FORM 10-Q
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D. C. 20549
Quarterly Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d)
of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
For Quarter Ended May 1, 1999
Commission file number 001-13143
BJ'S WHOLESALE CLUB, INC.
(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)
DELAWARE 04-3360747
(State or other jurisdiction of (I.R.S. Employer
incorporation or organization) Identification No.)
One Mercer Road
Natick, Massachusetts 01760
(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code)
(508) 651-7400
(Registrant's telephone number, including area code)
Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant (1) has filed all reports required
to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during
the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the Registrant was
required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing
requirements for the past 90 days. Yes X No___.
---
The number of shares of the Registrant's common stock outstanding as of May 29,
1999: 73,673,426
PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
BJ'S WHOLESALE CLUB, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
(Unaudited)
Thirteen Weeks Ended
-----------------------------------
May 1, May 2,
1999 1998
--------------- ---------------
(Dollars in Thousands except Per Share Amounts)
Net sales $ 858,761 $ 754,752
Membership fees and other 20,963 17,476
--------------- ---------------
Total revenues 879,724 772,228
--------------- ---------------
Cost of sales, including buying and occupancy costs 786,930 693,579
Selling, general and administrative expenses 67,509 61,102
Preopening expenses 2,025 1,391
Pension termination costs - 1,521
--------------- ---------------
Operating income 23,260 14,635
Interest (income) expense, net (413) 132
--------------- ---------------
Income before income taxes and cumulative effect of accounting principle changes 23,673 14,503
Provision for income taxes 9,303 5,656
--------------- ---------------
Income before cumulative effect of accounting principle changes 14,370 8,847
Cumulative effect of accounting principle changes - (19,326)
--------------- ---------------
Net income (loss) $ 14,370 $ (10,479)
=============== ===============
Basic and diluted net income per common share:
Income before cumulative effect of accounting principle changes $ 0.19 $ 0.12
Cumulative effect of accounting principle changes - (0.26)
--------------- ----------------
Net income (loss) $ 0.19 $ (0.14)
=============== ================
Number of common shares for earnings per share computations:
Basic 73,822,806 75,155,554
Diluted 75,427,918 76,464,072
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.
2
BJ'S WHOLESALE CLUB, INC.
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(Unaudited)
May 1, January 30, May 2,
1999 1999 1998
----------- ----------- -----------
(Dollars in Thousands)
ASSETS
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents $ 10,850 $ 12,150 $ 8,227
Marketable securities - 100 95
Accounts receivable 36,445 51,134 28,274
Merchandise inventories 399,930 372,740 343,434
Current deferred income taxes 8,105 7,859 7,048
Prepaid expenses 12,075 12,607 9,806
----------- ----------- -----------
Total current assets 467,405 456,590 396,884
----------- ----------- -----------
Property at cost:
Land and buildings 326,607 322,712 290,594
Leasehold costs and improvements 46,204 45,861 42,859
Furniture, fixtures and equipment 245,580 236,231 211,146
----------- ----------- -----------
618,391 604,804 544,599
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization 179,806 168,957 147,265
----------- ----------- -----------
438,585 435,847 397,334
----------- ----------- -----------
Property under capital leases 6,219 6,219 6,219
Less accumulated amortization 1,991 1,949 1,825
----------- ----------- -----------
4,228 4,270 4,394
----------- ----------- -----------
Other assets 11,363 10,923 10,379
----------- ----------- -----------
Total assets $ 921,581 $ 907,630 $ 808,991
=========== =========== ===========
LIABILITIES
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable $ 257,732 $ 213,702 $ 206,598
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities 111,164 121,951 90,477
Accrued federal and state income taxes 8,518 11,757 (9,606)
Obligations under capital leases due within one year 206 201 189
----------- ----------- -----------
Total current liabilities 377,620 347,611 287,658
----------- ----------- -----------
Long-term debt 5,000 30,000 37,000
Obligations under capital leases, less portion
due within one year 2,202 2,249 2,387
Other noncurrent liabilities 34,657 34,928 36,099
Deferred income taxes 7,698 7,800 5,067
STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
Common stock, par value $.01, authorized 180,000,000
shares, issued 74,042,900, 73,805,000
and 37,665,432 shares 740 738 377
Additional paid-in capital 80,727 78,376 107,408
Retained earnings 420,298 405,928 332,995
Treasury stock, at cost, 281,388 shares (7,361) - -
----------- ----------- -----------
Total stockholders' equity 494,404 485,042 440,780
----------- ----------- -----------
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity $ 921,581 $ 907,630 $ 808,991
=========== =========== ===========
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.
