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1
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-K
[X] ANNUAL REPORT UNDER SECTION 13 OR 15 (D) OF THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE
ACT OF 1934
For the fiscal year ended December 29, 1996
OR
[ ] TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15 (D) OF THE SECURITIES AND
EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934.
For the transition period from ________________ to _________________________
COMMISSION FILE NUMBER: 33-61300 AND 33-61096
UNITED MERCHANDISING CORP.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
California
(State of Incorporation)
95-1854273
(I.R.S employer identification number)
2525 EAST EL SEGUNDO BOULEVARD
EL SEGUNDO, CALIFORNIA 90245
(310) 536-0611
(ADDRESS, INCLUDING ZIP CODE, AND TELEPHONE NUMBER,
INCLUDING AREA CODE, OF REGISTRANT'S PRINCIPAL
EXECUTIVE OFFICES) SECURITIES REGISTERED
PURSUANT TO SECTION 12 (b) OF THE ACT:
None
SECURITIES REGISTERED PURSUANT TO SECTION 12 (g) OF THE ACT:
None
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 if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405
of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the
best of registrant's knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements
incorporated by reference in Part III of this form 10-K or any amendment to this
Form 10-K. ( )
No voting stock of the registrant is held by non-affiliates of the registrant.
The registrant's voting stock is wholly-owned by Big 5 Corporation, a Delaware
Corporation. Neither the registrant's nor Big 5 Corporation's voting stock is
publicly traded.
Indicate the number of shares outstanding for each of the registrant's classes
of common stock, as of the latest practicable date: 1,300 shares of common
stock, zero par value, at March 27, 1996.
DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE:
None
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PART I
ITEM 1: BUSINESS
GENERAL
United Merchandising Corp. (the "Company" or "Big 5") was founded in
1955 and currently operates a chain of retail stores under the trade name "Big 5
Sporting Goods." Big 5 is one of the leading sporting goods chains in the United
States, operating 196 stores in eight western states including California,
Washington, Arizona, New Mexico, Nevada, Oregon, Texas and Idaho. According to
industry sources, Big 5's fiscal 1996 revenues were the fourth highest among
full-line sporting goods retailers in the United States, totalling $404.3
million for an increase of 9.2% versus comparable 1995 revenues. Big 5's
marketing strategy is directed at the general sporting goods consumer, with
product offerings including a wide selection of sporting goods in a broad range
of prices.
During the five fiscal years ending December 29, 1996, Big 5 opened a
total of 63 new stores located throughout California, Washington, Arizona, New
Mexico, Oregon, Nevada, Texas, and Idaho. In 1993 and 1994, Big 5 successfully
completed the implementation and installation of new merchandising, distribution
and financial systems. These systems provide the Company with valuable data in
tracking inventories. This information was used to help accomplish a successful
inventory reduction program in 1995. Big 5's 440,000 square feet distribution
warehouse is located in Fontana, California. Substantially all of Big 5's
merchandise is distributed from the Fontana facility to individual stores.
Management believes that its distribution facility is sufficient to service its
current store base as well as the Company's planned store expansion program for
the foreseeable future.
Big 5 Holdings, Inc. and its parent, Big 5 Corporation ("Parent")
were founded in 1992 for the purpose of acquiring the Company. The acquisition
took place on September 25, 1992, when Big 5 Holdings, Inc. purchased all of the
Company's outstanding capital stock from Thrifty Corporation. On August 10,
1993, Big 5 Holdings, Inc. was merged into the Company, which was the surviving
entity following the merger.
EXPANSION AND STORE DEVELOPMENT
Big 5's average annual new store growth was 15 new stores per year
over the four year period from 1992 through 1995; however, the Company
temporarily reduced the rate of its store expansion program in 1996, opening a
total of four new stores. This reduction in store growth was in response to
unfavorable sales trends experienced in 1995. Big 5 plans to increase the number
of new store openings to return to its historical growth pattern by opening
approximately 14 to 16 new stores in 1997 in reaction to the improved retail
environment in the states in which the Company operates. The Company intends to
locate new stores principally within, or adjacent to, its existing markets to
take advantage of economies of scale relating to marketing, distribution and
management. Big 5 offers a full-line of sporting goods products in stores of
approximately 10,000 to 15,000 total square feet located primarily in
multi-store strip-centers or as freestanding units. In addition to new store
expansion, Big 5 intends to continue its strategies (through store remodeling,
updated systems, value oriented product mix and promotional advertising) to
increase sales in existing locations.
Big 5's ability to expand will depend, in part, on business
conditions and the availability of suitable sites, acceptable lease terms, and
sufficient capital. Generally, the opening of a new store by Big 5 requires
expenditures for additional inventory, furniture, fixtures and equipment
(including point-of-sale equipment and computers), and miscellaneous overhead
expenses. Big 5's leases generally require the lessor, rather than Big 5, to
fund all or a significant portion of the capital expenditures related to new
store construction and costs of improvements. Big 5 expects that the net cash
generated from operations, together with borrowings under its revolving credit
facility, will enable Big 5 to finance the expenditures related to its planned
expansion, although there can be no assurance in this regard. See "Management's
Discussion and
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Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations-Liquidity and Capital
Resources". Big 5's ability to expand or to remodel existing stores will also be
subject to successful site acquisition and/or negotiation of new leases or
amendments to existing leases, and may be limited by zoning, fire and other
governmental regulations.
The following table sets forth store growth for Big 5 during the last
five fiscal years:
1992 1993 1994 1995 1996
---- ---- ---- ---- ----
Total at period beginning 137 147 162 175 192
Opened during period 10 15 15 19 4
Closed during period - - (2) (2) -
--- --- ---- ---- ---
Total at period end 147 162 175 192 196
=== === ==== ==== ===
MERCHANDISE
Big 5's marketing strategy is directed at consumers who seek quality
sporting goods merchandise. Merchandise is offered in a broad range of prices.
The assortment of products sold in Big 5 stores includes, among other things,
athletic shoes and apparel, in-line skates and accessories, equipment for team
sports, tennis, golf, skiing, fitness, camping, hunting and fishing, and other
general athletic products. Big 5 offers a variety of recognized brand name
products, private label merchandise, and products manufactured exclusively for
Big 5 by various manufacturers. Big 5's assortment of products by sports
category has remained relatively consistent during its history as a sporting
goods chain, except that as a percentage of merchandise mix, the percentage of
total sales related to athletic shoes and clothing has increased in the last
decade, and the percentage of total sales related to in-line skates and
accessories has increased in the last five years.
ADVERTISING AND PROMOTION
Big 5's advertising is conducted principally through print media.
Print advertising consists of inserts in numerous newspapers and direct mailings
made throughout Big 5's geographic markets. These advertisement inserts
typically highlight a broad range of merchandise to maintain consumer awareness
of Big 5's full product line, and feature specially priced products to attract
consumers. Big 5 has an in-house advertising staff that designs and produces its
advertising, which enables Big 5 to maintain a timely and flexible advertising
campaign.
INDUSTRY AND COMPETITION
Sporting goods are marketed through various retail entities,
including sporting goods stores, department stores, discount retailers,
specialty stores and mail order. The industry is highly fragmented; according to
the National Sporting Goods Association, total U.S. retail sales of sporting
goods were approximately $37.6 billion in 1996. In general, Big 5's competitors
tend to fall into four basic categories: traditional sporting goods stores, mass
merchandisers, specialty sporting goods stores and sporting goods superstores.
Certain of Big 5's competitors are larger and have greater capital resources
than Big 5.
TRADITIONAL SPORTING GOODS STORES. This category consists of
traditional sporting goods chains including Big 5. These stores range in size
from 5,000 to 20,000 square feet and are frequently located in
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regional malls and multi-store strip-centers. The traditional chains typically
carry a varied assortment of merchandise and are often viewed by their customers
as convenient neighborhood stores. Sporting goods retailers operating stores
within this category include Oshman's and Copelands.
MASS MERCHANDISERS. This category includes discount retailers such as
Wal-Mart and Kmart, and department stores such as JC Penney and Sears. These
stores range in size from approximately 50,000 to 200,000 square feet and are
primarily located in regional malls, strip shopping centers or freestanding
sites. Sporting goods merchandise and apparel represent a small portion of the
total merchandise in these stores and the selection is often more limited than
in other sporting goods retailers. Although generally price competitive,
discount and department stores typically have limited customer service in their
sporting goods departments.
SPECIALTY SPORTING GOODS STORES. This category consists of two
groups. The first group generally includes athletic footwear specialty stores,
which are typically 2,000 to 20,000 square feet in size and are located in
shopping malls. Examples include such national retail chains as Foot Locker,
Lady Footlocker and Just for Feet. These retailers are highly focused, with most
of their sales coming from athletic footwear and team licensed apparel. The
second group consists of pro shops and stores specializing in a particular sport
or recreation. This group includes backpacking and mountaineering specialty
stores, and specialty skate shops and golf shops. Typically, prices at specialty
stores tend to be higher than prices at the sporting goods superstores and
traditional sporting goods stores.
SPORTING GOODS SUPERSTORES. Stores in this category typically are
larger than 30,000 square feet and tend to be destination free-standing
locations. These stores emphasize high volume sales and a large number of SKU's.
Examples include Oshman's Super Sports, The Sports Authority, Jumbo Sports
(formerly Sports & Recreation), Sport Chalet and Sportmart.
Big 5 competes successfully with each of the competitors discussed
above by focusing on what the Company believes are the primary factors of
competition in the sporting goods industry. These factors include experienced
and knowledgeable personnel, personal attention given to customers, breadth,
depth, price and quality of merchandise offered, purchasing and pricing
policies, effective sales techniques, direct involvement of senior officers in
monitoring store operations, superior management information systems, and store
location and design. However, the competitive environment is often affected by
factors beyond a particular retailer's control, such as shifts in consumer
preferences, economic conditions, and population and traffic patterns.
DISTRIBUTION AND INFORMATION SYSTEMS
The majority of Big 5's merchandise is warehoused in an approximately
440,000 square foot facility located in Fontana, California and transported by
trucks to Big 5 stores. The distribution center was opened in February 1990. On
March 5, 1996, the Company purchased the Fontana facility building and
improvements from MLTC Funding, Inc. ("MLTC"), which previously owned and leased
the property to the Company, then entered into a sale and leaseback agreement
with regard to the Fontana facility with the State of Wisconsin Investment
Board. Prior to this transaction, the Company owned the land associated with the
facility and leased the buildings and improvements. See "Certain Transactions -
Subleases".
In 1993 and 1994, the Company implemented a new data processing
system called the COACH (Customer Oriented Approach for Continued
High-Performance) system, which is a low maintenance data processing environment
capable of supporting the Company's future growth. The COACH system provides the
Company with valuable inventory tracking information through the implementation
of store-level perpetual inventories. Each store now has a unique inventory
model that allows the Company to maximize inventory mix at the store level. The
COACH system also includes a local area network that connects all corporate
users to electronic mail, scheduling and the host AS/400 system. The host system
and the
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Company's stores are linked in a network that provides satellite communications
for credit card, in-house tender authorization, and daily polling of sales at
the store level. In the Company's distribution center, radio frequency terminals
are used in the areas of receiving, stock putaway, stock movement, order
filling, cycle counting, and inventory management. Store processes have been
streamlined by implementing radio frequency, hand-held terminals to assist in
store ordering, receiving, transfers, and perpetual inventories. In 1989, the
Company converted all of its stores to a computerized, point-of-sale system.
This system allows the Company to capture data at the point of sale and
communicate with headquarters through its satellite communications network.
DESCRIPTION OF SERVICE MARKS AND TRADEMARKS
The Company uses the "Big 5 Sporting Goods" name as a service mark in
connection with its business operations and has registered this name as a
federal service mark. The Company has also registered federally and/or locally
as trademarks and service marks certain private labels under which it sells a
variety of merchandise, including apparel, that is either manufactured by, or to
the specifications of, the Company.
