t75564_10k.htm
Table of Contents


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

 
Form 10-K
 
(Mark One)
þ
ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
   
 
For the fiscal year ended December 29, 2012
 
OR
 
o
TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
 
Commission file number: 1-32383
 

 
BLUELINX HOLDINGS INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
 
Delaware
77-0627356
(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization)
(I.R.S. Employer
Identification No.)
   
4300 Wildwood Parkway, Atlanta, Georgia
30339
(Address of principal executive offices)
(Zip Code)
 
Registrant’s telephone number, including area code:
770-953-7000
 
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
 
Title of Each Class 
 
Name of Each Exchange on Which Registered 
Common stock, par value $0.01 per share
 
New York Stock Exchange
 
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:
None
 

 
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act.  Yes o     No þ
 
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act.  Yes o     No þ
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.  Yes þ     No o
 
Indicate by check mark 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 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).  Yes þ     No o
 
Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of registrant’s knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K.  þ
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):
 
Large accelerated filer  o Accelerated filer o Non-accelerated filer þ Smaller reporting company o
 
 (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 Act).  Yes o     No þ
 
The aggregate market value of the registrant’s common stock held by non-affiliates of the registrant as of June 30, 2012 was $46,947,438, based on the closing price on the New York Stock Exchange of $2.35 per share on June 29, 2012.
 
As of February 20, 2013, the registrant had 63,766,266 shares of common stock outstanding.
 

 
DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE
 
None.


 
 

 
BLUELINX HOLDINGS INC.
 
ANNUAL REPORT ON FORM 10-K
For the Fiscal Year Ended December 29, 2012
 
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2


CAUTIONARY STATEMENT CONCERNING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
 
This Annual Report on Form 10-K includes “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Forward-looking statements include, without limitation, any statement that may predict, forecast, indicate or imply future results, performance or achievements, and may contain the words “anticipate,” “believe,” “could,” “expect,” “estimate,” “intend,” “may,” “project,” “plan,” “should,” “will be,” “will likely continue,” “will likely result” or words or phrases of similar meaning. You should read statements containing these words carefully, because they discuss our future expectations, contain projections of our future results or state other “forward-looking” information.
 
Forward-looking statements are based on estimates and assumptions made by us that, although believed by us to be reasonable, involve inherent risks and uncertainties, including, but not limited to, economic, competitive, governmental and technological factors outside of our control, that may cause our business, strategy or actual results to differ materially from the forward-looking statements.  We operate in a changing environment in which new risks can emerge from time to time.  It is not possible for management to predict all of these risks, nor can it assess the extent to which any factor, or a combination of factors, may cause our business, strategy or actual results to differ materially from those contained in forward-looking statements.  Factors you should consider that could cause these differences include, among other things:
 
●     
changes in the prices, supply and/or demand for products which we distribute, especially as a result of conditions in the residential housing market;
 
●     
the acceptance by our customers of our privately branded products;
 
●     
inventory levels of new and existing homes for sale;
 
●     
general economic and business conditions in the United States;
 
●     
the financial condition and credit worthiness of our customers;
 
●     
the activities of competitors;
 
●     
changes in significant operating expenses;
 
●     
fuel costs;
 
●     
risk of losses associated with accidents;
 
●     
exposure to product liability claims;
 
●     
changes in the availability of capital and interest rates;
 
●     
immigration patterns and job and household formation;
 
●     
our ability to identify acquisition opportunities and effectively and cost-efficiently integrate acquisitions;
 
●     
adverse weather patterns or conditions;
 
●     
acts of war or terrorist activities, including cyber intrusion;
 
●     
variations in the performance of the financial markets, including the credit markets;
 
●     
failure to complete the rights offering on the terms described in the Form S-1 filed with the SEC on January 10, 2013; and
 
●     
the risk factors discussed under Item 1A. Risk Factors and elsewhere in this Form 10-K.
 
Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this Form 10-K. Except as required under federal securities laws and the rules and regulations of the SEC, we do not have any intention, and do not undertake, to update any forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances arising after the date of this Form 10-K, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. As a result of these risks and uncertainties, readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements included in this Form 10-K or that may be made elsewhere from time to time by or on behalf of us. All forward-looking statements attributable to us are expressly qualified by these cautionary statements.
 
 
3

 
PART I
 
As used herein, unless the context otherwise requires, BlueLinx, the Company, we, us and our refer to BlueLinx Holdings Inc. and its subsidiaries. BlueLinx Corporation is the wholly-owned operating subsidiary of BlueLinx Holdings Inc. and is referred to herein as the operating company when necessary. Reference to fiscal 2012 refers to the 52-week period ended December 29, 2012.  Reference to fiscal 2011 refers to the 52-week period ended December 31, 2011.  Reference to fiscal 2010 refers to the 52-week period ended January 1, 2011.
 
ITEM 1.  BUSINESS.
 
Company Overview
 
BlueLinx Holdings Inc., operating through our wholly-owned subsidiary, BlueLinx Corporation, is a leading distributor of building products in the United States. We operate in all of the major metropolitan areas in the United States and, as of December 29, 2012, we distributed approximately 10,000 products from over 750 suppliers to service more than 11,500 customers nationwide, including dealers, industrial manufacturers, manufactured housing producers and home improvement retailers. We operate our distribution business from sales centers in Atlanta and Denver, and our network of approximately 55 distribution centers.
 
We distribute products in two principal categories: structural products and specialty products. Structural products, which represented approximately 42%, 39% and 46% of our fiscal 2012, fiscal 2011 and fiscal 2010 gross sales, respectively, include plywood, oriented strand board (“OSB”), rebar and remesh, lumber and other wood products primarily used for structural support, walls and flooring in construction projects. Specialty products, which represented approximately 58%, 61% and 54% of our fiscal 2012, fiscal 2011 and fiscal 2010 gross sales, respectively, include roofing, insulation, specialty panels, moulding, engineered wood products, vinyl products (used primarily in siding), outdoor living and metal products (excluding rebar and remesh).
 
Our customers include building materials dealers, industrial users of building products, manufactured housing builders and home improvement centers. We purchase products from over 750 vendors and serve as a national distributor for a number of our suppliers. We distribute products through our owned and leased fleet of over 500 trucks and over 900 trailers, as well as by common carrier.
 
Our principal executive offices are located at 4300 Wildwood Parkway, Atlanta, Georgia 30339 and our telephone number is (770) 953-7000. Our filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, including annual reports on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K, proxy statements and amendments to those reports, are accessible free of charge at our official website, www.BlueLinxCo.com. We have adopted a Code of Ethics within the meaning of Item 406(b) of Regulation S-K. This Code of Ethics applies to our principal executive officer, principal financial officer and principal accounting officer. This Code of Ethics, our board committee charters and our corporate governance guidelines are publicly available without charge at www.BlueLinxCo.com or without charge upon request by writing to BlueLinx Holdings Inc., Attn: Corporate Secretary, 4300 Wildwood Parkway, Atlanta, Georgia 30339. If we make substantial amendments to our Code of Ethics or grant any waiver, including any implicit waiver, we will disclose the nature of such amendment or waiver on our website or in a report on Form 8-K. The reference to our website does not constitute incorporation by reference of the information contained at the site, and our website is not considered part of this filing.
 
History
 
We were created on March 8, 2004 as a Georgia corporation named ABP Distribution Holdings Inc. (“ABP”). ABP was owned by Cerberus Capital Management, L.P. (Cerberus Capital Management, L.P. and its subsidiaries are referred to herein as “Cerberus”), a private, New York-based investment firm, and members of our management team. Prior to May 7, 2004, certain of our assets were owned by the distribution division (the “Division”) of Georgia-Pacific Corporation (“Georgia-Pacific” or “G-P”). The Division commenced operations in 1954 with 13 warehouses primarily used as an outlet for G-P’s plywood. On May 7, 2004, G-P sold the assets of the Division to ABP. ABP subsequently merged into BlueLinx Holdings Inc. On December 17, 2004, we consummated an initial public offering of our common stock.
 
 
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Products and Services
 
As of December 29, 2012, we distributed approximately 10,000 different structural and specialty products to approximately 11,500 customers nationwide. Our structural products are primarily used for structural support, walls, flooring and roofing in construction projects. Additional end uses of our structural products include outdoor decks, sheathing, crates and boxes. Our specialty products include engineered lumber, roofing, insulation, metal products (excluding rebar and remesh), vinyl products (used primarily in siding), moulding, outdoor living and particle board. In some cases, these products are branded by us.
 
We also provide a wide range of value-added services and solutions to our customers and vendors including:
 
 
    
providing “less-than-truckload” delivery services;
 
 
    
pre-negotiated program pricing plans;
 
 
    
inventory stocking;
 
 
    
automated order processing through an electronic data interchange, or EDI, that provides a direct link between us and our customers;
 
 
    
inter-modal distribution services, including railcar unloading and cargo reloading onto customers’ trucks; and
 
 
    
back-haul services, when otherwise empty trucks are returning from customer deliveries.
 
Distribution Channels
 
We sell products through three main distribution channels:
 
Warehouse Sales
 
Warehouse sales are delivered from our warehouses to dealers, home improvement centers and industrial users. We deliver products primarily using our fleet of over 500 trucks and over 900 trailers, but also occasionally use common carriers for peak load flexibility. We operate in all of the major metropolitan areas in the United States through our network of approximately 55 distribution centers. Our warehouses have approximately ten million square feet of space under roof plus significant outdoor storage space. Warehouse sales accounted for approximately 71% of our fiscal 2012 and 66% of our fiscal 2011 gross sales.
 
Reload Sales
 
Reload sales are similar to warehouse sales but are shipped from third-party warehouses where we store owned product in order to expand our geographic reach. This channel is employed primarily to service strategic customers that would be uneconomical to service from our warehouses and to distribute large volumes of imported products such as metal or hardwood plywood from port facilities. Reload sales accounted for approximately 9% and 13% of our gross sales in fiscal 2012 and fiscal 2011, respectively.
 
Direct Sales
 
Direct sales are shipped from the manufacturer to the customer without our taking physical inventory possession. This channel requires the lowest amount of committed capital and fixed costs. Direct sales accounted for approximately 20% and 21% of our fiscal 2012 and fiscal 2011 gross sales, respectively.
 
 
5

 
Customers
 
As of December 29, 2012, our customer base included approximately 11,500 customers across multiple market segments and various end-use markets, including the following types of customers:
 
 
    
building materials dealers;
 
 
    
industrial users of building products;
 
 
    
manufactured housing builders; and
 
 
    
home improvement centers.
 
Sales and Marketing
 
Our sales efforts are directed primarily through our sales force of 401 sales representatives, of which 215 are primarily located at our two sales centers in Denver and Atlanta and inside various branch locations. Within these sales centers, our sales representatives interact with our customers over the telephone. The remaining 186 sales representatives are located throughout the country and are responsible for maintaining a local dialogue with our customers, including making frequent, in-person visits.
 
Our sales force is separated between industrial/dealer sales and home improvement center sales. Industrial/dealer sales are managed by regional vice-presidents with sales teams organized by geographical customer regions. The majority of industrial/dealer orders are processed by telephone and are facilitated by our centralized database of customer preferences and purchasing history. We also have dedicated cross-functional customer support teams focused on strategic growth with the home improvement centers.
 
Suppliers
 
As of December 29, 2012, our vendor base included over 750 suppliers of both structural and specialty building products. In some cases, these products are branded. We have supply contracts in place with many of our vendors. Terms for these agreements frequently include prompt payment discounts, freight allowances and occasionally include volume discounts, growth incentives, marketing allowances, and consigned inventory.
 
On February 12, 2012, our three-year purchase agreement with G-P for engineered lumber expired in accordance with its terms.  We continue to distribute a variety of G-P building products, but no longer are contractually obligated to make minimum purchases of products from G-P or to purchase certain products exclusively from G-P.
 
Competition
 
The U.S. building products distribution market is a highly fragmented market, served by a small number of multi-regional distributors, several regionally focused distributors and a large number of independent local distributors. Local and regional distributors tend to be closely held and often specialize in a limited number of segments, such as the roofing segment, in which they offer a broader selection of products. Some of our multi-regional competitors are part of larger companies and therefore have access to greater financial and other resources than we do. We compete on the basis of breadth of product offering, consistent availability of product, product price and quality, reputation, service and distribution facility location.
 
Our two largest competitors are Weyerhaeuser Company and Boise Cascade Company. Most major markets are served by at least one of these distributors.
 
 
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Seasonality
 
We are exposed to fluctuations in quarterly sales volumes and expenses due to seasonal factors. These seasonal factors are common in the building products distribution industry. The first and fourth quarters are typically our slowest quarters due to the impact of poor weather on the construction market. Our second and third quarters are typically our strongest quarters, reflecting a substantial increase in construction due to more favorable weather conditions. Our working capital and accounts receivable and payable generally peak in the third quarter, while inventory generally peaks in the second quarter in anticipation of the summer building season.
 
Trademarks
 
As of December 29, 2012, we had 37 U.S. trademark applications and registrations, one issued U.S. patent and one Canadian trademark registration. Depending on the jurisdiction, trademarks are valid as long as they are in use and/or their registrations are properly maintained and they have not become generic. Registrations of trademarks generally can be renewed indefinitely as long as the trademarks are in use. We do not believe our business is dependent on any one of our trademarks or on our patent.
 
Employees
 
As of December 29, 2012 we employed approximately 1,868 persons on a full-time basis. Approximately 30% of our employees were represented by various labor unions.  As of December 29, 2012, we had 42 collective bargaining agreements, of which 10, covering approximately 132 total employees, are up for renewal in fiscal 2013.  We consider our relationship with our employees generally to be good.
 
Environmental and Other Governmental Regulations
 
Our operations are subject to various federal, state, provincial and local laws, rules and regulations. We are subject to environmental laws, rules and regulations that limit discharges into the environment, establish standards for the handling, generation, emission, release, discharge, treatment, storage and disposal of hazardous materials, substances and wastes, and require cleanup of contaminated soil and groundwater. These laws, ordinances and regulations are complex, change frequently and have tended to become more stringent over time. Many of them provide for substantial fines and penalties, orders (including orders to cease operations) and criminal sanctions for violations. They may also impose liability for property damage and personal injury stemming from the presence of, or exposure to, hazardous substances. In addition, certain of our operations require us to obtain, maintain compliance with, and periodically renew permits.
 
Certain of these laws, including the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act, may require the investigation and cleanup of an entity’s or its predecessor’s current or former properties, even if the associated contamination was caused by the operations of a third party. These laws also may require the investigation and cleanup of third-party sites at which an entity or its predecessor sent hazardous wastes for disposal, notwithstanding that the original disposal activity accorded with all applicable requirements. Liability under such laws may be imposed jointly and severally, and regardless of fault.
 
