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FORM 10-Q

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549

(Mark One)
[ x ] QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d)
OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934.

For the quarterly period ended: September 30, 2003

OR

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

For the transition period from __________ to __________

Commission File Number: 0-25790

PC Mall, Inc.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

     
Delaware 95-4518700
(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization)
(I.R.S. Employer
Identification Number)

2555 West 190th Street
Torrance, CA 90504
(address of principal executive offices)
(310) 354-5600
(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 [  ]    No [X]

There were 10,806,271 outstanding shares of Common Stock at November 10, 2003.

 


PC MALL, INC.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Page
PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 1. Financial Statements 3

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet

3

Condensed Consolidated Statement of Operations

4

Condensed Consolidated Statement of Stockholder's Equity

5

Condensed Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows 

6

Condensed Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

7
Item 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations 11
Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk 16
Item 4.  Controls and Procedures 16
PART II - OTHER INFORMATION
Item 2. Changes in Securities and Use of Proceeds 17
Item 6. Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K 17
Signature 18

2

 


Table of Contents

PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION

ITEM 1.   FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

PC MALL, INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET
(in thousands, except share data)

 

September 30, 2003

(unaudited)

    December 31, 2002
Assets

Current assets:

Cash and cash equivalents

$

5,823

$

11,422  

Accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts

 71,657

54,747  

Inventories

 61,339

55,235  

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

 3,032

3,038  

  Deferred income taxes

 2,657

   

2,657  

Total current assets    144,508 127,099  
         
Property and equipment, net 9,904 9,214  
Goodwill, net 861 804  
Deferred income taxes    9,578 10,718  
Other assets   1,536     1,525  

$

  166,387

$

149,360 
Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable

$

  58,231  

$

61,865
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities 14,412   14,066
Deferred revenue 11,943   10,532
Line of credit 32,683   17,497
Capital leases - current -   124
  Notes payable - current 1,500       167
Total current liabilities 118,769   104,251
Total liabilities 118,769      104,251   
Stockholders' equity:

Preferred stock, $.001 par value, 5,000,000 shares authorized; none issued and outstanding

-

Common stock, $.001 par value; 30,000,000 shares authorized; 11,097,083 and 10,789,947 shares issued; and 10,802,883 and 10,632,347 shares outstanding, respectively

11 11
Additional paid-in capital 76,874 75,833
Treasury stock at cost: 294,200 and 157,600 shares, respectively (1,015) (556)
  Translation adjustment (11)      
  Retained earnings (accumulated deficit) (28,241)     (30,179)  
      Total stockholders' equity 47,618     45,109    
 

$

166,387

$

149,360  

See condensed notes to consolidated financial statements.

3


Table of Contents

PC MALL, INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
(unaudited, in thousands, except per share data)

                        

Three months ended

      Nine months ended

September 30,

September 30,
2003 2002

2003

2002
Net sales $ 231,996 $ 230,076   $ 685,654 $ 626,524
Cost of goods sold   199,770   205,394     593,861   559,479
Gross profit 32,226 24,682   91,793 67,045

Selling, general and administrative expenses

23,832 22,617 70,952 61,535

Non-cash stock compensation expense relating to selling, general and administrative expenses

181 - 181 -
Advertising, net in 2002 6,785 542 16,751 1,950
Loss on sale of building - -   -    350
Income from operations 1,428 1,523 3,909 3,210
Interest expense, net   313   310   831    708
Income  before income taxes 1,115 1,213 3,078 2,502
Income tax provision   412   449   1,140   926

Income before cumulative effect of change in accounting principle

 703 764 1,938 1,576

Cumulative effect of change in accounting principle

   -          (6,801)
Net income (loss) $ 703   $ 764

$ 1,938   $ (5,225)
 
Earnings (loss) per share:

Income before cumulative effect of change in accounting principle

$ 0.07 $ 0.07 $ 0.18 $ 0.15

Cumulative effect of change in accounting principle

  -   -     -     (0.64)
$ 0.07 $ 0.07

$ 0.18 $ (0.49)
 
Diluted Earnings (loss) per share:

Income before cumulative effect of change in accounting principle

$ 0.06 $ 0.07 $ 0.17 $ 0.14

Cumulative effect of change in accounting principle

   -   -     -   (0.61)
$ 0.06 $ 0.07

$   0.17 $ (0.47)

Basic weighted average number of shares outstanding

  10,640   10,781     10,591   10,630

Diluted weighted average number of common and common equivalent shares outstanding

  11,700   11,096     11,401   11,099

See condensed notes to consolidated financial statements.

4


Table of Contents

PC MALL, INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY

(unaudited, in thousands)

 

Common Stock Additional Paid-in Capital Retained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit) Translation Adjustment Treasury Stock Total
 

 Common Shares

 Issued Outstanding
Balance at December 31, 2002 10,790 10,632   $ 11  $ 75,834 $ (30,179) $ - $ (556) $ 45,109

Stock option exercises

299 299    - 959 - - 959

Stock issuances

8 8 - 32 - - 32

Stock-based compensation

  - 50 - - 50

Translation adjustment

  -  - - (11) (11)

Stock repurchases

(136)   - - - - (459)  (459)

Net Income

    - 1,938 - - 1,938
Balance at December 31, 2003 11,097 10,803   $ 11 $ 76,875 $ 28,241 $ (11) $ (1,015) $ 47,618

See condensed notes to consolidated financial statements.

5


 

PC MALL, INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
(unaudited, in thousands)

       

 For the nine months ended

September 30,

 
2003 2002
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income (loss)

$

1,938  

$

(5,225)

Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash used in operating activities:

     Cumulative effect of change in accounting principle       6,801  

Depreciation and amortization

 3,105 3,391

Provision for deferred income taxes

 1,140 926
     Non-cash stock compensation expense   181     -  
   Gain on sale of fixed assets  (67) -      
     Loss on sale of building    -     350  

Changes in assets and liabilities, net of acquisitions:

Accounts receivable  (18,299) (11,280)
Inventories  (6,104) (3,097)
Prepaid expenses and other current assets  1,396 (417)
Other assets  (15) (429)
Accounts payable  3,198 8,507
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities    190   (1,108)
Deferred revenue  1,410 787
   Total adjustments (13,865) 4,431
Net cash used in operating activities (11,927) (794)
 
Cash flows from investing activities:
Purchase of property and equipment (3,277) (2,492)
  Payments for costs incurred for acquisition of business     -     (10,351)  
  Proceeds from sale of property and equipment     -     1,813   
Net cash used in investing activities (3,277) (11,030)
 
Cash flows from financing activities:
Payments for deferred financing costs (447) (179)
  Increase (decrease) in book overdraft   (6,832)     2,994  
Borrowings under notes payable 2,000
Payments under notes payable (667) (834)
Net borrowings under line of credit  15,186 9,446
Principal payments of obligations under capital leases (124) (328)
  Repurchase of common stock (459)   (120)  
Proceeds from stock issued under stock option plans    959    73
Net cash provided by financing activities   9,616   11,052
 
Effect of foreign currency on cash flow   (11)      
             
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents (5,599) (772)
Cash and cash equivalents:
Beginning of period   11,422     9,972
End of period

$

5,823   $ 9,200

See condensed notes to consolidated financial statements.