EMPLOYEES
As of December 29, 1996, Big 5 had approximately 4,550 employees. Of
these, the Teamsters Union currently represents 369 employees, or 8.1%, who are
primarily employees in the Company's distribution center and non-management
employees in certain stores. In 1994, the Company signed a contract with the
Teamsters Union, which expires in August 1997. The Company has not had a strike
or work stoppage in the last fifteen years. The Company believes that it
provides working conditions and wages that compare favorably with those offered
by other retailers in the industry and that its employee relations are good.
EMPLOYEE TRAINING
Big 5 has developed an extensive training program for all store
employees, including salespeople, cashiers and management trainees. An
introductory program for all full-time, permanent, retail employees stresses
excellence in customer service as well as effective selling skills. Big 5's
InfoWindow, an interactive, multimedia training system, provides a
cost-effective, consistent method of training employees, which is designed to
improve performance, customer service and on-the-job safety. Store employees
gain hands-on practice using a touch-screen monitor and simulated keyboard to
learn how to provide high quality customer service and use Big 5's in-store
systems. Every Big 5 store employee must complete the training program before
commencing work on the sales floor. In addition, cashiers receive additional
training relating to Big 5's point-of-sale system and cash handling, and
management trainees receive additional training throughout their careers,
including seminars that focus on advanced management and sales skills and store
specific information relating to loss prevention, scheduling and merchandising
strategy.
ITEM 2: PROPERTIES
As of December 29, 1996, Big 5 operated 196 stores in eight western
states. All but one of Big 5's store sites are leased. Only twelve of Big 5's
leases are due to expire by the year 2000, and most of Big 5's leases contain
renewal options. Big 5's stores average approximately 10,000 to 15,000 square
feet in size and are located primarily in multi-store strip-centers or as
freestanding units. Specific store locations are selected based on market
demographics, competitive factors and site economics. The Company currently
leases its Fontana warehouse facility from the State of Wisconsin Investment
Board. The lease for the facility has an initial term of ten years commencing on
March 5, 1996. The Company also has the right to exercise three five year
options beyond the initial ten year term.
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The chart below sets forth information with respect to Big 5's
geographic markets:
Store Statistics by Region
As of December 29, 1996
-----------------------------------------
NUMBER OF PERCENTAGE OF TOTAL
STORES NUMBER OF STORES
------ ----------------
California:
Southern California 79 40%
Central California 21 11
Northern California 43 22
------- --------
Total California 143 73
------- --------
Washington 25 13
Arizona 10 5
Oregon 6 3
New Mexico 5 3
Nevada 4 2
Texas 2 1
Idaho 1 -.-
======= ========
Total 196 100%
======= ========
ITEM 3 : LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
The Company is involved in various legal actions arising in the
ordinary course of business. In the opinion of management, the ultimate
disposition of matters currently pending against the Company will not have a
material adverse effect on the Company's financial position.
ITEM 4 : SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS
There were no matters submitted to a vote of security holders during
the quarter ended December 29, 1996.
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PART II
ITEM 5 : MARKET FOR THE REGISTRANT'S COMMON EQUITY AND RELATED SHAREHOLDER
MATTERS.
The Company is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Parent. Neither the
Company's nor Parent's capital stock is publicly traded. No cash dividends have
been declared on the common stock of the Company during the two fiscal years
ended December 29, 1996. Restrictive covenants in the Company's revolving credit
facility generally restrict the declaration or payment of dividends on the
Company's common stock other than to enable Parent to pay operating and overhead
expenses and certain other limited types of expenses. The Senior Notes (as
defined below) restrict the declaration and payment of dividends unless the
Company satisfies certain financial covenants, among other things.
ITEM 6 : SELECTED HISTORICAL AND PRO FORMA FINANCIAL DATA
The selected historical and pro forma financial data set forth below
have been derived from the annual financial statements of the Company, for the
fiscal years ended December 29, 1996, December 31, 1995, January 1, 1995 and
January 2, 1994, and the unaudited pro forma financial information for the
fiscal year ended January 3, 1993, the 14 weeks ended January 3, 1993, and the
39 weeks ended September 25, 1992. Such data should be read in conjunction with
"Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of
Operations" and the "Financial Statements" and related notes thereto included
elsewhere herein. As a consequence of the Acquisition effective September 25,
1992, the Company is deemed for financial reporting purposes to have become a
new reporting entity ("Successor Company") on that date and periods subsequent
to the September 25, 1992 date reflect the allocation of the costs of the
Acquisition to assets and liabilities based on estimates of fair values in
accordance with the purchase method of accounting. Accordingly, the results of
operations of Successor Company subsequent to September 25, 1992 are not fully
comparable to the results of operations of the Company as constituted prior to
such date ("Predecessor Company"). In particular, operating results subsequent
to September 25, 1992 reflect incremental depreciation and amortization relating
to the purchase method adjustments referred to above and higher interest charges
relating to new indebtedness related to the acquisition.
The pro forma statement of operations gives effect to the acquisition
and related financing AS IF CONSUMMATED AT THE BEGINNING OF THE 1992 FISCAL
YEAR. As a result, such statement is not fully comparable to statements of
earnings for prior fiscal periods. For additional information, see "Pro Forma
Financial Data."
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UNITED MERCHANDISING CORP.
(Dollar Amounts in Thousands)
Pro Forma
Year Ended Year Ended
---------------------------------------------------- January 3,
December 29, December 31, January 1, January 2, 1993
1996 1995 1995 1994 (53 weeks)
----------------------------------------------------------------
STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS DATA:
Net sales $ 404,265 $ 370,126 $ 364,109 $ 321,933 $ 312,415
Cost of goods sold, buying
and occupancy 277,116 256,583 244,777 224,094(1) 221,795(2)
--------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
Gross profit 127,149 113,543 119,332 97,839 90,620
--------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
Operating expenses:
Selling and administration 101,053 95,158 92,238 80,076 80,076
Depreciation and amortization 9,578 11,991 9,180 6,999 6,317(4)
--------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
Total operating expenses 110,631 107,149 101,418 87,075 86,393
--------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
Operating income 16,518 6,394 17,914 10,764 4,227
Interest expense (income), net 11,482 12,347 11,712 11,793 10,872(6)
--------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
Income (loss) before income taxes and
extraordinary loss 5,036 (5,953) 6,202 (1,029) (6,645)
Income taxes 970 368 1,903 -.- -.-
--------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
Income (loss) before
extraordinary loss 4,066 (6,321) 4,299 (1,029) (6,645)
Extraordinary loss from
extinguishment of debt, net
of income taxes (1,285) -.- (2,855) -.- -.-
--------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
Net income (loss) $ 2,781 ($ 6,321) $ 1,444 ($ 1,029) ($ 6,645)
========= ========= ========= ========= =========
OPERATING AND OTHER DATA:
EBITDA(8) $ 26,096 $ 18,386 $ 27,094 $ 24,094 $ 24,836
Ratio of EBITDA to interest
expense, net(9) 2.40 1.53 2.42 2.16 2.43
Number of stores at end of period 196 192 175 162 147
Predecessor
Company
Successor Company 39 Weeks from
14 Weeks from December 30,
September 26, 1992 1991 through
through January 3, September 25,
1993 1992
--------------------- --------------
STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS DATA:
Net sales $ 89,616 $ 222,799
Cost of goods sold, buying
and occupancy 64,147(3) 150,660
-------- ---------
Gross profit 25,469 72,139
-------- ---------
Operating expenses:
Selling and administration 20,629 59,447
Depreciation and amortization 1,684(5) 1,762
-------- ---------
Total operating expenses 22,313 61,209
-------- ---------
Operating income 3,156 10,930
Interest expense (income), net 3,256(7) (1,059)
-------- ---------
Income (loss) before income taxes and
extraordinary loss (100) 11,989
Income taxes -.- 4,964
-------- ---------
Income (loss) before
extraordinary loss (100) 7,025
Extraordinary loss from
extinguishment of debt, net
of income taxes -.- -.-
-------- ---------
Net income (loss) ($ 100) $ 7,025
======== =========
OPERATING AND OTHER DATA:
EBITDA(8) $ 10,118 $ 14,718
Ratio of EBITDA to interest
expense, net(9) 3.27 -.-
Number of stores at end of period 147 140
See footnotes on next page.
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UNITED MERCHANDISING CORP.
(Dollar Amounts in Thousands)
Footnotes to Statements of Operations, and Operating and Other Data:
1 Includes $6,332 increase related to purchase accounting inventory
revaluation.
2 Includes $11,080 increase related to the purchase accounting inventory
revaluation. Predecessor Company recorded inventory on a LIFO basis. In
connection with the Acquisition, the Company adopted the FIFO method for
recording inventory.
3 Includes $4,749 increase related to the purchase accounting inventory
revaluation.
4 Includes $3,828 increase related to depreciation and amortization of
purchase accounting asset revaluation.
5 Includes $957 increase related to depreciation and amortization of
purchase accounting asset revaluation.
6 Includes (i) $11,291 increase in interest expense on debt arising from the
Acquisition, and (ii) $640 increase related to amortization of financing
fees.
7 Includes (i) $3,096 increase in interest expense on debt arising from the
Acquisition, and (ii) $160 increase related to amortization on financing
fees.
8 EBITDA represents net earnings (loss) before taking into consideration net
interest expense, income tax expense, depreciation expense, amortization
expense, non-cash rent expense (see footnote 5 to the financial
statements), amortization expense associated with the write-up of assets
related to the Acquisition, expense incurred related to management stock
grants related to the Acquisition, the LIFO provision incurred prior to
the Acquisition and extraordinary loss from early extinguishment of debt.
9 Interest expense represents interest expense before taking into
consideration amortization of debt issuance costs.
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UNITED MERCHANDISING CORP.
(Dollar Amounts in Thousands)
December 29, December 31, January 1, January 2, January 3,
1996 1995 1995 1994 1993
------------ ------------ ---------- ---------- ----------
BALANCE SHEET DATA:
Total assets $197,869 $207,119 $227,707 $214,291 $202,330
-------- -------- -------- -------- --------
Working capital (excluding current
maturities of long-term debt) 70,428 74,994 69,064 67,278 71,799
-------- -------- -------- -------- --------
Long-term debt (including current maturities):
Term loan -.- -.- -.- 44,000 49,000
Revolving credit facility 50,000 67,144 60,000 -.- -.-
Senior subordinated notes
due 2002 (Notes and New Notes combined) 36,450 36,450 36,450 55,000 55,000
-------- -------- -------- -------- --------
Total long-term debt 86,450 103,594 96,450 99,000 104,000
======== ======== ======== ======== ========
Stockholder's equity 31,855 29,074 35,395 33,787 34,790
-------- -------- -------- -------- --------
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PRO FORMA FINANCIAL DATA
(DOLLAR AMOUNTS IN THOUSANDS)
(53 Weeks Ended January 3, 1993 as Adjusted to Give
Effect to the Acquisition)
The following unaudited pro forma statement of operations presents the pro forma
results of operations of the Company for the 53 weeks ended January 3, 1993. The
unaudited pro forma statement of operations combines the results of operations
of Predecessor Company for the 39 weeks ended September 25, 1992 and the results
of operations of the Company for the 14 weeks ended January 3, 1993 and gives
effect to the Acquisition as though it occurred at the beginning of the 1992
fiscal year. The unaudited pro forma information does not purport to represent
the results that actually would have occurred if such transactions had in fact
occurred on such date or to project the results that may be achieved in the
future.
UNITED MERCHANDISING CORP.
