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UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-K

 
(Mark One)
 
x

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

   
  For the fiscal year ended March 31, 2005
   
  OR
   
o TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OF 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
   

For the transition period from ______________to_____________

Commission file number:  0-20736  

Sport Chalet, Inc.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 
Delaware 95-4390071
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)  (I.R.S. Employer Identification Number)
   
One Sport Chalet Drive, La Cañada, California  91011
(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code)
   

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (818) 949-5300 

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act: None

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:

Common Stock, $0.01 par value
(Title of class)

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.    x Yes  o No

Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of registrant’s knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K.  x

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an accelerated filer (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of Act).  o Yes  x No

The aggregate market value of the Common Stock held by non-affiliates of the registrant as of September 30, 2004, was approximately $28.1 million based upon the closing price of the Common Stock on that date.

The number of shares of the registrant’s Common Stock outstanding as of June 27, 2005 was 6,686,368.




TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
Item Page

PART I  
     
1. Business 1
     
2. Properties 7
     
3. Legal Proceedings 8
     
4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders 8
     
PART II  
     
5. Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and
Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities
9
     
6. Selected Financial Data 10
     
7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations 11
     
7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk 23
     
8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data 23
     
9A. Changes In and Disagreements With Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure 23
     
9A. Controls and Procedures 24
     
9B. Other Information 24
     
PART III  
     
10. Directors and Executive Officers of the Registrant 25
     
11. Executive Compensation 29
     
12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and
Related Stockholder Matters
37
     
13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions 39
     
14. Principal Accountant Fees and Services 40
     
PART IV  
     
15. Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules 41



PART I

                This Annual Report on Form 10-K contains statements that constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. These forward-looking statements are made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements include statements relating to trends in, or representing management’s beliefs about, our future strategies, operations and financial results, as well as other statements including words such as “believe,” “anticipate,” “expect,” “estimate,” “predict,” “intend,” “plan,” “project,” “will,” “could,” “may,” “might” or any variations of such words or other words with similar meanings. Forward-looking statements are made based upon management’s current expectations and beliefs concerning trends and future developments and their potential effects on the Company. Prospective investors are cautioned that they should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements as predictions of actual results. These statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve risks and uncertainties that are difficult to predict. Further, certain forward-looking statements are based upon assumptions as to future events that may not prove to be accurate. Actual results may differ materially from those suggested by forward-looking statements as a result of risks and uncertainties which are discussed in further detail under “Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations – Factors That May Affect Future Results.” We do not assume, and specifically disclaim, any obligation to update any forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date made.

ITEM 1. BUSINESS

General

                Sport Chalet, Inc. (referred to as the “Company,” “Sport Chalet,” “we,” “us,” and “our” unless specified otherwise), founded in 1959, is a leading operator of 36 full-service, specialty sporting goods stores in California and Nevada. As of March 31, 2005, we had 28 locations in Southern California, five in Northern California, one in Central California and two in Nevada. These stores average 39,200 square feet in size. In addition, we operate a retail e-commerce store through GSI Commerce, Inc. at www.sportchalet.com. We reincorporated as a Delaware corporation in 1992. Our executive offices are located at One Sport Chalet Drive, La Cañada, California 91011, and our telephone number is (818) 949-5300.

Operating History and Growth Plans

                In 1959, Norbert Olberz, our Chairman Emeritus and principal stockholder (the “Principal Stockholder”), purchased a small ski and tennis shop in La Cañada, California. A focus on providing quality merchandise with outstanding customer service was the foundation of Norbert’s vision. As a true pioneer in the industry, Norbert’s mission was three simple things. To “see things through the eyes of the customer”; “to do a thousand things a little bit better”; and to focus on “being the best, not the biggest.” Over the last 46 years, Sport Chalet has grown into a chain of 36 specialty sporting goods stores serving both California and Nevada.

                Our growth strategy had historically focused on Southern California, but now includes opening new stores throughout California, Nevada and Arizona as suitable locations are found. Over the past three years, we have opened ten new stores, five of which include our recent expansion into the Northern California market and one each in Central California and the Las Vegas, Nevada, market. We currently plan to open four stores during the next 12 months, three of which will be our initial expansion into Arizona and one in Southern California. Future store openings are subject to availability of satisfactory store locations based on local competitive conditions, site availability and cost and our ability to provide and maintain high service levels and quality brand merchandising at competitive prices. For fiscal 2005, average sales per store for stores open throughout both fiscal 2005 and fiscal 2004 were $9.4 million, with corresponding average sales per square foot of $241.

                Store openings are expected to have a favorable impact on sales volume, but to negatively affect profit in the short term. New stores tend to have higher costs in the early years of operation, due primarily to increased promotional costs and lower sales on a per employee basis until the store matures. As the store matures, sales tend to level off and expenses decline as a percentage of sales. Our stores


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generally require three to four years to attract a stable, mature customer base. We estimate the cash required to open an average new store is approximately $2.6 million consisting primarily of the investment in inventory (net of average vendor payables), the cost of fixtures and equipment and pre-opening expenses, such as the costs associated with training employees and stocking the store. Cash requirements for opening costs of each new store can vary significantly depending on how much the landlord has agreed to contribute to our required improvements.

                Our sales partially depend on the economic environment and level of consumer spending in California, Nevada and, in the future, Arizona. The retail industry historically has been subject to substantial cyclical variation, and a recession in the general economy or uncertainties regarding future economic prospects that affect consumer spending habits in our market areas have had, and may in the future have, a materially adverse effect on our results of operations.

Stores and Merchandising

                Our prototype stores range in size from 42,000 to 45,000 square feet and showcase each product category with the feel of a specialty shop all contained under one roof. The full-service approach to customer service and product knowledge is enhanced by fixtures which feature specific categories. Each shop is staffed by trained sales associates with expertise in the merchandise they sell, permitting us to offer our customers a high level of product knowledge and service from the beginner to the professional sports enthusiast.

                Our prototype format boasts a natural and outdoor-feel color scheme, clear-coated fixtures, 30-foot clear ceilings, large sport-specific graphics, pool for SCUBA and watersports instruction and demonstrations, and a 100 foot shoe wall, among other improvements. In coming years we plan to retro-fit certain mature stores to conform to the prototype. During fiscal 2006, four stores will be remodeled, with two expected grand re-openings in summer and two in winter of 2005. For both new stores and remodels, we continually update our prototype format to remain competitive. While we have taken advantage of unusual building layouts in the past, and when appropriate may do so in the future, we will utilize as many prototype design elements as possible. We evaluate stores for remodel based on each store’s age and competitive situation, as well as how much the landlord will contribute to our required improvements. Future store remodeling plans will depend upon several factors, including, but not limited to, general economic conditions, competition trends and the availability of adequate capital. Once a store is selected for remodel, an estimate of fixtures and leasehold improvements requiring disposal is prepared. The remaining book-value of these items is fully expensed through accelerated depreciation over the period prior to the completion of the remodel. With the scheduled new store openings and remodels, 55% of our store base will be three years old or less.

                Our stores feature a number of distinct, specialty sporting goods divisions, offering a large assortment of quality brand name merchandise at competitive prices. The stores include traditional sporting goods merchandise (e.g., footwear, apparel and other general athletic products) and nontraditional merchandise such as downhill skiing, mountaineering and SCUBA. The merchandise appeals to both experts and beginners. In addition, our stores offer over 40 services for the serious sports enthusiast, including backpacking, canyoneering, and kayaking instruction, custom golf club fitting and repair, ski rental and repair, SCUBA training and certification, SCUBA boat charters, team sales, racquet stringing, and bicycle tune-up and repair. Although the revenues generated by these support services are not material, these services further differentiate us from our competitors. Our stores are open seven days a week, typically from 9:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Sunday.

                The following table illustrates our merchandise assortment of hardlines, which are durable items, and softlines, which are non-durable items such as apparel and footwear, as a percentage of total net sales for each of the last three fiscal years:


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Year Ended March 31,

2005 2004 2003
 
 
 
 
  Hardlines   53 %   53 %   53 %
  Apparel   28 %   28 %   28 %
  Footwear   19 %   19 %   19 %

                   Total   100 %   100 %   100 %

 

                We operate our online store through GSI Commerce, Inc. (“GSI”) at www.sportchalet.com. GSI creates and operates all aspects of the www.sportchalet.com shopping experience, including fulfillment and purchasing, while remaining transparent to the customer. We receive a license fee based on a percentage of sales generated by the website. The licensing fee is not material to total revenues.

                The market for retail sporting goods is seasonal in nature. As with many other retailers, our business is heavily affected by sales of merchandise during the Holiday season. In addition, our product mix has historically emphasized cold weather sporting goods merchandise, particularly winter-sports related products. In recent years, the months of November, December and January represented between 30% and 35% of our total net sales, while winter-related products ranged from 15% to 20% of total net sales. We anticipate this seasonal trend in sales will persist. We respond to changes in mid-season weather by maintaining flexibility in product placement at the stores and the marketing of product offerings. See “Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations – Factors That May Affect Future Results – Seasonal fluctuations in the sales of sporting goods could cause our operating results to suffer.

Marketing and Advertising

                We generate all of our marketing and advertising campaigns in-house, with production support from outside vendors as needed. The campaigns are designed to reflect our strategic direction through our brand and product offerings, as well as communicate a focused and consistent theme/event calendar through media including newspaper, direct mail, radio, billboards, magazines and the Internet. Through the Team Sales Division, we reach out to communities in which our stores do business, contributing to local teams and leagues. Our advertising leverage has been boosted by vendor payments under cooperative advertising arrangements as well as vendor participation in sponsoring sporting events and programs.

Purchasing and Distribution

                In order to provide a full line of specialty and sporting goods brands and a wide selection, we purchase merchandise from over 1,200 vendors. Vendor payment terms typically range from 30 to 120 days from our receipt, and there are no long-term purchase commitments. Our largest vendor, Nike, Inc., accounted for approximately 8.2% and 8.4% of our total inventory purchases for fiscal 2005 and 2004, respectively.

                We operate one distribution center, a 326,000 square foot facility located in Ontario, California. The distribution center serves as the primary receiving, distribution and warehousing facility. A minimal amount of merchandise is shipped directly by vendors to our stores. Most of the product received at the distribution center is processed by unpacking and verifying the contents received and then sorting the contents by store for delivery. Some of the product received at the distribution center is pre-packaged and pre-ticketed by the vendor so it can be immediately cross-docked to trucks bound for the stores. Due to the efficiencies cross-docking creates, we encourage vendors to pre-package their merchandise in a floor-ready manner. Some of the merchandise is held at the distribution center for future allocation to the stores based on current sales trends as directed by our computerized replenishment system to optimize inventory levels. We believe that the advantages of a single distribution center include reduced individual store inventory levels and better use of store floor space, timely inventory replenishment of


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store inventory needs, consolidated vendor returns, and reduced transportation costs. Common carriers deliver merchandise to our stores.

                We use a sophisticated computerized replenishment system from JDA Software Group, Inc. The JDA E3 system consists of three modules: (i) warehouse replenishment, which manages purchases from vendors, (ii) store replenishment, which manages shipments from the warehouse to stores, and (iii) network optimization, which synchronizes the two systems. In addition, we utilize the JDA Consumer Outlook and Pinpoint seasonal profile software to help identify, create and manage the seasonal trends of our merchandise. Currently, we utilize the E3 system to manage approximately 57% of our total inventory. The remaining 43% of the inventory purchases are managed by traditional methods conducted by the buying staff on a short-term purchase order basis.

                
                In March 2005, we entered into a contract with Marketmax, a division of SAS, to license their planning and allocation suite of products. The product set includes merchandise planning, assortment planning, store clustering, high performance forecasting, performance analysis and allocation. We believe this technology package will allow us to better plan and forecast our business and leverage the information to create optimal store assortments and allocate merchandise in a more precise and proactive manner.

Information Systems

                We use a “best of breed” approach to information systems. All new systems communicate with a legacy system that has become the centralized data repository and the primary financial system. Our inventory systems track purchasing, sales and inventory transfers down to the stock keeping unit or “SKU” level and allow us to improve overall inventory management by identifying individual SKU activity by location and projecting trends and replenishment needs on a timely basis. We believe these systems enable us to increase margins by reducing inventory and markdowns while strengthening our in-stock positions.

                The legacy system operates on a Sun computer. Store systems are the Encore Retail Suite of applications from CRS Retail Systems. A custom rental program has been added to the store system. Merchandise replenishment is controlled by E3 software from JDA, running on an IBM iSeries. In fiscal 2003, the processing of debit/credit card authorization was upgraded to allow on-line debit and signature capture, and the distribution center was enhanced with warehouse management software from HighJump Software (a 3M Company). HighJump is web-enabled, real-time, scaleable software that can expand to meet the demands of our growth plans. We continue ongoing enhancements to the legacy system as well as the evaluation, procurement and integration of new systems in order to keep pace with our growth plan.

Recapitalization Proposal

                Our Board of Directors has approved a recapitalization plan designed to facilitate the orderly transition of control from our Principal Stockholder to the Company’s management and to increase financial flexibility for the Company and its stockholders. The recapitalization plan includes transferring a portion of the Principal Stockholder’s ownership to Craig L. Levra, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, and Howard K. Kaminsky, Executive Vice President - Finance, Chief Financial Officer and Secretary, and allows current stockholders to retain existing ownership and voting interests.

                The proposed recapitalization would establish two classes of Common Stock and would be effected through a 4-for-1 reverse stock split of the outstanding Common Stock and the reclassification of each post-split share of Common Stock into a new share of Class B Common Stock. The reclassification would be followed by a non-taxable stock dividend of seven shares of Class A Common Stock for each one outstanding share of Class B Common Stock. Each share of Class B Common Stock would entitle the holder to one vote and each share of Class A Common Stock would entitle the holder to 1/20th of one vote. To illustrate, a hypothetical Sport Chalet stockholder who currently owns 1,000 shares, after the recapitalization would own 250 shares of Class B Common Stock, each with one vote, and 1,750 shares of Class A Common Stock, each with 1/20th of one vote.


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                The proposed recapitalization plan would double the Company’s total number of shares outstanding from approximately 6,686,368 to 13,372,736. Therefore, the recapitalization plan is expected to have the same impact on earnings per share as a 2-for-1 stock split. However, the establishment of dual classes of Common Stock would not affect the relative voting or equity interests of existing stockholders since the reclassification of Common Stock and issuance of a stock dividend will affect each stockholder in proportion to the number of shares currently owned. The Class A Common Stock and the Class B Common Stock would vote on all matters as a single class. The recapitalization plan also includes certain protection features for holders of Class A shares in an effort to ensure parity in the trading of the two classes of Common Stock.

                The Principal Stockholder has advised the Company that he plans to transfer approximately 973,000 shares of Class B Common Stock to Craig L. Levra and Howard K. Kaminsky, which is intended to give them approximately 45% of the combined voting interests of Class B and Class A Common Stock when added to the shares of Sport Chalet they currently own.

                Additionally, shares of Class B Common Stock transferred by the Principal Stockholder to management will be treated as a contribution to the Company’s capital with the offsetting charge as compensation expense. As a result, the Company expects to record a one-time charge which will be based on the stock price at the time of the transfer. Based on the stock price as of June 27, 2005, the charge is expected to be approximately $7.3 million after income taxes, or $1.08 per share on currently outstanding shares or $0.54 per diluted share calculated on a post transaction basis, in the second quarter of fiscal 2006.

                For a more detailed discussion see the section entitled “Proposal 2 – Amendment to the Certificate of Incorporation” contained in our proxy statement to be filed pursuant to Regulation 14A in connection with our 2005 annual meeting of stockholders.

Trademarks and Trade Names

                We use the “Sport Chalet” name as a service mark in connection with our business operations. We have registered “Sport Chalet” as a service mark with the State of California, and have obtained federal registration for certain purposes, which has been successfully defended in the past against attack by third parties. We also retain common law rights to the name, which we have used since 1959. The lack of federal registration for certain purposes might pose a problem if we were to expand into a geographic area where the name or any confusingly similar name is used by someone with prior rights.

Industry and Competition

                The market for retail sporting goods is highly competitive, fragmented and segmented. We compete with a variety of other retailers, including the following: 

 
full-line sporting goods chains, such as The Sports Authority, Dick’s Sporting Goods and Copeland Sports;
 
specialty stores, such as REI, Bass Pro, Foot Locker, Finish Line, Chicks and Adventure 16;
 
supplier-owned stores, such as Nike, The North Face, adidas, New Balance and Puma;
 
mass merchandisers, club stores, discount stores and department stores, such as Wal-Mart, Costco, Target, Macy’s and Nordstroms; and
 
Internet retailers and catalog merchandisers.
 

                Many of these competitors have greater financial resources than we do, or better name recognition in regions into which we seek to expand. Our industry is dominated by sporting goods superstore retailers, i.e., full-line sporting goods chains with stores typically larger than 30,000 square feet. Superstore chains generally provide a greater selection of higher quality merchandise than other retailers, while remaining price competitive. Specialty retailers often have the advantage of a lower cost


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structure and a smaller “footprint” that can be located in shopping centers and strip malls, offering more customer convenience.

                Historically, we have distinguished ourselves from our competitors by providing a broader selection of higher-end specialty items that require higher levels of customer service and sales associate expertise than other superstore retailers in the California and Nevada areas. We believe that our broad selection of high quality name brands and numerous specialty items at competitive prices, showcased by our well-trained sales associates, differentiates us from discount and department stores, traditional and specialty sporting goods stores and other superstore operations.

                Our format takes advantage of several significant trends and conditions in the sporting goods industry. These conditions include the size of the industry, fragmented competition, limited assortments offered by many sporting goods retailers, consumer preference for one-stop shopping, and the importance of delivering value through selection, quality, service and price.

Employees

                As of March 31, 2005, we had a total of approximately 2,905 full and part-time employees, 2,681 of whom were employed in our stores and 224 of whom were employed in warehouse and delivery operations or in executive office positions. None of our employees are covered by a collective bargaining agreement. We encourage and welcome the communication of our employees’ ideas, suggestions and concerns and believe this contributes to our strong employee relations. A typical store has approximately 75 employees, of whom 20 to 40 are in the store at any given time on a normal operating basis. Generally, each store employs a general manager, two to three assistant managers, who along with area managers and department heads supervise the sales associates in customer service, merchandising, and operations. Additional part-time employees are typically hired during the Holiday and other peak seasons.

                We are committed to the growth and training of our employees in order to provide “The Experts” product knowledge and service to our customers. Our “Certified Pro” program encourages employees to attend product line specific clinics and receive hands-on training to improve technical product and service expertise. Only after completing all of the clinics and training, in addition to passing specific testing, may an associate be considered a Certified Pro. Certified Pro certification is offered in 19 different service disciplines and is a requirement for new associates in their areas of expertise. Being knowledgeable and informed allows our work force to meet the customer’s needs and enhance their shopping experience.

Financial Information about Segments

                For financial reporting purposes the Company operates in a single business segment.

Additional Information

                The Company makes available free of charge through our website, www.sportchalet.com, our Annual Report on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and Current Reports on Form 8-K and amendments to those reports filed or furnished pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as soon as reasonably practicable after those reports are filed with or furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”).

                The public may read any of the items we file with the SEC at the SEC’s Public Reference Room at 450 Fifth Street, NW, Washington, DC 20549. The public may obtain information about the operation of the Public Reference Room by calling the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330. The SEC also maintains an


6



Internet site that contains reports, proxy and information statements, and other information regarding the Company and other issuers that file electronically with the SEC at www.sec.gov.


