10-Q 1 a2017dxyn10q-q1.htm 10-Q Document



UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C.   20549
 
Form 10-Q
 
(Mark One)
R    QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the quarterly period ended April 1, 2017
OR

o    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: 0-2585

dixielogoa07.jpg

THE DIXIE GROUP, INC.
(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)
Tennessee
 
     
 
62-0183370
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)
 
 
 
(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
475 Reed Road, Dalton, Georgia
 
30720
 
(706) 876-5800
(Address of principal executive offices)
 
(zip code)
 
(Registrant's telephone number, including area code)
Not Applicable
(Former name, former address and former fiscal year, if changed since last report)

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.  R Yes  o No

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (Section 232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files). R Yes  o No

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, smaller reporting company or an emerging growth company .  See the definitions of "large accelerated filer," "accelerated filer," "smaller reporting company," and "emerging growth company" in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.  
Large accelerated filer
o
 
 
 Accelerated filer
o
Non-accelerated filer
o
(Do not check if a smaller reporting company)
 
 Smaller reporting company
R
 
 
 
 
 Emerging growth company
o

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. o

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.) o Yes R No

The number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer's classes of Common Stock as of the latest practicable date.
Class
            
Outstanding as of April 27, 2017
Common Stock, $3 Par Value
 
15,253,485 shares
Class B Common Stock, $3 Par Value
 
872,455 shares
Class C Common Stock, $3 Par Value
 
0 shares





THE DIXIE GROUP, INC.

Table of Contents
PART I.  FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Page
 
 
 
 
 
Item 1.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Item 2.
 
Item 3.
 
Item 4.
 
 
 
 
 
PART II. OTHER INFORMATION
 
 
 
 
 
 
Item 1.
 
Item 1A.
 
Item 2.
 
Item 3.
 
Item 4.
 
Item 5.
 
Item 6.
 
 
 
 
 
 







PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1. Financial Statements
THE DIXIE GROUP, INC.
CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED BALANCE SHEETS
(amounts in thousands, except share data)
 
April 1, 2017
 
December 31, 2016
ASSETS
(Unaudited)
 
 

CURRENT ASSETS
 
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents
$
143

 
$
140

Receivables, net
51,164

 
43,605

Inventories, net
103,542

 
97,237

Prepaid expenses
4,555

 
4,376

TOTAL CURRENT ASSETS
159,404

 
145,358

 
 
 
 
PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT, NET
93,503

 
92,807

GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLES
6,079

 
6,156

OTHER ASSETS
25,366

 
24,666

TOTAL ASSETS
$
284,352

 
$
268,987

 
 
 
 
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
 
 
 
CURRENT LIABILITIES
 
 
 
Accounts payable
$
25,255

 
$
20,683

Accrued expenses
31,644

 
32,826

Current portion of long-term debt
9,872

 
10,122

TOTAL CURRENT LIABILITIES
66,771

 
63,631

 
 
 
 
LONG-TERM DEBT
110,811

 
98,256

OTHER LONG-TERM LIABILITIES
19,829

 
19,978

TOTAL LIABILITIES
197,411

 
181,865

 
 
 
 
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

 

 
 
 
 
STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
 
 
 
Common Stock ($3 par value per share): Authorized 80,000,000 shares, issued and outstanding - 15,256,414 shares for 2017 and 15,248,338 shares for 2016
45,769

 
45,745

Class B Common Stock ($3 par value per share): Authorized 16,000,000 shares, issued and outstanding - 869,526 shares for 2017 and 870,714 shares for 2016
2,609

 
2,612

Additional paid-in capital
156,532

 
156,381

Accumulated deficit
(116,261
)
 
(115,656
)
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)
(1,708
)
 
(1,960
)
TOTAL STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
86,941

 
87,122

TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
$
284,352

 
$
268,987


See accompanying notes to the consolidated condensed financial statements.




THE DIXIE GROUP, INC.
CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(UNAUDITED)
(amounts in thousands, except per share data)
 
Three Months Ended
 
April 1,
2017
 
March 26,
2016
NET SALES
$
97,541

 
$
89,234

Cost of sales
72,380

 
69,728

GROSS PROFIT
25,161

 
19,506

 
 
 
 
Selling and administrative expenses
24,481

 
23,666

Other operating expense, net
52

 
267

Facility consolidation expenses, net
—

 
1,413

OPERATING INCOME (LOSS)
628

 
(5,840
)
 
 
 
 
Interest expense
1,362

 
1,324

Other expense, net
4

 
8

LOSS FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS BEFORE TAXES
(738
)
 
(7,172
)
Income tax benefit
(163
)
 
(2,415
)
LOSS FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS
(575
)
 
(4,757
)
Loss from discontinued operations, net of tax
(29
)
 
(10
)
NET LOSS
$
(604
)
 
$
(4,767
)
 
 
 
 
BASIC EARNINGS (LOSS) PER SHARE:
 
 
 
Continuing operations
$
(0.04
)
 
$
(0.30
)
Discontinued operations
(0.00
)
 
(0.00
)
Net loss
$
(0.04
)
 
$
(0.30
)
 
 
 
 
BASIC SHARES OUTSTANDING
15,673

 
15,600

 
 
 
 
DILUTED EARNINGS (LOSS) PER SHARE:
 
 
 
Continuing operations
$
(0.04
)
 
$
(0.30
)
Discontinued operations
(0.00
)
 
(0.00
)
Net loss
$
(0.04
)
 
$
(0.30
)
 
 
 
 
DILUTED SHARES OUTSTANDING
15,673

 
15,600

 
 
 
 
DIVIDENDS PER SHARE:
 
 
 
Common Stock
$
—

 
$
—

Class B Common Stock
—

 
—


See accompanying notes to the consolidated condensed financial statements. 

Table of Contents    4    



THE DIXIE GROUP, INC.
CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)
(UNAUDITED)
(amounts in thousands)

 
Three Months Ended
 
April 1,
2017
 
March 26,
2016
NET LOSS
$
(604
)
 
$
(4,767
)
 
 
 
 
OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS), NET OF TAX:
 
 
 
Unrealized gain (loss) on interest rate swaps
57

 
(1,439
)
Income taxes
22

 
(547
)
Unrealized gain (loss) on interest rate swaps, net
35

 
(892
)
 
 
 
 
Reclassification of loss into earnings from interest rate swaps (1)
359

 
294

Income taxes
136

 
112

Reclassification of loss into earnings from interest rate swaps, net
223

 
182

 
 
 
 
Reclassification of net actuarial gain into earnings from postretirement benefit plans (2)
(8
)
 
(10
)
Income taxes
(3
)
 
(4
)
Reclassification of net actuarial gain into earnings from postretirement benefit plans, net
(5
)
 
(6
)
 
 
 
 
Reclassification of prior service credits into earnings from postretirement benefit plans (2)
(1
)
 
(1
)
Income taxes
—

 
—

Reclassification of prior service credits into earnings from postretirement benefit plans, net
(1
)
 
(1
)
 

 

TOTAL OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS), NET OF TAX
252

 
(717
)
 
 
 
 
COMPREHENSIVE LOSS
$
(352
)
 
$
(5,484
)

(1)
Amounts for cash flow hedges reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) to net loss were included in interest expense in the Company's Consolidated Condensed Statements of Operations.
(2)
Amounts for postretirement plans reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) to net loss were included in selling and administrative expenses in the Company's Consolidated Condensed Statements of Operations.


See accompanying notes to the consolidated condensed financial statements.

Table of Contents    5    



THE DIXIE GROUP, INC.
CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(UNAUDITED)
(amounts in thousands)
 
Three Months Ended
 
April 1,
2017
 
March 26,
2016
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES
 

 
 

Loss from continuing operations
$
(575
)
 
$
(4,757
)
Loss from discontinued operations
(29
)
 
(10
)
Net loss
(604
)
 
(4,767
)
 
 
 
 
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities:
 
 
 
Depreciation and amortization
3,211

 
3,497

Benefit for deferred income taxes
(141
)
 
(1,954
)
Net loss on property, plant and equipment disposals
—

 
120

Stock-based compensation expense
288

 
328

Bad debt expense (credit)
30

 
(27
)
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
 
 
 
Receivables
(7,589
)
 
5,100

Inventories
(6,305
)
 
6,273

Other current assets
(179
)
 
(2,427
)
Accounts payable and accrued expenses
3,696

 
(3,426
)
Other operating assets and liabilities
(463
)
 
(297
)
NET CASH PROVIDED BY (USED IN) OPERATING ACTIVITIES
(8,056
)
 
2,420

 
 
 
 
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES
 
 
 
Purchase of property, plant and equipment
(3,720
)
 
(1,143
)
NET CASH USED IN INVESTING ACTIVITIES
(3,720
)
 
(1,143
)
 
 
 
 
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES
 
 
 
Net borrowings on revolving credit facility
14,251

 
1,851

Payments on notes payable - buildings
(183
)
 
(183
)
Payments on notes payable related to acquisitions
(294
)
 
(273
)
Borrowings on notes payable - equipment and other
405

 
—

Payments on notes payable - equipment and other
(1,130
)
 
(1,227
)
Payments on capital leases
(848
)
 
(776
)
Change in outstanding checks in excess of cash
(306
)
 
(517
)
Repurchases of Common Stock
(116
)
 
(119
)
NET CASH (USED IN) PROVIDED BY FINANCING ACTIVITIES
11,779

 
(1,244
)
 
 
 
 
INCREASE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS
3

 
33

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT BEGINNING OF PERIOD
140

 
281

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT END OF PERIOD
$
143

 
$
314

 
 
 
 
SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION:
 
 
 
Interest paid
$
1,285

 
$
1,192

Income taxes paid (received), net
99

 
(144
)
Equipment purchased under capital leases
—

 
75

Equipment purchased under notes payable
59

 
—

Shortfall of tax benefits from stock-based compensation
—

 
(179
)

See accompanying notes to the consolidated condensed financial statements.

