STEIN MART INC
10-Q, 1997-11-10
FAMILY CLOTHING STORES
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                       SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                             WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549


                                    FORM 10-Q


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


For the quarterly period ended                           Commission file number
    September 27, 1997                                        0-20052


                                STEIN MART, INC.
             (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)



            Florida                                      64-0466198
(State or other jurisdiction of                          (I.R.S. Employer
incorporation or organization)                           Identification Number)


1200 Riverplace Blvd., Jacksonville, Florida             32207
 (Address of principal executive offices)                (Zip Code)


                                 (904) 346-1500
              (Registrant's telephone number, including area code)




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
                                       ---     ---

At November 3, 1997, the latest  practicable date, there were 23,200,709 shares
outstanding of Common Stock, $.01 par value.


<PAGE>



                                Stein Mart, Inc.

                               Index to Form 10-Q


                                                                           Page
                                                                           ----
PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION

  Item 1. Financial Statements:
                Balance Sheets at September 27, 1997, December 28,
                      1996 and September 28, 1996                          3
                Statement of Income for the three months and nine months
                      ended September 27, 1997 and September 28, 1996      4
                Statement of Cash Flows for the nine months ended
                      September 27, 1997 and September 28, 1996            5
                Notes to Financial Statements                              6-7

  Item 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial
          Condition and Results of Operations                              8-11


PART II - OTHER INFORMATION                                                12


  Item 1. Legal Proceedings
  Item 2. Changes in Securities
  Item 3. Defaults Upon  Senior Securities
  Item 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders
  Item 5. Other Information
  Item 6. Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K


SIGNATURES                                                                 13




                                        2

<PAGE>
<TABLE>
                                Stein Mart, Inc.
                                  Balance Sheet
                                 (In Thousands)
<CAPTION>
                                                             September 27,      December 28,      September 28,
                                                                 1997              1996                 1996
                                                             -------------      ------------      ------------- 
                                                              (Unaudited)                           (Unaudited)
<S>                                                          <C>                  <C>             <C>                              
ASSETS
Current Assets:
  Cash and Cash Equivalents                                  $      15,040        $    23,551     $      7,847
  Trade and Other Receivables                                        2,606              2,291            1,367
  Inventories                                                      194,033            139,180          153,797
  Prepaid Taxes                                                                                          5,301
  Prepaid Expenses and Other Current Assets                          2,899              1,874            2,604
                                                             --------------       ------------    -------------
    Total Current Assets                                           214,578            166,896          170,916

Property and Equipment, Net                                         60,670             50,151           46,642
Other Assets                                                         1,308              1,217            1,279
                                                             --------------       ------------    -------------
    Total Assets                                                  $276,556        $   218,264     $    218,837
                                                             ==============       ============    =============

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY 
Current Liabilities:
  Accounts Payable                                           $      73,955        $    59,176     $     54,308
  Accrued Liabilities                                               19,644             17,187           13,839
  Income Taxes Payable                                                  64              3,945
                                                             --------------       ------------    -------------
    Total Current Liabilities                                       93,663             80,308           68,147

Notes Payable to Bank                                               25,941                  1           28,702
Deferred Income Taxes                                                5,812              5,812            4,397
                                                             --------------       ------------    -------------
    Total Liabilities                                              125,416             86,121           101,246

Stockholders' Equity:
  Preferred stock - $.01 par value; 1,000,000 shares
    authorized; there are no shares outstanding
  Common stock - $.01 par  value; 50,000,000 shares
    authorized; 23,219,959 shares issued and 
    outstanding at September 27, 1997; 22,811,444
    shares issued and outstanding at December 28,
    1996 and 22,903,375 shares issued and
    outstanding at September 28, 1996                                  232                228              229
  Paid-in Capital                                                   45,779             40,904           42,746
  Retained Earnings                                                105,129             91,011           74,616
                                                             --------------       ------------    -------------
    Total Stockholders' Equity                                     151,140            132,143          117,591
                                                             --------------       ------------    -------------
    Total Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity               $     276,556        $   218,264     $    218,837
                                                             ==============       ============    =============

   The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
</TABLE>

                                        3

<PAGE>
<TABLE>
                                Stein Mart, Inc.
                               Statement of Income
                                   (Unaudited)
                     (In Thousands Except Per Share Amounts)
<CAPTION>

                                                               For The                        For The
                                                          Three Months Ended              Nine Months Ended
                                                    -----------------------------    -----------------------------
                                                    September 27,   September 28,    September 27,   September 28,
                                                        1997            1996             1997            1996
                                                    -------------   -------------    -------------   -------------
<S>                                                   <C>             <C>              <C>             <C>   
Net Sales                                             $166,734        $131,264         $501,725        $389,181
Cost of Merchandise Sold                               126,732         100,081          373,375         290,315
                                                    -------------   -------------    -------------    -------------

       Gross Profit                                     40,002          31,183          128,350          98,866

Selling, General and Administrative Expenses            36,914          28,445          110,928          87,364
Other Income, Net                                        2,250           1,656            6,475           5,275
                                                    -------------   -------------    -------------   -------------

       Income From Operations                            5,338           4,394           23,897          16,777

Interest Expense                                           354             441              752           1,106
                                                    -------------   -------------    -------------   -------------

Income Before Income Taxes                               4,984           3,953           23,145          15,671
Provision for Income Taxes                               1,944           1,542            9,027           6,112
                                                    -------------   -------------    -------------   -------------

       Net Income                                     $  3,040        $  2,411         $ 14,118        $  9,559
                                                    =============   =============    =============   =============

Weighted Average Shares Outstanding                     24,164          23,750           24,034          23,537

Net Income Per Share                                  $   0.13        $   0.10         $   0.59        $   0.41
                                                    =============   =============    =============   =============



   The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
</TABLE>

                                        4

<PAGE>
<TABLE>

                                Stein Mart, Inc.
                             Statement of Cash Flows
                                   (Unaudited)
                                 (In Thousands)
<CAPTION>
                                                                           For The
                                                                      Nine Months Ended
                                                                ------------------------------
                                                                September 27,    September 28,
                                                                     1997           1996
                                                                -------------    -------------
<S>                                                                <C>              <C>                                            
Cash Flows from Operating Activities:
     Net Income                                                   $ 14,118         $  9,559
     Adjustments to Reconcile Net Income to Net Cash Used In
         Operating Activities:
               Depreciation and Amortization                         6,382            4,818
               (Increase) Decrease In:
                     Trade and Other Receivables                      (315)             (56)
                     Inventories                                   (54,853)         (40,836)
                     Prepaid Taxes                                                   (5,301)
                    Prepaid Expenses and Other Current Assets       (1,025)            (649)
                     Other Assets                                      (91)             179
                Increase (Decrease) In:
                     Accounts Payable                               14,779            6,692
                     Accrued Liabilities                             2,457             (783)
                     Income Taxes Payable                           (3,881)          (5,445)
                                                                -------------    -------------

    Net Cash Used in Operating Activities                          (22,429)         (31,822)

Cash Flows Used in Investing Activities:
    Net Acquisition of Property and Equipment                      (16,901)         (10,769)

Cash Flows from Financing Activities:
    Net Borrowings Under Notes Payable to Bank                      25,940           28,701
    Proceeds from Exercise of Stock Options and Related
                Income Tax Benefits                                  7,679            9,222
    Purchase of Common Stock                                        (2,800)          (2,626)
                                                                -------------    -------------   
    Net Cash Provided By Financing Activities                       30,819           35,297
                                                                -------------    -------------    
Net Decrease in Cash and Cash Equivalents                           (8,511)          (7,294)

Cash and Cash Equivalents at Beginning of Year                      23,551           15,141
                                                                -------------    -------------     
Cash and Cash Equivalents at End of Period                        $ 15,040         $  7,847
                                                                =============    =============

Supplemental Disclosures of Cash Flow Information:
    Interest Paid                                                 $    842         $    905
    Income Taxes Paid                                                8,530           12,081

   The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
</TABLE>

                                        5

<PAGE>



                                Stein Mart, Inc.