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                ITEM 2. PROPERTIES

                At June 27, 2005, we had 36 store locations. The following table summarizes the key information on our retail properties:

 
  Location Opening Date   Gross Square Footage  
 

 
 
  La Canada (1) June 1960     40,300  
  Huntington Beach (2)(3) June 1981     50,000  
  La Jolla June 1983     20,000  
  Mission Viejo August 1986     30,000  
  Point Loma (2) November 1987     34,600  
  Valencia (2) (4) November 1987     40,000  
  Marina del Rey (5) November 1989     42,300  
  Beverly Hills November 1989     39,300  
  Brea (2) (4) April 1990     40,500  
  Oxnard (2) June 1990     40,100  
  West Hills (2) (5) June 1991     44,000  
  Burbank August 1992     45,000  
  Montclair November 1992     18,000  
  Torrance (3) November 1993     38,700  
  Glendora November 1993     40,000  
  Rancho Cucamonga (2) June 1994     36,000  
  Irvine (2) November 1995     35,000  
  Laguna Niguel (3) November 1997     40,000  
  Mission Valley (3) June 1998     47,000  
  Long Beach May 1999     43,000  
  Porter Ranch July 1999     43,000  
  Temecula (3) October 1999     40,000  
  Chino Hills July 2000     40,000  
  Palmdale (2) June 2001     40,000  
  Henderson, NV (2) November 2001     42,000  
  Costa Mesa – South Coast Plaza November 2001     40,300  
  Summerlin, NV (2) November 2002     40,300  
  Riverside (2) November 2002     44,000  
  Antioch (2) November 2003     40,000  
  Redlands (2) November 2003     42,000  
  Sacramento (2) December 2003     40,600  
  Roseville (2) August 2004     37,000  
  Pleasanton (2) August 2004     40,500  
  Arcadia (2) October 2004     42,200  
  Elk Grove (2) November 2004     42,000  
  Visalia (2) November 2004     41,000  

                                                                       Total     1,418,700  


 
(1) The original store opened in 1959. The existing store includes four facilities.
 
(2) Includes swimming pool facility for SCUBA and kayaking instruction.
 
(3) Remodels scheduled for fiscal 2006.
 
(4) Remodels completed in fiscal 2005.    
 
(5) Remodels completed in fiscal 2004.

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                We lease all of our existing store locations. The leases for most of the existing stores are for approximately ten-year terms plus multiple option periods under non-cancelable operating leases with scheduled rent increases. The leases provide for contingent rent based upon a percentage of sales in excess of specified minimums. If there are any free rent periods, they are accounted for on a straight line basis over the lease term, beginning on the date of initial possession, which is generally when we enter the space and begin the construction build-out. The amount of the excess of straight line rent expense over scheduled payments is recorded as a deferred rent liability. Construction allowances and other such lease incentives are recorded as deferred credits, and are amortized on a straight line basis as a reduction of rent expense over the lease term.

                We lease from corporations controlled by Norbert Olberz, Sport Chalet’s Chairman Emeritus and principal stockholder (the “Principal Stockholder”), our corporate office space in La Cañada and our stores in La Cañada, Huntington Beach and Porter Ranch, California. We have incurred rental expense to the Principal Stockholder of $2.4 million, $2.5 million and $2.2 million in fiscal 2005, 2004 and 2003, respectively.

                Management believes that the occupancy costs under the leases with corporations controlled by the Principal Stockholder described above are no higher than those which would be charged by unrelated third parties under similar circumstances.

ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

                Kenneth Henderson on behalf of himself and other similarly situated Plaintiffs v. Sport Chalet filed July 6, 2004 in the Los Angeles Superior Court, Case No. BC 318081.

                Former employee Kenneth Henderson brought this class action on behalf of himself and other similarly situated employees, alleging causes of action, for (1) failure to provide required meal periods, (2) failure to authorize or permit rest periods, (3) failure to provide compensation for split shifts, (4) failure to reimburse employees for uniforms, (5) failure to maintain required records, (6) penalties for terminated employees who were not fully compensated, (7) penalties for failure to pay employees all wages at least twice a month, and (8) violation of Business and Professions Code §l7,200.

                Plaintiffs basically allege that hourly employees were regularly denied their required meal periods and rest periods and were not paid premiums for split shifts. They further allege that we require our employees to wear uniforms but did not pay for the uniforms. Plaintiffs seek a class action in which they demand various wages, premiums, interest, and penalties for these alleged violations. They also seek attorneys’ fees and an injunction.

                We answered the complaint, denying the material allegations and asserting numerous affirmative defenses. The parties have engaged in significant discovery and Plaintiffs have filed a Motion for Class Certification which will be heard on July 13, 2005. We have opposed the Motion for Class Certification. No trial date has been set. The Court will likely order the parties to a settlement conference or mediation. We are vigorously defending this action.

                In addition, we are involved in various routine legal proceedings incidental to the conduct of our business. Management does not believe that any of these legal proceedings will have a material adverse impact on the business, financial condition or results of operations, either due to the nature of the claims, or because management believes that such claims should not exceed the limits of our insurance coverage.

ITEM 4.  SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS

                No matters were submitted to our stockholders during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2005.


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PART II
   
ITEM 5. MARKET FOR REGISTRANT’S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER
MATTERS AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES
   

Market Price for Common Shares

                Our Common Stock is traded on the Nasdaq Stock Market National Market System under the symbol “SPCH.” The following table reflects the range of high and low sale prices of our Common Stock by quarter over the last two fiscal years as reported by Nasdaq:

 
  Fiscal 2004 High   Low  
 

 
 
  First Quarter $ 7.42   $ 6.50  
  Second Quarter $ 7.55   $ 6.81  
  Third Quarter $ 10.93   $ 6.96  
  Fourth Quarter $ 15.08   $ 9.40  
               
  Fiscal 2005 High   Low  
 

 
 
  First Quarter $ 13.90   $ 9.65  
  Second Quarter $ 14.00   $ 11.15  
  Third Quarter $ 14.70   $ 11.51  
  Fourth Quarter $ 15.00   $ 12.85  
               
  Fiscal 2006 High   Low  
 

 
 
  First Quarter (through June 27, 2005) $ 16.49   $ 9.65  
 

                On June 27, 2005, the closing price of our Common Stock as reported by Nasdaq was $16.30. Stockholders are urged to obtain current market quotations for the Common Stock.

Approximate Number of Holders of Common Shares

                The approximate number of stockholders of record of our Common Stock as of June 23, 2005 was 175 (excluding individual participants in nominee security position listings), and as of that date, we estimate that there were approximately 1,000 beneficial owners holding stock in nominee or “street” name.

Dividend Policy

                We have not paid any dividends to stockholders since our initial public offering in November 1992. We currently intend to retain earnings for use in the operation and potential expansion of our business and, therefore, do not anticipate declaring or paying any cash dividends in the foreseeable future. The declaration and payment of any such dividends in the future will depend upon our earnings, financial condition, capital needs and other factors deemed relevant by the Board of Directors.


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ITEM 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA

                The following sets forth selected consolidated financial data as of and for the five most recent fiscal years ended March 31, 2005. This data should be read in conjunction with the financial statements and related notes thereto and other financial information included herein.

 
Year Ended March 31,  
 
 
2005   2004   2003   2002   2001  





Statements of Income Data: (In thousands, except per share, square foot amounts)  
Net sales $ 309,090   $ 264,237   $ 238,033   $ 227,349   $ 214,842  
Cost of goods sold, buying and occupancy
   costs
  213,429     184,047     168,519     162,368     148,334  

Gross profit   95,661     80,190     69,514     64,981     66,508  
Selling, general and administrative expenses   85,145     72,360     62,579     57,443     54,690  

Income from operations   10,516     7,830     6,935     7,538     11,818  
Interest expense (income)   263     190     307     71     (361 )

Income before taxes   10,253     7,640     6,628     7,467     12,179  
Income tax provision   4,082     2,996     2,584     3,026     4,913  

Net income $ 6,171   $ 4,644   $ 4,044   $ 4,441   $ 7,266  

Earnings per share – basic $ 0.92   $ 0.70   $ 0.61   $ 0.67   $ 1.10  

Earnings per share – diluted $ 0.88   $ 0.66   $ 0.58   $ 0.63   $ 1.07  

Weighted average shares outstanding:                            
     Basic   6,680     6,646     6,615     6,587     6,580  

     Diluted   7,004     7,008     6,947     6,995     6,805  

Selected Operating Data:                            
Comparable store sales increase (decrease) (1)   5.7 %   3.7 %   (0.9 )%   (1.1 )%   14.5 %
Net cash provided by operating activities                            
  $ 17,955   $ 7,608   $ 6,513   $ 7,350   $ 11,512  
Stores open at end of period   36     31     28     26     23  
Total square feet at end of period (2)   1,412     1,210     1,087     1,002     881  
Net sales per square foot (3) $ 241   $ 239   $ 241   $ 247   $ 256  
Average net sales per store (3) $ 9,430   $ 9,221   $ 9,220   $ 9,453   $ 9,642  
                               
As of March 31,  
 
 
2005   2004   2003   2002   2001  





Balance Sheet Data: (In thousands)  
Working capital $ 43,116   $ 40,746   $ 37,329   $ 32,224   $ 33,238  
Total assets   118,789     95,057     89,492     85,510     78,007  
Long-term debt                    
Total stockholders’ equity   69,110     62,811     57,456     53,223     48,692  
   
(1) A store’s sales are included in the comparable store sales calculation after its twelfth full month of operation.
 
(2) Total square footage of all stores open at the end of the period represented in thousands of square feet.
 
(3) Calculated by using stores that were open for the full current fiscal year and were also open for the full prior fiscal year.

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ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
   

                This Annual Report on Form 10-K contains statements that constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. These forward-looking statements are made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements include statements relating to trends in, or representing management’s beliefs about, our future strategies, operations and financial results, as well as other statements including words such as “believe,” “anticipate,” “expect,” “estimate,” “predict,” “intend,” “plan,” “project,” “will,” “could,” “may,” “might” or any variations of such words or other words with similar meanings. Forward-looking statements are made based upon management’s current expectations and beliefs concerning trends and future developments and their potential effects on the Company. Prospective investors are cautioned that they should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements as predictions of actual results. These statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve risks and uncertainties that are difficult to predict. Further, certain forward-looking statements are based upon assumptions as to future events that may not prove to be accurate. Actual results may differ materially from those suggested by forward-looking statements as a result of risks and uncertainties which are discussed in further detail under “– Factors That May Affect Future Results.” We do not assume, and specifically disclaim, any obligation to update any forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date made.

                The following should be read in conjunction with “Item 6. Selected Financial Data” and our consolidated financial statements and related notes thereto.

Overview

                We are a leading operator of 36 full service specialty sporting goods stores in California and Nevada. In 1959, Norbert Olberz, our Chairman Emeritus and principal stockholder (the “Principal Stockholder”), purchased a small ski and tennis shop in La Canada, California. A focus on providing quality merchandise with outstanding customer service was the foundation of Norbert’s vision. We continue this tradition and are focused on growth through a number of initiatives, including: continuing new store development; remodeling stores to conform to our prototype; and improving information systems to increase product flow-through, improve in-stock positions and optimize merchandise assortment.

                Our growth strategy had historically focused on Southern California, but now includes opening new stores throughout California and Nevada as suitable locations are found. In addition, we currently plan to expand into Arizona with an initial opening of three locations in the Phoenix area in fiscal 2006. We have opened ten stores in the last 36 months. Future store openings are subject to availability of satisfactory store locations based on local competitive conditions, site availability and cost and our ability to provide and maintain high service levels and quality brand merchandising at competitive prices. Store openings are expected to have a favorable impact on sales volume, but will negatively affect profit in the short term. New stores tend to have higher costs in the early years of operation, due primarily to increased promotional costs and lower sales on a per employee basis until the store matures. As the store matures, sales tend to level off and expenses decline as a percentage of sales. Our stores generally require three to four years to attract a stable, mature customer base.

                Our prototype stores and over 70% of the total store base range in size from 42,000 to 45,000 square feet and showcase each product category with the feel of a specialty shop all contained under one roof. The full service approach to customer service and product knowledge is enhanced by fixtures which feature specific categories, and give the customer an enhanced shopping experience. Mature stores are evaluated for remodel based on each store’s age and competitive situation, as well as how much the landlord will contribute to our required improvements. Future store remodeling plans will depend upon several factors, including, but not limited to, general economic conditions, competition trends and the availability of adequate capital.

                We believe that the overall growth of our business will allow us to maintain or increase our operating margins. Increased merchandise volumes should enable us to improve our purchasing


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leverage and achieve greater support throughout the supply chain. Our overall growth should leverage our investments in infrastructure such as the distribution center, integration of corporate facilities into a single location, E3 replenishment system, HighJump warehouse management software and Marketmax planning and allocation technology. However, these increased efficiencies and improvements in logistics are partially offset by the operating costs of new and maturing stores.

                Our Board of Directors has approved a recapitalization plan designed to facilitate the orderly transition of control from our Principal Stockholder to the Company’s management and to increase financial flexibility for the Company and its stockholders. The recapitalization plan includes transferring a portion of the Principal Stockholder’s ownership to Craig L. Levra, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, and Howard K. Kaminsky, Executive Vice President - Finance, Chief Financial Officer and Secretary, and allows current stockholders to retain existing ownership and voting interests. The proposed recapitalization would double the Company’s total number of shares outstanding from approximately 6,686,368 to 13,372,736. Therefore, the recapitalization plan is expected to have the same effect on earnings per share as a 2-for-1 stock split. Shares transferred by the Principal Stockholder to management will be treated as a contribution to the Company’s capital with the offsetting charge as compensation expense. As a result, the Company expects to record a one-time charge which will be based on the stock price at the time of the transfer. Based on the stock price as of June 27, 2005, the charge is expected to be approximately $7.3 million after income taxes, or $1.08 per share on currently outstanding shares or $0.54 per diluted share calculated on a post transaction basis, in the second quarter of fiscal 2006. See “Item 1. Business – Recapitalization Proposal.”

Results of Operations

                The following tables set forth statement of income data and relative percentages of net sales, and the percentage increase or decrease, for the twelve months ended March 31, 2005 and 2004 (dollar amounts in thousands, except per share amounts).

 
Year ended March 31,

2005 2004


Amount Percent Amount Percent Dollar
Increase
Percentage
Increase

 
 
 
 
 
Net sales $ 309,090   100.0 % $ 264,237     100.0 % $ 44,853   17.0 %
Gross profit   95,661   30.9 %   80,190     30.3 %   15,471   19.3 %
Selling, general and
administrative expenses
  85,145   27.5 %   72,360     27.4 %   12,785   17.7 %
Income from operations   10,516   3.4 %   7,830     3.0 %   2,686   34.3 %
Interest expense   263   0.1 %   190     0.1 %   73   38.4 %
Income before taxes   10,253   3.3 %   7,640     2.9 %   2,613   34.2 %
Net income   6,171   2.0 %   4,644     1.8 %   1,527   32.9 %
Earnings per share:                                
             Basic $ 0.92     $ 0.70         $ 0.22   31.4 %
             Diluted $ 0.88     $ 0.66         $ 0.22   33.3 %
 

                Fiscal 2005 Compared to Fiscal 2004.  Sales increased $44.9 million, or 17.0%, from $264.2 million for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2004 to $309.1 million for fiscal 2005. The sales growth is the result of opening five stores in fiscal 2005 and three in fiscal 2004 which resulted in a $30.6 million increase in sales, or 11.6%, in addition to a comparable store sales increase of 5.7%. The comparable store sales increase is believed to be due to better inventory assortments compared to the same period last year and increased customer traffic from the appeal of winter related merchandise. Sales of winter related merchandise was driven by record winter weather conditions at the resorts frequented by our


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customers.  Comparable store sales excluding winter related products increased 4.7%. Comparable store sales are based upon stores opened throughout both periods presented and exclude team sales.

                Gross profit increased $15.5 million, or 19.3%, primarily from increased sales. As a percent of sales, gross profit increased from 30.3% in fiscal 2004 to 30.9% in fiscal 2005. The 60 basis point increase for fiscal 2005 compared to fiscal 2004 resulted primarily from a great winter season which reduced the need for markdowns as well as reduced costs from more efficient inbound logistics.

                Selling, general and administrative expenses increased $12.8 million, or 17.7%, primarily from additional stores. As a percent of sales, these expenses increased from 27.4% in fiscal 2004 to 27.5% in fiscal 2005. The 10 basis point increase for fiscal 2005 compared to fiscal 2004 resulted primarily from approximately $1.5 million in: (i) increased litigation reserves and (ii) professional fees primarily associated with the recapitalization plan. This increase was partially offset by a decrease in workers’ compensation expense due to a significant reduction in claim activity which is believed to be the result of the implementation of a new safety program.

                The effective tax rate as a percent of pretax income was 39.8% for fiscal 2005 and 39.2% for fiscal 2004. These rates may differ from the statutory rate of 39.8% primarily as a result of permanent differences between financial reporting and tax-basis income.

                Net income increased from $4.6 million, or $0.66 per diluted share, for fiscal 2004, to $6.2 million, or $0.88 per diluted share, for fiscal 2005, primarily due to increased sales and improved gross profit as a percent of sales partially offset by increased selling, general and administrative expenses.

                The following tables set forth statement of income data and relative percentages of net sales, and the percentage increase or decrease, for the three months ended March 31, 2005 and 2004 (dollar amounts in thousands, except per share amounts).

 
Quarter ended March 31,

2005 2004


Amount Percent Amount Percent Dollar
Increase
Percentage
Increase
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net sales $ .79,172   100.0 % $ 69,404   100.0 % $ 9,768   14.1 %
Gross profit   24,350   30.8 %   20,505   29.5 %   3,845   18.8 %
Selling, general and
administrative expenses
  23,162   29.3 %   19,970   28.8 %   3,192   16.0 %
Income from operations   1,188   1.5 %   535   0.8 %   653   122.1 %
Interest expense   27   0.0 %   28   0.0 %   (1 ) (3.6 %)
Income before taxes   1,161   1.5 %   507   0.7 %   654   129.0 %
Net income   722   0.9 %   330   0.5 %   392   118.8 %
Earnings per share:                              
             Basic $ .0.11       $ 0.05       $ 0.06   120.0 %
             Diluted $ .0.10       $ 0.05       $ 0.05   100.0 %
 

                Fourth Quarter 2005 Compared to Fourth Quarter 2004.  Sales increased $9.8 million, or 14.1%, from $69.4 million for the quarter ended March 31, 2004 to $79.2 million for the same period in fiscal 2005. The sales growth is the result of opening five stores in fiscal 2005 which resulted in a $7.4 million increase in sales, or 10.7%, in addition to a comparable store sales increase of 4.4%. The comparable store sales increase is believed to be due to better inventory assortments compared to the same period last year and increased customer traffic from the appeal of winter related merchandise, primarily winter apparel. Sales of winter related merchandise was driven by record winter weather conditions at the resorts frequented by our customers. Comparable store sales excluding winter related


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products increased 4.1%. Comparable store sales are based upon stores opened throughout both periods presented and exclude team sales.

                Gross profit increased $3.8 million, or 18.8%, primarily from increased sales. As a percent of sales, gross profit increased from 29.5% for the quarter ended March 31, 2004 to 30.8% for the quarter ended March 31, 2005. The 130 basis point increase resulted from a change in the mix of sales to higher margin apparel combined with a reduced need for end of season markdowns as record winter weather conditions increased customer demand for winter related products.

                Selling, general and administrative expenses increased $3.2 million, or 16.0%, primarily from additional stores. As a percent of sales, these expenses increased from 28.8% for the quarter ended March 31, 2004 to 29.3% for the quarter ended March 31, 2005. The 50 basis point increase resulted primarily from approximately $1.2 million in: (i) increased litigation reserves and (ii) professional fees primarily associated with the recapitalization plan. This increase was partially offset by a decrease in workers’ compensation expense due to a significant reduction in claim activity which is believed to be the result of the implementation of a new safety program.

                The effective tax rate, as a percent of pretax income, was 37.8% for the quarter ended March 31, 2005 and 34.9% for the same period in fiscal 2004. Both differ from the statutory rate of 39.8% as a result of fourth quarter provision adjustments reconciling the estimated effective rate utilized in prior quarters to the annual effective tax rate.

                Net income increased from $330,000, or $0.05 per diluted share, for the quarter ended March 31, 2004, to $722,000, or $0.10 per diluted share, for the quarter ended March 31, 2005, primarily due to increased sales and improved gross profit as a percent of sales partially offset by increased selling, general and administrative expenses.

