kmart corporation
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KMART CORPORATION
COMPANY FORECAST
FIN 6425April 1, 2000
Debbie HilderbrandtJoyce Hinrichs
David Holton
Index
Note: All dollar values used in this analysis in relation to the financial statements are in
millions unless otherwise noted.
Section Pages
Company Forecast 1-20
Appendix 1 21 Excell Spreadsheet
Table 1 – Income Statement 1
Table 2 - Balance Sheet 2
Table 3 – Cash Flow Statement 3
Table 4 – Common-size Income Statement 4
Table 5 – Common-size Balance Sheet 5
Table 6 – Financial Ratios 6
Table 7 – Other Key Ratios 7
Appendix 2 29
Cost of Capital
Documentation for Cost of Capital
Bibliography 30
INTRODUCTION
Industry Forecast
The discount retail industry will continue to yield fearless competition. The
major players in the industry, Wal-Mart, Target and Kmart continue to jockey for
position and ranking by attempting to differentiate themselves to the American consumer.
Lower costs and a higher quality of customer service remain as the consumer's preference
in the discount retail industry. Wal-Mart continues its attempt to control the market with
low prices and broad assortments while Target plans to trend toward a more modern,
fashion based agenda. Kmart is forming strategic alliances with celebrities and is now a
member of the e-commerce world. The most successful players will be those who
continue expansion while reinvesting earnings with a continued emphasis in the Internet.
Constant evaluation and re-evaluation is needed to strengthen ones position. Product mix
remains crucial always adapting to the more trendy generations to come. Merchandising
and distribution will be paramount, thus supply chain management a key to success
(Profile-Kmart, 2000).
Expansion and technology will continue to require large allocations of funds.
Growth spawns success and the current and continuing trend is to provide the customer
with a luxurious, virtual shopping experience. The more appealing the presentation to the
customer; the better retention of the customer and the reduced threat from competition.
This evolution is costly, but increases customer retention. Target continues to lead the
pack with a trendier store design and product line. Technology, primarily speaking the
Internet, has the full attention of the discount retail industry. The most recent entry into
this sector of the business is Kmart with the development of BlueLight.com. This web
site provides Kmart with the needed e-commerce ability enjoyed already by some of its
competitors. BlueLight.com still has only a fraction of the number of items that are
available in Kmart's stores, while Wal-Mart's online selection is quickly surpassing its
typical store inventory (Company, 2000).
Kmart Forecast
Kmart’s merchandising strategies emphasize popular national brands as well as
exclusive private label brands at competitive prices. The key merchandising initiatives to
drive the strategy include developing strong and prominent private label brands,
increasing the mix of high frequency items, providing a better merchandise assortment
and ensuring competitive prices. Strategic vendor alliances with some of the nation’s
strongest, most popular brands will enable Kmart to expand its merchandise assortment
and offer customers better value. Kmart plans to offer an increased mix of frequently
purchased basic and consumable items in the “Pantry” area of their Big Kmart stores.
This increased mix of high frequency items will drive traffic into stores while
providing customers with all of their basic needs in a convenient and easy-to-shop
format. The Kmart Pantry will become one of the company’s power-departments by
directly fitting customers' lifestyles. Kmart’s merchandise initiatives are developed with
the hope that customers will visit more frequently. Specifically, Kmart is seeking to
provide better value through more attractive merchandise assortments in both price and
quality (Company, 2000).
Improved execution of pricing strategies will be critical to Kmart’s long-term
success. Kmart’s competitive pricing policy positions the company within three percent
of the competition on image items, within five percent on all other products, and
guarantees the lowest sale prices every time.
Internet Access
Welcome to e-commerce. For Kmart the future looks a little brighter as
BlueLight.com, partners with Yahoo!, replacing Kmart.com as Kmart's exclusive retail
outlet on the Web. This aggressive move is an attempt to move away from the original
web site, which offered a more informative view of Kmart from company history to
financial information. From the convenience of a customer’s PC the customer will get
the low prices and wide selection that Kmart has always offered, but purchasing is
accomplished without leaving their chair. Once signed up for the totally free Internet
service, you'll get unlimited use of the entire Internet, plus Yahoo!'s full suite of online
tools and services. This is a bold move by Kmart in an attempt to take the lead in the
discount retail industry. The goal of Kmart is to "increase available online inventory"
(Attention, 2000).