                          Notes to Financial Statements
                                   (Unaudited)
Basis of Presentation
- ---------------------

The accompanying unaudited financial statements have been prepared in accordance
with generally accepted accounting  principles for interim financial information
and with the instructions to Form 10-Q. Accordingly,  they do not include all of
the  information  and  footnotes  required  by  generally  accepted   accounting
principles for complete financial statements. In the opinion of management,  all
adjustments (consisting of normal recurring accruals) considered necessary for a
fair presentation have been included.  Operating results for the three month and
nine month  periods are not  necessarily  indicative  of the results that may be
expected for the entire year.  For further  information,  refer to the financial
statements and footnotes  thereto included in the Stein Mart, Inc. annual report
on Form 10-K for the year ended December 28, 1996.

Notes Payable to Bank
- ---------------------
In August 1997, the Company amended its revolving  credit  agreement to decrease
the interest rate to .35% over the London Inter-Bank  Offering Rate (LIBOR),  to
extend the expiration  date to June 29, 2000, to extend the  expiration  date of
the letter of credit  facility  to June 30,  1998 and to  increase  the  bankers
acceptance facility from $10 million to $25 million.

Common Stock Repurchase
- -----------------------
During the nine months ended September 27, 1997, the Company repurchased 106,000
shares for $2,800,000  and during the nine months ended  September 28, 1996, the
Company repurchased 270,000 shares for $2,626,000.

Employee Stock Purchase Plan
- ----------------------------
In May 1997,  the  stockholders  approved the Employee  Stock Purchase Plan (the
"Stock  Purchase  Plan").  Under the Stock  Purchase  Plan,  all  employees  who
complete 6 months  employment with the Company and who work on a full-time basis
or are  regularly  scheduled to work more than 20 hours per week are eligible to
participate in the Stock Purchase Plan.  Participants in the Stock Purchase Plan
are  permitted to use their payroll  deductions to acquire  shares at 85% of the
fair market value of the Company's  stock  determined at either the beginning or
end of each option period. Shares eligible under the Plan are limited to 400,000
shares in the  aggregate  and the Plan  will be  effective  for the  years  1997
through  2000,  with no more than 100,000  shares  being made  available in each
calendar year.








                                        6

<PAGE>



                                Stein Mart, Inc.

                          Notes to Financial Statements
                                   (Unaudited)
Employee Stock Plan
- -------------------
In May 1997, the  stockholders  approved an amendment to the Company's  Employee
Stock Plan (the "Plan"), increasing the number of shares authorized for issuance
under the Plan from 3,000,000 shares to a total of 4,500,000 shares.

Earnings Per Share
- ------------------
Net income per share is computed by dividing net income by the weighted  average
number of shares of common stock  outstanding plus the common stock  equivalents
related to stock options for each period.

In February 1997, Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 128, "Earnings
per Share" ("FAS 128"),  was issued.  FAS 128 is  effective  for periods  ending
after December 15, 1997. FAS 128 replaces the  presentation of primary  earnings
per share  with a  presentation  of basic  earnings  per share,  which  excludes
dilution and is computed by dividing  income by the weighted  average  number of
common shares  outstanding for the period.  FAS 128 is not anticipated to have a
material effect on net income per share.


























                                        7

<PAGE>


                                Stein Mart, Inc.
                     Management's Discussion and Analysis of
                  Financial Condition and Results of Operations



This report includes a number of  forward-looking  statements  which reflect the
Company's current views with respect to future events and financial performance.
In these reports the words "may", "expect", "anticipate",  "believe", "estimate"
and similar expressions identify forward looking statements.

Any such  forward-looking  statements  contained  herein are  subject to certain
risks and  uncertainties  that  could  cause the  Company's  actual  results  of
operations to differ materially from historical results or current expectations.
These  factors  include,  without  limitation,  intense  competition  from other
retailers  many of whom are  larger and have  greater  financial  and  marketing
resources,  the  availability  of suitable new store sites at  acceptable  lease
terms,  changes in the level of  consumer  spending or  preferences  in apparel,
adequate  sources of designer and brand-name  merchandise at acceptable  prices,
and the Company's  ability to attract and retain qualified  employees to support
planned growth.

Results of Operations
- ---------------------
For the three months ended  September  27, 1997  compared  with the three months
ended September 28, 1996:

Eight stores were opened during the third quarter this year, bringing to 144 the
number of stores in operation  this year  compared to 112 stores in operation at
the end of the third quarter of 1996.

Net sales for the quarter ended September 27, 1997 were $166.7  million,  a 27.0
percent  increase  over  the  $131.3  million  for the  third  quarter  of 1996.
Comparable store net sales increased 5.8 percent from the third quarter of 1996.

Gross  profit for the  quarter  ended  September  27,  1997  increased  to $40.0
million, a 28.3 percent increase over the $31.2 million for the third quarter of
1996.  Gross  profit as a percent  of net sales  increased  0.2  percent to 24.0
percent for the third  quarter this year from 23.8 percent for the third quarter
last year. This increase resulted primarily from an improvement in markup offset
by slight increases in markdowns and occupancy costs.

For the quarter ended  September 27, 1997  selling,  general and  administrative
expenses  were $36.9  million,  or 22.1 percent of net sales,  compared to $28.4
million,  or 21.7  percent  of net  sales for the same  1996  quarter.  The $8.5
million increase in selling,  general and  administrative  expenses is primarily
due to the  additional  stores in operation  during the third quarter of 1997 as
compared to the number of stores in operation  during the third quarter of 1996.
The 0.4 percent increase in selling,  general and  administrative  expenses as a
percent of net sales for the quarter is due to eight  stores  opened  during the
third quarter this year compared to three stores opened during the third quarter
of 1996.





                                        8
<PAGE>

                                Stein Mart, Inc.
                     Management's Discussion and Analysis of
                  Financial Condition and Results of Operations


Results of Operations (continued)
- ---------------------------------
Other income, primarily from in-store leased shoe departments, increased to $2.3
million for the third  quarter of 1997  compared  to $1.7  million for the third
quarter of 1996.  The increase  resulted  from the  additional  stores  operated
during the quarter this year.

Interest expense was $354,000 for the third quarter of 1997 and $441,000 for the
third quarter of 1996. The $87,000  decrease in interest  expense  resulted from
decreased  borrowings  for working  capital offset by slightly  higher  interest
rates than were in effect last year.

The effective tax rate of 39.0 percent  remained  constant for the third quarter
of both years.

Net  income for the third  quarter  of 1997 was $3.0  million or $0.13 per share
compared to net income of $2.4 million or $0.10 per share for the third  quarter
of 1996.

For the nine months ended September 27, 1997 compared with the nine months ended
September 28, 1996:

Twenty-one stores were opened during the first nine months of 1997 and 13 stores
were opened during the first nine months of 1996.

Net sales for the first nine months of 1997 were $501.7 million,  a 28.9 percent
increase  over  sales of  $389.2  million  for the  first  nine  months of 1996.
Comparable  store net sales for the first nine months of 1997  increased  by 8.1
percent from the first nine months of 1996.

Gross  profit  for the first  nine  months of 1997 was  $128.4  million  or 25.6
percent of net sales  compared to $98.9 million or 25.4 percent of net sales for
the same nine month period of 1996. The 0.2 percent increase in the gross profit
percent  resulted  primarily from an improvement in markup partially offset by a
slight increase in markdowns.

Selling, general and administrative expenses were $110.9 million or 22.1 percent
of net sales for the first nine months of 1997 and $87.4 million or 22.4 percent
for the first  nine  months of 1996.  The $23.5  million  increase  in  selling,
general and administrative expenses is primarily due to the additional stores in
operation  during the first  nine  months of 1997 as  compared  to the number of
stores in  operation  during the first nine months of 1996.  The decrease of 0.3
percent of sales resulted from leveraging of selling, general and administrative
expenses.

Other income, primarily from in-store leased shoe departments, increased to $6.5
million for the first nine months of 1997 compared to $5.3 million for the first
nine months of 1996. The increase resulted  primarily from the additional stores
operated during the first nine months this year.

