FORM 10-Q

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, D. C. 20549

 

Quarterly Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d)

of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

 

For Quarter Ended October 29, 2005

Commission file number 001-13143

 

BJ’S WHOLESALE CLUB, INC.

(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)

 

DELAWARE		04-3360747
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)		(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
One Mercer Road Natick, Massachusetts		01760
(Address of principal executive offices)		(Zip Code)

 

(508) 651-7400

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

 

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

 

Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant is an accelerated filer (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes  x    No  ¨.

 

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

 

The number of shares of the Registrant’s common stock outstanding as of October 29, 2005: 67,638,567

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PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

 

Item 1. Financial Statements

 

BJ’S WHOLESALE CLUB, INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME

(Unaudited)

 

		Thirteen Weeks Ended
		October 29, 2005				October 30, 2004
		(Dollars in Thousands except Per Share Amounts)
Net sales		$	1,922,181			$	1,758,215
Membership fees and other			42,147				39,472
Total revenues			1,964,328				1,797,687
Cost of sales, including buying and occupancy costs			1,769,009				1,619,080
Selling, general and administrative expenses			149,617				139,014
Provision for credit card claims			—				1,000
Preopening expenses			381				3,022
Operating income			45,321				35,571
Interest income, net			675				216
Gain on contingent lease obligations			107				5,090
Income from continuing operations before income taxes			46,103				40,877
Provision for income taxes			18,211				15,799
Income from continuing operations			27,892				25,078
Loss from discontinued operations, net of income tax benefit of $51 and $1,227			(77	)			(1,839	)
Net income		$	27,815			$	23,239
Income per common share:
Basic and diluted earnings per share:
Income from continuing operations		$	0.41			$	0.36
Loss from discontinued operations			—				(0.03	)
Net income		$	0.41			$	0.33
Number of common shares for earnings per share computations:
Basic			67,805,541				69,548,902
Diluted			68,411,399				70,086,276

 

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

 

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BJ’S WHOLESALE CLUB, INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME

(Unaudited)

 

		Thirty-Nine Weeks Ended
		October 29, 2005				October 30, 2004
		(Dollars in Thousands except Per Share Amounts)
Net sales		$	5,672,563			$	5,209,161
Membership fees and other			123,853				114,419
Total revenues			5,796,416				5,323,580
Cost of sales, including buying and occupancy costs			5,221,468				4,809,439
Selling, general and administrative expenses			448,493				399,456
Provision for credit card claims			3,000				7,000
Preopening expenses			3,428				4,961
Operating income			120,027				102,724
Interest income, net			1,522				235
Gain on contingent lease obligations			4,384				9,424
Income from continuing operations before income taxes			125,933				112,383
Provision for income taxes			48,808				42,926
Income from continuing operations			77,125				69,457
Loss from discontinued operations, net of income tax benefit of $156 and $1,401			(234	)			(2,101	)
Net income		$	76,891			$	67,356
Basic earnings per common share:
Income from continuing operations		$	1.13			$	1.00
Loss from discontinued operations			—				(0.03	)
Net income		$	1.13			$	0.97
Diluted earnings per common share:
Income from continuing operations		$	1.12			$	0.99
Loss from discontinued operations			(0.01	)			(0.03	)
Net income		$	1.11			$	0.96
Number of common shares for earnings per share computations:
Basic			68,226,275				69,630,716
Diluted			68,991,078				70,128,656

 

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

 

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BJ'S WHOLESALE CLUB, INC.

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(Unaudited)

 

		October 29, 2005				January 29, 2005				October 30, 2004
		(Dollars in Thousands)
ASSETS
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents		$	90,011			$	125,558			$	37,988
Marketable securities			—				24,800				68,100
Accounts receivable			94,847				87,292				80,788
Merchandise inventories			867,655				759,742				804,418
Current deferred income taxes			22,129				25,665				17,612
Prepaid expenses			15,312				19,922				18,874
Total current assets			1,089,954				1,042,979				1,027,780
Property at cost:
Land and buildings			568,802				564,237				546,035
Leasehold costs and improvements			167,387				152,547				136,013
Furniture, fixtures and equipment			519,195				514,838				519,705
			1,255,384				1,231,622				1,201,753
Less: accumulated depreciation and amortization			449,944				405,737				413,834
			805,440				825,885				787,919
Other assets			23,182				22,650				22,918
Total assets		$	1,918,576			$	1,891,514			$	1,838,617
LIABILITIES
Current liabilities:
Current installments of long-term debt		$	452			$	429			$	421
Accounts payable			572,000				533,345				580,939
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities			227,234				238,911				203,143
Accrued federal and state income taxes			32,571				54,321				19,874
Closed store lease obligations due within one year			959				7,121				9,269
Total current liabilities			833,216				834,127				813,646
Long-term debt, less portion due within one year			2,855				3,196				3,306
Noncurrent closed store lease obligations			8,351				8,870				9,128
Other noncurrent liabilities			73,888				73,756				64,861
Deferred income taxes			29,177				32,398				43,310
Commitments and contingencies			—				—				—
STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
Preferred stock, par value $.01, authorized 20,000,000 shares, no shares issued			—				—				—
Common stock, par value $.01, authorized 180,000,000 shares, issued 74,410,190 shares			744				744				744
Additional paid-in capital			31,457				37,827				40,103
Unearned compensation			(1,838	)			(2,629	)			(2,473	)
Retained earnings			1,155,800				1,078,909				1,031,889
Treasury stock, at cost, 6,771,623 and 5,320,687 and 4,930,288 shares			(215,074	)			(175,684	)			(165,897	)
Total stockholders' equity			971,089				939,167				904,366
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity		$	1,918,576			$	1,891,514			$	1,838,617

 

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

 

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BJ’S WHOLESALE CLUB, INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(Unaudited)

 

