10-K 1 d10k.htm FORM 10-K FORM 10-K
Table of Contents

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 


 

FORM 10-K

 

x ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF

THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

 

For the fiscal year ended January 29, 2005

 

OR

 

¨ TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE

SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

 

Commission File Number 001-13143

 

BJ’S WHOLESALE CLUB, INC.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

Delaware   04-3360747

(State or other jurisdiction

of incorporation or organization)

 

(I.R.S. Employer

Identification No.)

One Mercer Road

Natick, Massachusetts

  01760
(Address of principal executive offices)   (Zip Code)

 

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (508) 651-7400

 

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

 

Title of each class


 

Name of each exchange

on which registered


Common Stock, par value $.01   New York Stock Exchange
Preferred Share Purchase Rights   New York Stock Exchange

 

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: None

 

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  ¨.

 

Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein and will not be contained, to the best of the Registrant’s knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K.    x

 

Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant is an accelerated filer (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).    Yes  x    No  ¨

 

The aggregate market value of the voting stock held by non-affiliates of the Registrant on July 30, 2004 was approximately $1,612,593,000 based on the closing price of $23.31 on the New York Stock Exchange as of such date.

 

There were 69,086,417 shares of the Registrant’s Common Stock, $.01 par value, outstanding as of March 25, 2005.

 

Documents Incorporated by Reference

 

Portions of the Proxy Statement for the Registrant’s 2005 Annual Meeting of Stockholders (Part III).

 



Table of Contents

PART I

 

Item 1.    Business

 

General

 

BJ’s Wholesale Club introduced the warehouse club concept to New England in 1984 and has since expanded to become a leading warehouse club operator in the eastern United States. As of January 29, 2005, BJ’s operated 157 warehouse clubs, including two ProFoods Restaurant Supply clubs, in 16 states. The table below shows the number of Company locations by state.

 

State


   Number of
Locations


New York

   34

Florida

   19

Massachusetts

   17

New Jersey

   17

Pennsylvania

   12

Maryland

   9

Connecticut

   8

Georgia

   8

North Carolina

   7

Virginia

   7

New Hampshire

   6

Ohio

   6

Rhode Island

   3

Maine

   2

Delaware

   1

South Carolina

   1
    

TOTAL

   157
    

 

On July 28, 1997, BJ’s Wholesale Club, Inc., a Delaware corporation, (“BJ’s” or the “Company” or “we”) became an independent, publicly owned entity when Waban Inc. (“Waban”), BJ’s parent company at the time, distributed to its stockholders on a pro rata basis all of the Company’s outstanding common stock. Before that date, BJ’s business had operated as a division of Waban.

 

The fiscal year ended January 29, 2005 is referred to as “2004” or “fiscal 2004” below. Other fiscal years are referred to in a similar manner.

 

Industry Overview

 

Warehouse clubs offer a narrow assortment of brand name food and general merchandise items within a wide range of product categories. In order to achieve high sales volumes and rapid inventory turnover, merchandise selections are generally limited to items that are brand name leaders in their categories and a growing private brands assortment. Since warehouse clubs sell a diversified selection of product categories, they attract customers from a wide range of other wholesale and retail distribution channels, such as supermarkets, supercenters, department stores, drug stores, discount stores, office supply stores, consumer electronics stores and automotive stores. BJ’s believes that it is difficult for these higher cost channels of distribution to match the low prices offered by warehouse clubs.

 

Warehouse clubs eliminate many of the merchandise handling costs associated with traditional multiple-step distribution channels by purchasing full truckloads of merchandise directly from manufacturers and by storing merchandise on the sales floor rather than in central warehouses. By operating no-frills, self-service warehouse

 

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facilities, warehouse clubs have fixturing and operating costs substantially below those of traditional retailers. Because of their higher sales volumes and rapid inventory turnover, warehouse clubs generate cash from the sale of a large portion of their inventory before they are required to pay merchandise vendors. As a result, a greater percentage of the inventory is financed through vendor payment terms than by working capital. Two broad groups of customers, individual households and small businesses, have been attracted to the savings made possible by the high sales volumes and operating efficiencies achieved by warehouse clubs. Customers at warehouse clubs are generally limited to members who pay an annual fee.

 

Business Model

 

We have developed an operating model that we believe differentiates us from our warehouse club competition. First, we place added focus on the individual consumer, our Inner Circle® member, through merchandising strategies that emphasize a customer-friendly shopping experience. Second, by clustering our clubs, we achieve the benefit of name recognition and maximize the efficiencies of our management support, distribution and marketing activities. Finally, we seek to establish and maintain the first or second industry leading position in each major market where we operate. We create an exciting shopping experience for our members with a constantly changing mix of food and general merchandise items and carry a broader product assortment than our warehouse club competitors. By supplementing the warehouse format with aisle markers, express checkout lanes, self-checkout lanes and low-cost video-based sales aids, we make shopping more efficient for our members. For the convenience of our members, we maintain longer hours of operation than our warehouse club competitors. While all wholesale clubs sell merchandise in bulk, BJ’s also offers smaller package sizes that are easier to carry home and store. This “Life Size” packaging is available in a number of our fresh food categories, including dairy, meat, bakery, fish and produce. We are also the only major warehouse club operator to accept manufacturers’ coupons, which provide added value for our members, and we accept more credit card payment options than our warehouse club competitors.

 

Expansion

 

Since the beginning of 1999, BJ’s has grown from 96 clubs to 157 clubs in operation at January 29, 2005. Approximately 41% of our clubs have been in operation for fewer than six years, and most of these are considered to be in the early stages of maturation. We plan to open 8 to 9 new clubs in 2005, all of which are expected to be in existing markets.

 

Year


  

Clubs

in Operation
at Beginning
of Year


   Clubs
Opened
During
the Year


   Clubs
Closed
During
the Year


  

Clubs

in Operation
at End

of Year


1999

   96    11    —      107

2000

   107    11    —      118

2001

   118    12    —      130

2002

   130    13    3    140

2003

   140    10    —      150

2004

   150    7    —      157

 

In addition to the club openings shown above, we relocated one club in each of 2000 and 2001.

 

Store Profile

 

As of January 29, 2005, we operated 137 traditional size “big box” warehouse clubs that averaged approximately 112,000 square feet, 18 smaller format warehouse clubs that averaged approximately 71,000 square feet and two ProFoods clubs that averaged approximately 62,000 square feet. The smaller format clubs are designed to serve markets whose population is not sufficient to support a full-sized warehouse club. Including space for parking, a typical full-sized BJ’s club requires 11 to 13 acres of land. The smaller version typically requires approximately eight acres. Our clubs are located in both free-standing locations and shopping centers.

 

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Construction and site development costs for a full-sized owned BJ’s club generally range from $5 million to $7 million. Land acquisition costs for a club generally range from $5 million to $10 million but can be significantly higher in some locations. We also invest $3 to $3.5 million for fixtures and equipment and approximately $2 million for inventory (net of accounts payable) and incur approximately $.9 to $1.0 million for preopening costs in a new full-sized club.

 

Merchandising

 

We service our existing members and attract new members by providing a broad range of high quality, brand name merchandise at prices that are consistently lower than the prices of traditional retailers, including discount retailers, supermarkets, supercenters and specialty retail operations. We limit the items offered in each product line to fast selling styles, sizes and colors, carrying an average of approximately 7,500 active stockkeeping units (SKU’s). By contrast, supermarkets normally stock from 30,000 to 52,000 SKU’s, and supercenters typically stock up to 125,000 SKU’s. We work closely with manufacturers to develop packaging and sizes which are best suited to selling through the warehouse club format in order to minimize handling costs and to provide increased value to members.

 

Food accounted for approximately 57% of BJ’s total food and general merchandise sales in 2004. The remaining 43% consisted of a wide variety of general merchandise items. Food categories at BJ’s include frozen foods, fresh meat and dairy products, beverages, dry grocery items, fresh produce and flowers, canned goods and household paper products. In response to growing demand from our members, we continue to increase the number of clubs that have rotisserie chicken and slicing delicatessen departments and premium prepared foods. General merchandise includes consumer electronics, prerecorded media, small appliances, tires, jewelry, health and beauty aids, household needs, computer software, books, greeting cards, apparel, toys and seasonal items. We believe that more than 70% of our products are items that can also be found in supermarkets.

 

To ensure that our merchandise selection is closely attuned to the tastes of our members, we employ regional buyers who are responsible for tailoring the product selection in individual warehouse clubs to the regional and ethnic tastes of the local market.

 

We continued to expand our private brands program during 2004. BJ’s consumer-focused private brand products are premium quality only and generally are priced approximately 20% lower than the top branded competing product. At the end of 2004, our private brand products had achieved a sales penetration of approximately 9% of food and general merchandise sales on an annualized basis. We expect our private brand products to represent an increasing percentage of sales over time.

 

As of January 29, 2005, we had pharmacies in operation at 24 of our clubs. We plan to open pharmacies in approximately 20 additional clubs in 2005.

 

We also offer a number of specialty services that are designed to enable members to complete more of their shopping at BJ’s and to encourage more frequent trips to the clubs. Most of these services are provided by outside operators in space leased from BJ’s. Specialty services include full-service optical stores; food courts, some of which offer brand name fast food service; communications centers for Internet access, cellular phones and wireless needs; on-site photo service; BJ’s Vacations®; a selection of garden sheds; patios and sunrooms; a propane tank filling service; and muffler and brake services operated in conjunction with Monro Muffler Brake, Inc. and Tuffy Associates Corp.

 

As of January 29, 2005, we had 81 gas stations in operation at our clubs. The gas stations are generally self- service, relying on “pay at the pump” technology that accepts MasterCard®, VISA®, Discover®, American Express® and debit card transactions. Cash is also accepted at some locations. Both regular and premium gasoline are available. We have generally maintained our gas prices at well below the average prices in each market.

 

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Our “BJ’s Premier Benefits” program is designed to enhance the value of BJ’s membership, particularly to business members. Included in the program are discounted payroll processing; payment processing of all major credit cards; participation in an established preferred provider medical network that provides comprehensive health care services at discounted rates; discounted home heating oil; an automobile buying service; and printing of business forms and checks.

 

Membership

 

Paid membership is an essential part of the warehouse club concept. In addition to providing a source of revenue which permits us to offer low prices, membership reinforces customer loyalty. We have two types of members: Inner Circle members and business members. Most of our Inner Circle members are likely to be home owners whose incomes are above the average for the Company’s trading areas. We believe that a significant percentage of our business members also shops BJ’s for their personal needs. We had approximately 8.3 million BJ’s members (including supplemental cardholders) at January 29, 2005.

