10-Q 1 a14-9781_110q.htm 10-Q

Table of Contents

 

 

 

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 


 

FORM 10-Q

 

(Mark One)

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

 

For the quarterly period ended May 2, 2014

 

OR

 

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

 

Commission file number 1-11735

 

99 CENTS ONLY STORES LLC

(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter)

 

California

 

95-2411605

(State or Other Jurisdiction

 

(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)

of Incorporation or Organization)

 

 

 

 

 

4000 Union Pacific Avenue,
City of Commerce, California

 

90023

(Address of Principal Executive Offices)

 

(Zip Code)

 

Registrant’s Telephone Number, Including Area Code: (323) 980-8145

 

Former Fiscal Year: Friday closest to the last day of January

(Former name, address and fiscal year, if changed since last report)

 

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 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 (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).  Yes x  No o

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):

 

Large accelerated filer o

 

Accelerated filer o

 

Non-accelerated filer x

 

Smaller reporting company o

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act).  Yes o  No x

 

Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer’s classes of common stock as of the latest practicable date.

 

As of June 9, 2014, there were 100 units outstanding of the registrant’s common units, none of which are publicly traded.

 

 

 



Table of Contents

 

99 CENTS ONLY STORES LLC

Form 10-Q

Table of Contents

 

 

 

Page

 

 

 

 

Part I - Financial Information

 

Item 1.

Financial Statements

4

 

Consolidated Balance Sheets as of May 2, 2014 (unaudited) and January 31, 2014

4

 

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income for the first quarter ended May 2, 2014 (unaudited) and April 27, 2013 (unaudited)

5

 

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the first quarter ended May 2, 2014 (unaudited) and April 27, 2013 (unaudited)

6

 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

7

Item 2.

Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

31

Item 3.

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

40

Item 4.

Controls and Procedures

41

 

Part II — Other Information

 

Item 1.

Legal Proceedings

42

Item 1A.

Risk Factors

42

Item 2.

Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

42

Item 3.

Defaults Upon Senior Securities

42

Item 4.

Mine Safety Disclosures

42

Item 5.

Other Information

42

Item 6.

Exhibits

43

 

Signatures

44

 

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Table of Contents

 

 FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION

 

This Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q (this “Report”) contains statements that constitute “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.  The words “expect,” “estimate,” “anticipate,” “predict,” “will,” “project,” “plan,” “believe” and other similar expressions and variations thereof are intended to identify forward-looking statements.  Such statements appear in a number of places in this filing and include statements regarding the intent, belief or current expectations of the Company and its directors or officers with respect to, among other things, (a) trends affecting the financial condition or results of operations of the Company, and (b) the business and growth strategies of the Company (including the Company’s store opening growth rate), that are not historical in nature.  The term the “Company” refers to 99¢ Only Stores and its consolidated subsidiaries prior to the conversion to a California limited liability company effective October 18, 2013 and to 99 Cents Only Stores LLC and its consolidated subsidiaries on or after such conversion.  Readers are cautioned not to put undue reliance on such forward-looking statements.  Such forward-looking statements are and will be based on the Company’s then-current expectations, estimates and assumptions regarding future events and are applicable only as of the date of such statements.  The Company may not realize its expectations and its estimates and assumptions may not prove correct.  In addition, such forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve risks and uncertainties, and actual results may differ materially from those projected in this Report, for the reasons, among others, discussed in the “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” and “Risk Factors” sections.  The Company undertakes no obligation to publicly revise these forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances that arise after the date hereof.  Readers should carefully review the risk factors described in other documents the Company files from time to time with the Securities and Exchange Commission or posts on the Company’s website, including the Company’s Transition Report on Form 10-K containing the Company’s most recent audited financial statements for the fiscal year ended January 31, 2014.

 

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Table of Contents

 

PART I.  FINANCIAL INFORMATION

 

Item 1. Financial Statements

 

99 CENTS ONLY STORES LLC

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(In thousands, except share data)

 

 

 

May 2,
2014

 

January 31,
2014

 

 

 

(Unaudited)

 

 

 

ASSETS

 

 

 

 

 

Current Assets:

 

 

 

 

 

Cash

 

$

34,125

 

$

34,842

 

Accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $90 and $107 at May 2, 2014 and January 31, 2014, respectively

 

1,745

 

1,793

 

Income taxes receivable

 

 

4,498

 

Deferred income taxes

 

46,953

 

46,953

 

Inventories, net

 

224,265

 

206,244

 

Assets held for sale

 

1,680

 

1,680

 

Other

 

17,056

 

18,190

 

Total current assets

 

325,824

 

314,200

 

Property and equipment, net

 

490,413

 

485,046

 

Deferred financing costs, net

 

17,758

 

18,526

 

Intangible assets, net

 

464,806

 

466,311

 

Goodwill

 

479,745

 

479,745

 

Deposits and other assets

 

7,181

 

6,406

 

Total assets

 

$

1,785,727

 

$

1,770,234

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

LIABILITIES AND MEMBER’S EQUITY

 

 

 

 

 

Current Liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

Accounts payable

 

$

76,773

 

$

71,057

 

Payroll and payroll-related

 

22,724

 

24,461

 

Sales tax

 

6,469

 

5,522

 

Other accrued expenses

 

41,351

 

36,690

 

Workers’ compensation

 

72,683

 

73,918

 

Current portion of long-term debt

 

6,138

 

6,138

 

Current portion of capital lease obligation

 

90

 

88

 

Total current liabilities

 

226,228

 

217,874

 

Long-term debt, net of current portion

 

848,033

 

849,252

 

Unfavorable lease commitments, net

 

10,830

 

11,718

 

Deferred rent

 

14,484

 

13,188

 

Deferred compensation liability

 

1,159

 

1,142

 

Capital lease obligation, net of current portion

 

174

 

197

 

Long-term deferred income taxes

 

171,624

 

171,573

 

Other liabilities

 

3,794

 

6,203

 

Total liabilities

 

1,276,326

 

1,271,147

 

Commitments and contingencies (Note 11)

 

 

 

 

 

Member’s Equity:

 

 

 

 

 

Member units — 100 units issued and outstanding at May 2, 2014 and January 31, 2014

 

547,028

 

546,365

 

Investment in Number Holdings, Inc. preferred stock

 

(19,200

)

(19,200

)

Accumulated deficit

 

(17,112

)

(26,687

)

Other comprehensive loss

 

(1,315

)

(1,391

)

Total equity

 

509,401

 

499,087

 

Total liabilities and equity

 

$

1,785,727

 

$

1,770,234

 

 

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

 

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99 CENTS ONLY STORES LLC

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

(In thousands)

(Unaudited)

 

 

 

For the First Quarter Ended

 

 

 

May 2,
2014

 

April 27,
2013

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net Sales:

 

 

 

 

 

99¢ Only Stores

 

$

465,269

 

$

432,421

 

Bargain Wholesale

 

12,628

 

12,794

 

Total sales

 

477,897

 

445,215

 

Cost of sales

 

320,771

 

308,465

 

Gross profit

 

157,126

 

136,750

 

Selling, general and administrative expenses

 

125,782

 

124,222

 

Operating income

 

31,344

 

12,528

 

Other (income) expense:

 

 

 

 

 

Interest income

 

 

(54

)

Interest expense

 

15,429

 

15,036

 

Other

 

 

4

 

Total other expense, net

 

15,429

 

14,986

 

Income (loss) before provision for income taxes

 

15,915

 

(2,458

)

Provision (benefit) for income taxes

 

6,340

 

(3,355

)

Net income

 

$

9,575

 

$

897

 

Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:

 

 

 

 

 

Unrealized losses on interest rate cash flow hedge

 

(136

)

(143

)

Less: reclassification adjustment included in net income

 

212

 

 

Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax

 

76

 

(143

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Comprehensive income

 

$

9,651

 

$

754

 

 

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

 

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99 CENTS ONLY STORES LLC

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(In thousands)

(Unaudited)

 

 

 

For the First Quarter Ended

 

 

 

May 2,
2014

 

April 27,
2013

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash flows from operating activities:

 

 

 

 

 

Net income

 

$

9,575

 

$

897

 

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:

 

 

 

 

 

Depreciation

 

12,184

 

15,031

 

Amortization of deferred financing costs and accretion of OID

 

1,083

 

1,097

 

Amortization of intangible assets

 

447

 

443

 

Amortization of favorable/unfavorable leases, net

 

175

 

124

 

(Gain) loss on disposal of fixed assets

 

(7

)

208

 

(Gain) loss on interest rate hedge

 

282

 

(127

)

Long-lived assets impairment

 

 

515

 

Deferred income taxes

 

 

(27,252

)

Stock-based compensation

 

663

 

(54

)

Changes in assets and liabilities associated with operating activities:

 

 

 

 

 

Accounts receivable

 

48

 

(162

)

Inventories

 

(18,021

)

26,882

 

Deposits and other assets

 

464

 

(8,018

)

Accounts payable

 

7,397

 

3,065

 

Accrued expenses

 

3,871

 

(1,281

)

Accrued workers’ compensation

 

(1,235

)

2,387

 

Income taxes

 

4,498

 

18,396

 

Deferred rent

 

1,296

 

528

 

Other long-term liabilities

 

(2,535

)

4,422

 

Net cash provided by operating activities

 

20,185

 

37,101

 

Cash flows from investing activities:

 

 

 

 

 

Purchases of property and equipment

 

(19,363

)

(16,274

)

Proceeds from sale of property and fixed assets

 

16

 

6

 

Net cash used in investing activities

 

(19,347

)

(16,268

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash flows from financing activities:

 

 

 

 

 

Payment of debt

 

(1,534

)

(1,309

)

Payments of capital lease obligation

 

(21

)

(20

)

Net cash used in financing activities

 

(1,555

)

(1,329

)

Net (decrease) increase in cash

 

(717

)

19,504

 

Cash - beginning of period

 

34,842

 

45,053

 

Cash - end of period

 

$

34,125

 

$

64,557

 

Supplemental cash flow information:

 

 

 

 

 

Income taxes paid

 

$

628

 

$

5,500

 

Interest paid

 

$

7,638

 

$

7,045

 

Non-cash investing activities for purchases of property and equipment

 

$

1,681

 

$

1,347

 

 

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

 

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99 CENTS ONLY STORES LLC

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

1.                                      Basis of Presentation and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

 

Nature of Business

 

The Company is organized under the laws of the State of California. Effective October 18, 2013, 99¢ Only Stores converted from a California corporation to a California limited liability company, 99 Cents Only Stores LLC, that is managed by its sole member, Number Holdings, Inc., a Delaware corporation (“Parent”).  The term “Company” refers to 99¢ Only Stores and its consolidated subsidiaries prior to the Conversion (as described in Note 1 to the Transition Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended January 31, 2014) and to 99 Cents Only Stores LLC and its consolidated subsidiaries at the time of or after the Conversion.  The Company is an extreme value retailer of consumable and general merchandise and seasonal products. As of May 2, 2014, the Company operated 346 retail stores with 246 in California, 47 in Texas, 35 in Arizona, and 18 in Nevada.  The Company is also a wholesale distributor of various products.

 

Merger

 

On January 13, 2012, the Company was acquired through a merger (the “Merger”) with a subsidiary of Number Holdings, Inc., a Delaware corporation with the Company surviving.  In connection with the Merger, the Company became a subsidiary of Parent, which is controlled by affiliates of Ares Management, L.P. (“Ares”)  and Canada Pension Plan Investment Board.  As a result of the Merger, the Company’s common stock was delisted from the New York Stock Exchange and ceased to be publicly traded.

 

Basis of Presentation

 

The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements have been prepared in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (“GAAP”).  However, certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared in conformity with GAAP have been omitted or condensed pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission.  These statements should be read in conjunction with the Company’s audited financial statements and notes thereto included in the Company’s Transition Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended January 31, 2014.  In the opinion of the Company’s management, these interim consolidated financial statements reflect all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring adjustments) necessary for a fair statement of the consolidated financial position and results of operations for each of the periods presented.  The results of operations and cash flows for such periods are not necessarily indicative of results to be expected for the full fiscal year ending January 30, 2015 (“fiscal 2015”).  (See below for discussion of the change in fiscal year end.)

 

Change in Fiscal Year

 

On December 16, 2013, the board of directors of the Company’s sole member, Parent, approved a resolution changing the end of the Company’s fiscal year. Prior to the change, the fiscal year of the Company ended on the Saturday closest to the last day of March.  The Company’s new fiscal year end is the Friday closest to the last day of January, with each successive quarterly period ending the Friday closest to the last day of April, July, October or January, as applicable.

 

Unless otherwise stated, references to years in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q relate to fiscal years rather than calendar years. The Company’s fiscal year 2015 (“fiscal 2015”) began on February 1, 2014 and will end on January 30, 2015 and will consist of 52 weeks. The Company’s fiscal year 2014 (“fiscal 2014”) began on March 31, 2013 and ended on January 31, 2014 and consisted of 44 weeks.  The first quarter ended May 2, 2014 (“the first quarter of fiscal 2015”) was comprised of 91 days.  As a result of the change in the Company’s fiscal year, the comparable interim prior year financial statements have been recast to conform to the new fiscal calendar.  The recast first quarter ended April 27, 2013 (“the first quarter of fiscal 2014”) was comprised of 91 days.

 

Change in Presentation of Financial Statements

 

In the first quarter of fiscal 2015, the Company changed the presentation of its financial statements to include receiving, distribution, warehouse costs and transportation to and from stores in its cost of sales. Previously, these costs were included in selling, general and administrative expenses.  Depreciation expense related to these costs, which was historically included in selling, general and administrative expense, is now included in cost of sales.  Also, depreciation and amortization expense included in selling, general and administrative expense will no longer be presented separately.  Reclassifications of $24.0 million from selling, general and administrative expense to cost of sales were made for the comparable first quarter of fiscal 2014 to conform to current year presentation.  This change does not change previously reported operating income or net income.

 

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This change in presentation of financial statements was made in order to be in line with the Company’s peers in the retail industry.

 

Use of Estimates

 

The preparation of the unaudited consolidated financial statements, in conformity with GAAP, requires management to make estimates and assumptions. These estimates and assumptions affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements, and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

 

Cash

 

For purposes of reporting cash flows, cash includes cash on hand, cash at the stores and cash in financial institutions.  The majority of payments due from financial institutions for the settlement of debit card and credit card transactions are processed within three business days and therefore are also classified as cash.  Cash balances held at financial institutions are generally in excess of federally insured limits.  These accounts are only insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation up to $250,000. The Company historically has not experienced any losses in such accounts.  The Company places its temporary cash investments with what it believes to be high credit, quality financial institutions. Under the Company’s cash management system, checks issued but not presented to the bank may result in book cash overdraft balances for accounting purposes.  The Company reclassifies book overdrafts to accounts payable, which are reflected as an operating activity in its unaudited consolidated statements of cash flows. Book overdrafts included in accounts payable were $17.6 million and $9.3 million as of May 2, 2014 and January 31, 2014, respectively.

