Edgar Filing: KIRKLAND'S, INC

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10-Q

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 November 1, 2014,

¨	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: 000-49885

KIRKLAND’S, INC.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)


Tennessee		62-1287151
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)		(IRS Employer Identification No.)

5310 Maryland Way Brentwood, Tennessee		37027
(Address of principal executive offices)		(Zip Code)

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (615) 872-4800

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

Indicate by check mark 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 x 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. See definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

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

Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer’s classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date.

Common Stock, no par value — 17,146,522 shares outstanding as of December 4, 2014.

KIRKLAND’S, INC.

TABLE OF CONTENTS


	Page

PART I — FINANCIAL INFORMATION:

Item 1. Financial Statements

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets as of November 1, 2014 (unaudited), February 1, 2014, and November 2, 2013 (unaudited)		3

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income for the 13-week and 39-week periods ended November 1, 2014 and November 2, 2013 (unaudited)		4

Condensed Consolidated Statement of Shareholders’ Equity for the 39-week period ended November 1, 2014 (unaudited)		5

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the 39-week periods ended November 1, 2014 and November 2, 2013 (unaudited)		6

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited)		7

Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations		9

Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk		16

Item 4. Controls and Procedures		16

PART II — OTHER INFORMATION:

Item 1. Legal Proceedings		16

Item 1A. Risk Factors		16

Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and use of Proceeds		16

Item 6. Exhibits		18

SIGNATURES		19

EXHIBIT 31.1

EXHIBIT 31.2

EXHIBIT 32.1

EXHIBIT 32.2

EXHIBIT 101

KIRKLAND’S, INC.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(in thousands, except share data)


	November 1, 2014 (Unaudited)			February 1, 2014			November 2, 2013 (Unaudited)
ASSETS
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$	56,642		$	89,050		$	54,634
Inventories, net		77,456			52,637			68,833
Deferred income taxes		2,969			2,777			1,687
Prepaid expenses and other current assets		12,549			8,817			12,480

Total current assets		149,616			153,281			137,634
Property and equipment, net		90,683			80,329			79,664
Other assets		2,125			1,838			1,823

Total assets	$	242,424		$	235,448		$	219,121

LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable	$	32,049		$	23,102		$	24,751
Income taxes payable		—			5,875			—
Accrued expenses		25,296			23,670			23,886

Total current liabilities		57,345			52,647			48,637
Deferred rent		40,831			38,976			38,906
Non-current deferred income taxes		3,116			3,337			2,966
Other liabilities		5,474			5,259			5,406

Total liabilities		106,766			100,219			95,915

Shareholders’ equity:
Preferred stock, no par value, 10,000,000 shares authorized; no shares issued or outstanding at November 1, 2014, February 1, 2014, or November 2, 2013, respectively		—			—			—
Common stock, no par value; 100,000,000 shares authorized; 17,162,929; 17,304,285; and 17,282,395 shares issued and outstanding at November 1, 2014, February 1, 2014, and November 2, 2013, respectively		158,295			156,193			156,496
Accumulated deficit		(22,637	)		(20,964	)		(33,290	)

Total shareholders’ equity		135,658			135,229			123,206

Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity	$	242,424		$	235,448		$	219,121

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

KIRKLAND’S, INC.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME (UNAUDITED)

(in thousands, except per share data)


	13-Week Period Ended						39-Week Period Ended
	November 1, 2014			November 2, 2013			November 1, 2014			November 2, 2013
Net sales	$	117,198		$	106,134		$	328,938		$	304,490
Cost of sales (exclusive of depreciation as shown below)		71,446			64,999			202,711			188,306

Gross profit		45,752			41,135			126,227			116,184
Operating expenses:
Compensation and benefits		23,021			21,431			65,387			61,285
Other operating expenses		16,090			13,961			43,980			39,653
Depreciation		4,670			4,049			13,401			11,790

Total operating expenses		43,781			39,441			122,768			112,728

Operating income		1,971			1,694			3,459			3,456
Interest expense, net		70			70			206			209
Other income, net		(69	)		(58	)		(377	)		(172	)

Income before income taxes		1,970			1,682			3,630			3,419
Income tax expense		710			674			1,370			1,215

Net income	$	1,260		$	1,008		$	2,260		$	2,204

Earnings per share:
Basic	$	0.07		$	0.06		$	0.13		$	0.13

Diluted	$	0.07		$	0.06		$	0.13		$	0.13

Weighted average shares for basic earnings per share:		17,258			17,269			17,300			17,176
Effect of dilutive stock equivalents		476			494			499			435

Adjusted weighted average shares for diluted earnings per share		17,734			17,763			17,799			17,611

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

KIRKLAND’S, INC.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY (UNAUDITED)

(in thousands, except share data)


	Common Stock						Accumulated			Total Shareholders’
	Shares			Amount			Deficit			Equity
Balance at February 1, 2014		17,304,285		$	156,193		$	(20,964	)	$	135,229
Exercise of employee stock options and employee stock purchases		33,094			242			—			242
Tax benefit from exercise of stock options		—			123			—			123
Net share settlement of stock options and restricted stock units		(29,388	)		(318	)		—			(318	)
Issuance of restricted stock		82,000			—			—			—
Stock-based compensation expense		—			2,055			—			2,055
Repurchase and retirement of common stock		(227,062	)		—			(3,933	)		(3,933	)
Net income		—			—			2,260			2,260

