DUCK Alco Stores, Inc. (MM)

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-Q

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

For the quarterly period ended May 4, 2008

OR

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

Commission File Number 0-20269

 

DUCKWALL-ALCO STORES, INC.  

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Kansas	48-0201080
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)	(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
401 Cottage Street Abilene, Kansas	67410-2832
(Address of principal executive offices)	(Zip Code)

Registrant's telephone number including area code: (785) 263-3350

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

NONE

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

Common Stock, par value $.0001 per share

(Title of Class)

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act. Yes_____ No __ X _

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Exchange Act. Yes___ No  _ X __

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

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer or a smaller reporting company. See definitions of “accelerated filer", "large accelerated filer” and "smaller reporting company" in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. Large accelerated filer [ ] Accelerated filer [X] Non-accelerated filer (Do not check if a smaller reporting company) [ ] Smaller reporting company [ ]

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes ____ No _ _X __

APPLICABLE ONLY TO CORPORATE ISSUERS:

3,810,591 shares of common stock, $.0001 par value (the issuer's only class of common stock), were outstanding as of May 4, 2008.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

DUCKWALL-ALCO STORES, INC.

 

TABLE OF CONTENTS
PART I	FINANCIAL INFORMATION
	Item 1.	Financial Statements	3
	Item 2.	Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations	8
	Item 3.	Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosure About Market Risk	13
	Item 4.	Controls and Procedures	13
PART II	OTHER INFORMATION
	Item 1.	Legal Proceedings	14
	Item 1A.	Risk Factors	14
	Item 2.	Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds	14
	Item 3.	Defaults Upon Senior Securities	15
	Item 4.	Submissions of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders	15
	Item 5.	Other Information	15
	Item 6.	Exhibits	15
Signature			16

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

PART I – FINANCIAL INFORMATION

ITEM 1.   FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Duckwall-ALCO Stores, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Balance Sheets
(in thousands, except share amounts)
Assets
		May 4,				February 3,
		2008				2008
		(Unaudited)
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents		$	4,977			$	5,501
Receivables			3,898				4,905
Prepaid income taxes			4,955				768
Inventories			145,123				128,545
Prepaid expenses			3,263				3,101
Deferred income taxes			6,835				7,094
Total current assets			169,051				149,914
Property and equipment, at cost:
Land and land improvements			2,401				2,205
Buildings and building improvements			11,931				11,931
Furniture, fixtures and equipment			58,406				58,911
Transportation equipment			1,344				1,310
Leasehold improvements			13,788				15,419
Construction work in progress			1,445				1,282
Total property and equipment			89,315				91,058
Less accumulated depreciation			61,360				64,019
Net property and equipment			27,955				27,039
Property under capital leases			13,571				13,571
Less accumulated amortization			9,136				8,654
Net property under capital leases			4,435				4,917
Other non-current assets			270				262
Deferred income taxes			3,028				3,254
Total assets		$	204,739			$	185,386
Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity
Current liabilities:
Current maturities of long-term debt		$	1,298			$	1,278
Current maturities of capital lease obligations			1,840				1,860
Accounts payable			36,023				19,134
Accrued salaries and commissions			5,685				3,711
Accrued taxes other than income			3,554				4,301
Self-insurance claim reserves			4,693				4,571
Other current liabilities			6,344				7,360
Total current liabilities			59,437				42,215
Long term debt, less current maturities			3,895				4,227
Notes payable under revolving loan			29,671				20,715
Capital lease obligations - less current maturities			4,376				4,933
Deferred gain on leases			4,888				4,985
Other noncurrent liabilities			1,594				1,139
Total liabilities			103,861				78,214
Stockholders' equity:
Common stock, $.0001 par value, authorized 20,000,000 shares;
issued and outstanding 3,810,591 shares and 3,810,591 shares respectively			1				1
Additional paid-in capital			38,324				38,766
Retained earnings			62,553				68,405
Total stockholders' equity			100,878				107,172
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity		$	204,739			$	185,386
See accompanying notes to unaudited consolidated financial statements.

 