 

Allowance for Doubtful Accounts

 

In connection with its wholesale business, the Company evaluates the collectability of accounts receivable based on a combination of factors.  In cases where the Company is aware of circumstances that may impair a specific customer’s ability to meet its financial obligations subsequent to the original sale, the Company will record an allowance against amounts due and thereby reduce the net recognized receivable to the amount the Company reasonably believes will be collected.  For all other customers and tenants, the Company recognizes allowances for doubtful accounts based on the length of time the receivables are past due, industry and geographic concentrations, the current business environment and the Company’s historical experiences.

 

Inventories

 

Inventories are valued at the lower of cost or market. Inventory cost is established using a methodology that approximates first in, first out, which for store inventories is based on a retail inventory method. Valuation allowances for shrinkage as well as excess and obsolete inventory are also recorded. Shrinkage is estimated as a percentage of sales for the period from the last physical inventory date to the end of the applicable period. Such estimates are based on experience and the most recent physical inventory results. Physical inventories are taken at each of the Company’s retail stores at least once a year by an outside inventory service company.  The Company performs inventory cycle counts at its warehouses throughout the year.  The Company also performs inventory reviews and analysis on a quarterly basis for both warehouse and store inventory to determine inventory valuation allowances for excess and obsolete inventory.  The valuation allowances for excess and obsolete inventory are based on the age of the inventory, sales trends and future merchandising plans.  The valuation allowances for excess and obsolete inventory in many locations (including various warehouses, store backrooms, and sales floors of its stores), require management judgment and estimates that may impact the ending inventory valuation and valuation allowances that may affect the reported gross margin for the period.

 

In the first quarter of fiscal 2014, the Company revised its inventory merchandising and liquidation philosophies to significantly reduce and liquidate slow moving inventories prospectively as directed by the then current management team.  As a result of this change, the Company recorded a charge to cost of sales and a corresponding reduction in inventory of approximately $9.1 million in the first quarter of fiscal 2014. This is a prospective change and did not have an effect on prior periods.

 

In order to obtain inventory at attractive prices, the Company takes advantage of large volume purchases, closeouts and other similar purchases.  As such, the Company’s inventory fluctuates from period to period and the inventory balances vary based on the timing and availability of such opportunities.

 

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Property and Equipment

 

Property and equipment are carried at cost and are depreciated or amortized on a straight-line basis over the following useful lives:

 

Owned buildings and improvements

 

Lesser of 30 years or the estimated useful life of the improvement

Leasehold improvements

 

Lesser of the estimated useful life of the improvement or remaining lease term

Fixtures and equipment

 

3-5 years

Transportation equipment

 

3-5 years

Information technology systems

 

For major corporate systems, estimated useful life up to 7 years; for functional stand alone systems, estimated useful life up to 5 years

 

The Company’s policy is to capitalize expenditures that materially increase asset lives and expense ordinary repairs and maintenance as incurred.

 

Long-Lived Assets

 

The Company assesses the impairment of long-lived assets quarterly or when events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value may not be recoverable.  Recoverability is measured by comparing the carrying amount of an asset to expected future net cash flows generated by the asset.  If the carrying amount of an asset exceeds its estimated undiscounted future cash flows, the carrying amount is compared to its fair value and an impairment charge is recognized to the extent of the difference.  Factors that the Company considers important that could individually or in combination trigger an impairment review include the following: (1) significant underperformance relative to expected historical or projected future operating results; (2) significant changes in the manner of the Company’s use of the acquired assets or the strategy for the Company’s overall business; and (3) significant changes in the Company’s business strategies and/or negative industry or economic trends.  On a quarterly basis, the Company assesses whether events or changes in circumstances occur that potentially indicate that the carrying value of long-lived assets may not be recoverable (Level 3 measurement, see Note 7, “Fair Value of Financial Instruments”).  Considerable management judgment is necessary to estimate projected future operating cash flows.  Accordingly, if actual results fall short of such estimates, significant future impairments could result.  During the first quarter of fiscal 2015, the Company did not record any asset impairment charges.  During the first quarter of fiscal 2014, the Company wrote down the carrying value of a held for sale property to estimated net realizable value, net of expected disposal costs, and accordingly recorded an asset impairment charge of $0.5 million.

 

Purchase Accounting

 

The Company’s assets and liabilities have been recorded at their estimated fair values as of the date of the Merger.  The aggregate purchase price was allocated to the tangible and intangible assets acquired and liabilities assumed, based upon an assessment of their relative fair value as of the date of the Merger.  These estimates of fair values, the allocation of the purchase price and other factors related to the accounting for the Merger are subject to significant judgments and the use of estimates.

 

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets

 

In connection with the Merger purchase price allocation, the fair values of long-lived and intangible assets were determined based upon assumptions related to the future cash flows, discount rates and asset lives using then available information, and in some cases were obtained from independent professional valuation experts.  The Company amortizes intangible assets over their estimated useful lives unless such lives are deemed indefinite.

 

Goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets are not amortized but instead tested annually for impairment or more frequently when events or changes in circumstances indicate that the assets might be impaired.  Goodwill is tested for impairment by comparing the carrying amount of the reporting unit to the fair value of the reporting unit to which the goodwill is assigned.  The Company has the option of performing a qualitative assessment before calculating the fair value of the reporting unit (i.e., step one of the goodwill impairment test). If the Company does not perform a qualitative assessment, or determines, on the basis of qualitative factors, that the fair value of the reporting unit is more likely than not less than the carrying amount, the two-step impairment test would be required. The first step is to compare the fair value of the reporting unit with its carrying amount, including goodwill. If the fair value of the reporting unit exceeds its carrying amount, goodwill is considered not impaired; otherwise, goodwill is impaired and the loss is measured by performing step two. Under step two, the impairment loss is measured by comparing the implied fair value of the reporting unit’s goodwill with the carrying amount of goodwill. Management has determined that the Company has two reporting units, the wholesale reporting unit and the retail reporting unit.

 

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The Company performs the annual test for impairment in the fourth quarter of the fiscal year and determines fair value based on a combination of the income approach and the market approach. The income approach is based on discounted cash flows to determine fair value. The market approach uses a selection of comparable companies and transactions in determining fair value. The fair value of the trade name is also tested for impairment in the fourth quarter by comparing the carrying value to the fair value. Fair value of a trade name is determined using a relief from royalty method under the income approach, which uses projected revenue allocable to the trade name and an assumed royalty rate (Level 3 measurement, see Note 7, “Fair Value of Financial Instruments”).

 

Amortizable intangible assets are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset or asset group may not be recoverable based on undiscounted cash flows, and, if impaired, written down to fair value based on either discounted cash flows or appraised values.  Significant judgment is required in determining whether a potential indicator of impairment of long-lived assets exists and in estimating future cash flows used in the impairment tests (Level 3 measurement, see Note 7, “Fair Value of Financial Instruments”).

 

During each of the first quarter of fiscal 2015 and 2014, the Company did not record any impairment charges related to goodwill or other intangible assets.

 

Derivatives

 

The Company accounts for derivative financial instruments in accordance with authoritative guidance for derivative instrument and hedging activities.  All financial instrument positions taken by the Company are intended to be used to manage risks associated with interest rate exposures.

 

The Company’s derivative financial instruments are recorded on the balance sheet at fair value, and are recorded in either current or noncurrent assets or liabilities based on their maturity.  Changes in the fair values of derivatives are recorded in net earnings or other comprehensive income (“OCI”), based on whether the instrument is designated and effective as a hedge transaction and, if so, the type of hedge transaction.  Gains or losses on derivative instruments reported in accumulated other comprehensive income (“AOCI”) are reclassified to earnings in the period the hedged item affects earnings.  Any ineffectiveness is recognized in earnings in the period incurred.

 

Income Taxes

 

The Company uses the liability method of accounting for income taxes.  Under the liability method, deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized using enacted tax rates for the effect of temporary differences between the book and tax bases of recorded assets and liabilities.  Deferred tax assets are reduced by a valuation allowance if it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the net deferred tax assets will not be realized. The Company’s ability to realize deferred tax assets is assessed throughout the year and a valuation allowance is established accordingly.  The Company recognizes the impact of a tax position only if it is more likely than not to be sustained upon examination based on the technical merits of the position. The Company recognizes potential interest and penalties related to uncertain tax positions in income tax expense.

 

Stock-Based Compensation

 

The Company accounts for stock-based payment awards based on their fair value.  The value of the portion of the award that is ultimately expected to vest is recognized as an expense ratably over the requisite service periods.  For awards classified as equity, the Company estimates the fair value for each option award as of the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option pricing model or other appropriate valuation models.  The Black-Scholes model considers, among other factors, the expected life of the award and the expected volatility of the stock price.  Stock options are generally granted to employees at exercise prices equal to the fair market value of the stock at the dates of grant.  Former executive put rights were classified as equity awards and revalued using a binomial model at each reporting period with changes in the fair value recognized as stock-based compensation expense.  The fair value of the options granted to the Company’s Chief Executive Officer that will vest based on the Company’s and Parent’s achievement of certain performance hurdles were valued using a Monte Carlo simulation method.  Refer to Note 8, “Stock-Based Compensation Plans” for further discussion of stock-based compensation.

 

Revenue Recognition

 

The Company recognizes retail sales in its retail stores at the time the customer takes possession of merchandise. All sales are net of discounts and returns and exclude sales tax.  Wholesale sales are recognized in accordance with the shipping terms agreed upon on the purchase order. Wholesale sales are typically recognized free on board origin, where title and risk of loss pass to the buyer when the merchandise leaves the Company’s distribution facility.

 

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The Company has a gift card program.  The Company does not charge administrative fees on gift cards and the Company’s gift cards do not have expiration dates.  The Company records the sale of gift cards as a current liability and recognizes a sale when a customer redeems a gift card.  The liability for outstanding gift cards is recorded in accrued expenses.  The Company has not recorded any breakage income related to its gift card program.

 

Cost of Sales

 

Cost of sales includes the cost of inventory, freight in, obsolescence, spoilage, scrap and inventory shrinkage, and is net of discounts and allowances.  Cost of sales also includes receiving, warehouse costs and distribution costs (payroll and associated costs, occupancy, transportation to and from stores and depreciation expense). Cash discounts for satisfying early payment terms are recognized when payment is made, and allowances and rebates based upon milestone achievements such as reaching a certain volume of purchases of a vendor’s products are included as a reduction of cost of sales when such contractual milestones are reached.  In addition, the Company analyzes its inventory levels and the related cash discounts received to arrive at a value for cash discounts to be included in the inventory balance.

 

Selling, General and Administrative Expenses

 

Selling, general and administrative expenses include the costs of selling merchandise in stores (payroll and associated costs, occupancy and other store-level costs)  and corporate costs (payroll and associated costs, occupancy, advertising, professional fees and other corporate administrative costs). Selling, general and administrative expenses also include depreciation and amortization expense relating to these costs.

 

Leases

 

The Company follows the policy of capitalizing allowable expenditures that relate to the acquisition and signing of its retail store leases.  These costs are amortized on a straight-line basis over the applicable lease term.

 

The Company recognizes rent expense for operating leases on a straight-line basis (including the effect of reduced or free rent and rent escalations) over the applicable lease term.  The difference between the cash paid to the landlord and the amount recognized as rent expense on a straight-line basis is included in deferred rent.  Cash reimbursements received from landlords for leasehold improvements and other cash payments received from landlords as lease incentives are recorded as deferred rent.  Deferred rent related to landlord incentives is amortized as an offset to rent expense using the straight-line method over the applicable lease term.

 

For store closures where a lease obligation still exists, the Company records the estimated future liability associated with the rental obligation on the cease use date (when the store is closed).  Liabilities are established at the cease use date for the present value of any remaining operating lease obligations, net of estimated sublease income, and at the communication date for severance and other exit costs. Key assumptions in calculating the liability include the timeframe expected to terminate lease agreements, estimates related to the sublease potential of closed locations, and estimates of other related exit costs. If actual timing and potential termination costs or realization of sublease income differ from the Company’s estimates, the resulting liabilities could vary from recorded amounts. These liabilities are reviewed periodically and adjusted when necessary.

 

Self-Insured Workers’ Compensation Liability

 

The Company self-insures for workers’ compensation claims in California and Texas.  The Company establishes a liability for losses from both estimated known and incurred but not reported insurance claims based on reported claims and actuarial valuations of estimated future costs of known and incurred but not yet reported claims.  Should an amount of claims greater than anticipated occur, the liability recorded may not be sufficient and additional workers’ compensation costs, which may be significant, could be incurred. The Company has not discounted the projected future cash outlays for the time value of money for claims and claim-related costs when establishing its workers’ compensation liability in its financial reports for May 2, 2014 and January 31, 2014.

 

Self-Insured Health Insurance Liability

 

The Company self-insures for a portion of its employee medical benefit claims.  The liability for the self-funded portion of the Company health insurance program is determined actuarially, based on claims filed and an estimate of claims incurred but not yet reported.  The Company maintains stop loss insurance coverage to limit its exposure for the self-funded portion of its health insurance program.

 

Pre-Opening Costs

 

The Company expenses, as incurred, pre-opening costs such as payroll, rent and marketing related to the opening of new retail stores.

 

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Advertising

 

The Company expenses advertising costs as incurred. Advertising expenses were $0.5 million and $1.3 million for the first quarter of fiscal 2015 and 2014, respectively.

 

Fair Value of Financial Instruments

 

The Company’s financial instruments consist principally of cash, accounts receivable, interest rate derivatives, accounts payable, accruals, debt, and other liabilities.  Cash and interest rate derivatives are measured and recorded at fair value.  Accounts receivable and other receivables are financial assets with carrying values that approximate fair value.  Accounts payable and other accrued expenses are financial liabilities with carrying values that approximate fair value.  Refer to Note 7, “Fair Value of Financial Instruments” for further discussion of the fair value of debt.

 

The Company uses the authoritative guidance for fair value, which includes the definition of fair value, the framework for measuring fair value, and disclosures about fair value measurements.  Fair value is an exit price, representing the amount that would be received from the sale of an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants.  Fair value measurements reflect the assumptions market participants would use in pricing an asset or liability based on the best information available. Assumptions include the risks inherent in a particular valuation technique (such as a pricing model) and/or the risks inherent in the inputs to the model.

 

Comprehensive Income

 

OCI includes unrealized gains or losses on interest rate derivatives designated as cash flow hedges.

