Unassociated Document
 
 
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549-1004
FORM 10-Q

Quarterly Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
FOR QUARTERLY PERIOD ENDED JANUARY 22, 2011
COMMISSION FILE NUMBER 1-9656
LA-Z-BOY INCORPORATED

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

MICHIGAN
 
38-0751137
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)
 
(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
     
1284 North Telegraph Road, Monroe, Michigan
 
48162-3390
(Address of principal executive offices)
 
(Zip Code)
 
Registrant's telephone number, including area code (734) 242-1444
 
None

(Former name, former address and former fiscal year, if changed since last report.)
 
Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the Registrant was required to file such reports) and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.
 
Yes  þ                                                   No  ¨
 
Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§ 232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the Registrant was required to submit and post such files).
 
Yes  ¨                                                   No  ¨
 
Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer or a smaller reporting company.  See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):
 
Large accelerated filer  ¨         Accelerated filer  þ            Non-accelerated filer   ¨            Smaller Reporting Company  ¨
 
Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).
 
Yes  ¨                                                   No  þ
 
The number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer’s classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date:
 
Class
 
Outstanding at February 8, 2011
Common Shares, $1.00 par value
  
51,864,806

 
 

 
 
LA-Z-BOY INCORPORATED
FORM 10-Q THIRD QUARTER OF FISCAL 2011
 
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2

 

PART I
FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 1. Consolidated Financial Statements
 
LA-Z-BOY INCORPORATED
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF INCOME
 
   
Third Quarter Ended
 
             
(Unaudited, amounts in thousands, except per share data)
 
01/22/11
   
01/23/10
 
Sales
  $ 291,943     $ 305,094  
Cost of sales
               
Cost of goods sold
    203,662       206,930  
Restructuring
    (65 )     392  
Total cost of sales
    203,597       207,322  
Gross profit
    88,346       97,772  
Selling, general and administrative
    78,057       83,811  
Restructuring
    297       201  
Operating income
    9,992       13,760  
Interest expense
    561       577  
Interest income
    250       140  
Income from Continued Dumping and Subsidy Offset Act, net
    903       4,436  
Other income (expense), net
    251       (593 )
Earnings before income taxes
    10,835       17,166  
Income tax expense
    2,451       6,502  
Net income
    8,384       10,664  
Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interests
    1,626       489  
Net income attributable to La-Z-Boy Incorporated
  $ 10,010     $ 11,153  
                 
Basic average shares
    51,865       51,546  
Basic net income attributable to La-Z-Boy Incorporated per share
  $ 0.19     $ 0.21  
                 
Diluted average shares
    52,270       51,845  
Diluted net income attributable to La-Z-Boy Incorporated per share
  $ 0.19     $ 0.21  
 
The accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements are an integral part of these statements.

 
3

 
 
LA-Z-BOY INCORPORATED
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF INCOME
 
   
Nine Months Ended
 
             
(Unaudited, amounts in thousands, except per share data)
 
01/22/11
   
01/23/10
 
Sales
  $ 848,239     $ 868,472  
Cost of sales
               
Cost of goods sold
    602,101       594,645  
Restructuring
    (148 )     1,791  
Total cost of sales
    601,953       596,436  
Gross profit
    246,286       272,036  
Selling, general and administrative
    232,033       246,346  
Restructuring
    572       1,022  
Operating income
    13,681       24,668  
Interest expense
    1,743       2,387  
Interest income
    716       615  
Income from Continued Dumping and Subsidy Offset Act, net
    903       4,436  
Other income (expense), net
    182       242  
Earnings before income taxes
    13,739       27,574  
Income tax expense
    3,126       10,027  
Net income
    10,613       17,547  
Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interests
    3,126       1,149  
Net income attributable to La-Z-Boy Incorporated
  $ 13,739     $ 18,696  
                 
Basic average shares
    51,835       51,517  
Basic net income attributable to La-Z-Boy Incorporated per share
  $ 0.26     $ 0.36  
                 
Diluted average shares
    52,242       51,595  
Diluted net income attributable to La-Z-Boy Incorporated per share
  $ 0.26     $ 0.36  
 
The accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements are an integral part of these statements.

 
4

 

LA-Z-BOY INCORPORATED
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET

(Unaudited, amounts in thousands)
 
01/22/11
   
04/24/10
 
Current assets
           
Cash and equivalents
  $ 109,632     $ 108,427  
Receivables, net of allowance of $23,318 at 01/22/11 and $20,258 at 04/24/10
    154,277       165,001  
Inventories, net
    142,051       132,480  
Deferred income taxes – current
    2,314       2,305  
Other current assets
    19,443       18,862  
Total current assets
    427,717       427,075  
Property, plant and equipment, net
    128,310       138,857  
Trade names
    3,100       3,100  
Deferred income taxes – long-term
    458       458  
Other long-term assets
    36,357       38,293  
Total assets
  $ 595,942     $ 607,783  
                 
Current liabilities
               
Current portion of long-term debt
  $ 5,099     $ 1,066  
Accounts payable
    50,734       54,718  
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities
    77,061       91,523  
Total current liabilities
    132,894       147,307  
Long-term debt
    40,030       46,917  
Other long-term liabilities
    66,557       70,445  
Contingencies and commitments
           
Equity
               
La-Z-Boy Incorporated shareholders’ equity:
               
Common shares, $1 par value
    51,865       51,770  
Capital in excess of par value
    201,544       201,873  
Retained earnings
    124,138       106,466  
Accumulated other comprehensive loss
    (18,753 )     (20,284 )
Total La-Z-Boy Incorporated shareholders' equity
    358,794       339,825  
Noncontrolling interests
    (2,333 )     3,289  
Total equity
    356,461       343,114  
Total liabilities and equity
  $ 595,942     $ 607,783  
 
The accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements are an integral part of these statements.

 
5

 
 
LA-Z-BOY INCORPORATED
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS

   
Nine Months Ended
 
(Unaudited, amounts in thousands)
 
01/22/11
   
01/23/10
 
Cash flows from operating activities
           
Net income
  $ 10,613     $ 17,547  
Adjustments to reconcile net income to cash provided by operating activities
               
(Gain) loss on sale of assets
    112       (50 )
Restructuring
    424       2,813  
Provision for doubtful accounts
    3,739       5,593  
Depreciation and amortization
    17,745       19,186  
Stock-based compensation expense
    3,043       4,082  
Pension plan contributions
    (2,500 )      
Change in receivables
    10,995       (14,101 )
Change in inventories
    (14,138 )     (4,192 )
Change in other assets
    (3,120 )     6,224  
Change in payables
    (3,232 )     6,676  
Change in other liabilities
    (12,976 )     15,222  
Change in deferred taxes
    11       (301 )
Total adjustments
    103       41,152  
Net cash provided by operating activities
    10,716       58,699  
                 
Cash flows from investing activities
               
Proceeds from disposals of assets
    423       1,925  
Capital expenditures
    (8,169 )     (5,708 )
Purchases of investments
    (8,290 )     (3,934 )
Proceeds from sales of investments
    8,013       5,793  
Change in restricted cash
          17,507  
Other
    (51 )     129  
Net cash provided by (used for) investing activities
    (8,074 )     15,712  
                 
Cash flows from financing activities
               
Proceeds from debt
    30,488       31,391  
Payments on debt
    (31,450 )     (43,736 )
Stock issued from stock plans
    58        
Net cash used for financing activities
    (904 )     (12,345 )
                 
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and equivalents
    99       81  
Change in cash and equivalents
    1,837       62,147  
Cash reduction upon deconsolidation of VIE
    (632 )      
Cash and equivalents at beginning of period
    108,427       17,370  
Cash and equivalents at end of period
  $ 109,632     $ 79,517  
 
The accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements are an integral part of these statements.

 
6

 

LA-Z-BOY INCORPORATED
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN EQUITY

(Unaudited, amounts in thousands)
 
Common
Shares
   
Capital in
Excess of Par
Value
   
Retained
Earnings
   
Accumulated
Other
Compre-
hensive Loss
   
Non-
Controlling
Interests
   
Total
 
At April 25, 2009 (previously reported)   
  $ 51,478     $ 205,945     $ 67,431     $ (22,559 )   $ 4,137     $ 306,432  
Cumulative effect of accounting corrections
                    (2,404 )     (609 )             (3,013 )
Comprehensive income
                                               
Net income (loss)
                    32,701               (1,341 )        
Unrealized gain on marketable securities arising during the period
                            2,685                  
Reclassification adjustment for gain on marketable securities included in net income
                            (97 )                
Translation adjustment
                            (190 )     403          
Change in fair value of cash flow hedge
                            146                  
Net pension amortization and net actuarial loss
                            340                  
Total comprehensive income
                                            34,647  
Stock issued for stock and employee benefit plans, net of cancellations
    292       (9,294 )     8,738                       (264 )
Stock option, restricted stock and performance based stock expense
            5,222                               5,222  
Change in noncontrolling interest
                                    90       90  
At April 24, 2010   
    51,770       201,873       106,466       (20,284 )     3,289       343,114  
                                                 
Comprehensive income
                                               
Net income (loss)
                    13,739               (3,126 )        
Unrealized loss on marketable securities arising during the period
                            499                  
Reclassification adjustment for gain on marketable securities included in net income
                            (471 )                
Translation adjustment
                            (186 )     221          
Net pension amortization
                            1,305                  
Change in fair value of cash flow hedge
                            384                  
Total comprehensive income
                                            12,365  
Stock issued for stock and employee benefit plans, net of cancellations
    95       (3,372 )     3,008                       (269 )
Stock option and restricted stock expense
            3,043                               3,043  
Cumulative effect of change in accounting for equity and noncontrolling interest
                    925               (2,717 )     (1,792 )
At January 22, 2011   
  $ 51,865     $ 201,544     $ 124,138     $ (18,753 )   $ (2,333 )   $ 356,461  
 
The accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements are an integral part of these statements.

