Quarterlytics / Consumer Cyclical / Specialty Retail / DICK’S Sporting Goods

DICK’S Sporting Goods

dks · NYSE Consumer Cyclical
Claim this profile
Ticker dks
Exchange NYSE
Sector Consumer Cyclical
Industry Specialty Retail
Employees 10,000+
← All annual reports
FY2003 Annual Report · DICK’S Sporting Goods
Sign in to download
Loading PDF…
Dick(cid:213)s Sporting Goods, Inc. 2003 Annual Report

Dick(cid:213)s Sporting Goods, Inc. Financial Highlights

Fiscal Year

(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)

Net sales
Gross profit margin
Income from operations
Net income

Diluted earnings applicable to common stockholders
Diluted weighted average shares outstanding
Total cash and cash equivalents
Total debt including capitalized lease obligations
Total stockholders(cid:213) equity
Inventory turnover
Return on invested capital
EBITDA
Capital expenditures, net of proceeds from sale-leaseback transactions
Comparable store net sales increase
Store count

2003

2002

2001

$1,470,845

27.7%

86,326

52,819

1.05

50,280

93,674

3,916

$

$

$

$

$

$ 242,981

3.69x

11.8%

$ 107,416

$

39,624

2.1%
163

$1,272,584
26.5%
69,084
38,264

$
$

$1,074,568
24.5%
45,360
23,471

$
$

$

0.93
40,958
11,120
$
$
3,577
$ 140,499
3.83x
11.8%
81,057
22,584
5.1%
141

$
$

$

$
$
$

$
$

0.66
35,736
8,976
80,861
63,105
3.73x
10.7%
57,442
21,965
3.6%
125

Diluted earnings applicable to common stockholders and diluted weighted average shares outstanding are adjusted for the two-for-one stock split, 
in the form of a stock dividend, which became effective April 5th, 2004.

g
o
a

l

Our goal is to be the #1 sports and fitness specialty 
retailer for all athletes and outdoor enthusiasts through 
the relentless improvement of everything we do.

1

r
a
3
0

s
k
d

 
 
dear fellow shareholders

I(cid:213)m pleased to report that 2003 was another record
year for Dick(cid:213)s Sporting Goods. In this, our first 
full year as a public company, we again achieved
industry-leading results and reached several 
new milestones. 

Achievement
First and foremost, our shareholders were rewarded
with 162% growth in our share price in fiscal 2003,
and 315% from our IPO in October 2002 through
the end of fiscal 2003. As a result of this growth in
our stock price and the confidence of our Board of
Directors and management in both the strong
fundamentals and growth potential of our business,
we announced a two-for-one stock split, in the
form of a stock dividend, which became effective
on April 5, 2004.

We ended 2003 as the second largest full-line
sporting goods retailer in the country with $1.5 billion
in sales, operating 163 stores in 27 states. Our net
income increased 37% over last year(cid:213)s pro-forma
net income to $52.8 million, which was on top of 
a 59% increase in the prior year(cid:213)s pro-forma net
income. Dick(cid:213)s Sporting Goods was again the most
profitable publicly held full-line sporting goods
retailer in the country as measured by income 
from continuing operations and adjusted for our
competitors(cid:213) non-recurring items. 

This industry-leading performance provides a
strong endorsement of our 10,000+ associates, 
and of our guiding principles, including financial
discipline and a focus on execution in everything
that we do. 

A Different Kind of Sporting Goods Retailer
As I have outlined in the past, we are a very
different kind of sporting goods retailer. We sell
authentic equipment, apparel and footwear,
focusing on the core athlete and outdoor
enthusiast. Our in-store associates, like our
customers, are enthusiasts as well. As the second
largest employer of PGA pros in the country, you
can find in our Golf Pro Shops one of over 150 PGA
pros that we employ. We also employ 175 bike
technicians, and we(cid:213)re excited about our initiative
to capitalize on the fitness business as we plan to
have certified fitness trainers in every store by the
end of 2004. Our emphasis on serving customers
with sports enthusiasts and specialists remains a
point of differentiation.

2003 Highlights
In 2003, a comparable store sales gain of 2.1% 
and the opening of 22 new stores fueled a 16%
increase in sales. We entered 11 new markets with
13 stores, accompanied by nine stores in existing
markets. Our operating income improved 25% to
$86.3 million, or 5.9% of sales, up from 5.4% in
2002. Earnings per share grew 22% to $1.05 on a
post-split basis, compared to pro-forma earnings
per share in 2002 of $0.86.

2

r
a
3
0

s
k
d

Management Team (from left to right)
Joseph J. Queri, Jr. Senior Vice President (cid:209) Real Estate
Jeffrey R. Hennion Senior Vice President (cid:209) Strategic Planning
Lee Belitsky Vice President (cid:209) Controller & Treasurer
Gary M. Sterling Senior Vice President (cid:209) Merchandising
Bill Dandy Senior Vice President & Chief Marketing Officer
Jerel Hollens Senior Vice President (cid:209) Supply Chain
William J. Colombo President & Chief Operating Officer
Joseph H. Schmidt Vice President (cid:209) Store Operations
Edward W. Stack Chairman & Chief Executive Officer
Michael F. Hines Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer
Eileen Gabriel Senior Vice President & Chief Information Officer
William R. Newlin Executive Vice President & Chief Administrative Officer

DKS Stock Price Performance 2003
(Adjusted for two-for-one stock split, effective April 2004)

(Executive Vice President & Chief Administrative
Officer), Bill Dandy (Senior Vice President & Chief
Marketing Officer) and Jerel Hollens (Senior Vice
President (cid:209) Supply Chain) are all welcomed
additions. These experienced managers will
challenge many components of our business, from
our merchandising assortment to our marketing
strategy to our administrative processes.

As we begin 2004, we have already put in place 
a number of initiatives to position ourselves for
what we expect will be another challenging, but
rewarding, year. We improved an already strong
balance sheet by completing an opportunistic
financing in the form of convertible notes in
February 2004. Net proceeds totaled $146 million
after the net cost of a hedge and warrant which
had the effect of increasing the conversion
premium to 100% or $56.16 post-split. Proceeds
will be used for general corporate purposes, which
may include investing in new stores, accelerating
store growth and acquisitions of complementary
companies or businesses.

We are committed to delivering value to our
customers, and returns to our shareholders. 
Most importantly, our continued success is an
expression of the joint efforts and ideas of many
stakeholders (cid:209) our associates, our customers, 
and our vendors. On behalf of our management
team, we thank each of you for your support, 
and we once again look forward to achieving 
new milestones in the year ahead.

Edward W. Stack
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer

We closed the year with a strong balance sheet. 
At year-end, we had no outstanding borrowings on
our $180 million revolving line of credit, a $94 million
cash balance, and inventories were down 6% year-
over-year on a per-store and per-square-foot basis.

As a result, we generated a return on invested capital
of 11.8% and inventory turnover of 3.69x, both key
metrics by which we measure our performance.

Business Development
We measure ourselves not only against sporting
goods retailers, but also against best-in-class
specialty retailers in other sectors, and we will
always look for room to improve. Our performance
in 2003 simply raises the bar for future results, and
we look forward to that challenge. In 2004 and
beyond, you can expect more of what has made us
successful to date. Our objective is to capture an
even larger portion of what is still a very fragmented
$46 billion sporting goods marketplace.

We(cid:213)re uniquely positioned to capitalize on the
opportunities for growth within our industry. In
addition to improving all that we do within our
existing operations, we will continue to open new
stores in geographically contiguous markets as the
foundation of our growth strategy. We also expect
to expand and deepen our private label offerings,
which offer value and differentiation to our customers
and generate higher margins for our business. 

Teamwork
We are constantly working to position ourselves 
for continued growth. In 2003 we added a number
of key members to what was already a strong and
experienced management team. Bill Newlin

3

r
a
3
0

s
k
d

Leading golf brands ... breakthrough technology 

4

r
a
3
0

s
k
d

 
 
Step inside a Dick(cid:213)s Pro Shop and get your hands on the latest advances and biggest

names in golf equipment and apparel. Our PGA pros and other associates deliver the

expertise and insight to keep you looking and playing your best.

t
r
a
d
i
t
i
o
n

5

r
a
3
0

s
k
d

 
 
Passionate ... in pursuit of success 

6

r
a
3
0

s
k
d

 
 
a
u
t
h
e
n
t
i
c

Visit the Sportsman(cid:213)s Lodge and enjoy the broad selection of hunting, camping and fishing

gear, boots, equipment and accessories. Our hunting and fishing experts will guide you to

exactly the right product for success and safety in the great outdoors.

7

r
a
3
0

s
k
d

 
 
Relentless ... exceeding expectations

8

r
a
3
0

s
k
d

Move on over to the Fitness center at Dick(cid:213)s for a wide selection of treadmills, elliptical

trainers and other home exercise equipment. Whether it(cid:213)s a home gym or a yoga mat, hand

weights or a heavy bag, our knowledgeable exercise staff knows what it takes to keep you

and your workout routine going strong.

9

r
a
3
0

s
k
d

Driven ... go the extra mile 

0
1

r
a
3
0

s
k
d

 
 
c
o
m
m

i
t

m
e
n
t

Scan the footwear wall inside a Dick(cid:213)s store and view the wide breadth of product we offer

to enhance your performance in every sport and season. Choose from all kinds of athletic

and lifestyle shoes, skates, boots and more. Whatever your interest, we(cid:213)ve got your style

and size in all the top brands, backed by our Guaranteed In-Stock program.

1
1

r
a
3
0

s
k
d

Teamwork ... toward a personal best 

2
1

r
a
3
0

s
k
d

 
 
i

w
n
n
n
g

i

a
t
t
i
t
u
d
e

Look around a Dick(cid:213)s store and feel again how great it is to compete. Athletes today 

recognize that getting to the next level requires the right support and equipment. 

From our merchandise selection to local sponsorships and team packets, we help 

our customers perform at the top of their game.

3
1

r
a
3
0

s
k
d

 
 
unique
shopping
experience

Dick(cid:213)s succeeds by hiring and training associates who are
passionate about their sport, and by creating a shopping
experience unlike any other. Dick(cid:213)s (cid:210)store-within-a-store(cid:211) 
specialty shops combine the convenience, broad assortment,
and competitive prices of large format stores with the brand
names, deep product selection and knowledgeable customer
service of a specialty store.

Our stores stand out as a destination experience for 
athletes, from beginner to enthusiast, at every age and level 
of competition. From the putting green to the footwear track,
the Sportsman(cid:213)s Lodge to the team sports area, we combine
vast product selection and quality with superior service.

4
1

r
a
3
0

s
k
d

 
 
At Dick(cid:213)s, our Pro Shop is staffed by PGA Pros and other golf enthusiasts who 

01golf

recognize that a person(cid:213)s golf game is only as good as his or her next swing. 

We help everyone (cid:209) beginner to enthusiast (cid:209) enhance and enjoy their game. 

As with all of our product selection, we offer the highest quality golf equipment and latest 

innovations. This approach differentiates us from mass merchandisers. By catering to such a

wide array of customers, we can offer all of our vendor(cid:213)s new products, with enhanced technical

features (cid:209) in golf and every product line (cid:209) as they flow into the marketplace.

5
1

r
a
3
0

s
k
d

 
 
02the lodge

Customers value the knowledgeable conversation (cid:209) about what(cid:213)s new and what(cid:213)s working (cid:209)

found inside a Dick(cid:213)s Sportsman(cid:213)s Lodge every bit as much as the purchase itself. 

We apply that same attention to detail in our overall store design and selection. We believe that

our compelling new store economics and successful track record of careful, targeted expansion to

geographically contiguous markets continues to yield impressive results. 

Dick(cid:213)s continues to gain market share and improve operating margins through well-considered

store growth in both new and existing markets. In 2003, we opened 22 new stores in 12 states,

representing nine stores in existing markets and 13 stores in new markets.

6
1

r
a
3
0

s
k
d

 
 
03fitness

The fitness experts at Dick(cid:213)s recognize that staying fit requires 

major national brands (cid:209) Pro-Form, Fitness Quest, and Everlast (cid:209) we offer private label brands of 

commitment and sacrifice, and plenty of choices. In addition to 

exceptional quality and value such as Fitness Gear and Ativa.

Private label products have grown to represent more than 10 percent of sales storewide. 

