Edgar Filing: BASSETT FURNITURE INDUSTRIES INC

bset20171125_10k.htm

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C., 20549

FORM 10-K

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

For the fiscal year ended November 25, 2017

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

For the transition period from to

Commission File No. 0-209

BASSETT FURNITURE INDUSTRIES, INCORPORATED

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

VIRGINIA

54-0135270

(State or other jurisdiction of

incorporation or organization)

(I.R.S. Employer

Identification No.)

3525 FAIRYSTONE PARK HIGHWAY

BASSETT, VIRGINIA

24055

(Address of principal executive offices)

(Zip Code)

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code 276/629-6000

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

Title of each class:		Name of each exchange on which registered
Common Stock ($5.00 par value)		NASDAQ

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 ☒ No

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 ☒ No

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site , if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files). ☒ Yes ☐ No

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (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, and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for at least the past 90 days. ☒ Yes ☐ No

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. ☒

Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company,” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

Large accelerated filer	☐	Accelerated filer	☒
Non-accelerated filer	☐	Smaller reporting company	☐
(Do not check if a smaller reporting company)		Emerging growth company	☐

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ☐

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12-b2 of the Exchange Act). ☐ Yes ☒ No

The aggregate market value of the voting and non-voting common equity held by non-affiliates of the registrant as of May 27, 2017 was $309,940,535.

The number of shares of the Registrant’s common stock outstanding on January 10, 2018 was 10,740,591.

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

Portions of the Bassett Furniture Industries, Incorporated definitive Proxy Statement for its 2018 Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be held March 7, 2018, to be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission pursuant to Regulation 14A under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the “Proxy Statement”) are incorporated by reference into Part III of this Form 10-K.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS		1

PART I
Item 1.	Business	2
Item 1A.	Risk Factors	7
Item 1B.	Unresolved Staff Comments	9
Item 2.	Properties	9
Item 3.	Legal Proceedings	10
Item 4.	Mine Safety Disclosures	10
Item 4B.	Executive Officers of the Registrant	10

PART II
Item 5.	Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities	11
Item 6.	Selected Financial Data	12
Item 7.	Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations	13
Item 7A.	Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk	28
Item 8.	Financial Statements and Supplementary Data	29
Item 9.	Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure	66
Item 9A.	Controls and Procedures	66
Item 9B.	Other Information	68

PART III
Item 10.	Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance	68
Item 11.	Executive Compensation	68
Item 12.	Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters	68
Item 13.	Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence	68
Item 14.	Principal Accountant Fees and Services	68

PART IV
Item 15.	Exhibits	69
Item 16.	Form 10-K Summary	70

SIGNATURES		71

As used herein, unless the context otherwise requires, “Bassett,” the “Company,” “we,” “us” and “our” refer to Bassett Furniture Industries, Incorporated and its subsidiaries. References to 2017, 2016, 2015, 2014 and 2013 mean the fiscal years ended November 25, 2017, November 26, 2016, November 28, 2015, November 29, 2014 and November 30, 2013. Please note that fiscal 2013 contained 53 weeks.

Safe-harbor, forward-looking statements

This discussion contains certain forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 with respect to the financial condition, results of operations and business of Bassett Furniture Industries, Incorporated and subsidiaries. Such forward-looking statements are identified by use of forward-looking words such as “anticipates”, “believes”, “plans”, “estimates”, “expects”, “aimed” and “intends” or words or phrases of similar expression. These forward-looking statements involve certain risks and uncertainties. No assurance can be given that any such matters will be realized. Important factors, which should be read in conjunction with Item 1A “Risk Factors”, that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contemplated by such forward-looking statements include:

●

competitive conditions in the home furnishings industry

●

general economic conditions, including the strength of the housing market in the United States

●

overall retail traffic levels and consumer demand for home furnishings

●

ability of our customers and consumers to obtain credit

●

Bassett store openings and store closings and the profitability of the stores (independent licensees and Company-owned retail stores)

●

ability to implement our Company-owned retail strategies and realize the benefits from such strategies as they are implemented

●

fluctuations in the cost and availability of raw materials, labor and sourced products

●

results of marketing and advertising campaigns

●

effectiveness and security of our information technology systems

●

future tax legislation, or regulatory or judicial positions

●

ability to efficiently manage the import supply chain to minimize business interruption

●

concentration of domestic manufacturing, particularly of upholstery products, and the resulting exposure to business interruption from accidents, weather and other events and circumstances beyond our control

●

general risks associated with providing freight transportation and other logistical services due to our acquisition of Zenith Freight Lines, LLC

PART I

ITEM 1.

BUSINESS

(dollar amounts in thousands except per share data)

General

Bassett is a leading retailer, manufacturer and marketer of branded home furnishings. Our products are sold primarily through a network of Company-owned and licensee-owned branded stores under the Bassett Home Furnishings (“BHF”) name, with additional distribution through other wholesale channels including multi-line furniture stores, many of which feature Bassett galleries or design centers. We were founded in 1902 and incorporated under the laws of Virginia in 1930. Our rich 115-year history has instilled the principles of quality, value, and integrity in everything we do, while simultaneously providing us with the expertise to respond to ever-changing consumer tastes and meet the demands of a global economy.

With 90 BHF stores at November 25, 2017, we have leveraged our strong brand name in furniture into a network of Company-owned and licensed stores that focus on providing consumers with a friendly environment for buying furniture and accessories. We created our store program in 1997 to provide a single source home furnishings retail store that provides a unique combination of stylish, quality furniture and accessories with a high level of customer service. In order to reach markets that cannot be effectively served by our retail store network, we also distribute our products through other wholesale channels including multi-line furniture stores, many of which feature Bassett galleries or design centers. We use a network of over 25 independent sales representatives who have stated geographical territories. These sales representatives are compensated based on a standard commission rate. We believe this blended strategy provides us the greatest ability to effectively distribute our products throughout the United States and ultimately gain market share.

The BHF stores feature custom order furniture, free in-home design visits (“home makeovers”), and coordinated decorating accessories. Our philosophy is based on building strong long-term relationships with each customer. Sales people are referred to as “Design Consultants” and are each trained to evaluate customer needs and provide comprehensive solutions for their home decor. Until a rigorous training and design certification program is completed, Design Consultants are not authorized to perform in-home design services for our customers.

For several years we owned 49% of Zenith Freight Lines, LLC (“Zenith”). During that time the strategic significance of our partnership with Zenith had risen to include the over-the-road transportation of furniture, the operation of regional freight terminals, warehouse and distribution facilities, and the management of various home delivery facilities that service Bassett Home Furnishings stores and other clients in local markets around the United States. On February 2, 2015, we acquired the remaining 51% of Zenith, which has since operated as a wholly-owned subsidiary of Bassett. Our acquisition of Zenith brought to our Company the ability to deliver best-of-class shipping and logistical support services that are uniquely tailored to the needs of the furniture industry, as well as the ability to provide the expedited delivery service which is increasingly demanded by our industry. Zenith now operates seven regional freight hubs and 14 home delivery centers in 13 states. We believe that our ownership of Zenith will not only enhance our own wholesale and retail distribution capabilities, but will provide additional growth opportunities as Zenith continues to expand its service to other customers.

In September of 2011, we announced the formation of a strategic partnership with HGTV (Home and Garden Television), a division of Scripps Networks, LLC, which combines our heritage in the furniture industry with the penetration of 91 million households in the United States that HGTV enjoys today. As part of this alliance, the in-store design centers have been co-branded with HGTV to more forcefully market the concept of a “home makeover”, an important point of differentiation for our stores that also mirrors much of the programming content on the HGTV network. We believe the co-branded design centers coupled with the targeted national advertising on HGTV have played a key role in driving sales at our stores. In October of 2015, we announced the extension of our partnership with HGTV through 2019. In addition to featuring HGTV branded custom upholstery products in our HGTV HOME Design Studios in BHF stores, we have also expanded the concept to select independent dealers. We believe this will provide additional growth outside our BHF store network.

Operating Segments

We have strategically aligned our business into three reportable segments: Wholesale, Retail – Company-owned stores, and Logistical Services.

The wholesale home furnishings segment is involved principally in the design, manufacture, sourcing, sale and distribution of furniture products to a network of BHF stores (licensee-owned stores and Company-owned retail stores) and independent furniture retailers. Our retail segment consists of 60 Company-owned and operated stores. The following table shows the number of Company-owned stores by state as of November 25, 2017:

	Number of			Number of
State	Stores		State	Stores
Alabama		1	Mississippi		1
Arizona		1	Missouri		1
Arkansas		1	New Jersey		1
California		5	New York		5
Connecticut		3	North Carolina		5
Delaware		1	Ohio		1
Florida		3	Pennsylvania		2
Georgia		3	South Carolina		1
Kansas		1	Tennessee		1
Kentucky		1	Texas		11
Maryland		3	Virginia		5
Massachusetts		3	Total		60

With our acquisition of Zenith on February 2, 2015, we created the logistical services operating segment which reflects the operations of Zenith. In addition to providing shipping, delivery and warehousing services for the Company, Zenith also provides similar services to other customers, primarily in the furniture industry.

Wholesale Segment Overview

The wholesale furniture industry is very competitive and there are a large number of manufacturers both within and outside the United States who compete in the market on the basis of product quality, price, style, delivery and service. Additionally, many retailers source imported product directly, thus bypassing domestic furniture manufacturers and wholesale importers. We believe that we can be successful in the current competitive environment because our products represent excellent value combining attractive prices, quality and styling, prompt delivery, and superior service.

Wholesale shipments by category for the last three fiscal years are summarized below:

	2017				2016				2015

Wood	$	86,667	34.8	%	$	88,763	36.9	%	$	93,073	36.9	%
Upholstery		158,894	63.8	%		149,027	62.0	%		156,768	62.2	%
Other		3,632	1.5	%		2,556	1.1	%		2,339	0.9	%

Total	$	249,193	100.0	%	$	240,346	100.0	%	$	252,180	100.0	%

Approximately 27% of our 2017 wholesale sales were of imported product compared to 31% and 37% in 2016 and 2015, respectively. We define imported product as fully finished product that is sourced. Our domestic product includes certain products that contain components which were also sourced. We continue to believe that a blended strategy including domestically produced products primarily of a custom-order nature combined with sourcing of major collections provides the best value and quality of products to our customers. The decline in imported goods share of our wholesale sales over the last three years has been driven primarily by increasing sales of our domestic custom wood and upholstery product offerings.

The dollar value of our wholesale backlog, representing orders received but not yet shipped to the BHF store network or independent dealers, was $22,239 at November 25, 2017 and $22,130 at November 26, 2016. We expect that the November 25, 2017 backlog will be filled within fiscal 2018, with the majority of the backlog being filled during the first quarter.

We use lumber, fabric, leather, foam and other materials in the production of wood and upholstered furniture. These components are purchased from a variety of domestic and international suppliers and are widely available. The price and availability of foam, which is highly dependent on the cost of oil and available capacity of oil refineries, can be subject to significant volatility from time to time. We currently assemble and finish these components in our four plants in the United States.

Other Investments and Real Estate

Our balance sheet at November 25, 2017 and November 26, 2016 included short-term investments in certificates of deposit and certain retail real estate related to former licensee-owned stores. The impact upon earnings arising from these assets is included in other loss, net, in our consolidated statements of income. Our investment balances at each of the last three fiscal year-ends are as follows:

	November 27,		November 26,		November 28,
	2017		2016		2015

Investments in certificates of deposit	$	23,125	$	23,125	$	23,125
Certain retail real estate		1,758		2,969		3,120

Our short-term investments at November 25, 2017 consist of certificates of deposit (“CDs”) with original terms generally ranging from six to twelve months, bearing interest at rates ranging from 0.10% to 1.50% with a weighted average yield of approximately 1.18%. At November 25, 2017, the weighted average remaining time to maturity of the CDs was approximately five months. Each CD is placed with a federally insured financial institution and all deposits are within Federal deposit insurance limits.

We hold investments in retail store properties that we had previously leased to licensees. These holdings, which also include closed store real estate currently leased to non-licensees, are included in other long-term assets in our consolidated balance sheets. These real estate holdings are typically in urban, high-traffic retail locations. See Item 2, Properties, for additional information about our retail real estate holdings.

Retail Segment Overview – Company-Owned Retail Stores

The retail furniture industry remains very competitive and includes local furniture stores, regional furniture retailers, national department and chain stores and single-vendor branded retailers. As a whole, our store network with 60 Company-owned stores and 30 licensee-owned stores, ranks in the top 30 in retail furniture sales in the United States. We plan to continue opening new stores, primarily in underpenetrated markets where we currently have stores. In this regard we are currently considering several locations for new store expansion over the next three years, with at least eight of these planned to open in fiscal 2018.

Net sales for our Company-owned retail stores for the last three fiscal years are summarized below:

	2017		2016		2015

Net sales	$	268,264	$	254,667	$	249,379

Our stores incorporate a stylish, residential feel while highlighting our unmatched custom manufacturing capabilities. We leverage our customization capabilities by dedicating space in the stores to design solutions for dining, upholstery, home entertainment and storage.

Logistical Services Segment Overview

Zenith is a specialized supply chain solutions provider, offering the home furnishings industry the benefit of an asset-based network to move product with greater efficiency, enhanced speed to market, less damage and a single source of shipment visibility. We provide fully integrated solutions with the highest commitment to customer care and service as we seek to go beyond our customers’ transactional expectations to create collaborative partnerships that provide a single source network to:

●

Better manage inventory across multiple locations and provide total audit-ready accountability

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Reduce line haul and delivery costs

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Ensure availability of high-volume items in stores

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Integrate the omnichannel nature of today’s retail supply chain

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Management and predictability of the total landed cost of goods

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Achieve full visibility from vendor to showroom to final delivery

Our customer solutions are provided through the following services:

●

Network line haul freight (middle mile)

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Warehousing, distribution and inventory management

●

Home delivery services to end-consumer (final mile)

At November 25, 2017, our shipping and delivery fleet consisted of the following:

	Owned		Leased		Total
Tractors		165		92		257
Trailers		239		272		511
Home delivery trucks		12		15		27

We own a central warehousing and national distribution hub located in Conover, North Carolina, and we lease nineteen facilities in fourteen states across the continental United States from which we operate regional freight terminals and provide warehouse and distribution services.

Trademarks

Our trademarks, including “Bassett” and the names of some of our marketing divisions, products and collections, are significant to the conduct of our business. This is important due to consumer recognition of the names and identification with our broad range of products. Certain of our trademarks are licensed to independent retailers for use in full store and store gallery presentations of our products. We also own copyrights that are important in the conduct of our business.

Research and Development

The furniture industry is considered to be a “fashion” industry subject to constant fluctuations to meet changing consumer preferences. As such, we are continuously involved in the development of new designs and products. Due to the nature of these efforts and the close relationship to the manufacturing operations, these costs are considered normal operating costs and are not segregated. We are not otherwise involved in “traditional” research and development activities nor do we sponsor the research and development activities of any of our customers.

Government Regulations

We believe that we have materially complied with all federal, state and local standards regarding safety, health and pollution and environmental controls.

Our logistical services segment is also subject to regulation by several federal governmental agencies, including the Department of Transportation (“DOT”). Specifically the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration and the Surface Transportation Board, which are agencies within the DOT. We are also subject to rules and regulations of various state agencies. These regulatory authorities have broad powers, generally governing matters such as authority to engage in motor carrier operations, motor carrier registration, driver hours of service, safety and fitness of transportation equipment and drivers and other matters.

We may also be affected by laws and regulations of countries from which we source goods. Labor, environmental and other laws and regulations change over time, especially in the developing countries from which we source. Changes in these areas of regulation could negatively impact the cost and availability of sourced goods. The timing and extent to which these regulations could have an adverse effect on our financial position or results of operations is difficult to predict. Based on the present facts, we do not believe that they will have a material adverse effect on our financial position or future results of operations.

People

We employed 2,618 people as of November 25, 2017, of which 853 were employed in our retail segment, 966 were employed in our wholesale segment and 799 were employed in our logistical services segment, which also utilized another 136 temporary workers provided through staffing agencies. None of our employees are subject to collective bargaining arrangements and we have not experienced any recent work stoppages. We consider our relationship with our employees to be good.

Foreign and Domestic Operations and Export Sales

We have no foreign manufacturing or retail operations. We define export sales as sales to any country or territory other than the United States or its territories or possessions. Our export sales were approximately $2,288, $3,607, and $4,516 in 2017, 2016, and 2015, respectively. At November 25, 2017 and November 26, 2016, we had $1,677 and $3,018, respectively of our finished goods inventory physically warehoused in Vietnam.

Major Customers

Our risk exposure related to our customers, consisting primarily of trade accounts receivable along with certain guarantees, net of recognized reserves, totaled approximately $22,357 and $20,223 at November 25, 2017 and November 26, 2016, respectively. At November 25, 2017, approximately 29% of the aggregate risk exposure, net of reserves, was attributable to five customers. At November 26, 2016, approximately 30% of the aggregate risk exposure, net of reserves, was attributable to four customers. In fiscal 2017, 2016 and 2015, no customer accounted for more than 10% of total consolidated net sales. However, one customer accounted for approximately 33%, 36% and 26% of our consolidated revenue from logistical services during 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively.

Available Information

Through our website www.bassettfurniture.com, we make available free of charge as soon as reasonably practicable after electronically filing or furnishing with the SEC, our annual report on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K and any amendments thereto.

ITEM 1A.

RISK FACTORS

The following risk factors should be read carefully in connection with evaluating our business and the forward-looking information contained in this Annual Report on Form 10-K. The risk factors below represent what we believe are the known material risk factors with respect to us and our business. Any of the following risks could materially adversely affect our business, operations, industry, financial position or future financial results.

We face a volatile retail environment and changing economic conditions that may further adversely affect consumer demand and spending.

Historically, the home furnishings industry has been subject to cyclical variations in the general economy and to uncertainty regarding future economic prospects. Should the current economic recovery falter or the current recovery in housing starts stall, consumer confidence and demand for home furnishings could deteriorate which could adversely affect our business through its impact on the performance of our Company-owned stores, as well as our licensees and the ability of a number of them to meet their obligations to us.

Our retail stores face significant competition from national, regional and local retailers of home furnishings, including increasing on-line competition via the internet.

The retail market for home furnishings is highly fragmented and intensely competitive. We currently compete against a diverse group of retailers, including national department stores, regional or independent specialty stores, and dedicated franchises of furniture manufacturers. National mass merchants such as Costco also have limited product offerings. We also compete with retailers that market products through store catalogs and the internet. In addition, there are few barriers to entry into our current and contemplated markets, and new competitors may enter our current or future markets at any time. We have recently seen electronics and appliance retailers adding limited furniture products in their stores. We have also seen increasing competition from retailers offering consumers the ability to purchase home furnishings via the internet for home delivery, and this trend is expected to continue. Our existing competitors or new entrants into our industry may use a number of different strategies to compete against us, including aggressive advertising, pricing and marketing, extension of credit to customers on terms more favorable than we offer, and expansion into markets where we currently operate.

Competition from any of these sources could cause us to lose market share, revenues and customers, increase expenditures or reduce prices, any of which could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations.

Our licensee-owned stores may not be able to meet their obligations to us.

We have a significant amount of accounts receivable attributable to our network of licensee-owned stores. We also guarantee some of the leases of some of our licensees. If these stores do not generate the necessary level of sales and profits, the licensees may not be able to fulfill their obligations to us resulting in additional bad debt expenses and real estate related losses.

Failure to successfully anticipate or respond to changes in consumer tastes and trends in a timely manner could adversely impact our business, operating results and financial condition.

Sales of our furniture are dependent upon consumer acceptance of our designs, styles, quality and price. As with all retailers, our business is susceptible to changes in consumer tastes and trends. We attempt to monitor changes in consumer tastes and home design trends through attendance at international industry events and fashion shows, internal marketing research, and communication with our retailers and design consultants who provide valuable input on consumer tendencies. However, such tastes and trends can change rapidly and any delay or failure to anticipate or respond to changing consumer tastes and trends in a timely manner could adversely impact our business, operating results and financial condition.

In addition, certain suppliers may require extensive advance notice of our requirements in order to produce products in the quantities we desire. This long lead time may require us to place orders far in advance of the time when certain products will be offered for sale, thereby exposing us to risks relating to shifts in consumer demand and trends, and any downturn in the U.S. economy.

Our success depends upon our brand, marketing and advertising efforts and pricing strategies, and if we are not able to maintain and enhance our brand, or if we are not successful in these efforts and strategies, our business and operating results could be adversely affected.

Maintaining and enhancing our brand is critical to our ability to expand our base of customers and drive increased traffic at both Company-owned and licensee-owned stores. Our advertising and marketing campaign utilizes television, direct mail, catalogs, newspapers, magazines, radio and the internet in an effort to maintain and enhance our existing brand equity. We cannot provide assurance that our marketing, advertising and other efforts to promote and maintain awareness of our brand will not require us to incur substantial costs. If these efforts are unsuccessful or we incur substantial costs in connection with these efforts, our business, operating results and financial condition could be adversely affected.

Our use of foreign sources of production for a substantial portion of our products exposes us to certain additional risks associated with international operations.

Our use of foreign sources for the supply of many of our products exposes us to risks associated with overseas sourcing. These risks are related to government regulation, volatile ocean freight costs, delays in shipments, and extended lead time in ordering. Governments in the foreign countries where we source our products may change their laws, regulations and policies, including those related to tariffs and trade barriers, investments, taxation and exchange controls which could make it more difficult to service our customers resulting in an adverse effect on our earnings. We could also experience increases in the cost of ocean freight shipping which could have an adverse effect on our earnings. Shipping delays and extended order lead times may adversely affect our ability to respond to sudden changes in demand, resulting in the purchase of excess inventory in the face of declining demand, or lost sales due to insufficient inventory in the face of increasing demand, either of which would also have an adverse effect on our earnings or liquidity.

Fluctuations in the price, availability and quality of raw materials could result in increased costs or cause production delays which might result in a decline in sales, either of which could adversely impact our earnings.

We use various types of wood, foam, fibers, fabrics, leathers, and other raw materials in manufacturing our furniture. Certain of our raw materials, including fabrics, are purchased both abroad and domestically. Fluctuations in the price, availability and quality of raw materials could result in increased costs or a delay in manufacturing our products, which in turn could result in a delay in delivering products to our customers. For example, lumber prices fluctuate over time based on factors such as weather and demand, which in turn impact availability. Production delays or upward trends in raw material prices could result in lower sales or margins, thereby adversely impacting our earnings.

We rely extensively on computer systems to process transactions, summarize results and manage our business. Disruptions in both our primary and back-up systems could adversely affect our business and operating results.

