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 May 1, 2010

or

¨
TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the transition period from ______ to

Commission File Number 1-14035

Stage Stores, Inc.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

NEVADA
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)
91-1826900
(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
   
10201 Main Street, Houston, Texas
(Address of principal executive offices)
77025
(Zip Code)

(800) 579-2302
(Registrant's telephone number, including area code)

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 has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).  Yes o No  o

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

Large accelerated filer o Accelerated filer þ  Non-accelerated filer o Smaller reporting company o

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes o No þ

As of June 3, 2010, there were 38,226,628 shares of the registrant's common stock outstanding.

 
 

 
 
 
       
 
     
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Item 2.
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Item 3.
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Item 4.
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Item 1A.
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Item 2.
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Item 3.
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References to a particular year are to Stage Stores Inc.’s fiscal year, which is the 52- or 53-week period ending on the Saturday closest to January 31st of the following calendar year.  For example, a reference to “2009” is a reference to the fiscal year ended January 30, 2010 and a reference to "2010" is a reference to the fiscal year ending January 29, 2011.  2009 and 2010 are 52-week years.

PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION

ITEM 1.                      FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 
Stage Stores, Inc.
 
 
(in thousands, except par value)
 
(Unaudited)
 
             
   
May 1, 2010
   
January 30, 2010
 
             
ASSETS
           
Cash and cash equivalents
  $ 80,207     $ 93,714  
Merchandise inventories, net
    349,195       306,360  
Prepaid expenses and other current assets
    26,306       27,095  
Total current assets
    455,708       427,169  
                 
Property, equipment and leasehold improvements, net
    335,382       342,001  
Intangible asset
    14,910       14,910  
Other non-current assets, net
    17,132       16,351  
Total assets
  $ 823,132     $ 800,431  
                 
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
               
Accounts payable
  $ 128,930     $ 100,602  
Current portion of debt obligations
    12,932       12,726  
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities
    59,584       69,688  
Total current liabilities
    201,446       183,016  
                 
Long-term debt obligations
    34,844       38,492  
Other long-term liabilities
    103,248       102,877  
Total liabilities
    339,538       324,385  
                 
Commitments and contingencies
               
                 
Common stock, par value $0.01, 100,000 shares authorized,
               
56,772 and 56,080 shares issued, respectively
    568       561  
Additional paid-in capital
    509,113       501,800  
Less treasury stock - at cost, 18,071 shares
    (288,202 )     (288,079 )
Accumulated other comprehensive loss
    (5,831 )     (5,897 )
Retained earnings
    267,946       267,661  
Total stockholders' equity
    483,594       476,046  
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity
  $ 823,132     $ 800,431  
 
 
 
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
 
3

 
Stage Stores, Inc.
 
 
(in thousands, except earnings per share)
 
(Unaudited)
 
             
             
   
Thirteen Weeks Ended
 
   
May 1, 2010
   
May 2, 2009
 
             
Net sales
  $ 340,042     $ 333,566  
Cost of sales and related buying, occupancy
               
and distribution expenses
    250,147       249,083  
Gross profit
    89,895       84,483  
                 
Selling, general and administrative expenses
    83,849       83,606  
Store opening costs
    1,456       1,186  
Interest expense, net of income of $29 and $61, respectively
    1,045       1,158  
Income (loss) before income tax
    3,545       (1,467 )
                 
Income tax expense (benefit)
    1,347       (562 )
Net income (loss)
  $ 2,198     $ (905 )
                 
Basic and diluted earnings (loss) per share data:
               
                 
Basic earnings (loss) per share
  $ 0.06     $ (0.02 )
Basic weighted average shares outstanding
    38,273       37,930  
                 
Diluted earnings (loss) per share
  $ 0.06     $ (0.02 )
Diluted weighted average shares outstanding
    38,773       37,930  
 

 
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
 
4


Stage Stores, Inc.
 
 
(in thousands)
 
(Unaudited)
 
             
   
Thirteen Weeks Ended
 
   
May 1, 2010
   
May 2, 2009
 
Cash flows from operating activities:
           
Net income (loss)
  $ 2,198     $ (905 )
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash (used in) provided by operating activities:
         
Depreciation and amortization
    14,317       14,932  
Deferred income taxes
    (40 )     288  
Tax benefits (deficiency) from stock-based compensation
    1,277       (249 )
Stock-based compensation expense
    1,167       1,440  
Amortization of debt issuance costs
    75       73  
Excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation
    (1,905 )     (112 )
Deferred compensation obligation
    47       36  
Amortization of employee benefit related costs
    107       130  
Construction allowances from landlords
    2,510       1,706  
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
               
Increase in merchandise inventories
    (42,835 )     (23,808 )
Decrease (increase) in other assets
    214       (987 )
Increase in accounts payable and other liabilities
    16,601       15,349  
Total adjustments
    (8,465 )     8,798  
Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities
    (6,267 )     7,893  
                 
Cash flows from investing activities:
               
Additions to property, equipment and leasehold improvements
    (8,496 )     (13,055 )
  Net cash used in investing activities
    (8,496 )     (13,055 )
                 
Cash flows from financing activities:
               
Proceeds from revolving credit facility borrowings
    -       132,923  
Payments of revolving credit facility borrowings
    -       (129,856 )
Proceeds from long-term debt obligations
    -       1,585  
Payments of debt obligations
    (3,442 )     (3,131 )
Repurchases of common stock
    (123 )     (151 )
Proceeds from exercise of stock options
    4,829       840  
Excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation
    1,905       112  
Cash dividends paid
    (1,913 )     (1,892 )
Net cash provided by financing activities
    1,256       430  
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents
    (13,507 )     (4,732 )
                 
Cash and cash equivalents:
               
Beginning of period
    93,714       26,278  
End of period
  $ 80,207     $ 21,546  
                 
Supplemental disclosures:
               
Interest paid
  $ 1,059     $ 1,292  
Income taxes paid
  $ 140     $ 10  
Unpaid liabilities for capital expenditures
  $ 3,126     $ 5,454  
 
 
 
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
 
5

 
Stage Stores, Inc.
 
