Back to GetFilings.com

(MARK ONE)

For the quarterly period ended August 30, 2003

or

For the transition period from ____ to ____

Commission File No. 1-8739

Burlington Coat Factory Warehouse Corporation
- ---------------------------------------------------------
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Registrant's telephone number, including area code (609)387-7800

Page 1 of 17

I N D E X

Page 2 of 17

See notes to the condensed consolidated financial statements.

Page 3 of 17

See notes to the condensed consolidated financial statements.

Page 4 of 17

See notes to the condensed consolidated financial statements.

Page 5 of 17

BURLINGTON COAT FACTORY WAREHOUSE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
THREE MONTHS ENDED AUGUST 30, 2003 AND AUGUST 31, 2002 (UNAUDITED)

1.   The condensed consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Burlington Coat Factory Warehouse Corporation and all its subsidiaries on which it has the controlling financial and managerial interest ("the Company"). All subsidiaries are wholly owned except three. The Company maintains a fifty percent interest and a ninety percent interest, respectively, in two separate real estate investments and a seventy-five percent interest in a third investment. The Company maintains managerial and financial control over all three of these subsidiaries. All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated. The accompanying financial statements are unaudited, but in the opinion of management reflect all adjustments (which are of a normal and recurring nature) necessary for a fair presentation of the results of operations for the interim periods. Because the Company's business is seasonal in nature, the operating results for the three months ended August 30, 2003 and the corresponding period ended August 31, 2002 are not necessarily indicative of results for the fiscal year.

2.   Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America have been condensed or omitted. It is suggested that these condensed consolidated financial statements be read in conjunction with the financial statements and notes thereto included in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on August 29, 2003.

3.   Restricted cash consists of $0.4 million of compensating cash balances at two of the Company's banks, $6.2 million pledged as collateral for certain insurance contracts and $2.2 million restricted contractually for the acquisition of a building related to a store operated by the Company.

4.   Merchandise inventories as of August 30, 2003 and May 31, 2003 are valued at the lower of cost, on a First In First Out (FIFO) basis, or market, as determined by the retail inventory method. The Company records its cost of merchandise (net of purchase discounts and vendor allowances), certain merchandise acquisition costs (primarily commissions and import fees), inbound freight, warehouse outbound freight, and freight on internally transferred merchandise in the line item cost of sales in the Company's statement of operations. Costs associated with the Company's warehousing, distribution, buying, and store receiving functions are included in the line items selling and administrative expenses and depreciation expense in the Company's statement of operations. Also included in selling and administrative expenses are payroll and payroll related expenses, occupancy related expenses, advertising expenses, store operating expenses and corporate overhead expenses.

5.   The Company classifies its investments in debt securities into held-to-maturity, available-for-sale or trading categories in accordance with the provisions of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards ("SFAS") No. 115, Accounting For Certain Investments in Debt and Equity Securities. Debt securities are classified as held-to-maturity when the Company has the positive intent and ability to hold the securities to maturity. Held-to-maturity securities are stated at amortized cost. Debt securities not classified as held-to-maturity are classified as trading securities and are carried at fair market value, with unrealized gains and losses included in net income (loss). The Company's investments not classified as held-to-maturity or trading securities are classified as available-for-sale and are carried at fair market value, with unrealized gains and losses, net of tax, reported as a separate component of stockholders' equity. At the balance sheet dates presented, investments con sisted of (in thousands):

During the three months ended August 30, 2003, gross proceeds from the sale of trading securities amounted to $15.3 million. A gain of fifteen thousand dollars was realized on the sale of trading securities.

6.   The Company records revenue at the time of sale and delivery of merchandise. The Company records revenue net of allowances for estimated future returns. The Company accounts for layaway sales and leased department revenue in compliance with Staff Accounting Bulletin ("SAB") No. 101, Revenue Recognition in Financial Statements. Layaway sales are recognized upon delivery of merchandise to the customer. The amount of cash received upon initiation of the layaway is recorded as a deposit liability within other current liabilities.

7.   As of August 30, 2003, the Company had a current deferred tax asset of $27.0 million and a non-current deferred tax asset of $6.2 million. As of May 31, 2003, the Company had a current deferred tax asset of $16.1 million and a non-current deferred tax asset of $6.3 million.

