SHOE CARNIVAL INC - Quarter Report: 2014 November (Form 10-Q)

UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549

Form 10-Q

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.

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate website, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer or a smaller reporting company. See definitions of "large accelerated filer", "accelerated filer" and "smaller reporting company" in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):

[ ] Large accelerated filer [X] Accelerated filer [ ] Non-accelerated filer [ ] Smaller reporting company

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).

APPLICABLE ONLY TO CORPORATE ISSUERS:

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

Number of Shares of Common Stock, $.01 par value, outstanding at December 3, 2014 were 20,286,004.

SHOE CARNIVAL, INC.
INDEX TO FORM 10-Q

SHOE CARNIVAL, INC.
PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION 

ITEM 1.  FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

SHOE CARNIVAL, INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
Unaudited

See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

SHOE CARNIVAL, INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
Unaudited

See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

SHOE CARNIVAL, INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
Unaudited

See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

SHOE CARNIVAL, INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
Unaudited

See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

SHOE CARNIVAL, INC.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Unaudited

Note 1 - Basis of Presentation

In our opinion, the accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements contain all normal recurring adjustments necessary to present fairly our financial position and the results of our operations and our cash flows for the periods presented. Certain information and disclosures normally included in the notes to consolidated financial statements have been condensed or omitted according to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC"), although we believe that the disclosures are adequate to make the information presented not misleading. The results of operations for the interim periods are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the full year. The condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements and the notes thereto contained in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended February 1, 2014.

Note 2 - Net Income Per Share

The following tables set forth the computation of basic and diluted earnings per share as shown on the face of the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income:

Our basic and diluted earnings per share are computed using the two-class method. The two-class method is an earnings allocation that determines net income per share for each class of common stock and participating securities according to their participation rights in dividends and undistributed earnings or losses. Non-vested restricted stock awards that include non-forfeitable rights to dividends are considered participating securities. During periods of undistributed losses, however, no effect is given to our participating securities since they do not share in the losses. Per share amounts are computed by dividing net income available to common shareholders by the weighted average shares outstanding during each period. No options to purchase shares of common stock were excluded in the computation of diluted shares for the periods presented.

Note 3 - Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements

In April 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued guidance which includes amendments that change the requirements for reporting discontinued operations and require additional disclosures about discontinued operations. Under the new guidance, only disposals representing a strategic shift in operations that have, or will have, a major effect on the organization’s operations and financial results should be presented as discontinued operations. Additionally, this guidance requires expanded disclosures about discontinued operations that will provide financial statement users with more information about the assets, liabilities, income, and expenses of discontinued operations. The standard is applied prospectively and is effective for public entities beginning in annual periods after December 15, 2014, and interim periods within those years, with early adoption permitted. We adopted the guidance in the first quarter of 2014. This adoption did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

In May 2014, the FASB issued guidance on the recognition of revenue for all contracts with customers designed to improve comparability and enhance financial statement disclosures. The underlying principle of this comprehensive model is that revenue is recognized to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the payment to which the company expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. This guidance will take effect for public companies for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016, including interim reporting periods, with early adoption not permitted. We are currently in the process of evaluating the impact of this guidance on our consolidated financial position, results of operations and cash flows.

Note 4 - Fair Value Measurements

The accounting standards related to fair value measurements define fair value and provide a consistent framework for measuring fair value under the authoritative literature. Valuation techniques are based on observable and unobservable inputs. Observable inputs reflect readily obtainable data from independent sources, while unobservable inputs reflect market assumptions. This guidance only applies when other standards require or permit the fair value measurement of assets and liabilities. The guidance does not expand the use of fair value measurements. A fair value hierarchy was established, which prioritizes the inputs used in measuring fair value into three broad levels.

The following table presents assets that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis at November 1, 2014,
February 1, 2014 and November 2, 2013. We have no material liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring or non-recurring basis.

The fair values of cash, receivables, accounts payable, accrued expenses and other current liabilities approximate their carrying values because of their short-term nature.  From time to time, we measure certain assets at fair value on a non-recurring basis, specifically long-lived assets evaluated for impairment.  These are typically store specific assets, which are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that recoverability of their carrying value is questionable.  If the expected future cash flows related to a store’s assets are less than their carrying value, an impairment loss would be recognized for the difference between estimated fair value and carrying value and recorded in selling, general and administrative expenses. We estimate the fair value of store assets using an income-based approach considering the cash flows expected over the remaining lease term for each location. These projections are primarily based on management’s estimates of store-level sales, gross margins, direct expenses, exercise of future lease renewal options and resulting cash flows and, by their nature, include judgments about how current initiatives will impact future performance. External factors, such as the local environment in which the store resides, including strip-mall traffic and competition, are evaluated in terms of their effect on sales trends. Changes in sales and operating income assumptions or unfavorable changes in external factors can significantly impact the estimated future cash flows. An increase or decrease in the projected cash flow can significantly decrease or increase the fair value of these assets, which would have an effect on the impairment recorded.

