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EX-32.1 - EX-32.1 - BON TON STORES INCa17-11492_1ex32d1.htm
EX-31.2 - EX-31.2 - BON TON STORES INCa17-11492_1ex31d2.htm
EX-31.1 - EX-31.1 - BON TON STORES INCa17-11492_1ex31d1.htm

 

 

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, DC 20549

 

FORM 10-Q

 

Quarterly Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d)

of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

 

For the Quarter ended April 29, 2017

 

Commission File Number 0-19517

 

THE BON-TON STORES, INC.

2801 East Market Street

York, Pennsylvania 17402

(717) 757-7660

 

Incorporated in Pennsylvania

 

IRS No. 23-2835229

 


 

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 twelve 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 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 (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files). Yes x No o

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company,” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

 

Large accelerated filer o

 

Accelerated filer o

 

Non-accelerated filer o
(Do not check if a smaller reporting company)

 

Smaller reporting companyx

 

Emerging growth companyo

 

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. 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

 

As of May 26, 2017, there were 18,552,052 shares of Common Stock, $.01 par value, and 2,951,490 shares of Class A Common Stock, $.01 par value, outstanding.

 

 

 



 

PART I:           FINANCIAL INFORMATION

ITEM 1.          FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

THE BON-TON STORES, INC.

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

 

 

 

(Unaudited)

 

 

 

 

 

April 29,

 

April 30,

 

January 28,

 

(In thousands, except share and per share data)

 

2017

 

2016

 

2017

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Assets

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Current assets:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents

 

$

7,012

 

$

7,807

 

$

6,736

 

Merchandise inventories

 

713,731

 

712,113

 

724,454

 

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

 

82,867

 

72,246

 

98,558

 

Total current assets

 

803,610

 

792,166

 

829,748

 

Property, fixtures and equipment at cost, net of accumulated depreciation and amortization of $1,045,580, $974,272 and $1,024,435 at April 29, 2017, April 30, 2016 and January 28, 2017, respectively

 

570,709

 

623,086

 

584,803

 

Intangible assets, net of accumulated amortization of $67,009, $63,647 and $65,646 at April 29, 2017, April 30, 2016 and January 28, 2017, respectively

 

71,748

 

80,619

 

73,111

 

Other long-term assets

 

22,384

 

16,713

 

17,401

 

Total assets

 

$

1,468,451

 

$

1,512,584

 

$

1,505,063

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Liabilities and Shareholders’ Deficit

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Current liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Accounts payable

 

$

160,643

 

$

159,818

 

$

185,900

 

Accrued payroll and benefits

 

22,751

 

22,309

 

25,821

 

Accrued expenses

 

155,913

 

146,585

 

150,441

 

Current maturities of capital lease and financing obligations

 

6,823

 

5,529

 

6,685

 

Total current liabilities

 

346,130

 

334,241

 

368,847

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Long-term debt, less current maturities

 

894,895

 

864,856

 

848,777

 

Capital lease and financing obligations, less current maturities

 

132,179

 

125,269

 

133,857

 

Other long-term liabilities

 

174,030

 

189,477

 

176,363

 

Total liabilities

 

1,547,234

 

1,513,843

 

1,527,844

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Contingencies (Note 10)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Shareholders’ deficit

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Preferred Stock — authorized 5,000,000 shares at $0.01 par value; no shares issued

 

 

 

 

Common Stock — authorized 40,000,000 shares at $0.01 par value; issued shares of 18,806,967, 18,954,675 and 18,972,718 at April 29, 2017, April 30, 2016 and January 28, 2017, respectively

 

188

 

190

 

190

 

Class A Common Stock — authorized 20,000,000 shares at $0.01 par value; issued and outstanding shares of 2,951,490 at April 29, 2017, April 30, 2016 and January 28, 2017

 

30

 

30

 

30

 

Treasury stock, at cost — 337,800 shares at April 29, 2017, April 30, 2016 and January 28, 2017

 

(1,387

)

(1,387

)

(1,387

)

Additional paid-in capital

 

167,984

 

165,199

 

166,932

 

Accumulated other comprehensive loss

 

(72,146

)

(75,255

)

(72,909

)

Accumulated deficit

 

(173,452

)

(90,036

)

(115,637

)

Total shareholders’ deficit

 

(78,783

)

(1,259

)

(22,781

)

Total liabilities and shareholders’ deficit

 

$

1,468,451

 

$

1,512,584

 

$

1,505,063

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

 

2



 

THE BON-TON STORES, INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

 

 

 

THIRTEEN

 

 

 

WEEKS ENDED

 

(In thousands, except per share data)

 

April 29,

 

April 30,

 

(Unaudited)

 

2017

 

2016

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net sales

 

$

536,141

 

$

591,007

 

Other income

 

16,880

 

17,416

 

 

 

553,021

 

608,423

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Costs and expenses:

 

 

 

 

 

Costs of merchandise sold

 

363,561

 

390,913

 

Selling, general and administrative

 

205,085

 

216,185

 

Depreciation and amortization

 

22,207

 

23,194

 

Amortization of lease-related interests

 

954

 

1,007

 

Loss from operations

 

(38,786

)

(22,876

)

Interest expense, net

 

18,018

 

15,086

 

Loss on extinguishment of debt

 

559

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Loss before income taxes

 

(57,363

)

(37,962

)

Income tax benefit

 

(48

)

(144

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net loss

 

$

(57,315

)

$

(37,818

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Per share amounts —

 

 

 

 

 

Basic:

 

 

 

 

 

Net loss

 

$

(2.86

)

$

(1.91

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Diluted:

 

 

 

 

 

Net loss

 

$

(2.86

)

$

(1.91

)

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

 

3



 

THE BON-TON STORES, INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE LOSS

 

 

 

THIRTEEN

 

 

 

WEEKS ENDED

 

(In thousands)

 

April 29,

 

April 30,

 

(Unaudited)

 

2017

 

2016

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net loss

 

$

(57,315

)

$

(37,818

)

Other comprehensive income, net of tax:

 

 

 

 

 

Pension and postretirement benefit plans

 

763

 

867

 

Comprehensive loss

 

$

(56,552

)

$

(36,951

)

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

 

4



 

THE BON-TON STORES, INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

 

 

 

THIRTEEN

 

 

 

WEEKS ENDED

 

(In thousands)

 

April 29,

 

April 30,

 

(Unaudited)

 

2017

 

2016

 

Cash flows from operating activities:

 

 

 

 

 

Net loss

 

$

(57,315

)

$

(37,818

)

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

 

 

 

 

 

Depreciation and amortization

 

22,207

 

23,194

 

Amortization of lease-related interests

 

954

 

1,007

 

Share-based compensation expense

 

590

 

896

 

Loss on sale of property, fixtures and equipment

 

43

 

21

 

Reclassifications of accumulated other comprehensive loss

 

1,284

 

1,464

 

Loss on extinguishment of debt

 

559

 

 

Amortization of deferred financing costs and debt discount

 

1,644

 

849

 

Deferred income tax benefit

 

(48

)

(144

)

Changes in operating assets and liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

Decrease (increase) in merchandise inventories

 

10,723

 

(414

)

Decrease in prepaid expenses and other current assets

 

15,691

 

25,008

 

(Increase) decrease in other long-term assets

 

(14

)

577

 

(Decrease) increase in accounts payable

 

(28,868

)

2,533

 

Increase (decrease) in accrued payroll and benefits and accrued expenses

 

4,267

 

(5,102

)

(Decrease) increase in other long-term liabilities

 

(2,712

)

207

 

Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities

 

(30,995

)

12,278

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash flows from investing activities:

 

 

 

 

