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UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-Q

(Mark One)

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

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.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
     
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)
     
Registrant’s telephone number, including area code   (909) 783-5000

Not Applicable

(Former name, former address and former fiscal year, if changed since last report.)

  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 registrant’s Class A Common Stock.

 


TABLE OF CONTENTS

PART I — FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Item 2. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
Item 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURE ABOUT MARKET RISK
PART II — OTHER INFORMATION
Item 1. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
Item 2. CHANGES IN SECURITIES
Item 3. DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES
Item 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
Item 5. SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS
Item 6. OTHER INFORMATION
Item 7. EXHIBITS AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K
Signatures
CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO SECTION 302 (a) OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT
EXHIBIT 10.33
EXHIBIT 99.3


Table of Contents

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.  
Management’s 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  

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Table of Contents

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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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 Company’s 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  

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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 Company’s 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 Company’s 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.

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STATER BROS. HOLDINGS INC.
DECEMBER 29, 2002

PART I — FINANCIAL INFORMATION (contd.)

Item 2.   MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
 
    CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES
    The Company’s discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations are based upon the Company’s 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 Company’s historical experience combined with management’s understanding of current facts and circumstances. The Company believes that the following critical accounting policies are the most important to the Company’s 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 Company’s historical experiences as well as current facts and circumstances. The Company uses third party actuarial analysis in making its estimates. Actuarial projections and the Company’s 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%.

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STATER BROS. HOLDINGS INC.
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF
FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Inventories

Inventories are stated at the lower of cost (first-in, first-out) or market. Management believes that its inventory turns and inventory controls are sufficient and that reserves are not needed for excess, obsolete or discontinued inventory.

Investment in Affiliate

The Company owns 50% of Santee. The Company is not the controlling stockholder and accordingly accounts for its investment using the equity method of accounting.

Deferred Debt Issuance Costs

Direct costs incurred as a result of financing transactions are capitalized and amortized to expense over the term of the applicable debt agreement.

Deferred Taxes

Although there can be no assurances as to future taxable income of the Company, the Company believes that its expectations of future taxable income, when combined with the income taxes paid in prior years, will be adequate to realize its deferred tax assets.

Phantom Stock Plan

It is the Company’s policy to expense phantom stock units to the extent that they vest and appreciate during the accounting period.

OWNERSHIP OF THE COMPANY

La Cadena Investments is the sole shareholder of the Company and holds all of the shares of the Company’s Class A Common Stock. La Cadena Investments is a California General Partnership whose partners include Jack H. Brown, Chairman of the Board, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company and a former member of Senior Management of the Company. Jack H. Brown has a majority interest in La Cadena and is the managing general partner with the power to vote the shares of the Company held by La Cadena.

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STATER BROS. HOLDINGS INC.
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF
FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

The following table sets forth certain income statement components expressed as a percent of sales for the thirteen weeks ended December 30, 2001 and December 29, 2002.
                   
      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 Company’s 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.

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STATER BROS. HOLDINGS INC.
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF
FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (contd.)

Depreciation and amortization expenses amounted to $8.2 million for the thirteen weeks ended December 29, 2002 and amounted to $7.5 million for the like period of the prior year. The increase in depreciation and amortization expense in fiscal 2003 was primarily due to an increase in fixed assets.

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 Company’s 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

The Company historically has funded its daily cash flow requirements through funds provided by operations and through borrowings from short-term revolving credit facilities. The Company’s credit agreement, as amended, became effective August 6, 1999 and expires in March 2005 and consists of a revolving loan facility for working capital of $75.0 million which includes a Letter of Credit Sublimit with a maximum availability of the lesser of a) Revolving Loan Commitment or b) $50 million. As of December 29, 2002, the Company had $39.4 million of outstanding letters of credit and had $35.6 million available under the revolving loan facility. The letter of credit facility is maintained pursuant to the Company’s workers’ compensation and general liability self-insurance requirements and as security for certain rent obligations.

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STATER BROS. HOLDINGS INC.
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF
FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES (contd.)

The following table sets forth the Company’s contractual cash obligations and commercial commitments as of December 29, 2002.
                                         
    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.

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STATER BROS. HOLDINGS INC.
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF
FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES (contd.)

Working capital amounted to $118.1 million at December 29, 2002 and $119.6 million at September 29, 2002, and the Company’s current ratios were 1.58:1, and 1.62:1, respectively. Fluctuations in working capital and current ratios are not unusual in the industry.

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 Company’s 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 Company’s capitalized lease obligations.

