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EX-32.2 - EXHIBIT 32.2 - ALCO STORES INCex32_2.htm

UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
 
FORM 10-Q
 
x QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the quarterly period ended August 4, 2013
 
or
 
o TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
 
Commission File Number 0-20269
 
 
ALCO STORES, INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Kansas
48-0201080
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)
(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
 
 
401 Cottage Street
 
Abilene, Kansas
67410-2832
(Address of principal executive offices)
(Zip Code)

Registrant’s telephone number including area code: (785) 263-3350
 
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
NONE
 
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:
 
Common Stock, par value $.0001 per share
(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. Yes x No o
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files). Yes x No o
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer or a smaller reporting company. See definitions of “accelerated filer”, “large accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
 
Large accelerated filer o
Accelerated filer o
 
 
Non-accelerated filer o
Smaller reporting company x
(Do not check if a smaller reporting company)
 
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell Company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes o No x
 
Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer’s classes of common stock as of the latest practicable date.
 
Common Stock, $0.0001 par value, outstanding as of September 17, 2013:  3,258,163 shares
 



ALCO STORES, INC.
 TABLE OF CONTENTS

PART I
FINANCIAL INFORMATION
 
 
Item 1.
3
 
 
3
 
 
4
 
 
5
 
Item 2.
9
 
Item 3.
17
 
 
 
 
PART II
OTHER INFORMATION
 
 
Item 1.
17
 
Item 1A.
17
 
Item 2.
18
 
Item 3.
18
 
Item 4.
18
 
Item 5.
18
 
Item 6.
18
 
 
 
 
 
22

PART I – FINANCIAL INFORMATION

ITEM 1.
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 
ALCO Stores, Inc.
Balance Sheets
(dollars in thousands, except share data)
 
 
 
August 4,
2013
   
February 3,
2013
 
Assets
 
(Unaudited)
   
 
Current assets:
 
   
 
Cash
 
$
2,834
   
$
3,160
 
Receivables
   
12,434
     
13,187
 
Inventories
   
174,528
     
166,671
 
Prepaid expenses
   
4,389
     
3,767
 
Deferred income taxes
   
4,079
     
3,081
 
Property held for sale
   
568
     
568
 
Total current assets
   
198,832
     
190,434
 
 
               
Property and equipment, at cost:
               
Land and land improvements
   
5,658
     
5,648
 
Buildings and building improvements
   
10,500
     
10,499
 
Furniture, fixtures and equipment
   
78,118
     
74,066
 
Transportation equipment
   
988
     
988
 
Leasehold improvements
   
21,138
     
21,138
 
Construction work in progress
   
5,575
     
5,083
 
Total property and equipment
   
121,977
     
117,422
 
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization
   
85,631
     
81,794
 
Net property and equipment
   
36,346
     
35,628
 
 
               
Property under capital leases
   
26,972
     
26,972
 
Less accumulated amortization
   
11,981
     
11,476
 
Net property under capital leases
   
14,991
     
15,496
 
 
               
Deferred income taxes — non current
   
1,538
     
1,693
 
Other non-current assets
   
1,955
     
624
 
Total assets
 
$
253,662
   
$
243,875
 
 
               
Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity
               
Current liabilities:
               
Current maturities of capital lease obligations
 
$
574
   
$
580
 
Accounts payable
   
30,129
     
39,220
 
Accrued salaries and commissions
   
3,674
     
3,111
 
Accrued taxes other than income taxes
   
5,559
     
5,046
 
Self-insurance claim reserves
   
4,291
     
4,429
 
Other current liabilities
   
5,812
     
4,429
 
Total current liabilities
   
50,039
     
56,815
 
 
               
Notes payable under revolving loan
   
81,562
     
63,446
 
Capital lease obligations - less current maturities
   
15,621
     
15,936
 
Deferred gain on leases
   
2,860
     
3,053
 
Other noncurrent liabilities
   
2,361
     
2,462
 
Total liabilities
   
152,443
     
141,712
 
 
               
Stockholders’ equity:
               
Common stock, $.0001 par value, authorized 20,000,000 shares;  3,258,163 and 3,808,338 shares issued and outstanding, respectively
   
1
     
1
 
Additional paid-in capital
   
36,761
     
36,533
 
Retained earnings
   
64,457
     
65,629
 
Total stockholders’ equity
   
101,219
     
102,163
 
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity
 
$
253,662
   
$
243,875
 


See accompanying notes to unaudited financial statements.

ALCO Stores, Inc.
Statements of Operations
(dollars in thousands, except share data)
(Unaudited)

 
 
Thirteen Week Periods Ended
   
Twenty-Six Week Periods Ended
 
 
 
August 4,
2013
   
July 29,
2012
   
August 4,
2013
   
July 29,
2012
 
Net sales
 
$
124,057
   
$
119,817
   
$
239,366
   
$
235,095
 
Cost of sales
   
84,848
     
80,542
     
166,059
     
161,794
 
 
                               
Gross margin
   
39,209
     
39,275
     
73,307
     
73,301
 
 
                               
Selling, general and administrative
   
35,052
     
32,870
     
68,509
     
65,823
 
Depreciation and amortization expenses
   
2,194
     
2,116
     
4,361
     
4,214
 
 
                               
Total operating expenses
   
37,246
     
34,986
     
72,870
     
70,037
 
 
                               
Operating income
   
1,963
     
4,289
     
437
     
3,264
 
 
                               
Interest expense
   
957
     
792
     
2,010
     
1,536
 
 
                               
Earnings (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes
   
1,006
     
3,497
     
(1,573
)
   
1,728
 
 
                               
Income tax expense (benefit)
   
376
     
1,415
     
(589
)
   
685
 
 
                               
Earnings (loss) from continuing operations
   
630
     
2,082
     
(984
)
   
1,043
 
 
                               
Loss from discontinued operations, net of income tax benefit of $81, $59, $114, and $209 respectively
   
(133
)
   
(97
)
   
(188
)
   
(343
)
Net earnings (loss)
 
$
497
   
$
1,985
   
$
(1,172
)
 
$
700
 
 
                               
Earnings (loss) per share
                               
Basic
                               
Continuing operations
 
$
0.19
   
$
0.55
   
$
(0.30
)
 
$
0.27
 
Discontinued operations
   
(0.04
)
   
(0.03
)
   
(0.06
)
   
(0.09
)
 
                               
Net earnings (loss) per share
 
$
0.15
   
$
0.52
   
$
(0.36
)
 
$
0.18
 
 
                               
Earnings (loss) per share
                               
Diluted
                               
Continuing operations
 
$
0.19
   
$
0.55
   
$
(0.30
)
 
$
0.27
 
Discontinued operations
   
(0.04
)
   
(0.03
)
   
(0.06
)
   
(0.09
)
 
                               
Net earnings (loss) per share
 
$
0.15
   
$
0.52
   
$
(0.36
)
 
$
0.18
 

 

See accompanying notes to unaudited financial statements.


ALCO Stores, Inc.
Statements of Cash Flows
(dollars in thousands)
(Unaudited)

 
 
Twenty-Six Week Periods Ended
 
 
 
August 4,
2013
   
July 29,
2012
 
 
 
   
 
Cash flows from operating activities:
 
   
 
Net income (loss)
 
$
(1,172
)
 
$
700
 
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities:
               
 
               
Depreciation and amortization
   
4,392
     
4,263
 
Gain on sale of assets
   
     
(92
)
Share-based compensation expense
   
228
     
230
 
Deferred income tax expense
   
(843
)
   
410
 
Changes in:
               
Receivables
   
753
     
809
 
Prepaid expenses
   
(623
)
   
(816
)
Inventories
   
(7,858
)
   
(2,785
)
Accounts payable
   
(9,091
)
   
11,530
 
Accrued salaries and commissions
   
563
     
(193
)
Accrued taxes other than income
   
512
     
857
 
Self-insured claims reserves
   
(138
)
   
(108
)
Other assets and liabilities
   
(242
)
   
242
 
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities
   
(13,519
)
   
15,047
 
 
               
Cash flows from investing activities:
               
Proceeds from the sale of assets
   
39
     
465
 
Acquisition of property and equipment
   
(4,642
)
   
(4,426
)
Net cash used in investing activities
   
(4,603
)
   
(3,961
)
 
               
Cash flows from financing activities:
               
Borrowings on revolving loan credit agreement
   
104,751
     
85,347
 
Repayments on revolving loan credit agreement
   
(86,635
)
   
(95,871
)
Principal payments under capital lease obligations
   
(320
)
   
(346
)
Payments for repurchase of stock
   
     
(300
)
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities
   
17,796
     
(11,170
)
 
               
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents
   
(326
)
   
(84
)
Cash at beginning of period
   
3,160
     
2,491
 
 
               
Cash at end of period
 
$
2,834
   
$
2,407
 


Supplemental cash flow information:
Interest, excluding interest on capital lease obligations and amortization of debt financing costs
 
$
1,222
   
$
867
 
Net income tax paid
 
$
130
   
$
123
 

See accompanying notes to unaudited financial statements.
ALCO STORES, INC.
Notes to Unaudited Financial Statements
(dollars in thousands, except share data and per share amounts)
 
(1) Basis of Presentation
 
The accompanying unaudited financial statements of ALCO Stores, Inc. (the "Company") are for interim periods and have been prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) for interim financial information and with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Regulation S-X. Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and footnotes required by GAAP for complete financial statements.  The accompanying unaudited financial statements should be read in conjunction with the financial statements included in the Company's fiscal 2013 Annual Report on Form 10-K. In the opinion of management of the Company, the accompanying unaudited financial statements reflect all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring accruals) necessary to present fairly the financial position of the Company and the results of its operations and cash flows for the interim periods. Because the Company’s business is moderately seasonal, the results from interim periods are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the entire year.
 
The Company’s fiscal year ends on the Sunday nearest to January 31.  Fiscal 2014 is a 52-week period consisting of four thirteen week periods, with each period referred to as a quarter.  Fiscal 2013 was a 53-week period consisting of three thirteen week periods and one fourteen week period.  During Fiscal 2013, the fourteen week period occurred in the fourth quarter.  The thirteen weeks ended August 4, 2013 and July 29, 2012 are referred to herein as the second quarter of fiscal 2014 and 2013, respectively.
 
Same-stores are those stores which were open at the end of the reporting period, had reached their fourteenth month of operation, and include store locations, if any, that had experienced a remodel, an expansion, or relocation.  Same-stores also include the Company’s transactional website.
 
Non same-stores are those stores which have not reached their fourteenth month of operation.
 
The depreciation and amortization amounts from the Statements of Operations may not agree to the related amounts in the Statements of Cash Flows due to the fact that a portion of the depreciation and amortization is included in loss from discontinued operations, net of income tax benefit line of the Statements of Operations.
 
(2) Share-Based Compensation
 
The Company recognizes compensation expense for its share-based payments based on the fair value of the awards at grant date.  Share-based payments consist of stock option grants and the related compensation cost is recognized over the requisite service period of the award.
 
