UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-Q
(Mark One)
For the quarterly period ended December 29, 2002
OR
[ ] TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES
EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the transition from to
Commission file number 001-13222
STATER BROS. HOLDINGS INC.
Delaware | 33-0350671 | |
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization) |
(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.) | |
21700 Barton Road | ||
Colton, California | 92324 | |
(Address of principal executive offices) | (Zip Code) | |
Registrants telephone number, including area code | (909) 783-5000 |
Not Applicable
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 [ ]. |
As of February 6, 2003,
there were issued and outstanding
38,301 shares of the registrants Class A Common Stock.
STATER BROS. HOLDINGS INC.
DECEMBER 29, 2002
INDEX
Page | ||||||||
PART I | FINANCIAL INFORMATION (Unaudited) | |||||||
Item 1. | Financial Statements |
|||||||
Consolidated Balance Sheets (Unaudited) as of September 29, 2002
and December 29, 2002 |
3 | |||||||
Consolidated Statements of Income (Unaudited) for the 13 weeks ended
December 30, 2001 and December 29, 2002 |
5 | |||||||
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited) for the 13 weeks ended
December 30, 2001 and December 29, 2002 |
6 | |||||||
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) |
7 | |||||||
Item 2. | Managements Discussion and Analysis of Financial
Condition and Results of Operations |
9 | ||||||
Item 3. | Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosure about Market Risk |
17 | ||||||
PART II | OTHER INFORMATION |
|||||||
Item 1. | Legal Proceedings |
18 | ||||||
Item 2. | Changes in Securities |
18 | ||||||
Item 3. | Defaults Upon Senior Securities |
18 | ||||||
Item 4. | Controls and Procedures |
18 | ||||||
Item 5. | Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders |
18 | ||||||
Item 6. | Other Information |
18 | ||||||
Item 7. | Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K |
18 | ||||||
SIGNATURES | 19 | |||||||
CERTIFICATIONS | 20 |
2
PART I FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 1. | FINANCIAL STATEMENTS |
STATER BROS. HOLDINGS INC.
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(Unaudited)
(In thousands)
ASSETS
Sept. 29, | Dec. 29, | ||||||||
2002 | 2002 | ||||||||
Current Assets |
|||||||||
Cash and cash equivalents |
$ | 81,043 | $ | 98,515 | |||||
Receivables |
26,500 | 25,654 | |||||||
Income tax receivables |
7,061 | 5,188 | |||||||
Inventories |
175,404 | 168,087 | |||||||
Prepaid expenses |
7,860 | 8,840 | |||||||
Deferred income taxes |
15,281 | 15,281 | |||||||
Total current assets |
313,149 | 321,565 | |||||||
Investment in unconsolidated affiliate |
15,580 | 16,326 | |||||||
Property and equipment |
|||||||||
Land |
50,930 | 50,930 | |||||||
Buildings and improvements |
191,514 | 194,160 | |||||||
Store fixtures and equipment |
212,741 | 217,188 | |||||||
Property subject to capital leases |
24,670 | 24,670 | |||||||
479,855 | 486,948 | ||||||||
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization |
194,039 | 198,687 | |||||||
285,816 | 288,261 | ||||||||
Deferred debt issuance costs, net |
13,936 | 13,074 | |||||||
Other assets |
5,649 | 6,430 | |||||||
19,585 | 19,504 | ||||||||
Total assets |
$ | 634,130 | $ | 645,656 | |||||
See accompanying notes to unaudited consolidated financial statements.
3
STATER BROS. HOLDINGS INC.