Our primary and back-up computer systems are subject to damage or interruption from power outages, computer and telecommunications failures, computer viruses, security breaches, natural disasters and errors by employees. Though losses arising from some of these issues would be covered by insurance, interruptions of our critical business computer systems or failure of our back-up systems could reduce our sales or result in longer production times. If our critical business computer systems or back-up systems are damaged or cease to function properly, we may have to make a significant investment to repair or replace them.

We may incur costs resulting from security risks we face in connection with our electronic processing and transmission of confidential customer information.

We accept electronic payment cards in our stores. We may in the future become subject to claims for purportedly fraudulent transactions arising out of the actual or alleged theft of credit or debit card information, and we may also be subject to lawsuits or other proceedings in the future relating to these types of incidents. Proceedings related to theft of credit or debit card information may be brought by payment card providers, banks and credit unions that issue cards, cardholders (either individually or as part of a class action lawsuit) and federal and state regulators. Any such proceedings could distract our management from running our business and cause us to incur significant unplanned losses and expenses. Consumer perception of our brand could also be negatively affected by these events, which could further adversely affect our results and prospects.

We may suffer adverse impacts from additional risks associated with our entry into the freight transportation and logistics business following our acquisition of Zenith.

Our entry into the freight transportation and logistics business through our acquisition of Zenith exposes us to certain risks common to that business, including, but not limited to: difficulties attracting and retaining qualified drivers which could result in increases in driver compensation and could adversely affect our profitability and our ability to maintain or grow our fleet; adverse impacts from unfavorable fluctuations in the availability and price of diesel fuel; increased costs of compliance with, or liability for violation of, existing or future regulations in the highly regulated freight transportation industry; and adverse impacts upon Zenith’s results of operations which may result from seasonal factors and harsh weather conditions.

ITEM 1B.

UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS

None.

ITEM 2.

PROPERTIES

General

We own our corporate office building, which includes an annex, located in Bassett, Va.

We own the following facilities, by segment:

Wholesale Segment:

Facility	Location

Bassett Wood Division	Martinsville, Va.
Bassett Wood Division	Bassett, Va.
Bassett Upholstery Division	Newton, N.C.
3 Warehouses	Bassett, Va.

In general, these facilities are suitable and are considered to be adequate for the continuing operations involved. All facilities are in regular use and provide adequate capacity for our manufacturing and warehousing needs. In addition to the owned properties shown above, we have an upholstery division manufacturing facility which occupies part of a regional distribution center in Grand Prairie, Texas that is leased by our logistical services segment.

Retail Segment:

Real estate associated with our retail segment consists of 10 owned locations with an aggregate square footage of 250,070 and a net book value of $22,817. These stores are located as follows:

Concord, North Carolina	Greensboro, North Carolina
Greenville, South Carolina	Fredericksburg, Virginia
Houston, Texas (3 locations)	Gulfport, Mississippi
Knoxville, Tennessee	Louisville, Kentucky

Of these locations, two are subject to land leases and two are subject to mortgages. Our remaining 50 store locations are leased from third-parties.

Logistical Services Segment:

Owned real estate associated with our logistical services segment is located in Conover, North Carolina and includes the following facilities:

Facility	Square Footage
Distribution center and corporate office		242,000
2 Maintenance facilities		15,142
2 Transit warehouses		86,135

In addition to the owned facilities listed above, we also lease warehouse space in 19 locations across the United States with an aggregate square footage of 1,237,749.

Other Real Estate Owned:

We hold investments in retail store property that we previously leased to licensees and now lease to others. Such properties consist of two locations with aggregate square footage of 41,021 and net book value of $1,758 at November 25, 2017.

See Note 17 to the Consolidated Financial Statements included under Item 8 of this Annual Report for more information with respect to our operating lease obligations.

ITEM 3.

LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

None.

ITEM 4.

MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES

Not applicable.

ITEM 4B.

EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE REGISTRANT

David C. Baker, 57, joined the Company in 2005 as Director, Store Operations. From 2006 to 2015 he served as Vice President – Corporate Retail, and currently serves as Senior Vice President, Corporate Retail. Prior to joining Bassett, Mr. Baker managed Bassett stores for licensees from 1999 to 2005 after having previously managed stores for other furniture retail chains including Haverty’s and Rhodes Furniture.

John E. Bassett III, 59, has been with the Company since 1981 and served in various wood manufacturing and product sourcing capacities, including Vice President, Wood Manufacturing; Vice-President, Global Sourcing from 2001 to 2007 and Vice President, Wood in 2008. He was appointed Senior Vice President, Wood in 2009.

Bruce R. Cohenour, 59, has been with the Company since 2011, starting as Senior Vice President of Upholstery Merchandising and serving as Senior Vice President of Sales and Merchandising since January 2013. Prior to joining Bassett, Mr. Cohenour was with Hooker Furniture Corp. from 2007 through 2010, last serving as President of the Case Goods Division.

J. Michael Daniel, 56, joined the Company in 2007 as Corporate Controller. From April 2009 through December 2009, he served as Corporate Controller and Interim Chief Financial Officer. In January 2010, he was appointed Vice President and Chief Accounting Officer. In January 2013, he was promoted to Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer.

Jack L. Hawn, 64, has been with the Company since 2015 as Senior Vice President, Bassett and President, Zenith, His company, Zenith Transportation, Inc. was majority owner of Zenith (Zenith Freight Lines, LLC) from 1999 until its interest in Zenith was acquired by the Company in 2015. He has served as President of Zenith since its formation in 1999.

Jay R. Hervey, Esq., 58, has served as the General Counsel, Vice President and Secretary for the Company since 1997.

Mark S. Jordan, 64, joined the Company in 1999 as Plant Manager. In 2001, he was promoted to Vice President of Upholstery Manufacturing and in 2002 he was promoted to Vice President and General Manager-Upholstery. He has served as Senior Vice President of Upholstery since 2009.

Robert H. Spilman, Jr., 61, has been with the Company since 1984. Since 2000, he has served as Chief Executive Officer and President, and in 2016 also became the Chairman of the Board of Directors.

PART II

ITEM 5.

MARKET FOR REGISTRANT’S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES

Market and Dividend Information:

Bassett’s common stock trades on the NASDAQ global select market system under the symbol “BSET.” We had approximately 1,300 registered stockholders at January 10, 2018. The range of per share amounts for the high and low market prices and dividends declared for the last two fiscal years are listed below:

	Market Prices of Common Stock
	2017				2016				Dividends Declared
Quarter	High		Low		High		Low		2017		2016

First	$	31.65	$	25.75	$	31.98	$	23.65	$	0.10	$	0.09
Second		31.60		24.95		33.20		26.79		0.10		0.09
Third		39.85		29.50		29.60		23.94		0.11		0.10
Fourth		41.30		34.60		30.00		22.75		0.46		0.40

Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities:

We are authorized to repurchase Company stock under a plan which was originally announced in 1998. On October 9, 2014, the Board of Directors increased the remaining limit of the repurchase plan to $20 million. There was no stock repurchase activity during the three months ended November 25, 2017. The approximate dollar value that may yet be purchased pursuant to our stock repurchase program as of November 25, 2017 was $11.45 million.

ITEM 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA

The selected financial data set forth below for the fiscal years indicated were derived from our audited consolidated financial statements. The information should be read in conjunction with our consolidated financial statements (including the notes thereto) and “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” appearing elsewhere in, or incorporated by reference into, this report.

(In thousands)	2017			2016			2015			2014			2013 (1)


Net sales	$	452,503	(2)	$	432,038	(2)	$	430,927	(2)	$	340,738		$	321,286
Operating income	$	27,018	(3)	$	28,193	(3)	$	25,989	(3)	$	15,131		$	10,005
Other income (loss), net	$	858	(4)	$	(2,416	) (5)	$	5,879	(5)	$	(524	)	$	(1,818	)
Income before income taxes	$	27,876		$	25,777		$	31,868		$	14,607		$	8,187
Income tax expense	$	9,620		$	9,948		$	11,435		$	5,308		$	3,091
Net income	$	18,256		$	15,829		$	20,433		$	9,299		$	5,096
Diluted earnings per share	$	1.70		$	1.46		$	1.88		$	0.87		$	0.47
Cash dividends declared	$	8,266		$	5,805		$	5,868		$	5,085		$	4,565
Cash dividends per share	$	0.77		$	0.68		$	0.54		$	0.48		$	0.42
Total assets	$	293,748		$	278,267		$	240,746		$	240,746		$	225,849
Long-term debt	$	329		$	3,821		$	1,902		$	2,467		$	2,467
Current ratio		1.91 to 1			1.83 to 1			1.84 to 1			1.95 to 1			2.37 to 1
Book value per share	$	17.83		$	16.85		$	16.25		$	14.95		$	14.50

(1)

Fiscal 2013 contained 53 weeks, whereas all other fiscal years presented above contained 52 weeks.

(2)

Fiscal 2017, 2016 and 2015 included logistical services revenue from Zenith in the amount of $54,406, $54,842 and $43,522, respectively, since the acquisition of Zenith on February 2, 2015.

(3)

Fiscal 2017 operating income includes a gain of $1,220 resulting from the sale of our retail store in Las Vegas, Nevada. Fiscal 2016 operating income includes the benefit of a $1,428 award received from the settlement of class action litigation. Fiscal 2015 included restructuring and asset impairment charges and lease exit costs totaling $974. See Note 15 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information related to each of these items.

(4)

Fiscal 2017 includes $4,221 of gains resulting from the sale of investments (see Note 9 to the Consolidated Financial Statements), and an impairment charge of $1,084 retail real estate held for investment (see Note 2 to the Consolidated Financial Statements). Also see Note 16 to the Consolidated Financial Statements related to $94 of income from the Continued Dumping and Subsidy Offset Act (“CDSOA”) received in fiscal 2017.

(5)

See Note 3 to the Consolidated Financial Statements related to a remeasurement gain of $7,212 arising from our acquisition of Zenith during fiscal 2015. Also see Note 16 to the Consolidated Financial Statements related to $240 and $1,156 of income from the CDSOA received in fiscal 2016 and 2015, respectively.

ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

(Amounts in thousands except share and per share data)

Overview

With 90 BHF stores at November 25, 2017, we have leveraged our strong brand name in furniture into a network of Company-owned and licensed stores that focus on providing consumers with a friendly environment for buying furniture and accessories. Our store program is designed to provide a single source home furnishings retail store that provides a unique combination of stylish, quality furniture and accessories with a high level of customer service. In order to reach markets that cannot be effectively served by our retail store network, we also distribute our products through other wholesale channels including multi-line furniture stores, many of which feature Bassett galleries or design centers. We use a network of over 25 independent sales representatives who have stated geographical territories. These sales representatives are compensated based on a standard commission rate. We believe this blended strategy provides us the greatest ability to effectively distribute our products throughout the United States and ultimately gain market share.

The BHF stores feature custom order furniture ready for delivery in less than 30 days, free in-home design visits (“home makeovers”), and coordinated decorating accessories. Our philosophy is based on building strong long-term relationships with each customer. Sales people are referred to as “Design Consultants” and are each trained to evaluate customer needs and provide comprehensive solutions for their home decor. Until a rigorous training and design certification program is completed, Design Consultants are not authorized to perform in-home design services for our customers.

We have factories in Newton, North Carolina and Grand Prairie, Texas that manufacture upholstered furniture, a factory in Martinsville, Virginia that primarily assembles and finishes our custom casual dining offerings and a factory in Bassett, Virginia that assembles and finishes our recently introduced “Bench Made” line of furniture. Our manufacturing team takes great pride in the breadth of its options, the precision of its craftsmanship, and the speed of its process, with custom pieces often manufactured within two weeks of taking the order in our stores. Our logistics team then promptly ships the product to one of our home delivery hubs or to a location specified by our licensees. In addition to the furniture that we manufacture domestically, we source most of our formal bedroom and dining room furniture and certain upholstery offerings from several foreign plants, primarily in Vietnam and China. Over 70% of the products we currently sell are manufactured in the United States.

For several years we owned 49% of Zenith Freight Lines, LLC (“Zenith”). During that time the strategic significance of our partnership with Zenith had risen to include the over-the-road transportation of furniture, the operation of regional freight terminals, warehouse and distribution facilities, and the management of various home delivery facilities that service BHF stores and other clients in local markets around the United States. On February 2, 2015, we acquired the remaining 51% of Zenith, which has since operated as a wholly-owned subsidiary of Bassett. Our acquisition of Zenith brought to our Company the ability to deliver best-of-class shipping and logistical support services that are uniquely tailored to the needs of the furniture industry, as well as the ability to provide the expedited delivery service which is increasingly demanded by our industry. Zenith now operates seven regional freight hubs and 14 home delivery centers in 13 states. We believe that our ownership of Zenith will not only enhance our own wholesale and retail distribution capabilities, but will provide additional growth opportunities as Zenith continues to expand its service to other customers.

In September of 2011, we announced the formation of a strategic partnership with HGTV (Home and Garden Television), a division of Scripps Networks, LLC, which combines our heritage in the furniture industry with the penetration of 96 million households in the United States that HGTV enjoys today. As part of this alliance, the in-store design centers have been co-branded with HGTV to more forcefully market the concept of a “home makeover”, an important point of differentiation for our stores that also mirrors much of the programming content on the HGTV network. We believe the new co-branded design centers coupled with the targeted national advertising on HGTV have played a key role in driving sales at our stores. In October of 2015, we announced the extension of our partnership with HGTV through 2019. While continuing to feature HGTV branded custom upholstery products in our HGTV Home Design Studios in BHF stores, we have now expanded the concept to select independent dealers. We believe this will provide additional growth outside our BHF store network.

At November 25, 2017, our BHF store network included 60 Company-owned stores and 30 licensee-owned stores. During fiscal 2017, we opened new stores in Garden City, New York; Culver City, California; King of Prussia, Pennsylvania; Wichita, Kansas; and Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and completed the repositioning of our store in Scottsdale, Arizona. In addition, we acquired a store in Columbus, Ohio from a former licensee. We closed underperforming stores in Danbury, Connecticut and Catonsville, Maryland. We also closed our Las Vegas, Nevada store in preparation for repositioning that store to another location in the Las Vegas market in early 2018, and closed our Dallas, Texas and Cincinnati, Ohio stores at the completion of the lease terms. The Dallas, Texas store will be replaced by the Frisco, Texas store that is planned to open late in 2018. We are in active negotiations to secure a site at which we can replace the Cincinnati, Ohio store at an improved location. A new licensee store was opened in Kansas City, Missouri, and another licensee closed a store in Toronto, Canada.

We continue to execute our strategy of growing the Company through opening new stores, repositioning stores to improved locations within a market and closing underperforming stores. The following table shows planned store openings where leases have been executed:

		Size		Planned
Location	Type	Sq. Ft.		Opening
New Stores:
Chandler, AZ	Corporate		8,800	Q1 2018
Oklahoma City, OK	Corporate		9,700	Q1 2018
Summerlin, NV	Corporate		15,500	Q1 2018
El Paso, TX	Corporate		8,400	Q2 2018
La Jolla, CA	Licensed		10,000	Q3 2018
Daly City, CA	Licensed		9,000	Q3 2018
Coral Gables, FL	Corporate		10,000	Q3 2018
Frisco, TX	Corporate		15,000	Q4 2018

In addition, lease negotiations are underway for new store locations that could result in additional openings during 2018. With a track record of six consecutive years of positive same store sales growth and our focus on store productivity, we believe that we can take our concept to new markets and consistently grow overall store count in the years to come.

As with any retail operation, prior to opening a new store we incur such expenses as rent, training costs and other payroll related costs. These costs generally range between $200 to $400 per store depending on the overall rent costs for the location and the period between the time when we take physical possession of the store space and the time of the store opening. Generally, rent payments during a buildout period between delivery of possession and opening of a new store are deferred and therefore straight line rent expense recognized during that time does not require cash. Inherent in our retail business model, we also incur losses in the two to three months of operation following a new store opening. Like other furniture retailers, we do not recognize a sale until the furniture is delivered to our customer. Because our retail business model does not involve maintaining a stock of retail inventory that would result in quick delivery and because of the custom nature of many of our furniture offerings, delivery to our customers usually occurs about 30 days after an order is placed. We generally require a deposit at the time of order and collect the remaining balance when the furniture is delivered, at which time the sale is recognized. Coupled with the previously discussed store pre-opening costs, total start-up losses can range from $400 to $600 per store. While our retail expansion is initially costly, we believe our site selection and new store presentation will generally result in locations that operate at or above a retail break-even level within a reasonable period of time following store opening. Factors affecting the length of time required to achieve this goal on a store-by-store basis may include the level of brand recognition, the degree of local competition and the depth of penetration in a particular market. Even as new stores ramp up to break-even, we do realize additional wholesale sales volume that leverages the fixed costs in our wholesale business.

In 2018, Bassett will focus on its digital effort to improve the customers’ journey from the time they begin on our website to the final step of delivering the goods to their homes. Today’s customers expect their digital experiences and communications to be personalized and highly-relevant, and catered to match their specific needs and preferences. Bassett is laying the foundation to becoming more connected to its customers and to use the data and insights collected during the customer journey to create a more compelling customized customer experience. This year, the Company plans to invest in technology, including an order management system, and digital talent who can direct the strategy, planning and daily business direction and critical decision making required for building a competitive omnichannel retail business.

Analysis of Operations

Net sales revenue, cost of furniture and accessories sold, selling, general and administrative (“SG&A”) expense, new store pre-opening costs, other charges, and income from operations were as follows for the years ended November 25, 2017, November 26, 2016 and November 28, 2015:

													Change from Prior Year
													2017 vs 2016						2016 vs 2015
	2017				2016				2015				Dollars			Percent			Dollars			Percent
Sales Revenue:
Furniture and accessories	$	398,097	88.0	%	$	377,196	87.3	%	$	387,405	89.9	%	$	20,901			5.5	%	$	(10,209	)		-2.6	%
Logistics		54,406	12.0	%		54,842	12.7	%		43,522	10.1	%		(436	)		-0.8	%		11,320			26.0	%
Total net sales revenue		452,503	100.0	%		432,038	100.0	%		430,927	100.0	%		20,465			4.7	%		1,111			0.3	%

Cost of furniture and accessories sold		177,579	39.2	%		167,519	38.8	%		179,291	41.6	%		10,060			6.0	%		(11,772	)		-6.6	%
SG&A		245,493	54.3	%		235,178	54.4	%		224,050	52.0	%		10,315			4.4	%		11,128			5.0	%
New store pre-opening costs		2,413	0.5	%		1,148	0.3	%		623	0.2	%		1,265			110.2	%		525			84.3	%
Other charges		-	0.0	%		-	0.0	%		974	0.2	%		-			NM			(974	)		-100.0	%

Income from operations	$	27,018	6.0	%	$	28,193	6.5	%	$	25,989	6.0	%	$	(1,175	)		-4.2	%	$	2,204			8.5	%

Our consolidated net sales by segment were as follows:

										Change from Prior Year
										2017 vs 2016						2016 vs 2015
	2017			2016			2015			Dollars			Percent			Dollars			Percent
Net Sales
Wholesale	$	249,193		$	240,346		$	252,180		$	8,847			3.7	%	$	(11,834	)		-4.7	%
Retail		268,264			254,667			249,379			13,597			5.3	%		5,288			2.1	%
Logistical services		97,578			95,707			77,250			1,871			2.0	%		18,457			23.9	%
Inter-company eliminations:
Furniture and accessories		(119,360	)		(117,817	)		(114,154	)		(1,543	)		1.3	%		(3,663	)		3.2	%
Logistical services		(43,172	)		(40,865	)		(33,728	)		(2,307	)		5.6	%		(7,137	)		21.2	%
Consolidated	$	452,503		$	432,038		$	430,927		$	20,465			4.7	%	$	1,111			0.3	%

Refer to the segment information which follows for a discussion of the significant factors and trends affecting our results of operations for fiscal 2017 and 2016 as compared with the prior year periods.

Certain other items affecting comparability between periods are discussed below in “Other Items Affecting Net Income”.

Segment Information

We have strategically aligned our business into three reportable segments as described below:

Wholesale. The wholesale home furnishings segment is involved principally in the design, manufacture, sourcing, sale and distribution of furniture products to a network of Bassett stores (licensee-owned stores and Company-owned stores) and independent furniture retailers. Our wholesale segment includes our wood and upholstery operations as well as all corporate selling, general and administrative expenses, including those corporate expenses related to both Company- and licensee-owned stores. We eliminate the sales between our wholesale and retail segments as well as the imbedded profit in the retail inventory for the consolidated presentation in our financial statements. Our wholesale segment also includes our holdings of short-term investments and retail real estate previously leased as licensee stores. The earnings and costs associated with these assets are included in other loss, net, in our consolidated statements of income.

Retail – Company-owned stores. Our retail segment consists of Company-owned stores and includes the revenues, expenses, assets and liabilities (including real estate) and capital expenditures directly related to these stores.

Logistical services. With our acquisition of Zenith on February 2, 2015, we created the logistical services operating segment which reflects the operations of Zenith. In addition to providing shipping, delivery and warehousing services for the Company, the revenue from which is eliminated upon consolidation, Zenith also provides similar services to other customers, primarily in the furniture industry. Revenue from the performance of these services to other customers is included in logistics revenue in our consolidated statement of income. Zenith’s operating costs are included in selling, general and administrative expenses. Amounts charged by Zenith to the Company for transportation and logistical services prior to February 2, 2015 are included in selling, general and administrative expenses, and our equity in the earnings of Zenith prior to the date of acquisition is included in other loss, net, in the consolidated statements of income.

The following tables illustrate the effects of various intercompany eliminations on income (loss) from operations in the consolidation of our segment results:

	Year Ended November 25, 2017
	Wholesale		Retail		Logistics		Eliminations			Consolidated
Sales revenue:
Furniture & accessories	$	249,193	$	268,264	$	-	$	(119,360	) (1)	$	398,097
Logistics		-		-		97,578		(43,172	) (2)		54,406
Total sales revenue		249,193		268,264		97,578		(162,532	)		452,503
Cost of furniture and accessories sold		164,028		132,463		-		(118,912	) (3)		177,579
SG&A expense		66,044		129,898		94,616		(45,065	) (4)		245,493
New store pre-opening costs		-		2,413		-		-			2,413
Income from operations	$	19,121	$	3,490	$	2,962	$	1,445		$	27,018

	Year Ended November 26, 2016
	Wholesale		Retail		Logistics		Eliminations			Consolidated
Sales revenue:
Furniture & accessories	$	240,346	$	254,667	$	-	$	(117,817	) (1)	$	377,196
Logistics		-		-		95,707		(40,865	) (2)		54,842
Total sales revenue		240,346		254,667		95,707		(158,682	)		432,038
Cost of furniture and accessories sold		156,894		128,208		-		(117,583	) (3)		167,519
SG&A expense		64,780		120,978		92,196		(42,776	) (4)		235,178
New store pre-opening costs		-		1,148		-		-			1,148
Income from operations	$	18,672	$	4,333	$	3,511	$	1,677		$	28,193

	Year Ended November 28, 2015
	Wholesale		Retail		Logistics		Eliminations			Consolidated
Sales revenue:
Furniture & accessories	$	252,180	$	249,379	$	-	$	(114,154	) (1)	$	387,405
Logistics		-		-		77,250		(33,728	) (2)		43,522
Total sales revenue		252,180		249,379		77,250		(147,882	)		430,927
Cost of furniture and accessories sold		168,842		124,376		-		(113,927	) (3)		179,291
SG&A expense		67,770		118,210		73,722		(35,652	) (4)		224,050
New store pre-opening costs		-		623		-		-			623
Income from operations (5)	$	15,568	$	6,170	$	3,528	$	1,697		$	26,963

(1) Represents the elimination of sales from our wholesale segment to our Company-owned BHF stores.