We have invested in a development and procurement staff that continually sources performance-

based products aimed at the authentic athlete and outdoor enthusiast. These exclusive products

offer outstanding value to our customers at key price points and provide us with significant 

increases in gross margins. 

7
1

r
a
3
0

s
k
d

 
 
04footwear

When it comes to athletic footwear, Dick(cid:213)s customers expect to find what they

want, when they want it. That(cid:213)s why we carry a broad selection of athletic

footwear and keep it stocked.

We deliver on our in-stock promise thanks to the diligent and coordinated efforts between 

our buyers, planners and store operations staffs. Our distribution and inventory management 

ensures that stores and products are replenished in a timely manner. For customers, that means

experiencing the broad product selection they expect from Dick(cid:213)s, and the satisfaction of finding

what they want the first time.

The result is a stronger bottom line. Gross margins and inventory turns benefit from improved

purchasing leverage and disciplined merchandise planning and allocation.

8
1

r
a
3
0

s
k
d

 
 
05team sports

At Dick(cid:213)s, we know what it takes to win. Like our customers, the drive

to compete (cid:209) against others as well as our own past efforts (cid:209) propels 

us forward toward the next challenge. Our goal remains clear (cid:209) to redefine sports and fitness 

specialty retailing for all athletes and outdoor enthusiasts through quality brands, information,

technology and superior service.

As with our front-line associates, experience counts at the senior management level. Our executive

management team averages 11 years of experience in the sporting goods industry, all with Dick(cid:213)s,

and 19 years in general retailing. 

9
1

r
a
3
0

s
k
d

 
 
athletic apparel

At Dick(cid:213)s, we pay close attention to detail, from the fit of our athletic apparel

lines to the layouts and sight lines of each department. Our merchandising

approach stimulates cross-selling by making it easier for customers to see the great selection 

of top name brands throughout our stores. 

Our customers associate Dick(cid:213)s with apparel designed to enhance their performance and

enjoyment of athletic pursuits.

Whether it(cid:213)s workout wear from our Nike shop or the latest advance from Under Armour, 

we understand that dressing for athletic success is all about quality and selection.

0
2

r
a
3
0

s
k
d

 
 
The right products. The best people. National and private label

brands that keep our customers performing at the top of their game.

A store design that celebrates the authentic athlete and outdoor enthusiast. Our commitment to

these fundamentals provides Dick(cid:213)s with a significant competitive advantage.

It(cid:213)s the everyday execution by our associates that keeps us performing strong. 

Our mission remains clear: (cid:210)To be the #1 sports and fitness specialty retailer for all athletes and

outdoor enthusiasts, through the relentless improvement of everything we do.(cid:211)

1
2

r
a
3
0

s
k
d

 
 
Dick(cid:213)s Sporting Goods, Inc. is the leading full-line sporting goods retailer in the eastern half of the United States with 
163 stores in 27 states.

1

2
2

r
a
3
0

s
k
d

1 Cost of Goods Sold/Average Inventories over the last five quarters.

 
 
2003 (cid:222)nancial report

CONTENTS

24 Five-Year Financial Summary
25 Management(cid:213)s Discussion and Analysis 

of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
Independent Auditors(cid:213) Report

33
33 Management(cid:213)s Responsibilities Report
34 Consolidated Statements of Income
35 Consolidated Balance Sheets
36 Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income
37 Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
38 Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders(cid:213) Equity
40 Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements 
50 Regulation G Reconciliations
52 Corporate and Stockholder Information

3
2

r
a
3
0

s
k
d

2
0
0
3

 
 
 
(cid:222)ve-year (cid:222)nancial summary

Fiscal Year

2003

2002

2001

2000

1999

(Dollars in thousands, except per share and sales per square foot data)

STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS DATA:

Net sales

Gross pro(cid:222)t

$1,470,845 $1,272,584  $1,074,568  $ 893,396  $ 728,342 
163,896 

337,392 

263,569 

208,844 

407,739

Selling, general and administrative expenses

314,885 

262,755 

213,065 

169,392 

132,403 

(Gain) on sale / loss on write-down of 

non-cash investment1,2

Income from continuing operations

Discontinued operations3

Net income

Accretion of mandatorily redeemable

preferred stock4

(3,536)

52,819 

—

2,447 

38,264 

— 

— 

— 

23,471 

15,947 

— 

7,304 

8,643 

— 

14,691 

3,514 

11,177 

52,819

38,264 

23,471 

—

— 

— 

(5,654)

(14,404)

Net income (loss) applicable to common stockholders $

52,819 $

38,264  $

23,471  $

2,989  $

(3,227)

EARNINGS PER COMMON SHARE DATA5:

Diluted earnings (loss) applicable to 

common stockholders

$

1.05  $

0.93  $

0.66  $

0.23  $

Diluted weighted average shares outstanding

50,280

40,958 

35,736 

37,004 

STORE DATA:

Comparable store net sales increase (decrease) 
Number of stores at end of period
Total square feet at end of period
Net sales per square foot 

2.1%

163

7,919,138

5.1%
141 
6,807,021 

3.6%
125 
6,149,044 

3.0%
105 
5,303,124 

$

193 $

192  $

186  $

180  $

(1.14)
2,828 

(0.6%)
83 
4,355,072 
175 

OTHER DATA:

Gross pro(cid:222)t margin
Operating margin
Inventory turnover
Depreciation and amortization

BALANCE SHEET DATA:
Inventories
Total assets
Total debt including capitalized lease obligations
Total mandatorily redeemable preferred

27.7%

5.9%

3.69x
17,554  $

$

26.5%
5.4%
3.83x 
14,420  $

24.5%
4.2%
3.73x 
12,082  $

23.4%
3.7%
3.91x 
9,425  $

22.5%
3.8%
3.63x 
8,662 

$ 254,360 $ 233,497  $ 201,585  $ 163,149  $ 139,577 
$ 498,531 $ 376,235  $ 321,982  $ 264,513  $ 219,752 
$
14,931 

80,861  $

73,647  $

3,916  $

3,577  $

stock excluded from stockholders(cid:213) equity 6,7

$

—  $

—  $

—  $

—  $ 152,170 

Retained earnings (accumulated de(cid:222)cit) —

including accretion of redeemable
preferred stock8

Total stockholders(cid:213) equity (de(cid:222)cit)7

63,044 $

$
10,225  $
$ 242,981  $ 140,499  $

(28,039) $
63,105  $

(51,510) $
38,742  $

(54,499)
(62,814)

1 Gain on sale of investment resulted from the sale of a portion of the Company(cid:213)s non-cash investment in its third-party Internet commerce
service provider. We converted a royalty arrangement with that provider into an equity investment that resulted in this non-cash investment.

2 The loss on write-down of non-cash investment resulted from a write-down of the investment in our third-party Internet commerce

service provider due to a decline in the value of that company(cid:213)s publicly traded stock. 

3 Discontinued operations resulted from our former Internet commerce business.

4 Represents accretion of the redeemable preferred stock to its redemption value through a charge to retained earnings / (accumulated de(cid:222)cit).

5 Earnings per share data gives effect to the two-for-one stock split, in the form of a stock dividend, approved by the Company(cid:213)s Board of

Directors on February 10, 2004. 

6 In connection with our recapitalization in (cid:222)scal 2000, the preferred stockholders elected to convert all outstanding shares of preferred
stock to shares of common stock, resulting in the conversion of 9,396,612 shares of preferred stock to 25,251,162 shares of common
stock. We repurchased approximately 60% of the shares of common stock from the former preferred stockholders for cash and
promissory notes. The notes were repaid in September 2001.

7 The mandatorily redeemable preferred stock was not classi(cid:222)ed within stockholders(cid:213) equity (de(cid:222)cit) because of the redemption feature.

8 Includes $63.9 million of accretion of the redeemable preferred stock to its redemption value through a charge to accumulated de(cid:222)cit.

4
2

r
a
3
0

s
k
d

 
 
management(cid:213)s discussion and analysis of
(cid:222)nancial condition and results of operations

The following discussion and analysis should be read in conjunction with (cid:210)Selected Consolidated Financial and Other
Data(cid:211) and our consolidated (cid:222)nancial statements and related notes appearing elsewhere in this report. This Annual
Report contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995.
See page 31,(cid:210)Forward-Looking Statements.(cid:211)

OVERVIEW 

The Company is an authentic full-line sporting goods retailer offering a broad assortment of brand-name sporting goods
equipment, apparel and footwear in a specialty store environment. As of January 31, 2004, the Company operated 
163 stores in 27 states throughout the eastern half of the United States. The Company(cid:213)s (cid:222)scal year ends on the
Saturday closest to January 31, which generally results in a 52-week (cid:222)scal year. However, every (cid:222)ve or six years, the
(cid:222)scal year is 53 weeks. On February 10, 2004, the Company(cid:213)s board of directors approved a two-for-one stock split, in
the form of a stock dividend, of the Company(cid:213)s common stock and Class B common stock effected in the form of a
stock dividend. The split was effected by issuing our stockholders of record on March 19, 2004 one additional share of
common stock for every share of common stock held, and one additional share of Class B common stock for every
share of Class B common stock held. The applicable share and per-share data included herein have been retroactively
restated to give effect to this stock split.

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS 

The following table presents for the periods indicated selected items in the consolidated statements of income as a
percentage of the Company(cid:213)s net sales: 

Fiscal Year

2003

2002

2001

Net sales
Cost of goods sold, including occupancy and distribution costs
Gross pro(cid:222)t
Selling, general and administrative expenses
Pre-opening expenses
Income from operations
(Gain) on sale / loss on write-down of non-cash investment
Interest expense, net
Income before income taxes 
Provision for income taxes
Net income

100.0%

72.3

27.7

21.4

0.4

5.9

(0.2)

0.1

6.0

2.4

3.6%

100.0%
73.5
26.5
20.7 
0.4 
5.4 
0.2
0.2 
5.0
2.0
3.0%

100.0%
75.5
24.5
19.8
0.5 
4.2 
—
0.6 
3.6
1.5
2.1%

Cost of goods sold includes the cost of merchandise, inventory shrinkage, freight, distribution and store occupancy
costs. Store occupancy costs include rent, common area maintenance charges, real estate and other asset-based
taxes, store maintenance, utilities, depreciation, (cid:222)xture lease expenses and certain insurance expenses. 

Selling, general and administrative expenses include store and (cid:222)eld support payroll and fringe bene(cid:222)ts, advertising,
bank card charges, information systems, marketing, legal, accounting, other store expenses and all expenses
associated with operating the Company(cid:213)s corporate headquarters. 

Pre-opening expenses consist primarily of marketing, payroll and recruiting costs incurred prior to a new store opening. 

5
2

r
a
3
0

s
k
d

 
 
FISCAL 2003 COMPARED TO FISCAL 2002 

Net Income   Our net income increased by $14.5 million, or 38.0%, to $52.8 million from $38.3 million in 2002. 
This represented an increase in diluted earnings per share of $0.12, or 12.9%, to $1.05 from $0.93 in 2002. 

Net Sales   Net sales increased by $198.2 million, or 15.6%, to $1,470.8 million from $1,272.6 million in 2002. This
increase resulted from a comparable store sales increase of $24.2 million, or 2.1%, and $174.0 million in new store
sales, which re(cid:223)ected the opening of 22 new stores and relocation of one store in 2003 compared to the opening of 
16 new stores and relocation of three stores in 2002. The increase in comparable store sales is mostly attributable to
sales increases in the majority of the Company(cid:213)s merchandise categories, with team sports, women(cid:213)s apparel, water
sports, paintball and licensed apparel recording the largest increases. These increases were partly offset by lower 
sales of in-line skates, hunting equipment and (cid:222)shing tackle. 

Income from Operations   Income from operations increased by $17.2 million, or 25.0%, to $86.3 million from 
$69.1 million in 2002. The increase in income from operations is primarily a result of increased gross pro(cid:222)t partially
offset by an increase in selling, general and administrative expenses and pre-opening expenses.

