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 August 26, 2006

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 o

     Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, or a non-accelerated filer. See definition of “accelerated filer and large accelerated filed” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check One):

Large Accelerated Filer  o Accelerated Filer  x Non-Accelerated Filer   o

     Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).

Yes o         No x

     At September 29, 2006 the latest practicable date, there were 14,403,912 shares outstanding of Common Stock, par value $0.05 per share.

 

 


 
  SYMS CORP AND SUBSIDIARIES
 

INDEX

       
      PAGE NO. 
PART I.    Financial Information     
         
Item 1.    Financial Statements (Unaudited)     
         
    Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets as of     
    August 26, 2006, February 25, 2006 and August 27, 2005    1 
         
    Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations for the     
    13 Weeks and 26 Weeks Ended August 26, 2006 and August 27, 2005    2 
         
    Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the     
    26 Weeks Ended August 26, 2006 and August 27, 2005    3 
         
    Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements    4-7 
         
Item 2.    Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition    8-11
    and Results of Operations     
         
Item 3.    Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk    11 
         
Item 4.    Controls and Procedures    11-12 
         
PART II.    Other Information     
    Item 1. Legal Proceedings   12 
    Item 1a. Risk Factors    12 
    Item 2. Unregistered Sale of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds    12 
    Item 3. Defaults Upon Senior Securities    12 
    Item 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders    13 
    Item 5. Other Information    13 
    Item 6. Exhibits    13 
 
SIGNATURES        14 


 
  SYMS CORP AND SUBSIDIARIES
 

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets 

(In thousands except per share amounts) 

  August 26,   February 25,   August 27,  
  2006   2006   2005  


 

 

 
  (Unaudited)   (NOTE)   (Unaudited)  
ASSETS       
Current Assets       
 Cash and cash equivalents  $ 37,543   $ 30,007   $ 16,345  
 Receivables  2,323   3,158   4,113  
 Merchandise inventories  68,846   57,469   76,239  
 Deferred income taxes  6,325   6,325   6,382  
 Assets held for sale  -   5,882   8,009  
 Prepaid expenses and other current assets  3,559   6,056   3,795  


 

 

 
     TOTAL CURRENT ASSETS  118,596   108,897   114,883  


 

 

 
 
PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT - Net  105,784   106,702   106,636  
DEFERRED INCOME TAXES  5,511   5,511   7,213  
OTHER ASSETS  19,083   18,009   16,741  


 

 

 
     TOTAL ASSETS  $ 248,974   $ 239,119   $ 245,473  


 

 

 
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY       
CURRENT LIABILITIES:       
 Accounts payable  $ 30,150   $ 15,496   $ 26,537  
 Accrued expenses  8,119   7,631   6,148  
 Accrued insurance  273   313   492  
 Obligations to customers  3,614   3,625   3,233  


 

 

 
     TOTAL CURRENT LIABILITIES  42,156   27,065   36,410  


 

 

 
 
 
OTHER LONG TERM LIABILITIES  1,740   1,520   1,563  


 

 

 
 
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; 14,404 shares outstanding (net of 3,879 treasury shares)       
 on August 26, 2006; 14,934 shares outstanding as of February 25,       
 2006 (net of 3,328 treasury shares) and 14,991 shares outstanding       
 (net of 3,250 treasury shares) on August 27, 2005  770   769   768  
 Additional paid-in capital  16,810   16,656   16,149  
 Treasury stock  (39,625 )  (29,649 )  (28,591 ) 
 Retained earnings  227,123   222,758   219,174  


 

 

 
     TOTAL SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY  205,078   210,534   207,500  


 

 

 
     TOTAL LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY  $ 248,974   $ 239,119   $ 245,473  


 

 

 

NOTE: The balance sheet at February 25, 2006 has been derived from the audited financial statements at that date but does not include all of the information and footnotes required by generally accepted accounting principles for complete financial statements.

See Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

1


 
  SYMS CORP AND SUBSIDIARIES
 

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations

(In thousands, except per share amounts)

  13 Weeks Ended   26 Weeks Ended  
  August 26,   August 27,   August 26,   August 27,  
  2006   2005   2006   2005  
  (Unaudited)   (Unaudited)  
 
Net sales  $  62,683   $  61,457   $  128,876   $  128,889  
Cost of goods sold    39,498     37,472     77,980     76,062  


 

 

 

 
Gross profit    23,185     23,985     50,896     52,827  
 
Expenses:                 
Selling, general and administrative    18,449     18,460     37,139     36,735  
Advertising    1,084     914     4,135     3,749  
Occupancy    4,653     4,567     9,109     8,608  
Depreciation and amortization    2,022     2,202     4,238     4,417  
Gain on sale of real estate    -     -     (10,424 )    -  


 

 

 

 
Net income (loss) from operations    (3,023 )    (2,158 )    6,699     (682 ) 
 
Other income    (7 )    (15 )    (167 )    (25 ) 
 
Interest income    (547 )    (170 )    (991 )    (414 ) 


 

 

 

 
Net income (loss) before income taxes    (2,469 )    (1,973 )    7,857     (243 ) 
Provision (benefit) for income taxes    (1,096 )    (770 )    3,492     (95 ) 


 

 

 

 
Net income (loss)  $  (1,373 )  $  (1,203 )  $  4,365   $  (148 ) 


 

 

 

 
Net income (loss) per share-basic  $  (0.09 )  $  (0.08 )  $  0.30   $  (0.01 ) 


 

 

 

 
Weighted average shares outstanding-basic    14,495     14,961     14,710     14,990  


 

 

 

 
Net income (loss) per share-diluted  $  (0.09 )  $  (0.08 )  $  0.29   $  (0.01 ) 


 

 

 

 
Weighted average shares outstanding- diluted    14,495     14,961     15,085     14,990  


 

 

 

 

See Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

2


 
  SYMS CORP AND SUBSIDIARIES
 

 Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

(In thousands)

  26 Weeks Ended  
  August 26,   August 27,  
  2006   2005  
  (Unaudited)  
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:         
     Net income (loss)  $  4,365   $  (148 ) 
     Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by operating         
         activities:         
     Depreciation and amortization    4,238     4,417  
     Deferred income tax    -     (1 ) 
     Gain on disposal of assets    (10,432 )    (7 ) 
     (Increase) decrease in operating assets:         
           Receivables    255     (638 ) 
           Merchandise inventories    (11,377 )    (10,115 ) 
           Prepaid expenses and other current assets    2,497     1,707  
           Other assets    (1,061 )    (797 ) 
     Increase (decrease) of operating liabilities:         
           Accounts payable    15,234     10,423  
           Accrued expenses    448     (1,465 ) 
           Obligations to customers    (11 )    (150 ) 
           Other long term liabilities    220     (47 ) 


 

 
                 Net cash provided by operating activities    4,376     3,179  


 

 
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:         
     Expenditures for property and equipment    (3,273 )    (1,562 ) 
     Proceeds from sale of assets    16,254     7  


 

                 Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities    12,981     (1,555 ) 


 

 
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:         
     Payment of dividends    -     (15,028 ) 
     Exercise of options    155     658  
     Stock repurchase    (9,976 )    (2,578 ) 


 


                 Net cash used in financing activities    (9,821 )    (16,948 ) 


 

 
 
NET INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS    7,536     (15,324 ) 
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, BEGINNING OF PERIOD    30,007     31,669  


 

 
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, END OF PERIOD  $  37,543   $  16,345  


 

 
 
SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION:         
     Cash paid during the period for:         
     Interest  $  106   $  72  


 

 
 
     Income taxes paid (net of refunds)  $  2,367   $  33  


 

 

See Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

3


 
  SYMS CORP AND SUBSIDIARIES
 

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements 
13 and 26 Weeks Ended August 26, 2006 and August 27, 2005 

(Unaudited)

Note 1 - The Company

Syms Corp (the “Company”) operates a chain of 36 “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-week and 26-week periods ended August 26, 2006 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the entire fiscal year ending March 3, 2007. 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 25, 2006.

