# SHOE CARNIVAL INC (SHOE) FY 2023 MD&A

Verbatim Item 7 Management's Discussion and Analysis from SHOE CARNIVAL INC's 10-K for fiscal year 2023.

SEC filing source: https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/895447/000095017023009730/scvl-20230128.htm
Accession: 0000950170-23-009730
Filing date: 2023-03-24
Report date: 2023-01-28
Extracted structurally from real Item 7 body heading to real Item 7A/8 boundary. Published MD&A gate trimmed section bleed.
Confidence: high

Company profile: /company/SHOE/
All MD&A years: /company/SHOE/mda/
Previous year: /company/SHOE/mda/fy2022/ (FY 2022)
Next year: /company/SHOE/mda/fy2024/ (FY 2024)

ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

The following discussion of our financial condition and results of operations (the "MD&A") should be read together with our consolidated financial statements and notes to those statements included in PART II, ITEM 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K. This section of this Annual Report on Form 10-K generally discusses Fiscal 2022 and Fiscal 2021 and year-over-year comparisons between Fiscal 2022 and Fiscal 2021. A discussion of Fiscal 2020 and year-over-year comparisons between Fiscal 2021 and Fiscal 2020 that are not included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K can be found in PART II, ITEM 7, “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for our fiscal year ended January 29, 2022, filed with the United States SEC on March 25, 2022.

Given the significant impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on our Fiscal 2021 and Fiscal 2020 results, we have included certain comparisons in this MD&A between Fiscal 2022 and Fiscal 2019 to provide further context regarding our Fiscal 2022 results of operations. At the end of this section of this Annual Report on Form 10-K, we have included historical data for the past five fiscal years to facilitate trend analysis of key data reported in our consolidated financial statements and other select operating data.

Overview of Our Business

Shoe Carnival, Inc. is one of the nation’s largest omnichannel family footwear retailers. On December 3, 2021, we began operating under two banners: Shoe Carnival and Shoe Station. Our objective is to be the omnichannel retailer-of-choice for on-trend branded footwear for the entire family. Our product assortment, whether shopping in a physical store or on our e-commerce platform, includes dress, casual, and work shoes, sandals, boots and a wide assortment of athletic shoes. Our typical physical store carries shoes in two general categories – athletics and non-athletics with subcategories for men's, women's and children's, as well as a broad range of accessories. In addition to our physical stores, our e-commerce platform offers customers the same assortment of merchandise in all categories of footwear with expanded options in certain instances.

Our stores under the Shoe Carnival banner combine competitive pricing with a high-energy in-store environment that encourages customer participation. Footwear in our Shoe Carnival physical stores is organized by category and brand, creating strong brand statements within the aisles. These brand statements are underscored by branded signage on endcaps and in-line signage throughout the store. Our signage may highlight a vendor’s product offerings or sales promotions, or may highlight seasonal or lifestyle statements by grouping similar footwear from multiple vendors.

The addition of the Shoe Station banner and retail locations has created a complementary retail platform for us to serve a broader base of family footwear customers in both urban and suburban demographics. The Shoe Station concept targets a more affluent family footwear customer and has a strong track record of capitalizing on emerging footwear fashion trends and introducing new brands. Due to the larger average size of our Shoe Station stores and the targeted, more affluent customer, these locations provide for a primary destination shopping experience.

We believe our distinctive shopping experiences give us various competitive advantages, including increased multiple unit sales; the building of a loyal, repeat customer base; the creation of word-of-mouth advertising; and enhanced sell-through of in-season goods.

