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SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-K
ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d)
OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the fiscal year ended January 31, 1997
Commission File Number 0-13076
50-OFF STORES, INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Delaware 74-2640559
(State or other jurisdiction (IRS Employer
of incorporation or organization) Identification No.)
8750 Tesoro Drive
San Antonio, Texas 78217-0555
(Address of principal executive offices, including ZIP Code)
Registrant's telephone number, including area code:
(210) 805-9300
SECURITIES REGISTERED PURSUANT TO SECTION 12(b) OF THE ACT:
TITLE OF EACH CLASS NAME OF EXCHANGE ON WHICH REGISTERED
------------------- ------------------------------------
NONE NONE
SECURITIES REGISTERED PURSUANT TO SECTION 12(g)OF THE ACT:
TITLE OF EACH CLASS
-----------------------------
COMMON STOCK, $0.01 PAR VALUE
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:
--- ---
Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to
Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained,
to the best of registrant's knowledge, in definitive proxy or information
statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any
amendment to this Form 10-K. [ ]
As of May 16, 1997, the aggregate market value of the voting stock
held by nonaffiliates of the Registrant, based on the closing sale price of the
Common Stock of the Registrant as quoted on the National Association of
Securities Dealers Automated Quotation System was $122,009 (for purposes of
calculating this amount only, directors, officers, and beneficial owners of 5%
or more of the common stock of Registrant have been deemed affiliates).
The number of shares of the Common Stock of the Registrant outstanding
as of May 16, 1997 was 12,200,915.
There are 58 pages in the sequentially numbered, manually signed
original. The exhibit index is located on page 57.
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FORM 10-K INDEX
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PART I
ITEM 1 BUSINESS ................................................ 4
ITEM 2 PROPERTIES .............................................. 16
ITEM 3 LEGAL PROCEEDINGS ....................................... 17
ITEM 4 SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS ..... 19
PART II
ITEM 5 MARKET FOR REGISTRANT'S COMMON STOCK
AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS ......................... 19
ITEM 6 SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA ................................. 21
ITEM 7 MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL
CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS ..................... 22
ITEM 8 FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA.............. 26
ITEM 9 CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON
ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE ..................... 26
PART III
ITEM 10 DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE REGISTRANT ..... 26
ITEM 11 EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION ................................. 29
ITEM 12 SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS
AND MANAGEMENT ......................................... 32
ITEM 13 CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS ......... 33
PART IV
ITEM 14 EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES
AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K ................................ 33
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PART I
PRELIMINARY STATEMENT
On October 9, 1996 (the "Petition Date"), 50-OFF Stores, Inc., a
Delaware corporation (the "Company" or "50-Off"), 50-OFF Multistate Operations,
Inc., a Nevada corporation, 50-OFF Texas Stores, L.P., a Texas limited
partnership, and 50-OFF Operating Company, a Nevada corporation (hereinafter
collectively, the "Debtors" or the "Company" where the context requires) filed
their voluntary petitions under chapter 11 of the United States Bankruptcy Code
(the "Bankruptcy Code") in the United States Bankruptcy Court for the Western
District of Texas, San Antonio Division (the "Court"). The cases have been
pending since that time before the Honorable Leif M. Clark, United States
Bankruptcy Judge.
At the Confirmation Hearing held on June 3, 1997, Judge Clark entered
an order confirming the Plan. Ten to 25 days subsequent to such confirmation,
the Plan will become effective (the "Effective Date"). It is presently
anticipated that the Effective Date of the Plan will be in on or about June 16,
1997.
ON THE EFFECTIVE DATE, THE NAME OF THE COMPANY WILL BE CHANGED TO
LOT$OFF CORPORATION.
Since the Petition Date, the Company has operated its business as a
debtor in possession pursuant to sections 1107 and 1108 of the Bankruptcy Code
while management formulated and promoted a plan of reorganization. A copy of
the Debtors' Joint Plan of Reorganization, as Amended, dated March 27, 1997
(the "Plan") has been filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the
"SEC"). On March 20, 1997, the Court approved the Disclosure Statement with
respect to the Plan as containing adequate information in accordance with
section 1125 of the Bankruptcy Code. Such Statement was mailed to all creditors
of the bankruptcy estates and all holders of Public Equity Interests as of
March 21, 1997 and has also been filed with the SEC. "Public Equity Interests"
refer to the common stock of 50-OFF Stores, Inc., sometimes referred to herein
as "Old Common Stock," which will be canceled upon the Effective Date, along
with all currently existing options and warrants to buy such stock.
The Plan requires that the Company's existing senior secured revolving
credit facility lender, General Electric Credit Corporation ("GECC"), provide a
post-confirmation revolving credit facility or be replaced by a new senior
secured lender so that the Company has a source of revolving funds to continue
to operate. GECC has given a formal commitment to the Company to provide such
financing, subject to certain conditions. The Plan also provides for the
restructure of the Company's secured obligation to MetLife Capital Corporation
("MetLife") at a face amount of $850,000. The Plan provides for the payment of
such amount over approximately seven years. MetLife has agreed to such
treatment.
The Plan provides for the cancellation of all non-priority unsecured
indebtedness of the Company. The Company estimates such cancellation will cause
the elimination of approximately $26 million of unsecured debt from the
Company's balance sheet. Each holder of an allowed general unsecured claim
will, in cancellation of its claim, receive a pro rata share of the Company's
new Series B Preferred Stock. Certain obligations of the Company to such
holders of Series B Preferred Stock will be secured by two liens against
potential net lawsuit proceeds from significant litigation being prosecuted by
the Company. As net proceeds (net of certain items set forth in the Plan) from
such litigation are received by the Company, holders of Series B Preferred
Stock will receive (i) Series A Conversion Rights, which provide for conversion
of Series B Preferred Stock to Series A Preferred Stock, until net proceeds
reach $3,991,050 and (ii) Series A Preferred Stock for net proceeds in excess
of $3,991,050 (provided that "excess" net proceeds, as defined in the Plan,
will be paid in cash). The receipt of Series A Conversion Rights, Series A
Preferred Stock and/or cash by holders of Series B Preferred Stock will result
in a proportionate release of the liens. By issuing such Series B Preferred
Stock to general unsecured creditors, such creditors will be essentially
receiving the net value of the Company's significant litigation which was
pending prepetition.
Finally, the Plan provides for the recapitalization of the Company
through cash raised from the Company's existing common stockholders (the
"Rights Offering") and others (together with the Rights Offering, the
"Offering") and, potentially, as discussed above, from the litigation.
Specifically, the Plan provides for the issuance to such
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stockholders of rights to subscribe for units, each consisting of 20 shares of
Series A Preferred Stock and 20 shares of Common Stock (a "Unit). Up to 122,009
Units and a minimum of 30,500 Units may be sold in the Offering. The record
date for determining which such holders were entitled to vote on the Plan and
receive such rights was March 21, 1997. Persons who acquired Public Equity
Interests after such record date were not entitled to vote on the Plan or
subscribe for Units pursuant to the Rights Offering. The Rights Offering, as
extended, expired on May 22, 1997. The Company received in excess of $4.4
million in subscriptions pursuant to the Rights Offering. Units not subscribed
for pursuant to the Rights Offering may be offered to the public by the Company
until such Offering expires, anticipated to be on or about June 13, 1997. There
can be no assurance that any additional subscriptions will be received.
Subscriptions received in the Offering will be held in escrow with Bank One,
Texas N. A. pending the Effective Date of the Plan. The proceeds from the sale
of the Units will be used, together with cash generated from operations and
cash available under the Company's asset based lending facility, to provide
working capital for increased inventories for the Company's stores and for its
exit from bankruptcy.
ITEM 1. BUSINESS
The Company is a regional, off-price/close-out retailer operating 41
stores under the names "50-OFF" and "LOT$OFF" in five states in the southern
and southwestern United States.
OVERVIEW OF RECENT YEARS' OPERATIONS
The Company's operating results in recent years have been
disappointing, reflecting weaknesses in retailing generally and in apparel
retailing specifically. The casualization of apparel hurt many apparel
retailers; and regional, off-price retailers faced increased competition for
the "value-conscious" consumers' purchases. In addition, 50-OFF was especially
hard hit by the last devaluation and continued deterioration of the Mexican
peso and the continuing economic turmoil along the Texas-Mexico border where
the Company operated thirteen 50-OFF stores (currently eight stores and an
annex), historically its best performing locations, and experienced a severe
liquidity crisis due, in part, to the breach of certain foreign purchasers in
an international offering by 50-OFF in late fiscal 1995 of their contractual
obligations to purchase in aggregate 1,500,000 shares of Old Common Stock at
$3.65 per share ($5,475,000 in aggregate).
While Company achieved strong growth in stores, sales and earnings
from its development of the 50-OFF store concept in fiscal 1987, the Company
has experienced net losses for the last four fiscal years. When the Company
began to experience declines in comparable store sales and operating results,
management made significant changes to its operations, including closing under
performing stores, limiting new store openings to existing markets, recruiting
new merchandising management and increasing sales of non-apparel merchandise as
a percentage of total sales. The Company's financial performance in fiscal 1996
continued to be disappointing, especially in the second half. Net sales for the
fifty-two weeks ended February 2, 1996 decreased 13.2% to $175,023,000, and the
Company had a net loss of $6,778,000. The Company operated a weighted average
of 104.0 stores in fiscal 1996. Sales on a comparable store basis were down
8.7% (3.4%, excluding the border stores).
During fiscal 1996, certain factors negatively affected operating
results and corporate liquidity:
o the breach of certain foreign purchasers in an international offering
by the Company in late fiscal 1995 of their contractual obligations
to purchase in aggregate 1,500,000 shares of Old Common Stock at
$3.65 per share ($5,475,000 in aggregate) led to a continuing
increase in borrowings by the Company under its credit facility (and
a decrease in availability under the facility) and contributed to an
increase in the interest rate on borrowings under the facility;
therefore, the Company experienced an approximately $873,000 increase
in its net interest expense for fiscal 1996 compared to fiscal 1995;
o such breach, and the resulting lack of the planned equity infusion
and decrease in availability under the credit facility, negatively
impacted the Company's perceived creditworthiness with sources of
trade credit, which led, in some cases, to shorter payment terms
and/or less credit support from such sources;
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o concerns of sources of trade credit with the financial stability of
the retail industry, generally, and with the continuing negative
impact of the economic turmoil in Mexico on retailers with border
exposure similarly affected payment terms and credit support from
such sources;
o the economic weakness along the Texas/Mexico border continued to
negatively affect sales and operating results; the Company's border
stores experienced an approximately $10.2 million (32.0%) drop in
sales to $21.8 million for fiscal 1996 compared to $32.0 million for
fiscal 1995;
o the physical inventory taken at fiscal year end resulted in an
unanticipated high inventory shrinkage and a $963,000 fourth quarter
charge to operating results for the additional shrinkage for a total
fiscal 1996 shrinkage as a percentage of merchandise sales of 4.4%;
and
o disappointing sales during the "Back-to-School" and Christmas/holiday
selling seasons contributed to lower than expected sales.
During fiscal 1996, the Company took the following affirmative steps
in its continuing efforts to achieve a more disciplined cost structure, to
lessen vulnerability to external factors and to attain profitability:
o filed lawsuits against the defaulting foreign purchasers and others
involved in the international offering by the Company in an effort to
obtain appropriate remedies, including the Company's actual and
punitive damages;
o completed its store consolidation program by closing 14 stores
(anticipated fiscal 1996 store closing costs totaling approximately
$4,107,000 were charged to operating results for fiscal 1995; as a
result of the favorable experience in negotiating certain lease
termination costs, the Company reversed a portion of this charge,
approximately $409,000, in the fourth quarter of fiscal 1996 and
approximately $1,131,000 in the third quarter of fiscal 1997);
o opened five stores;
o negotiated monthly rent reductions in a significant number of its 100
continuing stores with the cooperation of its landlords;
o engaged a new, San Antonio-based marketing and advertising agency;
o made changes in merchandising management to contribute to the
flexibility the Company sought in its product offering mix; and
o made plans to expand its offering of shelf-stable food product
through its neighborhood stores (to lessen seasonality and to
increase store traffic), a logical extension of its merchandising
commitment to offer its customers the products they need,
conveniently and at the best prices.
As stated above, during fiscal 1996, certain factors negatively
affected the Company's liquidity, including significant operating losses. In
late February 1996, the Company began to address its liquidity problem and
anticipated violations of financial covenants in its credit agreements by
restructuring certain debt obligations, including its unsecured trade
obligations owed to vendors and its long term notes with an affiliate of an
insurance company. With the support of its vendors, the Company implemented a
payment plan with respect to its $8,447,000 of unsecured trade payables as of
February 26, 1996. Under the plan, such payables were to be paid in full within
a two year period without interest. Approximately $4,681,000 of such payables
remained outstanding at January 31, 1997 and is included in liabilities subject
to compromise. In April 1996, the Company restructured its $4,000,000 and
$2,775,000 long term borrowings with MetLife into one promissory note for
approximately $4,645,000. The restructuring of the notes, including an
extension of the maturity, reduced monthly debt service requirements. The
promissory note
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provides for monthly installments (including principal and interest) of $94,638
until March 2001. Interest is charged at a rate of 8.50%. The note is
collateralized by the Company's furniture and fixtures. Approximately
$4,191,000 of such note remained outstanding at January 31, 1997 and is
included in liabilities subject to compromise.
Significant operating losses continued through the Company's first
fiscal quarter of 1997. For the thirteen week period ended May 3, 1996, the
Company had net sales of $32.4 million, down 27.6% from the comparable prior
year period's $44.8 million, and the Company's loss before income taxes rose to
$4.9 million (including an approximate $2.1 million write-down of inventories
in stores scheduled for conversion to LOT$OFF stores late in the second fiscal
quarter) from $1.0 million. The Company operated a weighted average of 100.5
stores in the fiscal 1997 period as compared to 109.6 stores in the comparable
prior year period. The Company began fiscal 1997 with cash of $341,334. During
the thirteen weeks ended May 3, 1996, the Company decreased borrowings by a net
of $1,319,567, generated $1,701,480 from operating activities, used $282,912
for capital expenditures (refurbishing existing stores and opening one store)
and ended the period with cash on hand of $440,335.
Faced with such continuing, deteriorating results and the apparent
consumer rejection of the 50-OFF retailing concept in almost all its markets,
the Board of Directors supported a change of leadership in mid-May. On May 7,
1996, the Company's Board of Directors accepted the resignation of Charles
Siegel from his positions as President and Chief Executive Officer of the
Company, as well as his position on the Board. Mr. Siegel, who resigned to
pursue other endeavors, was a co-founder of the Company. Upon accepting Mr.
Siegel's resignation, the Board acted to appoint Charles J. Fuhrmann II to the
positions of President, Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer.
Mr. Fuhrmann, a Director of the Company since October 1994, had served in
various consulting capacities for 50-OFF, including Acting Chief Administrative
and Financial Officer until his new appointment. Mr. Fuhrmann, a private
investor and strategic and financial consultant, was formerly Managing
Director-Investment Banking with Merrill Lynch & Co. in New York. Other
management changes included the promotion of James Scogin to Vice
President-Controller, Chief Accounting Officer and Assistant Secretary.
On May 13, 1996, the Company entered into a revolving credit facility
with Foothill Capital Corporation and GBFC, Inc. providing the Company with a
line of credit through May 1998 of up to $22,500,000, including letters of
credit. In conjunction with the establishment of this facility, the Company
issued the lenders a three year warrant to purchase 400,000 shares of its Old
Common Stock at $2.50 per share. Borrowings under the line were limited to a
borrowing base equal to the lessor of (i) eligible inventory at cost: December
16 to February 28, 55.75%, March 1 to September 15, 60.75% and September 16 to
December 15, 63.75% or (ii) eligible inventory at retail: December 16 to
February 28, 33.45%, March 1 to September 15, 37.25% and September 16 to
December 15, 39.0%. Interest under the line was charged on funds borrowed at
the First National Bank of Boston's base rate plus 1.75%, and there were
monthly administrative fees and an annual facility fee of $12,000 and 1.5%
($337,500), respectively. The line of credit was collateralized by inventory,
accounts receivable and other assets. The agreement contained various
restrictive covenants. The agreement also contained minimum gross margin,
minimum EBITDA, minimum and maximum inventory levels, minimum working capital
and minimum trade support financial covenants. This facility replaced a credit
facility with another financial institution providing the Company a line of
credit through January 12, 1998, as amended, of up to $20,000,000. Borrowings
under this prior facility were limited to a borrowing base equal to the lesser
of (i) 45% of eligible inventory or (ii) 80% of liquidation value of inventory,
both minus a permanent block of $1,500,000. Interest under the old line was
charged on funds borrowed at the lender's prime rate plus 1.75%. The prior
agreement contained various restrictive covenants and was collateralized by
inventory, certain accounts receivable and other assets. The Company expected
the increased liquidity under the new facility to provide important cash
resources to 50-OFF and, with the other restructurings discussed above,
increased creditworthiness. As of May 13, 1996, the Company had approximately
$4,061,000 available for use under this line of credit.
For the twenty-six week period ended August 2, 1996, the Company had
net sales of $64.1 million, down 26.3% from the comparable prior year period's
$87.0 million, and the Company's loss before income taxes rose to $9.9 million
(including a $3.6 million write-down of inventories in stores scheduled for
liquidation, but excluding any then undetermined charges for future store
closings and staff reductions) from the comparable prior year period's $1.9
million. The Company operated a weighted average of 100.4 stores in the fiscal
1997 period as compared to 106.6 stores in the comparable prior year period.
The Company began fiscal 1997 with cash of $341,334. During the
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twenty-six weeks ended August 2, 1996, the Company increased borrowings by a
net of $5,231,763, used $4,546,816 for operating activities, used $433,350 for
capital expenditures (refurbishing existing stores, opening one store and
converting 50-OFF stores to LOT$OFF stores) and ended the period with cash on
hand of $592,931.
On August 8, 1996, the Company was notified by the lenders that it was
in violation of the minimum gross margin (disputed) and the minimum working
capital financial covenants of its credit agreement and that such breaches
constituted events of default under the loan documents. The lenders
subsequently established additional availability reserves which reduced
availability, imposed certain increased fees and other charges and accelerated
fees deemed earned at the initial closing, which, individually and together,
substantially impacted the Company's financial liquidity and, therefore, its
ability to acquire and maintain much needed inventory for its stores. The
Company was unable to secure the resources required to cure the defaults under
the loan documents and to implement its business plan and effect the changes
believed necessary to improve operations and reverse the Company's
disappointing operating results without the protections afforded under the
Bankruptcy Code. As stated above, the Company and its significant subsidiaries
filed petitions for relief under chapter 11 of such Code in the Court on
October 9, 1996. As of November 1, 1996, the Company had approximately
$7,335,000 outstanding under the credit facility and, with the support and by
order of the Court, was using cash collateral for working capital needs. This
facility was paid off in November 1996 with proceeds from the Company's line of
credit with GECC.
In September 1996, the Board of Directors approved a plan which
provided for the continued conversion of existing 50-OFF stores to LOT$OFF
stores, a geographic consolidation of the chain (exiting Alabama, Arkansas,
Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina and most of Tennessee) and the
liquidation or closing of at least 37 under-performing stores or stores located
outside of the reduced market area (since mid-May 1996, the Company has closed
60 stores) with appropriate reductions in field and corporate overhead and
staffing.
