Table of Contents

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549


FORM 10-K

x

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


xANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE

SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the Fiscal Year Ended April 2, 2011March 30, 2013

OR

o

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

OR

oTRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE

SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

Commission file number 1-11735

99¢ Only Stores


(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)


California

(State or other Jurisdiction of Incorporation or Organization)

95-2411605

(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)

4000 Union Pacific Avenue,

City of Commerce, California

(Address of Principal Executive Offices)

90023

(zip code)


Registrant's

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (323) 980-8145

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


Title of Each ClassName of Each Exchange On Which Registered
Common Stock, no par valueNew York Stock Exchange

None

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


Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 the Securities Act.  Yes ¨o  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 Act. Yes ¨o  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 ¨o


Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive

Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§ 232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).  Yes ¨x  No ¨o

Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K (§229.405 of this chapter)  is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of registrant'sregistrant’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 the definition of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.


Large accelerated filer xo

Accelerated filer ¨o

Non-accelerated filer ¨x

Smaller reporting company ¨o


Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).  Yes ¨o  No x


The registrant is privately held.  There is no trading in the registrant’s shares and therefore an aggregate market value of Common Stock held by non-affiliates of the Registrant on September 24, 2010 was $863,925,310 based on a $18.55 closing price for the Common Stock on such date. For purposesregistrant’s common stock is not determinable.

As of this computation, all executive officers and directors have been deemed to be affiliates. Such determination should not be deemed to be an admission that such executive officers and directors are, in fact, affiliates of the Registrant.


Indicate the number ofMay 31, 2013, there were 100 shares outstanding of each of the registrant’s classes of common stock as of the latest practicable date.
Class A Common Stock, No Par Value, 70,434,721 Shares aspar value $0.01 per share, outstanding and 100 shares of May 24, 2011

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

Portionsregistrant’s Class B Common Stock, par value $0.01 per share, outstanding, none of the Registrant’s Proxy Statement for its 2011 Annual Meeting of Shareholderswhich are incorporated by reference into Part III of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.publicly traded.





As used in this annual report (this “Report”), unless the context suggests otherwise, the terms “Company,” “99¢ Only,” “we,” “us,” and “our” refer to 99¢ Only Stores and its consolidated subsidiaries. We refer to our stores located in California, Nevada and Arizona as “Western States” stores.

SPECIAL NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION

This Report contains statements that constitute “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and Section 27A of the Securities Act.Act of 1933, as amended. The words “expect,” “estimate,” “anticipate,” “predict,” “will,” “project,” “plan,” “believe” and other similar expressions and variations thereof are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Such statements appear in a number of places in this filingReport and include statements regarding the intent, belief or current expectations of 99¢ Only Stores (the “Company”) and itsour directors or officers with respect to, among other things, (a) trends affecting theour financial condition or results of operations, of the Company, and (b) theour business and growth strategies of the Company (including the Company’sour new store opening growth rate)., that are not historical in nature. Readers are cautioned not to put undue reliance on such forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking statements are and will be based on our then-current expectations, estimates and assumptions regarding future events and are applicable only as of the date of such statements.  We may not realize our expectations and our estimates and assumptions may not prove correct.  In addition, such forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve risks and uncertainties, and actual results may differ materially from those projected in this Annual Report, for the reasons, among others, discussed in the “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” and “Risk Factors” sections. The Company undertakesWe undertake no obligation to publicly revise these forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances that arise after the date hereof.  ReadersYou should carefully review the risk factors described in this Annual Report on Form 10-K and other documents the Company fileswe file from time to time with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including itsour quarterly reports on Form 10-Q and any current reports on Form 8-K.


EXPLANATORY NOTE

We are in the process of upgrading our systems for accounting for merchandise inventories.  Among other things, we are preparing to implement an SAP system that will enable us, for the first time, to track inventory at each retail store on a perpetual basis by stock keeping unit (or SKU). The SAP implementation process will begin in fiscal 2014, with all stores expected to be included by the end of fiscal 2015.  In anticipation of the implementation of this system, during the second half of fiscal 2013 we performed physical counts and established inventory cost and retail by SKU at 81 of our more than 300 retail stores. In prior periods, we had originally determined the value of store level inventory by performing physical counts for each price point category and then converted those retail values to cost basis by applying a year-to-date cost percentage per store.  For the 81 stores where the counts were taken by SKU, we determined total retail values by merchandise category and applied each category’s cost percentage to determine the value of the inventory.  As a result of this analysis, we determined that single average cost percentage by store was not consistent with the inventory on hand at the applicable balance sheet date based on the higher turnover of low margin product.  As of March 30, 2013 and for all prior periods since Merger, we revised the calculation to include a year-to-date cost percentage per merchandise category applied to the estimated retail value for all stores by merchandise category. The result of the foregoing evaluation indicated an overstatement in total inventory of $13.3 million at the Merger date, and represents an amount that has accumulated over prior periods.

Management evaluated the materiality of this error quantitatively and qualitatively, and has concluded that it was not material, to any prior period annual and quarterly financial statements.  However, because the adjustment to correct the error in fiscal 2013, would have had a material effect on the fiscal 2013 financial statements, the correction was reflected retroactively within the March 31, 2012 balance sheet, and the purchase price allocation as of the Merger date, which resulted in a $8.0 million increase to goodwill, a $5.3 million increase to deferred tax assets, and a $13.3 million decrease to inventories.

Fiscal Periods


The Company follows and Basis of Presentation

We follow a fiscal calendar consisting of four quarters with 91 days, each ending on the Saturday closest to the calendar quarter-end, and a 52-week fiscal year with 364 days, with a 53-week year every five to six years.  Unless otherwise stated, references to years in this reportReport relate to fiscal years rather than calendar years. The Company’sAs described in more detail below, on January 13, 2012, we merged with Number Merger Sub, Inc. and became a subsidiary of Number Holdings, Inc., an entity controlled by affiliates of Ares Management LLC (“Ares Management”) and Canada Pension Plan Investment Board and certain rollover investors (the “Merger”).  As a result of the Merger, the accompanying financial information is presented for the “Predecessor” and “Successor” periods relating to the periods preceding and succeeding the Merger, respectively.  Our fiscal year 2013 (“fiscal 2013”) (Successor) began on April 1, 2012 and ended on March 30, 2013, consisting of 52 weeks. Our fiscal year 2012 (“fiscal 2012”) is presented as a Successor period from January 15, 2012 to March 31, 2012 consisting of 11 weeks (the “fiscal 2012 Successor period”) and a Predecessor period from April 3, 2011 to January 14, 2012 consisting of 41 weeks (the “fiscal 2012 Predecessor period”), for a total of 52 weeks.  Our fiscal year 2011 (“fiscal 2011”) which(Predecessor) began on March 28, 2010 and ended on April 2, 2011, consistedconsisting of 53 weeks with one additional week included in the fourth quarter.  The Company’squarter .  Where meaningful, we have presented disclosures with respect to the combination of the Successor and Predecessor periods, on a pro forma basis, which we refer to as “pro forma fiscal year 20102012”.  Our fiscal year 2014 (“fiscal 2010”2014”) consistedwill consist of 52 weeks beginning March 29, 200931, 2013 and ending March 27, 2010, and its fiscal year 2009 (“fiscal 2009”) consisted29, 2014.

3



Table of 52 weeks beginningContents

PART I

Item 1. Business

With over 30 years of operating experience, we believe, based on our industry experience, that we are a leading operator of extreme value retail stores in the southwestern United States. As of March 30, 20082013, we operated 316 stores located in the states of California (232 stores), Texas (39 stores), Arizona (29 stores) and ending March 28, 2009.


PART I
The Company is an extreme value retailer of primarilyNevada (16 stores). Our stores offer consumable general merchandiseproducts and other household items with an emphasis on name-brand products.  The Company’s stores offername brands and our items are primarily priced at 99.99¢ or less. We carry a wide assortment of regularly available consumer goodsproducts as well as a broad variety of first-quality closeout merchandise.  AsIn addition, we carry many fresh produce, deli, dairy and frozen food products found in traditional grocery stores, which we sell at generally lower, sometimes significantly lower, prices. Our core philosophy is that every item in our store be a good to great value. We believe that our differentiated merchandise mix, combined with outstanding value, enables us to appeal to a broad consumer demographic, increases our overall customer traffic and frequency of April 2, 2011, the Company operated 285 retailcustomer visits, as well as strengthens our customer loyalty. Our stores are significantly larger than those of other U.S. publicly reporting dollar store chains, enabling us to offer a wider assortment of merchandise and provide our customers with 211 in California, 35 in Texas, 27 in Arizona, and 12 in Nevada.  These stores averaged approximately 21,200 gross square feet.  a spacious, comfortable shopping experience.

In fiscal 2011,2013, on a comparable 52-week period, the Company’sour stores open for the full year averaged net sales of $4.9$5.3 million per store and $291$321 per estimated saleable square foot, which the Company believeswe believe, based on our industry experience, is the highest among allU.S. publicly reporting dollar store chains.  In fiscal 2011, on a comparable 52-week period, 242 non-Texas stores open for the full year averaged net sales of $5.1 million per store and $307 per estimated saleable square foot and the 32 Texas stores open for the full year averaged net sales of $3.4 million per store and $181 per estimated saleable square foot.

The CompanyWe opened its first 99¢ Only Stores location in 1982 and believes that it operates the nation’s oldest existing general merchandise chain where items are primarily priced at 99.99¢ or less.  The Company opened eleven19 new stores during fiscal 2011. Of these, six2013, including 14 stores are located in California, three in Nevada and two in Arizona and three in Texas. The CompanyWe closed one store in California during fiscal 2011 upon the expiration of its lease.2013.  In fiscal 2012, the Company plans2014, we currently intend to open at least 16 stores, with the majorityincrease our store count by approximately 10%, all of new storeswhich are expected to be opened in California during the second half of fiscal 2012.

The Companyour existing markets.

We also sellssell merchandise through itsour Bargain Wholesale division at prices generally below normal wholesale levels to retailers, distributors and exporters.  The Bargain Wholesale division complements the Company’sour retail operations by exposing the Companyus to a broader selection of opportunistic buys and generating additional sales with relatively small incremental operating expenses and sometimes at prices higher than those customary at the Company’s retail stores.expenses.  Bargain Wholesale represented 3.1%2.9% of the Company’sour total sales in fiscal 2011.

2013.

Merger

On MarchJanuary 13, 2012, pursuant to the Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of October 11, 2011 (the “Merger Agreement”), by and among 99¢ Only Stores, Number Holdings, Inc., a Delaware corporation (“Parent”), and Number Merger Sub, Inc. (“Merger Sub”) a subsidiary of Parent, Merger Sub merged with and into 99¢ Only Stores, with 99¢ Only Stores being the surviving corporation.  As a result of the Merger, we became a subsidiary of Parent.  Parent is controlled by affiliates of Ares Management (“Ares”), Canada Pension Plan Investment Board (“CPPIB” and together with Ares, the “Sponsors”) and the Rollover Investors (as defined below).

Pursuant to the terms of the Merger Agreement, at the effective time of the Merger, each outstanding share of the Company’s common stock, no par value (“Company common stock”), was converted into the right to receive $22.00 in cash, without interest and less any applicable withholding taxes (the “Merger Consideration”), excluding (1) shares held by any shareholders who were entitled to and who have properly exercised dissenters’ rights under California law, and (2) shares held by Parent, Merger Sub or any other wholly owned subsidiary of Parent, which included the shares contributed to Parent prior to the completion of the Merger by Eric Schiffer, our former Chief Executive Officer, Jeff Gold, our former President and Chief Operating Officer, Howard Gold, our former Executive Vice President, Karen Schiffer and The Gold Revocable Trust dated October 26, 2005 (collectively, the “Rollover Investors”).  In addition, each outstanding stock option was cancelled and converted into the right to receive an amount in cash equal to the excess, if any, of the Merger Consideration over the exercise price for each share subject to the applicable option. Each restricted stock unit (“RSU”) was cancelled and converted into the right to receive an amount in cash equal to the number of unforfeited shares of Company common stock then subject to the RSU multiplied by the Merger Consideration. Each performance stock unit (“PSU”) was cancelled and converted into the right to receive an amount in cash equal to the number of unforfeited shares of Company common stock then subject to the PSU multiplied by the Merger Consideration.

At the effective time of the Merger, each share of Company common stock was converted into the right to receive the Merger Consideration.  As a result of the Merger, the Company announced that its Board of Directors had receivedcommon stock was delisted from the New York Stock Exchange and we ceased to be a proposalpublicly held and traded corporation.

The total cash merger consideration paid was approximately $1.6 billion, which was funded from membersequity contributions from the Sponsors and cash of the Schiffer/Gold family,Company, as well as proceeds received by Merger Sub in connection with debt financing consisting of (i) $535 million of funded debt provided by Royal Bank of Canada, Bank of Montreal, Deutsche Bank Trust Company Americas, City National Bank, a National Banking Association, Siemens Financial Services, Inc. and HSBC Bank USA, N.A. under (a) a $525 million first lien term loan facility (as amended, the “First Lien Term Loan Facility”), and (b) $10 million of borrowings under a $175 million first lien based revolving credit facility (the “ABL Facility” and together with Leonard Green & Partners, L.P., to acquire the First Lien Term Loan Facility, the “Credit Facilities”) and (ii) issuance of $250 million 11% senior unsecured notes due 2019 (the “Senior Notes”).  In addition, the Rollover Investors contributed approximately 4,545,451 shares of Company in a “going private” transaction for $19.09common stock, valued at the $22.00 per share merger consideration, to Parent, in cash.  The Company's Boardexchange for approximately 15.73% of Directors formed a special committeethe outstanding common stock of independent directors (the "Special Committee") to consider the proposal.   The Special Committee, which has engaged independent financial and legal advisors, is also authorized to consider other proposals and strategic alternatives.  There is no assurance that a definitive offer for a change of control transaction will be made or, if made, that such a transaction would be consummated.  See “Risk Factors -- The going private proposal, and any related Special Committee Process, could materially and adversely affect the Company’s business and financial results; in addition, there can be no assurance that any definitive offer for a change of control transaction will be made or, if made, that such a transaction will be consummated.”



Our Competitive Strengths

Differentiated Retail Concept

We believe our stores offer consumers an extreme value shopping experience that is unique in our industry due to:

·Our current average store size of approximately 21,000 gross square feet and our target average store size of approximately 15,000 to 20,000 gross square feet, both of which we believe are significantly larger than stores of other U.S. publicly reporting dollar store chains, enabling us to carry a wide assortment of merchandise in a clean, attractive and comfortable shopping environment;

·Our large selection of food and grocery items, which is approximately 55% of gross sales, and includes many of the fresh produce, deli, dairy and frozen food items found in traditional grocery stores generally at lower, sometimes significantly lower, prices. We believe our extensive food and grocery offerings drive recurring traffic from customers who rely on us for their weekly household needs;

·Our wide assortment of closeout merchandise, which helps create an atmosphere of treasure-hunt excitement within our stores. We believe that our wide assortment of closeout merchandise is a competitive advantage as many of our competitors lack the supplier relationships, management expertise or logistical capabilities to handle as large a percentage of sales as we do in closeout merchandise; and

·Our core philosophy that every item in our store be a good to great value.

We believe, based on our industry experience, that these competitive strengths enable us to be the most productive stores among U.S. publicly reporting dollar store chains when ranked by sales per store and average sales per square foot.

Attractive Industry

Fundamentals

The Company participatesU.S. dollar store industry is large and growing, and we believe benefits from a number of attractive industry fundamentals which will continue to support our growth, including:

·Historical and projected growth in dollar store revenues driven by the addition of new dollar stores and the increasing acceptance of dollar stores among consumers;

·Same store sales growth among U.S. publicly reporting dollar store chains, which are outperforming many other retail channels, particularly U.S. publicly reporting traditional grocery stores;

·Within the dollar store industry, the opportunity for larger chains, including 99¢ Only, to grow faster than the overall industry, the balance of which we believe consists primarily inof independent store operators; and

·Strong historical performance by dollar stores throughout economic cycles.

We believe that these attractive industry fundamentals, when combined with the large population size and favorable income and demographic attributes within our existing markets, represent growth opportunities for 99¢ Only.

Attractive Store Footprint

We have over 30 years of experience operating our stores.  We currently operate a large network of extreme value retail industry, with its 99¢ Only Stores. Extreme value retail is distinguished fromstores in California and have a strong presence in three other retail formatssouthwestern states. Our stores are typically clustered in and around densely populated areas. We believe that substantial portionsmany of purchasesour stores are acquired at prices substantially below original wholesale cost through closeouts, manufacturer overruns, and other special-situation merchandise transactions.  Asmore convenient than traditional “big box” retailers that typically occupy larger buildings located in less urban areas as a result a substantial portion of the product mix is comprisedtheir store size requirements. We have clustered many of a frequently changing selection of specific brands and products.  Special-situation merchandise is complemented by re-orderable merchandiseour stores around major cities that we serve, which is also often purchased below normal wholesale prices. Extreme value retail is also distinguished by offering this merchandiseenables us to customers at prices significantly below typical retail prices.

The Company considers closeout merchandise as any item that is not generally re-orderable on a regular basis. Closeout or special-situation merchandise becomes available for a variety of reasons, including a manufacturer’s over-production, discontinuance due to a change in style, color, size, formulation or packaging, the inability to move merchandise effectively through regular channels, reduction of excess seasonal inventory, discontinuation of test-marketed items, products close to their “best when used by” date, and the financial needs of the supplier.

Most extreme value retailers also sell merchandise that can be purchased from a manufacturer or wholesaler on a regular basis. Although this merchandise can often be purchased at less than normal wholesale and sold below normal retail, the discount, if any, is generally less than with closeout merchandise. Extreme value retailers sell regularly available merchandise to provide a degree of consistency in their product offerings and to establish themselves as a reliable source of basic goods.

The Company also sells merchandise through its Bargain Wholesale division, which is generally obtained through the same or shared purchases of the retail operations.  The Company maintains showrooms at its main distribution facility in the City of Commerce, California and at the Company’s distribution facility in the Houston, Texas area. Additionally, the Company has a showroom located in Chicago, Illinois. Advertising of wholesale merchandise is conducted primarily at trade shows and by catalog mailings to past and potential customers. Wholesale customers include a wide and varied range of major retailers,leverage our strong brand awareness as well as smaller retailers, distributors,achieve significant economies of scale in the areas of advertising, distribution and wholesalers.

Business Strategy
The Company’sstore logistics. We believe that the density of our store geographic coverage is a competitive advantage and would be difficult to replicate.

We believe that our southwestern markets have attractive attributes that support our business strategy is to provide a primary shopping destination for price-sensitive consumersmodel. Our markets generally have large, growing and a fun treasure-hunt shopping experience for other value conscious consumers for food and other basic household items. The Company’s core strategy is to offer good to excellent values on a wide selection of quality food and basic household items with a focus on name brands and an exciting assortment of surprises, primarily at a price point of 99.99¢ or less, in attractively merchandised, clean and convenient stores.  The Company’s strategies to accomplish this include the following:


Focus on “Name-Brand” Consumables. The Company strives to exceed its customers’ expectationsethnically diverse populations. Many of the rangecities we serve have high proportions of low-income consumers, as well as nearby middle and quality of name-brand consumable merchandise thatupper middle income consumers, who we believe are in most cases priced at 99.99¢ or less. During fiscal 2011, the Company purchased merchandise from more than 999 suppliers, including 3M, Colgate-Palmolive, Dole, Energizer Battery, Frito-Lay, General Mills, Georgia Pacific, Hasbro, Heinz, Hershey Foods, Johnson & Johnson, Kellogg’s, Kraft, Nestle, Procter & Gamble, Quaker, Revlon, and Unilever.increasingly shopping dollar stores.

5


Broad Selection of Regularly Available Merchandise. The Company offers consumer items in each of the following staple product categories: food (including frozen, refrigerated, and produce items), beverages, health and beauty care, household products (including cleaning supplies, paper goods, etc.), housewares (including glassware, kitchen items, etc.), hardware, stationery, party goods, seasonal goods, baby products, toys, giftware, pet products, plants and gardening, clothing, electronics and entertainment. The Company carries name-brand merchandise, off-brands and its own private-label items. The Company believes that by consistently offering a wide selection of basic household consumable items, the Company encourages customers to shop at the stores for their everyday household needs, which the Company believes leads to an increased frequency of customer visits.  The Company’s total retail sales by product category for fiscal years 2011, 2010 and 2009 are set forth below:



  Years Ended 
  
April 2,
2011
  
March 27,
2010
  
March 28,
2009
 
Product Category:         
Food and grocery  55%  54%  56%
Household and housewares  14%  14%  14%
Health and beauty care  10%  10%  9%
Hardware  3%  3%  3%
Stationery and party  5%  5%  5%
Seasonal  4%  4%  3%
Other  9%  10%  10%
   100%  100%  100%

Fun Treasure-Hunt Shopping Experience. Strong Supplier Relationships and Sourcing ExpertiseThe Company’s practices

We believe that our sourcing expertise and our long-standing, mutually beneficial supplier relationships are competitive advantages. Many of our suppliers have been supplying products to us for over 20 years. We are a trusted partner and a preferred buyer to our suppliers, many of whom we believe contact 99¢ Only first when they are selling closeout inventory. We believe we are a preferred buyer due to our ability to, among other things:

·Make immediate buying closeouts and other opportunistic purchases and pricing them primarily at 99.99¢ or less, typically dramatically below retail prices, helps to create a sensedecisions;

·Acquire large volumes of fun and excitement.  The constantly changing selection of these special extreme values, often in limited quantities, helps to create a sense of urgency when shopping and increase shopping frequency, while generating customer goodwill, loyalty and awareness via word-of-mouth.


Attractively Merchandised and Well-Maintained Stores. The Company strives to provide its customers an exciting shopping experience in customer-service-oriented and friendly stores that are attractively merchandised, brightly lit and well maintained. The Company’s stores are laid out with items in the same category grouped together. The shelves are generally restocked throughout the day. The Company believes that offering merchandise in an attractive, convenient and familiar environment creates stores that are appealing to a wide demographic of customers.
Strong Long-Term Supplier Relationships. The Company believes that it has developed a reputation as a leading purchaser of name-brand, re-orderable, and closeout merchandise at discounted prices.  A number of consistent behaviors have contributed to building the Company’s reputation, including its willingness and consistent practice over many years to take on large volume purchasesinventory and take possession of merchandise immediately, its ability to paygoods immediately;

·Pay cash or accept abbreviated credit terms, its commitment to honor all issued purchase orders,terms; and its willingness to purchase

·Purchase goods close tothat have a target seasonshorter than normal shelf life or outare off-season or near the end of a selling season. The Company’s experienced buying staff, with the ability to make immediate buying decisions,

We believe our supplier relationships are also enhances its strong supplier relationships. The Company believes its relationships with suppliers are further enhancedstrengthened by itsour ability to minimize channel conflict for the manufacturer.  Additionally, the Company believes it hasmanufacturer as well as our ability to quickly and discreetly sell products through well-maintained, attractively merchandised stores, which protects the supplier’s brand image.

Strong Financial Performance and Compelling Unit Economics

Our store base is profitable and growing. Our stores continue to demonstrate strong revenue growth, having posted positive same-stores sales growth in nine out of the ten past years with same-store sales growth of 4.3% in fiscal 2013.

With our strong store sales productivity metrics, our new store model generates attractive cash on cash returns. Our newly opened stores ramp up quickly and typically reach near full sales volumes within the first 12 months. Historically, our new stores have demonstrated relatively consistent profitability levels as a percentage of sales across fiscal years. Our stores have a low cost operating model with attractive margins, low maintenance capital expenditures and low ongoing working capital needs.

Our Business Strategy

Continue to Deliver Great Merchandise at Exceptional Value to Our Customers

Our merchandising strategy is centered around our core philosophy that have contributedevery item in the store be a good to great value. Our convenient retail format, differentiated product offering and strong value proposition appeal to a reputation among suppliers for protecting theirbroad consumer demographic and have been the cornerstones of our success. By continuing to leverage our sourcing expertise, vendor relationships, existing store network and economies of scale in purchasing, warehousing and distribution, we believe that we will be able to further strengthen our brand, image.increase our revenues and enhance our profitability.

Further Strengthen Our Merchandising Strategy


Savvy Purchasing. The Company purchases

We plan to continue improving our merchandise at substantially discounted prices as a resultassortment and in-store merchandising. We believe that opportunities exist to increase the average sales transaction size by reducing the frequency of its buyers’ knowledgeout of stock items, optimizing display size, improving cross merchandising of related products, implementing additional plan-o-gram sections and experience in their respective categories, its negotiating ability,enhancing category management. In addition, we believe that considerable opportunities exist to increase the sales of private label and its established reputation among its suppliers. The Company applies its negotiating ability to its purchasing of corporate supplies, constructiondirectly sourced imported products which typically carry higher than average gross margins. We offer selected items priced above 99.99¢ and services.

Store Location and Size. The Company’s 99¢ Only Stores are conveniently located in freestanding buildings, neighborhood shopping centers, regional shopping centers or downtown central business districts, all of which are locations where the Company believes consumers are likely to do their regular household shopping. As of April 2, 2011, the Company’s 285 existing 99¢ Only Stores averaged approximately 21,200 gross square feet and the Company currently targets new store locations between 15,000 and 19,000 gross square feet. The Company believes its larger store size versuswe believe that of other typical “dollar store” chains allows it to more effectively display a wider assortment of merchandise, carry deeper stock positions, and provide customers with a more inviting environment that the Company believes encourages customers to shop longer and buy more. In the past, as part of its strategywe have additional opportunities to expand retail operations, the Company has at times opened larger new stores in close proximity to existing smaller stores where the Company determined that the trade area could support a larger store. In someour selection of these situations,items. By improving our merchandising strategy we believe we can increase our sales and profitability and improve customer satisfaction.

Continue to Improve Store Operations and Logistics

We intend to continue to implement best practices to strengthen the Company retained its existing store.



Complementary Bargain Wholesale Operation. Bargain Wholesale complementsour stores. At the Company’s retailstore level, we intend to optimize the flow of goods to and through the store, reduce stocking costs, improve product displays and better utilize our shelf space. We also believe there are opportunities to further improve our operations by allowing the Companythrough automated replenishment, automated labor scheduling and time and attendance tracking to be exposedbetter control our product flow and store level expenses. At our warehouses, we intend to a broader selection of opportunistic buyscontinue to drive operating efficiencies through consolidating and generate additional sales with relatively small incremental operating expense. The Bargain Wholesale division sells to local, regional, national,improving our warehouse, labor and international accounts. The Company maintains showrooms in the City of Commerce, California where it is based,logistics systems as well as drive integrated supply chain initiatives to reduce operating costs. Through our operationally focused strategies, we believe we can further improve our profitability and competitive position.

Pursue Measured Store Growth

We believe that considerable opportunities exist to open new stores within our existing markets. We currently intend to expand our store base by approximately 10% per annum over the next five years, primarily in Houston, Texas and Chicago, Illinois.


Growth Strategy
The Company’s long-term growth plan is to become a premier nationwide extreme value retailer. Management believes that short-term growth will primarily result from new store openings in itsour existing markets of California, Arizona, Nevada and Texas.
Growth in Existing Markets. Byalmost exclusively under leases. We believe that by continuing to develop newopen stores in its currentour markets the Company believes itwe can leverage itscontinue to grow our brand awareness, in these regionsincrease sales and take advantage of itsleverage our existing warehouse and distribution facilities, regional advertising and other management and operating efficiencies.  This focus on growth through existing distribution facilities will help management to focus on implementing scalable systems.
infrastructure.

Long-Term Geographic Expansion. The Company’s long-term plan is to become a nationwide retailer by opening clusters of stores in densely populated geographic regions across the country. The Company believes that its strategy of consistently offering a broad selection of name-brand consumables at value pricing in a convenient store format is portable to other densely populated areas of the United States. In 1999, the Company opened its first 99¢ Only Stores location outside the state of California in Las Vegas, Nevada; Arizona followed in 2001 and Texas in 2003.

Real Estate Acquisitions. The Company considers both real estate lease and purchase opportunities, and may consider for future expansion the acquisitions of a chain, or chains, of retail stores in existing markets or other regions, primarily for the purpose of acquiring favorable locations.
Retail Operations
The Company’s

Our stores offer customers a wide assortment of regularly available consumer goods, as well as a broad variety of quality, closeout merchandise, which we sell at generally at a significant discountdiscounts from standard retail prices. Merchandise sold in the Company’sour 99¢ Only Storesstores is priced primarily at or below 99.99¢ per item.

6



Table of Contents

The following table sets forth certain relevant information with respect to the Company’sour retail operations (dollar amounts in thousands, except percentages and sales per square footage):

  Years Ended 
  
April 2,
2011
   
March 27,
2010
  
March 28,
2009
  
March 29,
2008
  
March 31,
2007
 
Net retail sales
 $1,380,357 (a) $1,314,214  $1,262,119  $1,158,856  $1,064,518 
Annual net retail sales growth rate
  5.0%(a)  4.1%  8.9%  8.9%  8.2%
Store count at beginning of year
  275    279   265   251   232 
New stores
  11    9   19   16   19 
Stores closed  1 (b)  13(d)  5(f)  2(h)   
Total store count at year-end
  285    275   279   265   251 
Average net sales per store open the full years(k) $4,874 (c) $4,848(e) $4,642(g) $4,547(i) $4,421(j)
Estimated store saleable square foot
  4,758,432    4,606,728   4,703,630   4,521,091   4,337,974 
Average net sales per estimated saleable square foot(k) $291 (c) $289(e) $273(g) $263(i) $254(j)
Change in comparable net sales(l)
  0.7%   3.9%  3.7%  4.0%  2.4%

6

 

 

Years Ended

 

 

 

March 30,
2013

 

March 31,
2012
(c)

 

April 2,
2011

 

March 27,
2010

 

March 28,
2009

 

 

 

(Successor)

 

(Pro Forma)

 

(Predecessor)

 

(Predecessor)

 

(Predecessor)

 

Net retail sales

 

$

1,620,683

 

$

1,488,094

 

$

1,380,357

(e)

$

1,314,214

 

$

1,262,119

 

Annual net retail sales growth rate

 

8.9

%

7.8

%

5.0

%(e)

4.1

%

8.9

%

Store count at beginning of year

 

298

 

285

 

275

 

279

 

265

 

New stores

 

19

 

13

 

11

 

9

 

19

 

Stores closed

 

1

(a)

 

1

(f)

13

(h)

5

(j)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total store count at year-end

 

316

 

298

 

285

 

275

 

279

 

Average net sales per store open the full years(l)

 

$

5,327

(b)

$

5,152

(d)

$

4,874

(g)

$

4,848

(i)

$

4,642

(k)

Estimated store saleable square foot

 

5,211,483

 

4,948,344

 

4,758,432

 

4,606,728

 

4,703,630

 

Average net sales per estimated saleable square foot(l)

 

$

321

(b)

$

309

(d)

$

291

(g)

$

289

(i)

$

273

(k)

Change in comparable net sales(m)

 

4.3

%

7.3

%

0.7

%

3.9

%

3.7

%



(a)its lease and one new store was opened nearby.

(b) Includes 39 Texas stores open for a full year. Texas stores open for the full year on a comparable 52-week period had average sales of $3.7 million per store and average sales per estimated saleable square foot of $203. All Western States stores open for the full year on a comparable 52-week period had average sales of $5.6 million per store and $339 of average sales per estimated saleable square foot.

(c) The amount in pro forma fiscal year ended March 31, 2012 column represents the mathematical combination of the Predecessor financial data from April 3, 2011 to January 14, 2012 and the Successor financial data from January 15, 2012 to March 31, 2012 included in our Consolidated Financial Statements.

(d) Includes 35 Texas stores open for a full year. Texas stores open for the full year on a comparable 52-week period had average sales of $3.6 million per store and average sales per estimated saleable square foot of $197. All Western States stores open for the full year on a comparable 52-week period had average sales of $5.4 million per store and $326 of average sales per estimated saleable square foot.

(e) For fiscal 2011, net retail sales were $1,380.4 million and based on a 53-week period, compared to a 52-week period for the other periods presented.


(b)

(f) One California store was closed due to the expiration of its lease.


(c)

(g) Includes 32 Texas stores open for a full year. Texas stores open for the full year on a comparable 52-week period had average sales of $3.4 million per store and average sales per estimated saleable square foot of $181. All non-TexasWestern States stores open for the full year on a comparable 52-week period had average sales of $5.1 million per store and $307 of average sales per estimated saleable square foot.


(d)

(h) 12 underperforming stores in Texas were closed in fiscal 2010 and one California store was closed due to the expiration of its lease.  See Note 1012, “Texas Market” to theour Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information regarding the Texas Market.


(e)

(i) Includes 31 Texas stores open for a full year. Texas stores open for the full year had average sales of $3.4 million per store and average sales per estimated saleable square foot of $180. All non-TexasWestern States stores open for the full year had average sales of $5.0 million per store and $305 of average sales per estimated saleable square foot.


(f)

(j) Four underperforming stores in Texas were closed in fiscal 2009 and one additional Texas store was closed due to a hurricane which was re-opened in May 2009.  The leases had expired for two of the four stores that were closed in fiscal 2009.


(g)

(k) Includes 39 Texas stores open for a full year. Texas stores open for the full year had average sales of $2.7 million per store and average sales per estimated saleable square foot of $142. All non-TexasWestern States stores open for the full year had average sales of $5.0 million per store and $301 of average sales per estimated saleable square foot.

(h) Two underperforming stores closed in Houston, Texas.

(i) Includes 39 Texas stores open for a full year. Texas stores open for the full year had average sales of $2.6 million per store and average sales per estimated saleable square foot of $128. All non-Texas stores open for the full year had average sales of $4.9 million per store and $291 of average sales per estimated saleable square foot.

(j) Includes 36 Texas stores open for a full year. Texas stores open for the full year had average sales of $2.4 million per store and average sales per saleable square foot of $120. All non-Texas stores open for the full year had average sales of $4.8 million per store and $284 of average sales per estimated saleable square foot.

(k)

(l) For stores open for the entire fiscal year.

7




(l)

Table of Contents

(m) Change in comparable store net sales compares net sales for all stores open at least 15 months. The CompanyWe normally doesdo not relocate stores or close them if renovations are taking place. In a rare situation where a store is relocated, or closed and later re-opened at the same location, the relocated or re-opened store is considered a new store for any comparable store sales analysis, and would only be included in the comparable store sales analysis once it has been open, or re-opened, for 15 months.


Merchandising.  All of the Company’sour stores offer a broad variety of first-quality, name-brand and other closeout merchandise as well as a wide assortment of regularly available consumer goods. The CompanyWe also carriescarry private-label consumer products made for the Company. The Company believesus. Our merchandising strategy is centered on our philosophy that every item in our store be a good to great value. We believe that the success of itsour 99¢ Only Storesstores concept arises in part from the value inherent in pricing consumable items primarily at 99.99¢ or less per item, many of which are name-brands, and most of which typically retail elsewhere at higher prices.  We offer selected items priced above 99.99¢ and we believe that we have additional opportunities to expand our selection of these items.

Approximately half55% of the merchandise purchased by the Company isour gross sales are from products available for reorder including many branded consumable items. The mix and the specific brands of merchandise frequently change,changes, depending primarily upon the availability of closeout and other special-situation merchandise at suitable prices. Since commencing itsApproximately 45% of our sales are from closeout purchasing strategy for itsmerchandise, which we believe represents a significantly larger percentage of closeout merchandise than those of other U.S. publicly reporting dollars stores the Company has beenchains, some of whom carry few or no closeouts. We currently expect to be able to obtain sufficient name-brand closeouts, as well as re-orderable merchandise, at attractive prices. Management believesWe believe that the frequent changes in specific name-brands and products found in itsour stores from one week to the next, encourage impulse and larger volume purchases, result in customers shopping more frequently, and help to create a sense of urgency, fun and excitement. Unlike many discountextreme value retailers, the Companywe rarely imposesimpose limitations on the quantity of specific value-priced items that may be purchased in a single transaction.



The Company targetsfood and grocery items, including perishables, which collectively account for approximately 55% of our revenue. Substantially all of our stores have free-standing fresh and refrigerated produce displays as well as built-in refrigerated and frozen food wall units. We believe that many of our customers shop at our stores weekly for their groceries and frequently shop 99¢ Only first before supplementing these purchases at other food stores.

We estimate that approximately one-third of our sales are derived from products produced outside the United States, varying depending on the season and closeout activity. All of our business is transacted in U.S. dollars and, accordingly, foreign exchange rate fluctuations have never had a significant impact on us.  In addition to our significant name-brand offerings, we offer secondary and generic brands, plus a smaller portion of domestically and internationally sourced private label merchandise. We believe that opportunities exist to increase the volume of private label and directly sourced foreign merchandise.

Our retail sales by product category for fiscal 2013, pro forma fiscal 2012 and fiscal 2011 are set forth below:

 

 

Years Ended

 

 

 

March 30,
2013

 

March 31,
2012

 

April 2,
2011

 

 

 

(Successor)

 

(Pro Forma)

 

(Predecessor)

 

Product Category:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Food and grocery

 

55

%

56

%

55

%

Household and housewares

 

14

%

14

%

14

%

Health and beauty care

 

9

%

9

%

10

%

Hardware

 

3

%

3

%

3

%

Stationery and party

 

5

%

6

%

5

%

Seasonal

 

5

%

4

%

4

%

Other

 

9

%

8

%

9

%

 

 

100

%

100

%

100

%

We target value-conscious consumers from a wide range of socio-economic backgrounds with diverse demographic characteristics. Purchases are by cash, credit card, debit card or EBT (electronic benefit transfers). The Company’sOur stores currently do not accept checks or manufacturer’s coupons. The Company’sOur stores are open every day except Christmas, with operating hours designed to meet the needs of families.


Store Size, Layout and Locations.The Company strives  We strive to provide stores that are attractively merchandised, brightly lit, clean, well-maintained, “destination” locations. Our stores are typically clustered around densely populated areas where it is convenient for our customers to do their weekly household shopping. The layout of each of the Company’sour stores is customized to the configuration of the individual location. The interior of each store is designed to reflect a generally uniform format, featuring attractively displayed products in windows, consistent merchandise display techniques,displays, bright lighting, lowerlow shelving height that allows visibility throughout the store, customized check-out counters and a distinctive color scheme on its interior and exterior signage, price tags, baskets and shopping bags. The Company emphasizesWe emphasize a strong visual presentation in all key traffic areas of each store. Merchandising displays are maintained and updated throughout the day changed frequently, and often incorporate seasonal themes. The Company believesthemes to improve our customers’ shopping experience. We believe that the frequently changing value priced name-brands,name-brand products, our convenient and inviting layout, and the lowerlow shelving height help encourage the typical customer to shop more of the wholeentire store.

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Table of Contents

Advertising.Advertising.  Advertising expenditures were $5.4 million, $5.5 million $4.1 million and $4.4$5.5 million or 0.4%0.3%, 0.3%0.4% and 0.4% of net retail sales for fiscal 2013, pro forma fiscal 2012 and fiscal 2011, 2010 and 2009, respectively.  The Company allocatesWe allocate the majority of itsour advertising budget to print advertising. The Company’sOur advertising strategy emphasizes the offering of nationally recognized, name-brand merchandise at significant savings. The Company manages itsWe manage our advertising expenditures by an efficient implementation of itsour advertising program combined with word-of-mouth publicity, locations with good visibility, and efficient signage. Because of the Company’sour distinctive grand opening promotional campaign, which usually includes the pricing of nine iPodstelevisions and other high value items at only 99.99¢99¢ each, our grand openings often attract long lines of customers and receive media coverage.

Purchasing

The Company believes

We believe a primary factor contributing to itsour success is itsour ability to identify and take advantage of opportunities to purchase merchandise with high customer appeal and interest at prices lower than regular wholesale. The Company purchasesWe purchase most merchandise directly from the manufacturer. Other sources of merchandise include wholesalers, manufacturers’ representatives, importers, barter companies, auctions, professional finders and other retailers. The Company develops new sources of merchandise primarily by attending industry trade shows, advertising, distributing marketing brochures, cold calling,retailers, varying on the season and obtaining referrals.


The Companycloseout activity.

We seldom hashave continuing contracts for the purchase of merchandise and must continuously seek out buying opportunities from both itsour existing suppliers and new sources. No single supplier accounted for more than 5% of the Company’sour total purchases in fiscal 2011.2013. During fiscal 2011, the Company2013, we purchased merchandise from more than 999 suppliers, including 3M, Colgate-Palmolive, Dole, Energizer Battery, Frito-Lay, General Mills, Georgia Pacific, Hasbro, Heinz, Hershey Foods, Johnson & Johnson, Kellogg’s, Kraft, Nestle, Procter & Gamble, Quaker Revlon, and Unilever. Many of these companies have been supplying products to the Companyus for over twenty years.


A significant portion of the merchandise purchased by the Companyus in fiscal 20112013 was closeout or special-situation merchandise. The Company hasWe have developed strong relationships with many manufacturers and distributors who recognize that theirour special-situation merchandise can be moved quickly through the Company’sour retail and wholesale distribution channels. The Company’sOur buyers continuously search continuously for closeout opportunities. The Company’s

Our experience and expertise in buying merchandise has enabled itus to develop relationships with many manufacturers that frequentlyoften offer some or all of their closeout merchandise to the Companyus prior to attempting to sell it through other channels. The key elements to these supplier relationships include the Company’sour (i) ability to make immediate buying decisions,decisions; (ii) experienced buying staff,staff; (iii) willingness to take on large volume purchases and take possession of merchandise immediately,immediately; (iv) ability to pay cash or accept abbreviated credit terms,terms; (v) commitment to honor all issued purchase ordersorders; and (vi) willingness to purchase goods close to a target season or out of season. The Company believes itsWe believe our relationships with itsour suppliers are further enhanced by itsour ability to minimize channel conflict for a manufacturer.



The Company’s

Our strong relationships with many manufacturers and distributors, along with itsour ability to purchase in large volumes, also enable the Companyus to purchase re-orderable name-brand goods at discounted wholesale prices. The Company focuses its purchases of re-orderable merchandise on a limited number of stock keeping units (“SKU’s”) per product category, which allows the Company to make purchases in large volumes.


The Company utilizes

We utilize and developsdevelop private label consumer products to broaden the assortment of merchandise that is consistently available. The Companyavailable and to maintain attractive margins. We also importsimport merchandise in product categories such as kitchen items, housewares, toys, seasonal products, party, pet-care and hardware which the Company believeswe believe are not brand sensitive to consumers.


Warehousing and Distribution

An important aspect of the Company’sour purchasing strategy involves itsour ability to warehouse and distribute merchandise quickly and with flexibility. The Company’sOur distribution centers are strategically located to enablethe Long Beach, CA and Los Angeles, CA port systems, the rail yards in the City of Commerce and the major California interstate arteries. This enables quick turnaround of time-sensitive products as well as to provideprovides long-term warehousing capabilities for one-time closeout purchases and seasonal or holiday items. A large majority of the merchandise sold by the Company is received, processed for retail sale and then distributed to the retail locations from Company-operated warehouse and distribution facilities.


The Company utilizes its internal

We utilize both our private fleet and outside carriers for both outbound shippingour store deliveries / backhauls and a backhaul program.  The Company also receives merchandise shipped by rail to its City of Commerce, California distribution center which has a railroad spur on the property. The Company hasvendor pick-ups. We have primarily used common carriers or owner-operators to deliver to stores outside of Southern California including itsour stores in Northern and Central California, Texas, Arizona and Nevada. The Company believes that its current CaliforniaWe currently plan to add to our dry deep reserve capacity and cold distribution capacity in California. We believe our Texas distribution centers will be ablecenter has the capacity to support its anticipatedour planned growth throughout fiscal 2012, within that region for the possible exception of its California cold storage facilities which may need to be supplemented or replaced.next several years. However, there can be no assurance that the Company’sour existing warehouses will provide adequate storage space for the Company’sour long-term storage needs or to support sales levels at peak seasons for perishableall products, that high levels of opportunistic or seasonal purchases may not temporarily pressureexceed the warehouse capacity, or that the Companywe will not make changes, including capital expenditures, to expand or otherwise modify itsour warehousing and distribution operations.


The Company arranges

We arrange with vendors of certain merchandise to ship directly to itsour store locations. The Company'sOur primary distribution practice, however, is to have merchandise delivered from itsour vendors to the Company'sour warehouses where it is stored for timely shipmentand then shipped to itsour store locations.


Information

Additional information pertaining to warehouse and distribution facilities is described under Item 2. Properties.

9




Table of Contents

Information Systems


Over the last three fiscal years, the Company continued to make significant investments in a variety of infrastructure, data management, and process improvement projects.  Infrastructure investments enabled the Company to achieve level one compliance with Payment Card Industry (PCI) standards, which were certified by a qualified third party IT security firm.  Additionally, store network upgrades including high speed wireless data backup lines were installed to assure a high level of availability and speed for credit card processing and delivery of critical item information to the stores, and wireless network upgrades and hardware capacity improvements improved availability and reliability for warehouse operations to support a successful migration to a perpetual inventory system in fiscal 2010.

The Company

We currently operatesoperate financial, accounting, human resources, and payroll data processing using Lawson Software’s Financial and Human Resource Suites on an SQL database running on a Windows operating system.  The Company completed a major upgrade to its Lawson financial and human resources management systems during fiscal 2009 and is now running Lawson version 9.  This upgrade addressed both security and performance concerns from the prior release and converted many customized features to a standard interface approach, laying a foundation to leverage additional Lawson functionality in the coming years.  In fiscal 2010, a standard sales audit package from Epicor systems was implemented with an enhancement to support short-interval intra-day polling of store systems.


The CompanySuites.  We also implemented system improvements to support the reengineering of the processes and information flow in the main Commerce Distribution Center.  Primary amongst these improvements were completion of racking systems, real time pallet movement tracking through wireless command and tracking systems, a perpetual warehouse inventory system that is now updated via periodic cycle counting, and improvements in truck utilization.  In the second half of fiscal 2010, cycle counts and test counts replaced and eliminated the semi-annual physical inventory counts in the Company’s main Commerce distribution center.  These changes helped to reduce transportation costs, improve DC labor productivity and throughput, and enhance DC inventory accounting and expiration date control.


The Company also operatesoperate several proprietary systems which accommodate the Company’s unique flexibility requirements in product sourcing and acquisition that are tightly coupled with HighJump warehouse solutions. These proprietary systems include an IBM UNIX-based purchase order and inventory control system, a store ordering system, that utilizes radio frequency hand-held scanning devices in each store, and a store back office personal computer system.

We have recently completed the process of converting to SAP’s Master Data Management system at each store that collects and transmits a variety of operational data to central processing systems.  The Company utilizes a proprietary Point of Sale (“POS’’)SAP’s Point-of-Sale barcode scanning system to record and process retail salessales.  In early fiscal 2015, we plan to migrate the majority of our procurement and financial systems to SAP, including Purchasing, Inventory Management, Sales Audit, Accounts Payable, General Ledger and Financial Reporting. In conjunction with this SAP implementation project, we plan to re-platform and refresh our store ordering system, order management and business intelligence tools and infrastructure.  Combined with the roll-out of a new store inventory management system later in each of its storesfiscal 2015, we expect that these new systems will provide a foundation to implement new planning, allocation and electronic polling to collect sales data for analysis, reporting and processing.


Duringreplenishment systems in fiscal 20092015 and fiscal 2010,2016 and that we will retire the Company focused its efforts on business process improvement, enhanced data structures, and improved data integrity through modifications to itsmajority of our proprietary systems in the headquarters and upgrades of existing vendor systems.  The first stage of these improvements was to centralize and normalize more of the Company’s critical data in standard, high speed database platforms.  This data integrity and normalization will continue in fiscal 2012.  Over the next 2-3 years, the Company intends to differentiate and isolate proprietary systems from those functions which can be more cost effectively managed on industry standard platforms.  An example of a conversion from the proprietary core to an industry standard platform in fiscal 2010 was the conversion of the sales audit function to an industry leading Epicor package solution. In fiscal 2011, the Company has begun the process of converting to industry leading packages for Master Data Management and Point-of-Sale systems and enhancing its use of Data Warehouse and proprietary systems for purchasing and store merchandise ordering.

stores.

Competition

The Company faces

We face competition in both the acquisition of inventory and the sale of merchandise from other discount stores, single-price-point merchandisers, mass merchandisers, food markets, drug chains, club stores, wholesalers, and other retailers. Industry competition for acquiring closeout merchandise also includes a large number of retail and wholesale companies and individuals. In some instances these competitors are also customers of the Company’sour Bargain Wholesale division. There is increasing competition with other wholesalers and retailers, including other extreme value retailers, for the purchase of quality closeout and other special-situation merchandise. Some of these competitors have substantially greater financial resources and buying power than the Company. The Company’sus. Our ability to compete will depend on many factors, including the success of itsour purchase and resale of such merchandise at lower prices than itsour competitors. In addition, the Companywe may face intense competition in the future from new entrants in the extreme value retail industry that could have an adverse effect on the Company’sour business and results of operations.

We believe that we are able to compete effectively against other dollar stores as a result of our differentiated retail format, the larger size and more convenient location of our stores, our economies of scale in our operations and nearly three decades of experience operating in the industry. For products where we compete with traditional grocery stores, such as fresh produce, deli, dairy and frozen food items, we believe that we have lower to significantly lower prices than our grocery competitors and our stores are often more convenient. For products where we compete with warehouse clubs and mass merchandisers, we believe we compete effectively on the basis of generally lower prices, no membership fees, more convenient store locations and smaller, easier to navigate stores.

Employees

At April 2, 2011, the CompanyMarch 30, 2013, we had approximately 12,00013,700 employees including approximately 10,70012,200 in itsour retail operations, 9001,000 in itsour warehousing and distribution operations and 400500 in itsour corporate offices. The Company considersWe consider relations with itsour employees to be good. The Company offersWe offer certain benefits to benefit-eligibleeligible employees, including life, health and disability insurance, paid time off (vacation, holidays, and sick leave), a 401(k) plan with a Company match(which we match) and a deferred compensation plan for certain of our key management employees of the Company.


employees.

None of the Company’sour employees are party to a collective bargaining agreement and none are represented by a labor union.


Trademarks and Service Marks

“99¢ Only Stores,” “Rinso,” and “Halsa” are among the Company’sour service marks and trademarks, and are listed on the United States Patent and Trademark Office Principal Register. “Bargain Wholesale” is among the fictitious business names used by the Company. Management believeswe use. We believe that the Company’sour trademarks, service marks, and fictitious business names are an important but not critical element of the Company’sour merchandising strategy. The CompanyWe routinely undertakesundertake enforcement efforts against certain parties whom it believeswe believe are infringing upon itsour “99¢” family of marks and itsour other intellectual property rights, although the Company believeswe believe that simultaneous litigation against all persons everywhere whom the Company believeswe believe to be infringing upon these marks is not feasible.


10


Seasonality

For information regarding the seasonality of the Company’sour business, see “Item 6. SelectedItem 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Data.Condition and Results of Operations.  Seasonality and Quarterly Fluctuations,” which is incorporated by reference in this Item 1.

10




Table of Contents

Environmental Matters

In the ordinary course of business, the Company handleswe handle or disposesdispose of commonplace household products that are classified as hazardous materials under various environmental laws and regulations. Under various federal, state, and local environmental laws and regulations, current or previous owners or occupants of property may face liability associated with hazardous substances. These laws and regulations often impose liability without regard to fault. In the future the Companywe may be required to incur substantial costs for preventive or remedial measures associated with hazardous materials. The Company hasWe have several storage tanks at itsour warehouse facilities, including: an aboveground and an underground diesel storage tank at the City of Commerce, California warehouse; ammonia storage at the Southern California cold storage facility and the Texas warehouse; aboveground diesel and propane storage tanks at the Texas warehouse; an aboveground propane storage tank at theour two main Southern California warehouse;warehouses; an aboveground propane storage tank at the Company’sour leased Slauson distribution center in City of Commerce, California; and an aboveground propane tank located at the warehouse the Company ownswe owned in Eagan, Minnesota, which is currently being marketed for sale.  The Company haswas sold in June 2012. Except as disclosed in Item 3. Legal Matters, we have not been notified of, and isare not aware of, any potentially material current environmental liability, claim or non-compliance, concerning itsour owned or leased real estate.


Available Information

The Company makes

We make available free of charge itsour annual report on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, and current reports on Form 8-K and all amendments to these reports through a hyperlink from the "Investor Relations"“Investor Relations” portion of itsour website, www.99only.com,, to the Securities and Exchange Commission'sCommission’s website, www.sec.gov.www.sec.gov.  Such reports are available on the same day that they arewe electronically filed them with or furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission.  The reference to our website address does not constitute incorporation by reference of the information contained on the website, and the information contained on the website is not part of this document.

Copies of the reports and other information we file with the Securities and Exchange Commission may also be examined by the Company.


public without charge at 100 F Street, N.E., Room 1580, Washington D.C., 20549, or on the Internet at http://sec.gov.  Copies of all or a portion of such materials can be obtained from the Securities and Exchange Commission upon payment of prescribed fees.  Please call the Securities and Exchange Commission at 1-800-SEC-0330 for further information.

Item 1A. Risk Factors


The going private proposal, and any related Special Committee process, could materially and adversely affect the Company’s business and financial results; in addition, there can be no assurance that any definitive offer for a change of control transaction will be made or, if made, that such a transaction will be consummated.

On March 11, 2011, the Company announced the receipt of a going private proposal from the Schiffer/Gold family and Leonard Green & Partners, L.P.  The Company's Board of Directors formed a special committee of independent directors

Risks Related to consider the proposal.   The Special Committee, which has engaged independent financial and legal advisors, is also authorized to consider other proposals and strategic alternatives.  The proposal and any related process undertaken by the Special Committee could cause distractions and disruptions in our business.  We may also encounter difficulty in retaining officers and other key employees who may be concerned about their future roles with the Company if such a transaction were completed.  Further, the costs associated with the evaluation of the proposal and any related processes are expected to be considerable, regardless of whether any transaction is consummated.  All of the foregoing could materially and adversely affect our business and financial results.  In addition, there is no assurance that a definitive offer for a change of control transaction will be made, or, if made, that such a transaction will be consummated.  If a change of control transaction does not occur, the share price of our common stock may decline significantly to the extent that the current market price of our common stock reflects an expectation that a transaction will be completed.

Our Business

Inflation may affect the Company’sour ability to keep pricing almost all of itsour merchandise at 99.99¢ or less

The Company’s

Our ability to provide quality merchandise for profitable resale primarily at a price point of 99.99¢ or less is subject to certain economic factors which are beyond the Company’sour control. Inflation could have a material adverse effect on the Company’sour business and results of operations, especially given the constraints on the Company’sour ability to pass on incremental costs due to wholesale price increases or other factors. A sustained trend of significantly increased inflationary pressure could require the Companyus to abandon itsour customary practice of not pricing itsour merchandise primarily at no more than a dollar,99.99¢, which could have a material adverse effect on itsour business and results of operations. The CompanyWe can pass price increases on to customers to a certain extent, such as by selling smaller units for the same price and increasing the price of merchandise presently sold at less than 99.99¢ (e.g., the Companywe currently pricesprice some items at 29.99¢, 59.99¢, and the like, and also sellssell other items at two at 99.99¢, three at 99.99¢, and so forth,forth), but there are limits to the ability to effectively increase prices on a sufficiently wide range of merchandise in this manner while rarely exceeding a dollar).dollar. In certain circumstances, the Company has droppedwe have discontinued and may continue to dropdiscontinue some items from itsour offerings due to vendor wholesale price increases or availability, which may adversely affect sales. In September 2008, the Companywe increased itsour primary price point to 99.99¢ from 99¢, and also added 99/100¢ to itsour price points on almost all items. See also “The Company is vulnerableWe offer selected items priced above 99.99¢ and we believe that we have additional opportunities to uncertain economic factors, changesexpand our selection of these items. However, an expanded offering of over 99.99¢ items may not gain customer acceptance, which could damage our brand name and harm our revenues and profitability.

We are dependent in the minimum wage, and increased workers’ compensation and healthcare costs” for a discussion of additional risks attendant to inflationary conditions.



The Company is dependent primarilypart on new store openings for future growth
The Company’s

Our ability to generate growth in sales and operating income depends in part on itsour ability to successfully open and operate new stores both within and outside of its core market of Southern Californiaour existing markets and to manage future growth profitably. The Company’sOur strategy depends on many factors, including itsour ability to identify suitable markets and sites for new stores, negotiate leases or purchases with acceptable terms, refurbish stores, successfully compete against local competition and the increasing presence of large and successful companies entering or expanding into the markets in which the Company operates, upgrade its financial and management information systems and controls,we operate, gain brand recognition and acceptance in new markets, and manage operating expenses and product costs. In addition, the Companywe must be able to hire, train, motivate, and retain competent managers and store personnel at increasing distances from the Company’s headquarters.to support our growth. Many of these factors are beyond the Company’sour control or are difficult to manage. As a result, the Companywe cannot assure that itwe will be able to achieve itsour goals with respect to growth. Any failure by the Companyus to achieve these goals on a timely basis, differentiate itselfourselves and obtain acceptance in markets in which itwe currently hashave limited or no presence, attract and retain management and other qualified personnel, appropriately upgrade its financial and management information systems and controls, and manage operating expenses could adversely affect itsour future operating results and itsour ability to execute the Company’sour business strategy.

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A variety of factors, including store location, store size, local demographics, rental terms, competition, the level of store sales, availability of locally sourced as well as intra-Company distribution of merchandise, locally prevailing wages and labor pools, distance and time from existing distribution centers, local regulations, and the level of initial advertising, influence if and when a store becomes profitable. Assuming that planned expansion occurs as anticipated, the store base will include a portion of stores with relatively short operating histories. New stores may not achieve the sales per estimated saleable square foot and store-level operating margins historically achieved at existing stores. If new stores on average fail to achieve these results, planned expansion could produce a further decrease in overall sales per estimated saleable square foot and store-level operating margins. Increases in the level of advertising and pre-opening expenses associated with the opening of new stores could also contribute to a decrease in operating margins. New stores opened in existing and in new markets have in the past and may in the future be less profitable than existing stores in the Company’s core Southern California market and/or may reduce retail sales of existing stores, negatively affecting comparable storesame-store sales. As the Company expands beyond its base in the Southwestern United States,we expand, differences in the available labor pool and potential customers could adversely impact us.

Current economic conditions and other economic factors may adversely affect our financial performance and other aspects of our business by negatively impacting our customer’s disposable income or discretionary spending, increasing our costs of goods sold and selling, general and administrative expenses, and adversely affecting our sales or profitability.

We believe many of our customers are on fixed or low incomes and generally have limited discretionary spending dollars. Any factor that could adversely affect that disposable income would decrease our customer’s spending and could cause our customers to shift their spending to products other than those sold by us or to products sold by us that are less profitable than other product choices, all of which could result in lower net sales, decreases in inventory turnover, greater markdowns on inventory, and a reduction in profitability due to lower margins. Factors that could reduce our customers’ disposable income include but are not limited to a further slowdown in the Company.


The Company’seconomy, a delayed economic recovery, or other economic conditions such as increased or sustained high unemployment or underemployment levels, inflation, increases in fuel or other energy costs and interest rates, lack of available credit, consumer debt levels, higher tax rates and other changes in tax laws.

Many of the factors identified above that affect disposable income, as well as commodity rates, transportation costs (including the costs of diesel fuel), costs of labor, insurance and healthcare, foreign exchange rate fluctuations, lease costs, measures that create barriers to or increase the costs associated with international trade, changes in other laws and regulations and other economic factors, also affect our cost of goods sold and our selling, general and administrative expenses, which may adversely affect our sales or profitability. We have limited or no ability to control many of these factors. We experienced escalation of product costs in 2011 as a result of increases in the costs of certain commodities (including cotton, sugar, coffee, groundnuts, resin), and increasing diesel fuel costs. These costs generally stabilized in 2012. We will be diligent in our efforts to keep product costs as low as possible in the face of these increases while still working to optimize gross profit and meet the needs of our customers.

In addition, many of the factors discussed above, along with current global economic conditions and uncertainties, the potential for additional failures or realignments of financial institutions, and the related impact on available credit may affect us and our suppliers and other business partners, landlords and service providers in an adverse manner including, but not limited to, reducing access to liquid funds or credit, increasing the cost of credit, limiting our ability to manage interest rate risk, increasing the risk of bankruptcy of our suppliers, landlords or counterparties to, or other financial institutions involved in, our credit facilities and our derivative and other contracts, increasing the cost of goods to us, and other adverse consequences which we are unable to fully anticipate or control.

Our operations are concentrated in California


As of April 2, 2011, 211March 30, 2013, 232 of the Company’s 285our 316 stores were located in California (with 3539 stores in Texas, 2729 stores in Arizona and 1216 stores in Nevada). The Company expectsWe expect that itwe will continue to open additional stores in as well as outside of California. For the foreseeable future, the Company’sour results of operations will depend significantly on trends in the California economy. Further declineseconomy and its legal/regulatory environment.  Declines in retail spending on higher margin discretionary items and continuing trends of increasing demand for lower margin food products due to continuing poor economic conditions in California may negatively impact our operations and profitability.  California has also historically enacted minimum wages that exceed federal standards (and certain of itsour cities have enacted “living wage” laws that exceed State minimum wage laws) and California typically has other factors making compliance, litigation and workers’ compensation claims more prevalent and costly. Additional local regulation in certain California citiesjurisdictions may further pressure margins.



The impact of the Company’sour Texas stores on the Company’sour profitability is uncertain

The Company has

We have historically experienced, and currently continuescontinue to experience, lower sales per store and sales per estimated saleable square foot in itsour Texas stores compared to its non-Texasour Western States stores. In fiscal 2013, on a comparable 52-week period, our stores open for the full year averaged net sales of $5.3 million per store and average sales per estimated saleable square foot of $321. Our Texas

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stores open for the full year on a comparable 52-week period had average sales of $3.7 million per store and average sales per estimated saleable square foot of $203. All of our Western States stores open for the full year on a comparable 52-week period had average sales of $5.6 million per store and $339 of average sales per estimated saleable square foot. There can be no assurance that the Company’sour Texas operations canwill have any sustained positive contribution to our profitability.

We identified material weaknesses in internal control over financial reporting and can provide no assurance that additional material weaknesses will not be identified in the Company’s profitability.


future. Our failure to implement and maintain effective internal control over financial reporting could result in material misstatements in our financial statements

During fiscal 2013 management identified three material weaknesses in our internal control over financial reporting, one of which affected our financial statements for the fiscal quarters ended June 30, 2012 and September 29, 2012. See “Item 9A. Controls and Procedures.” The material weakness in our internal control over financial reporting during these periods related to accounting for debt financing was such that controls were not adequately designed to properly account for the repricing transaction of the original First Lien Term Loan Facility in accordance with the requisite accounting guidance. We identified a second material weakness in our internal control over financial reporting relating to accounting for stock-based compensation.  We did not correctly evaluate the accounting treatment for certain share repurchase rights with respect to shares underlying stock options granted to our executive officers and employees and for former executive put rights that became exercisable in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2013.  In addition, we identified a third material weakness in our internal control over financial reporting related to inventory valuation. Specifically, we determined that the inventory valuation methodology that we applied in prior periods had resulted in an accumulated overstatement over prior periods  in total inventory of $13.3 million at the Merger date, and that our related controls were not adequately designed to yield the correct cost complement for valuing inventory.  Although we have remediated the first material weakness and have implemented certain measures that we believe will remediate the second and third material weaknesses, we can provide no assurance that our remediation efforts will be effective or that additional material weaknesses in our internal control over financial reporting will not be identified in the future. Any failure to maintain or implement required new or improved controls or any difficulties that may be encountered in their implementation, could result in additional material weaknesses, cause us to fail to meet our periodic reporting obligations or result in material misstatements in our financial statements. Any such failure could also adversely affect the results of periodic management evaluations regarding the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting required under Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 and the rules promulgated under Section 404. The existence of material weaknesses could result in errors in our financial statements that could result in a restatement of those financial statements.

Material damage to, or interruptions to, the Company’sour information systems as a result of external factors, staffing shortages and difficulties in updating itsour existing software or developing or implementing new software could have a material adverse effect on itsour business or results of operations

The Company depends

We depend on information technology systems for the efficient functioning of itsour business. Such systems are subject to damage or interruption from power outages, computer and telecommunications failures, computer viruses, security breaches and natural disasters. Any material interruptions or the cost of replacements may have a material adverse effect on itsour business or results of operations.

The Company

We also reliesrely heavily on itsour information technology staff. If the Companywe cannot meet itsour staffing needs in this area, the Companywe may not be able to maintain or improve itsour systems in the future. Further, the Companywe still hashave certain legacy systems that are not generally supportable by outside vendors, and should those of itsour information technology team who are conversant with such systems leave, these legacy systems could be without effective support.


The Company relies

We rely on certain software vendors to maintain and periodically upgrade many of these systems. The software programs supporting many of the Company’sour systems are maintained and supported by independent software companies. The inability of these companies to continue to maintain and upgrade these information systems and software programs might disrupt or reduce the efficiency of itsour operations if the Companywe were unable to convert to alternate systems in an efficient and timely manner. In addition, costs and potential interruptions associated with the implementation of new or upgraded systems and technology could also disrupt or reduce the efficiency of our operations.

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We rely on proprietary systems and these systems may not support our growth plans.  Our decision to implement a new Enterprise Resource Planning (“ERP”) software platform may cost more than expected and could interrupt operational transactions during the Company’simplementation

We depend on a variety of information systems for our operations, many of which are proprietary, which have historically supported many of our business operations such as inventory and order management, shipping, receiving, and accounting. Because most of our information systems consist of a number of internally developed applications, it can be more difficult to upgrade or adapt them compared to commercially available software solutions. We are currently in the process of migrating our operations from our legacy proprietary system to SAP’s enterprise resource planning software, which includes integrated financial and inventory management systems. There are inherent risks associated with replacing and changing these core systems, including accurately capturing data and possible encountering supply chain disruptions.  In addition, this process is complex, time-consuming and expensive. Although we believe we are taking appropriate action to mitigate the risks through testing, training and staging implementation, we can make no assurances that we will not have disruptions, delays and/or negative business impacts from this forthcoming deployment. Any operational disruptions during the course of this process, delays or deficiencies in the design and implementation of the new ERP system, or in the performance of our legacy systems could materially and adversely affect our ability to effectively run and manage our business.  Our success depends, in large part, on our ability to manage our inventory and record and report financial and management information on a timely and accurate basis, which could be impaired while we are making these enhancements.  Even if the implementation proceeds as planned, the cost of the system could have a material adverse effect on our results of operation. Portions of our IT infrastructure also may experience interruptions, delays or cessations of service or produce errors in connection with systems integration or migration work that takes place from time to time. We may not be successful in implementing new systems and transitioning data, which could cause business disruptions and be more expensive, time consuming, disruptive and resource-intensive. Such disruptions could materially and adversely impact our ability to fulfill orders and interrupt other processes. If our information systems do not allow us to transmit accurate information, even for a short period of time, to key decision makers, the ability to manage our business could be disrupted and the results of operations and financial condition could be materially and adversely affected.  Additionally, while we have spent considerable efforts to plan and budget for the implementation of the system, changes in scope, timeline or cost could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations.


  Failure to properly or adequately address these issues could impact our ability to perform necessary business operations, which could materially and adversely affect our reputation, competitive position, business, results of operations and financial condition.

Natural disasters, unusually adverse weather conditions, pandemic outbreaks, terrorist acts, and global political events could cause temporary or permanent distribution center or store closures, impair the Company’sour ability to purchase, receive or replenish inventory, or decrease customer traffic, all of which could result in lost sales and otherwise adversely affect the Company’sour financial performance


The occurrence of natural disasters, such as earthquakes, hurricanes, fires, floods earthquakes and tsunamis, unusually adverse weather conditions, pandemic outbreaks, terrorist acts or disruptive global political events, such as civil unrest in countries in which the Company’sour suppliers are located, or similar disruptions could adversely affect the Company’sour operations and financial performance. These events could result in the closure of one or more of the Company’sour distribution centers or a significant number of stores, the temporary or long-term disruption in the supply of products from some local and overseas suppliers, the temporary disruption in the transport of goods from overseas, delay in the delivery of goods to the Company’sour distribution centers or stores, the temporary reduction in the availability of products in itsour stores, and disruption to itsour information systems.