 

We generally charge $40 per year for a primary Inner Circle membership that includes one free supplemental membership. Members in the same household may purchase additional supplemental memberships for $20 each. A business membership also costs $40 per year and includes one free supplemental membership. Additional supplemental business memberships cost $20 each.

 

We launched our “BJ’s Rewards MembershipSM” program in 2003. Geared to high frequency, high volume members, the program offers a 2% rebate, capped at $500 per year, on generally all in-club purchases for an annual fee of $75. At the end of 2004, Rewards Members accounted for approximately 3% of our primary members and approximately 6% of our sales.

 

Advertising and Public Relations

 

We increase customer awareness of our clubs primarily through direct mail, public relations efforts, new club marketing programs, and, during the holiday season, television and radio advertising (some of which is vendor funded) and the BJ’s Journal, a publication sent to our members throughout the year. We also employ dedicated marketing personnel who solicit potential business members and who contact other selected organizations to increase the number of members. From time to time, we run free trial membership promotions to attract new members, with the objective of converting them to paid membership status, and also use one-day passes to introduce non-members to our clubs. These programs result in very low marketing expenses compared with typical retailers.

 

Club Operations

 

Our ability to achieve profitable operations depends upon high sales volumes and the efficient operation of our warehouse clubs. We buy most of our merchandise from manufacturers for shipment either to a BJ’s cross-dock facility or directly to our clubs. This eliminates many of the costs associated with traditional multiple-step distribution channels, including distributors’ commissions and the costs of storing merchandise in central distribution facilities.

 

We route the majority of our purchases through cross-dock facilities which break down truckload quantity shipments from manufacturers and reallocate these goods for shipment to individual clubs, generally within 24 hours. Our efficient distribution systems result in reduced freight expenses and lower receiving costs.

 

We work closely with manufacturers to minimize the amount of handling required once merchandise is received at a club. Most merchandise is pre-marked by the manufacturer so that it does not require ticketing at the club. Merchandise for sale is generally displayed on pallets containing large quantities of each item, thereby reducing labor required for handling, stocking and restocking. Back-up merchandise is generally stored in steel racks above the sales floor.

 

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We have been able to limit inventory shrinkage to levels well below those typical of other retailers by strictly controlling the exits of our clubs, by generally limiting customers to members and by using state-of-the-art electronic article surveillance technology. Our inventory shrinkage was no more than .20% of net sales in each of the last five fiscal years. Problems associated with payments by check have been insignificant, as members who issue dishonored checks are restricted to cash-only terms. Our policy is to accept returns of most merchandise within 30 days after purchase.

 

BJ’s is the only warehouse club operator to accept MasterCard, VISA, Discover and American Express chainwide. Our members may also pay for their purchases by cash, check and debit cards.

 

BJ’s has a co-branded MasterCard which is underwritten by a major financial institution on a non-recourse basis. Purchases made at BJ’s with the co-branded MasterCard earn a 1.5% rebate. All other purchases with the BJ’s MasterCard earn rebates ranging from 0.5% to 1.0%. Rebates up to $500 per year per membership account are issued by the financial institution in the form of BJ’s Bucks® certificates redeemable for merchandise at any BJ’s club.

 

Information Systems

 

Over the course of our development, we have made a significant investment in information systems. We were the first warehouse club operator to introduce scanning devices which work in conjunction with our electronic point of sale (EPOS) terminals. In recent years, we have implemented “360 degree” scanning, upgraded the cash register printers at the checkout stations in our clubs to enhance the efficiency of the checkout process and implemented an on-line refund system at the clubs to more effectively process sales returns. We are the only operator in the warehouse club industry to offer self-checkout. As of January 29, 2005, we have expanded this technology to approximately 75% of our BJ’s clubs.

 

Sales data is generally analyzed daily for replenishment purposes. Detailed purchasing data permits the buying staff and store managers to track changes in members’ buying behavior. Detailed shrinkage information by SKU by club allows management to quickly identify inventory shrinkage problems and formulate effective action plans.

 

Member Insight

 

One of our most important accomplishments over the last two years was the development of an infrastructure to better utilize our member data base. The implementation of a program we call “Member Insight” is designed to gain a clearer understanding of our members’ shopping behaviors, wants and needs. Member Insight has enabled us to achieve a more member-centric business model. We are using Member Insight’s sophisticated analysis and segmentation capabilities in merchandise selection, adjacencies and pricing, and in marketing.

 

Competition

 

We compete with a wide range of national, regional and local retailers and wholesalers selling food and/or general merchandise in our markets, including supermarkets, supercenters, general merchandise chains, specialty chains, gasoline stations and other warehouse clubs, some of which have significantly greater financial and marketing resources than BJ’s. Major competitors that operate warehouse clubs include Costco Wholesale Corporation and Sam’s Clubs (a division of Wal-Mart Stores, Inc.), each of which operates on a nationwide basis.

 

A large number of competitive membership warehouse clubs exists in our markets. Approximately 82% of our 137 full-sized warehouse clubs have at least one competitive membership warehouse club in their trading areas at a distance of about ten miles or less. One of the smaller format clubs has direct competition from other warehouse clubs within ten miles.

 

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We believe price is the major competitive factor in the markets in which we compete. Other competitive factors include store location, merchandise selection, member services and name recognition. We believe our efficient, low- cost form of distribution gives us a significant competitive advantage over more traditional channels of wholesale and retail distribution.

 

ProFoods

 

In October 2004, we began testing a concept that is new to BJ’s by opening the first of two new clubs in the Metro New York market exclusively for food service businesses under the name “ProFoods Restaurant Supply”. Our second ProFoods club was opened in January 2005. The target member is the professional food vendor or restaurant owner. The business model for ProFoods is built on somewhat higher merchandise margins than those generated by a wholesale club, free memberships and a broad merchandise assortment to support one-stop shopping, primarily on a cash and carry basis. We believe that we can leverage our success as a highly efficient operator of limited assortment formats that cater to defined customer groups. We have embarked on this test because we believe there is a substantial opportunity in this market, where the competition is fragmented and where we can apply our expertise with small businesses.

 

Seasonality

 

Our business, in common with the business of retailers generally, is subject to seasonal influences. Our sales and net income have typically been strongest in the fourth quarter holiday season and lowest in the first quarter of each fiscal year.

 

Employees

 

As of January 29, 2005, we had approximately 19,600 full-time and part-time employees (“team members”). None of our team members is represented by a union. We consider our relations with our team members to be excellent.

 

Available Information

 

BJ’s makes available free of charge on its Internet website its annual report on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K, and amendments to those reports filed or furnished pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 as soon as reasonably practicable after such material is electronically filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). Internet users can access this information on BJ’s website at http://www.bjs.com.

 

BJ’s intends to post on its website all disclosures that are required by law or NYSE listing standards concerning any amendments to, or waivers from, any provision of the BJ’s Statement on Commercial Bribery, Conflicts of Interest and Business Ethics.

 

Certifications

 

The Company’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have provided the certification required by Rule 13a-14(a) under the Exchange Act, copies of which are filed as exhibits to this Form 10-K. In addition, an annual Chief Executive Officer certification was submitted by the Company’s Chief Executive Officer to the New York Stock Exchange on June 18, 2004, in accordance with the New York Stock Exchange’s listing requirements.

 

Item 2.    Properties

 

We operated 157 warehouse club locations as of January 29, 2005, of which 98 are leased under long-term leases and 48 are owned. We own the buildings at the remaining 11 locations, which are subject to long-term ground leases. A listing of the number of Company locations in each state is shown on page 1.

 

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The unexpired terms of our leases range from approximately 1 to 36 years, and average approximately 12 years. We have options to renew all but one of our leases for periods that range from approximately 5 to 50 years and average approximately 21 years. These leases require fixed monthly rental payments which are subject to various adjustments. Certain leases require payment of a percentage of the warehouse club’s gross sales in excess of certain amounts. Generally, all leases require that we pay all property taxes, insurance, utilities and other operating costs.

 

Our home offices in Natick, Massachusetts, occupy 166,000 square feet under leases expiring January 31, 2006, with options to extend these leases through January 31, 2011. We own a 480,000 square foot cross-dock facility and also lease two cross-dock facilities, which occupy a total of 776,000 square feet under leases which expire in 2010 and 2021, with options to extend these leases through 2025 and 2041, respectively.

 

See Note E of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included elsewhere in this report for additional information with respect to our leases.

 

Item 3.    Legal Proceedings

 

BJ’s is involved in various legal proceedings that are typical of a retail business. Although it is not possible to predict the outcome of these proceedings or any related claims, we believe that such proceedings or claims will not, individually or in the aggregate, have a material adverse effect on our financial condition or results of operations.

 

As described in more detail in Note F to the Financial Statements (which is incorporated herein by reference), BJ’s is subject to various claims relating to fraudulent credit and debit card charges, the cost of replacing cards and related monitoring expenses and other related claims. In addition, the U.S. Federal Trade Commission is contemplating a proceeding against the Company relating to this matter. The Company is unable to predict whether further claims will be asserted. The Company has contested and will continue to vigorously contest the claims made against it and continues to explore its defenses and possible claims against others. The Company has established a reserve on its balance sheet relating to this matter. The ultimate outcome of this matter could differ from the amounts recorded. While that difference could be material to the results of operations for any affected reporting period, it is not expected to have a material impact on consolidated financial position or liquidity.

 

Item 4.    Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders

 

No matter was submitted to a vote of BJ’s security holders during the fourth quarter of the fiscal year ended January 29, 2005.

 

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Item 4A.    Executive Officers of the Registrant

 

Name


   Age

  

Office and Employment During Last Five Years


Herbert J. Zarkin

   66    Chairman of the Board of the Company since July 1997; President, Chief Executive Officer and Director of Waban (1993-1997); President of the BJ’s Division of Waban (the “BJ’s Division”) (1990-1993). Mr. Zarkin was also Chairman of Waban (now known as House2Home) from July 1997 to June 2002 and was President and Chief Executive Officer of House2Home from March 2000 to September 2001. House2Home filed for bankruptcy under Chapter 11 of the United States Bankruptcy Code on November 7, 2001. (See Notes B and C of Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements included elsewhere in this report for additional information.)