Acquisition of Shoe Station

On December 3, 2021, we acquired the physical stores and substantially all of the other assets and liabilities of Shoe Station, Inc. ("Shoe Station"), a privately-held, family-owned shoe retailer. The Shoe Station assets were acquired for approximately $70.4 million, funded with cash on hand. We are continuing to operate the 21 locations acquired under the Shoe Station banner and have opened three new Shoe Station bannered stores since the acquisition. Shoe Station contributed Net Sales of $16.6 million during the period from the acquisition date through January 29, 2022 in Fiscal 2021 and $99.9 million in Fiscal 2022. We incurred acquisition and integration-related charges of $4.3 million ($3.2 million after tax, or $0.11 on a diluted per share basis) during Fiscal 2021. These charges were comprised of non-recurring expense related to the fair value adjustment to acquisition-date inventory of $1.1 million recorded in Cost of Goods Sold and $3.2 million of transaction costs and integration-related charges recorded in Selling, General and Administrative Expenses. See Note 3 — “Acquisition of Shoe Station” in our Notes to Consolidated Financial

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Statements contained in PART II, ITEM 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K for additional information on the acquisition.

Comparable Store Sales

Comparable store sales is a key performance indicator for us. Comparable store sales include stores that have been open for 13 full months after such stores’ acquisition or grand opening prior to the beginning of the period, including those stores that have been relocated or remodeled. Therefore, stores recently opened, acquired or closed are not included in comparable store sales. We generally include e-commerce sales in our comparable store sales as a result of our omnichannel retailer strategy. Due to our omnichannel retailer strategy, we view e-commerce sales as an extension of our physical stores. E-commerce platforms associated with a physical store acquisition will not be included in comparable store sales until the initial physical stores are included. Our method for calculating comparable store sales in Fiscal 2022 and Fiscal 2021, therefore, does not include any sales activity from Shoe Station. The 21 original Shoe Station stores acquired and the www.shoestation.com e-commerce site that went live in early February 2023 will be included in comparable store sales calculations beginning in the first quarter of the fiscal year ending February 3, 2024 (Fiscal 2023).

Executive Summary

In Fiscal 2022, we delivered operating income margins and overall profitability more than double those generated pre-pandemic. These Fiscal 2022 results demonstrate the sustainability of our business and set the new benchmark for us going forward. For Fiscal 2022, Diluted Net Income per Share was the second highest year in our history and was only surpassed by Fiscal 2021. Our Diluted Net Income per Share in Fiscal 2022 grew in each quarter compared to Fiscal 2019's pre-pandemic results with growth compared to Fiscal 2019 of 107%, 160%, 151%, and 558%, respectively. Our total Diluted Net Income per Share earned over the past two fiscal years of $9.38 ($3.96 in Fiscal 2022 and $5.42 in Fiscal 2021) exceeded the Diluted Net Income per Share earned over the preceding 13 years combined.

Net Sales in Fiscal 2022 were $1.26 billion and were the second highest of any fiscal year in our history, only exceeded by Fiscal 2021. In a challenging economic environment, our Fiscal 2022 Net Sales increased 21.8% and comparable store sales increased 13.9% compared to pre-pandemic results in Fiscal 2019. Our physical store comparable store sales increased 8.9% and e-commerce Net Sales increased 85.4% compared to Fiscal 2019. Our Fiscal 2022 results were positively impacted by sustained higher gross profit margin compared to pre-pandemic results, new growth provided from the Shoe Station acquisition and growth in our Shoe Perks loyalty member program. More detail on each of these factors follows:

•
Gross profit margin in Fiscal 2022 was 37.1%, a 700 basis point increase compared to Fiscal 2019. This increase was due primarily to enhancements to our customer relationship management capabilities and promotional strategies, partially offset by increased distribution and freight costs, which reduced gross profit margin compared to Fiscal 2019 by 220 basis points.

•
Less promotional intensity resulted in higher average selling prices in Fiscal 2022 compared to Fiscal 2019, and these higher prices were the primary driver for the comparable store sales increase.

•
Shoe Station bannered stores contributed Net Sales of $99.9 million in Fiscal 2022 and $16.6 million in Fiscal 2021.

•
The 32.1 million Shoe Perks members as of January 28, 2023 represented an increase in new customers of 34% compared to Fiscal 2019 year end and 13% compared to Fiscal 2021 year end. Our Shoe Perks loyalty program members now include Shoe Station customers, which added over 1.4 million customers in Fiscal 2022.

