PAYLESS CASHWAYS INC
10-Q, 1996-04-09
LUMBER & OTHER BUILDING MATERIALS DEALERS
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<PAGE> 1

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

                                    Form 10-Q


(Mark One)
  / X /     QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES
            EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

            For the quarterly period ended February 24, 1996

                                  OR

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

            For the transition period from                 to

            Commission file number 1-8210

                      PAYLESS CASHWAYS, INC.
        (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

         Iowa                                               42-0945849
(State or other jurisdiction of                             (I.R.S. Employer
incorporation or organization)                              Identification No.)


         Two Pershing Square
         2300 Main, P.O. Box 419466
         Kansas City, Missouri                              64141-0466
(Address of principal executive offices)                    (Zip Code)


Registrant's telephone number, including area code:  (816)  234-6000

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

Common Stock, $.01 par value, outstanding as of March 29, 1996:

     Voting                       --       37,669,436    shares
     Class A Non-Voting           --        2,250,000    shares



<PAGE> 2

PAYLESS CASHWAYS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY

                                                              
                         PART I -- FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 1.  Financial Statements

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (Unaudited) (1)
(In thousands, except per share amounts)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                                                       Thirteen Weeks Ended
                                                                          February 24,                     February 25,
                                                                              1996                             1995
                                                                       -----------------                  ----------------

<S>                                                                    <C>                                <C>    
Income
     Net sales                                                         $        526,767                   $        556,218
     Other income                                                                 1,597                              1,344
                                                                       -----------------                  ----------------
                                                                                528,364                            557,562

Costs and Expenses
     Cost of merchandise sold                                                   372,916                            389,065
     Selling, general and administrative                                        141,405                            142,669
     Provision for depreciation and amortization                                 13,184                             14,689
     Interest expense                                                            15,352                             15,273
                                                                       -----------------                  ----------------
                                                                                542,857                            561,696
                                                                       -----------------                  ----------------

                             LOSS BEFORE INCOME TAXES                           (14,493)                            (4,134)

Federal and state income taxes                                                   (6,870)                            (1,770)
                                                                       -----------------                  -----------------

Loss before equity in loss of joint venture                                      (7,623)                            (2,364)

Equity in loss of joint venture                                                      --                             (1,500)
                                                                       -----------------                  -----------------

                                             NET LOSS                  $         (7,623)                  $         (3,864)
                                                                       =================                  =================

Net loss per common share (2)                                          $           (.23)                  $           (.13)
                                                                       =================                  =================

Weighted average common shares outstanding                                       39,916                             39,878
                                                                       =================                  =================

<FN>
See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements

</TABLE>




<PAGE> 3

 CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Unaudited) (1)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                                 February 24,              November 25,              February 25,
(In thousands)                                                       1996                      1995                      1995
                                                                -------------             --------------             -------------

<S>                                                             <C>                       <C>                        <C>
ASSETS

     CURRENT ASSETS
       Cash and cash equivalents                                $     23,165              $         960              $     19,209
       Merchandise inventories (3)                                   388,584                    392,604                   397,935
       Prepaid expenses and other current assets                      19,896                     29,375                    15,465
       Deferred income taxes                                          19,083                     19,740                     9,927
                                                                -------------             --------------             -------------
                                        TOTAL CURRENT ASSETS         450,728                    442,679                   442,536

     OTHER ASSETS
       Real estate held for sale                                       9,224                      6,082                     5,496
       Cost in excess of net assets acquired, less
         accumulated amortization of $97,856,
         $95,372 and $85,610, respectively                           322,686                    323,819                   435,057
       Deferred financing costs                                       11,014                     11,421                    12,533
       Other                                                          15,054                     14,925                    20,978

     LAND, BUILDINGS AND EQUIPMENT                                   797,795                    826,455                   824,635
       Allowance for depreciation and amortization                  (261,665)                  (280,945)
                                                                -------------             --------------                 (246,522)
         TOTAL LAND, BUILDINGS AND EQUIPMENT                         536,130                    545,510                   578,113
                                                                -------------             --------------             -------------