G-P has agreed to indemnify us against any claim arising from environmental conditions that existed prior to May 7, 2004 in connection with the properties acquired when G-P sold the assets of the Division to us (see “History” above). In addition, we carry environmental insurance. While we do not expect to incur significant costs to BlueLinx arising from environmental conditions, there can be no assurance that all such costs will be covered by indemnification or insurance.
 
We are also subject to the requirements of the U.S. Department of Labor Occupational Safety and Health Administration, or OSHA. In order to maintain compliance with applicable OSHA requirements, we have established uniform safety and compliance procedures for our operations and implemented measures to prevent workplace injuries.
 
The U.S. Department of Transportation, or DOT, regulates our operations in domestic interstate commerce. We are subject to safety requirements governing interstate operations prescribed by the DOT. Vehicle dimensions and driver hours of service also remain subject to both federal and state regulation.
 
We incur and will continue to incur costs to comply with the requirements of environmental, health and safety and transportation laws, ordinances and regulations. We anticipate that these requirements could become more stringent in the future, and we cannot assure you that compliance costs will not be material.
 
 
7

 
ITEM 1A.  RISK FACTORS.
 
In addition to the other information contained in this Form 10-K, the following risk factors should be considered carefully in evaluating our business. Our business, financial condition, or results of operations could be materially adversely affected by any of these risks. Additional risks not presently known to us or that we currently deem immaterial may also impair our business and operations.
 
Our industry is highly cyclical, and prolonged periods of weak demand or excess supply may reduce our net sales and/or margins, which may reduce our net income or cause us to incur losses.
 
The building products distribution industry is subject to cyclical market pressures. Prices of building products are determined by overall supply and demand in the market for building products. Market prices of building products historically have been volatile and cyclical, and we have limited ability to control the timing and amount of pricing changes for building products. Demand for building products is driven mainly by factors outside of our control, such as general economic and political conditions, interest rates, availability of mortgage financing, the construction, repair and remodeling and industrial markets, weather and population growth. The supply of building products fluctuates based on available manufacturing capacity, and excess capacity in the industry can result in significant declines in market prices for those products. To the extent that prices and volumes experience a sustained or sharp decline, our net sales and margins likely would decline as well. Because we have substantial fixed costs, a decrease in sales and margin generally may have a significant adverse impact on our financial condition, operating results and cash flows. Our results in some periods have been affected by market volatility, including a reduction in gross profits due to a decline in the resale value of our structural products inventory. All of these factors make it difficult to forecast our operating results.
 
Our industry is dependent on the homebuilding industry which has suffered from a prolonged significant downturn, and any slowdown in the current recovery or any future downturns would materially affect our business, liquidity and operating results.
 
Our sales depend heavily on the strength of national and local new residential construction and home improvement and remodeling markets. The strength of these markets depends on new housing starts and residential renovation projects, which are a function of many factors beyond our control. Some of these factors include general economic conditions, employment levels, job and household formation, interest rates, housing prices, tax policy, availability of mortgage financing, prices of commodity wood and steel products, immigration patterns, regional demographics and consumer confidence. The overall housing market and the economy are improving; however, the U.S. residential construction market has suffered from a multi-year downturn that was one of the most severe housing downturns in United States history. While the government’s legislative and administrative measures aimed at restoring liquidity to the credit markets and providing relief to homeowners facing foreclosure are beginning to show positive results and there have been signs of improvement in the U.S. economy generally, and in the residential housing market in particular, it is unclear if and to what extent the residential construction market will continue to improve during fiscal 2013.
 
Our results of operations were adversely affected by the severe downturn in new housing activity in the United States, and, while currently improving, any slowdown in the current recovery or any future downturns in the markets that we serve or in the economy generally will have a material adverse effect on our operating results, liquidity and financial condition. Reduced levels of construction activity may result in continued intense price competition among building materials suppliers, which may adversely affect our gross margins. We cannot provide assurance that our responses to future downturns in the economy in general, and in the residential housing market in particular, will be successful.
 
A significant portion of our sales are on credit to our customers. Material changes in their credit worthiness or our inability to forecast deterioration in their credit position could have a material adverse effect on our operating results, cash flow and liquidity.
 
The majority of our sales are on account where we provide credit to our customers. Continued market disruptions could cause additional economic downturns, which may lead to lower demand for our products and increased incidence of customers’ inability to pay their accounts. Bankruptcies by our customers may cause us to incur bad debt expense at levels higher than historically experienced. In fiscal 2012, approximately 0.1% in bad debt expense to total net sales was incurred related to credit sales. Our customers are generally susceptible to the same economic business risks as we are. Furthermore, we may not necessarily be aware of any deterioration in their financial position. If our customers’ financial position becomes impaired, it could have a significant impact on our bad debt exposure and could have a material adverse effect on our operating results, cash flow and liquidity. In addition, certain of our suppliers potentially may be impacted as well, causing disruption or delay of product availability. These events would adversely impact our results of operations, cash flows and financial position.
 
 
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Our cash flows and capital resources may be insufficient to make required payments on our substantial indebtedness and future indebtedness or to maintain our required level of excess liquidity.
 
We have a substantial amount of debt. As of December 29, 2012, we had outstanding borrowings of $169.5 million and excess availability of $86.0 million under the terms of our U.S. revolving credit facility, outstanding borrowings of $1.9 million and excess availability of $2.0 million under our Canadian revolving credit facility and outstanding letters of credit totaling $4.5 million. As of December 29, 2012, the principal amount outstanding on our mortgage loan was $206.0 million.
 
Our substantial debt could have important consequences to you. For example, it could:
 
●     
make it difficult for us to satisfy our debt obligations;
 
●     
make us more vulnerable to general adverse economic and industry conditions;
 
●     
limit our ability to obtain additional financing for working capital, capital expenditures, acquisitions and other general corporate requirements as our excess liquidity likely will decrease while our industry and our Company begins its recovery from the historic housing market downturn;
 
●     
expose us to interest rate fluctuations because the interest rate on the debt under our U.S. revolving credit facility is variable;
 
●     
require us to dedicate a substantial portion of our cash flow from operations to payments on our debt, thereby reducing the availability of our cash flow for operations and other purposes;
 
●     
limit our flexibility in planning for, or reacting to, changes in our business and the industry in which we operate; and
 
●     
place us at a competitive disadvantage compared to competitors that may have proportionately less debt, and therefore may be in a better position to get favorable credit terms.
 
In addition, our ability to make scheduled payments or refinance our obligations depends on our successful financial and operating performance, cash flows and capital resources, which in turn depend upon prevailing economic conditions and certain financial, business and other factors, many of which are beyond our control. These factors include, among others:
 
●     
economic and demand factors affecting the building products distribution industry;
 
●     
pricing pressures;
 
●     
increased operating costs;
 
●     
competitive conditions; and
 
●     
other operating difficulties.  
 
If our cash flows and capital resources are insufficient to fund our debt service obligations, we may be forced to reduce or delay capital expenditures, sell material assets or operations, obtain additional capital or restructure our debt. Obtaining additional capital or restructuring our debt could be accomplished in part through new or additional borrowings or placements of debt or equity securities. There is no assurance that we could obtain additional capital or restructure our debt on terms acceptable to us or at all. In the event that we are required to dispose of material assets or operations to meet our debt service and other obligations, the value realized on the disposition of such assets or operations will depend on market conditions and the availability of buyers. Accordingly, any such sale may not, among other things, be for a sufficient dollar amount. Our obligations under the revolving credit facilities are secured by a first priority security interest in all of our operating subsidiary’s and BlueLinx Building Products Canada Ltd.’s (“BlueLinx Canada’s”)  (for the Canadian revolving credit facility) inventories, receivables and proceeds from those items. In addition, our mortgage loan is secured by the majority of our real property. The foregoing encumbrances may limit our ability to dispose of material assets or operations. We also may not be able to restructure our indebtedness on favorable economic terms, if at all. We may incur substantial additional indebtedness in the future, including under the revolving credit facilities. Our incurring additional indebtedness would intensify the risks described above.
 
 
9

 
The instruments governing our indebtedness contain various covenants limiting the discretion of our management in operating our business, including requiring us to maintain a minimum level of excess liquidity.
 
Our revolving credit facilities and mortgage loan contain various restrictive covenants and restrictions, including financial covenants customary for asset-based loans that limit our management’s discretion in operating our business. In particular, these instruments limit our ability to, among other things:
 
incur additional debt;
 
grant liens on assets;
 
make investments, including capital expenditures;
 
sell or acquire assets outside the ordinary course of business;
 
engage in transactions with affiliates; and
 
make fundamental business changes.
 
Under our U.S. revolving credit facility, we are required to maintain a fixed charge coverage ratio of 1.1 to 1.0 in the event our excess availability falls below the greater of $30 million or the amount equal to 15% of the lesser of the borrowing base or $400 million (the “Excess Availability Threshold”). If we fail to maintain this minimum excess availability, the U.S. revolving credit facility requires us to (i) maintain certain financial ratios, which we would not meet with current operating results triggering the lender’s right to make the debt callable, and (ii) limit our capital expenditures. If we fail to comply with the restrictions in the U.S. revolving credit facility, the Canadian revolving credit facility, the mortgage loan documents or any other current or future financing agreements, a default may allow the creditors under the relevant instruments to accelerate the related debt and to exercise their remedies under these agreements, which will typically include the right to declare the principal amount of that debt, together with accrued and unpaid interest and other related amounts, immediately due and payable, to exercise any remedies the creditors may have to foreclose on assets that are subject to liens securing that debt and to terminate any commitments they had made to supply further funds.
 
We are dependent upon several large suppliers for a significant percentage of our products.
 
Although we have made progress in diversifying our supplier base, we are still dependent on several large suppliers for a significant percentage of our products. Purchases in fiscal 2012 from the five largest suppliers were approximately 25% in the aggregate, none of these suppliers individually constitute more than 10% of our product purchases.
 
 
10

 
The market for our private label products may not develop as anticipated and we may have problems in the supply chain for these products.
 
We have been increasing the number of private label products that we offer to our customers. Private label products are those that are manufactured for us by third parties, but are then branded by us. The market for these products may be slow to develop or may not develop at all if customers prefer to purchase the more commonly recognized “name brand” versions of the same products. These products are manufactured on our behalf by third party suppliers, and we do not directly control the manufacturing process. As a result, while such products must generally meet certain quality standards set by us, it is possible that our results may be negatively impacted if there are defects in the manufacturing process that are not identified prior to our branding of the products and the sale to our customers. Further, problems in the supply chain for these products may adversely impact our ability to maintain sufficient inventory levels for the privately branded products.
 
Although in many instances we have agreements with our suppliers, these agreements are generally terminable by either party on limited notice. Failure by our suppliers to continue to supply us with products on commercially reasonable terms, or at all, could put pressure on our gross margins or have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, operating results, and cash flows.
 
We source many products internationally and are exposed to risks associated with doing business globally.
 
We import a variety of products from countries located in Asia, South America and the Middle East.  The business, regulatory and political environments in these countries differ from those in the U.S. Our global sourcing strategy is subject to risks and uncertainties, including changes in foreign country regulatory requirements; differing business practices associated with foreign operations; imposition of foreign tariffs and other trade barriers; political, legal and economic instability; foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations; foreign country tax rules, regulations and other requirements, such as changes in tax rates and statutory and judicial interpretations in tax laws; inflation; differing labor laws and changes in those laws; government price controls; and work stoppages and disruptions in the shipping of imported and exported products.
 
Our transportation operations are subject to significant governmental regulation.
 
Our transportation operations are subject to the regulatory jurisdiction of the U.S. Department of Transportation (“DOT”).  The DOT has broad administrative powers with respect to our transportation operations. If we fail to adequately comply with DOT regulations or regulations become more stringent, we could experience increased inspections, regulatory authorities could take remedial action including imposing fines or shutting down our operations or we could be subject to increased audit and compliance costs. If any of these events were to occur, our results of operations, business, cash flow, and financial condition would be adversely affected.
 
Product shortages, loss of key suppliers, and our dependence on third-party suppliers and manufacturers could affect our financial health.
 
Our ability to offer a wide variety of products to our customers is dependent upon our ability to obtain adequate product supply from manufacturers and other suppliers. Generally, our products are obtainable from various sources and in sufficient quantities. However, the loss of, or a substantial decrease in the availability of, products from our suppliers or the loss of key supplier arrangements could adversely impact our financial condition, operating results, and cash flows.
 
Although in many instances we have agreements with our suppliers, these agreements are generally terminable by either party on limited notice. Failure by our suppliers to continue to supply us with products on commercially reasonable terms, or at all, could put pressure on our gross margins or have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, operating results, and cash flows.
 
Our industry is highly fragmented and competitive. If we are unable to compete effectively, our net sales and operating results will be reduced.
 
The building products distribution industry is highly fragmented and competitive, and the barriers to entry for local competitors are relatively low. Competitive factors in our industry include pricing and availability of product, service and delivery capabilities, ability to assist with problem-solving, customer relationships, geographic coverage and breadth of product offerings. Also, financial stability is important to suppliers and customers in choosing distributors for their products and affects the favorability of the terms on which we are able to obtain our products from our suppliers and sell our products to our customers.
 
Some of our competitors are part of larger companies and therefore have access to greater financial and other resources than those to which we have access. In addition, certain product manufacturers sell and distribute their products directly to customers. Additional manufacturers of products distributed by us may elect to sell and distribute directly to end-users in the future or enter into exclusive supply arrangements with other distributors. Finally, we may not be able to maintain our costs at a level sufficiently low for us to compete effectively. If we are unable to compete effectively, our net sales and net income will be reduced.
 
Integrating acquisitions may be time-consuming and create costs that could reduce our operating results and cash flows.
 
 
11

 
We may elect to selectively pursue acquisitions. Any integration process may be complex and time consuming, may be disruptive to the business and may cause an interruption of, or a distraction of management’s attention from, the business as a result of a number of obstacles, including but not limited to:
 
●     
the loss of key customers of the acquired company;
 
●     
the incurrence of unexpected expenses and working capital requirements;
 
●     
a failure of our due diligence process to identify significant issues or contingencies;
 
●     
difficulties assimilating the operations and personnel of the acquired company;
 
●     
difficulties effectively integrating the acquired technologies with our current technologies;
 
●     
our inability to retain key personnel of acquired entities;
 
●     
failure to maintain the quality of customer service;
 
●     
our inability to achieve the financial and strategic goals for the acquired and combined businesses; and
 
●     
difficulty in maintaining internal controls, procedures and policies.  
 
Any of the foregoing obstacles, or a combination of them, could increase selling, general and administrative expenses in absolute terms and/or as a percentage of net sales, which could in turn negatively impact our operating results and cash flows.
 
We may not be able to consummate acquisitions in the future on terms acceptable to us, or at all. In addition, future acquisitions are accompanied by the risk that the obligations and liabilities of an acquired company may not be adequately reflected in the historical financial statements of that company and the risk that those historical financial statements may be based on assumptions which are incorrect or inconsistent with our assumptions or approach to accounting policies. Any of these material obligations, liabilities or incorrect or inconsistent assumptions could adversely impact our results of operations.
 
