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UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

FORM 10-Q

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

For the quarterly period ended December 27, 2003

OR

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

For the transition period from ________ to ________

Commission File Number 1-15583

DELTA APPAREL, INC.

2750 Premiere Parkway, Suite 100
Duluth, Georgia 30097

(678) 775-6900

(Not Applicable)

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.  Yes  x   No o

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an accelerated filer (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).   Yes  o   No  x

As of January 30, 2004, there were outstanding 4,066,149 shares of the registrant’s common stock, par value of $0.01, which is the only class of the outstanding common or voting stock of the registrant.

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INDEX

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PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1. Financial Statements (Unaudited)

DELTA APPAREL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets
(in thousands, except shares and per share amounts)
(Unaudited)

See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

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DELTA APPAREL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income
(in thousands, except per share amounts)
(Unaudited)

See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

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DELTA APPAREL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
(in thousands)
(Unaudited)

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DELTA APPAREL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)

Note A—Basis of Presentation

The interim condensed consolidated financial statements for the three and six months ended December 27, 2003 and December 28, 2002, included herein, have been prepared in accordance with the instructions for Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X. Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and footnotes required by accounting principles generally accepted in the United States for complete financial statements. In the opinion of management, all adjustments (consisting of only normal recurring accruals) considered necessary for a fair presentation have been included. Operating results for the three and six months ended December 27, 2003 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the year ending July 3, 2004. For further information, refer to the consolidated financial statements and footnotes thereto included in the Company’s annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended June 28, 2003, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Note B—Inventories

Inventories consist of the following:

Note C—Acquisition

On October 3, 2003, Delta Apparel completed the acquisition of all of the outstanding capital stock of M. J. Soffe Co., a North Carolina corporation (the “Acquisition”). The Acquisition was consummated by means of a stock purchase transaction pursuant to which MJS Acquisition Company, a North Carolina corporation and newly-formed, wholly-owned subsidiary of Delta Apparel (“MJS”), acquired all of the outstanding capital stock of M. J. Soffe Co. from the shareholders of M. J. Soffe Co., James F. Soffe, John D. Soffe, and Anthony M. Cimaglia (collectively, the “Individuals”), pursuant to an Amended and Restated Stock Purchase Agreement (the “Stock Purchase Agreement”) dated as of October 3, 2003 by and among Delta Apparel, MJS, M. J. Soffe Co., and the Individuals. Immediately following the Acquisition, M. J. Soffe Co. was merged with and into MJS (the “Merger”), with MJS as the surviving corporation in the Merger, and MJS’s name was changed to M. J. Soffe Co.

The aggregate consideration paid to the Individuals for all of the outstanding capital stock of M. J. Soffe Co. consisted of (i) aggregate cash payments of approximately $43.5 million; and (ii) the issuance of a promissory note to the Individuals in the aggregate principal amount of $8 million (the “Shareholder Note”). Also, additional amounts are payable to the Individuals in cash during each of fiscal years 2005, 2006, and 2007 if specified financial performance targets are met by M. J. Soffe Co. during annual periods beginning on September 28, 2003 and ending on September 30, 2006 (the “Earnout Amounts”). The Earnout Amounts are capped at a maximum aggregate amount of $12 million. To the extent that the Earnout Amounts are paid, they are treated as additional costs of the acquisition. In addition, pursuant to the Stock Purchase Agreement, MJS paid approximately $8.5 million to satisfy all outstanding bank debt of M. J. Soffe Co.

M. J. Soffe Co. manufactures, markets, and sells casual and athletic apparel. It has a textile and sewing facility in Fayetteville, North Carolina, as well as two additional sewing plants, one each in Bladenboro and Rowland, North Carolina. In addition, M. J. Soffe Co. contracts approximately 30% of its sewing requirement from two 50% owned facilities in Costa Rica. M. J. Soffe Co. leases its primary distribution center in Fayetteville, North Carolina and also leases space for satellite distribution facilities in other parts of the United States.

In conjunction with the acquisition, on October 3, 2003 Delta Apparel entered into an Amended and Restated Loan and Security Agreement with Congress Financial Corporation (Southern), as lender and as agent for the financial institutions named as lenders, pursuant to which Delta’s existing line of credit (the “Delta Facility”) was increased to $40 million, which represents a $5 million increase in Delta Apparel’s predecessor credit facility.

Also on October 3, 2003, MJS entered into a Loan and Security Agreement with Congress Financial Corporation (Southern), as lender and as agent for the financial institutions named as lenders, which provides M. J. Soffe Co. with a $38.5 million line of credit (the “Soffe Facility”). Together, the Delta Facility and the Soffe Facility provide for lines of credit in an aggregate amount of $78.5 million. The Delta Facility and

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the Soffe Facility are secured by a first priority lien on all of the assets of Delta Apparel and M. J. Soffe Co. Delta Apparel is a guarantor of the Soffe Facility, and M. J. Soffe Co. is a guarantor of the Delta Facility. M. J. Soffe Co has the option to increase the Soffe Facility from $38.5 million to $41.0 million, provided that no event of default exists under the facility.

