LEVITZ FURNITURE INC
10-Q, 1996-11-08
FURNITURE STORES
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                       SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                             WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

                            ------------------------

                                    FORM 10-Q

(MARK ONE)


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

         For the quarterly period ended SEPTEMBER 30, 1996

                                       OR

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

         For the transition period from _________ to _________


Commission File Number 1-12046


                          LEVITZ FURNITURE INCORPORATED
             -------------------------------------------------------
             (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

          DELAWARE                                      23-2351830
- -------------------------------                     -----------------
(State or other jurisdiction of                      (I.R.S. Employer
incorporation or organization)                      Identification No.)

6111 BROKEN SOUND PARKWAY, N.W., BOCA RATON, FL             33487-2799
- -----------------------------------------------             ----------
(Address of Principal Executive Offices)                    (Zip Code)

                                 (561) 994-6006
              ----------------------------------------------------
              (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   [ ]


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

On October 31, 1996, there were 30,320,628 shares of the registrant's Common
Stock outstanding of which 26,746,966 shares were Voting Common Stock and
3,573,662 shares were Non-Voting Common Stock, with no shares held by the
registrant in its treasury.

<PAGE>

PART I:  FINANCIAL INFORMATION

ITEM 1.  Financial Statements

                 LEVITZ FURNITURE INCORPORATED AND SUBSIDIARIES

                      CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED BALANCE SHEETS

                             (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)

                                             SEPTEMBER 30,  MARCH 31,
                                                 1996         1996
                                             (UNAUDITED)
                                             ------------   ----------
                   ASSETS

CURRENT ASSETS:
  Cash and cash equivalents                  $  9,585       $  12,755
  Receivables                                  37,699          34,025
  Inventories                                 171,417         140,918
  Deposits and prepaid expenses                 6,679           3,820
  Income taxes receivable                       1,032           6,528
                                             --------       ---------

    Total current assets                      226,412         198,046
                                             --------       ---------
PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT, net                   216,889         225,509
                                             --------       ---------
PROPERTY UNDER CAPITAL LEASES, net            124,343         134,944
                                             --------       ---------
OTHER ASSETS:
  Intangible leasehold interests               16,300          17,053
  Deferred financing fees                      12,980           6,935
  Goodwill                                     18,435          18,693
  Other                                         5,763           5,707
                                             --------        --------
                                               53,478          48,388
                                             --------        --------
                                             $621,122        $606,887
                                             ========        ========

                      LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' DEFICIT

CURRENT LIABILITIES:
  Cash overdrafts                             $ 19,912        $17,912
  Current portion of long-term debt              7,765          2,441
  Current portion of obligations under           3,880          4,845
     capital leases 
  Accounts payable, trade                       78,912         55,933
  Accrued expenses and other liabilities        80,880         79,640
  Deferred income taxes                          5,197          4,628
  Revolver borrowings                           75,014         52,516
                                              ---------       -------

    Total current liabilities                  271,560         217,915
                                              =========       ========
LONG-TERM DEBT, net of current portion         285,651         293,433
                                              =========       ========


OBLIGATIONS UNDER CAPITAL LEASES,               76,942          82,922
   net of current portion     
                                               -------        --------
OTHER NONCURRENT LIABILITIES                    28,169          24,423
                                               -------        --------
DEFERRED INCOME TAXES                           45,741          55,846
                                               -------        --------
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

STOCKHOLDERS' DEFICIT:
  Common stock, at par value                      303              303
  Capital in excess of par                    213,560          212,960
  Deferred compensation                        (1,533)          (1,896)
  Minimum pension liability                      (654)            (654)
  Retained earnings (deficit)                (298,617)        (278,365)
                                            --------         ---------

    Total stockholders' deficit              (86,941)         (67,652)
                                            --------         ---------
                                            $ 621,122        $ 606,887
                                            =========        =========

    The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed financial
statements.

                                       2

<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                 LEVITZ FURNITURE INCORPORATED AND SUBSIDIARIES
                 CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
                    (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS EXCEPT SHARE DATA)
                                   (UNAUDITED)

                                               THREE MONTHS ENDED             SIX MONTHS ENDED
                                                  SEPTEMBER 30,                  SEPTEMBER 30,
                                          -----------------------------   --------------------------
                                              1996            1995            1996           1995
                                          ------------    ------------    ------------    ------------
<S>                                       <C>             <C>             <C>             <C>
Net sales                                 $    237,146    $    251,263    $    465,274    $    493,125
                                          ------------    ------------    ------------    ------------

Costs and expenses:
    Cost of sales                              130,327         134,123         256,840         262,181
    Selling, general and administrative
       expenses                                 96,960          98,243         187,292         199,858
    Store closing charge                          --              --             8,295            --
    Restructuring expense                         --             4,000            --             4,000
    Depreciation and amortization                6,789           7,370          13,688          14,745
                                          ------------    ------------    ------------    ------------
                                               234,076         243,736         466,115         480,784
                                          ------------    ------------    ------------    ------------
Operating income (loss)                          3,070           7,527            (841)         12,341
Interest expense, net                           14,209          12,277          27,339          25,785
                                          ------------    ------------    ------------    ------------
Loss before income taxes                       (11,139)         (4,750)        (28,180)        (13,444)
Income tax benefit                               3,925           1,620           9,930           4,840
                                          ------------    ------------    ------------    ------------
Loss before extraordinary
    items                                       (7,214)         (3,130)        (18,250)         (8,604)
Extraordinary items, net of tax
    benefit of $1,090                             --              --            (2,002)           --
                                          ------------    ------------    ------------    ------------
Net loss                                  $     (7,214)   $     (3,130)   $    (20,252)   $     (8,604)
                                          ============    ============    ============    ============
Loss per common share:
    Loss before extraordinary
       items                              $      (0.24)   $      (0.11)   $      (0.61)   $      (0.29)
    Extraordinary items                           --              --             (0.07)           --
                                          ------------    ------------    ------------    ------------
    Net loss per common share             $      (0.24)   $      (0.11)   $      (0.68)   $      (0.29)
                                          ============    ============    ============    ============
Weighted average number of common
    shares outstanding                      29,888,087      29,620,628      29,864,098      29,620,628
                                          ============    ============    ============    ============
</TABLE>

    The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed financial
statements.

