c50628_10-q.htm -- Converted by SEC Publisher, created by BCL Technologies Inc., for SEC Filing

 

 



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

FORM 10-Q

(Mark One)

[ X ]           QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE              
SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

for the quarterly period ended September 1, 2007

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 1-8546

SYMS CORP
(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter)

NEW JERSEY              22-2465228
(State or Other Jurisdiction of   (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
Incorporation or Organization)    
 
 
Syms Way, Secaucus, New Jersey   07094
(Address of Principal Executive Offices)   (Zip Code)

(201) 902-9600
(Registrant’s Telephone Number, Including Area Code)

Not applicable
(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 c

          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 filed” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check One):

Large Accelerated Filer c          Accelerated Filer þ           Non-Accelerated Filer c

          Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).

Yes c                No þ

          At September 25, 2007 the latest practicable date, there were 14,681,179 shares outstanding of Common Stock, par value $0.05 per share.

 

 



 
   SYMS CORP AND SUBSIDIARIES   

INDEX

          PAGE NO.
PART I.   Financial Information    
         
Item 1.   Financial Statements (Unaudited)    
         
    Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets as of    
    September 1, 2007, March 3, 2007 and August 26, 2006                  1
         
    Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations for the    
    13 Weeks and 26 Weeks Ended September 1, 2007 and August 26, 2006                  2
         
    Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the    
    26 Weeks Ended September 1, 2007 and August 26, 2006                  3
         
    Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements                  4-7
         
Item 2.   Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition    
    and Results of Operations                  7-11
         
Item 3.   Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk                  11
         
Item 4.   Controls and Procedures                  11
         
PART II.   Other Information                  11-13
         
    Item 1. Legal Proceedings    
    Item 1a. Risk Factors    
    Item 2. Unregistered Sale of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds    
    Item 3. Defaults Upon Senior Securities    
    Item 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders    
    Item 5. Other Information    
    Item 6. Exhibits    
 
SIGNATURES                      14



 
  SYMS CORP AND SUBSIDIARIES  
 
Condensed  Consolidated Balance Sheets
(In thousands except per share amounts)
September 1, March 3, August 26,
2007 2007 2006
(Unaudited) (NOTE) (Unaudited)
ASSETS                                
Current Assets                                      
   Cash and cash equivalents   $ 17,475     $ 27,912     $ 37,543  
   Receivables       2,007         1,726         2,323    
   Merchandise inventories - Net       65,766         63,809         68,846    
   Deferred income taxes       3,092         3,092         6,325    
   Assets held for sale       5,576         1,780         -    
   Prepaid expenses and other current assets     4,267       5,054       3,559  
      TOTAL CURRENT ASSETS     98,183       103,373       118,596  
 
PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT - Net       99,141         104,323         105,784    
DEFERRED INCOME TAXES       12,557         12,557         5,511    
OTHER ASSETS     20,454       19,306       19,083  
      TOTAL ASSETS   $ 230,335     $ 239,559     $ 248,974  
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY                                      
CURRENT LIABILITIES:                                      
   Accounts payable   $ 29,839       $ 21,678       $ 30,150    
   Accrued expenses       3,045         10,141         8,119    
   Accrued insurance       132         165         273    
   Obligations to customers     3,991       3,958       3,614  
      TOTAL CURRENT LIABILITIES     37,007       35,942       42,156  
 
 
OTHER LONG TERM LIABILITIES     1,363       1,548       1,740  
 
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES                                      
 
SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY                                      
   Preferred stock, par value $100 per share. Authorized 1,000                                      
   shares; none outstanding       -         -         -    
   Common stock, par value $0.05 per share. Authorized 30,000                                      
   shares; 14,681 shares outstanding (net of 3,987 treasury shares)                                      
   on September 1, 2007; 14,701 shares outstanding as of March 3,                                      
   2007 (net of 3,968 treasury shares) and 14,404 shares outstanding                                      
   (net of 3,879 treasury shares) on August 26, 2006       789         789         770    
   Additional paid-in capital       19,264         19,264         16,810    
   Treasury stock       (41,669 )     (41,383 )     (39,625 )
   Retained earnings     213,581       223,399       227,123  
      TOTAL SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY     191,965       202,069       205,078  
      TOTAL LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY   $ 230,335     $ 239,559     $ 248,974  

NOTE: The balance sheet at March 3, 2007 has been derived from the audited financial statements at that date but does not include all of the information and footnotes required by generally accepted accounting principles for complete financial statements.

See Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

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  SYMS CORP AND SUBSIDIARIES  
 
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations
(In thousands, except per share amounts)

 

13 Weeks Ended 26 Weeks Ended
September 1, August 26, September 1, August 26,
2007 2006 2007 2006
(Unaudited) (Unaudited)
Net sales   $ 61,384     $ 62,683     $ 128,531     $ 128,876  
Cost of goods sold     38,854       39,498       77,711       77,980  
Gross profit     22,530       23,185       50,820       50,896  
 
Expenses:                                
Selling, general and administrative     17,850       18,449       36,186       37,139  
Advertising     781       1,084       3,595       4,135  
Occupancy     4,529       4,653       8,725       9,109  
Depreciation and amortization     1,805       2,022       3,784       4,238  
Gain on sale of real estate     -       -       -       (10,424 )
Asset impairment charge     745       -       745       -  
Net income (loss) from operations     (3,180 )     (3,023 )     (2,215 )     6,699  
 
Other income     (151 )     (7 )     (166 )     (167 )
 
Interest income     (278 )     (547 )     (638 )     (991 )
Net income (loss) before income taxes     (2,751 )     (2,469 )     (1,411 )     7,857  
Provision (benefit) for income taxes     (1,329 )     (1,096 )     (663 )     3,492  
Net income (loss)   $ (1,422 )   $ (1,373 )   $ (748 )   $ 4,365  
Net income (loss) per share-basic   $ (0.10 )   $ (0.09 )   $ (0.05 )   $ 0.30  
Weighted average shares outstanding-basic     14,696       14,495       14,698       14,710  
Net income (loss) per share-diluted   $ (0.10 )   $ (0.09 )   $ (0.05 )   $ 0.29  
Weighted average shares outstanding- diluted     14,696       14,495       14,698       15,085  

See Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

2



 
  SYMS CORP AND SUBSIDIARIES  
 
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
(In thousands)

 

26 Weeks Ended
September 1, August 26,
2007 2006
(Unaudited)
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:                
   Net income (loss)   $ (748 )   $ 4,365  
   Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash                
      provided by operating activities:                
   Depreciation and amortization     3,784       4,238  
   Asset impairment charge     745       -  
   Gain on disposal of assets     10       (10,432 )
   (Increase) decrease in operating assets:                
      Receivables     (281 )     255  
      Merchandise inventories     (1,957 )     (11,377 )
      Prepaid expenses and other current assets     787       2,497  
      Other assets     (1,163 )     (1,061 )
   Increase (decrease) of operating liabilities:                
      Accounts payable     8,161       15,234  
      Accrued expenses     (7,379 )     448  
      Obligations to customers     33       (11 )
      Other long term liabilities     (185 )     220  
         Net cash provided by operating activities     1,807       4,376  
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:                
   Expenditures for property and equipment     (3,155 )     (3,273 )
   Proceeds from sale of assets     17       16,254  
         Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities     (3,138 )     12,981  
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:                
   Payment of dividends     (8,820 )     -  
   Exercise of options     -       155  
   Stock repurchase     (286 )     (9,976 )
         Net cash used in financing activities     (9,106 )     (9,821 )
 
NET INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS     (10,437 )     7,536  
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, BEGINNING OF PERIOD     27,912       30,007  
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, END OF PERIOD   $ 17,475     $ 37,543  
 
SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION:                
   Cash paid during the period for:                
   Interest   $ 92     $ 106  
 
   Income taxes paid (net of refunds)   $ 2,260     $ 2,367  

See Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

3



 
  SYMS CORP AND SUBSIDIARIES  
 
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
13 and 26 Weeks Ended September 1, 2007 and August 26, 2006  
(Unaudited)

Note 1 - The Company

Syms Corp (the “Company”) operates a chain of 33 “off-price” retail clothing stores located throughout the United States in Northeastern and Middle Atlantic regions and in the Midwest, Southeast and Southwest. Each Syms store offers a broad range of first quality, in season merchandise bearing nationally recognized designer or brand-name labels for men, women and children.

