10-K 1 g11953e10vk.htm BLUELINX HOLDINGS INC. BLUELINX HOLDINGS INC.
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UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
Form 10-K
 
     
(Mark One)    
þ
  ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
    For the fiscal year ended December 29, 2007
OR
o
  TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
 
Commission file number: 1-32383
 
BLUELINX HOLDINGS INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
 
     
Delaware
(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization)
  77-0627356
(I.R.S. Employer
Identification No.)
4300 Wildwood Parkway, Atlanta, Georgia
(Address of principal executive offices)
  30339
(Zip Code)
 
Registrant’s telephone number, including area code:
770-953-7000
 
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
 
     
Title of Each Class
 
Name of Each Exchange on Which Registered
 
Common stock, par value $0.01 per share
  New York Stock Exchange
 
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:
None
 
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act.  Yes o     No þ
 
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act.  Yes o     No þ
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.  Yes þ     No o
 
Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of registrant’s knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K.  þ
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):
 
             
Large accelerated filer o
  Accelerated filer þ   Non-accelerated filer o
(Do not check if a smaller reporting company)
  Smaller reporting company o
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act).  Yes o     No þ
 
The aggregate market value of the registrant’s common stock held by non-affiliates of the registrant as of June 29, 2007 was $123,741,372, based on the closing price on the New York Stock Exchange of $10.49 per share on June 29, 2007.
 
As of February 25, 2008, the registrant had 31,801,712 shares of common stock outstanding.
 
DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE
 
Portions of BlueLinx Holdings Inc.’s definitive Proxy Statement for use in connection with its 2008 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, scheduled to be held on May 21, 2008, are incorporated by reference into Part III of this Report.
 


 

 
BLUELINX HOLDINGS INC.
 
ANNUAL REPORT ON FORM 10-K
For the Fiscal Year Ended December 29, 2007
 
TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
                 
      Business     4  
      Risk Factors     9  
      Unresolved Staff Comments     15  
      Properties     15  
      Legal Proceedings     16  
      Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders     16  
 
      Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities     16  
      Selected Financial Data     18  
      Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations     21  
      Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk     35  
      Financial Statements and Supplementary Data     37  
      Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure     80  
      Controls and Procedures     80  
      Other Information     80  
 
      Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance     80  
      Executive Compensation     81  
      Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters     81  
      Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence     81  
      Principal Accountant Fees and Services     81  
 
      Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules     81  
 EX-21.1 LIST OF SUBSIDIARIES OF THE COMPANY
 EX-23.1 CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
 EX-31.1 SECTION 302 CERTIFICATION OF THE CEO
 EX-31.2 SECTION 302 CERTIFICATION OF THE CFO
 EX-32.1 SECTION 906 CERTIFICATION OF THE CEO
 EX-32.2 SECTION 906 CERTIFICATION OF THE CFO


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CAUTIONARY STATEMENT CONCERNING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
 
This Annual Report on Form 10-K includes “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. Forward-looking statements include, without limitation, any statement that may predict, forecast, indicate or imply future results, performance or achievements, and may contain the words “believe,” “anticipate,” “expect,” “estimate,” “intend,” “project,” “plan,” “will be,” “will likely continue,” “will likely result” or words or phrases of similar meaning. All of these forward-looking statements are based on estimates and assumptions made by us that, although believed by us to be reasonable, are inherently uncertain. Forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties, including, but not limited to, economic, competitive, governmental and technological factors outside of our control, that may cause our business, strategy or actual results to differ materially from the forward-looking statements. These risks and uncertainties may include those discussed under the heading “Risk Factors” and other factors, some of which may not be known to us. We operate in a changing environment in which new risks can emerge from time to time. It is not possible for us to predict all of these risks, nor can we assess the extent to which any factor, or a combination of factors, may cause our business, strategy or actual results to differ materially from those contained in forward-looking statements. Factors you should consider that could cause these differences include, among other things:
 
  •  changes in the prices, supply and/or demand for products which we distribute;
 
  •  general economic and business conditions in the United States;
 
  •  the activities of competitors;
 
  •  changes in significant operating expenses;
 
  •  changes in the credit markets and to the availability of capital;
 
  •  our ability to identify acquisition opportunities and effectively and cost-efficiently integrate acquisitions;
 
  •  adverse weather patterns or conditions;
 
  •  acts of war or terrorist activities;
 
  •  variations in the performance of the financial markets; and
 
  •  the other factors described herein under “Risk Factors.”
 
Given these risks and uncertainties, we caution you not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. We undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statement as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law.


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PART I
 
As used herein, unless the context otherwise requires, “BlueLinx,” the “Company,” “we,” “us” and “our” refer to BlueLinx Holdings Inc. and its subsidiaries. BlueLinx Corporation is the wholly-owned operating subsidiary of BlueLinx Holdings Inc. and is referred to herein as the “operating company” when necessary. Reference to “fiscal 2007” refers to the 52-week period ended December 29, 2007. Reference to “fiscal 2006” refers to the 52-week period ended December 30, 2006. Reference to “fiscal 2005” refers to the 52-week period ended December 31, 2005.
 
ITEM 1.   BUSINESS.
 
Company Overview
 
BlueLinx Holdings Inc., operating through our wholly-owned subsidiary, BlueLinx Corporation, is a leading distributor of building products in the United States. We operate in all of the major metropolitan areas in the United States and, as of December 29, 2007, we distributed more than 10,000 products to approximately 11,500 customers through our network of more than 80 warehouses and third-party operated warehouses.
 
We distribute products in two principal categories: structural products and specialty products. Structural products, which represented approximately 54% and 56% of our fiscal 2007 and fiscal 2006 gross sales, include plywood, oriented strand board (“OSB”), rebar and remesh, lumber and other wood products primarily used for structural support, walls and flooring in construction projects. Specialty products, which represented approximately 46% and 44% of our fiscal 2007 and fiscal 2006 gross sales, include roofing, insulation, specialty panels, moulding, engineered wood products, vinyl products (used primarily in siding), composite decking and metal products (excluding rebar and remesh).
 
Our customers include building materials dealers, industrial users of building products, manufactured housing builders and home improvement centers. We purchase products from over 750 vendors and serve as a national distributor for a number of our suppliers. We distribute products through our owned fleet of over 800 trucks and over 1,200 trailers, as well as by common carrier.
 
Our principal executive offices are located at 4300 Wildwood Parkway, Atlanta, Georgia 30339 and our telephone number is (770) 953-7000. Our filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, including annual reports on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K, proxy statements and amendments to those reports, are accessible free of charge at our official website, www.BlueLinxCo.com. We have adopted a Code of Ethics within the meaning of Item 406(b) of Regulation S-K. This Code of Ethics applies to our principal executive officer, principal financial officer and principal accounting officer. This Code of Ethics, our board committee charters and our corporate governance guidelines are publicly available at www.BlueLinxCo.com or upon request by writing to BlueLinx Holdings Inc., Attn: Corporate Secretary, 4300 Wildwood Parkway, Atlanta, Georgia 30339. If we make substantial amendments to our Code of Ethics or grant any waiver, including any implicit waiver, we are required to disclose the nature of such amendment or waiver on our website or in a report on Form 8-K of such amendment or waiver. The reference to our website does not constitute incorporation by reference of the information contained at the site.
 
History
 
We were created on March 8, 2004 as a Georgia corporation named ABP Distribution Holdings Inc. (“ABP”). ABP was owned by Cerberus Capital Management, L.P. (Cerberus Capital Management, L.P. and its subsidiaries are referred to herein as “Cerberus”), a private, New York-based investment firm, and members of our management team. Prior to May 7, 2004, our assets were owned by the distribution division (the “Division”) of Georgia-Pacific Corporation (“Georgia-Pacific”). The Division commenced operations in 1954 with 13 warehouses primarily used as an outlet for Georgia-Pacific’s plywood. On May 7, 2004, Georgia-Pacific sold assets of the Division to ABP. ABP subsequently merged into BlueLinx Holdings Inc. On December 17, 2004, we consummated an initial public offering of our common stock.


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Products and Services
 
As of December 29, 2007, we distributed more than 10,000 different structural and specialty products to approximately 11,500 customers nationwide. Our structural products are primarily used for structural support, walls, flooring and roofing in construction projects. Additional end-uses of our structural products include outdoor decks, sheathing, crates and boxes. Our specialty products include engineered lumber, roofing, insulation, metal products (excluding rebar and remesh), vinyl products (used primarily in siding), moulding, composite decking and particleboard. In some cases, these products are branded.
 
We also provide a wide range of value-added services and solutions to our customers and vendors including:
 
  •  providing “less-than-truckload” delivery services;
 
  •  pre-negotiated program pricing plans;
 
  •  inventory stocking;
 
  •  automated order processing through an electronic data interchange, or EDI, that provides a direct link between us and our customers;
 
  •  inter-modal distribution services, including railcar unloading and cargo reloading onto customers’ trucks; and
 
  •  back-haul services, when otherwise empty trucks are returning from customer deliveries.
 
Distribution Channels
 
We sell products through three main distribution channels:
 
Warehouse Sales
 
Warehouse sales are delivered from our warehouses to dealers, home improvement centers and industrial users. We deliver products primarily using our fleet of over 800 trucks and over 1,200 trailers, but also occasionally use common carriers for peak load flexibility. We operate in all of the major metropolitan areas in the United States through our network of more than 80 warehouses and third-party operated warehouses. Our warehouses have over eleven million square feet of space under roof plus significant outdoor storage space. Warehouse sales accounted for approximately 59% and 54% of our fiscal 2007 and fiscal 2006 gross sales, respectively.
 
Reload Sales
 
Reload sales are similar to warehouse sales but are shipped from third-party warehouses where we store owned product in order to expand our geographic reach. This channel is employed primarily to service strategic customers that would be uneconomical to service from our warehouses and to distribute large volumes of imported products such as metal or hardwood plywood from port facilities. Reload sales accounted for approximately 12% and 13% of our gross sales in fiscal 2007 and fiscal 2006, respectively.
 
Direct Sales
 
Direct sales are shipped from the manufacturer to the customer without our taking physical inventory possession. This channel requires the lowest amount of committed capital and fixed costs. Direct sales accounted for approximately 29% and 33% of our fiscal 2007 and fiscal 2006 gross sales, respectively.
 
Customers
 
As of December 29, 2007, our customer base included approximately 11,500 customers across multiple market segments and various end-use markets, including the following types of customers:
 
  •  building materials dealers;


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  •  industrial users of building products;
 
  •  manufactured housing builders; and
 
  •  home improvement centers.
 
Sales and Marketing
 
Our sales efforts primarily are directed through our sales force of approximately 800 sales representatives. Approximately 500 of our sales representatives are located at our two sales centers in Denver and Atlanta. Within these sales centers, our sales representatives primarily interact with our customers over the telephone. The remaining 300 sales representatives are located throughout the country and are responsible for maintaining a local dialogue with our customers, including making frequent, in-person visits.
 
Our sales force is separated between industrial/dealer sales and home improvement center sales. Industrial/dealer sales are managed by regional vice-presidents with sales teams organized by customer regions. The majority of industrial/dealer orders are processed by telephone and are facilitated by our centralized database of customer preferences and purchasing history. We also have dedicated cross-functional customer support teams focused on strategic growth with the home improvement centers.
 
Suppliers
 
As of December 29, 2007, our vendor base included over 750 suppliers of both structural and specialty building products. In some cases, these products are branded. We have supply contracts in place with many of our vendors. Terms for these agreements frequently include prompt payment discounts and freight allowances and occasionally include volume discounts, growth incentives, marketing allowances, consigned inventory and extended payment terms.
 
Purchases of products manufactured by Georgia-Pacific accounted for approximately 25% and approximately 24% of total purchases in fiscal 2007 and fiscal 2006, respectively, with no other supplier accounting for more than 4% of our fiscal 2007 purchases. As part of the acquisition transactions, whereby we acquired the assets of Georgia-Pacific’s distribution division, we entered into a Master Purchase, Supply & Distribution Agreement with Georgia-Pacific, or the Supply Agreement. The Supply Agreement details distribution rights by product categories, including exclusivity rights and minimum supply volume commitments from Georgia-Pacific with respect to certain products. This agreement also details our purchase obligations by product categories, including substantial minimum purchase volume commitments with respect to most of the products supplied to us. Based on 2007 average market prices, our purchase obligation under this agreement is approximately $0.5 billion for the next two years. If we fail or refuse to purchase any products that we are obligated to purchase pursuant to the Supply Agreement, Georgia-Pacific has the right to sell products to third parties and for certain products terminate our exclusivity, and we may be required to pay monetary penalties. The agreement has a five-year initial term expiring on May 7, 2009, and remains continuously in effect thereafter unless it is terminated. Termination of the Supply Agreement requires two years’ notice, exercisable beginning May 7, 2008. The Supply Agreement may be terminated by either party for material breach. However, if the material breach only affects one or more, but not all, of the product categories, the non- breaching party may only terminate the Supply Agreement in respect of the affected product categories, and the Supply Agreement will remain in full force with respect to the remaining product categories. The Supply Agreement also provides for certain advertising, marketing and promotion arrangements between BlueLinx and Georgia-Pacific for certain products. In addition, we have been granted a limited, non-exclusive, royalty-free, fully paid license to use certain proprietary information and intellectual property of Georgia-Pacific.
 
Competition
 
The U.S. building products distribution market is a highly fragmented market, served by a small number of multi-regional distributors, several regionally focused distributors and a large number of independent local distributors. Local and regional distributors tend to be closely held and often specialize in a limited number of segments, such as the roofing segment, in which they offer a broader selection of products. Some of our multi-


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regional competitors are part of larger companies and therefore have access to greater financial and other resources than us. We compete on the basis of breadth of product offering, consistent availability of product, product price and quality, reputation, service and distribution facility location.
 
Our two largest competitors are Weyerhaeuser Company, or Weyerhaeuser, and Boise Cascade Company, or Boise Cascade. Weyerhaeuser and Boise Cascade are integrated building products manufacturers-distributors that offer products manufactured by themselves as well as third-party manufactured products. Most major markets are served by at least one of these distributors.
 
Seasonality
 
We are exposed to fluctuations in quarterly sales volumes and expenses due to seasonal factors. These seasonal factors are common in the building products distribution industry. The first and fourth quarters are typically our slowest quarters due to the impact of poor weather on the construction market. Our second and third quarters are typically our strongest quarters, reflecting a substantial increase in construction due to more favorable weather conditions. Our working capital and accounts receivable and payable generally peak in the third quarter, while inventory generally peaks in the second quarter in anticipation of the summer building season. We expect these trends to continue for the foreseeable future.
 
Trademarks
 
As of January 31, 2008, we had 38 U.S. trademark applications and registrations, one issued U.S. patent and two Canadian trademark registrations. Depending on the jurisdiction, trademarks are valid as long as they are in use and/or their registrations are properly maintained and they have not become generic. Registrations of trademarks can generally be renewed indefinitely as long as the trademarks are in use. Our patent expires in September 2013. We do not believe our business is dependent on any one of our trademarks or on our patent.
 
Employees
 
As of December 29, 2007 we employed approximately 2,800 persons on a full-time basis. Approximately 830 of our employees are represented by labor unions. As of December 29, 2007, we had approximately 53 collective bargaining agreements, of which 12, representing 312 employees, are up for renewal in 2008. We consider our relationship with our employees generally to be good.
 
Executive Officers
 
The following table contains the name, age and position with our company of each of our executive officers as of February 25, 2008. There are no arrangements or understandings between any of our executive officers and any other person pursuant to which any executive officer was or is to be selected as an officer.
 
             
Name
 
Age
 
Position
 
Stephen E. Macadam
    47     Chief Executive Officer and Director
George R. Judd
    47     President and Chief Operating Officer
Howard D. Goforth
    44     Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer
David J. Dalton
    49     Senior Vice President, West
Duane G. Goodwin
    49     Senior Vice President, Supply Chain
Barbara V. Tinsley
    57     Senior Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary
Dean A. Adelman
    42     Vice President, Human Resources
 
Stephen E. Macadam has served as our Chief Executive Officer since October 2005, and as a member of our Board since June 2004. Prior to his joining our Company, Mr. Macadam was the President and Chief Executive Officer of Consolidated Container Company LLC since August 2001. He served previously with Georgia-Pacific where he held the position of Executive Vice President, Pulp & Paperboard from July 2000 until August 2001, and the position of Senior Vice President, Containerboard & Packaging from March 1998


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until July 2000. Mr. Macadam held positions of increasing responsibility with McKinsey and Company, Inc. from 1988 until 1998, culminating in the role of Principal in charge of McKinsey’s Charlotte, North Carolina operation. Mr. Macadam is a member of the board of directors of Solo Cup Company. Mr. Macadam received a B.S. in mechanical engineering from the University of Kentucky, an M.S. in finance from Boston College and a Masters of Business Administration from Harvard Business School, where he was a Baker Scholar.
 
George R. Judd has served as our President and Chief Operating Officer since May 2004. Prior to that time, he worked for Georgia-Pacific Corporation in a variety of positions managing both inside and outside sales, national accounts and most recently as Vice President of Sales and Eastern Operations since 2002. From 2000 until 2002, Mr. Judd worked as Vice President of the North and Midwest regions of the Distribution Division. He served as Vice President of the Southeast region from 1999 to 2000. Mr. Judd serves on the boards of the Building Products Institute and the Lumber and Building Materials Institute, in Washington, D.C., and he is past Chair of the National Lumber & Building Material Dealers Association. He also serves on the board of the Girl Scouts of Georgia. He graduated from Western Connecticut State University in 1984 with a Bachelor’s degree in Marketing.
 
Howard D. Goforth has served as our Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer since February 18, 2008. Mr. Goforth has twenty years of combined accounting, finance, treasury, acquisition and management experience with leading distribution and manufacturing companies including Mitsubishi Wireless Communications, Inc., Yamaha Motor Manufacturing, Inc. and Ingersoll-Rand. Most recently, Mr. Goforth was Vice President and Corporate Controller, as well as a member of the senior management team, of Armor Holdings Inc. from November 2006 until the company was acquired by BAE Systems, Inc. in August 2007. Mr. Goforth remained with BAE Systems until February 2008 to assist in the integration of the acquisition. Prior to Armor Holdings, Mr. Goforth served as BlueLinx Corporation’s Corporate Controller from May 2004 until November 2006. Prior to that, he served as a Controller with the building products distribution division of Georgia-Pacific Corporation from 2002 until May 2004. Mr. Goforth earned a Bachelor of Science in Accounting from Mars Hill College in North Carolina. He is also a certified public accountant.
 
David J. Dalton has served as our Senior Vice President, West since January 2006. Prior to that time, Mr. Dalton served as Vice President of the Mid-Atlantic region since May 2004. Previously, he worked for Georgia-Pacific Corporation in a variety of positions managing both inside and outside sales, and most recently as Vice President/General Manager of the Mid-Atlantic region of the Distribution Division since 1995. He graduated from the University of Massachusetts in 1980 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Wood Science and Technology.
 
Duane G. Goodwin has served as our Senior Vice President, Supply Chain since December 2005. Prior to that time, Mr. Goodwin was with The Home Depot since April 1994, where he served in a variety of positions including Vice President/Merchandising — Hardware from July 2003 to February 2005, Vice President Global Sourcing from July 2000 to July 2003, and Divisional Merchandise Manager from April 1999 to July 2000. Before this Mr. Goodwin was with Wal-Mart Stores, Inc., where he served in a variety of roles from 1985 through April 1994. Prior to joining our Company, Mr. Goodwin also served as an outside consultant to Cerberus beginning in June 2005.
 
Barbara V. Tinsley has served as our Senior Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary since May 2004. Prior to that time, Ms. Tinsley served as Associate General Counsel for Cendian Corporation since September 2002, and as Assistant General Counsel for Mitsubishi Electric and Electronics USA, Inc. from October 2000 until September 2002. From August 1998 until August 2000, Ms. Tinsley served as Corporate Compliance Officer for The Home Depot. She was Chief Counsel to Georgia-Pacific Corporation’s Distribution Division from 1992 to 1998 and represented a number of other divisions of Georgia-Pacific from 1987 to 1992. Prior to that, Ms. Tinsley was an Assistant United States Attorney with the Department of Justice for five years. Ms. Tinsley previously served as Chairman of the Antitrust Section of the State Bar of Georgia. Ms. Tinsley received a Bachelor of Arts degree, magna cum laude, in 1971 from Emory University and a Juris Doctor degree, with distinction, from Emory in 1975.
 
Dean A. Adelman has served as our Vice President, Human Resources since October 2005. Prior to that time, he served as Vice President Human Resources, Staff Development & Training for Corrections


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Corporation of America. Previously, Mr. Adelman served as Vice President Human Resources for Arby’s Inc. (formerly RTM Restaurant Group) from 1998 to 2002. From 1991 to 1998, Mr. Adelman served as senior counsel for Georgia-Pacific Corporation. Mr. Adelman received a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Georgia in 1987 and a Juris Doctor degree, cum laude, from the University of Georgia in 1990.
 
Environmental and Other Governmental Regulations
 
Environmental Regulation and Compliance
 
Our operations are subject to various federal, state, provincial and local laws, rules and regulations. We are subject to environmental laws, rules and regulations that limit discharges into the environment, establish standards for the handling, generation, emission, release, discharge, treatment, storage and disposal of hazardous materials, substances and wastes, and require cleanup of contaminated soil and groundwater. These laws, ordinances and regulations are complex, change frequently and have tended to become more stringent over time. Many of them provide for substantial fines and penalties, orders (including orders to cease operations) and criminal sanctions for violations. They may also impose liability for property damage and personal injury stemming from the presence of, or exposure to, hazardous substances. In addition, certain of our operations require us to obtain, maintain compliance with, and periodically renew permits.
 
Certain of these laws, including the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act, may require the investigation and cleanup of an entity’s or its predecessor’s current or former properties, even if the associated contamination was caused by the operations of a third party. These laws also may require the investigation and cleanup of third-party sites at which an entity or its predecessor sent hazardous wastes for disposal, notwithstanding that the original disposal activity accorded with all applicable requirements. Liability under such laws may be imposed jointly and severally, and regardless of fault.
 
Georgia-Pacific Corporation has agreed to indemnify us against any claim arising from environmental conditions that existed prior to May 7, 2004. In addition, we carry environmental insurance. While we do not expect to incur significant independent costs arising from environmental conditions, there can be no assurance that all such costs will be covered by indemnification or insurance.
 
We are also subject to the requirements of the U.S. Department of Labor Occupational Safety and Health Administration, or OSHA. In order to maintain compliance with applicable OSHA requirements, we have established uniform safety and compliance procedures for our operations and implemented measures to prevent workplace injuries.
 
The U.S. Department of Transportation, or DOT, regulates our operations in domestic interstate commerce. We are subject to safety requirements governing interstate operations prescribed by the DOT. Vehicle dimensions and driver hours of service also remain subject to both federal and state regulation.
 
We incur and will continue to incur costs to comply with the requirements of environmental, health and safety and transportation laws, ordinances and regulations. We anticipate that these requirements could become more stringent in the future, and we cannot assure you that compliance costs will not be material.
 
ITEM 1A.   RISK FACTORS.
 
In addition to the other information contained in this Form 10-K, the following risk factors should be considered carefully in evaluating our business. Our business, financial condition, or results of operations could be materially adversely affected by any of these risks. Additional risks not presently known to us or that we currently deem immaterial may also impair our business and operations.
 
Our industry is highly cyclical, and prolonged periods of weak demand or excess supply may reduce our net sales and/or margins, which may reduce our net income or cause us to incur losses.
 
The building products distribution industry is subject to cyclical market pressures. Prices of building products are determined by overall supply and demand in the market for building products. Market prices of building products historically have been volatile and cyclical and we have limited ability to control the timing


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and amount of pricing changes for building products. Demand for building products is driven mainly by factors outside of our control, such as general economic and political conditions, interest rates, availability of mortgage financing, the construction, repair and remodeling and industrial markets, weather and population growth. The supply of building products fluctuates based on available manufacturing capacity, and excess capacity in the industry can result in significant declines in market prices for those products. To the extent that prices and volumes experience a sustained or sharp decline, our net sales and margins would likely decline as well. Our results in some periods have been affected by market volatility, including a reduction in gross profits due to a decline in the resale value of our structural products inventory. All of these factors make it difficult to forecast our operating results.
 
Our cash flows and capital resources may be insufficient to make required payments on our substantial indebtedness and future indebtedness.
 
We have a substantial amount of debt. As of December 29, 2007, advances outstanding under our revolving credit facility were approximately $184 million, borrowing availability was approximately $222 million and outstanding letters of credit on the facility were approximately $10.4 million. We also have a mortgage loan in the amount of $295 million.
 
Our substantial debt could have important consequences to you. For example, it could:
 
  •  make it difficult for us to satisfy our debt obligations;
 
  •  make us more vulnerable to general adverse economic and industry conditions;
 
  •  limit our ability to obtain additional financing for working capital, capital expenditures, acquisitions and other general corporate requirements;
 
  •  expose us to interest rate fluctuations because the interest rate on the debt under our revolving credit facility is variable;
 
  •  require us to dedicate a substantial portion of our cash flow from operations to payments on our debt, thereby reducing the availability of our cash flow for operations and other purposes;
 
  •  limit our flexibility in planning for, or reacting to, changes in our business and the industry in which we operate; and
 
  •  place us at a competitive disadvantage compared to competitors that may have proportionately less debt.
 
In addition, our ability to make scheduled payments or refinance our obligations depends on our successful financial and operating performance, cash flows and capital resources, which in turn depend upon prevailing economic conditions and certain financial, business and other factors, many of which are beyond our control. These factors include, among others:
 
  •  economic and demand factors affecting the building products distribution industry;
 
  •  pricing pressures;
 
  •  increased operating costs;
 
  •  competitive conditions; and
 
  •  other operating difficulties.
 
If our cash flows and capital resources are insufficient to fund our debt service obligations, we may be forced to reduce or delay capital expenditures, sell material assets or operations, obtain additional capital or restructure our debt. Obtaining additional capital or restructuring our debt could be accomplished in part, through new or additional borrowings or placements of debt or equity securities. There is no assurance that we could obtain additional capital or restructure our debt on terms acceptable to us or at all. In the event that we are required to dispose of material assets or operations to meet our debt service and other obligations, the value realized on such assets or operations will depend on market conditions and the availability of buyers.


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Accordingly, any such sale may not, among other things, be for a sufficient dollar amount. Our obligations under the revolving credit facility are secured by a first priority security interest in all of our operating company’s inventories, receivables and proceeds from those items. In addition, our mortgage loan is secured by the majority of our real property. The foregoing encumbrances may limit our ability to dispose of material assets or operations. We also may not be able to restructure our indebtedness on favorable economic terms, if at all. We may incur substantial additional indebtedness in the future, including under the revolving credit facility. Our incurrence of additional indebtedness would intensify the risks described above.
 
The instruments governing our indebtedness contain various covenants limiting the discretion of our management in operating our business.
 
Our revolving credit facility and mortgage loan contain various restrictive covenants and restrictions, including financial covenants customary for asset-based loans that limit our management’s discretion in operating our business. In particular, these instruments limit our ability to, among other things:
 
  •  incur additional debt;
 
  •  grant liens on assets;
 
  •  make investments, including capital expenditures;
 
  •  sell or acquire assets outside the ordinary course of business;
 
  •  engage in transactions with affiliates; and
 
  •  make fundamental business changes.
 