During the thirteen weeks ended November 1, 2014, long-lived assets held and used with a gross carrying amount of $2.1 million were written down to their fair value of $1.6 million, resulting in an impairment charge of $510,000, which was included in earnings for the period. Subsequent to this impairment, these long-lived assets had a remaining unamortized basis of $551,000. During the thirty-nine weeks ended November 1, 2014, long-lived assets held and used with a gross carrying amount of $3.1 million were written down to their fair value of $2.4 million, resulting in an impairment charge of $657,000, which was included in earnings for the period. Subsequent to this impairment, these long-lived assets had a remaining unamortized basis of $717,000. During the fifty-two weeks ended February 1, 2014, long-lived assets held and used with a gross carrying amount of $4.3 million were written down to their fair value of $3.4 million, resulting in an impairment charge of $947,000, which was included in earnings for the period. Subsequent to this impairment, these long-lived assets had a remaining unamortized basis of $883,000. During the thirteen weeks ended November 2, 2013, long-lived assets held and used with a gross carrying amount of $954,000 were written down to their fair value of $756,000, resulting in an impairment charge of $198,000, which was included in earnings for the period. Subsequent to this impairment, these long-lived assets had a remaining unamortized basis of $58,000. During the thirty-nine weeks ended November 2, 2013, long-lived assets held and used with a gross carrying amount of $1.7 million were written down to their fair value of $1.4 million, resulting in an impairment charge of $310,000, which was included in earnings for the period. Subsequent to this impairment, these long-lived assets had a remaining unamortized basis of $58,000.

Note 5 - Stock-Based Compensation

Stock-based compensation includes stock options, cash-settled stock appreciation rights (SARs) and restricted stock awards. Additionally, we recognize stock-based compensation expense for the discount on shares sold to employees through our employee stock purchase plan. For the thirteen and thirty-nine weeks ended November 1, 2014, stock-based compensation expense for the employee stock purchase plan was $8,000 before the income tax benefit of $3,000 and $28,000 before the income tax benefit of $11,000, respectively. For the thirteen and thirty-nine weeks ended November 2, 2013, stock-based compensation expense for the employee stock purchase plan was $7,000 before the income tax benefit of $3,000 and $29,000 before the income tax benefit of $11,000, respectively.

The following table summarizes the share transactions for our restricted stock awards:

The weighted-average grant date fair value of stock awards granted during the thirty-nine week periods ended November 1, 2014 and November 2, 2013 was $25.55 and $20.80, respectively. The total fair value at grant date of previously non-vested stock awards that vested during the first nine months of fiscal 2014 was $54,000. The total fair value at grant date of previously non-vested stock awards that vested during the first nine months of fiscal 2013 was $2.3 million.

The following section summarizes information regarding stock-based compensation expense recognized for restricted stock awards:

During the third quarter of fiscal 2014, we recognized a $1.6 million reduction in expense, which was comprised of stock-based compensation expense of $732,000 offset by an expense reversal of $2.3 million. The reduction in expense was attributable to our reversal of our cumulative prior period expense for performance-based awards, which were deemed by management as not probable of vesting prior to their expiration.

As of November 1, 2014, approximately $8.1 million of unrecognized compensation expense remained related to both our performance-based and service-based restricted stock awards. The cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of approximately 3.5 years. This incorporates our current assumptions with respect to the estimated requisite service period required to achieve the designated performance conditions for performance-based stock awards.

The following table summarizes the SARs activity:

The fair value of these liability awards are remeasured, using a trinomial lattice model, at each reporting period until the date of settlement. Increases or decreases in stock-based compensation expense are recognized over the vesting period, or immediately for vested awards. The weighted-average fair value of outstanding, non-vested SAR awards was $3.61 as of November 1, 2014.

The following table summarizes information regarding stock-based compensation expense recognized for SARs:

As of November 1, 2014, approximately $14,000 in unrecognized compensation expense remained related to non-vested SARs. This expense is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of approximately 0.3 years.