Table of Contents    6    

THE DIXIE GROUP, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(UNAUDITED)
(amounts in thousands, except per share data)

NOTE 1 - BASIS OF PRESENTATION

The accompanying unaudited consolidated condensed financial statements have been prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles ("U.S. GAAP") for interim financial statements which do not include all the information and footnotes required by such accounting principles for annual financial statements. In the opinion of management, all adjustments (generally consisting of normal recurring accruals) considered necessary for a fair presentation have been included in the accompanying financial statements. The accompanying financial statements should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in the Company's 2016 Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2016. Operating results for the three month period ended April 1, 2017 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the entire 2017 year.

The Company has one reportable segment, floorcovering.

NOTE 2 - RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS

Accounting Standards Adopted in Fiscal 2017

In July 2015, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") No. 2015-11, "Inventory (Topic 330): Simplifying the Measurement of Inventory." Topic 330 currently requires an entity to measure inventory at the lower of cost or market. Market could be replacement cost, net realizable value, or net realizable value less an approximately normal profit margin. This ASU does not apply to inventory that is measured using last-in, first-out (LIFO) or the retail inventory method. This ASU was effective for the Company's fiscal year beginning January 1, 2017. The Company measures substantially all inventories using the LIFO method; therefore, the adoption of this ASU did not have an impact on the Consolidated Condensed Financial Statements.

In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-09, "Compensation - Stock Compensation (Topic 718): Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting," which is intended to simplify several aspects of the accounting for share-based payment transactions, including the income tax consequences, classification of awards as either equity or liabilities, and classification on the statement of cash flows. This ASU was effective for the Company's fiscal year beginning January 1, 2017. The adoption of this ASU did not have a significant impact on the Consolidated Condensed Financial Statements. The Company made an accounting policy election to account for forfeitures when they actually occur.

In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017-01, “Business Combinations (Topic 805): Clarifying the Definition of a Business,” which narrows the existing definition of a business and provides a framework for evaluating whether a transaction should be accounted for as an acquisition (or disposal) of assets or a business. The definition of a business affects areas of accounting such as acquisitions, disposals and goodwill. Under this ASU, fewer acquired sets are expected to be considered businesses. For public entities, ASU 2017-01 is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim periods within those fiscal years with early adoption permitted under certain circumstances. The Company has elected to early adopt this ASU beginning with its fiscal year beginning January 1, 2017. The adoption of this ASU did not have any impact on the Company's Consolidated Condensed Financial Statements.

In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017-04, “Intangibles - Goodwill and Other (Topic 350): Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment.” Under the new standard, goodwill impairment would be measured as the amount by which a reporting unit’s carrying value exceeds its fair value, not to exceed the carrying value of goodwill. This ASU eliminates existing guidance that requires an entity to determine goodwill impairment by calculating the implied fair value of goodwill by hypothetically assigning the fair value of a reporting unit to all of its assets and liabilities as if that reporting unit had been acquired in a business combination. For public entities, ASU 2017-04 is effective for annual or any interim goodwill impairment tests in annual periods beginning after December 15, 2019, with early adoption permitted. The Company has elected to early adopt this ASU beginning with its fiscal year beginning January 1, 2017. The adoption of this ASU did not have any impact on the Company's Consolidated Condensed Financial Statements.

Accounting Standards Yet to Be Adopted

In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-09, "Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606)". The ASU requires an entity to recognize the amount of revenue to which it expects to be entitled for the transfer of promised goods or services to customers. The ASU and all subsequently issued clarifying ASUs will replace most existing revenue recognition guidance in U.S. GAAP when it becomes effective. The standard permits the use of either the retrospective or cumulative effect transition method. Public business entities, certain not-for-profit entities, and certain employee benefit plans should apply the guidance in ASU 2014-09 to annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim reporting periods within that reporting period. Management is continuing to evaluate the standard’s impact on the Company’s Consolidated Condensed Financial Statements. The Company has developed a project team relative to the process of adopting this ASU and is currently completing a detailed review of the

Table of Contents    7    

THE DIXIE GROUP, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(UNAUDITED)
(amounts in thousands, except per share data) (Continued)


Company’s revenue arrangements to determine any necessary adjustments to existing accounting policies. For the majority of these arrangements, no significant impacts are expected as these transactions generally consist of a single performance obligation to transfer promised goods or services. The Company currently anticipates utilizing the retrospective method upon adoption.

In January 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-01, "Financial Instruments─Overall (Subtopic 825-10): Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities," which addresses the recognition, measurement, presentation and disclosure of financial assets and liabilities. The ASU primarily affects the accounting for equity investments, financial liabilities under the fair value option and the presentation and disclosure requirements for financial instruments. In addition, the ASU clarifies the valuation allowance assessment when recognizing deferred tax assets resulting from unrealized losses on available-for-sale debt securities. The ASU is effective for public companies for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim periods within those fiscal years. The Company does not believe the adoption of this ASU will have a significant impact on the Consolidated Condensed Financial Statements.

In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-02, "Leases (Topic 842)," which requires lessees to recognize on the balance sheet a right-of use asset, representing its right to use the underlying asset for the lease term, and a lease liability for all leases with terms greater than 12 months. The guidance also requires qualitative and quantitative disclosures designed to assess the amount, timing, and uncertainty of cash flows arising from leases. The standard requires the use of a modified retrospective transition approach, which includes a number of optional practical expedients that entities may elect to apply. ASU 2016-02 is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2018, including interim periods within those fiscal years. Early application is permitted. The Company is continuing to evaluate the impact of the adoption of this ASU on the Consolidated Condensed Financial Statements. The Company has developed a project team relative to the process of adopting this ASU and is currently completing a detailed review of the Company’s leasing arrangements, which consist primarily of building and equipment leases, to determine the impact.

In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-13, "Financial Instruments - Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments," which amends the impairment model to utilize an expected loss methodology in place of the currently used incurred loss methodology, which will result in the more timely recognition of losses. For public entities, ASU 2016-13 is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2019, including interim periods within those fiscal years. Early application will be permitted for all organizations for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2018. The Company does not believe the adoption of this ASU will have a significant impact on the Consolidated Condensed Financial Statements due to the nature of the Company's customers and the limited amount of write-offs in past years.

In August 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-15, "Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230): Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments," which provides clarification guidance on certain cash flow presentation issues that have developed due to diversity in practice. These issues include certain cash receipts and payments for debt prepayment or extinguishment costs, the maturing of a zero coupon bond, the settlement of contingent liabilities arising from a business combination, proceeds from insurance settlements, distributions from certain equity method investees and beneficial interests obtained in a financial asset securitization. ASU 2016-15 clarifies that when cash receipts and cash payments have aspects of more than one class of cash flows and cannot be separated, classification will depend on the predominant source or use. For public entities, ASU 2016-15 is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim periods within those fiscal years, with early adoption permitted. The Company does not believe the adoption of this ASU will have a significant impact on the Consolidated Condensed Financial Statements.

In November 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-18, “Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230): Restricted Cash,” which clarifies guidance on the classification and presentation of restricted cash in the statement of cash flows. Under the ASU, changes in restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents would be included along with those of cash and cash equivalents in the statement of cash flows. In addition, a reconciliation between the balance sheet and the statement of cash flows would be disclosed when the balance sheet includes more than one line item for cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash and cash equivalents. For public entities, ASU 2016-18 is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim periods within those fiscal years with early adoption permitted. Entities are required to apply the standard’s provisions on a retrospective basis. The Company does not believe the adoption of this ASU will have a significant impact on the Consolidated Condensed Financial Statements.

In February 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-05, "Other Income-Gains and Losses from the Derecognition of Nonfinancial Assets (Subtopic 610-20): Clarifying the Scope of Asset Derecognition Guidance and Accounting for Partial Sales of Nonfinancial Assets." This ASU clarifies the scope and application of ASC 610-20 on the sale or transfer of nonfinancial assets and in substance nonfinancial assets to noncustomers, including partial sales. The amendments are effective at the same time as the new revenue standard. For public entities, the amendments are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim reporting periods within those fiscal years. The Company is currently assessing if there will be any impact on the Company's Consolidated Condensed Financial Statements.

In March 2017, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017-07, "Compensation - Retirement Benefits (Topic 715): Improving the Presentation of Net Periodic Pension Cost and Net Periodic Postretirement Benefit Cost," which will change the presentation of net periodic benefit cost related to employer sponsored defined benefit plans and other postretirement benefits. Service cost will be included

Table of Contents    8    

THE DIXIE GROUP, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(UNAUDITED)
(amounts in thousands, except per share data) (Continued)


within the same income statement line item as other compensation costs arising from services rendered during the period, while other components of net periodic benefit pension cost will be presented separately outside of operating income. Additionally, only service costs may be capitalized in assets. ASU 2017-07 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim periods within those fiscal years. The Company does not believe the adoption of this ASU will have a significant impact on the Consolidated Condensed Financial Statements.

NOTE 3 - RECEIVABLES, NET

Receivables are summarized as follows:
 
April 1,
2017
 
December 31,
2016
Customers, trade
$
46,982

 
$
39,749

Other receivables
4,320

 
3,963

Gross receivables
51,302

 
43,712

Less: allowance for doubtful accounts
(138
)
 
(107
)
Receivables, net
$
51,164

 
$
43,605


Bad debt expense (credit) was $30 and $(27) for the three months ended April 1, 2017 and March 26, 2016, respectively.