6


Table of Contents

PC MALL, INC.
CONDENSED NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(unaudited)

1.       Basis of Presentation 

The consolidated interim financial statements include the accounts of PC Mall, Inc., a Delaware corporation, (formerly IdeaMall, Inc. and Creative Computers, Inc.) and its wholly owned subsidiaries (collectively, the "Company") and have been prepared without audit pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC"). Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles have been condensed or omitted pursuant to such regulations.  These financial statements should be read in conjunction with the audited financial statements and the notes thereto included in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2002. 

In the opinion of management, the accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements contain all adjustments consisting solely of normal recurring items necessary for a fair statement of the financial position of the Company at September 30, 2003 and December 31, 2002 and the results of operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2003 and 2002, and cash flows for the nine months ended September 30, 2003 and 2002.  The results of operations for the interim periods are not necessarily indicative of the results of operations for the full year.

Reclassifications

Certain reclassifications have been made to the 2002 financial statement amounts to conform to the 2003 presentation.

2.       Change in  Accounting Principle and Recent Accounting Pronouncements

In July 2001, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards ("SFAS") No. 142, "Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets," which changes the accounting for goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets from an amortization method to an impairment-only approach. Under SFAS 142, goodwill impairment is deemed to exist if the net book value of a reporting unit exceeds its estimated fair value, including consideration of the Company's market capitalization. This methodology differs from the Company's previous policy, as permitted under accounting standards existing at that time, of using undiscounted cash flows to determine if goodwill is recoverable. The Company's reporting units are generally consistent with the operating segments underlying the segments identified in Note 4 - Segment Information.

In the second quarter of 2002, the Company completed its assessment of the impact of SFAS 142, and, as required by the provisions of SFAS 142, effective January 1, 2002, the Company recorded a one-time, non-cash charge of approximately $6.8 million, net of tax, to reduce the carrying value of its goodwill.  Such charge is reflected as a cumulative effect of a change in accounting principle in the accompanying condensed consolidated statement of operations and statement of cash flows.

The Company has adopted the provisions of SFAS No. 148, "Accounting for Stock Based Compensation -- Transition and Disclosure" ("SFAS 148"), which amends FASB Statement No. 123, "Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation." As permitted by SFAS 148, the Company continues to measure compensation cost in accordance with Accounting Principles Board Opinion No. 25, "Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees" ("APB 25") and related interpretations, but provides pro forma disclosures of net income and earnings per share as if the fair-value method had been applied. See Note 6 - Stock-Based Compensation for related disclosures.

In November 2002, the FASB issued EITF No. 02-16, "Accounting by a Customer (Including a Reseller) for Certain Consideration Received from a Vendor" ("EITF 02-16"). EITF 02-16 requires that consideration received by a customer from a vendor is considered (a) an adjustment of the prices of the vendor's products or services and therefore, characterized as a reduction of cost of sales when recognized in the reseller's statement of operations, (b) an adjustment to a cost incurred by the reseller and, therefore, characterized as a reduction of that cost when recognized in the reseller's statement of operations, or (c) a payment for assets or services delivered to the vendor, and therefore, characterized as revenue when recognized in the reseller's statement of operations. Adoption of EITF 02-16 is required for the Company for new agreements, including modifications of existing agreements, entered into after December 31, 2002.  As a result of the adoption of EITF 02-16, the Company recorded approximately $7.2 million and $17.5 million as a reduction of cost of sales for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2003, respectively.  Of these amounts, $7.1 million and $17.3 million would have previously been netted against advertising expense, respectively, and $0.1 million and $0.2 million against selling, general, and administrative expenses, respectively.
 

In April 2003, the FASB issued SFAS No. 149, "Amendment of Statement 133 on Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities" ("SFAS 149").  This Statement amends and clarifies financial accounting and reporting for derivative instruments, including certain derivative instruments embedded in other contracts (collectively referred to as derivatives) and for hedging activities under SFAS No. 133, "Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities".  The Company does not expect SFAS 149 to have a significant impact on its consolidated financial statements.

 

In May 2003, the FASB issued Statement No. 150, "Accounting for Certain Financial Instruments with Characteristics of Both Liabilities and Equity" ("SFAS 150").  SFAS 150 establishes standards for how an issuer classifies and measures in its statement of financial position certain financial instruments with characteristics of both liabilities and equity.  It requires that an issuer classify a financial instrument that is within its scope as a liability (or an asset in some circumstances) because that financial instrument embodies an obligation of the issuer.  This Statement is effective for financial instruments entered into or modified after May 31, 2003, and otherwise is effective at the beginning of the first interim period beginning after September 15, 2003.  Adoption of SFAS 150 is not expected to materially affect the Company's financial statements.

7


 3.      Net income (loss) per share

Basic Earnings Per Share ("EPS") excludes dilution and is computed by dividing net income by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the reported periods.  Diluted EPS reflects the potential dilution that could occur under the treasury stock method if stock options and other commitments to issue common stock were exercised. The computation of Basic and Diluted EPS is as follows (in thousands, except per share data):

 

Three Months Ended

Nine months Ended

September 30,

September 30,

2003 2002 2003 2002

Income before cumulative effect of change in accounting principle

$ 703      $ 764       $ 1,938      $ 1,576  

Cumulative effect of change in accounting principle

   -   -    -    (6,801) 
Net income (loss) $ 703  $ 764  

$ 1,938  $ (5,225) 

Weighted average shares - Basic  10,640  10,781   10,591  10,630  

Effect of dilutive stock options and warrants

  1,060    315     810    469  

Weighted average shares - Diluted

    11,700    11,096     11,401    11,099  

Earnings (loss) per share - Basic

                               

Income before cumulative effect of change in accounting principle

$ 0.07      $ 0.07       $  0.18      $ 0.15  

Cumulative effect of change in accounting principle

    -         -           -        (0.64)   
Earnings (loss) per share - Basic   $ 0.07  $ 0.07  

$   0.18  $ (0.49)   
                             

Earnings (loss) per share - Diluted

                             

Income before cumulative effect of change in accounting principle

$ 0.06       $ 0.07       $   0.17      $ 0.14    

Cumulative effect of change in accounting principle

    -          -         -         (0.61)   
Earnings (loss) per share - Diluted   $  0.06   $ 0.07  

  0.17  $ (0.47) 

8


4.       Segment Information

The Company operates in three reportable segments: 1) a rapid response supplier of technology solutions for business, government and educational institutions as well as consumers, comprised of Corporate, Public Sector, Inbound Catalog and other sales, collectively referred to as the "Core Business", 2) a multi-category Internet retailer of new, refurbished and close-out products under the eCOST.com brand, and 3) an online marketplace/auction business under the OnSale.com brand.  Beginning in the first quarter of 2003, the Company integrated its eLinux segment into the Core Business segment.  The OnSale.com segment, which was previously reported as part of the Core Business, was established as a new segment beginning in the third quarter of 2003, and prior period amounts have been adjusted to reflect the new presentation.  The Company allocates resources to and evaluates the performance of its segments based on operating income.  Corporate expenses are included in the Company's measure of segment operating income for management reporting purposes.