Note 2 - Basis of Presentation

The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles for interim financial information and with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X. Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and footnotes required by generally accepted accounting principles for complete financial statements. In the opinion of management, all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring accruals) considered necessary for a fair presentation have been included. Operating results for the 13-week and 26- week periods ended September 1, 2007 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the entire fiscal year ending March 1, 2008. For further information, refer to the consolidated financial statements and footnotes thereto included in the Company’s annual report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended March 3, 2007.

Note 3 - Accounting Period

The Company’s fiscal year ends the Saturday nearest to the end of February. The fiscal year ending March 1, 2008 will be comprised of 52 weeks. The fiscal year ended March 3, 2007 was comprised of 53 weeks.

Note 4 - Merchandise Inventories

Merchandise inventories are stated at the lower of cost (first in, first out) or market, as determined by the retail inventory method.

Note 5 - Bank Credit Facilities

The Company has a revolving credit agreement with a bank for a line of credit not to exceed $30,000,000 through May 1, 2008. The agreement contains financial covenants, with respect to consolidated tangible net worth, as defined as working capital and maximum capital requirements, including dividends (defined to include cash repurchases of capital stock), as well as other financial ratios. The Company is in compliance with all covenants as of September 1, 2007. Except for funds provided from this revolving credit agreement, the Company has satisfied its operating and capital expenditure requirements, including those for the operations and expansion of stores, from internally generated funds. As of September 1, 2007, March 3, 2007 and August 26, 2006, there were no outstanding borrowings under this agreement. At September 1, 2007, March 3, 2007 and August 26, 2006, the Company had $795,600, $955,619 and $1,391,097 respectively, in outstanding letters of credit under this agreement.

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  SYMS CORP AND SUBSIDIARIES  

Note 6 - Net Income/(Loss) Per Share

In accordance with SFAS 128, basic net income/(loss) per share has been computed based upon the weighted average common shares outstanding. Diluted net income/(loss) per share gives effect to outstanding stock options.

Net income/(loss) per share has been computed as follows:

13 Weeks Ended 26 Weeks Ended
September 1,
2007
August 26,
2006
September 1,
2007
August 26,
2006
Basic net income (loss) per share:                              
 
Net income (loss)   $ (1,422 )   $ (1,373 )   $ (748 )   $ 4,365
Average shares outstanding     14,696       14,495       14,698       14,710
Basic net income (loss) per share   $ (0.10 )   $ (0.09 )   $ (0.05 )   $ 0.30
 
Diluted net income (loss) per share:                      
 
Net income (loss)   $ (1,422 )   $ (1,373 )   $ (748 )   $ 4,365
Average shares outstanding     14,696       14,495       14,698       14,710
Stock options     -       -       -       375
 
Total average equivalent shares     14,696       14,495       14,698       15,085
Diluted net income (loss) per share   $ (0.10 )   $ (0.09 )   $ (0.05 )   $ 0.29

In periods with losses, options were excluded from the computation of diluted net income per share because the effect would be anti-dilutive.

Options to purchase 329,732 and 716,907 shares of common stock at prices ranging from $5.21 to $15.01 per share were outstanding as of September 1, 2007 and August 26, 2006.

Note 7 – Recent Accounting Pronouncements

In June 2006, the FASB issued Interpretation No. 48 (“FIN 48”), Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes, an Interpretation of FASB Statement No. 109. The objective of this interpretation prescribes a recognition threshold and measurement attribute for the financial statement recognition and measurement of a tax position taken or expected to be taken in a tax return. FIN 48 is effective for the fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2006. This did not have a material impact on the results of operations or financial position of the Company (See Note 9).

In September 2006, the FASB issued SFAS No. 157, “Fair Value Measurements,” which establishes a framework for measuring fair value in generally accepted accounting principles and expands disclosures about fair value measurements. SFAS No. 157 defines fair value as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. SFAS No. 157 is effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007, and interim periods within those fiscal years. The adoption of SFAS No. 157 is not expected to have a material impact on the results of operations or the financial position of the Company.

In February 2007, the FASB issued FAS No. 159, “The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities, including an amendment of FASB Statement No. 115,” which permits entities to choose to measure many financial instruments and certain other items at fair value that are not currently required to be measured at fair value. SFAS No. 159 also establishes presentation and disclosure requirements designed to facilitate comparisons between entities that choose different measurement attributes for similar types of assets and liabilities. SFAS No. 159 does not affect any existing accounting

5



 
  SYMS CORP AND SUBSIDIARIES  

literature that requires certain assets and liabilities to be carried at fair value. SFAS No. 159 is effective for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007. The adoption of SFAS No. 159 is not expected to have a material impact on our results of operations or our financial position.