(Dollar Amounts in Thousands)
Predecessor Company Successor Company Pro Forma
39 Weeks from 14 Weeks from Year Ended
December 30, 1991 September 26, 1992 January 3, 1993
through September 25, 1992 through January 3, 1993 Adjustments (53 weeks)
-------------------------- ----------------------- ----------- ---------------
STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
Net sales $222,799 $89,616 $ -.- $312,415
Cost of goods sold, buying and occupancy 150,660 64,147 6,988 (1,2) 221,795
-------- ------- -------- --------
Gross profit 72,139 25,469 (6,988) 90,620
Operating expenses:
Selling and administration 59,447 20,629 -.- 80,076
Depreciation and amortization 1,762 1,684 2,871 (3) 6,317
-------- ------- -------- --------
Total operating expenses 61,209 22,313 2,871 86,393
-------- ------- -------- --------
Operating income 10,930 3,156 (9,859) 4,227
Interest expense (income), net (1,059) 3,256 8,675 (4) 10,872
-------- ------- -------- --------
Income (loss) before income taxes 11,989 (100) (18,534) (6,645)
Income taxes 4,964 -.- (4,964)(5) -.-
-------- ------- -------- --------
Net income (loss) $ 7,025 ($100) ($13,570) ($6,645)
======== ======= ======== =======
- ----------
1 Predecessor Company recorded inventory on a LIFO basis. In connection with
the Acquisition, the Company adopted the FIFO method for recording
inventory. As a result, the $657 LIFO benefit recorded in Predecessor
Company is revised to reflect the FIFO method as of the beginning of the
year.
2 Reflects $6,331 increase related to purchase accounting inventory
revaluation.
3 Reflects $2,871 increase in depreciation and amortization expense due to
purchase accounting revaluation of assets.
4 Reflects (i) $8,195 net increase in interest expense on debt arising from
the Acquisition, and (ii) $480 increase in amortization of financing fees.
5 Reflects $4,964 decrease in income taxes since pro forma results reflect a
pre-tax loss for the year.
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ITEM 7 : MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
OVERVIEW AND BASIS OF PRESENTATION
The following discussion of the Company's financial condition and results of
operations should be read in conjunction with the Financial Statements and notes
thereto included elsewhere in this Form 10-K. The years ended December 29, 1996,
December 31, 1995 and January 1, 1995 are referred to herein as "Fiscal 1996",
"Fiscal 1995" and "Fiscal 1994", respectively. The following table sets forth
for the periods indicated operating results in thousands of dollars and
expressed as a percentage of sales.
STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS DATA: FISCAL 1996 FISCAL 1995 FISCAL 1994
----------------------- ----------------------- -----------------------
Net sales $ 404,265 100.0% $ 370,126 100.0% $ 364,109 100.0%
Cost of goods sold, buying
and occupancy 277,116 68.5 256,583 69.4 244,777 67.2
--------- ----- --------- ----- --------- -----
Gross profit 127,149 31.5 113,543 30.6 119,332 32.8
--------- ----- --------- ----- --------- -----
Operating expenses:
Selling and administrative 101,053 25.0 95,158 25.7 92,238 25.4
Depreciation and amortization 9,578 2.4 11,991 3.2 9,180 2.5
--------- ----- --------- ----- --------- -----
Total operating expenses 110,631 27.4 107,149 28.9 101,418 27.9
--------- ----- --------- ----- --------- -----
Operating income 16,518 4.1 6,394 1.7 17,914 4.9
Interest expense, net 11,482 2.9 12,347 3.3 11,712 3.2
--------- ----- --------- ----- --------- -----
Income (loss) before
income taxes and
extraordinary loss 5,036 1.2 (5,953) (1.6) 6,202 1.7
Income taxes 970 0.2 368 0.1 1,903 0.5
--------- ---- --------- ----- --------- -----
Income (loss) before
extraordinary loss 4,066 1.0 (6,321) (1.7) 4,299 1.2
Extraordinary loss from early
extinguishment of debt, net of
income taxes (1,285) (0.3) -.- -.- (2,855) (0.8)
--------- ----- --------- ----- --------- -----
Net income (loss) $ 2,781 0.7% ($ 6,321) (1.7%) $ 1,444 0.4%
========= ===== ========= ===== ========= =====
OTHER DATA:
EBITDA(1) $ 26,096 6.5% $ 18,386 5.0% $ 27,094 7.4%
(1) EBITDA represents net earnings (loss) before taking into consideration net
interest expense, income tax expense, depreciation expense, amortization
expense, non-cash rent expense (see footnote 5 to the financial statements) and
extraordinary loss from early extinguishment of debt.
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RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
(The fiscal years ended December 29, 1996, December 31, 1995 and January 1, 1995
are referred to below as "Fiscal 1996", "Fiscal 1995" and "Fiscal 1994",
respectively.)
Fiscal 1996 versus Fiscal 1995
(1) Net sales
Net sales increased 9.2% (or $34.2 million) from $370.1
million in Fiscal 1995 to $404.3 million in Fiscal 1996, while the number of
stores increased by 4 (or 2.0%) from 192 in Fiscal 1995 to 196 in Fiscal 1996.
Same store sales increased 3.7% in Fiscal 1996, reflecting improved economic and
weather conditions in the regions in which the Company operates, together with
strong advertising and merchandising programs. Sales generated from new stores
opened in 1995 and 1996 contributed the remainder of the 9.2% sales increase.
(2) Gross Profit
Gross profit increased 12.0% (or $13.6 million) from $113.5
million in Fiscal 1995 to $127.1 million in Fiscal 1996, reflecting increased
sales and improved gross profit margin. Gross profit margin increased from 30.6%
of sales in the 1995 period to 31.5% of sales in the 1996 period. The
improvement in gross profit margin in Fiscal 1996 reflected the absence of
one-time clearance sales which negatively impacted prior year gross profit
margins. Results for Fiscal 1995 reflect lower gross profit margins as the
Company implemented a successful campaign focused on inventory reduction with
respect to certain product categories.
(3) Operating Expenses
Selling and administration expenses increased 6.2% (or $5.9
million) from $95.2 million in Fiscal 1995 to $101.1 million in Fiscal 1996.
This increase resulted primarily from the annualization of expenses related to
the Company's store growth in 1995 and 1996 as well as rent associated with the
Company's sale/leaseback of its Fontana distribution center and Culver City
store in 1996. When measured as a percentage of sales, selling and
administration expenses decreased from 25.7% of sales in the 1995 period to
25.0% in the 1996 period reflecting management's continued focus on controlling
expenses and its leveraging of fixed costs due to increased sales.
Depreciation and amortization expense decreased 20.0% (or 2.4
million) from $12.0 million in Fiscal 1995 to $9.6 million in Fiscal 1996. This
decrease results primarily from a $2.8 million charge related to the non-cash
portion of rent expense which was recorded in Fiscal 1995. The decrease is
partially offset by expenditures related to the Company's store growth in 1995
and 1996.
(4) Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation, Amortization,
Non-Recurring Expenses and Extraordinary Loss (EBITDA)
Fiscal 1996 EBITDA totaled $26.1 million which represented an
increase of 41.8% (or $7.7 million) versus 1995's EBITDA of $18.4 million.
Increases in same-store sales, gross margin and increased operating efficiencies
were the primary factors contributing to the improvement.
(5) Interest Expense, Net
Interest expense, net for 1996 decreased 6.5% (or $0.8 million)
from $12.3 million in Fiscal 1995 to $11.5 million in Fiscal 1996. This decrease
reflects lower average borrowing levels on the Company's revolving credit
facility during Fiscal 1996 as a result of improved earnings, a continued focus
on inventory
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14
reduction and a slowdown in store growth in Fiscal 1996. The Company's revolving
credit balance was $50.0 million at December 29, 1996 versus a balance of $67.1
million at December 31, 1995.
(6) Income Taxes
The Company recorded an income tax provision against operations
of $1.0 million in Fiscal 1996 versus $0.4 million in Fiscal 1995. However, the
$1.0 million provision was offset by a $0.9 million tax benefit against the
Extraordinary Loss from Early Extinguishment of Debt described below resulting
in a net tax provision of less than $0.1 million for Fiscal 1996.
(7) Extraordinary Loss from Early Extinguishment of Debt
During Fiscal 1996, the Company refinanced its indebtedness under
a prior credit facility with borrowing under a new facility with the CIT
Group/Business Credit, Inc. (The "CIT Group") as agent (see - "Liquidity and
Capital Resources"). In connection with the refinancing, the Company accelerated
amortization of $1.0 million of certain fees, and paid $1.2 million in
prepayment premiums and other fees. Accordingly, an after-tax charge of $1.3
million ($2.2 million before taxes) is recorded as an extraordinary loss for
Fiscal 1996. No such event occurred during Fiscal 1995.
(8) Net Income (Loss)
Fiscal 1996 net income was $2.8 million versus a net loss of $6.3
million for Fiscal 1995. This variance reflects the positive sales and gross
profit results achieved in Fiscal 1996, partially offset by the $1.3 million
extraordinary loss ($2.2 million before taxes) related to the Company's
revolving debt refinancing in Fiscal 1996. Also impacting this variance was the
$2.8 million charge related to the non-cash portion of rent expense recorded in
Fiscal 1995.
Fiscal 1995 versus Fiscal 1994
(1) Net sales
Net sales increased 1.6% (or $6.0 million) from $364.1 million in
Fiscal 1994 to $370.1 million in Fiscal 1995, while the number of stores
increased by 17 (or 9.7 %) from 175 in Fiscal 1994 to 192 in Fiscal 1995. Same
store sales decreased 4.9% in Fiscal 1995 reflecting a general slow-down in
retail spending by consumers, heavy rains experienced in early 1995, the
short-term positive impact of the Northridge earthquake on 1994's sales, and the
extremely dry and warm November and December 1995 weather's impact on ski and
winter related product sales. Sales generated from new stores opened in 1994 and
1995 offset the decline in same store sales, resulting in the 1.6% increase in
net sales for the year.
(2) Gross Profit
Gross profit decreased 4.9% (or $5.8 million) from $119.3 million
in Fiscal 1994 to $113.5 million in Fiscal 1995. Gross profit margin decreased
from 32.8% of sales in the 1994 period to 30.6% of sales in the 1995 period.
Certain gross profit costs, including minimum rent and other occupancy and
distribution costs, are relatively fixed in nature or fluctuate primarily based
on the number of stores. Accordingly, the same store sales decrease in Fiscal
1995 negatively impacted the Company's gross margin. Gross margin was also
impacted by a successful campaign focused on reducing inventory levels for
certain product categories. This inventory reduction plan resulted in lower
gross margin as the Company adjusted prices to achieve its targeted inventory
levels.
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15
(3) Operating Expenses
Selling and administration expenses increased 3.3% (or $3.0
million) from $92.2 million in Fiscal 1994 to $95.2 million in Fiscal 1995. This
increase resulted from the significant store growth achieved by the Company
during Fiscal 1995 and a significant increase in advertising costs. These
increases were partially offset by the Company's focus on other variable expense
categories in reaction to the general weakness in the economy. When measured as
a percentage of sales, selling and administration expenses increased from 25.4%
of sales in the 1994 period to 25.7% in the 1995 period, reflecting the
relatively fixed nature of many of these costs combined with the same store
sales decrease discussed above.
Depreciation and amortization expense increased 30.4% (or $2.8
million) from $9.2 million in Fiscal 1994 to $12.0 million in Fiscal 1995. This
increase reflects the Company's spending on store growth and computer software
and hardware for the Company's new computerized financial and merchandising
systems, along with an increase of $2.8 million related to the non-cash portion
of rent expense. This non-cash rent expense is expected to decline significantly
in 1996 and thereafter.
(4) Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation, Amortization,
Non-Recurring Expenses and Extraordinary Loss (EBITDA)
1995 reflects EBITDA of $18.4 million which is 32.1% (or $8.7
million) lower than 1994's EBITDA of $27.1 million. Decreases in same-store
sales and gross margin coupled with advertising expense increases were the
primary factors contributing to the decrease. In addition to a difficult retail
environment, sales were impacted by poor weather conditions throughout the year.
(5) Interest Expense, Net
Interest expense, net for 1995 increased 5.1% (or $0.6 million)
from $11.7 million in Fiscal 1994 to $12.3 million in Fiscal 1995. This variance
results from higher borrowing balances throughout 1995, partially offset by
lower interest rates on the Company's revolving credit facility, and the impact
of the repurchase of a portion of the senior subordinated notes late in 1994.
The decrease in interest rates resulted from lower interest rates under the
Company's GECC Facility (as defined below) as compared to the rates applicable
to the indebtedness refinanced therewith on October 20, 1994, coupled with a
full year impact on interest expense resulting from the repurchase of $18.6
million of higher interest Senior Notes, which took place in the fourth quarter
of 1994.