The acquisition of the M. J. Soffe Co. is an important part of Delta Apparel’s expansion strategy. The addition of the Soffe business to Delta Apparel represents an opportunity to participate in four additional distinct channels of distribution for activewear products. The Company believes the manufacturing, distribution, and marketing synergies between the companies will allow both operations to expand at a faster pace than would be possible on a stand-alone basis.

The results of M. J. Soffe Co.’s operations have been included in the consolidated financial statements since the acquisition date. The consolidated balance sheet reflects the initial purchase price allocation of the assets acquired and the liabilities assumed. The initial purchase price allocation does not result in goodwill being recorded by the Company. The Company is currently in the process of finalizing the valuations of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed and thus the initial allocation of the purchase price is subject to change. The purchase price allocation will be finalized upon refinement of certain preliminary estimates.

Note D—Pro Forma Financial Information

The pro forma financial information presented below gives effect to the M. J. Soffe Co. acquisition as if it had occurred as of the beginning of fiscal year 2004 and fiscal year 2003. Amounts are in thousands, except per share amounts. The information presented below is for illustrative purposes only and is not indicative of results that would have been achieved or results that may be achieved in the future.

Note E—Debt

The Soffe Facility contains both a subjective acceleration clause and a lockbox arrangement, whereby remittances from the customers reduce the current outstanding borrowings. Pursuant to Emerging Issues Task Force (“EITF”) 95-22, the Company is classifying borrowings under the Soffe Facility as current debt.

The Delta Facility contains a subjective acceleration clause and a “springing” lockbox arrangement [as defined in EITF 95-22], whereby remittances from the customers are forwarded to the Company’s general bank account and do not reduce the outstanding debt until and unless a specified event or an event of default occurs. Pursuant to EITF 95-22, the Company is classifying borrowings under the Delta Facility as noncurrent debt.

Note F—Income Taxes

The effective income tax rate on pretax income for the six months ended December 27, 2003 was 36.8%, compared to 38.3% for the fiscal year ended June 28, 2003.

On October 3, 2003, the Company completed its acquisition of the M. J. Soffe Co. A preliminary purchase price allocation indicates that no value will be allocated to the property, plant and equipment of M. J. Soffe for book and tax purposes. A tax loss was generated as a result of no value being allocated to the property, plant and equipment. Accordingly, the Company realized the tax loss and carried the loss back to the pre-acquisition income for the M. J. Soffe Co., resulting in an $8.3 million federal tax refund during the second fiscal quarter of fiscal year 2004, which has preliminarily been accounted for as a reduction in the purchase price.

Note G—Stock Options and Incentive Stock Awards

The Company has elected to follow Accounting Principles Board Opinion No. 25, “Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees” (“APB 25”) and related Interpretations in accounting for its employee stock options because, as discussed below, the alternative fair value accounting provided for under FASB Statement No. 123, “Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation” (“SFAS 123”), requires use of option valuation models that were not developed for use in valuing employee stock options.

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The following table illustrates the effect on net income and earnings per share as if the fair value based method had been applied to all outstanding and unvested options and awards in each period.

Note H—Purchase Contracts

The Company has entered into agreements, and has fixed prices, to purchase cotton, yarn, finished apparel products and natural gas for use in its manufacturing operations. At December 27, 2003, minimum payments under these contracts to purchase cotton, yarn, finished apparel products and natural gas with non-cancelable contract terms were $20.3 million, $1.1 million, $1.9 million and $0.3 million, respectively.

Note I—Computation of Basic and Diluted Net Earnings per Share (EPS)

Basic net earnings per share is computed by dividing net income by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period. The computation of diluted earnings per share includes the dilutive effect of stock options and non-vested stock awards granted under the Company’s Stock Option Plan and the Company’s Incentive Stock Award Plan.

The weighted average shares do not include securities that would be anti-dilutive for each of the periods presented.

Note J—Stockholders’ Equity

Stock Repurchase Program
On November 1, 2000, the Board of Directors authorized the repurchase by the Company in open market transactions of up to $3.0 million of Delta Apparel common stock (“Stock Repurchase Program”). All purchases are made at the discretion of management. On September 13, 2002, the Board of Directors authorized the repurchase by the Company in open market transactions of up to an additional $3.0 million of Delta Apparel common stock pursuant to its Stock Repurchase Program, bringing the total amount authorized to $6.0 million. During the three months ended December 27, 2003, the Company purchased 7,853 shares of Delta Apparel common stock for an aggregate of $0.1 million. Since the inception of the Stock Repurchase Program, the Company has purchased 368,057 shares of Delta Apparel common stock pursuant to the program for an aggregate of $4.2 million.

