SYMS CORP

 

 

 

 

 

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 28, 2009

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

OR

 

 

 

 

 

 

o

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)

 

 

     

One Syms Way, Secaucus, New Jersey

 

07094

(Address of Principal Executive Offices)

 

(Zip Code)

 

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

     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 þ          No o

     Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T during the preceding 12 months (or shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).

Yes o       No o     Not applicable to the registrant

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

Large Accelerated Filer  o     Accelerated Filer  þ     Non-Accelerated Filer  o     Smaller Reporting Company  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 þ

     At December 31, 2009 the latest practicable date, there were 14,598,384 shares outstanding of Common Stock, par value $0.05 per share.

 

 




 

 

 

 

 

SYMS CORP

 

 

INDEX

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

PAGE NO.

 

 

 

PART I.

Financial Information

 

 

Item 1.

Financial Statements (Unaudited)

 

 

 

Consolidated Condensed Balance Sheets as of November 28, 2009, February 28, 2009, and November 29, 2008

 

1

 

 

 

 

 

Consolidated Condensed Statements of Operations for the Three Months and Nine Months Ended November 28, 2009 and November 29, 2008

 

2

 

 

 

 

 

Consolidated Condensed Statements of Cash Flows for the Nine Months Ended November 28, 2009 and November 29, 2008

 

3

 

 

 

 

 

Notes to Consolidated Condensed Financial Statements

 

4 - 9

 

 

 

 

Item 2.

Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

 

10 - 14

 

 

 

 

Item 3.

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk

 

14

 

 

 

 

Item 4.

Controls and Procedures

 

14

 

 

 

 

PART II.

Other Information

 

15

 

 

 

 

 

Item 1. Legal Proceedings

 

 

 

Item 1a. Risk Factors

 

 

 

Item 6. Exhibits

 

 

 

 

 

SIGNATURES

 

16-20

 

 

 

Exhibit 31.1

 

 

Exhibit 31.2

 

 

Exhibit 32.1

 

 

Exhibit 32.2

 

 




 

 

 

 

 

SYMS CORP

 

 

 

Consolidated Condensed Balance Sheets

 

(In thousands except per share amounts)


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

November 28,
2009

 

February 28,
2009

 

November 29,
2008

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(Unaudited)

 

(NOTE)

 

(Unaudited)

 

ASSETS

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CURRENT ASSETS:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents

 

$

10,997

 

$

1,822

 

$

2,476

 

Receivables

 

 

36,362

 

 

1,589

 

 

4,185

 

Merchandise inventories - net

 

 

102,830

 

 

52,480

 

 

65,440

 

Deferred income taxes

 

 

3,045

 

 

3,045

 

 

3,248

 

Assets held for sale

 

 

10,024

 

 

7,202

 

 

5,202

 

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

 

 

8,044

 

 

5,317

 

 

4,915

 

 

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

TOTAL CURRENT ASSETS

 

 

171,302

 

 

71,455

 

 

85,466

 

 

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT - Net

 

 

124,988

 

 

95,956

 

 

97,089

 

DEFERRED INCOME TAXES

 

 

11,611

 

 

15,209

 

 

12,882

 

BUILDING AND AIR RIGHTS

 

 

9,134

 

 

9,134

 

 

11,134

 

OTHER ASSETS

 

 

6,517

 

 

23,369

 

 

22,877

 

 

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

TOTAL ASSETS

 

$

323,552

 

$

215,123

 

$

229,448

 

 

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CURRENT LIABILITIES:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Accounts payable

 

$

66,148

 

$

14,936

 

$

27,805

 

Accrued expenses

 

 

15,304

 

 

9,012

 

 

6,344

 

Obligations to customers

 

 

5,240

 

 

4,292

 

 

4,449

 

 

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

TOTAL CURRENT LIABILITIES

 

 

86,692

 

 

28,240

 

 

38,598

 

 

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

OTHER LONG TERM LIABILITIES

 

 

2,073

 

 

840

 

 

920

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

LONG TERM DEBT

 

 

32,977

 

 

-

 

 

-

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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; 14,598 shares outstanding (net of 4,298 treasury shares) as of November 28, 2009, and 14,590 shares outstanding (net of 4,298 treasury shares) as of February 28, 2009 and November 29, 2008.

 

 

800

 

 

800

 

 

800

 

Additional paid-in capital

 

 

21,605

 

 

21,560

 

 

21,409

 

Treasury stock

 

 

(45,903

)

 

(45,903

)

 

(45,902

)

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income

 

 

(2,127

)

 

(2,127

)

 

23

 

Retained earnings

 

 

227,435

 

 

211,713

 

 

213,600

 

 

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

TOTAL SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

 

 

201,810

 

 

186,043

 

 

189,930

 

 

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

TOTAL LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

 

$

323,552

 

$

215,123

 

$

229,448

 

 

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

NOTE: The balance sheet at February 28, 2009 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 Consolidated Condensed Financial Statements

1



 

 

 

 

 

SYMS CORP

 

 

 

Consolidated Condensed Statements of Operations

 

(In thousands, except per share amounts)


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

For the Three Months Ended

 

For the Nine Months Ended

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

November 28,
2009

 

November 29,
2008

 

November 28,
2009

 

November 29,
2008

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(Unaudited)

 

(Unaudited)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net sales

 

$

135,159

 

$

64,330

 

$

261,852

 

$

187,948

 

Cost of goods sold

 

 

77,291

 

 

37,698

 

 

154,750

 

 

109,998

 

 

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

Gross profit

 

 

