under both plans are exercisable in part or in full within five years of grant date with the exception of annual grants to outside directors which are exercisable in part or in full within ten years of grant date. Proceeds from the exercise of awards are credited to common stock to the extent of par value, and the balance is credited to additional paid-in capital. At December 31, 2015, the Company had 4,161,510 shares of common stock authorized for awards of share-based compensation under the 2013 Plan. A summary of option transactions during the two years ended December 31, 2015 follows:

 

   

No. of

   

Weighted Average

 
   

Shares

   

Exercise Price

 
Outstanding December 31, 2013     1,114,058     $ 5.76  

Granted

    397,218       8.30  

Exercised

    (360,318 )     5.70  

Lapsed

    (20,400 )     7.92  

Cancelled

    (12,500 )     6.43  
Outstanding December 31, 2014     1,118,058     $ 6.63  

Granted

    153,618     $ 18.11  

Exercised

    (309,230 )     6.90  

Lapsed

    (10,900 )     6.00  

Cancelled

    (5,000 )     11.22  
Outstanding December 31, 2015     946,546     $ 8.39  

 

At December 31, 2015, options outstanding, all of which were fully vested and exercisable, had an intrinsic value of $8,307,000.

 

Options exercised during the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014, had intrinsic values of $3,528,000 and $1,356,000, respectively.

 

The weighted average fair value of options granted for each of the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014, was $5.22 and $2.26, respectively.

 

 
37

 

  

The following table summarizes information about stock options outstanding as of December 31, 2015: 

 

 

Range of

Exercise Price

 

Shares

   

Weighted Average Remaining

Contractual Life (Years)

   

Weighted Average

Exercise Price

 
  $3.82 - $4.71     53,166         3.39      $ 4.44  
  $5.55 - $7.36      665,722         2.41      $ 6.37  
  $7.96 - $18.66      227,658         4.86      $ 15.20  
  $3.82 - $18.66      946,546         3.06      $ 8.39  

  

A summary of stock-settled stock appreciation rights ("SARS") transactions during the two years ended December 31, 2015 follows:

 

   

No. of

   

Weighted Average

 
   

Shares

   

Exercise Price

 

Outstanding December 31, 2013

    452,812     $ 5.76  

Granted

    137,382       7.36  

Exercised

    (68,170 )     5.85  

Lapsed

    -       -  

Cancelled

    -       -  

Outstanding December 31, 2014

    522,024     $ 6.17  

Granted

    53,292     $ 18.66  

Exercised

    (193,750 )     5.73  

Lapsed

    -          

Cancelled

    -          

Outstanding December 31, 2015

    381,566     $ 8.14  

 

At December 31, 2015, SARS outstanding, all of which were fully vested and exercisable, had an aggregate intrinsic value of $3,464,000.

 

SARS exercised during the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively, had intrinsic values of $2,602,000 and $275,000.

 

The weighted average fair value of SARS granted for each of the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014 was $5.20 and $2.02, respectively.

 

The following table summarizes information about SARS outstanding as of December 31, 2015:

 

 

Range of

           

Weighted Average Remaining

   

Weighted Average

 
 

Exercise Price

   

SARS

   

Contractual Life (Years)

   

Exercise Price

 
  $5.62  - $7.36       328,274       1.93       $6.43  
    $18.66         53,292       4.08       $18.66  
  $5.62 - $18.66       381,566       2.23       $8.14  

 

At December 31, shares available to issue as awards under the plan were 4,161,510 for 2015 and 4,360,846 for 2014. Options and SARS have never been repriced by the Company in any year.

 

 
38

 

  

The following table summarizes significant assumptions utilized to determine the fair value of share-based compensation awards:

  

   

SARS

   

Options

 

Exercise price

                 

2015

    $18.66     $16.78 - $18.66  

2014

    $7.36     $7.36 - $10.38  
                   

Market price

                 

2015

    $18.66     $16.78 - $18.66  

2014

    $7.36     $7.36 - $10.38  
                   

Risk free interest rate1

                 

2015

    1.5%     1.5% - 2.1%  

2014

    1.5%     1.5% - 2.6%  
                   

Expected award life (years)2

    5      5 - 10  
                   

Expected volatility3

                 

2015

    34.9%     34.9% - 39.0%  

2014

    42.5%     37.3% - 42.5%  
                   

Expected dividend yield4

                 

2015

    1.6%     1.6% - 1.9%  

2014

    3.7%     2.9% - 3.7%  

 

1The risk-free interest rate is based on the yield of a U.S. treasury bond with a similar maturity as the expected life of the awards.