A significant percentage of our employees are unionized. Wage increases or work stoppages by our unionized employees may reduce our results of operations.
 
As of December 29, 2012, approximately 30% of our employees were represented by various labor unions. As of December 29, 2012, we had 42 collective bargaining agreements, of which 10, covering approximately 132 total employees, are up for renewal in fiscal 2013. Although we have generally had good relations with our unionized employees and expect to renew collective bargaining agreements as they expire, no assurances can be provided that we will be able to reach a timely agreement as to the renewal of the agreements, and their expiration or continued work under an expired agreement, as applicable, could result in a work stoppage. In addition, we may become subject to material cost increases, or additional work rules imposed by agreements with labor unions. The foregoing could increase our selling, general and administrative expenses in absolute terms and/or as a percentage of net sales. In addition, work stoppages or other labor disturbances may occur in the future, which could adversely impact our net sales and/or selling, general and administrative expenses. All of these factors could negatively impact our operating results and cash flows.
 
Increases in the cost of employee benefits, such as pension and other postretirement benefits, could impact our financial results and cash flow.
 
Unfavorable changes in the cost of our pension retirement benefits and current employees’ medical benefits could materially impact our financial results and cash flow. We sponsor several defined benefit pension plans covering substantially all of our hourly employees. Our estimates of the amount and timing of our future funding obligations for our defined benefit pension plans are based upon various assumptions. These assumptions include, but are not limited to, the discount rate, projected return on plan assets, compensation increase rates, mortality rates, retirement patterns, and turnover rates. In addition, the amount and timing of our pension funding obligations can be influenced by funding requirements that are established by the Employee Retirement Income and Security Act of 1974 (ERISA), the Pension Protection Act, Congressional Acts, or other governing bodies. During fiscal 2010 and 2011, we met our required contribution to our defined benefit pension plans. As of December 29, 2012, the net unfunded status of our benefit plan was $46.6 million. The Company’s required cash contribution to the pension plan in 2012 was approximately $3.3 million.  The 2012 required contribution was comprised of approximately $1.2 million related to our 2011 minimum required contribution and approximately $2.1 million related to our 2012 minimum required contribution.  The Company’s minimum required contribution for plan year 2012 was $3.2 million.  The Company has funded the $1.2 million related to its 2011 minimum required contribution with cash in 2012.  However, in an effort to preserve additional cash for operations, we applied for a waiver from the Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) for our 2012 minimum required contribution.  The waiver is still being reviewed by the IRS.  No assurances can be provided, however, that any such waiver request will be granted.  We have not made the $2.1 million of required 2012 contributions related to the 2012 minimum required contribution.  If we are granted the requested waiver, our contributions for 2012 will be amortized over the following five years, increasing our future minimum required contributions. We are currently required to make three quarterly cash contributions during fiscal 2013 of $0.8 million per quarter related to our 2013 minimum required contribution. We are pursuing contributing personal property to the pension plan during fiscal 2013.  We will designate the contribution such that it will offset our future minimum required contribution.
 
 
12

 
We participate in various multi-employer pension plans in the United States. The majority of these plans are underfunded. If, in the future, we choose to withdraw from these plans, we likely would need to record a withdrawal liability, which may be material to our financial results.
 
The payment of dividends has been suspended, and resumption is dependent on business conditions, among other factors. Further, the instruments governing our indebtedness contain various covenants that may limit our ability to pay dividends.
 
We suspended the payment of dividends on our common stock for an indefinite period of time on December 5, 2007. Resumption of the payment of dividends will depend on, among other things, business conditions in the housing industry, our results of operations, cash requirements, financial condition, contractual restrictions, provisions of applicable law and other factors that our board of directors may deem relevant. Accordingly, we may not be able to resume the payment of dividends at the same quarterly rate in the future, if at all.
 
Federal and state transportation regulations could impose substantial costs on us which would reduce our net income.
 
We use our own fleet of over 500 tractors and over 900 trailers to service customers throughout the United States. The U.S. Department of Transportation, or DOT, regulates our operations in domestic interstate commerce. We are subject to safety requirements governing interstate operations prescribed by the DOT. Vehicle dimensions and driver hours of service also remain subject to both federal and state regulation. More restrictive limitations on vehicle weight and size, trailer length and configuration, or driver hours of service would increase our costs, which, if we are unable to pass these cost increases on to our customers, will increase our selling, general and administrative expenses and reduce our operating results.
 
Environmental laws impose risks and costs on us.
 
Our operations are subject to federal, state, provincial and local laws, rules and regulations governing the protection of the environment, including, but not limited to, those regulating discharges into the air and water, the use, handling and disposal of hazardous or toxic substances, the management of wastes, the cleanup of contamination and the control of noise and odors. We have made, and will continue to make, expenditures to comply with these requirements. While we believe, based upon current information, that we are in substantial compliance with all applicable environmental laws, rules and regulations, we could be subject to potentially significant fines or penalties for any failure to comply. Moreover, under certain environmental laws, a current or previous owner or operator of real property, and parties that generate or transport hazardous substances that are disposed of at that real property, may be held liable for the cost to investigate or clean up such real property and for related damages to natural resources. We may be subject to liability, including liability for investigation and cleanup costs, if contamination is discovered at one of our current or former warehouse facilities, or at a landfill or other location where we have disposed of, or arranged for the disposal of, wastes. Georgia-Pacific has agreed to indemnify us against any claim arising from environmental conditions that existed prior to May 7, 2004 in connection with the properties we acquired when we purchased the assets of the Division. We also carry environmental insurance. However, any remediation costs either not related to conditions existing prior to May 7, 2004 or on properties acquired after May 7, 2004 may not be covered by indemnification. In addition, certain remediation costs may not be covered by insurance. We could also be subject to claims brought pursuant to applicable laws, rules or regulations for property damage or personal injury resulting from the environmental impact of our operations. Increasingly stringent environmental requirements, more aggressive enforcement actions, the discovery of unknown conditions or the bringing of future claims may cause our expenditures for environmental matters to increase, and we may incur material costs associated with these matters.
 
 
13

 
Failure to comply with governmental laws and regulations could harm our business.
 
Our business is subject to regulation by various federal, state, local and foreign governmental agencies, including agencies responsible for monitoring and enforcing employment and labor laws, workplace safety, product safety, environmental laws, consumer protection laws, anti-bribery laws, import/export controls, federal securities laws and tax laws and regulations. Noncompliance with applicable regulations or requirements could subject us to investigations, sanctions, mandatory product recalls, enforcement actions, disgorgement of profits, fines, damages, civil and criminal penalties or injunctions. If any governmental sanctions are imposed, or if we do not prevail in any possible civil or criminal litigation, our business, operating results and financial condition could be materially adversely affected. In addition, responding to any action will likely result in a significant diversion of management’s attention and resources and an increase in professional fees. Enforcement actions and sanctions could harm our business, operating results and financial condition.
 
Affiliates of Cerberus control us and may have conflicts of interest with other stockholders in the future.
 
Cerberus beneficially owned approximately 52% of our common stock as of December 29, 2012. As a result, Cerberus is able to control the election of our directors, determine our corporate and management policies and determine, without the consent of our other stockholders, the outcome of any corporate transaction or other matter submitted to our stockholders for approval, including potential mergers or acquisitions, asset sales and other significant corporate transactions. This concentrated ownership position limits other stockholders’ ability to influence corporate matters and, as a result, we may take actions that some of our stockholders do not view as beneficial.
 
Cerberus is controlled by Cerberus Capital Management. Three of our seven directors are employees of or current advisors to Cerberus Capital Management. Cerberus also has sufficient voting power to amend our organizational documents. The interests of Cerberus may not coincide with the interests of other holders of our common stock. Additionally, Cerberus is in the business of making investments in companies and may, from time to time, acquire and hold interests in businesses that compete directly or indirectly with us. Cerberus may also pursue, for its own account, acquisition opportunities that may be complementary to our business, and as a result, those acquisition opportunities may not be available to us. So long as Cerberus continues to own a significant amount of the outstanding shares of our common stock, it will continue to be able to strongly influence or effectively control our decisions, including potential mergers or acquisitions, asset sales and other significant corporate transactions. In addition, because we are a controlled company within the meaning of the New York Stock Exchange rules, we are exempt from the NYSE requirements that our board be composed of a majority of independent directors, that our compensation committee be composed entirely of independent directors, and that we maintain a nominating/corporate governance committee composed entirely of independent directors.
 
Even if Cerberus no longer controls us in the future, certain provisions of our charter documents and agreements and Delaware law could discourage, delay or prevent a merger or acquisition at a premium price.
 
Our Second Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation and Amended and Restated Bylaws contain provisions that:
 
permit us to issue, without any further vote or action by the stockholders, up to 30 million shares of preferred stock in one or more series and, with respect to each series, to fix the number of shares constituting the series and the designation of the series, the voting powers (if any) of the shares of such series, and the preferences and other special rights, if any, and any qualifications, limitations or restrictions, of the shares of the series; and
 
limit the stockholders’ ability to call special meetings.
 
These provisions may discourage, delay or prevent a merger or acquisition at a premium price.
 
In addition, we are subject to Section 203 of the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware, or the DGCL, which also imposes certain restrictions on mergers and other business combinations between us and any holder of 15% or more of our common stock. Further, certain of our incentive plans provide for vesting of stock options and/or payments to be made to our employees in connection with a change of control, which could discourage, delay or prevent a merger or acquisition at a premium price.
 
 
We are subject to cybersecurity risks and may incur increasing costs in an effort to minimize those risks.
 
Our business employs systems and a website that allow for the secure storage and transmission of customers’ proprietary information. Security breaches could expose us to a risk of loss or misuse of this information, litigation and potential liability. We may not have the resources or technical sophistication to anticipate or prevent rapidly evolving types of cyber attacks. Any compromise of our security could result in a violation of applicable privacy and other laws, significant legal and financial exposure, damage to our reputation, and a loss of confidence in our security measures, which could harm our business. As cyber attacks become more sophisticated generally, we may be required to incur significant costs to strengthen our systems from outside intrusions and/or obtain insurance coverage related to the threat of such attacks.
 
ITEM 1B.  UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS.
 
None.
 
ITEM 2.  PROPERTIES.
 
We own 52 warehouse facilities and lease 3 additional warehouse facilities. The total square footage under roof at our owned and leased warehouses is approximately 10 million square feet. Our Denver sales center and 51 of our owned warehouse facilities secure our mortgage loan.
 
Our corporate headquarters located at 4300 Wildwood Parkway, Atlanta, Georgia 30339 is approximately 150,000 square feet. During the fourth quarter of fiscal 2007, as part of a restructuring effort, we vacated approximately 100,000 square feet of our corporate headquarters space in the building located at 4100 Wildwood Parkway, Atlanta, Georgia 30339 (the unoccupied 4100 building). During the third quarter of fiscal 2011, we entered into an amendment to our corporate headquarters lease in Atlanta, Georgia related to the unoccupied 4100 building.  This amendment released us from our obligations with respect to this unoccupied space as of January 31, 2012, in exchange for a $5.0 million space remittance fee, which was paid in the first quarter of 2012.  We also paid $0.9 million in the third quarter of fiscal 2012 and are obligated to pay an additional $0.3 million on or before December 31, 2013 related to contractually obligated tenant improvement reimbursement expense.  The provisions relating to the occupied 4300 building remain unchanged.  Under the existing provisions, the current term of the lease ends on January 31, 2019.  The amendment resulted in a reduction of our restructuring reserve of approximately $2.0 million, with the credit recorded in “Selling, general, and administrative” expenses in the Consolidated Statements of Operations included in “Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data” during fiscal 2011.
 
 
15

 
The following table summarizes our real estate facilities including their inside square footage:
 
Facility Type
 
 
 
 
Number
   
Owned
Facilities (sq. ft.)
   
Leased
Facilities (sq. ft.)
 
Office Space(1)
    3       68,721       151,885  
Warehouses
    55       9,533,243       268,403  
TOTAL
    58       9,601,964       420,288  
 

(1)
Includes corporate headquarters in Atlanta, the Denver Sales Center and a call center in Vancouver.
 
We also store materials, such as lumber and rebar, outdoors at all of our warehouse locations, which increases their distribution and storage capacity. We believe that substantially all of our property and equipment is in good condition, subject to normal wear and tear. We believe that our facilities have sufficient capacity to meet current and projected distribution needs.
 
ITEM 3.  LEGAL PROCEEDINGS.
 
We are, and from time to time may be, a party to routine legal proceedings incidental to the operation of our business. The outcome of any pending or threatened proceedings is not expected to have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, operating results or cash flows, based on our current understanding of the relevant facts. We establish reserves for pending or threatened proceedings when the costs associated with such proceedings become probable and can be reasonably estimated.
 
ITEM 4.  MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES.
 
Not applicable.
 
 
16


PART II
 
ITEM 5.   
 
Our equity securities consist of one class of common stock, that is traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol “BXC”. The following table sets forth, for the periods indicated, the range of the high and low sales prices for the common stock as quoted on the New York Stock Exchange:
 
   
High
   
Low
 
Fiscal Year Ended December 29, 2012
           
First Quarter
  $ 2.87     $ 1.45  
Second Quarter
  $ 2.89     $ 1.96  
Third Quarter
  $ 2.72     $ 1.97  
Fourth Quarter
  $ 2.85     $ 1.83  
Fiscal Year Ended December 31, 2011
               
First Quarter
  $ 3.90     $ 3.41  
Second Quarter
  $ 4.35     $ 2.23  
Third Quarter
  $ 2.40     $ 1.39  
Fourth Quarter
  $ 1.90     $ 1.25  
 
As of February 18, 2013, there were 44 registered stockholders, and, as of that date we estimate there were approximately 2,200 beneficial owners holding our common stock in nominee or “street” name.
 
In December 2007, we suspended the payment of dividends on our common stock for an indefinite period of time. Resumption of the payment of dividends will depend on, among other things, business conditions in the housing industry, our results of operations, cash requirements, financial condition, contractual restrictions, provisions of applicable law and other factors that our board of directors may deem relevant. See “Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data, Note 10. Revolving Credit Facilities” for additional information regarding limitations on the ability of BlueLinx Corporation to transfer funds to its parent, BlueLinx Holdings Inc., which could impact our ability to pay dividends to our stockholders. Accordingly, we may not be able to resume the payment of dividends at the same quarterly rate in the future, if at all.
 
 
17

 
Performance Graph
 
The chart below compares the quarterly percentage change in the cumulative total stockholder return on our common stock with the cumulative total return on the Russell 2000 Index and a peer group index for the period commencing December 27, 2007 and ending December 29, 2012, assuming an investment of $100 and the reinvestment of any dividends.
 