Gross pro(cid:222)t increased by $70.3 million, or 20.9%, to $407.7 million from $337.4 million in 2002. As a percentage of net
sales, gross pro(cid:222)t increased to 27.7% from 26.5% in 2002. The increase in gross pro(cid:222)t percentage was primarily due 
to improved selling margins in the majority of the Company(cid:213)s product categories, including private label products that
provide us with signi(cid:222)cantly higher gross margins than comparable products we sell. The gross pro(cid:222)t percentage was
also favorably impacted by the classi(cid:222)cation of a larger portion of cooperative advertising funds as a reduction of cost
of goods sold, as fewer of these funds were directly tied to advertising expenditures in 2003 as compared to 2002. In
addition, the gross pro(cid:222)t percentage improved due to improved productivity at the Company(cid:213)s distribution center. 

Selling, general and administrative expenses increased by $52.1 million to $314.9 million from $262.8 million in 2002. 
As a percentage of net sales, selling, general and administrative expenses increased to 21.4% from 20.7% in 2002. 
The percentage increase was due to the classi(cid:222)cation of a larger portion of cooperative advertising funds as a reduction
of cost of goods sold (as discussed above), higher employee bene(cid:222)ts costs, higher associate relocation expense,
additional professional and insurance expenses associated with being a public company for all of 2003 as compared 
to approximately one quarter in 2002, and higher information systems costs associated with the implementation of the
new merchandising systems, partially offset by lower incentive compensation expense. 

Pre-opening expenses increased by $0.9 million to $6.5 million from $5.6 million in 2002. Pre-opening expenses were
for the addition of 22 new stores and one relocation compared to 16 new stores and three relocations in 2002.

(Gain) on Sale / Loss on Write-Down of Non-Cash Investment   Gain on sale of investment of $3.5 million resulted
from the sale of a portion of the Company(cid:213)s non-cash investment in its third-party Internet commerce service provider.
Loss on write-down of non-cash investment resulted from a $2.4 million write-down in 2002 of the non-cash investment
in the Company(cid:213)s third-party Internet commerce service provider due to a decline in the value of that company(cid:213)s
publicly traded stock. In July 2001, the Company had converted a cash-based royalty arrangement with that provider
into an equity investment in that company which resulted in this non-cash investment. 

Interest Expense, Net   Interest expense decreased by $1.1 million to $1.8 million from $2.9 million in 2002 primarily
due to lower interest rates and lower average borrowings on the Company(cid:213)s senior secured revolving credit facility.

FISCAL 2002 COMPARED TO FISCAL 2001 

Net Income   Our net income increased by $14.8 million, or 63.0%, to $38.3 million from $23.5 million in 2001. 
This represented an increase in diluted earnings per share of $0.27, or 40.9%, to $0.93 from $0.66 in 2001. 

Net Sales   Net sales increased by $198.0 million, or 18.4%, to $1,272.6 million from $1,074.6 million in 2001. This
increase resulted from a comparable store sales increase of $48.3 million, or 5.1%, and $149.7 million in new store
sales, which re(cid:223)ected the opening of 16 new stores and relocation of three stores in 2002 compared to the opening 
of 20 new stores in 2001. The increase in comparable store sales is mostly attributable to sales increases in the majority
of the Company(cid:213)s merchandise categories, with women(cid:213)s apparel, exercise, team sports and camping recording the
largest increases. These increases were partly offset by lower sales of (cid:222)shing tackle. 

Income from Operations   Income from operations increased by $23.7 million, or 52.3%, to $69.1 million from 
$45.4 million in 2001. The increase in income from operations is primarily a result of increased gross pro(cid:222)t partially
offset by an increase in selling, general and administrative expenses and pre-opening expenses.

Gross pro(cid:222)t increased by $73.8 million, or 28.0%, to $337.4 million from $263.6 million in 2001. As a percentage of net
sales, gross pro(cid:222)t increased to 26.5% from 24.5% in 2001. The increase in gross pro(cid:222)t percentage was primarily due to
improved selling margins in the majority of the Company(cid:213)s product categories, which was aided by favorable weather

6
2

r
a
3
0

s
k
d

 
 
conditions throughout the fourth quarter resulting in a reduction of mark-down activity, as well as increased sales of
private label products that provide us with signi(cid:222)cantly higher gross margins than comparable products we sell. In
addition, the gross pro(cid:222)t percentage improved due to leverage of store occupancy costs that resulted from increased
comparable store sales and improved productivity at the Company(cid:213)s distribution center. 

Selling, general and administrative expenses increased by $49.7 million to $262.8 million from $213.1 million in 2001. 
As a percentage of net sales, selling, general and administrative expenses increased to 20.7% from 19.8% in 2001. 
The percentage increase was due primarily to higher payroll and bene(cid:222)t costs, continued infrastructure investments in
the form of information systems and increased corporate office employees, and expenses associated with the rollout 
of the Company(cid:213)s (cid:210)Scorecard(cid:211) loyalty program.

Pre-opening expenses increased by $0.5 million to $5.6 million from $5.1 million in 2001. Pre-opening expenses were
for the addition of 16 new stores and three relocations in 2002 compared to 20 new stores in 2001. The 2002 pre-opening
expense was negatively impacted as the opening of one store was signi(cid:222)cantly delayed due to the late opening of the
shopping center.

Loss on Write-Down of Non-Cash Investment   Loss on write-down of non-cash investment resulted from a 
$2.4 million write-down in 2002 of the non-cash investment in the Company(cid:213)s third-party Internet commerce service
provider due to a decline in the value of that company(cid:213)s publicly traded stock. In July 2001, the Company had
converted a cash-based royalty arrangement with that provider into an equity investment in that company which
resulted in this non-cash investment.

Interest Expense, Net   Interest expense decreased by $3.3 million to $2.9 million from $6.2 million in 2001. This
decrease was due primarily to lower interest rates and lower average borrowings. All of the net proceeds of $27.9 million
from the Company(cid:213)s initial public offering of common stock were used to reduce borrowings under the senior secured
revolving credit facility.

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

Our primary capital requirements are for inventory, capital improvements, and pre-opening expenses to support
expansion plans, as well as for various investments in store remodeling, store (cid:222)xtures and ongoing infrastructure
improvements. The Company(cid:213)s main sources of liquidity in 2003 have been our cash (cid:223)ows from operations, borrowings
under the senior secured revolving credit facility, proceeds from the exercise of stock options and proceeds from sale-
leaseback transactions.

The change in cash and cash equivalents is as follows:

Fiscal Year Ended

Net cash provided by operating activities
Net cash used in investing activities
Net cash provided by (used in) (cid:222)nancing activities
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents

OPERATING ACTIVITIES

January 31,
2004

$ 86,500

(33,395)

29,449 

$ 82,554 

February 1,
2003

$ 61,138 
(22,584)
(36,410)
2,144 

$

February 2,
2002

$ 12,007 
(21,965)
10,655 
697 

$

Cash provided by operating activities increased by $25.4 million in 2003, or 41.6%, to $86.5 million, re(cid:223)ecting higher 
net income adjusted for non-cash items. The primary increase is the $29.9 million tax bene(cid:222)t from the exercise of stock
options. Increases in cash provided by operating activities were partially offset by larger decreases in accounts payable
and income taxes payable. The decrease in the change in accounts payable was primarily due to a decrease in in-
transit import inventory where we take possession overseas, and to the timing of receipts during the last two months 
of 2002 compared to 2003. The decrease in the change in income taxes payable is primarily related to the tax bene(cid:222)t
from the exercise of stock options and changes in deferred taxes. The decrease is partially offset by the increase in
income taxes payable related to the increase in taxable income in 2003 as compared to 2002. The cash (cid:223)ow from
operating the Company(cid:213)s stores is a signi(cid:222)cant source of liquidity, and will continue to be used in 2004 primarily to
purchase inventory, make capital improvements and open new stores. All of the Company(cid:213)s revenues are realized at 
the point-of-sale in the stores. Thus, net sales are essentially on a cash basis.

7
2

r
a
3
0

s
k
d

 
 
INVESTING ACTIVITIES

Cash used in investing activities increased by $10.8 million in 2003, or 47.8%, to $33.4 million, primarily re(cid:223)ecting an
increase in net capital expenditures. We use cash in investing activities to build new stores and remodel or relocate
existing stores. Furthermore, net cash used in investing activities includes purchases of information technology assets
and expenditures for distribution facilities and corporate headquarters. During 2003, 2002 and 2001, the Company
opened 22, 16 and 20 new stores, respectively, and remodeled or relocated one, three and one store(s), respectively.
Sale-leaseback transactions covering store (cid:222)xtures, buildings and information technology assets also have the effect of
returning to the Company cash previously invested in these assets. During 2003, the Company completed two building
sale-leasebacks. One of the sale-leasebacks generated proceeds of $5.0 million for which the capital expenditures were
incurred in 2002. Additionally, the Company incurred building costs of $15.2 million in 2003 that will be reimbursed in
2004 under the terms of sale-leaseback agreements. The Company also generated $4.2 million in proceeds from the
sale of a portion of the Company(cid:213)s non-cash investment in its third-party Internet commerce service provider during 2003.

In accordance with Emerging Issues Task Force No. 97-10 ((cid:210)Issue 97-10(cid:211)), (cid:210)The Effect of Lessee Involvement in Asset
Construction,(cid:211) the Company is considered to be the owner of certain buildings during the construction period, for
accounting purposes only. Accordingly, the Company has recognized a non-cash asset and related non-cash obligation 
of $10.9 million as of January 31, 2004. At the conclusion of the construction period, the asset and related liability will be
removed from the balance sheet in a manner similar to a sale-leaseback transaction if certain conditions are met. The
application of Issue 97-10 has no impact to cash balances, net cash (cid:223)ow, the statement of operations or cash obligations.

FINANCING ACTIVITIES

Cash provided by (cid:222)nancing activities increased by $65.8 million in 2003, or 181.0%, to $29.4 million, primarily re(cid:223)ecting
a decrease in the change in the balance of the senior secured revolving credit facility partially offset by the proceeds
from the initial public offering in 2002 and the proceeds from the exercise of stock options in 2003. Financing activities
consist primarily of borrowings and repayments under the senior secured revolving credit facility, net proceeds from the
initial public offering, and proceeds from transactions in the Company(cid:213)s common stock. During 2003, the Company
received proceeds of $15.9 million from the exercise of employee stock options and purchases of common stock under
the employee stock purchase plan. Future stock option activity cannot be predicted. During 2002, the Company
completed an initial public offering of 16,762,640 shares of common stock, including the underwriters(cid:213) over-allotment,
of which 5,544,000 were sold by the Company and 11,218,640 were sold by certain of the Company(cid:213)s stockholders.
Proceeds to the Company, net of $2.8 million in transaction costs, were $28.1 million. The proceeds were used to repay
outstanding borrowings under the senior secured revolving credit facility. During 2001, stock options representing
5,724,748 shares were exercised in exchange for a $6.2 million note receivable due from a related party. Proceeds from
the payment on the note were received in 2002. 

The Company(cid:213)s liquidity and capital needs have been met by cash from operations and borrowings under the senior
secured revolving credit facility. This senior secured revolving credit facility provides for borrowings in an aggregate
outstanding principal amount of up to $180 million, including up to $50 million in the form of letters of credit. The actual
availability under the senior secured revolving credit facility is limited to the lesser of 70% of the Company(cid:213)s eligible
inventory or 85% of the Company(cid:213)s inventory(cid:213)s liquidation value, in each case net of speci(cid:222)ed reserves and less any
letters of credit outstanding. There were no outstanding borrowings on the senior secured revolving credit facility as 
of January 31, 2004 and February 1, 2003 and borrowings of $77.1 million as of February 2, 2002. Total remaining
borrowing capacity, after subtracting letters of credit as of January 31, 2004, February 1, 2003 and February 2, 2002
was $154.3 million, $143.8 million and $52.9 million, respectively. Interest on outstanding indebtedness under the senior
secured revolving credit facility currently accrues at the lender(cid:213)s prime commercial lending rate or, if the Company
elects, at the one-month LIBOR plus 1.25% based on the Company(cid:213)s current interest coverage ratio. The Company(cid:213)s
obligations under the senior secured revolving credit facility are secured by interests in substantially all of the
Company(cid:213)s personal property excluding store and distribution center equipment and (cid:222)xtures. The senior secured
revolving credit facility matures on May 30, 2006. The Company has used the senior secured revolving credit facility to
meet seasonal working capital requirements and to support the Company(cid:213)s growth. 