Quarterly Dividend Program
On October 20, 2003, the Board declared a cash dividend pursuant to the Company’s quarterly dividend program of six cents per share of common stock. The dividend was paid on November 17, 2003 to shareholders of record as of the close of business on November 5, 2003. On January 28, 2004, the Board declared a cash dividend of six cents per share of common stock payable February 23, 2004 to shareholders of record as of the close of business on February 11, 2004. Although the Board may terminate or amend the program at any time, the Company currently expects to continue the quarterly dividend program.

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Note K—Segment Reporting

The Company operates its business in two distinct segments: Delta and Soffe. Although the two segments are similar in their production processes and regulatory environment, they are distinct in their economic characteristics, products and distribution methods.

The Delta segment manufactures, markets and distributes unembellished knit apparel under the brands of “Delta Pro-Weight”, “Delta Magnum Weight” and “Quail Hollow.” The products are primarily sold to screen printing companies and distributors. In addition, products are manufactured under private labels for retailers, corporate industry programs and sports licensed apparel marketers.

The Soffe segment manufactures, markets and distributes embellished and unembellished knit apparel under the “Soffe” label. The products are sold through specialty sporting goods stores and department stores. In addition to these retail channels, Soffe also supplies college bookstores and produces activewear products for the U.S. Military.

The Company’s management evaluates performance and allocates resources based on profit or loss from operations before interest, income taxes and special charges (“Segment Operating Income”). Segment Operating Income as presented by Delta Apparel may not be comparable to similarly titled measures used by other companies. The accounting policies of the reportable segments are the same as those described in Note 1 to the consolidated financial statements in the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended June 28, 2003. Intercompany transfers between operating segments were not material.

Information about the Company’s operations as of and for the three months ended December 27, 2003 and December 28, 2002, by operating segment, is as follows (in thousands):

Information about the Company’s operations for the six months ended December 27, 2003 and December 28, 2002, by operating segment, is as follows (in thousands):

The following reconciles the Segment operating income to the consolidated income before income taxes for the three and six months ended December 27, 2003 and December 28, 2002.

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Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

The following discussion contains various “forward-looking statements”. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, that address activities, events or developments that the Company expects or anticipates will or may occur in the future are forward-looking statements. Examples are statements that concern future revenues, future costs, future capital expenditures, business strategy, competitive strengths, competitive weaknesses, goals, plans, references to future success or difficulties and other similar information. The words “estimate”, “project”, “forecast”, “anticipate”, “expect”, “intend”, “believe” and similar expressions, and discussions of strategy or intentions, are intended to identify forward-looking statements.

The forward-looking statements in this Quarterly Report are based on the Company’s expectations and are necessarily dependent upon assumptions, estimates and data that the Company believes are reasonable and accurate but may be incorrect, incomplete or imprecise. Forward-looking statements are also subject to a number of business risks and uncertainties, any of which could cause actual results to differ materially from those set forth in or implied by the forward-looking statements. The risks and uncertainties include, among others, changes in the retail demand for apparel products, the cost of raw materials, competitive conditions in the apparel and textile industries, the relative strength of the United States dollar as against other currencies, changes in United States trade regulations and the discovery of unknown conditions (such as with respect to environmental matters and similar items) and other risks described from time to time in the Company’s reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Accordingly, any forward-looking statements do not purport to be predictions of future events or circumstances and may not be realized.

The Company does not undertake publicly to update or revise the forward-looking statements even if it becomes clear that any projected results will not be realized.

BUSINESS OUTLOOK

Delta Apparel (which refers to the consolidated operations of the Delta business and Soffe business) achieved record sales for the quarter ended December 27, 2003, an increase in sales of 52.1% from the prior year second fiscal quarter. Although record sales were attained because of the Soffe acquisition, the Company was not pleased with its sales and earnings for the quarter ended December 27, 2003. Delta Apparel does believe, however, that during the quarter it took significant steps towards positioning itself to achieve significant sales and earnings growth in the second half of its 2004 fiscal year.

In the Delta business, the second quarter began with pricing slightly higher than in the first fiscal quarter. However, the pricing trend reversed itself in November and pricing continued to be lower than expected through December. As the marketplace lowered its prices, the Delta business chose to not participate actively in the pricing competition as it anticipated higher prices on tee shirts when its competition began passing along the higher raw material costs to its customers. Despite lower than expected pricing, the prices on most products were higher during the second fiscal quarter than during the quarter ended September 27, 2003. Sales of private label products for the quarter were below the level during the same quarter of last year due to the slow retail environment. In addition, the distributor business continued to decline and was approximately 10% of sales for the quarter. Despite these declines, the direct business continued to grow and was approximately 76% of sales, up from approximately 69% of sales in the second quarter of the prior year. The direct sales continue to be driven by new customers and a higher level of service. For the six months ended December 27, 2003, the Delta business has shipped over two thousand accounts, up approximately 77% from the prior year.