		Thirty-Nine Weeks Ended
		October 29, 2005				October 30, 2004
		(Dollars in Thousands)
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES
Net income		$	76,891			$	67,356
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Provision for credit card claims			3,000				7,000
Gain on contingent lease obligations			—				(2,458	)
Provision for store closing costs			390				3,502
Depreciation and amortization of property			78,470				73,376
Loss on property disposals			155				108
Other noncash items (net)			1,696				1,009
Deferred income taxes			315				10,856
Tax benefit from exercise of stock options			4,022				3,400
Increase (decrease) in cash due to changes in:
Accounts receivable			(7,555	)			(1,866	)
Merchandise inventories			(107,913	)			(95,056	)
Prepaid expenses			4,610				3,766
Other assets			(652	)			(14	)
Accounts payable			47,364				92,037
Accrued expenses			6,032				6,962
Accrued income taxes			(21,750	)			(18,054	)
Closed store lease obligations			(7,071	)			(4,558	)
Other noncurrent liabilities			(1,001	)			5,975
Net cash provided by operating activities			77,003				153,341
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES
Property additions			(78,347	)			(89,104	)
Proceeds from property disposals			51				470
Purchase of marketable securities			(95,825	)			(760,660	)
Sale of marketable securities			120,625				692,560
Net cash used in investing activities			(53,496	)			(156,734	)
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES
Repayment of long-term debt			(318	)			(298	)
Proceeds from issuance of common stock			15,191				9,076
Purchase of treasury stock			(65,218	)			(28,031	)
Changes in book overdrafts			(8,709	)			(18,086	)
Net cash used in financing activities			(59,054	)			(37,339	)
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents			(35,547	)			(40,732	)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year			125,558				78,720
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period		$	90,011			$	37,988
Noncash financing and investing activities:
Treasury stock issued for compensation plans		$	25,828			$	27,873
Addition of asset retirement costs			593				202

 

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

 

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BJ’S WHOLESALE CLUB, INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

(Unaudited)

 

		Common Stock					Additional Paid-in Capital				Unearned Compensation				Retained Earnings			Treasury Stock							Total Stockholders’ Equity
		Shares		Amount														Shares			Amount
		(In Thousands)
Balance, January 31, 2004		74,410		$	744		$	52,868			$	(185	)		$	964,533		(4,621	)		$	(165,739	)		$	852,221
Net income		—			—			—				—				67,356		—				—				67,356
Issuance of common stock		—			—			(12,765	)			(2,631	)			—		803				27,873				12,477
Purchase of treasury stock		—			—			—				—				—		(1,112	)			(28,031	)			(28,031	)
Compensation expense		—			—			—				343				—		—				—				343
Balance, October 30, 2004		74,410		$	744		$	40,103			$	(2,473	)		$	1,031,889		(4,930	)		$	(165,897	)		$	904,366
Balance, January 29, 2005		74,410		$	744		$	37,827			$	(2,629	)		$	1,078,909		(5,321	)		$	(175,684	)		$	939,167
Net income		—			—			—				—				76,891		—				—				76,891
Issuance of common stock		—			—			(6,370	)			(246	)			—		793				25,828				19,212
Purchase of treasury stock		—			—			—				—				—		(2,244	)			(65,218	)			(65,218	)
Compensation expense		—			—			—				1,037				—		—				—				1,037
Balance, October 29, 2005		74,410		$	744		$	31,457			$	(1,838	)		$	1,155,800		(6,772	)		$	(215,074	)		$	971,089

 

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

 

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

1. The results for BJ’s Wholesale Club, Inc. (“BJ’s” or “the Company” or “we”) for the quarter and nine months ended October 29, 2005 are not necessarily indicative of the results for the full fiscal year or any future period because, among other things, our business, in common with the business of retailers generally, is subject to seasonal influences. Our sales and operating income have typically been strongest in the fourth quarter holiday season and lowest in the first quarter of each fiscal year.

 

2. The interim financial statements are unaudited and reflect all normal recurring adjustments we considered necessary for a fair statement of our financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles.

 

3. These interim financial statements should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and related notes in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended January 29, 2005.

 

4. The components of interest income (expense), net were as follows (amounts in thousands):

		Thirteen Weeks Ended								Thirty-Nine Weeks Ended
		Oct. 29, 2005				Oct. 30, 2004				Oct. 29, 2005				Oct. 30, 2004
Interest income		$	832			$	432			$	2,080			$	889
Capitalized interest			11				2				13				5
Interest expense on debt			(168	)			(218	)			(571	)			(659	)
Interest income, net		$	675			$	216			$	1,522			$	235

 

5. The following details the calculation of earnings per share from continuing operations for the periods presented below (amounts in thousands except per share amounts):

		Thirteen Weeks Ended						Thirty-Nine Weeks Ended
		Oct. 29, 2005			Oct. 30, 2004			Oct. 29, 2005			Oct. 30, 2004
Income from continuing operations		$	27,892		$	25,078		$	77,125		$	69,457
Weighted-average number of common shares outstanding, used for basic computation			67,806			69,549			68,226			69,631
Plus: Incremental shares from assumed exercise of stock options			605			537			765			498
Weighted-average number of common and dilutive potential common shares outstanding			68,411			70,086			68,991			70,129
Basic earnings per share		$	0.41		$	0.36		$	1.13		$	1.00
Diluted earnings per share		$	0.41		$	0.36		$	1.12		$	0.99

 

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Options to purchase the following shares were outstanding at October 29, 2005 and October 30, 2004, but were not included in the computation of diluted earnings per share because the options’ exercise prices were greater than the average market price of the common shares for the periods indicated.

 

		Number of Shares		Weighted-Average Exercise Price
Thirteen weeks ended October 29, 2005		1,905,725		$	32.22
Thirty-nine weeks ended October 29, 2005		1,862,225		$	32.30
Thirteen weeks ended October 30, 2004		1,794,950		$	31.85
Thirty-nine weeks ended October 30, 2004		3,401,658		$	28.77

 

6. We account for stock-based employee compensation under the recognition and measurement principles of APB Opinion No. 25, “Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees,” and related Interpretations. No stock-based employee compensation cost for stock options is reflected in net income, as all options granted under our plans had an exercise price equal to the market value of the underlying common stock on the date of the grant. We do include stock-based employee compensation cost for restricted stock in net income. The following table illustrates the effect on net income and earnings per share if we had applied the fair value recognition provisions of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 123, “Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation,” to stock-based employee compensation:

 

		Thirteen Weeks Ended								Thirty-Nine Weeks Ended
		Oct. 29, 2005				Oct. 30, 2004				Oct. 29, 2005				Oct. 30, 2004
		(Dollars in Thousands except Per Share Amounts)
Net income, as reported		$	27,815			$	23,239			$	76,891			$	67,356
Add: Stock-based employee compensation expense included in reported net income, net of related tax effects			204				180				632				211
Deduct: Total stock-based employee compensation expense determined under fair value based method for all awards, net of related tax effects			(2,555	)			(2,098	)			(7,279	)			(5,547	)
Pro forma net income		$	25,464			$	21,321			$	70,244			$	62,020
Earnings per share:
Basic—as reported		$	0.41			$	0.33			$	1.12			$	0.97
Basic—pro forma		$	0.37			$	0.31			$	1.03			$	0.89
Diluted—as reported		$	0.41			$	0.33			$	1.11			$	0.96
Diluted—pro forma		$	0.37			$	0.31			$	1.03			$	0.89