(6) Income Taxes
Income taxes are $0.4 million in Fiscal 1995 versus $1.9 million
in Fiscal 1994. The $0.4 million in Fiscal 1995 represents the change in the
valuation allowance for deferred taxes.
(7) Net Income (Loss)
Fiscal 1995 net loss is $6.3 million compared to net income of
$1.4 million for Fiscal 1994. Approximately $3.3 million of the Fiscal 1995 loss
is related to the non-cash portion of rent expense compared to $0.5 million in
1994. This non-cash rent expense is expected to decline significantly in 1996
and thereafter. Decreases in same-store sales and gross margins and increases in
advertising expense were the other primary factors for the earnings decline in
Fiscal 1995.
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
Effective March 8, 1996, the Company entered into a credit
agreement with the CIT Group/Business Credit, Inc. (the "CIT Credit Agreement"),
which provides the Company with a three-year, non-amortizing, $100 million
revolving debt facility (the "CIT Facility"). Proceeds from the initial funding
under the CIT Facility were
14
16
used to repay in full all of the Company's obligations under its existing
facility with General Electric Capital Corporation (the "GECC Facility"). The
CIT Facility bears interest at a rate of LIBOR plus 2.5%, or the Chemical Bank
prime lending rate plus .75%, is secured by trade accounts receivable,
merchandise inventories and general intangible assets (as defined) of the
Company, and has a borrowing limit, including advances, outstanding letters of
credit and unreimbursed drawings under letters of credit at any time equal to
the lesser of $100 million and the Borrowing Base. The Borrowing Base is equal
to 65% of the aggregate value of Eligible Inventory (as defined) from time to
time. As of December 29, 1996, the Company maintained eligible inventory of
$126.4 million with an aggregate balance of $50.0 million outstanding under the
CIT Facility. This balance compares to an aggregate balance of $67.1 million
outstanding under the GECC Facility as of December 31, 1995. The Company is in
compliance with all of the covenants under the CIT Credit Agreement.
As of December 29, 1996, the Company maintained a cash and cash
equivalents balance of $4.8 million versus a balance of $3.2 million at December
31, 1995.
Net cash provided by operating activities was $19.8 million for
Fiscal 1996 versus net cash use of $3.8 million for Fiscal 1995. Improved
earnings combined with continued focus on inventory levels, and payables
decreases related to reduced inventory purchases late in Fiscal 1995 were the
primary factors in the improvements in cash provided by operating activities in
Fiscal 1996. The Company's year-end inventory levels were 2% (or $2.6 million)
lower than Fiscal 1995 levels. This reduction was accomplished even as the
Company grew its store base from 192 at December 31, 1995 to 196 at 1996 at
December 29, 1996, and follows the success of the Company's Fiscal 1995
inventory reduction program where inventories were reduced $13.5 million, or
9.0% between years despite a 9.7% (17 stores) increase in store count. Net cash
provided by investing activities was $1.5 million for Fiscal 1996 versus a cash
use of $7.4 million for Fiscal 1995 reflecting $5.0 million in net proceeds from
the sale/leaseback of the Company's Fontana distribution center and Culver City,
California store and a reduction in expenditures related to the temporary
planned slowdown of the Company's store growth program in Fiscal 1996. The
cumulative effect of net cash used in operating activities and net cash provided
by investing activities resulted in a reduction in the Company's borrowings of
$17.1 million for Fiscal 1996, versus an increase of $7.1 million for Fiscal
1995, and an increase in cash and cash equivalents of $1.6 million versus a
decrease of $4.5 million for the comparable periods in Fiscal 1996 and Fiscal
1995, respectively.
The Company believes that net cash provided by operating
activities and borrowings under the CIT Facility will be sufficient to fund
anticipated capital expenditures and working capital requirements for the
foreseeable future.
IMPACT OF NEW ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS
Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 121 (SFAS 121),
"Accounting for the Impairment of Long-Lived Assets and for Long-Lived Assets to
be Disposed of," issued in March 1995, and effective for fiscal years beginning
after December 15, 1995, establishes accounting standards for the recognition
and measurement of impairment of long-lived assets, certain identifiable
intangibles, and goodwill either to be held or disposed of. The adoption of SFAS
121 did not have a material impact on the Company's financial position or
results of operations during Fiscal 1996.
On January 1, 1996, the Company adopted Statement of Financial
Accounting Standards No. 123 (SFAS 123), "Accounting for Stock-Based
Compensation," which permits entities to recognize as expense over the vesting
period the fair value of all stock-based awards on the date of grant.
Alternatively, SFAS No. 123 also allows entities to continue to apply the
provisions of APB Opinion No. 25 and provide pro forma net income disclosures
for employee stock option grants made in 1995 and future years as if the
fair-value-based method defined in SFAS No. 123 had been applied. The Company
has elected to continue to apply the provisions of APB Opinion No. 25 and to
provide the pro forma disclosure provisions of SFAS No. 123.
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IMPACT OF INFLATION
The Company does not believe that inflation has a material impact on
the Company's earnings from operations. The Company believes that it is
generally able to pass any inflationary increases in costs to its customers.
ITEM 8 : FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA
Information called for by this item is set forth in the Company's
financial statements contained in this report. Specific financial statements can
be found at the pages listed in the following index.
INDEX TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Index TO Financial Statements............................................... F-1
Report of KPMG Peat Marwick LLP,
Independent Auditors'....................................................... F-2
Balance Sheets at December 29, 1996 and December 31, 1995................... F-3
Years Ended December 29, 1996, December 31, 1995 and January 1, 1995
Statements of Operations......................................... F-5
Statements of Stockholder's Equity............................... F-6
Statements of Cash Flows......................................... F-7
Notes to Financial Statements............................................... F-8
ITEM 9 : CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND
FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE.
None.
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PART III
ITEM 10 : DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE REGISTRANT
EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND DIRECTORS
The following table sets forth certain information regarding the
executive officers and directors of the Company. The Company's directors are
elected at each annual meeting of stockholders to serve for a period of one year
or until their successors are duly elected and qualified. The Company's
executive officers serve at the pleasure of the Company's Board of Directors.
NAME AGE POSITIONS
- ---- --- ---------
Robert W. Miller 73 Chief Executive Officer and
Chairman of the Board
Steven G. Miller 44 President, Chief Operating Officer and
Director
Charles P. Kirk 41 Senior Vice President and Chief
Financial Officer
Kathleen Reid-Seidner 41 Secretary, Vice President and
General Counsel
Richard A. Johnson 51 Senior Vice President, Store
Operations
Thomas J. Schlauch 52 Senior Vice President, Buying
Steven J. Pechter 38 Senior Vice President,
Management Information Systems
Leonard I. Green 63 Director
Jonathan D. Sokoloff 39 Director
Jennifer Holden Dunbar 34 Director
ROBERT W. MILLER became Chairman of the Board of the Company in
September 1992. Mr. Miller had been the Company's Chief Executive Officer and
President since 1973.
STEVEN G. MILLER became President, Chief Operating Officer and a
Director of the Company in September 1992. Mr. Miller, Robert Miller's son, had
been the Company's Executive Vice President, Administration, since 1988.
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19
CHARLES P. KIRK became Senior Vice President and Chief Financial
Officer of the Company in September 1992. Mr. Kirk had been Thrifty's Director
of Planning and Vice President of Planning and Treasury since October 1990.
Prior to joining Thrifty, Mr. Kirk had held various financial positions with
Thrifty's former parent, Pacific Enterprises ("PE"), since 1981.
KATHLEEN REID-SEIDNER became Secretary, Vice President and
General Counsel of the Company in September 1992. Ms. Reid-Seidner had been
Thrifty's Vice President and Corporate Counsel since 1990 and Thrifty's
Corporate Counsel since 1987.
RICHARD A. JOHNSON became Senior Vice President, Store
Operations, for the Company in July 1992. Mr. Johnson had been the Company's
Vice President, Store Operations, since 1986.
THOMAS J. SCHLAUCH became Senior Vice President, Buying, for the
Company in July 1992. Mr. Schlauch had been the Company's Head of Buying since
1990 and Vice President, Buying, since 1982.
STEVEN J. PECHTER became Senior Vice President, Management
Information Systems, for the Company in July 1992. Mr. Pechter had been the
Company's Vice President, Management Information Systems, since 1990 and a
member of the Operations Department since 1983.
LEONARD I. GREEN became a Director of the Company in September
1992. Since 1989, Mr. Green has been, individually or through a corporation, a
partner of LGA, a merchant banking firm that is the general partner of GEI.
Before forming LGA in 1989, Mr. Green had been a partner of the merchant banking
firm of Gibbons, Green, van Amerongen for more than five years. Mr. Green is
also a director of Carr-Gottstein Foods Co., Rite Aid Corporation and several
private companies.
JONATHAN D. SOKOLOFF became a director of the Company in
September 1992. Mr. Sokoloff joined LGA as a partner in 1990. Mr. Sokoloff was
previously a Managing Director at Drexel Burnham Lambert Incorporated. Mr.
Sokoloff is also a director of TwinLab Corporation, Carr-Gottstein Foods Co. and
several private companies.
JENNIFER HOLDEN DUNBAR has been a director of the Company since
September 1992. She joined LGA as an associate in 1989, became a principal in
1993, and through a corporation became a partner in 1994. Ms. Holden Dunbar was
previously an associate with the merchant banking firm of Gibbons, Green, van
Amerongen and a financial analyst in mergers and acquisitions with Morgan
Stanley & Co. Ms. Holden Dunbar is also a director of TwinLab Corporation and
several private companies.
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ITEM 11 : EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
(1) Summary Compensation Table
The following table sets forth the annual and long-term compensation
of the Company's Chief Executive Officer and four additional most highly
compensated executive officers whose annual salaries and bonus exceeded $100,000
in total during the fiscal year ended December 29, 1996.
LONG-TERM COMPENSATION AWARDS
--------------------------------------
AWARDS PAYOUTS
ANNUAL COMPENSATION -------------------------- ---------
----------------------------------- Securities
Name and Restricted Underlying
Principal Other Annual Stock Stock LTIP All Other
Position Year Salary Bonus Compensation Awards Options/SARs(#) Payouts Compensation
($) ($) ($) ($) (1) ($) ($)
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Robert W. Miller, 1996 $290,000 $275,000 -0- -0- 6,400 -0- -0-
Chief Executive Officer 1995 $290,000 -0- -0- -0- -0- -0- -0-
1994 $276,000 $240,000 -0- -0- 10,000 -0- -0-
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Steven G. Miller, 1996 $210,000 $175,000 -0- -0- 6,400 -0- -0-
President and 1995 $210,000 -0- -0- -0- -0- -0- -0-
Chief Operating Officer 1994 $200,000 $100,000 -0- -0- 10,000 -0- -0-
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Thomas J. Schlauch, 1996 $150,000 $60,000 -0- -0- 3,600 -0- -0-
Senior Vice President , 1995 $150,000 $25,000 -0- -0- -0- -0- -0-
Buying 1994 $142,000 $50,000 -0- -0- 6,000 -0- -0-
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Richard A. Johnson, 1996 $117,000 $45,000 -0- -0- 3,600 -0- -0-
Senior Vice President, 1995 $117,000 $20,000 -0- -0- -0- -0- -0-
Store Operations 1994 $112,000 $36,000 -0- -0- 6,000 -0- -0-
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Charles P. Kirk 1996 $130,000 $35,000 -0- -0- 3,600 -0- -0-
Senior Vice President 1995 $130,000 $12,000 -0- -0- -0- -0- -0-
& Chief Financial Officer 1994 $124,000 $24,000 -0- -0- 6,000 -0- -0-
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(1) Represents stock options issued under the Big 5 Corporation 1992
Management Equity Plan. See note (1) to the "Options/SAR Grants in Fiscal
Year Ended December 29, 1996" table for a description of the plan.