Total share-based compensation expense (a component of selling, general and administrative expenses) is summarized as follows:
 
 
 
Thirteen Week Periods Ended
   
Twenty-Six Week Periods Ended
 
 
 
August 4, 2013
   
July 29, 2012
   
August 4, 2013
   
July 29, 2012
 
 
 
   
   
   
 
Share-based compensation expense before income taxes
 
$
88
     
100
   
$
228
     
230
 
Income tax benefit
   
(33
)
   
(40
)
   
(86
)
   
(93
)
 
                               
Share-based compensation expense net of income tax benefit
 
$
55
     
60
   
$
142
     
137
 
 
                               
Effect on:
                               
Basic earnings per share
 
$
0.02
     
0.02
   
$
0.04
     
0.04
 
Diluted earnings per share
 
$
0.02
     
0.02
   
$
0.04
     
0.04
 
 
Forfeitures are estimated at the time of valuation and reduce expense ratably over the vesting period.  This estimate is adjusted periodically based on the extent to which actual forfeitures differ, or are expected to differ, from the previous estimate.
 
Equity Incentive Plan
 
In May 2003, the stockholders approved the 2003 ALCO Stores, Inc. Incentive Stock Option Plan and such plan was amended in 2010 to permit optionees to make a cashless, net exercise of their stock options (the 2003 ALCO Stores, Inc. Incentive Stock Option Plan, as amended is hereinafter referred to as the “2003 Plan”).  There are 500,000 shares of Common Stock authorized for issuance upon exercise of options under the 2003 Plan.  According to the terms of the 2003 Plan, the per share exercise price of options granted shall not be less than the fair market value of the stock on the date of grant and such options will expire no later than five years from the date of grant.  The options vest in equal amounts over a four year requisite service period beginning from the grant date unless certain Company events occur.  In the case of a stockholder owning more than 10% of the outstanding voting stock of the Company, the exercise price of an incentive stock option may not be less than 110% of the fair market value of the stock on the date of grant and such options will expire no later than five years from the date of grant.  Also, the aggregate fair market value of the stock with respect to which incentive stock options are exercisable on a tax deferred basis for the first time by an individual in any calendar year may not exceed $0.1 million.  In the event that the foregoing results in a portion of an option exceeding the $0.1 million limitation, such portion of the option in excess of the limitation shall be treated as a nonqualified stock option.  At August 4, 2013, the Company had 275,875 remaining shares authorized for future option grants.  Upon exercise, the Company issues these shares from the unissued shares authorized. The 2003 Plan had a term of ten years and options could no longer be granted under the 2003 Plan after May 2013. Therefore, the Compensation Committee created a new stock option plan that was voted upon by the Company’s stockholders during the 2012 annual meeting to replace the 2003 Plan.
On June 27, 2012, the Company's stockholders approved the Company's 2012 Equity Incentive Plan (the "2012 Plan"), which is administered by the Compensation Committee of the Company's Board of Directors.  Under the 2012 Plan, the Company may grant up to 500,000 shares of Company stock in the form of stock options, restricted stock, stock appreciation rights and other stock awards to officers, key employees and consultants of the Company and its affiliates; provided however, the Company's directors are not permitted to be participants in the 2012 Plan.  The Compensation Committee has broad discretion to administer the 2012 Plan, interpret its provisions, and adopt policies for implementing purposes of the 2012 Plan.  This discretion includes the power to select the persons who will receive awards, determine the form, terms and conditions of any such awards, and interpret, construe and apply such terms and conditions. According to the terms of the 2012 Plan, the per share exercise price of stock options granted shall not be less than the fair market value of the stock on the date of grant and such options will expire no later than ten years from the date of grant.  The stock options, awards and rights granted under the Plan vest over a certain period of time, as determined by the Compensation Committee in its sole discretion, beginning from the grant date unless certain Company events occur as further provided under the terms of the Plan.  In the case of a stockholder owning more than 10% of the outstanding voting stock of the Company, the exercise price of an incentive stock option may not be less than 110% of the fair market value of the stock on the date of grant and such options will expire no later than five years from the date of grant.  Also, the aggregate fair market value of the stock with respect to which incentive stock options are exercisable on a tax deferred basis for the first time by an individual in any calendar year may not exceed $0.1 million. In the event that the foregoing results in a portion of an option exceeding the $0.1 million limitation, such portion of the option in excess of the limitation shall be treated as a non-qualified stock option. No more than 100,000 shares of the Company's stock may be awarded in a single calendar year to any individual participating in the 2012 Plan.  At August 4, 2013, the Company had 392,500 remaining shares authorized for future option grants.  Upon exercise, the Company issues these shares from the unissued shares authorized.  The 2012 Plan will expire on June 27, 2022.
 
Under our Non-Qualified Stock Option Plan for Non-Management Directors (the “Director Plan”), options may be granted to Directors of the Company who are not otherwise officers or employees of the Company, not to exceed 200,000 shares.  According to the terms of the Director Plan, the per share exercise price of options granted shall not be less than the fair market value of the stock on the date of grant and such options will expire five years from the date of grant.  The options vest in equal amounts over a four year requisite service period beginning from the grant date unless certain Company events occur.  All options under the Director Plan shall be non-qualified stock options. At August 4, 2013, the Company had 76,457 remaining shares to be issued under this plan. Upon exercise, the Company will issue these shares from the unissued shares authorized.
 
The fair value of each option grant is separately estimated.  The fair value of each option is amortized into share-based compensation on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period as discussed above.  We have estimated the fair value of all stock option awards as of the date of the grant by applying a modified Black-Scholes pricing valuation model.  The application of this valuation model involves assumptions that are judgmental and highly sensitive in the determination of share-based compensation, including expected stock price volatility.  The assumptions used in determining the fair value of options granted and a summary of the methodology applied to develop each assumption are as follows:
 
 
 
Fiscal 2013 Ended
   
Thirteen Week Periods Ended
   
Twenty-Six Week Periods Ended
 
 
 
February 3, 2013
   
August 4, 2013
   
July 29, 2012
   
August 4, 2013
   
July 29, 2012
 
Stock options granted
   
190,000
     
129,500
     
175,000
     
129,500
     
190,000
 
 
                                       
Weighted average exercise price
 
$
9.41
   
$
9.97
   
$
9.45
   
$
9.97
   
$
9.41
 
 
                                       
Weighted average grant date fair value (per share)
 
$
3.92
   
$
4.69
   
$
3.90
   
$
4.69
   
$
3.92
 
 
                                       
Expected price volatility
   
48.23
%
   
47.11
%
   
47.68
%
   
47.11
%
   
48.23
%
 
                                       
Risk-free interest rate
   
0.59
%
   
0.60
%
   
0.61
%
   
0.60
%
   
0.59
%
 
                                       
Weighted average expected lives in years
   
7.2
     
7.4
     
7.4
     
7.4
     
7.2
 
 
                                       
Dividend yield
   
0.00
%
   
0.00
%
   
0.00
%
   
0.00
%
   
0.00
%
 
                                       
EXPECTED PRICE VOLATILITY — A measure of the amount by which a price has fluctuated or is expected to fluctuate.  The Company uses actual historical changes in the market value of its stock to calculate expected price volatility because management believes that this is the best indicator of future volatility.  The Company calculates monthly market value changes from the date of grant over a past period to determine volatility.  An increase in the expected volatility will increase share-based compensation.
 
RISK-FREE INTEREST RATE — The applicable U.S. Treasury rate for the date of the grant over the expected term.  An increase in the risk-free interest rate will increase share-based compensation.
 
EXPECTED LIVES — The period of time over which the options granted are expected to remain outstanding and is based on management’s expectations in relation to the holders of the options.  Options granted have a maximum term of ten years.  An increase in the expected life will increase share-based compensation.
 
DIVIDEND YIELD — The Company has not made any dividend payments nor does it have plans to pay dividends in the foreseeable future.  An increase in the dividend yield will decrease share-based compensation.
 
As of August 4, 2013, total unrecognized share-based compensation expense related to non-vested stock options is $0.6 million with a weighted average expense recognition period of 3.1 years.
 
(3) Accounting for Income Taxes
 
The statute of limitations for the Company’s federal income tax returns is open for fiscal 2010 through fiscal 2012.  The Company files in numerous state jurisdictions with varying statutes of limitation.  The Company’s state returns are subject to examination by the taxing authority for fiscal 2009 through 2012 or fiscal 2010 through fiscal 2012, depending on each state’s statute of limitations.
(4) Fair Value Measurements
 
The financial instruments of the Company consist of cash, short-term receivables and accounts payable, accrued expenses and long-term debt instruments, including capital leases.  For notes payable under revolving loan, fair value approximates the carrying value due to the variable interest rate.  For all other financial instruments, including cash, short-term receivables, accounts payable and accrued expenses, the carrying amounts approximate fair value due to the short maturity of those instruments.
 
(5) Earnings Per Share
 
Basic earnings per share is computed by dividing net earnings by the weighted average number of shares outstanding.  Diluted earnings per share reflect the potential dilution that could occur if contracts to issue securities (such as stock options) were exercised, except for those periods with a loss where the effect would be anti-dilutive.  The weighted average number of shares used in computing earnings per share was as follows:
 
 
 
Thirteen Week Periods Ended
   
Twenty-Six Week Periods Ended
 
 
 
August 4, 2013
   
July 29, 2012
   
August 4, 2013
   
July 29, 2012
 
Basic
   
3,258,163
     
3,808,338
     
3,258,163
     
3,815,172
 
Diluted
   
3,258,566
     
3,808,338
     
3,258,163
     
3,815,172
 
 
(6) Store Closings and Discontinued Operations
 
When the operation of a store is discontinued and the store is closed, the Company reclassifies historical operating results from continuing operations to discontinued operations.  The Company closed four stores during the second quarter of fiscal 2014 and a total of four stores during the twenty-six weeks ended August 4, 2013, whereas the Company closed one store during the second quarter of fiscal 2013 and a total of three stores during the twenty six weeks ended July 29, 2012.
 
(7) Long-Term Debt
 
On July 21, 2011, the Company entered into a five-year revolving Credit Agreement (the “Facility”) with Wells Fargo Bank, National Association and Wells Capital Finance, LLC (collectively “Wells Fargo”).  The $120.0 million Facility replaced the Company’s previous $120.0 million credit facility with Bank of America, N.A. and Wells Fargo Retail Finance, LLC, and expires July 20, 2016.  Additional costs paid to Wells Fargo in connection with the new facility were $0.5 million.  Those fees have been deferred and will be amortized over the term of the new facility.  Loan advances are secured by a security interest in the Company’s inventory and credit card receivables.
 
