form10q.htm
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
 
Washington, DC 20549
 
FORM 10-Q
 
 QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE
SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
 
For the quarterly period ended July 31, 2009 
 
OR
 
 TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE
SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the transition period from _________to_________
 
Commission File No. 0-21084
                                                                                                                       
Champion Industries, Inc.
(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)
 
West Virginia
 
55-0717455
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)
 
(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
 
2450-90 1st Avenue
P.O. Box 2968
Huntington, WV 25728
(Address of principal executive offices)
(Zip Code)
 
(304) 528-2700
(Registrant’s telephone number,
including area code)
 
    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   ü 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 (SEC. 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 definition of “large accelerated filer”, "accelerated filer" and "smaller reporting company" in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
 
 Large accelerated filer o
 Accelerated filer o  
 Non-accelerated filer o
Smaller reporting company þ
   
 (Do not check if a 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  ü .
 
Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuers classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date.
 
 Class
 
 Outstanding at July 31, 2009
 Common stock, $1.00 par value per share
 
 9,987,913 shares
 
 
 

 
Champion Industries, Inc.
 
INDEX
 
 
 
 
 Page No.
 Part I.   Financial Information
 
  Item 1.  Financial Statements
 
    Consolidated Balance Sheets (Unaudited)
3
    Consolidated Statements of Income (Unaudited)
5
 Consolidated Statements of Shareholders' Equity (Unaudited)
6
    Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited)
7
    Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
8
  Item 2.  Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
17
  Item 3a.  Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosure About Market Risk
 22
  Item 4T.  Controls and Procedures
22
 Part II. Other Information
 
  Item 1A.  Risk Factors 23
  Item 6.  Exhibits
23
 Signatures
24
 
 
2

 
PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION
 
Item 1. Financial Statements
Champion Industries, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Balance Sheets
 
ASSETS
 
July 31,
 
 
 
October 31,
 
 
 
2009
(Unaudited)
 
 
 
2008
(Audited)
 
Current assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
     Cash and cash equivalents
$
106,347
 
 
 
    Accounts receivable, net of allowance of $1,143,000 and $1,851,000
 
16,886,964
 
 
 
23,888,688
 
     Inventories
 
10,597,010
 
 
 
12,014,118
 
 Income tax refund
 
2,482,286
      711,096  
     Other current assets
 
1,161,905
 
 
 
833,066
 
     Deferred income tax assets
 
937,832
 
 
 
1,130,742
 
     Total current assets
 
32,172,344
 
 
 
38,577,710
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
     Property and equipment, at cost:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
     Land
 
2,120,689
 
 
 
2,120,689
 
     Buildings and improvements
 
12,144,389
 
 
 
12,110,480
 
     Machinery and equipment
 
57,311,282
 
 
 
55,407,620
 
     Furniture and fixtures
 
4,163,854
 
 
 
4,089,466
 
     Vehicles & other
 
3,153,493
 
 
 
3,144,682
 
 
 
78,893,707
 
 
 
76,872,937
 
     Less accumulated depreciation
 
(52,628,226
)
 
 
(49,764,709
)
 
 
26,265,481
 
 
 
27,108,228
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
    Cash surrender value of officers’ life insurance
 
353,567
 
 
 
874,397
 
    Goodwill
 
38,894,778
 
 
 
38,894,778
 
Deferred financing costs
  1,276,566       1,508,669  
    Other intangibles, net of accumulated amortization
 
14,951,919
 
 
 
15,730,841
 
  Trademark & masthead   18,515,316       18,515,316  
     Other assets
 
56,030
 
 
 
68,906
 
 
 
74,048,176
 
 
 
75,592,907
 
    Total assets
$
132,486,001
 
 
$
141,278,845
 
 
See notes to consolidated financial statements.
 
 
3

 
Champion Industries, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Balance Sheets (continued)
 
 
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
July 31,
 
October 31,
 
 
2009
(Unaudited)
 
2008
(Audited)
 
 Current liabilities:            
     Notes Payable, line of credit  $ 8,725,496     $  
     Negative book cash balances        986,704   
     Accounts payable
 
2,802,233
 
 
4,844,725
 
     Accrued payroll
 
2,138,403
 
 
2,726,911
 
     Taxes accrued and withheld
 
1,526,871
 
 
987,385
 
     Accrued expenses
 
1,741,604
 
 
1,546,055
 
     Current portion of long-term debt:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Notes payable
  58,175,644      7,118,543  
     Total current liabilities
 
75,110,251
 
 
18,210,323
 
Long-term debt, net of current portion:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Line of credit
 
-
 
 
9,125,496
 
Notes payable, term
 
848,100
 
 
57,206,307
 
Other liabilities
 
1,133,075
 
 
939,006
 
Deferred income tax liabilities
 
3,874,054
 
 
3,937,658
 
     Total liabilities
 
80,965,480
 
 
89,418,790
 
Shareholders’ equity:
 
 
 
 
 
 
  Common stock, $1 par value, 20,000,000 shares authorized;
  9,987,913 and 9,987,913 shares issued and outstanding
 
9,987,913
 
 
9,987,913
 
  Additional paid-in capital
 
22,768,610
 
 
22,768,610
 
  Retained earnings
 
19,439,163
 
 
19,661,445
 
  Other comprehensive loss   (675,165 )   (557,913 )
Total shareholders’ equity
 
51,520,521
 
 
51,860,055
 
 Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity
$
132,486,001
 
$
141,278,845
 
 
See notes to consolidated financial statements.
 
 
4

 
Champion Industries, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Statements of Income
(Unaudited)
 
 
Three Months Ended
July 31,
Nine Months Ended
July 31,
 
 
 
 
2009
 
 
2008
 
 
2009
 
 
2008
 
Revenues:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  Printing
 
$
20,943,727
 
$
25,310,637
 
$
65,816,855
 
$
76,773,926
 
  Office products and office furniture
 
 
9,025,837
 
 
9,796,451
 
 
27,369,084
 
 
28,314,705
 
  Newspaper     3,899,621     4,609,131     12,273,927     14,192,580  
    Total revenues
 
 
33,869,185
 
 
39,716,219
 
 
105,459,866
 
 
119,281,211
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cost of sales and newspaper operating costs:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  Printing
 
 
15,864,454
 
 
18,211,453
 
 
49,543,157
 
 
54,480,388
 
  Office products and office furniture
 
 
6,256,070
 
 
6,804,811
 
 
19,377,572
 
 
19,824,259
 
  Newspaper cost of sales and operating costs     2,082,670     2,428,051     6,655,320     7,037,662  
    Total cost of sales and newspaper operating costs
 
 
24,203,194
 
 
27,444,315
 
 
75,576,049
 
 
81,342,309
 
Gross profit
 
 
9,665,991
 
 
12,271,904
 
 
29,883,817
 
 
37,938,902
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
    Selling, general and administrative expenses
 
 
8,758,148
 
 
9,846,190
 
 
27,387,608
 
 
29,235,077
 
 Hurricane and relocation costs, net recoveries             (38,673 )    
Income from operations
 
 
907,843
 
 
2,425,714
 
 
2,534,882
 
 
8,703,825
 
                           
Other income benefit (expenses):
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
     Interest income
 
 
-
 
 
9,880
 
 
2,771
 
 
61,115
 
     Interest expense
 
 
(1,449,210
)
 
(1,270,690
)
 
(3,718,527
)
 