                                        3

<PAGE>

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                 LEVITZ FURNITURE INCORPORATED AND SUBSIDIARIES

                 CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

                             (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)

                                   (UNAUDITED)

                                                        SIX MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30,
                                                        ------------------------------
                                                              1996        1995
                                                          ---------    ---------
<S>                                                       <C>          <C>
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
    Net loss                                              $ (20,252)   $  (8,604)
                                                          ---------    ---------

Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net
    cash provided by (used in) operating activities:
       Depreciation                                           7,911        8,368
       Amortization                                           5,777        6,377
       Provision for deferred taxes                          (9,536)      (5,773)
       Gain on disposal of property and equipment              (150)         (14)
       Amortization of original issue discount on
         deferred debentures                                    689          566
       Amortization of deferred financing fees                1,135        1,002
       Amortization of deferred compensation                    363         --
       Pension expense                                          782        2,482
       Other                                                    177         --
       Extraordinary losses related to early redemption
         of debt before tax benefit                           3,092         --

    Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
       Decrease (increase) in:
         Receivables                                         (3,668)      (7,578)
         Inventories                                        (30,499)       7,508
         Deposits and prepaid expenses                       (2,859)        (537)
         Income taxes receivable                              5,496        2,115
         Other, net                                              56           89
       Increase (decrease) in:
         Accounts payable, trade                             22,979       10,687
         Accrued expenses and other liabilities               4,870       (1,510)
         Other noncurrent liabilities                         4,552       (2,005)
                                                          ---------    ---------

           Total adjustments                                 11,167       21,777
                                                          ---------    ---------
NET CASH PROVIDED BY (USED IN) OPERATING ACTIVITIES:         (9,085)      13,173
                                                          ---------    ---------
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
    Capital expenditures                                     (3,349)      (6,838)
    Proceeds from sale of property and equipment and
       other assets                                             174          191
    Proceeds from sale-leaseback agreement                     --         22,209
                                                          ---------    ---------

NET CASH PROVIDED BY (USED IN) INVESTING ACTIVITIES:         (3,175)      15,562
                                                          ---------    ---------
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
    Borrowings under Credit Agreement                       518,178      148,100
    Repayments under Credit Agreement                      (495,679)    (173,211)
    Principal payments on long-term debt                     (2,725)        (889)
    Principal payments under capital lease obligations       (2,412)      (2,584)
    Payment of deferred financing fees                      (10,272)        --
    Increase in cash overdrafts                               2,000        1,832
                                                          ---------    ---------
NET CASH PROVIDED BY (USED IN) FINANCING ACTIVITIES           9,090      (26,752)
                                                          ---------    ---------
NET INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS         (3,170)       1,983
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, BEGINNING OF PERIOD               12,755        6,301
                                                          ---------    ---------
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, END OF PERIOD                  $   9,585    $   8,284
                                                          =========    =========
</TABLE>

    The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed financial
statements.

                                        4

<PAGE>

                 LEVITZ FURNITURE INCORPORATED AND SUBSIDIARIES

              NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

                               SEPTEMBER 30, 1996

                                   (UNAUDITED)


1.   BASIS OF PRESENTATION:

     Levitz Furniture Incorporated (LFI), a Delaware corporation, was
     incorporated in December 1984 for the purpose of acquiring Levitz Furniture
     Corporation (Levitz) in 1985.

     In the opinion of Management, the accompanying unaudited consolidated
     condensed financial statements contain all adjustments consisting of normal
     recurring accruals necessary to present fairly the financial position as of
     September 30, 1996, the results of operations and cash flows for the
     periods then ended. The results of operations for the period ended
     September 30, 1996, are not necessarily indicative of the results to be
     expected for the full year.

2.   CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS:

     Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information (dollars in thousands):

                                                     SIX MONTHS ENDED
                                                       SEPTEMBER 30,
                                                    -----------------
                                                     1996       1995
                                                    ------     ------

           Interest paid                            $25,460    $24,484
                                                    =======    =======

           Income taxes refunded                    $(6,980)   $(1,180)
                                                    =======    =======

3.   LONG-TERM DEBT AND REVOLVER BORROWINGS:

     On July 1, 1996, Levitz and certain of its wholly owned subsidiaries
     entered into new senior secured credit facilities providing for up to
     $190.0 million of availability (collectively, the "Senior Secured
     Facilities"). The Senior Secured Facilities are secured by substantially
     all of the assets of Levitz and its subsidiaries and are comprised of the
     Tranche A Facility (the "Tranche A Facility") providing for up to $150.0
     million and the Tranche B Facility (the "Tranche B Facility") providing up
     to $40.0 million. The proceeds of the Senior Secured Facilities were used
     to refinance indebtedness incurred under the previous bank credit
     agreement, to provide liquidity for working capital needs and for other
     general corporate purposes. The Senior Secured Facilities will expire on
     July 1, 2001. Levitz paid financing fees of $10.3 million for the Senior
     Secured Facilities.