The Company’s

Our current insurance program may expose the Companyus to unexpected costs and negatively affect itsour financial performance


The Company’s

Our insurance coverage reflects deductibles, self-insured retentions, limits of liability and similar provisions that the Company believeswe believe are prudent. However, there are types of losses the Companywe may incur but against which itwe cannot be insured or which the Company believeswe believe are not economically reasonable to insure, such as losses due to employment practices, acts of war, employee, blackouts and certain other crime and some natural disasters, including earthquakes and tsunamis. If the Company incurswe incur these losses and they are material, the Company’sour business could suffer. In addition, the Company self-insureswe self-insure a significant portion of expected losses under our workers'workers’ compensation and general liability programs. Unanticipated changes in any applicable actuarial assumptions and management estimates underlying the Company’sour recorded liabilities for these losses could result in materially different amounts of expense than expected under these programs, which could have a material adverse effect on the Company’sour financial condition and results of operations. Although the Company continueswe continue to maintain property insurance for catastrophic events, the Company iswe are effectively self-insured for property losses up to the amount of itsour deductibles. If the Company experienceswe experience a greater number of these losses than it anticipates, the Company’swe anticipate, our financial performance could be adversely affected.


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We self-insure a portion of our health insurance program that may expose us to unexpected costs and negatively affect our financial performance

We self-insure a portion of our employee medical benefit claims. The liability for the self-funded portion of our health insurance program is determined actuarially, based on claims filed and an estimate of claims incurred but not yet reported. We maintain stop loss insurance coverage to limit our exposure for the self-funded portion of our health insurance program. Liabilities associated with these losses include estimates of both claims filed and losses incurred but not yet reported. Unanticipated changes in any applicable actuarial assumptions and management estimates underlying our recorded liabilities for these losses could result in materially different amounts of expense than expected under these programs, which could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.

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The Company

Failure to attract and retain qualified employees, particularly field, store and distribution center managers, while controlling labor costs, as well as other labor issues, could adversely affect our financial performance.

Our future growth and performance depends on our ability to attract, retain and motivate qualified employees, many of whom are in positions with historically high rates of turnover such as field managers and distribution center managers. Our ability to meet our labor needs, while controlling our labor costs, is subject to many external factors, including competition for and availability of qualified personnel in a given market, unemployment levels within those markets, prevailing wage rates, minimum wage laws, health and other insurance costs, and changes in employment and labor laws (including changes in the process for our employees to join a union) or other workplace regulation (including changes in “entitlement” programs such as health insurance and paid leave programs). To the extent a significant portion of our employee base unionizes, or attempts to unionize, our labor costs could increase. In addition, we are evaluating the potential future impact of recently enacted comprehensive healthcare reform legislation, which will likely cause our healthcare costs to increase. While the significant costs of the healthcare reform legislation will occur after 2013, if at all, due to provisions of the legislation being phased in over time, changes to our healthcare costs structure could have a significant negative effect on our business. Our ability to pass along labor costs to our customers is constrained by our low price model.

We could experience disruptions in receiving and distribution


The Company’s

Our success depends upon whether receiving and shipments are processed timely, accurately and efficiently. As the Company continueswe continue to grow, itwe may face increased or unexpected demands on warehouse operations, as well as unexpected demands on itsour transportation network. In addition, new store locations receiving shipments from distribution centers that are increasingly further away will increase transportation costs and may create transportation scheduling strains. The very nature of the Company’sour closeout business makes it uniquely susceptible to periodic interruptions and difficult to foresee warehouse/distribution center overcrowding caused by spikes in inventory resulting from opportunistic closeout purchases. Such demands could cause delays in delivery of merchandise to and from warehouses and/or to stores. The CompanyWe periodically evaluatesevaluate new warehouse distribution and merchandising systems and could experience interruptions during implementations of new facilities and systems. A fire, earthquake, or other disaster at the Company’sour warehouses could also hurt the Company’sour business, financial condition and results of operations, particularly because much of the Company’sour merchandise consists of closeouts and other irreplaceable products. The CompanyWe also facesface the possibility of future labor unrest that could disrupt the Company’sour receiving, processing, and shipment of merchandise.


The Company depends

We depend upon itsour relationships with suppliers and the availability of closeout and other special-situation merchandise

The Company’s

Our success depends in large part on itsour ability to locate and purchase quality closeout and other special-situation merchandise at attractive prices. This supports a changing mix of name-brand and other merchandise primarily within theat or below 99.99¢ price point. The CompanyWe cannot be certain that such merchandise will continue to be available in the future at wholesale prices consistent with the Companyour business plan and/or historical costs. Further, the Companywe may not be able to find and purchase merchandise in necessary quantities, particularly as it growswe grow, and therefore requiresrequire a greater availabilityquantity of such merchandise at competitive prices. Additionally, suppliers sometimes restrict the advertising, promotion and method of distribution of their merchandise. These restrictions in turn may make it more difficult for the Companyus to quickly sell these items from inventory. Although the Company believes itswe believe our relationships with suppliers are good, the Companywe typically doesdo not have long-term agreements or pricing commitments with any suppliers. As a result, the Companywe must continuously seek out buying opportunities from existing suppliers and from new sources. There is increasing competition for these opportunities with other wholesalers and retailers, discount and deep-discount stores, mass merchandisers, food markets, drug chains, club stores, and various other companies and individuals as the extreme value retail segment continues to expand outside and within existing retail channels. There is also a growth intrend towards consolidation among vendors and suppliers of merchandise targeted by the Company.us. A disruption in the availability of merchandise at attractive prices could impair the Company’sour business.


The Company purchases

We purchase in large volumes and itsour inventory is highly concentrated

To obtain inventory at attractive prices, the Company takeswe take advantage of large volume purchases, closeouts and other special situations. As a result, we carry high inventory levels are generally higher than other discount retailersrelative to our sales and from time to time this can result in an over-capacity situationovercrowding in theour warehouses and place stress on the Company’s warehouse andour distribution operations as well as the back rooms of itsour retail stores. This can also result in shrinkinventory shrinkage due to spoilage if merchandise cannot be sold in the anticipated timeframes. The Company’sOur short-term and long-term store and warehouse inventory, net of allowance, approximated $196.1$201.6 million and $176.0$207.4  million at April 2, 2011March 30, 2013 and March 27, 2010,31, 2012, respectively. The CompanyWe periodically reviewsreview the net realizable value of itsour inventory and makesmake adjustments to itsour carrying value when appropriate. The current carrying value of inventory reflects the Company’sour belief that it will realize the net values recorded on the balance sheet. However, the Companywe may not do so, and if it doeswe do not, this may result in overcrowding and supply chain difficulties. If the Company sellswe sell large portions of inventory at amounts less than their carrying value or if it writeswe write down or otherwise disposesdispose of a significant part of inventory, cost of sales, gross profit, operating income, and net income could decline significantly during the period in which such event or events occur. Margins could also be negatively affected should the grocery category sales become a larger percentage of total sales in the future, and by increases in shrinkage and spoilage from perishable products.


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  In addition, we offer selected items priced above 99.99¢ and we believe that we have additional opportunities to expand our selection of these items.  If we cannot sell these items above 99.99¢ in the volumes that we expect this could further exacerbate the foregoing risks.

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If the Company failswe fail to protect itsour brand name, competitors may adopt trade names that dilute the value of the Company’sour brand name


The Company

We may be unable or unwilling to strictly enforce itsour trademark in each jurisdiction in which it doeswe do business. Also, the Companywe may not always be able to successfully enforce itsour trademarks against competitors or against challenges by others. The Company’sOur failure to successfully protect itsour trademarks could diminish the value and efficacy of itsour brand recognition, and could cause customer confusion, which could, in turn, adversely affect the Company’sour sales and profitability.


The Company faces

We face strong competition

The Company competes

We compete in both the acquisition of inventory and sale of merchandise with other wholesalers and retailers, discount and deep-discount stores, single price point merchandisers, mass merchandisers, food markets, drug chains, club stores and other retailers. ItWe also competescompete for retail real estate sites. In the future, new companies may also enter the extreme value retail industry. It is also becoming more common for superstores to sell products competitive with the Company’sour product offerings. Additionally, the Companywe currently facesface increasing competition for the purchase of quality closeout and other special-situation merchandise, and some of these competitors are entering or may enter the Company’sour traditional markets. Also, as it expands, the Companywe expand, we will enter new markets where itsour own brand is weaker and established brands are stronger, and where itsour own brand value may have been diluted by other retailers with similar names, appearances and/or business models. Some of the Company’sour competitors have substantially greater financial resources and buying power than the Company does,we do, as well as nationwide name-recognition and organization. The Company’sOur ability to compete will depend on many factors including the ability to successfully purchase and resell merchandise at lower prices than competitors and the ability to differentiate itselfourselves from competitors that do not share the Company’sour price and merchandise attributes, yet may appear similar to prospective customers. The CompanyWe also facesface competition from other retailers with similar names and/or appearances. The CompanyWe cannot assure that itwe will be able to compete successfully against current and future competitors in both the acquisition of inventory and the sale of merchandise.

The Company

We are subject to governmental regulations, procedures and requirements. A significant change in, or noncompliance with, these regulations could have a material adverse effect on our financial performance

Our business is vulnerablesubject to uncertain economic factors,numerous federal, state and local laws and regulations. We routinely incur costs in complying with these regulations. New laws or regulations, particularly those dealing with healthcare reform, product safety, and labor and employment, among others, or changes in existing laws and regulations, especially those governing the minimum wage,sale of products, may result in significant added expenses or may require extensive system and increased workers’ compensationoperating changes that may be difficult to implement and/or could materially increase our cost of doing business. In addition, such changes or new laws may require the write off and healthcare costs

The Company’s futuredisposal of existing product inventory, resulting in significant adverse financial impact to us. Untimely compliance or noncompliance with applicable regulations or untimely or incomplete execution of a required product recall can result in the imposition of penalties, including loss of licenses or significant fines or monetary penalties, in addition to reputational damage.

Litigation may adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations

Our business is subject to the risk of litigation by employees, consumers, suppliers, competitors, shareholders, government agencies and abilityothers through private actions, class actions, administrative proceedings, regulatory actions or other litigation. The outcome of litigation, particularly class action lawsuits, regulatory actions and intellectual property claims, is difficult to provide quality merchandise constrainedassess or quantify. Plaintiffs in these types of lawsuits may seek recovery of very large or indeterminate amounts, and the magnitude of the potential loss relating to these lawsuits may remain unknown for substantial periods of time. In addition, certain of these lawsuits, if decided adversely to us or settled by us, may result in liability material to our price pointsfinancial statements as a whole or may negatively affect our operating results if changes to our business operation are required. The cost to defend future litigation may be significant. There also may be adverse publicity associated with litigation that could negatively affect customer perception of our business, regardless of whether the allegations are primarily 99.99¢valid or less could be hindered by certain economic factors beyond its control, including but not limited to:

-
future inflation both in the United States as well as in other countries in which the products it sells are manufactured or from which parts and materials are sourced;
-
increases in prices from our merchandise, supply and service vendors;
-increases in employee health and other benefit costs and the impact of new federal health care laws and regulations;
-increases in minimum and prevailing wage levels, as well as “living wage” pressures;
-increases in government regulatory compliance costs;
-decreases in consumer confidence levels;
-
increases in transportation and fuel costs, which affect both the Company, as it ships over longer distances, and its customers and suppliers;
-
increases in unionization efforts, including campaigns at the store and warehouse levels;
-
increases in workers’ compensation costs and self-insured workers’ compensation liabilities due to increased claims costs, as well as political and legislative pressure or judicial rulings.

The Company faceswhether we are ultimately found liable. As a result, litigation may adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations. See Item 3. Legal Proceedings.

We face risks associated with international sales and purchases

International sales historically have not been important to the Company’sour overall net sales. However, some of the Company’sour inventory is manufactured outside the United States and there are many risks associated with doing business internationally. International transactions may be subject to risks such as:

-

·political instability;


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·lack of knowledge by foreign manufacturers of or compliance with applicable federal and state product, content, packaging and other laws, rules and regulations;

·foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations;

·uncertainty in dealing with foreign vendors and countries where the rule of law is less established;

·risk of loss due to overseas transportation;

·import and customs review can delay delivery of products as could labor disruptions at ports;

·changes in import and export regulations, including “trade wars” and retaliatory responses;

·changes in tariff, import duties and freight rates; and

·testing and compliance.

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-lack of knowledge by foreign manufacturers of or compliance with applicable federal and state product, content, packaging and other laws, rules and regulations;
-foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations;
-uncertainty in dealing with foreign vendors and countries where the rule of law is less established;
-risk of loss due to overseas transportation;
-import and customs review can delay delivery of products as could labor disruptions at ports;
-changes in import and export regulations, including “trade wars” and retaliatory responses;
-changes in tariff, import duties and freight rates;
-testing and compliance.

The United States and other countries have at times proposed various forms of protectionist trade legislation. Any resulting changes in current tariff structures or other trade policies could result in increases in the cost of and/or store level reduction in the availability of certain merchandise and could adversely affect the Company’sour ability to purchase such merchandise.


The Company has Disruptions due to labor stoppages, strikes or slowdowns, or other disruptions involving our vendors or the transportation and handling industries also may negatively affect our ability to receive merchandise and thus may negatively affect sales. Prolonged disruptions could also materially increase our labor costs both during and following the disruption. These and other factors affecting our suppliers and our access to products could adversely affect our financial performance. As we increase our imports of merchandise from foreign vendors, the risks associated with foreign imports will increase.

We have potential risks regarding itsour store physical inventories

Currently, the Company does

Although we have a perpetual inventory system in our warehouses, we currently do not have a perpetual inventory system in place and believes that such process will not be feasible in the near future.our stores. Furthermore, physical inventories in all existing stores are not performed at the end of each fiscal period, and there are additional processes and procedures surrounding store physical inventories that the Company believeswe believe need to be improved. In particular, the Company haswe have identified that certain personnel managing or performing store physical inventories need additional training in order to consistently follow the Company’sour physical inventory processes and procedures, and properly document the physical inventory results.


If We are in the process of implementing an SAP system throughout the Company, including all retail stores, which will allow for the first time tracking of inventory at each retail store on a perpetual basis by stock keeping unit (“SKU”). In anticipation of this implementation, we have initiated additional training for store employees and new physical inventory procedures. Our inability or failure to effectively implement these measures on our expected timeframe, or at all, or otherwise to not continue to improve our physical inventory processes and procedures are not improved, this could have ana materially adverse affecteffect on the Company’sour store physical inventory results, shrinkage and margins.

The Company  This in turn could materially affect our ability to timely complete our financial reporting obligations and our financial condition and results or operations.

We could encounter risks related to transactions with affiliates


The Company leases

Prior to the Merger, we leased 13 of its storesstore locations and a parking lot forassociated with one of thosethese stores from the Gold familyRollover Investors and their affiliates, of which 12 stores arewere leased on a month to month basis. Under current policy,In connection with the Company only entersMerger, we entered into real estate transactions with affiliatesnew lease agreements for these 13 stores and one parking lot. Although the renewal or modification of existing leases and on occasions where it determinesterms negotiated were acceptable to us, we cannot be certain that such transactions are in the Company’s best interests. Moreover, the independent members of the Board of Directors must unanimously approve all real estate transactions between the Company and its affiliates. They must also determine that such transactionsterms negotiated are no less favorable than a negotiated arm’s-lengtharm’s length transaction with a third party. The Company cannot guarantee that it will reach agreements with the Gold family

We rely heavily on renewal terms for the properties it currently leases from them. Also, even if terms were negotiated that were acceptable to the Company, it cannot be certain that such terms would meet the standard required for approval by the independent directors. If the Company fails to renew one or more of these leases, it would be forced to relocate or close the leased stores. Any relocations or closures could potentially resultour executive management team and changes in significant closure expense andour management team could adversely affect the Company’s net salesour business strategy, performance and operating results.


The Company relies heavily on its executive management team
The Company reliesresults of operations

We have historically relied heavily on the continued service of itsour executive management team.  The Company doesEffective January 23, 2013, Eric Schiffer, Jeff Gold and Howard Gold separated from their positions as Chief Executive Officer, Chief Administrative Officer and Executive Vice President of Special Projects, respectively.  Richard Anicetti and Michael Fung have been appointed Interim President and Chief Executive Officer and Interim Executive Vice President and Chief Administrative Officer, respectively; however, we have not have employment agreements with any of its officers.   Also, the Company does not maintain key person life insurance on any of its officers.  The Company’s future success will depend on its ability to identify, attract, hire, train, retain and motivate other highly skilled management personnel.yet identified permanent replacements for our former executives.  Competition for suchskilled and experienced management personnel is intense, and we may be unable to identify, hire and effectively integrate new members of management into senior positions on our anticipated timeframe or at all, which could disrupt our business.  Moreover, these and any other changes in management could result in changes to, or affect the Company may not successfully attract, assimilate or sufficiently retain the necessary numberexecution of, qualified candidates.


The Company’sour business strategy, which could adversely affect our performance and results of operations.

Our operating results may fluctuate and may be affected by seasonal buying patterns

Historically, the Company’sour highest net sales and highest operating income have occurred during the quarter ended on or near December 31, which includes the Christmas and Halloween selling seasons. During fiscal 20112013 and 2010, the Companypro forma fiscal 2012, we generated approximately 25.7%26.3% and 26.5%26.4%, respectively, of itsour net sales during this quarter.  If for any reason the Company’sour net sales were to fall below norms during this quarter, it could have an adverse impact on profitability and impair the results of operations for the entire fiscal year. Transportation scheduling, warehouse capacity constraints, supply chain disruptions, adverse weather conditions, labor disruptions or other disruptions during the peak holiday season could also affect net sales and profitability for the fiscal year.



In addition to seasonality, many other factors may cause the results of operations to vary significantly from quarter to quarter. These factors, some beyond the Company’sour control, include the following:

·the number, size and location of new stores and timing of new store openings;

·the distance of new stores from existing stores and distribution sources;

·the level of advertising and pre-opening expenses associated with new stores;

·the integration of new stores into operations;

·the general economic health of the extreme value retail industry;

17



-the number, size and location of new stores and timing of new store openings;
-the distance of new stores from existing stores and distribution sources;
-the level of advertising and pre-opening expenses associated with new stores;
-the integration of new stores into operations;
-the general economic health of the extreme value retail industry;
-changes in the mix of products sold;
-increases in fuel, shipping merchandise and energy costs;
-
the ability to successfully manage inventory levels and product mix across its multiple distribution centers and its stores;
-changes in personnel;
-
the expansion by competitors into geographic markets in which they have not historically had a strong presence;
-
fluctuations in the amount of consumer spending; and
-
the amount and timing of operating costs and capital expenditures relating to the growth of the business and the Company’s ability to uniformly capture such costs.

The Company

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·changes in the mix of products sold;

·increases in fuel, shipping merchandise and energy costs;

·the ability to successfully manage inventory levels and product mix across our multiple distribution centers and our stores;

·changes in personnel;

·the expansion by competitors into geographic markets in which they have not historically had a strong presence;

·fluctuations in the amount of consumer spending; and

·the amount and timing of operating costs and capital expenditures relating to the growth of the business and our ability to uniformly capture such costs.

·the timing of certain holidays such as Easter, 4th of July and Labor Day.

During fiscal 2013 there were two Easter selling seasons that occurred in early April 2012 and in late March 2013, compared to one Easter selling season in pro forma fiscal 2012. There will be no Easter selling season in fiscal 2014.

We could be exposed to product liability, food safety claims or packaging violation claims

The Company purchases

We purchase many products on a closeout basis, some of which are manufactured or distributed by overseas entities, and some of which are purchased by the Companyus through brokers or other intermediaries as opposed to directly from their manufacturing or distribution sources. Many products are also sourced directly from manufacturers. The closeout nature of certain of these products and transactions may impact the Company’sour opportunity to investigate all aspects of these products. The Company attemptsWe attempt to ensure compliance, and to test products when appropriate, as well as to procure product insurance from itsour vendors and to be listed as an additional insured for certain products and/or by certain product vendors, and it doeswe do not purchase merchandise when it iswe are cognizant of or foreseesforesee a problem, but there can be no assurance that the Companywe will consistently succeed in these efforts. The Company hasDespite our best efforts to ensure the quality and safety of the products we sell, we may be subject to product liability claims from customers or haspenalties from government agencies relating to products, including food products that are recalled, defective or otherwise alleged to be harmful. Even with adequate insurance and indemnification, such claims could significantly damage our reputation and consumer confidence in our products. We have or have had, and in the future could face, labeling, environmental, or other claims, from private litigants as well as from governmental agencies.


The Company faces  Our litigation expenses could increase as well, which also could have a materially negative impact on our results of operations even if a product liability claim is unsuccessful or is not fully pursued.

We face risks related to protection of customers’ banking and merchant card data, as well as other data related to the Company’sour employees, customers, vendors and other parties


In connection with merchant card sales and other transactions, including bank cards, debit cards, credit cards and other merchant cards, the Company transmitswe transmit confidential banking and merchant card information. Additionally, as part of the Company’sour normal business activities, the Company collectswe collect and storesstore certain information, related to itsour employees, customers, vendors and other parties. The Company hasWe have certain procedures and technology in place to protect such data, but third parties may have the technology or know-how to breach the security of this information, and the Company’sour security measures and those of our banks, merchant card processing and other technology vendors may not effectively prohibit others from obtaining improper access to this information. Any security breach could expose the Companyus to risks of data loss, litigation and liability and could seriously disrupt our operations and any resulting negative publicity could significantly harm our reputation.


The Company is

We are subject to environmental regulations


Under various federal, state and local environmental laws and regulations, current or previous owners or occupants of property may face liability associated with hazardous substances. These laws and regulations often impose liability without regard to fault. In the future, the Companywe may be required to incur substantial costs for preventive or remedial measures associated with hazardous materials. The Company hasWe have several storage tanks at itsour warehouse facilities, including: an aboveground and an underground diesel storage tank at the City of Commerce, California main warehouse; ammonia storage tanks at the Southern California cold storage facility and the Texas warehouse; aboveground diesel and propane storage tanks at the Texas warehouse; an aboveground propane storage tank at the main Southern California warehouse; and an aboveground propane storage tank at the Company’sour leased Slauson distribution center in the City of Commerce, California; and an aboveground propane tank located at the warehouse the Company ownsCalifornia.  Except as disclosed in Eagan, Minnesota, which is currently being marketed for sale. Although the Company hasItem 3. Legal Matters, we have not been notified of, and isare not aware of, any potentially material current environmental liability, claim or non-compliance, itnon-compliance.  We could incur costs in the future related to owned properties, leased properties, storage tanks, or other business properties and/or activities. In the ordinary course of business, the Company handleswe handle or disposesdispose of commonplace household products that are classified as hazardous materials under various environmental laws and regulations. The Company hasWe have adopted policies regarding the handling and disposal of these products, but the Companywe cannot be assured that itsour policies and training are comprehensive and/or are consistently followed, and the Company iswe are still potentially subject to liability under, or violations of, these environmental laws and regulations in the future even if itsour policies are consistently followed.



Anti-takeover effect; concentration

Changes to accounting rules or regulations may adversely affect our results of ownership byoperations

New accounting rules or regulations and varying interpretations of existing officersaccounting rules or regulations have occurred and principal stockholders

In addition to some governing provisionsmay occur in the Company’s Articlesfuture. A change in accounting rules or regulations may even affect our reporting of Incorporationtransactions completed before the change is effective, and Bylaws,future changes to accounting rules or regulations or the Companyquestioning of current accounting practices may adversely affect our results of operations.

The Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) is focusing on several broad-based convergence projects, including accounting standards for financial instruments, revenue recognition and leases. In August 2010, the FASB issued an exposure draft outlining proposed changes to current lease accounting under generally accepted accounting principles in the United States (“GAAP”) in FASB Accounting Standards Codification 840, “Leases.” In July 2011, the FASB made the decision to issue a revised exposure draft, which is expected to occur in calendar 2013. Currently, substantially all of our leased properties are accounted for as operating leases with limited related assets and liabilities recorded on our balance sheet. The proposed new accounting standard, if ultimately adopted in its proposed form, would treat each lease as creating an asset and a liability and require the capitalization of such leases on the balance sheet. While this change would not impact the cash flow related to our store leases, we would expect our assets and liabilities to increase relative to the current presentation, which may impact our ability to raise additional financing from banks or other sources in the future. The guidance as proposed may also affect the future reporting of our results from operations as both income and expense on leases previously accounted for as operating leases would be front-end loaded as compared to the existing accounting requirements. However, even if the new guidance is adopted as proposed, certain incurrence ratios and other provisions under the indenture governing the notes and under the Credit Facilities permit us to account for leases in accordance with the existing accounting requirements. As a result, our ability to incur additional debt or otherwise comply with such covenants may not directly correlate to our financial condition or results from operations as each would be reported under GAAP as so amended.

Impairment of our goodwill or our intangible assets could negatively impact our net income and stockholders’ equity

A substantial portion of our total assets consists of goodwill and intangible assets. Goodwill and certain intangible assets are not amortized, but are tested for impairment at least annually and between annual tests if events or circumstances indicate that it is more likely than not that the fair value of our net assets is less than its carrying amount. Testing for impairment involves an estimation of the fair value of our net assets and other factors and involves a high degree of judgment and subjectivity. There are numerous risks that may cause the fair value of our net assets to fall below its carrying amount, including those described elsewhere in this Report. If we have an impairment of our goodwill or intangible assets, the amount of any impairment could be significant and could negatively impact our net income and stockholders’ equity for the period in which the impairment charge is recorded.

Risks Related to Our Substantial Indebtedness

We have substantial indebtedness and lease obligations, which could affect our ability to meet our obligations under our indebtedness and may otherwise restrict our activities

Our total indebtedness, as of March 30, 2013, was $758.3 million, consisting of borrowings under our First Lien Term Facility of $508.3 million and $250 million of Senior Notes. We have an additional $175 million of available borrowings under our ABL Facility and, subject to certain California laws and regulations which could delay, discourage or prevent others from initiating a potential merger, takeover or other change in control transaction, even if such actions would benefit both the Company and its shareholders. Moreover, David Gold, the Chairman of the Board of Directors and members of his family (including Eric Schiffer, Chief Executive Officer, Jeff Gold, President and Chief Operating Officer and Howard Gold, Executive Vice President of Special Projects) and certain of their affiliateslimitations and the Company’s other directors and executive officers beneficially own assatisfaction of April 2, 2011,certain conditions, we are also permitted to incur up to an aggregate of 23,741,645, or 33.7%,$200 million of the Company’s outstanding common shares.additional borrowings under incremental facilities in our ABL Facility and First Lien Term Facility.

We also have, and will continue to have, significant lease obligations. As a result, they have the ability to influence the Company’s policies and matters requiring a shareholder vote, including the election of directors and other corporate action, and potentially to prevent a change in control. ThisMarch 30, 2013, our minimum annual rental obligations under long-term operating leases for fiscal 2014 are $51.7 million.

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Our substantial indebtedness could adversely affect our ability to raise additional capital to fund our operations, limit our ability to react to changes in the votingeconomy or our industry, expose us to interest rate risk to the extent of our variable rate debt and prevent us from meeting our obligations under the Senior Notes and our Credit Facilities. Our substantial indebtedness could have important consequences, including:

·increasing our vulnerability to adverse economic, industry or competitive developments;

·requiring a substantial portion of cash flow from operations to be dedicated to the payment of principal and interest on our indebtedness, therefore reducing our ability to use our cash flow to fund our operations, capital expenditures and future business opportunities;

·exposing us to the risk of increased interest rates because certain of our borrowings, including borrowings under our Credit Facilities, are at variable rates of interest;

·making it more difficult for us to satisfy our obligations with respect to our indebtedness, including the Senior Notes, and any failure to comply with the obligations of any of our debt instruments, including restrictive covenants and borrowing conditions, could result in an event of default under the indenture governing the Senior Notes and the agreements governing such other indebtedness;

·restricting us from making strategic acquisitions or causing us to make non-strategic divestitures;

·imposing restrictions on the operation of our business that may hinder our ability to take advantage of strategic opportunities or to grow our business;

·limiting our ability to obtain additional financing for working capital, capital expenditures (including real estate acquisitions and store expansion), debt service requirements and general corporate or other purposes, which could be exacerbated by further volatility in the credit markets; and

·limiting our flexibility in planning for, or reacting to, changes in our business or market conditions and placing us at a competitive disadvantage compared to any of our competitors who are less leveraged and who therefore, may be able to take advantage of opportunities that our leverage prevents us from exploiting.

We and our subsidiaries are still able to incur significant additional amounts of debt, which could further exacerbate the risks associated with our substantial indebtedness

We and our subsidiaries may be able to incur substantial additional indebtedness in the future. The indenture governing the Senior Notes and our Credit Facilities each contain restrictions on the incurrence of additional indebtedness. However, these restrictions are subject to a number of significant qualifications and exceptions, and under certain circumstances, the amount of indebtedness that could be incurred in compliance with these restrictions could be substantial. Accordingly, we and our subsidiaries may be able to incur substantial additional indebtedness in the future. We have an additional $175 million of available borrowings under our ABL Facility. Subject to certain limitations and the satisfaction of certain conditions, we are also permitted to incur up to an aggregate of $200 million of additional borrowings under incremental facilities in our ABL Facility and First Lien Term Facility. If new debt is added to our and our subsidiaries’ current debt levels, the risks that we now face as a result of our leverage would intensify and could have a negative impact on our credit rating.

We may not be able to generate sufficient cash to service all of our indebtedness and may be forced to take other actions to satisfy our obligations under our indebtedness, which may not be successful

Our ability to make scheduled payments on or to refinance our debt obligations depends on our financial condition and operating performance, which is subject to prevailing economic and competitive conditions and to certain financial, business and other rightsfactors beyond our control. We may not be able to maintain a level of other shareholderscash flows from operating activities sufficient to permit us to pay the principal of, and could depresspremium, if any, and additional interest, if any, on, our indebtedness, including the market priceSenior Notes.

If our cash flows and capital resources are insufficient to fund our debt service obligations, we may be forced to reduce or delay investments and capital expenditures, or to sell assets, seek additional capital or restructure or refinance our indebtedness, including the Senior Notes. Our ability to restructure or refinance our debt will depend on the condition of the Company’s common stock.


capital markets and our financial condition at such time. Any refinancing of our debt could be at higher interest rates and may require us to comply with more onerous covenants, which could further restrict our business operations. The Company’s commonterms of the indentures governing the Senior Notes and our Credit Facilities or any future debt instruments that we may enter into may restrict us from adopting some of these alternatives. In addition, any failure to make payments of interest and principal on our outstanding indebtedness on a timely basis would likely result in a reduction of our credit rating, which could harm our ability to incur additional indebtedness. These alternative measures may not be successful and may not permit us to meet our scheduled debt service obligations.

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Our debt agreements contain restrictions that limit our flexibility in operating our business

Our Credit Facilities and the indenture governing the Senior Notes contain various covenants that limit our ability to engage in specified types of transactions. These covenants limit our Parent’s (solely with respect to our Credit Facilities) and our restricted subsidiaries’ ability to, among other things:

·incur additional indebtedness or issue certain preferred shares;

·pay dividends on, repurchase or make distributions in respect of our capital stock priceor make other restricted payments;

·make certain investments;

·transfer or sell certain assets;

·create or incur liens;

·consolidate, merge, sell or otherwise dispose of all or substantially all of our assets; and

·enter into certain transactions with our affiliates.

A breach of any of these covenants could decreaseresult in a default under one or more of these agreements, including as a result of cross default provisions, and, fluctuatein the case of our Credit Facilities, permit the lenders to cease making loans to us. Upon the occurrence of an event of default under our Credit Facilities, the lenders could elect to declare all amounts outstanding under our Credit Facilities to be immediately due and payable and terminate all commitments to extend further credit under the ABL Facility. Such actions by those lenders could cause cross defaults under our other indebtedness. If we were unable to repay those amounts, the lenders under our Credit Facilities could proceed against the collateral granted to them to secure that indebtedness. We have pledged a significant portion of our assets as collateral under our Credit Facilities. If the lenders under our Credit Facilities accelerate the repayment of borrowings, we may not have sufficient assets to repay our Credit Facilities as well as our other indebtedness, including the Senior Notes.

Our variable rate indebtedness subjects us to interest rate risk, which could cause our debt service obligations to increase significantly


Trading prices

Borrowings under our Credit Facilities are at variable rates of interest and expose us to interest rate risk. If interest rates increase, our debt service obligations on our variable rate indebtedness will increase even though the amount borrowed would remain the same, and our net income and cash flow, including cash available for servicing our indebtedness, will correspondingly decrease. Although during the Company’s common stock could decreasequarter ended June 30, 2012 (the “first quarter of fiscal 2013”), we entered into interest rate cap and fluctuate significantly dueswap agreements to many factors, including:


-the reasons set forth above under “The consideration of the going private proposal and any related process could adversely affect the Company’s business and financial results; in addition, there can be no assurance that any definitive offer for a change of control transaction will be made, or, if made, that such a transaction will be consummated”;
-the depth of the market for the Company’s common stock;
-changes in expectations of future financial performance, including financial estimates by securities analysts;
-variations in operating results;
-conditions or trends in the industry or industries of any significant vendors or other stakeholders;
-the conditions of the market generally or the extreme value or retail industries;
-additions or departures of key personnel;
-future sales of common stock by the Company, its officers and the principal shareholders;
-government regulation affecting the business;
-increased competition;
-increases in minimum wages;
-workers’ compensation costs and new laws and regulations;
-the Company’s ability to control shrink;
-consolidation of consumer product companies;
-municipal regulation of “dollar” stores; and
-other risk factors as disclosed herein.

hedge the variability of cash flows related to our floating rate indebtedness, these measures may not fully mitigate our risk or may not be effective.

Item 1B. Unresolved Staff Comments

None.

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None.

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Item 2. Properties

As of April 2, 2011, the CompanyMarch 30, 2013, we owned 6672 stores and leased 219244 of its 285our 316 store locations. Additionally, as of April 2, 2011, the CompanyMarch 30, 2013, we owned foursix parcels of land and three buildingsone building for potential store sites.



The Company’s

Our leases generally provide for a fixed minimum rental, and some leases require additional rental based on a percentage of sales once a minimum sales level has been reached. Management believes that the Company’sour stable operating history excellent credit record, and ability to generate substantial customer traffic give the Companyus leverage when negotiating lease terms. Certain leases include cash reimbursements from landlords for leasehold improvements and other cash payments received from landlords as lease incentives. The Company currentlyA large majority of our store leases were entered into with multiple renewal periods, which are typically five to ten years and occasionally longer. On January 13, store locations2012, we entered into new lease agreements (the “Leases”) with the Rollover Investors for 13 stores and aone store parking lot, associatedwhich replaced the existing month-to-month leases. The Leases had approximate initial terms of either five or ten years and the base rents could be adjusted to market value in an aggregate amount not to exceed $1.0 million per annum.  In December 2012, we reached a final agreement with one of these stores from the Gold family and their affiliates, of which 12 stores are leasedRollover Investors on a month to month basis.  The Company enters into real estate transactions with affiliates only for the renewal or modification of existing leases, and on occasions where it determines that such transactions are in the Company’s best interests. Moreover, the independent membersmarket value of the BoardLeases for each of Directors must unanimously approve all real estate transactions between the Company and its affiliates. They must also determine13 stores that such transactions are not less favorable to the Company than a negotiated arm’s-length transaction with a third party. The Company cannot guarantee that it will reach agreements with the Gold family on renewal terms for the properties the Company currently leases from them. In addition, even if the Company reaches agreement on such terms, it cannot be certain that the independent directors will approve them. If the Company fails to renew one of these leases, it would be forced to relocate or close the leased store.


result in aggregate base rent increasing by approximately $0.7 million aggregate per annum.

The large majority of the Company’sour store leases were entered into with multiple renewal options of typically five years per option. Historically, the Company haswe have exercised the large majority of the lease renewal options as they arise, and anticipatesanticipate continuing to do so for the majority of leases for the foreseeable future.


The following table sets forth, as of April 2, 2011,March 30, 2013, information relating to the calendar year expiration dates of the Company’sour current stores leases:


Fiscal  Years Number of Leases Expiring Assuming No Exercise of Renewal Options Number of Leases Expiring Assuming Full Exercise of Renewal Option
2011 15(a) 13(a)
2012-2014 74 7
2015-2017 92 13
2018-2022 35 32
2023-thereafter 3 154

(a)Includes 13 stores leased on a month-to-month basis.  This includes 12 stores that are leased from Gold family and their affiliates.

The Company owns its

Calendar Years

 

Number of Leases Expiring
Assuming No Exercise of Renewal
Options

 

Number of Leases Expiring
Assuming Full Exercise of Renewal
Options

 

 

2013

 

6

 

1

 

 

2014-2016

 

105

 

7

 

 

2017-2019

 

79

 

14

 

 

2020-2024

 

50

 

38

 

 

2025-thereafter

 

4

 

184

 

We own our main distribution center and executive office facility, located in the City of Commerce, California. The CompanyWe also ownsown an additional warehouse storage space nearly adjacent to itsour main distribution facility.

The Company owns

We own a distribution center in the Houston area to service itsour Texas operations.

The Company

We also ownsown a cold storage distribution center and leaseslease additional warehouse facilities located near the City of Commerce, California. In April 2013, we entered into a 15-year lease (expiring in December 2028) for a cold warehouse facility located in Los Angeles, California to provide us with additional cold warehousing capacity.  As the Company’sour needs change, itwe may relocate, expand, and/or otherwise increase/increase or decrease the size and/or costs of its distribution/our distribution or warehouse facilities.


The Company

We also ownsowned a warehouse in Eagan, Minnesota. The CompanyWe commenced marketing this warehouse for sale during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2008, and it is reflected in assets held for sale in the Company’sour consolidated balance sheets.  Althoughsheets as of March 31, 2012. We sold the Company anticipates a sale of thisEagan, Minnesota warehouse in excess of its book value, no assurance can be given as to how much the warehouse will be sold for.



The Company

Information for this item is subject to private lawsuits, administrative proceedingsincluded in Note 10, “Commitments and claims that arise in our ordinary course of business.  A number of these lawsuits, proceedings and claims may exist at any given time.  While the resolution of a lawsuit, proceeding or claim may have an impact on our financial results for the period in which it is resolved, and litigation is inherently unpredictable, in management’s opinion, none of these matters arising in the ordinary course of business is expected to have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial position, results of operations, or overall liquidity.  Material pending legal proceedings (other than ordinary routine litigation incidentalContingencies—Legal Matters” to our business)Consolidated Financial Statements included in this Report, and material proceedings known to be contemplatedincorporated herein by governmental authorities are reported in our Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (“Securities Exchange Act”) reports.


19
reference.

Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures

None.

22




Going Private Proposal

Following the recent announcement by the Company of the receipt of a going private proposal, eight complaints have been filed related to such proposal, all in the Los Angeles County Superior Court (the "Actions").  The plaintiffs in the Actions claim to be shareholders of the Company and propose to represent a class of all of the Company's public shareholders.  The Actions name the Company, various of its officers and directors, and Leonard Green & Partners L.P. (and in one instance certain entities affiliated with Leonard Green & Partners) as defendants.  The Actions assert claims for breach of fiduciary duty and aiding and abetting breach of fiduciary duty.  Plaintiffs seek to enjoin a going private transaction and, in the alternative, seek unspecified damages in the event such a transaction is consummated.  The Actions have been ordered stayed pending an initial status conference.  The Actions are:  Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority v. David Gold, et al. (filed March 14, 2011, amended March 23, 2011);  John Chevedden v. 99¢ Only Stores, et al. (filed March 16, 2011); Rana Fong v. 99¢ Only Stores, et al. (filed March 17, 2011);  Norfolk County Retirement Board v. Jeff Gold, et al. (filed March 22, 2011);  Tammy Newman v. 99¢ Only Stores, et al. (filed March 25, 2011);  Key West Police and Fire Pension Fund v. Eric G. Flamholtz, et al. (filed April 5, 2011); and Allen Mitchell v. 99¢ Only Stores, et al. (filed April 11, 2011).

Pricing Policy Matters

The district attorneys of two California counties and one city attorney have notified the Company that they are planning a possible civil action against the Company alleging that its .99 cent pricing policy, adopted in September 2008, constitutes false advertising and/or otherwise violates California's pricing laws.  In response to this notification and an associated invitation from these governmental entities, the Company provided a detailed position statement with respect to its pricing structure.

Leonard Morales and Steven Calabro vs. 99¢ Only Stores, Superior Court of the State of California, County of Los Angeles.  Plaintiffs filed a putative class action complaint against the Company in July 2010, claiming violations of California’s Unfair Competition Law (California Business & Professions Code Section 17200) and Consumer Legal Remedies Act (California Civil Code Section 1750, et seq.), as well as unjust enrichment, arising out of the Company’s September 2008 change in its pricing policy.  Plaintiffs seek restitution of all amounts allegedly “wrongfully obtained” by the Company, injunctive and declaratory relief, prejudgment and post-judgment interest, and their attorney’s fees and costs.  The Company filed a demurrer to all of the causes of action in this complaint as well as a motion to strike certain portions of it.  In response to these motions, the plaintiffs requested that their case be consolidated with the Kavis lawsuit described below, and the two sets of plaintiffs filed a consolidated amended complaint.  The Company has filed a demurrer and motion to strike directed towards portions of the amended complaint, and these motions were heard on April 27, 2011.  These motions have been fully briefed and argued and the parties are awaiting a ruling from the Court. Discovery has begun in this case and is ongoing.


Phillip Kavis, Debra Major, Barbara Maines, and Susan Jonas v. 99¢ Only Stores, David Gold, Jeff Gold, Howard Gold, and Eric Schiffer, Superior Court of the State of California, County of Los Angeles.  Plaintiffs filed a putative class action complaint against the Company in July 2010, claiming violations of California’s Unfair Competition Law (California Business & Professions Code Section 17200), False Advertising Law (California Business & Professions Code Section 17500), and Consumer Legal Remedies Act (California Civil Code Section 1770), as well as intentional misrepresentation, negligent misrepresentation, breach of the implied covenant of good faith and fair dealing, and unjust enrichment, arising out of the Company’s September 2008 change in its pricing policy.  Plaintiffs seek actual damages, restitution, including disgorgement of all profits and unjust enrichment allegedly obtained by the Company, statutory damages and civil penalties, equitable and injunctive relief, exemplary damages, prejudgment and post-judgment interest, and their attorney’s fees and costs.  The Company filed a demurrer to all of the causes of action in this complaint as well as a motion to strike certain portions of it.  In response to these motions, the plaintiffs requested that their case be consolidated with the Morales lawsuit described above and filed a consolidated amended complaint.  The Company has filed a demurrer and motion to strike directed towards portions of the amended complaint, and these motions were heard on April 27, 2011.  These motions have been fully briefed and argued and the parties are awaiting a ruling from the Court. Discovery has begun in this case and is ongoing.


We cannot predict the outcome of these lawsuits or of any action or lawsuit that may be brought against the Company by the above-referenced governmental entities, or the amount of potential loss, if any, the Company could face as a result of such lawsuits or actions.  We believe our pricing structure is lawful, and that our .99 cent pricing policy has an established precedent similar to the .9 cent pricing policy used for decades by gas stations across the country. We believe our .99 cent pricing policy has been well publicized with items properly price-signed in the stores such that it would not cause a reasonable consumer to be deceived, and we intend to vigorously defend these lawsuits as well as any such other lawsuit or action that may arise.

Wage and Hour Matters

Luis Palencia v. 99¢ Only Stores, Superior Court of the State of California, County of Sacramento.   Plaintiff, a former assistant manager for the Company, who was employed with the Company from June 12, 2009 through September 9, 2009, filed this action in June 2010, asserting claims on behalf of himself and all others allegedly similarly situated under the California Labor Code for alleged unpaid overtime due to “off the clock” work, failure to pay minimum wage, failure to provide meal and rest periods, failure to provide proper wage statements, failure to pay wages timely during employment and upon termination and failure to reimburse business expenses.  Mr. Palencia also asserts a derivative claim for unfair competition under the California Business and Professions Code.  Mr. Palencia seeks to represent three sub-classes: (i) an “unpaid wages subclass” of all non-exempt or hourly paid employees who worked for the Company in California within four years prior to the filing of the complaint until the date of certification, (ii) a “non-compliant wage statement subclass” of all non-exempt or hourly paid employees of the Company who worked in California and received a wage statement within one year prior to the filing of the complaint until the date of certification, and (iii) an “unreimbursed business expenses subclass” of all employees of the Company who paid for business-related expenses, including expenses for travel, mileage expenses, or cell phones in California within four years prior to the filing of the complaint until the date of certification.  Plaintiff seeks to recover alleged unpaid wages, interest, attorney’s fees and costs, declaratory relief, restitution, statutory penalties and liquidated damages.  He also seeks to recover civil penalties as an “aggrieved employee” under the Private Attorneys General Act of 2004.  Discovery has commenced but no class certification or trial date has been set.  We cannot predict the outcome of this lawsuit or the amount of potential loss, if any, the Company could face as a result of such lawsuit.

Sheridan Reed v. 99¢ Only Stores, Superior Court of the State of California, County of Los Angeles.   Plaintiff, a former store manager for the Company, filed this action in April 2010.  He originally asserted claims on behalf of himself and all others allegedly similarly situated under the California Labor Code for alleged failure to pay overtime at the proper rate, failure to pay vested vacation wages, failure to pay wages timely upon termination of employment and failure to provide accurate wage statements.  Mr. Reed also asserted a derivative claim for unfair competition under the California Business and Professions Code.  In September 2010, Mr. Reed amended his complaint to seek civil penalties under the Private Attorneys General Act of 2004.  Mr. Reed seeks to represent four sub-classes: (i) all non-exempt or hourly current or former employees who worked for the Company in California within four years prior to the filing of the complaint until the date of certification who were paid bonuses, commissions or incentive wages, who worked overtime, and for whom the bonuses, commissions or incentive wages were not included as part of the regular rate of pay for overtime purposes, (ii) all non-exempt or hourly current or former employees who worked for the Company in California within four years prior to the filing of the complaint until the date of certification who earned vacation wages and were not paid their vested vacation wages at the time of termination; (iii) all non-exempt or hourly current or former employees who worked for the Company in California within four years prior to the filing of the complaint until the date of certification who were not furnished a proper itemized wage statement; and (iv) all non-exempt or hourly current or former employees who worked for the Company in California within four years prior to the filing of the complaint until the date of certification who were not paid all wages due upon termination.  Plaintiff seeks to recover alleged unpaid wages, statutory penalties, interest, attorney’s fees and costs, declaratory relief, injunctive relief and restitution.  He also seeks to recover civil penalties as an “aggrieved employee” under the Private Attorneys General Act of 2004.  Discovery has commenced but no class certification or trial date has been set.  We cannot predict the outcome of this lawsuit or the amount of potential loss, if any, the Company could face as a result of such lawsuit.


Employment Discrimination Matter

Linda Niemiller v. 99¢ Only Stores, Superior Court of the State of California, County of Los Angeles.  Plaintiff, a former assistant manager for the Company, filed this action in March 2011.  She asserts claims on behalf of herself, and all others allegedly similarly situated, under the California Fair Employment and Housing Act and the California Business and Professions Code based on allegations that the Company has a pattern or practice of denying and/or failing to promote women to the position of Store Manager and to provide them with compensation equal to that of men doing equal work.  She also asserts an individual claim for retaliation based on the allegation that the Company failed to promote her in retaliation for her having opposed and objected to discrimination based on gender.  Plaintiff seeks to represent a class of all allegedly similarly situated current, past and future women as to whom the Company has denied hiring and promotion to the position of Store Manager and equal compensation in the State of California on the basis of gender.  She seeks to recover back pay, front pay, general and special damages, punitive damages, injunctive and declaratory relief, an order assigning herself and members of the putative class to those jobs they purportedly would have held but for Defendant’s allegedly discriminatory practices, an adjustment of the wage rates, benefits, and seniority rights for herself and members of the putative class to that level which they purportedly would be enjoying but for the Company’s alleged discriminatory practices, pre-judgment interest and attorney’s fees and costs.  We cannot predict the outcome of this lawsuit or the amount of potential loss, if any, the Company could face as a result of such lawsuit.

Item 4. (Removed and Reserved)


PART II


The Company’s

Subsequent to the Merger, our common stock is traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol “NDN.” privately held and there is no established public trading market for our common stock.

23



Table of Contents

Item 6. Selected Financial Data

The following table sets forth,selected consolidated financial data presented below as of March 30, 2013 (Successor) and March 31, 2012 (Predecessor) and for the fiscalyear ended March 30, 2013 (Successor), the periods indicated,January 15, 2012 to March 31, 2012 (Successor), April 3, 2011 to January 14, 2012 (Predecessor), and the high and low closing prices per share of the common stock as reported by the New York Stock Exchange.


  Price Range 
  High  Low 
Fiscal Year ended April 2, 2011:      
First Quarter $17.21  $13.31 
Second Quarter  18.55   14.80 
Third Quarter  18.88   14.69 
Fourth Quarter  19.74   14.77 
         
Fiscal Year ended March 27, 2010:        
First Quarter $13.68  $8.94 
Second Quarter  14.94   12.84 
Third Quarter  14.12   11.37 
Fourth Quarter  17.25   12.71 

As ofyear ended April 2, 2011 the Company had 376 shareholders of record(Predecessor) have been derived from our Consolidated Financial Statements and approximately 12,525 beneficial holders of its common stock.

notes thereto included in this Report. The Company has not paid cash dividends with respect to its common stock since it became a public company in 1996. The Company presently intends to retain future earnings to finance continued system improvements, store development, and other expansion and therefore does not anticipate the payment of any cash dividends for the foreseeable future. Payment of future dividends, if any, will depend upon future earnings and capital requirements of the Company and other factors, which the Board of Directors considers appropriate.

On September 14, 2010, at the Company’s 2010 Annual Meeting of Shareholders, the shareholders of the Company approved the 99¢ Only Stores 2010 Equity Incentive Plan (the “2010 Plan”). There will be no further grants under the Company’s prior equity compensation plan, the 1996 Stock Option Plan, as amended (the “1996 Plan”). The 2010 Plan authorizes the issuance of 4,999,999 shares of the Company’s common stock, of which 4,964,000 were availableselected consolidated financial data as of April 2, 2011, for future awards. This includes the unused capacity that will be rolled over from the 1996 PlanMarch 27, 2010 (Predecessor) and that will become subject to the terms of the 2010 Plan, whereas any awards under the 1996 Plan that are outstanding as of the effective date shall continue to be subject to the termsMarch 28, 2009 (Predecessor), and conditions of the 1996 Plan.  Employees, non-employee directors and consultants of the Company and its affiliates are eligible to receive awards under the 2010 Plan, as determined by the Compensation Committee of the Company’s Board of Directors. All stock options grants are made at fair market value at the date of grant or at a price determined by the Compensation Committee of the Company’s Board of Directors, which consists exclusively of independent members of the Board of Directors. Stock options typically vest over a three-year period, one-third one year from the date of grant and one-third per year on the anniversary of the date of the grant thereafter. Stock options typically expire ten years from the date of grant.

The Company accounts for stock- based compensation expenses in accordance with ASC 718, “Compensation-Stock Compensation”.  In fiscal 2011 and 2010, the Company recognized $2.9 million and $7.7 million, respectively, in shared-based compensation expense (see Note 8 to Consolidated Financial Statements for detailed discussion).  The Company’s 2010 Equity Incentive Plan will expire in 2020. For further information regarding the 2010 Plan, see the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on September 17, 2010.


Securities Authorized for Issuance Under Equity Compensation Plans
The following table provides information as of April 2, 2011 about the Company’s common stock that may be issued upon the exercise of options granted to employees or members of the Company’s Board of Directors under the Company’s existing 2010 Equity Incentive Plan.

EQUITY COMPENSATION PLAN INFORMATION 
          
  Number of securities to be issued upon exercise of outstanding options, warrants and rights  Weighted-average exercise price of outstanding options, warrants and rights  Number of securities remaining available for future issuance under equity compensation plans (excluding securities reflected in column (a)) 
Plan category (a)  (b)  (c) 
          
Equity compensation plans approved by security holders  3,664,000(1) $18.42(2)  4,964,000 
Equity compensation plans not approved by security holders         
Total  3,664,000  $18.42   4,964,000 

(1)This amount includes 500,000 shares potentially issuable pursuant to outstanding performance stock units granted under the Company’s 1996 Stock Option Plan.  This amount also includes 18,000 shares potentially issuable pursuant to outstanding restricted stock units granted to certain employees under the Company’s 2010 Equity Incentive Plan.  The actual number of shares of Company common stock to be issued depends on the reaching of the vesting requirements as specified by the performance stock units and the restricted stock unit awards.
(2)Performance stock units and restricted stock units do not have an exercise price and thus they have been excluded from the weighted average exercise price calculation in column (b).

Stock Repurchase Program

For information on common stock repurchases, see Note 9 to Consolidated Financial Statements, which is incorporated by reference in this Item 2.


Performance Graph

The following graph sets forth the percentage change in cumulative total shareholder return of the Company’s common stock during the period from March 31, 2006 to April 2, 2011, compared with the cumulative returns of the S&P Mid Cap 400 Index and the Russell 2000 Index.  The comparison assumes $100 was invested on March 31, 2006 in the common stock and in each of the foregoing indices shown. The stock price performance on the following graph is not necessarily indicative of future stock price performance.



The following table sets forth selected financial and operating data of the Company for the periods indicated. The data set forth below should be read in conjunction with theyears ended March 27, 2010 (Predecessor) and March 28, 2009 (Predecessor) have been derived from our audited consolidated financial statements and notes thereto. which are not included in this Report.

The Successor fiscal year ended March 30, 2013 is comprised of 52 weeks. The Successor period January 15, 2012 to March 31, 2012 contains 11 weeks.  The Predecessor period April 3, 2012 to January 14, 2012 contains 41 weeks. The Predecessor fiscal year ended on April 2, 2011 is comprised of 53 weeks while the otherearlier Predecessor periods presented are comprised of 52 weeks.


  Years Ended 
  
April 2,
2011
  
March 27,
2010
  
March 28,
2009
  
March 29,
2008
  
March 31,
2007
 
  (Amounts in thousands, except per share and operating data) 
Statements of Income Data:               
Net Sales:               
99¢ Only Stores $1,380,357  $1,314,214  $1,262,119  $1,158,856  $1,064,518 
Bargain Wholesale  43,521   40,956   40,817   40,518   40,178 
Total sales  1,423,878   1,355,170   1,302,936   1,199,374   1,104,696 
                     
Cost of sales (excluding depreciation and amortization expense as shown separately below)   842,756    797,748    791,121   738,499   672,101 
Gross profit  581,122   557,422   511,815   460,875   432,595 
                     
Selling, general and administrative expenses:                    
Operating expenses  436,034   436,608   464,635   433,940   393,351 
Depreciation and amortization  27,605   27,398   34,266   33,321   32,675 
Total operating expenses  463,639   464,006   498,901   467,261   426,026 
Operating income (loss)  117,483   93,416   12,914   (6,386)  6,569 
                     
                     
Other (income), net  (741)  (135)  (993)  (6,674)  (7,432)
Income before provision for income taxes and income attributed to noncontrolling interest   118,224    93,551    13,907    288   14,001 
Provision (benefit) for income taxes  43,916   33,104   4,069   (2,605)  4,239 
Net income including noncontrolling interest  74,308   60,447   9,838   2,893   9,762 
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest   —    —    (1,357)      
Net income attributable to 99¢ Only Stores $74,308  $60,447  $8,481  $2,893  $9,762 
Earnings per common share attributable to 99¢ Only Stores:                    
Basic $1.06  $0.88  $0.12  $0.04  $0.14 
Diluted $1.05  $0.87  $0.12  $0.04  $0.14 
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding:                    
Basic  69,963   68,641   69,987   70,044   69,862 
Diluted  70,995   69,309   70,037   70,117   70,017 
                     
Company Operating Data:                    
Sales Growth:                    
99¢ Only Stores  5.0%  4.1%  8.9%  8.9%  8.2%
Bargain Wholesale  6.3%  0.3%  0.7%  0.8%  2.2%
Total sales  5.1%  4.0%  8.6%  8.6%  7.9%
                     
Gross margin  40.8%  41.1%  39.3%  38.4%  39.2%
Operating margin  8.3%  6.9%  1.0%  (0.5)%  0.6%
Net income  5.2%  4.5%  0.7%  0.2%  0.9%
26

The Merger was accounted for as a business combination whereby the purchase price paid to effect the Merger was allocated to recognize the acquired assets and liabilities at fair value.  In connection with the Merger, we incurred significant indebtedness.  Subsequent to the Merger, interest expense and non-cash depreciation and amortization charges have significantly increased. The historical results presented below are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for any future period.  The information should be read in conjunction with “Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” and our Consolidated Financial Statements and notes thereto included in this Report.

 

 

Year Ended

 

For the Periods

 

Years Ended

 

 

 

March 30,
2013

 

January 15, 2012
to
March 31, 2012

 

 

April 3, 2011
to
January 14, 2012

 

April 2,
 2011

 

March 27,
2010

 

March 28,
2009

 

 

 

(Successor)

 

(Successor)

 

 

(Predecessor)

 

(Predecessor)

 

(Predecessor)

 

(Predecessor)

 

 

 

(Amounts in thousands, except operating data)

 

Statements of Income Data:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net Sales:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

99¢ Only Stores

 

$

 

1,620,683

 

$

 

329,361

 

 

$

1,158,733

 

$

1,380,357

 

$

1,314,214

 

$

1,262,119

 

Bargain Wholesale

 

47,968

 

9,555

 

 

34,047

 

43,521

 

40,956

 

40,817

 

Total sales

 

1,668,651

 

338,916

 

 

1,192,780

 

1,423,878

 

1,355,170

 

1,302,936

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cost of sales (excluding depreciation and amortization expense as shown separately below)

 

1,028,295

 

203,775

 

 

711,002

 

842,756

 

797,748

 

791,121

 

Gross profit

 

640,356

 

135,141

 

 

481,778

 

581,122

 

557,422

 

511,815

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Selling, general and administrative expenses:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Operating expenses

 

523,495

 

110,477

 

 

376,122

 

436,034

 

436,608

 

464,635

 

Depreciation

 

56,810

 

11,361

 

 

21,855

 

27,587

 

27,381

 

34,224

 

Amortization of intangible assets

 

1,767

 

374

 

 

14

 

18

 

17

 

42

 

Total operating expenses

 

582,072

 

122,212

 

 

397,991

 

463,639

 

464,006

 

498,901

 

Operating income

 

58,284

 

12,929

 

 

83,787

 

117,483

 

93,416

 

12,914

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other expense (income), net

 

77,282

 

16,119

 

 

340

 

(741

)

(135

)

(993

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(Loss) income before provision for income taxes and income attributed to noncontrolling interest

 

(18,998

)

(3,190

)

 

83,447

 

118,224

 

93,551

 

13,907

 

(Benefit) provision for income taxes

 

(10,089

)

2,103

 

 

33,699

 

43,916

 

33,104

 

4,069

 

Net (loss) income including noncontrolling interest

 

(8,909

)

(5,293

)

 

49,748

 

74,308

 

60,447

 

9,838

 

Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(1,357

)

Net (loss) income attributable to 99¢ Only Stores

 

$

 

(8,909

)

$

 

(5,293

)

 

$

49,748

 

$

74,308

 

$

60,447

 

$

8,481

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Company Operating Data:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sales Growth:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

99¢ Only Stores

 

8.9

%

N/A

 

 

N/A

 

5.0

%

4.1

%

8.9

%

Bargain Wholesale

 

10.0

%

N/A

 

 

N/A

 

6.3

%

0.3

%

0.7

%

Total sales

 

8.9

%

N/A

 

 

N/A

 

5.1

%

4.0

%

8.6

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gross margin

 

38.4

%

39.9

%

 

40.4

%

40.8

%

41.1

%

39.3

%

Operating margin

 

3.5

%

3.8

%

 

7.0

%

8.3

%

6.9

%

1.0

%

Net (loss) income

 

(0.5

)%

(1.6

)%

 

4.2

%

5.2

%

4.5

%

0.7

%

24



Table of Contents

 

 

March 30,
2013

 

March 31,
2012

 

 

April 2,
2011

 

March 27,
2010

 

March 28,
2009

 

 

 

(Successor)

 

(Successor)

 

 

(Predecessor)

 

(Predecessor)

 

(Predecessor)

 

 

 

(Amounts in thousands, except operating data)

 

Retail Operating Data (a) :

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

99¢ Only Stores at end of period

 

316

 

298

 

 

285

 

275

 

279

 

Change in comparable stores net sales (b)

 

4.3

%

N/A

 

 

0.7

%

3.9

%

3.7

%

Average net sales per store open the full year

 

$

5,327

 

N/A

 

 

$

4,874

 

$

4,848

 

$

4,642

 

Average net sales per estimated saleable square foot (c)

 

$

321

(d)

N/A

 

 

$

291

(e)

$

289

(f)

$

273

(g)

Estimated saleable square footage at year end

 

5,211,483

 

4,948,344

 

 

4,758,432

 

4,606,728

 

4,703,630

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Balance Sheet Data:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Working capital

 

$

152,362

 

$

153,541

 

 

$

323,314

 

$

263,905

 

$

192,365

 

Total assets

 

$

1,757,237

 

$

1,768,041

 

 

$

824,215

 

$

745,986

 

$

662,873

 

Capital lease obligation, including current portion

 

$

354

 

$

431

 

 

$

448

 

$

519

 

$

584

 

Long-term debt, including current portion

 

$

758,325

 

$

763,601

 

 

$

 

$

 

$

 

Total shareholders’ equity

 

$

638,970

 

$

630,767

 

 

$

681,549

 

$

600,422

 

$

523,857

 


  
April 2,
2011
  
March 27,
2010
  
March 28,
2009
  
March 29,
2008
  
March 31,
2007
 
  (Amounts in thousands, except per share and operating data) 
Retail Operating Data (a) :               
99¢ Only Stores at end of period  285   275   279   265   251 
Change in comparable stores net sales(b)  0.7%  3.9%  3.7%  4.0%  2.4%
Average net sales per store open the full year $4,874  $4,848  $4,642  $4,547  $4,421 
Average net sales per estimated saleable square foot(c) $291(d) $289(e) $273(f) $263(g) $254(h)
Estimated saleable square footage at year end  4,758,432   4,606,728   4,703,630   4,521,091   4,337,974 
                     
Balance Sheet Data:                    
Working capital $323,314  $263,905  $192,365  $170,581  $209,890 
Total assets $824,215  $745,986  $662,873  $649,410  $643,135 
Capital lease obligation, including current portion $448  $519  $584  $643  $699 
Long-term debt, including current portion $  $  $  $7,319  $7,299 
Total shareholders' equity $681,549  $600,422  $523,857  $526,491  $519,227 

(a)Includes retail operating data solely for the Company’s 99¢ Only Stores. For comparability purposes, comparable stores net sales, average net sales per store and average net sales per estimated saleable square foot are based on comparable 52 weeks, for all periods presented.
(b)Change in comparable stores net sales compares net sales for all stores open at least 15 months. The Company normally does not relocate stores or close them if renovations are taking place. In a rare situation where a store is relocated, or closed and later re-opened at the same location, the relocated or re-opened store is considered a new store for any comparable store sales analysis, and would only be included in the comparable store sales analysis once it has been open, or re-opened, for 15 months.
(c)Computed based upon estimated total saleable square footage of stores open for the full year.
(d)Includes 32 Texas stores open for a full year. Texas stores open for the full year had average sales of $3.4 million per store and average sales per estimated saleable square foot of $181. All non-Texas stores open for the full year had average sales of $5.1 million per store and $307 of average sales per estimated saleable square foot.
(e)Includes 31 Texas stores open for a full year. Texas stores open for the full year had average sales of $3.4 million per store and average sales per estimated saleable square foot of $180. All non-Texas stores open for the full year had average sales of $5.0 million per store and $305 of average sales per estimated saleable square foot.
(f)Includes 39 Texas stores open for a full year. Texas stores open for the full year had average sales of $2.7 million per store and average sales per estimated saleable square foot of $142. All non-Texas stores open for the full year had average sales of $5.0 million per store and $301 of average sales per estimated saleable square foot.
(g)Includes 39 Texas stores open for a full year. Texas stores open for the full year had average sales of $2.6 million per store and average sales per estimated saleable square foot of $128. All non-Texas stores open for the full year had average sales of $4.9 million per store and $291 of average sales per estimated saleable square foot.
(h)Includes 36 Texas stores open for a full year. Texas stores open for the full year had average sales of $2.4 million per store and average sales per estimated saleable square foot of $120. All non-Texas stores open for the full year had average sales of $4.8 million per store and $284 of average sales per estimated saleable square foot.

27

(a)Includes retail operating data solely for our 99¢ Only Stores. For comparability purposes, comparable stores net sales, average net sales per store and average net sales per estimated saleable square foot are based on comparable 52 weeks, for all periods presented.

(b)Change in comparable stores net sales compares net sales for all stores open at least 15 months. We normally do not relocate stores or close them if renovations are taking place. In a rare situation where a store is relocated, or closed and later re-opened at the same location, the relocated or re-opened store is considered a new store for any comparable store sales analysis, and would only be included in the comparable store sales analysis once it has been open, or re-opened, for 15 months.

(c)Computed based upon estimated total saleable square footage of stores open for the full year.

(d)Includes 39 Texas stores open for a full year. Texas stores open for the full year had average sales of $3.7 million per store and average sales per estimated saleable square foot of $203. All Western States stores open for the full year had average sales of $5.6 million per store and $339 of average sales per estimated saleable square foot.

(e)Includes 32 Texas stores open for a full year. Texas stores open for the full year had average sales of $3.4 million per store and average sales per estimated saleable square foot of $181. All Western States stores open for the full year had average sales of $5.1 million per store and $307 of average sales per estimated saleable square foot.

(f)Includes 31 Texas stores open for a full year. Texas stores open for the full year had average sales of $3.4 million per store and average sales per estimated saleable square foot of $180. All Western States stores open for the full year had average sales of $5.0 million per store and $305 of average sales per estimated saleable square foot.

(g)Includes 39 Texas stores open for a full year. Texas stores open for the full year had average sales of $2.7 million per store and average sales per estimated saleable square foot of $142. All Western States stores open for the full year had average sales of $5.0 million per store and $301 of average sales per estimated saleable square foot.

25




This Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations should be read in connection with “Item 6. Selected Financial Data” and “Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data” of this Form 10-K.

General

The Company followsReport.

Overview

We follow a fiscal calendar consisting of four quarters with 91 days, each ending on the Saturday closest to the calendar quarter-end, and a 52-week fiscal year with 364 days, with a 53-week year every five to six years.  Unless otherwise stated, references to years in this reportReport relate to fiscal years rather than calendar years. The Company’sOn January 13, 2012, we completed the Merger.  As a result of the Merger, we have prepared separate discussion and analysis of our consolidated operating results, financial condition and liquidity for the “Predecessor” and “Successor” periods relating to the periods preceding and succeeding the Merger, respectively. Our fiscal year 2013 (“fiscal 2013”) began on April 1, 2012 and ended on March 30, 2013, consisting of 52 weeks.  Our fiscal year 2012 (“fiscal 2012”) is presented as a Successor period from January 15, 2012 to March 31, 2012 consisting of 11 weeks (the “fiscal 2012 Successor period”) and a Predecessor period from April 3, 2011 to January 14, 2012 consisting of 41 weeks (the “fiscal 2012 Predecessor period”), for a total of 52 weeks.  Our fiscal year 2011 (“fiscal 2011”) which began on March 28, 2010 and ended on April 2, 2011, consistedconsisting of 53 weeks with one additional week included in the fourth quarter.  The Company’s fiscal year 2010 (“fiscal 2010”) began on March 29, 2009 and ended March 27, 2010, consisted of 52 weeks and its fiscal year 2009 (“fiscal 2009”) began on March 30, 2008 and ended March 28, 2009, also consisted of 52 weeks.  For comparability purposes, annual same-store sales, average annual sales per store and annual sales per estimated saleable square foot calculations included in this Form 10-KReport are based on comparable 52 weeks, ended on March 30, 2013 for fiscal 2013, ended on March 31, 2012 for fiscal 2012 and ended on March 26, 2011 for fiscal 20112011. Our fiscal year 2014 (“fiscal 2014”) will consist of 52 weeks beginning March 31, 2013 and endedending March 29, 2014.

In accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States (“GAAP”), we are required to separately present our results for the Predecessor and Successor periods.  We have also prepared supplemental unaudited discussion and analysis of the combined Predecessor and Successor periods, on March 27, 2010a pro forma basis (“pro forma fiscal year 2012”).  Management believes that reviewing our results on a pro forma basis is important in identifying trends or reaching conclusions regarding our overall performance.  The unaudited pro forma fiscal year 2012 financial data is for informational purposes only and should be read in conjunction with our historical financial data appearing throughout this Report.

During fiscal 2010.

In fiscal 2011, a 53-week period, 99¢ Only Stores2013, we had net sales of $1,423.9$1,668.7 million, operating income of $117.5$58.3 million and net incomeloss of $74.3$8.9 million.  Net sales for fiscal 2013 increased 5.1%8.9% over pro forma fiscal 20102012 primarily due to the benefit of an additional extra week as noted above, eleven new store openings since the end of fiscal 2010 and a 0.7%4.3% increase in same-store sales.sales, the full year effect of 13 new stores opened in fiscal 2012, and the effect of 19 new stores opened in fiscal 2013.  Average sales per store open the full year, on a comparable 52-week period, increased to $4.9$5.3 million in fiscal 20112013 from $4.8$5.2 million in pro forma fiscal 2010.2012.  Average net sales per estimated saleable square foot (computed for stores open for the full year), on a comparable 52-week period increased to $291$321 per square foot for fiscal 20112013 from $289$309 per square foot for pro forma fiscal 2010.2012. This increase reflects the Company’shigher same-store sales and our opening of smaller locations for our new store development and increases in same-store sales.stores. Existing stores at April 2, 2011 averageMarch 30, 2013 averaged approximately 21,20021,000 gross square feet.  The CompanyWe are currently is targeting locations betweennew store openings with a range of approximately 15,000 and 19,000to 20,000 gross square feet.

In fiscal 2011, the Company2013, we continued to expand itsour store base by opening eleven19 new stores. Of these newly opened stores, six14 stores are located in California, three in Nevada, and two in Arizona and three in Texas.  The CompanyWe closed one store in California uponduring fiscal 2013 due to the expiration of its lease during fiscal 2011.lease.  In fiscal 2012, the Company plans2014, we currently intend to increase itsour store count by approximately 6%10%, with the majorityall of new storeswhich are expected to be opened in California during the second half of fiscal 2012. The Company believesour existing markets. We believe that near term growth in fiscal 20122014 will primarily result from new store openings in itsour existing territories and increases in same-store sales.


On March 11, 2011, the Company announced that its Board of Directors had received a proposal from members of the Schiffer/Gold family, together with Leonard Green & Partners, L.P., to acquire the Company in a “going private” transaction for $19.09 per share in cash.  The Special Committee composed of independent directors and assisted by independent financial and legal advisors was formed to evaluate the proposal and authorized to consider other proposals and strategic alternatives.  There is no assurance that a definitive offer for a change of control transaction will be made or, if made, that such a transaction would be consummated.  See “Risk Factors -- The going private proposal, and any related Special Committee Process, could materially and adversely affect the Company’s business and financial results; in addition, there can be no assurance that any definitive offer for a change of control transaction will be made or, if made, that such a transaction will be consummated.”

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates


The preparation of financial statements requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect reported earnings. These estimates and assumptions are evaluated on an on-going basis and are based on historical experience and other factors that management believes are reasonable. Estimates and assumptions include, but are not limited to, the areas of inventories, long-lived asset impairment, goodwill and other intangibles, legal reserves, self-insurance reserves, leases, taxes and share-based compensation.


The Company believes

We believe that the following items represent the areas where more critical estimates and assumptions are used in the preparation of our financial statements:



Inventory valuation: valuation.Inventories are valued at the lower of cost (firstor market. Inventory costs are established using a methodology that approximates first in, first out) or market.out, which for store inventories is based on a retail inventory method.  Valuation allowances for shrinkage, as well as excess and obsolete and excess inventory are also recorded. Shrinkage is estimated as a percentage of sales for the period from the last physical inventory date to the end of the applicable period. Such estimates are based on experience and the most recent physical inventory results. Physical inventories are taken at each of the Company’sour retail stores at least once a year by an independent inventory service company.  Additional store level physical inventories are taken by the service companycompanies from time to time based on

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a particular store’s performance and/or book inventory balance.  The CompanyWe also performsperform inventory reviews and analysis on a quarterly basis for both warehouse and store inventory to determine inventory valuation allowances for excess and obsolete inventory.  The Company’sOur policy is to analyze all items held in inventory that are at least twelve months old and that would not be sold through at current sales rates over a twenty-four month periodthe next twelve months in order to determine what merchandise should be reserved for as excess andor obsolete.  The valuation allowances for obsoleteexcess and excessobsolete inventory in many locations (including various warehouses, store backrooms, and sales floors of all itsour stores) require management judgment and estimates that may impact the ending inventory valuation as well as gross margins.

We are in the process of upgrading our systems for accounting for merchandise inventories.  Among other things, we are preparing to implement an SAP system that will enable us, for the first time, to track inventory at each retail store on a perpetual basis by stock keeping unit (or SKU). The Company doesSAP implementation process will begin in fiscal 2014, with all stores expected to be included by the end of fiscal 2015.  In anticipation of the implementation of this system, during the second half of fiscal 2013 we performed physical counts and established inventory cost and retail by SKU at 81 of our more than 300 retail stores. In prior periods, we had originally determined the value of store level inventory by performing physical counts for each price point category and then converted those retail values to cost basis by applying a year-to-date cost percentage per store.  For the 81 stores where the counts were taken by SKU, we determined total retail values by merchandise category and applied each category’s cost percentage to determine the value of the inventory.  As a result of this analysis, we determined that single average cost percentage by store was not consistent with the inventory on hand at the applicable balance sheet date based on the higher turnover of low margin product.  As of March 30, 2013 and for all prior periods since Merger, we revised the calculation to include a year-to-date cost percentage per merchandise category applied to the estimated retail value for all stores by merchandise category. The result of the foregoing evaluation indicated an overstatement in total inventory of $13.3 million at the Merger date, and represents an amount that has accumulated over prior periods.

Management evaluated the materiality of this error quantitatively and qualitatively, and has concluded that it was not material, to any prior period annual and quarterly financial statements.  However, because the adjustment to correct the error in fiscal 2013, would have had a material effect on the fiscal 2013 financial statements, the correction was reflected retroactively within the March 31, 2012 balance sheet, and the purchase price allocation as of the Merger date, which resulted in a $8.0 million increase to goodwill, a $5.3 million increase to deferred tax assets, and a $13.3 million decrease to inventories.

In the fourth quarter of fiscal 2013, we revised our inventory merchandising and liquidation philosophies to significantly reduce and liquidate slow moving inventories prospectively as directed by the current management team.  Based on these changes, we adjusted excess and obsolescence reserve to include items that are at least twelve months old and that we do not expect to sell above cost within the next twelve months.  As a result of this change, we recorded a charge to cost of sales and corresponding reduction in inventory of approximately $9.1 million in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2013. This is a prospective change and did not have an effect on prior periods.

We do not believe that there is a reasonable likelihood that there will be a material change in the future estimates or assumptions that the Company useswe use to calculate these inventory valuation reserves.  As an indicator of the sensitivity of this estimate, a 10% increase in our estimates of expected losses from shrinkage and the excess and obsolete inventory provision at April 2, 2011,March 30, 2013, would have increased these reserves by approximately $1.5$2.0 million and $0.4$1.3 million, respectively, and reducedincreased pre-tax loss in fiscal 2011 pre-tax earnings2013 by the same amounts.


In order to obtain inventory at attractive prices, the Company takeswe take advantage of large volume purchases, closeouts and other similar purchase opportunities. As such,opportunities, but within the Company’sabove stipulated policy. Consequently, our inventory fluctuates from period to period and the inventory balances vary based on the timing and availability of such opportunities.  The Company’sOur inventory was $191.5$201.6 million for the fiscal year ended April 2, 2011as of March 30, 2013 and $171.2$207.4 million for the fiscal year endedas of March 27, 2010.


31, 2012.

Long-lived asset impairment:impairment In accordance with ASC 360 “Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long-lived Assets” (“ASC360”), the Company assesses.  We assess the impairment of long-lived assets annuallyquarterly or when events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value may not be recoverable. Recoverability is measured by comparing the carrying amount of an asset to expected future net cash flows generated by the asset. If the carrying amount of an asset exceeds its estimated undiscounted future cash flows, the carrying amount is compared to its fair value and an impairment charge is recognized to the extent of the difference. Factors that the Company considerswe consider important which could individually or in combination trigger an impairment review include the following:following. (1) significant underperformance relative to expected historical or projected future operating results; (2) significant changes in the manner of the Company’swe use of the acquired assets or the strategy for the Company’sour overall business; and (3) significant changes in the Company’sour business strategies and/or negative industry or economic trends. On a quarterly basis, the Company assesseswe assess whether events or changes in circumstances occur that potentially indicate that the carrying value of long-lived assets may not be recoverable. The primary factor that could impact the outcome of an impairment evaluation is the estimate of future cash flows expected to be generated by the asset being evaluated. Considerable management judgment is necessary to estimate theprojected future operating cash flows.  Accordingly, if actual results fall short of such estimates, significant future impairments could result.  InDuring fiscal 2013, we wrote down the carrying value of a held for sale property to estimated net realizable value, net of expected disposal costs, and accordingly recorded an asset impairment charge of $0.5 million.  During the Successor and Predecessor periods of fiscal 2012 and fiscal 2011, the Companywe did not record any long-lived asset impairment charges.  In fiscal 2010, due to the underperformance of one California store, the Company concluded that the carrying value of its long-lived asset was not recoverable and accordingly recorded an asset impairment charge of $0.4 million.  In fiscal 2009, the Company recorded impairment charges of $10.4 million because it concluded that the carrying value of certain long-lived assets was not recoverable.  These charges primarily consisted of a leasehold improvement impairment charge of approximately $10.1 million related to the Company’s Texas market plan and an impairment charge of approximately $0.3 million related to the underperformance of a store in California.  See Note 10 to Consolidated Financial Statements for further information regarding the charges related to the Company’s Texas operations.  The Company hasWe have not made any material changes to itsour long-lived asset impairment methodology during fiscal 2011.2013.

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Goodwill and other intangible assets.  The Merger was accounted for as a purchase business combination, whereby the purchase price paid was allocated to recognize the acquired assets and liabilities at their fair value. In connection with the purchase price allocation, intangible assets were established for the 99¢ trademark, and the Rinso and Halsa label brands were revalued. The purchase price in excess of the fair value of assets and liabilities was recorded as goodwill.

Indefinite-lived intangible assets, such as the 99¢ trademark and goodwill, are not subject to amortization. We assess the recoverability of indefinite-lived intangibles whenever there are indicators of impairment, or at least annually in the fourth quarter. If the recorded carrying value of an intangible asset exceeds our estimated fair value, we record a charge to write the intangible asset down to its fair value.

Intangible assets with a definite life, including the Rinso and Halsa label brands, as well as the Bargain Wholesale customers, are amortized on a straight line basis over their useful lives. Amortizable intangible assets, are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset or asset group may not be recoverable based on undiscounted cash flows, and, if impaired, the assets are written down to fair value based on either discounted cash flows or appraised values.

During the fourth quarter of fiscal 2013, we completed step one of our goodwill impairment test for the two reporting units and determined that there was no impairment of goodwill since the fair value of the reporting units exceeded the carrying amount.  Additionally, during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2013, we completed our annual indefinite-lived intangible asset impairment test and determined there was no impairment since the fair value of the 99¢ trademark exceeded the carrying amount of the trademark. Considerable management judgment is necessary in estimating future cash flows, market interest rates, discount rates and other factors affecting the valuation of goodwill and intangibles.  We use historical financial information, internal plans and projections, and industry information in making such estimates.  However, because the new basis of accounting established at the Merger date set the book values of goodwill and intangibles equal to fair value and impairment tests are highly sensitive to changes in assumptions, minor changes to assumptions, including assumptions regarding future performance (including sales growth, pricing and commodity costs) and discount rates, could result in impairment losses. In our fiscal 2013 impairment test, our retail reporting unit had excess fair value over the book value of net assets of approximately 16% and our wholesale reporting unit had excess fair value over the book value of net assets of approximately 46%. Our 99¢ trademark had excess fair value over the book value of approximately 15% in fiscal 2013.

Legal reserves:reserves.  The Company isWe are subject to private lawsuits, administrative proceedings and claims that arise in the ordinary course of business.  A number of these lawsuits, proceedings and claims may exist at any given time.  While the resolution of a lawsuit, proceeding or claim may have an impact on our financial results for the period in which it is resolved, and litigation is inherently unpredictable, in management’s opinion, none of these matters arising in the ordinary course of business are expected to have a material adverse effect on the Company’sour financial position, results of operations, or overall liquidity. Material pending legal proceedings (other than ordinary routine litigation incidental to our business) and material proceedings known to be contemplated by governmental authorities are reported in our reports pursuant to the Securities Exchange Act reports.  In accordance with ASC 450 “Accounting for Contingencies” (“ASC 450”), the Company recordsof 1934, as amended.  We record a liability when it is both probable that a liability has been incurred and the amount of the loss can be reasonably estimated.



There were no material changes in the estimates or assumptions used to determine legal reserves during fiscal 20112013 and a 10% change in legal reserves willwould not be material to the Company’sour consolidated financial position or results of operations.


Self-insured workers’ compensation liability:liability. The Company self-insures We self-insure for workers’ compensation claims in California and Texas. The Company establishesWe have established a reserve for losses of both estimated known claims and incurred but not reported insurance claims. The estimates are based on reported claims and actuarial valuations of estimated future costs of reported and incurred but not yet reported claims. Should the estimates fall short of the actual claims paid, the liability recorded would not be sufficient and additional workers’ compensation costs, which may be significant, would be incurred. The Company doesWe do not discount the projected future cash outlays for the time value of money for claims and claim related costs when establishing itsour workers’ compensation liability.  As an indicator of the sensitivity of this estimate, at April 2, 2011,March 30, 2013, a 10% increase in our estimate of expected losses from workers compensation claims would have increased this reserve by approximately $4.2$3.9 million and reducedincreased fiscal 20112013 pre-tax earningsloss by the same amount.


Self-insured health insurance liability.  During the second quarter of fiscal 2012, we began self-insuring for a portion of our employee medical benefit claims.  The liability for the self-funded portion of our health insurance program is determined actuarially, based on claims filed and an estimate of claims incurred but not yet reported. We maintain stop loss insurance coverage to limit our exposure for the self-funded portion of our health insurance program.  At March 30, 2013, a 10% change in self-insurance liability would not have been material to our consolidated financial position or results of operations.

Operating leases:leases. The Company recognizes  We recognize rent expense for operating leases on a straight-line basis (including the effect of reduced or free rent and rent escalations) over the applicable lease term. The difference between the cash paid to the landlord and the amount recognized as rent expense on a straight-line basis is included in deferred rent. Cash reimbursements received from landlords for leasehold improvements and other cash payments received from landlords as lease incentives are recorded as deferred tenant improvements. Deferred rent related to landlord incentives is amortized as an offset to rent expense using the straight-line method over the applicable lease term.

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For store closures where a lease obligation still exists, the Company recordswe record the estimated future liability associated with the rental obligation on the cease use date (when the store is closed) in accordance with ASC 420 “Exit or Disposal Cost Obligations” (“ASC420”).  Liabilities are established at the cease use date for the present value of any remaining operating lease obligations, net of estimated sublease income, and at the communication date for severance and other exit costs, as prescribed by ASC 420.costs. Key assumptions in calculating the liability include the timeframe expected to terminate lease agreements, estimates related to the sublease potential of closed locations, and estimation of other related exit costs. If actual timing and potential termination costs or realization of sublease income differ from our estimates, the resulting liabilities could vary from recorded amounts. These liabilities are reviewed periodically and adjusted when necessary.


During fiscal 2011,2013, we accrued $0.3 million in lease termination costs associated with the Companyclosing of Texas stores in prior periods.  During the Successor period from January 15, 2012 to March 31, 2012, we accrued an additional $0.4$0.1 million in lease termination costs associated with the closing of Texas stores in prior periods.  During the Predecessor period from April 3, 2011 to January 14, 2012, we accrued an additional $0.3 million in lease termination costs associated with the closing of Texas stores in prior periods.  During fiscal 2010, the Company closed 12 of its Texas stores and2011, we accrued approximately $3.0$0.4 million in lease termination costs associated with the closing of seven out of the 12 Texas stores.  Of the $3.0 million lease termination costs accrual, the Company recognized a net expense of $2.5 million as these costs were partially offset by a reductionstores in expenses of $0.5 million due to the reversal of deferred rent and tenant improvements related to these stores during fiscal 2010.prior periods.  See Note 1012, “Texas Markets” to our Consolidated Financial Statements for further information regarding the lease termination charges related to Company’sour Texas operations.


Tax Valuation Allowances and Contingencies: Contingencies.The Company accounts for income taxes in accordance with ASC 740 “Income Taxes” (“ASC 740”), which requires that  We recognize deferred tax assets and liabilities be recognized using the enacted tax rates for the effect of temporary differences between the bookfinancial reporting basis and tax basesbasis of recorded assets and liabilities.  ASC 740-10-55 also requires that deferredDeferred tax assets beare reduced by a valuation allowance if it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the net deferred tax assets will not be realized.  The CompanyWe had approximately $54.7$153.7 million and $70.9of net deferred tax liabilities as of March 30, 2013, which was comprised of approximately $83.7 million inof net deferred tax assets that areand $237.4 million of deferred tax liabilities, net of tax valuation allowancesallowance of $5.8$11.6 million.  We had approximately $183.7 million of net deferred tax liabilities as of April 2, 2011March 31, 2012, which was comprised of approximately $64.3 million of deferred tax assets and March 27, 2010.$248.0 million of deferred tax liabilities, net of tax valuation allowance of $10.3 million.  Management evaluated the available evidence in assessing the Company’sour ability to realize the benefits of the netour deferred tax assets at April 2, 2011March 30, 2013 and March 31, 2012, and concluded it is more likely than not that the Companywe will not realize a portion of its netour deferred tax assets.  The remaining balance of the net deferred tax assets should be realized through future operating results and the reversal of taxable temporary differences.  IncomeSignificant management judgment is required in accounting for income tax contingencies as the outcomes are accounted for in accordance with ASC 740-10-50 and may require significant management judgment in estimating final outcomes.  The Company had approximately $1.4 million at March 28, 2009 of unrecognized tax benefits relatedoften difficult to uncertain tax positions.  The statute of limitations have expired for the periods related to thesepredict.  There are no uncertain tax positions at the end of fiscal 2010.  There are no new uncertain tax positions at the end of fiscal 2011.March 30, 2013.



Share-Based Compensation:Compensation. The Company has a  Subsequent to the Merger, Parent issued options to acquire shares of common stock incentive plan in effect under which the Company grants stock options, performance stock units (“PSUs”)of our Parent to certain of our executive officers and restricted stock units (“RSUs”).   The Company accountsemployees. We account for stock-based compensation expense under thepayment awards based on their fair value recognition provisionsvalues.  Stock options have a term of ASC 718, “Compensation-Stock Compensation” (“ASC 718”).  ASC 718 requires companies toten years.  For awards classified as equity, we estimate the fair value for each option award as of share-based payment awards on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option pricing model or other appropriate valuation models.  Assumptions utilized to value options in the Successor fiscal 2013 and fiscal 2012 period include estimating the fair value of Parent’s common stock (which is not publicly traded), the term that the options are expected to be outstanding, an option-pricing model.  Theestimate of the volatility of Parent’s stock price (which is based on a peer group of publicly traded companies), applicable interest rates and the expected dividend yield of Parent’s common stock. Other factors involving judgments that affect the expensing of share-based payments include estimated forfeiture rates of stock-based awards.  All of the options that we have granted to our executive officers and employees (with the exception of options granted to Rollover Investors that contain no repurchase rights and certain directors that contain less restrictive repurchase rights) give the Parent repurchase rights as described in more detail in Note 11 to the Consolidated Financial Statements. In accordance with accounting guidance, we have not recorded any stock-based compensation expense for these grants.  For all other options, the value of the portion of the award that is ultimately expected to vest is recognized as an expense ratably over the requisite service periods.  The Company estimatesperiods, which is generally a vesting term of five years.  As described in more detail in Note 11 to the Consolidated Financial Statements, certain former executive put rights are classified as equity awards and revalued using a binomial model at each reporting period with changes in fair value for each option awardrecognized as of the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option pricing model.  The Black-Scholes model considers, among other factors, the expected life of the award and the expected volatility of the Company’s stock price.  Stock options are granted to employees at exercise prices equal to the fair market value of the Company’s stock at the dates of grant.  The Company recognizes thestock-based compensation expense.

Predecessor Periods

We recognized stock-based compensation expense ratably over the requisite service periods, which iswas generally a vesting term of three years.  StockSuch stock options typically havehad a term of 10 years.ten years and were valued using the Black-Scholes option pricing model.  The fair value of the PSUsperformance stock units (“PSUs”) and RSUs isrestricted stock units (“RSUs”) was based on the stock price on the grant date.  The compensation expense related to PSUs iswas recognized only when it iswas probable that the performance criteria willwould be met.  The compensation expense related to RSUs iswas recognized based on the number of shares expected to vest.  During fiscal 2011, expected stock price volatility and the assumed risk free rate decreased slightly based upon recent historical trends. These changes are not materialStock-based awards outstanding prior to the Company’s consolidated financial position or resultsMerger vested in full in connection with the Merger and were converted into a right to receive Merger Consideration.

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Results of Operations


The following discussion defines the components of the statement of income and should be read in conjunction with “Item 6. Selected Financial Data.”

Net Sales: Revenue is recognized at the point of sale for in our 99¢ Only Stores (“retail sales.sales”). Bargain Wholesale sales revenue is recognized in accordance with the shipping terms agreed upon on the date merchandise is shipped.purchase order.  Bargain Wholesale sales are primarily shippedtypically recognized free on board shipping point.origin, where title and risk of loss pass to the buyer when the merchandise leaves our distribution facility.


Cost of Sales: SalesCost of sales includes the cost of inventory, freight in, inter-state warehouse transportation costs and inventory shrinkage (obsolescence, spoilage, and shrink), and is net of discounts and allowances. Cash discounts for satisfying early payment terms are recognized when payment is made, and allowances and rebates based upon milestone achievements such as reaching a certain volume of purchases of a vendor’s products are included as a reduction of cost of sales when such contractual milestones are reached in accordance with ASC 605-50-25 “Revenue Recognition-Customer Payments and Incentives-Recognition”.reached.  In addition, the Company analyzes itswe analyze our inventory levels and related cash discounts received to arrive at a value for cash discounts to be included in the inventory balance.  The Company doesWe do not include purchasing, receiving, distribution, warehouse costs and transportation to and from stores in itsour cost of sales, which totaled $77.5 million, $15.6 million, $56.0 million and $67.5 million $66.3 millionfor fiscal 2013, 2012 Successor period, 2012 Predecessor period and $74.1 million as of fiscal 2011, 2010 and 2009, respectively.  Due to this classification, the Company'sour gross profit rates may not be comparable to those of other retailers that include costs related to their distribution network in cost of sales.


Selling, General, and Administrative Expenses:Expenses:  Selling, general, and administrative expenses include purchasing, receiving, inspection and warehouse costs, the costs of selling merchandise in stores (payroll and associated costs, occupancy and other store-level costs), distribution costs (payroll and associated costs, occupancy, transportation to and from stores, and other distribution-related costs), and corporate costs (payroll and associated costs, occupancy, advertising, professional fees, stock-based compensation expense and other corporate administrative costs).  Selling, general, and administrative expenses also include depreciation and amortization expense.


Other Expense (Income) Expense::  Other expense (income) expense relates primarily to loss on extinguishment of debt, interest expense on our debt, capitalized leases and the interest income on the Company’simpairment charges related to our marketable securities, net of interest expenseincome on the Company’s capitalized leases and the impairment charge related to the Company’sour marketable securities.



The following table sets forth for the periods indicated, certain selected income statement data, including such data as a percentage of net sales.  The period ended March 30, 2013 consists of 52 weeks.  The Successor period from January 15, 2012 to March 31, 2012 consists of 11 weeks while the Predecessor period from April 3, 2011 to January 14, 2012 consists of 41 weeks. The period ended on April 2, 2011 is comprised of 53 weeks while the other periods presented are comprised of 52 weeks (percentages(the percentages may not add up due to rounding):


  Year Ended 
  
April 2,
2011
  
% of
Net Sales
  
March 27,
2010
  
% of
Net Sales
  
March 28,
2009
  
% of
Net Sales
 
  (Amounts in thousands) 
Net Sales:                  
99¢ Only Stores $1,380,357   96.9%     $1,314,214   97.0% $1,262,119   96.9%    
Bargain Wholesale  43,521   3.1   40,956   3.0   40,817   3.1 
Total sales $1,423,878   100.0  $1,355,170   100.0  $1,302,936   100.0 
                         
Cost of sales  842,756   59.2   797,748   58.9   791,121   60.7 
Gross profit  581,122   40.8   557,422   41.1   511,815   39.3 
                         
Selling, general and administrative expenses:                        
Operating expenses  436,034   30.6   436,608   32.2   464,635   35.7 
Depreciation and amortization  27,605   1.9   27,398   2.0   34,266   2.6 
Total operating expenses  463,639   32.6   464,006   34.2   498,901   38.3 
Operating income  117,483   8.3   93,416   6.9   12,914   1.0 
                         
Other income, net  (741)  (0.1)  (135)  (0.0)  (993)  (0.1)
Income before provision for income taxes and income attributed to noncontrolling interest   118,224   8.3    93,551   6.9    13,907   1.1 
Provision for income taxes  43,916   3.1   33,104   2.4   4,069   0.3 
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest   —    —    —    —   (1,357)  (0.1)
Net income attributable to 99¢ Only Stores $74,308   5.2% $60,447   4.5% $8,481   0.7%


32

 

 

Year Ended

 

For the Periods

 

Year Ended

 

 

 

March 30,
2013

 

% of
Net
Sales

 

January 15, 2012
to

March 31, 2012

 

% of
Net
Sales

 

 

April 3, 2011
to
January 14, 2012

 

% of
Net
Sales

 

April 2,
2011

 

% of
Net
Sales

 

 

 

(Successor)

 

 

 

(Predecessor)

 

 

 

 

(Predecessor)

 

 

 

(Predecessor)

 

 

 

 

 

(Amounts in thousands, except percentages)

 

Net Sales:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

99¢ Only Stores

 

$

1,620,683

 

97.1

%

$

329,361

 

97.2

%

 

$

1,158,733

 

97.1

%

$

1,380,357

 

96.9

%

Bargain Wholesale

 

47,968

 

2.9

 

9,555

 

2.8

 

 

34,047

 

2.9

 

43,521

 

3.1

 

Total sales

 

1,668,651

 

100.0

 

338,916

 

100.0

 

 

1,192,780

 

100.0

 

1,423,878

 

100.0

 

Cost of sales

 

1,028,295

 

61.6

 

203,775

 

60.1

 

 

711,002

 

59.6

 

842,756

 

59.2

 

Gross profit

 

640,356

 

38.4

 

135,141

 

39.9

 

 

481,778

 

40.4

 

581,122

 

40.8

 

Selling, general and administrative expenses:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Operating expenses

 

523,495

 

31.4

 

110,477

 

32.6

 

 

376,122

 

31.5

 

436,034

 

30.6

 

Depreciation

 

56,810

 

3.4

 

11,361

 

3.4

 

 

21,855

 

1.8

 

27,587

 

1.9

 

Amortization of intangible assets

 

1,767

 

0.1

 

374

 

0.1

 

 

14

 

0.0

 

18

 

0.0

 

Total operating expenses

 

582,072

 

34.9

 

122,212

 

36.1

 

 

397,991

 

33.4

 

463,639

 

32.6

 

Operating income

 

58,284

 

3.5

 

12,929

 

3.8

 

 

83,787

 

7.0

 

117,483

 

8.3

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other (income) expense:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest income

 

(342

)

0.0

 

(29

)

0.0

 

 

(291

)

0.0

 

(865

)

(0.1

)

Interest expense

 

60,898

 

3.6

 

16,223

 

4.8

 

 

381

 

0.0

 

77

 

0.0

 

Other-than-temporary investment impairment due to credit loss

 

 

0.0

 

 

0.0

 

 

357

 

0.0

 

129

 

0.0

 

Loss on extinguishment

 

16,346

 

1.0

 

 

0.0

 

 

 

0.0

 

 

0.0

 

Other

 

380

 

0.0

 

(75

)

0.0

 

 

(107

)

0.0

 

(82

)

0.0

 

Other expenses/(income), net

 

77,282

 

4.6

 

16,119

 

4.8

 

 

340

 

0.0

 

(741

)

(0.1

)

(Loss) income before provision for income taxes

 

(18,998

)

(1.1

)

(3,190

)

(0.9

)

 

83,447

 

7.0

 

118,224

 

8.3

 

(Benefit) provision for income taxes

 

(10,089

)

(0.6

)

2,103

 

0.6

 

 

33,699

 

2.8

 

43,916

 

3.1

 

Net (loss) income attributable to 99¢ Only Stores

 

$

(8,909

)

(0.5

)%

$

(5,293

)

(1.6

)%

 

$

49,748

 

4.2

%

$

74,308

 

5.2

%

31



The following discussion of our financial performance also includes supplemental unaudited pro forma consolidated financial information for fiscal years 2012 and 2011.  Because the Merger occurred during the fourth fiscal quarter of fiscal 2012, we believe this information aids in the comparison between the years presented. The pro forma information does not purport to represent what our results of operations would have been had the Merger and related transactions actually occurred at the beginning of the years indicated, and they do not purport to project our results of operations or financial condition for any future period. The following table contains selected pro forma income statement data for 2012 compared to selected pro forma income statement data for fiscal year 2011, including such data as a percentage of net sales.  See “Unaudited Pro Forma Consolidated Financial Information” below.

 

 

Unaudited Pro Forma Fiscal Years Ended

 

 

 

March 31,
 2012

 

% of
Net Sales

 

 

April 2,
2011

 

% of
Net Sales

 

 

 

(Amounts in thousands, except percentages)

 

Net Sales:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

99¢ Only Stores

 

$

1,488,094

 

97.2

%

 

$

1,380,357

 

96.9

%

Bargain Wholesale

 

43,602

 

2.8

 

 

43,521

 

3.1

 

Total sales

 

1,531,696

 

100.0

 

 

1,423,878

 

100.0

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cost of sales (excluding depreciation and amortization expense shown separately below)

 

914,777

 

59.7

 

 

842,756

 

59.2

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gross profit

 

616,919

 

40.3

 

 

581,122

 

40.8

 

Selling, general and administrative expenses:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Operating expenses

 

461,530

 

30.1

 

 

438,170

 

30.8

 

Depreciation

 

42,488

 

2.8

 

 

39,338

 

2.8

 

Amortization of intangible assets

 

1,764

 

0.1

 

 

1,766

 

0.1

 

Total selling, general and administrative expenses

 

505,782

 

33.0

 

 

479,274

 

33.7

 

Operating income

 

111,137

 

7.3

 

 

101,848

 

7.2

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other (income) expenses:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest income

 

(320

)

(0.0

)

 

(865

)

(0.1

)

Interest expense

 

69,629

 

4.5

 

 

70,476

 

4.9

 

Other-than-temporary investment impairment due to credit loss

 

357

 

0.0

 

 

129

 

0.0

 

Other

 

(182

)

(0.0

)

 

(82

)

(0.0

)

Total other expense, net

 

69,484

 

4.5

 

 

69,658

 

4.9

 

Income before provision for income taxes

 

41,653

 

2.7

 

 

32,190

 

2.3

 

Provision for income taxes

 

19,624

 

1.3

 

 

14,203

 

1.0

 

Net income

 

$

22,029

 

1.4

%

 

$

17,987

 

1.3

%

32



Table of Contents

For Year Ended March 30, 2013 (Successor)

Net sales.  Total net sales for fiscal 2013 were $1,668.7 million, a 52-week period.  Net retail sales for fiscal 2013 were $1,620.7 million.  Bargain Wholesale net sales were $48.0 million.  Net retail sales for stores that were open at least 15 months in fiscal 2013 were $1,530.5 million, representing 4.3% increase in same-store sales over prior year. The full year effect of new stores opened in the Successor and Predecessor periods of fiscal 2012 was $53.4 million and effect of 19 new stores opened in fiscal 2013 was $34.5 million. We closed one store in fiscal 2013 which contributed $2.3 million in sales.

During fiscal 2013, we added 19 new stores: 14 in California, three in Nevada and two in Texas.  We closed one store during fiscal 2013.  On March 30, 2013, we had 316 stores.  Gross retail square footage as of March 30, 2013 was approximately 6.63 million. For 99¢ Only Stores open all of fiscal 2013, the average net sales per estimated saleable square foot was $321 and the average annual net sales per store were $5.3 million, including the Texas stores open for the full year.

Gross profit.   During fiscal 2013, gross profit was $640.4 million.  As a percentage of net sales, overall gross margin was 38.4% during fiscal 2013.  Among gross profit components, cost of products sold was negatively impacted by a shift in product mix toward lower margin products, and to a lesser extent by merchandise price increases.  Gross profit was also negatively impacted by a revision to our excess and obsolescence methodology due to a change in our inventory purchasing philosophy.  As a result of this change, we increased our excess and obsolescence reserve by $9.1 million in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2013.  Furthermore, inventory shrinkage as a percent of net sales was negatively impacted by higher inventory shrinkage based on store physical inventories taken during fiscal 2013 and the resulting increase in our shrinkage reserves.

Operating expensesDuring fiscal 2013, operating expenses were $523.5 million.  As a percentage of net sales, operating expenses were 31.4% for fiscal 2013.  Retail operating expenses for fiscal 2013 were 21.5% of net sales.  Distribution and transportation expenses were 4.6% of net sales for fiscal 2013.  Corporate operating expenses for fiscal 2013 were 4.0% of net sales.  The remaining operating expenses for fiscal 2013 were 1.3% of net sales.  On January 23, 2013, Eric Schiffer, Jeff Gold and Howard Gold separated from their positions as Chief Executive Officer, Chief Administrative Officer and Executive Vice President of Special Projects, respectively.  We recorded severance charges of $10.2 million and accelerated vesting of their stock options that resulted in additional $9.3 million of stock-based compensation expense in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2013.  In addition, during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2013, we recorded $6.5 million in additional stock-based compensation associated with the valuation of the former executive put rights (see Note 11, “Stock-Based Compensation Plans” to our Consolidated Financial Statements).

Depreciation and amortization. During fiscal 2013, depreciation and amortization of intangibles were $56.8 million and $1.8 million, respectively.  Depreciation was 3.4% of net sales and amortization was 0.1% of net sales. Depreciation and amortization expense in fiscal 2013 includes the increase in the net book value (“step-up”) in basis to fair value of our property and equipment and revaluation of intangible assets as a result of the Merger.

Operating income. Operating income was $58.3 million for fiscal 2013. Operating income was 3.5% of net sales.

Interest expense and loss on extinguishment of debt. Interest expense was $60.9 million, primarily reflecting debt service on borrowings used to finance the Merger. Loss on extinguishment of debt was $16.3 million relating to amendment of the First Lien Term Loan Facility in April 2012.  The interest income for fiscal 2013 was not significant due to liquidation of our previously-held investment portfolio.

Interest income and other expense.  Other expense of $0.4 million in fiscal 2013, primarily reflects realized losses on sale of investments. Interest income for fiscal 2013 was not significant due to liquidation of our previously-held investment portfolio.

(Benefit) provision for income taxes.  The provision for income taxes was a benefit of $10.1 million in fiscal 2013.  The effective tax rate for the fiscal 2013 was (53.1%).  The effective combined federal and state income tax rates differ from the statutory rates due to the release of valuation allowance on the Texas margin tax credit carry-forward and benefit of federal hiring credits.

Net loss.  As a result of the items discussed above, we recorded a net loss of $8.9 million.  Net loss as a percentage of net sales was (0.5%) during fiscal 2013.

For the Period from January 15, 2012 to March 31, 2012 (Successor)

Net sales.  Total net sales for the Successor period were $338.9 million, an 11-week period.  Net retail sales for the Successor period were $329.4 million.  Bargain Wholesale net sales were $9.5 million in the Successor period.

During the Successor period, we added six new stores: five in California and one in Texas.  We did not close any stores during the Successor period.  On March 31, 2012, we had 298 stores.  Gross retail square footage as of March 31, 2012 was approximately 6.29 million.

33



Table of Contents

Gross profit.   During the Successor period, gross profit was $135.1 million.  As a percentage of net sales, overall gross margin was 39.9% during the Successor period.

Operating expensesDuring the Successor period, operating expenses were $110.5 million.  As a percentage of net sales, operating expenses were 32.6% for the Successor period.  Retail operating expenses for the Successor period were 21.5% of net sales.  Distribution and transportation expenses were 4.6% of net sales for the Successor period.  Corporate operating expenses for the Successor period were 3.2% of net sales.  The remaining operating expenses for the Successor period were 3.3% of net sales.  The Successor period included legal and professional fees of $10.6 million related to the Merger.

Depreciation and amortization. During the Successor period, depreciation and amortization of intangibles were $11.4 million and $0.4 million, respectively.  Depreciation was 3.4% of net sales and amortization was 0.1% of net sales. Depreciation and amortization expense in the Successor period includes the step-up in basis to fair value of our property and equipment and revaluation of intangible assets as a result of the Merger.

Operating income. Operating income was $12.9 million for the Successor period. Operating income was 3.8% of net sales.

Other expense, net.  Other expense was $16.1 million for the Successor period, which included $16.2 million of interest expense, reflecting debt service on borrowings used to finance the Merger.  The interest income for the Successor period was not significant due to liquidation of a substantial part of our previously-held investment portfolio.

Provision for income taxes.  The income tax provision in the Successor period was $2.1 million.  The effective tax rate for the Successor period was (65.9%).  The effective combined federal and state income tax rates are higher than the statutory rates due to non-deductibility of certain transaction costs associated with the Merger.

Net loss.  As a result of the items discussed above, we recorded a net loss of $5.3 million.  Net loss as a percentage of net sales was (1.6%) during the Successor period.

For the Period from April 3, 2011 to January 14, 2012 (Predecessor)

Net sales.  Total net sales for the 2012 Predecessor period were $1,192.8 million, a 41-week period. Net retail sales for the 2012 Predecessor period were $1,158.7 million. Bargain Wholesale net sales were $34.1 million in the 2012 Predecessor period.

During the 2012 Predecessor period, we added seven new stores: three in California, two in Arizona, one in Nevada, and one in Texas. We did not close any stores in California during the Predecessor period.

Gross profit.  During the 2012 Predecessor period, gross profit was $481.8 million.  As a percentage of net sales, overall gross margin was 40.4% during the Predecessor period.  Among gross profit components, cost of products sold was negatively impacted due to merchandise price increases and a shift in product mix.

Operating expenses.  During the 2012 Predecessor period, operating expenses were $376.1 million.  As a percentage of net sales, operating expenses were 31.5%.  Retail operating expenses for the 2012 Predecessor period were 21.8% of net sales.  Distribution and transportation expenses were 4.7% of net sales.  Corporate operating expenses were 3.4% of net sales. Other operating expenses for the period were 1.7% of net sales.  The 2012 Predecessor period included legal and professional fees of $15.2 million related to the Merger.

Depreciation and amortization.  During the 2012 Predecessor period, depreciation and amortization was $21.9 million.  Depreciation and amortization was 1.8% of net sales.

Operating income. Operating income was $83.8 million for the 2012 Predecessor period. Operating income as a percentage of net sales was 7.0%.

Other income/expense, net.  Other expense was $0.3 million for the 2012 Predecessor period, of which $0.4 million was investment impairment charges related to credit losses on our auction rate securities and $0.4 million related to interest expense.  The interest income for the 2012 Predecessor period was $0.3 million.

Provision for income taxes.  The income tax provision in the 2012 Predecessor period was $33.7 million.  The effective tax rate for the 2012 Predecessor period was 40.4%.  The effective combined federal and state income tax rates are higher than the statutory rates due to non-deductibility of certain transaction costs associated the Merger, partially offset by tax credits and the effect of certain revenues and/or expenses that are not subject to taxation.

Net income.  As a result of the items discussed above, we recorded a net income of $49.8 million. Net income as a percentage of net sales was 4.2%.

34



Table of Contents

Fiscal Year Ended April 2, 2011 Compared to Fiscal Year Ended March 27, 2010


(Predecessor)

Net sales.  Total net sales increased $68.7 million, or 5.1%, tofor fiscal 2011 were $1,423.9 million, in fiscal 2011, a 53-week period, from $1,355.2 million in fiscal 2010, a 52-week period.  Net retail sales increased $66.1 million, or 5.0%, tofor fiscal 2011 were $1,380.4 million, in fiscal 2011 from $1,314.2 million in fiscal 2010, and includeincluded the benefit of anone additional extra week included in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2011, which contributed an additional $26.9 million of retail sales.  Of the remaining $39.2 million increase in net retail sales, $9.5 million was due to a 0.7% increase in comparable stores net sales for all stores open at least 15 months in fiscal 2011 and 2010, calculated on a comparable 52-week period. The comparable stores net sales increase was attributable to a 1.0% increase in transaction counts and decrease in average ticket size by 0.3% to $9.58 from $9.61.  The full year fiscal 2011 effect of stores opened in fiscal 2010 increased sales by $20.9 million and the effect of 11 new stores opened during fiscal 2011 increased net retail sales by $16.0 million, based on a 52 week period.  The increase in sales was partially offset by a decrease in sales of approximately $7.2 million due to the effect of the closing of one store in California upon expiration of its lease during fiscal 2011 and closing of 12 stores in Texas and one store in California during fiscal 2010. Bargain Wholesale net sales increased approximately by $2.6 million, or 6.3%, towere $43.5 million, in fiscal 2011 from $41.0 million in fiscal 2010.  Ofand included the $2.6 million increase in Bargain Wholesale net sales,benefit of one additional week, which contributed and an additional $1.0 million was due to the effect of the additional week included in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2011.retail sales.


During fiscal 2011, the Companywe added eleven new stores: six in California, two in Arizona and three in Texas.  The CompanyWe closed one store in California during fiscal 2011.  At the end of fiscalOn April 2, 2011, the Companywe had 285 stores compared to 275 as of the end of fiscal 2010.stores.  Gross retail square footage at the endas of fiscalApril 2, 2011 and fiscal 2010 was approximately 6.05 million and 5.86 million, respectively.million.  For 99¢ Only Stores open all of fiscal 2011, the average net sales per estimated saleable square foot, based on a comparable 52-week period, was $291 and the average annual net sales per store were $4.9 million, including the Texas stores open for the full year. Non-TexasWestern States stores net sales averaged $5.1 million per store and $307 per square foot. Texas stores open for a full year averaged net sales of $3.4 million per store and $181 per square foot.

Gross profit.  During fiscal 2011, gross profit was $581.1 million.  As a percentage of net sales, overall gross margin was 40.8% during fiscal 2011.  Among gross profit components, cost of products sold was negatively impacted by merchandise price increases and shift in product mix.  Freight costs were higher but were partially offset by improved shrinkage as a percent of net sales.

Operating expensesDuring fiscal 2011, operating expenses were $436.0 million.  As a percentage of net sales, operating expenses were 30.6% for fiscal 2011.  Retail operating expenses for fiscal 2011 were 22.5% of net sales.  Distribution and transportation expenses were 4.7% of net sales for fiscal 2011.  Corporate operating expenses for fiscal 2011 were 3.2% of net sales.  The remaining operating expenses for fiscal 2011 were 0.3% of net sales.  Operating expenses were positively impacted by improvements in labor productivity, lower stock-based compensation expense and proceeds from a legal settlement from a third party administrator related to workers’ compensation.

Depreciation and amortization. During fiscal 2011, depreciation and amortization was $27.6 million.  Depreciation was 1.9% of net sales.

Operating income. Operating income was $117.5 million for fiscal 2011.  Operating income as a percentage of net sales was 8.3%.

Other income, net.  Other income was $0.7 million for fiscal 2011, which included $0.1 million investment impairment charge related to credit losses on our available for sale securities.  The interest income was $0.9 million and interest expense was $0.1 million for fiscal 2011.

Provision for income taxes.  The income tax provision for fiscal 2011 was $43.9 million.  The effective tax rate was 37.1% for fiscal 2011.  The effective combined federal and state income tax rates are less than the statutory rate due to tax credits and the effect of certain revenues and/or expenses that not subject to taxation.

Net income.  As a result of the items discussed above, we recorded a net income of $74.3 million in fiscal 2011.  Net income as a percentage of net sales was 5.2% during fiscal 2011.

Supplemental Management’s Discussion and Analysis - Fiscal Year Ended March 30, 2013 Compared to Pro Forma Fiscal Year Ended March 31, 2012

Net sales. Total net sales increased $137.0 million, or 8.9%, to $1,668.7 million in fiscal 2013, a 52-week period, from $1,531.7 million in pro forma fiscal 2012, a 52-week period. Net retail sales increased $132.6 million, or 8.9%, to $1,620.7 million in fiscal 2013 from $1,488.1 million in pro forma fiscal 2012.  Bargain Wholesale net sales increased by approximately $4.4 million, or 10.0%, to $48.0 million in fiscal 2013 from $43.6 million in pro forma fiscal 2012.  Of the $132.6 million increase in net retail sales, $63.1 million was due to a 4.3% increase in same-store sales for all stores open at least 15 months in fiscal 2013 and 2012, which includes an approximately 50 basis point benefit of two Easter selling seasons that occurred in early April 2012 and late March 2013, compared to one Easter selling season in pro forma fiscal 2012. The same-store sales increase was attributable to an approximately 2.1% increase in transaction counts and an increase in average ticket size by approximately 2.1%.  The full year effect of stores opened in pro forma fiscal 2012 increased sales by $38.2 million and the effect of new stores opened during fiscal 2013 increased net retail sales by $34.5 million.  The increase in sales was partially offset by a decrease in sales of approximately $3.2 million due to the effect of closing one store in California upon expiration of its lease during fiscal 2013.

During fiscal 2013, we added 19 new stores: 14 in California, three in Nevada and two in Texas. We closed one store in California during fiscal 2013.  At the end of fiscal 2013, we had 316 stores compared to 298 as of the end of fiscal 2012. Gross retail square footage as of March 30, 2013 and March 31, 2012 was 6.63 million and 6.29 million, respectively.  For 99¢ Only Stores open all of fiscal 2013, the average net sales per estimated saleable square foot, on a comparable 52-week period, was $321 and the average annual net sales per store were $5.3 million, including the Texas stores open for the full year.

35



Table of Contents

Gross profit. Gross profit increased $23.7$23.5 million, or 4.3%3.8%, to $581.1$640.4 million in fiscal 20112013 from $557.4$616.9 million in pro forma fiscal 2010.2012.  As a percentage of net sales, overall gross margin decreased to 40.8%38.4% in fiscal 20112013 from 41.1%40.3% in pro forma fiscal 2010.2012.  Among gross profit components, cost of products sold increased by 50 basis points compared to 56.4%pro forma fiscal 2012, primarily due to a shift in product mix and, to a lesser extent, merchandise price increases.  Gross profit was also negatively impacted by a revision to our excess and obsolescence methodology due to a change in our inventory purchasing philosophy.  As a result of this change, we increased our excess and obsolescence reserves by $9.1 million in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2013 representing 60 basis points. Furthermore, inventory shrinkage increased by 70 basis points compared to pro forma fiscal 2012, primarily due to higher inventory shrinkage based on the store physical inventories taken during fiscal 2013 and the resulting increase in our inventory shrinkage reserves.   The remaining change was made up of increases in other less significant items included in cost of sales.

Operating expenses. Operating expenses increased by $62.0 million, or 13.4%, to $523.5 million in fiscal 2013 from $461.5 million in pro forma fiscal 2012.  As a percentage of net sales, operating expenses increased to 31.4% for fiscal 2013 from 30.1% for pro forma fiscal 2012.  Of the 130 basis point increase in operating expenses as a percentage of net sales, retail operating expenses decreased by 30 basis points, distribution and transportation costs decreased by ten basis points, corporate expenses increased by 60 basis points, and other items increased by 110 basis points as described below.

Retail operating expenses for fiscal 2013 decreased as a percentage of net sales by 30 basis points to 21.5% of net sales, compared to 21.8% of net sales for pro forma fiscal 2011compared2012. The decrease was primarily due to 56.1%both lower utilities expenses, as well as lower payroll-related expenses (primarily due to improved store labor productivity and leveraging positive same-store sales.)

Distribution and transportation expenses for fiscal 2013 decreased as a percentage of net sales by ten basis points to 4.6% of net sales, compared to 4.7% as a percentage of net sales for pro forma fiscal 20102012.

Corporate operating expenses for fiscal 2013 increased as a percentage of net sales by 60 basis points to 4.0% of net sales, compared to 3.4% of net sales for pro forma fiscal 2012.  The increase as a percentage of net sales was primarily due to payroll-related severance charges of $10.2 million incurred in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2013 in connection with changes in management.

The remaining operating expenses for fiscal 2013 increased as percentage of net sales by 110 basis points to 1.3% of net sales, compared to 0.2% of net sales for pro forma fiscal 2012.  In fiscal 2013, we recorded stock-based compensation expense of $18.4 million (including $9.9 million of accelerated vesting expense for four officers who separated from their positions in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2013 and $6.5 million related to former executive officer put rights) compared to stock-based compensation of $2.0 million in pro forma fiscal 2012 (see Note 11, “Stock-Based Compensation Plans” to our Consolidated Financial Statements).

Depreciation and amortization.  Depreciation increased $14.3 million, or 33.7%, to $56.8 million in fiscal 2013 from $42.5 million in pro forma fiscal 2012. The increase was primarily a result of adding new depreciable assets from new store openings, full year depreciation impact of stores opened in pro forma fiscal 2012 and adding new depreciable assets for completed information technology projects.  Depreciation as a percentage of net sales was 3.4% in fiscal 2013 and 2.8% for the pro forma fiscal 2012.  Amortization was $1.8 million in both fiscal 2013 and pro forma fiscal 2012.

Operating income. Operating income was $58.3 million for fiscal 2013 compared to operating income of $111.1 million for pro forma fiscal 2012.  Operating income as a percentage of net sales was 3.5% in fiscal 2013 compared to 7.3% in pro forma fiscal 2012.  The decrease in operating income as a percentage of net sales was primarily due to changes in gross margin, depreciation and operating expenses, as discussed above.

Interest expense and loss on extinguishment of debt. Interest expense was $60.9 million in fiscal 2013, primarily reflecting debt service on borrowings used to finance the Merger. Loss on extinguishment of debt was $16.3 million relating to amendment of the First Lien Term Loan Facility in April 2012.  Interest expense was $69.6 million in pro forma fiscal 2012, reflecting debt service on borrowings used to finance the Merger.

Interest income and other expenses.  Interest income was $0.3 million for both fiscal 2013 and pro forma fiscal 2012.  Other expense of $0.4 million in fiscal 2013, primarily reflects realized losses on sale of investments. In pro forma fiscal 2012 we recorded $0.4 million of investment impairment charges on our auction rate securities.

(Benefit) provision for income taxes.  The provision for income taxes was a benefit of $10.1 million in fiscal 2013 compared to a provision of $19.6 million in pro forma fiscal 2012, due to a pre-tax loss in fiscal 2013. The effective tax rate for fiscal 2013 was (53.1%) compared to an effective tax rate of 47.1% for pro forma fiscal 2012.  The effective combined federal and state income tax rates for fiscal 2013 differ from the statutory rates due to the release of valuation allowance on the Texas margin tax credit carry-forward and benefit of federal hiring credits.  The pro forma fiscal 2012 effective combined federal and state income tax rates are higher than the statutory rates due to non-deductibility of certain transaction costs associated with the Merger.

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Table of Contents

Net income/loss.  As a result of the items discussed above, net income decreased $30.9 million to a net loss of $8.9 million in fiscal 2013 from $22.0 million in pro forma fiscal 2012. Net loss as a percentage of net sales was (0.5%) in fiscal 2013 and compared to net income as a percentage of sales of 1.4% in pro forma fiscal 2012.

Supplemental Management’s Discussion and Analysis - Pro Forma Fiscal Year Ended March 31, 2012 Compared to Pro Forma Fiscal Year Ended April 2, 2011

Net sales.  Total net sales increased $107.8 million, or 7.6%, to $1,531.7 million in pro forma fiscal 2012, a 52-week period, from $1,423.9 million in pro forma fiscal 2011, a 53-week period.  Net retail sales increased $107.7 million, or 7.8%, to $1,488.1 million in pro forma fiscal 2012 from $1,380.4 million in pro forma fiscal 2011.  Bargain Wholesale net sales increased approximately by $0.1 million, or 0.2%, to $43.6 million in pro forma fiscal 2012 from $43.5 million in pro forma fiscal 2011.  Of the $107.7 million increase in net retail sales, $97.9 million was due to a 7.3% increase in same-store sales. The same-store sales increase was attributable to approximately 4.9% increase in transaction counts and increase in average ticket size by approximately 2.3% to $9.81 from $9.58.  The full year pro forma fiscal 2012 effect of stores opened in fiscal 2011 increased sales by $24.9 million and the effect of 13 new stores opened during pro forma fiscal 2012 increased net retail sales by $19.9 million, based on a 52-week period. The increase in retail sales was partially offset by the impact of one additional week included in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2011, resulting in $26.9 million of additional retail sales, and by a decrease in sales of approximately $2.0 million due to the effect of the closing of one store in California upon expiration of its lease during pro forma fiscal 2011. The increase in Bargain Wholesale net sales was partially offset by the extra week of $1.0 million in pro forma fiscal 2011.

During pro forma fiscal 2012, we added 13 new stores: eight in California, two in Arizona, one in Nevada, and two in Texas. We did not close any stores in California during pro forma fiscal 2012.  As of March 31, 2012, we had 298 stores compared to 285 as of the end of fiscal 2011. Gross retail square footage March 31, 2012 and April 2, 2011 was approximately 6.29 million and 6.05 million, respectively.  For 99¢ Only Stores open during all of pro forma fiscal 2012, the average net sales per estimated saleable square foot, on a comparable 52-week period, was approximately $309 and the average annual net sales per store were approximately $5.2 million, including the Texas stores open for the full year.

Gross profit. Gross profit increased $35.8 million, or 6.2%, to $616.9 million in pro forma fiscal 2012 from $581.1 million in pro forma fiscal 2011.  As a percentage of net sales, overall gross margin decreased to 40.3% in pro forma fiscal 2012 from 40.8% in pro forma fiscal 2011.  Among gross profit components, cost of products sold increased by 50 basis points due to merchandise price increases and a shift in product mix. The freightFreight costs for pro forma fiscal 20112012 increased by 3020 basis points compared to pro forma fiscal 2010.2011. For pro forma fiscal 2012 and pro forma fiscal 2011, shrinkage decreased to 2.5% of net sales compared to 2.6% of net sales for fiscal 2010.was flat.   The remaining change was made up of decreases in other less significant items included in cost of sales.

Operating expenses. Operating expenses decreasedincreased by $0.6$23.3 million, or 0.1%5.3%, to $436.0$461.5 million in pro forma fiscal 2012 from $438.2 million in fiscal 2011 from $436.6 million in fiscal 2010.pro forma 2011. As a percentage of net sales, operating expenses decreased to 30.6%30.1% for fiscal 2011pro forma 2012 from 32.2%30.8% for fiscal 2010.pro forma 2011.  Of the 16070 basis point decrease in operating expenses as a percentage of net sales, retail operating expenses decreased by 4080 basis points, distribution and transportation costs decreased by 20 basis points,were flat, corporate expenses decreasedincreased by 30ten basis points, and other items decreased by 70 basis pointswere flat as described below.


Retail operating expenses for pro forma fiscal 2011 decreased as a percentage of net sales by 40 basis points to 22.5% of net sales, compared to 22.9% of net sales for fiscal 2010. The majority of the decrease as a percentage of net sales was due to lower rent expenses and lower payroll-related expenses as a result of improvement in labor productivity. These decreases were partially offset by a slight increase in outside service fees, advertising and various other expenses as a percentage of net sales.


Distribution and transportation expenses for fiscal 2011 decreased as a percentage of net sales by 20 basis points to 4.7% of net sales, compared to 4.9% of net sales for fiscal 2010.  The decrease as a percentage of net sales was primarily due to overall improvements in efficiencies.

Corporate operating expenses for fiscal 2011 decreased as a percentage of net sales by 30 basis points to 3.2% of net sales, compared to 3.5% of net sales for fiscal 2010.  The decrease as a percentage of net sales was primarily due to lower payroll and payroll related expenses and various other expenses which were partially offset by a slight increase in repair and maintenance costs.


The remaining operating expenses for fiscal 20112012 decreased as a percentage of net sales by 70 basis points to 0.3%21.8% of net sales, compared to 1.0%22.5% of net sales for pro forma fiscal 2011. The majority of the decrease was due to payroll-related expenses and occupancy expenses, primarily resulting from increases in same-store sales. These decreases were partially offset by a slight increase in repairs and maintenance expenses as a percentage of net sales.

Distribution and transportation expenses were flat at 4.7% as a percentage of net sales for both pro forma fiscal 2012 and pro forma fiscal 2011.

Corporate operating expenses for fiscal 2010.pro forma 2012 increased as a percentage of net sales by ten basis points to 3.4% of net sales, compared to 3.3% of net sales for pro forma fiscal 2011.  The decrease in other operating expensesincrease as a percentage of net sales was primarily due to the reductionlegal costs which were partially offset by decreases in payroll and payroll-related expenses.

The remaining operating expenses for pro forma fiscal 2012 were flat as a percentage of net sales at 0.2% of net sales compared to pro forma fiscal 2011 due to lower stock-based compensation by approximately $4.8 million, compared tocosts in pro forma fiscal 2010, related to a decrease in performance stock unit expense.  The performance stock unit expense was higher in fiscal 2010 because the majority of the performance criteria were met in fiscal 2010.   In addition, the decrease in other operating expenses in fiscal 2011, compared to fiscal 2010, was due to2012, offset by the proceeds from a legal settlement from a third party administrator related to workers’ compensation of approximately $2.2 million which was received in pro forma fiscal 2011 and net lease termination and closing costs of approximately $2.5 million which were included in fiscal 2010.

2011.

Depreciation and amortization.Depreciation and amortization increased $0.2$3.2 million, or 0.8%8.0%, to $27.6$42.5 million in pro forma fiscal 20112012 from $27.4$39.3 million in pro forma fiscal 2010.2011. The increase was primarily athe result of adding new depreciable assets added as a result offrom new store openings. Depreciation as a percentage of net sales decreased to 1.9% from 2.0%was 2.8% for both pro forma fiscal 2012 and pro forma fiscal 2011.  Amortization was $1.8 million in both pro forma fiscal 2012 and pro forma fiscal 2011.

37




Operating income. Operating income was $117.5$111.1 million for pro forma fiscal 20112012 compared to operating income of $93.4$101.9 million for pro forma fiscal 2010.2011. Operating income as a percentage of net sales was 8.3%7.3% in pro forma fiscal 20112012 compared to operating income as a percentage of net sales of 6.9%7.2% in pro forma fiscal 2010.2011.  This was primarily due to the changes in operating expenses partially offset changes in gross margin and operating expenses discussed above.

Interest expense.Other Interest expense in pro forma fiscal years 2012 and 2011 was $69.6 million and $70.5 million, respectively, reflecting debt service on borrowings used to finance the Merger.

Interest income net.and other expenses. Other Interest income increasedfor pro forma fiscal 2012 was $0.3 million compared to $0.7the interest income of $0.9 million infor the pro forma fiscal 20112011.  Investment impairment charges for pro forma fiscal 2012 were $0.4 million compared to $0.1 million infor pro forma fiscal 2010.  The increase in other income of $0.6 million was primarily due to a lower investment impairment charge of $0.1 million for fiscal 2011 compared to an investment impairment charge of $0.8 million for fiscal 2010 related to credit losses on the Company’s available for sale securities. This change was offset by lower interest income which decreased to $0.9 million for fiscal 2011 from $1.1 million for fiscal 2010, primarily due to lower interest rates.  Interest expense decreased to $0.1 million for fiscal 2011 compared to interest expense of $0.2 million for fiscal 2010.2011.


Provision for income taxestaxes. . The income tax provision in pro forma fiscal 20112012 was $43.9$19.6 million compared to $33.1$14.2 million in pro forma fiscal 2010,2011, due to the increase in pre-tax income. The effective tax rate for pro forma fiscal 20112012 was 37.1%47.1% compared to an effective tax rate of 35.4%44.1% for pro forma fiscal 2010.  The effective tax rate for fiscal 2011 was higher than fiscal 2010, primarily due to a one-time benefit of approximately $1.4 million in fiscal 2010 related to the expiration of the statutes of limitations related to uncertain tax positions, which equates to an approximately 1% reduction in effective tax rate for fiscal 2010.2011. The effective combined federal and state income tax rates for pro forma fiscal 2012 and 2011 are lesshigher than the statutory rates in each period due to non-deductible tax credits anddifferences arising out of the effect of certain revenues and/or expenses that are not subject to taxation.Merger.


Net income. As a result of the items discussed above, pro forma net income increased $13.9$4.0 million, or 22.9%22.5%, to $74.3$22.0 million in pro forma fiscal 20102012 from $60.4$18.0 million in pro forma fiscal 2010.2011. Net income as a percentage of net sales increased to 5.2%was 1.4% in pro forma fiscal 2011 from 4.5%2012 and 1.3% in pro forma fiscal 2010.2011.


Fiscal Year Ended March 27, 2010 Compared to Fiscal Year Ended March 28, 2009

Net sales.38 Total net sales increased $52.2 million, or 4.0%, to $1,355.2 million in fiscal 2010 from $1,302.9 million in fiscal 2009. Net retail sales increased $52.1 million, or 4.1%, to $1,314.2 million in fiscal 2010 from $1,262.1 million in fiscal 2009.  Of the $52.1 million increase in net retail sales, $47.6 million was due to a 3.9% increase in comparable stores net sales for all stores open at least 15 months in fiscal 2010 and 2009.  The comparable stores net sales increase was attributable to a 4.0% increase in transaction counts and decrease in average ticket size by 0.1% to $9.59 from $9.60.  The full year fiscal 2010 effect of stores opened in fiscal 2009 increased sales by $19.5 million and the effect of nine new stores opened during fiscal 2010 increased net retail sales by $19.7 million.  The increase in sales was partially offset by a decrease in sales of approximately $34.7 million due to the effect of the closing of 17 stores in Texas and one in California during fiscal 2010 and fiscal 2009. Bargain Wholesale net sales increased $0.1 million, or 0.3%, to $41.0 million in fiscal 2010 from $40.8 million in fiscal 2009.


During fiscal 2010, the Company added nine stores: eight in California and re-opened one store in Texas, which was closed due to a hurricane. The Company closed 12 stores in Texas and one in California during fiscal 2010.  At the end of fiscal 2010, the Company had 275 stores compared to 279 as of the end of fiscal 2009. Gross retail square footage at the end of fiscal 2010 and fiscal 2009 was 5.86 million and 5.99 million, respectively.  For 99¢ Only Stores open all of fiscal 2010, the average net sales per estimated saleable square foot was $289 and the average annual net sales per store were $4.8 million, including the Texas stores open for the full year. Non-Texas stores net sales averaged $5.0 million per store and $305 per square foot. Texas stores open for a full year averaged net sales of $3.4 million per store and $180 per square foot.


Gross profit.Unaudited Pro Forma Condensed Consolidated Financial Information Gross profit increased $45.6 million, or 8.9%,

The following unaudited pro forma condensed consolidated statements of operations have been developed by applying pro forma adjustments to $557.4 millionour audited statement of operations for the fiscal year ended April 2, 2011 and our Consolidated Financial Statements for the Predecessor period from April 3, 2011 through January 14, 2012, and for the Successor period from January 15, 2012 to March 31, 2012. The unaudited pro forma condensed consolidated statements of operations for the fiscal year ended April 2, 2011 and fiscal year ended March 31, 2012 gives effect to the Merger as if it had occurred on March 29, 2010.

The unaudited pro forma adjustments are based upon available information and certain assumptions that we believe are reasonable under the circumstances. The unaudited pro forma condensed consolidated financial data is presented for informational purposes only. The unaudited pro forma condensed consolidated financial data does not purport to represent what our results of operations would have been had the Merger actually occurred on the dates indicated and does not purport to project our results of operations for any future period. The unaudited pro forma condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in fiscal 2010 from $511.8 millionconjunction with the information contained in fiscal 2009.  Asother sections of this Report including “Item 6. Selected Financial Data,” in our historical audited consolidated financial statements and related notes thereto, and other sections of this “Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” appearing elsewhere in this Report. All pro forma adjustments and their underlying assumptions are described more fully in the notes to our unaudited pro forma condensed consolidated statements of operations.

The unaudited pro forma condensed consolidated financial information has been prepared to give effect to the Merger including the accounting for the acquisition of our business as a percentagepurchase business combination, in accordance with ASC 805, “Business Combinations.”

The unaudited pro forma condensed consolidated statements of net sales, overall gross margin increasedoperations do not reflect non-recurring charges that have been incurred in connection with the Merger, including (i) certain non-recurring expenses related to 41.1% in fiscal 2010 from 39.3% in fiscal 2009.  The increase in gross profit margin was primarily due to a decrease in cost of products sold to 56.1% of net sales for fiscal 2010 compared to 57.1% of net sales for fiscal 2009 due to a favorable shift in product mix and new buying and merchandising initiatives to drive sales of higher margin items. In addition, an increase in gross profit margin was also due to a decrease in spoilage/shrinkage to 2.6% of net sales in fiscal 2010 compared to 3.2% in fiscal 2009.  This reduction in shrinkage is primarily due to a one time reduction in shrink reservesthe Merger of approximately $1.8$25.8 million, for Texasand (ii) the stock-based compensation expense of approximately $1.0 million relating to the accelerated vesting of stock based on the shrink analysis performed at the end of fiscal 2010awards to management and lower overall shrinkassociates that vested as a result of the trendMerger.

 

 

For the Fiscal Year Ended March 31, 2012

 

 

 

Historical
Successor

 

Historical
Predecessor

 

Pro Forma
Adjustments

 

Pro Forma

 

 

 

(Amounts in thousands)

 

Net Sales:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

99¢ Only Stores

 

$

329,361

 

$

1,158,733

 

$

 

$

1,488,094

 

Bargain Wholesale

 

9,555

 

34,047

 

 

43,602

 

Total sales

 

338,916

 

1,192,780

 

 

1,531,696

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cost of sales (excluding depreciation and amortization expense shown separately below)

 

203,775

 

711,002

 

 

914,777

 

Gross profit

 

135,141

 

481,778

 

 

616,919

 

Selling, general and administrative expenses:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Operating expenses

 

110,477

 

376,122

 

(25,069

)(a)

461,530

 

Depreciation

 

11,361

 

21,855

 

9,272

(b)

42,488

 

Amortization of intangible assets

 

374

 

14

 

1,376

(c)

1,764

 

Total selling, general and administrative expenses

 

122,212

 

397,991

 

(14,421

)

505,782

 

Operating income

 

12,929

 

83,787

 

14,421

 

111,137

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other (income) expenses:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest income

 

(29

)

(291

)

 

(320

)

Interest expense

 

16,223

 

381

 

53,025

(d)

69,629

 

Other-than-temporary investment impairment due to credit loss

 

 

357

 

 

357

 

Other

 

(75

)

(107

)

 

(182

)

Total other expense, net

 

16,119

 

340

 

53,025

 

69,484

 

(Loss) income before provision for income taxes

 

(3,190

)

83,447

 

(38,604

)

41,653

 

Provision for income taxes

 

2,103

 

33,699

 

(16,178

)(e)

19,624

 

Net (loss) income

 

$

(5,293

)

$

49,748

 

$

(22,426

)

$

22,029

 

39



Table of physical inventories taken during fiscal 2010 as well as a decrease in recorded scrap from perishables.  The remaining change was made up of increases and decreases in other less significant items included in cost of sales.Contents

 

 

For the Fiscal Year Ended April 2, 2011

 

 

Historical
Predecessor

 

Pro Forma
Adjustments

 

Pro Forma

 

 

 

(Amounts in thousands)

Net Sales:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

99¢ Only Stores

 

$

1,380,357

 

$

 

$

1,380,357

 

Bargain Wholesale

 

43,521

 

 

43,521

 

Total sales

 

1,423,878

 

 

1,423,878

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cost of sales (excluding depreciation and amortization expense shown separately below)

 

842,756

 

 

842,756

 

Gross profit

 

581,122

 

 

581,122

 

Selling, general and administrative expenses:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Operating expenses

 

436,034

 

2,136

(a)

438,170

 

Depreciation

 

27,587

 

11,751

(b)

39,338

 

Amortization of intangible assets

 

18

 

1,748

(c)

1,766

 

Total selling, general and administrative expenses

 

463,639

 

15,635

 

479,274

 

Operating income

 

117,483

 

(15,635

)

101,848

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other (income) expenses:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest income

 

(865

)

 

(865

)

Interest expense

 

77

 

70,399

(d)

70,476

 

Other-than-temporary investment impairment due to credit loss

 

129

 

 

129

 

Other

 

(82

)

 

(82

)

Total other (income) expense, net

 

(741

)

70,399

 

69,658

 

Income before provision for income taxes

 

118,224

 

(86,034

)

32,190

 

Provision for income taxes

 

43,916

 

(29,713

)(e)

14,203

 

Net income (loss)

 

$

74,308

 

$

(56,321

)

$

17,987

 


(a)Operating expenses. Operating expenses decreased by $28.0 million, or 6.0%,Represents adjustments to $436.6 million in fiscal 2010 from $464.6 million in fiscal 2009. As a percentage of net sales, operating expenses decreased to 32.2% for fiscal 2010 from 35.7% for fiscal 2009.  Of the 340 basis points decrease in operating expenses as a percentage of net sales, retail operating expenses decreased by 150 basis points, distribution and transportation costs decreased by 80 basis points, corporate expenses decreased by 70 basis points, and other items decreased by 40 basis points as described below.


