Back to GetFilings.com



Table of Contents

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 


 

FORM 10-K

 

(Mark One)

 

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

 

For the fiscal year ended October 31, 2004

 

OR

 

¨ 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 333-73107

 

ST. JOHN KNITS INTERNATIONAL, INCORPORATED

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

Delaware   52-2303510

(State or other jurisdiction

of incorporation or organization)

 

(I.R.S. Employer

Identification Number)

17622 Armstrong Avenue

Irvine, California

  92614
(Address of principal executive offices)   (Zip Code)

 

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (949) 863-1171

 

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

 

None

 

Securities registered pursuant to Section 15(d) of the Act:

 

Title of each class:

 

12 1/2% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2009

 

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 þ 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.*

 

* The Registrant is not subject to the reporting requirements of Item 405.

 

Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant is an accelerated filer (as defined in Exchange Act Rule 12b-2). Yes ¨ No þ

 

The aggregate market value of Registrant’s Common Stock held by nonaffiliates was approximately $13,097,000 as of May 2, 2004, the last business day of the Registrant’s most recently completed second fiscal quarter (based on the closing price of the Common Stock on such date as reported on the OTC Bulletin Board quotation system).

 

As of January 26, 2005, the Registrant had 6,289,953 shares of Common Stock outstanding.

 



Table of Contents

INDEX

 

         

Page

Number


     PART I     

ITEM 1.

  

Business

   3

ITEM 2.

  

Properties

   12

ITEM 3.

  

Legal Proceedings

   13

ITEM 4.

  

Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders

   13
     PART II     

ITEM 5.

  

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

   14

ITEM 6.

  

Selected Financial Data

   15

ITEM 7.

  

Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

   16

ITEM 7A.

  

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

   23

ITEM 8.

  

Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

   24

ITEM 9.

  

Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure

   24

ITEM 9A.

  

Controls and Procedures

   24

ITEM 9B.

  

Other Information

   24
     PART III     

ITEM 10.

  

Directors and Executive Officers of the Registrant

   25

ITEM 11.

  

Executive Compensation

   27

ITEM 12.

  

Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters

   31

ITEM 13.

  

Certain Relationships and Related Transactions

   33

ITEM 14.

  

Principal Accountant Fees and Services

   35
     PART IV     

ITEM 15.

  

Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules

   36

 

2


Table of Contents

PART I

 

Item 1. BUSINESS

 

Overview

 

St. John Knits International, Incorporated (“SJKI” and together with its subsidiaries, the “company”) is a leading designer, manufacturer and marketer of fine women’s clothing and accessories. The St. John name has been associated with high quality women’s knitwear for over 40 years. The company’s core knitwear product line consists of a collection of lifestyle clothing for women’s business, evening and casual needs. The company manufactures its products primarily to order and distributes them on a highly selective basis through a group of upscale retailers with whom it has long-term relationships, as well as through company-owned retail boutiques and outlet stores.

 

The company’s core knitwear products are considered unique and highly desirable by customers due to their classic styling, durability, comfort, fit and quality. These attributes, combined with selective distribution and targeted advertising, have created a loyal base of customers.

 

Products

 

The company’s products are organized primarily into six separate product lines: Knitwear, Sport, Shoes, Jewelry, Accessories and Home Accessories.

 

Knitwear. The company organizes its Knitwear into four groups: Collection, Evening, Basics and Couture. Due to the breadth of each product group, the company competes in most segments of women’s designer clothing. The company’s knitwear products are sold as a collection of lifestyle clothing for women’s business, evening and casual needs. Due to its all-purpose weight, St. John knitwear is a year-round product, not confined to a single season or climate. The company manufactures all of its knitwear products and designs knitwear collections to encourage consumers to coordinate outfits, resulting in multiple product purchases within a group.

 

Collection. The company is best known for its Collection line consisting of elegant ready-to-wear styles. This line of daytime knit fashions includes sophisticated dresses and suits that focus on a classic tailored look. The Collection line also includes jackets, pants, skirts, coats and sweaters. All items in the line are sold as separates.

 

Evening. The Evening line consists of dresses, gowns and separates. The look of the Evening line is one of understated elegance enhanced by innovative touches, such as layers of transparent paillettes and sequins, embroidered sleeves or embellished collars and cuffs.

 

Basics. The Basics line is comprised of products which are sold throughout the year and which generally do not vary by season. These products consist of classic jackets, skirts and pants that are an integral part of women’s wardrobes, in solid black. Simplicity of design allows these products to be combined with any number of styles from any of the company’s product lines and worn for daytime or dressed up for evening. Retailers’ inventories of Basics products tend to be maintained throughout the year and reordered as necessary.

 

Couture. The Couture line is the company’s most exclusive group of day and evening apparel and is produced in limited quantities. The day group includes dresses, jackets, pants, skirts and tops which are designed with luxurious trims, embroidery and embellishments. The evening group consists jackets, skirts, pants, dresses and gowns. Both groups are designed using a variety of luxurious fabrics, trims, paillettes and stones.

 

Sport. St. John Sport is a line of active lifestyle clothing which includes jackets, skirts, pants, tops and jeans and is targeted to the designer sportswear customer as well as the company’s core Knitwear customers. The line is manufactured in the company’s production facilities and by select outside contractors located throughout the world. The line includes various knit styles along with woven garments made from fabrics purchased primarily in Italy and Asia.

 

Non-apparel. The non-apparel group consists of shoes, jewelry, accessories and home accessories. During the fourth quarter of fiscal 2004, the company made the decision to discontinue the sale of these products to its wholesale customers due to the lower than expected overall profit margins the company was experiencing. These products are currently being sold in the company owned boutiques and outlet stores. Below is a brief description of each of these product lines.

 

Shoes. The St. John Shoe line consists of pumps, sling backs, loafers, boots and sandals, manufactured in Italy using high quality Italian leather. Some shoe styles are designed to match the look and colors of the Knitwear line.

 

3


Table of Contents

Jewelry. The Jewelry line is comprised of fashion jewelry, including earrings, necklaces, chokers, pins and bracelets. The Jewelry line is manufactured in the company’s production facilities.

 

Accessories. The Accessories line is comprised primarily of handbags and belts. Handbags are manufactured in Italy using the highest quality Italian leather and fabrics. Belts are manufactured primarily in the company’s production facilities.

 

Home Accessories. The company manufactures various home accessory items in its production facilities. These items are sold through company-owned retail stores and select wholesale customers. These items were also sold in St. John Home stores, until they were closed in early fiscal 2003.

 

The following table details the approximate range of suggested retail prices by product line. The suggested retail prices are indicative of individual item prices.

 

Product Line


  

Selected Products


  

Range of Suggested

Retail Prices


Knitwear

         

Collection

   Dresses, Jackets, Pants, Skirts, Coats, Sweaters    $300-$1,600

Evening

   Dresses, Jackets, Pants, Skirts, Dressy Separates    $400-$1,700

Basics

   Jackets, Skirts, Pants    $250-$1,200

Couture

   Dresses, Gowns, Jackets, Pants, Skirts    $450-$4,700

Sport

   Jackets, Skirts, Pants, Tops, Jeans    $220-$1,600

Shoes

   Pumps, Sling Backs, Loafers, Boots, Sandals    $250-$1,500

Jewelry

   Earrings, Necklaces, Chokers, Pins, Bracelets    $  45-$   650

Accessories

   Handbags, Belts    $125-$1,600

Home Accessories

   Barware, Candle Holders, Napkin Rings    $  45-$   550

 

Sales by Product Line

 

The following is a comparison of the net sales by product line for fiscal years 2004, 2003 and 2002 :

 

     Fiscal Years

     2004

   2003

   2002

     (in thousands)

Knitwear

   $ 302,660    $ 289,902    $ 276,038

Sport

     67,829      59,172      61,843

Shoes(1)

     4,728      5,175      5,171

Jewelry(1)

     8,531      6,556      7,185

Accessories(1)

     6,016      4,816      2,775

Home Accessories(1)

     1,803      1,545      1,650

Coats(2)

     3,675      1,238      1,428

Other(3)

     361      1,739      6,144
    

  

  

Total Net Sales(4)

   $ 395,603    $ 370,143    $ 362,234
    

  

  

 

(1) The company discontinued the sale of these product lines to its wholesale customers during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2004.

 

(2) These amounts primarily represent the sale of coats manufactured by a third party under a license agreement.

 

(3) These amounts primarily represent the sale of items in St. John Home stores which were not manufactured by the company.

 

(4) License revenues of approximately $600,000, $361,000 and $333,000 for fiscal years 2004, 2003 and 2002, respectively, are included in other income (expense) on the accompanying consolidated statements of income.

 

Licenses

 

During the first quarter of fiscal 2004, the company licensed the right to manufacture and sell swimsuits under the St. John name to a third party. The license expires on December 31, 2009. The St. John Swimsuit Collection offers a wide range of styles, including many with the company’s signature elements.

 

The company has licensed the right to manufacture and sell coats under the St. John name to a third party. The license expires on March 31, 2005. The St. John Coat Collection, which is manufactured under the license agreement, offers the classic style, elegance and superior quality the St. John customer has come to expect. The company retained the right to also manufacture and sell coats in company-owned retail stores.

 

4


Table of Contents

The company has also licensed to third parties the right to use the St. John name on retail stores at specified locations in South Korea, Russia, Kuwait and the United Arab Emirates. There currently are 19 such stores located in South Korea and one in Russia, Kuwait and the United Arab Emirates. The company does not receive royalties for the use of its name on these retail locations, but benefits through the sale of products to the licensees.

 

Manufacturing

 

The company has developed a vertically integrated manufacturing process which it believes is unique and critical to its success. During fiscal 2004, approximately 86% of the products sold by the company were manufactured at the company’s own facilities. The company twists and dyes its yarn, as well as knits, constructs, presses and finishes its knitwear products in its six facilities located in Southern California and one facility located in Mexico. The company manufactures its knitwear using its highly automated electronic knitting machines coupled with a skilled labor force. The company also manufactures the hardware used on its garments as well as its Jewelry and Home Accessories lines. Products not manufactured by the company include a portion of the Sport product line, as well as the Shoe and Accessories product lines.

 

The company believes that its vertical integration differentiates it from other apparel manufacturers and has been critical to its success because it enables the company to manufacture products to order, maximize manufacturing flexibility and maintain superior quality control. The company believes that the ability to produce to order limits its exposure to both the inventory and market risks associated with many apparel companies that source products internationally. The company’s in-house manufacturing capabilities also enable it to quickly increase production of popular styles. The company’s ability to control the manufacturing process allows it to consistently produce garments to its high quality standards.

 

The manufacturing process for its Knitwear line begins with the twisting together of wool and rayon on the company’s precision twisting machines in a unique process that produces the company’s signature yarn. The twisted yarn is transferred to the company’s dye house for dyeing based on garment orders received. The dyed yarn is knitted on the company’s computerized electronic knitting machines and then cut, assembled and finished in the company’s facilities. The company’s jewelry and hardware manufacturing plants produce the buttons and buckles for garments, as well as bracelets, earrings, necklaces, chokers and pins. The company also manufactures many of its woven products, as well as blouses, jeans and certain scarves.

 

The company operates a manufacturing facility in Mexico. This facility gives the company additional manufacturing capacity as well as the ability to lower the cost of certain labor-intensive items through reduced labor costs. Employees from the U.S. operations are on hand to ensure that the quality control program is strictly followed.

 

Quality Control

 

The company has achieved its quality reputation by vertically integrating its manufacturing processes and maintaining control over its operations. The expansion into dyeing, yarn twisting and jewelry and hardware manufacturing was due primarily to the inability of outside suppliers to provide products meeting the company’s standards on a consistent and timely basis. The company’s quality control program is designed to enable all finished goods to meet the company’s standards, and includes inspection points throughout the manufacturing processes. During the manufacturing processes, every garment is individually inspected at the completion of each major manufacturing process and again prior to shipping. In addition, the company uses outside contractors for the manufacturing of its shoes, handbags and certain woven products. The company has instituted procedures to maintain the quality of products manufactured by these contractors.

 

Design

 

The company designs its garments to be consistent with its classic, timeless style. To accomplish this goal, design teams reference the prior season’s designs and patterns to establish a basis for the current season’s lines. The design teams also work closely with the sales force to incorporate current consumer preferences into the season’s line. Dye lots are kept consistent with prior years to enable consumers to augment their wardrobes over several seasons. Once design parameters for a particular item are established, the design teams work with the manufacturing group to plan construction details and hardware attachments, such as buttons, to ensure efficient manufacturing. The design management team has an average of 12 years of experience with the company.

 

Distribution

 

The company’s products are distributed primarily through a select group of specialty retailers and company owned retail boutiques and outlet stores.

 

5


Table of Contents

Wholesale Customers. The company selectively distributes its products through some of the nation’s leading upscale retailers, including Saks Fifth Avenue, Neiman Marcus and Nordstrom, each of which accounted for more than 10% of the company’s net sales in fiscal 2004 (approximately 42.0% collectively) and have been customers of the company for over 30, 25 and 20 years, respectively. The company distributes its products to approximately 300 locations in the U.S. The company works with these and other customers to create in-store boutiques, which are designated areas devoted exclusively to the company’s products. Other significant customers of the company include select Bloomingdales, Marshall Field’s and Belks stores.

 

St. John Boutiques and Outlet Stores. In order to diversify its product distribution and enhance name recognition, the company began opening its own retail boutiques in 1989 and currently operates 32 such boutiques in the U.S. and Canada. Most of the company’s boutiques showcase the entire line of apparel products, which has helped to expand the distribution and enhance the brand awareness. The company also operates 13 outlet stores. The company’s outlet stores primarily sell seconds, design samples and slow-moving inventory from the company’s full-price boutiques.

 

St. John Home Stores. During 1997, the company began opening home furnishing stores and operated three such stores during fiscal 2002 under the name St. John Home. In addition, the company operated one St. John Home outlet store in Nevada. The company closed its last St. John Home store and the St. John Home outlet store during fiscal 2003.

 

International. The company sells its products to specialty retailers in Asia, Europe, Canada and Mexico. In Asia, the company has established relationships with a number of highly qualified retailers, including Lane Crawford in Hong Kong and China and ShinSegae in South Korea, and is seeking to increase its penetration in these accounts. In Japan, the company operates a wholly owned subsidiary that distributes its products throughout Japan and operates a number of small retail shops which are located within larger department stores, two in-hotel shops and two freestanding retail boutiques. The company operates one retail boutique in western Canada and one small boutique and one retail shop in Hong Kong. The company’s European efforts involve expanding and upgrading its relationships with high quality independent wholesale customers, principally in the United Kingdom, Germany, Belgium, Switzerland and the Netherlands. The company distributes its products to approximately 205 locations outside the U.S. During fiscal 2004, international sales to wholesale customers and sales through the company’s subsidiaries in Japan, Canada and Hong Kong accounted for approximately 11% of the company’s net sales.

 

The following table presents net sales by distribution category for fiscal years 2004, 2003 and 2002:

 

     Fiscal Years

     2004

   2003

   2002

     (in thousands)

Wholesale-domestic

   $ 188,720    $ 181,046    $ 190,117

Retail-domestic

     164,103      152,514      140,095

International(1)

     42,780      36,583      32,022
    

  

  

Total

   $ 395,603    $ 370,143    $ 362,234
    

  

  

 

(1) International net sales include both wholesale and retail sales as discussed above.

 

Business Segment Information

 

The company has two reportable business segments, wholesale and retail sales. The company’s wholesale sales business consists primarily of six divisions: Knitwear, Sport, Shoes, Jewelry, Accessories and Home Accessories. For segment reporting purposes, international sales are aggregated into the wholesale business segment. For fiscal 2004 and 2003, retail sales were primarily generated through the company’s boutiques and outlet stores. Management evaluates segment performance based primarily on revenue and earnings from operations. For segment information regarding net sales, operating profits, assets, capital expenditures and depreciation and amortization, as well as certain geographic information regarding net sales, see Note 17 of “Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements,” included herein.

 

Marketing

 

The company markets its Collection, Evening and Couture lines four times a year, during the Fall and Cruise/Spring seasons. These lines are shown beginning in January for delivery between May and October and beginning in July for delivery between November and April. Orders for each of these six-month delivery periods are received after showings, and the goods are then made to order. The company markets its Sport line three times per year. The company markets its Basics line throughout the year.

 

The company shows its product lines to wholesale buyers in its New York and Irvine showrooms. Members of the company’s senior management team work closely with major customers to develop sales plans and to determine the appropriate mix of merchandise. These detailed sales plans are based on past purchases, expected sales growth and profitability.

 

6


Table of Contents

The company also shows its products in its Dusseldorf, Germany and Tokyo, Japan showrooms, as well as in other foreign countries at various times during the year using its outside sales representatives.

 

The company’s strategy is to sell its products to its wholesale accounts and to facilitate the sale of its products through to the ultimate consumer. The company employs a sales team, showroom personnel and customer service representatives. The sales team is currently comprised of 38 U.S. and five international field representatives. The sales team establishes and maintains in-store boutique presentations, develops close working relationships with store management and trains key sales people to be St. John specialists. The St. John specialists at certain key wholesale accounts are eligible for the company’s incentive rewards. In addition, the company’s customer service representatives monitor computerized information on each store’s sales and styles sold in an effort to track and increase sales.

 

In order to promote its upscale image, the company advertises in both national and international fashion magazines, including Vanity Fair, Vogue and W. In fiscal 2004, the company spent approximately $14.0 million on advertising. Management believes that this advertising approach enhances the company’s image. The company’s advertising features Kelly Gray as its Signature Model. The company also designs and produces seasonal exclusive St. John catalogs, which are distributed at the discretion of individual retailers and the company’s retail boutiques. Distribution is usually limited to target repeat purchasers or those who meet the company’s consumer profile.

 

Raw Materials and Suppliers

 

The company’s primary raw materials in the production of its Knitwear are wool and rayon. In fiscal 2004, the company purchased approximately $11.6 million of wool and approximately $3.5 million of rayon. The company uses the highest quality wool, primarily from Australia. Generally, a wool commitment is taken with the company’s primary U.S. spinner for a set quantity of wool based on the company’s forecasted wool requirements for approximately one year. Multiple spinners are available, both domestically and internationally, with comparable pricing for spun Australian wool yarn. The company generally holds an inventory of twisted yarn sufficient for approximately six weeks of production to protect it from potential supply interruptions. Rayon is available in raw or dyed form from various European and Japanese suppliers.

 

In addition to wool and rayon, the company purchases yarn and fabric from various suppliers and has little difficulty in satisfying its requirements from Europe and Asia. Certain raw materials used in the manufacture of paillettes are purchased from a supplier in Europe. The company believes that there are limited sources for these items.

 

Competition

 

Due to its history of strong sales and market leadership in designer knitwear, the company believes that it faces limited direct competition for its core product offerings. In addition, the company believes that the risk of strong new competitors is further limited given its substantial investment in knitwear production technology and its strong relationships with its wholesale customers. In a broader context, the company does compete with such successful designers as Armani, Calvin Klein, Chanel, Donna Karan and Escada.

 

Trademarks

 

The company owns and uses several trademarks, principal among which are St. John®, St. John by Marie Gray® and St. John Sport®. The company’s principal marks are registered with the United States Patent and Trademark Office and in the other major jurisdictions in the world where the company does business or may eventually do business. The company regards its trademarks and other proprietary rights as valuable assets and believes that they have significant value in the marketing of its products. The company vigorously protects its trademarks against infringement.

 

Regulation

 

The company is subject to a variety of federal, state and local laws and regulations including those relating to zoning, land use, environmental protection, workplace safety and product labeling and safety. The company is also subject to laws governing its relationship with its employees, including minimum wage requirements, overtime, working conditions and work permit requirements. Although the company believes that it is and has been in material compliance with all of the various regulations applicable to its business, the company cannot assure that requirements will not change in the future or that it will not incur significant costs to comply with such requirements.

 

7


Table of Contents

Geographic Information

 

The following table presents information related to the geographic areas in which the company operated during fiscal years 2004, 2003 and 2002:

 

     Fiscal Years

     2004

   2003

   2002

     (in thousands)

United States

   $ 352,823    $ 333,560    $ 330,212

Asia

     28,761      24,922      21,202

Europe

     6,327      5,962      5,816

Canada

     4,894      3,358      2,505

Other

     2,798      2,341      2,499
    

  

  

     $ 395,603    $ 370,143    $ 362,234
    

  

  

 

For information on the Company’s assets by geographic area see Note 17 of “Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements,” included herein.

 

The Company

 

SJKI became the parent company of St. John Knits, Inc., a California corporation (“St. John”) and its subsidiaries as a result of mergers consummated in July 1999. On July 7, 1999, (i) SJKAcquisition, Inc., a California corporation and direct wholly owned subsidiary of SJKI, merged with and into St. John, with St. John surviving the merger (the “reorganization merger”) and (ii) Pearl Acquisition Corp. (“Pearl”), a Delaware corporation and direct wholly owned subsidiary of Vestar/Gray Investors LLC, a Delaware limited liability company, merged with and into SJKI, with SJKI surviving the merger (the “acquisition merger” and together with the reorganization merger, the “mergers”), as contemplated by the Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of February 2, 1999, among SJKI, St. John, SJKAcquisition and Pearl. As a result of the mergers, St. John became a wholly owned subsidiary of SJKI. Immediately after the mergers, SJKI was approximately 7% owned by former shareholders of St. John, other than Bob Gray, Marie Gray and Kelly Gray, and approximately 93% owned by Vestar/Gray Investors LLC. At the time, Vestar/Gray Investors LLC was approximately 84% owned by an affiliate of Vestar Capital Partners III, L.P., 9% owned by Bob and Marie Gray and 7% owned by Kelly Gray. The company financed the mergers with proceeds from senior secured credit facilities of $190.0 million, an equity contribution by Vestar/Gray Investors LLC of $146.5 million, a subordinated debt offering of $100.0 million and the issuance of preferred stock of $25.0 million. SJKI was incorporated in Delaware during fiscal 1999. Prior to the mergers, SJKI was incorporated in Barbados as a “large FSC” under Section 922 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended. St. John was incorporated during 1962.

 

Employees

 

At October 31, 2004, the company had approximately 4,925 full-time employees. In the U.S. there were approximately 7 employees in management positions, 240 in design and sample production, 2,380 in production, 240 in quality control, 485 in retail, 95 in sales and advertising and the balance in clerical and office positions. In addition, the company had approximately 1,120 full-time employees working at the company’s manufacturing facility in Mexico and approximately 70 employees working at the company’s subsidiary in Japan, principally in retail and various clerical and office positions. The company is not party to any labor agreements. The company believes a significant number of its employees are highly skilled and that turnover among these employees has been minimal. The company considers its relationship with its employees to be good and has not experienced any interruption of its operations due to labor disputes.

 

Backlog

 

At October 31, 2004, the company had unfilled customer orders for the Cruise/Spring season of approximately $147.6 million compared with approximately $142.3 million as of November 2, 2003. Orders for the Cruise/Spring season are generally shipped during November through April. The company’s experience has been that the cancellations, rejections or returns of orders do not materially reduce the amount of sales realized from its backlog.

 

Risk Factors

 

Substantial Leverage and Debt Service. The company is highly leveraged. As of October 31, 2004, the company had total debt of approximately $207.2 million, of which approximately $107.8 million was senior debt, and a stockholders’ deficit of approximately $83.0 million, which resulted from the recapitalization of the company in connection with the mergers. In addition, the company may borrow money under its revolving credit facility which is intended to be used primarily for working capital. Subject to restrictions in the senior credit facilities and the indenture governing the company’s senior subordinated notes, the company may borrow more money for working capital, capital expenditures, acquisitions or other purposes.

 

8


Table of Contents

The high level of debt could have important consequences, including the following:

 

    the debt level makes the company more vulnerable to economic downturns and adverse developments in the business, may cause the company to have difficulty borrowing money in the future for working capital, capital expenditures, acquisitions or other purposes and limits the ability to pursue other business opportunities and implement certain business strategies;

 

    The company will need to use a large portion of the money it earns to pay principal and interest on its senior credit facilities and notes, which will reduce the amount of money available to finance operations and other business activities;

 

    some of the outstanding debt has a variable rate of interest, which exposes the company to the risk of increased interest rates; and

 

    the company may have a much higher level of debt than its competitors, which may cause a competitive disadvantage and may reduce flexibility in responding to changing business and economic conditions, including increased competition.

 

The company expects to obtain the money to pay expenses and the principal and interest on its outstanding notes and senior credit facilities from operations and from loans under its revolving credit facility. The ability to pay such amounts will depend on the company’s future performance, which will be affected by financial, business, economic and other factors. The company cannot control many of these factors, such as economic conditions in the markets and pressure from competitors. The company cannot be certain that the money it earns will be sufficient to pay principal and interest on the debt and meet any other obligations. If the money is not sufficient, the company may be required to refinance all or part of its existing debt, sell assets or borrow more money. The company cannot guarantee that it will be able to refinance its debt, sell assets or borrow more money on terms that are acceptable. In addition, the terms of existing or future debt agreements, including its senior credit facilities and the indenture governing its notes, may restrict the company from adopting any of these alternatives.

 

The inability to refinance the company’s credit agreement could affect its ability to operate its business. The company is currently negotiating with potential lenders to refinance its existing credit facility. If the company is unable to negotiate a new credit facility it may not be able to meet its payment obligations under its current agreements which could cause such debt, together with accrued interest, to be declared immediately due and payable.

 

Covenant restrictions may limit the company’s ability to operate its business. The indenture governing the company’s senior subordinated notes contains covenants that, among other things:

 

    limit the company’s ability to incur indebtedness and pay dividends on and redeem capital stock; and

 

    create restrictions on:

 

    investments in unrestricted subsidiaries;

 

    distributions from some of the company’s subsidiaries;

 

    the use of proceeds from the sale of assets and subsidiary stock;

 

    entering into transactions with affiliates and

 

    creating liens.

 

The indenture also restricts, subject to certain exceptions, the company’s ability to consolidate and merge with or to transfer all or substantially all of its assets to another party.