 

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7. The following table summarizes activity relating to our obligations for House2Home, Inc. (“House2Home”) and BJ’s closed store leases:

 

		Thirty-Nine Weeks Ended
		Oct. 29, 2005				Oct. 30, 2004
		(Dollars in Thousands)
Reserves for closed store liabilities, beginning of year		$	15,991			$	21,911
Interest accretion charges			390				841
Charges to increase reserves			—				203
Cash payments			(7,071	)			(4,558	)
Reserves for closed store liabilities, end of period		$	9,310			$	18,397

 

As of October 29, 2005, we have settled all 41 House2Home leases for which we were originally contingently liable, including lump sum settlements for 38 leases. The other three House2Home properties (for which we remain contingently liable) have been assigned to third parties. Two of the leases for the three BJ’s clubs closed in November 2002 have been settled through lump sum payments, including a settlement in this year’s second quarter for one of the closed BJ’s clubs.

 

During last year’s third quarter, we recorded a $2.7 million pretax credit ($1.6 million after tax) to reduce our House2Home contingent lease obligations. In the same quarter, we recorded a pretax charge of $2.9 million ($1.7 million after tax) to increase our reserves for the closed BJ’s clubs.

 

We believe that the liabilities recorded in the financial statements adequately provide for our remaining lease obligation. However, there can be no assurance that our actual liability for this obligation will not differ materially from amounts recorded in the financial statements due to a number of factors, including future economic factors which may affect the ability to successfully sublease, assign or otherwise settle liabilities related to this property. We consider our maximum reasonably possible undiscounted pretax exposure for our closed store lease obligation to be approximately $22 million at October 29, 2005.

 

8. Early in 2004 we were notified by credit card issuers that credit and debit card accounts used legitimately at BJ’s were subsequently used in fraudulent transactions at non-BJ’s locations. In response, we retained a leading computer security firm to conduct a forensic analysis of our information technology systems with a goal of determining whether a breach had in fact occurred. While no conclusive evidence of a breach was found, the computer security firm concluded that: (1) our centralized computer system that serves as the aggregation point for all BJ’s credit and debit card transactions chain-wide had not been breached and (2) any breach would have likely occurred in a more decentralized fashion involving club-level systems. On March 12, 2004, after our receipt of the computer security firm’s preliminary report of findings, we issued a public statement alerting consumers to the potential security breach.

 

In 2004, we recorded charges of $6.0 million ($3.6 million post-tax) in the second quarter and $1.0 million ($0.6 million post-tax) in the third quarter to establish a reserve for claims seeking reimbursement for fraudulent credit and debit card charges and the cost of replacing cards, monitoring expenses and related fees and expenses. In this year’s first quarter, we recorded an additional charge of $3.0 million ($1.8 million post-tax) to increase our reserve. This charge was driven primarily by an increase in our estimate of legal costs to be incurred in connection with this matter. As of October 29, 2005, the balance in the reserve was $4.1 million, which represented our best estimate of the remaining costs and expenses related to this matter at that time. This reserve is included in accrued expenses and other current liabilities on our balance sheet.

 

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In connection with this matter, on September 20, 2005 the Company entered into a consent decree with the Federal Trade Commission (“FTC”), which has jurisdiction over consumer protection matters. The full text of the consent decree can be found on the FTC’s website. In summary, BJ’s has not admitted any wrongdoing or that the facts alleged in the FTC’s complaint are true. Under the consent decree, BJ’s will pay no fines or damages. BJ’s has agreed, however, to maintain a comprehensive information security program, much of which was put in place shortly after BJ’s first learned of the possible compromise, and to a biannual assessment of that program by an independent third party.

 

As of October 29, 2005, the amount of outstanding claims, which are primarily from credit card issuing banks, was approximately $13 million. We are unable to predict whether further claims will be asserted. We have contested and will continue to vigorously contest the claims made against us and continue to explore our defenses and possible claims against others.

 

The ultimate outcome of this matter could differ from the amounts recorded. While that difference could be material to the results of operations for any affected reporting period, it is not expected to have a material impact on our consolidated financial position or liquidity.

 

9. Net periodic benefit cost recognized for our unfunded defined benefit postretirement medical plan was as follows:

 

		Thirteen Weeks Ended						Thirty-Nine Weeks Ended
		Oct. 29, 2005			Oct. 30, 2004			Oct. 29, 2005			Oct. 30, 2004
		(Dollars in Thousands)
Service cost		$	135		$	105		$	406		$	315
Interest cost			63			53			188			160
Amortization of unrecognized loss			21			15			63			45
Net periodic benefit cost		$	219		$	173		$	657		$	520

 

10. On April 28, 2005, we entered into a new $225 million unsecured credit agreement with a group of banks which expires April 27, 2010. The new agreement includes a $50 million sub-facility for letters of credit, of which $2.3 million was outstanding at October 29, 2005. We are required to pay an annual facility fee which is currently 0.15% of the total commitment. Interest on borrowings is payable at BJ’s option either at (a) the Eurodollar rate plus a margin which is currently 0.475% or (b) a rate equal to the higher of (i) the sum of the Federal Funds Effective Rate plus 0.50% or (ii) the agent bank’s prime rate. We are also required to pay a usage fee whenever the amount of loans and undrawn or unreimbursed letters of credit outstanding exceeds 50% of the total commitment. The usage fee, if applicable, would be at an annual rate of 0.125% of the amount borrowed. The facility fee and Eurodollar margin are subject to change based upon our fixed charge coverage ratio. The agreement contains financial covenants which include a minimum fixed charge coverage requirement and a maximum adjusted debt to capital limitation. We are required to comply with these covenants on a quarterly basis. Under the credit agreement, we may pay dividends or repurchase our own stock in any amount so long as we remain in compliance with all requirements under the agreement. We were in compliance with the covenants and other requirements set forth in our credit agreement at October 29, 2005.

 

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In addition to the credit agreement, we maintain a separate $62 million facility for letters of credit, primarily to support the purchase of inventories, of which $20.5 million was outstanding at October 29, 2005, and also maintain a $25 million uncommitted credit line for short-term borrowings which expires on September 30, 2006.

