e10vq
Table of Contents

 
 
UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-Q
(Mark One)
     
þ   QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For The Quarterly Period Ended March 31, 2007
OR
     
o   TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1934
FOR THE TRANSITION PERIOD FROM                      TO                     .
Commission File Number: 000-23157
A. C. MOORE ARTS & CRAFTS, INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
     
Pennsylvania   22-3527763
     
(State or Other Jurisdiction of
Incorporation or Organization)
  (I.R.S. Employer
Identification No.)
     
130 A. C. Moore Drive, Berlin, NJ 08009
(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code)
(856) 768-4930
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)
N/A
(Former name, former address and former fiscal year, if changed since last report)
     Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.
Yes þ      No o
     Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, or a non-accelerated filer. See definition of “accelerated filer and large accelerated filer” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):
o Large accelerated filer               þ Accelerated filer               o Non-accelerated filer
     Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).
Yes o      No þ
     Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer’s classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date:
     
Class   Outstanding at May 4, 2007
     
Common Stock, no par value   20,232,666
 
 

 


 

A. C. MOORE ARTS & CRAFTS, INC.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
         
    Page  
       
 
       
       
 
       
    1  
 
       
    2  
 
       
    3  
 
       
    4  
 
       
    10  
 
       
    15  
 
       
    15  
 
       
       
 
       
    16  
 
       
    16  
 
       
    16  
 
       
    16  
 
       
    16  
 
       
    16  
 Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a)
 Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a)
 Certification of the Company's Chief Executive Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350
 Certification of the Company's Chief Financial Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350

-i-


Table of Contents

PART I — FINANCIAL INFORMATION
ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
A.C. MOORE ARTS & CRAFTS, INC.
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(dollars in thousands)
(unaudited)
                         
    March 31,     December 31,     March 31,  
    2007     2006     2006  
ASSETS
                       
Current assets:
                       
Cash and cash equivalents
  $ 67,757     $ 76,120     $ 45,853  
Marketable securities
                1,500  
Inventories
    147,223       146,751       164,901  
Prepaid expenses and other current assets
    8,741       7,653       5,546  
Prepaid income taxes
                478  
Deferred tax asset
    3,000       2,636       1,334  
 
                 
 
    226,721       233,160       219,612  
 
                       
Non current assets:
                       
Property and equipment, net
    96,882       95,268       89,748  
Other assets
    1,318       1,409       1,367  
 
                 
 
  $ 324,921     $ 329,837     $ 310,727  
 
                 
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
                       
Current liabilities:
                       
Current portion of long-term debt
  $ 2,571     $ 2,571     $ 2,571  
Trade accounts payable
    47,045       48,703       47,998  
Accrued payroll and payroll taxes
    2,884       3,011       2,586  
Accrued expenses
    15,030       17,336       9,039  
Accrued lease liability
    756       825       65  
Income taxes payable
    617       1,935        
 
                 
 
    68,903       74,381       62,259  
 
                       
Non current liabilities:
                       
Long-term debt
    21,000       21,643       23,572  
Deferred and other tax liabilities
    6,867       6,605       7,925  
Accrued lease liability
    19,184       19,430       17,200  
 
                 
 
    47,051       47,678       48,697  
 
                 
 
    115,954       122,059       110,956  
 
                       
Shareholders’ Equity:
                       
Preferred stock, no par value, 10,000,000 shares authorized; none issued
                 
Common stock, no par value, 40,000,000 shares authorized; issued and outstanding 20,188,466 shares at March 31, 2007 and 20,167,098 at December 31, 2006 and 19,856,959 at March 31, 2006
    119,443       118,218       112,395  
Retained earnings
    89,524       89,560       87,376  
 
                 
 
    208,967       207,778       199,771  
 
                 
 
  $ 324,921     $ 329,837     $ 310,727  
 
                 
See accompanying notes to financial statements.

- 1 -


Table of Contents

A.C. MOORE ARTS & CRAFTS, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(dollars in thousands, except per share data)
(unaudited)
                 
    Three months ended  
    March 31,  
    2007     2006  
Net sales
  $ 135,380     $ 132,918  
Cost of sales (including buying and distribution costs)
    79,703       79,765  
 
           
Gross margin
    55,677       53,153  
Selling, general and administrative expenses
    54,393       51,844  
Costs related to change in management
    290       216  
Pre-opening expenses
    314       624  
 
           
Income from operations
    680       469  
Interest expense
    352       368  
Interest (income)
    (585 )     (315 )
 
           
Income before income taxes
    913       416  
Provision for income taxes
    341       166  
 
           
Net income
  $ 572     $ 250  
 
           
 
               
Basic net income per share
  $ 0.03     $ 0.01  
 
           
Diluted net income per share
  $ 0.03     $ 0.01  
 
           
See accompanying notes to financial statements.