3
BJ'S WHOLESALE CLUB, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(Unaudited)
Thirteen Weeks Ended
-----------------------------------------
May 1, May 2,
1999 1998
----------- ------------
(Dollars in Thousands)
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Net income $ 14,370 $ (10,479)
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash
provided by operating activities:
Cumulative effect of accounting principle changes - 19,326
Depreciation and amortization of property 11,159 9,913
Loss on property disposals 35 34
Other noncash items (net) 17 40
Deferred income taxes (348) 20
Increase (decrease) in cash due to changes in:
Accounts receivable 14,689 10,048
Merchandise inventories (27,190) (11,160)
Prepaid expenses 532 2,804
Other assets (452) 554
Accounts payable 44,030 6,212
Accrued expenses (1,934) (6,210)
Accrued income taxes (3,239) (4,259)
Other noncurrent liabilities (271) (297)
----------- ------------
Net cash provided by operating activities 51,398 16,546
----------- ------------
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Purchase of marketable securities - (95)
Maturity of marketable securities 100 -
Property additions (22,743) (20,521)
Proceeds from property disposals - 149
----------- ------------
Net cash used in investing activities (22,643) (20,467)
----------- ------------
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Repayment of capital lease obligations (42) (39)
Repayments of long-term debt (25,000) (5,500)
Proceeds from sale and issuance of common stock 4,946 3,786
Purchase of treasury stock (9,959) -
Contribution to capital by Waban Inc. - 1,188
----------- ------------
Net cash used in financing activities (30,055) (565)
----------- ------------
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents (1,300) (4,486)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year 12,150 12,713
----------- ------------
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period $ 10,850 $ 8,227
=========== ============
Supplemental cash flow information:
Interest paid $ 49 $ 230
Income taxes paid 12,890 9,895
Noncash financing and investing activities:
Treasury stock issued for compensation plans 2,598 -
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.
4
BJ'S WHOLESALE CLUB, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
(Unaudited)
(Dollars in Thousands except Per Share Amounts)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Common Additional Total
Stock Paid-in Retained Treasury Stockholders'
Par Value $.01 Capital Earnings Stock Equity
--------------- ---------- ------------ ---------- --------------
Balance, January 31, 1998 $ 375 $ 102,408 $ 343,474 $ - $ 446,257
Net income - - (10,479) - (10,479)
Sale and issuance of common stock 2 3,812 - - 3,814
Contribution to capital by Waban Inc. - 1,188 - - 1,188
------------- ---------- ---------- --------- -----------
Balance, May 2, 1998 $ 377 $ 107,408 $ 332,995 $ - $ 440,780
============= ========== ========== ========= ===========
Balance, January 30, 1999 $ 738 $ 78,376 $ 405,928 $ - $ 485,042
Net income - - 14,370 - 14,370
Sale and issuance of common stock 2 2,351 - 2,598 4,951
Purchase of treasury stock - - - (9,959) (9,959)
------------- ---------- ---------- --------- -----------
Balance, May 1, 1999 $ 740 $ 80,727 $ 420,298 $ (7,361) $ 494,404
============= ========== ========== ========= ===========
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.