At this time the Company is encouraged with the apparel marketplace as the spring selling season begins. All major suppliers have announced price increases and these price increases appear to be holding in the marketplace. The price increases vary by product, but are in the eight to eleven percent range. While the Company is still cautious about pricing in the industry, it appears that the pricing is improving as the spring selling season nears. There can, however, be no assurance that pricing on tee shirts will remain at current levels. Any significant declines in tee shirt pricing could have a material effect on Delta Apparel’s results in the second half of fiscal year 2004.

During the second quarter, the manufacturing operations in the Delta business have made significant improvements through cost reductions and process improvement programs. The Company expects that over the long term these manufacturing improvements can add approximately six margin points to the gross profit. These improvements are expected, however, to be offset by reduced production schedules and higher raw material costs during the next two quarters. The improvements made in the manufacturing operations are expected to improve the Company’s competitiveness and lower costs in the future.

In the Soffe business, sales started the quarter weak, as the purchase was closed during the first week of the quarter. The second fiscal quarter is typically the weakest sales and earnings quarter for the Soffe business. Sales growth is expected over the next twelve months in each of the four Soffe distribution channels. The Company is encouraged about the Soffe sales during the upcoming quarter, as order backlog is up approximately ten percent over last year.

During the quarter ended December 27, 2003, the Soffe business took significant downtime in its manufacturing operation to start a process of inventory reduction. The Soffe business also stopped production in one domestic leased sewing plant. A cost reduction program was started in the Soffe textile facility and the Company expects to see the impact of these programs over the next year.

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The Company is also beginning a process of integrating the operations of the two businesses. All basic cotton tee shirts for both the Delta line and the Soffe line will be produced by the Delta manufacturing facilities. In addition, the Delta line plans to utilize the Soffe shorts and fleece production to expand its product offerings. In addition, the Company has also found cost savings in the purchase of insurance, employee benefits and manufacturing raw materials. The Company expects to have further significant cost reductions as the Delta business and the Soffe business continue to work together.

Delta Apparel’s operations reflect some seasonality, with sales during the first and fourth fiscal quarters generally being the highest and sales during the second and third fiscal quarters generally being the lowest. Therefore, the results in the quarter ended December 27, 2003 may not be reflective of the results for the other quarters within the fiscal year.

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Net sales for the second quarter of fiscal year 2004 were $45.6 million, an increase of 52.1% from net sales of $30.0 million for the second quarter of the prior year. The sales increase of $15.6 million was the result of the acquisition of M. J. Soffe Co., which accounted for $17.1 million in sales in the quarter. The lower net sales in the Delta business was primarily the result of a 3.0% decline in the average selling prices of tee shirts. Lower average selling prices were primarily the result of price promotions on the basic adult and youth short sleeve white and colored tees driven by competition in the marketplace. Net sales for the six months of fiscal year 2004 were $76.4 million, an increase of $17.5 million, or 29.8%, from net sales of $58.9 million for the first six months of the prior year. The increase in net sales was primarily the result of the acquisition of the M. J. Soffe Co. in the second fiscal quarter, partially offset by a 7.5% decline in the average selling prices of Delta tee shirts. Pricing on most Delta products was higher in the second fiscal quarter as compared to its first quarter of fiscal year 2004. Price increases have taken effect in January and although the Company expects pricing to improve in the last half of fiscal year 2004, there can be no assurance that this will occur.

Gross profit as a percentage of net sales increased to 19.5% in the second quarter of fiscal year 2004 from 17.1% in the second quarter of the prior year. The improvement in gross margin was primarily the result of the higher gross profits associated with M. J. Soffe Co., offset partially by lower gross profits in the Delta basic tee shirt business. The gross margin on basic tee shirts declined in the second fiscal quarter compared to the prior year quarter primarily due to lower average selling prices and higher raw material costs. During the quarter ended December 27, 2003, the Delta business was able to achieve an approximate 6% reduction in its converting costs through a series of process improvement programs in its manufacturing facilities. Since the inventory costs are calculated using a standard cost system, this reduction in converting costs achieved during the second fiscal quarter was capitalized in inventory at December 27, 2003. The Company expects that during the third fiscal quarter the effect of these improvements will be partially offset by higher raw material costs and the costs associated with reduced production schedules. Although the Company expects the improved converting results to continue in the future, there can be no assurance that this will occur. For the first six months of fiscal year 2004, gross profit as a percentage of net sales decreased to 17.0% from 18.9% for the first six months of the prior year. The $1.9 million decrease in gross profit was primarily the result of lower average selling prices, offset partially by the acquisition of the M. J. Soffe Co. in the second quarter of fiscal year 2004.

Selling, general and administrative expenses, including the provision for bad debts, for the second quarter of fiscal year 2004 were $8.1 million, or 17.9% of sales, an increase of $5.1 million from $3.0 million, or 10.1% of sales, in the second quarter of the prior year primarily as the result of the addition of the M. J. Soffe Co. Selling costs increased as a percentage of sales primarily as a result of the higher selling costs associated with branded apparel products. Selling, general and administrative expenses, including the provision for bad debts, for the first six months of fiscal year 2004 were $11.2 million, or 14.7% of net sales, an increase of $5.3 million from $5.9 million, or 10.0% of net sales, in the first six months of the prior year primarily as the result of the addition of the M. J. Soffe Co. in the second quarter of fiscal year 2004.