 
7

 
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)
 
Note 1: Basis of Presentation
 
The accompanying financial statements include the consolidated accounts of La-Z-Boy Incorporated, our wholly-owned subsidiaries, and the Variable Interest Entities (“VIEs”) in which we are the primary beneficiary.  The April 24, 2010 balance sheet was derived from audited financial statements.  The interim financial information is prepared in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles, and such principles are applied on a basis consistent with those reflected in our fiscal 2010 Annual Report on Form 10-K, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, but does not include all the disclosures required by generally accepted accounting principles. In the opinion of management, the interim financial information includes all adjustments and accruals, consisting only of normal recurring adjustments (except as otherwise disclosed), which are necessary for a fair presentation of results for the respective interim period.  The interim results reflected in the accompanying financial statements are not necessarily indicative of the results of operations which will occur for the full fiscal year ending April 30, 2011. Fiscal 2011 is a 53 week year as compared to fiscal 2010 which was 52 weeks.  The additional week occurs in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2011.
 
In June 2009, the Financial Accounting Standards Board amended its guidance on accounting for VIEs. The new accounting guidance resulted in a change in our accounting policy effective April 25, 2010. Among other things, the new guidance requires more qualitative than quantitative analyses to determine the primary beneficiary of a VIE and requires continuous assessments of whether an enterprise is the primary beneficiary of a VIE. Under the new guidance, a VIE must be consolidated if the enterprise has both (a) the power to direct the activities of the VIE that most significantly impact the entity's economic performance, and (b) the obligation to absorb losses or the right to receive benefits from the VIE that could potentially be significant to the VIE. We adopted this new accounting guidance and it was effective for us on April 25, 2010, the first day of our current fiscal year.  This guidance is being applied prospectively.
 
We consolidate entities that are VIEs when we are deemed to be the primary beneficiary of the VIE.  We will continuously evaluate our VIEs’ primary beneficiaries as facts and circumstances change to determine if such changes warrant a change in our status as primary beneficiary.
 
On April 25, 2010, we deconsolidated our Toronto, Ontario, VIE as a result of the above mentioned change in accounting policy. This entity is an independent La-Z-Boy Furniture Galleries® dealer operating eight stores and had previously been consolidated due to certain lease guarantees and other financial support we have provided. Although these financial arrangements result in our holding a majority of the variable interests in this VIE, they do not empower us to direct the activities of the VIE that most significantly impact the VIE’s economic performance. Consequently, subsequent to this change in accounting policy, we deconsolidated this VIE.
 
The impact of the deconsolidation on our Consolidated Statements of Income was minimal.  Sales and operating income, net of eliminations, for our Toronto, Ontario, VIE for the third quarter and first nine months of fiscal 2010 were $6.6 million (sales) and $1.1 million (operating income) and $14.9 million (sales) and $2.4 million (operating income), respectively.  The most significant impacts on our Consolidated Balance Sheet were a decrease to current assets of $6.9 million, a decrease to long-term assets of $5.0 million, and a decrease to noncontrolling interest by $2.8 million. We recognized a non-cash gain of $0.9 million at April 25, 2010. This gain is categorized as a cumulative effect to retained earnings during the first nine months of fiscal 2011.  There was no impact on earnings per share as a result of the deconsolidation.

 
8

 
 
During the second quarter of fiscal 2011, we corrected our historical financial statements for errors primarily related to inventory, inter-company accounts payable and lease expense related to our VIEs.  These corrections did not impact our net income attributable to La-Z-Boy Incorporated on a per share basis for the third quarter or first nine months of fiscal 2011 or fiscal 2010.  Certain of these corrections related to periods prior to fiscal 2010 and as such have been reflected in the accompanying financial statements as an adjustment to our opening retained earnings account.
 
As a result of above mentioned corrections, during the second quarter of fiscal 2011, we also revised our historical financial statements to correct a previously disclosed out-of-period reduction to cost of goods sold, with a corresponding adjustment to accumulated other comprehensive income.  This revision resulted in an after-tax $0.6 million decrease in our net income attributable to La-Z-Boy Incorporated for the first nine months of fiscal 2010 but did not impact our fiscal 2010 third quarter net income attributable to La-Z-Boy Incorporated.
 
Additionally, we corrected our fiscal 2010 tax provision which, resulted in a $0.2 million and $0.4 million increase for the fiscal 2010 third quarter and first nine months, respectively, to our net income attributable to La-Z-Boy Incorporated.
 
We determined that the cumulative impact of recording the corrections mentioned above in fiscal 2011 would be material to our projected fiscal 2011 full year results.  However, we determined that the corrections were not material, either individually or in the aggregate, to any of our prior fiscal years or interim periods.  Consequently, we revised and will revise our historical financial statements for the related prior periods when they are presented in future filings.  Because our analysis concluded that these corrections were immaterial to any prior period, we have not amended any of our previous filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
 
The following tables set forth the significant impacts of the corrections to our Consolidated Statements of Income for the quarter and nine months ended January 23, 2010, and our Consolidated Balance Sheet as of April 24, 2010:
 
   
Quarter Ended 01/23/10
 
(Unaudited, amounts in thousands, except per share data)
 
01/23/10
(as previously
reported)
   
Adjustments
   
01/23/10
(as adjusted)
 
Net income attributable to La-Z-Boy Incorporated
  $ 10,976     $ 177     $ 11,153  
Diluted net income attributable to La-Z-Boy Incorporated per share
  $ 0.21     $     $ 0.21  

   
Nine Months Ended 01/23/10
 
(Unaudited, amounts in thousands, except per share data)
 
01/23/10
(as previously
reported)
   
Adjustments
   
01/23/10
(as adjusted)
 
Net income attributable to La-Z-Boy Incorporated
  $ 18,866     $ (170 )   $ 18,696  
Diluted net income attributable to La-Z-Boy Incorporated per share
  $ 0.36     $     $ 0.36  

 
9

 

   
As of 04/24/10
 
(Unaudited, amounts in thousands)
 
04/24/10
(as previously
reported)
   
Adjustments
   
04/24/10
(as adjusted)
 
Inventories, net
  $ 134,187     $ (1,707 )   $ 132,480  
Other current assets
  $ 18,159     $ 703     $ 18,862  
Other long-term liabilities
  $ 68,381     $ 2,064     $ 70,445  
Retained earnings
  $ 108,707     $ (2,241 )   $ 106,466  
Accumulated other comprehensive income
  $ (20,251 )   $ (33 )   $ (20,284 )
Noncontrolling interests
  $ 4,141     $ (852 )   $ 3,289  
 
Note 2: Allowance for Credit Losses
 
Effective for our fiscal third quarter, we have adopted the Financial Accounting Standards Board new disclosure requirements about the credit quality of financing receivables and the allowance for credit losses.  We have notes receivable balances due to us from various customers.   These notes receivable generally relate to past due accounts receivable which were transferred to a note receivable in order to secure further collateral from the customer.  The collateral from our customers is generally in the form of inventory or real estate.  Additionally, we have personal guarantees from the customer on these notes receivable.  In cases where we do not have sufficient collateral to support the carrying value of the note receivable, our policy is to recognize an allowance for credit losses for this difference.  As of the end of our third quarter of fiscal 2011, we had notes receivable of $10.5 million from 17 customers, with a corresponding allowance for credit losses on these notes receivable of $1.1 million, which is consistent with historical periods.  Our policy is not to accrue interest income on these notes receivable, but rather we record interest income, if any, when received.  Of the $10.5 million in notes receivable, $1.2 million is scheduled to be repaid within the next twelve months and therefore included as a component of current assets.
 
Note 3: Inventories
 
A summary of inventories is as follows:

         
04/24/10
 
(Unaudited, amounts in thousands)
 
01/22/11
   
(as adjusted)
 
Raw materials
  $ 66,661     $ 60,913  
Work in process
    12,026       11,018  
Finished goods
    88,071       85,256  
FIFO inventories
    166,758       157,187  
Excess of FIFO over LIFO
    (24,707 )     (24,707 )
Inventories, net
  $ 142,051     $ 132,480  

The April 24, 2010, inventory balances are as adjusted for the matters discussed in Note 1.

 
10

 

Note 4: Pension Plans

Net periodic pension costs were as follows:
   
Third Quarter Ended
   
Nine Months Ended
 
(Unaudited, amounts in thousands)
 
01/22/11
   
01/23/10
   
01/22/11
   
01/23/10
 
Service cost
  $ 291     $ 261     $ 873     $ 783  
Interest cost
    1,356       1,400       4,068       4,200  
Expected return on plan assets
    (1,478 )     (1,206 )     (4,434 )     (3,618 )
Net amortization
    435       527       1,305       1,581  
Net periodic pension cost
  $ 604     $ 982     $ 1,812     $ 2,946  
 
During the third quarter of fiscal 2011, we made a $2.5 million discretionary contribution to our defined benefit pension plan.   
 
Note 5: Financial Guarantees and Product Warranties
 
We have provided financial guarantees relating to notes and leases in connection with certain La-Z-Boy Furniture Galleries® stores which are not operated by the company.  The guarantees are generally for real estate leases and have remaining terms of one to two years. These guarantees enhance the credit of these dealers.
 