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STATER BROS. HOLDINGS INC.
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF
FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

The Credit Facilities

The Company’s principal operating subsidiary, Stater Bros. Markets, signed a credit facility with Bank of America N.A. on August 6, 1999, and subsequently signed the First Amendment dated September 15, 2000, the Second Amendment dated December 13, 2001, the Third Amendment dated January 18, 2002 and the Fourth Amendment dated February 4, 2003. The current provisions of the original credit agreement and subsequent amendments are collectively referred to herein as “the credit facility”. The credit facility provides for (i) a $75.0 million revolving loan facility and (ii) a “Letter of Credit Sublimit” which is defined as an amount equal to the lesser of (a) the Revolving Loan Commitment and (b) $50,000,000. The Letter of Credit Sublimit is part of, and not in addition to, the Revolving Loan Commitment. Borrowings under the revolving loan facility are unsecured and expected to be used for certain working capital and corporate purposes. Letters of credit under the letter of credit facility are expected to be used to support obligations incurred in connection with the construction of stores, workers’ compensation insurance obligations and as security for certain rent obligations.

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.

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STATER BROS. HOLDINGS INC.
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF
FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

The Credit Facilities (contd.)

Availability of the loans and letters of credit under the credit facility is subject to a monthly borrowing base test based on inventory. The credit facility requires Stater Bros. Markets to meet certain financial tests, including minimum net worth and minimum EBITDA tests. The credit facility contains covenants which, among other things, will limit indebtedness, liens, guarantee obligations, mergers, consolidations, liquidations and dissolutions, asset sales, leases, investments, loans and advances, transactions with affiliates, sale and leasebacks, other matters customarily restricted in such agreements and modifications to the holding company status of the Company.

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 Company’s 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

The Company and other major supermarket employers in Southern California negotiated a four-year contract, beginning October 1999 and expiring in October 2003, with the United Food and Commercial Workers Union. The Company’s collective bargaining agreement with the International Brotherhood of Teamsters was renewed in September 2002 and expires September 2005. Management believes it has good relations with its employees.

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STATER BROS. HOLDINGS INC.
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF
FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

    EFFECT OF INFLATION AND COMPETITION
    The Company’s 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 Company’s primary competitors include Vons, Albertson’s, 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 Company’s marketing and business strategy and periodically adjusts them to adapt to changes in the Company’s 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 Company’s 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.
MANAGEMENT’S 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 Company’s 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 Company’s 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 Company’s 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 Company’s 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 registrant’s other certifying officers and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-14 and 15d-14) for the registrant and we have:
 
a)   designed such disclosure controls and procedures to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this quarterly report is being prepared;
 
b)   evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures as of a date within 90 days prior to the filing date of this quarterly report (the “Evaluation Date”); and
 
c)   presented in this quarterly report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures based on our evaluation as of the Evaluation Date;
 
5.   The registrant’s other certifying officers and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent function):
 
a)   all significant deficiencies in the design or operation of internal controls which could adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial data and have identified for the registrant’s auditors any material weaknesses in internal controls; and
 
b)   any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal controls; and
 
6.   The registrant’s other certifying officers and I have indicated in this quarterly report whether or not there were significant changes in internal controls or in other factors that could significantly affect internal controls subsequent to the date of our most recent evaluation, including any corrective actions with regard to significant deficiencies and material weaknesses.

Date: February 6, 2003

 
/s/ Jack H. Brown
Jack H. Brown
Chairman of the Board, President,
and Chief Executive Officer
(Principal Executive Officer)

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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 registrant’s other certifying officers and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-14 and 15d-14) for the registrant and we have:
 
a)   designed such disclosure controls and procedures to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this quarterly report is being prepared;
 
b)   evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures as of a date within 90 days prior to the filing date of this quarterly report (the “Evaluation Date”); and
 
c)   presented in this quarterly report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures based on our evaluation as of the Evaluation Date;
 
5.   The registrant’s other certifying officers and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent function):
 
a)   all significant deficiencies in the design or operation of internal controls which could adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial data and have identified for the registrant’s auditors any material weaknesses in internal controls; and
 
b)   any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal controls; and
 
6.   The registrant’s other certifying officers and I have indicated in this quarterly report whether or not there were significant changes in internal controls or in other factors that could significantly affect internal controls subsequent to the date of our most recent evaluation, including any corrective actions with regard to significant deficiencies and material weaknesses.

Date: February 6, 2003

 
/s/ Phillip J. Smith
Phillip J. Smith
Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
(Principal Financial Officer)

21