SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-Q
/X/ QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(D) OF THE SECURITIES
EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
FOR THE QUARTERLY PERIOD ENDED SEPTEMBER 24, 2000
OR
/ / TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(D) OF THE SECURITIES
EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
FOR THE TRANSITION PERIOD FROM _________ TO ___________
COMMISSION FILE NUMBER 0-24543
COST-U-LESS, INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Washington 91-1615590
(State or other jurisdiction of (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
incorporation 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)
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 November 1, 2000.
COST-U-LESS, INC.
INDEX TO FORM 10-Q
PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION
ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS............................................. 3
ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL
CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS.............................. 10
PART II - OTHER INFORMATION
ITEM 5. OTHER INFORMATION................................................ 14
ITEM 6. EXHIBITS AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K................................. 14
2
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 September 24, 2000, and the condensed
consolidated balance sheet as of December 26, 1999, unaudited condensed
consolidated statements of operations for the 13 and 39 weeks ended September
24, 2000, and September 26, 1999 and the unaudited condensed consolidated
statements of cash flows for the 39 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.
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COST-U-LESS, INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(in thousands)
September 24, 2000 December 26,1999
------------------ ----------------
ASSETS (Unaudited)
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents $ 249 $ 792
Receivables, net 1,220 2,122
Inventories, net 22,387 21,605
Other current assets 1,695 1,552
------- -------
Total current assets 25,551 26,071
Property and equipment, net 17,518 16,563
Deposits and other assets 1,085 1,041
------- -------
Total assets $44,154 $43,675
======= =======
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable $17,440 $14,387
Accrued expenses and other liabilities 4,674 2,382
Line of credit 3,068 2,163
Current portion of long-term debt and capital lease obligations 455 1,147
------- -------
Total current liabilities 25,637 20,079
Deferred rent 477 414
Long-term debt less current portion 3,407 2,517
------- -------
Total liabilities 29,521 23,010
Total shareholders' equity 14,633 20,665
------- -------
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity $44,154 $43,675
======= =======
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these unaudited financial
statements.
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COST-U-LESS, INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(in thousands, except share and per share data)
(Unaudited)
13 WEEKS ENDED 39 WEEKS ENDED
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Sept. 24, 2000 Sept. 26, 1999 Sept. 24, 2000 Sept. 26, 1999
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Net sales $ 45,238 $ 41,221 $ 133,913 $ 120,435
Merchandise costs 37,876 34,438 113,619 100,397
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Gross profit 7,362 6,783 20,294 20,038
Operating expenses:
Store 5,420 4,529 16,005 13,303
General and administrative 1,182 1,377 5,043 4,087
Store opening 27 294 597 712
Store closing 0 0 3,372 0
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Total operating expenses 6,629 6,200 25,017 18,102
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Operating income (loss) 733 583 (4,723) 1,936
Other income (expense):
Other expense (22) (82) (57)
Interest income 2 1 73
Interest expense (210) (85) (500) (308)
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Income (loss) before income taxes 501 500 (5,304) 1,644
Income tax provision 105 180 105 572
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Net income (loss) $ 396 $ 320 $ (5,409) $ 1,072
===================================================================
Earnings (loss) per common share:
Basic and Diluted $ 0.11 $ 0.09 $ (1.50) $ 0.30
Weighted average common shares
outstanding 3,606,376 3,566,999 3,597,555 3,551,433
===================================================================
Weighted average common shares
outstanding, assuming conversion of
stock options and warrants.
For the 39 weeks ended September 24,
2000, common stock equivalents have
been excluded from the calculation, as
their impact would be anti-dilutive. 3,609,102 3,622,935 3,597,555 3,614,665
===================================================================
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these unaudited financial
statements.