Michael T. Wedge

   51    President, Chief Executive Officer and Director of the Company since September 2002; Executive Vice President, Club Operations of the Company (July 1997-September 2002)

Frank D. Forward

   50    Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of the Company since July 1997

Edward F. Giles, Jr.

   45    Executive Vice President, Club Operations of the Company since September 2002; Senior Vice President, Field Operations of the Company (June 2001-September 2002); Senior Vice President, Sales Operations of the Company (June 1999-June 2001); Zone Vice President, Club Operations of the Company (July 1997-June 1999)

Karen Stout

   46    Executive Vice President, Merchandising of the Company since July 2004; President of the Atlantic and Pacific Tea Company’s Super Fresh Division (July 2002-June 2004) and president of the A&P’s Sav-A-Center Division (October 2000-July 2002); Senior Vice President, Operations of Harris Teeter Supermarkets, Inc. (February 1997-January 2000)

Kellye L. Walker

   38    Senior Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary of the Company since February 2003; Hill & Barlow, PC (Boston, Massachusetts law firm) Of Counsel/Member, July 2000-February 2003; Chaffe, McCall, Phillips, Toler & Sarpy, LLP (New Orleans, Louisiana law firm) Partner, September 1998-June 2000

 

All officers serve at the discretion of the Board of Directors and hold office until the next annual meeting of the Board of Directors and until their successors are elected and qualified.

 

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PART II

 

Item 5.    Market for the Registrant’s Common Equity Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

 

BJ’s common stock is listed on the New York Stock Exchange (symbol “BJ”). The quarterly high and low stock prices for the fiscal years ended January 29, 2005 and January 31, 2004 were as follows:

 

     Fiscal Year Ended
January 29, 2005


   Fiscal Year Ended
January 31, 2004


Quarter


   High

   Low

   High

   Low

First

   $ 26.45    $ 21.33    $ 15.85    $ 9.20

Second

     25.47      19.91      20.52      14.02

Third

     29.59      21.06      26.40      17.14

Fourth

     32.00      26.70      27.45      20.37

 

The approximate number of stockholders of record at March 25, 2005 was 2,100. BJ’s has never declared or paid any cash dividends on its common stock. For restrictions on the payment of dividends, see Note D of Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements included elsewhere in this report.

 

The following table summarizes our share repurchase activity in the quarter ended January 29, 2005:

 

Period


  

Total Number

of Shares

Purchased


  

Average Price

Paid per

Share


  

Total Number of

Shares Purchased
as Part of Publicly

Announced

Program (1)


  

Maximum Dollar

Amount that May

Yet Be Purchased

Under the

Program


2004


                  (Dollars in Thousands)

Oct 31 – Nov 27

   —      $ —      —      $ 62,427

Nov 28 – Jan 1

   328,300      28.23    328,300      53,160

Jan 2 – Jan 29

   285,000      28.14    285,000      45,139
    
  

  
  

Total for the quarter

   613,300    $ 28.19    613,300    $ 45,139
    
  

  
  


(1)   We publicly announced in a press release dated August 26, 1998 that the Board of Directors authorized a program to repurchase up to $50 million of the Company’s common stock. We subsequently announced that the Board authorized increases in the program of $50 million each in press releases dated September 16, 1999, May 25, 2000, and May 25, 2001; and additional increases of $100 million each in press releases dated September 26, 2001 and August 20, 2002. Under the program, repurchases may be made at management’s discretion, in the open market or in privately negotiated transactions. No expiration dates were set under any of the Board’s authorizations. From the inception of the program through January 29, 2005, we repurchased approximately 11.5 million shares for a total of $354.9 million, leaving a remaining authorization of $45.1 million.

 

On February 28, 2005, the Board of Directors authorized the repurchase of up to an additional $100 million of the Company’s common stock as announced in a press release dated March 1, 2005.

 

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Item 6.    Selected Financial Data

 

     Fiscal Year Ended

 
     Jan. 29,
2005


    Jan. 31,
2004


    Feb. 1,
2003


    Feb. 2,
2002


    Feb. 3,
2001


 
                             (53 Weeks)  
     (Dollars in Thousands except Per Share Data)  

Income Statement Data

                                        

Net sales

   $ 7,220,239     $ 6,553,924     $ 5,728,955     $ 5,105,912     $ 4,766,612  

Membership fees and other

     155,062       139,411       130,747       117,394       102,514  
    


 


 


 


 


Total revenues

     7,375,301       6,693,335       5,859,702       5,223,306       4,869,126  
    


 


 


 


 


Cost of sales, including buying and occupancy costs (1)

     6,617,495       6,018,088       5,212,124       4,615,291       4,300,933  

Selling, general and administrative expenses

     556,234       502,673       416,063       362,611       350,295  

Provision for credit card claims (2)

     7,000       —         —         —         —    

Preopening expenses (1)

     15,331       8,875       11,735       10,343       8,471  
    


 


 


 


 


Operating income

     179,241       163,699       219,780       235,061       209,427  

Interest income (expense), net

     803       (74 )     293       4,137       6,180  

Gain (loss) on contingent lease obligations (3)

     9,424       4,488       15,607       (106,359 )     —    
    


 


 


 


 


Income from continuing operations before income taxes and cumulative effect of accounting principle changes

     189,468       168,113       235,680       132,839       215,607  

Provision for income taxes

     72,884       63,318       89,871       49,068       83,009  
    


 


 


 


 


Income from continuing operations before cumulative effect of accounting principle changes

     116,584       104,795       145,809       83,771       132,598  

Loss from discontinued operations, net of income tax benefit (3)

     (2,183 )     (676 )     (14,943 )     (1,423 )     (1,097 )
    


 


 


 


 


Income before cumulative effect of accounting principle changes

     114,401       104,119       130,866       82,348       131,501  

Cumulative effect of accounting principle changes (4)

     —         (1,253 )     —         —         —    
    


 


 


 


 


Net income

   $ 114,401     $ 102,866     $ 130,866     $ 82,348     $ 131,501  
    


 


 


 


 


Income per common share:

                                        

Basic earnings per share:

                                        

Income from continuing operations before cumulative effect of accounting principle changes

   $ 1.68     $ 1.51     $ 2.07     $ 1.16     $ 1.82  

Loss from discontinued operations

     (0.04 )     (0.01 )     (0.21 )     (0.02 )     (0.02 )

Cumulative effect of accounting principle changes

     —         (0.02 )     —         —         —    
    


 


 


 


 


Net income

   $ 1.64     $ 1.48     $ 1.86     $ 1.14     $ 1.80  
    


 


 


 


 


Diluted earnings per share:

                                        

Income from continuing operations before cumulative effect of accounting principle changes

   $ 1.66     $ 1.50     $ 2.05     $ 1.13     $ 1.78  

Loss from discontinued operations

     (0.03 )     (0.01 )     (0.21 )     (0.02 )     (0.01 )

Cumulative effect of accounting principle changes

     —         (0.02 )     —         —         —    
    


 


 


 


 


Net income

   $ 1.63     $ 1.47     $ 1.84     $ 1.11     $ 1.77  
    


 


 


 


 


Balance Sheet Data

                                        

Working capital

   $ 208,852     $ 147,287     $ 117,042     $ 127,818     $ 179,928  

Total assets

     1,891,514       1,721,359       1,480,957       1,422,511       1,233,969  

Long-term debt and obligations under capital leases

     3,196       3,625       —         1,558       1,828  

Stockholders’ equity

     939,167       852,221       740,803       686,567       664,915  

Clubs open at end of year

     157       150       140       130       118  

(1)   See Note E of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(2)   See Note F of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(3)   See Note C of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(4)   See Note A of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

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Item 7.    Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

 

Unless noted otherwise, the fiscal year ended January 29, 2005 is referred to as “2004.” Other fiscal years are referred to in a similar manner.

 

General Overview

 

BJ’s is a leading warehouse club operator in the eastern United States. As of January 29, 2005, we operated 155 BJ’s warehouse clubs, 81 of which operate gasoline stations, and two ProFoods Restaurant Supply clubs, in 16 states.

 

The success of our business is dependent on our ability to achieve high volumes of sales and rapid inventory turnover, to attract and retain members and to control costs. We believe that our pricing and cost structure is a major competitive advantage for us.

 

Our revenues are derived from the sale of a wide range of food and general merchandise items, the sale of gasoline and from membership fees.

 

Paid membership is an essential component in our business. It not only provides a source of revenue, but it promotes customer loyalty. Membership fees permit us to offer lower prices to our members, encouraging them to shop us more frequently. Member renewal rates are a key performance indicator for us.

 

Comparable store sales performance is an important measure throughout the retail industry. Our comparable club sales increase from 2001 to 2002 was 2.0%, including a contribution from gasoline of 0.9%. Our comparable club sales performance improved significantly over the last two years. From 2002 to 2003, our comparable club sales increased by 7.8%, including a contribution from gasoline sales of 3.2%. From 2003 to 2004 comparable club sales increased by 6.0%, including a contribution from gasoline sales of 1.1%.

 

Our low merchandise margin rates drive the high sales volumes that are so critical in our business. Our merchandise margin rate is a key metric in achieving both our top-line and bottom-line objectives. We believe that the cost structure built into our business model puts us among the most efficient in the retail industry. We closely monitor our costs as a percentage of sales, particularly our payroll costs, which comprise the largest portion of our selling, general and administrative expenses.

 

We place a great deal of emphasis on control of our inventories. Because of our high sales volumes and inventory turns, we are able to generate cash from a large portion of our inventory before we are required to pay our merchandise vendors. The majority of our inventory purchases are routed through our cross-dock facilities, including two new state-of-the-art facilities which were built in 2001 and 2003. We monitor several inventory-related measures, including inventory turns, accounts payable as a percentage of inventories, average inventories per club and shrinkage as a percentage of sales.

 

Overview of 2004 Operations

 

Our strong operating results in 2004 reflect the progress we have made in the last two years in shifting our focus from a product-centric to a member-centric business model. The key enabler for this model shift was our framework for analyzing and leveraging our membership data that we call “Member Insight.”

 

Member Insight drove the major re-merchandising effort that we essentially completed in the first quarter of 2004, in which we eliminated selected slower moving general merchandise categories and strengthened certain food categories, particularly faster-selling fresh foods. At the same time, we also improved product adjacencies to drive incremental sales. The ultimate goal of re-merchandising clubs is to better serve our members’ needs while driving margin expansion and shopping frequency.

