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SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
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FORM 10-Q
[X] QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES
EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
FOR THE QUARTERLY PERIOD ENDED JUNE 25, 2000
OR
[_] TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES
EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
FOR THE TRANSITION PERIOD FROM TO .
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COMMISSION FILE NUMBER 0-24543
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COST-U-LESS, INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Washington 91-1615590
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
or organization)
8160 304th Avenue S.E., Bldg. 3, Suite A
PRESTON, WASHINGTON 98050
(Address of principal executive office) (Zip Code)
(425) 222-5022
(Registrant's telephone number, including area code)
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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 and 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. [X] YES [_] NO.
The registrant had 3,606,376 common shares, par value $0.001, outstanding at
August 7, 2000.
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COST-U-LESS, INC.
INDEX TO FORM 10-Q
PART I--FINANCIAL INFORMATION
ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS............................................ 2
ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS.......................................... 7
ITEM 4. SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS............. 11
PART II--OTHER INFORMATION
ITEM 6. EXHIBITS AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K................................ 11
i
PART I--FINANCIAL INFORMATION
ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Cost-U-Less, Inc.'s (the "Company" or "Cost-U-Less") unaudited condensed
consolidated balance sheet as of June 25, 2000, and the condensed consolidated
balance sheet as of December 26, 1999, unaudited condensed consolidated
statements of operations for the 13 and 26 weeks ended June 25, 2000, and June
27, 1999 and the unaudited condensed consolidated statements of cash flows for
the 26 weeks then ended are included below. Also, included below are notes to
the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.
The Company reports on a 52/53-week fiscal year, consisting of four
thirteen-week periods and ending on the Sunday nearest to the end of December.
Fiscal 2000 is a 53-week year with period four ending on December 31, 2000.
1
COST-U-LESS, INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(in thousands)
June 25, December 26,
2000 1999
---------- ------------
(Unaudited)
ASSETS
------
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents........................................... $ 1,264 $ 792
Receivables, net.................................................... 992 2,122
Inventories, net.................................................... 20,682 21,605
Other current assets................................................ 1,920 1,552
------- -------
Total current assets.............................................. 24,858 26,071
Property and equipment, net........................................... 17,179 16,563
Deposits and other assets............................................. 977 1,041
------- -------
Total assets...................................................... $43,014 $43,675
======= =======
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
------------------------------------
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable.................................................... $12,468 $14,387
Accrued expenses and other liabilities.............................. 5,745 2,382
Line of credit...................................................... 5,858 2,163
Current portion of long-term debt and capital lease obligations..... 790 1,147
------- -------
Total current liabilities............................................. 24,861 20,079
Deferred rent......................................................... 459 414
Long-term debt less current portion................................... 3,474 2,517
------- -------
Total liabilities..................................................... 28,794 23,010
Total shareholders' equity............................................ 14,220 20,665
------- -------
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity............................ $43,014 $43,675
======= =======
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these unaudited financial
statements.
2
COST-U-LESS, INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(in thousands, except share and per share data)
(Unaudited)
13 Weeks Ended 26 Weeks Ended
--------------------------- ---------------------------
June 25, 2000 June 27, 1999 June 25, 2000 June 27, 1999
------------- ------------- ------------- -------------
Net sales..................................... $ 44,402 $ 41,227 $ 88,674 $ 79,214
Merchandise costs............................. 38,126 34,358 75,742 65,960
--------- --------- --------- ---------
Gross profit.................................. 6,276 6,869 12,932 13,254
Operating expenses:
Store....................................... 5,292 4,551 10,585 8,774
General and administrative.................. 2,274 1,366 3,861 2,710
Store opening............................... 437 142 570 417
Store closing............................... 3,372 0 3,372 0
--------- --------- --------- ---------
Total operating expenses...................... 11,375 6,059 18,388 11,901
--------- --------- --------- ---------
Operating income (loss)....................... (5,099) 810 (5,456) 1,353
Other income (expense):
Other income (expense)...................... (25) 9 (60) (57)
Interest income............................. 23 1 71
Interest expense............................ (153) (123) (290) (222)
--------- --------- --------- ---------
Income (loss) before income taxes............. (5,277) 719 (5,805) 1,145
Income tax provision (benefit)................ (220) 242 0 392
--------- --------- --------- ---------
Net income (loss)............................. $ (5,057) $ 477 $ (5,805) $ 753
========= ========= ========= =========
Earnings (loss) per common share:
Basic and Diluted........................... $ (1.40) $ 0.13 $ (1.61) $ 0.21
========= ========= ========= =========
Weighted average common shares outstanding.... 3,606,376 3,547,340 3,591,781 3,543,651
========= ========= ========= =========
Weighted average common shares outstanding,
assuming dilution in 1999. For 2000, common
stock equivalents have been excluded from the
calculation, as their impact would be anti-
dilutive..................................... 3,606,376 3,611,977 3,591,781 3,610,530
========= ========= ========= =========
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these unaudited financial
statements.