 

2.                                      Goodwill and Other Intangibles

 

The following tables set forth the value of the goodwill and other intangible assets and liabilities, and unfavorable leases, respectively (in thousands):

 

 

 

May 2, 2014

 

January 31, 2014

 

 

 

Remaining
Amortization
Life
(Years)

 

Gross
Carrying
Amount

 

Accumulated
Amortization

 

Net
Carrying
Amount

 

Remaining
Amortization
Life
(Years)

 

Gross
Carrying
Amount

 

Accumulated
Amortization

 

Net
Carrying
Amount

 

Indefinite lived intangible assets:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Goodwill

 

 

 

$

479,745

 

$

 

$

479,745

 

 

 

$

479,745

 

$

 

$

479,745

 

Trade name

 

 

 

410,000

 

 

410,000

 

 

 

410,000

 

 

410,000

 

Total indefinite lived intangible assets

 

 

 

$

889,745

 

$

 

$

889,745

 

 

 

$

889,745

 

$

 

$

889,745

 

Finite lived intangible assets:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Trademarks

 

18

 

$

2,000

 

$

(231

)

$

1,769

 

18

 

$

2,000

 

$

(206

)

$

1,794

 

Bargain Wholesale customer relationships

 

10

 

20,000

 

(3,846

)

16,154

 

10

 

20,000

 

(3,429

)

16,571

 

Favorable leases

 

1 to 15

 

46,723

 

(9,840

)

36,883

 

1 to 15

 

46,723

 

(8,777

)

37,946

 

Total finite lived intangible assets

 

 

 

68,723

 

(13,917

)

54,806

 

 

 

68,723

 

(12,412

)

56,311

 

Total goodwill and other intangible assets

 

 

 

$

958,468

 

$

(13,917

)

$

944,551

 

 

 

$

958,468

 

$

(12,412

)

$

946,056

 

 

 

 

May 2, 2014

 

January 31, 2014

 

 

 

Remaining
Amortization
Life
(Years)

 

Gross
Carrying
Amount

 

Accumulated
Amortization

 

Net
Carrying
Amount

 

Remaining
Amortization
Life
(Years)

 

Gross
Carrying
Amount

 

Accumulated
Amortization

 

Net
Carrying
Amount

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Unfavorable leases

 

1 to 16

 

$

19,835

 

$

(9,005

)

$

10,830

 

1 to 16

 

$

19,835

 

$

(8,117

)

$

11,718

 

 

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3.                                      Property and Equipment, net

 

The following table provides details of property and equipment (in thousands):

 

 

 

May 2,
2014

 

January 31,
2014

 

Land

 

$

160,446

 

$

160,446

 

Buildings

 

90,466

 

90,466

 

Buildings improvements

 

68,066

 

66,911

 

Leasehold improvements

 

140,858

 

138,392

 

Fixtures and equipment

 

100,584

 

93,840

 

Transportation equipment

 

11,836

 

11,469

 

Construction in progress

 

47,078

 

42,053

 

Total property and equipment

 

619,334

 

603,577

 

Less: accumulated depreciation and amortization

 

(128,921

)

(118,531

)

Property and equipment, net

 

$

490,413

 

$

485,046

 

 

4.                                      Comprehensive Income

 

The following table sets forth the calculation of comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax effects (in thousands):

 

 

 

For the First Quarter Ended

 

 

 

May 2,
2014

 

April 27,
2013

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income

 

$

9,575

 

$

897

 

Unrealized losses on interest rate cash flow hedge, net of tax effects of $ (91) and $(95) for the first quarter of fiscal 2015 and 2014, respectively

 

(136

)

(143

)

Reclassification adjustment, net of tax effects of $142 and $0 for the first quarter of fiscal 2015 and 2014, respectively

 

212

 

 

Total unrealized gains (losses), net

 

76

 

(143

)

Total comprehensive income

 

$

9,651

 

$

754

 

 

Amounts in accumulated other comprehensive loss as of May 2, 2014 and January 31, 2014 consisted of unrealized losses on interest rate cash flow hedges. Reclassifications out of AOCI in the first quarter of fiscal 2015 are presented in Note 6.

 

5.                                      Debt

 

Short and long-term debt consists of the following (in thousands):

 

 

 

May 2,
2014

 

January 31,
2014

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

ABL Facility agreement, maturing January 13, 2017, with available borrowing up to $175,000, interest due quarterly, with unpaid principal and accrued interest due January 13, 2017

 

$

 

$

 

First Lien Term Loan Facility agreement, maturing on January 13, 2019, payable in quarterly installments of $1,535, plus interest through December 31, 2019, with unpaid principal and accrued interest due January 13, 2019, net of unamortized OID of $6,571 and $6,886 as of May 2, 2014 and January 31, 2014, respectively

 

604,171

 

605,390

 

Senior Notes (unsecured) maturing December 15, 2019, unpaid principal and accrued interest due on December 15, 2019

 

250,000

 

250,000

 

Total long-term debt

 

854,171

 

855,390

 

Less: current portion of long-term debt

 

6,138

 

6,138

 

Long-term debt, net of current portion

 

$

848,033

 

$

849,252

 

 

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As of May 2, 2014 and January 31, 2014, the net deferred financing costs are as follows (in thousands):

 

Deferred financing costs 

 

May 2,
2014

 

January 31,
2014

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

ABL Facility

 

$

1,658

 

$

1,812

 

First Lien Term Loan Facility

 

6,745

 

7,069

 

Senior Notes

 

9,355

 

9,645

 

Total deferred financing costs, net

 

$

17,758

 

$

18,526

 

 

On January 13, 2012, in connection with the Merger, the Company obtained Credit Facilities (as defined below) provided by a syndicate of lenders arranged by Royal Bank of Canada as administrative agent, as well as other agents and lenders that are parties to these Credit Facilities.  The Credit Facilities initially included (a) $175 million in commitments under the first lien based revolving credit facility (as amended, “ABL Facility”), and (b) $525 million in aggregate principal amount under the first lien term loan facility (as amended, “First Lien Term Loan Facility” and together with the ABL Facility, the “Credit Facilities”).

 

First Lien Term Loan Facility

 

The First Lien Term Loan Facility initially provided for $525 million of borrowings (which could be increased by up to $150.0 million in certain circumstances).  All obligations under the First Lien Term Loan Facility are guaranteed by Parent and the Company’s direct or indirect 100% owned subsidiaries (collectively, the “Credit Facilities Guarantors”), except for immaterial subsidiaries.  In addition, the First Lien Term Loan Facility is secured by pledges of certain of the Company’s equity interests and the equity interests of the Credit Facilities Guarantors.

 

The Company was required to make scheduled quarterly payments each equal to 0.25% of the original principal amount of the term loan (approximately $1.3 million), with the balance due on the maturity date, January 13, 2019.  Borrowings under the First Lien Term Loan Facility bore interest at an annual rate equal to an applicable margin plus, at the Company’s option, (A) a base rate (the “Base Rate”) determined by reference to the highest of (a) the interest rate in effect determined by the administrative agent as “Prime Rate” (3.25% as of May 2, 2014), (b) the federal funds effective rate plus 0.50% and (c) an adjusted Eurocurrency rate for one month (determined by reference to the greater of the Eurocurrency rate for the interest period multiplied by the Statutory Reserve Rate or 1.50% per annum) plus 1.00%, or (B) an Adjusted Eurocurrency Rate.

 

On April 4, 2012, the Company amended the terms of the existing seven-year $525 million First Lien Term Loan Facility, and incurred refinancing costs of $11.2 million. The amendment, among other things, decreased the applicable margin from the London Interbank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”) plus 5.50% (or Base Rate plus 4.50%) to LIBOR plus 4.00% (or Base Rate plus 3.00%) and decreased the LIBOR floor from 1.50% to 1.25%.  The maximum capital expenditures covenant in the First Lien Term Loan Facility was also amended to permit an additional $5 million in capital expenditures each year throughout the term of the First Lien Term Loan Facility.

 

The Company determined that a portion of the refinancing transaction should be accounted for as debt extinguishment. In the first quarter of fiscal 2013 ended June 30, 2012, in accordance with applicable guidance for debt modification and extinguishment, the Company recognized a $16.3 million loss on debt extinguishment related to a portion of the unamortized debt issuance costs, unamortized original issue discount (“OID”) and refinancing costs incurred in connection with the amendment for the portion of the First Lien Term Loan Facility that was extinguished.  The Company recorded $0.3 million as deferred debt issuance costs and $5.9 million as OID in connection with the amendment.

 

On October 8, 2013, the Company completed a repricing of its First Lien Term Loan Facility, borrowed $100 million of incremental term loans and amended certain other provisions thereof.  The amendment decreased the interest rate applicable to the term loans from LIBOR plus 4.00% (or Base Rate plus 3.00%) to LIBOR plus 3.50% (or Base Rate plus 2.50%) and decreased the LIBOR floor from 1.25% to 1.00%.  Under the amendment, the incremental term loans have the same interest rate as the other term loans. The Company will continue to be required to make scheduled quarterly payments each equal to 0.25% of the amended principal amount of the term loan (approximately $1.5 million).  The maturity date of January 13, 2019 of the First Lien Term Loan Facility was not affected by the amendment.

 

The Company determined that a portion of the repricing transaction should be accounted for as debt extinguishment. In the third quarter of fiscal 2014, in accordance with applicable guidance for debt modification and extinguishment, the Company recognized a loss on debt extinguishment of approximately $4.4 million related to a portion of the unamortized debt issuance costs, unamortized OID and repricing costs incurred in connection with the amendment for the portion of the First Lien Term Loan Facility that was extinguished.  The Company recorded $1.6 million as deferred debt issuance costs in connection with the amendment.

 

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Table of Contents

 

In addition, the amendment to the First Lien Term Loan Facility (a) amended certain restricted payment provisions to permit the Gold-Schiffer Purchase (see Note 9 for more information on the Gold-Schiffer Purchase), (b) removed the maximum capital expenditures covenant, c) modified the existing provision restricting the Company’s ability to make dividend and other payments so that from and after March 31, 2013 the permitted payment amount represents the sum of (i) a calculation based on 50% of Consolidated Net Income (as defined in the First Lien Term Loan Facility agreement), if positive, or a deficit of 100% of Consolidated Net Income, if negative, and (ii) $20 million, and (d) permitted proceeds of any sale leasebacks of any assets acquired after January 13, 2012, to be reinvested in the Company’s business without restriction.

 

As of May 2, 2014, the interest rate charged on the First Lien Term Loan Facility was 4.50% (1.00% Eurocurrency rate, plus the Eurocurrency loan margin of 3.50%).  As of May 2, 2014, the amount outstanding under the First Lien Term Loan Facility was $604.2 million.

 

Following the end of each fiscal year, the Company is required to prepay the First Lien Term Loan Facility in an amount equal to 50% of Excess Cash Flow (as defined in the First Lien Term Loan Facility agreement and with stepdowns to 25% and 0% based on achievement of specified total leverage ratios), minus the amount of certain voluntary prepayments of the First Lien Term Loan Facility and/or the ABL Facility during such fiscal year. The Excess Cash Flow required payment for fiscal 2013 was $3.3 million and was made in July 2013. There was no Excess Cash Flow payment required for fiscal 2014.

 

The First Lien Term Loan Facility includes restrictions on the Company’s ability and the ability of Parent, 99 Cents Texas and certain future subsidiaries of the Company to incur or guarantee additional indebtedness, pay dividends on, or redeem or repurchase the Company’s capital stock, make certain acquisitions or investments, materially change the Company’s business, incur or permit to exist certain liens, enter into transactions with affiliates or sell its assets to and make capital expenditures or merge or consolidate with or into, another company.  As of May 2, 2014, the Company was in compliance with the terms of the First Lien Term Loan Facility.

 

During the first quarter of fiscal 2013, the Company entered into an interest rate swap agreement to limit the variability of cash flows associated with interest payments on the First Lien Term Loan Facility that result from fluctuations in the LIBOR rate.  The swap limits the Company’s interest exposure on a notional value of $261.8 million to 1.36% plus an applicable margin of 3.50%.  The term of the swap is from November 29, 2013 through May 31, 2016.  The fair value of the swap on the trade date was zero as the Company neither paid nor received any value to enter into the swap, which was entered into at market rates.  The fair value of the swap at May 2, 2014 was a liability of $2.7 million.  See Note 6, “Derivative Financial Instruments” for more information on the Company’s interest rate swap agreement.

 

ABL Facility

 

The ABL Facility provides for up to $175.0 million of borrowings (which may be increased by up to $50.0 million in certain circumstances), subject to certain borrowing base limitations.  All obligations under the ABL Facility are guaranteed by Parent and the other Credit Facilities Guarantors.  The ABL Facility is secured by substantially all of the Company’s assets and the assets of the Credit Facilities Guarantors.

 

Borrowings under the ABL Facility bear interest for an initial period until June 30, 2012 at an applicable margin plus, at the Company’s option, a fluctuating rate equal to (A) the highest of (a) Federal Funds Rate plus 0.50%, (b) rate of interest in effect determined by the administrative agent as “Prime Rate” (3.25% at the date of the Merger), and (c) Adjusted Eurocurrency Rate (determined to be the LIBOR rate multiplied by the Statutory Reserve Rate) for an interest period of one (1) month plus 1.00% or (B) the Adjusted Eurocurrency Rate.  The interest rate charged on borrowings under the ABL Facility from the date of the Merger until June 30, 2012 was 4.25% (the base rate (Prime Rate at 3.25%) plus the applicable margin of 1.00%).  Thereafter, borrowings under the ABL Facility will have variable pricing and will be based, at the Company’s option, on (a) LIBOR plus an applicable margin to be determined (1.75% as of May 2, 2014) or (b) the determined base rate (Prime Rate) plus an applicable margin to be determined (0.75% at May 2, 2014), in each case based on a pricing grid depending on average daily excess availability for the most recently ended quarter.

 

In addition to paying interest on outstanding principal under the Credit Facilities, the Company was required to pay a commitment fee to the lenders under the ABL Facility on unused commitments at a rate of 0.375% for the period from the date of the Merger until June 30, 2012.  Thereafter, the commitment fee will be adjusted at the beginning of each quarter based upon the average historical excess availability of the prior quarter (0.50% for the quarter ended May 2, 2014).  The Company must also pay customary letter of credit fees and agency fees.

 

As of May 2, 2014 and January 31, 2014, the Company had no outstanding borrowings under the ABL Facility, outstanding letters of credit were $1.0 million, and availability under the ABL Facility subject to the borrowing base, was $150.3 million as of May 2, 2014.

 

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Table of Contents

 

The ABL Facility includes restrictions on the Company’s ability, and the ability of the Parent and certain of the Company’s subsidiaries to, incur or guarantee additional indebtedness, pay dividends on, or redeem or repurchase, its capital stock, make certain acquisitions or investments, materially change its business, incur or permit to exist certain liens, enter into transactions with affiliates or sell our assets to, make capital expenditures or merge or consolidate with or into, another company.  The ABL Facility was amended on April 4, 2012 to permit an additional $5 million in capital expenditures for each year during the term of the ABL Facility.  The ABL Facility was further amended on October 8, 2013 to a) remove the maximum capital expenditures covenant and (b) modify the provision restricting the Company’s ability to make dividend and other payments.  Such payments are subject to achievement of (i) Excess Availability (as defined in the ABL Facility agreement) that is at least the greater of (A) 15% of Maximum Credit (as defined in the ABL Facility agreement) and (B) $20 million and (ii) (A) a ratio of EBITDA (as defined in the ABL Facility) to fixed charges of at least 1.0x or (B) Excess Availability that is at least the greater of 25% of Maximum Credit (as defined in the ABL Facility) and $40 million.

 

As of May 2, 2014, the Company was in compliance with the terms of the ABL Facility.