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COST-U-LESS, INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(in thousands)
(Unaudited)
39 WEEKS ENDED
---------------------------------
Sept. 24, 2000 Sept. 26, 1999
---------------------------------
Operating activities
Net income (loss) $(5,409) $ 1,072
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net
cash provided by (used in) operating activities:
Depreciation 1,366 1,176
Writedown of property and equipment 989
Deferred tax benefit 96 (276)
Write-off of accounts receivable (82)
Cash provided by (used in) changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Receivables 902 69
Inventories (782) (5,606)
Other current assets (239) (352)
Deposits and other assets (44) (79)
Accounts payable 3,053 2,250
Accrued expenses and other liabiliites 2,292 132
Deferred rent 63 (145)
---------------------------------
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities 2,286 (1,841)
Investing activity - purchases of property and equipment (3,310) (1,791)
Financing activities
Net borrowings under line of credit 906 1,939
Proceeds from long-term debt 1,093
Principal payments on long-term debt (355) (474)
Payments on capital lease obligations (540) (316)
Net proceeds from sale of common stock 23 107
---------------------------------
Net cash provided by financing activities 1,127 1,256
Foreign currency translation loss (646) (83)
---------------------------------
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents (543) (2,459)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period 792 4,289
---------------------------------
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period $ 249 $ 1,829
=================================
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information
Cash paid during the period for:
Interest $ 500 $ 294
Income taxes $ 161 $ 983
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these unaudited financial
statements
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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 September 24, 2000, the Company
operated twelve stores located in Hawaii (2), California (1), the U.S. Virgin
Islands (2), Netherlands Antilles (2), 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 39 weeks ended September 24,
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, St. Maarten
(Netherlands Antilles), Curacao (Netherlands Antilles), Guam, American Samoa,
Nevada, Fiji, and New Zealand. 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.
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COST-U-LESS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)
1. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (continued)
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.
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 in the fiscal year beginning 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.
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COST-U-LESS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)
2. Earnings Per Share
The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted earnings
(loss) per share:
13 Weeks Ended 39 weeks Ended
----------------------------------- -----------------------------------
September 24, September 26, September 24, September 26,
2000 1999 2000 1999
----------------------------------- -----------------------------------
(In thousands except per-share data)
Numerator:
Net income (loss) $ 396 $ 320 $ (5,409) $ 1,072
Denominator:
Denominator for basic earnings (loss)
per share - weighted average shares 3,606,376 3,566,999 3,597,555 3,551,433
Effect of dilutive securities:
Stock options and warrants 2,726 55,936 0 63,232
Denominator for diluted earnings (loss)
per share - adjusted weighted
average shares and assumed
conversion of stock options and
warrants. For the 39 weeks
ended September 24, 2000, common
stock equivalents have been excluded 3,609,102 3,622,935 3,597,555 3,614,665
from the calculation, as their impact
would be anti-dilutive
Basic and diluted earnings (loss) per $ 0.11 $ 0.09 $ (1.50) $ 0.30
common share
3. Comprehensive Income
Total comprehensive income (loss) was ($6,055,000) for the 39 weeks ended
September 24, 2000 and $988,000 for the 39 weeks ended September 26, 1999.
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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 third quarter ended September 24, 2000, the Company operated
twelve retail stores located in Guam (2), American Samoa (1), Hawaiian Islands
(2); U.S. Virgin Islands (2); Fiji (2); Netherlands Antilles (2); and California
(1). The twelve retail stores includes the 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 U.S. territories), 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.
Results of Operations
The Company reported a net income of $396,000 for the third quarter ending
September 24, 2000, compared to a net income of $320,000 for the same period in
1999.
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Comparison of the 13 Weeks Ended September 24, 2000 and September 26, 1999
Net Sales: Net sales for the third quarter of fiscal 2000 increased 9.7% to
$45,238,000 from $41,221,000 for the third quarter of fiscal 1999. The increase
was primarily due to sales from the new store in St. Maarten that opened June
29, 2000, and an increase in business sales. The change in comparable-store
sales (stores open for a full 13 months) was (2.6%). The decline in comparable
store sales was primarily due to deteriorating economies in Guam and Curacao,
Netherlands Antilles.
Gross Margin. Gross margin of 16.3% for the third quarter of fiscal 2000
was consistent with the third quarter of 1999 which was 16.5%.
Operating Expenses: Store expenses for the third quarter of fiscal 2000
increased 19.7% to $5,420,000 from $4,529,000 for the third quarter of fiscal
1999. The increase was primarily due to expenses associated with the new store
in St. Maarten, and increased utility expenses in most of the other locations.
As a percentage of sales, store expenses increased to 12.0% for the third
quarter of fiscal 2000 compared to 11.0% for the third quarter of fiscal 1999.
This was primarily due to fixed store personnel expenses and higher utility
expenses on relatively flat sales volume.
General and administrative expenses for the third quarter of fiscal 2000
decreased to $1,182,000 from $1,377,000 for the third quarter of fiscal 1999.