Compared to Fiscal 2021, Net Sales were down 5.1% and comparable store sales declined 11.1% on lower traffic and sales volume. This decrease was due primarily to fluctuations in our customer base's income as impacted by government stimulus in Fiscal 2021, inflation in Fiscal 2022 and continued COVID-19-related manufacturing delays, which decreased availability of athletic inventory and athletic sales in Fiscal 2022.

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Comparable store athletic sales were down 21.6% compared to Fiscal 2021 and were flat compared to Fiscal 2019. On a comparable store basis, non-athletic sales were flat compared to Fiscal 2021 and increased 29.5% compared to Fiscal 2019. Net Sales attributed to athletic sales were 42% in Fiscal 2022, compared to 50% in Fiscal 2021 and 51% in Fiscal 2019. Athletic sales began to show some improvement during the second half of Fiscal 2022, as athletic inventory availability began to improve.

We ended Fiscal 2022 with Merchandise Inventories of $390.4 million, an increase of $130.9 million over Fiscal 2019. Approximately 40% of the increase was inventory in Shoe Station stores acquired last year or opened this year and higher in-transit inventory. The remaining increase in inventory was supportive of the Net Sales increases compared to Fiscal 2019 and the expectation of increased sales in Fiscal 2023.

We had no borrowings outstanding under our credit agreement (the "Credit Agreement"), which was amended and restated during the first quarter of Fiscal 2022 and expires on March 23, 2027. We ended Fiscal 2022 with $63.0 million of Cash, Cash Equivalents and Marketable Securities.

We are currently in the process of modernizing our stores and plan to have over 60% of our stores modernized by the end of Fiscal 2023 and the full program complete in the Fiscal 2024 - Fiscal 2025 horizon. Through Fiscal 2022, 41% of the stores in our fleet have been remodeled.

We opened two Shoe Station stores in the fourth quarter of Fiscal 2022, ending Fiscal 2022 with 397 total stores, 373 Shoe Carnival stores and 24 Shoe Station stores. We are on track to operate 400 stores in the third quarter of Fiscal 2023.

Results of Operations

The following table sets forth our results of operations expressed as a percentage of Net Sales for the following fiscal years:

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Fiscal 2022 Compared to Fiscal 2021

Net Sales

Net Sales during Fiscal 2021 grew 36.2% compared to Fiscal 2020, with significant government stimulus distributions to our customer base in Fiscal 2021 and COVID-19 related temporary store closures occurring in the first half of Fiscal 2020. Net Sales decreased 5.1% in Fiscal 2022 versus this stimulus-elevated Fiscal 2021, but maintained growth of 21.8% versus pre-pandemic Fiscal 2019. The decrease in Net Sales between Fiscal 2022 and Fiscal 2021 was primarily the result of an 11.1% comparable store sales decline due largely to this fluctuation in spending by our customer base as impacted by government stimulus in Fiscal 2021 and inflation in Fiscal 2022 and continued COVID-19 related manufacturing delays, which decreased availability of athletic shoes in Fiscal 2022. Net Sales attributable to new stores, mostly the Shoe Station stores, partially offset the decrease in comparable store sales. E-commerce sales were approximately 10% of merchandise sales in Fiscal 2022, compared to 12% in Fiscal 2021.

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Gross Profit

Gross Profit was $468.2 million in Fiscal 2022, a decrease of $58.6 million compared to Fiscal 2021. Gross profit margin in Fiscal 2022 was 37.1% compared to 39.6% in Fiscal 2021. Buying, distribution and occupancy costs increased 1.9 percentage points and merchandise margin decreased 0.6 percentage points as a percentage of Net Sales compared to Fiscal 2021. These changes were primarily the result of the impact of inflation and supply chain disruption on distribution and freight costs, other merchandise cost increases and the de-leveraging of other buying, distribution and occupancy costs due to lower Net Sales in Fiscal 2022.

Selling, General and Administrative Expenses ("SG&A")

SG&A increased $2.6 million in Fiscal 2022 to $321.7 million compared to $319.1 million in Fiscal 2021. This increase was primarily attributable to our Shoe Station operations and increased depreciation expense resulting from our investment in property and equipment related to our store portfolio modernization plan. These increases were partially offset by lower incentive compensation and advertising expense. As a percentage of Net Sales, SG&A was 25.5% in Fiscal 2022 compared to 24.0% in Fiscal 2021.