Balance at November 1, 2014		17,162,929		$	158,295		$	(22,637	)	$	135,658

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

KIRKLAND’S, INC.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (UNAUDITED)

(in thousands)


	39-Week Period Ended
	November 1, 2014			November 2, 2013
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income	$	2,260		$	2,204
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash used in operating activities: Depreciation of property and equipment		13,401			11,790
Amortization of landlord construction allowances		(4,065	)		(4,330	)
Amortization of debt issue costs		58			58
Loss on disposal of property and equipment		294			109
Cash received for landlord construction allowances		6,099			5,825
Stock-based compensation expense		2,055			2,112
Excess tax benefits from exercise of stock options and restricted stock		(123	)		(1,464	)
Deferred income taxes		(413	)		(247	)
Changes in assets and liabilities:
Inventories, net		(24,819	)		(19,256	)
Prepaid expenses and other current assets		(832	)		(482	)
Other noncurrent assets		(345	)		(322	)
Accounts payable		8,947			3,109
Income taxes receivable / payable		(8,803	)		(3,547	)
Accrued expenses and other current and noncurrent liabilities		1,813			3,327

Net cash used in operating activities		(4,473	)		(1,114	)

Cash flows from investing activities:
Capital expenditures		(24,049	)		(13,064	)

Net cash used in investing activities		(24,049	)		(13,064	)

Cash flows from financing activities:
Excess tax benefits from exercise of stock options and restricted stock		123			1,464
Employee stock purchases		242			209
Repurchase and retirement of common stock		(3,933	)		—
Cash used to settle withholding taxes on the vesting of restricted stock		(318	)		(658	)

Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities		(3,886	)		1,015

Cash and cash equivalents:
Net decrease		(32,408	)		(13,163	)
Beginning of the period		89,050			67,797

End of the period	$	56,642		$	54,634

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

KIRKLAND’S, INC.

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)

Note 1 — Basis of Presentation

Kirkland’s, Inc. (the “Company”) is a specialty retailer of home décor and gifts with 337 stores in 35 states as of November 1, 2014. The condensed consolidated financial statements of the Company include the accounts of Kirkland’s, Inc. and its wholly-owned subsidiaries, Kirkland’s Stores, Inc., Kirkland’s DC, Inc., Kirkland’s Texas, LLC, and Kirklands.com, LLC. All intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated.

The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States for interim financial information and with instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X. Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and notes required for complete financial statements. In the opinion of management, all adjustments, including normal recurring accruals, considered necessary for a fair presentation have been included. These financial statements should be read in conjunction with the audited financial statements included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on April 17, 2014.

It should be understood that accounting measurements at interim dates inherently involve greater reliance on estimates than those at fiscal year-end. In addition, because of seasonality factors, the results of the Company’s operations for the 13-week period ended November 1, 2014 are not indicative of the results to be expected for any other interim period or for the entire fiscal year. The Company’s fiscal year ends on the Saturday closest to January 31, resulting in years of either 52 or 53 weeks. All references to a fiscal year refer to the fiscal year ending on the Saturday closest to January 31 of the following year.

The preparation of the condensed consolidated financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the condensed consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes. Actual results could differ from the estimates and assumptions used.

Changes in estimates are recognized in the period when new information becomes available to management. Areas where the nature of the estimate makes it reasonably possible that actual results could materially differ from amounts estimated include, but are not limited to impairment assessments on long-lived assets, asset retirement obligations, inventory reserves, self-insurance reserves, income tax liabilities, stock-based compensation, employee bonus accruals, gift card breakage, sales return reserves, customer loyalty program accruals and contingent liabilities.

Note 2 — Income Taxes

An estimate of the annual effective tax rate is used at each interim period based on the facts and circumstances available at that time, while the actual effective tax rate is calculated at year-end. For the 13-week period ended November 1, 2014, the Company recorded an income tax expense of 36.0% of pre-tax income. In the prior year period, the Company recorded an income tax expense of 40.1% of pre-tax income. For the 39-week period ended November 1, 2014, the Company recorded an income tax expense of 37.7% of pre-tax income. In the prior year period, the Company recorded an income tax expense of 35.5% of pre-tax income.

Note 3 — Earnings Per Share

Basic earnings per share is computed by dividing net income by the weighted average number of shares outstanding during each period presented, which excludes non-vested restricted stock units. Diluted earnings per share is computed by dividing net income by the weighted average number of shares outstanding plus the dilutive effect of stock equivalents outstanding during the applicable periods using the treasury stock method. Diluted earnings per share reflects the potential dilution that could occur if options to purchase stock were exercised into common stock and if outstanding grants of restricted stock were vested. Stock options and restricted stock units that were not included in the computation of diluted earnings per share, because to do so would have been antidilutive, were 556,000 and 425,000 shares for the 13-week periods ended November 1, 2014, and November 2, 2013, respectively, and 510,000 and 518,000 shares for the 39-week periods ended November 1, 2014, and November 2, 2013, respectively.