57,868

 

 

26,632

 

 

107,102

 

 

77,950

 

 

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Expenses:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Selling, general and administrative

 

 

35,339

 

 

19,486

 

 

80,358

 

 

57,738

 

Advertising

 

 

4,501

 

 

2,723

 

 

6,406

 

 

5,367

 

Occupancy, net

 

 

14,126

 

 

3,850

 

 

30,181

 

 

11,682

 

Depreciation and amortization

 

 

2,991

 

 

1,971

 

 

7,958

 

 

5,834

 

Bargain purchase (gain)

 

 

(307

)

 

-

 

 

(9,714

)

 

-

 

Acquisition costs

 

 

194

 

 

-

 

 

4,762

 

 

-

 

(Gain) from life insurance proceeds and other income

 

 

(24,764

)

 

(19

)

 

(24,781

)

 

(31

)

(Gain) loss on disposition of assets

 

 

-

 

 

-

 

 

262

 

 

(548

)

 

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

Total expenses

 

 

32,080

 

 

28,011

 

 

95,432

 

 

80,042

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

Net income (loss) from operations

 

 

25,788

 

 

(1,379

)

 

11,670

 

 

(2,092

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest (expense) income

 

 

(514

)

 

(36

)

 

(1,389

)

 

2

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

Net income (loss) before income taxes

 

 

25,274

 

 

(1,415

)

 

10,281

 

 

(2,090

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income tax (benefit)

 

 

(372

)

 

(524

)

 

(5,441

)

 

(554

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

Net income (loss)

 

$

25,646

 

$

(891

)

$

15,722

 

$

(1,536

)

 

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income (loss) per share - basic

 

$

1.76

 

$

(0.06

)

$

1.08

 

$

(0.11

)

 

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Weighted average shares outstanding - basic

 

 

14,593

 

 

14,590

 

 

14,591

 

 

14,588

 

 

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income (loss) per share - diluted

 

$

1.76

 

$

(0.06

)

$

1.08

 

$

(0.11

)

 

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Weighted average shares outstanding - diluted

 

 

14,594

 

 

14,590

 

 

14,592

 

 

14,588

 

 

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

See Notes to Consolidated Condensed Financial Statements

2



 

 

 

 

 

SYMS CORP

 

 

 

Consolidated Condensed Statements of Cash Flows

 

(In thousands)


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

For the Nine Months Ended

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

November 28,
2009

 

November 29,
2008

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(Unaudited)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income (loss)

 

$

15,722

 

$

(1,536

)

 

 

   

 

   

 

Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by operating activities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Depreciation and amortization

 

 

7,958

 

 

5,834

 

Bargain purchase gain

 

 

(9,714

)

 

-

 

Deferred income taxes

 

 

(1,802

)

 

-

 

(Gain) loss on disposition of assets

 

 

262

 

 

(503

)

(Increase) decrease in operating assets:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Receivables

 

 

(4,855

)

 

(1,740

)

Merchandise inventories

 

 

(29,034

)

 

646

 

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

 

 

(2,226

)

 

(768

)

Other assets

 

 

5,966

 

 

(1,488

)

Life insurance proceeds receivable

 

 

(29,918

)

 

 

 

Increase (decrease) in operating liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Accounts payable

 

 

51,212

 

 

2,195

 

Accrued expenses

 

 

5,579

 

 

81

 

Obligations to customers

 

 

(248

)

 

6

 

Other long term liabilities

 

 

160

 

 

(258

)

 

 

   

 

   

 

Net cash provided by operating activities

 

 

9,062

 

 

2,469

 

 

 

   

 

   

 

CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Investment in building and air rights

 

 

-

 

 

(8,034

)

Purchase of Filene’s Basement

 

 

(38,927

)

 

-

 

Expenditures for property and equipment

 

 

(9,982

)

 

(4,117

)

Proceeds from sale of land and other assets

 

 

-

 

 

923

 

 

 

   

 

   

 

Net cash used in investing activities

 

 

(48,909

)

 

(11,228

)

 

 

   

 

   

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash surrender value advance

 

 

16,000

 

 

-

 

Exercise of stock options

 

 

45

 

 

2,147

 

Stock repurchase

 

 

-

 

 

(2,816

)

Proceeds from credit borrowings

 

 

32,977

 

 

-

 

 

 

   

 

   

 

Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities

 

 

49,022

 

 

(669

)

 

 

   

 

   

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

NET INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS

 

 

9,175

 

 

(9,428

)

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, BEGINNING OF PERIOD

 

 

1,822

 

 

11,904

 

 

 

   

 

   

 

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, END OF PERIOD

 

$

10,997

 

$

2,476

 

 

 

   

 

   

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash paid during the period for:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest

 

$

458

 

$

123

 

 

 

   

 

   

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income taxes paid (net of refunds)

 

$

(844

)

$

373

 

 

 

   

 

   

 

See Notes to Consolidated Condensed Financial Statements

3



 

 

 

 

 

SYMS CORP

 

 

 

Notes to Consolidated Condensed Financial Statements

 

(Unaudited)

Note 1 - The Company

Syms Corp (the “Company”) operates a chain of 30 “off-price” retail clothing stores located in the 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. On June 18, 2009 the Company, through a wholly-owned subsidiary, acquired certain real property leases, inventory, other property, equipment and other assets of Filene’s Basement (“Filene’s”), a retail clothing chain, pursuant to an auction conducted in accordance with § 363 of the Federal Bankruptcy Code (see Note 11). As a result, in addition to the 30 Syms stores, since June 19, 2009, the Company has also operated 23 Filene’s Basement stores that are similarly located in the Northeastern, Middle Atlantic, Midwest and Southeast regions. Filene’s Basement also offers a broad range of first quality brand name and designer clothing for men, women and children. The Company operates in a single operating segment – the operation of “off-price” retail stores.