Note 6 – Commitments and Contingencies

The accounting standard related to loss contingencies provides guidance in regards to our disclosure and recognition of loss contingencies, including pending claims, lawsuits, disputes with third parties, investigations and other actions that are incidental to the operation of our business. The guidance utilizes the following defined terms to describe the likelihood of a future loss: (1) probable – the future event or events are likely to occur, (2) remote – the chance of the future event or events is slight and (3) reasonably possible – the chance of the future event or events occurring is more than remote but less than likely. The guidance also contains certain requirements with respect to how we accrue for and disclose information concerning our loss contingencies. We accrue for a loss contingency when we conclude that the likelihood of a loss is probable and the amount of the loss can be reasonably estimated. When the reasonable estimate of the loss is within a range of amounts, and no amount in the range constitutes a better estimate than any other amount, we accrue for the amount at the low end of the range. We adjust our accruals from time to time as we receive additional information, but the loss we incur may be significantly greater than or less than the amount we have accrued. We disclose loss contingencies if there is at least a reasonable possibility that a loss has been incurred. No accrual or disclosure is required for losses that are remote.

Litigation - From time to time, we are involved in certain legal proceedings in the ordinary course of conducting our business. We cannot provide assurance as to the ultimate outcome of any litigation involving us. The following is a description of pending litigation that falls outside the scope of litigation incidental to the ordinary course of our business. On October 31, 2013, a putative class action lawsuit was filed against us in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois (the “District Court”) captioned Nicaj v. Shoe Carnival, Inc. The complaint alleged that we violated certain provisions of the Fair and Accurate Credit Transactions Act of 2003 (FACTA), which amended the Fair Credit Reporting Act, by printing the month of the expiration date of our customers’ credit cards on transaction receipts. The plaintiff sought, among other things, the designation of this action as a class action, an award of monetary damages of between $100 and $1,000 per violation, counsel fees and costs, and such other relief as the court deemed appropriate.

On January 16, 2014, the District Court granted our motion and dismissed the plaintiff’s action with prejudice and denied his motion to certify a class as moot, finding that our actions did not violate FACTA and that our conduct, even if it did violate FACTA, was not willful. On February 12, 2014, the plaintiff filed a notice of appeal of the District Court’s order with the Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals. In September 2014, the Seventh Circuit entered an order affirming the District Court’s order.  The plaintiff has not sought reconsideration or rehearing from the Seventh Circuit.

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

Factors That May Affect Future Results

This quarterly report on Form 10-Q contains forward-looking statements, within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, that involve a number of risks and uncertainties. A number of factors could cause our actual results, performance, achievements or industry results to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. These factors include, but are not limited to: general economic conditions in the areas of the continental United States and Puerto Rico in which our stores are located; the effects and duration of economic downturns and unemployment rates; changes in the overall retail environment and more specifically in the apparel and footwear retail sectors; our ability to generate increased sales at our stores; the potential impact of national and international security concerns on the retail environment; changes in our relationships with key suppliers; the impact of competition and pricing; our ability to successfully manage and execute our marketing initiatives and maintain positive brand perception and recognition; changes in weather patterns, consumer buying trends and our ability to identify and respond to emerging fashion trends; the impact of disruptions in our distribution or information technology operations; the effectiveness

of our inventory management; the impact of hurricanes or other natural disasters on our stores, as well as on consumer confidence and purchasing in general; risks associated with the seasonality of the retail industry; the impact of unauthorized disclosure or misuse of personal and confidential information about our customers, vendors and employees; our ability to manage our third-party vendor relationships; our ability to successfully execute our growth strategy, including the availability of desirable store locations at acceptable lease terms, our ability to open new stores in a timely and profitable manner, including our entry into major new markets, and the availability of sufficient funds to implement our growth plans; higher than anticipated costs associated with the closing of underperforming stores; our ability to successfully grow our e-commerce business; the inability of manufacturers to deliver products in a timely manner; changes in the political and economic environments in China, Brazil, Europe and East Asia, where the primary manufacturers of footwear are located; the impact of regulatory changes in the United States and the countries where our manufacturers are located; the continued favorable trade relations between the United States and China and the other countries which are the major manufacturers of footwear; the resolution of litigation or regulatory proceedings in which we are or may become involved; and our ability to meet our labor needs while controlling costs. For a more detailed discussion of certain risk factors see the "Risk Factors" section of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended February 1, 2014.

General

Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations is intended to provide information to assist the reader in better understanding and evaluating our financial condition and results of operations. We encourage you to read this in conjunction with our condensed consolidated financial statements and the notes to those statements included in PART I, ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, as well as our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended February 1, 2014 as filed with the SEC.