                                        9

<PAGE>


                                Stein Mart, Inc.
                     Management's Discussion and Analysis of
                  Financial Condition and Results of Operations



Results of Operations (continued)
- ---------------------------------
Interest  expense was $752,000 for the first nine months of 1997 and  $1,106,000
for the first nine months of 1996.  The  $354,000  decrease in interest  expense
resulted from decreased borrowings for working capital for the first nine months
of 1997  compared to the first nine  months of 1996  offset by  slightly  higher
interest rates than were in effect last year.

The  effective  tax rate of 39.0  percent  remained  constant for the first nine
months of both years.

Net  income  for the first  nine  months of 1997 was $14.1  million or $0.59 per
share  compared  to net income of $9.6  million or $0.41 per share for the first
nine months of 1996.

The information in the following table is presented as a percentage of net sales
for the periods indicated:


                                        Quarter Ended         Nine Months Ended
                                     --------------------   --------------------
                                      9/27/97    9/28/96     9/27/97   9/28/96
                                     ---------  ---------   ---------  ---------
Net Sales                             100.0%     100.0%      100.0%    100.0%
Cost of Merchandise Sold               76.0       76.2        74.4      74.6
                                     ---------  ---------   ---------  ---------
       Gross Profit                    24.0       23.8        25.6      25.4
Selling, General and
       Administrative Expenses         22.1       21.7        22.1      22.4
Other Income, Net                       1.3        1.2         1.3       1.3
                                     ---------  ---------   ---------  ---------
       Income from Operations           3.2        3.3         4.8       4.3
Interest Expense                        0.2        0.3         0.2       0.3
                                     ---------  ---------   ---------  ---------
       Income before Income Taxes       3.0        3.0         4.6       4.0
Provision for Income Taxes              1.2        1.2         1.8       1.5
                                     ---------  ---------   ---------  ---------
       Net Income                       1.8%       1.8%        2.8%      2.5%
                                     =========  =========   =========  =========


                                       10

<PAGE>


                                Stein Mart, Inc.
                     Management's Discussion and Analysis of
                  Financial Condition and Results of Operations



Liquidity and Capital Resources
- -------------------------------

Net cash used in operating activities was $22.4 million and $31.8 million during
the first  nine  months of 1997 and 1996,  respectively.  During  the first nine
months of both  years  cash was used  primarily  to  acquire  inventory  for the
additional stores in operation. Based on historical cash flow results, operating
activities  are  expected  to  produce  positive  cash flow for the year  ending
January 3, 1998.

During  the first  nine  months of 1997 and  1996,  cash flow used in  investing
activities was $16.9 million and $10.8 million, respectively, for acquisition of
fixtures,  equipment,  and leasehold  improvements  for new stores,  information
system   enhancements  and  improvements  to  existing  stores.   Total  capital
expenditures for 1997 are projected to be approximately $21.0 million.

Cash flow from financing  activities was $30.8 million for the first nine months
of 1997 and $35.3  million for the first nine months of 1996 which  reflected in
both periods net borrowing  under the Company's  revolving  credit  agreement to
meet  seasonal  working  capital  requirements.  This  year's  first nine months
includes $7.7 million of proceeds from the exercise of stock options and related
income tax  benefits  compared to $9.2 million in last year's first nine months.
During the first nine months of 1997, cash was used to repurchase 106,000 shares
of the  Company's  common  stock for $2.8  million and in last year's first nine
months 270,000 shares were repurchased for $2.6 million.

The  Company  believes  that  cash flow  generated  from  operating  activities,
combined  with  the  revolving  credit  agreement  and  vendor  credit,  will be
sufficient  to fund  current  and  long-term  capital  expenditures  and working
capital requirements.

Seasonality and Inflation
- -------------------------

The  Company's  business is seasonal  in nature with the fourth  quarter,  which
includes the Christmas selling season,  historically  accounting for the largest
percentage  of the  Company's  net  sales  and  operating  income.  Accordingly,
selling,   general  and  administrative  expenses  are  typically  higher  as  a
percentage of net sales during the first three quarters of each year.

Inflation  affects  the  costs  incurred  by  the  Company  in the  purchase  of
merchandise,  the  leasing  of its  stores,  and in  certain  components  of its
selling, general and administrative expenses. The Company has been successful in
offsetting the effects of inflation  through the control of expenses  during the
past three years.  However,  there can be no assurance  that  inflation will not
have a material effect in the future.


                                       11

<PAGE>



                                Stein Mart, Inc.
                           PART II - OTHER INFORMATION




Item 1.  Legal Proceedings - None

Item 2.  Changes in Securities - None

Item 3.  Defaults Upon Senior Securities - None

Item 4.  Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders - None

Item 5.  Other Information - None

Item 6.  Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K

           (a) Exhibit 10 - Documents Relating to Loan Agreement

                 1)  Fifth Amendment to Loan Agreement effective August 20, 1997

                 2)  Renewal Promissory Note for $40,000,000 effective 
                     August 20, 1997

                 3)  Seasonal Promissory Note for $10,000,000 effective 
                     August 20, 1997

                 4) Second Amendment to Acceptance Agreement effective 
                    August 20, 1997

               Exhibit 27 - Financial Data Schedule

           (b) No reports on Form 8-K were filed during the quarter ended 
               September 27, 1997


















                                       12

<PAGE>



                                   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.

                                       Stein Mart, Inc.



Date:  November 7, 1997                               /s/ John H. Williams, Jr.
                                             ----------------------------------
                                                          John H. Williams, Jr.
                                             President, Chief Operating Officer




                                                            /s/ James G. Delfs
                                             ----------------------------------
                                                                James G. Delfs
                                                         Senior Vice President,
                                                       Chief Financial Officer

























                                       13

                                                                  EXHIBIT 10(a)
                                                  
                        FIFTH AMENDMENT TO LOAN AGREEMENT
                        ---------------------------------


     THIS  AMENDMENT is made as of the 20th day of August,  1997, by and between
STEIN MART, INC. (the "Borrower") and BARNETT BANK, N.A. (the "Bank").

                                    Recitals
     The  Borrower  and the Bank  entered  into an  Amended  and  Restated  Loan
Agreement (as amended from time to time, the "Loan  Agreement") dated as of June
29,  1993,  pursuant  to which the Bank has  provided a credit  facility  to the
Borrower.  The parties  amended the Loan Agreement as of June 29, 1994, June 29,
1995, September 20, 1995 and June 4, 1996, and the parties wish to further amend
the Loan Agreement in accordance with the terms hereof.

     NOW,  THEREFORE,  for good and valuable  consideration,  the parties
agree as follows:

     1. Article I of the Loan Agreement is hereby  amended so that,  from
and after the date hereof, such Article shall read as follows:

                                    ARTICLE I
                              BORROWING AND PAYMENT
                              ---------------------

     1.01   Revolving Credit Advances.
           
          (a) Revolving Line of Credit.  The Bank hereby establishes in favor of
     the Borrower a revolving line of credit.  The Borrower shall be entitled to
     borrow, repay and reborrow funds from the Bank in accordance with the terms
     hereof so long as the total  principal  amount  owed to the Bank  under the
     revolving  line of credit  does not exceed  $40,000,000.00  (or such lesser
     amount as is set forth  herein) (the  "Revolving  Credit  Amount") from the
     date hereof through June 29, 2000.  The Bank's  obligation to make advances
     under the  revolving  line of credit shall  terminate on June 29, 2000,  or
     such earlier date as is set forth herein (the "Revolving  Credit Expiration
     Date").  This  indebtedness  shall be evidenced by a promissory  note dated
     August 20, 1997 (as  amended,  extended or renewed  from time to time,  the
     "Revolving  Note")  executed  by the  Borrower  in favor of the Bank in the
     original principal amount of $40,000,000.00.  The Revolving Note shall bear
     interest  at the rate set forth  therein  and shall be payable as set forth
     therein.

