Business Description





We are a leading provider of manufactured vinyl coated fabrics. Our best-known
brand, Naugahyde, is the product of many improvements on a rubber-coated fabric
developed a century ago in Naugatuck, Connecticut. We design, manufacture and
market a wide selection of vinyl coated fabric products under a portfolio of
recognized brand names. We believe that our business has continued to be a
leading supplier in its marketplace because of our ability to provide
specialized materials with performance characteristics customized to the
end-user specifications, complemented by technical and customer support for the
use of our products in manufacturing.



Our vinyl coated fabric products have undergone considerable evolution and today
are distinguished by superior performance in a wide variety of applications as
alternatives to leather, cloth and other synthetic fabric coverings. Our
standard product lines consist of more than 525 SKUs with combinations of
colors, textures, patterns and other properties. Our products are differentiated
by unique protective top finishes and transfer print capabilities. Additional
process capabilities include embossing grains and patterns, and rotogravure
printing, which imparts five color character prints and non-registered prints,
lamination and panel cutting.



Our vinyl coated fabric products have various high-performance characteristics
and capabilities. They are durable, stain resistant, easily processed, more
cost-effective and better performing than traditional leather or fabric
coverings. Our products are frequently used in applications that require
rigorous performance characteristics such as automotive and non-automotive
transportation, certain indoor/outdoor furniture, commercial and hospitality
seating, healthcare facilities and athletic equipment. We manufacture materials
in a wide range of colors and textures. They can be hand or machine sewn,
laminated to an underlying structure, thermoformed to cover various substrates
or made into a variety of shapes for diverse end-uses. We are a long-established
supplier to the global automotive industry and manufacture products for interior
soft trim components from floor to headliner, which are produced to meet
specific component production requirements such as cut and sew, vacuum
forming/covering, compression molding, and high frequency welding. Some products
are supplied with micro perforations, which are necessary on most compression
molding processes. Materials can also be combined with polyurethane or
polypropylene foam laminated by either flame or hot melt adhesive for seating,
fascia and door applications.



Products are developed and marketed based upon the performance characteristics
required by end-users. For example, for recreational products used outdoors,
such as boats, personal watercraft, golf carts and snowmobiles, a product
designed primarily for water-based durability and weatherability is used. We
also manufacture a line of products called BeautyGard®, with water-based
topcoats that contain agents to protect against bacterial and fungal
micro-organisms and can withstand repeated cleaning, a necessity in the
restaurant and health care industries. These topcoats are environmentally
friendlier than solvent-based topcoats. The line is widely used in hospitals and
other healthcare facilities. Flame and smoke retardant vinyl coated fabrics are
used for a variety of commercial and institutional furniture applications,
including hospitals, restaurants and residential care centers and seats for
school buses, trains and aircraft.



We currently conduct our operations in manufacturing facilities that are located in Stoughton, Wisconsin and Earby, England.

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates





The preparation of our consolidated financial statements and related disclosures
in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles ("U.S. GAAP")
requires management to make estimates and judgments that affect our reported
amounts of assets and liabilities, revenues and expenses, and related
disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities. On an on-going basis, we
evaluate our estimates and assumptions based upon historical experience and
various other factors and circumstances. We believe that our estimates and
assumptions are reasonable under the circumstances; however, actual results may
vary from these estimates and assumptions under different future circumstances.
For further discussion of our significant accounting policies, refer to Note 1 -
"Basis of Presentation and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies" to the
consolidated financial statements and "Management's Discussion and Analysis of
Financial Condition and Results of Operations - Critical Accounting Policies,
Judgments and Estimates" in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year
ended January 3, 2021.



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Recent Accounting Pronouncements

See Note 13 - "Recent Accounting Standards" to the consolidated financial statements for a discussion of recent accounting guidance.





Overview:



The Company and its subsidiaries use a 52/53-week fiscal year ending on the
Sunday nearest to December 31. The current year ending January 2, 2022 is a
52-week year whereas the prior year ended January 3, 2021 was a 53-week year.
The Company's U.K. subsidiaries use the calendar year end of December 31. The
activity of the U.K. subsidiaries that occurs on the days that do not coincide
with the Company's year-end is not material. The three months ended April 4,
2021 was a 13-week period and the three months ended April 5, 2020 was a 14-week
period.



Our Earby, England operation's functional currency is the British Pound Sterling
("Pound Sterling") and has sales and purchases transactions that are denominated
in currencies other than the Pound Sterling, principally the Euro. Approximately
33% of the Company's global revenues and 35% of its global raw material
purchases are derived from these Euro transactions.