Duckwall-ALCO Stores, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Statements of Operations
(dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)
(Unaudited)
		For the Thirteen Week
		Periods Ended
		May 4, 2008				April 29, 2007
Net sales		$	105,982				106,265
Cost of sales			74,146				73,456
Gross margin			31,836				32,809
Selling, general and administrative			36,912				33,351
Depreciation and amortization			1,774				1,753
Total operating expenses			38,686				35,104
Operating loss from continuing operations			(6,850	)			(2,295	)
Interest expense, net			605				758
Loss from continuing operations before income taxes			(7,455	)			(3,053	)
Income tax benefit			(3,063	)			(1,206	)
Loss from continuing operations			(4,392	)			(1,847	)
Loss from discontinued operations, net of income tax benefit			(1,460	)			(385	)
Net earnings (loss)			(5,852	)			(2,232	)
Loss per share
Basic
Continuing operations			(1.15	)			(0.49	)
Discontinued operations			(0.38	)			(0.10	)
Net loss per share			(1.53	)			(0.59	)
Loss per share
Diluted
Continuing operations			(1.15	)			(0.49	)
Discontinued operations			(0.38	)			(0.10	)
Net loss per share		$	(1.53	)			(0.59	)
See accompanying notes to unaudited consolidated financial statements.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Duckwall-ALCO Stores, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
(dollars in thousands)
(Unaudited)
		For the Thirteen Week
		Periods Ended
		May 4,				April 29,
		2008				2007
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net loss		$	(5,852	)			(2,232	)
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash used in operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization			1,819				1,879
Gain (loss) on sale of assets			(33	)			-
Share-based compensation			(329	)			282
Tax benefit from share-based compensation			-				11
Deferred income tax expense, net			372				-
Changes in:
Receivables			1,007				(1,512	)
Prepaid expenses			(162	)			(1,396	)
Inventories			(16,578	)			(7,414	)
Accounts payable			16,889				4,224
Prepaid income taxes			(4,187	)			(3,572	)
Accrued salaries and commissions			2,352				(168	)
Accrued taxes other than income			(747	)			931
Self-insurance claims reserves			122				397
Other assets and liabilities			(1,044	)			(457	)
Net cash used in operating activities			(6,371	)			(9,027	)
Cash flows from investing activities:
Proceeds from the sale of assets			134				-
Acquisition of:
Fixtures, equipment and leasehold improvements			(2,354	)			(1,549	)
Net cash used in investing activities			(2,220	)			(1,549	)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Net borrowings (pay downs) under revolving loan credit agreement			8,956				12,999
Proceeds from exercise of outstanding stock options			-				116
Excess tax benefit from share-based compensation			-				11
Net borrowings (pay downs) under term loan			(312	)			-
Principal payments under capital lease obligations			(577	)			(547	)
Net cash provided by financing activities			8,067				12,579
Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents			(524	)			2,003
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year			5,501				2,983
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year		$	4,977				4,986
Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information:
Cash paid during the period for:
Interest		$	539			$	625
Income taxes			9				2,284
See accompanying notes to unaudited consolidated financial statements.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Duckwall-ALCO Stores, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements

(dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)

(1)            Basis of Presentation

 

The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements of Duckwall-ALCO Stores, Inc. and Subsidiaries (the "Company") are for interim periods and have been prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles for interim financial information and with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Regulation S-X. Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and footnotes required by U.S. generally accepted accounting principles for complete financial statements.  It is suggested that the accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements included in the Company's fiscal 2008 Annual Report. In the opinion of management of the Company, the accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements reflect all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring accruals) necessary to present fairly the financial position of the Company and the results of its operations and cash flows for the interim periods. Because the Company’s business is moderately seasonal, the results from interim periods are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the entire year.

 

(2)            Principles of Consolidation

The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Duckwall-ALCO Stores, Inc. and Subsidiaries.  All significant intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated in consolidation.

 

(3)            Reclassification

(4)            Share-Based Compensation

Effective with fiscal 2007, the Company adopted Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 123(R) Share-Based Payment (SFAS 123(R)) and began recognizing compensation expense for its share-based payments based on the fair value of the awards. Share-based payments consist of stock option grants. SFAS 123(R) requires share based compensation expense to be based on the following: a) grant date fair value estimated in accordance with the original provisions of SFAS 123 for unvested options granted prior to the adoption date and b) grant date fair value estimated in accordance with the provisions of SFAS 123(R) for all share-based payments granted subsequent to the adoption date.  For the thirteen weeks ended May 4, 2008, share-based compensation expense increased pre-tax income by $329 and for the thirteen weeks ended April 29, 2007 share-based compensation expense lowered pre-tax income by $282.   Actual forfeitures exceeded estimated forfeitures for the thirteen weeks ended May 4, 2008, resulting in a reduction of previously recorded share-based compensation expense of $480, offset by share-based compensation expense of $151 for the period.  The benefits of tax deductions in excess of recognized compensation expense are reported as a financing cash flow.

Under SFAS 123(R), forfeitures are estimated at the time of valuation and reduce expense ratably over the vesting period. This estimate is adjusted periodically based on the extent to which actual forfeitures differ, or are expected to differ, from the previous estimate.

