-----BEGIN PRIVACY-ENHANCED MESSAGE----- Proc-Type: 2001,MIC-CLEAR Originator-Name: webmaster@www.sec.gov Originator-Key-Asymmetric: MFgwCgYEVQgBAQICAf8DSgAwRwJAW2sNKK9AVtBzYZmr6aGjlWyK3XmZv3dTINen TWSM7vrzLADbmYQaionwg5sDW3P6oaM5D3tdezXMm7z1T+B+twIDAQAB MIC-Info: RSA-MD5,RSA, TH1qYGTjPpzmcq24FfgMpLnmv1G0fF1ETstm09L++CJlcEmSYhAf2HH1kxEWr3VT itfrzAzAxpTyjn1mdhzthQ== 0000084581-06-000018.txt : 20060417 0000084581-06-000018.hdr.sgml : 20060417 20060417161439 ACCESSION NUMBER: 0000084581-06-000018 CONFORMED SUBMISSION TYPE: 10-K PUBLIC DOCUMENT COUNT: 5 CONFORMED PERIOD OF REPORT: 20051231 FILED AS OF DATE: 20060417 DATE AS OF CHANGE: 20060417 FILER: COMPANY DATA: COMPANY CONFORMED NAME: ROCK OF AGES CORP CENTRAL INDEX KEY: 0000084581 STANDARD INDUSTRIAL CLASSIFICATION: CUT STONE & STONE PRODUCTS [3281] IRS NUMBER: 030153200 STATE OF INCORPORATION: DE FISCAL YEAR END: 1231 FILING VALUES: FORM TYPE: 10-K SEC ACT: 1934 Act SEC FILE NUMBER: 000-29464 FILM NUMBER: 06762503 BUSINESS ADDRESS: STREET 1: 369 NORTH STATE STREET CITY: CONCORD STATE: NH ZIP: 03301 BUSINESS PHONE: 6032258397 MAIL ADDRESS: STREET 1: 369 NO STATE STREET CITY: CONCORD STATE: NH ZIP: 03301 10-K 1 dec200510k.htm dec200510k

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UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549

                                               

 

FORM 10-K

(Mark One)


x


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


For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2005


OR


o


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


For the transition period from                                          to                                            


Commission file Number: 000-29464

                                               

ROCK OF AGES CORPORATION
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

 

 

Delaware
(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization)

 

030153200
(I.R.S. Employer
Identification No.)


772 GRANITEVILLE ROAD
GRANITEVILLE, VERMONT 05654

(Address of principal executive offices and zip code)

 

(802) 476-3121
(Registrant's telephone number, including area code)

 Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act: None

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

CLASS A COMMON STOCK, PAR VALUE $0.01
(Title of Class)

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act. Yes x No o

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act.  Yes o No x

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes x No 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. x

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, or a non-accelerated filer. See definition of "accelerated filer and large accelerated filer" in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one): Large accelerated filer o Accelerated filer o Non-accelerated filer x

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

As of June 30, 2005, the aggregate market value of the registrant's voting stock (including Class B Common Stock, par value $.01 per share ("Class B Common Stock"), which is convertible on a share-for-share basis into Class A Common Stock, par value $.01 per share ("Class A Common Stock" and, together with Class B Common Stock, "Common Stock")), held by non-affiliates of the registrant was $35,518,088. As of March 31, 2006, there were outstanding 4,660,800 shares of Class A Common Stock and 2,738,596 shares of Class B Common Stock.

 

 


 

TABLE OF CONTENTS
 

 

 

 

PAGE

 

 

 

 

PART I

 

 

 

 

ITEM 1.

BUSINESS

2

ITEM 1A.

RISK FACTORS

7

ITEM 2.

PROPERTIES

12

ITEM 3.

LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

14

ITEM 4.

SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS

14

 

 

 

 

PART II

 

 

 

 

ITEM 5.

MARKET FOR REGISTRANT'S COMMON EQUITY AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS AND ISSUER REPURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES

15

ITEM 6.

SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA

16

ITEM 7.

MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

18

ITEM 7A.

QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

29

ITEM 8.

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA

29

ITEM 9.

CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE

29

ITEM 9A.

CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

30

ITEM 9B.

OTHER INFORMATION

31

 

 

 

 

PART III

 

 

 

 

ITEM 10.

DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS

32

ITEM 11.

EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

35

ITEM 12.

SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS

40

ITEM 13.

CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS

42

ITEM 14.

PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES

44

 

 

 

 

PART IV

 

 

 

 

ITEM 15.

EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K

45

 

SIGNATURES

51

 

INDEX TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULE

52

 2


SPECIAL NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

 

This Annual Report on Form 10-K, including "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" in Item 7, contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties, as well as assumptions that, if they never materialize or prove incorrect, could cause the results of Rock of Ages Corporation ("Rock of Ages" or the "Company") to differ materially from those contained in such statements. All statements other than statements of historical fact could be deemed forward-looking statements, and may include projections of revenue, gross profit, expenses, earnings or losses from operations or other financial items; any statements of the plans, strategies and objectives of the Company or its management for future operations; any statements regarding future economic conditions or performance; any statements of expectation or belief; and any statements of assumptions underlying any of the foregoing. The risks, uncertainties and assumptions may include the challenge of continuing to build and grow Rock of Ages' retail distribution systems through referral relationships, retail acquisitions, adding new independent retailers and new store openings; uncertainties involving quarry yields and demand for Rock of Ages' dimension stone; and other risks and uncertainties described herein, including, but not limited to the items discussed in "Risk Factors That May Affect Future Results" in Item 1A of this report, and that are otherwise described from time to time in Rock of Ages' reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission  after the date of filing of this report.

 We assume no obligation to update these forward-looking statements to reflect actual results or changes in factors or assumptions affecting such forward-looking statements.

 1


 PART I

 

Introductory Note

 

The Company has restated its consolidated financial statements for the years ended December 31, 2004 and 2003, and the quarterly financial information for the first three quarters of 2005 and all quarters of 2004. The restatement reflects adjustments in the statements of operations related to the classification of shipping and handling costs in order to be compliant with Emerging Issues Task Force ("EITF") consensus No. 00-10, "Accounting for Shipping and Handling Fees and Costs" in its quarry and manufacturing segments. The Company's prior method of accounting for certain freight costs to deliver products to its customers' designated location was to include these costs as a deduction from net revenues. Such costs are now included in cost of sales. The impact of the restatement was to increase net sales and cost of sales by $6.0 million and $6.3 million in 2004 and 2003, respectively. The restatement had no impact on total gross profit, income from continuing operations, net income or earnings per share for any of the periods restated. See also note 2 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

ITEM 1.

BUSINESS

 

GENERAL

 

Rock of Ages is a Delaware corporation founded in 1885 and is an integrated granite quarrier, manufacturer and retailer whose principal product is granite memorials used primarily in cemeteries. We believe we are the largest quarrier, manufacturer and retailer of finished granite memorials and granite blocks for memorial use in North America, based on revenues. We own and operate 11 active quarry properties and 6 manufacturing and sawing facilities in North America, principally in Vermont and the Province of Quebec. We market and distribute our memorials on a retail basis through approximately 80 Company-owned retail sales outlets in the states indicated in Item 2 below. We also sell memorials wholesale to approximately 96 independent authorized Rock of Ages retailers in the United States as well as approximately 90 retailers in Canada. We market and sell our memorials at four distinctive levels of craftsmanship at various price points: Classic, Deluxe, Select and Signature. Our memorials are offered in granites of various colors and are covered by a full perpetual warranty or a limited perpetual warranty, depending on the particular granite. We believe the Rock of Ages trademark is one of the oldest and best-known brand names in the granite memorialization industry, and we actively promote our brand name and place a seal bearing the brand name on each memorial.

 

Rock of Ages, Signature, Sealmark, American Black, Barre Gray, Bethel White, Salisbury Pink, Gardenia White, Rockwell White, Laurentian Pink and Galactic Blue are trade names or trademarks of the Company. We rely on both registered and common law trademarks in the United States and in other countries to protect the goodwill associated with these brands.

 

As part of our growth strategy, we have engaged in various strategic acquisitions. From 1997 to 2000, we acquired 26 retail monument companies, expanding our retail presence to 15 states. From 1992 to 2000, we also made certain strategic acquisitions of quarries and manufacturing properties, as well as certain cemetery properties located in Kentucky. During the second quarter of 2002, the Company acquired a 1/3-equity interest in VIKA Ltd., a Ukrainian closed joint stock company that owns rights to quarry stone known as "Galactic Blue" on certain property located in Zhytomir, Ukraine. In connection with the share purchase, we acquired exclusive rights to sell the output of the Galactic Blue quarry. In November 2004, we acquired Crone Monument, a memorial retailer, with 2 locations in the Memphis, Tennessee area for a purchase price of $500,000. In February 2005, we acquired McColly Memorials, a memorial retailer, with 4 locations in the Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania area for a purchase price of $625,000. Finally, in February 2005 we acquired the land and equipment comprising the Rockwell White quarry in Rockwell, North Carolina for a purchase price of $3.5 million.

 

Also as part of our growth strategy to build and expand our branded memorial retail distribution system and profitable quarry operations, and to increase the profitability of our core manufacturing operations, we sold 2 quarries and 2 non-core manufacturing facilities in 2001, and one non-core manufacturing facility in 2002. In December 2003, we sold all of our cemetery properties and assets located in Kentucky to Saber Management, LLC, an Indiana-based operator of cemeteries and funeral homes, and exited the cemetery business. In connection with that sale, we entered into an agreement with Saber whereby we have retained the right to sell and install upright granite memorials in certain sections of most of the cemeteries sold, as well as in certain other cemeteries owned by Saber. In November 2004, we sold the Autumn Rose quarry located in Mill Creek, Oklahoma to AR Quarry Acquisition, LLC, for $750,000.

 

Beginning in the second half of 2005, we took steps to improve the profitability of the Memorials Division, primarily with respect to our retail operations. First, we developed a staffing plan for our retail stores that focuses on the productivity of our sales force and allows us to operate more efficiently with a smaller managerial staff. The staffing plan and productivity improvements were implemented beginning in September 2005 and were substantially complete by the end of October 2005. In addition, we closed or sold certain retail locations to improve profitability in our retail group. In October 2005, we closed three small retail locations in the Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania area and two locations in Connecticut. In December 2005, we sold four retail locations in New Jersey for approximately $850,000. These four locations are now Rock of Ages authorized retailers and will continue to sell Rock of Ages products. We will continue to explore ways to enhance productivity throughout the Company during 2006.

2


 

 

During 2005, we had operations in three business segments: Quarrying, Manufacturing and Retailing. Included within the business segments are operations that are unincorporated divisions of Rock of Ages and others that are separately incorporated subsidiaries. Financial information by business segment and geographic area is incorporated herein by reference to note 15 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included in this report. In addition, information regarding the revenues of each business segment is incorporated herein by reference to Item 7, "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations." Risks attendant to foreign operations are also incorporated herein by reference to "Risk Factors that May Affect Future Results" in Item 1A. Additional information regarding each business segment and Rock of Ages in general is set forth herein.

 

GROWTH STRATEGY

 

We seek to expand the scope and profitability of our operations through a growth strategy focusing on forward vertical integration into retailing, moving Rock of Ages closer to the ultimate customer, and selected acquisitions of quarries or acquiring distribution rights to selected types of dimension stone. The principal elements of this growth strategy include the following:

 

  • Strategic Alliances with Funeral Homes and Cemeteries. We have formed and will continue to pursue strategic alliances with funeral home and cemetery owners to sell granite memorials in cooperation with them, in order to increase both pre-need and at-need sales of granite memorials. As of December 31, 2005, we had referral and/or sales agency relationships with approximately 450 funeral homes and cemeteries in the areas that we service.
  • Direct Sales of Mausoleums, Estate and Civic Memorials. We expect to continue to expand sales of private mausoleums, and estate and civic memorials direct to the customer through our mausoleum and special features sales force based at our Barre, Vermont Craftsman Center.
  • Selective Expansion of Company-Owned Retail Network. We will  continue to explore expanding our Company-owned retail network by selectively acquiring independent granite memorial retailers and by opening new retail stores in selected markets in North America. Because we are currently focused on improving the profitability of our existing retail stores, it is unlikely that we will acquire any retailers or open new stores in 2006. However in the long term we believe that  by selectively expanding our Company-owned retail network, we can capture the higher gross margins (relative to quarrying and manufacturing gross margins) that have historically existed at the retail level.
  • Adding Independent Authorized Dealers. We will continue to expand where appropriate our base of independent authorized Rock of Ages retailers that are current or potential customers to further our efforts to build an integrated retail network consisting of Company-owned and independent authorized Rock of Ages retail outlets selling the Rock of Ages' brand.
  • Brand Enhancement. We believe the Rock of Ages brand is one of the best-known brand names in the memorial industry. As a part of building an integrated network of Company-owned and independent retailers, we will continue to promote the Rock of Ages brand sold at our Company-owned retail outlets and independent authorized Rock of Ages retailers.
  • Acquisitions of Quarries and Distribution Rights. While we own or control many of the highest quality granite quarries in North America, we will continue to explore the possibility of acquiring selected granite quarriers in North America and internationally to assure we will continue to have the colors and grades of granites sought by retail purchasers of granite memorials in North America, as well as granites for other uses. We will also continue to explore the acquisition of distribution rights to certain colors and grades of granites.
  • Other Product Line Enhancements. We intend to continue to expand and enhance our memorial product lines in color, design and style. Our objective is to provide a full range of memorials available at various price ranges. We also will continue to explore  the expansion of our product line beyond granite, marble and bronze memorials to other memorialization products and services.

 

 In January 2004 we integrated our retail division and our manufacturing and wholesale division to form the Memorials Division. The Memorials Division has a unified focus on expanding and enhancing the profitability of our retail distribution system of owned and independently operated retailers. We have divided the country into two regions with two regional vice presidents who are responsible for our owned stores, and for expanding our strategic alliances with funeral homes and cemeteries in regions where we have owned stores. Our manufacturing and wholesale sales group in Barre, Vermont is responsible for servicing our independent authorized retailers, obtaining new authorized retailers and expanding our wholesale strategic alliances with funeral homes and cemeteries.

 

 

 

 3


 

PRODUCTS

 

Our principal products may be classified into three general product lines: granite quarry products (with limited value added manufacturing performed), manufactured granite products and non-granite memorials. The principal raw material for both granite product lines is natural granite as it comes from the ground, with the primary difference between the product lines being the extent of the processing or manufacturing of the granite. Non-granite memorials consist primarily of bronze markers. For each of the last three years, from 2005 to 2003, revenues derived from the sale of granite quarry products have accounted for 33%, 39% and 38%, respectively, of consolidated revenues; and revenues derived from the sale of manufactured granite products at wholesale and retail have accounted for 67%, 60% and 60%, respectively, of consolidated revenues. In each of the last three years, revenues derived from the sale of non-granite memorials have accounted for 2% or less of consolidated revenues.

 

Granite Quarry Products

 

Our principal quarry product is granite blocks, the raw material of the dimension granite industry. These blocks are extracted from quarries in various sizes through a drilling, blasting and wire sawing process in the quarry. The range of block sizes is large, but most manufacturers of granite memorials and other products generally require minimum dimensions of height, width and length to maximize the efficiency of their block sawing equipment in meeting the required dimensions of the finished product. Granite blocks are normally sold in heights from 2'6" to 5', widths of 3' to 5', and lengths from 7' to 10'. These blocks typically weigh between 20 and 30 tons. Our quarry revenues are also derived, to a lesser degree, from the sale of blocks purchased from other quarries for resale through our distribution system, and from the sale of rough or sawn slabs.

 

Granite differs from deposit to deposit by color, grade and/or quality. We quarry and sell blocks of (i) Barre Gray granite from our Barre, Vermont quarries and gray granite from our Stanstead, Quebec quarry, (ii) black granite from our American Black quarry in Pennsylvania, (iii) pink granites from our Laurentian Pink quarry in Quebec and our Salisbury Pink quarry in North Carolina, (iv) white granites from our Bethel White quarry in Vermont and our Gardenia White and Rockwell White quarries in North Carolina and (v) grayish pink granites from our Kershaw and Coral Gray quarries in South Carolina. We also sell black granite with prominent blue feldspar from the Galactic Blue quarry in the Ukraine.

 

We sell granite blocks for memorial, building and other uses. While each of our quarries sell granite for memorial use and for building use, the output of the Bethel White quarry, the Gardenia White quarry, the Rockwell White quarry,  the Salisbury Pink quarry and the Galactic Blue quarry are primarily sold and used for building granite use (such as building cladding, tiles, pavers, steps, countertops and other building products) outside North America and the output of the other quarries is primarily used for memorial use in North America.

 

A quarry sales force both in and outside North America sells our granite blocks. The quarry sales force markets and advertises our granite blocks in various trade publications and by attending trade shows worldwide. Outside of North America, our quarry sales force generally sells directly to the customer or to independent distributors who buy blocks and resell them. This includes Rock of Ages Asia, a 50% Company-owned corporation based in Osaka, Japan.

 

Other quarry products include waste pieces not of a shape or size suitable for manufacturing, which are sold for erosion control for embankments, bridges or piers, and for other uses. In certain quarries, we have arrangements with crusher operators who operate on or near our quarries and sell crushed stone. The revenues and profits of these operations are not material. We have no marketing and advertising programs for these other quarry products.

 

Manufactured Products

 

The principal manufactured product of Rock of Ages is granite memorials, which are sold to retailers of granite memorials, including Company-owned outlets, and substantially all of which are placed in cemeteries in remembrance of the life of a person or persons. Our memorials encompass a wide range of granites, including granite blocks purchased from others, as well as a wide array of sizes, styles and shapes ranging from small, inexpensive markers set flush to the ground, to very elaborate and expensive personal mausoleums of larger sizes available at various price ranges. The broad classifications of granite memorials used by the industry are generally markers, hickeys, slants, standard uprights, estate uprights, pre-assembled mausoleums and conventional mausoleums. We also sell public and civic memorials not placed in cemeteries both on a wholesale basis and directly to the customer. From time to time, memorial retailers or others order granite products such as benches, steps and other products that may or may not be for cemetery use. These are classified as memorial sales.

 

Rock of Ages is widely recognized for the personalized granite memorials it produces and the very large memorials it can produce. We have made memorials as large as thirty-five feet in length from one block of granite, including a full size granite replica of a Mercedes Benz automobile.

4


 

 

Our granite memorials are sold to retailers by our memorial sales force that regularly speaks with customers by phone and makes personal visits to customers. Our mausoleums and special features group sells both to retailers and direct to the customer. We provide various point of sale materials to both our owned and independent authorized Rock of Ages retailers, and we also advertise in trade publications.

 

Rock of Ages also manufactures certain precision granite products which are made at our Barre, Vermont plant. These products include surface plates, machine bases, bases for coordinate measuring devices, press rolls and other products manufactured to exacting dimensions. These products are sold to the manufacturers of precision measuring devices or end users. A precision products sales force that phones or visits customers sells precision products. We also advertise our precision products in various trade publications and provide printed sales materials to prospective customers.

 

Retail Products

 

Our retail stores market and sell granite, bronze and marble memorials primarily to consumers. We currently own and operate approximately 80 retail outlets in 17 states. The granite memorials sold at retail include a wide variety of sizes, styles and shapes. We source memorials from our own plants and a number of additional manufacturers in North America and elsewhere in the world. Our retail operations utilize a retail sales force that markets and sells memorials through relationships with funeral homes and cemeteries and direct meetings with customers in their homes and at retail sales offices. We advertise and promote retail sales through direct mail material, yellow page listings, placing brochures at funeral homes and cemeteries, and newspaper advertising. Our retail sales outlets have been positioned to sell branded and unbranded memorials at all price points and qualities based on differences in granite, size, design and level of workmanship. In March 2005, we simplified and expanded the price points within our branded memorial lines with the objective of selling only branded memorials covering all price points at our owned retail stores by June 30, 2005. That objective has been substantially achieved, although we continue to sell unbranded memorials that were in inventory prior to the implementation of the new branding program.

 

MANUFACTURING AND RAW MATERIALS

 

Rock of Ages quarries and manufactures granite in the United States and Canada at the locations indicated in Item 2 "Properties." We also outsource the manufacturing of certain memorial products pursuant to supply agreements with other manufacturers.  There were no plants acquired or material additions to plants in 2005. We believe our manufacturing and quarrying capacity, together with our manufacturing outsourcing arrangements, are generally sufficient to meet anticipated production requirements for the foreseeable future.

 

The most significant raw material we use in our manufacturing operations is granite blocks primarily from our quarries. We believe we have an adequate supply from our quarries to supply our manufacturing operations. We also purchase certain colors of granite, primarily red and black, from other quarriers. We believe there is an adequate supply of memorial granite available from our quarries and quarries owned by others for the foreseeable future.

 

Significant supplies used in our manufacturing operations include industrial diamond segments for saw blades and wires, drill steel, drill bits and abrasives. There are a number of sources for these supplies at competitive prices.

 

We had manufacturing backlogs of $11 million as of December 31, 2005 and $10 million as of December 31, 2004. These backlogs occurred in the normal course of business. We do not have a material backlog in our quarrying operations. We had retail backlogs of $6.6 million as of December 31, 2005 and $8.6 million as of December 31, 2004. Of the backlog orders as of December 31, 2005, we expect approximately 70% to be filled during the 2006 fiscal year. The remainder represent orders where the memorial will be set at the discretion of the family.

 

We do not normally maintain a significant inventory of finished manufactured products in anticipation of future orders in our manufacturing operations. Our retail outlets do maintain an inventory of memorials for display and delivery purposes. Approximately 75% of our manufactured product orders and retail orders are delivered within two to twelve weeks, as is customary in the granite memorial industry. The delivery time depends on the size and complexity of the memorial. We do accumulate inventory of granite blocks from September through December in preparation for the winter months when our northern quarries are normally closed from mid-December to mid-March.

 

Because our Barre quarries are closed from mid-December through mid-March, in December each year we provide special 90-day payment terms at these quarries for all blocks purchased in the month of December. Customers' manufacturing plants generally remain open during most of this period, and most customers prefer to assure they own blocks of a size and quality selected by them prior to the quarry closure. All blocks purchased from our Barre quarries in December on deferred payment terms are invoiced on or about December 31 and removed from our inventory with title passing to the buyer.

 

Payment terms are one-third of the invoice amount on January 15, one-third on February 15, and one-third on March 15. This program provides essentially the normal 30-day payment terms during the months when the Barre quarries are closed, notwithstanding the customer's purchase of a 3-month supply in December. Customers need not use these terms and may buy from inventory during the closure period on a first come first served basis with normal 30-day terms.

5


 

 

RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT

 

We do not have a research and development department for any of our products. We regularly conduct market research, as well as research on new product designs and on equipment to improve the Company's technology. These activities are not separately accounted for as research, and we had no expenditures classified for financial reporting purposes as research in 2003, 2004 or 2005.

 

COMPETITION

 

The dimension stone industry is highly competitive. We compete with other dimension stone quarriers, including quarriers of granite, marble, limestone, travertine and other natural stones. We also compete with manufacturers of so-called "engineered stone" as well as manufacturers of other building materials like concrete, aluminum, glass, wood and other materials. The competition with providers of these materials is based on price, availability of supply, end-user preference for certain colors, patterns or textures, and other factors.

 

The granite memorial industry is also highly competitive. We compete with other granite quarriers and manufacturers in the sale of granite blocks for memorial use, and finished memorials, on the basis of price, color, quality, geographic proximity, service, design, availability, production capability, availability of supply and delivery options. All of our colors of granite are subject to competition from memorial grade granite blocks of similar color supplied by quarriers located throughout the world. There are approximately 140 manufacturers of granite memorials in North America. There are also many manufacturers of granite memorials in India, South Africa, China and Portugal that sell finished memorials in North America.

 

Our quarrying and manufacturing competitors include both domestic and international companies, some of which may have greater financial, technical, manufacturing, marketing and other resources than we have. Foreign competitors may have access to lower cost labor and extensive commercial deposits of memorial and building grade granite, and may be subject to less restrictive regulatory requirements. For example, companies in South Africa, India, China and Portugal manufacture and export finished granite memorials into North America, which compete with our products.

 

The competition for retail sales of granite memorials faced by our retail outlets is also intense and is based on price, quality, service, design availability, store location and breadth of product line. Competitors include funeral home and cemetery owners, including consolidators, which have greater financial resources than we have, as well as approximately 3,000 independent retailers of granite memorials located outside of cemeteries and funeral homes.

 

PATENTS, TRADEMARKS AND LICENSES

 

We hold a number of domestic and foreign patents, trademarks and copyrights, including the original registered trademark "Rock of Ages," which we first registered in 1913. We believe the loss of a single patent, trademark or copyright, other than the "Rock of Ages" trademark, would not have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition or results of operations. See Item 1A - "Risk Factors That May Affect Future Results."

 

EMPLOYEES

 

We had approximately 639 employees as of December 31, 2005.

 

The collective bargaining agreements with the Granite Cutters Association and the United Steelworkers of America, respectively, which together represent approximately 169 employees in our Vermont manufacturing and quarrying operations, expire on April 28, 2006. We are currently involved in negotiations with union representatives. See Item 1A - Risk Factors That May Affect Future Results. We also have collective bargaining agreements with two unions representing approximately 65 employees in our Canadian operations. These agreements expire on October 31, 2006 and January 31, 2010, respectively.

 

We believe our relations with our employees are generally good, and recognize that our employees are our most important asset.

 

SEASONALITY

 

Historically, our operations have experienced certain seasonal patterns. Generally, our net sales are highest in the second or third quarter and lowest in the first quarter of each year due primarily to weather. See Item 7 "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Conditions and Results of Operations - Seasonality."

 6


 

 

REGULATION AND ENVIRONMENTAL COMPLIANCE

 

Pursuant to federal, state and foreign statutes and regulations, our quarry and manufacturing operations are subject to substantial regulation by federal, state and foreign governmental agencies and other authorities, including OSHA, the Mine Safety and Health Administration and similar state and Canadian authorities. Our operations are also subject to extensive laws and regulations administered by the United Stated Environmental Protection Agency and similar state and Canadian authorities for the protection of the environment, including those relating to air and water quality, noise levels, and solid and hazardous waste handling and disposal. These laws and regulations may require us to fund remedial action or to pay damages regardless of fault. Environmental laws and regulations may also impose liability with respect to divested or terminated operations even if the operations were divested or terminated many years ago. In addition, current and future environmental or occupational health and safety laws, regulations or regulatory interpretations may require significant expenditures for compliance which could require us to modify our operations. We cannot predict the effect of such laws, regulations or regulatory interpretations on our business, financial condition or results of operations.

 

AVAILABLE INFORMATION

 

We maintain a website with the address www.rockofages.com. We are not including the information contained on our website as a part of, or incorporating it by reference into, this Annual Report on Form 10-K. We make available free of charge through our website our Annual Report on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and Current Reports on Form 8-K (in each case without exhibits), and amendments to these reports (without exhibits) filed as soon as reasonably practicable after such reports are electronically filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

 

ITEM 1A.

RISK FACTORS

 

Risk Factors That May Affect Future Results

 

The risks and uncertainties described below are not the only ones we face. Additional risks and uncertainties not presently known to us or which are currently deemed immaterial may also impair our business, financial condition and results of operations. If any of these risks actually occur, our business, financial condition and results of operations could be materially adversely affected.

 

Our continued growth depends, at least in part, on our ability to form relationships with funeral directors, cemeteries and other death care providers. 

 

Our ability to continue to grow our retail business depends in part on our ability to develop referral relationships with funeral homes, cemeteries and other death care professionals. We cannot assure you we will be able to successfully form these relationships in all of the areas in which we have retail businesses. In certain areas, we may be unable to form such relationships where our stores are in direct competition with funeral homes and cemeteries that sell granite memorials. 

 

The growth and profitability of our retail operations depends, at least in part, on our ability to successfully execute staff productivity improvements, sales and marketing initiatives, and new product programs.

 

Our ability to grow our retail business and improve retail profits depends in part on our ability to successfully execute store level staffing plans that will allow us to operate more efficiently and with a smaller managerial staff.  In addition, our ability to grow our retail operations depends in part on the successful execution of recently implemented sales and marketing programs, including the branding program and certain new product introductions.  Our failure to execute these plans and programs may adversely affect our ability to grow revenues and profits, and adversely affect our business and financial results.

 

Our credit facility with CIT includes covenants that impose restrictions on our financial and business operations and financial tests that we must meet in order to continue to borrow under the facility.

 

The terms of our credit facility with CIT restrict our ability to, among other things, consummate asset sales, participate in mergers, incur additional debt, pay dividends, repurchase stock or make investments or guarantees. The terms also contain covenants that require us to meet financial tests, including a minimum Operating Cash Flow to Debt Service Ratio and a maximum Total Liabilities to Net Worth Ratio, in order to continue to borrow under the facility and avoid a default that might lead to an early termination of the facility. The terms of this credit facility, including these covenants, are generally described in Item 7 of this report under the caption "Liquidity and Capital Resources-Capital Resources-CIT Credit Facility.

7


 

 

 

As described under such caption, for the period ended October 1, 2005, we were in violation of the Minimum Operating Cash Flow to Debt Service Coverage Ratio covenant levels primarily as a result of poor operating results for the second quarter and the first half of the year. We received a waiver allowing us to be in compliance with our credit facility at October 1, 2005 and our lenders agreed to adjust the required covenant levels for the balance of 2005 and 2006.  We cannot provide assurances that we will be able to maintain compliance with this or other covenants in our loan facility. Moreover, if we fail to maintain compliance with such covenants we cannot provide assurances that we will continue to receive waivers of any non-compliance. If we are unable to comply with the financial or other covenants of our loan facility as recently amended, we will likely be unable to borrow additional amounts under the facility and amounts under the facility could be accelerated and become due and payable immediately, which would seriously adversely affect our liquidity and our business operations and financial condition.

 

 

 

If we are unable to maintain our relationships with independent retailers, our sales may not continue to grow and could decline. 

 

 

 

We have historically sold our granite memorials to consumers through independent retailers. Since we entered the retail business in 1997, we have acquired retailers with multiple retail outlets and have opened new stores in 17 states. However, we are still dependent in part on our independent retailers for the successful distribution of our products to the ultimate customer. We have no control over the independent retailers' operations, including such matters as retail price, advertising and marketing. Three important components of our growth strategy are to pursue strategic alliances with funeral homes, cemeteries and other death care professionals, selectively acquire retailers, and open new retail stores in selected markets. Although we have taken steps to reduce conflicts between our owned retail stores and our independent retailers, the implementation of these elements of our strategy has in the past been, and may in the future be, construed by some of our existing independent retailers as an effort to compete with them. In certain cases, this has adversely affected their relationship with us and caused them to decrease or cease their purchases of our products. These issues may continue to arise as we pursue our growth strategy. In addition, significant barriers to entry created by local heritage, community presence and tradition characterize the granite memorial retail industry. Consequently, we have experienced and may continue to experience difficulty replacing retailers or entering particular retail markets in the event of a loss of an independent retailer. We cannot assure you we will be able to maintain our existing relationships or establish new relationships with independent retailers. Disruption in our relationships with independent retailers could impede our sales growth or cause sales to decline, which would adversely affect our business and financial results. 

 

 

 

Opening new stores is a component of our growth strategy and entails uncertainties and risks that could adversely affect our profitability.

 

 

 

Our ability to continue to grow our retail business will depend in part upon our ability to open new retail stores in selected locations. Our success in opening new retail stores will depend on our ability to identify suitable locations for opening new retail stores on acceptable terms, attract and retain competent management and sales personnel, form strategic alliances and relationships with local funeral homes, cemeteries and other death care professionals, and attract customers to our new stores. In addition, as noted above, there are significant barriers to entry in most markets created by local heritage, community presence and tradition which may favor existing retailers. It is unlikely new retail stores we open will generate significant profits in the early stages, and many new stores will lose money for the first few years of operation. Accordingly, opening new retail stores may adversely affect our business or profitability.

 

 

 

Our international operations may expose us to a number of risks related to conducting business in foreign countries.

 

 

 

We derived approximately 28% of total revenues in fiscal 2005 from sales to customers outside the United States, including approximately 13% from sales in Canada by our Canadian subsidiary. Foreign sales are subject to numerous risks, including currency conversion risks, limitations (including taxes) on the repatriation of earnings, slower and more difficult accounts receivable collection and greater complication and expense in complying with foreign laws. Our sales of granite blocks to foreign countries are primarily for building use and are subject to various cyclical factors in foreign countries, foreign exchange rates, policies of foreign governments and numerous other factors over which we have no control.

 

 

 

In 2005, our sales of granite blocks into China declined significantly as a result of economic conditions in China. While we have seen some signs of recovery in our Chinese markets and we are taking steps to develop sales to customers in other countries, we cannot assure you that sales of granite blocks to our Chinese and other Asian customers will recover to historic levels.

 

 

 

As previously disclosed, we own a 1/3 equity interest in VIKA, Ltd., a Ukrainian closed joint stock company that owns the right to quarry certain stone known as "Galactic Blue" on certain property located in Zhytomir, Ukraine. We also acquired the worldwide right to distribute Galactic Blue. Historically, political and governmental instability has been a feature in Ukraine, and the political and regulatory climate is subject to rapid change. Our investment in VIKA is subject to risks inherent in international operations, including adverse governmental actions, political risks, expropriation of assets and the risk of civil unrest and war. As the political and regulatory environment changes, we may face uncertainty about the interpretation of the agreements to which we are party and, in the event of dispute, we may have limited recourse within the legal and political system.

 

 8


 

 

Employees' strikes and other labor-related disruptions may adversely affect our operations.

 

Our business is labor intensive, and our workforce includes, among other employees, highly skilled quarrying and manufacturing personnel such as stone cutters, sand blasters, sculptors and other skilled artisans. Approximately 37% of our workforce is unionized. Strikes or labor disputes with our unionized employees may adversely affect our ability to conduct our business.

 

Our collective bargaining agreements with the Granite Cutters Association and the United Steelworkers of America, which together represent approximately 169 employees in our Vermont manufacturing and quarrying operations, expire on April 28, 2006. Preliminary negotiations on a new collective bargaining agreement are currently ongoing. If we are unable to reach agreement with any of our unionized work groups in future negotiations regarding the terms of their collective bargaining agreement, or if additional segments of our workforce become unionized, we could be subject to work interruptions or stoppages in 2006 which could adversely affect our operations and our business.

 

If we lose our key personnel, or are unable to attract and retain additional qualified personnel, our business could suffer.

 

Our operations and the implementation of our operating and growth strategies, such as integration of acquisitions and the opening of new retail stores, are management intensive. We are substantially dependent upon the abilities and continued efforts of Kurt M. Swenson, our Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer, and other senior management. Our business is also dependent on our ability to continue to attract and retain a highly skilled retail, quarrying and manufacturing workforce, including sales managers and counselors, stone cutters, sand blasters, sculptors and other skilled artisans. The loss of the services of Mr. Swenson, other members of the Company's senior management or other highly skilled personnel could adversely affect our business and operating results.

 

We face intense competition and, if we are unable to compete successfully, we may be unable to increase our sales, which would adversely affect our business and profitability. 

 

The dimension stone industry is highly competitive. We compete with other dimension stone quarriers, including quarriers of granite, marble, limestone, travertine and other natural stones. We also compete with manufacturers of so-called "engineered stone" as well as manufacturers of other building materials like concrete, aluminum, glass, wood and other materials. We compete with providers of these materials on the basis of price, availability of supply, end-user preference for certain colors, patterns or textures, and other factors. 

 

The granite memorial industry is also highly competitive. We compete with other granite quarriers and manufacturers in the sale of granite blocks for memorial use on the basis of price, color, quality, geographic proximity, service, design availability, production capability, availability of supply and delivery options. All of our colors of granite are subject to competition from memorial grade granite blocks of similar color supplied by quarriers located throughout the world. There are approximately 140 manufacturers of granite memorials in North America. There are also manufacturers of granite memorials in India, South Africa, China and Portugal that sell finished memorials in North America. 

 

Our quarrying and manufacturing competitors include both domestic and international companies, some of which may have greater financial, technical, manufacturing, marketing and other resources. Foreign competitors may have access to lower cost labor and better commercial deposits of granite, and may be subject to less restrictive regulatory requirements.