3
COST-U-LESS, INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(in thousands)
(Unaudited)
26 Weeks Ended
---------------------------
June 25, 2000 June 27, 1999
------------- -------------
Operating activities
Net income (loss)................................. $(5,805) $ 753
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net
cash used in operating activities:
Depreciation.................................... 888 737
Writedown of property and equipment............. 989 37
Deferred tax benefit............................ 39 (213)
Reserve for bad debt............................ 30
Cash provided by (used in) changes in operating
assets and liabilities:
Receivables................................... 1,130 147
Inventories................................... 923 (2,738)
Prepaid expenses.............................. (407) (446)
Deposits and other assets..................... 64 (9)
Accounts payable.............................. (1,919) (252)
Accrued expenses.............................. 3,509 113
Income tax payable............................ (147) 49
Deferred rent................................. 45 (96)
------- -------
Net cash used in operating activities............. (691) (1,888)
Investing activity
Purchases of property and equipment............... (2,493) (928)
Financing activities
Net borrowings under line of credit............... 3,695 359
Proceeds from long-term debt...................... 1,093
Principal payments on long-term debt.............. (288) (314)
Payments on capital lease obligations............. (203) (235)
Net proceeds from sale of common stock............ 4 17
------- -------
Net cash provided by (used in) financing
activities....................................... 4,301 (180)
Foreign currency translation loss................. (645) (8)
------- -------
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash
equivalents...................................... 472 (2,997)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period.. 792 4,288
------- -------
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period........ $ 1,264 $ 1,291
======= =======
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information
Cash paid during the period for:
Interest........................................ $ 290 $ 223
Income taxes.................................... $ 135 $ 243
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these unaudited financial
statements
4
COST-U-LESS, INC.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)
1. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
Nature of Business
Cost-U-Less, Inc. (the "Company") operates mid-sized warehouse club-style
stores in the United States (U.S.), U.S. territories, and foreign island
countries in the Pacific and the Caribbean. At June 25, 2000, the Company
operated eleven stores located in Hawaii (2), California, the U.S. Virgin
Islands (2), Netherlands Antilles (1), Guam (2), American Samoa (1), and
Republic of Fiji (Fiji) (2). In June 2000 the Company closed two stores in New
Zealand. On June 29, 2000, the Company opened a store in St. Maarten,
Netherlands Antilles.
Basis of Presentation
The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements have
been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in
the United States for interim financial reporting and pursuant to the rules and
regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). In the opinion of
management, the financial information includes all adjustments (consisting only
of normal recurring adjustments) that the Company considers necessary for a
fair presentation of the financial position at such dates and the operations
and cash flows for the periods then ended. The balance sheet at December 26,
1999 has been derived from the audited financial statements at that date.
Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in the financial
statements prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted
in the United States have been condensed or omitted pursuant to SEC rules and
regulations. Operating results for the 13 weeks and 26 weeks ended June 25,
2000, are not necessarily indicative of results that may be expected for the
entire year. All quarterly periods reported consist of 13 weeks. For further
information, refer to the financial statements and footnotes included in the
Company's 1999 10-K filed on March 27, 2000.
Principles of Consolidation
The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company
and its wholly owned subsidiaries in the U.S. Virgin Islands, Netherlands
Antilles, Guam, American Samoa, Nevada, Fiji, New Zealand and St. Maarten. All
significant inter-company accounts and transactions have been eliminated in
consolidation.
Fiscal Year
The Company's fiscal year ends on the last Sunday in December. The year
ending December 31, 2000 is a 53-week fiscal year.