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Continued)
(Unaudited)
(In thousands, except share amounts)
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS DEFICIT
Sept. 29, | Dec. 29, | |||||||||
2002 | 2002 | |||||||||
Current Liabilities |
||||||||||
Accounts payable |
$ | 104,166 | $ | 103,789 | ||||||
Accrued payroll and related expenses |
41,567 | 36,796 | ||||||||
Other accrued liabilities |
46,656 | 61,746 | ||||||||
Current portion of capital lease obligations |
1,117 | 1,087 | ||||||||
Total current liabilities |
193,506 | 203,418 | ||||||||
Deferred income taxes, long-term |
6,500 | 6,500 | ||||||||
Long-term debt |
458,750 | 458,750 | ||||||||
Capital lease obligations, less current portion |
10,981 | 10,720 | ||||||||
Long-term portion of self-insurance and other reserves |
23,855 | 21,350 | ||||||||
Other long-term liabilities |
14,659 | 16,112 | ||||||||
Total liabilities |
708,251 | 716,850 | ||||||||
Stockholders deficit |
||||||||||
Common Stock, $.01 par value: |
||||||||||
Authorized shares 100,000 |
||||||||||
Issued and outstanding shares 0 |
| | ||||||||
Class A Common Stock, $.01 par value: |
||||||||||
Authorized
shares 100,000 |
||||||||||
Issued
and outstanding shares 38,301 |
| | ||||||||
Additional paid-in capital |
9,740 | 9,740 | ||||||||
Retained deficit |
(83,861 | ) | (80,934 | ) | ||||||
Total stockholders deficit |
(74,121 | ) | (71,194 | ) | ||||||
Total liabilities and stockholders deficit |
$ | 634,130 | $ | 645,656 | ||||||
See accompanying notes to unaudited consolidated financial statements.
4
STATER BROS. HOLDINGS INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
(Unaudited)
(In thousands, except per share and share amounts)
13 Weeks Ended | |||||||||
Dec. 30, | Dec. 29, | ||||||||
2001 | 2002 | ||||||||
Sales |
$ | 662,587 | $ | 681,509 | |||||
Cost of goods sold |
486,424 | 497,893 | |||||||
Gross profit |
176,163 | 183,616 | |||||||
Operating expenses: |
|||||||||
Selling, general and administrative expenses |
149,936 | 158,023 | |||||||
Depreciation and amortization |
7,504 | 8,164 | |||||||
Total operating expenses |
157,440 | 166,187 | |||||||
Operating profit |
18,723 | 17,429 | |||||||
Interest income |
704 | 272 | |||||||
Interest expense |
(12,796 | ) | (13,258 | ) | |||||
Equity in earnings from unconsolidated affiliate |
648 | 746 | |||||||
Other expenses net |
(614 | ) | (389 | ) | |||||
Income before income taxes |
6,665 | 4,800 | |||||||
Income taxes |
2,733 | 1,873 | |||||||
Net income |
$ | 3,932 | $ | 2,927 | |||||
Earnings per share |
$ | 78.64 | $ | 76.42 | |||||
Average common shares outstanding |
50,000 | 38,301 | |||||||
Shares outstanding at end of period |
50,000 | 38,301 | |||||||
See accompanying notes to unaudited consolidated financial statements.
5
STATER BROS. HOLDINGS INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(Unaudited)
(In thousands)
13 Weeks Ended | ||||||||||
Dec. 30, | Dec. 29, | |||||||||
2001 | 2002 | |||||||||
Operating activities: |
||||||||||
Net income |
$ | 3,932 | $ | 2,927 | ||||||
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by
operating activities: |
||||||||||
Depreciation and amortization |
7,504 | 8,164 | ||||||||
Loss on disposals of assets |
614 | 388 | ||||||||
Equity
in earnings from unconsolidated affiliate |
(648 | ) | (746 | ) | ||||||
Changes in operating assets and liabilities: |
||||||||||
(Increase) decrease in receivables |
(3,452 | ) | 846 | |||||||
Decrease in income tax receivables |
358 | 1,873 | ||||||||
Decrease in inventories |
879 | 7,317 | ||||||||
Increase in prepaid expenses |
(1,603 | ) | (983 | ) | ||||||
(Increase) decrease in other assets |
(25 | ) | 81 | |||||||
Decrease in accounts payable |
(4,432 | ) | (377 | ) | ||||||
Increase in accrued income taxes |
2,708 | | ||||||||
Increase in accrued liabilities and long-term
portion of self-insurance reserves |
15,003 | 9,267 | ||||||||
Net cash provided by operating activities |
20,838 | 28,757 | ||||||||
Investing activities: |
||||||||||
Purchase of property and equipment |
(13,674 | ) | (11,020 | ) | ||||||
Proceeds from sale of property and equipment |
17 | 26 | ||||||||
Net cash used in investing activities |
(13,657 | ) | (10,994 | ) | ||||||
Financing activities: |
||||||||||
Principal payments on capital lease obligations |
(413 | ) | (291 | ) | ||||||
Net cash used in financing activities |
(413 | ) | (291 | ) | ||||||
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents |
6,768 | 17,472 | ||||||||
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period |
101,636 | 81,043 | ||||||||
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period |
$ | 108,404 | $ | 98,515 | ||||||
Interest paid |
$ | 537 | $ | 489 | ||||||
Income taxes paid |
$ | 1,713 | $ | |
See accompanying notes to unaudited consolidated financial statements.