- 2 -


Table of Contents

A.C. MOORE ARTS & CRAFTS, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(dollars in thousands, except per share data)
(unaudited)
                 
    Three months ended  
    March 31,  
    2007     2006  
Cash flows from operating activities:
               
Net income
  $ 572     $ 250  
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash (used in) operating activities:
               
Depreciation and amortization
    3,473       2,873  
Stock based compensation
    981       699  
Provision for (benefit of) deferred income taxes, net
    (710 )     (714 )
Changes in assets and liabilities:
               
Inventories
    (472 )     (12,255 )
Prepaid expenses and other current assets
    (1,088 )     1,354  
Accounts payable, accrued payroll, payroll taxes and accrued expenses
    (4,091 )     (794 )
Income taxes payable
    (1,318 )     (2,157 )
Accrued lease liability
    (315 )     (62 )
Other
    91       40  
 
           
Net cash (used in) operating activities
    (2,877 )     (10,766 )
 
               
Cash flows from investing activities:
               
Capital expenditures
    (5,087 )     (4,523 )
Proceeds from maturation of marketable securities
          3,724  
 
           
Net cash (used in) investing activities
    (5,087 )     (799 )
 
               
Cash flows from financing activities:
       
Exercise of stock options
    149       208  
Tax benefit of stock based compensation
    95       105  
Repayment of long-term debt
    (643 )     (643 )
 
           
Net cash (used in) financing activities
    (399 )     (330 )
 
           
Net (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
    (8,363 )     (11,895 )
 
               
 
           
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period
    76,120       57,748  
 
           
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
  $ 67,757     $ 45,853  
 
           
See accompanying notes to financial statements.

- 3 -


Table of Contents

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)
(1)   BASIS OF PRESENTATION
 
    The consolidated financial statements included herein are for A.C. Moore Arts & Crafts, Inc. and its wholly owned subsidiaries (collectively, the “Company”). As of March 31, 2007, the Company is a chain of 123 retail stores selling arts and crafts merchandise. The stores are located throughout the eastern United States from Maine to Florida.
 
    These financial statements have been prepared by management without audit and should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2006. Due to the seasonality of the Company’s business, the results for the interim periods are not necessarily indicative of the results for the year. The Company has included its balance sheet as of March 31, 2006 to assist in viewing the Company on a full-year basis. The accompanying consolidated financial statements reflect, in the opinion of management, all adjustments necessary for a fair statement of the interim financial statements. In the opinion of management, all such adjustments are of a normal and recurring nature. On January 1, 2007 the Company adopted the provisions of Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) Interpretation No. 48, (FIN 48)Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes. For further discussion on the adoption of FIN 48 see note 11, Income Taxes.
 
    Certain reclassifications have been made to prior year amounts to conform to our current year presentation.
 
(2)   STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION
 
    On January 1, 2006 the Company adopted SFAS No. 123(R), “Share-Based Payment” requiring the recognition of compensation expense in the consolidated statement of operations related to the fair value of its employee share-based options.
 
    The Company determines fair value of such awards using the Black-Scholes options pricing model with the following weighted-average assumptions:
                 
    2007   2006
Average fair value of options granted
  $ 7.87     $ 8.99  
Risk free interest rate
    4.6 %     4.6 %
Dividend yield
           
Average expected life
  4.5 yrs.   6.0 yrs.
Expected stock price volatility
    38.0 %     44.4 %
Expected volatilities were based on a blend of historical and implied volatilities of the Company’s common stock; the expected life represents the weighted average period of time that options granted are expected to be outstanding giving consideration to vesting schedules and our historical exercise patterns; and the risk-free rate is based on the U.S. Treasury yield curve in effect at the time of grant for periods corresponding with the expected life of the option.
The Company has two stock option plans under which the company may grant up to 3,500,000 shares of common stock. Stock options granted under these plans vest ratably over a period from one to three years and expire from seven to ten years from the date of grant.

- 4 -


Table of Contents

The following tables summarize information about the stock option activity for the first quarter and options outstanding as of March 31, 2007.
                 