Stock Purchasing
Attention, Kmart shoppers! Here's the latest blue-light special: Company stock at
just half the price of a year ago. The country's second-largest retailer has teamed with the
online investing firm StockPower to sell Kmart common stock through the Web site of its
recently started e-commerce company, BlueLight.com. This move provides further
evidence that online investing is moving from cutting edge to commonplace. Again,
Kmart is offering a futuristic and forward thinking approach to establish itself as a leader.
Kmart forecasts that a growing percentage of its 180 million customers will turn into
shareholders, which should increase their spending and loyalty. Kmart feels this move
will improve the stock performance, which has languished as the company's in-store sales
stagnated and margins shrunk because of aggressive competition. A.G. Edwards rates
Kmart stock a hold, and has not done any underwriting of stock or debt for the company.
Still, for those individuals bent on placing their focus away from high-flying technology
stocks and toward the slower-growth world of retailing, Kmart's online ordering system
can be set up to allow for automatic monthly stock purchases and will email all investor
relations materials (Kmart Launches, 2000).
Culture Changes
Kmart has been implementing dramatic changes in their restructuring plan. The
new “Big Kmart” is a dramatically redesigned, customer-friendly and exciting store.
Kmart feels customers will find Big Kmart stores more spacious, brighter and better
organized with a bigger assortment of popular and trendy merchandise. Super Kmart
Centers are the ultimate shopping experience, combining the convenience of a full-
service grocery store with a typical Kmart prototype under the same roof.
Kmart is becoming much more proactive in its training of employees. A great
deal of importance has been placed on training and development. From in-store, on-the-
job training, to it's comprehensive management development programs and Kmart
University. Kmart is starting to commit to helping its employees develop the skills
needed to succeed in its retail and corporate environments. They have been more
actively promoting from within, and providing the tools and programs to make sure the
employees are ready for each step along the way (Company, 2000).
Key Resignations and Retirement
Kmart announced that it's Executive Vice President and General Counsel,
Anthony N. Palizzi, 57, would retire in early 2000 after 28 years of service with the
retailer. As General Counsel since 1991, Mr. Palizzi had been responsible for all legal
matters of the company as well as Kmart’s Corporate Affairs department. Mr. Palizzi
intends to pursue other business interests, including serving on boards of other
companies. Mr. Palizzi has made many contributions to Kmart during his career,
including service as President during a difficult period of restructuring in early 1995. The
sudden nature of the retirement leaves it unclear as to whether the retirement was Mr.
Palizzi's idea or Kmart's (Kmart…retirement, 2000).
On January 14, 2000 Kmart Corporation announced that Peter J. Palmer, 59,
Vice President, Labor Relations and Assistant General Counsel, will retire with 29 years
of service, effective Feb. 1, 2000. With Mr. Palmer’s retirement, the company will
restructure his previous responsibilities, moving certain functions from the legal
department to other areas of the business. Under the new structure, Kmart Vice President
and Treasurer Michael J. Viola, will be responsible for Kmart’s legal department, along
with matters related to corporate governance, commercial law, trade regulation and
Kmart Properties, Inc. Kmart is searching for a new General Counsel following the
retirement of Tony Palizzi, announced earlier this week. Again, it is unclear by the
retirement as to whose idea it was (Kmart…executive, 2000).
Future focus
Kmart’s focus during 1999 will be to complete the conversion of existing stores
into the Big-K format where most beneficial. They are projecting to complete all but 200
store conversions. They are also expecting continued strong single digit sales growth due
to the new format and their entrance into the Internet arena. Cost of sales is projected to
remain above the industry standard of 35% due to the sales growth, conversion to the new
format and Internet sales. With continued leverage of SG&A expenses operating margins
are expected to gradually improve and move towards the industry standard of 26.90%.
