Form 10-Q 07-02-05

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

 

FORM 10-Q

 

(X)

QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR SECTION 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 FOR THE QUARTERLY PERIOD ENDED JULY 2, 2005.
OR

( )

TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR SECTION 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 FOR THE TRANSITION PERIOD FROM __________ TO __________

 

 

 

Commission file number 0-21577

 

 

WILD OATS MARKETS, INC.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

Delaware

84-1100630

(State or other jurisdiction of

(I.R.S. Employer Identification Number)

Incorporation or organization)

 

 

 

 

 

3375 Mitchell Lane

Boulder, Colorado 80301

(Address of principal executive offices, including zip code)

 

 

 

(303) 440-5220

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

 

 

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.

  Yes       ( X )       No      ( )

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an accelerated filer (as defined in Exchange Act Rule 12b-2).

  Yes       ( X )       No      ( )

 

As of August 1, 2005, there were 28,760,651 shares outstanding of the registrant's common stock (par value $.001 per share).

 

 


 

 

 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Page

Item 1.

Financial Statements:

Consolidated Balance Sheets, July 2, 2005 (unaudited)
and January 1, 2005

3

Consolidated Statements of Operations (unaudited),
Three and Six Months Ended July 2, 2005 and June 26, 2004

4

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive (Loss) Income (unaudited),
Three and Six Months Ended July 2, 2005 and June 26, 2004

5

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (unaudited),
Six Months Ended July 2, 2005 and June 26, 2004

6

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited)

7

Item 2.

Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

16

Item 3.

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

26

Item 4.

Controls and Procedures

26

PART II.

OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1.

Legal Proceedings

29

Item 2.

Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

29

Item 3.

Defaults Upon Senior Securities

29

Item 4.

Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders

30

Item 5.

Other Information

30

Item 6.

Exhibits

30

SIGNATURE AND EXHIBITS

Signatures

31

 


PART I.  FINANCIAL INFORMATION

 

 

Item 1.  Financial Statements

 

WILD OATS MARKETS, INC.

Consolidated Balance Sheets

(in thousands, except share data)

July 2, 2005

January 1, 2005

(unaudited)



ASSETS
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents

$ 43,418 

$ 30,671 

Short-term investments

-      

11,144 

Inventories (net of reserves of $889 and $815, respectively)

58,475 

54,960 

Accounts receivable (net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $116 and $153, respectively)

3,211 

3,860 

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

5,454 

5,741 



Total current assets

110,558 

106,376 

Property and equipment, net

176,068 

177,830 

Goodwill, net

105,124 

106,084 

Other intangible assets, net

6,271 

6,491 

Deposits and other assets

8,109 

8,361 

Deferred tax asset, net

674 

418 



$ 406,804 

$ 405,560 



LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable

$ 57,816 

$ 54,428 

Book overdraft

20,974 

23,325 

Accrued liabilities

52,161 

53,154 

Current portion of debt, capital leases and financing obligations

706 

405 

Deferred tax liabilities

345 

-    



Total current liabilities

132,002 

131,312 

Long-term debt, capital leases and financing obligations

148,453 

148,675 

Other long-term obligations

24,282 

24,472 



304,737 

304,459 



Commitments and contingencies
Stockholders’ equity:
Preferred stock, $0.001 par value; 5,000,000 shares authorized, no shares issued and outstanding

-     

Common stock, $0.001 par value; 60,000,000 shares authorized, 30,645,967 and 30,466,701 shares issued; 28,668,167 and 28,488,901 outstanding, respectively

31 

30 

Treasury stock, at cost: 1,977,800 shares as of July 2, 2005 and January 1, 2005

(24,999)

(24,999)

Additional paid-in capital

222,820 

221,029 

Note receivable, related party

(11,730)

(11,416)

Accumulated deficit

(84,738)

(84,509)

Accumulated other comprehensive income

683 

966 



Total stockholders’ equity

102,067 

101,101 



$ 406,804 

$ 405,560 



 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

 


 

WILD OATS MARKETS, INC.

Consolidated Statements of Operations

(in thousands, except per-share data) (unaudited)

THREE MONTHS
ENDED

SIX MONTHS
ENDED



July 2,

June 26,

July 2,

June 26,

2005

2004

2005

2004





Sales

$ 284,608 

$ 251,697 

$ 562,687 

$ 515,492 

Cost of goods sold and occupancy costs

202,049 

178,263 

399,872 

364,652 





Gross profit

82,559 

73,434 

162,815 

150,840 

Operating expenses:
Direct store expenses

60,724 

56,271 

121,095 

113,314 

Selling, general and administrative    expenses

17,201 

14,418 

32,241 

29,939 

Loss (gain) on disposal of assets

53 

48 

44 

(69)

Pre-opening expenses

780 

1,982 

2,697 

2,581 

Restructuring and asset impairment    charges (income), net

909 

(134)

2,460 

135 





Income from operations

2,892 

849 

4,278 

4,940 





Loss on early extinguishment of debt

-     

-     

(559)

-     

Interest income

361 

222 

685 

408 

Interest expense

(2,144)

(1,306)

(4,311)

(2,341)





Income (loss) before income taxes

1,109 

(235)

93 

3,007 

Income tax expense

187 

96 

322 

1,269 





Net income (loss)

$ 922 

$ (331)

$ (229)

$ 1,738 





Net income (loss) per common share:
Basic

$ 0.03 

$ (0.01)

$ (0.01)

$ 0.06 

Diluted

$ 0.03 

$ (0.01)

$ (0.01)

$ 0.06 

Weighted average common shares    outstanding, basic

28,667 

29,788 

28,622 

29,982 

Dilutive effect of stock options and    restricted stock units

518 

-     

-     

878 





Weighted average common shares    outstanding, assuming dilution

29,185 

29,788 

28,622 

30,860 





 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

 


 

 

 

 

WILD OATS MARKETS, INC.

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss)

(in thousands) (unaudited)

 

THREE MONTHS ENDED

SIX MONTHS
ENDED



July 2,

June 26,

July 2,

June 26,

2005

2004

2005

2004





Net income (loss)

$ 922  

$ (331) 

$ (229) 

$ 1,738 

Other comprehensive loss:
Foreign currency translation adjustments

(198) 

(125) 

(255) 

(217)

Unrealized gain (loss) on available-for-sale    securities

2  

-     

(28) 

-     





Other comprehensive loss

(196) 

(125) 

(283) 

(217)





Comprehensive income (loss)

$ 726  

$ (456) 

$ (512) 

$ 1,521 





 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

 


WILD OATS MARKETS, INC.

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

(in thousands) (unaudited)

 

SIX MONTHS ENDED


July 2,

June 26,

2005

2004



CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Net (loss) income

$ (229)

$ 1,738 

Adjustments to reconcile net (loss) income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization

13,117 

14,015 

Loss (gain) on disposal of property and equipment

44 

(69)

Deferred tax expense

134 

671 

Restructuring and asset impairment expense, net

2,460 

135 

Interest on related party receivable

(314)

(297)

Stock based compensation

244 

537 

Income tax benefit from stock based compensation

-     

495 

Accretion of debt issuance costs

259 

197 

Loss on early extinguishment of debt

559 

-     

Change in assets and liabilities:
Inventories, net

(3,565)

(4,568)

Receivables, net, and other assets

345 

1,227 

Accounts payable

3,411 

6,642 

Accrued liabilities and other liabilities

(1,728)

812 



Net cash provided by operating activities

14,737 

21,535 



CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Capital expenditures

(11,978)

(27,374)

Proceeds from sale of short-term investments

11,116 

-     

Proceeds from sale of property and equipment

26 

964 



Net cash used in investing activities

(836)

(26,410)



CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Net repayments under line-of-credit agreement

-     

(30,179)

Net decrease in book overdraft

(2,351)

(5,492)

Proceeds from long-term debt

-     

115,150 

Purchase of treasury stock

-     

(24,999)

Payment of debt issuance costs

-     

(3,636)

Repayments on notes payable, long-term debt and capital leases

(183)

(64)

Proceeds from issuance of common stock, net

1,548 

2,551 



Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities

(986)

53,331 



Effect of exchange rate changes on cash

(168)

(85)



Net increase in cash and cash equivalents

12,747 

48,371 

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period

30,671 

17,400 



Cash and cash equivalents at end of period

$ 43,418 

$ 65,771 



SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURE OF NONCASH INVESTING AND FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Equipment acquired through capital lease

$ 262 

$ 105 



 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

 


WILD OATS MARKETS, INC.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

(unaudited)

 

1.

Nature of Operations and Basis of Presentation

 

Wild Oats Markets, Inc. ("Wild Oats" or the "Company"), headquartered in Boulder, Colorado, owns and operates natural and organic foods supermarkets in the United States and Canada. The Company also operates bakeries, commissary kitchens and a distribution center that supply the stores. The Company’s operations are concentrated in one market segment, grocery stores, and are geographically concentrated in the western and central parts of the United States.

 

The Consolidated Balance Sheet as of July 2, 2005, the Consolidated Statements of Operations and Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) for the three and six months ended July 2, 2005 and June 26, 2004, as well as the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the six months ended July 2, 2005 and June 26, 2004 have been prepared without an audit. In the opinion of management, all adjustments, consisting only of normal, recurring adjustments necessary for a fair statement thereof, have been made.

 

The financial statements have been prepared by the Company in accordance with the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC"). Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States have been condensed or omitted pursuant to SEC regulations, therefore, these consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with financial statements and notes thereto included in the Company's 2004 Annual Report on Form 10-K, as amended. The preparation of financial statements requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenue, expenses and related disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities. Examples include accounting for self-insurance reserves, restructuring charges and store closing costs, asset impairment charges, goodwill, inventory valuation, and contingencies. Actual results may differ from these estimates. The results of operations for interim periods presented are not necessarily indicative of the operating results for the full year. Certain prior period information has been reclassified to conform to the current year presentation.

 

The unaudited information included in the consolidated financial statements for the three months and six months ended July 2, 2005 and June 26, 2004 include the results of operations of the Company for the 13 and 26 weeks then ended.

 

 

2.

