UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-Q

(Mark One)

[ X ] QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE
SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the quarterly period ended November 26, 2005

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 1-8546

SYMS CORP
(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter)

NEW JERSEY  22-2465228 
(State or Other Jurisdiction of  (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.) 
Incorporation or Organization)   
 
 
Syms Way, Secaucus, New Jersey  07094 
(Address of Principal Executive Offices)  (Zip Code) 

(201) 902-9600
(Registrant’s Telephone Number, Including Area Code)

Not applicable
(Former Name, Former Address and Former Fiscal Year, if Changed Since Last Report)

      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 is an accelerated filer (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).  Yes __     No [ X ]

      At December 30, 2005, the latest practicable date, there were 14,933,587 shares outstanding of Common Stock, par value $0.05 per share.





SYMS CORP AND ITS SUBSIDIARY

 

INDEX

 
    PAGE NO. 
PART I.  Financial Information   
   
Item 1.  Financial Statements (Unaudited) 
     
  Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets as of November 26, 2005,  
  February 26, 2005 and November 27, 2004 1 
       
  Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations for the 13 Weeks    
  and 39 Weeks Ended November 26, 2005 and November 27, 2004 2 
       
  Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the 39 Weeks    
  Ended November 26, 2005 and November 27, 2004 3 
     
  Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements 4-6 
   
Item 2.  Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition 
  and Results of Operations 6-10 
     
Item 3.  Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk  10
     
Item 4.  Controls and Procedures  10
 
PART II.  Other Information 
     
  Item 1.   Legal Proceedings  11
  Item 2.   Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds  11
  Item 3.   Defaults Upon Senior Securities  11
  Item 4.   Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders  11
  Item 5.   Other Information  11
  Item 6.   Exhibits  11
 
SIGNATURES  12



SYMS CORP AND ITS SUBSIDIARY

 

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets

(In thousands)

  November 26,   February 26,   November 27,  
  2005   2005(1)   2004  
 
 
 
 
  (Unaudited)   (See Note)   (Unaudited)  
ASSETS            
CURRENT ASSETS:            
   Cash and cash equivalents  $     23,724   $     31,669   $     29,782  
   Receivables  5,824   3,475   7,694  
   Merchandise inventories  84,553   66,124   89,883  
   Deferred income taxes  6,382   6,382   3,627  
   Assets held for sale  7,900   6,878   -  
  Prepaid expenses and other current assets  5,966   5,502   5,623  
 
 
 
 
     TOTAL CURRENT ASSETS  134,349   120,030   136,609  
 
 
 
 
PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT - Net  105,044   110,614   119,172  
DEFERRED INCOME TAXES  7,213   7,212   11,094  
OTHER ASSETS  17,132   15,952   15,373  
 
 
 
 
     TOTAL ASSETS  $     263,738   $     253,808   $     282,248  
 
 
 
 
 
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY   
CURRENT LIABILITIES:   
   Accounts payable  $     38,877   $     16,114   $     43,064  
   Accrued expenses  11,696   7,535   11,410  
   Accrued insurance  458   570   707  
   Obligations to customers  3,391   3,383   3,745  
 
 
 
 
     TOTAL CURRENT LIABILITIES  54,422   27,602   58,926  
 
 
 
 
OTHER LONG TERM LIABILITIES  1,542   1,610   1,712  
 
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES       
 
SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY   
   Preferred stock, par value; $100 per share. Authorized 1,000 shares;   
   none outstanding       
   Common stock, par value $0.05 per share. Authorized 30,000 shares;   
   14,934 shares (net of 3,328 treasury shares) outstanding on November 26,   
   2005, 15,087 shares outstanding (net of 3,055 treasury shares) as of   
   February 26, 2005 and 15,176 shares outstanding (net of 2,954 treasury   
   shares) outstanding as of November 27, 2004.  769   763   763  
   Additional paid-in capital  16,300   15,496   15,128  
   Treasury stock  (29,649 )  (26,013 )  (24,744 ) 
   Retained earnings  220,354   234,350   230,463  
 
 
 
 
     TOTAL SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY  207,774   224,596   221,610  
 
 
 
 
 
     TOTAL LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY  $     263,738   $     253,808   $     282,248  
 
 
 
 

(1)      The balance sheet at February 26, 2005 has been derived from the audited financial statements at that date but does not include all of the information and footnotes required by accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America for complete financial statements.
 

See Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

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SYMS CORP AND ITS SUBSIDIARY

 

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations

(In thousands, except per share amounts)

 

  13 Weeks Ended   39 Weeks Ended  
 
 
 
  November 26,   November 27,   November 26,   November 27,  
  2005   2004   2005   2004  
 
 
 
 
 
  (Unaudited)    (Unaudited)   
                         
Net sales  $  74,694   $  75,980   $  203,583   $  205,555  
Cost of goods sold    44,856     45,906     120,918     124,056  


 

 

 

 
Gross profit    29,838     30,074     82,665     81,499  
 
Expenses:                 
Selling, general and administrative    18,323     18,367     55,058     56,326  
Advertising    3,266     3,269     7,015     6,911  
Occupancy    4,371     4,165     12,979     12,995  
Depreciation and amortization    2,179     2,291     6,596     7,316  
(Gain) loss on sale of assets        (721 )        550  




 


 
Income (loss) from operations    1,699     2,703     1,017     (2,599 ) 
Other income    (25 )    (17 )    (50 )    (46 ) 
Interest (income) expense - net    (210 )    (98 )    (624 )    (228 ) 


 

 

 

 
Income (loss) before income taxes    1,934     2,818     1,691     (2,325 ) 
Provision (benefit) for income taxes    754     800     659     (615 ) 


 

 

 

 
Net income (loss)  $  1,180   $  2,018   $  1,032   $  (1,710 ) 


 

 

 

 
Net income (loss) per share - basic  $  0.08   $  0.13   $  0.07   $  (0.11 ) 


 

 

 

 
Weighted average shares                 
       outstanding - basic    14,963     15,175     14,981     15,141  


 

 

 

 
Net income (loss) per share - diluted  $  0.08   $  0.13   $  0.07   $  (0.11 ) 


 

 

 

 
Weighted average shares                 
       outstanding - diluted    15,285     15,898     15,295     15,141  


 

 

 

 

See Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

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SYMS CORP AND ITS SUBSIDIARY


 

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

(In thousands)

 

  39 Weeks Ended  
 
 
  November 26,   November 27,  
  2005   2004  
 
 
 
  (Unaudited)  
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:         
     Net income (loss)  $  1,032   $  (1,710 ) 


 

 
 
     Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash         
             provided by operating activities:         
     Depreciation and amortization    6,596     7,316  
     Deferred income taxes    (1 )     
     (Gain) loss on sale of assets    (7 )    703  
     (Increase) decrease in operating assets:         
             Receivables    (2,349 )    (3,890 ) 
             Merchandising inventories    (18,429 )    (20,657 ) 
             Prepaid expenses and other current assets    (464 )    (1,613 ) 
             Other assets    (1,193 )    (1,393 ) 
     Increase (decrease) in operating liabilities:         
           Accounts payable    22,763     26,910  
           Accrued expenses    4,049     3,139  
           Obligations to customers    8     175  
           Other long term liabilities    (68 )    (150 ) 


 

 
                   Net cash provided by operating activities    11,937     8,830  


 

 
 
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:         
     Proceeds from sale of land        3,098  
     Expenditures for property and equipment    (2,035 )    (2,133 ) 
     Proceeds from sale of building    7     96  




 
                   Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities    (2,028 )    1,061  


 

 
 
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:         
     Payment of dividends    (15,028 )     
     Exercise of stock options    810     897  
     Stock repurchase    (3,636 )    (751 ) 


 

 
                   Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities    (17,854 )    146  


 

 
 
NET INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS    (7,945 )    10,037  
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, BEGINNING OF PERIOD    31,669     19,745  


 

 
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, END OF PERIOD  $  23,724   $  29,782  