If we fail to maintain minimum excess availability of $40 million under the revolving credit facility, the revolving credit facility requires us to (i) maintain certain financial ratios and (ii) limit our capital expenditures. If we fail to comply with the restrictions in the revolving credit facility, the mortgage loan documents or any other current or future financing agreements, a default may allow the creditors under the relevant instruments to accelerate the related debt and to exercise their remedies under these agreements, which will typically include the right to declare the principal amount of that debt, together with accrued and unpaid interest and other related amounts, immediately due and payable, to exercise any remedies the creditors may have to foreclose on assets that are subject to liens securing that debt and to terminate any commitments they had made to supply further funds.
 
The payment of dividends has been suspended, and resumption is dependant on business conditions, among other factors; the instruments governing our indebtedness contain various covenants that may limit our ability to pay dividends.
 
In the past we have paid dividends on our common stock at the quarterly rate of $0.125 per share. However, on December 5, 2007, we suspended the payment of dividends on our common stock for an indefinite period of time. Resumption of the payment of dividends will depend on, among other things, business conditions in the housing industry, our results of operations, cash requirements, financial condition, contractual restrictions, provisions of applicable law and other factors that our board of directors may deem relevant. Accordingly, we may not be able to resume the payment of dividends at the same quarterly rate in the future, if at all.
 
Our revolving credit facility limits distributions by our operating company to us, which, in turn, may limit our ability to pay dividends to holders of our common stock. See “Notes to Financial Statements — Note 8. Revolving Credit Facilityfor more information on limits on our ability to pay dividends.
 
We depend upon a single supplier, Georgia-Pacific, for a significant percentage of our products and have significant purchase commitments under our Supply Agreement with Georgia-Pacific.
 
Georgia-Pacific is our largest supplier, accounting for approximately 25% and approximately 24% of our purchases during fiscal 2007 and fiscal 2006, respectively. Concurrent with the acquisition, we entered into a


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Supply Agreement with Georgia-Pacific. The Supply Agreement has a five-year initial term expiring on May 7, 2009 and remains continuously in effect thereafter unless it is terminated. Termination of the Supply Agreement requires two years’ notice, exercisable beginning on May 7, 2008. Upon a material breach of the agreement by us, Georgia-Pacific may terminate the agreement at anytime. If Georgia-Pacific does not renew the Supply Agreement or if it discontinues sales of a product, we would experience a product shortage unless and until we obtain a replacement supplier. We may not be able to obtain replacement products on favorable economic terms, if at all. An inability to replace products on favorable economic terms would adversely impact our net sales and our costs, which in turn could impact our gross profit, net income and cash flows.
 
We believe that the economic terms of the Supply Agreement are beneficial to us since they provide us with certain discounts off standard industry pricing indices, certain cash discounts and favorable payment terms. While we also believe these terms benefit Georgia-Pacific, Georgia-Pacific could, if it chose, terminate the Supply Agreement as early as May 7, 2010. If it did so and we could not obtain comparable terms from Georgia-Pacific or another vendor thereafter, our operating performance could be impaired by an interruption in the delivery of products and/or an increase in cost to us from sourcing comparable products from other suppliers.
 
Under the Supply Agreement, we have substantial minimum purchase volume commitments with respect to a number of products supplied to us. Based on 2007 average market prices, our purchase obligations under this agreement are $0.5 billion for the next two years. These products account for a majority of our purchases from Georgia-Pacific. If we fail or refuse to purchase any products that we are obligated to purchase pursuant to the Supply Agreement, Georgia-Pacific has the right to sell products to third parties and, for certain products, terminate our exclusivity, which could reduce our net sales due to the unavailability of products or our gross profit if we are required to pay higher product prices to other suppliers. A reduction in our net sales or gross profit may also reduce our net income and cash flows or increase our net loss.
 
Our industry is highly fragmented and competitive. If we are unable to compete effectively, our net sales and net income will be reduced or we may incur additional losses.
 
The building products distribution industry is highly fragmented and competitive and the barriers to entry for local competitors are relatively low. Some of our competitors are part of larger companies and therefore have access to greater financial and other resources than us. In addition, certain product manufacturers sell and distribute their products directly to customers. Additional manufacturers of products distributed by us may elect to sell and distribute directly to end-users in the future or enter into exclusive supply arrangements with other distributors. Finally, we may not be able to maintain our costs at a level sufficiently low for us to compete effectively. If we are unable to compete effectively, our net sales and net income will be reduced or we may incur additional losses.
 
Integrating acquisitions may be time-consuming and create costs that could reduce our net income and cash flows or increase our net loss.
 
Part of our growth strategy includes pursuing acquisitions. Any integration process may be complex and time consuming, may be disruptive to the business and may cause an interruption of, or a distraction of management’s attention from, the business as a result of a number of obstacles, including but not limited to:
 
  •  the loss of key customers of the acquired company;
 
  •  the incurrence of unexpected expenses and working capital requirements;
 
  •  a failure of our due diligence process to identify significant issues or contingencies;
 
  •  difficulties assimilating the operations and personnel of the acquired company;
 
  •  difficulties effectively integrating the acquired technologies with our current technologies;
 
  •  our inability to retain key personnel of acquired entities;
 
  •  failure to maintain the quality of customer service;


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  •  our inability to achieve the financial and strategic goals for the acquired and combined businesses; and
 
  •  difficulty in maintaining internal controls, procedures and policies.
 
Any of the foregoing obstacles, or a combination of them, could increase selling, general and administrative expenses in absolute terms and/or as a percentage of net sales, which could in turn negatively impact our net income and cash flows or increase our net loss.
 
We have completed two acquisitions, to date. On July 22, 2005 we completed the acquisition of the assets of California-based hardwood lumber company Lane Stanton Vance (“LSV”), and on August 7, 2006 we completed the acquisition of the Texas-based hardwood lumber distribution company, Austin Hardwoods, Ltd. We may not be able to consummate acquisitions in the future on terms acceptable to us, or at all. In addition, future acquisitions are accompanied by the risk that the obligations and liabilities of an acquired company may not be adequately reflected in the historical financial statements of that company and the risk that those historical financial statements may be based on assumptions which are incorrect or inconsistent with our assumptions or approach to accounting policies. Any of these material obligations, liabilities or incorrect or inconsistent assumptions could adversely impact our results of operations.
 
A significant percentage of our employees are unionized. Wage increases or work stoppages by our unionized employees may reduce our results of operations.
 
As of December 29, 2007, approximately 30% of our employees were represented by various labor unions. As of December 29, 2007, we had approximately 53 collective bargaining agreements, of which 12, covering 312 total employees, are up for renewal in 2008. We may become subject to material cost increases, or additional work rules imposed by agreements with labor unions. The foregoing could increase our selling, general and administrative expenses in absolute terms and/or as a percentage of net sales. In addition, work stoppages or other labor disturbances may occur in the future, which could adversely impact our net sales and/or selling, general and administrative expenses. All of these factors could negatively impact our net income and cash flows or increase our net loss.
 
Federal and state transportation regulations could impose substantial costs on us which would reduce our net income or increase our net loss.
 
We use our own fleet of over 800 trucks and over 1,200 trailers to service customers throughout the United States. The U.S. Department of Transportation, or DOT, regulates our operations in domestic interstate commerce. We are subject to safety requirements governing interstate operations prescribed by the DOT. Vehicle dimensions and driver hours of service also remain subject to both federal and state regulation. More restrictive limitations on vehicle weight and size, trailer length and configuration, or driver hours of service would increase our costs, which, if we are unable to pass these cost increases on to our customers, would reduce our gross margins, increase our selling, general and administrative expenses and reduce our net income or increase our net loss.
 
Environmental laws impose risks and costs on us.
 
Our operations are subject to federal, state, provincial and local laws, rules and regulations governing the protection of the environment, including, but not limited to, those regulating discharges into the air and water, the use, handling and disposal of hazardous or toxic substances, the management of wastes, the cleanup of contamination and the control of noise and odors. We have made, and will continue to make, expenditures to comply with these requirements. While we believe, based upon current information, that we are in substantial compliance with all applicable environmental laws, rules and regulations, we could be subject to potentially significant fines or penalties for any failure to comply. Moreover, under certain environmental laws, a current or previous owner or operator of real property, and parties that generate or transport hazardous substances that are disposed of at that real property, may be held liable for the cost to investigate or clean up such real property and for related damages to natural resources. We may be subject to liability, including liability for investigation and cleanup costs, if contamination is discovered at one of our current or former warehouse facilities, or at a landfill or other location where we have disposed of, or arranged for the disposal of, wastes.


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Georgia-Pacific has agreed to indemnify us against any claim arising from environmental conditions that existed prior to May 7, 2004. We also carry environmental insurance. However, any remediation costs not related to conditions existing prior to May 7, 2004 may not be covered by indemnification. In addition, certain remediation costs may not be covered by insurance. In addition, we could be subject to claims brought pursuant to applicable laws, rules or regulations for property damage or personal injury resulting from the environmental impact of our operations. Increasingly stringent environmental requirements, more aggressive enforcement actions, the discovery of unknown conditions or the bringing of future claims may cause our expenditures for environmental matters to increase, and we may incur material costs associated with these matters.
 
Anti-terrorism measures may harm our business by impeding our ability to deliver products on a timely and cost-effective basis.
 
In the event of future terrorist attacks or threats on the United States, federal, state and local authorities could implement various security measures, including checkpoints and travel restrictions on large trucks. Our customers typically need quick delivery and rely on our on-time delivery capabilities. If security measures disrupt or impede the timing of our deliveries, we may fail to meet the needs of our customers, or may incur increased expenses to do so.
 
We may incur substantial costs relating to Georgia-Pacific’s product liability related claims.
 
Georgia-Pacific is a defendant in suits brought in various courts around the nation by plaintiffs who allege that they have suffered personal injury as a result of exposure to products containing asbestos. These suits allege a variety of lung and other diseases based on alleged exposure to products previously manufactured by Georgia-Pacific. Although the terms of the asset purchase agreement provide that Georgia-Pacific will indemnify us against all obligations and liabilities arising out of, relating to or otherwise in any way in respect of any product liability claims (including, without limitation, claims, obligations or liabilities relating to the presence or alleged presence of asbestos-containing materials) with respect to products purchased, sold, marketed, stored, delivered, distributed or transported by Georgia-Pacific and its affiliates, including the Division prior to the acquisition, it could be possible that circumstances may arise under which asbestos-related claims against Georgia-Pacific could cause us to incur substantial costs.
 
For example, in the event that Georgia-Pacific is financially unable to respond to an asbestos product liability claim, plaintiffs’ lawyers may, in order to obtain recovery, attempt to sue us, in our capacity as owner of assets sold by Georgia-Pacific, despite the fact that the assets sold to us did not contain asbestos. Asbestos litigation has, over the years, proved unpredictable, as the aggressive and well-financed asbestos plaintiffs’ bar has been creative, and often successful, in bringing claims based on novel legal theories and on expansive interpretations of existing legal theories. These claims have included claims against companies that did not manufacture asbestos products. As a result of these factors, a number of companies have been held liable for amounts far in excess of their perceived exposure. Although we believe, based on our understanding of the law as currently interpreted, that we should not be held liable for any of Georgia-Pacific’s asbestos-related claims, and, to the contrary, that we would prevail on summary judgment on any such claims, there is nevertheless a possibility that new theories could be developed, or that the application of existing theories could be expanded, in a manner that would result in liability for us. Any such liability could ultimately be borne by us if Georgia-Pacific is unable to fulfill its indemnity obligation under the asset purchase agreement with us.
 
Affiliates of Cerberus control us and may have conflicts of interest with other stockholders in the future.
 
Funds and accounts managed by Cerberus or its affiliated management companies, which are referred to collectively as the controlling stockholder, collectively own approximately 58% of our common stock. As a result, the controlling stockholder will continue to be able to control the election of our directors, determine our corporate and management policies and determine, without the consent of our other stockholders, the outcome of any corporate transaction or other matter submitted to our stockholders for approval, including potential mergers or acquisitions, asset sales and other significant corporate transactions.


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Four of our ten directors are employees of Cerberus. The controlling stockholder also has sufficient voting power to amend our organizational documents. The interests of the controlling stockholder may not coincide with the interests of other holders of our common stock. Additionally, the controlling stockholder is in the business of making investments in companies and may, from time to time, acquire and hold interests in businesses that compete directly or indirectly with us. The controlling stockholder may also pursue, for its own account, acquisition opportunities that may be complementary to our business, and as a result, those acquisition opportunities may not be available to us. So long as the controlling stockholder continues to own a significant amount of the outstanding shares of our common stock, it will continue to be able to strongly influence or effectively control our decisions, including potential mergers or acquisitions, asset sales and other significant corporate transactions. In addition, because we are a controlled company within the meaning of the New York Stock Exchange rules, we are exempt from the NYSE requirements that our board be composed of a majority of independent directors, and that our compensation and nominating/corporate governance committees be composed entirely of independent directors.
 
Even if Cerberus no longer controls us in the future, certain provisions of our charter documents and agreements and Delaware law could discourage, delay or prevent a merger or acquisition at a premium price.
 
Our Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation and Bylaws contain provisions that:
 
  •  permit us to issue, without any further vote or action by the stockholders, up to 30 million shares of preferred stock in one or more series and, with respect to each series, to fix the number of shares constituting the series and the designation of the series, the voting powers (if any) of the shares of such series, and the preferences and other special rights, if any, and any qualifications, limitations or restrictions, of the shares of the series; and
 
  •  limit the stockholders’ ability to call special meetings.
 
These provisions may discourage, delay or prevent a merger or acquisition at a premium price.
 
In addition, we are subject to Section 203 of the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware, or the DGCL, which also imposes certain restrictions on mergers and other business combinations between us and any holder of 15% or more of our common stock. Further, certain of our incentive plans provide for vesting of stock options and/or payments to be made to our employees in connection with a change of control, which could discourage, delay or prevent a merger or acquisition at a premium price.
 
ITEM 1B.   UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS.
 
None.
 
ITEM 2.   PROPERTIES.
 
We lease approximately 250,000 square feet for our corporate headquarters located at 4300 Wildwood Parkway, Atlanta, Georgia 30339. As part of a restructuring effort, we vacated approximately 100,000 square feet of our corporate headquarters space which we are actively seeking to sublease. We operate warehouse facilities in over 65 markets nationwide. We own 64 warehouse facilities and lease 16 additional warehouse facilities. The total square footage under roof at our owned and leased warehouses is approximately 11 million square feet. Our Denver sales center and 57 of our owned warehouse facilities secure our mortgage loan.
 
The following table summarizes our real estate facilities including their inside square footage:
 
                         
          Owned
    Leased
 
Facility Type
  Number     Facilities (ft2)     Facilities (ft2)  
 
Office Space(1)
    3       68,700       251,900  
Warehouses
    80       10,300,000       900,000  
TOTAL
    83       10,368,700       1,151,900  


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(1) Includes corporate headquarters in Atlanta, the Denver Sales Center and a call center in Vancouver. We are actively marketing 100,000 square feet at our Atlanta corporate headquarters for sublease.
 
We also store materials outdoors, such as lumber and rebar, at all of our warehouse locations, which increases their distribution and storage capacity. We believe that substantially all of our property and equipment is in good condition, subject to normal wear and tear. We believe that our facilities have sufficient capacity to meet current and projected distribution needs.
 
ITEM 3.   LEGAL PROCEEDINGS.
 
On November 19, 2004, we received a letter from Wickes Lumber, or Wickes, asserting that approximately $16 million in payments received by the Division during the 90-day period prior to Wickes’ January 20, 2004 Chapter 11 filing were preferential payments under section 547 of the United States Bankruptcy Code. On October 14, 2005, Wickes Inc. filed a lawsuit in the United States Bankruptcy Court for the Northern District of Illinois titled “Wickes Inc. v. Georgia Pacific Distribution Division (BlueLinx),” (Bankruptcy Adversary Proceeding No. 05-2322) asserting its claim. On November 14, 2005, we filed an answer to the complaint denying liability. Although the ultimate outcome of this matter cannot be determined with certainty, we believe Wickes’ assertion to be without merit and, in any event, subject to one or more complete defenses, including, but not limited to, that the payments were made and received in the ordinary course of business and were a substantially contemporaneous exchange for new value given to Wickes.
 
We are, and from time to time may be, a party to routine legal proceedings incidental to the operation of our business. The outcome of any pending or threatened proceedings is not expected to have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, operating results or cash flows, based on our current understanding of the relevant facts. Legal expenses incurred related to these contingencies are generally expensed as incurred. We establish reserves for pending or threatened proceedings when the costs associated with such proceedings become probable and can be reasonably estimated.
 
ITEM 4.   SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS.
 
No matters were submitted to a vote of security holders during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2007.
 
PART II
 
ITEM 5.   MARKET FOR REGISTRANT’S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES.
 
Our equity securities consist of one class of common stock. The common stock began trading on December 16, 2004. The common stock is traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol “BXC”. The following table sets forth, for the periods indicated, the range of the high and low sales prices for the common stock as quoted on the New York Stock Exchange:
 
                 
    High     Low  
 
Fiscal Year Ended December 29, 2007
               
First Quarter
  $ 12.39     $ 10.18  
Second Quarter
  $ 11.96     $ 10.47  
Third Quarter
  $ 10.61     $ 6.93  
Fourth Quarter
  $ 7.50     $ 3.16  
Fiscal Year Ended December 30, 2006
               
First Quarter
  $ 16.95     $ 11.16  
Second Quarter
    16.59       11.70  
Third Quarter
    13.50       9.26  
Fourth Quarter
    11.20       8.80  


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As of February 25, 2008, there were 27 registered stockholders, and, as of that date we estimate there were approximately 3,200 beneficial owners holding our common stock in nominee or “street” name.
 
We paid a cash dividend of $0.125 per share for each of our fiscal quarters beginning in March 2005 and continuing through the fourth quarter of 2007. However, on December 5, 2007, we suspended the payment of dividends on our common stock for an indefinite period of time. Resumption of the payment of dividends will depend on, among other things, business conditions in the housing industry, our results of operations, cash requirements, financial condition, contractual restrictions, provisions of applicable law and other factors that our board of directors may deem relevant. See “Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data, Note 8. Revolving Credit Facility” for additional information regarding limitations on the ability of BlueLinx Corporation to transfer funds to its parent, BlueLinx Holdings Inc., which could impact our ability to pay dividends to our stockholders. Accordingly, we may not be able to resume the payment of dividends at the same quarterly rate in the future, if at all.
 
Equity Compensation Plan Information
 
The following table provides information about the shares of our common stock that may be issued upon the exercise of options and other awards under our existing equity compensation plans as of December 29, 2007. Our stockholder-approved equity compensation plans are the 2004 Equity Incentive Plan and the 2006 Long-Term Equity Incentive Plan. We do not have any non-stockholder approved equity compensation plans.
 
                         
    (a)     (b)     (c)  
    Number of Securities
    Weighted-Average
    Number of Securities Remaining
 
    to be Issued Upon
    Exercise Price of
    Available for Future Issuance Under
 
    Exercise of
    Outstanding
    Equity Compensation Plans
 
    Outstanding Options,
    Options, Warrants
    (Excluding Securities Reflected in
 
Plan Category
  Warrants and Rights     and Rights     Column (a))  
 
Equity compensation plans approved by security holders
    1,544,370     $ 11.99       1,112,346  
Equity compensation plans not approved by security holders
          n/a        
Total
    1,544,370     $ 11.99       1,112,346  


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Performance Graph
 
The chart below compares the quarterly percentage change in the cumulative total stockholder return on our common stock with the cumulative total return on the Russell 2000 Index and a peer group index for the period commencing December 16, 2004 (the first day of trading of our common stock after our initial public offering) and ending December 31, 2007, assuming an investment of $100 and the reinvestment of any dividends.
 
Our peer group index was selected by us and is comprised of reporting companies with lines of business and product offerings that are comparable to ours and which we believe most accurately represent our business. Our peer group consists of the following companies: Beacon Roofing Supply Inc., Builders Firstsource, Building Materials Holding Corporation, Huttig Building Products Inc., Interline Brands Inc., Universal Forest Products Inc. and Watsco Inc.
 
Comparison of Cumulative Total Return
 
(PERFORMANCE GRAPH)
 
Cumulative Total Return
Year Ending
(in dollars)
 
                                                   
Company/Index Name     12/16/04     12/31/04     12/31/05     12/31/06     12/31/07
BlueLinx Holdings Inc. 
      100         107.19         86.84         83.75         34.03  
Russell 2000 Index
      100         101.55         106.17         125.67         123.70  
Peer Group
      100         101.82         149.98         126.66         77.54  
                                                   
 
ITEM 6.   SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA.
 
We were created on March 8, 2004 (date of inception) as a Georgia corporation named ABP Distribution Holdings Inc. On May 7, 2004, the Company and its operating company acquired the assets of the distribution division of Georgia-Pacific, or the Division, as described below. On August 30, 2004, ABP Distribution Holdings Inc. merged into BlueLinx Holdings Inc., a Delaware corporation. The Consolidated Financial Statements include the accounts of the Company and its wholly-owned subsidiaries. All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated.
 
The financial statements of the Division reflect the accounts and results of certain operations of the business conducted by the Division. The accompanying financial statements of the Division have been


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prepared from Georgia-Pacific’s historical accounting records and are presented on a carve-out basis reflecting these certain assets, liabilities, and operations. The Division was an unincorporated business of Georgia-Pacific and, accordingly, Georgia-Pacific’s net investment in these operations (parent’s net investment) is presented in lieu of stockholder’s equity. All significant intradivision transactions have been eliminated. The financial statements are not necessarily indicative of the financial position, results of operations and cash flows that might have occurred had the Division been an independent entity not integrated into Georgia-Pacific’s other operations. Also, they may not be indicative of the actual financial position that might have otherwise resulted, or of the future results of operations or financial position of the Division.
 
The following table sets forth certain historical financial data of our company. The selected financial data for the fiscal year ended December 29, 2007 (“fiscal 2007”), the fiscal year ended December 30, 2006 (“fiscal 2006”), the fiscal year ended December 31, 2005 (“fiscal 2005”), the period from inception (March 8, 2004) to January 1, 2005, the period from January 4, 2004 to May 7, 2004 (the aggregate period from January 4, 2004 through January 1, 2005 referred to herein as “fiscal 2004”) and the fiscal year ended January 3, 2004 (“fiscal 2003”) have been derived from the Company’s audited financial statements included elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K or from prior financial statements (fiscal 2003). The financial statements prior to May 7, 2004 are referred to as “pre-acquisition period” statements. The following information should be read in conjunction with our financial statements and “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.”
 
The acquisition of the assets of the Division was accounted for using the purchase method of accounting, and the assets acquired and liabilities assumed were accounted for at their fair market values at the date of consummation.
 
                                                   
    BlueLinx       Pre-acquisition Period  
                      Period from
      Period
       
                      Inception
      from
       
                      (March 8,
      January 4,
       
    Year Ended
    Year Ended
    Year Ended
    2004)
      2004
    Year Ended
 
    December 29,
    December 30,
    December 31,
    to January 1,
      to May 7,
    January 3,
 
    2007     2006     2005     2005       2004     2004  
    (In thousands, except per share data)  
Statement of Operations Data:
                                                 
Net sales
  $ 3,833,910     $ 4,899,383     $ 5,622,071     $ 3,672,820       $ 1,885,334     $ 4,271,842  
Cost of sales
    3,441,964       4,419,576       5,109,632       3,339,590         1,658,123       3,814,375  
                                                   
Gross profit
    391,946       479,807       512,439       333,230         227,211       457,467  
Operating expenses:
                                                 
Selling, general and administrative expenses
    372,754       381,554       378,008       248,291         139,203       346,585  
Depreciation and amortization
    20,924       20,724       18,770       10,132         6,175       19,476  
                                                   
Total operating expenses
    393,678       402,278       396,778       258,423         145,378       366,061  
                                                   
Operating income (loss)
    (1,732 )     77,529       115,661       74,807         81,833       91,406  
Non-operating expenses (income):
                                                 
Interest expense
    43,660       46,164       42,311       28,765                
Charges associated with mortgage refinancing
          4,864                            
Write-off of debt issue costs
                      2,871                
Other expense (income), net
    (370 )     320       186       (516 )       614       376  
                                                   
Income (loss) before provision for (benefit from) income taxes
    (45,022 )     26,181       73,164       43,687         81,219       91,030  
Provision for (benefit from) income taxes
    (17,077 )     10,349       28,561       17,781         30,782       34,877  
                                                   
Net income (loss)
  $ (27,945 )   $ 15,832     $ 44,603     $ 25,906       $ 50,437     $ 56,153  
                                                   
Less: preferred stock dividends
                      5,226                    
                                                   
                                                   
 


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    BlueLinx       Pre-acquisition Period  
                      Period from
               
                      Inception
               
                      (March 8,
      Period from
       
    Year Ended
    Year Ended
    Year Ended
    2004)
      January 4,
    Year Ended
 
    December 29,
    December 30,
    December 31,
    to January 1,
      2004 to May 7,
    January 3,
 
    2007     2006     2005     2005       2004     2004  
    (In thousands, except per share data)  
 
                                                 
Net income applicable to common stockholders
  $ (27,945 )   $ 15,832     $ 44,603     $ 20,680                    
                                                   
Basic weighted average number of common shares outstanding
    30,848       30,618       30,195       19,006                    
Basic net income (loss) per share applicable to common stock
  $ (0.91 )   $ 0.52     $ 1.48     $ 1.09                    
Diluted weighted average number of common shares outstanding
    30,848       30,779       30,494       20,296                    
Diluted net income per share applicable to common stock
  $ (0.91 )   $ 0.51     $ 1.46     $ 1.02                    
Dividends declared per share of common stock
  $ 0.50     $ 0.50     $ 0.50                          
Other Financial Data:
                                                 
Capital expenditures
  $ 13,141     $ 9,601     $ 12,744     $ 9,759       $ 1,378     $ 5,404  
EBITDA(1)
    19,562       97,933       134,245       85,455         87,394       110,506  
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities
    79,842       63,204       124,937       137,246         (113,982 )     59,575  
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities
    (9,070 )     (18,170 )     (28,499 )     (832,992 )       (1,126 )     (4,062 )
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities
  $ (82,055 )   $ (42,312 )   $ (87,690 )   $ 711,318       $ 114,602     $ (55,162 )
Balance Sheet Data (at end of period):
                                                 
Cash and cash equivalents
  $ 15,759     $ 27,042     $ 24,320     $ 15,572               $ 506  
Working capital
    448,731       520,237       529,983       491,975                 442,672  
Total assets
    883,436       1,004,362       1,157,640       1,137,062                 816,644  
Total debt(2)
    478,535       532,462       540,850       652,103                  
Shareholders’ equity/parent’s investment
  $ 154,823     $ 189,399     $ 183,852     $ 141,492               $ 637,073  
 
 
(1) EBITDA is an amount equal to net income (loss) plus interest expense, write-off of debt issue costs, charges associated with mortgage refinancing, income taxes, depreciation and amortization. EBITDA is presented herein because we believe it is a useful supplement to cash flow from operations in understanding cash flows generated from operations that are available for debt service (interest and principal payments) and further investment in acquisitions. However, EBITDA is not a presentation made in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States, or GAAP, and is not intended to present a superior measure of the financial condition from those determined under GAAP. EBITDA, as used herein, is not necessarily comparable to other similarly titled captions of other companies due to differences in methods of calculations.
 