(2) Represents the elimination of logistical services billed to our wholesale and retail segments.

(3) Represents the elimination of purchases by our Company-owned BHF stores from our wholesale segment, as well as the change for the period in the elimination of intercompany profit in ending retail inventory.

(4) Represents the elimination of rent paid by our retail stores occupying Company-owned real estate and logistical services expense incurred from Zenith by our retail and wholesale segments.

	Year Ended
	November 25,			November 26,			November 28,
	2017			2016			2015

Intercompany logistical services	$	(43,172	)	$	(40,865	)	$	(33,728	)
Intercompany rents		(1,893	)		(1,911	)		(1,924	)
Total SG&A expense elimination	$	(45,065	)	$	(42,776	)	$	(35,652	)

(5) Excludes the effects of asset impairment charges, lease exit costs and management restructuring costs which are not allocated to our segments.

Wholesale Segment

Net sales, gross profit, SG&A expense and operating income from operations for our Wholesale Segment were as follows for the years ended November 25, 2017, November 26, 2016 and November 28, 2015:

													Change from Prior Year
													2017 vs 2016					2016 vs 2015
	2017				2016				2015				Dollars		Percent			Dollars			Percent

Net sales	$	249,193	100.0	%	$	240,346	100.0	%	$	252,180	100.0	%	$	8,847		3.7	%	$	(11,834	)		-4.7	%
Gross profit		85,165	34.2	%		83,452	34.7	%		83,338	33.0	%		1,713		2.1	%		114			0.1	%
SG&A		66,044	26.5	%		64,780	27.0	%		67,770	26.9	%		1,264		2.0	%		(2,990	)		-4.4	%
Income from operations	$	19,121	7.7	%	$	18,672	7.8	%	$	15,568	6.2	%	$	449		2.4	%	$	3,104			19.9	%

Wholesale shipments by category for the last three fiscal years are summarized below:

													Change from Prior Year
													2017 vs 2016						2016 vs 2015
	2017				2016				2015				Dollars			Percent			Dollars			Percent

Wood	$	86,667	34.8	%	$	88,763	36.9	%	$	93,073	36.9	%	$	(2,096	)		-2.4	%	$	(4,310	)		-4.6	%
Upholstery		158,894	63.8	%		149,027	62.0	%		156,768	62.2	%		9,867			6.6	%		(7,741	)		-4.9	%
Other		3,632	1.5	%		2,556	1.1	%		2,339	0.9	%		1,076			42.1	%		217			9.3	%
Total	$	249,193	100.0	%	$	240,346	100.0	%	$	252,180	100.0	%	$	8,847			3.7	%	$	(11,834	)		-4.7	%

Fiscal 2017 as Compared to Fiscal 2016

The sales increase in 2017 was driven by a 2.7% increase in furniture shipments to the BHF store network along with a 3.9% increase in furniture shipments to the open market (outside the BHF store network) as compared to the prior year period. A much smaller component of our wholesale revenues, shipments of wholesale accessories, increased 42% over the prior year period. The decrease in gross margins from fiscal 2016 was primarily due to the $1,428 settlement of the Polyurethane Foam Antitrust Litigation in 2016. Excluding the benefit of the settlement, the gross margin for fiscal 2016 would have been 34.1%. This increase was primarily due to improved margins in the domestic upholstery operations from favorable pricing strategies and improved manufacturing efficiencies. The decrease in SG&A as a percentage of sales compared with 2016 was primarily due to greater leverage of fixed costs from higher sales volumes, partially offset by increased spending on the website and digital strategy development.

Fiscal 2016 as Compared to Fiscal 2015

The sales decrease in 2016 was driven by a 13% decrease in open market shipments (outside the BHF network) while shipments to the BHF store network were essentially flat compared to the prior year. The decrease in sales to the open market was primarily due to lower sales of imported product primarily from the discontinuation of our relationship with a significant customer and loss of sales from the HGTV Home Collection brand, exited late in 2015. Gross margins for the wholesale segment increased to 34.7% for 2016 as compared to 33.1% for 2015. This increase is due in part to the $1,428 settlement of the Polyurethane Foam Antitrust Litigation in 2016. Excluding the effects of the legal settlement, the gross margin would have been 34.1%. This increase over 2015 was driven largely by higher margins in the imported wood operation from favorable ocean freight and lower impact from discounting, as we were exiting the open market HGTV Home Collection brand in 2015. SG&A for 2016 decreased in both dollars and as a percentage of sales primarily due to decreases in incentive compensation expenses and bad debt costs. The prior year period also included costs associated with the acquisition of Zenith.

Wholesale Backlog

The dollar value of our wholesale backlog, representing orders received but not yet delivered to dealers and Company stores as of November 25, 2017, November 26, 2016, and November 28, 2015 was as follows:

	2017		2016		2015

Year end wholesale backlog	$	22,239	$	22,130	$	17,131

Retail Segment – Company Owned Stores

Net sales, gross profit, SG&A expense, new store pre-opening costs and operating income for our Retail Segment were as follows for the years ended November 25, 2017, November 26, 2016 and November 28, 2015:

																	Change from Prior Year
	2017 vs 2016								2016 vs 2015								2017 vs 2016						2016 vs 2015
	2017				2016				2016				2015				Dollars			Percent			Dollars			Percent

Net sales	$	268,264	100.0	%	$	254,667	100.0	%	$	254,667	100.0	%	$	249,379	100.0	%	$	13,597			5.3	%	$	5,288			2.1	%
Gross profit		135,801	50.6	%		126,459	49.7	%		126,459	49.7	%		125,003	50.1	%		9,342			7.4	%		1,456			1.2	%
SG&A expense		129,898	48.4	%		120,978	47.5	%		120,978	47.5	%		118,210	47.4	%		8,920			7.4	%		2,768			2.3	%
New store pre-opening costs		2,413	0.9	%		1,148	0.5	%		1,148	0.5	%		623	0.2	%		1,265			110.2	%		525			84.3	%
Income from operations	$	3,490	1.3	%	$	4,333	1.7	%	$	4,333	1.7	%	$	6,170	2.5	%	$	(843	)		-19.5	%	$	(1,837	)		NM

The following tables present operating results on a comparable store basis for each comparative set of periods. Table A compares the results of the 52 stores that were open and operating for all of 2017 and 2016. Table B compares the results of the 56 stores that were open and operating for all of 2016 and 2015.

Comparable Store Results:

																	Change from Prior Year
	Table A: 2017 vs 2016 (52 Stores)								Table B: 2016 vs 2015 (56 Stores)								2017 vs 2016					2016 vs 2015
	2017				2016				2016				2015				Dollars		Percent			Dollars			Percent

Net sales	$	233,823	100.0	%	$	229,530	100.0	%	$	243,062	100.0	%	$	239,713	100.0	%	$	4,293		1.9	%	$	3,349			1.4	%
Gross profit		119,546	51.1	%		115,103	50.1	%		121,327	49.9	%		120,535	50.3	%		4,443		3.9	%		792			0.7	%
SG&A expense		112,428	48.1	%		108,328	47.2	%		114,097	46.9	%		112,484	46.9	%		4,100		3.8	%		1,613			1.4	%
Income from operations	$	7,118	3.0	%	$	6,775	3.0	%	$	7,230	3.0	%	$	8,051	3.4	%	$	343		5.1	%	$	(821	)		-10.2	%

The following tables present operating results for all other stores which were not comparable year-over-year. Each table includes the results of stores that either opened or closed at some point during the 24 months of each comparative set of periods.

All Other (Non-Comparable) Store Results:

																					Change from Prior Year
	2017 vs 2016 All Other Stores										2016 vs 2015 All Other Stores										2017 vs 2016						2016 vs 2015
	2017					2016					2016					2015					Dollars			Percent			Dollars			Percent

Net sales	$	34,441		100.0	%	$	25,137		100.0	%	$	11,605		100.0	%	$	9,666		100.0	%	$	9,304			37.0	%	$	1,939			20.1	%
Gross profit		16,255		47.2	%		11,356		45.2	%		5,132		44.2	%		4,468		46.2	%		4,899			43.1	%		664			14.9	%
SG&A expense		17,470		50.7	%		12,650		50.3	%		6,881		59.3	%		5,726		59.2	%		4,820			38.1	%		1,155			20.2	%
New store pre-opening costs		2,413		7.0	%		1,148		4.6	%		1,148		9.9	%		623		6.4	%		1,265			110.2	%		525			84.3	%
Loss from operations	$	(3,628	)	-10.5	%	$	(2,442	)	-9.7	%	$	(2,897	)	-25.0	%	$	(1,881	)	-19.5	%	$	(1,186	)		48.6	%	$	(1,016	)		54.0	%

Fiscal 2017 as Compared to Fiscal 2016

The 2017 increase in net sales for the 60 Company-owned BHF stores was comprised of a 1.9% increase in comparable store sales along with a $9,304 increase in non-comparable store sales.

While we do not recognize sales until goods are delivered to the consumer, management tracks written sales (the retail dollar value of sales orders taken, rather than delivered) as a key store performance indicator. Written sales for comparable stores increased by 1.8% in fiscal 2017 over 2016.

The increase in comparable store gross margins over 2016 is primarily due to improved pricing strategies and product mix. The increase in comparable store SG&A as a percentage of sales was primarily due to a $500 legal settlement along with higher advertising expenses of $687 and occupancy costs of $481.

Increased losses from the non-comparable stores in fiscal 2017 included additional pre-opening costs associated with the Garden City, New York; Culver City, California; King of Prussia, Pennsylvania; Wichita, Kansas; and Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania stores which opened during fiscal 2017, and the new stores in Chandler, Arizona; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma; and Summerlin, Nevada which are expected to open during the first quarter of 2018. These costs include rent, training costs and other payroll-related costs specific to a new store location incurred during the period leading up to its opening and generally range between $200 to $400 per store based on the overall rent costs for the location and the period between the time when the Company takes possession of the physical store space and the time of the store opening.

We incur losses in the first two to three months of operation following a store opening as sales are not recognized in the income statement until the furniture is delivered to its customers resulting in operating expenses without the normal sales volume. Because we do not maintain a stock of retail inventory that would result in quick delivery, and because of the custom nature of the furniture offerings, such deliveries are generally not made until after 30 days from when the furniture is ordered by the customer. Coupled with the pre-opening costs, total start-up losses typically amount to $400 to $600 per store. During fiscal 2017 we incurred $969 of post-opening losses associated with the five new stores which opened during the year. There were post-opening losses of $482 primarily associated with two new stores during fiscal 2016.

Pre- and post-opening losses for fiscal 2017 were partially offset by a gain of $1,220 from the sale of our retail store location in Las Vegas, Nevada. The repositioning of that store to a new location in Summerlin, Nevada is expected to be completed in early 2018.

Each addition to our Company-owned store network results in incremental fixed overhead costs, primarily associated with local store personnel, occupancy costs and warehousing expenses. The incremental SG&A expenses associated with each new store will be ongoing.

Fiscal 2016 as Compared to Fiscal 2015

The 2016 increase in net sales for the 59 Company-owned BHF stores was comprised of a $3,349 or 1.4% increase in comparable store sales coupled with a $1,939 increase in non-comparable store sales.

The slight decline in gross margins from 2015 was due primarily to increased discounting of clearance items in preparation for a significant product rollout for the Memorial Day holiday promotion. Also, Company-owned stores experienced increased clearance activity in reducing imported wood furniture placements to make room for more upholstery on the retail floors. SG&A expenses as a percentage of net sales were unchanged from 2015.

Losses from the non-comparable stores in fiscal 2016 included pre-opening costs primarily associated with the Sterling, Virginia and Hunt Valley, Maryland stores which opened at the end of the second and third quarters of 2016, respectively, along with three other stores that were expected to open during the first half of 2017. These costs include rent, training costs and other payroll-related costs specific to a new store location incurred during the period leading up to its opening and generally range between $200 to $400 per store based on the overall rent costs for the location and the period between the time when the Company takes possession of the physical store space and the time of the store opening. Also included in the non-comparable store loss for 2016 are losses arising from the closure of our stores in Tucson, Arizona; Egg Harbor, New Jersey and Fountain Valley, California and the post-opening losses of the Woodland Hills, California store which opened during the fourth quarter of 2015.

We incur losses in the first two to three months of operation following a store opening as sales are not recognized in the income statement until the furniture is delivered to its customers resulting in operating expenses without the normal sales volume. Because we do not maintain a stock of retail inventory that would result in quick delivery, and because of the custom nature of the furniture offerings, such deliveries are generally not made until 30 days after the furniture is ordered by the customer. Coupled with the pre-opening costs, total start-up losses typically amount to $400 to $600 per store. During fiscal 2016, we had post-opening losses of $482 which were primarily associated with the Sterling, Virginia and Hunt Valley, Maryland stores, compared with post-opening losses of $112 during fiscal 2015 associated with the Woodland Hills, California store.

Retail Comparable Store Sales Increases

The following table provides year-over-year comparable store sales increases for the last three fiscal years:

	2017			2016			2015

Delivered		1.9	%		1.4	%		13.3	%
Written		1.8	%		1.4	%		11.0	%

Retail Backlog

The dollar value of our retail backlog, representing orders received but not yet delivered to customers as of November 25, 2017, November 26, 2016, and November 28, 2015, was as follows:

	2017		2016		2015

Year end retail backlog	$	35,684	$	32,788	$	31,871
Retail backlog per open store	$	595	$	556	$	531

Logistical Services Segment

Our logistical services segment was created with the acquisition of Zenith on February 2, 2015. Results for that segment since the date of acquisition during fiscal 2015 are as follows:

													Change from Prior Year
													2017 vs 2016						2016 vs 2015 (1)
	2017				2016				2015 (1)				Dollars			Percent			Dollars			Percent
Logistics revenue	$	97,578	100.0	%	$	95,707	100.0	%	$	77,250	79.2	%	$	1,871			2.0	%	$	18,457			23.9	%
Operating expenses		94,616	97.0	%		92,196	96.3	%		73,722	75.6	%		2,420			2.6	%		18,474			25.1	%

Income from operations	$	2,962	3.0	%	$	3,511	3.7	%	$	3,528	3.6	%	$	(549	)		-15.6	%	$	(17	)		-0.5	%

(1) Results of operations for logistical services for fiscal 2015 include approximately 10 months of operations from the date of acquisition, February 2, 2015.

Fiscal 2017 as Compared to Fiscal 2016

Zenith’s revenue growth over 2016 was driven by increases in revenue from both Bassett and other non-Bassett customers which were partially offset by decreases from one significant non-Bassett customer. Increased operating costs as a percentage of revenue were partially attributable to increased costs in the home delivery operations primarily from the start-up of several new local distribution hubs. Operating costs for fiscal 2017 and 2016 include non-cash depreciation and amortization charges of $4,653 and $4,204, respectively.

Fiscal 2016 as Compared to Fiscal 2015

Zenith’s results for fiscal 2016 and fiscal 2015 are not comparable as the 2015 period only includes ten months of operations following the date of acquisition. Operating costs for fiscal 2016 and 2015 include non-cash depreciation and amortization charges of $4,204 and $2,634, respectively.

Other Items Affecting Net Income

Other items affecting net income for fiscal 2017, 2016 and 2015 are as follows:

	2017			2016			2015

Gain on sales of investments (1)	$	4,221		$	-		$	-
Investment income (2)		318			296			228
Income from Continued Dumping & Subsidy Offset Act (3)		94			240			1,156
Remeasurement gain on acquisition of affiliate (4)		-			-			7,212
Income from unconsolidated affiliated company (5)		-			-			220
Retail real estate impairment charge (6)		(1,084	)		-			(182	)
Net periodic pension costs (7)		(1,049	)		(910	)		(716	)
Cost of company-owned life insurance		(517	)		(706	)		(629	)
Interest expense (8)		(234	)		(552	)		(607	)
Other		(891	)		(784	)		(803	)

Total other income (loss), net	$	858		$	(2,416	)	$	5,879

(1)

See Note 9 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for information related gains realized from the sale of two investments during fiscal 2017.

(2)

Investment income for fiscal 2017, 2016 and 2015 includes interest income arising from our short-term investments. See Note 4 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information regarding our investments in certificates of deposit. Investment income for Fiscal 2017, 2016 and 2015 also includes gains of $29, $176 and $136, respectively, arising from the partial liquidation of our previously impaired investment in the Fortress Value Recovery Fund I, LLC, which was fully impaired during fiscal 2012.

(3)

See Note 16 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for information related to our income from the Continued Dumping and Subsidy Offset Act (“CDSOA”).

(4)

See Note 3 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for information related to our acquisition of Zenith and the recognition of a remeasurement gain on our pre-acquisition equity method investment in Zenith.

(5)

See Note 9 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for information related to our equity in the income of Zenith as an unconsolidated affiliate prior to our acquisition of Zenith.

(6)

See Note 2 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for information related to impairments of retail real estate during fiscal 2017 and 2015.

(7)

Represents the portion of net periodic pension costs not included in income from operations. See Note 11 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information related to our defined benefit pension plans.

(8)

Our interest expense in fiscal 2017 has declined significantly from the previous two years as debt incurred or assumed with the 2015 acquisition of Zenith has largely been repaid. See Note 10 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information regarding our outstanding debt at November 26, 2016.

Provision for Income taxes

We recorded an income tax provision of $9,620, $9,948 and $11,435 in fiscal 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively. For fiscal 2017 and 2016, our effective tax rates of 34.5% and 38.6%, respectively, differ from the statutory rate of 35.0% primarily due to the effects of state income taxes and various permanent differences including the favorable impact of the Section 199 manufacturing deduction. For fiscal 2015, our effective tax rate of approximately 35.9% differs from the statutory rate of 35.0% primarily due to the effects of state income taxes, partially offset by a lower effective tax rate on the gain associated with our acquisition of Zenith arising from the remeasurement of our previous 49% equity method investment in Zenith. The reduction in the effective tax rate in fiscal 2017 from 2016 was primarily due to higher excess tax benefits from stock compensation recognized during fiscal 2017. The increase in the effective tax rate in fiscal 2016 from 2015 was primarily due to the benefit of deductible goodwill recognized in 2015 arising from the acquisition of Zenith. See Note 14 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information regarding our income tax provision (benefit), as well as our net deferred tax assets and other matters.

We have net deferred tax assets of $8,393 as of November 25, 2017, which, upon utilization, are expected to reduce our cash outlays for income taxes in future years. On December 22, 2017 the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (the “Act”) was signed into law. Among other provisions, the Act reduces the Federal statutory corporate income tax rate from 35% to 21%. This rate reduction is expected to have a significant impact on our provisions for income taxes for periods beginning after November 25, 2017, including a one-time impact resulting from the revaluation of our deferred tax assets and liabilities to reflect the new lower rate. While we have not yet determined the net amount of the revaluation, we expect that it will be a significant component of our income tax provision for the first quarter of fiscal 2018.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

We are committed to maintaining a strong balance sheet in order to weather difficult industry conditions, to allow us to take advantage of opportunities as market conditions improve, and to execute our long-term retail strategies.

Cash Flows

Cash provided by operations for fiscal 2017 was $36,384 compared to $39,062 for fiscal 2016, a decrease of $2,678. This decrease is primarily due to changes in working capital.

Our overall cash position increased by $18,805 during 2017. Offsetting the cash provided by operations, we used $6,135 of cash in investing activities, primarily consisting of $15,500 in capital expenditures associated with retail store relocations, retail store remodels, and in-process spending on new stores and expanding and upgrading our manufacturing capabilities, partially offset by proceeds from the sale of property and equipment of $4,474, primarily arising from the sale of our Las Vegas, Nevada retail store, and $5,546 in proceeds from the sale of other investments. Net cash used in financing activities was $11,444, including dividend payments of $7,725 and the annual $3,000 installment payment on our Zenith acquisition note payable. With cash and cash equivalents and short-term investments totaling $77,074 on hand at November 25, 2017, we believe we have sufficient liquidity to fund operations for the foreseeable future.

Debt and Other Obligations

Effective December 5, 2015, we entered into a new credit facility with our bank which provides for a line of credit of up to $15,000. This credit facility, which matures in December of 2018, is unsecured and contains covenants requiring us to maintain certain key financial ratios. We are in compliance with all covenants under the facility and expect to remain in compliance for the foreseeable future. At November 25, 2017, we had $2,249 outstanding under standby letters of credit against our line, leaving availability under our credit line of $12,751. In addition, we have outstanding standby letters of credit with another bank totaling $511.

At November 25, 2017 we have outstanding principal totaling $3,747, excluding discounts, under notes payable of which $3,418 matures within one year of the balance sheet date. See Note 10 to our consolidated financial statements for additional details regarding these notes, including collateral and future maturities. We expect to satisfy these obligations as they mature using cash flow from operations or our available cash on hand.

We lease land and buildings that are used in the operation of our Company-owned retail stores as well as in the operation of certain of our licensee-owned stores, and we lease land and buildings at various locations throughout the continental United States for warehousing and distribution hubs used in our logistical services segment. We also lease tractors, trailers and local delivery trucks used in our logistical services segment. We had obligations of $173,937 at November 25, 2017 for future minimum lease payments under non-cancelable operating leases having remaining terms in excess of one year. We also have guaranteed certain lease obligations of licensee operators. Remaining terms under these lease guarantees range from approximately one to three years. We were contingently liable under licensee lease obligation guarantees in the amount of $2,743 at November 25, 2017. See Note 17 to our condensed consolidated financial statements for additional details regarding our leases and lease guarantees.