BUSINESS DURING THE CHAPTER 11 CASES
On October 8, 1996, the Board of Directors approved the Company's and
its significant subsidiaries' filings of petitions for relief under the
Bankruptcy Code, and, as stated above, on October 9, 1996, such petitions were
filed in the Court. The Company had been pursuing an infusion of capital, an
external affiliation with a supplier of product and credit and additional
concessions from lenders and landlords to secure the resources necessary to
implement its business plan and to effect the changes believed necessary by
management to achieve profitability. Although management believed it had
developed an appropriate plan for the Company, the Company was unable to secure
the necessary concessions and resources to improve operations and to reverse
operating trends and its disappointing operating results and was forced to seek
the protections afforded under the Bankruptcy Code.
On November 18, 1996, the Company, with the approval of the Court,
entered into a credit agreement with GECC providing the Company with a line of
credit through November 1997 of up to $15,000,000, including letters of credit.
Borrowings under the line are limited to a borrowing base equal to a percentage
of eligible inventory at cost: August 15 through December 15, 65%; and December
16 through August 14, 60%. Interest under the line is charged on funds borrowed
at the annualized yield on 30-day commercial paper (currently 5.62%) plus 3%.
The line of credit is secured by inventory, accounts receivable and other
assets. The credit agreement contains various restrictive covenants. The
agreement also contains minimum gross margin, minimum EBITDA, minimum
inventory, minimum sales, minimum trade support and maximum capital expenditure
financial covenants. At January 31, 1997, the Company had approximately
$5,396,580 outstanding under the credit facility and had approximately
$1,238,000 available for use.
For the fifty-two week period ended January 31, 1997, the Company had
net sales of $106.2 million, down 39.3% from the comparable prior year period's
$175.0 million, and the Company's loss before income taxes rose to $43.5
million (including write-downs of inventories of approximately $5.4 million and
write-offs of leasehold improvements in stores closed or scheduled for
liquidation and closing and reorganization expenses, including landlord lease
rejection claims, totaling approximately $23.9 million) from $6.8 million for
the prior fiscal year. The Company operated a weighted average of 82.8 stores
in the period ended January 31, 1997 as compared to 104.0 stores in the
comparable prior year period. The Company began fiscal 1997 with cash of
$341,334. During the fifty-two weeks
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ended January 31, 1997, the Company decreased borrowings by a net of
$6,567,499, generated $7,742,003 from operating activities, including store
liquidations, used $694,541 for capital expenditures (refurbishing existing
stores, opening one store and converting 50-OFF stores to LOT$OFF stores) and
ended the period with cash on hand of $821,297.
On February 25, 1997 and April 2, 1997, GECC provided the Debtors
written notice of certain defaults under its existing DIP financing facility.
GECC asserted two events of default: (1) the failure of the Debtors to receive
net proceeds of $1 million from the sale of its headquarters building; and (2)
the failure to satisfy certain financial covenants regarding minimum (a) EBITDA
covenant $400,000 actual ($484,000), (b) Net Sales (covenant $15,000,000,
actual $12,609,000) and (c) Inventory Balances (covenant $16,000,000, actual
$13,504,000). The Debtors received $997,847.50 of net proceeds from the sale of
the headquarters. The amount that the Debtors fell short upon such covenant was
less than $2,500 and, accordingly, immaterial; and GECC has waived such
default. The Debtors' defaults with regard to financial covenants were a result
of closing the DIP loan approximately ten days after the anticipated date of
closing (due to circumstances beyond the control of the Debtors or GECC). Such
delay in closing caused the Debtors' holiday inventory not to be stocked at
expected levels, which caused the inventory covenant to fail. Such failure, in
turn, caused a ripple effect and subsequent failure in the Debtors' meeting the
net sales and EBITDA tests (a corollary result was less borrowing and increased
availability).
GECC is forbearing from exercising any remedies in connection with such
financial defaults. On May 7, 1997, GECC provided a formal commitment letter to
serve as the Debtors' Senior Secured Exit Financing lender on terms similar to
the existing DIP financing facility. Consummation of such exit financing will
moot existing defaults in the DIP financing facility. The Company's sales have
remained disappointing, due principally to inventory imbalances among the 41
continuing stores and the lack of resources to effectively promote customer
traffic to the stores. Preliminary results for the thirteen weeks ended May 2,
1997 are net sales of $11.9 million and a net loss, including reorganization
items, of $2.2 million from a weighted average 41.7 stores. Results for the
prior year's comparable period were net sales of $32.4 million and a net loss
of $4.9 million from a weighted average 100.5 stores.
While in chapter 11, the Company has operated its business as a debtor
in possession while formulating and promoting its Plan of Reorganization
originally filed February 6, 1997 with the Court:
o liquidating and closing 60 stores;
o reducing its geographic presence (exiting Alabama, Arkansas,
Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina and most of
Tennessee);
o closing one of two freight consolidation and distribution
centers and moving the remaining center to San Antonio;
o downsizing its corporate staff and field personnel (corporate
and distribution: 177 to 31; field and stores: 967 full time,
1,482 part time to 382 and 425, respectively);
o selling its headquarters building and leasing appropriate,
reduced space;
o refinancing its principal credit facility through GECC's
providing a line of credit through November 1997 of up to
$15,000,000 (at May 16, 1997, the Company had approximately
$6,974,000 outstanding under this facility and had approximately
$611,000 available for use);
o restoring credit facilities with vendors (from 100% prepaid to
approximately 35% terms at fiscal year end);
o redirecting its retail activities from an off-price ("50-Off")
to a close-out ("LOT$OFF") retailing concept;
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o restructuring its merchandising department, including a new Vice
President-Merchandise and a new Vice President-Marketing;
o changing its inventory mix from 25.9% (May 1996) to 45.8% (May
1997) hardlines through category additions;
o developing marketing and advertising strategies and programs to
revive and increase store traffic; and
o generally positioning itself for improved operating results
(higher initial mark-ups, less promotional pricing, fewer
markdowns and less inventory shrinkage).
Management has been redirecting 50-OFF's retail activities from
50-OFF's off-price retailing concept to LOT$OFF's close-out retailing concept.
Coincident and consistent with this change has been a change in the mix of
products, historically a majority in family apparel, to a majority in
non-apparel merchandise, principally through the addition of new product
categories to the Company's historical non-apparel offerings which include
cosmetics, housewares and giftware, home furnishings, shelf-stable food
products, toys, luggage, footwear, stationery and health and beauty aids. New
categories include sporting goods, automotive, greeting cards, jewelry, books,
party goods, seasonal, pet supplies and hardware, among others. The Company
will continue to maintain a healthy showing of basic family apparel products in
the LOT$OFF stores. The actual merchandise mix will fluctuate by category, by
season and by store based on customer needs and buying trends, demographics and
the availability of products at close-out prices. This merchandising concept is
designed to appeal to value-conscious shoppers and other "bargain hunters," and
management is hopeful its continued implementation will lead to higher initial
mark-ups, less promotional pricing, fewer markdowns, less inventory shrinkage,
increased store traffic and improved operating results.
YEAR-END PHYSICAL INVENTORY
On January 30, 1997, the Company announced the results of its year-end
physical inventory at its then 43 off-price/close-out retail stores and its
clearance and distribution centers. Among the factors contributing to the
Company's poor operating performance the last few years had been the Company's
disappointing year-end physical inventories. Management was pleased to announce
that such was not the case with the most recent inventories. While the
inventory shrinkage determined in the 1996 fiscal and 1995 physical inventories
ran 4.17% and 3.82% of sales, respectively, the fiscal 1997 inventory reflected
a 1.84% shrinkage, right in line with the retail industry average as reported
by the University of Florida in its "National Retail Security Survey" and below
the reported 2.14% average for discount stores. Dollar shrinkage for the 43
stores operating at fiscal year end dropped to $1,069,202 from $3,508,114 and
$3,408,714 in fiscal 1996 and 1995, respectively. "Shrinkage" is the book loss
on inventory due to the physical loss of inventory attributed to (industry
averages): employee theft (38.4%), shoplifting (35.8%), administrative error
(19.4%) and vendor fraud (6.4%). Shrinkage reduction has been a major concern
of 50-OFF's management, and the recent results are cause for confidence in
programs initiated this year to reverse historical trends.
BUSINESS PLAN
Management has selected 42 locations (one is an annex) which will be
incorporated into a new core business from which to emerge from bankruptcy; the
Company is operating and expects to operate 41 stores (and the annex) through
fiscal 1998 (ending January 30). Management has worked to accomplish the
following:
o consolidate and solidify the core business in the southern and
southwestern United States;
o restructure the balance sheet and obtain permanent financing
(secured lender and trade suppliers);
o reorganize the corporate management team to provide value-added
contribution to the overall operating results;
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<PAGE> 10
o obtain additional capital through the Offering; and
o obtain Court approval of its Plan of Reorganization.
Now it must implement the Court confirmed Plan.
The Company's business plan is focused on redirecting its retail
activities to achieve higher gross margins, higher store contribution and lower
corporate overhead, all promoting overall profitability. The key elements of
this strategy, which included the geographic consolidation of the chain and the
liquidation or closing of under-performing stores or stores located outside of
the reduced market area with appropriate reductions in field and corporate
overhead and staffing, are converting the continuing 50-OFF stores to LOT$OFF
stores (14 of the continuing stores had been converted as of the filing of the
voluntary bankruptcy petitions on October 9, 1996), more close-out buying,
higher initial markups, less promotional pricing, new "hardlines" categories,
elimination of certain "softline" categories subject to high markdowns and
inventory shrinkage, extensive programs to control shrinkage generally and a
reduced overhead structure. While plans are in place to convert the additional
locations (24 are now converted), the conversion schedule is constantly being
reviewed given the bankruptcy filings and available resources.
Under the leadership of CEO Charles Fuhrmann and with the support of
the Board of Directors, management has developed and is implementing a business
plan centered on five basic goals:
o The Company must always operate with a business plan.
o The Company must employ the most qualified people it can afford
in all key management positions.
o The management team must have current and accurate operating
information in order to effectively manage the growth and
profitability of the Company.
o The Company must consistently generate an above average profit
from store operations.
o The Company must maintain financial credibility with its key
suppliers, lenders and stockholders.
Growth will be an objective once the Company has completed the
successful conversion of its 41 continuing locations to the LOT$OFF concept.
The operating performance of 50-OFF deteriorated over the past several
years with important common denominators indicating such slippage. Management
is now targeting the core stores to return to over $90.00 per square foot in
revenues and to generate a 10+ percent individual store contribution on an
annual basis. This level of profitability is being currently generated by
companies with similar concepts (Consolidated Stores Corporation: Odd Lots and
Big Lots stores; MacFrugal's Bargains and Close-Outs, Inc.: MacFrugal's stores;
and Mazel Stores, Inc.: Odd Job stores; among others) and should be attainable
under an experienced, disciplined management team.
The current management team is excited about the opportunities ahead
for the Company and is serious about the attainment of the targeted operating
results. There is a new understanding of the financial information by all key
members of management; they have fully reviewed the historical operating
performance and are now concentrating on optimizing the contribution from store
operations while maintaining only the absolute minimum amount of corporate
overhead necessary to support store operations.
GENERAL BUSINESS PHILOSOPHY
50-OFF's mission is to create a shopping experience that surpasses
customers' expectations as it seeks to be a leading off-price retailer of
close-out merchandise to low-to-moderate income customers and other "bargain
hunters" in the markets it serves. The major elements of the Company's strategy
include:
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<PAGE> 11
o Value Leadership: 50-OFF intends to offer its customers a broad
selection of quality merchandise that maintains the credibility
and integrity of the Company's value pricing structure while
providing a pleasant and convenient shopping experience.
o Distinctive Marketing: The Company plans to differentiate itself
from other retail stores through its close-out purchasing and
value pricing.
o Purchasing at Close-out Prices: The Company will purchase a
majority of its merchandise at close-out (substantially lower
than regular wholesale) prices relying upon its buyers'
knowledge of, and reputation among, manufacturers and other
vendors and its willingness to purchase in large quantities, in
special situations, in odd lots and for immediate delivery.
o Merchandising: The Company will offer a mix of products that may
fluctuate by category, by season and by store based on consumer
needs and buying trends and availability of products at
close-out prices.
o Emphasis on Low Operating Costs: The Company will focus on
maintaining low operating costs through a cost-effective,
drop-ship distribution system, its approach to store leases
(traditionally in strip centers), its particularly low store
operating expenses, further reductions in corporate overhead and
a corporation-wide effort to minimize inventory shrinkage.
o Store Maturity: The Company will concentrate on developing
existing stores to full maturity and profitability. Over time,
the Company believes a store builds recognition and customer
loyalty as management adjusts the store's merchandise mix in
response to local consumer preferences.
o Expansion: The Company's long-term development plan is to expand
its regional presence in existing and new markets. For the
foreseeable future, however, the Company will concentrate on
converting its continuing 50-OFF stores to LOT$OFF stores. Any
store openings will be limited to existing market areas where
the store base is underdeveloped and will be based on an
evaluation of the sales and income performance of existing
stores and the ability to obtain leases for desirable locations.
THE "LOT$OFF" CONCEPT
The LOT$OFF chain will be an off-price/close-out retail operation
located in Texas, Louisiana, Tennessee, New Mexico and Oklahoma. There are 24
of the 41 continuing stores already converted to the LOT$OFF concept. Stores
will average approximately 27,000 square feet (23,000 square feet of selling
space) and will be located in both urban and suburban markets and in strip
centers, enclosed malls and stand alone units. The mix of product will be 60
percent hardlines:
housewares health and beauty aids household chemicals
home decor toys electronics
gifts seasonal small appliances
automotive greeting cards shelf-stable food
sporting goods books hardware
party goods pet supplies garden supplies
The remaining 40 percent will be softlines comprised of domestics and
basic apparel for men, ladies, infants, boys and girls, including accessories,
underwear, socks and hosiery for all genders.
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<PAGE> 12
CUSTOMERS
The LOT$OFF targeted customers are 60 percent female and 40 percent
male, 25 to 50 years old and have an average annual income of $15,000 to
$45,000 per household. Their ethnic make-up is 30 percent Anglo, 30 percent
Afro-American and 40 percent Hispanic. The effective means of communication is
direct mail to residences with electronic media used for special events. These
customers shop seeking the best value, not necessarily the lowest price, and
are influenced by nationally advertised brands. LOT$OFF's business will be
heaviest on weekends (Friday through Sunday) and at the beginning of each
month.
PURCHASING
The vast majority of the hardlines portion of LOT$OFF's inventory will
be purchased from a limited number of suppliers in each category, perhaps as
few as one or two manufacturers and/or wholesalers, who will provide product
and credit for these categories. The remaining 40 percent will be purchased by
a team of four to six buyers located in San Antonio, each such buyer being
responsible for purchasing $6 million to $12 million of product at retail.
Their categories of responsibility include:
girls' apparel infants' apparel
boys' apparel ladies' apparel
men's apparel domestics
accessories hosiery
lingerie
Softlines will be purchased from approximately 400 different vendors.
Approximately 30 percent of purchases will be "in-line" product such
as greeting cards (sold at a 40 percent discount from everyday pricing),
imports, seasonal items and basic commodities, including hosiery and socks. The
remaining 70 percent of purchases will be principally from manufacturers'
overruns, cancellations by other retailers, refurbished electronics, late in
the season product and packaging changes.
STORE MERCHANDISING
Store merchandising techniques will include a center core of
merchandise as one enters a store, which, when appropriate, will feature a
seasonal theme:
Easter Spring cleaning
Mothers' Day Summer
Back-to-school Fall
Halloween Thanksgiving
Christmas
This area will feature products from any category which relate to that
season. The rest of the offerings will be presented by category, with hardlines
and domestics product presented primarily on gondolas and apparel featured on
four ways and round and straight racks. The floor layout will vary based on the
size and shape of a store, but a consistent flow from one category to the next
will be present in each store. Each store will be stocked based on the specific
demographics of each location with input from store management and other store
personnel. Each store will be encouraged to communicate directly with buyers
and distributors as to their needs and customers' requests.
GROSS MARGIN
The average initial markup is planned at 45 percent of retail;
markdowns are planned at 5.0 percent of sales (i.e., a targeted gross margin of
42.2 percent before freight costs and shrinkage).
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LOT$OFF CONVERSIONS
The current schedule for the 17 remaining store conversions is
July-October 1997. The incremental cost to convert a store is approximately
$20,000 for signage, special advertising and minor painting, touch-up and
refixturing; concept maximization would also require an increase in the average
inventory per store. The stores are scheduled to go dark for no more than a few
days during the conversion process.
MERCHANDISING
50-OFF stores primarily offer moderately priced, regionally and
nationally advertised merchandise, including apparel as well as non-apparel
goods. To respond to a sluggish economy for apparel sales, as consumers
concentrated more on home decor and improvement purchases, the Company
increasingly emphasized the merchandising of non-apparel products, which
generally have higher maintained gross margins. As discussed above, with the
introduction of the LOT$OFF concept, management is redirecting 50-OFF's retail
activities from off-price to close-out retailing. Coincident and consistent
with this change is a change in the mix of products, historically a majority in
family apparel, to a majority in non-apparel offerings which include cosmetics,
housewares and giftware, home furnishings, shelf-stable food products, toys,
luggage, footwear, stationery and health and beauty aids. New categories
include sporting goods, automotive, greeting cards, jewelry, books, party
goods, seasonal, pet supplies and hardware, among others. The Company will
continue to maintain a healthy showing of basic family apparel products in
LOT$OFF stores. The actual merchandise will fluctuate by category, by season
and by store based on consumer needs and buying trends, demographics and the
availability of products at close-out prices. This merchandising concept is
designed to appeal to value-conscious shoppers and other "bargain hunters," and
management is hopeful its implementation will lead to higher initial markups,
less promotional pricing, fewer markdowns, less inventory shrinkage, increased
store traffic and improved operating results.
Merchandise in 50-OFF stores, previously ticketed at twice the sales
price, is now ticketed "Priced Right at" the price to be paid by customers for
their convenience, to avoid confusion at the cash registers and to minimize
shrinkage. These prices are based upon a combination of factors which include:
the prices paid for such merchandise; the wholesale prices paid by others and
traditional markups; manufacturers' suggested retail prices; locally and
nationally advertised prices; and comparison shopping by the Company's buyers,
distributors and district and store managers.
In each store, apparel is neatly displayed on modern fixtures.
Private, mirrored dressing rooms are provided. Other merchandise, including
certain prepackaged apparel items, is conveniently displayed on gondolas or
tables within easy reach of customers. New store layouts include a central core
for seasonal product presentations, featured items and special promotions.
While principally a self-service store operation, the Company strives to make
personnel promptly available to customers desiring assistance. Purchases are
made at cash registers located at the front of each store, near the entrance
and exit doors.
ADVERTISING AND MARKETING
The Company works closely with its advertising and marketing agency in
implementing a program focusing on direct mail and other print advertising.
Electronic media will be used for special events only.
The Company has developed new pricing statements which accentuate the
low price image implied by the Company's 50-OFF and LOT$OFF names but
strategically avoid any confusion or resistance evoked by the natural
questions, "50 percent off what?" The new pricing statements, "Priced Right. In
Your Neighborhood" and "Quality Merchandise. Close-out Prices," capitalize on
the low price image while highlighting the quality merchandise benefit and
convenience. These pricing statements are now being communicated to customers
through in-store signs and print media.