Page 6 of 17

Valuation allowances were not required. Current deferred tax assets consisted primarily of certain operating costs, provisions for uncollectible receivables, certain inventory related costs not currently deductible for tax purposes and tax loss carryforwards. Non-current deferred tax assets consists primarily of store opening costs not currently deductible for tax purposes, offset in part by the excess of tax depreciation over book depreciation.

8.   The Company accounts for intangible assets in compliance with SFAS No. 142, Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets. The Company's intangible assets primarily represent costs incurred to acquire long term store leases. These leasehold purchases are recorded at cost, which approximates fair value, and, in accordance with SFAS No. 142, are amortized over the minimum lease term, which approximates the leasehold's useful life. Amortization of intangibles is included in amortization expense in the Company's Statement of Operations. Intangible assets as of August 30, 2003 and May 31, 2003 are as follows (all amounts in thousands):

Amortization expense amounted to $1.9 million for the three months ended August 30, 2003 and $1.0 million for the three months ended August 31, 2002. Amortization expense for each of the next five fiscal years is estimated to be as follows: fiscal 2005 - $5.2 million; fiscal 2006 - $4.2 million; fiscal 2007 - $3.0 million; fiscal 2008 - $1.8 million; fiscal 2009 - $1.4 million.

9.   Other assets consists primarily of notes receivable.

10.  Other current liabilities primarily consists of sales tax payable, unredeemed store credits and gift certificates, accrued payroll costs, accrued insurance costs, accrued operating expenses, layaway deposits, payroll taxes payable and other miscellaneous items.

11.  During the fourth quarter of fiscal 2001, management approved a plan to relocate several stores during fiscal 2002. At that time, the Company established a reserve of $2.4 million for lease commitments and other expenses to be incurred subsequent to the closing of these stores. During the three months ended August 31, 2002, $0.3 million of payments for rent and other rent related expenses were applied against this reserve. As of May 31, 2003, all costs related to the store closings had been paid.

In May 2003, the Company established a reserve of $0.4 million covering lease obligations of closed stores extending beyond May 31, 2003. Scheduled rent and rent related payments for each of the fiscal years 2004 and 2005 amount to $0.2 million. During the three months ended August 30, 2003, less than $0.1 million of payments were applied against this reserve. At August 30, 2003, the reserve amounted to $0.4 million. The Company believes this reserve is adequate to cover the expected contractual lease and other expenses related to these closings.

12.  Long-term debt consists of:

	August 30, 2003		May 31, 2003
	(in thousands)
Industrial Revenue Bonds, 6.0% due in semi-annual   payments of various amounts from September 1,   2003 to September 1, 2010	$ 7,005		$ 7,005
Promissory Note, non-interest bearing, due in   monthly payments of $17 through January 1, 2012	1,683		1,733
Capital Lease Obligations	26,739		26,767
Subtotal	35,427		35,505
Less Current Portion	(921)		(918)
Long-Term Debt and Obligations Under Capital Leases	$34,506		$34,587

13.  On August 14, 2003, the Board of Directors of the Company declared a cash dividend in the amount of three cents ($.03) per share payable on December 8, 2003 to stockholders of record on November 14, 2003. The Company has recorded a dividend accrual of $1.3 million at August 30, 2003.

14.  The Company presents comprehensive income as a component of stockholders' equity in accordance with SFAS No. 130, Reporting Comprehensive Income. For the three months ended August 30, 2003 and the three months ended August 31, 2002, comprehensive income consisted of net income (loss) and unrealized gains (losses) on available-for-sale investments.

15.  The Company has one reportable segment, operating within the United States. Sales by major product categories are as follows (in thousands):

Page 7 of 17

Apparel includes all clothing items for men, women and children and apparel accessories, such as jewelry, perfumes and watches. Home Products includes linens, home furnishings, gifts, baby furniture and baby furnishings.

16.  The Company records the net of leased department revenues and related costs to other income. Leased department income, included in other income, amounted to $2.0 million for the three month period ended August 30, 2003, compared with $1.8 million for the similar period of a year ago.