 

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As noted above, we have had strong comparable club sales gains in the last two years. Total sales in 2004 were 10.2% higher than the previous year. Spurred by strong membership renewal rates and increased participation in BJ’s Rewards Membership program, membership fee revenues in 2004 improved by 12.2% over the previous year. Aided by a significant increase in private brand sales, expansion of our fresh food departments and a shift from third party to direct purchase of produce that was completed in the third quarter, merchandise margins in 2004 improved over the previous year. Selling, general and administrative expenses as a percentage of sales increased slightly in 2004, due in part to the transition to self-run produce. Net income of $114.4 million in 2004 exceeded our plan for the year.

 

As of January 29, 2005, we had cash, cash equivalents and short-term marketable securities of $150.4 million versus $78.7 million at the end of the previous year. Long-term debt, including current installments was less than $4 million as of January 29, 2005. By the end of the year we settled the last of the 41 House2Home leases for which we were contingently liable. Net cash provided by operating activities was $248.9 million in 2004, or $49 million more than net cash provided by operating activities in 2003.

 

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

 

The preparation of our financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and the disclosure of contingent liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. We review our estimates on an ongoing basis and make judgments about the carrying value of assets and liabilities based on a number of factors. These factors include historical experience, guidance provided by outside experts and assumptions made by management that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances. This section summarizes critical accounting policies and the related judgments involved in their application.

 

Cash Consideration Received from Vendors

 

We receive various types of cash consideration from vendors, principally in the form of rebates and allowances. We recognize such vendor rebates and allowances as a reduction of cost of sales based on a systematic and rational allocation of the cash consideration offered to the underlying transaction that results in progress by BJ’s toward earning the rebates and allowances, provided the amounts to be earned are probable and reasonably estimable. Otherwise, rebates and allowances are recognized only when predetermined milestones are met. We review the status of all rebates and allowances at least once per quarter and update our estimates, if necessary at that time. We believe that our review process has allowed us to avoid material adjustments in estimates of vendor rebates and allowances.

 

Legal Contingencies

 

As described in more detail in Note F to the consolidated financial statements, BJ’s is subject to various claims relating to fraudulent credit and debit card charges, the cost of replacing cards and related monitoring expenses and other related claims. As required by Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 5, “Accounting for Contingencies,” (“SFAS No. 5”) we accrue a liability if the potential loss for a claim is considered probable and the amount of the loss can be reasonably estimated.

 

Significant judgment is required in both the determination of probability and the determination as to whether our exposure can be reasonably estimated. In reviewing the reserve relating to the credit card matter, we make significant estimates regarding the claims that have been made for fraudulent credit and debit card charges and the cost of replacing cards, monitoring expenses, and related fees and expenses. Because of uncertainties related to this matter, accruals are based on information available at the time our financial statements are issued. Periodically, and as additional information becomes available, we will reassess the potential liability and may revise our estimates and adjust our reserve.

 

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Inventories

 

Merchandise inventories are stated at the lower of cost, determined under the average cost method, or market. We recognize the write-down of slow-moving or obsolete inventory in cost of sales when such write-downs are probable and estimable. Records are maintained at the stockkeeping unit (SKU) level. A report that details the number of weeks of selling supply for each SKU allows our merchandising staff to make timely markdown decisions to help maintain rapid inventory turnover, which is essential in our business. The carrying value of any SKU whose selling price is marked down to below cost is immediately reduced to that selling price.

 

We take physical inventories of merchandise on a cycle basis at every location each year. A second physical inventory is taken at the end of the year at selected locations. We estimate a reserve for inventory shrinkage for the period between physical inventories. This estimate is based on historical results of previous physical inventories, shrinkage trends or other judgments management believes to be reasonable under the circumstances.

 

Long-Lived Assets

 

We review the realizability of our long-lived assets annually and whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that their carrying amounts may not be recoverable. Current and expected operating results and cash flows and other factors are considered in connection with our reviews. Significant judgments are made in projecting future cash flows and are based on a number of factors, including the maturity level of the club, historical experience of clubs with similar characteristics, recent trends and general economic assumptions. Impairment losses are measured as the difference between the carrying amount and the fair value of the impaired assets.

 

Deferred Taxes

 

As of January 29, 2005, we had not established a valuation allowance for our deferred tax assets because those assets can be realized by offsetting deferred tax liabilities and future taxable income, which management believes will more likely than not be earned, based on our historical record and projected earnings. Significant changes in projections of future taxable income could result in our establishment of a valuation allowance, which would reduce the carrying value of deferred tax assets.

 

Reserves for Closed Store Lease Obligations

 

During the fiscal year ended February 2, 2002, we established reserves for our liability related to House2Home, Inc. (“House2Home”) leases. Pursuant to an agreement with The TJX Companies, Inc. (“TJX”), we agreed to indemnify TJX for 100% of House2Home’s lease liabilities guaranteed by TJX through January 31, 2003 and for 50% of any such liabilities thereafter. House2Home filed for bankruptcy in November 2001. (See Note C of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information.) Our recorded liabilities were based on the present value of rent liabilities under the House2Home leases, including estimated real estate taxes and common area maintenance charges, reduced by estimated income from the subleasing of these properties. An annual discount rate of 6% was used to calculate the present value of these lease obligations. This rate was based on estimated incremental borrowing rates for the Company during the weighted-average period of time over which these obligations were expected to be paid.

 

We continually evaluate the adequacy of our House2Home reserves based on progress made in settling our obligations and the status of ongoing negotiations and made appropriate adjustments to the reserves as a result of our evaluations. As of January 29, 2005, all 41 House2Home leases for which we were contingently liable have been settled, including lump sum settlements for 38 leases. The other three House2Home properties (for which we remain contingently liable) have been assigned to third parties.

 

During the fiscal year ended February 1, 2003, we established reserves for our lease liabilities for three BJ’s clubs which were closed in November 2002. Two of these clubs were in the Columbus, Ohio, market and one was in North Dade, Florida. (See Note C of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information.) Our recorded liabilities have been based on the present value of rent liabilities under these leases,

 

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including estimated real estate taxes and common area maintenance charges, reduced by estimated income from the subleasing of these properties. An annual discount rate of 6% was used to calculate the present value of these lease obligations. This rate was based on the estimated incremental borrowing rate for the Company during the weighted-average period of time over which these obligations are expected to be paid.

 

A considerable amount of judgment was involved in determining our net liability related to the closed club leases, particularly in estimating potential sublease income. Based on our knowledge of real estate conditions in the local markets and our experience in those markets, we assumed an average period of time it would take to sublease the properties and the amount of potential sublease income for each property. Net payments that we make to settle our lease obligations will reduce operating cash flows in varying amounts over the remaining terms of the leases, which expire at various times up to 2019.

 

During 2004, we made a lump sum payment to settle the lease for one of the three closed clubs. Based on this settlement and an evaluation of the status of the two remaining properties, we adjusted our reserve for closed clubs. The reserve at January 29, 2005 includes an estimated amount to settle the lease for one of the two remaining clubs through a lump sum payment based on negotiations in progress. The remainder of the reserve is based on the present value of our rent liability under the lease for the other remaining club, including real estate taxes and common area maintenance charges, reduced by estimated income from subleasing the property. We will continue to use an annual discount rate of 6% to calculate the present value of the obligation.

 

Self-Insurance Reserves

 

We are primarily self-insured for worker’s compensation and general liability claims. Reported reserves for these claims are derived from estimated ultimate costs based upon individual claim file reserves and estimates for incurred but not reported claims. Estimates are based on valuations provided by third-party actuaries, historical loss development factors, and other assumptions believed to be reasonable under the circumstances.

 

Results of Operations

 

The following table presents income statement data for continuing operations for the last three fiscal years:

 

     Fiscal Year Ended

 
     January 29, 2005

    January 31, 2004

    February 1, 2003

 
     $

   % of
Net Sales


    $

    % of
Net Sales


    $

   % of
Net Sales


 
     (Dollars in Millions except Per Share Amounts)  

Net sales

   $ 7,220.2    100.0 %   $ 6,553.9     100.0 %   $ 5,729.0    100.0 %

Membership fees and other

     155.1    2.1       139.4     2.1       130.7    2.3  
    

  

 


 

 

  

Total revenues

     7,375.3    102.1       6,693.3     102.1       5,859.7    102.3  
    

  

 


 

 

  

Cost of sales, including buying and occupancy costs

     6,617.5    91.6       6,018.1     91.8       5,212.1    91.0  

Selling, general and administrative expenses

     556.2    7.7       502.6     7.7       416.1    7.3  

Provision for credit card claims

     7.0    0.1       —       0.0       —      0.0  

Preopening expenses

     15.4    0.2       8.9     0.1       11.7    0.2  
    

  

 


 

 

  

Operating income

     179.2    2.5       163.7     2.5       219.8    3.8  

Interest income (expense), net

     0.8    0.0       (0.1 )   0.0       0.3    0.0  

Income on contingent lease obligations

     9.5    0.1       4.5     0.1       15.6    0.3  
    

  

 


 

 

  

Income from continuing operations before income taxes

     189.5    2.6       168.1     2.6       235.7    4.1  

Provision for income taxes

     72.9    1.0       63.3     1.0       89.9    1.6  
    

  

 


 

 

  

Income from continuing operations

   $ 116.6    1.6 %   $ 104.8     1.6 %   $ 145.8    2.5 %
    

  

 


 

 

  

Diluted earnings per common share

   $ 1.66          $ 1.50           $ 2.05       
    

        


       

      

Number of clubs in operation at year end

     157            150             140       

 

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Comparison of 2004 to 2003

 

Net sales increased by 10.2% from 2003 to 2004, due to comparable club sales increases and to the opening of new clubs and new gasoline stations. The increase in comparable club sales represented approximately 58% of the total increase in net sales from 2003 to 2004. New clubs and new gasoline stations accounted for the remainder of the increase. Adjusting each period for shifts of certain items between food and general merchandise categories, food accounted for 57% of total food and general merchandise sales in 2004 versus 55% in 2003.

 

Comparable club sales increased by 6.0% from 2003 to 2004, including a contribution from gasoline sales of 1.1%. On a comparable club basis food sales increased by 9.4% and general merchandise sales decreased by 0.1% in 2004. Food sales were strong throughout the year, paced by our fresh food business, beverages, dairy and paper products. General merchandise sales were adversely affected by the planned contraction of certain categories, including automotive and tools, furniture, office supplies and sporting goods.

