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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 April 26, 2003

OR

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

For the transition period from ________ to ________.

Commission file number 1-13380

OFFICEMAX, INC.
---------------
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

OHIO 34-1573735
---- ----------
(State or other jurisdiction of (I.R.S. Employer
incorporation or organization) Identification No.)

3605 WARRENSVILLE CENTER ROAD, SHAKER HEIGHTS, OHIO 44122
(Address of principal executive offices)
(zip code)

(216) 471-6900

(Registrant's telephone number, including area code)



Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant (1) has filed all reports
required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act
of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that
the Registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been
subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes [X] No [ ].

Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant is an accelerated filer (as
defined in Exchange Act Rule 12b-2). Yes [X] No [ ].

Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer's classes
of common stock, as of the latest practical date.

Shares outstanding as of
Title of each class June 4, 2003
------------------- ------------
Common Shares, without par value 124,475,034

OFFICEMAX, INC.

INDEX



Part I - Financial Information Page

Item 1. Financial Statements 3

Item 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial
Condition and Results of Operations 14

Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About
Market Risk 24

Item 4. Controls and Procedures 24

Part II - Other Information

Item 6. Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K 25


Signatures 25

Certifications 26

Exhibit Index 28





2

PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION

ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

OFFICEMAX, INC.
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(Dollars in thousands)



APRIL 26, JANUARY 25,
2003 2003
----------- -----------
(Unaudited)

ASSETS
Current Assets:
Cash and equivalents $ 75,946 $ 137,143
Accounts receivable, net of allowances
of $1,240 and $1,073, respectively 115,660 90,339
Merchandise inventories 946,085 927,679
Other current assets 32,310 27,585
----------- -----------
Total current assets 1,170,001 1,182,746
Property and Equipment:
Buildings and land 36,253 36,133
Leasehold improvements 192,140 183,547
Furniture, fixtures and equipment 649,787 645,466
----------- -----------
Total property and equipment 878,180 865,146
Less: Accumulated depreciation (589,634) (567,709)
----------- -----------
Property and equipment, net 288,546 297,437
Other assets and deferred charges 14,686 14,763
Goodwill, net of accumulated amortization of $89,757 290,495 290,495
----------- -----------
$ 1,763,728 $ 1,785,441
=========== ===========
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
Current Liabilities:
Accounts payable - trade $ 440,796 $ 437,884
Accrued expenses and other liabilities 206,651 227,022
Accrued salaries and related expenses 43,607 60,190
Taxes other than income taxes 79,775 79,781
Redeemable preferred shares - Series B 21,750 21,750
Mortgage loan, current portion 130 128
----------- -----------
Total current liabilities 792,709 826,755
Mortgage loan 1,354 1,390
Other long-term liabilities 159,210 157,587
----------- -----------
Total liabilities 953,273 985,732
----------- -----------
Commitments and contingencies -- --
Minority interest 19,517 19,264
Shareholders' Equity:
Common stock, without par value; 200,000,000 shares
authorized; 134,831,955 and 134,801,656 shares issued
and outstanding, respectively 886,366 887,556
Deferred stock compensation (282) (153)
Cumulative translation adjustment (2,829) (2,457)
Retained deficit (4,082) (13,865)
Less: Treasury stock, at cost (88,235) (90,636)
----------- -----------
Total shareholders' equity 790,938 780,445
----------- -----------
$ 1,763,728 $ 1,785,441
=========== ===========


The accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements are an integral part
of these balance sheets.



3

OFFICEMAX, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)
(Unaudited)



13 WEEKS ENDED
---------------------------------
APRIL 26, APRIL 27,
2003 2002
------------- -------------

Sales $ 1,226,460 $ 1,178,152
Cost of merchandise sold, including
buying and occupancy costs 918,005 878,824
------------- -------------
Gross profit 308,455 299,328
Store operating and selling expenses 264,403 257,213
General and administrative expenses 33,203 34,013
------------- -------------
Total operating expenses 297,606 291,226
Operating income 10,849 8,102
Interest expense, net 469 1,341
------------- -------------
Income before income taxes 10,380 6,761
Income tax benefit -- (57,500)
Minority interest 597 743
------------- -------------
Net income $ 9,783 $ 63,518
============= =============
INCOME PER COMMON SHARE:
Basic $ 0.08 $ 0.52
============= =============
Diluted $ 0.08 $ 0.51
============= =============
WEIGHTED AVERAGE NUMBER OF
COMMON SHARES OUTSTANDING:
Basic 124,233,000 123,204,000
============= =============
Diluted 125,382,000 124,781,000
============= =============





The accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements are an integral part
of these statements.



4

OFFICEMAX, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(In thousands)
(Unaudited)



13 WEEKS ENDED
--------------------------
APRIL 26, APRIL 27,
2003 2002
--------- ---------

CASH PROVIDED BY (USED FOR):
OPERATIONS
Net income $ 9,783 $ 63,518
Adjustments to reconcile net income
to net cash from operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization 22,045 22,071
Other, net 627 1,221
Changes in current assets and current liabilities:
Increase in inventories (19,248) (73,335)
Decrease in accounts payable (12,992) (65,978)
(Increase) decrease in accounts receivable (20,772) 5,570
Decrease in accrued liabilities (24,570) (7,875)
Store closing and asset impairment (5,382) (9,454)
Other, net (11,385) (55,793)
--------- ---------
Net cash used for operations (61,894) (120,055)
--------- ---------
INVESTING
Capital expenditures (16,745) (14,510)
Other, net 66 (3,996)
--------- ---------
Net cash used for investing (16,679) (18,506)
--------- ---------
FINANCING
Increase in revolving credit facilities -- 97,600
Payments of mortgage principal (34) (34)
Increase in overdraft balances 15,962 19,583
Proceeds from the issuance of common stock, net 1,209 2,787
Other, net 390 (120)
--------- ---------
Net cash provided by financing 17,527 119,816
--------- ---------
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and equivalents (151) 422
--------- ---------
Net decrease in cash and equivalents (61,197) (18,323)
Cash and equivalents, beginning of the period 137,143 76,751
--------- ---------
Cash and equivalents, end of the period $ 75,946 $ 58,428
========= =========
SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION
Interest paid on debt $ 19 $ 256
========= =========
Taxes paid on income (excluding tax refunds) $ 73 $ 115
========= =========




The accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements are an integral part
of these statements.


5

OFFICEMAX, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
(In thousands)
(Unaudited)



Deferred Cumulative
Common Stock Translation Retained Treasury
Shares Compensation Adjustment Deficit Stock Total
--------- ------------ ----------- --------- --------- ---------

BALANCE AT JANUARY 25, 2003 $ 887,556 $ (153) $ (2,457) $ (13,865) $ (90,636) $ 780,445
Comprehensive income:
Net income -- -- -- 9,783 -- 9,783
Cumulative translation adjustment -- -- (372) -- -- (372)
---------
Total comprehensive income 9,411
Issuance of common shares
under director plan (20) -- -- -- 47 27
Exercise of stock options (180) -- -- -- 271 91
Sale of shares under management share
purchase plan (847) (191) -- -- 1,802 764
Sale of shares under employee
share purchase plan (143) -- -- -- 281 138
Amortization of deferred
compensation -- 62 -- -- -- 62
--------- --------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
BALANCE AT APRIL 26, 2003 $ 886,366 $ (282) $ (2,829) $ (4,082) $ (88,235) $ 790,938
========= ========= ========= ========= ========= =========





The accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements are an integral part
of this statement.



6

OFFICEMAX, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE 13 WEEKS ENDED
APRIL 26, 2003 AND APRIL 27, 2002

Significant Accounting and Reporting Policies

1. The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements have been
prepared from the financial records of OfficeMax, Inc. and its
subsidiaries (the "Company" or "OfficeMax") and reflect all adjustments
which are, in the opinion of management, necessary to fairly present the
results of the interim periods covered in this report. The results for any
interim period are not necessarily indicative of the results to be
expected for the full fiscal year.