 

The competition for retail sales of granite memorials faced by our retail outlets is also intense and is based on price, quality, service, design availability and breadth of product line. Competitors include funeral home and cemetery owners, including consolidators, which have greater financial resources than we do, as well as approximately 3,000 independent retailers of granite memorials located outside of cemeteries and funeral homes. 

 

We cannot assure you domestic or foreign competition will not adversely impact our business.

 

The increasing trend toward cremation, and potential declines in memorialization for other reasons, may result in decreased sales of our products.

 

There is an increasing trend toward cremation in the United States. The latest statistics from the National Funeral Director's Association, or NFDA, indicate cremation was used in approximately 32% of the deaths in the United States in 2005, compared to approximately 29% in 2003. To the extent increases in cremation rates result in decreases in memorialization rates, this decrease will result in a decline in our memorial sales, which will adversely affect our business and results of operations.

 9


 

Our business is also subject to the risk that memorialization rates may decline over time for other reasons. Certain cemeteries have in the past and may in the future limit the use of granite memorials as a memorialization option. To the extent general memorialization rates or the willingness of cemeteries to accept granite memorials declines, this decline could adversely affect our business.

 

Sales of our products are seasonal and may cause our quarterly operating results to fluctuate. 

 

Historically, our operations have experienced certain seasonal patterns. Generally, our net sales are highest in the second or third quarter and lowest in the first quarter of each year due primarily to weather. Cemeteries in northern regions generally do not accept granite memorials during winter months when the ground is frozen because they cannot be properly set. We typically close certain of our Vermont and Canadian quarries from January to late March because of increased operating costs attributable to weather conditions. We have historically incurred an aggregate net loss during the first three months of each calendar year. Our operating results may vary materially from quarter to quarter due to, among other things, acquisitions and related integration costs, changes in product mix, shipping conditions and limitations on the timing of price increases, making quarterly year-to-year comparisons less meaningful. 

 

Our competitive position could be harmed if we are unable to protect our intellectual property rights. 

 

We believe our tradenames, trademarks, brands, designs and other intellectual property are of great value, and we rely on trademark, copyright and other proprietary rights laws to protect our rights to this valuable intellectual property. Third parties may in the future try to challenge our ownership of our intellectual property. In addition, our business is subject to the risk of third parties counterfeiting our products or infringing on our intellectual property rights. We may need to resort to litigation in the future to protect our intellectual property rights, which could result in substantial costs and diversion of resources. Our failure to protect our intellectual property rights, most notably the Rock of Ages trademark, could have a serious adverse effect on our business and competitive position. 

 

Our business is subject to a number of operating risks that are difficult to predict and manage. 

 

Our quarry and manufacturing operations are subject to numerous risks and hazards inherent in those industries, including among others, unanticipated surface or underground conditions, varying saleable granite recovery rates due to natural cracks and other imperfections in granite deposits, equipment failures, accidents and worker injuries, labor issues, weather conditions and events, unanticipated transportation costs and price fluctuations. As a result, actual costs and expenditures, production quantities and delivery dates, as well as revenues, may differ materially from those anticipated, which could adversely affect our operating results.

 

Sales of our ancillary products are cyclical, which may adversely affect our operating results. 

 

The markets for our industrial precision products, which include machine base and surface plates that are utilized in the automotive, aeronautic, computer, machine tool, optical, precision grinding and inspection industries, and granite press rolls used in the manufacture of paper, are subject to substantial cyclical variations. Sales of these products are subject to decline as a result of general economic downturns, or as a result of uncertainties regarding current and future economic conditions that generally affect such industries. We cannot assure you changes in the industries to which we sell our precision products will not adversely affect our operating results. 

 

 

No-Call Legislation may adversely affect our retail marketing efforts.

 

Our retail stores and sales counselors are subject to the so-called "No-Call" laws, which allow consumers to place their telephone number on a "no-call" list maintained by various states and the federal government. At present, there are "No-Call" laws in a majority of states in which we do business and the federal "No-Call" law went into effect in the Fall of 2003. Our sales counselors are unable to make telephone calls to any consumer whose number has been placed on the applicable no-call list, subject to certain limited exceptions. Making telephone calls to introduce the Company and set appointments has been an important part of marketing our retail products and services. Compliance with the "No-Call" laws could adversely affect our retail business and results of operations.

 

If we or our independent registered public accounting firm are unable to affirm the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting in future years, the market value of our common stock could be adversely affected.

 

Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 requires that we assess and report on our internal control over financial reporting, beginning with our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ending December 31, 2007. In addition, our independent registered public accounting firm must audit and report on management's assessment of our internal controls over financial reporting as of December 31, 2007 and subsequent fiscal year end dates. We are in the process of documenting and testing our system of internal controls to provide the basis for our report. However, at this time, due to the ongoing evaluation and testing, no assurance can be given that there may not be significant deficiencies or material weaknesses in our internal control over financial reporting that would be required to be reported. Accordingly, we cannot assure you that we or our independent registered public accounting firm will be able to report that our internal controls over financial reporting are effective. In this event, investors could lose confidence in the reliability of our financial statements, which could result in a decrease in the market value of our Class A Common Stock.

10


 

We may need to improve our controls over the preparation, review, presentation and disclosure of our consolidated financial statements.

 

We reported a material weakness in both fiscal 2004 and 2005 related to maintaining effective controls over the preparation, review, presentation and disclosure of our consolidated financial statements.  A material weakness is a control deficiency or a combination of control deficiencies that results in more than a remote likelihood that a material misstatement in the annual or interim consolidated financial statements will not be prevented or detected. Specifically, our controls failed to prevent or detect the incorrect classification of certain freight charges.  This resulted in the restatement of our consolidated financial statements for the years ended December 31, 2004 and 2003 (See note 2 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements contained in this Annual Report on Form 10-K).   Prior to the restatement and corrections, the Company's method of accounting for certain freight costs to deliver products to customers' designated locations was to include these costs as a deduction from net revenues.   Such costs are now included in cost of sales, in accordance with EITF Consensus No. 00-10, "Accounting for Shipping and Handling Fees and Costs."  The restatement and corrections to correct the classification of such costs to cost of sales had no impact on total gross profit, income from continuing operations, net income or earnings per share for any of the periods restated.

 

In order to correct and restate the financial statements and data identified above, we identified and tabulated the amounts of revenue and expense for each of the affected periods.  We segregated in our accounting records amounts recognized as revenue when customers are billed for freight, and segregated in our accounting records amounts paid to third parties for freight and handling to deliver products to customers' designated location.  Affected operating and accounting staff have been trained on the appropriate use of these accounts.

 

We believe that in 2006 we have put in place controls and procedures necessary to properly account for and report shipping and handling fees and costs and we will continue to evaluate whether additional financial statement preparation and review procedures are necessary to remediate the material weakness described above.

 

Existing stockholders are able to exercise significant control over us.

 

Kurt M. Swenson and his brother, Kevin C. Swenson, collectively have 64% of the total voting power of all outstanding shares of our common stock, and will therefore be in a position to control the outcome of most corporate actions requiring stockholder approval, including the election of directors and the approval of transactions involving a change in control of the Company. 

 

We may incur substantial costs to comply with government regulations.

 

Our quarry and manufacturing operations are subject to substantial regulation by federal and state governmental statutes and agencies, including the federal Occupational Safety and Health Act, the Mine Safety and Health Administration and similar state and Canadian authorities. Our operations are also subject to extensive laws and regulations administered by the United States Environmental Protection Agency and similar state and Canadian authorities, for the protection of the environment, including but not limited to those relating to air and water quality, and solid and hazardous waste handling and disposal. These laws and regulations may require parties to fund remedial action or to pay damages regardless of fault. Environmental laws and regulations may also impose liability with respect to divested or terminated operations even if the operations were divested or terminated many years ago. In addition, current and future environmental or occupational health and safety laws, regulations or regulatory interpretations may require significant expenditures for compliance, which could require us to modify or curtail our operations. We cannot predict the effect of such laws, regulations or regulatory interpretations on our business, financial condition or results of operations. Any material non-compliance could adversely affect our business and results of operations.

 

Provisions of our corporate organizational documents and Delaware law could delay or prevent a change in control of the Company, even if it would be beneficial to our stockholders.

 

Certain provisions contained in our Certificate of Incorporation and By-laws: 

 

  • grant ten votes per share to each share of Class B Common Stock;
  • divide the Board of Directors into three classes, each of which will have a different three-year term;
  • provide that stockholders may remove directors from office only for cause and by a supermajority vote;
  • provide that special meetings of the stockholders may be called only by the Board of Directors or certain Company officers and not by stockholders;
  • establish certain advance notice procedures for nomination of candidates for election as directors and for stockholder proposals to be considered at annual stockholders' meetings;
  • authorize the issuance of preferred stock. Accordingly, the Board of Directors is empowered, without stockholder approval, to issue preferred stock with dividend, liquidation, conversion, voting or other rights that could materially adversely affect the voting power or other rights of, or be dilutive to, the holders of our Common Stock.

 

Certain of these provisions may have the effect of discouraging, delaying or preventing a change in control or unsolicited acquisition proposals a stockholder may consider favorable. In addition, because we are incorporated in Delaware, we are governed by the provisions of Section 203 of the Delaware General Corporation Law, which may prohibit or delay large stockholders, in particular those owning 15% or more of our outstanding voting stock, from merging or combining with us.

 

 11


 

 

ITEM 2.

PROPERTIES

 

Rock of Ages owns the following quarry and manufacturing properties:

 

 

 

PROPERTY

FUNCTION

 

 

VERMONT

 

Barre

 

     Quarry Properties

 

          E. L. Smith Quarry

Quarrying of dimensional Barre Gray granite blocks

          Adam-Pirie Quarry

Quarrying of dimensional Barre Gray granite blocks

     Manufacturing Properties

 

          Rock of Ages Manufacturing Plant

Manufacturing of memorials and precision products

          Press Roll Production Plant

Manufacturing of granite press rolls

          Rock of Ages Saw Plant #1

Slabbing of granite blocks

Bethel

 

     Quarry Properties

 

          Bethel Quarry

Quarrying of dimensional Bethel White granite blocks

 

 

CANADA

 

Stanstead, Quebec

 

     Quarry Properties

 

          Stanstead Quarry

Quarrying of dimensional Stanstead Gray granite blocks

Guenette, Quebec

 

     Quarry Properties

 

          Laurentian Quarry

Quarrying of dimensional Laurentian Rose granite blocks

Beebe Plain, Quebec

 

     Manufacturing Properties

 

          Rock of Ages Manufacturing Plant 

Manufacturing of memorials

          Adru Manufacturing Plant

Manufacturing of memorials

 

 

PENNSYLVANIA

 

St. Peters

 

     Quarry Properties

 

          American Black Quarry

Quarrying of dimensional American Black granite blocks

     Manufacturing Properties

 

          Saw Plant

Slabbing of granite blocks

 

 

NORTH CAROLINA

 

Salisbury

 

     Quarry Properties

 

          Salisbury Pink Quarry

Quarrying of dimensional Salisbury Pink granite blocks

Rockwell

 

     Quarry Properties

 

          Gardenia White Quarry

Quarrying of dimensional Gardenia White granite blocks

          Rockwell White Quarry

Quarrying of dimensional Rockwell White granite blocks

 

 

SOUTH CAROLINA

 

Kershaw County

 

     Quarry Properties

 

          Kershaw Quarry

Quarrying of dimensional Kershaw granite blocks

Lancaster County

 

     Quarry Properties

 

         Coral Gray Quarry

Quarrying of dimensional Coral Gray granite blocks

 

 12


 

 

 

 

In addition, Rock of Ages owns or operates 80 retail sales outlets and 4 associated sand blasting facilities in the states of Georgia, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Minnesota, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Nebraska, Pennsylvania, Ohio, South Dakota, Kentucky, Tennessee, Vermont, West Virginia and Wisconsin. In certain cases, we lease, under customary lease arrangements, the land or other real estate associated with these outlets and facilities. We believe these facilities are suitable and adequate for our present and anticipated near-term needs.

 

 

 

The following table sets forth certain information relating to our principal quarry properties. Each of the quarries listed below: (i) is an open-pit quarry; (ii) contains granite suitable for extraction as dimension granite for memorial or other use; (iii) is serviced by electricity provided by local utility companies (other than the Bethel quarry which is serviced by internal generators); and (iv) has adequate and modern extraction and other equipment. We presently have no exploration plans. We own each of the quarries listed below. In the Rockwell quarry, we own part of the land comprising the quarry and we also lease an additional 14 acres on which we conduct quarry operations with 10 years remaining on the lease. We also own the Laurentian Pink quarry in Guenette, Quebec, which produces a dark pink memorial grade granite; and the Coral Gray quarry in Lancaster County, South Carolina, which produces a grayish pink memorial and building grade granite. We lease the Kershaw Pink quarry in Kershaw, South Carolina, which produces a grayish pink memorial and building grade granite. The remaining lease term (including renewals) is 37 years. As described in Item 1 of this report, we also own a 1/3 interest in VIKA, Ltd., which owns the Galactic Blue quarry in Zhytomir, Ukraine. However, while we consult from time to time on the development of the quarry, we do not directly or indirectly operate the quarry. The Galactic Blue quarry is currently under development and currently produces granite in small commercial quantities. We do not expect the quarry to achieve significant commercial production quantities in 2006. We do not consider the Laurentian Pink, Kershaw, Coral Gray or Galactic Blue properties to be currently significant or material to our business.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

QUARRY

APPROXIMATE
DATE OF
COMMENCEMENT
OF OPERATIONS

PRIOR OWNER
(DATE ACQUIRED)

MEANS
OF
ACCESS

TOTAL
ORIGINAL COST
OF EACH PROPERTY

NET SALEABLE
RECOVERABLE
RESERVES (1)
(CUBIC FEET)

NET SALEABLE
RECOVERABLE
RESERVES
YEARS (2)

 

E.L. Smith

1880

E.L. Smith Quarry Co. (1948)

Paved road

    $7,562,676

2,459,534,000

4,917

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Adam-Pirie

1880

J.K. Pirie Quarry (1955)

Paved road

    $4,211,363

984,886,000

6,558

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Bethel

1900

Woodbury Granite Company, Inc. (1957)

Dirt road

    $  174,024

76,529,000

272

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Stanstead

1920

Brodies Limited and Stanstead Granite Company (1960)

Paved road

    $  505,453

32,563,000

156

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

American Black

1973

Pennsylvania Granite Inc. (1997)

Paved road

    $2,900,000

14,615,000

138

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Salisbury

1918

Pennsylvania Granite Inc. (1997)

Paved road

    $3,886,592

19,344,000

100

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gardenia White

1995

J. Greg Faith
Thomas E. Ebans, Sr.
David S. Hooker
William L. Comolli (1998)

Dirt road

    $4,633,000

2,602,000

17

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Rockwell White

1993

Rockwell Granite Company (2005)

Dirt road

    $1,930,000

5,950,000

79

 

 

(1)

Net saleable recoverable reserves are based on internal Company estimates, except for the reserves for the E.L. Smith, Adam-Pirie and Bethel quarries, which are based on independent assessments by CA Rich Consultants, Inc in 1993; and for the Gardenia White quarry, which are based on an independent assessment by Geomapping Associates in 1997. The Rockwell White reserves are based on information contained in a report dated September 1993 by a geologist employed by The Marlin Group. It is impossible to know the exact percentage of recoverable reserves that will not be saleable as a result of natural cracks, seams, color variations, or other natural defects in the quarry that are not discoverable through random core drilling samples. Likewise, reductions in recovery rates of saleable stone can dramatically increase the cost of the saleable stone making the quarry not commercially viable. Accordingly, these quantities are purely estimates based on observable surface area size times commercially feasible depths for quarrying granite, adjusted for historic recovery rates. Thus, the actual quantities and years of net saleable reserves could vary materially from the estimates set forth in the table.

 

 

(2)

See Note 1 above. Based on internal Company estimates using historical and current production levels.

 

 

 13


 

 

The estimates of saleable reserves are based on historical quarry operations, workable reserves in the existing quarries and immediately adjacent areas, current work force sizes and current demand. While quarry operations decrease the granite deposits, the size of the granite deposits in which our quarries are located are large and extend well beyond existing working quarry perimeters. We have historically expanded quarry perimeters or opened other quarries in the deposit as necessary to utilize reserves and we believe we have adequate acreage for expansions as and when necessary. Currently, we have no reason to believe we will deplete our granite reserves more quickly than is shown in the table, assuming recovery rates and demand remain at current levels.

 

 

Dimension granite is not considered a valuable mineral or commodity such as gold, nor is it traded on any commodities exchange. The prices we charge to third parties for granite blocks depend on characteristics such as color of and costs to quarry each granite block, as well as market conditions. The price per cubic foot we currently charge for our granite blocks is generally comparable to other granite suppliers and typically does not exceed $45.

 

ITEM 3. 

 LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

 

We are a party to legal proceedings that arise from time to time in the ordinary course of our business. While the outcome of these proceedings cannot be predicted with certainty, we do not expect these matters to have a material adverse effect on our business or financial condition. In addition, we are involved in the litigation described below.

 

Kurtz Monument Company (Pennsylvania) v. Rock of Ages Corporation (Delaware) Case No. 03-510 U.S. District Court for the Western District of Pennsylvania. As disclosed in prior filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, on April 22, 2003, Kurtz Monument Company filed a complaint against Rock of Ages alleging we breached certain terms of a sealed settlement agreement by engaging in conduct constituting commercial disparagement. We believe this action by Kurtz Monument Company was completely without merit and we denied liability and that any commercial disparagement took place. Nevertheless, in order to avoid further distraction of management in connection with the case and ongoing costs of litigation, we settled the case for a small dollar amount, which represented our estimate of the cost to take the case to trial. As part of the settlement, each party released the other and its affiliated persons from all claims of any kind arising though the date of the mutual release agreement, including those that were the subject of the litigation.

 

We carry insurance with coverages we believe to be customary in our industry. Although there can be no assurance that such insurance will be sufficient to protect us against all contingencies, we believe our insurance protection is reasonable in view of the nature and scope of our operations.

 

ITEM 4.

SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS

 

No matters were submitted to a vote of Rock of Ages' security holders, through solicitations of proxies or otherwise, during the fourth quarter covered by this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

 

 14


PART II

 

 

ITEM 5. 

 MARKET FOR THE REGISTRANT'S COMMON EQUITY AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS AND ISSUER REPURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES

 

Our Class A Common Stock is traded on the NASDAQ National Market under the symbol "ROAC." There is currently no established public trading market for the Class B Common Stock.  However, the Class B Common Stock is convertible at any time into shares of Class A Common Stock. The table below sets forth the range of high and low per share sales prices for the Class A Common Stock as reported on the NASDAQ National Market for the periods indicated.

 

 

 

U2004

 

HIGH

LOW

 

 

 

First Quarter...............................................................................................................................

$ 7.57

$ 5.43

Second Quarter.........................................................................................................................

   9.00

   6.40

Third Quarter..............................................................................................................................

   8.93

   7.26

Fourth Quarter............................................................................................................................

   7.71

   7.00

 

 

U2005U

 

HIGH

LOW

 

 

 

First Quarter..................................................................................................................................

$ 7.75

$ 6.56   

Second Quarter.............................................................................................................................

   6.33

   5.61

Third Quarter................................................................................................................................

   7.50

   5.02

Fourth Quarter..............................................................................................................................

   6.00

   3.95

 

 

 

 

 

As of March 20, 2006, based upon information provided by our transfer agent, there were 239 record holders of Class A Common Stock and 25 record holders of Class B Common Stock, which numbers do not include stockholders who beneficially own shares held in street name by brokers.

 

Holders of the Common Stock are entitled to receive such dividends as may be legally declared by the Board of Directors and, in the event of dissolution and liquidation, to receive the net assets of Rock of Ages remaining after payment of all liabilities, in proportion to their respective holdings. Rock of Ages has paid dividends during each quarter in 2004 at a rate of $.02 per share per quarter, and in 2005 at a rate of $.025 per share per quarter. In November 2005, we signed an amendment to our credit facility with our lenders, which, in relevant part, prohibits the Company from paying dividends in 2006 without their prior consent. We believe it is unlikely we will receive our lenders' consent to pay dividends in 2006 unless and until we return to levels of profitability and cash flow sufficient to support the payment of dividends.

 

RECENT SALES OF UNREGISTERED SECURITIES

 

We made no sales of unregistered securities during fiscal 2005.

 

 15


 

ITEM 6.

 SELECTED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL DATA

 

The following selected financial data should be read in conjunction with the Company's unaudited consolidated financial statements and related notes, and "Managements Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" included elsewhere in this report.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,

 

 

 


 

 

 

 

 

 

As Restated

 

 

As Restated

 

 

As Restated

 

 

As Restated

 

 

 

2005

 

 

2004 (2)

 

 

2003 (2)

 

 

2002 (2)

 

 

2001 (2)

 

 

 


 

 


 

 


 

 


 

 


 

 

 

( IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)

 

 

 


 

STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS DATA:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net revenues:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

   Quarrying

$

29,333

 

$

35,832

 

$

34,598

 

$

34,242

 

$

29,914

 

   Manufacturing

 

23,533

 

 

20,947

 

 

20,449

 

 

19,768

 

 

22,319

 

   Retailing

 

36,640

 

 

35,802

 

 

35,663

 

 

38,448

 

 

43,159

 

        Total net revenues

 

89,506

 

 

92,581

 

 

90,710

 

 

92,458

 

 

95,392

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gross Profit:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

   Quarrying

 

5,994

 

 

12,327

 

 

11,178

 

 

13,132

 

 

11,461

 

   Manufacturing

 

6,770

 

 

5,572

 

 

5,774

 

 

5,521

 

 

5,422

 

   Retailing

 

19,099

 

 

20,354

 

 

20,388

 

 

21,314

 

 

25,461

 

         Total gross profit

 

31,863

 

 

38,253

 

 

37,340

 

 

39,967

 

 

42,344

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Selling, general and administrative expenses (1)

 

38,772

 

 

34,473

 

 

32,621

 

 

32,838

 

 

34,404

 

(Gain) on sale of investments

 

(350

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Impairment of note receivable

 

 

 

400

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Adverse judgment and legal expenses

 

 

 

6,500

 

 

2,440

 

 

1,725

 

 

1,118

 

Loss on disposal of assets

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2,534

 

Foreign exchange (gain)/loss

 

49

 

 

69

 

 

121

 

 

(25

 

(19

Income (loss) from operations

 

(6,608

 

(3,189

 

2,158

 

 

5,429

 

 

4,307

 

Interest expense

 

1,924

 

 

821

 

 

471

 

 

522

 

 

1,393

 

Income (loss) from continuing operations before provision for income taxes

 

(8,532

 

(4,010

 

1,687

 

 

4,907

 

 

2,914

 

Provision for income taxes

 

7,611

 

 

(854)

 

 

578

 

 

1,364

 

 

1,789

 

Net income (loss) from continuing operations, before cumulative effect of changes in accounting principles

 

(16,143

 

(3,156

 

1,109

 

 

3,543

 

 

1,125

 

Discontinued operations, net of income tax effect

 

 

 

(65

 

338

 

 

252

 

 

(692

Cumulative effect of changes in accounting principles

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(28,710

 

 

Net income (loss)

$

(16,143

$

(3,221

$

1,447

 

$

(24,915

$

433

 

PER SHARE DATA:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income (loss) per share - basic:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income from continuing operations before cumulative effect of changes in accounting principles

 

(2.18

 

(0.43

 

0.15

 

 

0.45

 

 

0.15

 

Discontinued operations

 

 

 

(0.01

 

0.05

 

 

0.03

 

 

(0.09)

 

Cumulative effect of changes in accounting principle

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(3.65

 

 

Net income (loss) per share

 

(2.18

 

(0.44

 

0.20

 

 

(3.17

 

0.06

 

Net income (loss) per share - diluted:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income from continuing operations before cumulative effect of changes in accounting principles

 

(2.18

 

(0.43

 

0.15

 

 

0.45

 

 

0.15

 

Discontinued operations

 

 

 

(0.01

 

0.05

 

 

0.03

 

 

(0.09

Cumulative effect of changes in accounting principle

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(3.64

 

 

Net income (loss) per share

 

(2.18

 

(0.44

 

0.20

 

 

(3.16

 

0.06

 

Cash dividends paid

$

0.10

 

$

0.08

 

$

0.04

 

$

 

$

 

Weighted average number of shares outstanding

 

7,399

 

 

7,318

 

 

7,182

 

 

7,848

 

 

7,606

 

Weighted average number of shares outstanding
assuming dilution

 

7,399

 

 

7,318

 

 

7,219

 

 

7,880

 

 

7,676

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 16


 

 

 (1)

For all periods presented the adverse judgment and legal expenses have been reclassified from selling, general and administrative expenses and are stated separately. 

 

 

(2)

As discussed in note 2 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, the Company has restated the consolidated financial information for the years ended December 31, 2004, 2003, 2002 and 2001 to reflect the adjustments in the statements of operations data  related to the classification of shipping and handling costs in order to be compliant with Emerging Issues Task Force ("EITF") consensus No. 00-10, "Accounting for Shipping and Handling Fees and Costs" in its quarry and manufacturing segments. The Company's prior method of accounting for certain freight costs to deliver products to their customer's designated location was to include these costs as a deduction from net revenues. Such costs are now included in cost of sales.

 

 

 

AS OF DECEMBER 31,

 

 


 

 

2005

 

 

2004

 

 

2003

 

 

2002

 

 

2001

 

 


 

 


 

 


 

 


 

 


BALANCE SHEET DATA:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents

$

2,824

 

$

4,298

 

$

3,227

 

$

6,185

 

$

3,435

Working capital

 

20,570

 

 

26,140

 

 

32,844

 

 

31,508

 

 

16,794

Total assets

 

98,612

 

 

108,577

 

 

102,461

 

 

125,834

 

 

153,793

Long-term debt, net of current maturities

 

21,445

 

 

16,289

 

 

12,794

 

 

12,832

 

 

323

Other long-term obligations

 

11,554

 

 

9,568

 

 

8,498

 

 

31,156

 

 

30,900

Stockholders' equity

 

41,476

 

 

60,186

 

 

62,970

 

 

62,646

 

 

89,670

 17


 

ITEM 7. 

MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

 

The following discussion should be read in conjunction with the Selected Consolidated Financial Data and the Consolidated Financial Statements, including the related Notes, contained elsewhere in this document.

 

Overview

 

Rock of Ages is an integrated quarrier, manufacturer, distributor and retailer of granite and products manufactured from granite. During 2005, we had three business segments, quarrying, manufacturing, and retail. The quarry division sells granite blocks both to the manufacturing division and to outside manufacturers, as well as to customers outside North America. The manufacturing division's principal product is granite memorials used primarily in cemeteries, although it also manufactures some specialized granite products for industrial applications. The retail division primarily sells granite memorials directly to consumers.

 

Our quarry group had a difficult year in 2005 compared to last year largely as a result of a decline in export shipments primarily to our customers in China.  The largest decline occurred in our Salisbury Pink and Gardenia White quarries in North Carolina where shipments were down 74% and 47%, respectively, due to higher inventories in the supply chain as well as what we believe were more restrictive credit policies affecting our customers in China during 2005. Our Bethel White quarry sales were slightly below 2004 levels.  Early in 2006, we have seen some signs of an increase in inspections of blocks by our customers at our Salisbury Pink and Gardenia White quarries.  We anticipate some recovery of export shipments from those quarries in the balance of 2006, although we cannot provide any assurances in this regard.  Results from our other, primarily domestic, quarries were down in 2005 by slightly under 1% from 2004 due in part to short-term demand fluctuations as well as some longer-term negative trends caused by competition from imported granites.  We continue to aggressively market our products in the U.S. and abroad and continue to take cost cutting measures and make productivity improvements to adjust to market conditions.

 

The manufacturing division had a strong year in 2005 due primarily to increased revenues from mausoleums and larger estate and feature memorials.  Such large memorials generally have higher than average profit margins.  Demand for these and other large memorial projects remains strong and has offset the decline in orders and shipments of the lower end memorials generally sold by our authorized retailers. We have determined that increasing our Selling, General and Administrative (SG&A) expenses in an effort to grow the business with our authorized retailer base – a strategy we adopted late in 2004 – has not been effective. We therefore took steps late in 2005 to reduce SG&A in line with sales.

 

The current climate for manufacturing is very competitive, with imported products becoming more common. We will continue to pursue a strategy of focusing on the mausoleum and large features market where our product is superior and margins are generally higher.  We will also utilize and further explore outsourcing relationships (including importing from areas like China and India), as appropriate, for the lower-end business.

 

The retail segment's revenue was up 2% in 2005 compared with 2004.  Following the modest increase achieved in 2004, this compares favorably with the downward trend observed beginning in 2001.  Our gross margin, at 52% in 2005, was lower than the previous years, primarily due to tactical errors in pricing and mix assumptions when we changed our branding program and implemented a new pricing grid early in 2005. We continue to address the mix issue with our sales force through training and incentives and we have adjusted the price levels for 2006 to meet our 55% minimum gross margin target.  Retail SG&A was 14% higher in 2005 than 2004 as we invested in people and programs focused on improving sales, including the branding initiative, marketing plan and sales force compensation restructuring.  In the third quarter of 2005 we took aggressive action to improve SG&A productivity. Through a combination of headcount reductions and related operational enhancements developed during the quarter, we believe our sales force will be able to operate more efficiently with a smaller managerial staff.  We expect these steps will reduce SG&A at both the store and overhead level in our retail operations in 2006.

 

Our future success depends on increasing revenues from our existing retail stores through outreach programs with funeral homes and cemeteries to maximize revenues per store by expanding share and market area. In addition, we continue to work to expand and improve the distribution of our product through our owned stores, authorized dealers, funeral homes, and cemeteries.

18


 

 

Critical Accounting Policies

 

General

 

Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations is based upon our Consolidated Financial Statements, which have been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP). The preparation of these financial statements requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenue and expenses, and related disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities. Management bases its estimates on historical experience and on various other assumptions that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances. Management has discussed the development, selection and disclosure of these estimates with the Audit Committee. Actual results may differ from these estimates.

 

An accounting policy is deemed to be critical if it requires an accounting estimate to be made based on assumptions about matters that are highly uncertain at the time the estimate is made, and if different estimates that reasonably could have been used, or changes in the accounting estimates that are reasonably likely to occur periodically, could materially impact the financial statements.

 

Our critical accounting policies are as follows: Revenue recognition, impairment of long-lived assets, valuation of deferred income taxes, contingencies and accounting for pensions and other post-retirement benefits.

 

Revenue Recognition

 

Quarry Division

 

The granite we quarry is sold both to outside customers and used by our manufacturing group. Our quarry division recognizes revenue from sales of granite blocks to outside customers when the granite is shipped and invoiced from the quarry. We provide a 5% discount for domestic customers if payment is made within 30 days of purchase, except in the case of December terms described below. Sales to foreign customers are typically secured by a letter of credit.

 

At our Barre, Vermont quarries, we allow customers to purchase granite blocks and request that we store the blocks for them. Many of our customers do not have adequate storage space at their facilities and want to ensure an adequate supply of blocks, especially when the Barre quarries are closed from mid-December through mid-March because of weather. Our quarry division recognizes revenue from blocks purchased when the customer selects and identifies the block at the quarry site and the customer requests the block be stored, when they have significant business reasons to do so. At that time, the block is removed from inventory; the customer's name is printed on the block, and title and risk of ownership passes to the buyer. The customer is invoiced and normal payment terms apply, except in the case of December terms described below. Granite blocks owned by customers remain on our property for varying periods of time after title. We retain a delivery obligation using our trucks. However, we consider the earnings process substantially complete because the cost of delivery service is inconsequential (less than 3%) in relation to the selling price. Further, under industry terms of trade, title passes and the payment obligation is established when the block is identified at the quarry.

 

Each December, we offer special payment terms to our Barre quarries' customers. As noted above, from approximately mid-December to approximately mid-March, our Barre quarries are closed due to weather. During this time, the quarry customers' manufacturing plants remain open, and many prefer to ensure they own blocks of a size and quality selected by them prior to the quarries' closure. All blocks purchased in December are invoiced on or about December 31 and, at that time, the blocks are removed from inventory, the customer's name is printed on the blocks, and title and risk of ownership passes to the buyer. Payment terms are one-third of the invoice amount on January 15, one-third on February 15, and one-third on March 15. The program provides essentially the normal 30-day payment terms during the months when the Barre quarries are closed notwithstanding the customer purchases a three-month supply in December and makes payments over 90 days. Customers need not use these special December terms and may buy from inventory during the closure period on a first-come, first-served basis with the normal 30-day payment terms.

 19


 

 

Manufacturing

 

Rock of Ages does not record a sale at the time granite is transferred to the manufacturing division from our quarries. We record revenue and gross profit related to internally transferred granite only after the granite is manufactured into a finished product and sold to an outside customer. Manufacturing revenues related to outside customers are recorded when the finished product is shipped from our facilities or set in the cemetery, if we are responsible for the setting. Revenues related to internally transferred finished products to our owned retail outlets are not recorded as manufacturing revenues; they are recorded as revenue by the retail division when ultimately sold to an outside customer.

 

Retail

 

Retail revenues are recorded when the finished monument is set in the cemetery. In certain instances, we may enter into an agreement with a customer that provides for extended payments terms, generally up to a year from either the date of setting the memorial or, in certain instances, upon the settlement of an estate.

 

Impairment of long-lived assets and goodwill

 

Our long-lived assets consist primarily of property, plant and equipment. Long-lived assets are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate the carrying amount of such an asset may not be recoverable. Such events or circumstances include, but are not limited to, a significant decrease in the fair value of the underlying business or change in utilization of property and equipment.

 

Recoverability of the undepreciated cost of property, plant and equipment is measured by comparing the carrying amount to the estimated future undiscounted net cash flows the assets are expected to generate. Those cash flows include an estimated terminal value based on a hypothetical sale at the end of the assets' depreciation period. Estimating these cash flows and terminal values requires management to make judgments about the growth in demand for our services, sustainability of gross margins and our ability to integrate acquired companies and achieve economies of scale. If assets are considered to be impaired, the impairment to be recognized is measured as the amount by which the carrying amount of the long-lived asset exceeds its fair value.

 

We assess impairment of goodwill in accordance with the provisions of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 142, "Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets." The provisions of SFAS No. 142 require that a two-step test be performed. First, the fair value of each reporting unit will be compared to its carrying value. If the fair value exceeds the carrying value, goodwill is not impaired and no further testing is performed. If the carrying value exceeds the fair value, then the implied fair value of the reporting unit's goodwill must be determined and compared to the carrying value of the goodwill. If the carrying value of a reporting unit's goodwill exceeds its implied fair value, then an impairment loss equal to the difference will be recorded. In the third quarter of 2005 we performed our annual assessment for the retail unit. We calculated the fair value of the retail unit based on estimated expected discounted future cash flows using the Company's weighted average cost of capital. We concluded that the retail unit could not support the goodwill booked in the last two acquisitions and therefore have written off all of the retail goodwill of $318,000 in the third quarter. As a result, we have no goodwill on our balance sheet for retail operations. We likewise have no goodwill on our balance sheet for our manufacturing operations.  The goodwill on our balance sheet at December 31, 2005 of $387,000 relates to the Rockwell quarry acquisition, which was completed in the first quarter of 2005. In connection with quarries that we acquire, any excess of the purchase price over the fair value of net tangible assets acquired is first applied to identifiable intangible assets, such as customer lists, with any excess assigned to goodwill.