Fiscal 2021 SG&A included $3.2 million of transaction costs and integration related charges related to the Shoe Station acquisition.

Interest Income and Interest Expense

Changes in our interest income and expense increased our income before taxes by $1.1 million in Fiscal 2022 compared to Fiscal 2021. This increase was primarily due to higher interest earned on invested cash balances and lower unused commitment fees under the Credit Agreement as compared to our prior credit agreement.

Income Taxes

The effective income tax rate for Fiscal 2022 was 25.2% compared to 25.3% for Fiscal 2021.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

Our primary sources of liquidity are $63.0 million of Cash, Cash Equivalents and Marketable Securities on hand at the end of Fiscal 2022, cash generated from operations and availability under our $100 million Credit Agreement. While the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and other economic uncertainty associated with inflation and constrained supply chains, among other macroeconomic uncertainty, make our operating cash flow less predictable, we believe our resources will be sufficient to fund our cash needs, as they arise, for at least the next 12 months. Our primary uses of cash are normally for working capital, which are principally inventory purchases, investments in our stores, such as new stores, remodels and relocations, distribution center initiatives, lease payments associated with our real estate leases, potential dividend payments, potential share repurchases under our share repurchase program and the financing of other capital projects, including investments in new systems. As part of our growth strategy, we may also pursue additional strategic acquisitions of other footwear retailers.

Cash Flow - Operating Activities

Net cash generated from operating activities was $50.4 million in Fiscal 2022 compared to $147.9 million during Fiscal 2021. The change in operating cash flow was primarily driven by increased earnings in Fiscal 2021 and replenishing merchandise inventory levels in Fiscal 2022.

Working capital increased on a year-over-year basis and totaled $312.4 million at January 28, 2023 compared to $288.4 million at January 29, 2022. The increase was primarily attributable to higher merchandise inventory levels, partially offset by lower cash balances due to increased investment in property and equipment related to our store portfolio modernization plan and increased share repurchases. Our current ratio was 3.0 as of January 28, 2023, compared to 2.9 as of January 29, 2022.

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Cash Flow - Investing Activities

Our cash outflows for investing activities are normally for capital expenditures. During Fiscal 2022 and Fiscal 2021, we expended $77.3 million and $31.4 million, respectively, for the purchases of property and equipment, primarily related to our store portfolio modernization plan.

During Fiscal 2021, we acquired the physical stores and substantially all of the assets and liabilities of Shoe Station and finalized the purchase price in Fiscal 2022, paying approximately $70.4 million. In Fiscal 2021 we also invested on a net basis approximately $17.2 million in publicly traded mutual funds designed to mitigate income statement volatility associated with our nonqualified deferred compensation plan. The balance of these Marketable Securities, net of sales and mark to market activity, was $11.6 million at January 28, 2023, compared to $15.0 million at January 29, 2022. Additional information regarding the Shoe Station acquisition can be found in Note 3 -“Acquisition of Shoe Station” and regarding the marketable securities can be found in Note 4 - “Fair Value of Financial Instruments” to our Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements contained in PART II, ITEM 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Cash Flow - Financing Activities

Our cash outflows for financing activities are typically for cash dividend payments, share repurchases or payments on our Credit Agreement. Shares of our common stock can be either acquired as part of a publicly announced repurchase program or withheld by us in connection with employee payroll tax withholding upon the vesting of stock-based compensation awards that are settled in shares. Our cash inflows from financing activities generally reflect stock issuances to employees under our Employee Stock Purchase Plan and borrowings under our Credit Agreement.

During Fiscal 2022, net cash used in financing activities was $42.5 million compared to $17.7 million during Fiscal 2021. The increase in net cash used in financing activities was primarily due to the repurchase of $30.5 million of shares in Fiscal 2022, compared to the repurchase of $7.1 million of shares in Fiscal 2021, associated with our Board of Directors’ authorized share repurchase program. During Fiscal 2022 and Fiscal 2021, we did not borrow or repay funds under our Credit Agreement. Letters of credit outstanding were $700,000 at January 28, 2023, and our borrowing capacity was $99.3 million.