 
For the Thirteen Weeks Ended May 1, 2010
 
(in thousands, except per share amount)
 
(Unaudited)
 
                                                 
                                 
Accumulated
             
   
Common
   
Additional
   
Treasury
   
Other
             
   
Stock
   
Paid-in
   
Stock
   
Comprehensive
   
Retained
       
   
Shares
   
Amount
   
Capital
   
Shares
   
Amount
   
Loss
   
Earnings
   
Total
 
                                                 
Balance, January 30, 2010
    56,080     $ 561     $ 501,800       (18,071 )   $ (288,079 )   $ (5,897 )   $ 267,661     $ 476,046  
                                                                 
Net income
    -       -       -       -       -       -       2,198       2,198  
Amortization of employee benefit
                                                               
related costs, net of tax of $0.04 million
    -       -       -       -       -       66       -       66  
Comprehensive income
                                                            2,264  
Dividends on common stock,
                                                               
$0.05 per share
    -       -       -       -       -       -       (1,913 )     (1,913 )
Deferred compensation
    -       -       47       -       (47 )     -       -       -  
Stock options exercised
    657       7       4,822       -       -       -       -       4,829  
Issuance of stock awards, net
    35       -       -       -       (76 )     -       -       (76 )
Stock-based compensation expense
    -       -       1,167       -       -       -       -       1,167  
Tax benefit from stock-based
                                                               
compensation
    -       -       1,277       -       -       -       -       1,277  
                                                                 
Balance, May 1, 2010
    56,772     $ 568     $ 509,113       (18,071 )   $ (288,202 )   $ (5,831 )   $ 267,946     $ 483,594  
 
 
 
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
 
6


Stage Stores, Inc.
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
(Unaudited)

1.           Basis of Presentation

The accompanying Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) of Stage Stores, Inc. and subsidiary (“Stage Stores” or the "Company") have been prepared in accordance with Rule 10-01 of Regulation S-X and do not include all of the information and footnotes required by accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP” or “U.S. GAAP”) for complete financial statements.  Those adjustments that are, in the opinion of management, necessary for a fair presentation of the results of the interim periods have been made.  The results of operations for such interim periods are not necessarily indicative of the results of operations for a full year.  The Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) should be read in conjunction with the Audited Consolidated Financial Statements and notes thereto filed with Stage Stores’ Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended January 30, 2010.  References to a particular year are to Stage Stores’ fiscal year, which is the 52- or 53-week period ending on the Saturday closest to January 31st of the following calendar year.  For example, a reference to “2009” is a reference to the fiscal year ended January 30, 2010 and a reference to "2010" is a reference to the fiscal year ending January 29, 2011.  References to “current year first quarter” pertain to the thirteen weeks ended May 1, 2010, and references to “prior year first quarter” pertain to the thirteen weeks ended May 2, 2009.

Stage Stores is a Houston, Texas-based regional, specialty department store retailer offering moderately priced, nationally recognized brand name and private label apparel, accessories, cosmetics and footwear for the entire family.  As of May 1, 2010, the Company operated 775 stores located in 39 states.  The Company operates its stores under the five names of Bealls, Goody’s, Palais Royal, Peebles and Stage.

Correction of Statements of Cash Flow.  The Company has corrected the presentation of proceeds from (payments for) the Revolving Credit Facility in 2009.  Related amounts had previously been presented on a net basis, rather than on a gross basis in accordance with Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) No. 230, Statement of Cash Flows.  The correction had no effect on net cash used in financing activities.

Recent Accounting Standards. In January 2010, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2010-06, Improving Disclosures about Fair Value Measurements, which requires entities to make new disclosures about recurring and nonrecurring fair value measurements including significant transfers in and out of Level 1 and 2 categories and information on purchase, sales, issuances and settlements on a gross basis in the reconciliation of Level 3 measurements (see Note 8 for definitions). The new disclosure requirements are effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2009, except for Level 3 reconciliation disclosures, which is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 14, 2010.  The adoption of applicable provisions of ASU 2010-06 did not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.


2.           Stock-Based Compensation

As approved by the Company’s shareholders, the Company established the Amended and Restated 2001 Equity Incentive Plan (the “2001 Equity Incentive Plan”) and the Amended and Restated 2008 Equity Incentive Plan (the “2008 Equity Incentive Plan” and collectively with the 2001 Equity Incentive Plan, the “Equity Incentive Plans”) to reward, retain and attract key personnel.  The Equity Incentive Plans provide for grants of nonqualified or incentive stock options, stock appreciation rights (“SARs”), performance shares or units, stock units and stock grants.  To fund the 2001 Equity Incentive Plan and the 2008 Equity Incentive Plan, 12,375,000 and 2,750,000 shares, respectively, of the Company’s common stock were reserved for issuance upon exercise of awards.