Short-Term Investments

 

The amortized cost of debt securities in this category is adjusted for amortization of premiums and accretion of discounts to maturity computed under the effective interest method. Such amortization and accretion is included in interest income. Realized gains and losses and declines in value judged to be other-than-temporary on available-for-sale securities are included in interest income. The cost of securities sold is based on the specific identification method. Income and dividends on securities classified as available-for-sale are included in interest income. Investments classified as available-for-sale are marked to market each reporting period with the unrealized gain or loss reflected as a component of other comprehensive income (loss).

 

 

3.

Stock-Based Compensation

 

At July 2, 2005, the Company had six stock-based employee compensation plans, which are described more fully in Note 9 – Stock Plans and Options in our fiscal 2004 Annual Report filed on Form 10-K, as amended, for the period ended January 1, 2005. These plans allow for awards of both stock options and restricted stock units ("RSUs"). The Company accounts for those plans in accordance with the intrinsic value based method in Accounting Principles Board ("APB") Opinion No. 25, Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees, and related interpretations. Some stock-based compensation expense is reflected in net income for options issued at a discount and for RSUs issued as Board of Directors’ compensation. All other options granted under the plans had an exercise price equal to the market value of the underlying common stock on the date of grant; therefore, no stock-based compensation expense is reflected in net income for these grants. Reflected in results of operations for the first six months of fiscal 2005 and 2004 is compensation expense of $244,000 and $537,000, respectively.

 

As required by Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") Statement of Financial Accounting Standards ("SFAS") Nos. 123, Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation, and 148, Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation-Transition and Disclosure, the following table illustrates the effect on net income and earnings per share if stock-based compensation costs were to be calculated based on the fair value of the options granted and recognized ratably over the vesting period as prescribed in SFAS No. 123 (in thousands):

 

THREE MONTHS ENDED

SIX MONTHS
ENDED



July 2,

June 26,

July 2,

June 26,

2005

2004

2005

2004





Net income (loss), as reported

$ 922 

$ (331)

$ (229)

$ 1,738 

Add: Stock-based compensation expense included in reported net income, net of tax*

70 

60 

146 

287 

Deduct: Total stock-based compensation expense determined under fair value based method for all awards, net of tax

(145)

(687)

(1,110)

(1,275)





Pro forma net income (loss)

$ 847 

$ (958)

$ (1,193)

$ 750 





Net income (loss) per share:
Basic – as reported

$ 0.03 

$ (0.01)

$ (0.01)

$ 0.06 





Basic – pro forma

$ 0.03 

$ (0.03)

$ (0.04)

$ 0.03 





Diluted – as reported

$ 0.03 

$ (0.01)

$ (0.01)

$ 0.06 





Diluted - pro forma

$ 0.03 

$ (0.03)

$ (0.04)

$ 0.02 





 

* Amounts are net of a pro-forma tax rate which is not necessarily indicative of our effective tax rate for the respective periods.

 

 

In December 2004, the FASB issued SFAS No. 123 (revised 2004), Share-Based Payment ("SFAS No. 123R"). SFAS No. 123R is a revision of SFAS No. 123, and supersedes APB Opinion No. 25. The new standard establishes accounting standards for transactions in which an entity exchanges its equity instruments for goods or services, including stock option and restricted stock grants. The provisions of SFAS No. 123R will be effective for the Company’s first quarter of fiscal year 2006 beginning January 1, 2006. The Company is currently evaluating the impact on its results from adopting SFAS No. 123R, but expects it to be comparable to the pro forma effects of applying the original SFAS No. 123. Accordingly, the adoption of SFAS No. 123R is expected to have a material effect on the Company’s results of operations.

 

In February 2005, the Company approved the acceleration of all non-director, non-officer options that were unvested with an exercise price of $9.00 or higher, resulting in the accelerated vesting of an aggregate of 219,190 options. The effect of the accelerated vesting of these options is included in the SFAS No. 123 calculation above. The purpose of this acceleration was driven by the Company’s efforts to reduce non-cash compensation expense that will be required beginning with the first quarter of 2006 in accordance with SFAS No. 123R.

 

 

4. Property and Equipment

 

Property, plant and equipment are recorded at cost and consist of the following (in thousands):

July 2, 2005

January 1, 2005



Machinery and equipment

$ 137,842 

$ 131,133 

Buildings and leasehold improvements

160,185 

156,829 

Construction in progress

8,754 

14,283 



306,781 

302,245 

Less: accumulated depreciation

(130,713)

(124,415)



$ 176,068 

$ 177,830 



 

Depreciation expense was $6.3 million and $6.6 million for the three months ended July 2, 2005 and June 26, 2004, respectively, and $12.9 million and $13.9 million for the six months ended July 2, 2005 and June 26, 2004, respectively.

 

5. Debt

 

Contingent convertible senior debentures. In June 2004, the Company issued $115 million aggregate principal amount of its 3.25% Convertible Senior Debentures due May 15, 2034 in a private placement. The debentures bear regular interest at the annual rate of 3.25%, payable semiannually on May 15 and November 15 of each year until May 15, 2011, after which date, no regular interest will be due. Commencing May 20, 2011 and ending November 14, 2011, and for any six-month period thereafter, contingent interest will be due and payable in the amount of 0.25% of the average trading price of the debentures during a specified period, if the average trading price of the debentures equals or exceeds 125% of the principal amount of the debentures.

 

The debentures are callable and convertible into the Company's common stock prior to maturity at the option of the holders under the following circumstances: (1) during any calendar quarter commencing after June 30, 2004 and before March 31, 2029, if the last reported sale price of the Company’s common stock is greater than or equal to 130% of the conversion price of $17.70 per share; (2) at any time on or after April 1, 2029 if the last reported sale price of the Company’s common stock on any date on or after March 31, 2029 is greater than or equal to 130% of the conversion price; (3) subject to certain limitations, during the five business-day period after any five consecutive trading-day period in which the trading price per debenture for each day of that period was less than 98% of the product of the conversion rate and the last reported sale price of the Company's common stock; (4) if the Company calls the debentures for redemption; (5) upon the occurrence of certain corporate transactions; or (6) if the Company obtains credit ratings for the debentures, at any time when the credit ratings assigned to the debentures are below specified levels. The debentures are initially convertible into 56.5099 shares of the Company's common stock per $1,000 principal amount, which is equivalent to approximately $17.70 per share, for total initial underlying shares of 6,498,639. The conversion rate will be subject to adjustment upon the occurrence of specified events. During the second quarter of 2005, the Company made an irrevocable election to pay the principal amount of debentures in cash upon conversion, however, the Company retains the ability to satisfy the remainder of any conversion payment, in cash or any combination of cash and common stock. Pursuant to the underwriting agreement and within 90 days of issuance, the Company filed a shelf registration statement covering resales of the debentures and the common stock issuable upon conversion thereof.

 

On or after May 20, 2011, the Company may redeem for cash some or all of the debentures at any time and from time to time, for a price equal to 100% of the principal amount of the debentures plus accrued and unpaid contingent interest, if any. Holders have the right to require the Company to repurchase any or all debentures for cash, at a repurchase price equal to 100% of the principal amount of the debentures, plus accrued and unpaid interest on: (1) May 15, 2011, May 15, 2014, and May 15, 2024; and (2) upon the occurrence of a fundamental change (as defined in the debenture indenture). In the case of a fundamental change in which all of the consideration for the common stock in the transaction or transactions constituting the fundamental change consists of cash, the Company also will pay to the holders a make-whole premium (as defined in the debenture indenture), the amount of which could be significant but would not be determinable unless and until there were to be a public announcement of such a fundamental change. Any make-whole premium would be payable to all holders regardless of whether the holder elects to require the Company to repurchase the debentures or elects to surrender the debentures for conversion.

 

The debentures are unsecured and unsubordinated obligations, and rank equal in priority with all of the Company's existing and future unsecured and unsubordinated indebtedness and senior in right of payment to all of its subordinated indebtedness. The debentures will effectively rank junior to any of the Company's secured indebtedness and any of its indebtedness that is guaranteed by its subsidiaries. Payment of principal and interest on the debentures will be structurally subordinated to the liabilities of the Company's subsidiaries.

 

There are no financial covenants within the debenture indenture, however, the Company paid penalty interest of 0.25% for the first 90 days of 2005 and paid or will be paying 0.50% thereafter until the debentures are publicly registered. As of July 2, 2005, the Company has accrued $79,095 and paid $138,160 in additional interest to debenture holders due to not having an effective registration statement within the specified timeframe.

 

In 2004, total proceeds from the issuance of the debentures were $115.2 million. The Company used $25.0 million of the net proceeds to repurchase 1,977,800 outstanding shares of its common stock, $31.2 million to pay the outstanding balance on its credit facility, and approximately $3.7 million to pay related debt issuance costs.

 

Credit facility. On March 31, 2005, the Company entered into a five-year revolving secured credit facility with Bank of America, N.A. (the "B of A Facility"). Concurrent with the execution of the B of A Facility, the Company terminated its existing $95 million credit facility (the "Wells Facility") with Wells Fargo Bank N.A. as administrative agent. The B of A Facility allows borrowings and letters of credit up to a maximum of $40 million, with an option to increase borrowings up to $100 million, subject to a borrowing base determined by the value of certain inventory, credit card receivables, invested cash and, at the Company’s discretion, mortgaged leaseholds. The B of A Facility is secured by certain assets including, but not limited to, cash, inventory and fixed assets. Borrowings under the B of A Facility bear interest, at the Company’s election, at the prime rate or at LIBOR plus a margin ranging from 1.00% to 1.50%, depending on the excess borrowing availability over amounts borrowed. Interest rates are determined quarterly. The Company is charged a commitment fee on the unused portion of the B of A Facility. There are no financial covenants, other than the obligation to maintain a certain percentage of minimum excess availability (as defined in the agreement) at all times. The B of A Facility requires compliance on a monthly basis with certain non-financial covenants, including limitations on incurring additional indebtedness and making investments, the use and disposition of collateral, changes of control, as well as cash management provisions. In conjunction with the debt refinancing, the Company incurred a non-cash charge of approximately $559,000 to write off the remaining unamortized debt issuance cost from its prior credit facility and capitalized debt issuance costs of approximately $239,000 through July 2, 2005, to be amortized over the life of the agreement using the effective interest method.