 

Senior Notes

 

On December 29, 2011, the Company issued $250 million aggregate principal amount of 11% Senior Notes that mature on December 15, 2019 (the “Senior Notes”).  The Senior Notes are guaranteed by the subsidiaries (the “Senior Notes Guarantors”) that guarantee the Credit Facilities.

 

In connection with the issuance of the Senior Notes, the Company entered into a registration rights agreement that required the Company to file an exchange offer registration statement, enabling holders to exchange the Senior Notes for registered notes with terms identical in all material respects to the terms of the Senior Notes, except the registered notes would be freely tradable.  The exchange offer was closed on November 7, 2012.

 

Pursuant to the terms of the indenture governing the Senior Notes (the “Indenture”), the Company may redeem all or a part of the Senior Notes at certain redemption prices applicable based on the date of redemption.

 

The Senior Notes are (i) equal in right of payment with all of the Company’s and the Senior Notes Guarantor’s existing and future senior indebtedness; (ii) effectively junior to the Company’s and the Senior Notes Guarantor’s existing and future secured indebtedness, to the extent of the value of the interest of the holders of that secured indebtedness in the assets securing such indebtedness; (iii) unconditionally guaranteed on a senior unsecured unsubordinated basis by the Senior Notes Guarantor; and (iv) junior to the indebtedness or other liabilities of the Company’s subsidiaries that are not guarantors. The Company is not required to make any mandatory redemptions or sinking fund payments, and may at any time or from time to time purchase notes in the open market.

 

The Indenture contains covenants that, among other things, limit the Company’s ability and the ability of certain of its subsidiaries to incur or guarantee additional indebtedness, create or incur certain liens, pay dividends or make other restricted payments, incur restrictions on the payment of dividends or other distributions from its restricted subsidiaries, make certain investments, transfer or sell assets, engage in transactions with affiliates, or merge or consolidate with other companies or transfer all or substantially all of its assets.

 

As of May 2, 2014 the Company was in compliance with the terms of the Indenture.

 

The significant components of interest expense are as follows (in thousands):

 

 

 

For the First Quarter Ended

 

 

 

May 2,
2014

 

April 27,
2013

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

First lien term loan facility

 

$

7,242

 

$

6,761

 

ABL facility

 

224

 

221

 

Senior notes

 

6,875

 

6,951

 

Amortization of deferred financing costs and OID

 

1,083

 

1,096

 

Other interest expense

 

5

 

7

 

Interest expense

 

$

15,429

 

$

15,036

 

 

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Table of Contents

 

6.                                      Derivative Financial Instruments

 

The Company entered into derivative instruments for risk management purposes and uses these derivatives to manage exposure to fluctuation in interest rates.

 

Interest Rate Swap

 

In May 2012, the Company entered into a floating-to-fixed interest rate swap agreement for an initial aggregate notional amount of $261.8 million to limit exposure to interest rate increases related to a portion of the Company’s floating rate indebtedness once the Company’s interest rate cap agreement expires.  The swap agreement, effective November 2013, hedges a portion of contractual floating rate interest commitments through the expiration of the agreements in May 2016.  As a result of the agreement, the Company’s effective fixed interest rate on the notional amount of floating rate indebtedness will be 1.36% plus an applicable margin of 3.50%.

 

The Company designated the interest rate swap agreement as a cash flow hedge.  The interest rate swap agreement is highly correlated to the changes in interest rates to which the Company is exposed.  Unrealized gains and losses on the interest rate swap are designated as effective or ineffective.  The effective portion of such gains or losses is recorded as a component of AOCI or loss, while the ineffective portion of such gains or losses is recorded as a component of interest expense. Future realized gains and losses in connection with each required interest payment will be reclassified from AOCI or loss to interest expense.

 

Fair Value

 

The fair value of the interest rate swap agreement is estimated using industry standard valuation models using market-based observable inputs, including interest rate curves (Level 2, as defined in Note 7).

 

A summary of the recorded amounts included in the consolidated balance sheets is as follows (in thousands):

 

 

 

May 2,
2014

 

January 31,
2014

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Derivatives designated as cash flow hedging instruments

 

 

 

 

 

Interest rate swap (included in other current liabilities)

 

$

1,612

 

$

1,607

 

Interest rate swap (included in other liabilities)

 

$

1,093

 

$

1,346

 

Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax (included in member’s equity)

 

$

1,315

 

$

1,391

 

 

A summary of recorded amounts included in the unaudited consolidated statements of comprehensive income (loss) is as follows (in thousands):

 

 

 

For the First Quarter Ended

 

 

 

May 2,
2014

 

April 27,
2013

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Derivatives designated as cash flow hedging instruments:

 

 

 

 

 

Loss related to effective portion of derivative recognized in OCI

 

$

136

 

$

143

 

Loss related to effective portion of derivatives reclassified from AOCI to interest expense

 

$

212

 

$

 

Gain related to ineffective portion of derivative recognized in interest expense

 

$

(72

)

$

(130

)

 

7.                                      Fair Value of Financial Instruments

 

The Company complies with authoritative guidance for fair value measurement and disclosures which establish a fair value hierarchy that prioritizes the inputs to valuation techniques used to measure fair value. The hierarchy gives the highest priority to unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities (Level 1 measurements) and the lowest priority to unobservable inputs (Level 3 measurements). The three levels of the fair value hierarchy are described below:

 

Level 1: Defined as observable inputs such as quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.

 

Level 2: Defined as observable inputs other than Level 1 prices.  These include quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in an active market, quoted prices for identical assets and liabilities in markets that are not active, or other inputs that are observable or can be corroborated by observable market data for substantially the full term of the assets or liabilities.

 

Level 3: Defined as unobservable inputs in which little or no market data exists, therefore requiring an entity to develop its own assumptions.

 

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The Company uses the best available information in measuring fair value.  The following table summarizes, by level within the fair value hierarchy, the financial assets and liabilities recorded at fair value on a recurring basis (in thousands):

 

 

 

May 2, 2014

 

 

 

Total

 

Level 1

 

Level 2

 

Level 3

 

ASSETS

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other assets — assets that fund deferred compensation

 

$

1,159

 

$

1,159

 

$

 

$

 

LIABILITES

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other current liabilities — interest rate swap

 

$

1,612

 

$

 

$

1,612

 

$

 

Other long-term liabilities — interest rate swap

 

$

1,093

 

$

 

$

1,093

 

$

 

Other long-term liabilities — deferred compensation

 

$

1,159

 

$

1,159

 

$

 

$

 

 

Level 1 measurements include $1.2 million of deferred compensation assets that fund the liabilities related to the Company’s deferred compensation, including investments in trust funds.  The fair values of these funds are based on quoted market prices in an active market.

 

Level 2 measurements include interest rate swap agreement estimated using industry standard valuation models using market-based observable inputs, including interest rate curves.

 

There were no Level 3 assets or liabilities as of May 2, 2014.

 

The Company did not have any transfers in and out of Levels 1 and 2 during the first quarter of fiscal 2015.

 

The following table summarizes, by level within the fair value hierarchy, the financial assets and liabilities recorded at fair value on a recurring basis as of January 31, 2014 (in thousands):

 

 

 

January 31, 2014

 

 

 

Total

 

Level 1

 

Level 2

 

Level 3

 

ASSETS

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other assets — assets that fund deferred compensation

 

$

1,142

 

$

1,142

 

$

 

$

 

LIABILITES

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other current liabilities — interest rate swap

 

$

1,607

 

$

 

$

1,607

 

$

 

Other long-term liabilities — interest rate swap

 

$

1,346

 

$

 

$

1,346

 

$

 

Other long-term liabilities — deferred compensation

 

$

1,142

 

$

1,142

 

$

 

$

 

 

Level 1 measurements include $1.1 million of deferred compensation assets that fund the liabilities related to the Company’s deferred compensation, including investments in trust funds.  The fair values of these funds are based on quoted market prices in an active market.

 

Level 2 measurements include interest rate swap agreement estimated using industry standard valuation models using market-based observable inputs, including interest rate curves.

 

There were no Level 3 assets or liabilities as of January 31, 2014.

 

The outstanding debt under the Credit Facilities and the Senior Notes is recorded in the financial statements at historical cost, net of applicable unamortized discounts.

 

The Credit Facilities are tied directly to market rates and fluctuate as market rates change; as a result, the carrying value of the Credit Facilities approximates fair value as of May 2, 2014 and January 31, 2014.

 

The fair value of the Senior Notes was estimated at $282.5 million, or $32.5 million greater than the carrying value, as of May 2, 2014, based on quoted market prices of the debt (Level 1 inputs). The fair value of the Senior Notes was estimated at $282.5 million, or $32.5 million greater than the carrying value, as of January 31, 2014, based on quoted market prices of the debt (Level 1 inputs).

 

See Note 5, “Debt” for more information on the Company’s debt.

 

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8.                                      Stock-Based Compensation

 

Number Holdings, Inc. 2012 Equity Incentive Plan

 

On February 27, 2012, the board of directors of Parent adopted the Number Holdings, Inc. 2012 Stock Incentive Plan (the “2012 Plan”), which authorizes equity awards to be granted for up to 74,603 shares of Class A Common Stock of Parent and 74,603 shares of Class B Common Stock, of Parent. On September 27, 2013, the 2012 Plan was amended to increase the aggregate number of shares available under the 2012 Plan to 85,000 shares.  As of May 2, 2014, options for 41,790 shares of each of Class A Common Stock and Class B Common Stock were issued to certain members of management and directors.  Options upon vesting may be exercised only for units consisting of an equal number of Class A Common Stock and Class B Common Stock.  Class B Common Stock has de minimis economic rights and the right to vote solely for election of directors.

 

Employee Option Grants

 

Options granted to employees generally become exercisable over a five year service period and have terms of ten years from date of the grant.

 

Under the standard form of option award agreement for the 2012 Plan, Parent has a right to repurchase from the participant all or a portion of (i) Class A and Class B Common Stock of Parent issued upon the exercise of the options awarded to a participant and (ii) fully vested but unexercised options.  The repurchase price for the shares of Class A and Class B Common Stock of Parent is the fair market value of such shares as of the date of such termination, and, for the fully vested but unexercised options, the repurchase price is the difference between the fair market value of the Class A and Class B Common Stock of Parent as of the date of termination of employment and the exercise price of the option.  However, upon (i) a termination of employment for cause, (ii) a voluntary resignation without good reason, or (iii) upon discovery that the participant engaged in detrimental activity, the repurchase price is the lesser of the exercise price paid by the participant to exercise the option or the fair market value of the Class A and Class B Common Stock of Parent.  If Parent elects to exercise its repurchase right for any shares acquired pursuant to the exercise of an option, it must do so no later than 180 days after the date of participant’s termination of employment, or (ii) for any unexercised option no later than 90 days from the latest date that such option can be exercised.  The options also contain transfer restrictions that lapse upon registration of an offering of Parent common stock under the Securities Act of 1933(“liquidity event”).

 

The Company defers recognition of substantially all of the stock-based compensation expense related to these stock options. The nature of repurchase rights and transfer restrictions create a performance condition that is not considered probable of being achieved until a liquidity event or certain employment termination events. These options are accounted for as equity-based awards. The fair value of these stock options was estimated at the date of grant using the Black-Scholes pricing model. There were 19,535 of employee options outstanding as of May 2, 2014.

 

Executive and Director Option Grants

 

Options granted to certain executives and board members generally become exercisable over a five year service period and have terms of ten years from date of the grant.  Options granted to these executives and board members do not contain repurchase rights that would allow the Parent to repurchase these options at less than fair value. The Company recognizes stock-based compensation expense for these option grants over the service period. These options are accounted for as equity awards. The fair value of these stock options was estimated at the date of grant using the Black-Scholes pricing model.

 

Chief Executive Officer Equity Awards

 

On October 9, 2013, in connection with Stéphane Gonthier’s employment as President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company and Parent, the Compensation Committee of Parent’s Board of Directors granted to Mr. Gonthier stock options to purchase an aggregate of 21,505 shares of each of the Class A and Class B Common Stock.  Subject to the continued employment of Mr. Gonthier, (a) 75% of the options will vest according to a timetable of 30% on the first anniversary of the grant date, 20% on the second anniversary of the grant date and 25% on each of the third and fourth anniversaries of the grant date and (b) 25% of these options will vest subject to the Company’s and Parent’s achievement of performance hurdles.  These options are subject to the terms of the 2012 Plan and the award agreement under which they were granted.

 

The Company records stock-based compensation for the time-based options in accordance with the four year vesting period.  The Company has deferred recognition of performance-based options until it is probable that that the performance hurdles will be achieved. The time-based and performance-based options are accounted for as equity awards. The fair value of these time-based options was estimated at the date of grant using the Black-Scholes pricing model. The fair value performance-based options was estimated at the date of grant using a Monte Carlo simulation method.

 

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Table of Contents

 

Accounting for stock-based compensation

 

Determining the fair value of options at the grant date requires judgment, including estimating the expected term that stock options will be outstanding prior to exercise and the associated volatility.  At the grant date, the Company estimates an amount of forfeitures that will occur prior to vesting.  During the first quarter of fiscal 2015, the Company recorded stock-based compensation expense of $0.7 million. During the first quarter of fiscal 2014, the Company recorded negative stock-based compensation expense of $(0.1) million.

 

The risk-free interest rate is based on the U.S. treasury yield curve in effect at the time of grant with an equivalent remaining term.  Expected life represents the estimated period of time until exercise and is calculated by using “simplified method.”  Expected stock price volatility is based on average historical volatility of stock prices of companies in a peer group analysis.  The Company currently does not anticipate the payment of any cash dividends.  Compensation expense is recognized only for those options expected to vest, with forfeitures estimated based on the Company’s historical experience and future expectations.  The Company did not grant any stock options during the first quarter of fiscal 2015.

 

The fair value of performance-based options granted to Mr. Gonthier in October 2013 was estimated at the date of grant using a Monte Carlo simulation method.  Key assumptions used include those described above for determining the fair value of options with service-based conditions only and in addition the simulation utilizes a range of possible future stock values to construct a distribution of where future stock prices might be. The simulations and resulting distributions will give a statistically acceptable range of future stock prices. The Company also  has to assume a time horizon to when the performance conditions of the options will be met.

 

As of May 2, 2014, there were $14.6 million of total unrecognized compensation costs related to non-vested options and options subject to repurchase rights for which no compensation has been recorded.