 

There were no borrowings outstanding under our bank credit agreement or our uncommitted credit line at October 29, 2005 and October 30, 2004.

 

11. BJ’s has filed proofs of claim against House2Home, Inc. for claims arising under certain agreements between BJ’s and House2Home in connection with the BJ’s spin-off from Waban Inc. in July 1997. These claims arise primarily from BJ’s indemnification of TJX with respect to TJX’s guarantee of House2Home leases and from the Tax Sharing Agreement dated July 28, 1997 between BJ’s and House2Home. House2Home and BJ’s have settled BJ’s claims against House2Home. The settlement provides that BJ’s will have an unsecured claim of approximately $38 million, on account of claims under the Tax Sharing Agreement and indemnification payments which have been made to TJX. The settlement agreement was approved by the United States Bankruptcy Court for the Central District of California on November 10, 2003. As part of the settlement, BJ’s has been released of all claims that House2Home and its bankruptcy estate may have had against BJ’s, including $1.7 million owed by BJ’s to House2Home under the Tax Sharing Agreement. We recognized this amount as a reduction in our tax provision in the fourth quarter of 2003.

 

In the second quarter of 2004, we received pretax recoveries on account of our House2Home bankruptcy claims totaling $4.5 million ($3.1 million after tax). In the third quarter of 2004, we received a payment of $2.5 million to settle our claim against the Indenture Trustee for House2Home’s Convertible Subordinated Notes. We have no further claims against the Indenture Trustee.

 

In 2005, we have received pretax recoveries on account of our House2Home bankruptcy claims of $4.3 million in the first quarter and $0.1 million in the third quarter. These recoveries are recorded in gain on contingent lease obligations in the statement of income. On a post-tax basis, these gains totaled $3.0 million year-to-date. We believe that the remaining activities to wind up the House2Home estate are mainly administrative in nature. Based on information provided by the estate manager, we estimate that we will receive additional recoveries of $2 to $3 million. Because we are unable to determine with precision the actual amount and timing of additional recoveries under our claims against House2Home, we have not recognized such claims in our financial statements.

 

12. In April 2003, a settlement was reached in the VISA/MasterCard antitrust class action litigation. The terms of the settlement require VISA and MasterCard to pay $3.05 billion into a settlement fund that will be distributed to class members. We are a member of the class and are entitled to a portion of the fund. During the third quarter, we received a settlement offer related to the distribution of the fund. Based upon information contained in the settlement offer, we recorded a $3.1 million pretax estimated recovery as a reduction to selling, general and administrative expenses. On a post-tax basis, this recovery was $1.9 million.

 

13. The Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued the following standards which will become effective in 2006:

 

•

Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 123 (revised 2004), “Share-Based Payment,” (SFAS 123 (R)) revises FASB Statement No. 123, “Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation” and supersedes APB Opinion No. 25, “Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees,” and its related implementation guidance.

 

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This statement establishes standards for the accounting for transactions in which an entity exchanges its equity instruments for goods or services, and focuses primarily on accounting for transactions in which an entity obtains employee services in share-based payment transactions.

 

We currently account for stock-based employee compensation under the recognition and measurement principles of APB Opinion No. 25. In accordance with that standard, no stock-based employee compensation cost for stock options has been reflected in our statements of income. In accordance with the provisions of the original SFAS No. 123, we currently disclose, on a pro forma basis, the effect on net income had we applied the provisions of that statement to stock-based employee compensation.

 

SFAS No. 123(R) will require us to recognize stock option expense in our statements of income beginning no later than the first fiscal quarter of 2006 and to estimate the effect of stock option forfeitures. (As permitted by the original SFAS No. 123, we currently account for forfeitures as they occur.) In addition, SFAS 123(R) amends FASB Statement No. 95, “Statements of Cash Flows,” to require that excess tax benefits be reported as a financing cash inflow rather than as a reduction of taxes paid.

 

As of the beginning of our first fiscal quarter in 2006 (the “required effective date”), we will apply the provisions of SFAS 123(R) to new stock awards and to awards modified, repurchased or canceled after the required effective date. Additionally, compensation cost for the portion of awards for which the requisite service has not been rendered that are outstanding as of the required effective date shall be recognized as the service is rendered on or after that date. The compensation cost for that portion of awards will be based on the fair value of those awards as calculated for pro forma disclosure purposes under the original SFAS No. 123.

 

Under SFAS 123(R), we may apply a modified version of retrospective application either (a) to all prior years for which the original SFAS No. 123 was effective, or (b) only to completed fiscal quarters in 2005 if we decide to adopt this standard before the required effective date. We have not yet decided whether we will use modified retrospective application when we adopt SFAS 123(R). If we do so, we estimate that our post-tax stock option expense for the full 2005 year will be approximately $9 to $10 million. Actual amounts of stock option expense may vary materially from this estimate based on a number of factors, including the number and timing of new options granted, the fair market value of the Company’s stock price on the date of grant and assumptions to be applied in determining the fair value of options on the grant date.

 

Most of BJ’s stock option awards specify that eligible participants whose employment terminates on or after their normal retirement date (as defined) may exercise options within the period of one year following their termination. Shares shall continue to become exercisable during this period in accordance with the stock option agreement. Notwithstanding the foregoing, options shall in no event be exercisable after the final exercise date. For pro forma reporting purposes under SFAS No. 123, we recognize compensation cost for this type of arrangement over the nominal vesting period (the “nominal vesting period approach”). Issue 19 of Emerging Issues Task Force Issue No. 00-23, “Issues Related to the Accounting for Stock Compensation under APB 25 and FIN 44,” (EITF 00-23) and paragraph 27 of SFAS 123 specify that an award is vested when the employee’s retention of the award is no longer contingent on providing subsequent service (the “non-substantive vesting period approach”).

 

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We will continue to follow the nominal vesting period approach for any new awards granted prior to adopting SFAS 123(R) and for the remaining portion of unvested outstanding awards. Upon adopting SFAS 123(R), we will apply the non-substantive vesting approach described in paragraphs A57-58 of SFAS 123(R) to new grants that have retirement eligibility provisions. We are in the process of assessing the impact of applying the non-substantive vesting approach versus the nominal vesting approach.

 

•

Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 151, “Inventory Costs,” amends the guidance in ARB No. 43, Chapter 4, “Inventory Pricing,” to clarify that abnormal amounts of idle facility expense, freight, handling costs, and spoilage should be recognized as current-period charges. The provisions of SFAS No. 151 become effective for BJ’s in 2006. We believe that the adoption of SFAS No. 151 will not have a material effect on our results of operations, financial position or cash flows.

