BON TON STORES INC
10-Q, 1997-09-15
DEPARTMENT STORES
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<PAGE>
 
                                                                   Page 1 of 12
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------

                       SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                             WASHINGTON, DC  20549

                                   FORM 10-Q

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


     For the Quarter ended August 2, 1997             Commission File Number
                                                           0-19517


                            THE BON-TON STORES, INC.
                            2801 EAST MARKET STREET
                            YORK, PENNSYLVANIA 17402
                                 (717) 757-7660


     INCORPORATED IN PENNSYLVANIA                     IRS NO. 23-2835229
                                  ------------------- 



     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, and (2) has been subject to such filing
requirements for the past 90 days. Yes    X     No  
                                       ------      ------       

     As of August 29, 1997 there were 8,348,219 shares of Common Stock, $0.01
par value, and 2,989,853 shares of Class A Common Stock, $0.01 par value,
outstanding.



 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<PAGE>
 
PART I:  FINANCIAL INFORMATION

ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

                   THE BON-TON STORES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
                          CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
                (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE AMOUNTS)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
 
                                                                                         AUGUST 2,   FEBRUARY 1,
                                                                                           1997         1997
                                                                                        -----------  -----------
                                                                                        (Unaudited)
<S>                                                                                      <C>          <C>
ASSETS                                                                                  
CURRENT ASSETS:
 Cash and cash equivalents                                                                $  9,645      $  6,516
 Trade and other accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful
  accounts of $1,782 and $2,769 at August 2, 1997 and February 1, 1997, respectively        20,013        16,306
 Merchandise inventories                                                                   166,759       161,191
 Prepaid expenses and other current assets                                                   9,055        18,389
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------    --------      --------
      Total current assets                                                                 205,472       202,402
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------    --------      --------
PROPERTY, FIXTURES AND EQUIPMENT at cost, less accumulated
 depreciation and amortization                                                             106,717       117,716
OTHER ASSETS                                                                                20,894        21,134
DEFERRED INCOME TAXES                                                                          273           ---
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------    --------      --------
      TOTAL ASSETS                                                                        $333,356      $341,252
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------    ========      ========

LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
 
CURRENT LIABILITIES:
 Accounts payable                                                                           $ 60,798    $ 51,626
 Accrued payroll and benefits                                                                  5,984       7,135
 Accrued expenses                                                                             18,507      25,209
 Current portion of long-term debt                                                               640       9,763
 Current portion of obligations under capital leases                                             364         351
 Deferred income taxes                                                                         1,162       1,628
 Income taxes payable                                                                          1,613       3,837
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------  --------    --------
      Total current liabilities                                                               89,068      99,549
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------  --------    --------
LONG-TERM DEBT, less current maturities                                                      129,438     125,620
OBLIGATIONS UNDER CAPITAL LEASES, less current maturities                                      2,375       2,478
OTHER LONG-TERM LIABILITIES                                                                    3,949         946
DEFERRED INCOME TAXES                                                                            ---       1,174
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES                                                                    ---         ---
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------  --------    --------
      Total liabilities                                                                      224,830     229,767
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------  --------    --------
SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY:
 Common Stock-authorized 40,000,000 shares at $0.01 par value; issued and outstanding
  shares of 8,348,219 and 8,349,699 at August 2, 1997 and February 1, 1997, respectively          83          83
 Class A Common Stock-authorized 20,000,000 shares at $0.01 par value; issued
  and outstanding shares of 2,989,853 at August 2, 1997 and February 1, 1997                      30          30
 Additional paid-in capital                                                                   58,179      58,182
 Deferred compensation                                                                          (996)     (1,259)
 Retained earnings                                                                            51,230      54,449
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------  --------    --------
      Total shareholders' equity                                                             108,526     111,485
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------  --------    --------
      TOTAL LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY                                            $333,356    $341,252
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------  ========    ======== 
</TABLE>

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

                                       2
<PAGE>
 
                   THE BON-TON STORES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
                     CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
                (AMOUNTS IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE AMOUNTS)
                                  (UNAUDITED)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
 
