UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION Washington, D.C. 20549 FORM 10-Q [X] QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 For the quarter period ended October 31, 1997 [ ] TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 Commission File Number 0-22289 Wherehouse Entertainment, Inc. (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter) Delaware (State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization) 95-4608339 (I.R.S. Employer Identification Number) 19701 Hamilton Avenue Torrance, California 90502-1334 (Address of principal executive offices including ZIP code) (310) 538-2314 (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 [ ] Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has filed all documents and reports required to be filed by Section 12, 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 subsequent to the distribution of securities under a plan confirmed by a court. Yes [ X ] No [ ] As of October 31, 1997, 10,546,256 shares of the registrant's common stock were issued and outstanding and 619,388 additional shares are expected to be issued pursuant to the bankruptcy plan of reorganization discussed in Item 1 below. INDEX WHEREHOUSE ENTERTAINMENT, INC. Page ---- FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS 3 Part I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION Item 1. Financial Statements Condensed Balance Sheets - October 31, 1997 (Unaudited) and January 31, 1997 4 Condensed Statements of Operations - Three Months Ended October 31, 1997 (New Wherehouse) and 1996 (Old Wherehouse) (Unaudited) 5 Nine Months Ended October 31, 1997 (New Wherehouse) and 1996 (Old Wherehouse) (Unaudited) 5 Condensed Statements of Cash Flows - Nine Months Ended October 31, 1997 (New Wherehouse) and 1996 (Old Wherehouse) (Unaudited) 6 Notes to Condensed Financial Statements 7 Item 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operation 10 Part II. OTHER INFORMATION Item 1. Legal Proceedings 18 Item 2. Changes in Securities 18 Item 3. Defaults Upon Senior Securities 18 Item 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders 18 Item 5. Other Information 18 Item 6. Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K 18 SIGNATURES 19 2 FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS This Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q includes certain statements that may be deemed to be "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. The Sections of this Report containing such forward-looking statements include "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operation," under Item 2 of Part I below. Statements in this Report which address activities, events or developments that the registrant expects or anticipates will or may occur in the future, including such things as the future issuance of shares, future capital expenditures (including the amount and nature thereof), expansion and other developments and technological trends of industry segments in which the registrant is active, business strategies, growth of the registrant's and its competitors' business and operations and other such matters are forward-looking statements. Although the registrant believes the expectations expressed in such forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions within the bounds of its knowledge of its business, a number of factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed in any forward-looking statements, whether oral or written, made by or on behalf of the registrant. The registrant's operations are subject to factors outside its control. Any one, or a combination, of these factors could materially affect the results of the registrant's operations. These factors include: (a) changes in levels of competition from current competitors and potential new competition from both retail stores and alternative methods or channels of distribution such as electronic and telephone shopping services and mail order; (b) loss of a significant vendor or prolonged disruption of product supply; (c) the presence or absence of popular new releases and products in the product categories the registrant represents; (d) changes in levels of consumer spending, especially during seasonally significant periods; (e) changes in the Federal and state income tax rules and regulations or interpretations of existing legislation; (f) changes in the general economic conditions in the United States, and in particular the eight major markets served by the registrant, including, but not limited to consumer sentiment about the economy in general; (g) changes in availability or terms of working capital financing from vendors and lending institutions; (h) adverse results in significant litigation matters; and (i) the ability to attract and retain key personnel. The foregoing should not be construed as an exhaustive list of all factors which could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed in forward-looking statements made by the registrant. Forward-looking statements made by or on behalf of the registrant are based on a knowledge of its business and the environment in which it operates, but because of the factors listed above, actual results may differ from those anticipated results described in those forward-looking statements. Consequently, all of the forward-looking statements made are qualified by these cautionary statements and there can be no assurance that the actual results or developments anticipated by the registrant will be realized or, even if substantially realized, that they will have the expected consequences to or effects on the registrant or its business or operations. 