Dividends and Share Repurchases

During fiscal 2017, we declared four quarterly dividends totaling $4,508, or $0.42 per share, and one special dividend of $3,758, or $0.35 per share. Cash dividend payments to our shareholders during fiscal 2017 totaled $7,725. During fiscal 2017, repurchases of our stock under our share repurchase program were not significant. The approximate dollar value that may yet be purchased pursuant to our stock repurchase program as of November 25, 2017 was $11,453.

Capital Expenditures

We currently anticipate that total capital expenditures for fiscal 2018 will be approximately $25 to $30 million which will be used primarily for new stores and store remodeling in our retail segment and the purchase of transportation equipment for our logistical services segment. Our capital expenditure and working capital requirements in the foreseeable future may change depending on many factors, including but not limited to the overall performance of the new stores, our rate of growth, our operating results and any adjustments in our operating plan needed in response to industry conditions, competition or unexpected events. We believe that our existing cash, together with cash from operations, will be sufficient to meet our capital expenditure and working capital requirements for the foreseeable future.

Fair Value Measurements

We account for items measured at fair value in accordance with ASC Topic 820, Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures. ASC 820’s valuation techniques are based on observable and unobservable inputs. Observable inputs reflect readily obtainable data from independent sources, while unobservable inputs reflect our market assumptions. ASC 820 classifies these inputs into the following hierarchy:

Level 1 Inputs– Quoted prices for identical instruments in active markets.

Level 2 Inputs– Quoted prices for similar instruments in active markets; quoted prices for identical or similar instruments in markets that are not active; and model-derived valuations whose inputs are observable or whose significant value drivers are observable.

Level 3 Inputs– Instruments with primarily unobservable value drivers.

We believe that the carrying amounts of our current assets and current liabilities approximate fair value due to the short-term nature of these items. The recurring estimate of the fair value of our mortgages and notes payable for disclosure purposes (see Note 10 to the Consolidated Financial Statements) involves Level 3 inputs. Our primary non-recurring fair value estimates, typically involving the valuation of business acquisitions (see Note 3 to the Consolidated Financial Statements) and asset impairments (see Note 15 to the Consolidated Financial Statements) have utilized Level 3 inputs.

Contractual Obligations and Commitments

We enter into contractual obligations and commercial commitments in the ordinary course of business (See Note 17 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for a further discussion of these obligations). The following table summarizes our contractual payment obligations and other commercial commitments and the fiscal year in which they are expected to be paid.

	2018		2019		2020		2021		2022		Thereafter		Total
Post employment benefit obligations (1)	$	1,074	$	1,009	$	957	$	945	$	1,301	$	10,892	$	16,178
Notes payable		3,418		329		-		-		-		-		3,747
Contractual advertising		3,375		3,560		-		-		-		-		6,935
Interest payable		89		9		-		-		-		-		98
Letters of credit		2,760		-		-		-		-		-		2,760
Operating leases (2)		29,552		27,643		25,136		20,926		17,907		52,773		173,937
Lease guarantees (3)		1,075		627		347		347		347		-		2,743
Other obligations & commitments		790		790		150		150		150		200		2,230
Purchase obligations (4)		-		-		-						-		-
Total	$	42,133	$	33,967	$	26,590	$	22,368	$	19,705	$	63,865	$	208,628

(1)	Does not reflect a reduction for the impact of any company owned life insurance proceeds to be received. Currently, we have life insurance policies with net death benefits of $17,827 to provide funding for these obligations. See Note 11 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for more information.

(2)	Does not reflect a reduction for the impact of sublease income to be received. See Note 17 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for more information.

(3)	Lease guarantees relate to payments we would only be required to make in the event of default on the part of the guaranteed parties.

(4)	The Company is not a party to any long-term supply contracts with respect to the purchase of raw materials or finished goods. At the end of fiscal year 2017, we had approximately $11,818 in open purchase orders, primarily for imported inventories, which are in the ordinary course of business.

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

We utilize stand-by letters of credit in the procurement of certain goods in the normal course of business. We lease land and buildings that are primarily used in the operation of BHF stores and Zenith distribution facilities. We have guaranteed certain lease obligations of licensee operators as part of our retail strategy. See Contractual Obligations and Commitments table above and Note 17 to the Consolidated Financial Statements, included in Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K, for further discussion of operating leases and lease guarantees, including descriptions of the terms of such commitments and methods used to mitigate risks associated with these arrangements.

Contingencies

We are involved in various claims and litigation as well as environmental matters, which arise in the normal course of business. Although the final outcome of these legal and environmental matters cannot be determined, based on the facts presently known, it is our opinion that the final resolution of these matters will not have a material adverse effect on our financial position or future results of operations.

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

Our consolidated financial statements have been prepared in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”) which requires that certain estimates and assumptions be made that affect the amounts and disclosures reported in those financial statements and the related accompanying notes. Actual results could differ from these estimates and assumptions. We use our best judgment in valuing these estimates and may, as warranted, solicit external advice. Estimates are based on current facts and circumstances, prior experience and other assumptions believed to be reasonable. The following critical accounting policies, some of which are impacted significantly by judgments, assumptions and estimates, affect our consolidated financial statements.

Consolidation – The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Bassett Furniture Industries, Incorporated and its majority-owned subsidiaries for whom we have operating control. In accordance with ASC Topic 810, Consolidation, we have evaluated our licensees and certain other entities to determine whether they are variable interest entities (“VIEs”) of which we are the primary beneficiary and thus would require consolidation in our financial statements. To date we have concluded that none of our licensees nor any other of our counterparties represent VIEs.

Revenue Recognition - Revenue is recognized when the risks and rewards of ownership and title to the product have transferred to the buyer. This generally occurs upon the shipment of goods to independent dealers or, in the case of Company-owned retail stores, upon delivery to the customer. Our wholesale payment terms generally vary from 30 to 60 days. For retail sales, we typically receive a significant portion of the purchase price as a customer deposit upon order, with the balance typically collected upon delivery. An estimate for returns and allowances has been provided in recorded sales. The contracts with our licensee store owners do not provide for any royalty or license fee to be paid to us. For our logistical services segment, line-haul freight revenue and home delivery revenue are recognized upon delivery to the destination. Warehousing services revenue is based upon warehouse space occupied by a customer’s goods and inventory movements in and out of a warehouse and is recognized as such services are provided.

Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 104, Revenue Recognition (“SAB 104”) outlines the four basic criteria for recognizing revenue as follows: (1) persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, (2) delivery has occurred or services have been rendered, (3) the seller’s price to the buyer is fixed or determinable, and (4) collectibility is reasonably assured. SAB 104 further asserts that if collectibility of all or a portion of the revenue is not reasonably assured, revenue recognition should be deferred until payment is received. During fiscal 2017, 2016 and 2015, there were no dealers for which these criteria were not met.

Allowance for Doubtful Accounts - We maintain an allowance for doubtful accounts for estimated losses resulting from the inability of our customers to make required payments. Our accounts receivable reserves were $617 and $799 at November 25, 2017 and November 26, 2016, respectively, representing 3.0% and 4.2% of our gross accounts receivable balances at those dates, respectively. The allowance for doubtful accounts is based on a review of specifically identified customer accounts in addition to an overall aging analysis. We evaluate the collectibility of our receivables from our licensees and other customers on a quarterly basis based on factors such as their financial condition, our collateral position, potential future plans with licensees and other similar factors. Our allowance for doubtful accounts represents our best estimate of potential losses on our accounts and notes receivable and is adjusted accordingly based on historical experience, current developments and present economic conditions and trends. Although actual losses have not differed materially from our previous estimates, future losses could differ from our current estimates. Unforeseen events such as a licensee or customer bankruptcy filing could have a material impact on our results of operations.

Inventories - Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market. Cost is determined for domestic furniture inventories using the last-in, first-out method. The cost of imported inventories is determined on a first-in, first-out basis. We estimate an inventory reserve for excess quantities and obsolete items based on specific identification and historical write-offs, taking into account future demand and market conditions. Our reserves for excess and obsolete inventory were $1,895 and $1,350 at November 25, 2017 and November 26, 2016, respectively, representing 3.4% and 2.5%, respectively, of our inventories on a last-in, first-out basis. If actual demand or market conditions in the future are less favorable than those estimated, additional inventory write-downs may be required.

Goodwill – Goodwill represents the excess of the purchase price over the value assigned to tangible assets and liabilities and identifiable intangible assets of businesses acquired. The acquisition of assets and liabilities and any resulting goodwill is allocated to the respective reporting unit; Wood, Upholstery, Retail or Logistical Services. We review goodwill at the reporting unit level annually for impairment or more frequently if events or circumstances indicate that assets might be impaired.

In accordance with ASC Topic 350, Intangibles – Goodwill & Other, the goodwill impairment test consists of a two-step process, if necessary. However, we first assess qualitative factors to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount as a basis for determining whether it is necessary to perform the two-step goodwill impairment test described in ASC Topic 350. The more likely than not threshold is defined as having a likelihood of more than 50 percent. If, after assessing the totality of events or circumstances, we determine that it is not more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount, then performing the two-step impairment test is unnecessary and our goodwill is considered to be unimpaired. However, if based on our qualitative assessment we conclude that it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount, we will proceed with performing the two-step process. Based on our qualitative assessment as described above, we have concluded that our goodwill in the amount of $11,900 is not impaired as of November 25, 2017.

The first step compares the carrying value of each reporting unit that has goodwill with the estimated fair value of the respective reporting unit. Should the carrying value of a reporting unit be in excess of the estimated fair value of that reporting unit, the second step is performed whereby we must calculate the implied fair value of goodwill by deducting the fair value of all tangible and intangible net assets of the reporting unit from the fair value of the reporting unit. This second step represents a hypothetical purchase price allocation as if we had acquired the reporting unit on that date. Our impairment methodology uses a discounted cash flow analysis requiring certain assumptions and estimates to be made regarding future profitability of the reporting unit and industry economic factors. While we believe such assumptions and estimates are reasonable, the actual results may differ materially from the projected amounts.

Other Intangible Assets – Intangible assets acquired in a business combination and determined to have an indefinite useful life are not amortized but are tested for impairment annually or between annual tests when an impairment indicator exists. The recoverability of indefinite-lived intangible assets is assessed by comparison of the carrying value of the asset to its estimated fair value. If we determine that the carrying value of the asset exceeds its estimated fair value, an impairment loss equal to the excess would be recorded. At November 25, 2017, our indefinite-lived intangible assets other than goodwill consist of trade names acquired in the acquisition of Zenith and have a carrying value of $2,490.

Definite-lived intangible assets are amortized over their respective estimated useful lives and reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that their carrying amounts may not be recoverable. We estimate the useful lives of our intangible assets and ratably amortize the value over the estimated useful lives of those assets. If the estimates of the useful lives should change, we will amortize the remaining book value over the remaining useful lives or, if an asset is deemed to be impaired, a write-down of the value of the asset may be required at such time. At November 25, 2017 our definite-lived intangible assets consist of customer relationships and customized technology applications acquired in the acquisition of Zenith with a total carrying value of $2,961.

Impairment of Long-Lived Assets - We periodically evaluate whether events or circumstances have occurred that indicate long-lived assets may not be recoverable or that the remaining useful life may warrant revision. When such events or circumstances are present, we assess the recoverability of long-lived assets by determining whether the carrying value will be recovered through the expected undiscounted future cash flows resulting from the use of the asset. In the event the sum of the expected undiscounted future cash flows is less than the carrying value of the asset, an impairment loss equal to the excess of the asset’s carrying value over its fair value is recorded. When analyzing our real estate properties for potential impairment, we consider such qualitative factors as our experience in leasing and selling real estate properties as well as specific site and local market characteristics. Upon the closure of a Bassett Home Furnishings store, we generally write off all tenant improvements which are only suitable for use in such a store.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

See note 2 to our Consolidated Financial Statements regarding the impact or potential impact of recent accounting pronouncements upon our financial position and results of operations.

Recent Developments – Acquisition of Lane Venture

On December 21, 2017, we purchased certain operating assets and assumed certain liabilities of Lane Venture from Heritage Home Group, LLC for $15,556 in cash. Lane Venture is a manufacturer and distributor of premium outdoor furniture, and will be operated as a component of our wholesale segment. See Note 22 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

ITEM 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

We are exposed to market risk from changes in the value of foreign currencies. Substantially all of our imports purchased outside of North America are denominated in U.S. dollars. Therefore, we believe that gains or losses resulting from changes in the value of foreign currencies relating to foreign purchases not denominated in U.S. dollars would not be material to our results from operations in fiscal 2016.

We are exposed to market risk from changes in the cost of raw materials used in our manufacturing processes, principally wood, woven fabric, and foam products. An increase in the rate of in home construction could result in increases in wood and fabric costs from current levels, and the cost of foam products, which are petroleum-based, is sensitive to changes in the price of oil.

We are also exposed to commodity price risk related to diesel fuel prices for fuel used in our logistical services segment. We manage our exposure to that risk primarily through the application of fuel surcharges to our customers.

We have potential exposure to market risk related to conditions in the commercial real estate market. Our retail real estate holdings of $1,758 and $2,969 at November 25, 2017 and November 26, 2016, respectively, for stores formerly operated by licensees as well as our holdings of $22,817 and $26,454 at November 25, 2017 and November 26, 2016, respectively, for Company-owned stores could suffer significant impairment in value if we are forced to close additional stores and sell or lease the related properties during periods of weakness in certain markets. Additionally, if we are required to assume responsibility for payment under the lease obligations of $2,743 and $1,868 which we have guaranteed on behalf of licensees as of November 25, 2017 and November 26, 2016, respectively, we may not be able to secure sufficient sub-lease income in the current market to offset the payments required under the guarantees.

					Net Book
	Number of		Aggregate		Value
	Locations		Square Footage		(in thousands)

Real estate occupied by Company-owned and operated stores, included in property and equipment, net (1)		10		250,070	$	22,817


Investment real estate leased to others		2		41,021		1,758

Total Company investment in retail real estate		12		291,091	$	24,575

(1)

Includes two properties encumbered under mortgages totaling $747 at November 25, 2017.

ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

The Board of Directors and Stockholders of Bassett Furniture Industries, Incorporated and Subsidiaries

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Bassett Furniture Industries, Incorporated and Subsidiaries as of November 25, 2017 and November 26, 2016, and the related consolidated statements of income, comprehensive income, stockholders' equity and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended November 25, 2017. Our audits also included Financial Statement Schedule II - Analysis of Valuation and Qualifying Accounts for each of the three years in the period ended November 25, 2017. These financial statements and schedule are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements and schedule 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 Bassett Furniture Industries, Incorporated and Subsidiaries at November 25, 2017 and November 26, 2016, and the consolidated results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended November 25, 2017, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. Also, in our opinion, the related financial statement schedule, when considered in relation to the basic financial statements taken as a whole, presents fairly in all material respects the information set forth therein.

We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), Bassett Furniture Industries, Incorporated and Subsidiaries’ internal control over financial reporting as of November 25, 2017, based on criteria established in Internal Control-Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (2013 framework), and our report dated January 18, 2018 expressed an unqualified opinion thereon.

/s/ Ernst & Young LLP

Richmond, Virginia

January 18, 2018

Consolidated Balance Sheets

Bassett Furniture Industries, Incorporated and Subsidiaries

November 25, 2017 and November 26, 2016

(In thousands, except share and per share data)

	2017			2016
Assets
Current assets
Cash and cash equivalents	$	53,949		$	35,144
Short-term investments		23,125			23,125
Accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $617 and $799 as of November 25, 2017 and November 26, 2016, respectively		19,640			18,358
Inventories		54,476			53,215
Other current assets		8,192			10,727
Total current assets		159,382			140,569

Property and equipment, net		103,244			104,655

Other long-term assets
Deferred income taxes, net		8,393			8,071
Goodwill and other intangible assets		17,351			17,360
Other		5,378			7,612
Total other long-term assets		31,122			33,043
Total assets	$	293,748		$	278,267

Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity
Current liabilities
Accounts payable	$	21,760		$	21,281
Accrued compensation and benefits		14,670			13,602
Customer deposits		27,107			25,181
Dividends payable		3,759			3,218
Current portion of long-term debt		3,405			3,290
Other accrued liabilities		12,655			10,441
Total current liabilities		83,356			77,013

Long-term liabilities
Post employment benefit obligations		13,326			12,760
Notes payable		329			3,821
Other long-term liabilities		5,277			3,968
Total long-term liabilities		18,932			20,549

Commitments and Contingencies

Stockholders’ equity
Common stock, $5 par value; 50,000,000 shares authorized; issued and outstanding 10,737,952 at November 25, 2017 and 10,722,947 at November 26, 2016		53,690			53,615
Retained earnings		139,378			129,388
Additional paid-in-capital		962			255
Accumulated other comprehensive loss		(2,570	)		(2,553	)
Total stockholders' equity		191,460			180,705
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity	$	293,748		$	278,267

The accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements are an integral part of these statements.

Consolidated Statements of Income

Bassett Furniture Industries, Incorporated and Subsidiaries

For the years ended November 25, 2017, November 26, 2016, and November 28, 2015

(In thousands, except per share data)

	2017			2016			2015

Sales revenue:
Furniture and accessories	$	398,097		$	377,196		$	387,405
Logistics		54,406			54,842			43,522
Total sales revenue		452,503			432,038			430,927

Cost of furniture and accessories sold		177,579			167,519			179,291

Selling, general and administrative expenses excluding new store pre-opening costs		245,493			235,178			224,050
New store pre-opening costs		2,413			1,148			623
Lease exit costs		-			-			419
Asset impairment charges		-			-			106
Management restructuring costs		-			-			449

Income from operations		27,018			28,193			25,989

Gain on sale of investments		4,221			-			-
Remeasurement gain on acquisition of affiliate		-			-			7,212
Income from Continued Dumping & Subsidy Offset Act		94			240			1,156
Income from unconsolidated affiliated company		-			-			220
Interest expense		(234	)		(552	)		(607	)
Impairment of investment in real estate		(1,084	)		-			(182	)
Other loss, net		(2,139	)		(2,104	)		(1,920	)

Income before income taxes		27,876			25,777			31,868

Income tax expense		9,620			9,948			11,435

Net income	$	18,256		$	15,829		$	20,433

Net income per share

Basic income per share	$	1.71		$	1.47		$	1.91

Diluted income per share	$	1.70		$	1.46		$	1.88

Dividends per share
Regular dividends	$	0.42		$	0.38		$	0.34
Special dividend	$	0.35		$	0.30		$	0.20

The accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements are an integral part of these statements.

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income

Bassett Furniture Industries, Incorporated and Subsidiaries

For the years ended November 25, 2017, November 26, 2016, and November 28, 2015

(In thousands)

	2017			2016			2015

Net income	$	18,256		$	15,829		$	20,433
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Recognize prior service cost associated with Long Term Cash Awards (LTCA)		(932	)		-			-
Amortization associated with LTCA		73			-			-
Income taxes related to LTCA		331			-			-
Actuarial adjustment to supplemental executive retirement defined benefit plan (SERP)		448			(165	)		(1,372	)
Amortization associated with SERP		374			366			237
Income taxes related to SERP		(311	)		(76	)		431

Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax		(17	)		125			(704	)

Total comprehensive income	$	18,239		$	15,954		$	19,729

The accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements are an integral part of these statements.

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

Bassett Furniture Industries, Incorporated and Subsidiaries

For the years ended November 25, 2017, November 26, 2016, and November 28, 2015

(In thousands)

	2017			2016			2015
Operating activities:
Net income	$	18,256		$	15,829		$	20,433
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization		13,312			12,249			10,137
Equity in undistributed income of investments and unconsolidated affiliated companies		-			-			(220	)
Non-cash asset impairment charges		-			-			106
Non-cash portion of lease exit costs		-			-			419
Gain on sale of investments		(4,221	)		-			-
Remeasurement gain on acquisition of affiliate		-			-			(7,212	)
Net (gain) loss on sales of property and equipment		(1,190	)		(128	)		334
Tenant improvement allowances received from lessors		1,643			914			1,283
Collateral deposited with insurance carrier		-			(300	)		-
Impairment charges on retail real estate		1,084			-			182
Deferred income taxes		(302	)		5,324			1,930
Other, net		1,345			1,183			1,566
Changes in operating assets and liabilities
Accounts receivable		(1,225	)		3,228			(2,354	)
Inventories		(918	)		6,681			(2,624	)
Other current and long-term assets		2,536			(3,629	)		1,494
Customer deposits		1,926			1,182			1,796
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities		4,138			(3,471	)		7,126
Net cash provided by operating activities		36,384			39,062			34,396

Investing activities:
Purchases of property and equipment		(15,500	)		(21,501	)		(13,974	)
Proceeds from sales of property and equipment		4,474			667			2,981
Cash paid for business acquisitions, net of cash acquired		(655	)		-			(7,323	)
Capital contribution to affiliate		-			-			(1,345	)
Proceeds from sales of investments		5,546			-			-
Net cash used in investing activities		(6,135	)		(20,834	)		(19,661	)

Financing activities:
Cash dividends		(7,725	)		(6,311	)		(5,786	)
Proceeds from exercise of stock options		310			114			4,031
Issuance of common stock		168			182			325
Repurchases of common stock		(83	)		(6,393	)		(2,071	)
Taxes paid related to net share settlement of equity awards		(641	)		(77	)		(178	)
Proceeds from equipment loan		-			7,384			1,307
Payments on notes and equipment loans		(3,473	)		(14,251	)		(2,768	)
Net cash used in financing activities		(11,444	)		(19,352	)		(5,140	)
Change in cash and cash equivalents		18,805			(1,124	)		9,595
Cash and cash equivalents - beginning of year		35,144			36,268			26,673
		.			.			.
Cash and cash equivalents - end of year	$	53,949		$	35,144		$	36,268

The accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements are an integral part of these statements.

Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity

Bassett Furniture Industries, Incorporated and Subsidiaries

For the years ended November 25, 2017, November 26, 2016, and November 28, 2015

(In thousands, except share and per share data)

													Accumulated
							Additional						other
	Common Stock						paid-in			Retained			comprehensive
	Shares			Amount			capital			earnings			income (loss)			Total

Balance, November 29, 2014		10,493,393		$	52,467		$	-		$	106,339		$	(1,974	)	$	156,832

Comprehensive income
Net income		-			-			-			20,433			-			20,433
Actuarial adjustment to SERP, net of tax		-			-			-			-			(704	)		(704	)
Regular dividends ($0.34 per share)		-			-			-			(3,684	)		-			(3,684	)
Special dividend ($0.20 per share)		-			-			-			(2,184	)		-			(2,184	)
Issuance of common stock		503,814			2,519			3,511			-			-			6,030
Purchase and retirement of common stock		(81,186	)		(406	)		(1,843	)					-			(2,249	)
Stock-based compensation		-			-			894			-			-			894
Excess tax benefits from
Stock-based compensation		-			-			1,998			-			-			1,998

Balance, November 28, 2015		10,916,021			54,580			4,560			120,904			(2,678	)		177,366

Comprehensive income
Net income		-			-			-			15,829			-			15,829
Actuarial adjustment to SERP, net of tax		-			-			-			-			125			125
Regular dividends ($0.38 per share)		-			-			-			(4,127	)		-			(4,127	)
Special dividend ($0.30 per share)		-			-			-			(3,218	)		-			(3,218	)
Issuance of common stock		64,316			322			(25	)		-			-			297
Purchase and retirement of common stock		(257,390	)		(1,287	)		(5,183	)					-			(6,470	)
Stock-based compensation		-			-			903			-			-			903

Balance, November 26, 2016		10,722,947			53,615			255			129,388			(2,553	)		180,705

Comprehensive income
Net income		-			-			-			18,256			-			18,256
Prior service cost of LTCA, net of tax		-			-			-			-			(528	)		(528	)
Actuarial adjustment to SERP, net of tax		-			-			-			-			511			511
Regular dividends ($0.42 per share)		-			-			-			(4,508	)		-			(4,508	)
Special dividend ($0.35 per share)		-			-			-			(3,758	)		-			(3,758	)
Issuance of common stock		39,313			197			281			-			-			478
Purchase and retirement of common stock		(24,310	)		(122	)		(602	)		-			-			(724	)
Stock-based compensation		-			-			1,028			-			-			1,028

Balance, November 25, 2017		10,737,950		$	53,690		$	962		$	139,378		$	(2,570	)	$	191,460

The accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements are an integral part of these statements.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

(In thousands, except share and per share data)

1.	Description of Business

Bassett Furniture Industries, Incorporated (together with its consolidated subsidiaries, “Bassett”, “we”, “our”, the “Company”) based in Bassett, Virginia, is a leading manufacturer, marketer and retailer of branded home furnishings. Bassett’s full range of furniture products and accessories, designed to provide quality, style and value, are sold through an exclusive nation-wide network of 90 retail stores known as Bassett Home Furnishings (referred to as “BHF”). Of the 90 stores, the Company owns and operates 60 stores (“Company-owned retail stores”) with the other 30 being independently owned (“licensee operated”). We also distribute our products through other multi-line furniture stores, many of which feature Bassett galleries or design centers, specialty stores and mass merchants.

We sourced approximately 27% of our wholesale products from various countries, with the remaining volume produced at our four domestic manufacturing facilities.

Zenith Acquisition

Prior to February 2, 2015 we held a 49% interest in Zenith Freight Lines, LLC (“Zenith”) for which we used the equity method of accounting. On February 2, 2015 we acquired the remaining 51% ownership interest (see Note 3, Business Combinations). Zenith provides over-the-road transportation of furniture, operates regional freight terminals, warehouse and distribution facilities in 13 states, and manages various home delivery facilities that service BHF stores and other clients in local markets around the United States. With the acquisition of Zenith, we established our logistical services operating segment.

2. Significant Accounting Policies

Basis of Presentation and Principles of Consolidation

Our fiscal year ends on the last Saturday in November, which periodically results in a 53-week year. Fiscal 2017, 2016 and 2015 each contained 52 weeks. The Consolidated Financial Statements include the accounts of Bassett Furniture Industries, Incorporated and our majority-owned subsidiaries in which we have a controlling interest. All significant intercompany balances and transactions are eliminated in consolidation. Accordingly, the results of Zenith have been consolidated with our results since the date of the acquisition. Sales of logistical services from Zenith to our wholesale and retail segments have been eliminated, and Zenith’s operating costs and expenses since the date of acquisition are included in selling, general and administrative expenses in our condensed consolidated statements of net income. The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States ("GAAP"). Unless otherwise indicated, references in the Consolidated Financial Statements to fiscal 2017, 2016 and 2015 are to Bassett's fiscal year ended November 25, 2017, November 26, 2016 and November 28, 2015, respectively. References to the “ASC” included hereinafter refer to the Accounting Standards Codification established by the Financial Accounting Standards Board as the source of authoritative GAAP.

The equity method of accounting was used for our investment in Zenith prior to the date of acquisition because we exercised significant influence but did not maintain a controlling interest. Consolidated net income includes our proportionate share of the net income or net loss of Zenith prior to the date of the acquisition.

We analyzed our licensees under the requirements for variable interest entities (“VIEs”). All of these licensees operate as BHF stores and are furniture retailers. We sell furniture to these licensees, and in some cases have extended credit beyond normal terms, made lease guarantees, guaranteed loans, or loaned directly to the licensees. We have recorded reserves for potential exposures related to these licensees. See Note 17 for disclosure of leases and lease guarantees. Based on financial projections and best available information, all licensees have sufficient equity to carry out their principal operating activities without subordinated financial support. Furthermore, we believe that the power to direct the activities that most significantly impact the licensees’ operating performance continues to lie with the ownership of the licensee dealers. Our rights to assume control over or otherwise influence the licensees’ significant activities only exist pursuant to our license and security agreements and are in the nature of protective rights as contemplated under ASC Topic 810. We completed our assessment for other potential VIEs, and concluded that there were none. We will continue to reassess the status of potential VIEs including when facts and circumstances surrounding each potential VIE change.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements -Continued

(In thousands, except share and per share data)

Use of Estimates

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States requires us to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Some of the more significant estimates include allowances for doubtful accounts, calculation of inventory reserves, valuation of income tax reserves, lease guarantees, insurance reserves and assumptions related to our post-employment benefit obligations. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

Revenue Recognition

Revenue is recognized when the risks and rewards of ownership and title to the product have transferred to the buyer. This occurs upon the shipment of goods to independent dealers or, in the case of Company-owned retail stores, upon delivery to the customer. We offer terms varying from 30 to 60 days for wholesale customers. For retail sales, we typically collect a significant portion of the purchase price as a customer deposit upon order, with the balance typically collected upon delivery. These deposits are carried on our balance sheet as a current liability until delivery is fulfilled. Estimates for returns and allowances have been recorded as a reduction to revenue. The contracts with our licensee store owners do not provide for any royalty or license fee to be paid to us. Revenue is reported net of any taxes collected. For our logistical services segment, line-haul freight revenue and home delivery revenue are recognized upon the completion of delivery to the destination. Warehousing services revenue is based upon warehouse space occupied by a customer’s goods and inventory movements in and out of a warehouse and is recognized as such services are provided.

Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 104, Revenue Recognition (“SAB 104”) outlines the four basic criteria for recognizing revenue as follows: (1) persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, (2) delivery has occurred or services have been rendered, (3) the seller’s price to the buyer is fixed or determinable, and (4) collectability is reasonably assured. SAB 104 further asserts that if collectability of all or a portion of the revenue is not reasonably assured, revenue recognition should be deferred until payment is received. During fiscal 2017, 2016 and 2015, there were no sales for which these criteria were not met.

Cash Equivalents and Short-Term Investments

The Company considers cash on hand, demand deposits in banks and all highly liquid investments with an original maturity of three months or less to be cash and cash equivalents. Our short-term investments consist of certificates of deposit that have original maturities of twelve months or less but greater than three months.

Accounts Receivable

Substantially all of our trade accounts receivable is due from customers located within the United States. We maintain an allowance for doubtful accounts for estimated losses resulting from the inability of our customers to make required payments. The allowance for doubtful accounts is based on a review of specifically identified accounts in addition to an overall aging analysis. Judgments are made with respect to the collectibility of accounts receivable based on historical experience and current economic trends. Actual losses could differ from those estimates.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements -Continued

(In thousands, except share and per share data)

Concentrations of Credit Risk and Major Customers

Financial instruments that subject us to credit risk consist primarily of investments, accounts and notes receivable and financial guarantees. Investments are managed within established guidelines to mitigate risks. Accounts and notes receivable and financial guarantees subject us to credit risk partially due to the concentration of amounts due from and guaranteed on behalf of independent licensee customers. At November 25, 2017 and November 26, 2016, our aggregate exposure from receivables and guarantees related to customers consisted of the following:

	2017		2016
Accounts receivable, net of allowances (Note 5)	$	19,640	$	18,358
Contingent obligations under lease and loan guarantees, less amounts recognized (Note 17)		2,717		1,865
Total credit risk exposure related to customers	$	22,357	$	20,223

At November 25, 2017, approximately 29% of the aggregate risk exposure, net of reserves, shown above was attributable to five customers. At November 26, 2015, approximately 30% of the aggregate risk exposure, net of reserves, shown above was attributable to four customers. In fiscal 2017, 2016 and 2015, no customer accounted for more than 10% of total consolidated net sales. However, one customer accounted for approximately 33%, 36% and 26% of our consolidated revenue from logistical services during 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively.

We have no foreign manufacturing or retail operations. We define export sales as sales to any country or territory other than the United States or its territories or possessions. Our export sales were approximately $2,288, $3,607, and $4,516 in fiscal 2017, 2016, and 2015, respectively. All of our export sales are invoiced and settled in U.S. dollars.

Inventories

Inventories (retail merchandise, finished goods, work in process and raw materials) are stated at the lower of cost or market. Cost is determined for domestic manufactured furniture inventories using the last-in, first-out (“LIFO”) method because we believe this methodology provides better matching of revenue and expenses. The cost of imported inventories is determined on a first-in, first-out (“FIFO”) basis. Inventories accounted for under the LIFO method represented 54% and 53% of total inventory before reserves at November 25, 2017 and November 26, 2016, respectively. We estimate inventory reserves for excess quantities and obsolete items based on specific identification and historical write-offs, taking into account future demand and market conditions. If actual demand or market conditions in the future are less favorable than those estimated, additional inventory write-downs may be required.

Property and Equipment

Property and equipment is comprised of all land, buildings and leasehold improvements and machinery and equipment used in the manufacturing and warehousing of furniture, our Company-owned retail operations, our logistical services operations, and corporate administration. This property and equipment is stated at cost less accumulated depreciation. Depreciation is computed over the estimated useful lives of the respective assets utilizing the straight-line method. Buildings and improvements are generally depreciated over a period of 10 to 39 years. Machinery and equipment are generally depreciated over a period of 5 to 10 years. Leasehold improvements are amortized based on the underlying lease term, or the asset’s estimated useful life, whichever is shorter.

Retail Real Estate

Retail real estate is comprised of owned and leased properties which have in the past been utilized by licensee operated BHF stores and are now leased or subleased to non-licensee tenants. The net book value of our retail real estate at November 25, 2017 and November 26, 2016 was $1,758 and $2,969, respectively, and is included in other long-term assets in our consolidated balance sheets. This real estate is stated at cost less accumulated depreciation and is depreciated over the useful lives of the respective assets utilizing the straight line method. Buildings and improvements are generally depreciated over a period of 10 to 39 years. Leasehold improvements are amortized based on the underlying lease term, or the asset’s estimated useful life, whichever is shorter. Depreciation expense was $127, $152, and $184 in fiscal 2017, 2016, and 2015, respectively, and is included in other loss, net, in our consolidated statements of income.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements -Continued

(In thousands, except share and per share data)

The net book value of our retail real estate at November 25, 2017 consisted of one property located near Charleston, South Carolina which is fully occupied by a tenant under a long term lease. We also own a building in Chesterfield County, Virginia that was formerly leased to a licensee for the operation of a BHF store. The building is subject to a ground lease that expires in 2020, but which has additional renewal options. Since 2012, we have leased the building to another party who is, as of recently, paying less than the full amount of the lease obligation, resulting in rental income insufficient to cover our ground lease obligation. Efforts to sell our interest in the building have been unsuccessful so far. We have also concluded that absent a significant cash investment in the building the likelihood of locating another tenant for the building at a rent that would provide positive cash flow in excess of the ground lease expense is remote. In addition, we obtained an appraisal during the second quarter of fiscal 2017 which indicated that the value of the building had significantly decreased and was now minimal. Given these circumstances, we concluded in the second quarter that we are unlikely to renew the ground lease in 2020 and would therefore likely vacate the property at that time. Consequently, we recorded a non-cash impairment charge of $1,084 during fiscal 2017 to write off the value of the building.

During the year ended November 28, 2015 we closed on the sale of our retail real estate investment property located in Sugarland, Texas and received cash in the amount of $2,835. During fiscal 2015 we recognized a non-cash charge of $182 to write down the carrying value of the Sugarland real estate to the selling price.

The fiscal 2015 sales proceeds described above are included in proceeds from sales of property and equipment in the accompanying consolidated statements of cash flows. The fiscal 2017 and 2015 impairment charges described above are included in other loss, net, in our consolidated statements of income.

Goodwill

Goodwill represents the excess of the fair value of consideration given over the fair value of the tangible assets and liabilities and identifiable intangible assets of businesses acquired. The acquisition of assets and liabilities and the resulting goodwill is allocated to the respective reporting unit: Wood, Upholstery, Retail or Logistical Services. We review goodwill at the reporting unit level annually for impairment or more frequently if events or circumstances indicate that assets might be impaired.

The first step compares the carrying value of each reporting unit that has goodwill with the estimated fair value of the respective reporting unit. Should the carrying value of a reporting unit be in excess of the estimated fair value of that reporting unit, the second step is performed whereby we must calculate the implied fair value of goodwill by deducting the fair value of all tangible and intangible net assets of the reporting unit from the fair value of the reporting unit. This second step represents a hypothetical application of the acquisition method of accounting as if we had acquired the reporting unit on that date. Our impairment methodology uses a discounted cash flow analysis requiring certain assumptions and estimates to be made regarding future profitability of the reporting unit and industry economic factors. While we believe such assumptions and estimates are reasonable, the actual results may differ materially from the projected amounts.

Other Intangible Assets

Intangible assets acquired in a business combination and determined to have an indefinite useful life are not amortized but are tested for impairment annually or between annual tests when an impairment indicator exists. The recoverability of indefinite-lived intangible assets is assessed by comparison of the carrying value of the asset to its estimated fair value. If we determine that the carrying value of the asset exceeds its estimated fair value, an impairment loss equal to the excess would be recorded.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements -Continued

(In thousands, except share and per share data)

Impairment of Long Lived Assets

We periodically evaluate whether events or circumstances have occurred that indicate long-lived assets may not be recoverable or that the remaining useful life may warrant revision. When such events or circumstances are present, we assess the recoverability of long-lived assets by determining whether the carrying value will be recovered through the expected undiscounted future cash flows resulting from the use and eventual disposition of the asset. In the event the sum of the expected undiscounted future cash flows is less than the carrying value of the asset, an impairment loss equal to the excess of the asset’s carrying value over its fair value is recorded. Fair value is determined based on discounted cash flows or appraised values depending on the nature of the assets. The long-term nature of these assets requires the estimation of cash inflows and outflows several years into the future.

When analyzing our real estate properties for potential impairment, we consider such qualitative factors as our experience in leasing and selling real estate properties as well as specific site and local market characteristics. Upon the closure of a Bassett Home Furnishings store, we generally write off all tenant improvements which are only suitable for use in such a store.

Income Taxes

We account for income taxes under the liability method which requires that we recognize deferred tax assets and liabilities for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amount of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date. See Note 22.

We recognize the tax benefit from an uncertain tax position only if it is more likely than not that the tax position will be sustained on examination by the taxing authorities, based on the technical merits of the position. Despite our belief that our liability for unrecognized tax benefits is adequate, it is often difficult to predict the final outcome or the timing of the resolution of any particular tax matters. We may adjust these liabilities as relevant circumstances evolve, such as guidance from the relevant tax authority or our tax advisors, or resolution of issues in the courts. These adjustments are recognized as a component of income tax expense in the period in which they are identified.

We evaluate our deferred income tax assets to determine if valuation allowances are required or should be adjusted. A valuation allowance is established against our deferred tax assets based on consideration of all available evidence, both positive and negative, using a “more likely than not” standard. This assessment considers, among other matters, the nature, frequency and severity of recent losses, forecasts of future profitability, the duration of statutory carryforward periods, our experience with tax attributes expiring unused and tax planning alternatives. In making such judgments, significant weight is given to evidence that can be objectively verified. See Note 14.

New Store Pre-Opening Costs

Income from operations for fiscal 2017, 2016 and 2015 includes new store pre-opening costs of $2,413, $1,148 and $623, respectively. Such costs consist of expenses incurred at the new store location during the period prior to its opening and include, among other things, facility occupancy costs such as rent and utilities and local store personnel costs related to pre-opening activities including training. New store pre-opening costs do not include costs which are capitalized in accordance with our property and equipment capitalization policies, such as leasehold improvements and store fixtures and equipment. Such capitalized costs associated with new stores are depreciated commencing with the opening of the store. There are no pre-opening costs associated with stores acquired from licensees, as such locations were already in operation at the time of their acquisition.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements -Continued

(In thousands, except share and per share data)

Shipping and Handling Costs

Costs incurred to deliver wholesale merchandise to customers are recorded in selling, general and administrative expense and totaled $18,514, $18,451, and $18,624 for fiscal 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively. Costs incurred to deliver retail merchandise to customers are also recorded in selling, general and administrative expense and totaled $17,451, $15,946, and $15,383 for fiscal 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively.

Advertising

Costs incurred for producing and distributing advertising and advertising materials are expensed when incurred and are included in selling, general and administrative expenses. Advertising costs totaled $18,834, $16,688, and $16,228 in fiscal 2017, 2016, and 2015, respectively.

Insurance Reserves

We have self-funded insurance programs in place to cover workers’ compensation and health insurance. These insurance programs are subject to various stop-loss limitations. We accrue estimated losses using historical loss experience. Although we believe that the insurance reserves are adequate, the reserve estimates are based on historical experience, which may not be indicative of current and future losses. We adjust insurance reserves, as needed, in the event that future loss experience differs from historical loss patterns.

Supplemental Cash Flow Information

In connection with our acquisition of Zenith, non-cash financing activities during fiscal 2015 included the issuance of 89,485 shares of our common stock valued at $1,675, and the issuance of a note payable with a discounted fair value of $8,436. See Note 3 for additional information regarding the fair value of the consideration given for the acquisition of Zenith. There were no material non-cash investing or financing activities during fiscal 2017 or 2016.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

Recently Adopted Pronouncements

In March 2017, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2017-07 (ASU 2017-07), Compensation – Retirement Benefits (Topic 715): Improving the Presentation of Net Periodic Pension Cost and Net Periodic Postretirement Benefit Cost. Under existing GAAP, an entity is required to present all components of net periodic pension cost and net periodic postretirement benefit cost aggregated as a net amount in the income statement, and this net amount may be capitalized as part of an asset where appropriate. The amendments in ASU 2017-07 require that an employer report the service cost component in the same line item or items as other compensation costs arising from services rendered by the pertinent employees during the period, and requires the other components of net periodic pension cost and net periodic postretirement benefit cost to be presented in the income statement separately from the service cost component and outside a subtotal of income from operations, if one is presented. Additionally, only the service cost component is eligible for capitalization, when applicable. The amendments in ASU 2017-07 shall be applied retrospectively for the presentation of the service cost component and the other components of net periodic pension cost and net periodic postretirement benefit cost in the income statement and prospectively, on and after the effective date, for the capitalization of the service cost component of net periodic pension cost and net periodic postretirement benefit in assets. Early adoption is permitted, and we have elected to adopt the amendments in ASU 2017-07 effective as of the beginning of our 2017 fiscal year. The adoption of this guidance did not have a material impact upon our financial condition or results of operations.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements -Continued

(In thousands, except share and per share data)

Recent Pronouncements Not Yet Adopted

In May 2014, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2014-09 (ASU 2014-09), which creates ASC Topic 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers, and supersedes the revenue recognition requirements in Topic 605, Revenue Recognition, including most industry-specific revenue recognition guidance throughout the Industry Topics of the Codification. In addition, ASU 2014-09 supersedes the cost guidance in Subtopic 605-35, Revenue Recognition—Construction-Type and Production-Type Contracts, and creates new Subtopic 340-40, Other Assets and Deferred Costs—Contracts with Customers. In summary, the core principle of Topic 606 is to recognize revenue when promised goods or services are transferred to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration that is expected to be received for those goods or services. Companies are allowed to select between two transition methods: (1) a full retrospective transition method with the application of the new guidance to each prior reporting period presented, or (2) a retrospective transition method that recognizes the cumulative effect on prior periods at the date of adoption together with additional footnote disclosures. In addition, during 2016 the FASB has issued ASU 2016-08, ASU 2016-10 and ASU 2016-12, all of which clarify certain implementation guidance within ASU 2014-09, and ASU 2016-11, which rescinds certain SEC guidance within the ASC effective upon an entity’s adoption of ASU 2014-09. The amendments in ASU 2014-09 are effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim periods within that reporting period, and early application is not permitted. Therefore the amendments in ASU 2014-09 will become effective for us as of the beginning of our 2019 fiscal year. In order to evaluate the impact that the adoption of ASU 2014-09 will have on our consolidated financial statements, we have initiated a comprehensive review of the significant revenue streams across our wholesale, retail and logistical services reportable segments. The focus of this review includes, among other things, the identification of the significant contracts and other arrangements we have with our customers to identify significant performance obligations, factors affecting the determination of transaction price, such as variable consideration, and factors affecting the classification of receipts as revenue, such as principal versus agent considerations. We are also reviewing our current accounting policies, procedures and controls with respect to these contracts and arrangements to determine what changes, if any, may be required by the adoption of ASU 2014-09. We have not yet made a determination as to the impact that adoption will have on our consolidated financial statements, nor have we made any decision on the method of adoption.

In July 2015, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2015-11, Inventory (Topic 330): Simplifying the Measurement of Inventory. ASU 2015-11 requires that inventory within the scope of this Update be measured at the lower of cost and net realizable value. Net realizable value is the estimated selling prices in the ordinary course of business, less reasonably predictable costs of completion, disposal, and transportation. The amendments in this Update do not apply to inventory that is measured using last-in, first-out (LIFO) or the retail inventory method. The amendments apply to all other inventory, which includes inventory that is measured using first-in, first-out (FIFO) or average cost. For all entities, the guidance is effective for annual periods, and interim periods within those annual periods, beginning after December 15, 2016. Early adoption is permitted. Therefore the amendments in ASU 2015-11 will become effective for us as of the beginning of our 2018 fiscal year. The adoption of this guidance is not expected to have a material impact upon our financial condition or results of operations.