2. The Company's consolidated financial statements for the 13 weeks ended
April 26, 2003 and April 27, 2002 included in this Quarterly Report on
Form 10-Q have been prepared in accordance with the accounting policies
described in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for the fiscal
year ended January 25, 2003 which were included in the Company's Annual
Report on Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission
(File No. 1-13380) on April 8, 2003. Certain information and footnote
disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared in
accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United
States of America have been condensed or omitted in accordance with the
rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission. These
financial statements should be read in conjunction with the financial
statements and the notes thereto included in the Form 10-K referred to
above. Certain reclassifications have been made to prior year amounts to
conform to the current presentation.

3. The Company's fiscal year ends on the Saturday prior to the last Wednesday
in January. Fiscal year 2003 ends on January 24, 2004 and includes 52
weeks. Fiscal year 2002 ended on January 25, 2003 and included 52 weeks.

4. OfficeMax serves its customers through nearly 1,000 superstores,
e-Commerce Web sites and direct-mail catalogs. The Company has operations
in the United States, Canada, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands and
Mexico, including 938 domestic superstores and 30 superstores in Mexico.
The Company operates the superstores in Mexico through a majority-owned
subsidiary. In addition to offering office products, business machines and
related items, OfficeMax superstores also feature CopyMax and
FurnitureMax, store-within-a-store modules devoted exclusively to
print-for-pay services and office furniture. The Company also reaches
customers in the United States with an offering of over 40,000 items
through its e-Commerce site, OfficeMax.com, its direct-mail catalogs and
its outside sales force, all of which are serviced by its three PowerMax
inventory distribution facilities, 17 delivery centers and two national
customer call and contact centers.




7

5. The Company accounts for stock-based compensation under the provisions of
Accounting Principles Board Opinion No. 25, "Accounting for Stock Issued
to Employees" and provides pro forma disclosures of compensation expense
determined under the fair value provisions of Statement of Financial
Accounting Standards No. 123, "Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation"
("FAS 123") as amended by Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No.
148, "Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation - Transition and
Disclosure". The following pro forma disclosures of compensation expense
are based on the fair value provisions of FAS 123 using the Black-Scholes
option pricing model to estimate the fair value of options at the date of
grant.

(Dollars in thousands, except per share information)



13 WEEKS ENDED
---------------------------
APRIL 26, APRIL 27,
2003 2002
-------- --------

Net income, as reported $ 9,783 $63,518
Stock-based compensation excluded
from reported net income 1,714 1,051
------- -------
Pro forma net income $ 8,069 $62,467
======= =======
Pro forma basic earnings per common share $ 0.07 $ 0.51
======= =======
Pro forma diluted earnings per common share $ 0.06 $ 0.50
======= =======


6. The components of the Company's comprehensive income are as follows: (In
thousands)



13 WEEKS ENDED
---------------------------
APRIL 26, APRIL 27,
2003 2002
--------- ---------

Net income $ 9,783 $ 63,518
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Cumulative translation adjustment (372) (1,161)
-------- --------
Comprehensive income $ 9,411 $ 62,357
======== ========





8

7. Basic earnings per common share is based on the weighted average number of
common shares outstanding. Diluted earnings per common share is based on
the weighted average number of common shares outstanding and all
potentially dilutive common stock equivalents.

A reconciliation of the basic and diluted per share computations is as
follows:

(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)



13 WEEKS ENDED
-------------------------------
APRIL 26, APRIL 27,
2003 2002
------------ ------------

Net income available
to common shareholders $ 9,783 $ 63,518
============ ============
Weighted average number of
common shares outstanding 124,232,830 123,204,035
Effect of dilutive securities:
Stock options 946,027 1,495,829
Restricted stock 203,276 81,607
------------ ------------
Weighted average number of
common shares outstanding
and assumed conversions 125,382,133 124,781,471
============ ============
Basic earnings per common share $ 0.08 $ 0.52
============ ============
Diluted earnings per common share $ 0.08(1) $ 0.51(2)
============ ============


- ----------
(1) Options to purchase 15,996,081 common shares were excluded from the
calculation of diluted earnings per common share for the 13 weeks ended April
26, 2003, because the exercise prices of these options were greater than the
average market price. The weighted average exercise price of these options was
$7.80.

(2) Options to purchase 13,196,492 common shares were excluded from the
calculation of diluted earnings per common share for the 13 weeks ended April
27, 2002 because the exercise prices of these options were greater than the
average market price. The weighted average exercise price of these options was
$8.72.



9

8. The Company has two business segments: Domestic and International. The
Company's operations in the United States, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin
Islands, comprised of its retail stores, e-Commerce operations, catalog
business and outside sales groups, are included in the Domestic segment.
The operations of the Company's majority owned subsidiary in Mexico,
OfficeMax de Mexico, are included in the International segment.

The following table summarizes the results of operations for the Company's
business segments for the 13 weeks ended April 26, 2003 and April 27,
2002:

(In thousands)



TOTAL
13 WEEKS ENDED APRIL 26, 2003 COMPANY DOMESTIC INTERNATIONAL
- ----------------------------- ----------- ----------- -------------

Sales $ 1,226,460 $ 1,192,124 $ 34,336
Cost of merchandise sold, including
buying and occupancy costs 918,005 892,134 25,871
----------- ----------- -----------
Gross profit 308,455 299,990 8,465
Operating income 10,849 9,975 874
Interest expense (income), net 469 814 (345)
Minority interest 597 -- 597
----------- ----------- -----------
Net income $ 9,783 $ 9,161 $ 622
=========== =========== ===========


13 WEEKS ENDED APRIL 27, 2002
- -----------------------------
Sales $ 1,178,152 $ 1,139,888 $ 38,264
Cost of merchandise sold, including
buying and occupancy costs 878,824 849,682 29,142
----------- ----------- -----------
Gross profit 299,328 290,206 9,122
Operating income 8,102 6,758 1,344
Interest expense (income), net 1,341 1,514 (173)
Income tax benefit (57,500) (57,500) --
Minority interest 743 -- 743
----------- ----------- -----------
Net income $ 63,518 $ 62,744 $ 774
=========== =========== ===========


The total assets of the International segment were approximately
$74,682,000 and $69,728,000 as of April 26, 2003 and January 25, 2003,
respectively. The total assets of the International segment included
long-lived assets, primarily property and equipment, of approximately
$22,725,000 and $23,676,000 as of April 26, 2003 and January 25, 2003,
respectively. Depreciation expense for the International segment was
approximately $792,000 for the 13 weeks ended April 26, 2003 and $838,000
for the 13 weeks ended April 27, 2002. Included in the total assets of the
International segment was goodwill, net of accumulated amortization, of
$3,699,000 as of April 26, 2003 and January 25, 2003.


10

9. During the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2002, the Company conducted a
review of its domestic real estate portfolio and committed to close eight
underperforming superstores and one delivery center. In conjunction with
these closings, the Company recorded a pre-tax charge for store closing
and asset impairment of $11,915,000 during the fourth quarter of fiscal
year 2002. Also during the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2002, the Company
reversed certain portions of the store closing reserves established in
fiscal year 2001 and fiscal year 2000 when those portions of the reserves
were deemed no longer necessary. The reversals reduced the fiscal year
2002 charge by approximately $11,203,000.

During the first quarter of fiscal year 2003, the Company closed the
delivery center and two of the superstores included in the charge for
store closing and asset impairment recorded during the fourth quarter of
fiscal year 2002. The remaining superstores are expected to close during
fiscal year 2003.