Summarized segment information for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2003 and 2002 is as follows (in thousands):

Three months ended September 30, 2003

 

Core Business(1)

 

eCOST.com

 

OnSale.com   Consolidated
Net sales $ 206,437   $ 25,551   $ 8 $ 231,996  
Gross profit 29,260   2,958   8 32,226  
Income from operations 1,435   315   (322) 1,428  

Three months ended September 30, 2002

 

Core Business(2)

    eCOST.com   OnSale.com   Consolidated
Net sales $ 206,806   $ 23,270   $ $ 230,076  
Gross profit 22,646   2,036   24,682  
Income from operations 1,200   408   (85) 1,523  

Nine months ended September 30, 2003

 

Core Business(1)

    eCOST.com   OnSale.com   Consolidated
Net sales $ 612,219    $ 73,427   $ 8 $ 685,654  
Gross profit 83,256    8,529   8 91,793  
Income from operations 3,960    680   (731)

3,909  

Nine months ended September 30, 2002

 

Core Business(2)     eCOST.com   OnSale.com   Consolidated
Net sales $ 560,200   $ 66,324   $  -  $ 626,524  
Gross profit 61,109   5,936   67,045  
Income from operations 2,710   636   (136) 3,210  
   
 

(1) The results of ClubMac and Wareforce are included in the Core Business segment for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2003.  See Note 5 for a description of the ClubMac and Wareforce Acquisitions.  The Core Business segment also includes the Company's eLinux operations, which was previously reported as a separate segment.

 

(2) The results of ClubMac and Wareforce are included in the Core Business segment for the three months ended September 30, 2002, as the acquisition of ClubMac occurred in April 2002 and the acquisition of Wareforce occurred in July 2002.  As such, the nine months ended September 30, 2002 includes results of Clubmac and Wareforce only from their respective acquisition dates.  See Note 5 for a description of the ClubMac and Wareforce Acquisitions.

5.       Acquisitions

In July 2002, the Company completed the acquisition of substantially all of the assets of Wareforce, Inc. ("Wareforce") through a United States Bankruptcy proceeding under Chapter 11 of the United States Bankruptcy Code.  The Company paid initial consideration in the amount of $9.0 million to Wareforce's creditors and $0.4 million directly to Wareforce on the closing date in exchange for trade accounts receivable and inventory with an initial valuation of $10.9 million as well as all fixed and intangible assets.  In connection with these payments, the Company drew on its line of credit.  The Company paid to Wareforce $0.8 million as additional contractual consideration in September 2002.  In connection with the acquisition, the Company hired substantially all of the sales and sales support employees of Wareforce, and recorded $0.3 million of definite-lived intangible assets with amortizable lives of five to six years.   The Company considers Wareforce to be a part of the Core Business segment.

In April 2002, the Company acquired substantially all of the assets of Pacific Business Systems, Inc. ("PBS"), a privately held direct marketer of computer products to business and consumer customers under the ClubMac and PBS brands. Under the terms of the asset purchase agreement, the Company acquired PBS' customer database, accounts receivable, inventory, certain fixed assets and certain intellectual property and has assumed certain liabilities equal to the negotiated values of acquired accounts receivable and inventory. In addition to certain liabilities assumed, the Company issued 300,000 shares of its common stock valued at $1.3 million to PBS and agreed to a capped three year earn-out, whereby additional consideration may be paid to PBS based on the future results of the acquired business.  As a result of the acquisition, the Company recorded $0.8 mililon of goodwill, and $0.2 million of definite-lived intangible assets with amortizable lives between three and six years.  Through September 30, 2003 the Company estimated additional purchase price consideration of approximately $0.1 million resulting from the earn-out.  The Company operates the acquired business as ClubMac, and considers this business to be a part of the Core Business segment.

The following table presents unaudited pro forma information as if the acquired businesses had been combined with the Company at the beginning of the period presented (in thousands, except per share amounts).  The unaudited pro forma information is not necessarily indicative of future combined operating results.  The actual results for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2003 and the three months ended September 30, 2002 are included in the Company's Condensed Consolidated Statement of Operations.

 

Nine months ended

 

September 30,
  2002

Net sales

$ 677,448

Income before cumulative effect of change in accounting principle

$  1,126

Cumulative effect of change in accounting principle

  (6,801)
Net income/(loss) $ (5,675)
     
Weighted average shares - Basic   10,630

Weighted average shares - Diluted

  11,099

Earnings (loss) per share - Basic

   

Income before cumulative effect of change in accounting principle

$ 0.11 

Cumulative effect of change in accounting principle

  (0.64)
Earnings (loss) per share - Basic $ (0.53)

 

   
Earnings (loss) per share - Diluted    

Income before cumulative effect of change in accounting principle

$ 0.10

Cumulative effect of change in accounting principle

  (0.61)

Earnings (loss) per share - Diluted

$ (0.51)

9


6.           Stock-Based Compensation

The Company accounts for its stock option plans using the intrinsic value-based method of accounting prescribed by Accounting Principles Board Opinion No. 25, "Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees," ("APB 25") and related interpretations.  Under this method, compensation expense is recorded on the date of grant only if the current market price of the underlying common stock exceeded the exercise price.  Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 123, "Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation" ("SFAS 123") established accounting and disclosure requirements using a fair value-based method for stock option plans.  As allowed by SFAS 123, the Company continues to apply the intrinsic value-based method of accounting, and has adopted the disclosure requirements of SFAS 123.  Accordingly, the Company does not record compensation expense on issuance of stock options to employees, as all options issued to employees to date were granted at the then-current market value at the date of grant.

In June 2003, the Company issued a warrant to purchase 30,000 shares of the Company's common stock to a consulting firm for investor and public relations services. The warrant was issued at an exercise price of $3.99 with a five-year term, and vests monthly over a one year period from the date of grant. The Company valued the warrant at fair value (in accordance with FASB Statement No. 123, "Accounting for Stock Based Compensation") based on a Black-Scholes fair value calculation. The warrant was valued at the date of grant and will be re-measured at fair value at each subsequent reporting period, and changes in value will be recorded over the twelve month performance period of the warrant. The Company recorded an expense of approximately $0.2 million for the third quarter of 2003 in connection with the issuance of this warrant.

Had compensation cost on all grants been determined consistent with SFAS 123, the Company's net income and earnings per share would have been reduced to the pro forma amounts shown below (in thousands, except per share amounts). 

Three months ended

Nine months ended

September 30,

September 30,

2003

2002

2003

2002

Income before cumulative effect of change in accounting principle

$ 703  $ 764  $ 1,938  $ 1,576 

Cumulative effect of change in accounting principle

- (6,801)

Net income (loss) (as reported)

  703    764    1,938    (5,225)

Total stock-based compensation expense determined under fair value based method for all awards, net of related tax effects

(201)  (259)  (709)  (657) 

Pro forma net income (loss)

$ 502  $ 505  $ 1,229  $ (5,882) 

Basic earnings (loss) per share (as reported)

$ 0.07  $ 0.07  $ 0.18  $ (0.49) 

Basic earnings (loss) per share (pro forma)

$ 0.05  $ 0.05  $ 0.12  $ (0.55) 

Diluted earnings (loss) per share (as reported)

$ 0.06  $ 0.07  $ 0.17  $ (0.47) 

Diluted earnings (loss) per share (pro forma)

$ 0.04  $ 0.05  $ 0.11  $ (0.53) 
                     

The fair value of each stock option grant has been estimated pursuant to SFAS 123 on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option pricing model with the following weighted average assumptions presented in the table for the respective periods:

Three months ended

Nine months ended

September 30,

September 30,

2003

2002

2003

2002

Risk free interest rates

  3.74%     3.50%   3.55%     3.93%

Expected dividend yield

  None     None   None     None

Expected lives

  7 years     7 years   7 years     7 years

Expected volatility

  131%     129%   129%     129%

 

10


Table of Contents

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

Overview and Recent Developments

 

PC Mall, Inc. ("PC Mall"), formerly IdeaMall, Inc. and Creative Computers, Inc., together with its subsidiaries ("the Company"), founded in 1987, is a rapid response direct marketer of computer hardware, software, peripheral and electronics products. The Company offers products to business, government and educational institutions as well as individual consumers through direct marketing techniques, direct response catalogs, dedicated inbound and outbound telemarketing sales executives, the Internet, a direct sales force, and three retail showrooms.  The Company offers a broad selection of products through its distinctive full-color catalogs under the PC Mall, MacMall, ClubMac, PC Mall Gov, and eCOST.com brands, its worldwide Web sites on the Internet: pcmall.com, macmall.com, clubmac.com, pcmallgov.com, and ecost.com, and other promotional materials.  The Company believes that its rapid response service and its broad product selection result in customer loyalty and repeat customer orders.  The Company also operates OnSale.com, an online marketplace and auction, which was formally launched in October 2003.

 

In September 1997, PC Mall formed a wholly-owned subsidiary, uBid, Inc. ("uBid"), to sell computer-related products and consumer electronics through an auction format on the Internet. On December 9, 1998, uBid completed an initial public offering of 1,817,000 shares of its Common Stock.  Upon completion of this offering, PC Mall owned 80.1% of the outstanding Common Stock of uBid.  On June 7, 1999, PC Mall divested its ownership in uBid by means of a tax-free distribution of all of its remaining 7.3 million shares of uBid Common Stock to PC Mall's stockholders of record as of May 24, 1999.  In April 2000, uBid was acquired by CMGI.

 

In February 1999, PC Mall formed eCOST.com as a wholly-owned subsidiary.  eCOST.com is a multi-category Internet retailer of new, refurbished, and close-out computer products, consumer electronics, digital imaging products, home and houseware products, watches and jewelry, and other products.  eCOST.com offers a broad selection of name-brand products, most of which are sold at competitive prices plus itemized fees for processing and shipping the order.

 

During 2000, the Company shifted its strategy to focus primarily on its outbound telemarketing operations.  Accordingly, the Company changed its operating strategy for eCOST.com, emphasizing profitability over growth.

 

During 2002, the Company completed two acquisitions.  In April 2002, the Company acquired substantially all of the assets of Pacific Business Systems, Inc. ("PBS"), a privately held direct marketer of computer products to businesses and consumer customers under the ClubMac and PBS brands.  The Company operates the acquired business as ClubMac.  In July 2002, the Company completed the acquisition of substantially all of the assets of Wareforce, Inc. ("Wareforce") through a United States Bankruptcy proceeding under Chapter 11 of the United States Bankruptcy Code.  The Company considers ClubMac and Wareforce to be part of its Core Business segment.  Also during 2002, PC Mall formed a new subsidiary, PC Mall Gov, Inc., to focus on the public sector market, and hired an experienced public sector technology sales executive to lead the entity's operations.

 

In June 2002, the Company formed Onsale, Inc. as a wholly-owned subsidiary.  The Company acquired the URL and software that operated the original OnSale.com website through bankruptcy proceedings of Egghead in December 2002.  In October 2003, the Company formally launched OnSale.com, an online marketplace including auction.  The OnSale.com website has been rebuilt on a technology platform using the latest .NET solutions.  As OnSale.com is a marketplace service, and is not itself a seller of the products sold on its website, the Company believes that in the short-term, revenue through OnSale.com will be very limited.

 

The Company operates in three reportable segments: 1) a rapid response supplier of technology solutions for business, government and educational institutions as well as consumers, comprised of Corporate, Public Sector, Inbound Catalog and other sales, collectively referred to as the "Core Business", 2) a multi-category Internet retailer of new, refurbished and close-out products under the eCOST.com brand, and 3) an online marketplace/auction business under the OnSale.com brand.  Beginning in the first quarter of 2003, the Company integrated its eLinux segment into the Core Business segment.  The Onsale segment, which was previously reported as part of the Core Business, was established as a new segment beginning in the third quarter of 2003, and prior period amounts have been restated to reflect the new presentation.  The Company allocates resources to and evaluates the performance of its segments based on operating income.  Corporate expenses are included in the Company's measure of segment operating income for management reporting purposes.

 

Critical Accounting Policies

The Company has identified the following as its critical accounting policies:

Revenue Recognition.  Net sales include product sales and gross outbound shipping charges, net of returns and allowances.  The Company recognizes revenue from product sales, net of discounts, coupon redemption and estimated sales returns, when title to products sold has transferred to the customer, generally upon the receipt of products by the customer.  The Company offers a limited return policy on selected items based on manufacturer return policies, and provides an allowance for sales returns based on historical experience.  For all product sales shipped directly from suppliers to customers, the Company takes title to the products sold upon shipment, bears credit risk, and bears inventory risk for returned products that are not successfully returned to suppliers; therefore, these revenues are recognized at gross sales amounts.  The Company recognizes revenue from sales of extended warranties and certain software license products, for which the Company is not the primary obligor, on a net basis, with no corresponding cost of goods sold.

Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Receivable.  The Company maintains an allowance for doubtful accounts receivable based upon estimates of future collection.  The Company extends credit to its customers based upon an evaluation of each customer's financial condition and credit history, and generally does not require collateral.  The Company continually evaluates its customers' financial condition and credit history in determining the adequacy of its allowance for doubtful accounts.  The Company also maintains an allowance for uncollectible vendor receivables which arise from vendor rebate programs, price protections and other promotions.  The Company determines the adequacy of the vendor receivable allowance based upon various factors, including payment history.  Should actual collections of customer and vendor receivables differ from the Company's estimates, adjustments to the provision for losses on accounts receivable and the related allowances for doubtful accounts would be necessary.

Reserve for Inventory Obsolescence.  The Company maintains allowances for the valuation of its inventory by estimating the obsolete or unmarketable inventory based on the difference between inventory cost and market value determined by general market conditions, nature, age and type of each product.  The Company continually evaluates the adequacy of its inventory reserve.

Deferred Catalog Advertising Revenue and Costs.  The Company produces and circulates catalogs at various dates throughout the year and receives market development funds and co-op advertising funds from vendors included in each catalog.  Pursuant to Statement of Position ("SOP") 97-13, the costs of developing, producing and circulating each catalog are deferred and charged to advertising expense ratably over the life of the catalog based on the revenue generated from each catalog, approximately eight weeks.  Pursuant to the adoption of EITF 02-16, the related catalog market development funds and co-op advertising funds are deferred and recognized as an offset to cost of sales at a rate consistent with the recognition of the advertising costs, which approximates the rate of product sales included in the catalog.  Deferred advertising revenue is included in accrued expenses and other current liabilities, and deferred advertising costs are included in prepaid expenses and other current assets.