 
                                                                     THIRTEEN               TWENTY-SIX
                                                                    WEEKS ENDED             WEEKS ENDED
                                                               ----------------------  ----------------------
                                                               AUGUST 2,   AUGUST 3,   AUGUST 2,   AUGUST 3,
                                                                  1997        1996        1997        1996
                                                               ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------
<S>                                                            <C>         <C>         <C>         <C>
 NET SALES                                                      $137,994    $130,740    $272,245    $260,060
 OTHER INCOME, NET                                                   472         500         963       1,022
- -------------------------------------------------------------   --------    --------    --------    --------
                                                                 138,466     131,240     273,208     261,082
                                                                --------    --------    --------    --------
 COSTS AND EXPENSES:
  Costs of merchandise sold                                       86,152      81,276     171,088     161,794
  Selling, general and administrative                             47,457      46,172      93,459      92,787
  Depreciation and amortization                                    3,196       3,025       6,362       6,073
- -------------------------------------------------------------   --------    --------    --------    --------
 INCOME FROM OPERATIONS                                            1,661         767       2,299         428
 INTEREST EXPENSE, NET                                             3,223       3,801       6,772       6,898
- -------------------------------------------------------------   --------    --------    --------    --------
 LOSS BEFORE INCOME TAXES                                         (1,562)     (3,034)     (4,473)     (6,470)
 INCOME TAX BENEFIT                                                 (594)     (1,088)     (1,702)     (2,325)
- -------------------------------------------------------------   --------    --------    --------    --------
 LOSS BEFORE EXTRAORDINARY ITEM                                     (968)     (1,946)     (2,771)     (4,145)
 EXTRAORDINARY ITEM - loss on early extinguishment of debt,
                      net of income tax benefit of $251              ---         ---        (446)        ---
- -------------------------------------------------------------   --------    --------    --------    --------
 NET LOSS                                                       $   (968)   $ (1,946)   $ (3,217)   $ (4,145)
- -------------------------------------------------------------   ========    ========    ========    ========
 
 PER SHARE AMOUNTS:
  Loss before extraordinary item                                $  (0.09)   $  (0.18)   $  (0.25)   $  (0.37)
  Effect of extraordinary item                                       ---         ---       (0.04)        ---
  Net loss per share                                            $  (0.09)   $  (0.18)   $  (0.29)   $  (0.37)
 
 WEIGHTED AVERAGE SHARES OUTSTANDING                              11,075      11,064      11,074      11,063
- -------------------------------------------------------------   ========    ========    ========    ========
</TABLE>

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

                                       3
<PAGE>
 
                   THE BON-TON STORES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
                CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
                             (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
                                  (UNAUDITED)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
 
 
                                                                    TWENTY-SIX
                                                                    WEEKS ENDED
                                                            --------------------------
                                                              AUGUST 2,    AUGUST 3,
                                                                 1997         1996
                                                             ------------  ----------
<S>                                                          <C>           <C>
OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
 Net loss                                                      $  (3,217)  $  (4,145)
 Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash
 provided by (used in) operating activities:
  Depreciation and amortization                                    6,362       6,073
  Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net                 2,302     (10,815)
- -----------------------------------------------------------    ---------   ---------
   Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities             5,447      (8,887)
 
INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
 Capital expenditures, net                                        (2,972)     (3,854)
 Proceeds from sale of property, fixtures and equipment               15           2
 Payments on accounts receivable facility                         (5,000)    (20,000)
 Proceeds from sale and leaseback arrangement, net                11,034         ---
- -----------------------------------------------------------    ---------   ---------
   Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities             3,077     (23,852)
 
FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
 Payments on long-term debt and capital lease obligations       (181,397)   (108,365)
 Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt                        176,002     121,000
 Proceeds from mortgages on Rochester properties                     ---      23,400
- -----------------------------------------------------------    ---------   ---------
   Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities            (5,395)     36,035
 
   Net increase in cash and cash equivalents                       3,129       3,296
 
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT
 BEGINNING OF PERIOD                                               6,516       6,941
- -----------------------------------------------------------    ---------   ---------
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT END OF PERIOD                     $   9,645   $  10,237
- -----------------------------------------------------------    =========   =========

SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION:
 Interest paid                                                 $   5,686   $   5,448
 Income taxes paid (refunded)                                  $   2,183   $  (8,643)
                                                               
</TABLE>

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

                                       4
<PAGE>
 
                   THE BON-TON STORES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
                   NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS



The Bon-Ton Stores, Inc., a Pennsylvania corporation, was incorporated on
January 31, 1996 as the successor of a company established on January 31, 1929
and currently operates, through its subsidiaries, 64 retail department stores
located in Pennsylvania, New York, Maryland, West Virginia, New Jersey and
Georgia.