Based on the Company’s average excess availability, the amount advanced to the Company on any Base Rate Loan (as such term is defined in the Facility) bears interest at the highest of (a) the rate of interest in effect for such day as publicly announced from time to time by Wells Fargo as its “prime rate”; (b) the Federal Funds Rate for such day, plus 1.0%; and (c) the LIBO Rate for a 30 day interest period as determined on such day, plus 2.0%.  Amounts advanced with respect to any LIBO Borrowing for any Interest Period (as those terms are defined in the Facility) shall bear interest at an interest rate per annum (rounded upwards, if necessary, to the next 1/16 of one percent) equal to (a) the LIBO Rate for such Interest Period multiplied by (b) the Statutory Reserve Rate (as defined in the Facility).  The Facility contains various restrictions that are applicable when outstanding borrowings reach certain thresholds, including limitations on additional indebtedness, prepayments, acquisition of assets, granting of liens, certain investments and payment of dividends.
 
On October 12, 2012, subsequent to a trade confirmation executed October 10, 2012 whereby the Company repurchased shares of its Common Stock, the Company notified Wells Fargo that immediately after giving effect to the share repurchase, the Consolidated Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio would not be greater than the required ratio per Section 7.06(c) of the Facility.  On October 12, 2012, Wells Fargo issued its consent of the repurchase (the “WF Consent”); provided that the WF Consent automatically terminated in the event the repurchase was not consummated within 90 days of the date of consent.
 
On February 6, 2013, the Board of Directors of the Company unanimously approved a First Amendment (the “Amendment”) to its Credit Agreement with Wells Fargo National Association, amending Section 7.06(c) of the Credit Agreement to permit the Company, subject to certain conditions set forth in the Amendment, to repurchase, redeem or otherwise acquire Equity Interests issued by the Company not to exceed $1.0 million in the aggregate in each fiscal year.  Under the Credit Agreement, “Equity Interests” is defined as all of the shares of the capital stock of a person and all of the other warrants, options or other rights of a person to purchase capital stock of such person.  Such amendment was announced on Form 8-K filed by the Company with the Securities and Exchange Commission on February 12, 2013 and a copy of the Amendment is attached to such 8-K.  Except to the extent specifically set forth in the WF Consent and the Amendment, no other consent, waiver of, or change in any of the terms, provisions or conditions of the Credit Agreement is intended or implied.
 
Notes payable outstanding at August 4, 2013 and July 29, 2012 under the revolving loan credit facility aggregated $81.6 million and $41.5 million, respectively.  The lender had also issued letters of credit aggregating $10.0 million and $8.7 million, respectively, at such dates on behalf of the Company.  The interest rates on the outstanding borrowings at August 4, 2013 were 2.50% on $45.0 million of the outstanding balance, 2.44% on $25.0 million of the outstanding balance, and 4.25% on the remaining $11.6 million.  The Company had additional borrowings available at August 4, 2013 under the revolving loan credit facility amounting to approximately $28.5 million.
 
Interest expense on notes payable and long-term debt, excluding capital lease obligations and amortization of debt financing costs, aggregated $0.6 million and $0.5 million during the second quarter of fiscal 2014 and fiscal 2013, respectively.  Interest expense on notes payable and long-term debt, excluding capital lease obligations and amortization of debt financing costs, aggregated $1.2 million and $0.9 million during the twenty-six weeks ended August 4, 2013 and July 29, 2012, respectively
 
(8) Stock Repurchase
 
On July 27, 2012, the Company entered into a new Rule 10b5-1 and Rule 10b-18 Stock Repurchase Agreement with William Blair and Company, LLC (the “Stock Repurchase Agreement”) whereby the Company authorized the repurchase of up to 175,000 shares of the Company’s Common Stock under the Company’s stock repurchase program (the “Program”).
The Program was initially authorized by the Company on March 23, 2006, whereby the Board of Directors of the Company authorized the repurchase of 200,000 shares of the Company's Common Stock, and the Company repurchased 3,337 shares of Common Stock under the Program. The Company's Board of Directors reinstated the Program on August 13, 2008 and the Company repurchased 22,197 shares of Common Stock under the Program during such period of reinstatement. The Board of Directors of the Company approved the reinstatement of the Program again on January 6, 2012 and the Company repurchased an additional 34,407 shares of Common Stock during such reinstatement. On April 25, 2012, the Board of Directors of the Company authorized the Company to repurchase an additional 500,000 shares of Common Stock for a total of 700,000 shares of Common Stock authorized for repurchase under the Program. The Stock Repurchase Agreement only authorizes William Blair and Company, LLC to repurchase a portion of the total shares available for repurchase under the Program as stated above. Under the terms of the Program, the Company can terminate the proposed buy back at any time.
 
There were no shares repurchased by the Company during the second quarter of fiscal 2014.  During fiscal 2013, the Company repurchased a total of 584,928 shares of Common Stock under the Program.  All shares were repurchased at market prices and the Company’s policy is to apply the excess of purchase price over par value to additional paid-in capital, resulting in a decrease to additional paid-in capital of $4.0 million.  As of August 4, 2013, the Company had repurchased a total of 610,462 shares under the Program since it was initially approved in 2006.  Therefore, there were 89,538 shares of Common Stock available to be repurchased by the Company, as of August 4, 2013.
 
On July 25, 2013, the Company entered into an Agreement and Plan of Merger (the “Merger Agreement”) with Mallard Parent, LLC, (“Parent”) and M Acquisition Corporation, (“Merger Sub”), providing for the merger of Merger Sub with and into the Company (the “Merger”), with the Company surviving the Merger as a wholly owned subsidiary of Parent.  Parent and Acquisition Sub are beneficially owned by an affiliate of Argonne Capital Group, LLC (the “Sponsor”).  The merger consideration is $14.00 per share in cash, without interest, and will be supported through financing to be obtained by the Sponsor $2.25 million.
 
Under the Merger Agreement, each share of the Company’s common stock issued and outstanding immediately prior to the effective time of the Merger (other than shares, if any, owned by Parent, Merger Sub, the Company, or any other direct or indirect wholly owned subsidiary of Parent, Merger Sub, or the Company) will be converted into the right to receive $14.00 per share in cash, without interest.
 
The Merger is subject to the approval by at least a majority of all outstanding shares of common stock.  The Merger is also subject to various other customary conditions, including the absence of any governmental order prohibiting the consummation of the transaction contemplated by the Merger Agreement, the accuracy of the representations and warranties contained in the Merger Agreement, and compliance with the covenants and agreements in the Merger Agreement in all material respects.
 
The Company is now subject to customary “non-solicitation” provisions that limit its ability to solicit, encourage, discuss or negotiate alternative acquisition proposals from third parties or to provide non-public information to third parties.  These non-solicitation provisions are subject to a “fiduciary out” provision that allows the Company to provide non-public information and participate in discussions and negotiations with respect to certain unsolicited written acquisition proposals and to terminate the Merger Agreement and enter into an alternative acquisition agreement with respect to a superior proposal in compliance with the terms of the Merger Agreement, provided that the Company’s Board of Directors has concluded that the failure to do so would be inconsistent with its fiduciary obligations under applicable law.
 
The Merger Agreement contains certain termination rights, including the Company’s right to terminate the Merger Agreement to accept a superior proposal, and provided that, upon termination of the Merger Agreement by the Company under specified conditions, a termination fee will be payable by the Company.  In such circumstances, the Company will be required to pay Sponsor $2.25 million.
 
Subject to approval by at least a majority of all outstanding shares of common stock, the proposed Merger is expected to close before the end of the 2013 calendar year.
 
(9) Legal Proceedings
 
On September 3, 2013, a class action petition was filed in the Third Judicial District Court of Kansas, challenging the actions causing the Company to enter into the Merger Agreement.
 
ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATION
 
CAUTIONARY STATEMENT CONCERNING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS AND FACTORS THAT MAY AFFECT FUTURE RESULTS OF OPERATIONS, FINANCIAL CONDITION OR BUSINESS
 
Certain statements contained in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q that are not statements of historical fact may constitute “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 21E of the Exchange Act.  These statements are subject to risks and uncertainties, as described below. Examples of forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to:  (i) projections of revenues, income or loss, earnings or loss per share, capital expenditures, store openings, store closings, payment or non-payment of dividends, capital structure and other financial items, (ii) statements of plans and objectives of the Company’s management or Board of Directors, including plans or objectives relating to inventory, store development, marketing, competition, business strategy, store environment, merchandising, purchasing, pricing, distribution, transportation, store locations and information systems, (iii) statements of future economic performance, and (iv) statements of assumptions underlying the statements described in (i), (ii) and (iii).  Forward-looking statements can often be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology, such as “believes,” “expects,” “may,” “will,” “should,” “could,” “intends,” “plans,” “estimates”, “projects” or “anticipates,” variations thereof or similar expressions.
Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance or results.  They involve risks, uncertainties and assumptions.  The Company’s future results of operations, financial condition and business operations may differ materially from the forward-looking statements or the historical information stated in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.  Stockholders and investors are cautioned not to put undue reliance on any forward-looking statement.
 
There are a number of factors and uncertainties that could cause actual results of operations, financial condition or business contemplated by the forward-looking statements to differ materially from those discussed in the forward-looking statements made herein or elsewhere orally or in writing, by, or on behalf of, the Company, including those factors described below.  Other factors not identified herein could also have such an effect.  Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those discussed in the forward-looking statements and from historical information include, but are not limited to, those factors described below.
 
OVERVIEW
 
 Economic conditions:  The economic slowdown we have experienced and continue to experience amid uncertainty on the future of the economy with the fiscal cliff, payroll tax increase, and other issues has caused disruptions and significant volatility in financial markets, increased rates of mortgage loan default and personal bankruptcy, and declining consumer and business confidence, which has led to decreased customer traffic and reduced levels of consumer spending, particularly on discretionary items.  We have experienced severe weather conditions, including snow and ice storms, flood and wind damage, tornadoes and droughts in some states that have slowed consumer confidence and customer traffic.    This decline in consumer and business confidence and the decreased levels of customer traffic and consumer spending have negatively impacted our business.  We cannot predict how long the current economically challenging conditions will persist and how such conditions might affect us and our customers.  Decreased customer traffic and reduced consumer spending, particularly on discretionary items, would, however, over an extended period of time negatively affect our financial condition, operating performance, revenues and income.  In addition, we cannot predict how current or worsening economic conditions will affect our critical suppliers and distributors and any negative impact on our critical suppliers or distributors may also have an adverse impact on our business results or financial condition.
 
Management does not believe that its merchandising operations, net sales, revenue or results from continuing operations have been materially impacted by inflation during the past two fiscal years.
 
Operations.  The Company is a regional broad line retailer operating in 23 states.
 
For purposes of this management’s discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations, the financial numbers are presented in millions.
 
Strategy.  The Company’s overall business strategy involves identifying and opening stores in locations that will provide the Company with the highest return on investment.  The Company also competes for retail sales with other entities, such as mail order companies, specialty retailers, stores, manufacturer’s outlets and the internet.  The Company initiated a transactional web site during November 2011.  In July 2012, the Company expanded the product selection on its website which now includes more than 20,000 items of high-quality merchandise.  Products offered on the ALCOstores.com website include video games and electronics, housewares, appliances and furniture, health & beauty aids, baby goods, office supplies, automotive and sporting goods, and much more.  As in traditional ALCO stores, consumers can choose from a wide range of well-known brand names.  In addition, the website includes brands not found in the Company’s retail stores.
 