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<PAGE> 14
PURCHASING
The Company's buyers purchase goods at substantially lower than
regular wholesale prices from manufacturers and other vendors. The following
factors contribute to the Company's ability to obtain quality merchandise at
reduced wholesale prices:
o manufacturers' overproduction;
o cancellations of orders by other retailers;
o merchandise which does not meet other retailers' delivery
deadlines for various reasons, including import delays;
o merchandise not shipped to other retailers that have credit
problems;
o ability of the Company to buy goods at a time closer to a target
season, or, in some cases, out of season, which is generally not
the normal buying pattern of most other retail stores;
o excess merchandise accumulated by vendors;
o packaging changes by manufacturers;
o increased availability of imports from the Far East in the form
of close-outs and in-stock overruns;
o utilization of left-over piece goods available after production
for traditional department stores;
o discontinued goods;
o ability to commit for categories of merchandise produced
specifically for the Company; and
o ability of the Company to prepay or accept abbreviated credit
terms.
The Company has historically purchased merchandise from more than
1,300 manufacturers and other vendors. No single manufacturer or other vendor
supplied a significant percentage of the Company's merchandise during the last
fiscal year, or, in the opinion of the Company, was material to its operations.
In the future, however, the Company may seek strategic alliance(s) with certain
manufacturers and/or other vendors. See "The LOT$OFF Concept - Purchasing,"
above. Financial creditability and good relationships with manufacturers and
other vendors, generally, will be critical to the Company's future operations.
INVENTORY MONITORING
The Company's computerized management information system, featuring
double-bar-code-scanning, point-of-sale cash registers in all of its stores and
a computerized perpetual inventory system, permits corporate management to
review each store's inventory on a daily basis. This system enables the Company
to closely monitor its inventory needs and coordinate its purchase orders.
DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM
Substantially all of the Company's merchandise is shipped directly
from manufacturers or vendors to store locations through a third-party freight
consolidation point in San Antonio, Texas (the prior two such points in Dallas,
Texas and Atlanta, Georgia were terminated with the recent reduction of stores
in operation and the Company's geographic consolidation). This distribution
system generally allows merchandise delivery to the Company's stores as
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quickly as ten days after placing an order and, in addition, gives the Company
the flexibility to purchase merchandise for all or a small number of its
stores.
STORE OPERATIONS
Substantially all merchandise decisions with respect to product mix,
prices, markdowns and advertising are made by management at the Company's store
support center in San Antonio, Texas. The Company has district managers who
visit each of the Company's stores on a regular basis to review the
implementation of Company policy, monitor operations and review inventories and
the presentation of merchandise. Accounting and general financial functions for
the Company's stores are also conducted at the store support center.
Each store has a manager and one or more assistant managers
responsible for store sales and profitability, supervision and overall
operations. Store managers receive a fixed salary and are eligible for bonuses
primarily based on their control of inventory and on their achieving a targeted
increase in sales over budgeted amounts.
EMPLOYEES
The Company has recently completed a major downsizing and at the end
of fiscal 1997 was staffed to fit the new 41 store core business group. At May
5, 1996, the Company had 1,134 full time employees (101 corporate management,
administrative and clerical personnel, 10 buyers, 56 distribution and
transportation personnel and 967 store management and store personnel) and
1,482 part-time store employees. After the substantial cutbacks in personnel
and the restructuring of responsibilities to reflect both the reduction in
stores and the increased emphasis on cost and expense containment, the Company
currently has approximately 413 full time employees (24 corporate management,
administrative and clerical personnel, 4 buyers, 3 distribution and
transportation personnel and 382 store management and store personnel) and 425
part-time employees. Additional part-time employees are usually hired during
the busier Easter/spring, "Back-to-School" and Christmas/holiday selling
seasons. None of the Company's employees is represented by a union, and
employee relations are considered satisfactory.
COMPETITION
The Company faces intense competition for customers, for access to
quality merchandise and for suitable store locations from regional and national
close-out, off-price and discount retail chains, traditional department stores
and specialty retailers. Most of the Company's competitors have greater
financial and marketing resources than the Company. In addition, in the recent
past the Company has experienced more direct price competition from certain
department store chains for limited time periods as a result of promotional
pricing activity. The Company may face similar periods of intense competition
in the future, which could have an adverse effect on its financial results.
GEOGRAPHIC CONCENTRATION OF OPERATIONS
The Company's stores are located in the South and Southwest, and a
substantial number are located in Texas. Consequently, the Company's results of
operations and financial condition are dependent upon general trends in the
economy of these markets. In the event of adverse economic conditions in these
markets, retail spending may decline, resulting in a decrease in the Company's
retail sales.
MEXICAN ECONOMIC CONDITIONS
Although the Company has in recent years significantly reduced its
dependence upon border store operations by the reduction of its border presence
(to eight stores) and expansion into other markets, the Company's activities
were historically dependent to a significant degree upon its stores located in
Texas cities along the Mexican border. During fiscal 1996, approximately 12% of
the Company's net sales were attributable to the Company's then 13 border
stores.
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Mexican peso devaluations and duty-free import restrictions, and the
enforcement thereof, have from time to time significantly reduced purchases by
Mexican nationals, who constitute a significant portion of the Company's
customers in certain of its border locations, and have resulted in decreases in
sales during such periods. The Mexican Government devalued the peso and
subsequently released it for free exchange just prior to Christmas 1994, and
the Company has experienced a significant drop in sales from border markets
ever since. The continuing economic weakness along the border and further
erosion of the peso continued to negatively affect sales and operating results
in the Company's 13 border stores throughout fiscal 1996; the Company's border
stores experienced an approximately $10.2 million (32.0%) drop in sales to
$21.8 million for fiscal 1996 compared to $32.0 million for fiscal 1995. With
the continued erosion of the value of the peso well into fiscal 1997 and with
the current peso value still below its comparable level a year ago, sales in
the Company's continuing border stores have continued to suffer. The eight
continuing border stores experienced a 34.2% drop in sales in fiscal 1997 (to
approximately $10.1 million) as compared to their fiscal 1996 results
(approximately $15.4 million); some of the drop, of course, should be
attributed to the Company's inability to maintain inventories at appropriate
levels due to its liquidity problems. While the Company cannot predict the
ultimate effect on future results, continuing weakness in the border economy
and negative comparable peso values would have a continuing negative effect on
sales and other operating results.
SEASONALITY AND QUARTERLY FLUCTUATIONS
Historically, 50-OFF's highest net sales and operating income have
been experienced during the fourth quarter, which includes the holiday selling
season. Any adverse trend in net sales for such period could have a material
adverse effect upon the Company's overall profitability and adversely affect
its results of operations for an entire fiscal year.
In additional to seasonality, the Company's results of operations may
fluctuate from quarter to quarter as a result of the timing of the store
conversions from 50-OFF to LOT$OFF stores, including the level of advertising
and pre-opening expenses associated with such conversions, as well as other
factors.
FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION
This Form 10-K contains various forward-looking statements and
information that are based on management's beliefs as well as assumptions made
by and information currently available to management. When used in this
document, the words "believe," "expect," "anticipate" and similar expressions
are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Such statements are
subject to certain risks, uncertainties and assumptions including those
identified herein. Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties
materialize, or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results
may vary materially from those anticipated, estimated or projected. In addition
to the other risk factors set forth above, among the key factors that may have
a direct bearing on the Company's results are competitive practices in the
close-out merchandising industry generally and particularly in the Company's
targeted market and the ability of the Company to fund its continuing
operations in the event of adverse industry or economic conditions.
ITEM 2. PROPERTIES
The Company's 41 currently existing and continuing stores (including
one annex) are all leased and range in size from 13,000 to 50,000 square feet,
with most containing at least 20,000 square feet of selling space. The majority
of the Company's stores are located in strip shopping centers or malls. The
Company's policy is to locate stores in areas where demographics indicate that
its targeted customers have easy access to the location and where the targeted
customer base is large enough to support a store.
The Company opened a total of five stores in fiscal 1995, five stores
in fiscal 1996 and one store in fiscal 1997. The Company closed seven stores
during fiscal 1995 and 14 stores during fiscal 1996. In fiscal 1997, the
Company closed one store prior to the filing under chapter 11 of the Bankruptcy
Code and 57 stores after the filing. The Company closed three stores in
February 1997.
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During fiscal 1997, the Company incurred and expensed an aggregate of
approximately $7,353,000 in fixed rent and a nominal amount of additional
percentage rent. Minimum rental commitments (excluding renewal options) under
the 41 store plan (including the one annex to remain open) were approximately
$4,595,000 ($.34 per square foot per month, before any negotiated rent
reductions) for the fiscal year ended January 31, 1997. Minimum rental
commitments (excluding renewal options) under leases having a term of more than
one year at January 31, 1997 are approximately $3,888,000 for the fiscal year
ending January 30, 1998. In addition to its rejection of unproductive leases
through the bankruptcy process, the Company plans to downsize some continuing
stores and to attempt to renegotiate rental rates on certain remaining leases.
The following is a list of the 41 stores the Company is currently
operating and expects to operate in fiscal 1998 by state and city (total:
1,107,825 square feet; 951,220 square feet selling space).
<TABLE>
<S> <C> <C> <C>
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
LOUISIANA (5) OKLAHOMA (4) TEXAS (28) TEXAS (CONTINUED)
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Baton Rouge (2) Lawton * Amarillo * Laredo
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Bossier City Oklahoma City (3) * Austin * Lubbock *
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
New Orleans Brownsville McAllen
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Shreveport TENNESSEE (1) Corpus Christi Midland *
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Memphis Dallas-Fort Worth (4) * Pharr
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NEW MEXICO (3) El Paso (2) Roma (and annex)
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Albuquerque (3) Harlingen San Antonio (6) *
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Houston (4) * Waco *
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
* LOT$OFF Stores
In most of the Company's stores, a small portion of selling space is
subleased to an unaffiliated party operating shoe departments. Such subleases
generally provide for a percentage rent payable to the Company equal to 12% of
the net sales of such departments. In certain of the San Antonio, Texas stores,
a small portion of selling space is subleased to an unaffiliated party
operating jewelry departments at approximately $100 per square foot plus
percentage rent (6-7% of sales) over established break points.
The rental income from the subleases is included in the Company's reported net
sales figures.
Typical store leases have primary terms of five to ten years with at
least one five-year renewal option. Some leases have provisions that allow the
Company, and in a few cases the landlord, to terminate the lease during the
primary term based on the Company's store not reaching predetermined sales
levels. Most of the Company's leases provide that the landlord will pay for the
major portion of leasehold improvements or allow the Company to recover its
expenditures for such improvements in the form of reduced rent.
The Company owns its equipment, furniture and fixtures which are
well-maintained and suitable for its present store requirements. The Company
sold its store support center in San Antonio, Texas for gross proceeds of
$1,440,000 on January 14, 1997 and leased back the reduced portion of the
building currently occupied by the downsized corporate staff for approximately
$18,000 per month under a full service lease.
The Company has registered (or has applications pending where
indicated with an *) its principal logos, which include the phrases "The
50-OFF," "50-OFF, Why Pay More", "50-OFF Stores, where you save as much as you
spend," "LOTSOFF*," "LOT$OFF*" and "50-OFF" as service marks in the principal
register with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. The "50-OFF" mark is also
registered in Mexico.
ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
As was discussed above, among the principal reasons for the Company's
having to file for bankruptcy protection was a severe liquidity crisis caused
in large part by the breach of certain foreign purchasers of their
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contractual obligations to purchase in aggregate 1,500,000 shares of the
Company's Old Common Stock at $3.65 per share ($5,475,000 in aggregate) in an
international (Regulation S) offering by 50-OFF in late fiscal 1995. The
Company has filed two lawsuits relating to this matter.
On February 21, 1995, the Company filed a lawsuit [50-Off Stores, Inc.
v. Banque Paribas (Suisse), S.A., Betafid, S.A., Yanni Koutsoubos, Andalucian
Villas (Forty Eight) Limited, Arnass Limited, Brocimast Enterprises Ltd.,
Dennis Morris, Howard White, and Morris & Associates, Case No. SA-95-CA-0159]
in the United States District Court in San Antonio, Texas against Banque
Paribas (Suisse) S.A. ("Paribas"), Betafid S.A., three purchaser entities
allegedly controlled by them and certain affiliated individuals in connection
with the breach by certain of the defendants of their contractual obligations
to purchase an aggregate of 1,500,000 shares of the Company's Old Common Stock
at $3.65 per share. The lawsuit also includes securities fraud, promissory
estoppel, conspiracy and conversion claims. The conversion claim relates to
actions of the defendants in transferring, selling and trading the shares even
though the defendants have never paid for such shares. The Company seeks
recovery of actual and punitive damages, an injunction against the defendants'
transfer of such Stock in violation of the Securities Act, pre- and
post-judgment interest, attorneys' fees and such other remedies to which the
Company may show itself entitled.
Dennis Morris and Howard White have answered the complaint with White
raising the affirmative defense of contributory negligence. White also served a
third party complaint on Chase Manhattan Bank, N.A. 50-OFF has recently joined
Chase and Aries Peak, Inc. as additional defendants. Defaults have been entered
against Arnass, Andalucian Villas, Brocimast, Betafid and Koutsoubos for
failure to appear or answer.
Paribas moved to dismiss the action for lack of personal jurisdiction,
failure to state a claim and for forum non conveniens. The District Court
referred all pre-trial matters to U.S. Magistrate Judge John W. Primomo, who
denied each of Paribas' motions to dismiss. U.S. District Judge H.F. Garcia has
adopted Judge Primomo's rulings in their entirety.
On March 20, 1997, Paribas answered 50-OFF's complaint asserting a
number of affirmative defenses including contributory negligence. Paribas also
asserted a counterclaim against 50-OFF for defamation. 50-OFF has moved to
dismiss this counterclaim and to strike the affirmative defenses. Judge Primomo
has recommended such dismissal and the striking of the affirmative defenses.
Written discovery has been served on all defendants who have appeared,
and depositions have been taken of numerous parties and non-party witnesses.
Judge Primomo has required that all discovery of Paribas take place pursuant to
the provisions of the Hague Evidence Convention. Paribas recently responded to
50-OFF's request for production and interrogatories. This case is currently set
for trial on August 25, 1997.
On January 9, 1996, the Company filed the second lawsuit [50-OFF
Stores, Inc. v. Jefferies & Company, Inc. and Jefferies International, Ltd.,
Cause No. 96-CI-00349] in Bexar County District Court in San Antonio, Texas
against the Company's placement agents in the securities offering referenced in
the lawsuit discussed above. The suit alleges that the defendants breached
their contracts with the Company, breached their fiduciary duties to the
Company and were reckless or grossly negligent in failing to investigate
properly the qualifications of the purchasers they introduced to the Company.
The Company seeks to recover actual and exemplary damages in excess of
$10,000,000, pre- and post-judgment interest, costs and attorneys' fees. Both
defendants have answered the petition and raised the affirmative defense of
contributory negligence. Additionally, Jefferies & Company filed a third party
claim against Howard White. Discovery is proceeding. Soon after the Company
filed for protection under the Bankruptcy Code, Jefferies and White removed
this case to the Court. The United States District Court, however, granted
50-OFF's motion to abstain from hearing the case and remanded the case back to
the Bexar County District Court. This case is specially set for jury trial on
October 4, 1997. The Bexar County District Court has also ordered the parties
to conduct mediation of the case prior to such trial date.
The Company will continue to prosecute these cases vigorously. The
Company believes its claims against these defendants are meritorious. The
Company, based upon advice of counsel, believes that it will obtain a favorable
judgment against one or more of the defendants referenced in the preceding two
lawsuits. The Company intends to
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vigorously pursue all remedies to collect the sums owing to the Company as per
any judgment obtained against one or more of the defendants. Akin, Gump,
Strauss, Hauer & Feld, L.L.P., represents the Company in these matters on a
contingency fee basis.
The Company is a party to certain other legal proceedings arising in
the ordinary course of business, none of which is believed to be material.
ITEM 4. SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS
There were no matters submitted to a vote of the Company's
stockholders, through solicitation of proxies or otherwise, during the fourth
quarter of fiscal 1997.
PART II
ITEM 5. MARKET FOR REGISTRANT'S COMMON STOCK AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS
AS INDICATED ABOVE, ALL OLD COMMON STOCK, ALONG WITH CURRENTLY EXISTING
OPTIONS AND WARRANTS TO PURCHASE SUCH STOCK WILL BE CANCELED UPON THE EFFECTIVE
DATE OF THE PLAN.
50-OFF's Old Common Stock began trading publicly on the National
Association of Securities Dealers Automated Quotation System ("NASDAQ") in July
of 1984 and was subsequently added to the NASDAQ National Market in September
of 1989. The NASDAQ-NM symbol was "FOFF" until October 15, 1996, when a fifth
character "Q" was appended to denote a company operating under bankruptcy
proceedings. Furthermore, the NASDAQ Listing Qualifications Panel determined to
delete 50-OFF's Old Common Stock from The NASDAQ National Market effective
December 31, 1996 due to such stock's failure to meet the bid price and
bankruptcy requirements as set forth in NASD Marketplace Rules 4450(a)(5) and
4450(e).
RANGE OF SALE PRICES
The following table sets forth for the periods indicated the range of
high and low closing sale prices for the Old Common Stock as reported on the
NASDAQ National Market to December 31, 1996.
RANGE OF SALE PRICES
HIGH LOW
---- ---
For Fiscal Year Ended February 2, 1996:
Quarter ended May 5, 1995 ................... $3.00 $1.25
Quarter ended August 4, 1995 ................ 2.5 1.75
Quarter ended November 3, 1995 .............. 2.25 1.19
Quarter ended February 2, 1996 .............. 1.94 0.5
For Fiscal Year Ended January 31, 1997:
Quarter ended May 3, 1996 ................... 1.69 0.94
Quarter ended August 2, 1996 ................ 1.5 0.75
Quarter ended November 1, 1996 .............. 0.94 0.06
Period ended December 30, 1996 .............. 0.44 0.16
19
<PAGE> 20
The high and low closing sales prices for the period from December 31,
1996 through June 6, 1997 were $0.19 and $0.01, respectively; and the closing
prices in the over-the-counter market on March 21, 1997 and June 6, 1997 were
$0.08 and $0.03 per share, respectively.
DIVIDENDS
50-OFF has never paid cash dividends on shares of Old Common Stock.
Management presently intends to retain cash for the operation and expansion of
50-OFF's business and does not anticipate paying any cash dividends on the
Common Stock in the foreseeable future. In addition, the Company is prohibited
from paying dividends on its Common Stock by the terms of its credit facility.
See Note 4 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included elsewhere
herein.
RECORD HOLDERS
As of March 21, 1997, the number of record holders of 50-OFF's
12,200,915 shares of Old Common Stock was 700.