Foreign Currency Translations
The U.S. dollar is the functional currency for all locations, except for
Fiji, New Zealand, and Netherlands Antilles, where the local currency is the
functional currency. Assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies
are translated at the applicable exchange rate on the balance sheet date. Net
sales, costs and expenses are translated at average rates of exchange
prevailing during the period. Adjustments resulting from this process are
charged or credited to shareholders' equity, net of taxes and are included in
determining comprehensive income. Realized and unrealized gains on foreign
currency transactions are included in other income (expense).
Earnings Per Share
Basic earnings per share is computed on weighted average shares outstanding.
Diluted earnings per share includes the effect of dilutive securities (options
and warrants) except where inclusion is antidilutive.
5
COST-U-LESS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(Continued)
(Unaudited)
1. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (continued)
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
In June 1998, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued SFAS No. 133,
"Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities" which
establishes standards for recognition, measurement, and reporting of
derivatives and hedging activities and is effective for the Company January 1,
2001. The Company believes that the adoption of this new accounting standard
will not have a material impact on the Company's financial statements.
Use of Estimates
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting
principles generally accepted in the United States requires management to make
estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the financial
statements and accompanying notes. Actual results could differ from those
estimates.
2. Earnings Per Share
The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted earnings
(loss) per share:
13 Weeks Ended 26 Weeks Ended
--------------------------- ---------------------------
June 25, 2000 June 27, 1999 June 25, 2000 June 27, 1999
------------- ------------- ------------- -------------
(In thousands except per-share data)
Numerator:
Net income (loss)........................... $ (5,057) $ 477 $ (5,805) $ 753
========= ========= ========= =========
Denominator:
Denominator for basic earnings (loss) per
share--weighted average shares............. 3,606,376 3,547,340 3,591,781 3,543,651
Effect of dilutive securities:
Stock options and warrants.................. 0 64,637 0 66,897
--------- --------- --------- ---------
Denominator for diluted earnings (loss) per
share--adjusted weighted average shares and
assumed conversion of stock options and
warrants. For 2000, common stock equivalents
have been excluded from the calculation, as
their impact would be anti-dilutive.......... 3,606,376 3,611,977 3,591,781 3,610,530
========= ========= ========= =========
Basic and diluted earnings (loss) per
common share................................. $ (1.40) $ 0.13 $ (1.61) $ 0.21
========= ========= ========= =========
4. Income Tax Provision
No benefit was recorded on the pre-tax loss due to the uncertainty of
realization of these tax benefits. A tax provision of $220,000 was recorded for
the quarter ended March 26, 2000 on U.S. profits of $626,000. This provision
was reversed during the quarter ended June 25, 2000 as the Company recorded a
U.S. pre-tax loss for the 26 weeks ended June 25, 2000.
5. Comprehensive Income
Total comprehensive income (loss) was ($6,467,000) for the 26 weeks ended
June 25, 2000 and $745,000 for the 26 weeks ended June 27, 1999.
6
ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS
OF OPERATIONS
This discussion and analysis should be read in conjunction with the
Company's condensed consolidated financial statements and the related notes
thereto appearing in Item I of this report. In addition to historical
information, this Form 10-Q contains and may incorporate by reference
statements which may constitute forward-looking statements which involve known
and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual
results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-
looking statements. Forward-looking statements may be identified by the use of
forward-looking terminology such as "may," "will," "expect," "estimate,"
"anticipate," "continue," or similar terms, variations of such terms or the
negative of those terms, but the absence of such terms does not mean that a
statement is not forward-looking. Factors that could affect the Company's
actual results include, but are not limited to: (i) transportation
difficulties; (ii) isolation of store operations from corporate management;
(iii) weather and other risks associated with island operations, (iv)
dependence on expansion outside the U.S.; (v) dependence on key personnel and
local managers; (vi) reliance on computer systems; (vii) risks associated with
significant growth; (viii) risks associated with a small store base; (ix)
ability to utilize tax benefits; and (x) competition. More information about
factors that could affect the Company's financial results is included in the
"Risk Factors" and "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition
and Results of Operations" sections of the Company's 1999 10-K for the year
ended December 26, 1999 and filed on March 27, 2000 with the Securities
Exchange Commission.