Note 8 – Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation

          The Company’s Amended and Restated Stock Option and Appreciation Plan allows for the granting of incentive stock options, as defined in Section 422A of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (as amended), non-qualified stock options or stock appreciation rights. The plan requires that incentive stock options be granted at an exercise price not less than the fair market value of the Common Stock on the date the option is granted. The exercise price of the option for holders of more than 10% of the voting rights of the Company must be not less than 110% of the fair market value of the Common Stock on the date of grant. Non-qualified options and stock appreciation rights may be granted at any exercise price. The Company has reserved 1,500,000 shares of common stock for issuance thereunder. The Company is no longer issuing options under its Amended and Restated Incentive Stock Option and Appreciation Plan.

          No option or stock appreciation rights may be granted under the Amended and Restated Incentive Stock Option Plan after July 28, 2013. The maximum exercise period for any option or stock appreciation right under the plan is ten years from the date the option is granted (five years for any optionee who holds more than 10% of the voting rights of the Company).

          On July 14, 2005, at the annual meeting of shareholders of the Company, the shareholders of the Company approved the 2005 Stock Option Plan (the "2005 Plan"), which 2005 Plan was adopted by the Board of Directors of the Company on April 7, 2005 subject to shareholder approval. The 2005 Plan permits the grant of options, share appreciation rights, restricted shares, restricted share units, performance units, performance shares, cash-based awards and other share-based awards. Key employees, non-employee directors, and third party service providers of the Company who are selected by a committee designated by the Board of Directors of the Company are eligible to participate in the 2005 Plan. The maximum number of shares issuable under the Plan is 850,000, subject to certain adjustments in the event of changes to the Company’s capital structure.

          The 2005 Plan requires that incentive stock options be granted at an exercise price not less than the fair market value of the Common Stock on the date the option is granted. The exercise price of such options for holders of more than 10% of the voting stock of the Company must be not less than 110% of the fair market value of the Common Stock on the date of grant. The exercise price of non-qualified options and stock appreciation rights must not be less than fair market value.

          The maximum exercise period for any option or stock appreciation right under the 2005 Plan is ten years from the date the option is granted (five years for any incentive stock options issued to a person who holds more than 10% of the voting stock of the Company).

          The 2005 Plan permits the Company to issue restricted shares, restricted share units, performance units, cash-based awards and other share-based awards with such term and conditions (including applicable vesting conditions) as the Company shall determine, subject to certain terms and conditions set forth in the 2005 Plan.

          Effective February 25, 2006, the Company adopted the provisions of FAS No. 123(R), “Share-Based Payment” (“FAS123(R)”). Under FAS123(R), share-based compensation cost is measured at grant date, based on the estimated fair value of the award, and is recognized as expense over the requisite service period. The Company adopted the provisions of FAS123(R) using a modified prospective application. Under this method, compensation cost is recognized for all share-based payments granted, modified or settled after the date of adoption, as well as for any unvested awards that were granted prior to the date of adoption. Prior periods are not revised for comparative purposes. Because the Company previously adopted only the pro forma disclosure provisions of SFAS 123, it will recognize compensation cost relating to the unvested portion of awards granted prior to the date of adoption using the same estimate of the grant-date fair value and the same attribution method used to determine the pro forma disclosures under SFAS 123, except that forfeitures rates will be estimated for all options, as required by FAS123(R).

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  SYMS CORP AND SUBSIDIARIES  

          The fair value of each option award is estimated on the date of grant using a Black-Scholes option valuation model. Expected volatility is based on the historical volatility of the price of the Company’s stock. The risk-free interest rate is based on U.S. Treasury issues with a term equal to the expected life of the option. The Company uses historical data to estimate expected dividend yield, expected life and forfeiture rates. There were no options granted during the six months ended September 1, 2007, and all options previously issued are fully vested.

          Stock option activity during the six months ended September 1, 2007 is as follows:
          (In thousands, except per share amounts)

Weighted Average
Average Remaining Aggregate
Number Exercise Contracted Intrinsic
Of options Price Term (years) Value
               
Outstanding at March 3, 2007   330   $11.18   -   -
Options granted   -   -   -   -
Options exercised   -   -   -   -
Options forfeited   -   -   -   -
Options outstanding at September 1, 2007   330   $11.18   3.15   $1,718
Options exercisable at September 1, 2007   330   $11.18   3.15   $1,718

          As of September 1, 2007, there was no total unrecognized stock-based compensation cost related to options granted under our plans that will be recognized in future periods.