The following table summarizes stock-based compensation expense by type of grant for the thirteen weeks ended May 1, 2010 and May 2, 2009 (in thousands):


   
Thirteen Weeks Ended
 
   
May 1, 2010
   
May 2, 2009
 
Stock options and SARs
  $ 733     $ 902  
Non-vested stock
    442       273  
Performance shares
    (8 )     265  
Total compensation expense
    1,167       1,440  
Related tax benefit
    (443 )     (552 )
    $ 724     $ 888  


As of May 1, 2010, the Company had unrecognized compensation cost of $14.7 million related to stock-based compensation awards granted.  That cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 2.7 years.

The following table provides the significant weighted average assumptions used in determining the estimated fair value, at the date of grant under the Black-Scholes option-pricing model, of SARs granted in the thirteen weeks ended May 1, 2010 and May 2, 2009:


 
Thirteen Weeks Ended
 
May 1, 2010
 
May 2, 2009
Expected volatility
62.1%
 
59.4%
Weighted average volatility
62.1%
 
59.4%
Risk-free rate
1.9% - 2.3%
 
1.6%
Expected life (in years)
4.3
 
4.1
Expected dividend yield
1.3% - 1.6%
 
2.1%


The expected volatility was based on historical volatility for a period equal to the award’s expected life.  The risk-free rate is based on the U.S. Treasury yield curve in effect at the time of grant.  The expected life (estimated period of time outstanding) was estimated using the historical exercise behavior of employees.  The expected dividend yield is based on the current dividend payout activity and the market price of the Company’s stock.

Stock Options and SARs

The right to exercise stock options and SARs, to be settled by issuance of common stock, generally vests over four years from the date of grant, with 25% vesting at the end of each of the first four years following the date of grant.  Options issued prior to January 29, 2005 will generally expire, if not exercised, within ten years from the date of the grant, while stock options and SARs granted after that date generally expire, if not exercised, within seven years from the date of grant.  The weighted average grant date fair value for SARs granted during the thirteen weeks ended May 1, 2010 and May 2, 2009 was $6.87 and $4.02, respectively.

 
The following table summarizes information about stock options and SARs outstanding under the Equity Incentive Plans as of May 1, 2010, and changes during the thirteen weeks ended May 1, 2010:
 
   
Number of Shares
   
Weighted Average Exercise Price
   
Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term (years)
   
Aggregate Intrinsic Value (in thousands)
 
Outstanding at January 30, 2010
    4,624,440     $ 14.03              
Granted
    941,000       14.88              
Exercised
    (657,074 )     7.35              
Forfeited
    (167,114 )     16.24              
Outstanding at May 1, 2010
    4,741,252     $ 15.04       4.7     $ 8,847  
                                 
Vested or expected to vest at May 1, 2010
    4,310,688     $ 15.17       4.5     $ 7,918  
                                 
Exercisable at May 1, 2010
    2,588,433     $ 16.10       3.5     $ 4,203  

The following table summarizes information about non-vested stock option awards and SARs outstanding as of May 1, 2010, and changes during the thirteen weeks ended May 1, 2010:
 
Stock Options/SARs
 
Number of Shares
   
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value
 
Non-vested at January 30, 2010
    1,902,848     $ 4.86  
Granted
    941,000       6.87  
Vested
    (583,779 )     5.46  
Forfeited
    (107,250 )     5.09  
Non-vested at May 1, 2010
    2,152,819     $ 5.56  
 
The aggregate intrinsic value of stock options and SARs, defined as the amount by which the market price of the underlying stock on the date of exercise exceeds the exercise price of the award, exercised during the thirteen weeks ended May 1, 2010 and May 2, 2009 was $5.1 million and $0.3 million, respectively.

Non-vested Stock

The Company has granted shares of non-vested stock to members of management and independent directors.  The non-vested stock converts one for one to common stock at the end of the vesting period at no cost to the recipient to whom it is awarded.  The non-vested stock generally vests at the end of a three-year period from the date of grant.


The following table summarizes information about non-vested stock granted by the Company as of May 1, 2010, and changes during the thirteen weeks ended May 1, 2010:
 
Non-vested Stock
 
Number of Shares
   
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value
 
Outstanding at January 30, 2010
    208,221     $ 13.51  
Granted
    63,387       13.09  
Vested
    (20,913 )     15.58  
Outstanding at May 1, 2010
    250,695     $ 13.24  
 
During the current year first quarter, 20,913 shares, with an aggregate intrinsic value of $0.3 million, vested.
 
Performance Shares

The Company has granted performance shares to members of senior management, at no cost to the recipient, as a means of rewarding them for the Company’s long-term performance based on shareholder return performance measures.  The actual number of shares that could be issued ranges from zero to a maximum of two times the number of granted shares outstanding as reflected in the table below.  The actual number of shares issued is determined by the Company’s shareholder return performance relative to a specific group of other companies over a three-year performance cycle.  Compensation expense, which is recorded ratably over the vesting period, is based on the fair value at grant date and the anticipated number of shares of the Company’s common stock, which is determined on a Monte Carlo probability model.  Grant recipients do not have any shareholder rights until the granted shares have been issued.

The following table summarizes information about the performance shares that remain outstanding as of May 1, 2010:

Period
Granted
 
Target Shares
Granted
   
Target Shares
Forfeited
   
Target Shares Outstanding
   
Weighted
Average
Grant Date
Fair Value per
Share
 
2008
    115,000       (36,000 )     79,000     $ 24.53  
2009
    137,500       (19,000 )     118,500       12.79  
2010
    134,000       -       134,000       19.85  
Total
    386,500       (55,000 )     331,500          
 
During the current year first quarter, 18,745 shares, with an aggregate intrinsic value of $0.3 million, vested related to the 2007 performance share grant.  The payment of the recipients’ tax liability of approximately $0.1 million was satisfied by withholding shares with a fair value equal to the tax liability.  As a result, the actual number of shares issued was 13,788.