Our Credit Agreement requires us to maintain compliance with various financial covenants. See Note 9 – “Debt” in our Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements contained in PART II, ITEM 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K for a further discussion of our Credit Agreement and its covenants. We were in compliance with these covenants as of January 28, 2023.

Store Openings and Closings – Fiscal 2023

Increasing market penetration by adding new stores is a key component of our growth strategy. Through a combination of both organic and acquired store growth, we aim to operate approximately 10 to 20 new stores in Fiscal 2023, with additional store growth acceleration in 2024 and beyond. We expect limited, if any, store closures over the next several years.

Capital Expenditures – Fiscal 2023

Capital expenditures for Fiscal 2023 are expected to be between $60 million and $70 million, with approximately $55 million to $60 million to be used for new stores and modernization and approximately $5 million to $10 million for upgrades to our distribution center and e-commerce platform, various other store improvements, continued investments in technology and normal asset replacement activities. The resources allocated to projects are subject to near-term changes depending on ongoing supply chain disruptions and potential inflationary and other macroeconomic impacts. Furthermore, the actual amount of cash required for capital expenditures for store operations depends in part on the number of stores opened, relocated, and remodeled, and the amount of lease incentives, if any, received from landlords. The number of new store openings and relocations will be dependent upon, among other things, the availability of desirable locations, the negotiation of acceptable lease terms and general economic and business conditions affecting consumer spending.

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Dividends

Four quarterly cash dividends of $0.09 per share were approved and paid during Fiscal 2022, and in Fiscal 2021 four quarterly dividends of $0.07 per share were approved and paid. During Fiscal 2022 and Fiscal 2021, we returned $10.0 million and $8.0 million, respectively, in cash to our shareholders through our quarterly dividends.

The declaration and payment of any future dividends are at the discretion of the Board of Directors and will depend on our results of operations, financial condition, business conditions and other factors deemed relevant by our Board of Directors, subject to the restrictions in our Credit Agreement. See Note 9 – “Debt” in our Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements contained in PART II, ITEM 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K for a further discussion of our Credit Agreement and its restrictions.

Share Repurchase Program

On December 14, 2022, our Board of Directors authorized a share repurchase program for up to $50 million of our outstanding common stock, effective January 1, 2023 (the “2023 Share Repurchase Program”). The purchases may be made in the open market or through privately negotiated transactions from time-to-time through December 31, 2023 and in accordance with applicable laws, rules and regulations. The 2023 Share Repurchase Program may be amended, suspended or discontinued at any time and does not commit us to repurchase shares of our common stock. We have funded, and intend to continue to fund, the share repurchase program from cash on hand, and any shares acquired will be available for stock-based compensation awards and other corporate purposes. The actual number and value of the shares to be purchased will depend on the performance of our stock price and other market and economic factors, subject to the restrictions in our Credit Agreement. See Note 9 – "Debt" in our Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements contained in PART II, ITEM 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K for a further discussion of our Credit Agreement and its restrictions.

The 2023 Share Repurchase Program replaced a $50 million share repurchase program that was authorized in December 2021, became effective January 1, 2022 and expired in accordance with its terms on December 31, 2022. Shares totaling 1,134,524 were repurchased during Fiscal 2022 at a cost of $30.5 million. Shares totaling 208,662 were repurchased during Fiscal 2021 at a cost of $7.1 million and no repurchases were made in Fiscal 2020. Share repurchase activity in Fiscal 2021 and Fiscal 2020 was impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Leases

Rent-related payments made in Fiscal 2022 totaled $83.9 million. As we are contractually obligated to make lease payments to landlords, estimated future payments to landlords and lease-related charges are expected to be significant in future years and will increase in future years due to expected organic and acquired store growth. These payments include estimates for fixed minimum and contingent rent, estimated reimbursements to landlords for common area maintenance, taxes and insurance and other lease related charges. See Note 10 – “Leases” in our Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements contained in PART II, ITEM 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K for further discussion of our lease obligations.