Impairment of Long Lived Assets.  The Company reviews property and equipment and intangible assets for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate the carrying value of an asset may not be recoverable.  The Company's asset impairment review assesses the fair value of the assets based on the future cash flows the assets are expected to generate.  An impairment loss is recognized when estimated undiscounted future cash flows expected to result from the use of the asset plus net proceeds expected from disposition of the asset (if any) are less than the carrying value of the asset.  The Company's estimates include projections of future market growth, forecasted revenue and costs and expected periods the assets will be utilized.

The Company assesses whether goodwill is impaired on an annual basis.  Upon determining the existence of goodwill impairment, the Company measures that impairment based on the amount by which the book value of goodwill exceeds its implied fair value which includes consideration of the Company's market capitalization.  The implied fair value of goodwill is determined by deducting the fair value of a reporting unit's identifiable assets and liabilities from the fair value of the reporting unit as a whole.  Additional impairment assessments may be performed on an interim basis if the Company encounters events or changes in circumstances that would indicate that, more likely than not, the book value of goodwill has been impaired.

Deferred Tax Assets.  The Company's financial position at September 30, 2003 includes short and long-term deferred tax assets.  It is the policy of the Company to record quarterly tax provisions based on financial results for the quarter and apply such provision against the long term portion of the deferred tax asset, until such time as the asset is fully utilized.  A periodic review of the recoverability of these assets is performed based on estimates of present and future Company performance, the likelihood that such assets could be applied against future income for income tax reporting purposes, and the remaining term and nature of each class of deferred tax asset.  Upon determination that these deferred tax assets are, or would likely become unrecoverable, a valuation reserve would be recorded against the deferred tax asset to report it at its recoverable value.

There has been no material change in the policies used in the preparation of the Company's financial statements since the filing of the Company's Annual Report, except for adoption of EITF 02-16 effective on January 1, 2003 as described in "Change in Accounting Principle and Recent Accounting Pronouncements" below. 

Results of Operations

Three Months Ended September 30, 2003 Compared to the Three Months Ended September 30, 2002

Consolidated net sales for the quarter ended September 30, 2003 were $232.0 million, an increase of $1.9 million, or a 1% increase over last year's third quarter net sales of $230.1 million.  Core Business sales for the quarter were $206.4 million, a decrease of $0.4 million over the prior year's third quarter.  This was primarily due to a decline in Inbound Catalog sales of 30% from the third quarter of 2002 resulting from a higher than normal level of unfulfilled backorders of recently introduced products and weak consumer demand, partially offset by a 24% increase in Corporate sales.  eCOST.com sales for the quarter were $25.6 million, an increase of $2.3 million, or 10% over the prior year's third quarter.  For the quarter ended September 30, 2003, sales of HP and Apple products represented 23% and 19% of consolidated net sales, compared to 21% and 22%, respectively, in the prior year's comparable period.  OnSale.com sales for the third quarter of 2003 were insignificant, and have no meaningful comparison to prior year's quarter, as the company is in its first year of operations.

Consolidated gross profit was $32.2 million for the three months ended September 30, 2003, an increase of $7.5 million, or 31%, over the prior year's comparable quarter.  For the Core Business, gross profit was $29.3 million, an increase of $6.6 million, or 29% over the prior year's third quarter gross profit.  For eCOST.com, gross profit for the third quarter of 2003 was $3.0 million, an increase of $0.9 million, or 45% from the prior year's third quarter.  The adoption of EITF 02-16, which resulted in the recording of certain types of consideration received from vendors against cost of sales, was responsible for $7.2 million of the increase in consolidated gross profit.  The remaining $0.3 million of the increase in gross profit was due primarily to an increase in gross margin.  For the Core Business and eCOST.com segments, the adoption of EITF 02-16 was responsible for $6.2 million and $1.0 million of the increase in gross profit, respectively.  As a percentage of net sales, consolidated gross profit for the three months ended September 30, 2003 increased to 13.9% compared with 10.7% in the prior year.  For the Core Business, gross profit as a percentage of net sales increased to 14.2% compared with 11.0% in the prior year's third quarter.  Gross profit as a percentage of net sales for eCOST.com increased to 11.6% from 8.7% in the prior year's third quarter.  The adoption of EITF 02-16 was responsible for 311 basis points of the increase of consolidated gross profit as a percentage of sales.  For the Core Business and eCOST.com segments, the adoption of EITF 02-16 was responsible for increasing gross profit as a percentage of sales by 300 and 400 basis points, respectively.  The Company's gross profit percentage may vary from quarter to quarter, depending on the continuation of key vendor support programs, including price protections, rebates and return policies, and based on product mix, pricing strategies, acquisitions, competition and other factors.   See "Change in Accounting Principle and Recent Accounting Pronouncements" below for a discussion of the Company's adoption of EITF 02-16.

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Consolidated selling, general, and administrative ("SG&A") expenses were $24.0 million for the three months ended September 30, 2003 (which includes a $0.2 million charge for non-cash stock compensation), representing an increase of $1.4 million, or 6% from the comparable period in the prior year.  As a percent of net sales, SG&A expenses increased to 10.4% from 9.8% in the prior year.  For the Core Business, SG&A expenses in the third quarter of 2003 were $21.9 million, an increase of $1.0 million, or 5%, compared to the third quarter of the prior year.  As a percent of net sales, SG&A expenses for the Core Business increased to 10.6% compared with 10.1% in the third quarter last year.  The Consolidated and Core Business increases were primarily due to expense of $0.6 million in connection with the Canadian call center initiative and increases in Corporate and Public Sector account manager headcount.  For eCOST.com, SG&A expenses in the third quarter of 2003 were $1.8 million, an increase of $0.1 million, or 9% compared with the third quarter of the prior year.  As a percent of net sales, SG&A expenses for eCOST.com decreased to 7.2% in the third quarter of 2003 compared with 7.3% in the third quarter last year due to a 10% increase in sales over the comparable quarter in the prior year and a smaller increase in SG&A expenses.  For OnSale.com, SG&A expenses in the third quarter of 2003 were $0.3 million, an increase of $0.2 million, or 246% compared with the third quarter of the prior year.  As a percent of net sales, SG&A expenses for OnSale.com were not meaningful since OnSale.com is in its first complete year of operations and therefore, no percent of sales comparisons to prior periods are possible.  The Company recorded an expense of approximately $0.2 million for the third quarter of 2003 in connection with the issuance of a warrant to a consultant for investor and public relations services. The warrant was valued at the date of grant and will be re-measured at fair value at each subsequent reporting period, and changes in value will be recorded over the twelve month performance period of the warrant.

Consolidated net advertising expense for the third quarter of 2003 was $6.8 million, an increase of $6.2 million over the prior year's third quarter.  This increase was due to the adoption of EITF 02-16, which resulted in the recording of $7.1 million of vendor consideration to cost of sales, which was previously recorded as a reduction of advertising expenses.  For the Core Business, net advertising expense was $6.0 million compared to $0.6 million in the prior year's third quarter.  For eCOST.com, net advertising expense for the third quarter of 2003 was $0.8 million compared to ($0.1) million in the comparable period in the prior year.  The increases in advertising expense for the Core Business and eCOST.com segments were primarily due to the adoption of EITF 02-16, which resulted in the recording of $6.1 million and $1.0 million, respectively, of vendor consideration to cost of sales, which was previously recorded as a reduction of advertising expenses.  OnSale.com advertising expenses for the third quarter of 2003 were insignificant, and have no meaningful comparison to prior year's quarter, as the company is in its first complete year of operations.