 

Under the company’s senior credit facilities, the company must also comply with certain specified financial ratios and tests that may restrict its ability to make distributions or other payments to investors and creditors and if the company does not comply with these or other covenants and restrictions contained in the senior credit facilities it could default. Such debt, together with accrued interest, could then be declared immediately due and payable. The company’s ability to comply with these provisions may be affected by events beyond its control.

 

Although the company believes that it has been in compliance and that it will be able to maintain compliance with its current financial tests there can be no assurance that it will be able to do so. The restrictions imposed by such covenants may adversely affect the ability of the company to take advantage of favorable business opportunities. Failure to comply with the terms of such covenants could result in acceleration of the indebtedness represented by the company’s notes.

 

9


Table of Contents

Competition and/or an economic downturn could have a material adverse effect on the company’s business. The apparel industry is highly competitive. The company competes primarily on the basis of price and quality. The company believes that its success depends in large part on its ability to anticipate, gauge and respond to changing consumer demands in a timely manner. The company cannot assure that it will always be successful in this regard. If these demands are misjudged sales may suffer, which could adversely affect the business, financial condition and results of operations of the company.

 

The company competes with numerous domestic and foreign designers, brands and manufacturers of apparel and accessories, some of which may be significantly larger and more diversified and have greater financial and other resources than the company. Increased competition from these and future competitors could reduce sales and adversely affect the company’s operating results. Because of its debt level, the company may be less able to respond effectively to such competition than others.

 

The apparel industry is cyclical. Purchases of apparel generally tend to decline during recessions and also may decline at other times. A recession in the general economy or uncertainties regarding future economic prospects could affect consumer spending habits and have a material adverse effect on the company’s business, financial condition and results of operations.

 

The loss of one or more of the company’s primary customers could have a material adverse effect on its business. The company, like many of its competitors, sells to retailers. In recent years, the retail industry has experienced consolidation and other ownership changes. In the future, retailers in the U.S. and in foreign markets may have financial problems or consolidate, undergo restructurings or reorganizations, or realign their affiliations, any of which could decrease the number of stores that carry the St. John product or increase the ownership concentration within the retail industry. Any such change could have a negative impact on the company.

 

During fiscal 2004 and 2003, net sales to the company’s three largest wholesale customers, Saks Fifth Avenue, Neiman Marcus and Nordstrom, totaled approximately 42% and 44% of net sales, respectively, with each exceeding 10% individually. Net sales to the company’s largest wholesale customer accounted for approximately 15% of net sales in fiscal 2004 and 16% of net sales in fiscal 2003. Although the company has long-established relationships with many of its customers, there are no long-term sales agreements. The loss of or significant decrease in business from any of its major customers could have a material adverse effect on the company’s business, financial condition and results of operations.

 

The company is controlled by Vestar Capital Partners III, L.P.(“Vestar”). Vestar beneficially owns approximately 81% of the outstanding common stock of SJKI. As a result, Vestar is able to effectively control the outcome of all matters requiring a stockholder vote, including the election of a majority of the directors of SJKI. Such ownership of common stock may have the effect of delaying, deferring or preventing a change of control.

 

A significant increase in the price or a decrease in the availability of wool or rayon, the company’s primary raw materials, could have a material adverse effect on the company’s business. The company’s principal raw materials are wool and rayon. In fiscal 2004, the company purchased approximately $11.6 million of wool and approximately $3.5 million of rayon. The price of wool and rayon may fluctuate significantly depending on world demand. There can be no assurances that such fluctuation in the price of wool or rayon will not affect the company’s business, financial condition and results of operations.

 

The company imports wool primarily from Australia. It also imports other raw materials, including rayon, from Europe and Japan. In addition, the company’s shoes, handbags and certain woven products are manufactured in Europe and Asia. The company’s imported materials and products are subject to United States Customs duties which comprise a material portion of the cost of the merchandise. A substantial increase in customs duties could have a material adverse effect on the company’s business, financial condition and results of operations. The United States and the countries in which materials and products are produced or sold may, from time to time, impose new quotas, duties, tariffs or other restrictions, or adversely adjust prevailing quota, duty or tariff levels, any of which could have a material adverse effect on the company.

 

International operations expose the company to additional political, economic and regulatory risks not faced by businesses that operate only in the U.S. The company conducts international operations in Mexico, Europe, Asia and Canada. In fiscal 2004, approximately 11% of the company’s sales occurred outside the U.S., and approximately 14% of the company’s products were manufactured by third-party contractors, many of which were outside the United States. International operations are subject to risks similar to those affecting the U.S. operations in addition to a number of other risks, including:

 

    lack of complete operating control;

 

    currency fluctuations;

 

    trade barriers;

 

10


Table of Contents
    exchange controls;

 

    governmental expropriation;

 

    foreign taxation;

 

    difficulty in enforcing intellectual property rights;

 

    language and other cultural barriers; and

 

    political and economic instability.

 

In addition, various jurisdictions outside the U.S. have laws limiting the right and ability of non-U.S. subsidiaries and affiliates to pay dividends and remit earnings to affiliated companies unless specified conditions exist. The company’s ability to expand the manufacture and sale of its products internationally is also limited by the necessity of obtaining regulatory approval in new countries.

 

The company’s financial performance on a U.S. dollar denominated basis can be significantly affected by fluctuations in currency exchange rates. From time to time the company may enter into agreements to seek to reduce our foreign currency exposure, but the company cannot assure that it will be successful.

 

Changes in, or the costs of complying with, various governmental regulations could have a material adverse effect on the company’s business. The company is subject to a variety of federal, state and local laws and regulations including those relating to zoning, land use, environmental protection and workplace safety. It is also subject to laws governing its relationship with its employees, including minimum wage requirements, overtime, working conditions and work permit requirements. Although the company believes that it is and has been in material compliance with all of the various regulations applicable to its business, it cannot assure that requirements will not change in the future or that it will not incur significant costs to comply with such requirements.

 

The loss or infringement of the company’s trademarks and other proprietary rights could have a material adverse effect on business. The company believes that its trademarks and other proprietary rights are important to its success and competitive position. Accordingly, the company devotes substantial resources to the establishment and protection of its trademarks on a worldwide basis. There can be no assurances that such actions taken to establish and protect its trademarks and other proprietary rights will be adequate to prevent imitation of the company’s products by others or to prevent others from seeking to block sales of its products as violative of their trademarks and proprietary rights. Moreover, there can be no assurances that others will not assert rights in, or ownership of, trademarks and other proprietary rights of the company or that it will be able to successfully resolve such conflicts. In addition, the laws of certain foreign countries may not protect proprietary rights to the same extent as do the laws of the United States. The loss of such trademarks and other proprietary rights, or the loss of the exclusive use of such trademarks and other proprietary rights, could have a material adverse effect on the company’s business, financial condition and results of operations.

 

A major earthquake or other natural disaster in southern California could have a material adverse effect on the company’s business. The company’s executive offices and the major portion of its production facilities are in Irvine, California, which is located near major earthquake fault lines. If there is a major earthquake or any other natural disaster in these areas, it could significantly disrupt the company’s operations. If the company’s manufacturing operations were impacted, it could materially disrupt production capabilities and result in the company experiencing a significant delay in delivery, or substantial shortage, of its products.

 

11


Table of Contents
Item 2. PROPERTIES

 

The principal executive offices of the company are located at 17622 Armstrong Avenue, Irvine, California 92614.

 

Company-owned Properties

 

The general location, use and approximate size of the only company-owned property is set forth below. Such property is used in the company’s wholesale business segment.

 

Location


  

Use


  

Approximate

Area in

Square Feet


Tijuana, Mexico

   Jewelry and Hardware Manufacturing, Sewing, Knitting    108,100

 

Leased Properties

 

The general location, use, approximate size and lease expiration date of the company’s principal leased properties are set forth below. All of such properties are used in the company’s retail business segment except as noted.

 

Location


  

Use


  

Approximate

Area in

Square Feet


  

Lease

Expiration

Date


Irvine, California(2)(3)

   Sewing, Finishing, Shipping, Administrative Offices    171,100    7/2010

Irvine, California (1)(3)

   Design Facility, Sewing, Warehousing, Shipping    110,500    7/2019

Irvine, California(4)

   Warehousing, Administrative Offices, Shipping    90,100    7/2010

Irvine, California(3)(6)

   Twisting, Dyeing, Warehousing    88,100    2/2013

Alhambra, California(3)(6)

   Assembling, Sewing    41,000    8/2006

Irvine, California(1)(3)

   Knitting    32,100    7/2019

Irvine, California(1)(3)

   Corporate Headquarters, Showroom, Administrative Offices    26,200    7/2019

Irvine, California(1)(3)

   Knitting, Sequins Manufacturing    20,500    7/2019

Costa Mesa, California

   Retail Boutique    15,400    1/2014

New York, New York(3)

   Showroom    12,300    6/2011

Chicago, Illinois

   Retail Boutique    9,400    5/2018

Beverly Hills, California

   Retail Boutique    8,400    10/2013

New York, New York(5)

   Retail Boutique    7,500    6/2011

New York, New York(5)

   Retail Boutique    6,200    6/2011

Las Vegas, Nevada

   Retail Boutique    5,600    1/2009

(1) These properties were sold and leased back during fiscal 2004.

 

(2) The company leases this property from a general partnership in which the company holds a 50 % interest.

 

(3) This property is used in the company’s wholesale business segment.

 

(4) This property is used in both the company’s retail and wholesale business segment.

 

(5) The square footage of the retail boutique located on 5th Avenue in New York City is covered by these two leases.

 

(6) These properties are owned by partnerships in which Bob and Marie Gray own a significant interest. See Item 13—Certain Relationships and Related Transactions.

 

As of October 31, 2004, annual base rents for the company’s leased properties listed in the table above ranged from approximately $160,000 to $1,500,000. In general, the terms of these leases provide for rent escalations dependent upon either increases in the lessor’s operating expenses or fluctuations in the consumer price index in the relevant geographical area.

 

The company believes that there are facilities available for lease in the event that either the productive capacities of the company’s manufacturing facilities need to be expanded or a current lease of a facility expires. The company also leases space for 27 additional retail boutiques, one additional showroom, two additional manufacturing and warehouse facilities and 13 outlet stores.

 

12


Table of Contents
Item 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

 

The company is involved from time to time in litigation incidental to its business. Management believes that the outcome of any current litigation will not have a material effect upon the results of operations or financial condition of the company.

 

Item 4. SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS

 

Not applicable.

 

13


Table of Contents

PART II

 

Item 5. MARKET FOR THE REGISTRANT’S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES

 

SJKI’s common stock is quoted on the OTC Bulletin Board quotation system under the symbol “SJKI.” The following table sets forth, for each of the full quarterly periods indicated, the quarterly high and low bid quotations for SJKI’s common stock as reported by the OTC Bulletin Board. The prices in the table represent prices between dealers and do not include adjustments for retail mark-ups, markdowns or commissions and may not represent actual transactions.

 

     Fiscal 2004

   Fiscal 2003

Quarter


   High

   Low

   High

   Low

Fourth

   $ 37.00    $ 32.00    $ 30.00    $ 27.50

Third

   $ 32.50    $ 27.50    $ 30.00    $ 27.50

Second

   $ 33.00    $ 27.75    $ 28.00    $ 27.55

First

   $ 30.00    $ 27.00    $ 33.00    $ 27.25

 

As of January 26, 2005, there were approximately 25 holders of record of SJKI’s common stock.

 

SJKI has never declared dividends on its common stock and does not intend to pay dividends on its common stock in the future. SJKI’s ability to pay dividends depends upon the receipt of dividends from St. John, which is a wholly owned subsidiary of SJKI. In addition, SJKI’s ability to pay dividends on its common stock is restricted by the terms of its senior credit facilities and the indenture governing its senior subordinated notes as well as limitations under applicable law and other factors the board of directors deems relevant. See “Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations – Liquidity and Capital Resources” and Note 9 of “Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.”

 

14


Table of Contents
Item 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA

 

The following selected financial data has been derived from the consolidated financial statements of the company. This information should be read in conjunction with the company’s audited consolidated financial statements and notes thereto and “Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.”

 

     Fiscal Year Ended

    

October 31,

2004


  

November 2,

2003


   

November 3,

2002


  

October 28,

2001


  

October 29,

2000


     (in thousands, except per share amounts)

Income Statement Data:

                                   

Net sales

   $ 395,603    $ 370,143     $ 362,234    $ 365,921    $ 336,459

Cost of sales

     179,172      156,642       154,508      159,484      141,097
    

  


 

  

  

Gross profit

     216,431      213,501       207,726      206,437      195,362

Selling, general and administrative expenses

     175,259      163,213       143,904      137,325      123,251
    

  


 

  

  

Operating income

     41,172      50,288       63,822      69,112      72,111

Interest expense

     21,536      24,395       23,674      28,344      31,787

Other income (expense)

     50      (1,537 )     358      4,036      1,000
    

  


 

  

  

Income before income taxes

     19,686      24,356       40,506      44,804      41,324

Income taxes

     6,238      9,474       16,201      18,925      17,511
    

  


 

  

  

Net income

   $ 13,448    $ 14,882     $ 24,305    $ 25,879    $ 23,813
    

  


 

  

  

Net income allocated to common stockholders

   $ 13,448    $ 14,882     $ 20,847    $ 21,006    $ 19,612
    

  


 

  

  

Net income per common share-diluted

   $ 2.11    $ 2.23     $ 3.14    $ 3.17    $ 3.00
    

  


 

  

  

Weighted average shares outstanding-diluted

     6,383      6,678       6,642      6,623      6,546
    

  


 

  

  

 

    As of

 
   

October 31,

2004


   

November 2,

2003


   

November 3,

2002


   

October 28,

2001


   

October 29,

2000


 
    (in thousands)  

Balance Sheet Data:

                                       

Working capital

  $ 72,908     $ 68,908     $ 86,038     $ 71,025     $ 69,821  

Total assets

    207,997       234,138       235,907       222,223       218,499  

Long-term debt

    189,062       231,755       259,104       243,291       261,847  

Mandatorily redeemable preferred stock

    —         —         —         25,000       25,000  

Redeemable common stock

    26,370       26,381       54,060       27,132       29,069  

Stockholders’ deficit

    (82,992 )     (91,667 )     (129,790 )     (123,924 )     (146,670 )

 

15


Table of Contents
Item 7. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

 

Management’s discussion and analysis should be read in conjunction with the company’s consolidated financial statements and the notes related thereto.

 

Results of Operations

 

The following table is derived from the company’s consolidated statements of income and sets forth, for the periods indicated, the results of operations as a percentage of net sales:

 

    

Percentage of Net Sales

Fiscal Year Ended


 
    

October 31,

2004


   

November 2,

2003


   

November 3,

2002


 

Net sales

   100.0 %   100.0 %   100.0 %

Cost of sales

   45.3     42.3     42.7  
    

 

 

Gross profit

   54.7     57.7     57.3  

Selling, general and administrative expenses

   44.3     44.1     39.7  
    

 

 

Operating income

   10.4     13.6     17.6  

Interest expense

   5.4     6.6     6.5  

Other income (expense)

   —       (0.4 )   0.1  
    

 

 

Income before income taxes

   5.0     6.6     11.2  

Income taxes

   1.6     2.6     4.5  
    

 

 

Net income

   3.4 %   4.0 %   6.7 %
    

 

 

 

Fiscal 2004 Compared to Fiscal 2003

 

Net sales for fiscal 2004 increased by $25.5 million, or 6.9% as compared to fiscal 2003. This increase was principally attributable to (i) an increase in sales by company-owned retail boutiques of approximately $10.0 million, approximately half of which was due to the relocation of two existing retail boutiques located in Beverly Hills, California and Chicago, Illinois and the addition of two new retail boutiques which were opened since the beginning of fiscal 2003, (ii) an increase in sales to domestic wholesale customers of approximately $7.7 million, (iii) an increase in international sales of approximately $6.2 million, primarily due to expanding operations in Japan and increased sales by the retail boutique located in Vancouver, Canada and (iv) an increase in sales by company-owned retail outlet stores of approximately $2.8 million, due to the addition of three new retail outlet stores, which were opened since the beginning of fiscal 2003. These increases were partially offset by a decrease in sales of approximately $1.3 million for the St. John Home stores, which were closed during the first six months of fiscal 2003. Sales for company-owned retail boutiques open at least one year increased 7.1% during fiscal 2004 as compared to fiscal 2003. The overall increase in net sales was primarily due to a shift in sales to higher priced Knitwear garments and increased unit sales of the Sport product line during fiscal 2004 as compared to the prior year. The company has made the decision to close four of its retail boutiques during fiscal 2005 and, combined with its decision in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2004 to stop selling its non-apparel products to its wholesale customers, is therefore expecting net sales to decrease slightly during fiscal 2005 as compared to fiscal 2004. This anticipated decrease in net sales is not expected to materially impact operating income.

 

Gross profit for fiscal 2004 increased by $2.9 million, or 1.4% as compared with fiscal 2003, but decreased as a percentage of net sales to 54.7% from 57.7%. This decrease as a percentage of net sales was primarily the result of a decrease in the gross profit margin for the Knitwear and Sport product lines due to a change in the mix of the products being manufactured and sold to lower margin styles and increased labor costs relating to the Knitwear product line. In addition, the company recorded an increase to cost of sales of approximately $3.2 million to write down the non-apparel inventory to its estimated net realizable value due to the company’s decision to curtail the sale of non-apparel items to its wholesale customers. These decreases were partially offset by an increase in the gross profit margin resulting from increased sales at company-owned retail boutiques, which on a consolidated basis have a higher gross profit margin than sales to wholesale customers.

 

Selling, general and administrative expenses for fiscal 2004 increased by $12.0 million, or 7.4% over fiscal 2003, and increased as a percentage of net sales to 44.3% from 44.1%. Selling, general and administrative expenses increased during the period primarily due to (i) an increase of approximately $6.0 million resulting from the opening of two new retail boutiques, the relocation of five retail boutiques, the expansion of four retail boutiques and the opening of three new retail outlet stores since the beginning of fiscal 2003, (ii) the write down of the book value of the assets related to four of the company’s retail boutiques of $4.4 million, (iii) an increase in costs related to the company’s expanding operations in Japan of approximately $2.4 million, (iv) executive recruiting and related costs of approximately $1.1 million, (v) an increase in commission expense for boutique

 

16


Table of Contents

employees of approximately $0.9 million related to the increase in sales and (vi) approximately $0.5 million in costs related to the closure of one of the company’s manufacturing facilities during the first quarter of fiscal 2004. The $4.4 million write down of retail boutique assets consisted primarily of leasehold improvements and was due to the company’s decision to close such boutiques during fiscal 2005. These increases were partially offset by a decrease in advertising expenses of approximately $2.0 million, a decrease of approximately $1.9 million due to the closure of the St. John Home stores during fiscal 2003 and a decrease in design sample expenses of approximately $0.5 million.

 

Operating income for fiscal 2004 decreased by $9.1 million, or 18.1% as compared to fiscal 2003. Operating income as a percentage of net sales decreased to 10.4% from 13.6% during the same period. This decrease in operating income as a percentage of net sales was due to a decrease in the gross profit margin combined with an increase in selling, general and administrative expenses as a percentage of net sales.

 

Interest expense for fiscal 2004 decreased by $2.9 million, or 11.7% from fiscal 2003. This decrease was primarily due to a decrease in the average debt balance from fiscal 2003, as well as a reduction in interest rates on the company’s variable rate debt.

 

Other expenses decreased from $1.5 million for fiscal 2003 to income of less than $0.1 million for fiscal 2004. This decrease in other expenses was primarily due to a loss of $0.9 million recorded on the disposition of fixed assets during fiscal 2003, a gain of approximately $0.4 million recorded on the sale of one of the company’s manufacturing facilities during fiscal 2004 and an increase in royalty income of approximately $0.2 million during fiscal 2004 as compared to fiscal 2003.

 

Income taxes for fiscal 2004 decreased by $3.2 million from fiscal 2003. The tax rate decreased from 38.9% to 31.7% during the same period. This decrease in the tax rate was primarily due to an adjustment recorded during the first quarter of fiscal 2004 to reduce the company’s tax liability for potential income tax audit issues which were resolved during the period.

 

Fiscal 2003 Compared to Fiscal 2002

 

Net sales for fiscal 2003 increased by $7.9 million, or 2.2% as compared to fiscal 2002. This increase was principally attributable to (i) an increase in sales by company-owned retail outlet stores of approximately $9.7 million, including $5.2 million related to the addition of four retail outlet stores since the beginning of fiscal 2002, (ii) an increase in sales by company-owned retail boutiques of approximately $8.1 million, due to an increase in sales of $10.1 million related to six new retail boutiques which were added since the beginning of fiscal 2002 and (iii) an increase in international sales of approximately $4.6 million. These increases were partially offset by a decrease in sales to domestic wholesale customers of approximately $10.4 million, primarily due to a reduction of approximately $8.5 million associated with the bankruptcy filing and subsequent liquidation of Jacobson Stores, Inc. (“Jacobson”) and a decrease in sales of approximately $4.0 million for the St. John Home stores, which the company closed in early fiscal 2003. Sales for company-owned retail boutiques open at least one year decreased 1.2% during fiscal 2003 as compared to fiscal 2002. The overall increase in net sales was primarily the result of increased unit sales of the Knitwear product line.

 

Gross profit for fiscal 2003 increased by $5.8 million, or 2.8% as compared with fiscal 2002, and increased as a percentage of net sales to 57.7% from 57.3%. This increase in the gross profit margin was predominately the result of an increase in the gross profit margin for the company-owned retail boutiques due to lower point of sale markdowns.

 

Selling, general and administrative expenses for fiscal 2003 increased by $19.3 million, or 13.4% over fiscal 2002, and increased as a percentage of net sales to 44.1% from 39.7%. Selling, general and administrative expenses increased during the period primarily due to (i) an increase in expenses of approximately $11.6 million, resulting from the opening of six company-owned retail boutiques, the relocation of three retail boutiques, the expansion of two retail boutiques and the opening of four retail outlet stores since the beginning of fiscal 2002, (ii) an increase in the expenses for the purchase of design samples of approximately $2.7 million, (iii) an increase in advertising expenses of approximately $2.3 million, relating to an increase in the number of print ads placed during fiscal 2003, (iv) an increase in costs related to the company’s expanding operations in Japan of approximately $1.3 million, (vi) an increase in bad debt expenses of approximately $1.0 million, primarily relating to the Jacobson bankruptcy and (vii) an increase in design salary expense of approximately $0.9 million. The increase in expenses for the new and relocated/expanded retail boutiques and outlet stores is primarily comprised of rent, depreciation, salaries and other operational expenses.

 

Operating income for fiscal 2003 decreased by $13.5 million, or 21.2% as compared to fiscal 2002. Operating income as a percentage of net sales decreased to 13.6% from 17.6% during the same period. This decrease in operating income as a percentage of net sales was due to an increase in selling, general and administrative expenses as a percentage of net sales, which was partially offset by an increase in the gross profit margin for the period.

 

17


Table of Contents

Interest expense for fiscal 2003 increased by $0.7 million, or 3.0% from fiscal 2002. This increase was due to an increase in the debt balance resulting from the conversion of the company’s preferred stock and accrued dividends to senior subordinated 15.25% notes during July 2002. These notes were subsequently paid off during May 2003 using the proceeds from an additional borrowing of $30.0 million under the company’s credit agreements and excess cash on hand. This increase in interest expense was partially offset by a reduction in interest rates during fiscal 2003 on the company’s variable rate debt.

 

Liquidity and Capital Resources

 

The company’s primary cash requirements are to fund payments required to service the company’s debt, to fund the company’s working capital needs, primarily inventory and accounts receivable, and for the purchase of property and equipment. During fiscal 2004, cash provided by operating activities was $30.9 million. Cash provided by operating activities was primarily generated by net income, a decrease in accounts receivable and an increase in accounts payable, while cash used in operating activities was primarily used to fund an increase in inventories. The decrease in accounts receivable was primarily due to lower wholesale sales in October 2004 as compared to October 2003. Inventory increased in each of the three categories, finished goods, work in process and raw materials, with the largest increase coming in the finished goods category. The increase in finished goods inventory was primarily due to an increase in the Knitwear division as the company increased its inventory level of some styles of finished garments in anticipation of reorders and had completed certain styles for shipment in November 2004. In addition, finished goods inventory increased in the retail division and in Japan. The increase in raw materials was primarily due to an increase in the Knitwear division as the company increased its yarn inventory with additional types of yarn. Work in process inventory also increased for the Knitwear division as the company increased the number of garments in the production cycle. Cash provided by investing activities was $15.6 million during fiscal 2004. The principal source of cash provided by investing activities was the sale of the company’s facilities located in Irvine and San Ysidro, California, which were subsequently leased back, and the sale of the company’s manufacturing facility in Van Nuys, California, while the principal use of cash in investing activities was for (i) the construction of leasehold improvements for upgrades to company-owned retail boutiques, (ii) the construction of leasehold improvements for new, relocated or expanded retail boutiques, (iii) upgrades to the manufacturing operations, including the purchase of electronic knitting machines, (iv) the construction of St. John shops within the company’s major wholesale customer locations and (v) costs incurred to upgrade the company’s computer systems. Cash used in financing activities was $48.4 million during fiscal 2004, resulting from required debt prepayments of approximately $23.9 million arising from the sale of the properties noted above, a $5.0 million voluntary prepayment and scheduled payments made on the company’s long-term debt and the redemption of $5.0 million of the company’s redeemable common stock from its former Chief Executive Officer.