     The Tranche A Facility consists of $115.0 million of revolving debt (the
     "Tranche A Revolver") which is provided by BT Commercial Corporation
     ("BTCC") and $35 million of term debt (the "Tranche A Term Facility")
     provided by Apollo Investment Fund III, L.P., Apollo Overseas Partners III,
     L.P. and Apollo U.K. Partners III, L.P. (collectively "Apollo"). The
     maximum borrowings under the Tranche A Revolver are calculated based upon
     inventory and receivable levels. Tranche B consists of $40.0 million of
     revolving debt based on a fixed asset sublimit. This fixed asset sublimit
     will be permanently reduced each year effective July 1997 by an amount
     equal to the lesser of $5.0 million or 100% of Excess Cash Flow (as defined
     in the Senior Secured Facilities). Asset sales and the reduction of
     inventory and receivables (as defined in the Senior Secured Facilities)
     below $115.0 million will also trigger permanent reductions to the fixed
     asset sublimit.

                                        5

<PAGE>

     Loans made under the Tranche A Revolver and the Tranche B Facility bear
     interest, at Levitz's option, at a rate equal to either Bankers Trust
     Company's ("BTC's") prime lending rate plus 1.5% or BTC's LIBOR rate plus
     3.25%. The Tranche A Term Facility bears interest at a rate of 15.5%,
     payable in cash or, at Levitz's option, at any time prior to July 1, 1999,
     by the issuance of up to $10.0 million of additional Tranche A Term Notes,
     having a principal amount equal to the amount of interest accrued and
     maturing on July 1, 2001. To the extent additional Tranche A Term Notes are
     issued for interest, the amount available under the Tranche A Revolver will
     be permanently decreased. If LFI achieves a prescribed Fixed Charge
     Coverage Ratio, as defined, the interest rate on the Tranche A Term
     Facility will be reset from 15.5% to 11.0%.

     In addition, LFI issued warrants to Apollo to purchase up to 5,000,000
     shares of Common Stock of LFI at an initial exercise price of $4.125 per
     share, subject to downward adjustments if certain targeted stock prices of
     LFI are not achieved in the future and other antidilution provisions.

     As a result of the July 1996 refinancing, in the quarter ended June 30,
     1996, LFI incurred a before-tax extraordinary loss of $3.1 million on the
     write-off of deferred financing fees related to the termination of the
     previous bank credit agreement. The after-tax loss was $2.0 million or
     $0.07 per share.

     In order to comply with a consensus issued in November 1995 set forth by
     the Emerging Issues Task Force in EITF 95-22 regarding classification of
     certain debt instruments that include both a requirement for a lock box
     arrangement and a subjective acceleration clause, $75.0 million of the
     borrowings under the Tranche A Revolver have been classified as Revolver
     Borrowings in current liabilities. Under the terms of the Tranche A
     Revolver, however, Levitz will not be required to repay this amount in the
     next year. Payment will only be required at the expiration of the Tranche A
     Facility on July 1, 2001 or if the borrowing base is reduced below the
     amount outstanding. Based on anticipated borrowing base levels, Levitz
     believes the amount outstanding under the Senior Secured Facilities will be
     due and payable in July 2001.

     As of September 30, 1996, Levitz had approximately $27.4 million of
     availability under the Senior Secured Facilities. The Senior Secured
     Facilities require LFI to achieve an interest coverage ratio beginning
     December 31, 1996 and quarterly thereafter. It also contains limitations on
     capital expenditures, additional indebtedness, incurrence of liens, sale of
     assets, payment of dividends, investments and other restrictions.

     The retail furniture industry historically has been highly cyclical and
     directly affected by, among other things, housing starts, existing home
     sales, consumer confidence, the level of personal discretionary spending,
     consumer credit availability and general economic conditions. Furniture
     purchases are generally discretionary, and in view of the fact that they
     represent a significant expenditure to the average consumer, they are often
     deferred during times of economic uncertainty. Decreased comparable store
     sales and gross profit over the past two years which have continued during
     Fiscal 1997, have significantly reduced operating income and the resulting
     cash flow resulting in debt compliance and liquidity concerns.

     Management has undertaken a number of steps including the offering for sale
     of under-utilized properties to address the liquidity needs of LFI and
     Levitz as well as compliance with the Senior Secured Facilities. Based upon
     anticipated cash flow from operations and existing borrowing capacity under
     the Senior Secured Facilities, Management believes Levitz will be able to
     meet the covenants contained in the Senior Secured Facilities during the
     foreseeable future, and has sufficient cash flow to meet current cash
     needs. However, compliance with such covenants will be dependent on the
     successful accomplishment of Management's strategies and Levitz achieving
     improved comparable store sales. Actual results could differ from the
     estimates used to set these covenants resulting in Levitz's failure to be
     in compliance with the Senior Secured Facilities.

     The Senior Secured Facilities and mortgages are secured by substantially
     all assets of Levitz and its subsidiaries and a perfected pledge of stock
     of all Levitz's subsidiaries.