 

Total revenues included membership fees of $139.4 million in 2004 versus $124.2 million in 2003. This increase was due primarily to new clubs, strong member renewal rates and increased participation in BJ’s Rewards Membership program. Inner Circle members renewed at a rate of 83.6% in 2004 versus 83.5% in 2003. Business members renewed at a rate of 87.9% in 2004 compared with 86.5% in 2003.

 

Cost of sales (including buying and occupancy expenses) was 91.65% of net sales in 2004 versus 91.82% of net sales in 2003. Despite this year’s increased contribution of gasoline sales, which carry a significantly lower gross margin than the remainder of our business, the cost of sales ratio in 2004 was favorable to last year primarily because of higher merchandise margins. Gasoline margin in 2004 was also favorable to last year. Buying and occupancy costs as a percentage of sales in 2004 approximated last year’s rate. Buying and occupancy expenses were reduced by $1.0 million as a result of a correction to our accounting for leases in 2004. See Note E of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information.

 

The improvement in merchandise margins was due mainly to stronger sales of private brands and fresh foods and our shift to self-run produce. We were also able to reduce purchasing costs through e-sourcing and global sourcing.

 

Selling, general and administrative (“SG&A”) expenses were 7.70% of net sales in 2004 versus 7.67% in 2003. The increase in the SG&A ratio was due mainly to increases in payroll and fringe benefits (which included higher group medical expenses), credit expenses (resulting mainly from a higher penetration of credit transactions) and professional services, which primarily related to Sarbanes-Oxley 404 compliance requirements. These increases were partially offset by significantly lower advertising expenses.

 

Total SG&A expenses rose by $53.6 million from 2003 to 2004, due mainly to the factors that increased SG&A expenses as a percentage of sales, as well as the addition of new clubs. Payroll and payroll benefits accounted for 77% of all SG&A expenses in 2004 versus 75% in 2003. Major changes in SG&A expenses from 2003 to 2004 included increases in payroll and benefits of $48.1 million, credit expenses of $11.0 million and professional services of $3.5 million. These were partially offset by decreases in advertising expenses of $6.8 million, reflecting our plan to reduce this category in 2004.

 

In 2004 we recorded pretax charges of $7.0 million to establish a reserve for claims seeking reimbursement for fraudulent credit and debit card charges and the cost of replacing cards, monitoring expenses and related fees and expenses. See Note F of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information.

 

Preopening expenses were $15.3 million in 2004 versus $8.9 million in 2003. Preopening expenses in 2004 included corrections to our accounting for leases of $8.2 million. See Note E of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information. We opened seven new clubs in 2004. We opened ten new clubs and a new cross-dock facility in Jacksonville, Florida, in 2003.

 

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Interest income, net was $0.8 million in 2004 compared with net interest expense of $0.1 million in 2003. This change was due primarily to higher levels of invested cash in 2004. See Note M of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for a summary of the components of interest income (expense), net.

 

Based on significant progress made in settling liabilities for House2Home leases, we recorded pretax gains of $2.7 million in 2004 and $5.5 million in 2003 to reduce our liability for contingent lease obligations. These were partially offset by pretax accretion charges in connection with these obligations of $0.2 million in 2004 and $1.0 million in 2003. See Note C of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information. During 2004, we also received pretax recoveries on account of our House2Home bankruptcy claims of $7.0 million, which are included in gain on contingent lease obligations. See Note E of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information.

 

In October 2004, we began testing a concept that is new to BJ’s by opening the first of two new clubs in the Metro New York market exclusively for food service businesses under the name “ProFoods Restaurant Supply”. Our second ProFoods club was opened in January 2005. The business model for ProFoods is built on somewhat higher merchandise margins than those generated by a wholesale club, free memberships and a broad merchandise assortment to support one-stop shopping, primarily on a cash and carry basis.

 

Our income tax provision was 38.5% of pretax income from continuing operations in 2004. The provision for credit card claims, the gains from contingent lease obligations and House2Home bankruptcy recoveries, and expenses recorded in connection with corrections to our accounting for leases were taxed at incremental tax rates. A tax rate of 38.7% was applied to all other pretax income from continuing operations. We expect our tax rate to increase to 39.3% in 2005, primarily due to higher anticipated effective state tax rates.

 

In 2003, our income tax provision was 37.7% of pretax income from continuing operations, which included a credit of $1.7 million in connection with a settlement between BJ’s and House2Home in the fourth quarter. (See Note E of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.) Excluding this credit, our income tax provision in 2003 was 38.7% of pretax income from continuing operations.

 

Income from continuing operations was $116.6 million, or $1.66 per diluted share, in 2004 versus $104.8 million, or $1.50 per diluted share, in 2003.

 

In 2004, income from continuing operations included the following income and expense items:

 

    Income of $6.1 million, or $.09 per diluted share, to record House2Home bankruptcy recoveries and reductions to our reserve for contingent lease obligations.

 

    Expense of $4.2 million, or $.06 per diluted share, to establish a reserve for credit card claims.

 

    Expense of $4.3 million, or $.06 per diluted share, to record lease accounting corrections.

 

In 2003, income from continuing operations included the following income and expense items:

 

    Income of $3.3 million, or $.05 per diluted share, to record reductions to our reserve for contingent lease liabilities.

 

    Income of $1.7 million, or $.02 per diluted share, to record a tax settlement between BJ’s and House2Home.

 

Loss from discontinued operations, net of tax benefit, was $2.2 million, or $.03 per diluted share, in 2004. This included a post-tax loss of $1.7 million, or $.02 per diluted share, to increase our closed club reserves. Loss from discontinued operations, net of tax benefit, was $.7 million, or $.01 per diluted share, in 2003, which consisted primarily of interest accretion charges related to three clubs which closed in November 2002.

 

As of the beginning of 2003, we adopted the provisions of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 143, “Accounting for Asset Retirement Obligations” (“SFAS No. 143”). We recorded a post-tax charge of

 

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$1.3 million, or $.02 per diluted share, in the first quarter to reflect the cumulative effect of adopting this accounting principle change in 2003. See Note A of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information.

 

Net income was $114.4 million, or $1.63 per diluted share, in 2004 versus $102.9 million, or $1.47 per diluted share, in 2003.

 

Comparison of 2003 to 2002

 

Net sales increased by 14.4% from 2002 to 2003, due to the opening of new clubs and new gasoline stations and to comparable club sales increases. Increases in comparable club sales represented 50% of the total increase in net sales from 2002 to 2003. New clubs and new gasoline stations accounted for the remainder of the increase.

 

Comparable club sales increased by 7.8% from 2002 to 2003, including a contribution from gasoline sales of 3.2%. On a comparable club basis food sales increased by 6.5% and general merchandise sales increased by 1.9% in 2003. Comparable club sales strengthened in the second half of the year, aided by merchandising and marketing initiatives that increased traffic in the clubs and the stimuli provided by tax rebates and an improving economy. The negative impact from new competition and self cannibalization also lessened in the second half of the year. Gasoline sales at comparable clubs were driven by higher prices as well as increased volume.

 

Total revenues included membership fees of $124.2 million in 2003 versus $117.9 million in 2002. This increase was due primarily to new clubs. Membership fees also benefited from members in four Atlanta clubs who renewed their membership for a fee in 2003 after we offered free one-year memberships in these clubs when they opened in 2002. Membership renewal rates in 2003 changed slightly from those of the previous year. Inner Circle members increased at a rate of 83.5% in 2003 versus 82.9% in 2002. Business members renewed at a rate of 86.5% in 2003 compared with 86.8% in 2002.

 

Cost of sales (including buying and occupancy expenses) was 91.82% of net sales in 2003 versus 90.98% of net sales in 2002. This increase was due primarily to planned lower merchandise margins resulting from our initiatives to increase sales and market share. Almost 90% of the increase in the cost of sales ratio was due to decreased merchandise margins and the increased sales contribution of gasoline, with the remainder due to increased buying and occupancy expenses. While the gross margin rate in gasoline is significantly lower than the overall gross margin rate for the remainder of BJ’s business, market conditions allowed us to realize higher than normal gasoline margins in 2003 while maintaining our price advantage against our competitors.

 

Selling, general and administrative (“SG&A”) expenses were 7.67% of net sales in 2003 versus 7.26% in 2002. The increase in the SG&A ratio was due mainly to increases in incentive pay expenses, advertising, club payroll and credit expenses. The increase in incentive pay expenses reflected a more normal level of incentive pay in 2003 compared to 2002’s unusually low incentive pay expenses. Increased advertising and club payroll expenses were planned in connection with our initiatives to increase sales and market share.

 

Total SG&A expenses rose by $86.6 million from 2002 to 2003, due mainly to the factors that increased SG&A expenses as a percentage of sales, as well as the addition of new clubs. Payroll and payroll benefits accounted for 75% of all SG&A expenses in 2003 versus 77% in 2002. Payroll and payroll benefits accounted for 67% of the increase in total SG&A expenses from 2002 to 2003.

 

Preopening expenses were $8.9 million in 2003 versus $11.7 million in 2002. We opened ten new clubs and our new cross-dock facility in Jacksonville, Florida, in 2003. We opened thirteen new clubs in 2002. A portion of the new cross-dock’s preopening expenses was incurred in 2002.

 

Interest expense, net was $0.1 million in 2003 compared with net interest income of $0.3 million in 2002. See Note M of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for a summary of the components of interest income (expense), net.

 

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Based on significant progress made in settling liabilities for House2Home leases, we recorded pretax gains of $5.5 million in 2003 and $20.0 million in 2002 to reduce our liability for contingent lease obligations. These were partially offset by pretax accretion charges in connection with these obligations of $1.0 million in 2003 and $4.4 million in 2002. See Note C of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information.

 

Our income tax provision was 37.7% of pretax income from continuing operations in 2003. The tax provision in 2003 included a credit of $1.7 million in connection with a settlement between BJ’s and House2Home in the fourth quarter. (See Note E of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.) Excluding this credit, our income tax provision in 2003 was 38.7% of pretax income from continuing operations versus 38.1% in 2002. This increase was due to higher effective state income tax rates in 2003.

 

Income from continuing operations was $104.8 million, or $1.50 per diluted share, in 2003 versus $145.8 million, or $2.05 per diluted share, in 2002. These amounts included post-tax gains from the reduction in our House2Home lease reserves of $3.3 million, or $.05 per diluted share, in 2003 and $12.0 million, or $.17 per diluted share, in 2002.