20
<PAGE> 21
ITEM 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA
The following selected financial data (dollars in thousands, except
per share data) should be read in conjunction with and are qualified in their
entirety by the Consolidated Financial Statements and the Notes thereto
included elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10K.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
FISCAL YEARS ENDED
-----------------------------------------------------------------
JAN. 29, JAN. 28 FEB. 3, FEB. 2, JAN. 31,
1993 1994 1995 1996 1997
--------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS DATA: (dollars in thousands, except per share data)
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Net sales ................................................... $ 181,035 $ 199,589 $ 201,543 $ 175,023 $ 106,194
Cost of sales (1) ........................................... 120,184 137,784 135,560 118,629 78,560
--------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
Gross profit ................................................ 60,851 61,805 65,983 56,394 27,634
Selling, advertising, general and
administrative expenses (2) .............................. 46,029 65,477 63,827 57,377 42,295
Depreciation and amortization ............................... 2,376 3,523 3,779 3,951 3,223
Reorganization items (4) .................................... -- -- -- -- 23,975
Total operating expense (1 & 2) ............................ 53,748 69,722 72,624 60,918 69,493
Interest (Income) expense, net .............................. (174) 528 1,382 2,255 1,597
Income (Loss) cumulative effect of a change in
accounting principle and income taxes (1 & 2) ............. 7,277 (8,445) (8,024) (6,778) (43,457)
(Provision for) benefit from income tax (3) ................. (2,462) 2,933 -- -- (153)
Income (Loss) before cumulative effect of a change in
accounting principle (1, 2 & 3) .......................... $ 4,815 $ (5,512) $ (8,024) $ (6,778) $ (43,610)
Cumulative effect of a change in accounting principle,
net of income tax benefit (2) ............................. -- (3,404) -- -- --
Net income (loss) (1, 2 & 3) ................................ $ 4,815 $ (8,916) $ (8,024) $ (6,778) $ (43,610)
Fully diluted income (loss) per common share ................ $ 0.45 $ (0.86) $ (0.76) $ (0.56) $ (3.57)
PRO FORMA AMOUNTS: (5)
Net income .................................................. $ 3,275 -- -- -- --
Primary and fully diluted income per share .................. .30 -- -- -- --
OTHER DATA:
Stores open at beginning of period .......................... 66 98 111 109 100
New stores .................................................. 32 22 5 5 1
Stores closed ............................................... 0 9 7 14 57
Stores open at end of period ................................ 98 111 109 100 44
Softlines sales as a percentage of merchandise sales (6) .... 82.7% 80.3% 77.4% 75.8% 69.1%
Hardline sales as a percentage of merchandise sales (6) .... 17.3% 19.7% 22.6% 24.2% 30.9%
Comparable store sales increase (decrease) from prior
period (7) .................................................. (1.2)% (9.5)% 2.6% (8.7)% (30.9)%
Softline merchandise gross margin (8) ....................... 32.3% 29.2% 31.5% 30.9% 32.2%
Hardline merchandise gross margin (8) ....................... 35.0% 34.3% 35.8% 34.7% 34.6%
Total gross margin (6 & 8) .................................. 33.6% 31.0% 32.7% 32.2% 33.0%
Markdowns as a percentage of merchandise sales (6 & 8) ...... 5.9% 9.0% 7.1% 7.1% 7.3%
Shrinkage as a percentage of merchandise sales (8) .......... 3.0% 4.1% 3.9% 4.2% 1.86%
BALANCE SHEET DATA:
Working capital ............................................. $ 21,471 $ 12,909 $ 8,503 $ 11,094 $ 4,073
Total assets ................................................ 72,123 67,601 62,676 55,449 19,255
Long-term obligations, excluding current maturities ......... 1,364 6,403 14,012 15,102 --
Liabilities subject to compromise ........................... -- -- -- -- 30,251
Stockholders' equity ........................................ $ 44,389 $ 35,683 $ 28,557 $ 21,779 $ (21,831)
</TABLE>
- ---------------
(1) Total operating expense amounts indicated for January 29, 1993, January
28, 1994, February 3, 1995, February 2, 1996 and January 31, 1997 include
closed store costs (excluding inventory liquidation write-downs of
approximately $0, $0, $1,129,000, $0 and $5,415,000, respectively, charged
to cost of sales) of approximately $0, $723,000, $5,019,000, ($409,145)
and $0, respectively.
21
<PAGE> 22
(2) Effective with the beginning of fiscal 1994, the Company changed its
method of accounting for pre-opening store costs to expense such costs as
incurred rather than capitalizing such costs and amortizing them over a
period of 12 months from the store opening date. Selling, advertising,
general and administrative expense amounts indicated for January 28, 1994,
February 3, 1995, February 2, 1996 and January 31, 1997 include
pre-opening expenses of $3,932,554, $250,864, $309,035 and $66,997,
respectively.
(3) In fiscal 1995, 1996 and 1997, no income tax benefit was recorded in
accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) 109
"Accounting for Income Taxes." In fiscal 1997 an income tax provision was
recorded to book additional valuation allowance.
(4) Reorganization items include several payroll ($191,000), professional fees
($997,000), loss on disposal of stores ($23,143,000) and gain on sale of
building of ($356,000).
(5) The "Pro Forma Amounts" shown above assume the accounting method for
pre-opening store costs is applied retroactively.
(6) Merchandise sales are net sales less other revenues, principally layaway
fees (no longer applicable, discontinued in fiscal 1997) and rental income
from leased shoe departments.
(7) Comparable store date are calculated based on stores which have been open
over 24 months.
(8) Total gross margin represents gross profit calculated as a percentage of
net sales and has been adjusted to exclude the sale of inventories at 56
closed stores in fiscal 1997. A similar adjustment has been made to
markdowns and shrinkage as a percentage of merchandise sales.
No cash dividends with respect to the Company's Old Common Stock were
paid during any of the fiscal periods referred to in the foregoing table.
ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
The following tables set forth (i) certain items in the consolidated
statements of operations expressed as a percentage of net sales for the periods
indicated and (ii) the percentage change in certain items in the consolidated
statements of operations and in the weighted average number of stores from the
prior period.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PERCENTAGE OF NET SALES
----------------------------------------------
FISCAL YEAR ENDED
----------------------------------------------
JAN. 31, 1997 FEB. 2, 1996 FEB. 3, 1995
------------- ------------ ------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Costs and Expenses:
Cost of sales .................................. 74.0% 67.8% 67.3%
Selling, advertising, general and administrative 39.8 32.6 31.5
Pre-opening store costs ........................ -- .2 .1
Depreciation and amortization .................. 3.0 2.2 1.9
Closed store costs ............................. -- (.2) 2.5
Reorganization items ........................... (22.6) -- --
Interest (income) expense ...................... 1.5 1.3 .7
------------ ------------ ------------
Total expenses ................................... 140.9 103.9 104.0
------------ ------------ ------------
Loss before income taxes ......................... (40.9) (3.9) (4.0)
Provision for income taxes ....................... (.1) -- --
------------ ------------ ------------
Net .............................................. (41.0)% (3.9)% (4.0)%
============ ============ ============
</TABLE>
22
<PAGE> 23
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PERCENTAGE CHANGE
-----------------
FISCAL YEAR ENDED FISCAL YEAR ENDED
JANUARY 31, 1997 FEBRUARY 2, 1996
COMPARED TO COMPARED TO
FISCAL YEAR ENDED FISCAL YEAR ENDED
FEBRUARY 2, 1996 FEBRUARY 3, 1995
---------------- ----------------
<S> <C> <C>
Net sales .................................................. (39.3)% (13.2)%
Cost of sales .............................................. (33.8) (12.5)
Operating Expenses
Selling, advertising, general and administrative ......... (26.3) (10.1)
Depreciation and amortization ............................ (18.4) 4.5
Closed store costs ....................................... N/A (108.2)
Reorganization items ..................................... N/A N/A
Interest income/expense .................................. (29.2) 63.1
Total operating expenses ................................... 14.1 (16.1)
Loss before income taxes ................................... 541.1 (15.5)
Net loss ................................................... 543.4 (15.5)
Weighted average number of stores .......................... (20.4)% (7.0)%
</TABLE>
FISCAL YEAR ENDED JANUARY 31, 1997 COMPARED TO FISCAL YEAR ENDED
FEBRUARY 2, 1996
The net sales decrease of 39.3% for fiscal 1997 compared to fiscal
1996 is attributable to a 20.4% decrease in the weighted average number of
stores in operation (from 104.0 stores to 82.8) and a 30.9% decrease in
comparable store sales. These decreases were partially offset by increased net
sales pertaining to liquidations of inventories at the 50-OFF stores converted
to LOT$OFF stores during the fiscal 1997 period (such stores were closed,
however, on average, 13 days during the period for remodeling and
re-merchandising), the sale to a third party of inventories at 37 stores closed
during the period and the beginning of store liquidations at other stores
closed.
Cost of sales as a percentage of net sales increased from 67.8% for
fiscal 1996 to 74.0% for fiscal 1997 due primarily to approximately $5,415,000
in write-downs of inventories at stores liquidated (including the inventories
sold to a third party at 37 stores closed during the period) and to the store
liquidations which began in September. Excluding the write-downs of inventory
and the sale to a third party of inventories at 37 closed stores, cost of sales
as a percentage of net sales would have been 68.9% for fiscal 1997.
Selling, advertising, general and administrative expenses increased
from 32.6% of net sales for fiscal 1996 to 39.8% of net sales for fiscal 1997.
The percentage increase was due to lower sales, offset in part by the cost
reductions implemented by management late in the period.
Depreciation and amortization decreased by 18.4% in fiscal 1997
compared to the prior fiscal year, due to the decreased number of stores in
operation.
Other expense, net, decreased to approximately $1,597,000 in fiscal
1997 compared to approximately $2,255,000 in the prior fiscal year, due
primarily to decreased interest expense attributable to decreased borrowings
under the Company's line of credit and the Company's discontinuing to accrue
interest on certain of its obligations.
The increase in the Company's loss before income taxes for fiscal 1997
compared to fiscal 1996 is primarily due to the Company's reorganization
expenses associated with the bankruptcy filings, lower sales and the
write-downs, sales and liquidations of inventories discussed above.
Income tax benefit related to the losses for fiscal 1997 and 1996 were
not recognized because the utilization of such benefit is not assured. Such
benefit, if any remaining after the Company's reorganization, is available for
recognition in future years.
23
<PAGE> 24
FISCAL YEAR ENDED FEBRUARY 2, 1996 (52 WEEKS) COMPARED TO FISCAL YEAR ENDED
FEBRUARY 3, 1995 (53 WEEKS)
The net sales decrease of 13.2% for fiscal 1996 compared to fiscal
1995 resulted primarily from (i) the decrease of 7.0% in the weighted average
number of stores in operation during fiscal 1996 as compared to fiscal 1995 and
(ii) the devaluation of the Mexican peso and the continued economic weakness
along the Texas/Mexico border which negatively affected the
Company'sTexas/Mexico border stores. Such stores experienced an approximate
$10,200,000 reduction in sales, which accounted for 38% of the fiscal 1996 net
sales decrease (comparable store sales excluding the border stores decreased
3.4%)
Cost of sales as a percentage of net sales increased to 67.8% for
fiscal 1996 compared to 67.3% for fiscal 1995 primarily due to an increase in
inventory shrinkage to 4.4% of net sales as compared to 3.9% for fiscal 1995.
Selling, advertising, general and administrative expenses increased
from 31.5% of net sales for fiscal 1995 to 32.6% of net sales for fiscal 1996.
The 10.2% decrease in the amount of selling, advertising, general and
administrative expenses compared to fiscal 1995 was the result of the 7.0%
decrease in the weighted average number of stores open and certain cost
reductions, including negotiated monthly rent reductions and personnel.
Depreciation and amortization increased by 4.5% in fiscal 1996 compared
to fiscal 1995, due primarily to approximately $3,700,000 of capital
expenditures in fiscal 1996.
Other expense, net, increased to approximately $2,255,000 for fiscal
1996 compared to approximately $1,382,000 for fiscal 1995, due primarily to
increased interest expense attributable to a higher interest rate and increased
borrowings under the Company's revolving credit line.
Loss before income taxes and closed store costs (a credit of
approximately $409,000 in fiscal 1996 and expense of approximately $5,019,000
in fiscal 1995) for fiscal 1996 increased as compared to fiscal 1995 due
primarily to a decrease in net sales and an increase in other expense, net,
offset in part by a decrease in selling, advertising, general and
administrative expense.
Income tax benefits related to the losses for fiscal 1996 and 1995 were
not recognized because the utilization of such benefits are not assured. Such
benefits are available for recognition in future years.
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
The Company began fiscal 1997 with cash of $341,334. During the fiscal
year ended January 31, 1997, the Company decreased borrowings by a net of
$6,897,499, generated $6,399,355 from operating activities, used $694,541 for
capital expenditures in refurbishing existing stores, opening one store and
converting 50-OFF stores to LOT$OFF stores, received net proceeds (before
payment of the related mortgage lien) of $1,342,648 from the sale of a building
and ended the period with cash on hand of $491,297.
On May 13, 1996, the Company entered into a $22.5 million revolving
credit facility with Foothill Capital Corporation and GBFC, Inc. which provided
for a 60.75% advance rate on eligible inventory (63.75%, September 16 -
December 15; 55.75%, December 16 - February 28) with interest set at prime plus
1.75% through May 31, 1998. The line of credit was secured by inventory,
accounts receivable and other assets. The agreement contained various
restrictive covenants, including restrictions on the payment of cash dividends.
The agreement also contained minimum gross margin, minimum EBITDA, minimum and
maximum inventory levels, minimum working capital and minimum trade support
financial covenants. On August 8, 1996, the Company was notified that it was in
violation of the minimum gross margin (disputed) and the minimum working
capital financial covenants and that such breaches constituted events of
default under the loan documents. The lenders subsequently established
additional availability reserves, imposed certain increased fees and other
charges and accelerated fees deemed earned at the initial closing, which
individually and together, substantially impacted the Company's financial
liquidity and therefore, its ability to acquire and maintain much needed
inventory for its stores. The Company was unable to secure the resources
required
<PAGE> 25
to cure the defaults under the loan documents and to implement its business
plan and effect the changes believed necessary to improve operations and
reverse the Company's disappointing operating results without the protections
afforded under chapter 11. The Company and its significant subsidiaries filed
petitions for relief under chapter 11 in the Bankruptcy Court on October 9,
1996. This facility was paid off in November 1996.
On November 18, 1996, the Company, with the approval of the Bankruptcy
Court, entered into a credit agreement with GECC providing the Company with a
line of credit through November 1997 of up to $15,000,000, including letters of
credit. Borrowings under the line are limited to a borrowing base equal to a
percentage of eligible inventory at cost; August 15 through December 15, 65%;
and December 16 through August 14, 60%. Interest under the line is charged on
funds borrowed at the annualized yield of 30-day commercial paper (currently
5.62%) plus 3%. The line of credit is collateralized by inventory, accounts
receivable and other assets. The credit agreement contains various restrictive
covenants. The agreement also contains minimum gross margin, minimum EBITDA,
minimum inventory, minimum sales, minimum trade support and maximum capital
expenditure financial covenants. The Company has violated certain of these
covenants, which GECC is forbearing. As of January 31, 1997, the Company had
approximately $5,396,580 outstanding under the credit facility. At May 16,
1997, the Company had approximately $6,974,000 outstanding under the credit
facility and had approximately $611,000 available for use.
The Company believes its operating cash flow, its anticipated Senior
Secured Exit Financing, its restructuring of certain other obligations under
the Plan, its cash on hand and the anticipated required minimum subscription in
the Offering will be adequate to finance its operations, including the costs to
convert the remaining 50-OFF stores to LOT$OFF stores through the remainder of
fiscal 1998, although there can be assurance that such sources of capital will
be sufficient, assuming that such sources of capital are received, obtained and
realized. The Offering is intended to strengthen the Company's capital
structure by increasing stockholders' equity. Upon the release from escrow on
the Effective Date of the Plan, the proceeds from the Offering will be applied
immediately to pay down the Company's asset based lending facility which, in
turn, will be used, together with cash from operations and any litigation
proceeds, for working capital, including the financing of increased inventories
for the Company's stores and to finance its exit from bankruptcy, including the
costs of the Offering (estimated to require approximately $2.0 million,
$780,000 of which will be paid over approximately six months).
BUSINESS OUTLOOK
The Company opened LOT$OFF stores at 50-OFF's existing locations in
Oklahoma (4), the Dallas Metroplex (4) and San Antonio (6), on July 26, August
1 and September 27, 1996, respectively. Early operating results for the 14
converted LOT$OFF stores were encouraging, in spite of difficulties in
maintaining inventories due to serious cash shortages, and initially surpassed
the results of the remaining 50-OFF stores. During its operation in bankruptcy,
the Company has generally allocated its available resources evenly among all
continuing store locations. As of March 27, 1997, the Company was continuing to
operate 41 50-OFF and LOT$OFF stores in New Mexico (3), Texas (28), Oklahoma
(4), Louisiana (5) and Memphis, Tennessee (1). The Company plans to proceed
with the conversion of those 50-OFF stores it elects to continue to operate to
LOT$OFF stores. On March 20, 1997, the Company opened LOT$OFF stores at its
existing locations in Amarillo, Austin, Corpus Christi, Lubbock, Midland and
Waco, Texas, and it has subsequently converted its four existing locations in
Houston, Texas.
Through the Plan, the Company is restructuring its obligations and
capitalization in order to strengthen its financial position so management can
more fully implement its business plan and improve the Company's operating
performance. As discussed herein, management has developed and is implementing
a business strategy which seeks to achieve higher gross margins and a return to
profitability; the key elements of this strategy, which included the geographic
consolidation of the chain and the liquidation and closing of under-performing
stores or stores located outside of a reduced market area with appropriate
reductions in field and corporate overhead and staffing, are converting the
continuing 50-OFF stores to LOT$OFF stores, more close-out buying, higher
initial mark-ups, less promotional pricing, new "hardlines" categories,
elimination of certain "softline" categories subject to high markdowns and
inventory shrinkage, extensive programs to control shrinkage generally and a
reduced expense structure.
25
<PAGE> 26
The Company's ability to successfully reorganize and continue as a
going concern will be affected by a number of factors, including, but not
limited to, the final results of the Offering, the need to successfully
complete negotiations of a post-confirmation credit facility and ultimately
comply with its terms, covenants and conditions, the degree of success in
reversing the Company's recent business trends (increasing sales and operating
profit) and the ability to alleviate trade credit concerns and restore
merchandise flow to adequate levels. While management believes that the recent
and planned closings of stores and the implementation of expense cuts
commensurate with the downsizing of the total stores in operation (from 101 to
41 stores) facilitates its efforts to improve the Company's operating
performance and that the recapitalization to be implemented upon the
consummation of its Plan of Reorganization should strengthen its financial
position and alleviate concerns of credit and merchandise suppliers, no
assurance can be given that the Company will be successful in its continuing
efforts to reverse recent business trends which have continued through May 1997
and return to profitability. The anticipated judgment and receipt of proceeds
from the Company's lawsuits related to certain parties' breaches of contractual
obligations as well as certain other violations related to the Company's
November 1994 Regulation S offering would further strengthen the Company's
financial position. If the Company's plans to improve operations
post-confirmation are not successful, management will consider, among other
alternatives, strategic and/or financial alliances with third parties
(including wholesalers or manufacturers) and the merger, sale or liquidation of
all or a part of the Company.
ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA
The information called for by this item is contained in a separate
section of this report. See "Index to Consolidated Financial Statements."
ITEM 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON
ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE
None.
PART III
ITEM 10. DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE REGISTRANT
OFFICERS
The executive and other significant officers of the Company are shown
below with a summary of their backgrounds:
o Charles J. Fuhrmann II (52): President, Chief Executive Officer,
Chief Financial Officer and Director. Has served as President, Chief
Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer since May 1996 and as a
Director of the Company since October 1994. Since May 1991, has been
a private investor and independent, strategic and financial
consultant to private and public companies, including the Company
since October 1994. From 1978 through May 1991, was Managing
Director, Investment Banking and Vice President of Merrill Lynch &
Co., Inc., New York City, New York.
o Doug Sims (48): Vice-President - Operations. Has served as
Vice-President - Loss Prevention and Internal Audit since March 1994
and served as Director of Loss Prevention since June 1990.