The improvement in third quarter of fiscal 2000 is primarily due to the June
2000 closure of the New Zealand buying office.
Store opening expenses were $27,000 in the third quarter of fiscal 2000
compared to $294,000 in the third quarter of fiscal 1999. Store opening expenses
in the third quarter of fiscal 1999 were for expenses incurred in advance of the
New Zealand store openings in the fourth quarter of fiscal 1999.
Other Income (expense): In the third quarter of fiscal 2000 there was a
foreign currency transaction expense of $22,000. There was no foreign currency
transaction expense in the third quarter of fiscal 1999. Interest expense for
the third quarter of fiscal 2000 increased to $210,000 from $85,000 for the
third quarter of fiscal 1999, primarily due to higher line of credit borrowings
and interest on the $2.0 million note for the construction of the new store in
St. Maarten.
Income Tax Provision: The income tax provision for the third quarter of
fiscal 2000 was $105,000, compared to $180,000 for the third quarter of fiscal
1999. The lower effective tax rate for the third quarter of fiscal 2000 resulted
from the Company providing tax on U.S. Territories and foreign income only
during the quarter. No taxes were provided on U.S. pre-tax income as a result of
the Company having a U.S. pre-tax loss for the 39 weeks ended September 24,
2000.
Net Income (Loss): Net income for the third quarter of fiscal 2000 was
$396,000, or $0.11 per share, compared to net income of $320,000, or $0.09 per
share, for the third quarter of fiscal 1999. Diluted weighted average shares
outstanding for the third quarter of fiscal 2000 were 3,609,102 compared to
3,622,935 for the third quarter of fiscal 1999.
Comparison of the 39 weeks Ended September 24, 2000 and September 26, 1999
Net Sales: Net sales for the first three quarters of fiscal 2000 increased
11.2% to $133,913,000 from $120,435,000 for the first three quarters of fiscal
1999. The increase was primarily due to the new store in St. Maarten that opened
June 29, 2000, the two new stores in New Zealand that opened in the fourth
quarter of fiscal 1999, an increase in business sales, and the nine months of
sales for the Curacao store in fiscal 2000 compared to seven months of sales for
the same period of fiscal 1999. The stores in New Zealand were closed in June of
2000. The change in comparable-store sales (stores open for a full 13 months)
was (1.7%).
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The decline in comparable-store sales was primarily due to deteriorating
economies in Guam and Curacao, Netherlands Antilles.
Gross Margin. Gross margin during the first three quarters of fiscal 2000
decreased to 15.2% from 16.6% in the first three 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
increased business sales, which provide a lower gross margin. Excluding the New
Zealand store operations and business sales, store margins were 16.5% for the
first three quarters of fiscal 2000 compared to 16.9% for the first three
quarters of fiscal 1999.
Operating Expenses: Store expenses for the first three quarters of fiscal
2000 increased 20.3% to $16,005,000 from $13,303,000 for the first three
quarters of fiscal 1999. The increase was primarily due to the two new stores in
New Zealand that opened in the fourth quarter of fiscal 1999, the new store in
St. Maarten, and nine months of store expenses for the Curacao store in fiscal
2000 compared to seven months of such expenses for the same period of fiscal
1999. As a percentage of sales, store expenses increased to 12.0% for the first
three quarters of fiscal 2000 compared to 11.0% for the first three quarters of
fiscal 1999. This increase was primarily due to increased utility, rent, repairs
and maintenance, and payroll expenses on relatively flat sales volume.
General and administrative expenses for the first three quarters of fiscal
2000 increased 23.4% to $5,043,000 from $4,087,000 for the first three quarters
of fiscal 1999. The increase was primarily due to a write-off of obsolete
equipment and severance payments. Excluding these non-recurring expenses,
general and administrative expenses for the first three quarters of fiscal 2000
were consistent with the same period in fiscal 1999. General and administrative
expenses were 3.8% of sales in the first three quarters of fiscal 2000 compared
to 3.4% of sales in the first three quarters of fiscal 1999. Excluding the non-
recurring expenses and New Zealand corporate expenses, general and
administrative expenses were 3.1% of sales in the first three quarters of fiscal
2000 and the first three quarters of fiscal 1999.