Stock Incentive Plan

Under our 2003 Incentive Stock Option Plan, options may be granted to officers and key employees, not to exceed 500,000 shares.  According to the terms of the plan, the per share exercise price of options granted shall not be less than the fair market value of the stock on the date of grant and such options will expire no later than five years from the date of grant. The options vest in equal amounts over a four year requisite service period beginning from the grant date. In the case of a stockholder owning more than 10% of the outstanding voting stock of the Company, the exercise price of an incentive stock option may not be less than 110% of the fair market value of the stock on the date of grant and such options will expire no later than five years from the date of grant.  Also, the aggregate fair market value of the stock with respect to which incentive stock options are exercisable on a tax deferred basis for the first time by an individual in any calendar year may not exceed $100,000. In the event that the foregoing results in a portion of an option exceeding the $100,000 limitation, such portion of the option in excess of the limitation shall be treated as a nonqualified stock option.  At May 4, 2008, the Company had 284,000 shares authorized for future option grants.  The Company issues these grants from the unissued shares authorized.

Under the Company’s Non-Qualified Stock Option Plan for Non-Management Directors, options may be granted to Directors of the Company who are not otherwise officers or employees of the Company, not to exceed 120,000 shares.  According to the terms of the plan, the per share exercise price of options granted shall not be less than the fair market value of the stock on the date of grant and such options will expire five years from the date of grant.  The options vest in equal amounts over a four year requisite service period beginning from the grant date.  All options under the plan shall be non-qualified stock options.  There are no shares remaining to be issued under this plan. 

The fair value of each option grant is separately estimated for each grant. The fair value of each option is amortized into compensation expense on a straight-line basis from the grant date for the award over the requisite service period as discussed above.  We have estimated the fair value of all stock option awards as of the date of the grant by applying a modified Black-Scholes pricing valuation model.  The application of this valuation model involves assumptions that are judgmental and highly sensitive in the determination of compensation expense, including expected stock price volatility.

 

The following summarizes information concerning stock option grants during fiscal 2009 and 2008:

						For the Thirteen Week
						Periods Ended
		February 3, 2008				May 4, 2008				April 29, 2007
Stock options granted			88,000				62,500				20,000
Weighted average exercise price		$	39.02			$	13.50			$	38.06
Weighted average grant date fair value		$	10.93			$	4.03			$	11.94

The weighted average for key assumptions used in determining the fair value of options granted in the thirteen weeks ended May 4, 2008 and April 29, 2007 and a summary of the methodology applied to develop each assumption are as follows:

						For the Thirteen Week
						Periods Ended
		February 3, 2008				May 4, 2008				April 29, 2007
Expected price volatility			25.6	%			34.4	%			32.4	%
Risk-free interest rate			4.8	%			2.2	%			4.7	%
Weighted average expected lives in years			3.8				4.0				3.8
Dividend yield			0.00	%			0.00	%			0.00	%

EXPECTED PRICE VOLATILITY -- This is a measure of the amount by which a price has fluctuated or is expected to fluctuate. The Company uses actual historical changes in the market value of its stock to calculate expected price volatility because management believes that this is the best indicator of future volatility. The Company calculates monthly market value changes from the date of grant over a past period to determine volatility. An increase in the expected volatility will increase compensation expense.

RISK-FREE INTEREST RATE -- This is the U.S. Treasury rate for the date of the grant over the expected term.  An increase in the risk-free interest rate will increase compensation expense.

EXPECTED LIVES -- This is the period of time over which the options granted are expected to remain outstanding and is based on management’s expectations in relation to the holders of the options. Options granted have a maximum term of five years. An increase in the expected life will increase compensation expense.

DIVIDEND YIELD --- The Company has not made any dividend payments nor does it have plans to pay dividends in the foreseeable future. An increase in the dividend yield will decrease compensation expense.

As of May 4, 2008, total unrecognized compensation expense related to non-vested stock options is $1.4 million with a weighted average expense recognition period of 3.3 years.

 

(5)            Accounting for Income Taxes

 

The Company recorded decreases in gross unrecognized tax benefits, inclusive of related interest, of $194 for the thirteen week period ended May 4, 2008 and increases of $48 for the thirteen week period ended April 29, 2007, respectively.  None of the amounts recorded as unrecognized tax benefits would impact the effective income tax rate if recognized.

The statute of limitations for our federal income tax returns is open for 2004 through 2006.  We file in numerous state jurisdictions with varying statutes of limitation.  State returns are open from 2003 through 2006 or 2004 through 2006 depending on each state’s statute of limitations.  The Company finalized an Internal Revenue Service audit for the fiscal year ended January 29, 2006 during the first quarter of fiscal year 2009.    There were not any significant adjustments identified during the audit.

(6)            Earnings Per Share

Basic net earnings per share is computed by dividing net earnings by the weighted average number of shares outstanding.  Diluted net earnings per share reflects the potential dilution that could occur if contracts to issue securities (such as stock options) were exercised, except for those periods with a loss.

