For the quarterly period ended July 3, 2010
Table of Contents

 

 

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

 

 

FORM 10-Q

 

 

 

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

For the quarterly period ended July 3, 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 0-22512

 

 

WEST MARINE, INC.

(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter)

 

 

 

Delaware   77-0355502

(State or Other Jurisdiction of

Incorporation or Organization)

 

(IRS Employer

Identification No.)

500 Westridge Drive

Watsonville, CA 95076-4100

(Address of Principal Executive Offices) (Zip Code)

Registrant’s Telephone Number, Including Area Code: (831) 728-2700

 

 

Indicate by a check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.    Yes  x    No  ¨

Indicate by check mark 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  ¨    No  ¨

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

 

Large accelerated filer ¨   Accelerated filer x   Non-accelerated filer ¨   Smaller reporting company ¨
   

(Do not check if a smaller

reporting company)

 

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

At July 30, 2010, the number of shares outstanding of the registrant’s common stock was 22,503,176.

 

 

 

 


Table of Contents

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

         Page No.

PART 1 – Financial Information

   3
Item 1.   Financial Statements    3
  Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets as of July 3, 2010, January 2, 2010 and July 4, 2009    3
  Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income for the 13 weeks ended July 3, 2010 and July 4, 2009 and the 26 weeks ended July 3, 2010 and July 4, 2009    4
  Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the 26 weeks ended July 3, 2010 and July 4, 2009    5
  Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements    6
  Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm    11
Item 2.   Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations    12
Item 3.   Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk    17
Item 4.   Controls and Procedures    18

PART II – Other Information

   19
Item 1.   Legal Proceedings    19
Item 1A.   Risk Factors    19
Item 2.   Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds    19
Item 3.   Defaults Upon Senior Securities    19
Item 4.   [Removed and Reserved]    19
Item 5.   Other Information    19
Item 6.   Exhibits    20


Table of Contents

PART I – FINANCIAL INFORMATION

ITEM 1 – FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

WEST MARINE, INC.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

JULY 3, 2010, JANUARY 2, 2010 AND JULY 4, 2009

(Unaudited and in thousands, except share data)

 

     July 3,
2010
    January 2,
2010
    July 4,
2009
 

ASSETS

      

Current assets:

      

Cash and cash equivalents

   $ 4,546      $ 10,279      $ 17,691   

Trade receivables, net

     8,702        5,566        8,521   

Merchandise inventories

     240,129        196,631        229,278   

Deferred income taxes

     1,299        1,299        —     

Other current assets

     20,493        19,805        17,575   
                        

Total current assets

     275,169        233,580        273,065   

Property and equipment, net

     55,223        56,278        57,183   

Intangibles, net

     97        116        135   

Other assets

     2,401        2,263        3,159   
                        

TOTAL ASSETS

   $ 332,890      $ 292,237      $ 333,542   
                        

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

      

Current liabilities:

      

Accounts payable

   $ 40,665      $ 32,591      $ 49,024   

Accrued expenses and other

     44,302        43,369        49,058   

Current portion of long-term debt

     2,500        —          —     
                        

Total current liabilities

     87,467        75,960        98,082   

Long-term debt

     —          —          18,000   

Deferred rent and other

     13,156        11,933        9,758   
                        

Total liabilities

     100,623        87,893        125,840   
                        

Stockholders’ equity:

      

Preferred stock, $.001 par value: 1,000,000 shares authorized; no shares outstanding

     —          —          —     

Common stock, $.001 par value: 50,000,000 shares authorized; 22,530,782 shares issued and 22,499,892 shares outstanding at July 3, 2010; 22,376,873 shares issued and 22,345,983 shares outstanding at January 2, 2010; and 22,251,565 shares issued and 22,220,675 shares outstanding at July 4, 2009

     23        22        22   

Treasury stock

     (385 )     (385 )     (385

Additional paid-in capital

     179,752        177,459        175,581   

Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)

     (462 )     (506     397   

Retained earnings

     53,339        27,754        32,087   
                        

Total stockholders’ equity

     232,267        204,344        207,702   
                        

TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

   $ 332,890      $ 292,237      $ 333,542   
                        

See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

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WEST MARINE, INC.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME

FOR THE 13 WEEKS AND 26 WEEKS ENDED JULY 3, 2010 AND JULY 4, 2009

(Unaudited and in thousands, except per share data)

 

     13 Weeks Ended     26 Weeks Ended
     July 3,
2010
    July 4,
2009
    July 3,
2010
    July 4,
2009

Net revenues

   $ 233,390      $ 215,371      $ 342,949      $ 316,336

Cost of goods sold

     150,903        142,278        235,425        221,332
                              

Gross profit

     82,487        73,093        107,524        95,004

Selling, general and administrative expense

     46,226        40,529        80,736        77,413

Store closures and other restructuring costs

     (77     (26     (185     51

Impairment of long-lived assets

     180        —          180        —  
                              

Income from operations

     36,158        32,590        26,793        17,540

Interest expense

     156        302        261        633
                              

Income before income taxes

     36,002        32,288        26,532        16,907

Provision (benefit) for income taxes

     884        (200     946        197
                              

Net income

   $ 35,118      $ 32,488      $ 25,586      $ 16,710
                              

Net income per share:

        

Basic

   $ 1.56      $ 1.46      $ 1.14      $ 0.75

Diluted

   $ 1.52      $ 1.46      $ 1.12      $ 0.75

Weighted average common and common equivalent shares outstanding:

        

Basic

     22,465        22,187        22,412        22,152

Diluted

     23,053        22,234        22,939        22,188

See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

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WEST MARINE, INC.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

FOR THE 26 WEEKS ENDED JULY 3, 2010 AND JULY 4, 2009

(Unaudited and in thousands)

 

     26 Weeks Ended  
     July 3,
2010
    July 4,
2009
 

OPERATING ACTIVITIES:

    

Net income

   $ 25,586      $ 16,710   

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities:

    

Depreciation and amortization

     7,758        8,363   

Impairment of long-lived assets

     180        —     

Share-based compensation

     1,258        1,187   

Tax benefit from equity issuance

     140        —     

Excess tax benefit from share-based compensation

     (161     —     

Deferred income taxes

     —          (603

Provision for doubtful accounts

     33        245   

Lower of cost or market inventory adjustments

     1,240        1,646   

Loss on asset disposals

     66        122   

Changes in assets and liabilities:

    