3 PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION ITEM 1. WHEREHOUSE ENTERTAINMENT, INC. CONDENSED BALANCE SHEETS October 31, January 31, 1997 1997 ------------- ------------- (Unaudited) ASSETS Current Assets Cash $ 30,720,000 $ 6,178,000 Receivables 823,000 1,932,000 Prepaid inventory deposits ------ 4,486,000 Merchandise inventory 78,813,000 75,800,000 Other current assets 1,786,000 2,259,000 Rental inventory, net (Note 5) 7,016,000 9,686,000 ------------- ------------- Total current assets 119,158,000 100,341,000 Equipment and improvements, net 19,418,000 21,337,000 Reorganization value in excess of amounts allocable to identifiable assets, net 8,995,000 9,724,000 Deferred taxes 3,000,000 ----- Other assets 275,000 340,000 ------------- ------------- Total assets $ 150,846,000 $ 131,742,000 ------------- ------------- ------------- ------------- LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY Current Liabilities Accounts payable and accrued expenses $ 56,905,000 $ 40,168,000 Current maturities of capital lease obligations and long-term debt 306,000 729,000 ------------- ------------- Total current liabilities 57,211,000 40,897,000 ------------- ------------- Capital lease obligations and long-term debt 637,000 722,000 Notes payable 3,935,000 3,980,000 Other long-term liabilities 3,929,000 2,000,000 ------------- ------------- Shareholders' equity Common stock, $.01 par value, 24,000,000 authorized, 10,546,256 and 10,257,808 issued and outstanding at October 31, 1997 and January 31, 1997, respectively 105,000 103,000 Additional paid-in capital 89,378,000 89,380,000 Retained earnings 1,271,000 ----- Notes receivable (5,620,000) (5,340,000) ------------- ------------- Total shareholders' equity 85,134,000 84,143,000 ------------- ------------- Total liabilities and shareholders' equity $ 150,846,000 $ 131,742,000 ------------- ------------- ------------- ------------- See accompanying notes to Condensed Financial Statements 4 WHEREHOUSE ENTERTAINMENT, INC. CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (Unaudited) New Old New Old Wherehouse Wherehouse Wherehouse Wherehouse ---------------- ---------------- ---------------- ---------------- Three Three Nine Nine Months Ended Months Ended Months Ended Months Ended October 31, 1997 October 31, 1996 October 31, 1997 October 31, 1996 ---------------- ---------------- ---------------- ---------------- Sales $ 60,762,000 $ 63,184,000 $ 184,342,000 $ 200,894,000 Rental revenue 11,199,000 14,960,000 38,682,000 52,409,000 ---------------- ---------------- ---------------- ---------------- 71,961,000 78,144,000 223,024,000 253,303,000 Cost of sales 37,903,000 40,029,000 117,656,000 129,967,000 Costs of rentals, including amortization 6,008,000 9,392,000 21,728,000 27,309,000 ---------------- ---------------- ---------------- ---------------- 43,911,000 49,421,000 139,384,000 157,276,000 Selling, general and administrative expenses 25,195,000 32,510,000 77,302,000 100,279,000 Depreciation & amortization 1,616,000 2,610,000 4,849,000 9,283,000 ---------------- ---------------- ---------------- ---------------- Income (loss) from operations 1,239,000 (6,397,000) 1,489,000 (13,535,000) Interest expense 115,000 281,000 337,000 594,000 Interest income (494,000) (122,000) (1,032,000) (216,000) ---------------- ---------------- ---------------- ---------------- Income (loss) before reorganization items & income taxes 1,618,000 (6,556,000) 2,184,000 (13,913,000) Reorganization items: Professional fees ----- 900,000 ----- 2,686,000 Provision for store closing costs ----- ----- ----- 1,134,000 ---------------- ---------------- ---------------- ---------------- ----- 900,000 ----- 3,820,000 ---------------- ---------------- ---------------- ---------------- Income (loss) before income taxes 1,618,000 (7,456,000) 2,184,000 (17,733,000) ---------------- ---------------- ---------------- ---------------- Provision for income taxes 648,000 ----- 913,000 ----- Net income (loss) $ 970,000 $ (7,456,000) $ 1,271,000 $ (17,733,000) ---------------- ---------------- ---------------- ---------------- ---------------- ---------------- ---------------- ---------------- Net income (loss) per share $ 0.09 $ 0.12 ---------------- ---------------- ---------------- ---------------- Weighted average shares outstanding 10,969,938 10,666,193 ---------------- ---------------- ---------------- ---------------- Number of stores at end of period 230 265 230 265 ---------------- ---------------- ---------------- ---------------- See accompanying notes to Condensed Financial Statements 5 WHEREHOUSE ENTERTAINMENT, INC. CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (Unaudited) New