                                                                $  1,344,836              $   1,344,436              $  1,494,713
                                                                =============             ==============             =============

<FN>
See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements

</TABLE>



<PAGE> 4

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS - Continued (Unaudited) (1)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                                 February 24,             November 25,               February 25,
(In thousands)                                                       1996                      1995                      1995
                                                                -------------             --------------             -------------

<S>                                                             <C>                       <C>                        <C>
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY

     CURRENT LIABILITIES
       Current portion of long-term debt                        $     14,798              $      31,472              $     50,732
       Trade accounts payable                                        179,622                    159,844                   142,250
       Other current liabilities                                     147,090                    146,278                   117,466
       Income taxes payable                                            5,304                      6,685                     8,929
                                                                -------------             --------------             -------------
                                   TOTAL CURRENT LIABILITIES         346,814                    344,279                   319,377

     LONG-TERM DEBT, less portion
       classified as current liability (4)                           614,222                    608,627                   650,002

     NON-CURRENT LIABILITIES
       Deferred income taxes                                          59,631                     59,994                    71,566
       Other                                                          23,507                     23,373                    23,204

     SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
       Preferred Stock, $1.00 par value, 25,000,000 shares 
          authorized; issued:
           Cumulative Preferred Stock, 406,000 shares,
             $74.0 million aggregate liquidation preference           40,600                     40,600                    40,600
       Common Stock, $.01 par value:
           Voting, 150,000,000 shares authorized,
             37,668,206, 37,663,922, and 37,662,022
             shares issued, respectively                                 376                        376                       377
           Non-Voting Class A, 5,000,000 shares
             authorized, 2,250,000 shares issued                          23                         23                        23
       Additional paid-in capital                                    487,206                    487,083                   486,703
       Foreign currency translation adjustment                            --                         --                    (1,905)
       Accumulated deficit                                          (227,543)                  (219,919)                  (95,234)
                                                                -------------             --------------             -------------
                                  TOTAL SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY         300,662                    308,163                   430,564
                                                                -------------             --------------             -------------

                                                                $  1,344,836              $   1,344,436              $  1,494,713
                                                                =============             ==============             =============
<FN>
See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements

</TABLE>



<PAGE> 5

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (Unaudited) (1)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
(In thousands)
                                                                                       Thirteen Weeks Ended
                                                                       ----------------------------------------------------
                                                                          February 24,                       February 25,
                                                                              1996                               1995
                                                                       -----------------                  -----------------

<S>                                                                    <C>                                <C>
Cash Flows from Operating Activities

     Net loss                                                          $         (7,623)                  $         (3,864)
     Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash
       provided by operating activities:
         Depreciation and amortization                                           13,184                             14,689
         Non-cash interest                                                          600                                550
         Equity in loss of joint venture                                             --                              1,500
         Deferred income taxes                                                      294                               (941)
         Other                                                                      394                                332
         Changes in assets and liabilities                                       20,975                              2,657
                                                                       -----------------                  -----------------

     NET CASH PROVIDED BY OPERATING ACTIVITIES                                   27,824                             14,923

Cash Flows from Investing Activities

     Additions to land, buildings and equipment                                  (4,375)                           (19,278)
     Proceeds from sale of land, buildings and equipment                         11,893                                 22
     Acquisition of business, excluding working capital
       Land, buildings and equipment                                               (193)                                --
       Purchase price in excess of net assets acquired                           (1,351)                                --
     Investment in joint venture                                                     --                             (2,941)
     Increase in other assets                                                      (129)                              (891)
                                                                       -----------------                  -----------------

     NET CASH PROVIDED BY (USED IN) INVESTING ACTIVITIES                          5,845                            (23,088)

Cash Flows from Financing Activities

     Retirements of long-term debt (4)                                          (20,079)                            (3,666)
     Proceeds from long-term debt                                                 9,000                             30,000
     Sale of Common Stock under stock option plan                                    10                                 --
     Other                                                                         (395)                            (1,640)
                                                                       -----------------                  -----------------

     NET CASH USED IN FINANCING ACTIVITIES                                      (11,464)                            24,694
                                                                       -----------------                  -----------------

     Net increase in cash and cash equivalents                                   22,205                             16,529
     Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period                                 960                              2,680
                                                                       -----------------                  -----------------
     Cash and cash equivalents, end of period                          $         23,165                   $         19,209
                                                                       =================                  =================

<FN>
See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements
</TABLE>



<PAGE> 6

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Thirteen weeks ended February 24, 1996 and February 25, 1995.


