UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-Q

QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE  ACT OF 1934 FOR THE QUARTERLY PERIOD ENDED AUGUST 4, 2007.

Commission File Number:  000-50659

GANDER MOUNTAIN COMPANY
(Exact name of Registrant as Specified in its Charter)

Minnesota

 

180 East Fifth Street, Suite 1300
Saint Paul, Minnesota 55101
(651) 325-4300

 

41-1990949

(State or Other Jurisdiction of
Incorporation or Organization)

 

(Address, including zip code, and
telephone number, including area
code,of Registrant’s Principal
Executive Offices)

 

(I.R.S. Employer
Identification No.)

 

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 o

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, or a non-accelerated filer. See definition of “accelerated filer and large accelerated filer” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. check one o large accelerated filer o accelerated filer x non-accelerated filer

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).Yes o No 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, $.01 par value; 20,362,097 shares outstanding as of September 4, 2007.

 




GANDER MOUNTAIN COMPANY

QUARTERLY PERIOD ENDED AUGUST 4, 2007

Index

 

 

Page

PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

 

2

Item 1.

 

Unaudited Financial Statements

 

2

 

 

Statements of Operations

 

3

 

 

Balance Sheets

 

2

 

 

Statements of Cash Flows

 

4

 

 

Notes to Unaudited Financial Statements

 

5

Item 2.

 

Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

 

9

Item 3.

 

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

 

19

Item 4.

 

Controls and Procedures

 

19

 

 

 

 

 

PART II. OTHER INFORMATION

 

20

Item 1.

 

Legal Proceedings

 

20

Item 1A.

 

Risk Factors

 

20

Item 2.

 

Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

 

20

Item 3.

 

Defaults Upon Senior Securities

 

20

Item 4.

 

Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders

 

20

Item 5.

 

Other Information

 

21

Item 6.

 

Exhibits

 

21

SIGNATURES

 

22

 




PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

ITEM 1.  UNAUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Gander Mountain Company

Statements of Operations - Unaudited

(In thousands, except per share data)

 

 

13 Weeks Ended

 

26 Weeks Ended

 

 

 

August 4,

 

July 29,

 

August 4,

 

July 29,

 

 

 

2007

 

2006

 

2007

 

2006

 

Sales

 

$

216,511

 

$

182,482

 

$

392,260

 

$

338,062

 

Cost of goods sold

 

164,975

 

138,408

 

306,848

 

266,996

 

Gross profit

 

51,536

 

44,074

 

85,412

 

71,066

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Operating expenses:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Store operating expenses

 

43,728

 

36,472

 

84,279

 

72,327

 

General and administrative expenses

 

11,703

 

9,606

 

23,153

 

18,959

 

Pre-opening expenses

 

1,234

 

708

 

1,964

 

1,473

 

Loss from operations

 

(5,129

)

(2,712

)

(23,984

)

(21,693

)

Interest expense, net

 

4,530

 

4,847

 

8,506

 

8,833

 

Loss before income taxes

 

(9,659

)

(7,559

)

(32,490

)

(30,526

)

Income tax provision

 

 

 

 

 

Net loss

 

$

(9,659

)

$

(7,559

)

$

(32,490

)

$

(30,526

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic and diluted loss per share

 

$

(0.48

)

$

(0.53

)

$

(1.61

)

$

(2.14

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Weighted average common shares outstanding

 

20,312

 

14,293

 

20,201

 

14,289

 

 

See accompanying notes to unaudited financial statements.

2




Gander Mountain Company

Balance Sheets

(In thousands)

 

 

August 4,

 

February 3,

 

 

 

2007

 

2007

 

 

 

(Unaudited)

 

 

 

Assets

 

 

 

 

 

Current assets:

 

 

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents

 

$

1,442

 

$

1,342

 

Accounts receivable

 

17,390

 

10,337

 

Inventories

 

418,936

 

349,120

 

Prepaids and other current assets

 

15,183

 

10,681

 

Total current assets

 

452,951

 

371,480

 

Property and equipment, net

 

152,393

 

144,439

 

Other assets, net

 

6,187

 

5,698

 

Total assets

 

$

611,531

 

$

521,617

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Liabilities and shareholders’ equity

 

 

 

 

 

Current liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

Borrowings under credit facility

 

$

244,487

 

$

168,485

 

Accounts payable

 

98,015

 

62,868

 

Accrued and other current liabilities

 

47,781

 

48,032

 

Current maturities of long term debt

 

3,809

 

1,677

 

Total current liabilities

 

394,092

 

281,062

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Long term debt

 

22,171

 

16,421

 

Other long term liabilities

 

27,171

 

27,343

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Shareholders’ equity:

 

 

 

 

 

Preferred stock ($.01 par value, 5,000,000 shares authorized; no shares issued and outstanding)

 

 

 

Common stock ($.01 par value, 100,000,000 shares authorized; 20,361,947 and 20,027,788 shares issued and outstanding)

 

204

 

200

 

Additional paid-in-capital

 

256,200

 

252,408

 

Notes receivable from shareholders

 

(4,100

)

(4,100

)

Accumulated deficit

 

(84,207

)

(51,717

)

Total shareholders’ equity

 

168,097

 

196,791

 

Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity

 

$

611,531

 

$

521,617

 

 

See accompanying notes to unaudited financial statements.

 

3




Gander Mountain Company

Statements of Cash Flows - Unaudited

(In thousands)

 

 

26 Weeks Ended

 

 

 

August 4,

 

July 29,

 

 

 

2007

 

2006

 

Operating activities

 

 

 

 

 

Net loss

 

$

(32,490

)

$

(30,526

)

Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash used in operating activities:

 

 

 

 

 

Depreciation and amortization

 

12,684

 

10,889

 

Stock-based compensation expense

 

743

 

595

 

Loss on disposal of assets

 

34

 

618

 

Change in operating assets and liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

Accounts receivable

 

(7,053

)

(7,901

)

Inventories

 

(69,816

)

(26,490

)

Prepaid expenses and other assets

 

(5,376

)

(1,619

)

Accounts payable and other liabilities

 

33,499

 

22,714

 

Net cash used in operating activities

 

(67,775

)

(31,720

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Investing activities

 

 

 

 

 

Purchases of property and equipment

 

(17,475

)

(17,241

)

Proceeds from sale of assets

 

 

2,100

 

Net cash used in investing activities

 

(17,475

)

(15,141

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Financing activities

 

 

 

 

 

Borrowings under credit facility, net of repayments

 

76,002

 

40,862

 

Proceeds from long term debt

 

7,582

 

5,946

 

Reductions in long term debt

 

(1,287

)

(397

)

Proceeds from exercise of stock options and stock sales, net

 

3,053

 

133

 

Net cash provided by financing activities

 

85,350

 

46,544

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net increase / (decrease) in cash

 

100

 

(317

)

Cash, beginning of period

 

1,342

 

1,580

 

Cash, end of period

 

$

1,442

 

$

1,263

 

 

See accompanying notes to unaudited financial statements.

4




Gander Mountain Company

Notes to Unaudited Financial Statements

Quarterly Period Ended August 4, 2007

1. Basis of Presentation

The accompanying unaudited financial statements of Gander Mountain Company (“we” or “us”) have been prepared in accordance with the requirements for Form 10-Q and do not include all the disclosures normally required in annual financial statements prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. The interim financial information as of August 4, 2007 and for the 13 and 26 weeks ended August 4, 2007 and July 29, 2006, is unaudited and has been prepared on the same basis as the audited annual financial statements. In the opinion of management, this unaudited information includes all adjustments necessary for a fair presentation of the interim financial information. All of these adjustments are of a normal recurring nature. These interim financial statements filed on this Form 10-Q and the discussions contained herein should be read in conjunction with the annual financial statements and notes included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended February 3, 2007, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, which includes audited financial statements for our three fiscal years ended February 3, 2007.