 

The Company’s prior credit facility was entered into in February of 2003, with Wells Fargo Bank N.A. acting as lead bank and administrative agent (the "Wells Facility"). The Wells Facility had a $95 million limit and a three-year term with a one-year renewal option.

 

As part of the Wells Facility, the Company gave its lenders collateral in the form of cash, equipment and fixtures, inventory and other assets. The Company also granted leasehold mortgages in certain leasehold interests. The Wells Facility required compliance as of the last day of each fiscal quarter, with certain financial covenants, including the following: an adjusted leverage ratio (as described below); a fixed charge coverage ratio, which is the ratio of EBITDAR, as defined, for the last four fiscal quarters minus certain maintenance capital expenditures and taxes to fixed charges for the four fiscal quarters; a minimum stockholders’ equity of $125 million plus a portion of cumulative net income, adjusted for stock issuances and repurchases; a limitation on new leases per fiscal year, and a cap on capital expenditures per fiscal year. The Company was also obligated, on a continuous basis, to maintain a minimum cash balance. In connection with the debenture offering in June 2004, the Wells Facility was amended to, among other things, (1) increase the maximum allowable leverage ratio, (2) permit the repurchase of our common stock, within specified limits, (3) increase the annual limits on capital expenditures and new leases, (4) raise the limit on the value of acquisitions and divestitures the Company can make without the consent of the lending group, and (5) increase the maximum percentage rate to either prime plus 0.1% or one month LIBOR plus 2.5%. The Wells Facility was subsequently amended in August and November 2004. As amended, the interest rate on the Wells Facility was either prime plus 1.25% or one-month LIBOR plus 2.75%, at the Company’s election, and the rates modified depending on an adjusted leverage ratio equal to the ratio of average total funded debt, as defined under the credit facility, plus six times rent expense, to EBITDAR for the four fiscal quarter periods then ended, as calculated on the Company’s quarterly compliance certificate. The Company was charged a commitment fee on the unused portion of the line based on defined performance objectives. The outstanding balance on the Wells Facility was repaid in June 2004 from the proceeds of the debenture issuance. As of January 1, 2005, and as of the date of termination of the Wells Facility, there were no outstanding borrowings under the Wells Facility, and letters of credit outstanding totaled $9.1 million.

 

 

6.

Derivatives and Hedging Activities

 

The Company does not have any derivative financial instruments as of July 2, 2005 that meet the criteria of SFAS No. 133, Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities.

 

 

7.

Earnings Per Share

 

Earnings per share are calculated in accordance with the provisions of SFAS No. 128, Earnings Per Share ("SFAS No. 128"). SFAS No. 128 requires the Company to report both basic earnings per share, which is based on the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding, and diluted earnings per share, which is based on the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding and all dilutive potential common shares outstanding, except where the effect of their inclusion would be anti-dilutive. Anti-dilutive stock options of 994,948 and 351,081 for the three months ended July 2, 2005 and June 26, 2004, respectively, and 1,728,802 and 351,081 for the six months ended July 2, 2005 and June 26, 2004, respectively, were not included in the diluted earnings per share calculations.

 

The Emerging Issues Task Force ("the Task Force") of the FASB concluded in Issue No. 04-8, The Effect of Contingently Convertible Debt on Diluted Earnings per Share that contingently convertible debt should be included in diluted earnings per share computations using the if-converted method regardless of whether any of the conversion contingencies have been met. During the second quarter of 2005, the Company irrevocably elected to satisfy 100% of the principal amount of the debentures in cash to be converted on or after July 1, 2005. The Company maintains the right to satisfy the remainder of the conversion obligation to the extent it exceeds the principal amount in cash or common stock or any combination of cash and common stock. In calculating diluted earnings per share for the six months ending July 2, 2005, no shares related to the debentures conversion have been included as the effect would have been anti-dilutive.

 

 

8.

Goodwill and Intangible Assets

 

During the second quarter of fiscal 2005, no goodwill was recorded as a result of acquisitions, the Company concluded goodwill was not impaired and no other changes in the carrying amount of goodwill occurred. During the first quarter of fiscal 2005, $960,000 goodwill, net of accumulated amortization, was written off resulting in an ending net balance of $105,124. See Note 9 – Restructuring and Asset Impairment Charges for further details.

 

Other intangible assets consist of the following (in thousands):

 

July 2, 2005

January 1, 2005



Leasehold interests

$ 8,373 

$ 8,388 

Less accumulated amortization

(2,396)

(2,200)



Leasehold interests, net

5,977 

6,188 

Liquor licenses (indefinite lived)

294 

303 



$ 6,271 

$ 6,491 



 

Amortization expense related to finite lived intangible assets was $93,000 and $75,000 for the three months ended July 2, 2005 and June 26, 2004, respectively, and $196,000 and $141,000 for the six months ended July 2, 2005 and June 26, 2004, respectively. The estimated amortization of finite lived intangible assets for each of the five fiscal years ending in fiscal 2009 is as follows (in thousands):

 

 

 

FISCAL
YEAR

AMORTIZATION EXPENSE



2005

$ 179

2006

358

2007

358

2008

358

2009

358

 

 

9.

Restructuring and Asset Impairment Charges

 

During the second quarter of fiscal 2005, the Company recorded net restructuring and asset impairment charges of $909,000 consisting of the following components (in thousands):

 

Change in estimate related to lease-related liabilities for sites previously identified for closure or sale

$ (287)

Lease-related liability for sites closed and relocated during the quarter

304 

Severance for employees terminated during the second quarter of fiscal 2005 and earlier

(104)

Accretion expense on lease related liabilities

112 

Asset impairment charges

884 


Total restructuring and asset impairment expense

$ 909 


 

 

Details of the significant components are as follows:

 

 

 

 

 

 

For the six months ended July 2, 2005 the Company recorded net restructuring and asset impairment charges of $2,460,000 consisting of the following components (in thousands):

 

Change in estimate related to lease-related liabilities for    sites previously identified for closure or sale

$ (147)

Lease-related liabilities for sites closed during the year

424 

Severance for employees terminated during the six months    ended 2005

113 

Accretion expense on lease related liabilities

226 

Write off of goodwill

960 

Asset impairment charges

884 


Total restructuring and asset impairment expense

$ 2,460 


 

 

Details of the significant components are as follows:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

During the three and six month periods ended July 2, 2005, and the three and six month periods ended June 26, 2004, respectively, the Company incurred $55,000, $448,000, $864,000 and $2.6 million of charges for accelerated depreciation related to planned store closures. These costs are included in the "Cost of goods sold and occupancy costs" line of the Consolidated Statements of Operations.

 

The following table summarizes accruals related to the Company’s restructuring charges (in thousands):

 

2001 and

1st Qtr

2nd Qtr

EXIT PLANS

Prior

2002

2003

2004

2005

2005

Total


Balance at
December 27, 2003:

$ 8,615 

$ 421  

$ 224 

$ -     

$ -     

$ -     

$ 9,260 

Severance expense

-     

-      

-     

754 

-     

-     

754 

Lease-related expenses

(310)

344  

70 

566 

-     

-     

670 

Cash paid:
Severance expense

-     

(7) 

(54)

(495)

-     

-     

(556)

Lease-related liabilities

(1,429)

(757) 

(235)

(48)

-     

-     

(2,469)

Provision adjustments

(212)

-     

(5)

(15)

(232)








Balance at
January 1, 2005:

$ 6,664 

$ 1  

$ -     

$ 762 

$ -     

$ -     

$ 7,427 

Severance expense

-     

-      

-     

-     

217 

-     

217 

Lease-related expenses

114 

-      

140 

-     

120 

-     

374 

Cash paid:
Severance expense

-     

-      

-     

(88)

(99)

-     

(187)

Lease-related liabilities

(429)

-      

(35)

(99)

21 

-     

(542)

Provision adjustments

-     

-     

-     

-     

(7)

-     

(7)








Balance at
April 2, 2005:

$ 6,349 

$ 1  

$ 105 

$ 575 

$ 252 

$ -     

$ 7,282 

Severance expense

-     

-     

-     

-     

-     

(104)

(104)

Lease-related expenses

(465)

-     

377 

(87)

-     

304 

129  

Cash paid:
Severance

-     

-     

-     

(79)

(14)

(25)

(118)

Lease-related liabilities

(408)

-     

(35)

(135)

-     

(154)

(732)

Provision adjustments

656 

-     

-     

92 

(104)

684 

1,328 








Balance at
July 2, 2005:

$ 6,1321

$ 11

$ 4471

$ 3662

$ 1341

$ 7051

$ 7,785 








 

Notes: 1. The restructuring accrual balance consists of lease-related liabilities.
2. The restructuring accrual balance consists of lease-related liabilities and $6,000 for employee termination.

 

As of July 2, 2005, the Company’s restructuring balances consist of $3.1 million in accrued liabilities and other long-term obligations of $4.7 million.

 

10.

Income Taxes

 

For the six months ended July 2, 2005, the Company recorded $322,000 of income tax expense, as a result of income before income taxes of $ 93,000 during the period. The tax expense relates to income generated by the Company’s Canadian operations. The Company has a $674,000 net deferred tax asset, primarily as a result of timing differences related to its Canadian operations. The Company performs assessments of the realization of its net deferred tax assets according to SFAS No. 109, Accounting for Income Taxes. As a result of these assessments, the Company concluded at December 31, 2004, that it should place a full valuation allowance against its US net deferred tax asset. The Company has adjusted its valuation allowance during the current quarter to continue to record a full valuation allowance against its US net deferred tax asset. Due to income from US operations generated in the current quarter, the Company recorded tax expense related to US operations during the second quarter of 2005.

 

 

11.