Store opening expenses were $597,000 in the first three quarters of fiscal
2000 compared to $712,000 in the first three quarters of fiscal 1999. Store
opening expenses were primarily related to the St. Maarten store that opened
June 29, 2000, whereas the expenses in the first three quarters of fiscal 1999
were 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 three 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 agreements, and other costs associated
with the closure of the New Zealand stores. There were no closing expenses in
the first three quarters of fiscal 1999.
Other Income (expense): In the first three quarters of fiscal 2000 there
was a foreign currency transaction expense of $82,000. There was no foreign
currency transaction expense for the first three quarters of fiscal 1999. In the
first three 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 three quarters of fiscal 2000
compared to $73,000 in the first three quarters of fiscal 1999. Interest income
in the first three 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 three quarters of fiscal 2000 increased to $500,000 from $308,000 for
the first three quarters of fiscal 1999. The increase was primarily due to
higher line of credit borrowings and interest on the $2.0 million note for the
construction of the new store in St. Maarten.
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Income Tax Provision: For the first three quarters of fiscal 2000 a tax
provision of $105,000 was recorded on a pre-tax loss of ($5,304,000), compared
to a tax provision of $572,000 recorded on pre-tax income of $1,644,000, for the
first three quarters of fiscal 1999. The decrease in the provision resulted from
the Company providing tax on U.S. Territories and foreign income only for the
first three quarters of fiscal 2000. No taxes were provided on U.S. pre-tax
income as a result of the Company having a U.S. pre-tax loss for the 39 weeks
ended September 24, 2000
Net Income(Loss): The net loss for the first three quarters of fiscal 2000
was ($5,409,000), or ($1.50) per share compared to net income of $1,072,000, or
$0.30 per share, for the first three quarters of fiscal 1999. Diluted weighted
average shares outstanding for the first three quarters of fiscal 2000 were
3,597,555 compared to 3,614,665 for the first three 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 provided by operations was $2,286,000 for the first three quarters
of fiscal 2000 compared to net cash used in operations of $1,841,000 for the
first three quarters of fiscal 1999. The increase in cash generated from
operations resulted from improvements in inventory management and increasing the
percentage of vendor-financed inventory.
Net cash used in investing activities was $3,310,000 and $1,791,000 for the
first three quarters of fiscal 2000 and fiscal 1999, respectively. In the first
three quarters of fiscal 2000, the investment consisted primarily of the
construction of the new store in St. Maarten. In the first three quarters of
fiscal 1999, the investment was primarily equipment for the new store in
Curacao, Netherlands Antilles, and the new stores planned for New Zealand and
St. Maarten.
Net cash provided by financing activities was $1,127,000 and $1,256,000 for
the first three quarters of fiscal 2000 and fiscal 1999, respectively. In the
first three quarters of fiscal 2000, cash was primarily provided by the long-
term loan for the construction of the St. Maarten store and additional
borrowings under the Company's line of credit.
Foreign currency translation losses for the first three quarters of fiscal
2000 was $646,000 compared to $83,000 for the same period in fiscal 1999. The
foreign currency translation loss for the first three 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 September 15, 2000, the Company extended the term of its $8.0 million
line of credit with a financial institution to August 1, 2001. 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 September 24, 2000, there
was $3.1 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 September 24, 2000), or at LIBOR plus 2.0%
(8.6% at September 24, 2000). 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, and debt to tangible net worth. The Company must obtain the consent
of the lender to (i) pay dividends, (ii)
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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 of a specified limit as of and for the year ended
December 31, 2000.
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. The note payable carries
interest at the prime rate plus 1% (10.5% at September 24, 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 September 24, 2000 was
$1,967,000.
PART II - OTHER INFORMATION
ITEM 5 - OTHER INFORMATION
On November 3, 2000, the Company was notified that Nasdaq approved the
Company's application to list on The Nasdaq SmallCap Market. Effective with the
open of business on Tuesday, November 7, 2000, trading in the Company's stock
was moved from The Nasdaq National Market to The Nasdaq SmallCap Market.
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
September 24, 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)
Date November 8, 2000 /s/ J. Jeffrey Meder
------------------ ------------------------------------
J. Jeffrey Meder
President and
Chief Executive Officer
Date November 8, 2000 /s/ Martin P. Moore
------------------ ------------------------------------
Martin P. Moore
Chief Financial Officer
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EXHIBIT INDEX
Exhibit Number Description
- -------------- -----------
27.1 Financial Data Schedule
________________
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