                                        6

<PAGE>

     LFI and Levitz are subject to certain covenants and restrictions and
     cross-default provisions as described in the Senior Secured Facilities
     and/or indentures, including among other restrictions the following:
     provisions which require certain financial tests be met, restrictions with
     respect to the sale of assets, annual capital expenditures, ability to
     enter into sale-leaseback transactions or mortgage loans, ability to redeem
     certain indebtedness, and limitations on the ability to incur additional
     indebtedness, requirements to repurchase certain indebtedness if a change
     in control occurs and limitations on the ability to pay dividends or make
     certain other restricted payments by Levitz or LFI.

     LFI and Levitz are currently in compliance with all such covenants under
     the Senior Secured Facilities and all applicable debt indentures.

4.   SALE OF RECEIVABLES:

     Levitz and General Electric Capital Corporation (GECC) are parties to an
     Account Purchase Agreement (the Agreement), whereby GECC has agreed to
     purchase Levitz's customer credit obligations without recourse. Levitz
     accounts for the above transactions as a sale. Under the terms of the
     Agreement, Levitz may pay GECC a fee or may receive income, based upon the
     relationship among the interest earned on the portfolio sold thereunder,
     the amount of the servicing fee, the prime rate and to a limited extent,
     credit losses. The Agreement expires October 31, 1998, with automatic
     five-year renewals, unless canceled by either party with twenty-six months'
     notice prior to scheduled termination. Notice of Levitz intent to
     renegotiate the Agreement with GECC has been given and negotiations are
     currently being conducted to reach a new agreement. For the six month
     periods ended September 30, 1996 and 1995, Levitz recorded income under the
     Agreement of $7.0 million and $5.9 million, respectively. These amounts are
     included in selling, general and administrative expenses as they represent
     an adjustment to the estimated sales price of the receivables.

5.   EARNINGS PER COMMON SHARE:

     Primary and fully diluted earnings per common share are based on the
     weighted average number of common shares outstanding during each year plus
     the weighted average number of common stock equivalents as determined by
     the use of the Treasury Stock Method. Common Stock equivalents consist of
     stock options, restricted stock and warrants.

6.   CLOSED STORES:

     During the quarter ended June 30, 1996, Management developed a plan to
     close five satellite stores effective October 31, 1996. The plan resulted
     in a pre-tax charge for store closings of $8.3 million. The charge includes
     the reduction of the carrying value of the store assets to their estimated
     fair value net of selling expenses as well as reserves for future rental
     payments under operating lease agreements. Included in the store closing
     charge is a $2.4 million charge from the adoption of SFAS No. 121 effective
     April 1, 1996 for one of the closed stores.

                                        7

<PAGE>

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

The following table sets forth LFI's results of operations expressed as a
percentage of net sales for the periods indicated:

                                              PERCENTAGE OF NET SALES
                                             -----------------------
                                     THREE MONTHS ENDED     SIX MONTHS ENDED
                                        SEPTEMBER 30,         SEPTEMBER 30,
                                     ------------------     ------------------
                                        1996      1995       1996        1995
                                       ------    ------     ------      ------

Net sales                              100.0%     100.0%     100.0%     100.0%
                                       -----      -----      -----      -----
Cost of sales                           55.0       53.4       55.2       53.2
                                       -----      -----      -----      -----
Gross profit                            45.0       46.6       44.8       46.8
Selling, general and administrative
  expenses                              40.9       39.1       40.3       40.5
Store closing charge                      --         --        1.8         --
Restructuring expense                     --        1.6         --        0.8
Depreciation and amortization            2.8        2.9        2.9        3.0
                                       -----      -----      -----      -----
Operating income                         1.3        3.0       (0.2)       2.5
Interest expense                         6.0        4.9        5.9        5.2
                                       -----      -----      -----      -----
Loss before income taxes                (4.7)      (1.9)      (6.1)      (2.7)
Income tax benefit                       1.7        0.6        2.2        1.0
                                       -----      -----      -----      -----
Loss before extraordinary items         (3.0)      (1.3)      (3.9)      (1.7)
Extraordinary items, net of tax
  benefit                                 --         --       (0.4)        --
                                       -----      -----      -----      -----
Net loss                                (3.0)%     (1.3)%     (4.3)%     (1.7)%
                                       =====      =====      =====      =====
Comparable store sales                  (5.6)%     (9.7)%     (5.7)%     (9.5)%
                                       =====      =====      =====      =====


THREE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 1996 COMPARED TO THREE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER
30, 1995

Net sales of $237.1 million for the three month period ended September 30, 1996
decreased $14.2 million or 5.6% over net sales of $251.3 million in the same
period for the prior year. Sales on a comparable store basis decreased 5.6%.

Gross profit as a percentage of net sales decreased to 45.0% for the three month
period ended September 30, 1996 compared to 46.6% in the same period for the
prior year. The decrease, in part, reflects the move to more competitive pricing
and increased value for the customer. Gross profit is expected to be maintained
at approximately 45.0% which increased from 44.5% during the three month period
ended June 30, 1996.

Selling, general and administrative (SG&A) expenses decreased $1.3 million for
the three month period ended September 30, 1996 as compared to the same period
for the prior year. As a percentage of net sales, SG&A expenses increased to
40.9% from 39.1%, respectively. Salaries, payroll taxes and employee benefit
expenses decreased $7.8 million which is attributable to the reduction in the
number of employees by approximately 1,100 from the comparable period last year.
This was offset by an increase in advertising expense of $3.5 million and a
reduction of GECC service fee income of $1.0 million. The percentage increase in
SG&A was caused by the decline in net sales as previously noted.