The average year-to-date exchange rate for the Pound Sterling to the U.S. Dollar
was approximately 7.8% higher and the average exchange rate for the Euro to the
Pound Sterling was approximately 1.3% higher in 2021 compared to 2020. These
exchange rate changes had the effect of increasing net sales by approximately
$952,000 for the three months ended April 4, 2021. The overall currency effect
on the Company's net income was a positive amount of approximately $68,000 for
the three months ended April 4, 2021.



Demand for our products continues to improve since the initial impact of
COVID-19 on the global economy, which began for us in the latter part of March
2020, and as businesses move closer to resuming normal activities. However,
COVID-19 is a continually evolving situation and we cannot predict the long-term
impact the coronavirus will have on the economy or our business. The impact
could have a material adverse effect on our financial position, results of
operations and cash flows, which may require us to obtain additional financing.
We continue to pursue supplementary cash flow opportunities to provide further
liquidity, as described below.



In March 2021, our U.S. operations received $2.0 million in funds from One
Community Bank through the Paycheck Protection Program ("PPP") administered by
the U.S. Small Business Administration ("SBA") under the Coronavirus Aid,
Relief, and Economic Security Act ("the CARES Act"). The loan matures in March
2026 and bears an interest rate of 1.0%. The loan may be prepaid at any time
prior to maturity with no prepayment penalties.



All or a portion of the loan may be forgiven by the SBA for costs we incur for
payroll, rent, utilities and all other allowable expenses during the 24-week
period that began March 1, 2021. We intend to use all proceeds from the loan to
maintain payroll and make payments for lease, utility and other allowable
expenses. As a result, management believes that we will meet the PPP eligibility
criteria for forgiveness and has concluded that the loan represents, in
substance, a government grant that is expected to be forgiven. As such, in
accordance with International Accounting Standards ("IAS") 20, "Accounting for
Government Grants and Disclosure of Government Assistance," we recognized
$838,864 as grant income, which is included as a component of net other income
(expense) in the consolidated statement of operations for the three months ended
April 4, 2021. As of April 4, 2021, the remaining balance of the loan
($1,161,136) is expected to be recognized as forgiven debt during the second
quarter of 2021.



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Three Months Ended April 4, 2021 Compared to the Three Months Ended April 5, 2020





The following table sets forth, for the three months ended April 4, 2021 ("three
months 2021") and April 5, 2020 ("three months 2020"), certain operational data
including their respective percentage of net sales:



                                                                Three Months Ended
                                                                                                              %
                                      April 4, 2021                April 5, 2020             Change        Change

Net Sales                        $ 21,896,001       100.0 %   $ 21,140,124       100.0 %   $   755,877         3.6 %
Cost of Goods Sold                 18,658,664        85.2 %     17,309,542        81.9 %     1,349,122         7.8 %
Gross Profit                        3,237,337        14.8 %      3,830,582        18.1 %      (593,245 )     -15.5 %
Operating Expenses:
Selling                               898,712         4.1 %        992,447         4.7 %       (93,735 )      -9.4 %
General and administrative          1,579,027         7.2 %      1,603,717         7.6 %       (24,690 )      -1.5 %
Research and development              327,458         1.5 %        348,402         1.6 %       (20,944 )      -6.0 %
Total Operating Expenses            2,805,197        12.8 %      2,944,566 

      13.9 %      (139,369 )      -4.7 %
Operating Income                      432,140         2.0 %        886,016         4.2 %      (453,876 )     -51.2 %
Interest expense                     (403,746 )      -1.8 %       (467,483 )      -2.2 %        63,737       -13.6 %
Funding from Paycheck
Protection Program                    838,864         3.8 %              -         0.0 %       838,864           -
Other income (expense)                206,304         0.9 %       (190,889 )      -0.9 %       397,193       <-100 %
Income before Tax Provision         1,073,562         4.9 %        227,644         1.1 %       845,918        >100 %
Tax provision (benefit)                37,561         0.2 %        (52,630 )      -0.2 %        90,191       <-100 %
Net Income                          1,036,001         4.7 %        280,274         1.3 %       755,727        >100 %
Preferred stock dividend             (816,414 )      -3.7 %       (792,835 )      -3.8 %       (23,579 )       3.0 %
Net Income (Loss) Allocable to
Common Shareholders              $    219,587         1.0 %   $   (512,561 )      -2.4 %   $   732,148<-100 %




Revenue:


Total revenue for the three months 2021 increased $755,877 or 3.6% to $21,896,001 from $21,140,124 for the three months 2020. The increase in revenue included a favorable currency effect of approximately $952,000.





For the three months 2021 compared to the three months 2020, European automotive
sales increased 5.8% (excluding the currency adjustment), which was partially
offset by the 15.5% decrease in U.S. automotive sales. The decrease in U.S.
automotive sales was primarily due to a slower than expected start to new
programs.