3.           Debt Obligations

Debt obligations as of May 1, 2010 and January 30, 2010 consist of the following (in thousands):

   
May 1, 2010
   
January 30, 2010
 
Equipment financing
  $ 39,726     $ 43,032  
Finance lease obligations
    8,050       8,186  
Total debt obligations
    47,776       51,218  
Less: Current portion of debt obligations
    12,932       12,726  
Long-term debt obligations
  $ 34,844     $ 38,492  
 
The Company has a $250.0 million senior secured revolving credit facility (the "Revolving Credit Facility") that matures on April 20, 2012.  The Revolving Credit Facility includes an uncommitted accordion feature to increase the size of the facility to $350.0 million.  Borrowings under the Revolving Credit Facility are limited to the availability under a borrowing base that is determined principally on eligible inventory as defined by the Revolving Credit Facility agreement.  The daily interest rates under the Revolving Credit Facility are determined by a prime rate, or Eurodollar rate plus an applicable margin, as set forth in the Revolving Credit Facility agreement.  Inventory and cash and cash equivalents are pledged as collateral under the Revolving Credit Facility.  The Revolving Credit Facility is used by the Company to provide financing for working capital, capital expenditures, interest payments and other general corporate purposes, as well as to support its outstanding letters of credit requirements.  For the thirteen weeks ended May 1, 2010, there were no borrowings under the Revolving Credit Facility.

The Company also issues letters of credit under its Revolving Credit Facility to support certain merchandise purchases and to collateralize retained risks and deductibles under various insurance programs.  At May 1, 2010, the Company had outstanding letters of credit totaling approximately $8.7 million.  These letters of credit expire within twelve months of issuance.  Excess borrowing availability under the Revolving Credit Facility at May 1, 2010, net of letters of credit outstanding, was $208.1 million.

The Revolving Credit Facility contains covenants which, among other things, restrict, based on required levels of excess availability, (i) the amount of additional debt or capital lease obligations, (ii) the payment of dividends and repurchase of common stock under certain circumstances and (iii) related party transactions.  At May 1, 2010, the Company was in compliance with all of the debt covenants of the Revolving Credit Facility and expects to remain in compliance during fiscal 2010.
 
           While infrequent in occurrence, occasionally the Company is responsible for the construction of leased stores and for paying project costs.  ASC No. 840-40-55, The Effect of Lessee Involvement in Asset Construction, requires the Company to be considered the owner (for accounting purposes) of this type of project during the construction period.  Such leases are accounted for as finance lease obligations with the amounts received from the landlord being recorded in debt obligations.  Interest expense is recognized at a rate that will amortize the finance lease obligation over the initial term of the lease.  Where ASC 840-40-55 was applicable, as of May 1, 2010, the Company has recorded approximately $8.1 million of finance lease obligations related to five store leases with interest rates ranging from of 6.1% to 16.9% on its Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet (Unaudited).


4.           Income Taxes

The provision for income taxes is computed based on the pretax income included in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations (Unaudited).  The asset and liability approach is used to recognize deferred tax liabilities and assets for the expected future tax consequences of temporary differences between the carrying amounts for financial reporting purposes and the tax basis of assets and liabilities.  The classification of the tax provision between current and deferred taxes on the interim period financials is based on the expected relationship of these classifications on the tax provision for the full fiscal year.
 
 
11

 
The Company files income tax returns in the U.S. federal jurisdiction and various state and local jurisdictions.  The Company is subject to U.S. federal income tax examinations by tax authorities for the fiscal year ended February 3, 2007 and forward.  Although the outcome of tax audits is uncertain, the Company has concluded that there were no significant uncertain tax positions, as defined by ASC 740-10, Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes – an interpretation of FASB Statement No. 109, requiring recognition in its financial statements.  However, the Company may, from time to time, be assessed interest and/or penalties.  In the event the Company receives an assessment for interest and/or penalties, it will be classified in the financial statements as income tax expense.


5.           Earnings per Share

Basic earnings per share is computed using the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the measurement period.  Diluted earnings per share is computed using the weighted average number of common shares and all potentially dilutive common share equivalents outstanding during the measurement period.  The following table summarizes the components used to determine total diluted shares (in thousands):


   
Thirteen Weeks Ended
 
   
May 1, 2010
   
May 2, 2009
 
Basic weighted average shares outstanding
    38,273       37,930  
Effect of dilutive securities:
               
Stock options, SARs and non-vested stock grants
    500       -  
Diluted weighted average shares outstanding
    38,773       37,930  

For the thirteen weeks ended May 2, 2009, 312,206 shares attributable to stock options, SARs and non-vested stock grants would have been considered dilutive securities but were excluded from the calculation of diluted earnings per share because the effect was anti-dilutive due to the net loss for the period.