Old Wherehouse Wherehouse ---------------- ---------------- Nine Nine Months Ended Months Ended October 31, 1997 October 31, 1996 ---------------- ---------------- OPERATING ACTIVITIES: Net income (loss) $ 1,271,000 $ (17,733,000) Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities: Depreciation and amortization 4,849,000 9,637,000 Rental amortization included in cost of rental 16,901,000 19,416,000 Book value of rental inventory dispositions, included in cost of rental 3,300,000 7,893,000 Deferred tax (3,000,000) ----- Changes in operating assets and liabilities: Receivables 1,389,000 100,000 Prepaid inventory deposits 4,486,000 5,083,000 Merchandise inventory (3,013,000) (8,925,000) Other current assets 473,000 797,000 Accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities 18,077,000 135,000 Rental inventory purchases (16,773,000) (25,292,000) ---------------- ---------------- Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities 27,960,000 (8,889,000) INVESTING ACTIVITIES: Acquisition of property, equipment and improvements (2,930,000) (1,934,000) Decrease (increase) in other assets and intangibles 65,000 (418,000) ---------------- ---------------- Net cash used in investing activities (2,865,000) (2,352,000) FINANCING ACTIVITIES: Principal payments on capital lease obligations and long-term debt (553,000) (618,000) Short term borrowings ----- 5,934,000 ---------------- ---------------- Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities (553,000) 5,316,000 ---------------- ---------------- Net increase (decrease) in cash 24,542,000 (5,925,000) Cash at beginning of the period 6,178,000 7,353,000 ---------------- ---------------- Cash at end of the period $ 30,720,000 $ 1,428,000 ---------------- ---------------- ---------------- ---------------- Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information Cash paid during the period for: Interest $ 82,042 $ 516,000 Income taxes 1,710,000 25,000 Reorganization items 9,850,000 2,815,000 See accompanying notes to Condensed Financial Statements 6 WHEREHOUSE ENTERTAINMENT, INC. NOTES TO CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited) 1. BASIS OF PRESENTATION The accompanying unaudited condensed financial statements have been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles for interim financial information and with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X. Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and footnotes required by generally accepted accounting principles for complete financial statements. In the opinion of management, all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring accruals) considered necessary for a fair presentation have been included. Operating results for the nine month period ended October 31, 1997 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the year ended January 31, 1998. Certain reclassifications of balances have been made to the 1996 amounts to conform to the 1997 presentation. For further information, refer to the financial statements, and footnotes thereto, included in the Company's reports on Form 10-K for the year ended January 31, 1997. 2. REORGANIZATION UNDER CHAPTER 11 The Company's Plan of Reorganization, (the "Plan") was confirmed by an order of the Bankruptcy Court entered on January 7, 1997. The effective date of the Plan occurred on January 31, 1997. Pursuant to the Plan, Wherehouse Entertainment, Inc. (New Wherehouse) was incorporated on November 15, 1996, as WEI Acquisition Co. On January 31, 1997, New Wherehouse acquired (the Acquisition) substantially all the assets of Wherehouse Dissolution Co. (Old Wherehouse), and its parent company, WEI Holdings, Inc. Prior to the Acquisition, Old Wherehouse was known as "Wherehouse Entertainment, Inc.," and after the Acquisition, Old Wherehouse changed its name to "Wherehouse Dissolution Co." After the Acquisition, New Wherehouse changed its name to "Wherehouse Entertainment, Inc." New Wherehouse and Old Wherehouse are collectively referred to as the Company or Wherehouse where the discussion relates to the continuing business operations of Old Wherehouse and New Wherehouse. Since the Plan Effective Date, the Bankruptcy Court has retained jurisdiction over certain claims and other matters relating to the Debtors' Bankruptcy estates, but the Company has been and is free to carry out its business without oversight by the Bankruptcy Court. For a summary of the Plan, reference is made to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended January 31, 1997. 