Note 9 – Income Taxes

          Effective March 1, 2007, we adopted Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) Interpretation No. 48 (Fin No. 48), “Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes”, which clarifies the accounting and disclosure for uncertainty in income taxes. As a result of the adoption, we recorded as a cumulative effect adjustment, a decrease to beginning retained earnings of approximately $247,000 and increased our accruals for uncertain tax positions and related interest and penalties by a corresponding amount. As of the adoption date, this $247,000 represents our liability for uncertain tax positions.

          The entire $247,000 would favorably impact our effective tax rate if these liabilities were reversed. We do not expect to pay any of this $247,000 within the following twelve months.

          We recognize interest and, if applicable, penalties, which could be assessed, related to uncertain tax positions in income tax expense. As of the adoption date, the total amount of accrued interest and penalties was $165,000, before federal and state tax effect. For the quarter ended September 1, 2007, we recorded approximately $3,420 in interest before federal and state tax effect.

Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

Special Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

          The Quarterly Report (including but not limited to factors discussed below, in the “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations,” as well as those discussed elsewhere in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q) includes forward-looking statements (within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934) and information relating to the Company that are based on the beliefs of the management of the Company as well as assumptions made by and information currently available to the management of the Company. When used in this Quarterly Report, the words “anticipate,” “believe,” “estimate,” “expect,” “intend,” “plan,” and similar expressions, as they relate to the Company or the management of the Company, identify forward-looking statements. Such statements reflect the current views of the Company with

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  SYMS CORP AND SUBSIDIARIES  

respect to future events, the outcome of which is subject to certain risks, including among others general economic and market conditions, decreased consumer demand for the Company’s products, possible disruptions in the Company’s computer or telephone systems, possible work stoppages, or increases in labor costs, effects of competition, possible disruptions or delays in the opening of new stores or inability to obtain suitable sites for new stores, higher than anticipated store closings or relocation costs, higher interest rates, unanticipated increases in merchandise or occupancy costs and other factors which may be outside the Company’s control. Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results or outcomes may vary materially from those described herein as anticipated, believed, estimated, expected, intended or planned. Subsequent written and oral forward-looking statements attributable to the Company or persons acting on its behalf are expressly qualified in their entirety by the cautionary statements in this paragraph and elsewhere described in this Quarterly Report and other reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimate

          The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires the appropriate application of certain accounting policies, many of which require us to make estimates and assumptions about future events and their impact on amounts reported in the financial statements and related notes. Since future events and their impact cannot be determined with certainty, the actual results will inevitably differ from our estimates. Such differences could be material to the consolidated financial statements.

          The Company believes application of accounting policies, and the estimates inherently required by the policies, are reasonable. These accounting policies and estimates are constantly reevaluated, and adjustments are made when facts and circumstances dictate a change. Historically, the Company has found the application of accounting policies to be appropriate, and actual results have not differed materially from those determined using necessary estimates.

          The Company’s accounting policies are more fully described in Note 1 to the Consolidated Financial Statements, located in the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended March 3, 2007. The Company has identified certain critical accounting policies that are described below.

          Merchandise Inventory – Inventory is stated at the lower of cost of market, FIFO retail method. Inventory cost and the resulting gross margins are calculated by applying a cost to retail ratio between the costs of goods available for sale and the retail value of inventories. The significant estimates used are for markdowns and shrinkage.

          Factors considered in the determination of permanent markdowns include current and anticipated demand, customer preferences, age of the merchandise, fashion trends and weather conditions. In addition, inventory is also evaluated against corporate pre-determined historical markdown trends. When a decision is made to permanently markdown merchandise, the resulting gross margin reduction is recognized in the period the markdown is recorded. The timing of the decision, particularly surrounding the balance sheet date, can have a significant effect on the results of operations.

          Shrinkage is estimated as a percentage of sales for the period from the date of the last physical inventory to the end of the fiscal year. Physical inventories are taken at least annually for all stores and inventory records are adjusted accordingly. The shrinkage rate from the most recent physical inventory, in combination with historical experience, is used as the standard for the shrinkage accrual following the physical inventory.