Net interest expense for the three months ended September 30, 2003 was unchanged at $0.3 million, from $0.3 million in the prior year's comparable quarter.  The interest expense resulted from borrowings on the Company's Line of Credit.

The Company recorded an income tax provision for the quarter ended September 30, 2003 of $0.4 million, unchanged from the comparable quarter in 2002.  The Company utilized an effective tax rate of 37% in both periods.

Net income was $0.7 million, or $0.06 per diluted share, for the three months ended September 30, 2003 compared to net income of $0.8 million, or $0.07 per diluted share, for the same period last year.

Nine months Ended September 30, 2003 Compared to the Nine months Ended September 30, 2002

Consolidated net sales for the nine months ended September 30, 2003 were $685.7 million, an increase of  $59.1 million, or 9% over the nine months ended September 30, 2002.  Of this increase, $52.8 million is attributable to acquisitions of ClubMac and Wareforce in April 2002 and July 2002, respectively.  Core Business net sales for the nine months ended September 30, 2003 were $612.2 million, an increase of  $52.0 million, or 9% over the nine months ended September 30, 2002, primarily due to a 34% increase in Corporate sales, of which 15% is due to the acquisition of Wareforce, the acquisition of ClubMac, offset by a 16% decrease in Inbound Catalog sales.  For the nine months ended September 30, 2003, net sales for eCOST.com were $73.5 million, an increase of $7.1 million or 11% over the first nine months of the prior year.  This increase was primarily due to opportunistic buys, continued enhancements to its marketing and product offerings and increased sales to business customers.  For the nine months ended September 30, 2003, sales of HP and Apple products represented 22% and 20% of consolidated net sales, compared to 20% and 23%, respectively, in the prior year's
comparable period.  OnSale.com sales for the nine months ended September 30, 2003 were insignificant, and have no meaningful comparison to prior year's quarter, as the company is in its first complete year of operations.

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Consolidated gross profit for the nine months ended September 30, 2003 was $91.8 million, an increase of  $24.7 million, or 37%, over the prior year's comparable period.  For the Core Business, gross profit was $83.3 million, an increase of $22.1 million, or 36%, from the comparable period in the prior year.  Acquired businesses contributed $7.7 million of the increase in gross profit for the consolidated company and Core Business segments.  The adoption of EITF 02-16 was responsible for $17.5 million and $14.9 million of the increase in consolidated and Core Business gross profit, respectively.  For eCOST.com, gross profit for the first nine months of 2003 was $8.5 million, an increase of $2.6 million, or 44% from the prior year's comparable period, all of which resulted from the adoption of EITF 02-16.  As a percentage of net sales, consolidated gross profit for the nine months ended September 30, 2003 increased to 13.4% compared with 10.7% in the prior year.  For the Core Business, gross profit as a percentage of sales for the nine months ended September 30, 2003 increased to 13.6% compared with 10.9% in the prior year.  For eCOST.com, gross profit as a percentage of sales for the nine months ended September 30, 2003 increased to 11.6% compared with 9.0% in the prior year.  The adoption of EITF 02-16 was responsible for 256 basis points of the increase of consolidated gross profit as a percentage of sales.  For the Core Business and eCOST.com segments, the adoption of EITF 02-16 was responsible for increasing gross profit as a percentage of sales by 244 and 354 basis points, respectively.  The Company's gross profit percentage may vary from quarter to quarter, depending on the continuation of key vendor support programs, including price protections, rebates and return policies, and based on product mix, pricing strategies, acquisitions, competition and other factors.   See "Change in Accounting Principle and Recent Accounting Pronouncements" below for a discussion of the Company's adoption of EITF 02-16.

Consolidated SG&A expenses were $71.1 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2003 (which includes a $0.2 million charge for non-cash stock compensation), representing an increase of $9.6 million, or 16%, from the comparable period in the prior year. As a percent of net sales, SG&A expenses for the nine months ended September 30, 2003 increased to 10.4% from 9.8% from the comparable period in the prior year.  For the Core Business, SG&A expenses for the nine months ended September 30, 2003 were $64.7 million, an increase of $8.5 million, or 15%, compared to the same period in the prior year.  As a percent of net sales, SG&A expenses for the Core Business increased to 10.6% for the nine months ended September 30, 2003 compared with 10.0% for the same period last year.  The Consolidated and Core Business increases are primarily due to an increase in Corporate and Public Sector account manager headcount, the Canadian call center initiative, and the acquisition of Wareforce.  For eCOST.com, SG&A expenses for the nine months ended September 30, 2003 were $5.7 million, an increase of 10% compared with the same nine-month period in the prior year. As a percent of net sales, SG&A expenses for eCOST.com were the same at 7.8% for the nine months ended September 30, 2003 compared to the same period last year.  For OnSale.com, SG&A expenses for the nine months ended September 30, 2003 were $0.7 million, an increase of 411% compared with the same nine-month period in the prior year.  SG&A expenses as a percent of net sales for OnSale.com were not meaningful since OnSale.com is in its first complete year of operations, and therefore no percent of sales comparisons to prior periods are possible.  The Company recorded an expense of approximately $0.2 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2003 in connection with the issuance of a warrant to a consultant for investor and public relations services. The warrant was valued at the date of grant and will be re-measured at fair value at each subsequent reporting period, and changes in value will be recorded over the twelve month performance period of the warrant.
 

Consolidated net advertising expense for the first nine months of 2003 was $16.8 million compared to $2.0 million in the prior year's comparable period.  This increase was mainly due to the adoption of EITF 02-16, which resulted in the recording of $17.3 million of vendor consideration to cost of sales, which was previously recorded as a reduction of advertising expenses.  For the Core Business, net advertising expense was $14.6 million compared to $1.8 million in the first nine months of the prior year.  For eCOST.com, net advertising expense for the first nine months of 2003 was $2.2 million compared to $0.1 million for the comparable period in the prior year.  The increases in advertising expense for the Core Business and eCOST.com segments were primarily due to the adoption of EITF 02-16, which resulted in the recording of $14.7 million and $2.6 million, respectively, of vendor consideration to cost of sales, which was previously recorded as a reduction of advertising expenses.  OnSale.com advertising expenses for the nine months ended September 30, 2003 were insignificant, and have no meaningful comparison to prior year's quarter, as the company is in its first complete year of operations.


Net interest expense for the nine months ended September 30, 2003 increased to $0.8 million, from $0.7 million, compared to the same period in 2002.  The increase in interest expense reflects borrowings for increased early payment of vendor payables to obtain payment discounts.

The Company recorded an income tax provision of $1.1 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2003 versus $0.9 million for the comparable period in 2002, due to improved pre-tax earnings in both periods, as both periods used an effective tax rate of 37%.

As described in "Change in Accounting Principle and Recent Accounting Pronouncements" below, in the third quarter of 2002, the Company completed its assessment of the impact of SFAS 142, and, as required by SFAS 142, effective January 1, 2002, the Company recorded a one-time, non-cash charge of approximately $6.8 million, net of tax, to reduce the carrying value of its goodwill.  Such charge is reflected as a cumulative effect of a change in accounting principle in the accompanying consolidated statement of operations.  The Company performed its first annual impairment review in the fourth quarter of 2002 and will perform its annual impairment review during the fourth quarter of each year.  Under SFAS 142, goodwill impairment is deemed to exist if the net book value of a reporting unit exceeds its estimated fair value, including consideration of the Company's market capitalization.