(1)    The accompanying  condensed  consolidated  financial statements have been
       prepared in accordance with the  instructions to Form 10-Q. To the extent
       that information and footnotes required by generally accepted  accounting
       principles  for  complete  financial   statements  are  contained  in  or
       consistent   with   the   audited   consolidated   financial   statements
       incorporated  by reference in the Company's  Form 10-K for the year ended
       November  25,  1995,  such   information  and  footnotes  have  not  been
       duplicated  herein.  In  the  opinion  of  management,  all  adjustments,
       consisting of normal recurring accruals,  considered necessary for a fair
       presentation  of financial  statements  have been reflected  herein.  The
       November 25, 1995, condensed  consolidated balance sheet has been derived
       from the audited consolidated financial statements as of that date.

(2)    Net loss per common share has been computed based on the weighted average
       number of common shares  outstanding  during the period plus common stock
       equivalents,  when  dilutive,  consisting  of certain  stock  options and
       warrants.  For  purposes of this  computation,  net loss was adjusted for
       dividend requirements on preferred stock.

(3)    Approximately 83% of the Company's  inventories are valued using the LIFO
       (last-in,  first-out) method.  Because inventory  determination under the
       LIFO  method is only  made at the end of each  fiscal  year  based on the
       inventory levels and costs at that time, interim LIFO determinations must
       necessarily  be based on  management's  estimates  of  expected  year-end
       inventory  levels and costs.  Since future  estimates of inventory levels
       and costs are subject to change,  interim  financial  results reflect the
       Company's most recent estimate of the effect of inflation and are subject
       to  final  year-end  LIFO  inventory  amounts.  If  the  FIFO  (first-in,
       first-out)  method of inventory  accounting had been used by the Company,
       inventories  would  have been  $29.0  million,  $27.5  million  and $24.5
       million higher than reported at February 24, 1996,  November 25, 1995 and
       February 25, 1995, respectively.

(4)    Long-term debt consisted of the following:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                                 February 24,               November 25,           February 25,
       (In thousands)                                                1996                      1995                      1995
                                                                -------------             --------------           ---------------

<S>                                                             <C>                       <C>                        <C>
       Amended Credit Agreement                                 $    335,000              $     326,000              $    375,000
       Mortgage loan payable to insurance company                    118,934                    138,987                   150,551
       Senior subordinated notes - 9-1/8%                            173,655                    173,655                   173,655
       Other senior debt                                               1,431                      1,457                     1,528
                                                                -------------             --------------             -------------
                                                                     629,020                    640,099                   700,734
       Less portion classified as current liability                  (14,798)                   (31,472)
                                                                -------------             --------------                  (50,732)
                                                                $    614,222              $     608,627              $    650,002
                                                                =============             ==============             =============
</TABLE>





<PAGE> 7


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


RESULTS OF OPERATIONS


INCOME

Net sales for the quarter ended  February 24, 1996  decreased 5.3% from the same
period of 1995 in total and 6.8% on a comparable-store sales basis.  (Comparable
stores are those open one full year.)  Sales for the first  quarter of 1996 were
negatively  impacted by severe weather in many of the Company's  markets and the
factors that adversely  affected  fiscal 1995:  deflated  lumber costs, a slower
housing environment,  softness in consumer spending,  competitive pressures and,
in a number  of  markets,  an  excess of  retail  space  devoted  to the sale of
building  materials.  Six stores were closed during the first quarter of 1996 in
connection with the restructuring  plan announced in the fourth quarter of 1995.
Those six stores  accounted  for $4.9 million and $13.1  million of sales in the
first quarters of 1996 and 1995, respectively. During the first quarter of 1995,
the Company opened one new store and sold two stores.