 

Valuation of deferred income taxes

 

In assessing the realizability of deferred tax assets, management considers whether it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the current and deferred tax assets will not be realized. The ultimate realization of current and deferred tax assets depends upon the generation of future taxable income during the periods in which those temporary differences become deductible. Management considers the scheduled reversal of deferred tax liabilities, projected future taxable income, and tax planning strategies in making this assessment. This assessment is made each reporting period. At the end of the second quarter of 2005, based on the recent levels of historical taxable income and projections for future taxable income, the Company believed it was not more likely than not that it would generate the required taxable income to fully realize the benefit of the net U.S. deferred tax assets.  As such, we adjusted our valuation allowance against the deferred tax assets to fully reserve for the entire net U.S. deferred tax asset which resulted in a charge to tax expense of $9,194,000 in the second quarter of 2005. At the end of the year, we reached a similar conclusion, therefore we have continued to fully reserve for the entire net U.S. deferred tax asset. We will continue to assess the valuation allowance on a regular basis and may reduce the valuation allowance if and/or when the Company has taxable income from its U.S. operations in the future. See note 9 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for more details on the valuation of deferred income taxes. Based on the levels of taxable income from our US operations, utilization of tax loss carry forwards and potential adjustments in the level of the tax valuation allowance, the Company's effective tax rate may vary considerably from year to year.  

20


 

 

Contingencies

 

We are involved in various types of legal proceedings from time to time. Due to their nature, such legal proceedings involve inherent uncertainties and risks, including, but not limited to, court rulings, judgments, negotiations between affected parties and government action. Management, with the assistance of its outside advisors, assesses the probability of loss for such contingencies and accrues a liability and/or discloses the relevant circumstances, as appropriate.

 

Accounting for pensions and other post-retirement benefits

 

We provide defined benefit pension and other postretirement benefit plans for certain of our employees. Accounting for these plans requires the use of actuarial assumptions including estimates on the expected long-term rate of return on assets and discount rates. In 2005 we decreased the discount rate used to determine our liability in the pension plan from 5.79% to 5.47% based on a bond matching model which uses data on individual high-quality corporate bonds and the timing and amount of the future benefit payments in our plan to develop a weighted discount rate specific to our plan. In order to make informed assumptions, we rely on outside actuarial experts as well as public market data and general economic information. Any changes in one or more of these assumptions may materially affect certain amounts reported on our balance sheet. In particular, a decrease in the expected long-term rate of return on plan assets or a further decrease in discount rate could result in an increase in our pension liability and a charge to equity as well as increases in pension expenses over time. See note 10 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

21


 

 

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

 

The following table sets forth certain historical statement of operations data as a percentage of net revenues with the exception of quarrying, manufacturing and retailing gross profit, which are shown as a percentage of quarry, manufacturing and retail revenues, respectively.

 

 

 

YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,

 

 


 

 

 

 

As Restated

 

As Restated

 

 

2005

 

2004 (1)

 

2003 (1)

 

 


 


 


 

STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS DATA:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net Revenues:

 

 

 

 

 

 

     Quarry

32.8%

 

38.7%

 

38.2%

 

     Manufacturing

26.3%

 

22.6%

 

22.5%

 

     Retail

40.9%

 

38.7%

 

39.3%

 

 


 


 


 

          Total net revenues

100.0%

 

100.0%

 

100.0%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

GROSS PROFIT:

 

 

 

 

 

 

     Quarry

20.4%

 

34.4%

 

32.3%

 

     Manufacturing

28.8%

 

26.6%

 

28.2%

 

     Retail

52.1%

 

56.9%

 

57.2%

 

 


 


 


 

          Total gross profit

35.6%

 

41.3%

 

41.2%

 

Selling, general & administrative expenses

43.3%

 

37.2%

 

36.0%

 

Gain on sale of investments

0.4%

 

 

 

Impairment of note receivable

 

0.4%

 

 

Adverse judgment and legal expenses

 

7.0%

 

2.7%

 

Foreign exchange loss

0.1%

 

0.1%

 

0.1%

 

Income (loss) from continuing operations

(7.4%

(3.4%

2.4%

 

Interest expense

2.2%

 

0.9%

 

0.5%

 

Income (loss) from continuing operations before provision (benefit) for income taxes

(9.6%

(4.3%

1.9%

 

Provision (benefit) for income taxes

8.5%

 

(0.9%

0.7%

 

Income (loss) from continuing operations

(18.1%

(3.4%

1.2%

 

Discontinued operations

 

(0.1%

0.4%

 

Net income (loss)

(18.1%

(3.5%

1.6%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(1)

As discussed in note 2 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, the Company has restated its consolidated financial statements for the years ended December 31, 2004 and 2003 to reflect the adjustments in the statements of operations related to the classification of shipping and handling costs in order to be compliant with Emerging Issues Task Force ("EITF") consensus No. 00-10, "Accounting for Shipping and Handling Fees and Costs" in its quarry and manufacturing segments. The Company's prior method of accounting for certain freight costs to deliver products to their customer's designated location was to include these costs as a deduction from net revenues. Such costs are now included in cost of sales.

 22


 

Year Ended December 31, 2005 Compared To Year Ended December 31, 2004

 

On a consolidated basis for all segments for the year ended December 31, 2005, compared to the year ended December 31, 2004 revenue decreased 3%, gross profit decreased 17% and total Selling, General and Administrative (SG&A) costs increased 12% for reasons discussed in detail in the segment analysis below.

 

Quarry Segment Analysis

 

Revenues in our quarry operations for 2005 were $29.3 million, down 18% or $6.5 million from 2004.   This decline was primarily as a result of decreased shipments from our Salisbury Pink and Gardenia White quarries to overseas customers. Shipments from these quarries were down $6.1 million from 2004 levels.  Our export shipments declined as a result of several factors, including our customers' existing inventory levels as well as what we believe were credit restrictions imposed by the Chinese central bank in an effort to slow construction  spending.  Shipments from our Vermont and Pennsylvania quarries were down approximately $425,000 from 2004 levels, despite an improvement in the pace of sales in the fourth quarter, particularly in the Bethel, Vermont quarry.

 

Gross profit dollars from our quarry operations for 2005 decreased 51%, and gross profit as a percentage of revenue decreased from 34.4% of revenue for 2004 to 20.4% of revenue for 2005. The decreases in gross profit dollars and gross profit as a percentage of revenue were largely a result of higher repair and maintenance expenses, absorption of additional expenses associated with the Rockwell quarry acquisition in the second quarter of 2005, write-off of retired fixed assets in the Pennsylvania quarry, lowered production due to mechanical failure of a derrick in our Barre quarry and lower operational efficiencies associated with a decrease in revenue.

 

SG&A expenses in our quarry segment decreased 1%, or $50,000, in 2005 from 2004 levels. 

 

Manufacturing Segment Analysis

 

Revenues in our manufacturing operations for 2005 increased 12% from 2004 primarily as a result of strong shipments of mausoleums as well as an increase in sales of industrial products. At December 31, 2005, our backlog of mausoleum orders and typical memorial products was $9.7 million, $850,000 higher than the December 31, 2004 level.

 

Gross profit dollars from the manufacturing group increased 21% from the 2004 level and gross profit as a percentage of manufacturing revenue increased 2.2 percentage points, to 28.8% for 2005.  The increase in gross profit margin is a result of the positive effect higher revenues have on reducing certain fixed costs as a percentage of revenue in our operations, as well as higher revenues from mausoleum and feature memorials which typically have above average gross margins.

 

Manufacturing SG&A expenses for 2005 increased 30% compared with 2004.  This was as a result of an increase to the management fee charged to our Canadian manufacturing division by the US affiliate which is offset by lower corporate overhead, and the additional people and programs put in place to expand our sales to current authorized retailers and to add new authorized retailers. We have concluded that this effort has not been effective and have taken steps to reduce the SG&A expenses.

 

Retail Segment Analysis

 

Revenues in our retail operations for 2005 increased 2% from 2004.  We believe the increase is a direct result of the initiatives undertaken in 2005 to improve our product mix, implement the branding strategy, develop a marketing plan and revamp the retail sales counselor compensation structure.  Our order receipts in 2005 decreased 2% compared with 2004.  Our backlog was $6.6 million at December 31, 2005, down from $8.6 million at December 31, 2004.

 

Gross profit dollars from retail operations decreased 6% from 2004 levels and gross profit as a percentage of revenue decreased 4.8 percentage points compared with 2004. We attribute these declines to errors in our assumptions about pricing and mix of craftsmanship levels when we established our new branding initiative and overhauled our pricing early in 2005.  We have raised and adjusted our pricing and we are targeting a return to the historical level of 55% or higher gross margin percentage.

 

SG&A expenses from our retail operations increased 14% for 2005 compared to 2004 and SG&A expenses as a percentage of retail revenue increased 7.2 percentage points from 2004.  The increase in SG&A was a result of the expenses associated with the various investments in people and programs related to changing  our product mix, branding strategy, marketing plan, retail sales counselor compensation structure, pricing policy, and other items.  While we continued to focus on the new branding and pricing programs introduced early in 2005, during the second half of the year we developed a retail store staffing plan that, through a combination of headcount reductions and related operational enhancements, focuses on the productivity of our sales force and, we believe, will allow us to operate more efficiently with a smaller managerial staff.  We implemented the plan during the fourth quarter and by the end of the year we had made the associated staffing reductions and we had paid or accrued associated severance costs.  We expect this will reduce retail SG&A expenses approximately 15% to 20% in 2006 as compared to 2005.

23


 

 

Consolidated Items

 

Unallocated corporate overhead in 2005 was $5.1 million essentially unchanged from 2004.

 

In October 2005, we sold our investment in FFS Financial, recording a gain of $350,000.

 

Foreign exchange losses in 2005 were $50,000 compared to $69,000 in 2004 resulting from the effect of the fluctuating value of the US dollar compared to the Canadian dollar on transactions that are originated in US dollars in our Canadian operations.

 

Interest expense increased from $822,000 in 2004 to $1.9 million in 2005 as a result of an increase in the amount of debt outstanding during the year and higher interest rates on our credit facilities. The higher debt levels were due to the operating losses sustained during 2005, the Rockwell quarry and the McColly retail store acquisitions, and changes in working capital.

 

Income tax expense for 2005 was $7.6 million, compared with a benefit of $854,000 in 2004. In the second quarter of 2005, the Company made the determination that, based on the results of the previous three years coupled with current year actual and then-projected operating results and the guidance in SFAS 109, we could not estimate that the Company will more likely than not generate the required taxable income to fully realize the benefit of the net U.S. deferred tax assets the Company has generated over the years.  As such, we adjusted our valuation allowance against the net U.S. deferred tax assets to fully reserve for the entire net U.S. deferred tax assets. After reviewing the results at the end of the year, we continued to fully reserve for the entire net deferred tax asset.  As required by SFAS 109, we will continue to assess the valuation allowance on a regular basis and may reduce the valuation allowance if and/or when the Company has taxable income from its U.S. operations in the future.  Until or unless that occurs, we will show essentially no tax (except for Canadian tax expense) in periods when we have earnings, until we generate the required taxable income to fully realize the benefit of our net U.S. deferred tax assets.  These actions do not affect the cash taxes paid by the Company. The Company's Canadian subsidiary provided for income taxes payable in Canada of $515,000 in 2005 compared to $473,000 in 2004. 

 

Year Ended December 31, 2004 Compared To Year Ended December 31, 2003

 

On a consolidated basis for all segments for the year ended December 31, 2004 compared to the year ended December 31, 2003, revenue increased 2%, gross profit increased 2% and total SG&A expenses increased 6% for reasons discussed in detail in the segment analysis below.

 

Quarry Segment Analysis

 

Revenues in our quarry operations for the year ended December 31, 2004 increased 4% from 2003 primarily as a result of increased shipments from our Gardenia White and Pennsylvania Black quarries as well as an increase in shipments from the Galactic Blue quarry in the Ukraine.  Both Gardenia White and Bethel White were very popular export granites and our improved production of Gardenia White provided more stone available for sale. Recoveries in our Pennsylvania Black quarry improved in 2004 as we progressed through a difficult part of the quarry, which also provided us with increases in production and sales. Finally, our new venture in the Galactic Blue quarry in the Ukraine continued to improve production, which also led to higher revenues. These increases in revenue were somewhat offset by a decrease in revenue from our Salisbury Pink quarry where demand for that export product was somewhat lower than anticipated. Our Barre Gray quarry continued to face competition from imported granites, especially colored granites, which may decrease demand for granite from this quarry over time, however revenue levels in 2004 were relatively consistent with 2003.

 

Gross profit dollars from our quarry operations for the year ended December 31, 2004 increased 10% and gross profit as a percentage of revenue increased 2.1 percentage points to 34.4% from 2003. The increase in gross profit was primarily the result of higher revenues and higher gross profit as a percentage of revenue in our Pennsylvania Black quarry as well as smaller increases in our Gardenia White quarry as a result of higher revenues. These increases were offset by a decrease in gross profit in our Bethel White quarry due to higher than normal repair and maintenance expenses in 2004.

 

SG&A expenses in our quarry segment for 2004 increased 13% from 2003 primarily due to increased travel expenses required to support our granite export sales efforts as well as higher bonus payments paid to quarry personnel for the improved results.

 

 24


 

 

Manufacturing Segment Analysis

 

Revenues in our manufacturing group for the year ended December 31, 2004 increased 2% from 2003. The increase was primarily a result of increased shipments from our precision products group as a result of greater demand for their products. This increase was offset by a decrease in shipments from the memorials group primarily as a result of not being able to ship approximately $600,000 in mausoleums and estate memorials in the fourth quarter of 2004 due to incomplete foundations, which are the responsibility of the customer.

 

Gross profit dollars from the manufacturing group declined 4% and gross profit as a percentage of revenue decreased 1.6 percentage points for the year ended December 31, 2004 compared to 2003. The slight decrease is primarily a result of the decrease in shipments from the memorials group, especially the larger and more expensive memorials, mausoleums and estate memorials.

 

SG&A expenses for the manufacturing group were up 9% over the prior year primarily as a result of increased sales personnel hired in the memorials group in order to implement our growth plans.

 

Retail Segment Analysis

 

Revenues in our retail operations were marginally higher than the prior year, and while this is not a significant improvement in dollars, we were pleased that the retail group reversed the trend observed since 2001 of declining revenues.  We implemented significant changes in our retail division during 2004.  While the changes were helpful in stabilizing our core market in the short term, some of these changes, including a new Chief Operating Officer, a change in compensation structure, changes to our product offerings and pricing, among other things, may have distracted our sales force somewhat.

 

Gross profit dollars for the retail operations in 2004 was essentially unchanged from 2003 and gross profit as a percentage of revenue was also essentially unchanged from 2003.

 

SG&A expenses in retail in 2004 increased 3% from the prior year primarily as a result of additional personnel and programs which were aimed at increasing revenues in the retail segment, severance payments, and additional sales compensation expense as a result of converting our sales force from commission based to salary based.

 

Consolidated Items

 

In 2004, we recognized an impairment of $400,000 on a long term note receivable which dated back to the sale of a manufacturing plant in Elberton, Georgia in 2001. In the fourth quarter of 2004, we were in a dispute with the buyer and determined this note was not collectable in its entirety and negotiated a payment of $300,000 in cash to the Company and a remaining note for $100,000, which will be repaid through the purchase of product from Childs & Childs. In return, a supply agreement requiring us to buy all of our Elberton memorials from the buyer was terminated. 

 

Unallocated corporate overhead increased 8% from the prior year primarily as a result of expenses associated with executive searches for our memorials group as well as consulting expenses associated with the Company's Sarbanes-Oxley Section 404 compliance efforts.

 

Expenses related to the adverse arbitral award and legal expenses were $6.5 million in 2004 compared to $2.4 million in 2003. The 2004 charge consists entirely of the $6.5 million settlement amount paid to Eurimex. The charges in 2003 were for legal and associated expenses relating entirely to the Eurimex arbitration.

 

Foreign exchange loss in 2004 was $69,000 compared to $121,000 in 2003 resulting from the effect of the fluctuating value of the US dollar compared to the Canadian dollar on transactions that are originated in US dollars in our Canadian operations.

 

Interest expense increased 74% from $471,000 to $822,000 primarily as a result of higher borrowings and higher interest rates in 2004 compared to 2003. The increased borrowings resulted from an increase in long-term debt from the investment in Forethought Financial Services and an increase in short term borrowings on our revolving credit facility primarily as a result of payment of the Eurimex settlement amount. The interest rate paid on our credit facility is tied primarily to LIBOR, which increased throughout 2004. Due to the restructuring of our debt facility in the second quarter of 2004 we wrote-off an additional $85,000 of deferred financing charges, which also contributed to the increase.

 

Income tax benefit, as a percentage of pre-tax income, decreased to 21% for 2004 from an expense of 34% in 2003. Our tax rate is significantly affected by the fact that we operate in both the US and Canada and have historically had different tax rates in those jurisdictions. We expect our Canadian tax rate to remain approximately 33% and our US tax rate to range from 22% to 25%. It is very difficult to predict an expected blended rate for the Company for 2005, as it is heavily dependent on pre-tax earnings in those jurisdictions. The lower blended effective tax rate in 2004 was due to higher losses in the US resulting from the Eurimex payment.

25


 

 

We had a loss from discontinued operations, net of taxes, of $65,000 in 2004 as a result of the sale of the Autumn Rose quarry. This compares to income, net of taxes, of $338,000 in 2003 broken down as follows: We had a gain on the sale of the cemetery operations of $1,138,000. This gain was offset by the loss from operations of the cemeteries in 2003 of $244,000, an impairment charge of $488,000 for the discontinued Autumn Rose quarry, and the loss from the operations of the Autumn Rose Quarry of $68,000. We had no remaining discontinued operations held for sale as of December 31, 2004.

 

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

 

Liquidity

 

We consider our liquidity to be adequate to meet our long and short-term cash requirements to fund operations. Historically, we have met these requirements primarily from cash generated by operating activities and periodic borrowings under the commercial credit facilities described below. Our operating results and changes in working capital in 2005 have required us to increase our borrowings under our credit facility.  We actively monitor our cash requirements and adjust those requirements as needed particularly with regard to acquisitions and capital spending.  We do not anticipate any requirements for additional financing in the next 12-18 months beyond what is available to us under our existing credit facilities.

 

In 2005, the funded status of our defined benefit pension plan decreased by approximately $1.8 million primarily as a result of a decrease in the discount rate used to calculate the pension benefit obligation from 5.79% to 5.47%. We have historically contributed between $800,000 and $1.0 million per year to the plan and we contributed $945,000 in 2005.  The Company is not required to make any additional contributions in 2006, however we expect to contribute $945,000 to the defined benefit plan during 2006, which, we believe, we will be able to fund either from cash from operations or borrowing under our credit facilities.

 

Cash Flow 

 

At December 31, 2005, we had cash and cash equivalents of approximately $2.8 million and working capital of approximately $20.6 million, compared to approximately $4.3 million and $26.1 million, respectively, at December 31, 2004.

 

Cash from Operations. Net cash used in operating activities was $5.7 million in 2005 compared to $351,000 in 2004. The primary reason for the change is the lower earnings in 2005, (excluding the effect of the significant decrease in deferred tax assets) coupled with the non-cash adjustments of depreciation and the write-down of goodwill and the decrease in customer deposits and increase in inventories, and other working capital changes, which had the effect of decreasing cash from operations.

 

Net cash used in operating activities was $351,000 in 2004 compared to cash provided by operating activities of $4.9 million in 2003. The primary reason for the change is the lower earnings in 2004 due in significant part to the $6.5 million Eurimex settlement payment coupled with the non-cash adjustments primarily from an increase in deferred taxes related to the Eurimex settlement and an increase in inventory as well as other working capital changes, which had the effect of decreasing cash from operations.

 

Cash from Investing Activities. Cash flows used in investing activities were $4.4 million in 2005 compared to $5.4 million in 2004. In 2005 our capital spending was $4.8 million primarily as a result of continued investment in our quarry, retail and manufacturing operations, and an additional $4.1 million for the acquisition of the Rockwell quarry and the McColly retail locations. These were partially offset by the proceeds from the sale of our FFS investment of $3.9 million.

 

Cash flows used in investing activities were $5.4 million in 2004 compared to $6.2 million in 2003. In 2004, our capital spending was $6.7 million. In addition, we used $3.6 million in cash to make investments, primarily a $3.5 million investment in FFS. This cash used was partially offset by the receipt of $5.4 million primarily from the payment of a note, which we had received in 2003 as partial consideration for the sale of our cemeteries. Cash used in investing activities generally comes from either borrowings under our credit facilities or from operations.

 

Cash from Financing Activities. Financing activities provided $8.3 million in 2005 which included $3.2 million under our line of credit and $9.7 under our long-term note, less $3.9 million paid on our long-term note and $740,000 paid in dividends. Financing activities provided $6.3 million in 2004 as a result of increased borrowings under our line of credit, an increase in borrowing under our long-term note as well as cash provided from employees exercising stock options. This was partially offset by the payment of dividends.

 26


 

Capital Resources

 

CIT Credit Facility

 

We have a credit facility with The CIT Group — Business Credit and Chittenden Trust Company (the "Lenders") that consists of an acquisition term loan line of credit of up to $30 million and a revolving credit facility of up to another $20 million based on eligible accounts receivable, inventory and certain fixed assets. The credit facility expires in October 2007. As of December 31, 2005, we had $21.8 million outstanding and $8.2 million available under the term loan line of credit and $10.5 million outstanding and $9.5 million available under the revolving credit facility.  Pursuant to the Further Amendment (defined below) the Lenders have placed a reserve of $2 million against availability under the revolving credit facility with the Lenders retaining the right to over advance at their discretion. The Lenders also agreed to transfer $6.2 million of the revolving loan balance to term debt, as that amount was expended for acquisitions and new store openings which qualify under the term credit facility.  In addition, $3.5 million of the proceeds from the sale of our investment in FFS Holdings, Inc (see note 12 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements) was credited to term debt. The credit facility loan agreement places restrictions on our ability to, among other things, sell assets, participate in mergers, incur debt, pay dividends, make capital expenditures, repurchase stock and make investments or guarantees.

 

The credit facility agreement also contains certain covenants for a minimum Operating Cash Flow to Debt Service Ratio (the Ratio) and a limit on the Total Liabilities to Net Worth Ratio of the Company. Initially, the facility required the ratio of the sum of earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (EBITDA) less taxes and capital expenditures to the sum of interest and scheduled debt repayments be at least 1.25 for any trailing twelve-month period at the end of a quarter. As a result of significant Eurimex arbitration expenses, and operating losses, we have been in violation of this covenant and have received waivers and amendments of these covenants from our Lenders. On August 10, 2005 we signed an amendment to the credit facility (the Amendment) which reduced the Ratio for a period of time, increased the interest rates on the outstanding balances on both the term loans and revolving credit facility by 25 basis points and contained other provisions.  The interest rate will be automatically reduced by 25 basis points if and when we deliver audited financial statements to our Lenders showing that the Ratio for the trailing 12 months ending December 31, 2006 is at least 1.25 to 1.  As of October 1, 2005, we were in violation of the amended Ratio as set forth in the Amendment primarily as a result of operating results. On November 15, 2005, we received and executed a further amendment to the Ratio allowing us to be in compliance with our credit facility at October 1, 2005 (the Further Amendment).  In the Further Amendment our Lenders have agreed to adjust the required covenant levels for the balance of 2005 and 2006.  We were in compliance with those adjusted covenants at December 31, 2005 and we believe it is probable we will be in compliance with those adjusted covenants in 2006. The Further Amendment also limits annual capital expenses to $3 million beginning in 2006, and prohibits the payment of dividends without the prior consent of the lenders. We believe it is unlikely we will receive bank consent to pay dividends in 2006. The Further Amendment also increases the interest rates on the outstanding balances of the term loans and the revolving credit facility by a further 25 basis points until June 30, 2006, at which time the interest rate will be reduced by 25 basis points  so long as we are not in default of the credit facility.  Finally, our lenders imposed a fee of $30,000 in connection with the Further Amendment.

 

The facility also requires that the ratio of the Company's total liabilities to net worth not exceed 2.0. As of December 31, 2005, the Company was in compliance with this covenant as our total liabilities to net worth ratio was 1.4.

 

We have a multi-tiered interest rate structure on our outstanding debt with CIT. We can elect the interest rate structure under the credit facility based on the prime rate or LIBOR for both the revolving credit facility and the term loan. The incremental rate above or below prime and above LIBOR is based on our Funded Debt to Net Worth Ratio. Based on this ratio, our current rates are 25 basis points higher than the lowest incremental rates currently available to us.  In addition, as disclosed above, the incremental interest rates under our credit facility were increased by a total of 50 basis points during 2005 in connection with the Amendment and the Further Amendment.  Accordingly, the incremental rates currently available to us will be 50 basis points higher for both the revolver and term loans unless and until the conditions for reducing the interest rate increases described above are net.  

  

The following table shows the LIBOR or Prime rate elections:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

LIBOR Election

 

Prime Election

 

 

 

 

 

Revolving Credit Facility

 

LIBOR + 2.25%

 

Prime + 0.25%

 

 

 

 

 

Term Loans

 

LIBOR + 2.50%

 

Prime + 0.50%

 27


 

 

The rates in effect as of December 31, 2005 were as follows:

 

 

 

Amount
Outstanding

 

Formula

 

Effective Rate

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Revolving Credit Facility

$

.5 million

 

Prime + 0. 25%

 

7.50%

Revolving Credit Facility

 

10.0 million

 

LIBOR + 2.25%

 

6.49%

Term Loan A

 

12.5 million

 

LIBOR + 2.50%

 

6.94%

Term Loan B

 

9.0 million

 

LIBOR + 2.50%

 

6.94%

Term Loan at Prime

 

.3 million

 

Prime + 0.50%

 

7.75%

 

Canadian Credit Facility

 

As of December 31, 2005, we also had $4.0 million CDN available and $0 outstanding under a demand revolving line of credit with the Royal Bank of Canada.

 

Contractual Obligations (in thousands)

 

 

 Payments Due By Period

Contractual Cash Obligations

 

Total

 

Less than 1 year

 

1-3 Years

 

4-5 Years

 

After 5 Years

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Long-Term Debt (1)

$

25,046

$

2,199

$

22,474

$

62

$

311

Operating Leases (2)

 

2,358

 

898

 

1,055

 

272

 

133

Purchase Obligations (3)

 

6,750

 

2,250

 

4,500

 

 

 

 


 


 


 


 


Total Obligations (4)

$

34,154

$

5,347

$

28,029

$

334

$

444

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(1)

Long-Term Debt consists of various notes payable (see note 8 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements) for general business use and strategic acquisitions and estimated interest thereon, which will be funded from a combination of cash flow from operations and our existing credit facilities. Obligations of $10.5 million under our Revolving Credit Facility at December 31, 2005 are not included in this table.

 

 

(2)

Operating Leases are principally for real estate and vehicles (see note 6 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements) and will be funded from a combination of cash flow from operations and our existing credit facilities.

 

 

(3)

The purchase obligation consists of a supply agreement with Adams Granite Co. The Company has agreed to purchase a minimum of $2,250,000 (+/- 10%) of monuments from Adams Granite each year for a term of seven years with various stipulations as to variations from the "minimum order" and pricing agreements (see note 6 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements), and will be funded from a combination of cash flow from operations and our existing credit facilities. The agreement was entered into on January 11, 2002 and the remaining term is three years. We also had an exclusive distribution agreement with Memory Medallion Inc. (MMI), in which the Company had agreed to buy $1.1 million of memory medallions over two years with quarterly payments of $137,500 which began on August 1, 2005. Subsequent to year-end, the agreement was amended to grant the Company non-exclusive rights to market the medallions and discontinue the purchase obligation.

 

 

(4)

In addition to the contractual obligations included in the table, we have obligations to fund pension plans. The actual commitment is contingent on certain factors that are uncertain or unknown at this time. Therefore, these obligations are not included in the table.

28


 

 

Capital Expenditures

 

Our primary need for capital will be to maintain and improve our manufacturing, quarrying, and retail facilities. We have less than $2 million budgeted for capital expenditures in 2006. We believe the combination of cash flow from operations and our credit facility will be sufficient to fund our operations for the next twelve months.

 

SEASONALITY

 

Historically, our operations have experienced certain seasonal patterns. Generally, our net sales have been highest in the second or third quarter and lowest in the first quarter of each year due primarily to weather. Cemeteries in northern areas generally do not accept granite memorials during winter months when the ground is frozen because they cannot be properly set. In addition, we typically close certain of our Vermont and Canadian quarries during these months because of increased operating costs attributable to adverse weather conditions. As a result, we have historically incurred a net loss during the first three months of each calendar year.

 

RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS 

 

In May 2005, the FASB issued SFAS No. 154, "Accounting Changes and Error Corrections – a replacement of APB No. 20, and FASB Statement No. 3 ("SFAS 154"). SFAS 154 replaces APB Opinion No. 20, Accounting Changes, and FASB Statement No. 3, Reporting Accounting Changes in Interim Financial Statements, and changes the requirements for the accounting for and reporting of a change in accounting principle. This Statement applies to all voluntary changes in accounting principle. It also applies to changes required by an accounting pronouncement in the unusual instance that the pronouncement does not include specific transition provisions. When a pronouncement includes specific transition provisions, those provisions should be followed. SFAS 154 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2005 and is required to be adopted by us in the first quarter of 2006, beginning on January 1, 2006.

 

 

ITEM 7A. 

QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

 

Rock of Ages has financial instruments that are subject to interest rate risk, principally debt obligations under its credit facilities. Historically, we have not experienced material gains or losses due to interest rate changes. Based on our current variable rate debt obligations, we believe our exposure to interest rate risk is not material. Based on the December 31, 2005 outstanding borrowings under the credit facility of $32.3 million, the impact of a 1% increase in the interest rates would be approximately $300,000 a year.

 

We are subject to foreign currency exchange rate risk primarily from the operations of our Canadian subsidiary. Based on the size of this subsidiary and our corresponding exposure to changes in the Canadian/U.S. dollar exchange rate, we do not consider our market exposure relating to currency exchange to be material.

 

ITEM 8.  

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA

 

The information required for this item is included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K on Pages i through xxxiv, inclusive, and is incorporated herein by reference.

 

ITEM 9. 

CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE

 

On September 27, 2005, we dismissed KPMG which were then our principal accountants, as an independent registered public accounting firm. On September 29, 2005, Grant Thornton LLP ("Grant Thornton") accepted its appointment as our new independent registered public accounting firm. The termination of KPMG and the engagement of Grant Thornton were approved by the Audit Committee of the Company's Board of Directors (the "Audit Committee"), and followed the decision of the Audit Committee to seek, and its receipt of, proposals from independent registered public accounting firms to audit our financial statements.

 

The audit reports of KPMG on the consolidated financial statements of Rock of Ages and subsidiaries for the years ended December 31, 2004 and 2003 did not contain any adverse opinion or disclaimer of opinion, nor were they qualified or modified as to uncertainty, audit scope, or accounting principles, except as follows:  KPMG's report on the consolidated financial statements of Rock of Ages and subsidiaries as of and for the years ended December 31, 2004 and 2003, contained a separate paragraph stating "as discussed in note 2 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, effective January 1, 2002, the Company adopted the provisions of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 142, "Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets" and a separate paragraph stating "as discussed in note 3 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, the Company changed its method of accounting for its quarry inventory from the first in, first out method to the specific annual average cost method, effective January 1, 2002."

29


 

 

During the Company's two fiscal years ended December 31, 2004 and 2003 and the subsequent interim period through September 27, 2005, there were no disagreements between Rock of Ages and KPMG on any matter of accounting principles or practices, financial statement disclosure, or auditing scope or procedures, which disagreements, if not resolved to KPMG's satisfaction, would have caused KPMG to make reference in connection with its reports to the subject matter of the disagreement.

 

During the Company's two fiscal years ended December 31, 2004 and 2003 and the subsequent interim period through September 27, 2005, there have been no "reportable events," such as the term is defined in Item 304(a)(1)(v) of Regulation S-K of the Securities and Exchange Commission.

 

During the Company's two fiscal years ended December 31, 2004 and 2003 and the subsequent interim period through September 27, 2005, Rock of Ages did not consult with Grant Thornton regarding any matters or events set forth in Items 304(a)(2)(i) or (ii) of Regulation S-K of the Securities and Exchange Commission.

 

The Company provided KPMG with a copy of the above disclosures and requested that KPMG furnish the Company with a letter addressed to the Securities and Exchange Commission stating whether it agrees with the above statements and, if not, stating the respects in which it does not agree. A copy of KPMG's letter was filed as Exhibit 16.1 to the Company's current report on Form 8-K filed on October 3, 2005.

 

ITEM 9A.

CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

 

Restatement of Financial Statements, Impact on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting and Disclosure Controls and Procedures

 

Restatement of Financial Statements and Correction of Financial Data

 

As discussed in note 2 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements contained in Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K, we restated our consolidated financial statements for the years ended December 31, 2004 and 2003.  In addition, we restated the Company's unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations for the three and twelve months ended December 31, 2005 as reported on Form 8-K filed on March 1, 2006, the quarterly financial information for the first three quarters of 2005 and all quarters of 2004 contained in this Annual Report on Form 10-K, and the Selected Consolidated Financial Data contained in Item 6 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.  The restatement reflects adjustments in the statement of operations related to the classification of shipping and handling costs to comply with Emerging Issues Task Force ("EITF") Consensus No. 00-10, "Accounting for Shipping and Handling Fees and Costs" in our quarry and manufacturing segments.  Prior to the restatement and corrections, the Company's method of accounting for certain freight costs to deliver products to customers' designated locations was to include these costs as a deduction from net revenues.   Such costs are now included in cost of sales.  The restatement and corrections to correct the classification of such costs to cost of sales had no impact on total gross profit, income from continuing operations, net income or earnings per share for any of the periods restated.

 

Disclosure Controls and Procedures

 

The Company's management, with the participation of our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, has evaluated the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures (as that term is defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act")) as of the end of the period covered by this report. Based on such evaluation, and in light of the material weakness described below, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have concluded, that as of the end of such period, our disclosure controls and procedures were not effective to provide reasonable assurance 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 applicable Securities and Exchange Commission rules and forms, and 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. Additionally, management has reassessed its original conclusions regarding disclosure controls and procedures in place as of the previously reported periods and determined that its disclosure controls and procedures were not effective.

 

Material  Weakness in Internal Control over Financial Reporting

 

A material weakness is a control deficiency or a combination of control deficiencies that results in more than a remote likelihood that a material misstatement in the annual or interim consolidated financial statements will not be prevented or detected. In our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2004, management had previously concluded that the Company maintained effective controls over the preparation and disclosure of its consolidated financial statements.  In connection with the restatement described above, management has subsequently determined that the Company did not maintain effective controls over the preparation and disclosure of its consolidated financial statements relative to the appropriate classification of shipping and handling costs as of December 31, 2004.  Further, as of December 31, 2005, management has concluded that the Company did not maintain effective controls over the preparation, review and presentation and disclosure of its consolidated financial statements in that the Company's controls failed to prevent or detect the incorrect classification of shipping and handling charges, as previously reported in the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K filed on April 10, 2006 and as described in this Item 9A and note 2 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements contained in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.  The Company's identification of this control deficiency, which was deemed a material weakness, resulted in the restatement discussed above, reflecting the reclassification of the shipping and handling costs in compliance with EITF 00-10.

30


 

 

Status of Remediation of the Material Weakness

 

In order to restate the consolidated financial statements and data identified above, we identified and tabulated the amounts of revenue and expense for each of the affected periods.  This process required relatively few staff resources and was accomplished within a short timeframe.  During 2006, we segregated in our accounting records amounts recognized as revenue when customers are billed for freight, and segregated in our accounting records amounts paid to third parties for freight and handling to deliver products to customers' designated location.  During 2006, our affected operating and accounting staff were trained on the appropriate accounting for shipping and handling fees and costs.

 

The Company believes that in 2006 it has put in place controls and procedures necessary to properly account for and report shipping and handling fees and costs and is continuing to evaluate whether additional financial statement preparation and review procedures are necessary to remediate the material weakness described above.

 

Internal Control Over Financial Reporting.

 

Except for the remediation actions described above, there have not been any changes in our internal control over financial reporting (as such term is defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) under the Exchange Act) during the fourth quarter of the fiscal year ended December 31, 2005 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

 

ITEM 9B.

CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

 

Not applicable.

 

 31


 

PART III

 

ITEM 10.

DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS

 

Certain information concerning directors and executive officers of the Company is set forth below.

 

Unless otherwise indicated, none of the companies or organizations referred to below is a parent, subsidiary or affiliate of the Company.