We would be required to perform under these agreements only if the dealer were to default on the guaranteed lease or note. The maximum amount of potential future payments under these guarantees was $1.6 million and $2.1 million as of January 22, 2011, and April 24, 2010, respectively.
 
We have, from time to time, entered into agreements which resulted in indemnifying third parties against certain liabilities, mainly environmental obligations. We believe that judgments, if any, against us related to such agreements would not have a material effect on our business or financial condition.
 
Our accounting policy for product warranties is to accrue an estimated liability at the time the revenue is recognized. We estimate future warranty claims based on claim experience and any additional anticipated future costs on previously sold products.  Our liability estimates incorporate the cost of repairs including materials consumed, labor and overhead amounts necessary to perform the repair and any costs associated with delivery of the repaired product to the customer.  Over 90% of our warranty liability relates to our Upholstery Group where we generally warrant our products against defects from one to five years for fabric and padding and up to a lifetime on certain mechanisms and frames.  Considerable judgment is used in the determination of our estimate.  If actual costs were to differ significantly from our estimates, we would record the impact of these unforeseen costs in subsequent periods.

A reconciliation of the changes in our product warranty liability is as follows:

   
Third Quarter Ended
   
Nine Months Ended
 
(Unaudited, amounts in thousands)
 
01/22/11
   
01/23/10
   
01/22/11
   
01/23/10
 
Balance as of the beginning of the period
  $ 14,859     $ 14,293     $ 14,773     $ 14,394  
Accruals during the period
    3,436       3,658       10,146       10,378  
Accrual adjustments
    (1,115 )           (1,115 )      
Settlements during the period
    (3,372 )     (3,479 )     (9,996 )     (10,300 )
Balance as of the end of the period
  $ 13,808     $ 14,472     $ 13,808     $ 14,472  

 
11

 
 
During the third quarter of fiscal 2011, we reduced our accruals for warranty by $1.1 million.  This reduction was the result of the redesign of a mechanism that had historically experienced high claims activity.
 
Note 6:  Stock-Based Compensation
 
Total compensation expense recognized in the Consolidated Statement of Income for all equity based compensation was $0.6 million and $3.0 million, for the third quarter and first nine months of fiscal 2011, respectively.  For the third quarter and first nine months of fiscal 2010, we recorded compensation expense for all equity based compensation of $1.5 million and $4.1 million, respectively.
 
Note 7:  Total Comprehensive Income
 
The components of total comprehensive income are as follows:
 
   
Third Quarter Ended
   
Nine Months Ended
 
(Unaudited, amounts in thousands)
 
01/22/11
   
01/23/10
   
01/22/11
   
01/23/10
 
Net income
  $ 8,384     $ 10,664     $ 10,613     $ 17,547  
Other comprehensive income (loss):
                               
Currency translation adjustment
    (484 )     50       35       (48 )
Change in fair value of cash flow hedge
    148       11       384       13  
Net unrealized gains (losses) on marketable securities arising during the period
    293       598       28       2,136  
Net pension amortization
    435       527       1,305       1,582  
Total other comprehensive income
    392       1,186       1,752       3,683  
Total comprehensive income before allocation to noncontrolling interest
    8,776       11,850       12,365       21,230  
Comprehensive loss attributable to noncontrolling interest
    1,767       449       2,905       956  
Comprehensive income attributable to La-Z-Boy Incorporated
  $ 10,543     $ 12,299     $ 15,270     $ 22,186  
 
Note 8: Segment Information
 
Our reportable operating segments are the Upholstery Group, the Casegoods Group and the Retail Group. 
 
Upholstery Group.  The operating units in the Upholstery Group are La-Z-Boy, England, and Bauhaus. This group primarily manufactures and sells upholstered furniture to furniture retailers. Upholstered furniture includes recliners and motion furniture, sofas, loveseats, chairs, ottomans and sleeper sofas.
 
Casegoods Group. The operating units in the Casegoods Group consist of two groups, one including American Drew, Lea, and Hammary, the second being Kincaid. These groups primarily sell U.S. manufactured or imported wood furniture to furniture retailers.  Casegoods product includes bedroom, dining room, entertainment centers, accent pieces and some coordinated upholstered furniture. 
 
Retail Group. The Retail Group consists of 68 company-owned La-Z-Boy Furniture Galleries® stores in eight primary markets.  The Retail Group primarily sells upholstered furniture, as well as some casegoods and other accessories, to end consumers through the retail network. 

 
12

 
 
   
Third Quarter Ended
   
Nine Months Ended
 
(Unaudited, amounts in thousands)
 
01/22/11
   
01/23/10
   
01/22/11
   
01/23/10
 
Sales
                       
Upholstery Group
  $ 225,213     $ 234,262     $ 652,025     $ 663,734  
Casegoods Group
    35,426       36,029       111,785       109,196  
Retail Group
    44,146       40,411       118,699       114,387  
VIEs
    10,173       15,629       25,459       39,616  
Corporate and Other
    612       603       1,438       4,143  
Eliminations
    (23,627 )     (21,840 )     (61,167 )     (62,604 )
Consolidated Sales
  $ 291,943     $ 305,094     $ 848,239     $ 868,472  
                                 
Operating Income (Loss)
                               
Upholstery Group
  $ 18,468     $ 26,071     $ 45,580     $ 67,122  
Casegoods Group
    1,648       292       4,599       (13 )
Retail Group
    (2,759 )     (4,135 )     (12,043 )     (15,104 )
VIEs
    (1,130 )     62       (3,842 )     (1,063 )
Corporate and Other
    (6,003 )     (7,937 )     (20,189 )     (23,461 )
Restructuring
    (232 )     (593 )     (424 )     (2,813 )
Consolidated Operating Income
  $ 9,992     $ 13,760     $ 13,681     $ 24,668  
 
Note 9: Restructuring
 
During the past several years, we have committed to various restructuring plans to rationalize our manufacturing facilities, consolidate warehouse distribution centers and close underperforming retail facilities. With these restructuring plans, we have written-down various fixed assets, as well as recorded charges for severance and benefits, contract terminations and other transition costs related to relocating and closing facilities.

During fiscal 2008, we committed to a restructuring plan to consolidate all of our North American cutting and sewing operations in Mexico. During the third quarter and first nine months of fiscal 2011, we had a net reduction of estimated restructuring liabilities of $0.1 million and $0.2 million, respectively, under this plan.  We expect to incur additional pre-tax restructuring charges of $0.2 million during the remainder of fiscal 2011.  During the third quarter and first nine months of fiscal 2010, we had a net reduction in estimated restructuring liabilities of $0.2 million and $0.5 million, respectively, under this plan.

During fiscal 2007 and 2008, several of our warehouse distribution centers were consolidated into larger facilities and several underperforming stores were closed. In the third quarter and first nine months of fiscal 2011, we had pre-tax restructuring charges of $0.3 million and $0.6 million, respectively, related to contract terminations.  We expect to incur less than $0.1 million of additional charges in the remainder of fiscal 2011.  During the third quarter and first nine months of fiscal 2010, we had pre-tax restructuring charges of $0.2 million and $1.0 million, respectively, related to contract terminations.

During fiscal 2009, we committed to a restructuring plan to consolidate our casegoods manufacturing plants and convert another facility into a distribution center.  During the third quarter and first nine months of fiscal 2010, we had pre-tax restructuring charges of $0.6 million and $2.3 million, respectively, covering severance and benefits and other restructuring costs.

 
13

 

For the current fiscal year through January 22, 2011, restructuring liabilities along with pre-tax charges to expense, cash payments or asset write-downs were as follows:

         
Fiscal 2011
       
(Unaudited, amounts in thousands)
 
04/24/10
Balance
   
Charges to
Expense *
   
Cash
Payments
or Asset
Write-Downs
   
01/22/11
Balance
 
Severance and benefit-related costs
  $ 492     $ (148 )   $ (249 )   $ 95  
Contract termination costs
    292       572       (710 )     154  
Total restructuring
  $ 784     $ 424     $ (959 )   $ 249  
* Charges to expense include $0.1 million of non-cash charges for contract termination costs.

Note 10: Income Taxes
 
Our effective tax rates for the third quarter and first nine months of fiscal 2011 were 22.6% and 22.8%, respectively, compared to 37.8% and 36.4% for the third quarter and first nine months of fiscal 2010, respectively.  The effective tax rates for the third quarter and first nine months of fiscal 2011 were impacted by changes in the valuation allowance for deferred taxes due to current year temporary timing differences that resulted in a rate reduction of 16.2 percentage points for both the third quarter and first nine months of fiscal 2011.  Of particular significance is the valuation allowance attributable to the tax benefits associated with our southern California VIE, which resulted in a rate reduction of 21.2 percentage points for both the third quarter and first nine months of fiscal 2011.  See Note 16 for further information.
 
Realization of our deferred tax assets is dependent on generating sufficient future taxable income.  Valuation allowances of $45.1 million associated with certain U.S. federal and state deferred tax assets could be reduced in fiscal 2012 based on, among other factors, the level of estimated taxable income generated in fiscal 2012 and beyond.
 
Note 11: Variable Interest Entities
 
We had two consolidated VIEs during the third quarter and first nine months of fiscal 2011 representing 23 stores (one new store was opened by a VIE during the third quarter of fiscal 2011) and three consolidated VIEs during the third quarter and first nine months of fiscal 2010 representing 31 stores.  As of April 25, 2010, the first day of our current fiscal year, we deconsolidated our Toronto, Ontario, VIE.  This resulted in a decrease of eight stores for our VIEs when comparing the third quarter and first nine months of fiscal 2011 to the third quarter and first nine months of fiscal 2010.  We deconsolidated our Toronto, Ontario, VIE based on a change to our accounting policy as discussed in Note 1.