2The expected life in years for awards granted was based on the historical exercise patterns experienced by the Company when the award is made.

3The determination of expected stock price volatility for awards granted in each of the two years ended December 31, was based on historical Superior common stock prices over a period commensurate with the expected life.

4The dividend yield assumption is based on the history and expectation of the Company’s dividend payouts.

 

For the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014, the Company recognized $1,079,000 and $1,175,000, respectively, of pre-tax share-based compensation expense, related to options and SARs, recorded in selling and administrative expense in the consolidated statements of comprehensive income. These expenses were offset by $122,000 and $120,000, respectively, of deferred tax benefits for non-qualified share–based compensation.  

 

The Company also utilizes restricted stock grants as part of its share based compensation strategy. The Company issued restricted stock grants for 8,326 shares and 106,016 shares in 2015 and 2014, respectively. The fair value of the stock on the date of grant was $151,000 and $808,000 in 2015 and 2014, respectively. All such shares are unvested at the time of grant and will vest if the respective executives or Board Members are still employed by the Company or serving on its Board of Directors three years after the respective grant dates. The shares are subject to accelerated vesting under certain circumstances as outlined in the 2013 Stock and Awards Plan. Expense for each of these grants is being recognized over the service period. In 2015 and 2014, the Company recognized approximately $282,000 and $229,000, respectively, in expense associated with these grants. In 2015 and 2014, the Company recognized tax benefits related to these grants of $81,000 and $99,000, respectively.

 

As of December 31, 2015, the Company had $449,000 of unrecognized compensation cost expected to be recognized in the future for prior grants of restricted shares.

 

During the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014, the Company received $1,840,000 and $1,855,000, respectively, in cash from stock option exercises. Current tax benefits of $843,000 and $263,000, respectively, were recognized for these exercises. Additionally, during the year ended December 31, 2015, the Company received 14,571 shares of its common stock as payment for the issuance of 50,224 shares of its common stock related to the exercise of stock options. During the year ended December 31, 2014, the Company received 20,256 shares of its common stock as payment for the issuance of 40,816 shares of its common stock related to the exercise of stock options.

 

 

 
39

 

  

NOTE 13 – Earnings Per Share:

 

The following table represents a reconciliation of basic and diluted earnings per share:

   

   

2015

   

2014

 

Net earnings used in the computation of basic and diluted earnings per share

  $ 13,066,000     $ 11,349,000  

Weighted average shares outstanding - basic

    13,761,009       13,298,452  

Common stock equivalents

    817,635       566,246  

Total weighted average shares outstanding - diluted

    14,578,644       13,864,698  

Per Share Data:

               

Basic

               

Net earnings

  $ 0.95     $ 0.85  

Diluted

               

Net earnings

  $ 0.90     $ 0.82  

  

Awards to purchase an average of 108,400 shares of common stock with a weighted average exercise price of $17.98 per share were outstanding during 2015 but were not included in the computation of diluted EPS because the awards’ exercise prices were greater than the average market price of the common shares.  Awards to purchase an average of 34,440 shares of common stock with a weighted average exercise price of $10.03 per share were outstanding during 2014 but were not included in the computation of diluted EPS because the awards’ exercise prices were greater than the average market price of the common shares.

 

NOTE 14 – Other Current Liabilities: 

 

   

Year Ended December 31,

 
   

2015

   

2014

 

Salaries, wages, commissions and vacation pay

  $ 5,371,000     $ 5,926,000  

Accrued rebates

    1,349,000       1,273,000  

Other accrued expenses

    1,587,000       1,796,000  
    $ 8,307,000     $ 8,995,000  

  

NOTE 15 – Supplemental Cash Flow Information:

 

   

Year Ended December 31,

 
   

2015

   

2014

 

Income taxes paid

  $ 6,897,000     $ 5,274,000  

Interest paid

  $ 523,000     $ 466,000  

  

During the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014, the Company received 14,571 and 20,256 shares, respectively, of its common stock as payment for the exercise of stock options for 50,224 and 40,816 shares, respectively.