The senior secured revolving credit facility contains restrictions regarding the Company(cid:213)s and related subsidiary(cid:213)s ability,
among other things, to merge, consolidate or acquire non-subsidiary entities, to incur indebtedness or liens, to pay
dividends or make distributions on the Company(cid:213)s stock, to make investments or loans, or to engage in transactions
with affiliates. The Company is obligated to maintain a (cid:222)xed charge coverage ratio of not less than 1.0 to 1.0.
Obligations under the senior secured revolving credit facility are secured under various collateral documents (including a
security agreement, pledge agreement, blocked account agreements, concentration account agreement, disbursement

8
2

r
a
3
0

s
k
d

 
 
account agreements, and a trademark security agreement) by interests in substantially all of the Company(cid:213)s personal
property excluding store and distribution center equipment and (cid:222)xtures, including the pledge of the stock of our wholly
owned subsidiary, American Sports Licensing, Inc. As of January 31, 2004, the Company was in compliance with the
terms of the senior secured revolving credit facility.

On February 18, 2004, the Company completed a private offering of $172.5 million issue price of senior unsecured
convertible notes due in 2024 ((cid:210)convertible notes(cid:211)) in transactions pursuant to Rule 144A under the Securities 
Act of 1933, as amended. Net proceeds to the Company of $145.7 million are after the net cost of a (cid:222)ve-year
convertible bond hedge and a (cid:222)ve-year separate warrant transaction. The hedge and warrant transactions effectively
increase the conversion premium associated with the senior convertible notes during the term of these transactions
from 40% to 100%, or from $39.31 to $56.16 per share, thereby reducing the potential dilutive effect upon conversion. 

Cash requirements in 2004, other than normal operating expenses, are expected to consist primarily of capital
expenditures related to the addition of new stores. The Company plans to open 25 new stores during 2004. 
The Company also anticipates incurring additional expenditures for remodeling or relocating certain existing stores 
and enhancing its information technology assets as well as other infrastructure improvements. While there can be 
no assurance that current expectations will be realized, the Company expects net capital expenditures in 2004 to 
be approximately $30.0 million.

The Company believes that existing cash (cid:223)ows generated from operations, funds available under our senior secured
revolving credit facility and proceeds from our convertible notes will be sufficient to satisfy our capital requirements
through 2004. Other new business opportunities or store expansion rates substantially in excess of those presently
planned may require additional funding. 

CONTRACTUAL OBLIGATIONS AND OTHER COMMERCIAL COMMITMENTS

The only off-balance sheet contractual obligations and commercial commitments as of January 31, 2004 relate to
operating lease obligations and letters of credit. The Company has excluded these items from the balance sheet in
accordance with generally accepted accounting principles.

The following table summarizes the Company(cid:213)s material contractual obligations, including both on- and off-balance
sheet arrangements in effect at January 31, 2004, and the timing and effect that such commitments are expected to
have on the Company(cid:213)s liquidity and capital requirements in future periods:

Payments Due by Period

(Dollars in thousands)

Contractual obligations:
Long-term debt
Capital lease obligations
Operating lease obligations

Total contractual obligations

Total

Less Than
1 Year

1-3 Years

3-5 Years

More Than
5 Years

$

1,159 
2,757 
1,598,009 
$1,601,925 

$

175 
330 
118,898 
$ 119,403 

$

277 
417 
250,589 
$ 251,283 

$

94 
161 
241,262 
$ 241,517 

$

613 
1,849 
987,260 
$ 989,722 

The following table summarizes the Company(cid:213)s other commercial commitments, including both on- and off-balance
sheet arrangements, in effect at January 31, 2004:

(Dollars in thousands)

Other commercial commitments:
Documentary letters of credit
Standby letters of credit

Total other commercial commitments

Total

Less Than
1 Year

$

$

5,491 
7,360 
12,851 

$

5,491
7,360
$ 12,851

The Company expects to fund these commitments primarily with operating cash (cid:223)ows generated in the normal course
of business.

9
2

r
a
3
0

s
k
d

 
 
CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES AND USE OF ESTIMATES 

The Company(cid:213)s signi(cid:222)cant accounting policies are described in Note 1 of the Consolidated Financial Statements, 
which were prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.
Critical accounting policies are those that the Company believes are both most important to the portrayal of the
Company(cid:213)s (cid:222)nancial condition and results of operations, and require the Company(cid:213)s most difficult, subjective or
complex judgments, often as a result of the need to make estimates about the effect of matters that are inherently
uncertain. Judgments and uncertainties affecting the application of those policies may result in materially different
amounts being reported under different conditions or using different assumptions. 

The Company considers the following policies to be the most critical in understanding the judgments that are involved
in preparing its consolidated (cid:222)nancial statements. 

Inventory Valuation   The Company values inventory using the lower of weighted average cost or market method. Market
price is generally based on the current selling price of the merchandise. The Company regularly reviews inventories to
determine if the carrying value of the inventory exceeds market value and the Company records a reserve to reduce the
carrying value to its market price, as necessary. Historically, the Company has rarely experienced signi(cid:222)cant occurrences 
of obsolescence or slow-moving inventory. However, future changes such as customer merchandise preference,
unseasonable weather patterns, or business trends could cause the Company(cid:213)s inventory to be exposed to obsolescence
or slow-moving merchandise. 

Shrink expense is accrued as a percentage of merchandise sales based on historical shrink trends. The Company
performs physical inventories at the stores and distribution center throughout the year. The reserve for shrink represents
an estimate for shrink for each of the Company(cid:213)s locations since the last physical inventory date through the reporting
date. Estimates by location and in the aggregate are impacted by internal and external factors and may vary
signi(cid:222)cantly from actual results. 

Vendor Allowances   Vendor allowances include allowances, rebates and cooperative advertising funds received from
vendors. These funds are determined for each (cid:222)scal year and the majority are based on various quantitative contract terms.
Amounts expected to be received from vendors relating to the purchase of merchandise inventories are recognized as a
reduction of cost of goods sold as the merchandise is sold. Amounts that represent a reimbursement of costs incurred,
such as advertising, are recorded as a reduction to the related expense in the period that the related expense is incurred.
The Company records an estimate of earned allowances based on the latest projected purchase volumes and advertising
forecasts. On an annual basis, the Company con(cid:222)rms earned allowances with vendors to ensure the amounts are recorded
in accordance with the terms of the contract.

In November 2002, the FASB issued Emerging Issues Task Force Issue No. 02-16 ((cid:210)Issue 02-16(cid:211)), (cid:210)Accounting by 
a Reseller for Cash Consideration Received from a Vendor.(cid:211) Issue 02-16 addresses the issue of how a reseller of a
vendor(cid:213)s product should account for cash consideration received from a vendor. The adoption of Issue 02-16, effective
with agreements entered into after November 21, 2002, did not have a material impact on the Company(cid:213)s consolidated
(cid:222)nancial position or results of operations.

Impairment of Assets   The Company reviews long-lived assets whenever events and circumstances indicate that the
carrying value of these assets may not be recoverable based on estimated undiscounted future cash (cid:223)ows. Assets are
reviewed at the lowest level for which cash (cid:223)ows can be identi(cid:222)ed, which is the store level. In determining future cash
(cid:223)ows, signi(cid:222)cant estimates are made by the Company with respect to future operating results of each store over its
remaining lease term. If such assets are considered to be impaired, the impairment to be recognized is measured by 
the amount by which the carrying amount of the assets exceeds the fair value of the assets. 

Self-Insurance   The Company is self-insured for certain losses related to health, workers(cid:213) compensation and general
liability insurance, although we maintain stop-loss coverage with third-party insurers to limit our liability exposure. Liabilities
associated with these losses are estimated in part by considering historical claims experience, industry factors, severity
factors and other actuarial assumptions.

0
3

r
a
3
0

s
k
d

 
 
FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

We caution that any forward-looking statements (as such term is de(cid:222)ned in the Private Securities Litigation Reform 
Act of 1995) contained in this Annual Report or made by our management involve risks and uncertainties and are
subject to change based on various important factors, many of which may be beyond our control. Accordingly, our
future performance and (cid:222)nancial results may differ materially from those expressed or implied in any such forward-
looking statements. Accordingly, investors should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements as a
prediction of actual results. You can identify these statements as those that may predict, forecast, indicate or imply
future results, performance or advancements and by forward-looking words such as (cid:210)believe,(cid:211) (cid:210)anticipate,(cid:211) (cid:210)expect,(cid:211)
(cid:210)estimate,(cid:211) (cid:210)predict,(cid:211) (cid:210)intend,(cid:211) (cid:210)plan,(cid:211) (cid:210)project,(cid:211) (cid:210)will,(cid:211) (cid:210)will be,(cid:211) (cid:210)will continue,(cid:211) (cid:210)will result,(cid:211) (cid:210)could,(cid:211) (cid:210)may,(cid:211) (cid:210)might(cid:211) or
any variations of such words or other words with similar meanings. Forward-looking statements address, among other
things, our expectations, our growth strategies, including our plans to open new stores, our efforts to increase pro(cid:222)t
margins and return on invested capital, plans to grow our private label business, projections of our future pro(cid:222)tability,
results of operations, capital expenditures or our (cid:222)nancial condition or other (cid:210)forward-looking(cid:211) information and includes
statements about revenues, earnings, spending, margins, liquidity, store openings and operations, inventory, private
label products, our actions, plans or strategies. 

The following factors, among others, in some cases have affected and in the future could affect our (cid:222)nancial
performance and actual results and could cause actual results for 2004 and beyond to differ materially from those
expressed or implied in any forward-looking statements included in this report or otherwise made by our management:
the intense competition in the sporting goods industry and actions by our competitors; our inability to manage our
growth, open new stores on a timely basis and expand successfully in new and existing markets; the availability of retail
store sites on terms acceptable to us; the cost of real estate and other items related to our stores; our ability to access
adequate capital; changes in consumer demand; risks relating to product liability claims and the availability of sufficient
insurance coverage relating to those claims; our relationships with our suppliers, distributors or manufacturers and their
ability to provide us with sufficient quantities of products; any serious disruption at our distribution or return facility; the
seasonality of our business; the potential impact of natural disasters or national and international security concerns on
us or the retail environment; risks related to the economic impact or the effect on the U.S. retail environment relating to
instability and con(cid:223)ict in the Middle East or elsewhere; risks relating to the regulation of the products we sell, such as
hunting ri(cid:223)es; risks associated with relying on foreign sources of production; risks relating to implementation of new
management information systems; risks relating to operational and (cid:222)nancial restrictions imposed by our senior secured
revolving credit facility; factors associated with our pursuit of strategic acquisitions; the loss of our key executives,
especially Edward W. Stack, our Chairman and Chief Executive Officer; our ability to meet our labor needs; changes in
general economic and business conditions and in the specialty retail or sporting goods industry in particular; our ability
to repay or make the cash payments under our senior convertible notes due 2024; our expansion plans at our
distribution facility; and changes in our business strategies. 

In addition, we operate in a highly competitive and rapidly changing environment; therefore, new risk factors can arise,
and it is not possible for management to predict all such risk factors, nor to assess the impact of all such risk factors 
on our business or the extent to which any individual risk factor, or combination of factors, may cause results to differ
materially from those contained in any forward-looking statement. We do not assume any obligation and do not intend
to update any forward-looking statements.

1
3

r
a
3
0

s
k
d

 
 
QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

Interest Rate Risk The Company(cid:213)s net exposure to interest rate risk will consist primarily of borrowings under the
senior secured revolving credit facility. The Company(cid:213)s senior secured revolving credit facility bears interest at rates that
are benchmarked either to U.S. short-term (cid:223)oating rate interest rates or one-month LIBOR rates, at the Company(cid:213)s
election. There were no borrowings outstanding under the senior secured revolving credit facility as of January 31, 2004
and February 1, 2003. The impact on the Company(cid:213)s annual net income of a hypothetical one percentage point interest
rate change on the average outstanding balances under the senior secured revolving credit facility would be
approximately $0.2 million based upon (cid:222)scal 2003 average borrowings. 