The table below shows the amount of assets and liabilities from VIEs included in our Consolidated Balance Sheet as of January 22, 2011, and April 24, 2010 (and also reflects the adjustments described in Note 1):

 
14

 

   
As of
 
(Unaudited, amounts in thousands)
 
01/22/11
   
04/24/10
(as adjusted)
 
Cash and equivalents
  $ 1,140     $ 2,075  
Receivables, net
    226       114  
Inventories, net
    5,379       11,884  
Other current assets
    996       1,745  
Property, plant and equipment, net
    3,193       8,940  
Other long-term assets, net
    382       148  
Total assets
  $ 11,316     $ 24,906  
                 
Current portion of long-term debt
  $     $ 128  
Accounts payable
    333       1,048  
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities
    5,107       7,776  
Long-term debt
          1,770  
Other long-term liabilities
    2,729       2,852  
Total liabilities
  $ 8,169     $ 13,574  

The overall decrease in total assets and total liabilities of our VIEs shown in the table above was impacted by the deconsolidation of our Toronto, Ontario, VIE.  

In addition to our consolidated VIEs, we had significant interests in three independent La-Z-Boy Furniture Galleries® dealers for which we are not the primary beneficiary.  Our total exposure to losses related to these dealers is $3.4 million, which consists primarily of past due accounts receivable as well as notes receivable, net of reserves and collateral on inventory and real estate.  We have not provided additional financial or other support to these dealers during fiscal 2011 and have no obligations or commitments to provide further support.

Note 12: Earnings per Share
 
A reconciliation of the numerators and denominators used in the computations of basic and diluted earnings per share is as follows:
 
   
Third Quarter Ended
   
Nine Months Ended
 
(Unaudited, amounts in thousands)
 
01/22/11
   
01/23/10
   
01/22/11
   
01/23/10
 
Numerator (basic and diluted):
                       
Net income attributable to La-Z-Boy Incorporated
  $ 10,010     $ 11,153     $ 13,739     $ 18,696  
Income allocated to participating securities
    (200 )     (226 )     (269 )     (348 )
Net income available to common shareholders
  $ 9,810     $ 10,927     $ 13,470     $ 18,348  

 
15

 

   
Third Quarter Ended
   
Nine Months Ended
 
(Unaudited, amounts in thousands)
 
01/22/11
   
01/23/10
   
01/22/11
   
01/23/10
 
Denominator:
                       
Basic common shares (based upon weighted average)
    51,865       51,546       51,835       51,517  
Add:
                               
Stock option dilution
    405       299       407       78  
Diluted common shares
    52,270       51,845       52,242       51,595  

Share-based payment awards that entitle their holders to receive non-forfeitable dividends prior to vesting are considered participating securities.  We granted restricted stock awards that contain non-forfeitable rights to dividends on unvested shares; such stock awards are considered participating securities.  As participating securities, the unvested shares are required to be included in the calculation of our basic earnings per common share, using the “two-class method.”  The two-class method of computing earnings per common share is an allocation method that calculates earnings per share for each class of common stock and participating security according to dividends declared and participation rights in undistributed earnings.

The effect of options to purchase 1.3 million and 1.8 million shares for the quarters ended January 22, 2011, and January 23, 2010, with a weighted average exercise price of $15.32 and $14.99, respectively, was excluded from the diluted share calculation as the exercise prices of these options were higher than the average share price for the quarters and including them would have been anti-dilutive.

Note 13: Fair Value Measurements

Accounting standards require the categorization of financial assets and liabilities, based on the inputs to the valuation technique, into a three-level fair value hierarchy. The various levels of the fair value hierarchy are described as follows:

 
·
Level 1 — Financial assets and liabilities whose values are based on unadjusted quoted market prices for identical assets and liabilities in an active market that we have the ability to access.
 
·
Level 2 — Financial assets and liabilities whose values are based on quoted prices in markets that are not active or model inputs that are observable for substantially the full term of the asset or liability.
 
 
·
Level 3 — Financial assets and liabilities whose values are based on prices or valuation techniques that require inputs that are both unobservable and significant to the overall fair value measurement. 

Accounting standards require the use of observable market data, when available, in making fair value measurements. When inputs used to measure fair value fall within different levels of the hierarchy, the level within which the fair value measurement is categorized is based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement.

In addition to assets and liabilities that are recorded at fair value on a recurring basis, we are required to record assets and liabilities at fair value on a non-recurring basis.  Non-financial assets such as trade names and long-lived assets are measured at fair value when there is an indicator of impairment and recorded at fair value only when an impairment is recognized.  We did not measure any material assets or liabilities at fair value on a non-recurring basis during fiscal 2011 or fiscal 2010.

The following table presents the fair value hierarchy for those assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of January 22, 2011:

 
16

 

   
Fair Value Measurements
 
(Unaudited, amounts in thousands)
 
Level 1
   
Level 2
   
Level 3
 
Assets
                 
Available-for-sale securities
  $ 8,287     $ 2,542     $  
                         
Liabilities
                       
Interest rate swap
          (193 )      
Total
  $ 8,287     $ 2,349     $  

We hold available-for-sale marketable securities to fund future obligations of one of our non-qualified retirement plans.  The fair value measurements for our available-for-sale securities are based upon quoted prices in active markets, as well as through broker quotes and independent valuation providers, multiplied by the number of shares owned exclusive of any transaction costs and without any adjustments to reflect discounts that may be applied to selling a large block of the securities at one time.

We entered into a three year interest rate swap agreement in order to fix a portion of our floating rate debt.  The fair value of the swap agreement was measured as the present value of all expected future cash flows based on the LIBOR-based swap yield curve as of the date of the valuation and considered counterparty non-performance risk. These assumptions can be derived from observable data or are supported by observable levels at which transactions are executed in the marketplace.

Note 14:  Hedging Activities

During fiscal 2009, we entered into an interest rate swap agreement which we accounted for as a cash flow hedge.  This swap hedges the interest on $20.0 million of floating rate debt.  Under the swap, we are required to pay 3.33% through May 16, 2011, and we receive three-month LIBOR from the counterparty. This offsets the three-month LIBOR component of interest which we are required to pay on $20.0 million of floating rate debt. The interest rate on this debt as of January 22, 2011, was three-month LIBOR plus 1.75%.

We executed this interest rate cash flow hedge in order to mitigate our exposure to variability in cash flows for the future interest payments on a designated portion of borrowings.  The gains and losses are reflected in accumulated other comprehensive loss (with an offset to the hedged item in other current liabilities) until the hedged transaction impacts our earnings.  Our interest rate swap agreement was tested for ineffectiveness during fiscal 2009 and was determined to be effective.  Our agreement also qualified for the “short cut” method of accounting. We believe that our agreement continues to be effective and therefore no gains or losses have been recorded in our earnings.
 
For the third quarter and first nine months of fiscal 2011, we deferred gains of $0.1 million and $0.4 million, respectively, into accumulated other comprehensive loss, compared to gains of less than $0.1 million in the third quarter and first nine months of fiscal 2010.  The fair value of our interest rate swap at January 22, 2011, was $0.2 million, which was included in other current liabilities. The fair value of our interest rate swap at April 24, 2010, was $0.6 million, which was included in other long-term liabilities. 

 
17

 
 
Note 15:  Recent Accounting Pronouncements
 
In October 2009, the FASB issued amendments to the criteria for separating consideration in multiple-deliverable arrangements.  These amendments will establish a selling price hierarchy for determining the selling price of a deliverable.  The amendments will require that a vendor determine its best estimate of selling price in a manner that is consistent with that used to determine the price to sell the deliverable on a standalone basis.  These amendments will eliminate the residual method of allocation and require that arrangement consideration be allocated at the inception of the arrangement to all deliverables using the relative selling price method.  These amendments will expand disclosures related to vendor’s multiple-deliverable revenue arrangements.  These amendments will be effective for our fiscal 2012 year end.  We are currently evaluating the impact these amendments will have on our consolidated financial statements and disclosures.
 
In December 2010, the FASB issued an amendment to the disclosure requirements for business combinations.  This amendment requires disclosures to include pro forma information for business combinations that occurred in the current reporting period.  The disclosures include pro forma revenue and earnings of the combined entity for the current reporting period, and comparable prior periods if presented, as though the acquisition date for all business combinations that occurred during the year had been as of the beginning of the annual reporting period.  This amendment will be effective for our fiscal 2012 year end.  We are currently evaluating the impact this amendment will have on our consolidated financial statements and disclosures.
 
Note 16:  Subsequent Event
 
Effective February 1, 2011, we executed an agreement to acquire one of our independent dealers which was previously consolidated as a VIE.  The acquisition of this VIE will be accounted for as an equity transaction, therefore no gain or loss as a result of this acquisition will be recognized in our Consolidated Statement of Income.  Noncontrolling interests in the accumulated deficit of this VIE as of January 22, 2011, in the amount of approximately $6.1 million will be reclassified to retained earnings during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2011.  The operating results of the 15 stores for this VIE will be included in our Retail Group effective in our fourth fiscal quarter.
 
In addition, we will realize a tax benefit related to the amount of accounts receivable written off  in excess of the fair value of the assets received from this VIE.  This tax benefit will reduce our annual effective tax rate and as such, a $2.9 million ($0.06 per share) benefit has been reflected in the tax provision computed for our third quarter of fiscal 2011.
 