 

As of October 31, 2004, the company had approximately $72.9 million in working capital and $17.8 million in cash and cash equivalents. The company’s principal source of liquidity is internally generated funds. As part of its credit facility with a syndicate of banks, the company also has a $25.0 million revolving commitment, which expires on July 31, 2005. The revolving commitment is secured and borrowings thereunder bear interest at the company’s choice of the bank’s borrowing rate (4.75% at October 31, 2004) plus 1.75% or LIBOR (2.19% at October 31, 2004) plus 2.75%. The availability of funds under the revolving commitment is subject to the company’s continued compliance with certain covenants, including a covenant that sets the maximum amount the company can spend annually on the acquisition of fixed or capital assets, and certain financial covenants, including a maximum leverage ratio, a minimum fixed charge coverage ratio and a minimum interest expense coverage ratio. As of October 31, 2004, the company was in compliance with all covenants and no amounts were outstanding under the revolving commitment. The company is currently negotiating the renewal or replacement of its revolving commitment. The company had $15.3 million of letters of credit outstanding at October 31, 2004 which reduces the amount available under the revolving commitment by a corresponding amount. The company invests its excess cash in a money market fund.

 

Total debt outstanding decreased $43.4 million to $207.2 million during fiscal 2004. This decrease was due to $28.9 million in prepayments made on the company’s long-term debt, along with scheduled principal payments made during the period. The company’s outstanding debt was comprised of bank borrowings of $107.8 million and senior subordinated 12.5% notes (“12.5% notes”) of $100.0 million, excluding the unamortized issue discount of $0.6 million.

 

The company completed a transaction to sell and leaseback four of its facilities located in Irvine, California during July 2004. The transaction resulted in net proceeds of approximately $19.8 million, which were used to prepay a portion of the company’s outstanding bank debt. The company recorded a deferred gain of approximately $3.5 million related to the transaction. The company signed lease agreements on each of the four facilities expiring in 2019. The initial annual lease payments under the new leases total approximately $1.7 million.

 

The company’s primary ongoing cash expenditures are for debt service and the purchase of property and equipment. The company’s debt service requirements consist primarily of principal and interest payments on bank borrowings and interest on the senior subordinated notes. The company believes it will be able to finance its debt service and capital investment requirements with internally generated funds and availability under the revolving credit facility through at least fiscal 2005. Beyond fiscal 2005, the company will have a significant increase in the principal payments required on its bank borrowings

 

18


Table of Contents

resulting from the maturity of its senior credit facilities. As a result, the company will probably need to raise additional capital or refinance such debt in order to satisfy its obligations. The company is currently negotiating with potential lenders to refinance its long-term debt. The company expects the refinancing to be completed during the first half of fiscal 2005.

 

The table below summarizes the payments due for specific known contractual obligations as of October 31, 2004:

 

     Fiscal Years

Contractual Obligations


   2005

   2006

   2007

   2008

   2009

   Thereafter

   Total

     (Amounts in thousands)

12.5% notes

   $ —      $ —      $ —      $ —      $ 100,000    $ —      $ 100,000

Variable rate debt

     18,181      44,829      44,829      —        —        —        107,839

Operating leases

     24,852      24,589      24,052      23,672      22,672      82,539      202,376

Other(1)

     10,376      3,085      3,135      2,435      2,435      —        21,466
    

  

  

  

  

  

  

Total obligations

   $ 53,409    $ 72,503    $ 72,016    $ 26,107    $ 125,107    $ 82,539    $ 431,681
    

  

  

  

  

  

  

(1) Includes obligations for the purchase of yarn under contracts and payments under employment agreements, including employment agreements entered into during December 2004. In addition, the company also enters into unconditional purchase obligations with various vendors and suppliers of goods and services in the normal course of operations through purchase orders or other documentation or that are undocumented except for an invoice. Such unconditional purchase obligations are generally outstanding for periods less than a year and are settled by cash payments upon delivery of goods and services and are not reflected in this line item.

 

In addition to the obligations above, during its normal course of business, the company has made certain indemnities, commitments and guarantees under which it may be required to make payments in relation to certain transactions. These indemnities include those given to various lessors in connection with facility leases for certain claims arising from such facility or lease. The company has also issued guarantees, in the form of letters of credit, to cover contractual commitments, including merchandise purchases from foreign vendors and to secure the payment for potential future workers’ compensation claims. The company had $15.3 million of letters of credit outstanding at October 31, 2004. Of this total, $13.8 million is related to potential future workers’ compensation claims. The company will be required to issue additional letters of credit totaling approximately $3.6 million during fiscal 2005 for potential future workers’ compensation claims. The company has accrued a liability for the estimated claims, both reported and incurred but not yet reported. The duration of these indemnities, commitments and guarantees varies and in certain cases is indefinite. The majority of these indemnities, commitments and guarantees do not provide for any limitation of the maximum potential future payments the company could be obligated to make. The company has not recorded any liability for these indemnities, commitments and guarantees in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets other than as noted.

 

In addition to the fiscal 2005 payments included in the table above, the company anticipates purchasing property and equipment of approximately $14.7 million during fiscal 2005 but is not contractually committed to do so. The estimated $14.7 million will be used principally for (i) the implementation of a new computer system for the retail division, (ii) the construction of St. John shops within the company’s major wholesale customer locations, (iii) upgrades to the company’s computer systems and (iv) upgrades to the company’s production facilities, including the purchase of electronic knitting machines.

 

Under certain conditions, the company may be required to repurchase a portion of the common stock beneficially owned by Bob, Marie or Kelly Gray, not to exceed $5.0 million in any 12 month period. Any such repurchases would be limited by the restrictions of the agreements under the credit facilities and senior subordinated notes. See Notes 9 and 10 of “Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements,” included herein.

 

SJKI must rely on distributions, loans and other intercompany cash flows from its subsidiaries to generate the funds necessary to satisfy the repayment of its outstanding loans. Except for restrictions under applicable law, there are no material restrictions on distributions to the company from the company’s wholly owned subsidiaries that have guaranteed the company’s payment obligations under its 12.5% notes. See Note 18 of “Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements,” included herein.

 

SJKI did not make any payment of dividends during fiscal years 2004, 2003 and 2002, and does not anticipate the payment of any cash dividends on its common stock in the future.

 

The company’s debt covenant EBITDA (“EBITDA” which is defined in the company’s credit agreement for its senior secured credit facilities as net income, excluding the effects of interest expense, income taxes, depreciation and a majority of the

 

19


Table of Contents

items included in other income and expense) was $64.3 million and $67.8 million for fiscal 2004 and 2003, respectively. EBITDA as defined by the company may not be consistent with similarly titled measures of other companies. EBITDA is not a defined term under generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) and is not an alternative to operating income or cash flow from operations as determined under GAAP. EBITDA is used to calculate certain covenants under the company’s credit agreement, including a maximum leverage ratio and minimum fixed charge and interest expense coverage ratios. The company believes that EBITDA provides additional information for determining its ability to meet future debt service requirements; however, EBITDA should not be construed as an indication of the company’s operating performance or as a measure of liquidity.

 

The table below shows the reconciliation from net income to EBITDA (as defined in the terms of the credit agreement) for fiscal years 2004 and 2003:

 

     Fiscal Years

     2004

    2003

     (in thousands)

Net income

   $ 13,448     $ 14,882

Income taxes

     6,238       9,474

Interest expense

     21,536       24,396

Depreciation and amortization

     16,663       16,690

Write down of retail assets

     4,395       —  

Deferred rent expense

     639       460

Gain on sale of fixed assets

     390       —  

Licensing income

     600       360

Accrued letter of credit fees

     474       —  

Other (income) expense

     (50 )     1,537
    


 

Debt covenant EBITDA

   $ 64,333     $ 67,799
    


 

 

Off-Balance-Sheet Arrangements

 

The company does not have any off-balance sheet arrangements within the meaning of Securities and Exchange Commission regulation S-K Item 303(a)(4).

 

Credit Facilities

 

The company is a party to a credit agreement with a syndicate of banks, which initially provided for an aggregate principal amount of loans totaling $215.0 million. The credit agreement consisted of three facilities: (i) tranche A facility totaling $75.0 million, maturing July 31, 2005, (ii) tranche B facility totaling $115.0 million, maturing July 31, 2007 and (iii) the revolving credit facility totaling $25.0 million, maturing July 31, 2005.

 

Borrowings under the tranche A facility and the revolving credit facility bear interest at a floating rate, which is based upon the leverage ratio of the company, but cannot exceed the bank’s borrowing rate plus 1.75% or LIBOR plus 2.75%. Borrowings under the tranche B facility bear interest at a floating rate, which is also based upon the leverage ratio of the company, but cannot exceed the bank’s borrowing rate plus 2.75% or LIBOR plus 3.75%. In addition, the company is required to pay a commitment fee on the unused portion of the revolving credit facility of up to 0.5% per year.

 

Borrowings under the tranche A facility began to mature quarterly on November 2, 1999, while borrowings under the tranche B facility began to mature quarterly on November 2, 2000. The credit agreement permits the company to prepay loans and to permanently reduce revolving credit commitments, in whole or in part, at any time. In addition, the company is required to make mandatory prepayments of the tranche A and B facilities, subject to certain exceptions, in amounts equal to (i) 75% of excess cash flow (as defined in the company’s credit agreement); (ii) 75% of the net cash proceeds of a permitted asset sale (as defined in the company’s credit agreement) and (iii) 100% of the net cash proceeds of certain dispositions of assets or issuances of debt or equity of the company or any of its subsidiaries (in each case, subject to certain exceptions and subject to a reduction to zero based upon the company’s financial performance). In July, the tranche A facility was retired as a result of the prepayments discussed above.

 

20


Table of Contents

The obligations of the company under the credit agreement are guaranteed by each domestic subsidiary of the company, and to the extent no adverse tax consequences would result from such guarantees, each foreign subsidiary of the company. The credit agreement and the related guarantees are secured by (i) a pledge of 100% of the capital stock of each domestic subsidiary of the company and 65% of each foreign subsidiary of the company and (ii) a security interest in, and mortgage on, substantially all the assets of the company and each domestic subsidiary of the company and to the extent no adverse tax consequences would result therefrom, each foreign subsidiary of the company.

 

The credit agreement requires the company to comply with specified financial ratios, including a minimum interest coverage ratio, a maximum leverage ratio and a minimum fixed charge coverage ratio. Each ratio is calculated using EBITDA as defined in the credit agreement. In the event of non-compliance with any of these ratios, the company would be in default under the credit agreement. The credit agreement also contains additional covenants that, among other things, restrict the ability of the company to dispose of assets, incur additional indebtedness, pay dividends, create liens on assets, make investments, loans or advances and engage in mergers or consolidations. The credit agreement prohibits the company from declaring or paying any dividends or making any payments with respect to the company’s 12.5% notes if it fails to perform its obligations under, or fails to meet the conditions of, the credit agreement or if such payment creates a default under the credit agreement. The credit agreement contains customary events of default. In the event of default, the total amount of the outstanding debt plus any accrued interest would become immediately due and payable. At October 31, 2004, the company was in compliance with all covenants.

 

Senior Subordinated 12.5% Notes

 

In addition to the credit facilities described above, the company has outstanding $100 million of senior subordinated notes (the “notes”). The notes are unsecured and mature on July 1, 2009. The notes bear interest at a rate of 12.5% per year and were issued at 98.616% of the actual face value. Interest on the notes is payable semiannually to the holders of record. The notes are subject to redemption by the company beginning July 1, 2004. The indenture governing the notes limits, among other things, the payment of dividends, the incurrence of additional indebtedness and other restricted payments. The indenture contains customary events of default.

 

Redeemable Common Stock

 

SJKI is a party to a stockholders’ agreement with St. John, Vestar/Gray Investors, Vestar and the Grays, which states, among other things, that prior to a public offering of SJKI common stock, if Bob Gray ceases to serve as Chairman or Chief Executive Officer of St. John or SJKI or if the employment with SJKI of Marie Gray or Kelly Gray ceases for any reason, then he or she will have the right to require SJKI to purchase the shares of SJKI common stock beneficially owned by them, up to a maximum of $5.0 million of such common stock for all the Grays during any 12-month period. If any of the Grays are terminated without “cause” or resigns for “good reason,” as these terms are defined in their employment agreements with the company, then he or she will have the right to require SJKI to purchase the shares of SJKI common stock beneficially owned by them, up to a maximum of 25% of the total shares held by such terminated or resigning Gray employee during any 12-month period. This agreement may be limited by the terms of the agreements related to the credit facilities and the 12.5% notes.

 

At the end of fiscal 2002, Bob Gray retired from his position as Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer of the company. In November 2002, as provided in the stockholders’ agreement, pursuant to Mr. Gray’s request, the company redeemed at fair market value, as determined by the board of directors, 89,621 shares of SJKI’s common stock beneficially owned by him at a total cost of $5.0 million, or $55.79 per share. In May 2004, in accordance with the terms of the stockholders’ agreement, the company redeemed at fair market value, 166,666 shares of SJKI’s common stock beneficially owned by Mr. Gray at a total cost of $5.0 million, or $30.00 per share.

 

The value of the company’s redeemable common stock, as reported on the company’s consolidated balance sheets, remained constant at $26.4 million at October 31, 2004 and November 3, 2003. The company purchased shares from Mr. Gray as discussed above, which was offset by an increase in the fair market value of the company’s common stock.

 

Critical Accounting Policies

 

The company’s consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States. As such, the company is required to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities at the balance sheet dates and the reported amounts of revenue and expense during the reporting periods. Actual results could significantly differ from such estimates.

 

The company believes that the following accounting policies are among the most critical because they involve significant judgments and uncertainties and could potentially result in materially different results under different assumptions and conditions.

 

21


Table of Contents

Inventories

 

Inventories are stated at the lower of the cost to purchase and/or manufacture the inventory or the current estimated market value (lower of cost or market). The company regularly reviews its inventory quantities on hand and records a provision for excess and obsolete inventory based primarily on the company’s estimated forecast of product demand and production requirements. Any significant change in the anticipated demand for the company’s products could cause the company to revise its estimate of excess and obsolete inventory, which could affect the company’s reported results.

 

Revenue Recognition

 

Sales to the company’s wholesale customers are recognized when the goods are shipped and title passes. Sales are recognized upon purchase by customers at the company’s retail store locations at the point of sale. The company has recorded reserves to estimate sales returns by customers based on historical sales return results. Actual return rates have historically been within management’s expectations and the reserves established. However, in the unlikely event that the actual rate of sales returns by customers changes significantly, the company’s reported results could be affected.

 

Wholesale Markdowns

 

The company has arrangements with some of its major wholesale customers which may result in the company reimbursing them for markdowns. The company records an estimate of its liability under these arrangements at the time of sale, based upon historical experience. These estimates are based in part on projected sales and markdowns for these customers. While historical experience has been within management’s expectations, any significant variation from the projected sales or markdowns could cause the company to change its estimates. Any such change in the company’s estimates could affect the company’s reported results.

 

Long-lived Assets

 

During the normal course of business, the company acquires tangible long-lived assets. The company periodically evaluates the recoverability of the carrying amount of these assets. An impairment is assessed when the undiscounted expected future cash flows derived from an asset are less than its carrying amount. Impairments are recognized in operating income as they are realized. The company uses its best judgment, based upon the most current facts and circumstances surrounding the specific assets, when applying these impairment rules. Changes in the assumptions used could have a significant impact on the company’s assessments of the recoverability. Many factors, including changes to the company’s business and the global economy, could significantly impact management’s decision to retain or dispose of certain of its long-lived assets.

 

Foreign Currency Translation

 

The company sells its products to wholesale customers located in various parts of Europe in the customers’ local currencies, Euros and British Pounds. The company also purchases its shoes, leather goods and various other raw material items from vendors located in Europe in Euros. Fluctuations in the exchange rates can have an effect on the sales revenues and expenses recorded in connection with such transactions. For fiscal years 2004 and 2003, the company made the decision to allow its sales and purchases to act as a natural hedge. This decision was based upon the fact that the sales and purchases made in the foreign currencies were similar in amounts over each of the fiscal years. The company has made a decision to hedge its sales made in Euros and Pounds for the first six months of fiscal 2005 through the purchase of forward contracts. The forward contracts were purchased based upon a percentage of the estimated sales for the period. The company has not hedged any of its purchases to be made in Euros. Future changes in the exchange rates will continue to affect the company’s reported results.

 

Accounts Receivable

 

The company performs ongoing credit evaluations of its wholesale customers and adjusts credit limits based upon payment history and the customer’s current financial status. The company continuously monitors its customer payments and maintains a provision for estimated credit losses based upon the company’s historical experience and any specific customer collection issues that have been identified. The company’s accounts receivable are concentrated in the apparel industry, primarily with its three major wholesale customers. The risk of collection is concentrated within this industry and with these specific customers. As a result of this concentration, a change in the creditworthiness of the companies within the apparel industry could cause the company to revise its estimate of credit losses, which could affect the company’s reported results.

 

22


Table of Contents

Insurance Program

 

The company is partially self-insured for its workers’ compensation insurance coverage. Under this insurance program the company is liable for a deductible of $500,000 for each individual claim. The company records a liability for the estimated cost of claims both reported and incurred but not reported based upon its historical experience. The estimated costs include the estimated future cost of all open claims. The company will continue to adjust the estimates as the actual experience dictates. A significant change in the number or dollar amount of claims could cause the company to revise its estimate of potential losses and affect its reported results.

 

New Accounting Pronouncements

 

See Note 2(p) “New Accounting Pronouncements” included under the caption “Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements” included elsewhere in this document.

 

Forward Looking Statements

 

This Annual Report on Form 10-K contains certain statements, which describe the company’s beliefs concerning future business conditions and the outlook for the company based on currently available information. Wherever possible, the company has identified these “forward looking” statements (as defined in Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934) by words such as “anticipates,” “believes,” “estimates,” “expects” and other similar expressions. The forward looking statements and associated risks set forth herein may include or relate to, among other things: (i) the company’s anticipated purchases of property and equipment during fiscal 2005, (ii) the company’s belief that it will be able to fund its working capital and capital expenditure requirements with internally generated funds and borrowings under the revolving credit facility through fiscal 2005, (iii) the company’s anticipation that it will not pay cash dividends on its common stock in the future and (iv) the company’s expectations regarding its ability to refinance its long-term debt during the first half of fiscal 2005.

 

These forward looking statements are subject to risks, uncertainties and other factors which could cause the company’s actual results, performance or achievements to differ materially from those expressed in, or implied by, these statements. See “Business-Risk Factors.” In addition to the factors that may be described in this report, changes to the following factors could cause actual results to differ from those expressed in any forward looking statements made by the company: (i) the financial strength of the retail industry and the level of consumer spending for apparel and accessories, (ii) the financial health of the company’s principal customers, (iii) the company’s ability to develop, market and sell its products, (iv) competition from other manufacturers and retailers of women’s clothing and accessories, (v) general economic conditions and (vi) the ability of the company to meet the financial covenants under its credit facilities and indenture. The company undertakes no obligation to review or update publicly any forward looking statements.

 

Item 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

 

The company has exposure to fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates for the revenues derived from sales to its foreign customers denominated in foreign currency. In order to reduce the effects of such fluctuations, under established risk management practices, the company may enter into foreign exchange forward contracts. These contractual arrangements are typically entered into with a major financial institution. The company does not hold derivative financial instruments for speculative trading. The primary business objective of this program is to secure the anticipated profit on sales denominated in foreign currencies. The company’s primary exposure to foreign exchange fluctuation is on the Euro and British Pound. At October 31, 2004, the company held contracts maturing from December 31, 2004 to May 31, 2005 to sell 2.0 million Euros and 600,000 Pounds at an average exchange rate of 1.21 U.S. dollars to the Euro and 1.78 U.S. dollars to the Pound. The total tax effected fair value at October 31, 2004 was a loss of $106,000, which was recorded as a component of stockholders’ equity and comprehensive income.

 

The company also purchases its shoes and leather goods, as well as various other raw materials, from companies located in Europe. The purchase of these items is completed in Euros. In order to reduce the effect of the fluctuation in the exchange rate between the Euro and the U.S. dollar, the company may enter into forward contracts. The company did not hold any forward contracts to purchase Euros at October 31, 2004.

 

The company made a decision to use its sales made in Euros as a natural hedge for the purchases of inventory items made in Euros for each of fiscal years 2004 and 2003.

 

The company is also exposed to market risks related to fluctuations in interest rates on its bank borrowings under the credit agreement. The company also holds fixed rate subordinated notes. For fixed rate debt, changes in interest rates generally affect the fair market value, but not earnings or cash flows. Conversely, for variable rate debt, changes in interest rates generally do not influence fair market value, but do affect future earnings and cash flows. The company has managed its exposure to

 

23


Table of Contents

changes in interest rates by issuing part of its debt with a fixed interest rate. Assuming that the balance of variable rate debt remains constant, a one percentage point increase in the interest rate from the first day of the year would result in an annual increase in interest expense of approximately $1.1 million.

 

The table below details the principal amounts due and the average nominal interest rates for the debt in each category based on the expected maturity dates and applicable amortization schedules. The carrying value of the variable rate debt approximates fair value as the interest rate is adjusted to market periodically. The 12.5% notes are publicly traded and the fair value is based upon the quoted market value at October 31, 2004.

 

     Fiscal Years

                
     2005

    2006

    2007

    2008

   2009

    Thereafter

   Total

    Fair Value

     (in thousands)

Fixed rate 12.5% notes

   $ —       $ —       $ —       $ —      $ 100,000     $ —      $ 100,000     $ 107,420

Average interest rate

                                    12.5 %            12.5 %      

Variable rate debt

   $ 18,181     $ 44,829     $ 44,829     $ —      $ —       $ —      $ 107,839     $ 107,839

Average interest rate(1)

     5.7 %     5.7 %     5.7 %                           5.7 %      

 

(1) The average interest rate is based upon the actual rate in place as of October 31, 2004.

 

The company does not believe that the future market rate risks related to the above securities will have a material impact on the company or the results of its operations.

 

Item 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA

 

See “Item 15. Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules - Index to Consolidated Financial Statements” for a listing of the consolidated financial statements and supplementary data filed with this report.

 

Item 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE

 

Not applicable.

 

Item 9A. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

 

The company maintains disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”)) that are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in the company’s reports filed under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the Securities and Exchange Commission rules and forms, and that such information is accumulated and communicated to the company’s management, including the company’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure. In designing and evaluating the disclosure controls and procedures, management recognized that any controls and procedures, no matter how well designed and operated, can provide only reasonable assurance of achieving the desired control objectives, and management necessarily was required to apply its judgment in evaluating the cost-benefit relationship of possible controls and procedures.

 

The company carried out an evaluation under the supervision and with the participation of management, including its Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of its disclosure controls and procedures as of October 31, 2004, the end of the period covered by this report. Based on that evaluation, the company’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that the company’s disclosure controls and procedures were effective at the reasonable assurance level as of October 31, 2004.

 

There have been no changes in the company’s internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) under the Exchange Act) during the quarter ended October 31, 2004 that materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the company’s internal control over financial reporting.

 

Item 9B. OTHER INFORMATION

 

Not Applicable.

 

24


Table of Contents

PART III

 

Item 10. DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF REGISTRANT

 

The following sets forth certain information concerning the directors and executive officers of SJKI:

 

Name


  

Position with St. John Knits International


   Age

James Kelley

   Chairman of the Board    50

Richard Cohen

   Director and Chief Executive Officer    50

Kelly Gray

   Director and Creative Director    38

Bruce Fetter

   Director and Chief Operating Officer    50

Marie Gray

   Vice Chairman of the Board and Chief Designer    68

Roger Ruppert

   Executive Vice President­Finance and Chief Financial Officer    61

Robert Green

   Executive Vice President – Sales and Marketing    49

Max Weinstein

   Executive Vice President - Operations    57

Bob Gray

   Director and Honorary Chairman    79

Daniel O’Connell

   Director    50

Sander Levy

   Director    43

Christopher Henderson

   Director    37

Philip Miller

   Director    66

 

Biographical Information

 

James Kelley, a director of the company since July 1999, was appointed as Chairman of the Board in November 2002. Mr. Kelley is President of Vestar Capital and was a founding partner of Vestar Capital at its inception in 1988. Mr. Kelley is a director of Consolidated Container Holdings, LLC.

 

Richard Cohen, a director of the company since September 2004, has served as Chief Executive Officer of the company since August 2004. Prior to joining the company, Mr. Cohen was the Chief Executive Officer of Ermenegildo Zegna North America, a wholesale and retail apparel company, from 1987 to August 2004.

 

Kelly Gray, a director of the company since October 1994, has served as Creative Director since June 1991. She also served as Co-Chief Executive Officer of the company from November 2002 to August 2004 and as President of the company from April 1996 until November 2002. In addition, she has been the company’s Signature Model since 1982. Prior to becoming Creative Director, Ms. Gray headed the company’s advertising department from 1988 to June 1991 and held various other administrative positions with the company. Ms. Gray is the daughter of Bob Gray and Marie Gray.

 

Bruce Fetter, a director of the company since November 2002, has served as Chief Operating Officer of the company since October 2001. He also served as Co-Chief Executive Officer of the company from November 2002 to August 2004, as Co-President and Chief Operating Officer of the company from October 2001 until November 2002 and as Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of the company from June 1999 until October 2001. Prior to that he served as Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of the company from November 1997 to June 1999. He joined the company in January 1997 as Vice President­Distribution and in April 1997 was appointed Senior Vice President­Operations. From August 1994 to December 1996 he held the position of Vice President­Logistics for Bob’s Stores, a division of the Melville Corporation.

 

Marie Gray, Vice Chairman of the Board since May 2003 and a director since inception, is a co-founder of St. John and has served as Chief Designer of the company since its inception in 1962. Ms. Gray served as Secretary of the company from March 1993 to November 2002. Prior to forming St. John, Ms. Gray was a fashion model, served as hostess of the Queen For a Day television show and was a fit model for some of the leading designers in the Los Angeles area. Ms. Gray is the wife of Bob Gray and the mother of Kelly Gray.

 

Roger Ruppert was appointed Executive Vice President-Finance and Chief Financial Officer of the company in October 2002. He served as Senior Vice President­Finance and Chief Financial Officer of the company from October 1986 to October 2002. Prior to joining the company, Mr. Ruppert was Vice President­Finance and Chief Financial Officer of Cardis Corporation, a publicly traded auto parts distributor, from October 1985 to October 1986. Mr. Ruppert is a certified public accountant.