A reconciliation of the major components of the Company's store closing
reserve is as follows:



(In thousands)
BALANCE BALANCE
JANUARY 25, PAYMENT / APRIL 26,
2003 USAGE 2003
-------- -------- --------

Lease disposition costs, net of sublease $101,304 $ 4,671 $ 96,633
income
Other closing costs 2,926 711 2,215
-------- -------- --------
Total $104,230 $ 5,382 $ 98,848
======== ======== ========


As of April 26, 2003 and January 25, 2003, $76,432,000 and $81,330,000 of
the store closing reserve, respectively, was included in other long-term
liabilities. Lease disposition cost included in the reserve for store
closing costs includes the aggregate rent expense for the closed stores
net of expected future sublease income of $108,788,000 and $109,139,000 as
of April 26, 2003 and January 25, 2003, respectively. Of the total
expected future sublease income included in the reserve for store closing
costs, the Company had obtained sublease or assignment agreements for
certain of its closed stores totaling $46,682,000 as of April 26, 2003.

10. In the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2001, the Company recorded a
$170,616,000 charge to establish a valuation allowance for its net
deferred tax assets, including amounts related to its net operating loss
carryforwards. The valuation allowance was calculated in accordance with
the provisions of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 109,
"Accounting for Income Taxes" ("FAS 109"), which places primary importance
on the Company's operating results in the most recent three-year period
when assessing the need for a valuation allowance. Although management
believes the Company's results for those periods were heavily affected by
deliberate and planned infrastructure improvements, including its PowerMax
distribution network and state-of-the-art SAP computer system, as well as
an aggressive store closing program, the Company's cumulative loss in the
most recent three-year period represented negative evidence sufficient to
require a full valuation allowance under the provisions of FAS 109. As of
April 26, 2003, the valuation allowance was approximately $105,021,000,
which represents a full valuation allowance of the Company's net deferred
tax assets, including amounts related to its net operating loss
carryforwards. The Company intends to maintain a full valuation allowance
for its net deferred tax assets and net operating loss carryforwards until
sufficient positive evidence exists to support reversal of some portion or
the remainder of the allowance. Until such time, except for minor state,
local and foreign tax provisions, the Company will have no reported tax
provision, net of valuation allowance adjustments.


11

On March 9, 2002, President Bush signed into law the "Job Creation and
Worker Assistance Act" (H.R. 3090). This new tax law temporarily extended
the carryback period, to five years from two years, for net operating
losses incurred during the Company's taxable years ended in 2001 and 2000.
During the first quarter of fiscal year 2002, the Company reversed a
portion of the valuation allowance recorded during the fourth quarter of
fiscal year 2001 and recognized an income tax benefit of $57,500,000 due
to the extension of the carryback period. As of April 27, 2002, a
receivable for the $57,500,000 income tax refund was included in other
current assets. The Company received refunds for the additional net
operating loss carryback resulting from the extension of the carryback
period during fiscal year 2002.

11. In January 2003, the FASB issued Interpretation No. 46, "Consolidation of
Variable Interest Entities" ("FIN 46"). FIN 46 clarifies consolidation
requirements for variable interest entities ("VIEs") which establishes
additional factors beyond ownership of a majority voting interest to
indicate that a company has a controlling financial interest in an entity
(or a relationship sufficiently similar to a controlling financial
interest that it requires consolidation). Consolidation of a VIE by an
investor is required when it is determined that the investor will absorb a
majority of the VIE's expected losses or residual returns if they occur.
This interpretation applies immediately to variable interest entities
created or obtained after January 31, 2003 and must be retroactively
applied to holdings in variable interest entities acquired before February
1, 2003 in interim and annual financial statements issued for periods
beginning after June 15, 2003. FIN 46 may be applied prospectively with a
cumulative-effect adjustment as of the date on which it is first applied
or by restating previously issued financial statements with a
cumulative-effect adjustment as of the beginning of the first year
restated.

The Company leases two of its PowerMax distribution facilities from VIEs
(previously referred to as special purpose entities or SPEs) that have
been established by nationally prominent, creditworthy commercial lessors
to facilitate the financing of the inventory distribution facilities. The
VIEs finance the cost of the property through the issuance of commercial
paper. The Company has provided standby letters of credit of approximately
$81,000,000 in support of the commercial paper. In the event that the
Company defaults on its obligations under the leases, the VIEs could draw
on the letters of credit in order to redeem the commercial paper. These
letters of credit utilize a portion of the Company's available borrowing
capacity under its revolving credit facility. Upon expiration of the
synthetic operating leases, the Company can elect to purchase the related
assets of both facilities at a total cost specified in the lease
agreements of approximately $80,000,000. If the Company does not elect to
purchase the related assets, the Company is required to honor certain fair
value guarantees. These guarantees require the Company to reimburse the
lessor for any shortfall from a fair value specified in the lease
agreements. Currently, the Company expects to purchase the related assets
upon expiration of the synthetic operating leases, or otherwise enter into
an arrangement to maintain the continued use of these facilities.

The Company is assessing the impact of adoption of FIN 46. However, based
on management's preliminary assessment, it is reasonably possible that the
Company will be required to consolidate the VIEs involved in the leasing
of its PowerMax inventory distribution facilities beginning in the third
quarter of fiscal year 2003. If the Company is required to consolidate the
VIEs, the assets and related depreciation, liabilities and non-controlling
interests of these VIEs will be reflected in the Company's consolidated
financial statements. The Company has not yet determined under which of
the transition alternatives it will report the impact, if any, of adopting
FIN 46.


12

12. In November 2002, the FASB Emerging Issues Task Force ("Task Force")
issued EITF Issue 02-16, "Accounting by a Customer (including a Reseller)
for Cash Consideration Received from a Vendor," ("EITF 02-16"). EITF 02-16
addressed the following two issues: (i) the classification in a reseller's
financial statements of cash consideration received from a vendor ("Issue
1"); and (ii) the timing of recognition by a reseller of a rebate or
refund from a vendor that is contingent upon achieving a specific
cumulative level of purchases or remaining a customer for a specified time
period ("Issue 2"). Issue 1 stipulates that cash consideration received
from a vendor is presumed to be a reduction of the prices of the vendors'
products and should, therefore, be recognized as a reduction of cost of
merchandise sold when recognized in the reseller's financial statements.
However, that presumption is overcome when the consideration is either (a)
a payment for assets or services delivered to the vendor, in which case
the cash consideration should be recognized as revenue (or other income,
as appropriate) when recognized in the reseller's income statement, or (b)
a reimbursement of a specific, incremental, identifiable cost incurred by
the reseller in selling the vendor's products, in which case the cash
consideration should be characterized as a reduction of that cost when
recognized in the reseller's income statement. Issue 2 states that vendor
rebates should be recognized on a systematic and rational allocation of
the cash consideration offered to each of the underlying transactions that
results in progress by the reseller toward earning the rebate, provided
the amounts are probable and reasonably estimable. Issue 1 was effective
for all new arrangements, including modifications of existing
arrangements, entered into after December 31, 2002. Issue 2 was effective
for all new arrangements initiated after November 21, 2002.

The Company and its vendors participate in cooperative advertising
programs and other vendor marketing programs in which vendors reimburse
the Company for a portion of its advertising expenses and other costs. In
accordance with the transition provisions of EITF 02-16, the Company is
required to adopt the new guidance prospectively as it negotiates
agreements with new vendors or modifies existing agreements. The Company's
vendor agreements typically do not have expiration dates and remain in
effect until replaced, and therefore, it is expected to take up to 18
months to cycle through all vendor program negotiations in the normal
course of business. As a result of the more restrictive standards defined
in Issue 1 of EITF 02-16, the Company is required to record certain
consideration received from its vendors as a reduction of cost of
merchandise sold, which previously would have been recognized as a
reduction of a related advertising expense. This change in accounting may
impact the timing of recognition of cash consideration received from the
Company's vendors and increase its gross profit and net advertising
expenses. These changes do not affect the total amount of vendor income
the Company receives from its vendors. The application of the new guidance
reduced earnings by approximately $0.01 per diluted share during the first
quarter of fiscal year 2003. The estimated effect of the prospective
adoption of EITF 02-16 for the remainder of fiscal year 2003 is a
reduction of earnings of $0.01 to $0.02 per diluted share per quarter.