5
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
1. The results for the quarter ended May 1, 1999 are not necessarily
indicative of the results for the full fiscal year because, among other things,
the Company's business, in common with the business of retailers generally, is
subject to seasonal influences. The Company's sales and operating income have
typically been strongest in the fourth quarter holiday season and lowest in the
first quarter of each fiscal year.
2. The interim financial statements are unaudited and reflect all normal
recurring adjustments considered necessary by the Company for a fair
presentation of its financial statements in accordance with generally accepted
accounting principles.
3. These interim financial statements should be read in conjunction with the
consolidated financial statements and related notes in the Company's Annual
Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended January 30, 1999.
4. The Company completed a two-for-one stock split on March 2, 1999 in the
form of a 100% stock dividend paid to stockholders of record as of February 16,
1999. All historical earnings per share amounts have been restated to reflect
the two-for-one split.
5. During the quarter ended May 2, 1998, the Company recorded a pre-tax charge
of $1.5 million in connection with the termination of the Waban Inc. Retirement
Plan, in which certain of the Company's employees participated. On a post-tax
basis, this charge amounted to $.9 million, or $.01 per diluted share.
6. During the fiscal year ended January 30, 1999, the Company adopted changes
in methods of accounting for membership fee revenues and preopening expenses.
The Company recorded a noncash post-tax charge of $19.3 million, or $.26 per
diluted share, as of the beginning of the quarter ended May 2, 1998 to reflect
the cumulative effect of these accounting principle changes.
6
7. The following details the calculation of earnings per share for the periods
presented below (amounts in thousands except per share amounts):
Thirteen Weeks Ended
--------------------
May 1, May 2,
1999 1998
------- --------
Income before cumulative effect of
accounting principle changes $14,370 $ 8,847
======= =======
Weighted-average number of common shares
outstanding, used for basic computation 73,823 75,156
Plus: Incremental shares from assumed
conversion of stock options 1,605 1,308
------- -------
Weighted-average number of common and
dilutive potential common shares outstanding 75,428 76,464
======= =======
Basic and diluted income per share before
cumulative effect of accounting principle
changes $ 0.19 $ 0.12
======= =======
8. The Company operated 96 clubs on May 1, 1999 versus 87 clubs on May 2,
1998.
7
Management's Discussion and Analysis
of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
Thirteen Weeks (First Quarter) Ended May 1, 1999 versus Thirteen Weeks Ended May
2, 1998.
Results of Operations
- ---------------------
Net sales for the first quarter ended May 1, 1999 rose 13.8% to $859 million
from $755 million reported in last year's first quarter. This increase was due
to the opening of new stores and to a comparable store sales increase of 5.0%.
Total revenues in the first quarter included membership fees of $18.5 million
versus $15.4 million in last year's first quarter, an increase of 20.4%.
Membership fee revenues are recognized over the life of the membership, which is
typically twelve months. Consequently, this year's results benefited from an
increase in the membership fee for "Inner Circle" members from $30 to $35,
effective February 1, 1998 and, to a lesser extent, an increase in the
membership fee for business members from $30 to $35, effective February 1, 1999.
Cost of sales (including buying and occupancy costs) was 91.6% of net sales in
this year's first quarter versus 91.9% in the comparable period last year. This
improvement was due primarily to strong sales in higher margin categories.
Selling, general and administrative ("SG&A") expenses were 7.9% of net sales in
the first quarter versus 8.1% in last year's comparable period. This decrease
was attributable mainly to leveraging fixed expenses against increased
comparable store sales and a growing number of clubs and to a reduction in
benefit costs resulting from a new medical benefit program for employees that
became effective on January 1, 1999.
Preopening expenses were $2.0 million in the first quarter this year compared
with $1.4 million in last year's first quarter. This year's preopening expenses
were incurred in connection with the scheduled opening of five new clubs in the
second quarter. The Company opened three new clubs in last year's first
quarter.
During the quarter ended May 2, 1998, the Company recorded a pre-tax charge of
$1.5 million in connection with the termination of the Waban Inc. Retirement
Plan, in which certain of the Company's employees participated. On a post-tax
basis, this charge amounted to $.9 million, or $.01 per diluted share.