Our peer group index was selected by us and is comprised of reporting companies with lines of business and product offerings that are comparable to ours and which we believe most accurately represent our business. Our peer group consists of the following companies: Beacon Roofing Supply Inc., Builders Firstsource, Building Materials HLDG CP (through January 4, 2010), Huttig Building Products Inc., Interline Brands Inc., Universal Forest Products Inc. and Watsco Inc.
 
Comparison of Cumulative Total Return
 
(LINE GRAPH)
 
Cumulative Total Return
Years Ending
 
   
Base Period
                               
Company Name/Index
   
12/29/07
   
01/03/09
   
01/02/10
   
01/01/11
   
12/31/11
   
12/29/12
 
BlueLinx Holdings Inc. 
   $ 100      $ 63.87      $ 70.48      $ 93.13      $ 48.11      $ 90.12  
Russell 2000 Index
   $ 100      $ 67.06      $ 84.20      $ 106.82      $ 102.36      $ 116.67  
Peer Group
   $ 100      $ 85.10      $ 114.88      $ 139.03      $ 135.38      $ 190.70  
 
 
18

 
ITEM 6.  SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA.
 
The following table sets forth certain historical financial data of our Company. The selected financial data for the fiscal years ended December 29, 2012, December 31, 2011, January 1, 2011, January 2, 2010 and January 3, 2009 have been derived from our audited financial statements included elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K or from prior financial statements. The following information should be read in conjunction with our financial statements and “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.”
 
   
Year Ended
December 29,
2012
   
Year Ended
December 31,
2011
   
Year Ended
January 1,
2011
   
Year Ended
January 2,
2010
   
Year Ended
January 3,
2009
 
   
(In thousands, except per share data)
 
Statements of Operations Data:
                             
Net sales
  $ 1,907,842     $ 1,755,431     $ 1,804,418     $ 1,646,108     $ 2,779,699  
Cost of sales
    1,677,772       1,545,282       1,593,745       1,452,947       2,464,766  
Gross profit
    230,070       210,149       210,673       193,161       314,933  
Operating expenses:
                                       
Selling, general and administrative
    215,996       207,857       221,185       210,214       303,403  
Net gain from terminating the Georgia-Pacific supply agreement
                      (17,772 )      
Depreciation and amortization
    8,565       10,562       13,365       16,984       20,519  
Total operating expenses
    224,561       218,419       234,550       209,426       323,922  
Operating income (loss)
    5,509       (8,270 )     (23,877 )     (16,265 )     (8,989 )
Non-operating expenses (income):
                                       
Interest expense
    28,157       30,510       33,788       32,456       38,547  
Changes associated with the ineffective interest rate swap
          (1,676 )     (4,603 )     6,252        
Write-off of debt issue costs
                183       1,407        
Other (income) expense, net
    (7 )     501       587       519       601  
Loss before provision for (benefit from) income taxes
    (22,641 )     (37,605 )     (53,832 )     (56,899 )     (48,137 )
Provision for (benefit from) income taxes
    386       962       (589 )     4,564       (16,434 )
Net loss
  $ (23,027 )   $ (38,567 )   $ (53,243 )   $ (61,463 )   $ (31,703 )
Basic weighted average number of common shares outstanding
    60,080       43,187       30,688       31,017       31,083  
Basic net loss per share applicable to common stock
  $ (0.38 )   $ (0.89 )   $ (1.73 )   $ (1.98 )   $ (1.02 )
Diluted weighted average number of common shares outstanding
    60,080       43,187       30,688       31,017       31,083  
Diluted net loss per share applicable to common stock
  $ (0.38 )   $ (0.89 )   $ (1.73 )   $ (1.98 )   $ (1.02 )
Dividends declared per share of common stock
  $     $     $     $     $  
 
   
Year Ended
December 29,
2012
   
Year Ended
December 31,
2011
   
Year Ended
January 1,
2011
   
Year Ended
January 2,
2010
   
Year Ended
January 3,
2009
 
   
(In thousands, except per share data)
 
Other Financial Data:
                             
Capital expenditures
  $ 2,826     $ 6,533     $ 4,140     $ 1,815     $ 4,919  
EBITDA(1)
    14,081       1,791       (11,099 )     200       10,929  
Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities
    (74,250 )     (50,332 )     (29,861 )     (19,853 )     190,390  
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities
    16,369       11,822       (3,429 )     12,636       985  
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities
    58,171       29,111       18,130     $ (113,679 )   $ (56,781 )
Balance Sheet Data (at end of period):
                                       
Cash and cash equivalents
  $ 5,188     $ 4,898     $ 14,297     $ 29,457     $ 150,353  
Working capital
    272,403       233,414       236,168       247,722       320,527  
Total assets
    544,736       503,915       525,019       546,846       729,178  
Total debt(2)
    383,783       341,017       384,256       341,669       444,870  
Stockholders’ (deficit) equity 
    (20,592 )     8,374       991     $ 50,820     $ 102,852  
 
 
19

 

(1)
EBITDA is an amount equal to net (loss) income plus interest expense and all interest expense related items (e.g. changes associated with ineffective interest rate swap, write-off of debt issue costs, charges associated with mortgage refinancing), income taxes, and depreciation and amortization. EBITDA is presented herein because we believe it is a useful supplement to cash flow from operations in understanding cash flows generated from operations that are available for debt service (interest and principal payments) and further investment in acquisitions. However, EBITDA is not a presentation made in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles, (“GAAP”), and is not intended to present a superior measure of the financial condition from those determined under GAAP. EBITDA, as used herein, is not necessarily comparable to other similarly titled captions of other companies due to differences in methods of calculations.
   
(2)
Total debt represents long-term debt related to our mortgage and revolving credit facilities, including current maturities and capital lease obligations.
 
A reconciliation of net cash (used in) provided by operating activities, the most directly comparable GAAP measure, to EBITDA for each of the respective periods indicated is as follows (in thousands):
 
   
Year Ended
December 29,
2012
   
Year Ended
December 31,
2011
   
Year Ended
January 1,
2011
   
Year Ended
January 2,
2010
   
Year Ended
January 3,
2009
 
Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities
  $ (74,250 )   $ (50,332 )   $ (29,861 )   $ (19,853 )   $ 190,390  
Amortization of debt issue costs
    (3,746 )     (2,940 )     (1,963 )     (2,459 )     (2,479 )
Net gain from terminating the Georgia-Pacific supply agreement
                      17,772        
Payments from terminating the Georgia-Pacific supply agreement
                (4,706 )     (14,118 )      
Vacant property charges, net
    30       291       (53 )     (1,222 )     (4,441 )
Payments on modification of lease agreement
    5,875                          
Deferred income tax benefit (provision)
    20       25       600       (24,220 )     2,935  
Prepayment fees associated with sale of property
                      (616 )     (1,868 )
Gain on sale of properties
    9,885       10,604             10,397       1,936  
Gain from insurance settlement
    476       1,230                    
Gain from modification of lease agreement
          1,971                    
Share-based compensation
    (2,797 )     (1,974 )     (3,978 )     (2,922 )     (2,614 )
Excess tax benefits from share-based arrangements
                            81  
Changes in assets and liabilities
    50,045       11,444       (4,337 )     421       (195,124 )
Interest expense
    28,157       30,510       33,788       32,456       38,547  
Provision for (benefit from) income taxes
    386       962       (589 )     4,564       (16,434 )
EBITDA
  $ 14,081     $ 1,791     $ (11,099 )   $ 200     $ 10,929  
 
ITEM 7. 
 
The following discussion should be read in conjunction with our consolidated financial statements and related notes and other financial information appearing elsewhere in this Form 10-K. In addition to historical information, the following discussion and other parts of this Form 10-K contain forward-looking information that involves risks and uncertainties. Our actual results could differ materially from those anticipated by this forward-looking information due to the factors discussed under Risk Factors, Cautionary Statement Concerning Forward-Looking Statements and elsewhere in this Form 10-K.
 
Overview
 
Company Background
 
BlueLinx is a leading distributor of building products in the United States. As of December 29, 2012, we distributed approximately 10,000 products from over 750 suppliers to service approximately 11,500 customers nationwide, including dealers, industrial manufacturers, manufactured housing producers and home improvement retailers. We operate our distribution business from sales centers in Atlanta and Denver, and our network of approximately 55 distribution centers. We distribute products in two principal categories: structural products and specialty products. Structural products include plywood, OSB, rebar and remesh, lumber and other wood products primarily used for structural support, walls and flooring in construction projects. Structural products represented approximately 42% and 39% of our fiscal 2012 and fiscal 2011 gross sales, respectively. Specialty products include roofing, insulation, moulding, engineered wood, vinyl products (used primarily in siding), outdoor living and metal products (excluding rebar and remesh). Specialty products accounted for approximately 58% and 61% of our fiscal 2012 and fiscal 2011 gross sales, respectively.
 
 
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Industry Conditions
 
We operate in a changing environment in which new risks can emerge from time to time.  A number of factors cause our results of operations to fluctuate from period to period.  Many of these factors are seasonal or cyclical in nature. Conditions in the United States (“U.S.”) housing market continue to be at historically low levels. Our operating results have declined during the past several years as they are closely tied to U.S. housing starts. Additionally, the mortgage markets have experienced substantial disruption due to an unprecedented number of defaults in the “subprime” market.  This disruption and the related defaults have increased the inventory of homes for sale and also have caused lenders to tighten mortgage qualification criteria, which further reduces demand for new homes. While there has been some recent improvement, we expect the lower than historical average level of new housing activity will continue to negatively impact our operating results. We continue to prudently manage our inventories, receivables and spending in this environment. However, along with many forecasters, we believe that we are in the beginning of a housing recovery and that U.S. housing demand will continue to improve in the long term based on population demographics and a variety of other factors.
 
As the housing market and general economic conditions continue to improve, the Company believes that additional capital would allow the Company to participate more fully in these improving conditions, and therefore the Company currently is seeking additional capital.  The Company’s sales depend heavily on the strength of national and local new residential construction and home improvement and remodeling markets, which are showing signs of significant improvement. Moreover, the government’s legislative and administrative measures aimed at restoring liquidity to the credit markets and providing relief to homeowners facing foreclosure are beginning to show positive results. The overall housing market and economy are also improving, which is expected to lead to a considerable increase in residential construction and, to a lesser extent, in home improvement activity.  If the Company and its industry continue to recover from the historic housing market downturn, the Company expects its sales to improve and therefore its need for inventory and its accounts receivable to increase.  This increase in working capital is expected to use some of the Company’s current excess availability under its revolving credit facilities.  
 
Stock Rights Offerings
 
On January 10, 2013, we filed a registration statement on Form S-1 with the SEC for a planned rights offering of our common stock to our stockholders, which seeks to raise gross proceeds of $40 million. In addition to being able to purchase their pro rata portion of the shares offered based on their ownership as of the record date for the rights offering, stockholders may oversubscribe for additional shares of common stock.  The estimated net proceeds from the rights offering of approximately $39 million will be used to pay down the U.S. revolving credit facility.   Cerberus ABP Investor LLC (“Cerberus”), the Company’s majority stockholder, has indicated that it intends, subject to the exercise price of the rights being set at an acceptable amount, to exercise all of the rights issued to it and to subscribe for the maximum additional shares pursuant to the over-subscription privilege that it would be entitled to purchase. However, such indication is not binding, and Cerberus is not legally obligated to do so.  The Company anticipates that the record date and the subscription price will be determined at or about the time that the SEC declares the Company’s registration statement effective.
 
On July 22, 2011, we concluded an offering of our common stock to our stockholders (the “2011 rights offering”), pursuant to which we distributed to our common stockholders transferable rights to subscribe for and purchase up to $60 million of our common stock.  The 2011 rights offering was fully subscribed and resulted in gross proceeds of approximately $60 million.  The net proceeds from the 2011 rights offering were approximately $58 million, and $56 million of the net proceeds were used to pay down the U.S. revolving credit facility.  We accounted for the rights issued as a component of additional paid in capital as they were indexed to the Company’s equity and there were no net cash settlement provisions.
 
Private Label Products
 
On February 12, 2012, our three-year purchase agreement with G-P for engineered lumber expired in accordance with its terms.  In February of 2012, we launched our own privately branded engineered product line for all geographic markets other than New England. In addition, on February 13, 2012 we entered into a distribution agreement with Weyerhaeuser Company for the sale of certain engineered wood products in the New England region.  We have subsequently increased the number of private label products that we offer to customers and currently offer several products under our private labels.
 
 
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Restructuring Charges
 
During fiscal 2007, we announced a plan to adjust our cost structure in order to manage our costs more effectively. The plan included the consolidation of our corporate headquarters and sales center to one building from two buildings which resulted in certain charges recorded in “Selling, general, and administrative” expenses in the Consolidated Statements of Operations during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2007.
 
 During the third quarter of fiscal 2011, we entered into an amendment to our corporate headquarters lease in Atlanta, Georgia related to the unoccupied 4100 building.  This amendment released us from our obligations with respect to this unoccupied space as of January 31, 2012, in exchange for a $5.0 million space remittance fee, which was paid in the first quarter of 2012.  We also paid $0.9 million in the third quarter of fiscal 2012 and are obligated to pay an additional $0.3 million on or before December 31, 2013 related to contractually obligated tenant improvement reimbursement expense.  The provisions relating to the occupied 4300 building remain unchanged.  Under the existing provisions, the current term of the lease ends on January 31, 2019.  The amendment resulted in a reduction of our restructuring reserve of approximately $2.0 million, with the credit recorded in “Selling, general, and administrative” expenses in the Consolidated Statements of Operations during fiscal 2011.
 
Selected Factors that Affect our Operating Results
 
Our operating results are affected by housing starts, mobile home production, industrial production, repair and remodeling spending and non-residential construction. We believe a substantial percentage of our sales are directly related to new home construction.
 
Our operating results also are impacted by changes in product prices. Structural products prices can vary significantly based on short-term and long-term changes in supply and demand. The prices of specialty products also can vary from time to time, although they generally are significantly less variable than structural products.
 
The following table sets forth changes in net sales by product category, sales variances due to changes in unit volume and dollar and percentage changes in unit volume and price, in each case for fiscal 2012, fiscal 2011 and fiscal 2010:
 
Sales Revenue Variances by Product
 
   
Fiscal 2012
   
Fiscal 2011
   
Fiscal 2010
 
   
(Dollars in millions)
 
Sales by Category
                 
Structural Products
  $ 806     $ 705     $ 835  
Specialty Products
    1,114       1,068       985  
Other(1)
    (12 )     (18 )     (16 )
Total Sales
  $ 1,908     $ 1,755     $ 1,804  
Sales Variances
                       
Unit Volume $ Change
  $ 42     $ (52 )   $ 36  
Price/Other(1)
    111       3       122  
Total $ Change
  $ 153     $ (49 )   $ 158  
Unit Volume % Change
    2.3 %     (2.8 )%     2.2 %
Price/Other(1) % Change
    6.4 %     0.1 %     7.4 %
Total % Change
    8.7 %     (2.7 )%     9.6 %
 

(1)
“Other” includes unallocated allowances and discounts.
 