NOTE 4 - INVENTORIES, NET

Inventories are summarized as follows:
 
April 1,
2017
 
December 31,
2016
Raw materials
$
36,966

 
$
34,261

Work-in-process
19,613

 
16,739

Finished goods
57,888

 
57,053

Supplies and other
112

 
120

LIFO reserve
(11,037
)
 
(10,936
)
Inventories, net
$
103,542

 
$
97,237


NOTE 5 - PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT, NET

Property, plant and equipment consists of the following:
 
April 1,
2017
 
December 31,
2016
Land and improvements
$
7,781

 
$
7,781

Buildings and improvements
62,055

 
62,055

Machinery and equipment
177,784

 
177,745

Assets under construction
6,053

 
2,386

 
253,673

 
249,967

Accumulated depreciation
(160,170
)
 
(157,160
)
Property, plant and equipment, net
$
93,503

 
$
92,807


Depreciation of property, plant and equipment, including amounts for capital leases, totaled $3,083 in the three months ended April 1, 2017 and $3,349 in the three months ended March 26, 2016.

NOTE 6 - GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLES

The carrying amount of goodwill is $3,389 as of April 1, 2017 and December 31, 2016. The Company has a net carrying amount of $2,690 and $2,767 as of April 1, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively, for certain intangible assets subject to amortization. Amortization expense was $76 for the three months ended April 1, 2017 and March 26, 2016, respectively.


Table of Contents    9    

THE DIXIE GROUP, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(UNAUDITED)
(amounts in thousands, except per share data) (Continued)


NOTE 7 - ACCRUED EXPENSES

Accrued expenses are summarized as follows:
 
April 1,
2017
 
December 31,
2016
Compensation and benefits
$
7,946

 
$
7,492

Provision for customer rebates, claims and allowances
7,705

 
8,882

Advanced customer deposits
7,572

 
8,212

Outstanding checks in excess of cash
1,768

 
2,074

Other
6,653

 
6,166

Accrued expenses
$
31,644

 
$
32,826


NOTE 8 - PRODUCT WARRANTY RESERVES

The Company generally provides product warranties related to manufacturing defects and specific performance standards for its products. Product warranty reserves are included in accrued expenses in the Company's Consolidated Condensed Financial Statements. The following is a summary of the Company's product warranty activity:
 
Three Months Ended
 
April 1,
2017
 
March 26,
2016
Product warranty reserve at beginning of period
$
2,307

 
$
2,159

Warranty liabilities accrued
1,323

 
1,352

Warranty liabilities settled
(1,468
)
 
(1,760
)
Changes for pre-existing warranty liabilities
(218
)
 
417

Product warranty reserve at end of period
$
1,944

 
$
2,168


NOTE 9 - LONG-TERM DEBT AND CREDIT ARRANGEMENTS

Long-term debt consists of the following:
 
April 1,
2017
 
December 31,
2016
Revolving credit facility
$
84,835

 
$
70,583

Notes payable - buildings
12,967

 
13,150

Acquisition note payable - Development Authority of Gordon County
844

 
1,147

Acquisition note payable - Robertex
1,573

 
1,564

Notes payable - equipment and other
10,967

 
11,633

Capital lease obligations
10,297

 
11,145

Deferred financing costs, net
(800
)
 
(844
)
Total long-term debt
120,683

 
108,378

Less: current portion of long-term debt
9,872

 
10,122

Long-term debt
$
110,811

 
$
98,256


Revolving Credit Facility

The revolving credit facility provides for a maximum of $150,000 of revolving credit, subject to borrowing base availability. The borrowing base is currently equal to specified percentages of the Company's eligible accounts receivable, inventories, fixed assets and real property less reserves established, from time to time, by the administrative agent under the facility. The revolving credit facility matures on September 23, 2021. The revolving credit facility is secured by a first priority lien on substantially all of the Company's assets.

At the Company's election, advances of the revolving credit facility bear interest at annual rates equal to either (a) LIBOR for 1, 2 or 3 month periods, as selected by the Company, plus an applicable margin ranging between 1.50% and 2.00%, or (b) the higher of the prime rate, the Federal Funds rate plus 0.5%, or a daily LIBOR rate plus 1.00%, plus an applicable margin ranging between

Table of Contents    10    

THE DIXIE GROUP, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(UNAUDITED)
(amounts in thousands, except per share data) (Continued)


0.50% and 1.00%. The applicable margin is determined based on availability under the revolving credit facility with margins increasing as availability decreases. As of April 1, 2017, the applicable margin on our revolving credit facility was 1.50%. The Company pays an unused line fee on the average amount by which the aggregate commitments exceed utilization of the revolving credit facility equal to 0.375% per annum. The weighted-average interest rate on borrowings outstanding under the revolving credit facility was 4.28% at April 1, 2017 and 4.40% at December 31, 2016.

The revolving credit facility includes certain affirmative and negative covenants that impose restrictions on the Company's financial and business operations. The revolving credit facility requires the Company to maintain a fixed charge coverage ratio of 1.1 to 1.0 during any period that borrowing availability was less than $16,500. As of April 1, 2017, the unused borrowing availability under the revolving credit facility was $37,484; however, since the Company's fixed charge coverage ratio was less than 1.1 to 1.0, the unused availability accessible by the Company was $20,984 (the amount above $16,500) at April 1, 2017.

Notes Payable - Buildings

On November 7, 2014, the Company entered into a ten-year $8,330 note payable to purchase a previously leased distribution center in Adairsville, Georgia. The note payable is scheduled to mature on November 7, 2024 and is secured by the distribution center. The note payable bears interest at a variable rate equal to one month LIBOR plus 2.0% and is payable in equal monthly installments of principal of $35, plus interest calculated on the declining balance of the note, with a final payment of $4,165 due on maturity. In addition, the Company entered into an interest rate swap with an amortizing notional amount effective November 7, 2014 which effectively fixes the interest rate at 4.50%.

On January 23, 2015, the Company entered into a ten-year $6,290 note payable to finance an owned facility in Saraland, Alabama. The note payable is scheduled to mature on January 7, 2025 and is secured by the facility. The note payable bears interest at a variable rate equal to one month LIBOR plus 2.0% and is payable in equal monthly installments of principal of $26, plus interest calculated on the declining balance of the note, with a final payment of $3,145 due on maturity. In addition, the Company entered into a forward interest rate swap with an amortizing notional amount effective January 7, 2017 which effectively fixes the interest rate at 4.30%.

Acquisition Note Payable - Development Authority of Gordon County

On November 2, 2012, the Company signed a 6.00% seller-financed note of $5,500 with Lineage PCR, Inc. (“Lineage”) related to the acquisition of a continuous carpet dyeing facility in Calhoun, Georgia. Effective December 28, 2012, through a series of agreements between the Company, the Development Authority of Gordon County, Georgia (the “Authority”) and Lineage, obligations with identical payment terms as the original note to Lineage became payment obligations to the Authority. These transactions were consummated in order to provide a tax abatement to the Company related to the real estate and equipment at this facility. The tax abatement plan provides for abatement for certain components of the real and personal property taxes for up to ten years. At any time, the Company has the option to pay off the obligation, plus a nominal amount. The debt to the Authority bears interest at 6.00% and is payable in equal monthly installments of principal and interest of $106 over 57 months.

Acquisition Note Payable - Robertex

On July 1, 2013, the Company signed a 4.50% seller-financed note of $4,000, which was recorded at a fair value of $3,749, with Robert P. Rothman related to the acquisition of Robertex Associates, LLC ("Robertex") in Calhoun, Georgia. The note is payable in five annual installments of principal of $800 plus interest. The note matures June 30, 2018.

Notes Payable - Equipment and Other

The Company's equipment financing notes have terms ranging from 3 to 7 years, bear interest ranging from 1.00% to 7.68% and are due in monthly installments through their maturity dates. The Company's equipment financing notes are secured by the specific equipment financed and do not contain any financial covenants.

Capital Lease Obligations

The Company's capitalized lease obligations have terms ranging from 3 to 7 years, bear interest ranging from 2.90% to 7.37% and are due in monthly or quarterly installments through their maturity dates. The Company's capital lease obligations are secured by the specific equipment leased.

NOTE 10 - FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS

Fair value is defined as the exchange value of an asset or a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants. The fair value guidance outlines a valuation framework and establishes a fair value hierarchy in order to increase the consistency and comparability of fair value measurements and disclosures. The hierarchy consists of three levels as follows:

Table of Contents    11    

THE DIXIE GROUP, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(UNAUDITED)
(amounts in thousands, except per share data) (Continued)


Level 1 - Quoted market prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities as of the reported date;

Level 2 - Other than quoted market prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities, quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets, quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in markets that are not active, and other than quoted prices for assets or liabilities and prices that are derived principally from or corroborated by market data by correlation or other means; and

Level 3 - Measurements using management's best estimate of fair value, where the determination of fair value requires significant management judgment or estimation.

The following table reflects the fair values of assets and liabilities measured and recognized at fair value on a recurring basis on the Company's Consolidated Condensed Balance Sheets as of April 1, 2017 and December 31, 2016:
 
April 1,
2017
 
December 31,
2016
 
Fair Value Hierarchy Level
Liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
Interest rate swaps (1)
$
3,280

 
$
3,695

 
Level 2
Contingent consideration (2)
203

 
200

 
Level 3

(1)
The Company uses certain external sources in deriving the fair value of the interest rate swaps. The interest rate swaps were valued using observable inputs (e.g., LIBOR yield curves, credit spreads). Valuations of interest rate swaps may fluctuate considerably from period-to-period due to volatility in underlying interest rates, which are driven by market conditions and the duration of the instrument. Credit adjustments could have a significant impact on the valuations due to changes in credit ratings of the Company or its counterparties.
(2)
As a result of the Robertex acquisition in 2013, the Company recorded a contingent consideration liability at fair value. This fair value measurement was based on calculations that utilize significant inputs not observable in the market including forecasted revenues, gross margins and discount rates and thus represent Level 3 measurements. This fair value measurement is directly impacted by the Company's estimates. Accordingly, if the estimates within the fair value measurement are higher or lower, the Company would record additional charges or benefits, respectively, as appropriate.

