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 AUGUST 2, 2008.

 

Commission File Number:  000-50659

 

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

 

 

 

180 East Fifth Street, Suite 1300

 

 

 

 

Saint Paul, Minnesota 55101

 

 

Minnesota

 

(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 September 5, 2008.

 

 

 



Table of Contents

 

GANDER MOUNTAIN COMPANY

QUARTERLY PERIOD ENDED AUGUST 2, 2008

Index

 

 

 

Page

PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

2

Item 1.

Financial Statements

2

 

Consolidated Statements of Operation

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

23

Item 3.

Defaults Upon Senior Securities

23

Item 4.

Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders

23

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

 

26 Weeks Ended

 

 

 

August 2,

 

August 4,

 

August 2,

 

August 4,

 

 

 

2008

 

2007

 

2008

 

2007

 

Sales

 

$

252,873

 

$

216,511

 

$

460,535

 

$

392,260

 

Cost of goods sold

 

185,390

 

164,975

 

351,023

 

306,848

 

Gross profit

 

67,483

 

51,536

 

109,512

 

85,412

 

Operating expenses:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Selling, general and administrative expenses

 

66,939

 

55,266

 

125,896

 

106,808

 

Exit costs, impairment and other charges

 

316

 

292

 

1,092

 

626

 

Pre-opening expenses

 

408

 

982

 

2,035

 

1,712

 

Loss from operations

 

(180

)

(5,004

)

(19,511

)

(23,734

)

Interest expense, net

 

4,509

 

4,530

 

9,351

 

8,506

 

Loss before income taxes

 

(4,689

)

(9,534

)

(28,862

)

(32,240

)

Income tax provision

 

165

 

125

 

437

 

250

 

Net loss

 

$

(4,854

)

$

(9,659

)

$

(29,299

)

$

(32,490

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic and diluted loss per common share

 

$

(0.20

)

$

(0.48

)

$

(1.22

)

$

(1.61

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Weighted average common shares outstanding

 

24,087

 

20,312

 

24,069

 

20,201

 

 

See accompanying notes to unaudited consolidated financial statements

 

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Gander Mountain Company

Consolidated Balance Sheets

(In thousands)

 

 

 

August 2,

 

February 2,

 

 

 

2008

 

2008

 

 

 

(Unaudited)

 

 

 

Assets

 

 

 

 

 

Current assets:

 

 

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents

 

$

1,666

 

$

2,622

 

Accounts receivable

 

17,852

 

10,992

 

Income taxes receivable

 

454

 

486

 

Inventories

 

417,207

 

403,683

 

Prepaids and other current assets

 

19,059

 

15,987

 

Total current assets

 

456,238

 

433,770

 

Property and equipment, net

 

170,661

 

168,685

 

Goodwill

 

54,330

 

48,803

 

Acquired intangible assets, net

 

19,483

 

25,098

 

Other assets, net

 

2,079

 

3,576

 

Total assets

 

$

702,791

 

$

679,932

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Liabilities and shareholders’ equity

 

 

 

 

 

Current liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

Borrowings under credit facility

 

$

259,972

 

$

246,013

 

Accounts payable

 

105,147

 

72,563

 

Accrued and other current liabilities

 

55,433

 

60,606

 

Notes payable - related parties

 

10,000

 

 

Current maturities of long term debt

 

13,712

 

8,247

 

Total current liabilities

 

444,264

 

387,429

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Long term debt

 

58,284

 

64,173

 

Deferred income taxes

 

7,322

 

7,113

 

Other long term liabilities

 

27,462

 

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

 

278,048

 

277,110

 

Accumulated deficit

 

(112,830

)

(83,531

)

Total shareholders’ equity

 

165,459

 

193,820

 

Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity

 

$

702,791

 

$

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)

 

 

 

26 Weeks Ended

 

 

 

August 2,

 

August 4,

 

 

 

2008

 

2007

 

Operating activities

 

 

 

 

 

Net loss

 

$

(29,299

)

$

(32,490

)

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

 

 

 

 

 

Depreciation and amortization

 

15,661

 

12,684

 

Exit costs, impairment and other charges

 

605

 

 

Stock-based compensation expense

 

703

 

743

 

(Gain) loss on disposal of assets

 

(17

)

34

 

Change in operating assets and liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

Accounts receivable

 

(6,828

)

(7,053

)

Inventories

 

(13,524

)

(69,816

)

Prepaids and other current assets

 

(3,072

)

(5,281

)

Other assets

 

1,186

 

(95

)

Accounts payable and other liabilities

 

25,053

 

33,499

 

Deferred income taxes

 

209

 

 

Net cash used in operating activities

 

(9,323

)

(67,775

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Investing activities

 

 

 

 

 

Purchases of property and equipment

 

(12,299

)

(17,475

)

Acquisition related expenses

 

(164

)

 

Proceeds from sale of assets

 

29

 

 

Net cash used in investing activities

 

(12,434

)

(17,475

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Financing activities

 

 

 

 

 

Borrowings under credit facility

 

13,959

 

76,002

 

Proceeds from short term notes payable - related parties

 

10,000

 

 

Proceeds from long term debt

 

 

7,582

 

Proceeds from exercise of stock options and employee stock purchases

 

235

 

3,053

 

Reductions in long term debt

 

(3,393

)

(1,287

)

Net cash provided by financing activities

 

20,801

 

85,350

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) in cash

 

(956

)

100

 

Cash, beginning of period

 

2,622

 

1,342

 

Cash, end of period

 

$

1,666

 

$

1,442

 

 

See accompanying notes to unaudited consolidated financial statements

 

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Gander Mountain Company

Notes to Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements

Quarterly Period Ended August 2, 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 August 2, 2008 and for the 13 and 26 weeks ended August 2, 2008 and August 4, 2007, 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 financials 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 of Overton’s.