                The following tables set forth statement of income data and relative percentages of net sales, and the percentage increase or decrease, for the twelve months ended March 31, 2004 and 2003 (dollar amounts in thousands, except per share amounts).

 
Year ended March 31,

2004 2003


Amount Percent Amount Percent Dollar
Increase
Percentage
Increase

 
 
 
 
 
 
Net sales $ 264,237   100.0 % $ 238,033   100.0 % $ 26,204   11.0 %
Gross profit   80,190   30.3 %   69,514   29.2 %   10,676   15.4 %
Selling, general and administrative expenses   72,360   27.4 %   62,579   26.3 %   9,781   15.6 %
Income from operations   7,830   3.0 %   6,935   2.9 %   895   12.9 %
Interest expense   190   0.1 %   307   0.1 %   (117 ) (38.1 %)
Income before taxes   7,640   2.9 %   6,628   2.8 %   1,012   15.3 %
Net income   4,644   1.8 %   4,044   1.7 %   600   14.8 %
Earnings per share:                              
             Basic $ 0.70       $ 0.61       $ 0.09   14.8 %
             Diluted $ 0.66       $ 0.58       $ 0.08   13.8 %
 

                Fiscal 2004 Compared to Fiscal 2003.  Sales increased $26.2 million, or 11.0%, from $238.0 million for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2003 to $264.2 million for fiscal 2004. The increase is the result of opening three stores in fiscal 2004 and two in fiscal 2003, in addition to a comparable store sales increase of 3.7%. The comparable store sales increase reflects an improved economic climate and more seasonable winter weather conditions at the resorts frequented by our customers.


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                Gross profit increased $10.7 million, or 15.4%, primarily from increased sales. As a percent of sales, gross profit increased from 29.2% in fiscal 2003 to 30.3% in fiscal 2004. The 1.1% increase for fiscal 2004 compared to fiscal 2003 resulted primarily from ongoing improvements in purchasing practices which reduced the need for markdowns.

                Selling, general and administrative expenses increased $9.8 million, or 15.6%, primarily from additional stores. As a percent of sales, these expenses increased from 26.3% in fiscal 2003 to 27.4% in fiscal 2004. The 1.1% increase for fiscal 2004 compared to fiscal 2003 resulted from several primary factors: (i) the write-off of assets totaling $245,000 which came from two large-scale remodels completed in the first quarter of fiscal 2004, (ii) increased workers’ compensation expense of $1.2 million and (iii) additional non-cash compensation expense from a stock award of $449,000 from the Principal Stockholder to certain executives of the Company, combined with a cash bonus of $369,000, paid by the Company to cover the executives’ related income tax.

                The effective tax rate as a percent of pretax income was 39.2% for fiscal 2004 and 39.0% for fiscal 2003. These rates differ from the statutory rate of 39.8% primarily as a result of permanent differences between financial reporting and tax-basis income.

                Net income increased from $4.0 million, or $0.58 per diluted share, for fiscal 2003, to $4.6 million, or $0.66 per diluted share, for fiscal 2004, primarily due to increased sales and improved gross profit as a percent of sales partially offset by increased workers’ compensation expense and the effect of the stock award.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

                Our primary capital requirements are for inventory and store expansion, relocation and remodeling. Historically, cash from operations, credit terms from vendors and bank borrowing have met our liquidity needs. We believe that these sources will be sufficient to fund currently anticipated cash requirements for the foreseeable future.

                Net cash provided by operating activities of $18.0 million, $7.6 million and $6.5 million for fiscal 2005, 2004 and 2003, respectively, was primarily the result of net income, adjusted for depreciation and amortization, and increases in bank overdraft combined with accounts payable offset by inventory purchases.

                Typically, inventory levels increase from year to year due to the addition of new stores. Inventories increased $10.9 million in fiscal 2005, $3.3 million in 2004 and $3.0 million in 2003, primarily from the addition of five stores, three stores and two stores, respectively, partially offset by improvements in inventory management. In fiscal 2005, average inventory per store also increased 3.4% compared to fiscal 2004 as we planned a higher level of spring receipts to take advantage of an expected change in weather from an unusually wet winter to more normal weather patterns and our customers’ desire for such a change.

                Historically, accounts payable increases as inventory increases. However, the timing of vendor payments or receipt of merchandise near the end of the fiscal year does influence this relationship. For fiscal 2005, accounts payable increased $9.8 million primarily due to the increase in inventory related to new stores as well as an increase in the receipt of merchandise during February and March as compared to the same period last year. In fiscal 2004 and 2003, timing differences caused accounts payable combined with the bank overdraft to decrease $4.0 and $2.9 million, respectively.

                Other accrued expenses increased by $1.9, $2.8 and $1.0 million for fiscal 2005, 2004 and 2003, respectively, primarily from increased sales.

                Deferred rent increased $3.2 million for fiscal 2005 as we received large landlord reimbursements for improvements made to new stores. The landlord reimbursement varies based on our participation in the construction of a new store.


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                Net cash used in investing activities was $15.2, $9.0 and $6.8 million for fiscal 2005, 2004 and 2003, respectively, primarily for capital expenditures as shown below, in thousands:

 
Year ended March 31,

2005 2004 2003
 
 
 
 
New stores $ 9,840   $ 3,595   $ 2,658  
Remodels   1,552     1,978      
Existing stores   1,127     850     457  
Information systems   1,152     1,496     2,233  
Rental equipment   1,089     886     613  
Other   438     196     837  
 
 
 
 
Total $ 15,198   $ 9,001   $ 6,798  
 
 
 
 
 

                We have continued to open new stores, five in fiscal 2005, three in fiscal 2004 and two in fiscal 2003. The increase in spending per new store in fiscal 2005 is primarily the result of increased involvement in construction which is then reimbursed by landlord. Net of landlord reimbursement, the average amount spent is $1.4 million, $1.1 million and $945,000 for fiscal 2005, 2004 and 2003, respectively. In fiscal 2005, the amount of landlord participation in construction costs for two of the new stores was less than our typical store because of the attractiveness of the locations. In addition, we are beginning to remodel mature stores; two stores were remodeled in each of fiscal 2005 and 2004.

                As a result of our ongoing growth and strategic initiatives, forecasted capital expenditures, net of landlord reimbursements for fiscal 2006, are expected to be approximately $18.5 million, which will be funded by cash flow from operations and our bank credit line, as needed. Approximately $5.9 million of this amount will be used to open four new stores. In addition, five stores are planned to be remodeled for approximately $2.9 million. The remainder is primarily for expenditures on information systems including the merchandise planning package from Marketmax and an upgrade to our store systems.

                Net cash provided by financing activities reflects advances and repayments of borrowings under our revolving credit facility. As of March 31, 2005, 2004, and 2003, we had no outstanding borrowings on this facility.

                Our amended credit facility with Bank of America, N.A. (the “Lender”) provides for advances up to $20.0 million, increasing to $35.0 million for the period October 1, through December 31, each year, less the amount of any outstanding draws, up to a $4.0 million maximum in authorized letters of credit. Interest accrues at the Lender’s prime rate plus 0.25% (6.25% at March 31, 2005) or can be fixed for a period of time at the then current rate established under one of several indices, all at our option. In addition, there is an unused commitment fee of .20% per year, based on a weighted average formula. This credit facility expires on September 30, 2005, and we expect to renegotiate and extend the term of this agreement or obtain another form of financing before that date. Our obligation to the Lender is presently secured by a first priority lien on substantially all of our non-real estate assets, and we are subject to several restrictive covenants. The principal operating covenants require us to maintain certain minimum cash flow coverage and debt-to-equity ratios and restrict the level of capital expenditures, calculated on a quarterly basis. We are currently in compliance with the covenants. We believe our credit line with the Lender is sufficient to fund capital expenditures for the foreseeable future and to meet seasonal fluctuations in cash flow requirements. However, unexpected conditions could require us to request additional borrowing capacity from the Lender or alter our expansion plans or operations.

                Our primary contractual obligations and commitments as of March 31, 2005, are store leases with initial terms expiring from 2006 through 2020, which typically provide for multiple five-year renewal options, and employment contracts:


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Payments due by period: Operating Leases Employment Contracts

   
 
 
Within 1 year   $ 21,404,529   $ 319,500  
2 - 3 years     41,703,931     639,000  
4 - 5 years     37,369,541     639,000  
After 5 years     69,676,520     1,278,500  
   
 
 
Total   $ 170,154,521   $ 2,876,000  
   
 
 
 

                    We lease all of our existing store locations. The leases for most of the existing stores are for approximately ten-year terms with multiple option periods under non-cancelable operating leases with scheduled rent increases. The leases provide for contingent rent based upon a percentage of sales in excess of specified minimums. If there are any free rent periods, they are accounted for on a straight line basis over the lease term, beginning on the date of initial possession, which is generally when we enter the space and begin the construction build-out. The amount of the excess of straight line rent expense over scheduled payments is recorded as a deferred rent liability. Construction allowances and other such lease incentives are recorded as deferred credits, and are amortized on a straight line basis as a reduction of rent expense over the lease term. Generally, our purchase obligations are cancelable 45 days prior to shipment from our vendors. Letters of credit amounting to approximately $2.3 million relating to purchase commitments were outstanding as of March 31, 2005 and expire within one year.

                No cash dividends have been declared on Common Stock in fiscal 2005. We intend to retain earnings for use in the operation and expansion of our business and, therefore, do not anticipate paying any cash dividends in the foreseeable future.

Critical Accounting Policies and Use of Estimates

                Our significant accounting policies are described in Note 2 to the financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States. In preparing the financial statements, we are required to make estimates and judgments which affect the results of our operations and the reported value of assets and liabilities. Actual results may differ from these estimates. We believe that the following summarizes critical accounting policies which require significant judgments and estimates in the preparation of our consolidated financial statements.

                Inventory Valuation.  Merchandise inventories are stated at the lower of cost (first-in, first-out determined by the retail method of accounting) or market. We consider cost to include direct cost of merchandise, plus internal costs associated with merchandise procurement, storage and handling. We regularly review aged and excess inventories to determine if the carrying value of such inventories exceeds market value. A reserve is recorded to reduce the carrying value to market value as necessary. A determination of market value requires estimates and judgment based on our historical markdown experience and anticipated markdowns based on future merchandising and advertising plans, seasonal considerations, expected business trends and other factors.

                Revenue Recognition.  Sales are recognized upon the purchase by customers at our retail store locations, less merchandise returned by customers. Revenue from gift cards, gift certificates and store merchandise credits is recognized at the time of redemption. We generally accept returns up to 30 days from the date of purchase with a sales receipt or proof of purchase. Typically refunds are in the same form of payment originally received from the customer. We accommodate customers who do not have a receipt or proof of purchase by offering an exchange or store credit. When available we track the original sale date with each return and provide a reserve for projected merchandise returns based on this historical experience. As the reserve for merchandise returns is based on estimates, the actual returns could differ from the reserve, which could impact sales.

                Gift Card/Certificate Redemption. We offer our customers the option of purchasing gift cards and, in the past, gift certificates which may be used toward the future purchase of our products. Revenue from gift cards, gift certificates and store merchandise credits is recognized at the time of redemption. The gift cards and certificates have no expiration dates. We record unredeemed gift cards or certificates as a liability until the point of redemption. Our historical experience indicates that not all issued gift cards and certificates are redeemed. Based upon five years of redemption data, approximately 90% of gift cards and gift certificates are redeemed within the year after issuance, and 95% are redeemed within 36


18



months of the date of issuance, after which redemption activity is negligible. Accordingly, we periodically decrease the carrying value of the related liability by 5% of the aggregate amount and decrease cost of sales by the corresponding amount. This reduction in cost of sales amounted to approximately $263,000, $427,000 and $313,000 for the years ended March 31, 2005, 2004 and 2003, respectively. This calculation is based on historical experience, and future redemption rates may vary if consumer purchasing practices change or if the pattern of redeeming gift cards is significantly different than we have experienced with gift certificates.

                Self-insurance.  Property, general liability and workers’ compensation insurance coverage is self-insured for various levels. Self-insurance accruals include claims filed, as well as estimates of claims incurred but not yet reported based on historical trends. Projections of future loss are inherently uncertain because of the random nature of insurance claim occurrences and could be significantly affected if future occurrences and claims differ from historical trends.

                Impairment of Long-Lived Assets. We account for long-lived assets in accordance with the provisions of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (“SFAS”) No. 144, “Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets.” We review long-lived assets for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. Recoverability of assets to be held and used is determined by a comparison of the carrying amount of an asset to future undiscounted net cash flows expected to be generated by the asset. If such assets are considered impaired, the impairment recognized is measured by comparing projected individual store discounted cash flow to the asset carrying values. Declines in projected store cash flow could result in the impairment of assets.

                Accounting for Income Taxes.  As part of the process of preparing the financial statements, income taxes are estimated for each of the jurisdictions in which we operate. This process involves estimating actual current tax exposure together with assessing temporary differences resulting from differing treatment of items for tax and accounting purposes. These differences result in deferred tax assets and liabilities, which are included within the balance sheet. The likelihood that deferred tax assets will be recovered from future taxable income is assessed, recognizing that future taxable income may give rise to new deferred tax assets. To the extent that future recovery is not likely, a valuation allowance would be established. To the extent that a valuation allowance is established or increased, an expense will be included within the tax provision in the income statement.

                Significant management judgment is required in determining the provision for income taxes, deferred tax assets and liabilities and any valuation allowance recorded against net deferred tax assets. Based on our history of operating earnings, no valuation allowance has been recorded as of March 31, 2005. In the event that actual results differ from these estimates, or these estimates are adjusted in future periods, a valuation allowance may need to be established, which could impact our financial position and results of operations.

                Provisions for income taxes are based on numerous factors that are subject to audit by the Internal Revenue Service and the tax authorities in the various jurisdictions in which we do business.

Factors That May Affect Future Results

                Our short- and long-term success is subject to many factors that are beyond our control. Stockholders and prospective stockholders in the Company should consider carefully the following risk factors, in addition to other information contained in this report. This Annual Report on Form l0-K contains forward-looking statements, which are subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties. Our actual results could differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements as a result of various factors including those set forth below.

                A downturn in the economy may affect consumer purchases of discretionary items, which would reduce our net sales.  


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                The retail industry historically has been subject to substantial cyclical variations. The merchandise sold by us is generally a discretionary expense for our customers. A recession in the general economy or uncertainties regarding future economic prospects that affect consumer spending habits has had, and may do so in the future have, a materially adverse effect on our results of operations.

                Terrorist attacks or acts of war may harm our business.  

                Terrorist attacks may cause damage or disruption to our employees, facilities, information systems, vendors and customers, which could significantly impact net sales, costs and expenses and financial condition. The potential for future terrorist attacks, the national and international responses to terrorist attacks, and other acts of war or hostility may cause greater uncertainty and cause us to suffer in ways that we currently cannot predict. Our geographical focus in California and Nevada may make us more vulnerable to such uncertainties than other comparable retailers who may not have similar geographical concentration.

                Intense competition in the sporting goods industry could limit our growth and reduce our profitability.  

                The sporting goods business and the retail environment are highly competitive, and we compete with national, regional and local full-line sporting goods chains, specialty stores, supplier owned stores, discount and department stores, and internet retailers. A number of our competitors are larger and have greater resources.

                Because our stores are concentrated in the western portion of the United States, we are subject to regional risks.  

                Currently, most of our stores are located in Southern California and the balance is located in Northern California, Central California and the Las Vegas area of Nevada. Accordingly, we are subject to regional risks, such as the economy, weather conditions, natural disasters and government regulations. For example, warm winter weather in the resorts frequented by our customers has affected sales in the past. When the region suffers an economic downturn or when other adverse events occur, historically there has been an adverse effect on our sales and profitability and this could also affect our ability to implement our planned growth. In addition, many of our vendors rely on the Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach to process our shipments. Any disruption or congestion at the ports could impair our ability to adequately stock our stores. Several of our competitors operate stores across the United States and, thus, are not as vulnerable to such regional risks.

                We rely on one distribution center and any disruption could reduce our sales.  

                We currently rely on a single distribution center in Ontario, California. Any natural disaster or other serious disruption to this distribution center due to fire, earthquake or any other cause could damage a significant portion of our inventory and could materially impair both our ability to adequately stock our stores and our sales and profitability.

                Our ability to expand our business will be dependent upon our ability to meet challenges in new markets.

                Our continued growth depends on a strategy of opening new, profitable stores in existing markets and in new regional markets. The ability to successfully implement this growth strategy could be negatively affected by any of the following:

 
suitable sites may not be available for leasing; 
 
we may not be able to negotiate acceptable lease terms;

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we might not be able to hire and retain qualified store personnel; and 
 
we might not have the financial resources necessary to fund our expansion plans.
 

                In addition, our expansion in new and existing markets may present competitive, distribution and merchandising challenges that differ from the current challenges. These potential new challenges include competition among our stores, added strain on our distribution center, additional information to be processed by our management information systems and diversion of management attention from ongoing operations. We face additional challenges in entering new markets, including consumers’ lack of awareness of the Company, difficulties in hiring personnel and problems due to our unfamiliarity with local real estate markets and demographics. New markets may also have different competitive conditions, consumer tastes and discretionary spending patterns than our existing markets. To the extent that we are not able to meet these new challenges, sales could decrease and operating costs could increase. Furthermore, a decline in our overall financial performance, increased rents or any other adverse effects arising from the commercial real estate market in our geographical markets may adversely affect our current growth plan. There can be no assurance that we will possess sufficient funds to finance the expenditures related to our planned growth, that new stores can be opened on a timely basis, that such new stores can be operated on a profitable basis, or that such growth will be manageable.

                We may pursue strategic acquisitions, which could have an adverse impact on our business.  

                We may from time to time acquire complementary companies or businesses. Acquisitions may result in difficulties in assimilating acquired companies, and may result in the diversion of our capital and our management’s attention from other business issues and opportunities. We may not be able to successfully integrate operations that we acquire, including their personnel, financial systems, distribution, operations and general store operating procedures. If we fail to successfully integrate acquisitions, our business could suffer. In addition, the integration of any acquired business, and their financial results, into ours may adversely affect our operating results. We currently do not have any agreements with respect to any such acquisitions.

                Our future growth will be dependent on the availability of additional financing.  

                We may not be able to fund our future growth or react to competitive pressures if we lack sufficient funds. Unexpected conditions could cause us to be in violation of our Lender’s operating covenants. Currently, we believe we have sufficient cash available through our bank credit facilities and cash from operations to fund existing operations for the foreseeable future. We cannot be certain that additional financing will be available in the future if necessary.

                If we are unable to successfully implement our controlled growth strategy or manage our growing business, our future operating results could suffer.  

                Since our inception, we have experienced periods of rapid growth. No assurance can be given that we will be successful in maintaining or increasing our sales in the future. Any future growth in sales will require additional working capital and may place a significant strain on our management, management information systems, inventory management, distribution facilities and receivables management. Any failure to timely enhance our operating systems, or unexpected difficulties in implementing such enhancements, could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations.

                If we lose key management or are unable to attract and retain talent, our operating results could suffer.

                We depend on the continued service of our senior management. The loss of the services of any key employee could hurt our business. Also, our future success depends on our ability to identify, attract,


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hire, train and motivate other highly skilled personnel. Failure to do so may adversely affect future results.

                Seasonal fluctuations in the sales of sporting goods could cause our annual operating results to suffer.  

                Our sales volume increases significantly during the Holiday season as is typical with other sporting goods retailers. In addition, our product mix has historically emphasized cold weather sporting goods increasing the seasonality of our business. In recent years, the months of November, December and January represented between 30% and 35% of our total net sales, while winter-related products ranged from 15% to 20% of total net sales. The operating results historically have been influenced by the amount and timing of snowfall at the resorts frequented by our customers. An early snowfall often has influenced sales because it generally extends the demand for winter apparel and equipment, while a late snowfall may have the opposite effect. Suppliers in the ski and snowboard industry require us to make commitments for purchases of apparel and equipment by April for fall delivery, and only limited quantities of merchandise can be reordered during the fall. Consequently, we place our orders in the spring anticipating snowfall in the winter. If the snowfall does not at least provide an adequate base or occurs late in the season, or if sales do not meet projections, we may be required to mark down our winter apparel and equipment.