7 3. FRESH START REPORTING On January 31, 1997, the Company implemented the recommended accounting principles for entities emerging from Chapter 11 set forth in the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants Statement of Position (SOP 90-7) on Financial Reporting by Entities in Reorganization under the Bankruptcy Code (SOP 90-7). This resulted in the use of fresh start reporting, since the reorganization value, as defined, was less than the total of all post-petition liabilities and pre-petition claims, and holders of voting shares immediately before confirmation of the Plan, received less than fifty percent of the voting shares of the emerging entity. Under this SOP, all assets and liabilities were restated to reflect the reorganization value of the reorganized entity, which approximated its fair value at the date of reorganization. In addition, the accumulated deficit of the Company was eliminated and its capital structure was recast in conformity with the Plan. As such, the accompanying Company balance sheet as of January 31, 1997, represents that of a successor company which, in effect, is a new entity with assets, liabilities and a capital structure having carrying values not comparable with prior periods and with no beginning retained earnings or deficit. In addition, the Company selected certain accounting policies adopted at New Wherehouse's inception which are not consistent with those used by Old Wherehouse. Accordingly, the results of operations of New Wherehouse may not be comparable to those of Old Wherehouse. During the quarter ending January 31, 1998, the Company expects to record reclassification adjustments on the initial allocation of reorganization valuation as of January 31, 1997, based on final analysis and appraisals being obtained. 4. REVOLVING CREDIT FACILITY Pursuant to the Plan, the Company entered into a loan and security agreement with Congress Financial Corporation (Western) (the Congress Facility), which provides a borrowing capacity of up to $30,000,000 with a letter of credit subfacility of $10,000,000, subject to borrowing base limitations based upon, among other things, the value of certain eligible merchandise inventory. The Congress Facility prohibits the Company from declaring or paying dividends on its classes of capital stock, including the common stock, in excess of an aggregate of $6.0 million, unless certain financial performance targets set forth in the Congress Facility are met. As of October 31, 1997, there were no borrowings outstanding under the Congress Facility, although $700,000 of letters of credit were outstanding. 5. RENTAL INVENTORY AMORTIZATION On January 31, 1997, the Company adopted a more accelerated method of amortization under which rental inventory is amortized using the straight-line method over a three-month period with a salvage value of $3.00 per unit. The previous method amortized rental inventory over a three year period for video cassettes and a two year period for video games. 8 6. RESTATEMENT OF PRIOR QUARTERS The Company will be amending its previously issued reports on Form 10-Q for quarters ended April 30, 1997 and July 31, 1997 to reflect adjustments primarily to depreciation and amortization expense resulting from changes in the initial allocation of assets related to the Company's fresh start reporting. These changes were based on analysis and appraisals received by the Company, during the third quarter. The impact on the first two quarters of fiscal year ending January 31, 1998 were as follows: 3 MONTHS ENDING 3 MONTHS ENDING APRIL 30, 1997 JULY 31, 1997 --------------- --------------- Previously Previously Reported Restated Reported Restated ------------ ---------- ---------- --------- Income (loss) from operations $(1,430,000) $(524,000) $ 177,000 $ 774,000 Net income (loss) (830,000) (286,000) (230,000) 588,000 Net income (loss) per share $ (.08) $ (.03) $ (.02) $ .06 9 WHEREHOUSE ENTERTAINMENT, INC. ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF THE FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATION INTRODUCTION This discussion should be read in conjunction with the financial statements, related notes and Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operation contained in the Company's Reports on Form 10-K for the year ended January 31, 1997. RESULTS OF OPERATIONS FOR THE QUARTERS ENDED OCTOBER 31, 1997 AND OCTOBER 31, 1996 Net revenues were $71.9 million and $78.1 million for the quarters ended October 31, 1997 and October 31, 1996, respectively. The Company believes that the decrease of $6.2 million, or 7.9%, was principally due to the closure of underperforming stores during the fiscal year ended January 31, 1997, as well as continued competitive and economic pressures in certain of the Company's markets. A summary of total net merchandise sales and rental revenues, by product category, is provided below: NET MERCHANDISE SALES AND RENTAL REVENUES BY MERCHANDISE CATEGORY (Dollar Amounts in Millions) Quarter Ended October 31, 1997 1996 ---- ---- Net Merchandise Sales: Music $ 53.0 $ 54.8 Other, principally sales of new video cassettes, video game software and hardware, general merchandise and ticket commissions. 7.7 8.4 ----- ----- Total merchandise sales $ 60.7 $ 63.2 ------ ------ Rental Revenue Video cassette and other rental revenue $ 11.2 $ 14.9 ----- ----- Total rental revenue $ 11.2 $ 14.9 ----- ----- Total revenues $ 71.9 $ 78.1 ----- ----- ----- ----- The sale of pre-recorded music, new video cassettes, video game software and hardware and general merchandise continue to represent the greatest portion of the Company's revenues. 