 

25


Table of Contents

Robert Green was appointed Executive Vice President – Sales & Marketing of the company in January 2005. Prior to joining the company, Mr. Green was President and Chief Executive Officer of Vestimenta, an apparel company, from November 2003 to December 2004. From 1994 to November 2003, Mr. Green was employed by Ermenegildo Zegna, most recently serving as Executive Vice President, Sales & Marketing.

 

Max Weinstein was appointed Executive Vice President – Operations of the company in January 2005. Prior to joining the company, Mr. Weinstein had managed worldwide operations functions, including product development, production, distribution, information technology and facilities management for Calvin Klein since 1999, most recently serving as Corporate Senior Vice President, Global Operations. Mr. Weinstein has over 30 years experience in the apparel industry.

 

Bob Gray retired from his position as Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer effective November 2002. He is a co-founder of St. John and served as Chairman of the Board of the company since its inception in 1962. Mr. Gray remains a director of the company and Honorary Chairman of the Board. He also served as Chief Executive Officer of the company from its inception until February 2001 and was re-appointed Chief Executive Officer in October 2001. Prior to forming St. John, Mr. Gray held various sales and production positions with Cannady Creations, a small sportswear company, from 1952 to 1962, his last position being General Manager. Mr. Gray is the husband of Marie Gray and the father of Kelly Gray.

 

Daniel O’Connell, a director of the company since July 1999, is the Chief Executive Officer and founder of Vestar Capital. Mr. O’Connell is a director of Birds Eye Foods, Inc., FL Selenia S.p.A., Solo Cup company and Sunrise Medical Inc.

 

Sander Levy, a director of the company since July 1999, is a Managing Director of Vestar Capital and was a founding partner of Vestar Capital at its inception in 1988. Mr. Levy is a director of Symetra Financial Corporation, Wilton Re Holdings Limited and Gleason Corporation.

 

Christopher Henderson, a director of the company since June 2001, is a Managing Director of Vestar Capital and has been a member of the firm since 1993. Mr. Henderson is a director of Gold Toe Corp.

 

Philip Miller, a director of the company since January 9, 2003, is the President of Philip B. Miller Associates, a consulting firm which he founded in July 2001. Prior to starting his own company, he served as Chairman and CEO of Saks Fifth Avenue, from 1993 to February 2000 and as Chairman from 1993 to July 2001. Prior to that, he held other positions with Saks Fifth Avenue as well as serving as Chairman and CEO of Marshall Field’s. Mr. Miller is a director of Kenneth Cole.

 

CODE OF ETHICS FOR SENIOR EXECUTIVE AND FINANCIAL OFFICERS

 

The company’s Board of Directors has adopted a Code of Ethics for Senior Executive and Financial Officers. A copy of the Code of Ethics is available, free of charge, upon written request sent to the legal department at the company’s corporate offices located at 17622 Armstrong Avenue, Irvine, California 92614.

 

AUDIT COMMITTEE FINANCIAL EXPERT

 

The company’s Board of Directors has determined that James Kelley and Sander Levy, directors and members of the audit committee, are Audit Committee Financial Experts. Messrs. Kelley and Levy are not independent as that term is used in Item 7(d)(3)(iv) of Schedule 14A under the Exchange Act.

 

26


Table of Contents
Item 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

 

Summary Compensation Table

 

The following table sets forth the compensation earned by the named executive officers of the company (collectively, the “Named Executive Officers”) for services in all capacities to SJKI and its subsidiaries for the fiscal years indicated:

 

    

Annual Compensation


   

Long Term

Compensation
Awards


      
     Year

   Salary

    Bonus

  

Other Annual

Compensation


    Shares of Common
Stock Underlying
Options


  

All Other

Compensation


 

Richard Cohen(1)
Chief Executive Officer

   2004    $ 252,115     $ 300,000    $ 171,827 (2)   200,000    $ 23,340 (3)

Kelly Gray(4)
Creative Director and former
Co-Chief Executive Officer

   2004
2003
2002
   $
 
 
1,286,893
1,280,298
1,187,705
(5)
(5)
(5)
   
 
 
—  
—  
—  
    
 
 
*
*
*
 
 
 
  —  
—  
—  
    
 
 
—  
—  
—  
 
 
 

Bruce Fetter(4)
Chief Operating Officer and
former Co-Chief Executive Officer

   2004
2003
2002
   $
 
 
790,827
760,849
685,701
 
 
 
   
 
 
—  
—  
—  
    
 
 
*
*
*
 
 
 
  —  
50,000
25,000
    
 
 
—  
—  
—  
 
 
 

Marie Gray
Chief Designer

   2004
2003
2002
   $
 
 
814,562
884,791
834,533
 
 
 
   
 
 
—  
—  
—  
    
 
 
*
*
*
 
 
 
  —  
—  
—  
    
 
 
—  
—  
—  
 
 
 

Roger Ruppert
Chief Financial Officer

   2004
2003
2002
   $
 
 
360,828
352,699
340,908
 
 
 
   
 
 
—  
—  
—  
    
 
 
*
*
*
 
 
 
  —  
—  
1,667
    
 
 
—  
—  
—  
 
 
 

* Indicates that the aggregate amount of perquisites and other personal benefits, securities or property paid did not exceed the lesser of 10% of such officer’s total annual salary and bonus for such year or $50,000.

 

(1) Mr. Cohen joined the company as Chief Executive Officer in August 2004.

 

(2) This amount includes payments made on behalf of Mr. Cohen of $79,000 for a medical reimbursement plan, as well as payments made to Mr. Cohen of $49,300 for moving and living expenses in connection with his relocation and income tax reimbursement payments associated with such relocation expenses of $34,700.

 

(3) This amount represents personal life insurance policy premiums paid by the company.

 

(4) Ms. Gray and Mr. Fetter served as Co-Chief Executive Officers of the company from November 2002 through August 2004. In fiscal 2003 each of them also served as Co-Presidents.

 

(5) This amount includes modeling fees of $500,000 which were paid to Ms. Gray during each of fiscal years 2004, 2003 and 2002.

 

Employment Agreements

 

The company is a party to employment agreements with each of Richard Cohen, Kelly Gray and Marie Gray. Mr. Cohen’s employment agreement with the company expires August 9, 2009, subject to automatic one-year extensions if neither the company nor Mr. Cohen notifies the other at least 90 days prior to August 9, 2009 or the end of any applicable extension period that the term shall not be extended. Pursuant to the agreement, Mr. Cohen received a $300,000 signing bonus, subject to repayment in the event Mr. Cohen is terminated by the company for “cause” or he terminates his employment without “good reason” prior to December 31, 2005. The agreement also provides that Mr. Cohen will receive an annual base salary of $1,200,000 and that he is eligible to receive an annual bonus with respect to each fiscal year during the term of the agreement of up to 50% of his base salary in fiscal 2004 and 2005 (but no less than $68,000 in 2004 and $350,000 in 2005) and up to 100% of

 

27


Table of Contents

his base salary during the remainder of the term, based on the achievement of performance goals set by the company’s Board of Directors. In addition, the company is also required to (i) pay premiums on a $1,000,000 whole life policy and a $2,000,000 term life policy on the life of Mr. Cohen along with premiums on an individual and a group disability policy, (ii) pay premiums of, or if an insurance policy is not available, reimburse him for, up to $470,000 annually for dependent medical care, (iii) pay relocation costs for his move from New York to California, and (iv) unless prohibited by law, if requested by Mr. Cohen, loan him up to $500,000 to apply towards his purchase of a primary residence in Southern California, at the lowest rate not resulting in income to Mr. Cohen, repayable upon the sale of his New York residence.

 

In the event of termination of Mr. Cohen’s employment by the company with “cause,” or by him without “good reason,” the employment agreement provides that he will receive salary and benefits earned through the date of termination (“Accrued Rights”) and continuation of the dependent care coverage until the earlier of the second anniversary of his termination or the date on which be becomes employed elsewhere. If Mr. Cohen is terminated due to death or disability, he will receive his Accrued Rights, continuation of the dependent care coverage until the later of one year following such termination or the expiration of the term of the employment agreement assuming he had not died or been disabled, and a lump sum payment equal to a pro rata portion of the annual bonus that he would have actually earned in the fiscal year in which termination occurred if he had remained employed (the “Pro Rata Bonus”). In the event of termination of employment by the company without “cause,” or by Mr. Cohen with “good reason,” he will receive (i) the Pro Rata Bonus, (ii) continued base salary payments for two years (the “Severance Period”), (iii) an amount equal to approximately two times his historical average annual bonus payable in installments over the Severance Period, (iv) continuation of health insurance coverage for the Severance Period, (v) continuation of the dependent care coverage until the later of expiration of the Severance Period or expiration of the term as if such termination had not occurred, and (vi) his Accrued Rights. In addition, if the company elects not to extend the term of the agreement at the end of the initial term or any renewal period, then, he will be entitled to continued payment of his base salary, health insurance coverage and dependent care coverage for one year, and an amount equal to his historical average annual bonus payable over one year.

 

Pursuant to the terms of the employment agreement, Mr. Cohen also agreed to acquire 1,667 shares of the company’s common stock at a purchase price of $30.00 per share and received a grant of stock options to purchase (i) 50,000 shares at $30.00 per share, (ii) 50,000 shares at $40.00 per share, (iii) 50,000 shares at $50.00 per share and (iv) 50,000 shares at $60.00 per share under the company’s stock option plan.

 

Kelly Gray’s employment agreement expires December 31, 2007, subject to automatic one-year extensions if neither the company nor Ms. Gray notifies the other at least 90 days prior to the original expiration date, or the end of any applicable extension period, that the term shall not be extended. The agreement provides that Ms. Gray will receive an annual base salary of $650,000 in calendar 2005 and $750,000 in calendar 2006 and 2007. For any extensions of the term beyond the third year, her base salary will be determined by the Chief Executive Officer and approved by the Board of Directors. However, at no time will her base salary be less than that of the highest paid designer of the company, other than Marie Gray.

 

She is also eligible to receive an annual bonus with respect to each year during the term of the agreement of up to $200,000 in calendar 2005 and up to 30% of her base salary in each calendar year thereafter, based on achievement of company and individual performance goals approved by the Board of Directors. The agreement also entitles her to receive an automobile allowance of $2,000 per month and to participate in the company’s clothing allotment program, and its other employee plans and benefits. In addition, in calendar 2005, Ms. Gray will receive a modeling fee of $250,000.

 

In the event of termination of Kelly Gray’s employment by the company with “cause,” by her without “good reason,” or due to her death or disability, the employment agreement provides that she will receive her Accrued Rights. In the event of termination of employment by the company without “cause,” or by Ms. Gray with “good reason,” she will receive (i) a lump sum payment, within 60 days of the beginning of the following year, equal to a pro rata portion of the annual bonus that she would have earned in the year in which termination occurred if she had remained employed, (ii) continuation of base salary payments for eighteen months, (iii) continuation of health insurance coverage, at the company’s cost, for eighteen months, (iv) any unpaid portion of the $250,000 modeling fee for 2005 and (v) her Accrued Rights. In addition, if the company elects not to extend the term of the agreement at the end of the initial term or any renewal period, then she will be entitled to receive the same benefits as if she were terminated by the company without cause, except that the continuation of base salary and health insurance coverage shall be reduced to nine months.

 

Marie Gray’s employment agreement with the company expires December 31, 2005 and provides for an annual base salary of $750,000. In the event of termination of Marie Gray’s employment by the company with “cause,” or by her without “good reason,” the employment agreement provides that she will receive her Accrued Rights. In the event of termination of employment by the company without “cause,” or by Ms. Gray with “good reason,” she will receive continued salary payments for one year and health benefits for the longer of the remainder of the term of the agreement or six months. In addition, her employment agreement provides that the company will pay severance payments in the form of salary and health benefits

 

28


Table of Contents

continuation for a period equal to one month for each year of service, up to a maximum of eighteen months, if her employment is terminated by reason of a disability. Finally, in the event Marie Gray’s employment agreement is terminated for “good reason” due to the fact that a successor company did not assume the agreement, she would also receive a lump sum payment of $1,500,000.

 

Option Grants in Last Fiscal Year

 

The following table sets forth information with respect to the Named Executive Officers concerning the number of stock options granted during the fiscal year ended October 31, 2004:

 

    

Number of

Securities

Underlying

Options

Granted(1)


  

Percent of

Total Options

Granted to

Employees in

Fiscal Year


   

Exercise

Price


  

Expiration

Date


  

Potential Realizable

Value at Assumed

Annual Rates of Stock

Price Appreciation for
Option Term


Name


              5%

   10%

Richard Cohen

   50,000
50,000
50,000
50,000
   25
25
25
25
%
%
%
%
  $
 
 
 
30.00
40.00
50.00
60.00
   8/09/15
8/09/15
8/09/15
8/09/15
   $
 
 
 
943,000
1,258,000
1,572,000
1,887,000
   $
 
 
 
2,391,000
3,187,000
3,984,000
4,781,000

Marie Gray

   —      —         —      —        —        —  

Kelly Gray

   —      —         —      —        —        —  

Bruce Fetter

   —      —         —      —        —        —  

Roger Ruppert

   —      —         —      —        —        —  

 

(1) The options were granted under the 1999 St. John International, Incorporated Stock Option Plan for a term of ten years, subject to earlier termination in certain events related to termination of employment. The options become exercisable 20% per year, beginning one year from the date of grant. To the extent not already exercisable, the options generally become exercisable upon a change in control transaction. All options were granted at or above fair market value.

 

Aggregated Option Exercises in Last Fiscal Year and Fiscal Year-End Option Values

 

The following table sets forth information with respect to the Named Executive Officers concerning the exercise of options during the fiscal year ended October 31, 2004 and unexercised options held by each such officer as of October 31, 2004:

 

    

Shares

Acquired on

Exercise


  

Value

Realized


  

Number of Securities

Underlying Unexercised

Options at

Fiscal Year-End


  

Value of Unexercised

In-the-Money Options at

Fiscal Year-End(1)


Name


         Exercisable

   Unexercisable

   Exercisable

   Unexercisable

Richard Cohen

   —      —      —      200,000    $ —      $ 350,000

Marie Gray

   —      —      72,736    36,368      509,152      253,876

Kelly Gray

   —      —      96,982    48,490      678,874      339,430

Bruce Fetter

   —      —      60,000    40,000      280,000      —  

Roger Ruppert

   —      —      9,333    667      65,331      4,669

 

(1) The estimated fair market value of the company’s common stock at October 31, 2004 was $37.00.

 

Director Compensation

 

Directors holding salaried positions with the company, or with Vestar, do not receive compensation for their services as a director. Bob Gray is currently acting as a consultant to the company and will not receive any compensation for his services as a director. All other directors will receive $40,000 annually for their services as a director, in addition to an attendance fee of $2,500 for each board meeting that is attended in person and $500 for each board or committee meeting attended telephonically. During January 2003, the company appointed Mr. Miller as a director. Mr. Miller is currently the only director eligible to receive this compensation. The board granted Mr. Miller 10,000 stock options on his appointment date. The options have an exercise price equal to the fair market value of the shares at the date of grant, have a life of 10 years and will vest over a five year period.

 

29


Table of Contents

Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation

 

The company does not have a compensation committee. Issues regarding executive compensation are addressed by the full board of directors. The Grays and Bruce Fetter participated in deliberations regarding executive compensation during fiscal 2004. See “Item 13 - Certain Relationships and Related Transactions” for a discussion of certain transactions between the company and these directors.

 

30


Table of Contents
Item 12. SECURY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS

 

Beneficial Ownership

 

The following table sets forth information as of January 26, 2005 regarding the beneficial ownership of SJKI’s common stock by: (i) each person who is known by SJKI to be the beneficial owner of more than 5% of the common stock; (ii) each of the directors of SJKI; (iii) each Named Executive Officer; and (iv) all current directors and executive officers of SJKI as a group.

 

Name


  

Approximate

Number of Shares

Beneficially

Owned


   Percentage Owned

 

Vestar/Gray Investors LLC(1)

   5,833,918    92.75 %

1225 17th Street, Suite 1660

           

Denver, Colorado 80202

           

Bob Gray(2)

   460,957    7.16 %

Marie Gray(2)

   460,957    7.16 %

Kelly Gray(3)

   494,191    7.74 %

Richard Cohen

   —      *  

Bruce Fetter(4)

   61,750    *  

Roger Ruppert(5)

   10,333    *  

James Kelley(6)

   5,121,222    81.42 %

Daniel O’Connell(6)

   5,121,222    81.42 %

Sander Levy(6)

   5,121,222    81.42 %

Christopher Henderson(6)

   5,121,222    81.42 %

Philip Miller

   —      *  

All current directors and executive officers as a group (13 persons)(7)

   6,148,453    93.13 %

* less than 1%

 

(1) Vestar Capital Partners III, L.P., 245 Park Avenue, New York, New York 10167, beneficially owns 5,121,222 shares, or approximately 81%, of SJKI’s common stock through its controlling interest in Vestar/SJK Investors LLC, which owns approximately 88% of Vestar/Gray Investors.

 

(2) Includes 315,485 shares which are beneficially owned (through Vestar/Gray Investors) by the Gray Family Trust, of which Bob and Marie Gray serve as co-trustees and are the sole beneficiaries. In addition, includes 145,472 shares issuable upon exercise of options exercisable at or within 60 days of January 26, 2005. Bob and Marie Gray each held 72,736 of such option shares. Their address is 17622 Armstrong Avenue, Irvine, California, 92614.

 

(3) Includes 342,571 shares which are beneficially owned (through Vestar/Gray Investors) by the Kelly Gray Living Trust, of which Kelly Gray serves as sole trustee and beneficiary. In addition, includes 54,640 shares which are beneficially owned (through Vestar/Gray Investors) by the Kelly Ann Gray Trust, of which Kelly Gray serves as trustee and sole beneficiary. Also includes 96,982 shares issuable upon exercise of options exercisable at or within 60 days of January 26, 2005. Her address is 17622 Armstrong Avenue, Irvine, California, 92614.

 

(4) Includes 60,000 shares issuable upon exercise of options exercisable at or within 60 days of January 26, 2005.

 

(5) Includes 9,333 shares issuable upon exercise of options exercisable at or within 60 days of January 26, 2005.

 

(6) Includes shares beneficially owned by Vestar. Each of Mr. O’Connell, Mr. Kelley, Mr. Levy and Mr. Henderson disclaims the existence of a group and disclaims beneficial ownership of the common stock not held by him.

 

(7) Includes 311,785 shares issuable upon exercise of options exercisable at or within 60 days of January 26, 2005.

 

31


Table of Contents

Equity Compensation Plan Information

 

The following table provides information about the company’s shares of common stock that may be issued upon the exercise of options, warrants and rights under all of its existing equity compensation plans as of October 31, 2004:

 

Plan category


   (a)
Number of securities to
be issued upon exercise
of outstanding options,
warrants and rights


  

(b)

Weighted-average
exercise price of
outstanding options,
warrants and rights


   (c)
Number of securities remaining
available for future issuance
under equity compensation
plans (excluding securities
reflected in column (a))


Equity compensation plans approved by security holders

   —        —      —  

Equity compensation plans not approved by security holders (1)

   864,760    $ 35.48    362,534
    
  

  

Total

   864,760    $ 35.48    362,534
    
  

  

 

(1) Represents options granted under the 1999 St. John Knits International, Incorporated Stock Option Plan, which was approved by the company’s board of directors in connection with the mergers. The Plan was adopted to permit the grant of options to employees of the company as an additional incentive by allowing them to benefit directly from its growth, development and financial success. Options to purchase an aggregate of 1,227,360 shares are authorized for issuance under the Plan. Options may be granted under the Plan at an exercise price to be determined by the Plan Administrator, and have a term of ten years, subject to earlier termination in certain events related to termination of employment. Each option issued to date was granted at or above the fair market value on the date of grant. The options become exercisable in installments as determined by the Plan Administrator, generally over a period of three to five years from the date of grant. To the extent not already exercisable, the options generally become exercisable upon a change in control transaction.

 

32


Table of Contents
Item 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS

 

The company leases a manufacturing facility in Irvine, California from GM Properties, a partnership in which the Gray Family Trust, of which Bob and Marie Gray serve as co-trustees and are the sole beneficiaries, has a 50% general partnership interest. The lease is for a ten-year term expiring on February 28, 2013, with the company having the option to extend the lease for another five-year term at a lease amount to be agreed upon. The current base monthly lease payment under this lease is approximately $63,000 with annual increases of 4%. During fiscal years 2004, 2003 and 2002, the company paid GM Properties approximately $750,000, $761,000 and $809,000, respectively, to lease this facility.

 

The company leases its Alhambra, California manufacturing facility from Alhambra Partners, a limited partnership in which the Gray Family Trust has a 65% general partnership interest. The lease is for a five-year term expiring on August 31, 2006, with the company having the option to extend the lease for a five-year term at a lease amount to be agreed upon. The current base monthly lease payment under this lease is approximately $30,000, with annual increases of 4%. During fiscal years 2004, 2003 and 2002, the company paid Alhambra Partners approximately $344,000, $331,000 and $318,000, respectively, under this lease.

 

The company periodically rents the use of an airplane from BK Air, a partnership which is owned equally by Bob Gray and Kelly Gray. BK Air owns a fractional interest in an airplane. Payments made to BK Air for the use of the airplane are the same as those paid by BK Air. During fiscal years 2004, 2003 and 2002, the company paid BK Air approximately $181,000, $97,000 and $126,000, respectively, under this arrangement.

 

The company sublet a warehouse facility from Michael Gray, the son of Bob Gray. The building is owned by a partnership comprised of BK Air and Michael Gray. The sublease was terminated during July 2004. During fiscal years 2004, 2003 and 2002, the company paid Michael Gray approximately $38,000, $90,000 and $108,000, respectively, under this sublease.

 

The company leases its retail boutique located in Denver, Colorado from Steele & Second Avenue, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company in which the Gray Family Trust has a 60% ownership interest. The balance of the partnership is owned by a former vice president of the company. The lease is for a ten-year term expiring on March 31, 2012, with the company having an option to extend the lease for two five-year terms at lease amounts to be agreed upon. The current base monthly lease payment under this lease is approximately $16,000, with annual increases of 3%. During fiscal years 2004, 2003 and 2002 the company paid Steele & Second Avenue, LLC approximately $193,000, $188,000 and $128,000, respectively, under this lease.

 

Effective April 30, 2002, the company loaned $500,000 to Bruce Fetter, the Co-President and Chief Operating Officer at the time. The loan accrues interest at 2.9% per year and is payable in full on April 30, 2005.

 

The company has a consulting agreement with Bob Gray, a current director and former Chief Executive Officer. The agreement commenced November 4, 2002 and expires November 3, 2005. Mr. Gray received compensation under the agreement of $125,000 and $500,000 in fiscal years 2004 and 2003, respectively, and is scheduled to receive $125,000 in fiscal 2005.

 

The company periodically rents certain personal property from Ocean Air Charters, Inc. (“Ocean”), in which Bob Gray and Marie Gray are the sole shareholders. During fiscal years 2003 and 2002, the company paid approximately $7,000 and $5,000, respectively, with respect to such property. In addition, the company and Ocean each hold a 50% ownership interest in a partnership (“partnership”) which owns an airplane. As of October 31, 2004, each partner had a net capital investment in the partnership of approximately $1,943,000. During fiscal years 2004, 2003 and 2002, the partnership leased the airplane to the company and received lease payments totaling approximately $1,020,000, $1,200,000 and $1,200,000, respectively. The company and the partnership will terminate the lease agreement for the airplane effective January 31, 2005. The company has not guaranteed any debt of Ocean.

 

The company rents the hangar used to store the airplane from Ocean. The agreement is on a month-to-month basis. The current monthly rent is $4,500. During fiscal years 2004, 2003 and 2002, the company paid to Ocean approximately $54,000, $54,000 and $50,000, respectively, for the rental of this property.

 

Effective December 7, 2004, the company loaned $2,025,000 to Richard Cohen, the company’s Chief Executive Officer and his wife. The loan accrues interest at 5.0% per year and is payable in full on the earlier of June 7, 2006 or upon the sale of their home located in New York. The loan is secured by the New York residence.

 

Each of the arrangements between the company and entities controlled by the Gray family is, in the opinion of the board of directors, on terms no less favorable to the company than those that were available from persons not affiliated with the company.

 

33


Table of Contents

Certain Agreements Relating to the 1999 Mergers

 

Vestar Capital, SJKI and St. John have entered into a management agreement. Under the agreement, Vestar Capital provides management services, including advisory and consulting services, in relation to the selection, supervision and retention of independent auditors, outside legal counsel, investment bankers or other financial advisors or consultants. For these services, SJKI pays Vestar Capital an annual fee of $500,000 and reimburses Vestar Capital for all out-of-pocket expenses. The management agreement will terminate if Vestar Capital and its partners and their respective affiliates, through Vestar/Gray Investors or otherwise, hold, in the aggregate, less than 50% of the SJKI stock beneficially owned by Vestar immediately following the closing of the mergers and cease to control a majority of SJKI’s board of directors.

 

SJKI is approximately 93% owned by Vestar/Gray Investors. Vestar beneficially owns approximately 88%, and the Grays beneficially own approximately 12%, of Vestar/Gray Investors. The Vestar/Gray Investors limited liability company agreement provides, among other things, that Vestar may appoint a majority of SJKI’s directors.

 

SJKI has entered into a stockholders’ agreement with Vestar/Gray Investors, Vestar and the Grays, which states, among other things, that (i) prior to a public offering of SJKI common stock, if Bob Gray ceases to serve as Chairman or Chief Executive Officer of St. John or SJKI or if the employment with SJKI of Marie Gray or Kelly Gray ceases for any reason, then he or she will have the right to require SJKI, or, under some circumstances, St. John, to purchase the shares of SJKI common stock beneficially owned by such employee, up to a maximum of $5.0 million worth of such common stock for all Gray employees during any 12-month period; and (ii) prior to a public offering of SJKI common stock, if any of the Grays is terminated without “cause” or resigns for “good reason,” as these terms are defined in their current respective employment agreements with the company, then he or she will have the right to require SJKI, or, under some circumstances, St. John, to purchase shares of SJKI common stock beneficially owned by such employee, up to a maximum of 25% of the common stock beneficially owned by all such terminated or resigning Gray employees during any 12-month period.

