Table of Contents

 

 

 

UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

 

FORM 10-Q

 

QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES
EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 FOR THE QUARTERLY PERIOD ENDED NOVEMBER 1, 2008

 

Commission File Number:  000-50659

 

GANDER MOUNTAIN COMPANY
(Exact name of Registrant as Specified in its Charter)

 

Minnesota

 

180 East Fifth Street, Suite 1300
Saint Paul, Minnesota 55101
(651) 325-4300

 

41-1990949

(State or Other Jurisdiction of Incorporation or Organization)

 

(Address, including zip code, and
telephone number, including area
code, of Registrant’s Principal
Executive Offices)

 

(I.R.S. Employer
Identification No.)

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes x No o

 

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

 

o large accelerated filer

 

o accelerated filer

x non-accelerated filer

 

o smaller reporting company

(Do not check if smaller reporting company)

 

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

 

Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer’s classes of common stock, as of the latest practical date:  Common Stock, $.01 par value; 24,118,755 shares outstanding as of December 2, 2008.

 

 

 



Table of Contents

 

GANDER MOUNTAIN COMPANY

QUARTERLY PERIOD ENDED NOVEMBER 1, 2008

Index

 

 

 

Page

PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

2

Item 1.

Financial Statements

2

 

Consolidated Statements of Operations

2

 

Consolidated Balance Sheets

3

 

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

4

 

Notes to Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements

5

Item 2.

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

12

Item 3.

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

22

Item 4.

Controls and Procedures

22

 

 

 

PART II. OTHER INFORMATION

23

Item 1.

Legal Proceedings

23

Item 1A.

Risk Factors

23

Item 2.

Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

24

Item 3.

Defaults Upon Senior Securities

24

Item 4.

Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders

24

Item 5.

Other Information

24

Item 6.

Exhibits

24

SIGNATURES

25

 



Table of Contents

 

PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

 

ITEM 1.  CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

Gander Mountain Company

Consolidated Statements of Operations - Unaudited

(In thousands, except per share data)

 

 

 

13 Weeks Ended

 

39 Weeks Ended

 

 

 

November 1,

 

November 3,

 

November 1,

 

November 3,

 

 

 

2008

 

2007

 

2008

 

2007

 

Sales

 

$

269,920

 

$

259,539

 

$

730,455

 

$

651,799

 

Cost of goods sold

 

200,160

 

189,445

 

551,183

 

496,293

 

Gross profit

 

69,760

 

70,094

 

179,272

 

155,506

 

Operating expenses:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Selling, general and administrative expenses

 

64,975

 

64,946

 

190,871

 

171,754

 

Exit costs, impairment and other charges

 

(1,112

)

1,582

 

(20

)

2,208

 

Pre-opening expenses

 

 

3,041

 

2,035

 

4,753

 

Income (loss) from operations

 

5,897

 

525

 

(13,614

)

(23,209

)

Interest expense, net

 

4,950

 

5,543

 

14,301

 

14,049

 

Income (loss) before income taxes

 

947

 

(5,018

)

(27,915

)

(37,258

)

Income tax provision

 

182

 

125

 

619

 

375

 

Net Income (loss)

 

$

765

 

$

(5,143

)

$

(28,534

)

$

(37,633

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic and diluted income (loss) per common share

 

$

0.03

 

$

(0.25

)

$

(1.18

)

$

(1.86

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Weighted average common shares outstanding

 

24,162

 

20,362

 

24,086

 

20,255

 

 

See accompanying notes to unaudited consolidated financial statements.

 

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Gander Mountain Company

Consolidated Balance Sheets

(In thousands)

 

 

 

November 1,

 

February 2,

 

 

 

2008

 

2008

 

 

 

(Unaudited)

 

 

 

Assets

 

 

 

 

 

Current assets:

 

 

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents

 

$

1,651

 

$

2,622

 

Accounts receivable

 

21,408

 

10,992

 

Income taxes receivable

 

450

 

486

 

Inventories

 

441,860

 

403,683

 

Prepaids and other current assets

 

16,554

 

15,987

 

Total current assets

 

481,923

 

433,770

 

Property and equipment, net

 

167,639

 

168,685

 

Goodwill

 

54,332

 

48,803

 

Acquired intangible assets, net

 

19,345

 

25,098

 

Other assets, net

 

1,985

 

3,576

 

Total assets

 

$

725,224

 

$

679,932

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Liabilities and shareholders’ equity

 

 

 

 

 

Current liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

Borrowings under credit facility

 

$

306,264

 

$

246,013

 

Accounts payable

 

88,327

 

72,563

 

Accrued and other current liabilities

 

48,363

 

60,606

 

Notes payable - related parties

 

10,000

 

 

Current maturities of long term debt

 

14,077

 

8,247

 

Total current liabilities

 

467,031

 

387,429

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Long term debt

 

56,801

 

64,173

 

Deferred income taxes

 

7,406

 

7,113

 

Other long term liabilities

 

27,476

 

27,397

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Shareholders’ equity:

 

 

 

 

 

Preferred stock ($.01 par value, 5,000,000 shares authorized; no shares issued and outstanding)

 

 

 

Common stock ($.01 par value, 100,000,000 shares authorized; 24,118,755 and 24,049,064 shares issued and outstanding)

 

241

 

241

 

Additional paid-in-capital

 

278,334

 

277,110

 

Accumulated deficit

 

(112,065

)

(83,531

)

Total shareholders’ equity

 

166,510

 

193,820

 

Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity

 

$

725,224

 

$

679,932

 

 

See accompanying notes to unaudited consolidated financial statements.

 

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Gander Mountain Company

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows - Unaudited

(In thousands)

 

 

 

39 Weeks Ended

 

 

 

November 1,

 

November 3,

 

 

 

2008

 

2007

 

Operating activities

 

 

 

 

 

Net loss

 

$

(28,534

)

$

(37,633

)

Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash used in operating activities:

 

 

 

 

 

Depreciation and amortization

 

23,434

 

19,770

 

Exit costs, impairment and other charges

 

(1,205

)

 

Stock-based compensation expense

 

989

 

1,278

 

(Gain)/ loss on disposal of assets

 

(62

)

60

 

Change in operating assets and liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

Accounts receivable

 

(10,380

)

(12,108

)

Inventories

 

(38,177

)

(122,435

)

Prepaids and other current assets

 

(567

)

(2,651

)

Other assets

 

(121

)

(1,483

)

Accounts payable and other liabilities

 

4,786

 

50,407

 

Deferred income taxes

 

293

 

 

Net cash used in operating activities

 

(49,544

)

(104,795

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Investing activities

 

 

 

 

 

Purchases of property and equipment

 

(16,195

)

(40,548

)

Acquisition of business and related expenses

 

(172

)

(7,080

)

Proceeds from sale of assets

 

77

 

 

Net cash used in investing activities

 

(16,290

)

(47,628

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Financing activities

 

 

 

 

 

Borrowings under credit facility, net of repayments

 

60,251

 

139,093

 

Proceeds from short term notes payable - related parties

 

10,000

 

 

Proceeds from long term debt

 

 

13,082

 

Reductions in long term debt

 

(5,623

)

(2,463

)

Proceeds from exercise of stock options and employee stock purchases

 

235

 

3,053

 

Net cash provided by financing activities

 

64,863

 

152,765

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net (decrease) increase in cash

 

(971

)

342

 

Cash, beginning of period

 

2,622

 

1,342

 

Cash, end of period

 

$

1,651

 

$

1,684

 

 

See accompanying notes to unaudited consolidated financial statements.

 

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Gander Mountain Company

Notes to Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements

Quarterly Period Ended November 1, 2008

 

Note 1. Basis of Presentation

 

The accompanying unaudited financial statements of Gander Mountain Company (“we” or “us”) have been prepared in accordance with the requirements for Form 10-Q and do not include all the disclosures normally required in annual financial statements prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. The interim financial information as of November 1, 2008 and for the 13 and 39 weeks ended November 1, 2008 and November 3, 2007, respectively, is unaudited and has been prepared on the same basis as the audited annual financial statements. In the opinion of management, this unaudited information includes all adjustments necessary for a fair presentation of the interim financial information. All of these adjustments are of a normal recurring nature. These interim financial statements filed on this Form 10-Q and the discussions contained herein should be read in conjunction with the annual financial statements and notes included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended February 2, 2008, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, which includes audited financial statements for our three fiscal years ended February 2, 2008.

 

Our business is seasonal in nature and interim results may not be indicative of results for a full year. Historically, we have realized more of our sales in the latter half of our fiscal year, which includes the hunting and holiday seasons. Our business is also impacted by the timing of new store openings. Both variation in seasonality and new store openings impact the analysis of the results of operations and financial condition for comparable periods.

 

Reclassifications - certain prior period amounts have been reclassified to conform to the current year presentation. These reclassifications had no impact on previously reported net income, cash flows or financial position.

 

With the acquisition of Overton’s Holding Company (“Overton’s”) in December 2007, our consolidated reporting includes our two reportable segments: Retail and Direct. The Retail segment sells its outdoor lifestyle products and services through our retail stores. The Direct segment is the internet and catalog operations under our Overton’s brand name as well as the internet and catalog operations under our Gander Mountain brand, which launched August 3, 2008.

 

The following table shows our consolidated sales by product category for the comparable 13 week periods:

 

 

 

3nd Quarter

 

3nd Quarter

 

Category

 

2008

 

2007

 

Hunting and Firearms

 

51.9

%

52.1

%

Fishing and Marine (1)

 

14.1

%

9.7

%

Camping, Paddlesports and Backyard Equipment

 

6.4

%

6.2

%

Apparel and Footwear

 

21.1

%

23.0

%

Powersports

 

4.3

%

6.3

%

Other

 

1.1

%

1.4

%

Parts and services

 

1.1

%

1.3

%

Total

 

100.0

%

100.0

%

 


(1)                                                    Direct segment sales from our Overton’s brand for the third quarter of fiscal 2008 have been included in the Fishing and Marine category.