(2) Total debt represents long-term debt, including current maturities.

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A reconciliation of net cash provided by (used in) operating activities, the most directly comparable GAAP measure, to EBITDA for each of the respective periods indicated is as follows:
 
                                                   
    BlueLinx       Pre-acquisition Period  
                      Period from
      Period from
       
    Year Ended
    Year Ended
    Year Ended
    Inception (March 8,
      January 4,
    Year Ended
 
    December 29,
    December 30,
    December 31,
    2004) to January 1,
      2004 to May 7,
    January 3,
 
    2007     2006     2005     2005       2004     2004  
    (In thousands)  
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities
  $ 79,842     $ 63,204     $ 124,937     $ 137,246       $ (113,982 )   $ 59,575  
Amortization of debt issue costs
    (2,431 )     (2,628 )     (3,629 )     (2,323 )              
Non-cash vacant property charges
    (11,037 )                                
Deferred income tax (provision) benefit
    9,526       3,700       368       4,469         (9,183 )     (4,598 )
Gain from insurance settlement
    1,698                                  
Share-based compensation
    (3,500 )     (2,921 )     (2,170 )     (1,088 )              
Excess tax benefits from share-based arrangements
    20       891       71                      
Changes in assets and liabilities
    (81,139 )     (20,826 )     (56,204 )     (99,395 )       179,777       20,652  
Interest expense
    43,660       46,164       42,311       28,765                
Provision for (benefit from) income taxes
    (17,077 )     10,349       28,561       17,781         30,782       34,877  
                                                   
EBITDA
  $ 19,562     $ 97,933     $ 134,245     $ 85,455       $ 87,394     $ 110,506  
                                                   
 
ITEM 7.   MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS.
 
Overview
 
Company Background
 
BlueLinx is a leading distributor of building products in the United States. We measure our market share based on data published annually by Home Channel News, or HCN. We define market share as our sales as a percentage of the reported sales of the firms on HCN’s list, as adjusted to eliminate firms that do not compete with us and, for certain firms, the portion of their sales attributable to businesses that do not compete with us.
 
As of December 29, 2007, we distributed more than 10,000 products to approximately 11,500 customers through our network of more than 80 warehouses and third-party operated warehouses which serve all major metropolitan markets in the United States. We distribute products in two principal categories: structural products and specialty products. Structural products include plywood, OSB, rebar and remesh, lumber and other wood products primarily used for structural support, walls and flooring in construction projects. Structural products represented approximately 54% and 56% of our fiscal 2007 and fiscal 2006 gross sales, respectively. Specialty products include roofing, insulation, moulding, engineered wood, vinyl products (used primarily in siding) and metal products (excluding rebar and remesh). Specialty products accounted for approximately 46% and 44% of our fiscal 2007 and fiscal 2006 gross sales, respectively.


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Selected Factors that Affect our Operating Results
 
Our operating results are affected by housing starts, mobile home production, industrial production, repair and remodeling spending and non-residential construction. The table below shows changes with respect to each of these indicators for fiscal 2007, fiscal 2006 and fiscal 2005. Included are our estimates of the relative weight of each of the foregoing end-use markets on our sales, based on the estimated percentage each end market contributed to our net sales over the applicable period. These end-use market weights are estimates based on our current methodology for evaluating such end-use markets and could change in the future as our business continues to evolve in relation to these markets.
 
                                 
Indicator
  Weight     Fiscal 2007     Fiscal 2006     Fiscal 2005  
 
Actual Housing Starts (thousands)
    50 %     1,354       1,801       2,065  
Percentage change
            (24.8 )%     (12.9 )%     5.6 %
Industrial Production (index)
    22 %     1.13       1.12       1.08  
Percentage change
            0.9 %     4.0 %     3.2 %
Repair and Remodel ($ billions)*
    15 %     153       166       165  
Percentage change
            (7.9 )%     0.9 %     (0.4 )%
Actual Mobile Homes (thousands)
    8 %     97       119       150  
Percentage change
            (18.7 )%     (19.0 )%     14.6 %
Non-Residential Construction ($ billions)*
    5 %     147       134       132  
Percentage change
            10.2 %     1.7 %     (3.3 )%
                                 
Weighted End-Use Change
    100 %     (14.4 )%     (6.9 )%     4.4 %
                                 
 
 
(*) Constant fiscal 2000 dollar basis
 
Source: Data from Resource Information Systems, Inc., or RISI, updated as of January 30, 2008. Weighting reflects management estimates. Data for Fiscal 2006 and Fiscal 2005 is reported based on RISI data provided at the time of our original disclosure for such periods and is not updated to reflect any revisions made by RISI in subsequent periods.
 
We measure our growth in unit volume (on a constant dollar basis) compared to the weighted average growth of the foregoing end-use indicators. In addition, we measure our growth in specialty product unit volume and structural product unit volume compared to the weighted average growth rate of the foregoing end-use indicators. The following table illustrates our unit volume growth versus the end-use indicators discussed above:
 
                         
    Fiscal 2007     Fiscal 2006     Fiscal 2005  
 
BlueLinx Overall Unit Volume Growth
    (18.0 )%     (7.0 )%     3.9 %
BlueLinx Specialty Product Unit Volume Growth
    (16.4 )%     1.0 %     5.1 %
BlueLinx Structural Product Unit Volume Growth
    (19.2 )%     (11.8 )%     3.2 %
Weighted End-Use Market Growth
    (14.4 )%     (6.9 )%     4.4 %
BlueLinx Overall Unit Volume Growth versus Market Growth
    (3.6 )%     (0.1 )%     (0.5 )%
BlueLinx Market Share(1)
    NA       10.4 %     11.5 %
 
 
(1) As a percentage of the total sales of relevant building material distributors. Market share for fiscal 2007 is not available. Market share cannot be calculated until Home Channel News issues updated market data for 2007. Home Channel News normally issues its annual market data for any given year in July or August of the following calendar year.
 
Our operating results are also impacted by changes in product prices. Structural products prices can vary significantly based on short-term and long-term changes in supply and demand. The prices of specialty


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products also can vary from time to time, although they generally are significantly less variable than structural products.
 
The following table sets forth changes in net sales by product category, sales variances due to changes in unit volume and dollar and percentage changes in unit volume and price, in each case for fiscal 2007, fiscal 2006 and fiscal 2005:
 
Sales Revenue Variances by Product
 
                         
    Fiscal 2007     Fiscal 2006     Fiscal 2005  
    (Dollars in millions)  
 
Sales by Category
                       
Structural Products(1)
  $ 2,098     $ 2,788     $ 3,548  
Specialty Products(1)
    1,802       2,197       2,143  
Unallocated Allowances and Adjustments
    (66 )     (86 )     (69 )
                         
Total Sales
  $ 3,834     $ 4,899     $ 5,622  
                         
Sales Variances
                       
Unit Volume $ Change
  $ (896 )   $ (398 )   $ 216  
Price/Other(2)
    (169 )     (325 )     (152 )
                         
Total $ Change
  $ (1,065 )   $ (723 )   $ 64  
                         
Unit Volume% Change
    (18.0 )%     (7.0 )%     3.9 %
Price/Other(2)
    (3.7 )%     (5.9 )%     (2.8 )%
                         
Total% Change
    (21.7 )%     (12.9 )%     1.1 %
                         
 
 
(1) For the quarter ended December 31, 2005, we began classifying metal rebar and remesh as structural products instead of specialty products.
 
(2) “Other” includes unallocated allowances and discounts.
 
The following table sets forth changes in gross margin dollars and percentages by product category, and percentage changes in unit volume growth by product, in each case for fiscal 2007, fiscal 2006 and fiscal 2005:
 
                         
    Fiscal 2007     Fiscal 2006     Fiscal 2005  
    (Dollars in millions)  
 
Gross Margin $ by Category
                       
Structural Products(1)
  $ 173     $ 194     $ 246  
Specialty Products(1)
    238       308       284  
Other(2)
    (19 )     (22 )     (18 )
                         
Total Gross Margin
  $ 392     $ 480     $ 512  
                         
Gross Margin% by Category
                       
Structural Products(1)
    8.2 %     7.0 %     6.9 %
Specialty Products(1)
    13.2 %     14.0 %     13.3 %
Total Gross Margin%
    10.2 %     9.8 %     9.1 %
Unit Volume Growth by Product
                       
Structural Products(1)
    (19.2 )%     (11.8 )%     3.2 %
Specialty Products(1)
    (16.4 )%     1.0 %     5.1 %
Total Unit Volume Growth%
    (18.0 )%     (7.0 )%     3.9 %


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(1) For the quarter ended December 31, 2005, we began classifying metal rebar and remesh as structural products instead of specialty products.
 
(2) “Other” includes unallocated allowances and discounts.
 
The following table sets forth changes in net sales and gross margin by channel and percentage changes in gross margin by channel, in each case for fiscal 2007, fiscal 2006 and fiscal 2005:
 
                         
    Fiscal 2007     Fiscal 2006     Fiscal 2005  
    (Dollars in millions)  
 
Sales by Channel
                       
Warehouse/Reload
  $ 2,763     $ 3,326     $ 3,704  
Direct
    1,137       1,659       1,987  
Unallocated Allowances and Adjustments
    (66 )     (86 )     (69 )
                         
Total
  $ 3,834     $ 4,899     $ 5,622  
                         
Gross Margin by Channel
                       
Warehouse/Reload
  $ 344     $ 407     $ 429  
Direct
    67       95       101  
Unallocated Allowances and Adjustments
    (19 )     (22 )     (18 )
                         
Total
  $ 392     $ 480     $ 512  
                         
Gross Margin% by Channel
                       
Warehouse/Reload
    12.5 %     12.2 %     11.6 %
Direct
    5.9 %     5.7 %     5.1 %
Unallocated Allowances and Adjustments
    (0.5 )%     (0.4 )%     (0.3 )%
Total
    10.2 %     9.8 %     9.1 %
 
Fiscal Year
 
Our fiscal year is a 52- or 53-week period ending on the Saturday closest to the end of the calendar year. The fiscal years 2007, 2006 and 2005 each contained 52 weeks.


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Results of Operations
 
Fiscal 2007 Compared to Fiscal 2006
 
The following table sets forth our results of operations for fiscal 2007 and fiscal 2006.
 
                                 
    Year Ended
    % of
    Year Ended
    % of
 
    December 29,
    Net
    December 30,
    Net
 
    2007     Sales     2006     Sales  
    (Dollars in thousands)  
 
Net sales
  $ 3,833,910       100.0 %   $ 4,899,383       100.0 %
Gross profit
    391,946       10.2 %     479,807       9.8 %
Selling, general and administrative
    372,754       9.7 %     381,554       7.8 %
Depreciation and amortization
    20,924       0.5 %     20,724       0.4 %
                                 
Operating income (loss)
    (1,732 )     0.0 %     77,529       1.6 %
Interest expense
    43,660       1.1 %     46,164       0.9 %
Charges associated with mortgage refinancing
          0.0 %     4,864       0.1 %
Other expense (income), net
    (370 )     0.0 %     320       0.0 %
                                 
Income (loss) before provision for (benefit from) income taxes
    (45,022 )     (1.2 )%     26,181       0.5 %
Provision for (benefit from) income taxes
    (17,077 )     (0.4 )%     10,349       0.2 %
                                 
Net income (loss)
  $ (27,945 )     (0.7 )%   $ 15,832       0.3 %
                                 
 
Net Sales.  For the fiscal year ended December 29, 2007, net sales decreased by 21.7%, or $1.1 billion, to $3.8 billion. Sales during the fiscal year were negatively impacted by a 24.8% decline in housing starts and a 1.3% decline in prices for certain grades of wood-based structural products. We estimate that new home construction represents approximately 50% of our end-use markets. Specialty sales, primarily consisting of roofing, specialty panels, insulation, moulding, engineered wood products, vinyl siding, composite decking and metal products (excluding rebar and remesh) decreased by $395 million or 18.0% compared to fiscal 2006, primarily due to a 16.4% decrease in unit volume as well as a decrease in price of 1.6%. Structural sales, including plywood, OSB, lumber and metal rebar, decreased by $690 million, or 24.7% from a year ago, primarily as a result of a decrease in unit volume of 19.2% and a decrease in price of 5.5%.
 
Gross Profit.  Gross profit for fiscal 2007 was $392 million, or 10.2% of sales, compared to $480 million, or 9.8% of sales, in fiscal 2006. The decrease in gross profit dollars compared to fiscal 2006 was primarily driven by a decrease in specialty and structural product volumes due to the continued decline in the housing market. The increase in gross margin of 0.4% is primarily attributable to a shift toward the warehouse channel, which typically provides higher gross margins, and a slight shift in product mix from structural to higher margin specialty products, offset in part by a decline in underlying product prices compared to the prior year as well as our stock keeping unit (“SKU”) rationalization initiative during the fourth quarter of 2007. We estimate that the SKU rationalization program negatively impacted gross margin by approximately 30 basis points in fiscal 2007. During fiscal 2007, we remained focused on maintaining gross margin through our ongoing management of structural product pricing. Structural gross margin increased to 8.2% in fiscal 2007 from 7.0% in fiscal 2006. Specialty gross margin of 13.2% compares with 14.0% a year ago.
 
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses.  Selling, general and administrative expenses for fiscal 2007 were $373 million, or 9.7% of net sales, compared to $382 million, or 7.8% of net sales, during fiscal 2006. The decline in operating expenses is due to our continued efforts to reduce ongoing annual operating expenses partially offset by restructuring charges during the year including charges related to the headquarters’ consolidation (see Note 2 “Summary of Significant Accounting Policies”) and severance of $11.5 million and $5.6 million, respectively.
 
Depreciation and Amortization.  Depreciation and amortization expense totaled $20.9 million for fiscal 2007, compared with $20.7 million for fiscal 2006. The increase in depreciation and amortization is primarily


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due to a slight increase in capital expenditures for mobile equipment consisting of trucks, trailers, forklifts and automobiles.
 
Operating Income (Loss).  Operating loss for fiscal 2007 was $1.7 million, or 0% of net sales, versus operating income of $77.5 million, or 1.6% of net sales, for fiscal 2006.
 
Interest Expense.  Interest expense for fiscal 2007 totaled $43.7 million, down $2.5 million from fiscal 2006, reflecting lower debt levels offset in part by slightly higher interest rates. Interest expense related to our revolving credit facility, mortgage, and debt issue cost amortization was $22.3 million, $19.0 million and $2.4 million, respectively, for fiscal 2007. Interest expense totaled $46.2 million for fiscal 2006, which includes interest expense related to our revolving credit facility, new mortgage, old mortgage and related debt issue cost amortization of $27.8 million, $10.7 million, $5.1 and $2.6 million, respectively.
 
Provision for (Benefit from) Income Taxes.  Our effective tax rate was 37.9% and 39.5% for fiscal 2007 and fiscal 2006, respectively. The decrease in the effective tax rate resulted from the greater impact of various tax credits due to a loss for fiscal 2007.
 
Net Income(Loss).  Net loss for fiscal 2007 was $27.9 million, compared to net income of $15.8 million for fiscal 2006.
 
On a per-share basis, basic and diluted loss applicable to common stockholders for fiscal 2007 were each $(0.91). Basic and diluted income per share for fiscal 2006 were $0.52 and $0.51, respectively.
 
Fiscal 2006 Compared to Fiscal 2005
 
The following table sets forth our results of operations for fiscal 2006 and fiscal 2005.
 
                                 
    Year Ended
    % of
    Year Ended
    % of
 
    December 30,
    Net
    December 31,
    Net
 
    2006     Sales     2005     Sales  
    (Dollars in thousands)  
 
Net sales
  $ 4,899,383       100.0 %   $ 5,622,071       100.0 %
Gross profit
    479,807       9.8 %     512,439       9.1 %
Selling, general & administrative
    381,554       7.8 %     378,008       6.7 %
Depreciation and amortization
    20,724       0.4 %     18,770       0.3 %
                                 
Operating income
    77,529       1.6 %     115,661       2.1 %
Interest expense
    46,164       0.9 %     42,311       0.8 %
Charges associated with mortgage refinancing
    4,864       0.1 %           0.0 %
Other expense, net
    320       0.0 %     186       0.0 %
                                 
Income before provision for income taxes
    26,181       0.5 %     73,164       1.3 %
Income tax provision
    10,349       0.2 %     28,561       0.5 %
                                 
Net income
  $ 15,832       0.3 %   $ 44,603       0.8 %
                                 
 
Net Sales.  For the fiscal year ended December 30, 2006, net sales decreased by 12.9%, or $723 million, to $4.9 billion. Sales during the fiscal year were negatively impacted by a 12.9% decline in housing starts and a 27% decline in prices for certain grades of wood-based structural products. New home construction represented approximately 50% of our end-use markets as estimated by us under our current methodology; our other estimated end-use markets grew slightly. Specialty sales, primarily consisting of roofing, specialty panels, insulation, moulding, engineered wood products, vinyl siding, composite decking and metal products (excluding rebar and remesh) increased by $54.0 million or 2.5% compared to fiscal 2005, reflecting a 1.0% increase in unit volume and higher product prices. Structural sales, including plywood, OSB, lumber and metal rebar, decreased by $760 million, or 21.4% from the prior year, primarily as a result of a decrease in unit volume of 11.8%.
 
Gross Profit.  Gross profit for fiscal 2006 was $480 million, or 9.8% of sales, compared to $512 million, or 9.1% of sales, in fiscal 2005. The decrease in gross profit dollars compared to fiscal 2005 was driven


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primarily by decreases in structural product prices and a reduction in structural product sales due to a slowdown in the housing market. Gross margin increased by 0.7% to 9.8%, reflecting growth in higher-margin specialty products and our efforts to manage structural product inventory in a declining price environment for wood-based structural products.
 
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses.  Selling, general and administrative expenses for fiscal 2006 were $382 million, or 7.8% of net sales, compared to $378 million, or 6.7% of net sales, during fiscal 2005. Excluding expenses associated with acquired operations, operating expenses for fiscal 2006 and fiscal 2005 were $365 million and $371 million, respectively.
 
Depreciation and Amortization.  Depreciation and amortization expense totaled $20.7 million for fiscal 2006, compared with $18.8 million for fiscal 2005. The increase in depreciation and amortization was primarily due to an increase in capital expenditures for mobile equipment consisting of trucks, trailers, forklifts and automobiles.
 
Operating Income.  Operating income for fiscal 2006 was $77.5 million, or 1.6% of net sales, versus $116 million, or 2.1% of net sales, for fiscal 2005, reflecting the decline in gross profit and higher variable operating expenses.
 
Interest Expense.  Interest expense for fiscal 2006 totaled $46.2 million, up $3.9 million from fiscal 2005, reflecting higher interest rates partially offset by lower debt levels. Interest expense related to our revolving credit facility, new mortgage, old mortgage and debt issue cost amortization was $27.8 million, $10.7 million, $5.1 million and $2.6 million, respectively, for fiscal 2006. Interest expense totaled $42.3 million for fiscal 2005, which includes interest expense related to our revolving credit facility, old mortgage and related debt issue cost amortization of $29.4 million, $9.3 million and $3.6 million, respectively.
 
Additionally, fiscal 2006 included charges of $4.9 million associated with the mortgage refinancing, which included unamortized debt financing costs of $3.2 million.
 
Provision for Income Taxes.  Our effective tax rate was 39.5% and 39.0% for fiscal 2006 and fiscal 2005, respectively. The increase in the effective tax rate resulted primarily from the greater impact of permanent differences, such as meals and entertainment, on the lower fiscal 2006 earnings.
 
Net Income.  Net income for fiscal 2006 was $15.8 million, compared to $44.6 million for fiscal 2005.
 
On a per-share basis, basic and diluted income applicable to common stockholders for fiscal 2006 were $0.52 and $0.51, respectively. Basic and diluted earnings per share for fiscal 2005 were $1.48 and $1.46, respectively.
 
Seasonality
 
We are exposed to fluctuations in quarterly sales volumes and expenses due to seasonal factors. These seasonal factors are common in the building products distribution industry. The first and fourth quarters are typically our slowest quarters due to the impact of poor weather on the construction market. Our second and third quarters are typically our strongest quarters, reflecting a substantial increase in construction due to more favorable weather conditions. Our working capital and accounts receivable and payable generally peak in the third quarter, while inventory generally peaks in the second quarter in anticipation of the summer building season. We expect these trends to continue for the foreseeable future.
 
Liquidity and Capital Resources
 
We depend on cash flow from operations and funds available under our revolving credit facility to finance working capital needs, capital expenditures and acquisitions. We believe that the amounts available from this and other sources will be sufficient to fund our routine operations and capital requirements for the foreseeable future.
 
Part of our growth strategy is to selectively pursue acquisitions. Accordingly, depending on the nature of the acquisition or currency, we may use cash or stock, or a combination of both, as acquisition currency. Our


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cash requirements may significantly increase and incremental cash expenditures will be required in connection with the integration of the acquired company’s business and to pay fees and expenses in connection with any acquisitions. To the extent that significant amounts of cash are expended in connection with acquisitions, our liquidity position may be adversely impacted. In addition, there can be no assurance that we will be successful in completing acquisitions in the future or in implementing our acquisition strategy. For a discussion of the risks associated with our acquisition strategy, see the risk factor “Integrating acquisitions may be time-consuming and create costs that could reduce our net income and cash flows” set forth under Item 1A — Risk Factors.
 
The following tables indicate our working capital and cash flows for the periods indicated.
 
                 
    December 29,
    December 30,
 
    2007     2006  
    (Dollars in thousands)  
 
Working capital
  $ 448,731     $ 520,237  
 
                         
    Year Ended
    Year Ended
    Year Ended
 
    December 29,
    December 30,
    December 31,
 
    2007     2006     2005  
 
Cash flows provided by operating activities
  $ 79,842     $ 63,204     $ 124,937  
Cash flows used in investing activities
    (9,070 )     (18,170 )     (28,499 )
Cash flows used in financing activities
  $ (82,055 )   $ (42,312 )   $ (87,690 )
 
Working Capital
 
Working capital decreased by $71.5 million, primarily as a result of decreases in accounts receivable and inventories of $44.4 million and $74.8 million, respectively. These decreases were partially offset by decreases in accounts payable, bank overdrafts and current maturities of long-term debt of $31.1 million, $13.1 million and $9.7 million, respectively. Additionally, cash decreased from $27.0 million at December 31, 2006 to $15.8 million at December 29, 2007. The $15.8 million of cash on our balance sheet at December 29, 2007 primarily reflects customer remittances received in our lock-boxes on Friday and Saturday that are not available until the next Monday, which is part of the following fiscal period.
 
Operating Activities
 
During fiscal 2007, cash flows provided by operating activities totaled $79.8 million. The primary driver of cash flow from operations was an increase in cash flow from operations related to working capital of $81.8 million reflecting decreases in accounts receivable and a reduction in inventory, partially offset by a net loss, as adjusted for non-cash charges, of $1.3 million.
 
During fiscal 2006, cash flows provided by operating activities totaled $63.2 million. The primary drivers of cash flow from operations were net income, as adjusted for non-cash charges, of $43.3 million and an increase in cash flow from operations related to working capital of $23.2 million reflecting decreases in accounts receivable and a reduction in structural product inventory, partially offset by decreases in accounts payable and a slight increase in specialty products inventory.
 
During fiscal 2005, cash flows provided by operating activities totaled $125 million. The primary drivers of cash flow from operations were net income, as adjusted for non-cash charges, of $68.8 million and an increase in cash flow from operations related to working capital of $50.1 million reflecting improvements in working capital management.
 
Adjustments to net income included depreciation and amortization, debt issue cost amortization, charges associated with mortgage refinancing, non-cash vacant property charges, deferred income tax benefit, gain from insurance settlement and stock-based compensation.


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Investing Activities
 
During fiscal 2007 and fiscal 2006, cash flows used for investing activities totaled $9.1 million and $18.2 million, respectively.
 
During fiscal 2007 and fiscal 2006, our acquisition related expenditures totaled $0 and $9.4 million, respectively.
 
During fiscal 2007 and fiscal 2006, our expenditures for property and equipment were $13.1 million and $9.6 million, respectively. These expenditures were primarily for mobile equipment consisting of trucks, trailers, forklifts and sales force automobiles. We estimate that capital expenditures for 2008 will be approximately $9 million for normal operating activities. Our 2008 capital expenditures are anticipated to be paid from our current cash and cash provided from operating activities.
 
Proceeds from the disposition of property and equipment totaled $4.1 million and $0.8 million during fiscal 2007 and fiscal 2006, respectively. The proceeds of $4.1 million during fiscal 2007 include $2.6 million from an insurance settlement related to property damage from Hurricane Katrina.
 
During fiscal 2005, cash flows used for investing activities totaled $28.5 million. The primary driver of cash flows from investing activities in fiscal 2005 were acquisition-related expenditures and expenditures for property and equipment of $16.9 million and $12.7 million, respectively. The expenditures for property and equipment were primarily for mobile equipment.
 
Proceeds from the sale of property and equipment totaled $1.2 million in fiscal 2005.
 
Financing Activities
 
Net cash used in financing activities was $82.1 million during fiscal 2007 and $42.3 million during fiscal 2006. The $39.7 million increase in cash flows used in financing activities was primarily driven by proceeds from the new mortgage received during fiscal 2006, in the amount of $295 million. This increase in cash flows used in financing activities was partially offset by the retirement of the old mortgage of $165 million in fiscal 2006 and an increase in the revolving credit facility of $84.5 million. In addition, there were decreases in debt financing costs of $6.7 million.
 
We paid dividends to our common stockholders in the aggregate amount of $15.6 million and $15.4 million in fiscal 2007 and fiscal 2006, respectively.
 
Net cash used in financing activities was $87.7 million for fiscal 2005, which primarily resulted from a net decrease in the revolving credit facility of $111 million which was partially offset by an increase in bank overdrafts of $30.4 million.
 
Debt and Credit Sources
 
As of December 29, 2007, advances outstanding under our revolving credit facility were approximately $184 million. Borrowing availability was approximately $222 million and outstanding letters of credit on this facility were approximately $10.4 million. As of December 29, 2007, the interest rate on outstanding balances under the revolving credit facility was 7.1%.
 
On June 9, 2006, certain special purpose entities that are wholly-owned subsidiaries of ours entered into a $295 million mortgage loan with the German American Capital Corporation. The mortgage has a term of ten years and is secured by 57 distribution facilities and 1 office building owned by the special purpose entities. The stated interest rate on the mortgage is fixed at 6.35%. The mortgage loan requires interest-only payments for the first five years followed by level monthly payments of principal and interest based on an amortization period of thirty years. The balance of the loan outstanding at the end of ten years will then become due and payable. German American Capital Corporation assigned half of its interest in the new mortgage loan to Wachovia Bank, National Association. The new mortgage loan replaced our previously existing $165 million floating rate mortgage, which had a 7.4% interest rate at the time it was terminated. We used the net proceeds


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we received from the mortgage refinancing to pay down approximately $125 million of our outstanding revolving line of credit.
 
On June 12, 2006, we entered into an interest rate swap agreement with Goldman Sachs Capital Markets, to hedge against interest rate risks related to our variable rate revolving credit facility. The interest rate swap has a notional amount of $150 million and the terms call for us to receive interest monthly at a variable rate equal to the 30-day LIBOR and to pay interest monthly at a fixed rate of 5.4%. This interest rate swap is designated as a cash flow hedge.
 