13

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

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Consolidated sales for the 13 weeks ended April 26, 2003 increased 4% to
$1,226,460,000 from $1,178,152,000 for the like prior year period. The increase
in current year sales was primarily the result of a 5% comparable-store sales
increase experienced by the Company's Domestic segment. The first quarter of
fiscal year 2003 marked the fifth consecutive quarter of year-over-year
improvement in consolidated comparable-store sales. The Domestic segment's
comparable-store sales gains were driven by both increased customer counts and
higher average revenue per customer transaction primarily as a result of the
Company's new merchandising and marketing initiatives, improved inventory
in-stock position and better in-store execution.

Cost of merchandise sold, including buying and occupancy costs, was $918,005,000
for the 13 weeks ended April 26, 2003 and $878,824,000 for the 13 weeks ended
April 27, 2002. Cost of merchandise sold, including buying and occupancy costs,
increased as a percentage of sales to 74.8% for the 13 weeks ended April 26,
2003 from 74.6% for the comparable period last year. Correspondingly, gross
margin rate decreased approximately 0.2% of sales from the comparable prior year
period to 25.2% of sales for the 13 weeks ended April 26, 2003. The slight
decline in the gross margin rate was primarily due to a sales mix shift towards
electronic merchandise experienced by the Company's Domestic segment, near the
end of the first quarter, driven in part by an increase in spending for capital
goods following the winding down of the war in Iraq, which the Company believes
was an initial reaction to businesses and consumers regaining some degree of
confidence.

Store operating and selling expenses, which consist primarily of store payroll
and operating and advertising expenses, were $264,403,000 for the 13 weeks ended
April 26, 2003 and $257,213,000 for the 13 weeks ended April 27, 2002. As a
percentage of sales, store operating and selling expenses improved 0.2% of sales
to 21.6% for the 13 weeks ended April 26, 2003 from 21.8% for the comparable
period last year. The decrease in store operating and selling expenses as a
percentage of sales was primarily a result of improved leverage of store-level
payroll, which included incremental costs associated with remerchandising
efforts and remodels, and certain fixed costs included in store operating and
selling expenses such as equipment lease expense.

General and administrative expenses decreased to $33,203,000, or 2.7% of sales,
for the 13 weeks ended April 26, 2003 from $34,013,000, or 2.9% of sales, for
the 13 weeks ended April 27, 2002. The decrease in general and administrative
expenses was primarily a benefit of the Company's continued expense control
programs and efficiency gains from the Company's information technology
initiatives.

As a result of the foregoing factors, operating income for the 13 weeks ended
April 26, 2003 was $10,849,000, or 0.9% of sales. Operating income was
$8,102,000, or 0.7% of sales, for the comparable period last year.

Interest expense, net, was $469,000 for the 13 weeks ended April 26, 2003, as
compared to $1,341,000 for the comparable period last year. The decrease in
interest expense was primarily a result of lower average outstanding borrowings
during the current fiscal year as compared to the same period last year and
lower interest rates on the Company's outstanding borrowings.

The Company had pre-tax income, net of minority interest, of $9,783,000, or 0.8%
of sales, for the 13 weeks ended April 26, 2003 compared to pre-tax income, net
of minority interest, of $6,018,000, or 0.5% of sales, for the comparable period
last year.


14

In accordance with the provisions of Financial Accounting Standards Board
Statement No. 109, "Accounting for Income Taxes" ("FAS 109"), the Company
recorded a charge to establish a valuation allowance for its net deferred tax
assets including amounts related to its net operating loss carryforwards in the
fourth quarter of fiscal year 2001. The Company intends to maintain a full
valuation allowance for its net deferred tax assets and net operating loss
carryforwards until sufficient positive evidence exists to support reversal of
some portion or the remainder of the allowance. Until such time, except for
minor state, local and foreign tax provisions, the Company will have no reported
tax provision, net of valuation adjustments.

On March 9, 2002, President Bush signed into law the "Job Creation and Worker
Assistance Act" (H.R. 3090). This new tax law temporarily extended the carryback
period for net operating losses incurred during the Company's taxable years
ended in 2001 and 2000 to five years from two years. In the first quarter of
fiscal year 2002, the Company reversed a portion of the valuation allowance for
its net deferred tax assets and net operating loss carryforwards recorded during
the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2001 and recognized an income tax benefit of
$57,500,000 due to the extension of the carryback period.

Other than the benefit for additional net operating loss carryback recognized
during the first quarter of fiscal year 2002, the Company had no reported tax
provision, net of valuation allowance adjustments during the 13 week periods
ended April 26, 2003 and April 27, 2002. See "Note 10 of Notes to Consolidated
Financial Statements" above.

As a result of the foregoing factors, the Company realized net income of
$9,783,000 for the 13 weeks ended April 26, 2003 compared to net income of
$63,518,000 for the comparable period last year.

BUSINESS SEGMENTS

Domestic Segment

Sales for the Domestic segment increased to $1,192,124,000 for the 13 weeks
ended April 26, 2003 from $1,139,888,000 for the like period last year. The
increase in sales for the Domestic segment during the 13 weeks ended April 26,
2003 was primarily a result of a 5% increase in comparable-store sales. The
increase in comparable-store sales was driven by increased customer counts and
higher average revenue per customer transaction primarily as a result of the
Company's new merchandising and marketing initiatives, improved inventory
in-stock position and better in-store execution.

Gross profit for the Domestic segment was $299,990,000, or 25.2% of sales, for
the 13 weeks ended April 26, 2003, compared to $290,206,000, or 25.5% of sales,
for the 13 weeks ended April 27, 2002. The slight decline in the gross margin
rate was due to an upward sales lift in electronic merchandise towards the end
of the first quarter as it became apparent that the country's major combat
effort in Iraq was winding down and capital expenditures resumed. The margin
effect of this sales mix shift was partially mitigated by margin improvements
from the continued expansion of the Company's strategic sourcing initiative and
private label, Max-branding program as well as improved leverage of certain
fixed costs included in cost of merchandise sold which benefited gross margin
rate by approximately 0.3% of sales.

The Domestic segment realized operating income of $9,975,000, or 0.8% of sales,
for the 13 weeks ended April 26, 2003 compared to operating income of
$6,758,000, or 0.6% of sales, for the comparable period last year. The
year-over-year improvement in the Domestic segment's operating results was
primarily due to better leverage of store operating and selling expenses and
general and administrative expenses which improved more than 0.5% of sales
year-over-year.

As a result of the foregoing factors, the Domestic segment realized pre-tax
income of $9,161,000, or 0.8% of sales, for the 13 weeks ended April 26, 2003
compared to pre-tax income of $5,244,000, or 0.5% of sales, for the comparable
period last year.


15

As described above, during the first quarter of fiscal year 2002, the Company
reversed a portion of the valuation allowance for its net deferred tax assets
and net operating loss carryforwards recorded during the fourth quarter of
fiscal year 2001 and recognized an income tax benefit of $57,500,000 due to the
extension of the carryback period. Other than the benefit for additional net
operating loss carryback recognized during the first quarter of fiscal year
2002, the Domestic segment had no reported tax provision, net of valuation
allowance adjustments during the 13-week periods ended April 26, 2003 and April
27, 2002.

As a result of the foregoing factors, the Domestic segment had net income of
$9,161,000 for the 13 weeks ended April 26, 2003 compared to net income of
$62,744,000 for the comparable period last year.

International Segment

Sales for the International segment, which were significantly impacted by an
unfavorable currency translation from the weakening of the Mexican Peso against
the U.S. Dollar, decreased to $34,336,000 for the 13 weeks ended April 26, 2003
from $38,264,000 for the comparable period last year. In local currency,
comparable-store sales were flat during the first quarter of fiscal year 2003,
attributable to increased customer counts which were offset by a decrease in
average revenue per customer transaction, primarily due to a sales mix shift
towards higher margin supply merchandise from lower margin computer merchandise.
The unfavorable currency translation resulted in a comparable-store sales
decline of approximately 16% for the 13 weeks ended April 26, 2003.

