WOOLWORTH CORPORATION
10-Q, 1998-06-10
VARIETY STORES
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<PAGE> 1

                       SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                             Washington, D.C. 20549

                                 F O R M 10 - Q


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




For the quarterly period ended May 2, 1998


Commission file no. 1-10299


                              WOOLWORTH CORPORATION
             (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)


              New York                                   13-3513936            
(State or other jurisdiction of             (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
 incorporation or organization)


233 Broadway,    New York,  New York                                  10279-0003
(Address of principal executive offices)                              (Zip Code)


Registrant's telephone number:  (212) 553-2000

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
   ---    ---


Number of shares of Common Stock outstanding at June 1, 1998:  135,285,656 

<PAGE> 2

                              WOOLWORTH CORPORATION

                                TABLE OF CONTENTS



                                                                        Page No.
Part I.   Financial Information

         Item 1.     Financial Statements

                      Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets...................1

                      Condensed Consolidated Statements
                           of Operations......................................2

                      Condensed Consolidated Statements
                           of Comprehensive Income............................3

                      Condensed Consolidated Statements
                           of Retained Earnings...............................4

                      Condensed Consolidated Statements
                           of Cash Flows......................................5

                      Notes to Condensed Consolidated
                           Financial Statements.............................6-8

          Item 2.     Management's Discussion and Analysis of
                           Financial Condition and Results of Operations...8-12


Part II.  Other Information

          Item 1.     Legal Proceedings......................................12

          Item 6.     Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K.......................12

                      Signature..............................................13

                      Index to Exhibits...................................14-15

                                        i
<PAGE> 3

                         PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION


Item 1.  FINANCIAL STATEMENTS


                              WOOLWORTH CORPORATION


                      CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
                                  (in millions)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                 May 2,      April 26,  January 31,
                                                                  1998         1997        1998
                                                                  ----         ----        ----   
                                                              (Unaudited)  (Unaudited)   (Audited)

                                     ASSETS
<S>                                                             <C>         <C>          <C>    
Current assets
  Cash and cash equivalents.....................................$   76      $    75      $   116
  Merchandise inventories .......................................1,298        1,175        1,159
  Net assets of discontinued operations .........................   11          229            7
  Other current assets ..........................................  224          169          177
                                                                 -----        -----        -----
                                                                 1,609        1,648        1,459
Property and equipment, net .....................................1,115          940        1,053
Deferred charges and other assets ...............................  688          619          670
                                                                 -----        -----        -----
                                                                $3,412      $ 3,207      $ 3,182
                                                                 =====        =====        =====

                      LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
Current liabilities
  Short-term debt...............................................$  253      $  --        $  --
  Accounts payable ..............................................  348          343          327
  Accrued liabilities ...........................................  308          314          335
  Current portion of reserve for discontinued operations ........   52         --             72
  Current portion of long-term debt and obligations
    under capital leases ........................................   21           14           22
                                                                 -----        -----        -----
                                                                $  982          671          756
Long-term debt and obligations
  under capital leases ..........................................  537          570          535
Deferred taxes and other liabilities ............................  592          675          602
Reserve for discontinued operations .............................   18         --             18
Shareholders' Equity
  Common stock and paid-in capital ..............................  322          302          317
  Retained earnings .............................................1,028        1,051        1,033
  Foreign currency translation adjustment .......................  (22)         (25)         (34)
  Minimum pension liability adjustment ..........................  (45)         (37)         (45)
                                                                 -----        -----        -----
    Total shareholders' equity ..................................1,283        1,291        1,271
Commitments                                                      -----        -----        -----
                                                                $3,412      $ 3,207      $ 3,182
                                                                 =====        =====        =====
</TABLE>

     See Accompanying Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

                                        1
<PAGE> 4

                              WOOLWORTH CORPORATION

                 CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
                                   (Unaudited)
                     (in millions, except per share amounts)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                Thirteen weeks ended
                                                                --------------------   
                                                                 May 2,     April 26,
                                                                 1998         1997  
                                                                 ----         ---- 

<S>                                                             <C>         <C>    
Sales ..........................................................$1,466      $ 1,539

Cost and expenses
  Cost of sales ................................................ 1,046        1,074
  Selling, general and administrative expenses .................   391          388
  Depreciation and amortization ................................    44           41
  Interest expense .............................................    12           11
  Other income .................................................   (19)          (4)
                                                                 -----        -----
                                                                 1,474        1,510
                                                                 =====        =====
Income (loss) from continuing operations
    before income taxes ........................................    (8)          29
Income tax expense (benefit) ...................................    (3)          12
                                                                 -----        -----  
Income (loss) from continuing operations .......................    (5)          17

Loss from discontinued operations, net of income
    taxes of $11 million .......................................  --            (16)
                                                                 -----        -----
Net income (loss) ..............................................$   (5)     $     1
                                                                 =====        =====

Basic earnings per share:
    Income (loss) from continuing operations ...................$(0.04)     $  0.13
    Loss from discontinued operations ..........................  --          (0.12)
                                                                 -----        -----
    Net income (loss) ..........................................$(0.04)     $  0.01
                                                                 =====        =====
Weighted-average common shares outstanding (in millions) ....... 135.1        134.1