Impact of Store Count and Seasonality on Quarterly Results

Our quarterly results of operations have fluctuated and are expected to continue to fluctuate in the future, primarily as a result of seasonal variances and the timing of sales and costs associated with opening new stores and closing underperforming stores.

(Unaudited, in thousands, except per share amounts)

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1) Per share amounts are computed independently for each of the quarters presented. For per share amounts, the sum of the quarters may not equal the total year due to the impact of changes in weighted shares outstanding and differing applications of earnings as prescribed by accounting guidance.

Seasonality

We have three distinct peak selling periods: Easter, back-to-school and Christmas. Our operating results depend significantly upon the sales generated during these periods. To prepare for our peak shopping seasons, we must order and keep in stock significantly more merchandise than we would carry during other periods of the year. Any unanticipated decrease in demand for our products or a supply chain disruption that reduces inventory availability during these peak shopping seasons could reduce our Net Sales and Gross Profit and negatively affect our profitability.

Store Count

We continually analyze our store portfolio and the potential for new stores based on our view of internal and external opportunities and challenges in the marketplace. As part of our long-term growth strategy, we expect to pursue opportunities for store growth across large and mid-size markets as we continue to leverage customer data from our customer relationship management program and more attractive real estate options become available.

Over the last several years, we performed a store improvement plan. As part of the plan, which was completed in Fiscal 2021, we identified underperforming stores and worked to address these stores' performance through renegotiation of lease terms, relocation, or closure. We closed 45 stores from Fiscal 2018 through Fiscal 2021. While we continue to actively monitor the store portfolio, we do not expect any further significant closures over the next several years.

When we identify a store that produces or may potentially produce low or negative contribution, we either renegotiate lease terms, relocate or close the store. In instances when underperformance indicates the carrying value of a store’s assets may not be recoverable, we impair the store. Although store closings could reduce our overall Net Sales volume, we believe that the store closings we effected in the last several fiscal years resulted in long-term improvements to our Operating Income and Diluted Net Income per Share. Depending upon the results of lease negotiations with certain landlords of underperforming stores, we may increase or decrease the number of store closures in future periods.

Non-capital expenditures, such as advertising and payroll incurred prior to the opening of a new store, are charged to expense as incurred. The timing and actual amount of expense recorded in closing an individual store can vary significantly depending, in part, on the period in which management commits to a closing plan, the remaining basis in the fixed assets to be disposed of at closing and the amount of any lease buyout. Therefore, our results of operations may be adversely affected in any quarter in which we incur pre-opening expenses related to the opening of new stores or incur store closing costs related to the closure of existing stores.

Store Openings, Closings and Impairment Charges – Impact on Fiscal 2022 and Fiscal 2021

In Fiscal 2022, we opened four new stores. The initial average inventory investment for the new stores in Fiscal 2022 was $1.4 million, capital expenditures were $1.6 million and lease incentives received from our landlords were $212,000. In Fiscal 2021, we opened one new store. The initial inventory investment for the new store was $469,000, capital expenditures were $299,000 and lease incentives received from our landlord were $100,000.

Pre-opening expenses for the four stores opened in Fiscal 2022 included in Cost of Sales and SG&A expenses were approximately $1.3 million, or an average of $320,000 per store. Items classified as pre-opening expenses include rent, freight, advertising, salaries and supplies. During Fiscal 2021, we expended $77,000 in pre-opening expenses for the one new store.

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There were no store closing costs in Fiscal 2022 and total store closing costs were $1.9 million associated with closing 12 stores in Fiscal 2021. We recorded non-cash impairment charges on a majority of these stores and also recognized impairment charges on other underperforming stores in Fiscal 2021. There were no non-cash impairment charges recognized in Fiscal 2022, while non-cash impairment charges of $1.3 million were included in store closing costs in Fiscal 2021. In addition to non-cash impairment charges, store closing costs can include fixed asset write-offs, employee severance, lease termination fees, store tear-down and clean-up expenses and acceleration of expenses and deferred lease incentives.

