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FORM 10-Q
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D. C. 20549
Quarterly Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d)
of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
For Quarter Ended November 2, 2002
Commission file number 001-13143
BJ'S WHOLESALE CLUB, INC.
(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)
DELAWARE 04-3360747
(State or other jurisdiction of (I.R.S. Employer
incorporation or organization) Identification No.)
One Mercer Road
Natick, Massachusetts 01760
(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code)
(508) 651-7400
(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 by check mark whether the Registrant is an accelerated filer (as
defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes [X] No [ ].
The number of shares of the Registrant's common stock outstanding as of
November 30, 2002: 69,422,173
PART 1. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 1. Financial Statements
BJ'S WHOLESALE CLUB, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
(Unaudited)
Thirteen Weeks Ended
---------------------------------
November 2, November 3,
2002 2001
------------ ------------
(Dollars in Thousands except Per Share Amounts)
Net sales $ 1,375,065 $ 1,238,414
Membership fees and other 33,536 30,437
------------ ------------
Total revenues 1,408,601 1,268,851
------------ ------------
Cost of sales, including buying and occupancy costs 1,266,067 1,131,249
Selling, general and administrative expenses 96,981 84,790
Preopening expenses 4,106 5,525
Provision for store closing costs and impairment losses 22,907 --
------------ ------------
Operating income 18,540 47,287
Interest income (expense), net (238) 739
Gain (loss) on contingent lease obligations 18,933 (105,000)
------------ ------------
Income (loss) before income tax 37,235 (56,974)
Provision (benefit) for income taxes 13,812 (23,510)
------------ ------------
Net income (loss) $ 23,423 $ (33,464)
============ ============
Net income (loss) per common share:
Basic $ 0.34 $ (0.46)
============ ============
Diluted $ 0.33 $ (0.46)
============ ============
Number of common shares for earnings
per share computations:
Basic 69,708,368 72,525,981
Diluted 70,175,129 72,525,981
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.
-2-
BJ'S WHOLESALE CLUB, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
(Unaudited)
Thirty-Nine Weeks Ended
---------------------------------
November 2, November 3,
2002 2001
------------ ------------
(Dollars in Thousands except Per Share Amounts)
Net sales $ 4,088,656 $ 3,649,762
Membership fees and other 97,759 86,832
------------ ------------
Total revenues 4,186,415 3,736,594
------------ ------------
Cost of sales, including buying and occupancy costs 3,748,641 3,333,252
Selling, general and administrative expenses 287,601 253,931
Preopening expenses 10,919 7,997
Provision for store closing costs and impairment losses 22,907 --
------------ ------------
Operating income 116,347 141,414
Interest income, net 179 3,295
Gain (loss) on contingent lease obligations 16,181 (105,000)
------------ ------------
Income before income tax 132,707 39,709
Provision for income taxes 50,331 13,713
------------ ------------
Net income $ 82,376 $ 25,996
============ ============
Net income per common share:
Basic $ 1.17 $ 0.36
============ ============
Diluted $ 1.15 $ 0.35
============ ============
Number of common shares for earnings
per share computations:
Basic 70,651,353 72,710,585
Diluted 71,566,985 74,245,914
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.
-3-
BJ'S WHOLESALE CLUB, INC.
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
November 2, February 2, November 3,
2002 2002 2001
----------- ----------- -----------
(Unaudited) (Unaudited)
(Dollars in Thousands)
ASSETS
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents $ 31,906 $ 87,158 $ 48,308
Accounts receivable 62,175 61,027 56,786
Merchandise inventories 730,054 560,001 667,246
Current deferred income taxes 26,385 27,226 21,607
Prepaid expenses 16,746 17,406 16,586
----------- ----------- -----------
Total current assets 867,266 752,818 810,533
----------- ----------- -----------
Property at cost:
Land and buildings 465,497 449,619 420,067
Leasehold costs and improvements 86,971 74,647 74,358
Furniture, fixtures and equipment 398,794 369,671 351,953
----------- ----------- -----------
951,262 893,937 846,378
Less: accumulated depreciation and amortization 284,574 259,562 255,411
----------- ----------- -----------
666,688 634,375 590,967
----------- ----------- -----------
Property under capital leases -- 3,319 3,319
Less: accumulated amortization -- 2,447 2,406
----------- ----------- -----------
-- 872 913
----------- ----------- -----------
Deferred income taxes -- 12,571 20,874
Other assets 22,883 21,248 21,164
----------- ----------- -----------
Total assets $ 1,556,837 $ 1,421,884 $ 1,444,451
=========== =========== ===========
LIABILITIES
Current liabilities:
Short-term debt $ 93,300 $ -- $ --
Accounts payable 475,964 381,112 472,106
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities 162,568 166,183 144,498
Accrued federal and state income taxes 12,501 33,352 16,717
Obligations under capital leases due within one year -- 285 272
Contingent lease obligations due within one year 33,092 44,068 33,795
----------- ----------- -----------
Total current liabilities 777,425 625,000 667,388
----------- ----------- -----------
Obligations under capital leases, less portion due
within one year -- 1,558 1,632
Contingent lease obligations, less portion
due within one year 16,927 62,142 71,205
Other noncurrent liabilities 65,689 46,617 46,610
Deferred income taxes 3,177 -- --
Commitments and contingencies -- -- --
STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
Preferred stock, par value $.01, authorized 20,000,000 shares,
no shares issued -- -- --
Common stock, par value $.01, authorized 180,000,000
shares, issued 74,410,190 shares 744 744 744
Additional paid-in capital 65,272 68,574 69,010
Retained earnings 813,227 730,851 674,524
Treasury stock, at cost, 5,097,025, 2,816,753 and
2,184,418 shares (185,624) (113,602) (86,662)
----------- ----------- -----------
Total stockholders' equity 693,619 686,567 657,616
----------- ----------- -----------
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity $ 1,556,837 $ 1,421,884 $ 1,444,451
=========== =========== ===========
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.