 

Capital expenditures

 

(9,781

)

(12,626

)

Proceeds from sale of property, fixtures and equipment

 

24

 

7

 

Net cash used in investing activities

 

(9,757

)

(12,619

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash flows from financing activities:

 

 

 

 

 

Payments on long-term debt and capital lease and financing obligations

 

(122,471

)

(144,117

)

Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt and financing obligations

 

166,465

 

151,461

 

Restricted shares forfeited in lieu of payroll taxes

 

(40

)

(120

)

Deferred financing costs paid

 

(6,589

)

(495

)

Increase (decrease) in book overdraft balances

 

3,663

 

(5,460

)

Net cash provided by financing activities

 

41,028

 

1,269

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net increase in cash and cash equivalents

 

276

 

928

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period

 

6,736

 

6,879

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period

 

$

7,012

 

$

7,807

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

 

5



 

THE BON-TON STORES, INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS’ (DEFICIT) EQUITY

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Accumulated

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Class A

 

 

 

Additional

 

Other

 

 

 

 

 

(In thousands)

 

Common

 

Common

 

Treasury

 

Paid-in

 

Comprehensive

 

Accumulated

 

 

 

(Unaudited)

 

Stock

 

Stock

 

Stock

 

Capital

 

Loss

 

Deficit

 

Total

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

BALANCE AT JANUARY 30, 2016

 

$

185

 

$

30

 

$

(1,387

)

$

164,428

 

$

(76,122

)

$

(52,218

)

$

34,916

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net loss

 

 

 

 

 

 

(37,818

)

(37,818

)

Other comprehensive income

 

 

 

 

 

867

 

 

867

 

Restricted shares forfeited in lieu of payroll taxes

 

 

 

 

(120

)

 

 

(120

)

Share-based compensation expense

 

5

 

 

 

891

 

 

 

896

 

BALANCE AT APRIL 30, 2016

 

$

190

 

$

30

 

$

(1,387

)

$

165,199

 

$

(75,255

)

$

(90,036

)

$

(1,259

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

BALANCE AT JANUARY 28, 2017

 

$

190

 

$

30

 

$

(1,387

)

$

166,932

 

$

(72,909

)

$

(115,637

)

$

(22,781

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cumulative adjustment to adopt ASU 2016-09 (Note 1)

 

 

 

 

500

 

 

(500

)

 

Net loss

 

 

 

 

 

 

(57,315

)

(57,315

)

Other comprehensive income

 

 

 

 

 

763

 

 

763

 

Restricted shares forfeited in lieu of payroll taxes

 

(2

)

 

 

(38

)

 

 

(40

)

Share-based compensation expense

 

 

 

 

590

 

 

 

590

 

BALANCE AT APRIL 29, 2017

 

$

188

 

$

30

 

$

(1,387

)

$

167,984

 

$

(72,146

)

$

(173,452

)

$

(78,783

)

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

 

6



 

THE BON-TON STORES, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(In thousands, except share and per share data)

 

1.                                      BASIS OF PRESENTATION

 

The Bon-Ton Stores, Inc., a Pennsylvania corporation, was incorporated on January 31, 1996 as the successor of a company incorporated on January 31, 1929.  As of April 29, 2017, The Bon-Ton Stores, Inc. operated, through its subsidiaries, 261 stores, including nine furniture galleries and four clearance centers, in 25 states in the Northeast, Midwest and upper Great Plains under the Bon-Ton, Bergner’s, Boston Store, Carson’s, Elder-Beerman, Herberger’s and Younkers nameplates.

 

The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements include the accounts of The Bon-Ton Stores, Inc. (the “Parent”) and its subsidiaries (collectively, the “Company”).  All intercompany transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

 

The unaudited consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the instructions for Form 10-Q and do not include all information and footnotes required in annual consolidated financial statements prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States.  In the opinion of management, all adjustments considered necessary for a fair presentation of interim periods have been included.  The Company’s business is seasonal in nature and results of operations for the interim periods presented are not necessarily indicative of results for the full fiscal year.  These unaudited consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended January 28, 2017.

 

For purposes of the following discussion, references to the “first quarter of 2017” and the “first quarter of 2016” are to the 13 weeks ended April 29, 2017 and April 30, 2016, respectively.  References to “fiscal 2017” are to the 53 weeks ending February 3, 2018; references to “fiscal 2016” are to the 52 weeks ended January 28, 2017.

 

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States requires that management make estimates and assumptions about future events.  These estimates and assumptions affect the amounts of assets and liabilities reported, disclosures about contingent assets and liabilities, and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses.  Such estimates include those related to merchandise returns, the valuation of inventories, long-lived assets, intangible assets, insurance reserves, contingencies, litigation and assumptions used in the calculation of income taxes and retirement and other post-employment benefits, among others.  These estimates and assumptions are based on management’s best estimates and judgments.  Management evaluates its estimates and assumptions on an ongoing basis using historical experience and other factors, including the current economic environment, which management believes to be reasonable under the circumstances.  Management adjusts such estimates and assumptions when facts and circumstances dictate.  As future events and their effects cannot be determined with precision, actual results could differ significantly from these estimates.  Changes in those estimates resulting from continuing changes in the economic environment will be reflected in the financial statements in future periods.

 

Recently Adopted Accounting Standards

 

Effective January 29, 2017, the Company adopted Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2016-09, Stock Compensation.  The new standard is intended to simplify several aspects of the accounting for share-based payment award transactions.  In connection with the adoption of this standard, the Company made a policy election to record the expense associated with forfeitures under its share-based payment plans when they occur (rather than estimating forfeitures and recording over the vesting term of the award).  The Company made this election to reduce the complexity of accounting for its awards.  The Company used a modified retrospective approach to recording this change and recorded a $500 increase to both additional paid-in capital and accumulated deficit at the time of the adoption to eliminate the forfeiture estimates previously recorded for awards outstanding as of January 29, 2017.

 

7



 

THE BON-TON STORES, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(In thousands, except share and per share data)

 

2.                                      PER-SHARE AMOUNTS

 

The following table presents a reconciliation of net loss and weighted average shares outstanding used in basic and diluted loss per share (“EPS”) calculations for each period presented:

 

 

 

THIRTEEN

 

 

 

WEEKS ENDED

 

 

 

April 29,

 

April 30,

 

 

 

2017

 

2016

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic Loss Per Common Share

 

 

 

 

 

Net loss

 

$

(57,315

)

$

(37,818

)

Less: Income allocated to participating securities

 

 

 

Net loss available to common shareholders

 

$

(57,315

)

$

(37,818

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Weighted average common shares outstanding

 

20,039,047

 

19,760,448

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic loss per common share

 

$

(2.86

)

$

(1.91

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Diluted Loss Per Common Share

 

 

 

 

 

Net loss

 

$

(57,315

)

$

(37,818

)

Less: Income allocated to participating securities

 

 

 

Net loss available to common shareholders

 

$

(57,315

)

$

(37,818

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Weighted average common shares outstanding

 

20,039,047

 

19,760,448

 

Common shares issuable - stock options

 

 

 

Weighted average common shares outstanding assuming dilution

 

20,039,047

 

19,760,448

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Diluted loss per common share

 

$

(2.86

)

$

(1.91

)

 

Due to the Company’s net loss position, weighted average unvested restricted shares (participating securities) of 1,349,621 and 1,220,177 for the first quarter in each of 2017 and 2016, respectively, were not considered in the calculation of net loss available to common shareholders used for both basic and diluted EPS.