          (b)  Advances.  The Bank shall make all advances  under the  Revolving
     Note by crediting the Borrower's  account  maintained  with the Bank.  Each
     advance  under the  Revolving  Note  shall be made by the Bank in an amount
     necessary to cover (i) all checks and drafts of the  

                                       14
<PAGE>
     Borrower  presented  to the Bank for  payment  and  properly  chargeable
     to the Borrower, and (ii) all interest and facility fees to be charged to
     the Borrower, with written confirmation by the Bank of debits and credits
     to such account. The Bank shall not  be  required  to  make  any  advance
     hereunder or under the Revolving Note if as of the  time of such  advance:
     (i)  the  Bank's  obligation  to make advances hereunder has terminated or
     expired; (ii) a Default or Event of Default (as hereinafter defined) has 
     occurred; or (iii) any condition to the advance set forth herein or in any
     other Loan Document (as hereinafter defined) has not been satisfied.

          (c)  Commitment  Fee. The Borrower shall pay the Bank a commitment fee
     on the  daily  average  unused  amount  of the  revolving  line  of  credit
     evidenced by the Revolving Note during the term of the line of credit until
     the  expiration  or  termination  of such line of credit at the rate of one
     eighth of one percent (0.125%) per annum  (calculated on the basis of a 365
     day year).  The Borrower  shall pay the fee quarterly in arrears  within 15
     days after each September 30, December 31, March 31, and June 30 during the
     term of the line of credit and on the termination or expiration of the line
     of credit.

     1.02  Seasonal Credit Advances.
           
          (a) Seasonal Line of Credit.  The Bank hereby  establishes in favor of
     the Borrower a seasonal line of credit.  The Borrower  shall be entitled to
     borrow, repay and reborrow funds from the Bank in accordance with the terms
     hereof under the seasonal line of credit  during each  Seasonal  Period (as
     defined herein).  For purposes hereof, a "Seasonal  Period" shall mean: (i)
     each  period  commencing  on March 15 of each year and ending on June 30 of
     such year;  (ii) each period  commencing  on  September 15 of each year and
     ending on  December  31 of such year;  and (iii) such other  periods as the
     Bank may,  upon request of the Borrower,  designate as Seasonal  Periods by
     written  notice to the  Borrower.  No  Seasonal  Period  shall in any event
     extend beyond or occur after June 29, 2000,  and the Borrower  shall not in
     any event be entitled to obtain  advances under the seasonal line of credit
     on or after June 30,  2000.  The total  principal  amount  owed to the Bank
     under  the   seasonal   line  of  credit  shall  not  at  any  time  exceed
     $10,000,000.00  (or such lesser amount as is set forth  herein)  during any
     Seasonal Period.  This indebtedness shall be evidenced by a promissory note
     dated August 20, 1997 (as  amended,  extended or renewed from time to time,
     the "Seasonal  Note")  executed by the Borrower in favor of the Bank in the
     original principal amount of  $10,000,000.00.  The Seasonal Note shall bear
     interest  at the rate set forth  therein  and shall be payable as set forth
     therein.

          (b)  Advances.            
              (i) The Bank shall make all advances under the  Seasonal  Note by
     crediting the Borrower's  account  maintained with the Bank. The Bank shall
     not be required to make any advance hereunder or under the Seasonal Note if
     as of the time of such advance: (aa) the Bank's obligation to make advances
     hereunder has terminated or expired; (bb) a Default or Event

                                       15
<PAGE>

     of Default (as hereinafter defined) has occurred; or (cc) any condition to
     the advance set forth herein or in any other Loan Document (as hereinafter
     defined) has not been satisfied.
                                       
   
              (ii) The parties agree that the Borrower shall not be entitled to
     obtain any advances  under the Seasonal Note unless:  (aa) the  outstanding
     principal  balance under the Revolving Note,  together with the face amount
     of outstanding drafts accepted by the Bank pursuant to Section 1.03 hereof,
     is  $40,000,000;  and (bb) all  other  conditions  to  advances  under  the
     Seasonal  Note have been  satisfied.  The  parties  further  agree that all
     principal  payments under the Revolving Note and the Seasonal Note shall be
     applied  first to the Seasonal  Note for so long as  principal  amounts are
     outstanding thereunder and then to the Revolving Note.
             
          (c)  Commitment  Fee. The Borrower shall pay the Bank a commitment fee
     on the daily average unused amount of the seasonal line of credit evidenced
     by the Seasonal Note during each Seasonal  Period at the rate of one-eighth
     of one percent  (0.125%)  per annum  (calculated  on the basis of a 365 day
     year).  The Borrower  shall pay the fee quarterly in arrears within 15 days
     after each September 30, December 31, March 31, and June 30 during the term
     of the line of credit and on the  termination  or expiration of the line of
     credit.
    
     1.03 Acceptances.  Subject to the terms set forth herein and in that 
certain  Acceptance  Credit Agreement dated June 29, 1992, as amended or
restated  from time to time,  between the  Borrower  and the Bank (as amended or
restated from time to time, the "Acceptance Agreement"),  prior to the Revolving
Credit  Expiration  Date, the Bank shall from time to time make available to the
Borrower an  acceptance  facility  pursuant to which the Bank may accept  drafts
drawn upon it by the Borrower (each an "Acceptance")  pursuant to the Acceptance
Agreement. The aggregate face amount of outstanding drafts drawn by the Borrower
and accepted by the Bank pursuant to the Acceptance  Agreement  shall not at any
one time exceed  $25,000,000.00.  In  addition,  such  aggregate  face amount of
outstanding  drafts,  when combined with amounts outstanding under the Revolving
Note,  shall not at any one time exceed the Revolving  Credit  Amount.  Upon any
issuance  of an  Acceptance  hereunder,  and for so long as such  Acceptance  is
outstanding, the amount available for advances under the Revolving Note shall be
immediately reduced by the face amount of such Acceptance. The Bank shall not be
required to issue any  Acceptance  which has a maturity date after the Revolving
Credit  Expiration  Date. Upon the Bank's payment of an Acceptance upon maturity
thereof,  an  advance  under  the  Revolving  Note  shall be made to the Bank to
reimburse it for such payment.  If any outstanding  Acceptance matures after the
Revolving Credit Expiration Date or if funds are not then available for advances
under the Revolving  Note, the Borrower  shall upon maturity  reimburse the Bank
for the face amount of the  Acceptance  and for such other amounts as may be due
in connection therewith in accordance with the Acceptance Agreement. The parties
acknowledge that the Bank may at any time sell,  rediscount or otherwise dispose
of any Acceptances discounted by it.

                                       16

<PAGE>

     1.04 Letters of Credit.  The Bank hereby  establishes a letter of credit
facility in an amount not to exceed  $4,000,000.00  for the  issuance of standby
and  commercial  letters of credit (the "Letters of Credit").  From time to time
prior to June 30, 1998, the Bank, upon the Borrower's request, may issue Letters
of Credit.  The Borrower  shall give the Bank at least one business day's notice
prior to requesting the issuance of any Letter of Credit,  and shall,  with such
request, fill out an application in form acceptable to the Bank and execute such
terms,   conditions  and   reimbursement   agreements  (each,  a  "Reimbursement
Agreement") concerning such Letter of Credit as the Bank may require. The amount
available  under the  letter of credit  facility  shall be  reduced  by the face
amount of  outstanding  Letters  of Credit  (together  with the amount of drafts
under  Letters of Credit no longer  outstanding  for which the Bank has not been
reimbursed).  No Letter of Credit  shall be issued which could be drawn on after
the  Revolving  Credit  Expiration  Date.  In the event of a draw on a Letter of
Credit,  an advance  under the  Revolving  Note or, if  advances  are  available
thereunder,  under the Seasonal  Note,  shall be made to the extent that amounts
are then available for borrowing under such notes to reimburse the Bank for such
draw. If any draw is made under any Letter of Credit after the Revolving  Credit
Expiration  Date or if funds are not then  available  for  advances  under  such
notes,  the Borrower shall  immediately  upon demand  reimburse the Bank for the
amount of the draw together with interest  thereon and such other amounts as may
be due under any applicable  Reimbursement Agreement. As to any Letter of Credit
issued,  the  Borrower  agrees to pay the Bank upon demand any  applicable  fees
assessed by the Bank in connection  therewith,  including,  without  limitation,
issuance fees and negotiation  fees. The Bank shall not in any event be required
to issue a Letter  of  Credit  after the  occurrence  of a  Default  or Event of
Default hereunder.
                                      
    1.05 Other  Documents  and Related  Terms.  For  purposes of this
Agreement, the following terms shall have the following meanings:

          (a)  "Indebtedness" shall mean all obligations of the Borrower to the
     Bank now or hereafter due under the Note and the other Loan Documents.