During the second quarter of fiscal 2013, the Company adopted regional pricing and merchandising.  Regional pricing will allow the Company to identify opportunities to price specific items differently in different markets, depending on regional competitive situations, while maintaining the Company’s superior value positioning with shoppers in each market.  Regional merchandising consists of tailoring product offerings for specific needs in the Company’s regions, such as adding fire-retardant clothing in stores in oil-drilling areas and higher-end outdoor apparel in areas frequented by outdoors enthusiasts, such as Colorado and other Western states.
 
The Company uses a variety of broad-based targeted marketing and advertising strategies to reach consumers.  These strategies include full-color photography advertising circulars of eight to 20 pages distributed through newspaper insertion or, in the case of inadequate newspaper coverage, through direct mail.  During fiscal 2014, the Company will distribute approximately 48 circulars in the Company’s markets.  The Company also uses in-store marketing.  The Company’s merchandising and marketing teams work together to present the products in an engaging and innovative manner, which is coordinated so that it is consistent with the current print advertisements.  The Company regularly changes its banners and in-store promotions, which are advertised throughout the year, to attract consumers to the stores, to generate strong customer frequency and to increase average sales per customer.  Net marketing and promotion costs represented approximately 0.9% and 1.0% of net sales during the second quarter of fiscal 2014 and 2013, respectively.  Net marketing and promotion costs represented approximately 1.1% and 1.2% of net sales during the twenty-six weeks ended August 4, 2013 and July 29, 2012, respectively.  Management believes it has developed a comprehensive marketing strategy, intended to increase customer traffic and same-store sales.  The Company continues to operate as a high-low retailer and has included in many of its marketing vehicles cross departmental products.  For example, the Company has used an Elder Care page with over-the-counter products, “as seen on TV” items, and dry meals—all targeting customers who have reached retirement age.  The Company believes that by providing the breadth of these key items to this targeted audience we can serve our customers’ needs more efficiently and garner a greater share of the purchases made by this demographic.  The Company’s stores offer a broad line of merchandise consisting of approximately 35,000 items, including automotive,  consumables and commodities, crafts, domestics, electronics, furniture, hardware, health and beauty aids, housewares, jewelry, ladies’, men’s and children’s apparel and shoes, pre-recorded music and video, sporting goods, seasonal items, stationery and toys.  The Company is constantly evaluating the appropriate mix of merchandise to improve sales and gross margin performance.  Corporate merchandising is provided to each store to ensure a consistent Company-wide store presentation.  To facilitate long-term merchandising planning, the Company divides its merchandise into three core categories: primary, secondary, and convenience.  The primary core receives management’s primary focus, with a wide assortment of merchandise being placed in the most accessible locations within the stores and receiving significant promotional consideration.  The secondary core consists of categories of merchandise for which the Company maintains a strong assortment that is easily and readily identifiable by its customers.  The convenience core consists of categories of merchandise for which the Company maintains convenient (but limited) assortments, focusing on key items that are in keeping with customers’ expectations for a broad line retail store.  Secondary and convenience cores include merchandise that the Company feels is important to carry, as the target customer expects to find them within a broad line retail store and they ensure a high level of customer traffic.  The Company continually evaluates and ranks all product lines, shifting product classifications when necessary to reflect the changing demand for products. In addition, the Company’s merchandising systems are designed to integrate the key retailing functions of seasonal merchandise planning, purchase order management, merchandise distribution, sales information and inventory maintenance and replenishment.  All of the Company’s ALCO stores have point-of-service computer terminals that capture sales information and transmit such information to the Company’s data processing facilities where it is used to drive management, financial, and supply chain functions.
Store Expansion.  The continued growth of the Company is dependent, in large part, upon the Company’s ability to open and operate new stores on a timely and profitable basis.  The Company opened a total of five stores during fiscal 2013.  While the Company believes that adequate sites are available for future store openings, the rate of new store openings is subject to various contingencies, many of which are beyond the Company’s control.  These material contingencies include:
 
· the Company’s ability to hire, train, and retain qualified personnel;
 
· the availability of adequate capital resources for us to purchase inventory, equipment, and fixtures and make other capital expenditures necessary for store expansion; and
 
· the ability of our landlords and developers to find appropriate financing in the current credit market to develop property to be leased by the Company.
 
Historically, we have been able to hire, train, and retain qualified personnel and we anticipate being able to do so in the future. In order to address the increase in demand for qualified management, the Company will continue to recruit for those interested in working and living in our communities. Once hired, the management personnel will complete an in-store, hands-on management training program coupled with e-learning modules to ensure operational efficiencies and align to the Company priorities. We believe this training process will allow the Company to see the benefits of prompt time-to-productivity, employee engagement and commitment, and overall employee retention.
 
We currently believe that we will have the capital resources necessary to purchase the inventory, equipment, and fixtures, and to fund the other capital expenditures necessary for future store expansions.  If we lack such capital resources, however, it would limit our expansion plans and negatively impact our operations going forward.  The Company has been working closely with multiple developers and landlords that the Company believes have the financial resources to develop property to be leased by the Company and hold such property as a long-term investment in their portfolios.  If such developers and landlords do not have, and cannot obtain, the financial resources to develop and hold such property, it would limit our expansion plans and negatively impact our operations going forward.
 
Financial Risk:  The Company closely monitors IRS Section 382 regarding technical change of control.  This particular section of the tax code would place an annual limit on the Company’s right to use its net operating loss carry-forwards (“NOLs”) should the aggregate shift in 5% shareholders be more than 50% in the preceding three-year testing period or as a result of certain reorganizations (“Tripping Event”).  The annual limitation approximates 3% of the Company’s market capitalization just prior to the Tripping Event.  In the event of a Tripping Event, it is management’s belief the Company would still be able to utilize its NOLs prior to their expiration, albeit over a longer period of time.
 
In 2010, the “Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act” and the “Health Care and Education Affordability Reconciliation Act of 2010” (the “2010 Healthcare Acts”) were signed into law.  This legislation expands health care coverage to many uninsured individuals and expands coverage for those already insured.  The 2010 Healthcare Acts, as well as other healthcare reform legislation being considered by Congress and state legislatures, may have a negative impact on our business.  This impact could increase our employee healthcare related costs.  While the costs of the 2010 Healthcare Acts will occur after 2013, due to provisions of this legislation being phased in over time, changes to our healthcare cost structure could have an adverse effect on the Company’s financial condition.  While the Company cannot currently project the full amount of providing health insurance to all employees or the penalties that would be imposed if the Company did not offer health care to all employees, the Company believes that a reasonable range of incremental costs could be between $1.0 and $4.0 million, annually.
 
On April 10, 2013, the Company issued a press release to announce the relocation of the Company’s corporate office from Abilene, Kansas to Coppell, Texas, a suburb of Dallas, Texas.  On August 7, 2013, the Company received the certificate of occupancy for its corporate office in Coppell, TX.  If we do not effectively execute our relocation plan, our financial performance could be adversely affected.
 
Recent Events.
 
·
On May 24, 2013, the Compensation Committee of the Company’s Board of Directors approved an award of 25,000 stock options to Royce Winsten, the Chairman of the Board of Directors, based upon Mr. Winsten’s exceptional service to the Company, with the grant date of such options being June 28, 2013 and upon such other terms and conditions as stated on Form 8-K filed by the Company with the Securities and Exchange Commission on May 31, 2013.
· On July 1, 2013, under the Independent Director Compensation Policy, each director was issued 5,000 stock options, and the Chairman of the Board was issued 7,500 stock options.  Each director entered into a Non-Qualified Stock Option Agreement with the Company effective as of July 1, 2013 upon such terms and conditions as stated on Form 8-K filed by the Company with the Securities and Exchange Commission on July 8, 2013.
· On July 25, 2013, the Company entered into an Agreement and Plan of Merger (the “Merger Agreement”) with Mallard Parent, LLC, (“Parent”) and M Acquisition Corporation, (“Merger Sub”), providing for the merger of Merger Sub with and into the Company (the “Merger”), with the Company surviving the Merger as a wholly owned subsidiary of Parent, upon such terms and conditions as stated on Form 8-K filed by the Company with the Securities and Exchange Commission on July 25, 2013.  Parent and Acquisition Sub are beneficially owned by an affiliate of Argonne Capital Group, LLC (the “Sponsor”).
· On August 14, 2013, the Board of Directors of the Company received a proposal to acquire 100% of the Company’s outstanding shares upon such terms and conditions as stated on Schedule 13D/A filed by Everbright Development Overseas, LTD with the Securities and Exchange Commission on August 15, 2013.
· On August 15, 2013, the Company issued a Preliminary Proxy Statement advising shareholders of a special meeting, whereby shareholders would be asked to consider and vote upon a proposal to adopt the Merger Agreement, as evidenced by Schedule 14A filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
· On August 23, 2013, The Board of Directors of the Company received a proposal (“Acquisition Proposal”) to acquire 100% of the Company’s outstanding shares.  The Acquisition Proposal superseded Everbright’s prior proposal submitted on August 14, 2013 and provided certain changes with respect to the financing of the Merger and certain escrow arrangements to be entered into contemporaneously with the execution of a definitive merger agreement, upon such terms and conditions as stated on Schedule 13D/A filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission August 27, 2013.
· On August 28, 2013, Everbright submitted a letter (the “Supplemental Letter”) to the Company’s Board of Directors reconfirming the Acquisition Proposal and providing certain changes with respect to the financing of the Merger and certain escrow arrangements to be entered into contemporaneously with the execution of a definitive merger agreement, upon such terms and conditions as stated on Schedule 13D/A filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission August 29, 2013.
· On September 3, 2013, a class action petition was filed in the Third Judicial District Court of Kansas, challenging the actions causing the Company to enter into the Merger Agreement.
· On September 6, 2013, Everbright submitted a letter (the “Definitive Acquisition Proposal”) to the Company’s Board of Directors supplementing the Acquisition Proposal, thereby providing certain changes with respect to the per share offer price.  Subsequently, on September 7, 2013, Everbright notified representatives of the Company of additional revisions to the Definitive Acquisition Proposal and furnished executed commitment letters from external lending sources.  Both events upon such terms and conditions as stated on Schedule 13D/A filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission September 10, 2013.
· On September 11, 2013, the Company issued a press release regarding the Definitive Acquisition Proposal tendered to the Company’s Board of Directors on September 6, 2013, as supplemented on September 7, 2013, upon such terms and conditions as stated on Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
 
Key Items in the Second Quarter of Fiscal 2014.
 
The Company measures itself against a number of financial metrics to assess its performance.  Some of the important financial items, from continuing operations, during the second quarter of fiscal 2014 were:
 
· Net sales from continuing operations during the second quarter of fiscal 2014 increased 3.5% to $124.1 million, compared to net sales during the second quarter of fiscal 2013 of $119.8 million.