Trade receivables

     (3,169     (2,942 )

Merchandise inventories

     (44,737     (8,323

Other current assets

     (688     (1,206 )

Other assets

     (153     (275 )

Accounts payable

     7,735        22,711   

Accrued expenses and other

     933        6,802   

Deferred items and other non-current liabilities

     1,223        830   
                

Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities

     (2,756     45,267   
                

INVESTING ACTIVITIES:

    

Proceeds from sale of property and equipment

     35        16   

Purchases of property and equipment

     (6,573 )     (6,401 )
                

Net cash used in investing activities

     (6,538 )     (6,385 )
                

FINANCING ACTIVITIES:

    

Borrowings on line of credit

     44,179        34,595   

Repayments on line of credit

     (41,679 )     (63,595 )

Proceeds from exercise of stock options

     593        52   

Proceeds from sale of common stock pursuant to Associates Stock Buying Plan

     303        345   

Excess tax benefit from share-based compensation

     161        —     

Treasury shares acquired

     —          (19 )
                

Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities

     3,557        (28,622 )
                

Effect of exchange rate changes on cash

     4        (42 )

NET INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH

     (5,733 )     10,218   

CASH AT BEGINNING OF PERIOD

     10,279        7,473   
                

CASH AT END OF PERIOD

   $ 4,546      $ 17,691   
                

Other cash flow information:

    

Cash paid for interest

   $ 198      $ 645   

Cash paid (refunded) for income taxes

     (3,834 )     422   

Non-cash investing activities

    

Property and equipment additions in accounts payable

     634        94   

See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

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WEST MARINE, INC.

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Thirteen and Twenty-Six Weeks Ended July 3, 2010 and July 4, 2009

(Unaudited)

NOTE 1: BASIS OF PRESENTATION

The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared from the records of West Marine, Inc. and its subsidiaries (collectively, the “Company”) in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”) for interim financial information and the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X. In the opinion of management, all adjustments (consisting only of normal recurring items) necessary to fairly present the financial position at July 3, 2010 and July 4, 2009, and the interim results of operations for the 13-week and 26-week periods and cash flows for the 26-week periods then ended, have been included.

The condensed consolidated balance sheet at January 2, 2010 presented herein has been derived from the audited consolidated financial statements of the Company for the year then ended that was included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended January 2, 2010 (the “2009 Form 10-K”). These unaudited condensed consolidated interim financial statements should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements, including the notes thereto, for the fiscal year ended January 2, 2010, that were included in the 2009 Form 10-K.

Accounting policies followed by the Company are described in Note 1 in the audited consolidated financial statements for the year ended January 2, 2010. Certain information and disclosures normally included in the notes to annual financial statements prepared in accordance with GAAP have been omitted for purposes of the condensed consolidated interim financial statements presented herein. The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. The results of operations for the 13-week and 26-week period ended July 3, 2010 are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for any other interim period or for the fiscal year ending January 1, 2011. Historically, the Company’s revenues and net income are higher in the second and third quarters and decrease in the first and fourth quarters of the fiscal year. The increase in revenues and earnings, principally during the period from April through August, is representative of the peak months for boat buying, usage and maintenance in most of our retail markets.

The Company’s fiscal year consists of 52 weeks, ending on the Saturday closest to December 31. The 2010 fiscal year and 2009 fiscal year consist of the 52 weeks ending on January 1, 2011 and January 2, 2010, respectively. All quarters of both fiscal years 2010 and 2009 consist of 13 weeks. All references to years relate to fiscal years rather than calendar years.

Subsequent events were evaluated through the date these condensed consolidated financial statements were issued.

 

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Fair Value of Financial Instruments

Fair value is the exchange price that would be received for an asset or that would be paid to transfer a liability in the principal or most advantageous market for the asset or liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. The fair value hierarchy prescribed under GAAP contains three levels, which prioritizes the inputs used in the valuation methodologies in measuring fair value:

Level 1 - Observable inputs that reflect quoted prices (unadjusted) for identical assets or liabilities in active markets.

Level 2 - Include other inputs that are directly or indirectly observable in the marketplace.

Level 3 - Unobservable inputs which are supported by little or no market activity.

The fair value hierarchy also requires an entity to maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs when measuring fair value. As of January 2, 2010, $8.0 million of the Company’s cash equivalents consisted of a money market deposit account and certificates of deposits and are classified within Level 1 because they are valued using quoted market prices. As of July 3, 2010, the Company did not have any money market deposit accounts or certificates of deposits.

NOTE 2: INCOME TAXES

The Company calculates its interim income tax provision by estimating the annual effective tax rate and applying that rate to its year-to-date ordinary earnings. The tax expense or benefit related to significant, unusual or extraordinary items that will be separately reported or reported net of their related tax effect are individually computed and recognized in the interim period in which those items occur. In addition, the effect of changes in tax laws, rates or status is recognized in the interim period in which the change occurs.

The computation of the annual estimated effective tax rate at each interim period requires certain estimates and significant judgment including, but not limited to, the expected operating income (loss) for the year, projections of the proportion of income earned and taxed in foreign jurisdictions, permanent and temporary differences as a result of differences between amounts measured and recognized in accordance with tax laws and financial accounting standards, and the likelihood of recovering deferred tax assets generated in the current year. The accounting estimates used to compute the provision (benefit) for income taxes may change as events occur, additional information is obtained or as the tax environment changes.

The Company’s effective income tax rate for the 13 weeks ended July 3, 2010 was 2.5%, which resulted in expense of $0.8 million, while the effective tax rate for the 13 weeks ended July 4, 2009 was a benefit of 0.6%, which resulted in a tax benefit of $0.2 million. For the 26 weeks ended July 3, 2010, the Company’s effective income tax rate was 3.6%, resulting in expense of $0.9 million, while the effective tax rate for the 26 weeks ended July 4, 2009 was 1.2%, resulting in expense of $0.2 million.

Under GAAP, when the Company’s results demonstrate a pattern of future profitability and reverse the current cumulative loss trend, the Company’s valuation allowance may be adjusted and may result in the reinstatement of all or a part of the net deferred tax assets.

NOTE 3: SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION

The Company recognized share-based compensation expense of $0.7 million for the 13-week period ended July 3, 2010 and $0.6 million for the 13-week period ended July 4, 2009, primarily impacting selling, general and administrative expense. Share-based compensation expense was $1.3 million for the 26-week period ended July 3, 2010 and $1.2 million for the 26-week period ended July 4, 2009. The tax benefit associated with share-based compensation expense for the 13 and 26-week periods ended July 3, 2010 and July 4, 2009 was not significant.