Due to the fact Kmart is currently operating at an 18.55% margin as of FYE98 a
movement toward the 26.90% will be gradual. In order for Kmart to significantly
improve this margin, control of cost of sales will need to be reviewed. Earnings before
taxes therefore will also gradually improve due to the absence of voluntary early
retirement program expense during 1999-2001.
The balance sheet is expected to reflect a decrease in liquidity attributed to the
repurchase of common shares and investment in the new store format. With the additional
funding acquired through a revolving credit agreement, Kmart decreasing liquidity
should not be an issue for 1999-2001. In addition, long-term debt is not expected to
increase past 1999 due to the completion of the conversion of all stores. By retaining
profits in the company, equity will increase 7% above the industry standard of 48%.
Kmart’s projections for 1999-2000 reflect the majority of these assumptions from Kmart
and Valueline analysts. In addition, assumptions were derived from the forecast for the
retail industry and research completed on the company.
Income Statement
Sales Growth
Kmart’s conversion to the Big K format appears to be successful, therefore,
Kmart should continue to experience moderate sales growth. The future of Kmart’s
success in the investment of BlueLight.com, which provides free Internet access and
online offering of services and merchandise is unknown.
Projected sales growth of 6.5% for 1999 following the overall three year sales
growth of 7.1% and 15 consecutive quarters of overall growth in the company. In
addition, the 6.5% is a conservative estimate attributed to the tightening of monetary
policy in the economy. This tightening of policy will effect the retail industry in the 4 th
quarter as consumers tighten their wallets and find it less appealing to acquire additional
consumer debt due to increasing interest rates.
The 6.5% growth rate reflects a 2% increase over 1998, which will be adjusted for
projected GDP growth rate for years 2000 and 2001. GDP is expected to decline to 4.63
to2.6 for third and fourth quarters for year ending 2000. Although GDP is expected to
decline, sales will continue increase at a rate of 1% primarily due to the Internet sales on
Bluelight.com at rates of 7.5% and 8.5% for years ending 2000 and 2001.
Costs of Goods Sold
Costs of Good Sold rose at the same rate as sales growth in 1999, 2000 and 2001
following the historical trends of growth rate comparable to sales growth of 7% for years
ending 1996-1998. In addition, inventory is also on the rise to support additional sales as
well as their Internet investment, BlueLight.com. With Cost of Goods Sold increasing at
the same rate of sales, the common size remains the same for years 1999-2001. Kmart’s
Cost of Goods Sold is greater than the industry average because Kmart has closed stores
that resulted in an inventory build-up. In addition, Kmart’s entrance into the online
Internet Sales will require additional new inventories.
Per ValueLine, Kmart is partnering with Yahoo and has taken a 60% interest in
offering free Internet access via BlueLight.com. Kmart will begin advertising
BlueLight.com within the next six months. Online revenues will be primarily generated
from Internet sales and advertising fees. Due to the high costs associated with supporting
BlueLight.com, Kmart is not expected to be able to decrease costs of goods sold to
industry norms. This higher cost of goods sold will continue to drain on operating and
net profit margins. Kmart is expected to spin-off BlueLight.com in 18-24 months that
could result in a large increase in earnings for that year due to the sale. However, this
spin-off possibility was not taken into consideration in these projections because it is pure
speculation as to the strategic plans of Kmart in regards to BlueLight.com
In comparison to the industry, cost of goods sold will remain above the average
norm. Kmart will also be limited on price increases to offset the higher cost of goods sold
due to the competitive market with the discount retail giants of Walmart and Target.
Furthermore with the online sales which require larger inventory it is unrealistic to
decrease costs of goods sold with the continued sales growth. However, it is noted, that
the management of Kmart will need to focus on decreasing their costs of goods sold to
continue to improve their operating margin in comparison to the industry norm.