 
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The following table sets forth changes in gross margin dollars and percentages by product category, and percentage changes in unit volume growth by product, in each case for fiscal 2012, fiscal 2011 and fiscal 2010:
 
   
Fiscal 2012
   
Fiscal 2011
   
Fiscal 2010
 
   
(Dollars in millions)
 
Gross Margin $ by Category
                 
Structural Products
  $ 77     $ 65     $ 74  
Specialty Products
    146       137       129  
Other(1)
    7       8       8  
Total Gross Margin
  $ 230     $ 210     $ 211  
Gross Margin % by Category
                       
Structural Products
    9.6 %     9.2 %     8.9 %
Specialty Products
    13.1 %     12.8 %     13.1 %
Total Gross Margin %
    12.1 %     12.0 %     11.7 %
Unit Volume % Change by Product
                       
Structural Products
    1.4 %     (15.1 )%     (2.5 )%
Specialty Products
    2.9 %     7.4 %     5.7 %
Total Unit Volume % Change
    2.3 %     (2.8 )%     2.2 %
 

(1)
“Other” includes unallocated allowances and discounts.
 
The following table sets forth changes in net sales and gross margin by channel and percentage changes in gross margin by channel, in each case for fiscal 2012, fiscal 2011 and fiscal 2010:
 
   
Fiscal 2011
   
Fiscal 2011
   
Fiscal 2010
 
   
(Dollars in millions)
 
Sales by Channel
                 
Warehouse/Reload                                                                                                                    
  $ 1,534     $ 1,397     $ 1,409  
Direct
    386       376       411  
Other(1)
    (12 )     (18 )     (16 )
Total
  $ 1,908     $ 1,755     $ 1,804  
Gross Margin by Channel
                       
Warehouse/Reload
  $ 199     $ 179     $ 182  
Direct
    24       23       21  
Other(1)
    7       8       8  
Total
  $ 230     $ 210     $ 211  
Gross Margin % by Channel
                       
Warehouse/Reload
    13.0 %     12.8 %     12.9 %
Direct
    6.2 %     6.1 %     5.1 %
Total
    12.1 %     12.0 %     11.7 %
 

(1)
“Other” includes unallocated allowances and discounts.
 
Fiscal Year
 
Our fiscal year is a 52- or 53-week period ending on the Saturday closest to the end of the calendar year. Fiscal year 2012, 2011, and 2010 contained 52 weeks.
 
Results of Operations
 
Fiscal 2012 Compared to Fiscal 2011
 
The following table sets forth our results of operations for fiscal 2012 and fiscal 2011.
 
   
 
Fiscal 2012
   
% of
Net
Sales
   
 
Fiscal 2011
   
% of
Net
Sales
 
   
(Dollars in thousands)
 
Net sales                                                                                                   
  $ 1,907,842       100.0 %   $ 1,755,431       100.0 %
Gross profit
    230,070       12.1 %     210,149       12.0 %
Selling, general and administrative
    215,996       11.3 %     207,857       11.8 %
Depreciation and amortization
    8,565       0.4 %     10,562       0.6 %
Operating income (loss)
    5,509       0.3 %     (8,270 )     (0.5 )%
Interest expense, net
    28,157       1.5 %     30,510       1.7 %
Changes associated with the ineffective interest rate swap
          0.0 %     (1,676 )     (0.1 )%
Other income (expense), net
    (7 )     0.0 %     501       0.0 %
Loss before provision for income taxes
    (22,641 )     (1.2 )%     (37,605 )     (2.1 )%
Provision for income taxes
    386       0.0 %     962       0.1 %
Net loss
  $ (23,027 )     (1.2 )%   $ (38,567 )     (2.2 )%
 
 
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Net sales.  For the fiscal year ended December 29, 2012, net sales increased by 8.7%, or $152.4 million, to $1.9 billion. Sales during the fiscal year were positively impacted by a 28% increase in single family housing starts. Single family home construction has a significant impact on our sales. Structural sales increased by $101.2 million, or 14.3% from a year ago, as a result of a 12.9% increase in structural product prices and a 1.4% increase in unit volume.  In addition, specialty sales increased $45.8 million, or 4.3% from a year ago, as a result of a 1.4% increase in specialty product prices and a 2.9% increase in unit volume.
 
Gross profit.  Gross profit for fiscal 2012 was $230.1 million, or 12.1% of sales, compared to $210.1 million, or 12.0% of sales, in fiscal 2011. The increase in gross profit dollars compared to fiscal 2011 was driven primarily by the factors noted above, coupled with an improvement in gross margin percentage due to the Companys efforts to improve gross margin.
 
Selling, general and administrative.  Selling, general and administrative expenses for fiscal 2012 were $216.0 million, or 11.3% of net sales, compared to $207.9 million, or 11.8% of net sales, during fiscal 2011. The increase in selling, general, and administrative expenses is primarily due to a reduction in other gains recorded in selling, general and administrative expenses in 2012 when compared to 2011 coupled with increases in certain variable costs and pension expense.  During 2012 the Company recognized $10.4 million of other gains compared to $14.0 million of other gains recognized in fiscal 2011, both of which were recorded in selling, general and administrative expenses, resulting  in an increase in total selling, general, and administrative expenses of $3.6 million.  In addition, during fiscal 2012 there were increases in pension expense, commissions, stock compensation and other salary based incentives of $2.1 million, $0.7 million, $0.8 million and $1.7 million, respectively.  These increases were partially offset by a decrease in payroll of $2.8 million. 
 
The other gains recorded in selling, general and administrative expenses during fiscal 2012 were comprised of $9.9 million of gains on property sales and a $0.5 million gain related to the insurance settlement on the Newtown, Connecticut facility.  In comparison, during fiscal 2011, other gains recorded in selling, general and administrative expenses were comprised of $10.6 million of gains on property sales, a $2.0 million gain related to the modification of the lease agreement for our headquarters in Atlanta, Georgia and a $1.4 million gain related to the insurance settlement on the Newtown, Connecticut facility. The increase in pension expense was due to changes in the underlying pension valuation assumptions.  The increases in incentives and commissions were largely attributable to higher sales activity in fiscal 2012.   The $2.8 million decrease in payroll was due to reduction in force activities occurring in fiscal 2011, which resulted in $1.4 million in severance charges in fiscal 2011.  We did not materially increase headcount during fiscal 2012 or perform any material restructuring. 
 
Depreciation and amortization.  Depreciation and amortization expense was $8.6 million for fiscal 2012, compared to $10.6 million for fiscal 2011. The $2.0 million decrease in depreciation and amortization is primarily related to a portion of our property and equipment becoming fully depreciated during fiscal 2012 and replenishment of fixed assets occurring at a slower rate.
 
Operating income (loss).  Operating income for fiscal 2012 was $5.5 million compared to an operating loss of $8.3 million for fiscal 2011.  The change in operating income (loss) reflects a $19.9 million increase in gross profit as a result of the above factors, and a decrease in depreciation of $2.0 million.  This change was partially offset by an increase in selling, general, and administrative expenses of $8.1 million.
 
Interest expense, net.  Interest expense for fiscal 2012 was $28.2 million compared to $30.5 million for fiscal 2011. The $2.3 million decrease is due to a decrease of $2.2 million in fees related to the interest rate swap due to the expiration of the interest rate swap during fiscal 2011 and a decrease in interest expense related to our mortgage of $2.3 million due to a decrease in principal.  These changes were partially offset by an increase in interest related to our revolving credit facilities of $1.4 million and an increase in debt issuance cost amortization of $0.8 million.  Interest expense included $3.7 million and $2.9 million of debt issue cost amortization for fiscal 2012 and fiscal 2011, respectively.  In fiscal 2012, interest expense related to our revolving credit facilities and mortgage was $9.6 million and $14.7 million, respectively.  In fiscal 2011, interest expense related to our revolving credit facilities and mortgage was $10.3 million and $17.0 million, respectively.  See “Liquidity and Capital Resources” below for a description of agreements for the revolving credit facilities and the mortgage.
 
Changes associated with the ineffective interest rate swap. Changes associated with the ineffective interest rate swap totaled $1.7 million of income in fiscal 2011.  As the effective interest rate swap terminated in March of 2011, there was no comparable activity in the fiscal 2012.
 
 
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Provision for income taxes.  Our effective tax rate was (1.7)% and (2.5)% for fiscal 2012 and fiscal 2011, respectively. The effective tax rate for fiscal 2012 and 2011 is largely due to a full valuation allowance recorded against our tax benefit related to our fiscal 2012 loss. The effect of the valuation allowance was offset by state income taxes, gross receipts taxes, and foreign income taxes recorded on a separate company basis partially offset by various refundable tax credits.
 
Net loss.  Net loss for fiscal 2012 was $23.0 million, compared to $38.6 million for fiscal 2011 as a result of the factors discussed above.
 
On a per-share basis, basic and diluted loss applicable to common stockholders for fiscal 2012 each was $0.38. For fiscal 2011, basic and diluted loss per share each was $0.89.
 
Fiscal 2011 Compared to Fiscal 2010
 
The following table sets forth our results of operations for fiscal 2011 and fiscal 2010.
 
   
 
Fiscal 2011
   
% of
Net
Sales
   
 
Fiscal 2010
   
% of
Net
Sales
 
   
(Dollars in thousands)
 
Net sales                                                                                                   
  $ 1,755,431       100.0 %   $ 1,804,418       100.0 %
Gross profit
    210,149       12.0 %     210,673       11.7 %
Selling, general and administrative
    207,857       11.8 %     221,185       12.3 %
Depreciation and amortization
    10,562       0.6 %     13,365       0.7 %
Operating loss
    (8,270 )     (0.5 )%     (23,877 )     (1.3 )%
Interest expense, net
    30,510       1.7 %     33,788       1.9 %
Changes associated with the ineffective interest rate swap
    (1,676 )     (0.1 )%     (4,603 )     (0.3 )%
Write-off of debt issue costs
          0.0 %     183       0.0 %
Other expense, net
    501       0.0 %     587       0.0 %
Loss before provision for (benefit from) income taxes
    (37,605 )     (2.1 )%     (53,832 )     (3.0 )%
Provision for (benefit from) income taxes
    962       0.1 %     (589 )     0.0 %
Net loss
  $ (38,567 )     (2.2 )%   $ (53,243 )     (3.0 )%
 
Net sales.  For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2011, net sales decreased by 2.7%, or $49.0 million, to $1.8 billion. Sales during the fiscal year were negatively impacted by a 9% decrease in single family housing starts. Single family home construction has a significant impact on our sales. Structural sales, including plywood, OSB, lumber and metal rebar, decreased by $129.8 million, or 15.5% from a year ago, as a result of a 0.4% decrease in structural product prices and a 15.1% decrease in unit volume.  The decrease in structural sales was partially offset by an increase in specialty sales.  Specialty sales, primarily consisting of roofing, specialty panels, insulation, moulding, engineered wood products, vinyl siding, outdoor living and metal products (excluding rebar and remesh) increased by $84.6 million or 8.4% compared to fiscal 2010, due to a 7.4% increase in unit volume and a 1.0% increase in specialty product prices.
 
Gross profit.  Gross profit for fiscal 2011 was $210.1 million, or 12.0% of sales, compared to $210.7 million, or 11.7% of sales, in fiscal 2010. The decrease in gross profit dollars compared to fiscal 2010 was driven primarily by a decrease in structural product volumes of 15.1% offset by an increase in specialty product volumes of 7.4%.
 
Selling, general and administrative.  Selling, general and administrative expenses for fiscal 2011 were $207.9 million, or 11.8% of net sales, compared to $221.2 million, or 12.3% of net sales, during fiscal 2010. The decrease in selling, general, and administrative expenses is due to $10.6 million of property sale gains that were recognized in fiscal 2011, a $2.0 million gain related to the modification of the lease agreement for our headquarters in Atlanta, Georgia, and a $1.4 million gain related to the insurance settlement on the Newtown, Connecticut facility. There were no similar property gains in fiscal 2010. However, in fiscal 2010 there were expenses incurred related to the failed tender offer of $3.0 million partially offset by a gain related to the settlement received on an OSB class action lawsuit in which we were a claimant of $5.2 million. In addition, decreases in payroll and payroll related costs of $1.7 million, as well as decreases in stock compensation expense of $2.0 million also contributed to the overall decrease in selling, general and administrative expense. These changes were largely related to fiscal 2011 reduction in force activities, as well as the vesting of certain restricted stock grants during fiscal 2011.  Partially offsetting these fluctuations were increases to fuel expense and other operating expenses of $2.9 million and $1.4 million, respectively.
 
 
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Depreciation and amortization.  Depreciation and amortization expense was $10.6 million for fiscal 2011, compared to $13.4 million for fiscal 2010. The $2.8 million decrease in depreciation and amortization is primarily related to fiscal 2011 sales of certain depreciable properties, a portion of our property and equipment becoming fully depreciated during fiscal 2011 and replenishment of fixed assets occurring at a slower rate.
 
Operating loss.  Operating loss for fiscal 2011 was $8.3 million, or 0.5% of sales, compared to an operating loss of $23.9 million, or 1.3% of sales, for fiscal 2010, reflecting the $13.3 million decrease in selling, general and administrative expense and a $2.8 million decrease in depreciation and amortization offset by a $0.5 million decrease in gross profit.
 
Interest expense, net.  Interest expense for fiscal 2011 was $30.5 million compared to $33.8 million for fiscal 2010. The $3.3 million decrease is due to the $45.1 million decrease in total debt and the related effect on interest expense. In fiscal 2011, interest expense related to our revolving credit facilities (including the Canadian revolving credit facility), and mortgage was $10.3 million and $17.0 million, respectively. In fiscal 2010, interest expense related to our U.S. revolving credit facility and mortgage was $13.3 million and $18.3 million, respectively. In addition, interest expense included $2.9 million and $2.0 million of debt issue cost amortization for fiscal 2011 and for fiscal 2010, respectively.
 
Changes associated with the ineffective interest rate swap. Changes associated with the ineffective interest rate swap recognized for fiscal 2011 was income of $1.7 million compared to $4.6 million of income for fiscal 2010.  The decrease is primarily related to the change in the swaps fair value and a decrease in amortization of the accumulated loss in other comprehensive income into interest expense due to the termination of the swap in March 2011.
 
Write-off of debt issue costs.  During fiscal 2010, we permanently reduced our revolving loan threshold limit. As a result, we recorded expense of $0.2 million, for the write-off of deferred financing costs that had been capitalized associated with the borrowing capacities that were reduced during these periods.  No similar activity occurred during fiscal 2011.
 