 

The following table shows our consolidated sales by product category:

 

 

 

2nd Quarter

 

2nd Quarter

 

Category

 

2008

 

2007

 

Hunting and Firearms

 

27.5

%

31.0

%

Fishing and Marine (1)

 

38.0

%

26.0

%

Camping, Paddlesports and Backyard Equipment

 

9.8

%

11.0

%

Apparel and Footwear

 

14.8

%

18.1

%

Powersports

 

6.9

%

10.1

%

Other

 

1.9

%

2.5

%

Parts and services

 

1.1

%

1.3

%

Total

 

100.0

%

100.0

%

 


(1)                                                     Direct segment sales resulting from Overton’s of $39.7 million for the second quarter of fiscal 2008 have been included in the Fishing and Marine category.

 

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

 

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Retail segment only

 

2nd Quarter

 

2nd Quarter

 

Category

 

2008

 

2007

 

Hunting and Firearms

 

32.6

%

31.0

%

Fishing and Marine

 

26.6

%

26.0

%

Camping, Paddlesports and Backyard Equipment

 

11.6

%

11.0

%

Apparel and Footwear

 

17.6

%

18.1

%

Powersports

 

8.2

%

10.1

%

Other

 

2.2

%

2.5

%

Parts and services

 

1.2

%

1.3

%

Total

 

100.0

%

100.0

%

 

Note 2. New Accounting Pronouncement

 

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”). 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 by another $55.0 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.  The maturity date for Term Loan B is September 30, 2011.

 

We will not have the ability to exercise the $55.0 million option to increase the revolving credit facility 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 $273.4 and $258.8 as of August 2, 2008 and August 4, 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 August 2, 2008 and February 2, 2008, our available borrowing capacity under the credit facility, after subtracting letters of credit, was $30.5 million and $22.3 million, respectively.

 

Effective with the December 6, 2007 amendment, 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 August 2, 2008. 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, including the possibility of continued weakness in the retail environment in the United States, which may negatively affect future retail sales.

 

Notes Payable – Related Parties

 

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. Effective June 11, 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 mature on December 31, 2008, bear interest at LIBOR plus 1%, and may be prepaid and re-borrowed without penalty until the maturity date.  The loans are unsecured and

 

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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. There were no material transaction costs associated with the placement.

 

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

 

 

 

August 2,

 

February 2,

 

(in thousands)

 

2008

 

2008

 

Short Term

 

 

 

 

 

Borrowings under credit facility including Term Note A

 

$

259,972

 

$

246,013

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Short term notes payable - related parties

 

$

10,000

 

$

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Current portion of Term Note B

 

$

5,000

 

$

2,500

 

Current portion of capitalized lease obligations

 

4,520

 

2,512

 

Current portion of equipment notes payable

 

3,373

 

3,235

 

Current portion of deferred acquisition obligation

 

819

 

 

Total current maturities of long term debt

 

$

13,712

 

$

8,247

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Long Term

 

 

 

 

 

Long term portion of Term Note B

 

$

35,000

 

$

37,500

 

Long term portion of capitalized lease obligations

 

10,769

 

11,702

 

Long term portion of equipment notes payable

 

11,770

 

13,492

 

Long term portion of deferred acquisition obligation

 

745

 

1,479

 

Total long term debt

 

$

58,284

 

$

64,173

 

 

Note 4. Business Acquisition

 

On December 6, 2007, we completed the acquisition of all of the outstanding equity securities of Overton’s pursuant to a Securities Purchase Agreement among us, Overton’s and the sellers named therein. As a result of this transaction, Overton’s became a wholly owned subsidiary of Gander Mountain Company. The total purchase price for the acquisition was $72.3 million. 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 as of December 6, 2007. This allocation was preliminary and was subject to the finalization of a valuation by an independent appraiser. During the second quarter of fiscal 2008, the valuation was finalized and resulted in the following adjustments to our intangible assets and goodwill:

 

 

 

(in thousands)

 

Asset

 

Purchase Price
Allocation
February 2, 2008

 

Purchase Price
Allocation
August 2, 2008

 

Increase
(Decrease)

 

Customer relationships

 

$

1,506

 

$

754

 

$

(752

)

Noncompete agreement

 

1,927

 

1,178

 

(749

)

Tradenames

 

16,251

 

13,159

 

(3,092

)

Trademarks

 

4,972

 

4,207

 

(765

)

Goodwill

 

42,282

 

47,640

 

5,358

 

Goodwill and Intangible Assets

 

$

66,938

 

$

66,938

 

$

 

 

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Note 5. 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 August 2, 2008, there were a total of 3,282,815 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 $9.98 and a weighted average remaining life of 6.8 years.  There were 2,350,796 options that were exercisable as of August 2, 2008 with a weighted-average exercise price of $10.60.