 

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For comparative purposes, the table below reflects sales by product category for the comparable 13 week periods of our Retail segment only and does not include sales of our Direct segment.

 

Retail segment only

 

3nd Quarter

 

3nd Quarter

 

Category

 

2008

 

2007

 

Hunting and Firearms

 

54.4

%

52.1

%

Fishing and Marine

 

9.9

%

9.7

%

Camping, Paddlesports and Backyard Equipment

 

6.8

%

6.2

%

Apparel and Footwear

 

22.2

%

23.0

%

Powersports

 

4.6

%

6.3

%

Other

 

1.0

%

1.4

%

Parts and services

 

1.1

%

1.3

%

Total

 

100.0

%

100.0

%

 

Note 2. Recent Accounting Pronouncements

 

In September 2006, the FASB issued SFAS No. 157, Fair Value Measurements. SFAS No. 157 defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value in generally accepted accounting principles and expands disclosures about fair value measurements. SFAS No. 157 applies to other accounting pronouncements that require or permit fair value measurements, as the FASB previously concluded in those accounting pronouncements that fair value is the relevant measurement attribute. Accordingly, SFAS No. 157 does not require any new fair value measurements. SFAS No. 157 is effective for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007.

 

In February 2008, the FASB issued FASB Staff Position FAS 157-2, which delays the effective date for the implementation of SFAS 157 solely for non-financial assets and non-financial liabilities, except those non-financial items that are recognized at fair value in the financial statements on a recurring basis (i.e., at least annually).  The effective date for non-financial assets and liabilities would be the beginning of our fiscal 2009.

 

We adopted SFAS No. 157 as of February 3, 2008, except as it applies to those nonfinancial assets and liabilities affected by the one-year delay.  The adoption of the applicable provisions of SFAS No. 157 did not have a material impact on our results of operations, cash flows, or financial position.  We do not expect the adoption of the remaining provisions of SFAS No. 157 to have a material impact on our results of operations, cash flows, or financial position.

 

In February 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 159, The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Liabilities — Including an Amendment of FASB Statement No. 115. SFAS No. 159 permits us to choose to measure certain financial assets and liabilities at fair value that are not currently required to be measured at fair value (the “Fair Value Option”). Election of the Fair Value Option is made on an instrument-by-instrument basis and is irrevocable. At the adoption date, unrealized gains and losses on financial assets and liabilities for which the Fair Value Option has been elected would be reported as a cumulative adjustment to beginning retained earnings. If we elect the Fair Value Option for certain financial assets and liabilities, we will report unrealized gains and losses due to changes in their fair value in earnings at each subsequent reporting date. We adopted SFAS No. 159 but have elected not to apply the Fair Value Option of SFAS No. 159.

 

In December 2007, the FASB issued FAS No. 141R, Business Combinations, which replaces SFAS No. 141. SFAS 141R establishes principles and requirements for how the acquirer of a business recognizes and measures in its financial statements the identifiable assets acquired and the liabilities assumed. In addition, under SFAS 141(R) adjustments associated with changes in tax contingencies that occur after the one year measurement period are recorded as adjustments to income. This statement is effective for all business combinations for which the acquisition date is on or after the beginning of an entity’s first fiscal year that begins after December 15, 2008; however, the guidance in this standard regarding the treatment of income tax contingencies is retrospective to business combinations completed prior to January 1, 2009. We will adopt SFAS 141(R) for any business combinations occurring at or subsequent to February 1, 2009.

 

In March 2008, the FASB issued SFAS No. 161, Disclosures about Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities, an amendment of SFAS No. 133. SFAS No. 161 is intended to improve financial standards for derivative instruments and hedging activities by requiring enhanced disclosures to enable investors to better understand the effect these instruments and activities have on an entity’s financial position, financial performance and cash flows. Entities are required to provide enhanced disclosures about: how and why an entity uses derivative instruments; how derivative instruments and related hedged items are accounted for under SFAS No. 133 and its related interpretations; and how derivative instruments and related hedged items affect an entity’s financial position, financial performance and cash flows. SFAS No. 161 is effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years and interim periods beginning after November 15, 2008. We will adopt SFAS No. 161 beginning in the first quarter of fiscal 2009. We do not expect SFAS No. 161 to have a material impact on our results of operations, cash flows, or financial position.

 

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In April 2008, the FASB issued FASB Staff Position No. FAS 142-3, Determination of the Useful Life of Intangible Assets.  FSP No. FAS 142-3 requires companies estimating the useful life of a recognized intangible asset to consider their historical experience in renewing or extending similar arrangements or, in the absence of historical experience, to consider assumptions that market participants would use about renewal or extension as adjusted for entity-specific factors. FSP No. FAS 142-3 is effective as of the beginning of our 2009 fiscal year. We are currently evaluating the potential impact, if any, of the adoption of FSP No. FAS 142-3 on our consolidated financial statements.

 

Note 3. Credit Facility and Indebtedness

 

We have maintained a revolving credit facility with Bank of America, N.A. since 2001. Our credit facility provides us with the capital to fund the operations and growth of our business. Our revolving credit facility has a limit of $345.0 million, with an option to increase this limit up to $400 million subject to certain terms and conditions. Interest on the outstanding indebtedness under the revolving portion of the credit facility currently accrues at the lender’s prime commercial lending rate, or, if we elect, at the one, two, three or six month LIBOR plus 1.25% to 1.75%, depending on our EBITDA, as defined in the credit agreement. Our obligations under the credit facility are secured by interests in substantially all of the Company’s assets. The credit facility matures on June 30, 2012.

 

In addition to the revolving credit facility, our credit facility includes a $20.0 million term loan (“Term Loan A”). Term Loan A matures on June 30, 2012 and bears interest at either (a) 1.25% over the higher of (i) Bank of America’s prime rate or (ii) the federal funds rate plus 0.5%, or (b) LIBOR plus 2.75%.

 

On December 6, 2007, we entered into a Fourth Amended and Restated Loan and Security Agreement. The amendment and restatement was effected in order to add an additional $40.0 million term loan (“Term Loan B”) to our secured credit facility to partially fund the acquisition of Overton’s.  Term Loan B provides for scheduled semi-annual prepayments, beginning with $2.5 million due December 31, 2008, that fully retire the loan on its maturity date of  September 30, 2011.

 

We will not have the ability to exercise our option to increase the revolving credit facility up to $400 million while our $40.0 million Term Loan B is outstanding.

 

Outstanding borrowings under the credit facility, including Term Loan A and including letters of credit, were $315.5 million  and $316.2 million as of November 1, 2008 and November 3, 2007, respectively.  The actual availability under the credit facility is limited to specific advance rates on eligible inventory and accounts receivable. Typically, availability will be highest in the latter half of the fiscal year as inventory levels and advance rates increase. These advance rates are seasonal as well, increasing as we approach our hunting and holiday seasons and decreasing during non-peak periods. Based on eligible inventory and accounts receivable balances as of November 1, 2008 and February 2, 2008, our available borrowing capacity under the credit facility, after subtracting letters of credit, was $35.3 million and $22.3 million, respectively.

 

Financial covenants under the credit facility require that availability under the line of credit not fall below 5% of the lower of the borrowing base, as defined, or the credit facility limit. This availability test is applied and measured on a daily basis. The 5% requirement increases to 7.5% in August 2009. The credit facility also contains other covenants that, among other matters, restrict our ability to incur substantial other indebtedness, create certain liens, engage in certain mergers and acquisitions, sell assets, enter into certain capital leases or make junior payments, including cash dividends. We were in compliance with all covenants as of November 1, 2008.

 

The value of our eligible inventory, and the related advance rates under our secured credit facility are subject to periodic adjustment based on independent valuations of our collateral performed on behalf of the banks. Any downward adjustment in the value of our inventory or in our advance rates, whether based on an assessment of the nature and quality of our inventory or a perceived increase in the difficulty of selling collateral under current economic conditions, will adversely affect our availability.

 

In June 2008, Bank of America, N.A. adjusted our advance rates downward, on average approximately 160 basis points, in response to general retail environment conditions. In order to maintain appropriate levels of availability under our secured credit facility, on June 9, 2008, we entered into a $10 million term loan with our two major shareholders.  Amounts advanced under the agreement had an original maturity date of December 31, 2008, which was subsequently amended to March 31, 2009, bear interest at LIBOR plus 1% and may be prepaid and re-borrowed without penalty until the maturity date.  The loans are unsecured and the loan agreement contains no restrictive covenants.  Proceeds from the loans were used to reduce outstanding borrowings under our credit facility.  The lenders under the agreement are Gratco LLC, an affiliate of

 

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David Pratt, our chairman and chief executive officer, and Holiday Companies, an affiliate of Ronald A. Erickson, our vice chairman, and Gerald A. Erickson, a director of our company.

 

Although our current expectations of future financial performance indicate that we will remain in compliance with the covenants under our credit facility, if actual financial performance does not meet our current expectations, our ability to remain in compliance with these covenants will be adversely affected. We face a number of uncertainties that may adversely affect our ability to generate sales and earnings or access any needed capital, including the recent disruption in the financial and credit markets, declining real estate values, increasing foreclosures in the housing markets, rising unemployment, and decreased business and consumer confidence that have and may continue to adversely affect discretionary spending and the retail environment in the United States.