Additionally, sales for the industrial sector increased less than 1.0% (-0.8%
before the currency effect) primarily due to a decline in the U.S. contract
market. However, future sales in the U.S. contract market are expected to be
more robust as our customers (mainly in the hospitality sector) are placing
orders as their businesses resume pre-coronavirus activities.



Gross Profit:



Total gross profit for the three months 2021 decreased $593,245 or 15.5% to
$3,237,337 from $3,830,582 for the three months 2020. The gross profit
percentage was 14.8% of sales for the three months 2021 compared to 18.1% for
the three months 2020. The lower amount and percentage for the three months 2021
were primarily due to higher costs of raw materials. To offset raw material
price increases, the Company increased prices during the three months 2021 in
several of its markets. The decrease in gross profit was partially offset by a
favorable currency effect of approximately $165,000.



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Operating Expenses:



Selling expenses for the three months 2021 decreased $93,735 or 9.4% to $898,712
from $992,447 for the three months 2020. Selling expenses decreased primarily
due to lower employment costs and travel expenses, which have not returned to
the levels of the period prior to the onset of COVID-19. There was a $45,000
unfavorable currency effect that partially offset the decrease in selling
expenses.



General and administrative expenses for the three months 2021 decreased $24,690
or 1.5% to $1,579,027 from $1,603,717 for the three months 2020. The decrease
was primarily due to lower employment related costs. Partially offsetting the
decrease was an unfavorable currency effect of $30,000.



Research and development expenses for the three months 2021 decreased $20,944 or
6.0% to $327,458 from $348,402 for the three months 2020. The decrease was
principally due to a decline in activities such as new trials, which have not
returned to the levels of the period prior to the onset of COVID-19. There was a
$13,000 unfavorable currency effect that partially offset the decrease in
research and development expenses.



Operating Income:



Operating income for the three months 2021 decreased $453,876 or 51.2% to
$432,140 from $886,016 for the three months 2020. The decrease was primarily due
to the decline in gross profit, which was partially offset by the decrease in
operating expenses. The operating income percentage was 2.0% of sales for the
three months 2021 compared to 4.2% for the three months 2020.



Interest Expense:



Interest expense for the three months 2021 decreased $63,737 or 13.6% to
$403,746 from $467,483 for the three months 2020. The decrease was primarily due
to lower interest rates on LIBOR and prime during the three months 2021 compared
to the three months 2020.


Funding from Paycheck Protection Program:


For the three months 2021, the $838,864 funding from the PPP was the amount of
proceeds from the PPP loan that the Company used during the first quarter for
allowable expenses under the PPP. The Company expects to receive forgiveness on
this debt from the SBA under the CARES Act for these eligible costs incurred by
the Company, as previously discussed.



Other Income (Expense):



Other income for the three months 2021 was $206,304 compared to other expense of
$190,889 for the three months 2020. Included in other income (expense) are the
currency gains and losses recognized on foreign currency transactions and the
change in the fair value of financial assets and liabilities that are
denominated in Euros as these currencies fluctuated during the period.



Tax Provision (Benefit):



The Company files income tax returns in the United States as a C-Corporation,
and in several state jurisdictions and in the United Kingdom. The Company's U.S.
operating subsidiary, Uniroyal, is a limited liability company (LLC) for federal
and state income tax purposes and as such, its income, losses, and credits pass
through to its members. The Company made the acquisition of Uniroyal through
UEPH, a limited liability company, which issued preferred ownership interests to
the sellers that provide for quarterly dividends. Uniroyal's taxable income is
allocated entirely to UEPH as its sole member and since it is a pass-through
entity, this income less the dividends paid to the sellers of Uniroyal is
reported on the Company's tax return. The taxable income applicable to the
dividends for the preferred ownership interests is reported to the sellers who
report it on their respective individual tax returns.



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The Company does not have a history of repatriating a significant portion of its
foreign cash. However, if it decided to repatriate these foreign amounts to fund
U.S. operations, the Company would not be required to pay any additional U.S.
tax related to these amounts since the Company previously recorded a one-time
transition tax on deemed repatriation of deferred foreign income.



The tax provision for the three months 2021 was $37,561 compared to a tax
benefit of $52,630 for the three months 2020. The $37,561 tax provision for the
three months 2021 was principally attributable to the results of the U.K.
operations partially offset by the tax benefit attributable to the U.S.
operations. The $52,630 tax benefit for the three months 2020 was principally
attributable to the results of the U.K. operations.