 

The following summarizes stock option activity in the first quarter of fiscal 2015:

 

 

 

Number of
Shares

 

Weighted Average
Exercise Price

 

Weighted Average
Remaining
Contractual Life
(Years)

 

Options outstanding at the beginning of the period

 

42,910

 

$

1,000

 

 

 

Granted

 

 

$

 

 

 

Exercised

 

 

$

 

 

 

Cancelled

 

(1,120

)

$

1,059

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Outstanding at the end of the period

 

41,790

 

$

1,120

 

8.30

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Exercisable at the end of the period

 

6,178

 

$

1,000

 

8.00

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Exercisable and expected to vest at the end of the period

 

37,211

 

$

1,104

 

8.80

 

 

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The following table summarizes the stock awards available for grant under the 2012 Plan as of May 2, 2014:

 

 

 

Number of Shares

 

Available for grant as of January 31, 2014

 

42,090

 

Authorized

 

 

Granted

 

 

Cancelled

 

1,120

 

Available for grant at May 2, 2014

 

43,210

 

 

9.                                      Related-Party

 

Parent Stock Purchase Agreements

 

In April 2014, in connection with Mr. Anicetti’s service as Interim Chief Executive Officer of the Company and Parent, Parent entered into a Stock Purchase Agreement with From One to Many Leadership Consulting, LLC.  From One to Many Leadership Consulting, LLC is wholly owned by, and employs, Mr. Anicetti.  Pursuant to the terms of this agreement, Mr. Anicetti purchased an aggregate 354 shares of Class A Common Stock of Parent and 354 shares of Class B Common Stock of Parent for an aggregate purchase price of approximately $0.5 million.

 

In April 2014, in connection with Mr. Fung’s service as Interim Executive Vice President and Chief Administrative Officer of the Company and Parent, Parent entered into a Stock Purchase Agreement with Mr. Fung.  Pursuant to the terms of this agreement, Mr. Fung purchased an aggregate 310 shares of Class A Common Stock of Parent and 310 shares of Class B Common Stock of Parent for an aggregate purchase price of approximately $0.4 million.

 

Credit Facility

 

In connection with the Merger, the Company entered into the First Lien Term Loan Facility, under which various funds affiliated with Ares are lenders. As of May 2, 2014 and January 31, 2014 these affiliates held approximately $3.4 million of term loans under the First Lien Term Loan Facility. The terms of the term loans are the same as those held by unaffiliated third party lenders under the First Lien Term Loan Facility.

 

10.                               Income Taxes

 

The effective income tax rate for the first quarter of fiscal 2015 was a charge rate of 39.8% compared to a benefit rate of 136.5% for the first quarter of fiscal 2014.  The change in the effective tax rate is due to an increase in pre-tax income during the first quarter of fiscal 2015 and release of valuation allowance on the Texas margin tax credit carry-forward in the first quarter of fiscal 2014.

 

The Company’s policy is to recognize interest and penalties related to uncertain tax positions as a component of income tax expense. As of May 2, 2014, the Company has not accrued any interest and penalties related to uncertain tax positions.

 

The Company files income tax returns in the U.S. federal jurisdiction and in various states.  The Company is subject to examinations by the major tax jurisdictions in which it files for the tax years 2009 forward.  The federal tax return for the period ended March 27, 2010 was examined by the Internal Revenue Service resulting in no changes to the reported tax.  Currently, the federal tax return for the period January 14, 2012 to March 31, 2012 is under examination by the Internal Revenue Service.

 

11.                               Commitments and Contingencies

 

Credit Facilities

 

The Credit Facilities and commitments are discussed in detail in Note 5.

 

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Table of Contents

 

Workers’ Compensation

 

The Company self-insures its workers’ compensation claims in California and Texas and provides for losses of estimated known and incurred but not reported insurance claims.  The Company does not discount the projected future cash outlays for the time value of money for claims and claim related costs when establishing its workers’ compensation liability.

 

As of May 2, 2014 and January 31, 2014, the Company had recorded a liability $72.6 million and $73.8 million, respectively, for estimated workers’ compensation claims in California.  The Company has limited self-insurance exposure in Texas and had recorded a liability of $0.1 million and less than $0.1 million, respectively, as of May 2, 2014 and January 31, 2014 for workers’ compensation claims in Texas.  The Company purchases workers’ compensation insurance coverage in Arizona and Nevada and is not self-insured in those states.

 

Self-Insured Health Insurance Liability

 

The Company self-insures for a portion of its employee medical benefit claims.  As of May 2, 2014 and January 31, 2014, the Company had recorded a liability of $0.6 million for estimated health insurance claims.  The Company maintains stop loss insurance coverage to limit its exposure for the self-funded portion of its health insurance program.

 

Legal Matters

 

Wage and Hour Matters

 

Shelley Pickett v. 99¢ Only Stores.  Plaintiff, a former cashier for the Company, filed a representative action complaint against the Company on November 4, 2011 in the Superior Court of the State of California, County of Los Angeles alleging a PAGA claim that the Company violated section 14 of Wage Order 7-2001 by failing to provide seats for its cashiers behind checkout counters. The plaintiff seeks civil penalties of $100 to $200 per violation, per each pay period for each affected employee, and attorney’s fees.  The court denied the Company’s motion to compel arbitration of Pickett’s individual claims or, in the alternative, to strike the representative action allegations in the Complaint, and the Court of Appeals affirmed the trial court’s ruling.  The Company’s petition for review of the decision in the California Supreme Court was denied on January 15, 2014, and remittitur issued on January 27, 2014.  On June 27, 2013, the plaintiff entered into a settlement agreement and release with the Company in another matter.  Payment has been made to the plaintiff under that agreement and the other action has been dismissed.  The Company’s position is that the release the plaintiff executed in that matter waives the claims she asserts in this action, waives her right to proceed on a class or representative basis or as a private attorney general and requires her to dismiss this action with prejudice as to her individual claims.  The Company notified the plaintiff of its position by a letter dated as of July 30, 2013, but she has yet to dismiss the lawsuit.  On February 11, 2014, the Company answered the complaint, denying all material allegations, and filed a cross-complaint against Pickett seeking to enforce her agreement to dismiss this action.  Through the cross-complaint, the Company seeks declaratory relief, specific performance and damages.  Pickett has answered the cross-complaint, asserting a general denial of all material allegations and various affirmative defenses.  On March 12, 2014, in an unrelated matter involving similar claims against a different employer, the California Supreme Court agreed to rule on several questions that will provide guidance to lower courts as to California’s employee seating requirement, which is a largely untested area of law.  Accordingly, on May 20, 2014, the parties stipulated to stay this matter pending the final resolution of the California Supreme Court proceeding, with the exception of the Company’s motion for judgment on the pleadings on the Cross-Complaint and Ms. Pickett’s motion for leave to substitute in a new representative plaintiff.  Both motions are scheduled to be heard on September 30, 2014.  The Company cannot predict the outcome of this lawsuit or the amount of potential loss, if any, that it could face as a result of such lawsuit.

 

Sofia Wilton Barriga v. 99¢ Only Stores.  Plaintiff, a former store associate, filed an action against the Company on August 5, 2013, in the Superior Court of the State of California, County of Riverside alleging on behalf of plaintiff and all others allegedly similarly situated under the California Labor Code that the Company failed to pay wages for all hours worked, provide meal periods, pay wages timely upon termination, and provide accurate wage statements.  The plaintiff also asserted a derivative claim for unfair competition under the California Business and Professions Code.  The plaintiff seeks to represent a class of all non-exempt employees who were employed in California in the Company’s retail stores who worked the graveyard shift at any time from January 1, 2012, through the date of trial or settlement.  Although the class period as originally pled would extend back to August 5, 2009, the parties have agreed that any class period would run beginning January 1, 2012, because of the preclusive effect of a judgment in a previous matter.  The plaintiff seeks to recover alleged unpaid wages, statutory penalties, interest, attorney’s fees and costs, and restitution.  On September 23, 2013, the Company filed an answer denying all material allegations.  A case management conference was held on October 4, 2013, at which the court ordered that discovery may proceed as to class certification issues only and set a further status conference for August 5, 2014.  Discovery has commenced and is ongoing.  The Company cannot predict the outcome of this lawsuit or the amount of potential loss, if any, that it could face as a result of such lawsuit.

 

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Table of Contents

 

District Attorney Investigation

 

In August 2013, the Company received a pre-litigation subpoena from the San Joaquin County and Alameda County District Attorney offices.  This subpoena arises out of an investigation of the Company’s hazardous materials, hazardous substances and hazardous waste practices at its California retail stores and distribution centers that is being conducted jointly by the District Attorney of San Joaquin County along with other environmental prosecutorial offices in the state of California (the “Prosecutors”).  This investigation arises out of the Notices to Comply (“Notices”) received by the Company for certain of its stores and distribution centers.

 

The Notices alleged non-compliance with hazardous waste, hazardous substances and hazardous material regulatory requirements imposed under California law identified during compliance inspections and required corrective actions to be taken by certain dates set forth in the Notices.  The Company believes that it properly implemented the corrective actions required by the Notices; however, it now faces additional demands to improve its hazardous waste and hazardous material compliance programs.  The Company is cooperating with the Prosecutors in their investigation and is working with them to implement revisions to such programs.

 

The Prosecutors can also seek civil penalties and investigation costs for the alleged instances of past non-compliance, even after corrective action is taken.  No penalties or costs have been demanded and the Company cannot predict the amount of penalties that may be sought.

 

Other Matters

 

The Company is also subject to other private lawsuits, administrative proceedings and claims that arise in its ordinary course of business.  A number of these lawsuits, proceedings and claims may exist at any given time.  While the resolution of such a lawsuit, proceeding or claim may have an impact on the Company’s financial results for the period in which it is resolved, and litigation is inherently unpredictable, in management’s opinion, none of these matters arising in the ordinary course of business is expected to have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial position, results of operations or overall liquidity.

 

12.                               Assets Held for Sale

 

Assets held for sale as of May 2, 2014 consisted of the vacant land in Rancho Mirage, California with a carrying value of $1.7 million.

 

13.                               Other Accrued Expenses

 

Other accrued expenses as of May 2, 2014 and January 31, 2014 are as follows (in thousands):

 

 

 

May 2,
2014

 

January 31,
2014

 

Accrued interest

 

$

15,146

 

$

8,322

 

Accrued occupancy costs

 

6,996

 

7,500

 

Accrued legal reserves and fees

 

6,243

 

7,472

 

Accrued professional fees, outside services and advertising

 

3,268

 

3,853

 

Other

 

9,698

 

9,543

 

Total other accrued expenses

 

$

41,351

 

$

36,690

 

 

14.                               New Authoritative Standards

 

In April 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2014-08 (“ASU 2014-08”) “Presentation of Financial Statements (Topic 205) and Property, Plant and Equipment (Topic 360): Reporting Discontinued Operations and Disclosures of Disposals of Components of an Entity.  The update changes the requirements for reporting discontinued operations.  Under ASU 2014-08, a disposal of a component of an entity or a group of components of an entity is required to be reported in discontinued operations if the disposal represents a strategic shift that has or will have a major effect on an entity’s operations and financial results.  ASU 2014-08 is effective for all disposals or classifications as held for sale of components of an entity that occur within fiscal beginning after December 15, 2014, and early adoption is permitted.  We expect to adopt this standard at the beginning of our fiscal 2016.  Management does not expect the adoption of these changes to have a material impact on the Consolidated Financial Statement.

 

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Table of Contents

 

In July 2013, the FASB issued ASU 2013-11, “Presentation of an Unrecognized Tax Benefit When a Net Operating Loss Carryforward, a Similar Tax Loss, or a Tax Credit Carryforward Exists” (“ASU 2013-11”), which is effective for fiscal years and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2013.  ASU 2013-11 provides guidance regarding the presentation of an unrecognized tax benefit when a net operating loss carryforward, a similar loss or a tax credit carryforward exists.  Under certain circumstances, unrecognized tax benefits should be presented in the financial statements as a reduction to a deferred tax asset for a net operating loss carryforward, a similar tax loss or tax credit carryforward.  The Company adopted ASU 2013-11 in the first quarter of fiscal 2015.  There is no material impact on the Company or its consolidated financial statements.

 

15.                               Financial Guarantees

 

On December 29, 2011, the Company issued $250 million principal amount of the Senior Notes.  The Senior Notes are irrevocably and unconditionally guaranteed, jointly and severally, by each of the Company’s existing and future restricted subsidiaries that are guarantors under the Credit Facilities and certain other indebtedness.

 

As of May 2, 2014, the Senior Notes are fully and unconditionally guaranteed by the Company’s 100% owned subsidiaries (the “Subsidiary Guarantors”), except for immaterial subsidiaries.  As of January 31, 2014, the Senior Notes are fully and unconditionally guaranteed by the Company’s 100% owned subsidiary, 99 Cents Only Stores Texas, Inc. (the “Subsidiary Guarantor”).

 

The tables in the following pages present the condensed consolidating financial information for the Company and the Subsidiary Guarantors together with consolidating entries, as of and for the periods indicated.  The subsidiary that is not a Subsidiary Guarantor is minor.  The condensed consolidating financial information may not necessarily be indicative of the financial position, results of operations or cash flows had the Company, and the Subsidiary Guarantors operated as independent entities.

 

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Table of Contents

 

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING BALANCE SHEETS

As of May 2, 2014

(In thousands)

(Unaudited)

 

 

 

Issuer

 

Subsidiary 
Guarantors

 

Consolidating 
Adjustments

 

Consolidated

 

ASSETS

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Current Assets:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash

 

$

32,931

 

$

1,194

 

$

 

$

34,125

 

Accounts receivable, net

 

1,640

 

105

 

 

1,745

 

Deferred income taxes

 

46,953

 

 

 

46,953

 

Inventories, net

 

191,562

 

32,703

 

 

224,265

 

Assets held for sale

 

1,680

 

 

 

1,680

 

Other

 

15,345

 

1,711

 

 

17,056

 

Total current assets

 

290,111

 

35,713

 

 

325,824

 

Property and equipment, net

 

426,525

 

63,888

 

 

490,413

 

Deferred financing costs, net

 

17,758

 

 

 

17,758

 

Equity investments and advances to subsidiaries

 

301,049

 

210,599

 

(511,648

)

 

Intangible assets, net

 

462,334

 

2,472

 

 

464,806

 

Goodwill

 

479,745

 

 

 

479,745

 

Deposits and other assets

 

6,646

 

535

 

 

7,181

 

Total assets

 

$

1,984,168

 

$

313,207

 

$

(511,648

)

$

1,785,727

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

LIABILITIES AND MEMBER’S EQUITY

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Current Liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Accounts payable

 

$

72,043

 

$

4,730

 

$

 

$

76,773

 

Intercompany payable

 

210,601

 

217,316

 

(427,917

)

 

Payroll and payroll-related

 

21,302

 

1,422

 

 

22,724

 

Sales tax

 

5,788

 

681

 

 

6,469

 

Other accrued expenses

 

38,510

 

2,841

 

 

41,351

 

Workers’ compensation

 

72,545

 

138

 

 

72,683

 

Current portion of long-term debt

 

6,138

 

 

 

6,138

 

Current portion of capital lease obligation

 

90

 

 

 

90

 

Total current liabilities

 

427,017

 

227,128

 

(427,917

)

226,228

 

Long-term debt, net of current portion

 

848,033

 

 

 

848,033

 

Unfavorable lease commitments, net

 

10,527

 

303

 

 

10,830

 

Deferred rent

 

12,439

 

2,045

 

 

14,484

 

Deferred compensation liability

 

1,159

 

 

 

1,159

 

Capital lease obligation, net of current portion

 

174

 

 

 

174

 

Long-term deferred income taxes

 

171,624

 

 

 

171,624

 

Other liabilities

 