 

Diluted earnings per share excludes the impact of the exercise of options to purchase zero shares of stock for the thirteen week period ended May 4, 2008 and 79,493 for same period ended April  29, 2007, as the effect would be antidilutive due to the net loss recorded during each of the respective periods.

 

The average number of shares used in computing earnings per share was as follows:
Thirteen Weeks Ended		Basic				Diluted
May 4, 2008			3,810,591				3,810,591
April 29, 2007			3,800,120				3,800,120

 

 

(8)            Subsequent Events

None

 

(9)            New Accounting Pronouncements

 

In September 2006, the FASB issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 157, Fair Value Measurement (SFAS 157). SFAS 157 provides a definition of fair value, provides guidance for measuring fair value in U.S. GAAP and expands disclosures about fair value measurements. SFAS 157 will be effective at the beginning of fiscal 2010. Effective February 4, 2008, the Company adopted the provisions of SFAS No. 157, Fair Value Measurements (SFAS 157) , for financial assets and financial liabilities. In accordance with Financial Accounting Standards Board Staff Position No. 157-2, Effective Date of FASB Statement No. 157, the Company will delay application of SFAS No. 157 for non-financial assets and non-financial liabilities, until February 2, 2009. SFAS No. 157 defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value in generally accepted accounting principles and expands disclosures about fair value measurements. Adoption of SFAS No. 157 did not have  a material impact on our consolidated financial position, results of operations, or cash flows.

 

In February 2007, the FASB issued SFAS 159, The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities - Including an Amendment of SFAS 115 (SFAS 159), which permits entities to choose to measure many financial instruments and certain other items at fair value. The fair value option established by this standard permits all entities to choose to measure eligible items at fair value at specified election dates. Entities choosing the fair value option would be required to report unrealized gains and losses on items for which the fair value option has been elected in earnings at each subsequent reporting date. Adoption is required for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007. Adoption of SFAS No. 159 did not have  a material impact on our consolidated financial position, results of operations, or cash flows.

 

ITEM 2.     MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (dollars in thousands except per share amounts)

 

CAUTIONARY STATEMENT CONCERNING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS AND FACTORS THAT MAY AFFECT FUTURE RESULTS OF OPERATIONS, FINANCIAL CONDITION OR BUSINESS

Certain statements contained in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q that are not statements of historical fact may constitute "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of Section 21E of the Exchange Act. These statements are subject to risks and uncertainties, as described below. Examples of forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to: (i) projections of revenues, income or loss, earnings or loss per share, capital expenditures, store openings, store closings, payment or non-payment of dividends, capital structure and other financial items, (ii) statements of plans and objectives of the Company's management or Board of Directors, including plans or objectives relating to inventory, store development, marketing, competition, business strategy, store environment, merchandising, purchasing, pricing, distribution, transportation, store locations and information systems, (iii) statements of future economic performance, and (iv) statements of assumptions underlying the statements described in (i), (ii) and (iii). Forward-looking statements can often be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology, such as "believes," "expects," "may," "will," "should," "could," "intends," "plans," "estimates", "projects" or "anticipates," variations thereof or similar expressions.

Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance or results.  They involve risks, uncertainties and assumptions.  The Company's future results of operations, financial condition and business operations may differ materially from the forward-looking statements or the historical information stated in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.  Stockholders and investors are cautioned not to put undue reliance on any forward-looking statement.

There are a number of factors and uncertainties that could cause actual results of operations, financial condition or business contemplated by the forward-looking statements to differ materially from those discussed in the forward-looking statements made herein or elsewhere orally or in writing, by, or on behalf of, the Company, including those factors described below. Other factors not identified herein could also have such an effect. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those discussed in the forward-looking statements and from historical information include, but are not limited to, those factors described below.

OVERVIEW

 

Operations .  The Company is a regional discount retailer operating 251 stores in 22 states in the central United States.  The thirteen weeks ended May 4, 2008 and April 29, 2007 are referred to herein as the first quarter of fiscal 2009 and 2008, respectively.  For purposes of this management's discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations, the financial numbers are presented in thousands, except as noted.  Fiscal year 2009 is a 52-week year following a 53-week year, fiscal 2008.

Strategy.   The Company's overall business strategy involves identifying and opening stores in towns that will provide the Company with the highest return on investment.  The Company competes for retail sales with other entities, such as mail order companies, specialty retailers, mass merchandisers, dollar stores, manufacturer's outlets, and the internet.

The Company is routinely evaluating the appropriate mix of merchandise to improve sales and gross margin performance.  The Company uses centralized purchasing, merchandising, pricing and warehousing to obtain volume discounts, improve efficiencies and achieve consistency among stores and the best overall results.  The Company utilizes information obtained from its point-of-sale system and regular input from its store associates to determine its merchandise offerings.