Our business is seasonal in nature and interim results may not be indicative of results for a full year. Historically, we have realized more of our sales in the latter half of our fiscal year, which includes the hunting and holiday seasons. Our business is also impacted by the timing of new store openings. Both variation in seasonality and new store openings impact the analysis of the results of operations and financial condition for comparable periods.

2. Stock-Based Compensation

We have three share-based compensation plans which are the 2004 Omnibus Stock Plan, the 2002 Stock Option Plan and the Employee Stock Purchase Plan. In addition certain approved stock-based option awards were granted in fiscal 1998 and fiscal 2002 and were not under a specific option plan program. We are no longer authorized to grant any awards under the 2002 Stock Option Plan.  As of August 4, 2007, there were a total of 3,949,627 options to purchase common stock outstanding under all of our stock option plans and non-plan option awards, with a weighted average exercise price of $ 10.39 and a weighted average remaining life of 7.5 years.  There were 2,576,886 options that were exercisable as of August 4, 2007 with a weighted-average exercise price of $11.57.

Stock-based compensation expense for the 13 weeks ended August 4, 2007 and July 29, 2006, was $350,000 and $294,000, respectively. Stock-based compensation expense for the 26 weeks ended August 4, 2007 and July 29, 2006, was $743,000 and $595,000, respectively.  As of August 4, 2007, there was approximately $4.2 million of unrecognized compensation expense related to stock options that is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 3.0 years.

During our second quarter of fiscal 2007, there were 166,041 options exercised with an aggregate intrinsic value of $853,000, which generated $1,430,000 in net cash proceeds for the company.  For our first half of fiscal 2007, there were 323,393 options exercised with an aggregate intrinsic value of $1,237,000, which generated $2,932,000 million in net cash proceeds for the company.  There were no option exercises during the first half of fiscal 2006.

As of August 4, 2007, there were 758,492 shares available for future grant under the 2004 Omnibus Stock Plan.

5




 

 

13 weeks - August 4, 2007

 

13 weeks - July 29, 2006

 

 

 

Number of
Shares Under
Option

 

Weighted-
Average
Exercise Price

 

Number of
Shares Under
Option

 

Weighted-
Average
Exercise Price

 

Outstanding - Beginning

 

3,756,545

 

$

10.20

 

3,957,662

 

$

10.40

 

Granted

 

442,300

 

12.03

 

138,100

 

7.82

 

Exercised

 

(166,041

)

8.61

 

 

 

Forfeited

 

(83,177

)

14.21

 

(52,106

)

12.09

 

Outstanding -Ending

 

3,949,627

 

$

10.39

 

4,043,656

 

$

10.29

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Weighted-average Black-Scholes fair value of options granted

 

 

 

$

5.95

 

 

 

$

3.86

 

 

 

26 weeks - August 4, 2007

 

26 weeks - July 29, 2006

 

 

 

Number of
Shares Under
Option

 

Weighted-
Average
Exercise Price

 

Number of
Shares Under
Option

 

Weighted-
Average
Exercise Price

 

Outstanding - Beginning

 

3,945,475

 

$

10.16

 

3,680,804

 

$

10.84

 

Granted

 

491,000

 

11.92

 

533,867

 

6.81

 

Exercised

 

(323,393

)

9.07

 

 

 

Forfeited

 

(163,455

)

11.66

 

(171,015

)

11.24

 

Outstanding -Ending

 

3,949,627

 

$

10.39

 

4,043,656

 

$

10.29

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Weighted-average Black-Scholes fair value of options granted

 

 

 

$

5.89

 

 

 

$

3.34

 

 

3. New Accounting Pronouncement

In June 2006, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued FASB Interpretation No. 48, Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes (“FIN 48”), an interpretation of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 109, Accounting for Income Taxes.  FIN 48 clarifies the accounting for uncertainty in income taxes by prescribing a recognition threshold for tax positions taken or expected to be taken in a tax return. The recognition threshold requires that we determine whether it is more likely than not that a tax position will be sustained upon examination, and then the position is measured at the largest amount of benefit that is greater than 50 percent likely of being realized upon ultimate settlement. Unrecognized tax benefits are tax benefits claimed on our tax returns that do not meet these recognition and measurement standards. FIN 48 was effective as of the beginning of the first quarter of fiscal 2007. As of August 4, 2007 and February 3, 2007, we believe that no reserves for uncertain income tax positions need to be recorded pursuant to FIN 48.  As a result, and due to our full valuation allowance, we do not have any unrecognized tax benefits. Thus, our adoption of FIN 48 did not have a material impact on our financial position or results of operations. We do not believe there will be any material changes in our unrecognized tax positions over the next 12 months.

We are subject to audit by the Internal Revenue Service and states in which we operate, with respect to income taxes for the prior three years. As of February 3, 2007, we have federal and state net operating loss carryforwards of approximately $54.5 million expiring between 2016 and 2026.

In September 2006, the FASB issued SFAS No. 157, Fair Value Measurements (“SFAS No. 157”). SFAS No. 157 defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value in generally accepted accounting principles and expands disclosures about fair value measurements. SFAS No. 157 applies to other accounting pronouncements that require or permit fair value measurements, as the FASB previously concluded in those accounting pronouncements that fair value is the relevant measurement attribute. Accordingly, SFAS No. 157 does not require any new fair value measurements. SFAS No. 157 is effective for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007. We plan to adopt SFAS No. 157 beginning in the first quarter of fiscal 2008. We are currently evaluating the impact, if any, the adoption of SFAS No. 157 will have on our financial position and results of operations.

6




In February 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 159, The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Liabilities – Including an Amendment of FASB Statement No. 115 (“SFAS No. 159”). SFAS No. 159 permits us to choose to measure certain financial assets and liabilities at fair value that are not currently required to be measured at fair value (the “Fair Value Option”). Election of the Fair Value Option is made on an instrument-by-instrument basis and is irrevocable. At the adoption date, unrealized gains and losses on financial assets and liabilities for which the Fair Value Option has been elected would be reported as a cumulative adjustment to beginning retained earnings. If we elect the Fair Value Option for certain financial assets and liabilities, we will report unrealized gains and losses due to changes in their fair value in earnings at each subsequent reporting date. SFAS No. 159 is effective for our 2008 fiscal year. We are currently evaluating the potential impact of adopting SFAS No. 159 on our financial position and results of operations.

4. Capital Stock

The authorized capital stock of our company consists of 100,000,000 shares of common stock, par value $.01 per share, and 5,000,000 shares of preferred stock, par value $.01 per share. As of August 4, 2007, there were 20,361,947 shares of common stock and no shares of preferred stock outstanding.

5. Credit Facility and Secured Borrowings

Credit facility - Our credit facility provides us with the capital to fund the operations and growth of our business.  On August 15, 2007, pursuant to an amended and restated agreement, we agreed with Bank of America, N.A., as agent, and the lenders named therein, to increase our revolving credit facility to $345 million from $275 million, with an option to increase the revolving facility by another $55 million subject to certain terms and conditions. The additional outstanding term loan commitment remains at $20 million. The amended facility also extends the maturity date for the revolving and term loan, by three years, to June 30, 2012. We will continue to utilize the proceeds of the credit facility for working capital and general corporate purposes.