 

NOTE 16 – Stock Repurchase Plan:

 

On August 1, 2008, the Company’s Board of Directors approved an increase to the outstanding authorization under its common stock repurchase program to allow for the repurchase of 1,000,000 additional shares of the Company’s outstanding shares of common stock. Under this program the Company reacquired and retired -0- shares of its common stock in the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014. At December 31, 2015, the Company had 261,675 shares remaining on its common stock repurchase program. Shares purchased under the common stock repurchase program are constructively retired and returned to unissued status. The Company considers several factors in determining when to make share repurchases, including among other things, the cost of equity, the after-tax cost of borrowing, the debt to total capitalization targets and the expected future cash needs. There is no expiration date or other restriction governing the period over which the Company can make its share repurchases under the program.

 

 
40

 

 

NOTE 17 Operating Segment Information:

 

The Company classifies its businesses into two operating segments based on the types of products and services provided. The Uniforms and Related Products segment consists of the sale of uniforms and related items. The Remote Staffing Solutions segment consists of sales of staffing solutions.

 

The Company evaluates the performance of each operating segment based on several factors of which the primary financial measures are operating segment net sales and earnings before income taxes. The accounting policies of the operating segments are the same as those described in Note 1 entitled Summary of Significant Accounting Policies. Amounts for corporate expenses are included in the Uniforms and Related Products segment totals. Information related to the operations of the Company's operating segments is set forth below:

 

   

Uniforms and Related Products

   

Remote Staffing Solutions

   

Intersegment Eliminations

   

Total

 

Twelve Months Ended

                               

December 31, 2015

                               

Net sales

  $ 198,319,000     $ 15,604,000     $ (3,606,000 )   $ 210,317,000  
                                 

Gross margin

  $ 65,247,000     $ 8,579,000     $ (2,393,000 )   $ 71,433,000  
                                 

Selling and administrative expenses

    49,225,000       5,186,000       (2,393,000 )     52,018,000  
                                 

Interest expense

    519,000       -       -       519,000  
                                 

Income before taxes on income

  $ 15,503,000     $ 3,393,000     $ -     $ 18,896,000  
                                 

Depreciation and amortization

  $ 3,561,000     $ 312,000     $ -     $ 3,873,000  
                                 

Capital expenditures

  $ 3,003,000     $ 5,066,000     $ -     $ 8,069,000  
                                 

Total assets

  $ 140,779,000     $ 14,551,000     $ (3,530,000 )   $ 151,800,000  

  

 

   

Uniforms and Related Products

   

Remote Staffing Solutions

   

Intersegment Eliminations

   

Total

 

Twelve Months Ended

                               

December 31, 2014

                               

Net sales

  $ 188,199,000     $ 11,424,000     $ (3,374,000 )   $ 196,249,000  
                                 

Gross margin

  $ 64,480,000     $ 6,487,000     $ (2,230,000 )   $ 68,737,000  
                                 

Selling and administrative expenses

    48,924,000       4,030,000       (2,230,000 )     50,724,000  
                                 

Interest expense

    484,000       -       -       484,000  
                                 

Income before taxes on income

  $ 15,072,000     $ 2,457,000     $ -     $ 17,529,000  
                                 

Depreciation and amortization

  $ 3,581,000     $ 258,000     $ -     $ 3,839,000  
                                 

Capital expenditures

  $ 2,187,000     $ 2,749,000     $ -     $ 4,936,000  
                                 

Total assets

  $ 131,710,000     $ 9,797,000     $ (1,570,000 )   $ 139,937,000  

 

 

 
41

 

 

NOTE 18 – Subsequent Events:

 