The Company is aggressively reviewing its inventory levels and marketing strategies to address its same-store sales decline.  The inventory level of the Company was allowed to decline too far during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2008.  The Company believes that this was a significant factor in the same-store sales decline it experienced during the first quarter of fiscal 2009.  The Company is still evaluating the proper inventory level for each of its stores to provide the proper selection of merchandise for its customer and the proper return for its shareholders.  The Company is experiencing increased merchandise costs, especially on its import merchandise.  The Company is considering all of its purchasing options to minimize the affect on its gross margin.

 

Company Initiatives.  

 

•

SKU rationalization initiative:  The Company is in the process of performing a SKU (stock keeping unit) rationalization process.  Each and every SKU offered is being reviewed to ensure that it meets the Company expected GMROI (gross margin return on investment).

•

Marketing initiative:  The Company is aggressively reviewing its fiscal 2009 marketing strategies to find the most effective and cost efficient method to reach its customers.

 

Recent Events .

 

•

The Company closed 17 stores in the first quarter of fiscal 2009.  Of these 17 stores, ten were ALCO stores, four were Duckwall stores and three were Duckwall stores replaced by an ALCO store.  The Company took a charge of $936 in lease termination costs and related expenses.

•

Then President and Chief Executive Officer, Bruce C. Dale resigned on February 22, 2008.  On April 11, 2008, four members of the Senior Management team were terminated.  On May 2, 2008, the Company eliminated 27 corporate office positions, including one officer.  These resignations and reduction in force have caused the Company to record severance expenses of $1.9 million in the first quarter of fiscal 2009 compared to $128 during the first quarter of fiscal 2008.

•

Inventory review initiative:  The Company has reviewed its ownership in items that it has either discontinued, clearanced or is inactive.  This review started in the first quarter of fiscal 2009.  The Company has determined a sell through plan to liquidate this merchandise and develop a process to minimize the accumulation of this inventory going forward.   Due to this analysis the Company has taken a $1.3 million cost of goods sold charge in the first quarter of fiscal 2009.  The Company did not take an inventory reserve charge during the first quarter of fiscal 2008.

Key Items in First Quarter Fiscal 2009

The Company measures itself against a number of financial metrics to assess its performance.  Some of the important financial items during the first quarter of fiscal 2009 were:

 

·	Net sales decreased 0.3% to $106 million.  Same store sales decreased 8.4% compared to the prior year first quarter.
·	Gross margin percentage decreased to 30.0% of sales, when compared to 30.9% in the prior year first quarter.
·	Net loss per share was $1.53 in the first quarter of fiscal 2009 compared to $0.59 net loss per share in the prior year first quarter.
·	The Company’s earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (“EBITDA”) from continuing operations for the first quarter 2009 was ($1,396).
·	The Company’s return on average equity (“ROE”) for the first quarter 2009 was (0.8)%.

Same store sales growth is a measure which may indicate whether existing stores are maintaining their market share.  Other factors, such as the overall economy, may also affect same store sales.  The Company defines same stores as those stores that were open as of the first day of the prior fiscal year and remain open at the end of the reporting period.  The same store sales for all Company stores decreased 8.4% compared to the prior year first quarter, the ALCO stores same store sales decreased 8.4%, and the Duckwall same stores sales decreased 6.8% during the first quarter of fiscal 2009.  In the first quarter ended May 4, 2008, the Company opened six ALCO stores, closed ten ALCO stores and seven Duckwall stores.  Of the seven Duckwall stores closed, three of those markets were converted to ALCO stores.

 

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Thirteen Weeks Ended May 4, 2008 Compared to Thirteen Weeks Ended April 29, 2007.

Net Sales

Net sales for the first quarter of fiscal 2009 decreased $283, or 0.3%, to $105,982 compared to $106,265 for the first quarter of fiscal 2007.  Same store sales decreased 8.4% when compared with the prior year same quarter.  The Company experienced a reduction in customer count during the first quarter of fiscal 2009.  This was a 9.5% decrease in customer count over the prior year first quarter.  The Company did experience an increase in average sale increase of 1.3%.   The inventory level of the Company was allowed to decline too far during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2008.  The Company believes that this was a significant factor in the same-store sales decline it experienced during the first quarter of fiscal 2009. 

 

Gross Margin

Gross margin for the first quarter of fiscal 2009 decreased $973, or 3.0%, to $31,836 compared to $32,809 in the first quarter of fiscal 2008.  Gross margin as a percentage of sales was 30.0% for the first quarter of fiscal 2009, which decreased when compared to 30.9% for the first quarter of fiscal 2008.   The decrease in the gross margin percentage was primarily due to the inventory review initiative expense of $1.3 million, increased store level markdowns and increased freight. 