1.  BASIS OF PRESENTATION:

The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements include accounts of
The Bon-Ton Stores, Inc. and its wholly-owned subsidiaries (the "Company").  All
intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated in consolidation.

The unaudited consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance
with the instructions for Form 10-Q and do not include all the information and
footnotes required by generally accepted accounting principles.  In the opinion
of management, all adjustments (primarily consisting of normal recurring
accruals) considered necessary for a fair presentation for interim periods have
been included.  The Company's business is seasonal in nature and the results of
operations for the interim periods presented are not necessarily indicative of
the results for the full fiscal year.  It is suggested these consolidated
financial statements be read in conjunction with the financial statements and
the notes thereto included in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the
year ended February 1, 1997 (the "1996 Annual Report").


2.  PER SHARE AMOUNTS:

Per share amounts were computed by dividing the corresponding net loss amounts
by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding.

                                       5
<PAGE>
 
                   THE BON-TON STORES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

ITEM 2.  MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS
OF OPERATIONS

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

The following table summarizes the changes in selected operating indicators,
illustrating the relationship of various income and expense items expressed as a
percentage of net sales for each period presented:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
 
                                                                               THIRTEEN                TWENTY-SIX
                                                                              WEEKS ENDED              WEEKS ENDED
                                                                         ----------------------  -----------------------
                                                                         AUGUST 2,   AUGUST 3,   AUGUST 2,    AUGUST 3,
                                                                            1997        1996        1997        1996
                                                                         ----------  ----------  ----------  -----------
<S>                                                                      <C>         <C>         <C>         <C>
Net sales                                                                    100.0%      100.0%      100.0%       100.0%
Other income, net                                                              0.3         0.4         0.4          0.4
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------      -----       -----       -----        -----
                                                                             100.3       100.4       100.4        100.4
                                                                             -----       -----       -----        -----
Costs and expenses:
  Costs of merchandise sold                                                   62.4        62.2        62.8         62.2
  Selling, general and administrative                                         34.4        35.3        34.4         35.7
  Depreciation and amortization                                                2.3         2.3         2.3          2.3
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------      -----       -----       -----        -----
Income from operations                                                         1.2         0.6         0.9          0.2
Interest expense, net                                                          2.3         2.9         2.5          2.7
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------      -----       -----       -----        -----
Loss before income taxes                                                      (1.1)       (2.3)       (1.6)        (2.5)
Income tax benefit                                                            (0.4)       (0.8)       (0.6)        (0.9)
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------      -----       -----       -----        -----
Loss before extraordinary item                                                (0.7)       (1.5)       (1.0)        (1.6)
Extraordinary item - loss on early extinguishment of debt, net of tax          ---         ---        (0.2)         ---
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------      -----       -----       -----        -----
Net loss                                                                      (0.7)%      (1.5)%      (1.2)%       (1.6)%
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------      =====       =====       =====        =====
</TABLE>

THIRTEEN WEEKS ENDED AUGUST 2, 1997 COMPARED TO THIRTEEN WEEKS ENDED AUGUST 3,
1996

For the purpose of the following discussions, all references to "second quarter
of 1997" and "second quarter of 1996" are to the Company's thirteen week period
ended August 2, 1997 and August 3, 1996, respectively.

NET SALES.  Net sales were $138.0 million for the thirteen weeks ended August 2,
1997, an increase of 5.5% over the same period last year.  Comparable store
sales increased 6.9% for the period, with shoes, juniors, cosmetics, dresses and
ladies' sportswear categories achieving sales increases greater than Company
average.

OTHER INCOME, NET.  Net other income, which consisted mainly of income from
leased departments, decreased to 0.3% of net sales in the second quarter of 1997
compared to 0.4% in the second quarter of 1996.