Note 3 - Accounting Period

The Company’s fiscal year ends the Saturday nearest to the end of February. The fiscal year ending March 3, 2007 will be comprised of 53 weeks. The fiscal year ended February 25, 2006 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 August 26, 2006. 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 August 26, 2006, February 25, 2006 and August 27, 2005, there were no outstanding borrowings under this agreement. At August 26, 2006, February 25, 2006 and August 27, 2005, the Company had $1,391,097, $1,189,234 and $2,194,063 respectively, in outstanding letters of credit under this agreement.

4


 
  SYMS CORP AND SUBSIDIARIES
 

Note 6 - Net Income/(Loss) Per Share

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

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

  13 Weeks Ended     26 Weeks Ended
 
 

 

 
  August 26, 2006   August 27, 2005   August 26, 2006   August 27, 2005  
 
 
 
 
 
Basic net loss per share:             
 
Net income (loss)  $ (1,373 )  $ (1,203 )  $  4,365    $ (148 ) 
Average shares outstanding  14,495   14,961     14,710    14,990  
Basic net loss per share  $ (0.09 )  $ (0.08 )  $  0.30    $ (0.01 ) 
 
Diluted net loss per share:             
 
Net income (loss)  $ (1,373 )  $ (1,203 )  $  4,365    $ (148 ) 
Average shares outstanding  14,495   14,961     14,710    14,990  
Stock options  -   -     375    -  
Total average equivalent             
shares  14,495   14,961     15,085    14,990  
Diluted net income (loss) per share  $ (0.09 )  $ (0.08 )  $  0.29    $ (0.01 ) 

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 716,907 and 760,827 shares of common stock at prices ranging from $5.21 to $15.01 per share were outstanding as of August 26, 2006 and August 27, 2005.

Note 7 – Recent Accounting Pronouncements

In February 2006, the FASB issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 155, “Accounting for Certain Hybrid Financial Instruments – an amendment of FASB Statements No. 133 and 140” which is effective for fiscal years beginning after September 15, 2006. The statement was issued to clarify the application of FASB Statement No. 133 to beneficial interests in securitized financial assets and to improve the consistency of accounting for similar financial instruments, regardless of the form of the instruments. We have evaluated the new statement and have determined that it will not have a significant impact on the determination of our financial results.

In March 2006, the FASB issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 156, “Accounting for Servicing of Financial Assets – an amendment of FASB Statement No. 140” which is effective for fiscal years beginning after September 15, 2006. This statement was issued to simplify the accounting for servicing rights and to reduce the volatility that results from using different measurement attributes. We have evaluated the new statement and have determined that it will not have a significant impact on the determination of our financial results.

In June 2006, the FASB issued Interpretation No. 48 (“FIN 48”), Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes, an Interpretation of FASB Statement No. 109. The objective of this interpretation prescribes a recognition threshold and measurement attribute for the financial statement recognition and measurement of a tax position taken or expected to be taken in a tax return. FIN 48 is effective for the fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2006. The adoption of this statement is not expected to have a material effect on our financial position or results of operations.

5


 
  SYMS CORP AND SUBSIDIARIES
 

Note 8 – Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation

            The Company’s Amended and Restated Stock Option and Appreciation Plan allows for the granting of incentive stock options, as defined in Section 422A of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (as amended), non-qualified stock options or stock appreciation rights. The plan requires that incentive stock options be granted at an exercise price not less than the fair market value of the Common Stock on the date the option is granted. The exercise price of the option for holders of more than 10% of the voting rights of the Company must be not less than 110% of the fair market value of the Common Stock on the date of grant. Non-qualified options and stock appreciation rights may be granted at any exercise price. The Company has reserved 1,500,000 shares of common stock for issuance thereunder. The Company is no longer issuing options under its Amended and Restated Incentive Stock Option and Appreciation Plan.