                Our quarterly operating results may fluctuate substantially, which may adversely affect our business.

                We have experienced, and expect to continue to experience, a substantial variation in our net sales and operating results from quarter to quarter. We believe that the factors which influence this variability of quarterly results include general economic and industry conditions that affect consumer spending, changing consumer demands, the timing of our introduction of new products, the level of consumer acceptance of each new product, the seasonality of the markets in which we participate, the weather and actions of competitors. Accordingly, a comparison of our results of operations from period to period is not necessarily meaningful, and our results of operations for any period are not necessarily indicative of future performance.

                We are controlled by our founder, whose interests may differ from other stockholders.

                 At June 27, 2005, Norbert Olberz, the Company’s founder, Chairman Emeritus. director and principal stockholder, owned approximately 65% of Sport Chalet’s outstanding Common Stock. Mr. Olberz effectively has the ability to control the outcome on all matters requiring stockholder approval, including, but not limited to, the election and removal of directors, and any merger, consolidation or sale of all or substantially all of our assets, and to control our management and affairs.

                Problems with our information systems could disrupt our operations and negatively impact our financial results.

                Our success, in particular our ability to successfully manage inventory levels and our centralized distribution system, largely depends upon the efficient operation of our computer hardware and software systems. We use management information systems to track inventory information at the store level, replenish inventory from our warehouse, and aggregate daily sales information among other things. These systems and our operations are vulnerable to damage or interruption from:

 
earthquake, fire, flood and other natural disasters;
 
power loss, computer systems failures, internet and telecommunications or data network failure, operator negligence, improper operation by or supervision of employees, physical and electronic loss of data and similar events; and
 
computer viruses, penetration by hackers seeking to disrupt operations or misappropriate information and other breaches of security.

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                We seek to minimize these risks by the use of backup facilities and redundant systems. Nevertheless any failure that causes an interruption in our operations or a decrease in inventory tracking could result in reduced net sales.

                If we are unable to predict or react to changes in consumer demand, we may lose customers and our sales may decline.

                If we fail to anticipate changes in consumer preferences, we may experience lower net sales, higher inventory markdowns and lower margins. Products must appeal to a broad range of consumers whose preferences cannot be predicted with certainty. These preferences are also subject to change. Sporting goods are often subject to short-lived trends, such as the short-lived popularity of in-line scooters. Outdoor wear is significantly influenced by fashion. Our success depends upon the ability to anticipate and respond in a timely manner to trends in sporting goods merchandise and consumers’ participation in sports. Failure to identify and respond to these changes may cause net sales to decline. In addition, because we generally make commitments to purchase products from vendors up to nine months in advance of the proposed delivery, misjudging the market may over-stock unpopular products and force inventory markdowns that could have a negative impact on profitability, or have insufficient inventory of a popular item that can be sold at full markup.

                The price of our Common Stock may be volatile.

                Our Common Stock is thinly traded making it difficult to sell large amounts. The market price of our Common Stock is likely to be volatile and could be subject to significant fluctuations in response to factors such as quarterly variations in operating results, operating results which vary from the expectations of securities analysts and investors, changes in financial estimates, changes in market valuations of competitors, announcements by us or our competitors of a material nature, additions or departures of key personnel, future sales of Common Stock and stock volume fluctuations. Also, general political and economic conditions such as a recession or interest rate fluctuations may adversely affect the market price of our Common Stock.

                We may be subject to product liability claims and our insurance may not be sufficient to cover damages related to those claims.  

                 We may be subject to lawsuits resulting from injuries associated with the use of sporting goods equipment that we sell. We may incur losses relating to these claims or the defense of these claims. There is a risk that claims or liabilities will exceed our insurance coverage. In addition, we may be unable to retain adequate liability insurance in the future. In addition, we are subject to regulation by the Consumer Product Safety Commission and similar state regulatory agencies. If we fail to comply with government and industry safety standards, we may be subject to claims, lawsuits, fines and adverse publicity that could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.

                Our comparable store sales will fluctuate and may not be a meaningful indicator of future performance.

                 Changes in our comparable store sales results could affect the price of our Common Stock. A number of factors have historically affected, and will continue to affect, our comparable store sales results, including: competition, our new store openings and remodeling, general regional and national economic conditions, actions taken by our competitors, consumer trends and preferences, changes in other tenants in the shopping centers in which we are located, new product introductions and changes in our product mix, timing and effectiveness of promotional events, lack of new product introductions to spur growth in the sale of various kinds of sports equipment, and weather. Our comparable store sales may vary from quarter to quarter, and an unanticipated decline in revenues or comparable store sales may cause the price of our Common Stock to fluctuate significantly.

                Implementation of Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.


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                The implementation process of Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 will be expensive, time consuming and will require significant attention of management. We cannot assure that we will not discover material weaknesses in our internal controls. We also cannot assure that we will complete the process of our evaluation and the auditors’ attestation on time. If we discover a material weakness, corrective action may be time consuming, costly and further divert the attention of management. The disclosure of a material weakness, even if quickly remedied, could reduce the market’s confidence in our financial statements, cause the delisting of our Common Stock from Nasdaq and harm our stock price, especially if a restatement of financial statements for past periods were to be necessary.

ITEM 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

                Our exposure to interest rate risk consists primarily of borrowings under our credit facility, which bears interest at floating rates (primarily LIBOR rates). The impact on earnings or cash flow during the next fiscal year from a change of 100 basis points in the interest rate would not be significant.

ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA

                The financial statements required by this section are submitted as part of Item 15 of this report.

ITEM 9A. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING
                  AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE

                (a)           On November 15, 2004, we dismissed Ernst & Young LLP as our independent registered public accounting firm. Ernst & Young LLP had served as our independent registered public accounting firm since 1983. The decision to dismiss Ernst & Young LLP was made by the Audit Committee of our Board of Directors and, upon recommendation by that committee, was approved by the full Board of Directors.

                The reports of Ernst & Young LLP on our financial statements for each of the last two completed fiscal years ended March 31, 2004, contained no adverse opinion or disclaimer of opinion, nor were they qualified or modified as to uncertainty, audit scope, or accounting principles.

                During the two fiscal years ended March 31, 2004 and the subsequent interim period through the date of the dismissal, the Company had no disagreement with Ernst & Young LLP on any matter of accounting principles or practices, financial statement disclosure, or auditing scope or procedure, which disagreement, if not resolved to the satisfaction of Ernst & Young LLP, would have caused them to make reference to such disagreement in connection with their reports for such periods.

                During the two fiscal years ended March 31, 2004 and the subsequent interim period through the date of the dismissal, there have been no reportable events (as defined in Regulation S-K, Item 304(a)(1)(v)).

                We provided Ernst & Young LLP with a copy of the above disclosures and requested that they furnish us with a letter addressed to the Securities and Exchange Commission stating whether they agree with the above statements and, if not, stating the respects in which they do not agree.

                (b)           On November 15, 2004, we engaged Moss Adams LLP as the independent registered public accounting firm to audit the Company’s financial statements for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2005. The engagement of Moss Adams LLP was made by the Audit Committee of our Board of Directors and, upon recommendation by that committee, was approved by the full Board of Directors.


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                During the two fiscal years ended March 31, 2004 and the subsequent interim period prior to engaging Moss Adams LLP, neither the Company, nor anyone on our behalf, has consulted with Moss Adams LLP regarding any of the matters set forth in Item 304(a)(2)(i)-(ii) of Regulation S-K.


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ITEM 9A. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

                The Company’s Chief Executive Officer, Craig Levra, and Chief Financial Officer, Howard Kaminsky, with the participation of the Company’s management, carried out an evaluation of the effectiveness of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures pursuant to Exchange Act Rule 13a-15(e). Based upon that evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were not effective as of the end of the period covered by this report for the following reason: In May 2005, we announced that our financial statements were to be restated, relating to certain lease accounting and leasehold amortization accounting practices, consistent with similar adjustments made by many other retailers and other publicly traded companies concerning these practices. Our conclusion to change our accounting policy and restate was made, among other things, in consideration of the views of the Office of the Chief Accountant of the SEC expressed in its letter related to these matters dated February 7, 2005. Accordingly, we concluded that our controls over the selection of appropriate assumptions and factors affecting lease accounting practices were not effective as of the end of the period covered by this report.

                    In May 2005, the Company remediated the material weakness in internal control over financial reporting by correcting its method of accounting for construction allowances and recording of rent between the date the Company takes possession and the commencement date of the lease. The Company implemented controls in which all leases are reviewed and accounted for in accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 13, “Accounting for Leases”; Financial Accounting Standards Board Technical Bulletin No. 88-1, “Issues Relating to Accounting for Leases”; and Financial Accounting Standards Board Technical Bulletin No. 85-3, “Accounting for Operating Leases with Scheduled Rent Increases.”

                Disclosure controls and procedures, no matter how well designed and implemented, can provide only reasonable assurance of achieving an entity’s disclosure objectives. The likelihood of achieving such objectives is affected by limitations inherent in disclosure controls and procedures. These include the fact that human judgment in decision-making can be faulty and that breakdowns in internal control can occur because of human failures such as simple errors or mistakes or intentional circumvention of the established process.

                Except as noted above, there were no changes in the Company’s internal controls over financial reporting, known to the Chief Executive Officer or the Chief Financial Officer, that occurred during the Company’s fourth fiscal quarter that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.

ITEM 9B.    OTHER INFORMATION

                None


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PART III

ITEM 10.  DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE REGISTRANT

                The Bylaws of the Company provide that the number of directors of the Company shall be fixed from time to time by the Board, but shall not be less than three. The Board of Directors of the Company (the “Board”) has fixed the number of directors at eight. The Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of the Company provides that the Board shall be divided into three classes, as nearly equal in number as possible, which are elected for staggered three-year terms. The term of each class expires at the annual meeting of stockholders in the year 2005 (Class 1), the year 2006 (Class 2) and the year 2007 (Class 3).

                None of the directors or executive officers were selected pursuant to any arrangement or understanding, other than with the directors and executive officers of the Company acting within their capacity as such. Except as set forth below, there are no family relationships among directors or executive officers of the Company and, as of the date hereof, no directorships are held by any director in a company which has a class of securities registered pursuant to Section 12 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), or subject to the requirements of Section 15(d) of the Exchange Act or any company registered as an investment company under the Investment Company Act of 1940. Officers serve at the discretion of the Board.

                The following table sets forth certain information with respect to the directors and executive officers of the Company as of June 28, 2005. An asterisk (*) by the name of a director indicates that the Board has determined that the director is “independent” under the rules of the Nasdaq Stock Market (“Nasdaq”).

 
Name   Age   Class   Position
             
Al D. McCready*   57   1  
Director and a member of the Audit Committee since May 2001 and Chairman of the Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee since November 2003. Mr. McCready is the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of McCready Manigold Ray & Co., Inc., a consulting firm that serves retail and distribution industry clients. Mr. McCready has specialized in consulting with retail companies since 1978, focusing on corporate strategy, information systems strategy, and technology planning. Prior to founding McCready Manigold Ray & Co., Inc. in 1991, Mr. McCready was National Director of Retail and Distribution Industry Services and a Partner at the firm of Deloitte & Touche LLP. Mr. McCready received his Masters Degree in Business Administration from the University of Utah, and is a doctoral candidate at The George Washington University in Washington, D.C. where he is studying corporate governance.
             
Eric S. Olberz           42   1  
Director since 1992, a member of the Compensation Committee from 1992 until May 2004 and a member of the Audit Committee from 1992 until May 2001. Mr. Olberz is self-employed as a Certified Public Accountant. He was employed as a staff accountant with BDO/Nation Smith Hermes Diamond-Accountants & Consultants from November 2000 to July 2002. Mr. Olberz worked primarily with the firm’s family office group, providing wealth management services for high net worth individuals. From July 1999 to November 2000, he was employed as a staff auditor with Moreland & Associates. Mr. Olberz was

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Name   Age   Class   Position
             
           
President and owner of Camp 7, Inc., a soft goods manufacturing operation located in Santa Ana, California, from July 1995 to October 1996 and Vice Chairman of the Company from October 1994 to July 1995, Vice President from 1984 to October 1994 and Secretary from October 1992 to July 1995. Mr. Olberz resigned as an officer and employee of the Company concurrently with Camp 7, Inc.’s acquisition of the Company’s soft goods manufacturing operations in July 1995. Mr. Olberz received a Bachelors Degree with an emphasis in accounting from National University and is a Certified Public Accountant. Mr. Olberz is the son of Norbert Olberz, the Principal Stockholder.
             
Frederick H. Schneider*   49   1  
Director and a member of the Audit Committee since May 2000, Chairman of the Audit Committee since May 2004 and a member of the Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee since November 2003. Mr. Schneider currently is a Senior Managing Director of Pasadena Capital Partners LLP, a private equity investment firm. He served as Chief Financial Officer and Principal of Leonard Green & Partners, L.P., a private equity investment firm, from September 1994 to January 1998, where he played a key role in various acquisitions. From June 1978 to September 1994, he was employed by KPMG Peat Marwick, including as an Audit and Due Diligence Partner from June 1989 to September 1994. Mr. Schneider is a director of Skechers U.S.A., Inc., a footwear manufacturer, and Meade Instruments Corp., a manufacturer of consumer optical products.
             
John R. Attwood*   75   2  
Director and Chairman of the Compensation Committee since February 1993 and a member of the Audit Committee from February 1993 until May 2001. Mr. Attwood is the President of Attwood Enterprises, a consulting business. He was the Chairman of Coca-Cola Bottling of Los Angeles and a Senior Vice President and a Group President of Beatrice Companies, Inc., the parent company of Coca-Cola Bottling of Los Angeles, until his retirement in 1986. Mr. Attwood currently serves on the Board of Directors of Verdugo Hills Hospital, a nonprofit organization.
             
Craig L. Levra   46   2  
Chairman of the Board since August 2001, Director since November 1998, President since November 1997, Chief Operating Officer from November 1997 until August 1999 and Chief Executive Officer since August 1999. Prior to joining the Company, Mr. Levra was employed by The Sports Authority, the nation’s largest sporting goods retailer. During his five-year tenure with that company, he held positions of increasing responsibility in merchandising and operations and was Vice President of Store Operations at the time of his departure. Mr. Levra received a Bachelors Degree and a Masters Degree in Business Administration from the University of Kansas. Mr. Levra currently serves on the Board of Directors of Junior Achievement of Southern California, the Board of Directors of the Southern

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Name   Age   Class   Position
             
           
California Committee for the Olympic Games, and the Advisory Board of the Los Angeles Sports and Entertainment Commission.
             
Donald J. Howard*   59   3  
Director since June 2004 and member of the Compensation Committee since June 2004 and the Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee since February 2005. Mr. Howard currently is a Partner and Senior Vice President, Development of Marketplace Properties, a shopping center development company. He served as Senior Vice President, Development of Donahue Schriber, a Southern California mall development company, from 1997 until joining Marketplace Properties in 1998, and as Senior Vice President, Real Estate/Construction of The Vons Companies, Inc., a leading grocery store chain, from 1994 to 1997. Mr. Howard has been employed in the development, construction and management of retail properties in Southern California since 1974. He received a Bachelors Degree in Business Administration from the University of Southern California.
             
Norbert Olberz        80   3  
The Company’s founder since 1959, Chairman Emeritus since August 2001, Chairman of the Board from 1959 until August 2001, Interim President from April 1995 to November 1997 and Interim Chief Executive Officer from April 1995 to August 1999.
             
Kenneth Olsen*   87   3  
Director and a member of the Compensation Committee since June 1994 and Chairman of the Audit Committee from June 1994 to May 2004. Mr. Olsen served as President and Chief Executive Officer of The Vons Companies, Inc., a leading grocery store chain, from 1974 to 1983, at which time he retired from full-time responsibilities after thirty-eight years with that company. Mr. Olsen currently serves as a director of several nonprofit organizations and is a management consultant advising national and international firms on marketing and merchandising consumer products.

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Name   Age   Class   Position
             
Howard K. Kaminsky   47    
Chief Financial Officer since joining the Company in 1985, Executive Vice President - Finance since May 2000 and Secretary since July 1995. Mr. Kaminsky served as Vice President-Finance from January to April 1997, Senior Vice President-Finance from April 1997 to May 2000 and Treasurer from October 1992 to January 1997. Prior to joining the Company, Mr. Kaminsky was employed in the auditing division of Ernst & Young LLP where he became a Certified Public Accountant. He received a Bachelors Degree in Business Administration from California State University, Northridge. Mr. Kaminsky is a member of Financial Executives International.
             
Dennis D. Trausch   55    
Executive Vice President - Growth and Development since April 2002 and Executive Vice President-Operations from June 1988 until April 2002. Since joining the Company in 1976, Mr. Trausch has served in various positions starting as a salesperson and assuming positions of increasing responsibility in store and Company operations.
             
Jeffrey A. Lichtenstein   47    
Senior Vice President - Risk Management since October 2003, Vice President - Loss Prevention and Internal Audit from March 2000 to October 2003 and Director of Loss Prevention from September 1997 to March 2000. Since joining the Company in 1990, Mr. Lichtenstein has served in various positions of increasing responsibility in both store and Company operations. He received a Bachelors Degree in Business Administration from California State University, Northridge.
             
Tim A. Anderson   45    
Vice President - Retail Operations since October 2003 and Director of Store Operations from April 2002 to October 2003. Mr. Anderson was employed by Vans Incorporated, a national apparel and footwear retailer, as Director of Retail Operations from 1998 until joining the Company.
             

Committees of the Board

                The Board has an Audit Committee, a Compensation Committee and a Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee, each of which consists of two or more directors who serve at the discretion of the Board. Each member of a committee is “independent” as defined under the applicable rules of Nasdaq and the SEC.

                Audit Committee.   The Audit Committee currently consists of Messrs. McCready, Olsen and Schneider, who serves as the chairman of the committee. The purpose of the Audit Committee is to assist the Board in fulfilling its oversight responsibilities regarding (i) the Company’s accounting and system of internal controls, (ii) the quality and integrity of the Company’s financial reports, (iii) the Company’s compliance with legal and regulatory requirements, and (iv) the independence and performance of the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm. The Board has determined that Mr. Schneider qualifies as an “audit committee financial expert” as defined under the rules of the SEC.

                Compensation Committee.  The Compensation Committee currently consists of Mr. Attwood, who serves as the chairman of the committee, and Messrs. Howard and Olsen. The purpose of the


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Compensation Committee is to help to ensure that (i) the executive officers of the Company are compensated in a manner consistent with the compensation strategy of the Company determined by the Board, (ii) the treatment of all executive officers is in an equitable and consistent manner, (iii) the Company maintains the ability to recruit and retain qualified executive officers, and (iv) the requirements of the appropriate regulatory bodies are met. The committee also administers the Company’s 1992 Incentive Award Plan (the “1992 Plan”), Executive Bonus Plan, the Employee Retirement Savings Plan, and the 2004 Equity Incentive Plan (the “2004 Plan”).

                Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee.  The Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee currently consists of Mr. McCready, who serves as the chairman of the committee, and Messrs. Howard and Schneider.

                The principal purposes of Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee are to help ensure that (i) the Board is appropriately constituted to meet its fiduciary obligations to stockholders and the Company, and (ii) the Company has followed and continues to follow appropriate governance standards. To carry out its purposes, the committee (i) identifies individuals qualified to become members of the Board, consistent with criteria approved by the Board, (ii) recommends the director nominees to be selected by the Board for the next annual meeting of stockholders, (iii) develops and recommends to the Board corporate governance principles applicable to the Company, and (iv) oversees the evaluation of the Board and management.

                Charters of the Committees.  Each committee of the Board has recommended, and the Board has adopted, and may amend from time to time, a written charter, a copy of which is available on the Company’s website at www.sportchalet.com.