 

At the end of fiscal 2002, Bob Gray retired from his position as Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer of the company. In November 2002, in accordance with the terms of the stockholder agreement, pursuant to Mr. Gray’s request, the company redeemed at fair market value, as determined by the board of directors, 89,621 shares of SJKI’s common stock beneficially owned by him at a total cost of $5.0 million, or $55.79 per share. In May 2004, in accordance with the terms of the stockholders’ agreement, the company redeemed at fair market value, 166,666 shares of SJKI’s common stock beneficially owned by Mr. Gray at a total cost of $5.0 million, or $30.00 per share.

 

The stockholders’ agreement also provides that each of the Grays, so long as he or she is employed by the company and for a period of five years after he or she ceases to be so employed, will not, directly or indirectly, engage in the design, manufacturing, production, marketing, sale or distribution of women’s clothing or accessories anywhere in the world in which the company is doing business, other than through his or her employment with the company. The agreement also provides that if Kelly Gray is terminated without “cause” or resigns for “good reason,” as defined under her current employment agreement, the term of the non-compete period will be reduced to three years, and, subject to restrictions, she will be permitted to engage in certain otherwise competitive activities.

 

34


Table of Contents
Item 14. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES

 

The aggregate fees billed for services rendered by Deloitte & Touche LLP during each of the fiscal years ended October 31, 2004 and November 2, 2003 are as follows:

 

Category


   Aggregate Fees

   2004

   2003

Audit fees(1)

   $ 118,500    $ 123,700

Audit related fees(2)

     43,100      76,400

Tax fees(3)

     287,400      347,900

All other fees(4)

     12,500      45,000
    

  

Total fees

   $ 461,500    $ 593,000
    

  

 

(1) Audit fees—These fees were paid for professional services performed by Deloitte for the audit of the company’s annual financial statements and review of financial statements included in the company’s quarterly reports on Form 10-Q.

 

(2) Audit-related fees—These fees were paid for assurance and related services performed by Deloitte that are reasonably related to the performance of the audit or review of the company’s financial statements. This includes: employee benefit plan audits; retail location audits; and consulting on financial accounting/reporting standards.

 

(3) Tax fees—These fees were paid for professional services performed by Deloitte with respect to tax compliance, tax advice and tax planning. This includes: preparation of tax returns for the company and its subsidiaries; payment planning; tax audit assistance; tax planning assistance.

 

(4) All Other Fees—These are fees for other permissible work performed by Deloitte that does not meet the above category descriptions.

 

The Audit Committee does not have a written policy regarding the preapproval of audit and permissible non-audit services rendered by Deloitte & Touche. As a matter of practice, however, the Audit Committee preapproves all audit and permissible non-audit services rendered by Deloitte & Touche.

 

35


Table of Contents

PART IV

 

Item 15. EXHIBITS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES

 

(a) The following documents are filed as part of this Annual Report on Form 10-K:

 

1. Consolidated Financial Statements—See “Index to Consolidated Financial Statements”

 

2. Consolidated Financial Statement Schedule—See “Index to Consolidated Financial Statements”

 

3. Exhibits—The exhibits listed in the Exhibit Index, which appears immediately following the signature page and is incorporated by reference, are filed as part of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

 

36


Table of Contents

ST. JOHN KNITS INTERNATIONAL, INCORPORATED

 

INDEX TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

     Page

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACOUNTING FIRM

   38

CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

    

Consolidated Balance Sheets as of October 31, 2004 and November 2, 2003

   39

Consolidated Statements of Income and Comprehensive Income for the years ended October 31, 2004, November 2, 2003, and November 3, 2002

   40

Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity (Deficit) for the years ended October 31, 2004, November 2, 2003, and November 3, 2002

   41

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended October 31, 2004, November 2, 2003, and November 3, 2002

   42

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

   44

CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULE

    

Schedule II—Valuation and Qualifying Accounts

   68

 

37


Table of Contents

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACOUNTING FIRM

 

To the Board of Directors and Stockholders of St. John Knits International, Incorporated

 

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of St. John Knits International, Incorporated and subsidiaries as of October 31, 2004 and November 2, 2003 and the related consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income, stockholders’ equity (deficit), and cash flows for the fiscal years ended October 31, 2004, November 2, 2003, and November 3, 2002. Our audits also included the consolidated financial statement schedule for the fiscal years ended October 31, 2004, November 2, 2003 and November 3, 2002 listed in the Index at Item 15. These consolidated financial statements and the consolidated financial statement schedule are the responsibility of the company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these consolidated financial statements and the consolidated financial statement schedule based on our audits.

 

We conducted our audits in accordance with auditing standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the consolidated financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes consideration of internal control over financial reporting as a basis for designing audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion. An audit also includes 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, as well as evaluating the overall consolidated financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

 

In our opinion, such 2004, 2003 and 2002 consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of St. John Knits International, Incorporated and its subsidiaries as of October 31, 2004 and November 2, 2003, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for the fiscal years ended October 31, 2004, November 2, 2003 and November 3, 2002, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. Also, in our opinion, such consolidated financial statement schedule for the fiscal years ended October 31, 2004, November 2, 2003 and November 3, 2002, when considered in relation to the basic consolidated financial statements taken as a whole, presents fairly, in all material respects, the information set forth therein.

 

DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP

 

Costa Mesa, California

January 27, 2005

 

38


Table of Contents

ST. JOHN KNITS INTERNATIONAL, INCORPORATED

 

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

 

    

October 31,

2004


   

November 2,

2003


 
A S S E T S                 

Current assets:

                

Cash and cash equivalents

   $ 17,849,345     $ 19,265,499  

Accounts receivable, net

     28,781,108       31,458,163  

Inventories

     71,345,303       60,116,314  

Deferred income tax benefit

     16,300,707       14,955,723  

Prepaid expenses and other

     4,628,858       5,177,772  
    


 


Total current assets

     138,905,321       130,973,471  
    


 


Property and equipment:

                

Machinery and equipment

     71,506,561       69,691,007  

Leasehold improvements (notes 14 and 15)

     50,517,924       54,004,212  

Buildings (note 14)

     5,886,369       25,717,272  

Furniture and fixtures

     18,445,000       16,600,716  

Land (note 14)

     1,729,891       8,798,320  

Construction in progress

     1,619,851       707,005  
    


 


       149,705,596       175,518,532  

Less—Accumulated depreciation and amortization

     94,994,072       88,391,898  
    


 


       54,711,524       87,126,634  
    


 


Deferred financing costs

     4,930,633       6,972,572  

Deferred income tax benefit

     3,473,541       1,768,464  

Other assets

     5,975,857       7,296,645  
    


 


     $ 207,996,876     $ 234,137,786  
    


 


LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY (DEFICIT)                 

Current liabilities:

                

Accounts payable

   $ 13,454,759     $ 11,515,439  

Accrued expenses

     25,373,965       22,032,299  

Current portion of long-term debt

     18,180,507       18,892,088  

Accrued interest expense

     4,120,612       4,102,795  

Income taxes payable

     4,867,728       5,522,444  
    


 


Total current liabilities

     65,997,571       62,065,065  

Long-term debt, net of current portion

     189,062,174       231,755,065  

Other liabilities

     9,559,774       5,603,938  
    


 


Total liabilities

     264,619,519       299,424,068  
    


 


Redeemable common stock - par value $0.01, issued and outstanding—712,696 and 879,362 shares, respectively

     26,369,752       26,380,860  
    


 


Commitment and contingencies (notes 8 and 16)

                

Stockholders’ equity (deficit):

                

Common stock - par value $0.01, authorized—10,000,000 shares, issued and outstanding—5,577,257 shares

     55,772       55,772  

Additional paid-in capital

     110,783,133       115,772,005  

Unrealized loss on securities

     —         (42,012 )

Unrealized loss on hedging transactions

     (106,258 )     —    

Cumulative foreign currency translation adjustment

     1,014,980       735,172  

Accumulated deficit

     (194,740,022 )     (208,188,079 )
    


 


Total stockholders’ deficit

     (82,992,395 )     (91,667,142 )
    


 


     $ 207,996,876     $ 234,137,786  
    


 


 

See accompanying notes.

 

39


Table of Contents

ST. JOHN KNITS INTERNATIONAL, INCORPORATED

 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

 

     For the years ended

 
     October 31,
2004


    November 2,
2003


   

November 3,

2002


 

Net sales

   $ 395,602,962     $ 370,143,242     $ 362,234,249  

Cost of sales (including $3.2 million related to the closure of the non-apparel line in fiscal 2004 - note 13)

     179,171,779       156,642,464       154,507,656  
    


 


 


Gross profit

     216,431,183       213,500,778       207,726,593  

Selling, general and administrative expenses

     175,258,639       163,212,976       143,904,391  
    


 


 


Operating income

     41,172,544       50,287,802       63,822,202  

Interest expense

     21,535,963       24,395,506       23,674,157  

Other income (expense)

     49,655       (1,536,693 )     358,063  
    


 


 


Income before income taxes

     19,686,236       24,355,603       40,506,108  

Income taxes

     6,238,179       9,473,990       16,201,099  
    


 


 


Net income

     13,448,057       14,881,613       24,305,009  

Preferred stock dividends

     —         —         3,458,233  
    


 


 


Net income allocated to common stockholders

   $ 13,448,057     $ 14,881,613     $ 20,846,776  
    


 


 


Comprehensive income, net of tax:

                        

Net income

   $ 13,448,057     $ 14,881,613     $ 24,305,009  

Foreign currency translation adjustments

     279,808       342,702       194,812  

Unrealized loss on hedging transactions

     (106,258 )     —         (64,203 )

Unrealized gain (loss) on securities

     —         1,305       (1,993 )
    


 


 


Comprehensive income

   $ 13,621,607     $ 15,225,620     $ 24,433,625  
    


 


 


Net income per common share:

                        

Basic

   $ 2.11     $ 2.30     $ 3.18  
    


 


 


Diluted

   $ 2.11     $ 2.23     $ 3.14  
    


 


 


Shares used in the calculation of net income per common share:

                        

Basic

     6,381,780       6,457,847       6,546,240  
    


 


 


Diluted

     6,382,615       6,678,443       6,641,544  
    


 


 


 

See accompanying notes.

 

40


Table of Contents

ST. JOHN KNITS INTERNATIONAL, INCORPORATED

 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY (DEFICIT)

 

    Common Stock

        Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)

             
   

Number

of

Shares


  Amount

 

Additional

Paid-In

Capital


   

Cumulative

Translation

Adjustment


   

Unrealized

Loss on

Securities


   

Unrealized

Loss on

Hedging


   

Accumulated

Deficit


    Total

 

Balance October 28, 2001

  5,577,257   $ 55,772   $ 120,021,341     $ (150,371 )   $ (40,826 )   $ 106,999     $ (243,916,468 )   $ (123,923,553 )

Dividends accrued for preferred stock

  —       —       —         —         —         —         (3,458,233 )     (3,458,233 )

Unrealized loss on securities

  —       —       —         —         (3,322 )     —         —         (3,322 )

Foreign currency translation adjustment

  —       —       —         324,669       —         —         —         324,669  

Unrealized gain on hedging transactions

  —       —       —         —         —         (106,999 )     —         (106,999 )

Increase in fair value of redeemable common stock

  —       —       (26,928,038 )     —         —         —         —         (26,928,038 )

Net income

  —       —       —         —         —         —         24,305,009       24,305,009  
   
 

 


 


 


 


 


 


Balance November 3, 2002

  5,577,257     55,772     93,093,303       174,298       (44,148 )     —         (223,069,692 )     (129,790,467 )

Unrealized gain on securities

  —       —       —         —         2,136       —         —         2,136  

Foreign currency translation adjustment

  —       —       —         560,874       —         —         —         560,874  

Decrease in fair value of redeemable common stock

  —       —       22,678,702       —         —         —         —         22,678,702  

Net income

  —       —       —         —         —         —         14,881,613       14,881,613  
   
 

 


 


 


 


 


 


Balance November 2, 2003

  5,577,257     55,772     115,772,005       735,172       (42,012 )     —         (208,188,079 )     (91,667,142 )

Unrealized gain on securities

  —       —       —         —         42,012       —         —         42,012  

Foreign currency translation adjustment

  —       —       —         279,808       —         —         —         279,808  

Unrealized loss on hedging transactions

  —       —       —         —         —         (106,258 )     —         (106,258 )

Increase in fair value of redeemable common stock

  —       —       (4,988,872 )     —         —         —         —         (4,988,872 )

Net income

  —       —       —         —         —         —         13,448,057       13,448,057  
   
 

 


 


 


 


 


 


Balance October 31, 2004

  5,577,257   $ 55,772   $ 110,783,133     $ 1,014,980     $ —       $ (106,258 )   $ (194,740,022 )   $ (82,992,395 )
   
 

 


 


 


 


 


 


 

See accompanying notes.

 

41


Table of Contents

ST. JOHN KNITS INTERNATIONAL, INCORPORATED

 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

 

     For the years ended

 
     October 31,
2004


    November 2,
2003


   

November 3,

2002


 

Cash flows from operating activities:

                        

Net income

   $ 13,448,057     $ 14,881,613     $ 24,305,009  

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:

                        

Depreciation and amortization

     16,663,289       16,690,300       15,681,286  

Amortization of discount on 12.5% notes due 2009

     138,400       138,398       141,062  

Amortization of deferred loan costs

     2,121,693       2,102,279       2,060,609  

Deferred income tax benefit

     (3,159,453 )     (123,050 )     (2,785,152 )

Loss on disposal of property and equipment

     4,143,282       1,212,698       340,723  

Provision for the allowance for doubtful accounts

     125,276       301,040       (652,344 )

Partnership losses

     956,754       872,178       904,502  

Changes in operating assets and liabilities:

                        

(Increase) decrease in accounts receivable

     2,551,779       (414,289 )     (5,179,667 )

Increase in inventories

     (11,228,989 )     (5,410,441 )     (2,208,176 )

(Increase) decrease in other current assets

     548,914       (1,381,401 )     (155,531 )

Increase in other assets

     (15,792 )     (1,171,243 )     (855,546 )

Increase (decrease) in accounts payable

     1,684,097       4,641,507       (2,087,538 )

Increase (decrease) in accrued expenses

     (395,540 )     5,230,611       1,023,862  

Increase (decrease) in accrued interest expense

     17,817       (1,716,511 )     1,488,076  

Increase (decrease) in income taxes payable

     (654,716 )     (1,679,056 )     5,280,465  

Increase in other liabilities

     3,955,836       460,153       5,143,785  
    


 


 


Net cash provided by operating activities

     30,900,704       34,634,786       42,445,425  
    


 


 


Cash flows from investing activities:

                        

Proceeds from sale of property and equipment

     27,621,971       22,500       20,900  

Purchase of property and equipment

     (12,387,445 )     (21,267,318 )     (17,427,210 )

Sale of short-term investments

     —         6,713       3,332  

Capital distributions from partnership

     405,000       440,000       486,500  
    


 


 


Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities

     15,639,526       (20,798,105 )     (16,916,478 )
    


 


 


Cash flows from financing activities:

                        

Principal payments of long-term debt

     (43,290,444 )     (10,292,684 )     (22,343,512 )

Proceeds from bank borrowings

     —         30,299,243       408,230  

Redemption of 15.25% subordinated notes

     —         (39,293,709 )     —    

Financing fees and expenses

     (79,754 )     (974,114 )     —    

Redemption of redeemable common stock

     (4,999,980 )     (5,000,000 )     —    
    


 


 


Net cash used in financing activities

     (48,370,178 )     (25,261,264 )     (21,935,282 )
    


 


 


Effect of exchange rate changes

     413,794       560,874       324,669  
    


 


 


Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

     (1,416,154 )     (10,863,709 )     3,918,334  

Beginning balance, cash and cash equivalents

     19,265,499       30,129,208       26,210,874  
    


 


 


Ending balance, cash and cash equivalents

   $ 17,849,345     $ 19,265,499     $ 30,129,208  
    


 


 


 

42


Table of Contents

ST. JOHN KNITS INTERNATIONAL, INCORPORATED

 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(Continued)

 

     For the years ended

 
     October 31,
2004


    November 2,
2003


   

November 3,

2002


 

Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information:

                        

Cash received for interest income

   $ 241,357     $ 440,057     $ 1,044,376  
    


 


 


Cash paid for:

                        

Interest expense

   $ 19,400,328     $ 23,804,683     $ 19,798,563  
    


 


 


Income taxes

   $ 10,181,508     $ 11,388,433     $ 15,095,044  
    


 


 


Supplemental disclosure of noncash financing and investing activities:

                        

Deferred gain on sale leaseback

   $ 3,634,028     $ —       $ —    
    


 


 


Dividends accrued on mandatorily redeemable preferred stock

   $ —       $ —       $ 3,458,233  
    


 


 


Conversion of mandatorily redeemable preferred stock and accrued dividends to subordinated notes

   $ —       $ —       $ 38,760,748  
    


 


 


Conversion of accrued interest to subordinated notes

   $ —       $ 532,961     $ —    
    


 


 


Unrealized gain (loss) on securities

   $ —       $ 2,136     $ (542 )
    


 


 


Unrealized loss on hedging transactions

   $ (106,258 )   $ —       $ (106,999 )
    


 


 


Adjustment of redeemable common stock to fair value

   $ 4,988,872     $ (22,678,702 )   $ 26,928,038  
    


 


 


 

See accompanying notes.

 

43


Table of Contents

ST. JOHN KNITS INTERNATIONAL, INCORPORATED

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

October 31, 2004, November 2, 2003 and November 3, 2002

 

1. Company Background and Basis of Presentation

 

The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of St. John Knits International, Incorporated (“SJKI”), a Delaware corporation, and its subsidiaries, including St. John Knits, Inc. (“St. John”). SJKI and its subsidiaries are collectively referred to herein as “the Company.” All interdivisional and intercompany transactions and accounts have been eliminated in consolidation. The Company is a leading designer, manufacturer and marketer of women’s clothing and accessories. The Company’s products are distributed primarily through specialty retailers and the Company’s own retail boutiques and outlets.

 

The accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

 

2. Summary of Accounting Policies

 

a. Definition of Fiscal Year

 

The Company utilizes a 52-53 week fiscal year whereby the fiscal year ends on the Sunday nearest to October 31. Accordingly, fiscal years 2004, 2003, and 2002 ended on October 31, November 2, and November 3, respectively. Fiscal years 2004 and 2003 were comprised of 52 weeks while fiscal year 2002 included 53 weeks.

 

b. Use of Estimates

 

The preparation of the consolidated financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make certain 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 may differ from those estimates.

 

c. Revenue Recognition

 

Revenue on sales to the Company’s wholesale customers is recognized when the goods are shipped and title and risk of loss passes. The Company establishes liabilities for estimated allowances and wholesale markdowns at the time of shipment. The Company also provides for estimated discounts when recording sales. Retail sales are recognized at the point of sale. The Company establishes allowances for estimated returns for wholesale and retail sales based on historical experience. Accounts receivable are shown net of allowances for discounts and uncollectible amounts of $2,208,000 and $1,068,000 in fiscal year 2004 and $2,613,000 and $2,560,000 in fiscal year 2003, respectively. The provision for the allowance for doubtful accounts was $125,000 and $301,000 for fiscal years 2004 and 2003, respectively.

 

d. Inventories

 

Inventories are valued at the lower of cost (first-in, first-out) or market.

 

Inventories are comprised of the following:

 

     2004

   2003

Raw materials

   $ 15,686,238    $ 14,432,876

Work-in-process

     11,904,165      9,920,428

Finished products

     43,754,900      35,763,010
    

  

     $ 71,345,303    $ 60,116,314
    

  

 

44


Table of Contents

ST. JOHN KNITS INTERNATIONAL, INCORPORATED

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

 

October 31, 2004, November 2, 2003 and November 3, 2002

 

e. Property and Equipment

 

Property and equipment are stated at cost. The Company provides for depreciation using the straight-line method to provide for the retirement of property and equipment at the end of their estimated useful lives, which range from 3 to 39 years. Leasehold improvements are amortized over the shorter of their useful lives or the term of the underlying lease. The table below provides the estimated useful lives by classification:

 

     Useful Life

     ( years)

Machinery and equipment

   3 to 5

Leasehold improvements

   5 to 15

Buildings

   39

Furniture and fixtures

   3 to 5

 

f. Cash and Cash Equivalents

 

For purposes of the statements of cash flows, cash and cash equivalents include all liquid debt instruments purchased with an original maturity of three months or less.

 

g. Foreign Exchange Transactions and Contracts

 

The Company may enter into foreign exchange contracts as a hedge against exchange rate risk on the collection of certain accounts receivable denominated in a foreign currency. The Company may enter into such contracts to sell foreign currencies in the future only to protect the U.S. dollar value of certain anticipated foreign currency transactions. The foreign exchange contracts are carried on the balance sheet at their fair value with changes in their fair value initially included as a separate component of stockholders’ equity until the anticipated transaction occurs. Such gains and losses then offset the related gains and losses reported on the underlying transaction (Note 4).

 

h. Income Taxes

 

The Company accounts for income taxes under Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (“SFAS”) No. 109, “Accounting for Income Taxes.” SFAS No. 109 requires the use of the liability method of accounting for deferred income taxes. Under this method, deferred income taxes are recorded to reflect the tax consequences on future years of differences between the tax bases of assets and liabilities and their financial reporting amounts at each year-end. If it is more likely than not that some portion or all of a deferred tax asset will not be realized, a valuation allowance is recognized.

 

i. Earnings per Share

 

Basic earnings per common share is computed by dividing income allocated to common stockholders by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding, excluding the dilutive effect of common stock equivalents, including stock options. Diluted earnings per common share includes all dilutive items and is calculated based upon the treasury stock method, which assumes that all dilutive securities were exercised and that the proceeds received were applied to repurchase outstanding shares at the average market price during the period. Preferred stock dividends are deducted from net income to arrive at income allocated to common stockholders.

 

45


Table of Contents

ST. JOHN KNITS INTERNATIONAL, INCORPORATED

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

 

October 31, 2004, November 2, 2003 and November 3, 2002

 

The following is a reconciliation of the Company’s weighted average shares outstanding for the purpose of calculating basic and diluted earnings per common share for all periods presented:

 

     Fiscal Years

     2004

   2003

   2002

Weighted average shares outstanding

   6,381,780    6,457,847    6,546,240

Add: dilutive effect of stock options

   835    220,596    95,304
    
  
  

Shares used to calculate diluted earnings per common share

   6,382,615    6,678,443    6,641,544
    
  
  

 

The Company excluded approximately 864,000, 463,000 and 386,000 of dilutive securities from the calculation of earnings per common share for fiscal years 2004, 2003 and 2002, respectively, because the effect is antidilutive.

 

SFAS No. 123, “Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation,” was issued in 1995 and, if fully adopted, changes the methods for recognition of cost on plans similar to that of the Company. Adoption of SFAS No. 123 is optional for employee stock option grants; however, pro forma disclosure as if the Company had adopted the fair value method is required. Had compensation cost for stock options been recorded in accordance with SFAS No. 123, the Company’s net income and earnings per common share would have reflected the following pro forma amounts:

 

     Fiscal Years

     2004

   2003

   2002

Net income, as reported

   $ 13,448,057    $ 14,881,613    $ 24,305,009

Less: total stock-based employee compensation expense determined under the fair value based method for all awards, net of related tax effects

     512,779      543,290      958,018
    

  

  

Pro forma net income

   $ 12,935,278    $ 14,338,323    $ 23,346,991
    

  

  

Earnings per common share:

                    

Basic – as reported

   $ 2.11    $ 2.30    $ 3.18

Basic – pro forma

   $ 2.03    $ 2.22    $ 3.04

Diluted – as reported

   $ 2.11    $ 2.23    $ 3.14

Diluted – pro forma

   $ 2.03    $ 2.15    $ 2.99

 

The fair value of each option grant is estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes pricing model with the following assumptions used for the grants in fiscal years 2004, 2003 and 2002: weighted-average risk-free interest rate of 3.29%, 3.32% and 3.08%, respectively; weighted-average volatility of 39.14%, 47.15% and 67.43%, respectively; expected life of 6 years; and weighted-average dividend yield of 0.00%.

 

j. Foreign Currency Translation

 

The Company translates the financial statements of its foreign subsidiaries from the local (functional) currencies to U.S. dollars in accordance with SFAS No. 52, “Foreign Currency Translation.” Substantially all assets and liabilities of the Company’s foreign subsidiaries are translated at year-end exchange rates, while revenue and expenses are translated at average exchange rates prevailing during the year. Adjustments for foreign currency translation fluctuations are excluded from net income and are included in accumulated other comprehensive income. Gains and losses on short-term intercompany foreign currency transactions are recognized as incurred.

 

46


Table of Contents

ST. JOHN KNITS INTERNATIONAL, INCORPORATED

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

 

October 31, 2004, November 2, 2003 and November 3, 2002

 

k. Advertising and Promotion

 

All costs associated with the advertising and promotion of the Company’s products are expensed as incurred. Total advertising expenses for the Company for fiscal years 2004, 2003 and 2002 were approximately $14,000,000, $16,000,000 and $13,400,000, respectively.

 

l. Comprehensive Income

 

SFAS No. 130, “Reporting Comprehensive Income,” requires that all components of comprehensive income be reported in the financial statements in the period in which they are recognized. The components of comprehensive income for the Company include net income, realized gains or losses on investments, unrealized gains or losses on cash flow hedges and foreign currency translation adjustments.

 

m. Segment Reporting

 

The Company applies SFAS No. 131, “Disclosures About Segments of an Enterprise and Related Information,” for reporting information about business segments and related disclosures about products, geographic areas and major customers. The business segments of the Company are wholesale and retail sales. Information on segment reporting is included in Note 17.

 

n. Shipping and Handling Fees

 

The Company accounts for its shipping and handling fees and costs in accordance with Emerging Issues Task Force (“EITF”) No. 00-10, “Accounting for Shipping and Handling Fees and Costs.” EITF No. 00-10 governs the accounting treatment and classification of the Company’s delivery revenues and certain of its delivery expenses.