Other income for the first six months of fiscal year 2004 was $0.1 million compared with other expense of $0.1 million for the first six months of the prior year. Other income in the six months ended December 27, 2003 primarily relates to a net gain on the sale of cotton options. Other expense in the six months ended December 28, 2002 primarily relates to a net loss on the sale of cotton options. The Company owned options valued at $38 thousand on December 27, 2003.

Operating income for the second quarter of fiscal year 2004 was $0.7 million, a decrease of $1.3 million, or 64.5%, from $2.1 million for the second quarter of the prior year. Operating income for the first six months of fiscal year 2004 was $1.8 million, a decrease of $3.3 million, or 64.2%, from $5.1 million for the first six months of the prior year. The decrease in operating income was the result of the increased selling, general and administrative expenses, partially offset by an increase in gross profit.

Net interest expense for the second quarter of fiscal year 2004 was $0.9 million, an increase of $0.7 million from the second quarter of the prior year. Net interest expense for the first six months of fiscal year 2004 was $1.0 million, an increase of $0.7 million from the first six months of the prior year. The increase in interest expense resulted primarily from the increase in average debt outstanding, resulting from the M. J. Soffe acquisition.

The effective tax rate for the second quarter of fiscal year 2004 was 43.8% compared to 38.7% for the second quarter of the prior year and 38.3% for the fiscal year ended June 28, 2003. The higher effective tax rate for the second quarter of fiscal year 2004 is the result of the impact on the effective tax rate percentage of small changes in income tax benefit due to the level of pre-tax loss during the quarter.

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Net loss for the second quarter of fiscal year 2004 was $0.1 million compared to net income of $1.2 million in the prior year second fiscal quarter. Net income for the first six months of fiscal year 2004 was $0.5 million, a decrease of $2.4 million from net income of $2.9 million for the first six months of the prior year.

Accounts receivable increased $1.5 million from June 28, 2003 to $23.7 million on December 27, 2003. The increase was the result of the addition of the M. J. Soffe Co., partially offset by lower sales during the quarter ended December 27, 2003 compared to the quarter ended June 28, 2003. In addition days sales outstanding were 52 days at December 27, 2003 compared to 55 days at June 28, 2003.

Inventories at December 27, 2003 were $111.3 million, an increase of $64.1 million, compared to $47.2 million at June 28, 2003. The acquisition of M. J. Soffe Co. resulted in an increase of $54.7 million in inventory compared to June 28, 2003. The remaining increase in inventory was the result of lower than expected sales of tee shirts during the quarter and a strategy to build inventories to take advantage of lower cost raw materials that were available during the previous quarters.

Other liabilities increased $11.4 million from June 28, 2003 to $12.8 million on December 27, 2003. The increase was primarily the result of the addition of the M. J. Soffe Co. As part of the Stock Purchase Agreement, additional Earnout Amounts are payable in cash during each of fiscal years 2005, 2006, and 2007 if specified financial performance targets are met by M. J. Soffe Co. The Earnout Amounts are capped at a maximum aggregate amount of $12 million. Based on the preliminary allocation of purchase price, the Company has included in other liabilities $7.5 million related to the Earnout Amounts. The remaining increase in other liabilities primarily relates to the M. J. Soffe deferred compensation plan.

Capital expenditures in the second quarter of fiscal year 2003 were $0.6 million compared to $1.3 million in the second quarter of the prior year. Capital expenditures in the first six months of fiscal year 2004 were $1.1 million compared to $2.0 million in the first six months of the prior year. The expenditures during fiscal year 2004 primarily related to increasing capacity and lowering costs in the Company’s Edgefield, and Fayette facilities. The expenditures during fiscal year 2003 primarily related to increasing capacity and lowering costs in its Edgefield, Maiden and Fayette facilities.

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

The Company’s primary cash needs are for working capital and capital expenditures. In addition, the Company uses cash to pay dividends fund its share repurchases under its Stock Repurchase Program. The Company has financed its working capital and capital expenditure requirements through its operating profits and its credit agreements with Congress Financial Corporation (Southern).