3,794

 

 

 

3,794

 

Total liabilities

 

1,474,767

 

229,476

 

(427,917

)

1,276,326

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Member’s Equity:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Member units

 

547,028

 

 

 

547,028

 

Additional paid-in capital

 

 

99,944

 

(99,944

)

 

Investment in Number Holdings, Inc. preferred stock

 

(19,200

)

 

 

(19,200

)

Accumulated deficit

 

(17,112

)

(16,213

)

16,213

 

(17,112

)

Other comprehensive loss

 

(1,315

)

 

 

(1,315

)

Total equity

 

509,401

 

83,731

 

(83,731

)

509,401

 

Total liabilities and equity

 

$

1,984,168

 

$

313,207

 

$

(511,648

)

$

1,785,727

 

 

25



Table of Contents

 

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING BALANCE SHEETS

As of January 31, 2014

 (In thousands)

 

 

 

Issuer

 

Subsidiary 
Guarantor

 

Consolidating 
Adjustments

 

Consolidated

 

ASSETS

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Current Assets:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash

 

$

33,723

 

$

1,119

 

$

 

$

34,842

 

Accounts receivable, net

 

1,561

 

232

 

 

1,793

 

Income taxes receivable

 

4,498

 

 

 

4,498

 

Deferred income taxes

 

46,953

 

 

 

46,953

 

Inventories, net

 

177,461

 

28,783

 

 

206,244

 

Assets held for sale

 

1,680

 

 

 

1,680

 

Other

 

16,646

 

1,544

 

 

18,190

 

Total current assets

 

282,522

 

31,678

 

 

314,200

 

Property and equipment, net

 

421,130

 

63,916

 

 

485,046

 

Deferred financing costs, net

 

18,526

 

 

 

18,526

 

Equity investments and advances to subsidiaries

 

246,594

 

161,810

 

(408,404

)

 

Intangible assets, net

 

463,771

 

2,540

 

 

466,311

 

Goodwill

 

479,745

 

 

 

479,745

 

Deposits and other assets

 

5,894

 

512

 

 

6,406

 

Total assets

 

$

1,918,182

 

$

260,456

 

$

(408,404

)

$

1,770,234

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

LIABILITIES AND MEMBER’S EQUITY

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Current Liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Accounts payable

 

$

63,620

 

$

7,437

 

$

 

$

71,057

 

Intercompany payable

 

161,811

 

162,054

 

(323,865

)

 

Payroll and payroll-related

 

22,718

 

1,743

 

 

24,461

 

Sales tax

 

4,992

 

530

 

 

5,522

 

Other accrued expenses

 

34,506

 

2,184

 

 

36,690

 

Workers’ compensation

 

73,822

 

96

 

 

73,918

 

Current portion of long-term debt

 

6,138

 

 

 

6,138

 

Current portion of capital lease obligation

 

88

 

 

 

88

 

Total current liabilities

 

367,695

 

174,044

 

(323,865

)

217,874

 

Long-term debt, net of current portion

 

849,252

 

 

 

849,252

 

Unfavorable lease commitments, net

 

11,335

 

383

 

 

11,718

 

Deferred rent

 

11,698

 

1,490

 

 

13,188

 

Deferred compensation liability

 

1,142

 

 

 

1,142

 

Capital lease obligation, net of current portion

 

197

 

 

 

197

 

Long-term deferred income taxes

 

171,573

 

 

 

171,573

 

Other liabilities

 

6,203

 

 

 

6,203

 

Total liabilities

 

1,419,095

 

175,917

 

(323,865

)

1,271,147

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Member’s Equity:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Member units

 

546,365

 

 

 

546,365

 

Additional paid-in capital

 

 

99,943

 

(99,943

)

 

Investment in Number Holdings, Inc. preferred stock

 

(19,200

)

 

 

(19,200

)

Accumulated deficit

 

(26,687

)

(15,404

)

15,404

 

(26,687

)

Other comprehensive loss

 

(1,391

)

 

 

(1,391

)

Total equity

 

499,087

 

84,539

 

(84,539

)

499,087

 

Total liabilities and equity

 

$

1,918,182

 

$

260,456

 

$

(408,404

)

$

1,770,234

 

 

26



Table of Contents

 

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)
For the First Quarter Ended May 2, 2014

 (In thousands)

(Unaudited)

 

 

 

Issuer

 

Subsidiary 
Guarantor

 

Consolidating 
Adjustments

 

Consolidated

 

Net Sales:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total sales

 

$

433,033

 

$

44,864

 

$

 

$

477,897

 

Cost of sales

 

287,184

 

33,587

 

 

320,771

 

Gross profit

 

145,849

 

11,277

 

 

157,126

 

Selling, general and administrative expenses

 

113,696

 

12,086

 

 

125,782

 

Operating income (loss)

 

32,153

 

(809

)

 

31,344

 

Other (income) expense:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest expense

 

15,429

 

 

 

15,429

 

Equity in (earnings) loss of subsidiaries

 

809

 

 

(809

)

 

Total other expense, net

 

16,238

 

 

(809

)

15,429

 

Income (loss) before provision for income taxes

 

15,915

 

(809

)

809

 

15,915

 

Provision for income taxes

 

6,340

 

 

 

6,340

 

Net income (loss)

 

$

9,575

 

$

(809

)

$

809

 

$

9,575

 

Comprehensive income

 

$

9,651

 

$

 

$

 

$

9,651

 

 

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Table of Contents

 

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)
For the First Quarter Ended April 27, 2013

 (In thousands)

(Unaudited)

 

 

 

Issuer

 

Subsidiary 
Guarantor

 

Consolidating 
Adjustments

 

Consolidated

 

Net Sales:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total sales

 

$

406,645

 

$

38,570

 

$

 

$

445,215

 

Cost of sales

 

279,082

 

29,383

 

 

308,465

 

Gross profit

 

127,563

 

9,187

 

 

136,750

 

Selling, general and administrative expenses

 

112,528

 

11,694

 

 

124,222

 

Operating income (loss)

 

15,035

 

(2,507

)

 

12,528

 

Other (income) expense:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest income

 

(54

)

 

 

(54

)

Interest expense

 

15,036

 

 

 

15,036

 

Other

 

4

 

 

 

4

 

Equity in (earnings) loss of subsidiaries

 

2,507

 

 

(2,507

)

 

Total other expense, net

 

17,493

 

 

(2,507

)

14,986

 

Loss before provision for income taxes

 

(2,458

)

(2,507

)

2,507

 

(2,458

)

Benefit for income taxes

 

(3,355

)

 

 

(3,355

)

Net income (loss)

 

$

897

 

$

(2,507

)

$

2,507

 

$

897

 

Comprehensive income

 

$

754

 

$

 

$

 

$

754

 

 

28



Table of Contents

 

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
For the First Quarter Ended May 2, 2014

(In thousands)

(Unaudited)

 

 

 

Issuer

 

Subsidiary 
Guarantor

 

Consolidating 
Adjustments

 

Consolidated

 

Cash flows from operating activities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net cash provided by operating activities

 

$

18,219

 

$

1,966

 

$

 

$

20,185

 

Cash flows from investing activities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Purchases of property and equipment

 

(17,464

)

(1,899

)

 

(19,363

)

Proceeds from sales of fixed assets

 

9

 

7

 

 

16

 

Investment in subsidiary

 

(1

)

 

1

 

 

Net cash used in investing activities

 

(17,456

)

(1,892

)

1

 

(19,347

)

Cash flows from financing activities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Payment of debt

 

(1,534

)

 

 

(1,534

)

Payments of capital lease obligation

 

(21

)

 

 

(21

)

Capital contributions

 

 

1

 

(1

)

 

Net cash used in financing activities

 

(1,555

)

1

 

(1

)

(1,555

)

Net (decrease) increase in cash

 

(792

)

75

 

 

(717

)

Cash — beginning of period

 

33,723

 

1,119

 

 

34,842

 

Cash — end of period

 

$

32,931

 

$

1,194

 

$

 

$

34,125

 

 

29



Table of Contents

 

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
For the First Quarter Ended April 27, 2013

 (In thousands)

(Unaudited)

 

 

 

Issuer

 

Subsidiary 
Guarantors

 

Consolidating 
Adjustments

 

Consolidated

 

Cash flows from operating activities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net cash provided by operating activities

 

$

36,368

 

$

1,565

 

$

(832

)

$

37,101

 

Cash flows from investing activities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Purchases of property and equipment

 

(14,675

)

(1,599

)

 

(16,274

)

Proceeds from sale of fixed assets

 

5

 

1

 

 

6

 

Net cash used in investing activities

 

(14,670

)

(1,598

)

 

(16,268

)

Cash flows from financing activities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Payment of debt

 

(1,309

)

 

 

(1,309

)

Payments of capital lease obligation

 

(20

)

 

 

(20

)

Net cash used in financing activities

 

(1,329

)

 

 

(1,329

)

Net increase (decrease) in cash

 

20,369

 

(33

)

(832

)

19,504

 

Cash — beginning of period

 

44,911

 

142

 

 

45,053

 

Cash — end of period

 

$

65,280

 

$

109

 

$

(832

)

$

64,557

 

 

30



Table of Contents

 

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

 

As used in this quarterly report on Form 10-Q (this “Report”), unless the context suggests otherwise, the terms “Company,” “we,” “us,” and “our” refer to 99¢ Only Stores and its consolidated subsidiaries prior to the Conversion (as described in Note 1 to the Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements) and to 99 Cents Only Stores LLC and its consolidated subsidiaries on or after the Conversion.

 

General

 

We are an extreme value retailer of consumable and general merchandise and seasonal products.  Our stores offer a wide assortment of regularly available consumer goods as well as a broad variety of first-quality closeout merchandise. In addition, we carry domestic and imported fresh produce, deli, dairy and frozen and refrigerated food products.

 

On January 13, 2012, we were acquired through a merger (the “Merger”) with a subsidiary of Number Holdings, Inc., a Delaware corporation (“Parent”) with us surviving. In connection with the Merger, we became a subsidiary of Parent, which is controlled by affiliates of Ares Management LLC and Canada Pension Plan Investment Board.

 

On December 16, 2013, the board of directors of our sole member, Parent, approved a resolution changing the end of our fiscal year. Prior to the change, our fiscal year ended on the Saturday closest to the last day of March.  Our new fiscal year end is the Friday closest to the last day of January, with each successive quarterly period ending the Friday closest to the last day of April, July, October or January, as applicable.  Our fiscal year 2015 (“fiscal 2015”) began on February 1, 2014 and will end on January 30, 2015 and will consist of 52 weeks. Our fiscal year 2014 (“fiscal 2014”) began on March 31, 2013 and ended on January 31, 2014 and consisted of 44 weeks.  The first quarter ended May 2, 2014 (“the first quarter of fiscal 2015”) was comprised of 91 days.  As a result of the change in our fiscal year, the comparable interim prior year financial statements have been recast to conform to the new fiscal calendar.  The recast first quarter ended April 27, 2013 (“the first quarter of fiscal 2014”) was comprised of 91 days.

 

In the first quarter of fiscal 2015, we changed the presentation of our financial statements to include receiving, distribution, warehouse costs and transportation to and from stores in our cost of sales. Previously, these costs were included in selling, general, and administrative expenses.  Depreciation expense related to these costs which was historically included in selling, general and administrative expense, is now included in cost of sales.  Also, depreciation and amortization expense included in selling, general and administrative expense will no longer be presented separately on the income statement.  Reclassifications of $24.0 million from selling, general and administrative expense to cost of sales were made for the comparable first quarter of fiscal 2014 to conform to current year presentation.  This change does not change previously reported operating income or net income.  This change in presentation of financials was made in order to be in line with our peers in the retail industry.

 

In the first quarter of fiscal 2015, we modified our definition of same-store sales. Previously, we defined same-store sales as sales at stores that have been open at least 15 months. In situations where the store was relocated, or closed and later reopened in the same location, the affected store was considered a new store for any comparable sales analysis.  It would only be included in the same-store sales analysis once it had been open, or reopened, for 15 months.  Under the new definition, same-store sales are sales at stores that have been opened at least 14 months, including stores that have been remodeled, expanded or relocated during that period. Since we do not have e-commerce sales, they are not part of our same-store sales calculation. This change in definition of same-store sales is being made in order to be in line with our peers in the retail industry.

 

For the first quarter of fiscal 2015, we had net sales of $477.9 million, operating income of $31.3 million and net income of $9.6 million.  Sales increased during the first quarter of fiscal 2015 primarily due to the full quarter effect of new stores opened in fiscal 2014 and the effect of three new stores opened in fiscal 2015. This was partially offset by a 0.5% decrease in same-store sales.

 

During the first quarter of fiscal 2015, we opened three net new stores. In fiscal 2015, we currently intend to increase our store count by approximately 30 to 35 stores, all of which are expected to be opened in our existing markets. We believe that our growth in fiscal 2015 will primarily result from new store openings in our existing territories and increases in same-store sales.

 

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

 

Our critical accounting policies reflecting management’s estimates and judgments are described in Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations of our Transition Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended January 31, 2014. Since the filing of our Transition Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended January 31, 2014, there have been no significant changes to our critical accounting policies and estimates.

 

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Table of Contents

 

Results of Operations

 

The following discussion defines the components of the statement of income.

 

Net Sales: Revenue is recognized at the point of sale in our stores (“retail sales”).  Bargain Wholesale sales revenue is recognized in accordance with the shipping terms agreed upon on the purchase order.  Bargain Wholesale sales are typically recognized free on board origin, where title and risk of loss pass to the buyer when the merchandise leaves our distribution facility.

 

Cost of Sales: Cost of sales includes the cost of inventory, freight in, obsolescence, spoilage, scrap and inventory shrinkage, and is net of discounts and allowances.  Cost of sales also includes receiving, warehouse costs and distribution costs (payroll and associated costs, occupancy, transportation to and from stores and depreciation expense). Cash discounts for satisfying early payment terms are recognized when payment is made, and allowances and rebates based upon milestone achievements such as reaching a certain volume of purchases of a vendor’s products are included as a reduction of cost of sales when such contractual milestones are reached. In addition, we analyze our inventory levels and related cash discounts received to arrive at a value for cash discounts to be included in the inventory balance.

 

Selling, General and Administrative Expenses: Selling, general and administrative expenses include the costs of selling merchandise in stores (payroll and associated costs, occupancy and other store-level costs)  and corporate costs (payroll and associated costs, occupancy, advertising, professional fees and other corporate administrative costs). Selling, general and administrative expenses also include depreciation and amortization expense relating to these costs.

 

Other Expense (Income): Other expense (income) relates primarily interest expense on our debt and capitalized leases.