Changes in the fair value measurements using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) during the three months ending April 1, 2017 and March 26, 2016 were as follows:
 
April 1,
2017
 
March 26,
2016
Beginning balance
$
200

 
$
584

Fair value adjustments
3

 
15

Settlements
—

 
(52
)
Ending balance
$
203

 
$
547


There were no transfers of assets or liabilities between Level 1, Level 2 and Level 3 during the three months ending April 1, 2017 or March 26, 2016. If any, the Company recognizes the transfers in or transfers out at the end of the reporting period.

The carrying amounts and estimated fair values of the Company's financial instruments are summarized as follows:
 
April 1,
2017
 
December 31,
2016
 
Carrying
 
Fair
 
Carrying
 
Fair
 
Amount
 
Value
 
Amount
 
Value
Financial assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents
$
143

 
$
143

 
$
140

 
$
140

Notes receivable, including current portion
282

 
282

 
282

 
282

Financial liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Long-term debt and capital leases, including current portion
120,683

 
119,597

 
108,378

 
105,270

Interest rate swaps
3,280

 
3,280

 
3,695

 
3,695


The fair values of the Company's long-term debt and capital leases were estimated using market rates the Company believes would be available for similar types of financial instruments and represent level 2 measurements. The fair values of cash and cash equivalents and notes receivable approximate their carrying amounts due to the short-term nature of the financial instruments.

Table of Contents    12    

THE DIXIE GROUP, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(UNAUDITED)
(amounts in thousands, except per share data) (Continued)


NOTE 11 - DERIVATIVES

The Company's earnings, cash flows and financial position are exposed to market risks relating to interest rates. It is the Company's policy to minimize its exposure to adverse changes in interest rates and manage interest rate risks inherent in funding the Company with debt. The Company addresses this risk by maintaining a mix of fixed and floating rate debt and entering into interest rate swaps for a portion of its variable rate debt to minimize interest rate volatility.

The following is a summary of the Company's interest rate swaps as of April 1, 2017:
Type
Notional Amount
 
Effective Date
Fixed Rate
Variable Rate
Interest rate swap
$
25,000

 
September 1, 2016 through September 1, 2021
3.105%
1 Month LIBOR
Interest rate swap
$
25,000

 
September 1, 2015 through September 1, 2021
3.304%
1 Month LIBOR
Interest rate swap
$
7,358

(1)
November 7, 2014 through November 7, 2024
4.500%
1 Month LIBOR
Interest rate swap
$
5,609

(2)
January 7, 2017 through January 7, 2025
4.300%
1 Month LIBOR

(1) Interest rate swap notional amount amortizes by $35 monthly to maturity.
(2) Interest rate swap notional amount amortizes by $26 monthly to maturity.

The following table summarizes the fair values of derivative instruments included in the Company's Consolidated Condensed Balance Sheets:
 
Location on Consolidated Balance Sheets
 
Fair Value
 
 
April 1,
2017
 
December 31,
2016
Liability Derivatives:
 
 
 
 
 
Derivatives designated as hedging instruments:
 
 
 
 
 
Interest rate swaps, current portion
Accrued Expenses
 
$
1,178

 
$
1,342

Interest rate swaps, long-term portion
Other Long-Term Liabilities
 
2,102

 
2,353

Total Liability Derivatives
 
 
$
3,280

 
$
3,695


The following tables summarize the pre-tax impact of derivative instruments on the Company's financial statements:
 
Amount of Gain or (Loss) Recognized in AOCIL on the effective portion of the Derivative
 
Three Months Ended
 
April 1,
2017
 
March 26,
2016
Derivatives designated as hedging instruments:
 
 
 
Cash flow hedges - interest rate swaps
$
57

 
$
(1,439
)
 
 
 
 
 
Amount of Gain or (Loss) Reclassified from AOCIL on the effective portion into Income (1)(2)
 
Three Months Ended
 
April 1,
2017
 
March 26,
2016
Derivatives designated as hedging instruments:
 
 
 
Cash flow hedges - interest rate swaps
$
(359
)
 
$
(294
)

(1)
The amount of gain (loss) reclassified from AOCIL is included in interest expense on the Company's Consolidated Condensed Statements of Operations.
(2)
The amount of loss expected to be reclassified from AOCIL into earnings during the next 12 months subsequent to April 1, 2017 is $1,178.

The amount of gain (loss) recognized in income on the ineffective portion of interest rate swaps, if any, is included in other (income) expense, net on the Company's Consolidated Condensed Statements of Operations. There was no ineffective portion for the periods presented.


Table of Contents    13    

THE DIXIE GROUP, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(UNAUDITED)
(amounts in thousands, except per share data) (Continued)


NOTE 12 - EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS

Defined Contribution Plans

The Company sponsors a 401(k) defined contribution plan that covers approximately 86% of the Company's current associates. This plan includes a mandatory Company match on the first 1% of participants' contributions. The Company matches the next 2% of participants' contributions if the Company meets prescribed earnings levels. The plan also provides for additional Company contributions above the 3% level if the Company attains certain additional performance targets. Matching contribution expense for this 401(k) plan was $233 and $226 for the three months ended April 1, 2017 and March 26, 2016, respectively.

Additionally, the Company sponsors a 401(k) defined contribution plan that covers approximately 14% of the Company's current associates at one facility who are under a collective-bargaining agreement. Under this plan, the Company generally matches participants' contributions, on a sliding scale, up to a maximum of 2.75% of the participant's earnings. Matching contribution expense for the collective-bargaining 401(k) plan was $18 and $15 for the three months ended April 1, 2017 and March 26, 2016, respectively.

Non-Qualified Retirement Savings Plan

The Company sponsors a non-qualified retirement savings plan that allows eligible associates to defer a specified percentage of their compensation. The obligations owed to participants under this plan were $15,098 at April 1, 2017 and $14,992 at December 31, 2016 and are included in other long-term liabilities in the Company's Consolidated Condensed Balance Sheets. The obligations are unsecured general obligations of the Company and the participants have no right, interest or claim in the assets of the Company, except as unsecured general creditors. The Company utilizes a Rabbi Trust to hold, invest and reinvest deferrals and contributions under the plan. Amounts are invested in Company-owned life insurance in the Rabbi Trust and the cash surrender value of the policies was $16,446 at April 1, 2017 and $15,679 at December 31, 2016 and is included in other assets in the Company's Consolidated Condensed Balance Sheets.

Multi-Employer Pension Plan

The Company contributes to a multi-employer pension plan under the terms of a collective-bargaining agreement that covers its union-represented employees. Expenses related to the multi-employer pension plan were $66 and $67 for the three months ended April 1, 2017 and March 26, 2016, respectively.

NOTE 13 - INCOME TAXES

The benefit rate applied to the pretax loss for the three months ending April 1, 2017 was 22.1% compared with a benefit rate of 33.7% for the three months ending March 26, 2016. The three months ended April 1, 2017 included $164 of tax expense related to the adoption of ASU No. 2016-09 which requires a shortfall of tax benefits related to stock compensation to be recognized in income tax expense instead of additional paid in capital. The Company is in a net deferred tax asset position of $7,596 and $7,610 at April 1, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively.

The Company accounts for uncertainty in income tax positions according to FASB guidance relating to uncertain tax positions. Unrecognized tax benefits were $413 and $406 at April 1, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively. Such benefits, if recognized, would affect the Company's effective tax rate. There were no significant interest or penalties accrued as of April 1, 2017 and December 31, 2016.

The Company and its subsidiaries are subject to United States federal income taxes, as well as income taxes in a number of state jurisdictions. The tax years subsequent to 2012 remain open to examination for U.S. federal income taxes. The majority of state jurisdictions remain open for tax years subsequent to 2012. A few state jurisdictions remain open to examination for tax years subsequent to 2011.

NOTE 14 - EARNINGS (LOSS) PER SHARE

Earnings (Loss) Per Share

The Company's unvested stock awards that contain non-forfeitable rights to dividends or dividend equivalents, whether paid or unpaid, are considered participating securities and are included in the computation of earnings per share. Accounting guidance requires additional disclosure of EPS for common stock and unvested share-based payment awards, separately disclosing distributed and undistributed earnings. Undistributed earnings represent earnings that were available for distribution but were not distributed. Common stock and unvested share-based payment awards earn dividends equally. All earnings were undistributed in all periods presented.


Table of Contents    14    

THE DIXIE GROUP, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(UNAUDITED)
(amounts in thousands, except per share data) (Continued)


The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted earnings (loss) per share from continuing operations:
 
Three Months Ended
 
April 1,
2017
 
March 26,
2016
Basic earnings (loss) per share:
 
 
 
Loss from continuing operations
$
(575
)
 
$
(4,757
)
Less: Allocation of earnings to participating securities
—

 
—

Loss from continuing operations available to common shareholders - basic
$
(575
)
 
$
(4,757
)
Basic weighted-average shares outstanding (1)
15,673

 
15,600

Basic earnings (loss) per share - continuing operations
$
(0.04
)
 
$
(0.30
)
 
 
 
 
Diluted earnings (loss) per share:
 
 
 
Loss from continuing operations available to common shareholders - basic
$
(575
)
 
$
(4,757
)
Add: Undistributed earnings reallocated to unvested shareholders
—

 
—

Loss from continuing operations available to common shareholders - basic
$
(575
)
 
$
(4,757
)
Basic weighted-average shares outstanding (1)
15,673

 
15,600

Effect of dilutive securities:
 
 
 
Stock options (2)
—

 
—

Directors' stock performance units (2)
—

 
—

Diluted weighted-average shares outstanding (1)(2)
15,673

 
15,600

Diluted earnings (loss) per share - continuing operations
$
(0.04
)
 
$
(0.30
)

(1)
Includes Common and Class B Common shares, excluding unvested participating securities, in thousands.
(2)
Shares issuable under stock option plans where the exercise price is greater than the average market price of the Company's Common Stock during the relevant period and directors' stock performance units have been excluded to the extent they are anti-dilutive. Aggregate shares excluded for the three months ended April 1, 2017 and March 26, 2016 were 220 and 195, respectively.