Overview of Our Business

Shoe Carnival, Inc. is one of the nation’s largest family footwear retailers, providing the convenience of shopping at any of our more than 400 store locations or online at shoecarnival.com. Our stores combine competitive pricing with a highly promotional, in-store marketing effort that encourages customer participation and injects fun and surprise into every shopping experience. We believe this highly promotional atmosphere results in various competitive advantages, including increased multiple unit sales; the building of a loyal, repeat customer base; the creation of word-of-mouth advertising; and enhanced sell-through of in-season goods. The same excitement and spontaneity is reflected in our e-commerce site through special promotions and limited time sales, along with relevant fashion stories featured on our home page.

Our objective is to be the destination retailer-of-choice for a wide range of consumers seeking moderately priced, current season name brand and private label footwear. Our product assortment includes dress and casual shoes, sandals, boots and a wide assortment of athletic shoes for the entire family. Our average store carries approximately 28,800 pairs of shoes in four general categories - women’s, men’s, children’s and athletics. In addition to footwear, our stores carry selected accessory items complementary to the sale of footwear. During the third quarter of fiscal 2014, we successfully launched our first ever mobile app and brought fulfillment of our e-commerce orders in house, utilizing the inventory in our brick and mortar stores. By fulfilling e-commerce orders from our store level inventory, we are able to minimize out-of-stocks, offer our customers an expanded online assortment, and leverage store level inventory and overhead. By mid-November 2014, we had 250 of our store locations fulfilling e-commerce orders on a daily basis. During peak sales periods, orders for certain key items and promotional product are being fulfilled from our distribution center.

Critical Accounting Policies

It is necessary for us to include certain judgments in our reported financial results.  These judgments involve estimates based in part on our historical experience and incorporate the impact of the current general economic climate and company-specific circumstances.  However, because future events and economic conditions are inherently uncertain, our actual results could differ materially from these estimates.  The accounting policies that require the more significant judgments are included below.

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

We review our inventory at the end of each quarter to determine if it is properly stated at LCM.  Factors considered include, among others, recent sale prices, the length of time merchandise has been held in inventory, quantities of the various styles held in inventory, seasonality of the merchandise, expected consideration to be received from our vendors and current and expected future sales trends.  We reduce the value of our inventory to its estimated net realizable value where cost exceeds the estimated future selling price.  Merchandise inventories as of November 1, 2014 and November 2, 2013 totaled $317.9 million and $299.1 million, respectively, representing approximately 68% and 69% of total assets. Given the significance of inventories to our consolidated financial statements, the determination of net realizable value is considered to be a critical accounting estimate.  Material changes in the factors noted above could have a significant impact on the actual net realizable value of our inventory and our reported operating results.

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

If the estimated future cash flows for a store are determined to be less than the carrying value of the store’s assets, an impairment loss is recorded for the difference between estimated fair value and carrying value. We estimate the fair value of our long-lived assets using store specific cash flow assumptions discounted by a rate commensurate with the risk involved with such assets while incorporating marketplace assumptions. Our assumptions and estimates used in the evaluation of impairment, including current and future economic trends for stores, are subject to a high degree of judgment. Assets subject to impairment are adjusted to estimated fair value and, if applicable, an impairment loss is recorded in selling, general and administrative expenses. Our long-lived assets as of November 1, 2014 and November 2, 2013 totaled $101.4 million and $89.9 million, respectively, representing approximately 22% and 21% of total assets. From our evaluations performed during the first nine months of fiscal 2014 and fiscal 2013, we recorded an impairment of long-lived assets of $657,000 and $310,000, respectively. If actual operating results or market conditions differ from those anticipated, the carrying value of certain of our assets may prove unrecoverable and we may incur additional impairment charges in the future.

Insurance Reserves – We self-insure a significant portion of our workers’ compensation, general liability and employee health care costs and also maintain insurance in each area of risk protecting us from individual and aggregate losses over specified dollar values. We review the liability reserved for our self-insured portions on a quarterly basis, taking into consideration a number of factors, including historical claims experience, severity factors, statistical trends and, in certain instances, valuation assistance provided by independent third parties. Our self-insurance reserves include estimates of both claims filed, carried at their expected ultimate settlement value, and claims incurred but not yet reported. As of November 1, 2014, and November 2, 2013, our self-insurance reserves totaled $2.9 million and $2.8 million, respectively. While we believe that the recorded amounts are adequate, there can be no assurance that changes to management’s estimates will not occur due to limitations inherent in the estimating process. If actual results are not consistent with our estimates or assumptions, we may be exposed to future losses or gains that could be material.