 

Stock-based compensation expense for the 13 weeks ended August 2, 2008 and August 4, 2007, was $322,000 and $350,000, respectively.  Stock-based compensation expense for the 26 weeks ended August 2, 2008 and August 4, 2007, was $703,000 and $743,000, respectively. As of August 2, 2008, there was approximately $3.0 million of unrecognized compensation expense related to stock options that is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 2.8 years.

 

During the first and second quarters of fiscal 2008, there were 2,877 and 0 options, respectively exercised with an immaterial aggregate intrinsic value and immaterial cash proceeds to us.  During the first quarter of fiscal 2007, there were 157,352 options exercised with an aggregate intrinsic value of $383,821, which generated $1.5 million in net cash proceeds for us. During the second quarter of fiscal 2007, there were 166,041 options exercised with an aggregate intrinsic value of $853,000, which generated $1.4 million in net cash proceeds for us.

 

As of May 3, 2008, there were 1,260,318  shares available for future grant under the 2004 Omnibus Stock Plan.

 

Stock option activity for the periods presented is as follows:

 

 

 

13 weeks - August 2, 2008

 

13 weeks - August 4, 2007

 

 

 

Number of

 

Weighted-

 

Number of

 

Weighted-

 

 

 

Shares Under

 

Average

 

Shares Under

 

Average

 

 

 

Option

 

Exercise Price

 

Option

 

Exercise Price

 

Outstanding - Beginning

 

3,353,043

 

$

10.04

 

3,756,545

 

$

10.20

 

Granted

 

30,950

 

4.65

 

442,300

 

12.03

 

Exercised

 

 

 

(166,041

)

8.61

 

Forfeited

 

(101,178

)

10.57

 

(83,177

)

14.21

 

Outstanding -Ending

 

3,282,815

 

$

9.98

 

3,949,627

 

$

10.39

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Weighted-average Black-Scholes fair value of options granted

 

 

 

$

2.70

 

 

 

$

5.95

 

 

Note 6. Earnings Per Share

 

Basic and diluted income or loss per share is based upon the weighted average number of shares outstanding.  Diluted loss per share for the 13 and 26 weeks ended August 2, 2008 and August 4, 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 August 2, 2008 and August 4, 2007, there were a total of 3,282,815 and 3,949,627 options to purchase common stock outstanding, respectively.

 

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Table of Contents

 

Note 7. Selected Balance Sheet Information (in thousands)

 

 

 

August 2,
2008

 

February 2,
2008

 

Property and equipment consists of :

 

 

 

 

 

Building

 

$

6,972

 

$

6,972

 

Furniture and equipment

 

150,417

 

141,826

 

Leasehold improvements

 

66,107

 

66,102

 

Computer software and hardware

 

57,692

 

52,179

 

 

 

281,188

 

267,080

 

Less: Accumulated depreciation and amortization

 

(110,527

)

(98,396

)

Property and equipment, net

 

$

170,661

 

$

168,685

 

 

 

 

August 2,
2008

 

February 2,
2008

 

Other assets consists of:

 

 

 

 

 

Deferred loan costs

 

$

6,679

 

$

6,666

 

Other

 

98

 

1,295

 

 

 

6,777

 

7,961

 

Less: Accumulated amortization

 

(4,698

)

(4,385

)

Other assets, net

 

$

2,079

 

$

3,576

 

 

 

 

August 2,
2008

 

February 2,
2008

 

Accrued and other current liabilities consist of:

 

 

 

 

 

Gift cards and gift certificate liabilities

 

$

20,892

 

$

29,223

 

Payroll and related fringe benefits

 

7,085

 

8,393

 

Sales, property and use taxes

 

10,048

 

5,219

 

Reserve for store exit costs

 

2,259

 

3,612

 

Lease related costs

 

1,647

 

1,593

 

Insurance reserves and liabilities

 

2,002

 

1,979

 

Advertising and marketing

 

374

 

1,745

 

Interest

 

1,004

 

938

 

Other accruals and current liabilities

 

10,122

 

7,905

 

Accrued and other current liabilities

 

$

55,433

 

$

60,606

 

 

 

 

August 2,
2008

 

February 2,
2008

 

Other long-term liabilities consist of:

 

 

 

 

 

Deferred rent

 

$

25,972

 

$

25,898

 

Insurance reserves and other liabilities

 

1,490

 

1,499

 

Other long-term liabilities

 

$

27,462

 

$

27,397

 

 

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Table of Contents

 

Note 8. Supplemental Cash Flow Information

 

During the 26 weeks ended August 2, 2008 and August 4, 2007, we acquired equipment totaling $2.9 million and $1.6 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 26 weeks ended August 2, 2008 and August 4, 2007, also excludes $2.0 and $1.2 million, respectively, in non-cash accruals and reclassifications for property and equipment placed in service that did not require the use of cash.