    Three months ended
    March 31,
    2007   2006
    (in thousands except per share
    data and # of months)
Stock-based compensation expense
  $ 981     $ 699  
Effect on net income
    710       441  
Effect on earnings per share
    .03       .02  
Market value in excess of grant price for options exercised
    235       449  
Intrinsic value of options outstanding
    3,101       6,160  
Unrecognized compensation cost
    4,929       2,683  
Months over which compensation costs will be recognized
    35       29  
Shares available for future grant
    163       642  
Activity in the Company’s stock option plans for the first quarter of 2007 and 2006 was as follows:
                                 
    2007     2006  
            Weighted Average             Weighted Average  
    Options     Exercise Price     Options     Exercise Price  
Outstanding at beginning of period
    1,367,678     $ 19.50       1,485,067     $ 16.87  
Activity:
                               
Granted
    277,400       20.37              
Forfeited
    (36,733 )     24.26       (4,529 )     21.54  
Exercised
    (16,868 )     7.32       (40,185 )     5.18  
 
                       
Outstanding at end of period
    1,591,477     $ 19.67       1,440,353     $ 17.28  
 
                       

- 5 -


Table of Contents

The following table summarizes information about stock options outstanding at March 31, 2007.
                                         
            Stock Options Outstanding     Stock Options Exercisable  
            Weighted                      
Range of           Average Remaining     Weighted Average             Weighted Average  
Exercise Prices   Shares     Life (Years)     Exercise Price     Shares     Exercise Price  
2.88 – 4.50
    98,306       2.3       3.69       98,306       3.69  
7.69 – 8.32
    67,886       3.6       8.16       67,886       8.16  
16.38 – 18.32
    297,000       9.3       17.57       0       0  
19.11 – 21.95
    690,460       6.7       20.40       325,580       20.11  
23.51 – 27.15
    437,825       7.3       25.34       322,993       26.03  
 
                             
 
    1,591,477       6.9       19.67       814,764       19.48  
 
                             
(3)   MANAGEMENT ESTIMATES
 
    The preparation of these consolidated financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements, the reported amounts of expenses during the reported period and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities in our financial statements and accompanying notes. Significant estimates made as of and for the three month periods ended March 31, 2007 and 2006 include provisions for shrinkage, capitalized buying, warehousing and distribution costs related to inventory, and markdowns of merchandise inventories. Actual results could differ materially from those estimates.
 
(4)   COSTS RELATED TO CHANGE IN MANAGEMENT
 
    The Company incurred costs of $290,000 and $216,000 for the three month periods ended March 31, 2007 and 2006, respectively, related to the change in management. These costs include severance costs for departing officers and employees as well as recruiting costs of new officers.
 
(5)   MARKETABLE SECURITIES
 
    Marketable securities represent investments in fixed financial instruments, are classified as held-to-maturity and recorded at amortized cost. Securities with maturities in excess of 12 months are classified as long-term.
 
(6)   INVENTORIES
 
    Inventories, which consist of general consumer merchandise held for sale, are stated at the lower of cost or market. The cost of store inventories is determined by the retail inventory method. Warehouse inventories are stated at cost determined on a first-in, first-out basis. The Company includes as inventoriable costs certain indirect costs, such as purchasing and receiving costs, inbound freight, duties related to import purchases, internal transfer costs and warehousing costs. The Company records vendor monies which support its advertising programs as a reduction in the cost of inventory. Vendor monies are recognized as a reduction of cost of goods sold when the inventory is sold.

- 6 -


Table of Contents

(7)   PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT
 
    Property and equipment are stated at cost. Depreciation is provided on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful lives of the assets. Buildings and building improvements are depreciated over periods of twenty to forty years, furniture, fixtures and equipment are depreciated over periods of five to ten years and leasehold improvements are depreciated over the shorter of their estimated useful lives or the term of the related lease.
 
(8)   INSURANCE LIABILITIES
 
    We use a combination of third-party insurance and/or self-insurance for certain risks, including workers’ compensation, medical, dental, automobile and general liability claims. The Company’s insurance liabilities are a component of “Accrued expenses” in the Company’s consolidated balance sheets, and represent an estimate of the ultimate cost of uninsured claims incurred as of the balance sheet date.
 
(9)   FINANCING AGREEMENT
 
    The Company maintains two mortgage agreements with Wachovia related to its distribution center and corporate offices, of which $23.6 and $26.1 million was outstanding at March 31, 2007 and 2006, respectively. The mortgages are secured by land, building, and equipment. Of the original $30.0 million in mortgages, $22.5 million ($18.8 million at March 31, 2007) is repayable over 15 years and $7.5 million ($4.8 million at March 31, 2007) is repayable over seven years. Fixed monthly payments are $214,000. As of November 2006, the Company effectively converted these mortgages from a variable interest rate to fixed interest rates of 5.77% on the 15-year mortgage and 5.72% on the seven-year mortgage through the use of an interest rate swap.
 