            No option or stock appreciation rights may be granted under the Amended and Restated Incentive Stock Option Plan after July 28, 2013. The maximum exercise period for any option or stock appreciation right under the plan is ten years from the date the option is granted (five years for any optionee who holds more than 10% of the voting rights of the Company).

            On July 14, 2005, at the annual meeting of shareholders of the Company, the shareholders of the Company approved the 2005 Stock Option Plan (the "2005 Plan"), which 2005 Plan was adopted by the Board of Directors of the Company on April 7, 2005 subject to shareholder approval. The 2005 Plan permits the grant of options, share appreciation rights, restricted shares, restricted share units, performance units, performance shares, cash-based awards and other share-based awards. Key employees, non-employee directors, and third party service providers of the Company who are selected by a committee designated by the Board of Directors of the Company are eligible to participate in the 2005 Plan. The maximum number of shares issuable under the Plan is 850,000, subject to certain adjustments in the event of changes to the Company’s capital structure.

            The 2005 Plan requires that incentive stock options be granted at an exercise price not less than the fair market value of the Common Stock on the date the option is granted. The exercise price of such options for holders of more than 10% of the voting stock of the Company must be not less than 110% of the fair market value of the Common Stock on the date of grant. The exercise price of non-qualified options and stock appreciation rights must not be less than fair market value.

            The maximum exercise period for any option or stock appreciation right under the 2005 Plan is ten years from the date the option is granted (five years for any incentive stock options issued to a person who holds more than 10% of the voting stock of the Company).

            The 2005 Plan permits the Company to issue restricted shares, restricted share units, performance units, cash-based awards and other share-based awards with such term and conditions (including applicable vesting conditions) as the Company shall determine, subject to certain terms and conditions set forth in the 2005 Plan.

            Effective February 25, 2006, the Company adopted the provisions of FAS No. 123(R), “Share-Based Payment” (“FAS123(R)”). Under FAS123(R), share-based compensation cost is measured at grant date, based on the estimated fair value of the award, and is recognized as expense over the requisite service period. The Company adopted the provisions of FAS123(R) using a modified prospective application. Under this method, compensation cost is recognized for all share-based payments granted, modified or settled after the date of adoption, as well as for any unvested awards that were granted prior to the date of adoption. Prior periods are not revised for comparative purposes. Because the Company previously adopted only the pro forma disclosure provisions of SFAS 123, it will recognize compensation cost relating to the unvested portion of awards granted prior to the date of adoption using the same estimate of the grant-date fair value and the same attribution method used to determine the pro forma disclosures under SFAS 123, except that forfeitures rates will be estimated for all options, as required by FAS123(R).

6


 
  SYMS CORP AND SUBSIDIARIES
 

            The fair value of each option award is estimated on the date of grant using a Black-Scholes option valuation model. Expected volatility is based on the historical volatility of the price of the Company’s stock. The risk-free interest rate is based on U.S. Treasury issues with a term equal to the expected life of the option. The Company uses historical data to estimate expected dividend yield, expected life and forfeiture rates. There were no options granted during the six months ended August 26, 2006, and all options previously issued are fully vested.

            Stock option activity during the six months ended August 26, 2006 is as follows:
            (In thousands, except per share amounts)

          Weighted     
      Weighted    Average     
      Average    Remaining    Aggregate 
  Number   Exercise    Contracted    Intrinsic 
  Of options   Price    Term (years)    Value 
Outstanding at February 25, 2006  739     $8.08    -    - 
Options granted  -     -    -    - 
Options exercised  (22 )    $6.94    -    - 
Options forfeited  -     -    -    - 
Options outstanding at August 26, 2006  717     $8.11    3.55    $7,983 
Options exercisable at August 26, 2006  717     $8.11    3.55    $7,983 

            As of August 26, 2006, there was no total unrecognized stock-based compensation cost related to options granted under our plans that will be recognized in future periods.