 

NAMES OF DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS (1)

AGE

POSITIONS WITH THE COMPANY

 

 

 

Nancy Rowden Brock

49

Chief Financial Officer/Senior Vice President of Finance and Administration, Treasurer

Caryn A. Crump (2)

53

Senior Vice President of Marketing/Memorials Division

James L. Fox

54

Director

Douglas S. Goldsmith (3)

36

President and Chief Operating Officer/Quarries Division

Jon M. Gregory (3)

56

President and Chief Operating Officer/Quarries Division

Richard C. Kimball

65

Director and Vice Chairman

Donald Labonte

44

President and Chief Operating Officer/Manufacturing Division

Pamela Sheiffer

59

Director

Kurt M. Swenson

61

President, Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board of Directors

Michael B. Tule

44

Senior Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary

Charles M. Waite

73

Director

Frederick E. Webster Jr.

68

Director

Rick Wrabel

49

President and Chief Operating Officer/Memorials Division

 

(1)

Each executive officer serves for a term of one year (and until his successor is chosen and qualified) at the discretion of the Board of Directors.

 

 

(2)

Ms. Crump was classified as an executive officer until February 2006. She is no longer classified as an executive officer but remains an officer of the Company.

 

 

(3)

Mr. Goldsmith succeeded Mr. Gregory as President and Chief Operating Officer of the Quarry Division on January 1, 2006. Mr. Gregory will remain as an employee of the Company and will assist Mr. Goldsmith in the transition until March 31, 2006, at which time he will retire.

 

Nancy Rowden Brock has been Senior Vice President/Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer since October 2005. From June 2005 to October 2005 she was Senior Vice President/Finance. From February 2005 to May 2005, she was Director of Finance and Administration of the Vermont Agency of Transportation. She has been an independent business consultant since 2002. From 1998 to 2002, Ms. Brock served as Chief Financial Officer of Green Mountain Power Corporation (NYSE:GMP), an integrated electric utility serving 87,000 customers throughout Vermont. She served as Chief Financial Officer of Suss Advanced Lithography, a start up company conducting research and development on emerging technologies for semiconductor manufacturing during 1997. From 1987 to 1996, she served as Chief Financial Officer at Chittenden Corporation (NYSE: CHZ), a multi-bank holding company based in Burlington, Vermont.

 

Caryn A. Crump has been Senior Vice President of Marketing/Memorials Division since October 2004. From 2003 to 2004, she was a self-employed marketing consultant. From 2001 to 2003, Ms. Crump worked at Conagra Foods—Premium Frozen Food Products and where she served as Vice President/General Manager. From 1997 to 2001, she worked at Pennzoil-Quaker State Company, an automotive consumer products and service company, where she served as Senior Vice President of the Automotive Chemicals Division, and Vice President/Brand Management for Pennzoil Products and Motor Oil Division. From 1995 to 1996, Ms. Crump was Brand Manager for Shell Oil, and from 1980 to 1995, she held various positions for Coca Cola Foods, including director of Marketing Services (1994-1995) and General Manager—Grocery Products (1992-1994).

32


 

 

James L. Fox has been a director of the Company since October 1997. He has been Executive President and Chief Operating Officer of FundQuest, Inc., a global provider of turnkey, open architecture wealth management programs and services for financial institutions and advisors, since October 2005. From September 2003 to November 2005, he was Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of The BISYS Group, Inc. He was President of Fund Services Division of The BISYS Group, Inc. from April 2003 to September 2003. From August 2001 to April 2003, he was President and Chief Executive Officer of govOne Solutions, L.P., an electronic government payment service. From June 2000 to August 2001, he was Vice President-Corporate Development and Chief Financial Officer of Gomez, Inc., a research and consulting firm specializing in Internet quality measurement. Prior to joining Gomez, Mr. Fox had been Vice Chairman of PFPC Inc., a division of the PNC Financial Services Group, Inc. from December 1999 to June 2000. Before joining PFPC, Inc., Mr. Fox had an eleven year career with the Investor Services Group of First Data Corporation, a provider of processing and mutual fund and retirement services for mutual fund complexes, banks, insurance companies and advisory firms, including serving as President and Chief Executive Officer (1999) and Chief Operating Officer (1997-1999). Mr. Fox's current term as a director of the Company will expire at the Company's 2007 Annual Meeting.

 

Douglas S. Goldsmith has been President and Chief Operating Officer of the Quarry Division since January 2006. From October 2005 to December 2005, he was Senior Vice President and General Manager/Quarry Division. From September 2001 to October 2005, Mr. Goldsmith was Chief Financial Officer and Senior Vice President of Finance and Administration and Treasurer. Mr. Goldsmith served as the Chief Information Officer of the Company from 1997 to September 2001. From 1991 to 1997, he held various positions in the engineering department, and was responsible for the integration of the Company's information systems for the manufacturing operations in the U.S. and Canada.

  

Jon M. Gregory was President and Chief Operating Officer/Quarries Division of the Company from 1992 to December 2005. Mr. Gregory was a director of the Company from October 1998 to June 2003. Between 1975 and 1992, Mr. Gregory served in various positions, including Senior Vice President-Memorials Division, Manager of Manufacturing and line production supervisor. He remains an employee of the Company until March 31, 2006, at which time he will retire.

  

Richard C. Kimball has been a director of the Company since 1986, and Vice Chairman since 1993. From 1993 to January 2001, he was Vice Chairman and Chief Operating Officer/Memorials Division of the Company and from January 2001 to December 2004, was Chief Strategic and Marketing Officer. Prior to joining the Company, Mr. Kimball served as a director, principal and President of The Bigelow Company, Inc., a strategic planning and investment banking firm from 1972 until 1993. Mr. Kimball retired as an employee of the Company on December 31, 2004 and currently serves as a consultant to the Company. His current term as a director will expire at the Company's 2006 Annual Meeting.

 

Donald Labonte has been President and Chief Operating Officer/Manufacturing Division since August 2002 and has been President of Rock of Ages Canada, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company, since 1999. From January 2002 to July 2002, he was Vice President/Manufacturing. From 1998 to 1999, he was Vice President/General Manager of Rock of Ages Canada, Inc. From 1993 to 1998, Mr. Labonte was Director of Operations of Rock of Ages Canada, Inc. From 1980 to 1993, Mr. Labonte held various positions in the manufacturing plant at Rock of Ages Canada, Inc.

 

Pamela G. Sheiffer has been a director of the Company since June 2004. Since 1997, she has been President of P. Joyce Associates, Inc., a consulting firm specializing in retail, manufacturing, licensing and providing services to investment firms. From 1995 to 1997, she was CEO of The Design and Source Company, a manufacturer and marketer of ladies apparel. From 1988 to 1995, she was Vice President of Merchandising and Marketing for the Retail Apparel Group, Inc. d/b/a Dots, a retailer of women's clothing with over 250 stores nationwide. Prior to that, Ms. Sheiffer held various senior management positions in retail and manufacturing, including Senior Vice President of May Department Stores. She is currently Vice Chairman and Chair of the Development Committee of Learning Lenders, New York City's largest educational nonprofit with over 14,000 volunteers in New York City schools. She has been a member of the board of directors of Dan River Mills, Inc., a manufacturer and marketer of textile products for home fashions and apparel fabrics, since February 2005. Ms. Sheiffer's current term as a director will expire at the Company's 2008 Annual Meeting.

 

Kurt M. Swenson has been President, Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Company since 1984. Prior to the Company's initial public offering in 1997, Mr. Swenson had been the Chief Executive Officer and a director of Swenson Granite Company, Inc. since 1974. Mr. Swenson currently serves as non-officer Chairman of the Board of Swenson Granite Company, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company engaged in the granite curb and landscaping business. Swenson Granite Company, LLC may be deemed an affiliate of the Company. He is also a director of the American Monument Association, the National Building Granite Quarries Association and Group Polycor International and Polycor, Inc. Mr. Swenson's current term as a director will expire at the Company's 2006 Annual Meeting.

33


 

 

Michael B. Tule has been Senior Vice President/General Counsel and Secretary of the Company since April 2000. From March 1996 to April 2000, he was Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary of WPI Group, Inc., a provider of diagnostic tools for commercial vehicles. Prior to 1996, Mr. Tule was a partner at the Manchester, New Hampshire law firm of McLane, Graf, Raulerson & Middleton.

 

Charles M. Waite has been a director of the Company since 1985. Since 1989, Mr. Waite has been managing partner of Chowning Partners, a financial consulting firm that provides consulting services to New England companies. Mr. Waite's current term as a director will expire at the Company's 2007 Annual Meeting.

 

Frederick E. Webster Jr., Ph.D. has been a director of the Company since October 1997. He was a Professor of Management at the Amos Tuck School of Business Administration of Dartmouth College from 1965 until 2002, and is now the Charles Henry Jones Professor of Management Emeritus. He is also a management consultant and lecturer, and is the Jon Underwood Distinguished Research Fellow in Marketing at the Eller College of Management, University of Arizona. Mr. Webster's current term as a director will expire at the Company's 2008 Annual Meeting.

 

Rick Wrabel has been President and Chief Operating Officer/Memorials Division since May 2004. From January 2002 to May 2004, Mr. Wrabel was a self-employed marketing consultant. From 1999 to 2001, he worked at Pennzoil-Quaker State Company, an automotive consumer products and service company, where he served as President of the Consumer Products Group from 2000 to 2001, and President of the Axius Division of Pennzoil-Quaker State from 1999 to 2000. From 1993 to 1999, Mr. Wrabel held numerous positions at Oral B Laboratories, a division of Proctor and Gamble that manufactures, markets and sells a comprehensive line of oral care products, including President of North America (1998 to 1999); General Manager of Australia, New Zealand and South Pacific (1997 to 1998); Vice President of Sales (1996 to 1997); and National Sales Manager (1993 to 1995); From 1983 to 1993, Mr. Wrabel held numerous sales and management positions in American Home Products - A.H. Robins Company, a pharmaceutical and consumer products company, including Director-National Accounts. Mr. Wrabel began his career as a sales representative for Metropolitan Life Insurance Company.

 

SECTION 16(a) BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP REPORTING COMPLIANCE

 

Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act requires directors, certain officers and beneficial owners of more than 10% of our Common Stock to file reports of initial beneficial ownership and changes in beneficial ownership of our Class A Common Stock with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Based solely upon a review of reports filed pursuant to Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act and written representations by directors and such officers, the Company is not aware of any director or executive officer who has not timely filed reports required by Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act.

 

AUDIT COMMITTEE

 

Rock of Ages has a separately designated standing Audit Committee established in accordance with Section 3(a)(58)(A) of the Exchange Act. The members of the Audit Committee are James L. Fox (Chairman), Charles M. Waite and Frederick E. Webster Jr. The Board of Directors has determined that James L. Fox, Chairman of the Audit Committee is an audit committee financial expert as defined by Item 401(h) of Regulation S-K of the Exchange Act, and is independent under Rule 10A-3(b)(1) under the Exchange Act and the applicable Rules of the National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc. within the meaning of Item 7(d)(3)(iv) of Schedule 14A of the Exchange Act.

 

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE AND NOMINATING COMMITTEE

 

On April 28, 2004, the Board of Directors established a Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee and adopted a charter to define and outline the responsibilities of its members. A copy of the Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee charter is available on the Company's website at www.rockofages.com. The Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee consists of James L. Fox, Pamela G. Sheiffer, Charles M. Waite and Frederick E. Webster Jr. (Chairman), each of whom is independent within the meaning of Rule 4200(a)(15) of the NASDAQ Marketplace Rules.

 

CODE OF ETHICS

 

On April 28, 2004, the Board of Directors adopted a code of business ethics for directors, officers (including Rock of Ages' principal executive officer and principal financial and accounting officer) and employees. The code of business ethics is available on Rock of Ages' website at www.rockofages.com. Stockholders can also request a free copy by making such request in writing to Rock of Ages Corporation, 369 North State Street, Concord, New Hampshire 03301, attn: Corporate Secretary. We intend to satisfy the disclosure requirement under Item 10 of Form 8-K regarding an amendment to, or a waiver from, a provision of our code of ethics that applies to our principal executive officer, principal financial officer, or principal accounting officer or controller by posting such information on our website.

34


 

 

ITEM 11.

EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

 

The following table sets forth compensation information for the years ended December 31, 2005, 2004 and 2003 with respect to our Chief Executive Officer and each of our four other most highly compensated executive (the "Named Executive Officers").

 

SUMMARY COMPENSATION TABLE

 

NAME AND PRINCIPAL POSITION

 

YEAR

 

ANNUAL COMPENSATION
SALARY                   BONUS

 

LONG-TERM
COMPENSATION
SECURITIES
UNDERLYING OPTIONS

 

ALL OTHER
COMPENSATION (1)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Kurt M. Swenson

 

2005

$

481,799 (2)

 $

 

$

21,799

(4)

   Chief Executive Office and Chairman

 

2004

$

  445,000 (2) 

$

 

$

17,674

(4)

   of the Board of Directors

 

2003

$

  430,008 (2)  

$

15,000 (2)

 

$

7,831

(4) 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Jon M. Gregory

 

2005

$

420,004 (3)

$

 

$

6,795

(5)

   President and COO/  

 

2004

$

    300,004 (3) 

$

30,000

 

$

2,849

(5)

   Quarry Division

 

2003

$

260,004 

$

25,000

 

$

1,350

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Donald Labonte

 

2005

$

220,379 

$

 

$

14,770

(6)

  President and COO/

 

2004

$

185,359 

$

15,000

 

$

13,756

(6)

  Manufacturing Division

 

2003

$

192,414 

$

15,000

 

$

12,031

(6)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Rick Wrabel (7)

 

2005

$

320,004 

$

 

$

33,600

(8)

  President and COO/

 

2004

$

175,005

 

20,000

 

  150,000

 $

16,800

(8)

  Memorials Division

 

2003

 

 

 

 —

 

 —

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Caryn Crump (9)

 

2005

$

   225,000

$

 

$

151,818

 (10)

  Senior Vice President/

 

2004

$

56,250

$

 

25,000

$

 

  Memorials Division

 

2003

$

$

 

$

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

(1)

Except as otherwise specified, represents a matching contribution under the Company's 401(k) Plan.

 

 

(2)

For 2005, includes $100,000 of salary earned but deferred at the election of Mr. Swenson pursuant to the Rock of Ages Key Employees Deferred Salary Plan ("Deferred Salary Plan."). For 2004, includes $85,000 of salary and $15,000 of bonus paid in 2004 on account of 2003 results, earned but deferred at the election of Mr. Swenson under the Deferred Salary Plan. For 2003, includes $70,000 of salary and $30,000 of bonus paid in 2003 on account of 2002 results, deferred at the election of Mr. Swenson under the Deferred Salary Plan.

 

 

(3)

For 2005, includes $100,000 of salary earned but deferred at the election of Mr. Gregory under the Deferred Salary Plan. For 2004, included $40,008 of salary earned but deferred by Mr. Gregory under the Deferred Salary Plan.

 

 

(4)

Includes $20,249 for 2005, $16,224 for 2004 and $6,481 for 2003 of interest credited on deferred compensation pursuant to the Deferred Salary Plan in excess of 120% of the applicable federal long term rate.

 

 

(5)

Includes $5,245 for 2005 and $1,399 for 2004 of interest credited on deferred compensation pursuant to the Deferred Salary Plan in excess of 120% of the applicable federal long term rate.

 

 

(6)

Represents amounts paid by the Company to Mr. Labonte's self-directed retirement account under the Retirement Plan for Salaried Employees of Rock of Ages Canada, Inc.

 

 

(7)

Mr. Wrabel joined the Company as of May 17, 2004.

 

 

(8)

Represents amounts paid for temporary living allowance.

 

 

(9)

Ms. Crump joined the Company as of October 4, 2004.

 

 

(10)

Includes $146,497 paid for temporary living allowance and relocation expenses, and $5,321 401(k) matching contribution.

 

 

 

 35


 

 

STOCK OPTION GRANTS

 

We did not grant any stock options or stock appreciation rights to the Named Executive Officers in 2005.

           

 

AGGREGATED OPTION EXERCISES IN LAST FISCAL YEAR AND FISCAL YEAR-END OPTION VALUES

 

The following table sets forth information concerning options to purchase Class A Common Stock held by the Named Executive Officers.  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

EXERCISABLE (1)

 

UNEXERCISABLE

 

EXERCISABLE

 

UNEXERCISABLE

NAME

 

SHARES
ACQUIRED
ON
EXERCISE

 

VALUE
REALIZED

 

NUMBER OF SECURITIES
UNDERLYING UNEXERCISED
OPTIONS AT DECEMBER 31, 2005

 

VALUE OF UNEXERCISED
IN-THE-MONEY OPTIONS
AT DECEMBER 31, 2005

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Kurt M. Swenson

 

$

 

 

$

$

Jon M. Gregory

 

$

 

60,000

 

$

$

Donald Labonte

 

$

 

15,000

 

$

$

Caryn Crump

 

$

 

25,000

 

$

$

Rick Wrabel

 

$

 

150,000

 

$

$

 

 

(1)

Effective October 27, 2005, we accelerated the vesting of certain unvested and "out of the money" stock options previously awarded to employees, officers and directors that had exercise prices in excess of $5.29, the closing price of our Class A common stock on October 27, 2005. In order to prevent unintended personal benefits to officers and directors, we entered into agreements with the officers and directors, including the Named Executive Officers, which impose restrictions preventing the sale of the shares received from the exercise of an accelerated option prior to the original vesting date of the option with respect to these shares. The primary purpose of accelerating the vesting of these options was to reduce the Company's future reported compensation expense upon the adoption of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 123R, "Share Based Payment" in the first quarter of 2006.

 

 36


 

PENSION PLANS

 

We maintain a qualified pension plan (the "Pension Plan"), and have entered into non-qualified salary continuation agreements (the "Salary Continuation Agreements") with certain of our officers, including the Named Executive Officers listed in the table on the next page. Our Pension Plan is noncontributory and provides benefits based upon length of service and final average earnings. Generally, employees age 21 with one year of continuous service are eligible to participate in the Pension Plan. The annual pension benefits shown for the Pension Plan assume a participant attains age 65 during 2005 and retires immediately. The Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 places limitations on the compensation used to calculate pensions and on pensions that may be paid under federal income tax qualified plans, and some of the amounts shown on the following table exceed the applicable limitations and will not be paid under the pension plan. Such limitations are not applicable to the Salary Continuation Agreements.

 

The following table shows the total estimated annual retirement benefits payable upon normal retirement under the Pension Plan for the Named Executive Officers at the specified executive remuneration and years of continuous service.

 

 PENSION PLAN TABLE

 

 

FINAL AVERAGE
COMPENSATION

 

15 YEARS

 

20 YEARS

 

25 YEARS

 

30+ YEARS

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

$

125,000

$

38,175

$

50,900

$

63,625

$

76,350

$

150,000

$

46,425

$

61,900

$

77,375

$

92,850

$

175,000

$

54,675

$

72,900

$

91,125

$

109,350

$

200,000

$

62,925

$

83,900

$

104,875

$

125,850

$

225,000

$

71,175

$

94,900

$

118,625

$

142,350

$

250,000

$

79,425

$

105,900

$

132,375

$

158,850

$

275,000

$

87,675

$

116,900

$

146,125

$

175,350

$

300,000

$

95,925

$

127,900

$

159,875

$

191,850

$

325,000

$

104,175

$

138,900

$

173,625

$

208,350

$

350,000

$

112,425

$

149,900

$

187,375

$

224,850

$

375,000

$

120,675

$

160,900

$

201,125

$

241,350

$

400,000

$

128,925

$

171,900

$

214,875

$

257,850

$

425,000

$

137,175

$

182,900

$

228,625

$

274,350

$

450,000

$

145,425

$

193,900

$

242,375

$

290,850

$

475,000

$

153,675

$

204,900

$

256,125

$

307,350

$

500,000

$

161,925

$

215,900

$

269,875

$

323,850

 

 

These calculations are based on the retirement formula in effect as of December 31, 2005, which provides an annual life annuity at age 65 equal to 1.8% of a participant's highest consecutive five-year average compensation (excluding bonus) during the last ten years of employment ("Final Average Compensation"), plus .4% of a participant's Final Average Compensation in excess of social security covered compensation times years of service to a maximum of 30 years. Completed years of continuous service for each of the Named Executive Officers, as of December 31, 2005 and rounded to the full year, are: Mr. Gregory, 30 years; Mr. Swenson, 32 years; Mr. Wrabel 2 years; and Ms. Crump, 1 year.

 

In addition, Salary Continuation Agreements provide for supplemental pension benefits to certain of our officers, including the Named Executive Officers listed in the table below. The following table sets forth the supplemental pension benefits for the specified Named Executive Officers under their respective Salary Continuation Agreements.

 

 37


 

NAME

 

ANNUAL BASE
COMPENSATION

 

TOTAL YEARS
OF SERVICE
AT AGE 65

 

ANNUAL
RETIREMENT
BENEFIT
AT AGE 65

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

K. Swenson

 

$445,000

 

26

 

127,270

J. Gregory

 

$300,000

 

39

 

70,200

 

 

 

These calculations are based on individual Salary Continuation Agreements, which provide a 100% joint and survivor annuity at age 65 equal to a percentage, ranging from .6% to 1.1%, of a participant's highest annual base compensation times full years of service. The Board of Directors has determined the percentage range. There are no compensation increases assumed in these calculations.

 

We have a retirement plan for our Canadian employees, the Retirement Plan for Salaried Employees of Rock of Ages Canada, Inc. (the "Canadian Retirement Plan"), which is registered with the Province of Quebec and the Government of Canada. All salaried, non-union employees of Rock of Ages Canada, Inc. are participants in the Canadian Retirement Plan, including Mr. Labonte. Pursuant to the Canadian Retirement Plan, Rock of Ages Canada contributes 8% of a participant's monthly compensation each month to each participant's account. The investments in the account are self-directed by each participant with a range of investment options. Rock of Ages Canada may, at its discretion, make an additional annual contribution to a participant's account, up to a maximum aggregate amount of $16,500 CDN per year (including amounts previously contributed during the year).

 

DEFERRED SALARY ARRANGEMENTS

 

We have a deferred salary plan ("Plan") for certain management and highly compensated employees within the meaning of Section 2520.104-23(d) of the U.S. Department of Labor Regulations. Participation in the Plan is limited to those employees designated by the Board of Directors in its sole discretion, and who satisfy the following criteria: (1) the employee has attained the age of 55; the employee is an executive officer; the employee has completed a minimum of ten years of continuous service with the Company; and the employee's annual base salary, fringe benefits and other non-cash compensation exceeds $200,000 (subject to adjustment each year to reflect the average percentage change in the base salaries of all officers of the Company). Currently, Mr. Swenson, Mr. Kimball and Mr. Gregory are the only participants in the Plan and Mr. Gregory's participation in the Plan will cease upon his retirement on March 31, 2006. Mr. Kimball retired as an employee of the Company on December 31, 2004 and is currently collecting benefits under the Plan. Mr. Gregory will be eligible to receive benefits under the Plan upon his retirement. Participants may make an irrevocable election to defer up to $100,000 annually under the Plan. Any amounts deferred are held in deferred salary accounts created by the Company. Interest at the rate of 12% per annum is credited on a monthly basis to each Participant's deferred salary account. The aggregate account balances remain part of the general unrestricted assets of the Company and are available for investment and use by the Company. Participants do not have any right or claim to any specific assets of the Company, but only a claim against the Company as a general, unsecured creditor to the extent of the undistributed portion of their deferred salary account. Benefits under the Plan are paid upon the retirement, death or disability of the participant or other termination of participation, subject to certain procedures relating to distribution.

 

COMPENSATION OF DIRECTORS

 

Directors who are not also officers of Rock of Ages are paid annual directors' retainers of $20,000. Audit Committee members are paid an additional retainer fee of $1,500 and members of other committees are paid additional annual retainers of $1,000 for each committee. Directors are also eligible for stock option grants under the Rock of Ages Corporation 2005 Stock Plan.

38


 

 

EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENTS

 

We have an employment agreement with Kurt M. Swenson (the "Swenson Employment Agreement") for retention of his services as President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company. The term of the Swenson Employment Agreement commenced on October 24, 1997, the date of consummation of the initial public offering (the "Commencement Date"), and continues until the fifth anniversary thereof, provided on the third and each subsequent anniversary of the Commencement Date such term will automatically be extended for one additional year, unless, not later than ninety days prior to the expiration of the term, the Company or Mr. Swenson gives notice the term will not be extended. The Swenson Employment Agreement has been automatically extended each year since 2002 and will, subject to further automatic extension, expire in October 2008. The Swenson Employment Agreement provides for continued payment of salary and benefits over the remainder of the term if Mr. Swenson's employment is terminated by the Company without Cause (as defined in the Swenson Employment Agreement) or as a result of death or disability or by Mr. Swenson for Good Reason (as defined in the Swenson Employment Agreement). The Swenson Employment Agreement also provides for a lump sum payment to Mr. Swenson equal to the sum of (i) accrued but unpaid salary, and a prorated bonus amount equal to the greater of the largest annual bonus paid to Mr. Swenson during the prior three years and the annual bonus payable in respect of the most recently completed fiscal year (the "Highest Annual Bonus"), through the date of termination and (ii) three times the sum of (A) his then annual salary and (B) Highest Annual Bonus, and for continuation of benefits for three years, if Mr. Swenson's employment is terminated by the Company (other than for Cause, death or disability) during the twelve-month period following, or prior to but in connection with, or by Mr. Swenson during the twelve-month period following, a Change in Control (as defined in the Swenson Employment Agreement). In the event of a termination related to a Change in Control, Mr. Swenson may elect in lieu of the lump sum payment described above, to receive in a lump sum or over the then remaining term of the Swenson Employment Agreement, an amount equal to the total amount he would have been entitled to receive if his employment had been terminated by the Company without Cause or by Mr. Swenson for Good Reason. If any payment or distribution by the Company to or for the benefit of Mr. Swenson under the Swenson Employment Agreement would be subject to the excise tax imposed by Section 4999 of the Code or any interest or penalties are incurred by Mr. Swenson with respect to such excise tax, then Mr. Swenson will generally be entitled to receive an additional payment such that after payment by Mr. Swenson of all taxes, Mr. Swenson retains an amount of the additional payment equal to the excise tax imposed.

 

We have an employment agreement with Rick Wrabel (the "Wrabel Employment Agreement") for retention of his services as President of the Memorials Division of the Company. The term of the Wrabel Employment Agreement commenced on May 17, 2004 and continues until the fifth anniversary thereof. The Wrabel Employment Agreement provides for continued payment of salary and benefits over a period of 12 months if Mr. Wrabel's employment is terminated by the Company without Cause (as defined in the Wrabel Employment Agreement) or if he terminates the Agreement for Good Reason (as defined in the Wrabel Employment Agreement). In such event, the Wrabel Employment Agreement also provides for payment of (i) earned, but unpaid bonus, prorated to the date of termination; (ii) continuation of health care coverage for a period of 12 months; and (iii) reimbursement for outplacement services in an aggregate amount not to exceed $10,000. The Wrabel Employment Agreement provides for a lump sum payment to Mr. Wrabel equal to two times his then current annual base salary if his employment is terminated by the Company within 12 months of a Change In Control (as defined by the Wrabel Employment Agreement) or if he terminates his employment for Good Reason within 12 months after the occurrence of a Change In Control. In addition, Mr. Wrabel would receive the payments and/or benefits set forth in (i), (ii) and (iii) above in the event of a termination in connection with a Change In Control. We have also agreed to reimburse Mr. Wrabel for relocation expenses and housing expenses incurred while he is searching for a suitable residence in Vermont.

 

We have an employment agreement with Caryn Crump (the "Crump Employment Agreement") for retention of her services as Vice President/Marketing of the Memorials Division of the Company. The term of the Crump Employment Agreement commenced on October 4, 2004 and continues until the fifth anniversary thereof. The Crump Employment Agreement provides for continued payment of salary and benefits over a period of 12 months if her employment is terminated by the Company without Cause (as defined in the Crump Employment Agreement) or if she terminates the Agreement for Good Reason (as defined in the Crump Employment Agreement). In such event, the Crump Employment Agreement provides for payment of (i) earned, but unpaid bonus, prorated to the date of termination; (ii) continuation of health care coverage for a period of 12 months; (iii) reimbursement for outplacement services in an aggregate amount not to exceed $5,000. The Crump Employment Agreement provides for a lump sum payment to Ms. Crump equal to one times her then current base salary if her employment is terminated by the Company within 12 months of a Change in Control (as defined by the Crump Employment Agreement) or if she terminates her employment for Good Reason within 12 months after the occurrence of a Change in Control. In addition, Ms. Crump would receive the payments and/or benefits set forth in (i), (ii) and (iii) above in the event of a termination in connection with a Change in Control. We also agreed to reimburse Ms. Crump for relocation expenses and housing expenses while she was searching for a suitable residence in Vermont.

 

COMPENSATION COMMITTEE INTERLOCKS AND INSIDER PARTICIPATION

 

Mr. Fox, Ms. Sheiffer, Mr. Waite (Chairman) and Mr. Webster served as members of the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors of the Company for all of 2005. None of the members of the Compensation Committee is currently or has ever been an officer or employee of the Company or any of its subsidiaries. None of the Company's executive officers serves as a member of the board of directors or compensation committee of any entity that has one or more executive officers serving as a member of the Board or the Compensation Committee. 

 

 39


 

 

 

ITEM 12.

SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS

 

The following table sets forth, as of March 20, 2006, certain information with respect to the beneficial ownership of our Common Stock by each (i) director, (ii) Named Executive Officer and (iii) beneficial owner of more than 5% of either class of the outstanding Common Stock known to us, based on Securities and Exchange Commission filings and other available information and (iv) by all directors and executive officers of the Company as a group. This information is based upon information received from or on behalf of the individuals or entities named below, except as otherwise noted. The Class B Common Stock is convertible on a share-for-share basis into Class A Common Stock. The Class B Common Stock is entitled to ten votes per share and the Class A Common Stock is entitled to one vote per share. Beneficial ownership has been determined in accordance with the rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission. Except as indicated in the footnotes below, we believe, based on the information furnished or otherwise available to us, the persons and entities named in the table below have sole voting and investment power with respect to all shares of Common Stock shown as beneficially owned by them, subject to applicable community property laws. The calculation of beneficial ownership is based upon 4,660,800 shares of Class A Common Stock and 2,738,596 shares of Class B Common Stock outstanding as of March 20, 2006.

 

In computing the number of shares of Common Stock beneficially owned by a person and the percentage ownership of such person, shares of Class A Common Stock subject to options held by that person that are currently exercisable or exercisable within 60 days of March 20, 2006 were deemed to be outstanding. Such shares were not deemed to be outstanding, however, for the purpose of computing the percentage ownership of any other person.

 

 

 

SHARES OF CLASS B
COMMON STOCK
BENEFICIALLY OWNED

 

SHARES OF CLASS A
COMMON STOCK
BENEFICIALLY OWNED

NAME AND ADDRESS OF BENEFICIAL OWNER (1)

 

NUMBER

 

PERCENT OF
CLASS

 

NUMBER (2)

 

PERCENT OF
CLASS (2)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Connors Investor Services, Inc. (3)
2727 Allen Parkway, Suite 460
Houston, TX 77019

 

 

 

287,650

 

6.2%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dimensional Fund Advisors (4)
1299 Ocean Avenue
Santa Monica, CA 90401

 

 

 

280,650

 

6.0%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Lord Abbett & Co. LLC (5)
90 Hudson Street
Jersey City, NJ 07302

 

 

 

247,770

 

5.3%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Estate of Douglas M. Schair (6)**

 

 

 

570,303

 

12.2%

Kurt M. Swenson (7) **

 

1,005,000

 

36.7%

 

1,135,000

 

20.0%

Kevin C. Swenson (8)

 

1,023,489

 

37.4%

 

1,023,489

 

18.0%

Rick Wrabel (9)**

 

 

 

157,000

 

3.4%

Robert L. Pope

 

144,875

 

5.3%

 

160,875

 

3.3%

Richard C. Kimball **

 

29,126

 

1.1%

 

113,426

 

2.4%

Jon M. Gregory (10) **

 

 

 

85,326

 

1.8%

Charles M. Waite (11)**

 

29,126

 

1.1%

 

51,000

 

1.0%

James L. Fox (12) **

  

 

 

7,000

 

*

Frederick E. Webster Jr. (13)**

 

 

 

7,000

 

*

Donald Labonte (14)**

 

 

 

15,000

 

*

Pamela G. Sheiffer (15)**

 

 

 

7,500

 

*

Caryn Crump (16)**

 

 

 

25,000

 

*

All directors and executive officers as a group (12 persons)

 

1,063,252

 

38.8%

 

1,665,752

 

29.1%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

**  Named Executive Officer and/or Director or former Director
*    Less than 1%

 

 40


 

(1)

The business address of each director and executive officer of the Company is c/o Rock of Ages Corporation, 772 Graniteville Road, Graniteville, Vermont 05654.

 

 

(2)

For each beneficial owner (and directors and executive officers as a group), (i) the number of shares of Class A Common Stock listed includes (or is comprised solely of) a number of shares equal to the number of shares of Class B Common Stock, if any, listed as beneficially owned by such beneficial owner(s) and (ii) the percentage of Class A Common Stock listed assumes the conversion on March 20, 2006 of all shares of Class B Common Stock, if any, listed as beneficially owned by such beneficial owner(s) into Class A Common Stock and also that no other shares of Class B Common Stock beneficially owned by others are so converted.

 

 

(3)

According to a Schedule 13G dated February 14, 2006, Connors Investment Services, Inc., in its capacity as an investment advisor or manager, may be deemed to be the beneficial owner of the listed shares that are held of record by certain investment companies, trusts or other accounts it advises or manages.

 

 

 

(4)

According to a Schedule 13G dated February 1, 2006, Dimensional Fund Advisors, Inc., in its capacity as an investment advisor or manager, may be deemed to be the beneficial owner of the listed shares that are held of record by certain investment companies, trusts or other accounts it advises or manages.

 

 

(5)

According to a Schedule 13G dated February 1, 2006, Lord Abbett & Co., LLC , in its capacity as an investment advisor or manager, may be deemed to be the beneficial owner of the listed shares that are held of record by certain investment companies, trusts or other accounts its advises or manages.

 

 

(6)

Douglas M. Schair, a former director of the Company, died January 26, 2005. Includes 18,800 shares of Class A Common Stock held by a trust of which Mr. Schair was co-trustee until his death. Mr. Schair disclaimed beneficial ownership of such shares. Does not include 15, 018 shares held by trusts with an independent trustee for the benefit of Mr. Schair's adult children.

 

 

(7)

Kurt M. Swenson is the brother of Kevin C. Swenson. Includes 1,005,000 shares of Class B Common Stock and 130,000 shares of Class A Common Stock held by the Kurt M. Swenson Revocable Trust of 2000. Kurt M. Swenson, as the sole trustee of the Kurt M. Swenson Revocable Trust of 2000, beneficially owns such shares. Does not include 61,489 Class B Common Stock held by trusts Mr. Swenson's adult children.

 

 

(8)

Kevin C. Swenson is the brother of Kurt M. Swenson. Does not include 38,000 shares of Class B Common Stock held by trusts Mr. Swenson's adult children.

 

 

(9)

Includes 150,000 shares of Class A Common Stock subject to currently exercisable stock options.

 

 

(10)

Includes 60,000 shares of Class A Common Stock subject to currently exercisable stock options.

 

 

(11)

Includes 6,000 shares of Class A Common Stock subject to currently exercisable stock options.

 

 

(12)

Includes 6,000 shares of Class A Common Stock subject to currently exercisable options.

 

 

(13)

Includes 2,000 shares of Class A Common Stock subject to currently exercisable options.

 

 

(14)

All 15,000 shares of Class A Common Stock are subject to currently exercisable options.

 

 

(15)

Includes 5,000 shares of Class A Common Stock subject to currently exercisable options.

 

 

(16)

Ms. Crump was classified as an executive officer until February 2006. All 25,000 shares of Class A Common Stock subject to currently exercisable options.

 41


 

Equity Compensation Plan Information

 

The following table sets forth information regarding the Company's equity compensation plan as of December 31, 2005.