COSTS AND EXPENSES

Cost of merchandise sold as a percent of sales was 70.8% and 70.0% for the first
quarter of 1996 and 1995,  respectively.  The increase was  primarily due to the
Company's pricing initiatives.

Selling,  general and administrative  expenses were 26.8% and 25.6% of sales for
the first quarter of 1996 and 1995,  respectively.  The increase as a percent of
sales was due primarily to lower sales in 1996.

The provision for depreciation and amortization decreased from the first quarter
of 1995 due primarily to goodwill written-off and assets removed from service in
connection with the 1995 restructuring plan.

Interest  expense  for the  first  quarter  of 1996  was  essentially  unchanged
compared to the same period of 1995.  While borrowing levels were lower in 1996,
this was offset by higher rates under the Amended Credit Agreement.

The income tax benefit for the first  quarter of 1996 was $6.9 million  compared
to $1.8 million for the first quarter of 1995.  The effective tax rates for both
periods were  different  from the 35% statutory rate primarily due to the effect
of goodwill amortization,  which is non-deductible for income tax purposes. Such
tax benefits reflect management's estimates of the annual effective tax rates at
the end of each quarter.


NET LOSS

Net loss for the quarter  ended  February 24, 1996 was $7.6 million  compared to
$3.9 million for the same period of 1995. The decrease in net loss was primarily
the result of decreased  comparable  store sales. Net loss for the first quarter
of 1995 also reflects a $1.5 million loss  attributable to the Company's  former
joint venture in Mexico discussed further below.

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

The  Company's  principal  source of cash is from  operations.  Cash provided by
operating activities was $27.8 million for the first quarter of 1996 compared to
$14.9 million for the same period of 1995.  The primary  reason for the increase
in cash from operating  activities  was an increase in trade  accounts  payable.
During the first quarter of 1996,  the Company used cash of  approximately  $3.7
million  in  operating   activities   related  to  the  execution  of  the  1995
restructuring  plan  announced in the fourth  quarter of 1995. Due to seasonally
lower sales in the winter  months,  cash flow in the first quarter  represents a
small amount of annual operating cash flow.

Borrowings are available  under the Amended Credit  Agreement to supplement cash
generated by operations.  At February 24, 1996,  $74.5 million was available for
borrowing  under the Amended  Credit  Agreement.  At February 24, 1996,  working
capital  was $103.9  million  compared to $98.4  million  and $123.2  million at
November 25, 1995 and February 25,  1995,  respectively.  The current  ratios at
February 24, 1996, November 25, 1995, and February 25, 1995 were 1.30 to 1, 1.29
to 1, and 1.39 to 1, respectively.


<PAGE> 8


MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS - Continued


The  Company's  primary  investing   activities  are  capital  expenditures  for
strategic initiatives,  renovation of existing stores, and additional equipment.
The Amended Credit Agreement  governs the amount of capital  expenditures  which
can be made.  The Company  spent  approximately  $5.9 million and $19.3  million
during  the  first  quarter  of  1996  and  1995,  respectively,  for  strategic
initiatives  including the  acquisition of a door and trim  manufacturer  during
January 1996, renovation of existing stores, additional equipment and, in fiscal
1995,  new stores.  The Company  intends to finance  the  remaining  fiscal 1996
capital  expenditures  of  approximately  $49 million,  consisting  primarily of
strategic  initiatives,  renovation of existing stores and additional equipment,
with funds generated from  operations.  For fiscal 1996, the Company has shifted
its emphasis from new store openings to an initiative that further addresses the
needs of the professional and do-it-yourself customers. Several stores have been
reoriented  to  concentrate  on  the   professional   customer  and  merchandise
assortment  is being  added to many  stores to address  do-it-yourself  customer
demand for more choices of price, quality and style. During the first quarter of
1996,  the  Company  sold a  distribution  center  in  connection  with the 1995
restructuring plan, providing approximately $11.9 million of cash proceeds.