Note 4 — Commitments and Contingencies

The Company is party to pending legal proceedings and claims. Although the outcome of such proceedings and claims cannot be determined with certainty, the Company’s management is of the opinion that it is unlikely that these proceedings and any claims in excess of insurance coverage will have a material effect on the financial condition, operating results or cash flows of the Company.

Note 5 — Stock-Based Compensation

The Company maintains equity incentive plans under which it may grant non-qualified stock options, incentive stock options, restricted stock, restricted stock units, or stock appreciation rights to employees, non-employee directors and consultants.

The Company granted 182,500 stock options and 97,000 restricted stock units during the 39-week period ended November 1, 2014. This compares to 200,000 stock options and 104,000 restricted stock units granted in the 39-week period ended November 2, 2013. Total stock-based compensation expense (a component of compensation and benefits) was $670,000 for the 13-week period ended November 1, 2014, and $2.1 million for the 39-week period ended November 1, 2014, compared to $720,000 and $2.1 million, respectively, for the comparable prior year periods. Compensation expense is recognized on a straight-line basis over the vesting periods of each grant. There have been no material changes in the assumptions used to compute compensation expense during the current quarter.

Note 6 — Related Party Transactions

In July 2009, the Company entered into an agreement with a related party vendor to purchase merchandise inventory. The vendor is considered a related party for financial reporting purposes because its principal is the spouse of the Company’s Vice President of Merchandising. During the 13-week periods ended November 1, 2014 and November 2, 2013, purchases from this vendor totaled approximately $9.4 million, or 13% of total merchandise purchases, and $9.7 million, or 15.3% of merchandise purchases, respectively. During the 39-week periods ended November 1, 2014 and November 2, 2013, purchases from this vendor totaled approximately $21.4 million, or 12.3% of total merchandise purchases, and $23.1 million, or 14.4% of merchandise purchases, respectively. Included in cost of sales for the 13-week periods ended November 1, 2014 and November 2, 2013 were $5.8 million and $6.4 million, respectively, related to this vendor. Included in cost of sales for the 39-week periods ended November 1, 2014 and November 2, 2013 were $17.4 million and $18.5 million, respectively, related to this vendor. Payable amounts outstanding to this vendor were approximately $3.8 million and $2.2 million as of November 1, 2014 and November 2, 2013, respectively. The Company’s payable terms with this vendor are consistent with the terms offered by other vendors in the ordinary course of business.

Note 7 — Stock Repurchase Program

On May 22, 2014, the Company announced that its Board of Directors authorized a stock repurchase plan providing for the purchase in the aggregate of up to $30 million of the Company’s outstanding common stock from time to time until May 2016. Through November 1, 2014, the Company repurchased and retired approximately 227,000 shares of common stock at an aggregate cost of approximately $3.9 million under this repurchase plan. As of November 1, 2014, the Company had $26.1 million remaining under the Board of Director’s current authorization to repurchase its common stock. Subsequent to November 1, 2014, the Company has repurchased and retired approximately 20,000 shares of common stock at an aggregate cost of $356,000.

Note 8 — New Accounting Pronouncement

In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued Accounting Standards Update (ASU) 2014-09, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers.” Under ASU 2014-09, an entity will recognize revenue when it transfers promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects what it expects in exchange for the goods or services. ASU 2014-09 also requires more detailed disclosures to enable users of financial statements to understand the nature, amount, timing, and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows arising from contracts with customers. The Company is still evaluating the impact the adoption of ASU 2014-09 will have on its consolidated financial statements. This update will be effective for the Company at the beginning of its fiscal 2017 year.

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

Forward Looking Statements

This “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” (MD&A) is intended to provide an understanding of our financial condition, change in financial condition, cash flow, liquidity and results of operations. The following MD&A discussion should be read in conjunction with the condensed consolidated financial statements and notes to those statements that appear elsewhere in this Form 10-Q and in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K, filed April 17, 2014. The following discussion contains forward-looking statements that reflect the Company’s plans, estimates and beliefs. The Company’s actual results could differ materially from those discussed or referred to in the forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause or contribute to any differences include, but are not limited to, those discussed under the caption “Cautionary Statement for Purposes of the “Safe Harbor” Provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995” and under Part II, Item 1A — “Risk Factors”.

General

We are a specialty retailer of home décor and gifts in the United States, operating 337 stores in 35 states as of November 1, 2014, as well as an e-commerce enabled website, www.kirklands.com. Our stores present a broad selection of distinctive merchandise, including wall décor (framed art, mirrors and other wall ornaments), lamps, decorative accessories, accent furniture, textiles, fragrance and accessories, frames, housewares, outdoor accessories and artificial floral products. Our stores also offer an extensive assortment of holiday merchandise during seasonal periods as well as items carried throughout the year suitable for gift-giving. In addition, we use innovative design and packaging to market home décor items as gifts. We provide our predominantly female customers an engaging shopping experience characterized by a diverse, ever-changing merchandise selection reflecting current styles at prices which provide discernible value. This combination of ever-changing and stylish merchandise, value pricing and a stimulating store experience has led to our emergence as a leader in home décor and enabled us to develop a strong customer franchise.