 

 

Plan Category

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

 

(a)

 

(b)

 

(c)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Equity compensation plans approved by security holders

 

528,000

 

$6.51

 

566,333

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Equity compensation plans not approved by security holders

 

None

 

None

 

None

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total

 

528,000

 

$6.51

 

566,333

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(1)

On June 22, 2005 at our Annual Meeting of Stockholders, the stockholders approved the Rock of Ages Corporation 2005 Stock Plan (the "2005 Plan"). The 2005 Plan permits awards of stock options (including both incentive stock options and nonqualified stock options) and restricted stock. A maximum of 550,000 shares of Class A Common Stock may be issued under the 2005 Plan. The 2005 Plan is administered by the Compensation Committee, which has the authority to determine the recipients of awards under the 2005 Plan and, subject to the 2005 Plan, the terms and condition of such awards. The 2005 Plan replaces the Rock of Ages Corporation 1994 Stock Plan (the "1994 Plan") which expired in November 2004. Although grants made under the 1994 Plan prior to its expiration remain outstanding, no further grants may be made under the Plan.

 

 

ITEM 13.

CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS

 

In connection with and prior to its initial public offering in 1997, the Company effected a reorganization whereby, among other things, the Company's then parent corporation, Swenson Granite Company, Inc. ("Swenson Granite"), was merged with and into the Company, with the Company as the surviving corporation, and, immediately prior to such merger, Swenson Granite distributed its curb and landscaping business to its stockholders through a pro rata distribution of all of the member interests in a newly formed limited liability company named Swenson Granite Company LLC ("Swenson LLC"). Kurt M. Swenson, the Company's Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer, and his brother Kevin C. Swenson, each own approximately 31% of Swenson Granite LLC. Certain other executive officers and directors of the Company collectively own approximately 9% of Swenson LLC. Kurt M. Swenson serves as a non-officer Chairman of the Board of Swenson LLC, but has no involvement with its day-to-day operations. Robert Pope, a holder of more than 5% of the Class B Common Stock, is the President and Chief Executive Officer, and including shares owned by his wife and children, owns 12% of Swenson LLC. Neither Kurt M. Swenson nor any other officer or director of the Company, receives salary, bonus, expenses or other compensation from Swenson LLC, except for any pro rata share of earnings attributable to their ownership interest in Swenson LLC.

 

Swenson LLC owns two granite quarries, one in Concord, New Hampshire and another in Woodbury, Vermont. Both have been owned by Swenson LLC (or its predecessor Swenson Granite) for more than 40 years. Because of the proximity of the Woodbury quarry to Barre, Vermont, the Company provides, and may continue to provide, certain maintenance services and parts to the Woodbury quarry and is reimbursed for the cost of such services. During 2005, the Company received approximately $32,000 for such maintenance services and parts. Both the Company and Swenson LLC have the right to terminate these services at any time. The Company also purchases Concord blocks and other products from Swenson LLC at market prices. The Company's purchases of granite provided by Swenson LLC in 2005 were approximately $14,000. Swenson LLC also purchases granite blocks and slabs from the Company. Such purchases amounted to approximately $10,000 in 2005. The Company believes these arrangements with Swenson LLC are not material and as favorable, or more favorable, to the Company than would be available from an unrelated party for comparable granite products. Both of Swenson LLC 's quarries produce gray granite primarily for curb and landscape use. Although Rock of Ages' gray granite from its Barre and Stanstead quarries is used primarily for memorial use, it may be in competition with Swenson LLC in some markets, including the supply of its gray granites for other than memorial use. Swenson LLC has supplied its Woodbury granite to manufacturers of government grave markers made for the Veterans' Administration for many years and Rock of Ages has not been in the business of selling or manufacturing its gray granites for use in Veterans markers.

 

  42


 

 

Swenson LLC owns approximately 5% of the common stock of Polycor, Inc. and Kurt M. Swenson has been a director of Group Polycor International and Polycor, Inc. since approximately 1991. Polycor is in the business of quarrying and manufacturing granite and marble and is engaged in all segments of the granite market. In a recent press release, Polycor described itself as the third largest granite company in North America. As such, it may be deemed to compete with both Rock of Ages and Swenson LLC in various markets. The primary businesses of Polycor are cut-to-size granite for building use, for thin slab sales, for tiles and for granite curb. Rock of Ages is not engaged in those segments of the granite markets. Polycor sells marble and granite blocks and slabs worldwide for all uses including monumental use and could be deemed in competition with Rock of Ages in some markets. Most of Polycor's granites are of different types than Rock of Ages, except for Polycor's gray granite, which is located near Rock of Ages' Stanstead quarry and is substantially identical to Stanstead gray. In 2003, Polycor sold its memorial manufacturing equipment and exited the manufacture and sale of finished granite memorials, but it continues to sell granite and marble blocks and slabs for memorial use.

 

In July 2004, the Company invested $3.5 million in FFS Holdings, Inc. ("FFS"). The investment, which included 25,000 shares of Class A voting and 10,000 shares of Class B non-voting common stock (the "Shares"), represented approximately 6% of the common voting shares and approximately 8% of the total common equity of FFS. FFS holds the stock of Forethought Financial Services, a leading provider of pre-need insurance trust service programs, which are currently marketed primarily through funeral directors. FFS was formed to acquire Forethought by The Devlin Group, a group of several senior insurance industry executives including Douglas M. Schair, a former director of the Company until his death on January 26, 2005. Mr. Schair's estate holds approximately 12.5% of the Class A common stock of the Company. Mr. Schair's estate holds approximately 18% of the outstanding shares of FFS and until his death he held the position of Vice Chairman and Chief Investment Officer of FFS. On October 19, 2005, we sold the Shares to the existing stockholders of FFS for an aggregate purchase price of $3.85 million or $110.00 per share. The existing stockholders of FFS include the estate of Douglas M. Schair.

 

We have a consulting agreement with Richard C. Kimball, a director of the Company and Vice Chairman of the Board. Pursuant to the agreement, we paid Mr. Kimball during 2005 a retainer of $60,000 for consulting services. The agreement was entered into in connection with Mr. Kimball's retirement from full time employment with the Company as of January 1, 2005, as a result of the expected additional time to be spent by Mr. Kimball on certain projects beyond the normal time commitments of outside directors, including certain strategic initiatives. On February 16, 2006, we extended the consulting agreement with Mr. Kimball for an additional year until December 31, 2006.

 

On June 22, 2005, we entered into a retirement agreement with Jon M. Gregory, (the "Gregory Retirement Agreement"), who was then President/COO of the Company's Quarry Division. Pursuant to the Gregory Retirement Agreement, Mr. Gregory agreed to retire as President/COO of the Company's Quarry Division on December 31, 2005. The Gregory Retirement Agreement provides that he will remain an employee of the Company until March 31, 2006 and during that time will assist in transition of a new President/COO of the Quarry Division. We agreed to continue to pay Mr. Gregory at his current salary until March 31, 2006. We also agreed to pay and did pay him a one-time retirement bonus of $60,000 on January 15, 2006. The Gregory Retirement Agreement provides for the continuation of health insurance benefits in accordance with current Company polices for long-term senior executives, and we agreed to transfer his company automobile to him upon retirement at no cost.

 43


 

ITEM 14.

PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES

 

The Audit Committee appointed KPMG, LLP as Rock of Ages' independent registered public accounting firm for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2005. On September 27, 2005, we dismissed KPMG as our principal accountants and we appointed Grant Thornton, LLP as our new independent registered accounting firm. The following table shows the fees paid by Rock of Ages for the audit and other services provided by Grant Thornton for fiscal 2005, and KPMG for 2004.

 

The Audit Committee did not utilize the de minimis exception to the pre-approval requirements to approve any services provided by Grant Thornton or KPMG during fiscal 2005.

 

 

 

2005 (1)

 

2004

 

 


 


Audit Fees (2)

$

254,143

$

402,958

Tax Fees (3)

 

19,665

 

99,407

All Other Fees

 

 

 

 


 


Total

$

273,808

$

502,365

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Audit Committee has delegated to the Chair of the Audit Committee the authority to pre-approve audit-related and non-audit services not prohibited by law to be performed by Rock of Ages' independent auditors, provided the Chair shall report any decisions to pre-approve such audit-related or non-audit services and fees to the full Audit Committee at its next regular meeting and the Audit Committee ratifies the approval of such non-audit services by the Chair.

 

 

 

 

 

(1)

In addition to the amounts shown, which were paid to Grant Thornton as our auditors of record at December 31, 2005, during 2005 we also paid KPMG $86,523 in audit fees, $75,500 in tax compliance fees and $8,050 in tax advice and planning fees.

 

 

(2)

Audit fees represent fees for professional services provided in connection with the audit of our financial statements and review of our quarterly financial statements and audit services provided in connection with other statutory or regulatory filings.

 

 

(3)

For fiscal 2005 and 2004, respectively, tax fees principally included tax compliance fees of $0 and $76,350, and tax advice and tax planning fees of $19,665 and $23,057.

 

 

 44


 

PART IV

 

 

ITEM 15.

EXHIBITS AND , FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES

 

 

(a)

The following documents are filed as part of or are included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K and are incorporated herein by reference: 

 

 

 

  

 

 

1.

The financial statements listed in the Index to Consolidated Financial Statements and Financial Statement Schedule, filed as part of this Annual Report on Form 10-K. 

 

 

 

  

 

 

2.

All schedules for which provision is made in the applicable accounting regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission are not required under the related instructions or are inapplicable and therefore have been omitted. 

 

 

 

  

 

 

3.

The exhibits listed in the Exhibit Index filed as part of this Annual Report on Form 10- K. 

 

 

 

  

EXHIBIT INDEX

EXHIBIT
NUMBER

DESCRIPTION

 

 

3.1

Form of Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of the Company (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the Company's Registration Statement on Form S-1 (Registration No. 333-33685) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on August 15, 1997 and declared effective on October 20, 1997)

 

 

3.2

Amended and Restated By-laws of the Company (as amended through April 6, 1999) (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 3.2 to the Company's Quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended March 31, 1999 and filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on May 17, 1999)

 

 

4.

Specimen Certificate representing the Class A Common Stock (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4 to the Company's Registration Statement on Form S-1 (Registration No. 333-33685) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on August 15, 1997 and declared effective on October 20, 1997)

 

 

10.1*

Rock of Ages Corporation Amended and Restated 1994 Stock Plan (as amended through October 26, 1998) (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1998 and filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 31, 1999)

 

 

10.2*

Rock of Ages Corporation Key Employees Deferred Salary Plan (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended September 30, 2002 and filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on November 14, 2002)

 

 

10.3*

Rock of Ages 2005 Stock Plan (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K and filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on June 23, 2005)

 

 

10.4*

Employment Agreement of Kurt M. Swenson (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Company's Registration Statement on Form S-1 (Registration No. 333-33685) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on August 15, 1997 and declared effective on October 20, 1997)

 

 

10.5*

Employment Agreement of Rudolph R. Wrabel dated as of May 17, 2004 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended March 31, 2004 and filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on May 14, 2004)

 

 

10.6*

Employment Agreement of Caryn Crump dated October 4, 2004 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.5 to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2004 and filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 31, 2005)

45


 

 

 

10.7*

Employment Agreement of Nancy Rowden Brock dated May 27, 2005 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K and filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on May 31, 2005)

 

 

10.8*

Employment Agreement of N. Daniel Ginsberg dated May 27, 2005 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K and filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on May 31, 2005)

 

 

10.9*

Letter Agreement re: Expense Reimbursement to Rudolph R. Wrabel dated May 3, 2004 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended March 31, 2004 and filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on May 14, 2004)

 

 

10.10

Consulting Agreement dated January 3, 2005 between Richard C. Kimball and the Company (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K and filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on January 4, 2005)

 

 

10.11

Retirement Agreement - Jon M. Gregory dated August 25, 2005 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended October 1, 2005 and filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on November 15, 2005)

 

 

10.12*

Summary of 2005 Compensation for Executive Officers and Non-Employee Directors (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.8 to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2004 and filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 31, 2005.)

 

 

10.13*

Form of Salary Continuation Agreement (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.15 to the Company's Registration Statement on Form S-1 (Registration No. 333-33685) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on August 15, 1997 and declared effective on October 20, 1997)

 

 

10.14

Form of Collective Bargaining Agreement dated May 1, 2003 by and between Rock of Ages Corporation and the United Steelworkers of America, AFL-CIO-CLC on behalf of Amalgamated Local #4 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended June 30, 2003 and filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on August 13, 2003)

 

 

10.15

Form of Collective Bargaining Agreement dated April 28, 2003 by and between Rock of Ages Corporation-Quarries Division and the United Steelworkers of America, AFL-CIO-CLC on behalf of Amalgamated Local #4 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended June 30, 2003 and filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on August 13, 2003)

 

 

10.16

Form of Collective Bargaining Agreement dated April 26, 2003 by and between Rock of Ages Corporation and the Granite Cutter's Association (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended September 30, 2003 and filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on November 13, 2003)

 

 

10.17

Form of Side Letter Agreement dated April 26, 2003 by and between the Granite Cutter's Association and Rock of Ages Corporation (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.4 to the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended September 30, 2003 and filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on November 13, 2003)

46


 

 

 

10.18

Credit Facility dated as of June 25, 1997 between Royal Bank of Canada and Rock of Ages Canada, Inc., Rock of Ages Quarries Inc. and Rock of Ages Canada Inc. (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.20 to the Company's Registration Statement on Form S-1 (Registration No. 333-33685) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on August 15, 1997 and declared effective on October 20, 1997)

 

 

10.19

Financing Agreement dated December 17, 1997 by and between The CIT Group/Business Credit, Inc., Rock of Ages Corporation, Royalty Granite Corporation, Carolina Quarries, Inc., Pennsylvania Granite Corp., Childs & Childs Granite Company, Inc., Southern Mausoleums, Inc. and Rock of Ages Memorials LLC (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.19 to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1997 and filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 31, 1998)

 

 

10.20

Fifth Amendment to Financing Agreement dated as of October 25, 2002, by and between The CIT Group/Business Credit and Rock of Ages Corporation, Rock of Ages Kentucky Cemeteries, LLC, Carolina Quarries, Inc., Autumn Rose Quarry, Inc., Pennsylvania Granite Corp., Keith Monument Company, LLC, Rock of Ages Memorials, Inc. and Sioux Falls Monument Co. (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended September 30, 2002 and filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on November 14, 2002)

 

 

10.21

Sixth Amendment to Financing Agreement dated as of November 11, 2003, by and between The CIT Group/Business Credit and Rock of Ages Corporation, Rock of Ages Kentucky Cemeteries, LLC, Carolina Quarries, Inc., Autumn Rose Quarry, Inc., Pennsylvania Granite Corp., Keith Monument Company, LLC, Rock of Ages Memorials, Inc. and Sioux Falls Monument. Co. (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.14 to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2003 and filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 30, 2004)

 

 

10.22

Seventh Amendment to Financing Agreement dated as of February 17, 2004, by and between The CIT Group/Business Credit and Rock of Ages Corporation, Rock of Ages Kentucky Cemeteries, LLC, Carolina Quarries, Inc., Autumn Rose Quarry, Inc., Pennsylvania Granite Corp., Keith Monument Company, LLC, Rock of Ages Memorials, Inc. and Sioux Falls Monument Co. (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.15 to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2003 and filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 30, 2004)

 

 

10.23

Eighth Amendment to Financing Agreement dated as of July 8, 2004, by and between The CIT Group/Business Credit and Rock of Ages Corporation, Rock of Ages Kentucky Cemeteries, LLC, Carolina Quarries, Inc., Autumn Rose Quarry, Inc., Pennsylvania Granite Corporation, Rock of Ages Memorials, Inc. and Sioux Falls Monument Company. (incorporated herein by referenced to Exhibit 10.3 to the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended July 3, 2004 and filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on August 14, 2004)

 

 

10.24

Ninth Amendment to Financing Agreement dated as of December 31, 2004, by and between The CIT Group/Business Credit and Rock of Ages Corporation, Rock of Ages Kentucky Cemeteries, LLC, Carolina Quarries, Inc., Autumn Rose Quarry, Inc., Pennsylvania Granite Corporation, Rock of Ages Memorials, Inc. and Sioux Falls Monument Company (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company's Current Report on Form 1 and filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on January 4, 2005)

 

 

 

10.25

Tenth Amendment and Waiver Letter to Financing Agreement dated as of August 9, 2005, by and between The CIT Group/Business Credit and Rock of Ages Corporation, Rock of Ages Kentucky Cemeteries, LLC, Carolina Quarries, Inc., Pennsylvania Granite Corporation, Rock of Ages Memorials, Inc., and Sioux Falls Monument Company (incorporate herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to  the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K and filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on August 10, 2005)

 

 

10.26

Eleventh Amendment to Financing Agreement dated as of November 15, 2005, by and between The CIT Group/Business Credit and Rock of Ages Corporation, Rock of Ages Kentucky Cemeteries, LLC, Carolina Quarries, Inc., Pennsylvania Granite Corporation, Rock of Ages Memorials, Inc.,  and Sioux Falls Monument Company (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K and filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on November 15, 2005)

 

 

10.27

Letter Agreement dated August 8, 2003 by and between Rock of Ages Corporation, CIT Business Credit and Fleet National Bank (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.4 to the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended June 30, 2003 and filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on August 13, 2003)

47


 

 

 

10.28

Letter Agreement dated November 11, 2003 by and between Rock of Ages Corporation, CIT Business Credit and Fleet National Bank (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.5 to the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended September 30, 2003 and filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on November 13, 2003)

 

 

10.29

Consent Agreement dated as of June 21, 2004 by and among Rock of Ages Corporation, Rock of Ages Kentucky Cemeteries, LLC, Carolina Quarries, Inc., Autumn Rose Quarry, Inc., Pennsylvania Granite Corporation, Keith Monuments Company, LLC, Rock of Ages Memorials, Inc., Sioux Falls Monument Company and The CIT Group/Business Credit (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended July 3, 2004 and filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on August 16, 2004)

 

 

10.30

Assignment and Transfer Agreement dated as of July 9, 2004 by and between The CIT Group/Business Credit and Rock of Ages Corporation, Rock of Ages Kentucky Cemeteries, LLC, Carolina Quarries, Inc., Autumn Rose Quarry, Inc., Pennsylvania Granite Corporation, Rock of Ages Memorials, Inc. and Sioux Falls Monument Company (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.4 to the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended July 3, 2004 and filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on August 16, 2004)

 

 

10.31

Waiver and Agreement dated as of August 10, 2004 by and between The CIT Group/Business Credit and Rock of Ages Corporation, Rock of Ages Kentucky Cemeteries, LLC, Carolina Quarries, Inc., Autumn Rose Quarry, Inc., Pennsylvania Granite Corporation, Rock of Ages Memorials, Inc. and Sioux Falls Monument Company (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.5 to the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended July 3, 2004 and filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on August 16, 2004)

 

 

10.32

Waiver Letter dated March 21, 2005 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K and filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 22, 2005)

 

 

10.33

Waiver Letter dated May 12, 2005 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K and filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on May 13, 2005)

 

 

10.34

Supply Agreement dated as of September 7, 2000 by and between Keystone Memorials, Inc. and Rock of Ages Corporation (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.14 to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2000 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 31, 2001)

 

 

10.35

Supply Agreement dated as of January 11, 2002 by and between Rock of Ages Corporation and Adams Granite Co., Inc. (incorporated herein by reference to exhibit 10.15 to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2001 and filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on April 1, 2002)

 

 

10.36

Supply Agreement dated as of August 20, 2001 by and between Rock of Ages Corporation, Keystone Memorials, Inc. and IMEX International, Inc. (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.16 to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2001 and filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on April 1, 2002)

 

 

10.37

Amendment to Supply Agreement dated as of January 1, 2004 by and between Rock of Ages Corporation and Adams Granite Co., Inc.

 

 

10.38

Promissory Note dated October 26, 2001 in the amount of $800,000 from Mize Acquisition, Inc. to Rock of Ages Corporation (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.18 to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2001 and filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on April 1, 2002)

 48


 

 

 

10.39

Promissory Note dated August 20, 2001 in the amount of $840,000 from Keystone Memorials, Inc. to Rock of Ages Corporation (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.19 to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31,2001 and filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on April 1, 2002)

 

 

10.40

Promissory Note dated June 21, 2004 in the amount of $3,500,000 from Rock of Ages Corporation, Rock of Ages Kentucky Cemeteries, LLC, Carolina Quarries, Inc., Autumn Rose Quarry, Inc., Pennsylvania Granite Corporation, Keith Monument Company, LLC, Rock of Ages Memorials, Inc., and Sioux Falls Monument Company to The CIT Group/Business Credit (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended July 3, 2004 and filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on August 16, 2004)

 

 

10.41

Amendment, Consent and Release and related exhibits dated November 9, 2004 by and between Rock of Ages Corporation, Rock of Ages Kentucky Cemeteries, LLC, Autumn Rose Quarry, Inc., Carolina Quarries, Inc., Pennsylvania Granite Corporation, Keith Monument Company, LLC, Rock of Ages Memorials, Inc., Sioux Falls Monument Company and The CIT Group/Business Credit, Inc. (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K and filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on November 10, 2004)

 

 

10.42

Asset Purchase Agreement dated July 28, 2003 by and between Rock of Ages Kentucky Cemeteries, LLC and Saber Management, LLC (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended June 30, 2003 and filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on August 13, 2003)

 

 

10.43

Asset Purchase Agreement and related exhibits dated February 15, 2005 by and between Carolina Quarries, Inc. Rockwell Granite Company and Granite Quarries USA, Inc. (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on February 18, 2005)

 

 

10.44

Asset Purchase Agreement and related exhibits dated February 16, 2005 by and between Rock of Ages Memorials, Inc., McColly Memorials, Inc., Shetler Memorials, Inc., Enterline Monuments, Inc., and Joseph Huber and Barbara Huber (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.5 to the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on February 18, 2005)

 

 

10.45

Purchase and Sale Agreement and related exhibits dated November 9, 2004 by and between Rock of Ages Corporation, Autumn Rose Quarry, Inc., Imex International, Inc. and AR Quarry Acquisition LLC (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on November 10, 2004)

 

 

10.46

Assignment to Asset Purchase Agreement dated August 27, 2003 by and between Saber Management, LLC and Saber Management-Kentucky, LLC (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended September 30, 2003 and filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on November 13, 2003)

 

 

10.47

Extension Agreement dated September 30, 2003 by and between Rock of Ages Kentucky Cemeteries, LLC and Saber Management-Kentucky, LLC (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended September 30, 2003 and filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on November 13, 2003)

 

 

10.48

Mutual Release Agreement dated August 6, 2004 between Dyckerhoff AG, Granite Stone Business International S.a.r.l., formerly known as Eurimex S.A., and Rock of Ages Corporation (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.6 to the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended July 3, 2004 and filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on August 16, 2004)

 

 

10.49

Common Stock Purchase Agreement dated June 16, 2004 between CRGH, LLC and Rock of Ages Corporation (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.7 to the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended July 3, 2004 and filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on August 16, 2004)

 

 

11.

Statement re: computation of per share earnings (incorporated herein by reference to Note (1)(n) of the Company's consolidated financial statements (filed herewith))

49


 

 

 

16

Letter re: Change in Principal Accountants (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 16.1 to the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K and filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on October 11, 2005)

 

 

18.

Letter re: Change in Accounting Principles (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 18 to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K and filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 31, 2003)

 

 

21.

Subsidiaries of the Company

 

 

23.1

Report and Consent of KPMG LLP

 

 

23.2

Consent of Grant Thornton LLP

 

 

31.1

Certification of CEO pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) or Rule 15d-14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

 

 

31.2

Certification of CFO pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) or Rule 15d-14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

 

 

32.1

Certification of CEO pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

 

 

32.2

Certification of CFO pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

 

* This exhibit is a management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement.

 50


 

 

 

 

ROCK OF AGES CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES 

Consolidated Financial Statements 

December 31, 2005, 2004 and 2003 

(With Reports of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firms Thereon)

 

 


ROCK OF AGES CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
Table of Contents

 

 

PAGE

 

 

Reports of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firms

i

 

 

Consolidated Balance Sheets

iii

 

 

Consolidated Statements of Operations

v

 

 

Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity and Comprehensive Income (Loss)

vi

 

 

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

vii

 

 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

viii

 

 

Supplementary Information:

 

 

 

          Schedule II-Valuation and Qualifying Accounts and Reserves

xxxiv

 

 


 

 

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

 

The Board of Directors

Rock of Ages Corporation:

 

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheet of Rock of Ages Corporation and subsidiaries (the "Company") as of December 31, 2005 and the related consolidated statements of operations, stockholders' equity and comprehensive income (loss), and cash flows for the year then ended. These consolidated financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these consolidated financial statements 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 the financial statements are free of material misstatement. The Company is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of its internal control over financial reporting. Our audit included consideration of internal control over financial reporting as a basis for designing audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Company's internal control over financial reporting.  Accordingly, we express no such opinion.  An audit also includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and the disclosures in the financial statements, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation.  We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.

 

In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Rock of Ages Corporation and subsidiaries as of December 31, 2005 and the results of their operations and their cash flows for the year then ended  in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

 

Our audit was conducted for the purpose of forming an opinion on the basic consolidated financial statements taken as a whole.  Schedule II is presented for purposes of additional analysis and is not a required part of the basic consolidated financial statements.  This schedule has been subjected to the auditing procedures applied in the audit of the basic consolidated financial statements as of and for the year ended December 31, 2005 and, in our opinion, is fairly stated in all materials aspects in relation to the basic consolidated financial statements taken as a whole.


/s/ Grant Thornton LLP

 
Boston, Massachusetts
April 14, 2006

 

i


REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

The Board of Directors
Rock of Ages Corporation:

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheet of Rock of Ages Corporation and subsidiaries as of December 31, 2004, and the related consolidated statements of operations, stockholders' equity and comprehensive income (loss), and cash flows for each of the years in the two-year period ended December 31, 2004. These consolidated financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these consolidated financial statements based on our audits.

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the consolidated 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 our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Rock of Ages Corporation and subsidiaries as of December 31, 2004, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the years in the two-year period ended December 31, 2004 in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.

As discussed in Note 2 to the accompanying consolidated financial statements, the consolidated statements of operations for the years ended December 31, 2004 and 2003 have been restated.

/s/ KPMG LLP
 

Burlington, Vermont
February 22, 2005, except for Notes 7 and 2
    as to which the dates are March 22, 2005 and April 14, 2006, respectively.

ii


  

ROCK OF AGES CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
Consolidated Balance Sheets
December 31, 2005 and 2004

  

 

 

2005

 

 

2004

 

 

 


 

 


 

ASSETS

 

 

 

 

 

 

Current assets:

 

 

 

 

 

 

   Cash and cash equivalents

$

2,823,560

 

$

4,298,049

 

   Trade receivables, less allowance for doubtful accounts of
     $1,176,537 in 2005 and $1,022,055 in 2004 (note 7)

 

14,719,610

 

 

15,017,249

 

   Inventories (notes 5 and 7)

 

24,478,218

 

 

23,858,228

 

   Income taxes receivable

 

77,945

 

 

 

   Deferred tax assets (note 9)

 

 

 

707,947

 

   Due from affiliates (note 12)

 

3,730

 

 

282,508

 

   Other current assets

 

2,604,553

 

 

4,510,294

 

 

 


 

 


 

          Total current assets

 

44,707,616

 

 

48,674,275

 

 

 


 

 


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Property, plant and equipment:

 

 

 

 

 

 

   Granite reserves and development costs

 

  15,935,788

 

 

14,001,597

 

   Land

 

      7,810,630

 

 

7,340,310 

 

   Buildings and improvements

 

    20,569,742

 

 

18,663,837

 

   Leasehold improvements

 

2,578,098

 

 

2,562,211

 

   Machinery and equipment

 

    31,198,345

 

 

29,285,553

 

   Furniture and fixtures

 

      3,188,150

 

 

3,564,855

 

   Construction-in-process

 

   303,427

 

 

871,246

 

 

 


 

 


 

 

 

81,584,180

 

 

76,289,609

 

   Less accumulated depreciation, depletion and amortization

 

31,949,780

 

 

30,159,497

 

 

 


 

 


 

          Net property, plant and equipment

 

49,634,400

 

 

46,130,112

 

 

 


 

 


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other assets:

 

 

 

 

 

 

   Cash surrender value of life insurance

 

730,852

 

 

742,701

 

   Identified intangible assets, net (note 4)

 

598,502

 

 

388,434

 

   Goodwill (note 4)

 

387,156

 

 

163,492

 

   Debt issuance costs, net

 

146,620

 

 

225,081

 

   Due from affiliates (note 12)

 

813,821

 

 

54,690

 

   Deferred tax assets (note 9)

 

 

 

6,739,769

 

   Intangible pension asset (note 10)

 

574,182

 

 

738,972

 

   Long term investments (note 12 )

 

727,839

 

 

4,111,964

 

   Other long term assets

 

291,116

 

 

607,857

 

 

 


 

 


 

          Total other assets

 

4,270,088

 

 

13,772,960

 

 

 


 

 


 

          Total assets

$

98,612,104

 

$

108,577,347

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

 iii


 

 ROCK OF AGES CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
Consolidated Balance Sheets
December 31, 2005 and 2004

  

 

 

2005

 

 

2004

 

 

 


 

 


 

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY

 

 

 

 

 

 

Current liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

   Borrowings under lines of credit (note 7)

$

10,499,379

 

$

7,287,278

 

   Current installments of long-term debt (note 8)

 

661,400

 

 

35,612

 

   Deferred compensation (note 10)

 

469,237

 

 

371,537

 

   Trade payables

 

2,006,089

 

 

2,433,125

 

   Accrued expenses

 

3,442,439

 

 

3,845,415

 

   Income taxes payable

 

 

 

389,088

 

   Customer deposits

 

7,058,853

 

 

8,172,665

 

 

 


 

 


 

          Total current liabilities

 

24,137,397

 

 

22,534,720

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Long-term debt, excluding current installments (note 8)

 

21,444,740

 

 

16,289,153

 

Deferred compensation (note 10)

 

6,070,321

 

 

6,620,347

 

Accrued pension cost (note 10)

 

3,549,492

 

 

1,993,294

 

Accrued postretirement benefit cost (note 10)

 

966,951

 

 

878,610

 

Deferred tax liabilities (note 9)

 

70,434

 

 

30,464

 

Other

 

896,518

 

 

45,000

 

 

 


 

 


 

          Total liabilities

 

57,135,853

 

 

48,391,588

 

 

 


 

 


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Commitments and contingencies (notes 6 and 10)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Stockholders' equity (note 11):

 

 

 

 

 

 

   Preferred stock - $.01 par value;
      2,500,000 shares authorized
      No shares issued and outstanding

 

 

 

 

   Common stock - Class A, $.01 par value;
      30,000,000 shares authorized;
      issued and outstanding 4,660,800 and
      4,694,800 shares in 2005 and 2004, respectively

 

46,608

 

 

46,948

 

   Common Stock — Class B, $.01 par value;
      15,000,000 shares authorized; issued and outstanding 2,738,596
      and 2,700,596 shares in 2005 and 2004, respectively, convertible into
     equivalent shares of Class A common stock

 

27,386

 

 

27,006

 

    Additional paid-in capital

 

65,550,908

 

 

66,266,869

 

    Accumulated deficit

 

(21,430,626

 

(5,287,571

    Accumulated other comprehensive loss

 

(2,718,025

 

(867,493

 

 


 

 


 

          Total stockholders' equity

 

41,476,251

 

 

60,185,759

 

 

 


 

 


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

          Total liabilities and stockholders' equity

$

98,612,104

 

$

108,577,347

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements

iv


ROCK OF AGES CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
Consolidated Statements of Operations
Years ended December 31, 2005, 2004 and 2003

  

 

2005

 

 

2004
(As Restated See
note 2

 

 

2003
(As Restated See
 note 2)

 

 

 


 

 


 

 


 

Net revenues:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

   Quarrying

$

29,333,730

 

$

35,831,556

 

$

34,598,088

 

   Manufacturing

 

23,532,935

 

 

20,947,329

 

 

20,448,521

 

   Retailing

 

36,639,720

 

 

35,801,733

 

 

35,663,289

 

 

 


 

 


 

 


 

      Total net revenues

 

89,506,385

 

 

92,580,618

 

 

90,709,898

 

 

 


 

 


 

 


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gross profit:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

   Quarrying

 

5,994,668

 

 

12,326,882

 

 

11,178,259

 

   Manufacturing

 

6,769,670

 

 

5,572,461

 

 

5,774,330

 

   Retailing

 

19,099,135

 

 

20,353,954

 

 

20,387,533

 

 

 


 

 


 

 


 

      Total gross profit

 

31,863,473

 

 

38,253,297

 

 

37,340,122

 

 

 


 

 


 

 


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Selling, general and administrative expenses

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

   Quarrying

 

3,505,135

 

 

3,555,606

 

 

3,155,147

 

   Manufacturing

 

5,191,239

 

 

4,001,668

 

 

3,673,758

 

   Retailing

 

24,985,631

 

 

21,828,546

 

 

21,099,628

 

   Corporate overhead

 

5,090,324

 

 

5,087,447

 

 

4,692,213

 

 

 


 

 


 

 


 

      Total selling, general and administrative expenses

 

38,772,329

 

 

34,473,267

 

 

32,620,746

 

 

 


 

 


 

 


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gain on sale of investments

 

(350,005

 

 

 

 

Impairment of note receivable

 

 

 

400,000

 

 

 

Adverse judgment and legal expenses

 

 

 

6,500,000

 

 

2,440,454

 

Foreign exchange losses

 

49,628

 

 

68,531

 

 

120,694

 

 

 


 

 


 

 


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

   Income (loss) from operations

 

(6,608,479

 

(3,188,501

 

2,158,228

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest expense

 

1,923,996

 

 

821,520

 

 

471,105

 

 

 


 

 


 

 


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

   Income (loss) from continuing operations before provision
      (benefit) for income taxes

 

(8,532,475

)

 

(4,010,021

)

 

1,687,123

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Provision (benefit) for income taxes (note 9)

 

7,610,580

 

 

(853,634

)

 

577,819

 

 

 


 

 


 

 


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

   Income (loss) from continuing operations

 

(16,143,055

 

(3,156,387

 

1,109,304

 

  Discontinued operations, net of taxes  (note 17)

 

 

 

(64,840

 

337,901

 

 

 


 

 


 

 


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

   Net income (loss)

$

(16,143,055

)

$

(3,221,227

)

$

1,447,205

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income (loss) per share - basic:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

   Income (loss) from continuing operations

$

(2.18

)

$

(0.43

)

$

0.15

 

  Discontinued operations

 

 

 

(0.01

)

 

0.05

 

 

 


 

 


 

 


 

        Net income (loss) per share

$

(2.18

)

$

(0.44

)

$

0.20

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income (loss) per share - diluted:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

   Income (loss) from continuing operations

$

(2.18

)

$

(0.43

)

$

0.15

 

  Discontinued operations

 

 

 

(0.01

)

 

0.05

 

 

 


 

 


 

 


 

        Net income (loss) per share

$

(2.18

)

$

(0.44

$

0.20

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Weighted average number of common shares outstanding - basic

 

7,398,662

 

 

7,318,127

 

 

7,181,545

 

Weighted average number of common shares outstanding – diluted

 

7,398,662

 

 

7,318,127

 

 

7,219,378

 

 

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

v


 

 

 

ROCK OF AGES CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity and Comprehensive Income (Loss)
Years ended December 31, 2005, 2004 and 2003

 

 

CLASS A
COMMON
STOCK

 

 

CLASS B
COMMON
STOCK

 

 

ADDITIONAL
PAID-IN
CAPITAL

 

 


ACCUMULATED DEFICIT

 

 

ACCUMULATED
OTHER
COMPREHENSIVE
INCOME (LOSS)

 

 

TOTAL
STOCKHOLDERS'
EQUITY

 

Balance at December 31, 2002

 $

49,193

 

$

27,564

 

$

68,573,821

 

$

(3,441,730

)

$

(2,563,216

)

$

62,645,632

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Comprehensive income:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