          (b) "Loan  Documents" shall mean and include this Loan Agreement (as
     amended or restated from time to time), the Revolving  Note,  the Seasonal
     Note, each Letter of Credit, each Reimbursement Agreement, each Acceptance,
     the  Acceptance  Agreement,  the  Insurance  Assignments  (as hereinafter 
     defined) and all documents related to the foregoing documents.

          (c)  "Note"  shall  mean each of and both of the Revolving Note and 
     the Seasonal Note.

          (d) "Subsidiary"  shall mean and include any partnership, corporation
     or other entity if the Borrower at any time on or  after  the date  hereof
     directly or indirectly owns or controls a majority of the equity or voting
     interests in such  partnership, corporation or entity.

                                       17

<PAGE>

     2. The Borrower certifies that as of the date hereof: (a) all of its
representations  and warranties in the Loan Agreement are true and correct as if
made on the date  hereof;  and (b) no Default or Event of Default  has  occurred
under the Loan  Agreement.  The Loan Agreement  shall continue in full force and
effect except as modified herein.

     DATED the day and year first above written.

                                              STEIN MART, INC.


                          By:  /s/ James G. Delfs
                              -----------------------------------------------
                              Its: Sr. Vice Presient/ Chief Financial Officer
                                   ------------------------------------------



                                              BARNETT BANK, N.A.


                          By:  /s/ Susan S. Delgado
                              ------------------------------------------------
                              Its: Vice President
                                   -------------------------------------------

            
                                       18

<PAGE>

STATE OF GEORGIA
COUNTY OF CAMDEN

     The foregoing instrument was executed,  acknowledged and delivered before
me this 20th day of August, 1997, by James G. Delfs, the Senior Vice 
President of Stein Mart,  Inc., on behalf of the corporation, in Camden County,
Georgia.
                          

                              /s/ V. Thomas Fountain
                              ------------------------------------
                              Notary Public, State and County aforesaid

                              Print Name:  V. Thomas Fountain
                                           Notary Public,
                                           Camden County, Georgia
                              My Commission Expires:  January 16, 2000
                                            [Notary Seal]


STATE OF GEORGIA
COUNTY OF CAMDEN

     The foregoing instrument was executed, acknowledged and delivered before
me this 20th day of August, 1997, by Susan Delgado,  the Vice President of
Barnett Bank, N.A., on behalf of the bank, in Camden County, Georgia.

                                    

                              /s/ V. Thomas Fountain
                              ------------------------------------
                              Notary Public, State and County aforesaid

                              Print Name:  V. Thomas Fountain
                                           Notary Public,
                                           Camden County, Georgia
                              My Commission Expires:  January 16, 2000
                                            [Notary Seal]





                                       19
<PAGE>

                             RENEWAL PROMISSORY NOTE

$40,000,000.00                                                  August 20, 1997
                                                         Camden County, Georgia


     FOR VALUE RECEIVED,  the  undersigned,  STEIN MART,  INC., a Florida
corporation (the "Borrower"),  hereby promises to pay to the order of BARNETT
BANK, N.A. (the "Lender"), whose address is 50 North Laura Street, Jacksonville,
Florida 32202, the principal sum  of  Forty  Million  and  00/100  Dollars 
($40,000,000.00), together  with  interest  on the  outstanding  principal
balance hereof at the rate provided  herein.  This Note shall be governed by
the following provisions:

     1.  Advances.  During the period  commencing  on the date hereof and
continuing through June 29, 2000 (the "Revolving Period"), the loan evidenced by
this Note shall be a revolving loan. The Borrower may borrow, repay and reborrow
principal  amounts  hereunder  during the Revolving  Period subject to the terms
contained   herein  and  in  the  Loan  Agreement  (as   hereinafter   defined).
Notwithstanding  the foregoing,  the outstanding  principal balance hereof shall
not exceed  $40,000,000.00  at any one time. The Borrower shall not be permitted
to obtain further advances hereunder from and after June 30, 2000.

     2.  Payments.

          (a) The Borrower shall pay all accrued interest hereunder on the 
first day of each July,  October,  January and April during the term hereof.

          (b) The Borrower shall repay principal hereunder in quarterly
installments  on the first day of each  July,  October,  January  and April,
commencing on July 1, 2000, and continuing  through April 1, 2004.  Each
principal  installment  shall be equal to  1/16th of the  outstanding  principal
balance of this Note as of June 30, 2000.

          (c) The Borrower shall pay all remaining outstanding principal
hereunder,  together  with all then accrued and unpaid  interest,  on
April 1, 2004.

     3.  Interest.

                    (a)  Interest  shall  initially  accrue  on the  outstanding
               principal  balance of this Note at a rate of 6.01% per annum. The
               rate  of  interest  shall  be  adjusted  on  each  Interest  Rate
               Adjustment Date (as defined herein) so that interest shall accrue
               at the Adjusted  Libor Rate (as defined  herein) for the Interest
               Period (as  defined  herein)  commencing  on such  Interest  Rate
               Adjustment  Date. For purposes of this  paragraph,  the following
               terms shall have the following meanings:

          (i) "Adjusted  Libor  Rate" for each  Interest  Period  shall  mean a 
     daily  rate that is 0.35% per annum over the  applicable  Libor Rate.  The

- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
THIS NOTE RENEWS AND MODIFIES THAT CERTAIN  PROMISSORY  NOTE DATED JUNE 4, 1996,
IN THE ORIGINAL  PRINCIPAL AMOUNT OF $40,000,000.00  EXECUTED BY THE BORROWER IN
FAVOR OF THE LENDER.
                                       20

<PAGE>

               
     Libor  Rate for  each  Interest  Period  shall mean the  offered  rate for
     deposits  in United  States dollars in the London  Interbank  market for a 
     one  month  period  which  appears  on  the  Libor Rate Reference Page (as 
     defined  herein)  as of 11:00 a.m. (London  time) on  the  day that is two 
     London  Banking  Days  (as defined  herein)  preceding  the first  Banking
     Business Day (as defined  herein) of the Interest Period.  If at least two 
     such offered rates appear on the Libor Rate  Reference Page, the rate will
     be the  arithmetic  mean of such  offered  rates.  The  Bank  may,  in its 
     discretion,  use rate  quotations  for daily periods in lieu of quotations
     for substantially equivalent monthly periods.
         
          (ii) "Banking   Business  Day"  shall  mean  each  day  other than a  
     Saturday,  a  Sunday  or  any  holiday  on  which  commercial    banks in  
     Jacksonville,  Florida  are closed for business.

          (iii)  "Interest  Period"  shall  mean  each  period  commencing  on 
     each  Interest Rate  Adjustment Date and ending  on the next Interest Rate
     Adjustment Date.

          (iv) "Interest Rate  Adjustment  Date" shall  mean  the first day of
     September, 1997, and  the  first  day  of  each calendar month thereafter.

          (v) "Libor Rate  Reference  Page" shall  mean  any  of the  following
     reference  pages or  sources  (as selected   from  time  to  time  by  the
     Bank in its discretion): (aa) the Reuters  Screen  LIBO Page; (bb) the Dow 
     Jones  Telerate  Page 3750; or (cc) such other index or source as the Bank 
     may in its sole discretion  select showing rates offered for United States
     dollar deposits in the London Interbank market.

          (vi)  "London Banking Day" shall mean each day other than a Saturday,
     a Sunday or any  holiday on which commercial banks in London, England are
     closed for business.