Provision for (benefit from) income taxes.  Our effective tax rate was (2.5)% and 1.1% for fiscal 2011 and fiscal 2010, respectively. The effective tax rate for fiscal 2011 is largely due to a full valuation allowance recorded against our tax benefit related to our 2011 loss. The effect of the valuation allowance was offset by state income taxes, gross receipts taxes, and foreign income taxes recorded on a separate company basis partially offset by various refundable tax credits.  The effective tax rate for fiscal 2010 is largely due to a full valuation allowance recorded against our tax benefit related to our fiscal 2010 loss and an allocation of income tax expense to other comprehensive income resulting in a tax benefit to continuing operations.  This tax benefit was partially offset by gross receipts and other taxes.
 
Net loss.  Net loss for fiscal 2011 was $38.6 million, compared to $53.2 million for fiscal 2010 as a result of the factors discussed above.
 
On a per-share basis, basic and diluted loss applicable to common stockholders for fiscal 2011 each was $0.89. For fiscal 2010, basic and diluted loss per share each was $1.73.
 
Seasonality
 
We are exposed to fluctuations in quarterly sales volumes and expenses due to seasonal factors. These seasonal factors are common in the building products distribution industry. The first and fourth quarters are typically our slowest quarters due to the impact of poor weather on the construction market. Our second and third quarters are typically our strongest quarters, reflecting a substantial increase in construction due to more favorable weather conditions. Our working capital and accounts receivable and payable generally peak in the third quarter, while inventory generally peaks in the second quarter in anticipation of the summer building season.
 
Liquidity and Capital Resources
 
We depend on cash flow from operations and funds available under our revolving credit facilities to finance working capital needs and capital expenditures. We had approximately $86.0 million of excess availability under our U.S. revolving credit facility (the “U.S. revolving credit facility”) and $2.0 million under our Canadian revolving credit facility, described further below, as of December 29, 2012. As of December 29, 2012, we had excess availability of $49.8 million above the minimum required under the U.S. revolving credit facility. As of the period ended December 29, 2012, under our amended U.S. revolving credit facility, we are required to maintain a fixed charge coverage ratio of 1.1 to 1.0 in the event our excess availability falls below the greater of $30 million or the amount equal to 15% of the lesser of the borrowing base or $400 million (the “Excess Availability Threshold”).  If we fail to maintain this minimum excess availability, the amended U.S. revolving credit facility requires us to (i) maintain certain financial ratios, which we would not meet with current operating results, triggering the lender’s right to make the debt callable, and (ii) limit our capital expenditures, which would have a negative impact on our ability to finance working capital needs and capital expenditures.
 
 
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In the event that excess availability falls below $35 million or 15% of the lesser of the borrowing base or $400 million, the U.S. revolving credit facility gives the lenders the right to dominion of our bank accounts.  This would not make the underlying debt callable by the lender and may not change our ability to borrow on the U.S. revolving credit facility.  However, we would be required to reclassify the “Long-term debt” to “Current maturities of long-term debt” on our Consolidated Balance Sheet.  For additional information regarding our financial covenants under our revolving credit facilities, see the Risk Factors “The instruments governing our indebtedness contain various covenants limiting the discretion of our management in operating our business set forth under Item 1.A. Risk Factors.
 
While the Company believes that the amounts currently available from its revolving credit facilities and other sources will be sufficient to fund its routine operations and capital requirements for at least the next 12 months, the Company believes that additional capital will provide it with a stronger liquidity position and allow it to more fully participate in the improving housing market. The Company believes that this stronger liquidity position will also give the Company an advantage over many competitors that have less liquidity and less or no access to additional capital, and therefore may not be able to fully participate in the opportunities that arise in a growing market.
 
On January 10, 2013, we filed a registration statement on Form S-1 with the SEC for a planned rights offering of our common stock to our stockholders, which seeks to raise gross proceeds of $40 million. In connection with the rights offering we plan to distribute to our common stockholders non-transferable rights to subscribe for and purchase up to $40 million of our common stock.  The estimated net proceeds from the rights offering of approximately $39 million will be used to pay down the U.S. revolving credit facility.
 
On July 22, 2011, we concluded an offering of our common stock to our stockholders, pursuant to which we distributed to our common stockholders transferable rights to subscribe for and purchase up to $60 million of our common stock.  The 2011 rights offering was fully subscribed and resulted in gross proceeds of approximately $60 million.  The majority of the net proceeds from the 2011 rights offering were used to pay down the U.S. revolving credit facility.  The amendment to our U.S. revolving credit facility, which was a condition to the 2011 rights offering, and is described in more detail below, became effective upon the successful completion of the 2011 rights offering.  In addition, as a condition to the 2011 rights offering, we entered into an amendment to our mortgage, as described in the Debt and Credit Sources section of this MD&A of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.
 
We may elect to selectively pursue acquisitions. Accordingly, depending on the nature of the acquisition, we may use cash or stock, or a combination of both, as acquisition currency. Our cash requirements may significantly increase and incremental cash expenditures will be required in connection with the integration of the acquired company’s business and to pay fees and expenses in connection with any acquisitions. To the extent that significant amounts of cash are expended in connection with acquisitions, our liquidity position may be adversely impacted. In addition, there can be no assurance that we will be successful in completing acquisitions in the future. For a discussion of the risks associated with our acquisition strategy, see the risk factor “Integrating acquisitions may be time-consuming and create costs that could reduce our net income and cash flows set forth under Item 1A — Risk Factors.
 
The following tables indicate our working capital and cash flows for the periods indicated.
 
   
December 29,
2012
   
December 31,
2011
 
   
(Dollars in thousands)
 
Working capital
  $ 272,403     $ 233,414  
 
   
Year Ended
December 29,
2012
   
Year Ended
December 31,
2011
   
Year Ended
January 1,
2011
 
         
(Dollars in thousands)
       
Cash flows used in operating activities
  $ (74,250 )   $ (50,332 )   $ (29,861 )
Cash flows provided by (used in) investing activities
    16,369       11,822       (3,429 )
Cash flows provided by (used in) financing activities
    58,171       29,111       18,130  
 
 
 
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Working Capital
 
Working capital increased by $39.0 million to $272.4 million at December 29, 2012 from $233.4 million at December 31, 2011. The increase in working capital reflected an increase in accounts receivable and cash of $18.6 million and was primarily related to higher revenues in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2012 compared to fiscal 2011.  In addition, inventories increased by approximately $44.5 million largely related to the increased activity in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2012 coupled with a build in inventory to prepare for the expected growth associated with the housing recovery.  There was also a decrease to other current liabilities of $5.6 million that contributed to the overall increase in working capital, which was mainly comprised of payments of $5.9 million made during fiscal 2012 associated with the 2011 amendment to our lease agreement in Atlanta, Georgia related to the unoccupied 4100 building.  These increases were partially offset by a $13.0 million increase in bank overdrafts due to the timing of payments, a decrease in other current assets of $7.7 million and a $7.6 million increase in accounts payable, reflected as a $9.1 million change in the operating activities section of the Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows net of $1.5 million of payments for debt issuance costs, which were reflected in the financing activities section of the Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows. The change in other current assets was largely attributable to decreases in restricted cash associated with our mortgage.  In an effort to preserve working capital, we have applied for a waiver from the IRS for one or more of our required contributions relating to the minimum required contribution for 2012 with respect to our defined benefit plans. 
 
Operating Activities
 
During fiscal 2012, cash flows used in operating activities totaled $74.3 million. The primary driver of cash flows used in operations was a net loss, as adjusted for non-cash charges of $18.3 million, an increase in accounts receivable of $18.6 million and an increase in inventory of $44.5 million.  In addition, we made payments totaling $5.9 million associated with the 2011 amendment to our lease agreement in Atlanta, Georgia related to the unoccupied 4100 building. These changes were partially offset by an increase in accounts payable of $9.1 million.  This change in accounts payable was classified net of $1.5 million of payments for debt issuance costs, which were classified in cash flows from financing activities.  Refer to the Working Capital section above for further discussion of these items.
 
During fiscal 2011, cash flows used in operating activities totaled $50.3 million. The primary driver of cash flow used in operations was a net loss, as adjusted for non-cash charges of $38.9 million, an increase in accounts receivable of $19.7 million, partially offset by a decrease in inventory of $2.7 and an increase in accounts payable of $6.7 million.  Refer to the Working Capital section above for further discussion of these items.
 
During fiscal 2010, cash flows used in operating activities totaled $29.9 million. The primary driver of cash flow used in operations was a net loss, as adjusted for non-cash charges of $38.9 million, an increase in inventory of $15.1 million due to the addition of a new outdoor living product line, partially offset by the receipt of our $20.4 million tax refund in fiscal 2010.
 
Investing Activities
 
During fiscal 2012, cash flows provided by investing activities totaled $16.4 million, compared to $11.8 million in fiscal 2011.
 
During fiscal 2012, fiscal 2011 and fiscal 2010, our expenditures for property and equipment were $2.8 million, $6.5 million and $4.1 million, respectively. These expenditures were primarily to purchase information technology, leasehold improvements, and certain machinery and equipment. During fiscal 2011 we also purchased a replacement warehouse facility in Nashville, Tennessee.  We estimate that capital expenditures for fiscal 2013 will be approximately $6.0 million.  Our 2013 capital expenditures are anticipated to be paid with borrowings from our revolving credit facilities.
 
Proceeds from the disposition of property and equipment were $19.2 million, $18.4 million and $0.7 million during fiscal 2012, fiscal 2011 and fiscal 2010, respectively. During fiscal 2012, the proceeds of $19.2 million included $17.8 million related to the sale of certain real properties classified as held for sale assets included in “Other current assets” on our Consolidated Balance Sheets.  During fiscal 2011, the proceeds of $18.4 million included $9.2 million related to the sale of certain real properties classified as held for sale assets included in “Other current assets” on our Consolidated Balance Sheets.  Comparable sales of real properties did not occur during fiscal 2010.
 
 
28

 
Financing Activities
 
Net cash provided by financing activities was $58.2 million during fiscal 2012, compared to $29.1 million during fiscal 2011. The net cash provided by financing activities in fiscal 2012 primarily reflected net borrowings on our revolving credit facility of $76.9 million, increases in bank overdrafts of $13.0 million and $10.0 million related to the decrease in restricted cash on our mortgage.  These cash inflows were offset by payments of principal on our mortgage of $37.3 million and payments for debt financing costs of $1.7 million.
 
The net cash provided by financing activities in fiscal 2011 primarily reflected the receipt of proceeds from the 2011 rights offering, netted with expenses related to that offering, of $58.5 million and cash provided by changes in restricted cash related to our mortgage of $20.6 million.  These cash inflows were offset by additional repayments on our revolving credit facilities of $2.7 million (net of borrowings) and payments of principal on our mortgage of $42.4 million.
 
During fiscal 2010, net cash provided by financing activities primarily reflected additional borrowings on our U.S.  revolving credit facility of $41.2 million (net of payments made), offset by an increase in restricted cash related to our mortgage of $11.2 million.
 
Debt and Credit Sources
 
We have our U.S. revolving credit facility with Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, successor by merger to Wachovia Bank, National Association, dated August 4, 2006, as amended.  The U.S. revolving credit facility has a final maturity of January 7, 2014 and maximum available credit of $400 million.  The U.S. revolving credit facility also includes an additional $100 million uncommitted accordion credit facility, which permits us to increase the maximum available credit up to $500 million.
 
As of December 29, 2012, we had outstanding borrowings of $169.5 million and excess availability of $86.0 million under the terms of our U.S. revolving credit facility.  The interest rate on the U.S. revolving credit facility was 4.1% at December 29, 2012.   As of December 31, 2011, we had outstanding borrowings of $93.4 million and excess availability of $115.7 million under the terms of our U.S. revolving credit facility.  The interest rate on the U.S. revolving credit facility was 4.2% at December 31, 2011.  As of December 29, 2012 and December 31, 2011, we had outstanding letters of credit totaling  $4.5 million and $2.7 million, respectively, for the purposes of securing collateral requirements under casualty insurance programs and for guaranteeing lease and certain other obligations. The $4.5 million in outstanding letters of credit as of December 29, 2012 does not include an additional $1.5 million fully collateralized letter of credit securing certain insurance obligations that was issued outside of the U.S. revolving credit facility.
 
As of December 29, 2012, our U.S. revolving credit facility, as amended, contains customary negative covenants and restrictions for asset based loans, including a requirement that we maintain a fixed charge coverage ratio of 1.1 to 1.0 in the event our excess availability falls below the Excess Availability Threshold.  The fixed charge coverage ratio is calculated as EBITDA divided by the sum of cash payments for income taxes, interest expense, cash dividends, principal payments on debt, and capital expenditures.  EBITDA is defined as BlueLinx Corporation’s net income before interest and tax expense, depreciation and amortization expense, and other non-cash charges.  The fixed charge coverage ratio requirement only applies to us when excess availability under our amended U.S. revolving credit facility is less than the Excess Availability Threshold on any date. As of December 29, 2012 and through the time of the filing of this Form 10-K, we were in compliance with all covenants under the U.S. revolving credit facility.  We are required to maintain the Excess Availability Threshold in order to avoid being required to meet certain financial ratios and triggering additional limits on capital expenditures.  Our lowest level of fiscal month-end availability in the last three years as of December 29, 2012 was $86.0 million, which is the excess availability on that date.  We do not anticipate our excess availability in fiscal 2013 will drop below the Excess Availability Threshold.  Should our excess availability fall below the Excess Availability Threshold on any date, however, we would not meet the required fixed charge coverage ratio covenant with our current operating results.  
 
In the event that excess availability falls below $35 million or the amount equal to 15% of the lesser of the borrowing base or $400 million, the U.S. revolving credit facility gives the lenders the right to dominion of our bank accounts.  This would not make the underlying debt callable by the lender and may not change our ability to borrow on the U.S. revolving credit facility.  However, we would be required to reclassify the “Long-term debt” to “Current maturities of long-term debt” on our Consolidated Balance Sheet.  In addition, we would be required to maintain a springing lock-box arrangement where customer remittances go directly to a lock-box maintained by our lenders and then are forwarded to our general bank accounts.  Our outstanding borrowings are not reduced by these payments unless our excess availability falls below the greater of $35 million or the amount equal to 15% of the lesser of the borrowing base or $400 million on any date or in the event of default.  Our amended U.S. revolving credit facility does not contain a subjective acceleration clause, which would allow our lenders to accelerate the scheduled maturities of our debt or to cancel our agreement.
 
 
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The Company intends to amend and extend its $400 million U.S. revolving credit facility.  The amendment will extend the maturity by three years from the closing date.  It is expected that the maximum available credit under the U.S. revolving credit facility will be increased by $22.5 million to $422.5 millionThe amended U.S. revolving credit facility is also expected to continue to have a $100 million uncommitted accordion credit facility to potentially increase the maximum available credit to $522.5 million.  The amended U.S. revolving credit facility is expected to have covenants substantially similar to those in the existing U.S. credit facility.
 