For years ending 2000 and 2001, cost of goods sold has the potential of rising
even higher due to tightening of monetary policy and rising fuel costs. The increase in
fuel costs will affect every industry in 2000 and possible into 2001 with increasing
manufacturing and distribution costs. This potential increase is COGS will be difficult to
pass on to the consumer due to competition resulting in the inability to pass the costs to
the consumer. Additional increase in COGS was not factored in due to the already
above industry norm totals and the expected costs should be marginal.
SG&A
As stated above, Kmart’s management has successfully controlled the companies
SG&A expenses effectively to improve their margins. It is projected that Kmart will
continue to leverage SG&A expenses at a marginal growth rate of 6.25%, 7.25% and
8.5% for 1999. By 2001, Kmart will be reaching a point of exhaustion in squeezing
SG&A expenses. Therefore, in 2001, the growth rate will be the same as sales of 8.5%
Overall, the projected SG&A will remain stable for projections 1999-2000 as a
percentage of total sales following the historical trend 1996-1998 as seen in the common
sized income statement.
These projected rates results in slightly improved operating margins for Kmart
growing at a slow but consistent increased rate of 3.36%, 3.39% and 3.36% for years
1999-2001 respectively over the 1998 operating margin of 3.30%
Interest Expense
Interest expense will continue at a rate of 10% of total debt. This 10% represents
the average interest rate on all debt.
Income Taxes
The historical income tax rate has been approximately 30%. Therefore, a 30%
income tax rate is projected for 1999-2000.
Income from continuing operations
These projections result in a consistent improved income from continuing
operations before extraordinary items of 1.80%, 1.92% and 1.96%. For years 1999 and
2000, it is projected that Kmart will complete the divestiture of discontinued operations.
The company will still report a loss on discontinued operations, which will effect their
bottom line net income figure of approximately $175 net of taxes for 1999, however, will
decrease to $70 net of taxes for 2000. By 2001, Kmart should not experience any other
extraordinary losses from discontinued operations resulting in the 1.96% margin.
Balance Sheet
Assets
Cash and Cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents have increased at a nominal rate of 64% over the three
year period 1999-2001. However when reviewing the common size percentages of
3.96%, 4.43% and 5.96%, Kmart is gradually moving towards the industry standard of
14.30%. The improvement of cash is attributed to inventory control resulting in
decreased INVDOH and extending APDOH. Kmart remains below the industry average,
however, they are able to operate with positive cash flow due to the marginal changes in
the accounts listed above as well the acquired $40.6 million revolving credit agreement.
Inventories
Although it appears that Kmart may have inventory management problems due to
holding inventories more than 28% above industry norm. INVDOH is approximately
90.64 versus the industry norm of 73 days for year ended 1998. Inventory is projected to
remain at 47% of total assets for 1999-2001 respectively. This assumption is due to the
continued opening of the Big-K format stores and the new Internet service that will also
require additional inventory build-up. Furthermore, with the closing of stores Kmart will
be able to decrease their inventories from retaining that excess inventory. Consequently,
INVDOH will begin trending towards the industry norm of 73 days with maintaining
inventory levels of 47% of total assets.
Other Current Assets
The Kmart financial statements did not provide specific information in regards to
the Other Current Asset account. Therefore, it is projected this account will remain stable
at $584 years ending 1999-2001.
Property Plant and Equipment
Property plant and equipment net change between 1997 and 1998 was 8%. It is
projected that PP&E will increase at 6.5% rate for 1999, which is the same growth rate as
sales due to the additional investment required in refrigeration systems and equipment for
the Big-K format stores that have grocery store items. By 2000, it is expected that Kmart
will have the majority of all stores open, therefore, PP&E should begin to increase at a
slower rate of 4% and 3% for years ending 2000 and 2001 respectively.
This slower growth is estimated at one half of the projected growth in 1999. In
addition, the growth in Property Plan and Equipment for the three years period was
approximately 4%. This rate is comparable because Kmart was not closing as many
stores during 1996-1998 as they are projected to in 1999. The 3% represents and
additional 1% decline attributed again to the absence of store closings for 2001.