Outstanding borrowings under the credit facility, including letters of credit, were $258.8 million and $226.5 million as of August 4, 2007 and July 29, 2006, respectively.  Actual availability under the amended credit facility is limited to specific advance rates on eligible inventory and accounts receivable. Typically, availability will be highest in the latter half of our fiscal year as inventory levels and advance rates increase. Based on eligible inventory and accounts receivable balances as of August 4, 2007 and July 29, 2006, our available borrowing capacity under the credit facility, after subtracting letters of credit, was $32.8 million and $16.7 million, respectively.

The credit facility specifies testing of the EBITDA covenant is required only when our availability is less than 10% of the lesser of (a) the revolving credit facility maximum on any given day or (b) the borrowing base, as defined and adjusted for certain reserves. It also requires quarterly testing of the operating cash flow covenant. We were in compliance with all covenants as of August 4, 2007 and February 3, 2007.

Secured Borrowings – During our second quarter of fiscal 2007, we entered into an agreement with Bank of America that allowed us to finance capital expenditures of certain of our new stores under long-term, secured financing arrangements. In June 2007, in exchange for $7.3 million, we issued a promissory note carrying a fixed interest rate of 8.7% and a five year repayment term. Monthly payments of principal and interest are made under this note, which is secured by certain property and equipment of ten new stores we opened in fiscal 2005 and fiscal 2006.

6. Earnings Per Share

Basic and diluted income or loss per share is based upon the weighted average number of shares outstanding.  Diluted loss per share for the 13 and 26 weeks ended August 4, 2007 and the 13 and 26 weeks ended July 29, 2006 excludes potentially dilutive stock options from the calculation of weighted average shares outstanding because including them would have an anti-dilutive effect on loss per share.

As of August 4, 2007 and July 29, 2006, there were a total of 3,949,627 and 4,043,656 options to purchase common stock outstanding, respectively.

7




7. Selected Balance Sheet Information (in thousands)

 

August 4,
2007

 

February 3,
2007

 

Accrued and other current liabilities consist of:

 

 

 

 

 

Gift cards and gift certificate liabilities

 

$

18,563

 

$

25,616

 

Payroll and related fringe benefits

 

7,727

 

6,456

 

Sales, property and use taxes

 

7,410

 

5,530

 

Lease related costs

 

1,364

 

1,325

 

Insurance reserves and liabilities

 

1,633

 

2,014

 

Interest

 

678

 

391

 

Due-to-related parties

 

15

 

22

 

Other accruals and current liabilities

 

10,391

 

6,678

 

Accrued and other current liabilities

 

$

47,781

 

$

48,032

 

 

 

August 4,
2007

 

February 3,
2007

 

Long term debt consists of:

 

 

 

 

 

Capitalized lease obligations

 

$

11,523

 

$

11,428

 

Term notes

 

10,648

 

4,993

 

Long term debt

 

$

22,171

 

$

16,421

 

 

 

August 4,
2007

 

February 3,
2007

 

Other long term liabilities consist of:

 

 

 

 

 

Deferred rent

 

$

25,601

 

$

25,310

 

Insurance reserves and other liabilities

 

1,570

 

2,033

 

Other long term liabilities

 

$

27,171

 

$

27,343

 

 

8. Supplemental Cash Flow Information

During the 26 weeks ended August 4, 2007, we acquired equipment totaling $1.6 million that was financed through capital leases. There were no new capital leases during the 26 weeks ended July 29, 2006.

Purchases of property and equipment in the statement of cash flows for the 26 weeks ended August 4, 2007 also excludes $1.2 million in non-cash accruals for property and equipment placed in service that did not yet require the use of cash. Such accruals were not material for the 26 weeks ended July 29, 2006.

9. Contingencies

Trademark Litigation—On July 2, 2004, we filed a complaint in the U.S. District Court for the District of Minnesota seeking declaratory relief that the contingent trademark licensing provision of a noncompetition agreement dated May 16, 1996, made between our predecessor and Cabela’s Incorporated, is invalid and unenforceable. Although the noncompetition provisions of the noncompetition agreement expired in June 2003, Cabela’s contends that a contingent trademark licensing provision of the noncompetition agreement now requires us to grant Cabela’s a license that would preclude our use of certain of our trademarks for direct marketing purposes.

On July 10, 2007, the U.S. District Court issued an order granting our motion for summary judgment, ruling that the contingent trademark licensing provision was unenforceable.  The order provides, in part, that we are free to use our trademarks in all respects including direct marketing to consumers.  Cabela’s has appealed the ruling to the U.S. Court of Appeals, 8th Circuit.

We are not able to predict the ultimate outcome of this litigation, but it could be costly and disruptive. The total costs may not be reasonably estimated at this time.  If the July 10, 2007 order is reversed, subsequent proceedings might

8




impact the manner in which we market our products in certain distribution channels in the future. Such an adverse result is not expected to have an affect on our marketing of products through our retail stores. Nor would an unfavorable result preclude us from engaging in direct marketing activities using trademarks not in dispute. A favorable result would confirm our right to use the subject trademarks in all direct marketing activities.

Other Legal Claims—Various claims and lawsuits arising in the normal course of business may be pending against us from time to time. The subject matter of these proceedings typically relate to commercial disputes and employment issues. As of the date of this report, we are not a party to any legal proceedings that are expected, individually or in the aggregate, to have a material adverse effect on our financial condition or results of operations.

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

Forward Looking Statements

The following discussion may contain forward-looking statements regarding us, our business prospects and our results of operations that are subject to certain risks and uncertainties posed by many factors and events that could cause our actual business, prospects and results of operations to differ materially from those that may be anticipated by such forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause or contribute to such differences include, but are not limited to, those described in Item 1A - “Risk Factors” in our annual report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended February 3, 2007, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.  Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this report. We undertake no obligation to revise any forward-looking statements in order to reflect events or circumstances that may subsequently arise. Readers are urged to carefully review and consider the various disclosures made by us in this report and in our other reports filed with the Commission that advise interested parties of the risks and factors that may affect our business.

The interim financials statements filed on this Form 10-Q and the discussions contained herein should be read in conjunction with the annual financial statements and notes included in our Form 10-K, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, which includes audited financial statements for our three fiscal years ended February 3, 2007.

9




Overview

Gander Mountain Company operates the nation’s largest retail network of stores specializing in hunting, fishing, camping, marine and outdoor lifestyle products and services. As of August 4, 2007, we expanded our store base to 108 conveniently located Gander Mountain outdoor lifestyle stores, providing approximately 5.7 million square feet of retail space in 22 states: Alabama, Arkansas, Colorado, Florida, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, West Virginia and Wisconsin. We anticipate opening 13 new stores in fiscal 2007, including three relocations.  Four new stores were opened in the first half of fiscal 2007, including one relocated store.

Our core strategy and focus is to provide our target customers with a unique combination of a broad assortment of outdoor equipment, accessories, related technical apparel and footwear; expert services; convenient locations; and value pricing. Our stores feature an extensive selection of leading national and regional brands as well as our company’s owned brands. We tailor our merchandise assortments to take advantage of our customers’ seasonal and regional or local preferences. We seek to combine this broad product offering with superior customer service based on our store associates’ extensive product knowledge and outdoor-related experience.

Since its origin in 1960, our brand name has had a heritage of strong appeal and relevance to consumers who participate in outdoor sports and recreation activities, based on our “We Live Outdoors” culture and theme. From 1960 to 1996, our predecessor operated a nationwide catalog business that, by 1996, included 17 retail stores. In 1996 and 1997, Holiday Companies, which at the time owned and operated a group of retail sporting goods stores, acquired these Gander Mountain retail stores, formed our company and began to build a new outdoor lifestyle business.