-4-
BJ'S WHOLESALE CLUB, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(Unaudited)
Thirty-Nine Weeks Ended
----------------------------
November 2, November 3,
2002 2001
--------- ---------
(Dollars in Thousands)
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES
Net income $ 82,376 $ 25,996
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash
provided by operating activities:
(Gain) loss on contingent lease obligations (16,181) 105,000
Provision for store closing costs and asset impairment losses 22,907 --
Depreciation and amortization of property 53,833 45,217
Loss on property disposals 140 315
Other noncash items (net) 201 93
Deferred income taxes 16,589 (42,699)
Tax benefit from exercise of stock options 2,236 17,565
Increase (decrease) in cash due to changes in:
Accounts receivable (1,148) (1,536)
Merchandise inventories (170,053) (171,961)
Prepaid expenses 660 (619)
Other assets (1,807) (7,024)
Accounts payable 94,852 137,046
Accrued expenses 7,037 8,397
Accrued income taxes (20,851) (15,090)
Contingent lease obligations (40,010) --
Other noncurrent liabilities 5,173 2,157
--------- ---------
Net cash provided by operating activities 35,954 102,857
--------- ---------
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES
Property additions (106,799) (123,897)
Proceeds from property disposals 104 2
--------- ---------
Net cash used in investing activities (106,695) (123,895)
--------- ---------
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES
Borrowing of short-term debt 93,300 --
Repayment of capital lease obligations (197) (164)
Proceeds from issuance of common stock 2,850 16,852
Purchase of treasury stock (80,464) (67,734)
--------- ---------
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities 15,489 (51,046)
--------- ---------
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents (55,252) (72,084)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year 87,158 120,392
--------- ---------
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period $ 31,906 $ 48,308
========= =========
Noncash financing and investing activities:
Treasury stock issued for compensation plans $ 8,442 $ 41,012
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.
-5-
BJ'S WHOLESALE CLUB, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
(Unaudited)
Common Stock Additional Treasury Stock Total
----------------------- Paid-in Retained ------------------------ Stockholders'
Shares Amount Capital Earnings Shares Amount Equity
--------- --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
(In Thousands)
Balance, February 3, 2001 74,410 $ 744 $ 75,583 $ 648,528 (1,947) $ (59,940) $ 664,915
Net income -- -- -- 25,996 -- -- 25,996
Issuance of common stock -- -- (6,573) -- 1,249 41,012 34,439
Purchase of treasury stock -- -- -- -- (1,486) (67,734) (67,734)
--------- --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
Balance, November 3, 2001 74,410 $ 744 $ 69,010 $ 674,524 (2,184) $ (86,662) $ 657,616
========= ========= ========= ========= ========= ========= =========
Balance, February 2, 2002 74,410 $ 744 $ 68,574 $ 730,851 (2,817) $(113,602) $ 686,567
Net income -- -- -- 82,376 -- -- 82,376
Issuance of common stock -- -- (3,302) -- 209 8,442 5,140
Purchase of treasury stock -- -- -- -- (2,489) (80,464) (80,464)
--------- --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
Balance, November 2, 2002 74,410 $ 744 $ 65,272 $ 813,227 (5,097) $(185,624) $ 693,619
========= ========= ========= ========= ========= ========= =========
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.
-6-
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
1. The results for the quarter and nine months ended November 2, 2002 are not
necessarily indicative of the results for the full fiscal year or any future
period because, among other things, the Company's business, in common with the
business of retailers generally, is subject to seasonal influences. The
Company's sales and operating income have historically been strongest in the
fourth quarter holiday season and lowest in the first quarter of each fiscal
year.
2. The interim financial statements are unaudited and reflect all normal
recurring adjustments considered necessary by the Company for a fair
presentation of its financial statements in accordance with generally accepted
accounting principles.
3. These interim financial statements should be read in conjunction with the
consolidated financial statements and related notes in the Company's Annual
Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended February 2, 2002.
4. The components of interest income (expense), net were as follows (amounts
in thousands):
Thirteen Weeks Ended Thirty-Nine Weeks Ended
----------------------- -----------------------
Nov. 2, Nov. 3, Nov. 2 Nov. 3,
2002 2001 2002 2001
------- ------- ------- -------
Interest income $ 56 $ 739 $ 525 $3,295
Capitalized interest 155 128 455 384
Interest expense on debt (405) (77) (664) (228)
Interest expense on capital leases (44) (51) (137) (156)
------- ------ ------ -------
Interest income (expense), net $ (238) $ 739 $ 179 $3,295
======= ====== ====== ======
5. The following details the calculation of earnings per share for the periods
presented below (amounts in thousands except per share amounts):
Thirteen Weeks Ended Thirty-Nine Weeks Ended
------------------------ -----------------------
Nov. 2, Nov. 3, Nov. 2, Nov. 3,
2002 2001 2002 2001
------- ------- ------- -------
Net income (loss) $23,423 $ (33,464) $ 82,376 $ 25,996
======= ========= ======== ========
Weighted-average number of common
shares outstanding, used for basic
computation 69,708 72,526 70,651 72,711
Plus: Incremental shares from assumed
exercise of stock options 467 - 916 1,535
------- --------- -------- --------
Weighted-average number of common
and dilutive potential common shares
outstanding 70,175 72,526 71,567 74,246
======= ========= ======== ========
Basic earnings (loss) per share $ 0.34 $ (0.46) $ 1.17 $ 0.36
======= ========= ======== ========
Diluted earnings (loss) per share $ 0.33 $ (0.46) $ 1.15 $ 0.35
======= ========= ======== ========
-7-
Options to purchase the following shares were outstanding at November 2, 2002,
but were not included in the computation of diluted earnings per share because
the options' exercise prices were greater than the average market price of the
common shares for the periods as indicated:
Number Weighted-Average
of Shares Exercise Price
--------- -----------------
Thirteen weeks ended November 2, 2002 3,816,035 $32.22
Thirty-nine weeks ended November 2, 2002 1,630,310 $40.84
The average market price of common shares exceeded the exercise price of all
options for the quarter and nine months ended November 3, 2001. In addition,
options outstanding during the quarter ended November 3, 2001 were not included
in the computation of diluted earnings per share because the Company reported a
loss for the period.
6. During the first nine months of 2002, the Company repurchased 2,488,700
shares of its common stock for $80.5 million, or an average price of $32.33 per
share. On August 19, 2002, the Board of Directors authorized the repurchase of
an additional $100 million of the Company's stock. From the inception of its
repurchase activities in August 1998 through November 2, 2002, the Company has
repurchased a total of $306.5 million of its common stock at an average price of
$31.91 per share. Including the new authorization, the Company's remaining
repurchase authorization was approximately $93.5 million as of November 2, 2002.