 

32



Table of Contents

 

The following table sets forth selected income statement data, including such data as percentage of net sales for the periods indicated (percentages may not add up due to rounding):

 

 

 

For the First Quarter Ended

 

 

 

May 2,
2014

 

% of Net 
Sales

 

April 27,
2013

 

% of Net 
Sales

 

Net Sales:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

99¢ Only Stores

 

$

465,269

 

97.4

%

$

432,421

 

97.1

%

Bargain Wholesale

 

12,628

 

2.6

 

12,794

 

2.9

 

Total sales

 

477,897

 

100.0

 

445,215

 

100.0

 

Cost of sales

 

320,771

 

67.1

 

308,465

 

69.3

 

Gross profit

 

157,126

 

32.9

 

136,750

 

30.7

 

Selling, general and administrative expenses

 

125,782

 

26.3

 

124,222

 

27.9

 

Operating income

 

31,344

 

6.6

 

12,528

 

2.8

 

Other (income) expense:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest income

 

 

0.0

 

(54

)

0.0

 

Interest expense

 

15,429

 

3.2

 

15,036

 

3.4

 

Other

 

 

0.0

 

4

 

0.0

 

Total other expense, net

 

15,429

 

3.2

 

14,986

 

3.4

 

Income (loss) before provision for income taxes

 

15,915

 

3.3

 

(2,458

)

(0.6

)

Provision (benefit) for income taxes

 

6,340

 

1.3

 

(3,355

)

(0.8

)

Net income

 

$

9,575

 

2.0

%

$

897

 

0.2

%

 

33



Table of Contents

 

First Quarter Ended May 2, 2014 Compared to First Quarter Ended April 27, 2013

 

Net sales.  Total net sales increased $32.7 million, or 7.3%, to $477.9 million in the first quarter of fiscal 2015, from $445.2 million in the first quarter of fiscal 2014.  Net retail sales increased $32.8 million, or 7.6%, to $465.3 million in the first quarter of fiscal 2015, from $432.4 million in the first quarter of fiscal 2014.  Bargain Wholesale net sales decreased by approximately $0.2 million, or 1.3%, to $12.6 million in the first quarter of fiscal 2015, from $12.8 million in the first quarter of fiscal 2014.  The $32.8 million increase in net retail sales was primarily due to the full quarter effect of stores opened in fiscal 2014 and the effect of new stores opened during first quarter of fiscal 2015. The increase in retail sales was partially offset by a 0.5% decrease in same-store sales from lower average ticket and a decrease in sales due to the effect of a closed store.

 

Gross profit.  Gross profit increased $20.3 million, or 14.9%, to $157.1 million in the first quarter of fiscal 2015, from $136.8 million in the first fiscal quarter of 2014.  As a percentage of net sales, overall gross margin increased to 32.9% in the first quarter of fiscal 2015, from 30.7% in the first quarter of fiscal 2014.  Among the gross profit components, cost of products sold decreased by 20 basis points compared to the first quarter of fiscal 2014.  Additionally, inventory shrinkage decreased by 30 basis points compared to the first quarter of fiscal 2014. Gross profit in the first quarter of fiscal 2014 was negatively impacted by revision to our excess and obsolescence methodology due a change in our inventory purchasing philosophy.  As a result of this change, we increased our excess and obsolescence reserve by $9.1 million in the first quarter of fiscal 2014. Gross profit in the first quarter of fiscal 2015, was negatively impacted by higher distribution and transportation expenses of 50 basis points primarily due to higher labor costs and increases in rent expense for additional warehouse space. The remaining change was attributable to other less significant items included in cost of sales.

 

Selling, general and administrative expenses.  Selling, general and administrative expenses increased by $1.6 million to $125.8 million in the first quarter of fiscal 2015, from $124.2 million in the first quarter of fiscal 2014.  As a percentage of net sales, selling, general and administrative expenses decreased to 26.3% for the first quarter of fiscal 2015, from 27.9% for the first quarter of fiscal 2014.  The 160 basis point decrease in operating expenses as a percentage of net sales, was primarily due to lower payroll-related expenses,  advertising, legal and outside professional service fees.  Selling, general and administrative expenses were also favorably impacted by lower depreciation expense.

 

Operating income.  Operating income was $31.3 million for the first quarter of fiscal 2015 compared to $12.5 million for the first quarter of fiscal 2014.  Operating income as a percentage of net sales was 6.6% in the first quarter of fiscal 2015 compared to 2.8% in the first quarter of fiscal 2014.  The increase in operating income as a percentage of net sales was primarily due to changes in gross margin and operating expenses, as discussed above.

 

Interest expense.  Interest expense was $15.4 million for the first quarter of 2015 compared to interest expense of $15.0 million for the first quarter of fiscal 2014, primarily reflecting debt service on outstanding borrowings.

 

Provision (benefit) for income taxes. The provision for income taxes was $6.3 million for the first quarter of fiscal 2015 compared to an income tax benefit of $3.4 million for the first quarter of fiscal 2014.  The effective income tax rate for the first quarter of fiscal 2015 was a provision rate of 39.8% compared to a benefit rate of 136.5% for the first quarter of fiscal 2014.  The change in the effective tax rate is primarily due to an increase in pre-tax income during the first quarter of fiscal 2015 release of valuation allowance on the Texas margin tax credit carry-forward in the first quarter of fiscal 2014.

 

Net income .  As a result of the items discussed above, net income for the first quarter of fiscal 2015 was $9.6 million compared to net income of $0.9 million for the first quarter of fiscal 2014.  Net income as a percentage of net sales was 2.0% for the first quarter of fiscal 2015 compared to net income of 0.2% for the first quarter of fiscal 2014.

 

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Table of Contents

 

Liquidity and Capital Resources

 

Our capital requirements consist primarily of purchases of inventory, expenditures related to new store openings, investments in information technology and supply chain infrastructure, working capital requirements for new and existing stores, including lease obligations, and debt service requirements. Our primary sources of liquidity are the net cash flow from operations, which we believe will be sufficient to fund our regular operating needs and principal and interest payments on our indebtedness, together with availability under our ABL Facility (as defined below) for at least the next 12 monthsAvailability under our ABL Facility is not expected to affect our ability to make immediate buying decisions, willingness to take on large volume purchases or ability to pay cash or accept abbreviated credit terms.

 

As of the end of the first quarter of fiscal 2015, we held $34.1 million in cash, and our total indebtedness was $854.2 million consisting of borrowings under our First Lien Term Loan Facility of $604.2 million and $250 million of our Senior Notes (as defined below)We had up to an additional $175 million of available borrowings under our ABL Facility and, subject to certain limitations and the satisfaction of certain conditions, we were also permitted to incur up to an aggregate of $100 million of additional borrowings under incremental facilities in our ABL Facility and First Lien Term Loan Facility.  As of May 2, 2014, availability under the ABL Facility subject to the borrowing base was $150.3 million.  We also have, and will continue to have, significant lease obligations.  As of May 2, 2014, our minimum annual rental obligations under long-term operating leases for the remainder of fiscal 2015 are $45.7 million.  These obligations are significant and could affect our ability to pursue significant growth initiatives, such as strategic acquisitions, in the future.  However, we expect to be able to service these obligations from our net cash flow from operations, and we do not expect these obligations to negatively affect our expansion plans for the foreseeable future, including our plans to increase our store count, planned upgrades to our information technology systems and other planned capital expenditures.

 

Credit Facilities and Senior Notes

 

On January 13, 2012, in connection with the Merger, we obtained Credit Facilities provided by a syndicate of lenders arranged by Royal Bank of Canada as administrative agent, as well as other agents and lenders that are parties to these Credit Facilities.  As of May 2, 2014, the Credit Facilities include (a) $175 million in commitments under the first lien based revolving credit facility (as amended, “ABL Facility”), and (b) $610.7 million in aggregate principal amount under the first lien term loan facility (as amended, “First Lien Term Loan Facility” and together with the ABL Facility, the “Credit Facilities”).

 

First Lien Term Loan Facility

 

The First Lien Term Loan Facility initially provided for $525 million of borrowings (which could be increased by up to $150.0 million in certain circumstances).  All obligations under the First Lien Term Loan Facility are guaranteed by Parent and our direct or indirect 100% owned subsidiaries (collectively, the “Credit Facilities Guarantors”), except for immaterial subsidiaries.  In addition, the First Lien Term Loan Facility is secured by pledges of certain of our equity interests and equity interests of the Credit Facilities Guarantors.

 

We were required to make scheduled quarterly payments each equal to 0.25% of the original principal amount of the term loan (approximately $1.3 million), with the balance due on the maturity date, January 13, 2019.  Borrowings under the First Lien Term Loan Facility bore interest at an annual rate equal to an applicable margin plus, at our option, (A) a base rate (the “Base Rate”) determined by reference to the highest of (a) the interest rate in effect determined by the administrative agent as “Prime Rate” (3.25% as of May 2, 2014), (b) the federal funds effective rate plus 0.50% and (c) an adjusted Eurocurrency rate for one month (determined by reference to the greater of the Eurocurrency rate for the interest period multiplied by the Statutory Reserve Rate or 1.50% per annum) plus 1.00%, or (B) an Adjusted Eurocurrency Rate.

 

On April 4, 2012, we amended the terms of our existing seven-year $525 million First Lien Term Loan Facility, and incurred refinancing costs of $11.2 million.  The amendment, among other things, decreased the applicable margin from London Interbank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”) plus 5.50% (or Base Rate plus 4.50%) to LIBOR plus 4.00% (or Base Rate plus 3.00%) and decreased the LIBOR floor from 1.50% to 1.25%.  The maximum capital expenditures covenant in the First Lien Term Loan Facility was also amended to permit an additional $5 million in capital expenditures each year throughout the term of the First Lien Term Loan Facility.

 

We determined that a portion of the refinancing transaction was to be accounted for as debt extinguishment, representing the outstanding principal amount of loans held by lenders under the original First Lien Term Loan Facility that were not lenders under the amended First Lien Term Loan Facility.  In the first quarter of fiscal 2013, in accordance with applicable guidance for debt modification and extinguishment, we recognized a $16.3 million loss on debt extinguishment in the first quarter of fiscal 2013 related to a portion of the unamortized debt issuance costs, unamortized original issue discount (“OID”) and refinancing costs incurred in connection with the amendment for the portion of the First Lien Term Loan Facility that was extinguished.

 

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On October 8, 2013, we completed a repricing of our First Lien Term Loan Facility, borrowed $100 million of incremental term loans and amended certain other provisions thereto.  The amendment decreased the interest rate applicable to the term loans from LIBOR plus 4.00% (or Base Rate plus 3.00%) to LIBOR plus 3.50% (or Base Rate plus 2.50%) and decreased the LIBOR floor from 1.25% to 1.00%.  Under the amendment, the incremental term loans have the same interest rate as the other term loans. We will continue to be required to make scheduled quarterly payments each equal to 0.25% of the amended principal amount of the term loan (approximately $1.5 million).  The maturity date of January 13, 2019 of the First Lien Term Loan Facility was not affected by the amendment.

 

We determined that a portion of the repricing transaction should be accounted for as debt extinguishment. In the third quarter of fiscal 2014, in accordance with applicable guidance for debt modification and extinguishment, we recognized a loss on debt extinguishment of approximately $4.4 million related to a portion of the unamortized debt issuance costs, unamortized OID and repricing costs incurred in connection with the amendment for the portion of the First Lien Term Loan Facility that was extinguished.

 

In addition, the amendment to the First Lien Term Loan Facility (a) amended certain restricted payment provisions to permit the Gold-Schiffer Purchase (as defined below) (see “—Repurchase Transaction with Rollover Investors” for more information), (b) removed the maximum capital expenditures covenant, (c) modified the provision restricting our ability to make dividend and other payments so that from and after March 31, 2013 the permitted payment amount represents the sum of (i) a calculation based on 50% of Consolidated Net Income (as defined in the First Lien Term Loan Facility agreement), if positive, or a deficit of 100% of Consolidated Net Income, if negative, and (ii) $20 million, and (d) permitted proceeds of any sale leasebacks of any assets acquired after January 13, 2012, to be reinvested in the Company’s business without restriction.

 

As of May 2, 2014, the interest rate charged on First Lien Term Facility was 4.50% (1.00% Eurocurrency rate, plus the Eurocurrency loan margin of 3.50%).  As of May 2, 2014, the amount outstanding under the First Lien Term Loan Facility was $604.2 million.

 

Following the end of each fiscal year, we are required to prepay the First Lien Term Loan Facility in an amount equal to 50% of Excess Cash Flow (as defined in the First Lien Term Loan Facility agreement and with stepdowns to 25% and 0% based on achievement of specified total leverage ratios), minus the amount of certain voluntary prepayments of the First Lien Term Loan Facility and/or the ABL Facility during such fiscal year. The required Excess Cash Flow payment for fiscal 2013 was $3.3 million and was made in July 2013.  There was no Excess Cash Flow payment required for fiscal 2014.

 

The First Lien Term Loan Facility includes restrictions on our ability and the ability of Parent, 99 Cents Texas and certain of our future subsidiaries to, incur or guarantee additional indebtedness, pay dividends on, or redeem or repurchase our capital stock, make certain acquisitions or investments, materially change our business, incur or permit to exist certain liens, enter into transactions with affiliates or sell our assets to, make capital expenditures or merge or consolidate with or into, another company.  As of May 2, 2014, we were in compliance with the terms of the First Lien Term Loan Facility.

 

During the first quarter of fiscal 2013, we entered into an interest rate swap agreement to limit the variability of cash flows associated with interest payments on our First Lien Term Loan Facility that result from fluctuations in the LIBOR rate.  The swap limits our interest exposure on a notional value of $261.8 million to 1.36% plus an applicable margin of 3.50%.  The term of the swap is from November 29, 2013 through May 31, 2016.  The fair value of the swap on the trade date was zero as we neither paid nor received any value to enter into the swap, which was entered into at market rates.  The fair value of the swap at May 2, 2014 was a liability of $2.7 million.

 

ABL Facility

 

The ABL Facility provides for up to $175.0 million of borrowings (which may be increased by up to $50.0 million in certain circumstances), subject to certain borrowing base limitations.  All obligations under the ABL Facility are guaranteed by Parent and the other Credit Facilities Guarantors.  The ABL Facility is secured by substantially all of our assets and the assets of the Credit Facilities Guarantors.

 

Borrowings under the ABL Facility bear interest for an initial period until June 30, 2012 at an applicable margin plus, at our option, a fluctuating rate equal to (A) the highest of (a) the Federal Funds Rate plus 0.50%, (b) the interest rate in effect determined by the administrative agent as “Prime Rate”  (3.25% at the date of the Merger), and (c) Adjusted Eurocurrency Rate (determined to be the LIBOR rate multiplied by the Statutory Reserve Rate) for an interest period of one (1) month plus 1.00% or (B) the Adjusted Eurocurrency Rate.  The interest rate charged on borrowings under the ABL Facility from the date of the Merger until June 30, 2012 was 4.25% (the base rate (Prime Rate at 3.25%) plus the applicable margin of 1.00%).  Thereafter, borrowings under the ABL Facility will have variable pricing and will be based, at our option, on (a) LIBOR plus an applicable margin to be determined (1.75% as of May 2, 2014) or (b) the determined base rate (Prime Rate) plus an applicable margin to be determined (0.75% at May 2, 2014) in each case based on a pricing grid depending on average daily excess availability for the most recently ended quarter.