NOTE 15 - STOCK COMPENSATION EXPENSE

The Company recognizes compensation expense relating to share-based payments based on the fair value of the equity instrument issued and records such expense in selling and administrative expenses in the Company's Consolidated Condensed Financial Statements. The number of shares to be issued is determined by dividing the specified dollar value of the award by the market value per share on the grant date. The Company's stock compensation expense was $288 for the three months ended April 1, 2017 and $328 for the three months ended March 26, 2016.

On March 10, 2017, the Company granted 40,000 shares of restricted stock to certain key employees of the Company. The grant-date fair value of the awards was $140, or $3.50 per share, and will be recognized as stock compensation expense over a 3 year vesting period from the date the awards were granted. Each award is subject to a continued service condition. The fair value of each share of restricted stock awarded was equal to the market value of a share of the Company's Common Stock on the grant date.


Table of Contents    15    

THE DIXIE GROUP, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(UNAUDITED)
(amounts in thousands, except per share data) (Continued)


NOTE 16 - ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)

Components of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax, are as follows:
 
Interest Rate Swaps
 
Post-Retirement Liabilities
 
Total
Balance at December 31, 2016
(2,216
)
 
256

 
(1,960
)
Unrealized loss on interest rate swaps, net of tax of $22
35

 
—

 
35

Reclassification of loss into earnings from interest rate swaps, net of tax of $136
223

 
—

 
223

Reclassification of net actuarial gain into earnings from postretirement benefit plans, net of tax of $3
—

 
(5
)
 
(5
)
Reclassification of prior service credits into earnings from postretirement benefit plans, net of tax of $0
—

 
(1
)
 
(1
)
Balance at April 1, 2017
$
(1,958
)
 
$
250

 
$
(1,708
)

NOTE 17 - CONTINGENCIES

The Company assesses its exposure related to legal matters, including those pertaining to product liability, safety and health matters and other items that arise in the regular course of its business. If the Company determines that it is probable a loss has been incurred, the amount of the loss, or an amount within the range of loss, that can be reasonably estimated will be recorded.

Environmental Remediation

The Company accrues for losses associated with environmental remediation obligations when such losses are probable and estimable. Remediation obligations are accrued based on the latest available information and are recorded at undiscounted amounts. The Company regularly monitors the progress of environmental remediation. If studies indicate that the cost of remediation has changed from the previous estimate, an adjustment to the liability would be recorded in the period in which such determination is made. (See Notes 19 & 20)

Legal Proceedings

The Company has been sued, together with the 3M Company and approximately 30 other carpet manufacturers, by the Gadsden (Alabama) Water Works in the circuit court of Etowah County Alabama [The Water Works and Sewer Board of the City of Gadsden v. 3M Company, et al, civil action No. 31-CV-2016-900676.00], in a case seeking monetary damages and injunctive relief related to the use of certain chemical compounds in the manufacture and finishing of carpet products “in and around Dalton Georgia.” On motion of the defendants, the case was removed to the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Alabama (Middle Division) Case No. 4:16-CV-01755-SGC. As alleged in the lawsuit, the chemicals are perflourinated compounds (“PFC”) perflourinated acid (“PFOA”) and perfluorooctane sulfonate (“PFOS”) manufactured by 3M and used in certain finishing and treatment processes by the defendants and, as a consequence of such use, either discharged into or leached into the water systems around Dalton, Georgia. The Complaint seeks damages that exceed $10, but are otherwise unspecified in amount in addition to injunctive relief and punitive damages. The Company intends to defend the matter vigorously and is unable to estimate its potential exposure to loss, if any, at this time.
The Company is one of multiple parties to two lawsuits, both filed in Madison County Illinois, styled Sandra D. Watts, Individually and as Special Administrator of the Estate of Dianne Averett, Deceased vs. 4520 Corp., Inc. f/k/a Benjamin F. Shaw Company, et al No. 12-L-2032 and styled Brenda Bridgeman, Individually and as Special Administrator of the Estate of Robert Bridgeman, Deceased, vs. American Honda Motor Co., Inc., f/k/a Metropolitan Life Insurance Co., et al No. 15-L-374. Each lawsuit entails a claim for damages to be determined in excess of $50 filed on behalf of the estate of an individual which alleges that the deceased contracted mesothelioma as a result of exposure to asbestos while employed by the Company. Discovery in both matters is ongoing, and tentative trial dates have been set. The Company has denied liability, is defending the matters vigorously and is unable to estimate its potential exposure to loss, if any, at this time.

Table of Contents    16    

THE DIXIE GROUP, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(UNAUDITED)
(amounts in thousands, except per share data) (Continued)


NOTE 18 - OTHER OPERATING EXPENSE, NET

Other operating expense, net is summarized as follows:
 
Three Months Ended
 
April 1,
2017
 
March 26,
2016
Other operating expense, net:
 
 
 
Loss on property, plant and equipment disposals
$
—

 
$
120

Loss on currency exchanges
17

 
94

Amortization of intangibles
76

 
76

Retirement expenses
18

 
39

Miscellaneous (income) expense
(59
)
 
(62
)
Other operating expense, net
$
52

 
$
267

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
NOTE 19 - FACILITY CONSOLIDATION EXPENSES, NET

2014 Warehousing, Distribution & Manufacturing Consolidation Plan

The Company developed a plan to align its warehousing, distribution and manufacturing to support its growth and manufacturing strategy resulting in better cost structure and improved distribution capabilities and customer service. The key element and first major step of this plan was the acquisition of a facility to serve as a finished goods warehouse and a cut-order and distribution center in Adairsville, Georgia. Costs related to the consolidation included moving and relocation expenses, information technology expenses and expenses relating to conversion and realignment of equipment. In addition, this plan included the elimination of both carpet dyeing and yarn dyeing in the Company's Atmore, Alabama facility designed to more fully accommodate the distribution and manufacturing realignment. As a result, the dyeing operations in Atmore were moved to the Company's continuous dyeing facility, skein dyeing operation and other outside dyeing processors.

To complete the Warehousing, Distribution & Manufacturing Consolidation Plan, the Company moved its Saraland rug operation from an expiring leased building to an owned facility in March 2016. The Company completed this consolidation plan during 2016. As a result of eliminating its dyeing operations in Atmore, Alabama, the Company disposed of its waste water treatment plant in 2014. Subsequently, after extensive testing, it was determined that the Company still had some contaminants above background levels and that it would need to install a soil cap. During the first quarter of 2016, the Company accrued $690 to finalize the cleanup of the site of the Company's former waste water treatment plant. During the fourth quarter of 2016, the Company lowered the accrual by $359 as the Company was able to refine the plan. Accordingly, if the actual costs are higher or lower, the Company would record an additional charge or benefit, respectively, as appropriate.

2015 Corporate Office Consolidation Plan

In April 2015, the Company's Board of Directors approved the Corporate Office Consolidation Plan, to cover the costs of consolidating three of the Company's existing leased divisional and corporate offices to a single leased facility located in Dalton, Georgia. The Company paid a fee to terminate one of the leased facilities, did not renew a second facility and vacated the third facility. Related to the vacated facility, the Company recorded the estimated costs related to the fulfillment of its contractual lease obligation and on-going facility maintenance, net of an estimate of sub-lease expectations. Accordingly, if the estimates differ, the Company would record an additional charge or benefit, as appropriate. Costs related to the consolidation included the lease termination fee, contractual lease obligations and moving costs.



Table of Contents    17    

THE DIXIE GROUP, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(UNAUDITED)
(amounts in thousands, except per share data) (Continued)


Costs related to the facility consolidation plans are summarized as follows:

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
As of April 1, 2017
 
Accrued Balance at December 31, 2016
 
2017 Expenses To Date
 
2017 Cash Payments
 
Accrued Balance at April 1, 2017
 
Total Costs Incurred To Date
 
Total Expected Costs
Warehousing, Distribution & Manufacturing Consolidation Plan
$
266

 
$
—

 
$
63

 
$
203

 
$
7,444

 
$
7,444

Corporate Office Consolidation Plan
248

 
—

 
18

 
230

 
803

 
803

Totals
$
514

 
$
—

(1)
$
81

 
$
433

 
$
8,247

 
$
8,247

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Accrued Balance at December 26, 2015
 
2016 Expenses To Date
 
2016 Cash Payments
 
Accrued Balance at March 26, 2016
 
 
 
 
Warehousing, Distribution & Manufacturing Consolidation Plan
—

 
1,342

 
652

 
690

 
 
 
 
Corporate Office Consolidation Plan
341

 
71

 
102

 
310

 
 
 
 
Totals
$
341

 
$
1,413

(1
)
$
754

 
$
1,000

 
 
 
 

(1) Costs incurred under these plans are classified as "facility consolidation expenses, net" in the Company's Consolidated Condensed Statements of Operations.

NOTE 20 - DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS

The Company has either sold or discontinued certain operations that are accounted for as "Discontinued Operations" under applicable accounting guidance. Discontinued operations are summarized as follows:


 
Three Months Ended
 
April 1,
2017
 
March 26,
2016
Loss from discontinued operations:
 
 
 
Workers' compensation costs from former textile operations
$
(27
)
 
$
(11
)
Environmental remediation costs from former textile operations
(21
)
 
(5
)
Loss from discontinued operations, before taxes
$
(48
)
 
$
(16
)
Income tax benefit
(19
)
 
(6
)
Loss from discontinued operations, net of tax
$
(29
)
 
$
(10
)

Undiscounted reserves are maintained for the self-insured workers' compensation obligations related to the Company's former textile operations. These reserves are administered by a third-party workers' compensation service provider under the supervision of Company personnel. Such reserves are reassessed on a quarterly basis. Pre-tax cost incurred for workers' compensation as a component of discontinued operations primarily represents a change in estimate for each period from unanticipated medical costs associated with the Company's obligations.