(4,385,648
)
     Other
 
 
14,081
 
 
16,820
 
 
48,847
 
 
49,734
 
 
 
 
(1,435,129
)
 
(1,243,990
)
 
(3,666,909
)
 
(4,274,799
)
                           
Income (Loss) before income taxes
 
 
(527,286
)
 
1,181,724
 
 
(1,132,027
)
 
4,429,026
 
     Income tax benefit (expense)
 
 
561,275
 
 
(114,809
) 
 
1,509,024
 
 
(688,947
)
Net income
 
$
33,989
 
$
1,066,915
 
$
376,997
 
$
3,740,079
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Earnings per share
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
     Basic
 
$
0.00
 
$
0.11
 
$
0.04
 
$
0.37
 
     Diluted
 
$
0.00
 
$
0.11
 
$
0.04
 
$
0.37
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Weighted average shares outstanding:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
     Basic
 
 
9,988,000
 
 
9,988,000
 
 
9,988,000
 
 
9,986,000
 
     Diluted
 
 
9,988,000
 
 
10,023,000
 
 
9,988,000
 
 
10,036,000
 
Dividends per share
 
$
0.00 
 
$
0.06
 
$
0.06
 
$
0.18
 
 
See notes to consolidated financial statements.
 
 
5

 
Champion Industries, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Statements of Shareholders’ Equity
(Unaudited)
 
 
         
Additional
     
  Other
     
 
Common Stock
 
Paid-In
 
Retained
 
  Comprehensive
     
 
Shares
 
Amount
 
Capital
 
Earnings
 
  Loss
 
Total
 
Balance, October 31, 2008   9,987,913    $ 9,987,913    $ 22,768,610    $ 19,661,445    $ (557,913 )  $ 51,860,055  
                                     
Comprehensive income:                                    
  Net income for 2009
 
-
   
-
   
-
   
376,997
   
 -
   
376,997
 
Other comprehensive loss (net of tax)
  -     -     -     -     (117,252 )  
(117,252
)
    Total comprehensive income   -     -     -     376,997     (117,252 )   259,745  
                                     
  Dividends ($0.06 per share)
 
-
   
-
   
-
   
(599,279
 
 -
   
(599,279
                                     
Balance, July 31, 2009
 
9,987,913
 
$
9,987,913
 
$
22,768,610
 
$
19,439,163
 
$
 (675,165
$
51,520,521
 
 
See notes to consolidated financial statements.
 
 
6

 
Champion Industries, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
(Unaudited)
 
 
Nine Months Ended July 31,
 
 
 
2009
 
2008
 
Cash flows from operating activities:
 
 
 
 
 
Net income
 
$
376,997
 
$
3,740,079
 
Adjustments to reconcile net income to cash
provided by operating activities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  Depreciation and amortization
 
 
3,931,633
 
 
4,033,131
 
Gain on sale of assets
 
 
(14,943
) 
 
(2,254
)
Deferred income taxes
 
 
207,473
 
 
111,163
 
Deferred financing costs
    232,103      232,103  
Bad debt expense
 
 
619,966
 
 
358,244
 
Changes in assets and liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
    Accounts receivable
 
 
6,381,758
 
 
1,016,231
 
    Inventories
 
 
1,417,108
 
 
(85,704
)
    Other current assets
 
 
(328,839
)
 
(206,577
)
    Accounts payable
 
 
(2,042,492
) 
 
(962,517
)
    Accrued payroll
 
 
(588,508
)
 
169,308
 
    Taxes accrued and withheld
 
 
539,486
 
 
(304,745
)
    Income taxes
 
 
(1,771,190
)
 
365,844
 
    Accrued expenses
 
 
195,549
 
 
19,156
 
    Other liabilities
 
 
(1,350
)
 
(1,350
)
    Net cash provided by operating activities
 
 
9,154,751
 
 
8,482,112
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash flows from investing activities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Purchases of property and equipment
 
 
(1,787,074
)
 
(2,107,847
)
Proceeds from sales of property
 
 
83,808
 
 
148,749
 
Businesses acquired
   
-
 
 
(1,616,823
)
Proceeds from cash surrender value of officers' life insurance     520,830      
Change in other assets
 
 
3,876
 
 
50,711
 
     Net cash used in investing activities
 
 
(1,178,560
)
 
(3,525,210
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash flows from financing activities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Borrowing on line of credit
 
 
600,000
 
 
-
 
Payments on line of credit
 
 
(1,000,000
)
 
(5,415,000
)
Proceeds from term debt and leases
 
 
-
 
 
767,852
 
Principal payments on long-term debt
 
 
(5,883,861
)
 
(4,029,754
)
Proceeds from exercise of stock options
   
-
    54,310  
Dividends paid
 
 
(599,279
)
 
(1,797,589
)
     Net cash used in financing activities
 
 
(6,883,140
)
 
(10,420,181
)
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
 
 
1,093,051
 
 
(5,463,279
) 
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period
 
 
(986,704
)
 
5,793,120
 
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period
 
$
106,347
 
$
329,841
 
See notes to consolidated financial statements.
 
 
7

 
Champion Industries, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)
July 31, 2009
1. Basis of Presentation and Business Operations
 
The foregoing financial information has been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”) and rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission for interim financial reporting. The preparation of the financial statements in accordance with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the financial statements and accompanying notes. Actual results could differ from these estimates. In the opinion of management, the financial information reflects all adjustments (consisting of items of a normal recurring nature) necessary for a fair presentation of financial position, results of operations and cash flows in conformity with GAAP. These interim financial statements should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements for the year ended October 31, 2008, and related notes thereto contained in Champion Industries, Inc.’s Form 10-K dated January 19, 2009. The accompanying interim financial information is unaudited. The results of operations for the period are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the full year. The balance sheet information as of October 31, 2008 was derived from our audited financial statements. For the third quarter, we evaluated subsequent events through September 4, 2009. 
 
The carrying amount reported in the balance sheet for cash and cash equivalents approximates its fair value. The fair value of long-term debt was estimated using discounted cash flows and it approximates its carrying value.
 
In September 2006, the FASB issued FAS No. 157, “Fair Value Measurements.” FAS No. 157 provides guidance for using fair value to measure assets and liabilities and only applies when other standards require or permit the fair value measurement of assets and liabilities. It does not expand the use of fair value measurements. FAS No. 157, as issued, is effective for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007. FASB Staff Position (FSB) FAS No. 157-2 was issued in February 2008 and deferred the effective date of FAS No. 157 to fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2008 for nonfinancial assets and nonfinancial liabilities. Accordingly, as of November 1, 2008, the Company adopted FAS No. 157 for financial assets and liabilities only. The Company's interest rate swap derivative liability is based on third party valuation models, and is therefore classified as having Level 2 inputs. The adoption of FAS No. 157 for financial assets and financial liabilities did not have a material impact on the Company's results of operations, financial condition or liquidity. The full adoption of FAS No. 157 for nonfinancial assets and nonfinancial liabilities is also not expected to have a significant impact on the Company's results of operations, financial condition or liquidity.
 
In February 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 159, “The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities, including an amendment of FASB Statement No. 115.” SFAS No. 159 permits entities to choose to measure at fair value many financial instruments and certain other items at fair value that are not currently required to be measured. Unrealized gains and losses on items for which the fair value option has been elected are reported in earnings. SFAS No. 159 does not affect any existing accounting literature that requires certain assets and liabilities to be carried at fair value. SFAS No. 159 is effective for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007. The Company elected to not apply the provisions of SFAS No. 159; therefore the adoption of SFAS No. 159 did not affect our consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows.
 