On October 3, 2003, Delta Apparel entered into an Amended and Restated Loan and Security Agreement with Congress Financial Corporation (Southern), pursuant to which Delta Apparel’s existing line of credit (the “Delta Facility”) was increased to $40 million. Also on October 3, 2003, the MJS Acquisition Company, a newly-formed, wholly-owned subsidiary of Delta Apparel, purchased all of the outstanding stock of the M. J. Soffe Co. The M. J. Soffe Co. was merged into MJS Acquisition Company, and MJS Acquisition Company changed its name to M. J. Soffe Co. Pursuant to this transaction, MJS Acquisition Company entered into a Loan and Security Agreement with Congress Financial Corporation (Southern) which provides M. J. Soffe Co. with a $38.5 million line of credit (the “Soffe Facility”). Together, the Delta Facility and the Soffe Facility provide for lines of credit in an aggregate amount of $78.5 million. All loans under the credit agreements bear interest at rates based on an adjusted LIBOR rate plus an applicable margin or a bank’s prime rate plus an applicable margin. The Delta Facility and the Soffe Facility are secured by a first priority lien on all of the assets of Delta Apparel and M. J. Soffe Co. Delta Apparel is a guarantor of the Soffe Facility, and M. J. Soffe Co. is a guarantor of the Delta Facility. M. J. Soffe Co. has the option to increase the Soffe Facility from $38.5 million to $41.0 million, provided that no event of default exists under the facility.

The Soffe Facility contains both a subjective acceleration clause and a lockbox arrangement, whereby remittances from the customers reduce the current outstanding borrowings. Pursuant to Emerging Issues Task Force (“EITF”) 95-22, the Company is classifying borrowings under the Soffe Facility as current debt. The Delta Facility contains a subjective acceleration clause and a “springing” lockbox arrangement [as defined in EITF 95-22], whereby remittances from the customers are forwarded to the Company’s general bank account and do not reduce the outstanding debt until and unless a specified event or an event of default occurs. Pursuant to EITF 95-22, the Company is classifying borrowings under the Delta Facility as noncurrent debt.

Delta Apparel’s operating activities provided cash of $4.0 million in the first six months of fiscal year 2004 and used cash of $8.8 million in the first six months of fiscal year 2003. The cash provided in the first six months of fiscal year 2004 was primarily the result of a reduction in accounts receivable and net income plus depreciation, offset partially by increases in inventory. The cash used in the first six months of the prior year was primarily the result of increases in inventory and decreases in accrued expenses, offset partially by net income plus depreciation and a reduction in accounts receivable. In December 2003, the Company received a net $7.7 million cash refund of federal taxes, resulting from a tax loss generated as a result of no value being allocated in the purchase price allocation to the property, plant and equipment of M. J. Soffe Co.

At December 27, 2003, the Company had a $50.8 million outstanding balance under its credit facilities at an average interest rate of 3.4%.

Based on its expectations, Delta Apparel believes that its $78.5 million credit facilities should be sufficient to satisfy its foreseeable working capital needs, and that the cash flow generated by its operations and funds available under its credit facilities should be sufficient to service its

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debt payment requirements, to satisfy its day-to-day working capital needs, to fund its planned capital expenditures, to fund purchases of its stock as described below and to fund the payment of dividends as described below. Any material deterioration in Delta Apparel’s results of operations, however, may result in Delta Apparel losing its ability to borrow under its credit facilities and to issue letters of credit to suppliers or may cause the borrowing availability under the facilities to be insufficient for the Company’s needs.

Purchases by Delta Apparel of its Own Shares

During the second quarter of fiscal year 2003, the Company purchased 7,853 shares of common stock for a total cost of $0.1 million pursuant to its Stock Repurchase Program. Since the inception of the program, the Company has purchased 368,057 shares of its stock under the program for a total cost of $4.2 million. The Company has authorization from the Board of Directors to spend up to an aggregate of $6.0 million for share repurchases under the Stock Repurchase Program. All purchases are made at the discretion of management.

Dividend Program

On October 20, 2003, the Board declared a cash dividend pursuant to the Company’s quarterly dividend program of six cents per share of common stock. The dividend was paid on November 17, 2003 to shareholders of record as of the close of business on November 5, 2003. On January 28, 2004, the Board declared a cash dividend of six cents per share of common stock payable February 23, 2004 to shareholders of record as of the close of business on February 11, 2004. Although the Board may terminate or amend the program at any time, the Company currently expects to continue the quarterly dividend program.

CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES

There have been no changes in our critical accounting policies since the filing of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended June 28, 2003.

NEW ACCOUNTING STANDARDS

In January 2003, the FASB issued FASB Interpretation No. 46 (FIN 46), Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities, which addresses consolidation of variable interest entities. FIN 46 expands the criteria for consideration in determining whether a variable interest entity should be consolidated by a business entity, and requires existing unconsolidated variable interest entities (which include, but are not limited to, Special Purpose Entities, or SPEs) to be consolidated by their primary beneficiaries if the entities do not effectively disperse risks among parties involved. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of FIN 46 on its financial statements and does not believe that the adoption of FIN 46 will have a material impact on the Company’s financial statements.