In March 2003, we began transforming our market position from a traditional specialty store to a large-format, category-focused store by opening new stores in a large format and increasing the selling space within our original, small-format stores. Prior to March 2003, our typical store was approximately 31,000 square feet. Our large-format stores range from approximately 50,000 to 100,000 square feet, with our current focus primarily upon stores of 60,000 to 65,000 square feet with an outside selling area. Our large-format stores generally are located with convenient access to a major highway and have a warehouse-style shopping environment characterized by concrete floors, open-bar joist ceilings, high-density racking and wide aisles. To further build upon our brand’s reputation for high quality and exceptional value, in certain markets we are outfitting stores with additional features such as brick and stone accents, log-wrapped columns, and improved branding, fixture, flooring and signage elements.

The larger format enables us to offer more products and services to our customers. Most of our large-format stores offer all-terrain vehicles (ATVs). Our large-format stores offer unique features and specialized services, including a full-service gunsmith shop, a full-service archery pro shop, archery target lanes, and a power shop performing repairs for ATVs, boats and other engines. Some of the large-format stores also include a bait shop that opens early for the convenience of our customers. Nearly all of our stores have a Gander Mountain Lodge, which is an in-store meeting room available for public use, where we provide hunter safety classes, outdoor-skills seminars and other community-focused activities. Many of our large-format stores utilize adjacent outside selling areas to display additional offerings of larger items such as ATVs, boats, kayaks, trailers and canoes. The outside selling areas increase the efficiency of our stores and offer greater visibility for the products displayed. As of August 4, 2007, 59 of our 108 stores were in our large format.

In January 2007, we and Tracker Marine Group, a division of Bass Pro Shops, announced that the popular Tracker Marine Group boat brands will be featured in our stores. Our roll-out of this expanded boat program, which also features the Crestliner, Mercury and Yamaha brands, began mid-quarter of our first quarter of 2007.  Brand offerings are tailored in each location based on market and store dynamics and customer preferences. As of August 4, 2007, Tracker brand boats are sold in 34 of our large-format stores and we expect to include this product offering in most large format stores that we open. At the end of fiscal 2007, we expect to have this product offering in approximately 50 stores. In 2006, approximately 10 stores carried an assortment of fishing and recreational boats.

We utilize several strategic and operating initiatives aimed at improving our merchandise offerings, enhancing profitability and expanding the number and geographic diversity of our stores. We measure performance using such key operating statistics as comparable store sales, sales per square foot, gross margin percentage and store operating expenses, with a focus on labor, as a percentage of sales.

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We also measure and evaluate investments in our retail locations, including inventory and property and equipment. Inventory performance is primarily measured by inventory per square foot and by inventory turns, or the number of times store inventory turns over in a given period, and amounts of owned inventory at various times based on payment terms from our vendors. The most significant investments in property and equipment are made at the time a store is opened by us.

We believe that the overall growth of our business will allow us to generally maintain or increase our product gross margins. Increased merchandise volumes should enable us to improve our purchasing leverage and achieve greater support throughout the supply chain. The mix of merchandise in our total sales also influences our product gross margins. As we continue sales and store growth, a number of other factors may impact, positively or negatively, our product gross margin percentage, including:

·                  the introduction of new product categories with varying gross margin percentage characteristics,

·                  changes in the merchandise mix at our current locations,

·                  differences in merchandise mix by geographic location,

·                  price competition,

·                  clearance activities in connection with seasonal inventory management,

·                  closeout sales in connection with store relocations and consolidations,

·                  sourcing of products from locations outside the United States,

·                  vendor programs, and

·                  supply chain enhancements.

In addition, our gross margin is impacted by store occupancy and distribution costs. We monitor these costs in absolute dollars and as a percentage of sales.

The most significant store operating expenses are labor and related employee benefits and advertising. Our employee benefits include health insurance, the cost of which continues to increase faster than the general rate of inflation. We continually monitor this cost and review strategies to effectively control increases, but we are subject to the overall trend of increases in health care costs. Advertising costs are monitored as a percentage of sales. These costs are largely variable, which allows us to actively manage them to facilitate achieving our sales, gross margin percentage and store operating contribution objectives.

Store operating contribution, which is calculated by deducting a store’s operating expenses from its gross margin, is used to evaluate overall performance on an individual store basis.

General and administrative expenses are monitored and controlled as a percentage of sales. We have made significant investments in infrastructure, including our information systems, distribution capabilities and personnel. Our current infrastructure facilitates our planned opening of stores. We expect these expenses to decrease as a percentage of sales over time.

Pre-opening expenses will continue to be related to store openings, including relocations. These expenses will fluctuate based on the number and timing of new store openings. Beginning in the second quarter of fiscal 2007, pre-opening expenses also include the costs incurred in preparing to launch a direct channel offering to customers through an e-commerce web site.

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Inventory turns are based on cost of sales and average inventory for the applicable period. We recognize that our inventory turns may be lower than those of other retailers, which we believe is due, in part, to the categories of merchandise we carry, including firearms, and the large quantities of merchandise we use in our in-store displays. We believe we have the opportunity to enhance our supply chain to improve our inventory turns. Additionally, in merchandise categories that experience slower inventory turns, we continue to work with vendors to increase our trade credit terms to reduce our investment in owned inventory. We cannot assure you that we will be able to improve our inventory turns or inventory investment.

Identification of appropriate new store sites is essential to our growth strategy. We believe our focus on our larger store size and our ability to utilize either recycled, or second-use, facilities or build-to-suit locations provides us with increased opportunities to find optimal real estate locations on attractive terms. We evaluate and invest in new stores based on site-specific projected returns on investment.

Critical Accounting Policies and Use of Estimates

Our financial statements are prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.  In connection with the preparation of the financial statements, we are required to make assumptions, make estimates and apply judgments that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenue, expenses and the related disclosures.  We base our assumptions, estimates and judgments on historical experience, current trends and other factors that we believe to be relevant at the time the financial statements are prepared. On a regular basis, we review the accounting policies, assumptions, estimates and judgments to ensure that our financial statements are presented fairly and in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. However, because future events and their effects cannot be determined with certainty, actual results could differ from our assumptions and estimates, and such differences could be material.

Our critical accounting policies and use of estimates are discussed and should be read in conjunction with the annual financial statements and notes included in our Form 10-K, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, which includes audited financial statements for our three fiscal years ended February 3, 2007.

Results of Operations

The following table represents our unaudited statements of operations reflected as a percentage of sales:

 

 

13 Weeks Ended

 

26 Weeks Ended

 

 

 

August 4,

 

July 29,

 

August 4,

 

July 29,

 

 

 

2007

 

2006

 

2007

 

2006

 

Sales

 

100.0

%

100.0

%

100.0

%

100.0

%

Cost of goods sold

 

76.2

%

75.8

%

78.2

%

79.0

%

Gross profit

 

23.8

%

24.2

%

21.8

%

21.0

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Operating expenses:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Store operating expenses

 

20.2

%

20.0

%

21.5

%

21.4

%

General and administrative expenses

 

5.4

%

5.3

%

5.9

%

5.6

%

Pre-opening expenses

 

0.6

%

0.4

%

0.5

%

0.4

%

Loss from operations

 

(2.4

)%

(1.5

)%

(6.1

)%

(6.4

)%

Interest expense, net

 

2.1

%

2.6

%

2.2

%

2.6

%

Loss before income taxes

 

(4.5

)%

(4.1

)%

(8.3

)%

(9.0

)%

Income tax provision

 

0.0

%

0.0

%

0.0

%

0.0

%

Net loss

 

(4.5

)%

(4.1

)%

(8.3

)%

(9.0

)%

 

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 A store is included in the comparable store base in its fifteenth full month of operations.  A relocated store returns to the comparable store base in its fifteenth full month after relocation. Non-comparable store sales include sales from our stores before they have begun their fifteenth month of operation.