The company measures and records in the accompanying consolidated financial statements certain liabilities at fair value on a recurring basis. SFAS No. 157 establishes a fair value hierarchy for those instruments measured at fair value that distinguishes between assumptions based on market data (observable inputs) and our own assumptions (unobservable inputs). The hierarchy consists of three levels:
 
Level 1 - Quoted market prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities;
 
Level 2 - Inputs other than Level 1 inputs that are either directly or indirectly observable; and
 
Level 3 - Unobservable inputs developed using estimates and assumptions developed by the company, which reflect those that a market participant would use.
 
 
The following table summarizes the financial instruments measured at fair value in the accompanying consolidated balance sheet as of July 31, 2009:
 
   
Fair Value Measurements as of
 
   
July 31, 2009
 
   
Level 1
   
Level 2
   
Level 3
   
Total
 
Liabilities:
                       
Interest rate swap
 
$
-
   
$
1,125,275
   
$
-
   
$
1,125,275
 
 
 
8

 
Champion Industries, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) (continued)
2. Earnings per Share
 
Basic earnings per share is computed by dividing net income by the weighted average shares of common stock outstanding for the period and excludes any dilutive effects of stock options. Diluted earnings per share is computed by dividing net income by the weighted average shares of common stock outstanding for the period plus the shares that would be outstanding assuming the exercise of dilutive stock options. The dilutive effect of stock options was 0 and 0 shares for the three and nine months ended July 31, 2009 and 35,000 and 51,000 shares for the three and nine months ended July 31, 2008.
 
 
3. Inventories
 
Inventories are principally stated at the lower of first-in, first-out cost or market. Manufactured finished goods and work in process inventories include material, direct labor and overhead based on standard costs, which approximate actual costs. The Company utilizes an estimated gross profit method for determining cost of sales in interim periods.
 
Inventories consisted of the following:
 
 
July 31,
2009
 
October 31,
2008
 
Printing and newspaper:
 
 
 
 
 
    Raw materials
 
$
2,816,403
 
$
3,137,060
 
    Work in process
 
 
1,572,994
 
 
1,929,581
 
    Finished goods
 
 
3,622,808
 
 
3,867,023
 
Office products and office furniture
 
 
2,584,805
 
 
3,080,454
 
 
 
$
10,597,010
 
$
12,014,118
 
 
4. Long-Term Debt
 
Long-term debt consisted of the following:
 
 
July 31,
2009
 
October 31,
2008
 
Installment notes payable to banks
 
 $
      1,166,302
 
 $
749,850
 
Term loan facility with a bank
 
 
57,857,442
 
 
63,575,000
 
 
 
 
59,023,744
 
 
64,324,850
 
Less current portion
 
 
58,175,644
 
 
7,118,543
 
Long-term debt, net of current portion
 
$
848,100
 
$
57,206,307
 
 
The secured and unsecured credit facilities contain restrictive financial covenants requiring the Company to maintain certain financial ratios. The Company was unable to remain in compliance with certain of its financial covenants arising under substantially all of its long-term note agreements. The creditors have not waived the financial covenant requirements. The Company received a notice of default on March 25, 2009 which was reported pursuant to item 2.04 of form 8k filed March 27, 2009.  This notice of default advised that the administrative agent had not waived the event of default and reserves all rights and remedies thereof.  These remedies include, under the credit agreement, the right to accelerate and declare due and immediately payable the principal and accrued interest on all loans outstanding under the credit agreement.  The notice of default further stated that any extension of additional credit under the credit agreement would be made by the lenders in their sole discretion without any intention to waive any event of default. The Company has been working with the different creditors to restructure the existing debt; however, an agreement satisfactory to the Company has not been reached. A total of $66,583,000 of long-term debt and outstanding revolving line of credit borrowing are subject to accelerated maturity and, as such, the creditors may, at their option, give notice to the Company that amounts owed are immediately due and payable. As a result, the full amount of the related long-term debt has been classified as a current liability in the accompanying Balance Sheet at July 31, 2009 representing $61,683,000. Regardless of the non-compliance with financial covenants, the Company has made every scheduled payment of principal and interest, including an excess cash flow recapture payment of approximately $2.0 million in January 2009 and net payments of $400,000 on the Company's revolving line of credit in 2009.
 
 
The Company is required to make certain mandatory payments on its credit facilities related to (1) net proceeds received from a loss subject to applicable thresholds, (2) equity proceeds and (3) effective January 31, 2009, and continuing each year thereafter under the terms of the agreement the Company is required to prepay its credit facilities by 75% of excess cash flow for its most recently completed fiscal year. The excess cash flow for purposes of this calculation is defined as the difference (if any) between (a) EBITDA for such period and (b) federal, state and local income taxes paid in cash during such period plus capital expenditures during such period not financed with indebtedness plus interest expense paid in cash during such period plus the aggregate amount of scheduled payments made by the Borrower and its Subsidiaries during such period in respect of all principal on all indebtedness (whether at maturity, as a result of mandatory sinking fund redemption, or otherwise), plus restricted payments paid in cash by the Borrower during such period in compliance with the credit agreement. The Company paid its prepayment obligation of approximately $2.0 million in January 2009.
 
 
9

 
Champion Industries, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) (continued)
 
The Company can borrow a maximum of $30,000,000 under its revolving line of credit subject to a borrowing base limitation with interest payable monthly at the prime rate of interest and/or LIBOR plus a margin. The Company had borrowed $8,725,496  under this facility at July 31, 2009 and $9,125,496 in October 31, 2008. Pursuant to its borrowing base calculation, the Company had approximately $8.1 million and $9.1 million at July 31, 2009 and October 31, 2008 in minimum excess availability plus cash and cash equivalents pursuant to its borrowing base calculations. The Company also has a covenant in which the minimum excess availability plus cash and cash equivalents is required to be in excess of $3 million. During the third quarter of 2009, the administrative agent of the Company's credit facility placed a $5.0 million reserve against the Company's availability pursuant to its borrowing base calculations. Therefore the Company has $3.1 million and $9.1 million in additional availability under its $30.0 million revolving credit line at July 31, 2009 and October 31, 2008. The line of credit expires in September 2012 and contains certain restrictive financial covenants, is subject to borrowing base limitations and is collateralized by substantially all of the assets of the Company.   
 
There were no non-cash financing and investing activities for the three and nine months ended July 31, 2008. The Company financed the purchase of a printing press of $500,000 and vehicles of $83,000 during the third quarter of 2009 which were non-cash investing and financing activities. The aggregate commitment remaining for the purchase and installation of the press approximates $100,000 and the total financing commitment inclusive of the funded portion is $600,000. 
 
 
5. Shareholders’ Equity
 
The Company paid a dividend of six cents per share on December 26, 2008 to stockholders of record on December 5, 2008. The Company's Board of Directors has not declared or paid dividends since December 2008 due to the Company's current credit position.
 