NOTE 4: SEGMENT INFORMATION

The Company has three reportable segments—Stores, Port Supply (wholesale) and Direct Sales (Internet and call center)—all of which sell merchandise directly to customers. The customer base overlaps between the Company’s Stores and Port Supply segments, and between its Stores and Direct Sales segments. All processes for the three segments within the supply chain are commingled, including purchases from vendors, distribution center activity and customer delivery.

Revenues are attributed to geographic locations based on the location to which the Company ships its products. Through the Direct Sales segment, the Company promotes and sells products internationally through both its websites and call center. The Company operates primarily in the United States with foreign revenues representing less than 5% of total net revenues during each of the 13-week and 26-week periods ended July 3, 2010 and July 4, 2009, and foreign long-lived assets representing less than 2% of long-lived assets at each of these dates.

 

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Segment assets are those directly allocated to an operating segment’s operations. For the Stores segment, assets primarily consist of leasehold improvements, computer assets, fixtures, land and buildings. For the Port Supply and Direct Sales segments, assets primarily consist of computer assets. Unallocated assets include merchandise inventory, shared technology infrastructure, distribution centers, corporate headquarters, prepaid expenses, deferred taxes and other assets. Capital expenditures and depreciation expense for each segment are allocated to the assets assigned to the segment. Contribution is defined as net revenues less product costs and direct expenses.

Following is financial information related to the Company’s business segments (in thousands):

 

     13 Weeks Ended     26 Weeks Ended  
     July 3,
2010
    July 4,
2009
    July 3,
2010
    July 4,
2009
 

Net revenues:

        

Stores

   $ 212,658      $ 194,671      $ 309,020      $ 282,976   

Direct Sales

     11,476        11,824        17,967        17,667   

Port Supply

     9,256        8,876        15,962        15,693   
                                

Consolidated net revenues

   $ 233,390      $ 215,371      $ 342,949      $ 316,336   
                                

Contribution:

        

Stores

   $ 51,810      $ 45,741      $ 54,264      $ 42,385   

Direct Sales

     2,611        2,612        3,933        3,932   

Port Supply

     (2     48        (647     (371
                                

Consolidated contribution

   $ 54,419      $ 48,401      $ 57,550      $ 45,946   
                                

Reconciliation of consolidated contribution to net income:

        

Consolidated contribution

   $ 54,419      $ 48,401      $ 57,550      $ 45,946   

Less:

        

Indirect costs of goods sold not included in consolidated contribution

     (8,132     (7,859     (13,509     (11,398

General and administrative expense

     (10,129     (7,952     (17,248     (17,008

Interest expense

     (156     (302     (261     (633

Benefit (provision) for income taxes

     (884     200        (946     (197
                                

Net income

   $ 35,118      $ 32,488      $ 25,586      $ 16,710   
                                
     13 Weeks Ended     26 Weeks Ended  
     July 3,
2010
    July 4,
2009
    July 3,
2010
    July 4,
2009
 

Assets:

        

Stores

       $ 32,797      $ 33,310   

Port Supply

         7,779        7,491   

Direct Sales

         834        1,094   

Unallocated

         291,480        291,647   
                    

Total assets

       $ 332,890      $ 333,542   
                    

Capital expenditures:

        

Stores

   $ 3,031      $ 2,947      $ 4,648      $ 5,563   

Port Supply

     —          —          —          26   

Direct Sales

     —          —          —          —     

Unallocated

     1,183        170        1,925        812   
                                

Total capital expenditures

   $ 4,214      $ 3,117      $ 6,573      $ 6,401   
                                

Depreciation and amortization:

        

Stores

   $ 2,402      $ 2,670      $ 4,958      $ 5,103   

Port Supply

     30        51        61        111   

Direct Sales

     66        85        134        176   

Unallocated

     1,296        1,532        2,605        2,973   
                                

Total depreciation and amortization

   $ 3,794      $ 4,338      $ 7,758      $ 8,363   
                                

 

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NOTE 5: COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)

Comprehensive income (loss) consists of net income and other comprehensive income (loss). Other comprehensive income (loss) includes income, expenses, gains and losses that bypass the income statement and are reported directly as a separate component of equity. The Company’s comprehensive income (loss) consists of net income (loss) and foreign currency translation adjustments for all periods presented, and did not differ significantly from the reported net income (loss).

NOTE 6: CONTINGENCIES

The Company is party to various legal and administrative proceedings, claims and litigation arising from normal business activities. Based on the facts currently available, the Company does not believe that the disposition of matters that are pending or asserted, individually or in the aggregate, will have a material adverse effect on future financial results. However, an adverse judgment by a court, administrative or regulatory agency, arbitrator or a settlement could adversely impact the Company’s results of operations in any given period.

In addition, the Company is subject to various routine and non-routine reviews, audits and investigations by various federal and state governmental regulators, including customs, environmental and tax authorities in the jurisdictions where it conducts business, which may result in assessments of additional taxes, penalties, interest or the revision and recoupment of past payments made based on audit findings. The Company accrues a liability for this type of contingency when it believes that it is both probable that a liability has been incurred and that it can reasonably estimate the amount of the loss. The Company believes it has adequately provided for obligations that would result from these legal and sales and use tax proceedings where it is probable it will pay some amounts and the amounts can be estimated; in some cases, however, it is too early to predict a final outcome. The Company is currently under audit for sales taxes in several jurisdictions. The tax periods open to examination by the major taxing jurisdictions for sales and use taxes are fiscal 2001 through fiscal 2009. Management believes that the ultimate resolution of these matters will not have a material effect on the Company’s future financial condition or results of operations. Additionally, the Company was advised that it was selected by the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (“CBP”) for a “focused assessment” of the Company’s import practices and procedures for fiscal 2008, to review and evaluate these practices and procedures in the areas of product classification, valuation and origin. In preparing for the focused assessment, the Company found certain adjustments to duties owed relating to imported goods, and submitted a voluntary prior disclosure to CBP identifying certain underpayments, and remitting payment of duties not paid as a result of these adjustments. The Company is cooperating and working closely with CBP as the focused assessment progresses. The Company is implementing improvements in processes and procedures in areas where underpayments were found and will be reviewing these remedial measures with the agency. At this time, the Company does not believe that any deficiencies in processes or controls, or unanticipated costs or unpaid duties associated with this matter will have a material adverse effect on the Company or its results of operations.