 

Note 9. Exit Costs, Impairment and Other Charges

 

Exit costs, impairment and other charges for the first and second quarters of fiscal 2008 include lease termination charges associated with the replacement of three stores, accretion expense on liabilities for lease termination charges and other residual costs of closed stores. For the first and second quarters of fiscal 2007, these expenses primarily represented severance costs and the write-off of certain web site development costs. The activity of our reserve for store exit costs and other charges during the first and second quarters of fiscal 2008 is as follows:

 

 

 

(in thousands)

 

 

 

2Q 2008

 

1Q 2008

 

Balance - beginning

 

$

3,292

 

$

3,612

 

Charges for three relocated stores

 

 

604

 

Accretion

 

77

 

68

 

Other expenses

 

239

 

104

 

Payments / reductions

 

(1,349

)

(1,096

)

Balance - ending

 

$

2,259

 

$

3,292

 

 

Note 10. Income Taxes

 

Our effective income tax rate was 3.5% and 1.3% for the second quarter of fiscal 2008 and second quarter of fiscal 2007, respectively. The change in the effective tax rate between periods is primarily the result of state income taxes as well as an increase in 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 contends that a contingent trademark licensing provision of the noncompetition agreement now requires 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 affirms our right to use our trademarks in all respects including direct marketing to consumers and ends our long-standing dispute with rival Cabela’s over the right to use certain Gander Mountain trademarks in direct marketing.

 

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.

 

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Table of Contents

 

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.

 

Prior to the acquisition of Overton’s on December 6, 2007, we operated under one segment, Retail. Results and selected balance sheet data by business segment are presented in the following table:

 

Statement of Operations Data:

 

(In thousands)

 

13 Weeks Ended August 2, 2008

 

Retail

 

Direct

 

Total

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sales

 

$

213,145

 

$

39,728

 

$

252,873

 

(Loss) income from operations

 

(2,973

)

2,793

 

(180

)

Depreciation and amortization

 

7,491

 

160

 

7,651

 

 

26 Weeks Ended August 2, 2008

 

Retail

 

Direct

 

Total

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sales

 

$

401,138

 

$

59,397

 

$

460,535

 

(Loss) income from operations

 

(21,716

)

2,205

 

(19,511

)

Depreciation and amortization

 

14,872

 

789

 

15,661

 

 

Balance sheet data:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

As of August 2, 2008

 

Retail

 

Direct

 

Total

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total assets

 

$

607,222

 

$

95,569

 

$

702,791

 

Inventories

 

396,199

 

21,008

 

417,207

 

Goodwill and intangible assets

 

7,030

 

66,783

 

73,813

 

Long term debt

 

23,284

 

35,000

 

58,284

 

 

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 August 2, 2008, we have expanded our store base to 115  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 second quarter of fiscal 2008, we opened two new stores, one of which was a relocation of a store that closed during the first quarter of fiscal 2008. These two stores complete our five new store openings for 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 within our original, 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 are outfitting certain stores and our new stores with additional features such as brick and stone accents, log-wrapped columns, and improved branding, fixture, flooring and signage elements. As of August 2, 2008, 73 of our 115 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 115 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 will focus on product categories different than that of Overton’s boating and marine related business. During the second quarter of fiscal 2008, we achieved a critical milestone in the development of the Gander Mountain direct marketing business. 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 begin to grow the product selections and add additional SKU’s over time.  During the quarter, we also made significant progress in the development of our first catalog since 1996.  Distribution of the 244 page Gander Mountain catalog commenced in early September 2008.

 

Included in our consolidated sales for the first and second quarters of fiscal 2008, are Overton’s sales of $19.7 million and $39.7 million, respectively. There were no sales during the quarter from the Gander Mountain e-commerce or catalog operations because those operations did not start until the third quarter of fiscal 2008.

 

The continued operation of Overton’s, along with our launch of Gander Mountain’s new e-commerce and catalog efforts are important initiatives toward building a multi-channel national retail operation.

 

Recent Update

 

Mark R. Baker, who served as our president and chief executive officer, as well as a member of our board of directors, resigned from all of the positions he held with our company on September 8, 2008.  Mr. Baker has agreed to remain as an employee of our company during a transition period ending on September 30, 2008.

 

David C. Pratt, the chairman of our board of directors, has been appointed as our chief executive officer, on an interim basis, effective September 8, 2008.  Mr. Pratt will continue to serve as the chairman of our board of directors, but has resigned from the compensation and governance and nominating committees of our board.

 

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Table of Contents

 

Consolidated Results of Operations

 

The following table (1) represents our unaudited consolidated statements of operations reflected as a percentage of sales:

 

 

 

13 Weeks Ended

 

26 Weeks Ended

 

 

 

August 2,

 

August 4,

 

August 2,

 

August 4,

 

 

 

2008

 

2007

 

2008

 

2007

 

Sales

 

100.0

%

100.0

%

100.0

%

100.0

%

Cost of goods sold

 

73.3

%

76.2

%

76.2

%

78.2

%

Gross profit

 

26.7

%

23.8

%

23.8

%

21.8

%

Operating expenses:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Selling, general and administrative expenses

 

26.5

%

25.5

%

27.3

%

27.2

%

Exit costs, impairment and other charges

 

0.1

%

0.1

%

0.2

%

0.2

%

Pre-opening expenses

 

0.2

%

0.5

%

0.4

%

0.4

%

Loss from operations

 

(0.1

)%

(2.3

)%

(4.2

)%

(6.1

)%

Interest expense, net

 

1.8

%

2.1

%

2.0

%

2.2

%

Loss before income taxes

 

(1.9

)%

(4.4

)%

(6.3

)%

(8.2

)%

Income tax provision

 

0.1

%

0.1

%

0.1

%

0.1

%

Net loss

 

(1.9

)%

(4.5

)%

(6.4

)%

(8.3

)%

 


(1)  Columns do not add due to rounding.