 

During fiscal years 2004, 2003 and 2002, the Company incurred shipping expenses to ship its products to its wholesale customers of approximately $3,262,000, $3,181,000 and $3,223,000, respectively. These shipping expenses are included in selling, general and administrative expenses for all years.

 

o. Deferred Rent

 

The Company averages any defined rental escalations over the term of the related lease in order to provide level recognition of rent expense. The amount of any such rental expense in excess of the cash paid is recognized as deferred rent expense and recorded in other liabilities on the accompanying consolidated balance sheets at October 31, 2004 and November 2, 2003.

 

p. New Accounting Pronouncements

 

In January 2003, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Interpretation (“FIN”) No. 46, “Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities” and in December 2003, issued Interpretation No. 46 (R) (revised December 2003) “Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities – An Interpretation of Accounting Research Bulletin (“ARB”) No. 51.” In general, a variable interest entity is a corporation, partnership, trust, or any other legal structure used for business purposes that either (a) does not have equity investors with voting rights or (b) has equity investors that do not provide sufficient financial resources for the entity to support its activities. FIN 46 requires certain variable interest entities to be consolidated by the primary beneficiary of the entity if the investors in the entity do not have the characteristics of a controlling financial interest or do not have sufficient equity at risk for the entity to finance its activities without additional subordinated financial support from other parties. FIN 46(R) clarifies the application of ARB 51, “Consolidated Financial Statements,” to certain entities in which equity investors do not have the characteristics of a controlling financial interest or do not have sufficient equity at risk for the entity to finance its activities without subordinated financial support from other parties. FIN 46 (R) applies immediately to variable interest entities created after December 31, 2003, and to variable interest entities in which an enterprise obtains an interest after that date. It applies no later than the first reporting period ending after December 15, 2004, to variable interest entities in which an enterprise

 

47


Table of Contents

ST. JOHN KNITS INTERNATIONAL, INCORPORATED

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

 

October 31, 2004, November 2, 2003 and November 3, 2002

 

holds a variable interest that it acquired before January 1, 2004. FIN 46 (R) applies to public enterprises as of the beginning of the applicable interim or annual period ending after March 15, 2004. The adoption of FIN 46 and FIN 46 (R) did not have a material impact on its financial position or results of operations because the Company has no variable interest entities.

 

In May 2003, the FASB issued SFAS No. 150, “Accounting for Certain Instruments with Characteristics of Both Liabilities and Equity”, which establishes standards for how an issuer classifies and measures certain financial instruments with characteristics of both liabilities and equity. SFAS 150 requires that an issuer classify a financial instrument that is within its scope, which may have previously been reported as equity, as a liability (or an asset in some circumstances). This statement is effective for financial instruments entered into or modified after May 31, 2003, and otherwise is effective at the beginning of the first interim period beginning after June 15, 2003. In October 2003, the FASB deferred implementation of SFAS 150 regarding parent company treatment of mandatorily redeemable minority interests for limited life entities. This deferral is for an indefinite period. The adoption of SFAS 150 will not have a material impact on the Company’s financial position or results of operations.

 

In December 2003, the Securities and Exchange Commission released Staff Accounting Bulletin (“SAB”) No. 104, “Revenue Recognition”, which supersedes SAB 101, “Revenue Recognition in Financial Statements.” SAB 104 clarifies existing guidance regarding revenues for contracts which contain multiple deliverables to make it consistent with Emerging Issues Task Force No. 00-21, “Accounting for Revenue Arrangements with Multiple Deliverables.” The adoption of SAB 104 did not have a material impact on the Company’s revenue recognition policies, its financial position or results of operations.

 

In November 2004, the FASB issued SFAS No. 151, “Inventory Costs, an amendment of ARB No. 43, Chapter 4,” to clarify that abnormal amounts of idle facility expense, freight, handling costs and wasted material (spoilage) should be recognized as current period charges, and that fixed production overheads should be allocated to inventory based on normal capacity of production facilities. This statement is effective for the Company’s fiscal year 2006. The Company is in the process of evaluating whether the adoption of SFAS 151 will have a significant impact on our overall results of operations or financial position.

 

In December 2004, the FASB issued SFAS No. 123(R) “Share-Based Payment.” SFAS 123(R) requires the recognition of compensation cost relating to share-based payment transactions in financial statements. That cost will be measured based on the fair value of the equity or liability instruments issued as of the grant date, based on the estimated number of awards that are expected to vest. SFAS 123(R) covers a wide range of share-based compensation arrangements including share options, restricted share plans, performance-based awards, share appreciation rights, and employee share purchase plans. Statement 123(R) replaces FASB Statement No. 123, “Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation,” and supersedes APB Opinion No. 25, “Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees.” Statement 123(R) is effective for interim periods that begin after June 15, 2005. The Company is allowed to select from three alternative transition methods, each having different reporting implications. The Company has not completed our evaluation or determined the impact of adopting SFAS 123(R).

 

3. Fair Value of Financial Instruments

 

The following methods and assumptions were used by management to estimate the fair value of each class of financial instrument for which it is practicable to estimate:

 

Cash and Cash Equivalents – The carrying amount is a reasonable estimate of the fair value.

 

Senior Credit Facility – The term debt related to the senior credit facility approximates the fair value as the interest rate on the debt is variable and similar to current rates management believes would be available to the Company.

 

12.5% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2009 – The fair value of these notes is based on their quoted market price.

 

Redeemable Common Stock – The carrying value of the redeemable common stock is adjusted each period based upon the quoted market price as reported on the OTC Bulletin Board quotation system, consequently its carrying value approximates fair value.

 

48


Table of Contents

ST. JOHN KNITS INTERNATIONAL, INCORPORATED

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

 

October 31, 2004, November 2, 2003 and November 3, 2002

 

The estimated fair values of the Company’s financial instruments are as follows:

 

     October 31, 2004

   November 2, 2003

     Book Value

   Fair Value

   Book Value

   Fair Value

Financial Assets:

                           

Cash and cash equivalents

   $ 17,849,345    $ 17,849,345    $ 19,265,499    $ 19,265,499

Financial Liabilities:

                           

Long-term debt:

                           

Senior Credit Facility

   $ 107,837,799    $ 107,837,799    $ 149,803,380    $ 149,803,380

12.5% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2009

   $ 99,358,066    $ 107,420,000    $ 99,219,666    $ 110,250,000

Redeemable Common Stock

   $ 26,369,752    $ 26,369,752    $ 26,380,860    $ 26,380,860

 

4. Hedging Activities

 

The Company accounts for its hedging activities in accordance with SFAS No. 133, “Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities,” and has designated certain financial instruments as cash flow hedges which must be reported in accordance with SFAS No. 133.

 

The Company may enter into contracts to buy and sell foreign currencies in the future to protect the U.S. dollar value of certain anticipated foreign currency transactions. The forward contracts are carried on the balance sheet at their fair value with changes in their fair value initially included in a separate component of stockholders’ equity until the anticipated transactions occur. Such gains and losses then offset the related gains and losses reported on the underlying transaction. At October 31, 2004, the Company held contracts maturing from December 31, 2004 to May 31, 2005 to sell 2.0 million Euros and 600,000 Pounds at an average exchange rate of 1.21 U.S. dollars to the Euro and 1.78 U.S. dollars to the Pound. The total tax effected fair value at October 31, 2004 was a loss of $106,000 and is recorded as a component of stockholders’ equity and comprehensive income.

 

The Company is exposed to market risks related to fluctuations in interest rates on its variable rate debt which consists of bank borrowings related to the mergers. During October 1999, the Company entered into an interest rate collar agreement with a major financial institution to limit its exposure on $45.0 million of the Company’s variable rate debt. The agreement expired on July 7, 2002. The Company made payments totaling approximately $860,000 during fiscal year 2002 under this agreement.

 

On the date the Company enters into a derivative contract, management designates the derivative as a hedge of the identified exposure. The Company does not enter into derivative instruments that do not qualify as cash flow hedges as described in SFAS No. 133. The Company formally documents all relationships between hedging instruments and hedged items, as well as the risk-management objective and strategy for undertaking various hedge transactions. In this documentation, the Company specifically identifies the firm commitment or forecasted transaction that has been designated as a hedged item and states how the hedging instrument is expected to hedge the risks related to the hedged item. The Company formally measures effectiveness of its hedging relationships, both at the hedge inception and on an ongoing basis, in accordance with its risk management policy. The Company would discontinue hedge accounting prospectively (i) if it is determined that the derivative is no longer effective in offsetting change in the cash flows of a hedged item, (ii) when the derivative expires or is sold, terminated or exercised, (iii) when the derivative is designated as a hedge instrument, because it is probable that the forecasted transaction will not occur, (iv) because a hedged firm commitment no longer meets the definition of a firm commitment, or (v) if management determines that designation of the derivative as a hedge instrument is no longer appropriate.

 

49


Table of Contents

ST. JOHN KNITS INTERNATIONAL, INCORPORATED

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

 

October 31, 2004, November 2, 2003 and November 3, 2002

 

5. Accrued Expenses

 

Accrued expenses for fiscal years 2004 and 2003 are comprised of the following:

 

     2004

   2003

Wages and benefits

   $ 7,280,488    $ 6,659,164

Workers’ compensation

     9,795,145      7,896,225

Profit-sharing plan contribution

     500,000      500,000

Promotional and advertising allowance

     389,867      218,578

Other

     7,408,465      6,758,332
    

  

     $ 25,373,965    $ 22,032,299
    

  

 

6. Income Taxes

 

The provision for income taxes for fiscal years 2004, 2003 and 2002 consists of the following:

 

     2004

    2003

    2002

 

Current:

                        

Federal

   $ 6,453,131     $ 7,432,085     $ 13,858,630  

State and foreign

     2,944,502       2,164,955       5,127,621  
    


 


 


       9,397,633       9,597,040       18,986,251  

Deferred benefit

     (3,159,454 )     (123,050 )     (2,785,152 )
    


 


 


     $ 6,238,179     $ 9,473,990     $ 16,201,099  
    


 


 


 

The components of the Company’s deferred income tax benefit as of October 31, 2004 and November 2, 2003 are as follows:

 

     2004

    2003

 

Deferred income tax benefit:

                

Tax basis adjustments to inventory

   $ 1,971,493     $ 1,179,139  

Allowance for uncollectible accounts

     509,105       590,234  

Inventory adjustments to market

     3,460,543       3,781,260  

Accrued expenses

     11,700,179       10,464,217  

Foreign loss carryforwards

     3,254,689       1,919,697  

Depreciation and other

     (1,121,761 )     (1,210,360 )
    


 


     $ 19,774,248     $ 16,724,187  
    


 


 

A reconciliation of the U.S. federal statutory rate of 35% to the effective tax rate for fiscal years 2004, 2003 and 2002 is as follows:

 

     2004

    2003

    2002

 

Computed “expected” statutory federal income tax rate

   35.0 %   35.0 %   35.0 %

State income taxes, net of federal income tax benefit

   0.2     6.4     6.1  

Foreign

   (2.9 )   (2.1 )   (1.3 )

Other

   (0.6 )   (0.4 )   0.2  
    

 

 

Effective income tax rate

   31.7 %   38.9 %   40.0 %
    

 

 

 

For fiscal years 2004, 2003 and 2002, substantially all of the Company’s pretax income was in domestic rather than foreign jurisdictions.

 

The Company does not provide for U.S. federal, state or additional foreign income tax effect on foreign earnings that management intends on keeping permanently reinvested. For the fiscal year ended October 31, 2004, foreign earnings earmarked for permanent reinvestment totaled approximately $1,034,000.

 

50


Table of Contents

ST. JOHN KNITS INTERNATIONAL, INCORPORATED

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

 

October 31, 2004, November 2, 2003 and November 3, 2002

 

7. Benefit and Stock Option Plans

 

The Company is self-insured for a portion of its medical benefits programs. Amounts charged to expense for health benefits were approximately $8,811,000, $7,162,000 and $7,258,000 for fiscal years 2004, 2003 and 2002, respectively, and were based on actual claims and an estimate of claims incurred but not reported. The current liability for health benefits is included in accrued expenses on the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. The Company maintains excess insurance coverage on an individual and an aggregate basis.

 

The Company is partially self-insured for its workers’ compensation insurance coverage. Under this program, the Company is liable for a deductible of $500,000 for each individual claim. The Company records a liability for the estimated cost of claims both reported and incurred but not reported. The estimated liability for future payments under this program is included in accrued expenses on the accompanying consolidated balance sheets.

 

The Company maintains a qualified profit-sharing plan for the benefit of all eligible employees. This plan contemplates the sharing of profits annually at the discretion of the board of directors and is funded by cash contributions. The contribution to this plan was $500,000, in each of the fiscal years 2004, 2003 and 2002.

 

The Company has one stock option plan, the 1999 St. John Knits International, Incorporated Stock Option Plan (the “1999 Plan”). Options granted under the 1999 Plan are nonstatutory stock options. The Company accounts for the plan under APB Opinion No. 25 “Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees,” under which no compensation cost has been recognized for fiscal years 2004, 2003 and 2002.

 

The Company may grant up to 1,277,360 options under the 1999 Plan. The Company has granted 864,826 options and has 864,760 options outstanding as of October 31, 2004. Stock options are granted with an exercise price equal to the fair market value of the stock at the date of grant. Options generally vest over three to five years; are exercisable in whole or in installments; and expire 10 years from date of grant.

 

The following is a summary of the activity in the 1999 Plan for fiscal years 2004, 2003 and 2002:

 

     2004

   2003

   2002

     Shares

   

Weighted-

Average

Exercise

Price


   Shares

   

Weighted-

Average

Exercise

Price


   Shares

   

Weighted-

Average

Exercise

Price


Outstanding, beginning of year

   683,764     $ 32.64    602,097     $ 30.11    554,263     $ 30.00

Granted

   200,000       45.00    90,002       49.32    57,500       31.13

Exercised

   —         —      —         —      —         —  

Forfeited

   (19,004 )     33.32    (8,335 )     30.00    (9,666 )     30.00
    

 

  

 

  

 

Outstanding, end of year

   864,760     $ 35.48    683,764     $ 32.64    602,097     $ 30.11
    

 

  

 

  

 

Exercisable, end of year

   430,137     $ 30.82    382,886     $ 30.03    340,286     $ 30.00

Weighted-average fair value of options granted

         $ 12.39          $ 14.46          $ 12.93

 

The options outstanding as of October 31, 2004 have a weighted-average exercise price of $35.48 and a weighted-average remaining contractual life of 6.46 years.

 

51


Table of Contents

ST. JOHN KNITS INTERNATIONAL, INCORPORATED

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

 

October 31, 2004, November 2, 2003 and November 3, 2002

 

The following table summarizes stock options outstanding and exercisable at October 31, 2004:

 

        Options Outstanding

  Options Exercisable

Range of Exercise

Prices


 

Number

Outstanding


 

Weighted Avg

Remaining

Contractual Life

(yrs)


 

Weighted Avg

Exercise Price


 

Number

Exercisable


 

Weighted Avg

Exercise Price


$ 30.00-37.19   653,428   5.49   $ 30.26   417,604   $ 30.08
$ 40.00-49.55   51,332   9.82   $ 40.25   533   $ 49.55
$ 50.00-60.00   160,000   9.23   $ 55.30   12,000   $ 55.79

 

8. Commitments and Contingencies

 

The Company has entered into various leases for manufacturing, showroom, warehouse, retail and office locations, including leases with related parties (Note 11). The leases expire at various dates through the year 2019 and certain leases contain renewal options. Rental expense under these leases was approximately $23,158,000, $21,548,000 and $17,774,000 in fiscal years 2004, 2003 and 2002, respectively.

 

The following is a schedule of future annual minimum rental payments required under noncancelable operating leases as of October 31, 2004:

 

Fiscal Year


   Related
Parties


   Third Parties

   Total

2005

   $ 1,309,000    $ 23,543,000    $ 24,852,000

2006

     1,265,000      23,324,000      24,589,000

2007

     964,000      23,088,000      24,052,000

2008

     971,000      22,701,000      23,672,000

2009

     977,000      21,695,000      22,672,000

Thereafter

     3,081,000      79,458,000      82,539,000
    

  

  

     $ 8,567,000    $ 193,809,000    $ 202,376,000
    

  

  

 

The Company has various employment contracts with certain key employees, which expire at various times through December 31, 2005. These agreements provide for total annual compensation aggregating $3,950,000 and the payment of severance benefits upon the termination of employment under certain conditions.

 

As of October 31, 2004 and November 2, 2003, the Company’s commitments to purchase yarn were approximately $6,441,000 and $7,993,000, respectively.

 

During the normal course of business, the Company has made certain indemnities, commitments and guarantees under which it may be required to make payments in relation to certain transactions. These indemnities include those given to various lessors in connection with facility leases for certain claims arising from such facility or lease. The Company has also issued guarantees, in the form of letters of credit, to cover contractual commitments, including merchandise purchases from foreign vendors and to secure the payment for potential future workers’ compensation claims. The Company had $15.3 million of letters of credit outstanding at October 31, 2004. Of this total, $13.8 million is related to potential future workers’ compensation claims. The Company has accrued a liability for the estimated claims, both reported and incurred but not yet reported, on the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. The duration of these indemnities, commitments and guarantees varies and in certain cases is indefinite. The majority of these indemnities, commitments and guarantees do not provide for any limitation of the maximum potential future payments the Company could be obligated to make. The Company has not recorded any significant liabilities for these indemnities, commitments and guarantees in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets other than as noted.

 

52


Table of Contents

ST. JOHN KNITS INTERNATIONAL, INCORPORATED

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

 

October 31, 2004, November 2, 2003 and November 3, 2002

 

9. Long-term Debt

 

    

October 31,

2004


  

November 2,

2003


Long-term debt consists of the following:

             

Senior credit facility:

             

Tranche A

   $ —      $ 28,174,234

Tranche B

     107,837,799      121,629,146
    

  

       107,837,799      149,803,380

Senior Subordinated 12.5% notes, net of discount

     99,358,066      99,219,666

Other

     46,816      1,624,107
    

  

       207,242,681      250,647,153

Less – Current portion

     18,180,507      18,892,088
    

  

     $ 189,062,174    $ 231,755,065
    

  

 

Senior Credit Facilities

 

Effective May 30, 2003, the Company amended its credit agreement with a syndicate of lending institutions (the “Lenders”). The amended agreement provides for an aggregate principal amount of loans of up to $215.0 million (the “Credit Agreement”). Loans under the Credit Agreement consisted of $190.0 million in aggregate principal amount of term loans (“Term Loan Facility”), which facility included a $75.0 million tranche A term loan subfacility, a $122.0 million tranche B term loan subfacility and a $25.0 million revolving credit facility (“Revolving Credit Facility”). The Credit Agreement includes a subfacility for swingline borrowings and a sublimit for letters of credit. The Company’s obligations under the Credit Agreement are secured by a security interest in substantially all of the Company’s assets. The amendment allowed the Company to borrow an additional $30.0 million under the tranche B facility. The Company used these funds, along with a portion of its available cash, to retire its 15.25% subordinated notes. There were no borrowings outstanding under the Revolving Credit Facility at October 31, 2004.

 

The tranche A term loan facility and the Revolving Credit Facility mature on July 31, 2005. The tranche B term loan facility matures on July 31, 2007. The Term Loan Facility is subject to repayment according to quarterly amortization of principal based upon the Scheduled Amortization (as defined in the Credit Agreement). The Company may prepay the term loan facility without penalty. The Company is currently reviewing its options concerning the renewal or replacement of its revolving commitment.

 

Indebtedness under the Term Loan Facility and the Revolving Credit Facility bears interest at a rate based (at the Company’s option) upon (i) LIBOR for one, two, three or six months, plus 2.75% with respect to the tranche A term loan facility and the Revolving Credit Facility or plus 3.75% with respect to the tranche B term loan facility, or (ii) the Alternate Base Rate (4.75% at October 31, 2004) plus 1.75% with respect to the tranche A term loan facility and the Revolving Credit Facility or plus 2.75% with respect to the tranche B term loan facility. The interest rate at October 31, 2004 was approximately 5.7% on the tranche B term loan.

 

The Company is required to pay to the Lenders in the aggregate a commitment fee equal to 0.50% per annum on the undrawn amount of the Revolving Credit Facility during the preceding quarter.

 

Pursuant to the terms of the Credit Agreement and the Revolving Credit Facility, the Company is required to maintain certain financial ratios. In addition, the Company is restricted from entering into certain transactions or making certain payments and dividend distributions without the prior consent of the Lenders. At October 31, 2004, the Company was in compliance with all covenants.

 

53


Table of Contents

ST. JOHN KNITS INTERNATIONAL, INCORPORATED

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

 

October 31, 2004, November 2, 2003 and November 3, 2002

 

Senior Subordinated 12.5% Notes

 

The Company has outstanding $100.0 million in senior subordinated debt (“Subordinated Notes”). The Subordinated Notes bear interest at a rate of 12.5% per year and were issued at 98.616% of the actual face value. The Subordinated Notes will mature on July 1, 2009. Interest on the Subordinated Notes is payable in cash semi-annually on January 1 and July 1 of each year. These notes are subordinated to the Senior Credit Facility as discussed above. The Subordinated Notes are redeemable, in whole or in part, at the option of the Company, beginning July 1, 2004, at the redemption prices set forth below, plus accrued and unpaid interest and liquidation damages, if any, to the date of redemption.

 

Redemption values are as follows:

 

Redemption Date


   Price

 

July 1, 2004

   106.250 %

July 1, 2005

   104.688 %

July 1, 2006

   103.125 %

July 1, 2007

   101.563 %

July 1, 2008 and thereafter

   100.000 %

 

Fees associated with obtaining the Subordinated Notes and the tranche A and tranche B term loans were approximately $15.3 million, which are amortized over the terms of the respective notes using the effective interest rate method. Amortization expense of approximately $2,122,000, $2,102,000 and $2,061,000 relating to such fees is included in interest expense for fiscal years 2004, 2003 and 2002, respectively.

 

Senior Subordinated 15.25% Notes

 

During fiscal year 2002, Vestar/SJK Investors LLC and the Gray family, the holders of all of the Company’s 15.25% mandatorily redeemable preferred stock, sold their interest therein to a third party. Vestar/SJK Investors LLC is owned by Vestar Capital Partners III, L.P. (“Vestar”). Four of the Company’s non-executive directors are affiliates of Vestar. In connection with such sale, the terms of the preferred stock were amended to provide for the exchange of the securities, plus any accrued dividends, for senior subordinated unsecured notes bearing interest at a rate of 15.25%. On July 2, 2002, the preferred stock plus accrued dividends were converted with an aggregate balance of $38.8 million. The Company had the option to redeem the 15.25% notes in cash for face value of the notes plus accrued and unpaid interest after January 2, 2003 and before January 2, 2004. Effective May 30, 2003, the Company redeemed such notes. Prior to initiating this transaction, the Company’s credit agreement was amended to allow for the redemption and to provide for additional borrowing of $30.0 million. The proceeds of this additional borrowing, together with cash on hand, were used to redeem the notes. The redemption of the notes and accrued interest totaled $41.8 million. The amendment increased the interest rate on the total outstanding balance of the bank borrowings by increasing the current spread over the bank’s borrowing rate and LIBOR by 0.75%. The Company paid fees of approximately $1.0 million to complete the amendment. These fees have been recorded as deferred financing costs and will be amortized over the life of the agreement.

 

Maturities of Long-Term Debt

 

As of October 31, 2004, future annual maturities of long-term debt were as follows:

 

Fiscal Year


    

2005

   $ 18,180,507

2006

     44,875,462

2007

     44,828,646

2008

     —  

2009

     99,358,066

Thereafter

     —  
    

     $ 207,242,681
    

 

54


Table of Contents

ST. JOHN KNITS INTERNATIONAL, INCORPORATED

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

 

October 31, 2004, November 2, 2003 and November 3, 2002

 

10. Redeemable Common Stock

 

Redeemable Common Stock represents all of the shares of the Company’s common stock that are beneficially owned by the Gray family. The carrying value shown on the consolidated balance sheet at October 31, 2004 and November 2, 2003 was based upon the quoted market price as reported on the OTC Bulletin Board quotation system. Changes in the fair market value of the Redeemable Common Stock from period to period are recorded as an increase or decrease to additional paid-in capital.

 

The Company is party to a stockholders’ agreement with Vestar/Gray Investors, Vestar and the Grays, which states, among other things, that prior to a public offering of SJKI common stock, if Bob Gray ceases to serve as Chairman or Chief Executive Officer of St. John or SJKI or if the employment with SJKI of Marie Gray or Kelly Gray ceases for any reason, then he or she will have the right to require SJKI to purchase the shares of SJKI common stock beneficially owned by them, up to a maximum of $5.0 million of such common stock for all the Grays during any 12-month period. If any of the Grays are terminated without “cause” or resigns for “good reason,” as these terms are defined in their current respective employment agreements with the Company, then he or she will have the right to require SJKI to purchase the shares of SJKI common stock beneficially owned by them, up to a maximum of 25% of the total shares held by such terminated or resigning Gray employee during any 12-month period. This agreement may be limited by the terms of the agreements related to the credit facilities and the senior subordinated notes.

 

At the end of fiscal 2002, Bob Gray retired from his position as Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer of the Company. In November 2002, as provided in the stockholders’ agreement, the Company redeemed 89,621 shares at a total cost of $5.0 million. In May 2004, in accordance with the terms of the stockholders’ agreement, the Company redeemed at fair market value, 166,666 shares of SJKI’s common stock beneficially owned by Bob Gray at a total cost of $5.0 million.

 

11. Related-Party Transactions

 

The Company has a management agreement with Vestar. Pursuant to the agreement, the Company pays an annual fee of $500,000 to Vestar for management services.

 

Effective April 30, 2002, the Company loaned $500,000 to Bruce Fetter, the Co-President and Chief Operating Officer at the time. The loan accrues interest at 2.9% per year and is payable in full on April 30, 2005.