Reserves for environmental remediation obligations are established on an undiscounted basis. The Company has an accrual for environmental remediation obligations related to discontinued operations of $1,681 as of April 1, 2017 and $1,686 as of December 31, 2016. The liability established represents the Company's best estimate of possible loss and is the reasonable amount to which there is any meaningful degree of certainty given the periods of estimated remediation and the dollars applicable to such remediation for those periods. The actual timeline to remediate, and thus, the ultimate cost to complete such remediation through these remediation efforts, may differ significantly from our estimates. Pre-tax cost for environmental remediation obligations classified as discontinued operations were primarily a result of specific events requiring action and additional expense in each period.


THE DIXIE GROUP, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(UNAUDITED)
(amounts in thousands, except per share data) (Continued)



NOTE 21 - RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

The Company is a party to a 5-year lease with the seller of Atlas Carpet Mills, Inc. to lease three manufacturing facilities as part of the acquisition in 2014. The lessor is controlled by an associate of the Company. Rent paid to the lessor during the three months ended April 1, 2017 was $226. Rent paid to the lessor during the three months ended March 26, 2016 was $114. The lease was based on current market values for similar facilities.

The Company purchases a portion of its product needs in the form of fiber, yarn and carpet from Engineered Floors, an entity substantially controlled by Robert E. Shaw, a shareholder of the Company. An affiliate of Mr. Shaw holds approximately 7.4% of the Company's Common Stock, which represents approximately 3.4% of the total vote of all classes of the Company's Common Stock. Engineered Floors is one of several suppliers of such materials to the Company. Total purchases from Engineered Floors during the three months ended April 1, 2017 were approximately $1,995; or approximately 2.8%, respectively, of the Company's cost of goods sold. Total purchases from Engineered Floors during the three months ended March 26, 2016 were approximately $1,775, respectively; or approximately 2.5%, respectively, of the Company's cost of goods sold. Purchases from Engineered Floors are based on market value negotiated prices. The Company has no contractual commitments with Mr. Shaw associated with its business relationship with Engineered Floors. Transactions with Engineered Floors are reviewed annually by the Company's board of directors.

The Company is a party to a 10-year lease with the Rothman Family Partnership to lease a manufacturing facility as part of the Robertex acquisition in 2013. The lessor is controlled by an associate of the Company. Rent paid to the lessor during the three months ended April 1, 2017 was $67. Rent paid to the lessor during the three months ended March 26, 2016 was $66. The lease was based on current market values for similar facilities. In addition, the Company has a note payable to Robert P. Rothman related to the acquisition of Robertex Inc. (See Note 9).


Table of Contents    19    



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

The following discussion and analysis should be read in conjunction with our consolidated financial statements and related notes appearing elsewhere in this report.

FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION

This Report contains statements that may be considered forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. These statements include the use of terms or phrases that include such terms as "expects," "estimates," "projects," "believes," "anticipates," "intends," and similar terms and phrases. Such forward looking statements relate to, among other matters, our future financial performance, business prospects, growth strategies or liquidity. The following important factors may affect our future results and could cause those results to differ materially from our historical results; these factors include, in addition to those “Risk Factors” detailed in item 1A of this report and described elsewhere in this document, the cost and availability of capital, raw material and transportation costs related to petroleum price levels, the cost and availability of energy supplies, the loss of a significant customer or group of customers, materially adverse changes in economic conditions generally in carpet, rug and floorcovering markets we serve and other risks detailed from time to time in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

OVERVIEW

Our business consists principally of marketing, manufacturing and selling floorcovering products to high-end residential and commercial customers through our various sales forces and brands. We focus exclusively on the upper-end of the floorcovering market where we believe we have strong brands and competitive advantages with our style and design capabilities and customer relationships. Our Fabrica, Masland, and Dixie Home brands have a significant presence in the high-end residential floorcovering markets. Our Atlas Carpet Mills, Masland Contract and Masland Hospitality brands, participate in the upper-end specified commercial marketplace. Dixie International sells all of our brands outside of the North American market.

During the first quarter of 2017, our net sales increased 9.3% compared with the first quarter of 2016. Sales of residential products increased 12.7% during the quarter versus prior year quarter while, we estimate, the industry was up slightly. We continue to anticipate the residential housing market will have steady but moderate growth over the next year. Commercial product sales increased 10.4% during the quarter while, we believe, the industry was down slightly. We continue to anticipate the commercial market to have moderate growth over the next year.

In response to the high rate of growth for hard surface products in the last several years, we decided to initiate a series of product launches in luxury vinyl tile and engineered wood hard surface flooring products. We now offer luxury vinyl tile (“LVT”) products under the Calibre brand which was our first hard surface offering in the commercial markets. These new LVT products are being sold by our existing Masland Contract sales force. Residentially, our Dixie Home and Masland Residential brands are supplying Stainmaster PetProtect® luxury vinyl tile. Finally, we are preparing to launch a high-end engineered wood line through our Fabrica brand later in the year. The growth rate, measured as market sales volume in square feet, has been substantially higher for hard surface products than soft surface products over the past 4 years.

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Three Months Ended April 1, 2017 Compared with Three Months Ended March 26, 2016

 
Three Months Ended
 
April 1,
2017
 
March 26,
2016
Net sales
100.0
%
 
100.0
 %
Cost of sales
74.2
%
 
78.1
 %
Gross profit
25.8
%
 
21.9
 %
Selling and administrative expenses
25.1
%
 
26.5
 %
Other operating expense, net
0.1
%
 
0.3
 %
Facility consolidation expenses, net
—
%
 
1.6
 %
Operating income (loss)
0.6
%
 
(6.5
)%

Net Sales

Net sales for the quarter ended April 1, 2017 was $97.5 million, an increase of 9.3% compared with net sales of $89.2 million for the year-earlier quarter. In the first quarter of 2017, residential carpet sales increased 12.7% and net sales of commercial carpet increased 10.4% compared with the first quarter of 2016. Sales were substantially stronger in the first quarter of 2017 compared with the same period in 2016. During the quarter, we increased selling prices to offset higher raw material and processing costs.





Cost of Sales

Cost of sales as a percentage of net sales was 74.2% in the first quarter of 2017 compared with 78.1% in the first quarter of 2016, or a 3.9 percentage point improvement as a percentage of sales. During the first quarter of 2017, our costs were positively impacted by higher production levels in the plants as we had higher order volume than the prior year period resulting in increased absorption of fixed costs offset by higher healthcare costs.

Gross Profit

Gross profit improved 3.9 percentage points as a percentage of sales in the first quarter of 2017 compared with the year-earlier period. Our gross profit was affected in the first quarter of 2017 by the factors as discussed above in Cost of Sales.

Selling and Administrative Expenses

Selling and administrative expenses were $24.5 million in first quarter 2017 compared with $23.7 million in the year earlier period, a decrease of 1.4 percentage points as a percentage of sales. Selling and administrative expenses decreased as a percentage of sales primarily as a result of the higher sales volumes in the first quarter of 2017.

Other Operating Expense, Net

Other operating expense, net was an expense of $52 thousand in the first quarter of 2017 compared with an expense of $267 thousand in the first quarter of 2016. The decrease in other operating expense, net was primarily the result of lower disposal losses on certain machinery which was taken out of service in the first quarter of 2016 and lower Canadian currency exchange losses in the first quarter of 2017 compared with the first quarter of 2016.

Facility Consolidation Expenses, Net

Facility consolidation expenses decreased $1.4 million in the first quarter of 2017 compared with the year-earlier period as we completed our facility consolidation plans during the second quarter of 2016.

Operating Income (Loss)

We reported operating income of $628 thousand in the first quarter of 2017 compared with an operating loss of $5.8 million in the first quarter of 2016. During the first quarter of 2017, our costs were positively impacted by higher production levels in the plants as we had higher order volume than the prior year period resulting in increased absorption of fixed costs offset by higher healthcare costs.

Interest Expense

Interest expense increased $38 thousand in the first quarter of 2017 compared with the first quarter of 2016 principally a result of higher interest rates in 2017.

Other Expense, Net

Other expense, net was not significant in the first quarter of 2017 or 2016.

Income Tax Benefit

The benefit rate applied to the pretax loss for the first quarter of 2017 was 22.1% compared with a benefit rate of 33.7% in the year-earlier quarter. The first quarter of 2017 included $164 of tax expense related the adoption of ASU No. 2016-09 which required a shortfall of tax benefits related to stock compensation to be recognized in income tax expense instead of additional paid in capital.

Loss from Continuing Operations

We had a loss from continuing operations of $575 thousand, or $0.04 per diluted share in the first quarter of 2017 compared with a loss from continuing operations of $4.8 million, or $0.30 per diluted share in the first quarter of 2016. The losses were a result of the factors discussed above.

Net Loss

Discontinued operations reflected a loss of $29 thousand, or $0.00 per diluted share, in the first quarter of 2017 compared with a loss of $10 thousand, or $0.00 per diluted share, in the same period in 2016. Including discontinued operations, we had net loss of $604 thousand, or $0.04 per diluted share, in the first quarter of 2017 compared with a net loss of $4.8 million, or $0.30 per diluted share, in the first quarter of 2016.





LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
 
During the three months ended April 1, 2017, cash used in operations was $8.1 million. Accounts receivable increased $7.6 million and inventories increased $6.3 million which was offset by an increase in accounts payable and accrued expenses of $3.7 million. The increase in accounts receivable was due to the higher sales volumes during the first quarter of 2017. We increased inventories and accounts payable to build inventories to prepare for the spring and summer selling seasons.

Capital asset acquisitions for the three months ended April 1, 2017 were $3.8 million; $3.7 million of cash used in investing activities and $59 thousand of equipment acquired under a note payable. Depreciation and amortization for the three months ended April 1, 2017 were $3.2 million. We expect capital expenditures to be approximately $9.0 million in 2017 while depreciation and amortization is expected to be approximately $13.3 million. Planned capital expenditures in 2017 are primarily for new equipment.