Note 2 - Basis of Presentation

The accompanying unaudited consolidated condensed financial statements have been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles for interim financial information and pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”). As applicable under such regulation, certain information and footnote disclosures have been condensed or omitted. We believe that all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring accruals) considered necessary for a fair presentation have been included. Operating results for the three and nine month periods ended November 28, 2009 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the entire fiscal year ending February 27, 2010. For further information, refer to the financial statements and footnotes thereto included in the Company’s annual report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended February 28, 2009. Certain amounts from prior periods have been reclassified to conform to the current period presentation. Occupancy expenses for the three and nine month periods ended November 28, 2009 and November 29, 2008 have been reduced by net rental income of $582,000, $459,000, $1,763,000 and $1,537,000, respectively, from real estate holdings incidental to the Company’s retail operations.

The preparation of these consolidated condensed financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States, of necessity requires management to make estimates and assumptions that may affect the reported amounts and related disclosures. Actual amounts could differ from such estimates.

The Company’s fiscal year ends the Saturday nearest to the end of February. The fiscal year ended February 28, 2009 (“fiscal 2008”) was comprised of 52 weeks. The fiscal year ending February 27, 2010 (“fiscal 2009”) will also be comprised of 52 weeks.

In accordance with ASC 855, “Subsequent Events”, the Company evaluated subsequent events through the date the accompanying Financial Statements were issued which was January 11, 2010.

As a result of our adoption of ASC 805 in fiscal 2009, acquisition related costs are recorded as expenses in our statements of operations.

Fair Value of Financial Instruments – As of November 28, 2009 and February 28, 2009, management estimates that the fair value of cash and cash equivalents, receivables, accounts payable, accrued expenses and other current liabilities and long-term debt are carried at amounts that reasonably approximate their fair value. Refer to Note 10 for ASC 820, “Fair Value Measurements” (“ASC 820”) disclosures.

4



 

 

 

 

 

SYMS CORP

 

 

Note 3 - Other assets

The Company has historically recorded the cash surrender value of officers’ life insurance policies on the balance sheet as a non-current asset. Such amounts were $22.2 million and $1.8 million at February 28, 2009 and November 29, 2008, respectively. In March 2009, as a result of uncertainties surrounding the financial viability of the life insurance company underwriting two of these policies, the Company withdrew $16.0 million of accumulated cash value which was ultimately used in connection with the Company’s acquisition of Filene’s, more fully discussed in Note 11 below. The Company continued to be a beneficiary of life insurance policies insuring Mr. Sy Syms, the Company’s founder and Chairman, who deceased on November 17, 2009. Pursuant to those policies, in December 2009, the Company received cash proceeds of approximately $29.9 million, which was net of the aforementioned, previously received $16.0 million in cash values. Net of the cash surrender value of officer’s life insurance of $5.1 million recorded as of August 29, 2009 in other assets, the Company realized a net gain of $24.8 million. Upon receipt, the aforementioned cash proceeds were used for working capital and to repay a portion of the Company’s senior debt facility.

Note 4 - Merchandise Inventories

Merchandise inventories are stated at the lower of cost (first in, first out) or market, as determined by the moving average cost method for Syms and by the retail inventory method for Filene’s. Prior to this quarter, all of the Company’s inventories were stated at first in, first out as determined by the retail inventory method. The change in the method of recording Syms inventory in the current period did not have a material impact on reported results of operations.

Note 5 - Bank Credit Facilities

The Company had an unsecured $40 million, revolving credit facility with Israel Discount Bank (“IDB”) through June 4, 2009, the agreement for which contained various financial covenants and ratio requirements. There were no borrowings under this facility during its term and the Company was in compliance with its covenants during the period in which this facility was available. Effective June 5, 2009 the Company revised this facility to a secured $40 million, revolving credit facility with the same bank and in connection with the acquisition of Filene’s, borrowed $24.0 million under this facility. On August 27, 2009 the Company entered into a $75 million, secured, revolving credit facility with Bank of America which replaced the IDB facility. This facility calculates availability to borrow utilizing a formula which considers accounts receivable, inventory and certain real estate and bears interest at various rates depending on availability under formula, currently LIBOR +3%. The Company is in compliance in all respects with the Bank of America facility at November 28, 2009. As of November 28, 2009, approximately $33.0 million is outstanding under this facility. Each of the Company’s loan facilities have had sub-limits for letters of credit which when utilized, reduce availability under the facility. At November 28, 2009 and November 29, 2008 the Company had outstanding letters of credit of $6,000,000 and $779,000, respectively.