 

 

 

 

 

SG&A

Selling, general and administrative (SG&A) expense increased $3,561 or 10.7%, to $36,912 in the first quarter of fiscal 2009 compared to $33,351 in the first quarter of fiscal 2008.  As a percentage of net sales, selling, general and administrative expenses for the first quarter of fiscal 2009 were 34.8%, compared to 31.4% for fiscal 2008.  The increase in  SG&A expenses are attributable to severance charges of $1.9 million, increased real property rent of $906  and increased new store opening expenses of $622 offset by reduced supplies of $380 and share-based compensation of $329.  Actual forfeitures exceeded estimated forfeitures for the thirteen weeks ended May 4, 2008, resulting in a reduction of previously recorded share-based compensation expense of $480, offset by share-based compensation expense of $151 for the period. The Company opened six new stores in the first quarter of fiscal 2009 compared to one new store opened in the first quarter of fiscal 2008.

Depreciation and Amortization Expense

 

Depreciation and amortization expense increased $21, or 1.2%, to $1,774 in the first quarter of fiscal 2009 compared to $1,753 in the first quarter of fiscal 2008.  

Interest Expense

Interest expense decreased $153, or 20.2%, to $605 in the first quarter of fiscal 2009 compared to $758 in the first quarter of fiscal 2008.  The decrease in interest expense was due reduced levels of borrowing by the Company.  The reduced borrowings were due to the Company having less inventory during the first quarter of fiscal 2009 compared to the first quarter of fiscal 2008.

Income Taxes

The Company’s effective tax rate on earnings from continuing operations before income taxes in the first quarter of fiscal 2009 was 41.1%, compared to 39.5% in the first quarter of fiscal 2008.  The effective tax rate is higher due to increased state effective tax rates.

 

Loss from Discontinued Operations

Loss from discontinued operations, net of income benefit, was $1,460 in the first quarter of fiscal 2009, compared to loss of $385 in the first quarter of fiscal 2008.  In the first quarter of fiscal 2009, ten ALCO stores and four Duckwall stores were closed.  The Company closed one ALCO and one Duckwall in the first quarter of fiscal 2008.  Stores closed where the Company has exited the market are reflected in discontinued operations in all periods presented.  The three Duckwall stores closed were replaced by an ALCO store are shown in continuing operations.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

SG&A Detail: Certain Financial Measures

The Company has included EBITDA, a non-GAAP performance measure, as part of its disclosure as a means to enhance its communications with stockholders. Certain stockholders have specifically requested this information as a means of comparing the Company to other retailers that disclose similar non-GAAP performance measures. Further, management utilizes this measure in internal evaluation; review of performance and to compare the Company’s financial measure to that of its peers. EBITDA differs from the most comparable GAAP financial measure (earnings from continuing operations before discontinued operations) in that it does not include non-cash items. As a result, it may not reflect important aspects of the results of the Company’s operations.

 

 

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

The Company's primary sources of funds are cash flows from operations and borrowings under its revolving loan credit facility.

At May 4, 2008, working capital (defined as current assets less current liabilities) was $109.6 million compared to $117.1 million at April 29, 2007.  The decrease in working capital was primarily attributable to decreased inventory.

The Company uses its revolving loan credit facility and vendor trade credit financing (accounts payable) to fund the build up of inventories periodically during the year for its peak selling seasons and to meet other short-term cash requirements. The revolving loan credit facility provides up to $105 million of financing in the form of notes payable and letters of credit. The loan agreement expires in January 2011. The revolving loan note payable and letter of credit balance at May 4, 2008 was $33.0 million, resulting in an available line of credit at that date of $72.0 million, subject to a borrowing base calculation. Loan advances are secured by a security interest in the Company’s inventory and credit card receivables.  The loan agreement contains various restrictions that are applicable when outstanding borrowings exceed $77.5 million, including limitations on additional indebtedness, prepayments, acquisition of assets, granting of liens, certain investments and payments of dividends. The Company's loan agreement contains various covenants including limitations on additional indebtedness and certain financial tests, as well as various subjective acceleration clauses. The balance sheet classification of the borrowings under the revolving loan credit facility have been determined in accordance with Emerging Issues Task Force of the Financial Accounting Standards Board as set forth in EITF Issue 95- 22, Balance Sheet Classification of Borrowings Outstanding under Revolving Credit Agreements that Include both a Subjective Acceleration Clause and a Lock-Box   Arrangement . As of June 11, 2008, the Company believes it is in compliance with all covenants and subjective acceleration clauses of the debt agreements. Accordingly, this obligation has been classified as a long-term liability in the accompanying consolidated balance sheet.  Short-term trade credit represents a significant source of financing for inventory to the Company. Trade credit arises from the willingness of the Company's vendors to grant payment terms for inventory purchases.