Diluted earnings per share:
    Income (loss) from continuing operations ...................$(0.04)     $  0.13
    Loss from discontinued operations ..........................  --          (0.12)
                                                                 -----        -----
    Net income (loss) ..........................................$(0.04)     $  0.01
                                                                 =====        =====
Weighted-average common shares assuming dilution (in millions)   135.1        135.2
</TABLE>

     See Accompanying Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

                                        2
<PAGE> 5

                              WOOLWORTH CORPORATION

            CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
                                   (Unaudited)
                                  (in millions)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                 Thirteen weeks ended
                                                                 --------------------   
                                                                  May 2,     April 26,
                                                                  1998         1997 
                                                                  ----         ----

<S>                                                             <C>          <C>   
Net income (loss)...............................................$   (5)      $    1

Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:
     Foreign currency translation adjustments,
         pre-tax $19 and $(78) million, respectively............    12          (47)
                                                                 -----        -----

Comprehensive income (loss).....................................$    7       $  (46)
                                                                 =====        =====
</TABLE>




























     See Accompanying Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

                                        3
<PAGE> 6

                              WOOLWORTH CORPORATION

             CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF RETAINED EARNINGS
                                   (Unaudited)
                                  (in millions)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                Thirteen weeks ended
                                                                --------------------    
                                                                 May 2,     April 26,
                                                                 1998         1997
                                                                 ----         ----
<S>                                                             <C>          <C>   
Retained earnings at beginning of year  ........................$1,033       $1,050
Net income (loss)...............................................    (5)           1
                                                                 -----        -----
                                     
Retained earnings at end of interim period .....................$1,028       $1,051
                                                                 =====        =====
</TABLE>





























     See Accompanying Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.


                                        4

<PAGE> 7

                              WOOLWORTH CORPORATION

                 CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
                                   (Unaudited)
                                  (in millions)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                 Thirteen weeks ended    
                                                                 -------------------- 
                                                                  May 2,     April 26,
                                                                  1998         1997  
                                                                  ----         ----
<S>                                                             <C>          <C>   
From Operating Activities:
   Net income (loss)............................................$   (5)      $    1
   Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash
      used in operating activities:
       Depreciation and amortization............................    44           41
       Net gain on sales of assets and investments..............   (19)          (4)
       Deferred income taxes....................................    (2)          (2)
   Change in assets and liabilities, net of acquisition:
       Merchandise inventories..................................  (127)         (95)
       Other current assets.....................................   (50)          31
       Accounts payable and accrued expenses....................   (10)         (36)
       Discontinued operations..................................   (24)           7
       Other, net...............................................   (23)         (32)
                                                                 -----        -----
   Net cash used in operating activities........................  (216)         (89)
                                                                 -----        -----

From Investing Activities:
   Proceeds from sales of real estate ..........................     3           12
   Capital expenditures.........................................   (82)         (25)
   Payments for businesses acquired, net of cash acquired.......   (29)        (140)
   Proceeds from sales of assets and investments................    22            -  
                                                                 -----        -----
     Net cash used in investing activities......................   (86)        (153)
                                                                 -----        -----
From Financing Activities:
   Increase in short-term debt..................................   253            -
   Reduction in long-term debt and capital lease obligations....    (1)          (1)
   Issuance of common stock.....................................     5            3
                                                                 -----        -----
     Net cash provided by financing activities..................   257            2
                                                                 -----        -----
Effect of exchange rate fluctuations
   on Cash and Cash Equivalents.................................     5          (13)
                                                                 -----        -----
Net change in Cash and Cash Equivalents.........................   (40)        (253)
Cash and Cash Equivalents at beginning of year..................   116          328
                                                                 -----        -----
Cash and Cash Equivalents at end of interim period..............$   76       $   75
                                                                 =====        =====
Cash paid during the period:
   Interest......................................................$   2       $    1
   Income taxes..................................................$   3       $   33
</TABLE>



     See Accompanying Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

                                        5
<PAGE> 8

                              WOOLWORTH CORPORATION

              NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Basis of Presentation

          The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements
should  be  read  in  conjunction  with  the  Notes  to  Consolidated  Financial
Statements  contained in the  Registrant's  Form 10-K for the year ended January
31, 1998, as filed with the  Securities and Exchange  Commission  (the "SEC") on
April  21,  1998.  Certain  items  included  in these  statements  are  based on
management's estimates. In the opinion of management,  all material adjustments,
which are of a normal recurring nature, necessary for a fair presentation of the
results for the interim period have been included.  The results for the thirteen
weeks ended May 2, 1998 are not necessarily  indicative of the results  expected
for the year.

Discontinued Operations

         On July 17, 1997, the Registrant announced that it was exiting its 400
store domestic Woolworth general  merchandise  business and recorded a charge to
earnings of $310 million before-tax or $195 million  after-tax,  for the loss on
disposal  of  discontinued  operations.  The loss from  discontinued  operations
recorded  through  July  17,  1997 was $47  million  before-tax  or $28  million
after-tax.  The Registrant is in the process of converting  approximately 130 of
the prime  locations  to Foot  Locker,  Champs  Sports,  and other  athletic  or
specialty  formats.  The  Registrant  has  successfully  converted and opened 56
stores through May 2, 1998. The remaining domestic Woolworth general merchandise
stores as well as the  division's  distribution  center in Denver,  Pennsylvania
were closed in November 1997.