7. The following table summarizes year-to-date activity relating to the
Company's obligations for House2Home, Inc. ("House2Home") leases (dollars in
thousands):
Contingent lease obligations, beginning of year $106,210
Interest accretion charges 3,819
Adjustment to liability (20,000)
Cash payments (40,010)
----------
Contingent lease obligations, end of period $ 50,019
========
Based on an evaluation of its remaining obligations precipitated by the
significant progress made in settling liabilities for House2Home leases in the
quarter ended November 2, 2002, the Company recorded a $20.0 million pretax gain
in this year's third quarter to reduce its estimated probable liability related
to its contingent lease obligations. On an after-tax basis, this gain was $12.0
million.
The cash payments referenced above included lump-sum settlements for 20 leases,
including 14 in the third quarter. Four additional House2Home properties (for
which BJ's remains contingently liable) have been assigned to third parties. As
of November 2, 2002, the Company has reserved a total of $50,019,000 associated
with its obligations for the remaining House2Home leases. The Company believes
that the liabilities recorded in the financial statements adequately provide for
these lease obligations. However, there can be no assurance that the Company's
actual liability for its House2Home related obligations will not differ
materially from amounts recorded in the financial statements due to a number of
factors, including future economic factors which may affect the ability to
successfully sublease, assign or otherwise settle liabilities related to the
House2Home properties. The Company considers its maximum undiscounted pretax
exposure for its House2Home contingent lease obligations to be approximately
$88 million at November 2, 2002.
In the quarter ended November 3, 2001, the Company recorded a pretax charge of
$105.0 million to establish its estimated loss associated with 41 House2Home
leases. On an after-tax basis, this charge was $63.0 million. Both BJ's and
House2Home (formerly HomeBase, Inc.) were part of Waban Inc. ("Waban") prior to
1997 and were part of The TJX Companies, Inc. ("TJX") prior to 1989. In
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connection with the spin-off of Waban from TJX in 1989, Waban agreed to
indemnify TJX against any liabilities TJX might incur with respect to these
leases. Pursuant to a subsequent agreement, BJ's agreed to indemnify TJX for
100% of House2Home's lease liabilities guaranteed by TJX through January 31,
2003 and for 50% of any such liabilities thereafter. House2Home filed for
bankruptcy under Chapter 11 of the United States Bankruptcy Code on November 7,
2001. For additional information, refer to BJ's filing on Form 10-K for the
fiscal year ended February 2, 2002 and to Item 2. of this report.
8. The Company recorded a provision for store closing costs and asset impairment
losses of $22.9 million in this year's third quarter. Store closing costs were
$21.1 million ($12.6 million after tax) and asset impairment charges were $1.8
million ($1.1 million after tax) in the quarter.
On October 10, 2002, the Company announced that it would close both of its clubs
in the Columbus, Ohio, market and an older non-prototypical club in North Dade,
Florida. Each of these clubs closed for business on November 9, 2002. Of the
$21.1 million pretax charge for store closing costs, approximately $18.3 million
was related to the Company's lease liabilities for the three closed clubs. Other
store closing costs included $2.2 million for the write-down of long-lived
assets, $.5 million for employee termination benefits and $.1 million for other
exit costs.
Amounts recorded in the third quarter to recognize the Company's liability for
lease obligations were based on the present value of rent liabilities under the
three leases, including estimated real estate taxes and common area maintenance
charges, reduced by estimated income from the subleasing of these properties. A
discount rate of 6% was used to calculate the present value of the obligations.
Payments that the Company makes to settle its lease obligations will reduce
operating cash flows in varying amounts over the remaining terms of the leases,
which extend up to the year 2019. The Company believes that these payments will
not have a material impact on its future financial condition or cash flows and
that the reserves recorded in the financial statements adequately provide for
its obligations. However, there can be no assurance that the Company's actual
liability under the leases will not differ materially from amounts recorded in
the financial statements due to a number of factors, including future economic
factors which may affect the ability to successfully sublease the properties.
The Company may satisfy its lease obligations through lump sum settlements,
which may accelerate future cash outflows. The Company considers its maximum
undiscounted pretax exposure with respect to the leases for the three closed
clubs to be approximately $52 million at November 2, 2002.
Employee termination benefit costs were accrued for 151 employees in the three
closed clubs. No costs were accrued for employees who were expected to transfer
to other clubs.
The operations of the three closed clubs will be presented as discontinued
operations beginning with the fourth quarter. Prior period information will be
recast to conform with the new presentation.
Based on the Company's recent decline in comparable club sales, a review of all
clubs was completed with respect to the proper carrying value for each club's
long lived-assets. The third quarter pretax asset impairment charges of $1.8
million were recorded to write down leasehold improvements and certain fixtures
to fair value at an underperforming club that is currently projected to have
future operating losses. The fair value of the assets was based on past
experience in disposing of similar assets.
9. On June 12, 2002, the Company entered into a new $200 million unsecured
credit agreement with a group of banks which expires June 13, 2005. As of
November 2, 2002, borrowings of $80.0 million were outstanding under the
agreement for short-term working capital uses. The agreement includes a $50
million sub-facility for letters of credit, of which $2.3 million was
outstanding as of November 2, 2002. The Company is required to pay an annual
facility fee which is currently 0.175% of the total commitment. Interest on
borrowings is payable at the Company's option either at (a) the Eurodollar
-9-
rate plus a margin which is currently 0.575% or (b) a rate equal to the higher
of the sum of the Federal Funds Effective Rate plus 0.50% or the agent bank's
prime rate. The Company is also required to pay a usage fee in any calendar
quarter during which the average daily amount of loans and undrawn or
unreimbursed letters of credit outstanding exceeds 33% of the total commitment.
The usage fee, if applicable, would currently be at an annual rate of 0.125% of
the average daily amount of credit used under the facility during the calendar
quarter. The facility fee, Eurodollar margin and usage fee are subject to change
based upon the Company's fixed charge coverage ratio. The agreement contains
covenants which, among other things, include minimum net worth and fixed charge
coverage requirements and a maximum funded debt-to-capital limitation. The
Company is required to comply with these covenants on a quarterly basis. Under
the credit agreement, the Company may pay dividends or repurchase its own stock
in any amount so long as the Company remains in compliance with all other
covenants. On August 13, 2002, the agreement was amended to change the minimum
net worth requirement, thereby providing the Company additional capacity to
repurchase its common stock. The Company was in compliance with the covenants
and other requirements set forth in its credit agreement at November 2, 2002.
In addition to the credit agreement, the Company maintains a separate $50
million facility for letters of credit, primarily to support the purchase of
inventories, of which $12.5 million was outstanding at November 2, 2002, and an
additional $25 million uncommitted credit line for short-term borrowings, of
which $13.3 million was outstanding for short-term working capital uses at
November 2, 2002.