                                        8

<PAGE>

The restructuring expense for the three month period ended September 30, 1995
was a result of the consolidation of six regional offices into two divisional
offices and the elimination of certain support positions at the corporate,
division and store levels. The restructuring charge included $3.1 million of
severance pay and related employee benefits and $0.9 million of lease
commitments on closed regional office facilities. The restructuring was
completed in November 1995.

Depreciation and amortization expenses decreased $0.6 million or 7.9% for the
three month period ended September 30, 1996 as compared to the same period of
the prior year. As a percentage of net sales, depreciation and amortization
expenses for such periods decreased to 2.8% from 2.9%, respectively.

Operating income for the three month period ended September 30, 1996 decreased
$4.5 million or 59.2% from the same period for the prior year. As a percentage
of net sales, operating income decreased to 1.3% from 3.0%, respectively. The
percentage and dollar decreases are primarily attributable to the decrease in
net sales.

Interest expense for the three month period ended September 30, 1996 increased
$1.9 million or 15.7% from the same period for the prior year. As a percentage
of net sales, interest expense increased to 6.0% from 4.9%, respectively. The
dollar increase is due to higher effective interest rates and increased average
borrowing levels. The percentage of net sales increase is also due to the
decline in net sales as well as the increase in interest rates and average
borrowing levels.

As a result of the aforementioned factors, loss before income taxes for the
three month period ended September 30, 1996 amounted to $11.1 million or 4.7% of
net sales as compared to a loss of $4.8 million or 1.9% of net sales for the
same period of the prior year.

Income tax benefit for the three month period ended September 30, 1996 was $3.9
million or 1.7% of net sales as compared to an income tax benefit of $1.6
million or 0.6% of net sales for the same period of the prior year. The
effective tax rate was 35.2% in the three month period ended September 30, 1996
as compared to 34.1% for the same period of the prior year.

Net loss for the three month period ended September 30, 1996 was $7.2 million or
3.0% of net sales as compared to a net loss of $3.1 million or 1.3% of net sales
for the same period of the prior year.

SIX MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 1996 COMPARED TO SIX MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30,
1995

Net sales of $465.3 million for the six months ended September 30, 1996
decreased $27.9 million or 5.6% from net sales of $493.1 million in the same
period of the prior year. Sales on a comparable store basis decreased 5.7%.

Gross profit as a percentage of net sales decreased to 44.8% for the six month
period ended September 30, 1996 compared to 46.8% in the same period for the
prior year. The decrease is attributable to a change in pricing policy toward
more competitive pricing and increased value for the customer.

SG&A expenses decreased $12.6 million or 6.3% for the six month period ended
September 30, 1996 as compared to the same period of the prior year. As a
percentage of net sales, SG&A expenses decreased to 40.3% from 40.5%,
respectively. The dollar decrease in SG&A expenses is primarily due to the
reduction in the number of employees of approximately 1,100 from the comparable
period last year. Salaries, payroll taxes and employee benefit expense decreased
$15.8 million. GECC service fee income increased $1.1 million and advertising
expense increased $3.7 million.

The store closing charge of $8.3 million for the six month period ended
September 30, 1996 includes the reduction of the carrying value of the store
assets to the estimated fair value net of selling expenses as well as reserves
for future rental payments under operating lease agreements. Five satellite
stores were closed on October 31, 1996.

The restructuring expense for the six month period ended September 30, 1995, was
a result of the consolidation of six regional offices into two divisional
offices and the elimination of certain support positions at the corporate,
division and store levels. The restructuring charge included $3.1 million of
severance pay and related employee benefits and $0.9 million of lease
commitments on closed regional office facilities. The restructuring was
completed in November 1995.

                                       9

<PAGE>

Depreciation and amortization expenses decreased $1.1 million or 7.2% for the
six month period ended September 30, 1996 as compared to the same period of the
prior year. As a percentage of net sales, depreciation and amortization expenses
for such periods decreased to 2.9% from 3.0%, respectively.

Operating loss for the six month period ended September 30, 1996 was $0.8
million as compared to operating income of $12.3 million for the same period of
the prior year. The decrease in operating income is primarily attributable to
the decrease in net sales and the store closing charge.

Interest expense increased $1.6 million or 6.0% for the six month period ended
September 30, 1996 as compared to the same period of the prior year. As a
percentage of net sales interest expense increased to 5.9% from 5.2%,
respectively. The increase in interest expense was primarily due to increased
average borrowing levels and to higher interest rates. The increase in
percentage of net sales is due to the dollar increase as noted above and the
decline in net sales.

As a result of the aforementioned factors, loss before income taxes for the six
month period ended September 30, 1996 amounted to $28.2 million or 6.1% of net
sales as compared to a loss of $13.4 million or 2.7% of net sales for the same
period of the prior year.

Income tax benefit was $9.9 million or 2.2% of net sales for the six month
period ended September 30, 1996 as compared to income tax benefit of $4.8
million or 1.0% of net sales for the same period of the prior year. The
effective tax rate decreased to 35.2% from 36.0%.

Loss before extraordinary items for the six month period ended September 30,
1996 amounted to $18.3 million or 3.9% of net sales as compared to a net loss of
$8.6 million or 1.7% of net sales for the same period of the prior year.

Extraordinary loss net of tax benefit was $2.0 million or 0.4% of net sales for
the period ended September 30, 1996. The extraordinary loss included the
write-off of deferred financing fees relating to the previous credit agreement.

Net loss for the six month period ended September 30, 1996 was $20.3 million or
4.3% of net sales as compared to a net loss of $8.6 million or 1.7% of net sales
for the same period of the prior year.