During the first  quarter of fiscal  1995,  the Company had also  invested  $2.9
million in its joint  venture,  Total Home de Mexico,  S.A. de C.V.  Significant
changes in the Mexican  economy  caused the Company to reassess its position and
sell its Mexican  investment to an affiliate of its former joint venture partner
in October 1995.

The Company's most significant financing activity is and will continue to be the
retirement  of  indebtedness.  In connection  with the sale of the  distribution
center,  discussed  above, and in anticipation of selling real estate related to
recently  closed  stores,  the Company  repaid  approximately  $16.5  million of
related  indebtedness  during the first quarter of 1996.  Although the Company's
consolidated  indebtedness  is and will continue to be  substantial,  management
believes that, based upon its analysis of the Company's financial condition, the
cash flow generated from  operations  during the past 12 months and the expected
results of operations  in the future,  cash flow from  operations  and borrowing
availability  under the  Amended  Credit  Agreement  should  provide  sufficient
liquidity  to meet  all  cash  requirements  for  the  next  12  months  without
additional borrowings.

The Amended  Credit  Agreement and certain lease  agreements  contain  covenants
relating to, among other things,  the maximum debt to earnings before  interest,
taxes,  depreciation,  and  amortization  (EBITDA)  ratios and minimum  interest
coverage  ratios.  Compliance  with these  covenants is determined on a "rolling
four-quarter"  basis. In order to achieve compliance with these covenants during
1996,  the Company's  operating  results must  substantially  meet  management's
expectations  for the remainder of 1996.  Management  currently  expects that it
will achieve compliance with these covenants  throughout 1996; however,  factors
beyond  management's  control,  including  economic  conditions,  lumber prices,
competitive  conditions and weather,  could cause non-compliance.  If compliance
with these covenants is not achieved, the Company may be required to renegotiate
its existing covenants with lenders or to refinance borrowings.  During the past
several years the Company has been able to negotiate operating  flexibility with
its lenders,  although  future success in achieving any such  renegotiations  or
refinancings,  or the specific terms thereof,  including interest rates, capital
expenditure limits or borrowing capacity, cannot be assured.

Forward-looking  statements  in this  Quarterly  Report are made pursuant to the
safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities  Litigation Reform Act of 1995.
There  are  certain  important  factors  that  could  cause  results  to  differ
materially  from  those  anticipated  by  some  of the  statements  made  above.
Investors are cautioned that all  forward-looking  statements  involve risks and
uncertainty. In addition to the factors discussed above, among the other factors
that could cause actual results to differ materially are the following: consumer
spending and debt levels;  interest rates; housing activity,  including existing
home turnover and new home  construction;  lumber  prices;  product mix; sale of
certain real estate; growth of certain market segments;  competitive pressure on
sales and pricing, and an excess of retail space devoted to the sale of building
materials.   Additional  information  concerning  those  and  other  factors  is
contained in the Company's Securities and Exchange Commission filings, including
but not limited to the Form 10-K, copies of which are available from the Company
without charge.


<PAGE> 9


REVIEW BY INDEPENDENT AUDITORS

The condensed  consolidated  financial statements of Payless Cashways,  Inc. and
its  subsidiary  for the  thirteen  week  periods  ended  February  24, 1996 and
February 25,  1995,  have been  reviewed by KPMG Peat  Marwick LLP,  independent
auditors. Their report is included in this filing.



                          PART II -- OTHER INFORMATION


Item 1.  Legal Proceedings.