10. Statement of Financial Accounting Standards ("SFAS") No. 143, "Accounting
for Asset Retirement Obligations," addresses financial accounting and reporting
for obligations associated with the retirement of tangible long-lived assets and
the associated asset retirement costs. The Company is in the process of
evaluating the requirements of SFAS No. 143, which becomes effective in 2003.
SFAS No. 144, "Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets,"
became effective at the beginning of 2002. The provisions of this standard were
used to determine the reporting of this year's impairment losses and the
disposal of long-lived assets associated with the closing of three clubs this
year.
SFAS No. 146, "Accounting for Costs Associated with Exit or Disposal
Activities," was issued in June 2002. This statement addresses financial
accounting and reporting for costs associated with exit or disposal activities,
including club closing activities, and becomes effective for exit or disposal
activities that are initiated after December 31, 2002.
Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") Interpretation No. 45 ("FIN 45"),
"Guarantor's Accounting and Disclosure Requirements for Guarantees, Including
Indirect Guarantees of Indebtedness of Others," was issued in November 2002.
This standard addresses accounting and disclosure issues with respect to
guarantees of indebtedness or other liabilities. The Company is currently
evaluating the impact of FIN 45, as it is effective for guarantees issued or
modified after December 31, 2002.
Emerging Issues Task Force Issue No. 02-16, "Accounting by a Reseller for Cash
Consideration Received from a Vendor," addresses how a reseller should account
for cash or other consideration received from a vendor. The Company is currently
evaluating the impact of this standard. The standard is effective for new
arrangements beginning after November 21, 2002 and for periods beginning after
December 15, 2002.
-10-
Item 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results
of Operations
Thirteen Weeks (Third Quarter) and Thirty-Nine Weeks Ended November 2, 2002
versus Thirteen and Thirty-Nine Weeks Ended November 3, 2001.
Results of Operations
Net sales for the third quarter ended November 2, 2002 rose 11.0% to $1.38
billion from $1.24 billion reported in last year's third quarter. Net sales for
the first nine months of the current year totaled $4.09 billion, 12.0% higher
than last year's $3.65 billion in the comparable period. The increase in net
sales in the third quarter was due entirely to new clubs. The increase in the
year-to-date period was due to new clubs and an increase in comparable club
sales. Comparable club sales represented 19% of the total increase in net sales
for the year-to-date period, with new clubs accounting for the remainder of the
increase.
Comparable club sales decreased by 0.1% in the third quarter and increased by
2.3% year-to-date. In determining comparable club information, the Company
includes all clubs that were open for at least 13 months at the beginning of the
period and were in operation during all of both periods being compared. However,
if a club is in the process of closing, it is excluded from comparable clubs.
The Company includes relocated clubs and expansions in comparable clubs.
Third quarter sales were impacted by a generally weaker economic climate.
Comparable store sales were negatively impacted by comparison to last year's
post-September 11 stock-up purchasing as well as increased price deflation this
year in a number of food and general merchandise categories. These factors were
offset to some extent by improved gasoline sales, which benefited from higher
prices per gallon than last year and increased volume, as the Company became
more aggressive in its pricing of gasoline during the quarter in order to drive
incremental business. Total revenues in the third quarter included membership
fees of $29.9 million versus $27.2 million in last year's third quarter.
Year-to-date membership fees were $88.7 million versus $78.2 million last year.
This year's results benefited from increases in the membership fee for Business
and Inner Circle(R) members from $35 to $40, effective January 1, 2001. The
Company expects that membership renewal rates for 2002 will be approximately the
same as last year's renewal rates of 87% for Business members and 83% for Inner
Circle members.
Cost of sales (including buying and occupancy costs) was 92.07% of net sales in
this year's third quarter versus 91.35% in the comparable period last year. For
the first nine months, the cost of sales percentage was 91.68% versus 91.33%
last year. Slightly more than half of the increase in the third quarter's
percentage was attributable to increased occupancy costs, resulting in part from
opening 24 new clubs in the last 15 months. Because new clubs typically start
out with lower sales levels than mature clubs, but still carry certain fixed
costs, their occupancy costs as a percentage of sales are generally higher than
average. Merchandise gross margins were lower than last year's third quarter due
to an unfavorable mix of sales, deflation in some key categories and an
increased proportion of sales of gasoline, which is sold at lower margins than
the remainder of BJ's products. For the nine-month period, occupancy costs
accounted for slightly more than half of the overall increase in the cost of
sales percentage.
Selling, general and administrative ("SG&A") expenses were 7.05% of net sales in
the third quarter versus 6.85% in last year's comparable period. Year-to-date
SG&A expenses were 7.03% of net sales this year versus 6.96% last year. The
third quarter SG&A expense ratio was impacted in general by the large number of
new club openings over the last 15 months. New clubs typically have a higher
than average ratio of SG&A expenses to net sales. The SG&A ratio rose by 20
basis points in the third quarter. This included a 33 basis point decrease in
incentive pay expenses due to lower than planned
-11-
income levels. The remainder of SG&A costs, as a percentage of sales, rose by 53
basis points, due mainly to increases in payroll, medical and worker's
compensation insurance costs, executive separation expense of $1.2 million, and
debit and credit card costs. Total SG&A expenses rose by $12.2 million in the
third quarter and by $33.7 million year-to-date. These increases were due mainly
to an increase in the number of clubs in operation. Payroll and payroll related
benefits accounted for 50% of the increase in the third quarter and 72% of the
increase in the year-to-date period. The amount of the increase due to payroll
and payroll related benefits was lower than usual this year, particularly in the
third quarter, because of the decrease in incentive pay expenses noted
above. Payroll and payroll related benefits accounted for 80.0% of SG&A expenses
in this year's third quarter and 82.3% of SG&A expenses in the first nine months
of this year.
Preopening expenses were $4.1 million in the third quarter this year compared
with $5.5 million in last year's third quarter. Year-to-date preopening expenses
totaled $10.9 million this year versus $8.0 million last year. The Company
opened 12 new clubs in this year's first nine months, including four clubs in
the third quarter. All seven of last year's October year-to-date openings
occurred in the third quarter.
The Company recorded a provision for store closing costs and asset impairment
losses of $22.9 million in this year's third quarter. Store closing costs were
$21.1 million ($12.6 million after tax, or $.18 per diluted share) and asset
impairment charges were $1.8 million ($1.1 million after tax, or $.02 per
diluted share) in the quarter.