 

•

SFAS No. 154, “Accounting Changes and Error Corrections-a replacement of APB Opinion No. 20 and SFAS No. 3,” requires retrospective application to prior periods’ financial statements of changes in accounting principle, unless it is impracticable to do so. When it is impracticable to determine the effect on all prior periods, this statement requires that the new principle be applied to the earliest period practicable. This statement carries forward without change the guidance in APB Opinion No. 20 for reporting the correction of an error in previously issued financial statements and a change in accounting estimates. SFAS No. 154 shall be effective for accounting changes and corrections of errors made in fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2005. We expect that adoption of SFAS No. 154 will not have a material impact on our financial statements.

 

•

Emerging Issues Task Force Issue 05-6, “Determining the Amortization Period for Leasehold Improvements Purchased after Lease Inception or Acquired in a Business Combination,” (“EITF 05-6”) provides guidance on amortization of leasehold improvements acquired in a business combination. EITF 05-6 also states the leasehold improvements that are placed in service significantly after and not contemplated at or near the beginning of the lease term should be amortized over the shorter of the useful life of the assets or a term that includes required lease periods and renewals that are deemed to be reasonably assured at the date of the assets’ purchase. EITF 05-6 became effective for BJ’s beginning in this year’s third quarter. We believe that the impact of adopting EITF 05-6 will not have a material impact on our financial statements.

 

14. Certain amounts in the prior year’s financial statements have been reclassified for comparative purposes.

 

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Item 2.

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

 

Thirteen Weeks (Third Quarter) and Thirty-Nine Weeks Ended October 29, 2005 versus Thirteen and Thirty-Nine Weeks Ended October 30, 2004.

 

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

 

The preparation of our unaudited quarterly financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and the disclosure of contingent liabilities at the date of the financial statements and reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Some accounting policies have a significant impact on amounts reported in these financial statements. A description of our critical accounting policies is contained in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended January 29, 2005 in the “Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates” section of Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.

 

Results of Operations

 

Net sales for the quarter ended October 29, 2005 rose 9.3% to $1.92 billion from $1.76 billion reported in last year’s third quarter. Net sales for the first nine months of the current year totaled $5.67 billion, 8.9% higher than last year’s comparable period. These increases were due to the opening of new clubs and gasoline stations and to comparable club sales increases. The increase in comparable club sales represented approximately 43% of the increase in total net sales from the third quarter of 2004 to the third quarter of 2005 and approximately 48% of the increase in year-to-date sales. New clubs and gasoline stations accounted for the remainder of the increase. Adjusting each period for shifts between certain food and general merchandise categories, food accounted for 61% of total food and general merchandise sales in this year’s third quarter versus 59% in last year’s third quarter. For the year-to-date period, food accounted for 60% of total food and general merchandise sales this year versus 59% in last year’s comparable period.

 

Comparable club sales increased by 4.1% over last year in the third quarter, including a 3.3% contribution from gasoline sales, and increased by 4.3% for the first nine months of the year, including a 1.5% contribution from sales of gasoline. On a comparable club basis, food sales increased by approximately 4% in this year’s third quarter and by approximately 6% year-to-date. Comparable club general merchandise sales decreased by approximately 4% in this year’s third quarter and by approximately 2% year-to-date. Departments with strong comparable club sales in the third quarter included produce, juices, soda and water, paper products, beauty care and ladies’ apparel. Weaker categories included candy, domestics, small appliances, jewelry, giftware, toys and Christmas seasonal.

 

Total revenues included membership fees of $37.9 million in this year’s third quarter versus $35.3 million in last year’s comparable period. For the year-to-date period, membership fees were $112.1 million this year compared with $103.2 million last year. These increases were due principally to the opening of new clubs and increased participation in BJ’s Rewards Membership program. The cost of memberships was unchanged during this year’s and last year’s first nine months.

 

We plan to increase the cost of BJ’s annual membership fee by $5.00, beginning with the January 2006 renewal cycle. The increase will raise the annual membership fee to $45 for Inner Circle and Business members, and $80 for Rewards members. Because BJ’s membership fees are amortized over the life of the membership, the fee increase will have virtually no impact on our financial statements for the fourth quarter or for the full fiscal year in 2005.

 

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Cost of sales (including buying and occupancy costs) was 92.03% of net sales in this year’s third quarter versus 92.09% in last year’s third quarter. For the first nine months, the cost of sales percentage was 92.05% this year versus 92.33% last year. This year’s favorable variances were attributable to higher merchandise gross margins, due mainly to stronger sales of private brands and our shift to internally managing the purchase of produce instead of relying on a third party. We were also able to realize product cost reductions from global and e-sourcing initiatives this year. Gasoline margins were also stronger than they were last year, particularly in the third quarter. Favorable variances in gross margins were partially offset by the increased contribution of gasoline sales, which carry a lower margin rate than the remainder of our business, the increased cost of utilities, and an increase in uninsured losses resulting from hurricane damage.

 

Selling, general and administrative (“SG&A”) expenses were 7.78% of net sales in the third quarter versus 7.91% in last year’s comparable period. This favorable variance was primarily due to a $3.1 million reduction in credit expenses resulting from the VISA/MasterCard settlement. On a post-tax basis, this settlement was $1.9 million, or $.03 per diluted share. See Note 12 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information. This settlement reduced SG&A expenses as a percentage of sales by 16 basis points in the third quarter. Year-to-date SG&A expenses were 7.91% of net sales this year versus 7.67% last year. This increase in the year-to-date period was due mainly to higher payroll and fringe benefit costs, a portion of which is attributable to our shift to self-run produce. In the year-to-date period last year, we recorded a $2.3 million reduction in first quarter SG&A expenses resulting from a settlement of medical claims overcharges from a former plan administrator. On a post-tax basis, this settlement was $1.4 million, or $.02 per diluted share.

 

Total SG&A expenses rose by $10.6 million from the third quarter of 2004 to the third quarter of 2005. Payroll and benefits accounted for 76% of all SG&A expenses in both this year’s and last year’s third quarters. Payroll and benefits accounted for 73% of the increase over last year’s third quarter SG&A expenses. For the year-to-date period, total SG&A expenses rose by $49.0 million this year. Payroll and payroll benefits accounted for 77% of all SG&A expenses in both this year’s and last year’s first nine months, and 73% of the increase over last year’s SG&A expenses year-to-date.