 

 
 
SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION:         
     Cash paid during the period for:         
           Interest  $  109   $  40  


 

 
           Income taxes paid (net of refunds received)  $  399   $  (1,418 ) 


 

 

See Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

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SYMS CORP AND ITS SUBSIDIARY

 

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
13 and 39 Weeks Ended November 26, 2005 and November 27, 2004

(Unaudited)

Note 1 - The Company

Syms Corp (the “Company”) operates a chain of 37 “off-price” retail clothing stores located throughout the United States in Northeastern and Middle Atlantic regions and in the Midwest, Southeast and Southwest. Each Syms store offers a broad range of first quality, in season merchandise bearing nationally recognized designer or brand-name labels for men, women and children.

Note 2 - Basis of Presentation

The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated 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 13 and 39 week periods ended November 26, 2005 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the entire fiscal year ending February 25, 2006. For further information, refer to the consolidated financial statements and footnotes thereto included in the Company’s annual report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended February 26, 2005.

Note 3 - Accounting Period

The Company’s fiscal year ends the Saturday nearest to the end of February. The fiscal year ending February 25, 2006 will be comprised of 52 weeks. The fiscal year ended February 26, 2005 was comprised of 52 weeks.

Note 4 - Merchandise Inventories

Merchandise inventories are stated at the lower of cost (first in, first out) or market, as determined by the retail inventory method.

Note 5 - Bank Credit Facilities

The Company has a revolving credit agreement with a bank for a line of credit not to exceed $30,000,000 through May 1, 2008. The agreement contains financial covenants, with respect to consolidated tangible net worth, as defined as working capital and maximum capital requirements, including dividends (defined to include cash repurchases of capital stock), as well as other financial ratios. The Company is in compliance with all covenants as of November 26, 2005. Except for funds provided from this revolving credit agreement, the Company has satisfied its operating and capital expenditure requirements, including those for the operations and expansion of stores, from internally generated funds. As of November 26, 2005, February 26, 2005 and November 27, 2004, there were no outstanding borrowings under this agreement. At November 26, 2005, February 26, 2005 and November 27, 2004, the Company had $682,957, $744,517 and $622,000 respectively, in outstanding letters of credit under this agreement.

In addition, the Company has a separate $10,000,000 credit facility with another bank available for the issuance of letters of credit for the purchase of foreign merchandise. This agreement may be canceled at any time by either party. The Company is not currently using this facility.

Note 6 - Net Income (Loss) Per Share

In accordance with SFAS 128, basic net income or loss per share has been computed based upon the weighted average of the common shares outstanding. Diluted net income per share gives effect to outstanding stock options.

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Net income/(loss) per share has been computed as follows:


    13 Weeks Ended   39 Weeks Ended  
   
 
 
    Nov. 26, 2005   Nov. 27, 2004   Nov. 26, 2005   Nov. 27, 2004  
   
 
 
 
 
  Basic net income per share:                 
  Net income (loss) 1,180    2,018    1,032    (1,710 ) 
  Average shares outstanding 14,963    15,175    14,981    15,141  
 
  Basic net income (loss) per share  0.08    0.13    0.07    (0.11 ) 
 
  Diluted net income per share:   
  Net income (loss) 1,180    2,018    1,032    (1,710 ) 
  Average shares outstanding 14,963    15,175    14,981    15,141  
  Stock options 322    723    314    0  
  Total average equivalent shares 15,285    15,898    15,295    15,141  
  Diluted net income (loss) per share 0.08    0.13    0.07    (0.11 ) 

In periods with losses, options were excluded from the computation of diluted net income per share because the effect would be anti-dilutive.

Options to purchase 739,261 and 723,450 shares of common stock at prices ranging from $5.21 to $15.01 per share were outstanding as of November 26, 2005 and November 27, 2004, respectively. For the 13 and 39 weeks ended November 26, 2005, 97,500 shares were not included in the computation of diluted net income per share because the exercise price of the option exceeded our market price and would have been anti-dilutive. For the 13 weeks ended November 27, 2004, all shares were included in the computation of diluted net income per share.