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(2) Option/SAR Grants in Fiscal Year Ended December 29, 1996
Potential Realizable Value
Number of % of Total at Assumed Annual Rates
Securities Options/SARs of Stock Appreciation for
Underlying Granted to Exercise Option Term
Options/SARs Employees in or Expiration -----------------------------------
Name Granted (1) Fiscal Year Base Price (2) Date 5% (3) 10% (3)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Robert Miller 6,400 11.7% $12.00 9/25/02 $24,894 $56,164
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Steven G. Miller 6,400 11.7% $12.00 9/25/02 $24,894 $56,164
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Thomas J. Schlauch 3,600 6.6% $12.00 9/25/02 $14,003 $31,592
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Richard A. Johnson 3,600 6.6% $12.00 9/25/02 $14,003 $31,592
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Charles P. Kirk 3,600 6.6% $12.00 9/25/02 $14,003 $31,592
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(1) The non-qualified stock options to purchase Common Stock were issued under
the Big 5 Corporation 1992 Management Equity Plan (the "Plan"). Options
granted under the plan have an exercise price equal to the fair market
value of the Common Stock at the date of the grant as determined by the
Company's Board of Directors. The options vest and become exercisable in
cumulative 20% installments commencing one year from the date of grant,
with full vesting on the fifth anniversary. Shares of Common Stock
acquired pursuant to the exercise of options are generally subject to the
terms and conditions of Common Stock acquired pursuant to Management
Subscription and Stockholders Agreements. See "Security Ownership of
Certain Beneficial Owners and Management - Terms of the Common Stock and
Preferred Stock." The Plan terminates on September 25, 2002, unless
extended. The Plan is administered by the Board of Directors of Parent or
a committee consisting of three or more directors of Parent to whom
administration of the Plan has been duly delegated by the Board of
Directors (the Board of Directors and the Committee are hereinafter
referred to as the "Committee"). The Committee designates the class of
employees eligible to participate in the Plan and, during each fiscal year
of the Plan, designates the class of employees who will be granted options
and the number of shares subject to such options. Members of the Committee
are not eligible to receive options. A total of 276,000 shares of Common
Stock are reserved for purchase pursuant to options authorized under the
Plan, of which 271,200 were subject to issued and outstanding options as
of December 31, 1996.
(2) Exercise price is equal to the fair market value of a share of Common
Stock at the date of grant as determined by the Company's Board of
Directors.
(3) The potential realizable value of each grant of options (exclusive of the
exercise price) is calculated based on assumed annualized appreciation
rates during the terms of the options of 5% and 10% on the value of the
Common Stock at the date the options were granted.
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22
(3) Aggregated Option/SAR Exercises in Fiscal 1996 and 1996 Fiscal Year-End
Option Value
Number of Securities Underlying
Shares Unexercised Options Held at Value of Unexercised in the Money
Acquired Fiscal Year End Options at Fiscal Year End
Name on Exercise (#) Value Realized Exercisable/Unexercisable Exercisable/Unexercisable (1)
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Robert W. Miller -0- -0- 14,500/31,400 $83,700/$130,500
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Steven G. Miller -0- -0- 14,500/31,400 $83,700/$130,500
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Thomas J. Schlauch -0- -0- 9,400/19,600 $55,175/$85,438
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Richard A. Johnson -0- -0- 9,400/19,600 $55,175/$85,438
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Charles P. Kirk -0- -0- 5,500/14,100 $27,875/$46,938
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(1) Represents the difference between the fair market value of the Common
Stock at the end of Fiscal 1996 as determined by the Company's Board of
Directors and the exercise price of the options.
(4) Employment Contracts and Change in Control Arrangements
The Company and each of Steven G. Miller and Robert W. Miller
(collectively, the "Executives") have entered into employment agreements, dated
as of January 1, 1993, whereby Steven Miller is to continue to serve as
President and Chief Operating Officer and Robert Miller as Chairman of the Board
of Directors (the "Board") and Chief Executive Officer of the Company until
December 31, 1994 and for additional successive one-year periods thereafter,
unless any party gives timely notice to the other that the employment term shall
not be so extended. Steven Miller's initial annual base salary was $200,000, and
Robert Miller's initial annual base salary was $276,000. The agreements require
the Company to provide the Executives with those benefits generally available to
the Company's senior executive officers, including health insurance, sick leave,
and profit sharing plan participation, and require the Board to make an annual
determination as to whether each is entitled to receive a bonus for such year
and an increase in base salary for the next year. Robert Miller's agreement also
provides for supplemental annual retirement benefits and health insurance
benefits for himself and his surviving spouse upon his retirement.
Employment under both agreements is terminable by the Company at any
time, with or without cause, and, under Robert Miller's agreement, by him, for
good reason (as defined in his employment agreement). If Steven Miller or Robert
Miller is terminated without cause or, in the case of Robert Miller, by him for
good reason, each is entitled to receive as severance pay his base salary
through the remainder of the employment term as then in effect. The agreement of
either Executive may be terminated if the Executive becomes unable to render
full services during certain prescribed periods of time. The agreements contain
covenants precluding the Executives from engaging in certain competition with
the Company and from soliciting certain employees of the Company and its
affiliates for a specified period following the termination of employment, the
basis of which depends upon the reason for the termination.
COMPENSATION OF DIRECTORS
Directors of the Company, as such, do not receive any compensation.
However, during the fiscal year ended December 29, 1996, LGA, with respect to
which Messrs. Green and Sokoloff and Ms. Holden Dunbar or entities controlled by
them are general partners, received as compensation for certain financial
advisory services an annual fee of $567,880 plus out-of-pocket expenses. The
Company believes that the terms of its oral agreement with LGA are comparable to
what could be obtained from an unrelated, but equally qualified, third party.
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ITEM 12 : SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT
The Company's outstanding capital stock is wholly owned by Parent.
Parent's outstanding equity securities consist of Parent's Common Stock, par
value $.01 (the "Common Stock"), and Parent's Series A 9% Cumulative Redeemable
Preferred Stock, par value $.01 (the "Preferred Stock"). The following table
sets forth the ownership of each class of the Parent's equity securities by any
person known to the Company to be the beneficial owner of more than five percent
of either class of the Company's securities, the Company's directors, executive
officers named in the Summary Compensation Table above, and all executive
officers and directors of the Company as a group.
Common Stock Preferred Stock
Name and Address (1) ---------------------------------------- --------------------------------------
of Beneficial Owner Number of Shares Percent of Class Number of Shares Percent of Class
------------------- ---------------- ---------------- ---------------- ----------------
Green Equity Investors, L.P. 3,100,160 77.5% 129,932 86.6%
Robert W. Miller 100,000 2.5% -0- -0-
Steven G. Miller 50,000 1.3% -0- -0-
Thomas J. Schlauch 20,000 (2) -0- -0-
Richard A. Johnson 20,000 (2) -0- -0-
Charles P. Kirk 14,000 (2) -0- -0-
Leonard I. Green (3) (3) (3) (3)
Jonathan D. Sokoloff (3) (3) (3) (3)
Jennifer Holden Dunbar (3) (3) (3) (3)
All Executive Officers and
Directors as a Group
(5 persons) (4) 3,357,160 84.0% 129,932 86.6%
(1) The address for each stockholder is 2525 East El Segundo Boulevard, El
Segundo, California 90245, except Green Equity Investors, L.P., for which
the address is 11111 Santa Monica Boulevard, Suite 2000, Los Angeles,
California 90025.
(2) Less than one percent.
(3) Messrs. Green and Sokoloff and Ms. Holden Dunbar (or entities controlled
by them) are general partners of LGA and may be deemed to be beneficial
owners of the shares of Common Stock and Preferred Stock owned by GEI
indicated in the totals above by reason of their interests in LGA, which
is the sole general partner of GEI.
(4) Includes the shares identified in note (3) above.
TERMS OF THE COMMON STOCK AND PREFERRED STOCK
Common Stock held by executives of the Company was issued pursuant to
Management Subscription and Stockholders Agreements (collectively, the
"Agreements") dated as of September 25, 1992 among Parent, GEI, and the
respective members of the Company's management (collectively, the "Investors").
The Agreements prohibit the transfer of such Common Stock until the fifth
anniversary of the issuance thereof or the occurrence of any earlier specified
event that terminates such prohibition, with an exception for transfers to
"related transferees" (as defined therein). Thereafter, such shares of Common
Stock are transferable subject to a right of first refusal in favor of Parent.
The Agreements also contain certain "put" and "call" options exercisable,
generally, upon termination of an Investor's employment with the Company,
certain registration rights, and "tag-along" and "drag-along" sale rights in the
event GEI
22
24
proposes to sell a majority of its shares of Common Stock. Common Stock and
Preferred Stock held by GEI was issued pursuant to that certain Stock
Subscription Agreement dated as of September 25, 1992 by and between Parent and
GEI, which grants GEI certain registration and other rights.
ITEM 13: CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS
RELATIONSHIP WITH THRIFTY PAYLESS AND RITE AID CORPORATION
Prior to September 1992, the Company was a wholly owned subsidiary of
Thrifty Corporation ("Thrifty"), which was in turn a wholly owned subsidiary of
Pacific Enterprises ("PE"). On September 25, 1992, the Company was acquired (the
"Acquisition") by Parent and Big 5 Holdings, Inc., both of which had been formed
by GEI for purposes of the Acquisition, pursuant to a Purchase and Sale
Agreement dated as of May 22, 1992 among Big 5 Holdings, Inc., PE and Thrifty
(as amended, the "Purchase Agreement"). Concurrently, in a related transaction,
Thrifty was acquired by Thrifty PayLess, Inc. ("Thrifty PayLess") and Thrifty
PayLess Holdings, Inc. ("TPH") pursuant to a Purchase and Sale Agreement dated
as of May 22, 1992 between PE and TPH (as amended, the "Thrifty Purchase
Agreement"). In December 1996, TPH was acquired by Rite Aid Corporation by way
of a merger. References herein to "Rite Aid" include Rite Aid Corporation and
its subsidiaries, including Thrifty PayLess and Thrifty.
As a result of the Company's prior relationship with the Thrifty
Payless entities and various provisions of the Purchase Agreement and the
Thrifty Purchase Agreement, the Company continues to maintain certain
relationships with Rite Aid, Thrifty PayLess and PE. These relationships are
described below.
(1) Purchase Agreement
Pursuant to the Purchase Agreement, PE continues to have certain
indemnification obligations to the Company with respect to breaches of
representations and warranties contained in the Purchase Agreement with respect
to environmental matters. The Purchase Agreement specifies a $2.5 million
minimum dollar limit and a $25 million maximum dollar limit, though the maximum
dollar limit may increase under certain circumstances up to an absolute
limitation of $40 million. The period during which environmental indemnification
claims may be asserted ends on September 25, 2012. The Purchase Agreement also
provides that, with certain exceptions, such indemnification rights constitute
the sole remedies of the parties thereto. Pursuant to an Amended and Restated
Indemnification Implementation Agreement dated as of April 20, 1994, the Company
may only pursue its indemnification claims against PE through Rite Aid as its
agent.
(2) The Tax Indemnity Agreement
In connection with the closings of the Acquisition and the Thrifty
Acquisition, PE, TPH, Thrifty and the Company entered into a Tax Indemnity
Agreement dated as of September 25, 1992 (the "Tax Indemnity Agreement"). This
agreement sets forth the parties' agreements with respect to various tax matters
and obligations under ERISA, including the allocation of various tax obligations
relating to the inclusion of the Company and each member of the affiliated group
of which the Company is the common parent in certain consolidated and/or unitary
tax returns of PE.
(3) Subleases.
The Company previously subleased the building and improvements of its
Fontana, California distribution center from Thrifty Realty Company, a
California corporation and a wholly-owned subsidiary of Thrifty. See "Business -
Distribution and Systems". However, on March 5, 1996, as permitted by the terms
of the sublease, the Company purchased the facility from MLTC for a purchase
price of $8.9 million, thereby terminating the sublease. Concurrently with the
purchase, the Company entered into a sale/leaseback transaction with respect to
the distribution center with the State of Wisconsin Investment Board.