                    (b)  Notwithstanding  the  foregoing  subparagraph  (a), the
               Borrower  may elect to pay  interest  on all or a portion  of the
               outstanding  principal  hereunder  for  periods  of 30 days  each
               (each, an "Alternate  Interest Period") at an Alternate  Interest
               Rate (as defined herein).  The Borrower may make such election by
               providing  telephonic  notice  thereof  to the Bank at least  two
               business days before the  commencement of the Alternate  Interest
               Period.  The notice shall be provided to such  individual at such
               telephone  number as the Bank may from time to time specify,  and
               the Bank's  internal  records as to the  delivery and contents of
               such notice  shall be  conclusive  evidence  thereof.  The notice
               shall  state:  (i) the date  upon  which the  Alternate  Interest
               Period shall commence (which shall in all events be the first day
               of a calendar  month);  and (ii) the aggregate  principal  amount
               which shall bear interest at the  Alternate  Interest Rate (which
               amount is referred to herein as the "Alternate Interest Amount").
               If the Borrower  duly elects for interest to accrue  hereunder at
               the Alternate  Interest  Rate,  then interest shall accrue at the
               Alternate  Interest  Rate on the  applicable  Alternate  Interest
               Amount  during the  applicable  Alternate  Interest  Period.  Any
               election  hereunder  shall be irrevocable  during the term of the
               Alternate  Interest  Period.  At the  expiration of the Alternate

                                       21
<PAGE>
               Interest  Period,  interest shall accrue at the rate set forth in
               subparagraph  (a) above  except to the extent  that the  Borrower
               duly elects for interest to  thereafter  accrue at the  Alternate
               Interest Rate. For purposes hereof,  the Alternate  Interest Rate
               shall  mean a rate equal to the Prime  Rate (as  defined  herein)
               less 1.50% per annum.  The Prime Rate shall be the interest  rate
               announced from time to time by Barnett  Banks,  Inc. as its prime
               rate.  For  purposes  of this Note,  any change in the Prime Rate
               shall be  effective  as of the Bank's  opening of business on the
               effective date of the change.

                    (c) Interest  shall be  calculated on the basis of a 365 day
               year (based upon the actual number of days elapsed).
     
                    (d) The total liability of the Borrower and any endorsers or
               guarantors  hereof for payment of  interest  shall not exceed any
               limitations  imposed on the  payment of  interest  by  applicable
               usury laws.  If any interest is received or charged by any holder
               hereof in excess of that amount,  the Borrower  shall be entitled
               to an immediate refund of the excess.
               
                    (e) Upon the  occurrence  of an Event of Default  hereunder,
               interest shall accrue at the Default Rate  hereinafter  set forth
               notwithstanding the provisions of this section.

     4. Prepayment. The Borrower shall be entitled to prepay this Note in
whole or in part at any time without  penalty.  Prepayments  of principal  after
termination  of the  Revolving  Period shall be applied in the inverse  order of
principal payments required hereunder.
                                       
     5. Application of Payments.  All payments hereunder shall be applied
first to the Lender's costs and expenses,  then to fees authorized  hereunder or
under the Loan Agreement, then to interest and then to principal.

     6. Default. Any Event of Default under the Amended and Restated Loan
Agreement (the "Loan Agreement") between the Borrower and the Lender dated as of
June 29, 1993, as the same may be amended or restated  from time to time,  shall
be  considered  an "Event of Default"  hereunder.  If any Event of Default shall
occur,  the Lender may, without notice to the Borrower (i) refuse to advance any
more  funds  hereunder  or  under  the Loan  Agreement;  and  (ii)  declare  the
outstanding  principal of this Note, all interest  thereon and all other amounts
payable under this Note or otherwise to be forthwith due and payable. Thereupon,
this Note,  all such interest and all such amounts shall become and be forthwith
due and payable,  without presentment,  demand, protest or further notice of any
kind, all of which are hereby expressly waived by the Borrower.  Sixty (60) days
after the earlier to occur of (i) the date of a payment default  hereunder which
has not  been  cured,  or (ii)  the  date of an  acceleration  of all  sums  due
hereunder after the occurrence of an Event of Default, all outstanding principal
hereunder,  and accrued and unpaid interest and other charges  hereunder,  shall
bear  interest at the rate of either two percent  (2%) per annum above the Prime
Rate until paid or, if such rate is usurious under the laws of Florida,  then at
the highest legal rate permissible thereunder (the "Default Rate").

                                       22

<PAGE>

   7.  Expenses.  All parties liable for the payment of this Note agree
to pay the Lender all costs incurred by it in connection  with the collection of
this Note.  Such costs  include,  without  limitation,  fees for the services of
counsel and legal assistants  employed to collect this Note, whether or not suit
be brought, and whether incurred in connection with collection, trial, appeal or
otherwise.  All such  parties  further  agree to  indemnify  and hold the Lender
harmless  against  liability for the payment of state  documentary  stamp taxes,
intangible  taxes or other taxes  (including  interest and  penalties,  if any),
excluding  income or service taxes of the Lender,  which may be determined to be
payable with respect to this transaction.

     8.  Renewal  Obligation.  This Note is a renewal  obligation  as set
forth on the face hereof. Nothing set forth herein or otherwise shall impair the
Borrower's  obligation  to pay all  accrued and unpaid  interest  under any note
renewed  hereby,  and all such  interest  shall be due and payable on October 1,
1997.

     9. Miscellaneous.  The  Borrower shall  make  all  payments  hereunder  in
lawful money of the United States at the Lender's address set forth herein or at
such other place as the Lender may  designate  in writing.  The  remedies of the
Lender as  provided  herein  shall  be  cumulative  and  concurrent,   and  may
be  pursued  singly, successively  or  together,  at  the  sole  discretion  of 
the  Lender  and may be exercised  as often as  occasion  therefor  shall arise.
No act of omission or commission  of the Lender,  including  specifically   any
failure to exercise any right, remedy or recourse, shall be  effective,  unless 
set forth  in a  written document  executed  by the  Lender,  and then  only to
the  extent  specifically recited  therein.  A waiver or release with reference
to one event shall  not be construed  as  continuing,  as a bar  to,  or  as  a 
waiver  or  release  of  any  subsequent right, remedy  or recourse  as  to any 
subsequent event. This Note shall  be construed and enforced in accordance with 
Florida law and shall be binding on the  successors  and assigns of the parties
hereto.  The term  "Lender"  as  used herein shall mean any holder of this Note.
The  Lender  may, at  its  option,  round any or all  fractional  amounts  under
Section 3 upwards to the next higher 1/100 of 1%.

     The Borrower hereby:  (i) waives demand, notice of demand, presentment for
payment,  notice of nonpayment or dishonor,  protest,  notice of protest and all
other notice,  filing of suit and diligence in collecting this Note; (ii) agrees
to any  substitution,  addition or release of any party or person  primarily  or
secondarily  liable  hereon;  and  (iii)  agrees  that the  Lender  shall not be
required  first to institute any suit, or to exhaust his,  their or its remedies
against the Borrower or any other person or party to become liable hereunder, or
against any collateral in order to enforce payment of this Note.


                                       23
  

<PAGE>

   This Note is the Revolving Note referred to in the Loan Agreement.

                              STEIN MART, INC.


                              By  /s/ James G. Delfs
                                  ---------------------------------------------
                                Its Sr. Vice President/ Chief Financial Officer
                                    -------------------------------------------
                                                             (CORPORATE SEAL)

STATE OF GEORGIA
COUNTY OF CAMDEN

            The foregoing  instrument was executed,  acknowledged  and delivered
before  me  this  20th day of  August,  1997,  by  James G. Delfs the Senior
Vice President of Stein Mart, Inc., a Florida corporation,  on behalf of the
corporation, in Camden County, Georgia.

                    
                                 /s/ V. Thomas Fountain
                               ------------------------------
                               Notary Public, State and County
                                    aforesaid
                               Print Name: V. Thomas Fountain
                                     Notary Public, Camden County, Georgia
                               My Commission Expires: January 16, 2000

                                                            [Notary Seal]


                                                                             
                                       24
<PAGE>

                            SEASONAL PROMISSORY NOTE


$10,000,000.00                                                  August 20, 1997
                                                         Camden County, Georgia


     FOR  VALUE  RECEIVED,   the  undersigned,   STEIN  MART,  INC.,  a  Florida
corporation  (the  "Borrower"),  hereby  promises to pay to the order of BARNETT
BANK, N.A. (the "Lender"), whose address is 50 North Laura Street, Jacksonville,
Florida   32202,   the  principal   sum  of  Ten  Million  and  00/100   Dollars
($10,000,000.00),  together with interest on the outstanding  principal  balance
hereof at the rate provided herein. This Note shall be governed by the following
provisions:

     1.  Advances.   During  each  Seasonal  Period  (as  defined  in  the  Loan
Agreement),  the loan  evidenced  by this Note shall be a  revolving  loan.  The
Borrower may borrow,  repay and reborrow principal amounts hereunder during each
Seasonal Period subject to the terms contained  herein and in the Loan Agreement
(as  hereinafter  defined).   Notwithstanding  the  foregoing,  the  outstanding
principal  balance hereof shall not exceed  $10,000,000.00  at any one time. The
Borrower shall not be permitted to obtain further advances  hereunder during any
period that is not a Seasonal  Period.  The  Borrower  shall not in any event be
entitled to obtain further advances hereunder from and after June 30, 2000.