We expect the hedge to be highly effective in offsetting changes in expected cash flows, as, at inception, the critical terms of the interest rate swap generally match the critical terms of the variable rate revolving credit facility. Fluctuations in the fair value of the ineffective portion, if any, of the cash flow hedge are reflected in current period earnings. These amounts were immaterial during fiscal 2007 and fiscal 2006.
 
At December 29, 2007 and December 30, 2006, the fair value of the interest rate swap was a liability of $7.1 million and $2.5 million, respectively. These balances were included in “Other current liabilities” and “Other long-term liabilities” on the Consolidated Balance Sheet. Accumulated other comprehensive income at December 29, 2007 and December 30, 2006 included the net loss on the cash flow hedge (net of tax) of $4.3 million and $1.5 million, respectively, which reflects the cumulative amount of comprehensive loss in connection with the change in fair value of the swap.
 
Additionally, interest was capped pursuant to a rate cap agreement that caps 30-day LIBOR exposure at 6.0% on $165 million of our variable rate revolving credit facility. The interest rate cap agreement expired in November 2007. Fluctuations in the fair value of the interest rate cap agreement were recognized in current period earnings. These amounts, as well as the fair value of the cap, were immaterial during fiscal 2007.
 
Contractual Commitments.  The following table represents our contractual commitments, excluding interest, associated with our debt and other obligations disclosed above as of December 29, 2007.
 
                                                         
    2008     2009     2010     2011     2012     Thereafter     Total  
    (Dollars in thousands)  
 
Revolving credit facility(1)
  $     $     $     $ 177,535     $     $     $ 177,535  
Term loan facility(2)
                      6,000                   6,000  
Mortgage indebtedness(3)
                      1,511       3,172       290,317       295,000  
                                                         
Subtotal
                      185,046       3,172       290,317       478,535  
Purchase obligations(4)
    391,013       130,338                               521,351  
Operating leases
    8,118       7,715       6,697       5,180       4,534       27,061       59,305  
Letters of credit(5)
    10,431                                     10,431  
                                                         
Total
  $ 409,562     $ 138,053     $ 6,697     $ 190,226     $ 7,706     $ 317,378     $ 1,069,622  
                                                         
 
 
(1) Interest on the revolving credit facility is variable, based on 14-day, one-month, two-month, three-month or six-month LIBOR. The interest rate on the revolving credit facility was 7.1% at December 29, 2007. On June 12, 2006, we entered into an interest swap agreement with Goldman Sachs Capital Markets to hedge against interest rate risks on $150 million of our revolving credit facility. The terms call for us to pay interest monthly at 5.4%. Annual interest at these rates totals $10.5 million. At December 29, 2007, the outstanding balance of our credit facility, including amounts outstanding under the term loan, was approximately $184 million. The final maturity date of the revolving credit facility is May 7, 2011.
 
(2) Term loan facility was used to refinance and consolidate certain loans made by the revolving loan lenders to the Company.
 
(3) The interest rate on the mortgage is fixed at 6.35%. Annual interest at this rate is $18.7 million.
 
(4) Our purchase obligations are related to our Supply Agreement with Georgia-Pacific.
 
(5) Letters of credit not included above under the credit facilities.


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Purchase orders entered into in the ordinary course of business are excluded from the above table. Amounts for which we are liable under purchase orders are reflected on our Consolidated Balance Sheet (to the extent entered into prior to the end of the applicable period) as accounts payable and accrued liabilities.
 
Critical Accounting Policies
 
Our significant accounting policies are more fully described in the notes to the consolidated financial statements. Certain of our accounting policies require the application of significant judgment by management in selecting the appropriate assumptions for calculating financial estimates. As with all judgments, they are subject to an inherent degree of uncertainty. These judgments are based on the Company’s historical experience, current economic trends in the industry, information provided by customers, vendors and other outside sources and management’s estimates, as appropriate.
 
The following are accounting policies that management believes are important to the portrayal of our financial condition and results of operations and require management’s most difficult, subjective or complex judgment.
 
Revenue Recognition
 
We recognize revenue when the following criteria are met: persuasive evidence of an agreement exists, delivery has occurred or services have been rendered, our price to the buyer is fixed and determinable and collectibility is reasonably assured. Delivery is not considered to have occurred until the customer takes title and assumes the risks and rewards of ownership. The timing of revenue recognition is largely dependent on shipping terms. Revenue is recorded at the time of shipment for terms designated as FOB (free on board) shipping point. For sales transactions designated FOB destination, revenue is recorded when the product is delivered to the customer’s delivery site.
 
All product sales are recorded at gross in accordance with the guidance outlined by EITF 99-19 and in accordance with standard industry practice. The key indicators used to determine this are as follows:
 
  •  We are the primary obligor responsible for fulfillment;
 
  •  We hold title to all reload inventory and are responsible for all product returns;
 
  •  We control the selling price for all channels;
 
  •  We select the supplier; and
 
  •  We bear all credit risk.
 
We also provide delivery and product management services for which the associated revenues are recognized upon completion of services. These revenues represent less than 1% of our net sales.
 
All revenues recognized are net of trade allowances, cash discounts and sales returns. Cash discounts and sales returns are estimated using historical experience. Trade allowances are based on the estimated obligations and historical experience. Adjustments to earnings resulting from revisions to estimates on discounts and returns have been insignificant for fiscal 2007, fiscal 2006 and fiscal 2005.
 
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts and Related Reserves
 
We evaluate the collectibility of accounts receivable based on numerous factors, including past transaction history with customers and their creditworthiness. We maintain an allowance for doubtful accounts for each aging category on our aged trial balance based on our historical loss experience. This estimate is periodically adjusted when we become aware of specific customers’ inability to meet their financial obligations (e.g., bankruptcy filing or other evidence of liquidity problems). As we determine that specific balances will be ultimately uncollectible, we remove them from our aged trial balance. Additionally, we maintain reserves for cash discounts that we expect customers to earn as well as expected returns. At December 29, 2007 and December 30, 2006, these reserves totaled $10.5 million and $7.7 million, respectively. Adjustments to earnings resulting from revisions to estimates on discounts and uncollectible accounts have been insignificant for fiscal 2007, fiscal 2006 and fiscal 2005.


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Inventories
 
Inventories are carried at the lower of cost or market. The cost of all inventories is determined by the moving average cost method. We evaluate our inventory value at the end of each quarter to ensure that first quality, actively moving inventory, when viewed by category, is carried at the lower of cost or market. At December 29, 2007, the lower of cost or market reserve totaled $0.02 million. The market value of our inventory exceeded its cost at December 30, 2006.
 
Additionally, we maintain a reserve for the estimated value impairment associated with damaged and inactive inventory. The inactive reserve includes inventory that has had no sales in the past six months or has turn days in excess of 365 days, excluding some specific specialty product items, or is being discontinued. At December 29, 2007 and December 30, 2006, our damaged and inactive inventory reserves totaled $4.4 million and $5.1 million, respectively. Adjustments to earnings resulting from revisions to inactive estimates have been insignificant for fiscal 2007, fiscal 2006 and fiscal 2005.
 
Stock-Based Compensation
 
On January 1, 2006, we adopted Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (“SFAS”) 123R, Share-Based Payment, using the modified prospective transition method. Prior to 2006, we accounted for stock awards granted to employees under SFAS No. 123, Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation. Generally, the approach in SFAS No. 123R is similar to the approach described in SFAS No. 123. However, SFAS No. 123R requires all share-based payments to employees, including grants of employee stock options, to be recognized in the income statement based on their fair values. Pro forma disclosure is no longer an alternative.
 
Under the modified prospective transition method, compensation expense recognized in fiscal 2007 and fiscal 2006 included: (a) compensation expense for all unvested share-based awards granted prior to January 1, 2006, based on the grant date fair value estimated in accordance with SFAS No. 123 and (b) compensation expense for all share-based awards granted subsequent to January 1, 2006, based on the grant date fair value estimated in accordance with SFAS No. 123R. Results of prior periods have not been restated.
 
Through December 31, 2005, we accrued compensation expense assuming that all stock options granted were expected to vest. The effect of actual forfeitures was recognized as forfeitures occurred. Under SFAS No. 123R, we are required to estimate forfeitures in calculating the expense related to stock-based compensation. The adoption of SFAS No. 123R did not have a material impact on our results of operations.
 
Compensation expense arising from stock-based awards granted to employees and non-employee directors is recognized as expense using the straight-line method over the vesting period. As of December 29, 2007, there was $3.2 million, $2.1 million $0.4 million and $0.4 million of total unrecognized compensation expense related to stock options, restricted stock, restricted stock units and performance shares, respectively. The unrecognized compensation expense for stock options, restricted stock, restricted stock units and performance shares is expected to be recognized over a period of 3.0 years, 2.7 years, 2.3 years and 2.0 years, respectively.
 
For fiscal 2007, fiscal 2006 and fiscal 2005 our total stock-based compensation expense was $3.6 million, $3.1 million, and $2.2 million, respectively. We also recognized related income tax benefits of $1.4 million, $1.2 million and $0.9 million, respectively.
 
Consideration Received from Vendors and Paid to Customers
 
Each year, we enter into agreements with many of our vendors providing for inventory purchase rebates, generally based on achievement of specified volume purchasing levels and various marketing allowances that are common industry practice. We accrue for the receipt of vendor rebates based on purchases, and also reduce inventory value to reflect the net acquisition cost (purchase price less expected purchase rebates). At December 29, 2007 and December 30, 2006, the vendor rebate receivable totaled $7.5 million and $10.1 million, respectively. Adjustments to earnings resulting from revisions to rebate estimates have been insignificant for fiscal 2007, fiscal 2006 and fiscal 2005.


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In addition, we enter into agreements with many of our customers to offer customer rebates, generally based on achievement of specified volume sales levels and various marketing allowances that are common industry practice. We accrue for the payment of customer rebates based on sales to the customer, and also reduce sales value to reflect the net sales (sales price less expected customer rebates). At December 29, 2007 and December 30, 2006, the customer rebate payable totaled $11.1 million and $14.0 million, respectively.
 
Adjustments to earnings resulting from revisions to rebate estimates have been insignificant for fiscal 2007, fiscal 2006 and fiscal 2005.
 
Impairment of Long-Lived Assets
 
Long-lived assets, including property and equipment and intangible assets with definite useful lives, are reviewed for possible impairment whenever events or circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. Determining whether an impairment has occurred typically requires various estimates and assumptions, including determining which cash flows are directly related to the potentially impaired asset, the useful life over which cash flows will occur, their amount and the asset’s residual value, if any. In turn, measurement of an impairment loss requires a determination of fair value, which is based on the best information available. We use internal cash flow estimates, quoted market prices when available and independent appraisals as appropriate to determine fair value. We derive the required cash flow estimates from our historical experience and our internal business plans and apply an appropriate discount rate. If these projected cash flows are less than the carrying amount, an impairment loss is recognized based on the fair value of the asset less any costs of disposition. Our judgment regarding the existence of impairment indicators is based on market and operational performance. There have been no adjustments to earnings resulting from the impairment of long-lived assets for fiscal 2007, fiscal 2006 or fiscal 2005.
 
Income Taxes
 
Deferred income tax assets and income tax benefits are provided for temporary differences between amounts recorded for financial reporting and income tax purposes. If, for some reason, the combination of future years income (or loss) combined with the reversal of temporary differences results in a loss, such losses can be carried back to prior years or carried forward to future years to recover the deferred tax assets. In accordance with SFAS No. 109, “Accounting for Income Taxes” (“SFAS No. 109”), we evaluate our deferred tax assets quarterly to determine if valuation allowances are required. SFAS No. 109 requires that companies assess whether valuation allowances should be established based on the consideration of all available evidence using a “more likely than not” standard.
 
In evaluating our ability to recover our deferred income tax assets we consider all available positive and negative evidence, including our past operating results, our ability to carryback losses against prior taxable income, the existence of cumulative losses in the most recent years and our forecast of future taxable income. In estimating future taxable income, we develop assumptions including the amount of future state and federal pretax operating income, the reversal of temporary differences and the implementation of feasible and prudent tax planning strategies. These assumptions require significant judgment about the forecasts of future taxable income.
 
The Company has recorded deferred income tax assets of $22 million at December 29, 2007, reflecting the benefit of $56 million of deductible temporary differences. Realization is dependent on generating sufficient taxable income. The Company believes the deferred income tax assets will be realized through taxable income generated during available loss carryback periods and future taxable income, including but not limited to taxable income that would be generated by the implementation of feasible and prudent tax planning strategies. Although realization is not assured, management believes that it is more likely than not that all of the deferred income tax assets will be realized. The amount of the deferred income tax assets considered realizable, however, could be reduced in the near term if estimates of taxable income available via loss carryback are reduced or if we are unable to implement existing tax planning strategies. During 2008, we will continue to closely monitor the current economic downturn in the housing and construction sectors on a


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quarterly basis. Should conditions reach a level during 2008 that necessitates the recording of a valuation allowance against our deferred income tax assets based upon all of the evidence, both positive and negative, it will be recorded in the period that such changes in estimates are made. The recording of a valuation allowance would result in additional income tax expense in such period and could have a significant impact on our future earnings.
 
In 2007, we adopted the provisions of FASB Interpretation No. 48 (FIN 48), Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes, which prescribes a comprehensive model for how a company should recognize, measure, present and disclose in its financial statements uncertain tax positions that the company has taken or expects to take on a tax return (including a discussion of whether to file or not to file a return in a particular jurisdiction). The cumulative effect of applying FIN 48 is reported as an adjustment to the opening balance of retained earnings. Adoption of FIN 48 on December 31, 2006 did not have a material effect on our consolidated financial position or results of operations.
 
Restructuring Charges
 
During the fourth quarter of fiscal 2007, we recorded restructuring charges totaling $17.1 million related to certain cost reduction initiatives. In connection with those cost reduction initiatives, we vacated leased office space. We accounted for the transaction in accordance with SFAS No. 146, Accounting for Costs Associated with Exit or Disposal Activities, which requires that a liability be recognized for the cost associated with an exit or disposal activity at fair value in the period in which it is incurred or when the entity ceases using the right conveyed by a contract (i.e., the right to use a leased property). Our restructuring charges include the estimated losses on the vacated facility based on our contractual obligations net of estimated sublease income based on current comparable market rates for leases. We will reassess this liability periodically based on market conditions. Revisions to our estimates of this liability could materially impact our operating results and financial position in future periods if anticipated events and key assumptions, such as the timing and amounts of sublease rental income, either do not materialize or change. These costs were included in “Selling, general and administrative” expense in the Consolidated Statement of Operations and in “Other current liabilities”, and in “Other long-term liabilities” on the Consolidated Balance Sheet at December 29, 2007.
 
Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements
 
In December 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 160, Noncontrolling Interests in Consolidated Financial Statements (SFAS No. 160). SFAS No. 160 establishes requirements for ownership interests in subsidiaries held by parties other than the Company (sometimes called “minority interests”) be clearly identified, presented, and disclosed in the consolidated statement of financial position within equity, but separate from the parent’s equity. All changes in the parent’s ownership interests are required to be accounted for consistently as equity transactions and any noncontrolling equity investments in deconsolidated subsidiaries must be measured initially at fair value. SFAS No. 160 is effective, on a prospective basis, for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2008. However, presentation and disclosure requirements must be retrospectively applied to comparative financial statements. We are currently assessing the impact of SFAS No. 160 on our consolidated financial position, results of operations and cash flows.
 
In December 2007, the FASB issued SFAS 141 (revised 2007) Business Combinations (“SFAS 141R”). SFAS 141R establishes principles and requirements for how the acquirer of a business recognizes and measures in its financial statements the identifiable assets acquired, the liabilities assumed, and any noncontrolling interest in the acquiree. SFAS 141R also provides guidance for recognizing and measuring the goodwill acquired in the business combination and determines what information to disclose to enable users of the financial statements to evaluate the nature and financial effects of the business combination. We are currently evaluating the potential impact, if any, of the adoption of SFAS 141R on our consolidated financial position, results of operations and cash flows.
 
In February, 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 159 The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities (SFAS No. 159). SFAS No. 159 permits entities to choose to measure many financial assets and financial liabilities at fair value. Unrealized gains and losses on items for which the fair value


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option has been elected are reported in earnings. SFAS No. 159 is effective for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007. We have not elected to adopt the fair value option in measuring certain financial assets and liabilities.
 
In September 2006, the FASB issued SFAS No. 157, Fair Value Measurements, which defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value under GAAP, and expands disclosures about fair value measurements. SFAS No. 157 applies to other accounting pronouncements that require or permit fair value measurements. The new guidance is effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007, and for interim periods within those fiscal years. We do not expect the adoption of SFAS No. 157 to have a material impact on our consolidated financial position, results of operations and cash flows.
 
In July 2006, the FASB issued FASB Interpretation No. 48 (FIN 48), “Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes,” which prescribes a comprehensive model for how a company should recognize, measure, present and disclose in its financial statements uncertain tax positions that the company has taken or expects to take on a tax return (including a decision whether to file or not to file a return in a particular jurisdiction). The accounting provisions of FIN 48 are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2006. The cumulative effect of applying FIN 48 is reported as an adjustment to the opening balance of retained earnings for fiscal 2007. Adoption on December 31, 2006 did not have a material effect on our consolidated financial position or results of operations.
 
ITEM 7A.   QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK.
 
We are exposed to risks such as changes in interest rates, commodity prices and foreign currency exchange rates. We employ a variety of practices to manage these risks, including operating and financing activities and, where deemed appropriate, the use of derivative instruments. Derivative instruments are used only for risk management purposes and not for speculation or trading, and are not used to address risks related to foreign currency exchange rates.
 
In accordance with SFAS No. 133, Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities, as amended, we record derivative instruments as assets or liabilities on the balance sheet at fair value.
 
Less than 1.0% of our net sales are denominated in currencies other than the U.S. dollar, and we do not believe our total exposure to currency fluctuations to be significant.
 
We believe that general inflation did not significantly affect our operating results or markets in fiscal 2007, fiscal 2006 or fiscal 2005. As discussed above, our results of operations were both favorably and unfavorably impacted by increases and decreases in the pricing of certain commodity-based products. Commodity price fluctuations have from time to time created cyclicality in our financial performance and may do so in the future.
 
On June 9, 2006, certain special purpose entities that are wholly-owned subsidiaries of ours entered into a $295 million mortgage loan with the German American Capital Corporation. The new mortgage has a term of ten years and a fixed interest rate of 6.35%. By entering into this mortgage, we insulated ourselves from changes in market interest rates on a portion of our indebtedness. This mortgage replaced our previously existing $165 million floating rate mortgage, which had a 7.4% interest rate when it was terminated and replaced with the fixed rate mortgage loan.
 
On June 12, 2006, we entered into an interest rate swap agreement with Goldman Sachs Capital Markets, to hedge against interest rate risks related to our variable rate revolving credit facility. The interest rate swap has a notional amount of $150 million and the terms call for us to receive interest monthly at a variable rate equal to the 30-day LIBOR and to pay interest monthly at a fixed rate of 5.4%. This interest rate swap is designated as a cash flow hedge.
 
We expect the hedge to be highly effective in offsetting changes in expected cash flows, as, at inception, the critical terms of the interest rate swap generally match the critical terms of the variable rate revolving


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credit facility. Fluctuations in the fair value of the ineffective portion, if any, of the cash flow hedge are reflected in current period earnings. These amounts were immaterial during fiscal 2007 and fiscal 2006.
 
At December 29, 2007 and December 30, 2006, the fair value of the interest rate swap was a liability of $7.1 million and $2.5 million, respectively. These balances were included in “Other current liabilities” and “Other long-term liabilities” on the Consolidated Balance Sheet. Accumulated other comprehensive income at December 29, 2007 and December 30, 2006 included the net loss on the cash flow hedge (net of tax) of $4.3 million and $1.5 million, respectively, which reflects the cumulative amount of comprehensive loss in connection with the change in fair value of the swap.
 
Additionally, interest was capped pursuant to a rate cap agreement that caps 30-day LIBOR exposure at 6.0% on $165 million of our variable rate revolving credit facility. The interest rate cap agreement expired in November 2007. Fluctuations in the fair value of the interest rate cap agreement were recognized in current period earnings. These amounts, as well as the fair value of the cap, were immaterial during fiscal 2007.
 
Our revolving credit facility accrues interest based on a floating benchmark rate (the prime rate or LIBOR rate), plus an applicable margin. A change in interest rates under the revolving credit facility would have an impact on our results of operations. A change of 100 basis points in the market rate of interest would impact interest expense by approximately $0.3 million based on borrowings outstanding at December 29, 2007. Additionally, to the extent changes in interest rates impact the housing market, we would be impacted by such changes.


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BLUELINX HOLDINGS INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
 
To the Shareholders of BlueLinx Holdings Inc.:
 
Our management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting as defined in Rule 13a-15(f) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Our internal control over financial reporting is designed to provide reasonable assurance to our management and board of directors regarding the preparation and fair presentation of published financial statements.
 
Our management, including our chief executive officer and our chief financial officer, does not expect that our internal controls over financial reporting will prevent all error and all fraud. Internal controls, no matter how well designed and operated, can provide only reasonable, not absolute, assurance that the objectives of the internal controls are met. Given the inherent limitations of internal controls, internal controls over financial reporting may not prevent or detect all misstatements or fraud. Therefore, no evaluation of internal control can provide absolute assurance that all control issues or instances of fraud will be prevented or detected.
 
Management assessed the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of December 29, 2007. In making this assessment, management used the criteria established by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission set forth in Internal Control — Integrated Framework. Based on our assessment, our management concluded that, as of December 29, 2007, our internal control over financial reporting was effective.
 
Ernst & Young LLP, our independent registered public accounting firm, has audited our financial statements included in this Form 10-K and has issued its report on the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting as of December 29, 2007, which is included herein.
 
February 26, 2008


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REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
 
The Board of Directors and Shareholders of BlueLinx Holdings Inc.
 
We have audited BlueLinx Holdings Inc.’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 29, 2007, based on criteria established in Internal Control — Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (the COSO criteria). BlueLinx Holdings Inc.’s management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting, and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting included in the accompanying Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audit.
 
We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audit included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk, and performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.
 
A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.
 
Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.
 
In our opinion, BlueLinx Holdings Inc. maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 29, 2007, based on the COSO criteria.
 
We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the 2007 consolidated financial statements of BlueLinx Holdings Inc. and subsidiaries and our report dated February 26, 2008 expressed an unqualified opinion thereon.
 
/s/  Ernst & Young LLP
 
Atlanta, Georgia
February 26, 2008


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REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
 
The Board of Directors and Shareholders of BlueLinx Holdings Inc.
 
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of BlueLinx Holdings Inc. and subsidiaries as of December 29, 2007 and December 30, 2006, and the related consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income (loss), shareholders’ equity, and cash flows for the years ended December 29, 2007, December 30, 2006 and December 31, 2005. These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits.
 
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
 
In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated financial position of BlueLinx Holdings Inc. and subsidiaries as of December 29, 2007 and December 30, 2006, and the consolidated results of their operations and cash flows for the years ended December 29, 2007, December 30, 2006 and December 31, 2005, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.
 
As discussed in Note 2, in 2006, BlueLinx Holdings Inc. adopted the recognition provisions of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 158, “Employers’ Accounting for Defined Benefit Pension and other Postretirement Plans” and adopted Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 123(R), “Share-Based Payment.”
 
Also as discussed in Note 2, in 2007, BlueLinx Holdings Inc. adopted the provisions of Financial Accounting Standards Board Interpretation No. 48, “Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes — an interpretation of FASB Statement No. 109.”
 
We have also audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), BlueLinx Holdings Inc.’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 29, 2007, based on criteria established in Internal Control-Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission and our report dated February 26, 2008 expressed an unqualified opinion thereon.
 