Gross profit for the International segment was $8,465,000, or 24.7% of sales,
for the 13 weeks ended April 26, 2003, compared to $9,122,000, or 23.8% of
sales, for the comparable prior year period. The increase in gross profit as a
percentage of sales was primarily due to the above mentioned sales mix shift.

The International segment realized operating income of $874,000, or 2.5% of
sales, for the 13 weeks ended April 26, 2003, compared to operating income of
$1,344,000, or 3.5% of sales, for the comparable period last year. The decrease
in operating profit as a percentage of sales during the first quarter of fiscal
year 2003 was due to the de-leveraging of the International segment's store
operating and selling expenses and general and administrative expenses
consistent with the sales mix shift towards supply merchandise from lower margin
computer merchandise.

Minority interest in the net income of the International segment was $597,000
for the 13 weeks ended April 26, 2003, compared to $743,000 for the 13 weeks
ended April 27, 2002.

As a result of the foregoing factors, the International segment realized net
income of $622,000, or 1.8% of sales, for the 13 weeks ended April 26, 2003,
compared to net income of $774,000, or 2.0% of sales, for the comparable prior
year period.

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

The Company's operating activities used $61,894,000 of cash during the 13 weeks
ended April 26, 2003. Cash usage as a result of net working capital changes of
$94,349,000, primarily due to decreases in accrued expenses and accounts
payable, and increases in accounts receivable and inventory, offset income of
$9,783,000 and non-cash depreciation expense of $22,045,000. Since the end of
fiscal year 2002, accrued expenses decreased $24,570,000 primarily because of
bonus payments under the Company's Annual Incentive Bonus Plan and seasonal
fluctuations in advertising expenses. During the first quarter of fiscal year
2003, inventory increased $19,248,000 and accounts payable decreased
$12,992,000. Year-over-year, inventory decreased $12,077,000 and annualized
inventory turns improved to 3.8 times from 3.6 for the comparable prior year
period. Accounts payable-to-inventory leverage decreased 0.3% of inventory to
46.6% as of April 26, 2003 from 46.9% as of April 27, 2002. The decrease in
accounts payable-to-inventory leverage is consistent with the Company's decision
to take advantage of special discounts and forgo extended terms offered by its
vendors. Accounts receivable increased $20,772,000 since the end of the prior
fiscal year, primarily due to the timing of billings for certain vendor income
related receivables and an increase in non-income tax related receivables
recorded by the Company's subsidiary in Mexico. The Company's operating
activities used $120,055,000 of cash during the 13 weeks ended April 27, 2002,
primarily for the purchase of inventory which increased $73,335,000, and the
payment of accounts payable, which decreased $65,978,000, since the end of the
prior fiscal year.


16

Net cash used for investing activities was $16,679,000 for the 13 weeks ended
April 26, 2003 versus $18,506,000 for the comparable prior year period. Capital
expenditures, primarily for new and remodeled superstores, were $16,745,000 for
the 13 weeks ended April 26, 2003 and $14,510,000 for the 13 weeks ended April
27, 2002.

Net cash provided by financing activities was $17,527,000 for the 13 weeks ended
April 26, 2003. Current year financing activities primarily represent an
increase in overdraft balances (checks issued pending clearance that result in
overdraft balances for accounting purposes) of $15,962,000. The overdraft
balances are included as a component of accounts payable in the Company's
Consolidated Balance Sheets. The change in overdraft balances since the end of
fiscal year 2002 is reflected in the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows as a
financing activity. Net cash provided by financing activities was $119,816,000
in the comparable prior year period primarily because of an increase in
borrowings under the Company's revolving credit facility and an increase in
overdraft balances.

On March 9, 2002, President Bush signed into law the "Job Creation and Worker
Assistance Act" (H.R. 3090). This new tax law temporarily extended the carryback
period, to five years from two years, for net operating losses incurred during
the Company's taxable years ended in 2001 and 2000. During the first quarter of
fiscal year 2002, the Company reversed a portion of the valuation allowance for
its net deferred tax assets and net operating loss carryforwards recorded during
the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2001 and recognized an income tax benefit of
$57,500,000 due to the extension of the carryback period. During fiscal year
2002, the Company received refunds for the additional net operating loss
carryback resulting from the extension of the carryback period. As of April 27,
2002, a receivable for the $57,500,000 income tax refund was included in other
current assets. Also during fiscal year 2002, the Company received refunds of
amounts on deposit with the Internal Revenue Service of approximately
$30,000,000 related to prior year tax returns. See "Note 10 of Notes to
Consolidated Financial Statements" above.

In accordance with an amended and restated joint venture agreement, the minority
owner in the Company's subsidiary in Mexico can elect to put its remaining 49%
interest in OfficeMax de Mexico to the Company, if certain earnings targets are
achieved. These earnings targets are calculated quarterly on a rolling four
quarter basis. If the earnings targets are achieved and the minority owner
elects to put its ownership interest to the Company, the purchase price would be
equal to fair value calculated based on the subsidiary's earnings for the last
four quarters before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization and current
market multiples of similar companies. The fair value purchase price is
currently estimated to be $25,000,000 to $30,000,000.

During the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2000, the Company entered into a
$700,000,000 senior secured revolving credit facility. In May 2003, the
Company extended the revolving credit facility until February 28, 2007 and
reduced the available borrowing capacity under the revolving credit facility to
$550,000,000. The decision to reduce the available borrowing capacity of this
credit facility was another benefit of the Company's enhanced supply-chain
management programs and processes and the Company's forecasts through fiscal
year 2006 which reflect a significant reduction in the need for larger credit
availability based on improving positive cash flow. This reduction also served
to minimize fees paid on the unused portion of the facility. The revolving
credit facility is secured by a first priority perfected security interest in
the Company's inventory and certain accounts receivable and provides for
borrowings at the bank's base rate or Eurodollar Rate plus 1.75% to 2.50%
depending on the level of borrowing. The Company had $118,883,000 of standby
letters of credit outstanding as of April 26, 2003, which utilize a portion of
the Company's available borrowing capacity under this facility. These letters of
credit are issued in connection with the Company's insurance programs and two
synthetic operating leases related to its PowerMax inventory distribution
facilities. The Company pays quarterly usage fees of between 1.62% and 1.87% per
annum on the outstanding standby letters of credit. The Company pays quarterly
fees of 0.25% per annum on the unused portion of the revolving credit facility.
Available borrowing capacity under the revolving credit facility is calculated
as a percentage of the Company's inventory and certain accounts receivable. As
of April 26, 2003, the Company had unused and available borrowings under the
revolving credit facility of more than $414,000,000. As of April 26, 2003, and
January 25, 2003, the Company had no outstanding borrowings under this facility.

The Company expects its funds generated from operations, as well as its current
cash reserves, and, when necessary, seasonal short-term borrowings, will be
sufficient to finance its operations and capital requirements in the foreseeable
future.


17

The Company's business is seasonal, with sales and operating income higher in
the third and fourth fiscal quarters, which include the back-to-school period
and the holiday selling season, respectively, followed by the traditional new
year office supply restocking month of January. Sales in the second fiscal
quarter's summer months are the slowest of the year primarily because of lower
office supplies consumption during the summer vacation period.