 
6. Commitments and Contingencies
 
As of July 31, 2009 the Company had contractual obligations in the form of leases and debt as follows:
 
 
Payments Due by Fiscal Year
Contractual Obligations
 
2009
 
2010
 
2011
 
2012
 
2013
   
Residual
 
Total
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
       
 
 
Non-cancelable operating leases
 
$
381,009
 
$
1,098,549
 
$
941,930
 
 $
782,343
 
 $
695,884
   $
121,640
 
 $
4,021,355
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
       
 
 
 
Revolving line of credit
 
 
8,725,496
 
 
-
 
 
-
 
 
-
 
 
-
   
-
 
 
8,725,496
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
       
 
 
 
Term debt
 
 
57,936,124
 
 
320,464
 
 
314,464
 
 
290,573
 
 
162,119
   
-
 
 
59,023,744
 
 
 
$
67,042,629
 
$
1,419,013
 
$
1,256,394
 
$
1,072,916
 
$
858,003
   $     121,640  
$
71,770,595
 
 
 
7. Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation 
 
In December 2004, the FASB issued SFAS No. 123R (revised 2004), "Share-Based Payment." This statement revised SFAS No. 123, "Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation," and requires companies to expense the value of employee stock options and similar awards. The effective date of this standard initially was for interim and annual periods beginning after June 15, 2005. On April 14, 2005, the United States Securities and Exchange Commission amended the effective date of this standard to the beginning of a company's fiscal year that begins after June 15, 2005. Therefore, the effective date of this standard for the Company was November 1, 2005. Since the Company's outstanding employee stock options vested immediately in the year granted, the initial adoption of this standard had no effect on the Company's financial statements. However the company will be required to expense the fair value of the employee stock options when future options are granted or when existing options are modified or repurchased pursuant to the provisions of SFAS No. 123R.
 
The Company did not issue any employee stock options for the three months and the nine months ended July 31, 2009 and 2008.
 
 
10

 
Champion Industries, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) (continued)
 
 
8. Income Taxes
 
The Company adopted FASB Interpretation No. 48, "Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes" (FIN 48) effective November 1, 2007 with no effect on the Company's consolidated financial statements. As of the date of adoption, the Company had approximately $150,000 of unrecognized tax benefits, all of which would impact the effective tax rate if recognized. The Company was notified in April 2008 and an examination began in May 2008 by the IRS covering our fiscal year-end 2005 federal tax return.  This audit was completed and settled during the third quarter of 2008. As of July 31, 2009, the Company is subject to U.S. Federal income tax examinations for the fiscal tax years ended October 31, 2007 and 2008. State Income Tax returns are generally subject to a period of examination for a period of three to five years. We have one state income tax return covering our fiscal years ended 2004 and 2005 currently under examination and one state income tax return covering our fiscal year ended October 31, 2007 scheduled for examination.  Tax interest and penalties are classified as income taxes in the accompanying statements of income and were insignificant for all periods presented. The Company's unrecognized tax benefit at July 31, 2009 was approximately $36,000. The Company is currently unable to assess whether any significant increase or decrease to the unrecognized tax benefit will be recorded during the next 12 months.
 
 
9. Acquisitions
 
On September 14, 2007, the Company completed, pursuant to an asset purchase agreement, the acquisition of The Herald-Dispatch daily newspaper in Huntington, WV. The purchase price was $77.0 million and subject to a working capital payment of $837,554 plus or minus any change in working capital from the index working capital base of $1,675,107 at the closing date of September 14, 2007.  The working capital payment totaled approximately $1.6 million and was paid in January 2008.
 
On September 7, 2004, the Company acquired all the issued and outstanding capital stock of Syscan Corporation (“Syscan”), a West Virginia corporation, for a cash price of $3,500,000 and a contingent purchase price, dependent upon satisfaction of certain conditions, not to exceed the amount of $1,500,000. On December 14, 2006, the Company paid the contingent purchase price in the amount of $1,350,725.
 
The Williams Land Corporation has the option to put the 3000 Washington Street building occupied by Syscan to the Company for a price of $1.5 million and the Company has the option to purchase the building for $1.5 million at the conclusion of the five year lease term ending September 1, 2009. This option may be exercised no later than 60 days prior to the end of the lease and closing of said purchase cannot exceed 45 days from the end of the lease.  The company exercised its option to purchase this building on June 16, 2009.
 
 
 
 
11

 
Champion Industries, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) (continued)
 
10. Industry Segment Information
 
The Company operates principally in three industry segments organized on the basis of product lines: the production, printing and sale, principally to commercial customers, of printed materials (including brochures, pamphlets, reports, tags, continuous and other forms), the sale of office products and office furniture including interior design services and publication of The Herald-Dispatch daily newspaper in Huntington, WV with a total daily and Sunday circulation of approximately 26,000 and 31,000, respectively.
 
The table below presents information about reported segments for the three and nine months ended July 31:
 
2009 Quarter 3
Printing
   
Office Products & Furniture
   
Newspaper
 
Total
 
                         
Revenues
  $ 23,421,174     $ 10,575,598     $ 3,899,621     $ 37,896,393  
Elimination of intersegment revenue
    (2,477,447 )     (1,549,761 )           (4,027,208 )
Consolidated revenues
  $ 20,943,727       9,025,837      $ 3,899,621     $ 33,869,185  
                                 
Operating income (loss)
    (210,289 )     661,592       456,540       907,843  
Depreciation & amortization
    851,308       30,880       426,741       1,308,929  
Capital expenditures
    809,359       9,142       6,953       825,454  
Identifiable assets
    50,435,085       526,240       81,524,676       132,486,001  
Goodwill
    2,226,837       1,230,485       35,437,456       38,894,778  
 
 
                               
 
 
                 
2008 Quarter 3    
Printing
 
     
Office Products & Furniture
 
     
Newspaper
 
     
Total
 
 
Revenues
  $ 28,577,242     $ 11,803,597      $ 4,609,131     $ 44,989,970  
Elimination of intersegment revenue
    (3,266,605 )     (2,007,146 )     -       (5,273,751 )
Consolidated revenues
  $ 25,310,637     $ 9,796,451      $ 4,609,131     $ 39,716,219  
                                 
Operating income
    990,242       722,955       712,517       2,425,714  
Depreciation & amortization
    887,680       51,952       413,961       1,353,593  
Capital expenditures
    910,128       20,667       141,935       1,072,730  
Identifiable assets
    55,413,704       3,492,425       81,137,206       140,043,335  
Goodwill
    2,226,837       1,230,485       35,397,042       38,854,364  
 
 
12

 
Champion Industries, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) (continued)
 
 
 
       
       
2009 Year to Date
 
Printing
   
Office Products & Furniture
   
Newspaper
   
Total
 
                         
Revenues
  $ 73,665,217     $ 32,363,763      $ 12,273,927     $ 118,302,907  
Elimination of intersegment revenue
    (7,848,362 )     (4,994,679 )           (12,843,041 )
Consolidated revenues
  $ 65,816,855     $ 27,369,084      $ 12,273,927     $ 105,459,866  
                                 
Operating income (loss)
    (428,709 )     1,459,560       1,504,031       2,534,882  
Depreciation & amortization
    2,525,565       126,837       1,279,231       3,931,633  
Capital expenditures
    2,245,675       77,013       47,141       2,369,829  
Identifiable assets
    50,435,085       526,240       81,524,676       132,486,001  
Goodwill
    2,226,837       1,230,485       35,437,456       38,894,778  
 
 
       