    In March 2007, the Company amended these two mortgages to modify certain covenants. The mortgages, as amended, contain covenants that, among other things, restrict the Company’s ability to incur additional indebtedness or guarantee obligations in excess of $18.0 million, engage in mergers or consolidations, dispose of assets, make acquisitions requiring a cash outlay in excess of $20.0 million, make loans or advances in excess of $1.0 million, permit liens relating to capitalized lease obligations or purchase money financing in excess of $2.0 million, or change the nature of its business. The Company is restricted in capital expenditures unless certain financial covenants are maintained including those relating to tangible net worth and funded debt. The mortgages also define various events of default, including cross default provisions, defaults for any material judgments or a change in control. At March 31, 2007, the Company was in compliance with these covenants.
 
    In March 2007, the Company extended its line of credit agreement with Wachovia from May 31, 2007 to May 31, 2008. Borrowing under this line bears interest at LIBOR plus 65 basis points and is subject to the same covenants as the mortgages described above. As of March 31, 2007, there were no borrowings outstanding under this agreement.
 
(10)   REVENUE RECOGNITION
 
    The Company recognizes revenue at the time of sale of merchandise to its customers, with the exception of custom frames which are recognized at the time of delivery. The value of point of sale coupons, which have a very limited life, and other discounts that result in a reduction of the price paid by the customer are recorded as a reduction of sales. Sales returns, which are reserved for based on historical experience, are provided for in the period that the related sales are recorded. Proceeds from the sale of gift cards are recorded as gift card liability and recognized as revenue

- 7 -


Table of Contents

    when redeemed by the holder. If a gift card remains unredeemed for a period after which the likelihood of redemption by the customer is remote, the Company will recognize the remaining balance on the card as a reduction of selling, general and administrative expenses.
 
(11)   INCOME TAXES
 
    The Company adopted the provisions of FASB Interpretation No. 48, Accounting for Income Taxes (FIN 48), on January 1, 2007. As a result of adoption, the Company recognized an increase of $608,000 in a reserve for uncertain tax positions. This increase was accounted for as an adjustment to the beginning balance of retained earnings. Including the cumulative effect increase on January 1, 2007, the Company had $1,061,000 of unrecognized tax benefits, all of which would affect the effective tax rate if recognized. The Company’s reserve for uncertain tax positions is included as a long term liability under the caption “Deferred and other tax liabilities” on the consolidated balance sheet. Included in these unrecognized benefits are approximately $188,000 of accrued interest and $164,000 of penalties. Effective with the adoption of FIN 48 the Company will record interest as a component of interest expense and penalties as a component of income tax expense. Prior to the adoption of FIN 48, interest accrued on unrecognized tax benefits was recorded as a component of income tax expense.
 
    The Company is subject to U.S. Federal income tax as well as income tax of multiple state jurisdictions. The Company has substantially concluded all material tax matters in jurisdictions where it files returns for years through 2003.
 
    The Company is currently under audit by the Internal Revenue Service for the 2004 and 2005 tax years. It is likely that the examination phase of this audit will conclude in 2007 however the final outcome is not yet determinable.
 
    The Company’s effective tax provision rate for the first quarter of 2007 was 37.3% as compared to 39.9% in the first quarter of 2006. This decrease is primarily attributable to an increase in tax free interest income and a reduction in compensation expense from incentive stock options.
 
(12)   EARNINGS PER SHARE
 
    The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted earnings per share:
                 
    Three months ended  
    March 31,  
    2007     2006  
    (in thousands except  
    per share data)  
Net income
  $ 572     $ 250  
 
           
Weighted average shares:
               
Basic
    20,180       19,838  
 
           
Incremental shares from assumed exercise of stock options
    99       232  
 
           
Diluted
    20,279       20,070  
 
           
Basic net income per share
  $ 0.03     $ 0.01  
 
           
Diluted net income per share
  $ 0.03     $ 0.01  
Stock options excluded from calculation because exercise price was greater than market price at reporting date
    624       977  
 
           

- 8 -


Table of Contents

(13)   COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
 
    On April 4, 2003, Kathleen Stahl, a former store merchandiser for the Company, filed a civil action against the Company in the Superior Court of New Jersey, Burlington County – Law Division for alleged retaliatory harassment and constructive discharge under the New Jersey Conscientious Employee Protection Act. On October 30, 2006, a jury returned a verdict in the favor of the plaintiff for $19,600 in lost wages, $1.8 million for emotional distress and $1.5 million in punitive damages. The Company is disappointed with the jury’s verdict and believes it is not supported by the evidence. A non-binding mediation is currently scheduled for June 12, 2007.
 