    Net income

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1,447,205

 

 

 

 

1,447,205

 

   Cumulative translation
   adjustment

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1,436,010

 

 

1,436,010

 

   Minimum pension
   liability, net of taxes of
   $71,694

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

212,845

 

 

212,845

 

Total comprehensive income

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

3,096,060

 

Dividends paid

 

 

 

 

 

(215,257

)

 

(71,819

)

 

 

 

(287,076

)

Exercise of stock options

 

239

 

 

 

 

117,492

 

 

 

 

 

 

117,731

 

Repurchase of stock

 

(5,005

)

 

 

 

(2,597,595

)

 

 

 

 

 

(2,602,600

)

 

 


 

 


 

 


 

 


 

 


 

 


 

Balance at December 31, 2003

 $

44,427

 

$

27,564

 

$

65,878,461

 

$

(2,066,344

$

(914,361

$

62,969,747

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Comprehensive income (loss):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

   Net loss

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(3,221,227

 

 

 

(3,221,227

)

  Cumulative translation
  adjustment

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

699,100

 

 

699,100

 

  Minimum pension
  liability, net of taxes
  of  $258,087

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(652,232

)

 

(652,232

)

Total comprehensive loss

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(3,174,359

Dividends paid

 

 

 

 

 

(585,754

)

 

 

 

 

 

(585,754

)

Conversion of common stock

 

558

 

 

(558

)

 

— 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Exercise of stock options

 

1,963

 

 

 

 

974,162

 

 

 

 

 

 

976,125

 

 

 


 

 


 

 


 

 


 

 


 

 


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Balance at December 31, 2004

 $

46,948

 

$

27,006

 

$

66,266,869

 

$

(5,287,571

)

$

(867,493

)

$

60,185,759

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Comprehensive income (loss):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

   Net loss

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(16,143,055

)

 

 

 

(16,143,055

)

  Cumulative translation
   adjustment

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

349,406

 

 

349,406

 

Net unrealized gain on securities available for sale

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

172,000

 

 

172,000

 

  Minimum pension
  liability

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(2,371,938

)

 

(2,371,938

)

Total comprehensive loss

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(17,993,587

)

Dividends paid

 

 

 

 

 

(739,840

 

 

 

 

 

(739,840

)

Conversion of common stock

 

(380

)

 

380

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Exercise of stock options

 

40

 

 

 

 

23,880

 

 

 

 

 

 

23,920

 

Balance at December 31, 2005

 $

46,608

 

 $

7,386

 

$

65,550,908

 

$

(21,430,626

)

$

2,718,025)

 

$

41,476,251

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

 vi


 

ROCK OF AGES CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
Years ended December 31, 2005, 2004 and 2003

 

 

 

2005

 

 

2004

 

 

2003

 

 

 


 

 


 

 


 

Cash flows from operating activities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  Net income (loss)

$

(16,143,055

)

$

(3,221,227

)

$

1,447,205

 

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

    Gain on sale of assets

 

(199,518

)

 

(6,118

)

 

(1,502,360

    Gain on sale of long- term investments  

 

(350,005

)

 

 

 

 

    Depreciation, depletion and amortization

 

4,539,213

 

 

3,620,428

 

 

3,486,893

 

    Write down of goodwill

 

318,347

 

 

 

 

 

    Impairment of note receivable

 

 

 

(400,000

)

 

 

    Deferred taxes

 

7,487,686

 

 

(1,567,093

)

 

1,258,841

 

    Decrease (increase) in cash surrender value of life insurance

 

11,848

 

 

(14,519

)

 

37,537

 

    Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of acquisitions:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

         Decrease (increase) in trade receivables

 

58,434

 

 

596,308

 

 

1,104,430

 

         Decrease (increase) in due to/from affiliates

 

(480,352

)

 

(54,578

)

 

(210,764

)

         Decrease (increase) in inventories

 

(544,287

)

 

(2,412,689

 

268,214

 

         Decrease (increase) in other current assets

 

1,897,423

 

 

 (444,877

)

 

459,833

 

         Decrease (increase) in prearranged receivables

 

 

 

 

 

(567,002

)

         Decrease (increase) in cemetery property

 

 

 

 

 

(147,019

)

         Decrease (increase) in other assets

 

378,127

 

 

797,371

 

 

378,054

 

         Increase (decrease) in trade payables

 

(457,037

)

 

760,448

 

 

(306,543

)

         Increase (decrease) in accrued expenses

 

(402,975

)

 

(466,017

)

 

(689,509

)

         Increase (decrease) in income taxes payable/receivable

 

(467,033

)

 

797,832

 

 

(195,611

)

         Increase (decrease) in customer deposits

 

(1,168,035

)

 

959,651

 

 

(213,829

)

         Increase (decrease) in deferred compensation

 

(452,326

)

 

666,105

 

 

837,505

 

         Increase (decrease) in accrued pension cost

 

(650,950

 

15,351

 

 

(755,383

)

         Increase (decrease) in accrued postretirement benefit cost

 

88,341

 

 

51,380

 

 

(7,252

         Increase (decrease) in prearranged deferred revenue

 

 

 

 

 

181,772

 

         Increase (decrease) in other liabilities

 

851,517

 

 

(29,083

)

 

82,875

 

 

 


 

 


 

 


 

         Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities

 

(5,684,637

)

 

(351,327

)

 

4,947,887

 

 

 


 

 


 

 


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash flows from investing activities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

    Purchases of property, plant and equipment

 

(4,838,253

)

 

(6,706,857

)

 

(7,735,891

)

    Purchase of long term investments

 

 

 

(3,611,394

)

 

 

    Proceeds from sale of assets

 

770,671

 

 

5,400,000

 

 

1,500,000

 

    Acquisitions, net of cash acquired

 

(4,140,284

)

 

(477,202

)

 

 

    Proceeds from sale of long-term investment

 

3,850,005

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


 

 


 

 


 

         Net cash used in investing activities

 

(4,357,861

)

 

(5,395,453

)

 

(6,235,891

)

 

 


 

 


 

 


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash flows from financing activities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

    Net borrowings under lines of credit

 

3,212,101

 

 

2,535,873

 

 

365,919

 

    Debt issuance costs

 

 

 

(113,000

)

 

(5,248

)

    Principal borrowings on long-term debt

 

9,689,215

 

 

3,536,763

 

 

 

    Principal payments on long-term debt

 

(3,907,839

)

 

(43,471

)

 

(189,070

)

    Common stock repurchased

 

 

 

 

 

(2,602,600

)

    Dividends paid

 

(739,840

)

 

(585,754

 

(287,076

)

    Stock options exercised

 

23,920

 

 

976,125

 

 

117,731

 

 

 


 

 


 

 


 

         Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities

 

8,277,557

 

 

6,306,536

 

 

(2,600,344

 

 


 

 


 

 


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents

 

290,452

 

 

511,423

 

 

929,955

 

 

 


 

 


 

 


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

         Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

 

(1,474,489

)

 

1,071,179

 

 

(2,958,393

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of year

 

4,298,049

 

 

3,226,870

 

 

6,185,263

 

 

 


 

 


 

 


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents, end of year

$

2,823,560

 

$

4,298,049

 

$

3,226,870

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

 vii


 

ROCK OF AGES CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows, continued

 

 

 

2005

 

 

2004

 

 

2003

 

 


 

 


 

 


Supplemental cash flow information:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

    Cash paid during the year for:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

         Interest

$

1,853,943

 

$

821,520

 

$

672,255

         Net income taxes paid (refunded)

 

683,225

 

 

(234,028

)

 

285,434

 

 

During the fourth quarter of 2004, the Company completed the sale of its Autumn Rose quarry in a transaction that included cash of $150,000 received in 2004 and a note receivable of $600,000, which is payable in kind through the supply of diamond tools and segments pursuant to a supply agreement.

 

During the fourth quarter of 2003, the Company completed the sale of Rock of Ages Kentucky Cemeteries, LLC in a transaction that included cash of $1,500,000 received in 2003 and a note receivable of $5,250,000, which was paid in full in January 2004.

 

As more fully discussed in note 16, the Company has completed acquisitions of certain businesses in 2005 and 2004 which are summarized as follows:

 

 

 

2005

 

 

2004

 

 

 


 

 


 

Acquisitions:

 

 

 

 

 

 

    Assets acquired

$

4,361,450

 

$

590,536

 

    Liabilities assumed

 

(221,166

)

 

(113,334

)

 

 


 

 


 

        Net cash paid for acquisitions

$

4,140,284

 

$

477,202

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Supplemental non-cash investing and financing activities:

 

The Company recorded an adjustment for an increase/(decrease) in the minimum pension liability of $2,207,148, $745,533 and $(534,642) and a decrease in the intangible asset for pension of $(164,790), $(164,786) and $(232,040) in 2005, 2004 and 2003, respectively.

   

 

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

 viii


ROCK OF AGES CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
December 31, 2005, 2004 and 2003

 

 

 

 

(1)

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

 

 

 

 

In this report, the terms "Company," "we," "us," or "our" mean Rock of Ages Corporation and all subsidiaries included in our consolidated financial statements. Rock of Ages was founded in 1885 and is an integrated granite quarrier, manufacturer and retailer whose principal product is granite memorials used primarily in cemeteries. We own and operate eleven active quarry properties and six manufacturing and sawing facilities in North America, principally in Vermont and the Province of Quebec. We market and distribute our memorials on a retail basis through approximately eighty Company-owned retail sales outlets in seventeen states. We also sell memorials wholesale to approximately eighty independent authorized Rock of Ages retailers in the United States as well as approximately ninety retailers in Canada. We also owned and operated cemeteries until December 2003.

 

 

 

 

 

(a)

PRINCIPLES OF CONSOLIDATION

 

 

 

 

 

The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its wholly owned subsidiaries. All significant intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

 

 

 

 

(b)

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS

 

 

 

 

 

For purposes of the statement of cash flows, we consider financial instruments  purchased with an initial maturity of three months or less to be cash equivalents. The Company had $1,645,000 and $3,120,000 in foreign banks at December 31, 2005 and 2004, respectively, in Canada.

 

 

 

 

(c)

INVENTORIES

 

 

 

 

 

Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market. Cost is determined using the specific annual average cost method for the retail, manufacturing and quarry segments.

 

 

 

 

(d)

DEPRECIATION, DEPLETION AND AMORTIZATION

 

 

 

 

 

The Company capitalizes significant purchases of items having expected useful lives in excess of one year. Property, plant and equipment are stated at cost. Depreciation is calculated using the straight-line and declining balance methods, based upon the following estimated useful lives:

 

 

 

 

Buildings and improvements

15 to 40 years

 

Leasehold improvements

Lower of estimated useful life or remaining lease term

 

Machinery and equipment

3 to 20 years

 

Furniture and fixtures

5 to 12 years

 

 

 

 

Depreciation expense amounted to $4,223,197, $3,219,756 and $3,074,691 in 2005, 2004 and 2003, respectively.

 

 

 

 

Cost depletion and amortization of granite reserves and development costs are provided by charges to operations based on cubic feet produced in relation to estimated reserves of the property. Cost depletion and amortization charged to operations amounted to $137,624, $215,771 and $210,806 in 2005, 2004 and 2003, respectively.

 

 

 

 

(e)

GOODWILL AND IDENTIFIED INTANGIBLE ASSETS 

 

 

  

 

 

Identified intangible assets (those intangible assets with definite estimated useful lives) are recorded at fair value at date of acquisition and are amortized, using the straight-line method, over their estimated useful lives. Such intangible assets are reviewed for impairment as set forth in note 1 (l).

 

 

 

 

 

We annually assess impairment of goodwill in accordance with the provisions of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 142, "Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets." The provisions of SFAS No. 142 require a two-step test be performed. First, the fair value of each reporting unit is compared to its carrying value. If the fair value exceeds the carrying value, goodwill is not impaired and no further testing is performed. If the carrying value exceeds the fair value, then the implied fair value of the reporting unit's goodwill must be determined and compared to the carrying value of the goodwill. If the carrying value of a reporting unit's goodwill exceeds its implied fair value, then an impairment loss equal to the difference will be recorded.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 viii


ROCK OF AGES CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
December 31, 2005, 2004 and 2003

 

 

(f)

DEBT ISSUANCE COSTS

 

 

 

 

 

The Company amortizes debt issuance costs using the straight-line method over the term of the related borrowing. Amortization expense was $78,460, $131,866 and $65,052 in 2005, 2004 and 2003, respectively, and is reported with interest expense in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations.

 

 

 

 

(g)

FOREIGN CURRENCY TRANSLATION

 

 

 

 

 

The functional currency of the Company's Canadian subsidiary is the Canadian dollar. The Company translates the accounts of its foreign subsidiary in accordance with SFAS No. 52, "Foreign Currency Translation," under which all assets and liabilities are translated at the rate of exchange in effect at year-end. Revenue and expense accounts are translated using weighted average exchange rates in effect during the year. Gains or losses from foreign currency translation are charged to accumulated other comprehensive loss, which is included in stockholders' equity in the accompanying consolidated financial statements. All realized and unrealized transaction gains and losses are charged to operations and separately reported.

 

 

 

 

(h)

INCOME TAXES

 

 

 

 

 

The Company files its U.S. Federal income tax returns on a consolidated basis. Rock of Ages Canada, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary, is responsible for income taxes in Canada.

 

 

 

 

 

We recognize deferred tax assets and liabilities for the future tax consequences attributable to the difference between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax basis. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled.

 

 

 

 

 

In assessing the realizability of deferred tax assets, management considers whether it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. The ultimate realization of deferred tax assets depends upon the generation of future taxable income during the periods in which those temporary differences become deductible. Management considers the scheduled reversal of deferred tax liabilities, projected future taxable income, and tax planning strategies in making this assessment. This assessment is made each reporting period.

 

 

 

 

 

The Company is allowed to claim percentage depletion, under IRS Code Section 613, for tax purposes based upon income derived from quarrying operations.

 

 

 

 

(i)

STOCK-BASED EMPLOYEE COMPENSATION

 

 

 

 

 

The Company has adopted the disclosure provisions of SFAS No. 148, "Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation-Transition and Disclosure" which is an amendment of SFAS No. 123, "Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation" ("SFAS 123"), and continues to apply Accounting Principles Board Opinion No. 25 and related interpretations in accounting for its stock plans. In the fourth quarter of 2005, the Company accelerated the vesting of all unvested stock options previously awarded to officers, directors and employees. The primary purpose of accelerating the vesting of these options was to reduce the Company's future reported compensation expense upon the adoption of SFAS No. 123R, "Share Based Payment" in the first quarter of 2006. As a result, options to purchase approximately 333,600 shares of Class A common stock which would have been vested over the next 48 months became immediately exercisable. Restrictions were imposed on any shares received through the exercise of accelerated options that prevented the sale of any of these shares prior to the original vesting date of the option.  If we had elected to recognize compensation cost for all of the plans based upon the fair value at the grant dates for awards under those plans, consistent with the method prescribed by SFAS 123, net income (loss) and earnings per share would have been changed to the pro forma amounts indicated below:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

ix


ROCK OF AGES CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
December 31, 2005, 2004 and 2003

 

 

 

2005

 

 

2004

 

 

2003

 

 

 


 

 


 

 


 

Net income (loss), as reported

$

(16,143,055

$

(3,221,227

$

1,447,205

 

Deduct: Total stock-based employee compensation expense determined under fair value based method for all awards

 

(1,564,751

)

 

(385,854

)

 

(418,180

)

 

 


 

 


 

 


 

Net income (loss), pro forma

$

(17,707,806

)

$

(3,607,081

)

$

1,029,025

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income (loss) per share:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic as reported

 

(2.18

)

 

(0.44

)

 

0.20

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic-pro forma

 

(2.39

)

 

(0.49

)

 

0.14

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Diluted-as reported

 

(2.18

)

 

(0.44

)

 

0.20

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Diluted-pro forma

 

(2.39

)

 

(0.49

)

 

0.14

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The fair value of each option grant is estimated on the date of the grant. The per share weighted average fair value of stock options granted during 2005 and 2004 was $4.53 and $5.48, respectively, on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model with the following weighted average assumptions: risk-free interest rate of 3.9% and 4.34%; dividend yield of 1.67%; expected volatility of 109% and 74%, and expected lives of seven (7) and six (6) years, respectively. There were no stock options granted in 2003. Because changes in the subjective input assumptions can materially affect the fair value estimate, in the opinion of management, the existing models do not necessarily provide a reliable single value of its options and may not be representative of the future stock price of the Company.

 

 

 

 

 

In December 2004, the FASB issued SFAS No. 123 (revised 2004), "Share-Based Payment" ("SFAS 123R"), which replaces SFAS No. 123 and supersedes APB Opinion No. 25, "Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees." SFAS 123R requires that all share-based payments to employees, including grants of employee stock options, be recognized in the financial statements based on their fair values beginning with the first interim or annual period after June 15, 2005, with early adoption encouraged. The pro forma disclosures previously permitted under SFAS 123 no longer will be an alternative to financial statement recognition. We are required to adopt SFAS 123R in the first quarter of 2006.  Adoption of SFAS 123R is not expected to have any impact on our consolidated results of operations in 2006.

 

 

 

 

(j)

PENSION AND OTHER POSTRETIREMENT PLANS

 

 

 

 

 

The Company has a defined benefit pension plan covering substantially all of its Vermont based non-union employees. The benefits are based on years of service and the employee's compensation. The cost of this program is being funded currently.

 

 

 

 

 

We have deferred compensation agreements in the form of salary continuation plans that cover certain employees who have deferred compensation agreements as described in more detail in note 10. We measure the cost of our obligations based on actuarial estimates and recognize net periodic costs as employees render the necessary services to earn the deferred compensation benefits.

 

 

 

 

 

The Company also sponsors a defined postretirement benefit health care plan for certain early retirees and defined  postretirement benefit group life insurance plans for all Vermont based union and non-union employees. We measure the cost of our obligations based on actuarial estimates and recognize net periodic costs as employees render the services necessary to earn the postretirement benefits.

 

 

 

 

(k)

USE OF ESTIMATES

 

 

 

 

 

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to use estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements, and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from these estimates. Material estimates that are particularly susceptible to significant change are the estimated useful lives of property, plant and equipment, the deferred tax asset valuation allowance, actuarial assumptions affecting pension and other postretirement plan accounting and the allowance for doubtful accounts.

x


ROCK OF AGES CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
December 31, 2005, 2004 and 2003

 

 

 

 

 

(l)

IMPAIRMENT OF LONG-LIVED ASSETS

 

 

 

 

 

The Company accounts for long-lived assets in accordance with the provisions of SFAS No. 144, "Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets." This Statement requires that long-lived assets and certain identifiable intangibles be reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. We measure recoverability of assets to be held and used by a comparison of the carrying amount of an asset to estimated, undiscounted future cash flows expected to be generated by the asset. If the carrying amount of an asset exceeds its estimated future cash flows, an impairment charge is recognized for the amount by which the carrying amount of the asset exceeds the fair value of the asset.

 

 

 

 

  

(m)

REVENUE RECOGNITION

 

 

 

 

 

Quarry

 

 

 

 

 

The granite we quarry is sold both to outside customers and used by our manufacturing group. Our quarry division recognizes revenue from sales of granite blocks to outside customers when the granite is shipped and invoiced  from the quarry. We provide a 5% discount for domestic customers if payment is made within 30 days of purchase, except in the case of December terms described below. Sales to foreign customers are typically secured by a letter of credit.

 

 

 

 

 

At our Barre, Vermont quarries, we allow customers to purchase granite blocks and request that we store the blocks for them. Many of our customers do not have adequate storage space at their facilities and want to ensure an adequate supply of blocks, especially when the Barre quarries are closed from mid-December through mid-March because of weather. Our quarry division recognizes revenue from blocks purchased when the customer selects and identifies the block at the quarry site and the customer requests the block be stored, when they have significant business reasons to do so. At that time, the block is removed from inventory; the customer's name is printed on the block, and title and risk of ownership passes to the buyer. The customer is invoiced and normal payment terms apply, except in the case of December terms described below. Granite blocks owned by customers remain on our property for varying periods of time after title passes. We retain a delivery obligation using our trucks. However, we consider the earnings process substantially complete because the cost of delivery service is inconsequential (less than 3%) in relation to the selling price. Further, under industry terms of trade, title passes and the payment obligation is established when the block is identified at the quarry.

 

 

 

 

 

Each December, we offer special payment terms to our Barre quarries' customers. As noted above, from approximately mid-December to approximately mid-March, our Barre quarries are closed due to weather. During this time, customers' manufacturing plants remain open, and many prefer to ensure they own blocks of a size and quality selected by them prior to the quarries' closure. All blocks purchased in December are invoiced on or about December 31 and, at that time, the blocks are removed from inventory, the customer's name is printed on the blocks, and title and risk of ownership passes to the buyer. Payment terms are one-third of the invoice amount on January 15, one-third on February 15, and one-third on March 15. The program provides essentially the normal 30-day payment terms during the months when the Barre quarries are closed notwithstanding the customer purchases a three-month supply in December and makes payments over 90 days. Customers need not use these special December terms and may buy from inventory during the closure period on a first-come, first-served basis with the normal 30-day payment terms.

 

 

 

 

 

Manufacturing

 

 

 

 

 

Rock of Ages does not record a sale at the time granite is transferred to the manufacturing division from our quarries. We record revenue and gross profit related to internally transferred granite only after the granite is manufactured into a finished product and sold to an outside customer. Manufacturing revenues related to outside customers are recorded when the finished product is shipped from our facilities or set in the cemetery, or other location, if we are responsible for the setting. Manufacturing revenues related to internally transferred finished products to our owned retail outlets are recorded when ultimately sold at retail to an outside customer.

 

 

 

 

 

Retail

 

 

 

 

 

Retail revenues are recorded when the finished monument is placed in the cemetery. In certain instances, we may enter into an agreement with a customer, which provides for extended payment terms, generally up to two years from either the date of setting the memorial or, in certain instances, upon the settlement of an estate.

xi 


ROCK OF AGES CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
December 31, 2005, 2004 and 2003

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cemeteries

 

 

 

 

 

On December 17, 2003, we sold substantially all of the assets of our cemetery division (see note 17) and the operating results are reflected in discontinued operations for that year.

 

 

 

 

 

The cemetery division recorded revenues on its products and services primarily when the product was delivered or the service was performed. However, pre-need sales of cemetery lots were recognized as revenue when 20% of the total purchase price of the lot had been received from the customer. The cemetery division's recognition of revenue from pre-need sales of cemetery services and merchandise was deferred until the period in which the service or merchandise was delivered.

 

 

 

 

(n)

NET INCOME (LOSS) PER SHARE  

 

 

  

 

 

Net income (loss) per share, or basic earnings (loss) per share, is computed by dividing earnings available for common shares by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during each year. Net income per share - diluted, or diluted earnings per share, is computed by dividing earnings available for common shares by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during each year, adjusted to include the additional number of common shares that would have been outstanding if the dilutive potential common shares under stock based compensation programs had been issued. Potential common shares are not included in the diluted earnings (losses) per share calculations where the effect of their inclusion would be antidilutive, such as in 2005 and 2004 when the Company incurred a net loss.

 

 

 

 

 

Options to purchase 320,000 shares of Class A common stock at exercises prices ranging from $5.98 to $12.38 per share were outstanding in 2003 but were not included in the computation of diluted EPS because the options' exercise price was greater than the average market price of the common shares during those years.

 

 

 

 

(o)

OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) 

 

 

  

 

 

Other comprehensive income (loss) consists of the following components, which are presented in the consolidated statements of stockholders' equity and comprehensive income (loss).

  

 

 

Foreign Currency Translation

 

 

Minimum
Pension Liability

 

 

Investments Available  for Sale

 

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)

 

Balance
at December 31, 2002

$

(756,020

)

$

(1,807,196

)

$

$

(2,563,216

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Changes in 2003

 

1,436,010

 

 

212,845

 

 

 

1,648,855

 

 

 


 

 


 

 


 


 

Balance at December 31, 2003

$

679,990

 

$

(1,594,351

)

$

$

(914,361

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Changes in 2004

 

699,100

 

 

(652,232

)

 

 

46,868

 

 

 


 

 


 

 


 


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Balance
at December 31, 2004

$

1,379,090

 

$

(2,246,583

)

$

$

(867,493

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Changes in 2005

 

349,406

 

 

(2,371,938

)

 

172,000

 

(1,850,532

)

 

 


 

 


 

 


 


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Balance
at December 31, 2005

$

1,728,496

 

$

(4,618,521

)

$

172,000

$

(2,718,025

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 xii


ROCK OF AGES CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
December 31, 2005, 2004 and 2003

 

 

(p)

INVESTMENTS

 

 

 

 

 

The Company has a 1/3-equity interest in VIKA Ltd., a Ukrainian closed stock company that owns rights to quarry stone known as "Galactic Blue" on certain property located in the Ukraine. This  investment is accounted for by the equity method

 

 

 

 

 

The Company owns common stock of a public company, representing an equity interest of less than 20%, where we do not exercise significant influence over the operating and financial policies of the investee. This investment is accounted for as available for sale in accordance with SFAS No. 115 and is carried at fair market value with unrecognized gain or loss recorded in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss).

 

 

 

 

 (q)

 ADVERTISING EXPENSES

 

 

 

 

 

Advertising costs are expensed as incurred. Advertising expenses were $1,018,000, $861,000 and $895,000 in 2005, 2004 and 2003, respectively.

 

 

 

 

  (r)

WARRANTY

 

 

 

 

 

Our memorials are covered by a full perpetual or a limited perpetual warranty depending on the particular granite. The Company estimates probable warranty costs at the time revenue is recognized. The Company exercises judgment in determining its accrued warranty liability and considers factors that may affect warranty liability, including historical and anticipated rates of warranty claims. To date, warranty obligations have not been material and no liability has been accrued.

 

 

 

 

(s)

RECLASSIFICATIONS

 

 

 

 

 

Certain reclassifications have been made to prior periods as a result of current year presentation, with no effect on net income (loss).

 

 

 

 

(t)

RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS

 

 

 

 

 

In May 2005, the FASB issued SFAS No. 154, "Accounting Changes and Error Corrections – a replacement of APB No. 20, and FASB Statement No. 3 ("SFAS 154"). SFAS 154 replaces APB Opinion No. 20, Accounting Changes, and FASB Statement No. 3, Reporting Accounting Changes in Interim Financial Statements, and changes the requirements for the accounting for and reporting of a change in accounting principle. This Statement applies to all voluntary changes in accounting principle. It also applies to changes required by an accounting pronouncement in the unusual instance that the pronouncement does not include specific transition provisions. When a pronouncement includes specific transition provisions, those provisions should be followed. SFAS 154 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2005 and is required to be adopted by us in the first quarter of 2006, beginning on January 1, 2006. Adoption of SFAS 154 is not expected to have any impact on our consolidated results of operations in 2006.

 xiii


ROCK OF AGES CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
December 31, 2005, 2004 and 2003

 

 

 

 

(2)

 

RESTATEMENT OF FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

 

 

 

 

The Company has restated its consolidated financial statements for the years ended December 31, 2004 and 2003. The restatement reflects adjustments in the statements of operations related to the classification of shipping and handling costs in order to be compliant with Emerging Issues Task Force ("EITF") consensus No. 00-10, "Accounting for Shipping and Handling Fees and Costs" in its quarry and manufacturing segments. The Company's prior method of accounting for certain shipping and handling costs to deliver products to its customers' designated location was to include these costs as a deduction from net revenues. Such costs are now included in cost of sales. The impact of the restatement was to increase net sales and cost of sales by $6.0 million and $6.3 million in 2004 and 2003, respectively. The restatement had no impact on total gross profit, income from continuing operations, net income or earnings per share for any of the periods restated. See note 13 for the restated unaudited quarterly information.

 

 

 

December 31, 2004

 

December 31, 2003

 

 

As Previously Reported

 

 

As Restated

 

As Previously Reported

 

 

As Restated

Quarry Net Revenue

$

29,926,649

$

35,831,556

$

28,380,824

$

34,598,088

Manufacturing Net Revenue

$

20,865,252

$

20,947,329

$

20,372,917

$

20,448,521

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(3)

 

OPERATING MATTERS AND LIQUIDITY

 

 

 

 

 

During 2005 and 2004, the Company incurred net losses of $16.1 million and $3.2 million, respectively, contributing to the accumulated deficit at December 31, 2005 of $21.4 million. Cash flows used in operating activities amounted to $5.7 million  in 2005  and, when combined with cash needs for capital additions and other investing activities, resulted in a reduction in cash and cash equivalents of $1.5 million  and an increase in borrowed funds of $9.0 million during the year.

 

 

 

 

 

The Company took certain steps in the second half of 2005 to address this situation, principally in our retail business segment. These steps included productivity improvements in the sales force allowing for reductions in managerial staffing. In addition, certain stores have been closed or sold. These changes had a minimal benefit on the results of operations in 2005 but are expected to result in a significant reduction in the selling, general and administrative expenses, and future cash requirements, of this segment in 2006 and beyond.

 

 

 

 

 

The operating results in 2005 caused the Company to be in violation of certain covenants of its credit facility. All such violations were subsequently waived and the credit facility has been amended to adjust the covenants to a level that management believes the Company will be able to comply throughout 2006 (see note 7).

 

 

 

 

 

Based on the operational changes made in the retail business segment noted above and the amendments to the credit facility covenants, management believes that it will be able to generate sufficient cash flows from operations and will be able to access funds from its credit facility in 2006 so as to meet all of its liquidity needs during the year.

 

 

 

 xiv


 

ROCK OF AGES CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
December 31, 2005, 2004 and 2003

 

 

 

 

 

(4)

GOODWILL AND IDENTIFIED INTANGIBLE ASSETS

 

 

 

Goodwill and identified intangible assets consist of the following at December 31, 2005 and 2004:

 

 

 

 

ESTIMATED
USEFUL LIFE

 

2005

 

 

2004

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

        Goodwill

Indefinite

 $

387,156

 

 $

163,492

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

        Customer list-Rockwell purchase

10 Years

    $

310,000

 

      $

 

        Less accumulated amortization

 

 

(27,125

)

 

 

 

 

 


 

 


 

            Total customer list

 

 

282,875

 

 

 

 

 

 


 

 


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

        Covenants not to compete

5-11 Years

 

1,057,223

 

 

1,057,223

 

        Less accumulated amortization

 

 

(741,596

)

 

(668,789

)

 

 

 


 

 


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

          Total covenants not to compete

 

 

315,627

 

 

388,434

 

 

 

 


 

 


 

         Total other identified intangible assets

 

$

         598,502

 

$

         388,434

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Amortization expense was $99,932 in 2005, $49,572 in 2004 and $136,344 in 2003.

 

Estimated future amortization expense related to identified intangible assets is as follows:

 

Year

 

(in thousands)

 

 

 

2006

 

101

2007

 

100

2008

 

100

2009

 

85

2010

 

85

 

In the third quarter of 2005, we performed our annual assessment of goodwill for the retail unit. We calculated the fair value of the retail unit based on estimated expected discounted future cash flows using the Company's weighted average cost of capital. We concluded that the retail unit could not support the goodwill booked in the last two acquisitions and therefore wrote off the retail goodwill of $318,000 in the third quarter of 2005. With the acquisition of the Rockwell quarry in February 2005, we recorded goodwill in our quarry segment of $387,000. This will be initially evaluated for impairment in 2006.

 

 

 

(5)

INVENTORIES

 

 

 

Inventories consist of the following at December 31, 2005 and 2004:

 

 

 

 

 

2005

 

2004

 

 


 


        Raw materials

$

12,989,151

$

12,485,229

        Work-in-process

 

1,441,611

 

1,247,148

        Finished goods and supplies

 

10,047,456

 

10,125,851

 

 


 


 

$

24,478,218

$

23,858,228

 

 

 

 

 

 xv


ROCK OF AGES CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
December 31, 2005, 2004 and 2003

 

 

 

 

(6)

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

 

 

 

Leases

 

 

 

The Company has several non-cancelable operating leases for land, vehicles and office space. Rental expense for all operating leases was $1,203,993, $1,101,453 and $1,263, 979 during 2005, 2004 and 2003, respectively. Rental expense includes amounts for related party operating leases of $280,384, $298,265 and $356,817 in 2005, 2004 and 2003, respectively. Related party operating leases are real property leases in which the lessor is a former owner of a retail business which has been acquired by the Company.

 

 

 

 

Future minimum lease payments under non-cancelable operating leases (with initial or remaining lease terms in excess of one year) are as follows:

 

Year Ending December 31

 

Related Party

 

Other

2006

$

176,253

$

722,136

2007

 

176,253

 

529,942

2008

 

110,552

 

238,439

2009

 

29,867

 

153,980

2010

 

18,667

 

69,380

Thereafter

 

 

133,000

 

 


 


 

$

511,592

$

1,846,877

 

 

 

 

 

  

 

The Company also is the lessor of various parcels of lands. The leases expire at various times through 2027. Rental income was $62,860, $65,704 and $47,962 in 2005, 2004 and 2003, respectively. Future minimum rentals to be received under non-cancelable leases are as follows:

 

Year Ending December 31

 

 

 

 

 

2006

$

64,510

2007

 

37,165

2008

 

33,281

2009

 

11,320

2010

 

11,320

Thereafter

 

144,199

 

 


 

$

301,795

 

 


 

 

 

 

 

Purchase Commitment

 

 

 

In connection with the sale of the Lawson manufacturing plant in Barre, Vermont ("Lawson") in 2001, the Company entered into a Supply Agreement with Adams Granite Co. The Company agreed to purchase a minimum of $3,000,000 of monuments from Adams Granite Co. each year for a term of seven years with various stipulations as to variations from the "minimum order" and pricing agreements. If orders over a two-year period were less than the "minimum order," then the Company would be required, at its sole option, to either place orders for monuments in the amount of the deficiency or pay to Adams the gross margin that Adams would have realized had such orders been placed and filled. The gross margin used in this calculation would be Adams' average gross margin on sales of monuments to the Company over the prior two-year period.

 xvi


ROCK OF AGES CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
December 31, 2005, 2004 and 2003

 

 

 

The Supply Agreement with Adams Granite was amended on January 1, 2004 and reduced the minimum order obligation to $2,250,000 per year, plus or minus 10%. The minimum order for each year will be measured separately and any variance in one year will not be added to or subtracted from the minimum order obligation in any subsequent year. The remedy for placing less than the minimum order remains the same. Each year since 2004 the Company has met or exceeded the minimum purchase commitment.

 

 

 

In July 2005, a purchase agreement was entered into with Memory Medallion Inc. (MMI). The agreement with MMI was initially an exclusive distribution agreement in which the Company had agreed to buy $1,100,000 of memory medallions over two years with quarterly payments of $137,500 which began on August 1, 2005. Subsequent to year-end, the agreement was amended to grant the Company non-exclusive rights to market the medallions and discontinue the purchase obligation.

 

 

 

Litigation

 

 

 

The Company is party to legal proceedings that arise from time to time in the ordinary course of its business. While the outcome of these proceedings cannot be predicted with certainty, management based on its discussions with legal counsel, does not expect these matters to have a material adverse effect on the Company.

 

 

 

In April 2001, our former distributor outside the United States, Eurimex S.A. (now known as Granite Stone Business International S.a.r.l.), initiated an arbitration proceeding against us in connection with our termination of the distribution agreement for our Salisbury Pink granite. Eurimex also claimed damages in connection with a distribution agreement for our Bethel White granite, which agreement expired by its terms in 1998. Pursuant to those agreements, the arbitration took place under the ICC rules.

 

  

 

On June 10, 2004, the three-member ICC arbitral tribunal awarded Granite Stone Business International approximately $5.4 million in damages, plus interest on the award of $1.1 million. The award was made on the claim we had wrongfully terminated the Salisbury Pink distribution agreement. The tribunal ruled in our favor on the other four claims brought against us in the arbitration. We recorded a charge of $6.5 million for the adverse judgment in 2004. In 2003 we incurred legal expenses of $2.4 million related to this litigation.