Compliance with Reporting Requirements of Section 16

                Under Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act, the Company’s directors, executive officers and any person holding ten percent or more of the Common Stock are required to report their ownership of Common Stock and any changes in that ownership to the SEC and to furnish the Company with copies of such reports. Specific due dates for these reports have been established and the Company is required to report in this Proxy Statement any failure to file on a timely basis by such persons. Based solely upon a review of copies of reports filed with the SEC, each person subject to the reporting requirements of Section 16(a) has filed timely all reports required to be filed in fiscal 2005, except for Frederick H. Schneider, a director of the Company, who failed to file one Form 4 reporting the sale of 3,250 shares of Common Stock on February 15, 2005.

Code of Conduct

                The Company has adopted a Code of Conduct applicable to all directors, officers and employees of the Company. A copy of the Code of Conduct is available on the Company’s website, www.sportchalet.com. We intend to disclose future amendments to, or waivers from, certain provisions of the Code of Conduct applicable to senior financial executives on our website within two business days following the date of such amendment or waiver.

ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

                The following table sets forth, as to the Chief Executive Officer and as to each of the other four most highly compensated officers whose compensation exceeded $100,000 during the last fiscal year (the “Named Executive Officers”), information concerning all cash and non-cash compensation awarded, earned or paid for services to the Company in all capacities for each of the three years ended March 31, 2005, 2004 and 2003.


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SUMMARY COMPENSATION TABLE

 
Annual Compensation   Long-Term Compensation    

   
Name and Position(1) Year   Salary
($)
  Bonus ($)
(2)
  Securities
Underlying
Options/
SARs (#) (3)
  All
Other
Compensation
($)(4)
 
                               
    2005     300,000             33,881  
Norbert Olberz,   2004     300,000             42,929  
Chairman Emeritus (5)   2003     300,000             25,400  
                               
Craig L. Levra,   2005     330,000     231,000         23,578  
Chairman of the Board, President and Chief   2004     290,000     50,487         635,653  
Executive Officer (6)   2003     290,000             20,217  
                               
Howard K. Kaminsky,   2005     212,923     86,000         12,492  
Executive Vice President-Finance, Chief   2004     201,000     41,200     4,000     218,690  
Financial Officer and Secretary (7)   2003     196,000             13,283  
                               
Dennis D. Trausch,   2005     163,846     66,000     12,500     26,800  
Executive Vice   2004     157,500     28,000     4,000     31,835  
President-Growth and Development (9)   2003     155,000             34,471  
                               
Jeffrey A. Lichtenstein,                              
Senior Vice President -   2005     138,302     57,250     12,500     22,739  
Risk Management (10)   2004     131,500     20,400     4,000     40,218  
                               
Tim A. Anderson, Vice                              
President - RetailOperations   2005     150,442     60,800     12,500     11,550  
(11)   2004     143,000     25,550     4,000     15,996  
 

 
(1)
For a description of the employment agreements between certain officers and the Company, see “Employment Agreements.”
 
(2)
Consists of amounts paid pursuant to the Executive Bonus Plan, together with a discretionary bonus in the amount of $8,250, $7,150 and $7,600 paid to Messrs. Trausch, Lichtenstein and Anderson, respectively. See “Incentive Compensation Plans - Executive Bonus Plan.”
 
(3)
Represents options granted under the 2004 Plan. See “Incentive Compensation Plans - 2004 Equity Incentive Plan.”
 
(4)
Unless otherwise stated, represents employer contributions under the Company’s 401(k) plan and personal benefits, including, but not limited to, group health insurance, automobile allowances, reimbursement of personal tax and financial advisory services and participation in the Company’s executive health care plan.
 
(5)
Mr. Olberz has served as Chairman Emeritus since August 2001, Chairman of the Board from 1959 to August 2001, Interim President from April 1995 to November 1997 and Interim Chief Executive Officer from April 1995 to August 1999.
 
(6)
Mr. Levra has served as Chairman of the Board since August 2001, President and since November 1997 and Chief Executive Officer since August 1999.

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(7)
Mr. Kaminsky has served as Chief Financial Officer since 1985, Executive Vice President-Finance since May 2000 and Secretary since July 1995.
 
(8)
Includes the fair market value of $337,270 and $111,648 on the grant date of shares awarded by the Olberz Family Trust to Messrs. Levra and Kaminsky, respectively, together with a cash bonus to pay income taxes thereon, paid by the Company.
 
(9)
Mr. Trausch has served as Executive Vice President - Growth and Development since April 2002, and Executive Vice President-Operations from June 1988 until April 2002.
 
(10)
Mr. Lichtenstein was appointed Senior Vice President - Risk Management in October 2003.
   
(11)  Mr. Anderson was appointed Vice President - Retail Operations in October 2003.
 

Stock Option Grants

                The following table sets forth certain information regarding the grant of stock options made during the fiscal year ended March 31, 2005 to the Named Executive Officers.

OPTION/SAR GRANTS IN FISCAL YEAR 2005

 
Individual Grants

Name of Officer Number of
Securities
Underlying
Options/SARs
Granted (1)
Percent of
Total
Options/SARs
Granted To
Employees In
Fiscal Year(2)
Exercise
or Base
Price(3)
Expiration
Date
Potential Realizable
Value at Assumed Annual
Rates of Stock
Price Appreciation for
Option Term(4)
5% 10%
                                     
Dennis D. Trausch   12,500     9.8 % $ 12.70     8/26/14   $ 99,837   $ 253,007  
                                     
Jeffrey A. Lichtenstein   12,500     9.8 % $ 12.70     8/26/14   $ 99,837   $ 253,007  
                                     
Tim A. Anderson   12,500     9.8 % $ 12.70     8/26/14   $ 99,837   $ 253,007  
 

 
(1)
These options first become exercisable at the rate of 20% per year. Upon certain changes in control of the Company, these options become fully exercisable.
 
(2)
Options to purchase an aggregate of 127,500 shares were granted during the fiscal year ended March 31, 2005.
 
(3)
The exercise price is equal to the closing price of the Company’s Common Stock on the date of grant. The exercise price and tax withholding obligations related to exercise may be paid by delivery of already owned shares, subject to certain conditions.
 
(4)
The Potential Realizable Value is the product of (a) the difference between (i) the product of the last reported sale price per share at the date of grant and the sum of (A) 1 plus (B) the assumed rate of appreciation of the Common Stock compounded annually over the term of the option and (ii) the per share exercise price of the option and (b) the number of shares of Common Stock underlying the option at March 31, 2005. These amounts represent certain assumed rates of appreciation only. Actual gains, if any, on stock option exercises are dependent on a variety of factors, including market conditions and the price performance of the Common Stock. There can be no assurance that the rate of appreciation presented in this table can be achieved.

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Option Exercises and Holdings

                The following table sets forth, for each of the Named Executive Officers, certain information regarding the exercise of stock options during the fiscal year ended March 31, 2005, the number of shares of Common Stock issuable upon the exercise of stock options held at fiscal year end and the value of options held at fiscal year end based upon the last reported sale price of the Common Stock on Nasdaq on March 31, 2005 ($13.55).

                
                None of the Named Executive Officers exercised options during fiscal 2005, and none of them hold stock appreciation rights (“SARs”).

 

Shares
Acquired
on
Value Number of Securities
Underlying Unexercised
Options at March 31, 2005
Value of Unexercised
In-the-Money Options at
     March 31, 2005 (1)     
                            
Name of Officer Exercise   Realized   Exercisable   Unexercisable   Exercisable   Unexercisable  
                                
Craig L. Levra     302,000   8,000   $ 2,603,100   $ 39,600  
Howard K. Kaminsky     192,000   7,000     1,800,266     37,614  
Dennis D. Trausch     179,500   17,000     1,662,093     46,342  
Jeffrey A. Lichtenstein     39,500   15,000     286,773     36,442  
Tim A. Anderson     19,100   22,400     87,971     74,144  
 

(1) The value of unexercised “in-the-money” options is the difference between the last reported sale price of the Common Stock on March 31, 2005 ($13.55 per share) and the exercise price of the option, multiplied by the number of shares subject to the option.
 

Incentive Compensation Plans

                2004 Equity Incentive Plan

                General.   The 2004 Equity Incentive Plan (the “2004 Plan”) became effective on August 2, 2004. Under the 2004 Plan, awards may be granted to employees, directors and consultants of the Company and its affiliates. The purpose of the 2004 Plan is to encourage ownership in the Company by key personnel whose long-term service is considered essential to the Company’s continued progress and, thereby, encourage recipients to act in the stockholders’ interest and share in the Company’s success.

                The maximum number of shares of Common Stock which may be issued under the 2004 Plan is 1,021,132. As of the date of this Proxy Statement, 115,500 shares were subject to outstanding awards, and there were 905,632 shares available for issuance under awards that may be granted in the future.

                Administration.   The 2004 Plan is administered by the Compensation Committee of the Board (the “Committee”). Subject to the provisions of the 2004 Plan, the Committee has a wide degree of flexibility in determining the recipients of awards, the terms and conditions of awards, and the number of shares or amount of cash to be issued pursuant thereto, including conditioning the receipt or vesting of awards upon the achievement by the Company of specified performance criteria. The expenses of administering the 2004 Plan are borne by the Company.

                Terms of Awards.   The 2004 Plan authorizes the Committee to enter into options, stock awards, SARs or cash awards with an eligible recipient. An award may consist of one such security or benefit or two or more of them in tandem or in the alternative.

                An award granted under the 2004 Plan may include a provision accelerating the receipt of benefits upon the occurrence of specified events, such as a change of control of the Company or a dissolution, liquidation, merger, reclassification, sale of substantially all of the property and assets of the


34



Company or other significant corporate transactions. The Committee may grant options that either are intended to be “incentive stock options” as defined under Section 422 of the Code, or are not intended to be incentive options (“non-qualified stock options”). Incentive stock options may be granted only to employees.

                No incentive stock option may be granted under the 2004 Plan to any person who, at the time of the grant, owns (or is deemed to own) stock possessing more than 10% of the total combined voting power of the Company or any affiliate of the Company, unless the option exercise price is at least 110% of the fair market value of the stock subject to the option on the date of the grant and the term of the option does not exceed five years from the date of the grant. In addition, the aggregate fair market value, determined at the time of the grant, of the shares of Common Stock with respect to which incentive stock options are exercisable for the first time by an optionee during any calendar year (under all such plans of the Company and its subsidiaries) may not exceed $100,000. As a result of enactment of Section 162(m) of the Code, and to provide the Committee flexibility in structuring awards, the 2004 Plan states that the aggregate number of shares subject to awards granted under the 2004 Plan during any calendar year to any one awardee shall not exceed 250,000, except that in connection with his or her initial service, an award may be granted conveying an additional 250,000 shares.

                If awards granted under the 2004 Plan expire, are canceled or otherwise terminate without being exercised, the Common Stock not purchased pursuant to the award again becomes available for issuance under the 2004 Plan. Awards may not be granted under the 2004 Plan on or after the tenth anniversary of the effectiveness of the 2004 Plan.

                Payment of Exercise Price.  An award may permit the recipient to pay all or part of the purchase price of the shares or other property issuable pursuant thereto, or to pay all or part of such recipient’s tax withholding obligation with respect to such issuance, by (i) delivering cash; or (ii) delivering previously owned shares of capital stock of the Company or (iii) delivering consideration received by the Company under a broker assisted sale and remittance program, the terms and conditions of which will be determined by the Committee.

                Amendment and Termination of the Plan.  The Board may amend, alter, suspend or terminate the 2004 Plan, or any part thereof, at any time and for any reason. However, the Company will obtain stockholder approval for any amendment to the 2004 Plan to the extent required by applicable laws or stock exchange rules. In addition, without limiting the foregoing, unless approved by the Company’s stockholders, no such amendment shall be made that would: (1) increase the maximum number of shares for which awards may be granted under the 2004 Plan, other than an increase pursuant to a change in the Company’s capitalization, (2) reduce the exercise price of outstanding options, or (3) change the class of persons eligible to receive awards under the 2004 Plan. No such action by the Board or stockholders may alter or impair any award previously granted under the 2004 Plan without the written consent of the recipient. Unless terminated earlier, the 2004 Plan shall terminate ten years from the effective date.

                Term.   Awards may not be granted under the 2004 Plan on or after the tenth anniversary of the effective date. Although any award that was duly granted on or prior to such date may thereafter be exercised or settled in accordance with its terms, no shares of Common Stock may be issued pursuant to any award on or after the twentieth anniversary of the effective date.

                Terms and Conditions of Stock Awards.  Each stock award agreement will contain provisions regarding (1) the number of shares subject to such stock award or a formula for determining such number, (2) the purchase price of the shares, if any, and the means of payment for the shares, (3) the performance criteria, if any, and level of achievement versus these criteria that will determine the number of shares granted, issued, retained and vested, as applicable, (4) such terms and conditions on the grant, issuance, vesting and forfeiture of the shares, as applicable, as may be determined from time to time by the Committee, (5) restrictions on transferability of the stock award, and (6) such further terms and conditions, in each case not inconsistent with the 2004 Plan, as may be determined from time to time by the Committee.


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                Terms and Conditions of Cash Awards.  Each cash award agreement will contain provisions regarding (1) the performance goals and maximum amount payable to the recipient as a cash award, (2) the performance criteria and level of achievement versus the criteria that will determine the amount of such payment, (3) the period as to which performance shall be measured for establishing the amount of any payment, (4) the timing of any payment earned by virtue of performance, (5) restrictions on the alienation or transfer of the cash award prior to actual payment, (6) forfeiture provisions, and (7) such further terms and conditions, in each case not inconsistent with the 2004 Plan, as may be determined from time to time by the Committee. The maximum amount payable as a cash award that is settled for cash may not exceed $2,000,000.

                Performance Goals.   The business criteria on which performance goals are based under the 2004 Plan will be determined on a case-by-case basis by the Committee. The performance criteria may include (l) cash flow; (2) earnings (including gross margin, earnings before interest and taxes, earnings before taxes, and net earnings); (3) earnings per share (pre and after tax); (4) growth in earnings or earnings per share; (5) stock price; (6) return on equity or average stockholders’ equity; (7) total stockholder return; (8) return on capital; (9) return on assets or net assets; (10) return on investment; (11) revenue; (12) income or net income; (13) operating income or net operating income; (14) operating profit or net operating profit; (15) operating margin; (16) return on operating revenue; (17) market share; (18) contract awards or backlog; (19) overhead or other expense reduction; (20) growth in stockholder value relative to the moving average of the S&P 500 Index or a peer group index; (21) credit rating; (22) strategic plan development and implementation; (23) EBITDA, (24) comparable store sales; (25) labor productivity; (26) gross profit percentage of sales or dollars; (27) inventory turn; (28) new store performance; (29) new store sales; (30) new store profitability; (31) number of new stores opened; and (32) any other similar criteria as may be determined by the Committee.

                Adjustments.   If there is any change in the stock subject to the 2004 Plan or subject to any award made under the 2004 Plan (through merger, consolidation, reorganization, re-capitalization, stock dividend, dividend in kind, stock split, liquidating dividend, combination or exchange of shares, change in corporate structure or otherwise), the 2004 Plan and shares outstanding thereunder will be appropriately adjusted as to the class and the maximum number of shares subject to the 2004 Plan and the class, number of shares and price per share of stock subject to such outstanding options as determined by the Committee to be fair and equitable to the holders, the Company and the stockholders. In addition, the Committee may also make adjustments in the number of shares covered by, and the price or other value of any outstanding awards under the 2004 Plan in the event of a spin-off or other distribution (other than normal cash dividends) of Company assets to stockholders.

                1992 Incentive Award Plan

                The 1992 Incentive Award Plan (the “1992 Plan”) became effective in October 1992. The 1992 Plan authorized the granting of certain incentive awards including stock appreciation rights, non-qualified stock options, incentive stock options, restricted stock, dividend equivalents and performance awards. The 1992 Plan was amended August 6, 1998 and on August 1, 2002.

                Although the 1992 Plan terminated on August 1, 2004, awards outstanding on that date may be exercised or settled after that date in accordance with their terms. Any shares not issued under the 1992 Plan are added to the shares available for issuance under the 2004 Plan.

                As of the date of this Proxy Statement, there were 892,500 shares of the Company’s Common Stock subject to outstanding options granted under the 1992 Plan.

                The 1992 Plan provided for the grant of incentive stock options (as defined in Section 422 of the Internal Revenue code of 1986, as amended) to employees of the Company. The 1992 Plan also provided for the grant of non-qualified stock options to the Company’s officers, employees or consultants. Incentive stock options may have certain tax advantages for the optionee as compared to non-qualified stock options. The exercise price of an incentive stock option may not be less than 100% of the fair


36



market value of the Company’s Common Stock on the date of grant or 110% of such fair market value in the case of an optionee who holds more than 10% of the Company’s Common Stock. The exercise price of a non-qualified stock option may not be less than 100% of the fair market value of the Company’s Common Stock on the grant date. Shares subject to an option granted under the 1992 Plan may be purchased for cash or its equivalent, including shares of Common Stock. Options expire ten years after the grant date, with the exception of incentive stock options held by a holder of 10% or more of the outstanding Common Stock, which expire five years after the grant date.

                Executive Bonus Plan

                The Company maintains a bonus plan under which, subject to an overall maximum, certain executive officers may earn a bonus as a percentage of their annual base salaries, if the Company meets the pre-tax profit objective set by the Compensation Committee at the beginning of the fiscal year. If the Company meets or exceeds the profit objective, each executive officer, other than Mr. Olberz, is entitled to receive a bonus of between 35% and 70% of their annual base salary. Generally, if the Company achieves 90% or more, of the profit objective but less than 100%, these executives receive 50% of a full annual bonus plus 5% for each full percentage point above 90% achieved.

                401K Plan

                Eligible employee participants could make voluntary contributions to a qualified retirement plan with a 401(k) feature (the “401K Plan”), through payroll deductions which are matched, in part, by the Company’s contributions. Such contributions can be used by the participant to purchase interests in certain mutual funds or shares of the Company’s Common Stock.

                Each employee twenty-one years of age or older is eligible to participate in the 401K Plan on the first day of the pay period after completing three months of service. There are currently approximately 2,700 employees of the Company who are eligible to participate in the 401K Plan. Subject to compliance with certain nondiscrimination tests which limit contributions of or on behalf of “highly compensated employees” (as such term as defined in the federal tax laws), the participants may make an annual contribution equal to from 2% up to and including 100% or $14,000 (whichever is less) of their salary compensation.

Equity Compensation Plan Information

                The following table shows outstanding options, their weighted exercise price, and options remaining available for issuance under the Company’s existing compensation plans.

EQUITY COMPENSATION PLAN INFORMATION

 
Plan Category Number of securities to be
issued upon exercise of
outstanding options,
warrants and rights (1)
  Weighted-average
exercise price of
outstanding options,
warrants and rights
  Number of securities
remaining available for
future issuance under equity
compensation plans
(excluding securities
reflected in column (a))
 
 
 
                                                (a)    (b)   (c)  
Plans Approved by Stockholders 1,008,000     $ 6.08     905,632  
             
Plans Not Approved by
Stockholders (none)
        
 

 
(1)
Excludes 4,361,910 shares of Common Stock which may be purchased by SC Option, LLC from the Olberz Trust upon the death of the Principal Stockholder. See “Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions – Succession Plan.”

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Employment Agreements

                The Company has entered into an employment agreement with Norbert Olberz. The term of the employment commences on April 1, 2000 and terminates on March 31, 2014 and automatically renews for an additional twelve months at the end of the initial term or any renewal term unless 30 days notice is given by either party. Mr. Olberz is entitled to (i) receive an annual base salary of $300,000, (ii) receive a $1,500 monthly automobile allowance, (iii) receive reimbursement for personal tax and financial advisory services up to $1,500 per year, (iv) participate in all plans provided to executive officers or employees generally and (v) receive reimbursement for secretarial assistance up to $2,500 per month. The Company has the right to terminate Mr. Olberz’ employment only for “cause” (as defined in such employment agreement).