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

LFI's only material asset is the common stock of Levitz and, therefore, its
ability to pay cash dividends, interest and principal is dependent upon
dividends and other payments from Levitz. LFI's ability to obtain cash from
Levitz is restricted by the Senior Secured Facilities, the indentures relating
to Levitz's outstanding indebtedness and Florida law. LFI's only outstanding
obligations are $8.4 million principal amount ($7.3 million accreted value as of
September 30, 1996) of Deferred Debentures which do not require any interest
cash payments until April 1997.

Net cash used in operating activities for the six month period ended September
30, 1996 includes the add-back of depreciation and amortization expense of $13.7
million, plus other non-cash items of $3.0 million, extraordinary loss on the
early redemption of debt of $3.1 million and a decrease in working capital of
$9.2 million. The decrease in working capital excluding income taxes primarily
includes an increase in inventory of $30.5 million and an increase in trade
accounts payable of $23.0 million. The increase in inventory is due to the
decrease in net sales and the change in merchandise assortment. The increase in
trade payables is due to the increase in inventory and longer payment terms with
vendors.

Capital expenditures of $3.3 million during the period ended September 30, 1996
were for maintenance and alterations of existing stores. Management estimates
that approximately $6.0 million to $10.0 million is required annually to
adequately maintain and/or improve its existing warehouse-showrooms and
satellite stores. Levitz does not expect to open any new stores in the current
fiscal year.

The cash provided by investing activities for the six month period ended
September 30, 1995 was primarily due to the sale-leaseback of three
warehouse-showrooms and one satellite store for approximately $22.2 million.

                                       10

<PAGE>

The net cash provided by financing activities for the period ended September 30,
1996 included increased borrowings under the Senior Secured Facilities of $22.5
million reduced by payment of financing fees of $10.3 million and principal
payments under other long-term debt and capital leases of $5.1 million.

On July 1, 1996, Levitz and certain of its wholly owned subsidiaries entered
into new senior secured credit facilities providing for up to $190.0 million of
availability (collectively, the "Senior Secured Facilities"). The Senior Secured
Facilities are secured by substantially all of the assets of Levitz and its
subsidiaries and are comprised of the Tranche A Facility (the "Tranche A
Facility") providing for up to $150.0 million and the Tranche B Facility (the
"Tranche B Facility") providing up to $40.0 million. The proceeds of the Senior
Secured Facilities were used to refinance indebtedness incurred under the Levitz
prior credit agreement, to provide liquidity for working capital needs and for
other general corporate purposes. The Senior Secured Facilities expire on July
1, 2001. Levitz paid financing fees of $10.3 million for the Senior Secured
Facilities.

In addition, LFI issued warrants to Apollo to purchase up to 5,000,000 shares of
Common Stock of LFI at an initial exercise price of $4.125, subject to downward
adjustments if certain targeted stock prices of LFI are not achieved in the
future and other antidilution provisions.

In order to comply with a consensus issued in November 1995 set forth by the
Emerging Issues Task Force in EITF 95-22 regarding classification of certain
debt instruments that include both a requirement for a lock box arrangement and
a subjective acceleration clause, $75.0 million of the borrowings under the
Tranche A Facility have been classified as a current liability. Under the terms
of the Tranche A Facility, however, Levitz will not be required to repay this
amount in the next year. Payment will only be required at the expiration of the
Tranche A Facility on July 1, 2001 or if the borrowing base is reduced below the
amount outstanding. Based on anticipated borrowing base levels, Levitz believes
the amount outstanding will be due and payable in July 2001. See Note 3 of the
consolidated condensed financial statements.

Management has undertaken a number of steps to address the liquidity needs of
LFI and Levitz as well as compliance with the Senior Secured Facilities. Based
upon anticipated cash flow from operations and existing borrowing capacity under
the Senior Secured Facilities, Management believes LFI and Levitz will be able
to meet the covenants contained in the Senior Secured Facilities during the
foreseeable future and has sufficient cash flow to meet current cash needs.
However, compliance with such covenants will be dependent on the successful
accomplishment of management's strategies and Levitz achieving improved
comparable store sales. Actual results could differ from the estimates used to
set these covenants resulting in Levitz's failure to be in compliance with the
Senior Secured Facilities. As of September 30, 1996, Levitz had approximately
$27.4 million of availability under the Senior Secured Facilities.

                                       11

<PAGE>

PART II OTHER INFORMATION:

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

         The Registrant held its annual meeting of stockholders on August 20,
         1996. At the meeting stockholders voted upon the following matters and
         with the following results:

              (i)   The election of Michael Bozic and Henry B. Reiling as Class
                    III Directors of the Registrant with a term expiring at the
                    annual meeting of stockholders in 1999:

                                                  VOTES          VOTES
                                                   FOR          WITHHELD
                                                ---------       --------

                              Mr. Bozic         21,612,276      464,949
                              Mr. Reiling       21,612,276      464,949

              (ii)  The ratification of the appointment of Arthur Andersen LLP
                    as the Registrant's independent accountants for the fiscal
                    year ending March 31, 1997:

                                                                ABSTENTIONS
                                                  VOTES          AND BROKER
                              VOTES FOR          AGAINST          NONVOTES
                              ---------          -------          --------

                              21,984,375          58,684           34,166

              (iii) Amendment to the Registrant's Long-Term Incentive Plan to:
                    (a) increase the number of shares of common stock authorized
                    for issuance thereunder from 1,481,031 to 2,881,031 and (b)
                    limit the maximum number of shares with respect to which
                    stock options or stock appreciation rights may be granted
                    pursuant to the Long-Term Incentive Plan to any participant
                    to 500,000 shares in each fiscal year.