Property Held for Sale
Property held for sale remained at zero for 1997 and 1998. Therefore, it is
projected that this account will remain at zero. The majority of stores opening as the Big-
K format are remodeled existing properties. Consequently, Kmart would not have any
properties for sales. In addition, Kmart leases 95% of all stores and owns only 5%;
therefore, the likelihood of closing a store that Kmart owns is unlikely also supporting the
absence of property held for sale.
Other Assets and Deferred Charges
Kmart financial statements did not provide any specific information in regards to
the Other Assets and Deferred Charges account. Therefore, it is projected this account
will remain stable at $422 for years ending 1999-2001.
Liabilities
Current Maturities of Long-Term Debt
Kmart’s 1998 Audited Financial Statements stated the current maturities of long
term debt for 1999-2001. These amounts are $66, $66 and $68 for 1999-2001,
respectively.
Trade Accounts Payable
Kmart’s Trade accounts payable increase at approximately 6.5% between 1998
and 1997. Consequently, Kmart is giving up approximately $292 million dollars by
paying trades 4.21 days quicker in based on average daily cost of goods sold. However,
trade accounts payable were set at the accounts payable days on hand (APDOH) of 30
days for 1999-2001 versus the average APDOH of 28.79 days for years ending 1996-
1998 for a slowly trend towards the industry average of 33 days. Therefore, trade
accounts payable grew at a rate of 7.5%, 7.5% and 8.5% for years ending 1999-2001
respectively.
Accrued Payroll and Other Liabilities
Kmart financial statements did not provide any specific information in regards to
the Accrued Payroll and Other Liabilities. Therefore, it is projected this account increase
at a rate of 5% matching the overall change of 4.7% between 1996-1998.
Taxes Other Than Income Taxes
Kmart financial statements did not provide any specific information in regards to
the Other Assets and Deferred Charges account. In addition, there was minimal change
of .48% between 1997 and 1998. Therefore, it is projected this account will remain
stable at $208 for years ending 1999-2001.
Long-Term Debt and Notes Payable
Historically Kmart has focused on decreasing the long-term debt by
approximately 28% for the three year period 1996-1998 by paying down the debt with
cash. This management decision was to move towards the total debt industry standard of
12.9.
It is projected for 1999; long-term debt will increase by 6.5% due to the additional
increase in property plant and equipment due to the refrigeration systems and equipment
needed for the Big-K stores. By 2000, this conversion should be completed, therefore,
long-term debt should remain stable less the current maturities on long-term debt. In
addition, Kmart has entered into a $40.6 million revolving credit agreement to finance
operations on a short-term basis. Once all stores are in place, this debt may be
restructured to appropriately match financing of long-term assets with long-term debt.
However, the financial statements or press releases did not indicate this assumption,
therefore, long-term debt is projected to remain stable through 2001.
Capital Lease Obligations
Kmart’s capital lease agreements are set up on a 25 year term with a 5 year
renewable option. The majority of stores closing are likely going to be leased stores and
capital lease obligations decreased by approximately 26% between 1996-1998. Between
1996 and 1997 leases decreased approximately 7.46% attributed to store closing. Capital
leases are projected to continue to decrease by approximately 7% for year ended 1999
which a decline attributed to the majority of the stores being closed are likely to be leased
facilities. For years ending 2000 and 2001 leases are expected to remain stable less
minimum lease payment. In order to be more in-line with the industry as their peers own
approximately 95% of their stores, Kmart’s management should restructure their leases
where allowable.
Other Long-term Liabilities
Kmart financial statements did not provide any specific information in regards to
the Other Long-term liabilities. Therefore, it is projected this account will remain stable
at $883 for years ending 1999-2001.
Net Worth
Convertible Preferred Securities
Company obligated mandatory redeemable convertible preferred securities of a
subsidiary trust holding solely 7-3/4% convertible junior subordinated debentures of
Kmart (redemption value of $1,000). This account is projected to remain unchanged for
1999-2001 due to the minimal changes of .004% for years ending 1996-1999. In
addition, per Kmart press releases, their main focus is repurchasing common stock from
the open market for the next few years. Therefore, the projected change in equity will be
focused with those repurchases of common stock.