17.  Rebates and allowances received from vendors are accounted for in compliance with Emerging Issues Task Force ("EITF") Issue No. 02-16, Accounting by a Customer (including a Reseller) for Certain Consideration Received from a Vendor. The released sections of Issue No. 02-16 specifically address whether a reseller should account for cash consideration received from a vendor as an adjustment of cost of sales, revenue, or as a reduction to a cost incurred by the reseller. The Company adopted the released sections of EITF Issue No. 02-16 effective as of January 1, 2003. Rebates and allowances received from vendors that are dependent on purchases or inventories are recognized as a reduction of cost of goods sold when the related inventory is sold or marked down. Rebates and allowances that are reimbursements of specific expenses are recognized as a reduction of selling and administrative expenses when earned, up to the amount of the incurred cost. Any vendor reimbursement in excess of the related incurred cost is recorded as a reduction of cost of sales. For the three months ended August 30, 2003, the application of EITF No. 02-16 resulted in a $0.3 million reduction in the Company's net loss.

18.  In March 1998, the AICPA issued Statement of Position ("SOP") 98-1, Accounting For the Costs of Computer Software Developed For or Obtained for Internal-Use. The SOP requires the capitalization of certain costs incurred in connection with developing or obtaining software for internal use. The Company capitalized $1.4 million relating to these costs during the three months ended August 30, 2003. For the similar comparative three month period of a year ago, the Company capitalized $0.9 million.

19.  SFAS No. 123, Accounting for Stock Based Compensation, as amended by SFAS No. 148, Accounting for Stock Based Compensation - Transition and Disclosure, an Amendment of FASB Statement No. 123, encourages, but does not require companies to record compensation cost for stock-based employee compensation plans at fair value. The Company has chosen to continue to account for stock-based compensation using the intrinsic method prescribed in Accounting Principles Board ("APB") Opinion No. 25, Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees, and related Interpretations. Accordingly, compensation cost for stock options is measured as the excess, if any, of the quoted market price of the Company's stock at the date of the grant over the amount an employee must pay to acquire the stock. The following table illustrates the effect on net loss and net loss per share for the periods ended August 30, 2003 and August 31, 2002 if the Company had applied the fair value recognit ion provisions of SFAS No. 123 (in thousands, except per share data):

The Company did not issue stock options during fiscal 2003 or the first three months of fiscal 2004. There was no compensation expense related to issuance of stock options during the three months ended August 30, 2003.

20.  The Company accounts for impaired long-lived assets in accordance with SFAS No. 144, Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets. This statement requires that long-lived assets and certain identifiable intangibles to be held and used by an entity be reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. Also, in general, long-lived assets and certain intangibles to be disposed of should be reported at the lower of the carrying amount or fair value less cost to sell. The Company considers historical performance and future estimated results in its evaluation of potential impairment and then compares the carrying amount of the asset to the estimated future cash flows expected to result from the use of the asset. If the carrying amount of the asset exceeds the estimated expected undiscounted future cash flows, the Company measures the amount of the impairment by comparing the carrying amount of the asset to its fair value. The estimation of fair value is generally measured by discounting expected future cash flows at the rate the Company utilizes to evaluate potential investments.

21.  The Company's net advertising costs consist primarily of newspaper and television costs. The production costs of net advertising are charged to expenses as incurred. Net advertising expenses for the three month period ended August 30, 2003 were $11.2 million. For the three month period ended August 31, 2002, net advertising costs amounted to $11.2 million.

22.  Basic and diluted net loss per share is based on the weighted average number of shares outstanding during each period. The amounts used in the calculation of basic and dilutive net loss per share are as follows (unaudited):

Options to purchase 28,420 shares of common stock were outstanding during the first quarter of fiscal 2004, but were not included in the computation of weighted average shares outstanding, assuming dilution, because the options' exercise price is greater than the average market price of common shares and therefore would be antidilutive.

23.  The Company holds no derivative financial instruments which could expose the Company to significant market risk.

24.  Financial instruments that potentially subject the Company to concentrations of credit risk consist principally of cash, cash equivalents and investments. The Company manages the credit risk associated with cash equivalents and investments by investing with high-quality institutions and, by policy, limiting investments only to those which meet prescribed investment guidelines. The Company has a policy of making investments in debt securities with short-term ratings of A-1 (or equivalent) or long-term ratings of A and A-2 (or equivalent). The Company maintains cash accounts that, at times, may exceed federally insured limits. The Company has not experienced any losses from maintaining cash accounts in excess of such limits. Management believes that it is not exposed to any significant risks on its cash and cash equivalent accounts.