During the three months ended April 1, 2017, cash provided by financing activities was $11.8 million. We had net borrowings on our revolving credit facility of $14.3 million. These proceeds were offset by payments on other debt obligations of $2.5 million. The cash provided by financing was used to fund the operations during the quarter.

We believe our operating cash flows, credit availability under our revolving credit facility and other sources of financing are adequate to finance our anticipated liquidity requirements under current operating conditions. As of April 1, 2017, the unused borrowing availability under our revolving credit facility was $37.5 million. Our revolving credit facility requires us to maintain a fixed charge coverage ratio of 1.1 to 1.0 during any period that borrowing availability is less than $16.5 million. As of the date hereof, our fixed coverage ratio was less than 1.1 to 1.0, accordingly the unused availability accessible by us was $21.0 million (the amount above $16.5 million) at April 1, 2017. Significant additional cash expenditures above our normal liquidity requirements or significant deterioration in economic conditions could affect our business and require supplemental financing or other funding sources. There can be no assurance that such supplemental financing or other sources of funding can be obtained or will be obtained on terms favorable to us.

Contractual Obligations

The following table summarizes our future minimum payments under contractual obligations as of April 1, 2017.

 
 
Payments Due By Period
 
 
(dollars in millions)
 
 
2017
 
2018
 
2019
 
2020
 
2021
 
Thereafter
 
Total
Debt
 
$
5.6

 
$
4.6

 
$
2.8

 
$
1.9

 
$
86.5

 
$
9.8

 
111.2

Interest - debt (1)
 
3.7

 
4.7

 
4.5

 
4.4

 
3.4

 
1.2

 
21.9

Capital leases
 
2.5

 
3.1

 
1.9

 
1.7

 
1.1

 
—

 
10.3

Interest - capital leases
 
0.4

 
0.3

 
0.2

 
0.1

 
—

 
—

 
1.0

Operating leases
 
2.3

 
2.8

 
1.9

 
1.4

 
1.1

 
4.3

 
13.8

Purchase commitments
 
3.6

 
0.5

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
4.1

Totals
 
18.1

 
16.0

 
11.3

 
9.5

 
92.1

 
15.3

 
162.3


(1) Interest rates used for variable rate debt were those in effect at April 1, 2017.

Critical Accounting Policies

Our critical accounting policies were outlined in Management's Discussion and Analysis of Results of Operations and Financial Condition in our 2016 Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. There have been no significant changes to those critical accounting policies subsequent to the date of that report.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

Recent accounting pronouncements are disclosed in Note 2 to the Consolidated Condensed Financial Statements.

Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk (Dollars in thousands)

Our earnings, cash flows and financial position are exposed to market risks relating to interest rates, among other factors. It is our policy to minimize our exposure to adverse changes in interest rates and manage interest rate risks inherent in funding our Company with debt. We address this financial exposure through a risk management program that includes maintaining a mix of fixed and floating rate debt and the use of interest rate swap agreements (See Note 11 to the Consolidated Condensed Financial Statements).





At April 1, 2017, $34,835, or approximately 29% of our total debt, was subject to floating interest rates.  A one-hundred basis point fluctuation in the variable interest rates applicable to this floating rate debt would have an annual after-tax impact of approximately $271.

Item 4. Controls and Procedures

We maintain disclosure controls and procedures to ensure that information required to be disclosed in the reports that we file or submit under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the Commission’s rules and forms and is accumulated and communicated to management, including our principal executive officer and principal financial officer, or persons performing similar functions, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.  Our management, under the supervision and with the participation of our Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”) and Chief Financial Officer (“CFO”) evaluated the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures (as such terms are defined in Rules 13(a)-15(e) and 15(d)-15(e)) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”) as of April 1, 2017, the date of the financial statements included in this Form 10-Q (the “Evaluation Date”). Based on that evaluation, our CEO and CFO concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of the Evaluation Date.

No changes in our internal control over financial reporting occurred during the quarter covered by this report that materially affected, or are reasonably likely to affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

Internal control over financial reporting cannot provide absolute assurance of achieving financial reporting objectives because of its inherent limitations. Internal control over financial reporting is a process that involves human diligence and compliance and is subject to lapses in judgment and breakdowns resulting from human failures, as well as diverse interpretation of U. S. generally accepted accounting principles by accounting professionals. It is also possible that internal control over financial reporting can be circumvented by collusion or improper management override. Because of such limitations, there is a risk that material misstatements may not be prevented or detected on a timely basis by internal control over financial reporting. Furthermore, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate. These inherent limitations are known features of the financial reporting process; therefore, while it is possible to design into the process safeguards to reduce such risk, it is not possible to eliminate all risk.

PART II. OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1. Legal Proceedings

We have been sued, together with the 3M Company and approximately 30 other carpet manufacturers, by the Gadsden (Alabama) Water Works in the circuit court of Etowah County Alabama [The Water Works and Sewer Board of the City of Gadsden v. 3M Company, et al, civil action No. 31-CV-2016-900676.00], in a case seeking monetary damages and injunctive relief related to the use of certain chemical compounds in the manufacture and finishing of carpet products “in and around Dalton Georgia.” On motion of the defendants, the case was removed to the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Alabama (Middle Division) Case No. 4:16-CV-01755-SGC. As alleged in the lawsuit, the chemicals are perflourinated compounds (“PFC”) perflourinated acid (“PFOA”) and perfluorooctane sulfonate (“PFOS”) manufactured by 3M and used in certain finishing and treatment processes by the defendants and, as a consequence of such use, either discharged into or leached into the water systems around Dalton, Georgia. The Complaint seeks damages that exceed $10,000, but are otherwise unspecified in amount in addition to injunctive relief and punitive damages. We intend to defend the matter vigorously and are unable to estimate our potential exposure to loss, if any, at this time.

We are one of multiple parties to two lawsuits, both filed in Madison County Illinois, styled Sandra D. Watts, Individually and as Special Administrator of the Estate of Dianne Averett, Deceased vs. 4520 Corp., Inc. f/k/a Benjamin F. Shaw Company, et al No. 12-L-2032 and styled Brenda Bridgeman, Individually and as Special Administrator of the Estate of Robert Bridgeman, Deceased, vs. American Honda Motor Co., Inc., f/k/a Metropolitan Life Insurance Co., et al No. 15-L-374. Each lawsuit entails a claim for damages to be determined in excess of $50,000 filed on behalf of the estate of an individual which alleges that the deceased contracted mesothelioma as a result of exposure to asbestos while employed by the Company. Discovery in both matters is ongoing, and tentative trial dates have been set. We have denied liability, are defending the matters vigorously and are unable to estimate our potential exposure to loss, if any, at this time.

Item 1A. Risk Factors

In addition to the other information provided in this Report, the following risk factors should be considered when evaluating the results of our operations, future prospects and an investment in shares of our Common Stock. Any of these factors could cause our actual financial results to differ materially from our historical results, and could give rise to events that might have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
 
The floorcovering industry is sensitive to changes in general economic conditions and a decline in residential or commercial construction activity or corporate remodeling and refurbishment could have a material adverse effect on our business.





The floorcovering industry, in which we participate, is highly dependent on general economic conditions, such as consumer confidence and income, corporate and government spending, interest rate levels, availability of credit and demand for housing. We derive a majority of our sales from the replacement segment of the market. Therefore, economic changes that result in a significant or prolonged decline in spending for remodeling and replacement activities could have a material adverse effect on our business and results of operations.

The floorcovering industry is highly dependent on construction activity, including new construction, which is cyclical in nature. The U.S. and global economies, along with the residential and commercial markets in such economies, can negatively impact the floorcovering industry and our business. Although the impact of a decline in new construction activity is typically accompanied by an increase in remodeling and replacement activity, these activities typically lag during a cyclical downturn. Although the difficult economic conditions have improved since the last cyclical downturn in 2008, there may be additional downturns that could cause the industry to deteriorate in the foreseeable future. A significant or prolonged decline in residential or commercial construction activity could have a material adverse effect on our business and results of operations.

We have significant levels of sales in certain channels of distribution and reduction in sales through these channels could adversely affect our business.

A significant amount of our sales are generated through certain retail and mass merchant channels of distribution. A significant reduction of sales through such channels could adversely affect our business.

We have significant levels of indebtedness that could result in negative consequences to us.

We have a significant amount of indebtedness relative to our equity. Insufficient cash flow, profitability or the value of our assets securing our loans could materially adversely affect our ability to generate sufficient funds to satisfy the terms of our senior loan agreements and other debt obligations. Additionally, the inability to access debt or equity markets at competitive rates in sufficient amounts to satisfy our obligations could adversely impact our business.

Uncertainty in the credit market or downturns in the economy and our business could affect our overall availability and cost of credit.

Uncertainty in the credit markets could affect the availability and cost of credit. Despite recent improvement in overall economic conditions, market conditions could impact our ability to obtain financing in the future, including any financing necessary to refinance existing indebtedness. The cost and terms of such financing is uncertain. These and other economic factors could have a material adverse effect on demand for our products and on our financial condition and operating results.

We face intense competition in our industry, which could decrease demand for our products and could have a material adverse effect on our profitability.

The floorcovering industry is highly competitive. We face competition from a number of domestic manufacturers and independent distributors of floorcovering products and, in certain product areas, foreign manufacturers. Significant consolidation within the floorcovering industry has caused a number of our existing and potential competitors to grow significantly larger and have greater access to resources and capital than we do. Maintaining our competitive position may require us to make substantial additional investments in our product development efforts, manufacturing facilities, distribution network and sales and marketing activities. These additional investments may be limited by our access to capital, as well as restrictions set forth in our credit facilities. Competitive pressures and the accelerated growth of hard surface alternatives, have resulted in decreased demand for our soft floorcovering products and in the loss of market share to hard surface products. As a result, competition from providers of other soft surfaces has intensified and may result in decreased demand for our products. In addition, we face, and will continue to face, competitive pressures on our sales price and cost of our products. As a result of any of these factors, there could be a material adverse effect on our sales and profitability.