Self-employed in polygraph/investigations for numerous retail
corporations from July 1980 to June 1990. Filed for a divorce related
personal bankruptcy under Chapter 13 in 1995.
o Loretta Marino-Ortiz (31): Vice-President - Merchandise. Has served
as Vice-President - Merchandise since May 1997. Served as General
Merchandise Manager for Remington Retail Division from January 1993
and, from 1980 to 1993, served principally as Buyer for Job Lot
Pushcart. Has over 16 years of retail experience, primarily in
close-out buying and general merchandising capacities.
26
<PAGE> 27
o Thomas H. Lazenby II (37): Vice-President - Marketing. Has served as
Vice-President - Merchandise/Advertising Coordinator since May 1997.
Served as Vice-President - Operations for UETA Inc./Duty Free
International from September 1995 and Regional Vice-President from
February 1995 and, from 1987 to 1995, served principally as Store
Manager for Dillard's Department Stores. Has over 14 years of retail
experience.
o James G. Scogin (35): Vice-President - Chief Accounting Officer,
Controller and Assistant Secretary. Has served as Vice-President -
Chief Accounting Officer, Controller and Assistant Secretary since
May 1996, served as Controller-Chief Accounting Officer since
February 1995 and served as Controller since June 1992. A Certified
Public Accountant, was employed by Deloitte & Touche LLP from August
1985 to June 1992.
o Roy E. Springer (48): Vice-President - Human Resources. Has served as
Vice-President - Human Resources since July 1993 and Director of
Human Resources since 1989. Served as District Store Manager of the
Company from 1988 until 1989. Held various multi-unit management
positions for other retail organizations for 10 years prior to
joining the Company.
DIRECTORS
The Board of Directors of the Company, currently two members including
Mr. Fuhrmann, will be expanded on the Effective Date to add more retail and
general business expertise. See "Directors of the Reorganized Company," below.
The current Director in addition to Mr. Fuhrmann is Cecil Schenker (54), who
has served as a Director since July 1991 and previously from October 1983 until
July 1986. Mr. Schenker is a corporate securities attorney and the managing
partner of the San Antonio, Texas office of the law firm of Akin, Gump,
Strauss, Hauer & Feld, L.L.P. of which he has been a partner, through his
professional corporation, for more than 10 years. Akin, Gump, Strauss, Hauer &
Feld, L.L.P. has regularly performed legal services for the Company. Mr.
Schenker also serves as a Director of Taco Cabana, Inc. (a Mexican patio cafe
chain).
Effective May 7, 1996 and July 8, 1996, Charles M. Siegel and Richard
Sherman, respectively, resigned as Directors; and Joseph Lehrman and James M.
Raines resigned as Directors on May 28, 1997.
COMPLIANCE WITH SECTION 16(a) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
Section 16(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended,
requires each Director and executive officer of the Company and each person who
owns more than 10% of the Company's common stock to file by specific dates with
the SEC initial reports of change in ownership of common stock. Such officers,
Directors and stockholders are required by SEC regulation to furnish the
Company with copies of all Section 16(a) forms they file. The Company is
required to report in this report any failure of its Directors, executive
officers and 10% stockholders to file by the relevant due date any of these
reports during the Company's fiscal year. To the Company's knowledge, based
solely on review of the copies of such reports furnished to the Company, all
Section 16(a) filing requirements applicable to such officers, Directors and
stockholders were complied with for the fiscal year ended January 31, 1997,
except as to James M. Raines, a former Director, whose Form 4 report was filed
late.
OFFICERS OF THE REORGANIZED COMPANY
The current officers of 50-OFF will remain the officers of Reorganized
50-OFF. Such officers' salaries will be set by the Board of Directors of
Reorganized 50-OFF.
DIRECTORS OF THE REORGANIZED COMPANY
The initial Board of Directors of Reorganized 50-OFF will consist of
five Initial Directors, selected prior to the commencement of the Confirmation
Hearing by the existing Chief Executive Officer of 50-OFF and upon consultation
with the existing Board and the General Unsecured Creditors Committee (the
"Committee"). The Chief Executive Officer of Reorganized 50-OFF will serve as
an Initial Director on the Effective Date of the Plan. Such
27
<PAGE> 28
initial Board of Directors will be appointed pursuant to the Confirmation Order
and Section 303 of the Delaware General Corporation Law as if unanimously
approved by the Board of Directors and stockholders, and the initial Board of
Directors will be authorized to take such actions as may be necessary to fully
consummate the Plan. The initial Board of Directors will commence serving on
the Effective Date of the Plan.
The names and brief biographical information for each of the
anticipated Reorganized 50-OFF's post-Effective Date Directors (the "Initial
Directors") are as follows:
o Charles J. Fuhrmann II -- Will serve as Initial Director and Chairman
of Reorganized 50-OFF. See "Officers," above.
o Sheryle J. Bolton -- Will serve as Initial Director of Reorganized
50-OFF. Has been Chief Executive Officer of Scientific Learning
Corporation (CD/ROM and Net-based training programs for people with
language impairments) since November 1996. Served as President, Chief
Operating Officer and a Director of Physicians' Online, Inc.
(proprietary online service for professionals) from January 1994 to
July 1996. Associated with Rockefeller & Co., Inc. (global investment
management firm) from 1990-1993 with responsibility for all
institutional client services and marketing. Serves as a Director or
trustee of several Scudder, Stevens & Clark, Inc. managed funds.
o Cecil Schenker -- Will serve as Initial Director of Reorganized
50-OFF. See "Directors," above.
o William B. Snow -- Will serve as Initial Director of Reorganized
50-OFF. Has been Vice Chairman of Movie Gallery, Inc. (video
specialty retailer) since 1994. Served as Executive Vice President
and Director of Consolidated Stores Corporation (closeout specialty
retailer) from 1985 until his retirement in 1994. Serves as Director
of Homeland Stores, Inc. and DePaul University.
o M. David White -- Will serve as Initial Director of Reorganized
50-OFF. Has been Vice-President--Finance of Boston Chicken, Inc.
(multi-unit specialty food retailer) since December 1994. Served as
Director, Investment Banking and Vice-President of Merrill Lynch &
Co., Inc., Houston, Texas from 1986 through December 1994.
The Initial Directors will serve at the pleasure of the stockholders,
and new Directors may be elected at the first annual meeting of stockholders to
occur after the Effective Date of the Plan. The subsequent tenure and manner of
selection of Directors will be as provided in the charter and bylaws of
Reorganized 50-OFF. To provide continuity of management for some period after
confirmation of the Plan, the initial Board of Directors for Reorganized 50-OFF
will call the first annual meeting of stockholders no sooner than twelve months
after the Effective Date unless an earlier meeting is determined to be called
by such Board.
28
<PAGE> 29
ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
SUMMARY COMPENSATION TABLE
The following table sets forth certain information concerning the
compensation earned during the Company's last three fiscal years by the
Company's Chief Executive Officer, the only executive officer earning
compensation in excess of $100,000 in fiscal 1997, and the Company's former
Chief Executive Officer who resigned in May 1996 (the "named executive
officers").
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Annual compensation Long-Term Compensation
------------------- ------------------------------------
Awards Payouts
-------------------- --------------
Long-Term
Restricted Securities Incentive
stock Underlying Plan All other
Name and Principal Fiscal Salary Bonus award(s) Options payouts compensation
Position Year ($) ($) ($) (#) ($) ($) (1)
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Charles J. Fuhrmann II President 1997 156,460 - - 400,000 - -
CEO and CFO 1996 - - - - - -
1995 - - - - - -
Charles M. Siegel Chairman, 1997 82,118(2) - - 50,000 - -
President 1996 203,846 - - 50,000 - -
and CEO 1995 250,000 - - - - 308
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
(1) Represents company matching contributions under the Company's Profit
Sharing Plan and Trust.
(2) Represents partial year compensation.
Perquisites and other personal benefits did not exceed the lesser of
either $50,000 or 10% of the total of annual salary and bonus reported for
any named executive officer.
In May 1996, Charles M. Siegel resigned from his positions as
President, Chief Executive Officer and a Director of the Company. The Company
had an amended employment agreement (the "Agreement") with Charles Siegel,
which expired on June 15, 1996. Upon Mr. Siegel's resignation from his
positions as President and Chief Executive Officer, the Agreement was
terminated and a severance agreement was entered into with Mr. Siegel who
received $50,000 severance immediately and severance pay of $250,000 payable in
equal monthly payments over a two year period; $229,000 of such severance pay
is included in liabilities subject to compromise. In May 1996, Charles J.
Fuhrmann II became President, Chief Executive and Financial Officer of the
Company. The Company does not have an employment agreement with Mr. Fuhrmann,
but Mr. Fuhrmann receives a base salary of $200,000 and was granted on May 20,
1996, 400,000 options exercisable at $1.00 per share, of which 100,000 options
were exercisable immediately, with the remaining 300,000 options exercisable,
in whole or in part, upon the Company's achieving certain minimum net income
requirements or achieving certain valuations upon any change of control of the
Company; all such options will be canceled on the Effective Date of the Plan.
COMPENSATION OF DIRECTORS
Each outside Director received $750 per Board meeting attended (and
$500 per telephone meeting in excess of two hours duration). In addition, each
outside Director received $750 per meeting for services as members of, or
$1,000 per meeting for chairing, the Audit and Compensation Committees. Outside
members of the Executive Committee received $1,000 per meeting attended, the
Chairman $1,500, (and $500 per telephone meeting in excess of two hours
duration). Each outside Director also received stock option grants. See "Stock
Option Plan," below.
As compensation for their services, each Initial Director will receive
$1,000 per meeting attended (a minimum of four per year are expected) and
reimbursement of expenses associated with such attendance. Telephonic meeting
participation lasting over an hour will be compensated for at $500. In
addition, each initial Director will be granted 5-year options to buy 5,000
shares of new Common Stock, effective on the Effective Date and exercisable
after 90 days after the Effective Date at $1.67 per share. See "Employee and
Director Options," below, for information regarding a new Option Plan. In the
future, 5-year options to buy 5,000 shares of new Common Stock at then fair
29
<PAGE> 30
market value will be granted to Directors upon appointment or election (or
re-election) to the Board of Directors. Outside Directors may receive
additional compensation for consulting services as approved by a majority of
the Board of Directors.
STOCK OPTION PLAN
Upon the Effective Date of the Company's Plan, the Company's Stock
Option Plan described below will be deemed terminated and all outstanding
options will be deemed canceled and of no further force, effect or value. See
"Employee and Director Options," below, for information regarding a new Option
Plan.
Under the Company's old Stock Option Plan (the "Option Plan"), stock
options to purchase up to 3,000,000 shares of Old Common Stock could be granted
to full-time employees, outside Directors, advisors and outside consultants of
the Company. The Company's Compensation Committee set the specific terms and
conditions of options granted under the Option Plan and administered the Option
Plan.
Employees of the Company were eligible to receive either incentive
stock options or non-qualified stock options or a combination of both, as the
Compensation Committee determined. Non-employee participants could be granted
only non-qualified stock options.
In accordance with the terms of the Option Plan, outside Directors
received initial grants upon election or appointment and additional grants
following five years of service. Such options became exercisable in five equal
annual installments commencing with the first anniversary following the date of
grant. The exercise price of the options was equal to 100% of the fair market
value of a share of Old Common Stock on the date of grant.
As of January 31, 1997, stock options covering an aggregate of
1,417,436 shares of Old Common Stock were outstanding with a weighted average
exercise price of $3.27 per share and 1,043,564 additional shares were
available for issuance upon exercise of options which could be granted in the
future. As of May 30, 1997, stock options covering an aggregate of 812,254
shares of Old Common Stock were outstanding with a weighted average exercise
price of $1.99 per share and 1,648,746 additional shares were available for
issuance upon exercise of options which may be granted in the future.
The Company repriced employee stock options (excluding executive
officer, Director, advisor and outside consultant options), at $4.125 per share
effective December 5, 1994.
OPTION GRANTS IN LAST FISCAL YEAR
The following table sets forth certain information concerning options
granted to the named executive officers during the Company's fiscal year ended
January 31, 1997:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- ------------------------- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Option Grants in Fiscal 1996
- ------------------------- -------------- ---------------- -------- ----------------- -------------------------------------
Potential realizable value at
Number of % of Total assumed annual
Securities Options rates of stock price appreciation
Underlying Granted to Exercise for option
Options Employees Price Expiration term (3)
Name Granted (#) in Fiscal 1996 ($/sh) Date -------------------------------------
(2) 5% 10%
- ------------------------- -------------- ---------------- -------- ----------------- ----------- -------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Charles J. Fuhrmann II 400,000 48% $1.00 5-15-06 252,000 636,000
Charles M. Siegel 50,000 6% $1.38 4-12-01 14,000 42,000
</TABLE>
(1) In fiscal 1997, options for an aggregate 662,084 were granted to executive
officers as a group; and options for an aggregate 171,668 shares were
granted to employees and outside consultants, other than executive
officers, as a group.
30
<PAGE> 31
(2) The dollar amounts under these columns use the 5% and 10% rates of
appreciation prescribed by the SEC. The 5% rate of appreciation would
result in per share prices of $1.63 and $1.76, respectively. The 10% rate
of appreciation would result in per share prices of $2.22 and $2.59,
respectively. This presentation is not intended to forecast possible
future appreciation of the Company's Old Common Stock.
FISCAL YEAR END OPTION VALUES
The following table sets forth certain information concerning the value
of unexercised options held by the named executive officers at January 31, 1997
(no options were exercised by such officers during the fiscal year ended on
such date):
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- ---------------------------- -------------------------------- ------------------------------
Number of Securities Value of Unexercised
Underlying Unexercised In-the-Money
Options at FY-End (#) Options at FY-End ($) (1)
--------------- ---------------- ------------------------------
Name Exercisable Unexercisable Exercisable Unexercisable
- ---------------------------- --------------- ---------------- ------------- ----------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Charles J. Fuhrmann II 165,000 345,000 $0 $0
Charles M. Siegel 100,000 - $0 $0
</TABLE>
(1) Values stated are based on the closing price of the Company's Old Common
Stock as reported in the over-the-counter market on January 31, 1997
(under $0.10) and equal the aggregate amount by which the market value of
the option shares exceeds the exercise price of such options at the end of
the fiscal year (nil).
EMPLOYEE AND DIRECTOR OPTIONS
Pursuant to the Plan, 5-year options for 400,000 shares of the
authorized shares of Reorganized 50-OFF Common Stock will be granted to the
Company's officers under the Reorganized 50-OFF Stock Option Plan, including
200,000 such options to be granted to Mr. Fuhrmann. Such options will be
granted on the Effective Date and will be exercisable after 90 days after the
Effective Date at $1.67 per share. Pursuant to the Plan, options for an
additional 25,000 shares will be granted to Initial Directors (5,000 per
Initial Director), including Mr. Fuhrmann, on terms similar to those discussed
above.
Reorganized 50-OFF may grant options to acquire up to an additional
375,000 shares of Reorganized 50-OFF Common Stock (approximately 5% of the
fully diluted shares of Reorganized 50-OFF Common Stock authorized and/or
reserved for issuance on the Effective Date) to officers, including executive
officers, and other key employees and Directors (limited to
5,000/year/individual Director, see "Compensation of Directors," above)
pursuant to the terms of the Reorganized 50-OFF Stock Option Plan, which Stock
Option Plan will expire on the fifth anniversary of the Effective Date. The
terms and conditions of the additional options, if any, related to such shares
shall be determined by the post-confirmation Board of Directors of Reorganized
50-OFF or a committee thereof; provided however, that any such initial
determination shall be made only after at least 90 days after the Effective
Date. The Reorganized 50-OFF Stock Option Plan shall become effective on the
Effective Date without the necessity for further corporate action by the Board
of Directors of Reorganized 50-OFF or the holders of Reorganized 50-OFF Common
Stock pursuant to the Confirmation Order and Section 303 of the Delaware
General Corporation Law.
PROFIT SHARING PLAN AND TRUST
The Company's Profit Sharing Plan and Trust (the "Profit Sharing
Plan") was adopted effective April 1, 1990, and is intended to constitute a
qualified cash or deferred profit sharing plan within the meaning of Section
401(a) and 401(k) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986. The Profit Sharing Plan
is subject to the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974. All
employees of the Company who have attained the age of 21, and, with respect to
employees hired on or after April 1, 1990, who have also completed at least
1,000 hours of service in a 12-month period (a "year
31
<PAGE> 32
of service"), are eligible to participate. Each eligible employee is allowed to
contribute up to 15% of his earnings as shown on the employee's W-2 form.
Through February 1995, the Company matched 25% of the participating employees'
contributions up to a maximum of 6% of the employees' earnings, and will
determine any future matching after the financial results are known each year.
All participating employees' contributions to the Profit Sharing Plan
are at all times fully vested and nonforfeitable. Contributions made by the
Company and credited to employees' accounts are vested 20% after two years of
service, 40% after three years of service, 60% after four years of service, 80%
after five years of service and 100% after six years of service, but all such
Company contributions are fully vested and nonforfeitable upon (i) the
employee's reaching the normal retirement age of 65, or (ii) the employee's
death or disability prior to age 65, or (iii) termination of the Profit Sharing
Plan. All forfeitures of non-vested Company contributions are reallocated to
non-forfeiting participants' accounts.
Participating employees may choose among alternative investment
vehicles (Company Stock is not an option). Distributions may be made prior to
normal retirement age upon showing of hardship. The annual benefits payable
upon retirement at normal retirement age cannot be estimated due to the number
of variables which operate under the Profit Sharing Plan. The Company made
aggregate contributions of $33,575 to the Profit Sharing Plan during fiscal
1995. The Company did not make any contributions during fiscal 1996 or fiscal
1997.
COMPENSATION COMMITTEE INTERLOCKS AND INSIDER PARTICIPATION
During fiscal periods prior to August 1988, and again since February
1991, the law firm of Akin, Gump, Strauss, Hauer & Feld, L.L.P. has regularly
performed legal services as counsel to the Company. Cecil Schenker, a Director
of the Company and a member of the Company's Compensation Committee, is the
sole shareholder of Cecil Schenker, P.C., a partner with Akin, Gump, Strauss,
Hauer & Feld, L.L.P. The Company believes that the ability of Mr. Schenker to
make fair compensation decisions has not been and will not be compromised by
this relationship.
ITEM 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT
The following table sets forth, the beneficial ownership (as defined
by the rules of the SEC) of the Old Common Stock as of May 30, 1997 by each
person known by the Company to be a beneficial owner of more than 5%, all
Directors, the named executive officers, and all Directors and executive
officers as a group.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Number of Shares Percent of
Name Beneficially Owned Class (1)
- ------------------------------------- ------------------ ---------
<S> <C> <C>
Charles J. Fuhrmann II 170,000 (2) 1.4%
Charles M. Siegel 100,000 (2) (3)
Cecil Schenker 0 (3)
All executive officers and Directors
as a group (8 persons) 356,645 2.8%
</TABLE>
(1) This calculation is the quotient of: (a) the number of shares of Old
Common Stock currently beneficially owned by the named individual or
group, plus the number of shares of Old Common Stock, if any, for which
options held by such person or group are currently exercisable or become
exercisable within 60 days of May 30, 1997; divided by (b) the total
number of shares of Old Common Stock outstanding and the number of shares
of Old Common Stock, if any, for which options held by such group are
currently exercisable or become exercisable within 60 days of May 30, 1997
(12,557,560 shares).