The following table illustrates the number of stock options and SARs that were outstanding, but not included in the computation of diluted earnings per share because the exercise price of the stock options and SARs was greater than the average market price of the Company’s common shares (in thousands):
 
   
Thirteen Weeks Ended
 
   
May 1, 2010
   
May 2, 2009
 
Number of anti-dilutive stock options and SARs outstanding
    3,078       3,704  


6.           Stockholders’ Equity

The Company’s deferred compensation plan covering executives and certain officers provides for an investment option that allows participants to elect to purchase shares of Stage Stores common stock (the “Company Stock Investment Option”).  The Company has established a grantor trust to facilitate the collection of funds and purchase of Company shares on the open market at prevailing market prices.  All shares purchased through the grantor trust are held in the trust until the participants are eligible to receive the benefits under the terms of the plan, at which time the deferred compensation obligation related to the Company Stock Investment Option may only be settled by the delivery of the fixed number of shares held by the grantor trust on the participant’s behalf.  The purchase of shares made by the grantor trust on behalf of the participants is included in treasury stock and the corresponding deferred compensation obligation is included in additional paid-in capital.

The Company currently pays a quarterly cash dividend of $0.05 per share on its common stock.  In the current year first quarter, the Company has paid cash dividends totaling $1.9 million.  On May 27, 2010, the Company’s Board declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.05 per share of common stock, payable on June 23, 2010 to shareholders of record at the close of business on June 8, 2010.


7.           Retirement Plan

The Company sponsors a frozen defined benefit plan.  The components of pension cost for each period are as follows (in thousands):

   
Thirteen Weeks Ended
 
   
May 1, 2010
   
May 2, 2009
 
Interest cost
  $ 529     $ 580  
Expected return on plan assets
    (556 )     (501 )
Net loss amortization
    107       130  
Net periodic pension cost
  $ 80     $ 209  
 
The Company’s funding policy is to make contributions to maintain the minimum funding requirements for its pension obligations in accordance with the Employee Retirement Income Security Act.  The Company may elect to contribute additional amounts to maintain a level of funding to minimize the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation premium costs or to cover the short-term liquidity needs of the plan in order to maintain current invested positions.  During the current year first quarter, the Company contributed $0.8 million to the pension plan and may make additional contributions during the remainder of the year.


8.           Fair Value Measurements

The Company defines fair value as the price that would be received from selling an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date.  When determining the fair value measurements for assets and liabilities which are required to be recorded at fair value, the Company assumes the highest and best use of the asset by market participants in which the Company would transact and the market-based risk measurements or assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability.
 
The Company applies the following fair value hierarchy, which prioritizes the inputs used to measure fair value into three levels, and bases the categorization within the hierarchy upon the lowest level of input that is available and significant to the fair value measurement:
 
 
Level 1 -
Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.
 
 
Level 2 -
Observable inputs other than quoted prices in active markets for identical assets and liabilities, quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in inactive markets, or other inputs that are observable or can be corroborated by observable market data for substantially the full term of the assets or liabilities.
 
 
Level 3 -
Inputs that are both unobservable and significant to the overall fair value measurement reflect the Company’s estimates of assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability.
 
 

The following table presents the Company’s financial assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Unaudited) as of May 1, 2010, subject to ASC 820, Fair Value Measurements, (in thousands):
 
   
Balance as of
   
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Instruments
   
Significant Other Observable Inputs
   
Significant Unobservable Inputs
 
   
May 1, 2010
   
(Level 1)
   
(Level 2)
   
(Level 3)
 
Other assets:
                       
Securities held in grantor trust for deferred compensation plans (1)(2)
  $ 14,193     $ 14,193     $ -     $ -  
                                 
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities:
                         
Deferred non-employee director equity compensation plan liability (2)
  $ 333     $ 333     $ -     $ -  
 
(1)  
The Company has recorded in other long-term liabilities amounts related to these assets for the amount due to participants corresponding in value to the securities held in the grantor trust.
(2)  
Using the market approach, the fair values of these items represent quoted market prices multiplied by the quantities held.  Net gains and losses related to the changes in fair value in the assets and liabilities under the various deferred compensation plans are recorded in selling, general and administrative expenses and were approximately nil for the thirteen weeks ended May 1, 2010.
 
Financial instruments not measured at fair value are cash and cash equivalents, payables and debt obligations.  At May 1, 2010, the Company believes that the carrying amount of debt obligations approximates fair value based on recent financing transactions for similar debt issuances.  The Company also believes that the Revolving Credit Facility approximates fair value since interest rates are adjusted to reflect current rates.    
 
 
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MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Forward Looking Statements

Certain statements in this Form 10-Q contain forward-looking statements that are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements.  Forward-looking statements reflect the Company’s expectations regarding future events and operating performance and often contain words such as "believe," "expect," "may," "will," "should," "could," "anticipate," "plan" or similar words.

Forward-looking statements are based on various assumptions and factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements.  These factors include, but are not limited to, the ability of the Company and its subsidiary to maintain normal trade terms with vendors, the ability of the Company and its subsidiary to comply with the various covenant requirements contained in the Company's Revolving Credit Facility, the demand for apparel, and other factors.  The demand for apparel and sales volume can be affected by significant changes in economic conditions, including an economic downturn, employment levels in the Company’s markets, consumer confidence, energy and gasoline prices, and other factors influencing discretionary consumer spending.  Other factors affecting the demand for apparel and sales volume include unusual weather patterns, an increase in the level of competition in the Company's market areas, competitors' marketing strategies, changes in fashion trends, changes in the average cost of merchandise purchased for resale, availability of product on normal payment terms and the failure to achieve the expected results of the Company's merchandising and marketing plans as well as its store opening plans. The occurrence of any of these factors could have a material and adverse impact on the Company’s business, financial condition, operating results, or liquidity. Most of these factors are difficult to predict accurately and are generally beyond the Company’s control.