Related Party Transactions

 

Perry D. Odak. In May 2002, the Company’s Board of Directors amended the employment agreement of Perry D. Odak, the Company’s CEO and President, to extend through December 2002 the period during which the issuance by the Company of additional securities as part of an equity financing would entitle Mr. Odak to receive up to 300,000 stock options exercisable for the Company’s common stock. In March 2002, Mr. Odak was issued options to purchase 5,856 shares of common stock under a provision of his employment agreement that provided for the maintenance of his 5% equity position in the event of a capital-raising transaction, based upon the issuance of 111,269 shares of common stock, the resale of which was registered on Form S-3, filed in April 2002. In August 2002, the Company’s Board of Directors approved a third amendment to Mr. Odak’s employment agreement, pursuant to which up to 70,000 of the stock options to which Mr. Odak would be entitled under his employment agreement as a result of the closing of a capital-raising transaction could be granted to other employees of the Company designated by Mr. Odak. The options would only be granted upon the closing of the capital-raising transaction, have a 10-year term, vest over four years and have an exercise price equal to the closing price of the Company’s stock on the date the capital-raising transaction was concluded. An equal number of options would be granted simultaneously to Mr. Odak, provided that the options granted to Mr. Odak would only be exercisable as the options granted to other employees terminated (as opposed to expired) without exercise.

 

As a result of the completion of an equity offering of 4.45 million shares of the Company’s common stock in September 2002, the Company issued options exercisable for 164,211 shares of the Company’s stock to Mr. Odak pursuant to the terms of his employment agreement. An additional 70,000 options, to which Mr. Odak would have been entitled under his employment agreement, were issued to executives of the Company designated by Mr. Odak. The Company also issued an additional 70,000 options to Mr. Odak, provided that the options granted to Mr. Odak are only exercisable as the options granted to the designated executives under the third amendment to Mr. Odak’s employment agreement terminate (as opposed to expire) without exercise. The Company also made a matching grant of 70,000 additional options from the Company’s 1996 Equity Incentive Plan to the same executives. The Company may incur quarterly compensation expense, based on any increase in the then-current stock price over the exercise price, as a result of the issuance of the initial 70,000 options (as opposed to the Company’s matching grant of 70,000 additional options) to the designated executives and Mr. Odak.

 

In 2004, the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors recommended to the Company's Board, which approved, in concept, a modification to Mr. Odak's employment agreement to provide for the payment of the existing $9.2 million supplemental bonus in the event of Mr. Odak's death or disability while employed by the Company. The Board also approved the modification of the definition of "disability" to extend the period during which Mr. Odak is unable to work from 90 to 365 consecutive days. Subsequently, the Compensation Committee recommended, and the Board approved, in concept, a modification to the employment agreement to provide for a payment of a bonus of approximately $1.6 million: (i) in the event Mr. Odak terminates his employment for Good Reason, as defined in his employment agreement; (ii) in the event Mr. Odak is terminated without Cause, as defined in the agreement; or (iii) in the event his employment agreement is not renewed at the end of its initial term in March, 2006. The Company has acquired an insurance policy for the benefit of the Company to cover payment in the event of Mr. Odak's death or disability in the approximate amount of the supplemental bonus. On May 10, 2005, the Company and Mr. Odak entered into a Fourth Amendment to Employment Agreement, documenting the foregoing.

 

Other. Mark A. Retzloff is a current member of the Company’s Board of Directors, and sits on its Real Estate Committee. Mr. Retzloff is Chief Organic Officer of Aurora Organic Dairy, which derives 8% of its total revenues from sales of organic milk to the Company under the Company’s private label brand. Mr. Retzloff sits on the boards of directors of several other natural or organic companies that derive 5% of their revenues from sales of products to the Company. Stacey J. Bell, a current member of the Company’s Board of Directors, is an employee of Ideasphere, Inc., which manufactures certain of the Company’s private label vitamins and supplements. Total purchases from these vendors for the three and six months ended July 2, 2005 and June 26, 2004 were $1.2 million and $2.2 million, and $833,000 and $1.4 million, respectively. Purchases of grocery products are made primarily through the Company’s primary distributor, UNFI and therefore are indirect in nature. As of the fiscal quarters ending July 2, 2005 and June 26, 2004, amounts owed for these vendors were $70,000 and $81,000, respectively.

 

 

12.

Contingencies

 

Wild Oats Markets Canada, Inc., as successor to Alfalfa's Canada, Inc., a Canadian subsidiary of the Company, was a defendant in Helen Fakhri and Ady Aylon, as Representative Plaintiffs v. Alfalfa's Canada, Inc., a class action suit for monetary damages brought in the Supreme Court of British Columbia, Canada by the representative plaintiffs on behalf of two groups of claimants - those who claim to have contracted Hepatitis A allegedly through the consumption of food purchased at a Capers Community Market in the spring of 2002, and those who were inoculated against Hepatitis A in March and April, 2002, after handling and/or consuming food products from Capers that were or might have been contaminated with Hepatitis A. In July 2005, the Court approved a settlement agreement pursuant to which plaintiffs submitting proof of claim receive either cash or a gift card, redeemable at the Company’s Canadian stores, of certain amounts determined by classification of the claimant within one of three separate categories. The Company's insurers have acknowledged coverage for defense and administrative costs and settlement liability, and the Company has exhausted its deductible.

 

Tim Auchterlonie, individually and on behalf of all others similarly situated and the general public, and Roes 1 to 1000 vs. Wild Oats Markets, Inc. and Does 1 through 100, is a purported class action suit brought in August 2004 in the Superior Court, County of Los Angeles, for payment of overtime and damages relating to alleged violations of the California Business and Professions Code by a former managerial employee, on behalf of himself and all other similarly situated California employees, claiming that store directors at the Company’s California stores should have been classified as non-exempt employees and paid on an hourly basis. Plaintiff also alleges that the Company’s incentive bonus program is illegal based upon deductions for items outside of the employee’s control. The Company believes that the employee, a former store director, was properly classified as an exempt employee based upon his job duties, and intends to vigorously defend the suit. At this time, the Company does not have sufficient facts to estimate any potential damages. The case has been designated non-complex and trial has been scheduled for October 2005.

 

In June 2002, an administrative law judge ("ALJ") found against the Company in Wild Oats Markets, Inc. and Local 371, United Food & Commercial Workers, in certain unfair labor practice charges brought in connection with the opening of the Company’s store in Westport, Connecticut. The Company appealed the ALJ’s decision to the National Labor Relations Board. In May 2005, the National Labor Relations Board denied the appeal and issued a Decision and Order, setting forth certain equitable, injunctive and monetary remedies to be undertaken by the Company, including payment of backpay less interim earnings, and offers of employment to certain former employees of a store previously sold by the Company in 2000 (the "Sold Store"). The Company is currently evaluating whether to appeal all or part of the Decision. The Company is not presently able to estimate its potential liability to former employees of the Sold Store because the process of identification and establishment of such claims has not commenced.

 

The Company also is named as defendant in various actions and proceedings arising in the normal course of business. In all of these cases, the Company is denying the allegations and is vigorously defending against them and, in some cases, has filed counterclaims. Although the eventual outcome of the various lawsuits cannot be predicted, it is management’s opinion that these lawsuits will not result in liabilities that would materially affect the Company’s consolidated results of operations, financial position, or cash flows.

 

 

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

This report on Form 10-Q contains certain forward-looking statements regarding our future results of operations and performance. Important factors that could cause differences in results of operations include, but are not limited to, the timing, execution and performance of new store openings, relocations and remodels; the timing and liability resulting from sales and closures; amount of time before new stores become profitable; the timing and impact of merchandising programs and promotional and advertising campaigns; the impact of competition; changes in product supply or suppliers; changes in management information needs; changes in customer needs and expectations; governmental and regulatory actions; general industry or business trends or events; changes in economic or business conditions in general or affecting the natural foods industry in particular; and competition for and the availability of sites for new stores and potential acquisition candidates. See Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations - Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements.

 

Executive Summary

 

This Executive Summary section of Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations provides a broad summary of the more specific and detailed information disclosed in other sections of this report. The context that it provides should be viewed as a supplement to, and read in conjunction with, the details contained elsewhere in this report.

 

Wild Oats Markets, Inc. is one of the largest natural foods supermarket chains in North America. As of the date of this report, we operated 111 natural foods stores in 24 states and British Columbia, Canada. We operate in the retail grocery industry with two store formats: the natural foods supermarket format, under the Wild Oats Natural Marketplace(R) name nationwide and the Capers Community Market(R) name in Canada; and the farmers market format, under the Henry’s Farmers Market(R) name in southern California and Phoenix, Arizona, and the Sun Harvest™ name in Texas. Both formats emphasize natural and organic products with a wide selection of products in a full-service environment. The formats share a core demographic customer profile. We manage support services provided to the stores centrally from our Boulder, Colorado headquarters. All of our stores, regardless of format, purchase from the same primary distributor based on centralized negotiations, merchandising and marketing strategies. Our distribution facility, opened in February 2004, supplies produce and other perishables for approximately 70 stores in the western United States.

 

In 2005, we are refining our product mix and marketing strategies to maximize the potential of all of our stores with an expanded product offering that we believe will better appeal to our customer demographics of our existing store sites. We intend to broaden our product offerings to include a limited number of convenience items. In early 2005, we began to introduce more gourmet and epicurean items to reach the specialty foods customer, and in anticipation of the 2005 release of the new U.S. Department of Agriculture "food pyramid" dietary guidelines, we launched our Superfoods program in all of our stores. Store signage helped identify 20 nutrient-dense foods, and brochures and recipes emphasizing the benefits of incorporation of Superfoods into our customer’s daily diet were offered by trained staff at all stores. We continue to expand our private label line of products, including the Wild Oats(R) and the Henry’s Marketplace(R) branded products and plan to introduce additional private label products during 2005 and beyond. We continue to focus on growth through new store development. To date in 2005, we have added six new stores to our base and plan to open three additional stores in areas where we already have a market presence.

 

As of July 2, 2005, we had 111 stores located in 24 states and Canada, as compared to 105 stores as of June 26, 2004.

 

TOTAL STORE COUNT

SIX MONTHS ENDED


July 2, 2005

June 26, 2004



Store count at beginning of period

108 

103 

Stores opened

Stores closed

(3)

(3)

Stores sold

-   

(1)



Store count at end of period

111 

105 



 

In the second quarter of fiscal 2005, we opened one new Henry’s Farmers Market store in Temecula, California, and we relocated one Wild Oats Natural Marketplace store in Suburban Portland, Oregon.