Preferred Stock Dividend:



Pursuant to the terms of their acquisitions, the issuance of preferred ownership
units/stock of UEP Holdings, LLC and UGEL (formerly EPAL) were issued to the
sellers. These preferred units have carried quarterly dividend requirements on a
total value of $55,000,000 at rates ranging from 5.0% to 8.0%. The dividend rate
on the Series B UEP Holdings preferred units which started at 5.5% increased by
0.5% on the anniversary of the issuance and is now at the maximum of 8.0%.
Quarterly dividend payments have been deferred each quarter beginning with the
dividends that were accrued for the three months ended December 29, 2019 through
the dividends that were accrued for the three months ended April 4, 2021 in
order to preserve cash and provide additional liquidity. As of April 4, 2021 and
January 3, 2021, accrued dividends of $4,775,094 and $4,019,905, respectively,
were included in accrued expenses and other liabilities in the accompanying
consolidated balance sheets.



Liquidity and Sources of Capital


Cash, as it is needed, is provided by using the Company's lines of credit. These
lines provide for a total borrowing commitment in excess of $44,000,000 subject
to the underlying borrowing base specified in the agreements. Of the total
outstanding borrowings of $18,629,921 at April 4, 2021, $14.3 million of the
lines bears interest at LIBOR or the Eurodollar rate plus a range of 1.95% to
2.45%, depending on the underlying borrowing base and $4.3 million bears
interest at the bank's prime or base lending rate which was 3.25% at April 4,
2021. The lines provided additional availability of approximately $2.5 million
and, combined with UEP's and UGL's total cash balances, liquidity was
approximately $4.3 million at April 4, 2021. We plan to use this availability
and cash provided by operating activities to finance our cash needs for the
remaining months of fiscal 2021 and future periods. The balances due under the
lines of credit are recorded as current liabilities on the consolidated balance
sheets.


Impacting the liquidity discussion above, in March of 2021, the Company's U.S. operations received $2.0 million in funds through the Paycheck Protection Program administered by the United States Small Business Administration. As previously stated, the Company believes that all of this debt will be forgiven.

The ratio of current assets to current liabilities, including the amount due under our lines of credit, was 0.93 at April 4, 2021 and 0.89 at January 3, 2021.


Cash balances increased $147,102 before the effects of currency translation of
$16,520, to $1,820,504 at April 4, 2021 from $1,656,882 at January 3, 2021. Of
the above noted amounts, $285,505 and $1,621,692 were held outside the U.S. by
our foreign subsidiaries as of April 4, 2021 and January 3, 2021, respectively.



Cash used in operations was $1,794,634 for the three months 2021 compared to
cash provided by operations of $2,164,732 for the three months 2020. For the
three months 2021, cash used in operations was primarily due to changes in
working capital of $(2,725,218) and adjustments for non-cash items of $(141,471)
offset by net income of $1,036,001 and changes in other assets and liabilities
of $36,054. For the three months 2020, cash provided by operations was primarily
due to changes in working capital of $1,322,814, adjustments for non-cash items
of $622,073 and net income of $280,274 offset by changes in other assets and
liabilities of $(60,429).



Cash used in investing activities was $252,679 for the three months 2021
compared to $484,114 for the three months 2020. During 2021 and 2020, cash used
in investing activities was principally for purchases of machinery and equipment
at our manufacturing locations and payments made for company-owned key man

life
insurance premiums.



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For the three months 2021, cash provided by financing activities was $2,194,415
compared to cash used in financing activities of $1,312,099 for the three months
2020. Impacting cash flows from financing activities for the three months 2021
were proceeds from issuance of long-term debt of $2,000,000 through the Paycheck
Protection Program. There was no issuance of long-term debt for the three months
2020. Also impacting cash flows from financing activities for the three months
2021 and 2020 were net advances on lines of credit of $782,781 and net payments
on lines of credit of $139,799, respectively. The changes in the lines of credit
reflect the funding of working capital. Payments of $387,443 and $484,533 were
also made during the three months 2021 and 2020, respectively, on long-term debt
and finance lease liabilities. Additionally during the three months 2020,
payments of $525,000 were made on subordinated secured promissory notes to our
majority shareholder, net of proceeds of $200,000 from our majority shareholder.



Our credit agreements contain customary affirmative and negative covenants. We
were in compliance with our debt covenants as of April 4, 2021 and through the
date of filing of this report.



We currently have several on-going capital projects that are important to our
long-term strategic goals. Machinery and equipment will also be added as needed
to increase capacity or enhance operating efficiencies in our manufacturing
plants. We will use a combination of financing arrangements to provide the
necessary capital. We believe that our existing resources, including cash on
hand and our credit facilities, together with cash generated from operations and
additional bank borrowings, will be sufficient to fund our cash flow
requirements through at least the next twelve months. However, there can be no
assurance that additional financing will be available on favorable terms, if at
all.


We have no off balance sheet arrangements.





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