25.  On September 30, 2003, the Company and its wholly-owned subsidiary, Burlington Coat Factory Warehouse of New Jersey, Inc., completed the sale of an aggregate of $100 million of Senior Notes to a group of institutional investors. The Notes were issued in two tranches. The Series A Notes aggregate $36 million at an interest rate of 4.06% due September 30, 2010 with an average life of five years. The Series B Notes aggregate $64 million at an interest rate of 4.67% due September 30, 2013 with an average life of seven years. The Company intends to use the proceeds from the sale of the Notes for general corporate purposes and the build-out of additional stores, including associated real estate acquisitions.

26.  Certain reclassifications have been made to the prior year's financial statements to conform to the classifications used in the current year.

Page 8 of 17

27.  a.  In May 2003, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued SFAS No. 150, Accounting for Certain Financial Instruments with Characteristics of both Liabilities and Equity. SFAS No. 150 establishes standards for how an issuer classifies and measures financial instruments that are within the pronouncement's scope as a liability because it embodies an obligation of the issuer. Provisions of this standard are consistent with the current definition of liabilities in FASB Concepts Statement No. 6, "Elements of Financial Statements," while other provisions revise that definition to include certain obligations that a reporting entity can or must settle through issuance of its own equity shares. SFAS No. 150 is effective for financial instruments entered into or modified after May 31, 2003, and otherwise shall be effective at the beginning of the first interim period beginning after June 15, 2003. The Company will adopt this statement in the second quarter of fiscal 2004. The Company does not expect the adoption of SFAS No. 150 to have a material effect on its consolidated financial statements.

     b.  In April 2003, the FASB issued SFAS No. 149, Amendment of Statement 133 on Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities. SFAS No. 149 amends and clarifies financial accounting and reporting for derivative instruments and hedging activities. SFAS No. 149 is effective for contracts entered into or modified after June 30, 2003 and is effective for hedging relationships designated after June 30, 2003. The Company adopted this statement in the first quarter of fiscal 2004 with no material effect on its consolidated financial statements.

     c.  In January of 2003, the FASB issued FIN No. 46, Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities. FIN No. 46 requires the consolidation of entities that cannot finance their activities without the support of other parties and that lack certain characteristics of a controlling interest, such as the ability to make decisions about the entity's activities via voting rights or similar rights. The entity that consolidates the variable interest entity is the primary beneficiary of the entity's activities. FIN No. 46 applies immediately to variable interest entities created after January 31, 2003, and must be applied in the first period beginning after December 15, 2003 for entities in which an enterprise holds a variable interest entity that it acquired before February 1, 2003. The Company does not expect the adoption of FIN No. 46 to have a material effect on its consolidated financial statements.

     d.  In December 2002, the FASB issued SFAS No. 148, Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation - Transition and Disclosure, an Amendment of FASB Statement No. 123. SFAS No. 148 amends FASB No. 123, Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation and Accounting Principles Board ("APB") Opinion No. 28, Interim Financial Reporting. It provides for alternative methods of transition for an entity which voluntarily changes to the fair value based method of accounting for stock-based employee compensation and amends the disclosure requirements of an entity's accounting for stock-based compensation on both an annual and interim financial reporting basis. Certain provisions of FASB No. 148 related to FASB No. 123 and APB No. 28 are effective for reports containing condensed financial statements for interim periods beginning after December 15, 2002. All other provisions of the statement are effective for financial statements for fiscal years ending after Decembe r 15, 2002. The adoption of SFAS No. 148 requires the Company to disclose the effects of its stock based employee compensation in interim financial statements beginning with the first quarter of fiscal 2004. The Company has adopted the disclosure requirements of SFAS No. 148.