    The Company believes that the requirements of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 5, “Accounting for Contingencies,” for accruing a charge for this matter have not been met. At this time, the Company believes that a loss from this lawsuit is probable but cannot reasonably estimate the amount of the loss. The Company believes that the range of loss in this matter is from $0 to the amount of the verdict, plus interest. However, the Company cannot at this time determine a best estimate within this range. The Company has therefore not recorded a charge.
 
    Management may determine in the future that a charge for all or a portion of the award is required. Any such charge could materially and adversely affect the Company’s results of operations for the quarter or the year in which such a charge may be accrued.
 
    The Company is not a party to any other material legal proceedings other than routine litigation incidental to its business. In the opinion of management, the amount of ultimate liability with respect to these actions will not materially affect the financial position, operating results or cash flows of the Company.

- 9 -


Table of Contents

ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
OVERVIEW
The following discussion and analysis contains certain forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements do not constitute historical facts and involve risks and uncertainties. Actual results could differ materially from those referred to in the forward-looking statements due to a number of factors, including, but not limited to, the following: our ability to implement our business and operating initiatives to improve profitability, customer demand and trends in the arts and crafts industry, inventory risks, the effect of economic conditions and gasoline prices, the impact of unfavorable weather conditions, the impact of competitors’ locations, pricing or business, the availability of acceptable real estate locations for new stores, difficulties with respect to new system technologies, difficulties in implementing measures to reduce costs and expenses and improve margins, supply constraints or difficulties, the effectiveness of and changes to advertising strategies, the costs associated with a change in management, difficulties in determining the outcome and impact of litigation, the impact of the threat of terrorist attacks and war, our ability to maintain an effective system of internal control over financial reporting and other risks as detailed in our Securities and Exchange Commission filings. For additional information concerning factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from the information contained herein, reference is made to the information under Part I, “Item 1A. Risk Factors” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2006 as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”).
We are a specialty retailer offering a vast selection of arts, crafts and floral merchandise to a broad demographic of consumers. We have grown from 17 stores in January 1997 to 123 stores as of March 31, 2007. Our stores are located in the eastern United States from Maine to Florida.
Due to the importance of our peak selling season, which includes Fall/Halloween, Thanksgiving and Christmas, the fourth quarter has historically contributed, and we expect it will continue to contribute, disproportionately to our profitability for the entire year. As a result, our quarterly results of operations may fluctuate. In addition, results of a period shorter than a full year may not be indicative of results expected for the entire year.
Our quarterly results of operations also may fluctuate based upon such factors as the length of holiday seasons, the date on which holidays fall, the number and timing of new store openings, closure of underperforming stores, the amount of store pre-opening expenses, the amount of net sales contributed by new and existing stores, the mix of products sold, the amount of sales returns, the timing and level of markdowns and other competitive factors.
Recent Developments and Business Update
     We expect that 2007 will be a year of transition as our new management team is focused on reviewing and adjusting various aspects of our business and operations to position ourselves for improved performance. New management’s primary business and operating initiatives are discussed below.
Selling, general and administrative expense reduction
     We are aggressively reviewing all facets of our business for opportunities to reduce expenses. The following are our major expense reduction initiatives:

- 10 -


Table of Contents

    Store payroll costs. We introduced a new general manager compensation plan based on pay-for-performance beginning in January 2007. Bonuses earned in one year are no longer rolled into base salary for the coming year. Store staffing models, including an appropriate mix of full- and part-time team members, tested in the second half of 2006, began to be implemented in the first quarter of 2007 and improved our results of operations through payroll savings.
 
    Advertising spending. We are in the process of evaluating the reach, frequency and timing of our advertisements. During the first quarter of 2007, we entered into an arrangement with a newspaper placement agency to assist with rate reductions and circulation analysis on a market by market basis. This review will continue throughout the next two quarters.
 
    Real estate site location strategy. We believe that our selling, general and administrative expenses may be significantly reduced if we increase store openings in existing markets in order to leverage advertising costs. In the future, we intend to increase store density in existing markets. In addition, previously we entered new markets opening only a single store. When we enter new markets in the future, as appropriate, we intend to open more than one store at the same time we enter that market.
Improved information technology
We are committed to enhancing our information technology to increase operating efficiencies, improve merchandise selection and better serve our customers. During the first quarter of 2007, we began to upgrade the scanner gun technology in our stores. We expect to complete this rollout next quarter which we believe will improve store inventory procedures and reduce repair and maintenance expenses. We are currently investigating the development of both a perpetual inventory and an automated replenishment system, which we anticipate will be implemented in 2007 and 2008, respectively.
Globally sourced and private label products
We are increasing the global sourcing of products. We anticipate that products imported directly through an arrangement with a global sourcing supplier will be sold in our stores beginning in the second half of 2007. We expect that the number of products globally sourced will substantially increase in the future. We also intend to begin selling private-label products bearing our Company name and logo in the second half of 2007. We believe that increased global sourcing and sale of private label products will result in substantial margin improvement.
Centrally directed operations
We are committed to increasing the level of standardization in operations and centrally directed management practices. This initiative includes, standardizing the presentation in our stores, managing store classroom programs from our corporate office and making our advertising strategy consistent across markets. We believe that increased centrally directed management will improve our operating efficiencies.