On February 5, 2016, the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors approved a grant of performance shares under the terms of the 2013 Stock and Awards Plan of the Company to three members of management.  Under the terms of the agreement, a total of 50,000 of these shares are unvested at the date of grant and will vest if the respective executives are still employed by the Company on February 5, 2021.  The fair value of these shares on the date of grant was $16.35 for a total value of $818,000.  Under the terms of the agreement, an additional total of 50,000 of these shares are unvested at the date of grant and will vest if the respective executives meet certain performance targets over the next five years and are still employed by the Company on February 5, 2021.  The fair value of these shares on the date of grant was $16.35 for a total value of $818,000.  The shares are subject to accelerated vesting under certain circumstances as outlined in the 2013 Stock and Awards Plan.

 

Effective February 10, 2016, the Company exercised its rights to terminate the Add on Credit Facility, as it was no longer considered necessary.

 

Item 9.          Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure

 

None.

 

Item 9A.     Controls and Procedures

 

Disclosure Controls and Procedures

 

The Company conducted an evaluation, under supervision and with the participation of the Company’s principal executive officer, Michael Benstock, and the Company’s principal financial officer, Andrew D. Demott, Jr., of the effectiveness of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Exchange Act) as of the end of the period covered by this report (the “Evaluation Date”). Based on such evaluation, the Company’s principal executive officer and principal financial officer concluded that, as of the Evaluation Date, the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures were effective to ensure that information the Company is required to disclose in its filings with the SEC under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported, within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms, and to ensure that information required to be disclosed by the Company in the reports that it files or submits under the Exchange Act is accumulated and communicated to the Company’s management, including its principal executive officer and principal financial officer, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

 

Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting

 

There were no changes in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting during the quarter ended December 31, 2015, that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.

 

Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting

 

Management of the Company is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting, as such term is defined in Exchange Act Rule 13a-15(f). The Company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. Internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that:

 

pertain to the maintenance of records that in reasonable detail accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the Company; and

 

provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the Company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the Company; and

 

provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use or disposition of the Company's assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

 

Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Management conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting based on the criteria set forth in Internal Control – Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (2013). Based on this evaluation under the Internal Control – Integrated Framework, management concluded that the Company’s internal control over financial reporting was effective as of December 31, 2015.

 

Item 9B.     Other Information

 

None.

 

 
42

 

 

PART III

 

Item 10.           Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance

 

The Company’s directors and executive officers as of December 31, 2015 are listed below:

 

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Sidney Kirschner

Chairperson of the Board

Chief Executive Officer, Piedmont Physicians

Michael Benstock

Chief Executive Officer

Alan D. Schwartz

President

Robin Hensley

President, Raising the Bar

Paul V. Mellini

Chief Executive Officer and President,

Nature Coast Bank

Todd Siegel       Director

 

 EXECUTIVE OFFICERS

Michael Benstock

Chief Executive Officer

Alan D. Schwartz

President

Peter Benstock

Executive Vice President

Andrew D. Demott, Jr.

Chief Operating Officer,

Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer

Jordan M. Alpert

Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary

 

The Company has adopted a code of business conduct and ethics applicable to the Company's directors, officers (including the Company's principal executive officer, principal financial officer and controller) and employees, known as the Code of Business and Ethical Conduct (the “Code”). The Code is available on the Company's website. In the event that we amend or waive any of the provisions of the Code applicable to our principal executive officer, principal financial officer, principal accounting officer, or controller that relates to any element of the code of ethics definition enumerated in Item 406(b) of Regulation S-K, we intend to disclose the same on the Company's website at www.superioruniformgroup.com.

 

The remaining information required by this Item is incorporated herein by reference to the Company’s definitive proxy statement to be filed in connection with its 2016 Annual Meeting of Shareholders.

 

Item 11.          Executive Compensation

 

The information required by this Item is incorporated herein by reference to the Company’s definitive proxy statement to be filed in connection with its 2016 Annual Meeting of Shareholders.