Operating income in the first quarter rose to $23.3 million, an increase of
44.0% over last year's first quarter operating income of $16.2 million before
pension termination costs.
8
The components of net interest (income) expense were as follows (in thousands):
Thirteen Weeks Ended
--------------------
May 1, May 2,
1999 1998
---- ----
Interest expense on debt $ 110 $ 330
Capitalized interest (118) (133)
Interest income (468) (133)
----- -----
Interest on debt (net) (476) 64
Interest on capital leases 63 68
----- -----
Interest (income) expense, net $(413) $ 132
===== =====
The decrease in interest expense in this year's first quarter as compared to
last year's first quarter was due primarily to lower net borrowing levels.
The Company's first quarter provision for income taxes was 39.3% of pre-tax
income this year versus 39.0% in last year's first quarter.
Net income in this year's first quarter was $14.4 million, or $.19 per diluted
share versus income before the cumulative effect of accounting principle changes
of $8.8 million, or $.12 per diluted share in last year's first quarter.
During the fiscal year ended January 30, 1999, the Company adopted changes in
methods of accounting for membership fee revenues and preopening expenses.
Including a noncash post-tax charge of $19.3 million, or $.26 per diluted share,
as of the beginning of last year's first quarter to reflect the cumulative
effect of these changes, the Company posted a net loss of $10.5 million, or $.14
per diluted share, in the first quarter of 1998.
Over the remainder of the year, the Company expects to continue to benefit from
the increases in the cost of membership fees and the changes in the Company's
medical program for employees, although the impact of these factors versus last
year may be less pronounced than that of the first quarter, which has
historically been BJ's lowest volume quarter. The effect of last year's
increase in the Inner Circle membership fee will diminish as the year
progresses. Preopening expenses may also vary from quarter to quarter depending
on the timing of club openings.
Year 2000 Compliance
- --------------------
The Company has worked for several years to prepare its financial, merchandising
and other information technology ("IT") systems for the Year 2000. The Company
believes that its Year 2000 assessment, remediation and testing efforts with
regard to IT systems is substantially complete, except for the scheduled
replacement of personal computers in certain home office departments, which is
scheduled to be completed by October 1999, and the testing noted below. All of
the Company's major IT systems have been assessed for Year 2000 compliance and
the Company believes that currently known Year 2000 issues have been remedied.
Based on these
9
efforts, the Company does not believe that Year 2000 issues related to IT
systems will have a material adverse effect on the Company's results of
operations, financial position or cash flows. The Company intends to retest
systems which are modified or upgraded before January 1, 2000 for Year 2000
compliance, regardless of whether the modification is related to the Year 2000
issue, and intends to institute a moratorium on all new systems applications in
its fourth quarter of 1999. The Company also plans to continue a series of
monthly production simulation tests of cyclical data through October 1999 to
help determine whether existing systems will be Year 2000 compliant. Since
August 1998, the Company has successfully conducted three disaster recovery
tests simulating dates beyond Year 2000 and plans to conduct two additional
disaster recovery tests in July and October. All of the Company's Year 2000
testing is performed in tandem with the Company's third-party data processing
center.
The Company has also been reviewing its major non-IT systems for Year 2000
issues, including refrigeration, security and utilities systems. BJ's estimates
that its Year 2000 assessment, remediation and testing efforts with regard to
non-IT systems are substantially complete. Based on these efforts, the Company
does not believe that Year 2000 issues related to non-IT systems will have a
material adverse effect on the Company's results of operations, financial
position or cash flows.