 

 

Results of Operations

 

Our net income for the second quarter of fiscal 2005 was $922,000, or $0.03 per diluted share, compared with net loss of $331,000, or $(0.01) per diluted share, in the same period in fiscal 2004. The following table sets forth, for the periods indicated, certain selected income statement data expressed as a percentage of sales and in dollars (in thousands - percentages may not add due to rounding):

 

THREE MONTHS ENDED


July 2, 2005

Jun 26, 2004





Sales

$ 284,608 

100.0% 

$ 251,697 

100.0% 

Cost of goods sold and occupancy costs

202,049 

71.0% 

178,263 

70.8% 





Gross profit

82,559 

29.0% 

73,434 

29.2% 

Direct store expenses

60,724 

21.3% 

56,271 

22.4% 

Selling, general and administrative expenses

17,201 

6.0% 

14,418 

5.7% 

Loss on disposal of assets

53 

0.0% 

48 

0.0% 

Pre-opening expenses

780 

0.3% 

1,982 

0.8% 

Restructuring and asset impairment charges (income), net

909 

0.3% 

(134)

(0.1)%





Income from operations

2,892 

1.0% 

849 

0.3% 





Interest income

361 

0.1% 

222 

0.1% 

Interest expense

(2,144)

(0.8)%

(1,306)

(0.5)%





Income (loss) before income taxes

1,109 

0.4% 

(235)

(0.1)%

Income tax expense

187 

0.1% 

96 

0.0% 





Net income (loss)

$ 922 

0.3% 

$ (331)

(0.1)%





 

SIX MONTHS ENDED


July 2, 2005

Jun 26, 2004





Sales

$ 562,687 

100.0% 

$ 515,492 

100.0% 

Cost of goods sold and occupancy costs

399,872 

71.1% 

364,652 

70.7% 





Gross profit

162,815 

28.9% 

150,840 

29.3% 

Direct store expenses

121,095 

21.5% 

113,314 

22.0% 

Selling, general and administrative expenses

32,241 

5.7% 

29,939 

5.8% 

Loss (gain) on disposal of assets

44 

0.0% 

(69)

0.0% 

Pre-opening expenses

2,697 

0.5% 

2,581 

0.5% 

Restructuring and asset impairment charges, net

2,460 

0.4% 

135 

0.0% 





Income from operations

4,278 

0.8% 

4,940 

1.0% 





Loss on early extinguishment of debt

(559)

(0.1)%

-     

0.0% 

Interest income

685 

0.1% 

408 

0.1% 

Interest expense

(4,311)

(0.8)%

(2,341)

(0.5)%





Income before income taxes

93 

0.0% 

3,007 

0.6% 

Income tax expense

322 

0.1% 

1,269 

0.2% 





Net (loss) income

$ (229)

0.0% 

$ 1,738 

0.3% 





 

 

Income Statement Analysis – Second Quarter of 2005 vs. Second Quarter of 2004

 

Sales. Sales for the three months ended July 2, 2005 increased 13.1% as compared to the same period in fiscal 2004. This increase was primarily driven by our six new stores opened since the end of the second quarter of 2004, and an increase in comparable store sales over 2004. Total square feet of open stores increased 8.6% over the second quarter of 2004, as the second fiscal quarter 2005 ended with 2.53 million total square feet as compared to 2.33 million total square feet in the second fiscal quarter of 2004. Comparable store sales increased 5.4% for the quarter as compared to a 1.5% increase in the same period last year. Comparable store basket size grew 5.0% for the fiscal quarter ended July 2, 2005 as compared to 4.5% in the same period last year, while customer traffic increased 0.3% as compared to a decline of 3.0% for the second quarters 2005 and 2004, respectively. During the second quarter, the Company lapped the final quarter of difficult comparisons when it benefited from the California strike against conventional grocery retailers. Excluding the strike affected stores, comparable sales were 7.9% relative to 0.1% during the second quarter of 2005 and 2004, respectively.

 

Gross profit. Gross profit consists of sales less cost of goods sold and store occupancy costs. Occupancy costs include store related depreciation, rent and utilities. As a percentage of sales, gross profit decreased to 29.0% in the second quarter of fiscal 2005 from 29.2% in the same period in fiscal 2004, due primarily to the impact of the lower gross profit at new stores, which is approximately 40 basis points relative to prior year. Offsetting this decrease was margin improvement in our existing store base of approximately 20 basis points, due primarily to department mix changes. New stores historically carry lower margins after opening due to higher shrink and heavy promotional activity.

 

Direct store expenses. Direct store expenses include the following: payroll, payroll taxes and benefits, store supplies and maintenance, in-store community marketing and other store-specific contract costs. As a percentage of sales, direct store expenses decreased to 21.3% in the fiscal quarter ended July 2, 2005, from 22.4% in the same period last year. The improvement is due to leveraging payroll and the related taxes along with improved loss history in our self-insured employee benefits. There has also been a minor shift in marketing strategy which has seen the in-store community marketing costs remain constant over last year, while incremental marketing spending is noted in selling, general and administrative expenses.

 

Selling, general and administrative expenses. Selling, general and administrative expenses include corporate and regional administrative support services, purchasing, marketing and travel. Selling, general and administrative expenses for the quarter ended July 2, 2005 increased 0.3% as compared to the same period in fiscal 2004. Selling, general and administrative expenses in the second quarter of 2005 exceeded the same period in 2004 due to an increased level of marketing and advertising expenses spent to maintain sales momentum in addition to accrued corporate and regional level bonuses.

 

Pre-opening expenses. Pre-opening expenses include labor, rent, advertising, utilities, supplies and certain other costs incurred prior to a store’s opening. Pre-opening expenses for the second quarter of fiscal 2005 decreased to $780,000 compared to $2.0 million during the same period in fiscal 2004, due to the opening of two new stores in the second quarter of fiscal 2005 compared to five new stores during the second quarter of last year.

 

Restructuring and asset impairment charges, net. During the second quarter of fiscal 2005, we recorded net restructuring and asset impairment expense of $909,000. Details of the significant components are as follows:

 

 

 

 

 

In addition to the net restructuring expense described above, management also identified during the second quarter of 2005, net asset impairment charges of $884,000 in accordance with the provisions of SFAS No. 144, Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets for two stores held for use. In determining whether an impairment exists, the Company estimates the store’s future cash flows on an undiscounted basis, and if the cash flows are not sufficient to recover the carrying value, then the Company uses a discounted cash flow based on a risk-adjusted discount rate, to adjust its carrying value of the assets, and records a provision for impairment as appropriate. The Company continually re-evaluates its stores’ performance to monitor the carrying value of its long-lived assets in comparison to projected cash flows.

 

Interest income. Interest income was $361,000 for the second quarter ended July 2, 2005 compared to $222,000 for the fiscal quarter ended June 26, 2004. This is due to the increase in average cash and short-term investment balances over prior year.

 

Interest expense. Interest expense for the fiscal quarter ended July 2, 2005 increased to $2.1 million from $1.3 million in the same period in fiscal 2004, as a result of the increase of average borrowings due to the $115.0 million debentures.

 

Income tax expense. For the quarter ended July 2, 2005, we recorded $187,000 of income tax expense, as a result of taxable foreign income during the period. In addition, we concluded that the valuation allowance recorded during the first quarter of 2005 could be partially reversed to reflect the benefit of a decrease in the year-to-date domestic loss.

 

 

Income Statement Analysis – First Six Months of 2005 vs. First Six Months of 2004.

 

Sales. Sales for the six months ended July 2, 2005 increased 9.2% as compared to the same period in fiscal 2004. This increase was primarily driven by our new stores and an increase in average basket size. Comparable store sales increased 2.5% for the first half of 2005 which was less than the 4.9% increase for the same period in 2004 due to the California conventional grocery strike.

 

Gross profit. Gross profit consists of sales less cost of goods sold and store occupancy costs. Occupancy costs include store related depreciation, rent and utilities. As a percentage of sales, gross profit decreased to 28.9% in the first six months of fiscal 2005 from 29.3% in the same period in fiscal 2004, due primarily to the impact of the lower gross profit at new stores, which is approximately 30 basis points relative to prior year, and the impact of the southern California conventional grocery strike during the first quarter of 2004.

 

Direct store expenses. Direct store expenses include the following: payroll, payroll taxes and benefits, store supplies and maintenance, in-store community marketing and other store-specific contract costs. As a percentage of sales, direct store expenses decreased to 21.5% in the year to date period ended July 2, 2005, from 22.0% in the same period last year. The improvement is due to leveraging payroll and the related taxes along with improved loss history in our self-insured employee benefits.

 

Selling, general and administrative expenses. Selling, general and administrative expenses include: corporate and regional administrative support services, purchasing, marketing and travel. Selling, general and administrative expenses for the six months ended July 2, 2005 decreased 0.1% as compared to the same period in fiscal 2004. Selling, general and administrative expenses during the first six months of 2005 decreased over prior year due to the Company’s third quarter 2004 reorganization and ability to achieve greater operating efficiency through information technology investments. These efficiencies were offset by additional marketing expenses and accrued corporate and regional level bonuses.

 

Loss on disposal of assets. We recorded a $44,000 loss on disposal of assets for the six months ended July 2, 2005 compared to a $69,000 gain in the same period in fiscal 2004.

 

Pre-opening expenses. Pre-opening expenses include labor, rent, advertising, utilities, supplies and certain other costs incurred prior to a store’s opening. Pre-opening expenses for year to date fiscal 2005 were consistent with prior year, due to the opening of six new stores in each of the six months ended 2005 and 2004.

 

Restructuring and asset impairment charges, net. For the six months ended July 2, 2005, we recorded net restructuring and asset impairment expense of $2,460,000 consisting of the following components (in thousands):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Loss on early extinguishment of debt. During the year to date period ended 2005, we had a loss on the early extinguishment of debt of $559,000 due to the write off of remaining unamortized debt issuance costs relating to the termination of the Wells Facility (see Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations – Liquidity and Capital Resources below). There was no such activity during the six months of fiscal 2004.

 

Interest income. Interest income was $685,000 for the six months ended July 2, 2005 compared to $408,000 for the same period ended June 26, 2004. This is due to the increase in average invested cash and short-term investment balances over prior year.