Credit Risk In February 2004, the Company sold $172.5 million issue price of senior unsecured convertible notes due
2024 ((cid:210)convertible notes(cid:211)). In conjunction with the issuance of these convertible notes, we also entered into a (cid:222)ve-year
convertible bond hedge and a (cid:222)ve-year separate warrant transaction with one of the initial purchasers ((cid:210)the counterparty(cid:211))
and/or certain of its affiliates. Subject to the movement in our common stock price, we could be exposed to credit risk
arising out of net settlement of the convertible bond hedge and separate warrant transaction in our favor. Based on our
review of the possible net settlements and the credit strength of the counterparty and its affiliates, we believe that we
do not have a material exposure to credit risk as a result of these share option transactions.

Impact of In(cid:223)ation  The Company does not believe that operating results have been materially affected by in(cid:223)ation
during the preceding three (cid:222)scal years. There can be no assurance, however, that operating results will not be adversely
affected by in(cid:223)ation in the future. 

Tax Matters Presently, the Company does not believe that there are any tax matters that could materially affect the
consolidated (cid:222)nancial statements. 

Seasonality and Quarterly Results The Company(cid:213)s business is subject to seasonal (cid:223)uctuations. Signi(cid:222)cant portions
of the Company(cid:213)s net sales and pro(cid:222)ts are realized during the fourth quarter of the Company(cid:213)s (cid:222)scal year, which is due,
in part, to the holiday selling season and, in part, to our sales of cold weather sporting goods and apparel. Any
decrease in (cid:222)scal fourth quarter sales, whether because of a slow holiday selling season, unseasonable weather
conditions, or otherwise, could have a material adverse effect on our business, (cid:222)nancial condition and operating results
for the entire (cid:222)scal year.

2
3

r
a
3
0

s
k
d

 
 
independent auditors(cid:213) report / management(cid:213)s responsibilities report

TO THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS AND STOCKHOLDERS OF DICK(cid:213)S SPORTING GOODS, INC.:

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Dick(cid:213)s Sporting Goods, Inc. and subsidiary as of
January 31, 2004 and February 1, 2003, and the related consolidated statements of income, comprehensive income,
changes in stockholders(cid:213) equity, and cash (cid:223)ows for each of the three (cid:222)scal years in the period ended January 31, 2004.
These consolidated (cid:222)nancial statements are the responsibility of the Company(cid:213)s management. Our responsibility is to
express an opinion on these consolidated (cid:222)nancial statements based on our audits. 

We conducted our audits in accordance with auditing standards generally accepted in the United States of America.
Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the (cid:222)nancial
statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the
amounts and disclosures in the (cid:222)nancial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used
and signi(cid:222)cant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall (cid:222)nancial statement presentation. 
We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion. 

In our opinion, such consolidated (cid:222)nancial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the (cid:222)nancial position 
of Dick(cid:213)s Sporting Goods, Inc. and subsidiary as of January 31, 2004 and February 1, 2003, and the results of their
operations and their cash (cid:223)ows for each of the three (cid:222)scal years in the period ended January 31, 2004, in conformity
with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. 

Deloitte & Touche LLP 
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 
March 10, 2004 

MANAGEMENT(cid:213)S RESPONSIBILITIES REPORT

The management of Dick(cid:213)s Sporting Goods, Inc. is responsible for the preparation and integrity of the consolidated
(cid:222)nancial statements included in this Annual Report to Shareholders. The consolidated (cid:222)nancial statements have been
prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America and include
amounts based on management(cid:213)s best estimates and judgments where necessary. Financial information included
elsewhere in this Annual Report is consistent with these (cid:222)nancial statements.

Management maintains a system of internal controls and procedures designed to provide reasonable assurance that
transactions are executed in accordance with proper authorization, transactions are properly recorded in the
Company(cid:213)s records, assets are safeguarded and accountability for assets is maintained. The system of internal control
is continually reviewed for its effectiveness and is augmented by written policies and procedures and the careful
selection and training of quali(cid:222)ed personnel. 

The consolidated financial statements were audited by our independent auditors. Their audit was conducted in
accordance with auditing standards generally accepted in the United States of America and to independently assess
the fair presentation of the Company(cid:213)s (cid:222)nancial position, results of operations and cash (cid:223)ows. Their report is shown 
on page 33.

The Audit Committee, which is composed solely of independent directors, is responsible for monitoring the Company(cid:213)s
accounting and reporting practices. The Audit Committee meets periodically with the independent auditors and
management to discuss speci(cid:222)c accounting, (cid:222)nancial reporting and internal control matters. The independent auditors
have full and free access to the Audit Committee with and without the presence of management.

Edward W. Stack
Chairman and 
Chief Executive Officer

William R. Newlin 
Executive Vice President and
Chief Administrative Officer

Michael F. Hines
Executive Vice President 
and Chief Financial Officer

3
3

r
a
3
0

s
k
d

 
 
January 31,
2004

February 1, 
2003

February 2, 
2002

$1,470,845 $1,272,584  $ 1,074,568 
810,999 

1,063,106 

935,192 

407,739 

314,885 

337,392 

262,755 

6,528 

86,326 

(3,536)

1,831 

88,031 

35,212 
52,819 $

5,553 

69,084 

2,447 

2,864 

63,773 

25,509 

263,569 

213,065 

5,144 

45,360 

—   

6,241 

39,119 

15,648 

38,264  $

23,471 

1.18  $
1.05  $

1.08  $

0.93  $

0.73 

0.66 

44,774 

50,280 

35,458 

40,958 

32,018 

35,736  

$

$

$

consolidated statements of income

Fiscal Year Ended

(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)

Net sales

Cost of goods sold, including occupancy and distribution costs
Gross pro(cid:222)t

Selling, general and administrative expenses

Pre-opening expenses
Income from operations

(Gain) on sale / loss on write-down of non-cash investment

Interest expense, net
Income before income taxes

Provision for income taxes
Net income

Earnings per common share:
(adjusted for two-for-one stock split — see Note 16)

Basic

Diluted
Weighted average common shares outstanding:
(adjusted for two-for-one stock split — see Note 16)
Basic

Diluted

See notes to consolidated (cid:222)nancial statements.

4
3

r
a
3
0

s
k
d

 
 
Fiscal Year Ended

(Dollars in thousands, except per share data) 

ASSETS

Current assets:

Cash and cash equivalents

Accounts receivable, net 

Inventories, net 

Deferred income taxes 

Prepaid expenses and other current assets 

Total current assets
Property and equipment, net

Construction in progress — leased facilities

Other assets: 

Deferred income taxes 

Investments 

Other 
Total other assets
Total assets

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS(cid:213) EQUITY

Current liabilities:

Accounts payable 
Accrued expenses 
Deferred revenue and other liabilities 
Income taxes payable 
Current portion of long-term debt and capital leases 
Total current liabilities
Long-term liabilities:

Revolving credit borrowings 
Long-term debt and capital leases 
Non-cash obligations for construction in progress — leased facilities 
Deferred revenue and other liabilities 
Total long-term liabilities

Commitments and contingencies

Stockholders(cid:213) equity:

Preferred stock, par value, $.01 per share, 

authorized shares 5,000,000; none issued and outstanding

Common stock, par value, $.01 per share, authorized 
shares 100,000,000; issued and outstanding shares 
33,052,882 and 25,134,048 at January 31, 2004 
and February 1, 2003, respectively 

Class B common stock, par value, $.01 per share, 

authorized shares 20,000,000; issued and outstanding 
shares 14,107,644 and 15,362,016 at January 31, 2004 
and February 1, 2003, respectively 

Additional paid-in capital 
Retained earnings 
Accumulated other comprehensive income 

Total stockholders(cid:213) equity
Total liabilities and stockholders(cid:213) equity

See notes to consolidated (cid:222)nancial statements.

consolidated balance sheets

January 31, 
2004

February 1,
2003

$  93,674 

$  11,120

10,417

16,400

254,360 

233,497

1,021

5,222 

364,694 

100,965

10,927

8,697

5,572

275,286

80,109

—

4,707 

7,054 

10,184 

21,945 

$ 498,531

7,512

1,950

11,378
20,840
$ 376,235

$ 118,383 

72,090 

37,037 

—

505 

228,015 

$ 125,208
59,248
22,752
12,763
213
220,184

— 

3,411 

10,927 

13,197 

27,535 

—
3,364
—
12,188
15,552

—

—

331

251

141

175,748 

63,044 

3,717

242,981 

154
129,869
10,225
—

140,499

$ 498,531 

$ 376,235

5
3

r
a
3
0

s
k
d

 
 
consolidated statements of comprehensive income

Fiscal Year Ended

(Dollars in thousands) 

Net income
Other comprehensive income:
Unrealized gain (loss) on securities 

available-for-sale, net of tax 

Reclassi(cid:222)cation adjustment for losses 

realized in net income due to the write-down
of the non-cash investment to its fair value, net of tax 

Reclassi(cid:222)cation adjustment for gains

realized in net income due to the sale
of available-for-sale securities, net of tax 

Comprehensive income

See notes to consolidated (cid:222)nancial statements.

January 31,
2004

February 1, 
2003 

February 2, 
2002 

$ 52,819

$ 38,264 

$ 23,471 

6,016

(892)

892

— 

892 

(2,299)

—   

—   

—   

$ 56,536

$ 38,264 

$ 24,363  

6
3

r
a
3
0

s
k
d

 
 
Fiscal Year Ended

(Dollars in thousands)

Cash (cid:223)ows from operating activities:

Net income 

Adjustments to reconcile net income

to net cash provided by operating activities:

Depreciation and amortization

Deferred income taxes

Tax bene(cid:222)t from exercise of stock options

Gain on sale of non-cash investment

Other non-cash items

Changes in assets and liabilities:

Accounts receivable

Inventories

Prepaid expenses and other assets

Accounts payable
Accrued expenses
Income taxes payable
Deferred revenue and other liabilities
Net cash provided by continuing operations
Net cash provided by discontinued operations
Net cash provided by operating activities
Cash (cid:223)ows used in investing activities:

Capital expenditures
Proceeds from sale-leaseback transactions
Decrease in recoverable costs from developed properties
Proceeds from sale of non-cash investment
Net cash used in investing activities
Cash (cid:223)ows from (cid:222)nancing activities:

Revolving credit (payments) borrowings, net
Borrowings (payments) on long-term debt and capital leases
Proceeds from sale of common stock in initial public offering
Proceeds from sale of common stock under employee stock purchase plan
Proceeds from exercise of stock options
Repayment of note receivable for common stock
Increase in bank overdraft

Transaction costs related to initial public offering
Net cash provided by (used in) (cid:222)nancing activities
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period

Cash and cash equivalents, end of period

Supplemental non-cash investing and (cid:222)nancing activities:

Construction in progress — leased facilities

$ 10,927

$

—

See notes to consolidated (cid:222)nancial statements.

consolidated statements of cash (cid:223)ows 

January 31,
2004

February 1,
2003

February 2,
2002

$ 52,819 

$ 38,264 

$ 23,471 

17,554 

8,476 

29,861 

(3,536)

2,067 

3,904 

(20,863)

1,549 

(19,850)

12,842 

(12,763)

14,440 

86,500 

—

86,500 

(54,350)

14,726 

2,079 

4,150 

(33,395)

— 

339 

— 

2,473 

13,429 

— 

13,025 

183 

29,449 

82,554 

11,120 

$ 93,674 

14,420 

(5,019)

662 

— 

2,447 

(1,984)

(31,912)

(8,218)

28,122 
12,236 
7,033 
5,087 
61,138 
— 
61,138 

(29,001)
6,417 
— 
— 
(22,584)

(77,073)
(211)
30,936 
4,421 
807 
6,196 
1,514 

(3,000)
(36,410)
2,144 
8,976 
$ 11,120 

12,082 

1,187 

— 

— 

— 

(6,096)

(39,044)

(1,909)

9,424 
8,680 
(4,907)
5,606 
8,494 
3,513 
12,007 

(32,219)
10,254 
— 
— 
(21,965)

21,929 
(14,715)
— 
— 
— 
— 
3,441 

— 
10,655 
697 
8,279 
8,976 

—

$

$

7
3

r
a
3
0

s
k
d

 
 
consolidated statements of changes in stockholders(cid:213) equity

Common Stock

Class B
Common Stock

Shares

Dollars

Shares

Dollars

(Dollars in thousands)

BALANCE, February 3, 2001

27,929,082 

$

Exercise of stock options and issuance of common stock

5,724,748 

—   

—   

33,653,830 

(15,362,016)

5,544,000 

866,988 

38,004 

393,242 

—   
—   
—   

25,134,048 

1,254,372 

238,906 

6,425,556 

—   

—   

—   

279 

57

—   

—   

336 

$

—

—

—   

—   

—   

—   

—   

—   

—   

—   

(154) 15,362,016 

154 

55 

9 

1 

4 

—   
—   
—   

—   

—   

—   

—   

—   
—   
—   

—   

—   

—   

—   

—   
—   
—   

251  15,362,016 

13 

(1,254,372)

154 

(13)

2 

65 

—   

—   

—   

—   

—   

—   

—   

—   

—   

—   

—   

—   

—   

33,052,882

$

331  14,107,644 

$

141 

Net income

Unrealized gain on securities available-for-sale, 

net of taxes of $480

BALANCE, February 2, 2002

Exchange of common stock for Class B common stock

Sale of common stock in initial public offering, net of 

transaction costs

Sale of common stock under stock plans

Exercise of warrants

Exercise of stock options, including tax bene(cid:222)t of $662

Net income
Repayment of note receivable
Unrealized loss on securities available-for-sale, net of taxes of $480
BALANCE, February 1, 2003

Exchange of Class B common stock for common stock
Sale of common stock under stock plans
Exercise of stock options, including tax bene(cid:222)t of $29,861
Transaction costs related to initial public offering
Net income
Unrealized gain on securities available-for-sale, 

net of taxes of $2,001

BALANCE, January 31, 2004

See notes to consolidated (cid:222)nancial statements.