 

Sales consist of sales from comparable stores, new stores and non-comparable stores, as well as sales of our Direct segment, operated through our wholly owned subsidiary, Overton’s. 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 August 2, 2008 Compared to 13 Weeks Ended August 4, 2007

 

Sales.  Sales increased by $36.4 million, or 16.8%, to $252.9 million in the second quarter of fiscal 2008 from $216.5 million in the second quarter of fiscal 2007. The increase resulted from sales of $28.7 million from fiscal 2008 and fiscal 2007 new stores not included in the comparable store sales base, a comparable store sales decrease of $22.9 million and a $9.1 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 $39.7 million for the second quarter of fiscal 2008 that were not present in the comparable quarter last year.

 

During the second quarter of fiscal 2008, we opened two new stores. There were no store closings during this quarter. During the second quarter of fiscal 2007, we opened three new stores.  Our comparable store sales declined 11.7 % for the second quarter of fiscal 2008, versus a comparable store sales increase of 4.2% for the second quarter of fiscal 2007. The comparable store sales decline was impacted by the overall economic environment, including credit concerns, housing market foreclosures, rising fuel and food prices, rising unemployment and decreased consumer confidence, and their effects on discretionary spending. Additionally, we believe less advertising expenditures in the second quarter of fiscal 2008 as compared to the second quarter of fiscal 2007 impacted the comparable store sales decline.

 

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Table of Contents

 

Gross Profit.  Gross profit increased by $15.9 million, or 30.9%, to $67.5 million in the second quarter of fiscal 2008 from $51.5 million in the second quarter of fiscal 2007. As a percentage of sales, gross profit increased 288 basis points to 26.7% in the second quarter of fiscal 2008 from 23.8% in the second quarter of fiscal 2007.  The significant factor affecting gross profit during the quarter was an initial product margin increase of 239 basis points resulting primarily from (i) the inclusion of the Direct business, with margins for the second quarter of fiscal 2008 that were 633 basis points higher than our Retail business, and (ii) a continuing trend in improved Retail initial margins. The Retail initial margins benefited from increasing scale, continued SKU rationalization efforts, improved pricing structure and better management of clearance merchandise.

 

Our gross profit was negatively impacted, in the Retail segment, by a deleveraging of our store occupancy costs as a result of lower comparable store sales and lower sales per square foot at our newer, less mature stores. This negative impact, as a percentage of sales, was more than offset by the positive impact from the inclusion of the Direct segment sales.

 

Selling, General and Administrative Expenses.  SG&A expenses increased by $11.7 million, or 21.1%, to $66.9 million in the second quarter of fiscal 2008 from $55.3 million in the second quarter of fiscal 2007. As a percentage of sales, SG&A expenses increased 95 basis points to 26.5% in the second quarter of fiscal 2008 from 25.5% in the second quarter of fiscal 2007. The primary factors in this increase were the inclusion, in the second quarter of fiscal 2008, of $14.6 million of selling, general and administrative costs of the Direct business partially offset by cost reductions of 97 basis points in labor, advertising and other general and administrative costs of the Retail business.

 

Exit Costs, Impairment and Other Charges.  Exit costs, impairment and other charges increased slightly to $316,000 in the second quarter of fiscal 2008 from $291,000 in the second quarter of fiscal 2007. These expenses for the second quarter of fiscal 2008 include accretion expense on liabilities for lease termination charges and other residual costs of closed stores. For the second quarter of fiscal 2007, these expenses represented the write-off of certain web site development costs and severance costs.

 

Pre-opening Expenses.  Pre-opening expenses decreased $0.6 million, or 58.4%, to $0.4 million in the second quarter of fiscal 2008 from $1.0 million in the second quarter of fiscal 2007. During the second quarter of fiscal 2008, we opened two new stores. During the second quarter of fiscal 2007, we opened three new stores and incurred costs for nine other new stores that opened in August and September 2007.

 

Interest Expense, net.  Interest expense of $4.5 million was approximately the same in second quarter of fiscal 2008 as the second quarter of fiscal 2007. Average outstanding borrowings during the second quarter of fiscal 2008 increased $84.0 million or 33%, as compared to the second quarter of fiscal 2007, due primarily to (i) the debt incurred in connection with the Overton’s acquisition in December 2007 and (ii) borrowings in the second half of fiscal 2007 and the first quarter of fiscal 2008 used for new store capital expenditures and new store inventories. Interest expense from higher average borrowings was offset by an approximately 170 basis points decrease in average interest rates due to general interest rate declines.  The average effective interest rate for the second quarter of fiscal 2008 on all of our outstanding borrowings was 5.4%.