- 11 -


Table of Contents

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
The following table sets forth, for the periods indicated, selected statement of operations data expressed as a percentage of net sales and the number of stores open at the end of each such period:
                 
    Three months ended
    March 31,
    2007   2006
Net sales
    100.0 %     100.0 %
Cost of sales
    58.9       60.0  
 
               
Gross margin
    41.1       40.0  
Selling, general and administrative expenses
    40.2       39.0  
Costs related to change in Management
    0.2       0.2  
Store pre-opening expenses
    0.2       0.5  
 
               
Income from operations
    0.5       0.3  
Net interest (income) expense
    (0.2 )     0.0  
 
               
Income before income taxes
    0.7       0.3  
Provision for income taxes
    0.3       0.2  
 
               
Net income
    0.4 %     0.1 %
 
               
Number of stores open at end of period
    123       113  
Three Months Ended March 31, 2007 Compared To Three Months Ended March 31, 2006
Net Sales. Net sales increased $2.5 million, or 1.9%, to $135.4 million in the three months ended March 31, 2007 from $132.9 million in the comparable 2006 period. This increase is comprised of (i) net sales of $9.3 million from stores not included in the comparable store base, (ii) a comparable store sales decrease of $6.4 million, or 4.9%, and (iii) net sales of $0.4 million from stores closed since the comparable period of last year. For the three months ended March 31, 2007, merchandise categories that exhibited strength included cake and candy making, seasonal and scrapbooking. While yarn continued to have a negative effect on overall sales, comparable sales declines in certain other departments were offset by increased gross margins.
Gross Margin. Gross margin is net sales minus the cost of merchandise which includes purchasing and receiving costs, inbound freight, duties related to import purchases, internal transfer costs and warehousing costs. Gross margin as a percent of net sales was 41.1% for the three month period ended March 31, 2007, and 40.0% for the three months ended March 31, 2006. The mix of merchandise sold increased margins by 1.1%, which was effected by price elasticity studies and more favorable vendor pricing.
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses. Selling, general and administrative expenses include (a) direct store level expenses, including rent and related operating costs, payroll, advertising, depreciation and other direct costs, and (b) corporate level costs not directly associated with or allocable to cost of sales including executive salaries, accounting and finance, corporate information systems, office facilities, stock-based compensation and other corporate expenses.
Selling, general and administrative expenses, as a percent of sales, increased 1.2% in the three months ended March 31, 2007 to 40.2% from 39.0% in the three months ended March 31, 2006. Consulting studies performed during the quarter represented a 0.3% increase, stock-based compensation represented a 0.2% increase. The increased cost of advertising for new stores located outside of existing markets represented a 0.2% increase, and the remainder was due to the deleveraging of occupancy costs against the decrease in comparable store sales.