 

Effective November 4, 2002, the Company entered into a consulting agreement with Bob Gray, its current director and former Chief Executive Officer, which expires on November 3, 2005. Mr. Gray received compensation under the agreement of $125,000 and $500,000 in fiscal years 2004 and 2003, respectively and is scheduled to receive $125,000 in fiscal 2005.

 

The Company leases three manufacturing and/or warehousing facilities from partnerships in which stockholders of the Company are significant partners. The annual payments on these leases were approximately $1,132,000, $1,182,000 and $1,235,000 in fiscal years 2004, 2003 and 2002, respectively. The leases expire at various dates through fiscal year 2013. Payments under these leases are included in the future minimum rental payments disclosure at Note 8.

 

The Company leases a retail boutique from a partnership in which stockholders of the Company are significant partners. The lease began during fiscal year 2002 and will expire on March 31, 2012. The payments were approximately $193,000, $188,000 and $128,000 in fiscal years 2004, 2003 and 2002, respectively. Payments under this lease are included in the future minimum rental payments disclosure at Note 8.

 

The Company periodically rents personal property provided by a company that is owned by stockholders. Rental payments for the use of such property were approximately $7,000 and $5,000 in fiscal years 2003 and 2002, respectively.

 

55


Table of Contents

ST. JOHN KNITS INTERNATIONAL, INCORPORATED

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

 

October 31, 2004, November 2, 2003 and November 3, 2002

 

The Company periodically rents the use of an airplane from a partnership which is owned by stockholders of the Company. The partnership owns a fractional interest in an airplane and payments made for the use of the airplane are the same as those paid by the partnership. During fiscal years 2004, 2003 and 2002, the Company paid approximately $181,000, $97,000 and $126,000, respectively, under this arrangement.

 

At October 31, 2004 and November 2, 2003, the Company held a 50% ownership interest in a partnership which leases an airplane to the Company. The holder of the other 50% ownership interest is a corporation which is wholly owned by stockholders of the Company. At October 31, 2004 and November 2, 2003, the Company’s investment in this partnership, net of partnership losses, was approximately $1,943,000 and $3,305,000, respectively, and is included in other assets on the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. The partnership’s only asset is an airplane, which had a net book value on the partnership’s books of approximately $10,801,351 and $13,502,000 at October 31, 2004 and November 2, 2003, respectively. The total liabilities of the partnership were $7,000,000 at October 31, 2004 and November 2, 2003. During fiscal years 2004, 2003 and 2002, the Company made lease payments to the partnership, which are recorded as revenue on the partnership books, of $1,020,000, $1,200,000 and $1,200,000, respectively. During the same years, the Company reported net losses from the activities of the partnership of approximately $957,000, $872,000 and $905,000, respectively.

 

The Company rents the hangar used to store the airplane from a stockholder. The agreement is on a month-to-month basis. The current monthly rent is $4,500 per month. During fiscal years 2004, 2003 and 2002, the Company paid approximately $54,000, $54,000 and $50,000, respectively, for the rental of this property.

 

12. Current Vulnerability Due to Certain Concentrations

 

Sales to the Company’s three major customers accounted for 15%, 14% and 13% of net sales during fiscal 2004, 16%, 14% and 14% of net sales during fiscal year 2003 and 16%, 15% and 14% of net sales during fiscal year 2002. The combined accounts receivable balance for these customers, before any offsets for discounts or uncollectable amounts, totaled $23.3 million and $27.6 million at October 31, 2004 and November 2, 2003, respectively. The loss of any one of these customers could have a materially adverse effect on the Company’s business.

 

The Company sells primarily to specialty apparel retailers; thus, the risk of collection losses is concentrated in this industry. Management believes that the Company’s credit and collection policies are adequate to prevent significant collection losses and that the allowance for uncollectible accounts is adequate at October 31, 2004 and November 2, 2003.

 

13. Non Apparel Product Lines

 

During the fourth quarter of fiscal 2004, the Company discontinued the sale of its non-apparel product lines to its wholesale customers. During the fourth quarter of fiscal 2004, the Company incurred a charge to cost of sales of approximately $3.2 million to write down non-apparel inventories to the estimated net realizable value, which is included in cost of sales in the accompanying consolidated statements of income.

 

14. Sale of Properties

 

During July 2004, the Company completed a transaction with an unaffiliated third party to sell and leaseback four of its facilities located in Irvine, California. The total net book value of the properties was approximately $19.1 million. The Company recorded a deferred gain of approximately $3.5 million, which is recorded in other liabilities on the accompanying consolidated balance sheets at October 31, 2004. This deferred gain will be amortized over the life of the lease (15 years). The transaction resulted in net proceeds of approximately $19.8 million, which were used to prepay a portion of the Company’s outstanding bank debt. The Company signed lease agreements on each of the four facilities expiring in 2019. The initial annual lease payments under the new leases total approximately $1.7 million.

 

15. Impairment of Long-term Assets

 

During the fourth quarter of fiscal 2004 the Company recorded an impairment charge related to four of its retail locations. The Company recorded a charge to write down the book value of these assets to the estimated fair value at October 31, 2004. This charge of approximately $4,395,000 was recorded to selling, general and administrative expenses in the accompanying consolidated statements of income.

 

56


Table of Contents

ST. JOHN KNITS INTERNATIONAL, INCORPORATED

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

 

October 31, 2004, November 2, 2003 and November 3, 2002

 

16. Litigation

 

The Company is involved from time to time in litigation incidental to its business. Management believes that the outcome of any current litigation will not have a material effect upon the results of operations or financial condition of the Company.

 

17. Segment Information

 

The Company has two reportable business segments, wholesale and retail sales. The Company’s wholesale sales business consists primarily of six divisions, Knitwear, Sport, Shoes, Jewelry, Accessories and Home Accessories. For fiscal year 2004 and 2003, retail sales were primarily generated through the Company’s boutiques and outlet stores. For segment reporting purposes, international sales are aggregated into the wholesale business segment. Management evaluates segment performance based primarily on revenue and earnings from operations. Inter-segment sales are recorded at the Company’s wholesale selling prices and eliminated, along with any profit in ending inventory, through the eliminations column. Interest expense, the equity in the net income of investees accounted for by the equity method and income taxes are not allocated to the segments. The Company’s chief operational decision making group is presently comprised of the Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer.

 

Segment information is summarized as follows for fiscal years 2004, 2003 and 2002:

 

     Wholesale

   Retail

   Corporate

   Eliminations

    Total

     (in thousands)

Fiscal 2004

                                   

Net sales

   $ 324,656    $ 166,311    $ —      $ (95,364 )   $ 395,603

Segment operating income

     56,212      922      —        (15,961 )     41,173

Segment assets

     124,275      74,251      26,648      (17,177 )     207,997

Capital expenditures

     5,725      6,662      —        —         12,387

Depreciation and amortization

     9,439      7,224      —        —         16,663

Fiscal 2003

                                   

Net sales

   $ 305,857    $ 153,844    $ —      $ (89,558 )   $ 370,143

Segment operating income

     58,257      8,425      —        (16,394 )     50,288

Segment assets

     147,913      76,754      26,851      (17,380 )     234,138

Capital expenditures

     7,626      13,641      —        —         21,267

Depreciation and amortization

     9,881      6,809      —        —         16,690

Fiscal 2002

                                   

Net sales

   $ 300,187    $ 140,095    $ —      $ (78,048 )   $ 362,234

Segment operating income

     63,899      8,693      —        (8,770 )     63,822

Segment assets

     157,328      61,091      29,319      (11,831 )     235,907

Capital expenditures

     8,188      9,239      —        —         17,427

Depreciation and amortization

     10,688      4,993      —        —         15,681

 

57


Table of Contents

ST. JOHN KNITS INTERNATIONAL, INCORPORATED

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

 

October 31, 2004, November 2, 2003 and November 3, 2002

 

 

The following is a comparison of the net sales by product line for fiscal years 2004, 2003 and 2002:

 

     Fiscal Years

     2004

   2003

   2002

     (in thousands)

Knitwear

   $ 302,660    $ 289,902    $ 276,038

Sport

     67,829      59,172      61,843

Shoes

     4,728      5,175      5,171

Jewelry

     8,531      6,556      7,185

Accessories

     6,016      4,816      2,775

Home Accessories

     1,803      1,545      1,650

Coats(1)

     3,675      1,238      1,428

Other(2)

     361      1,739      6,144
    

  

  

Total Net Sales

   $ 395,603    $ 370,143    $ 362,234
    

  

  

 

(1) These amounts include the sale of coats manufactured by a third party under a license agreement.

 

(2) These amounts primarily represent the sale of items in St. John Home stores which are not manufactured by the Company.

 

The table below presents net sales information related to geographic areas in which the Company operated during fiscal years 2004, 2003 and 2002:

 

     Fiscal Years

     2004

   2003

   2002

     (in thousands)

United States

   $ 352,823    $ 333,560    $ 330,212

Asia

     28,761      24,922      21,202

Europe

     6,327      5,962      5,816

Canada

     4,894      3,358      2,505

Other

     2,798      2,341      2,499
    

  

  

     $ 395,603    $ 370,143    $ 362,234
    

  

  

 

The table below presents information on the Company’s assets by geographic area for fiscal years 2004, 2003 and 2002:

 

     Fiscal Years

     2004

   2003

   2002

     (in thousands)

United States

   $ 188,827    $ 216,849    $ 225,112

Foreign

     19,170      17,289      10,795
    

  

  

     $ 207,997    $ 234,138    $ 235,907
    

  

  

 

18. Supplemental Condensed Consolidated Financial Information

 

The Company’s payment obligations under the Senior Subordinated Notes are guaranteed by certain of the Company’s wholly owned subsidiaries (the Guarantor Subsidiaries). Such guarantees are full, unconditional and joint and several. Except as may be required under applicable law, there are no restrictions on the transfer of funds or assets from the Guarantor Subsidiaries to SJKI. Separate financial statements of the Guarantor Subsidiaries are not presented because the Company’s management has determined that they would not be material to investors. The following supplemental financial information sets forth, on an unconsolidated basis, balance sheet, statement of income, and statement of cash flows information for the Parent Company (consisting of St. John Knits International, Incorporated and St. John Knits, Inc.), for the Guarantor Subsidiaries and for the Company’s other subsidiaries (the Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries). The supplemental financial information reflects the investments of the Parent Company in the Guarantor and Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries using the equity method of accounting. The supplemental financial information is presented for the periods as of October 31, 2004 and November 2, 2003, and for the years ended October 31, 2004 and November 2, 2003 and November 3, 2002.

 

58


Table of Contents

ST. JOHN KNITS INTERNATIONAL, INCORPORATED

SUPPLEMENTAL CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING BALANCE SHEET

OCTOBER 31, 2004

 

(Amounts in thousands)   PARENT
COMPANY


    GUARANTOR
SUBSIDIARIES


 

NON-

GUARANTOR
SUBSIDIARIES


    ELIMINATIONS

    CONSOLIDATED

 

ASSETS

                                     

Current assets:

                                     

Cash, cash equivalents and investments

  $ 16,677     $ 483   $ 689     $ —       $ 17,849  

Accounts receivable, net

    23,230       3,517     2,034               28,781  

Inventories (1)

    24,026       41,880     5,439               71,345  

Deferred income tax benefit

    16,301                             16,301  

Prepaid expenses and other

    3,976       495     158               4,629  

Intercompany accounts receivable

    9,750                     (9,750 )     —    
   


 

 


 


 


Total current assets

    93,960       46,375     8,320       (9,750 )     138,905  

Property and equipment, net

    18,927       26,908     8,876               54,711  

Investment in subsidiaries

    54,757                     (54,757 )     —    

Receivable from consolidated subsidiaries

    28,265                     (28,265 )     —    

Deferred financing costs

    4,931                             4,931  

Deferred income tax benefit

    3,474                             3,474  

Other assets

    2,966       1,036     1,974               5,976  
   


 

 


 


 


Total assets

  $ 207,280     $ 74,319   $ 19,170     $ (92,772 )   $ 207,997  
   


 

 


 


 


LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY (DEFICIT)

                                     

Current liabilities:

                                     

Accounts payable

  $ 12,768     $ —     $ 687     $ —       $ 13,455  

Accrued expenses

    22,278       3,084     12               25,374  

Current portion of long-term debt

    18,180                             18,180  

Accrued interest expense

    4,120                             4,120  

Intercompany accounts payable

                  9,750       (9,750 )     —    

Income taxes payable

    8,689             (3,821 )             4,868  
   


 

 


 


 


Total current liabilities

    66,035       3,084     6,628       (9,750 )     65,997  

Intercompany payable

    —         16,147     12,118       (28,265 )     —    

Long-term debt, net of current portion

    189,015             47               189,062  

Other liabilities

    8,852       708                     9,560  
   


 

 


 


 


Total liabilities

    263,902       19,939     18,793       (38,015 )     264,619  
   


 

 


 


 


Redeemable common stock

    26,370                             26,370  
   


 

 


 


 


Total stockholders’ equity (deficit)

    (82,992 )     54,380     377       (54,757 )     (82,992 )
   


 

 


 


 


Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity (deficit)

  $ 207,280     $ 74,319   $ 19,170     $ (92,772 )   $ 207,997  
   


 

 


 


 


 

(1) Inventories are shown at cost (without intercompany profits) for all entities

 

59


Table of Contents

ST. JOHN KNITS INTERNATIONAL, INCORPORATED

SUPPLEMENTAL CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING BALANCE SHEET

NOVEMBER 2, 2003

 

(Amounts in thousands)   PARENT
COMPANY


    GUARANTOR
SUBSIDIARIES


 

NON-

GUARANTOR
SUBSIDIARIES


    ELIMINATIONS

    CONSOLIDATED

 

ASSETS

                                     

Current assets:

                                     

Cash, cash equivalents and investments

  $ 18,492     $ 306   $ 467     $ —       $ 19,265  

Accounts receivable, net

    27,017       2,769     1,672               31,458  

Inventories (1)

    16,082       39,945     4,089               60,116  

Deferred income tax benefit

    14,956                             14,956  

Prepaid expenses and other

    3,890       1,170     118               5,178  

Intercompany accounts receivable

    4,628                     (4,628 )     —    
   


 

 


 


 


Total current assets

    85,065       44,190     6,346       (4,628 )     130,973  

Property and equipment, net

    46,384       31,976     8,767               87,127  

Investment in subsidiaries

    58,449                     (58,449 )     —    

Receivable from consolidated subsidiaries

    22,330                     (22,330 )     —    

Deferred financing costs

    6,972                             6,972  

Deferred income tax benefit

    1,769                             1,769  

Other assets

    4,090       1,031     2,176               7,297  
   


 

 


 


 


Total assets

  $ 225,059     $ 77,197   $ 17,289     $ (85,407 )   $ 234,138  
   


 

 


 


 


LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY (DEFICIT)

                                     

Current liabilities:

                                     

Accounts payable

  $ 10,733     $ —     $ 782     $ —       $ 11,515  

Accrued expenses

    19,050       2,200     783               22,033  

Current portion of long-term debt

    18,892                             18,892  

Accrued interest expense

    4,103                             4,103  

Intercompany accounts payable

                  4,628       (4,628 )     —    

Income taxes payable

    8,079             (2,557 )             5,522  
   


 

 


 


 


Total current liabilities

    60,857       2,200     3,636       (4,628 )     62,065  

Intercompany payable

    —         10,311     12,019       (22,330 )     —    

Long-term debt, net of current portion

    231,456             299               231,755  

Other Liabilities

    5,465       139                     5,604  
   


 

 


 


 


Total liabilities

    297,778       12,650     15,954       (26,958 )     299,424  
   


 

 


 


 


Redeemable common stock

    26,381                             26,381  
   


 

 


 


 


Total stockholders’ equity (deficit)

    (99,100 )     64,547     1,335       (58,449 )     (91,667 )
   


 

 


 


 


Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity (deficit)

  $ 225,059     $ 77,197   $ 17,289     $ (85,407 )   $ 234,138  
   


 

 


 


 


 

(1) Inventories are shown at cost (without intercompany profits) for all entities

 

60


Table of Contents

ST. JOHN KNITS INTERNATIONAL, INCORPORATED

SUPPLEMENTAL CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF INCOME

FISCAL YEAR ENDED OCTOBER 31, 2004

 

(Amounts in thousands)   PARENT
COMPANY


    GUARANTOR
SUBSIDIARIES


   

NON-

GUARANTOR
SUBSIDIARIES


    ELIMINATIONS

  CONSOLIDATED

Net sales

  $ 216,342     $ 164,103     $ 15,158     $ —     $ 395,603

Cost of sales

    88,869       83,424       6,879             179,172
   


 


 


 

 

Gross profit

    127,473       80,679       8,279       —       216,431

Selling, general and administrative expenses

    78,550       86,344       10,365             175,259
   


 


 


 

 

Operating income (loss)

    48,923       (5,665 )     (2,086 )     —       41,173

Interest expense

    21,536                             21,536

Other income (expense)

    4,717       (4,502 )     (165 )           50
   


 


 


 

 

Income (loss) before income taxes

    32,104       (10,167 )     (2,251 )     —       19,686

Income taxes

    7,472       —         (1,234 )           6,238
   


 


 


 

 

Income (loss) before equity in loss of consolidated subsidiaries

    24,632       (10,167 )     (1,017 )     —       13,448

Equity in loss of consolidated subsidiaries

    (11,184 )                     11,184     —  
   


 


 


 

 

Net income (loss)

  $ 13,448     $ (10,167 )   $ (1,017 )   $ 11,184   $ 13,448
   


 


 


 

 

 

61


Table of Contents

ST. JOHN KNITS INTERNATIONAL, INCORPORATED

SUPPLEMENTAL CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF INCOME

FISCAL YEAR ENDED NOVEMBER 2, 2003

 

(Amounts in thousands)   PARENT
COMPANY


    GUARANTOR
SUBSIDIARIES


   

NON-

GUARANTOR
SUBSIDIARIES


    ELIMINATIONS

  CONSOLIDATED

 

Net sales

  $ 308,709     $ 50,512     $ 10,922     $ —     $ 370,143  

Cost of sales

    127,322       24,101       5,219             156,642  
   


 


 


 

 


Gross profit

    181,387       26,411       5,703       —       213,501  

Selling, general and administrative expenses

    126,054       29,604       7,555             163,213  
   


 


 


 

 


Operating income (loss)

    55,333       (3,193 )     (1,852 )     —       50,288  

Interest expense

    24,395                             24,395  

Other expense

    (394 )     (852 )     (291 )           (1,537 )
   


 


 


 

 


Income (loss) before income taxes

    30,544       (4,045 )     (2,143 )     —       24,356  

Income taxes

    11,462       (660 )     (1,328 )           9,474  
   


 


 


 

 


Income (loss) before equity in loss of consolidated subsidiaries

    19,082       (3,385 )     (815 )     —       14,882  

Equity in loss of consolidated subsidiaries

    (4,200 )                     4,200     —    
   


 


 


 

 


Net income (loss)

  $ 14,882     $ (3,385 )   $ (815 )   $ 4,200   $ 14,882  
   


 


 


 

 


 

62


Table of Contents

ST. JOHN KNITS INTERNATIONAL, INCORPORATED

SUPPLEMENTAL CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF INCOME

FISCAL YEAR ENDED NOVEMBER 3, 2002

 

(Amounts in thousands)   PARENT
COMPANY


    GUARANTOR
SUBSIDIARIES


   

NON-

GUARANTOR
SUBSIDIARIES


    ELIMINATIONS

  CONSOLIDATED

Net sales

  $ 348,516     $ 5,280     $ 8,438     $ —     $ 362,234

Cost of sales

    146,656       3,333       4,519             154,508
   


 


 


 

 

Gross profit

    201,860       1,947       3,919       —       207,726

Selling, general and administrative expenses

    133,587       4,669       5,648             143,904
   


 


 


 

 

Operating income (loss)

    68,273       (2,722 )     (1,729 )     —       63,822

Interest expense

    23,674                             23,674

Other income (expense)

    586       (13 )     (215 )           358
   


 


 


 

 

Income (loss) before income taxes

    45,185       (2,735 )     (1,944 )     —       40,506

Income taxes

    18,560       (1,149 )     (1,210 )           16,201
   


 


 


 

 

Income (loss) before equity in loss of consolidated subsidiaries

    26,625       (1,586 )     (734 )     —       24,305

Equity in loss of consolidated subsidiaries

    (2,320 )                     2,320     —  
   


 


 


 

 

Net income (loss)

  $ 24,305     $ (1,586 )   $ (734 )   $ 2,320   $ 24,305
   


 


 


 

 

 

63


Table of Contents

ST. JOHN KNITS INTERNATIONAL, INCORPORATED

SUPPLEMENTAL CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS

FISCAL YEAR ENDED OCTOBER 31, 2004

 

(Amounts in thousands)   PARENT
COMPANY


    GUARANTOR
SUBSIDIARIES


   

NON-

GUARANTOR
SUBSIDIARIES


    ELIMINATIONS

    CONSOLIDATED

 

OPERATING ACTIVITIES:

                                       

Net income (loss)

  $ 13,448     $ (10,167 )   $ (1,017 )   $ 11,184     $ 13,448  

Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by operating activities:

                                       

Depreciation and amortization

    6,251       7,126       3,286               16,663  

Amortization of discount on 12.5% notes due 2009

    138                               138  

Amortization of deferred loan costs

    2,122                               2,122  

Deferred income tax benefit

    (3,159 )                             (3,159 )

Provision for the allowance for doubtful accounts

    125                               125  

(Gain) loss on disposal of property and equipment

    (432 )     4,502       73               4,143  

Partnership losses

    957                               957  

Equity in loss of consolidated subsidiaries

    11,184                       (11,184 )     —    

Changes in operating assets and liabilities:

                                       

Accounts receivable

    3,759       (748 )     (459 )             2,552  

Intercompany receivables (net)

    (9,709 )     5,836       3,873               —    

Inventories

    (7,942 )     (1,935 )     (1,352 )             (11,229 )

Other current assets

    (182 )     674       57               549  

Other assets

    (213 )     (5 )     202               (16 )

Accounts payable

    1,797               (113 )             1,684  

Accrued expenses

    (1,362 )     884       82               (396 )

Accrued interest expense

    18                               18  

Income taxes payable

    607               (1,262 )             (655 )

Other liabilities

    3,387       569                       3,956  
   


 


 


 


 


Net cash provided by operating activities

    20,794       6,736       3,370       —         30,900  
   


 


 


 


 


INVESTING ACTIVITIES:

                                       

Proceeds from sale of property and equipment

    27,622                               27,622  

Purchase of property and equipment

    (2,406 )     (6,559 )     (3,422 )             (12,387 )

Capital distributions from partnership

    105               300               405  
   


 


 


 


 


Net cash used in investing activities

    25,321       (6,559 )     (3,122 )     —         15,640  
   


 


 


 


 


FINANCING ACTIVITIES:

                                       

Principal payments of long-term debt

    (43,038 )             (252 )             (43,290 )

Redemption of redeemable common stock

    (5,000 )                             (5,000 )

Financing fees and expenses

    (80 )                             (80 )
   


 


 


 


 


Net cash used in financing activities

    (48,118 )     —         (252 )     —         (48,370 )
   


 


 


 


 


Effect of exchange rate changes

    (112 )             526               414  
   


 


 


 


 


Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

    (1,815 )     177       222               (1,416 )

Beginning balance, cash and cash equivalents

    18,492       306       467               19,265  
   


 


 


 


 


Ending balance, cash and cash equivalents

  $ 16,677     $ 483     $ 689     $ —       $ 17,849  
   


 


 


 


 


Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information:

                                       

Cash received for interest income

  $ 241     $ —       $ —       $ —       $ 241  
   


 


 


 


 


Cash paid for:

                                       

Interest expense

  $ 19,400     $ —               $ —       $ 19,400  
   


 


 


 


 


Income taxes

  $ 10,181     $ —       $ —       $ —       $ 10,181  
   


 


 


 


 


Supplemental disclosures of noncash financing and investing activities:

                                       

Deferred gain on sale leaseback transactions

  $ 3,634     $ —       $ —       $ —       $ 3,634  
   


 


 


 


 


Unrealized loss on hedging transactions

  $ (106 )   $ —       $ —       $ —       $ (106 )
   


 


 


 


 


Adjustment of redeemable common stock to fair value

  $ 4,989     $ —       $ —       $ —       $ 4,989  
   


 


 


 


 


 

64


Table of Contents

ST. JOHN KNITS INTERNATIONAL, INCORPORATED

SUPPLEMENTAL CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS

FISCAL YEAR ENDED NOVEMBER 2, 2003

 

(Amounts in thousands)   PARENT
COMPANY


    GUARANTOR
SUBSIDIARIES


   

NON-

GUARANTOR
SUBSIDIARIES


    ELIMINATIONS

    CONSOLIDATED

 

OPERATING ACTIVITIES:

                                       

Net income (loss)

  $ 14,882     $ (3,385 )   $ (815 )   $ 4,200     $ 14,882  

Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by operating activities:

                                       

Depreciation and amortization

    13,022       2,846       822               16,690  

Amortization of discount on 12.5% notes due 2009

    138                               138  

Amortization of deferred loan costs

    2,102                               2,102  

Deferred income tax benefit

    (123 )                             (123 )

Loss on disposal of property and equipment

    484       660       69               1,213  

Provision for the allowance for doubtful accounts

    301                               301  

Partnership losses

    872                               872  

Equity in loss of consolidated subsidiaries

    4,200                       (4,200 )     —    

Changes in operating assets and liabilities:

                                       

Accounts receivable

    943       (1,220 )     (137 )             (414 )

Intercompany receivables (net)

    (18,191 )     9,801       8,390               —    

Inventories

    1,338       (5,206 )     (1,542 )             (5,410 )

Other current assets

    (341 )     (527 )     (513 )             (1,381 )

Other assets

    171       45       (1,387 )             (1,171 )

Accounts payable

    4,641                               4,641  

Accrued expenses

    2,054       2,765       411               5,230  

Accrued interest expense

    (1,717 )                             (1,717 )

Income taxes payable

    (294 )             (1,385 )             (1,679 )