 

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In addition to paying interest on outstanding principal under the Credit Facilities, we were required to pay a commitment fee to the lenders under the ABL Facility on unused commitments at a rate of 0.375% for the period from the date of the Merger until June 30, 2012.  Thereafter, the commitment fee will be adjusted at the beginning of each quarter based upon the average historical excess availability of the prior quarter (0.50% for the quarter ended May 2, 2014).  We must also pay customary letter of credit fees and agency fees.

 

As of May 2, 2014 and January 31, 2014, we had no outstanding borrowings under the ABL Facility, outstanding letters of credit were $1.0 million and availability under the ABL Facility, subject to the borrowing base was $150.3 million as of May 2, 2014.

 

The ABL Facility includes restrictions on our ability, and the ability of the Parent and certain of our subsidiaries to, incur or guarantee additional indebtedness, pay dividends on, or redeem or repurchase, our capital stock, make certain acquisitions or investments, materially change our business, incur or permit to exist certain liens, enter into transactions with affiliates or sell our assets to, make capital expenditures or merge or consolidate with or into, another company.  The ABL Facility was amended on April 4, 2012 to permit an additional $5 million in capital expenditures for each year during the term of the ABL Facility.

 

On October 8, 2013, we amended the ABL Facility to (a) remove the maximum capital expenditures covenant and (b) modify the provision restricting our ability to make dividend and other payments. Such payments are subject to achievement of (i) Excess Availability (as defined in the ABL Facility agreement) that is at least the greater of (A) 15% of Maximum Credit (as defined in the ABL Facility agreement) and (B) $20 million and (ii) (A) a ratio of EBITDA (as defined in the ABL Facility) to fixed charges of at least 1.0x or (B) Excess Availability that is at least the greater of 25% of Maximum Credit (as defined in the ABL Facility) and $40 million. As of May 2, 2014 we were in compliance with the terms of the ABL Facility.

 

Senior Notes

 

On December 29, 2011, we issued $250 million aggregate principal amount of 11% Senior Notes that mature on December 15, 2019 (the “Senior Notes”). The Senior Notes are guaranteed by the subsidiaries (“Senior Notes Guarantors”) that guarantee the Credit Facilities.

 

In connection with the issuance of the Senior Notes, we entered into a registration rights agreement that required us to file an exchange offer registration statement, enabling holders to exchange the Senior Notes for registered notes with terms identical in all material respects to the terms of the Senior Notes, except the registered notes would be freely tradable.  The exchange offer was closed on November 7, 2012.

 

Pursuant to the terms of the indenture governing the Senior Notes (the “Indenture”), we may redeem all or a part of the Senior Notes at certain redemption prices applicable based on the date of redemption.

 

The Senior Notes are (i) equal in right of payment with all of our and the Senior Notes Guarantor’s existing and future senior indebtedness; (ii) effectively junior to our and the Senior Notes Guarantor’s existing and future secured indebtedness, to the extent of the value of the interest of the holders of that secured indebtedness in the assets securing such indebtedness; (iii) unconditionally guaranteed on a senior unsecured unsubordinated basis by the Senior Notes Guarantor; and (iv) junior to the indebtedness or other liabilities of our subsidiaries that are not guarantors.  We are not required to make any mandatory redemptions or sinking fund payments, and may at any time or from time to time purchase notes in the open market.

 

The Indenture contains covenants that, among other things, limit our ability and the ability of certain of our subsidiaries to incur or guarantee additional indebtedness, create or incur certain liens, pay dividends or make other restricted payments, incur restrictions on the payment of dividends or other distributions from our restricted subsidiaries, make certain investments, transfer or sell assets, engage in transactions with affiliates, or merge or consolidate with other companies or transfer all or substantially all of our assets.

 

As of May 2, 2014, we were in compliance with the terms of the Indenture.

 

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Table of Contents

 

Cash Flows

 

Operating Activities

 

 

 

First Quarter Ended

 

 

 

May 2,
2014

 

April 27,
2013

 

 

 

(amounts in thousands)

 

Cash flows from operating activities:

 

 

 

 

 

Net income

 

$

9,575

 

$

897

 

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:

 

 

 

 

 

Depreciation

 

12,184

 

15,031

 

Amortization of deferred financing costs and accretion of OID

 

1,083

 

1,097

 

Amortization of intangible assets

 

447

 

443

 

Amortization of favorable/unfavorable leases, net

 

175

 

124

 

(Gain) loss on disposal of fixed assets

 

(7

)

208

 

(Gain) loss on interest rate hedge

 

282

 

(127

)

Long-lived assets impairment

 

 

515

 

Deferred income taxes

 

 

(27,252

)

Stock-based compensation

 

663

 

(54

)

Changes in assets and liabilities associated with operating activities:

 

 

 

 

 

Accounts receivable

 

48

 

(162

)

Inventories

 

(18,021

)

26,882

 

Deposits and other assets

 

464

 

(8,018

)

Accounts payable

 

7,397

 

3,065

 

Accrued expenses

 

3,871

 

(1,281

)

Accrued workers’ compensation

 

(1,235

)

2,387

 

Income taxes

 

4,498

 

18,396

 

Deferred rent

 

1,296

 

528

 

Other long-term liabilities

 

(2,535

)

4,422

 

Net cash provided by operating activities

 

$

20,185

 

$

37,101

 

 

Cash provided by operating activities during the first quarter of fiscal 2015 was $20.2 million and consisted of (i) net income of $9.6 million; (ii) net income adjustments for depreciation and other non-cash items of $14.8 million; (iii) a decrease in working capital activities of $2.3 million; and (iv) a decrease in other activities of $1.9 million, primarily due to a decrease in other long-term liabilities and increase in other long-term assets, partially offset by an increase deferred rent.  The decrease in working capital activities was primarily due to increase in inventories, partially offset by increases in accounts payable and accrued expenses, and a decrease in income taxes receivable.

 

Cash provided by operating activities during the first quarter of fiscal 2014 was $37.1 million and consisted of (i) net income of $0.9 million; (ii) net income adjustments for depreciation and other non-cash items of negative $10.0 million; (iii) an increase in working capital activities of $41.5 million; and (iv) an increase in other activities of $4.8 million, primarily due to increase in other long-term liabilities and deferred rent.  The increase in working capital activities was primarily due to decreases in inventories and income taxes receivable, which were partially offset by an increase in other assets.

 

Investing Activities

 

 

 

First Quarter Ended

 

 

 

May 2,
2014

 

April 27,
2013

 

 

 

(amounts in thousands)

 

Cash flows from investing activities:

 

 

 

 

 

Purchases of property and equipment

 

$

(19,363

)

$

(16,274

)

Proceeds from sale of property and fixed assets

 

16

 

6

 

Net cash used in investing activities

 

$

(19,347

)

$

(16,268

)

 

Capital expenditures in the first quarter of fiscal 2015 consisted of leasehold improvements, fixtures and equipment for new store openings, information technology projects and other capital projects of $19.3 million.

 

Capital expenditures in the first quarter of fiscal 2014 consisted of leasehold improvements, fixtures and equipment for new store openings, information technology projects and other capital projects of $16.3 million.

 

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Table of Contents

 

We estimate that total capital expenditures for fiscal 2015 will be approximately $75 million, comprised of approximately $60 million for leasehold improvements and fixtures and equipment for new and existing stores and approximately $15 million primarily related to information technology and supply chain infrastructure. We are finalizing our plans regarding our supply chain, which could increase our capital spend in this area for fiscal 2015.

 

Financing Activities

 

 

 

First Quarter Ended

 

 

 

May 2,
2014

 

April 27,
2013

 

 

 

(amounts in thousands)

 

Cash flows from financing activities:

 

 

 

 

 

Payments of debt

 

$

(1,534

)

$

(1,309

)

Payments of capital lease obligation

 

(21

)

(20

)

Net cash used in financing activities

 

$

(1,555

)

$

(1,329

)

 

Net cash used in financing activities in the first quarter of fiscal 2015 and fiscal 2014 was comprised primarily of repayments of debt.

 

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

 

As of May 2, 2014, we had no off-balance sheet arrangements.

 

Contractual Obligations

 

A summary of our contractual obligations as January 31, 2014 is provided in our Transition Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended January 31, 2014. During the first quarter of fiscal 2015, there were no material changes in our contractual obligations previously disclosed.

 

Lease Commitments

 

We lease various facilities under operating leases, which will expire at various dates through fiscal year 2031.  Most of the lease agreements contain renewal options and/or provide for fixed rent escalations or increases based on the Consumer Price Index.  Total minimum lease payments under each of these lease agreements, including scheduled increases, are charged to operations on a straight-line basis over the term of each respective lease.  Most leases require us to pay property taxes, maintenance and insurance. Rental expense (including property taxes, maintenance and insurance) charged to operations for the first quarter of fiscal 2015 and 2014 was $17.9 million and $15.8 million, respectively.  We typically seek leases with a five-year to ten-year term and with multiple five-year renewal options.  A large majority of our store leases were entered into with multiple renewal periods, which are typically five years and occasionally longer.

 

On May 28, 2014, we entered into a new lease agreement for corporate office and warehouse space in the City of Commerce, California.  The lease expires in February 2030 and total minimum lease payments under this lease agreement will be approximately $80 million.

 

Seasonality and Quarterly Fluctuations

 

We have historically experienced and expect to continue to experience some seasonal fluctuations in our net sales, operating income, and net income. During the quarters that have included the Halloween, Christmas and Easter selling seasons, we have historically experienced higher net sales and higher operating income.  Our quarterly results of operations may also fluctuate significantly as a result of a variety of other factors, including the timing of certain these holidays, the timing of new store openings and the merchandise mix.

 

New Authoritative Standards

 

Information regarding new authoritative standards is contained in Note 14 to our Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements for the quarter ended May 2, 2014 which is incorporated herein by this reference.

 

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Table of Contents

 

Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

 

We are exposed to interest rate risk for our debt borrowings.

 

Our primary interest rate exposure relates to outstanding principal amounts under the Credit Facilities.  As of May 2, 2014, we had variable rate borrowings of $604.2 million under the First Lien Term Loan Facility and no borrowings under the ABL Facility.  The maximum commitment under the ABL Facility was $175 million on May 2, 2014.  The Credit Facilities provide interest rate options based on certain indices as described in Note 5 to our Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements for the quarter ended May 2, 2014, which is incorporated herein by this reference.

 

During the first quarter of fiscal 2013, we entered into an interest rate swap agreement to limit the variability of cash flows associated with interest payments on the First Lien Term Loan Facility that result from fluctuations in the LIBOR rate.  The swap limits our interest exposure on a notional value of $261.8 million to 1.36% plus an applicable margin of 3.50%.  The term of the swap is from November 29, 2013 through May 31, 2016.  The fair value of the swap on the trade date was zero as we neither paid nor received any value to enter into the swap, which was entered into at market rates.  As of May 2, 2014, the fair value of the interest rate swap was a liability of $2.7 million.

 

A change in interest rates on our variable rate debt impacts our pre-tax earnings and cash flows.  Based on our variable rate borrowing levels and interest rate derivatives outstanding, the annualized effect of a 1% increase in applicable interest rates would have resulted in any material change in our pre-tax earnings and cash flows for the three months ended May 2, 2014.

 

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Table of Contents

 

Item 4. Controls and Procedures

 

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

 

Our management, with the participation of our Chief Executive Officer and Interim Chief Financial Officer, has evaluated the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures, as such term is defined under Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) promulgated under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, as of the end of the period covered by this Report. Disclosure controls and procedures are designed to provide reasonable assurance that the information required to be disclosed in the reports that we file or submit under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, has been appropriately recorded, processed, summarized and reported on a timely basis and are effective in ensuring that such information is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Interim Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.  Based on such evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and Interim Chief Financial Officer have concluded that as of May 2, 2014, the Company’s controls and procedures were effective.

 

Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

 

During the first quarter of fiscal 2015, we did not make any changes that materially affected or are reasonably likely to materially affect our internal control over financial reporting.

 

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Table of Contents

 

PART II    OTHER INFORMATION

 

Item 1.    Legal Proceedings

 

Information regarding legal proceedings is contained in Note 11 to our Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements for the quarter ended May 2, 2014 under the heading “Legal Matters,” which is incorporated herein by reference.

 

Item 1A.  Risk Factors

 

Reference is made to Item 1A. Risk Factors, in the Transition Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended January 31, 2014 for information regarding the most significant factors affecting our operations.  As of May 2, 2014, there have been no material changes to the Risk Factors disclosed in our Transition Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended January 31, 2014.

 

 Item 2.    Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

 

None

 

Item 3.    Defaults Upon Senior Securities

 

None

 

Item 4.    Mine Safety Disclosures

 

None

 

Item 5.   Other Information

 

None

 

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Table of Contents

 

Item 6.   Exhibits

 

Exhibit No.  

 

Description

3.1

 

Limited Liability Company Articles of Organization — Conversion of 99 Cents Only Stores LLC, dated as of October 18, 2013. (1)

3.2

 

Limited Liability Company Agreement of 99 Cents Only Stores LLC, dated as of October 18, 2013. (1)

31.1

 

Certification of Chief Executive Officer as required by Rule 13a-14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.*

31.2

 

Certification of Chief Financial Officer as required by Rule 13a-14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.*

32.1

 

Certification of Chief Executive Officer as required by Rule 13a-14(b) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.**

32.2

 

Certification of Chief Financial Officer as required by Rule 13a-14(b) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.**

101.INS

 

XBRL Instance Document*

101.SCH

 

XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema*

101.CAL

 

XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase*

101.DEF

 

XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase*

101.LAB

 

XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase*

101.PRE

 

XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase*

 


*     Filed herewith.

**   Furnished herewith.

 

(1) Incorporated by reference from the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q as filed with Securities and Exchange Commission on November 8, 2013.

 

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Table of Contents

 

SIGNATURE

 

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.

 

 

 

99 CENTS ONLY STORES LLC

Date: June 13, 2014

By:

/s/ Christopher Laurence

 

Christopher Laurence

 

Interim Chief Financial Officer, Treasurer and Secretary

 

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Table of Contents

 

EXHIBIT INDEX

 

Exhibit
No.

 

Description

3.1

 

Limited Liability Company Articles of Organization — Conversion of 99 Cents Only Stores LLC, dated as of October 18, 2013. (1)

3.2

 

Limited Liability Company Agreement of 99 Cents Only Stores LLC, dated as of October 18, 2013. (1)

31.1

 

Certification of Chief Executive Officer as required by Rule 13a-14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.*

31.2

 

Certification of Chief Financial Officer as required by Rule 13a-14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.*

32.1

 

Certification of Chief Executive Officer as required by Rule 13a-14(b) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.**

32.2

 

Certification of Chief Financial Officer as required by Rule 13a-14(b) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.**

101.INS

 

XBRL Instance Document*

101.SCH

 

XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema*

101.CAL

 

XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase*

101.DEF

 

XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase*

101.LAB

 

XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase*

101.PRE

 

XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase*

 


*     Filed herewith.

**   Furnished herewith.

 

(1) Incorporated by reference from the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q as filed with Securities and Exchange Commission on November 8, 2013.

 

45