- 12 -


Table of Contents

Costs Related to Change in Management. We incurred $290,000 related to changes in management in the three months ended March 31, 2007 as compared to $216,000 in the three months ended March 31, 2006. These costs include severance for departing officers and employees as well as recruiting costs for new officers.
Store Pre-Opening Expenses. We expense store pre-opening expenses as they are incurred which includes lease costs prior to a store opening. Pre-opening expenses for the one store we opened in the first quarter of 2007, and lease costs related to the new stores which we will open later in 2007, amounted to $313,000. In the first quarter of 2006, we incurred store pre-opening expenses of $624,000, related to the four stores opened in that quarter and lease costs related to stores opened later in 2006. We expect pre-opening expenses to increase for the remainder of the year as the majority of our store openings for 2007 will occur in the third and fourth quarters.
Interest Income and Expense. In the first quarter of 2007, we had interest income of $585,000 compared with interest income of $315,000 for the same period in 2006. This increase is attributable to our increase in cash.
Income Taxes. Our effective tax rate for the first quarter of 2007 was 37.3%, as compared to 39.9% for the three months ended March 31, 2006. This decrease is primarily attributable to an increase in tax free interest income and a reduction in compensation expense from incentive stock options.
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
Our cash is used primarily for working capital to support our inventory requirements and fixtures and equipment, pre-opening expenses and beginning inventory for new stores. In recent years, we have financed our operations and new store openings primarily with cash from operations.
At March 31, 2007 and December 31, 2006, our working capital was $157.8 million and $158.8 million, respectively. Cash used in operations was $2.9 million for the three months ended March 31, 2007 versus $10.8 million for the three months ended March 31, 2006. This improvement in operating cash flow was primarily due to an $11.8 million reduction in seasonal inventory growth compared to the same period from last year.
Net cash used in investing activities during the three months ended March 31, 2007 was $5.1 million all of which related to capital expenditures. In 2007, we expect to spend approximately $19.0 million on capital expenditures, which includes $10.0 million for new store openings, and the remainder for remodeling existing stores, upgrading systems in existing stores, warehouse equipment and corporate systems development.
We maintain two mortgage agreements with Wachovia related to our distribution center and corporate offices, of which $23.6 and $26.1 million was outstanding at March 31, 2007 and 2006, respectively. The mortgages are secured by land, building, and equipment. Of the original $30.0 million in mortgages, $22.5 million ($18.8 million at March 31, 2007) is repayable over 15 years and $7.5 million ($4.8 million at March 31, 2007) is repayable over seven years. Fixed monthly payments total $214,000. As of November 2006, we effectively converted these mortgages from a variable interest rate to fixed interest rates of 5.77% on the 15-year mortgage and 5.72% on the seven-year mortgage through the use of an interest rate swap.
In March 2007, we amended these two mortgages to modify certain covenants. The mortgages, as amended, contain covenants that, among other things, restrict our ability to incur additional indebtedness or guarantee obligations in excess of $18.0 million, engage in mergers or consolidations, dispose of assets, make acquisitions requiring a cash outlay in excess of $20.0 million, make loans or advances in excess of $1.0 million, permit liens relating to capitalized lease obligations or purchase money financing in excess of $2.0 million, or change the nature of our business. We are restricted in capital expenditures

- 13 -


Table of Contents

unless certain financial covenants are maintained including those relating to tangible net worth and funded debt. The mortgages also define various events of default, including cross default provisions, defaults for any material judgments or a change in control. At March 31, 2007, we were in compliance with these covenants.
At December 31, 2006, we had a $35.0 million line of credit agreement with Wachovia, which would have expired on May 31, 2007. In March 2007, we extended our line of credit agreement with Wachovia from May 31, 2007 to May 31, 2008. Borrowings under this line bear interest at LIBOR plus 65 basis points and is subject to the same covenants as the mortgages described above. As of March 31, 2007, there were no borrowings outstanding under this agreement.
We believe the cash generated from operations during the year and available borrowings under the line of credit agreement will be sufficient to finance our working capital and capital expenditure requirements for at least the next 12 months.
CRITICAL ACCOUNTING ESTIMATES
Except as described below, our accounting policies are fully described in Note 1 of our notes to consolidated financial statements included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2006. The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions about future events that affect the amounts reported in our consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes. Since future events and their effects cannot be determined with absolute certainty, actual results may differ from those estimates. Management makes adjustments to its assumptions and judgments when facts and circumstances dictate. The amounts currently estimated by us are subject to change if different assumptions as to the outcome of future events were made. We evaluate our estimates and judgments on an ongoing basis and predicate those estimates and judgments on historical experience and on various other factors that management believes to be reasonable under the circumstances. Management believes the following critical accounting estimates encompass the more significant judgments and estimates used in preparation of our consolidated financial statements:
    merchandise inventories;
 
    impairment of long-lived assets;
 
    stock-based compensation under SFAS No. 123(R);
 
    income taxes and accounting for uncertain tax positions under FIN 48;
 
    legal contingencies; and
 
    other estimates.
Other than accounting for uncertain tax positions under FIN 48, which is described below, the foregoing critical accounting estimates are more fully described in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2006. We believe that there have been no significant changes during the three months ended March 31, 2007 to the items that we disclosed as our critical accounting policies and estimates in our Annual Report Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2006, except as described below.