During the 13-week period ended November 1, 2014, we opened ten new stores and closed one store. During the 39-week period ended November 1, 2014, we opened twenty-three new stores and closed ten stores. The following table summarizes our stores and square footage under lease:


	As of November 1, 2014		As of November 2, 2013
Number of stores		337		323
Square footage		2,540,369		2,387,942
Average square footage per store		7,538		7,393

13-Week Period Ended November 1, 2014 Compared to the 13-Week Period Ended November 2, 2013

Results of operations. The table below sets forth selected results of our operations both in dollars (in thousands) and as a percentage of net sales for the periods indicated:


	13-Week Period Ended
	November 1, 2014						November 2, 2013						Change
	$			%			$			%			$			%
Net sales	$	117,198			100.0	%	$	106,134			100.0	%	$	11,064			10.4	%
Cost of sales		71,446			61.0	%		64,999			61.2	%		6,447			9.9	%

Gross profit		45,752			39.0	%		41,135			38.8	%		4,617			11.2	%
Operating expenses:
Compensation and benefits		23,021			19.6	%		21,431			20.2	%		1,590			7.4	%
Other operating expenses		16,090			13.7	%		13,961			13.2	%		2,129			15.2	%
Depreciation		4,670			4.0	%		4,049			3.8	%		621			15.3	%

Total operating expenses		43,781			37.4	%		39,441			37.1	%		4,340			11.0	%
Operating income		1,971			1.7	%		1,694			1.6	%		277			16.4	%
Interest expense, net		70			0.1	%		70			0.1	%		—			0.0	%
Other income, net		(69	)		(0.1	%)		(58	)		(0.1	%)		(11	)		19.0	%

Income before income taxes		1,970			1.7	%		1,682			1.6	%		288			17.1	%
Income tax expense		710			0.6	%		674			0.6	%		36			5.3	%

Net income	$	1,260			1.1	%	$	1,008			0.9	%	$	252			25.0	%

Net sales. Net sales increased 10.4% to $117.2 million for the third fiscal quarter of 2014 compared to $106.1 million for the prior year period. The impact of net new store growth contributed an increase to net sales of $4.8 million. An increase in comparable store sales, including e-commerce sales, of 6.3%, contributed an increase over the prior year quarter of $6.3 million. Comparable store sales increased 4.9% in the prior year period. For the third fiscal quarter of 2014, the e-commerce business was up 37.7% versus the prior year period, accompanied by an increase in comparable store sales at brick-and-mortar stores of 4.8%. For brick-and-mortar stores, the comparable store sales increase was primarily due to an increase in the number of transactions, coupled with a slight increase in the average ticket. The increase in transactions resulted from an increase in conversion, combined with a slight increase in traffic. The increase in the average ticket reflected an increase in items per transaction, partially offset by a decrease in the average retail selling price. The merchandise categories contributing most to the comparable store sales increase were holiday, fragrance and accessories, textiles, and housewares.

Gross profit. Gross profit as a percentage of net sales increased from 38.8% in the third quarter of 2013 to 39.0% in the third quarter of 2014. The overall increase in gross profit margin was primarily due to higher merchandise margins, partially offset by higher outbound freight and central distribution costs. Outbound freight costs and central distribution expenses increased as a percentage of sales, primarily due to an increase in the e-Commerce business. Merchandise margin increased from 55.2% in the third quarter of fiscal 2013 to 56.3% in the third quarter of fiscal 2014. The increase in merchandise margin was primarily due to a year-over-year reduction in markdowns and promotional activity. Merchandise margin is calculated as net sales minus product cost of sales (including inbound freight) and inventory shrinkage. Merchandise margin excludes outbound freight, store occupancy and central distribution costs. Store occupancy costs as a percentage of net sales were flat in the third quarter of 2014 as compared to the prior year period.

Compensation and benefits. Compensation and benefits expenses at the store decreased as a percentage of net sales for the third quarter of fiscal 2014 as compared to the third quarter of 2013 due to comparable store sales leverage. At the corporate level, the compensation and benefits ratio was flat in the third quarter of 2014 as compared to the prior year period.

Other operating expenses. Other operating expenses increased as a percentage of sales versus the prior year period due to increases in professional fees as well as expenses related to e-Commerce operations and costs associated with our corporate headquarters office relocation.

Depreciation. The increase in depreciation as a percentage of sales reflects an increase in capital expenditures in recent fiscal years and the implementation of major technology upgrades.

Income tax expense. We recorded income tax expense of approximately $710,000, or 36.0% of pre-tax income during the third quarter of fiscal 2014, compared to a tax expense of approximately $674,000, or 40.1% of pre-tax income, in the prior year quarter.

Net loss and loss per share. As a result of the foregoing, we reported net income of $1.3 million, or $0.07 per diluted share, for the third quarter of fiscal 2014 as compared to net income of $1.0 million, or $0.06 per diluted share, for the third quarter of fiscal 2013.