Common Stock/Capital in Excess of Par Value/Treasury Stock
The common stock account has remained relatively unchanged at .01% for years
ended 1996-1999. Kmart has announced they will be repurchasing their own common
stock from the open market as stated previously at a rate of $17 million shares for the
first year. It is projected they will continue to repurchase $17 million for years 2000-
2001. These transactions will increase the treasury stock account and the common stock
account will remain unchanged.
Retained Earnings
Retained earnings will continue to grow for 1999-2001 by the retention of profits
for all projected years. Kmart does not pay common stock dividends and the projections
do not include a change of that policy.
Significant Changes in Ratios
As a result of these projections, Kmart’s key management and profitability ratios
continue to move towards industry standards. The following section will briefly
summarize the financial ratios with an emphasis on ratios that indicate significant
changes.
Liquidity Ratios
Current Ratio and Quick Ratio
The current ratio and quick ratio both remain relatively stable as seen in the table
below. The current ratio in trending towards the industry standard with stable inventory
in common size percentage and higher current liabilities due to the increase in APDOH.
The quick ratio also remained relatively stable for years ended 1999-2000 also
attributed to the higher current liabilities. This ratio remains below the industry standard
of .4.
1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 RMALiquidity Ratios Current Ratio 2.15 2.28 2.12 2.04 2.03 2.06 1.6 Quick Ratio 0.38 0.34 0.35 0.29 0.30 0.34 0.4
Management Ratios
As seen below, the projections are resulting in positive trends for both the
INVDOH and APDOH. Consequently both the operating cycle and cash conversion
cycle are also on a positive trend moving towards the RMA industry averages. Each item
will be discussed below.
1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 RMA ARDOH 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 INVDOH 95.09 92.40 90.64 91.16 88.94 87.00 73 APDOH 30.06 27.91 28.39 30.00 30.00 30.00 33 Operating Cycle 95.09 92.40 90.64 91.16 88.94 87.00 75 Cash Conversion Cycle 65.02 64.49 62.25 61.16 58.94 57.00 42
INVDOH
By holding inventory at a constant of 47% as a percentage of total assets
INVDOH is trending towards the industry norm of 73 days as found on the common size
balance sheet. In 1999, INVDOH is slight higher at 91.16 days in comparison to the
90.64 days in 1998. This increase is attributed to the common size percentage of
inventory in 1998 was 46.14% in comparison to the 47% in 1999. For years ending 2000
and 2001 INVDOH is 88.94 and 87.00 respectively.
APDOH
Historically over the three year period 1996-1998, as seen in the above table,
APDOH has been lower than industry at an average of 28.78 days versus industry norm
of 33 days. In the projection, APDOH was set to 30 days to be closer to the industry
norm. Consequently an additional $83 million dollars in cash was available for
additional purposes.
Operating Cycle and Cash Conversion Cycle
The improvement of the INVDOH and slowing APDOH resulting in a positive
trend towards the industry standard for both the operating cycle and cash conversion
cycle as seen in the above table. Kmart still needs to improve their operations by
continuing to improve their INVDOH and APDOH at a reasonable rate of change.
Coverage Ratios
The overall coverage ratios are also moving toward the industry trends as seen
below.
1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 RMA
EBIT / Interest 1.73 2.15 3.72 4.55 5.19 5.89 12.2
Total Debt / EBIT 10.49 9.15 6.60 6.25 5.86 5.56 2.4
EBIT/Interest
EBIT/Interest is projected to improve over the next three years 1999-2001 due to
the increase in earning before profits. The increase in earnings before profits is attributed
to the increase in sales and continued leverage of SG&A expenses. This improvement is
attributed to the overall projected stability of long-term debt resulting in decreased
interest expense.