            Awards granted prior to the adoption of FAS 123(R) were accounted for under the provisions of Accounting Principles Board Opinion No. 25, “Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees” (“APB 25”), and its related interpretations. Under this intrinsic value method there was no compensation expense recognized for the three month and six month periods ended August 27, 2005 because all options had exercise prices equal to the market value of the underlying stock on the date of grant. The following table illustrates the effect on net income (loss) and net income (loss) per common share if the fair value method had been applied (in thousands except per share amounts):

  13 Weeks   26 Weeks  
  Ended   Ended  
  8/27/05   8/27/05  
 
Net loss:  $  ( 1,203 )  $  ( 148 ) 
 
Total stock-based employee compensation expense         
determined under fair value based method for all         
awards, net of related tax effects    773     773  


 

 
 
Pro forma net loss  $  (1,976 )  $  ( 921 ) 


 

 
Earnings per share:         
 
Basic, as reported    (0.08 )    ($0.01 ) 
Basic, pro forma    (0.13 )    ($0.06 ) 
Diluted, as reported    (0.08 )    ($0.01 ) 
Diluted, pro forma    (0.13 )    ($0.06 ) 

 

            This pro forma information may not be representative of the amounts to 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.

7


 
  SYMS CORP AND SUBSIDIARIES
 

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

Special Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

            The 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 and Section 21E of the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934) 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 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 25, 2006. 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,

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  SYMS CORP AND SUBSIDIARIES
 

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 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

13 Weeks and 26 Weeks Ended August 26, 2006 Compared to 13 and 26 Weeks Ended August 27, 2005

Net sales for the 13 weeks ended August 26, 2006 were $62,683,000, an increase of $1,226,000 (2.0%) as compared to the net sales of $61,457,000 for the 13 weeks ended August 27, 2005. For the 26 weeks ended August 26, 2006 net sales were $128,876,000 as compared to net sales of $128,889,000 for the 26 weeks ended August 27, 2005. Comparable store sales increased 3.2% for the 13 weeks and .5% for the 26 weeks ended August 26, 2006 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 expansion in square footage in the 26 weeks ended August 26, 2006. The Company changed the timing and length of its Bash promotion in the second quarter of 2006. In the second quarter 2006 the Bash promotion took place for an 11 day period in July compared to 21 selling (12 days in August 2005 and 9 days in September 2005). The 9 days in September 2005 were part of the third quarter of 2005. This change in calendar largely accounts for the sales increase in the second quarter of 2006 as compared to 2005.

Gross profit for the 13 weeks ended August 26, 2006 was $23,185,000 (37.0% as a percentage of net sales for the 13 weeks ended August 27, 2005. Gross profit for the 26 weeks ended August 26, 2006 was $50,896,000 (39.5% as a percentage of net sales) a decrease of $1,931,000 as compared to $52,827,000 (41.0% as a percentage of net sales) for the 26 weeks ended August 27, 2005. The Company’s gross profit may not be comparable to those of other entities, since other entities may include all of those 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 decrease in gross profit in the 13 and 26 week periods is primarily due to higher markdowns on merchandise sold as compared to the same periods in the prior fiscal years.

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  SYMS CORP AND SUBSIDIARIES
 

Selling, general and administrative expense decreased $11,000 to $18,449,000 (29.5% as a percentage of net sales) for the 13 weeks ended August 26, 2006 as compared to $18,460,000 (30.0% as a percentage of net sales) for the 13 weeks ended August 27, 2005. Selling, general and administrative expense increased $404,000 to $37,139,000 (28.8% as a percentage of net sales) for the 26 weeks ended August 26, 2006 as compared to $36,735,000 (28.5% as a percentage of net sales) for the 26 weeks ended August 27, 2005. The increased expense in the 26 week period is largely attributable to increased health care costs.