       
2008 Year to Date
 
Printing
   
Office Products & Furniture
   
Newspaper
   
Total
 
                         
Revenues
  $ 86,709,185     $ 34,374,794      $ 14,192,580     $ 135,276,559  
Elimination of intersegment revenue
    (9,935,259 )     (6,060,089 )           (15,995,348 )
Consolidated revenues
  $ 76,773,926     $ 28,314,705      $ 14,192,580     $ 119,281,211  
                                 
Operating income
    4,179,219       1,694,730       2,829,876       8,703,825  
Depreciation & amortization
    2,647,183       163,244       1,222,704       4,033,131  
Capital expenditures
    1,837,203       73,697       196,947       2,107,847  
Identifiable assets
    55,413,704       3,492,425       81,137,206       140,043,335  
Goodwill
    2,226,837       1,230,485       35,397,042       38,854,364  
 
 
13

 
Champion Industries, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) (continued)
 
 
   
Three months
Nine months
     
2009
   
2008
   
2009
   
2008
 
Revenues:
                         
Total segment revenues
 
$
37,896,393
 
$
44,989,970
 
$
118,302,907
 
$
135,276,559
 
Elimination of intersegment revenue
   
(4,027,208
)  
(5,273,751
)  
(12,843,041
)  
(15,995,348
)
Consolidated revenue
 
$
33,869,185
 
$
39,716,219
 
$
105,459,866
 
$
119,281,211
 
                           
Operating income:
                         
    Total segment operating income
 
$
907,843
 
$
2,425,714
 
$
2,534,882
 
$
8,703,825
 
 Interest income
   
-
   
9,880
   
2,771
   
61,115
 
Interest expense
   
(1,449,210
)  
(1,270,690
)  
(3,718,527
)  
(4,385,648
)
Other income
   
14,081
   
16,820
   
48,847
   
49,734
 
Consolidated income (loss) before income taxes
 
$
(527,286
)
$
1,181,724
 
$
(1,132,027
)
$
4,429,026
 
                           
Identifiable assets:
   
 
         
 
       
Total segment identifiable assets
 
$
  132,486,001
 
$
140,043,335
 
$
  132,486,001
 
$
140,043,335
 
Elimination of intersegment assets
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
-
 
Total consolidated assets
 
$
132,486,001
 
$
140,043,335
 
$
132,486,001
 
 $
140,043,335
 
 
 
11. Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities
 
The Company adopted Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 161, "Disclosures about Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities- an amendment of FASB Statement No. 133" (SFAS 161) effective February 1, 2009. SFAS 161 changes the disclosure requirements for derivative instruments and hedging activities. Entities are required to provide enhanced disclosures about how and why an entity uses derivative instruments, how derivative instruments and related hedged items are accounted for under Statement 133 and its related interpretations, and how derivative instruments and related hedged items affect an entity's financial position, financial performance and cash flows.
 
 
Cash Flow Hedges Designated as an Effective Hedging Instrument
 
Instrument         
 Notional Amount
July 31, 2009
 Maturity Date    
 Fair Value at
July 31, 2009
   
 Fair Value at
October 31, 2008
   
 Gain (loss) in OCI for nine months ending
July 31, 2009
   
Balance in accrued liabilities and OCI as at
July 31, 2009 (1)
Interest Rate Swap,
net of tax 
 
$ 
21,900,000  October 29, 2010  
$ 
(675,165 
)
$ 
 (557,913)  
$ 
(117,252 
$ 
(675,165) 
 TOTAL
 
$ 
21,900,000     
$ 
 (675,165 
$ 
  (557,913)  
$ 
(117,252 
$ 
(675,165 )
 
(1) This balance is net of tax, the gross amount recorded as a liability on the Company's balance sheet at July 31, 2009 is $1,125,275.
 
14

 
Champion Industries, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) (continued)
Interest Rate Swaps 
 
In connection with its current long-term debt facility, the Company uses an interest rate swap to limit its exposure to changing interest rates and future cash out flows for interest. The interest rate swap provides for the Company to pay an amount equal to a specified fixed rate of interest times a notional principal amount and to receive in return an amount equal to a variable rate of interest times the same notional amount (actual one-month LIBOR rate of 0.29% at July 31, 2009). As of July 31, 2009, the Company has $21,900,000 of interest rate swaps which convert an aggregate notional principal amount of $21,900,000 (or approximately 32% of its interest-bearing debt). The fixed rate of the current interest rate swap is 4.78%. The Company does not use its interest rate swap for speculative purposes.
 
During fiscal 2007, the Company entered into an interest rate swap for $25.0 million, with its principal lender to reduce the risk of changes in cash flows associated with interest payments due to changes in one-month LIBOR in accordance with the terms of its credit agreement. The interest rate swap expires prior to the period in which the senior credit expires. The objective of the swap is to hedge the risk of changes in cash flows associated with the first future interest payments on floating rate debt with an initial notional amount $25.0 million which is subject to changes in the one-month LIBOR rate, and therefore the cash flow from the derivative is expected to offset any changes in the first interest payments on floating rate debt with an initial notional amount of $25.0 million due to changes in one-month LIBOR. This is a hedge of specified cash flows. As a result, the interest rate swap is a derivative and was designated as a hedging instrument at the initiation of the swap. The Company has applied cash flow hedge accounting in accordance with FAS 133. At the end of each period, the interest rate swap is recorded in the consolidated balance sheet at fair value. The swap is recorded on a gross basis with the corresponding deferred tax recorded separately and reflected net of tax for OCI. Any related increases or decreases in the fair value are recognized on the Company's balance sheet within accumulated other comprehensive income.
 
The Company considers its interest rate swap to be a Level 2 measurement under the FAS 157 hierarchy. The fair value of the interest rate swap is calculated monthly by the Company's principal lender. The Company believes the valuation of the interest rate swap can be sensitive to changes in the current and future one month LIBOR rates, which can have a material impact on the fair value of the derivative. However, as these swaps are used to manage the Company's cash out flows, these changes will not impact its liquidity and capital resources. Furthermore, since the interest rate swap is deemed as an effective hedging instrument, these changes do not impact income from operations, as they would be included in other comprehensive income.       
 
The Company assesses the effectiveness of its interest rate swap as defined in FAS 133 on a quarterly basis. The Company has considered the impact of the current credit crisis in the United States in assessing the risk of the counter party default. The Company believes that it is still likely that the counter party for the swap will continue to act throughout the contract period, and as a result continues to deem the swap as an effective hedging instrument. A counter party's default risk is considered in the valuation of the interest rate swap.
 
Management has assessed that its cash flow hedges have no ineffectiveness, as determined by the hypothetical derivative method. If the hedge of the interest rate swap, was deemed ineffective, or extinguished by either counter party, any accumulated gains or losses remaining in other comprehensive income would be fully recorded in interest expense during the period.       
 
 
15

 
Champion Industries, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) (continued)

12. Acquired Intangible Assets and Goodwill
 
The Company accounts for goodwill in accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 142, Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets. As required by SFAS No. 142, the Company tests for impairment of goodwill annually (at year-end) or whenever events occur or circumstances change that would more likely than not reduce the fair value of a reporting unit below its carrying amount. The required two-step approach uses accounting judgements and estimates of future operating results. Changes in estimates or the application of alternative assumptions could produce significantly different results. Impairment is done at a reporting unit level. The Company performs this testing at its operating segments, which are also considered reporting units under SFAS No. 142. An impairment loss generally is recognized when the carrying amount of the reporting units net assets exceeds the estimated fair value of the reporting unit. The estimates and judgements that most significantly affect the fair value calculation are assumptions related to revenue growth, Earnings Before, Interest, Taxes, Depreciation and Amortization (EBITDA), newsprint prices, compensation levels and discount rate. The Company primarily relies on evaluating cash flows of its segments in evaluating goodwill impairment. The Company determined that it should perform its impairment testing of goodwill as of January 31, 2009, due to the continuing challenging business conditions and the resulting weakness in the Company's operating performance as of the end of its first quarter. This performance would appear to be related, in part, to the current global economic crisis.
 