18

 
ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
 
We have prepared this Management’s Discussion and Analysis to help you better understand our financial results. You should read it in conjunction with the accompanying Consolidated Financial Statements and related Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements. After a cautionary note about forward-looking statements, we begin with an introduction to our key businesses and strategies. We then provide discussions of our results of operations, liquidity and capital resources, and critical accounting policies.
 
Cautionary Statement Concerning Forward-Looking Statements
 
We are making forward-looking statements in this report, and our representatives may make oral forward-looking statements from time to time. Generally, forward-looking statements include information concerning possible or assumed future actions, events or results of operations. More specifically, forward-looking statements may include information regarding:

future income, margins and cash flows
 
future economic performance
future growth
 
industry and importing trends
adequacy and cost of financial resources
  
management plans

Forward-looking statements also include those preceded or followed by the words "anticipates," "believes," "estimates," "hopes," "plans," "intends" and "expects" or similar expressions. With respect to all forward-looking statements, we claim the protection of the safe harbor for forward-looking statements contained in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995.

Actual results could differ materially from those we anticipate or project due to a number of factors, including: (a) changes in consumer confidence and demographics; (b) speed of recovery from the recent economic recession; (c) changes in the real estate and credit markets and their effects on our customers and suppliers; (d) international political unrest, terrorism or war; (e) continued energy and other commodity price changes; (f) the impact of logistics on imports; (g) interest rate and currency exchange rate changes; (h) operating factors, such as supply, labor or distribution disruptions, product recalls or costs; (i) restructuring actions; (j) changes in the domestic or international regulatory environment; (k) adopting new accounting principles; (l) severe weather or other natural events such as hurricanes, earthquakes and tornadoes; (m) our ability to procure fabric rolls and leather hides or cut and sewn fabric and leather sets domestically or abroad; (n) fluctuations in our stock price; (o) information technology system failures; and (p) the matters discussed in Item 1A of our fiscal 2010 Annual Report on Form 10-K and other factors identified from time-to-time in our reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. We undertake no obligation to, and expressly disclaim any such obligation to, update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether to reflect new information or new developments or for any other reason.

Introduction

Our Business

La-Z-Boy Incorporated manufactures, markets, imports, distributes and retails upholstery products and casegoods (wood) furniture products. Our La-Z-Boy brand is the most recognized brand in the furniture industry, and we are the leading global producer of reclining chairs.

 
19

 

We sell our products, primarily in the United States and Canada, to furniture retailers and directly to consumers through company-owned stores.  The centerpiece of our retail distribution strategy is our network of 305 La-Z-Boy Furniture Galleries® stores, each dedicated to marketing our La-Z-Boy branded products.   We own 68 of those stores. The rest are independently owned and operated, including 23 stores owned by our consolidated VIEs.  La-Z-Boy Furniture Galleries® stores help consumers furnish their homes by combining the style, comfort and quality of La-Z-Boy furniture with our in-home design service.  Taken together, the 305 stores in our La-Z-Boy Furniture Galleries® network make up the largest single-branded upholstered furniture retailer in North America.

We also distribute our products through Comfort Studios®, defined spaces within larger independent retailers that are dedicated to displaying La-Z-Boy branded products.  On average, these independent retailers dedicate approximately 5,000 square feet of floor space to the Comfort Studios® located within their stores.  As of January 22, 2011, there were 536 Comfort Studios®.  In addition to the Comfort Studios® dedicated to La-Z-Boy branded products, our Kincaid, England and Lea operating units have their own dedicated in-store gallery programs.

Our reportable operating segments are the Upholstery Group, the Casegoods Group and the Retail Group.

 
·
Upholstery Group.  In terms of revenue, our largest segment is the Upholstery Group, which includes La-Z-Boy, our largest operating unit, as well as the Bauhaus and England operating units.  The Upholstery Group primarily manufactures and sells upholstered furniture such as recliners and motion furniture, sofas, loveseats, chairs, ottomans and sleeper sofas to furniture retailers and proprietary stores.  It sells mainly to La-Z-Boy Furniture Galleries® stores, operators of Comfort Studios®, general dealers and department stores.

 
·
Casegoods Group.  Our Casegoods Group is primarily an importer, marketer and distributor of casegoods (wood) furniture such as bedroom sets, dining room sets, entertainment centers, and accent pieces, as well as some coordinated upholstered furniture.  The operating units in the Casegoods Group consist of two subgroups: one consisting of American Drew, Lea, and Hammary, and the second being Kincaid.

 
·
Retail Group.  Our Retail Group consists of the 68 company-owned La-Z-Boy Furniture Galleries® stores located in eight markets ranging from the Midwest to the east coast of the United States and also including southeastern Florida.  The Retail Group primarily sells upholstered furniture, as well as some casegoods and other accessories, to end consumers through the retail network.

Financial Highlights

High unemployment, low consumer confidence and a declining housing market have all resulted in negative pressure on the home furnishing industry and our company.  In such difficult times we believe consumers will go back to brands they recognize.  We believe the operating changes we have made over the past few years has been successful as our Retail and Casegoods Groups continued to make significant progress in both sales and operating performance.  While our Upholstery Group’s operating results have been positively impacted by the operational changes, the segment continues to be negatively affected by higher raw material costs compared to fiscal 2010, though we have experienced some improvement since the first half of fiscal 2011.

 
20

 

Variable Interest Entities

We have special operating agreements in place with two independent dealers that are VIEs which cause us to be considered their primary beneficiary.  For the third quarter and first nine months of fiscal 2011 we included these two VIEs, operating 23 (one store was opened during the third quarter of fiscal 2011) La-Z-Boy Furniture Galleries® stores, in our Consolidated Statement of Income.  In the third quarter and first nine months of fiscal 2010 we consolidated three VIEs, operating 31 stores.  After the end of the third quarter of fiscal 2011, we executed an agreement with one of our VIEs to acquire the assets of its operations.  As a result, the number of stores related to our consolidated VIEs will decrease by 15 and the number of stores in our Retail Group will increase by 15 in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2011.

Results of Operations
Fiscal 2011 Third Quarter Compared to Fiscal 2010 Third Quarter

La-Z-Boy Incorporated
(Unaudited, amounts in thousands, except  percentages)
 
01/22/11
   
01/23/10
   
Percent
change
 
Consolidated sales
  $ 291,943     $ 305,094       (4.3 )%
Consolidated operating income
    9,992       13,760       (27.4 )%
Consolidated operating margin
    3.4 %     4.5 %        

Sales

Consolidated sales decreased $13.2 million in the third quarter of fiscal 2011 compared to the third quarter of fiscal 2010.  The deconsolidation of our Toronto, Ontario, VIE resulted in a decrease of $6.6 million, net of eliminations, in our consolidated sales when comparing the third quarter of fiscal 2011 to the third quarter of fiscal 2010.  Additionally, our consolidated sales were negatively impacted by weaker demand in our Upholstery and Casegoods segments and a shift to more promotional products in our Upholstery Group, decreasing our average selling price.

Operating Margin

Our third quarter fiscal 2011 operating margin decreased by 1.1 percentage points compared to the third quarter of fiscal 2010.  Our Casegoods and Retail segments’ operating margins increased significantly during the third quarter of fiscal 2011, but this was offset by a decrease in our Upholstery segments and VIEs’ operating margins.

 
·
Our gross margin decreased 1.7 percentage points in the third quarter of fiscal 2011 compared to the third quarter of fiscal 2010.
 
o
Increases in raw material costs resulted in a 1.3 percentage point decrease in our consolidated gross margin.
 
o
Changes in our product mix resulted in a 0.9 percentage point decrease in gross margin as demand shifted to more promotional products and impacted our average selling price.
 
o
Offsetting the raw material and changes in the product mix were benefits from ongoing cost reductions.
 
·
Increases in advertising expense, as a result of the focus on our brand platform resulted in a 0.5 percentage point decrease in our operating margin.

 
21

 

 
·
Decreases in occupancy related expenses as a percent of sales, mainly as a result of our Retail Group’s increased sales resulted in a 0.6 percentage point increase in our operating margin.
 
·
Decreases in warranty expense as a result of our reduction in warranty accruals due to redesigning a mechanism that had historically experienced high claims activity resulted in a 0.3 percentage point increase in our operating margin.

Upholstery Group
(Unaudited, amounts in thousands, except  percentages)
 
01/22/11
   
01/23/10
   
Percent
change
 
Sales
  $ 225,213     $ 234,262       (3.9 )%
Operating income
    18,468       26,071       (29.2 )%
Operating margin
    8.2 %     11.1 %        
 
Sales
 
Our Upholstery Group’s sales decreased $9.0 million in the third quarter of fiscal 2011 compared to the third quarter of fiscal 2010.  Sales price changes and product mix changes resulted in a 1.1 percentage point decrease in sales.  We believe this was the result of a shift in the overall market demand to more promotional products decreasing our average selling price.
 
Operating Margin

Our Upholstery Group’s operating margin decreased 2.9 percentage points in the third quarter of fiscal 2011 compared to the third quarter of fiscal 2010.

 
·
The segment’s gross margin decreased 1.7 percentage points during the third quarter of fiscal 2011 compared to the third quarter of fiscal 2010 due to increased raw material costs and the decrease in sales volume which impacted our absorption of overhead costs.
 
·
Decreases in sales pricing and changes in the product mix of this segment resulted in a 1.1 percentage point decrease in the segment’s operating margin.
 