 

Interest expense. Interest expense for the fiscal year to date period ended July 2, 2005 increased to $4.3 million from $2.3 million in the same period in fiscal 2004, as a result of the increase of average borrowings due to the $115.0 million debentures.

 

Income tax expense. For the year to date period ended July 2, 2005, we recorded $322,000 of income tax expense, as a result of taxable foreign income during the period. The tax valuation allowance established at fiscal 2004 year end was partially reversed as a result of the decrease in domestic loss year to date through the second quarter.

 

Earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization, loss on early extinguishment of debt, loss (gain) on asset disposals, net, and restructuring and asset impairment charges (income), net, as adjusted ("EBITDA, as adjusted"). EBITDA, as adjusted, was $19.9 million for the six months ended 2005 as compared to $19.0 million in the first six months of 2004. We believe that the reconciliation of earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization ("EBITDA") and EBITDA, as adjusted, provides meaningful non GAAP financial measures to help management and investors understand and compare business trends among different reporting periods on a consistent basis, independently of regularly reported non-cash charges and infrequent or unusual events as determined by management. Readers are cautioned not to view EBITDA or EBITDA, as adjusted, as an alternative to GAAP results or as being comparable to results reported or forecasted by other companies, and should refer to the reconciliation of GAAP net income (loss) results to EBITDA and EBITDA, as adjusted, for the second quarters and first halves of 2005 and 2004, respectively. For an explanation of EBITDA, and EBITDA, as adjusted, see Non GAAP Financial Information.

 

Remainder of 2005. Comparable store sales for full fiscal 2005 are expected to be in the range of 3.0% to 4.0%.

 

 

Liquidity and Capital Resources

Our primary sources of capital have been cash flow from operations (which includes trade payables), bank indebtedness, and the sale of equity securities. In addition to these, we have also raised an additional $112.3 million, net of sales commissions, in capital through the issuance of contingent convertible senior debentures in a private placement in June 2004, as discussed below. Primary uses of cash have been the financing of new store development, new store openings, relocations, remodels and acquisitions, repurchase of common stock and repayment of debt.

 

Net cash generated by operating activities decreased to $14.7 million during the first six months of fiscal 2005, as compared to $21.5 million during the same period in fiscal 2004. This decrease is due to lower net earnings, higher restructuring charges and working capital changes as compared to second quarter 2004.

 

Net cash used in investing activities was $836,000 during the first six months of fiscal 2005 as compared to a $26.4 million use of cash during the same period in fiscal 2004, due to a decrease in capital expenditures and proceeds from the sale of the short term investments in 2005.

 

Net cash used in financing activities of $1.0 million during the first six months of 2005 was $54.3 million less than the $53.3 million reported during the same period in fiscal 2004. The decrease in cash flows from financing activities is the direct result of a $115 million private debenture offering completed in June 2004 as discussed below.

 

EBITDA. EBITDA was $16.8 million for the six month period ended July 2, 2005, as compared to $19.0 million for the six months ended June 26, 2004. EBITDA was negatively impacted in 2005 due to $2.3 million of restructuring and asset impairment charges in addition to $559,000 in losses on the extinguishment of debt. For an explanation and reconciliation of EBITDA, see Non GAAP Financial Information.

 

Contingent convertible senior debentures. In June 2004, we issued $115 million aggregate principal amount of its 3.25% Convertible Senior Debentures due May 15, 2034 in a private placement. The debentures bear regular interest at the annual rate of 3.25%, payable semiannually on May 15 and November 15 of each year until May 15, 2011, after which date, no regular interest will be due. Commencing May 20, 2011 and ending November 14, 2011, and for any six-month period thereafter, contingent interest will be due and payable in the amount of 0.25% of the average trading price of the debentures during a specified period, if the average trading price of the debentures equals or exceeds 125% of the principal amount of the debentures.

 

The debentures are callable and convertible into our common stock prior to maturity at the option of the holders under the following circumstances: (1) during any calendar quarter commencing after June 30, 2004 and before March 31, 2029, if the last reported sale price of our common stock is greater than or equal to 130% of the conversion price of $17.70 per share; (2) at any time on or after April 1, 2029 if the last reported sale price of our common stock on any date on or after March 31, 2029 is greater than or equal to 130% of the conversion price; (3) subject to certain limitations, during the five business-day period after any five consecutive trading-day period in which the trading price per debenture for each day of that period was less than 98% of the product of the conversion rate and the last reported sale price of our common stock; (4) if we call the debentures for redemption; (5) upon the occurrence of certain corporate transactions; or (6) if we obtain credit ratings for the debentures, at any time when the credit ratings assigned to the debentures are below specified levels. The debentures are initially convertible into 56.5099 shares of our common stock per $1,000 principal amount, which is equivalent to approximately $17.70 per share, for total initial underlying shares of 6,498,639. The conversion rate will be subject to adjustment upon the occurrence of specified events. During the second quarter of 2005, we made an irrevocable election to pay the principal amount of debentures in cash upon conversion; however, the Company retains the ability to satisfy the remainder of any conversion payment, in cash or any combination of cash and common stock. Pursuant to the underwriting agreement and within 90 days of issuance, we filed a shelf registration statement covering resales of the debentures and the common stock issuable upon conversion thereof.

 

On or after May 20, 2011, we may redeem for cash some or all of the debentures at any time and from time to time, for a price equal to 100% of the principal amount of the debentures plus accrued and unpaid contingent interest, if any. Holders have the right to require us to repurchase any or all debentures for cash, at a repurchase price equal to 100% of the principal amount of the debentures, plus accrued and unpaid interest on: (1) May 15, 2011, May 15, 2014, and May 15, 2024; and (2) upon the occurrence of a fundamental change (as defined in the debenture indenture). In the case of a fundamental change in which all of the consideration for the common stock in the transaction or transactions constituting the fundamental change consists of cash, we also will pay to the holders a make-whole premium (as defined in the debenture indenture), the amount of which could be significant but would not be determinable unless and until there were to be a public announcement of such a fundamental change. Any make-whole premium would be payable to all holders regardless of whether the holder elects to require us to repurchase the debentures or elects to surrender the debentures for conversion.

 

The debentures are unsecured and unsubordinated obligations, and rank equal in priority with all of our existing and future unsecured and unsubordinated indebtedness and senior in right of payment to all of our subordinated indebtedness. The debentures will effectively rank junior to any of our secured indebtedness and any of its indebtedness that is guaranteed by our subsidiaries. Payment of principal and interest on the debentures will be structurally subordinated to the liabilities of our subsidiaries.

 

There are no financial covenants within the debenture indenture, however, we paid penalty interest of 0.25% for the first 90 days of 2005 and paid or will be paying 0.50% thereafter until the debentures are publicly registered. As of July 2, 2005, the Company has accrued $79,095 and paid $138,160 in additional interest to debenture holders due to not having an effective registration statement within the specified timeframe.

 

In 2004, total proceeds from the issuance of the debentures were $115.2 million. We used $25.0 million of the net proceeds to repurchase 1,977,800 outstanding shares of its common stock, $31.2 million to pay the outstanding balance on its credit facility, and approximately $3.7 million to pay related debt issuance costs.

 

Credit facility. On March 31, 2005, we entered into a five-year revolving secured credit facility with the Bank of America, N.A. ("B of A Facility"). Concurrent with the execution of the B of A Facility, we terminated our existing $95 million credit facility with Wells Fargo Bank N.A. as administrative agent. The B of A Facility allows borrowings and letters of credit up to a maximum of $40 million, with an option to increase borrowings up to $100 million, subject to a borrowing base determined by the value of certain inventory, credit card receivables, invested cash and, at our discretion, mortgaged leaseholds. The B of A Facility is secured by certain of our assets including, but not limited to, cash, inventory and fixed assets. Borrowings under the B of A Facility bear interest, at our election, at the prime rate or at LIBOR plus a margin ranging from 1.00% to 1.50%, depending on the excess borrowing availability over amounts borrowed. Interest rates are determined quarterly. We are charged a commitment fee on the unused portion of the B of A Facility. There are no financial covenants, other than the obligation to maintain a certain percentage of minimum excess availability (as defined in the agreement) at all times. The B of A Facility requires compliance on a monthly basis with certain non-financial covenants, including limitations on incurring additional indebtedness and making investments, the use and disposition of collateral, changes of control, as well as cash management provisions. We expect that we will be in compliance with all covenants. We further expect that our cash requirements through the third quarter of fiscal 2005 will be primarily satisfied from the proceeds of the 2004 debenture issuance as well as cash generated from operations, and thereafter from cash generated from operations and borrowings under the new credit facility.

 

Our prior credit facility was entered into in February of 2003, with Wells Fargo Bank N.A. acting as lead bank and administrative agent (the "Wells Facility"). The Wells Facility had a $95.0 million limit and a three-year term with a one-year renewal option.

 

As part of the Wells Facility, we gave our lenders collateral in the form of cash, equipment and fixtures, inventory and other assets. We also granted leasehold mortgages in certain leasehold interests. The Wells Facility required compliance as of the last day of each fiscal quarter, with certain financial covenants, including the following: an adjusted leverage ratio (as described below); a fixed charge coverage ratio, which is the ratio of EBITDAR, as defined, for the last four fiscal quarters minus certain maintenance capital expenditures and taxes to fixed charges for the four fiscal quarters; a minimum stockholders’ equity of $125 million plus a portion of cumulative net income, adjusted for stock issuances and repurchases; a limitation on new leases per fiscal year, and a cap on capital expenditures per fiscal year. We were also obligated, on a continuous basis, to maintain a minimum cash balance. As of January 1, 2005 and as of the date of our termination of the Wells Facility, there were no outstanding borrowings and letters of credit outstanding totaled $9.1 million.

 

As of July 2, 2005, we had no off-balance sheet arrangements, unconsolidated subsidiaries, commitments or guarantees, except as disclosed in the notes to the consolidated financial statements. As of July 2, 2005, we had a working capital deficit of $(21.4) million, or an improvement of $3.5 million over fiscal 2004 year-end.