The Company occupies two of its PowerMax inventory distribution facilities under
synthetic operating leases with initial lease terms expiring in fiscal year
2004. One of the synthetic operating leases has been extended at the Company's
option until fiscal year 2005. The Company leases the PowerMax facilities from
VIEs (previously referred to as special purpose entities or SPEs) that have been
established by nationally prominent, creditworthy commercial lessors that are
not affiliated with OfficeMax to facilitate the financing of those assets for
the Company. No officers, directors or employees of the Company hold any direct
or indirect equity interest in such VIEs. The VIEs finance the cost of the
property through the issuance of commercial paper. The Company has provided
standby letters of credit of approximately $81,000,000 in support of the
commercial paper. In the event that the Company defaults on its obligations
under the leases, the VIEs could draw on the letters of credit in order to
redeem the commercial paper. These letters of credit utilize a portion of the
Company's available borrowing capacity under its revolving credit facility. Upon
expiration of the synthetic operating leases, the Company can elect to purchase
the related assets of both facilities at a total cost specified in the lease
agreements of approximately $80,000,000. If the Company does not elect to
purchase the related assets, the Company is required to honor certain fair value
guarantees. These guarantees require the Company to reimburse the lessor any
shortfall to a fair value specified in the lease agreements. Currently, the
Company expects to purchase the related assets upon expiration of the synthetic
operating leases, or otherwise enter into an arrangement to maintain the
continued use of these facilities, and is unable to estimate its obligation, if
any, under the fair value provisions of these leases. See "Note 11 of Notes to
Consolidated Financial Statements" above and "Recently Issued Accounting
Pronouncements" below for additional information regarding the Company's
synthetic operating leases.

LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

There are various claims, lawsuits and pending actions against the Company
incidental to the Company's operations. Although litigation is inherently
subject to many uncertainties, it is the opinion of management that the ultimate
resolution of these matters will not have a material effect on the Company's
liquidity and financial position. However, in the event of an unanticipated
adverse final determination, the Company's consolidated net income for the
period in which such determination occurs could be materially affected.

SETTLEMENT OF DISPUTE WITH GATEWAY

In fiscal year 2000, Gateway Companies, Inc. ("Gateway") committed to operate
licensed store-within-a-store computer departments within all OfficeMax
superstores in the United States pursuant to a strategic alliance. In connection
with the investment requirements of the strategic alliance, during the second
quarter of fiscal year 2000, Gateway invested $20,000,000 in Series B Serial
Preferred Shares (the "Series B Shares"). The Series B Shares, which had a
purchase price of $10 per share and a coupon rate of 7% per annum, had no voting
rights.

In fiscal 2001, a dispute arose between Gateway and OfficeMax as to their
respective rights and entitlements under the agreements related to the
implementation of the strategic alliance. Litigation and arbitration proceedings
were commenced with each party asserting claims of non-performance against the
other.

During the second quarter of fiscal year 2003, the Company and Gateway mutually
and satisfactorily resolved all outstanding issues in dispute. In accordance
with the settlement, OfficeMax redeemed the outstanding Series B Shares owned by
Gateway, Gateway reimbursed the Company for certain expenses it had incurred in
conjunction with the strategic alliance, and all litigation and arbitration
proceedings have been dismissed. The settlement had no impact on the Company's
results of operations.


18

SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

The consolidated financial statements of the Company are prepared in conformity
with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.
The preparation of these financial statements requires the use of estimates and
assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities at the
date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and
expenses during the periods presented. Actual amounts could differ from these
estimates and different amounts could be reported using different assumptions
and estimates.

The Company's significant accounting policies are described in the Notes to
Consolidated Financial Statements included in the Company's Annual Report on
Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended January 25, 2003. Management believes that
of its significant accounting policies, its policies concerning inventories,
income taxes, impairment of long-lived assets, goodwill, vendor income
recognition and facility closure costs involve high degrees of judgments,
estimates and complexity. The estimates and judgments made by management in
regards to these policies have the most significant impact on the Company's
reported financial position and operating results. Additional information
regarding these policies is set forth below.

Inventories

Inventories are valued at weighted average cost or market. Throughout the year,
the Company performs annual physical inventories at all of its locations. For
periods subsequent to the date of each location's last physical inventory, an
allowance for estimated shrinkage is provided based on various factors including
sales volume, the location's historical shrinkage results and current trends. If
actual losses as a result of inventory shrinkage are different than management's
estimates, adjustments to the Company's allowance for inventory shrinkage may be
required and the Company's gross margin could be adversely impacted.

The Company records cost markdowns for inventory not expected to be part of its
ongoing merchandise offering. These markdowns amounted to $7,000,000 and
$6,250,000 as of April 26, 2003 and January 25, 2003, respectively. Management
estimates the required allowance for future inventory cost markdowns based on
historical information regarding product sell through and gross margin rates for
similar products. If actual sell through or gross margin rates for discontinued
inventory are different than management's estimates, additional inventory
markdowns may be required and the Company's gross margin could be adversely
impacted.

Income Taxes

The Company uses the liability method whereby income taxes are recognized during
the fiscal year in which transactions enter into the determination of financial
statement income. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the
expected future tax consequences of temporary differences between financial
statement and tax bases of assets and liabilities. The Company assesses the
recoverability of its deferred tax assets in accordance with the provisions of
FAS 109. In accordance with that standard, the Company recorded a charge to
establish a valuation allowance for its net deferred tax assets and net
operating loss carryforwards of $170,616,000 in the fourth quarter of fiscal
year 2001. As of April 26, 2003, the valuation allowance was approximately
$105,021,000, which represents a full valuation allowance of the Company's net
deferred tax assets, including amounts related to its net operating loss
carryforwards. The Company intends to maintain a full valuation allowance for
its net deferred tax assets and net operating loss carryforwards until
sufficient positive evidence exists to support the reversal of some portion or
the remainder of the allowance. Until such time, except for minor state, local
and foreign tax provisions, the Company will have no reported tax provision, net
of valuation allowance adjustments. Any future decision to reverse a portion or
all of the remaining valuation allowance will be based on consideration of
several factors including, but not limited to, the Company's expectations
regarding future taxable income and the Company's cumulative income or loss in
the then most recent three-year period. In the event the Company was to
determine, based on the existence of sufficient positive evidence, that it would
be able to realize its deferred tax assets in the future in excess of its net
recorded amount, an adjustment to the valuation allowance would increase income
in the period such determination was made.


19

Impairment of Long-Lived Assets

The Company reviews its long-lived assets for possible impairment at least
annually and whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the
carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable by the undiscounted future
cash flows expected to be generated by the asset over its remaining useful life.
If impairment exists, the carrying amount of the asset is reduced to fair value
or fair value less the cost to sell depending upon whether the asset is held for
use or disposal, respectively. The Company evaluates possible impairment of
long-lived assets for each of its retail stores individually based on
management's estimate of the store's future earnings before interest, taxes,
depreciation and amortization. Long-lived assets for which the Company cannot
specifically identify cash flows that are largely independent of the cash flows
of other long-lived assets, such as its corporate and distribution facilities,
are evaluated based on management's estimate of the Company's future
consolidated operating cash flows. If actual future operating results or cash
flows are different than management's estimates, additional impairment losses
may be required to be recorded.

Goodwill

Goodwill represents the excess of cost over the fair value of the net
identifiable assets acquired in a business combination accounted for under
the purchase method. As a result of the adoption of Statement of Financial
Accounting Standards No. 142, "Goodwill and Other Intangibles" ("FAS 142"),
that was effective for the Company as of the beginning of fiscal year 2002,
goodwill and intangible assets with an indefinite useful life are no longer
amortized, but are tested for impairment at least annually. The Company
completed the initial impairment test during the second quarter of fiscal year
2002 and concluded that the fair value of both of the Company's reporting units
(Domestic and International) exceeded their carrying values as of January 27,
2002 and, therefore, no impairment existed at that date. In addition to the
initial impairment test completed during the second quarter of fiscal year 2002,
the Company elected to perform the first of its annual tests during the fourth
quarter of fiscal year 2002 and concluded that the fair value of both of the
Company's reporting units exceeded their respective carrying values and no
impairment charge was required. The Company engaged a financial advisory firm
to assist management in completing the impairment tests and to prepare certain
analyses regarding the fair value of the Company's reporting units. In
developing its analyses, the financial advisory firm reviewed plans prepared by
management, interviewed senior managers of the Company and performed independent
research. Calculations regarding the fair value of the Company's reporting
units, including the analyses prepared by the financial advisory firm, rely
primarily on forecasts and projections regarding future operating results and
cash flows, which require management to make estimates and assumptions. If
actual operating results or cash flows are different than management's estimates
and assumptions, the Company could be required to record impairment charges in
future periods. The Company will be required to complete the annual impairment
test during its fourth fiscal quarter each year, beginning in fiscal year 2003.