 

3.                                      FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS

 

Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) Topic 820, Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures (“ASC 820”), defines fair value and establishes a framework for measuring fair value.  ASC 820 establishes fair value hierarchy levels that prioritize the inputs used in valuations determining fair value.  Level 1 inputs are unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.  Level 2 inputs are primarily quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets or inputs that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly.  Level 3 inputs are unobservable inputs based on the Company’s own assumptions.

 

The carrying values of the Company’s cash and cash equivalents, accounts payable and financial instruments reported within prepaid expenses and other current assets and other long-term assets approximate fair value.

 

8



 

THE BON-TON STORES, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(In thousands, except share and per share data)

 

The carrying value and estimated fair value of the Company’s long-term debt, excluding capital lease and financing obligations and unamortized second lien senior secured notes deferred financing costs and discount on senior secured credit facility — Tranche A-1, as of April 29, 2017 are as follows:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fair Value Measurements Using

 

 

 

Carrying
Value

 

Estimated
Fair Value

 

Quoted
Prices in
Active
Markets
(Level 1)

 

Significant
Other
Observable
Inputs
(Level 2)

 

Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)

 

Second lien senior secured notes

 

$

350,000

 

$

180,250

 

$

180,250

 

$

 

$

 

Senior secured credit facility

 

552,223

 

552,223

 

 

 

552,223

 

Total

 

$

902,223

 

$

732,473

 

$

180,250

 

$

 

$

552,223

 

 

The carrying value and estimated fair value of the Company’s long-term debt, excluding capital lease and financing obligations and unamortized second lien senior secured notes deferred financing costs, as of April 30, 2016 are as follows:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fair Value Measurements Using

 

 

 

Carrying
Value

 

Estimated
Fair Value

 

Quoted
Prices in
Active
Markets
(Level 1)

 

Significant
Other
Observable
Inputs
(Level 2)

 

Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)

 

Second lien senior secured notes

 

$

407,292

 

$

204,563

 

$

204,563

 

$

 

$

 

Senior secured credit facility

 

463,898

 

463,898

 

 

 

463,898

 

Total

 

$

871,190

 

$

668,461

 

$

204,563

 

$

 

$

463,898

 

 

The carrying value and estimated fair value of the Company’s long-term debt, excluding capital lease and financing obligations and unamortized second lien senior secured notes deferred financing costs and discount on senior secured credit facility — Tranche A-1, as of January 28, 2017 are as follows:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fair Value Measurements Using

 

 

 

Carrying
Value

 

Estimated
Fair Value

 

Quoted
Prices in
Active
Markets
(Level 1)

 

Significant
Other
Observable
Inputs
(Level 2)

 

Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)

 

Second lien senior secured notes

 

$

350,000

 

$

177,331

 

$

177,331

 

$

 

$

 

Senior secured credit facility

 

506,689

 

506,689

 

 

 

506,689

 

Total

 

$

856,689

 

$

684,020

 

$

177,331

 

$

 

$

506,689

 

 

The Level 3 fair value estimates are determined by a discounted cash flow analysis utilizing a discount rate the Company believes is appropriate and would be used by market participants.  There was no change in the valuation technique used to determine the Level 3 fair value estimates.

 

9



 

THE BON-TON STORES, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(In thousands, except share and per share data)

 

4.                                      SUPPLEMENTAL BALANCE SHEET INFORMATION

 

Prepaid expenses and other current assets were comprised of the following:

 

 

 

April 29,

 

April 30,

 

January 28,

 

 

 

2017

 

2016

 

2017

 

Other receivables

 

$

40,370

 

$

39,167

 

$

68,270

 

Prepaid expenses

 

42,497

 

33,079

 

30,288

 

Total

 

$

82,867

 

$

72,246

 

$

98,558

 

 

5.                                      SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION

 

The following supplemental cash flow information is provided for the periods reported:

 

 

 

THIRTEEN

 

 

 

WEEKS ENDED

 

 

 

April 29,

 

April 30,

 

 

 

2017

 

2016

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash paid for:

 

 

 

 

 

Interest, net of amounts capitalized

 

$

9,576

 

$

8,668

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Non-cash investing and financing activities:

 

 

 

 

 

Property, fixtures and equipment included in accrued expenses

 

$

2,851

 

$

3,449

 

 

6.                                      EXIT OR DISPOSAL ACTIVITIES

 

The following table summarizes exit or disposal activities during the 13 weeks ended April 29, 2017 related to store closings in fiscal 2017 and 2016 and the Company’s expense efficiency initiative:

 

 

 

Termination
Benefits

 

Other Costs

 

Total

 

Accrued balance as of January 28, 2017

 

$

952

 

$

 

$

952

 

Provisions

 

132

 

239

 

371

 

Payments

 

(666

)

(239

)

(905

)

Accrued balance as of April 29, 2017

 

$

418

 

$

 

$

418

 

 

The above provisions were included within selling, general and administrative expense.

 

7.                                      EMPLOYEE DEFINED AND POSTRETIREMENT BENEFIT PLANS

 

The Company provides benefits to certain current and former associates who are eligible under a qualified defined benefit pension plan and various non-qualified supplemental pension plans (collectively, the “Pension Plans”).  Net periodic benefit expense for the Pension Plans includes the following (income) and expense components:

 

10



 

THE BON-TON STORES, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(In thousands, except share and per share data)

 

 

 

THIRTEEN

 

 

 

WEEKS ENDED

 

 

 

April 29,

 

April 30,

 

 

 

2017

 

2016

 

Interest cost

 

$

1,666

 

$

1,785

 

Expected return on plan assets

 

(1,934

)

(2,100

)

Recognition of net actuarial loss

 

1,407

 

1,571

 

Net periodic benefit expense

 

$

1,139

 

$

1,256

 

 

During the 13 weeks ended April 29, 2017, contributions of $152 were made to the Pension Plans.  The Company anticipates contributing an additional $403 to fund the Pension Plans in fiscal 2017 for an annual total of $555.

 

The Company also provides medical and life insurance benefits to certain former associates under a postretirement benefit plan (“Postretirement Benefit Plan”).  Net periodic benefit income for the Postretirement Benefit Plan includes the following (income) and expense components:

 

 

 

THIRTEEN

 

 

 

WEEKS ENDED

 

 

 

April 29,

 

April 30,

 

 

 

2017

 

2016

 

Interest cost

 

$

13

 

$

15

 

Recognition of net actuarial gain

 

(123

)

(107

)

Net periodic benefit income

 

$

(110

)

$

(92

)

 

During the 13 weeks ended April 29, 2017, the Company contributed $26 to fund the Postretirement Benefit Plan, and anticipates contributing an additional $241 to fund the Postretirement Benefit Plan in fiscal 2017, for an annual total of $267.

 

8.                                      LONG-TERM DEBT

 

On April 28, 2017, The Bon-Ton Department Stores, Inc. and certain subsidiaries as borrowers and certain other subsidiaries as guarantors entered into a Fifth Amendment (the “Fifth Amendment”) to the Second Amended and Restated Loan and Security Agreement (the “Second Amended Revolving Credit Facility”) with Bank of America, N.A., as Agent, and certain financial institutions as lenders. The Fifth Amendment extends the maturity date of the $730,000 Tranche A of the Second Amended Revolving Credit Facility (“Tranche A”).  Tranche A is now due to mature on April 28, 2022 provided that Tranche A-1 of the Second Amended Revolving Credit Facility (“Tranche A-1”) is repaid prior to March 15, 2021 or the maturity of Tranche A-1 is extended to at least April 28, 2022.  If Tranche A-1 is not so repaid or so extended, or is extended to a date earlier than April 28, 2022, Tranche A will mature on the same date as Tranche A-1.  In any event, Tranche A remains subject to a “springing” maturity date that is sixty days prior to the earliest of the maturity date of (1) any senior note debt (which is currently comprised of the 8.00% Second Lien Senior Secured Notes due June 15, 2021) and (2) if incurred, certain permitted debt secured by junior liens.