· Gross margin percentage is a key measure of the Company’s ability to maximize profit on the purchase and subsequent sale of merchandise, while minimizing promotional and clearance markdowns, shrinkage, damage and returns. Gross margin percentage is defined as net sales less cost of sales, expressed as a percentage of net sales.

Gross margin, as a percentage of net sales, was 31.6% during the second quarter of fiscal 2014, compared to 32.8% during the second quarter of fiscal 2013.

· Selling, general and administrative expenses (“SG&A”) are a measure of the Company’s ability to manage and control its expenses to purchase, distribute and sell merchandise.

SG&A as a percentage of net sales was 28.3% during the second quarter of fiscal 2014, compared to 27.4% during the second quarter of fiscal 2013.

· Earnings per share (“EPS”) is an indicator of the returns generated for the Company’s stockholders.

Net income per diluted share for the second quarter of fiscal 2014 was $0.19, compared to a net income per diluted share of $0.55 during second quarter of fiscal 2013. Net loss per share was negatively impacted by lower weighted average shares outstanding for the second quarter of fiscal 2014, compared to the weighted average shares outstanding during the second quarter of fiscal 2013.
 
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
 
The following table sets forth the components of the Company’s statements of operations expressed as percentages of net sales:
 
 
 
Thirteen Week Periods Ended
   
Twenty-Six Week Periods Ended
 
 
 
August 4, 2013
   
July 29, 2012
   
August 4, 2013
   
July 29, 2012
 
Net sales
   
100.0
%
   
100.0
%
   
100.0
%
   
100.0
%
Cost of sales
   
68.4
     
67.2
     
69.4
     
68.8
 
Gross margin
   
31.6
     
32.8
     
30.6
     
31.2
 
Selling, general and administrative
   
28.3
     
27.4
     
28.6
     
28.0
 
Depreciation and amortization
   
1.8
     
1.8
     
1.8
     
1.8
 
Total operating expenses
   
30.1
     
29.2
     
30.4
     
29.8
 
Operating income from continuing operations
   
1.5
     
3.6
     
0.2
     
1.4
 
Interest expense
   
0.8
     
0.7
     
0.8
     
0.7
 
Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes
   
0.7
     
2.9
     
(0.6
)
   
0.7
 
Income tax expense (benefit)
   
0.3
     
1.2
     
(0.2
)
   
0.3
 
Income (loss) from continuing operations
   
0.4
     
1.7
     
(0.4
)
   
0.4
 
Loss from discontinued operations, net of income tax benefit
   
(0.1
)
   
(0.1
)
   
(0.1
)
   
(0.1
)
Net income (loss)
   
0.3
%
   
1.6
%
   
(0.5
)%
   
0.3
%

Thirteen Weeks Ended August 4, 2013 Compared to Thirteen Weeks Ended July 29, 2012
 
Net sales from continuing operations, including the Company’s transactional website, during the second quarter of fiscal 2014 increased 3.5% to $124.1 million, compared to net sales during the second quarter of fiscal 2013 of $119.8 million.  Net sales from the Company’s transactional website during the second quarter of fiscal 2014 were $27 thousand, an increase of $20 thousand compared to the second quarter of fiscal 2013.
 
Net sales from same-stores, excluding the Company’s two fuel center locations, increased 1.4%, or $1.6 million, to $119.3 million during the second quarter of fiscal 2014, compared to $117.6 million during the second quarter of fiscal 2013.  The increase in same-store sales was primarily due to a 4.3% increase in the average sale per customer transaction occurring at a same-store and partially offset by a 2.8% decrease in customer transactions occurring at a same-store.
 
Net sales from non-same stores during the second quarter of fiscal 2014 increased $2.9 million and net sales from the Company’s two fuel center locations during the second quarter of fiscal 2014 decreased $0.3 million.
 
Gross margin from continuing operations for the second quarter of fiscal 2014 decreased $0.1 million, or 0.2%, to $39.2 million compared to $39.3 million during the second quarter of fiscal 2013.  As a percentage of net sales, gross margin was 31.6% and 32.8% during the second quarter of fiscal 2014 and fiscal 2013, respectively.  Gross margin generated by non same-stores was $1.1 million during the second quarter of fiscal 2014.
 
Gross margin for the second quarter of fiscal 2014 was negatively impacted by higher promotional activity, and partially offset by lower net freight costs.  Net freight costs during the second quarter of fiscal 2014 decreased $0.6 million, or 16.0%, to $3.1 million compared to $3.7 million during the second quarter of fiscal 2013.  As a percentage of net sales, net freight costs were 2.5% and 3.1% during the second quarter of fiscal 2014 and fiscal 2013, respectively.
 
SG&A from continuing operations increased $2.2 million, or 6.6%, to $35.1 million during the second quarter of fiscal 2014, compared to $32.9 million during the second quarter of fiscal 2013.  The net increase in SG&A is primarily attributable to costs associated with the pending merger of the Company ($1.2 million), relocation of the Company’s corporate office ($0.6 million), new stores ($0.6 million), and partially offset by a decrease in same-stores ($0.5 million), primarily payroll and benefits.  As a percentage of net sales, SG&A was 28.3% and 27.4% during the second quarter of fiscal 2014 and fiscal 2013, respectively.  Excluding share-based compensation, office relocation, pending merger, and gain on sale of assets, SG&A was 26.7% and 27.3% of net sales for the second quarter of fiscal 2014 and fiscal 2013, respectively.
 
Depreciation and amortization expense from continuing operations increased $0.1 million or 3.7% to $2.2 million during the second quarter of fiscal 2014 compared to $2.1 million during the second quarter of fiscal 2013.
 
Interest expense increased $0.2 million, or 25.0%, to $1.0 million during the second quarter of fiscal 2014 compared to $0.8 million during the second quarter of fiscal 2013.  Excluding interest on capital lease obligations and amortization of debt financing costs, interest expense was $0.6 million during the second quarter of fiscal 2014, compared to $0.5 million during the second quarter of fiscal 2013.
 
Income tax expense on continuing operations was $0.4 million during the second quarter of fiscal 2014 compared to $1.4 million during the second quarter of fiscal 2013. The effective tax rate was 37.4% during the second quarter of fiscal 2014 compared to 40.5% during the second quarter of fiscal 2013.
 
Income from continuing operations, net of tax expense, decreased $1.5 million to $0.6 million during the second quarter of fiscal 2014 compared to income of $2.1 million during the second quarter of fiscal 2013.
 
Loss from discontinued operations, net of income tax benefit, was $0.1 million during both the second quarter of fiscal 2014 and fiscal 2013, respectively.
 
Twenty-Six Weeks Ended August 4, 2013 Compared to Twenty-Six Weeks Ended July 29, 2012
 
Net sales from continuing operations, including the Company’s transactional website, during the twenty-six weeks ended August 4, 2013 increased 1.8% to $239.4 million, compared to net sales during the twenty-six weeks ended July 29, 2012 of $235.1 million.  Net sales from the Company’s transactional website during the twenty-six weeks ended August 4, 2013 were $51 thousand, an increase of $37 thousand compared to the twenty-six weeks ended July 29, 2012.
 
Net sales from same-stores, excluding the Company’s two fuel center locations, decreased 0.8%, or $1.9 million, to $229.4 million during the twenty-six weeks ended August 4, 2013, compared to $231.3 million during the twenty-six weeks ended July 29, 2012.  The decrease in same-store sales was primarily due to a 5.4% decrease in customer transactions occurring at a same-store and partially offset by a 4.9% increase in the average sale per customer transaction occurring at a same-store.
 
Net sales from non-same stores during the twenty-six weeks ended August 4, 2013 increased $6.5 million and net sales from the Company’s two fuel center locations during the twenty-six weeks ended August 4, 2013 decreased $0.4 million.
 
Gross margin from continuing operations was $73.3 million for both the twenty-six weeks ended August 4, 2013 and July 29, 2012.  As a percentage of net sales, gross margin was 30.6% and 31.2% during the twenty-six weeks ended August 4, 2013 and July 29, 2012, respectively.  Gross margin generated by non same-stores was $2.2 million during the twenty-six weeks ended August 4, 2013.
 
Gross margin for the twenty-six weeks ended August 4, 2013 was negatively impacted by higher promotional activity and higher net freight costs.  Net freight costs during the twenty-six weeks ended August 4, 2013 increased $0.5 million, or 7.3%, to $7.3 million compared to $6.8 million during the twenty-six weeks ended July 29, 2012.  As a percentage of net sales, net freight costs were 3.1% and 2.9% during the twenty-six weeks ended August 4, 2013 and July 29, 2012, respectively.
SG&A from continuing operations increased $2.7 million, or 4.0%, to $68.5 million during the twenty-six weeks ended August 4, 2013, compared to $65.8 million during the twenty-six weeks ended July 29, 2012.  The net increase in SG&A is primarily attributable to costs associated with the pending merger of the Company ($1.2 million), relocation of the Company’s corporate office ($0.6 million), new stores ($1.3 million), and partially offset by a decrease in same-stores ($0.8 million), primarily payroll and benefits.  As a percentage of net sales, SG&A was 28.6% and 28.0% during the twenty-six weeks ended August 4, 2013, and July 29, 2012, respectively.  Excluding share-based compensation, office relocation, pending merger, and gain on sale of assets, SG&A was 27.8% and 27.9% of net sales for the twenty-six weeks ended August 4, 2013 and July 29, 2012, respectively.
 
Depreciation and amortization expense from continuing operations increased $0.2 million or 3.5% to $4.4 million during the twenty-six weeks ended August 4, 2013 compared to $4.2 million during the twenty-six weeks ended July 29, 2012.
 
Interest expense increased $0.5 million, or 30.9%, to $2.0 million during the twenty-six weeks ended August 4, 2013 compared to $1.5 million during the twenty-six weeks ended July 29, 2012.  Excluding interest on capital lease obligations and amortization of debt financing costs, interest expense was $1.2 million during the twenty-six weeks ended August 4, 2013, compared to $0.9 million during the twenty-six weeks ended July 29, 2012.
 
Income tax benefit on continuing operations was $0.6 million during the twenty-six weeks ended August 4, 2013 compared to income tax expense of $0.7 million during the twenty-six weeks ended July 29, 2012. The effective tax rate was 37.4% during the twenty-six weeks ended August 4, 2013 compared to 39.6% during the twenty-six weeks ended July 29, 2012.
 
Loss from continuing operations, net of tax benefit, was $1.0 million during the twenty-six weeks ended August 4, 2013, compared to income from continuing operations, net of tax expense, of $1.0 million during the twenty-six weeks ended July 29, 2012.  As a percentage of net sales, net loss from continuing operations was 0.4% for the twenty-six weeks ended August 4, 2013, compared to net income of 0.4% for the twenty-six weeks ended July 29, 2012.
 
Loss from discontinued operations, net of income tax benefit, was $0.2 million and $0.3 million during the twenty-six weeks ended August 4, 2013 and July 29, 2012, respectively.
 