In total, store opening and closing costs impacting SG&A expenses were $1.0 million in Fiscal 2022 and $1.9 million in Fiscal 2021. Store opening and closing costs included in Cost of Sales were expenses of $178,000 in Fiscal 2022 and $50,000 in Fiscal 2021.

Critical Accounting Policies

We use judgment in reporting our financial results. This judgment involves estimates based in part on our historical experience and incorporates the impact of the current general economic climate and company-specific circumstances. However, because future events and economic conditions are inherently uncertain, our actual results could differ materially from these estimates. The accounting policies that require more significant judgment are included below.

Merchandise Inventories– Our Merchandise Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or net realizable value as of the balance sheet date and consist primarily of dress, casual and athletic footwear for women, men and children. The cost of our merchandise is determined using the first-in, first-out valuation method (“FIFO”). For determining net realizable value, we estimate the future demand and related sale price of merchandise in our inventory. The stated value of Merchandise Inventories contained on our Consolidated Balance Sheets also includes freight, certain capitalized overhead costs and reserves.

Factors considered when we review our inventory to properly state it at lower of cost or net realizable value include recent sale prices, historical loss rates, the length of time merchandise has been held in inventory, quantities of the various styles held in inventory, seasonality of the merchandise, expected consideration to be received from our vendors and current and expected future sales trends. We also review aging trends, which include the historical rate at which merchandise has sold below cost and the value and nature of merchandise currently held in inventory and priced below original cost. We reduce the value of our inventory to its estimated net realizable value where cost exceeds the estimated future selling price. Merchandise Inventories as of January 28, 2023 totaled $390.4 million, representing approximately 39% of total assets. Merchandise Inventories as of January 29, 2022 totaled $285.2 million, representing approximately 35% of total assets. Given the significance of inventories to our consolidated financial statements, the determination of net realizable value is a critical accounting estimate. Material changes in the factors noted above could have a significant impact on the actual net realizable value of our inventory and our reported operating results.

Valuation of Long-Lived Assets– Long-lived assets, such as property and equipment subject to depreciation and right-of-use assets arising from our leased properties, are evaluated for impairment on a periodic basis if events or circumstances indicate the carrying value may not be recoverable. This evaluation includes performing an analysis of the estimated undiscounted future cash flows of the long-lived assets. Assets are grouped and the evaluation performed at the lowest level for which there are identifiable cash flows, which is generally at a store level.

If the estimated future cash flows for a store are determined to be less than the carrying value of the store’s assets, an impairment loss is recorded for the difference between the estimated fair value and the carrying value. We estimate the fair value of our long-lived assets using store-specific cash flow assumptions discounted by a rate commensurate with the risk involved with such assets while incorporating marketplace assumptions. Our assumptions and estimates used in the evaluation of impairment, including current and future economic trends for stores, are subject to a high degree of judgment. Assets subject to impairment are adjusted to estimated fair value and, if applicable, an impairment loss is recorded in SG&A. If actual operating results or market conditions differ from those anticipated, the carrying value of certain of our assets may prove unrecoverable and we may incur additional impairment charges in the future.

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Valuation of Goodwill and Intangible Assets – Our indefinite-lived assets include Goodwill and non-amortizing Intangible Assets (trade name) resulting from the acquisition of Shoe Station in Fiscal 2021. Goodwill represents the purchase price in excess of fair values assigned to the underlying identifiable net assets of the acquired business. Goodwill and indefinite-lived Intangible Assets are reviewed annually for impairment unless circumstances dictate the need for more frequent assessment. We performed our annual impairment testing as of the first day of the fourth fiscal quarter, beginning in Fiscal 2022.

In performing impairment tests for our Goodwill in Fiscal 2022, we opted to complete a quantitative assessment at the Shoe Station banner level as opposed to relying on a qualitative assessment as permitted in the guidance. This quantitative assessment required that the estimated fair value of a reporting unit’s net assets, including Goodwill, be calculated and compared to its carrying amount. If that estimated fair value is in excess of the carrying amount, no impairment is recognized. We performed this assessment on October 30, 2022. We estimated the fair value of the net assets tested using a discounted cash flow model. This income-based approach required significant judgment to estimate future cash flows, including revenue growth inclusive of long-term growth rate assumptions and the discount rate. With respect to the trade name, we also tested its carrying amount for impairment at the Shoe Station banner level using the same revenue growth and discount rate assumptions and an assumed royalty rate. Significant changes in our estimates and assumptions could affect our fair value calculations. Our estimate of fair value exceeded the carrying amounts and therefore resulted in no impairment.