(2) Includes 165,000 shares in the case of Mr. Fuhrmann and 100,000 shares in
the case of Mr. Siegel which are issuable pursuant to presently
exercisable options (or those exercisable within 60 days of May 30, 1997).
Excludes 345,000 shares, in the case of Mr. Fuhrmann, which are issuable
pursuant to options which are not currently exercisable or exercisable
within 60 days of May 30, 1997.
(3) Less than 1%
32
<PAGE> 33
ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS
The Company had two store leases in force during fiscal 1995 and three
store leases in force during fiscal 1996 with Spigel Properties, the owner of
which was a Director through September 1995. The Company paid an aggregate of
approximately $136,000 and $124,000 in minimum rent and approximately $14,000
and $27,000 in percentage rental for these locations during fiscal 1995 and
1996, respectively.
The investment firm of James M. Raines & Company, the owner of which
was a Director through May 1997, performed consulting services for a fee in
connection with the Company's Regulation S offering conducted during the fiscal
1995.
Charles J. Fuhrmann II, a Director, performed certain financial and
strategic advisory services for the Company during fiscal 1996 and 1997 and was
compensated $127,500 and $31,250, respectively, for such services. On May 7,
1996, Mr. Fuhrmann was appointed President, Chief Executive and Financial
Officer of the Company.
See "Item 11. Executive Compensation - Compensation Committee
Interlocks and Insider Participation," above.
PART IV
ITEM 14. EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K
(A) The following documents are being filed as part of this annual report on
Form 10-K:
1. Consolidated financial statements and independent auditors' report
for 50-OFF Stores, Inc. and subsidiaries:
Independent auditors' report.
Consolidated balance sheets - January 31, 1997 and February 2, 1996.
Consolidated statements of operations - years ended January 31, 1997,
February 2, 1996 and February 3, 1995.
Consolidated statements of changes in stockholders' equity - years
ended January 31, 1997, February 2, 1996 and February 3, 1995.
Consolidated statements of cash flows - years ended January 31, 1997,
February 2, 1996 and February 3, 1995.
Notes to consolidated financial statements.
2. Consolidated financial statement schedules:
Schedules are omitted because they are not applicable or not
required, or because the required information is included in the
Consolidated Financial Statements or Notes thereto.
2.1 Disclosure Statement, including Joint Plan of Reorganization, as
amended. (F)
3. Exhibits:
33
<PAGE> 34
3.1 Certificate of Incorporation. (A)
3.2 Restated Certificate of Incorporation. *(F)
3.3 Bylaws. (A)
3.4 Amended and Restated Bylaws. *(F)
4.1 Certificate of Designation for Series A Preferred Stock. *(F)
4.2 Certificate of Designation for Series B Preferred Stock. *(F)
10.1 Old Stock Option Plan. (A)
10.2 New Stock Option Plan. *(F)
10.3 Loan with General Electric Capital Corporation (F)
10.4 Note and Security Documents with General Electric Capital
Corporation. (F)
10.5 Certificate of Corporate Resolution Adopting the Company 401K Profit
Sharing Plan and Trust. (B)
18. Change in Accounting Principles. (D)
21. Subsidiaries of the Registrant. (C)
25. Power of attorney of directors appointing Charles J. Fuhrmann II and
James G. Scogin attorneys-in-fact appear after signature page in this
report on Form 10-K.
27. Financial Data Schedule (H)
99. Petition filed in the matter of 50-OFF Stores, Inc., (Plaintiff) vs.
Banque Paribas (Suisse) S.A., Betafid, S.A., Yanni Koutsoubos,
Andalucian Villas (Forty Eight) Limited, Arnass Limited, Brocimast
Enterprises Ltd., Dennis Morris, Howard White and Morris &
Associates, (Defendants). (E)
(A) Contained in exhibits to the Registrant's Registration Statement No.
33-48216 on Form S-4 filed with the Securities and Exchange
Commission on July 28, 1992.
(B) Contained in exhibits to the quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the
quarter ended August 3, 1990.
(C) Contained in exhibits to the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the
fiscal year ended January 29, 1993.
(D) Contained in exhibits to the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the
fiscal year ended January 28, 1994.
(E) Contained in exhibits to the current report on Form 8-K filed April
12, 1995.
34
<PAGE> 35
(F) Contained in exhibits to Registration Statement No. 333-25061 on Form
S-1 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on April 11,
1997.
(G) Contained in exhibits to Amendment No. 1 to Registration Statement
No. 333-25061 on Form S-1 filed with the Securities and Exchange
Commission on June 11, 1997.
(H) Filed herewith.
* To be effective on effective Date of the Plan of Reorganization.
(B) Reports on Form 8-K
No reports on Form 8-K were filed during the last quarter of the period
covered by this report.
35
<PAGE> 36
SIGNATURES
PURSUANT TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES
EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934, THE REGISTRANT HAS DULY CAUSED THIS REPORT TO BE SIGNED
ON ITS BEHALF BY THE UNDERSIGNED, THEREUNTO DULY AUTHORIZED:
50-OFF STORES, INC.
BY: /s/ CHARLES J. FUHRMANN II
----------------------------------
CHARLES J. FUHRMANN II, PRESIDENT,
CHIEF EXECUTIVE AND
FINANCIAL OFFICER
BY: /s/ JAMES G. SCOGIN
----------------------------------
JAMES G. SCOGIN, VICE PRESIDENT,
CONTROLLER, CHIEF ACCOUNTING
OFFICER AND ASSISTANT SECRETARY
DATE: JUNE 13, 1997
36
<PAGE> 37
POWER OF ATTORNEY
THE UNDERSIGNED DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS OF 50-OFF STORES, INC. HEREBY
CONSTITUTE AND APPOINT CHARLES J. FUHRMANN II AND JAMES G. SCOGIN OUR TRUE AND
LAWFUL ATTORNEYS-IN-FACT AND AGENTS, TO EXECUTE IN OUR NAME AND BEHALF IN THE
CAPACITIES INDICATED BELOW THE ANNUAL REPORT ON FORM 10-K FOR 50-OFF STORES,
INC. AND ANY AMENDMENTS THERETO WITH THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION AND
HEREBY RATIFY AND CONFIRM ALL SUCH ATTORNEYS-IN-FACT AND AGENTS SHALL LAWFULLY
DO OR CAUSE TO BE DONE BY VIRTUE HEREOF.
PURSUANT TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934,
THIS REPORT HAS BEEN SIGNED BELOW BY THE FOLLOWING PERSONS ON BEHALF OF THE
REGISTRANT, AND IN THE CAPACITIES AND ON THE DATES INDICATED:
SIGNATURE TITLE DATE
--------- ----- ----
/s/ CHARLES J. FUHRMANN II PRESIDENT, CHIEF EXECUTIVE JUNE 13, 1997
- ---------------------------- AND FINANCIAL OFFICER AND
CHARLES J. FUHRMANN II DIRECTOR
/s/ JAMES G. SCOGIN VICE PRESIDENT, CONTROLLER, JUNE 13, 1997
- ---------------------------- CHIEF ACCOUNTING OFFICER
JAMES G. SCOGIN AND ASSISTANT SECRETARY
/S/ CECIL SCHENKER DIRECTOR JUNE 13, 1997
- ----------------------------
CECIL SCHENKER
37
<PAGE> 38
50-OFF STORES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
INDEX TO CONSOLIDATED
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PAGE
<S> <C>
Independent Auditors' Report ....................................................................... F-2
Consolidated Balance Sheets - January 31, 1997 and February 2, 1996 ................................ F-3
Consolidated Statements of Operations - Years ended
January 31, 1997, February 2, 1996 and February 3, 1995 ....................................... F-4
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders' (Deficit) Equity - Years
ended January 31, 1997, February 2, 1996 and February 3, 1995 ................................. F-5
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows - Years ended
January 31, 1997, February 2, 1996 and February 3, 1995 ....................................... F-6; F-7
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements ......................................................... F-8 - F-19
</TABLE>
Schedules are omitted because they are not applicable or not required, or
because the required information is included in the consolidated financial
statements or notes thereto.
F-1
<PAGE> 39
INDEPENDENT AUDITOR'S REPORT
Board of Directors and Stockholders
50-OFF Stores, Inc.
San Antonio, Texas
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of 50-OFF Stores,
Inc. and subsidiaries (Debtor in Possession) as of January 31, 1997 and
February 2, 1996, and the related consolidated statements of operations,
changes in stockholders' (deficit) equity and cash flows for each of the three
years in the period ended January 31, 1997. These financial statements are the
responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an
opinion on the financial statements based on our audits.
We conducted our audits in accordance with generally accepted auditing
standards. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain
reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of
material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence
supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit
also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant
estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial
statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis
for our opinion.
In our opinion, such consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all
material respects, the financial position of 50-OFF Stores, Inc. and
subsidiaries as of January 31, 1997 and February 2, 1996, and the results of
their operations and their cash flows for each of the three years in the period
ended January 31, 1997 in conformity with generally accepted accounting
principles.
As discussed in Note 1 to the consolidated financial statements, the Company
has filed for reorganization under Chapter 11 of the Federal Bankruptcy Code.
The accompanying financial statements do not purport to reflect or provide for
the consequences of the bankruptcy proceedings. In particular, such financial
statements do not purport to show (a) as to assets, their realizable value on a
liquidation basis or their availability to satisfy liabilities; (b) as to
prepetition liabilities, the amounts that may be allowed for claims or
contingencies, or the status and priority thereof; (c) as to stockholder
accounts, the effect of any changes that may be made in the capitalization of
the Company; or (d) as to operations, the effect of any changes that may be
made in its business.
The accompanying financial statements have been prepared assuming that the
Company will continue as a going concern. As discussed in Note 2 to the
consolidated financial statements, the Company's need to increase sales and
ultimately to attain profitable operations, the need to successfully complete
negotiation of a post-confirmation credit facility and ultimately comply with
its terms, covenants and conditions; and the need to complete the offering
of the shares by the Company pursuant to its plan of reorganization which is
required in order for the Company to emerge from bankruptcy raise substantial
doubt about its ability to continue as a going concern. Management's plans
concerning these matters are also described in Note 2. The financial statements
do not include any adjustments that might result from the outcome of this
uncertainty.
/s/ DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP
DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP
San Antonio, Texas
June 9, 1997
F-2
<PAGE> 40
50-OFF STORES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
(DEBTOR-IN-POSSESSION)
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
ASSETS
JANUARY 31, FEBRUARY 2,
1997 1996
------------ ------------
<S> <C> <C>
CURRENT ASSETS:
Cash and cash equivalents .................................... $ 491,297 $ 341,334
Cash in escrow ............................................... 330,000 --
Accounts receivable .......................................... 717,852 1,129,604
Merchandise inventories ...................................... 12,974,958 27,753,965
Prepaid and other current assets ............................. 393,526 437,226
------------ ------------
Total current assets ...................................... 14,907,633 29,662,129
------------ ------------
PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT-NET ................................... 3,988,760 24,888,222
OTHER ASSETS ................................................. 358,343 899,126
------------ ------------
TOTAL ASSETS .............................................. $ 19,254,736 $ 55,449,477
============ ============
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' (DEFICIT) EQUITY
CURRENT LIABILITIES:
Credit Facility .............................................. $ 5,396,580 $ --
Accounts payable-trade ....................................... 1,381,708 8,595,246
Accounts payable-other ....................................... 2,032,512 4,238,123
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities ............... 1,757,468 3,280,093
Current portion of closed store costs ........................ -- 1,168,213
Current portion of long-term debt ............................ 266,667 1,286,372
------------ ------------
Total current liabilities ................................. 10,834,935 18,568,047
------------ ------------
CREDIT FACILITY, refinanced .................................. -- 11,218,051
LONG-TERM DEBT, less current portion ......................... -- 3,884,515
LIABILITIES SUBJECT TO COMPROMISE ............................ 30,250,544 --
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (Note 2, 4, 5, 8 and 10)
STOCKHOLDERS' (DEFICIT) EQUITY:
Preferred stock, $1.00 par value, 5,000,000 shares authorized,
no shares issued and outstanding .......................... -- --
Common stock, $.01 par value, 20,000,000 shares authorized,
12,200,915 at January 31, 1997 and February 2, 1996 ....... 122,009 122,009
Additional paid-in-capital ................................... 36,022,264 36,022,264
Subscription receivable ...................................... (3,991,050) (3,991,050)
Accumulated deficit .......................................... (53,983,966) (10,374,359)
------------ ------------
Total stockholders' (deficit) equity ...................... (21,830,743) 21,778,864
------------ ------------
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' (DEFICIT) EQUITY ......... $ 19,254,736 $ 55,449,477
============ ============
</TABLE>
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
F-3
<PAGE> 41
50-OFF STORES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
(DEBTOR-IN-POSSESSION)
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
YEAR ENDED YEAR ENDED YEAR ENDED
JANUARY 31, FEBRUARY 2, FEBRUARY 3,
1997 1996 1995
-------------- -------------- --------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
NET SALES .......................... $ 106,193,561 $ 175,022,949 $ 201,543,133
COST OF SALES ...................... 78,560,029 118,628,507 135,559,833
-------------- -------------- --------------
GROSS PROFIT ....................... 27,633,532 56,394,442 65,983,300
-------------- -------------- --------------
OPERATING EXPENSES:
SELLING, ADVERTISING, GENERAL AND
ADMINISTRATIVE .................. 42,295,234 57,376,682 63,827,264
DEPRECIATION AND AMORTIZATION ... 3,223,122 3,950,680 3,779,082
CLOSED STORE COSTS .............. -- (409,145) 5,018,593
-------------- -------------- --------------
REORGANIZATION ITEMS:
Severance payroll .............. 191,385 -- --
Professional fees .............. 996,841 -- --
Loss on disposal of stores ..... 23,142,473 -- --
Gain on sale of building ....... (356,144) -- --
-------------- -------------- --------------
23,974,555 -- --
-------------- -------------- --------------
TOTAL OPERATING EXPENSES ........... 69,492,911 60,918,217 72,624,939
-------------- -------------- --------------
OPERATING LOSS ..................... (41,859,379) (4,523,775) (6,641,639)
OTHER EXPENSE (INCOME):
INTEREST INCOME ................. (74,270) (111,616) (136,280)
INTEREST EXPENSE ................ 1,671,624 2,366,269 1,518,697
-------------- -------------- --------------
TOTAL OTHER EXPENSE (INCOME) ....... 1,597,354 2,254,653 1,382,417
-------------- -------------- --------------
LOSS BEFORE INCOME TAXES ........... (43,456,733) (6,778,428) (8,024,056)
-------------- -------------- --------------
PROVISION FOR INCOME TAXES ......... 152,874 -- --
-------------- -------------- --------------
NET LOSS ........................... $ (43,609,607) $ (6,778,428) $ (8,024,056)
============== ============== ==============
LOSS PER COMMON SHARE .............. $ (3.57) $ (.56) $ (.76)
============== ============== ==============
</TABLE>
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
F-4
<PAGE> 42
50-OFF STORES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
(DEBTOR-IN-POSSESSION)
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDERS' (DEFICIT) EQUITY
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
COMMON STOCK RETAINED
------------------------------- ADDITIONAL EARNINGS
NUMBER PAID-IN SUBSCRIPTION (ACCUMULATED
OF SHARES AMOUNT CAPITAL RECEIVABLE DEFICIT) TOTAL
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
BALANCE: January 28, 1994 ............ 10,370,915 103,709 $ 31,150,955 4,428,125 $ 35,682,789
Net proceeds from issuance
of common stock for:
Exercise of stock options .......... 7,500 75 37,960 38,035
1,810,000 share offering ........... 1,810,000 18,100 4,833,474 4,851,574
Subscription for 1,500,000 shares... $ (3,991,050) (3,991,050)
Net loss .............................. (8,024,056) (8,024,056)
------------ ------------ ------------ ----------- ------------ ------------
BALANCE: February 3, 1995 ............ 12,188,415 121,884 36,022,389 (3,991,050) (3,595,931 28,557,292
Other ................................. 12,500 125 (125)
Net loss .............................. (6,778,428) (6,778,428)
------------ ------------ ------------ ----------- ------------ ------------
BALANCE: February 2, 1996 ............ 12,200,915 122,009 36,022,264 (3,991,050) (10,374,359) 21,778,864
Net loss .............................. (43,609,607) (43,609,607)
------------ ------------ ------------ ----------- ------------ ------------
BALANCE: January 31, 1997 ............. 12,200,915 $ 122,009 $ 36,022,264 $(3,991,050) $(53,983,966) $(21,830,743)
============ ============ ============ =========== ============ ============
</TABLE>
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
F-5
<PAGE> 43
50-OFF STORES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
(DEBTOR-IN-POSSESSION)
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
YEAR ENDED YEAR ENDED YEAR ENDED
JANUARY 31, FEBRUARY 2, FEBRUARY 3,
1997 1996 1995
------------ ------------ ------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Net loss ............................................... $(43,609,607) $ (6,778,428) $ (8,024,056)
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash
used in operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization .................... 3,223,122 3,950,680 3,779,082
Closed store charge .............................. -- -- 4,942,194
Loss on disposition of fixed assets .............. -- 187,032 654,311
Loss on disposal of stores ....................... 23,063,554 -- --
Non-cash interest expense on long-term debt ...... 117,981 -- --
Changes in assets and liabilities:
Accounts receivables ................................. 411,752 515,699 1,342,026
Merchandise inventories .............................. 14,779,007 3,925,773 (1,050,890)
Prepaid and other current assets ..................... 43,700 280,335 56,371
Other assets ......................................... 221,559 337,150 337,170
Accounts payable-trade ............................... 8,675,907 (1,416,566) (5,208,013)
Accounts payable-other ............................... 2,010,344 (657,910) (794,383)
Deferred federal income taxes ........................ 152,874 -- 549,000
Closed store costs ................................... (1,168,213) (1,566,981) --
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities ....... (1,522,625) 132,414 (254,557)
------------ ------------ ------------
Net provided by (cash used) in operating activities .... 6,399,355 (1,090,802) (3,671,745)
------------ ------------ ------------
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Proceeds from sale of building ....................... 1,342,648 -- --
Capital expenditures ................................. (694,541) (3,691,561) (3,436,475)
------------ ------------ ------------
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities .... 648,107 (3,691,561) (3,436,475)
------------ ------------ ------------
</TABLE>
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
F-6
<PAGE> 44
50-OFF STORES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
(DEBTOR-IN-POSSESSION)
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS - (CONTINUED)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
YEAR ENDED YEAR ENDED YEAR ENDED
JANUARY 31, FEBRUARY 2, FEBRUARY 3,
1997 1996 1995
------------ ------------ ------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Net (payments) proceeds from credit facility ............. (5,821,471) 4,263,026 6,945,025
Payments on long-term debt ............................... (746,028) (1,202,005) (1,223,276)
Cash in escrow ........................................... (330,000) -- --
Net proceeds from the issuance of common stock ........... -- -- 898,559
------------ ------------ ------------
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities ........ (6,897,499) 3,061,021 6,620,308
------------ ------------ ------------
Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents ......... 149,963 (1,721,342) (487,912)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year ........... 341,334 2,062,676 2,550,588
------------ ------------ ------------
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year ................. $ 491,297 $ 341,334 $ 2,062,676
============ ============ ============
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURES OF
CASH FLOW INFORMATION:
Cash paid/received during the period for:
Interest paid ............................................ $ 1,553,643 $ 2,034,339 $ 1,407,788
Income tax refund received ............................... -- -- 1,658,134
SUPPLEMENTAL SCHEDULE OF
NON-CASH FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES:
Subscription receivable for 1,500,000 shares
of common stock .......................................... -- -- $ 3,991,050
</TABLE>
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
F-7
<PAGE> 45
50-OFF STORES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
(DEBTOR-IN-POSSESSION)
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
NOTE 1 - SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Principles of Consolidation
The financial statements include the accounts of 50-OFF Stores, Inc.
and its wholly-owned subsidiaries (50-OFF or the Company). All significant
intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated.