          The results of operations for all periods presented for the domestic
Woolworth  general  merchandise  business have been  classified as  discontinued
operations in the Condensed  Consolidated  Statements of Operations.  Sales from
discontinued operations for the period ended April 26, 1997 were $229 million.

         The Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets and Condensed Consolidated 
Statements of Cash Flows have been  restated for  discontinued  operations.  The
following is a summary of the net assets of discontinued operations:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                          May 2,     April 26,     Jan. 31,
                                           1998        1997          1998
                                           ----        ----          ----
<S>                                       <C>          <C>           <C> 
Assets ..............................     $ 21         $351          $ 28
Liabilities .........................       10          122            21
                                           ---          ---           ---
Net assets of discontinued operations     $ 11         $229          $  7
                                           ===          ===           ===
</TABLE>

         The assets as of May 2, 1998 and January 31, 1998 consisted primarily 
of fixed  assets.  The  assets  as of April  26,  1997  consisted  primarily  of
inventory and fixed assets.  Liabilities  consisted  primarily of amounts due to
vendors. During the period from July 17, 1997 through May 2, 1998, proceeds from
disposals  related to the  discontinued  operations were $261 million which were
primarily from the sale of merchandise inventories.

         Disposition activity related to the discontinued operations reserve for
the period  ended May 2, 1998 was  approximately  $20 million and the  remaining
reserve balance at May 2, 1998 was $70 million.

Comprehensive Income

         The Registrant has adopted Statement of Financial Accounting Standards 
No. 130, "Reporting Comprehensive Income," ("SFAS No. 130") in the first quarter
of 1998.  SFAS No.  130  establishes  standards  for  reporting  and  display of
comprehensive   income  and  its   components  in  the   financial   statements.

                                       6

<PAGE> 9


Comprehensive  income is a more inclusive financial  reporting  methodology that
includes  the  disclosure  of certain  financial  information  that has not been
recognized in the  calculation of net income or loss,  such as foreign  currency
translations  and  changes  in  minimum  pension  liability  which are  recorded
directly to shareholders' equity.

Earnings Per Share

         The Registrant has adopted Statement of Financial Accounting Standards 
No. 128,  "Earnings  per Share,"  ("SFAS No.  128").  SFAS No. 128  requires the
presentation of basic earnings per share and diluted  earnings per share.  Basic
earnings per share is computed as net earnings  divided by the  weighted-average
number of common shares  outstanding for the period.  Diluted earnings per share
reflects the potential  dilution  that could occur from common  shares  issuable
through  stock-based  compensation  including  stock options,  restricted  stock
awards and other convertible securities.

         A reconciliation of weighted-average common shares outstanding to 
weighted-average common shares assuming dilution follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                         Thirteen weeks ended
                                                         --------------------
(in millions)                                            May 2,      April 26,
                                                          1998         1997 
                                                          ----         ----
<S>                                                      <C>          <C>  
Weighted-average common shares outstanding...........    135.1        134.1
Incremental commons shares issuable..................       -           1.1
                                                         -----        -----
Weighted-average common shares assuming dilution.....    135.1        135.2
                                                         =====        =====
</TABLE>

         Options with an exercise price greater than the average market price 
were not included in the computation of diluted earnings per share and would not
have a material impact on diluted earnings per share.  Incremental common shares
were not  included  in the  quarter  ended May 2,  1998  since to do so would be
antidilutive.

Reclassifications

         Certain balances in prior periods have been reclassified to conform 
with the  presentation  adopted in the current period.  As discussed  above, all
financial  statements  have been restated to reflect the  discontinuance  of the
domestic general merchandise business in July 1997.

Legal Proceedings

         During 1994, the staff of the SEC initiated an inquiry relating to the 
matters that were reviewed by the Special Committee  established by the Board of
Directors  in 1994 as well as in  connection  with  trading in the  Registrant's
securities by certain  directors and officers of the  Registrant.  The SEC staff
has advised that its inquiry should not be construed as an indication by the SEC
or its  staff  that any  violations  of law have  occurred.  In the  opinion  of
management, the result of the inquiry will not have a material adverse effect on
the financial position or results of operation of the Registrant.

         The information in this section on Legal Proceedings is current as of 
June 9, 1998.




                                        7
<PAGE> 10

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

         In June 1997, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued 
Statement of Financial Accounting Standards ("SFAS") No. 131, "Disclosures about
Segments of an  Enterprise  and Related  Information,"  which is  effective  for
financial  statements  issued for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 1997
and therefore,  effective for the Registrant in 1998. The Registrant  will adopt
the  provisions  of this  standard in the fourth  quarter of 1998.  SFAS No. 131
supersedes previously  established standards for reporting operating segments in
the financial statements and requires disclosures regarding selected information
about operating segments in interim financial reports.