6
STATER BROS. HOLDINGS INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)
DECEMBER 29, 2002
Note 1 Basis of Presentation
In the opinion of management, the accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements contain all normal recurring adjustments necessary to present fairly the financial position of Stater Bros. Holdings Inc. (the Company) and its subsidiaries as of September 29, 2002 and December 29, 2002 and the results of its operations and cash flows for the thirteen weeks ended December 30, 2001 and December 29, 2002. These consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the audited financial statements and notes thereto included in the Companys latest annual report filed on Form 10-K. The operating results for the thirteen weeks ended December 29, 2002 are not necessarily indicative of the results of operations for a full year.
Note 2 Income Taxes
The provision for income taxes for the thirteen weeks ended December 30, 2001 and December 29, 2002 consists of the following:
13 Weeks Ended | ||||||||
Dec. 30, 2001 | Dec. 29, 2002 | |||||||
(In thousands) | ||||||||
Federal income taxes |
$ | 2,144 | $ | 1,448 | ||||
State income taxes |
589 | 425 | ||||||
$ | 2,733 | $ | 1,873 | |||||
Note 3 Unconsolidated Affiliate
The Company owns 50% of Santee Dairies LLC. Through its wholly owned subsidiary, Santee Dairies, Inc. (Santee), it operates a fluid milk processing plant located in City of Industry, California, and the Company is not the controlling stockholder. Accordingly, the Company accounts for its investment in Santee using the equity method of accounting and recognized income of $648,000 and $746,000 for the thirteen weeks ended December 30, 2001 and December 29, 2002, respectively. The Company is a significant customer of Santee which supplies the Company with a substantial portion of its fluid milk and dairy products.
Summary of unaudited financial information for Santee is as follows:
13 Weeks Ended | ||||||||
Dec. 30, 2001 | Dec. 29, 2002 | |||||||
(In thousands) | ||||||||
Current assets |
$ | 23,508 | $ | 23,633 | ||||
Non-current assets |
94,432 | 91,411 | ||||||
Current liabilities |
24,872 | 21,880 | ||||||
Non-current liabilities |
66,277 | 60,350 | ||||||
Shareholders equity |
26,791 | 32,814 | ||||||
Sales |
49,306 | 44,862 | ||||||
Gross profit |
8,136 | 7,976 | ||||||
Net income |
$ | 1,295 | $ | 1,491 |
7
STATER BROS. HOLDINGS INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)
DECEMBER 29, 2002
Note 4 Reclassifications
Certain amounts in the prior period have been reclassified to conform to the current period financial statements presentation.
Note 5 Use of Estimates
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States requires management to make estimates and assumptions that effect the amounts reported in the financial statements and accompanying notes. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
Note 6 Stock Redemption
During the second quarter of fiscal 2002, the Company obtained consent of the holders of its 10.75% Senior Notes due 2006 to make a distribution and payment to stockholders consisting of $25.0 million in cash and a subordinated note in the principal amount of $20.0 million. On January 22, 2002, the Company redeemed 11,699 shares of the Companys stock previously held by La Cadena Investments and made a cash payment of $20.0 million and executed a $20.0 million subordinated note due March 31, 2007 to a former partner of La Cadena Investments. The subordinated note bears interest at a rate of 5.0% per annum, payable semi-annually. On February 1, 2002, the Company paid a $4.5 million dividend to La Cadena Investments. Fees for consent of the holders of its 10.75% Senior Notes and fees and expenses of the transaction, including a $500,000 financial advisory service fee to La Cadena Investments, were approximately $5.0 million.
Note 7 Redemption of Notes
During the second quarter of fiscal 2002, the Company redeemed $250,000 of its 10.75% Senior Notes due 2006. The Notes were restricted and unregistered. The Notes were redeemed for $250,000 plus accrued interest.