Retail operatingincrease historical expenses for fiscal 2010 decreasedongoing expenses incurred in connection with the Merger and adjustments to eliminate one-time historical expenses incurred in connection with the Merger (in thousands):

 

 

Fiscal Year Ended
March 31, 2012 (1)

 

Fiscal Year Ended
April 2, 2011

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Credit facility annual administration fee (i)

 

$

158

 

$

200

 

Favorable/unfavorable lease amortization, net (ii)

 

155

 

182

 

Executive compensation (iii)

 

583

 

754

 

Rent expenses (renegotiated leases) (iv)

 

788

 

1,000

 

Subtotal — ongoing expenses

 

1,684

 

2,136

 

One-time merger costs (v)

 

(26,753

)

 

Total operating expenses

 

$

(25,069

)

$

2,136

 


(1)Represents adjustments to the predecessor period from April 3, 2011 to January 14, 2012, as the successor period from January 15, 2012 to March 31, 2012 already includes these adjustments.

(i)Represents adjustments to administrative fees associated with the First Lien Term Facility and the ABL Facility in connection with the Merger.

(ii)Represents adjustments resulting from the amortization of favorable lease assets and unfavorable lease liability recorded in connection with the Merger, amortized on a percentagestraight-line basis over the remaining lease terms of net sales by 150each lease.

(iii)Represents adjustments to compensation expense resulting from new executive salaries of certain named executives based on new employment arrangements in connection with the Merger.

(iv)Represents adjustments resulting from the renegotiation of certain leases with the Rollover Investors and their affiliates in connection with the Merger.

(v)Represents adjustments to eliminate one-time historical expenses incurred in connection with the Merger, principally legal and financial advisory fees.

(b)Represents adjustments resulting from the step-up of depreciable property and equipment of approximately $150 million depreciated on a straight-line basis pointsover their respective remaining useful lives.

(c)Represents adjustments resulting from the increase in the estimated fair market values of finite-lived intangible assets. Finite-lived intangibles assets include the Rinso and Halsa private label brands which will be amortized over a remaining useful life of 20 years and the Bargain Wholesale customer relationships which will be amortized over a remaining useful life of 12 years.  The useful lives of these finite-lived intangible assets were based on the expected future cash flows associated with these assets.  We based the remaining useful lives for these finite-lived intangible assets at the point in time we expected to 22.9% of net sales, compared to 24.4% of net sales for fiscal 2009. The majorityrealize substantially all of the decreasebenefit of projected future cash flows.

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Table of Contents

(d)Represents the following adjustments to interest expense, net (in thousands):

 

 

Fiscal Year Ended
March 31, 2012 (1)

 

Fiscal Year Ended
April 2, 2011

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Pro forma cash interest expense (i)

 

$

48,160

 

$

65,864

 

Pro forma deferred financing costs amortization expense (i)

 

4,865

 

4,535

 

Less: interest expense, historical (ii)

 

 

 

Additional expense

 

$

53,025

 

$

70,399

 


(1)Represents adjustments to the predecessor period from April 3, 2011 to January 14, 2012, as a percentage of net sales was duethe successor period from January 15, 2012 to lower payroll-related expensesMarch 31, 2012 already includes these adjustments.

(i)Reflects the adjustments to interest expense as a result of improvement in labor productivity, lower rent expenses and the implementation of new cost control methods resulting in lower utilities and supplies costs.


Distribution and transportation expenses for fiscal 2010 decreased as a percentage of net sales by 80 basis points to 4.9% of net sales, compared to 5.7% of net sales for fiscal 2009.  The decrease as a percentage of net sales was primarily due to improvements in labor efficiencies, improved processing methods, lower fuel costs and improved trailer utilization.

Corporate operating expenses for fiscal 2010 decreased as a percentage of net sales by 70 basis points to 3.5% of net sales, compared to 4.2% of net sales for fiscal 2009.  The decrease as a percentage of net sales was primarily due to lower payroll and payroll related expenses, consulting and professional fees, and legal costs.

The remaining operating expenses for fiscal 2010 decreased as a percentage of net sales by 40 basis points to 1.0% of net sales, compared to 1.4% for fiscal 2009.  The decrease in other operating expenses compared to the fiscal 2009 was primarily due to a reduction in an asset impairment charge of $9.9 million, and a severance charge of approximately $1.4 million related to the Company’s Texas operations, as well as the recording of a $0.8 million loss on a foreclosure sale of a shopping center owned by the La Quinta Partnership, partially offset by the recording of the Company’s share of a gain on a sale of the primary asset of the Reseda Partnership of approximately $0.2 million and consolidation of the partner’s gain of the Reseda Partnership of approximately $1.4 million during fiscal 2009.

The decreases in fiscal 2010 operating expenses compared to fiscal 2009 were partially offset by an increase of $4.6 million in stock-based compensation expense primarily related to performance stock unit expense, and lease termination and closing costs of approximately $1.2 million related to the closure of some Texas stores in fiscal 2010.  The remaining change of $0.3 million was made up of increases and decreases in other less significant items included in other operating expenses.

Depreciation and amortization. Depreciation and amortization decreased $6.9 million, or 20.0%, to $27.4 million in fiscal 2010 from $34.3 million in fiscal 2009. The decrease was primarily a result of closing 17 stores in Texas and one store in California and also due to the assets that became fully depreciated in existing stores compared to the amount of new depreciable assets added as a result of new store openings.   Depreciation as a percentage of net sales decreased to 2.0% from 2.6% of net sales for the reasons discussed above as well as due to sales improvements.


Operating income. Operating income was $93.4 million for fiscal 2010 compared to operating income of $12.9 million for fiscal 2009. Operating income as a percentage of net sales was 6.9% in fiscal 2010 compared to operating income as a percentage of net sales of 1.0% in fiscal 2009.  This was primarily due to the changes in gross margin and operating expenses discussed above.
Other income, net. Other income decreased $0.9 million to $0.1 million in fiscal 2010 compared to $1.0 million in fiscal 2009.  The decrease in other income was primarily due to lower interest income which decreased to $1.1 million for fiscal 2010 from $3.5 million for fiscal 2009, primarily due to lower interest rates.  The decrease in other income for fiscal 2010 was partially offset by a decrease of $0.9 million for an investment impairment charge related to the Company’s available for sale securities.  The Company recorded an investment impairment charge related to credit losses of approximately $0.8 million for fiscal 2010 compared to an investment impairment charge of $1.7 million for fiscal 2009 related to the Company’s available for sale securities.  The decrease was also offset by lower interest expense which was $0.2 million for fiscal 2010 compared to interest expense of $0.9 million for fiscal 2009.

Provision for income taxes. The income tax provision in fiscal 2010 was $33.1 million compared to $4.1 million in fiscal 2009, due to the increase in pre-tax income.annual interest expense associated with borrowings under the First Lien Term Facility and the issuance of Senior Notes, including the amortization of deferred financing costs associated with Senior Notes, the First Lien Term Facility and the ABL Facility and accretion of the original issue discount (“OID”) associated with the First Lien Term Facility. The deferred financing costs and OID is being recognized over the respective terms of the debt agreements using the effective interest method.

(ii)Historical interest expense has not been adjusted for interest income as amounts are not material and has not been adjusted for interest related to tax rate for fiscal 2010 was 35.4% compared to an effectivematters.

(e)To reflect the tax rateeffect of 29.3% for fiscal 2009.   In fiscal 2009, the Company wrote off approximately $1.4 million of Texas net operating loss credits due to the Company’s decision to exit the Texas market. The effectivepro forma adjustments, using a combined federal and state incomestatutory tax rates are less thanrate of approximately 40%, and excludes pro forma adjustments that result in no tax benefit, including non-deductible depreciation expenses and one-time historical expenses incurred in connection with the statutory rates in each period due to tax credits and the effect of certain revenues and/or expenses that are not subject to taxation.Merger.


Net income. As a result of the items discussed above, net income increased $52.0 million, or 612.7%, to $60.4 million in fiscal 2010 from $8.5 million in fiscal 2009. Net income as a percentage of net sales increased to 4.5% in fiscal 2010 from 0.7% in fiscal 2009.


Effects of Inflation

The Company

During fiscal 2013, inflation did not have a material impact on our overall operations. We experienced increases in health care costs, fuel costs and some vendor prices during the Predecessor and Successor periods of fiscal 2011.  During fiscal 2010, inflation had a minimal impact on the Company’s overall operations.2012.  Increases in various costs due to future inflation may impact the Company’sour operating results to the extent that such increases cannot be passed along to itsour customers.  See Item 1A, “Risk Factor – Factors—Risks Related to Our Business—Inflation may affect the Company’sour ability to keep pricing almost all of itsour merchandise at 99.99¢ or less.”


Liquidity and Capital Resources

The Company funds its

We historically funded our operations principally from cash provided by operations, short-term investments and cash on hand, and hasuntil the Merger, did not generally not reliedrely upon external sources of financing. The Company’sAfter the Merger, our capital requirements resultconsist primarily fromof purchases of inventory, expenditures related to new store openings, including purchases of land, and working capital requirements for new and existing stores.  The Company takes advantagestores, including lease obligations, and debt service requirements. Our primary sources of closeoutliquidity are the net cash flow from operations, which we believe will be sufficient to fund our regular operating needs and other special-situation opportunities, which frequently resultprincipal and interest payments on our indebtedness, together with availability under our ABL Facility for at least the next 12 months. We currently do not intend to use the availability under our ABL Facility to fund our capital needs in fiscal 2014; however, depending on the exact timing of budgeted capital expenditures, we may borrow under our ABL Facility for short-term capital requirements in future periods. We do not expect to fund basic working capital needs with our ABL Facility; as such, availability under our ABL Facility is not expected to affect our ability to make immediate buying decisions, willingness to take on large volume purchases or ability to pay cash or accept abbreviated credit terms.

As of March 30, 2013, we held $45.5 million in cash, and our total indebtedness was $758.3 million, consisting of borrowings under our First Lien Term Facility of $508.3 million and $250 million of our Senior Notes. We have an additional $175 million of available borrowings under our ABL Facility and, subject to certain limitations and the satisfaction of certain conditions, we are also permitted to incur up to an aggregate of $200 million of additional borrowings under incremental facilities in our ABL Facility and First Lien Term Facility.  As of March 30, 2013, availability under the ABL Facility is subject to the borrowing base of $134.0 million.  We also have, and will continue to have, significant lease obligations.  As of March 30, 2013, our minimum annual rental obligations under long-term operating leases for fiscal 2014 are $51.7 million. These obligations are significant and could affect our ability to pursue significant growth initiatives, such as strategic acquisitions, in the future. However, we expect to be able to service these obligations from our net cash flow from operations, and we do not expect these obligations to negatively affect our expansion plans for the foreseeable future, including our plans to increase our store count, planned upgrades to our information technology systems and other planned capital expenditures.

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Table of Contents

Credit Facilities and Senior Notes

On January 13, 2012, in connection with the Merger, we obtained Credit Facilities provided by a syndicate of lenders arranged by Royal Bank of Canada as administrative agent, as well as other agents and lenders that are parties to these Credit Facilities. The Credit Facilities include (a) $175 million in commitments under the ABL Facility, and (b) an aggregate principal amount under the First Lien Term Loan Facility amounting to $525 million.

First Lien Term Loan Facility

The First Lien Term Loan Facility provides for $525 million of borrowings (which may be increased by up to $150.0 million in certain circumstances).  At March 31, 2012, all obligations under the First Lien Term Loan Facility were guaranteed by Parent and each of our direct or indirect wholly owned subsidiaries, 99 Cents Only Stores Texas, Inc., a Delaware corporation, and 99 Cents Only Stores, a Nevada corporation (“99 Cents Only Stores (Nevada)”).  In September 2012, 99 Cents Only Stores (Nevada), our inactive wholly owned subsidiary, was dissolved.  As of March 30, 2013, all obligations under the First Lien Term Loan Facility are guaranteed by Parent and 99 Cents Only Stores Texas, Inc. (together, the “Credit Facilities Guarantors”).  In addition, the First Lien Term Loan Facility is secured by pledges of certain of our equity interests and the equity interests of the Credit Facilities Guarantors.

We are required to make scheduled quarterly payments each equal to 0.25% of the original principal amount of the term loan (approximately $1.3 million), with the balance due on the maturity date, January 13, 2019.  Borrowings under the First Lien Term Loan Facility bear interest at an annual rate equal to an applicable margin plus, at our option, (A) a Base Rate determined by reference to the highest of (a) the interest rate in effect determined by the administrative agent as “Prime Rate” (3.25% as of March 30, 2013), (b) the federal funds effective rate plus 0.50% and (c) an adjusted Eurocurrency rate for one month (determined by reference to the greater of the Eurocurrency rate for the interest period multiplied by the Statutory Reserve Rate or 1.50% per annum) plus 1.00%, or (B) an Adjusted Eurocurrency Rate.  The applicable margin used is 5.50% for Eurocurrency loans and 4.50% for base rate loans.

On April 4, 2012, we amended the terms of our existing seven-year $525 million First Lien Term Loan Facility, and incurred refinancing costs of $11.2 million.  The amendment, among other things, decreased the applicable margin from London Interbank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”) plus 5.50% (or base rate plus 4.50%) to LIBOR plus 4.00% (or base rate plus 3.00%) and decreased the LIBOR floor from 1.50% to 1.25%.  The maximum capital expenditures covenant in the First Lien Term Loan Facility was also amended to permit an additional $5 million in capital expenditures each year throughout the term of the First Lien Term Loan Facility.

We evaluated the proper accounting treatment for the amendment.  Specifically, we evaluated the position of each lender under both the original First Lien Term Loan Facility and the amended First Lien Term Loan Facility. We determined that a portion of the refinancing transaction was to be accounted for as debt extinguishment, representing the outstanding principal amount of loans held by lenders under the original First Lien Term Loan Facility that were not lenders under the amended First Lien Term Loan Facility.  In accordance with applicable guidance for debt modification and extinguishment, we recognized a $16.3 million loss on debt extinguishment related to a portion of the unamortized debt issuance costs, unamortized OID and refinancing costs incurred in connection with the amendment for the portion of the First Lien Term Loan Facility that was extinguished.

As of March 30, 2013, the interest rate charged on the First Lien Term Loan Facility was 5.25% (1.25% Eurocurrency rate, plus the Eurocurrency loan margin of 4.00%).  As of March 30, 2013, amount outstanding under the First Lien Term Loan Facility was $508.3 million.

Following the end of each fiscal year, we are required to prepay the First Lien Term Loan Facility in an amount equal to 50% of Excess Cash Flow (as defined in the First Lien Term Loan Facility agreement and with stepdowns to 25% and 0% based on achievement of specified total leverage ratios), minus the amount of certain voluntary prepayments of the First Lien Term Loan Facility and/or the ABL Facility during such fiscal year.  The required Excess Cash Flow payment for fiscal 2013 was $3.3 million and was made in July 2013.

The First Lien Term Loan Facility includes restrictions on our ability and the ability of the Parent and certain of our subsidiaries to, incur or guarantee additional indebtedness, pay dividends on, or redeem or repurchase, our capital stock, make certain acquisitions or investments, materially change our business, incur or permit to exist certain liens, enter into transactions with affiliates or sell our assets to, make capital expenditures or merge or consolidate with or into, another company.  As of March 30, 2013, we were in compliance with the terms of the First Lien Term Loan Facility.  In June 2013, we failed to comply with the covenant that required delivery of audited financial statements for the fiscal year ended March 30, 2013 within 90 days of the completion of fiscal 2013 as required under the First Lien Term Loan Facility.  On the date hereof and prior to the expiration of the applicable 30-day grace period under the First Lien Term Loan Facility, we delivered the required financial statements. As of the date hereof, we are in compliance with the applicable reporting obligations and other terms of the First Lien Term Loan Facility.

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Table of Contents

During the first quarter of fiscal 2013, we entered into an interest rate cap agreement.  The interest rate cap agreement limits our interest exposure on a notional value of $261.8 million to 3.00% plus an applicable margin of 4.00%.  The term of the interest rate cap is from May 29, 2012 to November 29, 2013.  We paid fees of $0.05 million to enter into the interest rate cap agreement.

During the first quarter of fiscal 2013, we entered into an interest rate swap agreement to limit the variability of cash flows associated with interest payments on our First Lien Term Loan Facility that result from fluctuations in the LIBOR rate.  The swap limits our interest exposure on a notional value of $261.8 million to 1.36% plus an applicable margin of 4.00%.  The term of the swap is from November 29, 2013 through May 31, 2016.  The fair value of the swap on the trade date was zero as we neither paid nor received any value to enter into the swap, which was entered into at market rates.  The fair value of the swap at March 30, 2013 was a liability of $2.6 million.

ABL Facility

The ABL Facility provides for up to $175.0 million of borrowings (which may be increased by up to $50.0 million in certain circumstances), subject to certain borrowing base limitations.  All obligations under the ABL Facility are guaranteed by us, Parent and our direct wholly owned subsidiary (together, the “ABL Guarantors”).   The ABL Facility is secured by substantially all of our assets and the assets of the ABL Guarantors.

Borrowings under the ABL Facility bear interest for an initial period until June 30, 2012 at an applicable margin plus, at our option, a fluctuating rate equal to (A) the highest of (a) the Federal Funds Rate plus 0.50%, (b) the interest rate in effect determined by the administrative agent as “Prime Rate”  (3.25% at the date of the Merger), and (c) Adjusted Eurocurrency Rate (determined to be the LIBOR rate multiplied by the Statutory Reserve Rate) for an Interest Period of one (1) month plus 1.00% or (B) the Adjusted Eurocurrency Rate.  The interest rate charged on borrowings under the ABL Facility from the date of the Merger until June 30, 2012 was 4.25% (the base rate (prime rate at 3.25%) plus the applicable margin of 1.00%).  Thereafter, borrowings under the ABL Facility will have variable pricing and will be based, at our option, on (a) LIBOR plus an applicable margin to be determined (1.75% as of March 30, 2013) or (b) the determined base rate (prime rate) plus an applicable margin to be determined (0.75% at March 30, 2013) in each case based on a pricing grid depending on average daily excess availability for the most recently ended quarter.

In addition to paying interest on outstanding principal under the Credit Facilities, we were required to pay a commitment fee to the lenders under the ABL Facility on unused commitments at a rate of 0.375% for the period from the date of the Merger until June 30, 2012.  Thereafter, the commitment fee will be adjusted at the beginning of each quarter based upon the average historical excess availability of the prior quarter (0.50% for the quarter ended March 30, 2013).  We must also pay customary letter of credit fees and agency fees.

As of March 30, 2013 and March 31, 2012, we had no outstanding borrowings under the ABL Facility, outstanding letters of credit were $1.0 million and availability under the ABL Facility, subject to the borrowing base was $134.0 million as of March 30, 2013.

The ABL Facility includes restrictions on our ability, and the ability of the Parent and certain of our subsidiaries to, incur or guarantee additional indebtedness, pay dividends on, or redeem or repurchase, our capital stock, make certain acquisitions or investments, materially change our business, incur or permit to exist certain liens, enter into transactions with affiliates or sell our assets to, make capital expenditures or merge or consolidate with or into, another company.  The ABL Facility was amended on April 4, 2012 to permit an additional $5 million in capital expenditures for each year during the term of the ABL Facility.  As of March 30, 2013, we were in compliance with the terms of the ABL Facility.  In June 2013, we failed to comply with the covenant that required delivery of audited financial statements for the fiscal year ended March 30, 2013 within 90 days of the completion of fiscal 2013 as required under the ABL Facility. On the date hereof and prior to the expiration of the applicable 30-day grace period under the ABL Facility, we delivered the required financial statements. As of the date hereof, we are in compliance with the applicable reporting obligations and other terms of the ABL Facility.

Senior Notes due 2019

On December 29, 2011, we issued $250 million aggregate principal amount of the “Senior Notes.  The Senior Notes are guaranteed by our direct wholly owned subsidiary, 99 Cents Only Stores Texas, Inc. (the “Senior Notes Guarantor”).

In connection with the issuance of the Senior Notes, we entered into a registration rights agreement that required us to conduct an exchange offer enabling holders to exchange the Senior Notes for registered notes with terms identical in all material respects to the terms of the Senior Notes, except the registered notes would be freely tradable.  The exchange offer closed on November 7, 2012.

Pursuant to the terms of the indenture governing the Senior Notes (the “Indenture”), we may redeem all or a part of the Senior Notes at certain redemption prices applicable based on the date of redemption.

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Table of Contents

The Senior Notes are (i) equal in right of payment with all of our and the Senior Notes Guarantor’s existing and future senior indebtedness; (ii) effectively junior to our and the Senior Notes Guarantor’s existing and future secured indebtedness, to the extent of the value of the interest of the holders of that secured indebtedness in the assets securing such indebtedness; (iii) unconditionally guaranteed on a senior unsecured unsubordinated basis by the Senior Notes Guarantor; and (iv) junior to the indebtedness or other liabilities of our subsidiaries that are not guarantors.  We are not required to make any mandatory redemptions or sinking fund payments, and may at any time or from time to time purchase notes in the open market.

The Indenture contains covenants that, among other things, limit our ability and the ability of certain of our subsidiaries to incur or guarantee additional indebtedness, create or incur certain liens, pay dividends or make other restricted payments, incur restrictions on the payment of dividends or other distributions from our restricted subsidiaries, make certain investments, transfer or sell assets, engage in transactions with affiliates, or merge or consolidate with other companies or transfer all or substantially all of our assets.

As of March 30, 2013, we were in compliance with the terms of the Indenture.

Former Executive Put Rights

Pursuant to the employment agreements between us and Messrs. Eric Schiffer, Jeff Gold and Howard Gold, in connection with their separation from the Company, for a period of one year following such separation, each executive has a right to require Parent to repurchase the shares of Class A and Class B Common Stock owned by executive (a “put right”) at the greater of (i) $1,000 per combined share of Class A and Class B Common Stock less the any distributions made with respect to such shares and (ii) the fair market value of such shares as of the date the executive exercises the put right.  The put right applies to the lesser of (i) 20,000 shares of each of Class A and Class B Common Stock and (ii) $12.5 million in value (unless Parent agrees to purchase a higher value).  If exercising the put right is prohibited (e.g., under the First Lien Credit facility, the ABL Facility and the indenture governing the senior notes), then the put right is extended up to three additional years until Parent is no longer prohibited from repurchasing the shares.  If, during the four years following termination, Parent is at no time able to make the required payments, the put right expires and is deemed unexercised.  For payout after the first year, the put right is only at the fair market value as of the date the exercising the put right.

On January 23, 2013, Eric Schiffer, Jeff Gold and Howard Gold separated from their positions as Chief Executive Officer, Chief Administrative Officer and Executive Vice President of Special Projects, respectively, of the Company and Parent, and as directors of the Company and Parent.  As such, for a consequence its cash requirements are not constant or predictable duringperiod of one year from January 23, 2013, each executive may exercise the yearput right as described above.  The fair value of these put rights was estimated using a binomial model to be $6.5 million as of March 30, 2013 and can be affectedhas been recorded as part of other accrued expenses.

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Table of Contents

Cash Flows

Operating Activities

 

 

Year Ended

 

For the Periods

 

Year Ended

 

 

 

March 30,
2013

 

January 15, 2012
to
March 31, 2012

 

 

April 3, 2011
to
January 14, 2012

 

April 2,
2011

 

 

 

(Successor)

 

(Successor)

 

 

(Predecessor)

 

(Predecessor)

 

 

 

(52 Weeks)

 

(11 Weeks)

 

 

(41 Weeks)

 

(53 Weeks)

 

 

 

(amounts in thousands)

 

Cash flows from operating activities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net (loss) income

 

$

(8,909

)

$

(5,293

)

 

$

49,748

 

$

74,308

 

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Depreciation

 

56,810

 

11,361

 

 

21,855

 

27,587

 

Amortization of deferred financing costs and accretion of OID

 

4,229

 

1,425

 

 

 

 

Amortization of intangible assets

 

1,767

 

374

 

 

14

 

18

 

Amortization of favorable/unfavorable leases, net

 

182

 

38

 

 

 

 

Loss on extinguishment of debt

 

16,346

 

 

 

 

 

Loss on disposal of fixed assets

 

895

 

130

 

 

8

 

101

 

Loss on interest rate hedge

 

592

 

 

 

 

 

Long-lived assets impairment

 

515

 

 

 

 

 

Investments impairment

 

 

 

 

357

 

129

 

Excess tax benefit from share-based payment arrangements

 

 

 

 

(5,401

)

(1,020

)

Deferred income taxes

 

(32,800

)

(1,411

)

 

(10,492

)

13,321

 

Stock-based compensation expense

 

18,387

 

137

 

 

2,745

 

2,887

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Changes in assets and liabilities associated with operating activities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Accounts receivable

 

1,321

 

(182

)

 

(1,162

)

952

 

Inventories

 

5,811

 

17,850

 

 

(42,538

)

(20,026

)

Deposits and other assets

 

(7,163

)

(210

)

 

(920

)

(6,222

)

Accounts payable

 

6,458

 

(8,761

)

 

5,533

 

844

 

Accrued expenses

 

1,700

 

8,025

 

 

15,599

 

2,749

 

Accrued workers’ compensation

 

474

 

(356

)

 

(3,050

)

(4,593

)

Income taxes

 

6,339

 

(1,736

)

 

10,769

 

(10,916

)

Deferred rent

 

4,025

 

714

 

 

1,191

 

(166

)

Other long-term liabilities

 

4,445

 

(70

)

 

 

(181

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net cash provided by operating activities

 

$

81,424

 

$

22,035

 

 

$

44,256

 

$

79,772

 

Cash provided by operating activities in fiscal 2013 was $81.4 million and consisted of (i) net loss of $8.9 million; (ii) net loss adjustments for depreciation and other non-cash items of $66.9 million; (iii) increase in working capital activities of $16.5 million; and (iv) increase in other activities of $6.9 million, primarily due to increase in deferred rent and other long-term liabilities and a decrease in other long-term assets.  Increase in working capital activities was primarily due to decreases in inventories and income taxes receivable, increases in account payable and accrued expenses, which were partially offset by an increase in other current assets.

Cash provided by operating activities from January 15, 2012 to March 31, 2012 (Successor) was $22.0 million and consisted of (i) net loss of $5.3 million; (ii) net loss adjustments for depreciation and other non-cash items of $12.1 million; (iii) increase in working capital activities of $15.2 million; and (iv) decrease in other activities of $0.2 million.  Increase in working capital activities was primarily due to decreases in inventories and deposits and other assets and an increase in accrued expenses, which were partially offset by a decrease in accounts payable.  Inventories decreased by approximately $17.9 million, primarily due to purchase of seasonal (primarily Easter) inventory.

Cash provided by operating activities from April 3, 2011 to January 14, 2012 (Predecessor) was $44.3 million and consisted of (i) net income of $49.7 million; (ii) net income adjustments for depreciation and other non-cash items of $9.1 million; (iii) decrease in working capital activities of $15.4 million; and (iv) increase in other activities of $0.7 million.  Decrease in working capital activities was primarily due to increases in inventories and a decrease workers’ compensation liability, which were partially offset by the timingincrease in accounts payable, accrued expenses and sizea decrease in income tax receivable.  Inventories increased by approximately $42.5 million, primarily due to purchase of itsseasonal (primarily Easter) items and opportunistic purchases.

Net cash

Cash provided by operating activities in fiscal 2011 2010, and 2009 was $79.8 million $74.9 million, and $62.9 million, respectively, consisting primarilyconsisted of $117.3 million, $89.9 million, and $47.9 million, respectively, of(i) net income adjustedof $74.3 million; (ii) net income adjustments for depreciation and other non-cash items. Net cash useditems of $43.0 million; (iii) a decrease in working capital activities of $37.2 million; and (iv) a decrease in other activities of $0.4 million.  Decrease in working capital activities was $37.2 million and $12.6 million in fiscal 2011 and 2010, respectively.  Net cash provided by working capital activities was $23.2 million in fiscal 2009.  Net cash used by working capital activities in fiscal 2011 primarily reflects thedue to increases in inventories, deposits and other assets, and income taxes receivable and a decrease in workers’ compensation liability, which were partially offset by the increase in accounts payable and a decrease in accounts receivable.  Net cash used by working capital activities in fiscal 2010 primarily reflects the increases in inventories and income taxes receivable, which were partially offset by the increases in accounts payable, accrued expenses and workers’ compensation liability.  Net cash provided by working capital activities in fiscal 2009 primarily reflects increases in accounts payable and other accrued expenses, partially offset by an increase in inventories.  In fiscal 2011, the Company’s inventoriesInventories increased by approximately $20.0 million, compared to fiscal 2010, primarily due to growth in the number of stores and increased in-stock levels at the stores.  In fiscal 2010, the Company’s inventories increased by $19.3 million compared to fiscal 2009, primarily due to the increase in sales and the Easter selling season.



Net cash used

Investing Activities

 

 

Year Ended

 

For the Periods

 

Year Ended

 

 

 

March 30,
2013

 

January 15, 2012
to
March 31, 2012

 

 

April 3, 2011
to
January 14, 2012

 

April 2,
2011

 

 

 

(Successor)

 

(Successor)

 

 

(Predecessor)

 

(Predecessor)

 

 

 

(52 Weeks)

 

(11 Weeks)

 

 

(41 Weeks)

 

(53 Weeks)

 

 

 

(amounts in thousands)

 

Cash flows from investing activities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Acquisition of 99¢ Only Stores

 

$

 

$

(1,477,563

)

 

$

 

$

 

Deposit — Merger consideration

 

 

177,322

 

 

(177,322

)

 

Purchases of property and equipment

 

(62,494

)

(13,170

)

 

(33,570

)

(61,121

)

Proceeds from sale of fixed assets

 

12,064

 

1,910

 

 

98

 

164

 

Purchases of investments

 

(1,996

)

(6,277

)

 

(52,623

)

(69,317

)

Proceeds from sale of investments

 

5,256

 

24,519

 

 

226,805

 

43,621

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net cash used in investing activities

 

$

(47,170

)

$

(1,293,259

)

 

$

(36,612

)

$

(86,653

)

Capital expenditures in investing activities during fiscal 2011, 2010, and 2009 was $86.7 million, $83.6 million, and $37.6 million, respectively. In fiscal 2011, 2010, and 2009 the Company used $61.1 million, $34.8 million, and $34.2 million, respectively, for2013 consisted of property acquisition,acquisitions, leasehold improvements, fixtures and equipment for new store openings, information technology projects and other capital projects.  In addition, during fiscal 2009, the Company paid $4.6 million for the purchaseprojects of assets related to its partnerships.  In fiscal 2011, 2010, and 2009, the Company received cash inflows of $43.6 million, $31.5 million, and $59.2 million, respectively, from the sale and maturity of available for sale securities, and paid $69.3 million, $81.1 million, and $60.7 million, respectively, for the$62.5 million. Property purchases of investments. The investing activities in fiscal 20112013 included the acquisition for $13.5 million of a 1.6 acre site with two adjacent buildings and fiscal 2010 also reflect the proceedsparking lots.  The site is in a high visibility commercial area of $0.2 million and $0.8 million, respectively,west Los Angeles, California that we plan to develop into one of our stores. Proceeds from the disposal and sale of fixed assets duringprimarily relate to sale-leaseback transactions and sale of held for sale warehouse.  In fiscal 2011.  The2013, we completed the liquidation of our investment portfolio.

Net cash used in investing activities from January 15, 2012 to March 31, 2012 (Successor) was $1,293.3 million, primarily as a result of the Merger that required cash payments of $1,477.6 million.  Capital expenditures from January 15, 2012 to March 31, 2012 (Successor) consisted of property acquisitions, leasehold improvements, fixtures and equipment for new store openings, information technology projects and other capital projects of $13.2 million.

Net cash used in investing activities from April 3, 2011 to January 14, 2012 (Predecessor) was $36.6 million. Capital expenditures from April 3, 2011 to January 14, 2012 (Predecessor) consisted of property acquisitions, leasehold improvements, fixtures and equipment for new store openings, information technology projects and other capital projects of $33.6 million.

Capital expenditures in fiscal 2011 consisted of property acquisitions, leasehold improvements, fixtures and equipment for new store openings, information technology projects and other capital projects of $61.1 million.

We estimate that total capital expenditures in fiscal year 2014 will be approximately $69 million and relate primarily to approximately $44 million for leasehold improvements, fixtures and equipment for new and existing stores, approximately $14 million for information technology projects and approximately $11 million for other capital projects.  We intend to fund our liquidity requirements in fiscal 2013 from net cash provided by operations, cash on hand, and the ABL Facility, if necessary.

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Table of Contents

Financing Activities

 

 

Year Ended

 

For the Periods

 

Year Ended

 

 

 

March 30,
2013

 

January 15, 2012
to
March 31, 2012

 

 

April 3, 2011
to
January 14, 2012

 

April 2,
 2011

 

 

 

(Successor)

 

(Successor)

 

 

(Predecessor)

 

(Predecessor)

 

 

 

(52 Weeks)

 

(11 Weeks)

 

 

(41 Weeks)

 

(53 Weeks)

 

 

 

(amounts in thousands)

 

Cash flows from financing activities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Proceeds from debt

 

$

 

$

774,500

 

 

$

 

$

 

Payments of debt

 

(5,237

)

(11,313

)

 

 

 

Payments of debt issuance costs

 

(11,230

)

(31,411

)

 

 

 

Payments of capital lease obligation

 

(77

)

(13

)

 

(56

)

(72

)

Proceeds from equity contribution

 

 

535,900

 

 

 

 

Repurchases of common stock related to issuance of Performance Stock Units

 

 

 

 

(1,744

)

(2,260

)

Proceeds from exercise of stock options

 

 

 

 

3,359

 

5,039

 

Excess tax benefit from share-based payment arrangements

 

 

 

 

5,401

 

1,020

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities

 

$

(16,544

)

$

1,267,663

 

 

$

6,960

 

$

3,727

 

Net cash used in financing activities in fiscal 2009 also reflect the proceeds2013 is comprised primarily of $2.2 million from the salepayment of the assetsdebt issuance costs and repayments of the Company’s partnerships as well as $0.5 million from the disposal of fixed assets.

debt.

Net cash provided by financing activities during fiscal 2011from January 15, 2012 to March 31, 2012 (Successor) was $3.7$1,267.7 million, which is composedconsisting primarily of proceeds from debt issuances and equity contributions, partially offset by payment of $5.0debt issuance costs and repayments of debt.

Net cash provided by financing activities from April 3, 2011 to January 14, 2012 (Predecessor) was $7.0 million, consisting primarily of proceeds from the exercise of stock options partially offset by payments of $2.3 million to satisfy employee tax obligations related to the issuance of performance stock units as part of the Company’sour Predecessor equity incentive plan.

Net cash provided by financing activities during fiscal 20102011 was $6.7$3.7 million, which is composedconsisting primarily of proceeds of $7.8 million from the exercise of stock options partially offset by payments of $2.7 million to satisfy employee tax obligations related to the issuance of performance stock units as part of the Company’sour Predecessor equity incentive plan.  The Company also paid approximately $0.3 million to acquire the remaining noncontrolling interest in a partnership during fiscal 2010.  Net cash used in financing activities during fiscal 2009 was $12.9 million, which consisted primarily of repurchases of the Company’s common stock.


The Company estimates that total capital expenditures in fiscal year 2012 will be approximately $64.8 million and relate principally to property acquisitions of approximately $29.1 million, $17.8 million for leasehold and fixtures and equipment for new store openings, $14.9 million for information technology projects and $3.0 million for other capital projects. The Company may also consider additional opportunistic real estate purchases primarily to reduce its rental expense. The Company intends to fund its liquidity requirements in fiscal 2012 from net cash provided by operations, short-term investments, and cash on hand.

In June 2008, based on the Company’s outlook, cash position, and stock price relative to potential value, the Company's Board of Directors authorized a share repurchase program for the purchase of up to $30 million of the Company's common stock. Under the authorization, the Company may purchase shares from time to time in the open market or in privately negotiated transactions in compliance with the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission.  However, the timing and amount of such purchases will be at the discretion of management, and will depend on market conditions and other considerations which may change.

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

As of March 28, 2009, the Company had repurchased a total of 1,660,296 shares of common stock at an average price of $7.76 per share, for a total of $12.9 million.  The Company has approximately $17.1 million that remains authorized and available to repurchase shares of Company’s common stock under this program. The Company had no share purchases during fiscal 2011.


The Company issues performance stock units as part of our equity incentive plan.  The number of shares issued on the date the performance stock units vest is net of the statutory withholding requirements that the Company pays in cash to the appropriate taxing authorities on behalf of the employees.  During fiscal 2011, the Company withheld approximately 146,000 shares to satisfy $2.3 million of employee tax obligations.  Although shares withheld are not issued, they are treated as common stock repurchases in the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements, as they reduce the number of shares that would have been issued upon vesting.

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

As of April 2, 2011, the Company30, 2013, we had no off-balance sheet arrangements.


Contractual Obligations

The following table summarizes the Company’sour consolidated contractual obligations (in thousands) as of April 2, 2011.March 30, 2013.

 

 

Payment due by period

 

 

 

Total

 

Less than 1 year

 

1-3 years

 

3-5 years

 

More than 5 years

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Debt obligations

 

$

768,451

 

$

8,567

 

$

10,474

 

$

10,474

 

$

738,936

 

Interest payments (a)

 

341,226

 

55,609

 

110,210

 

108,106

 

67,301

 

Capital lease obligations

 

354

 

83

 

185

 

86

 

 

Operating lease obligations

 

261,914

 

51,657

 

86,037

 

51,264

 

72,956

 

Purchase obligations (b)

 

6,440

 

5,971

 

469

 

 

 

Deferred compensation liability

 

1,153

 

 

 

 

1,153

 

Total

 

$

1,379,538

 

$

121,887

 

$

207,375

 

$

169,930

 

$

880,346

 


(a)Includes interest expense on fixed and variable debt. Variable debt interest expense based on amended First Lien Term Loan Facility Agreement; see Note 6, “Debt” to our Consolidated Financial Statements.

(b)Purchase obligations include legally binding agreements that primarily consist of construction contracts of new stores, and purchases and service commitment for logistics and store operations.  Amounts committed under open purchase orders for merchandise are not included if cancelable without penalty prior to a date that precedes the vendors’ scheduled shipment date.

47



Contractual obligations Total  Less than 1 year  1-3 years  3-5 years  More than 5 years 
                
Capital lease obligations $449  $75  $169  $196  $9 
Operating lease obligations  192,214   40,377   68,431   43,539   39,867 
Deferred compensation liability  4,924            4,924 
Total $197,587  $40,452  $68,600  $43,735  $44,800 

The Company does

Table of Contents

We do not have any liabilities related to uncertain tax positions as of April 2, 2011.March 30, 2013.  See Note 5, “Income Tax Provision” to our Consolidated Financial Statements.


Lease Commitments

The Company leases

We lease various facilities under operating leases (except for one location that is classified as a capital lease), which will expire at various dates through fiscal year 2031. Most of the lease agreements contain renewal options and/or provide for fixed rent escalations or increases based on the Consumer Price Index. Total minimum lease payments under each of these lease agreements, including scheduled increases, are charged to operations on a straight-line basis over the term of each respective lease. Most leases require the Companyus to pay property taxes, maintenance and insurance. Rental expenses charged to operations in fiscal 2013 were approximately $63.0 million.  Rental expense charged to operating expenses for the periods of January 15, 2012 to March 31, 2012 and April 3, 2011 to January 14, 2012 was $13.1 million and $44.0 million, respectively. Rental expenses charged to operations in fiscal 2011 2010, and 2009 were approximately $56.7 million, $60.7 million and $60.6 million, respectively.  The Companymillion.  We typically seeksseek leases with a five-year to ten-year term and with multiple five-year renewal options. See “Item 2. Properties”.Properties.”   The large majority of the Company’sour store leases were entered into with multiple renewal periods, which are typically five years and occasionally longer.


In April 2013, we entered into a 15-year lease for a cold warehouse facility located in Los Angeles, California.  The lease expires in December 2028 and total minimum lease payments under this lease agreement will be approximately $29 million.

Variable Interest Entities


At April 2, 2011March 30, 2013 and March 27, 2010, the Company no longer has31, 2012, we do not have any variable interest entities.


Seasonality and Quarterly Fluctuations

The Company has

We have historically experienced and expectsexpect to continue to experience some seasonal fluctuations in itsour net sales, operating income, and net income. The highest sales periods for the Companyus are the Christmas, Halloween and Easter seasons. A proportionately greater amount of the Company’sour net sales and operating and net income is generally realized during the quarter ended on or near December 31. The Company’sOur quarterly results of operations may also fluctuate significantly as a result of a variety of other factors, including the timing of certain holidays such as Easter, the timing of new store openings and the merchandise mix.

During fiscal 2013 there were two Easter selling seasons that occurred in early April 2012 and in late March 2013, compared to one Easter selling season in pro forma fiscal 2012. There will be no Easter selling season in fiscal 2014.

New Authoritative Pronouncements


Standards

Information regarding new authoritative pronouncementsstandards is contained in Note 1, “Basis of Presentation and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies” to theour Consolidated Financial Statements for the year ended April 2, 2011, which is incorporated herein by this reference.


The Company is

We are exposed to interest rate risk for its investmentsour debt borrowings.

Our primary interest rate exposure relates to outstanding amounts under our Credit Facilities.  As of March 30, 2013, we had variable rate borrowings of $508.3 million under our First Lien Term Facility and no borrowings under our ABL Facility.  The maximum commitment under our ABL Facility was $175 million on March 30, 2013.  The Credit Facilities provide interest rate options based on certain indices as described in marketable securities but management believesNote 6, “Debt” to our Consolidated Financial Statements.

During the riskfirst quarter of fiscal 2013, we entered into an interest rate swap agreement to limit the variability of cash flows associated with interest payments on the First Lien Term Loan Facility that result from fluctuations in the LIBOR rate.  The swap limits our interest exposure on a notional value of $261.8 million to 1.36% plus an applicable margin of 4.00%.  The term of the swap is not material. At April 2, 2011, the Company had $196.2 million in securities maturing at various datesfrom November 29, 2013 through May 2046, with approximately 94.3% maturing within one year.  At March 27, 2010, the Company had $170.4 million in securities maturing at various dates through May 2046, with approximately 91.3% maturing within one year.31, 2016.  The Company’s investments are comprised primarily of marketable investment grade government and municipal bonds, corporate bonds, auction rate securities, asset-backed securities, commercial paper, and money market funds.  Because the Company generally invests in securities with terms of one year or less, the Company generally holds investments until maturity, and therefore should not bear any interest risk due to early disposition.  The Company does not enter into any derivative or interest rate hedging transactions. The Company’s investment portfolio has certain perpetual preferred stocks with periodic recurring dividend payments that were less than 1.0% of the Company’s investment portfolio in fiscal 2011.  At April 2, 2011, the fair value of investments approximated the carrying value. Basedswap on the investments outstandingtrade date was zero as we neither paid nor received any value to enter into the swap, which was entered into at April 2, 2011, a 1% increase in interest rates would reducemarket rates.  As of March 30, 2013, the fair value of the Company’s total investment portfolio by approximately $0.2interest rate swap was a liability of $2.6 million.

In addition, during the first quarter of fiscal 2013, we entered into an interest rate cap agreement.  The interest rate cap agreement limits our interest exposure on a notional value of $261.8 million or 0.1%to 3.00% plus an applicable margin of 4.00%.  The Company has noterm of the interest rate cap is from May 29, 2012 to November 29, 2013.  We paid $0.05 million to enter into the interest rate cap agreement.

A change in interest rates on our variable rate debt impacts our pre-tax earnings and cash flows.  Based on our variable rate borrowing levels and interest rate derivatives outstanding, debtthe annualized effect of a 1% increase in applicable interest rates would have resulted in an increase of our pre-tax loss and a decrease in cash flows of approximately $2.5 million for the fiscal year ended March 30, 2013.

We liquidated all of our marketable investment securities during fiscal 2013 and do not have any investments as of April 2, 2011.


39
March 30, 2013.

49





INDEX TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULE


99¢ Only Stores





REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

The Board of Directors and Shareholders

of 99¢ Only Stores
City of Commerce, California

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheetssheet of the 99¢ Only Stores and consolidated entities (the “Company”)subsidiaries as of April 2, 2011 and March 27, 201030, 2013, and the related consolidated statements of comprehensive income (loss), shareholders’ equity and cash flows for the yearsyear ended April 2, 2011, March 27, 2010 and March 28, 2009. In connection with our audits of the financial statements, we have30, 2013. Our audit also auditedincluded the financial statement schedule listed in the accompanying index underIndex at Item 15(b). for the year ended March 30, 2013. These financial statements and schedule are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements and schedule based on our audit.

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

In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated financial position of the Company at March 30, 2013, and the consolidated results of its operations and its cash flows for the year ended March 30, 2013, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. Also, in our opinion, the related financial statement schedule, when considered in relation to the basic financial statements taken as a whole, presents fairly in all material respects the information set forth therein.

/s/ Ernst & Young LLP

Los Angeles, California

July 12, 2013

51



Table of Contents

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

Board of Directors and Shareholders

99¢ Only Stores

City of Commerce, California

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheet of the 99¢ Only Stores and consolidated entities (the “Company”) as of March 31, 2012 (Successor) and the related consolidated statements of income, shareholders’ equity, and cash flows for the periods January 15, 2012 to March 31, 2012 (Successor) and April 3, 2011 to January 14, 2012 (Predecessor) and for the year ended April 2, 2011 (Predecessor). In connection with our audits of the financial statements, we have also audited the financial statement schedule listed in the accompanying index under Item 15(b) for the periods referenced above. These financial statements and schedule are the responsibility of the Company’s management.  Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements and schedule based on our audits.


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


In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company at April 2, 2011 and March 27, 2010,31, 2012 (Successor) and the results of its operations and its cash flows for the yearsperiods January 15, 2012 to March 31, 2012 (Successor) and April 3, 2011 to January 14, 2012 (Predecessor) and for the year ended April 2, 2011 March 27, 2010 and March 28, 2009(Predecessor) in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.


Also, in our opinion, the financial statement schedule, when considered in relation to the basic consolidated financial statements taken as a whole, present fairly, in all material respects, the information set forth therein for the yearsperiods January 15, 2012 to March 31, 2012 (Successor) and April 3, 2011 to January 14, 2012 (Predecessor) and for the year ended April 2, 2011 March 27, 2010 and March 28, 2009.


We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of April 2, 2011, based on criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO) and our report dated May 26, 2011 expressed an unqualified opinion thereon.
(Predecessor).

/s/ BDO USA, LLP

Los Angeles, California

May 26, 2011

41

July 9, 2012

52




99¢ Only Stores

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(Amounts in thousands, except share data)


  
April 2, 
2011
  
March 27,
2010
 
ASSETS      
Current Assets:      
Cash $16,723  $19,877 
Short-term investments  184,929   155,657 
Accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $258 and $501 as of April 2, 2011 and March 27, 2010, respectively  1,655   2,607 
Income taxes receivable  15,901   4,985 
Deferred income taxes  30,049   36,419 
Inventories, net  191,535   171,198 
Other  11,213   4,978 
Total current assets  452,005   395,721 
Property and equipment, net  313,852   278,858 
Long-term deferred income taxes  24,608   34,483 
Long-term investments in marketable securities  11,232   14,774 
Assets held for sale  7,356   7,356 
Deposits and other assets  15,162   14,794 
Total assets $824,215  $745,986 
         
         
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY        
Current Liabilities:        
Accounts payable $45,163  $42,593 
Payroll and payroll-related  15,598   15,097 
Sales tax  6,544   5,635 
Other accrued expenses  18,881   21,398 
Workers’ compensation   42,430    47,023 
Current portion of capital lease obligation  75   70 
Total current liabilities  128,691   131,816 
Deferred rent  8,678   8,844 
Deferred compensation liability  4,924   4,274 
Capital lease obligation, net of current portion  373   449 
Other liabilities     181 
Total liabilities  142,666   145,564 
Commitments and contingencies (Note 6 and 7)        
Shareholders’ Equity:        
Preferred stock, no par value – authorized, 1,000,000 shares; no shares issued or outstanding      
Common stock, no par value – authorized, 200,000,000 shares; issued and outstanding, 70,327,068 shares at April 2, 2011 and 69,556,930 shares at March 27, 2010  253,039   246,353 
Retained earnings  428,836   354,528 
Other comprehensive loss  (326)  (459)
Total shareholders’ equity  681,549   600,422 
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity $824,215  $745,986 

 

 

March 30,
2013

 

March 31,
2012

 

 

 

(Successor)

 

(Successor)

 

ASSETS

 

 

 

 

 

Current Assets:

 

 

 

 

 

Cash

 

$

45,476

 

$

27,766

 

Short-term investments

 

 

3,631

 

Accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $84 and $280 as of March 30, 2013 and March 31, 2012, respectively

 

1,851

 

2,999

 

Income taxes receivable

 

3,969

 

6,868

 

Deferred income taxes

 

33,139

 

31,188

 

Inventories, net

 

201,601

 

200,978

 

Assets held for sale

 

2,106

 

6,849

 

Other

 

16,370

 

11,297

 

Total current assets

 

304,512

 

291,576

 

Property and equipment, net

 

476,051

 

476,525

 

Deferred financing costs, net

 

21,016

 

30,400

 

Intangible assets, net

 

471,359

 

477,434

 

Goodwill

 

479,745

 

479,508

 

Deposits and other assets

 

4,554

 

12,598

 

Total assets

 

$

1,757,237

 

$

1,768,041

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

 

 

 

 

 

Current Liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

Accounts payable

 

$

50,011

 

$

41,407

 

Payroll and payroll-related

 

17,096

 

15,580

 

Sales tax

 

7,200

 

6,128

 

Other accrued expenses

 

29,695

 

30,569

 

Workers’ compensation

 

39,498

 

39,024

 

Current portion of long-term debt

 

8,567

 

5,250

 

Current portion of capital lease obligation

 

83

 

77

 

Total current liabilities

 

152,150

 

138,035

 

Long-term debt, net of current portion

 

749,758

 

758,351

 

Unfavorable lease commitments, net

 

14,833

 

18,959

 

Deferred rent

 

4,823

 

798

 

Deferred compensation liability

 

1,153

 

5,136

 

Capital lease obligation, net of current portion

 

271

 

354

 

Long-term deferred income taxes

 

186,851

 

214,874

 

Other liabilities

 

8,428

 

767

 

Total liabilities

 

1,118,267

 

1,137,274

 

Commitments and contingencies (Notes 9 and 10)

 

 

 

 

 

Shareholders’ Equity:

 

 

 

 

 

Preferred stock, no par value — authorized, 1,000 shares; no shares issued or outstanding

 

 

 

Common stock $0.01 par value — Class A authorized, 1,000 shares; issued and outstanding, 100 shares and Class B authorized, 1,000 shares; issued and outstanding, 100 shares at March 30, 2013 and March 31, 2012, respectively

 

 

 

Additional paid-in capital

 

654,424

 

636,037

 

Accumulated deficit

 

(14,202

)

(5,293

)

Other comprehensive (loss) income

 

(1,252

)

23

 

Total shareholders’ equity

 

638,970

 

630,767

 

Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity

 

$

1,757,237

 

$

1,768,041

 

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



99¢ Only Stores

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

(LOSS)

(Amounts in thousands, except per share data)


  Years Ended 
  
April 2,
2011
  
March 27,
2010
  
March 28,
2009
 
  (53 Weeks)  (52 Weeks)  (52 Weeks) 
Net Sales:         
99¢ Only Stores $1,380,357  $1,314,214  $1,262,119 
Bargain Wholesale  43,521   40,956   40,817 
Total sales  1,423,878   1,355,170   1,302,936 
Cost of sales (excluding depreciation and amortization expense shown separately below)  842,756   797,748   791,121 
Gross profit  581,122   557,422   511,815 
Selling, general and administrative expenses:            
Operating expenses (includes asset impairment of $0, $431 and $10,355 for the years ended April 2, 2011, March 27, 2010 and March 28, 2009)  436,034   436,608   464,635 
Depreciation and amortization  27,605   27,398   34,266 
Total selling, general and administrative expenses  463,639   464,006   498,901 
Operating income  117,483   93,416   12,914 
Other (income) expense:            
Interest income  (865)  (1,117)  (3,508)
Interest expense  77   174   937 
Other-than-temporary investment impairment due to credit loss  129   843    
Other  (82)  (35)  1,578 
Total other (income), net  ( 741)  ( 135)  ( 993)
Income before provision for income taxes and income attributed to noncontrolling interest  118,224   93,551   13,907 
Provision for income taxes  43,916   33,104   4,069 
Net income including noncontrolling interest  74,308   60,447   9,838 
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest        (1,357)
Net income attributable to 99¢ Only Stores $74,308  $60,447  $8,481 
             
Earnings per common share attributable to 99¢ Only Stores:            
Basic $1.06  $0.88  $0.12 
Diluted $1.05  $0.87  $0.12 
             
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding:            
Basic  69,963   68,641   69,987 
Diluted  70,995   69,309   70,037 

thousands)

 

 

Year Ended

 

For the Periods

 

Year Ended

 

 

 

 

 

January 15, 2012

 

 

April 3, 2011

 

 

 

 

 

March 30,
2013

 

to
March 31, 2012

 

 

to
January 14, 2012

 

April 2,
2011

 

 

 

(Successor)

 

(Successor)

 

 

(Predecessor)

 

(Predecessor)

 

 

 

(52 Weeks)

 

(11 Weeks)

 

 

(41 Weeks)

 

(53 Weeks)

 

Net Sales:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

99¢ Only Stores

 

$

1,620,683

 

$

329,361

 

 

$

1,158,733

 

$

1,380,357

 

Bargain Wholesale

 

47,968

 

9,555

 

 

34,047

 

43,521

 

Total sales Total sales

 

1,668,651

 

338,916

 

 

1,192,780

 

1,423,878

 

Cost of sales (excluding depreciation and amortization expense shown separately below)

 

1,028,295

 

203,775

 

 

711,002

 

842,756

 

Gross profit

 

640,356

 

135,141

 

 

481,778

 

581,122

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Selling, general and administrative expenses:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Operating expenses (includes asset impairment of $515 for the year ended March 30, 2013)

 

523,495

 

110,477

 

 

376,122

 

436,034

 

Depreciation

 

56,810

 

11,361

 

 

21,855

 

27,587

 

Amortization of intangible assets

 

1,767

 

374

 

 

14

 

18

 

Total selling, general and administrative expenses

 

582,072

 

122,212

 

 

397,991

 

463,639

 

Operating income

 

58,284

 

12,929

 

 

83,787

 

117,483

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other (income) expense:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest income

 

(342

)

(29

)

 

(291

)

(865

)

Interest expense

 

60,898

 

16,223

 

 

381

 

77

 

Other-than-temporary investment impairment due to credit loss

 

 

 

 

357

 

129

 

Loss on extinguishment of debt

 

16,346

 

 

 

 

 

Other

 

380

 

(75

)

 

(107

)

(82

)

Total other expense (income), net

 

77,282

 

16,119

 

 

340

 

(741

)

(Loss) income before provision for income taxes

 

(18,998

)

(3,190

)

 

83,447

 

118,224

 

(Benefit) provision for income taxes

 

(10,089

)

2,103

 

 

33,699

 

43,916

 

Net (loss) income

 

(8,909

)

(5,293

)

 

49,748

 

74,308

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Unrealized holding gains on securities arising during period

 

4

 

68

 

 

46

 

105

 

Unrealized losses on interest rate cash flow hedge

 

(1,252

)

 

 

 

 

Less: reclassification adjustment included in net income

 

(27

)

(45

)

 

150

 

28

 

Other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax

 

(1,275

)

23

 

 

196

 

133

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Comprehensive (loss) income

 

$

(10,184

)

$

(5,270

)

 

$

49,944

 

$

74,441

 

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



99¢ Only Stores

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

YEARS ENDED APRIL 2, 2011, MARCH 27, 2010 and MARCH 28, 2009

(Amounts in thousands)


  Common Stock  Accumulated Other Comprehensive  Retained  Shareholders’ 
  Shares  Amount  Income (Loss)  Earnings  Equity 
BALANCE, March 29, 2008  70,060  $228,673  $(660) $298,478  $526,491 
Net income           8,481   8,481 
Net unrealized investment losses        (1,431)     (1,431)
Total comprehensive income (loss)        (1,431)  8,481   7,050 
Tax deficiency from exercise of stock options     (10)         (10)
Proceeds from exercise of stock options  7   68         68 
Stock-based compensation expense     3,136         3,136 
Repurchase of common stock  (1,660)        (12,878)  (12,878)
BALANCE, March 28, 2009  68,407   231,867   (2,091)  294,081   523,857 
Net income           60,447   60,447 
Net unrealized investment gains        1,632      1,632 
Total comprehensive income        1,632   60,447   62,079 
Tax benefit from exercise of stock options and Performance Stock Units      1,885          1,885 
Exercise of stock options and issuance of Performance Stock Units, net   1,149   5,123         5,123 
Stock-based compensation expense     7,739         7,739 
Acquisition of noncontrolling interest of a partnership     (261)        (261)
BALANCE, March 27, 2010  69,556   246,353   (459)  354,528   600,422 
Net income           74,308   74,308 
Net unrealized investment gains        133      133 
Total comprehensive income        133   74,308   74,441 
Tax benefit from exercise of stock options and Performance Stock Units      1,020          1,020 
Exercise of stock options and issuance of Performance Stock Units, net   771   2,779         2,779 
Stock-based compensation expense     2,887         2,887 
BALANCE, April 2, 2011  70,327  $253,039  $(326) $428,836  $681,549 


 

 

Common Stock

 

Additional
Paid-In

 

Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive

 

Retained
Earnings
(Accumulated

 

Shareholders’

 

 

 

Shares

 

Amount

 

Capital

 

Income (Loss)

 

Deficit)

 

Equity

 

(Predecessor)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

BALANCE, March 27, 2010

 

69,556

 

$

246,353

 

$

 

$

(459

)

$

354,528

 

$

600,422

 

Net income

 

 

 

 

 

74,308

 

74,308

 

Net unrealized investment gains

 

 

 

 

133

 

 

133

 

Tax benefit from exercise of stock options and Performance Stock Units

 

 

1,020

 

 

 

 

1,020

 

Exercise of stock options and issuance of Performance Stock Units, net

 

771

 

2,779

 

 

 

 

2,779

 

Stock-based compensation expense

 

 

2,887

 

 

 

 

2,887

 

BALANCE, April 2, 2011

 

70,327

 

253,039

 

 

(326

)

428,836

 

681,549

 

Net income

 

 

 

 

 

49,748

 

49,748

 

Net unrealized investment gains

 

 

 

 

196

 

 

196

 

Tax benefit from exercise of stock options and Performance Stock Units

 

 

5,401

 

 

 

 

5,401

 

Exercise of stock options and issuance of Performance Stock Units, net

 

404

 

1,615

 

 

 

 

1,615

 

Stock-based compensation expense

 

 

2,745

 

 

 

 

2,745

 

BALANCE, January 14, 2012

 

70,731

 

$

262,800

 

$

 

$

(130

)

$

478,584

 

$

741,254

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(Successor)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Issuance of common stock — Class A and B

 

 

$

 

$

635,900

 

$

 

$

 

$

635,900

 

Net loss

 

 

 

 

 

(5,293

)

(5,293

)

Net unrealized investment gains

 

 

 

 

23

 

 

23

 

Stock-based compensation expense

 

 

 

137

 

 

 

137

 

BALANCE, March 31, 2012

 

 

 

636,037

 

23

 

(5,293

)

630,767

 

Net loss

 

 

 

 

 

(8,909

)

(8,909

)

Net unrealized investment losses

 

 

 

 

(23

)

 

(23

)

Net unrealized losses on interest rate cash flow hedge

 

 

 

 

(1,252

)

 

(1,252

)

Stock-based compensation expense

 

 

 

18,387

 

 

 

18,387

 

BALANCE, March 30, 2013

 

 

$

 

$

654,424

 

$

(1,252

)

$

(14,202

)

$

638,970

 

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



99¢ Only Stores

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(Amounts in thousands)


  Years Ended 
  
April 2,
2011
  
March 27,
2010
  
March 28,
2009
 
  (53 Weeks)  (52 Weeks)  (52 Weeks) 
Cash flows from operating activities:         
Net income including noncontrolling interest $74,308  $60,447  $9,838 
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:            
Depreciation and amortization  27,605   27,400   34,266 
Loss on disposal of fixed assets  101   149   791 
Gain on sale of partnership assets        (706)
Long-lived assets impairment     431   10,355 
Investments impairment  129   843   1,677 
Excess tax deficiency (benefit) from share-based payment arrangements  (1,020)  (1,885)  10 
Deferred income taxes  13,321   (5,190)  (11,419)
Stock-based compensation expense  2,887   7,739   3,136 
             
Changes in assets and liabilities associated with operating activities:            
Accounts receivable  952   (117)  (346)
Inventories  (20,026)  (19,270)  (11,617)
Deposits and other assets  (6,222)  272   (435)
Accounts payable  844   5,482   10,619 
Accrued expenses  2,749   3,368   11,678 
Accrued workers’ compensation  (4,593)  2,659   1,550 
Income taxes  (10,916)  (3,824)  1,551 
Deferred rent  (166)  (1,474)  (345)
Other long-term liabilities  (181)  (2,158)  2,339 
Net cash provided by operating activities  79,772   74,872   62,942 
             
Cash flows from investing activities:            
Purchases of property and equipment  (61,121)  (34,842)  (34,222)
Proceeds from sale of fixed assets  164   806   508 
Purchases of investments  (69,317)  (81,104)  (60,739)
Proceeds from sale of investments  43,621   31,547   59,205 
Proceeds from sale of partnership assets        2,218 
Acquisition of partnership assets        (4,565)
Net cash used in investing activities  (86,653)  (83,593)  (37,595)
             
Cash flows from financing activities:            
Repurchases of common stock   —    —   (12,878)
Repurchases of common stock related to issuance of Performance Stock Units  (2,260)  (2,667)    — 
Acquisition of noncontrolling interest of a partnership   —   (275)    — 
Payments of capital lease obligation  (72)  (65)  (59)
Proceeds from exercise of stock options  5,039   7,790   68 
Excess tax benefit (deficiency) from share-based payment arrangements  1,020   1,885   (10)
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities  3,727   6,668   (12,879)
Net (decrease) increase in cash  (3,154)  (2,053)  12,468 
Cash - beginning of period  19,877   21,930   9,462 
Cash - end of period $16,723  $19,877  $21,930 


 

 

Year Ended

 

For the Periods

 

Year Ended

 

 

 

 

 

January 15, 2012

 

 

April 3, 2011

 

 

 

 

 

March 30,
2013

 

to
March 31, 2012

 

 

to
January 14, 2012

 

April 2,
2011

 

 

 

(Successor)

 

(Successor)

 

 

(Predecessor)

 

(Predecessor)

 

 

 

(52 Weeks)

 

(11 Weeks)

 

 

(41 Weeks)

 

(53 Weeks)

 

Cash flows from operating activities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net (loss) income

 

$

(8,909

)

$

(5,293

)

 

$

49,748

 

$

74,308

 

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Depreciation

 

56,810

 

11,361

 

 

21,855

 

27,587

 

Amortization of deferred financing costs and accretion of OID

 

4,229

 

1,425

 

 

 

 

Amortization of intangible assets

 

1,767

 

374

 

 

14

 

18

 

Amortization of favorable/unfavorable leases, net

 

182

 

38

 

 

 

 

Loss on extinguishment of debt

 

16,346

 

 

 

 

 

Loss on disposal of fixed assets

 

895

 

130

 

 

8

 

101

 

Loss on interest rate hedge

 

592

 

 

 

 

 

Long-lived assets impairment

 

515

 

 

 

 

 

Investments impairment

 

 

 

 

357

 

129

 

Excess tax benefit from share-based payment arrangements

 

 

 

 

(5,401

)

(1,020

)

Deferred income taxes

 

(32,800

)

(1,411

)

 

(10,492

)

13,321

 

Stock-based compensation expense

 

18,387

 

137

 

 

2,745

 

2,887

 

Changes in assets and liabilities associated with operating activities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Accounts receivable

 

1,321

 

(182

)

 

(1,162

)

952

 

Inventories

 

5,811

 

17,850

 

 

(42,538

)

(20,026

)

Deposits and other assets

 

(7,163

)

(210

)

 

(920

)

(6,222

)

Accounts payable

 

6,458

 

(8,761

)

 

5,533

 

844

 

Accrued expenses

 

1,700

 

8,025

 

 

15,599

 

2,749

 

Accrued workers’ compensation

 

474

 

(356

)

 

(3,050

)

(4,593

)

Income taxes

 

6,339

 

(1,736

)

 

10,769

 

(10,916

)

Deferred rent

 

4,025

 

714

 

 

1,191

 

(166

)

Other long-term liabilities

 

4,445

 

(70

)

 

 

(181

)

Net cash provided by operating activities

 

81,424

 

22,035

 

 

44,256

 

79,772

 

Cash flows from investing activities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Acquisition of 99¢ Only Stores

 

 

(1,477,563

)

 

 

 

Deposit — Merger consideration

 

 

177,322

 

 

(177,322

)

 

Purchases of property and equipment

 

(62,494

)

(13,170

)

 

(33,570

)

(61,121

)

Proceeds from sale of fixed assets

 

12,064

 

1,910

 

 

98

 

164

 

Purchases of investments

 

(1,996

)

(6,277

)

 

(52,623

)

(69,317

)

Proceeds from sale of investments

 

5,256

 

24,519

 

 

226,805

 

43,621

 

Net cash used in investing activities

 

(47,170

)

(1,293,259

)

 

(36,612

)

(86,653

)

Cash flows from financing activities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Proceeds from debt

 

 

774,500

 

 

 

 

Payments of debt

 

(5,237

)

(11,313

)

 

 

 

Payments of debt issuance costs

 

(11,230

)

(31,411

)

 

 

 

Payments of capital lease obligation

 

(77

)

(13

)

 

(56

)

(72

)

Proceeds from equity contribution

 

 

535,900

 

 

 

 

Repurchases of common stock related to issuance of Performance Stock Units

 

 

 

 

(1,744

)

(2,260

)

Proceeds from exercise of stock options

 

 

 

 

3,359

 

5,039

 

Excess tax benefit from share-based payment arrangements

 

 

 

 

5,401

 

1,020

 

Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities

 

(16,544

)

1,267,663

 

 

6,960

 

3,727

 

Net increase (decrease) in cash

 

17,710

 

(3,561

)

 

14,604

 

(3,154

)

Cash - beginning of period

 

27,766

 

31,327

 

 

16,723

 

19,877

 

Cash - end of period

 

$

45,476

 

$

27,766

 

 

$

31,327

 

$

16,723

 

Supplemental cash flow information:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income taxes paid

 

$

16,372

 

$

5,250

 

 

$

22,059

 

$

37,657

 

Interest paid

 

$

54,074

 

$

7,372

 

 

$

287

 

$

39

 

Non-cash investing activities for purchases of property and equipment

 

$

(2,146

)

$

(958

)

 

$

(431

)

$

1,726

 

Non-cash equity contribution from Rollover Investors

 

$

 

$

100,000

 

 

$

 

$

 

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


99¢ Only Stores

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

For the Year Ended March 30, 2013 (Successor), Periods January 15, 2012 to March 31, 2012 (Successor), April 3, 2011 to January 14, 2012 (Predecessor) and Fiscal YearsYear Ended April 2, 2011 March 27, 2010(Predecessor)

1.Basis of Presentation and March 28, 2009


1.Basis of Presentation and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Nature of Business

On January 13, 2012, pursuant to the Agreement and Plan of Merger (“the Merger”), dated as of October 11, 2011 (the “Merger Agreement”), by and among 99¢ Only Stores (“the Company”), Number Holdings, Inc., a Delaware corporation (“Parent”), and Number Merger Sub, Inc. (“Merger Sub”) a subsidiary of Parent, the Merger was consummated.  Merger Sub merged with and into 99¢ Only Stores, with 99¢ Only Stores being the surviving corporation.  As a result of the Merger, the Company became a subsidiary of Parent.  Parent is controlled by affiliates of Ares Management LLC, Canada Pension Plan Investment Board (“CPPIB”) (together, the “Sponsors”) and the Rollover Investors (as defined below).