Note 6 - Net Income (Loss) per Share

Basic net income (loss) per share has been computed based upon the weighted average of the common shares outstanding. The following table sets forth basic and diluted average shares and the related net income (loss) per share:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Three Months Ended

 

Nine Months Ended

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

11/28/2009

 

11/29/2008

 

11/28/2009

 

11/29/2008

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(in thousands except per share amounts)

 

Basic and diluted net income (loss) per share:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income (loss)

 

$

25,646

 

$

(891

)

$

15,722

 

$

(1,536

)

Average shares outstanding – basic

 

 

14,593

 

 

14,590

 

 

14,591

 

 

14,588

 

Net income (loss) per share – basic

 

$

1.76

 

$

(0.06

)

$

1.08

 

$

(0.11

)

Average shares outstanding – diluted

 

 

14,593

 

 

14,590

 

 

14,591

 

 

14,588

 

Stock options

 

 

1

 

 

-

 

 

1

 

 

-

 

 

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

Total average equivalent shares

 

 

14,594

 

 

14,590

 

 

14,592

 

 

14,588

 

 

Diluted net income (loss) per share

 

$

1.76

 

$

(0.06

)

$

1.08

 

$

(0.11

)

5



 

 

 

 

 

SYMS CORP

 

 

For periods with losses, options are excluded from the computations of diluted net (loss) per share because the effect would be anti-dilutive. Options to purchase 102,290 and 111,112 shares of common stock at prices ranging from $5.21 to $15.01 per share were outstanding at November 28, 2009 and November 29, 2008.

Note 7 – Recent Accounting Pronouncements

Measuring Liabilities at Fair Value: In August 2009, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update 2009-05, Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures (Topic 820) – Measuring Liabilities at Fair Value (Update 2009-05). Update 2009-05 provides clarification that in circumstances in which a quoted price in an active market for the identical liability is not available, a reporting entity is required to measure fair value of such liability using one or more of the techniques prescribed by the update. We adopted Update 2009-05 in the third quarter of fiscal 2009 and such adoption did not have a material impact on our results of operations or our financial position.

Accounting Standards Codification: In June 2009, the FASB issued Statement No. 168, “The FASB Accounting Standards Codification and the Hierarchy of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles, a replacement of FASB Statement No. 162” (the Codification) (now ASC Subtopic 105-10, also issued as ASU No. 2009-01). The Codification, which was launched on July 1, 2009, became the single source of authoritative non-governmental U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP), superseding various existing authoritative accounting pronouncements. The Codification eliminates the GAAP hierarchy contained in Statement 162 and establishes one level of authoritative GAAP. All other literature is considered non-authoritative. This Codification is effective for financial statements issued for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. We adopted the Codification in the third quarter of fiscal 2009. There will be no change to our consolidated financial statements due to the implementation of the Codification other than changes in reference to various authoritative accounting pronouncements in our consolidated financial statements.

In April 2009, the FASB issued FSP Financial Accounting Standards (“FAS”) 107-1 and Accounting Principles Board (“APB”) 28-1, “Interim Disclosures about Fair Value of Financial Instruments” (now ASC Subtopic 825-10-65) to enhance disclosures regarding fair value measurements. ASC Subtopic 825-10-65 requires disclosures about fair value of financial instruments in interim reporting periods of publicly traded companies that were previously only required to be disclosed in annual financial statements. The provisions of ASC Subtopic 825-10-65 are effective for interim periods ending after June 15, 2009. As ASC Subtopic 825-10-65 amends only the disclosure requirements about fair value of financial instruments in interim periods, the adoption of ASC 825-10-65 did not affect our financial position, results of operations or cash flows. Refer to Note 10 “Fair Value Measurements” for the related disclosures.

Note 8 – Share 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, subject to applicable laws. The Company has reserved 1,500,000 shares of common stock for such issuance. 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).

The Company’s 2005 Stock Option Plan (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

6



 

 

 

 

 

SYMS CORP

 

 

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.

Consistent with ASC 718 “Share-Based Payments”, 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 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 nine months ended November 28, 2009, and all options previously issued are fully vested.

Stock option activity during the nine months ended November 28, 2009 is as follows:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Number
Of options

 

Weighted
Average
Exercise
Price

 

Weighted
Average
Remaining
Contracted
Term (years)

 

Aggregate
Intrinsic
Value

 

Outstanding at March 1, 2009

 

111,112

 

 

 

$

13.81

 

 

-

 

-

 

Options granted

 

-

 

 

 

 

-

 

 

-

 

-

 

Options exercised

 

8,822

 

 

 

 

5.21

 

 

-

 

-

 

Options forfeited

 

-

 

 

 

 

-

 

 

-

 

-

 

Options outstanding at November 28, 2009

 

102,290

 

 

 

$

14.55

 

 

5.38

 

$(737)

 

Options exercisable at November 28, 2009

 

102,290

 

 

 

$

14.55

 

 

5.38

 

$(737)

 

As of November 28, 2009, there was no total unrecognized stock-based compensation cost related to options granted under our plans that will be recognized in future periods.

Note 9 – Income Taxes

Effective March 1, 2007, the Company adopted FIN 48 (now ASC Subtopic 740-10), which clarifies the accounting and disclosure for uncertainty in income taxes. As a result of the adoption, the Company recorded as a cumulative effect adjustment, a decrease to retained earnings at the beginning of fiscal 2007 of approximately $250,000 and increased accruals for uncertain tax positions and related interest and penalties by a corresponding amount. As of the adoption date and to date, this $250,000 represents our liability for uncertain tax positions.

The Company recognizes interest and, if applicable, penalties, which could be assessed, related to uncertain tax positions in income tax expense. For the three and nine month periods ended November 28, 2009, the Company recorded approximately $3,420 and $10,260, respectively in interest before federal and state tax effect.

For the three month period ended November 28, 2009 the effective income tax rate was 1.5% as compared to 37.0% for the comparable period a year ago. For the nine month period ended November 28, 2009 and November 29, 2008, the effective income tax rates were 52.9% and 26.5%, respectively. Differences in effective income tax rates are largely attributable to non-deductibility of certain operating expenses and for the period ending November 28, 2009, to the non-taxable nature of the gain from life insurance benefits received.