Readers should consider the risks and uncertainties described in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended January 30, 2010 (“Form 10-K”).  Readers should carefully review the Form 10-K in its entirety including, but not limited to, the Company's financial statements and the notes thereto and the risks and uncertainties described in Item 1A - "Risk Factors" of the Form 10-K.  Forward-looking statements contained in this Form 10-Q are as of the date of this Form 10-Q.  The Company does not undertake to update its forward-looking statements.
 
General

Stage Stores is a Houston, Texas-based specialty department store retailer offering moderately priced, nationally recognized brand name and private label apparel, accessories, cosmetics and footwear for the entire family. The Company's principal focus is on consumers in small and mid-sized markets which the Company believes are under-served and less competitive.  The Company differentiates itself from the competition in the small and mid-sized communities by offering consumers access to basic as well as fashionable brand name merchandise not typically carried by other retailers in the same market area.  In the highly competitive metropolitan markets, the Company competes against national department store chains, which similarly offer moderately priced, brand name and private label merchandise.  In these larger metropolitan markets, the Company differentiates itself by offering consumers a high level of customer service in smaller-sized stores in convenient locations as compared to the larger department stores with which it competes. At May 1, 2010, the Company operated 775 stores located in 39 states under the five names of Bealls, Goody’s, Palais Royal, Peebles and Stage.

In July 2009, the Company acquired the “Goody’s” name through the Goody’s bankruptcy auction.  The Company has used the Goody’s name in select markets in which there is a strong customer awareness and recognition of the name.  During the thirteen weeks ended May 1, 2010 (the “current year first quarter”), the Company opened a total of 18 new stores, 16 of which were opened under the Goody’s name.  The Company also rebranded two stores from the Peebles name to the Goody’s name during the current year first quarter to capitalize on the strong name recognition.
 
 
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The financial information, discussion and analysis that follow should be read in conjunction with the Company's Consolidated Financial Statements as included in the Form 10-K.

Results of Operations

The following table sets forth the results of operations as a percentage of sales for the periods indicated:

   
Thirteen Weeks Ended (1)
 
   
May 1, 2010
   
May 2, 2009
 
Net sales
    100.0  %     100.0   %
Cost of sales and related buying, occupancy
               
and distribution expenses
    73.6       74.7  
Gross profit
    26.4       25.3  
                 
Selling, general and administrative expenses
    24.7       25.1  
Store opening costs
    0.4       0.4  
Interest expense, net
    0.3       0.3  
Income (loss) before income tax
    1.0       (0.4 )
                 
Income tax expense (benefit)
    0.4       (0.2 )
Net income (loss)
    0.6  %     (0.3 ) %
                 
                 
(1)  Percentages may not foot due to rounding.
               
 
 
Thirteen Weeks Ended May 1, 2010 Compared to Thirteen Weeks Ended May 2, 2009

Sales for the current year first quarter increased 1.9% to $340.0 million from $333.6 million for the thirteen weeks ended May 2, 2009 (the “prior year first quarter”).  Comparable store sales, which are sales in stores that are open for at least 14 full months prior to the reporting period, decreased by 0.6% in the current year first quarter as compared to a 9.0% decrease in the prior year first quarter.  In the current year first quarter, new stores that were not in the comparable store base contributed sales of $9.6 million.  These sales were offset by a loss of $1.2 million in sales from closed stores that were in operation during the prior year first quarter.

The Company’s sales increase during the current year first quarter was driven by increased customer traffic, a comparable store sales gain of 0.8% during the nine week March and April period and the strength of the Company’s new store sales performance. Additionally, the Company continues to gain market share in those markets that formerly overlapped with a Goody’s store.  Key merchandise categories (i.e., those categories comprising greater than 5% of sales), which outperformed the Company’s average comparable store sales level were juniors, footwear, cosmetics, young men’s, and accessories.  The Company continues to focus on growing its cosmetics line of business through the installation of Estee Lauder and Clinique counters, as two new Estee Lauder and two new Clinique counters were opened during the current year first quarter.  The Company plans to add six Estee Lauder and thirteen Clinique counters in the second quarter.  With regard to comparable store sales by market size, the Company’s small markets (populations less than 50,000) outperformed stores in its mid-sized (populations of 50,000 to 150,000) and large markets (populations greater than 150,000).  Small markets continue to be the focus of the Company’s new store expansion plans. Comparable store sales in its small markets increased 2.4%.

Geographically, the Southeast, Mid Atlantic and Midwest regions had comparable store sales gains during the current year first quarter.  The South Central region, which is comprised of Texas, Louisiana, Oklahoma and Arkansas, was the Company’s weakest performing region.  Texas is the Company’s largest revenue generating state
 
 
16

 
and had a comparable store sales decline of 3.8% during the current year first quarter.  The Company believes that many of the challenges currently facing Texas, such as the economy and border violence in Mexico, should abate as the year progresses.
 
The following is a summary of the changes in the components of cost of sales between the current year first quarter and the prior year first quarter, expressed as a percent of sales:

       
   
(Decrease)
 
Merchandise cost of sales
    (0.6 ) %
Buying, occupancy and distribution expenses
    (0.5 )
   Decrease in merchandise cost of sales and related buying,
       
    occupancy and distribution expenses rate
    (1.1 ) %
 
Gross profit increased by 6.4% to $89.9 million for the current year first quarter from $84.5 million in the prior year first quarter.  Gross profit, as a percent of sales, increased 1.1% to 26.4% in the current year first quarter from 25.3% in the prior year first quarter.  The improvement in gross profit dollars is due to both increased sales and a 1.1% lower cost of sales rate in the current year first quarter.  The merchandise cost of sales and related buying, occupancy and distribution expense rate benefited from improved leverage from higher sales, well managed inventory levels and lower distribution costs as compared to the prior year first quarter.