In January 2016, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2016-01, Financial Instruments - Overall (Subtopic 825-10): Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities. ASU 2016-01 requires that equity investments (except those accounted for under the equity method of accounting or those that result in consolidation of the investee) are to be measured at fair value with changes in fair value recognized in net income. However, an entity may choose to measure equity investments that do not have readily determinable fair values at cost minus impairment, if any, plus or minus changes resulting from observable price changes in orderly transactions for the identical or a similar investment of the same issuer. Furthermore, equity investments without readily determinable fair values are to be assessed for impairment using a quantitative approach. The amendments in ASU 2016-01 should be applied by means of a cumulative-effect adjustment to the balance sheet as of the beginning of the fiscal year of adoption, with other amendments related specifically to equity securities without readily determinable fair values applied prospectively. The amendments in ASU 2016-01 will become effective for us as of the beginning of our 2019 fiscal year. The adoption of this guidance is not expected to have a material impact upon our financial condition or results of operations.

In February 2016, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842). The guidance in ASU 2016-02 requires that a lessee recognize in the statement of financial position a liability to make lease payments (the lease liability) and a right-of-use asset representing its right to use the underlying asset for the lease term. For leases with a term of 12 months or less, a lessee is permitted to make an accounting policy election by class of underlying asset not to recognize lease assets and lease liabilities. As with previous guidance, there continues to be a differentiation between finance leases and operating leases, however this distinction now primarily relates to differences in the manner of expense recognition over time and in the classification of lease payments in the statement of cash flows. Lease assets and liabilities arising from both finance and operating leases will be recognized in the statement of financial position. ASU 2016-02 leaves the accounting for leases by lessors largely unchanged from previous GAAP. The transitional guidance for adopting the requirements of ASU 2016-02 calls for a modified retrospective approach that includes a number of optional practical expedients that entities may elect to apply. The guidance in ASU 2016-02 will become effective for us as of the beginning of our 2020 fiscal year. We are currently evaluating the impact that the adoption of ASU 2016-02 will have on our consolidated financial statements, which we expect will have a material effect on our statement of financial position, and have not made any decision on the method of adoption with respect to the optional practical expedients.

In August 2016, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2016-15, Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230): Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments. ASU 2016-15 addresses how certain cash receipts and cash payments are presented and classified in the statement of cash flows with the objective of reducing existing diversity in practice with respect to these items. Among the types of cash flows addressed are payments for costs related to debt prepayments or extinguishments, payments representing accreted interest on discounted debt, payments of contingent consideration after a business combination, proceeds from insurance claims and company-owned life insurance, and distributions from equity method investees, among others. The amendments in ASU 2016-15 are to be adopted retrospectively and will become effective for as at the beginning of our 2019 fiscal year. Early adoption, including adoption in an interim period, is permitted. The adoption of this guidance is not expected to have a material impact upon our presentation of cash flows.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements -Continued

(In thousands, except share and per share data)

In January 2017, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2017-01, Business Combinations (Topic 805): Clarifying the Definition of a Business. ASU 2017-01 provides a screen to determine when an integrated set of assets and activities (collectively referred to as a “set”) does not constitute a business. The screen requires that when substantially all of the fair value of the gross assets acquired (or disposed of) is concentrated in a single identifiable asset or a group of similar identifiable assets, the set is not a business. This screen reduces the number of transactions that need to be further evaluated. If the screen is not met, the amendments in ASU 2017-01 (1) require that to be considered a business, a set must include, at a minimum, an input and a substantive process that together significantly contribute to the ability to create output and (2) remove the evaluation of whether a market participant could replace missing elements. The amendments in ASU 2017-01 shall apply prospectively and will become effective for as at the beginning of our 2019 fiscal year. The adoption of this guidance is not expected to have a material impact upon our financial condition or results of operations.

In January 2017, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2017-04, Intangibles – Goodwill and Other (Topic 350): Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment. ASU 2017-04 eliminates Step 2 from the goodwill impairment test. Under Step 2, an entity had to perform procedures to determine the fair value at the impairment testing date of its assets and liabilities (including unrecognized assets and liabilities) following the procedure that would be required in determining the fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed in a business combination. Instead, under the amendments in ASU 2017-04, an entity should perform its annual, or interim, goodwill impairment test by comparing the fair value of a reporting unit with its carrying amount. An entity should recognize an impairment charge for the amount by which the carrying amount exceeds the reporting unit’s fair value; however, the loss recognized should not exceed the total amount of goodwill allocated to that reporting unit. Additionally, an entity should consider income tax effects from any tax deductible goodwill on the carrying amount of the reporting unit when measuring the goodwill impairment loss, if applicable. An entity still has the option to perform the qualitative assessment for a reporting unit to determine if the quantitative impairment test is necessary. The amendments in ASU 2017-04 will become effective for us as of the beginning of our 2021 fiscal year. Early adoption is permitted for interim or annual goodwill impairment tests performed on testing dates after January 1, 2017. The adoption of this guidance is not expected to have a material impact upon our financial condition or results of operations.

In May 2017, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2017-09, Compensation – Stock Compensation (Topic 718): Scope of Modification Accounting. ASU 2017-09 was issued to provide clarity and reduce both (1) diversity in practice and (2) cost and complexity when applying the guidance in Topic 718, Compensation—Stock Compensation, to a change to the terms or conditions of a share-based payment award. The amendments in this Update provide guidance about which changes to the terms or conditions of a share-based payment award require an entity to apply modification accounting in Topic 718. Essentially, an entity will not have to account for the effects of a modification if: (1) The fair value of the modified award is the same immediately before and after the modification; (2) the vesting conditions of the modified award are the same immediately before and after the modification; and (3) the classification of the modified award as either an equity instrument or liability instrument is the same immediately before and after the modification. The amendments in ASU 2017-09 will become effective for us as of the beginning of our 2019 fiscal year. Early adoption is permitted, including adoption in any interim period. The adoption of this guidance is not expected to have a material impact upon our financial condition or results of operations.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements -Continued

(In thousands, except share and per share data)

3.	Business Combinations

Licensee Store Acquisition

During the first quarter of fiscal 2017, we acquired the operations of the Bassett Home Furnishings (“BHF”) store located in Columbus, Ohio for a purchase price of $655. The store had been owned and operated by a licensee that had determined that continued ownership of a BHF store was no longer consistent with its future business objectives. We believe that Columbus, Ohio represents a viable market for a BHF store.

The purchase price was allocated as follows:

Inventory	$	343
Goodwill		312

Purchase price	$	655

The inputs into our valuation of the acquired assets reflect our market assumptions and are not observable. Consequently, the inputs are considered to be Level 3 inputs as specified in the fair value hierarchy in ASC 820, Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures. See Note 4.

The pro forma impact of the acquisition and the results of operations for the Columbus store since acquisition are not material to our consolidated results of operations for the year ended November 25, 2017.

Acquisition of Zenith

Prior to February 2, 2015 we held a 49% interest in Zenith for which we used the equity method of accounting. Zenith provides domestic transportation and warehousing services primarily to furniture manufacturers and distributors and also provides home delivery services to furniture retailers. We historically have contracted with Zenith to provide substantially all of our domestic freight, transportation and warehousing needs for the wholesale business. In addition, Zenith provides home delivery services for many of our Company-owned retail stores. On February 2, 2015, we acquired the remaining 51% of Zenith in exchange for cash, Bassett common stock and a note payable with a total fair value of $19,111. The value of the Bassett common stock was based on the closing market price of our shares on the acquisition date, discounted for lack of marketability due to restrictions on the seller’s ability to transfer the shares. The restrictions on one half of the shares expired on the first anniversary of the acquisition, with the remainder expiring on the second anniversary. The note is payable in three annual installments of $3,000 each which began February 2, 2016, and has been discounted to its fair value as of the date of the acquisition based on our estimated borrowing rate.

The carrying value of our 49% interest in Zenith prior to the acquisition was $9,480 (see Note 9, Unconsolidated Affiliated Company). In connection with the acquisition, this investment was remeasured to a fair value of $16,692 resulting in the recognition of a gain of $7,212 during the year ended November 28, 2015. The impact of this gain upon our basic and diluted earnings per share for the year ended November 28, 2015 is approximately $0.41 net of the related tax expense. The remeasured fair value of our prior interest in Zenith was estimated based on the fair value of the consideration transferred to acquire the remaining 51% of Zenith less an estimated control premium.

Under the acquisition method of accounting, the fair value of the consideration transferred along with the fair value of our previous 49% interest in Zenith was allocated to the tangible and intangible assets acquired and the liabilities assumed based on their estimated fair values as of the acquisition date with the remaining unallocated amount recorded as goodwill.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements -Continued

(In thousands, except share and per share data)

The total fair value of the acquired business was determined as follows:

Fair value of consideration transferred in exchange for 51% of Zenith:
Cash	$	9,000
Bassett common stock, 89,485 shares, par value $5.00 per share, fair value at closing $18.72 per share		1,675
Note payable		8,436
Total fair value of consideration transferred to seller		19,111
Less effective settlement of previous amounts payable to Zenith at acquisition		(3,622	)
Total fair value of consideration net of effective settlement		15,489
Fair value of Bassett's previous 49% interest in Zenith		16,692

Total fair value of acquired business	$	32,181

The allocation of the fair value of the acquired business is as follows:

Identifiable assets acquired:
Acquired cash and cash equivalents	$	1,677
Accounts receivable, net		3,399
Prepaid expenses and other current assets		496
Property and equipment		18,110
Other long-term assets		646
Intangible assets		6,362
Total identifiable assets acquired		30,690
Liabilities assumed:
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities		(4,038	)
Notes payable		(4,329	)
Total liabilities assumed		(8,367	)
Net identifiable assets acquired		22,323
Goodwill		9,858
Total net assets acquired	$	32,181

Goodwill was determined based on the residual difference between the fair value of the consideration transferred and the value assigned to tangible and intangible assets and liabilities. Approximately $6,982 of the acquired goodwill is deductible for tax purposes. Among the factors that contributed to a purchase price resulting in the recognition of goodwill were Zenith’s reputation for best-in-class, fully integrated logistical services which are uniquely tailored to the needs of the furniture industry, as well as their ability to provide expedited delivery service which is increasingly in demand in the furniture industry.

A portion of the fair value of consideration transferred has been assigned to identifiable intangible assets as follows:

	Useful Life
Description:	In Years		Fair Value

Customer relationships		15	$	3,038
Trade names		Indefinite		2,490
Technology - customized applications		7		834

Total acquired intangible assets			$	6,362

The finite-lived intangible assets are being amortized on a straight-line basis over their useful lives. The indefinite-lived intangible asset and goodwill are not amortized but will be tested for impairment annually or between annual tests if an indicator of impairment exists.

The fair values of consideration transferred and net assets acquired were determined using a combination of Level 2 and Level 3 inputs as specified in the fair value hierarchy in ASC 820, Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures. See Note 4.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements -Continued

(In thousands, except share and per share data)

Acquisition costs related to the Zenith acquisition totaled $209 during the year ended November 28, 2015 and are included in selling, general and administrative expenses in the consolidated statements of income. The acquisition costs are primarily related to legal, accounting and valuation services.

The revenue and pre-tax profit of Zenith that is included in our consolidated statements of income for the years ended November 25, 2017, November 26, 2016 and November 28, 2015 is as follows:

	2017		2016		2015 (1)

Zenith revenue (2)	$	54,406	$	54,842	$	43,522
Zenith pre-tax income	$	2,972	$	3,313	$	3,379

(1) From date of acquisition, February 2, 2015.

(2) Net of eliminated inter-company transactions, See Note 20.

The pro forma results of operations for the acquisition of Zenith have not been presented because they are not material to our consolidated results of operations.

4.	Financial Instruments, Investments and Fair Value Measurements

Financial Instruments

Our financial instruments include cash and cash equivalents, short-term investments in certificates of deposit, accounts receivable, cost method investments, accounts payable and long-term debt. Because of their short maturities, the carrying amounts of cash and cash equivalents, short-term investments in certificates of deposit, accounts receivable, and accounts payable approximate fair value. Our cost method investments generally involve entities for which it is not practical to determine fair values.

Investments

Our short-term investments of $23,125 at both November 25, 2017 and November 26, 2016 consisted of certificates of deposit (CDs) with original terms of six to twelve months, bearing interest at rates ranging from 0.10% to 1.50%. At November 25, 2017, the weighted average remaining time to maturity of the CDs was approximately five months and the weighted average yield of the CDs was approximately 1.18%. Each CD is placed with a federally insured financial institution and all deposits are within Federal deposit insurance limits. As the CDs mature, we expect to reinvest them in CDs of similar maturities of up to one year. Due to the nature of these investments and their relatively short maturities, the carrying amount of the short-term investments at November 25, 2017 and November 26, 2016 approximates their fair value.

Fair Value Measurement

The Company accounts for items measured at fair value in accordance with ASC Topic 820, Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures. ASC 820’s valuation techniques are based on observable and unobservable inputs. Observable inputs reflect readily obtainable data from independent sources, while unobservable inputs reflect our market assumptions. ASC 820 classifies these inputs into the following hierarchy:

Level 1 Inputs– Quoted prices for identical instruments in active markets.

Level 3 Inputs– Instruments with primarily unobservable value drivers.

We believe that the carrying amounts of our current assets and current liabilities approximate fair value due to the short-term nature of these items. The recurring estimate of the fair value of our notes payable for disclosure purposes (see Note 10) involves Level 3 inputs. Our primary non-recurring fair value estimates typically involve business acquisitions (Note 3) which involve a combination of Level 2 and Level 3 inputs, and asset impairments (Note 15) which utilize Level 3 inputs.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements -Continued

(In thousands, except share and per share data)

5. Accounts Receivable

Accounts receivable consists of the following:

	November 25, 2017			November 26, 2016
Gross accounts receivable	$	20,257		$	19,157
Allowance for doubtful accounts		(617	)		(799	)
Net accounts receivable	$	19,640		$	18,358

Activity in the allowance for doubtful accounts was as follows:

	2017			2016

Balance, beginning of the year	$	799		$	1,175
Reductions to allowance, net		(182	)		(376	)
Balance, end of the year	$	617		$	799

We believe that the carrying value of our net accounts receivable approximates fair value. The inputs into these fair value estimates reflect our market assumptions and are not observable. Consequently, the inputs are considered to be Level 3 as specified in the fair value hierarchy in ASC Topic 820, Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures. See Note 4.

6. Inventories

Inventories consist of the following:

	November 25, 2017			November 26, 2016
Wholesale finished goods	$	26,145		$	24,392
Work in process		388			369
Raw materials and supplies		11,808			11,343
Retail merchandise		26,173			26,265
Total inventories on first-in, first-out method		64,514			62,369
LIFO adjustment		(8,143	)		(7,804	)
Reserve for excess and obsolete inventory		(1,895	)		(1,350	)
	$	54,476		$	53,215

We source a significant amount of our wholesale product from other countries. During 2017, 2016 and 2015, purchases from our two largest vendors located in Vietnam and China were $21,977, $19,128 and $25,190 respectively.

We estimate an inventory reserve for excess quantities and obsolete items based on specific identification and historical write-offs, taking into account future demand, market conditions and the respective valuations at LIFO. The need for these reserves is primarily driven by the normal product life cycle. As products mature and sales volumes decline, we rationalize our product offerings to respond to consumer tastes and keep our product lines fresh. If actual demand or market conditions in the future are less favorable than those estimated, additional inventory write-downs may be required. In determining reserves, we calculate separate reserves on our wholesale and retail inventories. Our wholesale inventories tend to carry the majority of the reserves for excess quantities and obsolete inventory due to the nature of our distribution model. These wholesale reserves primarily represent design and style obsolescence. Typically, product is not shipped to our retail warehouses until a consumer has ordered and paid a deposit for the product. We do not typically hold retail inventory for stock purposes. Consequently, floor sample inventory and inventory for delivery to customers account for the majority of our inventory at retail. Retail reserves are based on accessory and clearance floor sample inventory in our stores and any inventory that is not associated with a specific customer order in our retail warehouses.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements -Continued

(In thousands, except share and per share data)

Activity in the reserves for excess quantities and obsolete inventory by segment are as follows:

	Wholesale Segment			Retail Segment			Total
Balance at November 28, 2015	$	1,087		$	310		$	1,397
Additions charged to expense		1,994			475			2,469
Write-offs		(2,020	)		(496	)		(2,516	)
Balance at November 26, 2016		1,061			289			1,350
Additions charged to expense		1,757			475			2,232
Write-offs		(1,200	)		(487	)		(1,687	)
Balance at November 25, 2017	$	1,618		$	277		$	1,895

7. Property and Equipment

Property and equipment consist of the following:

	November 25, 2017			November 26, 2016
Land	$	10,908		$	12,311
Buildings and leasehold improvements		117,185			109,728
Machinery and equipment		102,619			99,067
Property and equipment at cost		230,712			221,106
Less accumulated depreciation		(127,468	)		(116,451	)
Property and equipment, net	$	103,244		$	104,655

The net book value of our property and equipment by reportable segment is a follows:

	November 25, 2017		November 26, 2016
Wholesale	$	25,277	$	22,984
Retail - Company-owned stores		57,539		59,347
Logistical Services		20,428		22,324
Total property and equipment, net	$	103,244	$	104,655

Depreciation expense associated with the property and equipment shown above was included in income from operations in our consolidated statements of income as follows:

	2017		2016		2015

Cost of goods sold (wholesale segment)	$	989	$	748	$	599
Selling, general and adminstrative expenses:
Wholesale segment		1,531		1,154		1,291
Retail segment		6,736		6,612		5,970
Logistical services segment		4,331		3,882		2,366
Total included in selling, general and adminstrative expenses		12,598		11,648		9,627
Total depreciation expense included in income from operations	$	13,587	$	12,396	$	10,226

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements -Continued

(In thousands, except share and per share data)

8. Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets

Goodwill and other intangible assets consisted of the following:

	November 25, 2017
	Gross Carrying Amount		Accumulated Amortization			Intangible Assets, Net
Intangibles subject to amortization:
Customer relationships	$	3,038	$	(574	)	$	2,464
Technology - customized applications		834		(337	)		497

Total intangible assets subject to amortization		3,872		(911	)		2,961

Intangibles not subject to amortization:
Trade names		2,490		-			2,490
Goodwill		11,900		-			11,900

Total goodwill and other intangible assets	$	18,262	$	(911	)	$	17,351

	November 26, 2016
	Gross Carrying Amount		Accumulated Amortization			Intangible Assets, Net
Intangibles subject to amortization:
Customer relationships	$	3,038	$	(371	)	$	2,667
Technology - customized applications		834		(219	)		615

Total intangible assets subject to amortization		3,872		(590	)		3,282

Intangibles not subject to amortization:
Trade names		2,490		-			2,490
Goodwill		11,588		-			11,588

Total goodwill and other intangible assets	$	17,950	$	(590	)	$	17,360

Changes in the carrying amounts of goodwill by reportable segment were as follows:

	Wholesale		Retail		Logistics		Total

Balance as of November 28, 2015	$	4,839	$	1,820	$	4,929	$	11,588
Changes during fiscal 2016 (none)		-		-		-		-

Balance as of November 26, 2016		4,839		1,820		4,929		11,588
Goodwill arising from store acquisition (Note 3)		206		106		-		312

Balance as of November 25, 2017	$	5,045	$	1,926	$	4,929	$	11,900

There were no accumulated impairment losses on goodwill as of November 25, 2017, November 26, 2016 or November 28, 2015.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements -Continued

(In thousands, except share and per share data)

Amortization expense associated with intangible assets during fiscal 2017, 2016 and 2015 was $322, $322 and $268, respectively and is included in selling, general and administrative expense in our consolidated statement of income. All expense arising from the amortization of intangible assets is associated with our logistical services segment. Estimated future amortization expense for intangible assets that exist at November 25, 2017 is as follows:

Fiscal 2018	$	322
Fiscal 2019		322
Fiscal 2020		322
Fiscal 2021		322
Fiscal 2022		223
Thereafter		1,450

Total	$	2,961

9. Unconsolidated Affiliated Companies

Zenith Freight Lines, LLC

Prior to February 2, 2015 we owned 49% of Zenith and accounted for our investment under the equity method. The balance of our investment in Zenith was $9,480 on the date of acquisition. See Note 3 regarding the remeasurement of this carrying value to fair value in connection with the acquisition and the resulting gain. During fiscal 2015 we recorded income representing our equity in the earnings of Zenith prior to acquisition in the amount of $220. Prior to the acquisition, we paid Zenith approximately $6,863 for freight expense and logistical services in fiscal 2015.

International Market Centers, L.P.

In connection with the sale of our interest in International Home Furnishings Center, Inc. on May 2, 2011, we acquired a minority interest in International Market Centers, L.P. (“IMC”) in exchange for $1,000. Our investment in IMC was included in other long-term assets in our consolidated balance sheet as of November 26, 2016 and was accounted for using the cost method as we did not have significant influence over IMC. During fiscal 2017 IMC was sold resulting in the redemption of our entire interest for total proceeds of $1,954 resulting in a gain of $954 which is included in gain on sale of investments in our consolidated statement of income.

Other

In 1985, we acquired a minority interest in a privately-held, start-up provider of property and casualty insurance for $325. We have accounted for this investment on the cost method and it was included in other long-term assets in our consolidated balance sheet as of November 26, 2016. During fiscal 2017 we sold our entire interest for $3,592 in cash, resulting in a gain of $3,267 which is included in gain on sale of investments in our consolidated statement of income.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements -Continued

(In thousands, except share and per share data)

10. Notes Payable and Bank Credit Facility

Our notes payable consist of the following:

	November 25, 2017
	Principal Balance			Unamortized Discount			Net Carrying Amount

Zenith acquisition note payable	$	3,000		$	(13	)	$	2,987
Real estate notes payable		747			-			747

Total debt		3,747			(13	)		3,734
Less current portion		(3,418	)		13			(3,405	)

Total long-term debt	$	329		$	-		$	329

	November 26, 2016
	Principal Balance			Unamortized Discount			Net Carrying Amount

Zenith acquisition note payable	$	6,000		$	(108	)	$	5,892
Real estate notes payable		1,219			-			1,219

Total debt		7,219			(108	)		7,111
Less current portion		(3,385	)		95			(3,290	)

Total long-term debt	$	3,834		$	(13	)	$	3,821

The future maturities of our notes payable are as follows:

Fiscal 2018	$	3,418
Fiscal 2019		329
	$	3,747

Zenith Acquisition Note Payable

As part of the consideration given for our acquisition of Zenith on February 2, 2015, we issued an unsecured note payable to the former owner in the amount of $9,000, payable in three annual installments of $3,000 due on each anniversary of the note, the first installment having been paid on February 2, 2016. Interest is payable annually at the one year LIBOR rate. The note was recorded at its fair value in connection with the acquisition resulting in a debt discount that is amortized to the principal amount through the recognition of non-cash interest expense over the term of the note. Interest expense resulting from the amortization of the discount was $95, $204 and $252 for fiscal 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively. The current portion of the note due within one year, including unamortized discount, was $2,987 and $2,904 at November 25, 2017 and November 26, 2016, respectively.