 

Indebtedness- a summary of all our indebtedness is as follows:

 

 

 

November 1,

 

February 2,

 

(in thousands)

 

2008

 

2008

 

Short Term

 

 

 

 

 

Borrowings under credit facility including Term Note A

 

$

306,264

 

$

246,013

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Notes payable - related parties

 

$

10,000

 

$

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Current portion of Term Note B

 

$

5,000

 

$

2,500

 

Current portion of capitalized lease obligations

 

4,793

 

2,512

 

Current portion of equipment notes payable

 

3,443

 

3,235

 

Current portion of deferred acquisition obligation

 

841

 

 

Total current maturities of long term debt

 

$

14,077

 

$

8,247

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Long Term

 

 

 

 

 

Long term portion of Term Note B

 

$

35,000

 

$

37,500

 

Long term portion of capitalized lease obligations

 

10,154

 

11,702

 

Long term portion of equipment notes payable

 

10,882

 

13,492

 

Long term portion of deferred acquisition obligation

 

765

 

1,479

 

Total long term debt

 

$

56,801

 

$

64,173

 

 

Note 4. Stock-Based Compensation

 

We have three share-based compensation plans: the 2004 Omnibus Stock Plan, the 2002 Stock Option Plan and the Employee Stock Purchase Plan. In addition, we granted certain stock option awards in fiscal 1998 and fiscal 2002 that were not under a stock-based compensation plan. We are no longer authorized to grant any awards under the 2002 Stock Option Plan.  As of November 1, 2008, there were a total of 3,159,403 options to purchase common stock outstanding under all of our stock option plans and non-plan option awards, with a weighted average exercise price of $9.92 and a weighted average remaining life of 6.4 years.  There were 2,416,375 options that were exercisable as of November 1, 2008 with a weighted-average exercise price of $10.62.

 

Stock-based compensation expense for the 13 weeks ended November 1, 2008 and November 3, 2007,  was $286,000 and $535,000, respectively.  Stock-based compensation expense for the 39 weeks ended November 1, 2008 and November 3. 2007,  was $989,000 and $1,278,000, respectively. As of November 1, 2008, there was approximately $1.8 million of unrecognized compensation expense related to stock options that is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 2.3 years.

 

For the third quarters of fiscal 2008 and fiscal 2007, and for the 39 weeks ended November 1, 2008, options exercised were immaterial. For the 39 weeks ended November 3, 2007, there were 323,543 options exercised with an aggregate intrinsic value of $1,238,000, which generated $2,933,000 in net cash proceeds for us.

 

As of November 1, 2008, there were 1,381,532 shares available for future grant under the 2004 Omnibus Stock Plan.

 

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Stock option activity for the periods presented is as follows:

 

 

 

13 weeks - November 1, 2008

 

13 weeks - November 3, 2007

 

 

 

Number of

 

Weighted-

 

Number of

 

Weighted-

 

 

 

Shares Under

 

Average

 

Shares Under

 

Average

 

 

 

Option

 

Exercise Price

 

Option

 

Exercise Price

 

Outstanding - Beginning

 

3,282,815

 

$

9.98

 

3,949,627

 

$

10.39

 

Granted

 

20,300

 

3.00

 

43,350

 

9.49

 

Exercised

 

 

 

(150

)

5.12

 

Forfeited

 

(143,712

)

10.30

 

(77,782

)

9.27

 

Outstanding -Ending

 

3,159,403

 

$

9.92

 

3,915,045

 

$

10.40

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Weighted-average Black-Scholes fair value of options granted

 

 

 

$

1.74

 

 

 

$

4.60

 

 

Note 5. Earnings Per Share

 

Basic and diluted income or loss per share is based upon the weighted average number of shares outstanding.  Diluted earnings per share for the 13 weeks ended November 1, 2008, includes 43,698 dilutive shares assumed outstanding related to our employee stock purchase plan. Diluted loss per share for the 13 weeks ended November 3, 2007 and the 39 weeks ended November 1, 2008 and November 3, 2007, excludes potentially dilutive stock options from the calculation of weighted average shares outstanding because including them would have an anti-dilutive effect on loss per share.  As of November 1, 2008 and November 3, 2007, there were a total of 3,159,403 and 3,915,045 options to purchase common stock outstanding, respectively.

 

Note 6. Selected Balance Sheet Information (in thousands)

 

 

 

November 1,

 

February 2,

 

Property and equipment consists of:

 

2008

 

2008

 

Building

 

$

6,972

 

$

6,972

 

Furniture and equipment

 

152,559

 

141,827

 

Leasehold improvements

 

65,966

 

66,102

 

Computer software and hardware

 

60,133

 

52,179

 

 

 

285,630

 

267,080

 

Less: Accumulated depreciation and amortization

 

(117,990

)

(98,396

)

Property and equipment, net

 

$

167,639

 

$

168,685

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

November 1,

 

February 2,

 

Other assets consists of:

 

2008

 

2008

 

Deferred loan costs

 

$

6,677

 

$

6,666

 

Other

 

165

 

1,295

 

 

 

6,842

 

7,961

 

Less: Accumulated amortization

 

(4,857

)

(4,385

)

Other assets, net

 

$

1,985

 

$

3,576

 

 

9



Table of Contents

 

 

 

November 1,

 

February 2,

 

Accrued and other current liabilities consist of:

 

2008

 

2008

 

Gift cards and gift certificate liabilities

 

$

17,885

 

$

29,223

 

Payroll and related fringe benefits

 

4,909

 

8,392

 

Sales, property and use taxes

 

9,804

 

5,219

 

Reserve for store exit costs

 

122

 

3,612

 

Lease related costs

 

1,739

 

1,593

 

Insurance reserves and liabilities

 

2,176

 

1,979

 

Advertising and marketing

 

1,008

 

1,745

 

Interest

 

1,682

 

938

 

Other accruals and current liabilities

 

9,038

 

7,905

 

Accrued and other current liabilities

 

$

48,363

 

$

60,606

 

 

 

 

November 1,

 

February 2,

 

Other long-term liabilities consist of:

 

2008

 

2008

 

Deferred rent

 

$

25,957

 

$

25,898

 

Insurance reserves and other liabilities

 

1,519

 

1,499

 

Other long-term liabilities

 

$

27,476

 

$

27,397

 

 

Note 7. Supplemental Cash Flow Information

 

During the 39 weeks ended November 1, 2008 and November 3, 2007, we acquired equipment totaling $4.1 million and $2.6 million, respectively, which was financed through capital leases. Purchases of property and equipment in the statement of cash flows exclude these amounts.  Purchases of property and equipment in the statement of cash flows for the 39 weeks ended November 1, 2008 and November 3, 2007, also excludes $1.5 and $1.2 million, respectively, in non-cash accruals for property and equipment placed in service that did not require the use of cash.

 

Note 8. Exit Costs, Impairment and Other Charges

 

Exit costs, impairment and other charges were a net credit of $1.1 million in the third quarter of fiscal 2008. During the third quarter of fiscal 2008, in an effort to improve gross margins in clearance activities, we re-opened one previously closed store and are in the process of re-opening two additional stores as retail outlet centers. We previously recorded charges and liabilities for the estimated present value of cash flows for the remaining lease terms for these three stores. The utilization of these assets and leases under an alternative use such as outlet centers was not considered or contemplated at the time we recorded the original charges. We believe the outlet center strategy will help achieve margin improvement and accordingly, we have reversed the lease termination liabilities of these three stores based on the expected cash flows of the stores as outlet centers.  The reversal resulted in a credit to exit costs, impairment and other charges of $1.8 million in the third quarter of fiscal 2008.  Other costs included in exit costs, impairment and other charges for the third quarter of fiscal 2008 include accretion expense on liabilities for lease termination charges and other residual costs of closed stores. For the third quarter of fiscal 2007, expenses in this line item substantially represented severance charges.

 

The activity of our reserve for store exit costs and other charges during fiscal 2008 is as follows:

 

 

 

(in thousands)

 

 

 

3Q 2008

 

2Q 2008

 

1Q 2008

 

Balance - beginning

 

$

2,259

 

$

3,292

 

$

3,612

 

Charges for three relocated stores

 

(1,810

)

 

604

 

Accretion

 

64

 

77

 

68

 

Other expenses

 

193

 

239

 

104

 

Payments / reductions

 

(584

)

(1,349

)

(1,096

)

Balance - ending

 

$

122

 

$

2,259

 

$

3,292

 

 

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Table of Contents

 

Note 9. Overton’s Acquisition

 

On December 6, 2007, we completed the acquisition of all of the outstanding equity securities of Overton’s Holding Company (“Overton’s”). Overton’s results of operations are included in our consolidated statements of operations since December 6, 2007.  The transaction was accounted for using the purchase method of accounting in accordance with SFAS No. 141,  Business Combinations . In accordance with SFAS No. 141, the total purchase price was allocated to Overton’s net tangible and intangible assets and liabilities based upon their fair values. During the 39 weeks ended November 1, 2008, we incurred $172,000 of additional direct costs of the acquisition which was recorded as additional goodwill. We expect to finalize any purchase price allocation adjustments in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2008.

 

Note 10. Income Taxes

 

Our effective income tax rate was 19.2% and (2.4)% for the third quarter of fiscal 2008 and third quarter of fiscal 2007, respectively. The change in the effective tax rate between periods is primarily the result of the change in pretax earnings compared to the change in state income taxes and deferred tax liabilities related to differences in the book-tax basis of certain acquired intangible assets.

 

Note 11. Contingencies

 

Trademark Litigation—On July 2, 2004, we filed a complaint in the U.S. District Court for the District of Minnesota seeking declaratory relief that the contingent trademark licensing provision of a noncompetition agreement dated May 16, 1996, made between our predecessor and Cabela’s Incorporated, is invalid and unenforceable. Although the noncompetition provisions of the noncompetition agreement expired in June 2003, Cabela’s contended that a contingent trademark licensing provision of the noncompetition agreement required us to grant Cabela’s a license that would preclude our use of certain of our trademarks for direct marketing purposes.

 

On July 10, 2007, the U.S. District Court issued an order granting our motion for summary judgment, ruling that the contingent trademark licensing provision was unenforceable.  The order provides, in part, that we are free to use our trademarks in all respects including direct marketing to consumers.  Cabela’s appealed the ruling to the United States Court of Appeals, Eighth Circuit.

 

On August 27, 2008, a panel of the United States Court of Appeals, Eighth Circuit, unanimously upheld the earlier district court order granting Gander Mountain’s motion for summary judgment that the contingent trademark licensing provision is unenforceable.   The Eighth Circuit order, which is no longer subject to appeal, affirms our right to use our trademarks in all respects including direct marketing to consumers.