 

Loss from discontinued operations, net of tax benefit, was $.7 million, or $.01 per diluted share, in 2003, which consisted primarily of interest accretion charges related to three clubs which closed in November 2002. Loss from discontinued operations, net of tax benefit, in 2002 was $14.9 million, or $.21 per diluted share, which consisted of a post-tax loss of $12.8 million, or $.18 per diluted share, to close the three clubs and post-tax operating losses of $2.1 million for these clubs.

 

As of the beginning of 2003, we adopted the provisions of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 143, “Accounting for Asset Retirement Obligations” (“SFAS No. 143”). We recorded a post-tax charge of $1.3 million, or $.02 per diluted share, in the first quarter to reflect the cumulative effect of adopting this accounting principle change in 2003.

 

Net income was $102.9 million, or $1.47 per diluted share, in 2003 versus $130.9 million, or $1.84 per diluted share, in 2002.

 

Seasonality

 

BJ’s business, in common with the business of retailers generally, is subject to seasonal influences. Our sales and operating income have typically been strongest in the fourth quarter holiday season and lowest in the first quarter of each fiscal year.

 

Recently Issued Accounting Standards

 

The Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued the following standards which will become effective in 2005 or 2006:

 

    Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 123 (revised 2004), “Share-Based Payment,” (SFAS 123 (R)) revises FASB Statement No. 123, “Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation” and supersedes APB Opinion No. 25, “Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees,” and its related implementation guidance.

 

This statement establishes standards for the accounting for transactions in which an entity exchanges its equity instruments for goods or services, and focuses primarily on accounting for transactions in which an entity obtains employee services in share-based payment transactions.

 

We currently account for stock-based employee compensation under the recognition and measurement principles of APB Opinion No. 25. In accordance with that standard, no stock-based employee compensation cost for stock options has been reflected in our statements of income. In accordance with the provisions of the original SFAS No. 123, we currently disclose, on a pro forma basis, the effect on net income had we applied the provisions of that statement to stock-based employee compensation.

 

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SFAS No. 123(R) will require us to recognize stock option expense in our statements of income beginning no later than the third fiscal quarter of 2005 and to estimate the effect of stock option forfeitures. (As permitted by the original SFAS No. 123, we currently account for forfeitures as they occur.) In addition, SFAS 123(R) amends FASB Statement No. 95, “Statements of Cash Flows,” to require that excess tax benefits be reported as a financing cash inflow rather than as a reduction of taxes paid.

 

As of the beginning of our third fiscal quarter in 2005 (the “required effective date”), we will apply the provisions of SFAS 123(R) to new stock awards and to awards modified, repurchased or canceled after the required effective date. Additionally, compensation cost for the portion of awards for which the requisite service has not been rendered that are outstanding as of the required effective date shall be recognized as the service is rendered on or after that date. The compensation cost for that portion of awards will be based on the fair value of those awards as calculated for pro forma disclosure purposes under the original SFAS No. 123.

 

Under SFAS 123(R), we may apply a modified version of retrospective application either (a) to all prior years for which the original SFAS No. 123 was effective, or (b) only to our first two fiscal quarters. We have not yet decided whether we will use modified retrospective application when we adopt SFAS 123(R). If we do so, we estimate that our post-tax stock option expense for the full 2005 year will be approximately $7 to $10 million. Actual amounts of stock option expense may vary materially from this estimate based on a number of factors, including the number and timing of new options granted, the fair market value of the Company’s stock price on the date of grant and assumptions to be applied in determining the fair value of options on the grant date.

 

    Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 151, “Inventory Costs,” amends the guidance in ARB No. 43, Chapter 4, “Inventory Pricing,” to clarify that abnormal amounts of idle facility expense, freight, handling costs, and spoilage should be recognized as current-period charges. The provisions of SFAS 151 become effective for BJ’s in 2006. We believe that the adoption of SFAS 151 will not have a material effect on our results of operations, financial position or cash flows.

 

Liquidity and Capital Resources

 

Net cash provided by operating activities was $248.9 million in 2004 compared with $199.9 million in 2003 and $151.3 million in 2002. The increase in net cash provided by operating activities in 2004 versus 2003 was due principally to an increase in net income before the cumulative effect of accounting changes and before depreciation and amortization of $22.1 million and a decrease in payments for closed store lease obligations of $26.0 million. The increase in net cash provided by operating activities in 2003 versus 2002 was due mainly to an increase in cash provided by accounts payable of $40.4 million. Cash provided by net income before depreciation and amortization and the cumulative effect of accounting principle changes was $213.3 million in 2004 versus $191.2 million in 2003 and $204.0 million in 2002.

 

Cash expended for property additions was $133.3 million in 2004, $176.9 million in 2003 and $134.8 million in 2002. In 2004, we opened seven new clubs and three gasoline stations, and remodeled six existing clubs. One of the new clubs is owned at a location that is subject to a ground lease. The other new clubs are leased. In 2003, we opened ten new clubs and purchased one existing club, which was previously leased. Four of the new clubs opened in 2003 were at owned locations. We also opened a new 480,000 square foot owned cross-dock facility in Jacksonville, Florida, in April 2003 and remodeled 30 existing clubs during the year.

 

We expect that capital expenditures will total approximately $185 to $190 million in 2005, based on plans to open 8 to 9 new clubs and approximately 8 gas stations. We also expect to remodel approximately four existing clubs in 2005. Planned capital expenditures in 2005 include approximately $35 million associated with the relocation of our Franklin, Massachusetts, cross-dock facility to a new facility in Uxbridge, Massachusetts, which we plan to open in 2006. The timing of actual openings and the amount of related expenditures could vary from the estimates above due, among other things, to the complexity of the real estate development process.

 

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In 2004, we repurchased 1,725,200 shares of our common stock for $45.3 million, or an average price of $26.27 per share. We did not repurchase any BJ’s stock in 2003. In 2002, we repurchased 2,648,700 shares of common stock for $83.5 million, or an average price of $31.51 per share. From the inception of our share repurchase activities in August 1998, we have repurchased a total of $354.9 million of common stock at an average cost of $30.88 per share. As of January 29, 2005, our remaining repurchase authorization was $45.1 million. On February 28, 2005, the Board of Directors authorized the repurchase of up to an additional $100 million of BJ’s common stock.

 

In January 2004, we assumed a real estate mortgage with a principal balance of $4,025,000 in connection with the purchase of a club that was previously leased. This debt carries an interest rate of 7%, is payable in monthly installments maturing through November 1, 2011 and has a prepayment penalty. The principal balance at January 29, 2005 was $3.6 million.

 

We have a $200 million unsecured credit agreement with a group of banks which expires June 13, 2005. The agreement includes a $50 million sub-facility for letters of credit, of which $2.3 million was outstanding at January 29, 2005. We are required to pay an annual facility fee which is currently 0.175% of the total commitment. Interest on borrowings is payable at BJ’s option either at (a) the Eurodollar rate plus a margin which is currently 0.575% or (b) a rate equal to the higher of the sum of the Federal Funds Effective Rate plus 0.50% or the agent bank’s prime rate. We are also required to pay a usage fee in any calendar quarter during which the average daily amount of loans and undrawn or unreimbursed letters of credit outstanding exceeds 33% of the total commitment. The usage fee, if applicable, would currently be at an annual rate of 0.125% of the average daily amount of credit used under the facility during the calendar quarter. The facility fee, Eurodollar margin and usage fee are subject to change based upon our fixed charge coverage ratio. The agreement contains covenants which, among other things, include minimum net worth and fixed charge coverage requirements and a maximum funded debt-to-capital limitation. We are required to comply with these covenants on a quarterly basis. Under the credit agreement, we may pay dividends or repurchase our own stock in any amount so long as we remain in compliance with all other covenants. We have no credit rating triggers that would accelerate the maturity date of debt if borrowings were outstanding under our credit agreement. We were in compliance with the covenants and other requirements set forth in our credit agreement at January 29, 2005 and for all fiscal periods throughout the year. We expect to enter into a new credit agreement before the current agreement expires.

 

In addition to the credit agreement, we maintain a separate $50 million facility for letters of credit, primarily to support the purchase of inventories, of which $29.3 million was outstanding at January 29, 2005, and we also maintain a $25 million uncommitted credit line for short-term borrowings which expires on September 30, 2005.

 

There were no borrowings outstanding under our bank credit agreement or our uncommitted credit line at January 29, 2005 and January 31, 2004.

 

Increases in inventories and accounts payable from January 31, 2004 to January 29, 2005 were due mainly to the addition of new clubs and an increase of 2.3% in the average inventory per club in the same time period.

 

Pursuant to an agreement with TJX and in connection with House2Home’s filing for bankruptcy on November 7, 2001, we recorded a pretax charge of $105.0 million for our estimated loss associated with House2Home leases in 2001. Based on our continuing evaluation of our remaining obligations and the significant progress made in settling liabilities for House2Home leases, we recorded pretax gains of $20.0 million in 2002, $5.5 million in 2003 and $2.7 million in 2004 to reduce our estimated liability related to House2Home contingent lease obligations.

 

As of January 29, 2005, we have settled all 41 House2Home leases for which we were originally contingently liable, including lump sum settlements for 38 leases. The other three House2Home properties (for which we remain contingently liable) have been assigned to third parties.

 

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During the third quarter of 2002, we established reserves for our liability related to leases for three BJ’s clubs which closed on November 9, 2002. (See Note C of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information.) Our recorded liabilities have been based on the present value of rent liabilities under the three leases, including estimated real estate taxes and common area maintenance charges, reduced by estimated income from the subleasing of these properties. An annual discount rate of 6% was used to calculate the present value of these lease obligations. This rate was based on estimated borrowing rates for the Company that took into consideration the weighted-average period of time over which these obligations are expected to be paid.

 

During 2004, we made a lump sum payment to settle the lease for one of the three closed clubs. Based on this settlement and an evaluation of the status of the two remaining properties, we recorded a pretax charge of $2.9 million to increase our reserve for closed clubs. The reserve at January 29, 2005 includes an estimated amount to settle the lease for one of the two remaining clubs through a lump sum payment based on negotiations in progress. The remainder of the reserve is based on the present value of our rent liability under the lease for the other remaining club, including real estate taxes and common area maintenance charges, reduced by estimated income from subleasing the property. We will continue to use an annual discount rate of 6% to calculate the present value of the obligation.

 

We believe that the liabilities recorded in the financial statements adequately provide for these lease obligations. However, there can be no assurance that our actual liability for closed store obligations will not differ materially from amounts recorded in the financial statements due to a number of factors, including future economic factors which may affect the ability to successfully sublease, assign or otherwise settle liabilities related to these properties. We consider our maximum reasonably possible undiscounted pretax exposure for our closed store lease obligations to be approximately $41 million at January 29, 2005.