The Company has engaged Wells Fargo Capital Finance (“Wells Fargo”) as sole lead arranger for the transaction.  Wells Fargo has informed the Company that it has received commitments from several financial institutions with respect to the U.S. revolving credit facility, subject to execution of satisfactory documentation and the completion of the $40 million rights offering of common stock announced on January 10, 2013. Closing is expected to occur concurrently with the completion of the rights offering of common stock.   The definitive terms of, and the obligations of BlueLinx, Wells Fargo, and/or any members of the syndicate of financial institutions to enter into such an amendment to the U.S. revolving credit facility are subject to additional discussions and negotiations among the parties, and there is no assurance that an amendment to the existing U.S. revolving credit facility will be consummated.
 
On May 10, 2011, we entered into an amendment to our U.S. revolving credit facility, which became effective on July 29, 2011 pursuant to which certain components of the borrowing base calculation and excess liquidity calculation were adjusted as part of this amendment.  The most significant of the changes included in the amendment are described in the discussion of the terms and covenants of the U.S. revolving credit facility above.
 
On August 12, 2011, our subsidiary BlueLinx Canada entered into a revolving credit agreement (the “Canadian revolving credit facility”) with CIBC Asset-Based Lending Inc., as lender, administrative agent and collateral agent (the “Agent”).  The maturity date of this agreement is August 12, 2014.  As of December 29, 2012, we had outstanding borrowings of $1.9 million and excess availability of $2.0 million under the terms of our Canadian revolving credit facility.  The interest rate on the Canadian revolving credit facility was 4.0% at December 29, 2012.  As of December 31, 2011, we had outstanding borrowings of $1.1 million and excess availability of $2.6 million under the terms of our Canadian revolving credit facility.  The interest rate on the Canadian revolving credit facility was 4.0% at December 31, 2011.  The Canadian revolving credit facility contains customary covenants and events of default for asset-based credit agreements of this type, including the requirement for BlueLinx Canada to maintain a minimum adjusted tangible net worth of $3.9 million and for that entity’s capital expenditures not to exceed 120% of the amount budgeted in a given year.  As of December 29, 2012 and through the time of the filing of this Form 10-K, we were in compliance with all covenants under this facility.
 
On September 19, 2012, we entered into an amendment to our mortgage agreement, which provided for the immediate prepayment of approximately $11.8 million of the indebtedness under the mortgage agreement without incurring a prepayment premium from cash currently held as collateral under the mortgage agreement.  In addition, on the last business day of each calendar quarter, starting with the fourth quarter of 2012, additional funds held as collateral under the mortgage agreement will be used to prepay indebtedness under the mortgage agreement, without prepayment premium, up to an aggregate additional prepayment of $10.0 million.  Thereafter, any cash remaining in the collateral account under the mortgage agreement, up to an aggregate of $10.0 million, will be released to the Company on the last business day of each calendar quarter through the second quarter of 2014.  All funds released pursuant to these provisions may only be used by the Company to pay for usual and customary operating expenses.  During the periods described above in which cash in the collateral account is used to either prepay indebtedness under the mortgage agreement or released to the Company, the lenders will not release any of the cash collateral to the Company for specified capital expenditures as previously provided under the mortgage agreement.  Under the terms of our mortgage, we are required to transfer certain funds to be held as collateral. We expect to transfer approximately $13.2 million as collateral during the next twelve month period, approximately $6.4 million of which will be used to reduce mortgage principal on a quarterly basis.  The remaining amount of approximately $6.8 million will be remitted to us on a quarterly basis for uses as indicated in the amendment.  In conjunction with the modification of our mortgage agreement we incurred approximately $0.3 million in fees that were capitalized and are being amortized over the remaining term of the mortgage.
 
 
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On July 14, 2011, we entered into an amendment to the mortgage which (i) eliminated the requirement to obtain lender approval for any transfer of equity interests that would reduce Cerberus ABP Investor LLCs ownership in the Company and certain of our subsidiaries, directly or indirectly, to less than 51%, (ii) provided for the immediate prepayment of $38.3 million of the indebtedness under the mortgage without incurring a prepayment premium from funds currently held as collateral under the mortgage and, if certain conditions are met, will allow for an additional prepayment on or after July 30, 2014 from funds held as collateral without incurrence of a prepayment premium, (iii) allow us, at the lenders reasonable discretion, to use a portion of the cash held as collateral under the mortgage for specified alterations, repairs, replacements and other improvements to the mortgaged properties, and (iv) in the event certain financial conditions are met and the Company extends the Amended and Restated Master Lease by and among certain of our subsidiaries with respect to properties covered by the mortgage for an additional five years, we may request the lenders to disburse to the Company a portion of the cash held as collateral under the mortgage.  In conjunction with the modification of our mortgage agreement we incurred approximately $2.9 million in debt fees that were capitalized and are being amortized over the remaining term of the mortgage.
 
On June 12, 2006, we entered into an interest rate swap agreement with Goldman Sachs Capital Markets, to hedge against interest rate risks related to our variable rate U.S. revolving credit facility. The interest rate swap was terminated in March of 2011.
 
Due to the termination of the swap in fiscal 2011, the fair value of the swap as of December 31, 2011 was zero.  Changes associated with the ineffective interest rate swap recognized in the Consolidated Statement of Operations for the period from January 1, 2011 to October 1, 2011 were approximately $1.7 million of income and were comprised of amortization of the remaining accumulated other comprehensive loss of the ineffective swap of $0.5 million offset by income of $2.2 million related to reducing the fair value of the ineffective interest rate swap liability to zero.
 
Contractual Commitments.  The following table represents our contractual commitments associated with our debt and other obligations disclosed above as of the fiscal year end of each year set forth below (in thousands).
 
   
2013
   
2014
   
2015
   
2016
   
2017
   
Thereafter
   
Total
 
Revolving credit facilities(1)                                                                 
  $     $ 171,412     $     $     $     $     $ 171,412  
Mortgage indebtedness
    8,946       2,556       2,725       191,753                   205,980  
Interest payments on our revolving credit facilities(2)
    7,003       182                               7,185  
Interest payments on our mortgage(3)
    14,076       12,609       12,439       6,137                   45,261  
Subtotal
    30,025       186,759       15,164       197,890                   429,838  
Operating leases(4)
    4,488       3,943       3,354       3,394       3,016       2,786       20,981  
Capital leases(5)
    1,188       1,237       1,292       1,238       709       727       6,391  
Interest payments on our capital leases(6)
    347       278       206       131       71       26       1,059  
Letters of credit(7)
    4,485                                     4,485  
Letters of credit(8)
    1,501                                     1,501  
Total
  $ 42,034     $ 192,217     $ 20,016     $ 202,653     $ 3,796     $ 3,539     $ 464,255  
 

(1) Payments for both the U.S. and Canadian revolving credit facilities are included.
     
(2) Interest on the revolving credit facilities is variable, based on Libor or prime plus the applicable margin.  The interest rate on the U.S. revolving credit facility and the Canadian revolving credit facility was 4.1% and 4.0%, respectively, at December 29, 2012. The final maturity date on our U.S. revolving credit facility and Canadian revolving credit facility is January 7, 2014 and August 12, 2014, respectively.
     
(3) Interest payments on the mortgage are based on a fixed rate of 6.35%.
     
(4) We lease various facilities and vehicles under non-cancelable operating leases.
     
(5)
We lease certain other fixed assets under non cancelable leases that we have determined to be capital leases.
     
(6)
Includes imputed interest based on individual capital lease agreements.
     
(7)
Letters of credit included under the credit facilities.
     
(8)
Letters of credit not included under the credit facilities.
 
 
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Purchase orders entered into in the ordinary course of business are excluded from the above table. Amounts for which we are liable under purchase orders are reflected on our Consolidated Balance Sheets (to the extent entered into prior to the end of the applicable period) as accounts payable and accrued liabilities.
 
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements. As of December 29, 2012, we did not have any material off-balance sheet arrangements.
 
Critical Accounting Policies
 
The preparation of our consolidated financial statements and related disclosures in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles requires our management to make judgments and estimates that affect the amounts reported in our consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes. Our management believes that we consistently apply these judgments and estimates and the consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes fairly represent all periods presented. However, any differences between these judgments and estimates and actual results could have a material impact on our Consolidated Statements of Operations and financial position. Critical accounting estimates, as defined by the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”), are those that are most important to the portrayal of our financial condition and results of operations and require our management’s most difficult and subjective judgments and estimates of matters that are inherently uncertain. Our critical accounting estimates include those regarding (1) revenue recognition; (2) allowance for doubtful accounts and related reserves; (3) inventory valuation; (4) impairment of long-lived assets; (5) income taxes; (6) defined benefit pension plans; and (7) stock-based compensation. Our significant accounting policies are more fully described in the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
 
Revenue Recognition
 
We recognize revenue when the following criteria are met: persuasive evidence of an agreement exists, delivery has occurred or services have been rendered, our price to the buyer is fixed and determinable and collectibility is reasonably assured. Delivery is not considered to have occurred until the customer takes title and assumes the risks and rewards of ownership. The timing of revenue recognition is largely dependent on shipping terms. Revenue is recorded at the time of shipment for terms designated as FOB (free on board) shipping point. For sales transactions designated FOB destination, revenue is recorded when the product is delivered to the customer’s delivery site.
 
All revenues are recorded at gross. The key indicators used to determine when and how revenue is recorded are as follows:
 
 
We are the primary obligor responsible for fulfillment and all other aspects of the customer relationship.
 
 
Title passes to BlueLinx, and we carry all risk of loss related to warehouse, reload inventory and inventory shipped directly from vendors to our customers.
 
 
We are responsible for all product returns.
 
 
We control the selling price for all channels.
 
 
We select the supplier.
 
 
We bear all credit risk.
 
In addition, we provide inventory to certain customers through pre-arranged agreements on a consignment basis. Customer consigned inventory is maintained and stored by certain customers; however, ownership and risk of loss remains with us. When the inventory is sold by the customer, we recognize revenue on a gross basis.
 
All revenues recognized are net of trade allowances, cash discounts and sales returns. Cash discounts and sales returns are estimated using historical experience. Trade allowances are based on the estimated obligations and historical experience. Adjustments to earnings resulting from revisions to estimates on discounts and returns have been insignificant for each of the reported periods.
 
 
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Allowance for Doubtful Accounts and Related Reserves
 
We evaluate the collectability of accounts receivable based on numerous factors, including past transaction history with customers and their creditworthiness. We maintain an allowance for doubtful accounts for each aging category on our aged trial balance based on our historical loss experience. This estimate is periodically adjusted when we become aware of specific customers’ inability to meet their financial obligations (e.g., bankruptcy filing or other evidence of liquidity problems). As we determine that specific balances will ultimately be uncollectible, we remove them from our aged trial balance. Additionally, we maintain reserves for cash discounts that we expect customers to earn as well as expected returns.
 
Inventory Valuation
 
Inventories are carried at the lower of cost or market. The cost of all inventories is determined by the moving average cost method. We include all charges directly or indirectly incurred in bringing inventory to its existing condition and location. We evaluate our inventory value at the end of each quarter to ensure that first quality, actively moving inventory, when viewed by category, is carried at the lower of cost or market.
 
Additionally, we maintain a reserve for the estimated value impairment associated with damaged, excess and obsolete inventory. The damaged, excess and obsolete reserve generally includes discontinued items or inventory that has turn days in excess of 270 days, excluding new items during their product launch.
 
Impairment of Long-Lived Assets
 
Long-lived assets, including property and equipment and intangible assets with definite useful lives, are reviewed for possible impairment whenever events or circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable.
 
We consider whether there were indicators of potential impairment on a quarterly basis. Indicators of impairment include current period losses combined with a history of losses, management’s decision to exit a facility, reductions in the fair market value of real properties and changes in other circumstances that indicate the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable.
 
Our evaluation of long-lived assets is performed at the lowest level of identifiable cash flows, which is generally the individual distribution facility. In the event of indicators of impairment, the assets of the distribution facility are evaluated by comparing the facility’s undiscounted cash flows over the estimated useful life of the asset, which ranges between 5-40 years, to its carrying value. If the carrying value is greater than the undiscounted cash flows, an impairment loss is recognized for the difference between the carrying value of the asset and the estimated fair market value. Impairment losses are recorded as a component of “Selling, general and administrative” expense in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.
 
Our estimate of undiscounted cash flows is subject to assumptions that affect estimated operating income at a distribution facility level. These assumptions are related to future sales, margin growth rates, economic conditions, market competition and inflation. In the event that undiscounted cash flows do not exceed the carrying value of a facility, our estimates of fair market value are generally based on market appraisals and our experience with related market transactions. We use a two year average of cash flows based on 2012 EBITDA and 2013 projected EBITDA, which includes a growth factor assumption, to estimate undiscounted cash flows. These assumptions used to determine impairment are considered to be level 3 measurements in the fair value hierarchy as defined in Note 13.
 
 
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Our operating results have declined during the past several years as they are closely tied to U.S. housing starts, which have been at historically low levels. During fiscal 2012, we began to see signs of a housing recovery and our results have improved, however our sales are still at historically low levels. To the extent that reductions in volume and operating income have resulted in impairment indicators, in all cases our carrying values continue to be less than our projected undiscounted cash flows. As such, we have not identified significant known trends impacting the fair value of long-lived assets to an extent that would indicate impairment.
 
During the first quarter of fiscal 2011 our Newtown, Connecticut facility was damaged due to severe winter weather.  As a result of the damage to the facility and its contents, we have received approximately $5.8 million in proceeds from the insurance company comprised of $2.2 million related to the damaged building, $2.4 million related to damaged and destroyed inventory and $1.2 million related to the recovery of additional expenses incurred as a result of the damage. Cash received related to the damaged building was classified as an investing cash inflow in our Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2011 and used to reduce the principal of our mortgage, which was classified as a financing cash outflow. All other cash inflows related to the insurance settlement were classified as operating cash flows in our Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows in the appropriate period. The majority of the remaining cash inflows were used to fund costs incurred related to the Newtown loss. We recognized a $1.4 million gain in fiscal 2011 of which $1.2 million related to the damaged building and $0.2 million related to the recovery of gross margin on the inventory. We recorded an additional gain of $0.5 million related to the damaged building during the second quarter of 2012. We recorded all gains related to the events above at the time the recovery of the minimum expected proceeds under our insurance policy became probable and was estimable.  These gains were recorded in “Selling, general and administrative expenses” in our Consolidated Statements of Operations.
 
Income Taxes
 
The federal statutory income tax rate was 35%. Our provision for (benefit from) income taxes is reconciled to the federal statutory amount as follows:
 
   
Fiscal Year
Ended
December 29,
2012
   
Fiscal Year
Ended
December 31,
2011
   
Fiscal Year
Ended
January 1,
2011
 
   
(In thousands)
 
Benefit from income taxes computed at the federal statutory tax rate
  $ (7,924 )   $ (13,162 )   $ (18,841 )
Benefit from state income taxes, net of federal benefit
    (866 )     (1,296 )     (2,153 )
Valuation allowance change
    8,820       14,498       18,433  
Nondeductible items     484       806       3,128  
Other
    (128 )     116       (1,156 )
Provision for (benefit from) income taxes
  $ 386     $ 962     $ (589 )
 
Our income before provision for income taxes for our Canadian operations was $0.1 million, $0.9 million and $1.6 million for fiscal 2012, fiscal 2011, and fiscal 2010, respectively.
 