Note 8 Long-Lived Assets
Financial Accounting Standards Board Statements No. 144 (SFAS No. 144), Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets became effective for the Company September 30, 2002. This standard replaces SFAS No. 121 and APB No. 30 and amends APB No. 51. Adoption of this standard did not have a material effect on the Companys financial statements. As part of the adoption of this standard, assets previously classified as Properties held for sale on the consolidated balance sheets were reclassified to Property and equipment.
Note 9 Subsequent Events
On February 4, 2003, the Company signed a Fourth Amendment to the credit facility with Bank of America N.A. dated August 6, 1999. The principal provisions of the Fourth Credit Amendment were to remove the $25 million letter of credit facility, remove the $15 million Revolving Loan Commitment L/C Sublimit; create a $50 million Letter of Credit Sublimit; extend the availability of the Revolving Loan Facility from March 31, 2003 to March 31, 2005 and change the fee for outstanding letters of credit from 1.50% to 1.25%. The Company will pay a renewal fee of $75,000 to the administrative agent of the credit facility.
8
STATER BROS. HOLDINGS INC.
DECEMBER 29, 2002
PART I FINANCIAL INFORMATION (contd.)
Item 2. | MANAGEMENTS DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS | |
CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES | ||
The Companys discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations are based upon the Companys unaudited consolidated financial statements prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States. The preparation of the financial statements requires the use of estimates and judgements on the part of management. The Company based its estimates on the Companys historical experience combined with managements understanding of current facts and circumstances. The Company believes that the following critical accounting policies are the most important to the Companys financial statement presentation and require the most difficult, subjective and complex judgements on the part of management. | ||
Vendor Rebates and Allowances | ||
The Company receives certain rebates and allowances (allowances) from its vendors. The Company recognizes these allowances as a reduction in cost of goods sold as the allowances are earned. These allowances are earned by promoting certain products or by purchasing specified amounts of product. The Company records a liability for allowance funds that have been received but not yet earned. | ||
Self-Insurance | ||
The Company is primarily self-insured, subject to certain retention levels for workers compensation, automobile and general liability costs. The Company records its self-insurance liability based on the claims filed and an estimate of claims incurred but not yet reported. The estimates used by management are based on the Companys historical experiences as well as current facts and circumstances. The Company uses third party actuarial analysis in making its estimates. Actuarial projections and the Companys estimate of ultimate losses are subject to a high degree of variability. The variability in the projections and estimates are subject to, but not limited to, such factors as judicial and administrative rulings, legislative actions, and changes in compensation benefits structure. In recent years, the Company and employers within the State of California as a whole have seen significant increases in the severity of workers compensation claims. While the Company has factored these increases into its estimates of ultimate loss, no assurance can be given that future events will not require a change in these estimates. The Company discounts its workers compensation, automobile and general liability insurance reserves at a discount rate of approximately 7.5%. |
9
STATER BROS. HOLDINGS INC.
MANAGEMENTS DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF
FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
Inventories
Investment in Affiliate
Deferred Debt Issuance Costs
Deferred Taxes
Phantom Stock Plan
OWNERSHIP OF THE COMPANY
10
STATER BROS. HOLDINGS INC.
MANAGEMENTS DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF
FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
13 Weeks Ended | |||||||||
Dec. 30, 2001 | Dec. 29, 2002 | ||||||||
Sales |
100.00 | % | 100.00 | % | |||||
Gross profit |
26.59 | 26.94 | |||||||
Operating expenses: |
|||||||||
Selling, general and administrative
expenses |
22.63 | 23.18 | |||||||
Depreciation and amortization |
1.13 | 1.20 | |||||||
Operating profit |
2.83 | 2.56 | |||||||
Interest income |
0.11 | 0.04 | |||||||
Interest expense |
(1.93 | ) | (1.95 | ) | |||||
Equity in earnings from unconsolidated affiliate |
0.10 | 0.11 | |||||||
Other expenses net |
(0.10 | ) | (0.06 | ) | |||||
Income before income taxes |
1.01 | % | 0.70 | % |
Total sales for the thirteen weeks ended December 29, 2002, the first quarter of fiscal 2003, increased 2.9% and amounted to $681.5 million compared to $662.6 million for the same period in the prior year. The increase in total sales in the first quarter of fiscal 2003 was due primarily to continued favorable customer response to the Companys marketing plan which emphasizes high quality, large product selections and customer service. Like store sales increased 2.3% for the thirteen-week period ended December 29, 2002. In the first quarter of the prior year, the Company experienced stronger than normal sales during the period immediately following the 911 tragedy. The Company found people were more inclined to stay close to home and be with family after the 911 tragedy, therefore eating more meals at home. The Company operated 156 supermarkets at December 29, 2002 and 155 supermarkets at December 30, 2001.