 

Termination of Overton’s Non-compete Agreement - We acquired Overton’s in December 2007. Pursuant to a non-compete agreement entered into by Overton’s as part of a previous transaction in 2002, Overton’s was restricted from selling hunting related products until March 2009. In November 2008, this non-compete agreement was terminated. As a result, there are no further restrictions on our ability to utilize the Overton brand in connection with the marketing and selling of hunting related products or the driving of consumer traffic to our retail stores.

 

Other Legal Claims—Various claims and lawsuits arising in the normal course of business may be pending against us from time to time. The subject matter of these proceedings typically relate to commercial disputes, employment issues, product liability and other matters. As of the date of this report, we are not a party to any legal proceedings that are expected, individually or in the aggregate, to have a material adverse effect on our financial condition or results of operations.

 

Note 12. Segment Reporting

 

For the Retail segment, operating expenses primarily consist of distribution center expenses associated with moving product from our distribution center to our retail stores, occupancy costs of the retail stores, store labor, advertising, depreciation, and all other store operating expenses, as well as all expenses associated with the functional support areas such as executive, merchandising/buying, human resources, information technology, and finance/accounting.

 

For the Direct segment, operating expenses primarily consist of catalog expenses, e-commerce advertising expenses, and order fulfillment expenses such as labor and overhead, as well as all expenses associated with the functional support areas such as merchandising/buying, information technology, and finance/accounting.

 

Segment assets and liabilities are those assets and liabilities directly used in the operating segment. For the Retail segment, assets primarily include inventory in the retail stores, fixtures, and leasehold improvements. For the Direct segment, assets primarily include inventory, goodwill and intangible assets, deferred catalog costs and fixed assets.

 

11



Table of Contents

 

Prior to the acquisition of Overton’s on December 6, 2007, we operated under one segment, Retail. Selected data from our statements of operations and balance sheets by business segment are presented in the table below:  The retail segment includes all of the credits and charges in the exit costs, impairment and other charges line of our statement of operations as described in note 8.

 

 

 

13 Weeks Ended
November 1, 2008

 

13 Weeks Ended
November 3, 2007

 

Statement of Operations Data:

 

Retail

 

Direct

 

Total

 

Retail

 

Direct

 

Total

 

Sales

 

$

255,506

 

$

14,414

 

$

269,920

 

$

259,539

 

$

 

$

259,539

 

Depreciation and amortization

 

7,447

 

326

 

7,773

 

7,086

 

 

7,086

 

Income (loss) from operations

 

8,086

 

(2,189

)

5,897

 

525

 

 

525

 

Net income (loss)

 

3,705

 

(2,940

)

765

 

(5,143

)

 

(5,143

)

 

 

 

39 Weeks Ended
November 1, 2008

 

39 Weeks Ended
November 3, 2007

 

 

 

Retail

 

Direct

 

Total

 

Retail

 

Direct

 

Total

 

Sales

 

$

656,644

 

$

73,811

 

$

730,455

 

$

651,799

 

$

 

$

651,799

 

Depreciation and amortization

 

22,319

 

1,115

 

23,434

 

19,770

 

 

19,770

 

Income (loss) from operations

 

(13,630

)

16

 

(13,614

)

(23,209

)

 

(23,209

)

Net loss

 

(25,940

)

(2,594

)

(28,534

)

(37,633

)

 

(37,633

)

 

 

 

As of November 1, 2008

 

As of November 3, 2007

 

Balance sheet data:

 

Retail

 

Direct

 

Total

 

Retail

 

Direct

 

Total

 

Total assets

 

$

631,448

 

$

93,776

 

$

725,224

 

$

691,011

 

$

 

$

691,011

 

Inventories

 

420,780

 

21,080

 

441,860

 

474,953

 

 

474,953

 

Goodwill and intangible assets

 

7,007

 

66,670

 

73,677

 

7,204

 

 

7,204

 

Long term debt

 

21,801

 

35,000

 

56,801

 

25,901

 

 

25,901

 

 

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

 

Forward Looking Statements

 

The following discussion may contain forward-looking statements regarding us, our business prospects and our results of operations that are subject to certain risks and uncertainties posed by many factors and events that could cause our actual business, prospects and results of operations to differ materially from those that may be anticipated by such forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause or contribute to such differences include, but are not limited to, those described in Item 1A—“Risk Factors of our Form 10-K for fiscal 2007”. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this report. We undertake no obligation to revise any forward-looking statements in order to reflect events or circumstances that may subsequently arise. Readers are urged to carefully review and consider the various disclosures made by us in this report and in our other reports filed with the Commission that advise interested parties of the risks and factors that may affect our business.

 

Overview

 

Gander Mountain Company operates the nation’s largest retail network of stores specializing in hunting, fishing, camping, marine and outdoor lifestyle products and services. As of November 1, 2008, we have expanded our store base to 116 conveniently located Gander Mountain outdoor lifestyle stores, providing approximately 6.5 million square feet of retail space in 23 states: Alabama, Arkansas, Colorado, Florida, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, West Virginia and Wisconsin. During the third quarter of fiscal 2008, we re-opened one previously closed store as a retail outlet center.  Prior to this re-opening, we opened five new stores in fiscal 2008.

 

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Table of Contents

 

Our core strategy is to provide our target customers with a unique and broad assortment of outdoor equipment, accessories, related technical apparel and footwear; expert services; convenient locations and value pricing. Our stores feature an extensive selection of leading national and regional brands as well as our company’s owned brands. In March 2003, we began transforming our market position from a traditional specialty store to a large-format, category-focused store. We did this by opening new stores in a large format and increasing the selling space of certain small-format stores. Prior to March 2003, our typical store was approximately 31,000 square feet. Our large-format stores range from approximately 50,000 to 120,000 square feet, with our current focus primarily upon stores of 60,000 to 65,000 square feet plus an outside selling area. Our large-format stores are generally located with convenient access to a major highway and have an open-style shopping environment characterized by wide aisles, open bar-joist ceilings and high-density racking. To further build upon our brand’s reputation for high quality and exceptional value, we have outfitted certain stores with additional features such as brick and stone accents, log-wrapped columns, and improved branding, fixture, flooring and signage elements. As of November 1, 2008, 73 of our 116 stores were in our large format.

 

On December 6, 2007, we acquired Overton’s, Inc., a leading internet and catalog marketing company targeting recreational boaters and water sports enthusiasts. Overton’s product line is extensive, ranging from water skis, wakeboards and apparel to electronics, boat covers, boat seats and other marine accessories. Overton’s products are sold under two principal brands, Overton’s and Consumers Marine, through a multi-channel approach that includes catalogs, websites (www.Overtons.com and www.Consumersmarine.com) and three retail showrooms. Overton’s is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Gander Mountain headquartered in Greenville, North Carolina.

 

Since the acquisition of Overton’s, our consolidated reporting includes our two reportable segments: Retail and Direct. The Retail segment sells its outdoor lifestyle products and services through its 116 retail stores located in 23 states. The Direct segment is comprised of the internet and catalog operations of Overton’s, offering primarily boating and watersports accessory products through numerous direct mail catalogs and its e-commerce websites, as well as the newly developed e-commerce and catalog efforts of Gander Mountain that focus on many of the outdoor lifestyle product categories found in our retail stores.  On August 3, 2008,  we launched our new transactional website, “Gandermtn.com” which offers an initial selection of nearly 12,000 SKU’s.  We will continue to grow the product selections and add additional SKU’s over time.  During the third quarter of fiscal 2008, we distributed approximately 2 million copies of our first Gander Mountain catalog since 1996.  This component of our Direct segment continues to grow sales.  Refer to Note 12 of our consolidated financial statements for certain financial information on our segments. The continued operation of Overton’s, along with our launch of Gander Mountain’s e-commerce and catalog efforts are important initiatives toward building a multi-channel national retail operation.

 

Consolidated Results of Operations

 

The following table represents our unaudited consolidated statements of operations reflected as a percentage of sales:

 

 

 

13 Weeks Ended

 

39 Weeks Ended

 

 

 

November 1,

 

November 3,

 

November 1,

 

November 3,

 

 

 

2008

 

2007

 

2008

 

2007

 

Sales

 

100.0

%

100.0

%

100.0

%

100.0

%

Cost of goods sold

 

74.2

%

73.0

%

75.5

%

76.1

%

Gross profit

 

25.8

%

27.0

%

24.5

%

23.9

%

Operating expenses:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Selling, general and administrative expenses

 

24.1

%

25.0

%

26.1

%

26.4

%

Exit costs, impairment and other charges

 

(0.4

)%

0.6

%

 

0.3

%

Pre-opening expenses

 

 

1.2

%

0.3

%

0.7

%

Income (loss) from operations

 

2.2

%

0.2

%

(1.9

)%

(3.6

)%

Interest expense, net

 

1.8

%

2.1

%

2.0

%

2.2

%

Income (loss) before income taxes

 

0.4

%

(1.9

)%

(3.8

)%

(5.7

)%

Income tax provision

 

0.1

%

0.1

%

0.1

%

0.1

%

Net Income (loss)

 

0.3

%

(2.0

)%

(3.9

)%

(5.8

)%

 


(1)  Columns do not add due to rounding.

 

13



Table of Contents

 

Sales consist of sales from comparable stores, new stores and non-comparable stores, as well as sales of our Direct segment. A store is included in the comparable store base in its fifteenth full month of operations. A relocated store returns to the comparable store base in its fifteenth full month after relocation. New store sales include sales from stores we opened during the current period. Non-comparable store sales include sales in the current period from our stores opened during the previous fiscal year before they have begun their fifteenth month of operation.

 

Cost of goods sold includes the cost of merchandise, freight, distribution, inventory shrinkage and store occupancy costs. Store occupancy costs include rent, real estate taxes and common area maintenance charges. Cost of goods sold also includes the cost of merchandise and freight expenses of our Direct segment.

 

Selling, general and administrative expenses include store associate payroll, taxes and fringe benefits, advertising, maintenance, utilities, depreciation, insurance, bank and credit card charges and other store level expenses. It also includes all expenses associated with operating our corporate headquarters in St. Paul, MN as well as the fulfillment, distribution and corporate expenses of our Direct segment.