COSTS AND EXPENSES.  Gross profit dollars in the second quarter of 1997
increased $2.4 million over the second quarter of 1996 due to the increased
sales base.  Gross profit as a percentage of net sales decreased by 0.2
percentage points to 37.6% for the thirteen weeks ended August 2, 1997 from
37.8% for the comparable period last year.  The decline in the margin rate was
largely attributable to a lower initial markup strategy initiated by management.

Selling, general and administrative expenses for the second quarter of 1997
increased $1.3 million to 34.4% of net sales from 35.3% of net sales in the
prior year.  The rate decrease was due primarily to expense control efforts and
continued operating leverage achieved by the Company in store and corporate
expense categories as a result of higher sales volume.

Depreciation and amortization remained constant at 2.3% of net sales for the
thirteen weeks ended August 2, 1997 and August 3, 1996.

                                       6
<PAGE>
 
                   THE BON-TON STORES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

INCOME FROM OPERATIONS.  Income from operations for the second quarter of 1997
was $1.7 million, or 1.2% of net sales, compared to income from operations of
$0.8 million, or 0.6% of net sales, in the comparable period last year.  The
improvement for the period was achieved through the continued control of
selling, general and administrative expenses and increased gross margin dollars.

The Company sells receivables through its accounts receivable facility to
provide additional working capital. Pro-forma effects, as if the Company had on-
balance sheet financing, would have reduced selling, general and administrative
expenses by $1.7 million in the second quarter of 1997 and $1.4 million in the
second quarter of 1996. The lower selling, general and administrative expenses
would have been offset by a corresponding increase in interest expense for both
periods. The net result of the pro-forma reclassification would reflect income
from operations of $3.4 million in the second quarter of 1997 and $2.2 million
for the corresponding period last year.

INTEREST EXPENSE, NET.  Net interest expense decreased to 2.3% of net sales for
the thirteen weeks ended August 2, 1997 compared to 2.9% of net sales for the
thirteen weeks ended August 3, 1996.  The decrease is primarily attributed to
the lower borrowing levels in the second quarter of 1997 compared to the second
quarter of 1996.

NET LOSS.  The net loss for the second quarter of 1997 amounted to $1.0 million
compared to a net loss of $1.9 million in the second quarter of 1996.

Due to the seasonal nature of the Company's business, the results for the
current year second quarter are not necessarily indicative of the results that
may be achieved for the full fiscal year of 1997.


TWENTY-SIX WEEKS ENDED AUGUST 2, 1997 COMPARED TO TWENTY-SIX WEEKS ENDED AUGUST
3, 1996

For the purpose of the following discussions, all references to "1997" and
"1996" are to the Company's twenty-six week period ended August 2, 1997 and
August 3, 1996, respectively.

NET SALES.  Net sales were $272.2 million for 1997, an increase of 4.7% over the
same period last year.  Comparable store sales increased 6.0% for the period,
with shoes, ladies' sportswear categories, cosmetics and dresses achieving sales
increases greater than Company average.

OTHER INCOME, NET.  Net other income, which consisted mainly of income from
leased departments, remained constant at 0.4% of net sales in 1997 and 1996.

COSTS AND EXPENSES.  Gross profit dollars in 1997 increased $2.9 million over
1996 due primarily to the increased sales base, partially offset by the decrease
in gross profit as a percentage of net sales to 37.2% for the twenty-six week
period ended August 2, 1997 from 37.8% for the comparable period last year.  The
decline in the margin rate was largely attributable to a lower initial markup
strategy initiated by management.

Selling, general and administrative expenses for 1997 increased $0.7 million to
34.4% of net sales from 35.7% of net sales in the prior year. The rate decrease
principally reflected expense control efforts and operating leverage achieved by
the Company in both store and corporate expense categories as a result of the
improvement in the Company's sales base.

Depreciation and amortization remained constant at 2.3% of net sales for the
twenty-six weeks ended August 2, 1997 and August 3, 1996.

                                       7
<PAGE>
 
                   THE BON-TON STORES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

INCOME FROM OPERATIONS.  Income from operations for 1997 was $2.3 million, or
0.9% of net sales, compared to income from operations of $0.4 million, or 0.2%
of net sales, in the comparable period last year.  The improvement for the
period was achieved through the continued control of selling, general and
administrative expenses and increased margin dollars.