 

BJ’s has filed proofs of claim against House2Home, Inc. for claims arising under certain agreements between BJ’s and House2Home in connection with the Company’s spin-off from Waban Inc. in July 1997. These claims arise primarily from BJ’s indemnification of TJX with respect to TJX’s guarantee of House2Home leases and from the Tax Sharing Agreement dated July 28, 1997 between BJ’s and House2Home. House2Home and BJ’s have settled BJ’s claims against House2Home. The settlement provides that BJ’s will have an unsecured claim of approximately $37.9 million, on account of claims under the Tax Sharing Agreement and indemnification payments which have been made to TJX. The settlement agreement was approved by the United States Bankruptcy Court for the Central District of California on November 10, 2003. As part of the settlement, BJ’s has been released of all claims that House2Home and its bankruptcy estate may have had against BJ’s, including $1.7 million owed by BJ’s to House2Home under the Tax Sharing Agreement. We recognized this amount as a reduction in our tax provision in the fourth quarter of 2003.

 

During 2004, we received pretax recoveries on account of our House2Home bankruptcy claims totaling $7.0 million, including a payment of $2.5 million to settle our claim against the Indenture Trustee for House2Home’s Convertible Subordinated Notes. We have no further claims against the Indenture Trustee. These recoveries are included in gain on contingent lease obligations in the statements of income. On a post-tax basis these gains totaled $4.6 million. We are unable to determine the amount and timing of any future recoveries under our claims against House2Home and, therefore, have not recognized such claims against House2Home in our financial statements.

 

Early in 2004 we were notified by credit card issuers that credit and debit card accounts used legitimately at BJ’s were subsequently used in fraudulent transactions at non-BJ’s locations. In response, we retained a leading computer security firm to conduct a forensic analysis of our information technology systems with a goal of determining whether a breach had in fact occurred. While no conclusive evidence of a breach was found, the computer security firm concluded that: (1) our centralized computer system that serves as the aggregation point for all BJ’s credit and debit card transactions chain-wide had not been breached and (2) any breach would have likely occurred in a more decentralized fashion involving club-level systems. On March 12, 2004, after our receipt of the computer security firm’s preliminary report of findings, we issued a public statement alerting consumers to the potential security breach.

 

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In 2004, we recorded pretax charges of $7.0 million ($4.2 million post-tax) to establish a reserve for claims seeking reimbursement for fraudulent credit and debit card charges and the cost of replacing cards, monitoring expenses and related fees and expenses. As of April 6, 2005, the amount of estimated outstanding claims was approximately $10 million. In addition, the U.S. Federal Trade Commission is contemplating a proceeding against the Company relating to this matter. We are unable to predict whether further claims will be asserted.

 

We have contested and will continue to vigorously contest the claims made against us and continue to explore our defenses and possible claims against others.

 

As of January 29, 2005, the balance in the credit card reserve was $5.3 million, which represents our best estimate of the remaining costs and expenses related to this matter at that time. This reserve is included in accrued expenses and other current liabilities on our balance sheet. The ultimate outcome of this matter could differ from the amounts recorded. While that difference could be material to the results of operations for any affected reporting period, it is not expected to have a material impact on consolidated financial position or liquidity.

 

BJ’s had no off-balance sheet arrangements at any time during the fiscal year ended January 29, 2005.

 

The following summarizes our contractual cash obligations as of January 29, 2005 and the effect these obligations are expected to have on our liquidity and cash flows in future periods:

 

     Payments Due by Period

Contractual Obligations


   Total

   Less Than
1 Year


   1-3 Years

   3-5 Years

  

More Than

5 Years


     (Dollars in Thousands)

Long-term debt

   $ 4,572    $ 669    $ 1,338    $ 1,338    $ 1,227

Operating leases

     1,906,158      117,877      239,155      233,747      1,315,379

Purchase obligations

     417,261      377,457      24,630      13,781      1,393

Closed store lease obligations

     15,991      7,121      2,110      1,204      5,556

Other long-term liabilities

     47,464      4      19,254      5,493      22,713
    

  

  

  

  

     $ 2,391,446    $ 503,128    $ 286,487    $ 255,563    $ 1,346,268
    

  

  

  

  

 

In the table above, long-term debt consists of a real estate mortgage which matures through November 1, 2011. Amounts for long-term debt include interest as well as principal.

 

Amounts for operating leases reflect future minimum lease payments as disclosed in Note E of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements. We have options to renew all but one of our leases. The table above does not reflect any lease payments we would make pursuant to such renewal options, except for ground leases that include reasonably assured renewal options.

 

Approximately 87% of purchase obligations represent future payments for merchandise purchases. The remainder consists primarily of capital commitments and purchased services.

 

Amounts for closed store lease obligations comprise our liabilities on the balance sheet at January 29, 2005 for two BJ’s closed clubs. Timing of payments was based on our estimates of when these liabilities would likely be satisfied through lump sum settlements or through lease payments, net of estimated sublease income.

 

Amounts for other long-term liabilities consist mainly of payments for self-insured worker’s compensation and general liability claims and for asset retirement obligations, both of which are included on our balance sheet at January 29, 2005. The estimated timing of payments for insurance claims was based primarily on recent payment experience. The timing of asset retirement obligation payments corresponds to the end of the estimated useful life assigned to the assets. Not included in other noncurrent liabilities in the table above were payments of $22.7 million for our rent escalation liabilities because they are already included in the “operating leases” line, and deferred revenue of $3.6 million, which is not a cash obligation.

 

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Cash, cash equivalents and short-term marketable securities totaled $150.4 million as of January 29, 2005. Based on the expectation that a new five-year credit agreement will be in place before the current agreement expires, we believe that our current resources, together with anticipated cash flow from operations, will be sufficient to finance our operations through the term of the new credit agreement. However, we may from time to time seek to obtain additional financing.

 

Factors Which Could Affect Future Operating Results

 

This report contains a number of “forward-looking statements,” including statements regarding planned capital expenditures, planned club gas station openings, expected provision for income taxes, BJ’s reserve for credit and debit card claims, lease obligations in connection with two closed BJ’s clubs, ProFoods, the effects of implementing SFAS 123(R), sales penetration of private label products, planned addition of pharmacies and other information with respect to our plans and strategies. Any statements contained herein that are not statements of historical fact may be deemed to be forward-looking statements. Without limiting the foregoing, the words “believes,” “anticipates,” “plans,” “estimates,” “expects” and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. There are a number of important factors that could cause actual events or our actual results to differ materially from those indicated by such forward-looking statements, including, without limitation, the factors set forth below and other factors noted elsewhere in this Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, particularly those noted under “Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates”. In addition, any forward-looking statements represent our estimates only as of the day this annual report was first filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission and should not be relied upon as representing our estimates as of any subsequent date. While we may elect to update forward-looking statements at some point in the future, we specifically disclaim any obligation to do so, even if our estimates change.

 

Our clubs are located in the eastern United States, primarily in the Northeast. Our business may be adversely affected from time to time by economic downturns in our markets. In addition, we may be impacted by state and local regulation in our markets and temporarily impacted by weather conditions prevailing in our markets.

 

We compete with national, regional and local retailers and wholesalers, including national chains in the warehouse merchandising business, some of which have significantly greater financial and marketing resources than BJ’s, which could adversely affect our business, operating results and financial condition.

 

In connection with the spin-off in 1997, Waban received a letter ruling from the Internal Revenue Service to the effect that, for federal income tax purposes, the distribution of the Company’s stock to Waban’s stockholders (the “Distribution”) and related asset transfers would be tax-free to Waban’s stockholders. Certain future events not within the control of the Company or House2Home, including, for example, certain dispositions of the Company’s common stock or House2Home’s common stock, could cause the Distribution not to qualify for tax-free treatment. If this occurred, the related tax liability would be payable by House2Home, although the Company has agreed to indemnify House2Home under certain circumstances for all or a portion of such tax liability.

 

Item 7A.    Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

 

We believe that our potential exposure to market risk as of January 29, 2005 is not material because of the short contractual maturities of our cash and cash equivalents on that date and because of the interest rate reset feature applicable to our marketable securities, which typically adjust to market rates every 35 days. There were no borrowings outstanding under our bank credit agreement or its uncommitted credit line at January 29, 2005. We have not used derivative financial instruments. See Summary of Accounting Policies—Disclosures about Fair Value of Financial Instruments and Note D in Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

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Item 8.    Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

 

INDEX TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SCHEDULES

 

     Page

Consolidated Statements of Income for the fiscal years ended January 29, 2005, January 31, 2004, and February 1, 2003

   25

Consolidated Balance Sheets as of January 29, 2005 and January 31, 2004

   26

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the fiscal years ended January 29, 2005, January 31, 2004, and February 1, 2003

   27

Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity for the fiscal years ended January 29, 2005, January 31, 2004, and February 1, 2003

   28

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

   29

Selected Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited)

   47

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

   48

Management’s Report on Controls over Financial Reporting

   49

 

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BJ’S WHOLESALE CLUB, INC.