 

Income Tax Provision.  Our effective income tax rate was 3.5 % and 1.3 % for the second quarter of fiscal 2008 and second quarter of fiscal 2007, respectively. The change in the effective tax rate between periods is primarily the result of state income taxes as well as an increase in deferred tax liabilities related to differences in the book-tax basis of certain acquired intangible assets.

 

Net Loss.  Our net loss was $4.9 million for the second quarter of fiscal 2008, as compared to net loss of $9.7 million for the second quarter of fiscal 2007, due to the factors discussed above.

 

26 Weeks Ended August 2, 2008 Compared to 26 Weeks Ended August 4, 2007

 

Sales.  Sales increased by $68.3 million, or 17.4%, to $460.5 million in the first half of fiscal 2008 from $392.3 million in the first half of fiscal 2007. The increase resulted from sales of $55.5 million from fiscal 2008 and fiscal 2007 new stores not included in the comparable store sales base, a comparable store sales decrease of $33.9 million and a $12.7 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 $59.4 million for the first half of fiscal 2008 that was not present in the comparable period last year.

 

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Table of Contents

 

During the first half 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. On a net basis for the 26 weeks ended August 2, 2008, we added 308,000 square feet of retail selling space, a 5.0 % increase. During the first half of fiscal 2007, we opened four new stores, including one relocated store. Our comparable store sales declined 9.4% for the first half of fiscal 2008, versus a comparable store sales increase of 2.7% for the first half of fiscal 2007. The comparable store sales decline was impacted by the overall economic environment, including credit concerns, housing market foreclosures, rising fuel and food prices, rising unemployment and decreased consumer confidence, and their effects on discretionary spending. Additionally, we believe less advertising expenditures in the first half of fiscal 2008 as compared to the first half of fiscal 2007 impacted the comparable store sales decline.

 

Gross Profit.  Gross profit increased by $24.1 million, or 28.2%, to $109.5 million in the first half of fiscal 2008 from $85.4 million in the first half of fiscal 2007. As a percentage of sales, gross profit increased 201 basis points to 23.8% in the first half of fiscal 2008 from 21.8% in the first half of fiscal 2007.  The significant factor affecting gross profit during the period was an initial product margin increase of 167 basis points resulting primarily from (i) the inclusion of the Direct business, with margins for the first half of fiscal 2008 that were 669 basis points higher than our Retail business, and (ii) a continuing trend in improved Retail initial margins. The Retail initial margins benefited from increasing scale, continued SKU rationalization efforts, improved pricing structure, and better management of clearance merchandise.

 

Our gross profit was negatively impacted in the Retail segment by a deleveraging of our store occupancy costs as a result of lower comparable store sales and lower sales per square foot at our newer, less mature stores. This negative impact was more than offset by the additional sales from the inclusion of the Direct business in the first half of fiscal 2008.

 

Selling, General and Administrative Expenses.  SG&A expenses increased by $19.1 million, or 17.9%, to $125.9  million in the first half of fiscal 2008 from $106.8 million in the first half of fiscal 2007. As a percentage of sales, SG&A expenses increased 11 basis points to 27.3% in the first half of fiscal 2008 from 27.2% in the first half of fiscal 2007. The primary factors in this increase were the inclusion, in the first half of fiscal 2008, of $22.9 million of selling, general and administrative costs of the Direct business offset by cost reductions of 155 basis points in labor, advertising and other general and administrative costs of the Retail business.

 

Exit Costs, Impairment and Other Charges.  Exit costs, impairment and other charges increased $0.5 million, or 74.5%, to $1.1 million in the first half of fiscal 2008 from $626,000 in the first half of fiscal 2007. These expenses for the first half of fiscal 2008 include lease termination charges associated with the replacement of three stores, accretion expense on liabilities for lease termination charges and other residual costs of closed stores. For the first half of fiscal 2007, these expenses represented the write-off of certain web site development costs and severance costs.

 

Pre-opening Expenses.  Pre-opening expenses increased $0.3 million, or 18.9%, to $2.0 million in the first half of fiscal 2008 from $1.7 million in the first half of fiscal 2007. During the first half of fiscal 2008, we opened five new stores. During the first half of fiscal 2007, we opened four new stores.

 

Interest Expense, net.  Interest expense increased by $0.8 million, or 9.9%, to $9.4 million in the first half of fiscal 2008 from $8.5 million in the first half of fiscal 2007. The increase in interest expense resulted from higher average outstanding borrowings. Average outstanding borrowings during the first half of fiscal 2008 increased $98 million or 42%, as compared to the first half of fiscal 2007, due primarily to (i) the debt incurred in connection with the Overton’s acquisition in December 2007 and (ii) 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 an approximately 160 basis points decrease in average interest rates due to general interest rate declines.  The average effective interest rate for the first half of fiscal 2008 on all of our outstanding borrowings was 5.7%.

 

Income Tax Provision.  Our effective income tax rate was 1.5% and 0.8% for the first half of fiscal 2008 and first half of fiscal 2007, respectively. The change in the effective tax rate between periods is primarily the result of state income taxes as well as an increase in deferred tax liabilities related to differences in the book-tax basis of certain acquired intangible assets.