 

Preopening expenses were $0.4 million in this year’s third quarter versus $3.0 million in last year’s third quarter. Year-to-date preopening expenses totaled $3.4 million this year versus $5.0 million last year. In this year’s first nine months, we opened four new clubs, all of which opened prior to the third quarter. In last year’s first nine months, we also opened four new clubs, including three in the third quarter.

 

Net interest income was $675,000 in this year’s third quarter versus $216,000 in last year’s third quarter. Net interest income for the first nine months of this year was $1.5 million versus $235,000 in last year’s comparable period. These increases were due mainly to higher interest rates on invested cash as well as higher balances of invested cash.

 

During the first nine months of this year, we recorded a first quarter charge of $3.0 million ($1.8 million post-tax, or $.03 per diluted share) to increase our reserve for credit card claims. This increase in the reserve was driven primarily by an increase in our estimate of legal costs to be incurred in connection with this matter. In last year’s first nine months, we recorded charges of $7.0 million ($4.2 million post-tax, or $.06 per diluted share), including $1.0 million ($0.6 million post-tax, or $.01 per diluted share) in the third quarter. See Note 8 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information.

 

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This year’s year-to-date gain on contingent lease obligations of $4.4 million consisted of recoveries on account of our House2Home bankruptcy claims, including $0.1 million recorded in the third quarter. On a post-tax basis, these gains totaled $3.0 million, or $.04 per diluted share. Last year’s third quarter gain on contingent lease obligations included a pretax cash recovery of $2.5 million of our claims related to the House2Home bankruptcy and a pretax credit of $2.7 million to reduce our contingent lease obligations. On a post-tax basis, the gains from these two items totaled $3.1 million, or $.04 per diluted share. For the year-to-date period last year, recoveries of our claims related to the House2Home bankruptcy and the credit to reduce our contingent lease obligations totaled $9.6 million pretax. On a post-tax basis these items totaled $6.1 million, or $.09 per diluted share.

 

Our income tax provision was 38.8% of pretax income from continuing operations in the first nine months of 2005 versus 38.2% in last year’s comparable period. These rates were affected by House2Home bankruptcy recoveries, portions of which were nontaxable, with the remainder being taxed at incremental tax rates. For the full 2005 year, we expect our tax rate provision to be approximately 39.0%.

 

Income from continuing operations was $27.9 million, or $.41 per diluted share, in this year’s third quarter versus $25.1 million, or $.36 per diluted share, in last year’s comparable period. For the first nine months, income from continuing operations was $77.1 million, or $1.12 per diluted share, this year versus $69.5 million, or $.99 per diluted share, last year.

 

Loss from discontinued operations (net of income tax benefit) was $77,000 in this year’s third quarter versus $1.8 million in last year’s third quarter, and $234,000 in this year’s first nine months versus $2.1 million in last year’s comparable period. Last year’s loss from discontinued operations included a post-tax charge of $1.7 million, or $.02 per diluted share, to increase our reserves for BJ’s clubs that closed in November 2002. The remainder of loss from discontinued operations consists of interest accretion charges associated with the closed clubs.

 

Net income for the third quarter was $27.8 million, or $.41 per diluted share, this year versus $23.2 million, or $.33 per diluted share, last year. This year’s third quarter included post-tax income of $1.9 million, or $.03 per diluted share, as a result of the VISA/MasterCard class action litigation settlement.

 

Last year’s third quarter included net post-tax income of $0.8 million, or $.01 per diluted share, consisting of the following post-tax income and expense items:

 

•

Income from recoveries of House2Home bankruptcy claims and credits to reduce our reserve for House2Home contingent lease obligations that totaled $3.1 million.

•

Expense from an increase in our reserve for BJ’s closed clubs of $1.7 million.

•

Expense from an increase in our reserve for credit card claims of $0.6 million.

 

Net income for the first nine months of this year was $76.9 million, or $1.11 per diluted share, versus $67.4 million, or $.96 per diluted share, last year.

 

This year’s nine-month year-to-date period included net post-tax income of $3.0 million, or $.04 per diluted share, consisting of the following post-tax items:

 

•

Income from the VISA/MasterCard class action litigation settlement of $1.9 million.

•

Income from recoveries of House2Home bankruptcy claims of $3.0 million.

•

Expense from an increase in our reserve for credit card claims of $1.8 million

 

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Last year’s nine-month year-to-date period included net post-tax income of $1.6 million, or $.02 per diluted share, consisting of the following post-tax items:

 

•

Income from recoveries of House2Home bankruptcy claims and credits to reduce our reserve for House2Home contingent lease obligations that totaled $6.1 million.

•

Expense from an increase in our reserve for BJ’s closed clubs of $1.7 million.

•

Expense from charges to our reserve for credit card claims of $4.2 million.

•

Income from a settlement of medical claims overcharges of $1.4 million.

 

The Company operated 161 clubs, including two ProFoods clubs, on October 29, 2005 versus 154 clubs, including one ProFoods club, on October 30, 2004.

 

Seasonality

 

Our business, in common with the business of retailers generally, is subject to seasonal influences. Our sales and operating income have typically been highest in the fourth quarter holiday season and lowest in the first quarter of each fiscal year.

 

Recent Accounting Standards

 

See Note 13 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for a summary of recent accounting standards which will become effective in 2006.

 

Liquidity and Capital Resources

 

Net cash provided by operating activities was $77.0 million in the first nine months of 2005 versus $153.3 million in last year’s comparable period. Merchandise inventories, net of accounts payable, increased by $60.5 million in the first nine months of this year and increased by $3.0 million in last year’s comparable period. The ratio of accounts payable to merchandise inventories was 65.9% at the end of this year’s third quarter versus 72.2% at the end of last year’s third quarter. This decrease reflected a slower sales trend during the last week of this year’s third quarter due in part to the Halloween calendar shift and to hurricane activity in Florida. Last year’s accounts payable to inventory ratio was unusually high. The increase in merchandise inventories from October 30, 2004 to October 29, 2005 was due primarily to the addition of new clubs, as well as a 3.2% increase in average inventory per club. The increase in merchandise inventories from January 29, 2005 to October 29, 2005 was due primarily to normal seasonal requirements, as well as to the addition of new clubs.