Real Estate Notes Payable

Two of our retail real estate properties have been financed through commercial mortgages with interest rates of 6.73%. These mortgages are collateralized by the respective properties with net book values totaling approximately $5,727 and $5,858 at November 25, 2017 and November 26, 2016, respectively. The total balance outstanding under these mortgages was $747 and $1,219 at November 25, 2017 and November 26, 2016, respectively. The current portion of these mortgages due within one year was $418 and $385 as of November 25, 2017 and November 26, 2016, respectively.

Fair Value

We believe that the carrying amount of our notes payable approximates fair value at both November 25, 2017 and November 26, 2016. In estimating the fair value, we utilize current market interest rates for similar instruments. The inputs into these fair value calculations reflect our market assumptions and are not observable. Consequently, the inputs are considered to be Level 3 as specified in the fair value hierarchy in ASC Topic 820, Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures. See Note 4.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements -Continued

(In thousands, except share and per share data)

Bank Credit Facility

We have $2,249 outstanding under standby letters of credit against our line, leaving availability under our credit line of $12,751. In addition, we have outstanding standby letters of credit with another bank totaling $511.

Total interest paid during fiscal 2017, 2016 and 2015 was $139, $353 and $277, respectively.

11. Post-Employment Benefit Obligations

Management Savings Plan

On May 1, 2017, our Board of Directors, upon the recommendation of the Organization, Compensation and Nominating Committee (the “Committee”), adopted the Bassett Furniture Industries, Incorporated Management Savings Plan (the “Plan”).The Plan is an unfunded, nonqualified deferred compensation plan maintained for the benefit of certain highly compensated or management level employees.

The Plan is an account-based plan under which (i) participants may defer voluntarily the payment of current compensation to future years (“participant deferrals”) and (ii) the Company may make annual awards to participants payable in future years (“Company contributions”). The Plan permits each participant to defer up to 75% of base salary and up to 100% of any incentive compensation or other bonus, which amounts would be credited to a deferral account established for the participant. Such deferrals will be fully vested at the time of the deferral. Participant deferrals will be indexed to one or more deemed investment alternatives chosen by the participant from a range of alternatives made available under the Plan. Each participant’s account will be adjusted to reflect gains and losses based on the performance of the selected investment alternatives. A participant may receive distributions from the Plan: (1) upon separation from service, in either a lump sum or annual installment payments over up to a 15 year period, as elected by the participant, (2) upon death or disability, in a lump sum, or (3) on a date or dates specified by the participant (“scheduled distributions”) with such scheduled payments made in either a lump sum or substantially equal annual installments over a period of up to five years, as elected by the participant. Participant contributions commenced during the third quarter of fiscal 2017. Company contributions will vest in full (1) on the third anniversary of the date such amounts are credited to the participant’s account, (2) the date that the participant reaches age 63 or (3) upon death or disability. Company contributions are subject to the same rules described above regarding the crediting of gains or losses from deemed investments and the timing of distributions. The Company plans to make a contribution to the Plan effective February 1, 2018. Expense associated with the planned Company contribution was $55 for the year ended November 25, 2017.

On May 2, 2017, we made Long Term Cash Awards (“LTC Awards”) totaling $2,000 under the Plan to certain management employees in the amount of $400 each. The LTC Awards vest in full on the first anniversary of the date of the award if the participant has reached age 63 by that time, or, if later, on the date the participant reaches age 63, provided in either instance that the participant is still employed by the Company at that time. If not previously vested, the awards will also vest immediately upon the death or disability of the participant prior to the participant’s separation from service. The awards will be payable in 10 equal annual installments following the participant’s death, disability or separation from service. We are accounting for the LTC Awards as a defined benefit pension plan.

During fiscal 2017, we invested $431 in life insurance policies covering all participants in the Plan. At November 25, 2017, these policies have a net death benefit of $14,998 for which the Company is the sole beneficiary. These policies are intended to provide a source of funds to meet the obligations arising from the deferred compensation and LTC Awards under the Plan, and serve as an economic hedge of the financial impact of changes in the liabilities. They are held in an irrevocable trust but are subject to claims of creditors in the event of the Company’s insolvency.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements -Continued

(In thousands, except share and per share data)

Supplemental Retirement Income Plan

We have an unfunded Supplemental Retirement Income Plan (the “Supplemental Plan”) that covers one current and certain former executives. Upon retirement, the Supplemental Plan provides for lifetime monthly payments in an amount equal to 65% of the participant’s final average compensation as defined in the Supplemental Plan, which is reduced by certain social security benefits to be received and other benefits provided by us. The Supplemental Plan also provides a death benefit that is calculated as (a) prior to retirement death, which pays the beneficiary 50% of final average annual compensation for a period of 120 months, or (b) post-retirement death, which pays the beneficiary 200% of final average compensation in a single payment. We own life insurance policies on these executives with a current net death benefit of $2,829 at November 25, 2017 and we expect to substantially fund this death benefit through the proceeds received upon the death of the executive. Funding for the remaining cash flows is expected to be provided through operations. There are no benefits payable as a result of a termination of employment for any reason other than death or retirement, other than a change of control provision which provides for the immediate vesting and payment of the retirement benefit under the Supplemental Plan in the event of an employment termination resulting from a change of control.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements -Continued

(In thousands, except share and per share data)

Aggregated summarized information for the Supplemental Plan and the LTC Awards, measured as of the end of each year presented, is as follows:

	2017			2016
Change in Benefit Obligation:
Projected benefit obligation at beginning of year	$	11,863		$	11,678
Service cost		1,117			146
Interest cost		449			423
Actuarial (gains) losses		(447	)		165
Benefits paid		(660	)		(549	)
Projected benefit obligation at end of year	$	12,322		$	11,863

Accumulated Benefit Obligation	$	11,531		$	11,138

Discount rate used to value the ending benefit obligations:		3.50	%		3.75	%

Amounts recognized in the consolidated balance sheet:
Current liabilities	$	778		$	776
Noncurrent liabilities		11,544			11,087
Total amounts recognized	$	12,322		$	11,863
Amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income:
Transition obligation	$	42		$	85
Prior service cost		858			-
Actuarial loss		3,286			4,065
Net amount recognized	$	4,186		$	4,150

Total recognized in net periodic benefit cost and accumulated other comprehensive income:	$	1,119		$	734

	2017			2016			2015

Components of Net Periodic Pension Cost:
Service cost	$	186		$	146		$	105
Interest cost		449			423			374
Amortization of transition obligation		42			42			42
Amortization of prior service cost		73			-			-
Amortization of other loss		332			323			195

Net periodic pension cost	$	1,082		$	934		$	716


Assumptions used to determine net periodic pension cost:
Discount rate		3.75	%		3.75	%		3.75	%
Increase in future compensation levels		3.00	%		3.00	%		3.00	%

Estimated Future Benefit Payments (with mortality):
Fiscal 2018							778
Fiscal 2019							735
Fiscal 2020							691
Fiscal 2021							649
Fiscal 2022							999
Fiscal 2023 through 2027							4,248

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements -Continued

(In thousands, except share and per share data)

Of the $4,186 recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income at November 25, 2017, amounts expected to be recognized as components of net periodic pension cost during fiscal 2018 are as follows:

Transition obligation	$	42
Prior service cost		126
Other loss		261

Total expected to be amortized to net periodic pension cost in 2018	$	429

The components of net periodic pension cost other than the service cost component are included in other loss, net in our consolidated statements of income.

Deferred Compensation Plan

We have an unfunded Deferred Compensation Plan that covers one current and certain former executives and provides for voluntary deferral of compensation. This plan has been frozen with no additional participants or benefits permitted. We recognized expense of $216, $228, and $248 in fiscal 2017, 2016, and 2015, respectively, associated with the plan. Our liability under this plan was $1,916 and $1,969 as of November 25, 2017 and November 26, 2016, respectively. The non-current portion of this obligation is included in post-employment benefit obligations in our consolidated balance sheets, with the current portion included in accrued compensation and benefits.

Defined Contribution Plan

We have a qualified defined contribution plan (Employee Savings/Retirement Plan) that covers substantially all employees who elect to participate and have fulfilled the necessary service requirements. Employee contributions to the Plan are matched at the rate of 25% of up to 8% of gross pay, regardless of years of service. Expense for employer matching contributions was $1,068, $865 and $662 during fiscal 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively. The increase in contribution expense for fiscal 2017 over fiscal 2016 was largely due to a larger contribution base due to increased incentive compensation. The increase in contribution expense for fiscal 2016 over fiscal 2015 was largely due to an increase in the matching rate from 20% in 2015 to 25% in 2016.

12. Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss

The activity in accumulated other comprehensive loss for the fiscal years ended November 26, 2017 and November 26, 2016, which is comprised solely of post-retirement benefit costs related to our SERP and LTC Awards, is as follows:

Balance at November 28, 2015	$	(2,678	)
Actuarial losses		(165	)
Net pension amortization reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss		366
Tax effects		(76	)
Balance at November 26, 2016		(2,553	)
Recognition of prior service cost		(932	)
Actuarial gains		448
Net pension amortization reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss		447
Tax effects		20
Balance at November 25, 2017	$	(2,570	)

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements -Continued

(In thousands, except share and per share data)

13. Capital Stock and Stock Compensation

We account for our stock-based employee and director compensation plans in accordance with ASC 718, Compensation – Stock Compensation. ASC 718 requires recognition of the cost of employee services received in exchange for an award of equity instruments in the financial statements over the period the employee is required to perform the services in exchange for the award (presumptively the vesting period) which we recognize on a straight-line basis. Compensation expense related to restricted stock and stock options included in selling, general and administrative expenses in our consolidated statements of income for fiscal 2017, 2016 and 2015 was as follows:

	2017		2016		2015

Stock based compensation expense	$	1,028	$	903	$	894

Incentive Stock Compensation Plans

In 1997, we adopted an Employee Stock Plan (the “1997 Plan”), and reserved for issuance 950,000 shares of common stock. An additional 500,000 shares of common stock were authorized for issuance in 2000. In addition, the terms of the 1997 Plan allow for the re-issuance of any stock options which have been forfeited before being exercised. Options granted under the 1997 Plan may be for such terms and exercised at such times as determined by the Organization, Compensation, and Nominating Committee of the Board of Directors. There are no shares available for grant under the 1997 Plan at November 25, 2017, and as of that date all previously outstanding awards under the 1997 Plan have been either exercised or have expired.

On April 14, 2010, our shareholders approved the Bassett Furniture Industries, Incorporated 2010 Stock Incentive Plan which was amended and restated effective January 13, 2016 (the “2010 Plan”). All present and future non-employee directors, key employees and outside consultants for the Company are eligible to receive incentive awards under the 2010 Plan. Our Organization, Compensation and Nominating Committee (the “Compensation Committee”) selects eligible key employees and outside consultants to receive awards under the 2010 Plan in its discretion. Our Board of Directors or any committee designated by the Board of Directors selects eligible non-employee directors to receive awards under the 2010 Plan in its discretion. 1,250,000 shares of common stock are reserved for issuance under the 2010 Plan as amended. Participants may receive the following types of incentive awards under the 2010 Plan: stock options, stock appreciation rights, payment shares, restricted stock, restricted stock units and performance shares. Stock options may be incentive stock options or non-qualified stock options. Stock appreciation rights may be granted in tandem with stock options or as a freestanding award. Non-employee directors and outside consultants are eligible to receive restricted stock and restricted stock units only. We expect to issue new common stock upon the exercise of options.

The fair value of each option award is estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option pricing model. The risk free rate is based on the U.S. Treasury rate for the expected life at the time of grant, volatility is based on the average long-term implied volatilities of peer companies, the expected life is based on the estimated average of the life of options using the simplified method. Forfeitures are recognized as they occur. We utilize the simplified method to determine the expected life of our options due to insufficient exercise activity during recent years as a basis from which to estimate future exercise patterns.

Stock Options

There were no new grants of options made in 2017, 2016 or 2015.

Changes in the outstanding options under our plans during the year ended November 25, 2017 were as follows:

	Number of Shares			Weighted Average Exercise Price Per Share

Outstanding at November 26, 2016		66,250		$	10.57
Granted		-			-
Exercised		(26,500	)		11.68
Forfeited/Expired		(28,000	)		10.60
Outstanding at November 25, 2017		11,750			8.02
Exercisable at November 25, 2017		11,750		$	8.02

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements -Continued

(In thousands, except share and per share data)

All remaining options outstanding at November 25, 2017 are exercisable at $8.02 per share with a remaining contractual life of 3.6 years and an aggregate intrinsic value of $366. There were no non-vested options outstanding under our plans during the year ended November 25, 2017.

Additional information regarding activity in our stock options during fiscal 2017, 2016 and 2015 is as follows:

	2017		2016		2015

Total intrinsic value of options exercised	$	564	$	124	$	5,934
Total fair value of options vested		-		-		87
Total cash received from the exercise of options		310		114		4,031
Excess tax benefits recognized as additional paid-in capital upon the exercise of options (1)		-		-		1,899
Excess tax benefits recognized in income tax expense upon the exercise of options		188		41		-

(1) Prior to the adoption of ASU 2016-09 in fiscal 2016. Subsequent to adoption, all excess tax benefits are included as a component of the provision for income taxes.

Restricted Shares

Changes in the outstanding non-vested restricted shares during the year ended November 25, 2017 were as follows:

	Number of Shares			Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Per Share

Non-vested restricted shares outstanding at November 26, 2016		123,014		$	17.99
Granted		42,538			28.70
Vested		(66,414	)		16.07
Forfeited		-			-
Non-vested restricted shares outstanding at November 25, 2017		99,138		$	23.87

Restricted share awards granted in fiscal 2017 included the grant of 36,000 shares on January 10, 2017 which were subject to a performance condition as well as a service condition. The performance condition was based on a measure of the Company’s operating cash flow for 2017 and has now been satisfied. The awards will remain subject to an additional two-year service requirement and will vest on the third anniversary of the grant. The remaining grants for 2017 consisted of 6,538 restricted shares granted to our non-employee directors on March 8, 2017 which will vest on the first anniversary of the grant.

During fiscal 2017, 66,414 restricted shares were vested and released, of which 60,600 shares had been granted to employees and 5,814 shares to directors. Of the shares released to employees, 21,210 shares were withheld by the Company to cover withholding taxes of $641. During fiscal 2016 and 2015, 2,940 shares and 4,836 shares, respectively, were withheld to cover withholding taxes of $77 and $154, respectively, arising from the vesting of restricted shares. During fiscal 2017 and 2016, excess tax benefits of $366 and $46, respectively, were recognized within income tax expense upon the release of vested shares. Prior to the adoption of ASU 2016-09, excess tax benefits of $99 were recognized during fiscal 2015 as additional paid-in capital upon the release of vested shares.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements -Continued

(In thousands, except share and per share data)

Additional information regarding our outstanding non-vested restricted shares at November 25, 2017 is as follows:

					Remaining
	Restricted		Share Value		Restriction
Grant	Shares		at Grant Date		Period
Date	Outstanding		Per Share		(Years)


July 17, 2013		12,600	$	16.64		0.6
January 14, 2015		40,000		20.21		0.1
July 14, 2015		2,000		38.02		0.6
July 12, 2016		2,000		25.88		0.6
January 10, 2017		36,000		29.05		2.1
March 8, 2017		6,538		26.77		0.3
		99,138

Unrecognized compensation cost related to these non-vested restricted shares at November 25, 2017 is $910, expected to be recognized over approximately a two year period.

Employee Stock Purchase Plan

In 2000, we adopted and implemented an Employee Stock Purchase Plan (“2000 ESPP”) that allows eligible employees to purchase a limited number of shares of our stock at 85% of market value. Under the 2000 ESPP we sold 8,502 and 19,053 shares to employees in fiscal 2016 and 2015, respectively, which resulted in an immaterial amount of compensation expense. The 2000 ESPP reached the cumulative number of shares authorized for purchase under the plan during the third quarter of fiscal 2016.

In March of 2017 we adopted and implemented the 2017 Employee Stock Purchase Plan (“2017 ESPP”) that allows eligible employees to purchase a limited number of shares of our stock at 85% of market value. Under the 2017 ESPP we sold 6,275 shares to employees during fiscal 2017 which resulted in an immaterial amount of compensation expense. There are 243,725 shares remaining available for sale under the 2017 ESPP at November 25, 2017.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements -Continued

(In thousands, except share and per share data)

14. Income Taxes

The components of the income tax provision are as follows:

	2017			2016		2015
Current:
Federal	$	7,887		$	3,728	$	7,972
State		2,035			896		1,533

Deferred:
Increase (decrease) in valuation allowance		-			-		(70	)
Federal		(200	)		4,559		1,520
State		(102	)		765		480
Total	$	9,620		$	9,948	$	11,435

A reconciliation of the statutory federal income tax rate and the effective income tax rate, as a percentage of income before income taxes, is as follows:

	2017			2016			2015
Statutory federal income tax rate		35.0	%		35.0	%		35.0	%
Change in income tax valuation allowance		-			-			(0.1	)
Change in income tax reserves		-			-			0.1
State income tax, net of federal benefit		3.9			4.2			4.4
Benefit of goodwill basis difference		-			-			(3.2	)
Excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation		(1.8	)		(0.3	)		-
Other		(2.6	)		(0.3	)		(0.3	)
Effective income tax rate		34.5	%		38.6	%		35.9	%

Excess tax benefits in the amount of $554 and $87 were recognized as a component of income tax expense during fiscal 2017 and 2016, respectively, resulting from the exercise of stock options and the release of restricted shares. Prior to the adoption of ASU 2016-09 in fiscal 2016, excess tax benefits of $1,998 were recognized as additional paid-in capital during fiscal 2015.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements -Continued

(In thousands, except share and per share data)

The income tax effects of temporary differences and carryforwards, which give rise to significant portions of the deferred income tax assets and deferred income tax liabilities, are as follows:

	November 25, 2017		November 26, 2016
Deferred income tax assets:
Trade accounts receivable	$	239	$	307
Inventories		2,606		2,407
Notes receivable		550		562
Post employment benefit obligations		5,555		5,338
State net operating loss carryforwards		583		731
Unrealized loss from affiliates		69		217
Net deferred rents		3,906		3,112
Other		1,878		2,005
Gross deferred income tax assets		15,386		14,679
Valuation allowance		-		-
Total deferred income tax assets		15,386		14,679

Deferred income tax liabilities:
Property and equipment		5,426		5,179
Intangible assets		1,185		1,012
Prepaid expenses and other		382		417

Total deferred income tax liabilities		6,993		6,608

Net deferred income tax assets	$	8,393	$	8,071

At the beginning of fiscal 2015 we carried a valuation allowance of $70 which was primarily related to state net operating loss carryforwards for which it was considered to be more likely than not that they would not be utilized prior to their expiration. During fiscal 2015 we removed the remaining valuation allowance resulting in a credit to income of $70. There was no valuation allowance at either November 25, 2017 or November 26, 2016.

We have state net operating loss carryforwards available to offset future taxable state income of $4,856, which expire in varying amounts between 2021 and 2027. Realization is dependent on generating sufficient taxable income prior to expiration of the loss carryforwards.

Income taxes paid, net of refunds received, during 2017, 2016 and 2015 were $7,516, $9,949, and $5,906, respectively.

We regularly evaluate, assess and adjust our accrued liabilities for unrecognized tax benefits in light of changing facts and circumstances, which could cause the effective tax rate to fluctuate from period to period.

The following table summarizes the activity related to our gross unrecognized tax benefits:

	2017		2016		2015
Balance, beginning of the year	$	55	$	12	$	1,236
Gross increases		46		43		12
Gross decreases due to settlements		-		-		(1,236	)

Balance, end of the year	$	101	$	55	$	12

We recognize interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits in income tax expense. During fiscal 2017, 2016, and 2015, we recognized $10, $15, and $(144) of interest expense (recovery) and $11, $10, and $3 of penalty expense, respectively, related to the unrecognized benefits noted above in our consolidated statements of income. At November 25, 2017 and November 26, 2016, the balance of accrued interest and penalties associated with unrecognized tax benefits was not material.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements -Continued

(In thousands, except share and per share data)

Significant judgment is required in evaluating the Company's federal and state tax positions and in the determination of its tax provision. Despite our belief that the liability for unrecognized tax benefits is adequate, it is often difficult to predict the final outcome or the timing of the resolution of any particular tax matter. We may adjust these liabilities as relevant circumstances evolve, such as guidance from the relevant tax authority, or resolution of issues in the courts. These adjustments are recognized as a component of income tax expense in the period in which they are identified. The Company also cannot predict when or if any other future tax payments related to these tax positions may occur.

We remain subject to examination for tax years 2014 through 2016 for all of our major tax jurisdictions. See Note 22, Subsequent Event, regarding the impact of newly enacted changes to Federal tax law.

15. Other Gains and Losses

Gain on Sale of Retail Store Location

Selling, general and administrative expenses for the year ended November 25, 2017 includes a gain of $1,220 resulting from the sale of our retail store location in Las Vegas, Nevada for $4,335 in cash. The store was closed in August of 2017 in preparation for its repositioning to a new location in the Las Vegas market.

Income from Antitrust Litigation Settlement

Cost of furniture and accessories sold for the year ended November 26, 2016 includes the benefit of $1,428 of income we received from the settlement of class action litigation. This benefit is included in our wholesale segment. We were a member of the certified class of consumers that were plaintiffs in the Polyurethane Foam Antitrust Litigation against various producers of flexible polyurethane foam. The litigation alleged a price-fixing conspiracy in the flexible polyurethane foam industry that caused indirect purchasers to pay higher prices for products that contain flexible polyurethane foam. In 2015 a settlement was reached with several of the producers, though other producers named in the suit filed appeals blocking distribution of the settlement. In June of 2016 the final producer appeal was dismissed and we received $1,428 in cash representing our share of the settlement, which is included in cash provided by operating activities in our statement of cash flows for the year ended November 26, 2016.

Asset Impairment Charges and Lease Exit Costs

During fiscal 2015 income from operations included $106 of non-cash asset impairment charges and a $419 charge for the accrual of lease exit costs, both incurred in connection with the closing of our Company-owned retail store location in Memphis, Tennessee.

There were no asset impairment charges or lease exit costs incurred against income from operations during fiscal 2017 or 2016. See Note 2 regarding non-operating impairment charges incurred in connection with our investments in retail real estate.