NOTE 7: STORE CLOSURE AND OTHER RESTRUCTURING COSTS

Restructuring charges include severance costs, lease termination fees, legal and professional fees paid for lease termination negotiations, and other costs associated with the closure of facilities.

During the twenty-six weeks ended July 3, 2010, the Company reduced reserves by $0.2 million for lease contract termination obligations and other store closure costs due to favorable lease negotiations. Accrued liabilities related to costs associated with restructuring activities outstanding as of July 3, 2010 were $3.3 million.

 

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Costs and obligations (included in “Accrued liabilities” in the Company’s condensed consolidated balance sheets) recorded by the Company in 2010 and 2009 in conjunction with the store closures and other restructuring costs are as follows (in thousands):

 

     Termination
Benefits
and Other
Costs
    Store Lease
Termination
Costs
    Total  

Balance, December 29, 2007

   $ —        $ 1,988      $ 1,988   

Charges

     3,023        7,664        10,687   

Payments

     (1,954 )     (1,652 )     (3,606 )
                        

Ending balance, January 3, 2009

     1,069        8,000        9,069   

Reduction in charges

     (158 )     (1,588 )     (1,746 )

Payments

     (321 )     (2,476 )     (2,797 )
                        

Ending balance, January 2, 2010

     590        3,936        4,526   

Reduction of charges

     (47 )     (138 )     (185 )

Payments

     (194 )     (872 )     (1,066 )
                        

Ending balance, July 3, 2010

   $ 349      $ 2,926      $ 3,275   
                        

NOTE 8: NET INCOME PER SHARE

Basic net income per share is computed by dividing net income available to common stockholders by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted net income per share reflects the potential dilution that could occur if unvested restricted shares vest and outstanding options to purchase common stock were exercised. Options to purchase approximately 1.4 million and 3.4 million shares of common stock that were outstanding for the quarters ended July 3, 2010 and July 4, 2009, respectively, have been excluded from the calculation of diluted income per share because inclusion of such shares would be anti-dilutive. Options to purchase approximately 2.1 million and 3.4 million shares of common stock that were outstanding for the first twenty-six weeks ended July 3, 2010 and July 4, 2009, respectively, also have been excluded from the calculation of diluted income per share because inclusion of such shares would be anti-dilutive.

The following is a reconciliation of the Company’s basic and diluted net income per share computations (shares in thousands):

 

     13 Weeks Ended
     July 3, 2010     July 4, 2009
     Shares    Net Income
Per Share
    Shares    Net Income
Per Share

Basic

   22,465    $ 1.56      22,187    $ 1.46

Effect of dilutive stock options

   588      (0.04   47      —  
                        

Diluted

   23,053    $ 1.52      22,234    $ 1.46
                        
     26 Weeks Ended
     July 3, 2010     July 4, 2009
     Shares    Net Income
Per Share
    Shares    Net Loss
Per Share

Basic

   22,412    $ 1.14      22,152    $ 0.75

Effect of dilutive stock options

   527      (0.02   36      —  
                        

Diluted

   22,939    $ 1.12      22,188    $ 0.75
                        

 

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REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

To the Board of Directors and Stockholders of

West Marine, Inc.

Watsonville, California

We have reviewed the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheet of West Marine, Inc. and subsidiaries as of July 3, 2010, and the related condensed consolidated statement of income for the 13-week period ended July 3, 2010 and the condensed consolidated statements of income and cash flows for the 26-week period ended July 3, 2010. These interim financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management.

We conducted our review in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). A review of interim financial information consists principally of applying analytical procedures and making inquiries of persons responsible for financial and accounting matters. It is substantially less in scope than an audit conducted in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the objective of which is the expression of an opinion regarding the financial statements taken as a whole. Accordingly, we do not express such an opinion.

Based on our review, we are not aware of any material modifications that should be made to the accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements for them to be in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

/s/ GRANT THORNTON LLP

San Francisco, California

August 9, 2010

 

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ITEM 2 – MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

The following discussion and analysis is based upon our financial statements as of the dates and for the periods presented in this section. You should read this discussion and analysis in conjunction with the financial statements and notes thereto found in Item 1 of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q and our consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended January 2, 2010 (the “2009 Form 10-K”). All references to the second quarter and the first six months of 2010 mean the thirteen-week and twenty-six week periods ended July 3, 2010,respectively, and all references to the second quarter and the first six months of 2009 mean the thirteen-week and twenty-six week periods ended July 4, 2009, respectively. Unless the context otherwise requires, “West Marine,” “we,” “us” and “our” refer to West Marine, Inc. and its subsidiaries.

Overview

West Marine is the largest boating supply retailer in the world. We have three reportable segments — Stores, Port Supply (wholesale) and Direct Sales (Internet and call center) — all of which sell aftermarket recreational boating supplies directly to our customers. At the end of the second quarter of 2010, we offered our products through 330 company-operated stores in 38 states, Puerto Rico and Canada and two franchised stores located in Turkey, on the Internet and through our call center channel. We also are engaged, through our Port Supply division, in our stores and on the Internet, in the wholesale distribution of boating products to commercial customers. Our principal executive offices are located at 500 Westridge Drive, Watsonville, California 95076-4100, and our telephone number is (831) 728-2700.

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

Our unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes are prepared in accordance with GAAP for interim financial information pursuant to Regulation S-X. Preparing financial statements requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenue and expenses. These estimates and assumptions are affected by management’s application of accounting policies. We have identified certain policies that require the application of significant judgment by management. Our most critical accounting policies are those related to inventory valuations (including valuation adjustments and capitalization of indirect costs), vendor allowances receivable, costs associated with exit activities (e.g., store closures), impairment of long-lived assets, deferred tax assets and applicable valuation allowance, liabilities for self-insurance or high-deductible losses, and share-based compensation. These critical accounting policies are described in Item 7, “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” in the 2009 Form 10-K. The following discussion and analysis should be read in conjunction with such description of critical accounting policies and with our unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements and related notes included in Part I, Item 1 of this report.