         In February 1998, the FASB issued SFAS No. 132, "Employers' Disclosures
about Pensions and Other Postretirement Benefits," which is effective for fiscal
years  beginning  after  December 15, 1997.  This statement  revises  employers'
disclosures about pensions and other  postretirement  benefit plans. It does not
change the measurement or recognition of those plans.

Subsequent Event

         On May 7, 1998, the Registrant announced that it had signed a 
definitive  merger  agreement  with The  Sports  Authority,  Inc.,  whereby  the
Registrant  will acquire The Sports  Authority,  Inc. in a tax-free  exchange of
shares valued at approximately $570 million, based upon the closing price of the
Registrant's   common  stock  as  of  May  6,  1998,   plus  the  assumption  of
approximately  $179 million of debt. The terms of the merger  agreement  provide
for the  holders of The Sports  Authority  Inc.'s  common  stock to receive  0.8
shares of the  Registrant's  common stock in exchange for each of their  shares.
The transaction,  which is subject to approval by the shareholders of The Sports
Authority,  Inc.  and to  customary  regulatory  approvals,  is  expected  to be
completed in late summer 1998.

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

         As discussed in the Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial 
Statements,  in July  1997 the  Registrant  announced  that it was  exiting  its
domestic Woolworth general  merchandise  business.  Accordingly,  the results of
operations for all periods  presented for this business have been  classified as
discontinued operations and all financial statements have been restated.

         Total sales for the 1998 first quarter decreased 4.7 percent to $1,466 
million  as  compared  with  $1,539  million  for the  first  quarter  of  1997,
reflecting foreign currency  fluctuations and a comparable-store  sales decrease
of 6.4 percent.  Excluding the effect of foreign currency fluctuations and sales
from disposed  operations,  sales  decreased 2.1 percent for the quarter.  Total
Specialty  segment  sales  decreased  0.5  percent  in  the  first  quarter  and
comparable-store sales decreased 6.2 percent.  International General Merchandise
segment sales  decreased  17.3 percent for the first quarter of 1998 as compared
with the first  quarter of 1997,  while  comparable-store  sales  decreased  7.1
percent   during  the  period.   Excluding   the  effect  of  foreign   currency
fluctuations, International General Merchandise sales decreased by 11.2 percent,
as compared with the first quarter of 1997.

         First quarter operating profit from continuing operations (before 
corporate expense, interest expense and income taxes) declined to $28 million as
compared  with $57  million  in the  first  quarter  of 1997.  This  decline  is
primarily a result of lower sales and an increase in markdowns. Gross margin, as
a  percentage  of sales,  decreased  160 basis  points to 28.6  percent  for the
quarter due to higher markdowns required to reduce inventory levels,  reflecting
lower than  anticipated  sales.  Selling,  general and  administrative  expenses
("SG&A"),  as a percentage of sales,  increased 150 basis points to 26.7 percent
in the first  quarter of 1998 as compared with 25.2 percent in the first quarter
of 1997.  This increase is due to the overall decline in sales, as well as costs
of $7 million associated with the shutdown of the Registrant's 83-store Canadian
Kinney  Shoe and  11-store  U.S.  Randy  River  specialty  footwear  operations.
Excluding   this  charge,   SG&A  remained   relatively   consistent   with  the
corresponding prior-year period.



                                        8
<PAGE> 11

         Included in other income is a $19 million gain recorded during the 
first  quarter of 1998  resulting  from the sale of the  Registrant's  six-store
nursery  chain as part of its  continuing  program to reduce its  investment  in
non-strategic businesses.  The net gain on the sale of non-strategic real estate
in the first  quarter ended April 26, 1997 totaled $4 million,  which  primarily
related to the sale of real estate located in Germany.

         The Registrant reported a net loss for the thirteen weeks ended May 2, 
1998 of $5  million,  or $0.04 per  share,  as  compared  with net  income of $1
million,  or $0.01 per share for the first quarter of 1997 which  includes a $16
million, or $0.12 per share, loss from discontinued operations.

         The Registrant ended the first quarter with 7,247 stores consisting of
6,722 specialty stores and 525 international  general merchandise stores. During
the first quarter,  the Registrant opened 178 stores,  closed or disposed of 168
stores and remodeled or relocated 63 stores. Of the 178 stores opened during the
quarter, 90 stores represented the first quarter acquisition of Athletic Fitters
stores.

SALES

The following table summarizes sales for continuing operations by segment and 
geographic area:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                 Thirteen weeks ended
                                                                 --------------------
(in millions)                                                     May 2,     April 26,
                                                                  1998         1997
                                                                  ----         ----   
<S>                                                             <C>          <C>   
By segment:
Specialty:
    Athletic Group..............................................$  902       $  905
    Northern Group..............................................    74           74
    Specialty Footwear..........................................   108          114
    Other Specialty.............................................    78           75
                                                                 -----        -----
Specialty total................................................. 1,162        1,168
                                                                 -----        -----

International General Merchandise...............................   297          359
                                                                 -----        -----

Disposed operations.............................................     7           12
                                                                 -----        -----
                                                                $1,466       $1,539
                                                                 =====        =====
By geographic area:
     Domestic...................................................$  986       $  987
     International..............................................   473          540
     Disposed operations........................................     7           12
                                                                 -----        -----
                                                                $1,466       $1,539
                                                                 =====        =====
</TABLE>

Specialty

     Athletic Group first quarter sales decreased 0.3 percent as compared with 
the first quarter of 1997, which reflects a decrease in comparable-store sales
of  7.7  percent.  The  decrease  in  the  1998  first quarter  Athletic Group
comparable-store sales was due to soft apparel sales,  notably in the licensed
product category, as compared with the corresponding prior-year period.