 

 
43

 

 

Item 12.          Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters

 

Equity Compensation Plan Information

 

The following table provides information about our common stock that may be issued upon the exercise of options, warrants, rights and restricted stock under all our existing equity compensation plans as of December 31, 2015, including the 2003 Incentive Stock and Awards Plan and the 2013 Incentive Stock and Awards Plan :

 

                   

Number of securities

remaining available

 
   

Number of securities

           

for future

 
   

to be issued upon

   

Weighted-average

   

issuance under equity

 
   

exercise of

   

exercise price of

   

compensation plans

 
   

outstanding options,

   

outstanding options,

   

(excluding securities

 

Plan category

 

warrants and rights

   

warrants and rights

   

reflected in column (a))

 
   

(a)

   

(b)

   

(c)

 

Equity compensation

                       

Plans approved by Security holders

    1,328,112       $8.31       4,161,510  
                         

Equity compensation

                       

Plans not approved by Security holders

    -             -  
                         

Total

    1,328,112       $8.31       4,161,510  

  

All other information required by this Item is incorporated herein by reference to the Company’s definitive proxy statement to be filed in connection with its 2016 Annual Meeting of Shareholders.

  

Item 13.          Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence

 

The information required by this Item is incorporated herein by reference to the Company’s definitive proxy statement to be filed in connection with its 2016 Annual Meeting of Shareholders.

 

Item 14.          Principal Accountant Fees and Services

 

The information required by this Item is incorporated herein by reference to the Company’s definitive proxy statement to be filed in connection with its 2016 Annual Meeting of Shareholders.

 

 
44

 

 

PART IV
             

Item 15.

 

Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules

 

(a)

1.

 

Consolidated Financial Statements

Page

     

The following financial statements of Superior Uniform Group, Inc. are included in Part II, Item 8:

 
       

Consolidated statements of comprehensive income - years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014

21
       

Consolidated balance sheets - December 31, 2015 and 2014

22

       

Consolidated statements of shareholders' equity and comprehensive income - years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014

23
       

Consolidated statements of cash flows - years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014

24
       

Notes to consolidated financial statements

25-43

       

Independent Auditors' Report

44

(a)

2.

 

Financial Statement Schedules

 
     

All schedules are omitted because they are not applicable, or not required, or because the required information is included in the consolidated financial statements or notes thereto.

 
             

(a)

3.

 

Exhibits

 
       

See Exhibit Index

   

 

 
45

 

 

SIGNATURES

 

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

 

 

SUPERIOR UNIFORM GROUP, INC.

 

 

 

 

 

/s/ Michael Benstock

 

 

By: Michael Benstock

Chief Executive Officer (Principal Executive Officer)

 

DATE: February 25, 2016

 

POWER OF ATTORNEY

 

BY THESE PRESENTS, each person whose signature appears below constitutes and appoints each of Michael Benstock, Andrew D. Demott, Jr. and Jordan M. Alpert his or her true and lawful attorney-in-fact and agent, with full power of substitution and resubstitution for him or her and in his or her name, place and stead, in any and all capacities to sign any and all amendments to this Annual Report on Form 10-K, and to file the same, with all exhibits thereto, and other documents in connection therewith, with the Securities and Exchange Commission, hereby ratifying and confirming all that said attorney-in-fact or his or her substitute, each acting alone, may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue thereof.

 

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.

  

/s/ Michael Benstock

Michael Benstock, February 25, 2016

Chief Executive Officer

(Principal Executive Officer)

 

/s/ Andrew D. Demott, Jr.

Andrew D. Demott, Jr., February 25, 2016

Chief Operating Officer, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer

(Principal Financial Officer and Principal Accounting Officer)

   

 

/s/ Sidney Kirschner 

 

/s/ Alan D. Schwartz

 

Sidney Kirschner, February 25, 2016     

(Chairperson of the Board)

 

Alan Schwartz, February 25, 2016

(Director)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

/s/ Paul Mellini 

 

/s/ Robin Hensley

 

Paul Mellini, February 25, 2016     

(Director)

 

Robin Hensley, February 25, 2016

(Director)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

/s/ Todd Siegel

 

 

 

Todd Siegel, February 25, 2016

(Director)

     

 

 
46

 

 

SUPERIOR UNIFORM GROUP, INC.
EXHIBIT INDEX

 

Exhibit No.