Certain Non-GAAP Financial Measures
 
The Company has included adjusted SG&A and adjusted earnings before interest taxes depreciation and amortization (“EBITDA”), non-U.S. GAAP performance measures, as part of its disclosure as a means to enhance its communications with stockholders.  Certain stockholders have specifically requested this information to assist them in comparing the Company to other retailers that disclose similar non-U.S. GAAP performance measures.  Further, management utilizes these measures in internal evaluation, review of performance and to compare the Company’s financial measures to those of its peers.  Adjusted EBITDA differs from the most comparable U.S. GAAP financial measure (earnings (loss) from continuing operations) in that it does not include certain items, as does Adjusted SG&A.  These items are excluded by management as they are non-recurring and/or not relevant to analysis of ongoing business operations and to better evaluate normalized operational cash flow and expenses excluding unusual, inconsistent and non-cash charges.  To compensate for the limitations of evaluating the Company’s performance using Adjusted SG&A and Adjusted EBITDA, management also utilizes U.S. GAAP performance measures such as gross margin, return on investment, return on equity and cash flow from operations.  As a result, Adjusted SG&A and Adjusted EBITDA may not reflect important aspects of the results of the Company’s operations.
 
 
 
Thirteen Week Periods Ended
   
Twenty-Six Week Periods Ended
 
 
 
August 4,
2013
   
July 29,
2012
   
August 4,
2013
   
July 29,
2012
 
SG&A Expenses from Continuing Operations
 
   
   
   
 
Store support center (1)
 
$
6,931
   
$
4,678
   
$
12,122
   
$
9,963
 
Distribution center
   
1,343
     
1,632
     
3,169
     
3,420
 
401K expense
   
125
     
     
250
     
 
Same-store SG&A (2)
   
25,934
     
26,420
     
51,413
     
52,170
 
Non same-store SG&A (3)
   
631
     
40
     
1,327
     
40
 
Share-based compensation
   
88
     
100
     
228
     
230
 
SG&A as reported
   
35,052
     
32,870
     
68,509
     
65,823
 
(Less) add:
                               
Share-based compensation
   
(88
)
   
(100
)
   
(228
)
   
(230
)
Pending merger (1)
   
(1,208
)
   
     
(1,208
)
   
 
Office relocation (1)
   
(602
)
   
     
(602
)
   
 
Gain (loss) on sale of fixed assets (1)
   
     
(1
)
   
     
92
 
 
                               
Adjusted SG&A from Continuing Operations
 
$
33,154
   
$
32,769
   
$
66,471
   
$
65,685
 
 
                               
Adjusted SG&A as % of sales
   
26.7
%
   
27.3
%
   
27.8
%
   
27.9
%
 
                               
Sales per average selling square feet (4)
 
$
28.03
   
$
27.51
   
$
54.08
   
$
54.03
 
 
                               
Gross Margin dollars per average selling square feet (4)
 
$
8.97
   
$
9.16
   
$
16.78
   
$
17.10
 
 
                               
Adjusted SG&A per average selling square feet (4)
 
$
7.59
   
$
7.64
   
$
15.21
   
$
15.32
 
 
                               
Adjusted EBITDA per average selling square feet (4)(5)
 
$
1.34
   
$
1.49
   
$
1.50
   
$
1.66
 
 
                               
Average inventory per average selling square feet (4)(6)(7)
 
$
38.35
   
$
33.82
   
$
35.30
   
$
32.77
 
 
                               
Average selling square feet (4)
   
4,369
     
4,287
     
4,369
     
4,287
 
 
                               
Total stores operating beginning of period
   
217
     
214
     
217
     
216
 
Total stores operating end of period
   
213
     
215
     
213
     
215
 
Total stores less than twelve months old
   
3
     
6
     
3
     
6
 
Total non-same stores
   
3
     
6
     
3
     
6
 
 
                               
Supplemental Data:
                               
Same-store gross margin dollar change
   
-2.7
%
   
-1.2
%
   
-2.9
%
   
0.0
%
Same-store SG&A dollar change
   
1.3
%
   
2.5
%
   
1.0
%
   
1.9
%
Same-store total customer count change
   
-2.8
%
   
-6.1
%
   
-5.4
%
   
-4.1
%
Same-store average sale per ticket change
   
4.3
%
   
4.5
%
   
4.9
%
   
4.0
%
 

(1) Store support center includes gain (loss) on disposal of fixed assets and costs associated with office relocation and pending merger.
(2) Same-stores are those stores which were open at the end of the reporting period, had reached their fourteenth month of operation, and include store locations, if any, that had experienced a remodel, an expansion, or relocation.  Same-stores also include the Company’s transactional website.
(3) Non same-stores are those stores which have not reached their fourteenth month of operation.
(4) Average selling square feet is calculated as beginning square feet plus ending square feet divided by 2.
(5) Adjusted EBITDA per average selling square foot is calculated as Adjusted EBITDA divided by average selling square feet.
(6) Average store level merchandise inventory is calculated as beginning inventory plus ending inventory divided by 2.
(7) Excludes inventory for unopened stores.
 
Store support center expenses during the twenty-six weeks ended August 4, 2013, increased $2.2 million, or 21.7%.  The net increase was primarily due to costs associated with the relocation of the corporate office to Coppell, TX ($0.6 million) and the Company’s pending merger ($1.2 million).
 
Reconciliation and Explanation of Non-U.S. GAAP Financial Measures
 
The following table shows the reconciliation of Adjusted EBITDA to net earnings (loss):
 
 
 
53 Weeks
   
Thirteen Week Periods Ended
   
Trailing 53 Weeks Ended
   
Thirteen Week Periods Ended
   
Trailing 53 Weeks Ended
 
 
 
Fiscal 2013
   
May 5,
2013
   
April 29,
2012
   
May 5,
2013
   
August 4,
2013
   
July 29, 2012
   
August 4,
2013
 
Net earnings (loss)
 
$
1,307
     
(1,668
)
   
(1,284
)
   
923
     
497
     
1,985
     
(565
)
Plus:
                                                       
Interest
   
3,477
     
1,053
     
744
     
3,786
     
957
     
792
     
3,951
 
Taxes
   
311
     
(998
)
   
(880
)
   
193
     
295
     
1,356
     
(868
)
Depreciation and amortization
   
8,902
     
2,181
     
2,122
     
8,961
     
2,211
     
2,141
     
9,031
 
EBITDA
   
13,997
     
568
     
702
     
13,863
     
3,960
     
6,274
     
11,549
 
Plus:
                                                       
Share-based compensation
   
381
     
140
     
130
     
391
     
88
     
100
     
379
 
Pending merger
   
     
     
     
     
602
     
     
602
 
Office relocation
   
     
     
     
     
1,208
     
     
1,208
 
(Gain) loss asset disposals
   
141
     
     
(92
)
   
233
     
     
1
     
232
 
Adjusted EBITDA
   
14,519
     
708
     
740
     
14,487
     
5,858
     
6,375
     
13,970
 
 
                                                       
Cash
   
3,160
     
2,923
     
612
     
2,923
     
2,834
     
2,407
     
2,834
 
Debt
   
79,962
     
87,979
     
53,208
     
87,979
     
97,757
     
56,567
     
97,757
 
Debt, net of cash
 
$
76,802
     
85,056
     
52,596
     
85,056
     
94,923
     
54,160
     
94,923
 


 
Liquidity and Capital Resources
 
Working capital (defined as current assets less current liabilities) was $148.8 million and $133.6 million at the end of the second quarter of fiscal 2014 and fiscal 2013, respectively.
 
The Company’s primary sources of funds are cash flow from operations, borrowings under its revolving loan credit facility, and vendor trade credit financing.  Short-term trade credit represents a significant source of financing for inventory to the Company.  Trade credit arises from the willingness of the Company’s vendors to grant payment terms for inventory purchases.
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities aggregated ($13.5) million and $15.0 million during the twenty-six weeks ended August 4, 2013 and July 29, 2012, respectively.  The $27.2 million increase in cash used in operating activities resulted primarily from a $5.1 million increase in the change in merchandise inventory and a $20.6 million decrease in the change in accounts payable.
 
Net cash used in investing activities was $4.6 million and $4.0 million during the twenty-six weeks ended August 4, 2013 and July 29, 2012, respectively.  Excluding proceeds from sale of assets, net cash used in investing activities during the twenty-six weeks ended August 4, 2013 totaled $4.6 million, compared to net cash used in investing activities during the twenty-six weeks ended July 29, 2012 of $4.5 million.  Net cash used in investing activities consisted primarily of capital expenditures.  The Company’s long-range strategy is to grow its store count, and it intends to continue to invest in technology and migrate various system applications during the next 36 months.
 
On July 21, 2011, the Company entered into a five-year revolving Credit Agreement (the “Facility”) with Wells Fargo and Wells Capital Finance, LLC.  The $120.0 million Facility replaced the Company’s previous $120.0 million credit facility with Bank of America, N.A. and Wells Fargo Retail Finance, LLC, and expires July 20, 2016.The Company uses its revolving loan credit facility and vendor trade credit financing to fund the buildup of inventories periodically during the year for its peak selling seasons and to meet other short-term cash requirements.  The revolving loan credit facility provides up to $120 million of financing in the form of notes payable.  The loan agreement expires July 20, 2016.  The revolving loan note payable of $81.6 million together with outstanding letters of credit in the amount of $10.0 million, resulted in an available line of credit at that date of approximately $28.5 million, subject to a borrowing base calculation.  Loan advances are secured by a security interest in the Company’s inventory and credit card receivables.  The loan agreement contains various restrictions that are applicable when outstanding borrowings exceed $102.0 million, including limitations on additional indebtedness, prepayments, acquisition of assets, granting of liens, certain investments and payments of dividends.  The Company’s loan agreement contains various covenants including limitations on additional indebtedness and certain financial tests, as well as various subjective acceleration clauses.  The balance sheet classification of the borrowings under the revolving loan credit facility has been determined in accordance with ASC 470-10-45, Balance Sheet Classification of Borrowings Outstanding under Revolving Credit Agreements that Include both a Subjective Acceleration Clause and a Lock-Box Arrangement.  Accordingly, this obligation has been classified as a long-term liability in the accompanying balance sheet.
 
On July 27, 2012, the Company entered into a new Rule 10b5-1 and Rule 10b-18 Stock Repurchase Agreement with William Blair and Company, LLC (the “Stock Repurchase Agreement”) whereby the Company authorized the repurchase of up to 175,000 shares of the Company’s Common Stock under the Company’s stock repurchase program (the “Program”).
 