BJ's is working with key vendors and other third parties with whom it does
business in an effort to minimize the potential adverse impact on the Company if
they fail to address the Year 2000 issue successfully. The Company has a
committee, with representatives from various departments in the Company, which
is examining the Year 2000 readiness of the Company's business partners. The
Company sent a questionnaire regarding Year 2000 issues to more than 900 of its
business partners, including its 200 highest volume merchandise vendors, all
active freight vendors, 100 of its highest volume non-merchandise vendors and a
random sample of other vendors. As of the end of the first quarter,
approximately 40% of the vendors responded to the first mailing. An initial
review of these responses did not indicate any Year 2000 issues that would be
expected to materially impact the Company. The Company plans to send a follow-up
mailing to those who did not answer the first mailing. The Company may seek
alternate sources to replace vendors who are not expected to be Year 2000
compliant. The Year 2000 committee is also currently evaluating the Year 2000
readiness of key third parties or vendors who share data with the Company,
including banks and mail houses. Although some of the Company's agreements with
manufacturers and its merchandise vendors contain provisions requiring them to
indemnify the Company under some circumstances, there can be no assurance that
such indemnification arrangements would cover all of the Company's liabilities
and costs, if any, in connection with claims related to the Year 2000 issue.
BJ's estimates that its total historical and anticipated costs of Year 2000
assessment, remediation and testing will total approximately $1.5 million,
including estimated internal payroll costs. Approximately 90% of this total has
been incurred through May 1, 1999.
The Company believes that its most likely worst case Year 2000 scenario would
probably result from a large number of key third parties with whom the Company
does business not being Year 2000 compliant. Among the factors that would tend
to mitigate the consequences of this scenario are that the Company sells a broad
assortment of products and is not dependent on any
10
particular class of merchandise; the Company is not dependent on a small number
of vendors; the Company purchases most of its inventory from well-established,
brand name vendors; and there are expected to be alternate sources to replace
merchandise vendors who encounter Year 2000 problems. However, there can be no
assurance that the third parties with whom the Company does business will be
successful in addressing the Year 2000 issue or that their failure to
successfully address the issue will not have an adverse effect on the Company's
financial condition and results of operations. The Company has not yet formally
developed contingency plans to address this or other scenarios. As the Company
completes its retesting of systems and performs its inquiries of third parties
with whom it does business, it will evaluate the need to develop formal
contingency plans. The Company intends to prepare a guide for all of its
locations to address potential issues which might arise at the time of the
millennium change and plans to have information systems personnel on duty around
the clock at that time to help deal with those issues.
The foregoing discussion of the Company's Year 2000 readiness contains forward-
looking statements, including estimates of the costs of the Company's Year 2000
implementation efforts, the percentage of completion of those efforts and the
dates on which the Company believes it will complete those efforts. Such
statements are based upon management's current estimates, using numerous
assumptions regarding future events, including the continued availability of
certain resources, third party remediation plans, and other factors. There can
be no assurance that these forward-looking statements will prove to be accurate,
and actual results could differ materially from those currently anticipated.
Specific factors that could cause such material differences include, but are not
limited to, the availability and cost of personnel trained in Year 2000 issues,
the ability to assess, remedy and test all relevant computer code and embedded
technology, the ability of third parties with whom the Company has business
relationships (including its third-party data processing center) to successfully
address their Year 2000 issues and similar uncertainties.
The foregoing information is intended to qualify as "Year 2000 readiness
disclosure" within the meaning of the Year 2000 Information and Readiness
Disclosure Act to the maximum amount permitted by such Act.
Seasonality
- -----------
The Company's business, in common with the business of retailers generally, is
subject to seasonal influences. The Company's sales and operating income have
typically been strongest in the fourth quarter holiday season and lowest in the
first quarter of each fiscal year.
Recent Accounting Standards
- ---------------------------
In June 1998, Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 133, "Accounting
for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities," was issued. The adoption of
this statement, which currently becomes effective in 2000, is not expected to
have a material impact on the Company's results of operations, financial
position or cash flows or to produce any major changes in current disclosures.
11
Liquidity and Capital Resources
- -------------------------------
Net cash provided by operating activities was $51.4 million in the first quarter
of 1999 versus $16.5 million in last year's comparable period. The increase
over last year in cash provided by operating activities was attributable mainly
to the change in merchandise inventories, net of accounts payable, and an
increase in income before the cumulative effect of accounting changes.