Gross profit for the thirteen weeks ended December 29, 2002, amounted to $183.6 million or 26.94% of sales compared to $176.2 million or 26.59% of sales in the same period of the prior year. The increase in the first quarter of fiscal 2003 gross profit, as a percent of sales, was due primarily to an increase in the sale of higher margin items.
Operating expenses include selling, general and administrative expenses and depreciation and amortization. For the thirteen weeks ended December 29, 2002, selling, general and administrative expenses amounted to $158.0 million or 23.18% of sales compared to $149.9 million or 22.63% of sales for the thirteen weeks ended December 30, 2001. The increase in selling, general and administration expenses, as a percentage of sales, in the first quarter of fiscal 2003 compared to the first quarter of fiscal 2002, was due primarily to an increase in payroll related expenses.
11
STATER BROS. HOLDINGS INC.
MANAGEMENTS DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF
FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (contd.)
Operating profit for the thirteen weeks ended December 29, 2002 amounted to $17.4 million or 2.56% of sales compared to $18.7 million or 2.83% of sales for the thirteen weeks ended December 30, 2001.
Interest expense amounted to $13.3 million for the thirteen weeks ended December 29, 2002 compared to $12.8 million for the thirteen weeks ended December 30, 2001. The increase in interest expense in the first quarter of fiscal 2003 is primarily attributed to the issuance of a $20.0 million subordinated note in connection with the redemption of Company stock in the second quarter of 2002.
The Companys equity in earnings from unconsolidated affiliate, amounted to $746,000 for the first quarter of fiscal 2003 compared to $648,000 in the first quarter of the prior year. The increase in earnings in the first quarter of 2003 over the first quarter of 2002, was due to increased volume and improved efficiencies by Santee.
Income before income taxes amounted to $4.8 million for the thirteen weeks ended December 29, 2002 compared to $6.7 million for the thirteen weeks ended December 30, 2001.
Net income for the thirteen weeks ended December 29, 2002, amounted to $2.9 million compared to $3.9 million for the thirteen weeks ended December 30, 2001.
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
12
STATER BROS. HOLDINGS INC.
MANAGEMENTS DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF
FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES (contd.)
Contractual Cash Obligations (In thousands) | ||||||||||||||||||||
Less than | After | |||||||||||||||||||
Total | 1 Year | 1-3 Years | 4-5 Years | 5 Yrs | ||||||||||||||||
10.75% Senior Notes due August 2006 |
||||||||||||||||||||
Principal |
$ | 438,750 | $ | | $ | | $ | 438,750 | $ | | ||||||||||
Interest |
212,125 | 47,139 | 94,278 | 70,708 | | |||||||||||||||
650,875 | 47,139 | 94,278 | 509,458 | | ||||||||||||||||
5% Subordinated Note due March 2007
|
||||||||||||||||||||
Principal |
20,000 | | | 20,000 | | |||||||||||||||
Interest |
5,000 | 1,000 | 2,000 | 2,000 | | |||||||||||||||
25,000 | 1,000 | 2,000 | 22,000 | | ||||||||||||||||
Capital Lease Obligations(1)
|
||||||||||||||||||||
Principal |
11,807 | 1,087 | 1,925 | 1,786 | 7,009 | |||||||||||||||
Interest |
11,063 | 1,855 | 3,156 | 2,545 | 3,507 | |||||||||||||||
22,870 | 2,942 | 5,081 | 4,331 | 10,516 | ||||||||||||||||
Operating Leases(1) |
213,992 | 29,534 | 52,006 | 44,181 | 88,271 | |||||||||||||||
Total Contractual Cash Obligations |
$ | 912,737 | $ | 80,615 | $ | 153,365 | $ | 579,970 | $ | 98,787 | ||||||||||
Other Commercial Commitments (In thousands) | ||||||||||||||||||||
Less than | After | |||||||||||||||||||
Total | 1 Year | 1-3 Years | 4-5 Years | 5 Yrs | ||||||||||||||||
Standby Letters of Credit(2) |
$ | 39,357 | $ | 39,357 | $ | | $ | | $ | | ||||||||||
Total Other Commercial Commitments |
$ | 39,357 | $ | 39,357 | $ | | $ | | $ | | ||||||||||
(1) The Company leases the majority of its retail stores, offices and warehouse and distribution facilities. Certain leases provide for additional rents based on sales. Primary lease terms range from 10 to 99 years and substantially all leases provide for renewal options.