Results of Operations

The following table sets forth certain statement of operations components expressed as a percentage of net revenues:

 

     13 Weeks Ended     26 Weeks Ended  
     July 3,
2010
    July 4,
2009
    July 3,
2010
    July 4,
2009
 

Net revenues

   100.0   100.0   100.0   100.0

Cost of goods sold

   64.7      66.1      68.6      70.0   
                        

Gross profit

   35.3      33.9      31.4      30.0   

Selling, general and administrative expense

   19.7      18.8      23.6      24.5   

Store closures and other restructuring costs

   0.0      0.0      (0.1   0.0   

Impairment of long-lived assets

   0.1      0.0      0.1      0.0   
                        

Income from operations

   15.5      15.1      7.8      5.5   

Interest expense, net

   0.1      0.1      0.1      0.2   
                        

Income before income taxes

   15.4      15.0      7.7      5.3   

Income taxes

   0.4      (0.1   0.2      0.0   
                        

Net income

   15.0   15.1   7.5   5.3
                        

 

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Thirteen Weeks Ended July 3, 2010 Compared to Thirteen Weeks Ended July 4, 2009

Net revenues for the second quarter of 2010 were $233.4 million, an increase of $18.0 million, or 8.4%, compared to net revenues of $215.4 million in the second quarter of 2009, primarily due to a $17.3 million increase in comparable store sales and $9.9 million in sales attributable to stores opened in 2009 and the first six months of 2010. Stores closed during fiscal year 2009 and the first six months of 2010 generated net revenues of $8.8 million in the second quarter of last year. The majority of these closures occurred in connection with our ongoing real estate optimization program. The increase in net revenues was across most merchandise categories and, in particular, we continued to experience increased sales for electronics and maintenance-related products. Sales also benefited from our expanded assortments in clothing and technical apparel. We experienced favorable weather conditions in the Northeast during the second quarter and we believe we benefited from changes in the competitive landscape. It also appears that the boating market was somewhat stronger overall, with more people using their boats more often than during the same period last year. A higher share of the overall sales growth came from the wholesale (Port Supply) business, particularly through sales to wholesale customers at store locations. We believe this was driven by our ongoing efforts to better serve this group of customers, as we leverage fixed costs at our stores. Our mix of business in the Southeast during the second quarter was impacted by the effects of the Gulf oil spill. While not significant, there was a decrease in sales of merchandise typically used by recreational boaters and fishermen in the affected area of the Southeast; however, this was partially offset by increased sales of products to those connected with fighting the spill. We had 330 company-operated stores and two franchised stores in Turkey open at the end of the second quarter of 2010 compared to 342 company-operated stores and one franchise store in Turkey at the end of the second quarter of 2009.

Net revenues attributable to our Stores segment increased $18.0 million to $212.7 million in the second quarter of 2010, a 9.2% increase compared to the second quarter of 2009. Comparable store sales increased by $17.3 million, or 9.4%, from last year. Store revenues also increased by $9.9 million due to store openings during 2009 and the first six months of 2010. This increase was partially offset by $8.8 million of revenues attributable to stores closed during those same periods. Wholesale (Port Supply) net revenues through our distribution centers increased $0.4 million, or 4.3%, to $9.3 million in the second quarter of 2010 compared to 2009, primarily due to large orders from customers involved with fighting the oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico. Net revenues in our Direct Sales segment decreased $0.4 million, or 2.9%, to $11.5 million in the second quarter of 2010 compared to 2009. The decrease was driven by reduced sales through the Internet channel following the launch of our updated website at westmarine.com. The transition to the updated site has negatively affected sales; however, we believe this decline is temporary.

Gross profit increased by $9.4 million, or 12.9%, to $82.5 million in the second quarter of 2010, compared to $73.1 million for the same period last year. Gross profit increased as a percentage of net revenues to 35.3% in the second quarter of 2010, compared to 33.9% for the same period last year, primarily due to a 0.9% improvement resulting from lower unit buying and distribution costs. Additionally, we experienced a 0.2% improvement from better shrinkage results and leveraged our relatively fixed occupancy expenses by 0.2% off of increased revenues.

Selling, general and administrative expense increased by $5.7 million, or 14.1%, to $46.2 million in the second quarter of 2010, compared to $40.5 million for the same period last year, and increased as a percentage of net revenues to 19.7% in the second quarter of 2010, compared to 18.8% for the same period last year. The increase in selling, general and administrative expense primarily was due to a $1.8 million increase in store payroll to support longer operating hours and increased staffing during our peak season, a $1.5 million unfavorable foreign currency translation impact, and the unfavorable impact of $1.3 million in marketing expenses due to the timing of certain campaigns from year-to-year.

Our effective tax rate is subject to change based on the mix of income from different state jurisdictions that tax at different rates, as well as the change in status or outcome of uncertain tax positions. We evaluate our effective income tax rate on a quarterly basis and update our estimate of the full-year effective income tax rate as necessary. Our effective income tax rate for the second quarter of 2010 was 2.5% compared with an effective tax rate of (0.6)% for the same period last year.

Net income for the second quarter of 2010 was $35.1 million compared to net income of $32.5 million in the second quarter of 2009. As outlined above, the improvement was primarily attributable to increased revenues and corresponding gross profit, partially offset somewhat by higher selling, general and administrative expense.

 

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Twenty-six Weeks Ended July 3, 2010 Compared to Twenty-six Weeks Ended July 4, 2009

Net revenues for the twenty-six weeks of 2010 were $342.9 million, an increase of $26.6 million, or 8.4%, compared to net revenues of $316.3 million in the twenty-six weeks of 2009, primarily due to a $24.2 million increase in comparable store sales and $14.9 million in sales attributable to stores opened in 2009 and the first six months of 2010. Stores closed during the first six months of 2010 and fiscal year 2009 generated net revenues of $12.7 million in the first six months of 2009. The majority of these closures occurred in connection with our ongoing real estate optimization program. The increase in net revenues was across most merchandise categories and, in particular, we continued to experience increased sales for electronics and maintenance-related products. We also experienced favorable weather conditions in several markets during the first six months.

Net revenues attributable to our Stores division increased $26.0 million to $309.0 million in the first twenty-six weeks of 2010, a 9.2% increase compared to the first twenty-six weeks of 2009. Comparable store sales increased by $24.2 million, or 9.1%, from last year. Store revenues also increased by $14.9 million due to store openings during 2009 and the first six months of 2010. This increase was partially offset by $12.7 million of revenues attributable to stores closed during those same periods. Wholesale (Port Supply) net revenues through our distribution centers increased $0.3 million, or 1.7%, to $16.0 million in the first twenty-six weeks of 2010 compared to 2009, primarily due to large orders from customers engaged in fighting the oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico. Net revenues in our Direct Sales division increased $0.3 million, or 1.7%, to $18.0 million in the first twenty-six weeks of 2010 compared to 2009, and were higher year-over-year in sales to domestic customers.