Newspaper trademark and masthead (newspaper titles and web site domain names) are not subject to amortization and are tested for impairment annually (at year end), or more frequently if events or changes in circumstances indicate that the asset might be impaired. The impairment test consists of a comparison of the fair value of these intangible assets with their carrying amount. The Company performed impairment tests on newspaper trademark and mastheads as of January 31, 2009.
 
Intangible assets subject to amortization (primarily advertiser and subscriber lists) are tested for recoverability whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that their carrying amounts may not be recoverable. The carrying amount of each asset group is not recoverable if it exceeds the sum of the undiscounted cash flows expected to result from the use of such asset group. The Company performed impairment tests on its long lived assets (including intangible assets subject to amortization) as of January 31, 2009.
 
No impairment loss was recognized on goodwill, trademarks, masthead or amortizing intangibles at July 31, 2009. The Company will continue to monitor market conditions due to existence of certain indicators which may lead to impairment charges in future periods.
 
 
13. Restructuring of Operations
 
On May 22, 2009 the Company announced a reduction in force at its Champion Publishing subsidiary resulting in the elimination of 24 positions. The Company recorded a charge of approximately $150,000 during the third quarter of 2009 associated with employee related separation costs. The Company incurred an additional $44,000 in restructuring related expenses during the third quarter of 2009 primarily associated with employee related separation costs.
 
 
 
16

 
Champion Industries, Inc. and Subsidiaries
 
Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
 
Results of Operations
 
The following table sets forth, for the periods indicated, information derived from the Consolidated Statements of Operations as a percentage of total revenues.   
 
   
 
 Percentage of Total Revenues
   
Three Months Ended
July 31,
Nine Months Ended
July 31,
     
2009
 
2008
 
2009
 
2008
 
Revenues:
 
                      
    Printing
   
61.8
%
63.7
%
62.4
%
64.4
%
    Office products and office furniture
   
26.7
 
24.7
 
26.0
 
23.7
 
Newspaper
   
11.5
 
11.6
 
11.6
 
  11.9
 
Total revenues
   
100.00
 
100.00
 
100.00
 
100.00
 
Cost of sales and newspaper operating costs:
                   
    Printing
   
46.8
 
45.9
 
47.0
 
45.7
 
    Office products and office furniture
   
18.5
 
17.1
 
18.4
 
16.6
 
Newspaper cost of sales and operating costs
   
6.2
 
6.1
 
6.3
 
5.9
 
        Total cost of sales and newspaper operating costs
   
71.5
 
69.1
 
71.7
 
68.2
 
    Gross profit
   
28.5
 
30.9
 
28.3
 
31.8
 
Selling, general and administrative expenses
   
25.8
 
24.8
 
26.0
 
24.5
 
Hurricane and relocation costs, net of recoveries      0.0    0.0   (0.1 )  0.0  
Income from operations
   
2.7
 
6.1
 
2.4
 
7.3
 
Interest income
   
0.0
 
0.0
 
0.0
 
0.1
 
Interest expense
   
(4.3
(3.2
)
(3.5
)
(3.7
)
Other income
   
0.0
 
0.1
 
0.0
 
0.0
 
Income (loss) before taxes
   
(1.6
3.0
 
(1.1
)
3.7
 
Income tax benefit (expense)
   
1.7
 
(0.3
)
1.5
 
(0.6
)
Net income
   
0.1
%
2.7
%
0.4
%
3.1
%
 
 
17

 
Champion Industries, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition
and Results of Operations (continued)
 
Three Months Ended July 31, 2009 Compared to Three Months Ended July 31, 2008
 
Revenues
 
Total revenues decreased 14.7% in the third quarter of 2009 compared to the same period in 2008 from $39.7 million to $33.9 million. Printing revenue decreased 17.3% in the third quarter of 2009 to $20.9 million from $25.3 million in the third quarter of 2008. Office products and office furniture revenue decreased 7.9% in the third quarter of 2009 to $9.0 million from $9.8 million in the third quarter of 2008. The decrease in printing sales was primarily associated with the continued impact of the global economic crisis.  Office products and office furniture sales were lower in the third quarter of 2009 when compared to the third quarter of 2008. This was due to lower sales in both office products and office furniture, reflective of the effects of the economic recession. The Company recorded newspaper revenues associated with the The Herald-Dispatch of approximately $3.9 million consisting of advertising revenue of approximately $2.9 million and $1.0 million in circulation revenues for the three months ended July 31, 2009.  The Company recorded newspaper revenues associated with The Herald-Dispatch of approximately $4.6 million consisting of advertising revenue of approximately $3.6 million and $1.0 million in circulation revenues for the three months ended July 31, 2008. The on-line revenues for the three months ended July 31, 2009 and 2008 approximated $271,000 and $444,000 and are recorded as a component of advertising revenue. The reduction in newspaper revenues is primarily associated with a decrease in advertising revenues associated with decreased advertising demand due to the global economic crisis.
 
Cost of Sales
 
Total cost of sales decreased 11.8% in the third quarter of 2009 to $24.2 million from $27.4 million in the third quarter of 2008. Printing cost of sales in the third quarter of 2009 decreased  $2.3 million  over the prior year and increased as a percentage of printing sales from 72.0% in 2008 to 75.8%  in 2009. The printing gross margin dollar decrease resulted from lower sales volume coupled with higher cost of goods sold as percentage of sales resulting from decreased absorption of labor and overhead and higher material costs as a percent of sales. Office products and office furniture cost of sales decreased in 2009 from 2008 levels due to decreased sales which were coupled with lower cost of goods sold as a percentage of office products and office furniture sales of 69.5% in 2008 compared to 69.3% in 2009, thus representing slight expansion in gross margin percent in the office products and office furniture segment. However, the sales decline led to lower overall office products and office furniture gross margin contribution. Newspaper cost of sales and operating costs as a percent of newspaper sales were 53.4% and 52.7% for the three months ended July 31, 2009 and 2008.
 
Operating Expenses
 
In the third quarter of 2009, selling, general and administrative expenses (S,G&A) decreased on a gross dollar basis to $8.8 million from $9.8 million in 2008, a decrease of $1.1 million or 11.1%. As a percentage of total sales, the expenses increased on a quarter to quarter basis in 2009 to 25.8% from 24.8% in 2008. The decrease in selling, general and administrative expenses is primarily the result of payroll related reductions associated in part with cost reduction initiatives.
 
 
18

 
Champion Industries, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition
and Results of Operations (continued)
 
Income from Operations and Other Income and Expenses
 
Income from operations decreased in the third quarter of 2009 to $900,000 from $2.4 million in the third quarter of 2008.  This decrease is the result of reduced contributions primarily due to revenue reductions at the Company's printing and newspaper operating segments.  The Company was also impacted by certain restructuring related costs primarily associated with payroll related expenses due to reductions in force of approximately  $194,000. Other expenses (net), increased approximately $190,000 from 2008 to 2009 primarily due to an increase in interest expense, resulting from higher rates associated with the financing to purchase The Herald-Dispatch, due to higher applicable margin rates being instituted by the Administrative Agent of the Company's credit facility as a result of certain covenant violations pursuant to the terms of the Credit Agreement.
 