 

Cash used in operating activities in the thirteen week period of fiscal 2009 and 2008 was $6,371 and $9,027 respectively.  The decrease in the amount of cash used in operating activities in the thirteen week period of fiscal 2009 compared to the thirteen week period of fiscal 2008 was primarily due to an increase in accrued salaries and commissions and a decrease in receivables.

Cash used in by investing activities (including acquisitions, divestitures and remodeling of property and equipment) in the thirteen week period of fiscal 2009 and 2008 was $2,220 and $1,549, respectively.

 

Cash provided by financing activities in the thirteen week period of fiscal 2009 and 2008 of $8,067 and $12,579 respectively.  Net borrowings on the revolving loan generated $8,956 during the thirteen week ended May 4, 2008, compared to $12,999 during the thirteen week period of the prior fiscal year.

 

 

 

BUSINESS OPERATIONS

The following chart indicates the percentage of sales, excluding fuel sales, represented by each of our major product categories for the thirteen week periods of fiscal 2009 and 2008:

		Percentage of Sales
		2009				2008
Merchandise Category:
Consumables and commodities			33	%			32	%
Electronics, entertainment, sporting goods, toys and outdoor living			25	%			24	%
Apparel and accessories			19	%			19	%
Home furnishings and decor			13	%			14	%
Other			10	%			11	%
Total			100	%			100	%

 

NEW ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS

In February 2007, the FASB issued SFAS 159, The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities - Including an Amendment of SFAS 115 (SFAS 159), which permits entities to choose to measure many financial instruments and certain other items at fair value. The fair value option established by this standard permits all entities to choose to measure eligible items at fair value at specified election dates. Entities choosing the fair value option would be required to report unrealized gains and losses on items for which the fair value option has been elected in earnings at each subsequent reporting date. Adoption is required for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007. Adoption of SFAS No. 159 did not have  a material impact on our consolidated financial position, results of operations, or cash flows.

 

ITEM 3.   QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURE ABOUT MARKET RISK

INSTRUMENTS ENTERED INTO OTHER THAN FOR TRADING – INTEREST RATE RISK

The Company is exposed to various types of market risk in the normal course of its business, including the impact of interest rate changes.  The Company may enter into interest rate swaps to manage its exposure to interest rate changes, and we may employ other risk management strategies, including the use of foreign currency forward contracts.  The Company does not currently hold any derivative instruments and would enter into such instruments solely for cash flow hedging purposes and not for trading purposes.

As described under "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations-Liquidity and Capital Resources", the Company has a variable interest rate debt facility that is subject to interest rate risk.  The Company uses this facility to meet the short-term needs of its capital improvements and inventory purchases and other operating activities.  These obligations expose the Company to variability in interest payments due to changes in interest rates.  If interest rates increase, interest expense increases.  Conversely, if interest rates decrease, interest expense also decreases. Based on the Company’s current borrowings under its revolving credit facility, if interest rates were to increase 1% on an annual basis interest expense would increase $296.

The Company has and continues to analyze its debt structure in relation to interest rate risk and believes the mix of debt instruments utilized by the Company (revolving line of credit, capital leases and operating leases) adequately addresses these risk issues.  This process of evaluation is continuous and the Company will adjust its debt structure as is appropriate depending on market conditions.

ITEM 4.   CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

 

(a)  Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

 

  Management of the Company, with the participation of the Interim Chief Executive Officer and the Interim Chief Financial Officer, evaluated the effectiveness of the design and operation of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) of the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, as amended) as of May 4, 2008. Based upon this evaluation, the Interim Chief Executive Officer and the Interim Chief Financial Officer have concluded that the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures were not effective as of May 4, 2008 because of the material weakness described in internal control over financial reporting described below in Item 4(b).

(b)  Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting

Management of the Company is responsible for establishing and maintaining internal control over financial reporting as defined in Rule 13a-15(f) under the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. The Company’s internal control system is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external reporting purposes in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

A material weakness represents a deficiency or a combination of deficiencies in internal controls over financial reporting, such that there is a reasonable possibility that a material misstatement of the Company's annual or interim financial statements will not be prevented or detected on a timely basis.

Management assessed the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of February 3, 2008 based on the criteria established in Internal Control- Integrated Framework issued   by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (“COSO”). As a result of this assessment, management concluded that the Company’s internal control over financial reporting was not effective as of May 4, 2008.

·

The Company did not have adequate transition plans to address turnover in finance and accounting personnel.  As a result, due to significant changes in these personnel that occurred around the Company’s February 3, 2008 year-end closing process, the Company did not have sufficient trained resources to effectively operate the year-end closing process controls.  This resulted in misstatements that were corrected prior to the issuance of the consolidated financial statements.  As a result of this material weakness, there is more than a reasonable possibility that a material misstatement of the Company’s annual or interim financial statements will not be prevented or detected on a timely basis.