Gross profit increased by $12.5 million, or 13.2%, to $107.5 million in the first twenty-six weeks of 2010, compared to $95.0 million for the same period last year. Gross profit increased as a percentage of net revenues to 31.4% in the first twenty-six weeks of 2010, compared to 30.0% for the same period last year, primarily due to a 0.5% improvement resulting from lower unit buying and distribution costs. Additionally, relatively fixed occupancy expenses leveraged by 0.4% due to increased revenues, and we experienced a 0.3% improvement from better shrinkage results.

Selling, general and administrative expense increased by $3.3 million, or 4.3%, to $80.7 million in the first twenty-six weeks of 2010, compared to $77.4 million for the same period last year, but decreased as a percentage of net revenues to 23.6% in the first twenty-six weeks of 2010, compared to 24.5% for the same period last year. The increase in selling, general and administrative expense was driven by a $2.7 million increase in store payroll and other variable selling expenses, and $1.2 million in expenses related to West Marine University, our national sales meeting held every other year. This was partly offset by $0.6 million of less advertising in the Direct Sales segment as compared to last year, in line with the lower sales. Selling, general and administrative expense decreased as a percentage of net revenues driven by the relatively fixed nature of support expenses combined with increased net revenues.

Our effective income tax rate for the first twenty-six weeks of 2010 was 3.6%, as compared to an effective tax rate of 1.2% for the same period last year.

Net income for the first twenty-six weeks of 2010 was $25.6 million compared to net income of $16.7 million in the first twenty-six weeks of 2009. As outlined above, the improvement was primarily attributable to increased revenues and corresponding gross profit, partially offset by higher selling, general and administrative expense.

 

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Liquidity and Capital Resources

We ended the second quarter of 2010 with $4.5 million of cash, a decrease from $17.7 million at the end of the second quarter of 2009. Working capital, the excess of current assets over current liabilities, increased to $187.7 million at the end of the second quarter, compared with $175.0 million for the same period last year. The increase in working capital primarily was attributable to higher inventory and lower accrued expenses versus the same period last year. The higher inventory was driven by our strategy to bring in additional inventory earlier in the season this year to help ensure in-stock position as we move through the summer peak selling season. The decrease in accrued expenses year-over-year related to a reduction in fiscal 2008 store closure and restructuring charges.

Operating Activities

During the first six months of 2010, net cash used in operating activities was $2.8 million, compared to $45.3 million of cash generated during the same period last year. Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities decreased year-over-year by $48.1 million and primarily was driven by higher inventory purchases during the first half of the year compared to the same period last year as well as lower accounts payable and lower accrued expenses. The decrease in accounts payable was driven by the timing of inventory purchases during the first six months of this year compared to the same period last year as we bought additional inventory earlier in the season this year. The decrease in accrued expenses year-over-year related to a reduction in fiscal 2008 store closure and restructuring charges.

Investing Activities

We spent $6.5 million on capital expenditures during the first six months of 2010, a $0.1 million increase from the prior year period. During the first six months of 2010, we opened five large-format and one flagship store compared to five stores, including two flagship stores, opened during the first six months of 2009. During the second half of 2010, we expect a moderate increase in capital expenditures compared to the first half of the year. Our capital expenditures will be mainly for store development activities and information technology enhancements.

Financing Arrangements

Net cash provided by financing activities was $3.6 million for the first six months of 2010, which represents net borrowing under our credit facility.

We have a credit facility that allows for borrowings of up to $225.0 million and that expires in December 2010. Borrowing availability is based on a percentage of our inventory (excluding capitalized indirect costs) and certain accounts receivable. At our option, subject to certain conditions and restrictions, our loan agreement provides up to $25.0 million in additional financing during the term. The credit facility is guaranteed by our subsidiaries and is secured by a security interest in all of our accounts receivable and inventory and that of our subsidiaries, certain other assets related thereto, and all proceeds thereof. The credit facility includes a $50.0 million sub-facility available for the issuance of commercial and stand-by letters of credit. The credit facility also includes a sub-limit of up to $20.0 million for same day advances.

At our election, borrowings under the credit facility bear interest based upon one of the following rates: (1) the prime rate announced by Wells Fargo Bank, National Association at its principal office in San Francisco, California or (2) the interest rate per annum at which deposits in U.S. dollars are offered by reference lenders to prime banks in designated markets located outside the United States. In each case, the applicable interest rate is increased by a margin imposed by the loan agreement.

The applicable margin for any borrowing will depend upon the amount of available credit under the revolving facility. The loan agreement also imposes a commitment fee on the unused portion of the revolving loan facility. For the second quarter of 2010 and 2009, the weighted-average interest rate on all of our outstanding borrowings was 1.6% and 1.8%, respectively.

Although our loan agreement contains customary covenants, including but not limited to, restrictions on our ability and that of our subsidiaries to incur debt, grant liens, make acquisitions and investments, pay dividends and sell or transfer assets, it does not contain debt or other similar financial covenants, such as maintaining certain specific leverage, debt service or interest coverage ratios. Instead, our loan is asset-based (which means our lenders maintain a security interest in our inventory and accounts receivable which serve as collateral for the loan), and the amount we may borrow under our loan agreement at any given time is determined by the estimated liquidation value of these assets as determined by the lenders’ appraisers. Additional loan covenants include a requirement that we maintain minimum revolving credit availability equal to the lesser of $15.0 million or 7.5% of the borrowing base. In addition, there are customary events of default under our loan agreement, including failure to comply with our covenants. If we fail to comply with any of the covenants contained in the loan agreement, an event of default occurs which, if not waived by our lenders or cured within the applicable time periods, results in the lenders having the right to accelerate repayment of all outstanding indebtedness under the loan agreement before the stated maturity date. A default under our loan agreement also could significantly and adversely affect our ability to obtain additional or alternative financing. As of July 3, 2010, we were in compliance with our bank covenants.

 

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At July 3, 2010, borrowings under this credit facility were $2.5 million bearing interest at a rate of 3.0%, and $138.4 million was available for future borrowings. At July 4, 2009, borrowings under this credit facility were $18.0 million, bearing interest rates ranging from 1.3% and 3.0%, and $115.3 million was available to be borrowed. The increase year-over-year in credit availability primarily was due to lower outstanding borrowings. At July 3, 2010 and July 4, 2009, we had $5.1 million and $5.4 million, respectively, of outstanding commercial and stand-by letters of credit.