Advertising expense for the 13 weeks ended August 26, 2006 was $1,084,000 (1.7% as a percentage of net sales) as compared to $914,000 (1.5% as a percentage of net sales) for the 26 weeks ended August 27, 2005. Advertising expense for the 26 weeks ended August 26, 2006 was $4,135,000 (3.2% as a percentage of net sales) as compared to $3,749,000 (2.9% as a percentage of net sales) for the 26 weeks ended August 27, 2005.

Occupancy costs were $4,653,000 (7.4% as a percentage of net sales) for the 13 weeks ended August 26, 2006 as compared to $4,567,000 (7.4% as a percentage of net sales) for the 13 weeks ended August 27, 2005. Occupancy costs were $9,109,000 (7.1% as a percentage of net sales for the 26 week period ended August 26, 2006 as compared to $8,608,000 (6.7% as a percentage of net sales) for the 26 week period ended August 27, 2005. The increased expense in the 13 and 26 week periods in 2006 is largely the result of higher utility costs due to higher fuel prices.

Depreciation and amortization expense was $2,022,000 (3.2% as a percentage of net sales) for the 13 weeks ended August 26, 2006 as compared to $2,202,000 (3.6% as a percentage of net sales) for the 13 weeks ended August 27, 2005. Depreciation and amortization expense for the 26 weeks ended August 26, 2006 was $4,238,000 (3.3% as a percentage of net sales) as compared to $4,417,000 (3.4% as a percentage of net sales) for the 26 weeks ended August 27, 2005.

The results for the 26 weeks ended August 26, 2006 reflects a gain of $10,424,000 resulting from the sale of its two stores located in Rochester, New York and Dallas, Texas. These two stores, which closed in May 2006, included the land and buildings occupied by these stores. The Dallas store was replaced by a store located in Plano, Texas which opened in May 2006 and is a leased property.

The loss before income taxes for the 13 weeks August 26, 2006 was $2,469,000 as compared to a loss of $1,973,000 for the 13 weeks ended August 27, 2005. The net income before taxes for the 26 weeks ended August 26, 2006 was $7,857,000 as compared to a loss before taxes of $243,000 for the 26 weeks ended August 27, 2005. The improvement in net income before taxes for the 26 weeks ended August 26, 2006 resulted largely from the gain on the sale of real estate of $10,424,000 as noted above.

For the 26 week period ended August 26, 2006 the effective income tax rate was 44.4 as compared to 39% for the comparable period a year ago.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

Working capital as of August 26, 2006 was $76,440,000, a decrease of $2,033,000 as compared to $78,473,000 as of August 27, 2005. The ratio of current assets to current liabilities was 2.81 to 1 as of August 26, 2006 as compared to 3.16 to 1 as of August 27, 2005.

Net cash provided by operating activities totaled $4,376,000 for the 26 weeks ended August 26, 2006, as compared to $3,179,000 for the 26 weeks ended August 27, 2005.

Net cash provided by investing activities was $12,981,000 for the 26 weeks ended August 26, 2006, as compared to $1,555,000 used in investing activities for the 26 weeks ended August 27, 2005. Expenditures for property and equipment were $3,273,000 and $1,562,000 for the 26 weeks ended August 26, 2006 and August 27, 2005, respectively. The sale of the Dallas, Texas and Rochester, New York properties largely accounts for this increase.

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  SYMS CORP AND SUBSIDIARIES
 

Net cash used in financing activities was $9,821,000 for the 26 weeks ended August 26, 2006, as compared to net cash used in financing activities of $16,948,000 for the 26 weeks ended August 27, 2005. On May 12, 2005, the Company paid a one-time cash dividend to its shareholders of record amounting to $15,028,000. In May 2006, the Company had a tender offer of its stock of 418,474 shares of common stock at a total cost of $7,533,000.