Note 7 – Recent Accounting Pronouncements

     In December 2004, the FASB issued SFAS 123R, "Share-Based Payment." This statement is a revision of SFAS 123, "Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation" and supersedes APB 25, "Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees," and is effective as of the beginning of the first annual reporting period that begins after June 15, 2005. SFAS 123R establishes standards on accounting for transactions in which an entity obtains employee services in share-based payment transactions. This statement requires measurement of the cost of employee services received in exchange for an award of equity instruments based on the grant-date fair value of the award. That cost will be recognized over the period during which an employee is required to provide service in exchange for the award, which is usually the vesting period. SFAS 123R also addresses transactions in which an entity incurs liabilities in exchange for goods or services that are based on the fair value of the entity's equity instruments or that may be settled by the issuance of those equity instruments. The adoption of this statement is not expected to have a material effect on our financial position or results of operations. We intend to implement this statement in our first quarter of 2006.

     In December 2004, the FASB issued SFAS 151, "Inventory Costs," which is effective for inventory costs incurred during fiscal years beginning after June 15, 2005. This statement amends ARB No. 43, Chapter 4, "Inventory Pricing," to clarify the accounting for abnormal amounts of idle facility expense, freight, handling costs and wasted material (spoilage). SFAS 151 requires that these items be recognized as current-period charges regardless of whether they meet the criterion of "so abnormal". In addition, allocation of fixed production overheads to the costs of conversion must be based on the normal capacity of the production facilities. The adoption of this statement has not had a material effect on our financial position or results of operations.

     In November 2004, the FASB issued Emerging Issues Task Force ("EITF") 03-13, "Applying the Conditions in Paragraph 42 of SFAS 144, Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets, in Determining Whether to Report Discontinued Operations." This guidance is applied to a component of an enterprise that is either disposed of or classified as "held for sale" in fiscal periods after December 15, 2004. The application of this

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guidance was adopted in December 2004, as permitted, and had no material effect on our financial position or results of operations.

Note 8 – Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation

The Company complies with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 123, “Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation” (“SFAS No. 123”). This statement defines a fair value based method whereby compensation cost is measured at the grant date based on the fair value of the award and is recognized over the service period, which is usually the vesting period. Under SFAS No. 123, companies are encouraged, but are not required, to adopt the fair value method of accounting for employee stock-based transactions. The Company accounts for such transactions under Accounting Principles Board Opinion No. 25, Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees, but discloses pro forma net income (loss) as if the Company had applied the SFAS No. 123 method of accounting.

Pro forma information, assuming the Company had accounted for its employee stock options granted under the fair value method prescribed by SFAS No. 123, as amended by Financial Accounting Standards Board Statement No. 148, “Accounting for Stock Based Compensation – Transition and Disclosure, an Amendment of FASB Statement No. 123,” is presented below. The fair value of each option grant is estimated on the date of each grant using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model. The fair value of each option is estimated on the date of each grant using the Black-Scholes option pricing model. The Company granted 97,500 options in the 39 weeks ended November 26, 2005, and there were no stock options granted in the 39 weeks ended November 27, 2004.

 

  13 Weeks Ended   39 Weeks Ended  
 
 
 
  11/26/05   11/27/04   11/26/05   11/27/04  
 
 
 
 
 
Net income/(loss):  $1,180   $2,018   $1,032   ($1,710 ) 
 
Total stock-based employee compensation         
expense determined under fair value based         
method for all awards, net of related tax effects  ($0 )  ($0 )  ($773 )  ($0 ) 
 
 
 
 
 
Pro forma net income/(loss)  $1,180   $2,018   $259   ($1,710 ) 
 
 
 
 
 
Earnings (loss) per share:         
 
Basic, as reported  $0.08   $0.13   $0.07   ($0.11 ) 
Basic, pro forma  $0.08   $0.13   $0.02   ($0.11 ) 
Diluted, as reported  $0.08   $0.13   $0.07   ($0.11 ) 
Diluted, pro forma  $0.08   $0.13   $0.02   ($0.11 ) 


     This pro forma information may not be representative of the amounts expected in future years as the fair value method of accounting prescribed by SFAS No. 123 has not been applied to options granted prior to fiscal 1996.

Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition
  and Results of Operations

Special Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

     This Quarterly Report (including but not limited to factors discussed below, in the “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations,” as well as those discussed elsewhere in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q) includes forward-looking statements (within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended and Section 21E of the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, as amended) and information relating to the Company that are based on the beliefs of the management of the Company as well as assumptions made by and information currently available to the management of the Company. When used in this Quarterly Report, the words “anticipate,” “believe,” “estimate,” “expect,” “intend,” “plan,” and similar expressions, as they relate to the Company or the management of the Company, identify forward-looking statements. Such statements reflect the current views of the Company with respect to future events, the outcome of

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SYMS CORP AND ITS SUBSIDIARY


 

which is subject to certain risks, including among others general economic and market conditions, decreased consumer demand for the Company’s products, possible disruptions in the Company’s computer or telephone systems, possible work stoppages, or increases in labor costs, effects of competition, possible disruptions or delays in the opening of new stores or inability to obtain suitable sites for new stores, higher than anticipated store closings or relocation costs, higher interest rates, unanticipated increases in merchandise or occupancy costs and other factors which may be outside the Company’s control. Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results or outcomes may vary materially from those described herein as anticipated, believed, estimated, expected, intended or planned. Subsequent written and oral forward-looking statements attributable to the Company or persons acting on its behalf are expressly qualified in their entirety by the cautionary statements in this paragraph and elsewhere described in this Quarterly Report and other reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimate

     The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires the appropriate application of certain accounting policies, many of which require us to make estimates and assumptions about future events and their impact on amounts reported in the financial statements and related notes. Since future events and their impact cannot be determined with certainty, the actual results will inevitably differ from our estimates. Such differences could be material to the consolidated financial statements.      The Company believes application of accounting policies, and the estimates inherently required by the policies, are reasonable. These accounting policies and estimates are constantly reevaluated, and adjustments are made when facts and circumstances dictate a change. Historically, the Company has found the application of accounting policies to be appropriate, and actual results have not differed materially from those determined using necessary estimates.

     The Company’s accounting policies are more fully described in Note 1 to the Consolidated Financial Statements, located in the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended February 26, 2005. The Company has identified certain critical accounting policies that are described below.

     Merchandise Inventory - Inventories are valued at lower of cost or market using the retail first-in, first-out (“FIFO”) inventory method. Under the retail inventory method (“RIM”), the valuation of inventories at cost and the resulting gross margins are calculated by applying a calculated cost to retail ratio to the retail value of inventories. RIM is an averaging method that has been widely used in the retail industry due to its practicality. Additionally, it is recognized that the use of RIM will result in valuing inventories at the lower of cost or market if markdowns are currently taken as a reduction of the retail value of inventories. Inherent in the RIM calculation are certain significant management judgments and estimates including, among others, merchandise markon, markups, and markdowns, which significantly impact the ending inventory valuation at cost as well as resulting gross margins. Management believes that the Company’s RIM and application of FIFO provides an inventory valuation which reasonably approximates cost using a first-in, first-out assumption and results in a carrying value at the lower of cost or market. If actual market conditions are less favorable than those projected by management, additional markdowns may be required.

     Long-Lived Assets - In evaluation of the fair value and future benefits of long-lived assets, the Company performs analyses of the anticipated undiscounted future net cash flows of the related long-lived assets. If the carrying value of the related asset exceeds the undiscounted cash flows, the Company reduces the carrying value to its fair value, which is generally calculated using discounted cash flows. Various factors including future sales growth and profit margins are included in this analysis. To the extent these future projections or our strategies change, the conclusion regarding impairment may differ from the Company’s current estimates.