Income Taxes – As part of the process of preparing our consolidated financial statements, we are required to estimate our current and future income taxes for each tax jurisdiction in which we operate. Significant judgment is required in determining our annual tax expense and evaluating our tax positions. As a part of this process, deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized based on the difference between the consolidated financial statement carrying amounts

of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax basis. Our temporary timing differences relate primarily to inventory, depreciation, accrued expenses, deferred lease incentives and stock-based compensation. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using the tax rates enacted and expected to be in effect in the years when those temporary differences are expected to reverse.

We are also required to make many subjective assumptions and judgments regarding our income tax exposures when accounting for uncertain tax positions associated with our income tax filings. We must presume that taxing authorities will examine all uncertain tax positions and that they have full knowledge of all relevant information. However, interpretations of guidance surrounding income tax laws and regulations are often complex, ambiguous and frequently change over time and a number of years may elapse before a particular issue is resolved. As such, changes in our subjective assumptions and judgments can materially affect amounts recognized in our consolidated financial statements. Although we believe we have adequately provided for all uncertain tax positions, tax authorities could assess tax liabilities greater or less than our accrued positions for open tax periods.

Results of Operations Summary Information

Comparable store sales for the periods indicated include stores that have been open for 13 full months prior to the beginning of the period, including those stores that have been relocated or remodeled, and e-commerce sales. Stores opened or closed during the periods indicated are not included in comparable store sales.

The following table sets forth our results of operations expressed as a percentage of net sales for the periods indicated:

Executive Summary for Third Quarter Ended November 1, 2014

Our $18.9 million net sales gain for the third quarter of fiscal 2014, as compared to the same period last year, was primarily driven by our new stores in addition to a 2.3% increase in comparable store sales. These results reflect strong sales in our fashion boot category and progress in key initiatives we announced last year, including national advertising, better brands in our women’s department and a reinvigorated e-commerce presence.

We remain focused on growing our business both through store expansion and enhancing the Shoe Carnival brand. During the third quarter of fiscal 2014, we opened seven new stores with entry into Philadelphia, a new major market for us.

Also during the third quarter of fiscal 2014, we successfully launched our first ever mobile app and brought fulfillment of our e-commerce orders in house, utilizing the inventory in our brick and mortar stores. By fulfilling our e-commerce orders from our store level inventory, we are be able to minimize out-of-stocks, offer our customers an expanded online assortment and leverage store level inventory and overhead. By mid-November 2014, we had 250 of our store locations fulfilling e-commerce orders on a daily basis. During peak sales periods, orders for certain key items and promotional product are being fulfilled from our distribution center.

Results of Operations for the Third Quarter Ended November 1, 2014

Net Sales

Net sales increased $18.9 million to $254.7 million during the third quarter of fiscal 2014, an 8.0% increase over the prior year's third quarter net sales of $235.8 million. Of this increase, $15.9 million was attributable to the sales generated by the 41 new stores we opened since the beginning of the third quarter of fiscal 2013 in addition to a 2.3% increase in our comparable store sales. The increase in sales was partially offset by a loss in sales of $2.3 million from the seven stores closed since the beginning of the third quarter of fiscal 2013. Although comparable store traffic was down low single-digits, increases in average unit retail were significant, resulting in a mid-single digit increase in our average transaction, which contributed to our comparable store sales gain.

Gross Profit

Gross profit increased $5.8 million to $76.8 million in the third quarter of fiscal 2014. The gross profit margin of 30.1% remained unchanged from the prior year comparative period. The merchandise margin increased 0.2%. Buying, distribution and occupancy costs increased $2.3 million, or 0.2% as a percentage of sales, during the third quarter of fiscal 2014 as compared to the same period last year, primarily as a result of the operation of additional store locations.

Selling, General and Administrative Expenses

Selling, general and administrative expenses increased $5.8 million in the third quarter of fiscal 2014 to $59.0 million, or 23.1% as a percentage of sales. Significant changes in expenses between the comparative periods included the following:

• We incurred an additional $4.4 million in advertising expense during the third quarter of fiscal 2014, as compared to the third quarter of last year. This increase was primarily associated with our decision to increase our advertising cadence by utilizing national cable television as well as expanding our digital advertising presence.

• We incurred an additional $3.0 million in incremental expense during the third quarter of fiscal 2014, as compared to the third quarter of last year, related to the operation of our 41 new stores, net of expense reductions for the seven stores that have closed since the beginning of the second quarter of fiscal 2013. This portion of the increase in selling expenses was primarily due to increases in compensation and depreciation.