23
25
The Company subleases certain business equipment and other personal
property from Thrifty, including the Company's "Point of Sale" system (the
"Equipment"), pursuant to a Sublease (the "Sublease") dated as of September 25,
1992 between the Company and Thrifty, as subsequently amended. Thrifty currently
holds a leasehold interest in the Equipment pursuant to an Amended and Restated
Master Lease Agreement dated as of April 20, 1994 between MLTC, as lessor, and
Thrifty, as lessee ( the "Master Lease"). The Master Lease contains a
non-disturbance and attornment agreement pursuant to which the Company's use and
enjoyment of the Equipment will not be disturbed as a result of any default
under the Master Lease provided that the Company is not in default under the
Sublease.
The Master Lease provides Thrifty with an option to purchase the
Equipment, and the Sublease provides the Company with the same option. The
Company's option to purchase is exercisable notwithstanding any default under
the Master Lease provided the Company is not otherwise in default under the
Sublease; however, in the event a default exists under the Master Lease, the
Company's exercise of its purchase option requires the payment by the Company of
all amounts due and payable under the Master Lease at the time of the
consummation of the purchase pursuant to the exercise of such option. Such
amounts may include rent, fees and other expenses that are not allocable to the
Equipment (the "Excess Fees") if the same are due and payable but have not
otherwise been paid by Thrifty: To the extent the Company is required to pay
such Excess Fees, Thrifty is obligated under the Sublease to reimburse the
Company for the full amount of such Excess Fees.
The Company believes that all other material terms of the Sublease,
including rent payments, are comparable to what could be obtained from an
unrelated third party.
OWNERSHIP OF NOTES BY AFFILIATES
A portion of the Notes are owned by affiliates of the Company: Robert
Miller ($150,000); Steven Miller ($25,000); Jonathan Sokoloff ($100,000); and
Leonard Green ($100,000). Mr. Robert Miller is Chairman of the Board of
Directors and Chief Executive Officer of the Company. Mr. Steven Miller is
President and Chief Operating Officer of the Company and a member of the
Company's Board of Directors. Mr. Sokoloff and Mr. Green are members of the
Board of Directors of the Company. Additionally, Messrs. Green and Sokoloff may
be deemed to be beneficial owners of the 3,100,160 shares or approximately 77.5%
of the outstanding Common Stock and the 129,932 shares or 86.6% of the
outstanding Preferred Stock owned by GEI, by reason of their interest in LGA. By
virtue of its ownership of Parent's Common Stock, GEI has the ability to elect
all of the directors of Parent and the Company and thereby control each of their
respective management and policies. The foregoing Note purchases were made on
the same terms as all other purchases of the Notes.
CONSULTING FEES
As consideration for the provision of ongoing financial advisory
services, the Company has agreed pursuant to an oral arrangement to pay an
annual fee of $567,880, plus out-of-pocket expenses, to LGA, the general partner
of GEI. The Company also paid LGA an additional $500,000 in fees for work
performed in securing the GECC Facility and the CIT Facility in Fiscal 1994 and
Fiscal 1996, respectively. The Company believes that the terms of its agreement
with LGA are comparable to what could be obtained from an unrelated, but equally
qualified, third party.
24
26
PART IV
ITEM 14 EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES, AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K
(A) Documents filed as part of this report:
(1) Financial Statements.
See Financial Statements
Index included in Item 8 of Part II of this Form
10-K.
(2) Financial Statement Schedules.
None.
(3) Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K.
(a) Exhibits
2.1* Purchase and Sale Agreement among Big 5 Holdings,
Thrifty and PE dated as of May 22, 1992.
3.1(a)* Certificate of Incorporation of the Company filed
with the California Secretary of State on September
7, 1955.
3.1(b)* Amendment to Articles of Incorporation of the
Company filed with the California Secretary of State
on September 21, 1992.
3.2* Bylaws of the Company.
4.1* Indenture among the Company, Big 5 Holdings and
First Trust National Association relating to the
Senior Notes dated as of September 25, 1992.
4.2* Form of the Senior Notes.
4.3* Purchase Agreement among the Company, Big 5 Holdings
and the original purchasers of the Senior Notes
dated as of September 25, 1992.
4.4* Registration Rights Agreement among the Company,
Big 5 Holdings and the original purchasers of the
Senior Notes dated as of September 25, 1992.
4.5* Form of Amendment of Registration Rights Agreement
among the Company, Big 5 Holdings and Holders of the
Senior Notes (re: ongoing registration rights).
4.6* Form of Amendment of Registration Rights Agreement
among the Company, Big 5 Holdings and Holders of
the Senior Notes (re: extension of Effectiveness
Date).
10.1(a)*** Financing Agreement dated March 8, 1996 between The
CIT Group/Business Credit, Inc. and the Company.
25
27
10.1(b)*** Grant of Security Interest in and Collateral
Assignment of Trademarks and Licenses dated as of
March 8, 1996 by the Company in favor of The CIT
Group/Business Credit, Inc.
10.1(c)*** Guarantee dated March 8, 1996 by Big 5 Corporation
in favor of The CIT Group/Business Credit, Inc.
10.2* Tax Indemnity Agreement by and among PE, TPH,
Thrifty and Big 5 Holdings dated as of September 25,
1992.
10.3(a)** Amended and Restated Indemnification Implementation
Agreement between UMC and TPH dated as of April 20,
1994.
10.3(b)** Agreement and Release among PE, TPH, TPI, Thrifty
and UMC dated as of March 11, 1994.
10.4(a)* Big 5 Corporation 1992 Equity Plan.
10.4(b)* Stock Subscription Agreement between Parent and GEI
dated as of September 25, 1992.
10.5(a)* Employment Agreement between the Company and Robert
W. Miller dated as of January 1, 1993.
10.5(b)* Employment Agreement between the Company and Steve
G. Miller dated as of January 1, 1993.
10.5(d)* Sublease between the Company and Thrifty dated as of
September 25, 1992 (1).
10.6(a)*** Agreement on Purchase and Sale among the Company and
the State of Wisconsin dated as of February 13,
1996.
10.6(b)*** Lease among the Company (Lessee) and the State of
Wisconsin Investment Board (Lessor) dated as of
March 5, 1996.
21 Subsidiaries of the Company: None
27 Financial Data Schedule.
----------
* Incorporated by reference to the Company's
Registration Statement on Form S-4 (file no.
33-61096) effective as of June 29, 1993.
** Incorporated by reference to the Company's report on
Form 10-K for the year ended January 1, 1995.
*** Incorporated by reference to the Company's report on
Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1995.
(b) Reports on Form 8-k
None.
26
28
SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION TO BE FURNISHED WITH REPORTS FILED PURSUANT TO SECTION
15 (d) OF THE ACT BY REGISTRANTS WHICH HAVE NOT REGISTERED SECURITIES PURSUANT
TO SECTION 12 OF THE ACT.
The Company has not provided any annual report covering its last fiscal year nor
any proxy statement to security holders.
27
29
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 15 (d) 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.
UNITED MERCHANDISING CORP.
a California Corporation.
Date : March 28, 1997 By: /S/Robert W. Miller
----------------------- -----------------------
Robert W. Miller
Chairman of the Board of Directors
and Chief Executive Officer
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report
has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and
in the capacities and on the dates indicated:
Signatures Title Date
---------- ----- ----
/S/Robert W. Miller Chairman of the Board of Directors
- ----------------------------------- and Chief Executive Officer of the
Robert W. Miller Company (Principal Executive Officer) March 28, 1997
/S/Steven G. Miller President,
- ----------------------------------- and Chief Operating Officer
Steven G. Miller and Director of the Company March 28, 1997
/S/Charles P. Kirk Senior Vice President and
- ----------------------------------- Chief Financial Officer (Principal
Charles P. Kirk Financial and Accounting Officer) March 28, 1997
/S/Leonard I. Green Director of the Company March 28, 1997
- -----------------------------------
Leonard I. Green
/S/Jonathan D. Sokoloff Director of the Company March 28, 1997
- ------------------------------------
Jonathan D. Sokoloff
/S/Jennifer Holden Dunbar Director of the Company March 28, 1997
- -------------------------------------
Jennifer Holden Dunbar
28
30
UNITED MERCHANDISING CORP.
INDEX TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Index to Financial Statements............................................... F-1
Report of KPMG Peat Marwick LLP, Independent Auditors'...................... F-2
Balance Sheet at December 29, 1996 and December 31, 1995.................... F-3
Years Ended December 29, 1996, December 31, 1995 and January 1, 1995
Statements of Operations........................................ F-5
Statements of Stockholder's Equity.............................. F-6
Statements of Cash Flows........................................ F-7
Notes to Financial Statements............................................... F-8
F-1
31
INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' REPORT
The Board of Directors and Stockholder
United Merchandising Corp.:
We have audited the accompanying balance sheets of United Merchandising Corp. as
of December 29, 1996 and December 31, 1995 and the related statements of
operations, stockholder's equity and cash flows for each of the years ended
December 29, 1996, December 31, 1995 and January 1, 1995. These financial
statements are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our
responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on
our audits.
We conducted our audits in accordance with generally accepted auditing
standards. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain
reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material
misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting
the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes
assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by
management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation.
We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in
all material respects, the financial position of United Merchandising Corp. as
of December 29, 1996 and December 31, 1995 and the results of its operations and
its cash flows for each of the years ended December 29, 1996, December 31, 1995
and January 1, 1995 in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles.
Los Angeles, California
February 26, 1997
F-2
32
UNITED MERCHANDISING CORP.
Balance Sheets
(Dollar amounts in thousands)
DECEMBER 29, 1996 DECEMBER 31, 1995
----------------- -----------------
ASSETS
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents $ 4,797 3,198
Trade and other receivables, net of allowance for doubtful
accounts of $464 and $267, respectively 4,054 3,377
Merchandise inventories 134,886 137,512
Prepaid expenses 1,031 1,106
--------- --------
Total current assets 144,768 145,193
--------- --------
Property and equipment:
Land 186 3,341
Buildings and improvements 13,776 13,261
Furniture and equipment 30,647 27,937
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization (17,079) (12,023)
--------- --------
Net property and equipment 27,530 32,516
--------- --------
Deferred income taxes, net 1,700 --
Leasehold interest, net of accumulated amortization
of $12,117 and $10,202, respectively
16,375 21,130
Other assets, at cost, less accumulated amortization of
$713 and $652, respectively
1,829 2,365
Goodwill, less accumulated amortization of $878 and $630,
respectively
5,667 5,915
--------- --------
$ 197,869 207,119
========= ========
See accompanying notes to financial statements.
F-3
33
UNITED MERCHANDISING CORP.
Balance Sheets (continued)
(Dollar amounts in thousands)
DECEMBER 29, 1996 DECEMBER 31, 1995
----------------- -----------------
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDER'S EQUITY
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable $ 44,239 42,812
Accrued expenses 28,368 27,387
Income taxes payable 1,733 --
--------- --------
Total current liabilities 74,340 70,199
Deferred rent 5,224 4,252
Long-term debt 86,450 103,594
--------- --------
Total liabilities 166,014 178,045
--------- --------
Commitments and contingencies
Stockholder's equity:
Common stock, no par value. Authorized 2,500 shares;
issued and outstanding 1,300 shares 35,080 35,080
Accumulated deficit (3,225) (6,006)
--------- --------
Net stockholder's equity 31,855 29,074
--------- --------
$ 197,869 207,119
========= ========
See accompanying notes to financial statements.
F-4
34
UNITED MERCHANDISING CORP.