 

Pre-opening expenses consist primarily of payroll, rent, recruiting, advertising and other costs incurred prior to a new store opening.

 

13 Weeks Ended November 1, 2008 Compared to 13 Weeks Ended November 3,  2007

 

Sales.  Sales increased by $10.4 million, or 4.0%, to $269.9 million in the third quarter of fiscal 2008 from $259.5 million in the third quarter of fiscal 2007.

 

The increase resulted from increased sales of $19.2 million from fiscal 2008 and fiscal 2007 new stores not included in the comparable store sales base, a comparable store sales decrease of $15.3 million and a $7.9 million sales decrease from stores closed during 2008 but open in 2007, as well as changes in other revenue. The increase in sales also includes sales from our Direct business of $14.4 million for the third quarter of fiscal 2008 that were not present in the comparable quarter last year.

 

There were no new store openings or closings during the third quarter of fiscal 2008. During the third quarter of fiscal 2007, we opened nine new stores including two relocations. Our comparable store sales declined 6.5% for the third quarter of fiscal 2008, versus a comparable store sales decrease of 8.4% for the third quarter of fiscal 2007. The comparable store sales decline was impacted by the overall economic environment, including recent disruption in the financial and credit markets, declining real estate values, increasing foreclosures in the housing markets, rising unemployment, and decreased business and consumer confidence, and their effects on discretionary spending and the retail environment. Additionally, continued de-emphasis of our Powersports category and, we believe, less advertising expenditures in the third quarter of fiscal 2008 as compared to the third quarter of fiscal 2007, negatively impacted the comparable store sales decline.

 

Gross Profit.  Gross profit decreased by $335,000, or 0.5%, to $69.8 million in the third quarter of fiscal 2008 from $70.1 million in the third quarter of fiscal 2007. As a percentage of sales, gross profit decreased 117 basis points to 25.8% in the third quarter of fiscal 2008 from 27.0% in the third quarter of fiscal 2007.

 

The significant factors affecting our gross profit rate during the quarter were an initial product margin rate decrease of 58 basis points in the Retail segment and deleveraging of Retail store occupancy costs by 115 basis points as a result of lower comparable store sales and lower sales per square foot at our newer, less mature stores. These declines as a percentage of sales were partially offset by an increase of 81 basis points from the inclusion of the higher-margin Direct business in our results this year.  Retail segment initial margin rates were impacted negatively by lower margin rates in boats and ATVs and lower sales of higher-margin apparel categories, both of which were partially offset by increased margin contributions from firearms and hunting sales.

 

Selling, General and Administrative Expenses (“SG&A”).  SG&A expenses were $65.0 million in the third quarter of fiscal 2008 and were flat compared to the third quarter of fiscal 2007. As a percentage of sales, SG&A expenses decreased 95 basis points to 24.1% in the third quarter of fiscal 2008 from 25.0% in the third quarter of fiscal 2007.

 

The primary factor in the 95 basis point decrease were Retail segment cost reductions of $7.9 million in store operations and general and administrative costs that improved SG&A by 272 basis points in the Retail segment.  This improvement was offset by 177 basis points due to the inclusion of $8.0 million of SG&A for the Direct business in the third quarter of fiscal 2008.

 

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Table of Contents

 

Exit Costs, Impairment and Other Charges.   Exit costs, impairment and other charges were a net credit of $1.1 million in the third quarter of fiscal 2008 compared to expense of $1.6 million in the third quarter of fiscal 2007.

 

During the third quarter of fiscal 2008, in an effort to improve gross margins in clearance activities, we re-opened one previously closed store and are in the process of re-opening two additional stores as retail outlet centers.  We previously recorded charges and liabilities for the estimated present value of cash flows for the remaining lease terms for these three stores. The utilization of these assets and leases under an alternative use such as outlet centers was not considered or contemplated at the time we recorded the original charges. We believe the outlet center strategy will help achieve margin improvement and accordingly, we have reversed the lease termination liabilities of these three stores based on the expected cash flows of the stores as outlet centers.  The reversal resulted in a credit to exit costs, impairment and other charges of $1.8 million in the third quarter of fiscal 2008.  Other costs included in exit costs, impairment and other charges for the third quarter of fiscal 2008 include accretion expense on liabilities for lease termination charges and other residual costs of closed stores. For the third quarter of fiscal 2007, expenses in this line item substantially represented severance charges.

 

Pre-opening Expenses.  We had no pre-opening expenses in the third quarter of fiscal 2008 compared to $3.0 million in the third quarter of fiscal 2007. We opened no new stores in the current quarter. During the third quarter of fiscal 2007, we opened nine new stores.

 

Interest Expense, net.  Interest expense decreased by $593,000, or 10.7%, to $4.9 million in the third quarter of fiscal 2008 from $5.5 million in the third quarter of fiscal 2007.

 

Average outstanding borrowings during the third quarter of fiscal 2008 increased approximately $58 million or 19%, as compared to the third quarter of fiscal 2007, due primarily to the debt incurred in connection with the Overton’s acquisition in December 2007. Interest expense from higher average borrowings was offset by an approximately 180 basis points decrease in average interest rates due to general interest rate declines.  The average effective interest rate for the third quarter of fiscal 2008 on all of our outstanding borrowings was 5.5%.

 

Income Tax Provision.  Our effective income tax rate was 19.2% and (2.4)% for the third quarter of fiscal 2008 and third quarter of fiscal 2007, respectively. The change in the effective tax rate between periods is primarily the result of the change in pretax income (loss) compared to the change in state income taxes and deferred tax liabilities related to differences in the book-tax basis of certain acquired intangible assets.

 

Net Income.  Our net income was $765,000 for the third quarter of fiscal 2008, as compared to a net loss of $5.1 million for the third quarter of fiscal 2007, due to the factors discussed above. This improvement of $5.9 million is the result of an improvement in the Retail segment of $8.8 million and a net loss in the Direct segment of $2.9 million.  The Direct segment was not present last year.

 

39 Weeks Ended November 1, 2008 Compared to 39 Weeks Ended November 3, 2007

 

Sales.  Sales increased by $78.7 million, or 12.1%, to $730.5 million in the first nine months of fiscal 2008 from $651.8 million in the first nine months of fiscal 2007.

 

The increase resulted from increased sales of $74.6 million from fiscal 2008 and fiscal 2007 new stores not included in the comparable store sales base, a comparable store sales decrease of $49.3 million and a $20.4 million sales decrease from stores closed during 2008 but open in 2007, as well as changes in other revenue.  The increase in sales also includes sales from our Direct business of $73.8 million for the first nine months of fiscal 2008 that were not present in the comparable period last year.

 

During the first nine months of fiscal 2008, we opened five new stores and closed three stores, including one relocation and the consolidation of two smaller format stores into one large-format store. We also re-opened one previously closed store as a retail outlet center. On a net basis for the first nine months of fiscal 2008, we added 337,000 square feet of retail selling space, a 5.5% increase.  During the first nine months of fiscal 2007, we opened 13 new stores, including three relocated stores. Our comparable store sales declined 8.3% for the first nine months of fiscal 2008, versus a comparable store sales decrease of 1.9% for the first nine months of fiscal 2007. The comparable store sales decline was impacted by the overall economic environment, including recent disruption in the financial and credit markets, declining real estate values, increasing foreclosures in the housing markets, rising unemployment, and decreased business and consumer confidence, and their effects on discretionary spending and the retail environment.  Additionally, continued de-emphasis of our Powersports category and, we believe, less advertising expenditures in the first nine months of fiscal 2008 as compared to the first nine months of fiscal 2007, negatively impacted the comparable store sales decline.

 

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Table of Contents

 

Gross Profit.  Gross profit increased by $23.8 million, or 15.3%, to $179.3 million in the first nine months of fiscal 2008 from $155.5 million in the first nine months of fiscal 2007. As a percentage of sales, gross profit increased 68 basis points to 24.5% in the first nine months of fiscal 2008 from 23.9% in the first nine months of fiscal 2007.

 

The significant factors affecting our gross profit rate during the first nine months of fiscal 2008 were the inclusion of the higher-margin Direct business in our results this year which provided 194 basis points, offset primarily by deleveraging of Retail store occupancy costs by 140 basis points as a result of lower comparable store sales and lower sales per square foot at our newer, less mature stores. Retail segment initial margin rates benefited 24 basis points from increasing scale, continued inventory rationalization efforts, improved pricing structure and better management of clearance merchandise.

 

Selling, General and Administrative Expenses.  SG&A expenses increased by $19.1 million, or 11.1%, to $190.9 million in the first nine months of fiscal 2008 from $171.8 million in the first nine months of fiscal 2007. As a percentage of sales, SG&A expenses decreased 22 basis points to 26.1% in the first nine months of fiscal 2008 from 26.4% in the first nine months of fiscal 2007.

 

The primary factors in this decrease were Retail segment cost reductions in store operations and general and administrative costs that improved SG&A by 200 basis points in the Retail segment. This improvement was offset 178 basis points due to the inclusion in the first nine months of fiscal 2008 of $30.9 million of selling, general and administrative costs of the Direct business.

 

Exit Costs, Impairment and Other Charges.   Exit costs, impairment and other charges were a credit of $20,000 for the first nine months of fiscal 2008 compared to expense of $2.2 million in the first nine months of fiscal 2007.  We recorded a $1.8 million credit relating to the reversal of charges and liabilities for the estimated present value of cash flows for the remaining lease terms related to three previously closed stores that have been, or are in the process of, re-opening as retail outlet centers. Exit costs, impairment and other charges for the first nine months of fiscal 2008 also include lease termination charges, accretion expense on related liabilities and other residual costs of closed stores. For the first nine months of fiscal 2007, these expenses substantially represented severance charges.

 

Pre-opening Expenses.  Pre-opening expenses decreased $2.7 million, or 57.2%, to $2.0 million for the first nine months of fiscal 2008 from $4.7 million in the first nine months of fiscal 2007. During the first nine months of fiscal 2008, we opened five new stores. During the first nine months of fiscal 2007, we opened 13 new stores.