     Deferred Tax Valuation Allowance – The Company records a valuation allowance to reduce its deferred tax assets to the amount that is not likely to be realized. The Company has considered future taxable income and ongoing prudent and feasible tax planning strategies in assessing the need for the valuation allowance. If the Company were to determine that it would be able to realize its deferred tax assets in the future in excess of its net recorded amount, an adjustment to the deferred tax asset would increase income in the period such determination was made. Likewise, should the Company determine that it would not be able to realize all or part of the Company’s net deferred tax asset

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in the future, an adjustment to the deferred tax asset would be charged to income in the period such determination was made.

     Self-Insurance Accruals – The Company had been self-insured for workers’ compensation liability claims. The Company is responsible for the payment of claims from prior years. In estimating the obligation associated with incurred losses, the Company utilizes loss development factors. These development factors utilize historical data to project incurred losses. Loss estimates are adjusted based upon actual claims settlements and reported claims.

Results of Operations (in thousands)

13 and 39 Weeks Ended November 26, 2005 Compared to 13 and 39 Weeks Ended November 27, 2004

Net sales for the 13 weeks ended November 26, 2005 were $74,694 a decrease of $1,286 (1.7%) as compared to net sales of $75,980 for the 13 weeks ended November 27, 2004. For the 39 weeks ended November 26, 2005 net sales decreased $1,972 (1.0%) to $203,583 as compared to net sales of $205,555 for the 39 weeks ended November 27, 2004. Comparable store net sales decreased 0.2% for the 13 weeks ended November 26, 2005 and increased 2.1% for the 39 weeks ended November 26, 2005 as compared to the comparable periods in the prior fiscal year. In our comparable store computation, we only include stores that have been opened for a period of at least 12 months and stores that were open during both fiscal years. We did not have any relocated stores or expansion in square footage in the 39 weeks ended November 26, 2005.

Gross profit for the 13 weeks ended November 26, 2005 was $29,838, a decrease of $236 (40.0% as a percentage of total net sales) as compared to $30,074 (39.6% as a percentage of total net sales) for the 13 weeks ended November 27, 2004. Gross profit for the 39 weeks ended November 26, 2005 was $82,665, an increase of $1,166 (40.6% as a percentage of total net sales) compared to $81,499 (39.7% as a percentage of total net sales for the 39 weeks ended November 27, 2004. The Company’s gross profit may not be comparable to those of other entities, since other entities may include all of the costs related to their distribution network in cost of goods sold and others, like the Company, exclude a portion of those costs from gross profit and, instead, include them in other line items; such as selling and administrative expenses and occupancy costs. The third quarter and year to date gross margin percentage improvement resulted principally from lower markdowns taken in these periods in 2005 when compared to comparable periods in 2004.

Selling, general and administrative expense was $18,323 (24.5% as a percentage of total net sales) for the 13 weeks ended November 26, 2005, as compared to $18,367 (24.2% as a percentage of total net sales) for the 13 weeks ended November 27, 2004. Selling, general and administrative expense decreased $1,268 to $55,058 (27.0% as a percentage of total net sales) for the 39 weeks ended November 26, 2005 as compared to $56,326 (27.4% as a percentage of total net sales) for the 39 weeks ended November 27, 2004. The closing of three stores located in Charlotte, NC, Baltimore, MD and Lawrenceville, NJ contributed to the reduction in selling, general and administrative expense, which was partially offset by increases in the existing stores, in the 13 and 39 week periods ended November 26, 2005.

Advertising expense for the 13 weeks ended November 26, 2005 were $3,266 (4.4% as a percentage of total net sales) as compared to $3,269 (4.3% as a percentage of total net sales) in the 13 week period ended November 27, 2004. Advertising expense for the 39 weeks ended November 26, 2005 was $7,015 (3.5% as a percentage of total net sales) as compared to $6,911 (3.4% as a percentage of total net sales) in the 39 week period ended November 27, 2004.