/s/  Ernst & Young LLP
 
Atlanta, Georgia
February 26, 2008


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BLUELINX HOLDINGS INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
 
                 
    December 29,
    December 30,
 
    2007     2006  
    (In thousands)  
 
ASSETS
Current assets:
               
Cash
  $ 15,759     $ 27,042  
Receivables, less allowances of $10,536 in fiscal 2007 and $7,736 in fiscal 2006
    263,176       307,543  
Inventories, net
    335,887       410,686  
Deferred income taxes
    12,199       9,024  
Other current assets
    53,231       44,948  
                 
Total current assets
    680,252       799,243  
                 
Property, plant, and equipment:
               
Land and improvements
    57,295       56,985  
Buildings
    98,420       95,814  
Machinery and equipment
    67,217       61,955  
Construction in progress
    4,212       2,025  
                 
Property, plant, and equipment, at cost
    227,144       216,779  
Accumulated depreciation
    (54,702 )     (38,530 )
                 
Property, plant, and equipment, net
    172,442       178,249  
Non-current deferred income taxes
    2,628        
Other assets
    28,114       26,870  
                 
Total assets
  $ 883,436     $ 1,004,362  
                 
 
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Current liabilities:
               
Accounts payable
  $ 164,717     $ 195,815  
Bank overdrafts
    37,152       50,241  
Accrued compensation
    10,372       8,574  
Current maturities of long-term debt
          9,743  
Other current liabilities
    19,280       14,633  
                 
Total current liabilities
    231,521       279,006  
                 
Non-current liabilities:
               
Long-term debt
    478,535       522,719  
Deferred income taxes
          1,101  
Other non-current liabilities
    18,557       12,137  
                 
Total liabilities
    728,613       814,963  
                 
SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
               
Common Stock, $0.01 par value, 100,000,000 shares authorized; 31,224,959 and 30,909,630 shares issued and outstanding at December 29, 2007 and December 30, 2006, respectively
    312       309  
Additional paid-in-capital
    142,081       138,066  
Accumulated other comprehensive income
    5,426       412  
Retained earnings
    7,004       50,612  
                 
Total shareholders’ equity
    154,823       189,399  
                 
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity
  $ 883,436     $ 1,004,362  
                 


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BLUELINX HOLDINGS INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
 
                         
    Fiscal Year
    Fiscal Year
    Fiscal Year
 
    Ended
    Ended
    Ended
 
    December 29,
    December 30,
    December 31,
 
    2007     2006     2005  
    (In thousands, except share data)  
 
Net sales
  $ 3,833,910     $ 4,899,383     $ 5,622,071  
Cost of sales
    3,441,964       4,419,576       5,109,632  
                         
Gross profit
    391,946       479,807       512,439  
                         
Operating expenses:
                       
Selling, general, and administrative
    372,754       381,554       378,008  
Depreciation and amortization
    20,924       20,724       18,770  
                         
Total operating expenses
    393,678       402,278       396,778  
                         
Operating income (loss)
    (1,732 )     77,529       115,661  
Non-operating expenses (income):
                       
Interest expense
    43,660       46,164       42,311  
Charges associated with mortgage refinancing
          4,864        
Other expense (income), net
    (370 )     320       186  
                         
Income (loss) before provision for (benefit from) income taxes
    (45,022 )     26,181       73,164  
Provision for (benefit from) income taxes
    (17,077 )     10,349       28,561  
                         
Net income (loss)
  $ (27,945 )   $ 15,832     $ 44,603  
                         
Basic weighted average number of common shares outstanding
    30,848       30,618       30,195  
                         
Basic net income (loss) per share applicable to common shares
  $ (0.91 )   $ 0.52     $ 1.48  
                         
Diluted weighted average number of common shares outstanding
    30,848       30,779       30,494  
                         
Diluted net income (loss) per share applicable to common shares
  $ (0.91 )   $ 0.51     $ 1.46  
                         
Dividends declared per common share
  $ 0.50     $ 0.50     $ 0.50  
                         
Comprehensive income:
                       
Net income (loss)
  $ (27,945 )   $ 15,832     $ 44,603  
Other comprehensive income (loss):
                       
Foreign currency translation, net of taxes
    1,912       (58 )     276  
Unrealized net gain from pension plan, net of taxes
    5,856       983        
Unrealized loss from cash flow hedge, net of taxes
    (2,754 )     (1,536 )      
Minimum pension liability, net of taxes
                1,536  
                         
Comprehensive income (loss)
  $ (22,931 )   $ 15,221     $ 46,415  
                         


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BLUELINX HOLDINGS INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
 
                         
    Fiscal Year
    Fiscal Year
    Fiscal Year
 
    Ended
    Ended
    Ended
 
    December 29,
    December 30,
    December 31,
 
    2007     2006     2005  
    (In thousands)  
 
Cash flows from operating activities:
                       
Net income (loss)
  $ (27,945 )   $ 15,832     $ 44,603  
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to cash provided by operations:
                       
Depreciation and amortization
    20,924       20,724       18,770  
Amortization of debt issue costs
    2,431       2,628       3,629  
Charges associated with mortgage refinancing
          4,864        
Non-cash vacant property charges
    11,037              
Deferred income tax benefit
    (9,526 )     (3,700 )     (368 )
Gain from insurance settlement
    (1,698 )            
Share-based compensation
    3,500       2,921       2,170  
Excess tax benefits from share-based compensation arrangements
    (20 )     (891 )     (71 )
Changes in assets and liabilities:
                       
Receivables
    44,367       94,113       (30,609 )
Inventories
    74,799       66,504       36,889  
Accounts payable
    (31,098 )     (131,594 )     56,605  
Changes in other working capital
    (6,211 )     (4,889 )     (12,675 )
Other
    (718 )     (3,308 )     5,994  
                         
Net cash provided by operating activities
    79,842       63,204       124,937  
                         
Cash flows from investing activities:
                       
Acquisitions, net of cash acquired
          (9,391 )     (16,908 )
Property, plant and equipment investments
    (13,141 )     (9,601 )     (12,744 )
Proceeds from disposition of assets
    4,071       822       1,153  
                         
Cash used in investing activities
    (9,070 )     (18,170 )     (28,499 )
                         
Cash flows from financing activities:
                       
Issuance of common stock, net
                8,548  
Proceeds from stock options exercised
    496       1,913       258  
Excess tax benefits from share-based compensation arrangements
    20       891       71  
Net decrease in revolving credit facility
    (53,927 )     (138,388 )     (111,253 )
Proceeds from new mortgage
          295,000        
Debt financing costs
          (6,703 )     (570 )
Retirement of old mortgage
          (165,000 )      
Prepayment fees associated with old mortgage
          (2,475 )      
Increase (decrease) in bank overdrafts
    (13,089 )     (12,151 )     30,359  
Common dividends paid
    (15,591 )     (15,400 )     (15,103 )
Other
    36       1        
                         
Net cash used in financing activities
    (82,055 )     (42,312 )     (87,690 )
                         
Increase (decrease) in cash
    (11,283 )     2,722       8,748  
Cash balance, beginning of period
    27,042       24,320       15,572  
                         
Cash balance, end of period
  $ 15,759     $ 27,042     $ 24,320  
                         
Supplemental Cash Flow Information
                       
Income taxes paid during the period
  $ 991     $ 21,467     $ 33,067  
                         
Interest paid during the period
  $ 40,037     $ 42,636     $ 38,502  
                         


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BLUELINX HOLDINGS INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
 
                                                 
                      Accumulated
             
                Additional
    Other
             
    Common Stock     Paid-In-
    Comprehensive
    Retained
       
BlueLinx Holdings Inc.
  Shares     Amount     Capital     Income (Loss)     Earnings     Totals  
    (In thousands)  
 
Balance, January 1, 2005
    29,500       295       121,306       (789 )     20,680       141,492  
Net income
                            44,603       44,603  
Foreign currency translation adjustment, net of tax
                      276             276  
Amount related to minimum pension liability, net of tax
                      1,536             1,536  
Issuance of common stock — initial public offering, net
    685       7       8,541                   8,548  
Proceeds from stock options exercised
    66       1       258                   259  
Excess tax benefits from share-based compensation arrangements
                71                   71  
Compensation related to share-based grants
                2,170                   2,170  
Common dividends paid
                            (15,103 )     (15,103 )
                                                 
Balance, December 31, 2005
    30,251       303       132,346       1,023       50,180       183,852  
Net income
                            15,832       15,832  
Foreign currency translation adjustment, net of tax
                      (58 )           (58 )
Unrealized net gain from pension plan, net of tax
                      983             983  
Unrealized loss from cash flow hedge, net of tax
                      (1,536 )           (1,536 )
Proceeds from stock options exercised
    512       5       1,908                   1,913  
Issuance of restricted stock
    147       1                         1  
Excess tax benefits from share-based compensation arrangements
                891                   891  
Compensation related to share-based grants
                2,921                   2,921  
Common dividends paid
                            (15,400 )     (15,400 )
                                                 
Balance, December 30, 2006
    30,910     $ 309     $ 138,066     $ 412     $ 50,612     $ 189,399  
Net loss
                            (27,945 )     (27,945 )
Foreign currency translation adjustment, net of tax
                      1,912             1,912  
Unrealized net gain from pension plan, net of tax
                      5,856             5,856  
Unrealized loss from cash flow hedge, net of tax
                      (2,754 )           (2,754 )
Unrealized loss from adoption of FIN 48, net of tax
                            (72 )     (72 )
Proceeds from stock options exercised
    132       1       495                   496  
Issuance of restricted stock
    182       2                         2  
Excess tax benefits from share-based compensation arrangements
                20                   20  
Compensation related to share-based grants
                3,500                   3,500  
Common dividends paid
                            (15,591 )     (15,591 )
                                                 
Balance, December 29, 2007
    31,224     $ 312     $ 142,081     $ 5,426     $ 7,004     $ 154,823  
                                                 


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BLUELINX HOLDINGS INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
 
1.   Basis of Presentation and Background
 
Basis of Presentation
 
BlueLinx Holdings Inc., operating through our wholly-owned subsidiary, BlueLinx Corporation (BlueLinx Holdings Inc. and its subsidiaries are collectively referred to as the “Company”), is a leading distributor of building products in the United States. We operate in all of the major metropolitan areas in the United States and, as of December 29, 2007, we distributed more than 10,000 products to approximately 11,500 customers through our network of more than 80 warehouses and third-party operated warehouses. The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its wholly-owned subsidiaries. All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated. The Company’s fiscal year is a 52-week or 53-week period ending on the Saturday closest to the end of the calendar year. Fiscal 2007, fiscal 2006 and fiscal 2005 each contained 52 weeks. Certain 2006 and 2005 amounts have been reclassified to conform with 2007 presentation.
 
Nature of Operations
 
We are a wholesale supplier of building products in North America. We distribute building products including lumber, structural panels (including plywood and oriented strand board), hardwood plywood, roofing, insulation, metal products, vinyl siding and particleboard. These products are sold to a diversified customer base, including independent building materials dealers, industrial and manufactured housing builders and home improvement centers. Net sales by product category are summarized below:
 
                         
    Fiscal Year
    Fiscal Year
    Fiscal Year
 
    Ended
    Ended
    Ended
 
    December 29,
    December 30,
    December 31,
 
    2007     2006     2005  
    (Dollars in millions)  
 
Sales by category
                       
Structural products
  $ 2,098     $ 2,788     $ 3,548  
Specialty products
    1,802       2,197       2,143  
Unallocated allowances and adjustments
    (66 )     (86 )     (69 )
                         
Total sales
  $ 3,834     $ 4,899     $ 5,622  
                         
 
Suppliers
 
As of December 29, 2007, our vendor base included over 750 suppliers of both structural and specialty building products. In some cases, these products are branded. We have supply contracts in place with many of our vendors. Terms for these agreements frequently include prompt payment discounts and freight allowances and occasionally include volume discounts, growth incentives, marketing allowances, consigned inventory and extended payment terms.
 
Purchases of products manufactured by Georgia-Pacific Corporation (“Georgia-Pacific”) accounted for approximately 25% and approximately 24% of total purchases in fiscal 2007 and fiscal 2006, respectively, with no other supplier accounting for more than 4% of our fiscal 2007 purchases. We have entered into a Master Purchase, Supply & Distribution Agreement with Georgia-Pacific, or the Supply Agreement. The Supply Agreement details distribution rights by product categories, including exclusivity rights and minimum supply volume commitments from Georgia-Pacific with respect to certain products. This agreement also details our purchase obligations by product categories, including substantial minimum purchase volume commitments with respect to most of the products supplied to us. Based on 2007 average market prices, our purchase obligation under this agreement is approximately $0.5 billion for the next two years. If we fail or refuse to purchase any products that we are obligated to purchase pursuant to the Supply Agreement, Georgia-Pacific


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BLUELINX HOLDINGS INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
has the right to sell products to third parties and for certain products terminate our exclusivity, and we may be required to pay monetary penalties. The agreement has a five-year initial term expiring on May 7, 2009, and remains continuously in effect thereafter unless it is terminated. Termination of the Supply Agreement requires two years’ notice, exercisable after year four of the agreement. The Supply Agreement may be terminated by either party for material breach. However, if the material breach only affects one or more, but not all, of the product categories, the non-breaching party may only terminate the Supply Agreement in respect of the affected product categories, and the Supply Agreement will remain in full force with respect to the remaining product categories. The Supply Agreement also provides for certain advertising, marketing and promotion arrangements between BlueLinx and Georgia-Pacific for certain products. In addition, we have been granted a limited, non-exclusive, royalty-free, fully paid license to use certain proprietary information and intellectual property of Georgia-Pacific.
 
Business Combinations
 
We account for business combinations in accordance with the provisions of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (“SFAS”) No. 141, Business Combinations, which requires the valuation of assets and liabilities acquired at fair value on the date of the purchase.
 
On August 4, 2006, we completed the acquisition of Texas-based hardwood lumber distribution company, Austin Hardwoods, Ltd. The acquisition of Austin Hardwoods was accounted for using the purchase method of accounting, and the assets acquired and liabilities assumed were accounted for based on their fair market values at the date of consummation. Other SFAS No. 141 disclosures are omitted as they are not significant.
 
On July 22, 2005, we completed the acquisition of California-based hardwood lumber company Lane Stanton Vance (“LSV”), formerly a unit of privately-held Hampton Distribution Companies. The acquisition of the assets of LSV was accounted for using the purchase method of accounting, and the assets acquired and liabilities assumed were accounted for based on their fair market values at the date of consummation. Other SFAS No. 141 disclosures are omitted as they are not significant.
 
2.   Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
 
Cash and Equivalents
 
Cash equivalents include time deposits and other securities with original maturities of three months or less.
 
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts and Related Reserves
 
We evaluate the collectibility of accounts receivable based on numerous factors, including past transaction history with customers and their creditworthiness. We maintain an allowance for doubtful accounts for each aging category on our aged trial balance based on our historical loss experience. This estimate is periodically adjusted when we become aware of specific customers’ inability to meet their financial obligations (e.g., bankruptcy filing or other evidence of liquidity problems). As we determine that specific balances will be ultimately uncollectible, we remove them from our aged trial balance. Additionally, we maintain reserves for cash discounts that we expect customers to earn as well as expected returns. At December 29, 2007 and December 30, 2006, these reserves totaled $10.5 million and $7.7 million, respectively. Adjustments to earnings resulting from revisions to estimates on discounts and uncollectible accounts have been insignificant for fiscal 2007, fiscal 2006 and fiscal 2005.
 
Impairment of Long-Lived Assets
 
Long-lived assets, including property and equipment and intangible assets with definite useful lives, are reviewed for possible impairment whenever events or circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an


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BLUELINX HOLDINGS INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
asset may not be recoverable. Determining whether an impairment has occurred typically requires various estimates and assumptions, including determining which cash flows are directly related to the potentially impaired asset, the useful life over which cash flows will occur, their amount and the asset’s residual value, if any. In turn, measurement of an impairment loss requires a determination of fair value, which is based on the best information available. We use internal cash flow estimates, quoted market prices when available and independent appraisals as appropriate to determine fair value. We derive the required cash flow estimates from our historical experience and our internal business plans and apply an appropriate discount rate. If these projected cash flows are less than the carrying amount, an impairment loss is recognized based on the fair value of the asset less any costs of disposition. Our judgment regarding the existence of impairment indicators is based on market and operational performance. There have been no adjustments to earnings resulting from the impairment of long-lived assets for fiscal 2007, fiscal 2006 or fiscal 2005.
 
Revenue Recognition
 
We recognize revenue when the following criteria are met: persuasive evidence of an agreement exists, delivery has occurred or services have been rendered, our price to the buyer is fixed and determinable and collectibility is reasonably assured. Delivery is not considered to have occurred until the customer takes title and assumes the risks and rewards of ownership. The timing of revenue recognition is largely dependent on shipping terms. Revenue is recorded at the time of shipment for terms designated as FOB (free on board) shipping point. For sales transactions designated FOB destination, revenue is recorded when the product is delivered to the customer’s delivery site.
 
All product sales are recorded at gross in accordance with the guidance outlined by EITF 99-19 and in accordance with standard industry practice. The key indicators used to determine this are as follows:
 
  •  We are the primary obligor responsible for fulfillment;
 
  •  We hold title to all reload inventory and are responsible for all product returns;
 
  •  We control the selling price for all channels;
 
  •  We select the supplier; and
 
  •  We bear all credit risk.
 
We also provide delivery and product management services for which the associated revenues are recognized upon completion of services. These revenues represent less than 1% of our net sales.
 
All revenues recognized are net of trade allowances, cash discounts and sales returns. Cash discounts and sales returns are estimated using historical experience. Trade allowances are based on estimated obligations and our historical experience.
 
Shipping and Handling
 
Amounts billed to customers in sales transactions related to shipping and handling are classified as revenue. Shipping and handling costs included in selling, general and administrative expenses were $137 million, $143 million and $144 million for fiscal 2007, fiscal 2006, and fiscal 2005, respectively.
 
Advertising Costs
 
Advertising costs are expensed as incurred. Advertising expenses of $6.5 million, $10.7 million and $8.1 million were included in selling, general and administrative expenses for fiscal 2007, fiscal 2006 and fiscal 2005, respectively.


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BLUELINX HOLDINGS INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
Earnings per Common Share
 
Basic and diluted earnings per share are computed by dividing net income by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding for the period.
 
Except when the effect would be anti-dilutive, the diluted earnings per share calculation includes the dilutive effect of the assumed exercise of stock options and restricted stock using the treasury stock method.
 
We have excluded stock options to purchase 1,490,295 shares, 1,374,942 shares and 774,000 shares for fiscal 2007, fiscal 2006 and fiscal 2005, respectively, because they were anti-dilutive. In addition, we have excluded 555,559 and 147,412 restricted stock and performance share awards for fiscal 2007 and fiscal 2006, respectively, because they were anti-dilutive.
 
Common Stock Dividends
 
On each of January 22, May 3, August 6 and October 31, 2007, our Board of Directors declared a quarterly dividend of $0.125 per share on the Company’s common stock. Our controlling shareholder, Cerberus ABP Investor LLC (“Cerberus”), received total dividends of approximately $9.1 million in fiscal 2007, fiscal 2006 and fiscal 2005, respectively, as a result of its ownership of 18,100,000 shares of our common stock.
 
On December 5, 2007, we suspended the payment of dividends on our common stock for an indefinite period of time. As discussed in footnote 8, our revolving credit facility limits distributions by our operating company to us, which, in turn, may limit our ability to pay dividends to holders of our common stock.
 
Inventory Valuation
 
Inventories are carried at the lower of cost or market. The cost of all inventories is determined by the moving average cost method. We evaluate our inventory value at the end of each quarter to ensure that first quality, actively moving inventory, when viewed by category, is carried at the lower of cost or market. At December 29, 2007, the lower of cost or market reserve totaled $0.02 million. The market value of our inventory exceeded its cost at December 30, 2006.
 
Additionally, we maintain a reserve for the estimated value impairment associated with damaged and inactive inventory. The inactive reserve includes inventory that has had no sales in the past six months, has turn days in excess of 365 days, excluding some specific specialty product items, or is being discontinued. At December 29, 2007, December 30, 2006 and December 31, 2005, our damaged and inactive inventory reserves totaled $4.4 million, $5.1 million and $2.7 million, respectively. Adjustments to earnings resulting from revisions to inactive estimates have been insignificant for fiscal 2007, fiscal 2006 and fiscal 2005.


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BLUELINX HOLDINGS INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
Property, Plant, and Equipment
 
Property, plant, and equipment are recorded at cost. Lease obligations for which we assume or retain substantially all the property rights and risks of ownership are capitalized. Replacements of major units of property are capitalized and the replaced properties are retired. Replacements of minor components of property and repair and maintenance costs are charged to expense as incurred.
 
During fiscal 2007, we capitalized $3.9 million of costs for internally developed software in accordance with SOP 98-1, Accounting for the Costs of Computer Software Developed or Obtained for Internal Use.
 
Depreciation is computed using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the related assets. Useful lives are 2 to 18 years for land improvements, 5 to 40 years for buildings, and 3 to 7 years for machinery and equipment, which includes mobile equipment. Upon retirement or disposition of assets, cost and accumulated depreciation are removed from the related accounts and any gain or loss is included in income. Depreciation expense totaled $18.0 million, $17.0 million and $15.2 million for fiscal 2007, fiscal 2006 and fiscal 2005, respectively.
 
Intangible Assets with Definite Useful Lives
 
Our intangible assets with definite useful lives are comprised of customer relationships, internally developed software, supply agreements, trade names and non-compete agreements. These assets each totaled $8.5 million, $4.1 million, $5.3 million, $0.3 million and $0.2 million, respectively. These assets are being amortized over a period of 6.0 years, 3.0 years, 6.0 years, 1.0 year and 3.3 years, respectively. Amortization expense for intangible assets was $3.0 million, $3.7 million and $3.5 million for fiscal 2007, fiscal 2006 and fiscal 2005, respectively. Accumulated amortization totaled $12.4 million at December 29, 2007, which included accumulated amortization for customer relationships, internally developed software, supply agreements, trade names, and non-compete agreements of $4.7 million, $4.1 million, $3.2 million, $0.3 million, and $0.1 million, respectively. At December 2006, accumulated amortization totaled $9.4 million, which included accumulated amortization for customer relationships, internally developed software, supply agreements, trade names and non-compete agreements of $3.3 million, $3.6 million, $2.3 million, $0.2 million and $0.03 million, respectively.
 
Estimated amortization expense for each of the five succeeding years is as follows:
 
         
    (In thousands)  
 
For fiscal 2008
  $ 2,378  
For fiscal 2009
  $ 2,351  
For fiscal 2010
  $ 947  
For fiscal 2011
  $ 234  
For fiscal 2012
  $ 119  
 
Intangible Assets with Indefinite Useful Lives
 
The acquisition of Austin Hardwoods resulted in goodwill in the amount of $0.7 million. SFAS No. 142, Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets, requires that goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets are tested for impairment at the reporting unit level annually, or more often if an event or circumstance indicates that an impairment loss may have been incurred. To test for impairment, the two-step impairment test shall be used to identify potential goodwill impairment and measure the amount of a goodwill impairment loss to be recognized, if any. The first step of the goodwill impairment test, used to identify potential impairment, compares the fair value of a reporting unit with its carrying amount, including goodwill. If the fair value of a reporting unit exceeds its carrying amount, goodwill of the reporting unit is considered not impaired, thus the second step of the impairment test is unnecessary. If the carrying amount of a reporting unit exceeds its fair


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BLUELINX HOLDINGS INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
value, the second step of the impairment test shall be performed to measure the amount of impairment loss, if any. This second test compares the implied fair value of reporting unit goodwill with the carrying amount of that goodwill. The implied fair value of goodwill shall be determined in the same manner as the amount of goodwill recognized in a business combination is determined. The excess of the fair value of a reporting unit over the amounts assigned to its assets and liabilities is the implied fair value of goodwill.
 
In accordance with SFAS No. 142, we conducted impairment testing on our goodwill as of our November month-end testing date. We used the discounted estimated future cash flows methodology to determine the fair value of reporting units with goodwill. Assumptions critical to our fair value estimates were: (i) the present value factors used in determining the fair value of the reporting unit (ii) projected sales growth rates used in the reporting unit model; (iii) projected EBITDA multiple used in the derivation of the terminal year value. These and other assumptions are impacted by economic conditions and expectations of management and will change in the future based on period specific facts and circumstances. We compared the fair value of the reporting unit to its carrying amount. This process indicated that the fair value of the reporting unit exceeded its carrying amount and, as a result, the goodwill is not considered impaired.
 
Restructuring Charges
 
During the fourth quarter of fiscal 2007, we vacated leased office space. We accounted for the transaction in accordance with SFAS No. 146, Accounting for Costs Associated with Exit or Disposal Activities, which requires that a liability be recognized for a cost associated with an exit or disposal activity at fair value in the period in which it is incurred or when the entity ceases using the right conveyed by a contract (i.e., the right to use a leased property). Our restructuring charges include the estimated losses on the vacated facility based on our contractual obligations net of estimated sublease income based on current comparable market rates for leases. We will reassess this liability periodically based on market conditions. Revisions to our estimates of this liability could materially impact our operating results and financial position in future periods if anticipated events and key assumptions, such as the timing and amounts of sublease rental income, either do not materialize or change. These costs were included in “Selling, general and administrative” expense in the Consolidated Statement of Operations and in “Other current liabilities”, and in “Other non-current liabilities” on the Consolidated Balance Sheet at December 29, 2007.
 
Additionally, during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2007, we recorded severance and outplacement costs totaling $5.6 million based on the terms of our existing severance plan. These charges were included in “Selling, general and administrative” expense in the Consolidated Statement of Operations and in “Accrued compensation” on the Consolidated Balance Sheet at December 29, 2007.
 
The following table displays the restructuring activity and liability balances:
 
                         
    Exit
    Severance
       
    Costs     Costs     Total  
    (In thousands)  
 
Balance at December 30, 2006
  $     $     $  
Charges
    11,326 (1)     5,617       16,943  
Payments
          (4,209 )     (4,209 )
Accretion of liability
                 
                         
Balance at December 29, 2007
  $ 11,326     $ 1,408     $ 12,734  
                         
 
 
(1) Amount excludes moving expenses requiring cash expenditures.


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BLUELINX HOLDINGS INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
 
Compensated Absences and Termination Costs
 
We accrue for the costs of compensated absences to the extent that the employee’s right to receive payment relates to service already rendered, the obligation vests or accumulates, payment is probable and the amount can be reasonably estimated.
 
Stock-Based Compensation
 
On January 1, 2006, we adopted Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (“SFAS”) No. 123R, Share-Based Payment, using the modified prospective transition method. Prior to 2006, we accounted for stock awards granted to employees under SFAS No. 123, Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation. Generally, the approach in SFAS No. 123R is similar to the approach described in SFAS No. 123. However, SFAS No. 123R requires all share-based payments to employees, including grants of employee stock options, to be recognized in the income statement based on their fair values. Pro forma disclosure is no longer an alternative.
 
Under the modified prospective transition method, compensation expense recognized in fiscal 2007 and fiscal 2006 included: (a) compensation expense for all unvested share-based awards granted prior to January 1, 2006, based on the grant date fair value estimated in accordance with SFAS No. 123 and (b) compensation expense for all share-based awards granted subsequent to January 1, 2006, based on the grant date fair value estimated in accordance with SFAS No. 123R. Results of prior periods have not been restated.
 
Through December 31, 2005, we accrued compensation expense assuming that all stock options granted were expected to vest. The effect of actual forfeitures was recognized as forfeitures occurred. Under SFAS No. 123R, we are required to estimate forfeitures in calculating the expense related to stock-based compensation. The adoption of SFAS No. 123R did not have a material impact on our results of operations.
 
Compensation expense arising from stock-based awards granted to employees and non-employee directors is recognized as expense using the straight-line method over the vesting period. As of December 29, 2007, there was $3.2 million, $2.1 million, $0.4 million and $0.4 million of total unrecognized compensation expense related to stock options, restricted stock, restricted stock units and performance shares, respectively. The unrecognized compensation expense for stock options, restricted stock, restricted stock units and performance shares is expected to be recognized over a period of 3.0 years, 2.7 years, 2.3 years and 2.0 years, respectively.
 
For fiscal 2007, fiscal 2006 and fiscal 2005 our total stock-based compensation expense was $3.6 million $3.1 million, and $2.2 million, respectively. We also recognized related income tax benefits of $1.4 million, $1.2 million and $0.9 million, respectively.
 
Income Taxes
 
Deferred income taxes are provided using the asset and liability method under the provisions of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 109, Accounting for Income Taxes. Accordingly, deferred income taxes are recognized for differences between the income tax and financial reporting bases of our assets and liabilities based on enacted tax laws and tax rates applicable to the periods in which the differences are expected to affect taxable income.
 
In evaluating our ability to recover our deferred income tax assets we consider all available positive and negative evidence, including our past operating results, our ability to carryback losses against prior taxable income, the existence of cumulative losses in the most recent years and our forecast of future taxable income. In estimating future taxable income, we develop assumptions including the amount of future state and federal pretax operating income, the reversal of temporary differences and the implementation of feasible and prudent tax planning strategies. These assumptions require significant judgment about the forecasts of future taxable income.


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BLUELINX HOLDINGS INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
In 2007, we adopted the provisions of FASB Interpretation No. 48 (FIN 48), Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes, which prescribes a comprehensive model for how a company should recognize, measure, present and disclose in its financial statements uncertain tax positions that the company has taken or expects to take on a tax return (including a discussion of whether to file or not to file a return in a particular jurisdiction). The cumulative effect of applying FIN 48 is reported as an adjustment to the opening balance of retained earnings for fiscal 2007. Adoption of FIN 48 on December 31, 2006, the first day of our 2007 fiscal year, did not have a material effect on our consolidated financial position or results of operations.
 
Foreign Currency Translation
 
The functional currency for our Canadian operations is the Canadian dollar. The translation of the applicable currencies into United States dollars is performed for balance sheet accounts using current exchange rates in effect at the balance sheet date and for revenue and expense accounts using a weighted average exchange rate during the period. Any related translation adjustments are recorded directly in shareholders’ equity. Foreign currency transaction gains and losses are reflected in the accompanying financial statements. Accumulated other comprehensive at December 29, 2007 and December 30, 2006 included the gain from foreign currency translation (net of tax) of $2.9 million and $1.0 million, respectively.
 
Derivatives
 
We are exposed to risks such as changes in interest rates, commodity prices and foreign currency exchange rates. We employ a variety of practices to manage these risks, including operating and financing activities and, where deemed appropriate, the use of derivative instruments. Derivative instruments are used only for risk management purposes and not for speculation or trading, and are not used to address risks related to foreign currency exchange rates.
 