 

  

 

As previously disclosed, Kurtz Monument Company filed a complaint against Rock of Ages in 2003 alleging we breached certain terms of a sealed settlement agreement by engaging in conduct constituting commercial disparagement. We believe this action by Kurtz Monument Company was completely without merit and we denied liability and that any commercial disparagement took place. Nevertheless, in order to avoid further distraction of management in connection with the case and ongoing costs of litigation, we settled the case for a small dollar amount, which represented our estimate of the cost to take the case to trial. As part of the settlement, each party released the other and its affiliated persons from all claims of any kind arising though the date of the mutual release agreement, including those that were the subject of the litigation.

 

  

(7)

LINES OF CREDIT 

 

  

 

We have a credit facility with The CIT Group — Business Credit and Chittenden Trust Company (the "Lenders") that consists of an acquisition term loan line of credit of up to $30 million and a revolving credit facility of up to another $20 million based on eligible accounts receivable, inventory and certain fixed assets. The credit facility expires in October 2007. Amounts outstanding were $10,499,379 and $21,815,193 as of December 31, 2005 and $7,287,278 and $16,000,000 as of December 31, 2004, on the revolving credit facility and the term loan line of credit, respectively. The weighted average interest rate was 5.12%, 3.46% and 3.3% on the revolving credit facility in 2005, 2004 and 2003, respectively. Pursuant to the Further Amendment (defined below), the Lenders have placed a reserve of $2 million against availability under the revolving credit facility with the Lenders retaining the right to over advance at their discretion. The Lenders also agreed to transfer $6.2 million of the revolving loan balance to term debt, as that amount was expended for acquisitions and new store openings which qualify under the term credit facility.  In addition, $3.5 million of the proceeds from the sale of our investment in FFS Holdings, Inc. (see note 12) was credited to term debt. The credit facility loan agreement places restrictions on our ability to, among other things, sell assets, participate in mergers, incur debt, pay dividends, make capital expenditures, repurchase stock and make investments or guarantees.

xvii


ROCK OF AGES CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
December 31, 2005, 2004 and 2003

 

 

 

 

The credit facility agreement also contains certain covenants for a minimum Operating Cash Flow to Debt Service Ratio (the Ratio) and a limit on the Total Liabilities to Net Worth Ratio of the Company. Initially, the facility required the ratio of the sum of earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (EBITDA) less taxes and capital expenditures to the sum of interest and scheduled debt repayments be at least 1.25 for any trailing twelve-month period at the end of a quarter. As a result of significant Eurimex arbitration expenses, and operating losses in 2004 and 2005, we have been in violation of this covenant and have received waivers and amendments of these covenants from our lenders. On August 10, 2005, we signed an amendment to the credit facility (the Amendment) which reduced the Ratio for a period of time, increased the interest rates on the outstanding balances on both the term loans and revolving credit facility by 25 basis points and contained other provisions. The interest rate will be automatically reduced by 25 basis points if and when we deliver audited financial statements to our Lenders showing that the Ratio for the trailing 12 months ending December 31, 2006 is at least 1.25 to 1. As of October 1, 2005, we were in violation of the amended Ratio as set forth in the Amendment primarily as a result of operating results. On November 15, 2005, the Company received and executed a further amendment to the Ratio allowing us to be in compliance with our credit facility at October 1, 2005 (the Further Amendment).  In the Further Amendment, the Company and its lenders agreed to adjust the required covenant levels for the balance of 2005 and 2006.  The Company was in compliance with those adjusted covenants at December 31, 2005 and believes it is probable that it will be in compliance with those adjusted covenants throughout 2006. The Further Amendment also limits annual capital expenses to $3 million beginning in 2006, and prohibits the Company from paying dividends without the prior consent of the lenders. The Company believes it is unlikely that it will receive bank consent to pay dividends in 2006. The Further Amendment also increased the interest rates on the outstanding balances of the term loans and the revolving credit facility by a further 25 basis points until June 30, 2006, at which time the interest rate will be reduced by 25 basis points so long as the Company is not in default of the credit facility. Finally, our lenders imposed a fee of $30,000 in connection with the Further Amendment.

 

 

 

The Company's Canadian subsidiary also has a line of credit agreement with a lending institution that is renewable annually. Under the terms of this agreement, a maximum of approximately $4,000,000 CDN may be advanced based on percentages of eligible accounts receivable, eligible inventory, and tangible fixed assets. The line of credit agreement will be reviewed at least annually for any revisions to the agreement, bears interest at the U.S. prime rate, and is secured by substantially all assets of the subsidiary. There were no amounts outstanding as of December 31, 2005 and 2004.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(8)

LONG-TERM DEBT

 

 

 

Long-term debt at December 31, 2005 and 2004 consists of the following:

 

 

 

 

 

2005

 

2004

 

 


 


Term loan, interest at 6.94% and 3.91% at December 31, 2005 and 2004, respectively (see note 7), due October 2007, secured by substantially all assets of the Company

$

12,500,000

$

12,500,000

Term loan, interest at 6.94% and 3.93% at December 31, 2005 and 2004, respectively  (see note 7), due October 2007, secured by substantially all assets of the Company

 

9,055,371

 

3,500,000

Term loan, interest at 7.75% at December 31, 2005 (see note 7), due October 2007, secured by substantially all assets of the Company

 

259,822

 

Note payable - Plante, interest at 8%, payable in monthly payments of $2,593 beginning February 2001, unsecured, due January 2021

 

271,330

 

280,343

Note payable - GMAC, interest at 1.9%, payable in monthly payments of $1,052, due July 2007, secured by equipment

 

19,617

 

30,450

Other notes payable

 

 

13,972

 

 


 


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

22,106,140

 

16,324,765

        Less current installments

 

661,400

 

35,612

 

 


 


 

 

 

 

 

        Long-term debt, excluding current installments

$

21,444,740

$

16,289,153

 

 

 

 

 

 xviii


ROCK OF AGES CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
December 31, 2005, 2004 and 2003

 

 

Scheduled maturities of the December 31, 2005 long-term debt are as follows:

 

 

 

Year Ending December 31

 

 

 

 

 

2006

$

661,400

2007

 

21,193,744

2008

 

11,450

2009

 

12,400

2010

 

13,429

Thereafter

 

213,717

 

 


 

$

22,106,140

 

 

 

 

 

 SFAS No. 107, Disclosures About the Fair Value of Financial Instruments, requires disclosure of information about the fair value of certain financial instruments for which it is practicable to estimate that value. The fair value of a financial instrument is the amount at which the instrument could be exchanged in a current transaction between willing parties other than in a forced sale or liquidation. Management has determined the carrying values of its borrowings under the line of credit and long-term debt approximate fair value at December 31, 2005 and 2004.

 xix


 

ROCK OF AGES CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
December 31, 2005, 2004 and 2003

 

 

 

 

(9)

INCOME TAXES

 

 

 

Income (loss) from continuing operations before provision (benefit) for income taxes, classified by source,  for the years ended December 31, 2005, 2004 and 2003 was as follows:

 

 

 

2005

 

 

2004

 

 

2003

 

 


 

 


 

 


U.S.

$

(10,103,186

$

(5,739,945

)

$

716,670

Foreign

 

1,570,711

 

 

1,729,924

 

 

970,453

 

 


 

 


 

 


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income (loss) from continuing operations before provision (benefit) for income taxes

$

(8,532,475

$

(4,010,021

)

$

1,687,123

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A summary of the significant components of the provision (benefit) for income taxes for the years ended December 31, 2005, 2004 and 2003 is as follows:

 

 

 

2005

 

 

2004

 

 

2003

 

 

 


 

 


 

 


 

Current:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

    Federal

$

(353,364

$

26,040

 

$

(70,598

    State

 

1,575

 

 

1,325

 

 

123,750

 

    Foreign

 

474,683

 

 

550,007

 

 

252,046

 

 

 


 

 


 

 


 

 

 

122,894

 

 

577,372

 

 

305,198

 

 

 


 

 


 

 


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Deferred:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

    Federal

 

4,937,126

 

 

(1,331,249

 

(112,887

    State

 

2,510,606

 

 

(23,037

 

329,324

 

    Foreign

 

39,954

 

 

 (76,720

 

56,184

 

 

 


 

 


 

 


 

 

 

7,487,686

 

 

  (1,431,006

 

272,621

 

 

 


 

 


 

 


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total provision (benefit) for income taxes from continuing operations

$

7,610,580

 

$

(853,634

$

577,819

 

 

 


 

 


 

 


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income taxes included in discontinued operations:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

   Current

 

 

 

(138,211

 

(151,105

   Deferred

 

 

 

122,000

 

 

914,526

 

 

 


 

 


 

 


 

 

 

 

 

(16,211

 

763,421

 

 

 


 

 


 

 


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income taxes included in other comprehensive income (loss) for pensions

 

 

 

(258,087

 

71,694

 

 

 


 

 


 

 


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 xx


ROCK OF AGES CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
December 31, 2005, 2004 and 2003

 

 

 A reconciliation of differences between the statutory U.S. federal income tax rate on income (loss)  from continuing   operations before provision (benefit) for income taxes, discontinued operations and the Company's effective tax rate follows:

 

 

2005

 

2004

 

2003

 

 


 


 


 

U.S. statutory rate

 (34.0%

(34.0%

34.0%

 

State taxes, net of federal benefit

(19.4%

 

17.7%

 

Change in valuation allowance

   129.9%

 

9.8%

 

(30.2%

Incremental U.S. tax on foreign earnings

 

 

17.0%

 

Canadian repatriation

4.9%

 

 

 

Other, primarily tax depletion

7.8%

 

2.9%

 

(4.3%

 


 


 


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Effective tax rate

89.2%

 

(21.3%

34.2%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The tax effects of temporary differences that give rise to significant portions of the deferred tax assets and deferred tax liabilities at December 31, 2005 and 2004 are presented below:

 

 

 

2005

 

 

2004

 

 

 


 

 


 

Deferred tax assets:

 

 

 

 

 

 

    Accrued pension, accrued postretirement benefit cost and deferred
    compensation

$

3,117,000

 

$

2,242,000

 

    Allowance for doubtful accounts

 

283,000

 

 

243,000

 

    Accrued expenses

 

55,000

 

 

331,000

 

    Inventories, principally due to additional costs inventoried for tax
    purposes pursuant to the Tax Reform Act of 1986

 

416,000

 

 

397,000

 

    Deferred revenue

 

24,000

 

 

64,000

 

    Names and reputations

 

2,851,000

 

 

3,186,000

 

    Alternative minimum tax credits

 

3,279,000

 

 

3,417,000

 

    Foreign tax credits

 

912,000

 

 

 

    Charitable contribution limitation

 

66,000

 

 

50,000

 

    State net operating loss carryforward

 

1,609,000

 

 

1,114,000

 

    Federal net operating loss carryforward

 

3,268,000

 

 

1,361,000

 

    Fixed assets

 

65,000

 

 

 

 

 


 

 


 

    Total gross deferred tax assets

 

15,945,000

 

 

12,405,000

 

    Less valuation allowance

 

(15,605,000

 

(4,522,748

 

 


 

 


 

    Total net deferred tax asset

 

340,000

 

 

7,882,252

 

 

 


 

 


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Deferred tax liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

    Quarry development

 

(310,000

 

(326,000

    Other liabilities

 

(30,000

 

(7,000

    Property and equipment

 

(70,434

 

(132,000

 

 


 

 


 

    Total gross deferred tax liabilities

 

(410,434

 

(465,000

 

 


 

 


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

    Net deferred tax asset (liability)

$

(70,434

$

7,417,252

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

xxi


ROCK OF AGES CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
December 31, 2005, 2004 and 2003

 

 

   

Deferred tax assets include significant alternative minimum tax credit carry-forwards, which have been fully reserved and may be carried forward indefinitely. Utilization of these alternative minimum tax credits is limited to future federal income tax in excess of the alternative minimum tax. Deferred tax assets also include state net operating loss carryforwards, which have been fully reserved due to uncertainties regarding sufficient future state taxable income to utilize carryovers.

 

 

 

At December 31, 2004, management believed it was more likely than not that the results of future operations would generate sufficient taxable income to realize the net deferred tax assets including a federal net operating loss carryover of $3,268,000. At the end of the second quarter of 2005, based on the recent levels of historical taxable income and projections for future taxable income, the Company believed it was not more likely than not that it would generate the required taxable income to fully realize the benefit of the net U.S. deferred tax assets.  As such, we adjusted our valuation allowance against the deferred tax assets to fully reserve for the entire net U.S. deferred tax asset which resulted in a charge to tax expense of $9,194,000 in the second quarter of 2005. At the end of the year, we reached a similar conclusion, therefore we have continued to fully reserve for the entire net U.S. deferred tax asset. We will continue to assess the valuation allowance on a regular basis and may reduce the valuation allowance if and/or when the Company has taxable income from its U.S. operations. The valuation allowance was increased by $11,422,000 in 2005.  The net deferred tax liability of $70,434 is related to temporary differences on the depreciation of property and equipment utilized by Rock of Ages Canada.

 

 

 

As of December 31, 2005, the Company has U.S. federal net operating loss carryforwards of approximately $16,338,000, which will be available to offset future taxable income. If not used, these carryforwards will expire in 2024 and 2025.

 

 

 

Deferred taxes have, historically, not been provided on certain undistributed earnings of the Company's wholly owned Canadian subsidiary since the Company can control the distribution of such earnings and has determined such earnings will be reinvested indefinitely. Additional taxes could be due if these earnings were distributed. During 2005, the Company received a $2,128,623 cash distribution from the Canadian subsidiary. No incremental U.S. taxes were due on this distribution. The Company will elect, on its 2005 U.S. Corporation Income Tax Return, to take advantage of new section 965 of the Internal Revenue Code, enacted as part of the American Jobs Creation Act of 2004 (the "Jobs Act"). In general, section 965(a) provides, for one taxable year, an 85% dividends-received deduction with respect to certain cash dividends a company receives from its controlled foreign corporations. The Company will elect the 85% dividends-received deduction and, due to the loss position of the Company, the portion of the dividend not eligible for the deduction has no impact on the consolidated financial statements.

 

 

 

The Jobs Act also provides a deduction for income from qualified domestic production activities, which will be phased in from 2005 through 2010. In return, the Act also provides for a two-year phase-out of the existing extra-territorial income exclusion (ETI) for foreign sales that was viewed to be inconsistent with international trade protocols by the European Union. Uncertainty remains as to how to interpret numerous provisions in the Jobs Act. At this time, the Company does not expect the net effect of the phase-out of the ETI and the phase-in of this new deduction to materially impact the effective tax rate.

 

 

(10)

PENSION AND OTHER BENEFITS

 

 

 

The Company sponsors a defined benefit pension plan covering substantially all of its Vermont based non-union employees. The benefits are based on years of service and the employee's compensation. The cost of this program is being funded currently.

 

 

 

The Company has salary continuation plans that cover certain employees. Costs of its obligations are based on actuarial estimates. The net periodic costs are recognized as employees render the necessary services to earn the deferred compensation benefits. In prior years the Company reported both the salary continuation plan and key employee deferred salary agreements in the column labeled Deferred Compensation Benefits in the following tables.  In 2005, we determined that we had been accounting for the key employee deferred salary agreements incorrectly. The agreements had been accounted for as a pension plan under SFAS No. 87, Employers' Accounting for Pensions since 2002. After careful consideration of the plan and its operation, we concluded that it should have been accounted for as a defined contribution plan. The effect on prior periods was immaterial. The tables below have been adjusted to reflect this correction.

 

 

 

The Company also sponsors a defined postretirement benefit health care plan for certain early retirees and defined postretirement benefit group life insurance plans for all Vermont based union and non-union employees. The Company measures the cost of its obligation based on actuarial estimates. The net periodic costs are recognized as employees render the services necessary to earn the postretirement benefits.

xxii


ROCK OF AGES CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
December 31, 2005, 2004 and 2003

 

 

 

 

The Company uses a measurement date of December 31 for substantially all the pension, deferred compensation and postretirement benefit plans.

 

 

 

NON-UNION
PENSION BENEFITS

 

 

DEFERRED
COMPENSATION BENEFITS

 

 

OTHER BENEFITS

 

 

 

 


 

 


 

 


 

 

 

 

2005

 

 

2004

 

 

2005

 

 

2004

 

 

2005

 

 

2004

 

 

 


 

 


 

 


 

 


 

 


 

 


 

CHANGE IN PROJECTED BENEFIT OBLIGATION:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Projected benefit obligation at beginning of year

$

23,085,786

 

$

20,732,991

 

$

5,183,667

 

$

4,944,599

 

$

1,963,432

 

$

1,804,735

 

Transfer of obligation

 

 

 

 

 

357,672

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Service cost

 

491,475

 

 

626,009

 

 

13,962

 

 

28,897

 

 

16,778

 

 

22,237

 

Interest cost

 

1,349,241

 

 

1,278,827

 

 

302,114

 

 

302,555

 

 

121,706

 

 

112,139

 

Actuarial loss

 

1,850,098

 

 

1,594,451

 

 

567,672

 

 

253,876

 

 

308,911

 

 

186,327

 

Benefits paid

 

(1,087,409

)

 

(1,146,492

)

 

(381,552

)

 

(346,260

)

 

(152,306

 

(162,006

)

 

 


 

 


 

 


 

 


 

 


 

 


 

Projected benefit obligation at end of year

$

25,689,191

 

$

23,085,786

 

$

6,043,535

 

$

5,183,667

 

$

2,258,521

 

$

1,963,432

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CHANGE IN PLAN ASSETS:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year

$

18,356,487

 

$

16,934,845

 

$

 

$

 

$

 

$

 

Actual return on plan assets

 

964,802

 

 

1,768,911

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Employer contribution

 

945,000

 

 

799,223

 

 

381,552

 

 

346,260

 

 

152,306

 

 

162,006

 

Expenses

 

(53,489

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Benefits paid

 

(1,087,409

)

 

(1,146,492

)

 

(381,552

)

 

(346,260

)

 

(152,306

 

(162,006

 

 


 

 


 

 


 

 


 

 


 

 


 

Fair value of plan assets at end of year

$

19,125,391

 

$

18,356,487

 

$

 

$

 

$

 

$

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Funded status

$

(6,563,801

$

(4,729,299

$

(6,043,535

$

(5,183,667

$

(2,258,521

$

(1,963,432

Unrecognized net actuarial loss

 

6,634,473

 

 

4,461,380

 

 

1,864,729

 

 

1,346,816

 

 

699,130

 

 

516,600

 

Unrecognized prior service cost

 

548,417

 

 

688,940

 

 

25,769

 

 

50,032

 

 

87,354

 

 

 

Unrecognized transition obligation

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

505,086

 

 

568,222

 

 

 


 

 


 

 


 

 


 

 


 

 


 

Net amount recognized

$

619,089

 

$

421,021

 

$

(4,153,037

$

(3,786,819

$

(966,951

$

(878,610

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Amounts recognized in the consolidated balance sheet consists of:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

   Prepaid (Accrued) benefit liability

$

(3,549,492

$

(1,993,294

$

(6,042,187

$

(5,176,830

$

(966,951

$

(878,610

   Intangible asset

 

548,417

 

 

688,940

 

 

25,769

 

 

50,032

 

 

 

 

 

   Accumulated other comprehensive
   loss      

 

3,620,164

 

 

1,725,375

 

 

1,863,381

 

 

1,339,979

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


 

 


 

 


 

 


 

 


 

 


 

Net amount recognized

$

619,089

 

$

421,021

 

$

(4,153,037

$

(3,786,819

$

(966,951

$

(878,610

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

WEIGHTED-AVERAGE ASSUMPTIONS AS OF DECEMBER 31:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Discount rate

 

5.47%

 

 

5.79%

 

 

5.47%

 

 

5.79%

 

 

5.47%

 

 

5.79%

 

Expected return on plan assets

 

8.00%

 

 

8.00%

 

 

N/A

 

 

N/A

 

 

N/A

 

 

N/A

 

Rate of compensation increase

 

3.00%

 

 

3.00%

 

 

3.00%

 

 

3.00%

 

 

3.00%

 

 

3.00%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

For measurement purposes, a 12% annual rate of increase in the per capita cost of covered health care benefits was assumed for 2005, 9% for 2006, 6% for 2007 and 5% for 2008 and thereafter.

 

 

 

NON-UNION PENSION BENEFITS

 

 

DEFERRED
COMPENSATION BENEFITS

 

 

OTHER BENEFITS

 

 

 


 

 


 

 


 

 

 

2005

 

 

2004

 

 

2003

 

 

2005

 

 

2004

 

 

2003

 

 

2005

 

 

2004

 

 

2003

 

 

 


 

 


 

 


 

 


 

 


 

 


 

 


 

 


 

 


 

COMPONENTS OF NET
PERIODIC BENEFIT COST:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

    Service cost

$

491,475

 

$

626,009

 

$

532,789

 

$

13,962

 

$

28,897

 

$

50,009

 

$

 16,778

 

$

22,237

 

$

20,830

 

    Interest cost

 

1,349,241

 

 

1,278,827

 

 

1,270,576

 

 

302,114

 

 

302,555

 

 

312,482

 

 

 121,706

 

 

112,139

 

 

112,350

 

    Expected return on plan assets

 

(1,454,628

 

(1,360,607

 

(1,211,762

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

    Amortization of prior
    service cost

 

140,523

 

 

140,523

 

 

140,523

 

 

24,263

 

 

24,263

 

 

30,347

 

 

7,218

 

 

 

 

 

    Amortization of
     transition obligation

 

 

 

 

 

61,170

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 63,136

 

 

63,136

 

 

63,136

 

 

 


 

 


 

 


 

 


 

 


 

 


 

 


 

 


 

 


 

    Recognized net actuarial loss

 

220,321

 

 

114,471

 

 

196,079

 

 

49,759

 

 

45,320

 

 

47,377

 

 

 31,809

 

 

15,874

 

 

1,809

 

Net periodic benefit cost

$

746,932

 

$

799,223

 

$

989,375

 

$

390,098

 

$

401,035

 

$

440,215

 

$

 240,647

 

$

213,386

 

$

198,125

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 xxiii


ROCK OF AGES CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
December 31, 2005, 2004 and 2003

 

The Company has multiple postretirement benefit plans. The health care plan covers a closed group of retirees selected by the Company and benefits for all but two of the participants cease at age 65. The life insurance plan covers all Vermont based employees; non-union employee coverage is 50% of the group insurance coverage the employee had prior to retirement (but not more than $60,000) and union employee coverage is $6,000. The life insurance plan assumes a 3.0% rate of compensation increase for all years.

  

Assumed health care trends do not have a significant effect on the amounts reported for the health care plan.

  

The accumulated benefit obligation for the defined benefit pension plans (both the defined benefit pension plan and the defined post-retirement benefit health and life plans) was $24.9 million and $22.3 million at December 31, 2005 and 2004, respectively.

 

Plan Assets

 

The fair value of plan assets for the defined benefit pension plan as of December 31, 2005 and 2004 was $19.1 and $18.4 million, respectively. The following table sets forth the actual asset allocation for the U.S. plan assets:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2005

 

2004

 

Target Range

 

 

 

 

 

 

Equities

52%

 

53%

 

50% - 70%

Fixed income

47%

 

43%

 

25% - 35%

Cash equivalents

1%

 

4%

 

0 - 5%

  

 

 

The Company invests its equity holdings primarily in mutual funds which are diversified among the spectrum of value and growth, large, medium and small cap, domestic and foreign securities, as appropriate, to achieve the objective of a balanced portfolio, which optimizes the expected returns and volatility in the various asset classes. In general, the majority of the equity investments will be large cap domestic funds.

  

Fixed income holdings are in the form of mutual funds that hold a combination of short-duration, investment-grade fixed-income securities, inflation-indexed bonds of varying maturities issued by the U.S. and non-U.S. governments, and a diversified selection of investment-grade, fixed income securities, including corporate securities, mortgage-backed securities, U.S. government securities and U.S. dollar denomination bonds of foreign issuers.

 

Cash equivalents are held in money market funds.

 

The Company prohibits certain transactions in its plan including, but not limited to: short sales, commodities, transactions on margin, letter stock, unregistered or restricted stock, private placements, and derivative securities.

  

The Company determines its investment strategies based on the composition of the beneficiaries in its defined benefit plan and the relative time horizons that those beneficiaries receive payouts from the plan. In addition, the Company receives advice from the plan administrator regarding market conditions, which, taken together with the characteristics of the plan, result in the investment strategy.

  

To develop the Company's expected long-term rate of return assumption on plan assets, the Company uses long-term historical return information for the targeted asset mix. Adjustments are made to the expected long-term rate of return assumption when deemed necessary based upon revised expectations of future investment performance of the overall capital markets. The expected long-term rate of return assumption used in computing 2005 net periodic pension cost for the plan was 8.0 percent.

xxiv 

 


 ROCK OF AGES CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
December 31, 2005, 2004 and 2003

 

  

Contributions 

  

The Company is not required to make a contribution to the defined benefit pension plan in 2006. However, we expect to contribute approximately $945,000 to this plan during 2006. Estimated future benefit payments are as follows:

 

 

 

 

Non-Union Pension

 

Deferred Compensation

 

Postretirement

2006

$

1,147,868

$

573,384

$

133,785

2007

 

1,157,630

 

562,021

 

136,265

2008

 

1,183,002

 

561,475

 

117,085

2009

 

1,190,231

 

519,616

 

121,896

2010

 

1,293,615

 

511,092

 

126,804

2011-2015

 

7,499,949

 

2,500,405

 

663,647

 

 

UNION PENSION BENEFITS

   

In July 1999, Vermont based union employees became participants in the Steelworkers Pension Trust. The Company contributes amounts as required by the union contract. The amounts recognized in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations were $495,231, $470,082 and $425,078 in 2005, 2004 and 2003, respectively.

   

DEFERRED COMPENSATION BENEFITS  

  

In addition to the deferred compensation benefits under its salary continuation plan, the Company has deferred compensation agreements with certain employees including former stockholders of acquired companies. The present value of the future payments under these agreements was $358,999, $713,542 and $724,059 as of December 31, 2005, 2004 and 2003, respectively. Total annual payments of $439,197 begin and end at various dates through 2017. One of these agreements is partially paid through benefits paid by the Company into the defined pension plan; therefore, the payment amount changes annually based on actuarial estimates.

  

The Company's Canadian subsidiary has deferred compensation agreements with three former employees. The present value of the future payments under these agreements was $138,373 and $161,360 as of December 31, 2005 and 2004. Total annual payments of $30,040 begin and end at various dates through 2022.

   

401(k) BENEFITS  

   

The Company maintains a 401(k) plan for all full-time, permanent, U.S. employees. Employees are eligible to join on the first day of the quarter following their first full year of service. The Company makes matching contributions equal to a percentage of the employee's deferrals. The Company's contributions to the 401(k) plan were $319,690, $185,257 and $195,201 in 2005, 2004 and 2003, respectively.

   

The Company's Canadian subsidiary sponsors a retirement plan for all of its salaried, non-union employees and contributes 8% of each participant's compensation to this plan. The investments in the account are self-directed by each participant with a range of investment options. Rock of Ages Canada may, at its discretion, make an additional annual contribution to a participant's account, up to a maximum aggregate amount of $16,500 CDN per year (including amounts previously contributed during the year). The Company's contributions to this plan were $173,319, $166,745 and $161,900 in 2005, 2004 and 2003, respectively.

 

 xxv


ROCK OF AGES CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
December 31, 2005, 2004 and 2003

 

(11)

STOCK-BASED EMPLOYEE COMPENSATION

 

 

 

On June 22, 2005, the stockholders approved the Rock of Ages Corporation 2005 Stock Plan (the "2005 Plan"). The 2005 Plan permits awards of stock options (including both incentive stock options and nonqualified stock options) and restricted stock. A maximum of 550,000 shares of Class A common stock may be issued under the 2005 Plan. The 2005 Plan is administered by the Compensation Committee, which has the authority to determine the recipients of awards under the 2005 Plan and, subject to the 2005 Plan, the terms and conditions of such awards. The 2005 Plan replaces the Rock of Ages Corporation 1994 Stock Plan (the "1994 Plan") which expired in November 2004. Although grants made under the 1994 Plan prior to its expiration remain outstanding, no further grants may be made under the 1994 Plan.

 

 

 

Under the terms of the Amended and Restated 1994 Stock Plan, 1,500,000 options were reserved for issuance to key employees and directors to purchase equivalent shares of common stock. The options granted prior to 1999 have a five-year term and vest at 20% per year, options granted in 1999 and 2000 have a four-year term and vest at 25% per year, options granted in 2002 have a 10 year term and vest at 20% per year after the first year and options granted in 2004 and 2005 have terms from one to five years and vest at various rates from 20% to 100% per year.

 

 

 

In the fourth quarter of 2005, the Company accelerated the vesting of all unvested stock options previously awarded to officers, directors and employees. The primary purpose of accelerating the vesting of these options was to reduce the Company's future reported compensation expense upon the adoption of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 123R, "Share Based Payment" in the first quarter of 2006. As a result, options to purchase approximately 333,600 shares of Class A common stock which would have been vested over the next 48 months became immediately exercisable. Restrictions were imposed on any shares received through the exercise of accelerated options that prevented the sale of any of these shares prior to the original vesting date of the option.

 

 

 

The following tables set forth stock option activity for the years ended December 31, 2005, 2004 and 2003 and information on outstanding and exercisable options at December 31, 2005:

 

 

NUMBER
OF OPTIONS

 

 

WEIGHTED
AVERAGE
EXERCISE PRICE

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Outstanding, December 31, 2002

534,165

 

$

5.86

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

   Granted

 

 

 

   Exercised

(23,832

 

(4.94

   Surrendered

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Outstanding, December 31, 2003

510,333

 

$

5.86

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

   Granted

215,000

 

 

7.33

 

   Exercised

(196,333

 

(4.97

   Surrendered

(31,000

 

(11.14

 

 

 

 

 

 

Outstanding, December 31, 2004

498,000

 

$

6.56

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

   Granted

65,000

 

 

6.02

 

   Exercised

(4,000

 

(5.98

   Surrendered

(31,000

 

(6.42

 

 

 

 

 

 

Outstanding, December 31, 2005

528,000

 

$

6.51

 

Exercisable, December 31, 2005

528,000

 

$

6.51

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Weighted average remaining contractual life

7.2 years

 

 

 

 

 

 xxvi


ROCK OF AGES CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
December 31, 2005, 2004 and 2003

 

 

 

EXERCISE PRICE

 

NUMBER OF
OPTIONS
OUTSTANDING AND EXERCISABLE

 

WEIGHTED AVERAGE REMAINING
CONTRACTUAL
LIFE

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

$

5.98

 

264,000

 

6.1 Years

 

$

7.15

 

150,000

 

8.4 Years

 

$

8.21

 

12,000

 

2.6 Years

 

$

8.21

 

7,000

 

0.6 Years

 

$

7.90

 

15,000

 

8.7 Years

 

$

7.20

 

25,000

 

8.8 Years

 

$

6.02

 

55,000

 

9.5 Years

 

 

 

 

528,000

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(12)

RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

 

 

 

The Company is related through common ownership with several companies. Kurt M. Swenson, the Company's Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer, and his brother Kevin C. Swenson, each own approximately 31% of Swenson Granite LLC. Certain other officers and directors of the Company collectively own approximately 9% of Swenson LLC. Kurt M. Swenson serves as a non-officer Chairman of the Board of Swenson LLC, but has no involvement with its day-to-day operations. Robert Pope, a holder of more than 5% of the Class B Common Stock, is the President and Chief Executive Officer, and including shares owned by his wife and children, owns 12% of Swenson LLC. Neither Kurt M. Swenson nor any other officer or director of the Company, receives salary, bonus, expenses or other compensation from Swenson LLC, except for any pro rata share of earnings attributable to their ownership interest in Swenson LLC. Swenson LLC owns two granite quarries, one in Concord, New Hampshire and another in Woodbury, Vermont. Both have been owned by Swenson LLC (or its predecessor Swenson Granite) for more than 40 years. Because of the proximity of the Woodbury quarry to Barre, Vermont, the Company provides, certain maintenance services and parts to the Woodbury quarry and is reimbursed for the cost of such services. The Company also purchases Concord blocks and other products from Swenson LLC at market prices. Swenson LLC also purchases granite blocks and slabs from the Company. 

 

 

 

In 2002 we acquired a 1/3 equity interest in VIKA, Ltd., a Ukrainian closed joint stock company that owns the right to quarry certain stone known as "Galactic Blue" on certain property located in Zhytomir, Ukraine. We also acquired the exclusive right to purchase and re-sell the output of the Galactic Blue quarry.

 

xxvii


ROCK OF AGES CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
December 31, 2005, 2004 and 2003

 

 

 

 

 

The transactions with related parties, included in the consolidated statements of operations, are as follows for the years ended December 31, 2005, 2004 and 2003:

 

 

 

 

 

2005

 

2004

 

2003

 

 


 


 


Sales to Swenson

$

10,051

$

16,536

$

40,795

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Purchases from Swenson

 

18,074

 

30,939

 

59,709

Purchases from VIKA, Ltd.

 

282,332

 

317,202

 

21,293

 

 


 


 


   Total purchases from related parties

 

300,406

 

348,141

 

81,002

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 Amounts due from/(to) related parties as of December 31, 2005 and 2004 are as follows:

 

 

 

2005

 

 

2004

 

 

 


 

 


 

Due from/(to) Swenson Granite Company, LLC

$

3,730

 

$

7,354

 

Due from Rock of Ages Asia

 

32,048

 

 

54,690

 

Due from VIKA, Ltd.

 

781,773

 

 

275,154

 

 

 


 

 


 

 

$

817,551

 

$

337,198

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

In July 2004, the Company invested $3,500,000 in FFS Holdings, Inc. ("FFS") which was affiliated with, a former director of the Company,  and a holder of approximately 12.5% of the Class A common stock of the Company.  All of our shares in FFS were sold in September 2005 for $3,850,005.

 

Richard C. Kimball has been a director of the Company since 1986, and Vice Chairman since 1993. From 1993 to January 2001, he was Vice Chairman and Chief Operating Officer/Memorials Division of the Company and from January 2001 to December 2004, was Chief Strategic and Marketing Officer. Mr. Kimball retired as an employee of the Company on December 31, 2004 and currently serves as a consultant to the Company. He was paid $60,000 in 2005 and will be paid the same in 2006. His current term as a director will expire at the Company's 2006 Annual Meeting.

 

 See note 6 for operating lease obligations with related parties.

 

(13)

UNAUDITED QUARTERLY SUMMARY INFORMATION

 

 

 

The following is a summary of unaudited quarterly summary information for the years ended December 31, 2005 and 2004 (in thousands, except per share data):

 

 

 

NET
REVENUES AS
PREVIOUSLY
REPORTED

 

NET
REVENUES AS RESTATED -SEE NOTE 2

 

GROSS PROFIT

 

NET INCOME
(LOSS)

 

 

NET INCOME
(LOSS)
PER SHARE

 

 

NET INCOME
(LOSS)
PER SHARE-
ASSUMING
DILUTION

 

 

 


 


 


 


 

 


 

 


 

2005 Quarters:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

   First

$

10,471

$

11,193

$

1,151

$

(6,954

)

$

(0.94

)

$

(0.94

   Second

 

27,682

 

28,678

 

12,117

 

(8,144

)

 

(1.10

)

 

(1.10

   Third

 

22,189

 

23,951

 

9,090

 

(1,718

)

 

(0.23

)

 

(0.23

)

   Fourth (1)

 

 

25,684

 

9,505

 

673

 

 

0.09

 

 

0.09

 

 

 


 


 


 


 

 


 

 


 

      Total

$

 

$

89,506

$

31,863

$

(16,143

)

$

(2.18

)

$

(2.18

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2004 Quarters:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

   First

$

12,163

$

12,872

 $

3,197

$

(3,425

)

$

(0.47

)

 $

(0.47

)

   Second

 

28,034

  

29,851

 

13,583

 

(1,050

)

 

(0.14

)

 

(0.14

)

   Third

 

23,455

 

25,050

 

11,151

 

1,331

 

 

0.18

 

 

0.18

 

   Fourth

 

22,942

 

24,808

 

10,322

 

(77

)

 

(0.01

)

 

(0.01

 

 


 


 


 


 

 


 

 


 

      Total

$

86,594

$

92,581

 $

38,253

 $

(3,221

)

 $

(0.44

)

 $

(0.44

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 xxviii


ROCK OF AGES CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
December 31, 2005, 2004 and 2003

 

 

NOTES:

 

 

 

The Company has historically experienced certain seasonal patterns, primarily due to weather conditions affecting operations in Vermont and Canada and the setting of memorials in cemeteries located in northern regions.