Occupancy costs were $4,371 (5.9% as a percentage of total net sales) for the 13 week period ended November 26, 2005 as compared to $4,165 (5.5% as a percentage of total net sales) for the 13 week period ended November 27, 2004. Occupancy costs were $12,979 (6.4% as a percentage of total net sales) for the 39 week period ended November 26, 2005, as compared to $12,995 (6.3% as a percentage of total net sales) for the 39 weeks ended November 27, 2004. The increase in occupancy costs in the third quarter 2005 versus 2004 is largely attributable to increased electricity expense.

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SYMS CORP AND ITS SUBSIDIARY

 


Depreciation and amortization expense was $2,179 (2.9% as a percentage of total net sales) for the 13 week period ended November 26, 2005 as compared to $2,291 (3.0% as a percentage of total net sales). Depreciation and amortization expense for the 39 week period ended November 26, 2005 was $6,596 (3.2% as a percentage of total net sales) as compared to $7,316 (3.6% as a percentage of total net sales) for the 39 week period ended November 27, 2004. This decline in depreciation expense resulted from certain computer software becoming fully depreciated in fiscal 2004 and the closing of three stores located in Charlotte, NC, Baltimore, MD and Lawrenceville, NJ.

In the 13 weeks ended November 27, 2004, the Company recorded a gain of $721 from the sale of land in Roseland, NJ. In the 39 weeks ended November 27, 2004, this third quarter gain was offset by a charge of $1,271 resulting from the exercise by the Company of its’ option to purchase the Lawrenceville store and the simultaneous sale of the Lawrenceville store (which was recorded in the second quarter ended August 28, 2004), resulting in a net loss on sales of assets of $550. The Lawrenceville store was closed on October 16, 2004. This action was taken by the Company as part of its continued efforts to improve profitability.

The net income before income taxes for the 13 weeks ended November 26, 2005 was $1,934 a decrease of $884 from the 13 weeks ended November 27, 2004. The net income before income taxes for the 39 weeks ended November 26, 2005 was $1,691 as compared to a loss before income taxes of $2,325 for the 39 weeks ended November 27, 2004. The profit decline in the third quarter 2005 is largely attributable to the gain recorded in the third quarter 2004 on the sale of Roseland, NJ as noted above.

Liquidity and Capital Resources (in thousands)

Working capital as of November 26, 2005 was $79,927, an increase of $2,244 as compared to $77,683 as of November 27, 2004. The ratio of current assets to current liabilities was 2.47 to 1 as of November 26, 2005 as compared to 2.32 to 1 as of November 27, 2004.

Net cash provided by operating activities totaled $11,937 for the 39 weeks ended November 26, 2005, as compared to $8,830 for the 39 weeks ended November 27, 2004.

Net cash used in investment activities was $2,028 for the 39 weeks ended November 26, 2005 as compared to net cash provided by investing activities of $1,061 for the 39 weeks ended November 27, 2004. Expenditures for property and equipment were $2,035 and $2,133 for the 39 weeks ended November 26, 2005 and November 27, 2004, respectively.

Net cash used in financing activities was $17,854 for the 39 weeks ended November 26, 2005, as compared to net cash provided by financing activities of $146 for the 39 weeks ended November 27, 2004. On May 12, 2005, the Company paid a one-time cash dividend to its shareholders of record amounting to $15,028.

The Company has a revolving credit agreement with a bank for a line of credit not to exceed $30,000 through May 1, 2008. The agreement contains financial covenants, with respect to consolidated tangible net worth, as defined as working capital and maximum capital requirements, including dividends (defined to include cash repurchases of capital stock), as well as other financial ratios. The Company is in compliance with all covenants as of November 26, 2005. Except for funds provided from this revolving credit agreement, the Company has satisfied its operating and capital expenditure requirements, including those for the operations and expansion of stores, from internally generated funds. As of November 26, 2005, February 26, 2005 and November 27, 2004, there were no outstanding borrowings under this agreement. At November 26, 2005, February 26, 2005 and November 27, 2004, the Company had $683, $745 and $622 respectively, in outstanding letters of credit under this agreement.

In addition, the Company has a separate $10,000 credit facility with another bank available for the issuance of letters of credit for the purchase of foreign merchandise. This agreement may be canceled at any time by either party. The Company is not currently using this facility.