                The Company has entered into employment agreements, as amended, with each of Messrs. Levra, Kaminsky and Trausch. The term of employment of Mr. Levra commences on July 1 of each year and terminates on the following June 30 and automatically renews for an additional twelve months at the end of the initial term or any renewal term unless notice of termination is given by either party at least 30 days prior to the end of the term. The term of employment of Messrs. Kaminsky and Trausch commences on July 1 of each year and terminates on the following June 30 and automatically renews for an additional twelve months at the end of the initial term or any renewal term unless notice of termination is given by either party at least 30 days prior to the end of the term. Messrs. Levra, Kaminsky and Trausch are entitled to (i) receive an annual base salary (subject to increase from time to time in the discretion of the Board) of $330,000, $221,450 and $171,600, respectively, (ii) participate in the executive bonus program, (iii) receive a monthly automobile allowance in the amount of $1,200 for Mr. Levra and $900 for Messrs. Kaminsky and Trausch, (iv) receive reimbursement for personal tax and financial advisory services up to $1,200 per year for Mr. Levra and $750 per year for Messrs. Kaminsky and Trausch, and (v) participate in all plans provided to executive officers or employees generally. In the event employment is terminated by the Company without “cause” (as defined in such employment agreements) or by the employee for specified causes, Mr. Levra will be entitled to his annual base salary for 24 months, Mr. Kaminsky will be entitled to his annual base salary for 12 months, and Mr. Trausch will be entitled to his annual base salary for six months.

Compensation of Directors

                Directors who are employees of the Company are compensated as officers of the Company and receive no separate compensation for serving as directors. Non-employee directors receive an annual retainer of $22,000 plus $750 for each Board or Committee meeting attended during the fiscal year. The chair of the Audit Committee receives an additional $1,500 for each Audit Committee meeting attended, and the other Committee chairs receive an additional $750 for each meeting of their respective Committees attended. Directors also receive reimbursement of expenses incurred in attending meetings. The Board may modify such compensation in the future. No non-employee director received more than $25,000 in fees for attending Board or Committee meetings during the fiscal year ended March 31, 2005.

                Prior to January 1, 2005, under the 1992 Plan, each non-employee director was granted automatically upon becoming a director, options to purchase 5,000 shares of Common Stock at the fair market value on the grant date. On each triennial date on which a non-employee director is reelected to the Board, options for an additional 5,000 shares were granted automatically to the director subject to an aggregate limit for any one non-employee director of options to acquire a total of 30,000 shares. Options under this plan are exercisable one-third upon grant and one-third on each of the first and second anniversaries of the date of grant, and all options expire five years from the date of grant. Beginning January 1, 2005, under the 2004 Plan, on the date of the annual meeting of stockholders each non-employee director currently is granted options to purchase 2,000 shares of Common Stock at the fair


38



market value on the grant date. All options are fully vested upon grant and expire ten years from the date of grant. Messrs. Attwood, Howard, McCready, Eric Olberz, Olsen and Schneider have been granted options representing a total of 19,000, 10,000, 10,000, 16,000, 21,000 and 10,000 shares, respectively. See “Incentive Compensation Plans - 2004 Equity Incentive Plan.”

Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation

                No member of the Compensation Committee is or has been an officer or employee of the Company.

ITEM 12.  SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT                     AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS

                 The following table sets forth as of June 28, 2005 certain information relating to the ownership of the Common Stock by (i) each person known by the Company to be the beneficial owner of more than five percent of the outstanding shares of the Common Stock (other than depositories), (ii) each of the Company’s directors, (iii) each of the Named Executive Officers (as defined above) and (iv) all of the Company’s executive officers and directors as a group.

 
Name and Address (1) Number of Shares of
Common Stock
Beneficially
      Owned (2)      
    Percent(3)  

 
Norbert Olberz 4,361,910 (4)   65.2 %
John R. Attwood 21,000 (5)   *  
Donald J. Howard 5,000 (6)   *  
Al D. McCready 18,000 (5)   *  
Eric S. Olberz 62,865 (7)   *  
Kenneth Olsen 24,767 (8)   *  
Frederick H. Schneider 48,900 (5)   *  
Craig L. Levra 381,000 (9) (16) 5.5 %
Howard K. Kaminsky 236,651 (10) (16) 3.4 %
Dennis D. Trausch 205,986 (11) (16) 3.0 %
Jeffrey A. Lichtenstein 41,500 (12)   *  
Tim A. Anderson 19,100 (13)   *  
Wedbush, Inc. 577,661 (14)   8.6 %
Directors and executive officers as a group (12 persons) 5,426,679 (15)   72.7 %
   

*    Less than 1%
   
(1)
The address of each executive officer and director is in care of the Company, One Sport Chalet Drive, La Cañada, California 91011. The address of Wedbush, Inc. is 1000 Wilshire Boulevard, Los Angeles, California 90017.
 
(2)
Except as may be set forth below and subject to applicable community property laws, each such person has the sole voting and investment power with respect to the shares of Common Stock owned.
 
(3)
Based on 6,686,368 shares of Common Stock outstanding on the Record Date. Under Rule 13d-3 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, certain shares may be deemed to be beneficially owned by more than one person (if, for example, a person shares the power to vote or the power to dispose of the shares). In addition, shares are deemed to be beneficially owned by a person if the person has the right to acquire the shares (for example, upon exercise of an option) within 60 days of the date as of which the information is provided. In computing the percentage ownership of any person, the amount of shares outstanding is deemed to include the amount of shares beneficially owned by such person (and only such person) by reason of these acquisition rights. The amount of shares beneficially owned by such person by reason of these acquisition rights is

39



 
not deemed outstanding for the purpose of calculating the percentage owned by each other person. As a result, the percentage of outstanding shares of any person as shown in this table does not necessarily reflect the person’s actual ownership or voting power with respect to the number of shares of Common Stock actually outstanding at the Record Date.
 
(4)
Consists of shares held by the Olberz Family Trust, a revocable grantor trust of which Mr. Olberz and his wife are co-trustees.
 
(5)
Includes 10,000 shares of Common Stock issuable upon the exercise of stock options which first become exercisable on or before October 14, 2005.
 
(6)
Includes 5,000 shares of Common Stock issuable upon the exercise of stock options which first become exercisable on or before October 14, 2005. Excludes 5,000 shares issuable upon the exercise of stock options which first become exercisable after that date.
 
(7)
Includes 5,000 shares of Common Stock issuable upon the exercise of stock options which first become exercisable on or before October 14, 2005.
 
(8)
Includes 6,667 shares of Common Stock issuable upon the exercise of stock options which first become exercisable on or before October 14, 2005. Excludes 3,333 shares issuable upon the exercise of stock options which first become exercisable after that date.
 
(9)
Includes 302,000 shares of Common Stock issuable upon the exercise of stock options which first become exercisable on or before October 14, 2005. Excludes 8,000 shares issuable upon the exercise of stock options which first become exercisable after that date.
 
(10)
Includes 192,000 shares of Common Stock issuable upon the exercise of stock options which first become exercisable on or before October 14, 2005. Excludes 7,000 shares issuable upon the exercise of stock options which first become exercisable after that date.
 
(11)
Includes 179,500 shares of Common Stock issuable upon the exercise of stock options which first become exercisable on or before October 14, 2005. Excludes 17,000 shares issuable upon the exercise of stock options which first become exercisable after that date.
 
(12)
Includes 39,500 shares of Common Stock issuable upon the exercise of stock options which first become exercisable on or before October 14, 2005. Excludes 15,000 shares issuable upon the exercise of stock options which first become exercisable after that date.
 
(13)
Includes 19,100 shares of Common Stock issuable upon the exercise of stock options which first become exercisable on or before October 14, 2005. Excludes 22,400 shares issuable upon the exercise of stock options which first become exercisable after that date.
 
(14)
Based on information contained in Schedule 13G filed with the SEC on February 15, 2005 by Wedbush, Inc., Edward W. Wedbush and Wedbush Morgan Securities Inc., as joint filers. Wedbush, Inc. is the parent company of Wedbush Morgan Securities Inc. Edward W. Wedbush is the chairman and principal shareholder of Wedbush, Inc. and the President of Wedbush Morgan Securities Inc. Wedbush, Inc. states that it has sole voting power and sole dispositive power over 361,628 shares, shared voting power over 525,261 shares and shared dispositive power over 577,661 shares. Edward W. Wedbush states that he has sole voting power and sole dispositive power over 131,440 shares, shared voting power over 525,261 shares and shared dispositive power over 577,661 shares. Wedbush Morgan Securities Inc. states that it has sole voting power and sole dispositive power over 27,883 shares, shared voting power over 525,261 shares and shared dispositive power over 577,661 shares. Mr. Wedbush disclaims beneficial ownership of the Company’s Common Stock held by Wedbush, Inc. or Wedbush Morgan Securities Inc.
 
(15)
Includes 778,667 shares of Common Stock issuable upon the exercise of stock options which first become exercisable on or before October 14, 2005. Excludes 77,733 shares issuable upon the exercise of stock options which first become exercisable after that date.
 
(16)
Excludes 4,361,910 shares of Common Stock which may be purchased by SC Option, LLC (the “LLC”) from the Olberz Family Trust upon the death of Norbert Olberz. The members of the LLC and the percentage of ownership of each are: Craig L. Levra (59.1%), Howard K. Kaminsky

40



 
(39.4%), Dennis D. Trausch (0.5%), Jeffrey A. Lichtenstein (0.5%) and Tim A. Anderson (0.5%), each of whom is an employee of the Company. Messrs. Levra and Kaminsky are the managers of the LLC. See “Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions – Succession Plan.”
 

ITEM 13.  CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS

                Property Leases

                The Company leases from corporations controlled by Norbert Olberz, the Chairman Emeritus and the Company’s principal stockholder (the “Principal Stockholder”), its corporate office space in La Cañada and its stores in La Cañada, Huntington Beach and Porter Ranch, California. The Company has incurred rental expense to the Principal Stockholder of $2.4 million, $2.5 million and $2.2 million in fiscal 2005, 2004 and 2003, respectively.

                The Company’s corporate offices in prior years were spread over seven nearby buildings in La Cañada, California neighboring the store where the Company was founded. To facilitate growth related to the expansion plans, the Company leased a 27,500 square foot corporate office in La Cañada from La Cañada Properties, Inc., a corporation controlled by the Principal Stockholder, in October 2002. The Company expects this building to support its growth plans for the foreseeable future.

                Management believes that the occupancy costs under the leases with corporations controlled by the Principal Stockholder are no higher than those which would be charged by unrelated third parties under similar circumstances.

                Succession Plan

                On December 20, 2002, Norbert Olberz, the Company’s founder and principal stockholder, and his wife, Irene Olberz, as co-trustees of the Olberz Family Trust, a revocable grantor trust (the “Olberz Trust”), granted to SC Option, LLC, a newly formed California limited liability company (the “LLC”), an option (the “Option”) to purchase, under certain circumstances, all of the shares (currently 4,361,900) of the Company’s Common Stock (the “Option Shares”) held by the Olberz Trust. The managers of the LLC currently are Craig L. Levra and Howard K. Kaminsky, who hold 59.1% and 39.4%, respectively, of the interests in the LLC. Other members of the LLC are Dennis D. Trausch, Jeffery A. Lichtenstein and Tim A. Anderson, the Company’s Executive Vice President – Growth and Development, Senior Vice President – Risk Management and Vice President – Retail Operations, respectively, each of whom holds a 0.5% interest in the LLC. The Option was initially exercisable for 181 days from the date of the death (“vesting” or “measurement” date) of Mr. Olberz, at an exercise price equal to the market price on the date of Mr. Olberz’ death. The LLC and the Olberz Trust entered into the Option to provide for an orderly transition of control of the Company upon the death of Mr. Olberz. The Option is subject to termination upon certain events, including the mutual consent of the Trust and the LLC or in the event that Craig L. Levra ceases to be the Chief Executive Officer of the Company for any reason. The Trust may borrow against the shares until the vesting date and may also sell shares, provided the Trust maintains ownership of at least 51% of the Company’s shares on a fully diluted basis. In addition, the purchase of the Option Shares by the LLC upon exercise of the Option is subject to certain conditions, including the ability of the LLC to obtain sufficient financing to purchase the Option Shares. The Option was negotiated directly between Norbert Olberz and the members of the LLC. On June 11, 2004, the Option was amended to extend the exercise period from 181 days to 365 days from the date of Mr. Olberz’ death.

                For financial accounting purposes, the grant of the Option by the Olberz Trust is being treated in a manner consistent with a grant of an option by the Company. The Company has also treated the grant of the Option to the LLC as if the grant was made directly to employees of the Company, as the members of the LLC are employees of the Company and no non-employee services will be provided to the Company by the LLC or members of the LLC and, for economic and tax purposes, the LLC is a pass through entity in that all income or losses of the LLC are passed through to its individual members. In addition, vesting of the Option, except for the Company’s Chief Financial Officer, is contingent upon


41



continued employment. Because the Option has been granted with an exercise price equal to the market price on the measurement date, the Company will not be required to recognize compensation expense in connection with the grant of the Option. The fair value of the Option is being recognized as compensation expense for purposes of calculating pro forma net income and pro forma earnings per share as required by FASB Statement No. 123, Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation. The fair value for the Option was estimated at the date of grant using a Black-Scholes option pricing model with the following weighted-average assumptions: weighted-average risk-free interest rate of 4.0%; dividend yields of 0%; weighted-average volatility factors of the expected market price of the Company’s Common Stock of 0.407; and an expected life of the Option of 365 days. For purposes of pro forma disclosures, the estimated fair value of $4.3 million for the Option, as amended, is being amortized to expense over the Option’s vesting period, which has been estimated at nine years.

                For a more complete description of the Option, see the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on December 23, 2002. The Olberz Trust has agreed to terminate the Option concurrent with the recapitalization described in “Item 1. Business - Recapitalization Proposal.”

                Loans

                In March 1998, the Olberz Family Trust committed 293,625 shares of Common Stock for awards to 100 employees and directors, all of which shares subsequently were awarded. Dennis D. Trausch was awarded 25,000 shares. The Company loaned each recipient of shares the amount necessary to pay the income taxes due on the stock award, which loans bear interest at the rate of 6.0% per year. In addition, in connection with the grant by the Company to Craig L. Levra of 25,000 shares of Common Stock in each of October 1997 and October 2000, the Company loaned Mr. Levra the amount necessary to pay the income taxes due on the stock awards, which loans bear interest at the rate of 6.0% per year. The largest balance of such loans to Messrs. Levra and Trausch in fiscal 2005 was $71,000 for Mr. Levra and $29,800 for Mr. Trausch. Messrs. Levra and Trausch repaid the loans in full on June 22, 2005.

ITEM 14.   PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES

                Audit Fees:  Fees for audit services totaled $230,000 in fiscal 2005 (of which $95,000 was paid to Ernst & Young LLP, the Company’s former independent registered public accounting firm) and $131,000 in fiscal 2004, including fees associated with the annual audit and the reviews of the Company’s Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q.

                Audit-Related Fees:  Fees for audit related services totaled $7,700 in fiscal 2005 and $31,500 in fiscal 2004. Audit-related services principally include benefit plan audits and accounting consultations.

                Tax Fees:  Fees for tax services, including tax compliance, tax advice and tax planning totaled $16,000 in fiscal 2005 and $25,000 in fiscal 2004, all of which was paid to Ernst & Young LLP.

                All Other Fees:  There were no fees for other services not included above for fiscal 2005 or 2004.

                The Audit Committee administers the Company’s engagement of Moss Adams LLP, the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm, and pre-approves all audit and permissible non-audit services on a case-by-case basis. In approving non-audit services, the Audit Committee considers whether the engagement could compromise the independence of Moss Adams LLP, and whether for reasons of efficiency or convenience it is in the best interest of the Company to engage its independent registered public accounting firm to perform the services. The Audit Committee, in reliance on management and the independent registered public accounting firm, has determined that the provision of these services is compatible with maintaining the independence of Moss Adams LLP.

                Prior to engagement, the Audit Committee pre-approves all independent registered public accounting firm services. The fees are budgeted and the Audit Committee requires the independent registered public accounting firm and management to report actual fees versus the budget periodically


42



throughout the year by category of service. During the year, circumstances may arise when it may become necessary to engage the independent registered public accounting firm for additional services not contemplated in the original pre-approval categories. In those instances, the Audit Committee requires specific pre-approval before engaging the independent registered public accounting firm.

                The Audit Committee may delegate pre-approval authority to one or more of its members. The member to whom such authority is delegated must report, for informational purposes only, any pre-approval decisions to the Audit Committee at its next scheduled meeting.

PART IV

ITEM 15.  EXHIBITS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES

 
(a) (1) Financial Statements – The financial statements listed on the accompanying Index
  to Audited Consolidated Financial Statements are filed as part of this report.
     
  (2)  Schedules – Valuation and Qualifying Accounts.
     
  For fiscal years ended March 31, 2005, 2004 and 2003.
   
Allowance for Sales
Returns (Year ended)
Balance at
beginning of
period
Additions Deductions Balance at end
of period
  3/31/2005   $ 240,000   $ 15,517,907   $ 15,427,907   $ 330,000  
  3/31/2004       $ 13,591,231   $ 13,351,231   $ 240,000  
  3/31/2003       $ 11,964,841   $ 11,964,841      
     
 
Allowances for estimated returns are recorded at the estimated gross profit based upon our historical return patterns. Sales return allowances are recorded in other accrued expenses on the consolidated balance sheets.
   
For fiscal year ended March 31, 2003, insufficient data existed to establish a reserve. The amount is believed to be similar to the balance at fiscal year ended March 31, 2005 and 2004 and is immaterial.
     
(b)  Exhibits – See Index on Page 65.

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Sport Chalet, Inc.

Index to Audited Consolidated Financial Statements                     

 
  Page
 
Reports of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firms 45  
 
Consolidated Statements of Income for each of the three years in the
period ended March 31, 2005
47  
     
Consolidated Balance Sheets as of March 31, 2005 and 2004 48  
 
Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity for each of the three
years in the period ended March 31, 2005
49  
 
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for each of the three years in the
period ended March 31, 2005
50  
     
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements 51  

44



Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

To the Stockholders and Board of Directors
Sport Chalet, Inc.

                    We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheet of Sport Chalet, Inc. as of March 31, 2005 and the related consolidated statements of income, stockholders’ equity and cash flows for the year then ended. Our audit also included the financial statement schedule listed in the Index at Item 15(a). These consolidated financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these consolidated financial statements based on our audit.

               We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the consolidated financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes consideration of internal control over financial reporting as a basis for designing audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the consolidated financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.

                In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements and schedule referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated financial position of Sport Chalet, Inc. as of March 31, 2005, and the consolidated results of its operations and its cash flows for the year then ended, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

 
                  /s/ Moss Adams LLP
 

Los Angeles, California
June 3, 2005


45



Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

To the Stockholders and Board of Directors
Sport Chalet, Inc.

                We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheet of Sport Chalet, Inc. as of March 31, 2004, and the related consolidated statements of income, stockholders’ equity, and cash flows for each of the two years in the period ended March 31, 2004. Our audit also included the financial statement schedule listed in the Index at Item 15(a).These consolidated financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits.

                We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

                In our opinion, the financial statements and schedule referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated financial position of Sport Chalet, Inc. at March 31, 2004, and the consolidated results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the two years in the period ended March 31, 2004, in conformity with United States generally accepted accounting principles.

                As described in Note 2, “Restatement and Reclassification of Financial Statements,” Sport Chalet has restated its previously issued financial statements to correct its accounting for leases.

 
                  /s/ Ernst & Young LLP
 

Los Angeles, California
May 21, 2004, except for Note 2 as to which the date is May 19, 2005


46



Sport Chalet, Inc.