• Incentive compensation, inclusive of stock-based compensation, decreased $2.6 million in the third quarter of fiscal 2014 as compared to the same period last year. This reduction was primarily attributable to our reversal of our cumulative prior period expense for performance-based awards that management deemed were not probable to vest prior to their expiration. For further details on our stock-based compensation, see Note 5 to our Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements contained in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.

Income Taxes

The effective income tax rate for the third quarter of fiscal 2014 was 39.1% as compared to 38.6% for the same period in fiscal 2013. Our provision for income tax expense is based on the current estimate of our annual effective tax rate and is adjusted as necessary for quarterly events.

Results of Operations for Nine Month Period Ended November 1, 2014

Net Sales

Net sales increased $28.1 million to $712.5 million for the nine-month period ended November 1, 2014, a 4.1% increase. Of the $28.1 million increase in net sales, approximately $38.0 million was attributable to the 62 new stores we opened since the beginning of fiscal 2013. This increase was partially offset by a 0.4% decline in comparable store sales along with the loss of $7.3 million in sales from the nine stores closed since the beginning of fiscal 2013. While we achieved increases in conversion, average transaction and average units per transaction during the first nine months of fiscal 2014 as compared to the same period last year, we were unable to overcome the effects of mid-single digit declines in comparable store traffic, which resulted in the comparable store sales decline.

Gross Profit

Gross profit increased $6.4 million to $208.6 million in the first nine months of fiscal 2014. The gross profit margin for the first nine months of fiscal 2014 decreased to 29.3% from 29.5% as reported in the comparable prior year period. The merchandise margin increased 0.2%. Buying, distribution and occupancy costs increased $6.0 million during the first nine months of fiscal 2014, or 0.4% as a percentage of sales, as compared to the same period last year. This increase in cost was primarily a result of the operation of additional store locations.

Selling, General and Administrative Expenses

Selling, general and administrative expenses increased $11.8 million in the first nine months of fiscal 2014 to $171.3 million, or 24.1% as a percentage of sales. Significant changes in expense between the comparative periods included the following:

• We incurred an additional $5.6 million in advertising expense during the first nine months of fiscal 2014, as compared to the same period last year. This increase was primarily associated with our decision to increase our advertising cadence by utilizing national cable television and expanding our digital advertising presence.

• We incurred an additional $7.7 million in incremental expense during the first nine months of fiscal 2014, as compared to the same period last year, related to the operation of our 62 new stores, net of expense reductions for the nine stores that have closed since the beginning of fiscal 2013. Similar to the third quarter, the increase in selling expenses was primarily due to increases in compensation and depreciation.

• Incentive compensation, inclusive of stock-based compensation, decreased $4.1 million in the first nine months of fiscal 2014 as compared to the same period last year. Of this decline, $1.7 million was attributable to lower financial performance against the defined metrics associated with our performance-based cash compensation. In addition, $2.3 million of the decrease was attributable to our reversal of our cumulative prior period expense for performance-based awards that management deemed were not probable to vest prior to their expiration. For further details on our stock-based compensation, see Note 5 to our Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements contained in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.

The portion of store closing costs and non-cash asset impairment charges included in selling, general and administrative expenses for the first nine months of fiscal 2014 was $861,000, or 0.1% as a percentage of sales. These costs related to the closing of two stores, non-cash asset impairment of certain underperforming stores and acceleration of expenses associated with management’s determination to close certain underperforming stores in future periods. In the first nine months of fiscal 2013, we incurred store closing costs and non-cash asset impairment charges of $398,000, or 0.1% as a percentage of sales. These costs related to the closing of two stores, non-cash asset impairment of certain underperforming stores and acceleration of expenses associated with management’s determination to close certain underperforming stores in future periods. The timing and actual amount of expense recorded in closing a store can vary significantly depending, in part, on the period in which management commits to a closing plan, the remaining basis in the fixed assets to be disposed of at closing and the amount of any lease buyout.

Income Taxes

The effective income tax rate for the first nine months of fiscal 2014 was 39.3% as compared to 38.2% for the same period in fiscal 2013. Our provision for income tax expense is based on the current estimate of our annual effective tax rate and is adjusted as necessary for quarterly events. The annual effective income tax rate for fiscal 2014 is expected to be approximately 39.3%. The increase in the effective income tax rate between periods was primarily due to the expiration of certain tax credits no longer available to us in 2014 and the passage of new tax legislation in Puerto Rico.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

We anticipate that our existing cash and cash flows from operations will be sufficient to fund our planned store expansion along with other capital expenditures, working capital needs, potential dividend payments, potential share repurchases, and various other commitments and obligations, as they arise, for at least the next 12 months.