Management Restructuring Costs

During the year ended November 28, 2015, we recognized $449 of expense related to severance payable to a former executive, who left the Company in April, 2015. As of November 28, 2015, all required payments of severance had been disbursed. These management restructuring costs were incurred within our wholesale segment. There were no restructuring charges incurred in fiscal 2017 or 2016.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements -Continued

(In thousands, except share and per share data)

16. Income from the Continued Dumping and Subsidy Offset Act

During the years ended November 25, 2017, November 26, 2016 and November 28, 2015, we recognized income of $94, $240 and $1,156, respectively, arising from distributions received from U.S. Customs and Border Protection (“Customs”) under the Continued Dumping and Subsidy Offset Act of 2000 (“CDSOA”). These distributions primarily represent amounts previously withheld by Customs pending the resolution of claims filed by certain manufacturers who did not support the antidumping petition (“Non-Supporting Producers”) challenging certain provisions of the CDSOA and seeking to share in the distributions. The Non-Supporting Producers’ claims were dismissed by the courts and all appeals were exhausted in 2014. While it is possible that we may receive additional distributions from Customs, we cannot estimate the likelihood or amount of any future distributions.

17. Leases and Lease Guarantees

Leases

We lease land and buildings that are used in the operation of our Company-owned retail stores as well as in the operation of certain of our licensee-owned stores, and we lease land and buildings at various locations throughout the continental United States for warehousing and distribution hubs used in our logistical services segment. We also lease tractors, trailers and local delivery trucks used in our logistical services segment. Our real estate lease terms range from one to 15 years and generally have renewal options of between five and 15 years. Some store leases contain contingent rental provisions based upon sales volume. Our transportation equipment leases have terms ranging from two to seven years with fixed monthly rental payments plus variable charges based upon mileage. The following schedule shows future minimum lease payments under non-cancellable operating leases with terms in excess of one year as of November 25, 2017:

	Retail Stores		Distribution Centers		Transportation Equipment		Total

Fiscal 2018	$	22,426	$	4,127	$	2,999	$	29,552
Fiscal 2019		22,541		2,735		2,367		27,643
Fiscal 2020		21,072		1,960		2,104		25,136
Fiscal 2021		18,212		1,545		1,169		20,926
Fiscal 2022		15,424		1,520		963		17,907
Thereafter		50,743		1,776		254		52,773
Total future minimum lease payments	$	150,418	$	13,663	$	9,856	$	173,937

Lease expense was $34,372, $31,867 and $26,382 for 2017, 2016, and 2015, respectively. Lease expense for leases with escalating minimum payments over the lease term is recognized on a straight-line basis. Our liability for accrued straight-line rent expense was $4,821 and $3,708 at November 25, 2017 and November 26, 2016, respectively, and is included in other accrued liabilities in our consolidated balance sheets.

In addition to subleasing certain of these properties, we own retail real estate which we in turn lease to licensee operators of BHF stores. We also own real estate for closed stores which we lease to non-licensees. The following schedule shows minimum future rental income related to pass-through rental expense on subleased property as well as rental income on real estate owned by Bassett.

Fiscal 2018	$	1,653
Fiscal 2019		1,669
Fiscal 2020		1,616
Fiscal 2021		781
Fiscal 2022		422
Thereafter		106
Total minimum future rental income	$	6,247

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements -Continued

(In thousands, except share and per share data)

Real estate rental net loss (rental income less lease costs, depreciation, insurance, and taxes), related to licensee stores and other investment real estate, was $48, $59 and $181 in 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively, and is reflected in other loss, net in the accompanying consolidated statements of income.

Guarantees

As part of the strategy for our store program, we have guaranteed certain lease obligations of licensee operators. Lease guarantees range from one to three years. We were contingently liable under licensee lease obligation guarantees in the amount of $2,743 and $1,868 at November 25, 2017 and November 26, 2016, respectively.

In the event of default by an independent dealer under the guaranteed lease, we believe that the risk of loss is mitigated through a combination of options that include, but are not limited to, arranging for a replacement dealer, liquidating the collateral, and pursuing payment under the personal guarantees of the independent dealer. The proceeds of the above options are estimated to cover the maximum amount of our future payments under the guarantee obligations, net of reserves. The fair value of lease guarantees (an estimate of the cost to the Company to perform on these guarantees) at November 25, 2017 and November 26, 2016, were not material.

18. Contingencies

We are involved in various claims and actions which arise in the normal course of business. Although the final outcome of these matters cannot be determined, based on the facts presently known, it is our opinion that the final resolution of these matters will not have a material adverse effect on our financial position or future results of operations.

19. Earnings Per Share

The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted earnings per share:

	2017		2016		2015
Numerator:
Net income	$	18,256	$	15,829	$	20,433

Denominator:
Denominator for basic income per share - weighted average shares		10,649,225		10,732,217		10,701,829
Effect of dilutive securities		82,850		130,204		141,198
Denominator for diluted income per share — weighted average shares and assumed conversions		10,732,075		10,862,421		10,843,027

Basic income per share:
Net income per share — basic	$	1.71	$	1.47	$	1.91

Diluted income per share:
Net income per share — diluted	$	1.70	$	1.46	$	1.88

For fiscal 2017, 2016 and 2015, the following potentially dilutive shares were excluded from the computations as there effect was anti-dilutive:

		2017				2016				2015
Unvested restricted shares			-				7,814				8,354

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements -Continued

(In thousands, except share and per share data)

20. Segment Information

We have strategically aligned our business into three reportable segments as defined in ASC 280, Segment Reporting, and as described below:

●

Wholesale. The wholesale home furnishings segment is involved principally in the design, manufacture, sourcing, sale and distribution of furniture products to a network of Bassett stores (Company-owned and licensee-owned stores retail stores) and independent furniture retailers. Our wholesale segment includes our wood and upholstery operations as well as all corporate selling, general and administrative expenses, including those corporate expenses related to both Company- and licensee-owned stores. Our wholesale segment also includes our holdings of short-term investments and retail real estate previously leased as licensee stores. The earnings and costs associated with these assets are included in other loss, net, in our consolidated statements of income.

●

Retail – Company-owned stores. Our retail segment consists of Company-owned stores and includes the revenues, expenses, assets and liabilities and capital expenditures directly related to these stores.

●

Logistical services. With our acquisition of Zenith on February 2, 2015, we created the logistical services operating segment which reflects the operations of Zenith. In addition to providing shipping, delivery and warehousing services for the Company, Zenith also provides similar services to other customers, primarily in the furniture industry. Revenue from the performance of these services to other customers is included in logistics revenue in our condensed consolidated statement of income. Zenith’s operating costs are included in selling, general and administrative expenses and total $94,616 and $92,196 for the years ended November 25, 2017 and November 26, 2016, respectively, and $73,722 from the date of acquisition through November 28, 2015. Amounts charged by Zenith to the Company for logistical services prior to the date of acquisition are included in selling, general and administrative expenses, and our equity in the earnings of Zenith prior to the date of acquisition is included in other loss, net, in the accompanying statements of income.

Inter-company sales elimination represents the elimination of wholesale sales to our Company-owned stores and the elimination of Zenith logistics revenue from our wholesale and retail segments. Inter-company income elimination includes the embedded wholesale profit in the Company-owned store inventory that has not been realized. These profits will be recorded when merchandise is delivered to the retail consumer. The inter-company income elimination also includes rent paid by our retail stores occupying Company-owned real estate, and the elimination of shipping and handling charges from Zenith for services provided to our wholesale and retail operations.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements -Continued

(In thousands, except share and per share data)

The following table presents segment information for each of the last three fiscal years:

	2017			2016			2015
Net Sales
Wholesale	$	249,193		$	240,346		$	252,180
Retail		268,264			254,667			249,379
Logistical services		97,578			95,707			77,250
Inter-company eliminations:
Furniture and accessories		(119,360	)		(117,817	)		(114,154	)
Logistical services		(43,172	)		(40,865	)		(33,728	)
Consolidated	$	452,503		$	432,038		$	430,927

Income (loss) from Operations
Wholesale	$	19,121		$	18,672		$	15,618
Retail		3,490			4,333			6,170
Logistical services		2,962			3,511			3,528
Inter-company elimination		1,445			1,677			1,647
Lease exit costs		-			-			(419	)
Asset impairment charges		-			-			(106	)
Management restructuring costs		-			-			(449	)
Consolidated income from operations	$	27,018		$	28,193		$	25,989

Depreciation and Amortization
Wholesale	$	2,648		$	2,053		$	2,075
Retail		6,011			5,992			5,428
Logistical services		4,653			4,204			2,634
Consolidated	$	13,312		$	12,249		$	10,137

Capital Expenditures
Wholesale	$	4,875		$	7,232		$	4,898
Retail		8,086			5,115			7,077
Logistical services		2,539			9,154			1,999
Consolidated	$	15,500		$	21,501		$	13,974

Identifiable Assets
Wholesale	$	152,181		$	139,477		$	146,878
Retail		89,271			88,855			88,878
Logistical services		52,296			49,935			46,787
Consolidated	$	293,748		$	278,267		$	282,543

A breakdown of wholesale sales by product category for each of the last three fiscal years is provided below:

	2017			2016			2015

Wood		35	%		37	%		37	%
Upholstery		65	%		63	%		63	%
		100	%		100	%		100	%

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements -Continued

(In thousands, except share and per share data)

21. Quarterly Results of Operations

	2017
	First Quarter		Second Quarter (1)		Third Quarter (2)		Fourth Quarter (3)

Sales revenue:
Furniture and accessories	$	93,698	$	100,294	$	100,152	$	103,953
Logistics		12,194		13,831		14,109		14,272
Total sales revenue		105,892		114,125		114,261		118,225
Cost of furniture and accessories sold		41,898		44,981		45,320		45,380
Income from operations		4,664		7,600		7,260		7,494
Net income		2,861		5,842		4,579		4,974
Basic earnings per share		0.27		0.55		0.43		0.46
Diluted earnings per share		0.27		0.54		0.43		0.46

	2016
	First Quarter		Second Quarter		Third Quarter (4)		Fourth Quarter (5)

Sales revenue:
Furniture and accessories	$	92,402	$	92,990	$	91,465	$	100,339
Logistics		14,471		13,677		13,247		13,447
Total sales revenue		106,873		106,667		104,712		113,786
Cost of furniture and accessories sold		41,986		42,419		40,091		43,023
Income from operations		5,791		5,853		7,540		9,009
Net income		3,234		3,385		4,165		5,045
Basic earnings per share		0.30		0.31		0.39		0.47
Diluted earnings per share		0.30		0.31		0.38		0.47

All quarters shown above for fiscal 2017 and 2016 consist of 13 week fiscal periods.

(1)

Net income includes a gain of $2,026 from the sale of an investment, net of related income tax effects of approximately $1,241 (see Note 9), and a loss of $672, net of related income tax effects of approximately $412, resulting from the impairment of retail real estate (see Note 2).

(2)

Income from operations included a gain of $1,220 from the sale of our Las Vegas, Nevada retail store (see Note 15).

(3)

Net income includes a gain of $591 from the disposition of our interest in IMC, net of related income tax effects of approximately $363 (see Note 9), and income of $58 from the CDSOA, net of related income tax effects of approximately $36 (see Note 16).

(4)

Income from operations includes the benefit of a $1,428 award received from the settlement of class action litigation (see Note 15).

(5)

Net income includes income of $148 from the CDSOA, net of related income tax effects of approximately $92 (see Note 16).

22. Subsequent Events

Acquisition of Lane Venture

On December 21, 2017, we purchased certain operating assets and assumed certain liabilities of Lane Venture from Heritage Home Group, LLC for $15,556 in cash. Lane Venture is a manufacturer and distributor of premium outdoor furniture and will be operated as a component of our wholesale segment. A preliminary allocation of the purchase price to the net assets acquired is expected to be made during the first quarter of fiscal 2018.

Tax Cuts and Jobs Act

On December 22, 2017 the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (the “Act”) was signed into law. Among other provisions, the Act reduces the Federal statutory corporate income tax rate from 35% to 21%. This rate reduction is expected to have a significant impact on our provisions for income taxes for periods beginning after November 25, 2017, including a one-time impact resulting from the revaluation of our deferred tax assets and liabilities to reflect the new lower rate. While we have not yet determined the net amount of the revaluation, we expect that it will be a significant component of our income tax provision for the first quarter of fiscal 2018.

ITEM 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE

None.

ITEM 9A. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

As of the end of the period covered by this Annual Report on Form 10-K, our principal executive officer and principal financial officer have evaluated the effectiveness of our “disclosure controls and procedures” (“Disclosure Controls”). Disclosure Controls, as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), are procedures that are designed with the objective of ensuring that information required to be disclosed in our reports filed under the Exchange Act, such as this Annual Report, is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the Securities and Exchange Commission’s rules and forms. Disclosure Controls are also designed with the objective of ensuring that such information is accumulated and communicated to our management, including the CEO and CFO, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure. Our management, including the CEO and CFO, does not expect that our Disclosure Controls will prevent all error and all fraud. A control system, no matter how well conceived and operated, can provide only reasonable, not absolute, assurance that the objectives of the control system are met. Further, the design of a control system must reflect the fact that there are resource constraints, and the benefits of controls must be considered relative to their costs. Because of the inherent limitations in all control systems, no evaluation of controls can provide absolute assurance that all control issues and instances of fraud, if any, within the company have been detected. These inherent limitations include the realities that judgments in decision-making can be faulty, and that breakdowns can occur because of simple error or mistake. The design of any system of controls also is based in part upon certain assumptions about the likelihood of future events, and there can be no assurance that any design will succeed in achieving its stated goals under all potential future conditions.

Based upon their controls evaluation, our CEO and CFO have concluded that our Disclosure Controls are effective at a reasonable assurance level.

We are responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting in accordance with Exchange Act Rule 13a-15. With the participation of our CEO and CFO, our management conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of November 25, 2017 based on the criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. Based on this evaluation, management concluded that our internal control over financial reporting was effective as of November 25, 2017, based on those criteria. A control system, no matter how well conceived and operated, can provide only reasonable, not absolute, assurance that the objectives of the control system are met. Because of the inherent limitations in all control systems, no evaluation of controls can provide absolute assurance that all control issues and instances of fraud, if any, within the Company have been detected.

Ernst & Young LLP, the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm, has issued an attestation report on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.

Changes in internal control over financial reporting.

There have been no changes in our internal controls over financial reporting during our fourth fiscal quarter that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

The Board of Directors and Stockholders of Bassett Furniture Industries, Incorporated and Subsidiaries

We have audited Bassett Furniture Industries, Incorporated and Subsidiaries’ internal control over financial reporting as of November 25, 2017, based on criteria established in Internal Control—Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (2013 framework) (the COSO criteria). Bassett Furniture Industries, Incorporated 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, Bassett Furniture Industries, Incorporated and Subsidiaries maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of November 25, 2017, based on the COSO criteria.

We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the consolidated balance sheets of Bassett Furniture Industries, Incorporated and Subsidiaries as of November 25, 2017 and November 26, 2016, and the related consolidated statements of income, comprehensive income, stockholders' equity and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended November 25, 2017 of Bassett Furniture Industries, Incorporated and Subsidiaries and our report dated January 18, 2018 expressed an unqualified opinion thereon.

/s/ Ernst & Young LLP

Richmond, Virginia

January 18, 2018

ITEM 9B. OTHER INFORMATION

None.

PART III

ITEM 10. DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE REGISTRANT

The information to be contained in the Proxy Statement under the captions “Election of Directors,” “Board and Board Committee Information,” and “Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance” is incorporated herein by reference thereto. Please see section entitled “Executive Officers of the Registrant” in Item 4B of Part I of this report for information concerning executive officers.

The Registrant has a code of ethics that applies to all of its employees, officers and directors. The code of ethics is available on the Registrant’s website at www.bassettfurniture.com and the Registrant will post any amendments to, or waivers, from, the code of ethics on that website.

ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

The information to be contained in the Proxy Statement under the captions “Organization, Compensation and Nominating Committee Report,” “Compensation Discussion and Analysis,” “Executive Compensation,” and “Director Compensation” is incorporated herein by reference thereto.

ITEM 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS

The information to be contained in the Proxy Statement under the headings “Principal Stockholders and Holdings of Management” and “Equity Compensation Plan Information” is incorporated herein by reference thereto.

ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS

The information to be contained in the Proxy Statement under the captions “Board and Board Committee Information” and “Other Transactions” is incorporated herein by reference thereto.

ITEM 14. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTING FEES AND SERVICES

The information to be contained in the Proxy Statement under the caption “Audit and Other Fees” is incorporated herein by reference thereto.

PART IV

ITEM 15. EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES


(a)	(1)	Bassett Furniture Industries, Incorporated and Subsidiaries Audited Consolidated Financial Statements for the years ended November 25, 2017, November 26, 2016 and November 28, 2015.

	(2)	Financial Statement Schedule:

		Schedule II- Analysis of Valuation and Qualifying Accounts for the years ended November 25, 2017, November 26, 2016 and November 28, 2015

	(3)	Listing of Exhibits

		3A.	Articles of Incorporation as amended are incorporated herein by reference to Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended February 28, 1994.

		3B.	By-laws as amended to date are incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 3 to Form 8-K filed with the SEC on January 17, 2017.

		4.	Fifth Amended and Restated Credit Agreement with BB&T dated December 5, 2015 is incorporated herein by reference to Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended February 27, 2016, filed March 31, 2016. Registrant hereby agrees to furnish the SEC, upon request, other instruments defining the rights of holders of long-term debt of the Registrant.

		*10B.	Bassett Executive Deferred Compensation Plan is incorporated herein by reference to Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended November 30, 1997.

		*10C.	Bassett Supplemental Retirement Income Plan is incorporated herein by reference to Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended November 30, 1997.

		*10H.	Bassett Furniture Directors Compensation is incorporated herein by reference to Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended November 26, 2005.

		*10K.	Bassett Furniture Industries, Inc. Amended and Restated 2010 Stock Incentive Plan is incorporated herein by reference to Schedule 14A, Exhibit A, filed on February 8, 2016.

		*10L.	Form of Performance Share Award Agreement, Restricted Stock Award Agreement and Stock Option Award Agreement under the Bassett Furniture Industries, Inc. 2010 Stock Incentive Plan is incorporated herein by reference to Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended November 30, 2013.
		*10M.	Schedule of Terms for Employment Continuity Agreements with Certain Executive Officers is incorporated herein by reference to Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended March 1, 2014.
		*10N.	Restated Supplemental Retirement Income Plan, effective May 1, 2014, is incorporated herein by reference to Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended May 31, 2014.
		*10O.	Bassett Furniture Industries, Incorporated Management Savings Plan incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to Form 8-K filed with the SEC on May 5, 2017.

		*10P.	Form of Long Term Cash Award under Bassett Furniture Industries, Incorporated Management Savings Plan incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to Form 8-K filed with the SEC on May 5, 2017.

		21.	List of subsidiaries of the Registrant

		23A.	Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

		31A.	Certification of Robert H. Spilman, Jr., President and Chief Executive Officer, pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

		31B.	Certification of J. Michael Daniel, Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

		32A.	Certification of Robert H. Spilman, Jr., President and Chief Executive Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

		32B.		Certification of J. Michael Daniel, Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

		101.		The following financial statements from the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended November 25, 2017, formatted in Extensible Business Reporting Language (“XBRL”): (i) consolidated balance sheets, (ii) consolidated statements of operations, (iii) consolidated statements of cash flows, (iv) consolidated statements of stockholders’ equity, and (v) the notes to the consolidated financial statements, tagged as blocks of text.

		101.INS**		XBRL Instance

		101.SCH**		XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema

		101.CAL**		XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation

		101.DEF**		XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition

		101.LAB**		XBRL Taxonomy Extension Labels

		101.PRE**		XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation

*	Management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement of the Company.

XBRL information is furnished and not filed or a part of a registration statement or prospectus for purposes of sections 11 or 12 of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, is deemed not filed for purposes of section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and otherwise is not subject to liability under these sections.

ITEM 16. FORM 10-K SUMMARY

None

SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

BASSETT FURNITURE INDUSTRIES, INCORPORATED (Registrant)

By:

/s/ Robert H. Spilman, Jr.

Date: January 18, 2018

Robert H. Spilman, Jr.

President and Chief Executive Officer

Chairman of the Board of Directors

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.

By:	/s/ John R. Belk	Date: January 18, 2018
	John R. Belk Director

By:	/s/ Kristina K. Cashman	Date: January 18, 2018
	Kristina K. Cashman Director

By:	/s/ Paul Fulton	Date: January 18, 2018
	Paul Fulton Director, Chairman Emeritus

By:	/s/ George W. Henderson, III	Date: January 18, 2018
	George W. Henderson, III
	Director

By:	/s/ J. Walter McDowell	Date: January 18, 2018
	J. Walter McDowell Director

By:	/s/ William C. Wampler, Jr.	Date: January 18, 2018
	William C. Wampler, Jr. Director

By:	/s/ William C. Warden, Jr.	Date: January 18, 2018
	William C. Warden, Jr. Director, Lead Independent Director

By:	/s/ J. Michael Daniel	Date: January 18, 2018
	J. Michael Daniel Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer (Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)

Bassett Furniture Industries, Incorporated

Schedule II

Analysis of Valuation and Qualifying Accounts
For the Years Ended November 25, 2017, November 26, 2016 and November 28, 2015
(amounts in thousands)

	Balance Beginning of Period		Additions Charged to Cost and Expenses			Deductions (1)			Other			Balance End of Period
For the Year Ended November 28, 2015:
Reserve deducted from assets to which it applies

Allowance for doubtful accounts	$	1,249	$	(216	)	$	(67	)	$	209	(2)	$	1,175

Notes receivable valuation reserves	$	4,139	$	582		$	(75	)	$	-		$	4,646

Income tax valuation allowance	$	70	$	-		$	(70	)	$	-		$	-

For the Year Ended November 26, 2016:
Reserve deducted from assets to which it applies

Allowance for doubtful accounts	$	1,175	$	(376	)	$	-		$	-		$	799

Notes receivable valuation reserves	$	4,646	$	-		$	(3,192	)	$	-	(3)	$	1,454

Income tax valuation allowance	$	-	$	-		$	-		$	-		$	-

For the Year Ended November 25, 2017:
Reserve deducted from assets to which it applies

Allowance for doubtful accounts	$	799	$	(182	)	$	-		$	-		$	617

Notes receivable valuation reserves	$	1,454	$	-		$	-		$	-		$	1,454

Income tax valuation allowance	$	-	$	-		$	-		$	-		$	-

(1) Deductions are for the purpose for which the reserve was created.

(2) Represents reserves of acquired company at date of acquisition.

(3) During fiscal 2016, previously reserved notes were determined to be uncollectible and were written off against the reserve.