 

Net Loss.  Our net loss was $29.3 million for the first half of fiscal 2008, as compared to net loss of $32.5 million for the first half of fiscal 2007, due to the factors discussed above.

 

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Table of Contents

 

Liquidity and Capital Resources

 

Our primary capital requirements are 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 stores opened during those periods.

 

 

 

Cash Flow Summary

 

 

 

26 weeks

 

26 weeks

 

Change in Cash 

 

 

 

August 2,
2008

 

August 4,
2007

 

Provided / 
(Used)

 

Net cash used in operating activities

 

$

(9,323

)

$

(67,775

)

$

58,452

 

Net cash used in investing activities

 

(12,434

)

(17,475

)

5,041

 

Net cash provided by financing activities

 

20,801

 

85,350

 

(64,549

)

Total net increase (decrease) in cash

 

$

(956

)

$

100

 

$

(1,056

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Details of financing activities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Borrowings under credit facility

 

$

13,959

 

$

76,002

 

$

(62,043

)

Proceeds (reductions) in long-term debt, net

 

(3,393

)

6,295

 

(9,688

)

Proceeds from short term notes payable

 

10,000

 

 

10,000

 

Proceeds from stock sales and exercise of options

 

235

 

3,053

 

(2,818

)

Net cash provided by financing activities

 

$

20,801

 

$

85,350

 

$

(64,549

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

New store openings, including relocated stores

 

5

 

4

 

 

 

 

Operating Activities.  Net cash used in operating activities for the first half of fiscal 2008 decreased by $58.5 million to $9.3 million, as compared to $67.8 million for the first half of fiscal 2007.

 

This decrease was primarily the result of the $56.3 million of less cash used for inventory growth partially offset by $8.4 million of less cash provided from accounts payable levels and accrued expenses in the first half of fiscal 2008 versus the first half of fiscal 2007.

 

Inventory increases in the first half of fiscal 2007 consumed more cash than the first half of fiscal 2008 because of increased inventory levels in powersports resulting from the roll-out of the Tracker Marine boat program, increased ATV inventory as a result of more large-format stores that carry ATVs, and our tactical efforts 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 $12.9 million at the end of the second quarter of fiscal 2008 as compared to the same period of fiscal 2007.  Overall inventory levels were also reduced as a result of tactical efforts to better manage our inventory. These inventory reductions were partially offset by inventory increases related to new stores opened in the fall of 2007.  Accounts payable funding was reduced $8.4 million in the first half of fiscal 2008 as compared to the first half of fiscal 2007, due in part, to fiscal 2007 increases in powersports inventory purchases which are usually executed under longer payment terms. Also contributing to the $58.5 million decrease in cash used in operations was $3.2 million of reduced net losses and $3.0 million of increased non-cash depreciation.

 

Investing Activities.  Net cash used in investing activities for the first half of fiscal 2008 decreased by $5.0 million to $12.4 million, as compared to $17.5 million for the first half 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 $5.0 million was primarily due to a reduction in upgrades to existing stores, capitalized lease obligations and a $0.8 million increase in non-cash accruals in the first half of fiscal 2008 for property and equipment placed in service that did not yet require the use of cash.  During the first halves of fiscal 2008 and fiscal 2007, we acquired equipment totaling approximately $2.9 million and $1.6 million, respectively, that was financed through capital leases. 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 half of fiscal 2008 decreased by $64.5 million to $20.8 million, as compared to $85.4 million in the first half of fiscal 2007.

 

Cash used or provided by financing activities is primarily the net borrowings needed under our credit facility to fund operating and investing activities. These borrowings for the first half of fiscal 2008 decreased $62.0 million in correlation with the reductions in the uses of cash described above.

 

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Table of Contents

 

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 by another $55.0 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.  The maturity date for Term Loan B is September 30, 2011.

 

We will not have the ability to exercise the $55.0 million option to increase the revolving credit facility 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 $273.4 and $258.8 as of August 2, 2008 and August 4, 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 August 2, 2008 and February 2, 2008, our available borrowing capacity under the credit facility, after subtracting letters of credit, was $30.5 million and $22.3 million, respectively.

 

Effective with the December 6, 2007 amendment, 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 August 2, 2008. 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, including the possibility of continued weakness in the retail environment in the United States, which may negatively affect future retail sales.

 

Notes Payable – Related Parties

 

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. Effective June 11, 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 mature on December 31, 2008, 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. There were no material transaction costs associated with the placement.