 
Income Taxes
 
The Company’s effective income tax benefit (expense) rate was a benefit of  106.4% for the third quarter of 2009 and an expense of (9.7%) for the third quarter of 2008.  The income tax benefit (expense) rate is reflective of amortization expense deductions recorded as a permanent difference due to the acquisition of The Herald-Dispatch.  The effective income tax rate approximates the combined federal and state, net of federal benefit, statutory income tax rate.
 
Net Income
 
Net income for the third quarter of 2009 was $34,000 compared to $1.1 million in the third quarter of 2008. Basic and diluted earnings per share for the three months ended July 31, 2009 and 2008 were $0.00  and $0.11.
 
 
Nine Months Ended July 31, 2009 Compared to Nine Months Ended July 31, 2008
 
Revenues
 
Total revenues decreased 11.6% in the first nine months of 2009 compared to the same period in 2008 to $105.5 million from $119.3 million. Printing revenue decreased 14.3% in the nine month period ended July 31, 2009 to $65.8 million from $76.8 million in the same period in 2008. Office products and office furniture revenue decreased 3.3% in the nine month period ended July 31, 2009 to $27.4 million from $28.3 million in the same period in 2008. The decrease in printing sales was primarily associated with the continued impact of the global economic crisis. The decrease in the office products and office furniture segment was primarily due to lower office product sales partially offset by higher furniture sales. The Company recorded newspaper revenues associated with The Herald-Dispatch of approximately $12.3 million consisting of advertising revenues of approximately $9.3 million and circulation revenues of approximately $3.0 million for the nine months ended July 31, 2009.  The Company recorded newspaper revenues associated with The Herald Dispatch of approximately $14.2 million consisting of advertising revenue of $11.0 million and $3.2 million in circulation revenues for the nine months ended July 31, 2008. The on-line revenues for the nine months ended July 31, 2009 and 2008 approximated $800,000 and $1.2 million and are recorded as a component of advertising revenue. The reduction in newspaper revenue is primarily associated with a decrease in advertising revenues associated with decreased advertising demand due to the global economic crisis.
 
Cost of Sales
 
Total cost of sales decreased 7.1% in the nine months ended July 31, 2009 to $75.6 million from $81.3 million in the nine months ended July 31, 2008. Printing cost of sales decreased 9.1% in the nine months ended July 31, 2009 to $49.5 million from $54.5 million in the nine months ended July 31, 2008. The decrease in printing cost of sales was primarily due to the decrease in printing sales partially offset by a reduction in gross margin percent.  Office products and office furniture cost of sales decreased 2.3% in the nine months ended July 31, 2009 to $19.4 million from $19.8 million in the nine months ended July 31, 2008 and increased as a percent of sales from 70.0% in 2008 to 70.8% in 2009. The decrease in office products and office furniture cost of sales is attributable to a decrease in office products and office furniture sales partially offset by an increase in office products and office furniture cost of sales as a percent of office products and office furniture sales. Newspaper cost of sales and operating costs as a percentage of newspaper sales were 54.2% and 49.6% for the nine months ended July 31, 2009 and 2008.
 
Operating Expenses
 
During the nine months ended July 31, 2009 compared to the same period in 2008, selling, general and administrative expenses increased as a percentage of sales to 26.0% from 24.5% in 2008. Total S,G&A decreased $1.8 million. The increase in S,G & A expense as a percent of sales is primarily due to lower sales. The decrease in total S, G & A is  primarily reflective of payroll related reductions associated in part with cost reduction initiatives. These actions were partially offset by increases in bad debt expense.
 
 
19

 
Champion Industries, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition
and Results of Operations (continued)
 
The Company accounts for goodwill in accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 142, Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets. As required by SFAS No. 142, the Company tests for impairment of goodwill annually (at year-end) or whenever events occur or circumstances change that would more likely than not reduce the fair value of a reporting unit below its carrying amount. The required two-step approach uses accounting judgements and estimates of future operating results. Changes in estimates or the application of alternative assumptions could produce significantly different results. Impairment is done at a reporting unit level. The Company performs this testing at its operating segments, which are also considered reporting units under SFAS No. 142. An impairment loss generally is recognized when the carrying amount of the reporting units net assets exceeds the estimated fair value of the reporting unit. The estimates and judgements that most significantly affect the fair value calculation are assumptions related to revenue growth, Earnings Before, Interest, Taxes, Depreciation and Amortization (EBITDA), newsprint prices, compensation levels and discount rate. The Company primarily relies on evaluating cash flows of its segments in evaluating goodwill impairment. The Company determined that it should perform its impairment testing of goodwill as of January 31, 2009, due to the continuing challenging business conditions and the resulting weakness in the Company's operating performance as of the end of its first quarter. This performance would appear to be related, in part, to the current global economic crisis.
 
Newspaper trademark and masthead (newspaper titles and web site domain names) are not subject to amortization and are tested for impairment annually (at year end), or more frequently if events or changes in circumstances indicate that the asset might be impaired. The impairment test consists of a comparison of the fair value of these intangible assets with their carrying amount. The Company performed impairment tests on newspaper trademark and mastheads as of January 31, 2009.
 
Intangible assets subject to amortization (primarily advertiser and subscriber lists) are tested for recoverability whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that their carrying amounts may not be recoverable. The carrying amount of each asset group is not recoverable if it exceeds the sum of the undiscounted cash flows expected to result from the use of such asset group. The Company performed impairment tests on its long lived assets (including intangible assets subject to amortization) as of January 31, 2009.
 
No impairment loss was recognized on goodwill, trademarks, masthead or amortizing intangibles at July 31, 2009. The Company will continue to monitor market conditions due to existence of certain indicators which may lead to impairment charges in future periods.
 
 
Income from Operations and Other Income and Expenses
 
Income from operations decreased 70.9% in the nine month period ended July 31, 2009 to $2.5 million from $8.7 million in the same period of 2008. This decrease is primarily the result of revenue reductions and associated gross margin compaction at the Company's printing and newspaper operating segments.  Other expense (net) decreased $600,000 to $3.7 million in 2009 from $4.3 million in 2008. This is primarily due to decreases in interest expense, resulting from lower borrowings and lower interest rates associated with the financing to purchase The Herald-Dispatch prior to the Administrative Agent of the Company's credit facility instituting higher applicable margin rates pursuant to the terms of the Credit Agreement as a result of certain covenant violations.
 
The Company is subject to various claims and legal actions as well as various governmental audits and examinations.  The second and third quarters of 2008 were favorably impacted by certain non-tax related multi-state claims primarily related to various liabilities, specifically related to the Company’s historical accounting treatment.  The after tax impact of such items approximated $265,000.
 
Income Taxes
 
The Company’s effective income tax benefit (expense) rate was a benefit of 133.3% for the nine months ended July 31, 2009, and an expense of (15.6%) in the same period of 2008.  The income tax benefit (expense) rate is reflective of amortization expense deductions recorded as a permanent difference due to the acquisition of The Herald-Dispatch.  The effective income tax rate approximates the combined federal and state, net of federal benefit, statutory income tax rate.
 