Page 9 of 17

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

The Company's consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. The preparation of these financial statements requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. On an on-going basis, management evaluates its estimates and judgments, including those related to revenue returns, bad debts, inventories, income taxes, financing operations, asset impairment, retirement benefits, risk participation agreements, vendor promotional allowances, reserves for closed store and contingencies and litigation. Management bases its estimates and judgments on historical experience and on various other factors that are believed to be reasonable under the circumsta nces, the results of which form the basis for making judgments about the carrying values of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. Actual results may differ from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions.

The Company believes that the following represent its more critical estimates and assumptions used in the preparation of the consolidated financial statements, although the list is not exhaustive:

The Company's inventory is valued at the lower of cost or market using the retail first-in, first-out ("FIFO") inventory method. Under the retail inventory method, the valuation of inventory at cost and resulting gross margin are calculated by applying a calculated cost to retail ratio to the retail value of inventory. The retail inventory method is an averaging method that has been widely used in the retail industry due to its practicality. Additionally, it is recognized that the use of the retail inventory method will result in valuing inventory at the lower of cost or market if markdowns are currently taken as a reduction of the retail value of inventory. Inherent in the retail inventory method calculation are certain significant management judgments and estimates including, merchandise markon, markups, markdowns and shrinkage which significantly impact the ending inventory valuation at cost as well as the resulting gross margin. Management believes that the Company's retail inventory meth od and application of FIFO provides an inventory valuation which approximates cost using a first-in, first-out assumption and results in carrying value at the lower of cost or market. Estimates are used to charge inventory shrinkage for the first three fiscal quarters of the fiscal year. An actual physical inventory is conducted at the end of the fiscal year to calculate actual shrinkage. The Company also estimates its required markdown allowances. If actual market conditions are less favorable than those projected by management, additional markdowns may be required. While the Company makes estimates on the basis of the best information available to it at the time estimates are made, over accruals or under accruals may be uncovered as a result of the physical inventory requiring fourth quarter adjustments.

The Company has risk participation agreements with insurance carriers with respect to workers' compensation and liability insurance. Pursuant to these arrangements, the Company is responsible for paying claims up to designated dollar limits. The amounts included in the Company's costs related to these claims are estimated and can vary based on changes in assumptions or claims experience included in the associated insurance programs.

Page 10 of 17

The Company records reserves for future revenue returns. The reserves are based on current revenue volume and historical claim experience. If claims experience differs from historical levels, revisions in the Company's estimates may be required.

The Company tests for recoverability of long-lived assets whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that its carrying amount may not be recoverable. This includes performing an analysis of anticipated undiscounted future net cash flows of long-lived assets. If the carrying value of the related assets exceeds the undiscounted cash flow, the Company reduces the carrying value to its fair value, which is generally calculated using discounted cash flows. Various factors including future sales growth and profit margins are included in this analysis. To the extent these future projections change, the conclusion regarding impairment may differ from the estimates. Future adverse changes in market conditions or poor operating results of underlying assets could result in losses or an inability to recover the carrying value of the assets that may not be reflected in an asset's current carrying value, thereby possibly requiring an impairment charge in the future.

The Company maintains allowances for doubtful accounts for estimated losses resulting from the inability of its customers to make required payments. If the financial condition of the Company's customers were to deteriorate, resulting in an impairment of their ability to make payments, additional allowances may be required.

The following table sets forth certain items in the condensed consolidated statements of operations as a percentage of net sales for the three month periods ended August 30, 2003 and August 31, 2002.

Page 11 of 17

Net sales increased $23.5 million (4.7%) for the three month period ended August 30, 2003, compared with the similar period a year ago. Comparative store sales decreased 1.6% for the three month period. June comparative store sales decreased 1.8%. July comparative store sales decreased 0.9%. August comparative store sales decreased 2.0%. During the fiscal quarter, eleven new and relocated stores contributed $7.1 million to this year's first quarter sales. Sales from stores operating during the current year's first quarter, but not open in the comparative period a year ago, amounted to $29.7 million. Stores closed prior to this year contributed $5.1 million to last year's sales. Through June 2003, the Company operated seven stores under the name "Decelle." During July 2003, these stores were closed. The Company intends to convert three stores formerly operated as Decelle stores to Burlington Coat Factory Stores and two stores formerly operated as Decelle stores to Cohoes Fashions stores. Two B urlington Coat Factory stores closed during the quarter contributed $0.2 million in sales to last year's sales during their non-comparative period.