 

Capital expenditures. We spent approximately $5.8 million during the second fiscal quarter of fiscal 2005 for new store construction, remodels and other capital expenditures. Our average capital expenditures to open a store, including leasehold improvements, equipment and fixtures, has ranged from approximately $2.0 million to $5.0 million historically, excluding inventory costs and initial operating losses. We anticipate that the average capital expenditures to open a natural foods supermarket format store will be $2.0 million to $4.0 million in the future, on a turnkey lease basis. Turnkey leases are properties that are ready for a tenant to begin business by having the tenant furnish only furniture and inventory. Our average capital expenditures to open a farmers’ market format store are estimated at $1.6 million to $3.0 million in the future. Delays in opening new stores may result in increased pre-opening costs for the site, as well as lower than planned sales for the Company.

 

Based upon the current level of operations, we believe that cash flows from operations and other sources available such as cash from our debentures and available line of credit will be adequate to meet anticipated requirements for working capital, capital expenditures, interest payments and future debenture payments in the foreseeable future. However, there can be no assurance that the business will continue to generate cash flows from operations at current levels or that we will be able to maintain our ability to borrow under the line of credit.

 

 

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

 

Our discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations are based upon our consolidated financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. The preparation of these financial statements requires us to make estimates and judgments that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses, and related disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities. We base our estimates on historical experience and on various other assumptions that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis for making judgments about the carrying values of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. Actual results may differ from these estimates.

 

On an ongoing basis, we evaluate the continued appropriateness of our accounting policies and resulting estimates, including those related to:

 

 

We believe the following critical accounting policies affect our most significant judgments and estimates used in the preparation of our consolidated financial statements. There have been no changes in 2005 in the application of these policies:

 

 

Goodwill. Goodwill consists of the excess cost of acquired companies over the sum of the fair market value of their underlying assets acquired and liabilities assumed. In accordance with SFAS No. 142, "Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets", goodwill is reviewed for impairment annually at the end of the second quarter at a reporting unit level, or more frequently, if certain indicators of impairment exist. We have one reporting unit at the enterprise level to which goodwill is allocated. We estimate fair value utilizing a combination of three different methods, consisting of market capitalization, discounted future cash flows, and earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, amortization ("EBITDA") multiples, and compare it to the carrying value of the enterprise for purposes of identifying potential impairment.

 

The annual review for impairment relies heavily on our ability to accurately project future cash flows, which in itself, requires the extensive use of accounting judgment and financial assumptions and estimates. These projections can be affected by many items that are interdependent on one another and are outside of our control and ability to predict except at the time of evaluation, such as changes in the economy, trends affecting the natural and organic food industry, and changing competitive pressures.

 

Two of the most significant assumptions underlying the determination of the fair value of goodwill and other intangible assets are the EBITDA multiples and the growth rate on our free cash flow projections. In connection with our annual goodwill impairment measurement, we determined that a 33% reduction in our EBITDA multiple would have decreased the valuation model by $71.9 million and a 25% reduction in our free cash flow projection percentage would have resulted in a decrease of $100.7 million. Despite these calculated decreases, our lowest valuation still exceeds book value, and therefore, no impairment would be recognized.

 

Impairment of long-lived assets. We monitor the carrying value of our long-lived assets, including finite-lived intangible assets, for potential impairment whenever changes in circumstance indicate a potential for impairment may exist. The triggering events for evaluations of finite lived intangible assets include a significant decrease in the market value of an asset, acquisition and construction costs in excess of budget, or current store operating losses combined with a history of losses or a projection of continuing losses. If impairment is identified, based on undiscounted future cash flows, management compares the asset’s future cash flows, discounted to present value using a risk-adjusted discount rate, to its current carrying value and records a provision for impairment as appropriate. With respect to equipment and leasehold improvements associated with closed stores, the value of these assets is adjusted to reflect recoverable values estimated based on our previous efforts to dispose of similar assets, with consideration for current economic conditions.

 

Our review for impairment relies heavily on our ability to accurately project future cash flows related to our stores and support facilities. Our cash flow projections look several years into the future and include assumptions about sales growth and cost trends that could be significantly impacted by changes in the local and national economy, trends in the natural and organic food industry, local competitive pressures, as well as the effectiveness of various operational initiatives underway in our stores.

 

A 2% increase in our sales growth assumption utilized in the cash flow projection would have resulted in no change to the number of stores or related dollar amount of impaired assets. A 2% decrease in our sales growth assumption would have resulted in the impairment of an additional two stores held for use and approximately $2.2 million of additional asset impairment charges.

 

Restructuring and store closure costs. We reserve for the present value of lease-related costs associated with store and support facility closures, relocations, and sales when the store or facility is closed. The calculation of the lease related liabilities involves applying a discount rate to the estimation of our remaining lease obligations, taxes and common area maintenance, net of future estimated subtenant income. The lease liabilities usually are paid over the lease terms associated with the closed stores, which have had remaining terms ranging from one month to 25 years. Store closing liabilities are reviewed each reporting period to ensure that the amounts recorded reasonably reflect our future obligations associated with closed stores and facilities based on the most current information available. Adjustments to existing lease related liabilities are primarily a result of changes in the expected timing or amount of subtenant income, and are made in the period in which the change in facts and circumstances, as well as their related impacts, become known and estimable. Lease related closure costs and associated severance costs are made in accordance with SFAS No. 146 "Accounting for Costs Associated with Exit of Disposal Activities." Severance costs incurred in connection with store closings are recorded when the employees have been identified and notified of the termination benefits to be made to the employees.

 

In evaluating the reserves for lease related liabilities, management considers a number of variables that would affect the marketability of the space such as recent demand for similar space in the market area, the number of potential subtenants expressing interest, specific characteristics of the property, any limitations in the use of the space imposed by the landlord, as well as the creditworthiness of actual subtenants. The above factors are continuously reevaluated and have a significant impact on management’s assumptions used in estimating the timing and amount of any subtenant income, and thus the amount of required reserves.

 

In calculating the lease related liabilities, we apply a discount rate to the estimation of our remaining lease obligations. By decreasing the discount rate by 22%, we determined that our second quarter lease related restructuring expense would have increased by approximately $39,000. An increase of 22% in the discount rate would have decreased the second quarter lease related restructuring expense by $35,000.

 

Inventory. Our inventory is stated at the lower of cost or market on a first-in, first-out basis using the retail method of accounting to determine cost of sales and inventory for approximately 80% of inventories and using the item cost method for highly perishable products representing approximately 20% of inventories in our stores. Under the retail inventory method, the valuation of inventories at cost and the resulting gross margins are determined by applying a cost-to-retail ratio for various categories of similar items to the retail value of inventories. Inherent in the retail inventory method calculations are certain management judgments and estimates, including shrinkage, which could significantly impact the ending inventory valuation at cost as well as the resulting gross margins. Physical inventory counts are taken at each location to ensure that the amounts reflected in the consolidated financial statements are properly stated as of the end of each reporting period.

 

We maintain allowances for excess or unsaleable inventory as a percentage of its gross inventory balance based on historical experience and assumptions about market conditions. If actual market conditions are less favorable than those projected by management, or if we expand our forward buying of inventory, which will increase our inventory levels, then additional inventory write-downs may be required.

 

Relative to the above, a hypothetical increase of 1% to our cost-to-retail ratio would result in a decrease of approximately $700,000 to our inventory valuation. Conversely, a hypothetical decrease of 1% would result in an increase of approximately $700,000 to our inventory balance as of the end of second quarter, 2005. With regards to our allowance for inventory, an increase or decrease of 1% would cause our allowance to fluctuate by about $590,000.

 

Self-insurance. We use a combination of stop-loss insurance and are self-insured for losses relating to worker’s compensation claims, general liability and employee medical and dental benefits. We have purchased stop-loss coverage in order to limit exposure to any significant claim or levels of claims that would be catastrophic to our Company. Self-insured losses are accrued based upon estimates of the aggregate uninsured claims incurred using certain actuarial assumptions followed in the insurance industry which are based on our industry’s experience as well as our historical claims experience. While we believe that the assumptions and methodology used are appropriate, the estimated accruals for these liabilities could be significantly affected if actual loss development and payment patterns vary significantly from the assumptions and historical trends utilized.

 

Tax valuation allowances. We utilize the concepts and guidance of SFAS No. 109, "Accounting for Income Taxes" in assessing the ability to realize our deferred tax assets. The Company establishes valuation allowances based on historical taxable income, projected future income, the expected timing of the reversals of existing temporary differences and the implementation of tax planning strategies. Based on our analysis in 2004, we established a full valuation allowance against our net deferred tax assets as it was not more likely than not that the assets would be realized under SFAS No. 109 Accounting for Income Taxes.

 

When we are able to show a profitable trend (generally 6 to 8 quarters), we will re-evaluate the need for a valuation allowance using all factors available to us at that time.

 

 

Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

 

This Report on Form 10-K contains "forward-looking statements," within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, which involve known and unknown risks. Such forward-looking statements include statements as to the number of stores we plan to open or relocate in future periods and the anticipated performance of such stores; the impact of competition; the sufficiency of funds to satisfy our cash requirements through the remainder of fiscal 2005; the impact of changes resulting from our merchandising and marketing programs; our ability to benefit from past supply chain modifications; expected pre-opening expenses and capital expenditures; and other statements containing words such as "believes," "anticipates," "estimates," "expects," "may," "intends" and words of similar import or statements of management's opinion. These forward-looking statements and assumptions involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause our actual results, market performance or achievements to differ materially from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Important factors that could cause differences in results of operations include, but are not limited to, the timing and execution of new store openings, relocations, remodels and closures; new competitive impacts; changes in product supply or suppliers and supplier performance levels; changes in management information needs; changes in customer needs and expectations; changes in government regulations applicable to our business; changes in economic or business conditions in general or affecting the natural foods industry in particular; and competition for and the availability of sites for new stores. We undertake no obligation to update any forward-looking statements in order to reflect events or circumstances that may arise after the date of this Report.