Overview
During the second quarter ended June 25, 2000, the Company operated thirteen
retail stores located in Guam (2), American Samoa (1), Hawaiian Islands (2);
U.S. Virgin Islands (2); Fiji (2); Netherlands Antilles (1); New Zealand (2)
and California (1). On May 4, 2000, the Company announced its intent to exit
the New Zealand market where it operated two stores. In June of 2000 both New
Zealand stores were closed. As of June 25, 2000 the Company operated eleven
retail stores. This became twelve with the addition of a new store in
St. Maarten that opened June 29, 2000. Although the Company's stores are
patterned after the U.S. warehouse club concept, the stores (i) are smaller
(averaging approximately 31,000 square feet vs. large format warehouse clubs of
approximately 130,000 square feet), (ii) generally target niche markets, mainly
foreign island countries (and U.S. island states and territories), primarily
where demographics do not support large format warehouse clubs, (iii) carry a
wide assortment of local and ethnic food items and (iv) do not charge a
membership fee. Although the Company does not have large seasonal fluctuations
in sales, the fourth quarter is typically the highest sales quarter due to the
additional holiday sales.
Since May 2000, Fiji has experienced significant political instability. The
political instability has negatively impacted the Company's Nadi store,
primarily through lower than expected sales. Sales in the Company's Suva store
have not been significantly impacted. If this political instability continues
or escalates, there can be no assurance that the Company stores will not be
more severely impacted. In addition, if significant trading partners to Fiji,
like the U.S., were to impose trade sanctions as a result of the political
instability, this action would likely have a significant negative impact on the
Company's financial performance in Fiji.
Results of Operations
The Company reported a net loss of ($5,057,000), for the second quarter
ending June 25, 2000, compared to a net profit of $477,000 for the same period
in 1999. The net loss was primarily due to a $3,372,000 charge for costs
related to closing the New Zealand stores in June 2000, and $1,300,000 for New
Zealand overhead expenses and store operating losses.
Comparison of the 13 Weeks Ended June 25, 2000 and June 27, 1999
Net Sales: Net sales for the second quarter of fiscal 2000 increased 7.7% to
$44,402,000 from $41,227,000 for the second quarter of fiscal 1999. The
increase was primarily due to the two New Zealand
7
stores that opened in the fourth quarter of fiscal 1999, and an increase in
business sales. The change in comparable-store sales (stores open for a full 13
months) was (1.9%). The decline in comparable store sales was primarily due to
deteriorating economies in Guam and Curacao, Netherlands Antilles.
Gross Margin: Gross margin decreased for the second quarter of fiscal 2000
to 14.1% from 16.7% in second quarter of 1999. The decrease was primarily due
to pricing associated with the liquidation of the New Zealand inventory and to
a lesser extent increased business sales. Excluding the New Zealand stores and
business sales, gross margins improved during the second quarter of fiscal 2000
to 16.8% as compared to 16.2% in the second quarter of fiscal 1999.
Operating Expenses: Store expenses for the second quarter of fiscal 2000
increased 16.3% to $5,292,000 from $4,551,000 for the second quarter of fiscal
1999. The increase was primarily due to the two New Zealand stores and
increased utility expenses in the Curacao, Netherlands Antilles store. As a
percentage of sales, store expenses increased to 11.9% for the second quarter
of fiscal 2000 compared to 11.0% for the second quarter of fiscal 1999. This
was primarily due to fixed store expenses on low sales volume in the New
Zealand stores and higher utility expenses in most of the other stores on
relatively flat sales volume.
General and administrative expenses for the second quarter of fiscal 2000
increased 66.5% to $2,274,000 from $1,366,000 for the second quarter of fiscal
1999. The increase was primarily due to a write-off for obsolete equipment,
severance payments and incremental New Zealand corporate expenses. Excluding
these non-recurring expenses, general and administrative expenses for the
second quarter of fiscal 2000 were relatively flat compared to the same period
in 1999. General and administrative expenses were 5.1% as a percentage of sales
in the second quarter of fiscal 2000 compared to 3.3% as a percentage of sales
in the second quarter of fiscal 1999.
Store opening expenses were $437,000 in the second quarter of fiscal 2000
compared to $142,000 in the second quarter of fiscal 1999. Opening expenses in
the second quarter of fiscal 2000 were primarily related to the St. Maarten
store that opened June 29, 2000, whereas the opening expenses in the second
quarter of fiscal 1999 were for expenses incurred in advance of the New Zealand
store openings in the fourth quarter of fiscal 1999.