Other income (consisting of investment income, rental income from leased departments, and miscellaneous items) was $5.8 million for the three months ended August 30, 2003 and $6.2 million for the three months ended August 31, 2002. For the three month period, decreases in miscellaneous income were offset primarily by increases in rental income. Included in other income were $0.7 million in losses related to disposals of fixed assets for the three months ended August 30, 2003 compared with a net gain of $0.7 million realized on the disposal of fixed assets during the comparative period of a year ago.

Cost of sales increased $10.8 million (3.3%) for the three month period ended August 30, 2003 compared with the similar period a year ago. For the comparative three month period, cost of sales, as a percentage of sales, decreased to 63.5% from 64.4%. This percentage decrease was primarily the result of slightly higher initial markup on purchases in the current fiscal quarter and lower markdown transactions during this year's three month period compared with the similar period of a year ago.

Selling and administrative expenses increased by $10.2 million (5.2%) for the three month period ended August 30, 2003 compared with the similar period a year ago. The increase in selling and administrative expenses was primarily a result of the increased number of stores operating during the three month period compared with the similar period a year ago. In addition, the Company commenced operation of a new warehouse and distribution facility in Edgewater Park, New Jersey during the current year's first fiscal quarter. Operation of this facility added $0.8 million to selling and administrative costs to this year's first quarter. It is expected that for the remainder of fiscal 2004, operation of the new facility will add $7.2 million to selling and administrative expenses. As a percentage of sales, selling and administrative expenses increased to 38.7% for the three months ended August 30, 2003 from 38.5% in the comparative three month period of a year ago. This change was primarily due to comparati ve store sales decreases which increased the occupancy related expenditures as a percentage of sales in the first fiscal quarter of fiscal 2004 compared with the similar period of a year ago.

Depreciation expense was $18.8 million for the three months ended August 30, 2003 compared with $15.9 million for the similar period of fiscal 2003. The increase is due to capital additions made by the Company for new store purchases, improvements, expansions and remodeling over the past two years and to depreciation expense related to the Company's new warehouse and distribution facility.

Amortization of leasehold purchases and other intangible assets amounted to $1.9 million for the three months ended August 30, 2003 compared with $1.0 million for the comparative period of a year ago. The increase is due to amortization of leasehold purchases made subsequent to August 31, 2002.

Interest expense increased $0.3 million to $0.8 million for the three months ended August 30, 2003 compared with the three months ended August 31, 2002. The increase in interest expense is due primarily to interest expense related to the Company's capital leases. Interest expense related to capital leases amounted to $0.6 million during the first fiscal quarter of 2004 compared with $0.3 million for the similar period of a year ago.

Income tax benefit increased to $10.8 million for the three months ended August 30, 2003 from $9.8 million for the similar period of a year ago. The effective tax rates were 38.7% and 37.8% for the three month period ended August 30, 2003 and August 31, 2002, respectively. The increase in the effective tax rate is primarily the result of an increase in the Company's effective state tax rate.

Net loss increased $1.0 million to $17.1 million for the three months ended August 30, 2003 from $16.1 million for the comparative period of a year ago. Loss per share was $0.38 per share for the current fiscal year's first quarter and $0.36 for the comparative three month period of a year ago.

Recently, certain basic or commodity-type merchandise items have experienced deflation in their cost and their corresponding retail price. The Company does not believe this has had a significant impact on its sales volume to date. However, if this trend were to continue and to affect a greater portion of the Company's merchandise without a corresponding decrease in fixed expenses or increase in unit sales, the Company's gross sales and net income could be adversely affected.

Page 12 of 17

The Company's business is seasonal, with its highest sales occurring in the months of September, October, November, December and January of each year. The Company's net income generally reflects the same seasonal pattern as its net sales. In the past, substantially all of the Company's profits have been derived from operations during the months of September, October, November, December and January.

The Company estimates spending approximately $124.1 million in capital expenditures during fiscal 2004 including $105.0 million for store expenditures, $3.4 million for upgrades and expansion of warehouse facilities, and $15.7 million for computer and other equipment expenditures.* For the first three months of fiscal 2004, capital expenditures amounted to approximately $42.8 million.