In accordance with SFAS No. 133, Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities, as amended, we record derivative instruments as assets or liabilities on the balance sheet at fair value.
 
On June 12, 2006, we entered into an interest rate swap agreement with Goldman Sachs Capital Markets, to hedge against interest rate risks related to our variable rate revolving credit facility. The interest rate swap has a notional amount of $150 million and the terms call for us to receive interest monthly at a variable rate equal to the 30-day LIBOR and to pay interest monthly at a fixed rate of 5.4%. This interest rate swap is designated as a cash flow hedge.
 
We expect the hedge to be highly effective in offsetting changes in expected cash flows, as, at inception, the critical terms of the interest rate swap generally match the critical terms of the variable rate revolving credit facility. Fluctuations in the fair value of the ineffective portion, if any, of the cash flow hedge are reflected in current period earnings. These amounts were immaterial during fiscal 2007 and fiscal 2006.
 
At December 29, 2007 and December 30, 2006, the fair value of the interest rate swap was a liability of $7.1 million and $2.5 million, respectively. These balances were included in “Other current liabilities” and “Other long-term liabilities” on the Consolidated Balance Sheet. Accumulated other comprehensive income at December 29, 2007 and December 30, 2006 included the net loss on the cash flow hedge (net of tax) of $4.3 million and $1.5 million, respectively, which reflects the cumulative amount of comprehensive loss in connection with the change in fair value of the swap.
 
Additionally, interest was capped pursuant to a rate cap agreement that caps 30-day LIBOR exposure at 6.0% on $165 million of our variable rate revolving credit facility. The interest rate cap agreement expired in November 2007. Fluctuations in the fair value of the interest rate cap agreement were recognized in current period earnings. These amounts, as well as the fair value of the cap, were immaterial during fiscal 2007, fiscal 2006 and fiscal 2005.


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BLUELINX HOLDINGS INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
Restricted Cash
 
We had restricted cash of $12.9 million and $7.3 million at December 29, 2007 and December 30, 2006, respectively. Restricted cash primarily includes amounts held in escrow related to our interest rate swap (see Note 8) and mortgage (see Note 9). Restricted cash is included in “Other Current Assets” and “Other Assets” on the accompanying balance sheet.
 
Financial Instruments
 
Carrying amounts for our financial instruments are not significantly different from their fair value, with the exception of our mortgage. At December 29, 2007, the fair value of our mortgage was $314 million compared to the carrying value of $295 million.
 
BlueLinx Holdings Inc.
 
In BlueLinx Holdings Inc.’s financial statements in Note 14, BlueLinx Holdings Inc.’s investment in subsidiaries is stated at cost plus equity in undistributed earnings of subsidiaries since date of acquisition. BlueLinx Holdings Inc.’s share of net income of its unconsolidated subsidiaries is included in consolidated income using the equity method. BlueLinx Holdings Inc.’s financial statements should be read in conjunction with our consolidated financial statements.
 
Use of Estimates
 
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States requires management to make certain estimates and assumptions. These estimates and assumptions affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements, as well as reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from these estimates and such differences could be material.
 
New Accounting Standards
 
In December 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 160, Noncontrolling Interests in Consolidated Financial Statements (SFAS No. 160). SFAS No. 160 establishes requirements for ownership interests in subsidiaries held by parties other than the Company (sometimes called “minority interests”) be clearly identified, presented, and disclosed in the consolidated statement of financial position within equity, but separate from the parent’s equity. All changes in the parent’s ownership interests are required to be accounted for consistently as equity transactions and any noncontrolling equity investments in deconsolidated subsidiaries must be measured initially at fair value. SFAS No. 160 is effective, on a prospective basis, for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2008. However, presentation and disclosure requirements must be retrospectively applied to comparative financial statements. We are currently assessing the impact of SFAS No. 160 on our consolidated financial position, results of operations and cash flows.
 
In December 2007, the FASB issued SFAS 141 (revised 2007) Business Combinations (“SFAS 141R”). SFAS 141R establishes principles and requirements for how the acquirer of a business recognizes and measures in its financial statements the identifiable assets acquired, the liabilities assumed, and any noncontrolling interest in the acquiree. SFAS 141R also provides guidance for recognizing and measuring the goodwill acquired in the business combination and determines what information to disclose to enable users of the financial statements to evaluate the nature and financial effects of the business combination. We are currently evaluating the potential impact, if any, of the adoption of SFAS 141R on our consolidated financial position, results of operations and cash flows.
 
In February, 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 159 The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities (SFAS No. 159). SFAS No. 159 permits entities to choose to measure many financial


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BLUELINX HOLDINGS INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
assets and financial liabilities at fair value. Unrealized gains and losses on items for which the fair value option has been elected are reported in earnings. SFAS No. 159 is effective for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007. We have not elected to adopt the fair value option in measuring certain financial assets and liabilities.
 
As discussed in footnote 6, on December 30, 2006, we adopted SFAS No. 158, Employer’s Accounting for Defined Benefit Pension and Other Postretirement Plans, except for the requirement to measure the funded status of retirement benefit plans as of our fiscal year end, which is effective for our year ended January 3, 2009. Adoption of the measurement date provisions of SFAS No. 158 on December 30, 2007, the first day of fiscal 2008, did not have a material effect on our consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows.
 
In September 2006, the FASB issued SFAS No. 157, Fair Value Measurements, which defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value under GAAP, and expands disclosures about fair value measurements. SFAS No. 157 applies to other accounting pronouncements that require or permit fair value measurements. The new guidance is effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007, and for interim periods within those fiscal years. We do not expect the adoption of SFAS No. 157 to have a material impact on our consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows.
 
In July 2006, the FASB issued FASB Interpretation No. 48 (FIN 48), “Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes,” which prescribes a comprehensive model for how a company should recognize, measure, present and disclose in its financial statements uncertain tax positions that the company has taken or expects to take on a tax return (including a decision whether to file or not to file a return in a particular jurisdiction). The accounting provisions of FIN 48 are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2006. The cumulative effect of applying FIN 48 is reported as an adjustment to the opening balance of retained earnings for fiscal 2007. Adoption on December 31, 2006 did not have a material effect on our consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows.
 
3.   Income Taxes
 
Our provision for (benefit from) income taxes consists of the following:
 
                         
    Fiscal Year
    Fiscal Year
    Fiscal Year
 
    Ended
    Ended
    Ended
 
    December 29,
    December 30,
    December 31,
 
    2007     2006     2005  
    (In thousands)  
 
Federal income taxes:
                       
Current
  $ (7,420 )   $ 11,902     $ 23,625  
Deferred
    (7,627 )     (3,060 )     (143 )
State income taxes:
                       
Current
    (1,106 )     1,814       4,877  
Deferred
    (2,012 )     (758 )     (262 )
Foreign income taxes:
                       
Current
    975       333       427  
Deferred
    113       118       37  
                         
Provision for (benefit from) income taxes
  $ (17,077 )   $ 10,349     $ 28,561  
                         


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BLUELINX HOLDINGS INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
The federal statutory income tax rate was 35%. Our provision for income taxes is reconciled to the federal statutory amount as follows:
 
                         
    Fiscal Year
    Fiscal Year
    Fiscal Year
 
    Ended
    Ended
    Ended
 
    December 29,
    December 30,
    December 31,
 
    2007     2006     2005  
    (In thousands)  
 
Provision for (benefit from) income taxes computed at the federal statutory tax rate
  $ (15,758 )   $ 9,163     $ 25,607  
State income taxes, net of federal benefit
    (1,579 )     898       2,926  
Other
    260       288       28  
                         
Provision for (benefit from) income taxes
  $ (17,077 )   $ 10,349     $ 28,561  
                         
 
Our income before income taxes for our Canadian operations was $2.5 million for fiscal 2007, $2.9 million for fiscal 2006 and $1.7 million for fiscal 2005.
 
Approximately $4.3 million and $6.8 million of tax benefits were included in accumulated other comprehensive income relating to our interest rate swap (see note 8) and our pension plan (see note 6), respectively.
 
The components of our net deferred income tax assets (liabilities) are as follows:
 
                 
    December 29,
    December 30,
 
    2007     2006  
    (In thousands)  
 
Deferred income tax assets:
               
Inventory
  $ 4,301     $ 4,216  
Compensation-related accruals
    5,370       3,780  
Accruals and reserves
    443       1,747  
Pension
          2,515  
Accounts receivable
    3,489       2,274  
Restructuring costs
    4,417        
Derivatives
    2,743       982  
Other
    1,168       248  
                 
    $ 21,931     $ 15,762  
                 
Deferred income tax liabilities:
               
Intangible assets
    (1,852 )     (2,711 )
Property, plant and equipment
    (3,594 )     (4,056 )
Pension
    (721 )      
Other
    (937 )     (1,072 )
                 
      (7,104 )     (7,839 )
                 
Deferred income tax assets, net
  $ 14,827     $ 7,923  
                 
 
Deferred income tax assets and income tax benefits are provided for temporary differences between amounts recorded for financial reporting and income tax purposes. If, for some reason, the combination of future years income (or loss) combined with the reversal of temporary differences results in a loss, such losses can be carried back to prior years or carried forward to future years to recover the deferred tax assets. In accordance with SFAS No. 109, “Accounting for Income Taxes” (“SFAS 109”), we evaluate our deferred tax


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BLUELINX HOLDINGS INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
assets quarterly to determine if valuation allowances are required. SFAS 109 requires that companies assess whether valuation allowances should be established based on the consideration of all available evidence using a “more likely than not” standard.
 
In evaluating our ability to recover our deferred income tax assets we consider all available positive and negative evidence, including our past operating results, our ability to carryback losses against prior taxable income, the existence of cumulative losses in the most recent years and our forecast of future taxable income. In estimating future taxable income, we develop assumptions including the amount of future state and federal pretax operating income, the reversal of temporary differences and the implementation of feasible and prudent tax planning strategies. These assumptions require significant judgment about the forecasts of future taxable income.
 
The Company has recorded deferred income tax assets of $22 million at December 29, 2007 reflecting the benefit of $56 million of deductible temporary differences. Realization is dependent on generating sufficient taxable income. The Company believes the deferred income tax assets will be realized through taxable income generated during available loss carryback periods and future taxable income, including but not limited to taxable income that would be generated by the implementation of feasible and prudent tax planning strategies. Although realization is not assured, management believes that it is more likely than not that all of the deferred income tax assets will be realized. The amount of the deferred income tax assets considered realizable, however, could be reduced in the near term if estimates of taxable income available via loss carryback are reduced or if we are unable to implement existing tax planning strategies. During 2008, we will continue to closely monitor the current economic downturn in the housing and construction sectors on a quarterly basis. Should conditions reach a level during 2008 that necessitates the recording of a valuation allowance based upon all of the evidence, both positive and negative, it will be recorded in the period that such changes in estimates are made. The recording of a valuation allowance would result in additional income tax expense in such period and could have a significant impact on our future earnings.
 
On December 31, 2006, we adopted the provisions of FIN 48. As a result of applying the provisions of FIN 48, we recognized an increase of $0.1 million in the liability for unrecognized tax benefits, which was accounted for as a reduction to the December 31, 2006 balance of retained earnings.
 
The following table summarizes the activity related to our unrecognized tax benefits:
 
         
    (In thousands)  
 
Balance at December 31, 2006
  $ 111  
Increases related to current year tax positions
    57  
Additions for tax positions in prior years
     
Reductions for tax positions in prior years
     
Settlements
    (18 )
         
Balance at December 29, 2007
  $ 150  
         
 
Included in the unrecognized tax benefits of $0.1 million at December 29, 2007 was $0.1 million of tax benefits that, if recognized, would reduce our annual effective tax rate. We also accrued a nominal amount of interest related to these unrecognized tax benefits during 2007, and this amount is reported in the interest expense line of the financial statements. We do not expect our unrecognized tax benefits to change significantly over the next 12 months.
 
We file U.S., state, and foreign income tax returns in jurisdictions with varying statutes of limitations. The 2004 through 2007 tax years generally remain subject to examination by federal and most state and foreign tax authorities.


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BLUELINX HOLDINGS INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
4.   Receivables
 
We have a diversified customer base concentrated in the building products business. Credit risk is monitored and provisions for expected losses are provided as determined necessary by management. We generally do not require collateral.
 
The following reflects our activity in receivables related reserve accounts:
 
                                         
    Beginning
          Expense/
    Write offs and
    Ending
 
    Balance     Acquisitions     (Income)     Other, Net     Balance  
    (In thousands)  
 
Fiscal 2005
                                       
Allowance for doubtful accounts and related reserves
  $ 13,407     $ 75     $ 678     $ (3,215 )   $ 10,945  
Fiscal 2006
                                       
Allowance for doubtful accounts and related reserves
  $ 10,945     $ 45     $ 556     $ (3,810 )   $ 7,736  
Fiscal 2007
                                       
Allowance for doubtful accounts and related reserves
  $ 7,736     $     $ 6,975     $ (4,175 )   $ 10,536  
 
5.   Stock-Based Compensation
 
We have two stock-based compensation plans covering officers, directors and certain employees and consultants; the 2004 Long Term Equity Incentive Plan (the “2004 Plan”) and the 2006 Long Term Equity Incentive Plan (the “2006 Plan”). The plans are designed to motivate and retain individuals who are responsible for the attainment of our primary long-term performance goals. The plans provide a means whereby our employees and directors develop a sense of proprietorship and personal involvement in our development and financial success and encourage them to devote their best efforts to our business. Although we do not have a formal policy on the matter, we issue new shares of our common stock to participants, upon the exercise of options, out of the total amount of common shares authorized for issuance under the 2004 Plan and the 2006 Plan.
 
The 2004 Plan provides for the grant of nonqualified stock options, incentive stock options and restricted shares of our common stock to participants of the plan selected by our Board of Directors or a committee of the Board who administer the 2004 Plan. We reserved 2,222,222 shares of our common stock for issuance under the 2004 Plan. The terms and conditions of awards under the 2004 Plan are determined by the administrator for each grant.
 
Unless otherwise determined by the administrator or as set forth in an award agreement, upon a “Liquidity Event,” all unvested awards will become immediately exercisable and the administrator may determine the treatment of all vested awards at the time of the Liquidity Event. A “Liquidity Event” is defined as (1) an event in which any person who is not an affiliate of us becomes the beneficial owner, directly or indirectly, of fifty percent or more of the combined voting power of our then outstanding securities or (2) the sale, transfer or other disposition of all or substantially all of our business, whether by sale of assets, merger or otherwise, to a person other than Cerberus.
 
On May 12, 2006, our shareholders approved the 2006 Plan. The 2006 Plan permits the grant of nonqualified stock options, incentive stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock, restricted stock units, performance shares, performance units, cash-based awards, and other stock-based awards. We reserved 1,700,000 shares of our common stock for issuance under the 2006 Plan. The terms and conditions of awards under the 2006 Plan are determined by the administrator for each grant. Awards issued under the 2006 Plan are subject to accelerated vesting in the event of a change in control as such event is defined in the 2006 Plan.


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BLUELINX HOLDINGS INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
On March 29, 2007, the Board of Directors’ Compensation Committee granted certain of our executive officers awards in the form of restricted shares of our common stock. Additionally, the Board granted certain other key employees restricted stock units equivalent in cash value to restricted shares with respect to our common stock. The restricted stock awards were granted pursuant to and are subject to the terms of the 2006 Plan. The restricted stock unit awards were granted pursuant to the terms of the 2006 Long-Term Incentive Plan for Key Senior Managers which does not provide for the issuance of equity or any other awards convertible to or exchangeable for equity.
 
The restricted stock and restricted stock unit awards vest on March 29, 2012, five years after the grant date. However, the awards may vest earlier in their entirety (or portion, as appropriate) upon the attainment of certain minimum performance goals. Upon vesting of all or any portion of the restricted stock units, we will pay a cash amount equivalent to the fair market value of the shares of our common stock on the date when the award vests. The restricted stock units are not convertible to or exchangeable for equity.
 
On January 8, 2008, the Compensation Committee granted 529,609 restricted shares of our common stock and 587,067 performance shares to certain of our executive officers.
 
On January 1, 2006, we adopted Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (“SFAS”) 123R, Share-Based Payment, using the modified prospective transition method. Prior to 2006, we accounted for stock awards granted to employees under SFAS No. 123, Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation. Generally, the approach in SFAS No. 123R is similar to the approach described in SFAS No. 123. However, SFAS No. 123R requires all share-based payments to employees, including grants of employee stock options, to be recognized in the income statement based on their fair values. Pro forma disclosure will no longer be an alternative.
 
Under the modified prospective transition method, compensation expense recognized in fiscal 2007 included: (a) compensation expense for all unvested share-based awards granted prior to January 1, 2006, based on the grant date fair value estimated in accordance with SFAS No. 123, and (b) compensation expense for all share-based awards granted subsequent to January 1, 2006, based on the grant date fair value estimated in accordance with SFAS No. 123R. Results of prior periods have not been restated.
 
Through December 31, 2005, we accrued compensation expense assuming that all stock options granted were expected to vest. The effect of actual forfeitures was recognized as forfeitures occurred. Under SFAS No. 123R, we are required to estimate forfeitures in calculating the expense related to stock-based compensation. The adoption of SFAS No. 123R did not have a material impact on our results of operations.
 
Compensation expense arising from stock-based awards granted to employees and non-employee directors is recognized as expense using the straight-line method over the vesting period. As of December 29, 2007, there was $3.2 million, $2.1 million $0.4 million and $0.4 million of total unrecognized compensation expense related to stock options, restricted stock, restricted stock units and performance shares, respectively. The unrecognized compensation expense for stock options, restricted stock, restricted stock units and performance shares is expected to be recognized over a period of 3.0 years, 2.7 years, 2.3 years and 2.0 years, respectively.
 
For fiscal 2007, fiscal 2006 and fiscal 2005, our total recognized stock-based compensation expense was $3.6 million, $3.1 million and $2.2 million, respectively. Stock-based compensation expense is recognized in selling, general and administrative expense in our statement of operations. We also recognized related income tax benefits of $1.4 million, $1.2 million and $0.9 million for fiscal 2007, fiscal 2006 and fiscal 2005, respectively.
 
The total fair value of the options vested for fiscal 2007, fiscal 2006 and fiscal 2005 was $2.3 million, $2.0 million and $2.7 million, respectively.
 
Cash proceeds from the exercise of stock options totaled $0.5 million for fiscal 2007. In addition, SFAS No. 123R requires us to reflect the benefits of tax deductions in excess of recognized compensation


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BLUELINX HOLDINGS INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
expense as both a financing cash inflow and an operating cash outflow upon adoption. We included $0.02 million of excess tax benefits in cash flows from financing activities for fiscal 2007.
 
For fiscal 2006, cash proceeds from the exercise of stock options totaled $1.9 million. In addition, we included $0.9 million of excess tax benefits in cash flows from financing activities for fiscal 2006.
 
The following table depicts the weighted average assumptions used in connection with the Black-Scholes option pricing model to estimate the fair value of time-based options and performance-based options granted during fiscal 2007:
 
                         
    Time-Based
    Performance-Based
    Performance-Based
 
    Options*     Options**     Options***  
 
Risk free interest rate
    4.78 %     4.81 %     5.09 %
Expected dividend yield
    4.46 %     4.52 %     4.52 %
Expected life
    7 years       5 years       1 year  
Expected volatility
    45 %     45 %     45 %
Weighted average fair value
  $ 3.77     $ 2.83     $ 6.97  
 
 
* Exercise price equaled the market price at date of grant.
 
** Exercise price exceeded the market price at date of grant.
 
*** Exercise price was less than the market price at date of grant.
 
Performance-based options include options for which the financial target has been set by the board of directors, or a committee thereof. On February 14, 2007, the compensation committee set the financial target for 60,375 options subject to vesting criteria in 2007.
 
The following table depicts the weighted average assumptions used in connection with the Black-Scholes option pricing model to estimate the fair value of time-based options and performance-based options granted during fiscal 2006:
 
                         
    Time-Based
    Time-Based
    Performance-Based
 
    Options*     Options**     Options***  
 
Risk free interest rate
    4.36 %     4.73 %     4.60 %
Expected dividend yield
    4.43 %     3.85 %     3.19 %
Expected life
    7 years       7 years       1 year  
Expected volatility
    50 %     50 %     50 %
Weighted average fair value
  $ 3.69     $ 5.12     $ 11.48  
 
 
* Exercise price exceeded market price at date of grant.
 
** Exercise price equaled market price at date of grant.
 
*** Exercise price was less than the market price at date of grant.
 
Performance-based options include options for which the financial target has been set by the board of directors, or a committee thereof. On February 1, 2006, the compensation committee set the financial target for 69,300 options subject to vesting criteria in 2006.


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BLUELINX HOLDINGS INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
The following table depicts the weighted average assumptions used in connection with the Black-Scholes option pricing model to estimate the fair value of options granted during fiscal 2005:
 
                 
    Chief
    Time-
 
    Executive Officer
    Based
 
    Options*     Options**  
 
Risk free interest rate
    4.40 %     4.39 %
Expected dividend yield
    3.90 %     4.45 %
Expected life
    7 years       7 years  
Expected volatility
    50 %     48 %
Weighted average fair value
  $ 4.76     $ 3.90  
 
 
* Exercise price exceeded market price at date of grant.
 
** Exercise price equaled market price at date of grant.
 
In determining the expected life, we did not rely on our historical exercise data as it does not provide a reasonable basis upon which to estimate future expected lives due to limited experience of employee exercises. Instead, we followed a simplified method based on the vesting term and contractual term as permitted under SEC Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 107.
 
The range of risk-free rates for fiscal 2007, fiscal 2006 and fiscal 2005 was from 4.78% to 5.10%, 4.34% to 5.05% and 3.93% to 4.60%, respectively.
 
The expected volatility is based on the historical volatility of our common stock.
 
The table below includes certain additional information related to our outstanding employee stock options for the three years ended December 29, 2007 excluding 54,075 performance-based options for which the financial targets had not been set as of such time.
 


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BLUELINX HOLDINGS INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
                 
          Weighted
 
          Average
 
          Exercise
 
    Shares     Price  
 
Options outstanding at Jan. 1, 2005
    1,013,137     $ 3.75  
Options exercisable at Jan. 1, 2005
           
Options granted
    788,900     $ 13.38  
Options exercised
    (68,872 )   $ 3.75  
Options forfeited
    (37,483 )   $ 3.75  
                 
Options outstanding at Dec. 31, 2005
    1,695,682     $ 8.23  
Options exercisable at Dec. 31, 2005
    395,525     $ 3.75  
Options granted
    672,242     $ 12.19  
Options exercised
    (508,845 )   $ 3.75  
Options forfeited
    (141,548 )   $ 3.90  
                 
Options outstanding at Dec. 30, 2006
    1,717,531     $ 11.47  
Options exercisable at Dec. 30, 2006
    262,492     $ 10.09  
Options granted
    160,375     $ 8.58  
Options exercised
    (132,230 )   $ 3.75  
Options forfeited
    (184,053 )   $ 11.16  
Options expired
    (71,328 )   $ 3.75  
                 
Options outstanding at Dec. 29, 2007
    1,490,295     $ 12.24  
                 
Options exercisable at Dec. 29, 2007
    648,233     $ 11.52  
                 
 
                                         
    Outstanding     Exercisable  
          Weighted
                Weighted
 
          Average
    Remaining
          Average
 
    Number of
    Exercise
    Contractual Life
    Number of
    Exercise
 
Price Range
  Options     Price     (in Years)     Options     Price  
 
$3.75
    170,004     $ 3.75       0.48       123,354     $ 3.75  
$10.29-$15.10
    1,320,291     $ 13.33       8.06       524,879     $ 13.35  
                                         
      1,490,295                       648,233          
                                         

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BLUELINX HOLDINGS INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
The following tables summarize the activity for our performance shares, restricted stock awards and restricted stock unit awards during fiscal 2007 and fiscal 2006:
 
                                                 
    Performance Shares     Restricted Stock     Restricted Stock Units  
          Weighted
          Weighted
          Weighted
 
    Number of
    Average Fair
    Number of
    Average Fair
    Number of
    Average Fair
 
    Awards     Value     Awards     Value     Awards     Value  
 
Outstanding at December 31, 2005
        $           $           $  
Granted
        $       148,912     $ 13.99       124,200     $ 13.95  
Vested
        $           $           $  
Forfeited
        $       (1,500 )   $ 14.01       (4,950 )   $ 14.01  
                                                 
Outstanding at December 30, 2006
        $       147,412     $ 13.99       119,250     $ 13.95  
Granted
    245,025     $ 10.46       218,063     $ 10.50       99,325     $ 11.02  
Vested
        $           $           $  
Forfeited
    (20,306 )   $ 10.46       (34,635 )   $ 12.18       (30,450 )   $ 13.01  
                                                 
Outstanding at December 29, 2007
    224,719     $ 10.46       330,840     $ 11.89       188,125     $ 12.56  
                                                 
 
The fair value of the restricted stock units will be marked-to-market each reporting period through the date of settlement. On December 29, 2007, the fair value of these awards was based on the closing price of our common stock of $4.05.
 
At December 29, 2007, the aggregate intrinsic value of stock-based awards outstanding and options exercisable was $3.1 million and $0.04 million, respectively (the intrinsic value of a stock-based award is the amount by which the market value of the underlying award exceeds the exercise price of the award). The intrinsic value of stock options exercised during fiscal 2007, fiscal 2006 and fiscal 2005 was $0.8 million, $5.2 million and $0.6 million, respectively.
 
6.   Employee Benefits
 
Defined Benefit Pension Plans
 
Most of our hourly employees participate in noncontributory defined benefit pension plans. These include a plan that is administered solely by us (the “hourly pension plan”) and union-administered multiemployer plans. Our funding policy for the hourly pension plan is based on actuarial calculations and the applicable requirements of federal law. We do not expect to make any contributions to the hourly pension plan in fiscal 2008. Contributions to multiemployer plans are generally based on negotiated labor contracts. We contributed $1.4 million, $1.6 million and $1.5 million to union administered multiemployer pension plans for fiscal 2007, fiscal 2006 and fiscal 2005, respectively. Benefits under the majority of plans for hourly employees (including multiemployer plans) are primarily related to years of service.