 

11



 

THE BON-TON STORES, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(In thousands, except share and per share data)

 

The Fifth Amendment did not change the total lender commitment under the facility, which remains at $880,000 (for both Tranche A and Tranche A-1). Pricing and other terms of the Second Amended Revolving Credit Facility remain essentially unchanged.

 

In connection with the Fifth Amendment, the Company incurred a loss on extinguishment of debt of $559 due to the write-off of certain deferred fees.

 

9.             INCOME TAXES

 

The provisions codified within ASC Topic 740, Income Taxes (“ASC 740”), require companies to assess whether valuation allowances should be established against their deferred tax assets based on consideration of all available evidence using a “more likely than not” standard.  In accordance with ASC 740, the Company maintained a full valuation allowance throughout fiscal 2016 and the first quarter of 2017 on all of the Company’s net deferred tax assets.  The Company’s deferred tax asset valuation allowance totaled $229,136, $202,277 and $206,089 as of April 29, 2017, April 30, 2016 and January 28, 2017, respectively.

 

The Company recorded net income tax benefits of $48 and $144 for the first quarter in each of 2017 and 2016, respectively, which includes $521 and $597 non-cash income tax benefits from continuing operations during the first quarter in each of 2017 and 2016, respectively.  Pursuant to ASC 740, the Company is required to consider all items (including items recorded in other comprehensive income) in determining the amount of tax benefit that results from a loss from continuing operations and that should be allocated to continuing operations. As a result, the Company recorded tax benefits on the losses from continuing operations for the first quarter in each of 2017 and 2016, which are exactly offset by income tax expense on other comprehensive income. The net income tax benefits include $473 and $453 recorded in the first quarter in each of 2017 and 2016, respectively, for recognition of deferred tax liabilities associated with indefinite-lived assets.

 

10.          CONTINGENCIES

 

The Company is party to legal proceedings and claims that arise during the ordinary course of business.  In the opinion of management, the ultimate outcome of any such litigation and claims will not have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial position, results of operations or liquidity.

 

11.          COMPREHENSIVE LOSS

 

Accumulated other comprehensive loss is comprised of the net actuarial loss associated with the Pension Plans and Postretirement Benefit Plan.  Other comprehensive income is comprised entirely of the amortization of the net actuarial loss (gain) associated with the Pension Plans and Postretirement Benefit Plan.

 

The changes recognized within other comprehensive income reflect income tax expense of $521 and $597 for the first quarter in each of 2017 and 2016, respectively (see Note 9).

 

The before-tax amount of amortization of net actuarial loss (gain) (see Note 7) was recorded within selling, general and administrative expense.

 

12



 

THE BON-TON STORES, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(In thousands, except share and per share data)

 

12.       CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING FINANCIAL INFORMATION

 

Certain debt obligations of the Company, which constitute debt obligations of The Bon-Ton Department Stores, Inc. (the “Issuer”), are guaranteed by the Parent and by each of its subsidiaries, other than the Issuer, that is an obligor under the Company’s Second Amended Revolving Credit Facility.  Separate financial statements of the Parent, the Issuer and such subsidiary guarantors are not presented because the guarantees by the Parent and each 100% owned subsidiary guarantor are joint and several, full and unconditional, except for certain customary limitations which are applicable only to a subsidiary guarantor.  These customary limitations include releases of a guarantee (1) if the subsidiary guarantor no longer guarantees other indebtedness of the Issuer; (2) if there is a sale or other disposition of the capital stock of a subsidiary guarantor and if such sale complies with the covenant regarding asset sales; and (3) if the subsidiary guarantor is properly designated as an “unrestricted subsidiary.”

 

The condensed consolidating financial information for the Parent, the Issuer and the guarantor subsidiaries as of April 29, 2017 and April 30, 2016 and January 28, 2017 and for the first quarter in each of 2017 and 2016 as presented below has been prepared from the books and records maintained by the Parent, the Issuer and the guarantor subsidiaries. The condensed financial information may not necessarily be indicative of the results of operations or financial position had the guarantor subsidiaries operated as independent entities. Certain intercompany revenues and expenses included in the subsidiary records are eliminated in consolidation. As a result of this activity, an amount due to/due from affiliates will exist at any time.

 

13



 

THE BON-TON STORES, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(In thousands, except share and per share data)

 

The Bon-Ton Stores, Inc.

Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheet

April 29, 2017

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Guarantor

 

Consolidating

 

Company

 

 

 

Parent

 

Issuer

 

Subsidiaries

 

Eliminations

 

Consolidated

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Assets

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Current assets:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents

 

$

1

 

$

3,704

 

$

3,307

 

$

 

$

7,012

 

Merchandise inventories

 

 

458,100

 

255,631

 

 

713,731

 

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

 

 

78,206

 

4,841

 

(180

)

82,867

 

Total current assets

 

1

 

540,010

 

263,779

 

(180

)

803,610

 

Property, fixtures and equipment at cost, net

 

 

269,674

 

301,035

 

 

570,709

 

Intangible assets, net

 

 

17,079

 

54,669

 

 

71,748

 

Investment in and advances to affiliates

 

(78,784

)

425,715

 

428,928

 

(775,859

)

 

Other long-term assets

 

 

24,663

 

808

 

(3,087

)

22,384

 

Total assets

 

$

(78,783

)

$

1,277,141

 

$

1,049,219

 

$

(779,126

)

$

1,468,451

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Liabilities and Shareholders’ (Deficit) Equity

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Current liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Accounts payable

 

$

 

$

160,643

 

$

 

$

 

$

160,643

 

Accrued payroll and benefits

 

 

18,665

 

4,086

 

 

22,751

 

Accrued expenses

 

 

85,502

 

70,591

 

(180

)

155,913

 

Current maturities of capital lease and financing obligations

 

 

2,039

 

4,784

 

 

6,823

 

Total current liabilities

 

 

266,849

 

79,461

 

(180

)

346,130

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Long-term debt and capital lease and financing obligations, less current maturities

 

 

966,366

 

60,708

 

 

1,027,074

 

Other long-term liabilities

 

 

129,762

 

47,355

 

(3,087

)

174,030

 

Total liabilities

 

 

1,362,977

 

187,524

 

(3,267

)

1,547,234

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Shareholders’ (deficit) equity

 

(78,783

)

(85,836

)

861,695

 

(775,859

)

(78,783

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total liabilities and shareholders’ (deficit) equity

 

$

(78,783

)

$

1,277,141

 

$

1,049,219

 

$

(779,126

)

$

1,468,451

 

 

14



 

THE BON-TON STORES, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(In thousands, except share and per share data)

 

The Bon-Ton Stores, Inc.

Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheet

April 30, 2016

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Guarantor

 

Consolidating

 

Company

 

 

 

Parent

 

Issuer

 

Subsidiaries

 

Eliminations

 

Consolidated

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Assets

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Current assets:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents

 

$

1

 

$

3,006

 

$

4,800

 

$

 

$

7,807

 

Merchandise inventories

 

 

455,428

 

256,685

 

 

712,113

 

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

 

 

68,015

 

4,411

 

(180

)

72,246

 

Total current assets

 

1

 

526,449

 

265,896

 

(180

)

792,166

 

Property, fixtures and equipment at cost, net

 

 

311,145

 

311,941

 

 

623,086

 

Intangible assets, net

 

 

20,302

 

60,317

 

 

80,619

 

Investment in and advances to affiliates

 

(1,260

)

445,980

 

373,687

 

(818,407

)

 

Other long-term assets

 

 

19,024

 

955

 

(3,266

)

16,713

 

Total assets

 

$

(1,259

)

$

1,322,900

 

$

1,012,796

 

$

(821,853

)

$

1,512,584

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Liabilities and Shareholders’ (Deficit) Equity

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Current liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Accounts payable

 

$

 

$

159,818

 

$

 

$

 

$

159,818

 

Accrued payroll and benefits

 

 

18,059

 

4,250

 

 

22,309

 

Accrued expenses

 

 

74,620

 

72,145

 

(180

)

146,585

 

Current maturities of capital lease and financing obligations

 

 

1,447

 

4,082

 

 

5,529

 

Total current liabilities

 

 

253,944

 

80,477

 

(180

)

334,241

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Long-term debt and capital lease and financing obligations, less current maturities

 

 

937,882

 

52,243

 

 

990,125

 

Other long-term liabilities

 

 

137,104

 

55,639

 

(3,266

)

189,477

 

Total liabilities

 

 

1,328,930

 

188,359

 

(3,446

)

1,513,843

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Shareholders’ (deficit) equity

 

(1,259

)

(6,030

)

824,437

 

(818,407

)

(1,259

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total liabilities and shareholders’ (deficit) equity

 

$

(1,259

)

$

1,322,900

 

$

1,012,796

 

$

(821,853

)

$

1,512,584

 

 

15



 

THE BON-TON STORES, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(In thousands, except share and per share data)

 

The Bon-Ton Stores, Inc.

Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheet

January 28, 2017

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Guarantor

 

Consolidating

 

Company

 

 

 

Parent

 

Issuer

 

Subsidiaries

 

Eliminations

 

Consolidated

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Assets

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Current assets:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents

 

$

1

 

$

3,575

 

$

3,160

 

$

 

$

6,736

 

Merchandise inventories

 

 

475,816

 

248,638

 

 

724,454

 

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

 

 

94,585

 

4,153

 

(180

)

98,558

 

Total current assets

 

1

 

573,976

 

255,951

 

(180

)

829,748

 

Property, fixtures and equipment at cost, net

 

 

277,511

 

307,292

 

 

584,803

 

Intangible assets, net

 

 

17,715

 

55,396

 

 

73,111

 

Investment in and advances to affiliates

 

(22,782

)

414,949

 

446,521

 

(838,688

)

 

Other long-term assets

 

 

19,800

 

733

 

(3,132

)

17,401

 

Total assets

 

$

(22,781

)

$

1,303,951

 

$

1,065,893

 

$

(842,000

)

$

1,505,063

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Liabilities and Shareholders’ (Deficit) Equity

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Current liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Accounts payable

 

$

 

$

185,900

 

$

 

$

 

$

185,900

 

Accrued payroll and benefits

 

 

21,405

 

4,416

 

 

25,821

 

Accrued expenses

 

 

70,988

 

79,633

 

(180

)

150,441

 

Current maturities of capital lease and financing obligations

 

 

1,995

 

4,690

 

 

6,685

 

Total current liabilities

 

 

280,288

 

88,739

 

(180

)

368,847

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Long-term debt and capital lease and financing obligations, less current maturities

 

 

920,782

 

61,852

 

 

982,634

 

Other long-term liabilities

 

 

132,165

 

47,330

 

(3,132

)

176,363

 

Total liabilities

 

 

1,333,235

 

197,921

 

(3,312

)

1,527,844

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Shareholders’ (deficit) equity

 

(22,781

)

(29,284

)

867,972

 

(838,688

)

(22,781

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total liabilities and shareholders’ (deficit) equity

 

$

(22,781

)

$

1,303,951

 

$

1,065,893

 

$

(842,000

)

$

1,505,063

 

 

16



 

THE BON-TON STORES, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(In thousands, except share and per share data)

 

The Bon-Ton Stores, Inc.

Condensed Consolidating Statement of Operations

Thirteen Weeks Ended April 29, 2017

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Guarantor

 

Consolidating

 

Company

 

 

 

Parent

 

Issuer

 

Subsidiaries

 

Eliminations

 

Consolidated

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net sales

 

$

 

$

335,504

 

$

200,637

 

$

 

$

536,141

 

Other income

 

 

10,813

 

6,067

 

 

16,880

 

 

 

 

346,317

 

206,704

 

 

553,021

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Costs and expenses:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Costs of merchandise sold

 

 

229,405

 

134,156

 

 

363,561

 

Selling, general and administrative

 

 

127,436

 

82,684

 

(5,035

)

205,085

 

Depreciation and amortization

 

 

12,285

 

9,922

 

 

22,207

 

Amortization of lease-related interests

 

 

454

 

500

 

 

954

 

Loss from operations

 

 

(23,263

)

(20,558

)

5,035

 

(38,786

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other income (expense):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Intercompany income

 

 

398

 

15,634

 

(16,032

)

 

Equity in losses of subsidiaries

 

(57,363

)

(6,026

)

 

63,389

 

 

Interest expense, net

 

 

(27,913

)

(1,102

)

10,997

 

(18,018

)

Loss on extinguishment of debt

 

 

(559

)

 

 

(559

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Loss before income taxes

 

(57,363

)

(57,363

)

(6,026

)

63,389

 

(57,363

)

Income tax (benefit) provision

 

(48

)

(48

)

252

 

(204

)

(48

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net loss

 

$

(57,315

)

$

(57,315

)

$

(6,278

)

$

63,593

 

$

(57,315

)

 

The Bon-Ton Stores, Inc.

Condensed Consolidating Statement of Comprehensive Loss

Thirteen Weeks Ended April 29, 2017

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Guarantor

 

Consolidating

 

Company

 

 

 

Parent

 

Issuer

 

Subsidiaries

 

Eliminations

 

Consolidated

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net loss

 

$

(57,315

)

$

(57,315

)

$

(6,278

)

$

63,593

 

$

(57,315

)

Other comprehensive income, net of tax:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Pension and postretirement benefit plans

 

763

 

763

 

 

(763

)

763

 

Comprehensive loss

 

$

(56,552

)

$

(56,552

)

$

(6,278

)

$

62,830

 

$

(56,552

)

 

17



 

THE BON-TON STORES, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(In thousands, except share and per share data)

 

The Bon-Ton Stores, Inc.

Condensed Consolidating Statement of Operations

Thirteen Weeks Ended April 30, 2016

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Guarantor

 

Consolidating

 

Company

 

 

 

Parent

 

Issuer

 

Subsidiaries

 

Eliminations

 

Consolidated

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net sales

 

$

 

$

357,496

 

$

233,511

 

$

 

$

591,007

 

Other income

 

 

10,754

 

6,662

 

 

17,416

 

 

 

 

368,250

 

240,173

 

 

608,423

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Costs and expenses:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Costs of merchandise sold

 

 

238,589

 

152,324

 

 

390,913

 

Selling, general and administrative

 

 

133,118

 

88,183

 

(5,116

)

216,185

 

Depreciation and amortization

 

 

12,902

 

10,292

 

 

23,194

 

Amortization of lease-related interests

 

 

468

 

539

 

 

1,007

 

Loss from operations

 

 

(16,827

)

(11,165

)

5,116

 

(22,876

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other income (expense):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Intercompany income

 

 

474

 

12,009

 

(12,483

)

 

Equity in losses of subsidiaries

 

(37,962

)

(178

)

 

38,140

 

 

Interest expense, net

 

 

(21,431

)

(1,022

)

7,367

 

(15,086

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Loss before income taxes

 

(37,962

)

(37,962

)

(178

)

38,140

 

(37,962

)

Income tax (benefit) provision

 

(144

)

(144

)

235

 

(91

)

(144

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net loss

 

$

(37,818

)

$

(37,818

)

$

(413

)

$

38,231

 

$

(37,818

)

 

The Bon-Ton Stores, Inc.