Store closing expenses were $3,372,000 in the second quarter of fiscal 2000
for costs related to the closing of the New Zealand stores in June 2000.
Closing expenses consisted of provisions for lease settlements, fixed asset
write-downs, legal expenses, severance payments, and other costs typically
incurred during the course of a store closure. There were no closing expenses
in the second quarter of fiscal 1999.
Other Income (expense): In the second quarter of fiscal 2000, there was a
$25,000 expense related to foreign currency transactions. There was no expense
related to foreign currency transactions in the second quarter of fiscal 1999.
There was no interest income for the second quarter of fiscal 2000 compared to
$23,000 in the second quarter of fiscal 1999 which reflected the interest
earned on the proceeds of the Company's initial public offering. Interest
expense for the second quarter of fiscal 2000 increased to $153,000 from
$123,000 for the second quarter of fiscal 1999 primarily due to higher line of
credit borrowings.
Income Tax Provision: No benefit was recorded on the pre-tax loss for the
second quarter of fiscal 2000 due to the uncertainty of realization of these
tax benefits. A tax provision of $220,000 was recorded for the quarter ended
March 26, 2000 on U.S. profits of $626,000. This provision was reversed during
the quarter ended June 25, 2000 as the Company recorded a U.S. pre-tax loss for
the 26 weeks ended June25, 2000. A tax provision of $242,000 was recorded for
the second quarter of fiscal 1999 on pre-tax income of $719,000
Net Income (Loss): The net loss for the second quarter of fiscal 2000 was
($5,057,000) or ($1.40) per share compared to net income of $477,000 or $0.13
per share for the second quarter of fiscal 1999. Shares outstanding at the end
of the second quarter of fiscal 2000 were 3,606,376 compared to 3,547,340
shares outstanding at the end of the second quarter of fiscal 1999.
8
Comparison of the 26 Weeks Ended June 25, 2000 and June 27, 1999
Net Sales: Net sales for the first two quarters of fiscal 2000 increased
11.9% to $88,674,000 from $79,214,000 for the first two quarters of fiscal
1999. The increase was primarily due to the new store in Curacao that opened
March 2, 1999, the two new stores in New Zealand that opened in the fourth
quarter of fiscal 1999, and an increase in business sales. The change in
comparable-store sales (stores open for a full 13 months) was (1.1%). The
decline in comparable store sales was primarily due to deteriorating economies
in Guam and Curacao, Netherlands Antilles.
Gross Margin: Gross margin decreased for the first two quarters of fiscal
2000 to 14.6% from 16.7% in the first two quarters of fiscal 1999. The decrease
resulted primarily from low operating margins in the New Zealand stores and
pricing associated with the liquidation of New Zealand inventory and to a
lesser extent increased business sales. Excluding the New Zealand store
operations and business sales, store margins of 16.3% for the first two
quarters of fiscal 2000 were the same as the margins for the first two quarters
of fiscal 1999.
Operating Expenses: Store expenses for the first two quarters of fiscal 2000
increased 20.6% to $10,585,000 from $8,774,000 for the first two quarters of
fiscal 1999. The increase was primarily due to the two new stores in New
Zealand and six months of store expenses for the Curacao store in the first two
quarters of fiscal 2000 compared to four months of such expenses for the same
period of fiscal 1999. As a percentage of sales, store expenses increased to
11.9% for the first two quarters of fiscal 2000 compared to 11.1% for the first
two quarters of fiscal 1999. This was primarily due to fixed store expenses on
low sales volume in the New Zealand stores and higher store expenses on
relatively flat sales volume for the remaining stores. Excluding New Zealand,
the higher store expenses were primarily due to increased utility, rent,
repairs and maintenance, and payroll expenses.
General and administrative expenses for the first two quarters of fiscal
2000 increased 42.4% to $3,861,000 from $2,710,000 for the first two quarters
of fiscal 1999. The increase was primarily due to a write-off of obsolete
equipment, severance payments and incremental New Zealand corporate expenses.
Excluding these non-recurring expenses, general and administrative expenses for
the second quarter of fiscal 2000 were relatively flat compared to the same
period in fiscal 1999. General and administrative expenses were 4.4% as a
percentage of sales in the first two quarters of fiscal 2000 compared to 3.4%
as a percentage of sales in the first two quarters of fiscal 1999.