 

Description

3.1

 

Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation of the Registrant filed as Exhibit 3.1 to the Registrant’s Interim Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 1998 (File/Film No.: 001-05869/98680627) and incorporated herein by reference.

3.2

 

Bylaws of the Registrant, as amended, filed as Exhibit 3.1 to the Form 8-K filed on February 28, 2011 (File/Film No.: 001-05869/11645104) and incorporated herein by reference.

10.1*

 

Form of Director/Officer Indemnification Agreement filed as Exhibit 10 to the Registrant’s Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2006 (File/Film No.: 001-05869/06821111), and incorporated herein by reference.

10.2*(1)

 

Description of bonus plan for executive officers of the Registrant

10.3

 

1994 Superior Surgical Mfg. Co., Inc. Supplemental Pension Plan as amended and restated on July 30, 2013, filed as Exhibit 10.3 to Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on August 2, 2013 (File/Film No.: 001-05869/131006163) and incorporated herein by reference.

10.4

 

1994 Superior Surgical Mfg. Co., Inc. Supplemental Pension Plan as amended and restated on November 7, 2008, filed as Exhibit 10.4 to the Registrant’s 2008 Annual Report on Form 10-K (File/Film No.: 001-05869/09641805) and incorporated herein by reference.

10.5*

 

2003 Incentive Stock and Awards Plan of the Registrant filed as Exhibit 4 to the Registrant’s June 6, 2003 Registration Statement on Form S-8 (File/Film No.: 333-105906/03735570), and incorporated herein by reference.

10.6*

 

Form of [Incentive] Stock Option Award, filed as Exhibit 10.6 to the Registrant’s 2008 Annual Report on Form 10-K (File/Film No.: 001-05869/09641805), and incorporated herein by reference.

10.7*

 

Form of Stock Appreciation Right Award, filed as Exhibit 10.7 to the Registrant’s 2008 Annual Report on Form 10-K (File/Film No.: 001-05869/09641805), and incorporated herein by reference.

10.8*

 

Severance Protection Agreement with Michael Benstock, dated November 23, 2005, filed as Exhibit 99.1 to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on November 28, 2005 (File/Film No.: 001-05869/051228333) and incorporated herein by reference.

10.9*

 

Severance Protection Agreement with Alan Schwartz, dated November 23, 2005, filed as Exhibit 99.2 to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on November 28, 2005 (File/Film No.: 001-05869/051228333) and incorporated herein by reference.

10.10*

 

Severance Protection Agreement with Peter Benstock, dated November 23, 2005, filed as Exhibit 99.3 to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on November 28, 2005 (File/Film No.: 001-05869/051228333) and incorporated herein by reference.

10.11*

 

Severance Protection Agreement with Andrew D. Demott, Jr., dated November 23, 2005, filed as Exhibit 99.4 to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on November 28, 2005 (File/Film No.: 001-05869/051228333) and incorporated herein by reference.

10.12*

 

Separation, General Release and Non-Compete Agreement with Gerald M. Benstock, dated December 17, 2012, filed as Exhibit 10.1 to Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on December 21, 2012 (File/Film No.: 001-05869/121280661) and incorporated herein by reference.

10.13*

 

2013 Incentive Stock and Awards Plan of the Registrant filed as Exhibit 10.1 to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on May 7, 2013 (File/ Film No.: 001-05869/13819069), and incorporated herein by reference.

10.14*

 

Form of Incentive Stock Option Agreement With Vesting Provisions, filed as Exhibit 10.2 to Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on May 7, 2013 (File/Film No.: 001-05869/13819069) and incorporated herein by reference.

10.15*

 

Form of Stock Appreciation Rights Agreement, filed as Exhibit 10.3 to Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on May 7, 2013 (File/Film No.: 001-05869/13819069) and incorporated herein by reference.

10.16*

 

Form of Non-Qualified Stock Option Grant For Outside Directors, filed as Exhibit 10.4 to Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on May 7, 2013 (File/Film No.: 001-05869/13819069) and incorporated herein by reference.

10.17*

 

Form of Incentive Stock Option Agreement With Vesting Provisions, filed as Exhibit 10.5 to Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on May 7, 2013 (File/Film No.: 001-05869/13819069) and incorporated herein by reference.