Consolidated Statements of Income

 
Year ended March 31,
2005 2004 2003
   
 
       
Net sales   $ 309,089,551   $ 264,236,923   $ 238,033,375  
Cost of goods sold, buying and occupancy costs     213,428,269     184,046,770     168,519,772  
   
 
Gross profit     95,661,282     80,190,153     69,513,603  
                     
Selling, general and administrative expenses     85,144,702     72,360,528     62,578,573  
   
 
Income from operations     10,516,580     7,829,625     6,935,030  
                     
Interest expense     263,523     189,924     306,755  
   
 
Income before taxes     10,253,057     7,639,701     6,628,275  
                     
Income tax provision     4,082,000     2,995,625     2,584,497  
   
 
Net income   $ 6,171,057   $ 4,644,076   $ 4,043,778  
   
 
   
Earnings per share:  
   Basic   $ 0.92   $ 0.70   $ 0.61  
   
 
                     
   Diluted   $ 0.88   $ 0.66   $ 0.58  
   
 
   
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding:                    
     Basic     6,680,493     6,645,667     6,614,544  
     Diluted     7,003,686     7,008,380     6,947,343  
 

See accompanying notes.


47



 Sport Chalet, Inc.

Consolidated Balance Sheets

 
  March 31,  
  2005   2004  
   
 
Assets          
Current assets:  
    Cash and cash equivalents   $ 6,176,689   $ 3,071,648  
    Accounts receivable, less allowance of $182,000 in 2005  
       and $65,000 in 2004     1,462,042     1,208,934  
    Merchandise inventories     65,061,142     54,172,055  
    Prepaid expenses and other current assets     3,044,153     2,202,036  
    Deferred income taxes     3,915,079     2,443,945  
   
 
Total current assets     79,659,105     63,098,618  
Furniture, equipment and leasehold improvements:              
    Furniture, fixtures and office equipment     31,175,598     27,503,694  
    Rental equipment     4,454,223     3,955,873  
    Vehicles     307,366     610,413  
    Leasehold improvements     33,583,082     26,186,004  
   
 
      69,520,269     58,255,984  
    Less allowance for depreciation and amortization     32,017,691     27,633,846  
   
 
      37,502,578     30,622,138  
               
Deferred income tax     1,550,753     1,234,729  
Other assets     76,960     101,036  
   
 
Total assets   $ 118,789,396   $ 95,056,521  
   
 
   
Liabilities and stockholders’ equity              
Current liabilities:              
    Accounts payable   $ 20,883,973   $ 11,131,473  
    Salaries and wages payable     5,080,320     3,354,368  
    Income taxes payable     825,059     35,631  
    Other accrued expenses     9,753,575     7,830,961  
   
 
Total current liabilities     36,542,927     22,352,433  
               
Deferred rent     13,136,303     9,893,581  
Commitments and contingencies              
               
Stockholders’ equity:              
    Preferred stock, $.01 par value:              
      Authorized shares – 2,000,000
      Issued and outstanding shares – none
         
               
    Common stock, $.01 par value:              
      Authorized shares – 15,000,000              
      Issued and outstanding shares – 6,686,368 in 2005 and
       6,673,534 in 2004
    66,864     66,735  
    Additional paid-in capital     22,959,379     22,830,906  
    Retained earnings     46,083,923     39,912,866  
   
 
Total stockholders’ equity     69,110,166     62,810,507  
   
 
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity   $ 118,789,396   $ 95,056,521  
   
 
 

See accompanying notes.


48



Sport Chalet, Inc.

Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity

 
Common Stock Additional Retained
Shares Amount Paid-in Capital Earnings Total

Balance at March 31, 2002 6,595,500   $ 65,955   $ 21,932,617   $ 31,225,012   $ 53,223,584  
   Exercise of stock options 32,834     328     135,279         135,607  
   Tax benefit from exercise of options         53,473         53,473  
   Net income for 2003             4,043,778     4,043,778  
 
 
Balance at March 31, 2003 6,628,334     66,283     22,121,369     35,268,790     57,456,442  
   Exercise of stock options 45,200     452     226,121         226,573  
   Tax benefit from exercise of options         34,498         34,498  
   Stock Compensation from grant of shares from
         Principal Stockholder
        448,918         448,918  
   Net income for 2004             4,644,076     4,644,076  
 
 
Balance at March 31, 2004 6,673,534     66,735     22,830,906     39,912,866     62,810,507  
   Exercise of stock options 12,834     129     59,229         59,358  
   Tax benefit from exercise of options         69,244         69,244  
   Net income for 2005             6,171,057     6,171,057  
 
 
Balance at March 31, 2005 6,686,368   $ 66,864   $ 22,959,379   $ 46,083,923   $ 69,110,166  
 
 
 

See accompanying notes.


49



Sport Chalet, Inc.

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

 
Year ended March 31,  
2005   2004   2003  
 
 
Operating activities              
Net income $ 6,171,057   $ 4,644,076   $ 4,043,778  
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by   operating activities:                  
      Depreciation and amortization   7,692,015     6,446,657     5,890,430  
      Loss on disposal of equipment   360,761     354,608     31,730  
      Stock compensation       448,918      
      Deferred income taxes   (1,787,158 )   (1,073,494 )   (22,747 )
      Tax benefit on employee stock options   69,244     34,498     53,473  
      Changes in operating assets and liabilities:                  
         Accounts receivable   (253,108 )   (68,415 )   (370,843 )
         Merchandise inventories   (10,889,087 )   (3,285,425 )   (2,970,077 )
         Prepaid expenses and other current assets   (842,117 )   (163,448 )   (281,581 )
         Refundable income taxes       58,990     389,770  
         Bank overdraft       (5,764,355 )   (1,427,903 )
         Accounts payable   9,752,500     1,778,029     (1,461,797 )
         Salaries and wages payable   1,725,952     1,163,033     6,826  
         Other accrued expenses   1,922,614     2,789,208     1,033,545  
         Income taxes payable   789,428     35,631      
         Deferred rent   3,242,722     209,066     1,598,297  
 
 
Net cash provided by operating activities   17,954,823     7,607,577     6,512,901  
 
Investing activities                  
Purchases of furniture, equipment and leasehold                  
    improvements   (15,197,322 )   (9,001,374 )   (6,797,554 )
Other assets   24,076     8,869     105,564  
Proceeds from sales of assets   264,106          
 
 
Net cash used in investing activities   (14,909,140 )   (8,992,505 )   (6,691,990 )
 
Financing activities
Proceeds from bank borrowings   10,700,000     10,225,000     57,563,424  
Repayment of bank borrowings   (10,700,000 )   (10,225,000 )   (57,563,424 )
Proceeds from exercise of stock options   59,358     226,573     135,607  
 
 
Net cash provided by financing activities   59,358     226,573     135,607  
 
 
Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents   3,105,041     (1,158,355 )   (43,482 )
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year   3,071,648     4,230,003     4,273,485  
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year $ 6,176,689   $ 3,071,648   $ 4,230,003  
 
 
Cash paid during the year for:
    Income taxes $ 3,624,000   $ 3,940,000   $ 2,164,000  
    Interest   101,512     189,925     323,304  
 

See accompanying notes.


50



Sport Chalet, Inc.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

1. Description of Business

                Sport Chalet, Inc. (the “Company”), founded in 1959, is a leading operator of 36 full-service, specialty sporting goods stores in California and Nevada. The Company has 28 locations in Southern California, five in Northern California, one in Central California and two in Nevada.

                The Chairman Emeritus (the “Principal Stockholder”) owned approximately 65% of the Company’s outstanding Common Stock at March 31, 2005.

Segments of an Enterprise

                The Company reports segment information in accordance with SFAS No. 131, “Disclosures about Segments of an Enterprise and Related Information” (“SFAS 131”). Under SFAS 131 all publicly traded companies are required to report certain information about the operating segments, products, services and geographical areas in which they operate and their major customers. The Company operates in a single business segment and operates only in the United States.

2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Principles of Consolidation

                 The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its wholly owned subsidiaries. All significant inter-company transactions and balances have been eliminated in consolidation.

Cash and Cash Equivalents

                The Company considers all highly liquid investments with maturities of less than three months when purchased to be cash equivalents.

                The Company has a concentration of credit risk when cash deposits in banks are in excess of federally insured limits in the event of nonperformance by the related financial institution. However, management does not anticipate nonperformance by these financial institutions.

Merchandise Inventories

                Merchandise inventories are stated at the lower of cost (first-in, first-out determined by the retail method of accounting) or market and consist principally of merchandise held for resale. The Company considers cost to include the direct cost of merchandise, plus internal costs associated with merchandise procurement, storage and handling. The Company regularly reviews aged and excess inventories to determine if the carrying value of such inventories exceeds market value. A reserve is recorded to reduce the carrying value to market value as necessary. A determination of market value requires estimates and judgment based on the Company’s historical markdown experience and anticipated markdowns based on future merchandising and advertising plans, seasonal considerations, expected business trends and other factors.


51



Sport Chalet, Inc.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

2.  Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (continued) 

Accounts Receivable

                We report accounts receivable net of an allowance for doubtful accounts. Our allowance for doubtful accounts represents our best estimate of the losses inherent in our customer accounts receivable based on several factors, including historical trends of aging of accounts, write-off experience and expectations of future performance.

Furniture, Equipment and Leasehold Improvements

                Furniture, equipment, and leasehold improvements are stated on the basis of cost. Depreciation of furniture and equipment is computed primarily on the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets. Leasehold improvements are amortized on the straight-line method over the shorter of the life of the asset or the remaining lease term. The estimated useful lives of the assets are as follows:

 
  Furniture, fixtures and office equipment 5-7 years  
  Rental equipment 3 years  
  Vehicles 5 years  
  Leasehold improvements 10-15 years  
 

                Maintenance and repairs are charged to expense as incurred and the costs of additions and betterments that increase the useful lives of the assets are capitalized. When leasehold improvements or equipment are disposed of, the cost and related accumulated depreciation and amortization are removed from the accounts and any gain or loss is included in operations.

Long Lived Assets

                The Company accounts for long-lived assets in accordance with the provisions of Statement of Financial Standards (“SFAS”) No. 144, “Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets.” The Company reviews long-lived assets for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. Recoverability of assets to be held and used is determined by a comparison of the carrying amount of an asset to future undiscounted net cash flows expected to be generated by the asset. If such assets are considered impaired the impairment recognized is measured by comparing projected individual store discounted cash flow to the asset carrying values.


52



Sport Chalet, Inc.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

2.  Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (continued)

Financial Instruments

                Cash and cash equivalents, marketable securities, accounts receivable and accounts payable are carried at cost which approximates fair value due to their short-term nature.

Pre-opening Costs

                Non-capital expenditures incurred prior to the opening of a new store are charged to operations as incurred.

Revenue Recognition

                Revenue from retail sales are recognized at the time the customer receives the merchandise, net of an allowance for estimated returns. Issuance of gift cards and store credits are recorded as a liability until redeemed for merchandise. Revenues from services and licensing agreement are generally recorded on a cash basis, which approximates when the revenue is earned, and are not material.

Gift Card/Certificate Redemption  

                 The Company offers its customers the option of purchasing gift cards and, in the past, gift certificates which may be used toward the future purchase of its products. Revenue from gift cards, gift certificates and store merchandise credits is recognized at the time of redemption. The gift cards and certificates have no expiration dates. The Company records unredeemed gift cards or certificates as a liability until the point of redemption. The Company’s historical experience indicates that not all issued gift cards and certificates are redeemed. Based upon five years of redemption data, approximately 90% of gift cards and gift certificates are redeemed within the year after issuance, and 95% are redeemed within 36 months of the date of issuance, after which redemption activity is negligible. Accordingly, the Company periodically decreases the carrying value of the related liability by 5% of the aggregate amount and decreases cost of sales by the corresponding amount. This reduction in cost of sales amounted to approximately $263,000, $427,000 and $313,000 for the years ended March 31, 2005, 2004 and 2003, respectively. This calculation is based on historical experience, and future redemption rates may vary if consumer purchasing practices change or if the pattern of redeeming gift cards is significantly different than the Company has experienced with gift certificates.


53



Sport Chalet, Inc.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

2.  Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (continued)

Vendor Allowances

                Vendor allowances include consideration received from vendors, such as volume rebates and cooperative advertising funds. The majority of this consideration is based on contract terms. Amounts that represent the reimbursement of costs incurred for advertising are recorded as a reduction of the related expense in the period incurred. Amounts expected to be received from vendors relating to the purchase of merchandise are recognized as a reduction of cost of good sold as the merchandise is sold.

Advertising Costs

                Advertising costs are expensed as incurred. Advertising expense, net of vendor reimbursement, amounted to $7,923,512, $6,639,668 and $6,125,976 for the years ended March 31, 2005, 2004 and 2003, respectively.

Income Taxes

                The Company utilizes the liability method of accounting to compute the difference between the tax basis of assets and liabilities and the related financial reporting amounts using currently enacted tax laws and rates.

Deferred Rent

                Rent expense under non-cancelable operating leases with scheduled rent increases or free rent periods is accounted for on a straight line basis over the lease term, beginning on the date of initial possession, which is generally when we enter the space and begin construction build-out. The amount of the excess of straight line rent expense over scheduled payments is recorded as a deferred rent liability. Construction allowances and other such lease incentives are recorded as deferred credits, and are amortized on a straight line basis as a reduction of rent expense.

Self-insurance Accruals  

                The Company self insures a significant portion of expected losses under our workers’ compensation and general liability programs. Accrued liabilities have been recorded based on our estimates of the ultimate costs to settle incurred claims, both reported and unreported.


54



Sport Chalet, Inc.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

2.  Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (continued)

Earnings Per Share

                Earnings per share has been computed in accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 128, “Earnings Per Share” (“EPS”). Basic EPS equals net income divided by the number of weighted average common shares. Diluted EPS includes potentially dilutive securities such as stock options and convertible securities.

                A reconciliation of the numerators and denominators of the basic and diluted EPS computations is illustrated below:

 
March 31,  
2005   2004   2003  
 
 
(in thousands, except per share data)  
Basic EPS computation:              
   Numerator   $ 6,171   $ 4,644   $ 4,044  
                     
   Denominator:                    
     Weighted average common shares outstanding     6,680     6,646     6,615  

   Basic earnings per share   $ 0.92   $ 0.70   $ 0.61  

                     
Diluted EPS computation:                    
   Numerator   $ 6,171   $ 4,644   $ 4,044  
                     
   Denominator:                    
     Weighted average common shares outstanding     6,680     6,646     6,615  
     Incremental shares from assumed conversion of                    
       options     324     363     332  

Total weighted average common shares – assuming                    
   dilution     7,004     7,009     6,947  

Diluted earnings per share   $ 0.88   $ 0.66   $ 0.58  


55



Sport Chalet, Inc.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (continued)

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 affect the amounts reported in the financial statements and accompanying notes. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

Stock-Based Compensation

                The Company accounts for its employee stock option plan under the recognition and measurement principles of Accounting Principles Board Opinion (“APB”) No. 25, “Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees,” and related Interpretations. Under APB No. 25, no stock-based compensation is reflected in net income, as all options granted under the plans had an exercise price equal to the market value of the underlying Common Stock on the date of grant and the related number of shares granted is fixed at that point in time.

                The Company used the Black-Scholes option-pricing model with the following weighted-average assumptions in determining the fair value of options granted in fiscal 2005, 2004 and 2003: weighted-average risk-free interest rates of 4.0%, 4.0% and 4.0%, respectively; dividend yields of 0%; weighted-average volatility factors of the expected market price of the Company’s Common Stock of 0.35 for 2005, 0.33 for 2004 and 0.41 for 2003; and a weighted average expected life of the option of five years. Because additional options are expected to be granted each year, the pro forma disclosures may not be representative of pro forma effects on reported results for future periods. The Black-Scholes option valuation model was developed for use in estimating the fair value of traded options which have no vesting restrictions and are fully transferable. In addition, option valuation models require the input of highly subjective assumptions including the expected stock price volatility. Because the Company’s employee stock options have characteristics significantly different from those of traded options, and because changes in the subjective input assumptions can materially affect the fair value estimate, in management’s opinion, the existing models do not provide a reliable single measure of the fair value of employee stock options.

                The weighted average fair value of options granted during fiscal 2005, 2004 and 2003 were $1.16, $2.86 and $3.45, respectively.

                In December 2004, the FASB issued SFAS No. 123(R), “Share-Based Payment.” The standard requires all entities to recognize compensation expense for all share-based payments granted to employees in an amount equal to the fair value. The new standard is effective for the next fiscal year that begins after June 15, 2005, and allows two different methods of transition. Depending on the model used to calculate stock-based compensation expense in the future and other requirements of SFAS No. 123(R), the pro forma disclosure may not be indicative of the stock-based compensation expense that will be recognized in the Company’s future financial statements. The Company expects to implement the new standard in the first quarter ending June 30, 2006 and is currently evaluating the new standard and models which may be used to calculate future stock-based compensation expense.


56



Sport Chalet, Inc.
 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (continued)

Stock-Based Compensation (continued)

                The following table illustrates the effect on net income and earnings per share if the Company had applied the fair value recognition provisions of SFAS No. 123, “Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation,” to stock-based employee compensation (see Note 6):

 
March 31,  
2005   2004   2003  
   
 
   
 
Net income as reported   $ 6,171,057   $ 4,644,076   $ 4,043,778  
Add:              
   Stock based compensation expense included in              
   reported net income, net of related tax effects         271,146      
Deduct:              
   Sport Chalet Option, LLC     348,660     313,476     85,194  
   Total stock-based employee compensation              
   expense determined under fair market value              
   based method for all awards, net of related              
   tax effects     202,138     492,306     306,744  
   
 
Pro forma net income   $ 5,620,259   $ 4,109,440 $   3,651,840  
   
 
               
Earnings per share – basic and diluted              
   As reported – basic   $ 0.92   $ 0.70   $ 0.61  
   As reported – diluted   $ 0.88   $ 0.66   $ 0.58  
                     
   Pro forma – basic   $ 0.84   $ 0.62   $ 0.55  
   Pro forma – diluted   $ 0.80   $ 0.51   $ 0.53  

57



Sport Chalet, Inc.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

3. Loans Payable to Bank

                The Company’s credit facility with Bank of America, N.A. (the “Lender”) provides for advances up to $20.0 million, increasing to $35.0 million for the period October 1, through December 31, each year, less the amount of any outstanding draws, up to a $4.0 million maximum in authorized letters of credit. Interest accrues at the Lender’s prime rate plus 0.25% (6.25% at March 31, 2005) or can be fixed for a period of time at the then current rate established under one of several indices, all at the Company’s option. In addition, there is an unused commitment fee of .20% per year, based on a weighted average formula. This credit facility expires on September 30, 2005, and the Company expects to renegotiate and extend the term of this agreement or obtain another form of financing before that date. The Company’s obligation to the Lender is presently secured by a first priority lien on substantially all of the Company’s non-real estate assets, and the Company is subject to several restrictive covenants. The principal operating covenants require the Company to maintain certain minimum cash flow coverage and debt to equity ratios and restrict the level of capital expenditures, calculated on a quarterly basis. The Company currently is in compliance with the covenants. The Company believes its credit line with the Lender is sufficient to fund capital expenditures for the foreseeable future and to meet seasonal fluctuations in cash flow requirements. However, unexpected conditions could require the Company to request additional borrowing capacity from the Lender or alter its expansion plans or operations.

                At March 31, 2005, there were no outstanding borrowings under the facility. Letters of credit amounting to $2,309,000 relating to purchase commitments were outstanding as of March 31, 2005.

                The weighted average interest rate on borrowings during the year ended March 31, 2005 was 5.16%.

4. Commitments and Contingencies

                The Company leases all buildings (including its corporate office space and three stores from the Company’s Principal Stockholder). The leases for most of the stores are for approximately ten-year terms plus multiple option periods under non-cancelable operating leases with scheduled rent increases. The leases provide for contingent rent based upon a percentage of sales in excess of specified minimums. If there are any free rent periods, they are accounted for on a straight line basis over the lease term, beginning on the date of initial possession, which is generally when the Company enters the space to begin the construction build-out. The amount of the excess of straight line rent expense over scheduled payments is recorded as a deferred rent liability. Construction allowances and other such lease incentives are recorded as deferred credits, and are amortized on a straight line basis as a reduction of rent expense over the lease term. All of the leases obligate the Company to pay costs of maintenance, utilities, and property taxes.