Store opening expenses were $570,000 in the first two quarters of fiscal
2000 compared to $417,000 in the first two quarters of fiscal 1999. Opening
expenses in the first two quarters of fiscal 2000 were primarily related to the
St. Maarten store that opened June 29, 2000, whereas the opening expenses in
the first two quarters of fiscal 1999 were for expenses related to the Curacao
store that opened March 2, 1999 and expenses incurred in advance of the New
Zealand store openings in the fourth quarter of fiscal 1999.
Store closing expenses were $3,372,000 in the first two quarters of fiscal
2000 for costs related to the closing of the New Zealand stores in June 2000.
Closing expenses consisted of provisions for lease settlements, fixed asset
write-downs, legal expenses, severance payments, and other costs typically
incurred during the course of a store closure. There were no closing expenses
in the first two quarters of fiscal 1999.
Other Income (expense): In the first two quarters of fiscal 2000, there was
a $60,000 expense related to foreign currency transactions. There was no
expense related to foreign currency transactions in the first two quarters of
fiscal 1999. In the first two quarters of fiscal 1999 the Company incurred a
one-time cost of approximately $57,000 associated with the adoption of a
Shareholder Rights Plan. There was $1,000 of interest income for the first two
quarters of fiscal 2000 compared to $71,000 in the first two quarters of fiscal
1999. The interest income in the first two quarters of fiscal 1999 was
primarily due to interest on the net proceeds from the Company's initial public
offering. Interest expense for the first two quarters of fiscal 2000 increased
to $290,000 from $222,000 for the first two quarters of fiscal 1999 primarily
due to higher line of credit borrowings.
9
Income Tax Provision: No benefit was recorded on the pre-tax loss for the
first two quarters of fiscal 2000 due to the uncertainty of realization of
these tax benefits. For the first two quarters of fiscal 1999 a tax provision
of $392,000 was recorded on pre-tax income of $1,145,000.
Net Income (Loss): The net loss for the first two quarters of fiscal 2000
was ($5,805,000) or ($1.61) per share compared to net income of $753,000 or
$0.21 per share for the first two quarters of fiscal 1999. Shares outstanding
at the end of the first two quarters of fiscal 2000 were 3,606,376 compared to
3,547,340 shares outstanding at the end of the first two quarters of fiscal
1999.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
The discussion below contains forward-looking statements that involve risks
and uncertainties, and should be read in conjunction with the disclosure in the
Company's 10-K for the year ended December 26, 1999, filed on March 27, 2000.
Actual results may differ materially.
The Company has financed its operations with proceeds raised from its
initial public offering and concurrent private placement, various credit
facilities, and internally generated funds.
Net cash used in operations was $691,000 and $1,888,000 for the first two
quarters of fiscal 2000 and fiscal 1999, respectively. For the first two
quarters of fiscal 2000 a net loss of $5,805,000 was largely offset by non-cash
expenses, principally accrued expenses related to the New Zealand store
closures, property write-downs, and depreciation. In addition, a decrease in
receivables and inventory of $1,130,000 and $923,000 respectively provided
cash. Cash was reduced $1,919,000 due to a decrease in accounts payable
resulting from the decrease in inventories and a decrease in the amount of
vendor-financed inventory.
For the first two quarters of fiscal 1999 cash was used primarily to supply
inventories to the new store in Curacao, which opened March 2, 1999.
Net cash used in investing activities was $2,493,000 and $928,000 for the
first two quarters of fiscal 2000 and fiscal 1999, respectively. In the first
two quarters of fiscal 2000, the investment consisted primarily of the
construction of the new store in St. Maarten. In the first two quarters of
fiscal 1999, the investment was primarily equipment for the new store in
Curacao, Netherlands Antilles.
Net cash provided by financing activities was $3,656,000 and $173,000 for
the first two quarters of fiscal 2000 and fiscal 1999, respectively. In the
first two quarters of fiscal 2000, cash was primarily provided by increased
borrowings under the Company's line of credit and draws on the long-term loan
for the construction of the St. Maarten store.