The Company sells receivables through its accounts receivable facility to
provide additional working capital. Pro-forma effects, as if the Company had on-
balance sheet financing, would have reduced selling, general and administrative
expenses by $3.3 million in 1997 and $3.5 million in 1996. The lower selling,
general and administrative expenses would have been offset by a corresponding
increase in interest expense for both periods. The net result of the pro-forma
reclassification would reflect income from operations of $5.6 million in 1997
and $3.9 million for the corresponding period last year.

INTEREST EXPENSE, NET.  Net interest expense decreased to 2.5% of net sales in
1997 compared to 2.7% of net sales in 1996.  The decrease was a result of lower
borrowing levels incurred by the Company as compared to the same period last
year and the achievement of a higher sales base in 1997.

LOSS BEFORE EXTRAORDINARY ITEM.  The net loss before the extraordinary item was
$2.8 million in 1997, a 33% improvement compared to a loss of $4.1 million in
1996.

EXTRAORDINARY ITEM.  The Company entered into a new asset based borrowing
agreement on April 10, 1997 (see Note 4 of the Company's Form 10-Q for the
quarter ended May 3, 1997).  As a result of this transaction, the Company
incurred an extraordinary charge of $0.4 million (net of $0.3 million income tax
benefit) relating to early extinguishment of existing debt.

NET LOSS.  The net loss for 1997, after the impact of the extraordinary item,
amounted to $3.2 million compared to a net loss of $4.1 million in 1996.

Due to the seasonal nature of the Company's business, the results for the
current period are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be
achieved for the full fiscal year of 1997.

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

The Company's working capital requirements are currently met through a
combination of cash, borrowings under its revolving credit facility and proceeds
from its accounts receivable facility.

The following table summarizes material measures of the Company's liquidity and
capital resources:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
 
                                           (dollars in millions)
                                           August 2,   August 3,
                                              1997       1996
                                           ----------  ---------
<S>                                        <C>         <C>
     Working Capital                          $ 116.4    $ 125.3
 
     Current Ratio                             2.31:1     2.30:1
 
     Total Debt to Total Capitalization        0.55:1     0.62:1
 
     Available Lines of Credit                $  24.0    $  19.2
</TABLE>

                                       8
<PAGE>
 
                   THE BON-TON STORES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

For the twenty-six weeks ended August 2, 1997, net cash provided by operating
activities amounted to $5.4 million, as compared to net cash used in operating
activities of $8.9 million for the comparable period last year. Net cash
provided by operating activities for 1997, supplemented by a $4.6 million
pension asset reversion (net of federal excise tax payment), improved compared
to the same period last year when additional working capital was employed to
increase merchandise inventory to support the Company's inventory
intensification initiative.

Net cash provided by investing activities amounted to $3.1 million for the
twenty-six weeks ended August 2, 1997, compared to cash used in investing
activities of $23.9 million for the comparable period last year.  The net cash
provided during the twenty-six week period ended August 2, 1997 was primarily a
result of the proceeds received from the sale and leaseback arrangement (see
Note 4 of the Company's Form 10-Q for the quarter ended May 3, 1997).

Net cash used in financing activities amounted to $5.4 million for the twenty-
six week period ended August 2, 1997, as compared to cash provided by financing
activities of $36.0 million for the comparable period last year. The reduction
in the cash provided by financing activities in 1997 was a result of the
Company's improved 1997 operating results and the application of proceeds
received from the Company's sale and leaseback arrangement.  The cash provided
during the twenty-six weeks ended August 3, 1996 was primarily the result of the
proceeds the Company received from mortgages on the Rochester properties (as
discussed in Note 2 of the 1996 Annual Report).

The Company anticipates that its cash flow from operations, supplemented by
borrowings under its revolving credit facility and proceeds from its accounts
receivable facility, will be sufficient to satisfy its operating cash
requirements.


"SAFE HARBOR" STATEMENT:
- ------------------------

Certain information included in this Form 10-Q contains statements that are
forward looking.  Such forward-looking information involves important risks and
uncertainties that could significantly affect anticipated results in the future,
including, but not limited to, uncertainties affecting retail in general, such
as consumer confidence and demand for soft goods, risks relating to leverage and
debt service, competition within primary markets in which the Company's stores
are located, and the need for, and costs associated with, store renovations and
other capital expenditures.