Pursuant to the terms of the Merger Agreement, at the effective time of the Merger, each outstanding share of the Company’s common stock, no par value (“Company common stock”), was converted into the right to receive $22.00 in cash, without interest and less any applicable withholding taxes (the “Merger Consideration”), excluding (1) shares held by any shareholders who were entitled to and who have properly exercised dissenters’ rights under California law, and (2) shares held by Parent, Merger Sub or any other wholly-owned subsidiary of Parent, which included the shares contributed to Parent prior to the completion of the Merger by Eric Schiffer, the Company’s former Chief Executive Officer, Jeff Gold, the Company’s former President and Chief Operating Officer, Howard Gold, the Company’s former Executive Vice President, Karen Schiffer and The Gold Revocable Trust dated October 26, 2005 (collectively, the “Rollover Investors”).  In addition, each outstanding stock option was cancelled and converted into the right to receive an amount in cash equal to the excess, if any, of the Merger Consideration over the exercise price for each share subject to the applicable option. Each restricted stock unit (“RSU”) was cancelled and converted into the right to receive an amount in cash equal to the number of unforfeited shares of Company common stock then subject to the RSU multiplied by the Merger Consideration. Each performance stock unit (“PSU”) was cancelled and converted into the right to receive an amount in cash equal to the number of unforfeited shares of Company common stock then subject to the PSU multiplied by the Merger Consideration.

At the effective time of the Merger, each share of Company common stock was converted into the right to receive the Merger Consideration.  As a result of the Merger, the Company’s common stock was delisted from the New York Stock Exchange and the Company ceased to be a publicly held and traded corporation. See Note 2, “The Merger.”

The Company is incorporated in the State of California.  The Company is an extreme value retailer of primarily consumable and general merchandise with an emphasis on name-brand products. As of April 2, 2011,March 30, 2013, the Company operated 285316 retail stores with 211232 in California, 3539 in Texas, 2729 in Arizona, and 1216 in Nevada. The Company is also a wholesale distributor of various consumer products.


Principles of Consolidation

The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its subsidiaries and variable interest entities required to be consolidated in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”). Intercompany accounts and transactions between the consolidated companies have been eliminated in consolidation.


Fiscal Periods


The Company follows a fiscal calendar consisting of four quarters with 91 days, each ending on the Saturday closest to the calendar quarter-end, and a 52-week fiscal year with 364 days, with a 53-week year every five to six years.  Unless otherwise stated, references to years in this report relate to fiscal years rather than calendar years. On January 13, 2012, the Company completed the Merger.  The accompanying audited consolidated financial statements are presented for the “Predecessor” and “Successor” relating to the periods preceding and succeeding the Merger, respectively.  The Company’s fiscal year 2013 (“fiscal 2013”) (Successor) began on April 1, 2012 and ended on March 30, 2013, consisting of 52 weeks.  The Successor period from January 15, 2012 to March 31, 2012 consisted of 11 weeks and the Predecessor period from April 3, 2011 to January 14, 2012 consisted of 41 weeks, for a total of 52 weeks.  The Company’s fiscal year 2011 (“fiscal 2011”) which(Predecessor) began on March 28, 2010 and ended on April 2, 2011, consistedconsisting of 53 weeks with one additional week included in the fourth quarter.  The Company’s fiscal year 2010 (“fiscal 2010”) began on March 29, 2009 and ended March 27, 2010, consisted

57




Contents

Use of Estimates

The preparation of the consolidated financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions. These estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.


Immaterial Error Correction

The Company is in the process of upgrading its systems for accounting for merchandise inventories.  Among other things, the Company is preparing to implement an SAP system that will enable the Company, for the first time, to track inventory at each of its retail stores on a perpetual basis by stock keeping unit (or SKU). The SAP implementation process will begin in fiscal 2014, with all stores expected to be included by the end of fiscal 2015.  In anticipation of the implementation of this system, during the second half of fiscal 2013 the Company performed physical counts and established inventory cost and retail by SKU at 81 of its more than 300 retail stores. In prior periods, the Company had originally determined the value of store level inventory by performing physical counts for each price point category and then converted those retail values to cost basis by applying a year-to-date cost percentage per store. For the 81 stores where the counts were taken by SKU, the Company determined total retail values by merchandise category and applied each category’s cost percentage to determine the value of the inventory.  As a result of this analysis, the Company determined that single average cost percentage by store was not consistent with the inventory on hand at the applicable balance sheet date based on the higher turnover of low margin product.  As of March 30, 2013 and for all prior periods since Merger, the Company revised the calculation to include a year-to-date cost percentage per merchandise category applied to the estimated retail value for all stores by merchandise category. The result of the foregoing evaluation indicated an overstatement in total inventory of $13.3 million at the Merger date, and represents an amount that has accumulated over prior periods.

Management evaluated the materiality of this error quantitatively and qualitatively, and concluded that it was not material, to any prior period annual and quarterly financial statements.  However, because the adjustment to correct the error in fiscal 2013, would have had a material effect on the fiscal 2013 financial statements, the correction was reflected retroactively within the March 31, 2012 balance sheet, and the purchase price allocation as of the Merger date, which resulted in a $8.0 million increase to goodwill, a $5.3 million increase to deferred tax assets, and a $13.3 million decrease to inventories.

The following table sets forth the effect this correction had on the Company’s prior period reported financial statements (in thousands):

 

 

March 31, 2012

 

 

 

As Reported

 

Adjustments

 

As Adjusted

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Deferred income taxes

 

$

25,843

 

$

5,345

 

$

31,188

 

Inventory

 

214,318

 

(13,340

)

200,978

 

Total current assets

 

299,571

 

(7,995

)

291,576

 

Goodwill

 

471,513

 

7,995

 

479,508

 

Total assets

 

$

1,768,041

 

$

 

$

1,768,041

 

The adjustments had no effect on the Company’s prior statements of cash flows or statements of comprehensive income (loss).  Certain amounts disclosed in Notes 1, 2, 5 and 17 have been revised to reflect the correction.

Reclassifications


Certain prior yearperiod amounts have been reclassified to conform to the current year presentation.

Cash

For purposes of reporting cash flows, cash includes cash on hand and at the stores and cash in financial institutions.  The majority of payments due from financial institutions for the settlement of debit card and credit card transactions process within three business days and therefore are classified as cash.  Cash balances held at financial institutions are generally in excess of federally insured limits.  The Company has not experienced any losses in such accounts. These accounts are only insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC)(“FDIC”) up to $250,000.  The Company’s cash balances held at financial institutions and exceeding FDIC insurance totaled $32.4$61.4 million and $29.3$42.6 million, respectively, as of April 2, 2011March 30, 2013 and March 27, 2010.31, 2012. The Company has not experienced any losses in such accounts. The Company places its temporary cash investments with what it believes to be high credit, quality financial institutions and limits the amount of credit exposure to any one financial institution.


46
institutions.

58




Allowance for Doubtful Accounts


In connection with its wholesale business, the Company evaluates the collectability of accounts receivable based on a combination of factors.  In cases where the Company is aware of circumstances that may impair a specific customer’s ability to meet its financial obligations subsequent to the original sale, the Company will record an allowance against amounts due and thereby reduce the net recognized receivable to the amount the Company reasonably believes will be collected.  For all other customers and tenants, the Company recognizes allowances for doubtful accounts based on the length of time the receivables are past due, industry and geographic concentrations, the current business environment and the Company’s historical experiences.


Investments

The Company’s investments in debt and equity securities are classified as available for saleavailable-for-sale and are comprised primarily of marketable investment grade governmentmoney market funds and municipal bonds, corporate bonds and equity securities, auction rate securities, asset-backed securities, commercial paper and money market funds.  The Company has included its auction rate securities in non-current assets on the Company’s consolidated balance sheets as of April 2, 2011 and March 27, 2010.securities.  See Note 3,4, “Investments.”


Investment securities are recorded as required by Accounting Standard Codification (“ASC”) 320, “Investments-Debt and Equity Securities” (“ASC 320”).   These investments are carried at fair value, based on quoted market prices or other readily available market information. Investments are adjusted for the amortization of premiums or discounts to maturity and such amortization is included in interest income. Unrealized gains and losses, net of taxes, are included in accumulated other comprehensive income, which is reflected as a separate component of shareholders’ equity in the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheets. Gains and losses are recognized when realized in the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Income.Comprehensive Income (Loss). When it is determined that an other-than-temporary decline in fair value has occurred, the amount of the decline that is related to a credit loss is recognized in earnings.

Inventories

Inventories are valued at the lower of cost (firstor market. Inventory cost is established using a methodology that approximates first in, first out) or market.out, which for store inventories is based on a retail inventory method. Valuation allowances for shrinkage as well as excess and obsolete and excess inventory are also recorded. Shrinkage is estimated as a percentage of sales for the period from the last physical inventory date to the end of the applicable period. Such estimates are based on experience and the most recent physical inventory results. Physical inventories are taken at each of the Company’s retail stores at least once a year by an independent inventory service company. Additional store levelstore-level physical inventories are taken by the service companycompanies from time to time based on a particular store’s performance and/or book inventory balance.  The Company also performs inventory reviews and analysis on a quarterly basis for both warehouse and store inventory to determine inventory valuation allowances for excess and obsolete inventory.  The Company’s policy is to analyze all items held in inventory that wouldare at least twelve months old and that are not expected to be sold through at the current sales rates over a twenty-four month periodthe next twelve months in order to determine what merchandise should be reserved for as excess andor obsolete. The valuation allowances for obsoleteexcess and excessobsolete inventory in many locations (including various warehouses, store backrooms, and sales floors of all its stores), require management judgment and estimates that may impact the ending inventory valuation and valuation allowances that may affect the reported gross margin for the period.

The Company is in the process of upgrading its systems for accounting for merchandise inventories.  Among other things, the Company is preparing to implement an SAP system that will enable the Company, for the first time, to track inventory at each of its retail stores on a perpetual basis by SKU. The SAP implementation process will begin in fiscal 2014, with all stores expected to be included by the end of fiscal 2015.  In anticipation of the implementation of this system, during the second half of fiscal 2013 the Company performed physical counts and established inventory cost and retail by SKU at 81 of its more than 300 retail stores.  In prior periods, the Company had originally determined the value of store level inventory by performing physical counts for each price point category and then converted those retail values to cost basis by applying a year-to-date cost percentage per store.  For the 81 stores where the counts were taken by SKU, the Company determined total retail values by merchandise category and applied each category’s cost percentage to determine the value of the inventory.  As a result of this analysis, the Company determined that single average cost percentage by store was not consistent with the inventory on hand at the applicable balance sheet date based on the higher turnover of low margin product.  As of March 30, 2013 and for all prior periods since Merger, the Company revised the calculation to include a year-to-date cost percentage per merchandise category applied to the estimated retail value for all stores by merchandise category. The result of the foregoing evaluation indicated an overstatement in total inventory of $13.3 million at the Merger date, and represents an amount that has accumulated over prior periods.

Management evaluated the materiality of this error quantitatively and qualitatively, and has concluded that it was not material, to any prior period annual and quarterly financial statements.  However, because the adjustment to correct the error in fiscal 2013, would have had a material effect on the fiscal 2013 financial statements, the correction was reflected retroactively within the March 31, 2012 balance sheet, and the purchase price allocation as of the Merger date, which resulted in a $8.0 million increase to goodwill, a $5.3 million increase to deferred tax assets, and a $13.3 million decrease to inventories.

In the fourth quarter of fiscal 2013, the Company revised its inventory merchandising and liquidation philosophies to significantly reduce and liquidate slow moving inventories prospectively as directed by the current management team.  Based on these changes, the Company adjusted its excess and obsolescence reserve to include items that are at least twelve months old and that the Company does not expect to sell above cost within the next twelve months.  As a result of this change, the Company recorded a charge to cost of sales and corresponding reduction in inventory of approximately $9.1 million in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2013. This is a prospective change and did not have an effect on prior periods.

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In order to obtain inventory at attractive prices, thethe Company takes advantage of large volume purchases, closeouts and other similar purchase opportunities.opportunities but within the above stipulated policy.  As such, the Company’s inventory fluctuates from period to period and the inventory balances vary based on the timing and availability of such opportunities.  The Company’s inventory was $191.5 million for the fiscal year ended April 2, 2011, $171.2$201.6 million for the fiscal year ended March 27, 2010.


30, 2013 and $207.4 million for the period ended March 31, 2012.

At times, historically, the Company also makesmade large block purchases of inventory that it plansplanned to sell over a period of longer than twelve months.  There are no such inventories as of March 30, 2013. As of April 2, 2011 and March 27, 2010,31, 2012, the Company held inventory of specific products identified that itas expected to sell over a period that exceeds twelve months of approximately $4.5$6.4 million, and $4.8 million, respectively, which is included in deposits and other assets in the consolidated financial statements.



Property and Equipment

Property and equipment are carried at cost and are depreciated or amortized on a straight-line basis over the following useful lives:


Owned buildings and improvements

Lesser of 30 years or the estimated useful life of the improvement

Leasehold improvements

Lesser of the estimated useful life of the improvement or remaining lease term

Fixtures and equipment

5 years

Transportation equipment

3-5 years

Information technology systems

For major corporate systems, estimated useful life up to 7 years; for functional stand alone systems, estimated useful life up to 5 years


The Company’s policy is to capitalize expenditures that materially increase asset lives and expense ordinary repairs and maintenance as incurred.


Long-Lived Assets

In accordance with ASC 360 “Property, Plant and Equipment” (“ASC360”), the

The Company assesses the impairment of long-lived assets quarterly or when events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value may not be recoverable. Recoverability is measured by comparing the carrying amount of an asset to expected future net cash flows generated by the asset. If the carrying amount of an asset exceeds its estimated undiscounted future cash flows, the carrying amount is compared to its fair value and an impairment charge is recognized to the extent of the difference. Factors that the Company considers important whichthat could individually or in combination trigger an impairment review include the following: (1) significant underperformance relative to expected historical or projected future operating results; (2) significant changes in the manner of the Company’s use of the acquired assets or the strategy for the Company’s overall business; and (3) significant changes in the Company’s business strategies and/or negative industry or economic trends. On a quarterly basis, the Company assesses whether events or changes in circumstances occur that potentially indicate that the carrying value of long-lived assets may not be recoverable.recoverable (Level 3 measurement, see Note 8, “Fair Value of Financial Instruments”). Considerable management judgment is necessary to estimate projected future operating cash flows.  Accordingly, if actual results fall short of such estimates, significant future impairments could result.  During fiscal 2013, the Company wrote down the carrying value of land held for sale to the estimated net realizable value, net of expected disposal costs, and accordingly recorded an asset impairment charge of $0.5 million.  During the period from January 15, 2012 to March 31, 2012, the period from April 3, 2011 to January 14, 2012, and fiscal 2011, the Company did not record any long-lived asset impairment charges.  During fiscal 2010, due to the underperformance of one store in California, the Company concluded that the carrying value of its long-lived assets was not recoverable and accordingly recorded an asset impairment charge of $0.4 million.  During fiscal 2009, the Company recorded impairment charges of $10.4 million because it concluded that the carrying value of certain long-lived assets was not recoverable.  These charges primarily consisted of a leasehold improvement impairment charge of approximately $10.1 million relatedSee Note 12, “Texas Markets” to the Company’s Texas market plan and an impairment charge of approximately $0.2 million related to the underperformance of a store in California.  See Note 10 to Consolidated Financial Statements for further information regarding the charges related to the Company’s Texas operations.  The Company has not made any material changes to its long-lived asset impairment methodology during fiscal 2011.


Lease Acquisition Costs
2013.

Goodwill and Other Intangible assets

In connection with the Merger purchase price allocation, the fair values of long-lived and intangible assets were determined based upon assumptions related to the future cash flows, discount rates and asset lives utilizing then available information, and in some cases were obtained from independent professional valuation experts.  The Company followsamortizes intangible assets over their estimated useful lives unless such lives are deemed indefinite.

Goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets are not amortized but instead tested annually for impairment or more frequently when events or changes in circumstances indicate that the policyassets might be impaired. Goodwill is tested for impairment by comparing the carrying amount of capitalizing allowable expenditures that relatethe reporting unit to the acquisitionfair value of the reporting unit to which the goodwill is assigned.  The Company has the option of performing a qualitative assessment before calculating the fair value of the reporting unit (i.e., step one of

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the goodwill impairment test). If the Company does not perform a qualitative assessment, or determines, on the basis of qualitative factors, that the fair value of the reporting unit is more likely than not less than the carrying amount, the two-step impairment test would be required. The first step is to compare the fair value of the reporting unit with its carrying amount, including goodwill. If the fair value of the reporting unit exceeds its carrying amount, goodwill is considered not impaired; otherwise, goodwill is impaired and signingthe loss is measured by performing step two. Under step two, the impairment loss is measured by comparing the implied fair value of the reporting unit’s goodwill with the carrying amount of goodwill. Management has determined that the Company has two reporting units, the wholesale reporting unit and the retail reporting unit.  The amount of goodwill allocated to the wholesale reporting and the retail reporting unit was $12.5 million and $467.2 million, respectively, as of March 30, 2013.

The Company performs the annual test for impairment in the fourth quarter of the fiscal year and determines fair value based on a combination of the income approach and the market approach. The income approach is based on discounted cash flows to determine fair value. The market approach uses a selection of comparable companies and transactions in determining fair value. The fair value of the trade name is also tested for impairment in the fourth quarter by comparing the carrying value to the fair value. Fair value of a trade name is determined using a relief from royalty method under the income approach, which uses projected revenue allocable to the trade name and an assumed royalty rate.

During the fourth quarter of fiscal 2013, the Company completed step one of its retail store leases.goodwill impairment test for the two reporting units and determined that there was no impairment of goodwill since the fair value of the reporting units exceeded the carrying amount.  During the fourth quarter of fiscal 2013, the Company completed its annual indefinite-lived intangible asset impairment test and determined there was no impairment since the fair value of the trade name exceeded the carrying amount.

Amortizable intangible assets are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset or asset group may not be recoverable based on undiscounted cash flows, and, if impaired, written down to fair value based on either discounted cash flows or appraised values.  Significant judgment is required in determining whether a potential indicator of impairment of long-lived assets exists and in estimating future cash flows used in the impairment tests.

Derivatives

The Company accounts for derivative financial instruments in accordance with authoritative guidance for derivative instrument and hedging activities.  All financial instrument positions taken by the Company are intended to be used to manage risks associated with interest rate exposures.

The Company’s derivative financial instruments are recorded on the balance sheet at fair value, and are recorded in either current or noncurrent assets or liabilities based on their maturity.  Changes in the fair values of derivatives are recorded in net earnings or other comprehensive income (“OCI”), based on whether the instrument is designated and effective as a hedge transaction and, if so, the type of hedge transaction.  Gains or losses on derivative instruments reported in accumulated other comprehensive income are reclassified to earnings in the period the hedged item affects earnings.  Any ineffectiveness is recognized in earnings in the period incurred.

Purchase Accounting

The Company’s assets and liabilities have been recorded at their estimated fair values as of the date of the Merger.  The aggregate purchase price was allocated to the tangible and intangible assets acquired and liabilities assumed, based upon an assessment of their relative fair value as of the Merger date.  These costsestimates of fair values, the allocation of the purchase price and other factors related to the accounting for the Merger are amortized on a straight-line basis oversubject to significant judgments and the applicable lease term.


use of estimates.

Income Taxes

The Company utilizes the liability method of accounting for income taxes as set forth in ASC 740 “ Income Taxes” (“ASC 740”).taxes.  Under the liability method, deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized using enacted tax rates for the effect of temporary differences between the book and tax bases of recorded assets and liabilities.  ASC 740 also requires that deferredDeferred tax assets beare reduced by a valuation allowance if it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the net deferred tax assets will not be realized. The Company’s ability to realize deferred tax assets is assessed throughout the year and a valuation allowance is established accordingly.  On April 1, 2007, theThe Company adopted ASC 740-10, “Income Taxes – Overall” (“ASC740-10”) which requires the Company to recognize in the consolidated financial statementsrecognizes the impact of a tax position only if it is more likely than not to be sustained upon examination based on the technical merits of the position. The Company recognizes potential interest and penalties related to uncertain tax positions in income tax expense.   Refer to Note 5 “Income Tax Provision” for further discussion of income taxes and the impact of adopting ASC 740-10.



Earnings Per Share Attributed to 99¢ Only Stores
“Basic” earnings per share are computed by dividing net income by the weighted average number of shares outstanding for the year. “Diluted” earnings per share are computed by dividing net income by the total of the weighted average number of shares outstanding plus the dilutive effect of outstanding equity awards (applying the treasury stock method).
A reconciliation of the basic and diluted weighted average number of shares outstanding for the years ended April 2, 2011, March 27, 2010 and March 28, 2009 is as follows:

  Years Ended 
  
April 2,
2011
  
March 27,
2010
  
March 28,
2009
 
  (Amounts in thousands, except per share data) 
          
Net income attributable to 99¢ Only Stores $74,308  $60,447  $8,481 
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding-basic  69,963   68,641   69,987 
Dilutive effect of outstanding stock options and performance stock units   1,032    668    50 
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding-diluted  70,995   69,309   70,037 
Basic earnings per share attributable to 99¢ Only Stores $1.06  $0.88  $0.12 
Diluted earnings per share attributable to 99¢ Only Stores $1.05  $0.87  $0.12 

Potentially dilutive stock options of 1.9 million, 2.4 million and 4.9 million shares for the years ended April 2, 2011, March 27, 2010 and March 28, 2009, respectively, were excluded from the calculation of the weighted average number of common shares outstanding because they were anti-dilutive.

Stock-Based Compensation

The Company has a stock incentive plan in effect under which the Company grants stock options, performance stock units (“PSUs”) and restricted stock units (“RSUs”).  

The Company accounts for stock-based compensation expense under the fair value recognition provisions of ASC 718, “Compensation-Stock Compensation” (“ASC 718”). ASC 718 requires companies to estimate the fair value of share-based payment awards based on the date of grant using an option-pricing model.their fair value.  The value of the portion of the award that is ultimately expected to vest is recognized as an expense ratably over the requisite service periods.  TheFor awards classified as equity, the Company estimates the fair value for each option award as of the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option pricing model.model or

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other appropriate valuation models.  The Black-Scholes model considers, among other factors, the expected life of the award and the expected volatility of the Company’s stock price.  Stock options are generally granted to employees at exercise prices equal to the fair market value of the Company’s stock at the dates of grant.  Former executive put rights are classified as equity awards and revalued using a binomial model at each reporting period with changes in the fair value recognized as stock-based compensation expense.

Revenue Recognition

The Company recognizes retail sales in its retail stores at the stock-based compensation expense ratably overtime the requisite service periods, which is generally a vesting termcustomer takes possession of three years.  Stock options typically have a termmerchandise. All sales are net of 10 years.  The fair value ofdiscounts and returns and exclude sales tax.  Wholesale sales are recognized in accordance with the PSUs and RSUs is basedshipping terms agreed upon on the stock pricepurchase order. Wholesale sales are typically recognized free on board origin, where title and risk of loss pass to the grant date.  buyer when the merchandise leaves the Company’s distribution facility.

The compensation expenseCompany has a gift card program.  The Company does not charge administrative fees on gift cards and the Company’s gift cards do not have expiration dates.  The Company records the sale of gift cards as a current liability and recognizes a sale when a customer redeems a gift card.  The liability for outstanding gift cards is recorded in accrued expenses.  The Company has not recorded any breakage income related to PSUs is recognized only when it is probable that the performance criteria will be met.  The compensation expense related to RSUs is recognized based on the number of shares expected to vest.


its gift card program.

Cost of Sales

Cost of sales includes the cost of inventory, freight in, inter-state warehouse transportation costs, obsolescence, spoilage, scrap and inventory shrinkage, and is net of discounts and allowances.  Cash discounts for satisfying early payment terms are recognized when payment is made, and allowances and rebates based upon milestone achievements such as reaching a certain volume of purchases of a vendor’s products are included as a reduction of cost of sales when such contractual milestones are reached in accordance with ASC 605-50-25, “Revenue Recognition-Customer Payments and Incentives-Recognition”.reached.  In addition, the Company analysesanalyzes its inventory levels and the related cash discounts received to arrive at a value for cash discounts to be included in the inventory balance.  The Company does not include purchasing, receiving, and distribution warehouse costs and occupancy costs in its cost of sales.  Due to this classification, the Company'sCompany’s gross profit rates may not be comparable to those of other retailers that include costs related to their distribution network and occupancy in cost of sales.



Operating Expenses

Selling, general and administrative expenses include purchasing, receiving, inspection and warehouse costs, the costs of selling merchandise in stores (payroll and associated costs, occupancy and other store-level costs), distribution costs (payroll and associated costs, occupancy, transportation to and from stores and other distribution-related costs) and corporate costs (payroll and associated costs, occupancy, advertising, professional fees, and other corporate administrative costs).

Leases


The Company follows the policy of capitalizing allowable expenditures that relate to the acquisition and signing of its retail store leases. These costs are amortized on a straight-line basis over the applicable lease term.

The Company recognizes rent expense for operating leases on a straight-line basis (including the effect of reduced or free rent and rent escalations) over the applicable lease term.  The difference between the cash paid to the landlord and the amount recognized as rent expense on a straight-line basis is included in deferred rent.  Cash reimbursements received from landlords for leasehold improvements and other cash payments received from landlords as lease incentives are recorded as deferred rent.  Deferred rent related to landlord incentives is amortized as an offset to rent expense using the straight-line method over the applicable lease term.


For store closures where a lease obligation still exists, the Company records the estimated future liability associated with the rental obligation on the cease use date (when the store is closed) in accordance with ASC 420, “Exit or Disposal Cost Obligations” (“ASC 420”).  Liabilities are established at the cease use date for the present value of any remaining operating lease obligations, net of estimated sublease income, and at the communication date for severance and other exit costs, as prescribed by ASC 420.costs. Key assumptions in calculating the liability include the timeframe expected to terminate lease agreements, estimates related to the sublease potential of closed locations, and estimation of other related exit costs. If actual timing and potential termination costs or realization of sublease income differ from the Company’s estimates, the resulting liabilities could vary from recorded amounts. These liabilities are reviewed periodically and adjusted when necessary.


During fiscal 2011, the Company increased its estimated lease termination costs accrual by $0.4 million for Texas stores closed in previous periods. During fiscal 2010, the Company closed

See Note 12, of its Texas stores and accrued approximately $3.0 million in lease termination costs associated with the closing of seven out of the 12 Texas stores. Of the $3.0 million lease termination costs accrual, the Company recognized a net expense of $2.5 million as these costs were partially offset by a reduction in expenses of $0.5 million due“Texas Markets” to the reversal of deferred rent and tenant improvements related to these stores during fiscal 2010.  The Company also accrued approximately $1.3 million in lease termination costs associated with the closing of four of its Texas stores and lease termination costs for one contracted store during fiscal 2009.  See Note 10 toCompany’s Consolidated Financial Statements for further information regarding the lease termination charges related to Company’s Texas operations.


Revenue Recognition

During fiscal 2013, the Company sold and leased back three stores and the resulting leases qualify and are accounted for as operating leases.  The net proceeds from the sale-leaseback transactions amounted to $5.3 million.  Gains of $0.4 million were deferred and are being amortized over the term of lease (12-15 years).  In March 2012, the Company recognizes retail sales in its retail stores atsold and leased back a store and the timeresulting lease qualifies and is accounted for as an operating lease.  The net proceeds from the customer takes possessionsale-leaseback transaction amounted to $1.9 million.  The gain of merchandise. All sales are net$0.8 million was deferred and is being amortized over the term of discounts and returns and exclude sales tax.  Wholesale sales are recognized in accordance with the shipping terms agreed upon on the purchase order. Wholesale sales are typically recognized free on board ("FOB") origin where title and risk of loss pass to the buyer when the merchandise leaves the Company's distribution facility.


The Company has a gift card program.  The Company records the sale of gift cards as a current liability and recognizes a sale when a customer redeems a gift card.  The liability for outstanding gift cards is recorded in accrued expenses.  The Company has not recorded any breakage income related to its gift card program.

50
lease (13 years).

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Self-insured

Self-Insured Workers’ Compensation


Liability

The Company self-insures for workers’ compensation claims in California and Texas. The Company establishes a liability for losses of both estimated known and incurred but not reported insurance claims based on reported claims and actuarial valuations of estimated future costs of reported and incurred but not yet reported claims. Should an amount of claims greater than anticipated occur, the liability recorded may not be sufficient and additional workers’ compensation costs, which may be significant, could be incurred. The Company has not discounted the projected future cash outlays for the time value of money for claims and claim-related costs when establishing its workers’ compensation liability in its financial reports for April 2, 2011March 30, 2013 and March 27, 2010.


31, 2012.

Self-Insured Health Insurance Liability

During the second quarter of fiscal 2012 ended October 1, 2011 (the “second quarter of fiscal 2012”), the Company began self-insuring for a portion of its employee medical benefit claims.  The liability for the self-funded portion of the Company health insurance program is determined actuarially, based on claims filed and an estimate of claims incurred but not yet reported. The Company maintains stop loss insurance coverage to limit its exposure for the self-funded portion of its health insurance program.

Pre-Opening Costs

The Company expenses, as incurred, all pre-opening costs related to the opening of new retail stores.


Advertising

The Company expenses advertising costs as incurred, except the costs associated with television advertising, which are expensedcharged to expense the first time the advertising takes place.  Advertising expenses were $5.5 million, $4.1 million and $4.4$5.4 million for the fiscal yearsyear ended March 30, 2013.  Advertising expenses were $1.2 million and $4.3 million for the periods of January 15, 2012 to March 31, 2012 and April 3, 2011 to January 14, 2012, respectively.  Advertising expenses were $5.5 million for the fiscal year ended April 2, 2011, March 27, 2010 and March 28, 2009, respectively.

Statements of Cash Flows

Cash payments for income taxes were $37.7 million, $40.8 million and $10.7 million in fiscal 2011, 2010, and 2009, respectively.  Interest payments totaled less than $0.1 million in fiscal 2011.  There were no interest payments in fiscal 2010.  Interest payments totaled approximately $0.2 in fiscal 2009.  Non-cash investing activities included $1.7 million, $1.1 million and $0.3 million in fixed assets purchase accruals for fiscal 2011, 2010 and 2009, respectively.  In fiscal 2009, non-cash investing activities also include $9.3 million of the La Quinta Partnership foreclosure trustee sale proceeds.  Additionally, in fiscal 2009, non-cash financing activities included a $7.3 million loan payment to pay off the outstanding loan of the foreclosed assets of the La Quinta Partnership.

Fair Value of Financial Instruments


The Company’s financial instruments consist principally of cash, and cash equivalents, short-term and long-term marketable securities, accounts receivable, interest rate derivatives, accounts payable, accruals, debt, and other liabilities.  Cash, and cash equivalents, short-term and long-term marketable securities and interest rate derivatives are measured and recorded at fair value. Accounts receivable and other receivables are financial assets with carrying values that approximate fair value.  Accounts payable and other accrued expenses are financial liabilities with carrying values that approximate fair value.  Refer to Note 8 “Fair Value of Financial Instruments” for further discussion of the fair value of debt.

The Company believes all ofutilizes the financial instruments’ recorded values approximate fair market value because of their nature and respective durations.


The Company complies with the provisions of ASC 820, “Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures” (“ASC 820”).  ASC 820 definesauthoritative guidance for fair value, establishes awhich includes the definition of fair value, the framework for measuring fair value, and expands disclosures about fair value measurements required under other accounting pronouncements. ASC 820-10-35, “Subsequent Measurement” (“ASC 820-10-35”), clarifies that fairmeasurements.  Fair value is an exit price, representing the amount that would be received from the sale of an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants.  ASC 820-10-35 also requires that a fairFair value measurementmeasurements reflect the assumptions market participants would use in pricing an asset or liability based on the best information available. Assumptions include the risks inherent in a particular valuation technique (such as a pricing model) and/or the risks inherent in the inputs to the model.

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Comprehensive Income

Other comprehensive income includes unrealized gains or losses on investments and interest rate derivatives designated as cash flow hedges.  The following table sets forth the calculation of comprehensive income, net of tax effects, for the periods indicated (in thousands):

 

 

Year Ended

 

For the Periods

 

Year Ended

 

 

 

March 30,
2013

 

January 15, 2012
to
March 31, 2012

 

 

April 3, 2011
to
January 14, 2012

 

April 2,
2011

 

 

 

(Successor)

 

(Successor)

 

 

(Predecessor)

 

(Predecessor)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net (loss) income

 

$

(8,909

)

$

(5,293

)

 

$

49,748

 

$

74,308

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Unrealized holding gains on marketable securities, net of tax effects of $3 in fiscal 2013, $45 for January 15, 2012 to March 31, 2012, $30 for April 3, 2011 to January 14, 2012, and $70 in fiscal 2011

 

4

 

68

 

 

46

 

105

 

Unrealized losses on interest rate cash flow hedge, net of tax effects of $(835) in fiscal 2013, $0 for January 15, 2012 to March 31, 2012, $0 for April 3, 2011 to January 14, 2012, and $0 in fiscal 2011

 

(1,252

)

 

 

 

 

Reclassification adjustment, net of tax effects of $(18) in fiscal 2013, $(30) for January 15, 2012 to March 31, 2012, $100 for April 3, 2011 to January 14, 2012, and $19 in fiscal 2011

 

(27

)

(45

)

 

150

 

28

 

Total unrealized holding (losses) gains, net

 

(1,275

)

23

 

 

196

 

133

 

Total comprehensive (loss) income

 

$

(10,184

)

$

(5,270

)

 

$

49,944

 

$

74,441

 

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New Authoritative Standards

In June 2011, FASB issued ASU 2011-05, “Presentation of Comprehensive Income,” (ASU 2011-05).  ASU 2011-05 allows an entity to present components of net income and other comprehensive income in one continuous statement, referred to as the statement of comprehensive income, or in two separate, but consecutive statements.  The new guidance eliminates the current option to report other comprehensive income and its components in the statement of changes in equity.  While ASU 2011-05 changes the presentation of comprehensive income, there are no changes to the components that are recognized in net income or other comprehensive income under current accounting guidance.  The new guidance is effective for fiscal year and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2011.  The adoption of ASU 2011-05 did not have any impact on the Company’s consolidated financial position or results of operations, other than presentation.

On December 23, 2011, the FASB issued ASU 2011-12, which indefinitely defers the provision of ASU 2011-5 related to the requirement that entities present on the face of the financial statements the effects of reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive income on the components of net income and other comprehensive income for all periods presented.  The adoption of ASU 2011-12 did have any impact on the Company’s consolidated financial position or results of operations, other than presentation.

On July 27, 2012, the FASB issued ASU 2012-02, “Testing Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets for Impairment,” (“ASU 2012-02”). The ASU 2012-02 provides entities with an option to first assess qualitative factors to determine whether events or circumstances indicate that it is more likely than not that the indefinite-lived intangible asset is impaired. If an entity concludes that it is more than 50% likely that an indefinite-lived intangible asset is not impaired, no further analysis is required. However, if an entity concludes otherwise, it would be required to determine the fair value of the indefinite-lived intangible asset to measure the amount of actual impairment, if any, as currently required under GAAP. The new guidance is effective for annual and interim impairment tests performed for fiscal years beginning after September 15, 2012. Early adoption is permitted. The adoption of ASU 2012-02 is not expected to have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial position or results of operations.

In February 2013, the FASB issued ASU No. 2013-02, “Reporting of Amounts Reclassified Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income” (“ASU 2013-02”), which is effective for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2012.  ASU 2013-02 was issued to improve the reporting of reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive income (“AOCI”).  ASU 2013-02 requires companies to provide information about the amounts reclassified out of AOCI either in a single note or on the face of the financial statements.  Significant amounts reclassified out of AOCI should be presented by the respective line items of net income but only if the amount reclassified is required under GAAP to be reclassified in its entirety to net income in the same reporting period.  For amounts not required to be reclassified in their entirety to net income, a cross-reference to other disclosures provided for in accordance with GAAP is required.  The Company has evaluated this updated authoritative guidance, and it does not expect the adoption of this guidance to have a material impact on its consolidated financial statement disclosures.  The Company will adopt this guidance in the first quarter of fiscal 2014.

2.  The Merger

As discussed in Note 1, the Merger was completed on January 13, 2012 and was financed by:

·Borrowings consisting of (i) a $175 million, 5-year asset-based revolving credit facility (as amended, the “ABL Facility”), of which $10 million was drawn at closing of the Merger and was fully repaid in February 2012 and (ii) a $525 million, 7-year term loan credit facility (as amended, the “First Lien Term Loan Facility” and, together with the ABL Facility, the “Credit Facilities”);

·Issuance of $250 million principal amount of 11% senior notes due 2019 (the “Senior Notes”); and

·Equity investments of $635.9 million from the Sponsors and the Rollover Investors.

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The Merger was accounted for as a business combination whereby the purchase price paid to effect the Merger was allocated to recognize the acquired assets and liabilities at fair value.  The Merger and the allocation of the purchase price of $1.6 billion have been recorded as of January 14, 2012.  The sources and uses of funds in connection with the Merger are summarized in the following table (in thousands):

Sources:

 

 

 

Proceeds from First Lien Term Loan

 

$

525,000

 

Proceeds from Senior Notes

 

250,000

 

Proceeds from ABL Facility

 

10,000

 

Proceeds from equity contributions

 

535,900

 

Rollover equity from Rollover Investors

 

100,000

 

Cash on hand

 

212,575

 

Total sources

 

$

1,633,475

 

 

 

 

 

Uses:

 

 

 

Equity purchase price

 

$

1,577,563

 

Original issue discount and other debt issuance costs

 

41,911

 

Cash to balance sheet

 

14,001

 

Total uses

 

$

1,633,475

 

Purchase Accounting

In connection with the purchase price allocation, estimates of the fair values of long-lived and intangible assets were determined based upon assumptions related to the future cash flows, discount rates and asset lives using information available at the acquisition date, and in some cases, valuation results from independent valuation specialists.  Purchase accounting adjustments were recorded to: (i) increase the carrying value of property and equipment, (ii) establish intangible assets for trade names, vendor relations and favorable lease commitments and (iii) revalue lease-related liabilities. Also, as disclosed in Note 1, inventory has also been adjusted to record an error that was identified in fiscal 2013 but related to prior periods.

The allocation of purchase price is as follows ASC 825, “Financial Instruments”(in thousands):

Purchase price

 

$

1,577,563

 

Less: net assets acquired

 

741,017

 

Excess of purchase price over book value of net assets acquired

 

$

836,546

 

 

 

 

 

Write up (down) of tangible assets:

 

 

 

Property and equipment

 

$

87,863

 

Land and buildings

 

63,549

 

Assets held for sale

 

(933

)

Deferred rent

 

(425

)

Leasing commission

 

(5,224

)

Inventory error correction

 

(13,340

)

 

 

 

 

Acquisition-related intangible assets:

 

 

 

Trade name (indefinite life)

 

$

410,000

 

Trademarks (20 year life)

 

1,822

 

Bargain Wholesale customer relationships

 

20,000

 

Fair market value of favorable leases

 

46,723

 

Acquisition-related intangibles

 

478,545

 

 

 

 

 

Write down/(up) of liabilities:

 

 

 

Deferred rent and lease incentive revaluation

 

10,742

 

Fair market value of unfavorable leases

 

(19,836

)

 

 

 

 

Deferred income taxes:

 

 

 

Long-term deferred taxes

 

$

(244,140

)

 

 

 

 

Residual goodwill (1)

 

$

479,745

 

Total allocated excess purchase price

 

$

836,546

 


(1)The Company does not expect any of the residual goodwill to be tax deductible because the Merger was a nontaxable transaction. Goodwill is considered to have an indefinite life and is not amortized, but rather reviewed annually for impairment or more frequently if indicators of impairment exist.

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Table of Contents

As a result of the Merger, the Company recognized, in the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss), legal, financial advisory, accounting, and other merger related costs of $10.6 million for the period January 15, 2012 to March 31, 2011 and $15.2 million for the period April 3, 2011 to January 14, 2012.

Pro forma financial information (unaudited)

The following unaudited pro forma results of operations give effect to the Merger as if it had occurred on March 28, 2010.  The pro forma results of operations reflect adjustments (i) to record amortization and depreciation resulting from purchase accounting, (ii) to record interest expense, including amortization of deferred financing fees and original issue discount (“OID”), and (iii) to eliminate certain non-recurring charges that were incurred in connection with the Merger, including acquisition-related share-based compensation, legal and advisory fees, and other miscellaneous transaction related costs.  This unaudited pro forma financial information should not be relied upon as necessarily being indicative of the historical results that would have been obtained if the Merger had actually occurred on that date, nor the results of operations in the future (in thousands):

 

 

January 15, 2012 to March 31, 2012

 

 

April 3, 2011 to January 14, 2012

 

For the Fiscal Year Ended
April 2, 2011

 

 

 

(Successor)

 

 

(Predecessor)

 

 

 

Historical

 

Pro Forma

 

 

Historical

 

Pro Forma

 

Historical

 

Pro Forma

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net sales

 

$

338,916

 

$

338,916

 

 

$

1,192,780

 

$

1,192,780

 

$

1,423,878

 

$

1,423,878

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net (loss) income

 

$

(5,293

)

$

(29,739

)

 

$

49,748

 

$

51,768

 

$

74,308

 

$

17,987

 

Goodwill and other intangible assets and liabilities

As a result of the Merger, the Company recognized goodwill, and other intangible assets and liabilities. The following table sets forth the value of the goodwill and other intangible assets and liabilities, and the amortization of finite lived intangible assets and liabilities recognized by the “Successor” (in thousands):

 

 

As of March 30, 2013

 

As of March 31, 2012

 

 

 

Remaining
Amortization
Life
(Years)

 

Gross
Carrying
Amount

 

Accumulated
Amortization

 

Net
Carrying
Amount

 

Remaining
Amortization
Life
(Years)

 

Gross
Carrying
Amount

 

Accumulated
Amortization

 

Net
Carrying
Amount

 

Indefinite lived intangible assets:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Goodwill

 

 

 

$

479,745

 

$

 

$

479,745

 

 

 

$

479,508

 

$

 

$

479,508

 

Trade name

 

 

 

410,000

 

 

410,000

 

 

 

410,000

 

 

410,000

 

Total indefinite lived intangible assets

 

 

 

$

889,745

 

$

 

$

889,745

 

 

 

$

889,508

 

$

 

$

889,508

 

Finite lived intangible assets:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Trademarks

 

19

 

$

2,000

 

$

(121

)

$

1,879

 

20

 

$

2,000

 

$

(21

)

$

1,979

 

Bargain Wholesale customer relationships

 

11

 

20,000

 

(2,019

)

17,981

 

12

 

20,000

 

(353

)

19,647

 

Favorable leases

 

1 to 16

 

46,723

 

(5,224

)

41,499

 

2 to 17

 

46,723

 

(915

)

45,808

 

Total finite lived intangible assets

 

 

 

68,723

 

(7,364

)

61,359

 

 

 

68,723

 

(1,289

)

67,434

 

Total goodwill and other intangible assets

 

 

 

$

958,468

 

$

(7,364

)

$

951,104

 

 

 

$

958,231

 

$

(1,289

)

$

956,942

 

 

 

As of March 30, 2013

 

 

 

Trademarks

 

Bargain
Wholesale
Customer
Relationships

 

Favorable
Leases

 

Estimated amortization of finite lived intangible assets (a) (b):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

FY 2014

 

$

100

 

$

1,667

 

$

4,279

 

FY 2015

 

100

 

1,667

 

4,250

 

FY 2016

 

100

 

1,667

 

4,231

 

FY 2017

 

100

 

1,667

 

4,186

 

FY 2018

 

100

 

1,667

 

4,031

 

Thereafter

 

1,379

 

9,646

 

20,522

 

 

 

$

1,879

 

$

17,981

 

$

41,499

 

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Table of Contents

 

 

As of March 30, 2013

 

As of March 31, 2012

 

 

 

Remaining
Amortization
Life
(Years)

 

Gross
Carrying
Amount

 

Accumulated
Amortization

 

Net
Carrying
Amount

 

Remaining
Amortization
Life
(Years)

 

Gross
Carrying
Amount

 

Accumulated
Amortization

 

Net
Carrying
Amount

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Unfavorable leases

 

1 to 17

 

$

19,835

 

$

(5,002

)

$

14,833

 

2 to 18

 

$

19,835

 

$

(876

)

$

18,959

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Estimated amortization of unfavorable leases (b):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

FY 2014

 

 

 

$

4,005

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

FY 2015

 

 

 

3,500

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

FY 2016

 

 

 

2,334

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

FY 2017

 

 

 

1,662

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

FY 2018

 

 

 

1,077

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Thereafter

 

 

 

2,255

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

$

14,833

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


(a)    Amortization of trademarks and Bargain Wholesale customer relationships is recognized in amortization expense on the Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income (Loss).

(b)   Amortization of favorable and unfavorable leases is recognized in rent expense, as a component of operating expenses on the Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income (Loss).

The change to goodwill from March 31, 2012 to March 30, 2013 was due to the adjustment of the purchase price fair values assigned.

3.Property and Equipment, net

The following table provides details of property and equipment (in thousands):

 

 

March 30,
2013

 

March 31,
 2012

 

Property and equipment

 

 

 

 

 

Land

 

$

160,446

 

$

156,137

 

Buildings

 

90,466

 

89,110

 

Buildings improvements

 

64,429

 

59,375

 

Leasehold improvements

 

112,779

 

92,909

 

Fixtures and equipment

 

76,831

 

54,659

 

Transportation equipment

 

7,497

 

6,489

 

Construction in progress

 

30,949

 

29,271

 

Total property and equipment

 

543,397

 

487,950

 

Less: accumulated depreciation and amortization

 

(67,346

)

(11,425

)

Property and equipment, net

 

$

476,051

 

$

476,525

 

4.Investments

The Company liquidated all of its marketable investment securities during fiscal 2013 and did not have any investments as of March 30, 2013.

The following table summarizes the investments in marketable securities as of March 31, 2012 (in thousands):

 

 

March 31, 2012

 

 

 

Cost or
Amortized
Cost

 

Gross
Unrealized
Gains

 

Gross
Unrealized
Losses

 

Fair Value

 

Available-for-sale:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Money market funds

 

$

1,627

 

$

 

$

 

$

1,627

 

Auction rate securities

 

1,965

 

39

 

 

2,004

 

Total

 

$

3,592

 

$

39

 

$

 

$

3,631

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Reported as:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Short-term investments

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

$

3,631

 

Long-term investments in marketable securities

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

$

3,631

 

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Table of Contents

The auction rate securities that the Company held generally were short-term debt instruments that provided liquidity through a Dutch auction process in which interest rates reset every 7 to 35 days.  There are no auction rate securities remaining as of March 30, 2013.  As of March 31, 2012, the Company had included $2.0 million of its auction rate securities in current assets on the Company’s consolidated balance sheet.

Realized losses from sale of marketable securities in fiscal 2013 were $0.3 million. Realized gains from the sale of marketable securities were less than $0.1 million, $0.1 million, and less than $0.1 million for the periods from January 15, 2012 to March 31, 2012 and April 3, 2011 to January 14, 2012, and fiscal year ended April 2, 2011, respectively.

There were no impairment charges related to other-than-temporary impairments during fiscal 2013 and during the period January 15, 2012 to March 31, 2012.  The Company recognized an investment impairment charge related to credit losses of $0.4 million on its auction rate securities for the period from April 3, 2011 to January 14, 2012.  The Company recognized an investment impairment charge related to credit losses of $0.1 million on its auction rate securities for fiscal 2011.

The Company did not have any available-for-sale securities with unrealized losses as of March 31, 2012.

5.Income Tax Provision

The provision for income taxes consists of the following (in thousands):

 

 

Year Ended

 

For the Periods

 

Year Ended

 

 

 

March 30,
2013

 

January 15, 2012
to
March 31, 2012

 

 

April 3, 2011
to
January 14, 2012

 

April 2,
 2011

 

 

 

(Successor)

 

(Successor)

 

 

(Predecessor)

 

(Predecessor)

 

Current:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Federal

 

$

16,042

 

$

2,727

 

 

$

32,843

 

$

22,379

 

State

 

3,401

 

772

 

 

5,388

 

6,237

 

 

 

19,443

 

3,499

 

 

38,231

 

28,616

 

Deferred - federal and state

 

(29,532

)

(1,396

)

 

(4,532

)

15,300

 

(Benefit) provision for income taxes

 

$

(10,089

)

$

2,103

 

 

$

33,699

 

$

43,916

 

Differences between the provision (benefit) for income taxes and income taxes at the statutory federal income tax rate are as follows (in thousands):

 

 

Year Ended

 

For the Periods

 

Year Ended

 

 

 

March 30,
 2013

 

January 15, 2012
to
March 31, 2012

 

 

April 3, 2011
to
January 14, 2012

 

April 2,
2011

 

 

 

(Successor)

 

(Successor)

 

 

(Predecessor)

 

(Predecessor)

 

 

 

Amount

 

Percent

 

Amount

 

Percent

 

 

Amount

 

Percent

 

Amount

 

Percent

 

Income taxes at statutory federal rate

 

$

(6,649

)

(35.0

)%

$

(1,116

)

35.0

%

 

$

29,206

 

35.0

%

$

41,378

 

35.0

%

State income taxes, net of federal income tax effect

 

(2,548

)

(13.4

)

96

 

(3.0

)

 

3,138

 

3.7

 

4,225

 

3.5

 

Effect of permanent differences

 

(163

)

(0.8

)

3,137

 

(98.4

)

 

2,165

 

2.6

 

3

 

0.0

 

Welfare to work, and other job credits

 

(811

)

(4.3

)

 

0.0

 

 

(1,027

)

(1.2

)

(1,473

)

(1.2

)

Other

 

82

 

0.4

 

(14

)

0.5

 

 

217

 

0.3

 

(217

)

(0.2

)

 

 

$

(10,089

)

(53.1

)%

$

2,103

 

(65.9

)%

 

$

33,699

 

40.4

%

$

43,916

 

37.1

%

The difference between the statutory rate of 35% and the effective tax rate for fiscal 2013 was driven primarily by the release of valuation allowance on the Texas margin tax credit carry-forward and deductibility of federal hiring credits.

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Table of Contents

The components of deferred tax assets and liabilities were as follows (in thousands):

 

 

Years Ended

 

 

 

March 30,
2013

 

March 31,
2012

 

DEFERRED TAX ASSETS

 

 

 

 

 

Workers’ compensation

 

$

16,904

 

$

16,701

 

Uniform inventory capitalization

 

5,520

 

7,448

 

Leases

 

8,075

 

10,200

 

Share-based compensation

 

7,927

 

59

 

Net operating loss carry-forwards

 

135

 

169

 

Inventory

 

12,057

 

7,057

 

Accrued liabilities

 

10,687

 

7,836

 

Amortization

 

46

 

 

Debt extinguishment

 

6,188

 

 

State taxes

 

10,712

 

12,505

 

Credits

 

13,615

 

10,560

 

Other

 

3,463

 

2,171

 

Total Gross Deferred Tax Assets

 

95,329

 

74,706

 

Less: Valuation Allowances

 

11,610

 

10,346

 

Total Net Deferred Tax Assets

 

83,719

 

64,360

 

DEFERRED TAX LIABILITIES

 

 

 

 

 

Depreciation

 

(32,192

)

(41,376

)

Intangibles

 

(201,727

)

(204,281

)

Prepaid expenses

 

(3,454

)

(2,389

)

Other

 

(58

)

 

Total Deferred Tax Liabilities

 

(237,431

)

(248,046

)

Net Deferred Tax Assets (Liabilities)

 

$

(153,712

)

$

(183,686

)

The Company maintains a valuation allowance to reduce certain deferred tax assets to amounts that are, in management’s estimation, more likely than not to be realized.  The valuation allowance as of March 30, 2013 relates to the deferred tax assets for the California Enterprise Zone Credit carry-forward of approximately $11.6 million at year-end that, beginning on January 1, 2014, can be carried forward only for 10 years.  Utilization of these credits is limited to the taxable income ascribed to the enterprise zones in a given tax year.  The Company has engaged a third party provider to compute the credit each year and for the last several years, the credit carry-forward has grown.  Prospectively, the Company will incur significant interest expense which should further reduce its taxable income and ability to use the credits.  Due to the aforementioned negative evidence, it is more likely than not that the California Enterprise Zone Credits carryover will not be realizable.

Pursuant to the Company’s decision in August 2009 to continue operations in Texas, the Company recorded a deferred tax asset related to Texas net operating loss credits in fiscal 2010.  Based on the then estimate of future utilization of these credits, the Company had also recorded a related valuation allowance of $1.9 million.  The Company maintains a valuation allowance to reduce certain deferred tax assets to amounts that are, in management’s estimation, more likely than not to be realized.  As of March 31, 2012, the Company had maintained the related valuation allowance of $1.9 million.  In fiscal 2013, due to the Company’s decision to expand operations in Texas and the expected continued profitability, it is more likely than not that the Texas margin tax credit carry-forwards will be utilized.  Due to this positive evidence, the recorded valuation allowance of $1.9 million has been released.

The Company recorded significant deferred taxes in connection with its Merger on January 13, 2012.  See Note 2, “The Merger” for more information regarding allocation of the purchase price.

The Company files income tax returns in the U.S. federal jurisdiction and in various states and does not have any unrecognized tax benefits.  The Company is subject to examinations by the major tax jurisdictions in which it files for the tax years 2008 forward.  The federal tax return for the period March 27, 2010 was examined by the Internal Revenue Service resulting in no changes to the reported tax.

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Table of Contents

6.Debt

Short and long-term debt consists of the following (in thousands):

 

 

March 30,
2013

 

March 31,
 2012

 

ABL Facility agreement, maturing January 13, 2017, with available borrowing up to $175,000, interest due quarterly, with unpaid principal and accrued interest due January 13, 2017

 

$

 

$

 

First Lien Term Loan Facility agreement, maturing on January 13, 2019, payable in quarterly installments of $1,309, plus interest, commencing March 31, 2012 through December 31, 2019, with unpaid principal and accrued interest due January 13, 2019, net of unamortized OID of $10,126 and $10,086 as of March 30, 2013 and March 31, 2012, respectively

 

508,325

 

513,601

 

Senior Notes (unsecured) maturing December 15, 2019, unpaid principal and accrued interest due on December 15, 2019

 

250,000

 

250,000

 

Total long-term debt

 

758,325

 

763,601

 

Less: current portion of long-term debt

 

8,567

 

5,250

 

Long-term debt, net of current portion

 

$

749,758

 

$

758,351

 

As of March 30, 2013 the scheduled maturities of debt for each of the five succeeding fiscal years are as follows (in thousands):

March 30, 2013

Future maturities 

 

Maturities of
Long-term Debt

 

 

 

 

 

FY 2014

 

$

8,567

 

FY 2015

 

5,237

 

FY 2016

 

5,237

 

FY 2017

 

5,237

 

FY 2018

 

5,237

 

Thereafter

 

738,936

 

Long-term debt, current and non-current

 

$

768,451

 

As of March 30, 2013 and March 31, 2012, the deferred financing costs are as follows (in thousands):

 

 

March 30, 2013

 

March 31, 2012

 

Deferred financing costs

 

Gross
Carrying
Amount

 

Accumulated
Amortization

 

Net Amount

 

Gross
Carrying
Amount

 

Accumulated
Amortization

 

Net Amount

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

ABL facility

 

$

3,078

 

$

(746

)

$

2,332

 

$

3,078

 

$

(130

)

$

2,948

 

First lien term loan facility

 

9,308

 

(1,179

)

8,129

 

16,572

 

(653

)

15,919

 

Senior notes

 

11,761

 

(1,206

)

10,555

 

11,761

 

(228

)

11,533

 

Total deferred financing costs

 

$

24,147

 

$

(3,131

)

$

21,016

 

$

31,411

 

$

(1,011

)

$

30,400

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Estimated interest expense from deferred financing fees:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

FY 2014

 

$

3,244

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

FY 2015

 

3,101

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

FY 2016

 

3,312

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

FY 2017

 

3,426

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

FY 2018

 

3,208

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Thereafter

 

4,725

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

$

21,016

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

On January 13, 2012, in connection with the Merger, the Company obtained Credit Facilities provided by a syndicate of lenders arranged by Royal Bank of Canada as administrative agent, as well as other agents and lenders that are parties to these Credit Facilities. The Credit Facilities include (a) $175 million in commitments under the ABL Facility, and (b) an aggregate principal amount under the First Lien Term Loan Facility amounting to $525 million.  At the closing, $10 million of the ABL Facility was drawn on January 13, 2012 to finance a portion of the Merger Consideration and transaction expenses, and in February 2012, the Company repaid the entire $10 million.

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Table of Contents

First Lien Term Loan Facility

The First Lien Term Loan Facility provides for $525 million of borrowings (which may be increased by up to $150.0 million in certain circumstances).  As of March 31, 2012, all obligations under the First Lien Term Loan Facility are guaranteed by Parent and the Company’s direct wholly owned subsidiaries, 99 Cents Only Stores Texas, Inc., a Delaware corporation, and 99 Cents Only Stores, a Nevada corporation (“99 Cents Only Stores (Nevada)”).  In September 2012, 99 Cents Only Stores (Nevada), an inactive wholly owned subsidiary of the Company, was dissolved.  As of March 30, 2013, all obligations under the First Lien Term Loan Facility are guaranteed by Parent and the Company’s direct wholly owned subsidiary, 99 Cents Only Stores Texas, Inc. (together, the “Credit Facilities Guarantors”).  In addition, the First Lien Term Loan Facility is secured by pledges of certain of the Company’s equity interests and the equity interests of the Credit Facilities Guarantors.

The Company is required disclosures.to make scheduled quarterly payments each equal to 0.25% of the original principal amount of the term loan (approximately $1.3 million), with the balance due on the maturity date, January 13, 2019.  Borrowings under the First Lien Term Loan Facility bear interest at an annual rate equal to an applicable margin plus, at the Company’s option, (A) a Base Rate determined by reference to the highest of (a) the interest rate in effect determined by the administrative agent as “Prime Rate” (3.25% as of March 30, 2013), (b) the federal funds effective rate plus 0.50% and (c) an adjusted Eurocurrency rate for one month (determined by reference to the greater of the Eurocurrency rate for the interest period multiplied by the Statutory Reserve Rate or 1.50% per annum) plus 1.00%, or (B) an Adjusted Eurocurrency Rate.  The applicable margin used is 5.50% for Eurocurrency loans and 4.50% for base rate loans.

On April 4, 2012, the Company amended the terms of the existing seven-year $525 million First Lien Term Loan Facility, and incurred refinancing costs of $11.2 million. The amendment, among other things, decreased the applicable margin from the London Interbank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”) plus 5.50% (or base rate plus 4.50%) to LIBOR plus 4.00% (or base rate plus 3.00%) and decreased the LIBOR floor from 1.50% to 1.25%.  The maximum capital expenditures covenant in the First Lien Term Loan Facility was also amended to permit an additional $5 million in capital expenditures each year throughout the term of the First Lien Term Facility.

The Company evaluated the accounting treatment for the amendment.  Specifically, the Company evaluated the position of each lender under both the original First Lien Term Loan Facility and the amended First Lien Term Loan Facility. The Company determined that a portion of the refinancing transaction should be accounted for as debt extinguishment, representing the outstanding principal amount of loans held by lenders under the original First Lien Term Loan Facility that were not lenders under the amended First Lien Term Loan Facility. In accordance with applicable guidance for debt modification and extinguishment, the Company recognized a $16.3 million loss on debt extinguishment related to a portion of the unamortized debt issuance costs, unamortized original issue discount and refinancing costs incurred in connection with the amendment for the portion of the First Lien Term Loan Facility that was extinguished.  The Company recorded $0.3 million as deferred debt issuance costs and $5.9 million as OID in connection with the amendment.

As of March 30, 2013, the interest rate charged on the First Lien Term Loan Facility was 5.25% (1.25% Eurocurrency rate, plus the Eurocurrency loan margin of 4.00%).  As of March 30, 2013, amount outstanding under the First Lien Term Loan Facility was $508.3 million.

Following the end of each fiscal year, the Company is required to prepay the First Lien Term Loan Facility in an amount equal to 50% of Excess Cash Flow (as defined in the First Lien Term Loan Facility agreement and with stepdowns to 25% and 0% based on achievement of specified total leverage ratios), minus the amount of certain voluntary prepayments of the First Lien Term Loan Facility and/or the ABL Facility during such fiscal year.  Excess Cash Flow required payment for fiscal 2013 was $3.3 million and was made in July 2013.

The First Lien Term Loan Facility includes restrictions on the Company’s ability and the ability of Parent and certain of the Company’s subsidiaries to, incur or guarantee additional indebtedness, pay dividends on, or redeem or repurchase, the Company’s capital stock, make certain acquisitions or investments, materially change the Company’s business, incur or permit to exist certain liens, enter into transactions with affiliates or sell its assets to and make capital expenditures or merge or consolidate with or into, another company. As of March 30, 2013, the Company was in compliance with the terms of the First Lien Term Loan Facility.  In June 2013, the Company failed to comply with the covenant that required delivery of audited financial statements for the fiscal year ended March 30, 2013 within 90 days of the completion of fiscal 2013 as required under the First Lien Term Loan Facility.  Prior to the expiration of the applicable 30-day grace period under the First Lien Term Loan Facility, the Company delivered the required financial statements. Accordingly, the Company is in compliance with the applicable reporting obligations and other terms of the First Lien Term Loan Facility.

During the first quarter ended June 30, 2012 (the “first quarter of fiscal 2013”), the Company entered into an interest rate cap agreement.  The interest rate cap agreement limits the Company’s interest exposure on a notional value of $261.8 million to 3.00% plus an applicable margin of 4.00%.  The term of the interest rate cap is from May 29, 2012 to November 29, 2013.  The Company paid fees of $0.05 million to enter into the interest rate cap agreement.

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In addition, during the first quarter of fiscal 2013, the Company entered into an interest rate swap agreement to limit the variability of cash flows associated with interest payments on the First Lien Term Loan Facility that result from fluctuations in the LIBOR rate.  The swap limits the Company’s interest exposure on a notional value of $261.8 million to 1.36% plus an applicable margin of 4.00%.  The term of the swap is from November 29, 2013 through May 31, 2016.  The fair value of the swap on the trade date was zero as the Company neither paid nor received any value to enter into the swap, which was entered into at market rates.  The fair value of the swap at March 30, 2013 was a liability of $2.6 million.  See Note 7, “Derivative Financial Instruments” for more information on the Company’s interest rate cap and interest rate swap agreements.

ABL Facility

The ABL Facility provides for up to $175.0 million of borrowings (which may be increased by up to $50.0 million in certain circumstances), subject to certain borrowing base limitations.  All obligations under the ABL Facility are guaranteed by the Company, Parent and the Company’s direct wholly owned subsidiary, 99 Cents Only Stores Texas, Inc. (together, the “ABL Guarantors”).   The ABL Facility is secured by substantially all of the Company’s assets and the assets of the ABL Guarantors.

Borrowings under the ABL Facility bear interest for an initial period until June 30, 2012 at an applicable margin plus, at the Company’s option, a fluctuating rate equal to (A) the highest of (a) Federal Funds Rate plus 0.50%, (b) rate of interest in effect determined by the administrative agent as “Prime Rate” (3.25% at the date of the Merger), and (c) Adjusted Eurocurrency Rate (determined to be the LIBOR rate multiplied by the Statutory Reserve Rate) for an Interest Period of one (1) month plus 1.00% or (B) the Adjusted Eurocurrency Rate.  The interest rate charged on borrowings under the ABL Facility from the date of the Merger until June 30, 2012 was 4.25% (the base rate (prime rate at 3.25%) plus the applicable margin of 1.00%).  Thereafter, borrowings under the ABL Facility will have variable pricing and will be based, at the Company’s option, on (a) LIBOR plus an applicable margin to be determined (1.75% as of March 30, 2013) or (b) the determined base rate (prime rate) plus an applicable margin to be determined (0.75% at March 30, 2013), in each case based on a pricing grid depending on average daily excess availability for the most recently ended quarter.

In addition to paying interest on outstanding principal under the Credit Facilities, the Company is required to pay a commitment fee to the lenders under the ABL Facility on unused commitments at a rate of 0.375% for the period from the date of the Merger until June 30, 2012. Thereafter, the commitment fee will be adjusted at the beginning of each quarter based upon the average historical excess availability of the prior quarter (0.50% for the quarter ended March 30, 2013).  The Company must also pay customary letter of credit fees and agency fees.

As of March 30, 2013 and March 31, 2012, the Company had no outstanding borrowings under the ABL Facility.  Outstanding letters of credit were $1.0 million and availability under the ABL Facility, subject to the borrowing base, was $134.0 million at March 30, 2013.

The ABL Facility includes restrictions on the Company’s ability, and the ability of the Parent and certain of the Company’s subsidiaries to, incur or guarantee additional indebtedness, pay dividends on, or redeem or repurchase, its capital stock, make certain acquisitions or investments, materially change our business, incur or permit to exist certain liens, enter into transactions with affiliates or sell our assets to, make capital expenditures or merge or consolidate with or into, another company.  The ABL Facility was amended on April 4, 2012 to permit an additional $5 million in capital expenditures for each year during the term of the ABL Facility.  As of March 30, 2013, the Company was in compliance with the terms of the ABL Facility. In June 2013, the Company failed to comply with the covenant that required delivery of audited financial statements for the fiscal year ended March 30, 2013 within 90 days of the completion of fiscal 2013 as required under the in the ABL Facility. Prior to the expiration of the applicable 30-day grace period under the ABL Facility, the Company delivered the required financial statements. Accordingly, the Company is in compliance with the applicable reporting obligations and other terms of the ABL Facility.

Senior Notes due 2019

On December 29, 2011, the Company issued $250 million aggregate principal amount of 11% Senior Notes that mature on December 15, 2019.  The Senior Notes are guaranteed by the Company’s direct wholly owned subsidiary, 99 Cents Only Stores Texas, Inc. (the “Senior Notes Guarantor”).

In connection with the issuance of the Senior Notes, the Company entered into a registration rights agreement that required the Company to file an exchange offer registration statement, enabling holders to exchange the Senior Notes for registered notes with terms identical in all material respects to the terms of the Senior Notes, except the registered notes would be freely tradable.  The exchange offer was closed on November 7, 2012.

Pursuant to the terms of the indenture governing the Senior Notes (the “Indenture”), the Company may redeem all or a part of the Senior Notes at certain redemption prices applicable based on the date of redemption.