The Program was initially authorized by the Company on March 23, 2006, whereby the Board of Directors of the Company authorized the repurchase of 200,000 shares of the Company's Common Stock, and the Company repurchased 3,337 shares of Common Stock under the Program. The Company's Board of Directors reinstated the Program on August 13, 2008 and the Company repurchased 22,197 shares of Common Stock under the Program during such period of reinstatement. The Board of Directors of the Company approved the reinstatement of the Program again on January 6, 2012 and the Company repurchased an additional 34,407 shares of Common Stock during such reinstatement. On April 25, 2012, the Board of Directors of the Company authorized the Company to repurchase an additional 500,000 shares of Common Stock for a total of 700,000 shares of Common Stock authorized for repurchase under the Program. The Stock Repurchase Agreement only authorizes William Blair and Company, LLC to repurchase a portion of the total shares available for repurchase under the Program as stated above. Under the terms of the Program, the Company can terminate the proposed buy back at any time.
 
During the first quarter of fiscal 2013, the Company repurchased a total of 34,407 shares of Common Stock under the Program.  All shares were repurchased at market prices and the Company’s policy is to apply the excess of purchase price over par value to additional paid-in capital, resulting in a decrease to additional paid-in capital of $0.3 million.  As of August 4, 2013, the Company had repurchased a total of 610,462 shares under the Program since it was initially approved in 2006, and 89,538 shares of Common Stock were available to be repurchased by the Company.
 
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities totaled $17.8 million and ($11.2) million during the twenty-six weeks ended August 4, 2013 and July 29, 2012, respectively.  Net cash provided by financing activities during the twenty-six weeks ended August 4, 2013 consisted of net borrowings under the revolving Credit Agreement.   Net cash used by financing activities during the twenty-six weeks ended July 29, 2012 consisted of repayments under the revolving Credit Agreement, partially offset by borrowings for repurchase of Company stock.  As such, stock repurchases during the twenty-six weeks ended July 29, 2012 were funded by increases in the amount outstanding under the Company’s revolving credit agreement.
 
The following table sets forth the average revolver balance outstanding, the maximum amount outstanding at end of the fiscal periods, and amounts outstanding for each borrowing type:
 
 
 
Thirteen Week Periods Ended
   
Twenty-Six Week Periods Ended
 
 
 
August 4, 2013
   
July 29, 2012
   
August 4, 2013
   
July 29, 2012
 
Maximum revolver balance outstanding during period
 
$
91,551
     
54,717
   
$
91,551
   
$
61,276
 
Average revolver balance outstanding during period
   
77,733
     
50,527
     
77,364
     
50,466
 
Outstanding loan types at end of period:
                               
Revolving credit facility
   
81,562
     
41,539
     
81,562
     
41,539
 
Letters of credit
   
9,954
     
8,694
     
9,954
     
8,694
 
 
On October 12, 2012, subsequent to a trade confirmation executed October 10, 2012 whereby the Company repurchased shares of its Common Stock, the Company notified Wells Fargo that immediately after giving effect to the share repurchase, the Consolidated Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio would not be greater than the required ratio per Section 7.06(c) of the Facility.  On October 12, 2012, Wells Fargo issued its consent of the repurchase (the “WF Consent”); provided that the WF Consent automatically terminated in the event the repurchase was not consummated within 90 days of the date of consent.
 
On February 6, 2013, the Board of Directors of the Company unanimously approved a First Amendment (the “Amendment”) to its Credit Agreement with Wells Fargo amending Section 7.06(c) of the Credit Agreement to permit the Company, subject to certain conditions set forth in the Amendment, to repurchase, redeem or otherwise acquire Equity Interests issued by the Company not to exceed $1.0 million in the aggregate in each fiscal year.  Under the Credit Agreement, “Equity Interests” is defined as all of the shares of the capital stock of a person and all of the other warrants, options or other rights of a person to purchase capital stock of such person.  Such amendment was announced on Form 8-K filed by the Company with the SEC on February 12, 2013 and a copy of the Amendment is attached to such 8-K.  Except to the extent specifically set forth in the WF Consent and the Amendment, no other consent, waiver of, or change in any of the terms, provisions or conditions of the Credit Agreement is intended or implied.
OFF-BALANCE SHEET ARRANGEMENTS
 
The Company has no off-balance sheet arrangements that affect the Company’s current or future financial condition.
 
BUSINESS OPERATIONS
 
The Company’s business activities consist of the operation of ALCO stores.
 
The Company initiated a transactional web site during November 2011.  In July 2012, the Company expanded the product selection on its website which now includes more than 20,000 items of high-quality merchandise.  Products offered on the ALCOstores.com website include video games and electronics, housewares, appliances and furniture, health & beauty aids, baby goods, office supplies, automotive and sporting goods, and much more.  As in traditional ALCO stores, consumers can choose from a wide range of well-known brand names.  In addition, the website includes brands not found in the Company’s retail stores.  Based on its immaterial results of operation, the transactional website has been aggregated with the operating results of the Company’s ALCO stores.
 
The following chart indicates the percentage of sales, excluding fuel sales, represented by each of our major product categories:
 
 
 
Thirteen Week Periods Ended
   
Twenty-Six Week Periods Ended
 
 
 
August 4, 2013
   
July 29, 2012
   
August 4, 2013
   
July 29, 2012
 
Merchandise Category:
 
   
   
   
 
Consumables and commodities
   
34
%
   
34
%
   
35
%
   
35
%
Hardlines
   
35
%
   
36
%
   
34
%
   
35
%
Apparel and accessories
   
15
%
   
15
%
   
15
%
   
15
%
Home furnishings and décor
   
16
%
   
15
%
   
16
%
   
15
%
Total
   
100
%
   
100
%
   
100
%
   
100
%

ITEM 3. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
 
(a)  Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures
 
Under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our principal executive officer and principal financial officer, we conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended) as of the end of the period covered by this report.  Based on that evaluation, our principal executive officer and principal financial officer concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of the end of the period covered by this report, to ensure that information required to be disclosed in our reports filed or submitted under the Exchange Act is (1) recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms and (2) accumulated and communicated to the Company’s management, including our principal executive officer and principal financial officer, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.
 
(b)  Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting
 
Management of the Company is responsible for establishing and maintaining internal control over financial reporting as defined in Rule 13a-15(f) under the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.  The Company’s internal control system is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external reporting purposes in accordance with U.S. GAAP.  Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements.  Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.
 
Management assessed the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of February 3, 2013 based on the criteria established in Internal Control-Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (“COSO”).  As a result of this assessment, management concluded that the Company’s internal control over financial reporting was effective as of February 3, 2013.
 
(c)  Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting
 
There have been no changes in our internal control over financial reporting during fiscal 2013 that have materially affected or are reasonably likely to materially affect our internal control over financial reporting.
 
(d)  Report of Independent Registered Pubic Accounting Firm
 
 Management’s report was not subject to attestation by our independent registered public accounting firm pursuant to rules of the SEC that permit us to provide only management’s report in this annual report.

PART II – OTHER INFORMATION
 
 ITEM 1. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
 
On September 3, 2013, a class action petition was filed in the Third Judicial District Court of Kansas, challenging the actions causing the Company to enter into the Merger Agreement.
 
ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS
 
There have been no material changes to our risk factors as previously disclosed in our Form 10-5 for the fiscal year ended February 3, 2013.
ITEM 2. UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS
 
On July 27, 2012, the Company entered into a new Rule 10b5-1 and Rule 10b-18 Stock Repurchase Agreement with William Blair and Company, LLC (the “Stock Repurchase Agreement”) whereby the Company authorized the repurchase of up to 175,000 shares of the Company’s Common Stock under the Company’s stock repurchase program (the “Program”).
 
The Program was initially authorized by the Company on March 23, 2006, whereby the Board of Directors of the Company authorized the repurchase of 200,000 shares of the Company's Common Stock, and the Company repurchased 3,337 shares of Common Stock under the Program. The Company's Board of Directors reinstated the Program on August 13, 2008 and the Company repurchased 22,197 shares of Common Stock under the Program during such period of reinstatement. The Board of Directors of the Company approved the reinstatement of the Program again on January 6, 2012 and the Company repurchased an additional 34,407 shares of Common Stock during such reinstatement. On April 25, 2012, the Board of Directors of the Company authorized the Company to repurchase an additional 500,000 shares of Common Stock for a total of 700,000 shares of Common Stock authorized for repurchase under the Program. The Stock Repurchase Agreement only authorizes William Blair and Company, LLC to repurchase a portion of the total shares available for repurchase under the Program as stated above. Under the terms of the Program, the Company can terminate the proposed buy back at any time.
 
During fiscal 2013, the Company repurchased a total of 584,928 shares of Common Stock under the Program.  All shares were repurchased at market prices and the Company’s policy is to apply the excess of purchase price over par value to additional paid-in capital, resulting in a decrease to additional paid-in capital of $4.0 million.  As of February 3, 2013, the Company repurchased a total of 610,462 shares under the Program since it was initially approved in 2006.  Therefore, there were 89,538 shares of Common Stock available to be repurchased by the Company, as of February 3, 2013.
 
As of September 17, 2013, the Company had not repurchased additional shares subsequent to February 3, 2013.
 
Company Repurchases of Common Stock
 
Period
 
Number of
Shares Purchased
   
Weighted Average Price Paid
Per Share
   
Total Number of
Shares Purchased as Part
Of Publicly Announced
Plans or Programs
   
Total Number of Shares Authorized for Repurchase
   
Maximum Number
of Shares that May Yet
Be Purchased Under
The Plans or Programs
 
As of February 3, 2013
   
610,462
   
$
7.12
     
610,462
     
700,000
     
89,538
 
 
                                       
First quarter
   
     
     
     
     
 
Second quarter:
                                       
Month 1
   
     
     
     
     
 
Month 2
   
     
     
     
     
 
Month 3
   
     
     
     
     
 
As of August 4, 2013
   
610,462
   
$
7.12
     
610,462
     
700,000
     
89,538
 

ITEM 3. DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES
 
 Other than routine litigation from time to time in the ordinary course of business, the Company is not a party to any material litigation.
 
ITEM 4. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES
 
Not applicable.
 
ITEM 5. OTHER INFORMATION
 
None.
 
ITEM 6. EXHIBITS
 
The following exhibits are filed or furnished with this Quarterly Report:
 
Number
 
Description
 
 
 
3.1
 
Articles of Incorporation of ALCO Stores, Inc., amended as of June 13, 1994 and restated solely for filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (filed as Exhibit 3.1 to Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended August 1, 2004 and incorporated herein by reference).
 
 
 
3.2
 
Amended and Restated Bylaws of ALCO Stores, Inc. is incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 3.2 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on June 27, 2011.

3.3
 
Certificate of Amendment to the Articles of Incorporation of ALCO Stores, Inc. is incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 3.3 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on June 29, 2012.
 
 
 
4.1
 
Specimen of ALCO Stores, Inc. Common Stock Certificate (filed as Exhibit 4.1 to Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended August 3, 2008 and incorporated herein by reference).
 
 
 
4.2
 
Reference is made to the Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation described under 3.1 above and the Amended and Restated Bylaws described under 3.2 above and the Certificate of Amendment to the Articles of Incorporation described under 3.3 above.
 
 
 
10.1
 
Stock Option Agreement between the Company and Tom Canfield, Jr. dated September 16, 2009 is incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K of the Company dated September 24, 2009.
 