                                                                ABSTENTIONS
                                                  VOTES          AND BROKER
                              VOTES FOR          AGAINST          NONVOTES
                              ---------          -------          --------
                              17,280,947        1,195,968         950,011

Item 5.  On September 11, 1996 Levitz Furniture Corporation entered into an
         Employment Agreement (the "Agreement") with Brian Levy pursuant to
         which Mr. Levy was named President-Store Operations of Levitz. A copy
         of the Agreement is attached to this report as Exhibit 10. Mr. Levy was
         also named President-Store Operations of LFI. Also, on September 11,
         1996 Ronald A. Kaplan resigned as President-Chief Operating Officer of
         Levitz and LFI.

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

               (a)       Exhibit 10:        Employment Agreement by and among
                                            Levitz Furniture Corporation and
                                            Brian Levy, dated as of September
                                            11, 1996.

                         Exhibit 27:         Financial Data Schedule.

               (b)       Reports on Form 8-K:  NONE.

                                       12
<PAGE>


                                   SIGNATURES

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



                                                  LEVITZ FURNITURE INCORPORATED
                                                  -----------------------------
                                                            (Registrant)



Date:  November 8, 1996                            /S/  PATRICK J. NOLAN
                                                   ----------------------------
                                                        Patrick J. Nolan
                                                        Vice President and Chief
                                                           Financial Officer

                                       13
<PAGE>

                                  EXHIBIT INDEX

                              EXHIBITS TO FORM 10-Q


             NUMBER
          EXHIBIT TABLE                           EXHIBIT
          -------------                           -------

               10                      Employment Agreement by and among
                                       Levitz Furniture Corporation and
                                       Brian Levy dated as of September 11,
                                       1996.

               27                      Financial Data Schedule.

                                       14


                                                                     EXHIBIT 10

                                                             SEPTEMBER 11, 1996



Mr. Brian Levy
7408 Baychase Drive
Arlington, Texas  76016

Dear Mr. Levy:

    This letter sets forth the terms of your employment with Levitz (Levitz
being defined for this purpose as Levitz Furniture Corporation or any of its
subsidiaries). You agree to devote your primary working time, skill, attention
and best efforts to the business of Levitz as President of Store Operations of
Levitz at Levitz's Boca Raton, Florida offices or in such other similar
executive position or office as Levitz's Chief Executive Officer may designate.

    In consideration of your services as set forth above, and for other good and
valuable consideration, receipt of which is hereby acknowledged, Levitz hereby
agrees as follows:

    1. BASE SALARY. Your annual base salary will be $250,000 to be paid in
accordance with Levitz's normal payroll procedures.

    2. PERFORMANCE BONUS. You will participate in Levitz's annual performance
bonus program for officers, as that program may be amended from time to time,
with a maximum annual bonus of 50% of your base salary. For the fiscal year
ending March 31, 1997, you will receive a bonus of at least $25,000 from that
program.

    3. SIGNING BONUS. You will receive a signing bonus of $25,000 payable within
three business days after you report for work at Levitz's offices in Boca Raton,
Florida.

    4. STOCK OPTION GRANT. As soon as possible after the date hereof, you will
receive, subject to grant by the Compensation Committee of the Board of
Directors of Levitz Furniture Incorporated (LFI), options to purchase 60,000
shares of the common stock of LFI at an exercise price equal to the average of
the high and low prices of such stock on the New York Stock Exchange on the date
of grant and on the terms as determined by such Compensation Committee. Provided
that all such options shall be exercisable in various increments starting one
year from date of grant, and all such options will be fully exercisable no later
than three years from date of grant.

    In the event that such exercise price is greater than $4-7/8 per share the
Company shall cause additional shares to be issued to you, or make alternative
payment arrangements in order to fairly compensate you for such increase in
exercise price.

    5. RELOCATION EXPENSES. It is understood that you will sell your home in the
Arlington, Texas area. Levitz will reimburse you for the cost of reasonable real
estate commissions, transfer taxes and closing costs and fees as normally paid
by a home seller in that area. Levitz will also pay your household moving
expenses from Arlington, Texas to Boca Raton, Florida in accordance with
Levitz's relocation procedures for officers, which will include reimbursement
for the expense of one house hunting trip of up to three days and the movement
of two personal cars. Levitz will also reimburse you an amount equal to your
regular mortgage payments (principal, interest, property taxes and homeowner's
insurance) on your present house located at 7408 Baychase Drive, Arlington,
Texas 76016 for a period of eight months from the date of this letter or the
date of closing of escrow on such house, whichever comes first.

    Furthermore, if you sell your house for less than its market value, then
Levitz will pay you the difference between the price you sell your house for and
its market value. The market value will be the average of two appraisals of the
house, one appraiser being selected by you and the other by the Company.

                                       15

<PAGE>

    6. SEVERANCE BENEFITS. Levitz shall have the right to terminate your
employment at any time.

         (a) If such termination is for "gross misconduct," then such
termination shall become effective immediately. Levitz shall have only those
rights or obligations which may have accrued prior to such termination. You
shall be entitled to all earned and unpaid salary to the date of termination as
well as all other benefits which may be due you pursuant to and subject to any
of Levitz's health or welfare plans in which you are a participant. "Gross
misconduct" for purposes of this letter shall mean that you have been convicted
of, or have pleaded NOLO CONTENDERE to, a felony, whether or not related to
Levitz's business, or you were guilty of reckless or wilful misconduct in
performance of your duties hereunder. Levitz's right to terminate your
employment shall be in addition to any other rights it may have against you.