Note 10 – Fair Value Measurements

Effective March 1, 2009, we adopted the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Statement No. 157 (now ASC Subtopic 820-10), Fair Value Measurements (“ASC 820-10”), for financial assets and liabilities. This statement defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value and expands the related disclosure requirements. The statement indicates, among other things, that a fair value

7



 

 

 

 

 

SYMS CORP

 

 

measurement assumes a transaction to sell an asset or transfer a liability occurs in the principal market for the asset or liability or, in the absence of a principal market, the most advantageous market for the asset or liability. The Company adopted the provisions of ASC 820-10 with respect to its non-financial assets and liabilities during the first quarter of fiscal 2009. However, there were no non-financial assets or liabilities requiring initial measurement or subsequent re-measurement during the first, second and third quarters of fiscal 2009.

In order to increase consistency and comparability in fair value measurements, ASC 820-10 establishes a hierarchy for observable and unobservable inputs used to measure fair value into three broad levels, which are described below:

 

 

Level 1: Quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets that are accessible at the measurement date for assets or liabilities. The fair value hierarchy gives the highest priority to Level 1 inputs.

Level 2: Observable prices that are based on inputs not quoted on active markets, but corroborated by market data.

Level 3: Unobservable inputs are used when little or no market data is available. The fair value hierarchy gives the lowest priority to Level 3 inputs.

In determining fair value, the Company utilizes valuation techniques that maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs to the extent possible as well as considers counterparty credit risk in its assessment of fair value.

Assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis include the following as of November 28, 2009:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fair Value Measurement at
November 28, 2009 Using

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                   

(In thousands)

 

Quoted
Prices in
Active
Markets
(Level 1)

 

Significant
Other
Observable
Inputs
(Level 2)

 

Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)

 

Total
Carrying
Value at
November 28,
2009

 

                   

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents

 

$

10,997     

 

$

-     

 

$

-       

 

$

10,997     

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash surrender value

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

– Officers’ Life Insurance

 

$

-     

 

$

1,836     

 

$

-       

 

$

1,836     

 

On an annual recurring basis, the Company is required to use fair value measures when measuring plan assets of the Company’s pension plans. As the Company elected to adopt the measurement date provisions of ASC 715, “Employers’ Accounting for Defined Benefit Pension and Other Postretirement Plans,” as of March 4, 2007, the Company was required to determine the fair value of the Company’s pension plan assets as of February 28, 2009. The fair value of pension plan assets was $6.3 million at February 28, 2009. As of November 28, 2009, the fair value of pension plan assets was $7.7 million. These assets are valued in active liquid markets.

Additionally, on a nonrecurring basis, the Company uses fair value measures when analyzing asset impairment. Long-lived assets are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. If it is determined such indicators are present and the review indicates that the assets will not be fully recoverable, based on undiscounted estimated cash flows over the remaining amortization periods, their carrying values are reduced to estimated fair value. Measurements based on undiscounted cash flows are considered to be level 3 inputs.

Note 11 – Acquisition of Filene’s Basement

On June 19, 2009 the Company, through its wholly-owned subsidiary, SYL, LLC, acquired certain inventory, fixed assets, equipment, intellectual property and real property leases and certain other net assets of Filene’s Basement, Inc., an off-price retail clothing chain, pursuant to an order of the United States

8



 

 

 

 

 

SYMS CORP

 

 

Bankruptcy Court for the District of Delaware in accordance with Sections 105, 363 and 365 of the United States Bankruptcy Code. Filene’s was acquired for a variety of reasons including the opportunity to capitalize on the strength of brand awareness, leverage the utilization of combined infrastructure and personnel, and to expand market share in the off-price retail clothing market. The purchase price paid at closing was approximately $64.4 million in cash, of which $39.3 million was paid for by the Company. Approximately $25.0 million was paid for by Vornado Realty Trust and its joint venture partners to acquire a termination of their lease in Boston, Massachusetts and to make changes to their lease for a Filene’s Basement location in New York, New York. The Company’s portion of the purchase price was paid for through $ 23.9 million in borrowings under the Company’s asset-based revolving credit facility (Note 5), and the remainder from cash on hand. The purchase price was reduced by $.4 million in the current period and the bargain purchase gain was increased by $.3 million as a result of final settlement on the purchase price of inventory acquired. The acquisition was accounted for as a business combination using the purchase method of accounting under the provisions of SFAS 141(R) (now ASC Topic 805), Business Combinations.

The unaudited consolidated condensed financial statements presented herein include the results of operations for Filene’s from the period June 19, 2009 through November 28, 2009.

The Company determined that the fair values of assets acquired exceeded the purchase price by approximately $9.7 million which was recorded as a bargain purchase gain and is shown as a separate component of operating expenses in the consolidated financial statements for the three and nine months ended November 28, 2009. The following table (in thousands) presents the unaudited estimated fair values of the net assets acquired and the excess of such net assets over the purchase price at acquisition date:

 

 

 

 

 

Inventory

 

$

21,316

 

Fixed assets and equipment

 

 

30,051

 

Intangible assets

 

 

2,090

 

 

 

   

 

Fair value

 

 

53,457

 

Purchase price

 

 

38,927

 

 

 

   

 

Excess of fair value over purchase price

 

 

14,530

 

Less: Deferred taxes

 

 

(3,408

)

Obligations to customers

 

 

(1,197

)

Other adjustments

 

 

(211

)

 

 

   

 

Bargain purchase gain

 

$

9,714

 

 

 

   

 

Intangible assets are comprised primarily of trademarks with a 10 year life while the customer list acquired having a value of $40,000 has a useful life of 5 years. In conjunction with the transaction, acquisition costs inclusive of investment banking, legal, professional and other costs aggregating $4.8 million were expensed in the periods incurred.