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BLUELINX HOLDINGS INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
The following tables set forth the change in projected benefit obligation and the change in plan assets for the hourly pension plan:
 
                 
    Fiscal Year Ended
    Fiscal Year Ended
 
    December 29,
    December 30,
 
    2007     2006  
    (In thousands)  
 
Change in projected benefit obligation:
               
Projected benefit obligation at beginning of period
  $ 71,875     $ 70,073  
Service cost
    2,506       2,689  
Interest cost
    4,216       4,045  
Actuarial (gain) loss
    (5,203 )     (2,151 )
Benefits paid
    (2,923 )     (2,781 )
                 
Projected benefit obligation at end of period
    70,471       71,875  
                 
Change in plan assets:
               
Fair value of assets at beginning of period
  $ 65,426     $ 62,695  
Actual return on plan assets
    9,815       5,512  
Benefits paid
    (2,923 )     (2,781 )
                 
Fair value of assets at end of period
    72,318       65,426  
                 
Funded (Unfunded) Status of Plan
  $ 1,847     $ (6,449 )
                 
 
On December 30, 2006, we adopted the recognition and disclosure provisions of SFAS No. 158, Employers’ Accounting for Defined Benefit Pension and Other Postretirement Plans, except for the requirement to measure the funded status of retirement benefit plans as of our fiscal year end, which is effective for our year ended January 3, 2009. We used September 30, 2007 as the measurement date for the hourly pension plan. SFAS No. 158 requires us to recognize the funded status (i.e., the difference between the fair value of plan assets and the projected benefit obligations) of our pension plan in our Consolidated Balance Sheets, with a corresponding adjustment to accumulated other comprehensive income, net of tax. As of December 29, 2007, the net funded status of our benefit plan was $1.8 million and was included in “Other assets” on our Consolidated Balance Sheet. As of December 30, 2006, the net unfunded status of our benefit plan was $6.4 million and was included in “Other non-current liabilities” on our Consolidated Balance Sheet. The net adjustment to other comprehensive income for fiscal 2007 and fiscal 2006 was $9.6 million ($5.9 million net of tax) and $1.6 million ($1.0 million net of tax), respectively, which represents the net unrecognized actuarial gain and unrecognized prior service


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BLUELINX HOLDINGS INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
cost. The effects of adopting the provisions of SFAS No. 158 on our Consolidated Balance Sheet at December 29, 2007 and December 30, 2006, are presented in the following table.
 
The funded status and the amounts recognized on the accompanying balance sheets for the hourly pension plan are set forth in the following table:
 
                 
    December 29,
    December 30,
 
    2007     2006  
    (In thousands)  
 
Funded status
  $ 1,847     $ (6,449 )
Unrecognized prior service cost
    21       23  
Unrecognized actuarial gain
    (11,228 )     (1,634 )
                 
Net amount recognized
  $ (9,360 )   $ (8,060 )
                 
Amounts recognized on the balance sheet consist of:
               
Accrued pension asset (liability)
    1,847       (6,449 )
Accumulated other comprehensive income (pre-tax)
    (11,207 )     (1,611 )
                 
Net amount recognized
  $ (9,360 )   $ (8,060 )
                 
 
The portions of the prior service cost and estimated net gain for the hourly pension plan that are expected to be amortized from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income into net periodic cost over the next fiscal year are $0 and $0.4 million, respectively.
 
The accumulated benefit obligation for the hourly pension plan was $68.9 million and $70.3 million at December 29, 2007 and December 30, 2006, respectively.
 
Net periodic pension cost for our pension plans included the following:
 
                         
    Fiscal Year Ended
    Fiscal Year Ended
    Fiscal Year Ended
 
    December 29,
    December 30,
    December 31,
 
    2007     2006     2005  
    (In thousands)  
 
Service cost
  $ 2,506     $ 2,689     $ 2,600  
Interest cost on projected benefit obligation
    4,216       4,045       3,879  
Expected return on plan assets
    (5,424 )     (5,200 )     (4,836 )
Amortization of unrecognized prior service cost
    1       2        
                         
Net periodic pension cost
  $ 1,299     $ 1,536     $ 1,643  
                         


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BLUELINX HOLDINGS INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
The following assumptions were used to determine the projected benefit obligation at the measurement date and the net periodic pension cost:
 
                 
    December 29,
    December 30,
 
    2007     2006  
 
Projected benefit obligation:
               
Discount rate
    6.45 %     6.00 %
Average rate of increase in future compensation levels
    4.00 %     4.00 %
Expected long-term rate of return on plan assets
    8.50 %     8.50 %
Net periodic pension cost
               
Discount rate
    6.00 %     5.90 %
Average rate of increase in future compensation levels
    4.00 %     4.00 %
Expected long-term rate of return on plan assets
    8.50 %     8.50 %
 
Our percentage of fair value of total assets by asset category as of our measurement date, which falls on the last day of our third fiscal quarter, are as follows:
 
                 
    September 29,
    September 30,
 
Asset Category
  2007     2006  
 
Equity securities — domestic
    61 %     61 %
Equity securities — international
    16 %     15 %
Fixed income
    23 %     24 %
                 
Total
    100 %     100 %
                 
 
Investment policy and strategy
 
Plan assets are managed as a balanced portfolio comprised of two major components: an equity portion and a fixed income portion. The expected role of plan equity investments will be to maximize the long-term real growth of fund assets, while the role of fixed income investments will be to generate current income, provide for more stable periodic returns, and provide some downside protection against the possibility of a prolonged decline in the market value of equity investments. We will review this investment policy statement at least once per year. In addition, the portfolio will be reviewed quarterly to determine the deviation from target weightings and will be rebalanced as necessary. Target allocations for 2008 are 60% domestic and 15% international equity investments, and 25% fixed income investments.
 
The expected long-term rate of return for the plan’s total assets is based on the expected return of each of the above categories, weighted based on the target allocation for each class. Equity securities are expected to return 9% to 10% over the long-term, while debt securities are expected to return between 5% and 6%.
 
Our estimated future benefit payments reflecting expected future service are as follows:
 
         
Fiscal Year Ending
  (In thousands)  
 
January 3, 2009
  $ 3,427  
January 2, 2010
    3,623  
January 1, 2011
    3,843  
December 31, 2011
    4,093  
December 29, 2012
    4,285  
December 28, 2013 — December 30, 2017
    26,272  


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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
Defined Contribution Plans
 
Our employees also participate in several defined contribution plans. Contributions to the plans are based on employee contributions and compensation. Contributions to these plans totaled $5.1 million, $6.3 million and $12.2 million for fiscal 2007, fiscal 2006 and fiscal 2005, respectively.
 
7.   Inventory Reserve Accounts
 
The following reflects our activity for inventory reserve accounts:
 
                                         
    Beginning
                Write-offs and
    Ending
 
    Balance     Acquisitions     Expense     Other, net     Balance  
    (In thousands)  
 
Fiscal 2005
                                       
Obsolescence/damaged inventory reserve
  $ 2,965     $ 204     $ 1,376     $ (1,820 )   $ 2,725  
Lower of cost or market reserve
  $ 1,041     $     $ 134     $ (1,175 )   $  
Fiscal 2006
                                       
Obsolescence/damaged inventory reserve
  $ 2,725     $ 24     $ 2,827     $ (514 )   $ 5,062  
Lower of cost or market reserve
  $     $     $ 117     $ (117 )   $  
Fiscal 2007
                                       
Obsolescence/damaged inventory reserve
  $ 5,062     $     $ 1,570     $ (2,268 )   $ 4,364  
Lower of cost or market reserve
  $     $     $ 125     $ (104 )   $ 21  
 
8.   Revolving Credit Facility
 
On May 7, 2004, we entered into a revolving credit facility. The revolving credit facility, as amended, has a revolving loan limit of $800 million and matures on May 7, 2011. Advances under the revolving credit facility are made as prime rate loans or LIBOR loans at our election. The revolving credit facility loans are secured by a first priority security interest in all inventory and receivables and all other personal property. Our revolving loan limit of $800 million includes a term loan for $6 million used to refinance and consolidate certain loans made by the revolving loan lenders to us. Borrowing availability under the revolving credit facility is based on eligible accounts receivable and inventory. As of December 29, 2007, we had outstanding borrowings of $184 million and availability of $222 million under the terms of the revolving credit facility. We classify the lowest projected balance of the credit facility over the next twelve months of $184 million as long term debt.
 
Interest rates payable upon such advances are based upon the prime rate or LIBOR rate, depending on the type of loan we choose, plus an applicable margin. The applicable interest rates for prime rate and Eurodollar loans are subject to adjustments based on our EBITDA amount as defined in the revolving credit facility. At December 29, 2007, the interest rate prevailing on the revolving credit facility was 7.1%. Under the revolving credit facility, as of December 29, 2007, we paid an unused line fee of 0.25% on the unused portion of the commitment. In fiscal 2006 we incurred $0.4 million of debt financing costs related to the revolving credit facility, which are being amortized over the term of the facility.
 
The revolving credit facility contains customary negative covenants and restrictions for asset based loans, with which we are in compliance. In addition, the revolving credit facility requires, during a period commencing on the date on which the amount of excess availability under the revolving credit facility has been less than $40 million for the third consecutive business day and ending on a subsequent date on which the amount of modified adjusted excess availability has been equal to or greater than $40 million for the


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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
sixtieth consecutive day, that (i) we meet a monthly fixed charge coverage test, as defined in the revolving credit agreement and (ii) we not incur capital expenditures of more than $20 million in any fiscal year. When measured, we are required to maintain a fixed charge coverage ratio of 1.1 to 1.0.
 
The revolving credit facility limits distributions by BlueLinx Corporation, the operating company, to its parent, BlueLinx Holdings Inc., which, in turn, may limit BlueLinx Holding Inc.’s ability to pay dividends to holders of common stock. The revolving credit facility currently permits BlueLinx Corporation to pay dividends to BlueLinx Holdings Inc. (i) in an amount equal to the sum of our federal, state and local income tax liability that is attributable to our operating company and its subsidiaries and (ii) for our general administrative expenses and/or operating expenses incurred by us on behalf of our operating company or its subsidiaries in an amount not to exceed $2.5 million in any fiscal year. In addition, the revolving credit facility permits the operating company to pay dividends to us in an aggregate amount not to exceed the sum of 50% of the operating company’s cumulative net income earned since May 7, 2004, plus 50% of the first $100 million of capital contributions made by us to the operating company after October 26, 2004, plus 100% of each capital contribution made by us to the operating company after such first $100 million of capital contributions, so long as:
 
(i) the operating company does not pay dividends to us in excess of $25 million in the aggregate in any fiscal year;
 
(ii) no default or event of default exists under the revolving credit facility, and no default or event of default will occur as a result of the dividend payment;
 
(iii) both immediately before giving effect to the dividend and immediately following the dividend payment, the amount of “modified adjusted excess availability” under the revolving credit facility is at least $70 million; and
 
(iv) agents under the revolving credit facility have received the operating company’s unaudited internally prepared financial statements for the fiscal quarter immediately preceding the date of such dividend, together with a compliance certificate and any supporting documentation the agent may request.
 
On August 4, 2006, we reached an agreement with Wachovia Bank, National Association and the other signatories thereto to amend the terms of our existing revolving credit agreement. The Amended and Restated Loan and Security Agreement dated August 4, 2006, added certain of our operating company’s subsidiaries and affiliates to the credit agreement as borrowers and/or guarantors and also allows us to form future subsidiaries, if necessary, for structuring potential future acquisitions.
 
On June 12, 2006, we entered into an interest rate swap agreement with Goldman Sachs Capital Markets, to hedge against interest rate risks related to our variable rate revolving credit facility. The interest rate swap has a notional amount of $150 million and the terms call for us to receive interest monthly at a variable rate equal to the 30-day LIBOR and to pay interest monthly at a fixed rate of 5.4%. This interest rate swap is designated as a cash flow hedge.
 
We expect the hedge to be highly effective in offsetting changes in expected cash flows, as, at inception, the critical terms of the interest rate swap generally match the critical terms of the variable rate revolving credit facility. Fluctuations in the fair value of the ineffective portion, if any, of the cash flow hedge are reflected in current period earnings. These amounts were immaterial during fiscal 2007 and fiscal 2006.
 
At December 29, 2007 and December 30, 2006, the fair value of the interest rate swap was a liability of $7.1 million and $2.5 million, respectively. These balances were included in “Other current liabilities” and “Other long- term liabilities” on the Consolidated Balance Sheet. Accumulated other comprehensive income at December 29, 2007 and December 30, 2006 included the net loss on the cash flow hedge (net of tax) of $4.3 million and $1.5 million, respectively, which reflects the cumulative amount of comprehensive loss in connection with the change in fair value of the swap.


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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
Additionally, interest was capped pursuant to a rate cap agreement that caps 30-day LIBOR exposure at 6.0% on $165 million of our variable rate revolving credit facility. The interest rate cap agreement expired in November 2007. Fluctuations in the fair value of the interest rate cap agreement were recognized in current period earnings. These amounts, as well as the fair value of the cap, were immaterial during fiscal 2007.
 
At December 29, 2007, we had outstanding letters of credit totaling $10.4 million, primarily for the purposes of securing collateral requirements under our casualty insurance programs and for guaranteeing payment of international purchases based on fulfillment of certain conditions.
 
9.   Mortgage
 
On June 9, 2006, certain special purpose entities that are wholly-owned subsidiaries of ours entered into a $295 million mortgage loan with the German American Capital Corporation. The mortgage has a term of ten years and is secured by 57 distribution facilities and 1 office building owned by the special purpose entities. The stated interest rate on the mortgage is fixed at 6.35%. German American Capital Corporation assigned half of its interest in the mortgage loan to Wachovia Bank, National Association.
 
Simultaneously with the execution of the mortgage loan, we paid off in full our then-existing $165 million mortgage loan agreement with Column Financial, Inc. dated as of October 26, 2004. In connection with the termination of the existing mortgage loan, we incurred charges of $4.9 million during the second quarter of fiscal 2006, which includes unamortized debt financing costs of $3.2 million.
 
The mortgage loan requires interest-only payments for the first five years followed by level monthly payments of principal and interest based on an amortization period of thirty years. The balance of the loan outstanding at the end of ten years will then become due and payable. The principal will be paid in the following increments (in thousands):
 
         
2011
  $ 1,511  
2012
    3,172  
2013
    3,437  
2014
    3,665  
2015
    3,908  
Thereafter
  $ 279,307  
 
10.   Related Party Transactions
 
Cerberus Capital Management, L.P., our equity sponsor, retains consultants that specialize in operations management and support and who provide Cerberus with consulting advice concerning portfolio companies in which funds and accounts managed by Cerberus or its affiliates have invested. From time to time, Cerberus makes the services of these consultants available to Cerberus portfolio companies. We believe that the terms of these consulting arrangements are favorable to us, or, alternatively, are materially consistent with those terms that would have been obtained by us in an arrangement with an unaffiliated third party. We have normal service, purchase and sales arrangements with other entities that are owned or controlled by Cerberus. We believe that these transactions are not material to our results of operations or financial position.
 
11.   Commitments and Contingencies
 
Operating Leases
 
Total rental expense was approximately $7.8 million, $6.8 million and $6.5 million for fiscal 2007, fiscal 2006 and fiscal 2005, respectively.


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At December 29, 2007, our total commitments under long-term, non-cancelable operating leases were as follows (in thousands):
 
         
2008
  $ 8,118  
2009
    7,715  
2010
    6,697  
2011
    5,180  
2012
    4,534  
Thereafter
    27,061  
         
Total
  $ 59,305  
         
 
Certain of our operating leases have extension options.
 
Environmental and Legal Matters
 
We are involved in various proceedings incidental to our businesses and are subject to a variety of environmental and pollution control laws and regulations in all jurisdictions in which we operate. Although the ultimate outcome of these proceedings cannot be determined with certainty, based on presently available information management believes that adequate reserves have been established for probable losses with respect thereto. Management further believes that the ultimate outcome of these matters could be material to operating results in any given quarter but will not have a materially adverse effect on our long-term financial condition, our results of operations, or our cash flows.
 
Collective Bargaining Agreements
 
Approximately 30% of our total work force is covered by collective bargaining agreements. Collective bargaining agreements representing approximately 11% of our work force will expire within one year.
 
Preference Claim
 
On November 19, 2004, we received a letter from Wickes Lumber, or Wickes, asserting that approximately $16 million in payments received by the Distribution Division of Georgia-Pacific Corporation during the 90-day period prior to Wickes’ January 20, 2004 Chapter 11 filing were preferential payments under section 547 of the United States Bankruptcy Code. BlueLinx Holdings Inc. and its operating subsidiary acquired the assets of the Distribution Division of Georgia–Pacific Corporation on May 7, 2004. On October 14, 2005, Wickes filed a lawsuit in the United States Bankruptcy Court for the Northern District of Illinois titled “Wickes Inc. v. Georgia Pacific Distribution Division (BlueLinx),” (Bankruptcy Adversary Proceeding No. 05-2322) asserting its claim. On November 14, 2005, we filed our answer to the complaint denying liability. Although the ultimate outcome of this matter cannot be determined with certainty, we believe Wickes’ assertion to be without merit and, in any event, subject to one or more complete defenses, including, but not limited to, that the payments were made and received in the ordinary course of business and were a substantially contemporaneous exchange for new value given to Wickes.
 
12.   Comprehensive Income (Loss)
 
Comprehensive income (loss) is a measure of income (loss) which includes both net income (loss) and other comprehensive income or loss. Other comprehensive income or loss results from items deferred from recognition into our income statement. Accumulated other comprehensive loss is separately presented on our balance sheet as part of shareholders’ equity. Other comprehensive income (loss) was $5.0 million,


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$(0.6) million and $1.8 million for fiscal 2007, fiscal 2006, and fiscal 2005, respectively. The accumulated balances for each component of other comprehensive income (loss) were as follows:
 
                         
    Fiscal Year
    Fiscal Year
    Fiscal Year
 
    Ended
    Ended
    Ended
 
    December 29,
    December 30,
    December 31,
 
    2007     2006     2005  
 
Foreign currency translation adjustment, net of tax
  $ 2,877     $ 965     $ 1,023  
Unrealized net gain from pension plan, net of tax
    6,839       983        
Unrealized loss from cash flow hedge, net of tax
    (4,290 )     (1,536 )      
                         
Accumulated other comprehensive income
  $ 5,426     $ 412     $ 1,023  
                         
 
13.   Unaudited Selected Quarterly Financial Data
 
                                                                 
    First Quarter     Second Quarter     Third Quarter     Fourth Quarter  
    Three Months
    Three Months
    Three Months
    Three Months
    Three Months
    Three Months
    Three Months
    Three Months
 
    Ended
    Ended
    Ended
    Ended
    Ended
    Ended
    Ended
    Ended
 
    March 31,
    April 1,
    June 30,
    July 1,
    September 29,
    September 30,
    December 29,
    December 30,
 
    2007(a)     2006(b)     2007(c)     2006(d)     2007(e)     2006(f)     2007(g)     2006(h)  
    (In thousands, except per share amounts)  
 
Net sales
  $ 957,114     $ 1,376,606     $ 1,081,990     $ 1,378,950     $ 1,015,888     $ 1,203,578     $ 778,918     $ 940,249  
Gross profit
    103,755       129,952       119,238       136,443       102,810       120,906       66,143       92,506  
Net income(loss)
  $ (189 )   $ 9,795     $ 5,434     $ 9,611     $ 890     $ 2,292     $ (34,080 )   $ (5,866 )
Basic net income (loss) per share applicable to common shares
  $ (0.01 )   $ 0.32     $ 0.18     $ 0.31     $ 0.03     $ 0.07     $ (1.10 )   $ (0.19 )
Diluted net income (loss) per share applicable to common shares
  $ (0.01 )   $ 0.32     $ 0.18     $ 0.31     $ 0.03     $ 0.07     $ (1.10 )   $ (0.19 )
 
 
(a) During the three months ended March 31, 2007, basic and diluted weighted average shares were 30,800,483. Total share-based awards of 1,938,930 were excluded from our diluted earnings per share calculation because they were anti-dilutive.
 
(b) During the three months ended April 1, 2006, basic and diluted weighted average shares were 30,417,488, and 30,712,709, respectively. Stock options to purchase 760,500 shares were excluded from our diluted earnings per share calculation because they were anti-dilutive.
 
(c) During the three months ended June 30, 2007, basic and diluted weighted average shares were 30,848,349 and 30,994,917, respectively. Total share-based awards of 1,489,842 were excluded from our diluted earnings per share calculation because they were anti-dilutive.
 
(d) During the three months ended July 1, 2006, basic and diluted weighted average shares were 30,649,044 and 30,788,936, respectively. Total stock-based awards of 1,503,754 were excluded from our diluted earnings per share calculation because they were anti-dilutive.
 
(e) During the three months ended September 29, 2007, basic and diluted weighted average shares were 30,852,572 and 30,951,401, respectively. Total share-based awards of 1,759,161 were excluded from our diluted earnings per share calculation because they were anti-dilutive.
 
(f) During the three months ended September 30, 2006, basic and diluted weighted average shares were 30,662,219 and 30,782,273, respectively. Total share-based awards of 1,537,254 were excluded from our diluted earnings per share calculation because they were anti-dilutive.
 
(g) During the three months ended December 29, 2007, basic and diluted weighted average shares were 30,889,802. Total share-based awards of 1,831,522 were excluded from our diluted earnings per share calculation because they were anti-dilutive.


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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
 
(h) During the three months ended December 30, 2006, basic and diluted weighted average shares were 30,745,010. Total share-based awards of 1,537,254 were excluded from our diluted earnings per share calculation because they were anti-dilutive.
 
14.   Supplemental Condensed Consolidating/Combined Financial Statements
 
The condensed consolidating financial information as of December 29, 2007 and December 30, 2006 and for fiscal 2007, fiscal 2006 and fiscal 2005 is provided due to restrictions in our revolving credit facility that limit distributions by BlueLinx Corporation, our operating company and our wholly-owned subsidiary, to us, which, in turn, may limit our ability to pay dividends to holders of our common stock (see Note 8, Revolving Credit Facility, for a more detailed discussion of these restrictions and the terms of the facility). Also included in the supplemental condensed consolidated/combining financial statements are sixty-one single member limited liability companies, which are wholly owned by us (the “LLC subsidiaries”). The LLC subsidiaries own certain warehouse properties that are occupied by BlueLinx Corporation, each under the terms of a master lease agreement. The warehouse properties collateralize a mortgage loan and are not available to satisfy the debts and other obligations of either us or BlueLinx Corporation.
 
The condensed consolidating statement of operations for BlueLinx Holdings Inc. for the fiscal year ended December 29, 2007 follows (in thousands):
 
                                         
          BlueLinx
                   
    BlueLinx
    Corporation
    LLC
             
    Holdings Inc.     and Subsidiaries     Subsidiaries     Eliminations     Consolidated  
 
Net sales
  $     $ 3,833,910     $ 30,470     $ (30,470 )   $ 3,833,910  
Cost of sales
          3,441,964                   3,441,964  
                                         
Gross profit
          391,946       30,470       (30,470 )     391,946  
                                         
Operating expenses:
                                       
Selling, general and administrative
    1,198       401,528       498       (30,470 )     372,754  
Depreciation and amortization
          16,680       4,244             20,924  
                                         
Total operating expenses
    1,198       418,208       4,742       (30,470 )     393,678  
                                         
Operating income (loss)
    (1,198 )     (26,262 )     25,728             (1,732 )
Non-operating expenses:
                                       
Interest expense
          24,091       19,569             43,660  
Other income, net
          (111 )     (259 )           (370 )
                                         
Income (loss) before provision for (benefit from) income taxes
    (1,198 )     (50,242 )     6,418             (45,022 )
Provision for (benefit from) income taxes
    (471 )     (19,128 )     2,522             (17,077 )
                                         
Equity in loss of subsidiaries
    (27,218 )                 27,218        
                                         
Net income (loss)
  $ (27,945 )   $ (31,114 )   $ 3,896     $ 27,218     $ (27,945 )
                                         


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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
The condensed consolidating statement of operations for BlueLinx Holdings Inc. for the fiscal year ended December 30, 2006 follows (in thousands):
 
                                         
          BlueLinx
                   
    BlueLinx
    Corporation
    LLC
             
    Holdings Inc.     and Subsidiaries     Subsidiaries     Eliminations     Consolidated  
 
Net sales
  $     $ 4,899,383     $ 25,570     $ (25,570 )   $ 4,899,383  
Cost of sales
          4,419,576                   4,419,576  
                                         
Gross profit
          479,807       25,570       (25,570 )     479,807  
                                         
Operating expenses:
                                       
Selling, general and administrative
    1,511       404,723       890       (25,570 )     381,554  
Depreciation and amortization
          16,492       4,232             20,724  
                                         
Total operating expenses
    1,511       421,215       5,122       (25,570 )     402,278  
                                         
Operating income (loss)
    (1,511 )     58,592       20,448             77,529  
Non-operating expenses:
                                       
Interest expense
          29,479       16,685             46,164  
Charges associated with mortgage refinancing
                4,864             4,864  
Other expense (income), net
          413       (93 )           320  
                                         
Income (loss) before provision for (benefit from) income taxes
    (1,511 )     28,700       (1,008 )           26,181  
Provision for (benefit from) income taxes
    (604 )     11,356       (403 )           10,349  
                                         
Equity in income of subsidiaries
    16,739                   (16,739 )      
                                         
Net income (loss)
  $ 15,832     $ 17,344     $ (605 )   $ (16,739 )   $ 15,832  
                                         


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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
The condensed consolidating statement of operations for BlueLinx Holdings Inc. for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2005 follows (in thousands):
 
                                         
          BlueLinx
                   
    BlueLinx
    Corporation
    LLC
             
    Holdings Inc.     and Subsidiaries     Subsidiaries     Eliminations     Consolidated  
 
Net sales
  $     $ 5,622,071     $ 19,600     $ (19,600 )   $ 5,622,071  
Cost of sales
          5,109,632                   5,109,632  
                                         
Gross profit
          512,439       19,600       (19,600 )     512,439  
                                         
Operating expenses:
                                       
Selling, general and administrative
    1,779       395,368       461       (19,600 )     378,008  
Depreciation and amortization
          14,486       4,284             18,770  
                                         
Total operating expenses
    1,779       409,854       4,745       (19,600 )     396,778  
                                         
Operating income (loss)
    (1,779 )     102,585       14,855             115,661  
Non-operating expenses:
                                       
Interest expense
          31,624       10,687             42,311  
Other expense (income), net
          296       (110 )           186  
                                         
Income (loss) before provision for (benefit from) income taxes
    (1,779 )     70,665       4,278             73,164  
Provision for (benefit from) income taxes
    (683 )     27,601       1,643             28,561  
                                         
Equity in income of subsidiaries
    45,699                   (45,699 )      
                                         
Net income
  $ 44,603     $ 43,064     $ 2,635     $ (45,699 )   $ 44,603  
                                         


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BLUELINX HOLDINGS INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
The condensed consolidating balance sheet for BlueLinx Holdings Inc. as of December 29, 2007 follows (in thousands):
 
                                         
          BlueLinx
                   
    BlueLinx
    Corporation
    LLC
             
    Holdings Inc.     and Subsidiaries     Subsidiaries     Eliminations     Consolidated  
 
Assets:
                                       
Current assets:
                                       
Cash
  $ 3     $ 15,699     $ 57     $     $ 15,759  
Receivables
          263,176                   263,176  
Inventories
          335,887                   335,887  
Deferred income taxes
          12,277             (78 )     12,199  
Other current assets
    271       52,960                   53,231  
Intercompany receivable
    18,103       611             (18,714 )      
                                         
Total current assets
    18,377       680,610       57       (18,792 )     680,252  
                                         
Property, plant and equipment:
                                       
Land and land improvements
          3,000       54,295             57,295  
Buildings
          7,390       91,030             98,420  
Machinery and equipment
          67,217                   67,217  
Construction in progress
          4,212                   4,212  
                                         
Property, plant and equipment, at cost
          81,819       145,325             227,144  
Accumulated depreciation
          (39,228 )     (15,474 )           (54,702 )
                                         
Property, plant and equipment, net
          42,591       129,851             172,442  
Investment in subsidiaries
    137,155                   (137,155 )      
Non-current deferred income taxes
          4,327             (1,699 )     2,628  
Other non-current assets
          22,822       5,292             28,114  
                                         