         A group of terminated employees and others have filed a lawsuit against
the Company and other named  defendants in the United States  District Court for
the Southern  District of Iowa. (See the full description of the lawsuit in Item
3-Legal  Proceedings  contained  in the  Company's  Form 10-K for the year ended
November 25,  1995.) The lawsuit was brought in  connection  with a reduction in
force pursuant to a January 1994 restructuring.  The suit has asserted a variety
of  claims  including  federal  and  state  securities  fraud  claims,   alleged
violations of the Racketeer  Influenced  and Corrupt  Organizations  (RICO) Act,
federal  and  state  claims of age  discrimination,  alleged  violations  of the
Employment  Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, and various state law claims
including,  but not limited to, fraudulent  misrepresentation  allegations.  The
Company filed a motion to dismiss the majority of the claims; and Rulings and an
Order have been issued with respect thereto, substantially narrowing plaintiff's
legal  claims  by  dismissing  some  age  discrimination   counts,  all  federal
securities  fraud and RICO  counts  except  one each,  and all state law  counts
related to an alleged partnership. An Answer to the Complaint has been filed and
discovery is proceeding.

         The Company  denies any and all  claimed  liability  and is  vigorously
defending this  litigation,  but, given the early state of this  litigation,  is
unable to  estimate a  potential  range of  monetary  exposure,  if any,  to the
Company or to predict the likely outcome of this matter.



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

         None.



Item 6.  Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K.

         a.     Exhibits.

                 4.0     Long-term  debt  instruments  of Payless in amounts not
                         exceeding  ten  percent  (10%) of the  total  assets of
                         Payless and its subsidiary on a consolidated basis will
                         be furnished to the Commission upon request.

                11.1     Computation of per share earnings.

                15.1     Letter re unaudited  financial  information - KPMG Peat
                         Marwick LLP.

                27.1     Financial data schedule.

         b.     Reports on Form 8-K.

                No reports on Form 8-K were filed by Payless  during the quarter
                ended February 24, 1996.



<PAGE> 10

PAYLESS CASHWAYS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY

         
                                    SIGNATURE


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


                                  PAYLESS CASHWAYS, INC.
                                  (Registrant)


Date:  April 8, 1996         By   s/Stephen A. Lightstone
                                  ---------------------------------------------

                                  Stephen A. Lightstone, Senior Vice President,
                                  Finance and Chief Financial Officer
                                  (Principal Financial Officer and Principal
                                  Accounting Officer)




<PAGE> 1

                                                                 Exhibit 11.1

PAYLESS CASHWAYS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY

COMPUTATION OF PER SHARE LOSS
- -------------------------------------

(In thousands, except per share amounts)


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                                                      Quarter and Year Ended
                                                                          -----------------------------------------------
                                                                          February 24,                       February 25,
                                                                             1996                               1995
                                                                          ------------                       ------------

<S>                                                                       <C>                                <C>
PRIMARY
- -------

Net loss                                                                  $    (7,623)                       $    (3,864)

           Less:
                Preferred stock dividends                                      (1,452)                            (1,341)
                                                                          ------------                       ------------

Net loss available to common shareholders                                 $    (9,075)                       $    (5,205)
                                                                          ------------                       ------------
Weighted average common and dilutive common
     equivalent shares outstanding                                             39,916  (1)                        39,878  (1)
                                                                          ------------                       ------------    

Net loss per common share                                                 $      (.23)                       $      (.13)    
                                                                          ============                       ============    




FULLY DILUTED
- -------------

Net loss                                                                  $    (7,623)                       $    (3,864)    

           Less:
                Preferred stock dividends                                      (1,452)                            (1,341)    
                                                                          ------------                       ------------    

Net loss available to common shareholders                                 $    (9,075)                       $    (5,205)    
                                                                          ------------                       ------------    

Weighted average common and dilutive common
     equivalent shares outstanding                                             39,916  (1)                        39,878  (1)
                                                                          ------------                       ------------    

Net loss per common share                                                 $      (.23)                       $      (.13)    
                                                                          ============                       ============    


<FN>

(1) Due to a loss being  incurred  for the period,  dilutive  common  equivalent
    shares have not been computed as the  resulting  earnings per share would be
    antidilutive.