On October 10, 2002, the Company announced that it would close both of its clubs
in the Columbus, Ohio, market and an older non-prototypical club in North Dade,
Florida. Each of these clubs closed for business on November 9, 2002. Of the
$21.1 million pretax charge for store closing costs, approximately $18.3 million
was related to the Company's lease liabilities for the three closed clubs. Other
store closing costs included $2.2 million for the write-down of long-lived
assets, $.5 million for employee termination benefits and $.1 million for other
exit costs. The charges recorded in the third quarter for lease obligations were
based on the present value of rent liabilities under the three leases, including
estimated real estate taxes and common area maintenance charges, reduced by
estimated income from the subleasing of these properties. A discount rate of 6%
was used to calculate the present value of the obligations. Employee termination
benefit costs were accrued for 151 employees in the three closed clubs. No costs
were accrued for employees who were expected to transfer to other clubs.
Based on the Company's recent decline in comparable club sales, a review was
completed with respect to the proper carrying value for each club's long
lived-assets. The third quarter asset impairment charges of $1.8 million were
recorded to write down leasehold improvements and certain fixtures to fair value
at an underperforming club that is currently projected to have future operating
losses. The fair value of the assets was based on past experience in disposing
of similar assets.
The Company recorded net interest expense of $.2 million in this year's third
quarter versus net interest income of $.7 million in the comparable period last
year. For the first nine months net interest income was $.2 million compared
with last year's $3.3 million. These decreases in net interest income were due
primarily to lower invested cash balances, net of borrowings, resulting mainly
from slower inventory turns, which resulted in additional seasonal borrowing
requirements this year, and from treasury stock purchases of approximately $109
million and House2Home lease obligation payments of approximately $40 million in
the last twelve months.
The Company recorded a gain on contingent lease obligations of $18.9 million in
this year's third quarter, which consisted of a $20.0 million reduction in
House2Home lease obligations offset by interest accretion charges of $1.1
million. The reduction in the estimated probable liability was based on an
evaluation of the Company's remaining obligations precipitated by the
significant progress made during the third quarter in settling House2Home
leases. This year's gain on contingent lease liabilities
-12-
for the nine-month period consisted of the $20 million third quarter lease
liability reduction, offset by interest accretion charges of $3.8 million. In
the quarter ended November 3, 2001, the Company recorded a pretax charge of
$105.0 million to establish its estimated loss associated with 41 House2Home
leases. Both BJ's and House2Home (formerly HomeBase, Inc.) were part of Waban
Inc. ("Waban") prior to 1997 and were part of The TJX Companies, Inc. ("TJX")
prior to 1989. In connection with the spin-off of Waban from TJX in 1989, Waban
agreed to indemnify TJX against any liabilities TJX might incur with respect to
these leases. Pursuant to a subsequent agreement, BJ's agreed to indemnify TJX
for 100% of House2Home's lease liabilities guaranteed by TJX through January 31,
2003, and for 50% of any such liabilities thereafter. House2Home filed for
bankruptcy under Chapter 11 of the United States Bankruptcy Code on November 7,
2001.
The Company's year-to-date provision for income taxes was 37.9% of pretax income
this year versus 34.5% last year. These rates were affected by this year's costs
related to the closing of three clubs and by House2Home activity, which included
significant gains this year and a large loss last year. Each of these items was
tax effected at an incremental rate of 40%. Excluding these items, the effective
year-to-date tax rates were 38.0% this year (the rate the Company now expects to
report for the full year) and 38.5% last year (which was reduced to 38.3% at the
end of last year).
Net income in this year's third quarter was $23.4 million, or $.33 per diluted
share, versus a net loss of $33.5 million, or $.46 per diluted share, in last
year's third quarter. Net income in this year's first nine months totaled $82.4
million, or $1.15 per diluted share, versus $26.0 million, or $.35 per diluted
share, in last year's comparable period.
Certain factors have contributed to lower operating margins through the first
nine months of the year:
o The Company has opened 24 new clubs in the last 15 months. Sales levels
are typically lower in new clubs, which carry many of the same fixed costs
as mature clubs.
o As a group, sales in last year's twelve new clubs (which all opened in the
second half of the year) are running below plan. Because these clubs have
been in operation for a short time period, the Company does not currently
consider them at risk for impairment of long-lived assets.
o 14 of the last 24 newly opened clubs are located in the Southeast, where
freight costs are higher because the clubs are serviced out of the
Company's cross-dock facility in Burlington, New Jersey. The Company
believes that freight costs for clubs in the Southeast will eventually be
reduced after it opens its new cross-dock facility in Jacksonville,
Florida, which is scheduled to occur next spring.
o Comparable club sales have been impacted by increased competition
(including new BJ's clubs), which is expected to continue in the fourth
quarter of this year and into next year.
Based on prospects that economic uncertainties and weak consumer confidence may
continue to dampen spending, the Company expects that the factors that have
affected its business this year will continue into the fourth quarter and into
next year. For the fourth quarter, the Company expects that comparable club
sales will increase in the range of approximately 0% to 1% and that cost of
sales and SG&A expenses, as a percentage of sales, will continue to be higher
than last year. For next year, the Company expects that its comparable club
sales increase will be in the same range as that projected for this year's
fourth quarter.
The Company is in the process of implementing certain changes to accommodate the
upcoming change in the Uniform Product Code numbering system. The Company
believes that the costs incurred in this implementation will not have a material
effect on its operating results, financial position or cash flows.
The Company has begun testing pharmacies in the four new Atlanta clubs which
opened this year and in three existing Massachusetts clubs, which were
retrofitted for this business. Plans are in place to expand this test to one
additional existing club near the end of this fiscal year and another existing
club in next year's first quarter. Because Atlanta is a new market where BJ's
has no other clubs, very limited name recognition and two entrenched
competitors, the Company also tested a program of free first-year memberships
during the preopening and initial opening periods of the new Atlanta clubs.
-13-
Beginning in the second quarter, the Company rolled out a new BJ's co-branded
MasterCard(R) underwritten by a major financial institution on a non-recourse
basis. Purchases made at BJ's with the co-branded MasterCard will earn a 1.5%
rebate. All other purchases with the BJ's MasterCard will earn rebates of 0.5%
or 1.0%, based on certain factors. Rebates up to $500 per year will be issued in
the form of BJ's Bucks(R) checks redeemable for merchandise at any BJ's club.
The rebates are funded by the underwriting financial institution.
The Company operated 142 clubs on November 2, 2002 versus 125 clubs on November
3, 2001. Three of the clubs in operation at November 2, 2002 closed for business
on November 9, 2002.