10 For the quarter ended October 31, 1997, net merchandise sales represented 84.5% of aggregate revenues. On a same-store basis, net merchandise sales increased by 6.6% during the quarter ended October 31, 1997, as compared to the quarter ended October 31, 1996. Net merchandise sales were $60.7 million versus $63.2 million for the quarters ended October 31, 1997 and October 31, 1996, respectively, representing an overall decrease of 4.0%. The decrease of 4.0% was largely the result of the closure of underperforming stores during the fiscal year ended January 31, 1997. Rental revenue includes the revenues from the rental of video cassettes, video games, game players and audio cassette books and revenues from the sale of previously used video cassettes and video games. Approximately 170 of the Company's stores currently offer rental products. Rental revenue was $11.2 million versus $14.9 million during the quarters ended October 31, 1997 and October 31, 1996, respectively, representing a decrease of $3.7 million or 24.8%. On a same-store basis, rental revenue decreased approximately 20.0% as compared to the prior year. The Company believes that the decrease in same-store rental revenue was primarily attributable to continued competition and a general softening in rental video spending nationwide. During the quarter ended October 31, 1997, the Company decreased its purchases of video rental product by $2.7 million or 39.3% versus the same quarter of the prior year. Cost of sales decreased $2.1 million to $37.9 million for the quarter ended October 31, 1997 versus $40.0 million for the quarter ended October 31, 1996, representing a decrease of 5.3%. As a percentage of net merchandise sales, costs of sales decreased 1.0% to 62.4% during the quarter ended October 31, 1997 versus 63.4% during the quarter ended October 31, 1996. The 1.0% decrease in cost of sales as a percentage of net merchandise sales was primarily due to lower obsolescence provisions resulting from improved inventory management. Cost of rentals, including amortization, decreased to $6.0 million during the quarter ended October 31, 1997, a decrease of $3.4 million or 36.0%, versus $9.4 million during the quarter ended October 31, 1996. As a percentage of rental revenue, cost of rentals decreased to 53.6% during the quarter ended October 31, 1997 versus 62.8% during the quarter ended October 31, 1996, representing a decrease of 9.2%. The 9.2% decrease in cost of rentals is the result of a higher than normal charge for excess video liquidation in the prior year, which more than offsets the current year impact of the adoption of a more accelerated method of amortization of rental product. If Old Wherehouse had adopted this accelerated method of amortization as of January 31, 1996, cost of rentals during the quarter ended October 31, 1996 would have been lower (and gross profit higher, because the cost associated with the write down of excess video rental product last year would have been incurred as part of the accounting changes, for the fiscal year ending January 31, 1966) by approximately $1.7 million, since a significant portion of the charge taken in that quarter would have been recognized as of January 31, 1996, as a result of the change in method. Merchandise sales as a percentage of aggregate net revenues increased 3.5% to 84.4% during the quarter ended October 31, 1997 versus 80.9% during the quarter ended October 31, 1996. 11 Selling, general and administrative expenses, were $25.2 million versus $32.5 million for the quarters ended October 31, 1997 and October 31, 1996, respectively, a decrease of $7.3 million or 22.5%. As a percentage of net revenues, selling, general and administrative expenses, were 35.0% during the quarter ended October 31, 1997 versus 41.6% during the quarter ended October 31, 1996, representing a decrease of 6.6%. The 6.6% decrease was principally due to reductions in rent and occupancy costs through landlord concessions, decreases in non-music advertising spending and decreases in other corporate and store expense categories. Income from operations for the quarter ended October 31, 1997 was $1.2 million as compared to a loss from operations of $6.4 million for the quarter ended October 31, 1996, an improvement of $7.6 million. As mentioned previously, the Company adopted an accelerated method of amortization for rental inventory at January 31, 1997. If the Company had adopted the accelerated method at January 31, 1996, loss from operations for the quarter ended October 31, 1996 would have been $1.7 million lower than reported. Including the impact of the change in the method of amortization of rental inventory, if it had been adopted by Old Wherehouse at January 31, 1996, income from operations for the period ended October 31, 1997 was $5.9 million higher than that experienced for the period ended October 31, 1996. The improvement in income from operations was primarily the result of the closure of underperforming stores during the fiscal year ended January 31,1997, reductions in rent and occupancy costs through landlord concessions, decreases in non-music advertising expense, and increased merchandise sales that more than offset the decline in rental revenue. Management believes that EBITDA (Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation and Amortization) is a measurement tool commonly used among retailers to evaluate, for internal purposes, the relative earning power of the business. The merchandising format employed by the Company includes merchandise offered for sale, as well as the rental of video cassettes, video games and game players. Product purchased for rental purposes is recorded as an asset and is amortized over a three month period, using a half-month convention in the month of acquisition. Rental product amortization is included in cost of rental in the Company's income statement. Management believes that the difference between the cost of rental amortization of current rental inventory and book value of rental dispositions, versus the rental product purchases during the period, is an additional indicator that should be taken into account in assessing the earning power of the Company. It is management's belief that due to the combined format of rental product and sale merchandise, a more appropriate calculation of EBITDA (hereinafter referred to as Adjusted EBITDA) should include the net difference between rental amortization and book value of rental dispositions, versus rental inventory purchased during the period. The schedule below shows the results of this calculation. This measurement is not intended to replace the Balance Sheet, Statement of Operations and Statement of Cash Flow included in this document. Rather, it is presented as supplementary information. 12 ADJUSTED EBITDA THREE MONTHS ENDED OCTOBER 31, 1997 ------------------- Income from Operations $1,239,000 Add back: Depreciation on equipment and amortization on improvements $1,616,000 ---------- Subtotal $2,855,000 Add: Book value of rental dispositions (excluding dispositions outside the normal course of operations) $ 445,000 Rental amortization in cost of rental $4,725,000 Less: Costs of rental inventory purchases $4,105,000 ---------- Adjusted EBITDA $3,920,000 ---------- ---------- Reorganization items include costs related to the bankruptcy case including professional fees for legal and financial advisors, costs related to the closing of stores, and the estimated cost associated with the rejection of certain executory contracts. For the quarter ended October 31, 1996, the Company reported total reorganization items of $.9 million. The Company recorded a tax provision of $0.7 million for the quarter ended October 31, 1997, but did not record any tax benefit for the quarter ended October 31, 1996. The provision represents an effective tax rate of 40% which the Company estimates will be its effective tax rate for the year ended January 31, 1998. The Company is currently under audit by the California Franchise Tax Board ("FTB") for tax years January 31, 1992, 1993 and 1994. The Company believes that it has made adequate provision in the financial statements for the outcome of this audit. FOR NINE MONTHS ENDED OCTOBER 31, 1997 AND OCTOBER 31, 1996 Net revenues were $223.1 million and $253.3 million for the nine months ended October 31, 1997 and October 31, 1996, respectively. The Company believes that the decrease of $30.2 million, or 11.9%, was principally due to the closure of underperforming stores during the fiscal year ended January 31, 1997 as well as continued competitive and economic pressures in certain of the Company's markets. 13 A summary of total net merchandise sales and rental revenues, by product category, is provided below: NET MERCHANDISE SALES AND RENTAL REVENUES BY MERCHANDISE CATEGORY (Dollar Amounts in Millions) Nine Months Ended October 31, 1997 1996 ---- ---- Net Merchandise Sales: Music $ 160.6 $ 172.5 Other, principally sales of new video cassettes, video game software and hardware, general merchandise and ticket commissions 23.0 28.4 ------- ------- Total merchandise sales $ 184.4 $ 200.9 ------- ------- Rental Revenue Video cassette and other rental revenue $ 37.3 $ 52.4 Video cassette liquidation 1.4 0.0 ------- ------- Total rental revenue $ 38.7 52.4 ------- ------- Total revenues $ 223.1 $ 253.3 ------- ------- ------- ------- The sale of pre-recorded music, new video cassettes, video game software and hardware and general merchandise continue to represent the greatest portion of the Company's revenues. Net merchandise sales were $184.4 million versus $200.9 million for the nine months ended October 31, 1997 and October 31, 1996, respectively, representing an overall decrease of 8.2%. The decrease of 8.2% was largely the result of the closure of underperforming stores during the fiscal year ended January 31, 1997. For the nine months ended October 31, 1997, net merchandise sales represented 82.7% of aggregate revenues. On a same-store basis, net merchandise sales increased by 5.0% during the nine months ended October 31, 1997, as compared to the nine months ended October 31, 1996. Rental revenue includes the revenues from the rental of video cassettes, video games, game players and audio cassette books and revenues from the sale of previously used videocassettes and video games. Approximately 170 of the Company's stores currently offer rental products. Rental revenue was $38.7 million versus $52.4 million during