Cash Flow - Operating Activities

Our net cash provided by operating activities was $18.2 million in the first nine months of fiscal 2014 as compared to net cash provided by operating activities of $17.0 million in the first nine months of fiscal 2013. These amounts reflect our income from operations adjusted for non-cash items and working capital changes. Working capital increased to $267.4 million at November 1, 2014, from $262.8 million at November 2, 2013. The current ratio was 4.0 as of November 1, 2014 compared to 4.3 at November 2, 2013.

Cash Flow - Investing Activities

Our cash outflows for investing activities are primarily for capital expenditures. During the first nine months of fiscal 2014, we expended $27.5 million for the purchase of property and equipment, of which $22.3 million was for new stores, remodeling and relocations. During the first nine months of fiscal 2013, we expended $25.2 million for the purchase of property and equipment, of which $21.8 million was for new stores, remodeling and relocations. The remaining capital expenditures in both periods were for continued investments in technology and normal asset replacement activities.

Cash Flow - Financing Activities

Cash outflows for financing activities have represented cash dividend payments and share repurchases. Shares of our common stock can be either acquired as part of our publicly announced repurchase program or withheld by us in connection with employee payroll tax withholding upon the vesting of restricted stock awards. Historically, our cash inflows from financing activities have represented proceeds from the issuance of shares as a result of stock option exercises. Since fiscal 2008, no stock options have been issued. The number and value of stock options remaining outstanding as of the end of the third quarter of fiscal 2014 will not result in a material amount of cash inflows when exercised.

During the first nine months of fiscal 2014, net cash used in financing activities was $10.9 million as compared to net cash used in financing activities of $4.2 million during the first nine months of fiscal 2013. The increase in cash used in financing activities was primarily attributable to the $7.5 million of common stock repurchased under our share repurchase program during the first nine months of fiscal 2014.

Capital Expenditures

Capital expenditures for fiscal 2014, including actual expenditures during the first nine months, are expected to be between $33 million and $34 million. Approximately $16.3 million of our total capital expenditures are expected to be used for new stores and $9.4 million will be used for store relocations and remodels. Approximately $2.4 million of our total capital expenditures for the year are expected to be used on our e-commerce initiative that enables us to ship online orders from our stores. Lease incentives to be received from landlords during fiscal 2014, including actual amounts received during the first nine months, are expected to be approximately $9 to $10 million. The remaining capital expenditures are expected to be incurred for various other store improvements, continued investments in technology and normal asset replacement activities. The actual amount of cash required for capital expenditures for store operations depends in part on the number of new stores opened and relocated, the amount of lease incentives, if any, received from landlords and the number of stores remodeled.

Store Openings and Closings

We utilize a formalized review process in our evaluation of potential new store sites as well as for decisions surrounding leases on existing store locations. Our approach is both qualitative as well as quantitative in nature. We look to continually enhance this process, and during the first nine months of fiscal 2014, we incorporated additional real estate specific software tools for portfolio analysis. With the incorporation of these additional tools, we believe our process will be enhanced in regards to identifying the best possible locations for future expansion and identifying potential store closings and relocations that will enable us to maximize the long-term financial performance of our portfolio.

In fiscal 2014, we will open 31 new stores, of which 30 were opened during the first nine months of fiscal 2014. Pre-opening expenses, including rent, freight, advertising, salaries and supplies, are expected to total approximately $3.6 million for fiscal 2014, or an average of $117,000 per store. During fiscal 2013, we opened 32 new stores and expended $3.4 million on pre-opening expenses, or an average of $107,000 per store. The opening of new stores is dependent upon, among other things, the availability of desirable locations, the negotiation of acceptable lease terms and general economic and business conditions affecting consumer spending in areas we target for expansion.

We anticipate closing seven stores during fiscal 2014, with two stores having closed during the first nine months of the year. During fiscal 2013, we closed seven stores, with two closing in the first nine months of the year. Depending upon the results of lease negotiations with certain landlords of underperforming stores, we may increase the number of store closures in current and future periods. The timing and actual amount of expense recorded in closing a store can vary significantly depending, in part, on the period in which management commits to a closing plan, the remaining basis in the fixed assets to be disposed of at closing and the cost incurred in terminating the lease. We expect to incur approximately $135,000 in additional store closing costs during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2014.