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SYMS CORP AND ITS SUBSIDIARY


 

The Company has planned capital expenditures of approximately $5,000 for the fiscal year ended February 25, 2006. Through the 39 week period ended November 26, 2005, the Company has incurred $2,035 of capital expenditures.

On April 22, 2004, the Company’s Board of Directors approved the repurchase by the Company through June 7, 2006 of up to an additional 3,100 shares of common stock at prevailing market prices. All shares repurchased will be held as treasury stock. During the 39 weeks ended November 26, 2005, the Company purchased 273 shares which represented 1.8% of its outstanding shares at a total cost of $3,636.

Management believes that existing cash, internally generated funds, trade credit and funds available from the revolving credit agreement will be sufficient for working capital and capital expenditure requirements for the fiscal year ending February 25, 2006.

Impact of Inflation and Changing Prices

Although the Company cannot accurately determine the precise effect of inflation on its operations, it does not believe inflation has had a material effect on sales or results of operations.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

See Note 7 of the Consolidated Financial Statements for a full description of the Recent Accounting Pronouncements including the respective dates of adoption and the effects on Results of Operation and Financial Condition.

Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

The Company’s operations are not currently subject to material market risks for interest rates, foreign currency rates or other market price risks.

Item 4. Controls and Procedures

(a)  Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

Based on the evaluation of the Company's disclosure controls and procedures as of the end of the period covered by this Quarterly Report, each of Marcy Syms, the Chief Executive Officer of the Company, and Antone F. Moreira, the Chief Financial Officer of the Company, have concluded that the Company's disclosure controls and procedures are effective in ensuring that information required to be disclosed by the Company in the reports that it files or submits under the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), is recorded, processed, summarized and reported, within the time period specified by the Securities and Exchange Commission's rules and forms. Notwithstanding the foregoing, a control system, no matter how well designed and operated, can provide only reasonable, not absolute, assurance that it will detect or uncover failures within the Company to disclose material information otherwise required to be set forth in the Company’s periodic reports.

(b) Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

There have not been any changes in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting (as such term is defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) under the Exchange Act) during the fiscal quarter to which this report relates that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.

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SYMS CORP AND ITS SUBSIDIARY


 

Part II.        Other Information 


Item 1.  LEGAL PROCEEDINGS - None 
   
Item 2.  UNREGISTERED SALE OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS 
 
Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities 

 

Period  Total Number of
Shares Purchased
Average Price Paid
per Share
Total Number of
Shares Purchased
as Part of Publicly
Announced Plans
or Programs
Maximum Number
of Shares that May
Yet Be Purchased
Under the Plans or
Programs (1)
 





August 28, 2005 -    7,500  $13.75    7,500  2,738,000 
October 1, 2005         





 
October 2, 2005 –  55,300  $13.40  55,300  2,682,700 
October 29, 2005         





 
October 30, 2005 –  15,700  $13.63  15,700  2,667,000 
November 26, 2005         





 
Total  78,500  $13.48  78,500  2,667,000 






(1)       On April 22, 2004, the Company’s Board of Directors approved the repurchase of up to an additional 3,100,000 shares of common stock at prevailing market prices through June 7, 2006. All shares repurchased will be held as treasury stock.

Item 3.  DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES - None 
   
Item 4.  SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS – None 
   
Item 5.  OTHER INFORMATION - None 
   
Item 6.  EXHIBITS 

  Exhibits filed with this Form 10-Q
     
  31.1      Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) under the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
 
  31.2      Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) under the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
 
  32.1      Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(b) under the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934 and 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
     
  32.2 Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(b) under the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934 and 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

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SYMS CORP AND ITS SUBSIDIARY

 


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.

  SYMS CORP
     
     
     
Date: January 5, 2006 By: /s/ Marcy Syms
   
    MARCY SYMS
    CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

 

 

  SYMS CORP
     
     
     
Date: January 5, 2006 By: /s/ Antone F. Moreira
   
    ANTONE F. MOREIRA
    VICE PRESIDENT, CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER
    (Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)


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