Operations
The Company operates a chain of close-out retail stores located in 5
states in the southern and southwestern United States that carry a broad mix of
merchandise targeted at value-conscious, lower to moderate income customers and
other "bargain hunters."
Reorganization
On October 9, 1996 (the "Petition Date"), the Company filed a petition
(the "Filing") for relief under Chapter 11 of the Bankruptcy Code ("Chapter
11") in the United States Bankruptcy Court for the Western District of Texas
(the "Bankruptcy Court"). The filing was precipitated by the notification from
the Company's asset based lender that it was in violation of the minimum gross
margin (disputed) and the minimum working capital financial covenants of its
credit agreement and that such breaches constituted events of default under the
loan documents. The lenders subsequently established additional availability
reserves, imposed certain increased fees and other charges and accelerated fees
deemed earned at the initial closing, which, individually and together,
substantially impacted the Company's financial liquidity and, therefore, its
ability to acquire and maintain much needed inventory for its stores. The
Company was unable to secure the resources required to cure the defaults under
the loan documents and to implement its business plan and effect the charges
believed necessary to improve operations and reverse the Company's
disappointing operating results without the protections afforded under the
Bankruptcy Code. The Company will continue to manage its affairs and operate
its business under Chapter 11 as debtor in possession while the plan of
reorganization is formulated. Through the reorganization under Chapter 11,
management intends to implement the Company's plan to restructure the
operations and capitalization of the Company in order to strengthen the
Company's financial position and operating performance.
Consistent with the Chapter 11 proceedings, the accompanying financial
statements have been prepared on a going concern basis assuming the realization
of assets and liquidation of liabilities in the ordinary course of business.
However, under Chapter 11, actions to enforce certain claims against the
Company are stayed if such claims arose, or are based on events that occurred,
before the Petition Date. The terms of the ultimate settlement of these
liabilities is determined based on the plan of reorganization approved by the
Bankruptcy Court. Such liabilities in existence at October 9, 1996 are
reflected as Liabilities Subject To Compromise in the January 31, 1997
consolidated balance sheet. Additional liabilities subject to settlement may
arise subsequent to the Petition Date, as a result of claims filed by parties
affected by the Company's rejection of executory contracts, including leases,
and from the Bankruptcy Court's fixing of allowed claims for contingencies and
other disputed amounts. The procedures used to determine the amount of any
additional liabilities have not been completed. Additional liabilities may
arise as the Chapter 11 proceeding continues.
In November 1996, the Company obtained a debtor in possession credit
facility with borrowings up to $15 million from General Electric Capital
Corporation ("GECC"). This facility is for a term of one year and is
collateralized primarily by inventory (see Note 5).
F-8
<PAGE> 46
On February 12, 1997, the Bankruptcy Court entered an order to extend
the time for the Company to assume or reject unexpired store leases. The order
provides that the time for which the Company must assume or reject its store
leases is extended to April 14, 1997. Other deadlines were provided for
treatment of specific leases where the landlord objected to the extension
period.
A plan of reorganization ("the Plan" or "Plan of Reorganization") was
filed on February 26, 1997, amended on March 27, 1997 and confirmed by the
Bankruptcy Court on June 3, 1997 (see Note 2).
Fiscal Year
The Company's fiscal year is a fifty-two or fifty-three week period
ending on the Friday nearest to January 31. Fiscal years 1997 and 1996 were
comprised of fifty-two weeks and fiscal year 1995 was comprised of fifty-three
weeks.
Cash and Cash Equivalents
The Company considers all highly liquid investments purchased with a
remaining maturity of three months or less to be cash equivalents.
In January 1997, the Company sold its corporate headquarters. An order
issued by the Bankruptcy Court escrowed $330,000 to pay the outstanding
principal, accrued interest and attorneys fees. In February 1997, approximately
$301,000 was paid to satisfy the debt (see Note 5).
Pre-opening Store Costs
Pre-opening store costs, which are included in selling, advertising,
general and administrative, are charged to income within the fiscal year in
which they are incurred.
Inventory Valuation
Merchandise inventories are valued at the lower of cost (first-in,
first-out) or market, using the retail inventory method. Merchandise
inventories consist entirely of finished goods.
Property and Equipment
Property and equipment are recorded at cost. Depreciation is computed
on the straight-line method at rates based upon the estimated useful lives of
the respective assets. Leasehold improvements are amortized on the
straight-line method over the shorter of the economic life of the improvements
or the respective terms of the lease. Gains and losses upon retirement or
disposal of fixed assets are recognized currently. In connection with Chapter
11 Filing, the Company recorded as a reorganization expense the write-down to
fair value, as determined by the Company's lender based on the value of certain
assets liquidated by the lender and on the Company's, the lender's and an
independent party's strategic review, certain equipment and leasehold
improvements (see Note 6).
Income Taxes
Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for future tax
consequences attributable to differences between financial statement carrying
amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases.
Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates
expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary
differences are expected to be recovered or settled. Deferred tax assets are
reported net of a valuation allowance that reduces deferred tax assets to an
amount that management believes is more likely than not realizable. The effect
on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized
in income in the period that includes the enactment date.
F-9
<PAGE> 47
Loss Per Common Share
Loss per common share is based on the weighted average number of
shares of common stock and common stock equivalents outstanding. Fully diluted
loss per common share is not presented as it is not materially different than
the calculation of primary loss per common share.
1997 1996 1995
---------- ---------- ----------
Weighted average shares.... 12,200,915 12,200,915 10,539,089
In February 1997, Statement of Financial Accounting Standard No. 128,
"Earnings Per Share" ("SFAS No. 128") was issued. SFAS No. 128, which
establishes standards for computing and presenting earnings per share, is
effective for the fiscal year ending after December 15, 1997 and when adopted
will require restatement of earnings per share presented in prior periods.
Early adoption is not permitted. The Company believes that the adoption of SFAS
No. 128 will not materially impact its financial condition or results of
operations.
Fair Value of Financial Instruments
The Company's financial instruments consist primarily of cash and cash
equivalents, accounts receivable, accounts payable and debt instruments. The
book value of cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable and accounts
payable are representative of their respective fair values due to the
short-term maturity of these instruments. The book value of the Company's debt
instruments is considered to approximate their fair value, based on current
market rates and conditions. Certain debt in statements classified as
Liabilities Subject to Compromise (see Note 4) may be subject to future
adjustments by the Bankruptcy Court.
Use of Estimates
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally
accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and
assumptions that 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.
Stock Based Compensation
The Company accounts for stock-based compensation using the intrinsic
value method described in Accounting Principles Board No. 25, "Accounting for
Stock Issued to Employees" (APB No. 25) and related interpretations.
Accordingly, compensation cost for stock options is measured as the excess, if
any, of the quoted market price of the Company's Common Stock at the date of
grant over the amount an employee must pay to acquire the stock. The Company
has adopted the disclosure requirements of Statements of Financial Accounting
Standard No. 123, "Accounting for Stock Based Compensation," (SFAS No. 123) as
included in Note 11.
Reclassifications
Certain reclassifications have been made to the fiscal 1996 and 1995
consolidated financial statements to conform to the fiscal 1997 consolidated
financial statement presentation.
F-10
<PAGE> 48
NOTE 2 - PLAN OF REORGANIZATION AND MANAGEMENT PLANS
The Plan provides for the cancellation of all non-priority unsecured
indebtedness of the Company. The Company estimates such cancellation will cause
the elimination of over $25 million of unsecured debt and $3 million of secured
debt which will be converted to unsecured debt from the Company's balance
sheet. Each holder of an allowed general unsecured claim will, in cancellation
of its claim, receive a pro rata share of the Company's Series B Preferred
Stock. Certain obligations of the Company to such holders of Series B Preferred
Stock will be secured by two liens against potential net lawsuit proceeds from
significant litigation being prosecuted by the Company. As net proceeds (net of
certain items set forth in the Plan) from such litigation are received by the
Company, holders of Series B Preferred Stock will receive (i) Series A
Conversion Rights, which provide for the conversion of Series B Preferred Stock
to Series A Preferred Stock, until net proceeds reach $3,991,050 and (ii)
Series A Preferred Stock for net proceeds in excess of $3,991,050 (provided
that "excess" net proceeds, as defined in the Plan, will be paid in cash). The
receipt of Series A Conversion Rights, Series A Preferred Stock and/or cash by
holders of Series B Preferred Stock will result in a proportionate release of
the liens.
By issuing such Series B Preferred Stock to general unsecured
creditors, such creditors are essentially receiving the value of the Company's
litigation which was pending prepetition.
Finally, the Plan provides for the recapitalization of the Company
through cash generally raised from the Company's existing common stockholders
and others. Specifically, the Plan provides for the issuance to existing common
stockholders of rights to purchase units, consisting of 20 shares of Series A
Preferred Stock and 20 shares of new Common Stock ("a Unit"), with a minimum
purchase amount of $3,050,000. The cumulative dividend rate on the Series A
Preferred Stock is 5.5%. At confirmation, the Company announced it had received
subscriptions for 44,736 ($4,473,600) units through May 30, 1997, and the
required minimum would be met.
Contemporaneously with filing the Plan, the Company filed a related
disclosure statement ("the Disclosure Statement") setting forth more detailed
information regarding the Company and the Plan. Under applicable Bankruptcy
Court rules and procedures, a hearing was scheduled by the Court to review and
approve the Disclosure Statement which was approved March 20, 1997. Upon
approval of the Disclosure Statement, the Plan and Disclosure Statement were
furnished to creditors and stockholders and votes in support of the Plan were
solicited. The Plan was approved by both creditors and stockholders. An order
confirming the Plan was entered on June 3, 1997. Approximately ten days
subsequent to confirmation, the Plan will become effective. It is presently
anticipated that the Effective Date of the Plan will be on June 16, 1997.
Management has been redirecting 50-OFF's retail activities from
50-OFF's off-price retailing concept to LOT$OFF's close-out retailing concept.
Coincident and consistent with this change has been a change in the mix of
products, historically a majority in family apparel, to a majority in
non-apparel merchandise, principally through the addition of new product
categories to the Company's historical non-apparel offerings which include
cosmetics, housewares and giftware, home furnishings, shelf-stable food
products, toys, luggage, footwear, stationery and health and beauty aids. New
categories include sporting goods, automotive, greeting cards, jewelry, books,
party goods, seasonal, pet supplies and hardware, among others. The Company will
continue to maintain a healthy showing of basic family apparel products in the
LOT$OFF stores. The actual merchandise mix will fluctuate by category, by season
and by store based on customer needs and buying trends, demographics and the
availability of products at close-out prices. This merchandise concept is
designed to appeal to value-conscious shoppers and other "bargain hunters," and
management is hopeful its continued implementation will lead to higher initial
mark-ups, less promotional pricing, fewer markdowns, less inventory shrinkage,
increased store traffic and improved operating results.
The Company's ability to successfully reorganize and continue as a
going concern will be affected by a number of factors, including, but not
limited to, the need to complete the offering of shares pursuant to the Plan,
the need to successfully complete negotiations of a post-confirmation credit
facility and ultimately comply with its terms, covenants and conditions,
uncertainty regarding the eventual outcome of the Chapter 11 Cases, the
degree of success in reversing the Company's recent business trends (by
increasing sales and operating profits) and the ability to
alleviate trade credit concerns and restore merchandise flow to adequate
levels. While management believes that the recent closings of stores and the
implementation of expense cuts commensurate with the downsizing of the total
stores in operation (from 101 to 41 stores) facilitates its efforts to improve
the Company's operating performance and that the recapitalization to be
implemented on the effective date of its Plan of Reorganization should
strengthen its financial position and alleviate concerns of credit and
merchandise suppliers, no assurance can be given that the Company will be
successful in its continuing efforts to reverse recent business trends
which have continued through May 1997 and return to profitability.
The anticipated judgment and receipt of proceeds from the Company's
lawsuits related to certain parties breach of contractual obligations
as well as certain other violations related to the Company's November
1994 Regulation S offering (see Note 10) should further strengthen its
financial position. If the Company's plans to improve operations are not
successful, management will consider, among other alternatives, strategic
and/or financial alliances with third parties (including wholesalers or
manufacturers) and the merger, sale or liquidation of all or a part of the
Company.
F-11
<PAGE> 49
NOTE 3 - PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT
Property and equipment consists of the following:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
JANUARY 31, FEBRUARY 2,
1997 1996
------------ ------------
<S> <C> <C>
Land ....................................... $ -- $ 226,608
Building ................................... -- 752,231
Store equipment, furniture and fixtures .... 1,184,242 26,692,653
Leasehold improvements ..................... 5,930,742 12,255,958
Other ...................................... 160,657 1,936,223
------------ ------------
7,275,641 41,863,673
Less: accumulated depreciation ............ (3,286,881) (16,975,451)
------------ ------------
$ 3,988,760 $ 24,888,222
============ ============
</TABLE>
NOTE 4 - LIABILITIES SUBJECT TO COMPROMISE
The principal categories of claims reclassified in the consolidated
balance sheet as of January 31, 1997 and included in liabilities subject to
compromise are as follows:
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
Secured debt, 8.5%, collateralized by furniture,
fixtures and equipment ................................... $ 4,190,881
Secured debt, capital leases, collateralized by signs ...... 80,763
Trade and other miscellaneous claims
including costs of lease rejections ...................... 25,978,900
------------
$ 30,250,544
============
</TABLE>
These amounts may be subject to future adjustments depending on:
filings of additional claims against the Company; actions of the Bankruptcy
Court; further developments with respect to disputed claims - whether or not
such claims are secured and the value of any security interest securing any
such claims; and other events. The Company has estimated that certain
pre-petition debt exceeds the related collateral and therefore, in accordance
with Statement of Position 90-7, "Financial Reporting by Entities in
Reorganization Under the Bankruptcy Code," the Company has discontinued
accruing interest on these obligations. The above amounts represent the
Company's best estimate of claims which will ultimately be allowed by the
Court.
NOTE 5 - CREDIT FACILITY AND LONG-TERM DEBT
Credit Facility:
On November 18, 1996, the Company, with the approval of the Bankruptcy
Court, entered into a credit agreement with GECC providing the Company with a
line of credit through November 1997 of up to $15,000,000, including letters of
credit. Borrowings under the line are limited to a borrowing base equal to a
percentage of eligible inventory at cost: August 15 through December 15, 65%;
and December 16 through August 14, 60%. Interest under the line is charged on
funds borrowed at the annualized yield on 30-day commercial paper (5.95% as of
January 31, 1997) plus 3%. The line of credit is collateralized by inventory,
accounts receivable and other assets. The credit agreement contains various
restrictive covenants. The agreement also contains minimum gross margin,
minimum EBITDA, minimum inventory, minimum sales, minimum trade support and
maximum capital expenditure financial covenants. On February 25, 1997 and April
2, 1997, the Company was notified that it was in violation of not receiving net
proceeds of $1,000,000 (received $998,000) from the sale of its headquarters
building and the following financial covenants regarding minimum (a) EBITDA,
(covenant $400,000, actual ($484,000)) (b) net sales (covenant $15,900,000,
actual $12,609,000) (c) inventory balances (covenant $16,000,000, actual
$13,504,000) and (d) accounts
F-12
<PAGE> 50
payable (covenant $2,000,000, actual $1,940,000). The violations constituted
events of default under the loan documents. GECC waived the default on net
proceeds from sale of headquarters building and is forbearing from exercising
any remedies in connection with such financial defaults. At January 31, 1997,
the Company had approximately $5,397,000 outstanding under the credit facility
and had approximately $1,225,000 available for use. At May 16, 1997, the
Company had approximately $6,974,000 outstanding under the credit facility and
had approximately $611,000 available for use.
On May 13, 1996, the Company entered into a credit facility with two
financial corporations providing the Company with a line of credit through May
1998 of up to $22,500,000, including letters of credit. Borrowings under the
line were limited to a borrowing base equal to the lessor of, (i) eligible
inventory at cost: December 16 to February 28, 55.75%, March 1 to September 15,
60.75% and September 16 to December 15, 63.75% or (ii) eligible inventory at
retail: December 16 to February 28, 33.45%, March 1 to September 15, 37.25% and
September 16 to December 15, 39.0%. Interest under the line was charged on
funds borrowed at the First National Bank of Boston's base rate plus 1.75% and
there was a monthly administrative fee of $12,000 and an annual facility fee of
1.5% ($337,500). The line of credit was secured by inventory, accounts
receivable and other assets. In addition, the Company issued the lenders a
three year warrant to purchase 400,000 shares of Common Stock at $2.50 per
share. The agreement contained various restrictive covenants, including minimum
gross margin, minimum EBITDA, minimum and maximum inventory levels, minimum
working capital and minimum trade support financial covenants. On August 8,
1996, the Company was notified that it was in violation of the minimum gross
margin and the minimum working capital financial covenants and that such
breaches constituted events of default under the loan documents. The lenders
subsequently established additional availability reserves, imposed certain
increased fees and other charges and accelerated fees deemed earned at the
initial closing. This facility was paid off in November 1996 after the
Company's bankruptcy filing.
Prior to entering into such credit facility on May 13, 1996, the
Company had a credit facility with a financial institution providing the
Company a line of credit through January 1998, as amended, of up to
$20,000,000, including letters of credit of up to $4,000,000. Borrowings under
the facility were limited to a borrowing base equal to the lesser of, (i) 45%
of eligible inventory, or (ii) 80% of liquidation value of inventory, both
minus a permanent block of $1,500,000. Interest under the line was charged on
funds borrowed at the lender's prime rate plus 1.75%. The agreement contained
various restrictive covenants, including restrictions on the payment of cash
dividends. This credit facility was secured by inventory, certain accounts
receivable and other assets.
The Company had total borrowings of $80,196,626, $51,713,410 and
$66,772,292 and repayments of $86,018,097, $47,450,384 and $59,827,267 for
fiscal years 1997, 1996, and 1995, respectively, under its lines of credit.
Long-Term Debt:
The long-term debts that will be settled as part of the Plan have been
classified as "Liabilities Subject to Compromise" (see Note 4) for the year
ending January 31, 1997. In February 1997, the Company received authorization
from the Bankruptcy Court to pay the promissory note secured by land and
building. Due to the uncertain duration of the Chapter 11 proceeding, no
current maturities have been reflected for the year ending January 31, 1997.
The Company's bankruptcy filing resulted in events of default for all
pre-petition loan agreements.