     2.  Payments.

          (a) The  Borrower  shall  pay  all  outstanding  principal  hereunder,
together with  all  then accrued and  unpaid  interest,  immediately  upon  the
expiration of each Seasonal Period.

          (b) The  Borrower  shall  pay  all  then  outstanding   principal
hereunder, together with all then accrued and unpaid interest, on June 30, 2000.

     3.  Interest.

     (a) Interest shall initially accrue on the outstanding principal balance of
this Note at a rate of 6.01% per annum.  The rate of interest  shall be adjusted
on each Interest Rate Adjustment Date (as defined herein) so that interest shall
accrue at the Adjusted  Libor Rate (as defined  herein) for the Interest  Period
(as defined  herein)  commencing  on such  Interest Rate  Adjustment  Date.  For
purposes  of this  paragraph,  the  following  terms  shall  have the  following
meanings:

                                    (i) "Adjusted  Libor Rate" for each Interest
                        Period  shall  mean a daily rate that is 0.35% per annum
                        over the applicable  Libor Rate. The Libor Rate for each
                        Interest Period shall mean the offered rate for deposits
                        in United States dollars in the London  Interbank market
                        for a one month period  which  appears on the Libor Rate
                        Reference  Page (as  defined  herein)  as of 11:00  a.m.
                        (London time) on the day that is two London Banking Days
                        (as defined herein) preceding the first Banking Business
                        Day (as defined  herein) of the Interest  Period.  If at
                        least two such  offered  rates  appear on the Libor Rate

                                       25
<PAGE>
                        Reference  Page, the rate will be the arithmetic mean of
                        such offered rates. The Bank may, in its discretion, use
                        rate  quotations for daily periods in lieu of quotations
                        for substantially equivalent monthly periods.

                                    (ii) "Banking  Business Day" shall mean each
                        day other than a  Saturday,  a Sunday or any  holiday on
                        which  commercial  banks in  Jacksonville,  Florida  are
                        closed for business.

                                    (iii)  "Interest  Period"  shall  mean  each
                        period  commencing on each Interest Rate Adjustment Date
                        and ending on the next Interest Rate Adjustment Date.

                                    (iv) "Interest Rate  Adjustment  Date" shall
                        mean the first day of September, 1997, and the first day
                        of each calendar month thereafter.

                                    (v) "Libor Rate  Reference  Page" shall mean
                        any of the  following  reference  pages or  sources  (as
                        selected   from   time  to  time  by  the  Bank  in  its
                        discretion): (aa) the Reuters Screen LIBO Page; (bb) the
                        Dow Jones  Telerate  Page 3750; or (cc) such other index
                        or source as the Bank may in its sole discretion  select
                        showing rates offered for United States dollar  deposits
                        in the London Interbank market.

                                    (vi)  "London  Banking  Day" shall mean each
                        day other than a  Saturday,  a Sunday or any  holiday on
                        which commercial banks in London, England are closed for
                        business.

                        (b) Notwithstanding the foregoing  subparagraph (a), the
            Borrower  may  elect  to pay  interest  on all or a  portion  of the
            outstanding  principal  hereunder for periods of 30 days each (each,
            an "Alternate  Interest  Period") at an Alternate  Interest Rate (as
            defined herein). The Borrower may make such election by providing
            telephonic notice thereof to the Bank at least two business days 
            before the commencement of the Alternate  Interest Period.  The
            notice  shall be  provided  to such  individual  at such  telephone 
            number  as  the  Bank  may  from  time  to  time specify,  and the
            Bank's  internal  records as to the  delivery  and  contents of such
            notice shall be conclusive evidence thereof. The notice shall state:
            (i) the date upon which the Alternate Interest Period shall commence
            (which  shall in all events be the first day of a  calendar  month);
            and (ii) the aggregate principal amount which shall bear interest at
            the  Alternate  Interest Rate (which amount is referred to herein as
            the "Alternate  Interest  Amount").  If the Borrower duly elects for
            interest to accrue  hereunder at the Alternate  Interest Rate,  then
            interest  shall  accrue  at  the  Alternate  Interest  Rate  on  the
            applicable Alternate Interest Amount during the applicable Alternate
            Interest Period.  Any election hereunder shall be irrevocable during
            the term of the Alternate  Interest Period. At the expiration of the
            Alternate  Interest  Period,  interest  shall accrue at the rate set
            forth in  subparagraph  (a)  above  except  to the  extent  that the
            Borrower  duly  elects  for  interest  to  thereafter  accrue at the
            Alternate Interest Rate. For purposes hereof, the Alternate Interest

                                       26
<PAGE>
            Rate shall mean a rate equal to the Prime Rate (as  defined  herein)
            less 1.50% per annum.  The Prime  Rate  shall be the  interest  rate
            announced  from time to time by  Barnett  Banks,  Inc.  as its prime
            rate.  For purposes of this Note, any change in the Prime Rate shall
            be effective as of the Bank's  opening of business on the  effective
            date of the change.

                        (c) Interest  shall be  calculated on the basis of a 365
            day year (based upon the actual number of days elapsed).

                        (d)  The  total   liability  of  the  Borrower  and  any
            endorsers  or  guarantors  hereof for payment of interest  shall not
            exceed  any  limitations  imposed  on the  payment  of  interest  by
            applicable usury laws. If any interest is received or charged by any
            holder  hereof in  excess  of that  amount,  the  Borrower  shall be
            entitled to an immediate refund of the excess.

                        (e)  Upon  the   occurrence   of  an  Event  of  Default
            hereunder, interest shall accrue at the Default Rate hereinafter set
            forth notwithstanding the provisions of this section.

            4. Prepayment. The Borrower shall be entitled to prepay this Note in
whole or in part at any time without penalty.

            5. Application of Payments.  All payments hereunder shall be applied
first to the Lender's costs and expenses,  then to fees authorized  hereunder or
under the Loan Agreement, then to interest and then to principal.

            6. Default. Any Event of Default under the Amended and Restated Loan
Agreement (the "Loan Agreement") between the Borrower and the Lender dated as of
June 29, 1993, as the same may be amended or restated  from time to time,  shall
be  considered  an "Event of Default"  hereunder.  If any Event of Default shall
occur,  the Lender may, without notice to the Borrower (i) refuse to advance any
more  funds  hereunder  or  under  the Loan  Agreement;  and  (ii)  declare  the
outstanding  principal of this Note, all interest  thereon and all other amounts
payable under this Note or otherwise to be forthwith due and payable. Thereupon,
this Note,  all such interest and all such amounts shall become and be forthwith
due and payable,  without presentment,  demand, protest or further notice of any
kind, all of which are hereby expressly waived by the Borrower.  Sixty (60) days
after the earlier to occur of (i) the date of a payment default  hereunder which
has not  been  cured,  or (ii)  the  date of an  acceleration  of all  sums  due
hereunder after the occurrence of an Event of Default, all outstanding principal
hereunder,  and accrued and unpaid interest and other charges  hereunder,  shall
bear  interest at the rate of either two percent  (2%) per annum above the Prime
Rate until paid or, if such rate is usurious under the laws of Florida,  then at
the highest legal rate permissible thereunder (the "Default Rate").