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 August 26, 2006. 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 August 26, 2006, February 25, 2006 and August 27, 2005, there were no outstanding borrowings under this agreement. At August 26, 2006, February 25, 2006 and August 27, 2005, the Company had $1,391,097, $1,189,234 and $2,194,063 respectively, in outstanding letters of credit under this agreement.

The Company has planned capital expenditures of approximately $5,000,000 for the fiscal year ending March 3, 2007. Through the 26 week period ended August 26, 2006, the Company has incurred $3,273,000 of capital expenditures.

On June 5, 2006, the Company’s Board of Directors approved the repurchase of an aggregate of up to 20% (not to exceed 2,900,000 shares) of its outstanding shares of common stock during the next 24 months expiring on June 5, 2008. During the 13 weeks ended August 26, 2006, the Company purchased 132,400 shares which represents .9% of its outstanding shares at an aggregate cost of $2,442,841.

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 March 3, 2007.

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, has concluded that the Company's

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  SYMS CORP AND SUBSIDIARIES
 

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 Company’s most recently completed fiscal quarter that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.

Part II.  Other Information 


Item 1.  LEGAL PROCEEDINGS - None 
   
Item 1a.  RISK FACTORS 
   
  In addition to the other information set forth in this report, you should carefully consider the factors discussed in Part I “Item 1A. Risk Factors” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended February 25, 2006, which could materially affect our business, financial condition or future results. The risks described in our Annual Report on Form 10-K are not the only risks facing our Company. Additional risks and uncertainties not currently known to us or that we currently deem to be immaterial may also materially adversely affect our business, financial condition and/or operating results.
   
Item 2. UNREGISTERED SALE OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS -
   

Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

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





May 28, 2006 - July  0  0  0  0 
1, 2006         





July 2, 2005 – July  0  0  0  0 
29, 2006         





July 30, 2006 –  132,400  18.45  132,400  2,767,600 
August 26, 2006         





Total  132,400  18.45  132,400  2,767,600 






(1) On June 5, 2006, the Company’s Board of Directors approved the repurchase of an aggregate of up to 20% (not to exceed 2,900,000 shares) of its outstanding shares of common stock during the next 24 months expiring on June 5, 2008.
 
Item 3.  DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES - None 

 

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  SYMS CORP AND SUBSIDIARIES
 

Item 4.  SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS 

At the annual meeting of shareholders held on July 6, 2006, the Company’s shareholders holding a majority of the shares of the Common Stock outstanding as of the close of business on June 2, 2006, voted to approve each of the three proposals included in the Company’s proxy statement as follows:

To elect seven directors to hold office for one year or until their respective successors are duly elected and qualified.

  FOR  WITHHELD 
 
Sy Syms  13,763,027  709,748   
Marcy Syms  13,763,286  709,489   
Antone F. Moreira  12,605,065  1,867,710   
Bernard H. Tenenbaum  14,177,646  295,129   
Wilbur L. Ross, Jr.  14,178,646  294,129   
Amber A. Brookman  14,177,646  295,129   
Henry M. Chidgey  14,157,646  295,129   

To ratify the appointment of BDO Seidman, LLP as independent registered public accounting firm for the Company for the fiscal year ending March 3, 2007:

  For:  14,459,000   
  Against:  12,773   
  Abstain:  1,002   

Item 5.  OTHER INFORMATION - None 
   
Item 6.  EXHIBITS 
   
(a) 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 SUBSIDIARIES
 

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:  October 3, 2006  By /s/ Marcy Syms 

      MARCY SYMS 
      CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER 
       
       
       
Date:  October 3, 2006  By /s/ Antone F. Moreira 

      ANTONE F. MOREIRA
      VICE PRESIDENT, CHIEF FINANCIAL
      OFFICER
      (Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)


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