     Excluding the impact of foreign currency fluctuations, the Northern Group's
sales increased 2.3 percent for the first quarter, reflecting new store openings
and a comparable-store  sales decrease of 6.3 percent as compared with the first
quarter of 1997.


                                        9
<PAGE> 12

     Specialty Footwear first quarter sales decreased 5.3 percent, and by 1.1 
percent on a  comparable-store  basis, as compared with the corresponding prior-
year  period.  The decrease is  primarily  due to a sales  decline from the U.S.
Kinney Shoe format, offset by favorable  comparable-store  increases achieved by
store formats in Australia.

     Other Specialty first quarter sales increased 4.0 percent, and by 5.1 
percent on a  comparable-store  basis, as compared with the corresponding prior-
year period. The increase is primarily due to favorable  comparable-store  sales
increases in the Afterthoughts format.

International General Merchandise

     International General Merchandise sales decreased 17.3 percent for the 
first quarter as compared with the  corresponding  prior-year period.  Excluding
the impact of foreign  currency  fluctuations,  sales decreased 11.2 percent for
the first quarter.  Comparable-store  sales  decreased 7.1 percent for the first
quarter.  Persistent high levels of unemployment and economic recession continue
to negatively impact sales.


OPERATING RESULTS

Operating results from continuing operations (before corporate expense, interest
expense, and income taxes) are as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                  Thirteen weeks ended  
                                                                  --------------------
(in millions)                                                     May 2,     April 26,
                                                                  1998         1997   
                                                                  ----         ----
<S>                                                             <C>          <C>   
By Segment:
     Specialty..................................................$   20       $   62
     International General Merchandise..........................    (1)          (3)
     Net gain on sales of real estate...........................     -            4
     Disposed operations........................................     9           (6)
                                                                 -----        -----
                                                                $   28       $   57
                                                                 =====        =====
By geographic area:
     Domestic...................................................$   29       $   67
     International..............................................   (10)          (8)
     Net gain on sales of real estate...........................     -            4
     Disposed operations........................................     9           (6)
                                                                 -----        -----
                                                                $   28       $   57
                                                                 =====        =====
</TABLE>



                                       10
<PAGE> 13

Specialty

         The Specialty segment's operating profit decreased by $42 million, or 
67.7 percent as compared with the 1997 first quarter.  This decline is primarily
a result of lower  sales and a decline  in gross  margins  within  the  Athletic
Group.  This decrease in gross margins reflect  increased  markdowns  associated
with  management  strategy to keep  inventories  current,  as sales did not meet
expectations.   Additionally,   to  a  lesser  extent,  higher  occupancy  costs
associated with the increase in the number of stores  negatively  impacted gross
margin and operating results.

         The Specialty Footwear segment improved operating results by $1
million,  or 7.7  percent  as  compared  with the  1997  first  quarter  through
continuing expense reduction  initiatives.  The Northern Group operating results
decreased  by $3  million,  or 50.0  percent  as  compared  with the 1997  first
quarter.  Other Specialty  operating  results  increased by $3 million,  or 30.0
percent as compared with the 1997 first quarter.

         Included in disposed operations for the first quarter of 1998 is a $19 
million gain from the sale of the  Registrant's  six-store  nursery chain.  This
gain is offset by a $10 million  loss for the  shutdown of the  Canadian  Kinney
Shoe and U.S. Randy River specialty footwear operations, inclusive of $3 million
in operating  losses.  The prior year amount represents the operating results of
these operations.

International General Merchandise

         Operating results in the International General Merchandise segment 
improved  by $2 million for the first  quarter as  compared  with the 1997 first
quarter. The improvement in the  International  General  Merchandise  operating
profit compared with the prior year is attributable to expense reductions.


SEASONALITY

         The Registrant's businesses are seasonal in nature. Historically, the 
greatest  proportion of sales and net income is generated in the fourth  quarter
and the  lowest  proportion  of sales and net income is  generated  in the first
quarter,  reflecting  seasonal  buying  patterns.  As a result of these seasonal
sales patterns,  inventory increases in the third quarter in anticipation of the
strong fourth quarter sales.


LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

         Net cash used in operating activities was $216 million for the thirteen
weeks  ended May 2, 1998,  as  compared  with $89  million in the  corresponding
prior-year period. This increase was due to lower-than-expected quarterly sales,
as well as additional  inventory  purchases  related to the  development  of new
larger-size athletic formats. Inventories were $1,298 million as of May 2, 1998,
compared with $1,175  million as of April 26, 1997. The increase in inventory is
also  attributable  to the  receipt of  inventories  for the  recently  acquired
Athletic Fitters stores and approximately 92 new store openings in May and June.
Also  contributing  to the decrease in cash is an outlay for occupancy  costs on
May 1 not  reflected  in the  prior  year  due to the  timing  of the end of the
quarter.
         Net cash used in investing activities totaled $86 million for the 
thirteen  weeks ended May 2, 1998, as compared with $153 million used during the
corresponding  prior-year period in 1997. Cash used in investing  activities for
the  thirteen  weeks  ended April 26,  1997 was  predominately  due to the first
quarter cash  acquisition  of Eastbay,  Inc. for $140 million,  in a transaction
accounted  for as a  purchase.  Capital  expenditures  increased  $57 million as
compared  with  the  corresponding   prior-year  period,  which  represents  the
Registrant's aggressive expansion and renovation program.


                                       11

<PAGE> 14

        Short-term debt at May 2, 1998 increased $253 million as compared with
the April 26, 1997 and the year-end levels.  The increase in short-term debt was
due  to  increased   investment  in  working   capital  and  increased   capital
expenditures for new stores and the Woolworth  conversion stores, as well as the
purchase of Athletic Fitters stores in February 1998.

          Shareholders'  equity at May 2, 1998  increased by $12 million from 
the level at  January  31,  1998  primarily  attributable  to changes in foreign
currency exchange rates.

         As mentioned in the Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial 
Statements,  the Registrant signed a definitive merger agreement with The Sports
Authority,  Inc. whereby the Registrant will acquire The Sports Authority,  Inc.
in a tax-free  exchange of shares valued at  approximately  $570 million,  based
upon the closing price of the Registrant's  common stock as of May 6, 1998, plus
the assumption of approximately $179 million of debt.

                           PART II - OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1. Legal Proceedings

         This information is incorporated by reference to the Legal Proceedings 
section of the Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements on page 7 of
Part I, Item 1.

Item 6. Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K

         (a)  Exhibits

         An index of the exhibits that are required by this item, and which are 
furnished in  accordance  with Item 601 of Regulation  S-K,  appears on pages 14
through 15. The exhibits which are in this report immediately follow the index.


         (b)  Reports on Form 8-K

         The Registrant filed a report on Form 8-K dated March 11, 1988 (date of
earliest  event  reported)  reporting  that the  Board of  Directors  adopted  a
shareholder  rights  plan  substantially  similar to the  Registrant's  previous
rights plan.

         Additionally, the Registrant filed a report on Form 8-K dated April 6,
1998 (date of earliest  event  reported)  reporting that Allan Z. Loren had been
elected a director of the Registrant, effective April 8, 1998.



                                       12
<PAGE> 15


                                    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.



 
                                                     WOOLWORTH CORPORATION
                                                     ---------------------
                                                     (Registrant)





Date: June 9, 1998                                   /s/ Reid Johnson     
                                                     ----------------- 
                                                     REID JOHNSON
                                                     Senior Vice President
                                                     and Chief Financial Officer

                                       13
<PAGE> 16


                              WOOLWORTH CORPORATION
              INDEX OF EXHIBITS REQUIRED BY ITEM 6(a) OF FORM 10-Q
           AND FURNISHED IN ACCORDANCE WITH ITEM 601 OF REGULATION S-K

Exhibit No. in Item 601
   of Regulation S-K                                 Description

     1                                                 *
     2                                                 *

     3(i)(a)                  Certificate of Incorporation of the Registrant, as
                              filed by the  Department  of State of the State of
                              New York on April 7, 1989 (incorporated  herein by
                              reference  to  Exhibit  3(i)(a)  to the  Quarterly
                              Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended
                              July 26, 1997,  filed by the  Registrant  with the
                              SEC on  September 4, 1997 (the "July 26, 1997 Form
                              10-Q")).

     3(i)(b)                  Certificates  of Amendment of the  Certificate  of
                              Incorporation  of the Registrant,  as filed by the
                              Department  of State  of the  State of New York on
                              (a) July 20,  1989 (b) July 24,  1990 and (c) July
                              9,  1997  (incorporated  herein  by  reference  to
                              Exhibit 3(i)(b) of the July 26, 1997 Form 10-Q).

     3(ii)                    By-laws    of   the    Registrant,    as   amended
                              (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 3(ii)
                              of the July 26, 1997 Form 10-Q).

     4.1                      The rights of holders of the  Registrant's  equity
                              securities   are   defined  in  the   Registrant's
                              Certificate   of    Incorporation,    as   amended
                              (incorporated herein by reference to: (a) Exhibits
                              3(i)(a)  and  3(i)(b)  to the July 26,  1997  Form
                              10-Q).

     4.2                      Rights  Agreement  dated  as of  March  11,  1998,
                              between  Woolworth  Corporation  and First Chicago
                              Trust  Registrant  of New York,  as  Rights  Agent
                              (incorporated  herein by reference to Exhibit 4 to
                              the Form 8-K dated March 11, 1998).