Working capital was $164.1 million at August 30, 2003 compared with $203.1 million at May 31, 2003. This decrease was due primarily to purchases of property and equipment and to the net loss realized during the three months ended August 30, 2003.

Net cash used in operating activities was $13.8 million for the three months ended August 30, 2003 compared with net cash used of $104.7 million for the three months ended August 31, 2002. The primary use of cash for operating activities during the current three month period was for the purchase of additional inventory. Inventory increases resulted from the stocking of new stores and from the normal seasonal buildup of inventory throughout the chain.

Recently several retail chain stores have filed for protection from creditors under Chapter 11 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code and subsequently have made many of their retail locations available for auction. The Company monitors such activity for desirable locations for its stores. In fiscal 2002, the Company acquired sixteen former Montgomery Ward locations. In fiscal 2003, the Company acquired an additional twelve former Kmart locations and two former Ames locations. Should additional locations become available from these or other retailers, the Company may seek to acquire a number of such locations in one or more transactions. If the Company undertakes such transactions, the Company may seek additional financing to fund acquisition and carry charges (i.e., the cost of rental, maintenance, tax and other obligations associated with such properties from the time of commitment to acquire to the time that such locations can be readied for opening as Company stores) related to these stores.* There can be n o assurances, however, that any additional locations will become available from other retailers or that, if available, the Company will undertake to bid or be successful in bidding for such locations. Furthermore, to the extent that the Company decides to purchase additional store locations, it may be necessary to finance such acquisitions with additional long term borrowings.*

The Board of Directors of the Company declared an annual cash dividend of three ($0.03) per share on August 14, 2003, payable on December 8, 2003 to stockholders of record on November 14, 2003. The Company has recognized a dividend accrual of $1.3 million at August 30, 2003.

From time to time, the Company repurchases shares of its stock. These purchases are reflected as treasury stock in the equity section of the balance sheet. The Company did not repurchase any shares of its stock during fiscal 2003 or the first three months of fiscal 2004. As of August 30, 2003, the Company had authorization to purchase an additional $3.6 million of its stock.

The Company's long term borrowings at August 30, 2003 consists of an industrial development bond of $7.0 million issued by the New Jersey Economic Development Authority (the "Refunding Bonds"), a $1.7 million loan from the Burlington County Board of Chosen Freeholders and capital lease obligations of $26.7 million.

The Refunding Bonds consist of serial and term bonds. The serial bonds aggregate $0.6 million and mature on September 1, 2003. The term bonds consist of two portions, $1.4 million maturing on September 1, 2005 and $5.0 million maturing on September 1, 2010.

* Forward Looking Statement. See Safe Harbor Statement on Page 14.

Page 13 of 17

On December 5, 2001, the Company borrowed $2.0 million from the Burlington County Board of Chosen Freeholders. The proceeds were used for part of the acquisition and development costs of a new warehouse facility in Edgewater Park, New Jersey. The loan is interest-free and matures on January 1, 2012. The loan is to be repaid in monthly installments of $16,667 which began on February 1, 2002.

On September 30, 2003, the Company and its wholly-owned subsidiary, Burlington Coat Factory Warehouse of New Jersey, Inc., completed the sale of an aggregate of $100 million of Senior Notes to a group of institutional investors. The Notes were issued in two tranches. The Series A Notes aggregate $36 million at an interest rate of 4.06% due September 30,2010 with an average life of five years. The Series B Notes aggregate $64 million at an interest rate of 4.67% due September 30, 2013 with an average life of seven years. The Company intends to use the proceeds from the sale of the Notes for general corporate purposes and the build-out of additional stores, including associated real estate acquisitions.

The Company has capital lease obligations relating to two of its stores. The lease terms for these locations extend over twenty-five years and twenty-two years. The original capital lease obligations equaled the present value of the minimum lease payments under the leases and amounted to $27.1 million. At August 30, 2003, the Company's capital lease obligations amounted to $26.7 million.