Deferred rent

    321       139                       460  
   


 


 


 


 


Net cash provided by operating activities

    24,803       5,918       3,913       —         34,634  
   


 


 


 


 


INVESTING ACTIVITIES:

                                       

Proceeds from sale of property and equipment

    22                               22  

Purchase of property and equipment

    (10,566 )     (6,366 )     (4,335 )             (21,267 )

Sale of short-term investments

    7                               7  

Capital distributions from partnership

    440                               440  
   


 


 


 


 


Net cash used in investing activities

    (10,097 )     (6,366 )     (4,335 )     —         (20,798 )
   


 


 


 


 


FINANCING ACTIVITIES:

                                       

Principal payments of long-term debt

    (9,872 )             (420 )             (10,292 )

Proceeds from bank borrowings

    30,000               299               30,299  

Redemptionof 15.25% subordinated notes

    (39,294 )                             (39,294 )

Redemption of redeemable common stock

    (5,000 )                             (5,000 )

Financing fees and expenses

    (974 )                             (974 )
   


 


 


 


 


Net cash used in financing activities

    (25,140 )     —         (121 )     —         (25,261 )
   


 


 


 


 


Effect of exchange rate changes

    267               294               561  
   


 


 


 


 


Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents

    (10,167 )     (448 )     (249 )     —         (10,864 )

Beginning balance, cash and cash equivalents

    28,659       754       716               30,129  
   


 


 


 


 


Ending balance, cash and cash equivalents

  $ 18,492     $ 306     $ 467     $ —       $ 19,265  
   


 


 


 


 


Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information:

                                       

Cash received for interest income

  $ 440     $ —       $ —       $ —       $ 440  
   


 


 


 


 


Cash paid for:

                                       

Interest expense

  $ 23,802     $ —       $ 3     $ —       $ 23,805  
   


 


 


 


 


Income taxes

  $ 11,388     $ —       $ —       $ —       $ 11,388  
   


 


 


 


 


Supplemental disclosures of noncash financing and investing activities:

                                       

Conversion of accrued interest to subordinated notes

  $ 533     $ —       $ —       $ —       $ 533  
   


 


 


 


 


Unrealized gain on securities

  $ 2     $ —       $ —       $ —       $ 2  
   


 


 


 


 


Adjustment of redeemable common stock to fair value

  $ (22,679 )   $ —       $ —       $ —       $ (22,679 )
   


 


 


 


 


 

65


Table of Contents

ST. JOHN KNITS INTERNATIONAL, INCORPORATED

SUPPLEMENTAL CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS

FISCAL YEAR ENDED NOVEMBER 3, 2002

 

(Amounts in thousands)   PARENT
COMPANY


    GUARANTOR
SUBSIDIARIES


   

NON-

GUARANTOR
SUBSIDIARIES


    ELIMINATIONS

    CONSOLIDATED

 

OPERATING ACTIVITIES:

                                       

Net income (loss)

  $ 24,360     $ (1,586 )   $ (679 )   $ 2,210     $ 24,305  

Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities:

                                       

Depreciation and amortization

    14,320       569       792               15,681  

Amortization of discount on 12.5% notes due 2009

    141                               141  

Amortization of deferred loan costs

    2,061                               2,061  

Deferred income tax benefit

    (2,785 )                             (2,785 )

Loss on disposal of property and equipment

    145               196               341  

Provision for the allowance for doubtful accounts

    (652 )                             (652 )

Partnership losses

    905                               905  

Equity in loss of consolidated subsidiaries

    2,210                       (2,210 )     —    

Changes in operating assets and liabilities:

                                       

Accounts receivable

    (4,806 )     54       (428 )             (5,180 )

Intercompany receivables (net)

    (2,192 )     (686 )     2,878               —    

Inventories

    (2,904 )     1,303       (607 )             (2,208 )

Other current assets

    (245 )     89                       (156 )

Other assets

    (767 )     36       (124 )             (855 )

Accounts payable

    (2,088 )                             (2,088 )

Accrued expenses

    890       196       (62 )             1,024  

Accrued interest expense

    1,488                               1,488  

Income taxes payable

    6,438               (1,158 )             5,280  

Deferred rent

    5,144                               5,144  
   


 


 


 


 


Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities

    41,663       (25 )     808       —         42,446  
   


 


 


 


 


INVESTING ACTIVITIES:

                                       

Proceeds from sale of property and equipment

    21                               21  

Purchases of property and equipment

    (16,698 )     23       (752 )             (17,427 )

Sale of short-term investments

    3                               3  

Capital distributions from partnership

    486                               486  
   


 


 


 


 


Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities

    (16,188 )     23       (752 )     —         (16,917 )
   


 


 


 


 


FINANCING ACTIVITIES:

                                       

Principal payments of long-term debt

    (22,344 )                             (22,344 )

Proceeds from bank borrowings

                    408               408  
   


 


 


 


 


Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities

    (22,344 )     —         408       —         (21,936 )
   


 


 


 


 


Effect of exchange rate changes

    290               35               325  

Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

    3,421       (2 )     499       —         3,918  

Beginning balance, cash and cash equivalents

    25,990       4       217               26,211  
   


 


 


 


 


Ending balance, cash and cash equivalents

  $ 29,411     $ 2     $ 716     $ —       $ 30,129  
   


 


 


 


 


Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information:

                                       

Cash received for interest income

  $ 1,044     $ —       $ —       $ —       $ 1,044  
   


 


 


 


 


Cash paid for:

                                       

Interest expense

  $ 19,796     $ —       $ 3     $ —       $ 19,799  
   


 


 


 


 


Income taxes

  $ 15,095     $ —       $ —       $ —       $ 15,095  
   


 


 


 


 


Supplemental disclosure of noncash financing and investing activities:

                                       

Dividends accrued on mandatorily redeemable preferred stock

  $ 3,458     $ —       $ —       $ —       $ 3,458  
   


 


 


 


 


Conversion of mandatorily redeemable preferred stock and accrued dividends to subordinated notes

  $ 38,761     $ —       $ —       $ —       $ 38,761  
   


 


 


 


 


Unrealized loss on securities

  $ (1 )   $ —       $ —       $ —       $ (1 )
   


 


 


 


 


Unrealized loss on hedging transactions

  $ (107 )   $ —       $ —       $ —       $ (107 )
   


 


 


 


 


Adjustment of redeemable common stock to fair value

  $ 26,928     $ —       $ —       $ —       $ 26,928  
   


 


 


 


 


 

66


Table of Contents

ST. JOHN KNITS INTERNATIONAL, INCORPORATED

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

 

October 31, 2004, November 2, 2003 and November 3, 2002

 

19. Results by Quarter (Unaudited)

 

The unaudited results by quarter for fiscal years 2004 and 2003 are shown below:

 

    

First

Quarter


  

Second

Quarter


  

Third

Quarter


  

Fourth

Quarter


 
     (in thousands, except per share amounts)  

Year ended October 31, 2004

                             

Net sales

   $ 103,626    $ 100,423    $ 90,773    $ 100,780  

Gross profit

     56,295      57,540      50,419      52,177  

Net income (loss) (1)

     6,074      4,737      2,967      (330 )

Net income (loss) per common share-diluted

     0.94      0.73      0.47      (0.05 )

Year ended November 2, 2003

                             

Net sales

   $ 98,296    $ 87,595    $ 83,524    $ 100,728  

Gross profit

     54,681      52,674      48,135      58,010  

Net income

     5,004      1,947      1,938      5,993  

Net income per common share-diluted

     0.75      0.29      0.29      0.91  

 

(1) See notes 13 and 15.

 

67


Table of Contents

SCHEDULE II

 

ST. JOHN KNITS INTERNATIONAL, INCORPORATED

 

VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS

 

October 31, 2004, November 2, 2003 and November 3, 2002

 

    

Balance at

Beginning of

Fiscal Year


  

Charged to

Costs and

Expenses


    Deductions

  

Balance at

End of

Fiscal Year


Allowance for Uncollectible Accounts:

                            

Fiscal year ended October 31, 2004

   $ 2,559,767    $ 125,276     $ 1,617,291    $ 1,067,752

Fiscal year ended November 2, 2003

   $ 2,316,150    $ 301,040     $ 57,423    $ 2,559,767

Fiscal year ended November 3, 2002

   $ 3,091,498    $ (652,344 )   $ 123,004    $ 2,316,150

Allowance for Discounts:

                            

Fiscal year ended October 31, 2004

   $ 2,613,009    $ 17,368,808     $ 17,774,056    $ 2,207,761

Fiscal year ended November 2, 2003

   $ 2,709,593    $ 16,630,134     $ 16,726,718    $ 2,613,009

Fiscal year ended November 3, 2002

   $ 2,510,779    $ 17,227,292     $ 17,028,478    $ 2,709,593

Allowance for Excess and Obsolete Inventory:

                            

Fiscal year ended October 31, 2004

   $ 3,023,901    $ 3,882,795     $ 1,531,830    $ 5,374,866

Fiscal year ended November 2, 2003

   $ 4,565,491    $ 351,281     $ 1,892,871    $ 3,023,901

Fiscal year ended November 3, 2002

   $ 4,107,371    $ 1,171,525     $ 713,405    $ 4,565,491

 

68


Table of Contents

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.

 

Date: January 26, 2005

 

ST. JOHN KNITS INTERNATIONAL, INCORPORATED

(REGISTRANT)

By:

 

/s/    RICHARD COHEN        


    Richard Cohen
    Chief Executive Officer

 

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.

 

Signature


  

Title


 

Date


/S/    RICHARD COHEN        


Richard Cohen

   Director and Chief Executive Officer (Principal Executive Officer)   January 26, 2005

/S/    ROGER G. RUPPERT        


Roger G. Ruppert

   Executive Vice President-Finance and Chief Financial Officer (Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)   January 26, 2005

/S/    JAMES KELLEY        


James Kelley

  

Chairman of the Board

  January 26, 2005

/S/    MARIE GRAY        


Marie Gray

  

Vice Chairman of the Board and Chief Designer

  January 26, 2005

/S/    BRUCE FETTER        


Bruce Fetter

  

Director and Chief Operating Officer

  January 26, 2005

/S/    KELLY GRAY        


Kelly Gray

  

Director and Creative Director

  January 26, 2005

/S/    BOB GRAY        


Bob Gray

  

Director

  January 26, 2005

/S/    DANIEL O’CONNELL        


Daniel O’Connell

  

Director

  January 26, 2005

/S/    SANDER LEVY        


Sander Levy

  

Director

  January 26, 2005

/S/    CHRISTOPHER HENDERSON        


Christopher Henderson

  

Director

  January 26, 2005

/S/    PHILIP MILLER        


Philip Miller

  

Director

  January 26, 2005

 

69


Table of Contents

SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION TO BE FURNISHED WITH REPORTS FILED PURSUANT TO SECTION 15(d) OF THE ACT BY REGISTRANTS WHICH HAVE NOT REGISTERED SECURITIES PURSUANT TO SECTION 12 OF THE ACT

 

No annual report or proxy material has been sent to security holders covering fiscal 2004.

 

70


Table of Contents

EXHIBIT INDEX

 

Exhibit No.

 

Description of Exhibit


  2.1   Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of February 2, 1999, among St. John Knits, Inc., SJK Acquisition, Inc., St. John Knits International, Incorporated and Acquisition Corp. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.1 to St. John Knits International’s Registration Statement on Form S-4 dated March 1, 1999).
  3.1   Restated Certificate of Incorporation of St. John Knits International, Incorporated (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to St. John Knits International’s Registration Statement on Form S-4 dated September 3, 1999).
  3.2   By-Laws of St. John Knits International, Incorporated (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.2 to Amendment No. 2 to St. John Knits International’s Registration Statement on Form S-4 dated May 17, 1999).
  3.3   Certificate of Amendment of Certificate of Designations (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to St. John Knits International, Incorporated Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended April 28, 2002).
  4.1   Indenture, dated as of July 7, 1999, by and among St. John Knits International, Incorporated, the guarantors named therein and The Bank of New York, as the trustee (incorporated by reference to Exhibit (a)(2) to St. John Knits International’s Amendment No. 4 to Rule 13e-3 Transaction Statement on Schedule 13E-3 dated July 12, 1999).
  4.2   Form of 12.5% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2009 (included as part of the Indenture filed as Exhibit 4.1 hereto).
  4.3   Exchange and Registration Rights Agreement, dated as of July 7, 1999, by and among St. John Knits International, Incorporated, St. John Knits, Inc., St. John Italy, Inc., St. John Trademarks, Inc., St. John Home, LLC, Chase Securities Inc., Bear, Stearns & Co. Inc. and PaineWebber Incorporated (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.3 to St. John Knits International’s Registration Statement on Form S-4 dated September 3, 1999).
  4.4   Not used.
  4.5   Modification Agreement (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to St. John Knits International, Incorporated Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended April 28, 2002).
  4.6   Not used.
  4.7   Not used.
  4.8   Amended and Restated Credit Agreement dated May 30, 2003 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to St. John Knits International, Incorporated’s Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended May 4, 2003).
10.1   Credit Agreement, dated July 7, 1999, by and among the Company, the Lenders from time to time party thereto and The Chase Manhattan Bank, as administrative agent (incorporated by reference to Exhibit (a)(1) to St. John Knits International’s Amendment No. 4 to Rule 13e-3 Transaction Statement on Schedule 13E-3 dated July 12, 1999).
10.2   Voting Agreement, dated as of February 2, 1999, among Vestar Capital Partners III, L.P., Vestar/Gray LLC and the parties listed on Schedule A thereto (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to St. John Knits International’s Registration Statement on Form S-4 dated March 1, 1999).
10.3   Stockholders’ Agreement, dated July 7, 1999, by and among the Company, SJK, Vestar/Gray Investors LLC, Vestar/SJK Investors LLC and the members of Vestar/Gray Investors LLC signatory thereto (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.3 of St. John Knits International’s Form 8-K dated July 7, 1999).
10.4   Amended and Restated Limited Liability Company Agreement of Vestar/SJK Investors LLC, dated as of July 7, 1999 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.4 to St. John Knits International’s Amendment No. 1 to the Registration Statement on Form S-4 dated November 12, 1999).
10.5   Management Agreement among St. John Knits, Inc., St. John Knits International, Incorporated and Vestar Capital Partners (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.4 to Amendment No. 1 to St. John Knits International’s Registration Statement on Form S-4 dated April 28, 1999).
10.5   Not used
10.7   Superior Court of the State of California County of Orange, Central Justice Center Minute Order, dated April 30, 1999 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.8 to Amendment No. 2 to St. John Knits International’s Registration Statement on Form S-4 dated May 17, 1999).
10.8   Lease Amendment Agreement dated April 1, 1997 between St. John Knits, Inc. and G.M. Properties (increasing the space of the corporate headquarters, warehousing and manufacturing facility) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to St. John Knits, Inc.’s Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended November 2, 1997).
10.9   Agreement of Lease dated as of December 31, 1995 by and between St. John Knits, Inc. and Rolex Realty Company, Inc. (New York Boutique) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to St. John Knits, Inc.’s Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended October 29, 1995).

 

71


Table of Contents
10.10    Lease dated June 1, 1986 between G.M. Properties and St. John Knits, Inc. (Corporate Headquarters) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.4 to St. John Knits, Inc.’s Registration Statement on Form S-1, as amended (file no. 33-57128)).
10.11    Industrial Real Estate Lease dated November 13, 1985 between Alhambra Partners, a California Limited Partnership, and St. John Knits, Inc., together with Amendment No. 1 to Industrial Real Estate Lease dated November 13, 1985 and Option to Extend Term dated November 13, 1985 (Assembling, Sewing) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.5 to St. John Knits, Inc.’s Registration Statement on Form S-1, as amended (file no. 33-57128)).
10.12    Agreement of Lease dated January 11, 1991 by and between Rolex Realty Company, Inc. and St. John Knits, Inc. together with Lease Modification Agreement dated January 11, 1991 and Second Lease Modification Agreement dated April 12, 1991 (New York Boutique) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.9 to St. John Knits, Inc.’s Registration Statement on Form S-1, as amended (file no. 33-57128)).
10.13    Amended and Restated Agreement of Limited Partnership of SJA 1&2, Ltd. dated November 2, 1993 by and between St. John Knits, Inc. and Ocean Air Charters, Inc. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.13 to St. John Knits International’s Amendment No. 1 to the Registration Statement on Form S-4 dated November 12, 1999).
10.14    Not used.
10.15    Employment Agreement dated as of July 14, 1998 between St. John Knits, Inc. and Marie St. John Gray (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.4 to St. John Knits, Inc.’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended August 2, 1998).**
10.16*    Written Description of Non-employee Director Compensation Pursuant to Item 601(b)(10)(iii)(A) of Regulation S-K.
10.17    Employment Agreement dated as of January 1, 2001 between St. John Knits, Inc. and Bruce Fetter (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.17 to St. John Knits International, Incorporated’s Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended October 29, 2000).**
10.18    Not used.
10.19    St. John Knits, Inc. Employees’ Profit Sharing Plan dated as of August 21, 1995 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.18 to St. John Knits, Inc.’s Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended October 29, 1995).**
10.20    Aircraft Lease dated October 18, 2001 by and between St. John Knits, Inc. and Ocean Air Charters, Inc. as Trustee of the SJA 1&2, Ltd. Trust (Lease for Company airplane) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.20 to St. John Knits International, Incorporated’s Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended October 28, 2001).
10.21    Form of Indemnity Agreement by and between St. John Knits, Inc., St. John Knits International, Incorporated and each of their directors and officers (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.21 to St. John Knits International’s Amendment No. 1 to the Registration Statement on Form S-4 dated November 12, 1999).
10.22    Distribution Agreement dated June 11, 1997 by and between St. John Knits, Inc. and Gary Farn, Ltd. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.26 to St. John Knits, Inc.’s Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended November 2, 1997).
10.23    General Partnership Agreement of St. John-Varian Development Company dated April 3, 1995 by and between St. John Knits, Inc. and Varian Associates, a California General Partnership (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.28 to St. John Knits, Inc.’s Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended October 29, 1995).
10.24    Lease Agreement dated April 3, 1995 by and between St. John Knits, Inc. and St. John-Varian Development Company (Knitting, Sewing, Finishing, Shipping, Administrative Offices) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.29 to St. John Knits, Inc.’s Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended October 29, 1995).
10.25    First Amendment to Employment Agreement, effective as of November 5, 2001, between Bruce Fetter and St. John Knits, Inc. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.25 to St. John Knits International, Incorporated’s Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended October 28, 2001).**
10.26    Lease Extension Agreement dated November 20, 2000 between St. John Knits, Inc. and G.M. Properties (extending the lease for a manufacturing facility) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.26 to St. John Knits International, Incorporated’s Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended October 29, 2000).
10.27    Lease Extension Agreement dated as of November 20, 2000 between St. John Knits, Inc. and Alhambra Partners (extending the lease for one of the Company’s assembling and sewing facilities) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.27 to St. John Knits International, Incorporated’s Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended October 29, 2000).
10.28    License and Distribution Agreement dated as of August 1, 1997 between St. John Knits, Inc. and St. John Co., Ltd. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.35 to St. John Knits, Inc.’s Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended November 2, 1997).
10.29    Not used.
10.30    Not used.

 

72


Table of Contents
10.31    Sales Representative Agreement dated November 13, 1996 by and between St. John Knits, Inc. and Hilda Chang (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.43 to St. John Knits, Inc.’s Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended November 3, 1996).
10.32    Unit Price Construction Agreement between St. John de Mexico, S.A. de C.V. and Administration Tijuana Industrial, S.A. de C.V. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.50 to St. John Knits, Inc.’s Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended November 2, 1997).
10.33    Not used.
10.34    Stock Option Agreement, dated as of July 7, 1999, between St. John Knits International and Bob Gray (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.34 to St. John Knits International’s Amendment No. 1 to the Registration Statement on Form S-4 dated November 12, 1999).**
10.35    Stock Option Agreement, dated as of July 7, 1999, between St. John Knits International and Marie St. John Gray (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.35 to St. John Knits International’s Amendment No. 1 to the Registration Statement on Form S-4 dated November 12, 1999).**
10.36    Stock Option Agreement, dated as of July 7, 1999, between St. John Knits International and Kelly A. Gray (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.36 to St. John Knits International’s Amendment No. 1 to the Registration Statement on Form S-4 dated November 12, 1999).**
10.37    Not used.
10.38    First Amendment to Amended and Restated Employment Agreement, effective as of May 4, 2000, between Marie St. John Gray and St. John Knits, Inc. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to St. John Knits International, Incorporated’s Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended July 30, 2000).**
10.39    Amended and Restated St. John Knits International, Incorporated 1999 Stock Option Plan, executed May 15, 2000 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to St. John Knits International, Incorporated’s Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended July 30, 2000).**
10.40    Amendment, dated May 15, 2000, to the Management Stockholders’ Agreement dated as of September 21, 1999 among St. John Knits International, Incorporated, Vestar/Gray Investors LLC, Vestar/SJK Investors LLC and the Management Investors (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to St. John Knits International, Incorporated’s Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended July 30, 2000).
10.41    Not used.
10.42    Separation and General Release Agreement, effective as of October 16, 2001, between Hugh Mullins and St. John Knits, Inc. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.42 to St. John Knits International, Incorporated’s Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended October 28, 2001).**
10.43    Amendment to the Amended and Restated Limited Liability Company Agreement of Vestar/Gray Investors LLC, dated as of July 7, 1999 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to St. John Knits International, Incorporated’s Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended July 29, 2001).
10.44    Amended to the Stockholders’ Agreement dated July 7, 1999, by and among the Company, SJK and Vestar/Gray Investors, LLC (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to St. John Knits International, Incorporated’s Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended July 29, 2001).
10.45    Second Amendment to Amended and Restated Employment Agreement, effective as of September 24, 2002, between Marie St. John Gray and St. John Knits, Inc. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.45 to St. John Knits International, Incorporated’s Report on Form 10-K for fiscal 2002). **
10.46    Third Amendment to Amended and Restated Employment Agreement, effective as of January 9, 2003, between Marie St. John Gray and St. John Knits, Inc. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.46 to St. John Knits International, Incorporated’s Report on Form 10-K for fiscal 2002). **
10.47    Not used.
10.48    Not used.
10.49    Second Amendment to Amended and Restated Employment Agreement, effective as of November 4, 2002, between Bruce Fetter and St. John Knits, Inc. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.49 to St. John Knits International, Incorporated’s Report on Form 10-K for fiscal 2002). **
10.50    Separation Agreement between St. John Knits International, Incorporated and Bob Gray, effective as of November 3, 2002. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.50 to St. John Knits International, Incorporated’s Report on Form 10-K for fiscal 2002). **
10.51    Amended and Restated Separation Agreement between St. John Knits International, Incorporated and Bob Gray, effective as of November 3, 2002. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.51 to St. John Knits International, Incorporated’s Report on Form 10-K for fiscal 2002). **
10.52    Consulting Agreement between St. John Knits, Inc. and Bob Gray, effective as of November 4, 2002. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.52 to St. John Knits International, Incorporated’s Report on Form 10-K for fiscal 2002). **
10.53    Amended and Restated Consulting Agreement between St. John Knits, Inc. and Bob Gray effective as of November 4, 2002. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.53 to St. John Knits International, Incorporated’s Report on Form 10-K for fiscal 2002). **

 

73


Table of Contents
10.54    Agreement of intent of sell SJKI common stock by and between St. John Knits International, Incorporated and Bob Gray, dated November 7, 2002. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.54 to St. John Knits International, Incorporated’s Report on Form 10-K for fiscal 2002). **
10.55    Employment agreement dated as of June 3, 2004 between St. John Knits, Inc. and Richard Cohen. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to St. John Knits International, Incorporated’s Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended August 1, 2004).**
10.56    Agreement for Purchase and Sale and Lease of Property and Escrow Instructions dated June 11, 2004 by and between St. John Knits, Inc. and John R. Saunders Trust. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to St. John Knits International, Incorporated’s Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended August 1, 2004).
10.57    Lease agreement dated July 21, 2004 by and between St. John Knits, Inc. and JS SJK L.P. (lease covering the location at 17522 Armstrong Avenue in Irvine, California). (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to St. John Knits International, Incorporated’s Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended August 1, 2004).
10.58    Lease agreement dated July 21, 2004 by and between St. John Knits, Inc. and JS SJK L.P. (lease covering the location at 17622 Armstrong Avenue in Irvine, California). (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.4 to St. John Knits International, Incorporated’s Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended August 1, 2004).
10.59    Agreement of intent to sell SJKI Common Stock by and between St. John Knits International, Incorporated and Bob Gray, dated May 21, 2004. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.5 to St. John Knits International, Incorporated’s Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended August 1, 2004).
10.60    Form of Time Option Agreement for the Amended and Restated St. John Knits International, Incorporated 1999 Stock Option Plan. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.6 to St. John Knits International, Incorporated’s Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended August 1, 2004).
10.61*    Employment Agreement dated as of December 27, 2004 between St. John Knits, Inc. and Max Weinstein.**
10.62*    Time Option Agreement dated as of January 11, 2005 between St. John Knits, Inc. and Max Weinstein.**
10.63*    Employment Agreement dated as of December 24, 2004 between St. John Knits, Inc. and Robert Green.**
10.64*    Time Option Agreement dated as of January 11, 2005 between St. John Knits, Inc. and Robert Green.**
10.65*    Employment Agreement dated as of December 17, 2004 between St. John Knits, Inc. and Elfie Campbell.**
10.66*    Fourth Amendment to Amended and Restated Employment Agreement, effective as of January 10, 2005, between Marie St. John Gray and St. John Knits, Inc.**
10.67*    Employment agreement dated as of January 10, 2005 between St. John Knits, Inc. and Kelly Gray.**
21.1    List of subsidiaries
31.1*    Certification of CEO pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
31.2*    Certification of CFO pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
32.1*    Certification Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, As Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of The Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 – Chief Executive Officer
32.2*    Certification Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, As Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of The Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 – Chief Financial Officer

 

* Filed herewith

 

** Management Contract or Compensation Plan

 

74