 
20

 
Champion Industries, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition
and Results of Operations (continued)
 
Net Income
 
Net income for the first nine months of 2009 decreased 89.9% to $377,000 from $3.7 million in the same period of 2008 due to the reasons discussed above. Basic and diluted earnings per share for the nine months ended July 31, 2009 were $0.04 and $0.37 for the nine months ended July 31, 2008.
 
Inflation and Economic Conditions
 
Management believes that the effect of inflation on the Company’s operations has not been material and will continue to be immaterial for the foreseeable future. The Company does not have long-term sales and purchase contracts; therefore, to the extent permitted by competition, it has the ability to pass through to the customer most cost increases resulting from inflation, if any.
 
The United States economy has been in a recession since December 2007, according to the National Bureau of Economic Research, and it is widely believed that certain elements of the economy such as housing, were in decline before that time. The duration and depth of an economic recession in markets which the Company operates may further reduce it's future advertising and circulation revenue, printing revenue, office products revenue and office furniture revenue operating results and cash flows.
 
 
Seasonality
 
Historically, the Company has experienced a greater portion of its profitability in the second and fourth quarters than in the first and third quarters.  The second quarter generally reflects increased orders for printing of corporate annual reports and proxy statements.  A post-Labor Day increase in demand for printing services and office products coincides with the Company’s fourth quarter.
 
Our business is subject to seasonal fluctuations that we expect to continue to be reflected in our operating results in future periods.  On a historical basis, The Herald-Dispatch’s first and third calendar quarters of the year tended to be the weakest because advertising volume is as it lowest levels following the holiday season and a seasonal slowdown in the summer months.  Correspondingly, on a historical basis the fourth calendar quarter followed by the second calendar quarter tended to be the strongest quarters.  The fourth calendar quarter included heavy holiday season advertising.  Other factors that affect our quarterly revenues and operating results may be beyond our control, including changes in the pricing policies of our competitors, the hiring and retention of key personnel, wage and cost pressures, distribution costs, changes in newsprint prices and general economic factors.
 
 
Liquidity and Capital Resources
 
Net cash provided by operations for the nine months ended July 31, 2009, was $ 9.2 million compared to net cash provided by operations of $8.5 million during the same period in 2008. This change in net cash from operations is due primarily to reductions in accounts receivable and inventory partially offset by lower net income, lower accounts payable and income tax refunds.
 
Net cash used in investing activities for the nine months ended July 31, 2009 was $1.2 million compared to $3.5 million during the same period in 2008. The net cash used in investing activities during the first nine months of 2009 primarily relates to the purchase of the equipment and vehicles. The net cash used in investing activities during the first nine months of 2008 primarily related to the payment of the working capital adjustment associated with the acquisition of The Herald-Dispatch and the purchase of equipment and vehicles.
 
Net cash used in financing activities for the nine months ended July 31, 2009 was $6.9 million compared to $10.4 million during the same period in 2008.  This decrease is primarily due to higher payments on the line of credit in 2008 and a reduction in dividends paid in 2009.
 
The Company’s off balance sheet arrangements at July 31, 2009 relate to the Syscan acquisition and are associated with a put option from Williams Land Corporation to sell a building to the Company for $1.5 million. This option may be exercised no later than 60 days prior to the end of the lease and closing of said purchase cannot exceed 45 days from the end of the lease. The lease term concludes effective September 1, 2009. The company exercised its option to purchase this building on June 16, 2009.
 
Working capital on July 31, 2009 was $(42.9) million and at October 31, 2008 was $20.4 million. The decrease in working capital is associated with the classification as a current liability of approximately $61.7 million of debt which was long-term. This debt was reclassified due to the Company's inability to remain in compliance with certain of its financial covenants. The Company has been working with the different creditors to restructure the existing debt; however an agreement satisfactory to the Company has not been reached.
 
 
21

 
Champion Industries, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition
and Results of Operations (continued)
 
Environmental Regulation
 
The Company is subject to the environmental laws and regulations of the United States, and the states in which it operates, concerning emissions into the air, discharges into the waterways and the generation, handling and disposal of waste materials. The Company’s past expenditures relating to environmental compliance have not had a material effect on the Company. These laws and regulations are constantly evolving, and it is impossible to predict accurately the effect they may have upon the capital expenditures, earnings, and competitive position of the Company in the future. Based upon information currently available, management believes that expenditures relating to environmental compliance will not have a material impact on the financial position of the Company.
 
Special Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
 
Certain statements contained in this Form 10-Q, including without limitation statements including the word “believes,” “anticipates,” “intends,” “expects” or words of similar import, constitute “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), and section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”). Such forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of the Company to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements of the Company expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such factors include, among others, changes in business strategy or development plans and other factors referenced in this Form 10-Q , including without limitations under the captions “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” and “Business.” The Company disclaims any obligation to update any such factors or to publicly announce the results of any revisions to any of the forward-looking statements contained herein to reflect future events or developments.
 
 
ITEM 3a. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosure About Market Risk
 
The Company does not have any significant exposure relating to market risk.
 
 
ITEM 4T. Controls and Procedures
 
(a) Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures. Under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our chief executive officer and chief financial officer, we evaluated the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures, as such term is defined under Rule 13a-15(e) promulgated under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Based upon that evaluation, our chief executive officer and chief financial officer concluded that our disclosure controls were effective as of the end of the period covered by this quarterly report.
 
(b) Changes in Internal Controls. There have been no changes in our internal controls over financial reporting that occurred during the first six months of fiscal year 2009 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal controls over financial reporting.
 
 
22

 
 
PART II - OTHER INFORMATION
 
Item 1A. Risk Factors
 
There were no material changes in risk factors from disclosures previously reported in our annual report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended October 31, 2008.
 
 
Item 6. Exhibits
 
 
 
a)
 
Exhibits:
 
   
 
 
 
(10.1)
 
 
 
$600,000 Promissory Note between Champion Industries, Inc. and First Sentry Bank dated June 10, 2009
 
 
 
Exhibit 10.1 Page 10.1-p 1
 (31.1)
 
 
 
Principal Executive Officer Certification Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley act of 2002 - Marshall T. Reynolds
 
 
Exhibit 31.1 Page Exhibit 31.1-p1
 
 (31.2)
 
Principal Financial Officer Certification Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley act of 2002 - Todd R. Fry
 
 
 
Exhibit 31.2 Page Exhibit 31.2-p1
 
 (31.3)
 
Principal Operating Officer Certification Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley act of 2002 - Toney K. Adkins
 
 
 
Exhibit 31.3 Page Exhibit 31.3-p1
 
 (32)
 
Marshall T. Reynolds, Todd R. Fry and Toney K. Adkins Certification Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350 as Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley act of 2002
 
 
Exhibit 32 Page Exhibit 32-p1
 
 
 
23

 
 
SIGNATURES
 
 
Pursuant to the requirement 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.
 
 
CHAMPION INDUSTRIES, INC.
 
 
 
Date: September 10, 2009
 
/s/ Marshall T. Reynolds
 
Marshall T. Reynolds
 
 
Chief Executive Officer
 
   
   
Date: September 10, 2009
/s/ Toney K. Adkins
 
 
Toney K. Adkins
 
 
President and Chief Operating Officer
 
   
   
Date: September 10, 2009
 
/s/ Todd R. Fry
 
 
Todd R. Fry
 
 
Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
 
 
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