            7.  Expenses.  All parties liable for the payment of this Note agree
to pay the Lender all costs incurred by it in connection  with the collection of
this Note.  Such costs  include,  without  limitation,  fees for the services of
counsel and legal assistants  employed to collect this Note, whether or not suit
be brought, and whether incurred in connection with collection, trial, appeal or
otherwise.  All such  parties  further  agree to  indemnify  and hold the Lender
harmless  against  liability for the payment of state  documentary  stamp taxes,
intangible  taxes or other taxes  (including  interest and  penalties,  if any),
excluding  income or service taxes of the Lender,  which may be determined to be
payable with respect to this transaction.

            8. Miscellaneous.  The Borrower shall make all payments hereunder in
lawful money of the United States at the Lender's address set forth herein or at
such other place as the Lender may  designate  in writing.  The  remedies of the
                                      27
<PAGE>

Lender as provided herein shall be cumulative and concurrent, and may be pursued
singly,  successively or together,  at the sole discretion of the Lender and may
be exercised as often as occasion  therefor  shall arise.  No act of omission or
commission  of the Lender,  including  specifically  any failure to exercise any
right,  remedy or recourse,  shall be  effective,  unless set forth in a written
document  executed  by the  Lender,  and then  only to the  extent  specifically
recited  therein.  A waiver or release with  reference to one event shall not be
construed  as  continuing,  as a bar  to,  or as a  waiver  or  release  of  any
subsequent right, remedy or recourse as to any subsequent event. This Note shall
be construed and enforced in accordance with  Florida  law and shall be binding
on the  successors  and  assigns of the parties  hereto.  The term "Lender" as
used herein shall  mean any holder of this Note. The Lender may, at  its option,
round any or all fractional  amounts under Section 3 upwards to the next higher 
1/100 of 1%.

     The Borrower hereby: (i) waives demand,  notice of demand,  presentment for
payment,  notice of nonpayment or dishonor,  protest,  notice of protest and all
other notice,  filing of suit and diligence in collecting this Note; (ii) agrees
to any  substitution,  addition or release of any party or person  primarily  or
secondarily  liable  hereon;  and  (iii)  agrees  that the  Lender  shall not be
required  first to institute any suit, or to exhaust his,  their or its remedies
against the Borrower or any other person or party to become liable hereunder, or
against any collateral in order to enforce payment of this Note.

            This Note is the Seasonal Note referred to in the Loan Agreement.

                                           STEIN MART, INC.


                               By /s/ James G. Delfs
                                      -----------------------------------------
                                 Its Sr. Vice President/Chief Financial Officer
                                     ------------------------------------------
                                                       (CORPORATE SEAL)



STATE OF GEORGIA

COUNTY OF CAMDEN

            The foregoing  instrument  was executed, acknowledged and delivered 
before  me  this  20th  day of August, 1997,  by James G. Delfs the Senior Vice
President  of  Stein Mart, Inc., a  Florida  corporation,  on  behalf  of  the
corporation, in Camden County, Georgia.
                         

                                     V. Thomas Fountain
                                    ------------------------------
                                     Notary Public, State and County
                                        aforesaid
                                     Print Name: V. Thomas Fountain
                                          Notary Public, Camden County, Georgia
                                     My Commission Expires: January 16, 2000

                                                       [Notary Seal]


                                                                             
                                       28
<PAGE>

                    SECOND AMENDMENT TO ACCEPTANCE AGREEMENT


     THIS  AMENDMENT is made as of August 20, 1997,  by and between  STEIN MART,
INC. (the "Borrower") and BARNETT BANK, N.A. (the "Bank").

                                    Recitals

     The Bank and the Borrower are parties to an Acceptance Credit Agreement (as
amended from time to time, the "Acceptance  Agreement") dated June 29, 1992. The
parties amended the Acceptance  Agreement on June 29, 1993, and the parties wish
to further amend the Acceptance Agreement in accordance with the terms hereof.

     NOW,  THEREFORE,  for good and valuable  consideration,  the parties agree
as follows:

     1. Section 1 of the Acceptance  Agreement is hereby  amended so that,  from
and after the date hereof, the reference therein to $10,000,000 (as set forth in
the  amendment  to the  Acceptance  Agreement  dated June 29,  1993)  shall mean
$25,000,000.

     2. Section 1(c) of the Acceptance Agreement is hereby amended so that, from
and after the date hereof,  the Stated Rate shall equal one and one-half percent
(1.5%) per annum below the Prime Rate (as defined in the Note  described  in the
Loan Agreement) or, if the Default Rate is in effect under the Note, the Default
Rate. The Stated Rate shall be adjusted on each day that the Prime Rate changes.

     3. The Acceptance  Agreement is hereby amended so that,  from and after the
date hereof, all references therein to the Loan Agreement shall mean the Amended
and Restated Loan  Agreement  dated June 29, 1993,  between the Borrower and the
Bank, as the same may be amended or restated from time to time.

     4. Except as modified  herein,  the Acceptance  Agreement shall continue in
full force and effect.

            DATED as of the day and year first above written.

                              STEIN MART, INC.


                              By: /s/ James G. Delfs
                                 ----------------------------------------------
                                Its: Sr. Vice President/Chief Financial Officer
                                      -----------------------------------------



                                       29

<PAGE>
                              BARNETT BANK, N.A.


                              By: /s/ Susan S. Delgado
                                 ----------------------------------------------
                               Its: Vice President
                                    -------------------------------------------
                                                                           

STATE OF GEORGIA

COUNTY OF CAMDEN

            The foregoing  instrument was executed,  acknowledged  and delivered
before me this 20th day of August,  1997,  by  James G. Delfs the  Senior Vice
President of Stein  Mart,  Inc.,  on  behalf  of the corporation, in Camden 
County, Georgia.


                              /s/ V. Thomas Fountain
                              -------------------------------------------------
                              Notary Public, State and County
                                  aforesaid
                              Print Name: V. Thomas Fountain
                                          Notary Public, Camden County, Georgia
                              My Commission Expires: January 16, 2000

                                            [Notary Seal]



STATE OF GEORGIA

COUNTY OF CAMDEN

            The foregoing  instrument was executed,  acknowledged  and delivered
before me this 20th day of August,  1997, by  Susan Delgado the  Vice President
of Barnett Bank, N.A., on behalf of the bank, in Camden County, Georgia.


                              /s/ V. Thoams Fountain
                              -------------------------------------------------
                              Notary Public, State and County
                                  aforesaid
                              Print Name: V. Thomas Fountain
                                          Notary Public, Camden County, Georgia
                              My Commission Expires: January 16, 2000

                                          [Notary Seal]


                                       30

                                                                             


<TABLE> <S> <C>

<ARTICLE>                                                                    5
<LEGEND>
This schedule contains summary financial information extracted from the
condensed consolidated balance sheet and condensed consolidated
statement of income found on the Company's Form 10-Q for the nine months
ended September 27, 1997 and is qualified in its entirety by reference to such
financial statements.
</LEGEND>
<MULTIPLIER>                                             1000                  
       
<S>                                                     <C>  
<PERIOD-TYPE>                                           9-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                                   JAN-3-1998
<PERIOD-START>                                     DEC-29-1996
<PERIOD-END>                                       SEP-27-1997
<CASH>                                              15040
<SECURITIES>                                            0
<RECEIVABLES>                                        2606
<ALLOWANCES>                                            0
<INVENTORY>                                        194033
<CURRENT-ASSETS>                                   214578
<PP&E>                                              96279
<DEPRECIATION>                                      35609
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                                     276556
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES>                               93663
<BONDS>                                                 0
                                   0
                                             0
<COMMON>                                              232
<OTHER-SE>                                         150908
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY>                       276556
<SALES>                                            501725
<TOTAL-REVENUES>                                   508200
<CGS>                                              373375
<TOTAL-COSTS>                                      484303
<OTHER-EXPENSES>                                        0
<LOSS-PROVISION>                                        0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                                    752
<INCOME-PRETAX>                                     23145
<INCOME-TAX>                                         9027
<INCOME-CONTINUING>                                 14118
<DISCONTINUED>                                          0
<EXTRAORDINARY>                                         0
<CHANGES>                                               0
<NET-INCOME>                                        14118
<EPS-PRIMARY>                                        0.59
<EPS-DILUTED>                                        0.59
        



</TABLE>


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