 

Interest Expense, net.  Interest expense increased by $0.3 million, or 1.8%, to $14.3 million for the first nine months of fiscal 2008 from $14.0 million for the first nine months of fiscal 2007.

 

The increase in interest expense resulted from higher average outstanding borrowings. Average outstanding borrowings during the first nine months of fiscal 2008 increased $81.8 million or 32%, as compared to the first nine months of fiscal 2007, due primarily to the debt incurred in connection with the Overton’s acquisition in December 2007 and borrowings in the second half of fiscal 2007 used for capital expenditures and inventories for nine new stores opened in the second half of fiscal 2007.  Interest expense from higher average borrowings was substantially offset by a decrease of approximately 170 basis points in average interest rates due to general interest rate declines.  The average effective interest rate for the first nine months of fiscal 2008 on all of our outstanding borrowings was 5.7%.

 

Income Tax Provision.  Our effective income tax rate was (2.2)% and (1.0)% for the first nine months of fiscal 2008 and first nine months of fiscal 2007, respectively. The change in the effective tax rate between periods is primarily the result of the change in pre-tax loss compared to the change in state income taxes and deferred tax liabilities related to differences in the book-tax basis of certain acquired intangible assets.

 

Net Loss.  Our net loss was $28.5 million for the first nine months of fiscal 2008, as compared to a net loss of $37.6 million for the first nine months of fiscal 2007, due to the factors discussed above. This improvement of $9.1 million is the result of an improvement in the Retail segment of $11.7 million and a net loss in the Direct segment of $2.6 million.  The Direct segment was not present last year.

 

Liquidity and Capital Resources

 

Our primary capital requirements historically have been for inventory, property and equipment and pre-opening expenses to support our new store growth plans, and, to the extent of the highly seasonal nature of our business, operating losses. The following chart summarizes the principal elements of our consolidated cash flow for the comparable periods of our fiscal years and the number of new stores opened during those periods.

 

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Cash Flow Summary

 

 

 

39 weeks

 

39 weeks

 

Change in Cash

 

 

 

November 1,
2008

 

November 3,
2007

 

Provided /
(Used)

 

Net cash used in operating activities

 

$

(49,544

)

$

(104,795

)

$

55,251

 

Net cash used in investing activities

 

(16,290

)

(47,628

)

31,338

 

Net cash provided by financing activities

 

64,863

 

152,765

 

(87,902

)

Total net increase (decrease) in cash

 

$

(971

)

$

342

 

$

(1,313

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Details of financing activities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Borrowings under revolving credit facility

 

$

60,251

 

$

139,093

 

$

(78,842

)

Proceeds (reductions) in long-term debt, net

 

(5,623

)

10,619

 

(16,242

)

Proceeds from notes payable - related parties

 

10,000

 

 

10,000

 

Proceeds from stock sales and exercise of options

 

235

 

3,053

 

(2,818

)

Net cash provided by financing activities

 

$

64,863

 

$

152,765

 

$

(87,902

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

New store openings, including relocated stores

 

5

 

13

 

 

 

 

Operating Activities.  Net cash used in operating activities for the first nine months of fiscal 2008 improved by $55.3 million to $49.5 million, as compared to $104.8 million for the first nine months of fiscal 2007.

 

This improvement was primarily the result of $9.1 million of reduced net losses, $3.7 million of increased non-cash depreciation and $84.3 million of less cash used for inventory growth,  partially offset by $45.6 million of less cash provided from accounts payable and accrued expense levels in the first nine months of fiscal 2008 versus the first nine months of fiscal 2007.

 

Inventory increases in the first nine months of fiscal 2007 consumed more cash than the first nine months of fiscal 2008 because of increased inventory levels in fiscal 2007 in powersports resulting from the roll-out of the Tracker Marine boat program, increased ATV inventory levels in fiscal 2007 as a result of more large-format stores that carried ATVs, and our tactical efforts in fiscal 2007 to merchandise certain seasonal inventory in our stores earlier.  As a result of a decision made in late fiscal 2007 to reduce the number of boat and ATV selling locations, powersports inventory is down $20.1 million at the end of the third quarter of fiscal 2008 as compared to the same period of fiscal 2007.  Overall inventory levels were also reduced in fiscal 2008 as a result of tactical efforts to better manage our inventory. Accounts payable funding was reduced $45.6 million in the first nine months of fiscal 2008 as compared to the same period of fiscal 2007, due in part, to fiscal 2007 increases in powersports inventory purchases which are usually executed under longer payment terms.

 

Investing Activities.  Net cash used in investing activities for the first nine months of fiscal 2008 decreased by $31.3 million to $16.3 million, as compared to $47.6 million for the first nine months of fiscal 2007.

 

We used cash primarily for equipment to open new stores, for information technology software and equipment at our corporate offices and to upgrade existing stores. The decrease in net cash used of $31.3 million was primarily due to $24.4 million in less cash used for purchases of property and equipment – we opened only five new stores during the first nine months of fiscal 2008 as compared to the opening of 13 new stores during the comparable period of fiscal 2007.  There is also a reduced use of cash in the first nine months of fiscal 2008 of $6.9 million due to cash used during the comparable period of fiscal 2007 for the acquisition of a competing retail business.

 

New capitalized lease obligations for the acquisition of equipment for the first nine months of fiscal 2008 were $4.1 million as compared to $2.6 million for the comparable period of fiscal 2007. These amounts are excluded from purchases of property and equipment in the statements of cash flows.

 

Financing Activities.  Net cash provided by financing activities for the first nine months of fiscal 2008 decreased by $87.9 million to $64.9 million, as compared to $152.8 million in the first nine months of fiscal 2007.  Cash provided by financing activities is primarily the net borrowings needed under our credit facility and other sources to fund operating and investing activities. These borrowings for the first nine months of fiscal 2008 decreased approximately $88 million in correlation with the approximately $55 million decrease in cash used in operations and the approximately $31 million decrease in cash used in investing activities, as described above.

 

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Credit Facility and Indebtedness

 

We have maintained a revolving credit facility with Bank of America, N.A. since 2001. Our credit facility provides us with the capital to fund the operations and growth of our business. Our revolving credit facility has a limit of $345.0 million, with an option to increase this limit up to $400 million subject to certain terms and conditions. Interest on the outstanding indebtedness under the revolving portion of the credit facility currently accrues at the lender’s prime commercial lending rate, or, if we elect, at the one, two, three or six month LIBOR plus 1.25% to 1.75%, depending on our EBITDA, as defined in the credit agreement. Our obligations under the credit facility are secured by interests in substantially all of the Company’s assets. The credit facility matures on June 30, 2012.

 

In addition to the revolving credit facility, our credit facility includes a $20.0 million term loan (“Term Loan A”). Term Loan A matures on June 30, 2012 and bears interest at either (a) 1.25% over the higher of (i) Bank of America’s prime rate or (ii) the federal funds rate plus 0.5%, or (b) LIBOR plus 2.75%.

 

On December 6, 2007, we entered into a Fourth Amended and Restated Loan and Security Agreement. The amendment and restatement was effected in order to add an additional $40.0 million term loan (“Term Loan B”) to our secured credit facility to partially fund the acquisition of Overton’s.  Term Loan B provides for semi-annual prepayments, beginning with $2.5 million due December 31, 2008, that fully retire the loan on its maturity date of September 30, 2011.

 

We will not have the ability to exercise our option to increase the revolving credit facility up to $400 million while our $40.0 million Term Loan B is outstanding.

 

Outstanding borrowings under the credit facility, including Term Loan A and including letters of credit, were $315.5 and $316.2 as of November 1, 2008 and November 3, 2007, respectively.  The actual availability under the credit facility is limited to specific advance rates on eligible inventory and accounts receivable. Typically, availability will be highest in the latter half of the fiscal year as inventory levels and advance rates increase. These advance rates are seasonal as well, increasing as we approach our hunting and holiday seasons and decreasing during non-peak periods. Based on eligible inventory and accounts receivable balances as of November 1, 2008 and February 2, 2008, our available borrowing capacity under the credit facility, after subtracting letters of credit, was $35.3 million and $22.3 million, respectively.

 

Financial covenants under the credit facility require that availability under the line of credit not fall below 5% of the lower of the borrowing base, as defined, or the credit facility limit. This availability test is applied and measured on a daily basis. The 5% requirement increases to 7.5% in August 2009. The credit facility also contains other covenants that, among other matters, restrict our ability to incur substantial other indebtedness, create certain liens, engage in certain mergers and acquisitions, sell assets, enter into certain capital leases or make junior payments, including cash dividends. We were in compliance with all covenants as of November 1, 2008.

 

The value of our eligible inventory, and the related advance rates under our secured credit facility are subject to periodic adjustment based on independent valuations of our collateral performed on behalf of the banks. Any downward adjustment in the value of our inventory or in our advance rates, whether based on an assessment of the nature and quality of our inventory or a perceived increase in the difficulty of selling collateral under current economic conditions, would adversely affect our availability.

 

In June 2008, Bank of America, N.A. adjusted our advance rates downward, on average approximately 160 basis points, in response to general retail environment conditions. In order to maintain appropriate levels of availability under our secured credit facility, on June 9, 2008, we entered into a $10 million term loan agreement with our two major shareholders. Amounts advanced under the agreement had an original maturity date of December 31, 2008, which was subsequently amended to March 31, 2009, bear interest at LIBOR plus 1%, and may be prepaid and re-borrowed without penalty until the maturity date.  The loans are unsecured and the loan agreement contains no restrictive covenants. Proceeds from the loans were used to reduce outstanding borrowings under our credit facility. The lenders under the agreement are Gratco LLC, an affiliate of David C. Pratt, our chairman, and Holiday Companies, an affiliate of Ronald A. Erickson, our vice-chairman, and Gerald A. Erickson, a director of our company.