Vendor Income Recognition

The Company participates in various cooperative advertising and other vendor
marketing programs with its vendors. Consideration received from vendors for
cooperative advertising programs and other vendor marketing programs is
recognized as a reduction of cost of merchandise sold, unless the consideration
represents a reimbursement of a specific cost incurred by the Company, in which
case the consideration is recognized as a reduction of the related expense. The
Company also participates in various volume purchase rebate programs with its
vendors. These programs typically include annual purchase targets and offer
increasing tiered rebates based on the Company achieving certain purchase
levels. The Company recognizes consideration received from vendors for volume
purchase rebate programs as a reduction of cost of merchandise sold as the
related inventory is sold. For tiered volume purchase rebate programs, the
Company estimates the rebates to be earned based on expected purchases during
the rebate program period. The Company calculates expected purchases during the
rebate program period based on its replenishment model which utilizes a product
and store specific algorithm that incorporates recent sales trends, upcoming
promotional events and other relevant data to project sales and the related
replenishment requirements. The Company revises its purchase expectations at
least quarterly throughout the rebate program period. If actual purchases are
different than management's expectations, adjustments to the results of
operations may be necessary.


20

In November 2002, the FASB Emerging Issues Task Force ("Task Force") issued EITF
Issue No. 02-16, "Accounting by a Customer (including a Reseller) for Cash
Consideration Received from a Vendor" ("EITF 02-16"). EITF 02-16 addressed the
following two issues: (i) the classification in a reseller's financial
statements of cash consideration received from a vendor ("Issue 1"); and (ii)
the timing of recognition by a reseller of a rebate or refund from a vendor that
is contingent upon achieving a specific cumulative level of purchases or
remaining a customer for a specified time period ("Issue 2"). Issue 1 stipulates
that cash consideration received from a vendor is presumed to be a reduction of
the prices of the vendors' products and should, therefore, be recognized as a
reduction of cost of merchandise sold when recognized in the reseller's
financial statements. However, that presumption is overcome when the
consideration is either (a) a payment for assets or services delivered to the
vendor, in which case the cash consideration should be recognized as revenue (or
other income, as appropriate) when recognized in the reseller's income
statement, or (b) a reimbursement of a specific, incremental, identifiable cost
incurred by the reseller in selling the vendor's products, in which case the
cash consideration should be characterized as a reduction of that cost when
recognized in the reseller's income statement. Issue 2 states that vendor
rebates should be recognized on a systematic and rational allocation of the cash
consideration offered to each of the underlying transactions that results in
progress by the reseller toward earning the rebate, provided the amounts are
probable and reasonably estimable. Issue 1 was effective for all new
arrangements, including modifications of existing arrangements, entered into
after December 31, 2002. Issue 2 was effective for all new arrangements
initiated after November 21, 2002.

As noted above, the Company and its vendors participate in cooperative
advertising programs and other vendor marketing programs in which vendors
reimburse the Company for a portion of its advertising expenses and other costs.
In accordance with the transition provisions of EITF 02-16, the Company is
required to adopt the new guidance prospectively as it negotiates agreements
with new vendors or modifies existing agreements. The Company's vendor
agreements typically do not have expiration dates and remain in effect until
replaced, and therefore, it is expected to take up to 18 months to cycle through
all vendor program negotiations in the normal course of business. As a result of
the more restrictive standards defined in Issue 1 of EITF 02-16, the Company is
required to record certain consideration received from its vendors as a
reduction of cost of merchandise sold, which previously would have been
recognized as a reduction of a related advertising expense. This change in
accounting may impact the timing of recognition of cash consideration received
from the Company's vendors and increase its gross profit and net advertising
expenses. These changes do not affect the total amount of vendor income the
Company receives from its vendors. The application of the new guidance reduced
earnings by approximately $0.01 per diluted share during the first quarter of
fiscal year 2003. The estimated effect of the prospective adoption of EITF 02-16
for the remainder of fiscal year 2003 is a reduction of earnings of $0.01 to
$0.02 per diluted share per quarter.

Facility Closure Costs

The Company continuously reviews its real estate portfolio to identify
underperforming facilities and closes those facilities that are no longer
strategically or economically viable. Prior to the adoption of FASB Statement
No. 146, "Accounting for Costs Associated with Exit or Disposal Activities"
("FAS 146"), which was effective for exit or disposal activities that are
initiated after December 31, 2002, the Company accrued estimated closure costs
in the period in which management approved a plan to close a facility. The
accrual for estimated closure costs is net of expected future sublease income,
which is estimated by management based on real estate studies prepared by
independent industry experts. If actual sublease income is different than
management's estimate, adjustments to the Company's store closing reserves may
be necessary.

During January 2003, the Company adopted the provisions of FAS 146. The adoption
of FAS 146 had no immediate impact on the Company's financial position, or
results of operations, but will affect the timing and recognition of future
facility closure costs that may be reported by the Company.


21

RECENTLY ISSUED ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS

In January 2003, the FASB issued Interpretation No. 46, "Consolidation of
Variable Interest Entities" ("FIN 46"). FIN 46 clarifies consolidation
requirements for variable interest entities ("VIEs") which establishes
additional factors beyond ownership of a majority voting interest to indicate
that a company has a controlling financial interest in an entity (or a
relationship sufficiently similar to a controlling financial interest that it
requires consolidation). Consolidation of a VIE by an investor is required when
it is determined that the investor will absorb a majority of the VIE's expected
losses or residual returns if they occur. This interpretation applies
immediately to variable interest entities created or obtained after January 31,
2003 and must be retroactively applied to holdings in variable interest entities
acquired before February 1, 2003 in interim and annual financial statements
issued for periods beginning after June 15, 2003. FIN 46 may be applied
prospectively with a cumulative-effect adjustment as of the date on which it is
first applied or by restating previously issued financial statements with a
cumulative-effect adjustment as of the beginning of the first year restated.

The Company leases two of its PowerMax distribution facilities from VIEs
(previously referred to as special purpose entities or SPEs) that have been
established by nationally prominent, creditworthy commercial lessors to
facilitate the financing of the inventory distribution facilities. The VIEs
finance the cost of the property through the issuance of commercial paper. The
Company has provided standby letters of credit of approximately $81,000,000 in
support of the commercial paper. In the event that the Company defaults on its
obligations under the leases, the VIEs could draw on the letters of credit in
order to redeem the commercial paper. These letters of credit utilize a portion
of the Company's available borrowing capacity under its revolving credit
facility. Upon expiration of the synthetic operating leases, the Company can
elect to purchase the related assets of both facilities at a total cost
specified in the lease agreements of approximately $80,000,000. If the Company
does not elect to purchase the related assets, the Company is required to honor
certain fair value guarantees. These guarantees require the Company to reimburse
the lessor for any shortfall from a fair value specified in the lease
agreements. Currently, the Company expects to purchase the related assets upon
expiration of the synthetic operating leases, or otherwise enter into an
arrangement to maintain the continued use of these facilities.

The Company is assessing the impact of adoption of FIN 46. However, based on
management's preliminary assessment, it is reasonably possible that the Company
will be required to consolidate the VIEs involved in the leasing of its PowerMax
inventory distribution facilities beginning in the third quarter of fiscal year
2003. If the Company is required to consolidate the VIEs, the assets and related
depreciation, liabilities and non-controlling interests of these VIEs will be
reflected in the Company's consolidated financial statements. The Company has
not yet determined under which of the transition alternatives it will report the
impact, if any, of adopting FIN 46.