Cost of goods sold includes the cost of merchandise, freight, distribution, inventory shrinkage and store occupancy costs. Store occupancy costs include rent, real estate taxes and common area maintenance charges. Initial product margin represents sales less the supplier’s cost of merchandise only.

Store operating expenses include store associate payroll, taxes and fringe benefits, advertising, maintenance, utilities, depreciation, insurance, bank and credit card charges and other store level expenses.

General and administrative expenses include all expenses associated with operating our corporate headquarters.

Pre-opening expenses consist primarily of payroll, rent, recruiting, advertising and other costs incurred prior to a new store opening. Beginning in the second quarter of fiscal 2007, pre-opening expenses also include the costs incurred in preparing to launch a direct channel offering to customers through an e-commerce web site.

The following table represents our sales by major product category stated as a percentage: 

Sales by Product Category

 

13 Weeks Ended

 

 

 

August 4,

 

July 29,

 

 

 

2007

 

2006

 

Hunting and Firearms

 

31.8

%

32.1

%

Fishing and Marine

 

26.2

%

27.4

%

Camping, Paddlesports and Backyard Equipment

 

10.2

%

12.0

%

Apparel and Footwear

 

18.3

%

20.0

%

Powersports

 

11.0

%

5.5

%

Other

 

2.5

%

3.0

%

TOTAL

 

100.0

%

100.0

%

 

Powersports includes sales of boats, ATVs, accessories and related servicing revenues.  The Other category includes sales of food and candy, gifts and home décor.

Thirteen Weeks Ended August 4, 2007 compared to Thirteen Weeks Ended July 29, 2006

Sales. Sales increased by $34.0 million, or 18.6%, to $216.5 million in the second quarter of fiscal 2007 from $182.5 million in the second quarter of fiscal 2006. This increase primarily resulted from sales of $28.4 million from new stores not yet included in the comparable store sales base. This increase was supplemented by a comparable store sales increase of $7.2 million, and was partially offset by a $1.6 million sales decrease from relocated or consolidated stores and changes in other revenues. Comparable store sales increased 4.2% compared to a decrease of 6.7% in the second quarter of fiscal 2006. We opened three new stores during the second quarter of fiscal 2007 compared to one new store during the second quarter of fiscal 2006. Total square footage as of August 4, 2007 increased 12.0% to 5.7 million square feet, as compared to July 29, 2006.

The comparable store sales increase was impacted by the strong performance of our southern stores, but was offset by softer sales in our northern stores. Overall sales performance was enhanced by the increase in powersports sales generated by the rollout of our boat offering across 34 stores. Sales performance in apparel was weaker than expected and we continue to make changes to our strategy, initiatives and merchandising leadership in this area. Firearms/ammunition continued its positive trend with an 11% increase in comparable sales.

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Gross Profit. Gross profit increased by $7.5 million, or 16.9%, to $51.5 million in the second quarter of fiscal 2007 from $44.1 million in the second quarter of fiscal 2006. As a percentage of sales, gross profit decreased 35 basis points to 23.8% in the second quarter of fiscal 2007 from 24.2% in the second quarter of fiscal 2006.  The primary factors affecting gross profit in the current quarter were an initial product margin increase of 60 basis points, offset by a 137 basis point decrease attributable to the shift in sales mix resulting from increased lower-margin powersports sales and less higher-margin apparel sales. The net-initial product margin rate decrease of 77 basis points was partially offset by sales leverage in occupancy costs.

Store Operating Expenses.  Store operating expenses increased by $7.3 million, or 19.9%, to $43.7 million in the second quarter of fiscal 2007 from $36.5 million in the second quarter of fiscal 2006. As a percentage of sales, store operating expenses increased 21 basis points to 20.2% in the second quarter of fiscal 2007 from 20.0% in the second quarter of fiscal 2006. The increase was primarily attributable to our new incentive compensation structure. Advertising and marketing expenses were approximately the same in the comparable quarters as a percentage of sales.

General and Administrative Expenses.  General and administrative expenses increased by $2.1 million, or 21.8%, to $11.7 million in the second quarter of fiscal 2007 from $9.6 million in the second quarter of fiscal 2006. As a percentage of sales, general and administrative expenses increased 14 basis points to 5.4% in the second quarter of fiscal 2007 from 5.3% in the second quarter of fiscal 2006. The increase as a percentage of sales was primarily due to our new incentive compensation structure.

Pre-opening Expenses.  Pre-opening expenses increased $0.5 million, or 74.3%, to $1.2 million in the second quarter of fiscal 2007 from $0.7 million in the second quarter of fiscal 2006. We opened three new stores in the second quarter of fiscal 2007 compared to one new store in the second quarter of fiscal 2006. Pre-opening expenses in fiscal 2007 also include approximately $0.3 million of costs related to the early-stage development of a direct channel offering to customers through an e-commerce web site.

Interest Expense, net.  Interest expense decreased $0.3 million to $4.5 million in the second quarter of fiscal 2007 from $4.8 million in the second quarter of fiscal 2006. Average outstanding borrowings for the current quarter increased approximately 3% as compared to the  average outstanding borrowings for the second quarter of fiscal 2006. The increase was due to increased cash used in operations primarily to acquire additional inventory offset by a reduction in debt resulting from the application of proceeds from the issuance of $50 million of common stock in December 2006. Interest expense was further reduced by an approximately 70 basis points decrease in interest rates primarily as a result of our  February 28, 2007 amendment to our credit facility.

Income Tax Provision. We did not record an income tax provision for the second quarters of fiscal 2007 or fiscal 2006 due to the uncertainty of the realization of the net operating loss carry forwards. We have determined the realization of the tax benefit related to our net deferred tax asset is uncertain at this time and a valuation allowance was recorded for the entire balance of our net deferred tax asset.

Net Loss. As a result of the factors discussed above, the net loss of $9.7 million for the second quarter of fiscal 2007 represented an increase of $2.1 million from the net loss of $7.6 million for the second quarter of fiscal 2006.

Twenty-Six Weeks Ended August 4, 2007 compared to Twenty-Six Weeks Ended July 29, 2006

Sales.  Sales increased by $54.2 million, or 16.0%, to $392.3 million in the first half of fiscal 2007 from $338.1 million in the first half of fiscal 2006. This increase resulted primarily from sales of $48.3 million from new stores not yet included in the comparable store sales base. This increase was supplemented by a comparable store sales increase of $8.8 million, and was partially offset by a $2.9 million sales decrease from relocated or consolidated stores and changes in other revenues. Comparable store sales increased 2.7% compared to a decrease of 8.4% in the first half of fiscal 2006. We opened four new stores during the first half of fiscal 2007, including one relocation, compared to three new stores during the first half of fiscal 2006, including one relocation.

The comparable store sales increase was impacted by the strong performance of our southern stores, but was offset by softer sales in our northern stores. Overall sales performance was enhanced by the increase in powersports sales generated by the rollout of our boat offering across 34 stores, and by continued strength in firearms/ammunition and footwear. Sales performance in apparel was less than expected and we continue to make changes to our strategy, initiatives and merchandising leadership in this area. The sales softness in the northern stores was also impacted by reduced clearance activity in the first quarter of fiscal 2007.

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Gross Profit. Gross profit increased by $14.3 million, or 20.2%, to $85.4 million in the first half of fiscal 2007 from $71.1 million in the first half of fiscal 2006. As a percentage of sales, gross profit increased 75 basis points to 21.8% in the first half of fiscal 2007 from 21.0% in the first half of fiscal 2006.