 

(c)  Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting

The Company had significant changes to its accounting and finance personnel during the first quarter of fiscal 2009.  These changes resulted in improvement in each position.  The Company replaced three positions with individuals who had obtained Bachelors of Science accounting degrees.  These positions were previously held by individuals without this education.  The Company replaced one position with an individual who has achieved their certified public accountant license.  The person who had previously held this particular position did not have this license.  The Company believes that these changes have significantly strengthened the Finance Department for the future.

The President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company resigned on February 22, 2008.  At that time the Board of Directors appointed the current Senior Vice President – Chief Financial Officer to assume the duties of Interim President and Chief Executive Officer.  The Vice President – Controller was appointed to assume the duties of Interim Chief Financial Officer.

PART II - OTHER INFORMATION

ITEM 1.   LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

There are no material pending legal proceedings other than routine litigation incidental to the business to which the Company is party of or with any property is subject.

ITEM 1A.   RISK FACTORS

There have been no material changes to our risk factors as previously disclosed in our Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended February 3, 2008.

 

ITEM 2.   UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS

The Board of Directors of the Company has authorized the Company to repurchase up to 2,014,461 shares of Common Stock, of which 1,817,798 shares had been purchased as of May 4, 2008.  The following are details of repurchases under this program for the period covered by this report:

Maximum Number

Total Number of

(or Approximate Dollar

shares (or Units)

Value) of Shares (or

Total Number

Average Price

Purchased as Part

Units) that May Yet

Of Shares (or

Paid per Share

of Publicly Announced

Be Purchased Under

Period

Units) Purchased

(or Unit)

Plans or Programs

the Plans or Programs

February 4, 2008 – March 2, 2008

-

-

-

196,663

March 3, 2008 – April 6, 2008

-

-

-

196,663

April 7, 2008 – May 4, 2008

-

-

-

196,663

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

ITEM 3.   DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES

Not applicable.

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

None.

ITEM 5.   OTHER INFORMATION

None.

  ITEM 6.   EXHIBITS

See the Exhibit Index immediately following the signature page hereto.

 

SIGNATURE

 

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.

 

DUCKWALL-ALCO STORES, INC.

(Registrant)

 

/s/ Jon A. Ramsey

Jon A. Ramsey

Interim Chief Financial Officer – Vice President Controller

Signing on behalf of the registrant and as Principal Financial Officer

 

EXHIBIT INDEX

 

3.1

Articles of Incorporation of Duckwall-ALCO Stores, Inc., amended as of June 13, 1994 and restated solely for filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (filed as Exhibit 3.1 to Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended August 1, 2004 and incorporated herein by reference).

3.2	Bylaws of Duckwall-ALCO Stores, Inc. (filed as Exhibit 3.2 to Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended August 1, 2004 and incorporated herein by reference).

4.1	Specimen of Duckwall-ALCO Stores, Inc. Common Stock Certificate. (filed as Exhibit 4.1 to Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended August 1, 2004 and incorporated herein by reference).

 

4.2	Reference is made to the Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation described under 3.1 above and Bylaws described under 3.2 above.

 

31.1	Certification of Interim Chief Executive Officer of Duckwall-ALCO Stores, Inc. dated June 11, 2008, pursuant to Rule 13a-4(a) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

 

31.2	Certification of Interim Chief Financial Officer of Duckwall-ALCO Stores, Inc. dated June 11, 2008, pursuant to Rule 13a-4(a) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

 

32.1

Certification of Interim Chief Executive Officer of Duckwall-ALCO Stores, Inc, dated June 11, 2008, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, which is furnished with this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended May 4, 2008 and is not treated as filed in reliance upon § 601(b)(32) of Regulations S-K.

 

32.2

Certification of Interim Chief Financial Officer of Duckwall-ALCO Stores, Inc., dated June 11, 2008, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, which is furnished with this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended May 4, 2008 and is not treated as filed in reliance upon § 601(b)(32) of Regulations S-K.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Signature and Title			Date
/s/ Donny R. Johnson			June 11, 2008
Donny R. Johnson
Interim President and Chief Executive Officer
(Principal Executive Officer)
/s/ Jon A. Ramsey			June 11, 2008
Jon A. Ramsey
Interim Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer
(Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)
/s/ Raymond A.D. French			June 11, 2008
Raymond A.D. French
Director
/s/ James G. Hyde			June 11, 2008
James G. Hyde
Director
/s/ Dennis E. Logue			June 11, 2008
Dennis E. Logue
Director
/s/ Lolan C. Mackey			June 11, 2008
Lolan C. Mackey
Director
/s/ Royce L. Winsten			June 11, 2008
Royce L. Winsten
Director