Dividends

On September 11, 2014, our Board of Directors approved the payment of our third quarter cash dividend to our shareholders.  The dividend of $0.06 per share was paid on October 20, 2014 to shareholders of record as of the close of business on October 6, 2014.

The declaration and payment of any future dividends are at the discretion of the Board of Directors and will depend on our results of operations, financial condition, business conditions and other factors deemed relevant by our Board of Directors.

Credit Facility

Our unsecured credit agreement provides for up to $50.0 million in cash advances and commercial and standby letters of credit with borrowing limits based on eligible inventory. It contains covenants which stipulate: (1) Total Shareholders’ Equity, adjusted for the effect of any share repurchases, will not fall below that of the prior fiscal year-end; (2) the ratio of funded debt plus rent to EBITDA plus rent will not exceed 2.5 to 1.0; and (3) cash dividends for a fiscal year will not exceed 30% of consolidated net income for the immediately preceding fiscal year, and in no event may the total distributions in any fiscal year exceed 25% of the prior year’s ending net worth. We were in compliance with these covenants as of November 1, 2014. Should a default condition be reported, the lenders may preclude additional borrowings and call all loans and accrued interest at their discretion. There were no borrowings outstanding under the credit facility and letters of credit outstanding were $1.9 million at November 1, 2014. As of November 1, 2014, $48.1 million was available to us for additional borrowings under the credit facility.

Share Repurchase Program

On August 23, 2010, our Board of Directors authorized a $25 million share repurchase program, which was to terminate upon the earlier of the repurchase of the maximum amount or December 31, 2011. Since then, our Board of Directors has extended the date of termination to December 31, 2014. The purchases may be made in the open market or through privately negotiated transactions from time-to-time and in accordance with applicable laws, rules and regulations. The program may be amended, suspended or discontinued at any time and does not commit us to repurchase shares of our common stock. We have funded, and intend to continue to fund, the share repurchase program from cash on hand and any shares acquired will be available for stock-based compensation awards and other corporate purposes. The actual number and value of the shares to be purchased will depend on the performance of our stock price and other market conditions. As of November 1, 2014, approximately 625,000 shares had been repurchased at an aggregate cost of $12.2 million. The amount that remained available under the share repurchase authorization at November 1, 2014 was $12.8 million.

Seasonality and Quarterly Results

Our quarterly results of operations have fluctuated, and are expected to continue to fluctuate in the future, primarily as a result of seasonal variances and the timing of sales and costs associated with opening new stores. Non-capital expenditures, such as advertising and payroll, incurred prior to the opening of a new store are charged to expense as incurred. Therefore, our results of operations may be adversely affected in any quarter in which we incur pre-opening expenses related to the opening of new stores.

We have three distinct peak selling periods: Easter, back-to-school and Christmas. To prepare for our peak shopping seasons, we must order and keep in stock significantly more merchandise than we would carry during other parts of the year. Any unanticipated decrease in demand for our products during these peak shopping seasons could require us to sell excess inventory at a substantial markdown, which could reduce our net sales and gross margins and negatively affect our profitability. Our operating results depend significantly upon the sales generated during these periods.

ITEM  3.  QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

We are exposed to market risk in that the interest payable under our credit facility is based on variable interest rates and therefore is affected by changes in market rates. We do not use interest rate derivative instruments to manage exposure to changes in market interest rates. We had no borrowings under our credit facility during the first nine months of fiscal 2014 or fiscal 2013.

ITEM 4.  CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

Our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have concluded, based on their evaluation as of November 1, 2014, that our disclosure controls and procedures are effective to ensure that information required to be disclosed by us in the reports filed or submitted by us under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC's rules and forms, and include controls and procedures designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by us in such reports is accumulated and communicated to our management, including the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

There has been no significant change in our internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the quarter ended November 1, 2014 that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

SHOE CARNIVAL, INC.
PART II - OTHER INFORMATION

ITEM 1.   LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

For information on our legal proceedings, see the “Litigation” section of Note 6 – “Commitments and Contingencies” in Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements, PART I, ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.

ITEM 1A.   RISK FACTORS

You should carefully consider the risks and uncertainties we describe both in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q and in the "Risk Factors" section of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended February 1, 2014 before deciding to invest in, or retain, shares of our common stock. If any of these risks or uncertainties actually occur, we may not be able to conduct our business as currently planned and our financial condition, results of operations or cash flows could be materially and adversely affected. There have been no material changes to the risk factors set forth in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended February 1, 2014.

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

ITEM 6.   EXHIBITS

SHOE CARNIVAL, INC.
SIGNATURE

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.