Condensed Consolidating Statement of Comprehensive Loss

Thirteen Weeks Ended April 30, 2016

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Guarantor

 

Consolidating

 

Company

 

 

 

Parent

 

Issuer

 

Subsidiaries

 

Eliminations

 

Consolidated

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net loss

 

$

(37,818

)

$

(37,818

)

$

(413

)

$

38,231

 

$

(37,818

)

Other comprehensive income, net of tax:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Pension and postretirement benefit plans

 

867

 

867

 

 

(867

)

867

 

Comprehensive loss

 

$

(36,951

)

$

(36,951

)

$

(413

)

$

37,364

 

$

(36,951

)

 

18



 

THE BON-TON STORES, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(In thousands, except share and per share data)

 

The Bon-Ton Stores, Inc.

Condensed Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows

Thirteen Weeks Ended April 29, 2017

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Guarantor

 

Consolidating

 

Company

 

 

 

Parent

 

Issuer

 

Subsidiaries

 

Eliminations

 

Consolidated

 

Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities

 

$

40

 

$

(34,598

)

$

3,563

 

$

 

$

(30,995

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash flows from investing activities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Capital expenditures

 

 

(7,414

)

(2,367

)

 

(9,781

)

Proceeds from sale of property, fixtures and equipment

 

 

24

 

 

 

24

 

Net cash used in investing activities

 

 

(7,390

)

(2,367

)

 

(9,757

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash flows from financing activities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Payments on long-term debt and capital lease and financing obligations

 

 

(121,422

)

(1,049

)

 

(122,471

)

Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt and financing obligations

 

 

166,465

 

 

 

166,465

 

Deferred financing costs paid

 

 

(6,589

)

 

 

(6,589

)

Restricted shares forfeited in lieu of payroll taxes

 

(40

)

 

 

 

(40

)

Increase in book overdraft balances

 

 

 

3,663

 

 

 

 

 

3,663

 

Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities

 

(40

)

42,117

 

(1,049

)

 

41,028

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net increase in cash and cash equivalents

 

 

129

 

147

 

 

276

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period

 

1

 

3,575

 

3,160

 

 

6,736

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period

 

$

1

 

$

3,704

 

$

3,307

 

$

 

$

7,012

 

 

19



 

THE BON-TON STORES, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(In thousands, except share and per share data)

 

The Bon-Ton Stores, Inc.

Condensed Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows

Thirteen Weeks Ended April 30, 2016

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Guarantor

 

Consolidating

 

Company

 

 

 

Parent

 

Issuer

 

Subsidiaries

 

Eliminations

 

Consolidated

 

Net cash provided by operating activities

 

$

120

 

$

5,319

 

$

6,839

 

$

 

$

12,278

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash flows from investing activities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Capital expenditures

 

 

(7,499

)

(5,127

)

 

(12,626

)

Proceeds from sale of property, fixtures and equipment

 

 

7

 

 

 

7

 

Net cash used in investing activities

 

 

(7,492

)

(5,127

)

 

(12,619

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash flows from financing activities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Payments on long-term debt and capital lease and financing obligations

 

 

(143,149

)

(968

)

 

(144,117

)

Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt and financing obligations

 

 

151,461

 

 

 

151,461

 

Deferred financing costs paid

 

 

(495

)

 

 

(495

)

Restricted shares forfeited in lieu of payroll taxes

 

(120

)

 

 

 

(120

)

Decrease in book overdraft balances

 

 

(5,460

)

 

 

(5,460

)

Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities

 

(120

)

2,357

 

(968

)

 

1,269

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net increase in cash and cash equivalents

 

 

184

 

744

 

 

928

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period

 

1

 

2,822

 

4,056

 

 

6,879

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period

 

$

1

 

$

3,006

 

$

4,800

 

$

 

$

7,807

 

 

20



 

ITEM 2.                        MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

 

For purposes of the following discussion, references to the “first quarter of 2017” and the “first quarter of 2016” are to the 13 weeks ended April 29, 2017 and April 30, 2016, respectively.  References to “fiscal 2017” are to the 53-week period ending February 3, 2018; references to “fiscal 2016” are to the 52-week period ended January 28, 2017.  References to the “Company,” “we,” “us,” and “our” refer to The Bon-Ton Stores, Inc. and its subsidiaries.

 

Overview

 

General

 

The Company, a Pennsylvania corporation, is one of the largest regional department store operators in the United States, offering a broad assortment of brand-name fashion apparel and accessories for women, men and children.  Our merchandise offerings also include cosmetics, home furnishings and other goods.  We currently operate 261 stores, including nine furniture galleries and four clearance centers, in 25 states in the Northeast, Midwest and upper Great Plains under the Bon-Ton, Bergner’s, Boston Store, Carson’s, Elder-Beerman, Herberger’s and Younkers nameplates, encompassing a total of approximately 24 million square feet.

 

We operate in the department store segment of the U.S. retail industry, a highly competitive environment.  The department store industry continues to evolve in response to competitive retail formats—mass merchandisers, national chain retailers, specialty retailers and online retailers—and the expansion of mobile technology and social media.

 

Performance Summary and Fiscal 2017 Guidance

 

Our first quarter results did not meet our expectations.  Weak mall traffic trends, unfavorable weather and marketing challenges associated with the timing of the Easter holiday, all impacted sales performance, resulting in a decrease in comparable store sales of 8.8%.  Additionally, the gross margin rate for the quarter decreased as compared to the same period last year, primarily due to an increased markdown rate and increased delivery expenses.

 

However, during the quarter, we made progress on several key initiatives:

 

·                  Drove double digit growth in our omnichannel business (reflecting sales via our website, mobile site and our Let Us Find It customer service program) as compared to the first quarter of 2016;

 

·                  Effectively managed our selling, general and administrative (“SG&A”) expenses, reducing them by $11.1 million as compared to the first quarter of 2016; and

 

·                  Built on the success of last year’s cost savings initiative by creating an internal profit improvement team whose goal is to proactively identify cost savings initiatives throughout the Company.

 

On April 28, 2017, we closed on an extension of our $730 million Tranche A of our Second Amended and Restated Loan and Security Agreement (the “Second Amended Revolving Credit Facility”) in advance of the December 2018 maturity date.  See “Liquidity and Capital Resources” for further discussion on this extension.

 

On May 18, 2017, we reaffirmed that we continue to expect loss per share to be in a range of $2.08 to $2.59, inclusive of a $0.05 expense from the 53rd week.  Updated assumptions reflected in our full-year guidance include the following:

 

21



 

·                  A comparable store sales decrease now ranging from 3.0% to 4.0%, which excludes sales from the 53rd week;

·                  A gross margin rate of flat to up 10 basis points over the fiscal 2016 rate of 35.5%;

·                  SG&A dollars now ranging from $855 million to $857 million, including approximately $10 million for the 53rd week, compared to SG&A of $880.6 in fiscal 2016; the improvement compared to the Company’s prior guidance is primarily due to lower expenses related to advertising, payroll and occupancy;

·                  Capital expenditures not to exceed $30 million, net of external contributions; and

·                  An estimated 20.3 million weighted average diluted shares outstanding.