Selling, general and administrative (“SG&A”) expenses in the current year first quarter were tightly controlled and increased by $0.2 million, or 0.3%, to $83.8 million from $83.6 million in the prior year first quarter while operating 28 additional stores. SG&A benefited from reductions in store controllable expenses and general administrative expenses.   As a percent of sales, SG&A expenses decreased to 24.7% in the current year first quarter from 25.1% in the prior year first quarter.  The decrease in the SG&A rate is due to improved leveraging of expenses from higher sales.

Store opening costs of $1.5 million in the current year first quarter include costs related to the opening of 18 new stores and the relocation of one store.  During the prior year first quarter, the Company incurred $1.2 million in store opening costs related to the opening of 11 new stores, including a reopened hurricane-damaged store, and the relocation of 9 stores.  Store opening costs are expensed as incurred and include costs of stores opening in future quarters.
 
Net interest expense was $1.0 million in the current year first quarter compared to $1.2 million in the prior year first quarter.  Interest expense is primarily comprised of interest on borrowings under the Revolving Credit Facility (see “Liquidity and Capital Resources”), related letters of credit and commitment fees, amortization of debt issue costs, interest on finance lease obligations and equipment financing notes.  The decrease in interest expense is primarily due to having no borrowings on the Company’s Revolving Credit Facility in the current year first quarter, as compared to a weighted average Revolving Credit Facility balance of $1.1 million for the prior year first quarter, and a lower weighted average balance on the Company’s equipment financing notes outstanding.

The Company’s effective tax rate for the current year first quarter was 38%, resulting in estimated tax expense of $1.3 million. This compares to income tax benefit of $0.6 million in the prior year first quarter during which the effective tax rate was 38.3%.

As a result of the foregoing, the Company had net income of $2.2 million for the current year first quarter as compared to net loss of $0.9 million for the prior year first quarter.

Seasonality and Inflation

Historically, the Company's business is seasonal and sales are traditionally lower during the first three quarters of the fiscal year (February through October) and higher during the last quarter of the fiscal year (November through January).  The fourth quarter usually accounts for slightly more than 30% of the Company's annual sales, with the other quarters accounting for approximately 22% to 24% each.  Working capital requirements fluctuate during the year and
 
 
17

 
generally reach their highest levels during the third and fourth quarters.  The Company does not believe that inflation had a material effect on its results of operations during the thirteen weeks ended May 1, 2010 and May 2, 2009, respectively.  However, there can be no assurance that the Company's business will not be affected by inflation in the future.
 
Liquidity and Capital Resources

The Company's liquidity is currently provided by (i) existing cash balances, (ii) operating cash flows, (iii) normal trade credit terms from the vendor and factor community, (iv) equipment financing and (v) its Revolving Credit Facility.  The Company’s primary cash requirements are for capital expenditures related to new stores, store relocations and remodeling, and seasonal and new store inventory purchases.

Key components of the Company’s cash flows for the current year first quarter and the prior first quarter are summarized below (in thousands):
 
   
Thirteen Weeks Ended
 
   
May 1, 2010
   
May 2, 2009
 
Net cash provided by (used in):
           
Operating Activities
  $ (6,267 )   $ 7,893  
Investing Activities
    (8,496 )     (13,055 )
Financing Activities
    1,256       430  

Operating Activities

During the current year first quarter, the Company used $6.3 million in cash from operating activities.  Net income, adjusted for non-cash expenses, provided cash of approximately $17.2 million.  Changes in operating assets and liabilities used net cash of approximately $26.0 million, which included a $42.8 million increase in merchandise inventories due to the seasonal build of inventories partially offset by an increase in accounts payable and other liabilities of $16.6 million.  Additionally, cash flows from operating activities included construction allowances from landlords of $2.5 million, which funded a portion of the capital expenditures related to store leasehold improvements in new and relocated stores.
 
During the prior year first quarter, the Company generated $7.9 million in cash from operating activities.  Net loss, adjusted for non-cash expenses, provided cash of approximately $15.6 million.  Changes in operating assets and liabilities used net cash of approximately $9.4 million, which included a $23.8 million increase in merchandise inventories offset by an increase in accounts payable and other liabilities of $15.3 million.  Additionally, cash flows from operating activities included construction allowances from landlords of $1.7 million, which funded a portion of the capital expenditures related to store leasehold improvements in new and relocated stores.

Investing Activities

Capital expenditures were $8.5 million in the current year first quarter as compared to $13.1 million in the prior year first quarter.  For the current year first quarter, the Company opened 18 new stores and relocated 1 store, as compared to 11 new stores, including a reopened hurricane-damaged store, and 9 stores relocated in the prior year first quarter.  As noted above, the Company received construction allowances from landlords of $2.5 million in the current year first quarter to fund a portion of the capital expenditures related to store leasehold improvements in new and relocated stores, while $1.7 million was received from landlords in the prior year first quarter.  These funds have been recorded as a deferred rent credit in the balance sheet and will be recorded as an offset to rent expense over the lease term commencing with the date the allowances were earned.