ENVIRONMENTAL AND REGULATORY MATTERS

On May 27, 2002, the Company received a renewal of its National Pollution Discharge Elimination System (“NPDES”) permit from the North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Division of Water Quality (“DWQ”) for its Maiden, North Carolina textile plant. Among other things, the new permit requires the Company to reduce its effluent (waste discharge) color to specified color concentration limits. The Company believed that the DWQ exceeded its authority and acted arbitrarily in imposing the specific color concentration limitations within the new permit and, on July 23, 2002 contested the permit by filing a petition with the North Carolina Office of Administrative Hearings. The Company and the DWQ have reached a tentative settlement and have stayed the contested case. The tentative settlement provides that Delta Apparel will have one year to research and test alternative color removal technologies and thereafter must select and implement a technology. In addition, Delta Apparel must continue to monitor its color removal.

The Company does not currently have an estimate of the amount of additional annual expenses, if any, that the Company may incur in the future in order to comply with the new permit, and there can be no assurance that the cost of compliance will not be material to the financial condition of the Company.

Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk

COMMODITY RISK SENSITIVITY

The Company purchases cotton from approximately eleven established merchants with whom it has long-standing relationships. The majority of the Company’s purchases are executed using “on-call” contracts. These on-call arrangements are used to ensure that an adequate supply of cotton is available for the Company’s requirements. Under on-call contracts, the Company agrees to purchase specific quantities for delivery on specific dates, with pricing to be determined at a later time. Prices are set according to prevailing prices, as reported by the New York Cotton Exchange, at the time of the Company’s election to fix specific contracts.

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Cotton on-call with a fixed price at December 27, 2003 was valued at $20.3 million, and is scheduled for delivery between January 2004 and September 2004. At December 27, 2003, the Company had unpriced contracts for deliveries between April 2004 and September 2004. Based on the prevailing price at December 27, 2003, the value of these unpriced commitments is approximately $4.0 million. At December 27, 2003, a 10% decline in the market price of the cotton covered by Delta Apparel’s fixed price contracts would have had a negative impact of approximately $2.0 million on the value of the contracts. At June 28, 2003, cotton on-call with a fixed price was valued at $7.2 million. At June 28, 2003, a 10% decline in the market price of the cotton covered by Delta Apparel’s fixed price contracts would have had a negative impact of approximately $0.7 million. The effect of a 10% decline in the market price of cotton on Delta Apparel’s fixed price contracts would have been more December 27, 2003 than at June 27, 2003 because the value of Delta Apparel’s fixed price cotton on-call contracts was more on December 27, 2003. Daily price fluctuations are minimal, yet long-term trends in price movement can result in unfavorable pricing of cotton for Delta Apparel. The Company also purchases yarn from third party vendors. The price of yarn is primarily impacted by the price of cotton, as discussed above.

The Company uses derivatives, including cotton option contracts, to manage its exposure to movements in commodity prices. The Company did not designate its options as hedge instrument upon inception. Accordingly, changes in the fair market value are marked to market. The Company owned options valued at $38 thousand on December 27, 2003.

INTEREST RATE SENSITIVITY

Delta Apparel’s credit agreements provide that the interest rates on outstanding amounts owed shall bear interest at variable rates. If the amount of outstanding indebtedness at December 27, 2003 under the revolving credit facilities had been the amount outstanding during the entire three months ended December 27, 2003 and the interest rate on this outstanding indebtedness had been increased by 100 basis points, Delta Apparel’s interest expense would have been approximately $127,000, or 14.2%, higher during the quarter. This compares to an increase of $99,000 or 13.5% for the 2003 fiscal year, or an average of $24,750 per quarter, based on the outstanding indebtedness at June 28, 2003. The increase is due to the amount outstanding under the Company’s revolving credit facilities being higher at December 27, 2003 than at June 28, 2003 primarily as the result of the acquisition of M. J. Soffe Co. The actual increase in interest expense resulting from a change in interest rates would depend on the magnitude of the increase in rates and the average principal balance outstanding.

Item 4: Controls and Procedures

Under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, we have evaluated the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures within 90 days of the filing date of this quarterly report, and, based on their evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have concluded that these controls and procedures are effective. There were no significant changes in our internal controls or in other factors that could significantly affect these controls subsequent to the date of their evaluation.

Our disclosure controls and procedures are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by us in the reports that we file or submit under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported, within the time periods specified in the Securities and Exchange Commission’s rules and forms. Disclosure controls and procedures include, without limitation, controls and procedures designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by us in the reports that we file or submit under the Exchange Act is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

PART II. OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1. Legal Proceedings

On May 27, 2002, the Company received a renewal of its National Pollution Discharge Elimination System (“NPDES”) permit from the North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Division of Water Quality (“DWQ”) for its Maiden, North Carolina textile plant. Among other things, the new permit requires the Company to reduce its effluent (waste discharge) color to specified color concentration limits. The Company believed that the DWQ exceeded its authority and acted arbitrarily in imposing the specific color concentration limitations within the new permit and, on July 23, 2002 contested the permit by filing a petition with the North Carolina Office of Administrative Hearings. The Company and the DWQ have reached a tentative settlement and have stayed the contested case. The tentative settlement provides that Delta Apparel will have one year to research and test alternative color removal technologies and thereafter must select and implement a technology. In addition, Delta Apparel must continue to monitor its color removal.