                                       9
<PAGE>
 
                   THE BON-TON STORES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

PART II:  OTHER INFORMATION

ITEM 4.  SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS

On June 17, 1997, the Company held its Annual Meeting of Shareholders.  The
following matters were submitted for vote:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
  1. The following individuals were nominated and elected to serve as the directors of the Company:
 
<S>                     <C>     
M. Thomas Grumbacher    For: 36,206,087
                        Withhold Authority: 532,367
 
Heywood L. Wilansky     For: 36,205,687
                        Withhold Authority: 532,767
 
Samuel J. Gerson        For: 36,207,287
                        Withhold Authority: 531,167
 
Michael L. Gleim        For: 36,207,087
                        Withhold Authority: 531,367
 
Roger S. Hillas         For: 36,206,687
                        Withhold Authority: 531,767
 
Lawrence J. Ring        For: 36,207,287
                        Withhold Authority: 531,167
 
Leon D. Starr           For: 36,206,287
                        Withhold Authority: 532,167
 
Leon F. Winbigler       For: 36,206,887
                        Withhold Authority: 531,567
</TABLE>

  2. The holders of 35,230,682 shares voted in favor of, the holders of 845,303
     shares voted against, the holders of 9,115 shares abstained with respect to
     the adoption of the following matter:

     The amendment to the Company's 1991 Amended and Restated Stock Option and
     Restricted Stock Plan (the "Plan") to increase the maximum number of shares
     available to be issued pursuant to the exercise of options granted
     thereunder from 1,350,000 to 1,900,000 and to make available shares subject
     to options granted pursuant to the Plan to all directors.

  3. The holders of 35,986,553 shares voted in favor of, the holders of 647,027
     shares voted against, the holders of 24,919 shares abstained with respect
     to the approval of The Bon-Ton Stores, Inc. Long-Term Incentive Plan for
     Principals.

  4. The holders of 36,491,376 shares voted in favor of, the holders of 143,404
     shares voted against, and the holders of 23,719 shares abstained with
     respect to the adoption of the following matter:

     The amendment of the Company's Management Incentive Plan to permit
     participants to elect to receive a portion of their annual bonus in shares
     of Common Stock of the Company.

                                       10
<PAGE>
 
                   THE BON-TON STORES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

  5. The holders of 36,732,138 shares voted in favor of, the holders of 4,334
     shares voted against, and the holders of 1,982 shares abstained with
     respect to the ratification of the selection of Arthur Andersen LLP to
     serve as independent accountants for the Company.



ITEM 5.  EXHIBITS AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K

(a)  The following exhibits are filed pursuant to the requirements of Item 601
     of Regulation S-K:

Exhibit No.  Description

    27       Financial Data Schedule


(b)  The Company did not file Current Reports on Form 8-K during the thirteen
     week period ended August 2, 1997.

                                       11
<PAGE>
                   THE BON-TON STORES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
                                   SIGNATURES

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



                           THE BON-TON STORES, INC.



Date:  September 15,1997        By:    /s/  Michael L. Gleim
       ---------------------        -------------------------------
                                          Michael L. Gleim
                                          Vice Chairman and
                                          Chief Operating Officer



Date:  September 15, 1997       By:    /s/  James H. Baireuther
       ---------------------        --------------------------------
                                          James H. Baireuther
                                          Senior Vice President and
                                          Chief Financial Officer

                                       12

<TABLE> <S> <C>

<PAGE>
<ARTICLE> 5
<LEGEND>
THIS SCHEDULE CONTAINS SUMMARY FINANCIAL INFORMATION EXTRACTED FROM THE
COMPANY'S QUARTERLY REPORT ON FORM 10-Q FOR THE SECOND QUARTER ENDED AUGUST 2,
1997 AND IS QUALIFIED IN ITS ENTIRETY BY REFERENCE TO SUCH FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.
</LEGEND>
<MULTIPLIER>            1,000
       
<S>                             <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   6-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          JAN-31-1998
<PERIOD-START>                             FEB-02-1997
<PERIOD-END>                               AUG-02-1997
<CASH>                                           9,645
<SECURITIES>                                         0
<RECEIVABLES>                                   21,795
<ALLOWANCES>                                     1,782
<INVENTORY>                                    166,759
<CURRENT-ASSETS>                               205,472
<PP&E>                                         181,922
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