(2) Standby letters of credit are committed as security for workers compensation obligations and as security for current rent obligations. Outstanding letters of credit expire between May 2003 and December 2003.
13
STATER BROS. HOLDINGS INC.
MANAGEMENTS DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF
FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES (contd.)
The net cash provided by operating activities in the thirteen weeks ended December 29, 2002 amounted to $28.8 million compared to $20.8 million for the thirteen weeks ended December 30, 2001. Fluctuations in net cash provided by or used in operating activities are not unusual in the industry. Cash provided by operating activities in fiscal 2003 consisted of a $9.3 million increase in accrued liabilities and self-insurance reserves, a $7.3 million decrease in inventory and $8.2 million from depreciation. Cash provided by operating activities in fiscal 2002 consisted of a $15.0 million increase in accrued liabilities and self-insurance reserves, $7.5 million from depreciation offset by a decrease of $4.4 million in accounts payable and a $3.5 million increase in accounts receivable.
Net cash used by investing activities for the thirteen weeks ended December 29, 2002, amounted to $11.0 million compared to $13.7 million for the thirteen weeks ended December 30, 2001. The difference in net cash used by investing activities between the comparable periods is due to the Companys capital expenditures during these periods, net of proceeds from asset dispositions. Capital expenditures amounted to $11.0 million in the first quarter of fiscal 2003 compared to $13.7 million in the first quarter of fiscal 2002.
Net cash used by financing activities amounted to $291,000 and $413,000 for the thirteen weeks ended December 29, 2002 and December 30, 2001, respectively, and consisted of payments on the Companys capitalized lease obligations.
14
STATER BROS. HOLDINGS INC.
MANAGEMENTS DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF
FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
The Credit Facilities
The availability of the loans and letters of credit are subject to certain sublimits and other borrowing restrictions.
Indebtedness of Stater Bros. Markets under the credit facility is guaranteed by Stater Bros. Development, Inc., a subsidiary of the Company, and any subsidiaries that Stater Bros. Markets or Stater Bros. Development, Inc. acquires or forms after the date of the credit facility.
Loans under the credit facility bear interest at a rate based upon either (i) the Base Rate (defined as the higher of (a) the federal funds rate plus 0.50% and (b) the rate of interest publicly announced by Bank of America as its reference rate), plus 1.00%, or (ii) the Offshore Rate (defined as the average British Bankers Association Interest Settlement Rate for deposits in dollars, adjusted for the maximum reserve requirement for Eurocurrency funding), plus 1.75%. For Offshore Rate Loans, the Offshore Rate will be applied in consecutive periods of the earlier of (a) the maturity date of the loan or (b) periods, as selected by Stater Bros. Markets of one, two, three or six months.
The revolving loan facility will cease to be available and will be payable in full on March 31, 2005. Letters of credit under the credit facility can be issued until March 31, 2006. The loans under the revolving loan facility must be repaid for a period of ten consecutive days semi-annually.
Loans under the revolving loan facility may be repaid and re-borrowed. The loans under the revolving loan facility may be prepaid at any time without penalty, subject to certain minimums and payment of any breakage and re-deployment costs in the case of loans based on the offshore rate. The commitments under the credit facility may be reduced by Stater Bros. Markets. Stater Bros. Markets will be required to pay a commitment fee equal to 0.25% per annum on the actual daily unused portion of the revolving loan facility and the letter of credit facility, payable quarterly in arrears. Outstanding letters of credit under the credit facility are subject to a fee of 1.25% per annum on the face amount of such letters of credit, payable quarterly in arrears. The Company will be required to pay standard fees charged by Bank of America with respect to the issuance, negotiation, and amendment of commercial letters of credit issued under the letter of credit facility.
15
STATER BROS. HOLDINGS INC.
MANAGEMENTS DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF
FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
The Credit Facilities (contd.)