 

Cash expended for property additions was $78.3 million in this year’s first nine months versus $89.1 million in last year’s comparable period. Our full-year capital expenditures are expected to total approximately $150 to $160 million in 2005, based on plans to open approximately eight or nine new clubs, including the relocation of one club, and approximately six new gasoline stations. Four new clubs, five new gasoline stations and ten new pharmacies were opened in this year’s first nine months. Four new clubs and two new gasoline stations were opened in last year’s first nine months and 12 clubs were remodeled in the same time period. Planned capital expenditures in 2005 also include approximately $25 million associated with the relocation of our Franklin, Massachusetts, cross-dock facility to a new expanded facility in Uxbridge, Massachusetts, which we plan to open in 2006. The timing of actual openings and the amount of related expenditures could vary from these estimates due, among other things, to the complexity of the real estate development process.

 

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On February 28, 2005, the Board of Directors authorized the repurchase of up to an additional $100 million of the Company’s common stock. During the first nine months of 2005, we repurchased 2,244,300 shares of our common stock for $65.2 million. In last year’s first nine months we repurchased 1,111,900 shares of our common stock for $28.0 million. As of October 29, 2005, our remaining repurchase authorization was $79.9 million.

 

On April 28, 2005, we entered into a new $225 million unsecured credit agreement with a group of banks which expires April 27, 2010. The new agreement includes a $50 million sub-facility for letters of credit, of which $2.3 million was outstanding at October 29, 2005. We are required to pay an annual facility fee which is currently 0.15% of the total commitment. Interest on borrowings is payable at BJ’s option either at (a) the Eurodollar rate plus a margin which is currently 0.475% or (b) a rate equal to the higher of (i) the sum of the Federal Funds Effective Rate plus 0.50% or (ii) the agent bank’s prime rate. We are also required to pay a usage fee whenever the amount of loans and undrawn or unreimbursed letters of credit outstanding exceeds 50% of the total commitment. The usage fee, if applicable, would be at an annual rate of 0.125% of the amount borrowed. The facility fee and Eurodollar margin are subject to change based upon our fixed charge coverage ratio. The agreement contains financial covenants which include a minimum fixed charge coverage requirement and a maximum adjusted debt to capital limitation. We are required to comply with these covenants on a quarterly basis. Under the credit agreement, we may pay dividends or repurchase our own stock in any amount so long as we remain in compliance with all requirements under the agreement. We have no credit rating triggers that would accelerate the maturity date of debt if borrowings were outstanding under our credit agreement. We were in compliance with the covenants and other requirements set forth in our credit agreement at October 29, 2005.

 

In addition to the credit agreement, we maintain a separate $62 million facility for letters of credit, primarily to support the purchase of inventories, of which $20.5 million was outstanding at October 29, 2005, and also maintain a $25 million uncommitted credit line for short-term borrowings which expires on September 30, 2006.

 

There were no borrowings outstanding under our bank credit agreement or our uncommitted credit line at October 29, 2005 and October 30, 2004.

 

As of October 29, 2005, we have settled all 41 House2Home leases for which we were originally contingently liable, including lump sum settlements for 38 leases. The other three House2Home properties (for which we remain contingently liable) have been assigned to third parties.

 

During the third quarter of 2002, we established reserves for our liability related to leases for three BJ’s clubs which closed on November 9, 2002. Our recorded liabilities have been based on the present value of rent liabilities under the three leases, including estimated real estate taxes and common area maintenance charges, reduced by estimated income from the subleasing of these properties. An annual discount rate of 6% was used to calculate the present value of these lease obligations. This rate was based on estimated borrowing rates for the Company that took into consideration the weighted-average period of time over which these obligations were expected to be paid.

 

During 2004, we made a lump sum payment to settle the lease for one of the three closed clubs and in the second quarter of 2005, we settled a second closed club with a lump sum payment. The reserve at October 29, 2005 is based on the present value of our rent liability under the lease for the one remaining club, including real estate taxes and common area maintenance charges, reduced by estimated income from subleasing the property. We use an annual discount rate of 6% to calculate the present value of the obligation.

 

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We believe that the liabilities recorded in the financial statements adequately provide for the one remaining lease obligation. However, there can be no assurance that our actual liability for the remaining closed store obligation will not differ materially from amounts recorded in the financial statements due to a number of factors, including future economic factors which may affect the ability to successfully sublease, assign or otherwise settle liabilities related to this property. We consider our maximum reasonably possible undiscounted pretax exposure for our closed store lease obligation to be approximately $22 million at October 29, 2005.

 

BJ’s has filed proofs of claim against House2Home, Inc. for claims arising under certain agreements between BJ’s and House2Home in connection with the Company’s spin-off from Waban Inc. in July 1997. These claims arise primarily from BJ’s indemnification of TJX with respect to TJX’s guarantee of House2Home leases and from the Tax Sharing Agreement dated July 28, 1997 between BJ’s and House2Home. House2Home and BJ’s have settled BJ’s claims against House2Home. The settlement provides that BJ’s will have an unsecured claim of approximately $38 million, on account of claims under the Tax Sharing Agreement and indemnification payments which have been made to TJX. The settlement agreement was approved by the United States Bankruptcy Court for the Central District of California on November 10, 2003. As part of the settlement, BJ’s has been released of all claims that House2Home and its bankruptcy estate may have had against BJ’s, including $1.7 million owed by BJ’s to House2Home under the Tax Sharing Agreement. We recognized this amount as a reduction in our tax provision in the fourth quarter of 2003.

 

During 2004, we received pretax recoveries on account of our House2Home bankruptcy claims totaling $7.0 million, including a payment of $2.5 million to settle our claim against the Indenture Trustee for House2Home’s Convertible Subordinated Notes. We have no further claims against the Indenture Trustee.

 

In 2005, we have received pretax recoveries on account of our House2Home bankruptcy claims of $4.3 million in the first quarter and $0.1 million in the third quarter. These recoveries are recorded in gain on contingent lease obligations in the statement of income. On a post-tax basis, these gains were $3.0 million. We believe that the remaining activities to wind up the House2Home estate are mainly administrative in nature. Based on information provided by the estate manager, we estimate that we will receive additional recoveries of $2 to $3 million. Because we are unable to determine with precision the actual amount and timing of additional recoveries under our claims against House2Home, we have not recognized such claims in our financial statements.

 

Early in 2004 we were notified by credit card issuers that credit and debit card accounts used legitimately at BJ’s were subsequently used in fraudulent transactions at non-BJ’s locations. In response, we retained a leading computer security firm to conduct a forensic analysis of our information technology systems with a goal of determining whether a breach had in fact occurred. While no conclusive evidence of a breach was found, the computer security firm concluded that: (1) our centralized computer system that serves as the aggregation point for all BJ’s credit and debit card transactions chain-wide had not been breached and (2) any breach would have likely occurred in a more decentralized fashion involving club-level systems. On March 12, 2004, after our receipt of the computer security firm’s preliminary report of findings, we issued a public statement alerting consumers to the potential security breach.