The Senior Notes are (i) equal in right of payment with all of the Company’s and the Senior Notes Guarantor’s existing and future senior indebtedness; (ii) effectively junior to the Company’s and the Senior Notes Guarantor’s existing and future secured indebtedness, to the extent of the value of the interest of the holders of that secured indebtedness in the assets securing such

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ASC 820-10-35 establishes

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indebtedness; (iii) unconditionally guaranteed on a senior unsecured unsubordinated basis by the Senior Notes Guarantor; and (iv) junior to the indebtedness or other liabilities of the Company’s subsidiaries that are not guarantors.  The Company is not required to make any mandatory redemptions or sinking fund payments, and may at any time or from time to time purchase notes in the open market.

The Indenture contains covenants that, among other things, limit the Company’s ability and the ability of certain of its subsidiaries to incur or guarantee additional indebtedness, create or incur certain liens, pay dividends or make other restricted payments, incur restrictions on the payment of dividends or other distributions from its restricted subsidiaries, make certain investments, transfer or sell assets, engage in transactions with affiliates, or merge or consolidate with other companies or transfer all or substantially all of its assets.

As of March 30, 2013, the Company was in compliance with the terms of the Indenture.

The significant components of interest expense are as follows (in thousands):

 

 

March 30,
2013

 

January 15, 2012
to
 March 31, 2012

 

 

April  3, 2011
to
January 14, 2012

 

April  2,
2011

 

 

 

(Successor)

 

(Successor)

 

 

(Predecessor)

 

(Predecessor)

 

First lien term loan facility

 

$

28,466

 

$

7,475

 

 

$

 

$

 

ABL facility

 

826

 

44

 

 

 

 

Senior notes

 

27,347

 

7,104

 

 

 

 

Amortization of deferred financing costs and OID

 

4,229

 

1,567

 

 

 

 

Other interest expense

 

30

 

33

 

 

381

 

77

 

Interest expense

 

$

60,898

 

$

16,223

 

 

$

381

 

$

77

 

7.Derivative Financial Instruments

The Company entered into derivative instruments for risk management purposes and uses these derivatives to manage exposure to fluctuation in interest rates.

Interest Rate Cap

In May 2012, the Company entered into an interest rate cap agreement for an aggregate notional amount of $261.8 million in order to hedge the variability of cash flows related to a portion of the Company’s floating rate indebtedness.  The cap agreement, effective in May 2012, hedges a portion of contractual floating rate interest commitments through the expiration of the agreement in November 2013.  Pursuant to the agreement, the Company has capped LIBOR at 3.00% plus an applicable margin of 4.00% with respect to the aggregate notional amount of $261.8 million.  In the event LIBOR exceeds 3.00% the Company will pay interest at the capped rate.  In the event LIBOR is less than 3.00%, the Company will pay interest at the prevailing LIBOR rate.  In fiscal 2013, the Company paid interest at the prevailing LIBOR rate.

The interest rate cap agreement has not been designated as a hedge for financial reporting purposes.  Gains and losses on derivative instruments not designated as hedges are recorded directly in earnings.

Interest Rate Swap

In May 2012, the Company entered into a floating-to-fixed interest rate swap agreement for an initial aggregate notional amount of $261.8 million to limit exposure to interest rate increases related to a portion of the Company’s floating rate indebtedness once the Company’s interest rate cap agreement expires.  The swap agreement, effective November 2013, will hedge a portion of contractual floating rate interest commitments through the expiration of the agreements in May 2016.  As a result of the agreement, the Company’s effective fixed interest rate on the notional amount of floating rate indebtedness will be 1.36% plus an applicable margin of 4.00%.

The Company designated the interest rate swap agreement as a cash flow hedge.  The interest swap agreement is highly correlated to the changes in interest rates to which the Company is exposed.  Unrealized gains and losses on the interest rate swap are designated as effective or ineffective.  The effective portion of such gains or losses is recorded as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income or loss, while the ineffective portion of such gains or losses is recorded as a component of interest expense. Future realized gains and losses in connection with each required interest payment will be reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income or loss to interest expense.

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Fair Value

The fair values of the interest rate cap and swap agreements are estimated using industry standard valuation models using market-based observable inputs, including interest rate curves (level 2).  A summary of the recorded amounts included in the consolidated balance sheet is as follows (in thousands):

 

 

March 30,
2013

 

March 31,
2012

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Derivatives designated as cash flow hedging instruments

 

 

 

 

 

Interest rate swap (included in other current liabilities)

 

$

381

 

$

 

Interest rate swap (included in other long-term liabilities)

 

$

2,249

 

$

 

Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax (included in shareholders’ equity)

 

$

1,252

 

$

 

A summary of recorded amounts included in the consolidated statements of comprehensive income is as follows (in thousands):

 

 

Year Ended

 

 

 

March 30,
2013

 

Derivatives designated as cash flow hedging instruments:

 

 

 

Loss related to effective portion of derivative recognized in OCI

 

$

1,252

 

Loss related to ineffective portion of derivative recognized in interest expense

 

$

543

 

Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments:

 

 

 

Loss recognized in other expense

 

$

49

 

8.Fair Value of Financial Instruments

The Company complies with authoritative guidance for fair value measurement and disclosures which establish a fair value hierarchy that prioritizes the inputs to valuation techniques used to measure fair value. The hierarchy gives the highest priority to unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities (level(Level 1 measurements) and the lowest priority to unobservable inputs (level(Level 3 measurements). The three levels of the fair value hierarchy under ASC 820-10-35 are described below:


Level 1: Defined as observable inputs such as quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.



Level 2: Defined as observable inputs other than Level 1 prices.  These include quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in an active market, quoted prices for identical assets and liabilities in markets that are not active, or other inputs that are observable or can be corroborated by observable market data for substantially the full term of the assets or liabilities.


Level 3: Defined as unobservable inputs in which little or no market data exists, therefore requiring an entity to develop its own assumptions.

The Company utilizes the best available information in measuring fair value. The following table summarizes, by level within the fair value hierarchy, the financial assets and liabilities recorded at fair value on a recurring basis (in thousands):

 

 

March 30, 2013

 

 

 

Total

 

Level 1

 

Level 2

 

Level 3

 

ASSETS

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other assets — assets that fund deferred compensation

 

$

1,153

 

$

1,153

 

$

 

$

 

LIABILITES

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other current liabilities — interest rate swap

 

$

381

 

$

 

$

381

 

$

 

Other long-term liabilities — interest rate swap

 

$

2,249

 

$

 

$

2,249

 

$

 

Other long-term liabilities — deferred compensation

 

$

1,153

 

$

1,153

 

$

 

$

 

Level 1 measurements include $1.2 million of deferred compensation assets that fund the liabilities related to the Company’s deferred compensation, including investments in trust funds.  The fair values of these funds are based on quoted market prices in an active market.

Level 2 measurements include interest rate swap agreement estimated using industry standard valuation models using market-based observable inputs, including interest rate curves.

There were no Level 3 assets or liabilities as of AprilMarch 30, 2013.

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The Company did not have any transfers of investments in and out of Levels 1 and 2 2011during the fiscal 2013.

The following table summarizes, by level within the fair value hierarchy, the financial assets and liabilities recorded at fair value on a recurring basis (in thousands):

  Total  Level 1  Level 2  Level 3 
ASSETS            
Commercial paper and money market $152,962  $152,962  $  $ 
Auction rate securities  8,409         8,409 
Municipal bonds  31,208      31,208    
Asset-backed securities  1,660      1,660    
Corporate securities  1,922   687   1,235    
Total available for sale securities $196,161  $153,649  $34,103  $8,409 
Other assets – assets that fund deferred compensation $4,924  $4,924       
LIABILITES                
Other long-term liabilities – deferred compensation $4,924  $4,924       


 

 

March 31, 2012

 

 

 

Total

 

Level 1

 

Level 2

 

Level 3

 

ASSETS

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Money market funds

 

$

1,627

 

$

1,627

 

$

 

$

 

Auction rate securities

 

2,004

 

 

 

2,004

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total available-for-sale securities

 

$

3,631

 

$

1,627

 

$

 

$

2,004

 

Other assets — assets that fund deferred compensation

 

$

5,136

 

$

5,136

 

$

 

$

 

LIABILITES

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other long-term liabilities — deferred compensation

 

$

5,136

 

$

5,136

 

$

 

$

 

Level 1 investments include money market funds and perpetual preferred stocks of $153.0 million and $0.7 million, respectively.$1.6 million.  The fair value of money market funds and perpetual preferred stocks areis based on quoted market prices in an active market and there are no restrictions on the redemption of money market funds or perpetual preferred stocks.funds.  Level 1 also includes $4.9$5.1 million of deferred compensation assets that fund the liabilities related to the Company’s deferred compensation, including investments in trust funds.  These investments were classified as Level 1.  The fair values of these funds are based on quoted market prices in an active market.


There were no Level 2 investments include municipal bonds, asset-backed securities and corporate bondsas of $31.2 million, $1.7 million and $1.2 million, respectively.  The fair value of municipal bonds, asset-backed securities and corporate bonds are based on quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in an active market.


March 31, 2012.

Level 3 investments include auction rate securities of $8.4$2.0 million.  The fair value of auction rate securities is based on the valuation from an independent securities valuation firm by using applicable methods and techniques for this class of security.

The Company did not have any transfers of investments in and out of Levels 1 and 2 during fiscal 2011.


The valuationthe periods of the auction rate securities is based on LevelJanuary 15, 2012 to March 31, 2012 and April 3, unobservable inputs which consist of recommended fair values provided by Houlihan Capital Advisors, LLC, an independent securities valuation firm.  These securities are held as “available-for-sale” in the Company’s consolidated balance sheet.  Based on their estimated fair value, the Company recorded an unrealized gain in the valuation of these securities of less than $0.1 million in fiscal 2011 and an unrealized gain of less than $0.1 million, net of tax, related to these securities is included in other comprehensive income in fiscal 2011.  Also, based on the estimated fair value, an other-than-temporary impairment related to credit losses of $0.1 million was recognized in earnings for fiscal 2011 for the Company’s auction rate securities.  Due to the uncertainty surrounding liquidity in the auction rate securities market, the Company has classified these auction rate securities as long-term assets on its consolidated balance sheets as of April 2, 2011.  The auction rate securities represent about 1% of the Company’s total assets.
The Company utilizes the best available information in measuring fair value. The following table summarizes, by level within the fair value hierarchy, the financial assets and liabilities recorded at fair value on a recurring basis as of March 27, 2010 (in thousands):
  Total  Level 1  Level 2  Level 3 
ASSETS            
Commercial paper and money market $118,831  $118,831  $ —  $ 
Auction rate securities  10,019         10,019 
Municipal bonds  35,171      35,171    
Asset-backed securities  3,086      3,086    
Corporate securities  3,324   1,658   1,666    
Total available for sale securities $170,431  $120,489  $39,923  $10,019 
Other assets – assets that fund deferred compensation $4,274  $4,274       
LIABILITES                
Other long-term liabilities – deferred compensation $4,274  $4,274       
Level 1 investments include money market funds and perpetual preferred stocks of $118.8 million and $1.7 million, respectively.  The fair value of money market funds and perpetual preferred stocks are based on quoted market prices in an active market and there are no restrictions on the redemption of money market funds or perpetual preferred stocks.  Level 1 also includes deferred compensation liabilities and the assets that fund the Company’s deferred compensation, including investments in trust funds.  These investments were classified as Level 1.  The fair values of these funds are based on quoted market prices in an active market.

Level 2 investments include municipal bonds, asset-backed securities and corporate bonds of $35.2 million, $3.1 million and $1.7 million, respectively.  The fair value of municipal bonds, asset-backed securities and corporate bonds are based on quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in an active market.

Level 3 investments include auction rate securities of $10.0 million.  The fair value of auction rate securities is based on the valuation from an independent securities valuation firm by using applicable methods and techniques for this class of security.

The Company did not have any transfers of investments in and out of Levels 1 and 2 during fiscal 2010.

The valuation of the auction rate securities is based on Level 3 unobservable inputs which consist of recommended fair values provided by Houlihan Capital Advisors, LLC, an independent securities valuation firm.  These securities are held as “available-for-sale” in the Company’s consolidated balance sheet.  Based on their estimated fair value, the Company recorded an unrealized gain in the valuation of these securities of $1.0 million in fiscal 2010 and an unrealized gain of $0.6 million, net of tax, related to these securities is included in other comprehensive income in fiscal 2010.  Also, based on the estimated fair value, an other-than-temporary impairment related to credit losses of $0.6 million was recognized in earnings for fiscal 2010 for the Company’s auction rate securities.  Due to the uncertainty surrounding liquidity in the auction rate securities market, the Company has classified these auction rate securities as long-term assets on its consolidated balance sheets as of March 27, 2010.  The auction rate securities represent less than 2% of the Company’s total assets.


January 14, 2012.

The following table summarizes the activity for the period of changes in fair value of the Company’s Level 3 investments (in thousands):


Auction Rate Securities Fair Value Measurements Using Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) 
  Year Ended  Year Ended  
  April 2, 2011  March 27, 2010 
Description      
Beginning balance $10,019  $10,722 
Transfers into Level 3      
Total realized (loss)/unrealized gains:        
Included in earnings  (32)  (555)
Included in other comprehensive income  30   977 
Purchases, redemptions and settlements:        
Purchases      
Redemptions  (1,608)  (1,125)
Ending balance $8,409  $10,019 
Total amount of unrealized gains for the period included in other comprehensive income attributable to the change in fair market value relating to assets still held at the reporting date $30  $977 

Comprehensive Income
ASC 220, “Reporting Comprehensive Income”, establishes standards for reporting

 

 

Fair Value Measurements Using Significant Unobservable Inputs
(Level 3)

 

 

 

Year Ended

 

Period Ended

 

 

Period Ended

 

 

 

March 30, 2013

 

January 15, 2012
to
March 31, 2012

 

 

April 3, 2011
to
January 14, 2012

 

 

 

(Successor)

 

(Successor)

 

 

(Predecessor)

 

Description

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Beginning balance

 

$

2,004

 

$

7,669

 

 

$

8,409

 

Transfers into Level 3

 

 

 

 

 

Total realized/unrealized gains (losses):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Included in earnings

 

(331

)

(1

)

 

(312

)

Included in other comprehensive income

 

(38

)

40

 

 

494

 

Purchases, redemptions and settlements:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Purchases

 

 

 

 

 

Redemptions

 

(1,635

)

(5,704

)

 

(922

)

Ending balance

 

$

 

$

2,004

 

 

$

7,669

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total amount of unrealized gains for the period included in other comprehensive income attributable to the change in fair market value relating to assets still held at the reporting date

 

$

 

$

40

 

 

$

494

 

In connection with the Merger, the Company entered into a credit facility including an ABL Facility of $175 million and displaying comprehensive incomea First Lien Term Loan Facility of $525 million, and its componentssold $250 million of Senior Notes with a coupon rate of 11% in a private placement. The outstanding debt under the credit facility and senior notes are recorded in the consolidated financial statements.  The following table sets forth the calculation of comprehensive income,statements at historical cost, net of tax effects forapplicable unamortized discounts.

The Company’s Credit Facilities are tied directly to market rates and fluctuate as market rates change; as a result, the years indicated (in thousands):


  Years Ended 
  
April 2,
2011
  
March 27,
2010
  
March 28,
2009
 
  (Amounts in thousands) 
Net income attributable to 99¢ Only Stores
 $74,308  $60,447  $8,481 
             
Unrealized holding gains (losses) on marketable securities, net of tax effects of $70 in fiscal 2011, $758 in fiscal 2010 and $1,448 in fiscal 2009 $105  $1,136  $(2,172)
Reclassification adjustment, net of tax effects of $19 in fiscal 2011, $330 in fiscal 2010 and $493 in fiscal 2009  28   496   741 
Total unrealized holding gains (losses), net  133   1,632   (1,431)
Total comprehensive income $74,441  $62,079  $7,050 

New Authoritative Pronouncements

In June 2009, the FASB issued ASC 810 “Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities” (“VIE”) (“ASC 810”).  This statement amends current U.S. GAAP by: requiring ongoing reassessments of whether an enterprise is the primary beneficiary of a VIE; amending the quantitative approach previously required for determining the primary beneficiarycarrying value of the VIE; modifying the guidance used to determine whether an entity is a VIE; adding an additional reconsideration event (e.g. troubled debt restructurings) for determining whether an entity is a VIE; and requiring enhanced disclosures regarding an entity’s involvement with a VIE. The Company adopted this statement in the first quarterCredit Facilities approximates fair value as of fiscal 2011. The adoption of this statement did not have any impact on the Company’s consolidated financial position or results of operations.
54
March 30, 2013.

76



In June 2009,

The fair value of the FASB issued ASC 860 “Accounting for TransfersSenior Notes was estimated at $288.1 million, or $38.1 million greater than the carrying value, as of Financial Assets” (“ASC 860”)March 30, 2013, based on quoted market prices of the debt (Level 1 inputs).  The statement eliminatesfair value of the conceptSenior Notes was estimated at $259.3 million, or $9.3 million greater than the carrying value, as of March 31, 2012, using a “qualifying special-purpose entity” and changes the requirementsdiscounted cash flow analysis (Level 3 inputs).

See Note 6, “Debt” for derecognizing financial assets. The Company adopted this guidance in the first quarter of fiscal 2011. The adoption of this statement did not have any impactmore information on the Company’s consolidated financialdebt.

Assets and Liabilities that are Measured at Fair Value on a Nonrecurring Basis

During fiscal 2013, the Company wrote down the carrying value of land held for sale to its fair value of $1.7 million from $2.2 million, resulting in an asset impairment charge of $0.5 million. Fair value was determined on the basis of an independent broker opinion based on geographic area market comparable, less estimated cost to sell.

9.Related-Party Transactions

Stockholders Agreement

Upon completion of the Merger, the Parent entered into a stockholders agreement with each of its stockholders, which includes certain of the Company’s former directors, employees and members of management and the Company’s principal stockholders.  The stockholders agreement gives (i) Ares Corporate Opportunities Fund III, L.P., an affiliate of Ares (“ACOF”), the right to designate four members of the board of directors of Parent (the “Parent Board”), (ii) ACOF the right to designate two independent members of the Parent Board, which directors shall be approved by CPPIB, and (iii) CPPIB the right to designate two members of the Parent Board, in each case for so long as they or their respective affiliates beneficially own at least 15% of the then outstanding shares of class A common stock, par value $0.001 per share, of Parent (the “Class A Common Stock”).  The stockholders agreement provides for the election of Eric Schiffer, Jeff Gold and Howard Gold to the Parent Board, for so long as they hold the position of Chief Executive Officer, President and Chief Operating Officer, and Executive Vice President, respectively, and if those individuals do not hold such positions, the Rollover Investors have the right to designate one member of the Parent Board for so long as the Rollover Investors, in the aggregate continue to own at least 50% of the outstanding shares of Class A Common Stock that they held on the date of the Merger (the “Rollover Director”).  Under the terms of the stockholders agreement, certain significant corporate actions require the approval of a majority of directors on the board of directors, including at least one director designated by ACOF and one director designated by CPPIB, and certain other corporate actions require the approval of the Rollover Director.  These actions include the incurrence of additional indebtedness over $20 million in the aggregate outstanding at any time, the issuance or resultssale of operations.


In December 2009,any of our capital stock over $20 million in the FASB released ASU 2009-17 under ASC 810 “Consolidationaggregate, the sale, transfer or acquisition of Variable Interest Entities”.  This update consistsany assets with a fair market value of over $20 million, the declaration or payment of any dividends, entering into any merger, reorganization or recapitalization, amendments to our charter or bylaws, approval of our annual budget and other similar actions.

The stockholders agreement contains significant transfer restrictions and certain rights of first offer, tag-along, and drag-along rights.  In addition, the FASB Statement No. 167, which was issuedstockholders agreement contains registration rights that, among other things, require Parent to register common stock held by the stockholders who are parties to the stockholders agreement in the event Parent registers for sale, either for its own account or for the account of others, shares of its common stock.

Under the stockholders agreement, certain affiliate transactions require the approval of a majority of disinterested directors, and certain affiliate transactions between the Parent, on the one hand, and Ares, CPPIB or any of their respective affiliates, on the other hand, require the approval of a majority of disinterested directors, including the Rollover Director.

Voting Agreement

The Canada Pension Plan Investment Board in June 2009.  The amendments are intendedAct 1997 (Canada) imposes certain share ownership limitations on CPPIB.  These limitations include restrictions on CPPIB’s indirect ownership levels (through Parent) of the Company’s Class B Common Stock, par value $0.01 per share, which has de minimis economic rights and the right to improve financial reporting by enterprises involvedvote solely with variable interest entities.  This update is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning on or after November 15, 2009.respect to the election of directors.  An affiliate of Ares holds 10% of the Company’s Class B Common Stock.  The Company adopted this statementhas entered into a voting agreement with Parent and the affiliate of Ares pursuant to which such Class B Common Stock held by the affiliate of Ares is subject to a call right that allows Parent to repurchase such stock at any time for de minimis consideration.  The voting agreement also provides, among other things, for the affiliate of Ares to take certain actions requested by Parent to elect or remove the Company’s directors.

Management Services Agreements

Upon completion of the Merger, the Company and Parent entered into management services agreements with affiliates of the Sponsors (the “Management Services Agreements”).  Under each of the Management Services Agreements, the Company and Parent agreed to, among other things, retain and reimburse affiliates of the Sponsors for certain management and financial services and certain expenses and provide customary indemnification to the Sponsors and their affiliates.  In addition, upon completion of the Merger, the Company and Parent reimbursed affiliates of the Sponsors for their expenses incurred in connection with the Merger in an aggregate amount of $4.2 million in fiscal 2012.  In fiscal 2013, the Company reimbursed affiliates of the Sponsors their expenses in the first quarteramount of $0.7 million.  The Sponsors provided no services to us during fiscal 2011. The adoption of this statement did not have any impact on the Company’s consolidated financial position or results of operations.



2.Property and Equipment, net

The following table provides details of property and equipment (in thousands):

  Years Ended 
  
April 2, 
2011
  
March 27,
2010
 
Property and equipment      
Land $93,637  $78,836 
Buildings  110,681   96,196 
Buildings improvements  80,366   70,015 
Leasehold improvements  121,136   122,087 
Fixtures and equipment  128,383   121,420 
Transportation equipment  7,258   5,718 
Construction in progress  24,873   12,086 
Total property and equipment  566,334   506,358 
Less: accumulated depreciation and amortization  (252,482)  (227,500)
Property and equipment, net $313,852  $278,858 

3.Investments

 The following tables summarize the investments in marketable securities (in thousands):

  April 2, 2011 
  Cost or Amortized Cost  Gross Unrealized Gains  Gross Unrealized Losses  Fair Value 
Available for sale:            
Commercial paper and money market $152,962  $  $  $152,962 
Auction rate securities  9,001      (592)  8,409 
Municipal bonds  31,208         31,208 
Asset-backed securities  1,637   24   (1)  1,660 
Corporate securities  1,896   76   (50)  1,922 
Total $196,704  $100  $(643) $196,161 
                 
Reported as:                
Short-term investments             $184,929 
Long-term investments in marketable securities              11,232 
Total             $196,161 
56

Table of ContentsAgreements Regarding Lease Arrangements


  March 27, 2010 
  Cost or Amortized Cost  Gross Unrealized Gains  Gross Unrealized Losses  Fair Value 
Available for sale:            
Commercial paper and money market $118,831  $  $  $118,831 
Auction rate securities  10,668   47   (696)  10,019 
Municipal bonds  35,171         35,171 
Asset-backed securities  3,231   3   (148)  3,086 
Corporate securities  3,296   92   (64)  3,324 
Total $171,197  $142  $(908) $170,431 
                 
Reported as:                
Short-term investments             $155,657 
Long-term investments in marketable securities              14,774 
Total             $170,431 

The auction rate securities

On January 13, 2012, the Company holds generally are short-term debt instruments that provide liquidity throughentered into new lease agreements (the “Leases”) with Eric Schiffer, Howard Gold and Karen Schiffer, the spouse of Mr. Schiffer and sister of Messrs. Howard and Jeff Gold, and certain of their affiliates for 13 stores and one store parking lot, which replaced the existing month-to-month leases.  The Leases have approximate initial terms of either five or ten years and the base rents could be adjusted to market value in an aggregate amount not to exceed $1.0 million per annum.  In December 2012, as previously contemplated, the Company reached a Dutch auction process in which interest rates reset every 7 to 35 days.  Beginning in February 2008, auctionsfinal agreement with the Rollover Investors on the market value of the Company’s auction rate securities failed to sell all securities offeredLeases for sale.  Consequently, the principal associated with these failed auctions will not be accessible until a successful auction occurs, a buyer is found outsideeach of the auction process, the issuers redeem the securities, the issuers establish a different form of financing to replace13 stores that will result in aggregate base rent increasing by approximately $0.7 million aggregate per annum.  Rental expense for these securities or final payments come due to long-term contractual maturities.  For each unsuccessful auction, the interest rate moves to a rate defined for each security.  Currently, the Company is uncertain when the liquidity issues related to its remaining auction rate securities will improve. Accordingly, the Company has included $8.4 million and $10.0 million of its auction rate securities in non-current assets on the Company’s balance sheet as of April 2, 2011 and March 27, 2010 respectively.


The following table summarizes maturities of marketable fixed-income securities classified as available for sale as of April 2, 2011 (in thousands):

  Amortized Cost  Fair Value 
Due within one year $31,208  $31,208 
Due after one year through five years  1,255   1,324 
Due after five years  10,549   9,980 
  $43,012  $42,512 

Realized gains from the sale of marketable securities were less than $0.1 million, less than $0.1 million and $0.3Leases was $2.9 million for the fiscal years ended April 2, 2011, March 27, 2010 and March 28, 2009, respectively.  The Company recorded an investment impairment charge related to credit losses of approximately $0.1 million on its auction rate securities for fiscal 2011.  In fiscal 2010, the Company recognized an impairment charge related to credit losses of approximately $0.6 million on its auction rate securities and approximately $0.3 million on a Bank of America perpetual preferred stock.  The Company recognized approximately $1.7 million in impairment charges primarily related to a Lehman Brothers corporate bond of $0.6 million and a Lehman Brothers perpetual preferred stock of $1.0 million in fiscal 2009.

Non-tax effected net unrealized losses relating to securities that were recorded as available for sale securities were $0.5 million as of April 2, 2011.  Non-tax effected net unrealized losses relating to securities that were recorded as available for sale securities were $0.8 million as of March 27, 2010.   The tax effected unrealized gains and losses are included in other comprehensive income or loss in the Consolidated Statements of Shareholders’ Equity.

The following table presents the length of time securities were in continuous unrealized loss positions, but were not deemed to be other-than-temporarily impaired (in thousands):

  Less than 12 Months  12 Months or Greater 
  
 
Fair
Value
  
Gross
Unrealized
Losses
  
Fair
Value
  
Gross
Unrealized
Losses
 
April 2, 2011            
Municipal bonds $  $  $  $ 
Asset-backed securities        451   (1)
Corporate securities  1,069   (8)  687   (42)
Auction rate securities  394   (4)  8,015   (588)
  $1,463  $(12) $9,153  $(631)

As of April 2, 2011, there were less than $0.1 million of unrealized losses for less than twelve months, and $0.6 million of losses for twelve months or greater for 20 securities that primarily were caused by interest rate fluctuations and changes in current market conditions.

During fiscal 2011, the Company recorded approximately $0.1 million other-than-temporary impairment charges related to credit losses on its auction rate securities.  During this period, the Company did not have any non-credit related other-than-temporary losses on any of its securities.  Accordingly, the Company’s other comprehensive income does not include any charges related to the other-than-temporary non-credit portion of its securities.

The following table presents the length of time securities were in continuous unrealized loss positions, but were not deemed to be other-than-temporarily impaired (in thousands):

  Less than 12 Months  12 Months or Greater 
  
 
Fair
Value
  
Gross
Unrealized
Losses
  
Fair
Value
  
Gross
Unrealized
Losses
 
March 27, 2010            
Municipal bonds $  $  $  $ 
Asset-backed securities  1,078   (12)  1,645   (136)
Corporate securities        1,655   (64)
Auction rate securities        9,173   (696)
  $1,078  $(12) $12,473  $(896)

As of March 27, 2010, there were less than $0.1 million of unrealized losses for less than twelve months, and $0.9 million of losses for twelve months or greater for 26 securities that primarily were caused by interest rate fluctuations and changes in current market conditions.

During fiscal 2010, the Company recorded approximately $0.6 million and $0.3 million of other-than-temporary impairment charges related to credit losses on its auction rate securities and a Bank of America perpetual preferred stock, respectively.  During this period, the Company did not have any non-credit related other-than-temporary losses on any of its securities.  Accordingly, the Company’s other comprehensive income does not include any charges related to the other-than-temporary non-credit portion of its securities.


The following table sets forth a reconciliation of the changes in credit losses recognized in earnings during fiscal 2011 and fiscal 2010 (in thousands):

  For the Year Ended  For the Year Ended 
  
April 2,
2011
  
March 27,
2010
 
Total gross unrealized losses on other-than-temporary impaired securities $129  $843 
Portion of losses recognized in comprehensive income (before taxes)      
Net other-than-temporary impairment losses recognized in net earnings $129  $843 

4.Variable Interest Entities
At April 2, 2011 and March 27, 2010, the Company no longer has any variable interest entities.

5.Income Tax Provision
The provision for income taxes consists of the following:

  Years Ended 
  (Amounts in thousands) 
  April 2, 2011  March 27, 2010  March 28, 2009 
Current:         
Federal $22,379  $31,349  $11,761 
State  6,237   6,217   2,703 
   28,616   37,566   14,464 
Deferred - federal and state  15,300   (4,462)  (10,395)
Provision (benefit) for income taxes $43,916  $33,104  $4,069 

Differences between the provision for income taxes and income taxes at the statutory federal income tax rate are as follows:

  Years Ended 
  (Amounts in thousands) 
  April 2, 2011  March 27, 2010  March 28, 2009 
  Amount  Percent  Amount  Percent  Amount  Percent 
Income taxes at statutory federal rate $41,378   35.0% $32,743   35.0% $4,868   35.0%
State income taxes, net of federal income tax effect   4,225   3.5    3,532   3.8    (129)   (0.9)
Effect of permanent differences  3   0.0   (47)  (0.1)  (201)  (1.5)
Texas NOL tax credits expense/(benefit)     0.0   (109)  (0.1)  1,431   10.3 
Welfare to work, LARZ, and other job credits  (1,473)  (1.2)  (1,022)  (1.1)  (1,052)  (7.6)
Other  (217)  (0.2)  (1,993)  (2.1)  (848)  (6.0)
  $43,916   37.1% $33,104   35.4% $4,069   29.3%

In fiscal 2009, the Texas NOL tax credit was adjusted to reflect anticipated store closures. The fiscal 2010 tax provision reflects a small benefit related to the Texas NOL tax credits due to the Company’s decision to continue operations in Texas.


The Company’s net deferred tax assets are as follows:

  Years Ended 
  (Amounts in thousands) 
  
April 2,
2011
  
March 27,
2010
 
CURRENT ASSETS (LIABILITIES) ��    
Inventory $1,733  $7,944 
Uniform inventory capitalization  6,416   5,209 
Prepaid expenses  (2,471)  (1,589)
Accrued expenses  3,234   2,571 
Workers’ compensation  18,159   20,125 
State taxes  532   (90)
Other, net  2,446   2,249 
Total Current Assets (Liabilities)  30,049   36,419 
NON-CURRENT ASSETS (LIABILITIES)        
Depreciation and amortization  14,392   21,990 
Net operating loss carry-forwards  4,102   4,346 
Deferred rent  875   2,150 
Share-based compensation  4,231   6,058 
Other, net  6,806   5,737 
Valuation allowance  (5,798)  (5,798)
Total Non-Current Assets (Liabilities)  24,608   34,483 
Net Deferred Tax Assets $54,657  $70,902 

As of April 2, 2011, the Company had federal net operating loss carryforwards of approximately $11.7 million which can be used to offset future taxable income.  The utilization of these net operating loss carryforwards is limited and the carryforwards expire at various dates through 2018.  The Company also has approximately $7.7 million of California Enterprise Zone credits that can be carried forward indefinitely. In addition, pursuant to the Company’s decision in August 2009 to continue operations in Texas, the Company has recorded a deferred tax asset of approximately $2.2 million related to Texas NOL credits in fiscal 2010.  Based on the current estimate of future benefit utilization of these credits, the Company has also recorded a related valuation allowance of $1.9 million.  The Company maintains a valuation allowance to reduce certain deferred tax assets to amounts that are, in management’s estimation, more likely than not to be realized.  The valuation allowance as of April 2, 2011, relates to the deferred tax assets acquired in the acquisition of Universal International, Inc. and Texas NOL credits.
The Company had approximately $1.4 million at March 28, 2009 of unrecognized tax benefits related to uncertain tax positions.  The statutes of limitations have expired for the periods related to these uncertain tax positions at the end of fiscal 2010, and accordingly, at March 27, 2010, the Company has derecognized these liabilities.


The following table provides a reconciliation of the beginning and ending amount of unrecognized tax benefit (in thousands):

Balance at March 29, 2008 $1,381 
Additions based on tax positions related to the current year   
Additions for tax positions of prior years  35 
Reductions for tax positions of prior years   
Settlements   
Balance at March 28, 2009 $1,416 
Additions based on tax positions related to the current year   
Additions for tax positions of prior years   
Reductions for tax positions of prior years   
Settlements   
Lapse of statutes of limitation  (1,416)
Balance at March 27, 2010 $ 
Additions based on tax positions related to the current year   
Additions for tax positions of prior years   
Reductions for tax positions of prior years   
Settlements   
Lapse of statutes of limitation   
Balance at April 2, 2011 $ 

The Company files income tax returns in the U.S. federal jurisdiction and in various states.  The Company is subject to examinations by the major tax jurisdictions in which it files for the tax years 2005 through 2010.

6.Related-Party Transactions

The Company leases certain retail facilities from its significant shareholders and their affiliates.year 2013.  Rental expense for these facilitiesLeases was approximately$0.7 million for the period of January 15, 2012 to March 31, 2012 and $1.7 million for the period of April 3, 2011 to January 14, 2012.  Rental expense for these Leases was $2.1 million in eachfor the fiscal year 2011.

Stock Purchase Agreement

In June 2012, Parent entered into a Stock Purchase Agreement with Norman Axelrod, a director of fiscal years 2011, 2010Parent and 2009.


7.Commitments and Contingencies

of the Company, and AS SKIP, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company of which Mr. Axelrod is the managing member (together with Norman Axelrod, the “Purchasers”).  Pursuant to the terms of the Stock Purchase Agreement, the Purchasers purchased 750 shares of Class A Common Stock and 750 shares of class B common stock, par value $0.001 per share, of Parent (the “Class B Common Stock”) for an aggregate purchase price of $750,000.

10.Commitments and Contingencies

Credit Facilities


The Company had no debt outstanding as of April 2, 2011 and March 27, 2010 and does not maintain anyCompany’s credit facilities with any financial institutions except for a small standby letter of credit as described below.


and commitments are discussed in detail in Note 6.

As of April 2, 2011,March 31, 2012, the Company also had a standby letter of credit for approximately $0.4 million, related to one of its leased properties, where the lessor iswas a named beneficiary in the event of a default by the Company, and potentially iswas entitled to draw on the letter of credit in the event of a specified default.  The letter of credit will expireexpired in October 2011, but shall be automatically extended, without written amendment, to October 2012, unless written notice of termination is sent to the issuer.  As of the date of filing this Form 10-K, the Company is in compliance with its lease terms and scheduled payments.


2012.

Lease Commitments


The Company leases various facilities under operating leases (except for one location which is classified as a capital lease) expiring at various dates through fiscal year 2031. Most of the lease agreements contain renewal options and/or provide for fixed rent escalations or increases based on the Consumer Price Index.  Total minimum lease payments under each of these lease agreements, including scheduled increases, are charged to operating expenses on a straight-line basis over the term of each respective lease.  Certain leases require the payment of property taxes, maintenance and insurance.  Rental expense charged to operating expenses in fiscal 2013 was $63.0 million of which $0.3 million was paid as percentage rent, based on sales volume for the year ended.  Rental expense charged to operating expenses for the periods of January 15, 2012 to March 31, 2012 and April 3, 2011 2010 and 2009to January 14, 2012 was approximately $56.7 million, $60.7$13.1 million and $60.6$44.0 million respectively, of which $0.3 million, $0.3less than $0.1 million and $0.2 million waswere paid as percentage rent, based on sales volume for each of the yearsperiods then ended, respectively.  Rental expense charged to operating expenses in fiscal 2011 was $56.7 million of which $0.3 million was paid as percentage rent, based on sales volume for the year ended.  Sub-lease income earned in fiscal 2013 was $0.6 million.  Sub-lease income earned for the periods January 15, 2012 to March 31, 2012 and April 3, 2011 to January 14, 2012 was $0.1 million and $0.6 million, respectively.  Sub-lease income earned in fiscal 2011 2010 and 2009 was approximately $0.9 million, $0.7 million and $1.0 million, respectively.


61
million.

78




As of April 2, 2011,March 30, 2013, the minimum annual rentals payable and future minimum sub-lease income under all non-cancelable operating leases werewas as follows:follows (amounts in thousands):


Fiscal Year: Operating leases  Capital leases  Future Minimum Sub-lease Income 
2012 $40,377  $106  $383 
2013  35,666   106   293 
2014  32,765   106   279 
2015  25,761   106   180 
2016  17,778   106   130 
Thereafter  39,867   10   33 
Future minimum lease payments $192,214  $540  $1,298 
             
Less amount representing interest      (92)    
Present value of future lease payments     $448     

Fiscal Year:

 

Operating leases

 

Capital leases

 

Future Minimum
Sub-lease Income

 

2014

 

$

51,657

 

$

106

 

$

401

 

2015

 

46,904

 

106

 

305

 

2016

 

39,133

 

106

 

256

 

2017

 

29,418

 

90

 

74

 

2018

 

21,846

 

 

 

Thereafter

 

72,956

 

 

 

Future minimum lease payments

 

$

261,914

 

$

408

 

$

1,036

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Less amount representing interest

 

 

 

(54

)

 

 

Present value of future lease payments

 

 

 

$

354

 

 

 

The capital lease relates to a building for one of the Company’s stores.  The gross asset amount recorded under the capital lease was $1.0$0.3 million each as of April 2, 2011March 30, 2013 and March 27, 2010.31, 2012.  Accumulated depreciation was $0.7 million and $0.6less than $0.1 million as of April 2, 2011March 30, 2013 and March 27, 2010.

31, 2012.

Workers’ Compensation

The Company self-insures its workers'workers’ compensation claims in California and Texas and provides for losses of estimated known and incurred but not reported insurance claims.  The Company does not discount the projected future cash outlays for the time value of money for claims and claim related costs when establishing its workers’ compensation liability.


At April 2, 2011

As of March 30, 2013 and March 27, 2010,31, 2012, the Company had recorded a liability $42.4$39.4 million and $46.9$39.0 million, respectively, for estimated workers’ compensation claims in California.  The Company has limited self-insurance exposure in Texas and had recorded a liability of less than $0.1 million as of April 2, 2011March 30, 2013 and approximately $0.1 million as of March 27, 201031, 2012 for workers’ compensation claims in Texas.  The Company purchases workers’ compensation insurance coverage in Arizona and Nevada.

Self-Insured Health Insurance Liability

During the second quarter of fiscal 2012, the Company began self-insuring for a portion of its employee medical benefit claims.  At March 30, 2013 and March 31, 2012, the Company had recorded a liability of $0.5 million and $0.9 million, respectively, for estimated health insurance claims.  The Company maintains stop loss insurance coverage to limit its exposure for the self-funded portion of its health insurance program.

The following table summarizes the changes in the reserves for self-insurance for the periods indicated (in thousands):

 

 

Workers’
Compensation

 

Health
Insurance

 

(Predecessor)

 

 

 

 

 

Balance as of 3/27/10

 

$

47,023

 

$

 

Claims Payments

 

(15,555

)

 

Reserve Accruals

 

10,962

 

 

Balance as of 4/2/11

 

$

42,430

 

$

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Claims Payments

 

(12,938

)

(2,280

)

Reserve Accruals

 

9,888

 

3,124

 

Balance as of 1/14/12

 

$

39,380

 

$

844

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(Successor)

 

 

 

 

 

Claims Payments

 

$

(3,855

)

$

(1,502

)

Reserve Accruals

 

3,499

 

1,509

 

Balance as of 3/31/12

 

$

39,024

 

$

851

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Claims Payments

 

$

(18,655

)

$

(7,050

)

Reserve Accruals

 

19,129

 

6,715

 

Balance as of 3/30/13

 

$

39,498

 

$

516

 

79




Table of Contents

Legal Matters


Wage and Hour Matters

Thomas Allen v. 99¢ Only Stores, Superior Court of the State of California, County of Los Angeles.   Plaintiff, a former store manager for the Company, filed this action on March 18, 2011. He asserted claims on behalf of himself and all others allegedly similarly situated under the California Labor Code for alleged failure to pay overtime, failure to provide meal and rest periods, failure to pay wages timely upon termination, and failure to provide accurate wage statements.  Mr. Allen also asserted a derivative claim for unfair competition under the California Business and Professions Code.  Mr. Allen seeks to represent a class of all employees who were employed by the Company as salaried managers in 99¢ Only retail stores from March 18, 2007 through the date of trial or settlement.  Plaintiff seeks to recover alleged unpaid wages, statutory penalties, interest, attorney’s fees and costs, declaratory relief, injunctive relief and restitution.  On October 17, 2011, the Court heard the Company’s motion to compel Plaintiff Allen to arbitrate his claims on an individual basis, and following the hearing, the Court ordered the parties to submit further briefing and argument.  Following this supplemental briefing and while the motion was under advisement, Mr. Allen sought leave to amend his complaint to add a cause of action pursuant to the Private Attorneys General Act of 2004 (“PAGA”).  The Company did not oppose this motion and on January 5, 2012, the Court granted Mr. Allen’s motion and his First Amended Complaint was filed.  On February 27, 2012, the Court denied the Company’s motion to compel arbitration.  The Company filed a notice of its intention to appeal that ruling on April 12, 2012.  Following a mediation of this matter on August 30, 2012, the parties entered into a ‘‘term sheet’’ settlement agreement for an immaterial amount, which is subject to court approval.  As of April 11, 2013, all parties had executed a Stipulation Re: Settlement of Class Action.  On April 17, 2013, Mr. Allen filed his motion for preliminary approval of the settlement.  The Company filed a notice of non-opposition to this motion on April 25, 2013.  On May 9, 2013, the Court granted preliminary approval of the settlement.  A hearing regarding final approval of the settlement was set for August 23, 2013.  If the settlement agreement is not approved by the court, the Company cannot predict the outcome of this lawsuit.

Shelley Pickett v. 99¢ Only Stores, Superior Court of the State of California, County of Los Angeles.  Plaintiff Shelley Pickett filed a representative action complaint against the Company on November 4, 2011, alleging a PAGA claim virtually identical that of another matter which was dismissed with prejudice in December 2011, Bright v. 99¢ Only Stores. Like the plaintiff in the Bright case, Plaintiff Pickett asserts that the Company violated section 14 of Wage Order 7-2001 by failing to provide seats for its cashiers behind checkout counters. She seeks civil penalties of $100 to $200 per violation, per each pay period for each affected employee, and attorney’s fees.  On November 8, 2011, Plaintiff Pickett filed a Notice of Related Case, stating that her case and the Bright case assert “identical claims.” After hearing arguments from the parties on December 1, 2011, the Court determined that the cases were related and assigned Pickett’s case to Judge William Fahey, the judge who presided over the Bright case.  Plaintiff Pickett then attempted to exercise a 170.6 challenge to Judge Fahey, which the Company opposed. The Court struck Plaintiff Pickett’s 170.6 challenge on December 16, 2011. Plaintiff Pickett appealed this ruling, filing a petition for writ of mandate on December 30, 2011. The Company filed an opposition to Plaintiff Pickett’s petition and oral argument took place on February 1, 2012.  On February 22, 2012, the Court of Appeal ruled in Plaintiff Pickett’s favor and issued the writ of mandate.  On April 2, 2012, the Company filed a petition for review of that ruling with the California Supreme Court, which Pickett answered on April 23, 2012.  The California Supreme Court denied the Company’s petition for review on May 9, 2012 and the Court of Appeals has remanded the case to Los Angeles Superior Court.  On October 2, 2012, the Company filed a motion to compel arbitration of Pickett’s individual claims or, in the alternative, to strike the representative action allegations in the Complaint.  The Court denied that motion on November 15, 2012 and on January 11, 2013, the Company filed a Notice of Appeal.  The Court of Appeal has given this matter priority as provided by Civil Procedure Code section 1291.2, resulting in an expedited briefing schedule.  The Company filed its Opening Brief on July 3, 2013.  The Respondent’s Brief is due on August 2, 2013, and per the Court of Appeal’s scheduling order, if the brief is not timely filed, the 15-day notice under rule 8.220(a)(2) of the California Rules of Court will be deemed issued the next calendar day.  The Company’s Reply Brief will be due within 10 days of the filing date of Respondent’s Brief.  The Company cannot predict the outcome of this lawsuit or the amount of potential loss, if any, that it could face as a result of such lawsuit.

Regulatory Matters

The Company recently received Notices to Comply with hazardous waste and/or hazardous materials storage requirements for certain of its stores and its distribution centers in Southern California.  The agencies that have delivered such notices to the Company include the Los Angeles County Fire Department, Health Hazardous Materials Division, the Ventura County Environmental Health Division, the Santa Barbara County Fire Department and the City of Oxnard.  The Notices concern alleged non-compliance with a variety of hazardous waste and hazardous material regulatory requirements imposed under California law identified during recent compliance inspections and require corrective actions to be taken by certain dates set forth in the Notices.  The Company is working to implement the required corrective actions.  Although the agencies can also seek civil penalties for the alleged instances of past non-compliance, even after corrective action is taken, no penalties have been demanded for any of the alleged non-compliance.  Given the passage of time, it now appears that there will be no further action by the government agencies regarding these matters.  If penalties are demanded by these agencies in the future, the Company cannot predict the amount of penalties that may be sought.

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Other Matters.  The Company is also subject to other private lawsuits, administrative proceedings and claims that arise in ourits ordinary course of business.  A number of these lawsuits, proceedings and claims may exist at any given time.  While the resolution of such a lawsuit, proceeding or claim may have an impact on ourthe Company’s financial results for the period in which it is resolved, and litigation is inherently unpredictable, in management’s opinion, none of these matters arising in the ordinary course of business is expected to have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial position, results of operations or overall liquidity.  Material pending legal proceedings (other than ordinary routine litigation incidental to our business) and material proceedings known

11.Stock-Based Compensation Plans

Successor stock-based compensation

Number Holdings, Inc. 2012 Equity Incentive Plan

On February 27, 2012, the Parent Board adopted the Number Holdings, Inc. 2012 Stock Incentive Plan (the “2012 Plan”), which authorizes equity awards to be contemplated by governmental authorities are reportedgranted for up to 74,603 shares of Class A Common Stock and 74,603 shares of Class B Common Stock of which as of March 30, 2013, options for 55,279 shares of each class were issued to certain members of management with an aggregate exercise price of $1,000 for one share of Class A Common Stock and for one share of Class B Common Stock, together.  Options become exercisable over the five year service period and have terms of ten years from date of the grant.  Options upon vesting may be exercised only for units consisting of an equal number of Class A Common Stock and Class B Common Stock.  Class B Common Stock has de minimis economic rights and the right to vote solely for election of directors.

Share repurchase rights

Under the 2012 Plan, standard form of option award agreement, Parent has a right to repurchase from the participant all or a portion of (i) Class A and Class B Common Stock of Parent issued upon the exercise of the options awarded to a participant and (ii) fully vested but unexercised options.  The repurchase price for the shares of Class A and Class B Common Stock of Parent is the fair market value of such shares as of the date of such termination, and, for the fully vested but unexercised options, the repurchase price is the difference between the fair market value of the Class A and Class B Common Stock of Parent as of the date of termination of employment and the exercise price of the option.  However, upon (i) a termination of employment for cause, (ii) a voluntary resignation without good reason, or (iii) upon discovery that the participant engaged in our Securities Exchange Act reports.


Going Private Proposal

Followingdetrimental activity, the recent announcementrepurchase price is the lesser of the exercise price paid by the Companyparticipant to exercise the option or the fair market value of the receiptClass A and Class B Common Stock of a going private proposal, eight complaints have been filed relatedParent.  If Parent elects to exercise its repurchase right for any shares acquired pursuant to the exercise of an option, it must do so no later than 180 days after the date of participant’s termination of employment, or (ii) for any unexercised option no later than 90 days from the latest date that an option can be exercised.  All of the options that the Company has granted to its executive officers and employees (with the exception of options granted to Rollover Investors that contain no repurchase rights and certain directors that contain less restrictive repurchase rights) contain such repurchase rights. There were 20,845 options outstanding as of March 31, 2013 subject to such proposal,repurchase rights. In accordance with accounting guidance, the Company has not recorded any stock-based compensation expense for these grants.  For all other options, fair value of the option awards is recognized as compensation expense on a straight line basis over the requisite service period of the award, and is included in operating expenses.

Former Executive Put Rights

Pursuant to the Los Angeles County Superior Court (the "Actions"employment agreements between the Company and Messrs. Eric Schiffer, Jeff Gold and Howard Gold, in connection with their separation from the Company, for a period of one year following such separation, each executive has a right to require Parent to repurchase the shares of Class A and Class B Common Stock owned by executive (a “put right”) at the greater of (i) $1,000 per combined share of Class A and Class B Common Stock less the any distributions made with respect to such shares and (ii) the fair market value of such shares as of the date the executive exercises the put right.  The put right applies to the lesser of (i) 20,000 shares of each of Class A and Class B Common Stock and (ii) $12.5 million in value (unless Parent agrees to purchase a higher value)The plaintiffs inIf exercising the Actions claimput right is prohibited (e.g., under the First Lien Credit facility, the ABL Facility and the indenture governing the senior notes), then the put right is extended up to be shareholdersthree additional years until Parent is no longer prohibited from repurchasing the shares.  If, during the four years following termination, Parent is at no time able to make the required payments, the put right expires and is deemed unexercised.  For payout after the first year, the put right is only at the fair market value as of the date the exercising the put right.

On January 23, 2013, Eric Schiffer, Jeff Gold and Howard Gold separated from their positions as Chief Executive Officer, Chief Administrative Officer and Executive Vice President of Special Projects, respectively, of the Company and propose to represent a class of allParent, and as directors of the Company's public shareholders.Company and Parent.  As such, for a period of one year from January 23, 2013, each executive may exercise the put right as described above.  The Actions name the Company, variousfair value of its officersthese put rights was estimated using a binomial model to be $6.5 million as of March 30, 2013 and directors, and Leonard Green & Partners L.P. (andhas been included in one instance certain entities affiliated with Leonard Green & Partners) as defendants.  The Actions assert claims for breach of fiduciary duty and aiding and abetting breach of fiduciary duty.  Plaintiffs seek to enjoin a going private transaction and, in the alternative, seek unspecified damages in the event such a transaction is consummated.  The Actions have been ordered stayed pending an initial status conference.  The Actions are:  Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority v. David Gold, et al. (filed March 14, 2011, amended March 23, 2011);  John Chevedden v. 99¢ Only Stores, et al. (filed March 16, 2011); Rana Fong v. 99¢ Only Stores, et al. (filed March 17, 2011);  Norfolk County Retirement Board v. Jeff Gold, et al. (filed March 22, 2011);  Tammy Newman v. 99¢ Only Stores, et al. (filed March 25, 2011);  Key West Police and Fire Pension Fund v. Eric G. Flamholtz, et al. (filed April 5, 2011); and Allen Mitchell v. 99¢ Only Stores, et al. (filed April 11, 2011).


62
operating expenses.

81



Accounting for stock-based compensation

Determining the fair value of options at the grant date requires judgment, including estimating the expected term that stock options will be outstanding prior to exercise and the associated volatility.  At the grant date, the Company estimates an amount of forfeitures that will occur prior to vesting.  During fiscal 2013, the Company recorded stock-based compensation expense of $18.4 million (including $9.9 million of accelerated vesting expense for four officers who separated from their positions in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2013 and $6.5 million related to former executive put rights).  The income tax benefit was $7.4 million for fiscal 2013.  During the period from January 15, 2012 to March 31, 2012, the Company incurred stock-based compensation expense of $0.1 million.

The fair value of stock options was estimated at the date of grant using the Black-Scholes pricing model with the following assumptions:

 

 

Year Ended

 

For the Period

 

 

 

March 30, 2013

 

January 15, 2012 to
March 31, 2012

 

Weighted-average fair value of options granted

 

$

350.84

 

$

387.20

 

Risk free interest rate

 

1.12

%

0.98

%

Expected life (in years)

 

6.50

 

6.32

 

Expected stock price volatility

 

34.2

%

37.9

%

Expected dividend yield

 

None

 

None

 

The risk-free interest rate is based on the U.S. treasury yield curve in effect at the time of grant with an equivalent remaining term.  Expected life represents the estimated period of time until exercise and is calculated by using “simplified method.”  Expected stock price volatility is based on average historical volatility of stock prices of companies in a peer group analysis.  The Company currently does not anticipate the payment of any cash dividends.  Compensation expense is recognized only for those options expected to vest, with forfeitures estimated based on the Company’s historical experience and future expectations.

As of March 30, 2013, there were $6.1 million of total unrecognized compensation costs related to non-vested options and options subject to repurchase rights for which no compensation has been recorded.  During fiscal 2013, 38,290 options vested and the fair value of these vested options was $12.0 million.  No options were exercised during fiscal 2013.   No options were vested or exercised during the period from January 15, 2012 to March 31, 2012.

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Pricing Policy Matters

The district attorneys of two California counties and one city attorney have notified the Company that they are planning a possible civil action against the Company alleging that its .99 cent pricing policy, adopted in September 2008, constitutes false advertising and/or otherwise violates California's pricing laws.  In response to this notification and an associated invitation from these governmental entities, the Company provided a detailed position statement with respect to its pricing structure.

Leonard Morales and Steven Calabro vs. 99¢ Only Stores, Superior Court of the State of California, County of Los Angeles.  Plaintiffs filed a putative class action complaint against the Company in July 2010, claiming violations of California’s Unfair Competition Law (California Business & Professions Code Section 17200) and Consumer Legal Remedies Act (California Civil Code Section 1750, et seq.), as well as unjust enrichment, arising out of the Company’s September 2008 change in its pricing policy.  Plaintiffs seek restitution of all amounts allegedly “wrongfully obtained” by the Company, injunctive and declaratory relief, prejudgment and post-judgment interest, and their attorney’s fees and costs.  The Company filed a demurrer to all of the causes of action in this complaint as well as a motion to strike certain portions of it.  In response to these motions, the plaintiffs requested that their case be consolidated with the Kavis lawsuit described below, and the two sets of plaintiffs filed a consolidated amended complaint.  The Company has filed a demurrer and motion to strike directed towards portions of the amended complaint, and these motions were heard on April 27, 2011. These motions have been fully briefed and argued and the parties are awaiting a ruling from the Court.  Discovery has begun in this case and is ongoing.

Phillip Kavis, Debra Major, Barbara Maines, and Susan Jonas v. 99¢ Only Stores, David Gold, Jeff Gold, Howard Gold, and Eric Schiffer, Superior Court of the State of California, County of Los Angeles.  Plaintiffs filed a putative class action complaint against the Company in July 2010, claiming violations of California’s Unfair Competition Law (California Business & Professions Code Section 17200), False Advertising Law (California Business & Professions Code Section 17500), and Consumer Legal Remedies Act (California Civil Code Section 1770), as well as intentional misrepresentation, negligent misrepresentation, breach of the implied covenant of good faith and fair dealing, and unjust enrichment, arising out of the Company’s September 2008 change in its pricing policy.  Plaintiffs seek actual damages, restitution, including disgorgement of all profits and unjust enrichment allegedly obtained by the Company, statutory damages and civil penalties, equitable and injunctive relief, exemplary damages, prejudgment and post-judgment interest, and their attorney’s fees and costs.  The Company filed a demurrer to all of the causes of action in this complaint as well as a motion to strike certain portions of it.  In response to these motions, the plaintiffs requested that their case be consolidated with the Morales lawsuit described above and filed a consolidated amended complaint.  The Company has filed a demurrer and motion to strike directed towards portions of the amended complaint, and these motions were heard on April 27, 2011. These motions have been fully briefed and argued and the parties are awaiting a ruling from the Court. Discovery has begun in this case and is ongoing.

We cannot predict the outcome of these lawsuits or of any action or lawsuit that may be brought against the Company by the above-referenced governmental entities, or the amount of potential loss, if any, the Company could face as a result of such lawsuits or actions.  We believe our pricing structure is lawful, and that our .99 cent pricing policy has an established precedent similar to the .9 cent pricing policy used for decades by gas stations across the country. We believe our .99 cent pricing policy has been well publicized with items properly price-signed in the stores such that it would not cause a reasonable consumer to be deceived, and we intend to vigorously defend these lawsuits as well as any such other lawsuit or action that may arise.


Wage

The following summarizes stock option activity for the year ended March 30, 2013:

 

 

Number of
Shares

 

Weighted
Average
Exercise Price

 

Weighted Average
Remaining
Contractual Life
(Year)

 

Aggregate
Intrinsic
Value

 

Options outstanding at the beginning of the period

 

50,905

 

$

1,000

 

 

 

 

 

Granted

 

5,965

 

$

1,000

 

 

 

 

 

Exercised

 

 

$

 

 

 

 

 

Cancelled

 

(1,591

)

$

1,000

 

 

 

 

 

Outstanding at the end of the period

 

55,279

 

$

1,000

 

4.60

 

$

 

Exercisable at the end of the period

 

38,290

 

$

1,000

 

2.80

 

$

 

Exercisable and expected to vest at the end of the period

 

52,531

 

$

1,000

 

4.50

 

$

 

The following table summarizes the stock awards available for grant under the 2012 Plan as of March 30, 2013:

Number of Shares

Available for grant as of March 31, 2012

23,698

Granted

(5,965

)

Cancelled

1,591

Available for grant at March 30, 2013

19,324

On January 23, 2013, Eric Schiffer, Jeff Gold and Hour Matters


Luis Palencia v. 99¢ Only Stores, Superior CourtHoward Gold separated from their positions as Chief Executive Officer, Chief Administrative Officer and Executive Vice President of Special Projects, respectively, of the StateCompany and Parent, and as directors of California, County of Sacramento.   Plaintiff, a former assistant manager for the Company who was employedand Parent.  In accordance with their employment agreements, the Company from June 12, 2009 through September 9, 2009, filed this actionaccelerated vesting of 29,604 stock options and recorded an additional $9.3 million stock-based compensation expense in June 2010, asserting claims on behalfthe fourth quarter of himselffiscal 2013.  These options expire upon the later of July 23, 2014 and all others allegedly similarly situated under the California Labor Code for alleged unpaid overtime due to “off the clock” work, failure to pay minimum wage, failure to provide meal and rest periods, failure to provide proper wage statements, failure to pay wages timely during employment and upon termination and failure to reimburse business expenses.  Mr. Palencia also asserts a derivative claim for unfair competition under the California Business and Professions Code.  Mr. Palencia seeks to represent three sub-classes: (i) an “unpaid wages subclass” of all non-exempt or hourly paid employees who worked for the Company in California within four years prior to the filing of the complaint until42 months from the date of certification, (ii) a “non-compliant wage statement subclass” of all non-exempt or hourly paid employees ofthe Merger.  There are no Parent repurchase rights associated with these stock options.

On February 15, 2013, the Company modified an existing option grant related to an employee who workedseparated from the Company on that day.  Consequently, 5,921 stock options became fully vested and the Company recorded additional $0.6 million stock-based compensation expense in Californiathe fourth quarter of fiscal 2013.  These options expire upon the later of August 15, 2014 and received a wage statement within one year prior to the filing of the complaint until42 months from the date of certification, and (iii) an “unreimbursed business expenses subclass” of all employees ofthe Merger.  There are no Parent repurchase rights associated with these stock options.

Predecessor Stock-Based Compensation

Prior to the Merger, the Company who paid for business-related expenses, including expenses for travel, mileage expenses, or cell phones in California within four years prior to the filing of the complaint until the date of certification.  Plaintiff seeks to recover alleged unpaid wages, interest, attorney’s fees and costs, declaratory relief, restitution, statutory penalties and liquidated damages.  He also seeks to recover civil penalties as an “aggrieved employee” under the Private Attorneys General Act of 2004.  Discovery has commenced but no class certification or trial date has been set.  We cannot predict the outcome of this lawsuit or the amount of potential loss, if any, the Company could face as a result of such lawsuit.


Sheridan Reed v. 99¢ Only Stores, Superior Court of the State of California, County of Los Angeles.   Plaintiff, a former store manager for the Company, filed this action in April 2010.  He originally asserted claims on behalf of himself and all others allegedly similarly situated under the California Labor Code for alleged failure to pay overtime at the proper rate, failure to pay vested vacation wages, failure to pay wages timely upon termination of employment and failure to provide accurate wage statements.  Mr. Reed also asserted a derivative claim for unfair competition under the California Business and Professions Code.  In September 2010, Mr. Reed amended his complaint to seek civil penalties under the Private Attorneys General Act of 2004.  Mr. Reed seeks to represent four sub-classes: (i) all non-exempt or hourly current or former employees who worked for the Company in California within four years prior to the filing of the complaint until the date of certification who were paid bonuses, commissions or incentive wages, who worked overtime, and for whom the bonuses, commissions or incentive wages were not included as part of the regular rate of pay for overtime purposes, (ii) all non-exempt or hourly current or former employees who worked for the Company in California within four years prior to the filing of the complaint until the date of certification who earned vacation wages and were not paid their vested vacation wages at the time of termination; (iii) all non-exempt or hourly current or former employees who worked for the Company in California within four years prior to the filing of the complaint until the date of certification who were not furnished a proper itemized wage statement; and (iv) all non-exempt or hourly current or former employees who worked for the Company in California within four years prior to the filing of the complaint until the date of certification who were not paid all wages due upon termination.  Plaintiff seeks to recover alleged unpaid wages, statutory penalties, interest, attorney’s fees and costs, declaratory relief, injunctive relief and restitution.  He also seeks to recover civil penalties as an “aggrieved employee” under the Private Attorneys General Act of 2004.  Discovery has commenced but no class certification or trial date has been set.  We cannot predict the outcome of this lawsuit or the amount of potential loss, if any, the Company could face as a result of such lawsuit.

Employment Discrimination Matter

Linda Niemiller v. 99¢ Only Stores, Superior Court of the State of California, County of Los Angeles.  Plaintiff, a former assistant manager for the Company, filed this action in March 2011.  She asserts claims on behalf of herself, and all others allegedly similarly situated, under the California Fair Employment and Housing Act and the California Business and Professions Code based on allegations that the Company has a pattern or practice of denying and/or failing to promote women to the position of Store Manager and to provide them with compensation equal to that of men doing equal work.  She also asserts an individual claim for retaliation based on the allegation that the Company failed to promote her in retaliation for her having opposed and objected to discrimination based on gender.  Plaintiff seeks to represent a class of all allegedly similarly situated current, past and future women as to whom the Company has denied hiring and promotion to the position of Store Manager and equal compensation in the State of California on the basis of gender.  She seeks to recover back pay, front pay, general and special damages, punitive damages, injunctive and declaratory relief, an order assigning herself and members of the putative class to those jobs they purportedly would have held but for the Company’s  allegedly discriminatory practices, an adjustment of the wage rates, benefits, and seniority rights for herself and members of the putative class to that level which they purportedly would be enjoying but for the Company’s alleged discriminatory practices, pre-judgment interest and attorney’s fees and costs.  We cannot predict the outcome of this lawsuit or the amount of potential loss, if any, the Company could face as a result of such lawsuit.
8.Stock-Based Compensation Plans

On September 14, 2010, at the Company’s 2010 Annual Meeting of Shareholders, the shareholders of the Company approvedmaintained the 99¢ Only Stores 2010 Equity Incentive Plan (the “2010 Plan”). There will be no further grants under the Company’s prior equity compensation plan, and the 1996 Stock OptionEquity Incentive Plan, as amended (the “1996 Plan”). The 2010 Plan authorizes, which provided for the issuancegrant of 4,999,999 shares ofoptions, PSU’s and other stock-based awards.  In connection with the Company’s common stock, of which 4,964,000 were available as of April 2, 2011 for future awards. This includes the unused capacity that will be rolled over from the 1996 Plan and that will become subject to the terms of the 2010 Plan, whereas any awards under the 1996 Plan that are outstanding as of the effective date shall continue to be subject to the terms and conditions of the 1996 Plan.  Employees, non-employee directors and consultantsMerger, on January 13, 2012, all of the Company and its affiliates are eligible to receivestock-based awards under the 2010 Plan, as determined by the Compensation Committee of the Company’s Board of Directors. All stock options grants are made at fair market value at the date of grant or at a price determined by the Compensation Committee of the Company’s Board of Directors, which consists exclusively of independent members of the Board of Directors. Stock options typically vest over a three-year period, one-third one year from the date of grant and one-third per year on the anniversary of the date of the grant thereafter. Stock options typically expire ten years from the date of grant. The plan will expire in 2020. For further information regarding the 2010 Plan, see the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on September 17, 2010.
The following table summarizes stock awards available for grant:

  Years Ended 
  
April 2, 
2011
  
March 27,
2010
  
March 28,
2009
 
Beginning balance  2,606,000   2,055,000   976,000 
Authorized  1,878,000       
Granted  (59,000)(a)  (101,000)(c)  (249,000)(e)
Cancelled  539,000(b)  652,000(d)  1,328,000(f)
Available for future grant  4,964,000   2,606,000   2,055,000 

(a) This amount includes 23,000 restrictedbecame fully vested.  Restricted stock units granted to certain employees under the Company’s 1996 Stock Option Plan, as amended (the “1996 Plan”) which was replaced by 2010 Equity Incentive Plan (the “2010 Plan”) approved at the Company’s 2010 Annual Meeting of Shareholders. The actual number of restricted stock units (and ultimately shares of Company common stock) to be issued depends on the reaching of the vesting requirements as specified by the restricted stock unit awards.

(b) This amount includes 68,000 PSUs.  For stock options, this includes options cancelled before September 14, 2010 under the 1996 Plan and thereafter the options cancelled under the 2010 Plan.

(c) This amount includes 65,000 PSUs granted under the Company’s 2008 PSU Plan. The actual number of performance stock units (and ultimately shareswere converted to a right to receive $22.00 per share, and stock option awards were converted to a right to receive $22.00 less the share price of Company common stock) to be issued depends on the Company’s financial performance over a periodawards. The Predecessor recognized $1.0 million of time.

(d) This amount includes 99,000 PSUs.

(e) This amount includes 127,000 PSUs potentially issuable under the Company’s 1996 Stock Option Plan. The actual number of performance stock units (and ultimately shares of Company common stock) to be issued depends on the Company’s financial performance over a period of time.

(f) This amount includes 191,000 PSUs.


In fiscal 2011, fiscal 2010 and fiscal 2009, the Company incurred total non-cash stock-based compensation expense due to the vesting and payout of $2.9all stock-based awards. In total, the Company paid cash of $21.5 million $7.7 million and $3.1 millionto settle all of the Predecessor’s stock based awards outstanding on January 13, 2012.  Equity incentive plans of the Predecessor no longer exist.

The Company recognized compensation expense on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period of the award, taking into consideration the applicable estimated forfeiture rates. Compensation expense associated with PSUs was subject to adjustments for changes in estimates relating to whether the performance objectives were achieved (see Performance Stock Units below). Total pre-tax compensation expense recorded as operating expense, beforewas $2.7 million and $2.9 million for the period from April 3, 2011 through January 14, 2012 and the fiscal 2011, respectively.  The income tax benefit ofwas $1.1 million and $1.2 million $3.1 millionfor the period from April 3, 2011 through January 14, 2012 and $1.3 million,fiscal 2011, respectively.


Stock Options


Stock

Under the Predecessor’s 2010 Plan, stock options typically vestvested over a three-year period, one-third one year from the date of grant and one-third per year thereafter. Stock options typically expireexpired ten years from the date of grant.