     4.3                      Indenture   dated   as   of   October   10,   1991
                              (incorporated  herein by  reference to Exhibit 4.1
                              to  the   Registration   Statement   on  Form  S-3
                              (Registration No. 33-43334)  previously filed with
                              the SEC).

     4.4                      Forms  of   Medium-Term   Notes  (Fixed  Rate  and
                              Floating Rate)  (incorporated  herein by reference
                              to  Exhibits  4.4  and  4.5  to  the  Registration
                              Statement on Form S-3  (Registration No. 33-43334)
                              previously filed with the SEC).


                                       14
<PAGE> 17


     4.5                      Form of 8 1/2%  Debentures due 2022  (incorporated
                              herein   by   reference   to   Exhibit  4  to  the
                              Registrant's Form 8-K dated January 16, 1992).

     4.6                      Purchase  Agreement dated June 1, 1995 and Form of
                              7%  Notes   due  2000   (incorporated   herein  by
                              reference  to Exhibits 1 and 4,  respectively,  to
                              the Registrant's Form 8-K dated June 7, 1995).

     4.7                      Distribution  Agreement  dated  July 13,  1995 and
                              Forms  of  Fixed  Rate  and  Floating  Rate  Notes
                              (incorporated  herein by  reference to Exhibits 1,
                              4.1 and  4.2,  respectively,  to the  Registrant's
                              Form 8-K dated July 13, 1995).

     5                                                 *
     8                                                 *
     9                                                 *
     10                                                *
     11                                                *

     12                       Computation of Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges.

     13                                                *

     15                       Letter re: Unaudited Interim Financial Statements.

     16                                                *
     17                                                *
     18                                                *
     19                                                *
     20                                                *
     21                                                *
     22                                                *
     23                                                *
     24                                                *
     25                                                *
     26                                                *

     27.1                     Financial  Data  Schedule,  May 2, 1998  (which is
                              submitted    electronically   to   the   SEC   for
                              information only and not filed.)

     27.2                     Restated  Financial Data Schedule - April 26, 1997
                              (which is submitted  electronically to the SEC for
                              information only and not filed.)

     99                       Independent Accountants' Review Report.

- -----------------                                
*  Not applicable

                                       15
<PAGE> 18

Exhibits filed with this Form 10-Q:


Exhibit No.                                    Description
- -----------                                    -----------
 
     12                      Computation of Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges.
 
     15                      Letter re:  Unaudited Interim Financial Statements.

     27.1                    Financial Data Schedule - May 2, 1998.

     27.2                    Restated Financial Data Schedule - April 26, 1997.

     99                      Independent Accountants' Review Report.




<PAGE> 1

                                                                      EXHIBIT 12


                              WOOLWORTH CORPORATION

                COMPUTATION OF RATIO OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES
                                   (Unaudited)
                              (dollars in millions)


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                  Fiscal    Fiscal    Fiscal    Fiscal    Fiscal
                                                  13 weeks  Year      Year      Year      Year      Year
                                                  ended     ended     ended     ended     ended     ended
                                                  May 2,    Jan. 31,  Jan. 25,  Jan. 27,  Jan. 28,  Jan. 29,
                                                  1998      1998      1997      1996      1995      1994
                                                  --------  --------  --------  --------  --------  --------    
 <S>                                               <C>       <C>       <C>       <C>       <C>       <C>   
NET EARNINGS
Net income (loss) from continuing
  operations......................................$  (5)     $ 213     $ 193     $ (98)    $  38     $(226)

Income tax expense (benefit)......................   (3)       125       127       (35)       42      (118)

Interest expense, excluding capitalized
  interest........................................   13         48        63       108        93        71

Portion of rents deemed representative
 of the interest factor (1/3).....................   51        204       211       207       194       192
                                                   ----       ----      ----      ----      ----      ----
                                                  $  56      $ 590     $ 594     $ 182     $ 367     $ (81)
                                                   ====       ====      ====      ====      ====      ====


FIXED CHARGES
Gross interest expense............................$  14         48     $  63     $ 108     $  93     $  71

Portion of rents deemed representative
 of the interest factor (1/3).....................   51        204       211       207       194       192
                                                   ----       ----      ----      ----      ----      ----
                                                  $  65      $ 252     $ 274     $ 315     $ 287     $ 263
                                                   ====       ====      ====      ====      ====      ====
RATIO OF EARNINGS TO FIXED
  CHARGES                                           0.9        2.3       2.2       0.6       1.3         -
                                                   ====       ====      ====      ====      ====      ====
</TABLE>



Earnings were not adequate to cover fixed charges by $9 million, $133 million 
and $344 million for the period ended May 2, 1998 and for the fiscal years ended
January 27, 1996 and January 29, 1994, respectively.


<PAGE> 1

                                                                      EXHIBIT 15

                           Accountants' Acknowledgment



Woolworth Corporation
New York, New York

Board of Directors:

Re:     Registration Statements Numbers 33-10783, 33-91888, 33-91886, 33-97832, 
        333-07215 and 333-21131 on Form S-8 and Numbers 33-43334 and 33-86300 on
        Form S-3

With respect to the subject registration statements, we acknowledge our 
awareness  of the use therein of our report  dated May 20,  1998  related to our
review of interim financial information.