Our borrowing base at July 3, 2010 and July 4, 2009 consisted of the following (in millions):

 

     July 3,
2010
    July 4,
2009
 

Accounts receivable availability

   $ 13.0      $ 11.9   

Inventory availability

     151.2        143.9   

Less: reserves

     (6.3 )     (5.9 )
                

Total borrowing base

   $ 157.9      $ 149.9   
                

Our aggregate borrowing base was reduced by the following obligations (in millions):

    

Ending loan balance

   $ 2.5      $ 18.0   

Outstanding letters of credit

     5.1        5.4   
                

Total obligations

   $ 7.6      $ 23.4   
                

Accordingly, our availability as of July 3, 2010 and July 4, 2009, respectively, was (in millions):

    

Total borrowing base

   $ 157.9      $ 149.9   

Less: obligations

     (7.6 )     (23.4 )

Less: minimum availability

     (11.9 )     (11.2 )
                

Total availability

   $ 138.4      $ 115.3   
                

We are currently in discussions with Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, to amend and restate our existing credit facility. We currently expect to, among other things, reduce the borrowing capacity under this credit facility to approximately $140.0 million with an option for up to an additional $25.0 million in borrowing capacity. We believe pricing for the amended and restated facility will be at current market rates, which are somewhat higher than those negotiated five years ago under our existing facility. While we cannot give assurances as to when we will enter into the new credit facility, if at all, we expect to enter into the new facility during the third quarter of this fiscal year.

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

Substantially all of the real property used in our business is leased under operating lease agreements, as described in Item 2 –Properties and Note 7 to the consolidated financial statements in the 2009 Form 10-K.

We do not participate in transactions that generate relationships with unconsolidated entities or financial partnerships, such as special purpose entities or variable interest entities, which would have been established for the purpose of facilitating off-balance sheet arrangements or other limited purposes.

Seasonality

Historically, our business has been highly seasonal. In 2009, approximately 65% of our net sales and all of our net income occurred during the second and third quarters, principally during the period from April through August, which represents the peak months for boat buying, usage and maintenance in most of our markets.

Business Trends

Our research and experience indicates that the U.S. boating industry experienced a down cycle in 2009, as evidenced by lower sales trends in each of our business segments compared to 2008, lower new and used boat sales, and declining boat registrations in key states. Early in 2010, we began to see signs that customers were preparing their boats for usage this year as sales increases during the first quarter of 2010 were led by growth in maintenance-related products. We have also seen recovery in demand for our bigger-ticket items, such as electronics. As we progressed through the second quarter of 2010, we observed that proportionately more sales growth was coming through our Port Supply wholesale business, particularly in sales to Port Supply customers through our stores. We believe this has been driven by our ongoing efforts to better serve this group, as well as leverage the fixed costs at our stores. We also believe we continued to benefit in all areas of the business from changes in the competitive landscape, including the closure of the Boater’s World chain of stores during the mid-part of last year. While we continue to manage our business conservatively from an operating expense standpoint, we are taking steps to maximize opportunity in demand recovery. Specifically, these actions include:

 

   

making prudent strategic investments in additional core inventory items to maintain in-stock levels in the event improved sales continue; and

 

   

hiring additional store Associates to maintain customer service levels while leveraging payroll expense as a percentage of sales.

 

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We believe that the ongoing uncertainty in economic conditions has adversely impacted discretionary consumer spending in an already challenging climate for the boating industry, and we believe that this economic uncertainty could continue to have an impact on our sales revenue, with corresponding risks to our earnings and cash flow in 2010 (see the “Overview” and “Fiscal 2009 Compared with Fiscal 2008 — Segment Revenues” of “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” in the 2009 Form 10-K). Therefore, we will constrain expense growth and maximize cash flow by:

 

   

controlling our operating expenses through variable expense management, as well as reengineering and streamlining business processes;

 

   

continuing to improve the quality of our inventory by tightly controlling overstocked or discontinued goods;

 

   

proceeding with our ongoing real estate optimization program, evolving to having fewer, larger stores with anticipated improved economics;

 

   

managing the business to the conservative budget established for 2010, which focuses on expense control and emphasizes working capital management; and

 

   

exploring methods and strategies to drive sales and market presence.

More broadly, in order to better meet the needs of our customers and maximize sales opportunities, we have invested in a strategic project to replace our aging point-of-sale and order management systems. The new platform is intended to enable faster sales checkout, improved product search capability, integrated customer information and order management, and simplified policy application. We anticipate piloting the system during the fourth quarter of 2010, with company-wide implementation shortly thereafter. While we are approaching this project in a measured and methodical manner, the precise timing for company-wide roll-out of the system and the integrity and efficiency of the system are not certain or assured at this time.

Internet Address and Access to SEC Filings

Our Internet address is www.westmarine.com. Interested readers may access our annual reports on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K and any amendments to those reports filed or furnished pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), in the “Investor Relations” portion of our website as well as through the Securities and Exchange Commission’s website, www.sec.gov.

Forward-Looking Statements

All statements other than those that are purely historical are forward-looking statements. Words such as “expect,” “anticipate,” “believe,” “estimate,” “plan,” “project,” and similar expressions also identify forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements include, among other things, statements that relate to West Marine’s future plans, expectations, objectives and business strategies, including our ability to improve financial performance through supply chain management, expense controls and real estate optimization and successfully negotiate and enter into a new credit facility, as well as facts and assumptions underlying these statements or projections. Actual results may differ materially from the results expressed or implied in these forward-looking statements due to various risks, uncertainties or other factors.

West Marine’s operations could be adversely affected if the current economic conditions and/or the decline in spending in the boating industry continue or worsen, or if unseasonably cold weather, prolonged winter-like conditions, natural disasters such as hurricanes, man-made disasters such as the Gulf oil spill or extraordinary amounts of rainfall occur during the peak boating season in the second and third quarters. Risk factors that may affect our earnings in the future include the risk factors set forth in this quarterly report on Form 10-Q and the 2009 Form 10-K, and those risks which may be described from time to time in West Marine’s other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Except as required by applicable law, West Marine assumes no responsibility to update any forward-looking statements as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

ITEM 3 – QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

We do not undertake any specific actions to diminish our exposure to interest rate or currency rate risk, and we are not a party to any interest rate or currency rate risk management transactions. We do not purchase or hold any derivative financial instruments. We believe there has been no material change in our exposure to market risk from that discussed in the 2009 Form 10-K.