58



Sport Chalet, Inc.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

4. Commitments and Contingencies (continued)

                Future minimum payments, by year and in the aggregate, under those leases with terms of one year or more, consist of the following at March 31, 2005:

 
  2006   $ 21,404,529    
  2007     21,028,738    
  2008     20,675,193    
  2009     18,844,177    
  2010     18,525,364    
  Thereafter     69,676,520    

      $ 170,154,521    

 

                Total rent expense amounted to $26,382,577, $21,957,345 and $19,774,698 for the years ended March 31, 2005, 2004 and 2003, respectively, which include $2,403,863, $2,460,243 and $2,140,206, respectively, for the leases with the Principal Stockholder. Also, total rent expense includes contingent rentals calculated as a percentage of gross sales over certain base amounts of $1,540,158, $1,918,429 and $1,227,879 for the years ended March 31, 2005, 2004 and 2003, respectively. Included in the accompanying balance sheets are amounts representing prepaid rent to the Principal Stockholder of $135,472 at March 31, 2005 and $133,614 at March 31, 2004. Pursuant to his employment contract dated April 1, 2000, the Principal Stockholder is paid a base salary of $300,000 per year until March 31, 2014.

                The Company is involved from time to time in routine legal matters incidental to its business. In the opinion of the Company’s management, resolution of such matters will not have a material effect on its financial position or results of operations.

                A former employee has brought a class action lawsuit alleging that hourly employees were regularly denied their required meal periods and rest periods and were not paid premiums for split shifts. They further allege that the Company requires its employees to wear uniforms but did not pay for the uniforms. Plaintiffs seek a class action in which they demand various wages, premiums, interest, and penalties for these alleged violations. They also seek attorneys’ fees and an injunction. At March 31, 2005, the Company has recorded a liability for management’s best estimate of the resolution of this matter. The Company is vigorously defending this action.


59



Sport Chalet, Inc.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

5. Income Taxes

                The provision for income taxes for the years ended March 31, 2005, 2004 and 2003 consists of the following:

 
2005   2004   2003  
   
 
Federal:                
   Current   $ 4,430,000   $ 3,279,000   $ 1,843,000  
   Deferred     (1,186,000 )   (919,000 )   152,000  
   
 
      3,244,000     2,360,000     1,995,000  
                     
State:                    
   Current     1,439,000     799,000     764,000  
   Deferred     (601,000 )   (163,000 )   (175,000 )
   
 
      838,000     636,000     589,000  
   
 
    $ 4,082,000   $ 2,996,000   $ 2,584,000  
   
 
 

                Deferred income taxes reflect the net tax effects of temporary differences between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes and the amounts used for income tax purposes. Significant components of the Company’s deferred tax liabilities and assets as of March 31, 2005 and 2004 are as follows:

 
2005   2004  
   
 
Current   Non-
current
  Current   Non-
current
 
   
 
Deferred tax liabilities:                  
   Tax over book depreciation   $   $ 166,973   $   $ 61,469  
   
 
Total deferred tax liabilities         166,973         61,469  
Deferred tax assets:              
   Uniform cost capitalization     297,944         135,086      
   Inventory reserves     796,688         720,206      
   Accrued vacation     316,058         290,715      
   Bonus accrual     637,350              
   Self-insurance accruals     991,612         662,522      
   Allowance for bad debt and            
     sales returns     397,092         121,495      
   State income taxes     326,965         288,868      
   Deferred rent         1,383,780         1,173,260  
   Other     151,370         225,053      
   
 
Total deferred tax assets     3,915,079     1,383,780     2,443,945     1,173,260  
   
 
Total deferred tax asset   $ 3,915,079   $ 1,550,753   $ 2,443,945   $ 1,234,729  
   
 

60



Sport Chalet, Inc.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

5. Income Taxes (continued)

                A reconciliation of the provision for income taxes for the years ended March 31, 2005, 2004 and 2003 with the amount computed using the federal statutory rate follows:

 
  2005   2004   2003  
 
Statutory rate, 34% applied to income
   before taxes
$ 3,486,000   $ 2,597,000   $ 2,254,000  
State taxes, net of federal tax effect   598,000     446,000     387,000  
Other, net   (2,000 )   (47,375 )   (56,503 )
 
  $ 4,082,000   $ 2,995,625   $ 2,584,497  
 
 

6. Award Plan and Stock Award

Award Plan

                The Company has a 2004 Equity Incentive Plan (“2004 Plan”) which became effective on August 2, 2004 and terminated its prior plan (“1992 Plan”). Awards outstanding under the 1992 Plan may be exercised or settled in accordance with their original terms. Any shares not issued under the 1992 Plan were added to the shares available for issuance under the 2004 Plan.

                Under the 2004 Plan, awards may be granted to employees, directors and consultants of the Company and its affiliates under which stock options or other awards to purchase or receive up to 1,021,132 shares of the Company’s Common Stock may be granted. Generally the option price per share shall not be less than fair market value at the date of grant and options vest over three- to five-year periods and if not exercised, expire five to ten years from the date of grant. The 2004 Plan also provides for issuance by the Company of stock appreciation rights, restricted stock and performance awards. At March 31, 2005 and 2004, there were 905,632 and 420,799 remaining shares, respectively, reserved for future issuance and available for grant under the 2004 Plan.

                The Company has adopted the disclosure-only provisions of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (“SFAS”) No. 123, “Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation” (“Statement 123”), as amended by SFAS No. 148, “Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation-Transition and Disclosure-an amendment of FASB Statement No. 123” (“Statement 148”). Statement 148 requires prominent disclosures in annual and interim financial statements regarding the method of accounting for stock-based employee compensation and the effect of the method used on reported results. The Company measures compensation expense for its stock option awards under the intrinsic value method in accordance with the provisions of Accounting Principles Board Opinion No. 25, “Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees” (“APB 25”) and related interpretations. APB 25 requires compensation expense to be recognized based on the excess, if any, of the quoted market price of the stock at the date of the grant and the amount an employee must pay to acquire the stock. Options awarded under the Company’s stock option plans are granted with an exercise price equal to the fair market value on the date of the grant.


61



Sport Chalet, Inc.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

6. Award Plan and Stock Award (continued)

Award Plan (continued)

                On December 20, 2002, the Company’s founder and Principal Stockholder, Norbert Olberz, and his wife, through a family trust, granted an option to purchase all of the shares (then 4,400,510) of the Company’s Common Stock held by the family trust to a newly formed limited liability company (the “LLC”). The managers of the LLC currently are the Company’s Chairman and Chief Executive Officer and the Company’s Chief Financial Officer, who own 59.1% and 39.4% respectively, of the interests in the LLC. Other senior executives of the Company own the remaining interest in the LLC. Under the terms of the grant, the option becomes exercisable for 181 days from the date of death (“vesting” or “measurement” date) of Mr. Olberz, at an exercise price equal to the market price on the date of Mr. Olberz’ death. The option terminates by mutual consent between the family trust and the members of the LLC or in the event that the Company’s Chairman and Chief Executive Officer ceases to be the Chief Executive Officer of the Company. The family trust may borrow against the shares until the vesting date and may also sell shares provided that the family trust maintains ownership of at least 51% of the Company’s shares on a fully diluted basis. On June 11, 2004, the option was amended to extend the exercisable period from 181 days to 365 days from the date of death.

                For financial accounting purposes, the grant of the option by the Principal Stockholder of the Company is being treated in a manner consistent with a grant of an option by the Company. The Company has also treated the grant of the option to the LLC as if the grant was made directly to employees of the Company, as the members of the LLC are employees of the Company and no non-employee services will be provided to the Company by the LLC or members of the LLC and, for economic and tax purposes, the LLC is a pass-through entity in that all income or losses of the LLC are passed through to its individual members. In addition, vesting of the option, except for the Company’s Chief Financial Officer, is contingent upon continued employment. Because the option has been granted with an exercise price equal to the market price on the measurement date, under APB No. 25, the Company has not been required to recognize compensation expense in connection with the grant of the option. The fair value of the option is being recognized as compensation expense for purposes of calculating pro forma net income and pro forma earnings per share as required by FASB Statement No.123, “Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation.” The fair value for the option was estimated at the date of grant using a Black-Scholes option pricing model with the following weighted-average assumptions: weighted-average risk-free interest rate of 4.0%, dividend yields of 0%; weighted-average volatility factors of the expected market price of the Company’s Common Stock of 0.332 and an expected life of the option of 365 days. For purposes of pro forma disclosures displayed in Note 2 – Summary of Significant Accounting Policies: Stock Based Compensation, the estimated fair value at the date of grant was $4.3 million for the option and is being amortized to expense over the option’s vesting period, which has been estimated at nine years.


62



Sport Chalet, Inc.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

6. Award Plan and Stock Award (continued)

Award Plan (continued)

                A summary of the Company’s stock option activity and related information follows:

 
March 31, 2005 March 31, 2004 March 31, 2003

Options Weighted
Average
Exercise Price
Options Weighted
Average
Exercise Price
Options Weighted
Average
Exercise Price

 Outstanding at
   beginning of year
    905,667   $ 5.13     939,667   $ 5.09     912,501   $ 5.18  
     Granted     128,167     12.69     43,000     7.22     60,000     7.77  
     Exercised     (12,834 )   4.62     (45,200 )   5.01     (32,834 )   4.13  
     Forfeited     (13,000 )   6.80     (31,800 )   7.10          



 
Outstanding at end of year     1,008,000   $ 6.08     905,667   $ 5.13     939,667   $ 5.09  


 
 
                                       
Exercisable at end of year     780,233   $ 4.86     727,534   $ 4.58     706,467   $ 4.35  






 

                The following table provides certain information with respect to stock options outstanding and stock options exercisable at year end 2005:

 
Stock Options Outstanding Stock Options Exercisable

                     
Range of Exercise
Prices
Shares

Weighted
Average
Exercise
Price

Weighted
Average
Remaining
Life
Shares Weighted
Average
Exercise Price

                                 
Under $3.00     144,000   $ 2.38     0.9     144,000   $ 2.38  
$3.00-$4.99     507,500     4.57     3.6     488,500     4.56  
$5.00-$6.99     15,000     5.73     1.3     13,333     5.58  
$7.00-$8.99     211,000     8.26     6.3     124,400     8.36  
Above $8.99     130,500     12.56     4.2     10,000     10.92  


 
      1,008,000     6.08     4.5     780,233     4.86  


 

63



Sport Chalet, Inc.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

6. Award Plan and Stock Award (continued)

Stock Award

                During the year ended March 31, 2004, the Principal Stockholder and his spouse, through their family trust, awarded 38,600 shares to certain executives. Award recipients were not required to pay consideration for the shares. The fair market value of the shares, $448,918, was treated as a capital contribution by the Principal Stockholder and expensed as compensation to recipients as of March 31, 2004.

                The Company granted loans to employees to pay the income taxes associated with certain stock awards granted and expensed in fiscal 1999 and fiscal 2001. These loans bear interest at 6%, are due in June 2005 and are secured by the awarded shares. At March 31, 2005 and 2004 the loan balance was $76,960 and $101,036, respectively.

7. Employee Retirement Plan

                Effective January 1, 1997, the Company adopted the Sport Chalet, Inc. Employee Retirement Savings Plan (the “401(k) Plan”). All employees who have been employed by the Company for at least three months of service and are at least 21 years of age are eligible to participate. Employees may contribute from 2% to 100% of their eligible earnings to the 401(k) Plan, subject to a statutorily prescribed annual limit. The Company matches 25% of employee contributions up to 1% of the employee’s current compensation. The Company expense related to this plan was $129,004, $152,817 and $147,291 for the years ended March 31, 2005, 2004 and 2003, respectively.


64



Sport Chalet, Inc.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

8. Other Accrued Expenses

                Other accrued expenses consist of the following:

 
March 31,  
2005   2004  
 
Amount due to customers $ 3,036,511   $ 2,361,886  
Accrued sales tax   2,249,770     1,784,623  
Self-insurance accruals   2,489,336     1,663,192  
Other   1,977,958     2,021,260  
 
Other accrued expenses $ 9,753,575   $ 7,830,961  
 
 

9. Quarterly Results of Operations (Unaudited)

                A summary of the unaudited quarterly results of operations follows (dollar amounts in thousands, except per share amounts):

 
First
Quarter
  Second
Quarter
  Third
Quarter
  Fourth
Quarter
 
 
 
Fiscal 2005                        
Net sales $ 61,538   $ 72,465   $ 95,914   $ 79,172  
Gross profit   17,768     22,297     31,246     24,350  
Income from operations   282     2,707     6,340     1,188  
Net income   137     1,594     3,719     722  
Basic earnings per share $ 0.02   $ 0.24   $ 0.56   $ 0.11  
Diluted earnings per share $ 0.02   $ 0.22   $ 0.51   $ 0.10  

First
Quarter
  Second
Quarter
  Third
Quarter
  Fourth
Quarter
 
 
 
Fiscal 2004                        
Net sales $ 53,309   $ 61,819   $ 79,705   $ 69,404  
Gross profit   14,943     18,685     26,056     20,505  
Income from operations   (880 )   3,019     5,157     535  
Net income   (552 )   1,780     3,086     330  
Basic earnings per share $ (0.08 ) $ 0.27   $ 0.46   $ 0.05  
Diluted earnings per share $ (0.08 ) $ 0.26   $ 0.44   $ 0.05  
 

                The fourth quarter of fiscal 2005 includes approximately $1.2 million in: (i) increased litigation reserves and (ii) professional fees primarily associated with the proposed recapitalization plan.


65



SIGNATURES

                Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.

 
 

SPORT CHALET, INC.
(Registrant)

     
Date:  June 28, 2005  By: /s/ HOWARD K. KAMINSKY 
   
  Howard K. Kaminsky, Executive Vice President –
  Finance, Chief Financial Officer and Secretary
  (Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)
 

                KNOW ALL PERSONS BY THESE PRESENTS, that each person whose signature appears below hereby constitutes and appoints Howard K. Kaminsky, Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Secretary, his true and lawful attorney-in-fact and agent, with full power of substitution, to sign and execute on behalf of the undersigned any and all amendments to this report, and to perform any acts necessary in order to file the same, with all exhibits thereto and other documents in connection therewith with the Securities and Exchange Commission, granting unto said attorney-in-fact and agent full power and authority to do and perform each and every act and thing requested and necessary to be done in connection therewith, as fully to all intents and purposes as he might or could do in person, hereby ratifying and confirming all that said attorney-in-fact and agent, or their or his or her substitutes, shall do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.

                Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.

 
     
  /s/  NORBERT  OLBERZ Date: June 28, 2005
 
 
  Norbert Olberz,  
Chairman Emeritus and Director
 
     
     
  /s/ CRAIG L. LEVRA Date: June 28, 2005 
 
 
  Craig L. Levra, Chairman,
Chief Executive Officer and President
(Principal Executive Officer)
 
     
  /s/  HOWARD K. KAMINSKY Date: June 28, 2005
 
 
  Howard K. Kaminsky, Executive Vice President –
Finance, Chief Financial Officer and Secretary
(Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)
 
     
  /s/ JOHN R. ATTWOOD Date: June 28, 2005 
 
 
  John R. Attwood, Director  
     
  /s/ DONALD J. HOWARD Date: June 28, 2005 
 
 
  Donald J. Howard, Director  
     
  /s/ AL D. MCCREADY Date: June 28, 2005
 
 
  Al D. McCready, Director  
     
  /s/ ERIC S. OLBERZ  Date: June 28, 2005 
 
 
  Eric S. Olberz, Director  
     
  /s/ KENNETH OLSEN  Date: June 28, 2005
 
 
  Kenneth Olsen, Director  

66



  /s/ FREDERICK H. SCHNEIDER  Date: June 28, 2005
 
 
  Frederick H. Schneider, Director  

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EXHIBIT INDEX

 
EXHIBIT
NUMBER
DESCRIPTION  


 
     
3.1
Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation.
(1)
   
3.2
Bylaws, of Sport Chalet, Inc., as amended.
(2)
   
4.1
Form of Certificate for the Common Stock.
(3)
   
10.1
1992 Incentive Award Plan.
(4)
   
10.1.1
2004 Equity Incentive Plan.
(17)
   
10.2*
Form of Nonemployee Director Stock Option Incentive Award Agreement.
(4)
   
10.3*
Form of Key Employee Stock Option Incentive Award Agreement.
(4)
   
10.4*
Form of Director and Officer Indemnification Agreement.
(4)
   
10.5*
Form of Employee Stock Option Incentive Award Agreement.
(5)
   
10.6
Lease for La Cañada stores dated as of September 1, 1992, between the Company and La Cañada Properties, Inc.
(6)
   
10.7
Lease for Huntington Beach store dated as of August 25, 1994, between the Company and Huntington Beach Properties, Inc.
(7)
   
10.8
Lease for Porter Ranch store dated as of May 7, 1999, between the Company and North San Fernando Valley Properties, Inc.
(9)
   
10.9
Lease for La Cañada offices dated as of October 1, 2002, between the Company and La Cañada Properties, Inc.
(15)
   
10.10
Business Loan Agreement dated as of June 19, 1998, between the Company and Bank of America, N.A.
(8)
   
10.11
Amendment No. 2 to Business Loan Agreement dated as of June 19,1998, between the Company and Bank of America, N.A.
(11)
   
10.12
Amendment No. 3 to Business Loan Agreement dated as of November 20, 2001, between the Company and Bank of America, N.A.
(12)
   
10.13
Amendment No. 4 to Business Loan Agreement dated as of June 10, 2002, between the Company and Bank of America, N.A.
(13)
   
10.14
Amendment No. 5 to Loan Agreement, dated as of September 25, 2003, between the Company and Bank of America, N.A.
(14)
   
10.15*
Employment Agreement dated as of April 1, 2000, between the Company and Norbert J. Olberz.
(10)
   
10.16*
Employment Agreement dated as of November 15, 2002, between the Company and Craig L. Levra.
(16)
   
10.17*
Employment Agreement dated as of November 15, 2002, between the Company and Howard K. Kaminsky.
(16)
   
10.18*
Employment Agreement dated as of November 15, 2002, between the Company and Dennis D. Trausch.
(16)

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14.1
Code of Conduct
(18)
16.1
Letter regarding change in accounting firm
(19)
   
16.1
Letter regarding change in accounting firm
(19)
   
23.1
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm.
23.2
Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm.
   
24.1
Power of attorney (see signature page)
   
31.1
Certification Pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, Adopted Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
   
31.2
Certification Pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, Adopted Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
   
32.1
Certification Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
     
Filed as part of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
 
     
*
Constitute management contracts, or compensatory plans or arrangements, which are required to be filed pursuant to Item 601 of Regulation S-K.
 
     
(1)
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-1 (Registration Statement No. 33-53120).
 
     
(2)
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.2 to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-8 (Registration Statement No. 333-107683).
 
     
(3)
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-1 (Registration Statement No. 33-53120).
 
     
(4)
Incorporated by reference to Exhibits 10.19 through 10.23 to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-1 (Registration Statement No. 33-53120).
 
     
(5)
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.5 to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-8 (Registration Statement No. 33-61612).
 
     
(6)
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-1 (Registration Statement No. 33-53120).
 
     
(7)
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 1994.
 
     
(8)
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.37 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended March 31, 1998.
 
     
(9)
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.41 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended March 31, 1999.
 
     
(10)
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.45 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2000.
 

69



(11)
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2000.
 
     
(12)
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended December 31, 2001.
 
     
(13)
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.55 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2002.
 
     
(14)
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2003.
 
     
(15)
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2002.
 
     
(16)
Incorporated by reference to Exhibits 10.1, 10.2 and 10.3 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended December 31, 2002.
 
     
(17)
Incorporated by reference to Appendix D to the Company’s definitive proxy statement for the 2004 annual meeting of stockholders.
 
     
(18)
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 14.1 to Amendment No.1 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K/A for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2004.
 
     
(19)
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 16.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on November 18, 2004.
 

70