          The Company has found the use of these estimates to be appropriate and actual results have not differed materially. However, the Company is subject to certain risks and uncertainties that could cause its future estimates to differ materially from past experience.

          Long-Lived Assets - In evaluation of the fair value and future benefits of long-lived assets, the Company performs analyses of the anticipated undiscounted future net cash flows of the related long-lived assets. If the carrying value of the related asset exceeds the undiscounted cash flows, the Company reduces

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  SYMS CORP AND SUBSIDIARIES  

the carrying value to its fair value, which is generally calculated using discounted cash flows. Various factors including future sales growth and profit margins are included in this analysis. To the extent these future projections or our strategies change, the conclusion regarding impairment may differ from the Company’s current estimates.

Results of Operations

13 Weeks and 26 Weeks Ended September 1, 2007 Compared to 13 and 26 Weeks Ended August 26, 2006

Net sales for the 13 weeks ended September 1, 2007 were $61,384,000, a decrease of $1,299,000 (2.1%) as compared to the net sales of $62,683,000 for the 13 weeks ended August 26, 2006. For the 26 weeks ended September 1, 2007 net sales were $128,531,000 as compared to net sales of $128,876,000 for the 26 weeks ended August 26, 2006. Comparable store sales increased .9% for the 13 weeks and 3.1% for the 26 weeks ended September 1, 2007 as compared to the comparable periods in the prior fiscal year. In our comparable store computation, we only include stores that have been opened for a period of at least 12 months and stores that were open during both fiscal years. We did not have any expansion in square footage in the 26 weeks ended September 1, 2007. The decrease in sales in the 13 weeks and 26 weeks ended September 1, 2007 is largely attributable to the closing of three stores located in Rochester, New York, Monroeville, Pennsylvania and St. Louis, Missouri which closed in fiscal 2006.

Gross profit for the 13 weeks ended September 1, 2007 was $22,530,000 (36.7% as a percentage of net sales as compared to $23,185,000 (37.0% as a percentage of net sales) for the 13 weeks ended August 26, 2006. Gross profit for the 26 weeks ended September 1, 2007 was $50,820,000 (39.5% as a percentage of net sales) as compared to $50,896,000 (39.5% as a percentage of net sales) for the 26 weeks ended August 26, 2006. The Company’s gross profit may not be comparable to those of other entities, since other entities may include all of those costs related to their distribution network in cost of goods sold and others, like the Company, exclude a portion of those costs from gross profit and, instead, include them in other line items; such as selling and administrative expenses and occupancy costs. The decline in gross profit in the 13 weeks ended September 1, 2007 compared to a year ago is primarily due to lower sales and higher markdowns.

Selling, general and administrative expense decreased $599,000 to $17,850,000 (29.1% as a percentage of net sales) for the 13 weeks ended September 1, 2007 as compared to $18,449,000 (29.4% as a percentage of net sales) for the 13 weeks ended August 26, 2006. Selling, general and administrative expense decreased $953,000 to $36,186,000 (28.2% as a percentage of net sales) as compared to $37,139,000 (28.8% as a percentage of net sales) for the 26 weeks ended August 26, 2006. This decrease in the 13 and 26 week period is largely the result of closing three stores located in Rochester, New York, Monroeville, Pennsylvania and St. Louis, Missouri.

Advertising expense for the 13 weeks ended September 1, 2007 was $781,000 (1.3% as a percentage of net sales) as compared to $1,084,000 (1.7% as a percentage of net sales) for the 13 weeks ended August 26, 2006. Advertising expense for the 26 weeks ended September 1, 2007 was $3,595,000 (2.8% as a percentage of net sales) as compared to $4,135,000 for the 26 weeks ended August 26, 2006.

Occupancy costs were $4,529,000 (7.4% as a percentage of net sales) for the 13 weeks ended September 1, 2007 as compared to $4,653,000 (7.4% as a percentage of net sales) for the 13 weeks ended August 26, 2006. Occupancy costs were $8,725,000 (6.8% as a percentage of net sales for the 26 week period ended September 1, 2007 as compared to $9,109,000 (7.1% as a percentage of net sales) for the 26 week period ended August 26, 2006. The reduced occupancy expenses in the 13 and 26 week periods resulted from the closing of three stores located in Rochester, New York, Monroeville, Pennsylvania and St. Louis, Missouri.