The Company does not currently have an estimate of the amount of additional annual expenses, if any, that the Company may incur in the future in order to comply with the new permit, and there can be no assurance that the cost of compliance will not be material to the financial condition of the Company.

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Item 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders

The following summarizes the votes at the Annual Meeting of the Company’s shareholders held on November 13, 2003:

Item 6. Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K

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10.10		Collateral Assignment of Purchase Agreements dated as of October 3, 2003 by and among Delta Apparel, Inc., MJS Acquisition Company, and Congress Financial Corporation (Southern), as Agent: Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.10 to the Company’s Form 8-K filed on October 17, 2003.
10.11		Subordination Agreement dated as of October 3, 2003 by and among Delta Apparel, Inc., MJS Acquisition Company, James F. Soffe, John D. Soffe, Anthony M. Cimaglia, and Congress Financial Corporation (Southern), as Agent: Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.11 to the Company’s Form 8-K filed on October 17, 2003.
10.12		Promissory Note of MJS Acquisition Company issued to James F. Soffe, John D. Soffe, and Anthony M. Cimaglia dated as of October 3, 2003: Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.12 to the Company’s Form 8-K filed on October 17, 2003.
10.13		Security Agreement of MJS Acquisition Company in favor of James F. Soffe, John D. Soffe, and Anthony M. Cimaglia dated as of October 3, 2003: Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.13 to the Company’s Form 8-K filed on October 17, 2003.
10.14		Form of Deed of Trust, Assignment of Rents and Security Agreement of M. J. Soffe Co. in favor of James F. Soffe, John D. Soffe, and Anthony M. Cimaglia dated as of October 3, 2003: Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.14 to the Company’s Form 8-K filed on October 17, 2003.
10.15		Guaranty of Delta Apparel, Inc. in favor of James F. Soffe, John D. Soffe, and Anthony M. Cimaglia dated as of October 3, 2003: Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.15 to the Company’s Form 8-K filed on October 17, 2003.
10.16		Pledge Agreement of Delta Apparel, Inc. in favor of James F. Soffe, John D. Soffe, and Anthony M. Cimaglia dated as of October 3, 2003: Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.16 to the Company’s Form 8-K filed on October 17, 2003.
10.17		Employment and Non-Solicitation Agreement dated as of October 3, 2003 among Delta Apparel, Inc., M. J. Soffe Co., and James F. Soffe: Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.17 to the Company’s Form 8-K filed on October 17, 2003.
10.18		Employment and Non-Solicitation Agreement dated as of October 3, 2003 among Delta Apparel, Inc., M. J. Soffe Co., and John D. Soffe: Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.18 to the Company’s Form 8-K filed on October 17, 2003.
10.19		Employment and Non-Solicitation Agreement dated as of October 3, 2003 among Delta Apparel, Inc., M. J. Soffe Co., and Anthony M. Cimaglia: Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.19 to the Company’s Form 8-K filed on October 17, 2003.
10.20		Real Estate Exchange Contract dated as of October 3, 2003 between MJS Acquisition Company and Middle Road Properties, LLC: Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.20 to the Company’s Form 8-K filed on October 17, 2003.
10.21		Industrial Lease Agreement dated as of October 3, 2003 between M. J. Soffe Co. and Middle Road Properties, LLC:
		Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.21 to the Company’s Form 8-K filed on October 17, 2003.
10.22		Employment Agreement between Delta Apparel, Inc. and Herbert M. Mueller dated September 30, 2003: Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.22 to the Company’s Form 10-Q filed on November 5, 2003.
10.23		Employment Agreement between Delta Apparel, Inc. and Martha M. Watson dated September 30, 2003: Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.23 to the Company’s Form 10-Q filed on November 5, 2003.
31.1		Certification of the Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
31.2		Certification of the Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
32.1		Certification of the Chief Executive Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
32.2		Certification of the Chief Financial Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
(b)		Reports on Form 8-K.
		On October 3, 2003, the Company filed and furnished a Current Report on Form 8-K reporting information under Item 5 (Other Events) and Item 7 (Financial Statements and Exhibits).

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On October 17, 2003, the Company filed and furnished a Current Report on Form 8-K reporting information under Item 2 (Acquisition or Disposition of Assets) and Item 7 (Financial Statements, Pro Forma Financial Information and Exhibits). This Current Report on Form 8-K contained the following financial statements for M. J. Soffe Co.: Restated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2001 and December 31, 2002; Restated Statements of Income for the periods ended December 31, 2000, December 31, 2001 and December 31, 2002; Restated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity; and Restated Statements of Cash Flows for the periods ended December 31, 2000, December 31, 2001 and December 31, 2002.

On October 17, 2003, the Company furnished a Current Report on Form 8-K reporting information under Item 7 (Financial Statements and Exhibits), Item 9 (Regulation F-D Disclosure), and Item 12 (Results of Operation and Financial Condition).

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SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.

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