         (b) If such termination is for any reason other than "gross
misconduct," your death or disability, you shall be entitled to receive
severance benefits from Levitz as set forth below:

              (i) If such subsection (b) termination occurs within the first 12
months after the date of this letter, you will continue to receive your then
annual salary for a period equal to 24 months less the number of months elapsed
from the date of this letter to the date of such termination. However, any
amounts paid in excess of 12 months of salary are subject to reduction by the
amount of compensation received, in any form, from a successor employer.

              (ii) If such subsection (b) termination occurs more than 12 months
from the date of this letter, Levitz will continue to pay your annual salary for
12 months.

              In the event of a subsection (b) termination, you will also be
entitled to receive your guaranteed bonus or a pro-rata earned but unpaid
performance bonus and you will receive all other benefits which may be due you
pursuant to and subject to the provisions of any Levitz health or welfare plan
in which you are a participant.

         (c) In the event of a subsection (b) termination you may elect to
receive a lump sum payment, in lieu of continuing periodic payments, equal to
the present value of such periodic payments, using a 5% discount rate.

         (d) In the event of a subsection (b) termination you will be deemed to
have an additional three years of age and service for the purposes of the
Company's Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan ("SERP").

     7. CHANGE OF CONTROL. Within 30 days after a Change In Control (as defined
in Exhibit A attached hereto) all your stock options will be exercisable
regardless of the date of grant. If within twelve months after a Change In
Control, (i) your employment is terminated by Levitz for other than "gross
misconduct," death or disability, or (ii) you elect to terminate your employment
within 90 days of the occurrence of a Good Cause Event (as defined on Exhibit A
attached hereto), Levitz will (i) continue to pay your annual salary for a
period of 18 months, (ii) pay you an amount equal to the average of your
performance bonus awarded over the last three years or, if you have been
employed by the Company for less than three years, the average of such bonus
awarded during your term of employment with the Company, (iii) continue your
health and welfare benefits as set forth in paragraph 6 above for such 18 month
period, and (iv) you will be deemed to have an additional three years of age and
service for purposes of the SERP.

     You may elect to receive a lump sum payment, in lieu of continuing periodic
payments payable hereunder, equal to the present value of such periodic payments
using a 5% discount rate.

     Salary benefits paid after a Change in Control are not subject to
mitigation.

                                       16

<PAGE>

     8. DEATH AND DISABILITY. If your employment is terminated pursuant to your
death or disability, neither your estate nor you will be entitled to any
severance benefits except as may be payable pursuant to a Levitz health or
welfare benefit plan in which you are a participant. For purposes of this
letter, "disability" means your inability to perform the services to be rendered
by you hereunder due to illness or injury and such inability continues for a
period of six months in any twelve-month period.

     9. SERP AND LIFE INSURANCE. You will be a participant in the SERP according
to the terms of such plan as described in Levitz Furniture Incorporated's Annual
Report for the year ended March 31, 1996. While you are employed by the Company,
the Company will arrange for and pay the premiums for a life insurance policy on
your life in an amount not less than $300,000. Such policy will be owned by you.

     10. MISCELLANEOUS. This letter contains the entire understanding of you and
Levitz regarding your employment with Levitz. The terms of this letter shall be
governed by the laws of the State of Florida and may be modified except by a
writing signed by both of us.

     If these terms are acceptable to you, please sign below and return one copy
of this letter to me.

                                                   Levitz Furniture Corporation

                                                   By: /s/ MICHAEL BOZIC
                                                       ------------------------
                                                       Michael Bozic
                                                       Chief Executive Officer

Accepted and Agreed to:



/s/ BRIAN LEVY
- -------------------------
Date:  September 11, 1996

                                       17

<TABLE> <S> <C>

<ARTICLE> 5
<LEGEND>
THIS SCHEDULE CONTAINS SUMMARY FINANCIAL INFORMATION EXTRACTED FROM FINANCIAL
STATEMENTS FOR THE PERIOD ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 1996 AND IS QUALIFIED IN ITS
ENTIRETY BY REFERENCE TO SUCH FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.
</LEGEND>
       
<S>                             <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   6-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          MAR-31-1997
<PERIOD-START>                             APR-01-1996
<PERIOD-END>                               SEP-30-1996
<CASH>                                           9,585
<SECURITIES>                                         0
<RECEIVABLES>                                   37,699
<ALLOWANCES>                                         0
<INVENTORY>                                    171,417
<CURRENT-ASSETS>                               226,412
<PP&E>                                         216,889
<DEPRECIATION>                                       0
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                                 621,122
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES>                          271,560
<BONDS>                                        285,651
                                0
                                          0
<COMMON>                                           303
<OTHER-SE>                                    (87,244)
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY>                   621,122
<SALES>                                        465,274
<TOTAL-REVENUES>                               465,274
<CGS>                                          256,840
<TOTAL-COSTS>                                  256,840
<OTHER-EXPENSES>                               209,275
<LOSS-PROVISION>                                     0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                              27,339
<INCOME-PRETAX>                               (28,180)
<INCOME-TAX>                                     9,930
<INCOME-CONTINUING>                           (18,250)
<DISCONTINUED>                                       0
<EXTRAORDINARY>                                (2,002)
<CHANGES>                                            0
<NET-INCOME>                                  (20,252)
<EPS-PRIMARY>                                    (.68)
<EPS-DILUTED>                                        0
        

</TABLE>


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