39-week Period Ended November 1, 2014 Compared to the 39-week Period Ended November 2, 2013

Results of operations. The table below sets forth selected results of our operations both in dollars (in thousands) and as a percentage of net sales for the periods indicated:


	39-Week Period Ended
	November 1, 2014						November 2, 2013						Change
	$			%			$			%			$			%
Net sales	$	328,938			100.0	%	$	304,490			100.0	%	$	24,448			8.0	%
Cost of sales		202,711			61.6	%		188,306			61.8	%		14,405			7.6	%

Gross profit		126,227			38.4	%		116,184			38.2	%		10,043			8.6	%
Operating expenses:
Compensation and benefits		65,387			19.9	%		61,285			20.1	%		4,102			6.7	%
Other operating expenses		43,980			13.4	%		39,653			13.0	%		4,327			10.9	%
Depreciation		13,401			4.1	%		11,790			3.9	%		1,611			13.7	%

Total operating expenses		122,768			37.3	%		112,728			37.0	%		10,040			8.9	%
Operating income		3,459			1.1	%		3,456			1.1	%		3			0.1	%
Interest expense, net		206			0.1	%		209			0.1	%		(3	)		(1.4	%)
Other income, net		(377	)		(0.1	%)		(172	)		(0.1	%)		(205	)		119.2	%

Income before income taxes		3,630			1.1	%		3,419			1.1	%		211			6.2	%
Income tax expense		1,370			0.4	%		1,215			0.4	%		155			12.8	%

Net income	$	2,260			0.7	%	$	2,204			0.7	%	$	56			2.5	%

Net sales. Net sales increased 8.0% to $328.9 million for the first three quarters of fiscal 2014 compared to $304.5 million for the prior year period. The impact of net new store growth contributed an increase to net sales of $10.1 million. An increase in comparable store sales, including e-commerce sales, of 5.0%, contributed an increase over the prior year quarter of $14.3 million. Comparable store sales increased 0.8% in the prior year period. For the first three quarters of 2014, the e-commerce business was up 34.3% versus the prior year period, accompanied by an increase in comparable store sales at brick-and-mortar stores of 3.7%. For brick-and-mortar stores, the comparable store sales increase was primarily due to an increase in the number of transactions, offset by a slight decrease in the average ticket. The increase in transactions resulted from an increase in conversion combined with a slight increase in traffic. The slight decrease in the average ticket reflected a decrease in average retail selling price, partially offset by an increase in items sold per transaction. The merchandise categories contributing most to the comparable store sales increase were textiles, fragrance and accessories, housewares and holiday.

Gross profit. Gross profit as a percentage of net sales increased from 38.2% in the first three quarters of 2013 to 38.4% in the first three quarters of 2014. The overall increase in gross profit margin was primarily due to a higher merchandise margin, which increased from 54.6% in the first three quarters of fiscal 2013 to 55.5% in the first three quarters of fiscal 2014. Merchandise margin is calculated as net sales minus product cost of sales (including inbound freight) and inventory shrinkage. Merchandise margin excludes outbound freight, store occupancy and central distribution costs. The increase in merchandise margin was primarily the result of a reduction in promotional activity and markdowns. Store occupancy costs as a percentage of net sales were essentially flat in the first three quarters of 2014 as compared to the prior year period. Outbound freight costs and central distribution expenses as a percentage of net sales increased from the prior year period, mainly due to e-Commerce.

Compensation and benefits. Compensation and benefits expenses for stores increased in dollars as a result of an increase in store count, but decreased as a percent of net sales for the first three quarters of fiscal 2014 as compared to the first three quarters of 2013 due to comparable store sales leverage. At the corporate level, the compensation and benefits ratio increased slightly over the prior year period, primarily due to increased headcount associated with our multi-channel initiatives.

Other operating expenses. Other operating expenses increased in dollars and as a percentage of net sales versus the prior year period due primarily to expenses related to e-Commerce operations and the corporate headquarters office relocation.

Depreciation. The increase in depreciation as a percentage of sales reflects an increase in capital expenditures in recent fiscal years and the implementation of major technology upgrades.

Income tax expense. We recorded income tax expense of approximately $1.4 million, or 37.7% of pre-tax income during the first three quarters of fiscal 2014, versus approximately $1.2 million, or 35.5% of pre-tax income, in the prior year period. The increase in the rate from prior year reflects discrete tax credits received in the first three quarters of fiscal 2013 that related to prior years.

Net income and earnings per share. As a result of the foregoing, we reported net income of $2.3 million, or $0.13 per diluted share, for the first three quarters of fiscal 2014 as compared to net income of $2.2 million, or $0.13 per diluted share, for the first three quarters of fiscal 2013.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

Our principal capital requirements are for working capital and capital expenditures. Working capital consists mainly of merchandise inventories offset by accounts payable, which typically reach their peak by the early portion of the fourth quarter of each fiscal year. Capital expenditures primarily relate to new store openings; existing store expansions, remodels or relocations; and purchases of equipment or information technology assets for our stores, distribution facilities and corporate headquarters. Historically, we have funded our working capital and capital expenditure requirements with internally generated cash and borrowings under our credit facility.

Cash flows from operating activities. Net cash used in operating activities was approximately $4.5 million for the first three quarters of fiscal 2014, compared to net cash used in operating activities of $1.1 million for the first three quarters of 2013. Cash flows from operating activities depend heavily on operating performance, changes in working capital and the timing and amount of payments for income taxes. The change in the amount of cash used in operations as compared to the prior year period was primarily the result of higher income tax payments and incentive bonus payouts in the first three quarters of 2014.