 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME

 

     Fiscal Year Ended

 
     January 29,
2005


    January 31,
2004


   

February 1,

2003


 
     (Dollars in Thousands except Per Share Amounts)  

Net sales

   $ 7,220,239     $ 6,553,924     $ 5,728,955  

Membership fees and other

     155,062       139,411       130,747  
    


 


 


Total revenues

     7,375,301       6,693,335       5,859,702  
    


 


 


Cost of sales, including buying and occupancy costs

     6,617,495       6,018,088       5,212,124  

Selling, general and administrative expenses

     556,234       502,673       416,063  

Provision for credit card claims

     7,000       —         —    

Preopening expenses

     15,331       8,875       11,735  
    


 


 


Operating income

     179,241       163,699       219,780  

Interest income (expense), net

     803       (74 )     293  

Gain on contingent lease obligations

     9,424       4,488       15,607  
    


 


 


Income from continuing operations before income tax

     189,468       168,113       235,680  

Provision for income taxes

     72,884       63,318       89,871  
    


 


 


Income from continuing operations

     116,584       104,795       145,809  

Loss from discontinued operations, net of income tax benefit of $1,455, $451 and $9,849

     (2,183 )     (676 )     (14,943 )
    


 


 


Income before cumulative effect of accounting principle changes

     114,401       104,119       130,866  

Cumulative effect of accounting principle changes

     —         (1,253 )     —    
    


 


 


Net income

   $ 114,401     $ 102,866     $ 130,866  
    


 


 


Basic earnings per share:

                        

Income from continuing operations

   $ 1.68     $ 1.51     $ 2.07  

Loss from discontinued operations

     (0.04 )     (0.01 )     (0.21 )

Cumulative effect of accounting principle changes

     —         (0.02 )     —    
    


 


 


Net income

   $ 1.64     $ 1.48     $ 1.86  
    


 


 


Diluted earnings per share:

                        

Income from continuing operations

   $ 1.66     $ 1.50     $ 2.05  

Loss from discontinued operations

     (0.03 )     (0.01 )     (0.21 )

Cumulative effect of accounting principle changes

     —         (0.02 )     —    
    


 


 


Net income

   $ 1.63     $ 1.47     $ 1.84  
    


 


 


Number of common shares for earnings per share computations:

                        

Basic

     69,580,978       69,521,408       70,321,078  

Diluted

     70,131,653       69,815,020       71,120,706  

Pro forma amounts assuming accounting principle changes are applied retroactively:

                        

Net income

   $ 114,401     $ 104,119     $ 130,296  
    


 


 


Basic earnings per common share

   $ 1.64     $ 1.50     $ 1.85  
    


 


 


Diluted earnings per common share

   $ 1.63     $ 1.49     $ 1.83  
    


 


 


 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.

 

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BJ’S WHOLESALE CLUB, INC.

 

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

 

     January 29,
2005


    January 31,
2004


 
     (Dollars in Thousands)  

ASSETS

                

Current assets:

                

Cash and cash equivalents

   $ 125,558     $ 78,720  

Marketable securities

     24,800       —    

Accounts receivable

     87,292       78,922  

Merchandise inventories

     759,742       709,362  

Current deferred income taxes

     25,665       19,326  

Prepaid expenses

     19,922       22,640  
    


 


Total current assets

     1,042,979       908,970  
    


 


Property at cost:

                

Land and buildings

     564,237       539,885  

Leasehold costs and improvements

     152,547       121,128  

Furniture, fixtures and equipment

     514,838       479,444  
    


 


       1,231,622       1,140,457  

Less: accumulated depreciation and amortization

     405,737       351,153  
    


 


       825,885       789,304  

Other assets

     22,650       23,085  
    


 


Total assets

   $ 1,891,514     $ 1,721,359  
    


 


LIABILITIES

                

Current liabilities:

                

Current installments of long-term debt

   $ 429     $ 400  

Accounts payable

     533,345       506,988  

Accrued expenses and other current liabilities

     238,911       205,919  

Accrued federal and state income taxes

     54,321       37,928  

Closed store lease obligations due within one year

     7,121       10,448  
    


 


Total current liabilities

     834,127       761,683  
    


 


Long-term debt, less portion due within one year

     3,196       3,625  

Noncurrent closed store lease obligations

     8,870       11,463  

Other noncurrent liabilities

     73,756       58,199  

Deferred income taxes

     32,398       34,168  

Commitments and contingencies

     —         —    

STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

                

Preferred stock, par value $.01, authorized 20,000,000 shares, no shares issued

     —         —    

Common stock, par value $.01, authorized 180,000,000 shares, issued 74,410,190 shares

     744       744  

Additional paid-in capital

     37,827       52,868  

Unearned compensation

     (2,629 )     (185 )

Retained earnings

     1,078,909       964,533  

Treasury stock, at cost, 5,320,687 and 4,620,587 shares

     (175,684 )     (165,739 )
    


 


Total stockholders’ equity

     939,167       852,221  
    


 


Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity

   $ 1,891,514     $ 1,721,359  
    


 


 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.

 

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BJ’S WHOLESALE CLUB, INC.

 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

 

     Fiscal Year Ended

 
    

January 29,

2005


   

January 31,

2004


    February 1,
2003


 
     (Dollars in Thousands)  

CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES

                        

Net income

   $ 114,401     $ 102,866     $ 130,866  

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:

                        

Provision for credit card claims

     7,000       —         —    

Gain on contingent lease obligations

     (2,458 )     (4,488 )     (15,607 )

Provision for store closing costs and asset impairment losses

     6,025       3,468       23,234  

Provision for lease accounting corrections

     7,234       —         —    

Cumulative effect of accounting principle changes

     —         1,253       —    

Depreciation and amortization of property

     98,900       87,050       73,113  

Loss on property disposals

     502       1,154       854  

Other noncash items (net)

     1,568       903       287  

Deferred income taxes

     (8,109 )     22,917       32,499  

Tax benefit from exercise of stock options

     4,343       999       2,817  

Increase (decrease) in cash due to changes in:

                        

Accounts receivable

     (8,370 )     (15,543 )     (1,304 )

Merchandise inventories

     (50,380 )     (77,827 )     (71,534 )

Prepaid expenses

     2,718       (3,614 )     (1,620 )

Other assets

     194       (466 )     (1,844 )

Accounts payable

     38,018       71,059       30,613  

Accrued expenses

     20,645       26,146       11,114  

Accrued income taxes

     16,393       12,960       (8,384 )

Closed store lease obligations

     (7,100 )     (33,061 )     (51,493 )

Other noncurrent liabilities

     7,366       4,167       (2,268 )
    


 


 


Net cash provided by operating activities

     248,890       199,943       151,343  
    


 


 


CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES

                        

Property additions

     (133,263 )     (176,918 )     (134,826 )

Proceeds from property disposals

     544       157       144  

Purchase of marketable securities

     (941,250 )     (213,700 )     —    

Sale of marketable securities

     916,450       213,700       —    
    


 


 


Net cash used in investing activities

     (157,519 )     (176,761 )     (134,682 )
    


 


 


CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES

                        

Repayment of long-term debt

     (400 )     —         —    

Repayment of capital lease obligations

     —         —         (197 )

Cash dividends paid on preferred stock of subsidiary

     (25 )     (25 )     (25 )

Proceeds from issuance of common stock

     12,871       7,489       3,967  

Purchase of treasury stock

     (45,318 )     —         (83,469 )

Changes in book overdrafts

     (11,661 )     15,391       8,588  
    


 


 


Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities

     (44,533 )     22,855       (71,136 )
    


 


 


Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

     46,838       46,037       (54,475 )

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year

     78,720       32,683       87,158  
    


 


 


Cash and cash equivalents at end of year

   $ 125,558     $ 78,720     $ 32,683  
    


 


 


Supplemental cash flow information:

                        

Interest paid, net of capitalized interest

   $ 596     $ 166     $ 301  

Income taxes paid

     63,145       26,990       55,907  

Noncash financing and investing activities:

                        

Treasury stock issued for compensation plans

   $ 35,373     $ 18,112     $ 13,220  

Debt assumed in connection with real estate purchase

     —         4,025       —    

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.

 

27


Table of Contents

BJ’S WHOLESALE CLUB, INC.

 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

 

    Common Stock

 

Additional

Paid-in

Capital


   

Unearned

Compensation


   

Retained

Earnings


    Treasury Stock

   

Total

Stockholders’

Equity


 
    Shares

  Amount

        Shares

    Amount

   
                  (In Thousands)                          

Balance, February 2, 2002

  74,410   $ 744   $ 68,615     $ (41 )   $ 730,851     (2,817 )   $ (113,602 )   $ 686,567  

Net income

  —       —       —         —         130,866     —         —         130,866  

Issuance of common stock

  —       —       (6,237 )     (199 )     —       340       13,220       6,784  

Cash dividends on preferred stock of subsidiary

  —       —       —         —         (25 )   —         —         (25 )

Purchase of treasury stock

  —       —       —         —         —       (2,649 )     (83,469 )     (83,469 )

Compensation expense

  —       —       —         80       —       —         —         80  
   
 

 


 


 


 

 


 


Balance, February 1, 2003

  74,410     744     62,378       (160 )     861,692     (5,126 )     (183,851 )     740,803  

Net income

  —       —       —         —         102,866     —         —         102,866  

Issuance of common stock

  —       —       (9,510 )     (114 )     —       505       18,112       8,488  

Cash dividends on preferred stock of subsidiary

  —       —       —         —         (25 )   —         —         (25 )

Compensation expense

  —       —       —         89       —       —         —         89  
   
 

 


 


 


 

 


 


Balance, January 31, 2004

  74,410     744     52,868       (185 )     964,533     (4,621 )     (165,739 )     852,221  

Net income

  —       —       —                 114,401     —         —         114,401  

Issuance of common stock

  —       —       (15,041 )     (3,116 )     —       1,025       35,373       17,216  

Cash dividends on preferred stock of subsidiary

  —       —       —         —         (25 )   —         —         (25 )

Purchase of treasury stock

  —       —       —         —         —       (1,725 )     (45,318 )     (45,318 )

Compensation expense

  —       —       —         672       —       —         —         672  
   
 

 


 


 


 

 


 


Balance, January 29, 2005

  74,410   $ 744   $ 37,827     $ (2,629 )   $ 1,078,909     (5,321 )   $ (175,684 )   $ 939,167  
   
 

 


 


 


 

 


 


 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.

 

28


Table of Contents

BJ’S WHOLESALE CLUB, INC.

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

Summary of Accounting Policies

 

Basis of Presentation

 

The consolidated financial statements of BJ’s Wholesale Club, Inc. (“BJ’s” or the “Company” or “we”) include the financial statements of all of the Company’s subsidiaries, all of whose common stock is wholly owned by the Company.

 

Fiscal Year

 

Our fiscal year ends on the Saturday closest to January 31. The fiscal years ended January 29, 2005, January 31, 2004 and February 1, 2003 each included 52 weeks.

 

Cash Equivalents and Marketable Securities

 

We consider highly liquid investments with a maturity of three months or less at time of purchase to be cash equivalents. Investments with maturities exceeding three months are classified as marketable securities.

 

Our marketable securities, which consist of high-grade debt securities issued by state governmental agencies or their political subdivisions, are classified as available for sale and are recorded at cost, which approximates fair value.

 

Accounts Receivable

 

Accounts receivable consist primarily of credit card receivables and vendor rebates and allowances and are stated net of allowances for doubtful accounts of $616,000 at January 29, 2005 and $355,000 at January 31, 2004. The determination of the allowance for doubtful accounts is based on BJ’s historical experience applied to an aging of accounts and a review of individual accounts with a known potential for write-off.