The primary factors affecting gross profit in the current half were an initial product margin increase of  112 basis points as a result of continued benefits from buying leverage and increasing scale, the positive impact of our Everyday-Low-Price strategy on our pricing structure, lower clearance activities and regional pricing adjustments. These were partially offset by an 88 basis point decrease attributable to the shift in sales mix resulting from increased lower-margin powersports sales and less higher-margin apparel sales. The net-initial product margin was 24 basis points higher in the first half of fiscal 2007 than the first half of fiscal 2006. The net-initial product margin rate increase of 24 basis points was also supplemented with sales leverage in occupancy costs.

Store Operating Expenses.  Store operating expenses increased by $12.0 million, or 16.5%, to $84.3 million in the first half of fiscal 2007 from $72.3 million in the first half of fiscal 2006. As a percentage of sales, store operating expenses increased 9 basis points to 21.5% in the first half of fiscal 2007 from 21.4% in the first half of fiscal 2006. Improved store labor productivity and favorable trends in insurance claims for which we are self-insured, resulted in leverage as a percentage of sales, but were offset by early start-up costs (first quarter) related to the roll-out of the Tracker Marine boat program and a new incentive compensation structure (second quarter). Advertising and marketing expense as a percentage of sales were approximately the same in the comparable 26 week periods.

General and Administrative Expenses.  General and administrative expenses increased by $4.2 million, or 22.1%, to $23.2 million in the first half of fiscal 2007 from $19.0 million in the first half of fiscal 2006. As a percentage of sales, general and administrative expenses increased 29 basis points to 5.9% in the first half of fiscal 2007 from 5.6% in the first half of fiscal 2006. The increase as a percentage of sales was primarily due to the new incentive compensation structure as well as increased investment in systems infrastructure, logistics consulting, travel and severance costs.

Pre-opening Expenses.  Pre-opening expenses increased $0.5 million, or 33.3%, to $2.0 million in the first half of fiscal 2007 from $1.5 million in the first half of fiscal 2006. We opened four new stores in the first half of fiscal 2007 and we opened three new stores in the first half of fiscal 2006. Pre-opening expenses in the first half of fiscal 2007 also included approximately $0.3 million of costs related to the early-stage development of a direct channel offering to customers through an e-commerce web site.

Interest Expense, net.  Interest expense decreased $0.3 million, or 3.7%, to $8.5 million in the first half of fiscal 2007 from $8.8 million in the first half of fiscal 2006. Average outstanding borrowings during the first half of fiscal 2007 were approximately the same, increasing less than 1%, as compared to the first half of fiscal 2006, due primarily to the reduction of debt from the issuance of $50 million of common stock in December 2006. Interest expense was further reduced by an approximately 35 basis points decrease in average interest rates primarily as a result of our February 28, 2007 amendment to our credit facility.

Income Tax Provision. We did not record an income tax provision for the first half of fiscal 2007 or fiscal 2006 due to the uncertainty of the realization of the net operating loss carry forwards. We have determined the realization of the tax benefit related to our net deferred tax asset is uncertain at this time and a valuation allowance was recorded for the entire balance of our net deferred tax asset.

Net Loss. As a result of the factors discussed above, the net loss of $32.5 million for the first half of fiscal 2007 represented an increase of $2.0 million from the net loss of $30.5 million for the first half of fiscal 2006.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

Our primary capital requirements are for inventory, property and equipment and pre-opening expenses to support our new store growth plans, and, to the extent of the highly seasonal nature of our business, operating losses.

Operating Activities.  Net cash used in operating activities for the first half of fiscal 2007 increased by $36.1 million to $67.8 million, as compared to $31.7 million for the first half of fiscal 2006. This was primarily the result of an additional $43.3 million of inventory growth in the first half of fiscal 2007 as compared to the first half of fiscal 2006. Additional stores, increased inventory levels in powersports resulting from the roll-out of the Tracker Marine boat program, increased ATV inventory as a result of more large-format stores that carry ATVs and our tactical efforts to merchandise certain seasonal inventory in our stores earlier, all contributed to the increased inventories. Funding from increased levels of accounts payable and accrued

15




expenses provided $10.8 million more in the first half of fiscal 2007 versus the first half of fiscal 2006. Large powersports purchases are usually executed under vendor payment terms of usually 90 or 180 days as compared to the company’s average of approximately 40 days.

Investing Activities.  Net cash used in investing activities was $17.5 million in the first half of fiscal 2007 and $15.1 million in the first half of fiscal 2006. We used cash primarily for equipment to open new stores, for information technology equipment at our corporate offices and to upgrade existing stores. The increase in net cash used of $2.3 million was primarily due to proceeds from the sale of assets in fiscal 2006, which we did not experience in fiscal 2007. During the 26 weeks ended August 4, 2007 and July 29, 2006, we acquired equipment totaling approximately $1.6 million and $0, respectively, that was financed through capital leases. Purchases of property and equipment in the statement of cash flows for the 26 weeks ended August 4, 2007 also excludes approximately $1.2 million in non-cash accruals for property and equipment placed in service that did not yet require the use of cash.

Financing Activities.  Net cash provided by financing activities for the first half of fiscal 2007 increased by $38.8 million to $85.4 million, as compared to $46.5 million in the first half of fiscal 2006. Net borrowings under our credit facility were $35.1 million of this increase and these borrowings were due to the increase in cash used in operations of $36.1 million and $2.3 million of additional cash used for investing activities. Our financing activities were utilized to fund our continued store and business expansion, including inventory, property and equipment, and to fund our seasonal operating losses. Other funding sources for these cash needs during the first half of fiscal 2007 included proceeds of $2.9 million from the exercise of stock options.

During our second quarter of fiscal 2007, we entered into an agreement with Bank of America that allowed us to finance capital expenditures of certain of our new stores under a long-term, secured financing arrangement. In June 2007, in exchange for $7.3 million, we issued a promissory note carrying a fixed interest rate of 8.7% and a five year repayment term. Monthly payments of principal and interest are made under this note which is secured by certain property and equipment of ten new stores opened in fiscal 2006 and fiscal 2005. Additionally, in September 2007, we completed another similar financing for $5.5 million.

Credit Facility. Our credit facility provides us with the capital to fund the operations and growth of our business.  On August 15, 2007, pursuant to an amended and restated agreement, we agreed with Bank of America, N.A., as agent, and the lenders named therein, to increase our revolving credit facility to $345 million from $275 million, with an option to increase the revolving facility by another $55 million subject to certain terms and conditions. The additional outstanding term loan commitment remains at $20 million. The amended facility matures June 30, 2012. We plan to continue to utilize the proceeds of the credit facility for working capital and general corporate purposes

Outstanding borrowings under the credit facility, including letters of credit, were $258.8 million and $226.5 million as of August 4, 2007 and July 29, 2006, respectively.  Actual availability under the amended credit facility is limited to specific advance rates on eligible inventory and accounts receivable. Typically, availability will be highest in the latter half of our fiscal year as inventory levels and advance rates increase. Based on eligible inventory and accounts receivable balances as of August 4, 2007 and July 29, 2006, our available borrowing capacity under the credit facility, after subtracting letters of credit, was $32.8 million and $16.7 million, respectively. Available borrowing capacity as of September 14, 2007 was $55.2 million.

The credit facility specifies testing of the EBITDA covenant is required only when our availability is less than 10% of the lesser of (a) the revolving credit facility maximum on any given day or (b) the borrowing base, as defined and adjusted for certain reserves. It also requires quarterly testing of the operating cash flow covenant. We were in compliance with all covenants as of August 4, 2007 and February 3, 2007.