·
Increased advertising expense as a result of the focus on our brand platform resulted in a 0.9 percentage point decrease in the segment’s operating margin.
 
·
Increases in our warehousing expense resulted in a 0.4 percentage point decrease in the segment’s operating margin.  This increase was the result of the addition of our new regional distribution center opened at the end of fiscal 2010.
 
·
An increase in bad debt resulted in a 0.4 percentage point decrease in the segment’s operating margin due to one significant bankruptcy during the quarter.
 
·
Somewhat offsetting the negative impacts to this segment’s operating margin mentioned above were ongoing cost reductions and a decrease in warranty expense, which resulted in 1.3 and 0.5 percentage point increases, respectively, in the segment’s operating margin.

Casegoods Group
(Unaudited, amounts in thousands, except  percentages)
 
01/22/11
   
01/23/10
   
Percent
change
 
Sales
  $ 35,426     $ 36,029       (1.7 )%
Operating income (loss)
    1,648       292       464.4 %
Operating margin
    4.7 %     0.8 %        

 
22

 
 
Sales
 
Our Casegoods Group’s sales decreased $0.6 million in the third quarter of fiscal 2011 compared to the third quarter of fiscal 2010.  The slight decrease in sales level for our Casegoods Group was a result of a decrease in overall order levels during the third quarter of fiscal 2011.
 
Operating Margin
 
Our Casegoods Group’s operating margin increased 3.9 percentage points in the third quarter of fiscal 2011 compared to the third quarter of fiscal 2010.

 
·
The segment’s gross margin increased 1.9 percentage points in the third quarter of fiscal 2011 compared to the third quarter of fiscal 2010 mainly due to our decision to vacate a leased warehouse and convert an owned facility to a warehouse, as well as efficiencies realized from the consolidation of our manufacturing plants completed at the end of fiscal 2010.
 
·
A decrease in employee expenses for this segment resulted in a 1.2 percentage point increase in operating margin.  The combining of our Hammary operations with our American Drew/Lea operations resulted in a reduction in headcount and elimination of duplicate selling, general and administrative functions.

Retail Group
(Unaudited, amounts in thousands, except  percentages)
 
01/22/11
   
01/23/10
   
Percent
change
 
Sales
  $ 44,146     $ 40,411       9.2 %
Operating loss
    (2,759 )     (4,135 )     33.3 %
Operating margin
    (6.2 )%     (10.2 )%        
 
Sales
 
Our Retail Group’s sales increased $3.7 million in the third quarter of fiscal 2011 compared to the third quarter of fiscal 2010.  The increase in sales was a result of an effective promotional plan, which led to improved conversion on essentially flat customer traffic.
 
Operating Margin
 
Our Retail Group’s operating margin improved 4.0 percentage points in the third quarter of fiscal 2011 compared to the third quarter of fiscal 2010.  While our Retail Group continued to improve its operating margin, the segment continued to experience negative margins due to its high lease expense to sales volume ratio.

 
·
The segment’s gross margin during the third quarter of fiscal 2011 decreased 0.4 percentage points compared to the third quarter of fiscal 2010 due to an increase in wholesale prices which more than offset a slight increase in selling price.
 
·
The improved operating margin for this segment was primarily a result of the increased sales volume on essentially no change in operating expenses.

 
23

 

VIEs/Other

Our VIEs’ sales decreased $5.5 million in the third quarter of fiscal 2011 compared to the third quarter of fiscal 2010.  This was mainly the result of deconsolidating our Toronto, Ontario, VIE, which reduced the number of stores for our VIEs to 23 for the third quarter of fiscal 2011 (one store was opened during the third quarter of fiscal 2011), compared to 31 for the third quarter of fiscal 2010. Our VIEs had an operating loss of $1.1 million in the third quarter of fiscal 2011, compared to operating income of $0.1 million in the third quarter of fiscal 2010.  The change in operating performance was mainly due to our Toronto, Ontario, VIE, which was a profitable VIE, no longer being consolidated in the third quarter of fiscal 2011.

Our Corporate and Other operating loss decreased by $1.9 million in the third quarter of fiscal 2011 compared to the third quarter of fiscal 2010.  The decrease in operating loss was primarily a result of a decrease in employee incentive compensation expenses as a result of our lower operating performance in the third quarter of fiscal 2011 compared to the third quarter of fiscal 2010.

Interest Expense

Interest expense for the third quarter of fiscal 2011 was flat compared to the third quarter of fiscal 2010.  Our average debt decreased by $0.8 million in the third quarter of fiscal 2011 compared to the third quarter of fiscal 2010.  Our weighted average interest rate decreased 0.5 percentage points in the third quarter of fiscal 2011 compared to the third quarter of fiscal 2010.

Income from Continued Dumping and Subsidy Offset Act

The Continued Dumping and Subsidy Offset Act (“CDSOA”) provides for distribution of monies collected by U.S. Customs and Border Protection from anti-dumping cases to domestic producers that supported the anti-dumping petition.  We received $0.9 million and $4.4 million in payments and funds related to the anti-dumping order on wooden bedroom furniture from China during the third quarters of fiscal 2011 and fiscal 2010, respectively, for duties collected on imports entered into the United States before October 1, 2007.  The decrease in CDSOA funds we received was a result of the smaller total amount available for distribution, coupled with not receiving funds from a previously sold company.  The percentage of total distributions allocated to our divisions that supported the petition was similar to prior years.

Income Taxes
 
Our effective tax rate for the third quarter of fiscal 2011 was 22.6% compared to 37.8% for the third quarter of fiscal 2010.  The effective tax rate for the third quarter of fiscal 2011 was impacted by changes in the valuation allowance for deferred taxes due to temporary differences that resulted in a rate reduction of 16.2 percentage points. Of particular significance is the valuation allowance attributable to the tax benefits associated with our southern California VIE, that resulted in a rate reduction of 21.2 percentage points.  This tax benefit relates to the amount of accounts receivable written off in excess of the fair value of the assets received from this VIE.

 
24

 

Results of Operations
Fiscal 2011 Nine Months Compared to Fiscal 2010 Nine Months

La-Z-Boy Incorporated
(Unaudited, amounts in thousands, except  percentages)
 
01/22/11
   
01/23/10
   
Percent
change
 
Consolidated sales
  $ 848,239     $ 868,472       (2.3 )%
Consolidated operating income
    13,681       24,668       (44.5 )%
Consolidated operating margin
    1.6 %     2.8 %        

Sales

Consolidated sales decreased $20.2 million in the first nine months of fiscal 2011 compared to the first nine months of fiscal 2010.  Our Casegoods and Retail Groups experienced slight increases in sales volume, however this was offset by the decrease in sales volume for our Upholstery Group.  Our Upholstery segment sales were negatively impacted by a shift in the overall market demand to more promotional goods decreasing our average selling price.  Additionally, the deconsolidation of our Toronto, Ontario, VIE resulted in a decrease of $14.9 million, net of eliminations, in our consolidated sales.

Operating Margin

Our operating margin decreased by 1.2 percentage points in the first nine months of fiscal 2011 compared to the first nine months of fiscal 2010. Our Casegoods and Retail segments’ operating margins increased during the first nine months of fiscal 2011, but this was offset by a decrease in our Upholstery segment’s and VIEs operating margins.

 
·
Our gross margin decreased by 2.3 percentage points during the first nine months of fiscal 2011 compared to the first nine months of fiscal 2010.
 
o
Increases in raw material costs resulted in a 1.8 percentage point decrease in our consolidated gross margin.
 
o
Changes in our product mix resulted in a 0.8 percentage point decrease in gross margin.
 
o
Cost reductions partially offset the raw material and product mix changes.
 
·
Decreases in employee incentive compensation expenses as a result of our lower operating performance during the first nine months of fiscal 2011 compared to the first nine months of fiscal 2010 resulted in a 0.6 percentage point improvement in our operating margin.
 
·
Decreases in occupancy related expenses as percent of sales, mainly a result of our Retail Group’s increased sales, resulted in a 0.5 percentage point increase in our operating margin.

Upholstery Group
(Unaudited, amounts in thousands, except  percentages)
 
01/22/11
   
01/23/10
   
Percent
change
 
Sales
  $ 652,025     $ 663,734       (1.8 )%
Operating income
    45,580       67,122       (32.1 )%
Operating margin
    7.0 %     10.1 %        

 
25

 
 
Sales
 
Our Upholstery Group’s sales decreased $11.7 million in the first nine months of fiscal 2011 compared to the first nine months of fiscal 2010.  Sales price changes and product mix changes resulted in a 1.2 percentage point decrease in sales.  We believe this was the result of a shift in the overall market demand to more promotional products decreasing our average selling price.
 
Operating Margin

Our Upholstery Group’s operating margin decreased 3.1 percentage points in the first nine months of fiscal 2011 compared to the first nine months of fiscal 2010.

 
·
The segment’s gross margin decreased by 2.7 percentage points during the first nine months of fiscal 2011 compared to the first nine months of fiscal 2010 due to increased raw material costs, decreasing our margin by 2.4 percentage points, and the decrease in sales volume which impacted our absorption of overhead costs.
 
·
Decreases in selling prices and changes in the product mix of this segment resulted in a 1.2 percentage point decrease in the segment’s operating margin.
 
·
Increases in our warehousing expense resulted in a 0.5 percentage point decrease in the segment’s operating margin.  This increase was the result of the addition of our new regional distribution center opened at the end of fiscal 2010.
 