Cash expended for property additions was $22.7 million in the first quarter of
1999 versus $20.5 million in the first quarter of 1998. The Company opened
three new clubs in last year's first quarter, including two in February. No new
clubs were opened in this year's first quarter; five new clubs are planned to
open in the second quarter.
The Company's capital expenditures are expected to total approximately $95
million in 1999, based on plans to open approximately ten new clubs. The timing
of actual club openings and the amount of related expenditures could vary from
these estimates due, among other things, to the complexity of the real estate
development process.
In the third quarter of 1998, the Board of Directors authorized the repurchase
of up to $50 million of the Company's common stock in open market or privately
negotiated transactions. During the first quarter of 1999, the Company
repurchased 383,212 shares of common stock for $10.0 million, or an average
price of $25.99 per share. Through May 1, 1999, the Company has repurchased a
total of $40.9 million of stock at an average cost of $19.69 per share.
The Company has a $200 million unsecured credit agreement with a group of banks
which expires July 9, 2002. The agreement includes a $50 million sub-facility
for letters of credit, of which $3.6 million was outstanding at May 1, 1999.
The Company is required to pay an annual facility fee which is currently 0.10%
of the total commitment. Interest on borrowings is payable at the Company's
option either at (a) the Eurodollar rate plus a margin which is currently 0.25%,
(b) the agent bank's prime rate or (c) a rate determined by competitive bidding.
The facility fee and Eurodollar margin are both subject to change based upon the
Company's fixed charge coverage ratio. The agreement contains covenants which,
among other things, include minimum net worth and fixed charge coverage
requirements and a maximum funded debt-to-capital limitation, prohibit the
payment of cash dividends on the Company's common stock, and generally limit the
repurchase of the Company's common stock to $50 million.
The Company also maintains a separate line in the amount of $41 million for
letters of credit, primarily to support the purchase of inventories, of which
$13.3 million was outstanding at May 1, 1999, and an additional $20 million
uncommitted credit line for short-term borrowings.
Cash and cash equivalents totaled $10.9 million as of May 1, 1999. Borrowings
as of May 1, 1999 consisted of $5 million under the Company's uncommitted credit
line. The Company expects that its current resources, together with anticipated
cash flow from operations, will be sufficient to finance its operations through
January 29, 2000. However, the Company may from time to time seek to obtain
additional financing.
12
Factors Which Could Affect Future Operating Results
- ---------------------------------------------------
This report contains a number of "forward-looking statements," including
statements regarding the expected impact of changes in membership fees and the
Company's medical program, planned capital expenditures, planned store openings,
Year 2000 compliance and other information with respect to the Company's plans
and strategies. Any statements contained herein that are not statements of
historical fact may be deemed to be forward-looking statements. Without limiting
the foregoing, the words "believes," "anticipates," "plans," "estimates,"
"expects" and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking
statements. There are a number of important factors that could cause actual
events or the Company's actual results to differ materially from those indicated
by such forward-looking statements, including, without limitation, economic and
weather conditions and state and local regulation in the Company's markets;
competitive conditions; contingent liabilities under the Company's
indemnification agreement with The TJX Companies, Inc.; and events which might
cause the Company's spin-off from Waban not to qualify for tax-free treatment.
Each of these factors is discussed in more detail in the Company's Annual Report
on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended January 30, 1999.
Other factors which could affect future operating results of the Company
include, without limitation, the successful implementation of the Company's Year
2000 remediation plans, the success of the Company's key vendors and other third
parties in achieving Year 2000 compliance and new club opening plans discussed
above.
Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
- ----------------------------------------------------------
The Company believes that its potential exposure to market risk as of May 1,
1999 is not material because of the short contractual maturities of its cash,
cash equivalents and bank debt. The Company has not used derivative financial
instruments.