8
3

r
a
3
0

s
k
d

 
 
Additional
Paid-In
Capital

$ 89,973 

6,139 

—   

—   

96,112 

—   

27,881 

4,412 

18 

1,446 

—   
—   
—   

129,869 

—   

2,471 

43,225 

183 

—   

—   

$ 175,748 

(Accumulated
De(cid:222)cit)
Retained
Earnings

$ (51,510)

—   

23,471 

—   

(28,039)

—   

—   

—   

—   

—   

38,264 

—   
—   

10,225 

—   

—   

—   

—   

52,819 

—   

$ 63,044 

Note
Receivable
for Common
Stock

$

—   

(6,196)

—   

—   

(6,196)

—   

—   

—   

—   

—   

—   

6,196 

—   
—   

—   

—   

—   

—   

—   

—   

—   

$

Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Income (Loss)

$

—   

—   

—   

892

892

—   

—   

—   

—   

—   

—   
—
(892)

—   

—   

—   

—   

—   

—   

Total

$ 38,742 

—

23,471 

892 

63,105 

—

27,936 

4,421 

19 

1,450 

38,264 
6,196 
(892)
140,499 

— 

2,473 

43,290 

183

52,819 

3,717 

$

3,717 

3,717

$ 242,981

9
3

r
a
3
0

s
k
d

 
 
notes to consolidated (cid:222)nancial statements for
the (cid:222)scal years ended 2003, 2002 and 2001

1. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES 

Operations Dick(cid:213)s Sporting Goods, Inc. (together with its subsidiary, the (cid:210)Company(cid:211)) is a specialty retailer selling
sporting goods, footwear and apparel through its 163 stores throughout the eastern half of the United States. 

Fiscal Year The Company(cid:213)s (cid:222)scal year ends on the Saturday closest to the end of January. Fiscal years 2003, 2002
and 2001 ended on January 31, 2004, February 1, 2003 and February 2, 2002, respectively. 

Principles of Consolidation The consolidated (cid:222)nancial statements include Dick(cid:213)s Sporting Goods, Inc. and its wholly
owned subsidiary. All intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. 

Use of Estimates in the Preparation of Financial Statements The preparation of (cid:222)nancial statements in conformity
with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make estimates
and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and
liabilities at the date of the (cid:222)nancial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the
reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. 

Cash and Cash Equivalents Cash and cash equivalents consist of cash on hand and all highly liquid instruments
purchased with an original maturity of three months or less.

Cash Management  The Company(cid:213)s cash management system provides for the reimbursement of all major bank
disbursement accounts on a daily basis. Accounts payable at January 31, 2004 and February 1, 2003 include
$42,319,000 and $29,294,000, respectively, of checks drawn in excess of cash balances not yet presented for payment.

Accounts Receivable Accounts receivable consists principally of amounts receivable from vendors. The allowance for
doubtful accounts totaled $1,101,000 and $1,432,000, as of January 31, 2004 and February 1, 2003, respectively. 

Inventories Inventories are stated at the lower of weighted average cost or market. Inventory cost consists of the direct
cost of merchandise including freight. Inventories are net of shrinkage, obsolescence, sales returns and other valuations
and vendor allowances totaling $18,489,000 and $16,726,000 at January 31, 2004 and February 1, 2003, respectively.

Property and Equipment Property and equipment are recorded at cost and include capitalized leases. For (cid:222)nancial
reporting purposes, depreciation and amortization are computed using the straight-line method over the following
estimated useful lives: 

Buildings 
Leasehold improvements 
Furniture, (cid:222)xtures and equipment 
Vehicles 

40 years
10 - 20 years
3 - 7 years
5 years

For property and equipment under capital lease agreements, amortization is calculated using the straight-line method
over the shorter of the estimated useful lives of the assets or the lease term. 

Decisions to close or relocate a store or facility space could result in an acceleration of depreciation over the revised
useful life. The accelerated depreciation related to stores of $2.7 million, $0.7 million and $1.2 million during (cid:222)scal 2003,
2002 and 2001, respectively, was included in cost of goods, including occupancy and distribution costs in our
Consolidated Statements of Income. The accelerated depreciation related to our corporate office relocation of 
$1.1 million and $0.9 million in (cid:222)scal 2003 and 2002, respectively, was included in selling, general and administrative
expenses included in our Consolidated Statements of Income.

Renewals and betterments are capitalized and repairs and maintenance are expensed as incurred. 

The Company periodically evaluates its long-lived assets to assess whether the carrying values have been impaired,
using the provisions of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards ((cid:210)SFAS(cid:211)) No. 144, (cid:210)Accounting for the Impairment
or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets.(cid:211) 

Investments Investments consist of shares of restricted and unrestricted, unregistered common stock. Common
stock for which restrictions lapse within one year is classi(cid:222)ed as (cid:210)available-for-sale(cid:211) in accordance with SFAS No. 115,
(cid:210)Accounting for Certain Investments in Debt and Equity Securities,(cid:211) and is carried at fair value within other assets. Fair
value at the acquisition date was based upon the publicly quoted equity price of GSI Commerce Inc. ((cid:210)GSI(cid:211)) stock, less
a discount resulting from the stock not yet being vested and the unregistered character of the stock once it does vest,
which occurs quarterly over a four-year period. This discount was based on an independent appraisal obtained by the
Company. Unrealized holding gains and losses on stock for which restrictions lapse within one year are included in
other comprehensive income and are shown as a component of stockholders(cid:213) equity as of the end of each (cid:222)scal year
(see Note 11). 

0
4

r
a
3
0

s
k
d

 
 
Deferred Revenue and Other Liabilities Deferred revenue and other liabilities is primarily comprised of gift cards,
deferred rent, which represents the difference between rent paid and the amounts expensed for operating leases,
amounts deferred relating to the investment in GSI (see Note 11) and advance payments under the terms of building
sale-leaseback agreements. 

Self-Insurance The Company is self-insured for certain losses related to health, workers(cid:213) compensation and general
liability insurance, although we maintain stop-loss coverage with third-party insurers to limit our liability exposure.
Liabilities associated with these losses are estimated in part by considering historical claims experience, industry
factors, severity factors and other actuarial assumptions.

Pre-opening Expenses Pre-opening expenses, which consist primarily of marketing, payroll and recruiting costs, 
are expensed as incurred. 

Stock Split On February 10, 2004, the Company(cid:213)s Board of Directors approved a two-for-one stock split, in the form
of a stock dividend, of the Company(cid:213)s common shares for stockholders of record on March 19, 2004. The split was
effected by issuing our stockholders of record one additional share of common stock for every share of common stock
held, and one additional share of Class B common stock for every share of Class B common stock held. The applicable
share and per-share data for all periods included herein have been restated to give effect to this stock split (see Note 16).

Earnings Per Share The computation of basic earnings per share is based on the weighted average number of shares
outstanding during the period. The computation of diluted earnings per share is based on the weighted average number
of shares outstanding plus the incremental shares that would be outstanding assuming the exercise of dilutive stock
options and warrants, calculated by applying the treasury stock method.

Stock-Based Compensation The Company accounts for stock-based compensation using the intrinsic value method
prescribed in Accounting Principles Board Opinion ((cid:210)APB(cid:211)) No. 25, (cid:210)Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees(cid:211) and
related Interpretations. Accordingly, no compensation expense has been recognized where the exercise price of the
option was equal to or greater than the market value of the underlying common stock on the date of grant. The
following table illustrates the effect on net income and earnings per share if the Company had applied the fair value
recognition provisions of SFAS No. 123, (cid:210)Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation,(cid:211) to stock-based employee
compensation (see Note 7):

Fiscal Year Ended

(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)

Net income, as reported
Deduct: Total stock-based employee

compensation expense determined under the
fair value based method for all awards, net
of related tax effects
Pro-forma net income
Earnings per share:

Basic income applicable to common shareholders — as reported
Basic income applicable to common shareholders — pro-forma

Diluted income applicable to common shareholders — as reported
Diluted income applicable to common shareholders — pro-forma

January 31,
2004

February 1,
2003

February 2,
2002

$ 52,819 

$ 38,264 

$ 23,471 

(3,908)

$ 48,911

(1,825)
$ 36,439 

(1,020)
$ 22,451 

$

$

$

$

1.18

1.09

1.05 

0.97 

$
$

$
$

1.08 
1.03 

0.93 
0.89 

$
$

$
$

0.73 
0.70 

0.66 
0.63 

The fair value of stock-based awards to employees is estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option-
pricing model with the following weighted average assumptions:

Employee Stock Options

Employee Stock Purchase Plan

2003

2002

2001

2003

2002

2001

Expected life (years)
Expected volatility
Risk-free interest rate
Expected dividend yield

Weighted average 

fair values

3 - 5 

48% - 62%

7.5 
60%
2.20% - 3.52% 3.50% - 3.51% 
—

—

0.50 

7.5 
—

0.02 - 0.50 
60%
5.20% 0.96% - 1.02% 1.23% - 1.66%
—

32% - 47%

—

—

$

10.73 

$

4.31 

$

—   

$

5.02 

$

1.67 

$

—
—
—
—

— 

1
4

r
a
3
0

s
k
d

 
 
Income Taxes The Company utilizes the asset and liability method of accounting for income taxes under the
provisions of SFAS No. 109, (cid:210)Accounting for Income Taxes,(cid:211) and provides deferred income taxes for temporary
differences between the amounts reported for assets and liabilities for (cid:222)nancial statement purposes and for income 
tax reporting purposes. 

Revenue Recognition Revenue from retail sales is recognized at the point-of-sale. Revenue from cash received for 
gift cards is deferred, and the revenue is recognized upon the redemption of the gift card. Sales are recorded net of
estimated returns. Revenue from layaway sales is recognized upon receipt of (cid:222)nal payment from the customer.

Advertising Costs Production costs of advertising and the costs to run the advertisements are expensed the (cid:222)rst time
the advertisement takes place. Advertising expense was approximately $54,445,000, $42,568,000 and $37,176,000 for
(cid:222)scal 2003, 2002, and 2001, respectively.

Vendor Allowances Vendor allowances include allowances, rebates and cooperative advertising funds received from
vendors. These funds are determined for each (cid:222)scal year and the majority are based on various quantitative contract
terms. Amounts expected to be received from vendors relating to the purchase of merchandise inventories are
recognized as a reduction of cost of goods sold as the merchandise is sold. Amounts that represent a reimbursement 
of costs incurred, such as advertising, are recorded as a reduction to the related expense in the period that the related
expense is incurred. The Company records an estimate of earned allowances based on the latest projected purchase
volumes and advertising forecasts. On an annual basis, the Company con(cid:222)rms earned allowances with vendors to
determine the amounts are recorded in accordance with the terms of the contract.