the nine months ended October 31, 1997 and October 31, 1996, respectively, representing a decrease of $13.7 million or 26.2%. On a same-store basis rental revenue for the nine months ended October 31, 1997 decreased approximately 23.0%. The Company believes that the decrease in same-store rental revenue was primarily attributable to continued competition and a general softening in rental video spending nationwide. During the nine months ended October 31, 1997, the Company decreased its purchases of video rental product by $8.5 million or 33.7% versus the same nine months of the prior year. 14 Included in rental revenue for the nine months ended October 31, 1997 was approximately $1.4 million of revenue from the liquidation of excess video catalog inventory (outside the normal course of operations). The Company may experience continued excess video liquidations during the remainder of the current fiscal year. The Company believes it has adequately provided for the costs resulting from this liquidation. Cost of sales decreased $12.3 million to $117.7 million for the nine months ended October 31, 1997, versus $130.0 million for the nine months ended October 31, 1996, representing a decrease of 9.5%. As a percentage of net merchandise sales, cost of sales decreased 0.9% to 63.8% during the nine months ended October 31, 1997 versus 64.7% during the nine months ended October 31, 1996. The 0.9% decrease in cost of sales as a percentage of net merchandise sales was principally due to lower obsolescence provisions resulting from improvements in inventory management and higher discounts. Cost of rentals, including amortization, decreased to $21.7 million during the nine months ended October 31, 1997, a decrease of $5.6 million or 21.0%, versus $27.3 million during the nine months ended October 31, 1996. As a percentage of rental revenue, cost of rentals increased to 56.2% during the nine months ended October 31, 1997 versus 52.1% during the nine months ended October 31, 1996, representing an increase of 4.1%. The 4.1% increase in cost of rentals is primarily due to the impact of the revenue shortfall. If Old Wherehouse had adopted this accelerated method of amortization as of January 31, 1996, cost of rentals during the nine months ended October 31, 1996 would have been higher (and gross profit lower) by approximately $0.2 million. Merchandise sales as a percentage of aggregate net revenues increased 3.2% to 82.5% during the nine months ended October 31, 1997 versus 79.3% during the nine months ended October 31, 1996. Selling, general and administrative expenses, were $77.3 million versus $100.3 million for the nine months ended October 31, 1997 and October 31, 1996, respectively, a decrease of $23.0 million or 22.9%. As a percentage of net revenues, selling, general and administrative expenses, were 34.7% during the nine months ended October 31, 1997 versus 39.6% during the nine months ended October 31, 1996, representing a decrease of 4.9%. The 4.9% decrease was principally due to the closure of underperforming stores during the fiscal year ended January 31, 1997, reductions in rent and occupancy costs through landlord concessions, decreases in non-music advertising spending and other decreases in corporate and store expense categories. Income from operations for the nine months ended October 31, 1997 was $1.5 million as compared to a loss from operations of $13.5 million for October 31, 1996, an improvement of $15.0 million. As mentioned previously, the Company adopted an accelerated method of amortization for rental inventory at January 31, 1997. If the Company had adopted the accelerated method at January 31, 1996, the loss from operations for the nine months ended October 31, 1996 would have been $13.8 million. Including the impact of the change in the method of amortization of rental inventory, if it had been adopted by Old Wherehouse at January 31, 1996 income from operations for the nine months ended October 31, 1997 was $14.7 million higher than that 15 experienced for the nine months ended October 31, 1996. The improvement in income from operations was primarily the result of the closure of underperforming stores during the fiscal year ended January 31, 1997, reductions in rent and occupancy costs through landlord concessions, decreases in non-music advertising expense, and increased merchandise sales that more than offset the decline in rental revenue. Management believes that EBITDA (Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation and Amortization) is a measurement tool commonly used among retailers to evaluate, for internal purposes, the relative earning power of the business. The merchandising format employed by the Company includes merchandise offered for sale, as well as the rental of video cassettes, video games and game players. Product purchased for rental purposes is recorded as an asset and is amortized over a three month period, using a half-month convention in the month of acquisition. Rental product amortization is included in cost of rental in the Company's income statement. Management believes that the difference between the cost of rental amortization of