Cash flows from investing activities. Net cash used in investing activities for the first three quarters of fiscal 2014 consisted of $24.0 million in capital expenditures as compared to $13.1 million in capital expenditures for the prior year period. The capital expenditures in both periods primarily related to new store construction and information technology assets. During the first three quarters of fiscal 2014, we opened twenty-three stores compared to sixteen stores during the first three quarters of fiscal 2013. We expect that capital expenditures for all of fiscal 2014 will be approximately $31 to $33 million, primarily to fund the leasehold improvements of new stores, make improvements in our information technology infrastructure and multi-channel capabilities, maintain our investments in existing stores and our distribution center, and support our corporate office relocation.

Cash flows from financing activities. Net cash used in financing activities was approximately $3.9 million for the first three quarters of fiscal 2014, and was primarily related to the repurchase and retirement of common stock, partially offset by employee stock purchases and tax benefits related to the exercise of employee stock options and vesting of restricted stock units. Net cash provided by financing activities was approximately $1.0 million for the first three quarters of fiscal 2013, and was related to employee stock purchases and tax benefits related to the exercise of employee stock options and the vesting of restricted stock units.

Revolving credit facility. On August 19, 2011, we entered into an Amended and Restated Credit Agreement (the “Credit Agreement”) with Bank of America, N.A. as administrative agent and collateral agent, and the lenders named therein (the “Lenders”), replacing our prior credit agreement entered into in 2004. The Credit Agreement increased our senior secured revolving credit facility from $45 million to $50 million and extended the maturity date to August 2016. Borrowings under the facility bear interest at an annual rate equal to LIBOR plus a margin ranging from 175 to 225 basis points with no LIBOR floor. Additionally, a fee of 0.375% per annum is assessed on the unused portion of the facility.

Pursuant to the Credit Agreement, borrowings are subject to certain customary conditions and contain customary events of default, including, without limitation, failure to make payments, a cross-default to certain other debt, breaches of covenants, breaches of representations and warranties, a change in control, certain monetary judgments and bankruptcy and ERISA events. Upon any such event of default, the principal amount of any unpaid loans and all other obligations under the Credit Agreement may be declared immediately due and payable. The maximum availability under the facility is limited by a borrowing base formula which consists of a percentage of eligible inventory and eligible credit card receivables, less reserves.

Also on August 19, 2011, we entered into an Amended and Restated Security Agreement with our Lenders. Pursuant to the Security Agreement, we pledged and granted to the administrative agent, for the benefit of itself and the secured parties specified therein, a lien on and security interest in all of the rights, title and interest in substantially all of our assets to secure the payment and performance of the obligations under the Credit Agreement.

As of November 1, 2014, we were in compliance with the covenants in the facility and there were no outstanding borrowings under the credit facility, with approximately $50.0 million available for borrowing.

At November 1, 2014, our balance of cash and cash equivalents was approximately $56.6 million. We do not anticipate any borrowings under the credit facility during fiscal 2014. We believe that the combination of our cash balances and cash flow from operations will be sufficient to fund our planned capital expenditures and working capital requirements for at least the next twelve months.

Share Repurchase Authorization. On May 22, 2014, we announced that our Board of Directors authorized a stock repurchase plan providing for the purchase in the aggregate of up to $30 million of our outstanding common stock until May 2016. Through November 1, 2014, we repurchased and retired approximately 227,000 shares of common stock at an aggregate cost of approximately $3.9 million under this repurchase plan. As of November 1, 2014, we had $26.1 million remaining under our Board of Director’s current authorization to repurchase our common stock. Subsequent to November 1, 2014, we have repurchased and retired approximately 20,000 shares of common stock at an aggregate cost of $356,000.

Related Party Transactions

In July 2009, we entered into an agreement with a related party vendor to purchase merchandise inventory. The vendor is considered a related party for financial reporting purposes because its principal is the spouse of our Vice President of Merchandising. During the 13-week periods ended November 1, 2014 and November 2, 2013, purchases from this vendor totaled approximately $9.4 million, or 13.0% of total merchandise purchases, and $9.7 million, or 15.3% of merchandise purchases, respectively. During the 39-week periods ended November 1, 2014 and November 2, 2013, purchases from this

vendor totaled approximately $21.4 million, or 12.3% of total merchandise purchases, and $23.1 million, or 14.4% of merchandise purchases, respectively. Included in cost of sales for the 13-week periods ended November 1, 2014 and November 2, 2013 were $5.8 million and $6.4 million, respectively, related to this vendor. Included in cost of sales for the 39-week periods ended November 1, 2014 and November 2, 2013 were $17.4 million and $18.5 million, respectively, related to this vendor. Payable amounts outstanding to this vendor were approximately $3.8 million and $2.2 million as of November 1, 2014 and November 2, 2013, respectively. Our payable terms with this vendor are consistent with the terms offered by other vendors in the ordinary course of business.

Significant Contractual Obligations and Commercial Commitments

Construction commitments

The Company had commitments for new store construction projects totaling approximately $2.3 million at November 1, 2014.

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

There have been no significant changes to our critical accounting policies during fiscal 2014. Refer to our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended February 1, 2014, for a summary of our critical accounting policies.