Seasonality
The Company's business, in common with the business of retailers generally, is
subject to seasonal influences. The Company's sales and operating income have
historically been strongest in the fourth quarter holiday season and lowest in
the first quarter of each fiscal year.
Recent Accounting Standards
Statement of Financial Accounting Standards ("SFAS") No. 143, "Accounting for
Asset Retirement Obligations," addresses financial accounting and reporting for
obligations associated with the retirement of tangible long-lived assets and the
associated asset retirement costs. The Company is in the process of evaluating
the requirements of SFAS No. 143, which becomes effective in 2003.
SFAS No. 144, "Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets,"
became effective at the beginning of 2002. The provisions of this standard were
used to determine the reporting of this year's impairment losses and the
disposal of long-lived assets associated with the closing of three clubs this
year.
SFAS No. 146, "Accounting for Costs Associated with Exit or Disposal
Activities," was issued in June 2002. This statement addresses financial
accounting and reporting for costs associated with exit or disposal activities,
including club closing activities, and becomes effective for exit or disposal
activities that are initiated after December 31, 2002.
Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") Interpretation No. 45 ("FIN 45"),
"Guarantor's Accounting and Disclosure Requirements for Guarantees, Including
Indirect Guarantees of Indebtedness of Others," was issued in November 2002.
This standard addresses accounting and disclosure issues with respect to
guarantees of indebtedness or other liabilities. The Company is currently
evaluating the impact of FIN 45, as it is effective for guarantees issued or
modified after December 31, 2002.
Emerging Issues Task Force Issue No. 02-16, "Accounting by a Reseller for Cash
Consideration Received from a Vendor," addresses how a reseller should account
for cash or other consideration received from a vendor. The Company is currently
evaluating the impact of this standard. The standard is effective for new
arrangements beginning after November 21, 2002 and for periods beginning after
December 15, 2002.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
Net cash provided by operating activities was $36.0 million in the first nine
months of 2002 versus $102.9 million in last year's comparable period.
Merchandise inventories, net of accounts payable, increased by $75.2 million in
the first nine months of this year versus $34.9 million in last year's
-14-
comparable period. Cash expenditures for contingent lease obligations were $40.0
million higher than last year for the year-to-date period.
Cash expended for property additions was $106.8 million in the first nine months
of 2002 versus $123.9 million in last year's comparable period. The Company
opened eleven new leased clubs and one new owned club, and purchased one
existing club, which was previously leased, in this year's first nine months.
Seven new clubs were opened and the relocation of the Company's cross-dock
facility in Burlington, New Jersey, was completed in last year's first nine
months. At the end of last year's third quarter, another five clubs and one
relocated club were under construction. Five of the twelve new clubs opened last
year were at owned locations. Ten new gas stations were opened in the
year-to-date period this year versus thirteen in last year's comparable period.
The Company's full-year capital expenditures are expected to total approximately
$160 to $165 million in 2002, based on plans to open 13 new clubs and
approximately 13 to 14 gas stations. The Company will own two of the new club
locations opening in 2002 and also plans to spend approximately $20 million in
2002 for clubs that will open in 2003, as well as some initial capital for a
third cross-dock facility scheduled to open in Jacksonville, Florida, in the
spring of 2003. The timing of actual club and gas station openings and the
amount of related expenditures could vary from these estimates due, among other
things, to the complexity of the real estate development process.
During the first nine months of 2002, the Company repurchased 2,488,700 shares
of its common stock for $80.5 million, or an average price of $32.33 per share.
On August 19, 2002, the Board of Directors authorized the repurchase of an
additional $100 million of the Company's stock. From the inception of its
repurchase activities in August 1998 through November 2, 2002, the Company has
repurchased a total of $306.5 million of its common stock at an average price of
$31.91 per share. Including the new authorization, the Company's remaining
repurchase authorization was $93.5 million as of November 2, 2002.
On June 12, 2002, the Company entered into a new $200 million unsecured credit
agreement with a group of banks which expires June 13, 2005. As of November 2,
2002, borrowings of $80.0 million were outstanding under the agreement for
short-term working capital uses. The agreement includes a $50 million
sub-facility for letters of credit, of which $2.3 million was outstanding at
November 2, 2002. The Company is required to pay an annual facility fee which is
currently 0.175% of the total commitment. Interest on borrowings is payable at
the Company's option either at (a) the Eurodollar rate plus a margin which is
currently 0.575% or (b) a rate equal to the higher of the sum of the Federal
Funds Effective Rate plus 0.50% or the agent bank's prime rate. The Company is
also required to pay a usage fee in any calendar quarter during which the
average daily amount of loans and undrawn or unreimbursed letters of credit
outstanding exceeds 33% of the total commitment. The usage fee, if applicable,
would currently be at an annual rate of 0.125% of the average daily amount of
credit used under the facility during the calendar quarter. The facility fee,
Eurodollar margin and usage fee are subject to change based upon the Company's
fixed charge coverage ratio. The agreement contains covenants which, among other
things, include minimum net worth and fixed charge coverage requirements and a
maximum funded debt-to-capital limitation. The Company is required to comply
with these covenants on a quarterly basis. Under the credit agreement, the
Company may pay dividends or repurchase its own stock in any amount so long as
the Company remains in compliance with all other covenants. On August 13, 2002,
the agreement was amended to change the minimum net worth requirement, thereby
providing the Company additional capacity to repurchase its common
-15-
stock. The Company was in compliance with the covenants and other requirements
set forth in its credit agreement at November 2, 2002. BJ's has no credit
triggers that would accelerate the maturity date of debt if borrowings were
outstanding under its credit agreement.
In addition to the credit agreement, the Company maintains a separate $50
million facility for letters of credit, primarily to support the purchase of
inventories, of which $12.5 million was outstanding at November 2, 2002, and an
additional $25 million uncommitted credit line for short-term borrowings, of
which $13.3 million was outstanding for short-term working capital uses at
November 2, 2002.
Increases in inventories from November 3, 2001 to November 2, 2002 were due to
the addition of new clubs. As of November 2, 2002, inventories on a per-club
basis were 1.6% lower than they were one year earlier. Increases in inventories
and accounts payable since February 2, 2002 were due primarily to normal
seasonal requirements and the addition of new clubs. The decrease in the ratio
of accounts payable to merchandise inventories since the end of last year's
third quarter reflects slower inventory turns in newer clubs, particularly those
which opened in the last half of 2001, and a higher proportion of sales of
consumables, which generally carry shorter vendor payment terms.