- 14 -


Table of Contents

Accounting For Uncertain Tax Positions Under FIN 48
Effective January 1, 2007 we began accounting for uncertain tax positions under the provisions of Financial Accounting Standards Board Interpretation No. 48, Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes (“FIN 48”). FIN 48 prescribes a comprehensive model for how a company should recognize and measure the impact of uncertain tax positions on its financial statements. Determining whether an uncertain tax position should be recognized and how to measure the amount of the tax benefit requires significant judgment. As of January 1, 2007 our reserve for uncertain tax positions totaled $1,061,000 and was classified as a long term liability. The company is currently under audit by the Internal Revenue Service for the 2004 and 2005 tax years. It is likely the examination phase of the audit will conclude in 2007; however, the final outcome is not yet determinable. For further discussion of accounting for uncertain tax positions and FIN 48, see note 11 in our notes to consolidated financial statements contained in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.
ITEM 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
We invest cash balances in excess of operating requirements primarily in money market mutual funds and to a lesser extent in interest-bearing securities with maturities of less than two years. The fair value of our cash and equivalents at March 31, 2007 approximated carrying value. A hypothetical decrease in interest rates of 10% compared to the rates in effect at March 31, 2007 would reduce our interest income $232,000 annually.
We had no borrowings outstanding under our line of credit at March 31, 2007. The interest rates on our mortgages fluctuate with market rates and therefore the value of these financial instruments will not be impacted by a change in interest rates. In November 2006, we entered into an interest rate swap that had the effect of converting our variable mortgages to a fixed rate. As a result, a 10% increase or decrease in interest rates would have no impact on our interest expense as the increase/decrease in interest paid on our mortgages would be offset by a corresponding increase/decrease in the interest received from our swap.
A 10% decrease in interest rates would cause the fair market value of the swap to decrease by $630,000.
ITEM 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
We carried out an evaluation, with the participation of our principal executive officer and principal financial officer, of the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures as of March 31, 2007. Based on this evaluation, our principal executive officer and principal financial officer concluded that, as of March 31, 2007, our disclosure controls and procedures, as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), were effective at the reasonable assurance level, to ensure that (i) information required to be disclosed by the issuer in the reports that it files or submits under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the Securities and Exchange Commission’s rules and forms and (ii) information required to be disclosed by an issuer in the reports that it files or submits under the Exchange Act is accumulated and communicated to the issuer’s management including its principal executive and principal financial officers, or persons performing similar functions, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.
Our management carried out an evaluation, with the participation of our principal executive officer and principal financial officer, of changes in our internal control over financial reporting, as defined in Exchange Act Rule 13a-15(f). Based on this evaluation, our management determined that no change in our internal control over financial reporting occurred during the first quarter of 2007 that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

- 15 -


Table of Contents

PART II — OTHER INFORMATION
ITEM 1. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
As previously disclosed, on April 4, 2003, Kathleen Stahl, a former store merchandiser for the Company, filed a civil action against the Company in the Superior Court of New Jersey, Burlington County–Law Division for alleged retaliatory harassment and constructive discharge under the New Jersey Conscientious Employee Protection Act. On October 30, 2006, a jury returned a verdict in the favor of the plaintiff for $19,600 in lost wages, $1.8 million for emotional distress and $1.5 million in punitive damages. The Company is disappointed with the jury’s verdict and believes it is not supported by the evidence. A non-binding mediation in this matter is currently scheduled for June 12, 2007.
The Company is not a party to any other material legal proceedings other than routine litigation incidental to its business. In the opinion of management, the amount of ultimate liability with respect to these actions will not materially affect the financial position, operating results or cash flows of the Company.
ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS
In addition to the other information set forth in this report, you should carefully consider the factors discussed in Part I, “Item 1A. Risk Factors” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2006, which could materially affect our business, financial condition or future results. The risks described in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2006 are not the only risks facing our Company. Additional risks and uncertainties not currently known to us or that we currently deem to be immaterial also may materially adversely affect our business, financial condition and/or operating results.
There have been no material changes in our risk factors from those disclosed in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2006.
ITEM 2. UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS
Not Applicable.
ITEM 3. DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES
Not Applicable.
ITEM 4. SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS
Not Applicable.
ITEM 5. OTHER INFORMATION
Not Applicable.

- 16 -


Table of Contents

     
ITEM 6.   EXHIBITS
 
   
31.1
  Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) promulgated under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (“Exchange Act”).
 
   
31.2
  Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) promulgated under the Exchange Act.
 
   
32.1
  Certification of the Company’s Chief Executive Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
 
   
32.2
  Certification of the Company’s Chief Financial Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

 


Table of Contents

SIGNATURES
     Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.
         
  A.C. MOORE ARTS & CRAFTS, INC.
 
 
Date: May 8, 2007  By:   /s/ Rick A. Lepley    
    Rick A. Lepley   
    Chief Executive Officer (duly authorized officer and executive officer)   
 
     
Date: May 8, 2007  By:   /s/ Marc Katz    
    Marc Katz   
    Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer (duly authorized officer and principal financial officer)   
 

 


Table of Contents

EXHIBIT INDEX
     
Exhibit No.   Description
 
   
31.1
  Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) promulgated under the Securities Exchange Act.
 
   
31.2
  Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) promulgated under the Exchange Act.
 
   
32.1
  Certification of the Company’s Chief Executive Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
 
   
32.2
  Certification of the Company’s Chief Financial Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.