 

Results of Operations

 

The following table summarizes changes in selected operating indicators of the Company, illustrating the relationship of various income and expense items to net sales for the respective periods presented (components may not add or subtract to totals due to rounding):

 

 

 

THIRTEEN

 

 

 

WEEKS ENDED

 

 

 

April 29,

 

April 30,

 

 

 

2017

 

2016

 

Net sales

 

100.0

%

100.0

%

Other income

 

3.1

 

2.9

 

 

 

103.1

 

102.9

 

Costs and expenses:

 

 

 

 

 

Costs of merchandise sold

 

67.8

 

66.1

 

Selling, general and administrative

 

38.3

 

36.6

 

Depreciation and amortization

 

4.1

 

3.9

 

Amortization of lease-related interests

 

0.2

 

0.2

 

Loss from operations

 

(7.2

)

(3.9

)

Interest expense, net

 

3.4

 

2.6

 

Loss on extinguishment of debt

 

0.1

 

 

Loss before income taxes

 

(10.7

)

(6.4

)

Income tax benefit

 

 

 

Net loss

 

(10.7

)%

(6.4

)%

 

First Quarter of 2017 Compared with First Quarter of 2016

 

Net sales:  Net sales in the first quarter of 2017 were $536.1 million, compared with $591.0 million in the first quarter of 2016, reflecting a decrease of 9.3%.  Comparable store sales decreased 8.8% in the period due to weak mall traffic trends, unfavorable weather and marketing challenges associated with the timing of the Easter holiday.

 

The best performing merchandise categories in the first quarter of 2017 were Furniture (included in Home) and Fine Jewelry (included in Accessories).  Sales in Furniture increased through the expansion of merchandise to additional doors and sales increases in mattresses. Fine Jewelry benefitted from strong promotional events and better sales of clearance merchandise.

 

Merchandise categories that were most challenged in the period included Petites’ Sportswear (included in Women’s Apparel), Accessories and Men’s Furnishings (included in Men’s Apparel). Petites’ Sportswear was adversely impacted by the strategic reduction of product offerings within certain categories and brands. Accessories were adversely affected by lower sales of handbags, specifically within certain key brands. Men’s Furnishings saw reductions in sales of outerwear and wear-to-work.

 

22



 

Other income:  Other income, which includes income from revenues received under our proprietary credit card program agreement, miscellaneous revenue departments and gift and merchandise return card breakage, was $16.9 million in the first quarter of 2017 as compared with $17.4 million in the first quarter of 2016.  The decrease was largely due to lower revenues associated with our proprietary credit card program, reflecting the sales decrease.  Proprietary credit card sales, as a percentage of total sales, increased 90 basis points to 55.8% in the first quarter of 2017.

 

Costs and expenses: Gross margin in the first quarter of 2017 decreased $27.5 million to $172.6 million as compared with $200.1 million in the comparable prior year period, primarily due to the decreased sales volume in the current period.   Gross margin as a percentage of net sales decreased 170 basis points to 32.2% in the first quarter of 2017 from 33.9% in the comparable prior year period, primarily due to an increased markdown rate and increased delivery expenses.

 

SG&A expense in the first quarter of 2017 decreased $11.1 million to $205.1 million as compared with $216.2 million in the first quarter of 2016. This reduction was largely due to decreased rent, advertising, payroll, taxes and medical expenses.  The current period expense rate, 38.3% of net sales, increased 170 basis points from that of the prior year period as a result of the decreased sales volume in the period.

 

Depreciation and amortization expense and amortization of lease-related interests decreased $1.0 million to $23.2 million in the first quarter of 2017 from $24.2 million in the first quarter of 2016.

 

Interest expense, net:  Net interest expense was $18.0 million in the first quarter of 2017 as compared with $15.1 million in the first quarter of 2016. The $2.9 million increase primarily reflects an increased weighted average interest rate and an increased average debt level.

 

Loss on extinguishment of debt:  In the first quarter of 2017, we recorded charges totaling $0.6 million due to the write-off of certain deferred financing fees in connection with the Second Amended Revolving Credit Facility amendment.

 

Income tax benefit:  The effective income tax rate in the first quarter in each of 2017 and 2016 largely reflects our valuation allowance position against all net deferred tax assets.  Income tax in the first quarter in 2017 includes a $0.5 million benefit from the loss on continuing operations which was offset by the recognition of deferred tax liabilities associated with indefinite-lived assets. The $0.1 million income tax benefit in the first quarter of 2016 includes a $0.6 million benefit from the loss on continuing operations which was partially offset by the recognition of deferred tax liabilities associated with indefinite-lived assets.

 

Seasonality

 

Our business, like that of most retailers, is subject to seasonal fluctuations, with the major portion of sales and income realized during the second half of each fiscal year, which includes the holiday season.  Due to the fixed nature of certain costs, SG&A expense is typically higher as a percentage of net sales during the first half of each fiscal year.  We typically finance working capital increases in the second half of each fiscal year through additional borrowings under our $880.0 million Second Amended Revolving Credit Facility (see “Liquidity and Capital Resources,” below, for further discussion).

 

Because of the seasonality of our business, results for any quarter are not necessarily indicative of results that may be achieved for a full fiscal year.

 

Liquidity and Capital Resources

 

At April 29, 2017, we had $7.0 million in cash and cash equivalents and $226.5 million available under our Second Amended Revolving Credit Facility (before taking into account the minimum borrowing availability covenant under such facility, which was $78.4 million at April 29, 2017).  Excess availability was $244.0 million as of the comparable prior year period.  The unfavorable excess availability comparison primarily reflects the early payment of senior notes due July 2017, partially offset by a net availability increase as a result of the August 2016 amendment to the Second Amended Revolving Credit Facility.

 

23



 

On April 28, 2017, The Bon-Ton Department Stores, Inc. and certain subsidiaries as borrowers and certain other subsidiaries as guarantors entered into a Fifth Amendment (the “Fifth Amendment”) to the Second Amended Revolving Credit Facility with Bank of America, N.A., as Agent, and certain financial institutions as lenders. The Fifth Amendment extends the maturity date of the $730 million Tranche A of the Second Amended Revolving Credit Facility (“Tranche A”).  Tranche A is now due to mature on April 28, 2022 provided that Tranche A-1 of the Second Amended Revolving Credit Facility (“Tranche A-1”) is repaid prior to March 15, 2021 or the maturity of Tranche A-1 is extended to at least April 28, 2022.  If Tranche A-1 is not so repaid or so extended, or is extended to a date earlier than April 28, 2022, Tranche A will mature on the same date as Tranche A-1.  In any event, Tranche A remains subject to a “springing” maturity date that is sixty days prior to the earliest of the maturity date of (1) any senior note debt (which is currently comprised of our 8.00% Second Lien Senior Secured Notes due June 15, 2021) and (2) if incurred, certain permitted debt secured by junior liens.

 

The Fifth Amendment did not change the total lender commitment under the facility, which remains at $880 million (for both Tranche A and Tranche A-1). Pricing and other terms of the Second Amended Revolving Credit Facility remain essentially unchanged.

 

Typically, cash flows from operations are impacted by the effect on sales of (1) consumer confidence, (2) weather in the geographic markets served by the Company, (3) general economic conditions and (4) competitive conditions existing in the retail industry.  A downturn in any single factor or a combination of factors could have a material adverse impact upon our ability to generate sufficient cash flows to operate our business.  While the current economic uncertainty affects our assessment of short-term liquidity, we consider our resources (including, but not limited to, cash flows from operations supplemented by borrowings under the Second Amended Revolving Credit Facility) adequate to satisfy our cash needs for at least the next 12 months.