 

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Table of Contents

 

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

 

 

 

August 2,

 

February 2,

 

(in thousands)

 

2008

 

2008

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Short Term

 

 

 

 

 

Borrowings under credit facility including Term Note A

 

$

259,972

 

$

246,013

 

Short term notes payable - related parties

 

$

10,000

 

$

 

Current portion of Term Note B

 

$

5,000

 

$

2,500

 

Current portion of capitalized lease obligations

 

4,520

 

2,512

 

Current portion of equipment notes payable

 

3,373

 

3,235

 

Current portion of deferred acquisition obligation

 

819

 

 

Total current maturities of long term debt

 

$

13,712

 

$

8,247

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Long Term

 

 

 

 

 

Long term portion of Term Note B

 

$

35,000

 

$

37,500

 

Long term portion of capitalized lease obligations

 

10,769

 

11,702

 

Long term portion of equipment notes payable

 

11,770

 

13,492

 

Long term portion of deferred acquisition obligation

 

745

 

1,479

 

Total long term debt

 

$

58,284

 

$

64,173

 

 

Income Taxes / Net Operating Losses

 

Our effective income tax rate was 3.5% and 1.3% for the second quarter of fiscal 2008 and second quarter of fiscal 2007, respectively. The change in the effective tax rate between periods is primarily the result of state income taxes as well as an increase in 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 August 2, 2008, we have federal and state net operating loss carryforwards of approximately $83.4 million expiring between 2016 and 2027.

 

Future Capital Requirements

 

Our future capital requirements will primarily depend on the growth and success of our direct marketing business, the number of new stores we open, the timing of those openings within a given fiscal year and the need to fund operating losses. These requirements will include costs directly related to opening new stores and may also include costs necessary to ensure that our infrastructure, including technology and distribution capabilities, is able to support our store base and expected growth in our retail stores and internet and catalog business. 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.

 

We have opened all five of our fiscal 2008 new stores as of May 31, 2008, including one relocation and the consolidation of two smaller format stores into one large-format store. We expect our total capital expenditures in fiscal 2008 to be less than $25 million, including capital expenditures to improve certain existing stores. However, business conditions, business strategy or other factors may cause us to adjust these plans. We believe that we will be able to service our business from our existing distribution facilities through fiscal 2009 or later. We believe the timing of any expansion of our distribution capabilities will depend on the number of new stores we open, the growth of our internet and catalog business and the ability to finance an expansion. The number of new stores we open will depend on the success of our business in fiscal 2008 and fiscal 2009.

 

On June 9, 2008, we entered into a $10 million term loan agreement with our two major shareholders.  Amounts advanced under the agreement mature on December 31, 2008.

 

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Table of Contents

 

The maturity date for the $40.0 million Term Note B is September 30, 2011. Mandatory principal repayments are as follows:

 

December 31, 2008

 

$

2.5 million

July 11, 2009

 

$

2.5 million

December 31, 2009

 

$

5.0 million

Due in 2010

 

$

11.25 million

Due in 2011

 

$

18.75 million

 

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 approximately $1.0 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, funds available under our credit facility and equipment financing leases. 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.

 

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 August 2, 2008, the minimum operating lease payments due within one year were $72.9 million. As of August 2, 2008, total minimum operating lease payments remaining over all of our operating leases were $784.6 million. These leases have an average remaining term of approximately 10 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 $13.4 million and $14.3 million at August 2, 2008  and August 4, 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 $6.2 million and $13.9 million as of August 2, 2008 and August 4, 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 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.

 

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Table of Contents

 

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. Included in our consolidated sales for the first and second quarters of fiscal 2008, are Overton’s sales of $19.7 million and $39.7 million, respectively.

 

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.

 

New 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. 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

 

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Table of Contents

 

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 $310.0  million at August 2, 2008 and averaged $329.9 million during the second quarter of fiscal 2008. Our average interest rate for the second quarter of fiscal 2008 under our credit facility, including Term Loans A and B, was approximately 5.4% and was approximately 170 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 second quarter of fiscal 2008 had increased by 100 basis points, our interest expense would have increased by approximately $666,000, 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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Table of Contents

 

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 contends that a contingent trademark licensing provision of the noncompetition agreement now requires 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 affirms our right to use our trademarks in all respects including direct marketing to consumers and ends our long-standing dispute with rival Cabela’s over the right to use certain Gander Mountain trademarks in direct marketing.

 

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

 

Not applicable.

 

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.

 

On June 11, 2008, we held our annual meeting of shareholders for the purpose of (a) electing seven directors to serve until their successors are duly elected and (b) ratifying the appointment of Ernst & Young LLP as our independent registered public accounting firm for the fiscal year ending January 31, 2009.

 

The shareholders present in person or by proxy cast the following numbers of votes (in whole shares) in connection with the election of directors:

 

 

 

For

 

Withheld

 

Mark R. Baker

 

22,919,606

 

264,591

 

Karen M. Bohn

 

22,797,019

 

387,178

 

Marshall L. Day

 

22,750,572

 

433,625

 

Richard C. Dell

 

22,753,053

 

431,143

 

Gerald A. Erickson

 

22,794,021

 

390,176

 

Ronald A. Erickson

 

22,795,756

 

388,441

 

David C. Pratt

 

22,742,838

 

441,359

 

 

The shareholders present in person or by proxy cast the following numbers of votes (in whole shares) in connection with the ratification of the selection of Ernst & Young LLP as our independent registered public accounting firm for the fiscal year ending January 31, 2009:

 

For

 

Against

 

Abstentions

 

Broker Non-Votes

 

23,035,480

 

141,559

 

7,156

 

0

 

 

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Table of Contents

 

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

September 16, 2008

 

By:

/s/ David C. Pratt

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

David C. Pratt

 

 

 

Chief Executive Officer

 

 

 

(Principal Executive Officer)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

September 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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Table of Contents

 

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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