For fiscal 2012, we recognized tax expense of $0.4 million. The expense recognized for the year is primarily comprised of $0.3 million for current state income tax expense related to earnings generated on a separate company basis.
 
For fiscal 2011, we recognized tax expense of $1.0 million. The expense recognized for the year is primarily comprised of $0.8 million for current state income tax expense related to earnings generated on a separate company basis and $0.3 million of current income tax expense resulting from foreign income taxes.
 
In accordance with the intraperiod tax allocation provisions of U.S. GAAP, we are required to consider all items (including items recorded in other comprehensive income) in determining the amount of tax benefit that results from a loss from continuing operations that should be allocated to continuing operations. In fiscal 2012 and fiscal 2011, there was no intraperiod tax allocation due to the fact that there was a loss in other comprehensive income for the period. While the income tax benefit from continuing operations is reported in our Consolidated Statements of Operations, the income tax expense on other comprehensive income is recorded directly to accumulated other comprehensive loss, which is a component of stockholders’ equity.
 
 
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As of December 29, 2012, our deferred income tax assets were $79.9 million, which are offset by a full valuation allowance. Deferred income tax assets and income tax liabilities are recognized for temporary differences between amounts recorded for financial reporting and income tax purposes. Our financial statements contain certain deferred tax assets which have arisen primarily as a result of tax benefits associated with the loss before income taxes incurred during fiscal 2012 and fiscal 2011, as well as net deferred income tax assets resulting from other temporary differences related to certain reserves, pension obligations and differences between book and tax depreciation and amortization. We record a valuation allowance against our net deferred tax assets when we determine that based on the weight of available evidence, it is more likely than not that our net deferred tax assets will not be realized. We considered the four sources of taxable income that should be considered when determining whether a valuation allowance is required including (from least to most subjective):
 
 
taxable income in prior carryback years, if carryback is permitted under the tax law;
 
 
future reversals of existing taxable temporary differences (i.e., offset gross deferred tax assets against gross deferred tax liabilities);
 
 
tax planning strategies; and
 
 
future taxable income exclusive of reversing temporary differences and carryforwards.
 
In estimating future taxable income, we develop assumptions including the amount of future state and federal pretax operating and non-operating income, the reversal of temporary differences and the implementation of feasible prudent tax planning strategies. These assumptions require significant judgment about the forecasts of future taxable income. Substantial changes in these assumptions could result in changes in our judgments around our ability to realize future tax benefit.
 
Defined Benefit Pension Plans
 
We sponsor several defined benefit pension plans covering substantially all of our hourly employees. Our estimates of the amount and timing of our future funding obligations for our defined benefit pension plans are based upon various assumptions. These assumptions include, but are not limited to, the discount rate, projected return on plan assets, compensation increase rates, mortality rates, retirement patterns, and turnover rates. In addition, the amount and timing of our pension funding obligations can be influenced by funding requirements that are established by the Employee Retirement Income and Security Act of 1974 (ERISA), the Pension Protection Act, Congressional Acts, or other governing bodies. During fiscal 2010 and 2011, we met our required contribution to our defined benefit pension plans.
 
We recognize the unfunded status (i.e., the difference between the fair value of plan assets and the projected benefit obligations) of our pension plan in our Consolidated Balance Sheets, with a corresponding adjustment to accumulated other comprehensive loss. On December 29, 2012, we measured the fair value of our plan assets and benefit obligations. As of December 29, 2012 and December 31, 2011, the net unfunded status of our benefit plan was $46.6 million and $35.5 million, respectively. These amounts were included in “Other non-current liabilities” on our Consolidated Balance Sheets. The net adjustment to other comprehensive loss for fiscal 2012, fiscal 2011, and fiscal 2010 was $8.2 million loss ($8.2 million loss, net of tax, offset by a valuation allowance), $15.0 million loss ($15.0 million loss, net of tax, offset by a valuation allowance), $1.0 million loss ($0.6 million loss, net of tax), respectively, which represents the net unrecognized actuarial (loss) gain and unrecognized prior service cost.
 
The Company’s required cash contribution to the pension plan in 2012 was approximately $3.3 million.  The 2012 required contribution was comprised of approximately $1.2 million related to our 2011 minimum required contribution and approximately $2.1 million related to our 2012 minimum required contribution.  The Company’s minimum required contribution for plan year 2012 was $3.2 million.  The Company has funded the $1.2 million related to its 2011 minimum required contribution with cash in 2012.  However, in an effort to preserve additional cash for operations, we applied for a waiver from the IRS for our 2012 minimum required contribution.  The waiver is still being reviewed by the IRS.  We have not made the $2.1 million of required 2012 contributions related to the 2012 minimum required contribution.  If we are granted the requested waiver, our contributions for 2012 will be amortized over the following five years, increasing our future minimum required contributions. We are currently required to make three quarterly cash contributions during fiscal 2013 of $0.8 million per quarter related to our 2013 minimum required contribution. We are pursuing contributing personal property to the pension plan during fiscal 2013.  We will designate the contribution such that it will offset our future minimum required contribution.
 
 
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We used a discount rate of 4.24% to compute the projected benefit obligation, which was determined by matching of plan liability cash flows to a portfolio of bonds.  A change in the discount rate of 25 basis points, from 4.24% to 4.49%, while holding all other assumptions constant, would have resulted in a reduction in the Company’s projected benefit obligation of approximately $3.7 million in 2012.
 
We used an estimated rate of future compensation increases of 3.00% to compute the projected benefit obligation.  A change in the rate of 25 basis points, from 3.00% to 3.25%, while holding all other assumptions constant, would have resulted in an increase in the Company’s projected benefit obligation of less than $0.2 million in 2012.
 
Plan assets are managed as a balanced portfolio comprised of two major components: an equity portion and a fixed income portion. The expected role of plan equity investments will be to maximize the long-term real growth of fund assets, while the role of fixed income investments will be to generate current income, provide for more stable periodic returns, and provide some downside protection against the possibility of a prolonged decline in the market value of equity investments. We review this investment policy statement at least once per year. In addition, the portfolio will be reviewed quarterly to determine the deviation from target weightings and will be rebalanced as necessary. Target allocations for fiscal 2013 are 50% domestic and 15% international equity investments, 30% fixed income investments, and 5% cash. The expected long-term rate of return for the plan’s total assets is based on the expected return of each of the above categories, weighted based on the target allocation for each class.
 
Stock-Based Compensation
 
We recognize compensation expense equal to the grant-date fair value for all share-based payment awards that are expected to vest. This expense is recorded on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period of the entire award, unless the awards are subject to market or performance conditions, in which case we recognize compensation expense over the requisite service period of each separate vesting tranche to the extent market and performance conditions are considered probable. The calculation of fair value related to stock compensation is subject to certain assumptions discussed in more detail in Note 7. Management updates such estimates when circumstances warrant. All compensation expense related to our share-based payment awards is recorded in “Selling, general and administrative” expense in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.
 
Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements
 
In May 2011, the FASB issued guidance which amends existing GAAP fair value measurement and disclosure guidance to converge GAAP and International Financial Reporting Standards requirements for measuring amounts at fair value as well as disclosures about these measurements.  This guidance is effective during interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2011.  This guidance did not have a material impact on our financial statements and disclosures.
 
In June 2011, the FASB issued guidance which eliminates the option to present the components of other comprehensive income as part of the statement of changes in stockholders’ equity.  The update also requires the presentation of a single statement of comprehensive income or consecutive presentation of the statement of income and the statement of comprehensive income, if a company elects to present two separate statements. Finally, reclassification adjustments from other comprehensive income to net income are required to be presented on the face of the financial statements.  The new guidance and subsequent amendment are effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2011. We have formally adopted this guidance during fiscal 2012 and presented the total of comprehensive income (loss), the components of net income (loss) and the components of other comprehensive income (loss) in a single continuous statement on the face of the Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss).
 
There were no other accounting pronouncements adopted during fiscal 2012 that had a material impact on our financial statements.
 
 
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ITEM 7A.  QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK.
 
General.  We are exposed to risks such as changes in interest rates, commodity prices and foreign currency exchange rates. We employ a variety of practices to manage these risks including the use of derivative instruments. Derivative instruments are used only for risk management purposes and not for speculation or trading, and are not used to address risks related to foreign currency exchange rates. We record derivative instruments as assets or liabilities on the balance sheet at fair value. The following discussion provides additional information regarding our market risk exposure.
 
Interest Rates.  Our revolving credit facilities accrue interest based on a floating benchmark rate (the prime rate or LIBOR rate), plus an applicable margin.  A change in interest rates under the revolving credit facility would have an impact on our results of operations. However, a change of 100 basis points in the market rate of interest would have an impact of $3.8 million and $3.4 million based on borrowings outstanding at December 29, 2012 and December 31, 2011, respectively, which we do not believe to be material. Additionally, to the extent changes in interest rates impact the housing market, we would be impacted by such changes.
 
We have a $295 million mortgage loan with the German American Capital Corporation. The mortgage has a term of ten years and a fixed interest rate of 6.35%. By entering into this fixed rate mortgage, we insulated ourselves from changes in market interest rates on a portion of our indebtedness. This mortgage replaced our previously existing $165 million floating rate mortgage, which had a 7.4% interest rate when it was terminated.
 
Foreign Exchange Rates.  Less than 3.0% of our net sales are denominated in currencies other than the U.S. dollar, and we do not believe our total exposure to currency fluctuations to be significant.
 
Commodity Prices.  We believe that general inflation did not significantly affect our operating results or markets in fiscal 2012, fiscal 2011 or fiscal 2010. As discussed above, our results of operations were both favorably and unfavorably impacted by increases and decreases in the pricing of certain commodity-based products. Commodity price fluctuations have from time to time created cyclicality in our financial performance and may do so in the future.  For the year ended December 29, 2012, we believe that a 5% change in the prices underlying our commodity based products would have resulted in a $40.3 million, $36.5 million and $3.9 million change in revenue, cost of sales and gross margin, respectively.  For the year ended December 31, 2011, we believe that a 5% change in the prices underlying our commodity based products would result in a $35.3 million, $32.0 million and $3.3 million change in revenue, cost of sales and gross margin, respectively.
 
 
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ITEM 8.  FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA.
 
Index to Financial Statements and Supplemental Data
 
 
Page 
39
40
42
43
44
45
46
 
 
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BLUELINX HOLDINGS INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
MANAGEMENT’S REPORT ON INTERNAL CONTROL OVER FINANCIAL REPORTING
 
To the Stockholders of BlueLinx Holdings Inc.:
 
Our management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting as defined in Rule 13a-15(f) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Our internal control over financial reporting is designed to provide reasonable assurance to our management and board of directors regarding the preparation and fair presentation of published financial statements.
 
Our management, including our chief executive officer and our chief financial officer, does not expect that our internal controls over financial reporting will prevent all errors and all fraud. Internal controls, no matter how well designed and operated, can provide only reasonable, not absolute, assurance that the objectives of the internal controls are met. Given the inherent limitations of internal controls, internal controls over financial reporting may not prevent or detect all misstatements or fraud. Therefore, no evaluation of internal control can provide absolute assurance that all control issues or instances of fraud will be prevented or detected.
 
Management assessed the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of December 29, 2012. In making this assessment, management used the criteria established by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission set forth in Internal Control — Integrated Framework. Based on our assessment, our management concluded that, as of December 29, 2012, our internal control over financial reporting was effective.
 
Ernst & Young LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm that audited our consolidated financial statements as of and for the year ended December 29, 2012 included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K, has issued an attestation report on our internal control over financial reporting as of December 29, 2012, dated February 20, 2013.
 
February 20, 2013
 
 
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REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM ON INTERNAL
CONTROL OVER FINANCIAL REPORTING
 
The Board of Directors and Stockholders of BlueLinx Holdings Inc. and subsidiaries
 
We have audited BlueLinx Holdings Inc. and subsidiaries’ internal control over financial reporting as of December 29, 2012, based on criteria established in Internal Control—Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (the COSO criteria). BlueLinx Holdings Inc. and subsidiaries’ management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting, and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting included in the accompanying Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audit.
 
We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audit included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk, and performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.
 
A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.
 
Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.
 
In our opinion, BlueLinx Holdings Inc. and subsidiaries maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 29, 2012, based on the COSO criteria.
 
We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the 2012 Consolidated Financial Statements of BlueLinx Holdings Inc. and subsidiaries and our report dated February 20, 2013 expressed an unqualified opinion thereon.
 
 
                           /s/ Ernst & Young LLP
 
Atlanta, Georgia
February 20, 2013
 
 
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REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM ON THE
CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 
The Board of Directors and Stockholders of BlueLinx Holdings Inc. and subsidiaries
 
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of BlueLinx Holdings Inc. and subsidiaries as of December 29, 2012 and December 31, 2011, and the related consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive loss, stockholders’ (deficit) equity, and cash flows for the fiscal years ended December 29, 2012, December 31, 2011, and January 1, 2011.  These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management.  Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits.
 
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
 
In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated financial position of BlueLinx Holdings Inc. and subsidiaries at December 29, 2012 and December 31, 2011, and the consolidated results of their operations and their cash flows for the fiscal years ended December 29, 2012, December 31, 2011, and January 1, 2011, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.
 
We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), BlueLinx Holdings Inc. and subsidiaries’ internal control over financial reporting as of December 29, 2012, based on criteria established in Internal Control-Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission and our report dated February 20, 2013 expressed an unqualified opinion thereon.
 
                           /s/ Ernst & Young LLP
 
Atlanta, Georgia
February 20, 2013
 
 
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BLUELINX HOLDINGS INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
 
   
December 29,
2012
   
December 31,
2011
 
   
(In thousands, except share data)
 
ASSETS
           
Current assets:
           
Cash and cash equivalents
  $ 5,188     $ 4,898  
Receivables, less allowances of $4,720 in fiscal 2012 and $5,135 in fiscal 2011
    157,465       138,872  
Inventories, net
    230,059       185,577  
Other current assets
    19,427       27,141  
Total current assets
    412,139       356,488  
Property and equipment:
               
Land and improvements
    43,120       49,562  
Buildings
    94,070       95,652  
Machinery and equipment
    78,674       75,508  
Construction in progress
    1,173       741  
Property and equipment, at cost
    217,037       221,463  
Accumulated depreciation
    (101,684 )     (98,335 )
Property and equipment, net
    115,353       123,128  
Non-current deferred income tax assets, net
    445       358  
Other non-current assets
    16,799       23,941  
Total assets
  $ 544,736     $ 503,915  
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ (DEFICIT) EQUITY
               
Current liabilities:
               
Accounts payable
  $ 77,850     $