 

Although our current expectations of future financial performance indicate that we will remain in compliance with the covenants under our credit facility, if actual financial performance does not meet our current expectations, our ability to remain in compliance with these covenants will be adversely affected. We face a number of uncertainties that may adversely

 

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affect our ability to generate sales and earnings or access any needed capital, including the recent disruption in the financial and credit markets, declining real estate values, increasing foreclosures in the housing markets, rising unemployment, and decreased business and consumer confidence that have and may continue to adversely affect discretionary spending and the retail environment in the United States.

 

A summary of all of our short term and long term indebtedness is as follows:

 

 

 

November 1,

 

February 2,

 

(in thousands)

 

2008

 

2008

 

Short Term

 

 

 

 

 

Borrowings under credit facility including Term Note A

 

$

306,264

 

$

246,013

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Notes payable - related parties

 

$

10,000

 

$

 

Current portion of Term Note B

 

$

5,000

 

$

2,500

 

Current portion of capitalized lease obligations

 

4,793

 

2,512

 

Current portion of equipment notes payable

 

3,443

 

3,235

 

Current portion of deferred acquisition obligation

 

841

 

 

Total current maturities of long term debt

 

$

14,077

 

$

8,247

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Long Term

 

 

 

 

 

Long term portion of Term Note B

 

$

35,000

 

$

37,500

 

Long term portion of capitalized lease obligations

 

10,154

 

11,702

 

Long term portion of equipment notes payable

 

10,882

 

13,492

 

Long term portion of deferred acquisition obligation

 

765

 

1,479

 

Total long term debt

 

$

56,801

 

$

64,173

 

 

Income Taxes / Net Operating Losses

 

Our effective income tax rate was 19.2% and (2.4)% for the third quarter of fiscal 2008 and third quarter of fiscal 2007, respectively. The change in the effective tax rate between periods is primarily the result of the change in pretax earnings compared to the change in state income taxes and deferred tax liabilities related to differences in the book-tax basis of certain acquired intangible assets. Due to the uncertainty of the realization of net operating loss carry forwards, we have determined the realization of the tax benefit related to our net deferred tax asset is uncertain at this time and a valuation allowance was recorded for the net deferred tax assets, excluding the deferred tax liabilities related to acquired indefinite lived intangible assets. As of November 1, 2008, we have federal and state net operating loss carryforwards of approximately $83.4 million expiring between 2016 and 2027.

 

Future Capital Requirements

 

During the next 12 months our focus will be to continue to grow the Direct segment and continue to improve the profitability of our Retail segment.

 

Our capital requirements and cash flows are critically dependent on the availability and day-to-day use of our credit facility with Bank of America. If sales and cash flows from operations do not meet anticipated levels, or, if there are disruptions in the credit markets which impact our credit facility, or if conditions in the retail environment cause Bank of America to lower advance rates further, we will need to seek additional debt or equity financing in the public or private markets.

 

We opened 13, 8 and 19 new stores in each of fiscal years 2007, 2006 and 2005, respectively, including one to three relocated/consolidated stores in each year. Our cash used in investing activities, for property and equipment purchases, was approximately $46 million, $28 million and $50 million in fiscal 2007, 2006 and 2005, respectively. Our estimated capital expenditures, including capital leases, for the full year of fiscal 2008 is approximately $24 million and is expected to be substantially less for fiscal

 

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Table of Contents

 

2009 as compared to fiscal 2008. We plan on opening only one new store in fiscal 2009.  The number of new stores we open beyond 2009 will depend on the success of our business in fiscal 2009 and beyond.

 

As of November 1, 2008, in addition to our outstanding balance on our revolving credit facility, we have other debt obligations maturing within one year, including a $10.0 million term loan agreement and $14.1 million in current maturities of long-term capitalized lease obligations and other term debt.  In December 2008, we extended the maturity date of the $10 million term loan agreement with our two major shareholders from December 31, 2008 to March 31, 2009. There were no material transaction costs associated with the extension.

 

Beginning with our acquisition of Overton’s, we have undertaken a significant step toward our strategy of providing multi-channel offerings to our customers. We expect we will continue to make expenditures in the next 12 months to further this important business objective and we may need to fund up to $2.0 million over the next 12 months for capital expenditures related to our Direct business.

 

In 2006, we began a significant effort to upgrade our merchandise and information systems that will provide enhanced efficiencies in buying, receiving, payables management and provide better and more detailed operating information for decision making and continued supply chain improvement. We expect to continue to evaluate, modify and update our information systems.

 

We intend to satisfy our capital requirements in the next 12 months with cash flows from operations and funds available under our credit facility. However, if capital requirements for our business strategy change, or if sales and cash flows from operations do not meet anticipated levels, we may need to seek additional debt or equity financing in the public or private markets. Beyond fiscal 2008, we anticipate needing additional financing to grow our business. There is no assurance that we will be successful in borrowing additional funds at reasonable rates of interest or issuing equity at a favorable valuation, or at all.  The current downturn in the economy as a whole has had a disproportionately negative impact on the retail environment.  The length and ultimate severity of this downturn are uncertain and may adversely impact our resuts of operations and ability to obtain financing.

 

Contractual Obligations and Other Commitments

 

Our material off-balance sheet arrangements are operating lease obligations for substantially all of our retail stores, our distribution center and corporate office, as well as letters of credit.  We excluded these items from the balance sheet in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. As of November 1, 2008, the minimum operating lease payments due within one year were $73.6 million. As of November 1, 2008, total minimum operating lease payments remaining over all of our operating leases were $773.9 million. These leases have an average remaining term of approximately ten years and typically provide us with several successive options to extend the term at our election. These obligation amounts include future minimum lease payments and exclude direct operating costs such as common area costs and real estate taxes.

 

Issued and outstanding letters of credit were $9.2 million and $8.7 million at November 1, 2008 and November 3, 2007, respectively, and were related primarily to importing of merchandise and supporting potential insurance program liabilities.

 

In the ordinary course of business, we enter into arrangements with vendors to purchase merchandise in advance of expected delivery. Because most of these purchase orders do not contain any termination payments or other penalties if canceled, they are not included as outstanding contractual obligations. The merchandise purchases, for which we do have firm commitments outstanding, in addition to letters of credit, were $4.7 million and $5.7 million as of November 1, 2008 , 2008 and November 3, 2007, respectively.

 

Quarterly Results of Operations and Seasonality

 

Our quarterly operating results may fluctuate significantly because of several factors, including the timing of new store openings and related expenses, profitability of new stores, weather conditions and general economic conditions. Our business is also subject to seasonal fluctuation, with the highest sales activity normally occurring during the third and fourth quarters of our fiscal year, which are primarily associated with the fall and winter hunting seasons and the holiday season. In recent years, the second half of our fiscal years have generated approximately 60% to 65% of our annual sales, including new store sales. In addition, our customers’ demand for our products and therefore our sales can be significantly impacted by unseasonable weather conditions that affect outdoor activities and the demand for related apparel and equipment. Our grand opening activities surrounding our new store openings can also cause fluctuations in sales when compared to operating

 

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Table of Contents

 

periods in later months. It is for this reason we include a new store in our comparable store sales base in its fifteenth full month to minimize the effect of grand opening activities.

 

This seasonality also impacts our inventory levels, which tend to rise beginning approximately in April, reach a peak in November, and decline to lower levels after the December holiday season.

 

The recently acquired Overton’s business is also subject to seasonal fluctuations, with its highest sales activity normally occurring during the first and second quarters of our fiscal year, which is the primary season for boating, marine and watersports related products. Historically, Overton’s has generated approximately 65% to 70% of its sales during the first half of our fiscal year and approximately 50% during the second quarter of our fiscal year.

 

Our pre-opening expenses have and will continue to vary significantly from quarter to quarter, primarily due to the timing of store openings. We typically incur most pre-opening expenses for a new store during the three months preceding, and the month of, it’s opening. In addition, our labor and operating costs for a newly opened store can be greater during the first one to two months of operation than what can be expected after that time, both in aggregate dollars and as a percentage of sales. Accordingly, the volume and timing of new store openings in any quarter has had, and is expected to continue to have, a significant impact on quarterly pre-opening costs and store labor and operating expenses. Due to these factors, results for any particular quarter may not be indicative of results to be expected for any other quarter or for a full fiscal year.

 

Critical Accounting Policies and Use of Estimates

 

Our financial statements are prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. In connection with the preparation of the financial statements, we are required to make assumptions, make estimates and apply judgment that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenue, expenses and the related disclosures. We base our assumptions, estimates and judgments on historical experience, current trends and other factors that we believe to be relevant at the time the financial statements are prepared. On a regular basis, we review the accounting policies, assumptions, estimates and judgments to ensure that our financial statements are presented fairly and in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. However, because future events and their effects cannot be determined with certainty, actual results could differ from our assumptions and estimates, and such differences could be material.

 

Our critical accounting policies and use of estimates are discussed and should be read in conjunction with the annual financial statements and notes included in our Form 10-K, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, which includes audited financial statements for our three fiscal years ended February 2, 2008.

 

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

 

In September 2006, the FASB issued SFAS No. 157, Fair Value Measurements. SFAS No. 157 defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value in generally accepted accounting principles and expands disclosures about fair value measurements. SFAS No. 157 applies to other accounting pronouncements that require or permit fair value measurements, as the FASB previously concluded in those accounting pronouncements that fair value is the relevant measurement attribute. Accordingly, SFAS No. 157 does not require any new fair value measurements. SFAS No. 157 is effective for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007.

 

In February 2008, the FASB issued FASB Staff Position FAS 157-2, which delays the effective date for the implementation of SFAS 157 solely for non-financial assets and non-financial liabilities, except those non-financial items that are recognized at fair value in the financial statements on a recurring basis (i.e., at least annually).  The effective date for non-financial assets and liabilities would be the beginning of our fiscal year 2009.

 

We adopted SFAS No. 157 as of February 3, 2008, except as it applies to those nonfinancial assets and liabilities affected by the one-year delay.  The adoption of the applicable provisions of SFAS No. 157 did not have a material impact on our results of operations, cash flows, or financial position.  We do not expect the adoption of the remaining provisions of SFAS No. 157 to have a material impact on our results of operations, cash flows, or financial position.