During the quarter ended November 2, 2002, the Company established reserves for
its liability related to leases for three clubs which closed on November 9,
2002. (See Note 8 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for additional
information.) BJ's recorded liabilities are based on the present value of rent
liabilities under the three leases, including estimated real estate taxes and
common area maintenance charges, reduced by estimated income from the subleasing
of these properties. An annual discount rate of 6% was used to calculate the
present value of these lease obligations. This rate was based on estimated
borrowing rates for the Company that took into consideration the
weighted-average period of time over which these obligations are expected to be
paid.
A considerable amount of judgment was involved in determining BJ's net liability
related to the closed club leases, particularly in estimating potential sublease
income. Based on its knowledge of real estate conditions in the local markets
and its experience in those markets, the Company assumed an average period of
time it would take to sublease the properties and the amount of potential
sublease income for each property. Net payments that the Company makes to settle
its lease obligations will reduce operating cash flows in varying amounts over
the remaining terms of the leases, which expire at various times up to 2019.
Instead of subleasing the properties, the Company may satisfy its obligations
through lump sum settlements, which could result in accelerated cash outflows.
The Company believes payments it will make in connection with these leases will
not have a material effect on its future financial condition or cash flows and
that the liabilities recorded in the balance sheet adequately provide for its
obligations. However, there can be no assurance that the Company's actual
liability under the leases will not vary materially from amounts recorded in the
financial statements due to a number of factors, including future economic
factors which may affect the ability to successfully sublease or assign the
properties. The Company considers its maximum undiscounted pretax exposure with
respect to the leases for the three closed clubs to be approximately $52 million
at November 2, 2002.
During this year's first nine months the Company made payments totaling $40.0
million in connection with its indemnification obligations for House2Home
leases. The payments included lump sum settlements for 20 leases. During the
year-to-date period, four additional House2Home properties (for which BJ's
remains contingently liable) were assigned to third parties. Based on an
evaluation of its remaining obligations precipitated by the progress it has made
in settling House2Home leases, the Company reduced its estimated probable
obligations by recording a $20 million pretax gain in this year's third quarter
income statement. Because the vast majority of House2Home settlements to date
have been made through lump sum payments and because the Company believes that
most of the remaining 17 leases will be settled in the same manner, the Company
has based the determination of its liability as of November 2, 2002 on estimated
lump sum settlements instead of the previous assumption that the properties
would be subleased. An evaluation was made of each remaining
-16-
property and some of the Company's estimates were based on negotiations in
progress. Although the terms of the remaining House2Home leases expire at
various times up to 2016, the Company believes that it can settle its
obligations on a more accelerated schedule than previously assumed, and this is
reflected in the contractual cash obligations table which follows. As of
November 2, 2002, the present value of the Company's obligations for the
remaining House2Home leases totaled $50.0 million, including $33.1 million
classified as current liabilities. The Company may still satisfy its obligations
by subleasing properties, which could change the timing of cash outflows. The
Company believes that remaining payments will not have a material impact on its
future financial condition or cash flows and that the liabilities recorded in
the financial statements adequately provide for its indemnification obligations.
However, there can be no assurance that the Company's actual liability under the
TJX indemnification agreement will not differ materially from amounts recorded
in the financial statements due to a number of factors, including future
economic factors which may affect the ability to successfully settle its
House2Home obligations. The Company considers its maximum undiscounted pretax
exposure for its House2Home contingent lease obligations to be approximately
$88 million at November 2, 2002.
The Company has filed proofs of claim against House2Home, Inc. for claims
arising under certain agreements between BJ's and House2Home in connection with
the Company's spin-off from Waban Inc. in July 1997. These claims arise
primarily from BJ's indemnification of TJX with respect to TJX's guarantee of
House2Home leases and from the Tax Sharing Agreement dated July 28, 1997 between
BJ's and House2Home. BJ's proofs of claim total approximately $70 million. BJ's
intends to amend its claims as it makes future payments for House2Home leases.
House2Home has indicated that it intends to contest at least a portion of BJ's
claims. The Company is unable to determine the amount, if any, of future
recoveries under the claims and, therefore, has not recognized such claims in
its financial statements. In early December 2002, the Official Committee of
Creditors of House2Home, Inc. filed an objection in the United States Bankruptcy
Court, Central District of California, Santa Ana Division, to House2Home's
motion to approve the Disclosure Statement in connection with its bankruptcy
proceeding. In that objection, the creditors' committee stated that discussions
are taking place between the committee and House2Home regarding the
investigation of potential claims that may exist against certain entities
related to House2Home, including BJ's.
The following summarizes the Company's contractual cash obligations as of
November 2, 2002 and the effect these obligations are expected to have on its
liquidity and cash flows in future periods (in thousands):
Short- Contingent Closed
Term Operating Lease Club Lease
Payments Due by Period Total Debt Leases Obligations Obligations
---------------------- ---------- ------- ---------- ----------- -----------
November 2002 to October 2003 $ 227,029 $93,300 $ 96,780 $33,092 $ 3,857
November 2003 to October 2005 214,367 -- 200,389 8,328 5,650
After October 2005 1,265,751 -- 1,248,327 8,599 8,825
---------- ------- ---------- ------- -------
$1,707,147 $93,300 $1,545,496 $50,019 $18,332
========== ======= ========== ======= =======
Cash and cash equivalents totaled $31.9 million as of November 2, 2002 and
borrowings of $93.3 million were outstanding on that date. The Company believes
that its current resources, together with anticipated cash flow from operations,
will be sufficient to finance its operations through the term of its credit
agreement, which expires June 13, 2005. However, the Company may from time to
time seek to obtain additional financing.
-17-
Factors Which Could Affect Future Operating Results
This report contains a number of "forward-looking statements," including
statements regarding membership renewal rates, planned capital expenditures,
planned club, gas station and cross-dock facility openings, effective income tax
rates, freight costs, competition, comparable club sales, cost of sales, SG&A
expenses, lease obligations under the Company's indemnification agreement with
TJX, lease obligations in connection with three closed clubs and other
information with respect to the Company's plans and strategies. Any statements
contained herein that are not statements of historical fact may be deemed to be
forward-looking statements. Without limiting the foregoing, the words
"believes," "anticipates," "plans," "estimates," "expects" and similar
expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. There are a
number of important factors that could cause actual events or the Company's
actual results to differ materially from those indicated by such forward-looking
statements, including, without limitation, economic and weather conditions and
state and local regulation in the Company's markets; competitive conditions; the
Company's success in settling lease obligations under the Company's
indemnification agreement with The TJX Companies, Inc. and in connection with
the closing of three of its own clubs; and events which might cause the
Company's 1997 spin-off from Waban Inc. not to qualify for tax-free treatment.