Income Taxes. Due to the uncertainty of the realization of net operating loss carry forwards, we have determined the realization of the tax benefit related to our net deferred tax asset is uncertain at this time and a valuation allowance was recorded for the entire balance of our net deferred tax asset.

Future Capital Requirements. Our future capital requirements will primarily depend on the number of new stores we open, the timing of those openings within a given fiscal year and the need to fund seasonal operating losses. These requirements will include costs directly related to opening new stores and will also include costs necessary to ensure that our infrastructure, including technology and distribution capabilities, is able to support a larger store base. We opened 8, 19 and 19 new stores in each of fiscal years 2006, 2005 and 2004, respectively.

16




Our cash used in investing activities was approximately $28 million in fiscal 2006 and approximately $50 million in each fiscal 2005 and fiscal 2004.

In the first half of fiscal 2007, we opened four new stores, including one relocation, with capital expenditures of $17.5 million.  We plan to open nine new stores in our upcoming third quarter of fiscal 2007 and will incur significant capital expenditures which will require capital in the range of $20 million to $25 million.

We believe that we will be able to service our existing stores from our distribution center through fiscal 2008. We will need to begin to expand our distribution capabilities in the next one to two years as we continue to add new stores. We have undertaken a project to analyze our future distribution requirements, develop a strategy to meet our needs, and a plan to implement that strategy. While we believe this project may require significant capital in the next 24 months, no material commitments currently exist related to this project.  The timing and amount of any future commitment related to this project is dependent on a number of factors including new store growth plans, availability of financing and our operating performance.

We incurred approximately $0.3 million of expense in the second quarter of fiscal 2007 related to the early-stage development of a direct channel offering to customers through an e-commerce web site. While our direction and strategy as to how we enter the direct channel market is under development, we believe we will make expenditures in the next 12 months to further this important business objective. Depending on that strategy, we may need to fund approximately $2 million during the remainder of fiscal 2007, including capital expenditures.

In 2006, we began a significant effort to upgrade our merchandise and information systems that will provide enhanced efficiencies in buying, receiving, payables management and provide better and more detailed operating information for decision making and continued supply chain improvement. We expect to continue to evaluate, modify and update our information systems over the next several years.

We intend to satisfy our capital requirements in the next 12 months with cash flows from operations, funds available under our expanded credit facility and various secured financing arrangements. However, if business conditions, business strategy or other factors change, we may need to seek additional debt or equity financing in the public or private markets. There is no assurance that financing will be available to us on acceptable terms. Dependent upon the number of future new store openings, we may need additional long-term financing to grow our business in fiscal 2008 and beyond.

17




Contractual Obligations and Other Commitments

Our material off-balance sheet arrangements are operating lease obligations for substantially all of our retail stores, our distribution center and corporate office, as well as letters of credit.  We excluded these items from the balance sheet in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. As of August 4, 2007, the minimum operating lease payments due within one year were $64.5 million. As of August 4, 2007, total minimum operating lease payments remaining over all of our operating leases were $786.7 million. These leases have an average remaining term of approximately 10 years and typically provide us with several successive options to extend the term at our election. These obligation amounts include future minimum lease payments and exclude direct operating costs such as common area costs and real estate taxes.

Issued and outstanding letters of credit were $14.3 million and $10.7 million at August 4, 2007 and July 29, 2006, respectively, and were related primarily to importing of merchandise and supporting potential insurance program liabilities.

In the ordinary course of business, we enter into arrangements with vendors to purchase merchandise in advance of expected delivery. Because most of these purchase orders do not contain any termination payments or other penalties if canceled, they are not included as outstanding contractual obligations. The merchandise purchases, for which we do have firm commitments outstanding, in addition to letters of credit, were $13.9 million and $2.4 million as of August 4, 2007 and July 29, 2006, respectively.

Quarterly Results of Operations and Seasonality

Our quarterly operating results may fluctuate significantly because of several factors, including the timing of new store openings and related expenses, profitability of new stores, weather conditions and general economic conditions. Our business is also subject to seasonal fluctuation, with approximately 62% to 65% of our sales activity normally occurring during the third and fourth quarters of our fiscal year, which are primarily associated with the fall hunting seasons and the holiday season.  However, this factor cannot necessarily be used as an indicator of future results. Our customers’ demand for our products and therefore our sales can be significantly impacted by unseasonable weather conditions that affect outdoor activities and the demand for related apparel and equipment. This seasonality also impacts our inventory levels, which tend to rise beginning approximately in April, reach a peak in November, and decline to lower levels after the December holiday season.

Our pre-opening expenses have and will continue to vary significantly from quarter to quarter, primarily due to the timing of store openings.  We typically incur most pre-opening expenses for a new store during the three months preceding, and the month of, its opening. In addition, our labor and operating costs for a newly opened store can be greater during the first one to two months of operation than what can be expected after that time, both in aggregate dollars and as a percentage of sales.  Accordingly, the volume and timing of new store openings in any quarter has had and is expected to continue to have a significant impact on quarterly pre-opening costs and store labor and operating expenses.  Due to these factors, results for any particular quarter may not be indicative of results to be expected for any other quarter or for a full fiscal year.

New Accounting Pronouncements

In June 2006, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued FASB Interpretation No. 48, Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes, an interpretation of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 109, Accounting for Income Taxes.  FIN 48 clarifies the accounting for uncertainty in income taxes by prescribing a recognition threshold for tax positions taken or expected to be taken in a tax return. The recognition threshold requires that we determine whether it is more likely than not that a tax position will be sustained upon examination, and then the position is measured at the largest amount of benefit that is greater than 50% likely of being realized upon ultimate settlement. Unrecognized tax benefits are tax benefits claimed on our tax returns that do not meet these recognition and measurement standards. FIN 48 was effective as of the beginning of the first quarter of fiscal 2007. As of August 4, 2007 and February 4, 2007, we believe that no reserves for uncertain income tax positions need to be recorded pursuant to FIN 48.  As a result, and due to our full valuation allowance, we do not have any unrecognized tax benefits. Thus, our adoption of FIN 48 did not have a material impact on our financial position or results of operations. We do not believe there will be any material changes in our unrecognized tax positions over the next 12 months.

We are subject to audit by the Internal Revenue Service and states in which we operate, with respect to income taxes for the prior three years. As of February 3, 2007, we have federal and state net operating loss carryforwards of approximately $54.5 million expiring between 2016 and 2026.

18




In September 2006, the FASB issued SFAS No. 157, Fair Value Measurements. SFAS No. 157 defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value in generally accepted accounting principles and expands disclosures about fair value measurements. SFAS No. 157 applies to other accounting pronouncements that require or permit fair value measurements, as the FASB previously concluded in those accounting pronouncements that fair value is the relevant measurement attribute. Accordingly, SFAS No. 157 does not require any new fair value measurements. SFAS No. 157 is effective for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007. We plan to adopt SFAS No. 157 beginning in the first quarter of fiscal 2008. We are currently evaluating the impact, if any, the adoption of SFAS No. 157 will have on our financial position and results of operations.

In February 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 159, The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Liabilities – Including an Amendment of FASB Statement No. 115. SFAS No. 159 permits us to choose to measure certain financial assets and liabilities at fair value that are not currently required to be measured at fair value. Election of the fair value option is made on an instrument-by-instrument basis and is irrevocable. At the adoption date, unrealized gains and losses on financial assets and liabilities for which the fair value option has been elected would be reported as a cumulative adjustment to beginning retained earnings. If we elect the fair value option for certain financial assets and liabilities, we will report unrealized gains and losses due to changes in their fair value in earnings at each subsequent reporting date. SFAS No. 159 is effective for our 2008 fiscal year. We are currently evaluating the potential impact of adopting SFAS No. 159 on our financial position and results of operations.