 

 

Non GAAP Financial Information

 

The following is a reconciliation of EBITDA and EBITDA, as adjusted, to net income (in thousands):

 

THREE MONTHS ENDED


July 2, 2005

June 26, 2004



Net income (loss)

$ 922 

$ (331)

Interest expense, net of interest income

1,783 

1,084 

Income tax expense

187 

96 

Depreciation and amortization

6,382 

6,609 



EBITDA

9,274 

7,458 

Loss on asset disposals, net

53 

48 

Restructuring and asset impairment charges    (income), net

909 

(134)



EBITDA, as adjusted

$ 10,236 

$ 7,372 



 

SIX MONTHS ENDED


July 2, 2005

June 26, 2004



Net (loss) income

$ (229)

$ 1,738 

Interest expense, net of interest income

3,626 

1,933 

Income tax expense

322 

1,269 

Depreciation and amortization

13,117 

14,014 



EBITDA

16,836 

18,954 

Loss on early extinguishment of debt

559 

-     

Loss (gain) on asset disposals, net

44 

(69)

Restructuring and asset impairment charges, net

2,460 

135 



EBITDA, as adjusted

$ 19,899 

$ 19,020 



 

EBITDA and EBITDA, as adjusted, are measures used by management to measure operating performance.  EBITDA is defined as net income plus interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization.  EBITDA, as adjusted, excludes certain non-cash charges and other items that management does not utilize in assessing operating performance or for purposes of corporate and regional level bonuses.  The items included in the reconciliation from EBITDA to EBITDA, as adjusted, are either (a) non-cash items (e.g. asset impairments) or (b) items that management does not consider to be relevant to assessing operating performance (e.g. restructuring, gain/loss on sale of assets, net).  Regarding the non-cash items, management believes that investors can better assess operating performance if the measures are presented without such items.   In the case of the items that management does not consider relevant to assessing operating performance, management believes that investors can better assess ongoing operating performance if the measures are presented without these items because their financial impact has no continuing relevance to our ongoing business.  The above table reconciles net income to EBITDA and EBITDA, as adjusted.   Management believes that EBITDA and EBITDA, as adjusted, are useful to investors because securities analysts, lenders and other interested parties frequently utilize them to evaluate our peer companies and us. Neither EBITDA nor EBITDA, as adjusted, are recognized terms under GAAP and do not purport to be an alternative to net income as an indicator of operating performance or any other GAAP measure.  Not all companies utilize identical calculations, therefore, the presentation of EBITDA and EBITDA, as adjusted, may not be comparable to other identically titled measures of other companies.  In addition, EBITDA and EBITDA, as adjusted, are not intended to be measures of free cash flow for management’s discretionary use since they do not consider certain cash requirements, such as interest payments, tax payments and capital expenditures.

 

Comparable stores sales. We deem sales of a new, relocated or acquired stores comparable commencing in the thirteenth full month of operations.

 

 

Item 3.  Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk

 

In the normal course of business, the Company is exposed to fluctuations in interest rates and the value of foreign currency. The Company employs various financial instruments to manage certain exposures when practical.

 

The Company is exposed to foreign currency exchange risk. The Company owns and operates three natural foods supermarkets and a commissary kitchen in British Columbia, Canada. The commissary supports the three Canadian stores and does not independently generate sales revenue. Sales made from the Canadian stores are made in exchange for Canadian dollars. To the extent that those revenues are repatriated to the United States, the amounts repatriated are subject to the exchange rate fluctuations between the two currencies. The Company does not hedge against this risk because of the small amounts of funds at risk.

 

Should we begin drawing on the B of A Facility for additional capital, our exposure to interest rate changes would be primarily related to our variable rate debt issued under the B of A Facility. The total commitment available is $40.0 million under a revolving line of credit, with a five-year term expiring March 31, 2010. The interest rate on the credit facility is prime or LIBOR plus 1.25%, at our election, and the rates modify depending on the excess borrowings availability over amounts borrowed. Because the interest rate on the facility is variable, based upon the prime rate or LIBOR, the Company's interest expense and net income would be affected by interest rate fluctuations.

 

 

Item 4. Controls and Procedures

 

Disclosure Controls and Procedures. The Company's management, with the participation of the Company's Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, has evaluated the effectiveness of the Company's disclosure controls and procedures (as such term is defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act")) as of July 2, 2005. Based on such evaluation, the Company's Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have concluded that, as of July 2, 2005, the Company's disclosure controls and procedures are effective in recording, processing, summarizing and reporting, on a timely basis, information required to be disclosed by the Company in the reports that it files or submits under the Exchange Act and are effective in ensuring that information required to be disclosed by the Company in the reports that it files or submits under the Exchange Act is accumulated and communicated to the Company's management, including the Company's Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

 

Internal Control Over Financial Reporting. There have not been any changes in the Company's internal control over financial reporting (as such term is defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) under the Exchange Act) during the fiscal quarter ended July 2, 2005 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.

 

 

Part II.  OTHER INFORMATION

 

Item 1.  Legal Proceedings

 

Wild Oats Markets Canada, Inc., as successor to Alfalfa's Canada, Inc., a Canadian subsidiary of the Company, was a defendant in Helen Fakhri and Ady Aylon, as Representative Plaintiffs v. Alfalfa's Canada, Inc., a class action suit for monetary damages brought in the Supreme Court of British Columbia, Canada by the representative plaintiffs on behalf of two groups of claimants - those who claim to have contracted Hepatitis A allegedly through the consumption of food purchased at a Capers Community Market in the spring of 2002, and those who were inoculated against Hepatitis A in March and April, 2002, after handling and/or consuming food products from Capers that were or might have been contaminated with Hepatitis A. In July 2005, the Court approved a settlement agreement pursuant to which plaintiffs submitting proof of claim receive either cash or a gift card, redeemable at our Canadian stores, of certain amounts determined by classification of the claimant within one of three separate categories. Our insurers have acknowledged coverage for defense and administrative costs and settlement liability, and we have exhausted our deductible.

 

Tim Auchterlonie, individually and on behalf of all others similarly situated and the general public, and Roes 1 to 1000 vs. Wild Oats Markets, Inc. and Does 1 through 100, is a purported class action suit brought in August 2004 in the Superior Court, County of Los Angeles, for payment of overtime and damages relating to alleged violations of the California Business and Professions Code by a former managerial employee, on behalf of himself and all other similarly situated California employees, claiming that store directors at our California stores should have been classified as non-exempt employees and paid on an hourly basis. Plaintiff also alleges that our bonus program is illegal based upon deductions for items outside of the employee’s control. We believe that the employee, a former store director, was properly classified as an exempt employee based upon his job duties, and intend to vigorously defend the suit. At this time, we do not have sufficient facts to estimate any potential damages. The case has been designated non-complex and trial has been scheduled for October 2005.

 

In June 2002 an administrative law judge ("ALJ") found against us in Wild Oats Markets, Inc. and Local 371, United Food & Commercial Workers, in certain unfair labor practice charges brought in connection with the opening of our store in Westport, Connecticut. We appealed the ALJ’s decision to the National Labor Relations Board. In May 2005, the National Labor Relations Board denied the appeal and issued a Decision and Order, setting forth certain equitable, injunctive and monetary remedies to be undertaken by us, including payment of backpay less interim earnings, and offers of employment to certain former employees of a store that we previously sold in 2000 (the "Sold Store"). We are currently evaluating whether to appeal all or part of the Decision. We are not presently able to estimate our potential liability to former employees of the Sold Store because the process of identification and establishment of such claims has not commenced.

 

The Company also is named as defendant in various actions and proceedings arising in the normal course of business. In all of these cases, we are denying the allegations and are vigorously defending against them and, in some cases, have filed counterclaims. Although the eventual outcome of the various lawsuits cannot be predicted, it is management’s opinion that these lawsuits will not result in liabilities that would materially affect our consolidated results of operations, financial position, or cash flows.

 

 

Item 2.  Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds.

 

None.

 

 

Item 3.  Defaults Upon Senior Securities

 

None.

 

 

Item 4.  Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders

 

At the Company’s Annual Meeting of Stockholders held on May 17, 2005, the Company’s stockholders elected the following director to the Company’s Board of Directors for a three-year term: David Gallitano. The following number of votes were cast for and against the election of the director:

 

Director

For

Withheld

David Gallitano

24,057,316

324,207

 

The remaining directors whose terms continue after the meeting date are Stacey Bell, David Chamberlain, Brian Devine, Robert Miller, Perry Odak, Mark Retzloff and John Shields.

 

The Company’s stockholders ratified the selection of Ernst & Young, LLP as independent accountants for the Company for its fiscal year ended December 31, 2005. The shareholders voted for the ratification by the following number of votes:

 

For

Against

Abstain

Broker Non-Votes

24,282,005

64,014

35,504

0

 

 

Item 5.  Other Information

 

None.

 

 

Item 6.  Exhibits

 

Exhibit Number

Description

10.1#**

Employment Agreement dated April 26, 2005 between Robert B. Dimond and the Registrant. (1)

10.2#**

Robert B. Dimond Equity Incentive Plan. (1)

10.3#**

Severance Agreement dated May 9, 2005 between Robert B. Dimond and Registrant. (1)

10.4#**

Fourth Amendment to Employment Agreement, dated May 10, 2005, between Perry D. Odak and the Registrant. (1)

10.5**

First Amendment dated June 20, 2005, to Loan and Security Agreement Loan and Security Agreement, dated March 31, 2005, by and among Wild Oats Markets, Inc., Bank of America, N.A., as agent, and the lenders identified therein. (2)

10.6#+

Employment Agreement dated July 19, 2005 between Dan Bolstad and the Registrant.

10.7#+

Dan Bolstad Equity Incentive Plan.

10.8#+

Severance Agreement dated July 27, 2005 between Dan Bolstad and Registrant.

31.1+

CEO Certification under Section 302 of Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

31.2+

CFO Certification under Section 302 of Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

32.1+

CEO Certification under Section 906 of Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

32.2+

CFO Certification under Section 906 of Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

#    Management Compensation Plan.

**   Previously filed.

+    Included herewith.

(1) Incorporated by reference from the Registrant’s 10-Q for the period ended April 2, 2005 (File No. 0-21577)

(2) Incorporated by reference from the Registrant’s Form 8-K filed on July 6, 2005 (File No. 0-21577).

 


SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City of Boulder, County of Boulder, State of Colorado, on the 11th day of August 2005.

 

Wild Oats Markets, Inc.
(Registrant)
By: /s/ Robert B. Dimond
Robert B. Dimond
Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer
(Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)