In April 2003, the FASB issued Statement No. 149, "Amendment of Statement 133 on
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities" ("FAS 149"). FAS 149 amends and
clarifies financial accounting and reporting for derivative instruments,
including certain derivative instruments embedded in other contracts
(collectively referred to as derivatives) and for hedging activities under FASB
Statement No. 133, "Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging
Activities." FAS 149 is generally effective for contracts entered into or
modified after June 30, 2003. The provisions of FAS 149 are required to be
applied prospectively. The Company does not believe the adoption of FAS 149 will
have a material impact on its financial position or results of operations.

In May 2003, the FASB issued Statement No. 150, "Accounting for Certain
Financial Instruments with Characteristics of Both Liabilities and Equity" ("FAS
150"). FAS 150 requires that three classes of freestanding financial instruments
that embody obligations for entities be classified as liabilities. Generally,
FAS 150 is effective for financial instruments entered into or modified after
May 31, 2003 and is otherwise effective at the beginning of the first interim
period beginning after June 15, 2003. The Company does not believe the adoption
of FAS 150 will have a material impact on its financial position or results of
operations.


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CAUTIONARY STATEMENT REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION

This Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q (including information incorporated by
reference) contains "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the
Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Any information in this report
that is not historical information is a forward-looking statement which may be
identified by the use of language such as "may," "will," "should," "expects,"
"plans," "anticipates," "estimates," "believes," "thinks," "continues,"
"indicates," "outlook," "looks," "goals," "initiatives," "projects," or similar
expressions. These statements are likely to address the Company's growth
strategy, future financial performance (including sales, gross margin and
earnings), strategic initiatives, marketing and expansion plans, and the impact
of operating initiatives. The forward-looking statements, which speak only as of
the date of this report, are subject to risks, uncertainties and other factors
that could cause actual results to differ materially from those stated,
projected or implied in the forward-looking statements. These risks and
uncertainties include those described in Exhibit 99.1 of the Company's Annual
Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended January 25, 2003, and in other
reports and exhibits to those reports filed with the Securities and Exchange
Commission. You are strongly urged to review such filings for a more detailed
discussion of such risks and uncertainties. The Company's filings with the
Securities and Exchange Commission are available at no charge at www.sec.gov and
www.freeEDGAR.com, as well as on a number of other web sites, including
OfficeMax.com, under the investor relations information section. These risks and
uncertainties also include the following: risks associated with general economic
conditions (including the effects of continuing hostilities in Iraq and
Afghanistan, additional terrorist attacks and hostilities, the stock market
decline, currency devaluation, slower than anticipated economic recovery and
declining employment rate or other changes in our customers' business
environments, including an increase in bankruptcy filings); increasing
competition that includes office supply superstores, warehouse clubs, contract
stationers, electronics superstore retailers, Internet merchandisers and mass
merchandisers, as well as grocery and drug store chains; the result of
continuing FAS 142 assessments; and the impact of the adoption of EITF 02-16 and
FIN 46 along with other new accounting pronouncements. The foregoing list of
important factors is not exclusive. The Company undertakes no obligation to
publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of
new information, future events, or otherwise.


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ITEM 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

The Company is exposed to market risk, principally interest rate risk and
foreign exchange rate risk. Market risk can be measured as the potential
negative impact on earnings, cash flows or fair values resulting from a
hypothetical change in interest rates or foreign currency exchange rates over
time. None of the market risk sensitive instruments entered into by the Company
are for trading purposes.

Interest earned on the Company's cash equivalents and short-term investments, as
well as interest paid on its debt and lease obligations, are sensitive to
changes in interest rates. The interest rate for the Company's revolving credit
facility is variable, while the Company's long-term debt and the interest
component of its operating leases is generally fixed. The Company manages its
interest rate risk by maintaining a combination of fixed and variable rate debt.
The Company believes its potential exposure to interest rate risk is not
material to the Company's financial position or the results of its operations.

The Company is exposed to foreign exchange rate risk through its subsidiary in
Mexico. The Company has not entered into any derivative financial instruments to
hedge this exposure, and believes its potential exposure is not material to the
Company's financial position or the results of its operations.

As of April 26, 2003, there had not been a material change in any of the market
risk information disclosed by the Company in its Annual Report on Form 10-K for
the year ended January 25, 2003. See "Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative
Disclosures About Market Risk" on page 36 of the Company's Annual Report on Form
10-K for the year ended January 25, 2003, filed with the Securities and Exchange
Commission on April 8, 2003, for more detailed information regarding market
risk.

ITEM 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

The Company maintains a set of disclosure controls and procedures designed to
ensure that information required to be disclosed by the Company in reports that
it files or submits under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 is recorded,
processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in
Securities and Exchange Commission rules and forms. Within the 90 day period
prior to the filing of this report, an evaluation was carried out under the
supervision and with the participation of the Company's management, including
the Chief Executive Officer ("CEO") and Chief Financial Officer ("CFO"), of the
effectiveness of the Company's disclosure controls and procedures. Based on that
evaluation, the CEO and CFO have concluded that the Company's disclosure
controls and procedures are effective.

Subsequent to the date of their evaluation, there have been no significant
changes in the Company's internal controls or in other factors that could
significantly affect these controls. A control system, no matter how well
conceived and operated, can provide only reasonable, not absolute, assurance
that the objectives of the control system are met. Because of the inherent
limitations in all control systems, no evaluation of controls can provide
absolute assurance that all control issues and instances of fraud, if any,
within the Company have been detected. Because of the inherent limitations in a
cost-effective control system, misstatements due to error or fraud may occur and
not be detected.


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PART II - OTHER INFORMATION

ITEM 6. EXHIBITS AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K

(a) Exhibits: See Exhibit Index on page 28 of this report

(b) Reports on Form 8-K: A Current Report on Form 8-K
reporting under Item 9, Regulation FD Disclosure,
was filed on March 4, 2003, regarding the results
for the Company's fiscal year ended January 25,
2003.

A Current Report on Form 8-K reporting under Item
9, pursuant to Item 12, Disclosure of Results of
Operations and Financial Condition, was filed on
May 13, 2003, regarding the results for the
Company's fiscal first quarter ended April 26,
2003.

SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the
registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the
undersigned thereunto duly authorized.

OFFICEMAX, INC.

Date: June 5, 2003 By: /s/ Michael F. Killeen
----------------------
Michael F. Killeen
Senior Executive Vice President,
Chief Financial Officer


25

I, Michael Feuer, certify that:

1. I have reviewed this quarterly report on Form 10-Q of OfficeMax, 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 officer 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 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 officer and I have disclosed, based on our
most recent evaluation, to the registrant's auditors and the audit committee of
the 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 weakness 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 officer 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: June 5, 2003

/s/ Michael Feuer
-----------------
Michael Feuer
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer


26

I, Michael F. Killeen, certify that:

1. I have reviewed this quarterly report on Form 10-Q of OfficeMax, 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 officer 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 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 officer and I have disclosed, based on our
most recent evaluation, to the registrant's auditors and the audit committee of
the 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 weakness 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 officer 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: June 5, 2003

/s/ Michael F. Killeen
----------------------
Michael F. Killeen
Chief Financial Officer


27

EXHIBIT INDEX



Exhibit No. Description of Exhibit
- ----------- ----------------------

10.1 Amended and Restated Loan and Security Agreement dated as of May 2,
2003,by and among Fleet Retail Finance Inc., as administrative agent,
Fleet National Bank, as issuer, JPMorgan Business Credit Corp. and
JPMorgan Chase Bank, as co-agents, GMAC Commercial Finance LLC, as
document agent, The CIT Group/Business Credit Inc., as syndication
agent, Fleet Securities, Inc. as arranger, and OfficeMax, Inc., as lead
borrower for OfficeMax, Inc., BizMart, Inc., BizMart (Texas), Inc.,
OfficeMax Corp. and OMX, Inc., as borrowers (filed herewith).

99.1 Certification of CEO and CFO pursuant to Section 906 of the
Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (filed herewith).



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