Foreign currency translation loss for the first two quarters of fiscal 2000
was $645,000 compared to $8,000 for the same period in fiscal 1999. The foreign
currency translation loss for the first two quarters of fiscal 2000 resulted
from a reduction in the value of the New Zealand and Fijian dollar compared to
the United States dollar.
On July 21, 2000, the Company extended the term of its $8.0 million line of
credit with a financial institution to October 1, 2000. Of the $8.0 million
line of credit, $1.1 million is utilized for standby letters of credit, leaving
$6.9 million available for operations. As of June 25, 2000, there was $5.9
million in borrowings against the line of credit. Borrowings under the line of
credit bear interest at the Company's option of the financial institution's
prime rate (9.5% at June 25, 2000), or at LIBOR plus 1.5% (8.2% at June 25,
2000). The collateral for the line of credit consists of inventories, equipment
and trade accounts receivable. The line of credit contains certain covenants,
including the requirement that the Company maintain minimum tangible net worth
and minimum ratios of current assets to current liabilities, debt to tangible
net worth and quarterly cash flow. The Company must obtain the consent of the
lender to (i) pay dividends, (ii) purchase or sell assets or incur
indebtedness, other than in the ordinary course of business, (iii) make loans
to, or investments in, any other person, (iv) enter into a merger or other
business combination, or (v) make capital expenditures in excess
10
of a specified limit as of and for the year ended December 31, 2000. The
Company is out of compliance with two covenants. One covenant requires a
minimum tangible net worth of $20,000,000 whereas the tangible net worth of the
Company as of June 25, 2000 was $14,220,000. The other covenant requires a
minimum current ratio of 1.2 whereas the current ratio was 1.0. The financial
institution has waived these covenants through December 31, 2000, provided that
the Company maintains a tangible net worth of $14,000,000. The Company is
currently negotiating a new loan agreement with its financial institution, and
expects to have a new agreement in place by October 1, 2000. If the Company
fails to negotiate a new loan agreement by October 1, 2000, it will need to
secure alternative financing.
The Company believes that amounts available under its various credit
facilities, existing cash available for working capital purposes, and cash flow
from operations will most likely be sufficient to fund the Company operations
through the next 12 months. However, certain risks exist that could cause the
Company's cash requirements to exceed what is currently available under its
existing credit facilities. Most of the New Zealand closure expenses will
require future cash outflows. The Company intends to manage these outflows to
stay within the terms of its current credit facilities. However, if these cash
outflows were to occur in a short time-frame, it may cause the Company to
exceed the limits of its current credit facilities.
In November 1999, the Company entered into a $2.0 million note payable for
the construction of its new store in St. Maarten that opened June 29, 2000. The
note payable carries interest at the prime rate plus 1% (10.5% at June 25,
2000), and is secured by a second security interest on the St. Maarten
leasehold interest and personal property. The balance owing on this note
payable at June 25, 2000 was $2.0 million.
ITEM 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
Not Applicable.
ITEM 4. SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS
The annual meeting of Cost-U-Less, Inc.'s shareholder was held on May 18,
2000. The following proposals were submitted to a vote:
The election of three directors, each to hold office for a term of two years
and each of whom were previously a director of Cost-U-Less, Inc. This proposal
passed with the following number of votes:
Affirmative Withheld
----------- --------
Wayne V. Keener....................................... 2,400,159 590,491
J. Jeffrey Meder...................................... 2,550,446 440,204
George C. Textor...................................... 2,539,646 451,004
Ratification of the appointment of Ernst & Young LLP as auditors for Cost-U-
Less, Inc. for 2000. This proposal passed with 2,983,723 affirmative votes,
4,754 negative votes, and 2,173 abstentions.
PART II--OTHER INFORMATION
ITEM 6. EXHIBITS AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K
(a) Exhibits
27.1 Financial Data Schedule
(b) Reports on Form 8-K
No reports on Form 8-K were filed during the quarterly period ended June
25, 2000.
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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.
COST-U-LESS, INC.
(Registrant)
/s/ J. Jeffrey Meder
Date August 8, 2000 -------------------------------------
J. Jeffrey Meder
President and Chief Executive
Officer
/s/ Roy W. Sorensen
Date August 8, 2000 -------------------------------------
Roy W. Sorensen
Chief Financial Officer
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EXHIBIT INDEX
Exhibit
Number Description
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27.1 Financial Data Schedule