The following table summarizes, on a pro-forma basis, the combined results of operations of the Company and Filene’s as though the acquisition had occurred as of March 2, 2008. The pro-forma amounts give effect to adjustments to exclude Filene’s store locations not acquired and estimated changes in operating expenses reflective of such lesser locations and revenues, interest expense and income taxes. The pro-forma amounts presented are not necessarily indicative of either the actual consolidated operating results had the acquisition occurred as of March 2, 2008 or of future consolidated operating results.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Three months ended

 

Nine months ended

 

 

 

Nov. 28, 2009

 

Nov. 29, 2008

 

Nov. 28, 2009

 

Nov. 29, 2008

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Revenues

 

 

$

133,101

 

 

 

$

162,359

 

 

 

$

452,142

 

 

 

$

323,067

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income

 

 

$

27,771

 

 

 

$

3,197

 

 

 

$

6,338

 

 

 

$

12,779

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income per share of common stock:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic

 

 

$

1.90

 

 

 

$

0.22

 

 

 

$

0.43

 

 

 

$

0.88

 

 

Diluted

 

 

$

1.90

 

 

 

$

0.22

 

 

 

$

0.43

 

 

 

$

0.88

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

9



 

 

 

 

 

SYMS CORP

 

 

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 and Section 21E of the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934) and information relating to the Company that are based on the beliefs of management of the Company as well as assumptions made by and information currently available to 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 information or communication 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, unanticipated difficulties which may arise with the integration of Filene’s Basement 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 Estimates

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 the Company’s estimates. Such differences could be material to the financial statements.

The Company believes that its 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 Financial Statements, located in the Annual Report on Form 10-K for fiscal 2009. The Company has identified certain critical accounting policies that are described below.

Merchandise Inventory – Inventory is stated at the lower of cost or market, moving weighted average cost method for Syms and the lower of cost or market, FIFO retail method for Filene’s. Under the FIFO retail method, inventory cost and the resulting gross margins are calculated by applying a cost to retail ratio between the costs of goods available for sale and the retail value of inventories. The significant estimates used are for markdowns and shrinkage.

Factors considered in the determination of permanent markdowns include current and anticipated demand, customer preferences and age of the merchandise, fashion trends and weather conditions. In addition, inventory is also evaluated against corporate pre-determined historical markdown trends. When a decision is made to permanently markdown merchandise, the resulting gross margin reduction is recognized in the

10



 

 

 

 

 

SYMS CORP

 

 

period the markdown is recorded. The timing of the decision, particularly surrounding the balance sheet date, can have a significant effect on the results of operations.

Shrinkage is estimated as a percentage of sales for the period from the date of the last physical inventory to the end of the fiscal year. Physical inventories are taken at least annually for all stores and inventory records are adjusted accordingly. The shrinkage rate from the most recent physical inventory, in combination with historical experience, is used as the standard for the shrinkage accrual following the physical inventory.

The Company has found the use of these estimates to be appropriate and actual results have not differed materially. However, the Company is subject to certain risks and uncertainties that could cause its future estimates to differ materially from past experience.

Long-Lived Assets - In evaluation of the fair value and future benefits and any potential impairment 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 the Company’s strategies change, the conclusion regarding impairment may differ from the Company’s current estimates.

Results of Operations

Three Months and Nine Months Ended November 28, 2009 Compared to Three Months and Nine Months Ended November 29, 2008

Net sales for the three months ended November 28, 2009 were $135,159,000, an increase of $70,829,000 (110.1%) as compared to net sales of $64,330,000 for the three months ended November 29, 2008. For the nine months ended November 28, 2009, net sales were $261,852,000 an increase of $73,904,000 (39.3%) as compared to net sales of $187,948,000 for the nine months ended November 29, 2008. Net sales for the three and nine month periods ended November 28, 2009 included sales from Filene’s from June 19, 2009 (first date of operating ownership) of $78,773,000 and $111,358,000 respectively. Comparable store sales, which are for Syms stores only, decreased 9.9% for the three months and 17.8% for the nine months ended November 28, 2009 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. Syms closed a store in Virginia and opened a new store in close proximity to the previous location. This location is included in the comparable store comparisons. We did not have any expansion in square footage in the three months and nine months ended November 28, 2009. The decrease in same store sales in the three and nine months ended November 28, 2009 is attributable to declines in store traffic commensurate with the recessionary trend in the U.S. economy and, to a lesser extent, to the closing of one store earlier this fiscal year. The increase in sales for the three and nine months ending November 28, 2009 is attributable to the purchase of Filene’s offset by generally decreased sales from declines in store traffic commensurate with the recessionary trend in the U.S. economy.