ITEM 3.  QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

We are exposed to market risk from changes in interest rates on borrowings under our credit facility. This floating rate indebtedness was $244.5 million at August 4, 2007 and averaged $233.6 million during the second quarter of fiscal 2007. Our average interest rate for the second quarter of fiscal 2007 under our credit facility was approximately 6.9% and was approximately 70 basis points lower than the same period last year due primarily to general interest rate upward movement offset by reductions we obtained in pricing relative to the revolving credit facility and term loan. If short-term floating interest rates on our average variable rate debt for the second quarter of fiscal 2007 had increased by 100 basis points, our interest expense would have increased by approximately $573,000, assuming comparable borrowing levels. These amounts are determined by considering the impact of the hypothetical interest rates on our average amount of floating rate indebtedness outstanding and cash equivalents balances.

We have no derivative financial instruments or derivative commodity instruments in our cash and cash equivalents.  We have no international sales, however, we import certain items for sale in our stores.  Substantially all of our purchases are denominated in U.S. dollars.

ITEM 4.  CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

As of the end of the period covered by this report, we conducted an evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation of the principal executive officer and principal financial and accounting officer, of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934).  Based on this evaluation, the principal executive officer and principal financial and accounting officer concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures are effective to ensure that information required to be disclosed by us in reports that we file or submit under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in Securities and Exchange Commission rules and forms. Our principal executive officer and principal financial and accounting officer also concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures are effective to ensure that information required to be disclosed in the reports we file or submit under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our principal executive officer and principal financial and accounting officer, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.  There was no change in our internal control over financial reporting identified in connection with the evaluation required by Rule 13a-15(d) and 15d-15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 that occurred during the period covered by this report that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

19




PART II. OTHER INFORMATION

ITEM 1.  LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

Trademark Litigation—On July 2, 2004, we filed a complaint in the U.S. District Court for the District of Minnesota seeking declaratory relief that the contingent trademark licensing provision of a noncompetition agreement dated May 16, 1996, made between our predecessor and Cabela’s Incorporated, is invalid and unenforceable. Although the noncompetition provisions of the noncompetition agreement expired in June 2003, Cabela’s contends that a contingent trademark licensing provision of the noncompetition agreement now requires us to grant Cabela’s a license that would preclude our use of certain of our trademarks for direct marketing purposes.

On July 10, 2007, the U.S. District Court issued an order granting our motion for summary judgment, ruling that the contingent trademark licensing provision was unenforceable. The order provides, in part, that we are free to use our trademarks in all respects including direct marketing to consumers. Cabela’s has appealed the ruling to the U.S. Court of Appeals, 8th Circuit.

We are not able to predict the ultimate outcome of this litigation, but it could be costly and disruptive. The total costs may not be reasonably estimated at this time.  If the July 10, 2007 order is reversed, subsequent proceedings might impact the manner in which we market our products in certain distribution channels in the future. Such an adverse result is not expected to have an affect on our marketing of products through our retail stores. Nor would an unfavorable result preclude us from engaging in direct marketing activities using trademarks not in dispute. A favorable result would confirm our right to use the subject trademarks in all direct marketing activities.

Other Legal Claims—Various claims and lawsuits arising in the normal course of business may be pending against us from time to time. The subject matter of these proceedings typically relate to commercial disputes and employment issues. As of the date of this report, we are not a party to any legal proceedings that are expected, individually or in the aggregate, to have a material adverse effect on our financial condition or results of operations.

ITEM 1A.  RISK FACTORS

Not applicable.

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

Not applicable.

ITEM 3.  DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES

Not applicable.

ITEM 4.  SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS.

On June 13, 2007, we held our annual meeting of shareholders for the purpose of (a) electing seven directors to serve until their successors are duly elected and (b) ratifying the appointment of Ernst & Young LLP as our independent registered public accounting firm for the fiscal year ending February 2, 2008.

The shareholders present in person or by proxy cast the following numbers of votes (in whole shares) in connection with the election of directors:

 

 

 

For

 

Withheld

 

Mark R. Baker

 

 

 

17,734,232

 

108,955

 

Karen M. Bohn

 

 

 

17,731,622

 

111,565

 

Marshall L. Day

 

 

 

17,740,167

 

103,020

 

Richard C. Dell

 

 

 

17,741,005

 

102,182

 

Gerald A. Erickson

 

 

 

17,737,824

 

105,363

 

Ronald A. Erickson

 

 

 

17,786,920

 

56,267

 

David C. Pratt

 

 

 

17,731,327

 

111,860

 

 

20




The shareholders present in person or by proxy cast the following numbers of votes (in whole shares) in connection with the ratification of the selection of Ernst & Young LLP as our independent registered public accounting firm for the fiscal year ending February 2, 2008:

For

 

Against

 

Abstentions

 

Broker Non-Votes

 

17,706,159

 

136,330

 

697

 

 

 

ITEM 5.  OTHER INFORMATION

Not applicable.

ITEM 6.  EXHIBITS

The Exhibits filed with this report are set forth on the Exhibit Index filed as a part of this report immediately following the signatures to this report.

21




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.

 

 

 

GANDER MOUNTAIN COMPANY

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

September 18, 2007

 

 

 

By:

/s/ Mark R. Baker

 

 

 

 

 

 

Mark R. Baker

 

 

 

 

 

 

President and Chief Executive Officer

 

 

 

 

 

(Principal Executive Officer)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

September 18, 2007

 

 

 

By:

/s/ Robert J. Vold

 

 

 

 

 

 

Robert J. Vold

 

 

 

 

 

Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer

 

 

 

 

 

(Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)

 

22




EXHIBIT INDEX

Exhibit No.

 

Description

 

Method of Filing

3.1

 

Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation of the Registrant

 

Incorporated By Reference (1)

 

 

 

 

 

3.2

 

Amended and Restated Bylaws of the Registrant

 

Incorporated By Reference (2)

 

 

 

 

 

10.1

 

Form of Amendment to Employment Agreement for the Registrant’s Executive Officers

 

Incorporated By Reference (3)

 

 

 

 

 

10.2

 

Letter Agreement dated July 10, 2007 by and between the Registrant and Dennis M. Lindahl

 

Incorporated By Reference (4)

 

 

 

 

 

10.3

 

Third Amended and Restated Loan and Security Agreement, dated August 15, 2007, among Gander Mountain Company, Bank of America, N.A., as administrative agent, Bank of America Securities, LLC, as the lead arranger, Foothill Capital Corporation, as the syndication agent, The CIT Group/Business Credit, Inc., as collateral agent, General Electric Capital Corporation, as documentation agent, and the lenders named therein

 

Incorporated By Reference (5)

 

 

 

 

 

31.1

 

Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certification by Principal Executive Officer

 

Filed Electronically

 

 

 

 

 

31.2

 

Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certification by Principal Financial and Accounting Officer

 

Filed Electronically

 

 

 

 

 

32

 

Section 1350 Certifications

 

Filed Electronically

 


(1)          Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.3 to Amendment No. 1 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form S-1 (Registration No. 333-112494), filed with the Commission on March 15, 2004.

(2)          Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.4 to Amendment No. 1 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form S-1 (Registration No. 333-112494), filed with the Commission on March 15, 2004.

(3)          Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated July 9, 2007 (Commission File No. 000-50659), filed with the Commission on July 13, 2007.

(4)          Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated July 9, 2007 (Commission File No. 000-50659), filed with the Commission on July 13, 2007.

(5)          Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10 to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated August 15, 2007 (Commission File No. 000-50659), filed with the Commission on August 21, 2007.