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The weighted average fair values per share of stock options granted have beenwas estimated using the Black-Scholes pricing model with the following assumptions:

  Years Ended 
  
April 2,
2011
  
March 27,
2010
  
March 28,
2009
 
Weighted-average fair value of options granted $6.70  $5.93  $4.93 
Risk free interest rate  1.42%  2.44%  2.97%
Expected life (in years)  5.0   5.0   5.0 
Expected stock price volatility  40.8%  47.2%  55.1%
Expected dividend yield None  None  None 

 

 

For the Period

 

Year Ended

 

 

 

April 3, 2012 to
January 14, 2012

 

April 2, 2011

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Weighted-average fair value of options granted

 

$

7.27

 

$

6.70

 

Risk free interest rate

 

0.92

%

1.42

%

Expected life (in years)

 

5.0

 

5.0

 

Expected stock price volatility

 

43.3

%

40.8

%

Expected dividend yield

 

None

 

None

 

The risk-free interest rate iswas based on the U.S. treasury yield curve in effect at the time of grant with an equivalent remaining term.  Expected life represents the estimated period of time until exercise and is based on historical experience of similar options, giving consideration to the contractual terms and expectations of future employee behavior.  Expected stock price volatility iswas based on a combination of the historical volatility of the Company’s stock and the implied volatility of actively traded options of the Company’s stock.  The Company hasdid not paidpay dividends in the past and doesdid not anticipate the payment of any future cash dividends for the foreseeable future.dividends.  Compensation expense iswas recognized only for those options expected to vest, with forfeitures estimated based on the Company’s historical experience and future expectations.


Option activity under

Due to the Company’sMerger and termination of the equity incentive plans, there were no stock option plan during the year ended April 2, 2011 is set forth below:


  Number of Shares  Weighted Average Exercise Price  Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life (Years)  
 
 
Aggregate Intrinsic Value
 
Options outstanding at the beginning of the period  4,133,000  $17.23       
Granted  36,000  $17.88       
Exercised  (505,000) $9.97       
Cancelled  (518,000) $17.12       
Outstanding at the end of the period  3,146,000  $18.42   3.44  $13,473,290 
Exercisable at the end of the period  3,066,000  $18.52   3.31  $13,084,496 
Exercisable and expected to vest at the end of the period  3,146,000  $18.42    3.44  $13,473,290 

The aggregate pre-tax intrinsic values of options outstanding exercisable, and exercisable and expected to vest were calculated based on the Company’s closing stock price on the last trading dayas of fiscal 2011.  These amounts change based upon changes in the fair market value of the Company’s common stock.January 14, 2012.  The aggregate pre-tax intrinsic value of options exercised inwas $17.2 million and $3.5 million for the period from April 3, 2011 to January 14, 2012 and fiscal 2011, and 2010 was $3.5 million and $4.2 million, respectively.  The aggregate pre-tax intrinsic value of options exercised represents the difference between the fair market value of the Company’s common stock on the date of exercise and the exercise price of each option.  The total fair value of shares vested during the period from April 3, 2011 to January 14, 2012 and fiscal 2011 2010was $0.9 million and 2009 was $1.0 million, $2.4 million and $4.9 million, respectively.


The weighted average remaining contractual life and the weighted average per share exercise price of options outstanding and of options exercisable as of April 2, 2011 were as follows:

   Options Outstanding  Options Exercisable 
Range of Exercise Prices  Number of Shares  
Weighted Average Remaining Contractual
Life in Years
  Weighted Average Exercise Price  Number of Shares  Weighted Average Exercise Price 
$5.50 $10.50   836,000   5.69  $8.87   829,000  $8.88 
$10.51 $16.50   426,000   5.76  $11.49   389,000  $11.39 
$16.51 $20.50   586,000   3.49  $17.99   550,000  $18.00 
$20.51 $28.50   380,000   0.09  $20.52   380,000  $20.52 
$28.51 $35.00   918,000   1.67  $29.72   918,000  $29.72 
     3,146,000   3.44  $18.42   3,066,000  $18.52 

As of April 2, 2011, there was $0.3 million of total unrecognized compensation cost related to non-vested share-based compensation arrangements granted under the Company’s stock option plan. That cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 1.1 years.
Performance Stock Units

During the fourth quarter of fiscal 2008, the Compensation Committee of the Company'sCompany’s Board of Directors granted performance stock units (“PSUs”)PSUs to certain officers and other key personnel of the Company as a long-term, stock-based performance incentive award.  Pursuant to the term of the PSUs, they arewere eligible for conversion, on a one-for-one basis, to shares of the Company’s common stock based on (1) attainment of one or more of eight specific performance goals during the performance period (consisting of fiscal 2008 through 2012), (2) continuous employment with the Company, and (3) certain vesting requirements.  As of April 2, 2011,Due to the Merger on January 13, 2012, the Company had 0.5 million PSUs issued and outstanding. The following table summarizesaccelerated the vesting of 249,193 outstanding PSU activity in fiscal 2011:


  Number of Shares  Weighted Average Fair Value 
PSUs outstanding at the beginning of the period  993,000  $7.12 
Granted      
Forfeited  (82,000) $8.25 
Converted to common shares  (411,000) $7.13 
Outstanding at the end of the period  500,000  $6.93 
Vested at the end of the period    $ 

shares.

The fair value of the PSUs iswas based on the stock price on the grant date.  The compensation expense related to PSUs iswas recognized only when it iswas probable that the performance criteria will be met.  Based on the Company’s financial results, the Company started to recognize compensation expense related to PSUs during the first quarter of fiscal 2010, as this was the first quarter that it appeared probable that certain performance conditions would be met.  The Company incurred non-cash stock-based compensation expense related to PSUs of $1.8 million (including $0.3 million resulting from the Merger) and $2.1 million for period from April 3, 2011 through January 14, 2012 and $6.5 million for fiscal 2011, and fiscal 2010, respectively, which was recorded as operating expenses.  The Company did not incur non-cash stock-based compensation expense related to PSUs during fiscal 2009.  There were 0.4 million PSUsAs a result of the Merger on January 13, 2012, all outstanding PSU’s fully vested and issued during fiscal 2011.were converted to a right to receive $22.00 per share.  There were 0.6 million PSUs vested during fiscal 2010are no outstanding PSU’S as of which 0.5 million PSUs were issued during fiscal 2010.  As of April 2, 2011, the unvested future compensation expense through fiscal 2013 was $1.8 million assuming all vesting criteria will be met.


67

January 13, 2012.

Table of Contents


Restricted Stock Units

According to the Company’s equity incentive plan,2010 Plan, the Compensation Committee of the Company'sCompany’s Board of Directors granted time-based restricted stock units (“RSUs”)in fiscal 2011 to certain non-officer employees of the Company as a long-term, incentive award.  RSUs will cliff vest three years after being granted if the employees are still employed by the Company at such time.


The following table summarizes the RSUs activity of fiscal 2011:

  Number of Shares  Weighted Average Fair Value 
RSUs outstanding at the beginning of the period    $ 
Granted  23,000  $17.88 
Forfeited  (5,000) $17.88 
Vested    $ 
Outstanding at the end of the period  18,000  $17.88 
Vested at the end of the period    $ 

The stock based compensation expense for RSUs iswas measured at fair value on the date of grant based on the number of shares expected to vest and the quoted market price of the Company’s common stock. The Company started to recognize compensation expense related to RSUs during the third quarter of fiscal 2011.  For the period from April 3, 2011 through January 13, 2012 and for fiscal 2011, the Company incurred non-cash stock-based compensation expense related to RSUs of $0.3 million (including $0.2 million resulted from the Merger) and less than $0.1 million, respectively, which was recorded as operating expense. As of April 2, 2011, the Company had less than 0.1 million RSUs outstanding and compensation costs related to unvested share-based awards not yet recognized amounted to $0.2 million.


9.Stock Repurchase Program

On June 11, 2008, the Company announced that its Board of Directors had approved a share repurchase program for the purchase of up to $30 million of shares of its common stock.  Under the authorization, the Company may purchase shares from time to time in the open market or in privately negotiated transactions in compliance with the applicable rules and regulationsresult of the SEC.  However, the timingMerger on January 13, 2012 all outstanding RSU’s fully vested and amountwere converted to a right to receive $22.00 per share.  There were no outstanding RSU’s as of such purchases will be at the discretionJanuary 14, 2012.

84





10.Texas Market

Contents

12.Texas Market

As a result of the Company'sCompany’s decision in September 2008 to close its Texas operations, which was later suspended and, in August 2009, reversed, the Company closed 16 of its Texas stores starting from the fourth quarter of fiscal 2009 through the second quarter of fiscal 2010.  As described in prior Company filings, the Company had recorded impairment charges as well as lease terminations costs related to closing some of these stores.  As of March 28, 2009, and March 27, 2010, the Company had an estimated lease termination costs accrual of approximately $1.3 and $2.9 million, respectively. During fiscal 2011, the Company increased the estimated lease termination costs accrual by approximately $0.4 million and paid approximately $1.8 million related to these costs.  The initial impairment charges, severance pay accrual, lease termination cost and the additional accretion expenses recorded in fiscal 2010 and fiscal 2011 were included within selling, general and administrative expenses in the consolidated statement of operations.operations in fiscal 2009.  As of April 2, 2011,March 30, 2013, the remaining balance of the Company’s estimated lease termination costs accrual was $1.5 million and is expected to be paid by the end of fiscal 2012.$0.7 million.  As of April 2, 2011,March 30, 2013, the Company operated 3539 stores in Texas.



The following table summarizes the Texas store closures remaining obligations as of April 2, 2011:


 
(in thousands)
 Leasehold Asset Impairment  Severance Pay  
Lease Termination
Cost
  Total 
             
Charges $10,100  $1,367  $1,320  $12,787 
Cash Payments  -   (1,367)  -   (1,367)
Non-Cash Reductions  (10,100)  -   -   (10,100)
Remaining Obligations as of 03/28/09  -   -   1,320   1,320 
                 
Accretion Expenses  -   -   2,961   2,961 
Cash Payments  -   -   (1,338)  (1,338)
Remaining Obligations as of 03/27/10 $-  $-  $2,943  $2,943 
Accretion Expenses  -   -   437   437 
Cash Payments  -   -   (1,889)  (1,889)
Remaining Obligations as of 04/02/11 $-  $-  $1,491  $1,491 

11.Operating Segments

March 30, 2013 (in thousands):

 

 

Lease Termination
Costs

 

(Predecessor)

 

 

 

Remaining Obligations as of 03/27/10

 

$

2,943

 

 

 

 

 

Accretion Expenses

 

437

 

Cash Payments

 

(1,889

)

Remaining Obligations as of 04/02/11

 

$

1,491

 

 

 

 

 

Accretion Expenses

 

321

 

Cash Payments

 

(718

)

Remaining Obligations as of 01/14/12

 

$

1,094

 

 

 

 

 

(Successor)

 

 

 

Accretion Expenses

 

105

 

Cash Payments

 

(120

)

Remaining Obligations as of 03/31/12

 

$

1,079

 

 

 

 

 

Accretion Expenses

 

333

 

Cash Payments

 

(759

)

Remaining Obligations as of 03/30/13

 

$

653

 

13.Operating Segments

The Company manages its business on the basis of one reportable segment.  The Company’s sales through Bargain Wholesale are not material to the Company’s consolidated financial statements; therefore, in accordance with ASC 280, “Segment Reporting” Bargain Wholesale is not presented as a separate operating segment in fiscal 2011.


segment.

The Company had no customers representing more than 10ten percent of net sales. Substantially all of the Company’s net sales were to customers located in the United States.


12.Employee Benefit Plans

14.Employee Benefit Plans

401(k) Plan

In 1998, the Company adopted a 401(k) Plan (the “Plan”).  All full-time employees are eligible to participate in the Plan after 30 days of service and are eligible to receive matching contributions from the Company after one year of service.  The Company contributed approximately$1.8 million for fiscal year 2013.  The Company contributed $0.4 million and $1.4 million during the periods of January 15, 2012 to March 31, 2012 and April 3, 2011 to January 14, 2012, respectively.  The Company contributed $1.6 million in each offor fiscal yearsyear 2011 2010 and 2009, in matching cash contributions to the Plan.  The Plan was amended in fiscal 2007 and currently the Company matches 100% of the first 3% of compensation that an employee contributes and 50% of the next 2% of compensation that the employee contributes with immediate vesting.


Deferred Compensation Plan

The Company has a deferred compensation plan to provide certain key management employees the ability to defer a portion of their base compensation and/or bonuses.  The plan is an unfunded nonqualified plan.  The deferred amounts and earnings thereon are payable to participants, or designated beneficiaries, at specified future dates, upon retirement or death.  The Company does not make contributions to this plan or guarantee earnings.  Funds in the plan are held in a rabbi trust. In accordance with ASC 710-05-8, “Compensation-Deferred Compensation-Rabbi Trusts,” theThe assets and liabilities of a rabbi trust must beare accounted for as if they are assets and liabilities of the Company. The assets held in the rabbi trust are not available for general corporate purposes.  The rabbi trust is subject to creditor claims in the event of insolvency. The deferred compensation liability and related long-term asset was $4.9assets were $1.2 million and $4.3$5.1 million as of April 2, 2011March 30, 2013 and March 27, 2010,31, 2012, respectively.



13.Assets Held for Sale

15.Assets Held for Sale

Assets held for sale consistas of March 30, 2013 consisted of the Company’s warehousevacant land in Eagan, Minnesota.  The book value of the warehouse at April 2, 2011 was $7.4 million.   Due to market conditionsLa Quinta, California and the size of the warehouse, the Company has classified the warehouse as long-term asset on its consolidated balance sheets. Although the Company anticipates selling the warehousevacant land in excess of its bookRancho Mirage, California.  The carrying value no assurance can be given as to how much the warehouse will be sold for.


14.Other Current Liabilities

Other current liabilities as of April 2, 2011 and March 27, 2010 are as follows:

  Years Ended 
  
April 2,
2011
  
March 27,
2010
 
  (Amounts in thousands) 
       
Accrued legal reserves and fees $1,611  $1,309 
Accrued property taxes  2,823   3,130 
Accrued utilities  2,669   2,728 
Accrued rent and related expenses  3,995   6,794 
Accrued accounting fees  716   823 
Accrued advertising  690   470 
Accrued outside services  960   866 
Other  5,417   5,278 
Total other current liabilities $18,881  $21,398 

15.Going Private Proposal

On March 11, 2011,30, 2013 for the Company announced that its Board of Directors had received a proposal from members of the Schiffer/Gold family, together with Leonard Green & Partners, L.P. to acquire the Company in a “going private” transaction for $19.09 per share in cash.  The Company's Board of Directors formed a special committee of independent directors to consider the proposal.   The Special Committee, which has engaged independent financial and legal advisors, is also authorized to consider other proposals and strategic alternatives.  There is no assurance that a definitive offer for a change of control transaction will be made or, if made, that such a transaction would be consummated.

16.Quarterly Financial Information (Unaudited)
The following table sets forth certain unaudited results of operations for each quarter during fiscal years 2010 and 2009. The unaudited information has been prepared on the same basis as the audited financial statements and includes all adjustments which management considers necessary for a fair presentation of the financial data shown. The operating results for any quarter are not necessarily indicative of the results to be attained for any future period. The Company’s fiscal year 2011 (“fiscal 2011”) which began on March 28, 2010 and ended on April 2, 2011, consisted of 53 weeks with  one additional week included  in the fourth quarter.  The Company’s fiscal year 2010 (“fiscal 2010”), which began on March 29, 2009 and ended March 27, 2010 consisted of 52 weeks.

  Fiscal Year 2011 ( March 28, 2010 to April 2, 2011) 
  (Amounts in thousands, except per share data) 
  (Unaudited) 
  First Quarter  Second Quarter  Third Quarter  Fourth Quarter 
  (13 Weeks)  (13 Weeks)  (13 Weeks)  (14 Weeks) 
Net sales:            
99¢ Only Stores $336,554  $323,248  $354,121  $366,434 
Bargain Wholesale  9,921   10,311   11,238   12,051 
Total  346,475   333,559   365,359   378,485 
Gross profit  140,262   136,071   153,906   150,883 
Operating income  26,820   20,708   42,069   27,886 
Net income attributable to 99¢ Only Stores $16,814  $12,936  $26,639  $17,919 
                 
Earnings per common share attributable to 99¢ Only Stores:                
Basic $0.24  $0.19  $0.38  $0.25 
Diluted $0.24  $0.18  $0.38  $0.25 
Weighted average shares outstanding:                
Basic  69,680   69,882   70,050   70,241 
Diluted  70,921   70,972   71,005   71,081 


  Fiscal Year 2010 ( March 29, 2009 to March 27, 2010) 
  (Amounts in thousands, except per share data) 
  (Unaudited) 
  First Quarter  Second Quarter  Third Quarter  Fourth Quarter 
  (13 Weeks)  (13 Weeks)  (13 Weeks)  (13 Weeks) 
Net sales:            
99¢ Only Stores $321,845  $314,821  $348,902  $328,646 
Bargain Wholesale  10,265   9,866   10,217   10,608 
Total  332,110   324,687   359,119   339,254 
Gross profit  133,578   129,593   154,901   139,350 
Operating income  15,386   14,984   38,599   24,447 
Net income attributable to 99¢ Only Stores $9,508  $9,600  $24,485  $16,854 
                 
Earnings per common share attributable to 99¢ Only Stores:                
Basic $0.14  $0.14  $0.36  $0.24 
Diluted $0.14  $0.14  $0.35  $0.24 
Weighted average shares outstanding:                
Basic  68,583   68,686   68,788   68,814 
Diluted  68,962   69,483   69,728   69,765 

DuringLa Quinta land was $0.4 million. In the fourth quarter of fiscal 2010,2013, the carrying value of Rancho Mirage land was written down to $1.7 million from $2.2 million, resulting in an asset impairment charge of $0.5 million.

In June 2012, the Company recognized an additional chargecompleted the sale of approximately $1.1its Eagan, Minnesota warehouse that had been classified as held for sale.  The warehouse had a carrying value of $6.4 million related to lease termination costs and stores closing costs associated with somethe Company recorded a loss on sale of $0.2 million in the first quarter of fiscal 2013.

16.Other Current Assets and Other Accrued Expenses

Other current assets as of March 30, 2013 and March 31, 2012 are as follows (in thousands):

 

 

March 30,
2013

 

March 31,
2012

 

Prepaid expenses

 

$

13,884

 

$

10,360

 

Other

 

2,486

 

937

 

Total other current assets

 

$

16,370

 

$

11,297

 

Other accrued expenses as of March 30, 2013 and March 31, 2012 are as follows (in thousands):

 

 

March 30,
2013

 

March 31,
2012

 

Accrued interest

 

$

9,243

 

$

7,898

 

Accrued legal reserves and fees

 

3,367

 

4,866

 

Accrued utilities

 

2,682

 

2,709

 

Accrued rent and related expenses

 

2,436

 

2,830

 

Accrued property taxes

 

2,396

 

2,974

 

Accrued outside services

 

1,546

 

945

 

Accrued professional fees

 

1,164

 

1,220

 

Accrued advertising

 

561

 

577

 

Other

 

6,300

 

6,550

 

Total other accrued expenses

 

$

29,695

 

$

30,569

 

17.Financial Guarantees

On December 29, 2011, the Company (the “Issuer”) issued $250 million principal amount of the closedSenior Notes.  The Senior Notes are irrevocably and unconditionally guaranteed, jointly and severally, by each of the Issuer’s existing and future restricted subsidiaries that are guarantors under the Issuer’s credit facilities and certain other indebtedness.

At March 31, 2012, the Senior Notes were guaranteed by each of the Company’s direct wholly owned subsidiaries, 99 Cents Only Stores Texas, stores.


71
Inc. and 99 Cents Only Stores (Nevada) (together, the “Subsidiary Guarantors”).  In September 2012, 99 Cents Only Stores (Nevada) was dissolved.  As of March 30, 2013, the Senior Notes are guaranteed by 99 Cents Only Stores Texas, Inc. (the “Subsidiary Guarantor”).

The tables in the following pages present the condensed consolidating financial information for the Issuer and the Subsidiary Guarantors together with consolidating entries, as of and for the periods indicated.  The condensed consolidating financial information may not necessarily be indicative of the financial position, results of operations or cash flows had the Issuer, and Subsidiary Guarantors operated as independent entities.

86



Table of Contents

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING BALANCE SHEETS

As of March 30, 2013

(Successor)

(Amounts in thousands)

 

 

Issuer

 

Subsidiary
Guarantor

 

Consolidating
Adjustments

 

Consolidated

 

ASSETS

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Current Assets:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash

 

$

45,841

 

$

113

 

$

(478

)

$

45,476

 

Short-term investments

 

 

 

 

 

Accounts receivable, net

 

1,672

 

179

 

 

1,851

 

Income taxes receivable

 

3,969

 

 

 

3,969

 

Deferred income taxes

 

33,139

 

 

 

33,139

 

Inventories, net

 

172,068

 

29,533

 

 

201,601

 

Assets held for sale

 

2,106

 

 

 

2,106

 

Other

 

15,300

 

1,070

 

 

16,370

 

Total current assets

 

274,095

 

30,895

 

(478

)

304,512

 

Property and equipment, net

 

413,543

 

62,508

 

 

476,051

 

Deferred financing costs, net

 

21,016

 

 

 

21,016

 

Equity investments and advances to subsidiaries

 

119,642

 

34,631

 

(154,273

)

 

Intangible assets, net

 

468,593

 

2,766

 

 

471,359

 

Goodwill

 

479,745

 

 

 

479,745

 

Deposits and other assets

 

4,191

 

363

 

 

4,554

 

Total assets

 

$

1,780,825

 

$

131,163

 

$

(154,751

)

$

1,757,237

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Current Liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Accounts payable

 

$

46,595

 

$

3,894

 

$

(478

)

$

50,011

 

Intercompany payable

 

32,991

 

28,075

 

(61,066

)

 

Payroll and payroll-related

 

15,798

 

1,298

 

 

17,096

 

Sales tax

 

6,628

 

572

 

 

7,200

 

Other accrued expenses

 

26,892

 

2,803

 

 

29,695

 

Workers’ compensation

 

39,423

 

75

 

 

39,498

 

Current portion of long-term debt

 

8,567

 

 

 

8,567

 

Current portion of capital lease obligation

 

83

 

 

 

83

 

Total current liabilities

 

176,977

 

36,717

 

(61,544

)

152,150

 

Long-term debt, net of current portion

 

749,758

 

 

 

749,758

 

Unfavorable lease commitments, net

 

14,200

 

633

 

 

14,833

 

Deferred rent

 

4,217

 

606

 

 

4,823

 

Deferred compensation liability

 

1,153

 

 

 

1,153

 

Capital lease obligation, net of current portion

 

271

 

 

 

271

 

Long-term deferred income taxes

 

186,851

 

 

 

186,851

 

Other liabilities

 

8,428

 

 

 

8,428

 

Total liabilities

 

1,141,855

 

37,956

 

(61,544

)

1,118,267

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Shareholders’ Equity:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Preferred stock

 

 

 

 

 

Common stock

 

 

 

 

 

Additional paid-in capital

 

654,424

 

99,943

 

(99,943

)

654,424

 

Accumulated deficit

 

(14,202

)

(6,736

)

6,736

 

(14,202

)

Other comprehensive loss

 

(1,252

)

 

 

(1,252

)

Total shareholders’ equity

 

638,970

 

93,207

 

(93,207

)

638,970

 

Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity

 

$

1,780,825

 

$

131,163

 

$

(154,751

)

$

1,757,237

 

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Table of Contents

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING BALANCE SHEETS

As of March 31, 2012

(Successor)

(Amounts in thousands)

 

 

Issuer

 

Subsidiary
Guarantors

 

Consolidating
Adjustments

 

Consolidated

 

ASSETS

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Current Assets:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash

 

$

23,793

 

$

3,973

 

$

 

$

27,766

 

Short-term investments

 

3,631

 

 

 

3,631

 

Accounts receivable, net

 

2,592

 

407

 

 

2,999

 

Income taxes receivable

 

6,634

 

234

 

 

6,868

 

Deferred income taxes

 

31,188

 

 

 

31,188

 

Inventories, net

 

175,534

 

25,444

 

 

200,978

 

Assets held for sale

 

6,849

 

 

 

6,849

 

Other

 

10,515

 

782

 

 

11,297

 

Total current assets

 

260,736

 

30,840

 

 

291,576

 

Property and equipment, net

 

408,456

 

68,069

 

 

476,525

 

Deferred financing costs, net

 

30,400

 

 

 

30,400

 

Equity investments and advances to subsidiaries

 

470,720

 

374,864

 

(845,584

)

 

Intangible assets, net

 

477,492

 

(58

)

 

477,434

 

Goodwill

 

479,508

 

 

 

479,508

 

Deposits and other assets

 

9,689

 

2,909

 

 

12,598

 

Total assets

 

$

2,137,001

 

$

476,624

 

$

(845,584

)

$

1,768,041

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Current Liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Accounts payable

 

$

38,271

 

$

3,136

 

$

 

$

41,407

 

Intercompany payable

 

377,766

 

453,952

 

(831,718

)

 

Payroll and payroll-related

 

13,986

 

1,594

 

 

15,580

 

Sales tax

 

5,630

 

498

 

 

6,128

 

Other accrued expenses

 

27,207

 

3,362

 

 

30,569

 

Workers’ compensation

 

38,949

 

75

 

 

39,024

 

Current portion of long-term debt

 

5,250

 

 

 

5,250

 

Current portion of capital lease obligation

 

77

 

 

 

77

 

Total current liabilities

 

507,136

 

462,617

 

(831,718

)

138,035

 

Long-term debt, net of current portion

 

758,351

 

 

 

758,351

 

Unfavorable lease commitments, net

 

19,035

 

(76

)

 

18,959

 

Deferred rent

 

581

 

217

 

 

798

 

Deferred compensation liability

 

5,136

 

 

 

5,136

 

Capital lease obligation, net of current portion

 

354

 

 

 

354

 

Long-term deferred income taxes

 

214,874

 

 

 

214,874

 

Other liabilities

 

767

 

 

 

767

 

Total liabilities

 

1,506,234

 

462,758

 

(831,718

)

1,137,274

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Shareholders’ Equity:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Preferred stock

 

 

 

 

 

Common stock

 

 

1

 

(1

)

 

Additional paid-in capital

 

636,037

 

15,000

 

(15,000

)

636,037

 

Accumulated deficit

 

(5,293

)

(1,135

)

1,135

 

(5,293

)

Other comprehensive income

 

23

 

 

 

23

 

Total shareholders’ equity

 

630,767

 

13,866

 

(13,866

)

630,767

 

Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity

 

$

2,137,001

 

$

476,624

 

$

(845,584

)

$

1,768,041

 

88



Table of Contents

99¢ Only Stores

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)
Year Ended March 30, 2013

(Successor)

(Amounts in thousands)

 

 

Issuer

 

Subsidiary
Guarantors

 

Consolidating
Adjustments

 

Consolidated

 

Net Sales:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total sales

 

$

1,522,535

 

$

146,116

 

$

 

$

1,668,651

 

Cost of sales (excluding depreciation and amortization expense shown separately below)

 

934,405

 

93,890

 

 

1,028,295

 

Gross profit

 

588,130

 

52,226

 

 

640,356

 

Selling, general and administrative expenses:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Operating expenses

 

475,594

 

47,901

 

 

523,495

 

Depreciation and amortization

 

48,605

 

9,972

 

 

58,577

 

Total selling, general and administrative expenses

 

524,199

 

57,873

 

 

582,072

 

Operating income (loss)

 

63,931

 

(5,647

)

 

58,284

 

Other (income) expense:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest income

 

(296

)

(46

)

 

(342

)

Interest expense

 

60,898

 

 

 

60,898

 

Equity in (earnings) loss of subsidiaries

 

5,601

 

 

(5,601

)

 

Loss on extinguishment of debt

 

16,346

 

 

 

16,346

 

Other

 

380

 

 

 

380

 

Total other expense (income), net

 

82,929

 

(46

)

(5,601

)

77,282

 

Loss before provision for income taxes

 

(18,998

)

(5,601

)

5,601

 

(18,998

)

(Benefit) provision for income taxes

 

(10,089

)

 

 

(10,089

)

Net loss

 

$

(8,909

)

$

(5,601

)

$

5,601

 

$

(8,909

)

Comprehensive loss

 

$

(10,184

)

$

 

$

 

$

(10,184

)

89



Table of Contents

99¢ Only Stores

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)
Period January 15, 2012 to March 31, 2012

(Successor)

(Amounts in thousands)

 

 

Issuer

 

Subsidiary
Guarantors

 

Consolidating
Adjustments

 

Consolidated

 

Net Sales:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total sales

 

$

309,437

 

$

29,479

 

$

 

$

338,916

 

Cost of sales (excluding depreciation and amortization expense shown separately below)

 

185,215

 

18,560

 

 

203,775

 

Gross profit

 

124,222

 

10,919

 

 

135,141

 

Selling, general and administrative expenses:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Operating expenses

 

100,694

 

9,783

 

 

110,477

 

Depreciation and amortization

 

9,468

 

2,267

 

 

11,735

 

Total selling, general and administrative expenses

 

110,162

 

12,050

 

 

122,212

 

Operating income (loss)

 

14,060

 

(1,131

)

 

12,929

 

Other (income) expense:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest income

 

(29

)

 

 

(29

)

Interest expense

 

16,219

 

4

 

 

16,223

 

Equity in (earnings) loss of subsidiaries

 

1,135

 

 

(1,135

)

 

Other

 

(75

)

 

 

(75

)

Total other expense, net

 

17,250

 

4

 

(1,135

)

16,119

 

Loss before provision for income taxes

 

(3,190

)

(1,135

)

1,135

 

(3,190

)

Provision for income taxes

 

2,103

 

 

 

2,103

 

Net (loss) income

 

$

(5,293

)

$

(1,135

)

$

1,135

 

$

(5,293

)

Comprehensive loss

 

$

(5,270

)

$

 

$

 

$

(5,270

)

90



Table of Contents

99¢ Only Stores

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)
Period April 3, 2011 to January 14, 2012

(Predecessor)

(Amounts in thousands)

 

 

Issuer

 

Subsidiary
Guarantors

 

Consolidating
Adjustments

 

Consolidated

 

Net Sales:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total sales

 

$

1,087,684

 

$

105,096

 

$

 

$

1,192,780

 

Cost of sales (excluding depreciation and amortization expense shown separately below)

 

645,864

 

65,138

 

 

711,002

 

Gross profit

 

441,820

 

39,958

 

 

481,778

 

Selling, general and administrative expenses:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Operating expenses

 

340,764

 

35,358

 

 

376,122

 

Depreciation and amortization

 

19,386

 

2,483

 

 

21,869

 

Total selling, general and administrative expenses

 

360,150

 

37,841

 

 

397,991

 

Operating income

 

81,670

 

2,117

 

 

83,787

 

Other (income) expense:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest income

 

(291

)

 

 

(291

)

Interest expense

 

368

 

13

 

 

381

 

Other-than-temporary investment impairment due to credit loss

 

357

 

 

 

357

 

Equity in (earnings) loss of subsidiaries

 

(2,104

)

 

2,104

 

 

Other

 

(107

)

 

 

(107

)

Total other (income) expense, net

 

(1,777

)

13

 

2,104

 

340

 

Income before provision for income taxes

 

83,447

 

2,104

 

(2,104

)

83,447

 

Provision for income taxes

 

33,699

 

 

 

33,699

 

Net income

 

$

49,748

 

$

2,104

 

$

(2,104

)

$

49,748

 

Comprehensive income

 

$

49,944

 

$

 

$

 

$

49,944

 

91



Table of Contents

99¢ Only Stores

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)
Year Ended April 2, 2011

(Predecessor)

(Amounts in thousands)

 

 

Issuer

 

Subsidiary
Guarantors

 

Consolidating
Adjustments

 

Consolidated

 

Net Sales:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total sales

 

$

1,302,745

 

$

121,133

 

$

 

$

1,423,878

 

Cost of sales (excluding depreciation and amortization expense shown separately below)

 

767,218

 

75,538

 

 

842,756

 

Gross profit

 

535,527

 

45,595

 

 

581,122

 

Selling, general and administrative expenses:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Operating expenses

 

392,687

 

43,347

 

 

436,034

 

Depreciation and amortization

 

24,263

 

3,342

 

 

27,605

 

Total selling, general and administrative expenses

 

416,950

 

46,689

 

 

463,639

 

Operating income (loss)

 

118,577

 

(1,094

)

 

117,483

 

Other (income) expense:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest income

 

(865

)

 

 

(865

)

Interest expense

 

71

 

6

 

 

77

 

Other-than-temporary investment impairment due to credit loss

 

129

 

 

 

129

 

Equity in loss of subsidiaries

 

1,100

 

 

(1,100

)

 

Other

 

(82

)

 

 

(82

)

Total other expense (income), net

 

353

 

6

 

(1,100

)

(741

)

Income (loss) before provision for income taxes

 

118,224

 

(1,100

)

1,100

 

118,224

 

Provision for income taxes

 

43,916

 

 

 

43,916

 

Net income (loss)

 

$

74,308

 

$

(1,100

)

$

1,100

 

$

74,308

 

Comprehensive income

 

$

74,441

 

$

 

$

 

$

74,441

 

92



Table of Contents

99¢ Only Stores

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
Year Ended March 30, 2013

(Successor)

(Amounts in thousands)

 

 

Issuer

 

Subsidiary
Guarantors

 

Consolidating
Adjustments

 

Consolidated

 

Cash flows from operating activities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities

 

$

85,330

 

$

(3,428

)

$

(478

)

$

81,424

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash flows from investing activities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Purchases of property and equipment

 

(57,849

)

(4,645

)

 

(62,494

)

Proceeds from sale of fixed assets

 

12,064

 

 

 

12,064

 

Purchases of investments

 

(1,996

)

 

 

(1,996

)

Proceeds from sale of investments

 

5,256

 

 

 

5,256

 

Investment in subsidiary

 

(4,213

)

 

4,213

 

 

Net cash used in investing activities

 

(46,738

)

(4,645

)

4,213

 

(47,170

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash flows from financing activities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Payments of debt

 

(5,237

)

 

 

(5,237

)

Payments of debt issuance costs

 

(11,230

)

 

 

(11,230

)

Payments of capital lease obligation

 

(77

)

 

 

(77

)

Capital contributions

 

 

4,213

 

(4,213

)

 

Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities

 

(16,544

)

4,213

 

(4,213

)

(16,544

)

Net increase (decrease) in cash

 

22,048

 

(3,860

)

(478

)

17,710

 

Cash — beginning of period

 

23,793

 

3,973

 

 

27,766

 

Cash - end of period

 

$

45,841

 

$

113

 

$

(478

)

$

45,476

 

93



Table of Contents

99¢ Only Stores

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
Period January 15, 2012 to March 31, 2012

(Successor)

(Amounts in thousands)

 

 

Issuer

 

Subsidiary
Guarantors

 

Consolidating
Adjustments

 

Consolidated

 

Cash flows from operating activities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net cash provided by operating activities

 

$

20,482

 

$

1,553

 

$

 

$

22,035

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash flows from investing activities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Acquisition of 99¢ Only Stores

 

(1,477,563

)

 

 

(1,477,563

)

Deposit — Merger consideration

 

177,322

 

 

 

177,322

 

Purchases of property and equipment

 

(12,252

)

(918

)

 

(13,170

)

Proceeds from sale of fixed assets

 

1,910

 

 

 

1,910

 

Purchases of investments

 

(6,277

)

 

 

(6,277

)

Proceeds from sale of investments

 

24,519

 

 

 

24,519

 

Net cash used in investing activities

 

(1,292,341

)

(918

)

 

(1,293,259

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash flows from financing activities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Proceeds from debt

 

774,500

 

 

 

774,500

 

Payments of debt

 

(11,313

)

 

 

(11,313

)

Payments of debt issuance costs

 

(31,411

)

 

 

(31,411

)

Payments of capital lease obligation

 

(13

)

 

 

(13

)

Proceeds from equity contribution

 

535,900

 

 

 

535,900

 

Net cash provided by financing activities

 

1,267,663

 

 

 

1,267,663

 

Net (decrease) increase in cash

 

(4,196

)

635

 

 

(3,561

)

Cash — beginning of period

 

27,989

 

3,338

 

 

31,327

 

Cash - end of period

 

$

23,793

 

$

3,973

 

$

 

$

27,766

 

94



Table of Contents

99¢ Only Stores

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
Period April 3, 2011 to January 14, 2012

(Predecessor)

(Amounts in thousands)

 

 

Issuer

 

Subsidiary
Guarantors

 

Consolidating
Adjustments

 

Consolidated

 

Cash flows from operating activities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net cash provided by operating activities

 

$

40,263

 

$

3,993

 

$

 

$

44,256

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash flows from investing activities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Deposit — Merger consideration

 

(177,322

)

 

 

(177,322

)

Purchases of property and equipment

 

(31,606

)

(1,964

)

 

(33,570

)

Proceeds from sale of fixed assets

 

7

 

91

 

 

98

 

Purchases of investments

 

(52,623

)

 

 

(52,623

)

Proceeds from sale of investments

 

226,805

 

 

 

226,805

 

Net cash used in investing activities

 

(34,739

)

(1,873

)

 

(36,612

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Payments of capital lease obligation

 

(56

)

 

 

(56

)

Repurchases of common stock related to issuance of Performance Stock Units

 

(1,744

)

 

 

(1,744

)

Proceeds from exercise of stock options

 

3,359

 

 

 

3,359

 

Excess tax benefit from share-based payment arrangements

 

5,401

 

 

 

5,401

 

Net cash provided by financing activities

 

6,960

 

 

 

6,960

 

Net increase in cash

 

12,484

 

2,120

 

 

14,604

 

Cash - beginning of period

 

15,505

 

1,218

 

 

16,723

 

Cash - end of period

 

$

27,989

 

$

3,338

 

$

 

$

31,327

 

95



Table of Contents

99¢ Only Stores

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
Year Ended April 2, 2011

(Predecessor)

(Amounts in thousands)

 

 

Issuer

 

Subsidiary
Guarantors

 

Consolidating
Adjustments

 

Consolidated

 

Cash flows from operating activities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net cash provided by operating activities

 

$

76,977

 

$

2,795

 

$

 

$

79,772

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash flows from investing activities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Purchases of property and equipment

 

(57,977

)

(3,144

)

 

(61,121

)

Proceeds from sale of fixed assets

 

145

 

19

 

 

164

 

Purchases of investments

 

(69,317

)

 

 

(69,317

)

Proceeds from sale of investments

 

43,621

 

 

 

43,621

 

Net cash used in investing activities

 

(83,528

)

(3,125

)

 

(86,653

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash flows from financing activities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Payments of capital lease obligation

 

(72

)

 

 

(72

)

Repurchases of common stock related to issuance of Performance Stock Units

 

(2,260

)

 

 

(2,260

)

Acquisition of non-controlling interest of a partnership

 

 

 

 

 

Proceeds from exercise of stock options

 

5,039

 

 

 

5,039

 

Excess tax benefit from share-based payment arrangements

 

1,020

 

 

 

1,020

 

Net cash provided by financing activities

 

3,727

 

 

 

3,727

 

Net decrease in cash

 

(2,824

)

(330

)

 

(3,154

)

Cash - beginning of period

 

18,329

 

1,548

 

 

19,877

 

Cash - end of period

 

$

15,505

 

$

1,218

 

$

 

$

16,723

 

96



Table of Contents

Item 9. Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure


None.

As disclosed in the Company’s current report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on November 8, 2012, the Company changed its independent registered public accountants effective November 7, 2012.

Item 9A. Controls and Procedures

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures


The Company

Our management, with the participation of our Interim Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, has evaluated the effectiveness of itsthe design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures, as such term is defined under Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) promulgated under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, as of the end of the period covered by this Report,Report. Disclosure controls and procedures are designed to provide reasonable assurance that the information required to be disclosed in the reports that we file or submit under the supervision and with the participation of the Company’s management, pursuant to Rule 13a-15(b) of the Securities Exchange Act. BasedAct of 1934, as amended, has been appropriately recorded, processed, summarized and reported on this evaluation, the Company’sa timely basis and are effective in ensuring that such information is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our Interim Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, eachas appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.  Based on such evaluation, our Interim Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have concluded that as of March 30, 2013, the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures were not effective asdue to the material weaknesses related to the accounting for inventory valuation and stock-based compensation.

Remediated Material Weakness in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

Debt Extinguishment

As more fully described in Note 19 to our Consolidated Financial Statements on Form 10-Q/A for the quarter ended September 29, 2012 (as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on February 12, 2013), we previously identified a material weakness that resulted in an underreporting of April 2, 2011.a $16.3 million loss on debt extinguishment related to the portion of the unamortized debt issuance costs, unamortized OID and refinancing costs incurred with the repricing for the portion of the original First Lien Term Loan Facility that was extinguished, in our interim unaudited financial statements for the periods ended June 30, 2012 and September 29, 2012.

In an effort to remediate the identified material weakness, we initiated and implemented the following series of measures:

·education and training of personnel on the accounting treatment for debt modification and extinguishment;

·detailed review of the debt modification and extinguishment;

·review of debt modification and extinguishment transactions by a qualified person; and

·improvement of our communication with the administrative agent under the First Lien Term Loan Facility, including notification of the composition of the lenders party to the First Lien Term Loan Facility.

Based on the implementation of the above measures, the above mentioned material weakness has been remediated during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2013.

97



Table of Contents

Material Weaknesses in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting In Process of Being Remediated

Stock-based Compensation

During the fourth quarter of fiscal 2013, we identified a material weakness in our internal controls over financial reporting related to accounting for stock-based compensation.  We did not correctly evaluate the accounting treatment for certain share repurchase rights for Parent options granted to our executive officers and employees that resulted in no stock-based compensation expense for these grants. In addition, we did not correctly evaluate the accounting treatment for former executive put rights that became exercisable by the former executives in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2013. We believe that the material weakness was due to the complex and non-routine nature of these equity arrangements.

In an effort to remediate the identified material weakness, we initiated and implemented the following series of measures:

·education and training of personnel on the accounting treatment for stock-based complex financial instruments;

·redesign of procedures to enhance identification, capture and recording of contractual terms included in complex equity arrangements, including consideration for the need of consultation with third party subject matter and valuation experts.

Based on the implementation of the above measures, the above mentioned material weakness management believes that the above mentioned material weakness will be remediated during the second quarter of fiscal 2014.

Retail Store Level Inventory Valuation

During the fourth quarter of fiscal 2013, we identified a material weakness in our internal controls over financial reporting related to our inventory valuation methodology.  As more fully described in Note 1 to our Consolidated Financial Statements included in this annual report on Form 10-K, we are in the process of upgrading our systems for accounting for merchandise inventories.  Among other things, we are preparing to implement an SAP system that will enable us, for the first time, to track inventory at each of our retail stores on a perpetual basis by stock keeping unit (or SKU). The SAP implementation process will begin in fiscal 2014, with all stores expected to be included by the end of fiscal 2015.  In anticipation of the implementation of this system, during the second half of fiscal 2013 we performed physical counts and established inventory cost and retail by SKU at 81 of our more than 300 retail stores.  In prior periods, we determined the value of store level inventory by performing physical counts for each price point category and then converted those retail values to cost basis by applying a year-to-date cost percentage per store.  For the 81 stores where the counts were taken by SKU, we determined total retail values by merchandise category and applied each category’s cost percentage to determine the value of the inventory.  As a result of this analysis, we determined that single average cost percentage by store was not consistent with the inventory on hand at the applicable balance sheet date based on the higher turnover of low margin product.  As of March 30, 2013 and for all prior periods since Merger, we have revised the calculation to include a year-to-date cost percentage per merchandise category applied to the estimated retail value for all stores by merchandise category.

We determined that the methodology used in prior periods has resulted in an accounting error that was immaterial to prior periods.  In connection with correcting this prior period error, we identified an overstatement in total inventory of $13.3 million at the Merger date, which amount has accumulated over prior periods and we determined that our related controls were not adequately designed to yield the correct cost complement for valuing inventory.  We have determined that this overstatement constituted a material weakness in our internal controls over financial reporting.

In an effort to remediate the identified material weakness, we initiated and implemented the following series of measures:

·documentation of the new retail store level physical inventory preparation and counting procedures, including individual product bar code scanning

·education and training of appropriate Company and third party personnel on retail store level physical inventory by SKU including:

·preparation and counting procedures

·valuation and accounting procedures

·development, review and approval of calculations specific to costing inventory by applying estimated cost compliment by merchandise category

Moreover, in addition to the foregoing remediation measures, the process of taking physical inventories by SKU for our retail stores during the second half of fiscal 2013 enabled us to more precisely value specific products during physical inventory counts and estimate cost complement by merchandise category, which in turn enabled a more accurate estimate of cost of store physical inventories.

Based on the foregoing processes and remediation measures, management believes that the above mentioned material weakness will be remediated during the third quarter of fiscal 2014.

We are committed to a strong internal control environment and will continue to review the effectiveness of its internal controls over financial reporting and other disclosure controls and procedures.

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Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting


Management

Our management is responsible for establishing and maintaining an adequate system of internal control over financial reporting, (as defined in Rules 13a15(f) and 15d-15(f) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended), pursuant to Rule 13a-15(c) of the Securities Exchange Act.Act of 1934, as amended. This system is intended to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States.


A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes policies and procedures that: (i) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company, (ii) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company, and (iii) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.


Management

Our management, with the participation of our Interim Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, uses the framework and criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework,, issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations (“COSO”) of the Treadway Commission, for evaluating the effectiveness of the Company’sour internal control over financial reporting.  Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements, and 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 policies or procedures may deteriorate.


Based on its assessment, our management concluded that the Company’sour internal control over financial reporting waswere not effective as of April 2, 2011.  The Company’s independent registered publicMarch 30, 2013 due to the material weaknesses related to the accounting firm, BDO USA LLP, has audited the Company’s consolidated financial statementsfor inventory valuation and has issued an attestation report on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting, which is included in this report.


stock-based compensation.

Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting


During the fourth quarter of fiscal 2011, the Company

Except as described above, we did not make any changes that materially affected or are reasonably likely to materially affect itsour internal control over financial reporting.



None.


Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
The Board of Directors and Shareholders
99¢ Only Stores
City of Commerce, California

We have audited 99¢ Only Stores’ (the “Company”) internal control over financial reporting as of April 2, 2011, based on criteria established in Internal Control – Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (the COSO criteria). The Company’s management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, included in the accompanying “Item 9A, Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting”. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audit.

We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audit included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, and testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk. Our audit also included performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.

A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

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.

In our opinion, 99¢ Only Stores maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of April 2, 2011, based on the COSO criteria.

We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the consolidated balance sheets of 99¢ Only Stores as of April 2, 2011 and March 27, 2010, and the related consolidated statements of income, stockholders’ equity, and cash flows for the years ended April 2, 2011, March 27, 2010 and March 28, 2009 and our report dated May XX, 2011 expressed an unqualified opinion thereon.

/s/ BDO USA, LLP
Los Angeles, California
May 26, 2011


PART III

Information  regarding

Directors and Executive Officers of the registrant requiredCompany

Below is a list of the names, ages as of May 15, 2013 and positions, and a brief account of the business experience, of certain of the individuals who serve as our executive officers and members of our board of directors (the “99¢ Board”).  Each member of our Board also serves as members of Parent’s Board of Directors (the “Parent Board” and together with the 99¢ Board, the “Board”). The Board consists of nine members, eight of whom were designated by the Sponsors.

Name

Age

Position

Richard Anicetti

55

Interim President and Chief Executive Officer and Director

Frank Schools

55

Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer

Michael Fung

62

Interim Executive Vice President and Chief Administrative Officer

Michael Kvitko

52

Executive Vice President and Chief Merchandising Officer

Norman Axelrod

60

Director

Shane Feeney

43

Director

Andrew Giancamilli

63

Director

Dennis Gies

33

Director

Marvin Holen

83

Director

David Kaplan

45

Chairman of the Board of Directors

Scott Nishi

38

Director

Adam Stein

37

Director

Richard Anicetti joined the Company as a director in May 2012 and was appointed Interim President and Chief Executive Officer in January 2013. Mr. Anicetti is also currently the President and Founder of From One To Many Leadership Consulting LLC focusing on leadership, strategic planning, process redesign and organizational change management consulting.  Mr. Anicetti served as an Executive Vice President of Delhaize Group from September 2002 to May 2010. Mr. Anicetti also served as the Chief Executive Officer of Delhaize America Shared Services from January 2010 to May 2010.  He served as the President and COO of Food Lion, LLC, a subsidiary of Delhaize America Inc., from September 2001 to October 2002 and Chief Executive Officer of Food Lion from October 2002 to December 2010.  Mr. Anicetti joined Food Lion in August 2000.  He is also a member of a US Advisory Board for Brambles Ltd, a logistics company based in Sydney, Australia, and previously served on the Board of Directors of A&P Supermarkets from May 2012 to February 2013. Mr. Anicetti is also a member of the Board of Trustees for Bennett College for Women and is a member of the National Advisory Board for Duke Children’s Hospital.  With his more than 30 years experience and strong record of performance in the food retail industry, Mr. Anicetti will bring to the Parent Board extensive knowledge and expertise in the industries in which the Company operates.

Frank Schools joined the Company in February 2012 as Interim Chief Financial Officer and was appointed Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer in November 2012. He is responsible for overseeing finance, accounting and treasury. Since 2006, Mr. Schools has been a partner with Tatum, a national professional services firm.  In addition to serving as the Company’s Interim Vice President and Controller from 2007 to 2008, Mr. Schools has held a variety of key finance positions with various other public companies, including serving as Vice President of Finance for Pacific Sunwear from 1994 to 2006. Mr. Schools is a Certified Public Accountant in the State of California.

Michael Fung joined the Company in January 2013 as Interim Executive Vice President and Chief Administrative Officer. Mr. Fung served as Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer at Walmart U.S. from 2006 until his retirement in February 2012. At Walmart U.S., Michael also served as Senior Vice President, Internal Audit Services between 2003 and 2006, and as Vice President, Finance and Administration for Global Procurement between 2001 and 2003. Before joining Walmart, Mr. Fung spent five years as Vice President and Chief Financial Officer for Sensient Technologies Corporation, three years as Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer for Vanstar Corporation and four years as Vice President and Chief Financial Officer for Bass Pro Shops, Inc. Mr. Fung is currently a member of the Board of Directors of Franklin Covey Co. Mr. Fung is a Certified Public Accountant in the State of Illinois.

Michael Kvitko joined the Company in November 2012 as Executive Vice President and Chief Merchandising Officer. From March 2010 to November 2012, Mr. Kvitko served as Executive Vice President and Chief Merchandising Officer of Variety Wholesalers. Prior to joining Variety Wholesalers, Mr. Kvitko served as Senior Vice President of Merchandising for Family Dollar between 2006 and 2010. Mr. Kvitko also served as Corporate Vice President of Juniors and Tweens for May Department Stores from 2004 to 2006, as Senior Vice President of Merchandising for Mervyn’s California from 1994 to 1999 and as Director of Merchandise Planning and Senior Buyer for Ladies Knits at Target Corporation from 1988 to 1994.

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Norman Axelrod has served as a director of the Company since January 2012.  He has served as the Chairman of the board of directors of GNC Holdings, Inc. from March 2007 to July 2012. Mr. Axelrod was Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the board of directors of Linens ‘n Things, Inc., a retailer of home textiles, housewares and decorative home accessories, until its acquisition in February 2006. Mr. Axelrod joined Linens ‘n Things as Chief Executive Officer in 1988 and was elected to the additional position of Chairman of the board in 1997. From 1976 to 1988, Mr. Axelrod held various management positions at Bloomingdale’s, ending with Senior Vice President, General Merchandise Manager. Mr. Axelrod is the Chairman of the boards of directors of National Bedding Company LLC and Simmons Company and also serves on the boards of directors of Smart & Final Holdings, Inc., Maidenform Brands, Inc., FDO Holdings, Inc., the indirect parent of Floor and Decor Outlets of America, Inc., and Jaclyn, Inc. Mr. Axelrod was also a member of the board of directors of Reebok International Ltd. from 2001 to 2006.  Since 2007, Mr. Axelrod, through his consulting entity, NAX 18, LLC, has provided consulting services to certain entities related to Ares Management. Mr. Axelrod earned a BS in Management and Marketing from Lehigh University and an MBA from New York University. With his experience on the board of directors of a variety of companies and as the Chief Executive Officer of Linens ‘n Things, Inc., Mr. Axelrod will bring to the Parent Board leadership skills and extensive knowledge of complex operational and management issues.

Shane Feeney has served as a director of the Company since January 2012.  He is Vice President and Head of Direct Private Equity at CPPIB Equity Investments, Inc. (“CPPIB Equity”), a wholly owned subsidiary of CPPIB. In 2010, Mr. Feeney joined CPPIB Equity from Bridgepoint Capital Limited in London, UK. Prior to joining Bridgepoint Capital Limited, Mr. Feeney was a partner and founding member of Hermes Private Equity Limited’s direct investing business where he was involved in several UK private equity investments between 2003 and 2009. From 1998 through 2003, Mr. Feeney was an Associate Director with Morgan Grenfell Private Equity Limited in London where he worked on numerous European private equity transactions from origination to exit across multiple industry sectors. Mr. Feeney currently serves on the board of directors of Air Distribution Technologies, Inc., The Gates Corporation and Livingston International, Inc. Mr. Feeney has also served on the board of directors of Tomkins Building Products, Inc.  Mr. Feeney received a BA in Economics from Dartmouth College and an MBA from INSEAD. Mr. Feeney will bring to the Parent Board financial expertise, as well as experience as a private equity investor evaluating and managing investments in companies across various industries and as a member of the boards of directors of other private companies.

Andrew Giancamilli has served as a director of the Company since May 2012.  He has served as President and Chief Executive Officer of Katz Group Canada Ltd., the Canadian subsidiary of The Katz Group of Companies, from October 2003 to February 2012.  Prior to joining Katz Group Canada, Mr. Giancamilli was with Canadian Tire Corporation Ltd. from 2001 to 2003.  Mr. Giancamilli also held several positions, including President and Chief Operating Officer, at Kmart Corporation from 1995 to 2001 and served as President and Chief Operating Officer of Perry Drug Stores, Inc., a U.S.-based drug store chain, from 1993 to 1995.  Mr. Giancamilli serves as a Director of Smart & Final Holdings, Inc. and the National Association of Chain Drugs Stores (NACDS), is on the GS1 Canada Board, and has served as a Director of the Canadian Association of Chain Drug Stores (CACDS). He also has served as a member of the Board of Directors of the Canadian Opera Company, Sacred Heart Rehabilitation Center and has served as a Trustee of the Detroit Opera House.  With his more than 30 years experience and strong record of performance in the retail industry, Mr. Giancamilli will bring to the Parent Board extensive knowledge and expertise in the industries in which the Company operates.

Dennis Gies has served as a director of the Company since January 2012.  He is a Principal in the Private Equity Group of Ares Management. Mr. Gies joined Ares Management in 2006 from UBS Investment Bank where he participated in the execution of a variety of transactions including leveraged buyouts, mergers and acquisitions, dividend recapitalizations and debt and equity financings. He currently serves on the board of directors of Smart & Final Holdings, Inc. and its subsidiary entities.  Mr. Gies graduated with a MS in Electrical Engineering from University of California, Los Angeles and magna cum laude with a BS in Electrical Engineering from Virginia Tech. Mr. Gies will bring to the Parent Board financial expertise, as well as experience as a private equity investor evaluating and managing investments in companies across various industries.

Marvin Holen has served as a director of the Company since February 2013 and he previously served on the board of directors of the Company from 1991 to January 2012. A practicing attorney specializing in corporate law and finance, Mr. Holen founded the law firm of Van Petten & Holen in 1960. He has previously served as Chairman of the board of directors of the Southern California Rapid Transit District, and as a member of the board of each of California Blue Shield, United California Savings Bank, Opinion Research of California, California Construction Control Corporation and Los Angeles Theater Center, among others. He currently serves on the board of trustees of the California Science Center Foundation (formerly as Chairman) and as Chairman of the board of directors of United Pacific Bank. Mr. Holen received his undergraduate degree from the University of California, Los Angeles, and his law degree from the UCLA School of Law. The Parent Board will benefit from Mr. Holen’s expertise in business, finance and corporate law and his experience serving on the boards of several companies across a variety of industries.

David Kaplan has served as a director and Chairman of the Company since January 2012. He is a founding member and Senior Partner of Ares Management, where he sits on the firm’s Executive Committee and co-heads the Ares Private Equity Group. Mr. Kaplan joined Ares Management from Shelter Capital Partners, LLC, where he was a Senior Principal from June 2000 to April 2003. From 1991 through 2000, Mr. Kaplan was affiliated with, and a Senior Partner of, Apollo Management, L.P. and its affiliates, during which time he completed multiple private equity investments from origination through exit. Prior to Apollo Management, L.P., Mr. Kaplan was a member of the Investment Banking Department at Donaldson, Lufkin & Jenrette Securities Corp. Mr. Kaplan currently serves as Chairman of the board of directors of Smart & Final Holdings, Inc. and its subsidiary entities and as a member of

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the boards of directors of GNC Holdings, Inc., Floor and Decor Outlets of America, Inc. and Stream Global Services, Inc. Mr. Kaplan’s previous public company board of directors experience includes Maidenform Brands, Inc., where he served as the company’s Chairman, Orchard Supply Hardware Stores Corporation, Dominick’s Supermarkets, Inc. and Allied Waste Industries Inc. Mr. Kaplan also serves on the Board of Governors of Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, is a Trustee of the Center for Early Education, is a Trustee of the Marlborough School and serves on the Los Angeles Advisory Council to the University of Michigan. Mr. Kaplan graduated with High Distinction, Beta Gamma Sigma, from the University of Michigan, School of Business Administration with a BBA concentrating in Finance. Mr. Kaplan will bring to the Parent Board over 20 years of experience managing investments in, and serving on the boards of directors of, companies operating in various industries, including in the retail and consumer products industries.

Scott Nishi has served as a director of the Company since January 2012. He is a Principal in the Principal Investing Group of CPPIB Equity. Mr. Nishi joined CPPIB Equity in 2007 from Oliver Wyman, a management consultancy where he advised consumer, healthcare and technology companies. Previously, Mr. Nishi was at Launchworks, a venture capital firm that invested in early stage technology companies. Mr. Nishi holds an MBA from the Richard Ivey School of Business at the University of Western Ontario and a B.Sc. from the University of British Columbia. Mr. Nishi will bring to the Parent Board financial expertise, as well as experience as a private equity investor evaluating and managing investments in companies across various industries.

Adam Stein has served as a director of the Company since January 2012. He is a Partner in the Private Equity Group of Ares Management. Prior to joining Ares Management in 2000, Mr. Stein was a member of the Global Leveraged Finance Group at Merrill Lynch & Co. where he participated in the execution of leveraged loan, high yield bond and mezzanine financing transactions across various industries. Mr. Stein serves on the boards of directors of FDO Holdings, Inc., the indirect parent of Floor and Decor Outlets of America, Inc., Smart & Final Holdings, Inc. and its subsidiary entities and Marietta Corporation. Mr. Stein previously served on the board of directors of Maidenform Brands, Inc. Mr. Stein graduated with distinction from Emory University’s Goizueta Business School, where he received a BA in Business Administration with a concentration in Finance. Mr. Stein will bring to the Parent Board financial expertise, as well as over ten years of experience as a private equity investor evaluating and managing investments in companies across various industries and as a member of the boards of directors of other retail and consumer products companies.

Board Composition and Terms

As of May 15, 2013, the 99¢ Board and the Parent Board were composed of the same nine directors. Each director serves for annual terms or until his or her successor is elected and qualified. Pursuant to the stockholders agreement of our Parent, one of our Parent’s two principal stockholders has the right to designate four members of the Parent Board and two independent members of the Parent Board, which independent directors shall be approved by the other principal stockholder, and the other principal stockholder has the right to designate two members of the Parent Board, in each case for so long as they or their respective affiliates beneficially own at least 15% of the then outstanding shares of Class A Common Stock.  The stockholders agreement provides for the election of Eric Schiffer, Jeff Gold and Howard Gold to the Parent Board, for so long as they hold the position of Chief Executive Officer, President and Chief Operating Officer, and Executive Vice President, respectively, and if those individuals do not hold such positions, the Rollover Investors have the right to designate one member of the Parent Board for so long as the Rollover Investors in the aggregate continue to own at least 50% of the outstanding shares of Class A Common Stock that they held on the date of the Merger.  For more details of the stockholders agreement of our Parent, see “Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence—Stockholders Agreement” in this Report.

Board Committees

We do not have any committees of the Board.  The Parent Board has established an audit committee (the “Audit Committee”) and a compensation committee (the “Compensation Committee”).

Audit Committee

The Audit Committee has the authority to supervise the auditing of us and Parent and to act as liaison between us and our independent registered public accounting firm.  The members of the Audit Committee are Adam Stein (Chair), Dennis Gies and Scott Nishi. The Board has determined that Mr. Stein is an “audit committee financial expert” as defined by Item 401 of Regulation S-K, information regarding Directors and Executive Officers of the registrant required by Item 405 of Regulation S-K,  information regarding Directors and Executive Officers of the registrant required by Item 406407(d)(5)(ii) of Regulation S-K and information regarding Directorshas the attributes set forth in such section.

Compensation Committee

The Compensation Committee has the authority to review and Executive Officersapprove the compensation of the registrant required by Item 407 (c)(3)officers of us and Parent and all of our other officers, key employees and directors, as well as our compensation philosophy, strategy, program design, and administrative practices.  The members of the Compensation Committee are David Kaplan (Chair), (d)(4)Norman Axelrod, Shane Feeney, Marvin Holen and (d)(5)Adam Stein.

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Table of Regulation S-K is presented under the captions "ElectionContents

Code of Directors," "Information with Respect to Nominees and Executive Officers," "CodeEthics

The 99¢ Board has adopted a Code of Business Conduct and Ethics" "Further Information Concerning applicable to all of our directors, officers and employees.  A copy of the BoardCode of Directors"Business Conduct and "SectionEthics is available on our website at www.99only.com.

Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance"Compliance

In light of our status as a privately held company, Section 16(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, does not apply to our directors, executive officers and significant stockholders.

Item 11.  Executive Compensation

Compensation of Directors

The Board sets the compensation for each director who is not an officer of or otherwise employed by us (a “non-executive director”) based on recommendations from the Compensation Committee.  Non-executive directors who are employed by Ares or CPPIB, or appointed by the Rollover Investors, do not receive compensation for their services as directors.  Of the non-executive directors, Messrs. Axelrod and Giancamilli are not employed by Ares or CPPIB, or appointed by the Gold family, and accordingly, they are the only non-executive directors who earned compensation for services as a director for fiscal 2013.  Mr. Axelrod earned $62,500 in cash fees in fiscal 2013 and Mr. Giancamilli earned $35,000 in cash fees and was granted 250 options to purchase the common stock of Parent as compensation for his services in fiscal 2013, pursuant to a negotiated arrangement.  Mr. Richard Anicetti serves as a member of the Board and has served as the Company’s Interim Chief Executive Officer since January 2013.  In connection with his service on the Board, he received $35,000 in cash fees and a grant of 250 stock options, which are reported in the definitive Proxy StatementSummary Compensation Table below.

Director Compensation for Fiscal 2013

The following table provides information regarding the compensation earned by or awarded to our non-executive directors during fiscal 2013:

Name

 

Fees Earned or
Paid in Cash ($)

 

Option Awards
($)(a)

 

All Other
Compensation

 ($)

 

Total ($)

 

Norman Axelrod

 

$

62,500

 

$

 

$

 

$

62,500

 

Andrew Giancamilli

 

$

35,000

 

$

89,803

 

$

 

$

124,803

 


(a)In accordance with regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission, this column represents the aggregate grant date fair value of the options granted to each director in fiscal 2013, computed in accordance with Financial Accounting Standard Board Accounting Standard Codification Topic 718, “Stock Compensation” (“ASC 718”).  Amounts shown in this column may not correspond to the actual value that will be realized by the non-executive directors.  See Note 11 to the Consolidated Financial Statements in this Report for the Company's 2011 Annual Meetingassumptions used to calculate grant date fair value.

Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation

The Compensation Committee consists of Shareholders, which will be filed withMessrs. Axelrod, Feeney, Holen, Kaplan, and Stein.  To our knowledge, there were no interrelationships involving members of the CommissionCompensation Committee or other directors requiring disclosure.

Executive Compensation

Fiscal 2013 was a transition year within the ranks of our named executive officers (“Named Executive Officers,” “NEOs” or “executives”) as the senior leadership re-aligned following the Merger.  On November 26, 2012, Michael Kvitko was hired as our Executive Vice President and Chief Merchandising Officer.  On January 23, 2013, Eric Schiffer, Jeff Gold and Howard Gold departed the Company, Richard Anicetti, who had been a member of the Board, was appointed interim Chief Executive Officer and Michael Fung was appointed Interim Executive Vice President and Chief Administrative Officer.  Our NEOs for fiscal 2013 are, therefore (i) the two individuals who served as our principal executive officer during fiscal 2013, (ii) the individual who served as our principal financial officer during fiscal 2013, (iii) our two executive officers during fiscal 2013, and (iv) two individuals who would have been among our three mostly highly compensated executive officers during fiscal 2013 but for the fact that they were no later than 120 days afterlonger serving as executive officers at the end of the fiscal year:

·Richard Anicetti — Interim President and Chief Executive Officer

·Frank Schools — Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer

·Michael Fung — Interim Executive Vice President and Chief Administrative Officer

·Michael Kvitko — Executive Vice President and Chief Merchandising Officer

·Eric Schiffer — Former Chief Executive Officer

·Jeff Gold — Former President and Chief Administrative Officer

·Howard Gold — Former Executive Vice President of Special Projects

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Compensation Objectives

Our compensation program with respect to our executives is designed to:

·attract, motivate and retain individuals of outstanding abilities and experience capable of achieving our strategic business goals,

·align total compensation with the short and long-term performance of our Company,

·recognize outstanding individual contributions, and

·provide competitive compensation opportunities.

We provide ongoing income and security in the form of salary and benefits to our executives that are intended to be both attractive and competitive.  We also provide our executives with short term incentives in the form of an annual cash bonus to build accountability and reward the achievement of annual goals that support our business objectives.  Executives also receive long-term incentive compensation, which promotes retention and provides a link between executive compensation and value creation for the Company’s 2011shareholders over a multi-year period.  Our long-term incentive compensation consists of stock options.  The stock options provide compensation tied to the fair market value of Parent’s common stock and provide no compensation if the fair market value of Parent’s common stock decreases below the fair market value on the grant date.

Assessment of Risk

We have reviewed our compensation policies and practices for all employees and concluded that such policies and practices are not reasonably likely to have a material adverse effect on our Company.

Elements of Compensation

Our executive compensation program consists of three main elements:

·base salary;

·annual cash bonus; and

·long-term incentives consisting of stock options.

We have chosen these primary elements because each supports achievement of one or more of our compensation objectives, and each has an integral role in our total compensation program.  In addition, the Compensation Committee determined that the transitions in the senior management team during fiscal 2013 and the hiring of Messrs. Kvitko and Fung and the retention of Mr. Anicetti’s services necessitated special compensation arrangements described under “Discretionary Incentive Bonus,” “Retention Bonuses,” “Signing Bonus,” and “Consulting Fee Premium” below.

Our Compensation Committee reviews the executive compensation program and specific individual compensation arrangements of executives at least annually.

Our CEO historically has evaluated each executive and makes recommendations about compensation to the Compensation Committee.  The Compensation Committee considers these recommendations but ultimately is responsible for the approval of all executive compensation arrangements.  Our CEO is not present during the Compensation Committee’s deliberations about his own compensation.

Mr. Anicetti was appointed Interim President and Chief Executive Officer on January 23, 2013. In connection with his appointment, we entered into an interim services agreement with From One To Many Leadership Consulting, LLC on January 23, 2013, providing for the services of Mr. Anicetti.  This agreement provides for consulting fees in the amount of $62,500 per month and the potential to earn a fee premium of up to 100% of the monthly consulting fee for each month of service, contingent upon Mr. Anicetti attaining performance goals set by the Board.  Since May 22, 2012, Mr. Anicetti has also served as a member of the Board.  In connection with his service as a Board member, he received $35,000 in director’s fees and a grant of 250 options to purchase the stock of Parent (“stock options”) with an exercise price of $1,000 per share, and which vest at a rate of 20% per year on each of the first five anniversaries of the grant date.