Gross profit for the three months ended November 28, 2009 was $57,868,000 (42.8% as a percentage of net sales) as compared to $26,632,000 (41.4% as a percentage of net sales) for the three months ended November 29, 2008. Gross profit for the nine months ended November 28, 2009 was $107,102,000 (40.9% as a percentage of net sales) as compared to $77,950,000 (41.5% as a percentage of net sales) for the nine months ended November 29, 2008. Gross profit for the three and nine month periods ended November 28, 2009 included gross profit from Filene’s from June 19, 2009 (first date of operating ownership) of $35,069,000 and $47,059,000 respectively. The Company’s gross profit may not be comparable to those of other entities, since some retail entities may include all costs related to their distribution network in cost of goods sold while others, like the Company, exclude a portion of those costs from gross profit and, instead, include them in operating expenses such as selling and administrative expenses and occupancy costs. The increase in gross profit dollars for the three and nine months ended November 28, 2009 compared to a year ago is attributable to the purchase of Filene’s offset by generally decreased sales from declines in store

11



 

 

 

 

 

SYMS CORP

 

 

traffic commensurate with the recessionary trend in the U.S. economy. The increase in gross profit percentage for the quarter is attributable to lower markdowns commensurate with lower aged merchandise.

Selling, general and administrative expense (“SG&A”) increased $15,853,000 to $35,339,000 (26.2% as a percentage of net sales) for the three months ended November 28, 2009 as compared to $19,486,000 (30.3% as a percentage of net sales) for the three months ended November 29, 2008. SG&A increased $22,620,000 to $80,358,000 (30.7% as a percentage of net sales) for the nine months ended November 28, 2009 as compared to $57,738,000 (30.7% as a percentage of net sales) for the nine months ended November 29, 2008. SG&A for the three and nine month periods ended November 28, 2009 included SG&A from Filene’s from June 19, 2009 (first date of operating ownership) of $17,143,000 and $29,112,000 respectively. For the three and nine months ended November 28, 2009 vs. the same period last year, SG&A for Syms, exclusive of Filene’s, decreased by $1,290,000 and $6,492,000 respectively, predominately as a result of reductions in personnel and other controllable expenses commensurate with reductions in sales previously discussed.

Advertising expense for the three months ended November 28, 2009 was $4,501,000 (3.3% as a percentage of net sales) as compared to $2,723,000 (4.2% as a percentage of net sales) for the three months ended November 29, 2008. Advertising expense for the nine months ended November 28, 2009 and November 29, 2008 was $6,406,000 (2.5% of net sales) and $5,367,000 (2.9% of net sales) respectively. Advertising expense for the three and nine month periods ended November 28, 2009 included advertising expense from Filene’s from June 19, 2009 (first date of operating ownership) of $2,381,000 and $2,324,000 respectively. For the three and nine months ended November 28, 2009 vs. the same period last year, advertising expense for Syms, exclusive of Filene’s, decreased by $603,000 and $1,285,000 respectively, primarily due to shifts away from TV advertising to a lower-cost and more geographically focused usage of radio, e-mail and in-store promotional activities.

Occupancy costs (net) were $14,126,000 (10.5% as a percentage of net sales) for the three months ended November 28, 2009 as compared to $3,850,000 (6.0% as a percentage of net sales) for the three months ended November 29, 2008. Occupancy costs (net) were $30,181,000 (11.5% as a percentage of net sales) for the nine months ended November 28, 2009 as compared to $11,682,000 (6.2% as a percentage of net sales) for the nine months ended November 29, 2008. Included as an offset to net occupancy cost is rental income from third parties. For the three and nine month periods ended November 28, 2009, rental income was $582,000 and $1,763,000 respectively, as compared to $459,000 and $1,537,000 for the three and nine month periods ended November 29, 2008. The increase in rental income is primarily due to increased occupancy in certain rental properties. Occupancy costs for the three and nine month periods ended November 28, 2009 included occupancy costs from Filene’s from June 19, 2009 (first date of operating ownership) of $10,656,000 and $19,426,000 respectively. For the three and nine months ended November 28, 2009 as compared to the same period last year, occupancy costs for Syms, exclusive of Filene’s, decreased by $380,000 and $927,000 respectively, predominately as a result of the closure of one store location.

Depreciation and amortization expense was $2,991,000 (2.2% as a percentage of net sales) for the three months ended November 28, 2009 as compared to $1,971,000 (3.1% as a percentage of net sales) for the three months ended November 29, 2008. Depreciation and amortization expense for the nine months ended November 28, 2009 was $7,958,000 (3.0% as a percentage of net sales) as compared to $5,834,000 (3.1% as a percentage of net sales) for the nine months ended November 29, 2008. Depreciation and amortization expense for the three and nine month periods ended November 28, 2009 included depreciation and amortization expense from Filene’s from June 19, 2009 (first date of operating ownership) of $1,202,000 and $2,402,000 respectively. For the three and nine months ended November 28, 2009 vs. the same period last year, depreciation and amortization expense for Syms, exclusive of Filene’s, decreased by $182,000 and $278,000 respectively due primarily to assets reaching fully depreciated status.

In conjunction with the acquisition of Filene’s, the Company determined that the fair values of assets acquired exceeded the purchase price by approximately $9.7 million, resulting in a bargain purchase gain, based upon valuations of inventory, fixed assets, equipment and intangible assets, net of deferred taxes, customer obligations and other adjustments. Acquisition costs inclusive of investment banking, legal, professional and other costs aggregating $4.8 million were expensed in the periods incurred.

12



 

 

 

 

 

SYMS CORP

 

 

Other income was $24,764,000 for the three months ended November 28, 2009 as compared to $19,000 for the three months ended November 29, 2008. Other income for the nine months ended November 28, 2009 was $24,781,000 as compared to $31,000 for the nine months ended November 29, 2008. This increase is due to the accrual of life insurance proceeds from officers’ life insurance policies on the Company’s founder, who deceased on November 17, 2009.