 
 
10.2
 
Employment Agreement dated February 11, 2010 between the Company and Richard E. Wilson is incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Current Report on Form 8-K of the Company dated February 25, 2010.
 
 
 
10.3
 
Stock Option Agreement, dated February 11, 2010, between the Company and Richard E. Wilson is incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to the Current Report on Form 8-K of the Company dated February 25, 2010.
 
 
 
10.4
 
Stock Option Agreement dated September 20, 2010 between the Company and Wayne S. Peterson is incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.4 to the Current Report on Form 8-K of the Company dated September 22, 2010.
 
 
 
10.5
 
Indemnification Agreements between the Company and Royce Winsten, Raymond A.D. French, Lolan C. Mackey and Dennis E. Logue all dated June 14, 2010 incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.5 on Current Report Form 8-K filed by the Company on June 18, 2010.
 
 
 
10.6
 
Indemnification Agreement between the Company and Richard E. Wilson dated August 24, 2010 incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.6 on Current Report Form 8-K of the Company dated August 27, 2010.
 
 
 
10.7
 
Indemnification Agreement between the Company and Terrence M. Babilla dated September 2, 2010 incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.7 on Current Report Form 8-K of the Company dated September 9, 2010
 
 
 
10.8
 
Stock Option Agreement between the Company and Terrence M. Babilla dated September 10, 2010 incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.8 to Current Report Form 8-K of the Company dated September 16, 2010.
 
 
 
10.9
 
Credit Agreement dated July 21, 2011, between ALCO Stores, Inc. and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.9 on Current Report Form 8-K of the Company dated July 27, 2011.
 
 
 
10.10
 
Independent Director Compensation Policy is incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.10 to the Current Report on Form 8-K of the Company dated June 27, 2011.
 
 
 
10.11
 
Employment Agreement dated September 20, 2010 between the Company and Wayne S. Peterson is incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.11 to the Current Report on Form 8-K of the Company dated September 22, 2010.
 
 
 
10.12
 
Employment agreement entered into by the Company and Wayne S. Peterson dated March 15, 2012 is incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.12 to the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K dated March 22, 2012.
 
 
 
10.13
 
Employment agreement entered into by the Company and Tom L. Canfield, Jr. dated March 15, 2012 is incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.13 to the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K dated March 22, 2012.
 
 
 
10.14
 
Stock Option Agreement between the Company and Wayne S. Peterson dated April 30, 2012 incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.14 to Current Report Form 8-K of the Company dated May 3, 2012.
 
 
 
10.15
 
Stock Option Agreement between the Company and Tom L. Canfield, Jr. dated April 30, 2012 incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.15 to Current Report Form 8-K of the Company dated May 3, 2012.
 
 
 
10.16
 
Stock Option Agreement between the Company and Dennis E. Logue dated June 29, 2012 incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.16 to Current Report Form 8-K of the Company dated July 10, 2012.
 
 
 
 10.17
 
Stock Option Agreement between the Company and Terrence M. Babilla dated June 29, 2012 incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.17 to Current Report Form 8-K of the Company dated July 10, 2012.
 
 
 
10.18
 
Stock Option Agreement between the Company and Lolan C. Mackey dated June 29, 2012 incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.18 to Current Report Form 8-K of the Company dated July 10, 2012.
 
 
 
10.19
 
Stock Option Agreement between the Company and Royce Winsten dated June 29, 2012 incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.19 to Current Report Form 8-K of the Company dated July 10, 2012.
 
 
 
10.20
 
2012 Equity Incentive Plan is incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.20 to the Form S-8 of the Company dated July 11, 2012.

10.21
 
Employment agreement entered into by the Company and Brent A. Streit dated March 15, 2012 is incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.21 to the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K dated July 13, 2012.
 
 
 
10.22
 
Time Based Incentive Stock Option Agreement between the Company and Richard E. Wilson dated July 6, 2012 incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.22 to Current Report Form 8-K of the Company dated July 13, 2012.
 
 
 
10.23
 
Time Based Incentive Stock Option Agreement between the Company and Wayne S. Peterson dated July 6, 2012 incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.25 to Current Report Form 8-K of the Company dated July 13, 2012.
 
 
 
10.24
 
Time Based Incentive Stock Option Agreements between the Company and Tom L. Canfield dated July 6, 2012 incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.27 to Current Report Form 8-K of the Company dated July 13, 2012.
 
 
 
10.25
 
Time Based Incentive Stock Option Agreements between the Company and Brent A. Streit dated July 6, 2012 incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.29 to Current Report Form 8-K of the Company dated July 13, 2012.
 
 
 
10.26
 
Appointment of new independent registered public accounting firm incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.26 to Current Report Form 8-K of the Company dated July 17, 2012.
 
 
 
10.27
 
Resignation of Officer. On October 5, 2012, Edmond C. Beaith resigned from the Company and such resignation is incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.27 to the Current Report on Form 8-K of the Company dated October 11, 2012.
 
 
 
10.28
 
First Amendment to the Credit Agreement, described under 10.11 above, dated February 6, 2013 and incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.28 to the Current Report on Form 8-K of the Company dated February 12, 2013.
 
 
 
10.29
 
Announcement to relocate the Company’s corporate headquarters from Abilene, Kansas to Coppell, Texas, a suburb of Dallas, Texas incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.29 to the Current Report on Form 8-K of the Company dated April 10, 2013.
 
 
 
10.30
 
Rights Agreement entered into between the Company and Computershare Trust Company, N.A. dated May 3, 2013 incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.30 to Current Report on Form 8-K of the Company dated May 6, 2013.
 
 
 
10.31
 
Lease Agreement entered into between the Company and IIT Freeport Office LP incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.31 to Current Report on Form 8-K of the Company dated May 8, 2013.
 
 
 
10.32
 
Incentive Bonus Plan is incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.32 to the Current Report on Form 8-K of the Company dated May 31, 2013.
 
 
 
10.33
 
Employment agreement entered into by the Company and Ricardo A. Clemente dated May 24, 2013 is incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.33 to the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K dated May 31, 2013.
 
 
 
10.34
 
Time Based Incentive Stock Option Agreement entered into between the Company and Richard E. Wilson dated May 24, 2013 is incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.34 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated May 31, 2013.
 
 
 
10.35
 
Restricted Stock Agreement entered into between the Company and Richard E. Wilson dated May 24, 2013 is incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.35 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated May 31, 2013.
 
 
 
10.36
 
Time Based Incentive Stock Option Agreement entered into between the Company and Wayne S. Peterson dated May 24, 2013 is incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.36 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated May 31, 2013.
 
 
 
10.37
 
Restricted Stock Agreement entered into between the Company and Wayne S. Peterson dated May 24, 2013 is incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.37 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated May 31, 2013.
 
 
 
10.38
 
Time Based Incentive Stock Option Agreement entered into between the Company and Tom L. Canfield, Jr. dated May 24, 2013 is incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.38 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated May 31, 2013.
 
 
 
10.39
 
Restricted Stock Agreement entered into between the Company and Tom L. Canfield, Jr. dated May 24, 2013 is incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.39 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated May 31, 2013.
 
 
 
10.40
 
Time Based Incentive Stock Option Agreement entered into between the Company and Brent A. Streit dated May 24, 2013 is incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.40 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated May 31, 2013.
 
 
 
10.41
 
Restricted Stock Agreement entered into between the Company and Brent A. Streit dated May 24, 2013 is incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.41 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated May 31, 2013.
 
 
 
10.42
 
Time Based Incentive Stock Option Agreement entered into between the Company and Ricardo A. Clemente dated May 24, 2013 is incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.42 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated May 31, 2013.
 
 
 
10.43
 
Restricted Stock Agreement entered into between the Company and Ricardo A. Clemente dated May 24, 2013 is incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.43 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated May 31, 2013.

10.44
 
Stock Option Award to Royce Winsten, the chairman of the Board of Directors, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.44 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated May 31, 2013.
 
 
 
10.45
 
Stock Option Agreement between the Company and Royce Winsten dated July 1, 2013 incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.45 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated July 8, 2013.
 
 
 
10.46
 
Stock Option Agreement between the Company and Terrence M. Babilla dated July 1, 2013 incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.46 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated July 8, 2013.
 
 
 
10.47
 
Stock Option Agreement between the Company and Dennis E. Logue dated July 1, 2013 incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.47 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated July 8, 2013.
 
 
 
10.48
 
Stock Option Agreement between the Company and Lolan C. Mackey dated July 1, 2013 incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.48 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated July 8, 2013.
 
 
 
10.49
 
Agreement and Plan of Merger dated July 25, 2013 incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.49 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated July 25, 2013.
 
 
 
10.50
 
Proposal to acquire outstanding shares of the Company incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.50 to Schedule 13D/A dated August 15, 2013.
 
 
 
10.51
 
Preliminary Proxy Statement incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.51 to Schedule 14A dated August 15, 2013.
 
 
 
10.52
 
Acquisition Proposal incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.52 to Schedule 13D/A dated August 27, 2013.
 
 
 
10.53
 
Supplemental Letter incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.53 to Schedule 13D/A dated August 29, 2013.
 
 
 
10.54
 
Definitive Acquisition Proposal incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.54 to Schedule 13D/A dated September 10, 2013.
 
 
 
10.55
 
Press release regarding the Definitive Acquisition Proposal incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.55 to Current Report Form 8-K dated September 11, 2013.
 
 
 
 
Schedule of change in same-store sales and same-store gross margin dollars.
 
 
 
18.1
 
Retail Accounting Change Preferability Letter from Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm is incorporated by reference to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K dated April 13, 2012.
 
 
 
 
Certification of Chief Executive Officer of ALCO Stores, Inc., dated September 18, 2013, pursuant to Rule 13a-4(a) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
 
 
 
 
Certification of Chief Financial Officer of ALCO Stores, Inc., dated September 18, 2013, pursuant to Rule 13a-4(a) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
 
 
 
 
Certification of Chief Executive Officer of ALCO Stores, Inc., dated September 18, 2013, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, which is furnished with this Annual Report on Form 10-K  and is not treated as filed in reliance upon § 601(b)(32) of Regulations S-K.
 
 
 
 
Certification of Chief Financial Officer of ALCO Stores, Inc., dated September 18, 2013, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, which is furnished with this Annual Report on Form 10-K  and is not treated as filed in reliance upon § 601(b)(32) of Regulations S-K.


SIGNATURES
 
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:
 
Signature and Title
 
Date
 
 
 
/s/ Richard E. Wilson
 
September 18, 2013
Richard E. Wilson
 
 
President and Chief Executive Officer
 
 
(Principal Executive Officer)
 
 
 
 
 
/s/ Wayne S. Peterson
 
September 18, 2013
Wayne S. Peterson
 
 
Senior Vice President - Chief Financial Officer
 
 
(Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)
 
 
 
 
22