Fair Value of Financial Instruments The Company has (cid:222)nancial instruments which include long-term debt and
revolving debt. The carrying amounts of the Company(cid:213)s debt instruments approximate their fair value, estimated using
the Company(cid:213)s current incremental borrowing rates for similar types of borrowing arrangements. 

Segment Information  The Company is a specialty retailer that offers a broad range of products in its specialty retail
stores in the Eastern United States. Given the economic characteristics of the store formats, the similar nature of the
products sold, the type of customer, and method of distribution, the continuing operations of the Company are one
reportable segment. 

2. PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT

Property and equipment are recorded at cost and consist of the following as of the end of the (cid:222)scal periods:

2003

2002

(Dollars in thousands)

Buildings
Leasehold improvements
Furniture, (cid:222)xtures and equipment

Less accumulated depreciation and amortization
Net property and equipment

3. ACCRUED EXPENSES 

$

2,752

$

92,921

81,398 

177,071 

(76,106)

$ 100,965 

2,752 
71,542 
69,638 

143,932 
(63,823)
$ 80,109 

Accrued expenses consist of the following as of the end of the (cid:222)scal periods: 

(Dollars in thousands)

Accrued payroll, withholdings and bene(cid:222)ts 
Other accrued expenses 

2003

2002

$  28,338

43,752 

$  72,090 

$  25,541
33,707
$  59,248

2
4

r
a
3
0

s
k
d

 
 
4. REVOLVING CREDIT AGREEMENT 

The Company(cid:213)s senior secured revolving credit facility (the (cid:210)Credit Agreement(cid:211)), as amended, provides for (cid:222)nancing 
up to $180 million subject to a borrowing base equal to the lesser of 70% of eligible inventory or 85% of the inventory
liquidation value net of certain reserves (as de(cid:222)ned by the Credit Agreement). The Credit Agreement expires on May 30,
2006. As of January 31, 2004 and February 1, 2003, the Company(cid:213)s unused borrowing capacity under the Credit
Agreement was $154,327,000 and $143,810,000, respectively. Borrowings made pursuant to the Credit Agreement 
bear interest based upon a formula at either (a) the prime rate, or (b) the one-month London Interbank Offering Rate
((cid:210)LIBOR(cid:211)), plus the applicable margin (0% for the prime rate option or 1.25% for LIBOR as of January 31, 2004).
Borrowings are collateralized by the assets of the Company, excluding store and distribution center equipment and
(cid:222)xtures that have a net carrying value of $17,495,000 as of January 31, 2004. 

At January 31, 2004 and February 1, 2003, the prime rate was 4.00% and 4.25%, respectively, and LIBOR was 1.10%
and 1.34%, respectively. There were no borrowings outstanding at January 31, 2004 and February 1, 2003.

The Credit Agreement contains restrictive covenants including the maintenance of a certain (cid:222)xed charge coverage ratio
and prohibits payment of any dividends. 

The Credit Agreement provides for letters of credit not to exceed the lesser of (a) $50,000,000, (b) $180,000,000 less the
outstanding loan balance and (c) the borrowing base minus the outstanding loan balance. As of January 31, 2004 and
February 1, 2003, the Company had outstanding letters of credit totaling $12,851,000 and $11,033,000, respectively. 

The following table provides information about the Credit Agreement borrowings as of and for the periods: 

(Dollars in thousands)

Balance, (cid:222)scal period-end 
Average interest rate 
Maximum outstanding during the year 
Average outstanding during the year 

5. DEBT 

2003

2002

$ 

— 

2.63%

$  71,395

$  33,027 

$

—
3.12%
$ 134,285
$  83,917

Debt, exclusive of capital lease obligations, consists of the following as of the end of the (cid:222)scal periods: 

(Dollars in thousands)

Third-party:

Note payable, due in monthly installments of approximately

$3, including interest at 4%, through 2020

Related party:

Note payable to a former principal stockholder, due in monthly
installments of approximately $14, including interest at 12%,
through May 1, 2006

Total debt
Less current portion of:

Third-party
Related party
Total long-term debt

2003

2002

$

834 

$

873 

325

1,159

(41)

(134)

984 

$

$

443
1,316 

(39)
(118)
1,159 

Certain of the agreements pertaining to long-term debt contain (cid:222)nancial and other restrictive covenants, none of which
are more restrictive than those of the Credit Agreement as discussed in Note 4. 

3
4

r
a
3
0

s
k
d

 
 
Scheduled principal payments on long-term debt as of January 31, 2004 are as follows: 

Fiscal Year

(Dollars in thousands)

2004

2005

2006

2007

2008

Thereafter

6. LEASES 

$ 

175

193

84

46

48

613

$

1,159

Capital Lease Obligations The Company leases two buildings from the estate of a former stockholder, which is
related to current stockholders of the Company, under a capital lease entered into May 1, 1986 which expires in April
2021. The gross and net carrying values of assets under capital leases are approximately $3,599,000 and $1,937,000 
as of January 31, 2004 and $3,139,000 and $1,411,000 as of February 1, 2003, respectively. 

Scheduled lease payments under capital lease obligations as of January 31, 2004 are as follows: 

Fiscal Year

(Dollars in thousands)

2004
2005
2006
2007

2008
Thereafter

Less amount representing interest 
Present value of net scheduled lease payments 
Less amounts due in one year 

$ 

$

529
529
240
240

240
2,955
4,733
1,976
2,757
330
2,427

Operating Lease Agreements  The Company leases substantially all of its stores, as well as certain office facilities,
distribution centers and equipment, under noncancelable operating leases that expire at various dates through 2025.
Certain of the store lease agreements contain renewal options for additional periods of (cid:222)ve to ten years and contain
certain rent escalation clauses. The lease agreements provide primarily for the payment of minimum annual rentals,
costs of utilities, property taxes, maintenance, common areas and insurance, and in some cases contingent rent stated
as a percentage of gross sales over certain base amounts. Rent expense under these operating leases was approximately
$100,489,000, $88,183,000 and $74,918,000 for (cid:222)scal 2003, 2002 and 2001, respectively. The Company entered into
sale-leaseback transactions related to store (cid:222)xtures, buildings and equipment that resulted in cash receipts of
$14,726,000, $6,417,000, and $10,254,000 for (cid:222)scal 2003, 2002 and 2001, respectively. 

Scheduled lease payments due (including lease commitments for 23 stores not yet opened at January 31, 2004) under
noncancelable operating leases as of January 31, 2004 are as follows: 

Fiscal Year

(Dollars in thousands)

2004
2005

2006
2007
2008
Thereafter

4
4

r
a
3
0

s
k
d

$ 118,898
126,291

124,298
121,872
119,390
987,260
$1,598,009

 
 
7. STOCKHOLDERS(cid:213) EQUITY AND EMPLOYEE STOCK PLANS 

Initial Public Offering During October 2002, the Company completed an initial public offering of 16,762,640 shares 
of common stock, including the underwriters(cid:213) over-allotment, of which 5,544,000 were sold by us and 11,218,640 were
sold by certain of our stockholders. Proceeds, net of $2,817,000 in transaction costs, were $28,119,000. The net
proceeds were used to repay outstanding borrowings under our senior secured revolving credit facility.

Stock Option Plans At January 31, 2004, the aggregate number of common shares reserved for grant under the
Company(cid:213)s 2002 Stock Option Plan (the (cid:210)Plan(cid:211)) is 19,866,000 shares. The stock option activity during the (cid:222)scal years
ended is as follows: 

Outstanding, February 3, 2001

Granted

Exercised
Cancelled
Outstanding, February 2, 2002
Granted
Exercised
Cancelled
Outstanding, February 1, 2003
Granted
Exercised
Cancelled
Outstanding, January 31, 2004

Weighted
Average
Exercise
Price Per
Share

Shares
Subject to
Exercisable
Options

Weighted
Average
Exercise
Price Per 
Share

Shares Subject
to Options

17,847,144 

$

1.76  11,723,814 

$

1.55 

203,280 

(5,724,748)
(493,938)
11,831,738 
4,718,538 
(393,340)
(397,734)
15,759,202 

4,776,906 

(6,425,556)

(469,326)

$

$

2.17

1.08
2.17 
2.08 
6.70
2.05 
2.17
3.46 

23.16

2.10

3.70

—

—
—
8,014,596 
—
—
—
8,909,490 

$

$

—

—

—

—

—
—
2.03 
—
—
—
2.05

—

—

—

13,641,226 

$

10.99 

4,607,322 

$

2.58

Stock options generally vest over four years in 25% increments from the date of grant and expire 10 years from the
date of grant. As of January 31, 2004, there were 10,284,126 shares of common stock available for issuance pursuant
to future stock option grants.

Additional information regarding options outstanding as of January 31, 2004, is as follows:

Range of Exercise Prices

$1.08 - $2.17
$6.00 - $10.48
$15.29 - $22.87

$25.07 - $25.25 
$1.08 - $25.25

Options Outstanding

Options Exercisable

Weighted
Average
Remaining
Contractual
Life (Years)

5.58 
8.75 
9.70 

9.97 
8.12 

Weighted
Average
Exercise
Price

$

$

2.05 
6.69 
21.55 

25.23 
10.99 

Weighted
Average
Exercise
Price

2.04
7.77
—

—
2.58 

Shares

4,177,202 
430,120 
—

—
4,607,322 

$

$

Shares

4,337,008 
4,545,792 
2,568,072 

2,190,354 
13,641,226 

Employee Stock Purchase Plan The Company has an employee stock purchase plan which provides that eligible
employees may purchase shares of the Company(cid:213)s common stock. There are two offering periods in a (cid:222)scal year, 
one ending on June 30 and the other on December 31, or as otherwise determined by the Company(cid:213)s compensation
committee. The employee(cid:213)s purchase price is 85% of the lesser of the fair market value of the stock on the (cid:222)rst
business day or the last business day of the semi-annual offering period. Employees may purchase shares having a fair
market value of up to $25,000 for all purchases ending within the same calendar year. No compensation expense is
recorded in connection with the plan. The total number of shares issuable under the plan is 2,310,000.

There were 238,906 and 866,988 shares issued under the plan during (cid:222)scal 2003 and 2002, leaving 1,204,106 shares
available for future issuance.

5
4

r
a
3
0

s
k
d

 
 
Common Stock, Class B Common Stock and Preferred Stock  During (cid:222)scal 2002, the Company amended its
corporate charter to, among other things, provide for the authorization of the issuance of up to 100,000,000 shares 
of common stock, 20,000,000 shares of Class B common stock, and 5,000,000 shares of preferred stock. Upon
completion of the Company(cid:213)s initial public offering in (cid:222)scal 2002, the Company has two classes of common stock, the
existing common stock and a new class of Class B common stock. The holders of common stock generally have rights
identical to holders of Class B common stock, except that holders of common stock are entitled to one vote per share
and holders of Class B common stock are entitled to ten votes per share. A related party and relatives of the related
party hold all of the Class B common stock. These shares can only be held by members of this group and are not
publicly tradeable. Class B common stock can be converted to common stock at the holder(cid:213)s option.

As of January 29, 2000, the Company had 12,516,766 shares of preferred stock authorized and 9,396,612 shares issued.
All series of preferred stock were convertible into shares of common stock at the option of the holder. In preference to
Series B preferred shares, series A, C, D, E, F and G preferred stock, which were redeemable for cash at certain (cid:222)xed
dates, were entitled to cumulative annual dividends, as de(cid:222)ned. The Consolidated Balance Sheets as of January 31, 2004
and February 1, 2003 include $63,897,000 of accretion on previously outstanding redeemable preferred stock to its
redemption value through a charge to accumulated de(cid:222)cit from (cid:222)scal 1992 to (cid:222)scal 2000. Because of the redemption
feature on such series, series A, C, D, E, F and G preferred stock were not classi(cid:222)ed within stockholders(cid:213) equity.

In (cid:222)scal 2000, the preferred shareholders elected to convert all outstanding preferred shares to common stock resulting
in the conversion of 18,793,224 shares of preferred stock to 50,502,324 shares of common stock. The Company
repurchased approximately 60% of the common stock from the former preferred shareholders for cash of $44,809,000
and promissory notes totaling $13,751,000 which accrued interest at 7% annually. The Company repaid the promissory
notes on September 9, 2001. 

Note Receivable for Common Stock During (cid:222)scal 2001, stock options representing 5,724,748 shares were exercised
in exchange for a note receivable due from a related party. The note receivable was repaid during (cid:222)scal 2002.