Management currently estimates that capital expenditures in 2010, net of construction allowances to be received from landlords, will be approximately $40.0 million to $45.0 million.  The expenditures will principally be for the opening of new stores, store expansions, store relocations and store remodels.
 
 
18

 
Financing Activities

The Company has a $250.0 million senior secured revolving credit facility (the "Revolving Credit Facility") that matures on April 20, 2012.  The Revolving Credit Facility includes an uncommitted accordion feature to increase the size of the facility to $350.0 million.  Borrowings under the Revolving Credit Facility are limited to the availability under a borrowing base that is determined principally on eligible inventory as defined by the Revolving Credit Facility agreement.  The daily interest rates under the Revolving Credit Facility are determined by a prime rate, or Eurodollar rate plus an applicable margin, as set forth in the Revolving Credit Facility agreement.  Inventory and cash and cash equivalents are pledged as collateral under the Revolving Credit Facility.  The Revolving Credit Facility is used by the Company to provide financing for working capital, capital expenditures, interest payments and other general corporate purposes, as well as to support its outstanding letters of credit requirements.  For the current year first quarter, the Company had no outstanding borrowings under the Revolving Credit Facility.

The Company also issues letters of credit under its Revolving Credit Facility to support certain merchandise purchases and to collateralize retained risks and deductibles under various insurance programs.  The Company had outstanding letters of credit totaling approximately $8.7 million at May 1, 2010 under its Revolving Credit Facility.  These letters of credit expire within twelve months of issuance.  Excess borrowing availability under the Revolving Credit Facility at May 1, 2010, net of letters of credit outstanding, was $208.1 million.

The Revolving Credit Facility contains covenants which, among other things, restrict, based on required levels of excess availability, (i) the amount of additional debt or capital lease obligations, (ii) the payment of dividends and repurchase of common stock under certain circumstances and (iii) related party transactions.  At May 1, 2010, the Company was in compliance with all of the debt covenants of the Revolving Credit Facility and expects to remain in compliance during fiscal 2010.

The Company currently pays a quarterly cash dividend of $0.05 per share on its common stock.  In the current year first quarter, the Company has paid quarterly cash dividends totaling $1.9 million.  On May 27, 2010, the Company’s Board declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.05 per share of common stock, payable on June 23, 2010 to shareholders of record at the close of business on June 8, 2010.
 
While there can be no assurances, management believes that there should be sufficient liquidity to cover both the Company's short-term and long-term funding needs.  The Company anticipates that it has adequate cash flows to cover its working capital needs, planned capital expenditures and debt service requirements for the remainder of 2010 and the foreseeable future.

Recent Accounting Standards

Disclosure concerning recent accounting standards is incorporated by reference to Note 1 of the Company's Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) contained in this Form 10-Q.


ITEM 3.                  QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

None.


ITEM 4.                  CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

Disclosure Controls and Procedures

As defined in Rule 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the "Exchange Act"), the term “disclosure controls and procedures” means controls and other procedures of an issuer that are designed to ensure that 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 SEC's rules and forms.  Disclosure controls and procedures include, without limitation, controls and procedures designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by an issuer in the reports that it files or submits under the
 
 
19

 
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.
 
The Company’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer evaluated the effectiveness of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures.  Based on this evaluation, they concluded that the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of May 1, 2010.

Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

As defined in Rule 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) of the Exchange Act, the term "internal control over financial reporting" means a process designed by, or under the supervision of, the issuer's principal executive and principal financial officers, or persons performing similar functions, and effected by the issuer's board of directors, management and other personnel, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles and includes those policies and procedures that:

 
(1)
Pertain to the maintenance of records that in reasonable detail accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the issuer;

 
(2)
Provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the issuer are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the issuer; and

 
(3)
Provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use or disposition of the issuer's assets that could have a material adverse effect on the financial statements.
 
The Company's management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting for the Company.  There were no changes in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting during the quarter ended May 1, 2010 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company's internal control over financial reporting.


PART II – OTHER INFORMATION

ITEM 1.                  LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

During the current year first quarter ended May 1, 2010, the Company did not have any material legal proceedings brought against it, its subsidiary or their properties.


ITEM 1A.               RISK FACTORS

There have not been any material changes from the risk factors as previously disclosed in the Form 10-K.
 

ITEM 2.                  UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS
 
 
None.
 
 
ITEM 3.                  DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES
 
None.
 
 
20

 
ITEM 4.                  (REMOVED AND RESERVED)
 
None.
 
 
ITEM 5.                  OTHER INFORMATION
 
None.
 
 
ITEM 6.                  EXHIBITS
 
The following documents are the exhibits to this Form 10-Q.  For convenient reference, each exhibit is listed according to the Exhibit Table of Item 601 of Regulation S-K.
 
Exhibit
Number
 
Description
 
31.1*
Certification of Chief Executive Officer Pursuant to Rules 13a-14(a) and 15d-14(a) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.
 
31.2*
Certification of Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to Rules 13a-14(a) and 15d-14(a) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.
 
32*
Certification Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350.
 
 
 
_____________________________
 
 
Filed electronically herewith
 
 

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.


 
STAGE STORES, INC.
   
June 9, 2010
/s/ Andrew T. Hall
(Date)
Andrew T. Hall
 
President and Chief Executive Officer
 
(Principal Executive Officer)
   
   
June 9, 2010
/s/ Edward J. Record
(Date)
Edward J. Record
 
Chief Operating Officer and
Chief Financial Officer
 
(Principal Financial Officer)


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