As of August 30, 2003, the Company had in place a committed four year revolving line of credit agreement in the amount of $100.0 million. The term of the committed revolving line of credit automatically renews for an additional year on its anniversary unless the lender gives notice of its intention to not renew in which case the revolving line of credit will continue until the remaining three year term expires. The Company also has in place an additional $10.0 million in uncommitted lines of credit. The uncommitted lines of credit are cancelable by the lenders at any time. Short term borrowings against the Company's lines of credit bear interest at or below the lending bank's prime rate (4.00% at August 30, 2003). The Company had letter of credit commitments outstanding against the committed line of credit of $31.6 million at August 30, 2003 and $36.1 million as of August 31, 2002. At August 30, 2003, the Company had borrowing under these lines of credit of $53.4 million. Maximum borrowing amounted to $62.9 million during the first quarter of fiscal 2004. For the comparative period of a year ago, the maximum borrowings were $43.5 million. The average borrowing under these credit lines during the first quarter of fiscal 2004 was $33.3 million, at an average interest rate of 1.6%. Average borrowing during the first quarter of fiscal 2003 was $19.3 million at an average interest rate of 2.3%. Borrowings under the Company's lines of credit were necessary during the current year's first three months primarily because of the purchase of inventory during the period and capital expenditure requirements.

In addition, the Company had letter of credit agreements with a bank in the amount of $3.5 million and $5.1 million guaranteeing performance under various leases, insurance contracts and utility agreements at August 30, 2003 and August 31, 2002, respectively.

The Company believes that its current capital expenditures and operating requirements can be satisfied from internally generated funds, from the sale of the $100 million of Senior Notes, from short term borrowings under its revolving credit and term loan agreement as well as uncommitted lines of credit.* Furthermore, to the extent that the Company decides to purchase additional store locations or to undertake unusual transactions such as an acquisition, it may be necessary to finance such acquisitions with additional long term borrowings.*

Statements made in this report that are forward-looking (within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995) are not historical facts and involve a number of risks and uncertainties. Such statements include but are not limited to, proposed store openings and closings, proposed capital expenditures, projected financing requirements, proposed developmental projects, projected sales and earnings, and the Company's ability to maintain selling margins. Among the factors that could cause actual results to differ materially are the following: general economic conditions; consumer demand; consumer preferences; weather patterns; competitive factors, including pricing and promotional activities of major competitors; the availability of desirable store locations on suitable terms; the availability, selection and purchasing of attractive merchandise on favorable terms; import risks; the Company's ability to control costs and expenses; unforeseen computer related problems; any unforeseen material loss or casualty; the effect of inflation; and other factors that may be described in the Company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The Company does not undertake to publicly update or revise its forward-looking statements even if experience or future changes make it clear that any projected results expressed or implied will not be realized.

* Forward Looking Statement. See Safe Harbor Statement this page.

Page 14 of 17

Item 3.   Quantitative and Qualitative Market Risk Disclosures.

The Company holds no derivative financial instruments, which could expose the Company to significant market risk. The Company's primary market risk exposure with regard to financial instruments is to changes in interest rates. Pursuant to the terms of certain revolving credit arrangements, changes in the lenders' prime rate, LIBOR or other stated interest rates could affect the rates at which the Company could borrow funds thereunder. At August 30, 2003, the Company had $53.4 million in borrowings under the lines of credit at an interest rate of 1.6%. This approximates the fair value of the borrowings at August 30, 2003. The table below summarizes the fair value and contract terms of the Company's fixed rate debt and capital lease obligations at August 30, 2003 (in thousands):

Expected Maturity Date of Long-Term Debt and Capital Lease Obligations (Including Current Portion) at August 30, 2003 (unaudited)

Item 4.   Controls and Procedures.

The Company's principal executive officer, Monroe G. Milstein, and the Company's principal financial officer, Robert LaPenta, have reviewed and evaluated the Company's disclosure controls and procedures as of a date within ninety days prior to the filing of this quarterly report on Form 10-Q. Based on their review, these officers have concluded that such disclosure controls and procedures are adequate for the effective recording, processing and summarizing of information for the preparation of this quarterly report on Form 10-Q. Since the date of their evaluation, there have been no significant changes in the Company's internal controls or in other factors that could significantly affect such controls.

Page 15 of 17

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

Page 16 of 17

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.

Date: October 13, 2003

Page 17 of 17