 

 

(1)

Net income for the fourth quarter of 2005 includes several infrequently occurring items which increased net income by $1,131,000. These included the reversal of $369,000 of accrued expenses associated with key employee deferred salary agreements as discussed in note 10, the gain on the sale of the FFS investment of $350,000, reversal of tax reserves of $212,000 no longer required due to the completion of an IRS audit of the 2003 tax year and the gain on the sale of four retail locations in New Jersey of $200,000.

 

 

 

(14)

COMMON STOCK

 

 

 

The Company has two classes of common stock outstanding, Class A and Class B. The shares of Class A common stock and Class B common stock differ with respect to voting rights and certain conversion rights, as described below:

 

 

 

Voting Rights - Each share of Class A common stock entitles the holder to one vote on each matter submitted to a vote of the Company's stockholders and each share of Class B common stock entitles the holder to ten votes on each such matter, in each case including the election of directors. Neither the Class A common stock nor the Class B common stock has cumulative voting rights.

 

 

 

Conversion - Class A common stock has no conversion rights. Class B common stock is convertible into Class A common stock, in whole or in part, at any time and from time to time at the option of the holder on the basis of one share of Class A common stock for each share of Class B common stock converted. Each share of Class B common stock will also automatically convert into one share of Class A common stock upon transfer to any person or entity other than a Permitted Transferee, as defined in the Company's Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation.

 

 

(15)

SEGMENT INFORMATION (IN THOUSANDS)

 

 

 

The Company is organized based on the products and services it offers. Under this organizational structure, the Company operates in three segments: quarrying, manufacturing and retailing.

 

 

 

The quarry segment extracts granite from the ground and sells it to both the manufacturing segment and to outside manufacturers, as well as to distributors in Europe and China. There was one quarry customer that represented approximately 11% of accounts receivable at December 31, 2005 and no customers that represented 10% of accounts receivable at December 31, 2004.

 

 

 

The manufacturing segment's principal product is granite memorials and mausoleums used primarily in cemeteries, although it also manufactures some specialized granite products for industrial applications.

 

 

 

The retail segment engraves and sells memorials and other granite products at various locations throughout the United States.

 

 

 

The other segment includes unallocated corporate overhead, the Eurimex adverse judgment and legal expenses, the impairment of the note receivable and the gain on the sale of investments.

 

 

 

Inter-segment revenues are accounted for as if the sales were to third parties.

 

 

 

The following tables present segment data as of or for the years ended December 31, 2005, 2004 and 2003:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 xxix


ROCK OF AGES CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
December 31, 2005, 2004 and 2003

 

2005

 

QUARRY

 

 

MANUFACTURING

 

 

RETAIL

 

 

CORPORATE

 

 

TOTAL

 


 


 

 


 

 


 

 


 

 


 

Total net revenues

$

32,386

 

$

33,721

 

$

36,640

 

$

 

$

102,747

 

Inter-segment net revenues

 

3,053

 

 

10,188

 

 

 

 

 

 

13,241

 

 

 


 

 


 

 


 

 


 

 


 

Net revenues

 

29,333

 

 

23,533

 

 

36,640

 

 

 

 

89,506

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total gross profit

 

6,633

 

 

6,813

 

 

18,418

 

 

 

 

31,864

 

Inter-segment gross profit

 

638

 

 

43

 

 

(681)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


 

 


 

 


 

 


 

 


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gross profit

 

5,995

 

 

6,770

 

 

19,099

 

 

 

 

31,864

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Selling, general and
   administrative expenses

 

3,505

 

 

5,191

 

 

24,986

 

 

5,090

 

 

38,772

 

Gain on sale of investments

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(350)

 

 

(350)

 

Foreign exchange loss

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

50

 

 

50

 

 

 


 

 


 

 


 

 


 

 


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income (loss) from operations

$

2,490

 

$

1,579

 

$

(5,887

$

(4,790

$

(6,608

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2004 As restated – see note 2

 

QUARRY

 

 

MANUFACTURING

 

 

RETAIL

 

 

CORPORATE

 

 

TOTAL

 


 


 

 


 

 


 

 


 

 


 

Total net revenues

$

38,748

 

$

29,852

 

$

35,802

 

$

 

$

104,402

 

Inter-segment net revenues

 

2,916

 

 

8,905

 

 

 

 

 

 

11,821

 

 

 


 

 


 

 


 

 


 

 


 

Net revenues

 

35,832

 

 

20,947

 

 

35,802

 

 

 

 

92,581

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total gross profit

 

13,190

 

 

5,390

 

 

19,673

 

 

 

 

38,253

 

Inter-segment gross profit

 

863

 

 

(182

 

(681

 

 

 

 

 

 


 

 


 

 


 

 


 

 


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gross profit

 

12,327

 

 

5,572

 

 

20,354

 

 

 

 

38,253

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Selling, general and
   administrative expenses

 

3,556

 

 

4,002

 

 

21,828

 

 

5,087

 

 

34,473

 

Adverse judgment and legal expenses

 

— 

 

 

— 

 

 

— 

 

 

6,500

 

 

6,500

 

Impairment of note receivable

 

— 

 

 

— 

 

 

— 

 

 

400

 

 

400

 

Foreign exchange loss

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

69

 

 

69

 

 

 


 

 


 

 


 

 


 

 


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income (loss) from operations

$

8,771

 

$

1,570

 

$

(1,474

$

(12,056

$

(3,189

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2003 As restated – see note 2

 

QUARRY

 

 

MANUFACTURING

 

 

RETAIL

 

 

CORPORATE

 

 

TOTAL

 


 


 

 


 

 


 

 


 

 


 

Total net revenues

$

36,407

 

$

29,750

 

$

35,663

 

$

 

$

101,820

 

Inter-segment net revenues

 

1,809

 

 

9,301

 

 

 

 

 

 

11,110

 

 

 


 

 


 

 


 

 


 

 


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net revenues

 

34,598

 

 

20,449

 

 

35,663

 

 

 

 

90,710

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total gross profit

 

11,829

 

 

5,753

 

 

19,758

 

 

 

 

37,340

 

Inter-segment gross profit

 

651

 

 

(21)

 

 

(630

 

 

 

 

 

 


 

 


 

 


 

 


 

 


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gross profit

 

11,178

 

 

5,774

 

 

20,388

 

 

 

 

37,340

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Selling, general and
   administrative expenses

 

3,155

 

 

3,673

 

 

21,100

 

 

4,692

 

 

32,620

 

Adverse judgment and legal expenses

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2,441

 

 

2,441

 

Foreign exchange loss

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

121

 

 

121

 

 

 


 

 


 

 


 

 


 

 


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income (loss) from operations

$

8,023

 

$

2,101

 

$

(712

$

(7,254

$

2,158

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 xxx


ROCK OF AGES CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
December 31, 2005, 2004 and 2003

 

 

Total Assets by Segment

 

 

 

 

2005

 

QUARRY

 

MANUFACTURING

 

RETAIL

 

CORPORATE

 

TOTAL

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total Assets

$

43,287

$

15,992

$

27,752

$

11,581

$

98,612

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2004

 

QUARRY

 

MANUFACTURING

 

RETAIL

 

CORPORATE

 

TOTAL

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total Assets

$

40,511

$

16,017

$

27,822

$

24,227

$

108,577

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Capital Expenditures, Amortization, Depletion and Depreciation by Segment

2005

 

QUARRY

 

MANUFACTURING

 

RETAIL

 

CORPORATE

 

TOTAL

Capital Expenditures

$

                          1,282

$

              310

$

           1,730

$

           1,516

$

           4,838

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Amortization, Depletion & Depreciation

 

           1,509

 

           1,134

 

1,479

 

417

 

           4,539

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2004

 

QUARRY

 

MANUFACTURING

 

RETAIL

 

CORPORATE

 

TOTAL

Capital Expenditures

$

           1,433

$

           1,686

$

           2,947

$

              641

$

           6,707

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Amortization, Depletion & Depreciation

 

           1,445

$

           1,001

 

              871

 

              303

 

           3,620

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2003

 

QUARRY

 

MANUFACTURING

 

RETAIL

 

CORPORATE

 

TOTAL

Capital Expenditures

$

           1,441

$

           1,008

$

           4,204

$

           1,082

$

           7,735

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Amortization, Depletion & Depreciation

 

           1,423

 

              796

 

           1,135

 

              133

 

           3,487

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 xxxi

 


ROCK OF AGES CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
December 31, 2005, 2004 and 2003

 

 

 

 

Net revenues by geographic area are as follows for the years ended December 31, 2005, 2004 and 2003:

 

 

 

 

 

 

2005

 

2004 As Restated – See note 2

 

2003 As Restated – See note 2

 

 


 


 


Net revenues (1):

 

 

 

 

 

 

   United States

$

80,546

$

83,383

$

83,613

   Canada

 

8,272

 

8,400

 

6,965

   Ukraine

 

688

 

798

 

132

 

 


 


 


      Total net revenues

$

89,506

$

92,581

$

90,710

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(1)

Net revenues are attributed to countries based on where product is produced.

 

 

 

 

Property, plant and equipment by geographic area are as follows as of December 31, 2005, 2004 and 2003:

 

 

 

2005

 

2004

 

2003

 

 


 


 


Property, plant and equipment:

 

 

 

 

 

 

   United States

$

45,873

$

42,495

$

39,473

   Canada

 

3,761

 

3,635

 

3,022

 

 


 


 


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

          Total property, plant and equipment

$

49,634

$

46,130

$

42,495

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(16)

ACQUISITIONS

 

 

 

On February 15, 2005, the Company acquired substantially all of the assets of the Rockwell White granite quarry in Rowan County, North Carolina for $3.5 million, which was financed using the term loan. In connection with the purchase we assumed an operating lease for 14.129 acres for $70,000 per year through December 1, 2006 with a ten-year renewal option, which was exercised on March 18, 2005 and extends the lease to December 1, 2016. The lease also requires a payment to the lessor of $1.40 per cubic foot for all granite exceeding 40,000 cubic feet per year that is extracted by the lessee.

 

 

 

On February 14, 2005, the Company acquired substantially all of the assets of McColly Memorials, a memorial retailer with four locations in the Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania area for a purchase price of $625,000.

 

 

 

On August 4, 2004, the Company acquired a granite retailer in Tennessee. The aggregate purchase price was approximately $477,000. The acquisition was accounted for by the purchase method of accounting. The assets acquired and liabilities assumed were recorded at estimated fair values as determined by management based on information available and assumptions as to future operations, which resulted in $163,000 of cost in excess of net assets acquired.

 

 

 

The supplemental pro-forma information for 2005, 2004 and 2003 has not been shown because it is not material.

 

 

 (17)

ASSETS HELD FOR SALE AND ASSETS SOLD

 

 

 

In December 2003, the Company decided to sell the Autumn Rose quarry in Mill Creek, Oklahoma. This decision represented a disposal of long-lived assets under SFAS No. 144, "Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets." Accordingly, results of this quarry have been classified as discontinued operations and prior periods have been restated to reflect this reclassification. In November 2004, the Company completed the sale. The sales price for the quarry was $750,000, consisting of $150,000 in cash with the balance payable pursuant to the terms of a promissory note and a supply agreement, which provide for payment in industrial diamond segments and diamond wire used in the Company's operations. No material gain or loss was recognized on the completion of the transaction. For business reporting purposes, the Autumn Rose quarry was previously classified in the Quarry segment.

 

 

 xxxii


 

 

On December 17, 2003, the Company completed the sale of substantially all of the assets of Rock of Ages Kentucky Cemeteries, LLC. The Company continues to sell upright memorials in those cemeteries through its relationship with the buyer, Saber Management, LLC. The decision to sell this company represents a disposal of long-lived asset and disposal group under SFAS No. 144. Accordingly, results of this business have been classified as discontinued operations, and prior periods have been restated to reflect this reclassification. The sales price for the cemetery assets and properties was $6,750,000, consisting of $1,500,000 in cash with the balance payable by promissory note. The promissory note was paid in full on January 2, 2004. The Company reported a gain on the sale of the cemeteries in 2003 of $1,139,000, after taxes, which is included in discontinued operations in 2003.

 

 

 

Operating results from the Autumn Rose Quarry and Rock of Ages Kentucky Cemeteries, LLC for the years ended December 31, 2004 and 2003 were as follows (in thousands):

 

 

 

 

 

Autumn Rose Quarry

 

2004

 

 

2003

 

Net Sales

$

41

 

$

305

 

Gross Profit

 

(77

)

 

(85

)

Pretax income (loss)

 

(77

)

 

(85

)

Income tax (benefit) expense

 

(15

)

 

(17

)

Net income (loss)

 

(62

)

 

(68

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Rock of Ages Kentucky Cemeteries, LLC

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net Sales

 

 

 

3,823

 

Gross Profit

 

 

 

1,262

 

Pretax income (loss)

 

 

 

(316

)

Income tax (benefit) expense

 

 

 

(71

)

Net income (loss)

 

 

 

(245

)

 

 

The total income from discontinued operations for 2003 includes the Autumn Rose impairment loss of $488,000, the gain on the sale of the cemeteries of $1,139,000 and net operating losses from the Autumn Rose Quarry and the cemeteries. Discontinued operations also include interest expense of $201,000 for 2003.

 xxxiii


 

 

 

 

ROCK OF AGES CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES 

Schedule II - Valuation and Qualifying Accounts and Reserves

 Years ended December 31, 2005, 2004 and 2003

 

(In Thousands)

COLUMN A

 

COLUMN B

 

COLUMN C

 

COLUMN D

 

COLUMN E

 

 

 

 

ADDITIONS

 

 

 

 

DESCRIPTION

 

BALANCE AT
BEGINNING
OF PERIOD

 

DECREASE
DUE TO
DISPOSITIONS

 

CHARGED TO
COSTS AND
EXPENSES

 

DEDUCTIONS (1)

 

BALANCE AT
END
OF PERIOD

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2005

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

    Allowances for doubtful accounts

$

1,022

 

(88)

 

783

 

540

 

1,177

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2004

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

    Allowances for doubtful accounts

$

740

 

 

412

 

130

 

1,022

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2003

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

    Allowances for doubtful accounts

$

1,046

 

 

655

 

961

 

740

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(1)  Deductions consist of accounts receivable written off as bad debts.

 

 xxxiv

 


 

 

 

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.

 

ROCK OF AGES CORPORATION

 

By: /s/ Kurt M. Swenson                                
      Kurt M. Swenson
      President, Chief Executive Officer and
      Chairman of the Board of Directors

 

Date: April 17, 2006

 

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 indicated as of March xx, 2006.

 

SIGNATURE

 

TITLE

 

 

 

 

/s/Kurt M. Swenson

 

President, Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board of Directors
(Principal Executive Officer)

Kurt M. Swenson

 

 

 

 

 

/s/ Nancy Rowden Brock

 

Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer (Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)

Nancy Rowden Brock

 

 

 

 

 

/s/Richard C. Kimball

 

Director

Richard C. Kimball

 

 

 

 

 

/s/James L. Fox

 

Director

James L. Fox

 

 

 

 

 

/s/ Pamela G. Sheiffer

 

Director

Pamela G. Sheiffer

 

 

 

 

 

/s/Charles M. Waite

 

Director

Charles M. Waite

 

 

 

 

 

/s/Frederick E. Webster Jr.

 

Director

Frederick E. Webster Jr.

 

 

 51


  

EXHIBIT INDEX

 

EXHIBIT
NUMBER

DESCRIPTION

 

 

3.1

Form of Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of the Company (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the Company's Registration Statement on Form S-1 (Registration No. 333-33685) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on August 15, 1997 and declared effective on October 20, 1997)

 

 

3.2

Amended and Restated By-laws of the Company (as amended through April 6, 1999) (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 3.2 to the Company's Quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended March 31, 1999 and filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on May 17, 1999)

 

 

4.

Specimen Certificate representing the Class A Common Stock (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4 to the Company's Registration Statement on Form S-1 (Registration No. 333-33685) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on August 15, 1997 and declared effective on October 20, 1997)

 

 

10.1*

Rock of Ages Corporation Amended and Restated 1994 Stock Plan (as amended through October 26, 1998) (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1998 and filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 31, 1999)

 

 

10.2*

Rock of Ages Corporation Key Employees Deferred Salary Plan (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended September 30, 2002 and filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on November 14, 2002)

 

 

10.3*

Rock of Ages 2005 Stock Plan (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K and filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on June 23, 2005)

 

 

10.4*

Employment Agreement of Kurt M. Swenson (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Company's Registration Statement on Form S-1 (Registration No. 333-33685) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on August 15, 1997 and declared effective on October 20, 1997)

 

 

10.5*

Employment Agreement of Rudolph R. Wrabel dated as of May 17, 2004 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended March 31, 2004 and filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on May 14, 2004)

 

 

10.6*

Employment Agreement of Caryn Crump dated October 4, 2004 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.5 to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2004 and filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 31, 2005)

 

 

10.7*

Employment Agreement of Nancy Rowden Brock dated May 27, 2005 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K and filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on May 31, 2005)

 

 

10.8*

Employment Agreement of N. Daniel Ginsberg dated May 27, 2005 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K and filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on May 31, 2005)

 

 

10.9*

Letter Agreement re: Expense Reimbursement to Rudolph R. Wrabel dated May 3, 2004 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended March 31, 2004 and filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on May 14, 2004)

 

 

10.10

Consulting Agreement dated January 3, 2005 between Richard C. Kimball and the Company (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K and filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on January 4, 2005)

49


 

 

 

10.11

Retirement Agreement - Jon M. Gregory dated August 25, 2005 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended October 1, 2005 and filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on November 15, 2005)

 

 

10.12*

Summary of 2005 Compensation for Executive Officers and Non-Employee Directors (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.8 to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2004 and filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 31, 2005.)

 

 

10.13*

Form of Salary Continuation Agreement (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.15 to the Company's Registration Statement on Form S-1 (Registration No. 333-33685) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on August 15, 1997 and declared effective on October 20, 1997)

 

 

10.14

Form of Collective Bargaining Agreement dated May 1, 2003 by and between Rock of Ages Corporation and the United Steelworkers of America, AFL-CIO-CLC on behalf of Amalgamated Local #4 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended June 30, 2003 and filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on August 13, 2003)

 

 

10.15

Form of Collective Bargaining Agreement dated April 28, 2003 by and between Rock of Ages Corporation-Quarries Division and the United Steelworkers of America, AFL-CIO-CLC on behalf of Amalgamated Local #4 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended June 30, 2003 and filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on August 13, 2003)

 

 

10.16

Form of Collective Bargaining Agreement dated April 26, 2003 by and between Rock of Ages Corporation and the Granite Cutter's Association (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended September 30, 2003 and filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on November 13, 2003)

 

 

10.17

Form of Side Letter Agreement dated April 26, 2003 by and between the Granite Cutter's Association and Rock of Ages Corporation (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.4 to the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended September 30, 2003 and filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on November 13, 2003)

 

 

10.18

Credit Facility dated as of June 25, 1997 between Royal Bank of Canada and Rock of Ages Canada, Inc., Rock of Ages Quarries Inc. and Rock of Ages Canada Inc. (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.20 to the Company's Registration Statement on Form S-1 (Registration No. 333-33685) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on August 15, 1997 and declared effective on October 20, 1997)

 

 

10.19

Financing Agreement dated December 17, 1997 by and between The CIT Group/Business Credit, Inc., Rock of Ages Corporation, Royalty Granite Corporation, Carolina Quarries, Inc., Pennsylvania Granite Corp., Childs & Childs Granite Company, Inc., Southern Mausoleums, Inc. and Rock of Ages Memorials LLC (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.19 to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1997 and filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 31, 1998)

 

 

10.20

Fifth Amendment to Financing Agreement dated as of October 25, 2002, by and between The CIT Group/Business Credit and Rock of Ages Corporation, Rock of Ages Kentucky Cemeteries, LLC, Carolina Quarries, Inc., Autumn Rose Quarry, Inc., Pennsylvania Granite Corp., Keith Monument Company, LLC, Rock of Ages Memorials, Inc. and Sioux Falls Monument Co. (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended September 30, 2002 and filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on November 14, 2002)

 

 

10.21

Sixth Amendment to Financing Agreement dated as of November 11, 2003, by and between The CIT Group/Business Credit and Rock of Ages Corporation, Rock of Ages Kentucky Cemeteries, LLC, Carolina Quarries, Inc., Autumn Rose Quarry, Inc., Pennsylvania Granite Corp., Keith Monument Company, LLC, Rock of Ages Memorials, Inc. and Sioux Falls Monument. Co. (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.14 to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2003 and filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 30, 2004)

50


 

 

 

10.22

Seventh Amendment to Financing Agreement dated as of February 17, 2004, by and between The CIT Group/Business Credit and Rock of Ages Corporation, Rock of Ages Kentucky Cemeteries, LLC, Carolina Quarries, Inc., Autumn Rose Quarry, Inc., Pennsylvania Granite Corp., Keith Monument Company, LLC, Rock of Ages Memorials, Inc. and Sioux Falls Monument Co. (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.15 to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2003 and filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 30, 2004)

 

 

10.23

Eighth Amendment to Financing Agreement dated as of July 8, 2004, by and between The CIT Group/Business Credit and Rock of Ages Corporation, Rock of Ages Kentucky Cemeteries, LLC, Carolina Quarries, Inc., Autumn Rose Quarry, Inc., Pennsylvania Granite Corporation, Rock of Ages Memorials, Inc. and Sioux Falls Monument Company. (incorporated herein by referenced to Exhibit 10.3 to the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended July 3, 2004 and filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on August 14, 2004)

 

 

10.24

Ninth Amendment to Financing Agreement dated as of December 31, 2004, by and between The CIT Group/Business Credit and Rock of Ages Corporation, Rock of Ages Kentucky Cemeteries, LLC, Carolina Quarries, Inc., Autumn Rose Quarry, Inc., Pennsylvania Granite Corporation, Rock of Ages Memorials, Inc. and Sioux Falls Monument Company (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company's Current Report on Form 1 and filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on January 4, 2005)

 

 

 

10.25

Tenth Amendment and Waiver Letter to Financing Agreement dated as of August 9, 2005, by and between The CIT Group/Business Credit and Rock of Ages Corporation, Rock of Ages Kentucky Cemeteries, LLC, Carolina Quarries, Inc., Pennsylvania Granite Corporation, Rock of Ages Memorials, Inc., and Sioux Falls Monument Company (incorporate herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to  the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K and filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on August 10, 2005)

 

 

10.26

Eleventh Amendment to Financing Agreement dated as of November 15, 2005, by and between The CIT Group/Business Credit and Rock of Ages Corporation, Rock of Ages Kentucky Cemeteries, LLC, Carolina Quarries, Inc., Pennsylvania Granite Corporation, Rock of Ages Memorials, Inc.,  and Sioux Falls Monument Company (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K and filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on November 15, 2005)

 

 

10.27

Letter Agreement dated August 8, 2003 by and between Rock of Ages Corporation, CIT Business Credit and Fleet National Bank (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.4 to the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended June 30, 2003 and filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on August 13, 2003)

 

 

10.28

Letter Agreement dated November 11, 2003 by and between Rock of Ages Corporation, CIT Business Credit and Fleet National Bank (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.5 to the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended September 30, 2003 and filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on November 13, 2003)

 

 

10.29

Consent Agreement dated as of June 21, 2004 by and among Rock of Ages Corporation, Rock of Ages Kentucky Cemeteries, LLC, Carolina Quarries, Inc., Autumn Rose Quarry, Inc., Pennsylvania Granite Corporation, Keith Monuments Company, LLC, Rock of Ages Memorials, Inc., Sioux Falls Monument Company and The CIT Group/Business Credit (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended July 3, 2004 and filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on August 16, 2004)

 

 

10.30

Assignment and Transfer Agreement dated as of July 9, 2004 by and between The CIT Group/Business Credit and Rock of Ages Corporation, Rock of Ages Kentucky Cemeteries, LLC, Carolina Quarries, Inc., Autumn Rose Quarry, Inc., Pennsylvania Granite Corporation, Rock of Ages Memorials, Inc. and Sioux Falls Monument Company (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.4 to the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended July 3, 2004 and filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on August 16, 2004)

51


 

 

 

10.31

Waiver and Agreement dated as of August 10, 2004 by and between The CIT Group/Business Credit and Rock of Ages Corporation, Rock of Ages Kentucky Cemeteries, LLC, Carolina Quarries, Inc., Autumn Rose Quarry, Inc., Pennsylvania Granite Corporation, Rock of Ages Memorials, Inc. and Sioux Falls Monument Company (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.5 to the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended July 3, 2004 and filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on August 16, 2004)

 

 

10.32

Waiver Letter dated March 21, 2005 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K and filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 22, 2005)

 

 

10.33

Waiver Letter dated May 12, 2005 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K and filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on May 13, 2005)

 

 

10.34

Supply Agreement dated as of September 7, 2000 by and between Keystone Memorials, Inc. and Rock of Ages Corporation (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.14 to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2000 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 31, 2001)

 

 

10.35

Supply Agreement dated as of January 11, 2002 by and between Rock of Ages Corporation and Adams Granite Co., Inc. (incorporated herein by reference to exhibit 10.15 to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2001 and filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on April 1, 2002)

 

 

10.36

Supply Agreement dated as of August 20, 2001 by and between Rock of Ages Corporation, Keystone Memorials, Inc. and IMEX International, Inc. (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.16 to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2001 and filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on April 1, 2002)

 

 

10.37

Amendment to Supply Agreement dated as of January 1, 2004 by and between Rock of Ages Corporation and Adams Granite Co., Inc.

 

 

10.38

Promissory Note dated October 26, 2001 in the amount of $800,000 from Mize Acquisition, Inc. to Rock of Ages Corporation (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.18 to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2001 and filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on April 1, 2002)

 

 

 

10.39

Promissory Note dated August 20, 2001 in the amount of $840,000 from Keystone Memorials, Inc. to Rock of Ages Corporation (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.19 to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31,2001 and filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on April 1, 2002)

 

 

10.40

Promissory Note dated June 21, 2004 in the amount of $3,500,000 from Rock of Ages Corporation, Rock of Ages Kentucky Cemeteries, LLC, Carolina Quarries, Inc., Autumn Rose Quarry, Inc., Pennsylvania Granite Corporation, Keith Monument Company, LLC, Rock of Ages Memorials, Inc., and Sioux Falls Monument Company to The CIT Group/Business Credit (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended July 3, 2004 and filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on August 16, 2004)

 

 

10.41

Amendment, Consent and Release and related exhibits dated November 9, 2004 by and between Rock of Ages Corporation, Rock of Ages Kentucky Cemeteries, LLC, Autumn Rose Quarry, Inc., Carolina Quarries, Inc., Pennsylvania Granite Corporation, Keith Monument Company, LLC, Rock of Ages Memorials, Inc., Sioux Falls Monument Company and The CIT Group/Business Credit, Inc. (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K and filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on November 10, 2004)

52


 

 

 

10.42

Asset Purchase Agreement dated July 28, 2003 by and between Rock of Ages Kentucky Cemeteries, LLC and Saber Management, LLC (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended June 30, 2003 and filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on August 13, 2003)

 

 

10.43

Asset Purchase Agreement and related exhibits dated February 15, 2005 by and between Carolina Quarries, Inc. Rockwell Granite Company and Granite Quarries USA, Inc. (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on February 18, 2005)

 

 

10.44

Asset Purchase Agreement and related exhibits dated February 16, 2005 by and between Rock of Ages Memorials, Inc., McColly Memorials, Inc., Shetler Memorials, Inc., Enterline Monuments, Inc., and Joseph Huber and Barbara Huber (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.5 to the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on February 18, 2005)

 

 

10.45

Purchase and Sale Agreement and related exhibits dated November 9, 2004 by and between Rock of Ages Corporation, Autumn Rose Quarry, Inc., Imex International, Inc. and AR Quarry Acquisition LLC (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on November 10, 2004)

 

 

10.46

Assignment to Asset Purchase Agreement dated August 27, 2003 by and between Saber Management, LLC and Saber Management-Kentucky, LLC (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended September 30, 2003 and filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on November 13, 2003)

 

 

10.47

Extension Agreement dated September 30, 2003 by and between Rock of Ages Kentucky Cemeteries, LLC and Saber Management-Kentucky, LLC (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended September 30, 2003 and filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on November 13, 2003)

 

 

10.48

Mutual Release Agreement dated August 6, 2004 between Dyckerhoff AG, Granite Stone Business International S.a.r.l., formerly known as Eurimex S.A., and Rock of Ages Corporation (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.6 to the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended July 3, 2004 and filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on August 16, 2004)

 

 

10.49

Common Stock Purchase Agreement dated June 16, 2004 between CRGH, LLC and Rock of Ages Corporation (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.7 to the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended July 3, 2004 and filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on August 16, 2004)

 

 

11.

Statement re: computation of per share earnings (incorporated herein by reference to Note (1)(n) of the Company's consolidated financial statements (filed herewith))

 

 

16

Letter re: Change in Principal Accountants (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 16.1 to the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K and filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on October 11, 2005)

 

 

18.

Letter re: Change in Accounting Principles (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 18 to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K and filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 31, 2003)

 

 

21.

Subsidiaries of the Company

 

 

23.1

Report and Consent of KPMG LLP

 

 

23.2

Consent of Grant Thornton LLP

 

 

31.1

Certification of CEO pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) or Rule 15d-14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

53


 

 

 

31.2

Certification of CFO pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) or Rule 15d-14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

 

 

32.1

Certification of CEO pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

 

 

32.2

Certification of CFO pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

 

* This exhibit is a management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement.

 

 54


Index

BUSINESS
RISK FACTORS
PROPERTIES
LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS
MARKET FOR THE REGISTRANTS COMMON EQUITY AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS AND ISSUER REPURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES
SELECTED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL DATA
MANAGEMENTS DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA
CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE
CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS
EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS
CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS
PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES
EXHIBITS AND , FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
Consolidated Balance Sheets
Consolidated Statements of Operations
Consolidated Statements of Stockholders Equity and Comprehensive Income (Loss)
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Schedule II - Valuation and Qualifying Accounts and Reserves
SIGNATURES
EXHIBIT INDEX

 

 

 

EX-21 2 exhibit21.htm

EXHIBIT 21



SUBSIDIARIES OF THE COMPANY PLACE OF INCORPORATION
Carolina Quarries, Inc. Delaware
Kabushiki Kaisha Rock of Ages Asia Japan
Keith Monument Company LLC Delaware
Max Mining & Resources S.a.r.L. Luxembourg
Pennsylvania Granite Corporation Pennsylvania
Rock of Ages Canada, Inc. Canada
Rock of Ages Kentucky Cemeteries, LLC Delaware
Rock of Ages Memorials, Inc. Delaware
Sioux Falls Monument Co. South Dakota
EX-23 3 exhibit23.htm exhibit23

EXHIBIT 23.1

REPORT AND CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

 

 

The Board of Directors
Rock of Ages Corporation:

 

The audits referred to in our report dated February 22, 2005, except for Notes 7 and 2 as to which the dates are March 22, 2005 and April 14, 2006, respectively, included the related financial statement schedule as of December 31, 2004, and for each of the years in the two-year period ended December 31, 2004. This financial statement schedule is the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on this financial statement schedule based on our audits. In our opinion, such financial statement schedule, when considered in relation to the basic consolidated financial statements taken as a whole, presents fairly in all material respects the information set forth therein.

We consent to the incorporation by reference in the registration statement (No. 333-45617) on Form S-8 of Rock of Ages Corporation of our reports dated February 22, 2005, except for Notes 7 and 2 as to which the dates are March 22, 2005 and April 14, 2006, respectively, with respect to the consolidated balance sheet of Rock of Ages Corporation and subsidiaries as of December 31, 2004, and the related consolidated statements of operations, stockholders' equity and comprehensive income (loss), and cash flows for each of the years in the two-year period ended December 31, 2004, and the related financial statement schedule, which reports appear in the December 31, 2005 annual report on Form 10-K of Rock of Ages Corporation.

Our reports indicate that the consolidated statements of operations for the years ended December 31, 2004 and 2003 have been restated.

 

/s/KPMG LLP
Burlington, Vermont

April 17, 2006


EXHIBIT 23.2

CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

 

 

We have issued our report dated April 14, 2006, accompanying the consolidated financial statements included in the Annual Report of Rock of Ages Corporation on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2005.  We hereby consent to the incorporation by reference of said report in the Registration Statements of Rock of Ages Corporation on Form S-8 (File No. 333-45617, effective February 5, 1998) and Form S-8 (File No. 333-128474, effective September 21, 2005).

 

/s/Grant Thornton LLP
Boston, Massachusetts

April 14, 2006


 

 

EX-31 4 exhibit31.htm exhibit31

EXHIBIT 31.1

CERTIFICATION
OF CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

 

I, Kurt M. Swenson,  certify that:

 

 

 

1.

I have reviewed this annual report on Form 10-K of Rock of Ages Corporation;

 

 

 

2.

Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

 

 

 

3.

Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this annual report;

 

 

 

4.

The registrant's other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) for the registrant and have:

 

 

 

 

a) 

Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this annual report is being prepared;

 

 

 

 

 b) 

[Paragraph omitted in accordance with SEC transition instructions]

 

 

 

 

 c) 

Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant's disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

 

 

 

 

d)

Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant's most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant's fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant's internal control over financial reporting; and

 

 

 

5.

The registrant's other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant's auditors and the audit committee of the registrant's board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

 

 

 

 

a)

All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal controls over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant's ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

 

 

 

 

b)

Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting.

                  

Date: April 17, 2006

/s/ Kurt M. Swenson
      Kurt M. Swenson
      Chief Executive Officer

 

 


EXHIBIT 31.2 

  

CERTIFICATION
OF CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER

 

I, Nancy Rowden Brock, certify that:

 

 

 

1.

I have reviewed this annual report on Form 10-K of Rock of Ages Corporation;

 

 

 

2.

Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this annual report;

 

 

 

3.

Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this quarterly report;

 

 

 

4.

The registrant's other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:

 

 

 

 

a) 

Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this annual report is being prepared;

 

 

 

 

 b) 

[Paragraph omitted in accordance with SEC transition instructions]

 

 

 

 

 c) 

Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant's disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

 

 

 

 

d)

Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant's most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant's fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant's internal control over financial reporting; and

 

 

 

5.

The registrant's other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant's auditors and the audit committee of the registrant's board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

 

 

 

 

a)

All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant's ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

 

 

 

 

 b) 

Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting.

 

Date: April 17, 2006 

/s/Nancy Rowden Brock
    Nancy Rowden Brock
    Chief Financial Officer

 


EX-32 5 exhibit32.htm exhibit32

EXHIBIT 32.1

Certification of the Chief Executive Officer Pursuant to
18 U.S.C. Section 1350,
as Adopted Pursuant to
Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

In connection with the Annual Report on Form 10-K of Rock of Ages Corporation (the "Company") for the year ended December 31, 2005 as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the "Report"), Kurt M. Swenson, as Chief Executive Officer of the Company, hereby certifies, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that, to the best of his knowledge:

(1)

 

The Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and

 

 

 

(2)

 

The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.

 

/s/ Kurt M. Swenson

Name: Kurt M. Swenson
Title:   Chief Executive Officer
Date:  April 17, 2006

 


 EXHIBIT 32.2

  

Certification of the Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to
18 U.S.C. Section 1350,
as Adopted Pursuant to
Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

In connection with the Annual Report on Form 10-K of Rock of Ages Corporation (the "Company") for the year ended December 31, 2005 as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the "Report"), Nancy Rowden Brock, as Chief Financial Officer of the Company, hereby certifies, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that, to the best of his knowledge:

(1)

 

The Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and

 

 

 

(2)

 

The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.

 

/s/Nancy Rowden Brock

Name: Nancy Rowden Brock
Title:   Chief Financial Officer
Date:  April 17, 2006

 


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