current rental inventory and the book value of rental dispositions, versus the rental product purchases during the period, is an additional indicator that should be taken into account in assessing the earning power of the Company. It is management's belief that due to the combined format of rental product and sale merchandise, a more appropriate calculation of EBITDA (hereinafter referred to as Adjusted EBITDA) should include the net difference between rental amortization and the book value of rental dispositions, versus rental inventory purchased during the period. The schedule below shows the results of this calculation. This measurement is not intended to replace the Balance Sheet, Statement of Operations and Statement of Cash Flow included in this document. ADJUSTED EBITDA NINE MONTHS ENDED OCTOBER 31, 1997 ----------------- Income from Operations $1,489,000 Add back: Depreciation on equipment and amortization on improvements $4,849,000 ---------- Subtotal $6,338,000 Add: Book value of rental dispositions (excluding dispositions outside the normal course of operations) $1,879,000 Rental amortization in cost of rental $16,901,000 Less: Costs of rental inventory purchases $16,773,000 ----------- Adjusted EBITDA $8,345,000 ---------- ---------- 16 Reorganization items in 1996 include costs related to the bankruptcy case, including professional fees for legal and financial advisors, costs related to the closing of stores, and the estimated costs associated with the rejection of certain executory contracts. The Company recorded a tax provision of $0.9 million for the nine months ended October 31, 1997 but did not record any tax benefit for nine months ended October 31, 1996. The tax provision benefit represents an effective tax rate of 40% which the Company estimates will be its effective tax rate for the year ended January 31, 1998. LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES During the nine months ended October 31, 1997, the Company's net cash provided by operating activities increased by $36.9 million to $28.0 million. The $36.9 million increase in cash from operating activities, was primarily due to improvements in operating performance as well as increased payables and accrued expenses and reductions in prepaids and other current assets. Cash used in investing activities increased by $0.5 million to $2.9 million during the nine months ended October 31, 1997 from $2.4 million during the nine months ended October 31, 1996, principally due to increased acquisitions of property, equipment and improvements. The Company believes that the combined impact of the current borrowing facility (see Note 4 under Notes to Condensed Financial Statements), existing cash on hand and net cash provided by operations is adequate to support existing operations for the next twelve months. The Company expects to make additional payments to creditors, professionals and others of up to $3.5 million through the end of the current fiscal year under its Plan of Reorganization. As of October 31, 1997 the Company has renewed six leases for existing stores and did not sign any lease commitments to open new stores during the next twelve months. The Company has plans to close seven stores at the end of the quarter ending January 31, 1998, and is evaluating as many as six additional stores which may be closed if the Company is unable to reach mutually acceptable lease terms with landlords. Of the seven stores planned to close, three are the result of lease expiration, and four are the result of the exercise of previously negotiated right to terminate provisions. The Company has assessed its information systems compliance with year 2000 requirements and anticipates the need for future commitments in order to be in full compliance. SEASONALITY The Company's business is seasonal, and revenues and operating income are highest during the fourth quarter. 17 PART II OTHER INFORMATION Item 1. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS The Company is a party to various other claims, legal actions and complaints arising in the ordinary course of its business. In the opinion of management, all such matters are without merit or involve such amounts that unfavorable disposition will not have a material impact on the financial position and results of operations of the Company. ITEM 2. CHANGES IN SECURITIES None ITEM 3. DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES None ITEM 4. SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS Not applicable. ITEM 5. OTHER INFORMATION None. ITEM 6. EXHIBITS AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K (a) Exhibits 27.0 Financial Data Schedule (b) Current Reports on Form 8-K None. 18 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. WHEREHOUSE ENTERTAINMENT, INC. Date: December 22, 1997 /s/ Antonio C. Alvarez ----------------------------- ANTONIO C. ALVAREZ Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer, and Director (Principal Executive Officer) Date: December 22, 1997 /s/ Robert S. Kelleher ----------------------------- ROBERT S. KELLEHER Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer (Principal Financial and Accounting Officer) 19