Statements of Operations
(Dollar amounts in thousands)
YEAR ENDED YEAR ENDED YEAR ENDED
DECEMBER 29, DECEMBER 31, JANUARY 1,
1996 1995 1995
------------ ------------ ----------
Net sales $ 404,265 370,126 364,109
Cost of goods sold, buying and occupancy 277,116 256,583 244,777
--------- -------- --------
Gross profit 127,149 113,543 119,332
--------- -------- --------
Operating expenses:
Selling and administrative 101,053 95,158 92,238
Depreciation and amortization 9,578 11,991 9,180
--------- -------- --------
Total operating expenses 110,631 107,149 101,418
--------- -------- --------
Operating income 16,518 6,394 17,914
Interest expense 11,482 12,347 11,712
--------- -------- --------
Income (loss) before income taxes
and extraordinary loss 5,036 (5,953) 6,202
Income taxes 970 368 1,903
--------- -------- --------
Income (loss) before extraordinary loss
4,066 (6,321) 4,299
Extraordinary loss from early extinguishment of
debt, net of income tax benefit (1,285) -- (2,855)
--------- -------- --------
Net income (loss) $ 2,781 (6,321) 1,444
========= ======== ========
See accompanying notes to financial statements.
F-5
35
UNITED MERCHANDISING CORP.
Statements of Stockholder's Equity
Years ended December 29, 1996, December 31, 1995 and January 1, 1995
(Dollar amounts in thousands)
RETAINED EARNINGS
(ACCUMULATED
COMMON STOCK DEFICIT)
------------ -----------------
Balance at January 2, 1994 $ 34,916 (1,129)
Contribution of capital 185 --
Distribution of capital (21) --
Net income for the year ended January 1, 1995 -- 1,444
-------- ------
Balance at January 1, 1995 35,080 315
Net loss for the year ended December 31, 1995 -- (6,321)
-------- ------
Balance at December 31, 1995 35,080 (6,006)
Net income for the year ended December 29, 1996 -- 2,781
-------- ------
Balance at December 29, 1996 $ 35,080 (3,225)
======== ======
See accompanying notes to financial statements.
F-6
36
UNITED MERCHANDISING CORP.
Statements of Cash Flows
(Dollar amounts in thousands)
YEAR ENDED YEAR ENDED YEAR ENDED
DECEMBER 29, DECEMBER 31, JANUARY 1,
1996 1995 1995
------------ ------------ ----------
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income (loss) $ 2,781 (6,321) 1,444
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss)
to net cash provided by
(used in) operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization 9,578 11,991 9,180
Amortization of deferred finance charges 621 429 538
Deferred tax provision (benefit) (1,700) 368 (178)
Extraordinary loss from early extinguishment of debt 2,222 -- 4,758
Change in assets and liabilities:
Merchandise inventories 2,626 13,539 (17,972)
Trade accounts receivable, net (677) 803 (912)
Prepaid expenses and other assets 342 122 (198)
Income taxes 1,733 (178) 888
Accounts payable 1,427 (21,165) 17,743
Accrued expenses 845 (3,412) (644)
-------- ------- -------
Net cash provided by (used in)
operating activities 19,798 (3,824) 14,647
-------- ------- -------
Cash flows from investing activities:
Purchases of property and equipment (3,453) (6,822) (9,153)
Purchase of assets pending sale and leaseback (note 12) (8,910) -- --
Proceeds from sale of property and equipment 13,902 -- --
Acquisition of business -- (1,000) --
Other assets -- 448 (189)
-------- ------- -------
Net cash provided by (used in)
investing activities 1,539 (7,374) (9,342)
-------- ------- -------
Cash flows from financing activities:
Net borrowings (repayments) under revolving
credit facilities (17,144) 7,144 60,000
Repayments of term loan -- -- (44,000)
Repayment of long-term debt, net -- -- (18,550)
Debt issuance costs (1,434) (416) (1,060)
Debt prepayment premiums (1,160) -- (1,491)
Contribution of capital -- -- 164
-------- ------- -------
Net cash provided by (used in) financing
activities (19,738) 6,728 (4,937)
-------- ------- -------
Net increase (decrease) in cash and
cash equivalents 1,599 (4,470) 368
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year 3,198 7,668 7,300
-------- ------- -------
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year $ 4,797 3,198 7,668
-------- ------- -------
Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information:
Interest paid $ 11,285 12,300 11,817
Income taxes paid -- -- --
======== ======= =======
See accompanying notes to financial statements.
F-7
37
UNITED MERCHANDISING CORP.
Notes to Financial Statements
December 29, 1996 and December 31, 1995
(Dollar amounts in thousands)
(1) BASIS OF PRESENTATION AND DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS
The accompanying financial statements represent the financial position
and results of operations of United Merchandising Corp. (the Company).
The Company operates as a specialty sporting goods retailer under the
Big 5 Sporting Goods name carrying a broad range of hardlines, softlines
and footwear, operating 196 stores at December 29, 1996 in California,
Washington, Oregon, New Mexico, Arizona, Nevada, Idaho (Western states)
and Texas.
(2) SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
REPORTING PERIOD
The Company reports on a 52-53 week fiscal year ending on the Sunday
nearest December 31. All years presented had a 52-week year.
REVENUE RECOGNITION
The Company's revenue is received from retail sales of merchandise
through the Company's stores. Revenue is recognized when merchandise is
received by the customer and is shown net of returns. The costs of
distribution center operations are included in cost of sales, buying and
occupancy.
EARNINGS (LOSS) PER SHARE
Earnings (loss) per share data are not presented as they are not
meaningful to the financial statements.
CASH EQUIVALENTS
The Company considers all highly liquid investments with original
maturities of three months or less to be cash equivalents.
MERCHANDISE INVENTORIES
The Company values its merchandise inventories using the lower of
average cost (which approximates the first-in, first-out cost) or market
method.
PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT
Property and equipment are stated at cost and depreciated over the
estimated useful lives or lease terms, using the straight-line method.
The estimated useful lives are 40 years for buildings, 7 years for
fixtures and equipment and the shorter of the lease term or 10 years for
leasehold improvements. Maintenance and repairs are charged to expense
as incurred.
F-8
38
UNITED MERCHANDISING CORP.
Notes to Financial Statements, Continued
(Dollar amounts in thousands)
LEASEHOLD INTEREST
Upon acquisition of the Company, certain assets were recorded for the
net fair value of favorable operating lease agreements. The leasehold
interest asset is being amortized over an average of ten years on a
straight-line basis. The unamortized balance attributable to leases
terminated since the acquisition has been reflected as a component of
the gain or loss upon disposition of the underlying properties.
GOODWILL
Goodwill, which represents the excess of purchase price over fair value
of net assets acquired, is amortized on a straight-line basis over
periods ranging from 15 to 30 years.
OTHER ASSETS
Other assets consist principally of deferred financing costs and such
costs are amortized straight line over the terms of the respective debt.
SELF-INSURANCE RESERVES
The Company maintains self-insurance programs for workers' compensation
and general liability risks. The Company is self-insured up to specified
per-occurrence limits and maintains insurance coverage for losses in
excess of specified amounts. Estimated costs under these programs,
including incurred but not reported claims, are recorded as expenses
based upon actuarially determined historical experience and trends of
paid and incurred claims.
PREOPENING EXPENSES
New store preopening expenses are charged against operations as
incurred.
ADVERTISING EXPENSES
The Company recognizes advertising costs the first time the advertising
takes place. Advertising expenses amounted to $23,209 for the year ended
December 29, 1996, $22,621 for the year ended December 31, 1995 and
$20,423 for the year ended January 1, 1995.
Advertising expense is included in selling and administrative.
INCOME TAXES
The Company accounts for income taxes under the asset and liability
method whereby deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for
the future tax consequences attributable to differences between
financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities
and their respective tax bases. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are
measured using tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the
years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered
or settled. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a
change in tax rates is recognized in income in the period that includes
the enactment date. The realizability of deferred tax assets is assessed
throughout the year and a valuation allowance is established
accordingly.
F-9
39
UNITED MERCHANDISING CORP.
Notes to Financial Statements, Continued
(Dollar amounts in thousands)
USE OF ESTIMATES
Management of the Company has made a number of estimates and assumptions
relating to the reporting of assets and liabilities and the disclosure
of contingent assets and liabilities to prepare these financial
statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles.
Actual results could differ from these estimates.
CONCENTRATION OF CREDIT RISK
Customer purchases are generally transacted using cash or credit cards.
In certain instances, the Company grants credit to schools and
youth-oriented organizations, under normal trade terms. Trade accounts
receivable were approximately $355 and $200 at December 29, 1996 and
December 31, 1995, respectively. Credit losses have historically been
within management's expectations.
IMPAIRMENT OF LONG-LIVED ASSETS
The Company adopted the provisions of Statement of Financial Accounting
Standards No. 121 (SFAS 121), "Accounting for the Impairment of
Long-Lived Assets and for Long-Lived Assets to Be Disposed Of," in the
first quarter of fiscal 1996. The statement requires that long-lived
assets and certain identifiable intangibles be reviewed for impairment
whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying
amount of an asset may not be recoverable. Recoverability of assets to
be held and used is measured by a comparison of the carrying amount of
an asset to future net cash flows expected to be generated by the asset.
If such assets are considered to be impaired, the impairment to be
recognized is measured by the amount by which the carrying amount of the
assets exceeds the fair value of the assets. Assets to be disposed are
reported at the lower of the carrying amount or fair value less costs to
sell. Adoption of this statement did not have a material impact on the
Company's financial position, results of operations or liquidity.
STOCK COMPENSATION
On January 1, 1996, the Company adopted Statement of Financial
Accounting Standards No. 123 (SFAS 123), "Accounting for Stock-Based
Compensation," which permits entities to recognize as expense over the
vesting period the fair value of all stock-based awards on the date of
grant. Alternatively, SFAS No. 123 also allows entities to continue to
apply the provisions of APB Opinion No. 25 and provide pro forma net
income disclosures for employee stock option grants made in 1995 and
future years as if the fair-value-based method defined in SFAS No. 123
had been applied. The Company has elected to continue to apply the
provisions of APB Opinion No. 25 and to provide the pro forma disclosure
provisions of SFAS No. 123.
RECLASSIFICATIONS
Certain reclassifications of the prior year financial statements have
been made to conform to the 1996 presentation.
(3) FAIR VALUES OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
The following methods and assumptions were used to estimate the fair
value of each class of financial instruments for which it is practicable
to estimate that value.
F-10
40
UNITED MERCHANDISING CORP.
Notes to Financial Statements, Continued
(Dollar amounts in thousands)
Cash and cash equivalents, trade and other receivables, trade accounts
payable and accrued expenses: The carrying amounts approximate the fair
values of these instruments due to their short-term nature.
The fair value of the Company's senior subordinated notes at December
29, 1996 approximated $37,540 based on recent market prices. The
carrying amount of the revolving credit facility reflects the fair value
based on current rates available to the Company for debt of the same
remaining maturities. See note 4 for interest rates on outstanding
long-term debt.
(4) LONG-TERM DEBT
Long-term debt consists of the following:
DECEMBER 29, 1996 DECEMBER 31, 1995
----------------- ------------------
Revolving credit facility $50,000 67,144
Senior subordinated debt 36,450 36,450
------- -------
Total long-term debt $86,450 103,594
======= =======
Effective March 8, 1996, the Company entered into a credit agreement
(the CIT Credit Agreement) among the Company and the CIT Group, which
provided the Company with a three-year nonamortizing $100,000 revolving
debt facility (the CIT Facility). Proceeds from the initial funding
under the CIT Facility were used to repay in full all of the Company's
outstanding obligations under its then existing revolving credit
facility with General Electric Capital Corporation (the GECC Facility).
Pursuant to the refinancing, the Company incurred a charge of $2,222,
consisting of $1,160 in prepayment penalties and $1,062 related to a
write-off of deferred finance costs related to the GECC Facility. The
total charge is reflected as an extraordinary loss from early
extinguishment of debt, net of income taxes of $937, in the statement of
operations for the year ended December 29, 1996.
Prior to March 8, 1996, the Company operated under a credit agreement
dated October 20, 1994 as amended among the Company, General Electric
Capital Corporation as Agent and Wells Fargo Bank, which provided the
Company with a five-year nonamortizing $100,000 revolving debt facility.