10.18*

 

Superior Uniform Group, Inc. Deferred Compensation Plan, filed as Exhibit 10.1 to Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on August 2, 2013 (File/Film No.: 001-05869/131006163) and incorporated herein by reference.

10.19*

 

Superior Uniform Group, Inc. Trust Agreement, filed as Exhibit 10.2 to Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on August 2, 2013 (File/Film No.: 001-05869/131006163) and incorporated herein by reference.

10.20

 

Renewal Revolving Line of Credit Promissory Note, dated July 1, 2013, executed by Superior Uniform Group, Inc. and Fifth Third Bank, filed as Exhibit 10.5 to the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2013 (File/Film No.: 001-05869/13989439) and incorporated herein by reference.

10.21

 

Term Loan Promissory Note, dated July 1, 2013, executed by Superior Uniform Group, Inc. and Fifth Third Bank, filed as Exhibit 10.4 to the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2013 (File/Film No.: 001-05869/13989439) and incorporated herein by reference.

10.22

 

Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, dated July 1, 2013, among Superior Uniform Group, Inc., Fifth Third Bank, and certain other parties thereto, filed as Exhibit 10.2 to the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2013 (File/Film No.: 001-05869/13989439) and incorporated herein by reference.

10.23

 

First Amendment and Waiver to Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement and Other Loan Documents, dated October 22, 2013, among Superior Uniform Group, Inc., Fifth Third Bank, and certain other parties thereto, filed as Exhibit 10.23 to the Registrant’s 2013 Annual Report on Form 10-K (File/Film No: 001-05869/1463555) and incorporated herein by reference.

10.24

 

Asset Purchase Agreement, dated July 1, 2013, among Superior Uniform Group, Inc., HPI Direct, Inc., Richard J. Sosebee, Kirby P. Sims, Jr. and Frederick L. Hill, III, filed as Exhibit 10.1 to the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2013 (File/Film No.: 001-05869/13989439) and incorporated herein by reference.

  

 
47

 

 

10.25

 

Security Agreement, dated July 1, 2013, among Superior Uniform Group, Inc., Fifth Third Bank, and certain other parties thereto, filed as Exhibit 10.3 to the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2013 (File/Film No.: 001-05869/13989439) and incorporated herein by reference.

10.26

 

Real Estate Purchase Agreement, dated July 1, 2013, between Superior Uniform Group, Inc. and TAA Investments, LLC, filed as Exhibit 10.6 to the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2013 (File/Film No.: 001-05869/13989439) and incorporated herein by reference.

10.27*   Form of Restricted Stock Agreement, filed as Exhibit 10.1 to Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on February 13, 2014 (File/Film No.: 001-05869/14603415) and incorporated herein by reference.
10.28   Second Amendment to Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement and Other Loan Documents, dated as of May 1, 2014, among Fifth Third Bank, Superior Uniform Group, Inc. and certain other parties thereto (containing as Exhibit J the Form of Add-On Revolving Line of Credit Promissory Note), filed as Exhibit 10.1 to Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on May 6, 2014 (File/Film No.: 001-05869/14815641) and incorporated herein by reference.
10.29*(1)   Amendment No. 1 to Separation, General Release and Non-Compete Agreement with Gerald M. Benstock, dated November 17, 2015.
10.30*(1)   Form of Performance Share Agreement

21.1(1)

 

Subsidiaries of the Registrant.

23.1(1)

 

Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm - Mayer Hoffman McCann P.C.

31.1(1)

 

Certification of Chief Executive Officer (Principal Executive Officer) pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a)/Rule 15d-14(a) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.

31.2(1)

 

Certification of Chief Financial Officer (Principal Financial Officer) pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a)/Rule 15d-14(a) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.

32.1(1)

 

Written Statement of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350.

32.2(1)

 

Written Statement of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350.

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.

101.LAB+

 

XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document.

101.PRE+

 

XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document.

 

* Management contracts and compensatory plans and arrangements.

 

+ Submitted electronically with this Annual Report.

 

(1) Filed herewith.

 

48