Net income was $1.9 million, or $0.17 per diluted share, for the nine months ended September 30, 2003 compared to a net loss of $5.2 million, or $0.47 per diluted share, for the same period last year.  The loss for the nine months ended September 30, 2002 was due in part to the adoption of SFAS 142, which resulted in a one-time non-cash charge of $6.8 million, net of tax, as discussed above.

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Liquidity and Capital Resources


The Company's primary capital need has been the funding of the working capital requirements of its operations, recent acquisitions, the development of its Corporate and Public Sector activities, eCOST.com and its OnSale.com initiatives..  Historically, the Company's primary sources of financing have been from cash flow from operations, public offerings and borrowings from its financial institutions.

The Company maintains a $75 million, three-year asset-based revolving credit facility from a lending unit of a large commercial bank (the "Line of Credit") that commenced in March 2001.  In March 2003, the Line of Credit was amended to extend the term by an additional three years to expire in March 2007, and obtain improved terms for the Company.  The Line of Credit functions as a working capital line of credit with a borrowing base of inventory and accounts receivable, and bears interest at prime with a LIBOR option.  At September 30, 2003, the Prime Rate was 4.00%.  The Line of Credit is secured by substantially all of the Company's assets.  The Line of Credit has as its single financial covenant a minimum tangible net worth requirement and also includes a commitment fee of 0.25% annually on the unused portion of the line up to $60 million.  The Company also maintains a $40 million flooring credit facility, which functions in lieu of a vendor trade payable for inventory purchases and does not bear interest if paid within terms specific to each vendor (the "Flooring Facility").  The Flooring Facility is secured by substantially all of the Company's assets and is also supported by a letter of credit issued under the Line of Credit in the amount outstanding under the Flooring Facility from time to time.  The amount outstanding under the Flooring Facility is applied against the credit limit under the Line of Credit.  The Company had no borrowings under the Flooring Facility included in accounts payable and $32.7 million of net working capital advances outstanding at September 30, 2003.  The increase in borrowings under the Line of Credit reflects an aggressive program to obtain early pay discounts and end-of-quarter purchase opportunities.  The Company had $21.1 million available to borrow for working capital advances under the Line of Credit at September 30, 2003.  Loan availability under the Line of Credit fluctuates daily and is affected by many factors including eligible assets on-hand, opportunistic purchases of inventory and early pay discounts.  The Company was in compliance with its financial covenants under the Line of Credit at September 30, 2003.

As of September 30, 2003, the Company had cash and cash equivalents of $5.8 million and working capital of $25.7 million. Inventory increased $6.1 million to $61.3 million from December 31, 2002.  Accounts receivable increased $16.9 million to $71.7 million from December 31, 2002 due to a 24% increase in Corporate sales.  For the nine months ended September 30, 2003, capital expenditures were $3.3 million versus $2.5 million for the comparable period last year.  The Company believes that current working capital, together with cash flows from operations and available lines of credit, will be adequate to support the Company's current operating plans for at least the next twelve months.  If the Company needs extra funds, such as for acquisitions or expansion or to fund a significant downturn in sales that causes losses, there are no assurances that adequate financing will be available at acceptable terms, if at all. 

In July 1996, the Company announced its plan to repurchase up to 1,000,000 shares of its Common Stock.  In September 2002, the Company announced the resumption of the share repurchase program.  During the third quarter of 2003, no shares were repurchased.  The shares may be repurchased from time to time at prevailing market prices, through open market or negotiated transactions, depending upon market conditions. No limit was placed on the duration of the repurchase program. There is no guarantee as to the exact number of shares that the Company will repurchase.  Subject to applicable securities laws, repurchases may be made at such times and in such amounts as the Company's management deems appropriate.  The program can also be discontinued at any time management feels additional purchases are not warranted.  The Company will finance the repurchase plan with existing working capital. As of September 30, 2003, the Company has repurchased a total of 294,200 shares, which includes 254,200 shares repurchased under the program.

As part of its growth strategy, the Company may, in the future, acquire other companies in the same or complementary lines of business. Any such acquisition and the ensuing integration of the operations of the acquired company would place additional demands on the Company's management and operating and financial resources.

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Inflation

Inflation has not had a material impact upon operating results, and the Company does not expect it to have such an impact in the near future. There can be no assurances, however, that the Company's business will not be so affected by inflation.

Change in Accounting Principle and Recent Accounting Pronouncements

In July 2001, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards ("SFAS") No. 142, "Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets," which changes the accounting for goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets from an amortization method to an impairment-only approach. Under SFAS 142, goodwill impairment is deemed to exist if the net book value of a reporting unit exceeds its estimated fair value, including consideration of the Company's market capitalization. This methodology differs from the Company's previous policy, as permitted under accounting standards existing at that time, of using undiscounted cash flows to determine if goodwill is recoverable. The Company's reporting units are generally consistent with the operating segments underlying the segments identified in Note 4 - Segment Information.

In the third quarter of 2002, the Company completed its assessment of the impact of SFAS 142, and, as required by the provisions of SFAS 142, effective January 1, 2002, the Company recorded a one-time, non-cash charge of approximately $6.8 million, net of tax, to reduce the carrying value of its goodwill. Such charge is reflected as a cumulative effect of a change in accounting principle in the accompanying condensed consolidated statement of operations and statement of cash flows.

The Company has adopted the provisions of SFAS No. 148, "Accounting for Stock Based Compensation -- Transition and Disclosure" ("SFAS 148"), which amends FASB Statement No. 123, "Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation." As permitted by SFAS 148, the Company continues to measure compensation cost in accordance with Accounting Principles Board Opinion No. 25, "Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees" ("APB 25") and related interpretations, but provides pro forma disclosures of net income and earnings per share as if the fair-value method had been applied. See Note 6 - Stock-Based Compensation for related disclosures.

In November 2002, the FASB issued EITF No. 02-16, "Accounting by a Customer (Including a Reseller) for Certain Consideration Received from a Vendor" ("EITF 02-16"). EITF 02-16 requires that consideration received by a customer from a vendor is considered (a) an adjustment of the prices of the vendor's products or services and therefore, characterized as a reduction of cost of sales when recognized in the reseller's statement of operations, (b) an adjustment to a cost incurred by the reseller and, therefore, characterized as a reduction of that cost when recognized in the reseller's statement of operations, or (c) a payment for assets or services delivered to the vendor, and therefore, characterized as revenue when recognized in the reseller's statement of operations. Adoption of EITF 02-16 is required for the Company for new agreements, including modifications of existing agreements, entered into after December 31, 2002.  As a result of the adoption of EITF 02-16, the Company recorded approximately $7.2 million and $17.5 million as a reduction of cost of sales for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2003, respectively.  Of these amounts, $7.1 million and $17.3 million would have previously been netted against advertising expense, respectively, and $0.1 million and $0.2 million against selling, general and administrative expenses.

In April 2003, the FASB issued SFAS No. 149, "Amendment of Statement 133 on Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities" ("SFAS 149").  This Statement amends and clarifies financial accounting and reporting for derivative instruments, including certain derivative instruments embedded in other contracts (collectively referred to as derivatives) and for hedging activities under SFAS No. 133, Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities.  The Company does not expect SFAS 149 to have a significant impact on its consolidated financial statements.