Leases – We lease our retail stores, our single distribution center and office space for our Southern office. We also enter into leases of equipment, copiers and billboards. All of our leases are operating leases. Therefore, how operating leases are recognized throughout the financial statements in accordance with applicable accounting guidance can have a significant impact on our financial condition and results of operations and related disclosures.

In accordance with Accounting Standards Codification Topic No. 842 – Leases (“ASC 842”), which we adopted in Fiscal 2019, on the lease commencement date we recognize a right-of-use asset for the right to use a leased asset and a liability based on the present value of remaining lease payments over the lease term. The weighted average discount rate utilized in Fiscal 2022 and Fiscal 2021 was 4.2% and 5.2%, respectively.

As of the date of adoption of ASC 842, for new leases, renewals or amendments and when we make material investments in leased properties pursuant to our store modernization plan, we make certain estimates and assumptions regarding property values, market rents, property lives, discount rates and probable terms. These estimates and assumptions can impact: (1) lease classification and the related accounting treatment; (2) rent holidays, escalations or deferred lease incentives, which are taken into consideration when calculating straight-line expense; (3) the term over which leasehold improvements for each store are amortized; and (4) the values and lives of adjustments to initial and modified right-of-use assets. The amount of amortized rent expense would vary if different estimates and assumptions were used.

Our real estate leases typically include options to extend the lease or to terminate the lease at our sole discretion. Options to extend real estate leases typically include one or more options to renew, with renewal terms that typically extend the lease term for five years or more. Many of our leases also contain “co-tenancy” provisions, including the required presence and continued operation of certain anchor tenants in the adjoining retail space. If a co-tenancy violation occurs, we have the right to a reduction of rent for a defined period after which we have the option to terminate the lease if the violation is not cured. In addition to co-tenancy provisions, certain leases contain “go-dark” provisions that allow us to cease operations while continuing to pay rent through the end of the lease term. When determining the lease term, we include options that are reasonably certain to be exercised.

Income Taxes – As part of the process of preparing our consolidated financial statements, we are required to estimate our current and future income taxes for each tax jurisdiction in which we operate. Significant judgment is required in determining our annual tax expense and evaluating our tax positions. As a part of this process, deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized based on the difference between the consolidated financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax basis. Our temporary timing differences relate primarily to inventory, property and equipment, right-of-use assets, operating lease liabilities, goodwill and non-amortizing intangible assets. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using the tax rates enacted and expected to be in effect in the years when those temporary differences are expected to reverse. Deferred tax assets are reduced, if necessary, by a valuation allowance to the extent future realization of those tax benefits are uncertain.

37

We are also required to make many subjective assumptions and judgments regarding our income tax exposures when accounting for uncertain tax positions associated with our income tax filings. We must presume that taxing authorities will examine all uncertain tax positions and that they have full knowledge of all relevant information. However, interpretations of guidance surrounding income tax laws and regulations are often complex, ambiguous and frequently change over time, and a number of years may elapse before a particular issue is resolved. As such, changes in our subjective assumptions and judgments can materially affect amounts recognized in our consolidated financial statements. Although we believe we have no uncertain tax positions, tax authorities could assess tax liabilities in open tax periods not presently foreseen.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

See Note 2 — “Summary of Significant Accounting Policies” in our Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements contained in PART II, ITEM 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K for a description of recent accounting pronouncements and related impacts.

Historical Financial and Operating Data

The following historical financial data is included for the convenience of assessing trends in our financial condition and results of operations over the previous five fiscal years. A more detailed description of the fluctuations among Fiscal 2018 – Fiscal 2021 can be found in our Annual Reports on Form 10-K filed for those previous fiscal years.

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