If we are unable to anticipate consumer preferences and successfully develop and introduce new, innovative and updated products, we may not be able to maintain or increase our net revenues and profitability.

Our success depends on our ability to identify and originate product trends as well as to anticipate and react to changing consumer demands in a timely manner. All of our products are subject to changing consumer preferences that cannot be predicted with certainty. In addition, long lead times for certain of our products may make it hard for us to quickly respond to changes in consumer demands. Our new products may not receive consumer acceptance as consumer preferences could shift rapidly to different types of flooring products or away from these types of products altogether, and our future success depends in part on our ability to anticipate and respond to these changes. Failure to anticipate and respond in a timely manner to changing consumer preferences could lead to, among other things, lower sales and excess inventory levels, which could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition.





Raw material prices may vary and the inability to either offset or pass on such cost increases or avoid passing on decreases larger than the cost decrease to our customers could materially adversely affect our business, results of operations and financial condition.
We require substantial amounts of raw materials to produce our products, including nylon and polyester yarn, as well as wool yarns, synthetic backing, latex, and dyes. Substantially all of the raw materials we require are purchased from outside sources. The prices of raw materials and fuel-related costs vary significantly with market conditions. The fact that we source a significant amount of raw materials means that several months of raw materials and work in process are moving through our supply chain at any point in time. We are sourcing the majority of our new luxury vinyl tile and wood product lines from overseas. We are not able to predict whether commodity costs will significantly increase or decrease in the future. If commodity costs increase in the future and we are not able to reduce or eliminate the effect of the cost increases by reducing production costs or implementing price increases, our profit margins could decrease. If commodity costs decline, we may experience pressures from customers to reduce our selling prices. The timing of any price reductions and decreases in commodity costs may not align. As a result, our margins could be affected.

Unanticipated termination or interruption of our arrangements with third-party suppliers of nylon yarn could have a material adverse effect on us.

Nylon yarn is the principal raw material used in our floorcovering products. A significant portion of such yarn is purchased from one supplier. Our yarn supplier is one of the leading fiber suppliers within the industry and is the exclusive supplier of certain innovative branded fiber technology upon which we rely. We believe our offerings of this innovative fiber technology contribute materially to the competitiveness of our products. While we believe there are other sources of nylon yarns, an unanticipated termination or interruption of our current supply of branded nylon yarn could have a material adverse effect on our ability to supply our product to our customers and have a material adverse impact on our competitiveness if we are unable to replace our nylon supplier with another supplier that can offer similar innovative and branded fiber products. An interruption in the supply of these or other raw materials or sourced products used in our business or in the supply of suitable substitute materials or products would disrupt our operations, which could have a material adverse effect on our business.

We rely on information systems in managing our operations and any system failure or deficiencies of such systems may have an adverse effect on our business.

Our businesses rely on sophisticated systems to obtain, rapidly process, analyze and manage data. We rely on these systems to, among other things facilitate the purchase, manufacture and distribution of our products; receive, process and ship orders on a timely basis; and to maintain accurate and up-to-date operating and financial data for the compilation of management information. We rely on our computer hardware, software and network for the storage, delivery and transmission of data to our sales and distribution systems, and certain of our production processes are managed and conducted by computer. Any damage by unforeseen events or system failure which causes interruptions to the input, retrieval and transmission of data or increase in the service time, whether caused by human error, natural disasters, power loss, computer viruses, intentional acts of vandalism, various forms of cybercrimes including and not limited to hacking, intrusions and malware or otherwise, could disrupt our normal operations. There can be no assurance that we can effectively carry out our disaster recovery plan to handle the failure of our information systems, or that we will be able to restore our operational capacity within sufficient time to avoid material disruption to our business. The occurrence of any of these events could cause unanticipated disruptions in service, decreased customer service and customer satisfaction and harm to our reputation, which could result in loss of customers, increased operating expenses and financial losses. Any such events could in turn have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations, and prospects.

We may experience certain risks associated with internal expansion, acquisitions, joint ventures and strategic investments.

We have recently embarked on several strategic and tactical initiatives, including aggressive internal expansion, acquisitions and investment in new products, to strengthen our future and to enable us to return to sustained growth and profitability. Growth through expansion and acquisition involves risks, many of which may continue to affect us after the acquisition or expansion. An acquired company, operation or internal expansion may not achieve the levels of revenue, profitability and production that we expect. The combination of an acquired company’s business with ours involves risks. Further, internally generated growth that involves expansion involves risks as well. Such risks include the integration of computer systems, alignment of human resource policies and the retention of valued talent. Reported earnings may not meet expectations because of goodwill and intangible asset impairment, other asset impairments, increased interest costs and issuance of additional securities or debt as a result of these acquisitions. We may also face challenges in consolidating functions and integrating our organizations, procedures, operations and product lines in a timely and efficient manner.

The diversion of management attention and any difficulties encountered in the transition and integration process could have a material adverse effect on our revenues, level of expenses and operating results. Failure to successfully manage and integrate an acquisition with our existing operations or expansion of our existing operations could lead to the potential loss of customers of the acquired or existing business, the potential loss of employees who may be vital to the new or existing operations, the potential loss of business opportunities or other adverse consequences that could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations. Even if integration occurs successfully, failure of the expansion or acquisition to achieve levels




of anticipated sales growth, profitability or productivity, or otherwise perform as expected, may have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
We are subject to various environmental, safety and health regulations that may subject us to costs, liabilities and other obligations, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.

We are subject to various environmental, safety and health and other regulations that may subject us to costs, liabilities and other obligations which could have a material adverse effect on our business. The applicable requirements under these laws are subject to amendment, to the imposition of new or additional requirements and to changing interpretations of agencies or courts. We could incur material expenditures to comply with new or existing regulations, including fines and penalties and increased costs of its operations. Additionally, future laws, ordinances, regulations or regulatory guidelines could give rise to additional compliance or remediation costs that could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition. For example, producer responsibility regulations regarding end-of-life disposal could impose additional cost and complexity to our business.

Various federal, state and local environmental laws govern the use of our current and former facilities. These laws govern such matters as:

•
Discharge to air and water;
•
Handling and disposal of solid and hazardous substances and waste, and
•
Remediation of contamination from releases of hazardous substances in our facilities and off-site disposal locations.

Our operations also are governed by laws relating to workplace safety and worker health, which, among other things, establish noise standards and regulate the use of hazardous materials and chemicals in the workplace. We have taken, and will continue to take, steps to comply with these laws. If we fail to comply with present or future environmental or safety regulations, we could be subject to future liabilities. However, we cannot ensure that complying with these environmental or health and safety laws and requirements will not adversely affect our business, results of operations and financial condition.

We may be exposed to litigation, claims and other legal proceedings in the ordinary course of business relating to our products or business, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.

In the ordinary course of business, we are subject to a variety of work-related and product-related claims, lawsuits and legal proceedings, including those relating to product liability, product warranty, product recall, personal injury, and other matters that are inherently subject to many uncertainties regarding the possibility of a loss to our business. Such matters could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition if we are unable to successfully defend against or resolve these matters or if our insurance coverage is insufficient to satisfy any judgments against us or settlements relating to these matters. Although we have product liability insurance, the policies may not provide coverage for certain claims against us or may not be sufficient to cover all possible liabilities. Further, we may not be able to maintain insurance at commercially acceptable premium levels. Additionally, adverse publicity arising from claims made against us, even if the claims are not successful, could adversely affect our reputation or the reputation and sales of our products.

Our business operations could suffer significant losses from natural disasters, catastrophes, fire or other unexpected events.

Many of our business activities involve substantial investments in manufacturing facilities and many products are produced at a limited number of locations. These facilities could be materially damaged by natural disasters, such as floods, tornadoes, hurricanes and earthquakes, or by fire or other unexpected events such as adverse weather conditions or other disruptions to our facilities, supply chain or our customer's facilities. We could incur uninsured losses and liabilities arising from such events, including damage to our reputation, and/or suffer material losses in operational capacity, which could have a material adverse impact on our business, financial condition and results of operations.





Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

Repurchases of Common Stock

The following table provides information regarding our repurchases of shares of our Common Stock during the three months ended April 1, 2017:
Month Ending
 
Total Number of Shares Purchased
 
Average Price Paid Per Share
 
Total Number of Shares Purchased as Part of Publicly Announced Plans or Programs (1)
Maximum Number (or approximate dollar value) of Shares That May Yet Be Purchased Under Plans or Programs
February 4, 2017
 
—

 
$
—

 
—

 
March 4, 2017
 
—

 
—

 
—

 
April 1, 2017
 
33,112

 
3.50

 
33,112

 
Three Months Ended April 1, 2017
 
33,112

 
$
3.50

 
33,112

$
2,228,266


(1) During the three months ended April 1, 2017, 33,112 shares were withheld from employees in lieu of cash payments for withholding taxes due for a total amount of $115,892.

Item 3. Defaults Upon Senior Securities

None.

Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures

Not Applicable.

Item 5. Other Information

None.

Item 6. Exhibits
(a.)
Exhibits

10.1 Form of Commitment Share award
31.1 CEO Certification pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
31.2
CFO Certification pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
32.1
CEO Certification pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
32.2
CFO Certification pursuant to 18 U.S. C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
101.INS
XBRL Instance Document
101.SCH
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document
101.CAL
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document
101.DEF
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document
101.LAB
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document
101.PRE
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document




SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.
 
 
THE DIXIE GROUP, INC.
 
       
(Registrant)
 
 
 
Date: May 4, 2017
      
By: /s/ JON A. FAULKNER
 
 
Jon A. Faulkner
Vice President and Chief Financial Officer