Depreciation and amortization expense was $1,805,000 (2.9% as a percentage of net sales) for the 13 weeks ended September 1, 2007 as compared to $2,022,000 (3.2% as a percentage of net sales) for the 13 weeks ended August 26, 2006. Depreciation and amortization expense for the 26 weeks ended September 1, 2007 was $3,784,000 (2.9% as a percentage of net sales) as compared to $4,238,000 (3.3% as a percentage of net sales) for the 26 weeks ended August 26, 2006. The closing of three stores located in Rochester, New

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  SYMS CORP AND SUBSIDIARIES  

York, Monroeville, Pennsylvania and St. Louis Missouri accounts for this decline in the 13 and 26 week periods.

In the second quarter ended September 1, 2007, the Company recorded an impairment charge amounting to $745,000 relating to its store in Cleveland, Ohio. This store was closed in June 2007, and a contract has been executed for the sale of this property.

The results for the 26 weeks ended August 26, 2006 reflects a gain of $10,424,000 resulting from the sale of its two stores located in Rochester, New York and Dallas, Texas. These two stores, which closed in May 2006, included the land and buildings occupied by these stores. The Dallas store was replaced by a store located in Plano, Texas which opened in May 2006 and is a leased property.

The loss before income taxes for the 13 weeks September 1, 2007 was $2,751,000 as compared to a loss of $2,469,000 for the 13 weeks ended August 26, 2006. The loss before income tax for the 26 weeks ended September 1, 2007 was $1,411,000 as compared to a profit before taxes of $7,857,000 for the 26 weeks ended August 26, 2006. This significant variance resulted largely from the gain on the sale of real estate as noted above.

For the 26 week period ended September 1, 2007 the effective income tax rate was 47.0% as compared to 44.4% for the comparable period a year ago.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

Working capital as of September 1, 2007 was $61,176,000, a decrease of $15,264,000 as compared to $76,440,000 as of August 26, 2006. The ratio of current assets to current liabilities was 2.65 to 1 as of September 1, 2007 as compared to 2.81 to 1 as of August 26, 2006.

Net cash provided by operating activities totaled $1,807,000 for the 26 weeks ended September 1, 2007, as compared to $4,376,000 for the 26 weeks ended August 26, 2006. This decline resulted largely from a loss in the 26 weeks ended September 1, 2007 compared to a profit in the 26 weeks ended August 26, 2006.

Net cash used in investing activities was $3,138,000 for the 26 weeks ended September 1, 2007, as compared to $12,981,000 provided by investing activities for the 26 weeks ended August 26, 2006. Expenditures for property and equipment were $3,155,000 and $3,273,000 for the 26 weeks ended September 1, 2007 and August 26, 2006, respectively. The sale of the Dallas, Texas and Rochester, New York properties largely accounts for this variance.

Net cash used in financing activities was $9,106,000 for the 26 weeks ended September 1, 2007, as compared to $9,821,000 for the 26 weeks ended August 26, 2006. On August 6, 2007, the Company paid a cash dividend to its shareholders of record amounting to $8,820,000. In May 2006, the Company had a tender offer of its stock of 418,474 shares of common stock at a total cost of $7,533,000.

The Company has a revolving credit agreement with a bank for a line of credit not to exceed $30,000,000 through May 1, 2008. The agreement contains financial covenants, with respect to consolidated tangible net worth, as defined as working capital and maximum capital requirements, including dividends (defined to include cash repurchases of capital stock), as well as other financial ratios. The Company is in compliance with all covenants as of September 1, 2007. Except for funds provided from this revolving credit agreement, the Company has satisfied its operating and capital expenditure requirements, including those for the operations and expansion of stores, from internally generated funds. As of September 1, 2007, March 3, 2007 and August 26, 2006, there were no outstanding borrowings under this agreement. At September 1, 2007, March 3, 2007 and August 26, 2006, the Company had $795,000, $955,619 and $1,391,097 respectively, in outstanding letters of credit under this agreement.

The Company has planned capital expenditures of approximately $5,000,000 for the fiscal year ending March 1, 2008. Through the 26 week period ended September 1, 2007, the Company has incurred $3,155,000 of capital expenditures.

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  SYMS CORP AND SUBSIDIARIES  

On June 5, 2006, the Company’s Board of Directors approved the repurchase of an aggregate of up to 20% (not to exceed 2,900,000 shares) of its outstanding shares of common stock during the next 24 months expiring on June 5, 2008. During the 26 weeks ended September 1, 2007, the Company purchased 19,400 shares which represents .1% of its outstanding shares at an aggregate cost of $286,000.