As a result of the above-noted items, income before income taxes for the three months ended November 28, 2009 was $25,274,000 as compared to a loss of $1,415,000 for the three months ended November 29, 2008. Income before income taxes for the nine months ended November 28, 2009 was $10,281,000 as compared to a loss before taxes of $2,090,000 for the nine months ended November 29, 2008.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

Working capital as of November 28, 2009 was $84,610,000 an increase of $37,742,000 as compared to $46,868,000 as of November 29, 2008. This increase in working capital is primarily attributable to the accrual of insurance proceeds from officers’ life insurance policies. The ratio of current assets to current liabilities was 1.98 to 1 as of November 28, 2009 as compared to 2.21 to 1 as of November 29, 2008.

Net cash provided by operating activities totaled $9,062,000 for the nine months ended November 28, 2009, as compared to $2,469,000 for the nine months ended November 29, 2008. This increase resulted largely from increases in accounts payable offset by increases in merchandise inventory levels, both attributable to the acquisition of Filene’s.

Net cash used in investing activities was $48,909,000 for the nine months ended November 28, 2009, as compared to $11,228,000 used in investing activities for the nine months ended November 29, 2008. The acquisition of the assets of Filene’s largely accounts for this increase.

Net cash provided by financing activities was $49,022,000 for the nine months ended November 28, 2009, as compared to net cash used by financing activities of $669,000 for the nine months ended November 29, 2008. The financing related to the acquisition of the assets of Filene’s through our debt facility and an advance of $16,000,000 of cash value of officers’ life insurance accounts for this increase.

The Company had an unsecured $40 million, revolving credit facility with Israel Discount Bank (“IDB”) through June 4, 2009, the agreement for which contained various financial covenants and ratio requirements. There were no borrowings under this facility during its term and the Company was in compliance with its covenants during the period in which this facility was available. Effective June 5, 2009 the Company revised this facility to a secured $40 million, revolving credit facility with the same bank and in connection with the acquisition of Filene’s, borrowed $24.0 million under this facility. On August 27, 2009 the Company entered into a $75 million, secured, revolving credit facility with Bank of America which replaced the IDB facility. The Company is in compliance in all respects with this facility at November 28, 2009. As of November 28, 2009, $33 million is outstanding under this facility. Each of the Company’s loan facilities have had sub-limits for letters of credit which, when utilized, reduce availability under the facility. At November 28, 2009, February 28, 2009 and November 29, 2008 the Company had outstanding letters of credit of $6,000,000, $741,000 and $779,000 respectively.

The Company had budgeted capital expenditures of approximately $8 million for the fiscal year ending February 27, 2010. Through the nine month period ended November 28, 2009, the Company has incurred $9.9 million of capital expenditures related to operations of Syms. Capital expenditures exceeded budget due primarily to expenditures to refurbish certain Filene’s locations which were not known at the time the budget was prepared. Additional changes in fixed assets were the result of the acquisition of such fixed assets through the Filene’s acquisition.

The U.S. economy is continuing to experience weakness across virtually every sector. Such continued weakness could negatively affect the Company’s cash, sales and/or operating performance and, further, could limit additional capital if needed and increase concomitant costs. Management believes that existing cash, internally generated funds, trade credit and funds available from the revolving credit facility will be

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SYMS CORP

 

 

sufficient for working capital and capital expenditure requirements for the fiscal year ending February 28, 2010.

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 Notes to Condensed Financial Statements for a description of the Recent Accounting Pronouncements including the respective dates of adoption and the effects on Results of Operations 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

The Company’s management, with the participation of the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, evaluated the effectiveness of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) promulgated under the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, as amended) as of the end of the fiscal quarter ended November 28, 2009. Based on this evaluation, the CEO and CFO have concluded that the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of the end of the fiscal quarter ended November 28, 2009 to ensure that information that is required to be disclosed by the Company in the reports it files or submits under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported, within the time periods specified in the SEC’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 information otherwise required to be set forth in the Company’s periodic reports.

 

 

b)

Changes in Internal Controls Over Financial Reporting

There have been no changes in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting (as such term is defined in Rules 13(a)-15(f) and 15(d)-15(f) under the Exchange Act during the fiscal quarter covered by this quarterly report on Form 10Q that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting. However, there has been an initiative that commenced this quarter relating to the acquisition integration that when considered in the aggregate, currently represents a material change in our internal controls over financial reporting. Filene’s, which was acquired during the second quarter, utilizes a separate information and financial accounting system the financial information from which has been included in our consolidated financial statements. The acquisition and integration of the new system implementations involves necessary and appropriate changes in management controls that are considered in our annual assessment of the design and operating effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting. We expect our assessment of the changes in internal control to be completed in 2010.

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SYMS CORP

 

 

 

Part II. Other Information



 

 

Item 1.

LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

 

 

 

The Company is a party to routine legal proceedings incidental to our business. Some of the actions to which the Company is a party are covered by insurance and are being defended or reimbursed by the Company’s insurance carriers.

 

 

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 the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended February 28, 2009 (Fiscal 2008), which could materially affect the Company’s business, financial condition or future results. The risks described in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K are not the only risks facing the Company. Additional risks and uncertainties not currently known to the Company or that the Company currently deems to be immaterial may also materially adversely affect the Company’s business, financial condition and/or operating results.

 

 

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

 

 

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 11, 2010

By

/s/ Marcy Syms

 

 

MARCY SYMS

 

 

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

 

 

 

Date: January 11, 2010

By

/s/ Philip A. Piscopo

 

 

PHILIP A. PISCOPO

 

 

VICE PRESIDENT

 

 

CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER

 

 

(Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)

 

 

 

EXHIBIT INDEX

 

 

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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