In May 2003, the FASB issued Statement No. 150, "Accounting for Certain Financial Instruments with Characteristics of Both Liabilities and Equity" ("SFAS 150").  SFAS 150 establishes standards for how an issuer classifies and measures in its statement of financial position certain financial instruments with characteristics of both liabilities and equity.  It requires that an issuer classify a financial instrument that is within its scope as a liability (or an asset in some circumstances) because that financial instrument embodies an obligation of the issuer.  This Statement is effective for financial instruments entered into or modified after May 31, 2003, and otherwise is effective at the beginning of the first interim period beginning after September 15, 2003.  Adoption of SFAS 150 is not expected to materially affect the Company's financial statements.

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Forward Looking Statements

Except for historical information, all of the statements, expectations and assumptions contained in the foregoing are forward-looking statements. The realization of any or all of these expectations is subject to a number of risks and uncertainties and it is possible that the assumptions made by management may not materialize, causing actual results to differ materially from the forward looking statements. In that regard, there can be no assurance that the transition in the Company's business strategy to increasingly Corporate sales or outbound telemarketing sales models will be successful, that enhancements to Corporate and Public Sector account executive support or other actions by the Company will result in improved productivity, that profitability can be optimized, that infrastructure investments in the Company's Corporate sales or outbound telemarketing will result in expanded market share, or that the Company will be profitable in 2003 or for the ensuing periods.  There also can be no assurance that the growth in Corporate sales will continue, that the Company's expansion of its Corporate and Public Sector sales force will increase sales sufficiently to offset costs, that Core Business sales, particularly Inbound Catalog sales, will rebound to historic levels, or that cost reductions, EBITDA or profitability for the Company's Core Business and eCOST.com will continue or improve.  There can also be no assurance that the Company will successfully integrate businesses acquired by the Company or that the Company will realize the potential synergies of such acquired businesses.   Increases in the percentage of direct sales by the Company's vendors could adversely affect the Company's business.  In addition to the factors set forth above, other important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from the Company's expectations include: competition from companies either currently in the market or entering the market; competition from other catalog and retail store resellers and price pressures related thereto; uncertainties surrounding the supply of and demand for products manufactured by and compatible with Apple Computer or Hewlett-Packard; the Company's reliance on Apple Computer, Hewlett-Packard, IBM, and other vendors; risks due to shifts in market demand and/or price erosion of owned inventory; general economic and computer industry conditions; the continued acceptance of the Company's distribution channel by vendors and customers; the timely availability and acceptance of new products; continuation of key vendor relationships and support programs; the continuing development, maintenance, and operation of the Company's information technology ("IT") and telephone systems; changes and uncertainties in economic conditions that could affect the rate of IT spending by the Company's customers; the ability of the Company to successfully operate its facility in Canada; changes in pricing by the Company's vendors; the timing and extent of repurchases under the Company's share repurchase program; inability to convert back orders to completed sales; the ability of the Company to hire and retain qualified sales account executives; the effects of natural disasters or geopolitical events on the Company or the general economy; dependence on key personnel; the effect of narrow gross operating margins on operating results; quarterly fluctuations in results; the ability of the Company to successfully expand into the public sector market; the Company's dependence on one or more shipping companies for delivery of products; the effect of increased postage, shipping or packaging costs; technological changes and inventory obsolescence; dependence on the continued viability of the Internet; volatility of the Company's stock price; and sales or use tax collection.  In addition, if the Company needs extra funds, such as for acquisitions or expansion or to fund a significant downturn in sales that causes losses, there are no assurances that adequate financing will be available at acceptable terms, if at all.  This list of risk factors is not intended to be exhaustive.  Reference should also be made to the risk factors set forth from time to time in the Company's SEC reports, including but not limited to those set forth in the section entitled, "Certain Factors Affecting Future Results" in its Annual Report on Form 10-K for 2002.


ITEM 3.   QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

The Company's financial instruments consist primarily of cash.  As of September 30, 2003, the carrying values of the Company's financial instruments approximated their fair values based on current market prices and rates.
 

The Company has exposure to the risks of fluctuating interest rates on its Line of Credit.  The variable interest rate on the Line of Credit is tied to the prime rate or the London interbank offered rate at the discretion of the Company.  If the variable rate on the Line of Credit changes, the Company may be required to pay more interest.  However, the Company believes that the near-term effect of any change in interest rates will not be material to the Company's financial position, results of operations or cash flows.


It is the Company's policy not to enter into derivative financial instruments, and the Company does not have any significant foreign currency exposure.  Therefore, the Company does not have significant overall currency exposure as of September 30, 2003.

ITEM 4.   CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

As of the end of the period covered by this report, the Company carried out an evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation of the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of the Company's disclosure controls and procedures.  Based on this evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that the Company's disclosure controls and procedures are effective in timely alerting them to material information required to be included in this report. 

There has been no change in the Company's internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the Company's most recent fiscal quarter that has materially affected or is reasonably likely to materially affect the Company's internal control over financial reporting.

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PART II - OTHER INFORMATION

ITEM 2.   CHANGES IN SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS

On September 15, 2003, we issued an aggregate of 8,048 shares of our Common Stock upon exercise of a warrant issued in consideration for investor and public relations services.  The issuance of the shares was exempt from registration under the 1933 Securities Act, as amended (the "Act") pursuant to the private placement exemption under Section 4(2) of the Act.

ITEM 6.   EXHIBITS AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K

a.  Exhibits

Exhibit Number

Description

31.1

Certification of the Chief Executive Officer of the Registrant pursuant to Exchange Act Rule 13a-14(a)

31.2

Certification of the Chief Financial Officer of the Registrant pursuant to Exchange Act Rule 13a-14(a)

32.1 Certification of the Chief Executive Officer of the Registrant furnished pursuant to Exchange Act Rule 13a-14(b) and 18 U.S.C. 1350
32.2 Certification of the Chief Financial Officer of the Registrant furnished pursuant to Exchange Act Rule 13a-14(b) and 18 U.S.C. 1350

b.  Reports on Form 8-K

1. Although we did not file any reports on Form 8-K during the quarter, we furnished to the SEC a report on Form 8-K on July 23, 2003 (pursuant to Item 12 of Form 8-K) disclosing an earnings announcement of our financial results for the quarter ended June 30, 2003.

 

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SIGNATURE

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: November 14, 2003 PC MALL, INC.
 
By: /s/ Ted Sanders
Ted Sanders
Chief Financial Officer
 
(Duly Authorized Officer of
the Registrant and Principal
Financial Officer)

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PC MALL, INC.

EXHIBIT INDEX

Exhibit Number

Description

31.1

Certification of the Chief Executive Officer of the Registrant pursuant to Exchange Act Rule 13a-14(a)

31.2

Certification of the Chief Financial Officer of the Registrant pursuant to Exchange Act Rule 13a-14(a)

32.1 Certification of the Chief Executive Officer of the Registrant furnished pursuant to Exchange Act Rule 13a-14(b) and 18 U.S.C. 1350
32.2 Certification of the Chief Financial Officer of the Registrant furnished pursuant to Exchange Act Rule 13a-14(b) and 18 U.S.C. 1350