13
PART II. OTHER INFORMATION
Item 2 - Changes in Securities
---------------------
On February 4, 1999, the Company and First Chicago Trust Company of New
York (the "Rights Agent") entered into Amendment No. 1 to Rights
Agreement ("Amendment No. 1") dated as of July 10, 1997 between the
Company and the Rights Agent. In general, Amendment No. 1 amended the
Rights Agreement, among other things, to: (i) eliminate provisions
related to "Continuing Directors," (ii) eliminate provisions related to
"Permitted Offers," (iii) amend the time period during which the Rights
may be redeemed, and (iv) make certain other revisions.
On April 7, 1999, the Board of Directors of BJ's Wholesale Club, Inc.
amended the By- Laws of the Company to change the fiscal year end from
the last Saturday in January of each year to the Saturday closest to
January 31 of each year. The first fiscal year that will end on a
different day as a result of such change will be the fiscal year ending
February 3, 2001.
Item 4 - Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders
---------------------------------------------------
At the 1999 Annual Meeting of Stockholders of the Company (the "Annual
Meeting") held on May 27, 1999, the re-election of Lorne R. Waxlax and
Edward J. Weisberger and approval of an amendment to the Company's 1997
Stock Incentive Plan to increase the number of shares that may be
issued under the Plan by 2,000,000 shares were acted upon by the
stockholders of the Company.
The number of shares of common stock outstanding and entitled to vote
at the Annual Meeting was 73,880,162. The other directors of the
Company, whose terms of office as directors continued after the Annual
Meeting, are S. James Coppersmith, Kerry L. Hamilton, Bert N. Mitchell,
John J. Nugent, Thomas J. Shields and Herbert J. Zarkin.
The results of the voting on each of the matters presented to
stockholders at the Annual Meeting are set forth below:
Votes Votes Votes Absten-
For Withheld Against tions
--- -------- ------- -----
Election of Directors:
Lorne R. Waxlax 65,179,041 657,680 N/A N/A
Edward J. Weisberger 65,184,525 652,196 N/A N/A
Approval of Amendment
to 1997 Stock Incentive
Plan 56,066,674 N/A 9,622,116 147,931
14
Item 6 - Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K
--------------------------------
(a) Exhibits
3.1 Amended and Restated By-Laws of the Company are
incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 3.1 of
the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K dated April
7, 1999 (File No. 001-13143)
4.1a Amendment No. 1 to Rights Agreement, dated as of
February 4, 1999, by and between the Company and
First Chicago Trust Company of New York is
incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 2 to the
Company's Amendment No. 1 to Registration Statement
on Form 8-A/A (File No. 001-13143)
10.1 BJ's Wholesale Club, Inc. 1997 Stock Incentive Plan,
as amended, is incorporated herein by reference to
Appendix A to the Company's Definitive Schedule 14A
filed April 23, 1999 (File No. 001-13143)
27.0 Financial Data Schedule
(b) Reports on Form 8-K
On March 8, 1999, the Company filed a Current Report on Form
8-K, dated February 4, 1999, to report under Item 5 (Other
Events) that the Company and First Chicago Trust Company of
New York entered into Amendment No. 1 to Rights Agreement
dated as of July 10, 1997. No financial statements were
required to be filed with such report.
On April 14, 1999, the Company filed a Current Report on
Form 8-K, dated April 7, 1999, to report under Item 8
(Change in Fiscal Year) the change in the Company's fiscal
year from the last Saturday in January of each year to the
Saturday closest to January 31 of each year. No financial
statements were required to be filed with such report.
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SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the
Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the
undersigned thereunto duly authorized.
BJ'S WHOLESALE CLUB, INC.
-------------------------
(Registrant)
Date: June 14, 1999 /s/ JOHN J. NUGENT
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John J. Nugent
President and Chief Executive Officer
(Principal Executive Officer)
Date: June 14, 1999 /s/ FRANK D. FORWARD
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Frank D. Forward
Executive Vice President and
Chief Financial Officer
(Principal Financial and
Accounting Officer)
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