Management believes that existing cash, internally generated funds, trade credit and funds available from the revolving credit agreement will be sufficient for working capital and capital expenditure requirements for the fiscal year ending March 1, 2008.

Impact of Inflation and Changing Prices

Although the Company cannot accurately determine the precise effect of inflation on its operations, it does not believe inflation has had a material effect on sales or results of operations.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

See Note 7 of the Consolidated Financial Statements for a full description of the Recent Accounting Pronouncements including the respective dates of adoption and the effects on Results of Operation and Financial Condition.

Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

The Company’s operations are not currently subject to material market risks for interest rates, foreign currency rates or other market price risks.

Item 4. Controls and Procedures

Under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including Marcy Syms, the Chief Executive Officer of the Company, and Antone F. Moreira, the Chief Financial Officer of the Company, we have evaluated the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures as required by Rule 13 a-15(b) of the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), as of the end of the period covered by this report. Based on that evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer have concluded that these disclosure controls and procedures are effective. Notwithstanding the foregoing, a control system, no matter how well designed and operated, can provide only reasonable, not absolute, assurance that it will detect or uncover failures within the Company to disclose information otherwise required to be set forth in the Company’s periodic reports.

Part II. Other Information

Item 1.   LEGAL PROCEEDINGS - None
                             
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 March 3, 2007, which could materially affect our business, financial condition or future results. The risks described in our Annual Report on Form 10-K 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 may also materially adversely affect our business, financial condition and/or operating results.

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  SYMS CORP AND SUBSIDIARIES  

 

   Item 2.           UNREGISTERED SALE OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS -

   Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

    Period   Total Number   Average Price   Total Number of   Maximum
      of Shares   Paid per Share   Shares Purchased   Number of Shares
      Purchased       as Part of Publicly   that May Yet Be
              Announced Plans   Purchased Under
              or Programs (1)   the Plans or
                  Programs (1)
 
  June 3, 2007 – July   0   0   0   0
  7, 2007                
 
  July 8, 2007 –   0   0   0   0
  August 4, 2007                
 
  August 5, 2007 –   19,400   14.72   19,400   2,748,200
  September 1, 2007                
 
  Total   19,400   14.72   19,400   2,748,200

  (1)   On June 5, 2006, the Company’s Board of Directors approved the repurchase of an aggregate
      up to 20% (not to exceed 2,900,000 shares) of its outstanding shares of common stock during
      next 24 months expiring on June 5, 2008.
       
  Item 3.                      DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES - None
 
    Item 4.                      SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS
       
 

At the annual meeting of shareholders held on July 12, 2007, the Company’s shareholders holding a majority of the shares of the Common Stock outstanding as of the close of business on June 1, 2007, voted to approve each of the three proposals included in the Company’s proxy statement as follows:

To elect six directors to hold office for one year or until their respective successors are duly elected and qualified.


   
FOR
 
WITHHELD
 
Sy Syms   10,973,802     817,140  
Marcy Syms   11,015,402     775,540  
Antone F. Moreira   9,684,867     2,101,075  
Bernard H. Tenenbaum   11,429,784     361,158  
Henry M. Chidgey   11,429,784     361,158  
Thomas Zanecchia   11,429,784     361,158  

   To ratify the appointment of BDO Seidman, LLP as independent registered public accounting firm for the Company for the fiscal year ending March 1, 2008:

For:   11,513,750
Against:   277,090
Abstain:   102

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  SYMS CORP AND SUBSIDIARIES  
     
Item 5.   OTHER INFORMATION - None
     
Item 6.   EXHIBITS
     
(a) Exhibits filed with this Form 10-Q
     
  31.1      Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) under the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
                                 
  31.2      Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) under the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
 
  32.1      Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(b) under the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934 and 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
 
  32.2      Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(b) under the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934 and 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
 

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  SYMS CORP AND SUBSIDIARIES  

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.

      SYMS CORP
 
 
 
Date:   October 5, 2007   By /s/ Marcy Syms                                        
          MARCY SYMS
                        CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
 
 
 
 
  Date:   October 5, 2007   By /s/ Antone F. Moreira                                 
          ANTONE F. MOREIRA
          VICE PRESIDENT, CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER
          (Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)

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