Cautionary Statement for Purposes of the “Safe Harbor” Provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995

The following information is provided pursuant to the “Safe Harbor” provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Certain statements under the heading “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” in this Form 10-Q are “forward-looking statements” made pursuant to these provisions. Forward-looking statements provide current expectations of future events based on certain assumptions and include any statement that does not directly relate to any historical or current fact. Words such as “should,” “likely to,” “forecasts,” “strategy,” “goal,” “anticipates,” “believes,” “expects,” “estimates,” “intends,” “plans,” “projects,” and similar expressions, may identify such forward-looking statements. Such statements are subject to certain risks and uncertainties which could cause actual results to differ materially from the results projected in such statements. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date hereof.

The factors listed below under the heading “Risk Factors” and in the other sections of this Form 10-Q provide examples of risks, uncertainties and events that could cause our actual results to differ materially from the expectations expressed in our forward-looking statements.

These forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this report and, except as required by law, we undertake no obligation to update forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances occurring after the date of this report.

We caution readers that the following important factors, among others, have in the past, in some cases, affected and could in the future affect our actual results of operations and cause our actual results to differ materially from the results expressed in any forward-looking statements made by us or on our behalf.

•

If We Do Not Generate Sufficient Cash Flow, We May Not Be Able to Implement Our Growth Strategy.

•

If We Are Unable to Profitably Open and Operate New Stores at a Rate that Exceeds Planned Store Closings, We May Not Be Able to Adequately Execute Our Growth Strategy, Resulting in a Decrease in Net Sales and Net Income.

•

Our Success Depends Upon our Marketing, Advertising and Promotional Efforts. If We are Unable to Implement them Successfully, or if Our Competitors Market, Advertise or Promote More Effectively than We Do, Our Revenue May Be Adversely Affected.

•

We May Not Be Able to Successfully Anticipate Consumer Trends and Our Failure to Do So May Lead to Loss of Consumer Acceptance of Our Products Resulting in Reduced Net Sales.

•

We May Not Be Able to Successfully Respond to Technological Change, Our Website Could Become Obsolete and Our Financial Results and Conditions Could be Adversely Affected.

•

Inventory Loss and Theft and the Inability to Anticipate Inventory Needs may Result in Reduced Net Sales.

•

Inability to Successfully Develop and Maintain a Relevant and Reliable Multichannel Experience for Our Customers Could Adversely Affect Our Sales, Results of Operations and Reputation.

•

Our Results Could be Negatively Impacted if our Merchandise Offering Suffers a Substantial Impediment to its Reputation Due to Real or Perceived Quality Issues.

•

We Face an Extremely Competitive Specialty Retail Business Market, and Such Competition Could Result in a Reduction of Our Prices and a Loss of Our Market Share.

•

Weather Conditions Could Adversely Affect Our Sales and/or Profitability by Affecting Consumer Shopping Patterns.

•

We are Exposed to the Risk of Natural Disasters, Pandemic Outbreaks, Global Political Events, War and Terrorism That Could Disrupt Our Business and Result in Lower Sales, Increased Operating Costs and Capital Expenditures.

•

Our Performance May be Affected by General Economic Conditions.

•

Our Profitability is Vulnerable to Inflation and Cost Increases.

•

Our Profitability is Vulnerable to Energy Prices.

•

Our Business Is Highly Seasonal and Our Fourth Quarter Contributes a Disproportionate Amount of Our Net Sales, Net Income and Cash Flow, and Any Factors Negatively Impacting Us During Our Fourth Quarter Could Reduce Our Net Sales, Net Income and Cash Flow, Leaving Us with Excess Inventory and Making It More Difficult for Us to Finance Our Capital Requirements.

•

Failure to Control Merchandise Returns Could Negatively Impact the Business.

•

We May Experience Significant Variations in Our Quarterly Results.

•

Our Comparable Store Net Sales Fluctuate Due to a Variety of Factors.

•

Our Freight Costs and thus Our Cost of Goods Sold are Impacted by Changes in Fuel Prices.

•

Changes in Accounting and Tax Rules and Regulations May Adversely Affect our Operating Results.

•

New Legal Requirements Could Adversely Affect Our Operating Results.

•

New Regulations Related to Conflict Minerals Could Adversely Impact Our Business.

•

Litigation May Adversely Affect Our Business, Financial Condition, Results of Operations or Liquidity.

•

Product Liability Claims Could Adversely Affect Our Reputation.

•

If We Fail to Protect Our Brand Name, Competitors May Adopt Trade Names that Dilute the Value of Our Brand Name.

•

Failure to Protect the Integrity and Security of Individually Identifiable Data of Our Customers and Employees Could Expose Us to Litigation and Damage Our Reputation; The Expansion of Our e-commerce Business Has Inherent Cybersecurity Risks That May Result in Business Disruptions.

•

Our Hardware and Software Systems Are Vulnerable to Damage that Could Harm Our Business.

•

We Depend on a Number of Vendors to Supply Our Merchandise, and Any Delay in Merchandise Deliveries from Certain Vendors May Lead to a Decline in Inventory Which Could Result in a Loss of Net Sales.