 

In 2004, we recorded charges of $6.0 million ($3.6 million post-tax) in the second quarter and $1.0 million ($0.6 million post-tax) in the third quarter to establish a reserve for claims seeking reimbursement for fraudulent credit and debit card charges and the cost of replacing cards, monitoring expenses and

 

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related fees and expenses. In this year’s first quarter, we recorded an additional charge of $3.0 million ($1.8 million post-tax) to increase our reserve. This charge was driven primarily by an increase in our estimate of legal costs to be incurred in connection with this matter. As of October 29, 2005, the balance in the reserve was $4.1 million, which represents our best estimate of the remaining costs and expenses related to this matter at that time. This reserve is included in accrued expenses and other current liabilities on our balance sheet.

 

As of November 18, 2005, the amount of outstanding claims, which are primarily from credit card issuing banks, was approximately $13 million. We are unable to predict whether further claims will be asserted. We have contested and will continue to vigorously contest the claims made against us and continue to explore our defenses and possible claims against others.

 

The ultimate outcome of this matter could differ from the amounts recorded. While that difference could be material to the results of operations for any affected reporting period, it is not expected to have a material impact on consolidated financial position or liquidity.

 

Cash and cash equivalents totaled $90.0 million as of October 29, 2005. We believe that our current resources, together with anticipated cash flow from operations, will be sufficient to finance our operations through the term of our credit agreement, which expires April 27, 2010. However, we may from time to time seek to obtain additional financing.

 

Factors Which Could Affect Future Operating Results

 

This report contains a number of “forward-looking statements,” including statements regarding planned capital expenditures, planned club and gas station openings, expected provision for income taxes, BJ’s reserve for credit and debit card claims, lease obligations in connection with a closed BJ’s club, the effects of implementing SFAS 123(R), the estimated recovery from the VISA/MasterCard litigation settlement, and other information with respect to our plans and strategies. Any statements contained herein that are not statements of historical fact may be deemed to be forward-looking statements. Without limiting the foregoing, the words “believes,” “anticipates,” “plans,” “estimates,” “expects” and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. There are a number of important factors that could cause actual events or our actual results to differ materially from those indicated by such forward-looking statements, including, without limitation, levels of customer demand, economic and weather conditions and state and local regulation in our markets; competitive conditions; our success in settling lease obligations for a closed club; our success in settling credit and debit card claims; and events which might cause our 1997 spin-off from Waban Inc. not to qualify for tax-free treatment. Each of these and other factors are discussed in more detail in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended January 29, 2005.

 

Any forward-looking statements represent our estimates only as of the day this quarterly report was first filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission and should not be relied upon as representing our estimates as of any subsequent date. While we may elect to update forward-looking statements at some point in the future, we specifically disclaim any obligation to do so, even if our estimates change.

 

Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

 

We believe that our potential exposure to market risk as of October 29, 2005 is not material because of the short contractual maturities of our cash and cash equivalents on that date. There were no borrowings outstanding under our bank credit agreement or our uncommitted credit line at October 29, 2005. We have not used derivative financial instruments.

 

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Item 4. Controls and Procedures

 

The Company’s management, with the participation of the Company’s chief executive officer and chief financial officer, evaluated the effectiveness of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures as of October 29, 2005. The term “disclosure controls and procedures,” as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Exchange Act, means controls and other procedures of a company that are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by a company in the reports that it files or submits under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported, within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms. Disclosure controls and procedures include, without limitation, controls and procedures designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by a company in the reports that it files or submits under the Exchange Act is accumulated and communicated to the company’s management, including its principal executive and principal financial officers, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure. Management recognizes that any controls and procedures, no matter how well designed and operated, can provide only reasonable assurance of achieving their objectives and management necessarily applies its judgment in evaluating the cost-benefit relationship of possible controls and procedures. Based on the evaluation of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures as of October 29, 2005, the Company’s chief executive officer and chief financial officer concluded that, as of such date, the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures were effective at the reasonable assurance level.

 

No change in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) under the Exchange Act) occurred during the fiscal quarter ended October 29, 2005 that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.

 

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PART II. OTHER INFORMATION

 

Item 1—Legal Proceedings

 

Discussions of the House2Home bankruptcy proceeding, the consumer credit and debit card matter, the FTC settlement (see Note 12 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements) and the VISA/MasterCard antitrust class action litigation appear in Part I of this Form 10-Q and are incorporated herein by reference.

 

Item 2—Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

 

The following table summarizes our share repurchase activity in the quarter ended October 29, 2005:

 

Period		Total Number of Shares Purchased		Average Price Paid per Share			Total Number of Shares Purchased as Part of Publicly Announced Program		Maximum Dollar Amount that May Yet Be Purchased Under the Program
2005									(Dollars in Thousands)
July 31 – Aug 27		140,000		$	29.55		140,000		$	92,394
Aug 28 – Oct 1		215,000			27.71		215,000			86,436
Oct 2 – Oct 29		245,000			26.59		245,000			79,921
Total for the quarter		600,000		$	27.68		600,000		$	79,921

 

We publicly announced in a press release dated August 26, 1998 that the Board of Directors authorized a program to repurchase up to $50 million of the Company’s common stock. We subsequently announced that the Board authorized increases in the program of $50 million each in press releases dated September 16, 1999, May 25, 2000, and May 25, 2001; and additional increases of $100 million each in press releases dated September 26, 2001, August 20, 2002 and March 1, 2005. Under the program, repurchases may be made at management’s discretion, in the open market or in privately negotiated transactions. No expiration dates were set under any of the Board’s authorizations. From the inception of the program through October 29, 2005, we have repurchased approximately 13.7 million shares for a total of $420.1 million, leaving a remaining authorization of $79.9 million.

 

Item 6—Exhibits

 

 

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SIGNATURES

 

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

 

 

						BJ’S WHOLESALE CLUB, INC. (Registrant)
Date:		November 21, 2005				/S/     MICHAEL T. WEDGE
						Michael T. Wedge President and Chief Executive Officer (Principal Executive Officer)
Date:		November 21, 2005				/S/     PAUL H. MCDONOUGH
						Paul H. McDonough Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer (Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)

 

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