The credit facility also contains covenants that apply to the Company and the Company is a party to the credit facility for purposes of these covenants. These covenants, among other things, limit dividends and other payments in respect of the Companys capital stock, prepayments and redemptions of the exchange notes and other debt, and limit indebtedness, investments, loans and advances by the Company.
The credit facility requires the Company and Stater Bros. Markets to comply with certain covenants intended to ensure that their legal identities remain separate.
The credit facility contains customary events of default, including payment defaults; material inaccuracies in representations and warranties; covenant defaults; cross-defaults to certain other indebtedness; certain bankruptcy events; certain ERISA events; judgments; defaults; invalidity of any guaranty; failure of Jack H. Brown to be Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer of Stater Bros. Markets; and change of control.
As of December 29, 2002, for purposes of the credit facility with Bank of America, the Company was in compliance with all restrictive covenants and exceeded the minimum net worth covenant by approximately $79.4 million and exceeded minimum inventory coverage by approximately $36.3 million. The minimum EBITDA covenant measurement period began in the quarter ending June 25, 2000, and requires an annualized minimum EBITDA of $85.0 million. As of December 29, 2002, Stater Bros. Markets exceeded minimum annualized EBITDA by approximately $18.0 million.
As of December 29, 2002, for purposes of the credit facility with Bank of America, the Company was in compliance with all restrictive covenants.
The Company is also subject to certain covenants associated with its 10.75% Senior Notes due 2006. As of December 29, 2002, the Company was in compliance with all such covenants. However, there can be no assurance that the Company will be able to achieve the expected operating results or implement the capital expenditure strategy upon which future compliance with such covenants is based.
Labor Relations
16
STATER BROS. HOLDINGS INC.
MANAGEMENTS DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF
FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
EFFECT OF INFLATION AND COMPETITION | ||
The Companys performance is affected by inflation. In recent years the impact of inflation on the operations of the Company has been moderate. As inflation has increased expenses, the Company has recovered, to the extent permitted by competition, the increase in expenses by increasing prices over time. However, the economic and competitive environment in Southern California continues to challenge the Company to become more cost efficient as its ability to recover increases in expenses through price increases is diminished. The future results of operations of the Company will depend upon the ability of the Company to adapt to the current economic environment as well as the current competitive conditions. | ||
The Company conducts business in one industry segment, the operation of retail food supermarkets, which offer for sale to the public most merchandise typically found in supermarkets. The supermarket industry is highly competitive and is characterized by low profit margins. The Companys primary competitors include Vons, Albertsons, Ralphs, and a number of independent supermarket operators. Competitive factors typically include the price, quality and selection of products offered for sale, customer service, and the convenience and location of retail facilities. The Company monitors competitive activity and Senior Management regularly reviews the Companys marketing and business strategy and periodically adjusts them to adapt to changes in the Companys primary trading area. | ||
CAUTIONARY STATEMENT FOR PURPOSES OF SAFE HARBOR PROVISIONS OF THE PRIVATE SECURITIES LITIGATION REFORM ACT OF 1995. | ||
The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 provides a safe harbor for forward-looking statements. Certain information contained in the Companys filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (as well as information included in oral statements or other written statements made or to be made by the Company) includes statements that are forward-looking, such as statements relating to plans for future activities. Such forward-looking information involves important risks and uncertainties that could significantly affect results in the future and, accordingly, such results may differ from those expressed in any forward-looking statements made by or on behalf of the Company. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, those relating to domestic economic conditions, seasonal and weather fluctuations, expansion and other activities of competitors, changes in federal or state laws and the administration of such laws and the general condition of the economy. |
Item 3. | QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURE ABOUT MARKET RISK | |
Not Applicable. |
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STATER BROS. HOLDINGS INC.