</TABLE>



<PAGE> 1



EXHIBIT 15.1
- ------------



                     [Letterhead of KPMG Peat Marwick LLP]

                          INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' REPORT
                          ----------------------------


The Board of Directors
Payless Cashways, Inc.:

We have  reviewed the  accompanying  condensed  consolidated  balance  sheets of
Payless  Cashways,  Inc. and subsidiary as of February 24, 1996 and February 25,
1995 and the related  condensed  consolidated  statements of operations and cash
flows for the thirteen week periods then ended.  These financial  statements are
the responsibility of the Company's management.

We  conducted  our  reviews in  accordance  with  standards  established  by the
American  Institute  of  Certified  Public  Accountants.  A  review  of  interim
financial  information consists principally of applying analytical procedures to
financial  data and making  inquiries of persons  responsible  for financial and
accounting matters. It is substantially less in scope than an audit conducted in
accordance with generally accepted auditing standards, the objective of which is
the  expression  of an opinion  regarding the  financial  statements  taken as a
whole.  Accordingly, we do not express such as opinion.

Based on our reviews, we are not aware of any material modifications that should
be made to the accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements for them
to be in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles.

We have  previously  audited,  in accordance  with generally  accepted  auditing
standards,  the  consolidated  balance  sheet  of  Payless  Cashways,  Inc.  and
subsidiary  as of November 25, 1995 and the related  consolidated  statements of
operations,  shareholders'  equity and cash flows for the fiscal year then ended
(not presented herein); and in our report dated January 9, 1996, we expressed an
unqualified opinion on those consolidated financial statements.  In our opinion,
the information set forth in the  accompanying  condensed  consolidated  balance
sheet as of November 25, 1995 is fairly presented,  in all material respects, in
relation to the consolidated balance sheet from which it has been derived.


s/ KPMG Peat Marwick LLP

Kansas City, Missouri
March 11, 1996


<PAGE> 2

EXHIBIT 15.1
- ------------

                     [Letterhead of KPMG Peat Marwick LLP]


Payless Cashways, Inc.
Kansas City, Missouri

Gentlemen:

With respect to the subject registration statements on Form S-8 and Form S-3, we
acknowledge our awareness of the use therein of our report dated March 11, 1996
related to our review of interim financial information.

Pursuant to Rule 436(c)  under the  Securities  Act of 1993,  such report is not
considered  a part of a  registration  statement  prepared  or  certified  by an
accountant or a report prepared or certified by an accountant within the meaning
of Sections 7 and 11 of the Securities Act.


s/ KPMG Peat Marwick LLP

Kansas City, Missouri
April 8, 1996



<TABLE> <S> <C>

<ARTICLE> 5
<LEGEND>
This schedule contains summary financial information extracted from the
February 24, 1996, financial statements and is qualified in its entirety by
reference to such financial statements.
</LEGEND>
<MULTIPLIER> 1000
       
<S>                             <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   3-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          NOV-30-1996
<PERIOD-END>                               FEB-24-1996
<CASH>                                           23165
<SECURITIES>                                         0
<RECEIVABLES>                                        0
<ALLOWANCES>                                         0
<INVENTORY>                                     388584
<CURRENT-ASSETS>                                450728
<PP&E>                                          797795
<DEPRECIATION>                                  261665
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                                 1344836
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES>                           346814
<BONDS>                                         614222
                                0
                                      40600
<COMMON>                                           399
<OTHER-SE>                                      259663
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY>                   1344836
<SALES>                                         526767
<TOTAL-REVENUES>                                528364
<CGS>                                           372916
<TOTAL-COSTS>                                   372916
<OTHER-EXPENSES>                                     0
<LOSS-PROVISION>                                     0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                               15352
<INCOME-PRETAX>                                (14493)
<INCOME-TAX>                                    (6870)
<INCOME-CONTINUING>                             (7623)
<DISCONTINUED>                                       0
<EXTRAORDINARY>                                      0
<CHANGES>                                            0
<NET-INCOME>                                    (7623)
<EPS-PRIMARY>                                    (.23)
<EPS-DILUTED>                                        0
        

</TABLE>


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