Total assets
  $ 155,532     $ 750,350     $ 135,200     $ (157,646 )   $ 883,436  
                                         
Liabilities:
                                       
Current liabilities:
                                       
Accounts payable
  $ 20     $ 164,697     $     $     $ 164,717  
Bank overdrafts
          37,152                   37,152  
Accrued compensation
          10,372                   10,372  
Deferred income taxes
    78                   (78 )      
Other current liabilities
          15,145       4,135             19,280  
Intercompany payable
    611       17,632       471       (18,714 )      
                                         
Total current liabilities
    709       244,998       4,606       (18,792 )     231,521  
                                         
Non-current liabilities:
                                       
Long-term debt
          183,535       295,000             478,535  
Deferred income taxes
                1,699       (1,699 )      
Other non-current liabilities
          18,557                   18,557  
                                         
Total liabilities
    709       447,090       301,305       (20,491 )     728,613  
                                         
Shareholders’ Equity/Parent’s Investment
    154,823       303,260       (166,105 )     (137,155 )     154,823  
                                         
Total liabilities and equity
  $ 155,532     $ 750,350     $ 135,200     $ (157,646 )   $ 883,436  
                                         


74


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BLUELINX HOLDINGS INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
The condensed consolidating balance sheet for BlueLinx Holdings Inc. as of December 30, 2006 follows (in thousands):
 
                                         
          BlueLinx
                   
    BlueLinx
    Corporation
    LLC
             
    Holdings Inc.     and Subsidiaries     Subsidiaries     Eliminations     Consolidated  
 
Assets:
                                       
Current assets:
                                       
Cash
  $ 2     $ 27,017     $ 23     $     $ 27,042  
Receivables
          307,543                   307,543  
Inventories
          410,686                   410,686  
Deferred income taxes
          9,175             (151 )     9,024  
Other current assets
    497       46,957             (2,506 )     44,948  
Intercompany receivable
    764                   (764 )      
                                         
Total current assets
    1,263       801,378       23       (3,421 )     799,243  
                                         
Property, plant and equipment:
                                       
Land and land improvements
          2,760       54,225             56,985  
Buildings
          6,467       89,347             95,814  
Machinery and equipment
          61,955                   61,955  
Construction in progress
          2,025                   2,025  
                                         
Property, plant and equipment, at cost
          73,207       143,572             216,779  
Accumulated depreciation
          (27,300 )     (11,230 )           (38,530 )
                                         
Property, plant and equipment, net
          45,907       132,342             178,249  
Investment in subsidiaries
    188,307                   (188,307 )      
Non-current deferred income taxes
          1,430             (1,430 )      
Other non-current assets
          20,916       5,954             26,870  
                                         
Total assets
  $ 189,570     $ 869,631     $ 138,319     $ (193,158 )   $ 1,004,362  
                                         
Liabilities:
                                       
Current liabilities:
                                       
Accounts payable
  $ 20     $ 195,795     $     $     $ 195,815  
Bank overdrafts
          50,241                   50,241  
Accrued compensation
          8,574                   8,574  
Current maturities of long-term debt
          9,743                   9,743  
Deferred income taxes
    151                   (151 )      
Other current liabilities
          14,848       (215 )           14,633  
Intercompany payable
          160       3,110       (3,270 )      
                                         
Total current liabilities
    171       279,361       2,895       (3,421 )     279,006  
                                         
Non-current liabilities:
                                       
Long-term debt
          227,719       295,000             522,719  
Deferred income taxes
                2,531       (1,430 )     1,101  
Other non-current liabilities
          12,137                   12,137  
                                         
Total liabilities
    171       519,217       300,426       (4,851 )     814,963  
                                         
Shareholders’ Equity/Parent’s Investment
    189,399       350,414       (162,107 )     (188,307 )     189,399  
                                         
Total liabilities and equity
  $ 189,570     $ 869,631     $ 138,319     $ (193,158 )   $ 1,004,362  
                                         


75


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BLUELINX HOLDINGS INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
The condensed consolidating statement of cash flows for BlueLinx Holdings Inc. for the fiscal year ended December 29, 2007 follows (in thousands):
 
                                         
          BlueLinx
                   
    BlueLinx
    Corporation
    LLC
             
    Holdings Inc.     and Subsidiaries     Subsidiaries     Eliminations     Consolidated  
 
Cash flows from operating activities:
                                       
Net income (loss)
  $ (27,945 )   $ (31,114 )   $ 3,896     $ 27,218     $ (27,945 )
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to cash provided by (used in) operations:
                                       
Depreciation and amortization
          16,680       4,244             20,924  
Amortization of debt issue costs
          1,806       625             2,431  
Non-cash vacant property charges
          11,037                   11,037  
Deferred income tax benefit
    (73 )     (8,621 )     (832 )           (9,526 )
Gain from insurance settlement
          (1,698 )                 (1,698 )
Share-based compensation
          3,500                   3,500  
Excess tax benefits from share-based compensation arrangements
          (20 )                 (20 )
Equity in earnings of subsidiaries
    27,218                   (27,218 )      
Changes in assets and liabilities:
                                       
Receivables
          44,367                   44,367  
Inventories
          74,799                   74,799  
Accounts payable
          (31,098 )                 (31,098 )
Changes in other working capital
    226       (8,281 )     4,350       (2,506 )     (6,211 )
Intercompany receivable
    (17,339 )     (611 )           17,950        
Intercompany payable
    611       17,472       (2,639 )     (15,444 )      
Other
          (685 )     (33 )           (718 )
                                         
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities
    (17,302 )     87,533       9,611             79,842  
                                         
Cash flows from investing activities:
                                       
Investment in subsidiaries
    32,376                   (32,376 )      
Property, plant and equipment investments
          (11,424 )     (1,717 )           (13,141 )
Proceeds from disposition of assets
          4,071                   4,071  
                                         
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities
    32,376       (7,353 )     (1,717 )     (32,376 )     (9,070 )
                                         
Cash flows from financing activities:
                                       
Net transactions with Parent
          (24,482 )     (7,894 )     32,376        
Proceeds from stock options exercised
    496                         496  
Excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation arrangements
    20                         20  
Net decrease in revolving credit facility
          (53,927 )                 (53,927 )
Decrease in bank overdrafts
          (13,089 )                 (13,089 )
Common dividends paid
    (15,591 )                       (15,591 )
Other
    2             34             36  
                                         
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities
    (15,073 )     (91,498 )     (7,860 )     32,376       (82,055 )
                                         
Decrease in cash
    1       (11,318 )     34             (11,283 )
Balance, beginning of period
    2       27,017       23             27,042  
                                         
Balance, end of period
  $ 3     $ 15,699     $ 57     $     $ 15,759  
                                         
Supplemental cash flow information:
                                       
Income taxes paid during the period
  $     $ 777     $ 214     $     $ 991  
                                         
Interest paid during the period
  $     $ 22,658     $ 17,379     $     $ 40,037  
                                         


76


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BLUELINX HOLDINGS INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
The condensed consolidating statement of cash flows for BlueLinx Holdings Inc. for the fiscal year ended December 30, 2006 follows (in thousands):
 
                                         
          BlueLinx
                   
    BlueLinx
    Corporation
    LLC
             
    Holdings Inc.     and Subsidiaries     Subsidiaries     Eliminations     Consolidated  
 
Cash flows from operating activities:
                                       
Net income (loss)
  $ 15,832     $ 17,344     $ (605 )   $ (16,739 )   $ 15,832  
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to cash provided by (used in) operations:
                                       
Depreciation and amortization
          16,492       4,232             20,724  
Amortization of debt issue costs
          1,892       736             2,628  
Charges associated with mortgage refinancing
                4,864             4,864  
Deferred income tax benefit
    (240 )     (2,769 )     (691 )           (3,700 )
Share-based compensation
    57       2,864                   2,921  
Excess tax benefits from share-based compensation arrangements
            (891 )                 (891 )
Equity in earnings of subsidiaries
    (16,739 )                 16,739        
Changes in assets and liabilities:
                                       
Receivables
          94,113                   94,113  
Inventories
          66,504                   66,504  
Accounts payable
    (35 )     (131,559 )                 (131,594 )
Changes in other working capital
    506       (5,326 )     (2,575 )     2,506       (4,889 )
Intercompany receivable
    (81 )     1,578             (1,497 )      
Intercompany payable
    (1,578 )     160       2,427       (1,009 )      
Other
          (3,634 )     326             (3,308 )
                                         
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities
    (2,278 )     56,768       8,714             63,204  
                                         
Cash flows from investing activities:
                                       
Investment in subsidiaries
    14,862                   (14,862 )      
Acquisitions, net of cash acquired
          (9,391 )                 (9,391 )
Property, plant and equipment investments
          (9,601 )                 (9,601 )
Proceeds from sale of assets
          822                   822  
                                         
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities
    14,862       (18,170 )           (14,862 )     (18,170 )
                                         
Cash flows from financing activities:
                                       
Net transactions with Parent
          115,051       (129,913 )     14,862        
Proceeds from stock options exercised
    1,913                         1,913  
Excess tax benefits from share-based compensation arrangements
    891                         891  
Net decrease in revolving credit facility
          (138,388 )                 (138,388 )
Proceeds from new mortgage
                295,000             295,000  
Debt financing costs
          (400 )     (6,303 )           (6,703 )
Retirement of old mortgage
                (165,000 )           (165,000 )
Prepayment fees associated with old mortgage
                (2,475 )           (2,475 )
Decrease in bank overdrafts
          (12,151 )                 (12,151 )
Common dividends paid
    (15,400 )                       (15,400 )
Other
    1                         1  
                                         
Net cash used in financing activities
    (12,595 )     (35,888 )     (8,691 )     14,862       (42,312 )
                                         
Increase (decrease) in cash
    (11 )     2,710       23             2,722  
Balance, beginning of period
    13       24,307                   24,320  
                                         
Balance, end of period
  $ 2     $ 27,017     $ 23     $     $ 27,042  
                                         
Supplemental cash flow information:
                                       
Income taxes paid during the period
  $     $ 21,278     $ 189     $     $ 21,467  
                                         
Interest paid during the period
  $     $ 26,127     $ 16,509     $     $ 42,636  
                                         


77


Table of Contents

 
BLUELINX HOLDINGS INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
The condensed consolidating statement of cash flows for BlueLinx Holdings Inc. for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2005 follows (in thousands):
 
                                         
          BlueLinx
                   
    BlueLinx
    Corporation
    LLC
             
    Holdings Inc.     and Subsidiaries     Subsidiaries     Eliminations     Consolidated  
 
Cash flows from operating activities:
                                       
Net income (loss)
  $ 44,603     $ 43,064     $ 2,635     $ (45,699 )   $ 44,603  
Adjustments to reconcile net income to cash provided by (used in) operations:
                                       
Depreciation and amortization
          14,486       4,284             18,770  
Amortization of debt issue costs
          2,718       911             3,629  
Deferred income tax provision (benefit)
    391       103       (862 )           (368 )
Share-based compensation
          2,170                   2,170  
Excess tax benefits from share-based compensation
            (71 )                 (71 )
Equity in earnings of subsidiaries
    (45,699 )                 45,699        
Changes in assets and liabilities:
                                       
Receivables
          (30,609 )                 (30,609 )
Inventories
          36,889                   36,889  
Accounts payable
    (1,015 )     57,620                   56,605  
Changes in other working capital
    255       (13,933 )     1,003             (12,675 )
Intercompany receivable
    (516 )     2,434       2,251       (4,169 )      
Intercompany payable
    (2,434 )     (2,251 )     516       4,169        
Other
          4,921       1,073             5,994  
                                         
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities
    (4,415 )     117,541       11,811             124,937  
                                         
Cash flows from investing activities:
                                       
Investment in subsidiaries
    10,651                   (10,651 )      
Acquisitions, net of cash acquired
          (16,908 )                 (16,908 )
Property, plant and equipment investments
          (12,744 )                 (12,744 )
Proceeds from sale of assets
          1,153                   1,153  
                                         
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities
    10,651       (28,499 )           (10,651 )     (28,499 )
                                         
Cash flows from financing activities:
                                       
Net transactions with Parent
          1,160       (11,811 )     10,651        
Issuance of common stock, net
    8,548                         8,548  
Proceeds from stock options exercised
    258                         258  
Excess tax benefits from share-based compensation
    71                         71  
Net decrease in revolving credit facility
          (111,253 )                 (111,253 )
Debt financing costs
          (570 )                 (570 )
Increase in bank overdrafts
          30,359                   30,359  
Common dividends paid
    (15,103 )                       (15,103 )
                                         
Net cash used in financing activities
    (6,226 )     (80,304 )     (11,811 )     10,651       (87,690 )
                                         
Increase in cash
    10       8,738                   8,748  
Balance, beginning of period
    3       15,569                   15,572  
                                         
Balance, end of period
  $ 13     $ 24,307     $     $     $ 24,320  
                                         
Supplemental cash flow information:
                                       
Income taxes paid during the period
  $     $ 32,677     $ 390     $     $ 33,067  
                                         
Interest paid during the period
  $     $ 29,376     $ 9,126     $     $ 38,502  
                                         


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BLUELINX HOLDINGS INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
The condensed consolidating statement of shareholders’ equity for BlueLinx Holdings Inc. for fiscal 2005, fiscal 2006 and fiscal 2007 follows (in thousands):
 
                                         
          BlueLinx
                   
    BlueLinx
    Corporation
    LLC
             
    Holdings Inc.     and Subsidiaries     Subsidiaries     Eliminations     Consolidated  
 
Balance, January 1, 2005
  $ 141,492     $ 167,559     $ (22,413 )   $ (145,146 )   $ 141,492  
Net income
    44,603       43,064       2,635       (45,699 )     44,603  
Foreign currency translation adjustment
    276       276             (276 )     276  
Amount related to minimum pension liability
    1,536       1,536             (1,536 )     1,536  
Issuance of common stock-initial public offering, net
    8,548                         8,548  
Proceeds from stock options exercised
    259                         259  
Excess tax benefits from share-based compensation arrangements
    71                         71  
Compensation related to share-based grants
    2,170                         2,170  
Common stock dividends
    (15,103 )                       (15,103 )
Net transactions with the parent
          3,331       (11,811 )     8,480        
                                         
Balance, December 31, 2005
  $ 183,852     $ 215,766     $ (31,589 )   $ (184,177 )   $ 183,852  
Net income (loss)
    15,832       17,344       (605 )     (16,739 )     15,832  
Foreign currency translation adjustment
    (58 )     (58 )           58       (58 )
Unrealized net gain from pension plan, net of tax
    983       983             (983 )     983  
Unrealized loss from cash flow hedge, net of tax
    (1,536 )     (1,536 )           1,536       (1,536 )
Proceeds from stock options exercised
    1,913                         1,913  
Issuance of restricted stock
    1                         1  
Excess tax benefits from share-based compensation arrangements
    891                         891  
Compensation related to share-based grants
    2,921                         2,921  
Common stock dividends
    (15,400 )                       (15,400 )
Net transactions with the parent
          117,915       (129,913 )     11,998        
                                         
Balance, December 30, 2006
  $ 189,399     $ 350,414     $ (162,107 )   $ (188,307 )   $ 189,399  
Net income (loss)
    (27,945 )     (31,114 )     3,896       27,218       (27,945 )
Foreign currency translation adjustment
    1,912       1,912             (1,912 )     1,912  
Unrealized net gain from pension plan, net of tax
    5,856       5,856             (5,856 )     5,856  
Unrealized loss from cash flow hedge, net of tax
    (2,754 )     (2,754 )           2,754       (2,754 )
Unrealized loss from adoption of FIN 48, net of tax
    (72 )     (72 )           72       (72 )
Proceeds from stock options exercised
    496                         496  
Issuance of restricted stock
    2                         2  
Excess tax benefits from share-based compensation arrangements
    20                         20  
Compensation related to share-based grants
    3,500                         3,500  
Common stock dividends
    (15,591 )                       (15,591 )
Net transactions with the parent
          (20,982 )     (7,894 )     28,876        
                                         
Balance, December 29, 2007
  $ 154,823     $ 303,260     $ (166,105 )   $ (137,155 )   $ 154,823  
                                         


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ITEM 9.   CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE.
 
None.
 
ITEM 9A.   CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES.
 
Conclusion Regarding the Effectiveness of Disclosure Controls and Procedures
 
We maintain disclosure controls and procedures designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in our Exchange Act reports is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms, and that such information is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our chief executive officer and chief financial officer, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure. Management necessarily applied its judgment in assessing the costs and benefits of such controls and procedures that, by their nature, can provide only reasonable assurance regarding management’s control objectives.
 
Our management performed an evaluation, as of the end of the period covered by this report on Form 10-K, under the supervision of our chief executive officer and chief financial officer of the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in rule 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) of the Exchange Act). Based on that evaluation, our chief executive officer and chief financial officer have concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures are effective to ensure that information required to be disclosed by us in reports that we file or submit under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms, and is accumulated and communicated to our management including our chief executive officer and chief financial officer, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.
 
Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting
 
Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting and the Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm thereon are set out in Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
 
Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting
 
No change in our internal control over financial reporting occurred during the fiscal quarter ended December 29, 2007 that materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.
 
The certifications of our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer required by Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 are filed as Exhibits 31.1 and 31.2 to this Annual Report on Form 10-K. Additionally, as required by Section 303A.12(a) of the NYSE Listed Company Manual, our Chief Executive Officer filed a certification with the NYSE on May 24, 2007 reporting that he was not aware of any violation by us of the NYSE’s Corporate Governance listing standards.
 
ITEM 9B.   OTHER INFORMATION.
 
None.
 
PART III
 
ITEM 10.   DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE.
 
Certain information required by this Item is set forth in our definitive proxy statement for the 2008 Annual Meeting of Stockholders of BlueLinx Holdings Inc. to be held on May 21, 2008, and is incorporated herein by reference. Information regarding executive officers is included under Item 1 of this report and is incorporated herein by reference.


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ITEM 11.   EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION.
 
The information required by this Item is set forth in our definitive proxy statement for the 2008 Annual Meeting of Stockholders of BlueLinx Holdings Inc. to be held on May 21, 2008, and is incorporated herein by reference.
 
ITEM 12.   SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS.
 
The information required by this Item is set forth in our definitive proxy statement for the 2008 Annual Meeting of Stockholders of BlueLinx Holdings Inc. to be held on May 21, 2008, and is incorporated herein by reference.
 
ITEM 13.   CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS AND DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE.
 
The information required by this Item is set forth in our definitive proxy statement for the 2008 Annual Meeting of Stockholders of BlueLinx Holdings Inc. to be held on May 21, 2008, and is incorporated herein by reference.
 
ITEM 14.   PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES.
 
The information required by this Item is set forth in our definitive proxy statement for the 2008 Annual Meeting of Stockholders of BlueLinx Holdings Inc. to be held on May 21, 2008, and is incorporated herein by reference.
 
PART IV
 
ITEM 15.   EXHIBITS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES.
 
(a)   Financial Statements, Schedules and Exhibits
 
1. Financial Statements.  The Financial Statements of BlueLinx Holdings Inc. and the Reports of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm are presented under Item 8 of this Form 10-K.
 
2. Financial Statement Schedules.  Not applicable.
 
3. Exhibits.
 
         
Exhibit
   
Number
 
Item
 
  3 .1   Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of BlueLinx(A)
  3 .2   Amended and Restated By-Laws of BlueLinx(A)
  4 .1   Registration Rights Agreement, dated as of May 7, 2004, by and among BlueLinx and the initial holders specified on the signature pages thereto(C)
  4 .2   Letter Agreement, dated as of August 30, 2004, by and among BlueLinx, Cerberus ABP Investor LLC, Charles H. McElrea, George R. Judd, David J. Morris, James C. Herbig, Wayne E. Wiggleton and Steven C. Hardin(C)
  4 .3   Investment Letter, dated March 10, 2004, between BlueLinx and Cerberus ABP Investor LLC, as Purchaser of Common Stock(B)
  4 .4   Investment Letter, dated May 7, 2004, between BlueLinx and Cerberus ABP Investor LLC, as Purchaser of Common Stock(B)
  4 .5   Executive Purchase Agreement dated May 7, 2004 by and among BlueLinx, Cerberus ABP Investor LLC and Charles H. McElrea(B)
  4 .6   Executive Purchase Agreement dated May 7, 2004 by and among BlueLinx, Cerberus ABP Investor LLC and George R. Judd(B)


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Exhibit
   
Number
 
Item
 
  10 .1   Asset Purchase Agreement, dated as of March 12, 2004, by and among Georgia-Pacific Corporation, Georgia-Pacific Building Materials Sales, Ltd. and BlueLinx Corporation(C)
  10 .2   First Amendment to Asset Purchase Agreement, dated as of May 6, 2004, by and among Georgia-Pacific Corporation, Georgia-Pacific Building Materials Sales, Ltd. and BlueLinx Corporation(C)
  10 .3†   Master Purchase, Supply and Distribution Agreement, dated May 7, 2004 by and between BlueLinx Corporation and Georgia-Pacific(A)
  10 .4   Severance Agreement between BlueLinx Corporation and Charles H. McElrea, dated May 7, 2004(C)
  10 .5   Severance Agreement between BlueLinx Corporation and David J. Morris, dated May 7, 2004(C)
  10 .6   Severance Agreement between BlueLinx Corporation and George R. Judd, dated May 7, 2004(C)
  10 .7   Severance Agreement between BlueLinx Corporation and Steven C. Hardin, dated May 7, 2004(C)
  10 .8   Severance Agreement between BlueLinx Corporation and Barbara V. Tinsley, dated May 7, 2004(C)
  10 .9   BlueLinx Holdings Inc. 2004 Long Term Equity Incentive Plan(C)
  10 .10   Form of Director and Officer Indemnification Agreement(A)
  10 .11   Employment Agreement between BlueLinx Corporation and Stephen E. Macadam, dated October 20, 2005 (incorporated by reference to Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on October 24, 2005)
  10 .12   Retirement and Consulting Agreement between BlueLinx Corporation and Charles H. McElrea, dated October 20, 2005 (incorporated by reference to Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on October 24, 2005)
  10 .13   BlueLinx Holdings Inc. Short-Term Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on February 7, 2006)
  10 .14   BlueLinx Holdings Inc. 2006 Long-Term Equity Incentive Plan Restricted Stock Award Agreement (incorporated by reference to Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on June 9, 2006)
  10 .15   BlueLinx Holdings Inc. 2006 Long-Term Equity Incentive Plan Nonqualified Stock Option Award Agreement (incorporated by reference to Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on June 9, 2006)
  10 .16   Amended and Restated Master Lease Agreement, dated as of June 9, 2006, by and between ABP AL (Midfield) LLC and the other parties identified as landlords therein and BlueLinx Corporation as tenant (incorporated by reference to Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on June 15, 2006)
  10 .17   Loan and Security Agreement, dated as of June 9, 2006, between the entities set forth therein collectively as borrower and German American Capital Corporation as Lender (incorporated by reference to Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on June 15, 2006)
  10 .18   Guaranty of Recourse Obligations, dated as of June 9, 2006, by BlueLinx Holdings Inc. for the benefit of German American Capital Corporation (incorporated by reference to Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on June 15, 2006)
  10 .19   Environmental Indemnity Agreement, dated as of June 9, 2006, by BlueLinx Holdings Inc. in favor of German American Capital Corporation (incorporated by reference to Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on June 15, 2006)
  10 .20   Amended and Restated Loan and Security Agreement, dated August 4, 2006, by and between BlueLinx Corporation, Wachovia and the other signatories listed therein (incorporated by reference to Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on August 9, 2006)
  10 .21   Consulting Agreement between BlueLinx Corporation and David J. Morris, dated November 17, 2006 (incorporated by reference to Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on November 21, 2006)
  10 .22†   Letter Agreement, dated December 18, 2006, relating to and amending the Master Purchase, Supply and Distribution Agreement between Georgia-Pacific Corporation and BlueLinx Corporation dated May 7, 2004 (incorporated by reference to Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on December 22, 2006)

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Exhibit
   
Number
 
Item
 
  10 .23   Employment Agreement between BlueLinx Corporation and Lynn A. Wentworth, dated January 12, 2007, effective January 22, 2007 (incorporated by reference to Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on January 17, 2007)
  10 .24   BlueLinx Holdings Inc. 2006 Long-Term Equity Incentive Plan Form of Performance Share Award Agreement (incorporated by reference to Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on April 4, 2007)
  10 .25   BlueLinx Holdings Inc. 2004 Long-Term Equity Incentive Plan Form of Restricted Stock Award Agreement (incorporated by reference to Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on January 11, 2008)
  10 .26   First Amendment to Employment Agreement with Stephen E. Macadam, dated as of January 8, 2008 (incorporated by reference to Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on January 11, 2008)
  10 .27   Employment Agreement between BlueLinx Corporation and Howard D. Goforth, dated February 11, 2008, effective February 18, 2008 (incorporated by reference to Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on February 15, 2008)
  14 .1   BlueLinx Code of Ethical Conduct (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 14 to Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended January 1, 2005, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 22, 2005)
  21 .1   List of subsidiaries of the Company*
  23 .1   Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm*
  31 .1   Certification of Stephen E. Macadam, Chief Executive Officer, pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002*
  31 .2   Certification of Howard D. Goforth, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer, pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002*
  32 .1   Certification of Stephen E. Macadam, Chief Executive Officer, pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002*
  32 .2   Certification of Howard D. Goforth, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer, pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002*
 
 
Filed herewith.
 
†  Portions of this document were omitted and filed separately with the SEC pursuant to a request for confidential treatment in accordance with Rule 24b-2 of the Exchange Act.
 
(A) Previously filed as an exhibit to Amendment No. 3 to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-1 (Reg. No. 333-118750) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on November 26, 2004.
 
(B) Previously filed as an exhibit to Amendment No. 2 to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-1 (Reg. No. 333-118750) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on October 8, 2004.
 
(C) Previously filed as an exhibit to Amendment No. 1 to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-1 (Reg. No. 333-118750) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on October 1, 2004.

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SIGNATURES
 
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
 
BLUELINX HOLDINGS INC.
(Registrant)
 
  By: 
/s/  Stephen E. Macadam
Stephen E. Macadam
Chief Executive Officer
 
Date: February 29, 2008
 
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.
 
             
Signature Name
 
Capacity
 
Date
 
         
/s/  Stephen E. Macadam

Stephen E. Macadam
  Chief Executive Officer and Director (Principal Executive Officer)   February 29, 2008
         
/s/  Howard D. Goforth

Howard D. Goforth
  Senior Vice President,Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer (Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)   February 29, 2008
         
/s/  Jeffrey J. Fenton

Jeffrey J. Fenton
  Chairman   February 29, 2008
         
/s/  Howard S. Cohen

Howard S. Cohen
  Director   February 29, 2008
         
/s/  Richard S. Grant

Richard S. Grant
  Director   February 29, 2008
         
/s/  Steven F. Mayer

Steven F. Mayer
  Director   February 29, 2008
         
/s/  Richard B. Marchese

Richard B. Marchese
  Director   February 29, 2008
         
/s/  Charles H. McElrea

Charles H. McElrea
  Director   February 29, 2008
         
/s/  Alan H. Schumacher

Alan H. Schumacher
  Director   February 29, 2008
         
/s/  Mark A. Suwyn

Mark A. Suwyn
  Director   February 29, 2008
         
/s/  Robert G. Warden

Robert G. Warden
  Director   February 29, 2008


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