Proceeds from the initial funding under the GECC Facility were used to
repay in full all of the Company's outstanding obligations under its
then existing revolving debt facility and term debt loan with Union Bank
of Switzerland, as agent and lender (the UBS Facility). Additionally,
the GECC Facility allowed the Company to use up to $22,000 to repurchase
the Company's senior subordinated debt (the Senior Debt). In 1994, the
Company had repurchased $18,550 in the principal amount of the Senior
Debt, utilizing $14,550 in borrowings under the GECC Facility. The
Company paid a premium of $1,491 related to the repurchase of Senior
Debt during 1994 and recorded a charge of $3,267 reflecting acceleration
of the financing fees related to the retired UBS Facility and Senior
Debt which were being amortized over the respective terms of the two
facilities. The total charge of $4,758 is reflected as an extraordinary
loss from early extinguishment of debt, net of income taxes of $1,903,
in the statement of operations for the year ended January 1, 1995.
F-11
41
UNITED MERCHANDISING CORP.
Notes to Financial Statements, Continued
(Dollar amounts in thousands)
The CIT Facility bears interest at various rates based on the adjusted
Eurorate (5.875% at December 29, 1996) plus 2.5% (LIBOR Borrowings) or
the prime lending rate (8.25% at December 29, 1996) plus .75% (Base Rate
Borrowings) and was secured by the trade accounts receivable,
merchandise inventory and general intangible assets (as defined) of the
Company. A fee of 3/8% is assessed on the unused portion of the
facility. On December 29, 1996, the Company had $50,000 in LIBOR
Borrowings and Letters of Credit of $4,368 outstanding. The Company's
maximum eligible borrowing available under the facility is limited to
65% of eligible inventory. Available borrowings on the CIT Facility
amounted to $27,632 at December 29, 1996.
The unsecured senior subordinated debt is due 2002 and bears interest at
13.625%. The notes require mandatory sinking fund payments of 25% at
September 15, 2000 and 2001. The notes may be redeemed in whole or from
time to time in part at any time on and after September 15, 1997, at the
option of the Company, at the redemption price set forth below with
respect to the indicated redemption date, together with any accrued but
unpaid interest to such redemption date.
If redeemed during the 12-month period beginning September 15:
YEAR PERCENTAGE
--------------------------------------- ----------------------
1997 105.839%
1998 103.893
1999 101.946
2000 and thereafter 100.000
=======
The various debt agreements contain restrictions on working capital,
acquisition of treasury stock and payment of cash dividends. In
addition, the agreements restrict liens on assets and the acquisition or
sale of subsidiaries.
The aggregate mandatory sinking fund requirements and annual maturities
of long-term debt for each of the five years subsequent to December 29,
1996 are as follows:
1997 $ --
1998 --
1999 50,000
2000 9,113
2001 9,113
Thereafter 18,224
=======
(5) LEASES
The Company currently leases certain stores, distribution facilities,
vehicles and equipment under noncancelable operating leases that expire
through the year 2018. These leases generally contain renewal options
for periods ranging from 5 to 15 years and require the Company to pay
all executory costs such as maintenance and insurance. Certain leases
contain options to purchase the leased assets.
F-12
42
UNITED MERCHANDISING CORP.
Notes to Financial Statements, Continued
(Dollar amounts in thousands)
Certain leases contain escalation clauses and provide for contingent
rentals based on percentages of sales. The Company recognizes rental
expense on a straight-line basis over the terms of the underlying
leases, without regard to when rentals are paid. The accrual of the
noncash portion of this rental expense has been included in depreciation
and amortization in the accompanying statements of operations and cash
flows and deferred rent in the accompanying balance sheets.
Rental expense for operating leases consisted of the following:
YEAR ENDED YEAR ENDED YEAR ENDED
DECEMBER 29, 1996 DECEMBER 31, 1995 JANUARY 1, 1995
----------------- ----------------- ---------------
Cash rental payments $23,670 21,003 18,482
Noncash rentals 973 3,344 496
Contingent rentals 1,038 989 1,275
------- ------ ------
Rental expense $25,681 25,336 20,253
======= ====== ======
Future minimum lease payments (cash rentals) under noncancelable
operating leases (with initial or remaining lease terms in excess of one
year) as of December 29, 1996 are:
Year ending:
1997 $ 22,811
1998 22,478
1999 21,522
2000 20,370
2001 19,822
Thereafter 155,336
--------
$262,339
========
(6) ACCRUED EXPENSES
Accrued expenses consist of the following:
DECEMBER 29, 1996 DECEMBER 31, 1995
----------------- -----------------
Payroll and related expenses $ 8,849 7,545
Self-insurance reserves 4,503 6,011
Sales tax 4,821 4,427
Other 10,195 9,404
------- ------
$28,368 27,387
======= ======
F-13
43
UNITED MERCHANDISING CORP.
Notes to Financial Statements, Continued
(Dollar amounts in thousands)
(7) INCOME TAXES
Income tax expense, excluding tax benefit of extraordinary loss,
consists of the following:
CURRENT DEFERRED TOTAL
------- -------- -----
1996:
Federal $ 2,273 (1,445) 828
State 397 (255) 142
------- ------ -----
2,670 (1,700) 970
------- ------ -----
1995:
Federal -- 313 313
State -- 55 55
------- ------ -----
-- 368 368
------- ------ -----
1994:
Federal 1,769 (151) 1,618
State 312 (27) 285
------- ------ -----
$ 2,081 (178) 1,903
======= ====== =====
The extraordinary losses in 1996 and 1994 are reported net of tax
benefits of $937 and $1,903, respectively (note 4). Accordingly, the
1996 tax provision including the tax benefit of the extraordinary loss
is $33. The 1994 tax provision including the tax benefit of the
extraordinary loss is zero.
The provision for income taxes differs from the amounts computed by
applying the Federal statutory tax rate as follows:
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER YEAR ENDED DECEMBER YEAR ENDED JANUARY
29, 1996 31, 1995 1, 1995
------------------- ------------------- ------------------
Tax expense (benefit) at statutory rate $ 1,763 (2,084) 2,171
State taxes, net of Federal benefit 307 (363) 364
Increase (decrease) in valuation allowance, net
of IRS adjustment (1,215) 2,990 433
MIS migration fees -- -- (1,190)
Other 115 (175) 125
------- ------ ------
$ 970 368 1,903
======= ====== ======
F-14
44
UNITED MERCHANDISING CORP.
Notes to Financial Statements, Continued
(Dollar amounts in thousands)
Deferred tax assets and liabilities consist of the following
tax-effected temporary differences:
DECEMBER 29, 1996 DECEMBER 31, 1995
----------------- -----------------
Deferred assets:
Self-insurance reserves $ 1,849 2,050
Employee benefits 1,577 1,167
State taxes 73 1,065
Net operating loss carryforward -- 2,427
Noncash rentals 2,150 1,488
Amortization of tangible and intangible assets 1,292 --
Other 1,103 770
------- ------
Gross deferred tax assets 8,044 8,967
Valuation allowance (4,094) (7,475)
------- ------
Net deferred tax assets $ 3,950 1,492
======= ======
Deferred liabilities:
Basis in fixed assets $ 2,250 1,252
Amortization of tangible and intangible assets -- 240
------- ------
Total deferred tax liabilities $ 2,250 1,492
======= ======
In 1996, the Company reduced the valuation allowance to reflect
realizability of its deferred tax assets. In doing so, management
considers whether it is more likely than not that some portion or all of
the deferred tax assets will be realized. The ultimate realization of
deferred tax assets is dependent upon the generation of future taxable
income during the periods in which those temporary differences become
deductible. Management considers the scheduled reversals of deferred tax
liabilities, projected future taxable income and tax planning strategies
in making this assessment. At December 29, 1996, management's assessment
indicated that net deferred tax assets of $1,700 were recoverable. The
valuation allowance decrease of $3,381 from the December 31, 1995
balance includes an adjustment for the IRS matter described below.
During 1996, the Company resolved certain audit issues with the IRS
which resulted in the elimination and reclassification of certain
temporary differences. The Company had established a valuation allowance
against such temporary differences in previous years. Accordingly, the
impact of resolving these audit issues was offset in 1996 by a
corresponding decrease in the valuation allowance for those temporary
differences eliminated.
F-15
45
UNITED MERCHANDISING CORP.
Notes to Financial Statements, Continued
(Dollar amounts in thousands)
For the year ended December 31, 1995, management performed a similar
assessment of the realizability of deferred taxes and concluded that a
valuation allowance for the entire net deferred tax assets was required
given the history of income tax losses experienced by the Company at the
time. Accordingly, the valuation allowance was increased by $2,990 from
the January 1, 1995 balance.
(8) EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS
Effective January 4, 1993, the Company established a 401(k) plan to
cover all eligible employees. All employees' contributions may be
supplemented by Company contributions. The Company contributed $1,017
for the year ended December 29, 1996, $667 for the year ended December
31, 1995 and $1,060 for the year ended January 1, 1995 in employer
matching and profit sharing contributions.
Certain employees of the Company participate in a stock option plan of
the parent company's stock. Options are granted by the Board of
Directors with exercise prices equal to the fair market value of the
parent company's stock, as determined by valuation models prepared by
the Board. There were no stock options granted in 1995. For 1996,
options to purchase 54,700 shares were granted on December 31, 1996 at
an exercise price of $12 per share. The options vest and become
exercisable in cumulative 20% installments commencing one year from the
date of grant, with full vesting on the fifth anniversary. The plan
terminates on September 25, 2002. Pro forma disclosures as defined by
SFAS 123 are not applicable for the options granted in 1996 as vesting
begins in 1997.
The Company has no significant postretirement or postemployment
benefits.
(9) RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
The Company received certain administrative support services from a
related party for which the Company pays a negotiated fee based on
services provided. The services were terminated April 1995. These
charges totaled $61 for the year ended December 31, 1995 and $1,099 for
the year ended January 1, 1995.
In addition, the Company leases certain property and equipment from a
related party who leases this property and equipment from an outside
party. Charges related to these leases totaled $1,008 for the year ended
December 29, 1996, $1,857 for the year ended December 31, 1995 and
$1,738 for the year ended January 1, 1995.
The Company has an agreement to pay $568, plus expenses, annually to an
advisor group of its investor. Certain individuals of the investor
advisor group are members of the Company's Board of Directors. In 1996
and 1994, the Company paid this advisor group an additional $500 for
services related to securing of the CIT and GECC facilities.
Affiliates of the Company own $250 of the senior subordinated notes.
(10) CONTINGENCIES
The Company is involved in various claims and legal actions arising in
the ordinary course of business. In the opinion of management, the
ultimate disposition of these matters will not have a material adverse
effect on the Company's financial position, results of operations or
liquidity.
F-16
46
UNITED MERCHANDISING CORP.
Notes to Financial Statements, Continued
(Dollar amounts in thousands)
(11) BUSINESS CONCENTRATIONS
The Company operates specialty sporting goods retail stores located
principally in the Western states of the United States. The retail
industry is impacted by the general economy. Changes in the marketplace
may significantly affect management's estimates and the Company's
performance.
(12) SALE LEASEBACK
On March 5, 1996, the Company entered into a sale and leaseback
agreement (the transaction) with regard to its warehouse facility
located in Fontana, California. Prior to this transaction, the Company
owned the land associated with the facility and leased the buildings and
improvements. In contemplation of the transaction, the Company purchased
the building and improvements at a purchase price of $8,910. The
transaction was then completed with the sale of the land, building and
improvements at a sale price of $13,900. The gain on the transaction was
insignificant and will be amortized on a straight-line basis over the
related lease term. The net cash proceeds after expenses totaled $4,728
which was used to repay a portion of the GECC Facility (note 4).
Under the leaseback agreement, the Company has committed to lease the
facility for ten years under a noncancelable operating lease. The future
minimum lease payments are reflected in the future minimum lease
payments under noncancelable operating leases (note 5).
On October 31, 1996, the Company entered into a sale and leaseback
agreement with regard to its store located in Culver City, California.
The sale amount of the property was $817 resulting in a $214 loss for
the Company which is included in the statements of operations. The
Company has committed to lease the property for 15 years under a
noncancelable operating lease. The future minimum lease payments are
reflected in the future minimum lease payments under noncancelable
leases (note 5).
F-17