Long-term debt consists of the following:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
JANUARY 31, FEBRUARY 2,
1997 1996
------------ ------------
<S> <C> <C>
Borrowings under promissory notes collateralized by
furniture, fixtures and equipment ........................ $ -- $ 4,754,220
Borrowings under promissory note collateralized by land and
building ................................................. 266,667 $ 416,677
Less: Current portion .................................... 266,667 1,286,372
------------ ------------
$ -- $ 3,884,515
============ ============
</TABLE>
F-13
<PAGE> 51
In fiscal 1993 the Company borrowed $1,000,000 from a financial
institution. The promissory note provides for outstanding principal to be paid
in monthly installments of $16,666 until January 29, 1998. Interest is charged
at a rate of 7.02%. The note is collateralized by a deed of trust on the land
and building used for the corporate offices. In February 1997, with the
approval of the Bankruptcy Court, $301,000 was paid to satisfy the
outstanding principal, accrued interest and attorneys fees.
In February 1996 and with the support of its vendors, 50-OFF
implemented a payment plan with respect to its $8,447,000 of unsecured trade
payables as of February 26, 1996. Under the plan, such payables were to be paid
in full within a two year period. Approximately $4,681,000 of such payables
remained outstanding at January 31, 1997 and are included in "Liabilities
Subject To Compromise" (see Note 4) as trade and other miscellaneous claims.
In April 1996, the Company restructured its $4,000,000 and $2,775,000
long term borrowings with an affiliate of an insurance company into one
promissory note for approximately $4,645,000. The promissory note provides for
monthly installments (including principal and interest) of $94,638 until March
2001. Interest is charged at a rate of 8.50%. The note is secured by the
Company's furniture and fixtures. Approximately $4,191,000 of such note
remained outstanding at January 31, 1997 and is included in "Liabilities
Subject To Compromise" (see Note 4).
NOTE 6 - CLOSED STORE COSTS
During the third quarter of fiscal 1997, in connection with the
Company's planned Chapter 11 Filing, the Company liquidated inventory at 37
stores in non-strategic markets through an arrangement with an affiliate of its
then lender. The Company received approximately $5,162,000 representing
approximately 45% of the retail value of the inventory on hand at the 37
stores. During the second quarter, the Company recorded to cost of sales
inventory liquidation markdowns of $2,218,000. Additionally, the Company
recorded reorganization items expense related to fix asset write-offs of
$12,570,000. During the third quarter of fiscal 1997, the Company recorded
reorganization items expense of approximately $3,956,000 for liabilities
associated with estimated monthly lease payments and $467,000 of other store
closing costs associated with the 37 stores.
After a further review, the Company closed an additional 18 stores
during the fourth quarter of fiscal 1997. Additionally, the Company recorded
reorganization items expense for liabilities associated with estimated monthly
lease payments of approximately $1,592,000; other store closing costs of
approximately $266,000 and related goodwill of approximately $155,000
associated with the 18 stores. The Company also recorded to reorganization
items expense fixed asset write-downs of approximately $4,776,000 for the 18
closed stores as well as an impairment of the fixed assets for the remaining
stores and corporate offices of the Company.
Subsequent to fiscal 1997, the Company closed 3 stores plus the
clearance center. In connection with these closures, the Company recorded
inventory liquidation markdowns of $302,000 during the fourth quarter of fiscal
1997. Additionally, the Company recorded to reorganization items expenses
associated with estimated monthly lease payments of approximately $321,000 and
other store closing costs of approximately $334,000 associated with the 3
stores and the clearance center.
The 60 stores and the clearance center closed in fiscal 1997 and
fiscal 1998 contributed approximately $45,455,000; $86,632,000 and $92,971,000
of net sales and $11,534,000 and $273,000 of operating losses and $3,169,000 of
operating income during fiscal 1997, 1996 and 1995, respectively, to the
Company's operations.
The Company's store consolidation program closed seven stores in
fiscal 1995 and 14 stores during fiscal 1996. The store closings involved
exiting certain smaller markets which proved unable to support a store and
certain other markets in which it would have been cost prohibitive to open the
number of stores required to effectively develop such markets' potential.
F-14
<PAGE> 52
The amount of the closing costs associated with the stores closed in
fiscal 1996, was approximately $4,942,000 of which approximately $835,000
pertained to inventory liquidation write-downs charged to cost of sales and
approximately $1,372,000 associated with fixed asset write-downs and was
expensed in fiscal 1995 as part of a formal plan to complete the store
consolidation program. The Company has recorded approximately $1,168,000 of
liabilities associated with estimated monthly lease payments and other store
closing costs at February 2, 1996. During fiscal 1996, the Company undertook
negotiations with the lessors of 12 of the stores closed in fiscal 1996 and
successfully completed early buyouts of the remaining lease obligations for 11
stores, resulting in a credit to closed store costs of $409,000 during the
fourth quarter of fiscal 1996. During fiscal 1997, the Company completed its
negotiations and executed terminations on the remaining obligations from the
store consolidation program plus negotiated other buyouts and recorded income
to reorganization items of approximately $1,295,000.
NOTE 7 - INCOME TAXES
The benefit from (provision for) income taxes consists of the following:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
YEAR ENDED YEAR ENDED YEAR ENDED
JANUARY 31, FEBRUARY 2, FEBRUARY 3,
1997 1996 1995
-------------- -------------- --------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Federal:
Current ......................................... -- -- $ (547,000)
Deferred ........................................ -- -- 547,000
Net operating loss carryforwards ................ -- -- --
State:
Current ......................................... -- $ (100,000) --
Deferred ........................................ $ (153,000) 100,000 --
Net operating loss carryforwards ................ -- -- --
-------------- -------------- --------------
$ (153,000) $ -- $ --
============== ============== ==============
</TABLE>
Temporary differences which gave rise to deferred tax assets and liabilities
are as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
YEAR ENDED YEAR ENDED YEAR ENDED
JANUARY 31, 1997 FEBRUARY 2, 1996 FEBRUARY 3, 1995
---------------- ---------------- ----------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Deferred tax assets:
Net operating loss carryforwards ......... $ 19,269,000 $ 6,448,000 $ 2,801,000
AMT and other credit carryforwards ....... 515,000 515,000 507,000
Merchandise inventories .................. 150,000 45,000 377,000
Lease obligations ....................... 2,149,000 455,000 1,034,000
Property and equipment .................. $ 974,000 -- --
Other ................................... 152,000 7,000 49,000
-------------- -------------- --------------
23,209,000 7,470,000 4,768,000
Deferred tax liabilities:
Property and equipment ................... -- (1,536,000) (1,422,000)
Net deferred tax assets before
valuation allowance .................... 23,209,000 5,934,000 3,346,000
Valuation allowance ........................ (23,209,000) (5,781,000) (3,093,000)
-------------- -------------- --------------
Net deferred tax assets .................... $ -- $ 153,000 $ 253,000
============== ============== ==============
</TABLE>
As of January 31, 1997, the Company had federal tax net operating loss
carryforwards of approximately $48,032,000 expiring through 2012, alternative
minimum tax credit carryforwards of approximately $337,000 which are available
to offset regular federal income taxes in the future until fully utilized, and
targeted jobs credit carryforwards of approximately $178,000 expiring in 2006
through 2009. As a result of the bankruptcy proceedings and related Plan of
Reorganization, the net operating loss (NOL) carryforwards, tax credit
carryforwards and other tax
F-15
<PAGE> 53
attributes of the Company may be significantly reduced as a result of debt
forgiveness income in accordance with section 108(b) of the Internal Revenue
Code (IRC). In addition, IRC section 382 limits NOL and tax credit
carryforwards when an ownership change of more than fifty percent of the value
of stock in a loss corporation occurs within a three year testing period. Under
the plan of reorganization, the ownership of the Company may change by more
than fifty percent. Accordingly, to the extent NOL and tax credit carryforwards
remain after reduction under IRC section 108(b), the ability to utilize such
remaining NOL and tax credit carryforwards may be significantly restricted.
NOTE 8 - COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
The Company leases the store facilities, its headquarters and the
distribution warehouse used in its operations under operating leases. Most
leases contain escalation clauses for real estate taxes, renewal options
ranging from five to ten years and required additional payments based on
percentages of sales (contingent rentals). Approximate future minimum lease
payments (excluding renewal options) under leases having a remaining
non-cancelable term in excess of 12 months as of January 31, 1997 are as
follows:
YEAR ENDING
-----------
1998 ............................... $3,888,000
1999 ............................... $3,882,000
2000 ............................... $3,637,000
2001 ............................... $3,338,000
2002 ............................... $2,715,000
2003 and subsequent................. $7,920,000
Actual rental expense, including contingent rentals, was as follows:
Year Ended February 3, 1995.................. $10,762,000
Year Ended February 2, 1996.................. $ 9,743,000
Year Ended January 31, 1997.................. $ 7,353,000
Under the relevant provisions of the Bankruptcy Code, the Company can
reject executory contracts, including leases. In conjunction with the Company's
restructuring process, a review was performed of all lease obligations.
Rejection of a lease gives the right to assert a claim against the Company.
Through January 31, 1997, the Company had rejected 57 leases. Two leases were
subsequently rejected in February 1997. The amounts of the related claims are
included in the loss on disposal of stores of approximately $5,869,000 in the
accompanying consolidated statements of income.
Contingent rentals represented approximately 4% in the year ended
February 3, 1995, 2% in the year ended February 2, 1996 and 0% in the year
ended January 31, 1997 of actual rent expense.
The Company is party to certain legal proceedings arising in the
ordinary course of business, none of which are believed to be material (see
Note 10).
NOTE 9 - RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
The Company had three store leases in force during fiscal 1996 and two
store leases in force during fiscal 1995 with Spigel Properties, the owner of
which was a director of the Company through September 1995. The Company paid an
aggregate of approximately $136,000 and $124,000 in minimum rental and
approximately $27,000 and $14,000 in percentage rental for these locations
during fiscal 1995 and 1996, respectively.
F-16
<PAGE> 54
The law firm of Akin, Gump, Strauss, Hauer & Feld, L.L.P. has
regularly performed legal services as counsel to the Company. Cecil Schenker, a
director of the Company, is the sole shareholder of Cecil Schenker, P.C., a
partner with Akin, Gump, Strauss, Hauer & Feld, L.L.P.
The investment firm of James M. Raines & Company, the owner of which is
a director of the Company, performed consulting services in connection with the
Company's Regulation S offering in fiscal 1995.
Charles J. Fuhrmann II, a director of the Company, has performed
certain financial and strategic advisory services for the Company and was
compensated $127,500 and $31,250 during fiscal 1996 and 1997, respectively. In
May 1996, Mr. Fuhrmann was appointed President, Chief Executive and Financial
Officer of the Company.
NOTE 10 - COMMON STOCK
In November 1994, the Company received subscriptions for approximately
1,810,000 shares of Common Stock in a Regulation S offering to qualified
investors. The Company received net proceeds of approximately $861,000 from the
purchase of 310,000 shares and has purchase agreements for 1,500,000 shares for
which proceeds have not been received.
On February 21, 1995, the Company filed a lawsuit [50-Off Stores, Inc.
v. Banque Paribas (Suisse), S.A., Betafid, S.A., Yanni Koutsoubos, Andalucian
Villas (Forty Eight) Limited, Arnass Limited, Brocimast Enterprises Ltd.,
Dennis Morris, Howard White, and Morris & Associates, Case No. SA-95-CA-0159]
in the United States District Court in San Antonio, Texas against Banque
Paribas (Suisse) S.A., Betafid S.A., three purchaser entities allegedly
controlled by them and certain affiliated individuals in connection with the
breach by certain of the defendants of their contractual obligations to
purchase an aggregate of 1,500,000 shares of the Company's common stock at
$3.65 per share. The lawsuit also includes securities fraud, promissory
estoppel, conspiracy and conversion claims. The conversion claim relates to
actions of the defendants in transferring, selling and trading the shares even
though the defendants have never paid for such shares. The Company seeks
recovery of actual and punitive damages, an injunction against the defendants'
transfer of such stock in violation of the Securities Act, pre- and
post-judgment interest, attorneys' fees and such other remedies to which the
Company may show itself entitled.
Dennis Morris and Howard White have answered the complaint with White
raising the affirmative defense of contributory negligence. White also served a
third party complaint on Chase Manhattan Bank, N.A. 50-OFF has recently joined
Chase and Aries Peak, Inc. as additional defendants. Defaults have been entered
against Arnass, Andalucian Villas, Brocimast, Betafid and Koutsoubos for
failure to appear or answer.
Banque Paribas (Suisse) ("Paribas") moved to dismiss the action for
lack of personal jurisdiction, failure to state a claim and for forum non
conveniens. The District Court referred all pre-trial matters to U.S.
Magistrate Judge John W. Primomo, who denied each of Paribas' motions to
dismiss. U.S. District Judge H.F. Garcia has adopted Judge Primomo's rulings in
their entirety.
On March 20, 1997, Paribas answered 50-OFF's complaint asserting a
number of affirmative defenses, including contributory negligence. Paribas also
asserted a counterclaim against 50-OFF for defamation. 50-OFF has moved to
dismiss this counterclaim and strike Paribas' affirmative defenses. Judge
Primomo has recommended such dismissal and the striking of affirmative
defenses.
Written discovery has been served on all defendants who have appeared,
and depositions have been taken of numerous parties and non-party witnesses.
Judge Primomo has required that all discovery of Paribas take place pursuant to
the provisions of the Hague Evidence Convention. Paribas recently responded to
50-OFF's requests for production and interrogatories. This matter is currently
set for trial on August 25, 1997.
F-17
<PAGE> 55
On January 9, 1996, the Company filed another lawsuit [50-OFF Stores,
Inc. v. Jefferies & Company, Inc. and Jefferies International, Ltd., Cause No.
96-CI-00349] in Bexar County District Court in San Antonio, Texas against the
Company's placement agents in the securities offering referenced in the lawsuit
discussed above. The suit alleges that the defendants breached their contracts
with the Company, breached their fiduciary duties to the Company and were
reckless or grossly negligent in failing to investigate properly the
qualifications of the purchasers they introduced to the Company. The Company
seeks to recover actual and exemplary damages in excess of $10,000,000, pre-
and post-judgment interest, costs and attorneys' fees. Both defendants have
answered the petition and raised the affirmative defense of contributory
negligence. Additionally, Jefferies & Company filed a cross-claim against
Howard White. Discovery is proceeding. Soon after the Company filed for
protection under the Bankruptcy Code, Jefferies and White removed this case to
the Bankruptcy Court. The United States District Court granted 50-OFF's motion
to abstain from hearing the case and remanded the case back to the Bexar County
District Court. This matter has been specially set for jury trial on October 4,
1997. The Bexar County District Court also ordered the parties to conduct
mediation of the case prior to such trial date.
The Company will continue to prosecute these cases vigorously. The
Company, based upon advice of counsel, believes that it will obtain a favorable
judgment against one or more of the defendants referenced in the preceding two
lawsuits. Until the matter has been resolved, the Company will treat the
1,500,000 shares of Common Stock as outstanding with no proceeds recognized
from their sale. The related subscription receivable recorded in the
accompanying consolidated balance sheet is based upon a share price of $2.94,
the closing price of the Company's Common Stock on January 12, 1995 and the
date the stock was removed from escrow.
NOTE 11 - STOCK OPTION PLAN
Under the Company's Stock Option Plan, as amended (the "Option Plan"),
stock options may be granted to full-time employees, outside directors,
advisors and outside consultants of the Company for the purchase of up to a
maximum of 3,000,000 shares of common stock. Options (either incentive or
nonqualified options) may be granted for a term not to exceed ten years
(primarily three to five years) and generally become exercisable after one
year. The exercise price of all incentive stock options must be at least equal
to the fair market value of the common stock on the date of grant, or 110% of
such fair market value with respect to any optionee who is more than a 10%
stockholder of the Company's shares. Any nonqualified stock option issued
pursuant to the Option Plan must be at an exercise price equal to at least 85%
of the fair market value of the Company's common stock on the date of grant.
Shares of unissued common stock reserved for the Option Plan totals 2,461,000
at January 31, 1997.
The following table summarizes certain information regarding stock
options granted under the Plan:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
OPTIONS OUTSTANDING
-------------------
<S> <C>
Balances at January 28, 1994 1,170,895
Granted 273,250
Exercised (7,500)
Canceled (110,085)
----------
Balances at February 3, 1995 1,326,560
Granted 247,015
Canceled (418,950)
----------
Balances at February 2, 1996 1,154,615
Granted 833,752
Canceled (514,116)
----------
Balances at January 31, 1997 1,464,261
==========
</TABLE>
F-18
<PAGE> 56
Options exercisable were 1,220,959, 926,175 and 689,385 at January 31,
1997, February 2, 1996 and February 3, 1995, respectively.
Options outstanding at January 31, 1997 have a weighted-average
remaining contractual life of 4.2 years with exercise prices ranging from $.94
to $1.56. Options exercisable at January 31, 1997 have a weighted-average
remaining contractual life of 4.2 years with exercise prices ranging from $1.00
to $12.75.
The weighted average exercise price for options outstanding at January
31, 1997 was $3.72.
The Company applies APB No. 25 and related interpretations in
accounting for its Plan. Accordingly no compensation expense has been
recognized for stock option transactions discussed above.
Compensation cost for option awards (granted after January 29, 1994) in
accordance with SFAS No. 123, is not material to the results of pro forma
operations for fiscal 1997 and 1996, as the estimated fair value of the options
granted was not significant.
In November 1994, the Company's Board of Directors effected a repricing
of employee stock options at $4.125 per share effective December 5, 1994,
excluding executive officers, directors, advisors and outside consultants.
Upon the effective date of the Plan Of Reorganization, the Option Plan
and all outstanding options will be terminated.
F-19
<PAGE> 57
EXHIBIT INDEX
EXHIBIT
NUMBER DESCRIPTION
------- -----------
27 Financial Data Schedule
<TABLE> <S> <C>
<ARTICLE> 5
<LEGEND>
THIS SCHEDULE CONTAINS SUMMARY FINANCIAL INFORMATION EXTRACTED FROM 50-OFF
STORES, INC.'S FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AS OF AND FOR THE YEAR ENDED JANUARY 31,
1997, AND IS QUALIFIED IN ITS ENTIRETY BE REFERENCE TO SUCH FINANCIAL
STATEMENTS.
</LEGEND>
<MULTIPLIER> 1,000
<S> <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE> YEAR
<FISCAL-YEAR-END> JAN-31-1997
<PERIOD-END> JAN-31-1997
<CASH> 821
<SECURITIES> 0
<RECEIVABLES> 718
<ALLOWANCES> 0
<INVENTORY> 12,975
<CURRENT-ASSETS> 14,908
<PP&E> 7,276
<DEPRECIATION> 3,287
<TOTAL-ASSETS> 19,255
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES> 10,835
<BONDS> 0
0
0
<COMMON> 122
<OTHER-SE> (21,952)
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY> 19,255
<SALES> 106,194
<TOTAL-REVENUES> 106,194
<CGS> 78,560
<TOTAL-COSTS> 78,560
<OTHER-EXPENSES> 69,493
<LOSS-PROVISION> 0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE> 1,672
<INCOME-PRETAX> (43,457)
<INCOME-TAX> 153
<INCOME-CONTINUING> (43,457)
<DISCONTINUED> 0
<EXTRAORDINARY> 0
<CHANGES> 0
<NET-INCOME> (43,610)
<EPS-PRIMARY> (3.57)
<EPS-DILUTED> (3.57)
</TABLE>