 

Our primary sources of working capital are cash flows from operations and borrowings under our Second Amended Revolving Credit Facility, which provides for up to $880.0 million in borrowings (limited by amounts available pursuant to a borrowing base calculation and the minimum borrowing availability covenant).  Our business follows a seasonal pattern; working capital fluctuates with seasonal variations, reaching its highest level in October or November to fund the purchase of merchandise inventories prior to the holiday season.  The seasonality of our business historically provides greatest cash flow from operations during the holiday season, with fiscal fourth quarter net sales generating the strongest profits of our fiscal year.  As holiday sales significantly reduce inventory levels, this reduction, combined with net income, historically provides us with strong cash flow from operations at the end of our fiscal year.

 

Cash (used in) provided by our operating, investing and financing activities is summarized as follows:

 

 

 

THIRTEEN

 

 

 

WEEKS ENDED

 

 

 

April 29,

 

April 30,

 

(Dollars in millions)

 

2017

 

2016

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Operating activities

 

$

(31.0

)

$

12.3

 

Investing activities

 

(9.8

)

(12.6

)

Financing activities

 

41.0

 

1.3

 

 

Net cash used in operating activities was $31.0 million in the first quarter of 2017, compared with $12.3 million provided by operating activities in the first quarter of 2016.  The change primarily reflects a higher net loss and a $20.2 million unfavorable change in cash flow from working capital.  The decrease in cash flow from working capital was largely due to an unfavorable fluctuation of $31.4 million in cash flows from accounts payable, partially offset by a favorable variance of $11.1 million in cash flows from merchandise inventories.

 

24



 

Net cash used in investing activities was $9.8 million and $12.6 million in the first quarter of 2017 and 2016, respectively. The decrease in cash used is primarily due to lower capital expenditures. These expenditures do not reflect reductions for external contributions (primarily leasehold improvement and fixture allowances received from landlords or vendors) of $1.9 million and $7.5 million in the first quarter in each of 2017 and 2016, respectively.  We anticipate that our fiscal 2017 capital expenditures will not exceed $45.0 million (excluding external contributions of $15.0 million, reducing anticipated net capital expenditures to $30.0 million).

 

Net cash provided by financing activities was $41.0 million and $1.3 million in the first quarter of 2017 and 2016, respectively. The increase in cash provided is primarily due to higher net borrowings due to the unfavorable change in cash flow from operating activities in the first quarter of 2017.

 

Aside from planned capital expenditures, the Company’s primary cash requirements will be to service debt and finance working capital increases during peak selling seasons.

 

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

 

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States requires us to make estimates and assumptions that affect reported amounts and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities.  There have been no significant changes in the critical accounting policies and estimates described in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended January 28, 2017.

 

Recently Adopted Accounting Standards

 

Recently adopted accounting standards are discussed in Note 1 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

Forward-Looking Statements

 

Certain information included in this report (as well as other communications made or to be made by the Company) and other materials filed or to be filed by the Company with the Securities and Exchange Commission contain statements that are forward-looking within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such forward-looking statements, which may be identified by words such as “may,” “could,” “will,” “plan,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “believe,” “estimate,” “project,” “intend,” or other similar expressions and include the Company’s fiscal 2017 guidance, involve important risks and uncertainties that could significantly affect results in the future and, accordingly, such results may differ from those expressed in any forward-looking statements made by or on behalf of the Company.  Factors that could cause such differences include, but are not limited to: risks related to retail businesses generally; a significant and prolonged deterioration of general economic conditions which could negatively impact the Company in a number of ways, including the potential write-down of the current valuation of intangible assets and deferred taxes; risks related to the Company’s proprietary credit card program; potential increases in pension obligations; consumer spending patterns, debt levels, and the availability and cost of consumer credit; additional competition from existing and new competitors or changes in the competitive environment; inflation; deflation; changes in the costs of fuel and other energy and transportation costs; weather conditions that could negatively impact sales; uncertainties associated with expanding or remodeling existing stores; the ability to attract and retain qualified management; the dependence upon relationships with vendors and their factors; a data security breach or system failure; the ability to reduce or control SG&A expenses, including initiatives to reduce expenses and improve efficiency; operational disruptions; unsuccessful marketing initiatives; the ability to expand capacity and improve efficiency through the Company’s eCommerce fulfillment center; changes in, or the failure to successfully implement, our key strategies, including initiatives to improve our merchandising, marketing and operations; adverse outcomes in litigation; the incurrence of unplanned capital expenditures; the ability to obtain financing for working capital, capital expenditures and general corporate purposes; the impact of regulatory requirements including the Health Care Reform Act and the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act;  the inability or limitations on the Company’s ability to favorably adjust the valuation allowance on deferred tax assets; and the financial condition of mall operators.  Additional factors that could cause the Company’s actual results to differ from those contained in these forward-looking statements are discussed in greater detail under Item 1A of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for fiscal 2016 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

 

25



 

ITEM 3.                        QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

 

Market Risk and Financial Instruments

 

On April 28, 2017, we closed on an extension of our $730 million Tranche A of our Second Amended Revolving Credit Facility in advance of the December 2018 maturity date.  See “Liquidity and Capital Resources” for further discussion on this extension.

 

There were no other material changes in our exposures, risk management strategies, or hedging positions since January 28, 2017.  For further information, refer to Item 7A of our fiscal 2016 Annual Report on Form 10-K.

 

ITEM 4.                        CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

 

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

 

We maintain disclosure controls and procedures that are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in reports filed pursuant to the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the Securities and Exchange Commission’s rules and forms, and that such information is accumulated and communicated to management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure. Our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, evaluated the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) of the Exchange Act) as of the end of the period covered by this report and, based on this evaluation, concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures are effective.

 

Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting

 

There were no changes to our internal controls over financial reporting that occurred during the thirteen weeks ended April 29, 2017 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

 

26



 

PART II:       OTHER INFORMATION

 

ITEM 6.   EXHIBITS

 

(a) The following exhibits are filed pursuant to the requirements of Item 601 of Regulation S-K:

 

10.1

 

Fifth Amendment to the Second Amended and Restate Loan and Security Agreement as of April 28, 2017 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed on May 1, 2017)

10.2*

 

Amendment No. 4 of Executive Transition Agreement, dated as of May 5, 2017, between the Company and M. Thomas Grumbacher (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed on May 9, 2017)

10.3*

 

Addendum dated May 5, 2017 to Employment Agreement between The Bon-Ton Stores, Inc. and Kathryn Bufano (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed on May 10, 2017)

31.1

 

Certification of Kathryn Bufano

31.2

 

Certification of Nancy A. Walsh

32.1**

 

Certification Pursuant to Rules 13a-14(b) and 15d-14(b) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

101.INS

 

XBRL Instance Document

101.SCH

 

XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document

101.CAL

 

XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document

101.DEF

 

XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document

101.LAB

 

XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document

101.PRE

 

XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document

 


*                                         Constitutes a management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement.

**                                  Furnished herewith.

 

27



 

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.

 

 

 

THE BON-TON STORES, INC.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

DATE:

June 7, 2017

 

BY:

/s/ Kathryn Bufano

 

 

 

 

Kathryn Bufano

 

 

 

 

President and

 

 

 

 

Chief Executive Officer

 

 

 

 

(Principal Executive Officer)

 

 

 

 

 

DATE:

June 7, 2017

 

BY:

/s/ Nancy A. Walsh

 

 

 

 

Nancy A. Walsh

 

 

 

 

Executive Vice President—

 

 

 

 

Chief Financial Officer

 

 

 

 

(Principal Financial Officer)

 

 

 

 

 

DATE:

June 7, 2017

 

BY:

/s/ Michael W. Webb

 

 

 

 

Michael W. Webb

 

 

Senior Vice President—

 

 

Chief Accounting Officer

 

 

(Principal Accounting Officer)

 

28