Pursuant to Rule 436(c) under the Securities Act of 1933, 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 Act.




/s/ KPMG Peat Marwick LLP
- -------------------------
New York, New York
June 9, 1998


<TABLE> <S> <C>


<ARTICLE> 5
<LEGEND>
THIS SCHEDULE CONTAINS SUMMARY FINANCIAL INFORMATION EXTRACTED
FROM THE  CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME FOR THE THREE MONTHS
ENDED May 2, 1998 AND THE CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET AS OF     May 2,
1998 AND IS QUALIFIED IN ITS ENTIRETY BY REFERENCE TO SUCH FINANCIAL
STATEMENTS
</LEGEND>
<MULTIPLIER>                                      1,000,000
       
<S>                                               <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE>                                     3-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                                 JAN-30-1999
<PERIOD-START>                                    FEB-1-1998
<PERIOD-END>                                      MAY-2-1998
<CASH>                                            76
<SECURITIES>                                      0
<RECEIVABLES>                                     0
<ALLOWANCES>                                      0
<INVENTORY>                                       1,298
<CURRENT-ASSETS>                                  1,609
<PP&E>                                            0
<DEPRECIATION>                                    0
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                                    3,412
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES>                             982
<BONDS>                                           537
                             0
                                       0
<COMMON>                                          0
<OTHER-SE>                                        1,283
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY>                      3,412
<SALES>                                           1,466
<TOTAL-REVENUES>                                  1,466
<CGS>                                             1,046
<TOTAL-COSTS>                                     1,046
<OTHER-EXPENSES>                                  25
<LOSS-PROVISION>                                  0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                                12
<INCOME-PRETAX>                                   (8)
<INCOME-TAX>                                      (3)
<INCOME-CONTINUING>                               (5)
<DISCONTINUED>                                    0
<EXTRAORDINARY>                                   0
<CHANGES>                                         0
<NET-INCOME>                                      (5)
<EPS-PRIMARY>                                     (0.04)
<EPS-DILUTED>                                     (0.04)
        


</TABLE>

<TABLE> <S> <C>


<ARTICLE> 5
<LEGEND>
THIS SCHEDULE CONTAINS SUMMARY FINANCIAL INFORMATION EXTRACTED
FROM THE  CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME FOR THE THREE MONTHS
ENDED April 26, 1997 AND THE CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET AS OF April 26,
1997 AND IS QUALIFIED IN ITS ENTIRETY BY REFERENCE TO SUCH FINANCIAL
STATEMENTS
</LEGEND>
<MULTIPLIER>                                           1,000,000
       
<S>                                                    <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE>                                          3-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                                      JAN-31-1998
<PERIOD-START>                                         JAN-26-1997
<PERIOD-END>                                           APR-06-1997
<CASH>                                                 75
<SECURITIES>                                           0
<RECEIVABLES>                                          0
<ALLOWANCES>                                           0
<INVENTORY>                                            1,175
<CURRENT-ASSETS>                                       1,648
<PP&E>                                                 0
<DEPRECIATION>                                         0
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                                         3,207
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES>                                  671
<BONDS>                                                570
                                  0
                                            0
<COMMON>                                               0
<OTHER-SE>                                             1,291
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY>                           3,207
<SALES>                                                1,539
<TOTAL-REVENUES>                                       1,539
<CGS>                                                  1,074
<TOTAL-COSTS>                                          1,074
<OTHER-EXPENSES>                                       37
<LOSS-PROVISION>                                       0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                                     11
<INCOME-PRETAX>                                        29
<INCOME-TAX>                                           12
<INCOME-CONTINUING>                                    17
<DISCONTINUED>                                         (16)
<EXTRAORDINARY>                                        0
<CHANGES>                                              0
<NET-INCOME>                                           1
<EPS-PRIMARY>                                          0.01
<EPS-DILUTED>                                          0.01
        


</TABLE>

         
<PAGE> 1

                                                           EXHIBIT 99



                     Independent Accountants' Review Report


The Board of Directors and Shareholders
Woolworth Corporation:


We have reviewed the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheets of 
Woolworth Corporation and subsidiaries as of May 2, 1998 and April 26, 1997, and
the related  condensed  consolidated  statements  of  operations,  comprehensive
income,  retained  earnings,  and cash flows for the thirteen week periods ended
May  2,  1998  and  April  26,  1997.  These  condensed  consolidated  financial
statements are the responsibility of Woolworth Corporation's management.

We conducted our review 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 an opinion.

Based on our review, we are not aware of any material modifications that should 
be made to the condensed consolidated financial statements referred to above 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  Woolworth   Corporation  and
subsidiaries as of January 31, 1998, and the related consolidated  statements of
operations,  changes in shareholders'  equity,  and cash flows for the year then
ended  (not  presented  herein);  and in our report  dated  March 11,  1998,  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 January 31, 1998,  is fairly  stated,  in all
material respects,  in relation to the consolidated  balance sheet from which it
has been derived.
 


/s/ KPMG Peat Marwick LLP
- -------------------------
New York, New York
May 20, 1998




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