Total Debt/EBIT
Kmart is moving towards industry standards of total debt on the balance sheet as
seen in the common sized statements. Long-term debt is decreasing and remaining
relatively stable for years ending 1999-2001. Likewise, capital leases are also decreasing
attributed by store closings. Total long-term debt is 17.81%, 16.12% and 14.38% as a
percentage of total assets for years ending 1999-2001 moving towards the industry trend
of 12.90%. Consequently, the ratio continues to move in a positive direction.
Operating Ratios
The operating ratios are also trending toward the industry standards with
increasing profits, the retention of profits and management’s decision to repurchase
treasury stock.
1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 RMA
Operating Ratios % Profit before Taxes/ Tangible Net Worth 5.43 6.52 11.56 12.79 13.23 13.28 31.9 % Profit Before Taxes / Total Assets 2.31 3.08 5.63 6.32 6.75 7.03 12.3 Sales / Net fixed assets 5.48 5.88 5.69 5.69 5.86 6.14 12
Profit before Taxes/Tangible Net Worth
Profit before taxes is increasing at 2.62%, 2.73% and 2.79% for years ending
1999-2001. These increases are primarily attributed to the absence of the voluntary
retirement program expense and reduction in interest expense. Kmart’s retention of
profits each year is improving Tangible Net Worth from 48.32% in 1998 to 49.38%,
51.03% and 52.93% for years ending 1999-2001. The average tangible net worth of
49.58% is now comparable to the industry average of 48%. Therefore, in order for Kmart
to continue to move in a positive trend towards the industry, profit margins will need to
continue to improve.
Profit before taxes/Total Assets
The profit before taxes/ total assets ratios is trending toward the industry norm.
The profit before taxes percentages as discussed above are improving. However, this
ratio is also improving to due to marginally decline Total assets due to the control of
inventory at 47% of total assets and the slight decline in total fixed assets as discussed
previously in the paper.
Sales/Net fixed assets
Sales are increasing at a rate of 6.5%, 7.5% and 8.5% for years ending 1999-2001
and net fixed assets although increasing in 1999 by 6.5% are slowing declining in years
2000-2001. Consequently, the sales/net fixed asset ratio is improving and moving
towards the industry norm as seen in the other ratios described in this section.
Conclusion
The focus in these projections was to forecast into 1999-2001 with results of
positive movement towards the industry averages. The specific areas of change were
inventory control, extension of APDOH, stability of long-term debt and reduction in
other expenses that improved profit margins resulted in Kmart moving towards industry
trends. The changes projected were gradually adjustments to ensure Kmart management
would not overestimate in one area of their statements while under estimating in another.
The overall results of the projections were positive decisions for Kmart.
With the changes in the economy and the discount retail industry, these
projections will need to be continually reviewed and modified. Consequently, Kmart will
ensure they maintain their position of moving towards industry trends and improving
their position within the industry.
APPENDIX 1
Financial Statements and Ratios
APPENDIX 2
Cost of Capital for Kmart
BIBLIOGRAPHY
Attention Internet Shoppers; About Kmart Press Releases, December 15, 1999. http://www.kmart.com/corp/d_about/d 6hdln/d6c_pr/pr991215.stm
Company Profile and Company News; February, 2000. www.bluelight.com
Kmart announces executive retirement; About Kmart Press Releases, January 14, 2000. http://www.kmart.com/corp/d_about/d6_hdln/d6c_pr/pr000114.stm
Kmart announces retirement of General Counsel; About Kmart Press Releases, January 11, 2000. http://www.kmart.com/corp/d_about/d6_hdln/d6c_pr/pr000112.stm
Kmart Corporation Audited Financial Statements, 1996-1998.
Kmart launches Kmart Stock Direct, a new direct stock purchase plan on Bluelight.Com; About Kmart Press Releases, February 1, 2000. http://www.kmart.com/corp/d_ about/d6_ hdln /d6c_pr/pr000201.stm
Profile-Kmart Corp. (NYSE:KM); March 2, 2000. http://biz. yahoo. Com / p / k/km.html.
Robert Morris Associates Discount Retail Industry Data, 1998.