 

In February 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 159, The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Liabilities — Including an Amendment of FASB Statement No. 115. SFAS No. 159 permits us to choose to measure certain financial assets and liabilities at fair value that are not currently required to be measured at fair value (the “Fair Value Option”). Election of the Fair Value Option is made on an instrument-by-instrument basis and is irrevocable. At the adoption date, unrealized gains and losses on financial assets and liabilities for which the Fair Value Option has been elected would be reported as a cumulative adjustment to beginning retained earnings. If we elect the Fair Value Option for certain financial assets and liabilities, we will report unrealized gains and losses due to changes in their fair value in earnings at each subsequent reporting date. The Company has adopted SFAS No. 159 but has elected not to apply the Fair Value Option of SFAS No. 159.

 

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In December 2007, the FASB issued FAS No. 141R, Business Combinations, which replaces SFAS No. 141. SFAS 141R establishes principles and requirements for how the acquirer of a business recognizes and measures in its financial statements the identifiable assets acquired and the liabilities assumed. In addition, under SFAS 141(R) adjustments associated with changes in tax contingencies that occur after the one year measurement period are recorded as adjustments to income. This statement is effective for all business combinations for which the acquisition date is on or after the beginning of an entity’s first fiscal year that begins after December 15, 2008; however, the guidance in this standard regarding the treatment of income tax contingencies is retrospective to business combinations completed prior to January 1, 2009. We will adopt SFAS 141(R) for any business combinations occurring at or subsequent to February 1, 2009.

 

In March 2008, the FASB issued SFAS No. 161, Disclosures about Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities, an amendment of SFAS No. 133. SFAS No. 161 is intended to improve financial standards for derivative instruments and hedging activities by requiring enhanced disclosures to enable investors to better understand the effect these instruments and activities have on an entity’s financial position, financial performance and cash flows. Entities are required to provide enhanced disclosures about: how and why an entity uses derivative instruments; how derivative instruments and related hedged items are accounted for under SFAS No. 133 and its related interpretations; and how derivative instruments and related hedged items affect an entity’s financial position, financial performance and cash flows. SFAS No. 161 is effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years and interim periods beginning after November 15, 2008. We will adopt SFAS No. 161 beginning in the first quarter of fiscal 2009. We do not expect SFAS No. 161 to have a material impact on our results of operations, cash flows, or financial position.

 

In April 2008, the FASB issued FASB Staff Position No. FAS 142-3, Determination of the Useful Life of Intangible Assets” (“FSP No. FAS 142-3”)  FSP No. FAS 142-3 requires companies estimating the useful life of a recognized intangible asset to consider their historical experience in renewing or extending similar arrangements or, in the absence of historical experience, to consider assumptions that market participants would use about renewal or extension as adjusted for entity-specific factors. FSP No. FAS 142-3 is effective as of the beginning of our 2009 fiscal year. We are currently evaluating the potential impact, if any, of the adoption of FSP No. FAS 142-3 on our consolidated financial statements.

 

ITEM 3.  QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

 

We are exposed to market risk from changes in interest rates on borrowings under our credit facility, Term Loans A and B and certain other term notes. This floating rate indebtedness was $356.0 million at November 1, 2008 and averaged $332.0 million during the third quarter of fiscal 2008. Our average interest rate for the third quarter of fiscal 2008 under our credit facility, including Term Loans A and B, was approximately 5.2% and was approximately 200 basis points lower than the same period last year due primarily to general interest rate reductions and reductions we obtained in the pricing structure relative to the revolving credit facility and term loan. If short-term floating interest rates on our average variable rate debt for the third quarter of fiscal 2008 had increased by 100 basis points, our interest expense would have increased by approximately $712,000, assuming comparable borrowing levels. These amounts are determined by considering the impact of the hypothetical interest rates on our average amount of floating rate indebtedness outstanding and cash equivalents balances.

 

We have no derivative financial instruments or derivative commodity instruments.   We have no significant international sales, however, we import certain items for sale in our stores.  Substantially all of our purchases are denominated in U.S. dollars.

 

ITEM 4.  CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

 

As of the end of the period covered by this report, we conducted an evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation of the principal executive officer and principal financial and accounting officer, of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934).  Based on this evaluation, the principal executive officer and principal financial and accounting officer concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures are effective to ensure that information required to be disclosed by us in reports that we file or submit under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in Securities and Exchange Commission rules and forms. Our principal executive officer and principal financial and accounting officer also concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures are effective to ensure that information required to be disclosed in the reports we file or submit under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our principal executive officer and principal financial and accounting officer, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.  There was no change in our internal control over financial reporting identified in connection with the evaluation required by Rule 13a-15(d) and 15d-15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 that occurred during the period covered by this report that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

 

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PART II. OTHER INFORMATION

 

ITEM 1.  LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

 

Trademark Litigation—On July 2, 2004, we filed a complaint in the U.S. District Court for the District of Minnesota seeking declaratory relief that the contingent trademark licensing provision of a noncompetition agreement dated May 16, 1996, made between our predecessor and Cabela’s Incorporated, is invalid and unenforceable. Although the noncompetition provisions of the noncompetition agreement expired in June 2003, Cabela’s contended that a contingent trademark licensing provision of the noncompetition agreement required us to grant Cabela’s a license that would preclude our use of certain of our trademarks for direct marketing purposes.

 

On July 10, 2007, the U.S. District Court issued an order granting our motion for summary judgment, ruling that the contingent trademark licensing provision was unenforceable.  The order provides, in part, that we are free to use our trademarks in all respects including direct marketing to consumers.  Cabela’s appealed the ruling to the United States Court of Appeals, Eighth Circuit.

 

On August 27, 2008, a panel of the United States Court of Appeals, Eighth Circuit, unanimously upheld the earlier district court order granting Gander Mountain’s motion for summary judgment that the contingent trademark licensing provision is unenforceable.   The Eighth Circuit order, which is no longer subject to appeal, affirms our right to use our trademarks in all respects including direct marketing to consumers.

 

Termination of Overton’s Non-compete Agreement - We acquired Overton’s in December 2007. Pursuant to a non-compete agreement entered into by Overton’s as part of a previous transaction in 2002, Overton’s was restricted from selling hunting related products until March 2009. In November 2008, this non-compete agreement was terminated. As a result, there are no further restrictions on our ability to utilize the Overton brand in connection with the marketing and selling of hunting related products or the driving of consumer traffic to our retail stores.

 

Other Legal Claims—Various claims and lawsuits arising in the normal course of business may be pending against us from time to time. The subject matter of these proceedings typically relate to commercial disputes, employment issues, product liability and other matters. As of the date of this report, we are not a party to any legal proceedings that are expected, individually or in the aggregate, to have a material adverse effect on our financial condition or results of operations.

 

ITEM 1A.  RISK FACTORS

 

Adverse conditions in the economy and geopolitical environment could have a negative impact on our growth and profitability.

 

Retailers are particularly sensitive to adverse global economic and business conditions, in particular to the extent they result in a loss of consumer confidence and decreases in consumer spending, particularly discretionary spending. The current world-wide credit market disruptions and economic slowdown have negatively impacted consumer confidence, consumer spending and, consequently, our business. The timing and nature of any recovery in the credit and financial markets remains uncertain, and there can be no assurance that market conditions will improve in the near future or that our results will not continue to be adversely affected. If these economic and market conditions persist, spread or deteriorate further, it will have a negative impact on our business, financial condition and results of operations. Such conditions may also impact the valuation of certain long-lived or intangible assets that are subject to impairment testing, potentially resulting in impairment charges which may be material to our financial condition and results of operations.

 

Initiatives that we have undertaken to reduce costs may not be sufficient to offset the results of a prolonged or more severe downturn, and further cost reductions may be difficult or impossible to implement in the near term, due in part to certain fixed costs associated with some of our operations. Further, the cost-reduction initiatives undertaken to date could strain our operations.

 

If the recent worsening of credit market conditions continues or increases, it could have a material adverse impact on our ability to borrow or raise capital.

 

Recent U.S. mortgage and other credit defaults have had a significant impact across various sectors of the financial markets, causing global credit and liquidity issues. The short-term funding markets experienced credit issues that have continued, leading to liquidity disruption.  Moreover, many lenders have faced significant liquidity concerns and have faced dissolution or significantly restricted their lending.  If the global credit market does not improve or continues to deteriorate, our ability to borrow or raise funds may be impacted, which would materially adversely impact our results of operations and financial condition.

 

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ITEM 2.  UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS

 

Not applicable.

 

ITEM 3.  DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES

 

Not applicable.

 

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

 

Not applicable.

 

ITEM 5.  OTHER INFORMATION

 

Not applicable.

 

ITEM 6.  EXHIBITS

 

The exhibits filed with this report are set forth on the Exhibit Index filed as a part of this report immediately following the signatures to this report.

 

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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.

 

 

 

GANDER MOUNTAIN COMPANY

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

December 16, 2008

 

By:

/s/ David C. Pratt

 

 

 

David C. Pratt

 

 

 

Chief Executive Officer

 

 

 

(Principal Executive Officer)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

December 16, 2008

 

By:

/s/ Robert J. Vold

 

 

 

Robert J. Vold

 

 

 

Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and
Treasurer

 

 

 

(Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)

 

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EXHIBIT INDEX

 

Exhibit No.

 

Description

 

Method of Filing

3.1

 

Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation of the Registrant

 

Incorporated By Reference (1)

3.2

 

Amended and Restated Bylaws of the Registrant

 

Incorporated By Reference (2)

31.1

 

Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certification by Principal Executive Officer

 

Filed Electronically

31.2

 

Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certification by Principal Financial and Accounting Officer

 

Filed Electronically

32

 

Section 1350 Certifications

 

Filed Electronically

 


(1)

 

Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.3 to Amendment No. 1 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form S-1 (Registration No. 333-112494), filed with the Commission on March 15, 2004.

(2)

 

Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.4 to Amendment No. 1 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form S-1 (Registration No. 333-112494), filed with the Commission on March 15, 2004.

 

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