•

We Are Dependent on Foreign Imports for a Significant Portion of Our Merchandise, and Any Changes in the Trading Relations and Conditions Between the United States and the Relevant Foreign Countries May Lead to a Decline in Inventory Resulting in a Decline in Net Sales, or an Increase in the Cost of Sales Resulting in Reduced Gross Profit.

•

Our Success Is Highly Dependent on Our Planning and Control Processes and Our Supply Chain, and Any Disruption in or Failure to Continue to Improve These Processes May Result in a Loss of Net Sales and Net Income.

•

We Depend on Key Personnel, and, if We Lose the Services of Any Member of Our Senior Management Team, We May Not Be Able to Run Our Business Effectively.

•

Our Charter and Bylaw Provisions and Certain Provisions of Tennessee Law May Make It Difficult in Some Respects to Cause a Change in Control of Kirkland’s and Replace Incumbent Management.

•

Concentration of Ownership among Our Existing Directors, Executive Officers, and Their Affiliates May Prevent New Investors from Influencing Significant Corporate Decisions.

•

If We Fail to Maintain an Effective System of Internal Control, We May Not be Able to Accurately Report Our Financial Results.

•

The Market Price for Our Common Stock Might Be Volatile and Could Result in a Decline in the Value of Your Investment.

ITEM 3.

QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

The Company does not utilize financial instruments for trading or other speculative purposes, nor does it utilize leveraged financial instruments. There have been no material changes in the market risk factors from those disclosed in the Company’s Form 10-K for the year ended February 1, 2014.

ITEM 4.

CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

(a) Evaluation of disclosure controls and procedures. Both our Chief Executive Officer and President and Chief Operating Officer (who is our principal financial officer), after evaluating the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) or 15(d)-(e) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”) have concluded that as of November 1, 2014 our disclosure controls and procedures were effective to provide reasonable assurance that information required to be disclosed by the Company in reports filed or submitted under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the Securities and Exchange Commission’s rules and forms and is accumulated and communicated to management, including our principal executive officer and principal financial officer, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

(b) Change in internal controls over financial reporting. There have been no changes in internal controls over financial reporting identified in connection with the foregoing evaluation that occurred during our last fiscal quarter that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

PART II OTHER INFORMATION

ITEM 1.

LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

The Company is party to pending legal proceedings and claims. Although the outcome of such proceedings and claims cannot be determined with certainty, the Company’s management is of the opinion that it is unlikely that these proceedings and claims in excess of insurance coverage will have a material effect on the financial condition, operating results or cash flows of the Company.

ITEM 1A.

RISK FACTORS

In addition to factors set forth in “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations — Cautionary Statement for Purposes of the ‘Safe Harbor’ Provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995,” in Part I — Item 2 of 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 fiscal year ended February 1, 2014, which could materially affect our business, financial condition or future results. The risks described in this report and 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 also may materially adversely affect our business, financial condition and/or operating results.

ITEM 2.

UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS

Shares of common stock repurchased by the Company during the third quarter of fiscal 2014, ending November 1, 2014, were as follows:

Issuer Repurchases of Equity Securities


Period	Total Number of Shares Purchased		Average Price Paid per Share		Total Number of Shares Purchased as Part of Publicly Announced Program		Maximum Dollar Value of Shares that May Yet Be Purchased Under the Program (in 000s)
August 3, 2014 to August 30, 2014		26,880	$	18.42		26,880	$	28,269
August 31, 2014 to October 4, 2014		64,310	$	17.11		64,310	$	27,169
October 5, 2014 to November 1, 2014		67,985	$	16.21		67,985	$	26,067

Total		159,175	$	16.95		159,175	$	26,067

Subsequent to November 1, 2014, the Company has repurchased and retired approximately 20,000 shares of common stock at an aggregate cost of $356,000.

ITEM 6.

EXHIBITS

(a) Exhibits.


Exhibit No.		Description of Document

31.1		Certification of the Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) or Rule 15d-14(a)

31.2		Certification of the President and Chief Operating Officer Pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) or Rule 15d-14(a)

32.1		Certification of the Chief Executive Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350

32.2		Certification of the President and Chief Operating Officer Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350

101		Interactive Data File (Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, for the quarter ended November 1, 2014, furnished in XBRL (eXtensible Business Reporting Language))

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 hereunto duly authorized.


						KIRKLAND’S, INC.

Date: December 11, 2014						/s/ Robert E. Alderson
						Robert E. Alderson Chief Executive Officer (principal executive officer)

Date: December 11, 2014						/s/ W. Michael Madden
						W. Michael Madden President and Chief Operating Officer (principal financial officer)

Date: December 11, 2014						/s/ Adam C. Holland
						Adam C. Holland Vice President of Finance and Chief Accounting Officer (principal accounting officer)

EXHIBIT INDEX


Exhibit No.		Description of Document

31.1		Certification of the Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) or Rule 15d-14(a)

31.2		Certification of the President and Chief Operating Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) or Rule 15d-14(a)

32.1		Certification of the Chief Executive Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350

32.2		Certification of the President and Chief Operating Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350

101		Interactive Data File (Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, for the quarter ended November 1, 2014, furnished in XBRL (eXtensible Business Reporting Language))

Large accelerated filer

Accelerated filer

Non-accelerated filer

Smaller reporting company