Based on our operating results for the second quarter ended July 3, 2010, a 15-basis point change in the interest rate (10% of our weighted-average interest rate) affecting our floating financial instruments would have an effect of reducing our pre-tax income and cash flows by less than $0.1 million over the next year (see Note 5 to the notes to consolidated financial statements in the 2009 Form 10-K).

A 10% increase in the exchange rate of the U.S. dollar versus the Canadian dollar would have an effect of reducing our pre-tax income and cash flows by approximately $1.0 million over the next year.

 

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ITEM 4 – CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

We conducted, under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, an evaluation of the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Exchange Act. Based on our evaluation, we concluded that, as of July 3, 2010, our disclosure controls and procedures were effective.

Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

Remediation of Material Weakness identified as of January 2, 2010

As disclosed in Item 9A of our annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended January 2, 2010, we identified a material weakness in our internal control over financial reporting as of January 2, 2010. A material weakness is a deficiency, or a combination of deficiencies, in internal control over financial reporting, such that there is a reasonable possibility that a material misstatement of our annual or interim financial statements will not be prevented or detected on a timely basis. In connection with preparing the 2009 Form 10-K, we identified a deficiency in our process for accruing estimated freight charges. Specifically, the reconciliation performed by our finance department with respect to this account as of January 2, 2010, did not identify an error in the period-end accrual for this account.

During the first quarter of 2010, management implemented the following changes in our internal control over financial reporting:

 

   

We reevaluated the account level thresholds that trigger additional analysis.

 

   

We improved our monitoring control in order to bolster our peer review process of account reconciliations on a periodic basis, including the reconciliation of estimated freight charges.

 

   

We engaged external accounting resources to assist in our review of reconciliations, including accounts related to freight charges.

 

   

We provided additional training to all individuals involved with the reconciliation process.

Following our testing during the second quarter of the changes implemented during the first quarter, we have determined that such material weakness was remediated and that our internal control over financial reporting was effective as of July 3, 2010.

Changes in the Second Quarter of 2010

There were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the second quarter of 2010 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting, other than refinements to the changes implemented during the first quarter of 2010, as described above, which resulted from testing of the changes.

 

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PART II – OTHER INFORMATION

ITEM 1 – LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

We are involved in various legal and administrative proceedings, claims and litigation arising in the ordinary course of business. Based on the facts currently available, we do not believe that the disposition of matters that are pending or asserted, individually and in the aggregate, will have a material adverse effect on our financial position. However, an adverse judgment by a court, administrative or regulatory agency, arbitrator or a settlement could adversely impact our results of operations in any given period.

Additionally, U.S. Customs and Border Protection has advised us that it is performing a “focused assessment” of our import practices and procedures for fiscal 2008. In preparing for the focused assessment, we found certain adjustments to duties owed relating to imported goods, and submitted a voluntary prior disclosure to the agency identifying certain underpayments, and remitting payment of duties not paid as a result of these adjustments. We are cooperating and working closely with the agency as the focused assessment progresses. We will be implementing improvements in processes and procedures in areas where underpayments were found and will be reviewing these remedial measures with the agency. At this time, we do not believe that any deficiencies in processes or controls, or unanticipated costs or unpaid duties associated with this matter will have a material adverse effect on us or our results of operations.

ITEM 1A – RISK FACTORS

We have included in Part I, Item 1A of our 2009 Form 10-K, a description of certain risks and uncertainties that could affect our business, future performance or financial condition, referred to as “Risk Factors.” These risk factors have not materially changed, other than as set forth below. Investors should consider these Risk Factors prior to making an investment decision with respect to our common stock. We updated our Risk Factors in Part II, Item 1A of our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended April 3, 2010, and the following Risk Factor supersedes and replaces that Risk Factor in its entirely.

Our results of operations could be adversely affected if unseasonably cold weather, prolonged winter conditions, natural disasters such as hurricanes or extraordinary amounts of rainfall or manmade disasters occur, especially during the peak boating season in the second and third fiscal quarters.

Our business is highly seasonal. The majority of our revenues occur between the months of April and August, which represent the peak boating months in most of our markets. Our annual results would be materially and adversely affected if our net revenues were to fall below expected seasonal levels during this period. Our business also is significantly affected by weather patterns. Unseasonably cool weather, prolonged winter conditions, extraordinary amounts of rainfall or natural or manmade disasters may decrease boating use in the peak season, resulting in lower maintenance needs and, therefore, decreased revenues.

In particular, the oil platform explosion in the Gulf of Mexico in April 2010 and resulting underwater leaks have caused an oil spill that have had and may continue to have a substantial adverse impact on boating usage in the area. Efforts to remediate the oil spill have to a certain degree offset the reduced recreational and commercial boating usage that resulted from the oil spill. However, boating activity relating to remediation efforts may lessen while the effects of the oil spill may continue to adversely impact recreational and commercial boating usage, which may adversely affect our results of operations by reducing demand for our marine products because of reduced boating activity in the area.

ITEM 2 – UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS

None.

ITEM 3 – DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES

None.

ITEM 4 – [REMOVED AND RESERVED]

None.

ITEM 5 – OTHER INFORMATION

None.

 

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ITEM 6 – EXHIBITS

 

  3.1    Certificate of Incorporation of West Marine, Inc., as amended (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to West Marine’s Annual Report on Form 10-K filed March 18, 2004).
  3.2    Bylaws of West Marine, Inc., as amended (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to West Marine’s Annual Report on Form 10-K filed March 13, 2007).
  4.1    Specimen Common Stock Certificate (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to West Marine’s Registration Statement on Form S-1 (Registration No. 33-69604)).
15.1    Letter regarding Unaudited Interim Financial Information.
31.1    Certification of Chief Executive Officer Pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.
31.2    Certification of Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.
32.1    Certification of Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to Rule 13a-14(b) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.

 

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SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.

 

Date: August 9, 2010     WEST MARINE, INC.
      By:   /s/ Geoffrey A. Eisenberg
        Geoffrey A. Eisenberg
        Chief Executive Officer
      By:   /s/ Thomas R. Moran
        Thomas R. Moran
        Chief Financial Officer

 

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