Each of these and other factors are discussed in more detail in the Company's
Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended February 2, 2002.
Any forward-looking statements represent the Company's estimates only as of the
day this quarterly report was first filed with the Securities and Exchange
Commission and should not be relied upon as representing the Company's estimates
as of any subsequent date. While the Company may elect to update forward-looking
statements at some point in the future, the Company specifically disclaims any
obligation to do so, even if its estimates change.
Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
The Company believes that its potential exposure to market risk as of November
2, 2002 is not material because of the short contractual maturities of its cash
and cash equivalents and bank debt on that date. The Company has not used
derivative financial instruments.
Item 4. Controls and Procedures
(a) Evaluation of disclosure controls and procedures. Based on their
evaluation of the Company's disclosure controls and procedures (as defined
in Rules 13a-14(c) and 15d-14(c) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934)
as of a date within 90 days of the filing date of this Quarterly Report on
Form 10-Q, the Company's chief executive officer and chief financial
officer have concluded that the Company's disclosure controls and
procedures are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed
by the Company in the reports that it files or submits under the Exchange
Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods
specified in the SEC's rules and forms and are operating in an effective
manner.
(b) Changes in internal controls. There were no significant changes in the
Company's internal controls or in other factors that could significantly
affect these controls subsequent to the date of their most recent
evaluation.
-18-
PART II. OTHER INFORMATION
Item 1 - Legal Proceeding
A discussion of the House2Home bankruptcy proceeding appears in Part I of this
Form 10-Q and is incorporated herein by reference.
Item 6 - Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K
(a) Exhibits
10.1 Agreement dated as of September 27, 2002 between the
Company and John J. Nugent.
10.2 Amendment dated as of September 9, 2002 to February
4, 1999 Change of Control Agreement between the
Company and Michael T. Wedge
99.1 Certifications Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as
Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley
Act of 2002.
(b) Reports on Form 8-K
On September 9, 2002, the Company filed a Current Report on Form
8-K, dated September 9, 2002, to report under Item 5 a change in
the Company's chief executive officer.
-19-
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the
Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the
undersigned thereunto duly authorized.
BJ'S WHOLESALE CLUB, INC.
--------------------------------------
(Registrant)
Date: December 17, 2002 /S/ MICHAEL T. WEDGE
---------------------- --------------------------------------
Michael T. Wedge
President and Chief Executive Officer
(Principal Executive Officer)
Date: December 17, 2002 /S/ FRANK D. FORWARD
---------------------- --------------------------------------
Frank D. Forward
Executive Vice President and
Chief Financial Officer
(Principal Financial and
Accounting Officer)
-20-
CERTIFICATIONS
I, Michael T. Wedge, certify that:
1. I have reviewed this quarterly report on Form 10-Q of BJ's Wholesale Club,
Inc.;
2. Based on my knowledge, this quarterly report does not contain any untrue
statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to
make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such
statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by
this quarterly report;
3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial
information included in this quarterly report, fairly present in all
material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash
flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this
quarterly report;
4. The registrant's other certifying officers and I are responsible for
establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined
in Exchange Act Rules 13a-14 and 15d-14) for the registrant and we have:
a) designed such disclosure controls and procedures to ensure that
material information relating to the registrant, including its
consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those
entities, particularly during the period in which this quarterly
report is being prepared;
b) evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant's disclosure controls
and procedures as of a date within 90 days prior to the filing date of
this quarterly report (the "Evaluation Date"); and
c) presented in this quarterly report our conclusions about the
effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures based on our
evaluation as of the Evaluation Date;
5. The registrant's other certifying officers and I have disclosed, based on
our most recent evaluation, to the registrant's auditors and the audit
committee of registrant's board of directors (or persons performing the
equivalent function):
a) all significant deficiencies in the design or operation of internal
controls which could adversely affect the registrant's ability to
record, process, summarize and report financial data and have
identified for the registrant's auditors any material weaknesses in
internal controls; and
b) any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other
employees who have a significant role in the registrant's internal
controls; and
6. The registrant's other certifying officers and I have indicated in this
quarterly report whether or not there were significant changes in internal
controls or in other factors that could significantly affect internal
controls subsequent to the date of our most recent evaluation, including
any corrective actions with regard to significant deficiencies and material
weaknesses.
Dated: December 17, 2002 /S/ MICHAEL T. WEDGE
-----------------------------
Michael T. Wedge
President and Chief Executive Officer
(Principal Executive Officer)
-21-
I, Frank D. Forward, certify that:
1. I have reviewed this quarterly report on Form 10-Q of BJ's Wholesale Club,
Inc.;
2. Based on my knowledge, this quarterly report does not contain any untrue
statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to
make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such
statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by
this quarterly report;
3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial
information included in this quarterly report, fairly present in all
material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash
flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this
quarterly report;
4. The registrant's other certifying officers and I are responsible for
establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined
in Exchange Act Rules 13a-14 and 15d-14) for the registrant and we have:
a) designed such disclosure controls and procedures to ensure that
material information relating to the registrant, including its
consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those
entities, particularly during the period in which this quarterly
report is being prepared;
b) evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant's disclosure controls
and procedures as of a date within 90 days prior to the filing date of
this quarterly report (the "Evaluation Date"); and
c) presented in this quarterly report our conclusions about the
effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures based on our
evaluation as of the Evaluation Date;
5. The registrant's other certifying officers and I have disclosed, based on
our most recent evaluation, to the registrant's auditors and the audit
committee of registrant's board of directors (or persons performing the
equivalent function):
a) all significant deficiencies in the design or operation of internal
controls which could adversely affect the registrant's ability to
record, process, summarize and report financial data and have
identified for the registrant's auditors any material weaknesses in
internal controls; and
b) any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other
employees who have a significant role in the registrant's internal
controls; and
6. The registrant's other certifying officers and I have indicated in this
quarterly report whether or not there were significant changes in internal
controls or in other factors that could significantly affect internal
controls subsequent to the date of our most recent evaluation, including
any corrective actions with regard to significant deficiencies and material
weaknesses.
Dated: December 17, 2002 /S/ FRANK D. FORWARD
------------------------------------
Frank D. Forward
Executive Vice President and
Chief Financial Officer
(Principal Financial Officer)
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