MANAGEMENTS DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF
FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
PART II | | OTHER INFORMATION |
Item 1. | LEGAL PROCEEDINGS | |
Various legal actions and claims are pending against the Company in the ordinary course of business. In the opinion of management and its general legal counsel, the ultimate resolution of such pending legal actions and claims will not have a material adverse effect on the Companys consolidated financial position or its results of operations. | ||
For a description of legal proceedings, please refer to the footnote entitled Litigation Matters contained in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements section of the Companys Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 29, 2002. |
Item 2. | CHANGES IN SECURITIES | |
None | ||
Item 3. | DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES | |
None | ||
Item 4. | CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES | |
Within the past 90 days, the Company carried out an evaluation, under the supervision of the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of the Companys disclosure controls and procedures. Based on that evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have each concluded that those controls and procedures were effective in making known to them, on a timely basis, the material information needed for the preparation of this Report on Form 10-Q. There were no significant changes in the Companys internal controls or in other factors that could significantly affect those internal controls since the date of their evaluation, nor did they find any significant deficiencies or material weaknesses that would have required corrective actions to be taken with respect to those controls. |
Item 5. | SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS | |
None | ||
Item 6. | OTHER INFORMATION | |
None | ||
Item 7. | EXHIBITS AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K | |
(a) Exhibits |
Exhibit no. | Description | |
10.33 | Fourth Amendment dated February 4, 2003 to the Credit Agreement dated as of August 6, 1999 by and among Stater Bros. Markets, Stater Bros. Holdings Inc. and Bank of America, N.A. | |
99.3 | Certification Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. |
(b) Reports on Form 8-K | ||
None |
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STATER BROS. HOLDINGS INC.
Signatures
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.
Date: February 6, 2003 |
/s/ Jack H. Brown Jack H. Brown Chairman of the Board, President, and Chief Executive Officer (Principal Executive Officer) |
Date: February 6, 2003 |
/s/ Phillip J. Smith Phillip J. Smith Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer (Principal Financial Officer) |
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CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO
SECTION 302 (a) OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT
I, Jack H. Brown, certify that:
1. | I have reviewed this quarterly report on Form 10-Q of Stater Bros. Holdings Inc.; | |
2. | Based on my knowledge, this quarterly report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this quarterly report; | |
3. | Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this quarterly report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this quarterly report; | |
4. | The registrants other certifying officers and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-14 and 15d-14) for the registrant and we have: | |
a) | designed such disclosure controls and procedures to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this quarterly report is being prepared; | |
b) | evaluated the effectiveness of the registrants disclosure controls and procedures as of a date within 90 days prior to the filing date of this quarterly report (the Evaluation Date); and | |
c) | presented in this quarterly report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures based on our evaluation as of the Evaluation Date; | |
5. | The registrants other certifying officers and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation, to the registrants auditors and the audit committee of registrants board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent function): | |
a) | all significant deficiencies in the design or operation of internal controls which could adversely affect the registrants ability to record, process, summarize and report financial data and have identified for the registrants auditors any material weaknesses in internal controls; and | |
b) | any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrants internal controls; and | |
6. | The registrants other certifying officers and I have indicated in this quarterly report whether or not there were significant changes in internal controls or in other factors that could significantly affect internal controls subsequent to the date of our most recent evaluation, including any corrective actions with regard to significant deficiencies and material weaknesses. |
Date: February 6, 2003
/s/ Jack H. Brown
|
Jack H. Brown |
Chairman of the Board, President, |
and Chief Executive Officer |
(Principal Executive Officer) |
20
CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO
SECTION 302 (a) OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT
I, Phillip J. Smith, certify that:
1. | I have reviewed this quarterly report on Form 10-Q of Stater Bros. Holdings Inc.; | |
2. | Based on my knowledge, this quarterly report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this quarterly report; | |
3. | Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this quarterly report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this quarterly report; | |
4. | The registrants other certifying officers and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-14 and 15d-14) for the registrant and we have: | |
a) | designed such disclosure controls and procedures to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this quarterly report is being prepared; | |
b) | evaluated the effectiveness of the registrants disclosure controls and procedures as of a date within 90 days prior to the filing date of this quarterly report (the Evaluation Date); and | |
c) | presented in this quarterly report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures based on our evaluation as of the Evaluation Date; | |
5. | The registrants other certifying officers and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation, to the registrants auditors and the audit committee of registrants board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent function): | |
a) | all significant deficiencies in the design or operation of internal controls which could adversely affect the registrants ability to record, process, summarize and report financial data and have identified for the registrants auditors any material weaknesses in internal controls; and | |
b) | any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrants internal controls; and | |
6. | The registrants other certifying officers and I have indicated in this quarterly report whether or not there were significant changes in internal controls or in other factors that could significantly affect internal controls subsequent to the date of our most recent evaluation, including any corrective actions with regard to significant deficiencies and material weaknesses. |
Date: February 6, 2003
/s/ Phillip J. Smith
|
Phillip J. Smith |
Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer |
(Principal Financial Officer) |
21