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Base Salary.  The base salaries of our executives are intended to reflect the position, duties and responsibilities of each executive, the cost of living in Southern California, and the market for base salaries of similarly situated executives at other companies of similar size and in similar industries.  Accordingly, Mr. Schools, as Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer, receives an annual base salary of $357,175 and Mr. Kvitko, as Executive Vice President and Chief Merchandising Officer, receives a base salary of $512,167.  Mr. Schools’ base salary was $275,000 when he served as Interim Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer, and was increased to $350,000 upon his transition to permanent Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer and subsequently increased to his current rate in connection with the Compensation Committee’s annual review of executive compensation.  Mr. Fung, as Interim Executive Vice President and Chief Administrative Officer receives a base salary of $50,000 per month.  Prior to their termination of employment, Mr. Schiffer, as Chief Executive Officer, received an annual base salary of $500,000, Mr. Jeff Gold, as President and Chief Administrative Officer, received an annual base salary of $400,000 and Mr. Howard Gold, as Executive Vice President of Special Projects, received an annual base salary of $200,000.  In addition, the Company pays a consulting fee of $62,500 per month to From One to Many Leadership Consulting, LLC (“From One to Many”), the consulting firm that provides the services of Mr. Anicetti to the Company as a consultant, for Mr. Anicetti’s services as Interim President and Chief Executive Officer.

Annual Cash Bonuses.  Messrs. Schools and Kvitko are eligible for an annual cash bonus with a target bonus of 50% of their base salary.  For fiscal 2013, Mr. Kvitko’s bonus was prorated, with a guaranteed minimum of $75,000.  He does not have a guaranteed minimum annual cash bonus for any other fiscal year.  For fiscal 2013, the Company’s target Budgeted EBITDA (as defined under the plan) under its annual cash bonus plan was $163 million at target.  The Company’s actual performance was $162.9 million, which was 99.9% of the target.  Accordingly, the executives received the following annual cash bonuses:

Name

 

Target Bonus

 

Actual Bonus

 

Bonus Payout Percentage

 

Frank Schools

 

$

153,400

 

$

147,231

 

96

%

Michael Kvitko

 

$

86,500

 

$

83,077

 

96

%

Discretionary Incentive Bonus.  Mr. Fung is eligible to earn a discretionary incentive bonus equal to (i) 100% of his base salary multiplied by (ii) the number of full and partial months for which he provides services, payable for meeting the applicable goals, as determined by the Parent Board (or a committee thereof) in its sole discretion.  The actual amount of the bonus payable to Mr. Fung will be contingent upon his level of achievement of the performance goals.  If Mr. Fung earns a bonus at or above his target bonus, he will have the option to purchase shares of Parent common stock at fair market value with an aggregate value not to exceed the amount of the bonus.

Retention Bonuses.  In January and February 2013 we entered into one-time retention bonus agreements with Messrs. Schools and Kvitko whereby we granted them bonuses of $175,000 and $250,000, respectively.  The retention bonuses are subject to repayment in the event of termination of employment for any reason other than by the Company without Cause (as such term is defined under Parent’s 2012 Stock Incentive Plan) or on account of death or disability prior to January 23, 2015.

Signing Bonus.  In connection with his hiring, Mr. Kvitko was granted a one-time signing bonus of $250,000, with 50% of the bonus payable upon accepting employment with the Company and 50% payable upon the earlier of (i) the 18 month anniversary of Mr. Kvitko joining the Company and (ii) Mr. Kvitko and his family permanently relocating to California.  If Mr. Kvitko’s employment with the Company is terminated for any reason other than by the Company without Cause within the first two years of Mr. Kvitko’s employment, then the signing bonus is subject to repayment.

Consulting Fee Premium.  The consulting agreement with From One to Many pursuant to which we receive the services of Mr. Anicetti provides for the opportunity to earn a fee premium for performance during the engagement for achieving benchmarks established by Parent’s board of directors.  The fee premium, at target, is equal to $62,500 (the same as the monthly consulting fee payable under the consulting agreement) multiplied by the number of full and partial months during which Mr. Anicetti renders services to the Company.  The fee premium (if any) is payable upon the expiration of the engagement.  In addition, if the fee premium is earned at the target level or higher, Mr. Anicetti will have the option to purchase shares of Parent’s common stock at their then-fair market value, equal in value to the amount of the fee premium earned.

Long-Term Incentives.  We provided our executives with long-term incentive compensation through stock option awards granted under Parent’s 2012 Stock Incentive Plan.  In connection with his hiring, Mr. Kvitko was granted 2,800 stock options.  Mr. Schools was granted 600 stock options when he began providing services to the Company as an employee, and an additional 500 stock options in connection with his transition from Interim Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer, to permanent Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer.  Mr. Anicetti received 250 stock options in connection with his election as a member of the Board.  Subject to the continuing employment of the executives, each stock option will vest in equal annual installments over five years and has an exercise price equal to $1,000 per share, which was the fair market value per share of Parent’s common stock on the grant date of the options.  Under the standard form of option award agreement, Parent has a right to repurchase from the participant all or a portion of (i) Class A

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and Class B Common Stock of Parent issued upon the exercise of the options awarded to a participant and (ii) fully vested but unexercised options.  The repurchase price for the shares of Class A and Class B Common Stock of Parent is the fair market value of such shares as of the date of such termination, and, for the fully vested but unexercised options, the repurchase price is the difference between the fair market value of the Class A and Class B Common Stock of Parent as of the date of termination of employment and the exercise price of the option.  However, upon (i) a termination of employment for cause, (ii) a voluntary resignation without good reason, or (iii) upon discovery that the participant engaged in detrimental activity, the repurchase price is the lesser of the exercise price paid by the participant to exercise the option or the fair market value of the Class A and Class B Common Stock of Parent.  The repurchase price with respect to Mr. Anicetti’s stock options does not adjust in connection with a voluntary resignation without good reason.  If Parent elects to exercise its repurchase right for any shares acquired pursuant to the exercise of an option, it must do so no later than 180 days after the date of participant’s termination of employment, or (ii) for any unexercised option no later than 90 days from the latest date that an option can be exercised.

401(k) Plan.  All full-time employees are eligible to participate in our 401(k) plan after 30 days of service and are eligible to receive matching contributions from the Company after one year of service.  The Company matches employee contributions in cash at a rate of 100% of the first 3% of base compensation that an employee contributes, and 50% of the next 2% of base compensation that an employee contributes, with immediate vesting.  Our executives are also eligible for these Company matches, subject to regulatory limits on contributions to 401(k) plans.

Post-Termination Arrangements.  The consulting agreement pursuant to which we receive the services of Mr. Anicetti, a severance agreement with Mr. Schools, the term sheet with Mr. Fung and our offer letter with Mr. Kvitko contain severance provisions.  The terms of these agreements related to post-termination compensation are described in detail under “Potential Payments Upon Termination or Change in Control.”

Severance Agreements.  In connection with their departure from the Company, we entered into severance agreements with Messrs. Schiffer, Jeff Gold and Howard Gold.  The terms of these agreements are described in detail under “Potential Payments Upon Termination or Change in Control.”

COMPENSATION COMMITTEE REPORT

The Compensation Committee has reviewed and discussed with management the above Compensation Discussion and Analysis.  Based on our review and discussions with management, the Compensation Committee recommended to the Board of Directors that the Compensation Discussion and Analysis be included in this Report.

COMPENSATION COMMITTEE

Norman Axelrod

Shane Feeney

Marvin Holen

David Kaplan

Adam Stein

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COMPENSATION TABLES

Summary Compensation Table for Fiscal 2013

The following table sets forth information concerning all compensation paid to or earned by our NEOs for services to the Company in all capacities during fiscal 2013:

Name and Principal
Position

 

Fiscal
Year

 

Salary ($)

 

Bonus ($)(a)

 

Option
Awards
($)(b)

 

Non-Equity
Incentive Plan
Compensation

 

All Other
Compensation
($)(c)

 

Total ($)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Richard Anicetti

 

2013

 

179,022

 

150,000

 

89,803

 

 

 

418,825

 

Interim President and Chief Executive Officer (d)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Frank Schools (e)

 

2013

 

350,096

 

175,000

 

 

147,231

 

1,296

 

673,623

 

Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer

 

2012

 

70,000

 

 

 

 

 

70,000

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Michael Fung

 

2013

 

115,217

 

120,000

 

 

 

 

235,217

 

Interim Executive Vice President and Chief Administrative Officer

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Michael Kvitko

 

2013

 

165,385

 

375,000

 

 

83,077

 

285

 

623,747

 

Executive Vice President, Chief Merchandising Officer

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Eric Schiffer

 

2013

 

499,373

 

 

 

 

797,649

 

1,297,022

 

Former Chief Executive Officer

 

2012

 

193,077

 

 

4,605,354

 

 

8,265

 

4,806,696

 

 

2011

 

122,308

 

 

 

 

5,302

 

127,610

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Jeff Gold

 

2013

 

393,237

 

 

 

 

640,357

 

1,033,594

 

Former President and Chief Administrative Officer

 

2012

 

173,846

 

 

4,029,393

 

 

7,216

 

4,210,455

 

 

2011

 

122,307

 

 

 

 

5,045

 

127,352

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Howard Gold

 

2013

 

201,692

 

 

 

 

317,812

 

519,504

 

Former Executive Vice President of Special Projects

 

2012

 

135,384

 

 

2,878,249

 

 

5,957

 

3,019,590

 

 

2011

 

122,307

 

 

 

 

5,455

 

127,762

 


(a)For Mr. Schools, the amount reported in the Bonus column reflects a one-time retention bonus. For Mr. Kvitko the amount reported in the Bonus column reflects a one-time retention bonus and a signing bonus.

(b)In accordance with SEC regulations, this column sets forth the aggregate grant date fair value of stock options computed in accordance with ASC 718. Amounts shown in this column may not correspond to the actual value that will be realized by the Named Executive Officers.  The options granted are options to purchase the common stock of Parent.  If either of Messrs. Schools’ or Kvitko’s employment with the Company is terminated for cause, or he voluntarily resigns his employment with the Company without good reason, Parent may repurchase his options for the lesser of the exercise price of the option or the fair market value of the option on the date of termination of employment.  Accordingly, we have not recorded any stock-based compensation expense on the options for Messrs. Schools and Kvitko pursuant to ASC 718.  If not for this repurchase feature, the grant date fair value of options granted to Mr. Schools would have been $381,240 and the grant date fair value of options granted to Mr. Kvitko would have been $975,240.  See Note 11 to the Consolidated Financial Statements in this Report for the assumptions used to calculate grant date fair value.

(c)The amounts reported in the All Other Compensation column reflect, for each executive, as applicable (i) post-termination payments, (ii) the amount of our matching contribution under our 401(k) plan, (iii) dollar value of life insurance premiums we paid for each executive, and (iv) other company-paid insurance premiums.  Specifically, the All Other Compensation column above includes:

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Table of Contents

Name

 

Year

 

Post-Termination
Payments
 ($)

 

Matching 401(k)
Contribution
 ($)

 

Value of Life
Insurance
Premiums

($)

 

Value of Other
Company-Paid
Insurance
Premiums
($)

 

Total ($)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Richard Anicetti

 

2013

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Frank Schools

 

2013

 

 

 

1,296

 

 

1,296

 

 

 

2012

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Michael Fung

 

2013

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Michael Kvitko

 

2013

 

 

 

285

 

 

285

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Eric Schiffer

 

2013

 

778,846

 

4,662

 

458

 

13,683

 

797,649

 

 

 

2012

 

 

7,723

 

542

 

 

8,265

 

 

 

2011

 

 

4,892

 

410

 

 

5,302

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Jeff Gold

 

2013

 

623,077

 

3,298

 

299

 

13,683

 

640,357

 

 

 

2012

 

 

6,954

 

262

 

 

7,216

 

 

 

2011

 

 

4,800

 

245

 

 

5,045

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Howard Gold

 

2013

 

311,538

 

5,816

 

458

 

 

317,812

 

 

 

2012

 

 

5,416

 

541

 

 

5,957

 

 

 

2011

 

 

4,892

 

563

 

 

5,455

 

(d)Mr. Anicetti has served as Interim President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company since January 23, 2013 under a consulting agreement with From One To Many Leadership Consulting, LLC, which provides for consulting fees of $62,500 per month.  In addition, Mr. Anicetti received $35,000 and 250 stock options in connection with his service prior to January 23, 2013 as a member of the Board, which amounts are included in this Summary Compensation Table.

(e)Prior to August 2012, Mr. Schools was a partner at Tatum, and worked for the Company pursuant to an interim services agreement with Tatum.  The amount reported in the “Salary” column for Mr. Schools for fiscal 2013 includes $140,000 we paid to Tatum for Mr. Schools’ services prior to the Company employing Mr. Schools directly in August 2012.

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Table of Contents

Grants of Plan-Based Awards for Fiscal 2013

The following table sets forth information concerning the annual bonus plan and options granted to the Named Executive Officers under Parent’s 2012 Stock Incentive Plan during fiscal 2013:

 

 

 

 

Estimated Possible Payouts Under

 

All Other Option

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Non-Equity Incentive Plan Awards

 

Awards: Number of

 

Exercise or

 

Grant Date

 

 

 

 

 

(a)

 

Securities

 

Base Price of

 

Fair Value of

 

 

 

 

 

Threshold

 

Target

 

Maximum

 

Underlying Options

 

Option Awards

 

Option Awards

 

Name

 

Grant Date

 

($)

 

($)

 

($)(e)

 

(#)(b)

 

($/Sh)(c)

 

($)(d)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Richard Anicetti

 

6/19/12

 

 

 

 

 

250

 

1,000.00

 

89,803

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Frank Schools

 

9/27/12

 

 

 

 

 

600

 

1,000.00

 

 

 

 

11/7/12

 

 

 

 

 

500

 

1,000.00

 

 

 

 

 

 

30,680

 

153,400

 

306,800

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Michael Fung

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Michael Kvitko

 

11/28/12

 

 

 

 

 

2,800

 

1,000.00

 

 

 

 

 

 

17,300

 

86,500

 

173,000

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Eric Schiffer

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Jeff Gold

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Howard Gold

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


(a)The amounts represent the threshold, target and maximum payout amounts under the Company’s annual cash bonus plan.  See “Components of Executive Compensation — Annual Cash Bonuses” above for more information regarding the annual cash bonuses.  The actual amounts earned are reported in the “Non-Equity Incentive Plan Compensation” column of the Summary Compensation Table.

(b)Options vest subject to continuing employment with the Company in five equal annual installments commencing on the first anniversary of the grant date.

(c)The per share exercise price approximated the fair market value per share of Parent’s stock as of the grant date of the stock options as determined by the Compensation Committee.

(d)Reflects aggregate grant date fair value of the awards computed in accordance with ASC Topic 718.  If either of Messrs. Schools’ or Kvitko’s employment with the Company is terminated for cause, or he voluntarily resigns his employment with the Company without good reason, Parent may repurchase his options for the lesser of the exercise price of the option or the fair market value of the option on the date of termination of employment.  Accordingly, we have not recorded any stock-based compensation expense on the options for Messrs. Schools and Kvitko pursuant to ASC 718.  If not for this repurchase feature, the grant date fair value of options granted to Mr. Schools on 9/27/2012 would have been $207,090 and the grant date fair value of options granted to Mr. Schools on 11/7/2012 would have been $174,150.  If not for the repurchase feature, the grant date fair value of options granted to Mr. Kvitko would have been $975,240. See Note 11 to the Consolidated Financial Statements in this Report for the assumptions used to calculate grant date fair value.

(e)Maximum payout represents 200% of the target payout.  Under the annual cash bonus plan, participants may achieve in excess of 200% of target, however, the total payouts to all bonus plan participants is capped at 5.0% of Budgeted EBITDA, and payouts will be ratably reduced to the extent necessary to remain within the cap.

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Table of Contents

Outstanding Equity Awards at Fiscal Year End 2013

The following table sets forth information on stock options held by the Named Executive Officers as of March 30, 2013:

Name

 

Securities Underlying
Unexercised Options
(#)(a)

 

Securities Underlying
Unexercised Options
(#)

 

Option
Exercise Price
($)

 

Option
Expiration
Date

 

 

 

Exercisable

 

Unexercisable

 

 

 

 

 

Richard Anicetti

 

 

250

 

1,000.00

 

6/19/22

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Frank Schools

 

 

600

 

1,000.00

 

9/27/22

 

 

 

 

 

500

 

1,000.00

 

11/7/22

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Michael Fung

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Michael Kvitko

 

 

2,800

 

1,000.00

 

11/28/22

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Eric Schiffer (b)

 

11,842

 

 

1,000.00

 

7/13/15

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Jeff Gold (b)

 

10,361

 

 

1,000.00

 

7/13/15

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Howard Gold (b)

 

7,401

 

 

1,000.00

 

7/13/15

 

 


(a)Options vest subject to continuing employment with the Company in five equal annual installments commencing on the first anniversary of the grant date.  The term of the options is ten years from the grant date.

(b)In connection with their separation from the Company, the vesting of Messrs. Schiffer’s, Jeff Gold’s and Howard Gold’s outstanding options accelerated.  They will remain outstanding and exercisable until July 13, 2015, unless sooner exercised.

Potential Payments Upon Termination or Change in Control

This section describes the benefits that may become payable to our Named Executive Officers in connection with certain terminations of their employment with the Company and/or a change in control of the Company.

Richard Anicetti

If the consulting agreement with From One to Many, pursuant to which we obtain the services of Mr. Anicetti, is terminated prior to the expiration date of the consulting agreement without cause, From One to Many is entitled to receive the monthly consulting fee through the expiration date plus the fee premium earned with respect to the period during which Mr. Anicetti provided services.  The expiration date of the consulting agreement is the earlier of (i) 30 days following the start of a permanent CEO and (ii) 180 days after the effective date of the consulting agreement (subject to 30 day extensions).

Frank Schools

Effective March 18, 2013, we entered in to a severance agreement with Mr. Schools.  The severance agreement provides that if Mr. Schools is terminated without “cause” (as defined in Parent’s 2012 Stock Incentive Plan) or if Mr. Schools resigns for “good reason” (as defined below), in each case on or prior to April 30, 2017, he will be entitled to continuation of then-current base salary for a period of six months following the date of termination, contingent upon Mr. Schools executing a general release in favor of the Company.

For the purposes of the severance agreement, “good reason” means the occurrence of any of the following without Mr. Schools’s consent:  (i) a reduction in annual base salary, other than a one-time reduction not exceeding ten percent that is imposed simultaneously on all executive officers of the Company; or (ii) a material diminution of Mr. Schools’s authority, duties or responsibilities.  In each instance, in order to constitute good reason, Mr. Schools must provide the Company with written notice within 90 days following the occurrence of the event constituting good reason, the Company must fail to cure the event within 30 days following the notice, and Mr. Schools must then resign within 60 days following the date on which he provided the Company with notice.

Michael Fung

Per the term sheet governing the terms of Mr. Fung’s employment with the Company, if Mr. Fung’s employment with the Company is terminated without Cause (as defined in Parent’s 2012 Stock Incentive Plan) prior to the expiration of his term sheet agreement with the Company, he is entitled to receive his monthly base salary through the expiration date plus the discretionary incentive bonus earned with respect to the period during which Mr. Fung was employed.

The expiration date of Mr. Fung’s agreement with the Company is the earlier of (i) 30 days following the start of a permanent CEO and (ii) the six-month anniversary of the effective date of the term sheet (subject to 30 day extensions).

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Michael Kvitko

Pursuant to his offer letter, in the event Mr. Kvitko is terminated without Cause (as defined in Parent’s 2012 Stock Incentive Plan), he is entitled to receive 18 months of base salary continuation, subject to continued compliance with applicable post-termination restrictive covenants and the execution of a release of claims against the Company and its affiliates.

Severance Agreements

In connection with their separation from the Company we entered into severance agreements with Messrs. Schiffer, Jeff Gold and Howard Gold, effective January 23, 2013 that provided for Messrs. Schiffer, Jeff Gold and Howard Gold to receive the benefits to which they would have been entitled under the terms of their employment agreements in respect of a termination of employment without cause or resignation for good reason.  Specifically, Messrs. Schiffer, Jeff Gold and Howard Gold are entitled to the following benefits, which were contingent upon their executing a general release in favor of the Company:  (a) severance payments equal to (i) three times base salary plus (ii) three times target annual incentive bonus for fiscal 2013, (b) full vesting of all outstanding and unvested stock options, and (c) payment of any unpaid incentive bonus earned for the prior fiscal year, and (d) COBRA coverage for one year at the Company’s sole expense or, if earlier, until the executive becomes eligible for comparable coverage under health plans of another employer.  The payments began on or about the 60th day following the termination of employment, with 50% of the severance payments listed in (a) above to be paid in equal payments over the course of three years in accordance with the Company’s regular payroll schedule and the other 50% to be paid in three, equal annual lump sum installments.  They also received a distribution of all deferred amounts and earnings thereon held on their behalf pursuant to a deferred compensation plan we maintain, but which is incorporated  herein by reference.



The information required by Item 402 of Regulation S-K and paragraphs (e)(4) and (e)(5) of Item 407 of Regulation S-K is presented under the captions "Executive Compensation", “Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation,” and “Compensation Committee Report”Officers (or, in the definitive Proxy Statementcase of Messrs. Schiffer, Jeff Gold and Howard Gold, the actual payments made or to be made in connection with their separation) upon a termination or change in control, assuming a termination or change in control occurred on March 30, 2013 (or, in the case of Messrs. Schiffer, Jeff Gold and Howard Gold on January 23, 2013, the date of their separation), at which time Parent’s common stock was valued at $1,000.00 per share:

Name

 

Cash Payments
($)

 

Continuation of
Group Health Plans

($)

 

Acceleration of
Vesting of Options
($)

 

Richard Anicetti

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Termination Without Cause

 

394,000

(a)

 

 

Termination for Cause

 

 

 

 

Death/Total and Permanent Disability

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Frank Schools

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Termination Without Cause or With Good Reason

 

175,000

(b)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Michael Fung

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Termination Without Cause

 

315,200

(c)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Michael Kvitko

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Termination Without Cause or With Good Reason

 

750,000

(d)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Eric Schiffer

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Termination Without Cause or With Good Reason

 

5,741,842

(e)

19,849

 

0

(f)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Jeff Gold

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Termination Without Cause or With Good Reason

 

4,830,002

(e)

19,849

 

0

(f)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Howard Gold

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Termination Without Cause or With Good Reason

 

3,036,249

(e)

7,574

 

0

(f)


(a)Cash payment for Mr. Anicetti represents (i) four months of the consulting fee payable to From One to Many for the Company's 2011 Annual Meetingperiod of Shareholders,March 30, 2013 through the remainder of the term (assuming the term expired on July 23, 2013) of the consulting agreement and is incorporated herein(ii) a fee premium representing the period from January 23, 2013 to March 30, 2013, which would be due to From One to Many if the consulting agreement were to be terminated without cause.

(b)Cash payment represents six months of base salary continuation ($175,000).

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(c)Cash payment for Mr. Fung represents (i) four months of base salary for the period of March 30, 2013 through the remainder of the term (assuming the term expired on July 23, 2013) of Mr. Fung’s employment and (ii) a discretionary incentive bonus representing the period from January 23, 2013 to March 30, 2013, which would be due to Mr. Fung if his employment were to be terminated without cause.

(d)Cash payment represents 18 months of base salary continuation ($750,000).

(e)Cash payments include the following:

·Mr. Schiffer — (i) three times his base salary ($1,500,000), (ii) three times his target annual bonus ($3,000,000), and (iii) distribution of amounts held under deferred compensation plan ($1,241,842).

·Mr. Jeff Gold — (i) three times his base salary ($1,200,000), (ii) three times his target annual bonus ($2,400,000), and (iii) distribution of amounts held under deferred compensation plan ($1,230,002).

·Mr. Howard Gold — (i) three times his base salary ($600,000), (ii) three times his target annual bonus ($1,200,000), and (iii) distribution of amounts held under deferred compensation plan ($1,236,249).

(f)The fair market value of Parent’s common stock underlying the options held by reference.


Messrs. Schiffer, Jeff Gold and Howard Gold on January 23, 2013, the date of their separation, was lower than the exercise price of such options.

Item 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters

Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners

The following table sets forth as of May 15, 2013, certain information relating to the ownership of our common stock by each person known to be the beneficial owner of more than five percent of the outstanding shares of our common stock. None of our directors or Named Executive Officers is the beneficial owner of any of our common stock.

Beneficial ownership is determined in accordance with Securities and Exchange Commission rules that deem shares to be beneficially owned by any person who has or shares voting or investment power with respect to such shares. In computing the number of shares beneficially owned by a person and the percentage ownership of that person, shares of common stock subject to options and call rights held by that person that currently are exercisable or exercisable within 60 days after May 15, 2013 are deemed to be outstanding and beneficially owned by such person.

Name and Addresses

 

Number of Shares of
Class A Common Stock

 

Percent of Class A
Common Stock

 

Number of Shares of
Class B Common Stock

 

Percent of Class B
Common Stock

 

Number Holdings, Inc.
2000 Avenue of the Stars, 12
th Floor
Los Angeles 90067

 

100

 

100

%

100

(1)

100

%(1)

ACOF III Number Holdings, LLC
2000 Avenue of the Stars, 12
th Floor
Los Angeles 90067

 

0

 

0

%

10

(1)

10

%(1)


(1)         Parent owns 100% of our Class A Common Stock, which carries substantially all of the economic rights in us, and 90% of our Class B Common Stock, which carries de minimis economic rights and the right to vote solely with respect to the election of directors. ACOF III Number Holdings, LLC (“ACOF III LLC”) holds the remaining 10% of our Class B Common Stock, subject to a call right that allows Parent to repurchase such stock without the consent of ACOF III LLC at any time for de minimis consideration. For additional detail regarding rights with respect our Class A and Class B Common Stock, see “Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence—Voting Agreement” in this Report.

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Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management

The following table sets forth, as of May 15, 2013, certain information requiredrelating to the ownership of the common stock of Parent by Item 403(i) each person or group known by us to own beneficially more than 5% of Regulation S-K is presented under the captions "Principal Shareholders"outstanding shares of our Parent’s common stock, (ii) each of our directors, (iii) each of our Named Executive Officers, and (iv) all of our executive officers and directors as a group. Shares issuable upon the exercise of options exercisable on May 15, 2013 or within 60 days thereafter are considered outstanding and to be beneficially owned by the person holding such options for the purpose of computing such person’s percentage beneficial ownership, but are not deemed outstanding for the purposes of computing the percentage of beneficial ownership of any other person. Except as may be indicated in the definitive Proxy Statementfootnotes to the table and subject to applicable community property laws, each such person has the sole voting and investment power with respect to the shares owned.  The percentages of shares outstanding provided in the table below are based upon 636,725 shares of Class A Common Stock and 636,725 shares of Class B Common Stock outstanding as of May 15, 2013.

Name of Beneficial Owner (1)

 

Number of Shares
of Class A
Common Stock
of Parent

 

Percent of
Class A
Common Stock
of Parent

 

Number of Shares
of Class B
Common Stock
of Parent

 

Percent of
Class B
Common Stock
of Parent

 

Directors and Named Executive Officers (2)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Richard Anicetti (3)

 

50

 

*

 

50

 

*

 

Frank Schools (4)

 

75

 

*

 

75

 

*

 

Michael Fung

 

 

 

 

 

Michael Kvitko

 

 

 

 

 

Norman Axelrod (5)

 

850

 

*

 

850

 

*

 

Shane Feeney (6)

 

 

 

 

 

Andrew Giancamilli (7)

 

50

 

*

 

50

 

*

 

Dennis Gies (8)

 

 

 

 

 

Marvin Holen

 

 

 

 

 

Scott Nishi (6)

 

 

 

 

 

David Kaplan (9)

 

 

 

 

 

Adam Stein (10)

 

 

 

 

 

All of our current executive officers and directors as a group, 12 persons

 

1,025

 

*

 

1,025

 

*

 

Beneficial Owners of 5% or More of Parent’s Outstanding Common Stock

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Karen and Eric Schiffer (11)

 

37,763

 

5.93

%

37,763

 

5.93

%

The Gold Revocable Trust dated 10/26/2005 (12)

 

40,000

 

6.28

%

40,000

 

6.28

%

Ares Corporate Opportunities Fund III, L.P. (13)

 

335,900

 

52.75

%

345,130

(15)

54.20

%

CPP Investment Board (USRE II) Inc. (14)

 

200,000

 

31.41

%

190,770

 

29.96

%


*Less than 1% of the outstanding shares.

(1)Except as otherwise noted, the address of each beneficial owner is c/o 99¢ Only Stores, 4000 Union Pacific Avenue, City of Commerce, CA 90023.

(2)Through a voting agreement within the stockholders agreement, (i) Ares has the right to designate four members of the Parent Board and, subject to the approval of CPPIB, two independent members of the Parent Board, and (ii) CPPIB has the right to designate two members of the Parent Board, in each case, for so long as such Sponsor and its affiliates and permitted transferees own at least 15% of outstanding shares of Class A Common Stock. Under the Company's 2011 Annual Meetingterms of Shareholders,the stockholders agreement, each of the Sponsors has agreed to vote in favor of the other’s director designees. See “Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence—Stockholders Agreement” in this Report. As a result, each of the Sponsors may be deemed to be the beneficial owner of the shares of Class A Common Stock of Parent owned by the other. Each of Ares and CPPIB expressly disclaims beneficial ownership of the shares of Class A Common Stock of Parent not directly held by it, and such shares have not been included in the table above for purposes of calculating the number of shares beneficially owned by Ares or CPPIB.

(3)Consists of 50 shares of each of Class A Common Stock and Class B Common Stock issuable to Mr. Anicetti upon the exercise of options which are currently exercisable or which will become exercisable within 60 days of May 15, 2013.

(4)Consists of 75 shares of each of Class A Common Stock and Class B Common Stock directly held by the Frank Schools Living Trust, of which Mr. Schools is incorporated hereinthe trustee. These shares were purchased in connection with a Stock Purchase Agreement, dated as of October 3, 2012, for an aggregate purchase price of $75,000.

(5)Consists of (i) (a) 500 shares of each of Class A Common Stock and Class B Common Stock directly held by reference.


See “Part II, Item 5. MarketMr. Axelrod and (b) 250 shares of each of Class A Common Stock and Class B Common Stock directly held by AS Skip, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company of which Mr. Axelrod is the managing member; such shares were purchased in connection with a Stock Purchase Agreement, dated as of June 11, 2012, for Registrant’san aggregate purchase price of $750,000, and (ii) 100 shares of each of Class A Common Stock and Class B Common Stock issuable to Mr. Axelrod upon the exercise of options which are currently exercisable or which will become exercisable within 60 days of May 15, 2013.

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(6)                     ��           The address of each of Messrs. Feeney and Nishi is c/o Canada Pension Plan Investment Board, One Queen Street East, Suite 2600, Toronto, ON, M5C 2W5.

(7)Consists of 50 shares of each of Class A Common Stock and Class B Common Stock issuable to Mr. Giancamilli upon the exercise of options which are currently exercisable or which will become exercisable within 60 days of May 15, 2013.

(8)The address of Mr. Gies is c/o Ares Management LLC, 2000 Avenue of the Stars, 12th Floor, Los Angeles, California 90067. Mr. Gies is a Principal in the Private Equity Related Stockholder MattersGroup of Ares Management.  Mr. Gies expressly disclaims beneficial ownership of the shares owned by Ares.

(9)The address of Mr. Kaplan is c/o Ares Management LLC, 2000 Avenue of the Stars, 12th Floor, Los Angeles, California 90067. Mr. Kaplan is a Senior Partner in the Private Equity Group of Ares Management and Issuer Purchasesmember of Ares Partners Management Company LLC (“APMC”), both of which indirectly control Ares. Mr. Kaplan expressly disclaims beneficial ownership of the shares owned by Ares.

(10)The address of Mr. Stein is c/o Ares Management LLC, 2000 Avenue of the Stars, 12th Floor, Los Angeles, California 90067. Mr. Stein is a Partner in the Private Equity Securities”Group of Ares Management. Mr. Stein expressly disclaims beneficial ownership of the shares owned by Ares.

(11)Consists of (i) 20,000 shares of each of Class A Common Stock and Class B Common Stock directly owned by Karen Schiffer and Eric Schiffer as community property, (ii) 11,842 shares of each of Class A Common Stock and Class B Common Stock issuable to Mr. Schiffer upon the exercise of options which are currently exercisable or which will become exercisable within 60 days of May 15, 2013 and (iii) 5,921 shares of each of Class A Common Stock and Class B Common Stock issuable to Mrs. Schiffer upon the exercise of options which are currently exercisable or which will become exercisable within 60 days of May 15, 2013. Karen and Eric Schiffer are husband and wife.

(12)Consists of 40,000 shares of each of Class A Common Stock and Class B Common Stock directly held by The Gold Revocable Trust dated 10/26/2005, of which Sherry Gold is the trustee.

(13)Refers to shares owned by Ares acquired in connection with the Merger. The general partner of Ares is ACOF Management III, L.P. (“ACOF Management III”), and the general partner of ACOF Management III is ACOF Operating Manager III, LLC (“ACOF Operating Manager III”). ACOF Operating Manager III is owned by Ares Management, which, in turn, is owned by Ares Management Holdings LLC (“Ares Management Holdings”). Ares Management Holdings is controlled by Ares Holdings LLC (“Ares Holdings”), which, in turn, is controlled by APMC (together with Ares, ACOF Management III, ACOF Operating Manager III, Ares Management, Ares Management Holdings, and Ares Holdings, the “Ares Entities”). APMC is managed by an executive committee comprised of Mr. Kaplan and Michael Arougheti, Gregory Margolies, Antony Ressler and Bennett Rosenthal. Because the executive committee acts by consensus/majority approval, none of the members of the executive committee has sole voting or dispositive power with respect to any shares of stock of Parent owned by Ares. Each of the members of the executive committee, the Ares Entities (other than Ares with respect to the shares it holds directly) and the directors, officers, partners, stockholders, members and managers of the Ares Entities expressly disclaims beneficial ownership of any shares of stock of Parent owned by Ares. The address of each Ares Entity is c/o Ares Management LLC, 2000 Avenue of the Stars, 12th Floor, Los Angeles, California 90067.

(14)Refers to shares owned by CPP Investment Board (USRE II) Inc. (“CPP”) acquired in connection with the Merger. CPP is a wholly owned subsidiary of CPPIB. CPPIB is managed by a board of directors. Because the board of directors acts by consensus/majority approval, none of the directors of the board of directors has sole voting or dispositive power with respect to the shares of stock of Parent owned by CPP. Each of Messrs. Feeney and Nishi each expressly disclaims beneficial of such shares. The address of each of CPP and CPPIB is c/o Canada Pension Plan Investment Board, One Queen Street East, Suite 2600, Toronto, ON, M5C 2W5.

(15)9,230 of these Class B Shares are subject to (i) a call right that allows CPP to repurchase such stock at any time for information regardingde minimis consideration and (ii) a proxy by which Ares is to take certain actions requested by CPP to elect or remove the securities authorized for issuance under the Company’s equity compensation plans.


directors of Parent or certain other matters.

Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence

Stockholders Agreement

Upon completion of the Merger, the Parent entered into a stockholders agreement with each of its stockholders, which includes certain of our former directors, employees and members of management and our principal stockholders.  The stockholders agreement gives (i) Ares the right to designate four members of the Parent Board, (ii) Ares the right to designate two independent members of the Parent Board, which directors shall be approved by CPPIB, and (iii) CPPIB the right to designate two members of the Parent Board, in each case for so long as they or their respective affiliates beneficially own at least 15% of the then outstanding shares of Class A Common Stock.  The stockholders agreement provides for the election of Eric Schiffer, Jeff Gold and Howard Gold to the Parent Board, for so long as they hold the position of Chief Executive Officer, President and Chief Operating Officer, and Executive Vice President, respectively, and if those individuals do not hold such positions, the Rollover Investors have the right to designate one member of the Parent Board for so long as the Rollover Investors in the aggregate continue to own at least 50% of the outstanding shares of Class A Common Stock that they held on the date of the Merger (the “Rollover Director”).  Under the terms of the stockholders agreement, certain significant corporate actions require the approval of a majority of directors on the board of directors, including at least one director designated by Ares and one director designated by CPPIB, and certain other corporate actions require the approval of the Rollover Director.  These actions include the incurrence of additional indebtedness over $20 million in the aggregate outstanding at any time, the issuance or sale of any of our capital stock over $20 million in the aggregate, the sale, transfer or acquisition of any assets with a fair market value of over $20 million, the declaration or payment of any dividends, entering into any merger, reorganization or recapitalization, amendments to our charter or bylaws, approval of our annual budget and other similar actions.

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Table of Contents

The information requiredstockholders agreement contains significant transfer restrictions and certain rights of first offer, tag-along, and drag-along rights.  In addition, the stockholders agreement contains registration rights that, among other things, require Parent to register common stock held by Item 404the stockholders who are parties to the stockholders agreement in the event Parent registers for sale, either for its own account or for the account of Regulation S-Kothers, shares of its common stock.

Under the stockholders agreement, certain affiliate transactions require the approval of a majority of disinterested directors, and Item 407(a)certain affiliate transactions between Parent, on the one hand, and Ares, CPPIB or any of Regulation S-Ktheir respective affiliates, on the other hand, require the approval of a majority of disinterested directors, including the Rollover Director.

Voting Agreement

The Canada Pension Plan Investment Board Act 1997 (Canada) imposes certain share ownership limitations on CPPIB.  These limitations include restrictions on CPPIB’s indirect ownership levels (through Parent) of our Class B Common Stock, which has de minimis economic rights and the right to vote solely with respect to the election of directors.  An affiliate of Ares holds 10% of our Class B Common Stock.  We have entered into a voting agreement with Parent and the affiliate of Ares pursuant to which such Class B Common Stock held by the affiliate of Ares is presentedsubject to a call right that allows Parent to repurchase such stock at any time for de minimis consideration.  The voting agreement also provides, among other things, for the affiliate of Ares to take certain actions requested by Parent to elect or remove our directors.

Management Services Agreements

Upon completion of the Merger, we and Parent entered into management services agreements with affiliates of the Sponsors (the “Management Services Agreements”).  Under each of the Management Services Agreements, we and Parent agreed to, among other things, retain and reimburse affiliates of the Sponsors for certain management and financial services and certain expenses and provide customary indemnification to the Sponsors and their affiliates.  In addition, upon completion of the Merger, we and Parent reimbursed affiliates of the Sponsors for their expenses incurred in connection with the Merger in an aggregate amount of $4.2 million in fiscal 2012.  In fiscal 2013, we reimbursed affiliates of the Sponsors their expenses in the amount of $0.7 million.  The Sponsors provided no services to us during fiscal 2013.

Agreements Regarding Lease Arrangements

On January 13, 2012, we entered into new lease agreements (the “Leases”) with Eric Schiffer, Howard Gold, Jeff Gold and Karen Schiffer, the spouse of Mr. Schiffer and sister of Messrs. Howard and Jeff Gold, and certain of their affiliates for 13 stores and one store parking lot, which replaced the existing month-to-month leases.  The Leases have approximate initial terms of either five or ten years and the base rents could be adjusted to market value in an aggregate amount not to exceed $1.0 million per annum.  In December 2012, as previously contemplated, we reached a final agreement with the Rollover Investors on the market value of the Leases for each of the 13 stores that will result in aggregate base rent increasing by approximately $0.7 million aggregate per annum.  Rental expense for these Leases was $2.9 million for the fiscal year 2013.  Rental expense for these Leases was $0.7 million for the period of January 15, 2012 to March 31, 2012 and $1.7 million for the period of April 3, 2011 to January 14, 2012.  Rental expense for these Leases was $2.1 million for the fiscal year 2011.

Stock Purchase Agreement

In June 2012, Parent entered into a Stock Purchase Agreement with Norman Axelrod, a director of Parent and us, and AS SKIP, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company of which Mr. Axelrod is the managing member (together with Norman Axelrod, the “Purchasers”). Pursuant to the terms of this agreement, Mr. Axelrod and AS SKIP, LLC purchased an aggregate 750 shares of Class A Common Stock and 750 shares of Class B Common Stock for an aggregate purchase price of $750,000.

Former Executive Put Rights

Pursuant to the employment agreements between the Company and Messrs. Eric Schiffer, Jeff Gold and Howard Gold, in connection with their separation from the Company, for a period of one year following such separation, each executive has a right to require Parent to repurchase the shares of Class A and Class B Common Stock owned by executive (a “put right”) at the greater of (i) $1,000 per combined share of Class A and Class B Common Stock less the any distributions made with respect to such shares and (ii) the fair market value of such shares as of the date the executive exercises the put right.  The put right applies to the lesser of (i) 20,000 shares of each of Class A and Class B Common Stock and (ii) $12.5 million in value (unless Parent agrees to purchase a higher value).  If exercising the put right is prohibited (e.g., under the captions "Related Person Transactions"First Lien Credit facility, the ABL Facility and “Further Information Concerningthe indenture governing the

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Table of Contents

senior notes), then the put right is extended up to three additional years until Parent is no longer prohibited from repurchasing the shares.  If, during the four years following termination, Parent is at no time able to make the required payments, the put right expires and is deemed unexercised.  For payout after the first year, the put right is only at the fair market value as of the date the exercising the put right.

Director Independence

As of May 31, 2013, the Board was comprised of Directors”Richard Anicetti, Norman Axelrod, Shane Feeney, Andrew Giancamilli, Dennis Gies, Marvin Holen, David Kaplan, Scott Nishi and Adam Stein.  Pursuant to the stockholders agreement of Parent, Messrs. Axelrod, Gies, Kaplan and Stein were designated by Ares and Messrs. Feeney and Nishi were designated by CPPIB.  Messrs. Anicetti and Giancamilli were designated and approved by the Sponsors.  Mr. Holen was designated by the Rollover Investors pursuant to the stockholders agreement of Parent.  We have no securities listed for trading on a national securities exchange or in an automated inter-dealer quotation system of a national securities association which has requirements that a majority of the definitive Proxy StatementBoard be independent.

Review, Approval or Ratification of Transactions with Related Persons

Although we have not adopted formal procedures for the Company's 2011 Annual Meetingreview, approval or ratification of Shareholders,transactions with related persons, the Parent Board reviews potential transactions with those parties we have identified as related parties prior to the consummation of the transaction, and is incorporated hereinwe adhere to the general policy that such transactions should only be entered into if they are approved by reference.


the Parent Board, in accordance with applicable law, and on terms that, on the whole, are no more or less favorable than those available from unaffiliated third parties.

Item 14. Principal Accountant Fees and Services

Ernst & Young LLP (“EY”) served as our independent registered public accounting firm since November 7, 2012 and reported on our Consolidated Financial Statements for fiscal 2013.

Services provided by EY and related fees for fiscal year 2013 were as follows:

 

 

Year Ended
March 30, 2013

 

 

 

 

 

Audit Fees (a)

 

$

709,000

 

Audit Related Fees

 

 

Tax Fees

 

11,300

 

All Other Fees

 

 


(a)Includes fees necessary to perform an audit or quarterly review in accordance with generally accepted auditing standards and services that generally only the independent registered public accounting firm can reasonably provide, such as attest services, consents and assistance with, and review of, documents filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.  

BDO USA, LLP (“BDO”) served as our independent registered public accounting firm and reported on our Consolidated Financial Statements for fiscal 2012 and for part of fiscal 2013 (April 1 through November 7, 2012).

Services provided by BDO and related fees for fiscal years 2013 and 2012 were as follows:

 

 

Year Ended
March 30, 2013

 

Year Ended
March 31, 2012

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Audit Fees (a)

 

$

380,000

 

$

1,330,000

 

Audit Related Fees

 

 

293,000

 

Tax Fees

 

 

 

All Other Fees

 

 

 


(a)Includes fees necessary to perform an audit or quarterly review in accordance with generally accepted auditing standards and services that generally only the independent registered public accounting firm can reasonably provide, such as attest services, consents and assistance with, and review of, documents filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.  The amounts also include fees related to BDO’s attestation of our internal control over financial reporting.

On November 5, 2012, the Audit Committee approved the dismissal of BDO and the engagement EY as our independent registered public accounting firm, in each case effective November 7, 2012.

116

The information required by Item 9(e) of Schedule 14A is presented under the caption "Independent Registered Public Accountants" in the definitive Proxy Statement for the Company's 2011 Annual Meeting of Shareholders, and is incorporated herein by reference.

74



BDO’s reports on our Consolidated Financial Statements for the years ended March 31, 2012 and April 2, 2011 contained no adverse opinion or disclaimer of opinion and were not qualified or modified as to uncertainty, audit scope or accounting principles.

During our two most recent fiscal years and the subsequent interim period preceding BDO’s dismissal, there were:

(i)no “disagreements” (within the meaning of Item 304(a) of Regulation S-K) with BDO on any matter of accounting principles or practices, financial statement disclosure, or auditing scope or procedure, which disagreements, if not resolved to the satisfaction of BDO, would have caused it to make reference to the subject matter of the disagreements in connection with its reports on our consolidated financial statements; and

(ii)no “reportable events” (as such term is defined in Item 304(a)(1)(v) of Regulation S-K).

We provided BDO with a copy of the above disclosures and requested BDO to furnish to us a letter addressed to the Securities and Exchange Commission stating that it agrees with such statements. A copy of BDO’s letter dated November 7, 2012 is attached as Exhibit 16.1 to the current report on Form 8-K that we filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on November 7, 2012.

During our two most recent fiscal years and the subsequent interim period preceding EY’s engagement, neither we nor anyone on our behalf consulted EY regarding either:

(i)the application of accounting principles to a specified transaction, either completed or proposed, or the type of audit opinion that might be rendered on our consolidated financial statements, and no written report or oral advice was provided to us that EY concluded was an important factor considered by us in reaching a decision as to the accounting, auditing or financial reporting issue; or

(ii)any matter that was the subject of a “disagreement” or “reportable event” (within the meaning of Item 304(a) of Regulation S-K and Item 304(a)(1)(v) of Regulation S-K, respectively).

In approving the selection of EY as our independent registered public accounting firm, the Audit Committee considered all relevant factors, including any non-audit services previously provided by EY to us.

The Audit Committee has considered whether the provision of non-audit services by our principal registered public accounting firm is compatible with maintaining auditor independence and determined that it is.  Pursuant to the rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission, before our independent registered accounting firm is engaged to render audit or non-audit services, the engagement must be approved by the Audit Committee or entered into pursuant to the Audit Committee’s pre-approval policies and procedures.  The Audit Committee has adopted a policy granting pre-approval to certain specific audit and audit-related services and specifying the procedures for pre-approving other services.

117




Item 15. Exhibits, Financial Statement SchedulesSchedule


a)  Financial Statements. Reference is made to the Index to the Financial Statements set forth in itemItem 8 on page 4150 of this Form 10-K.


Report.

Financial Statement Schedules. All Schedules for which provision is made in the applicable accounting regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission are included herein.


b)  Exhibits.  The Exhibitsexhibits listed on the accompanying Index to Exhibits are filed as part of, or incorporated by reference into, this report.Report.

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99¢ Only Stores

SCHEDULE II - VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS

 (Amounts in thousands)


  Beginning of Period  Addition  Reduction  End of Period 
For the year ended April 2, 2011            
Allowance for doubtful accounts $501   198   441  $258 
Inventory reserve $3,726   924   599  $4,051 
Tax valuation allowance $5,800        $5,800 
For the year ended March 27, 2010                
Allowance for doubtful accounts $44   541   84  $501 
Inventory reserve $2,666   1,525   465  $3,726 
Tax valuation allowance $3,900   1,900     $5,800 
For the year ended March 28, 2009                
Allowance for doubtful accounts $159   65   180  $44 
Inventory reserve $2,085   2,221   1,640  $2,666 
Tax valuation allowance $3,900        $3,900 
75

 

 

Beginning of
Period

 

Addition

 

Reduction

 

End of Period

 

(Successor)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

For the year ended March 30, 2013

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Allowance for doubtful accounts

 

$

280

 

192

 

388

 

$

84

 

Inventory reserve

 

$

4,000

 

11,226

 

1,917

 

$

13,309

 

Tax valuation allowance

 

$

10,346

 

3,162

 

1,898

 

$

11,610

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

For the period ended January 15, 2012 to March 31, 2012

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Allowance for doubtful accounts

 

$

267

 

38

 

25

 

$

280

 

Inventory reserve

 

$

4,026

 

125

 

151

 

$

4,000

 

Tax valuation allowance

 

$

5,745

 

8,501

 

3,900

 

$

10,346

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(Predecessor)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

For the period ended April 3, 2011 to January 14, 2012

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Allowance for doubtful accounts

 

$

258

 

19

 

10

 

$

267

 

Inventory reserve

 

$

4,051

 

244

 

269

 

$

4,026

 

Tax valuation allowance

 

$

5,800

 

 

55

 

$

5,745

 

For the year ended April 2, 2011

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Allowance for doubtful accounts

 

$

501

 

198

 

441

 

$

258

 

Inventory reserve

 

$

3,726

 

924

 

599

 

$

4,051

 

Tax valuation allowance

 

$

5,800

 

 

 

$

5,800

 

119



INDEX TO EXHIBITS

Exhibit IndexExhibit No.

Exhibit Description

3.1

2.1

Agreement and Plan of Merger among Number Holdings, Inc., Number Merger Sub, Inc. and Registrant, dated October 11, 2011.(1)

3.1

Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation of the Registrant.(2)

3.2

Amended and Restated Bylaws of the Registrant.(10)(2)

4.1

3.5

Specimen certificate evidencing Common Stock

Certificate of Incorporation of 99 Cents Only Stores Texas, Inc.(8)

3.6

Bylaws of 99 Cents Only Stores Texas, Inc.(8)

4.1

Stockholders Agreement, dated as of January 13, 2012, among Number Holdings, Inc., Ares Corporate Opportunities Fund III, L.P., Canada Pension Plan Investment Board and the Other Stockholders party thereto.(8)

4.2

Indenture, dated as of December 29, 2011, between Number Merger Sub, Inc. and Wilmington Trust, National Association, as trustee.(3)

4.3

Supplemental Indenture, dated as of January 13, 2012, among the Registrant, 99 Cents Only Stores Texas, Inc. 99 Cents Only Stores and Wilmington Trust, National Association, as trustee.(3)

4.4

Registration Rights Agreement, dated as of December 29, 2011, between Number Merger Sub, Inc. and RBC Capital Markets, LLC, as representative of the Registrant.Initial Purchasers (as defined therein).(3)

10.1

Form of Amended and Restated Indemnification Agreement and Schedule of Indemnified Parties.(10)(4)

10.2

Indemnification Agreement with David Gold.(4)(5)

10.3

Form of Tax Indemnification Agreement, between and among the Registrant and the Existing Shareholders.(3)(6)

10.4

1996 Stock Option Plan, as Amended. (8)
10.5

1996 Stock Option Plan: Performance Stock Unit Award – Fiscal 2008 to 2012 (9)
10.6

Lease for 13023 Hawthorne Boulevard, Hawthorne, California, dated April 1, 1994,January 13, 2012, by and between the Registrant as Tenant and HKJ Gold, Inc. as Landlord, as amended.(1)Landlord.(8)

10.7

10.5

Lease for 6161 Atlantic Boulevard, Maywood, California, dated November 11, 1985,January 13, 2012, by and between the Registrant as LesseeTenant and David and Sherry Gold, among others,6135-6161 Atlantic Boulevard Partnership as Lessors (“6161 Atlantic Blvd. Lease”).(1)Landlord.(8)

10.8

10.6

Lease for 14139 Paramount Boulevard, Paramount, California, dated as of March 1 1996, by and between the Registrant as Tenant and 14139 Paramount Properties as Landlord, as amended.(1)

10.9[Reserved]
10.10Lease for 6124 Pacific Boulevard, Huntington Park, California, dated January 31, 1991,13, 2012, by and between the Registrant as Tenant and David Gold and Sherry Gold, Trustees of the Gold Revocable Trust Dated 10/26/2005 as the Landlord, as amended.(1)Landlord.(8)

10.11

10.7

Lease for 6122-6130 Pacific Boulevard, Huntington Park, California, dated January 13, 2012, by and between the Registrant as Tenant and Au Zone Investment #2, L.P. as Landlord.(8)

10.8

Lease for 14901 Hawthorne Boulevard, Lawndale, California, dated November 1, 1991,January 13, 2012, by and between Howard Gold, Karen Schiffer and Jeff Gold, dba 14901 Hawthorne Boulevard PartnershipAu Zone Investment #2, L.P. as Landlord and the Registrant as Tenant, as amended.(1)Tenant.(8)

10.12

10.9

Lease for 5599 Atlantic Avenue, North Long Beach, California, dated AugustJanuary 13, 1992,2012, by and between the Registrant as Tenant and HKJ Gold, Inc. as Landlord, as amended.(1)Landlord.(8)

10.13

10.10

Lease for 1514 North Main Street, Santa Ana, California, dated as of November 12, 1993,January 13, 2012, by and between the Registrant as Tenant and Howard Gold, Jeff Gold, Eric J. Schiffer and Karen R. Schiffer as Landlord, as amended.(1)Landlord.(8)

10.14

10.11

Lease for 6121 Wilshire Boulevard, Los Angeles, California, dated as of July 1, 1993,January 13, 2012, by and between the Registrant as Tenant and HKJ Gold, Inc. as Landlord, as amended; and leaseLandlord.(8)

10.12

Lease for 6101 Wilshire Boulevard, Los Angeles, California, dated as of December 1, 1995,January 13, 2012, by and between the Registrant as Tenant and David and Sherry GoldAu Zone Investment #2, L.P. as Landlord (“6121 Wilshire Blvd. Lease”), as amended.(1)Landlord.(8)

10.15

10.13

Lease for 8625 Woodman Avenue, Arleta, California, dated as of July 8, 1993,January 13, 2012, by and between the Registrant as Tenant and David and Sherry GoldAu Zone Investment #2, L.P. as Landlord (“8625 Woodman Avenue Lease”).(1)Landlord.(8)

10.16

10.14

Lease for 2566 East Florence Avenue, Walnut Park, California, dated as of April 18, 1994,January 13, 2012, by and between HKJ Gold, Inc. as Landlord and the Registrant as Tenant (“2566 East Florence Avenue Lease”), as amended.(1)Tenant.(8)

10.17

10.15

Lease for 3420 West Lincoln Avenue, Anaheim, California, dated as of March 1, 1996,January 13, 2012, by and between the Registrant as Tenant and HKJ Gold, Inc. as Landlord, as amended.(1)Landlord.(8)

10.18

10.16

[Reserved]
10.19

Lease for 12123-12125 Carson Street, Hawaiian Gardens, California, dated February 14, 1995, as amended.(7)of January 13, 2012, by and between the Registrant as Tenant and Au Zone Investment #2, L.P., as Landlord.(8)

10.20

10.17

North Broadway Indemnity Agreement, dated as of May 1, 1996, by and between HKJ Gold, Inc. and the Registrant.(6)(7)

10.21

10.18

Lease for 2606 North Broadway, Los Angeles, California, dated as of May 1, 1996,January 13, 2012, by and between HKJ Gold, Inc. as Landlord and the Registrant as Tenant.(6)(8)

10.22

10.19

Agreement with Gold family and affiliates related to nonpayment of rent increases.(7)
10.23

Grant Deed concerning 8625 Woodman Avenue, Arleta, California, dated May 2, 1996, made by David Gold and Sherry Gold in favor of Au Zone Investments #2, L.P., a California limited partnership.(3)(6)

10.24

10.20

Grant Deed concerning 6101 Wilshire Boulevard, Los Angeles, California, dated May 2, 1996, made by David Gold and Sherry Gold in favor of Au Zone Investments #2, L.P., a California limited partnership.(3)(6)

10.25

10.21

Grant Deed concerning 6124 Pacific Boulevard, Huntington Park, California, dated May 2, 1996, made by David Gold and Sherry Gold in favor of Au Zone Investments #2, L.P., a California limited partnership.(3)(6)

120



Table of Contents

10.26

10.22

Grant Deed concerning 14901 Hawthorne Boulevard, Lawndale, California, dated May 2, 1996, made by Howard Gold, Karen Schiffer and Jeff Gold in favor of Au Zone Investments #2, L.P., a California limited partnership.(3)(6)

10.27

10.23

[Reserved]

Voting Agreement, dated as of January 13, 2012, by and among the Registrant, Number Holdings, Inc. and ACOF III Number Holdings, LLC.(9)

10.28

10.24

1996

$175,000,000 Credit Agreement, dated as of January 13, 2012, among the Registrant, Number Holdings, Inc., the lenders party thereto, Royal Bank of Canada, as administrative agent and Issuer (as defined therein), BMO Harris Bank N.A. and Deutsche Bank Securities Inc., as co-syndication agents, and the other agents named therein (the ‘‘ABL Credit Agreement’’).(3)

10.25

$525,000,000 Credit Agreement, dated as of January 13, 2012, among the Registrant, Number Holdings, Inc., the lenders party thereto, Royal Bank of Canada, as administrative agent, BMO Capital Markets and Deutsche Bank Securities Inc., as co-syndication agents, and the other agents named therein (the ‘‘Term Credit Agreement’’).(3)

10.26

Security Agreement, dated as of January 13, 2012, among Number Holdings, Inc., the Registrant, the Subsidiary Guarantors (as defined therein), and Royal Bank of Canada, as collateral agent for the Secured Parties (as defined therein).(3)

10.27

Security Agreement, dated as of January 13, 2012, among Number Holdings, Inc., the Registrant, the Subsidiary Guarantors (as defined therein), and Royal Bank of Canada, as collateral agent for the Secured Parties (as defined therein).(3)

10.28

Guaranty, dated as of January 13, 2012, among Number Holdings, Inc, the other Guarantors (as defined therein) and the Royal Bank of Canada, as administrative agent and collateral agent.(3)

10.29

Guaranty, dated as of January 13, 2012, among Number Holdings, Inc, the other Guarantors (as defined therein) and the Royal Bank of Canada, as administrative agent and collateral agent.(3)

10.30

Intercreditor Agreement, dated as of January 13, 2012, between the Royal Bank of Canada, as administrative agent under the ABL Facility (as defined herein), and the Royal Bank of Canada, as administrative agent under the Term Loan Facility (as defined herein).(3)

10.31

Employment Agreement, dated as of January 13, 2012, among the Registrant, Number Holdings, Inc. and Eric Schiffer.(8)

10.32

Employment Agreement, dated as of January 13, 2012, among the Registrant, Number Holdings, Inc. and Jeff Gold.(8)

10.33

Employment Agreement, dated as of January 13, 2012, among the Registrant, Number Holdings, Inc. and Howard Gold.(8)

10.34

2012 Stock Incentive Plan of Number Holdings, Inc.(8)

10.35

Form of Non-Qualified Stock Option Plan:Agreement pursuant to the 2012 Stock Option Award Agreement (9)Incentive Plan.(8)

10.29

10.36

[Reserved]

Management Services Agreement, dated as of January 13, 2012, by and among Number Holdings, Inc., the Registrant and ACOF Operating Manager III, LLC.(9)

10.30

10.37

Second

Management Services Agreement, dated as of January 13, 2012, by and among Number Holdings, Inc., the Registrant and CPPIB Equity Investments Inc.(9)

10.38

Amendment No. 1 to the ABL Credit Agreement, dated as of April 4, 2012, among the Registrant, Number Holdings, Inc., each other Loan Party thereto and Royal Bank of Canada, as administrative agent.(10)

10.39

Amendment No. 1 to the Term Credit Agreement, dated as of April 4, 2012, among the Registrant, Number Holdings, Inc., each other Loan Party thereto, each Participating Lender Party thereto and Royal Bank of Canada, as administrative agent.(11)

10.40

Amendment, dated as of December 21, 2012, to the Lease for 13023 Hawthorne Boulevard, Hawthorne, California, dated January 13, 2012, by and between the Registrant as Tenant and HKJ Gold, Inc. as Landlord.(11)

10.41

Amendment, dated as of December 21, 2012, to the Lease for 6161 Atlantic Blvd. Lease,Boulevard, Maywood, California, dated January 1, 2005. (7)13, 2012, by and between the Registrant as Tenant and 6135-6161 Atlantic Boulevard Partnership as Landlord.(11)

10.31

10.42

99¢ Only Stores 2010 Equity Incentive Plan

Amendment, dated as of December 21, 2012, to the Lease for 14139 Paramount Boulevard, Paramount, California, dated January 13, 2012, by and between the Registrant as Tenant and David Gold and Sherry Gold, Trustees of the Gold Revocable Trust Dated 10/26/2005 as Landlord.(11)

10.43

Amendment, dated as of December 21, 2012, to the Lease for 6122-6130 Pacific Boulevard, Huntington Park, California, dated January 13, 2012, by and between the Registrant as Tenant and Au Zone Investment #2, L.P. as Landlord.(11)

10.44

Amendment, dated as of December 21, 2012, to the Lease for 14901 Hawthorne Boulevard, Lawndale, California, dated January 13, 2012, by and between Au Zone Investment #2, L.P. as Landlord and the Registrant as Tenant.(11)

10.45

Amendment, dated as of December 21, 2012, to the Lease for 5599 Atlantic Avenue, North Long Beach, California, dated January 13, 2012, by and between the Registrant as Tenant and HKJ Gold, Inc. as Landlord.(11)

10.46

Amendment, dated as of December 21, 2012, to the Lease for 1514 North Main Street, Santa Ana, California, dated as of January 13, 2012, by and between the Registrant as Tenant and Howard Gold, Jeff Gold, Eric J. Schiffer and Karen R. Schiffer as Landlord.(11)

10.47

Amendment, dated as of December 21, 2012, to the Lease for 6121 Wilshire Boulevard, Los Angeles, California, dated as of January 13, 2012, by and between the Registrant as Tenant and HKJ Gold, Inc. as Landlord.(11)

10.48

Amendment, dated as of December 21, 2012, to the Lease for 8625 Woodman Avenue, Arleta, California, dated as of January 13, 2012, by and between the Registrant as Tenant and Au Zone Investment #2, L.P. as Landlord.(11)

10.49

Amendment, dated as of December 21, 2012, to the Lease for 2566 East Florence Avenue, Walnut Park, California, dated as of January 13, 2012, by and between HKJ Gold, Inc. as Landlord and the Registrant as Tenant.(11)

10.50

Amendment, dated as of December 21, 2012, to the Lease for 3420 West Lincoln Avenue, Anaheim, California, dated as of January 13, 2012, by and between the Registrant as Tenant and HKJ Gold, Inc. as Landlord.(11)


10.32

10.51

Form

Amendment, dated as of 2010 Equity Incentive Plan Stock Option Award Agreement December 21, 2012, to the Lease for 12123-12125 Carson Street, Hawaiian Gardens, California, dated as of January 13, 2012, by and between the Registrant as Tenant and Au Zone Investment #2, L.P., as Landlord.(11)

10.33

10.52

Form

Amendment, dated as of 2010 Equity Incentive Plan Non-Employee Director Stock Option Award Agreement December 21, 2012, to the Lease for 2606 North Broadway, Los Angeles, California, dated as of January 13, 2012, by and between HKJ Gold, Inc. as Landlord and the Registrant as Tenant.(11)

10.53

Subsidiaries*

Severance Agreement, dated as of April 17, 2013, among the Registrant and Frank Schools.*

21.0

Consent of BDO USA, LLP*

Subsidiaries *

31(a)

Consent of Independent Valuation Firm*

Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 302as required by Rule 13a-14(a) of the Sarbanes-OxleySecurities Exchange Act of 2002.1934, as amended.*

Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 302as required by Rule 13a-14(a) of the Sarbanes-OxleySecurities Exchange Act of 2002.1934, as amended.*

Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to section 906as required by Rule 13a-14(b) of the Sarbanes-OxleySecurities Exchange Act of 2002.1934, as amended.**

Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 906as required by Rule 13a-14(b) of the Sarbanes-OxleySecurities Exchange Act of 2002. 1934, as amended.**

* Filed herewith

101.INS

XBRL Instance Document***

101.SCH

XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema***

101.CAL

XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase***

101.DEF

XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase***

101.LAB

XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase***

101.PRE

XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase***


*

Filed herewith

**

Furnished herewith.

***

Pursuant to Rule 406T of Regulation S-T, this interactive data file is deemed not filed or part of a registration statement or prospectus for purposes of Sections 11 or 12 of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, is deemed not filed for purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and otherwise is not subject to liability under those sections.

(1) Incorporated by reference from the Company’s Registration StatementRegistrant’s Current Report on Form S-18-K as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 26, 1996.October 11, 2011.

(2) Incorporated by reference from the Company’s 2002Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K as filed with Securities and Exchange Commission on January 13, 2012.

(3) Incorporated by reference from the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K as filed with Securities and Exchange Commission on January 13, 2012.

(4) Incorporated by reference from the Registrant’s 2008 Annual Report on Form 10-K as filed with Securities and Exchange Commission on June 11, 2008.

(5) Incorporated by reference from the Registrant’s 2004 Annual Report on Form 10-K as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 31, 2003.September 9, 2005.

(3)

(6) Incorporated by reference from the Company’sRegistrant’s Amendment No. 2 to Registration Statement on Form S-1/A as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on May 21, 1996.

(4)

(7) Incorporated by reference from the Company’s 2004 Annual Report on Form 10-K as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on September 9, 2005.

(5) Incorporated by reference from the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K as filed with Securities and Exchange Commission on November 17, 2005.
(6) Incorporated by reference from the Company’sRegistrant’s Amendment No. 1 to Registration Statement on Form S-1/A as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on May 3, 1996.

(7)

(8) Incorporated by reference from the Company’s 2006 Annual ReportRegistrant’s Registration Statement on Form 10-KS-4 as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on April 2, 2007.July 9, 2012.

(8)

(9) Incorporated by reference from the Company’s Quarterly ReportRegistrant’s Amendment No. 1 to Registration Statement on Form 10-QS-4/A as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on February 11, 2008.August 29, 2012.

(9)

(10) Incorporated by reference from the Company’s Current ReportRegistrant’s Amendment No. 2 to Registration Statement on Form 8-KS-4/A as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on September 21, 2012.

(11) Incorporated by reference from the Registrant’s Form 10-Q as filed with Securities and Exchange Commission on January 16, 2008.

(10) Incorporated by reference from the Company’s 2009 Annual Report on Form 10-K as filed with Securities and Exchange Commission on June 10, 2009.
(11) Incorporated by reference from the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K as filed with Securities and Exchange Commission on September 17, 2010.February 20, 2013.





Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this annual report Form 10-K to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

99¢ Only Stores

/s/ Eric Schiffer

By:  Eric Schiffer

/s/ Richard Anicetti

By: Richard Anicetti

Interim President and Chief Executive Officer

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 this Annual Report on Form 10-K has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the Registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.

Signature

Title

Date

/s/ David GoldRichard Anicetti

David Gold

Richard Anicetti

Chairman of the BoardMay 26, 2011
/s/ Eric Schiffer
Eric Schiffer

Interim Chief Executive Officer and Director (principal executive officer)

May 26, 2011

July 12, 2013

/s/ Frank Schools

/s/ Jeff Gold

Frank Schools

Jeff GoldPresident, Chief Operating Officer and DirectorMay 26, 2011
/s/ Howard Gold
Howard GoldExecutive Vice President of Special ProjectsMay 26, 2011
/s/ Robert Kautz
Robert KautzExecutive

Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer (principal financial officer and principal accounting officer)

May 26, 2011

July 12, 2013

/s/ Eric FlamholtzMichael Fung

Eric Flamholtz

Michael Fung

Director

Interim Chief Administrative Officer and

May 26, 2011

July 12, 2013

Executive Vice President

/s/ Lawrence GlascottNorman Axelrod

Lawrence Glascott

Norman Axelrod

Director

May 26, 2011

July 12, 2013

/s/ Shane Feeney

Shane Feeney

Director

July 12, 2013

/s/ Andrew Giancamilli

Andrew Giancamilli

Director

July 12, 2013

/s/ Dennis Gies

Dennis Gies

Director

July 12, 2013

/s/ Scott Nishi

Scott Nishi

Director

July 12, 2013

/s/ Marvin L. Holen

Marvin L. Holen

Director

May 26, 2011

July 12, 2013

/s/ Peter WooAdam Stein

Peter Woo

Adam Stein

Director

May 26, 2011

July 12, 2013

/s/ David Kaplan

David Kaplan

Chairman of the Board of Directors

July 12, 2013


78

123