·
Increased advertising expense as a result of the focus on our brand platform resulted in a 0.3 percentage point decrease in the segment’s operating margin.
 
·
Somewhat offsetting the negative impacts to this segment’s operating margin mentioned above were ongoing cost reductions, as well as a decrease in the segment’s bad debt expense which resulted in 1.3 and 0.5 percentage point increases in the segment’s operating margin.

Casegoods Group
(Unaudited, amounts in thousands, except  percentages)
 
01/22/11
   
01/23/10
   
Percent
change
 
Sales
  $ 111,785     $ 109,196       2.4 %
Operating income (loss)
    4,599       (13 )     N/M  
Operating margin
    4.1 %     0.0 %        
N/M – not meaningful
                       
 
Sales
 
Our Casegoods Group’s sales increased $2.6 million in the first nine months of fiscal 2011 compared to the first nine months of fiscal 2010.  The majority of the increase in sales volume was the result of broader placement of our various product lines at independent dealers.  Additionally, we offered higher than normal discounts on casegoods during the first nine months of fiscal 2010 in order to sell slow moving and obsolete inventory.  This was not continued in the first nine months of fiscal 2011.  The changes in discounting for our Casegoods Group resulted in a 1.5 percentage point improvement in sales for the first nine months of fiscal 2011 compared to the first nine months of fiscal 2010.

 
26

 
 
Operating Margin
 
Our Casegoods Group’s operating margin increased 4.1 percentage points in the first nine months of fiscal 2011 compared to the first nine months of fiscal 2010.

 
·
The segment’s gross margin increased 2.6 percentage points in the first nine months of fiscal 2011 compared to the first nine months of fiscal 2010 mainly due to our decision to vacate a leased warehouse and convert an owned facility to a warehouse, as well as efficiencies realized in its manufacturing facility due to the changes completed at the end of fiscal 2010.
 
·
A decrease in employee expenses for this segment resulted in a 1.1 percentage point increase in operating margin.  The combining of our Hammary operations with our American Drew/Lea operations resulted in a reduction in headcount and elimination of duplicate selling, general and administrative functions.

Retail Group
(Unaudited, amounts in thousands, except  percentages)
 
01/22/11
   
01/23/10
   
Percent
change
 
Sales
  $ 118,699     $ 114,387       3.8 %
Operating loss
    (12,043 )     (15,104 )     20.3 %
Operating margin
    (10.1 )%     (13.2 )%        
 
Sales
 
Our Retail Group’s sales increased $4.3 million in the first nine months of fiscal 2011 compared to the first nine months of fiscal 2010.  The increase in sales was a result of an effective promotional plan, which led to improved conversion on lower customer traffic.
 
Operating Margin
 
Our Retail Group’s operating margin increased 3.1 percentage points in the first nine months of fiscal 2011 compared to the first nine months of fiscal 2010.  While our Retail Group continued to improve its operating margin, the segment continued to experience negative margins due to its high lease expense to sales volume ratio.

 
·
The segment experienced a 1.2 percentage point improvement in gross margin during the first nine months of fiscal 2011 compared to the first nine months of fiscal 2010 due to changes in the segment’s sales initiatives and merchandising.
 
·
The improved operating margin for this segment was primarily a result of the increased sales volume on essentially no change in operating expenses.

 
27

 

VIEs/Other

Our VIEs’ sales decreased $14.2 million in the first nine months of fiscal 2011 compared to the first nine months of fiscal 2010.  This was mainly the result of deconsolidating our Toronto, Ontario, VIE, which reduced the number of stores for our VIEs to 23 (one store opened during the third quarter of fiscal 2011) for the first nine months of fiscal 2011, compared to 31 for the first nine months of fiscal 2010. Our VIEs had an operating loss of $3.8 million in the first nine months of fiscal 2011, compared to an operating loss of $1.1 million in the first nine months of fiscal 2010.  The increase in operating loss was mainly due to our Toronto, Ontario, VIE, which was a profitable VIE, no longer being consolidated in the first nine months of fiscal 2011.

Our Corporate and Other operating loss decreased by $3.3 million in the first nine months of fiscal 2011 compared to the first nine months of fiscal 2010.  The decrease in operating loss was primarily a result of a decrease in employee incentive compensation expenses as a result of our lower operating performance in the first nine months of fiscal 2011 compared to the first nine months of fiscal 2010.

Interest Expense

Interest expense for the first nine months of fiscal 2011 was less than the first nine months of fiscal 2010 due to a $3.9 million decrease in our average debt.  Our weighted average interest rate was flat in the first nine months of fiscal 2011 compared to the first nine months of fiscal 2010 and therefore had no impact on the change in interest expense. Additionally, our interest expense was positively impacted by our Toronto, Ontario, VIE no longer being consolidated in the first nine months of fiscal 2011.

Income from Continued Dumping and Subsidy Offset Act

The Continued Dumping and Subsidy Offset Act (“CDSOA”) provides for distribution of monies collected by U.S. Customs and Border Protection from anti-dumping cases to domestic producers that supported the anti-dumping petition.  We received $0.9 million and $4.4 million in payments and funds related to the anti-dumping order on wooden bedroom furniture from China during the first nine months of fiscal 2011 and fiscal 2010, respectively, for duties collected on imports entered into the United States before October 1, 2007.  The decrease in CDSOA funds we received was a result of the smaller total amount available for distribution, coupled with not receiving funds from a previously sold company.  The percentage of total distributions allocated to our divisions that supported the petition was similar to prior years.

Income Taxes
 
Our effective tax rate for the first nine months of fiscal 2011 was 22.8% compared to 36.4% for the first nine months of fiscal 2010.  The effective tax rate for the first nine months of fiscal 2011 was impacted by anticipated changes in the valuation reserve for deferred taxes due to current year book/tax timing differences that resulted in a rate reduction of 16.2 percentage points. Of particular significance is the timing difference attributable to the tax benefits associated with our southern California VIE, that resulted in a rate reduction of 21.2 percentage points.  This tax benefit relates to the amount of accounts receivable written off in excess of the fair value of the assets received from this VIE.
 
Restructuring

During fiscal 2008, we committed to a restructuring plan to consolidate all of our North American cutting and sewing operations in Mexico and to transfer production from our Tremonton, Utah, plant to our five remaining La-Z-Boy branded upholstery manufacturing facilities.  Our Utah facility ceased operations during the first quarter of fiscal 2009.  During the third quarter and first nine months of fiscal 2011, we had a net reduction of estimated restructuring liabilities of $0.1 million and $0.2 million, respectively, classified in total cost of sales, covering severance and benefits.  During the third quarter and first nine months of fiscal 2010 we had a net reduction of estimated restructuring liabilities of $0.2 million and $0.5 million, respectively, classified in total cost of sales, covering severance and benefits.

 
28

 

During fiscal 2007 and fiscal 2008, several of our retail warehouses were consolidated into larger facilities and several underperforming stores were closed.  In the third quarter and first nine months of fiscal 2011 we had restructuring charges of $0.3 million and $0.6 million, respectively, classified as an operating expense line item below selling, general and administrative, due to contract terminations relating to these actions.  During the third quarter and first nine months of fiscal 2010 we had restructuring charges of $0.2 million and $1.0 million, respectively, classified as an operating expense line item below selling, general and administrative, due to contract terminations relating to these actions.

In fiscal 2009, we committed to a restructuring plan to consolidate our casegoods manufacturing plants in North Carolina related to our Kincaid and American Drew/Lea operations and to convert one of the facilities into a distribution center.  The consolidation of these plants was completed in the first quarter of fiscal 2010, and the conversion of the distribution center was completed in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2010.  In connection with this plan, we recorded restructuring charges of $0.6 million and $2.3 million during the third quarter and first nine months of fiscal 2010, respectively, classified in total cost of sales, covering severance and benefits and other restructuring costs.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

Our sources of cash liquidity include cash and equivalents, cash from operations and amounts available under our credit facility. We believe these sources remain adequate to meet our short-term and long-term liquidity requirements, finance our long-term growth plans, meet debt service, and fulfill other cash requirements for day-to-day operations and capital expenditures.  We had cash and equivalents of $109.6 million at January 22, 2011, compared to $108.4 million at April 24, 2010.

Under our credit agreement we have certain covenants and restrictions, including a 1.05 to 1.00 fixed charge coverage ratio requirement which would become effective if our excess availability fell below $30.0 million.  Excess availability is the difference between our eligible accounts receivable and inventory less the total of our outstanding letters of credit, other reserves as denoted in our credit agreement and our outstanding borrowings on our revolving credit agreement.  We do not expect to fall below the required excess availability threshold in the next twelve months.  As of January 22, 2011, we had $30.0 million outstanding on our credit facility and $89.4 million of excess availability, compared to $30.0 million outstanding on our credit facility and $90.6 million of excess availability as of April 24, 2010.

Our borrowing capacity is based on eligible trade accounts receivable and inventory.  During the third quarter of fiscal 2011 we reduced the total commitment under our credit facility to $175.0 million.  We made this reduction because we expect our borrowing capacity to remain at or below $175.0 million, and the reduction will result in lower commitment fees on the unused portion of the credit facility.  This reduction had no impact on our overall availability to borrow on our credit facility.

Capital expenditures for the first nine months of fiscal 2011 were $8.2 million compared with $5.7 million during the first nine months of fiscal 2010.  We have no material commitments for capital expenditures.  Capital expenditures are expected to be in the range of $10.0 million to $12.0 million in fiscal 2011.

 
29

 
 
We expect that paying restructuring costs from transitioning our domestic cutting and sewing operations to Mexico and our ongoing costs for closed retail facilities will require approximately $0.2 million of cash during the remainder of fiscal 2011.
 
We expect to pay our contractual obligations due in the remainder of fiscal 2011 using our cash flow from operations, our $109.6 million of cash on hand as of January 22, 2011, and the $89.4 million of availability under our credit agreement.

The following table illustrates the main components of our cash flows:

Cash Flows Provided By (Used For)
 
Nine Months Ended
 
(Unaudited, amounts in thousands)
 
01/22/11
   
01/23/10
 
Operating activities
           
Net income
  $ 10,613     $ 17,547  
Non-cash add backs and changes in deferred taxes
    24,650       28,510  
Restructuring
    424       2,813  
Working capital
    (24,971 )     9,829  
Cash provided by operating activities
    10,716       58,699  
                 
Cash provided by (used for) investing activities
    (8,074 )     15,712  
                 
Financing activities
               
Net decrease in debt
    (962 )     (12,345 )
Stock issued from stock plans
    58        
Cash used for financing activities
    (904 )     (12,345 )
                 
Exchange rate changes
    99       81  
Net increase in cash and equivalents
  $ 1,837     $ 62,147  

Operating Activities

During the first nine months of fiscal 2011, net cash provided by operating activities was $10.7 million. Our net income and depreciation and amortization were $28.4 million and our working capital primarily consisted of the following:

 
·
Decrease in accounts receivable of $11.0 million.
 
·
Increase in inventory levels of $14.1 million due to our focus on being in a better service position for our customers.
 
·
Decrease in other liabilities of $13.0 million due to payments of accrued benefits and decreases in our estimated income tax liability.

During the first nine months of fiscal 2010, net cash provided by operating activities was $58.7 million.  Our net income and depreciation and amortization were $36.7 million and our working capital primarily consisted of the following:

 
·
Increase in accounts receivable of $14.1 million due to our improved sales volume.
 
·
Increase in inventory levels of $4.2 million due to our expected increase in sales volume.

 
30

 

 
·
Decrease in other assets of $6.2 million primarily due to a refund of income taxes.
 
·
Increase in accounts payable of $6.7 million.
 
·
Increase in other liabilities of $15.2 million primarily due to an increase in accrued benefit payments and customer deposits.

Investing Activities

During the first nine months of fiscal 2011, net cash used for investing activities was $8.1 million, compared with $15.7 million of cash provided by investing activities during the first nine months of fiscal 2010.  The majority of the net cash used for investing activities during the first nine months of fiscal 2011 was $8.2 million in capital expenditures.  The net cash provided by investing activities during the first nine months of fiscal 2010 resulted primarily from a $17.5 million change in restricted cash.

Financing Activities

During the first nine months of fiscal 2011, net cash used for financing activities was $0.9 million, compared to $12.3 million in the first nine months of fiscal 2010.  The net cash used for financing activities during the first nine months of fiscal 2011 and fiscal 2010 primarily related to the repayment of debt.

Other

Our balance sheet at the end of the third quarter of fiscal 2011 reflected a $1.9 million liability for uncertain income tax positions.  We expect that a portion of this liability will be settled within the next 12 months.  The remaining balance, to the extent it is ever paid, will be paid as tax audits are completed or settled.

During the first nine months of fiscal 2011 there were no material changes to the information about our contractual obligations shown in the table contained in our fiscal 2010 Annual Report on Form 10-K.
 
Realization of our deferred tax assets is dependent on generating sufficient future taxable income.  Valuation allowances of $45.1 million associated with certain U.S. federal and state deferred tax assets could be reduced in fiscal 2012 based on, among other factors, the level of taxable income generated in fiscal 2012.
 
Our debt-to-capitalization ratio was 11.2% at January 22, 2011, and 12.3% at April 24, 2010.  Capitalization is defined as total debt plus total equity.
 
Our board of directors has authorized the repurchase of company stock.  As of January 22, 2011, 5.4 million additional shares could be purchased pursuant to this authorization. We did not purchase any shares during the first nine months of fiscal 2011.
 
We have guaranteed various leases and notes of dealers with proprietary stores. The total amount of these guarantees was $1.6 million at January 22, 2011. Of this, $1.4 million will expire within one year and $0.2 million in one to two years.  At the end of the third quarter of fiscal 2011, we had $49.5 million in open purchase orders with foreign casegoods, leather and fabric sources. Our open purchase orders that have not begun production are cancelable.
 
Continuing compliance with existing federal, state and local statutes dealing with protection of the environment is not expected to have a material effect upon our capital expenditures, earnings, competitive position or liquidity.

 
31

 
 
Critical Accounting Policies
 
Our critical accounting policies are disclosed in our Form 10-K for the year ended April 24, 2010.  There were no material changes, except as described in Note 1, to our critical accounting policies during the first nine months of fiscal 2011.
 
Regulatory Developments

Continued Dumping and Subsidy Offset Act of 2000

The Continued Dumping and Subsidy Offset Act of 2000 (“CDSOA”) provides for distribution of monies collected by U.S. Customs and Border Protection from anti-dumping cases to domestic producers that supported the anti-dumping petition. There have been numerous cases before the U.S. Court of International Trade and the Federal Circuit that have been stayed.  The resolution of these cases will have a significant impact on the amount of additional CDSOA funds we receive.

In view of the uncertainties associated with this program, we are unable to predict the amounts, if any, we may receive in the future under CDSOA.  However, assuming CDSOA distributions continue, these distributions could be material depending on the results of legal appeals and administrative reviews and our actual percentage allocation.  We received $0.9 million during the first nine months of fiscal 2011, $4.4 million during fiscal 2010, $8.1 million during fiscal 2009, $7.1 million during fiscal 2008 and $3.4 million during fiscal 2007 in CDSOA payments and funds related to the anti-dumping order on wooden bedroom furniture from China.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements
 
Refer to Note 15 for updates on recent accounting pronouncements since the filing of our Form 10-K for the year ended April 24, 2010.

Business Outlook

With a rebound in same-store sales for the quarter, it appears the consumer is more comfortable making larger ticket furniture purchases.  However, until the housing sector strengthens and we see a steady improvement in the overall consumer confidence level, we are guardedly optimistic that we are experiencing a turnaround in the marketplace for furniture.  We believe La-Z-Boy is well positioned to capitalize on an increase in furniture spending based on our industry-leading brand and strong network of branded distribution outlets.  We believe our new marketing campaign will continue to drive additional traffic to our dealer network and the changes we have made and continue to make to our cost structure across all business segments are positioning the company for growth and profitability.

Note:  The 2011 fiscal fourth quarter will be comprised of 14 weeks rather than 13.

ITEM 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
 
During the first nine months of fiscal 2011 there were no material changes from the information contained in Item 7A of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for fiscal 2010.

 
32

 
 
ITEM 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
 
Disclosure Controls and Procedures. As of the end of the period covered by this report, we carried out an evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures, as such term is defined in Rule 13a-15(e) of the Exchange Act. Based upon that evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that such disclosure controls and procedures as of January 22, 2011, were not effective due to a material weakness in our internal controls over financial reporting identified during the second quarter of fiscal 2011, as described below. Notwithstanding this material weakness, based on additional procedures performed after its discovery, management believes that the financial statements included in this report fairly present in all material respects our financial condition, results of operations, and cash flows for the periods presented.
 
Material Weakness – Accounting Oversight of our VIEs. During the second quarter we identified deficiencies in the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting related to our VIEs. Specifically, our controls related to the account analysis and consolidation process for the VIEs did not operate at the same level of precision as the more rigorous controls used with respect to the consolidation and analysis of the various company-owned businesses in order for timely detection of any possible misstatements of the consolidated financial statements. We discovered that these control deficiencies had resulted in errors in certain of our previously issued financial statements, none of which was material to any of the periods presented in those financial statements, but which required us to revise certain of our prior period account balances as we report them in future filings for cost of goods sold, selling, general and administrative expenses, inventory, accrued rent and other accrued liabilities. We began making these revisions in our Form 10-Q for the second quarter of fiscal 2011. Additionally, these control deficiencies could have resulted in material misstatements to the annual or interim consolidated financial statements that would not have been prevented or detected. Accordingly, management has determined that these control deficiencies when aggregated constitute a material weakness.

Starting at the beginning of the third quarter of fiscal 2011, our internal controls related to VIEs were enhanced in order to better align with the processes and financial reporting controls that have been established for our various company-owned businesses.  We believe that this material weakness will be remediated by the end of fiscal 2011 subject to testing as part of our annual assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting.

Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting.
Other than the changes mentioned above, there were no changes in our internal controls over financial reporting that occurred during the fiscal quarter ended January 22, 2011, that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

PART II — OTHER INFORMATION
 
ITEM 1A.  RISK FACTORS
 
There have been no material changes to our risk factors during the first nine months of fiscal 2011.  Our risk factors are disclosed in our Form 10-K for the year ended April 24, 2010.

 
33

 
 
ITEM 6. EXHIBITS
 
Exhibit
Number
 
Description
(31.1
Certifications of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a)
(31.2
Certifications of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a)
(32
Certifications of Executive Officers pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350(b)
 
SIGNATURE
 
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.
 
 
LA-Z-BOY INCORPORATED
 
 
(Registrant)
 
     
Date: February 15, 2011
   
     
 
BY:  /s/ Margaret L. Mueller
 
 
Margaret L. Mueller
 
 
Corporate Controller
 
 
On behalf of the Registrant and as
 
 
Chief Accounting Officer
 

 
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