8. INCOME TAXES 

The components of the provision for income taxes from continuing operations are as follows: 

Fiscal Year

(Dollars in thousands)

Current:

Federal
State

Deferred:

Federal 
State

Total provision

2003

2002

2001

$ 21,543 

3,696 

25,239 

$ 25,403 
4,854 
30,257 

$ 11,940 
800 
12,740 

8,731 

1,242 

9,973 

$ 35,212 

(4,319)
(429)
(4,748)
$ 25,509 

2,333 
575 
2,908 
$ 15,648

The provision for income taxes differs from the amounts computed by applying the federal statutory rate as follows for
the following periods: 

Fiscal Year

Federal statutory rate 
State tax, net of federal bene(cid:222)t 
Effective income tax rate 

2003

35.0%

5.0

40.0% 

2002

35.0% 
5.0 
40.0% 

2001

35.0%
5.0
40.0%

Components of deferred tax assets (liabilities) consist of the following as of the (cid:222)scal periods ended: 

(Dollars in thousands)

Property and equipment 
Inventories 
Other accrued expenses not currently deductible for tax purposes 
Deferred rent 
Total deferred taxes 

2003

2002 

$ 

144 
(10,251)
12,087 
3,748 
$  5,728 

$  2,932
(677)
10,520
3,434
$  16,209

6
4

r
a
3
0

s
k
d

 
 
9. EARNINGS PER COMMON SHARE 

Earnings per common share is calculated using the principles of SFAS No. 128, (cid:210)Earnings Per Share(cid:211) ((cid:210)EPS(cid:211)). The
number of incremental shares from the assumed exercise of stock options is calculated by applying the treasury stock
method. The earnings per share calculations are as follows: 

Fiscal Year 

(In thousands, except per share data)

Earnings per common share — Basic:

Net income

Weighted average common shares outstanding

Earnings per common share

Earnings per common share — Diluted:

Net income

Weighted average common shares outstanding — basic

Stock options and warrants

Weighted average common shares outstanding 

Earnings per common share

2003

2002

2001

$ 52,819 

$ 38,264 

$ 23,471 

44,774 

35,458 

32,018 

$

1.18 

$

1.08 

$

0.73 

$ 52,819

$ 38,264 

$ 23,471

44,774 

5,506 

50,280 

35,458 

5,500 

40,958 

32,018 

3,718 

35,736 

$

1.05 

$

0.93 

$

0.66 

10. DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS OF DICKSSPORTINGGOODS.COM 

During January 2001, the Board of Directors approved a plan to discontinue the operations of DSG Holdings LLC, 
also known as DicksSportingGoods.com, by ceasing its operations in April 2001. The equity interest in operations of
DicksSportingGoods.com, the operations as a wholly owned subsidiary, the operations as a component of the Company,
and the loss on disposal have been classi(cid:222)ed as (cid:210)Discontinued Operations(cid:211) in the (cid:222)scal 2000 Consolidated Statements of
Income. During (cid:222)scal 2001, the operations of DSG Holdings LLC ceased and the net assets of discontinued operations
were realized in an amount that was not materially different from that recorded as of February 3, 2001. Cash (cid:223)ows in
connection with the discontinued operations are reported separately in the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows. 

11. INVESTMENTS 

In April 2001, the Company entered into an Internet commerce agreement with GSI. Under the terms of this 10-year
agreement, GSI is responsible for all (cid:222)nancial and operational aspects of the Internet site which operates under the
domain name (cid:210)DicksSportingGoods.com,(cid:211) which name has been licensed to GSI by the Company. The Company and
GSI entered into a royalty arrangement that was subsequently converted into an equity ownership at a price that was
less than the GSI market value per share. The equity ownership consists of restricted, unregistered common stock of
GSI and warrants to purchase unregistered common stock of GSI (see Note 1). The Company recognized the difference
between the fair value of the GSI stock and its cost as deferred revenue to be amortized over the 10-year term of the
agreement. Deferred revenue at January 31, 2004 and February 1, 2003 was $3,192,000 and $3,618,000, respectively.
In total, the number of shares the Company holds represents less than 5% of GSI(cid:213)s outstanding common stock. 

The Company regularly evaluates the carrying value of its investment in GSI. During (cid:222)scal 2002, the carrying value of
GSI exceeded the fair value and the decline in fair value was deemed to be other-than-temporary. The Company wrote
down the value of the investment to its fair value, recording a non-cash charge of $2,447,000 for the other-than-
temporary reduction in fair value of GSI. 

During (cid:222)scal 2003, the Company realized a gain of $3,536,000 resulting from the sale of a portion of the Company(cid:213)s
investment in GSI. 

12. RETIREMENT SAVINGS PLAN 

The Company(cid:213)s retirement savings plan, established pursuant to Section 401(k) of the Internal Revenue Code, covers 
all employees who have completed one year of service and have attained 21 years of age. Under the terms of the
retirement savings plan, the Company provides a matching contribution equal to 50% of each participant(cid:213)s contribution
up to 10% of the participant(cid:213)s compensation, and may make a discretionary contribution. Total expense recorded under
the plan was $1,887,000, $1,201,000 and $1,272,000 for (cid:222)scal 2003, 2002 and 2001, respectively. The (cid:222)scal 2003
expense included a discretionary contribution of $594,000. 

7
4

r
a
3
0

s
k
d

 
 
13. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES 

The Company is involved in legal proceedings incidental to the normal conduct of its business. Although the outcome
of any pending legal proceedings cannot be predicted with certainty, management believes that adequate insurance
coverage is maintained and that the ultimate resolution of these matters will not have a material adverse effect on the
Company(cid:213)s liquidity, (cid:222)nancial position or results of operations. 

14. SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURE OF CASH FLOW INFORMATION 

Interest paid by the Company totaled $1,594,000, $2,686,000 and $6,136,000 for (cid:222)scal 2003, 2002 and 2001, respectively.
Income tax payments during (cid:222)scal 2003, 2002 and 2001 were $12,424,000, $22,370,000 and $14,481,000, respectively. 

During (cid:222)scal 2001, stock options representing 5,724,748 shares were exercised in exchange for a note receivable in the
amount of $6,196,000. 

During (cid:222)scal 2001, the Company and GSI entered into an Internet commerce agreement that included a royalty
arrangement that was subsequently converted into an equity ownership. The Company recognized the difference between
the fair value of the GSI stock and its cost as an additional investment and deferred revenue of $4,256,000 (see Note 11). 

15. QUARTERLY FINANCIAL INFORMATION (UNAUDITED)

Summarized quarterly (cid:222)nancial information in (cid:222)scal years 2003 and 2002 is as follows:

(Dollars in thousands, except earnings per share)

2003

Net sales
Gross pro(cid:222)t

Income from operations
Net income
Net earnings per common share — diluted

(Dollars in thousands, except earnings per share)

2002

Net sales
Gross pro(cid:222)t
Income from operations
Net income
Net earnings per common share — diluted

First
Quarter

Second
Quarter

Third
Quarter

Fourth
Quarter

$ 304,728 

$ 353,521 

$ 338,164 

$ 474,432

82,848 

11,590 

6,650 

96,548 

25,102 

15,467 

88,839 

139,504

6,035 

4,713 

43,599

25,989

$

0.14 

$

0.31 

$

0.09 

$

0.50

First
Quarter

Second
Quarter

Third
Quarter

Fourth
Quarter

$ 276,635 
70,040 
8,736 
4,729 
0.12 

$

$ 310,123 
80,352 
20,420 
11,720 
0.31 

$

$ 290,616 
72,129 
5,496 
2,754 
0.07 

$

$ 395,210
114,871
34,432
19,061
0.41

$

8
4

r
a
3
0

s
k
d

 
 
16. SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

On February 10, 2004, the Company(cid:213)s Board of Directors declared a two-for-one stock split of the Company(cid:213)s common
shares. The split will be effected by issuing one additional share of common stock for every share of common stock
held, and one additional share of Class B common stock for every share of Class B common stock held on the record
date of March 19, 2004. The applicable share and per-share data for all periods included herein have been restated to
give effect to this stock split.

On February 18, 2004, the Company completed a private offering of $172.5 million issue price of senior unsecured
convertible notes due 2024 ((cid:210)convertible notes(cid:211)) in transactions pursuant to Rule 144A under the Securities Act of 1933,
as amended. Net proceeds to the Company of $145.7 million are after the net cost of a convertible bond hedge and a
separate warrant transaction. The hedge and warrant transactions effectively increase the conversion premium
associated with the senior convertible notes during the term of these transactions from 40% to 100%, or from $39.31 
to $56.16 per share, thereby reducing the potential dilutive effect upon conversion. 

The initial offering of $155.0 million issue price of convertible notes were sold on February 11, 2004 in a private,
unregistered offering to (cid:210)quali(cid:222)ed institutional buyers,(cid:211) along with the subsequent exercise by the initial purchasers of
such offering of their option to purchase an additional $17.5 million issue price of convertible notes for a total issue
price of $172.5 million. The transactions closed on February 18, 2004. Net proceeds of $145.7 million to the Company
are net of estimated transaction costs associated with the offering of $6.1 million, and the net payment for the bond
hedge and warrant transactions described below. The convertible notes bear interest at an annual rate of 2.375% of the
issue price payable semi-annually on August 18th and February 18th of each year until February 18, 2009, with the (cid:222)rst
interest payment to be made on August 18, 2004. After February 18, 2009, the notes will not pay cash interest but the
initial principal amount of the notes will accrete daily at an original issue discount rate of 2.625%, until maturity on
February 18, 2024, when a holder will receive $1,000 per note. The convertible notes are convertible into the Company(cid:213)s
common stock (the (cid:210)common stock(cid:211)) at an initial conversion price in each of the (cid:222)rst 20 (cid:222)scal quarters following
issuance of the notes of $39.31 per share, upon the occurrence of certain events. Thereafter, the conversion price per
share of common stock increases each (cid:222)scal quarter by the accreted original issue discount for the quarter. Upon
conversion of a note, unless the Company is in default, the Company is obligated to pay cash in lieu of issuing some or
all of the shares of common stock, in an amount up to the accreted principal amount of the note, and whether any
shares of common stock are issuable in addition to this cash payment would depend upon the then market price of the
Company(cid:213)s common stock. The convertible notes will mature on February 18, 2024, unless earlier converted or repurchased.
The Company may redeem the notes at any time on or after February 18, 2009, at its option, at a redemption price equal to
the sum of the issue price, accrued original discount and any accrued cash interest, if any. The total face amount of the
convertible notes was $255.1 million prior to the original discount of $82.6 million.

Concurrently with the sale of the convertible notes, the Company purchased a bond hedge designed to mitigate the
potential dilution from the conversion of the convertible notes. Under the (cid:222)ve year terms of the bond hedge, one of the
initial purchasers ((cid:210)the counterparty(cid:211)) will deliver to the Company upon a conversion of the bonds a number of shares of
common stock based on the extent to which the then market price exceeds $39.31 per share. The aggregate number 
of shares that the Company could be obligated to issue upon conversion of the convertible notes is 4,388,024 shares. 

The cost of the purchased bond hedge was partially offset by the sale of warrants (the (cid:210)warrants(cid:211)) to acquire up to
8,775,948 shares of the common stock to the counterparty with whom the Company entered into the bond hedge. The
warrants are exercisable in year (cid:222)ve at a price of $56.16 per share. The warrants may be settled at the Company(cid:213)s
option through a net share settlement or a net cash settlement, either of which would be based on the extent to which
the then market price exceeds $56.16 per share. 

The net effect of the purchased bond hedge and the warrants is to either reduce the potential dilution from the
conversion of the convertible notes if the Company elects a net share settlement or to increase the net cash proceeds
of the offering if a net cash settlement is elected if the convertible notes are converted at a time when the market price
of the common stock exceeds $39.31 per share. There would be dilution from the conversion of the convertible note to
the extent that the then market price per share of the common stock exceeds $56.16 at the time of conversion.

9
4

r
a
3
0

s
k
d

 
 
REGULATION G RECONCILIATIONS

This Annual Report to Stockholders contains certain non-GAAP (cid:222)nancial information. The following tables set forth
reconciliations of that non-GAAP (cid:222)nancial information to the most directly comparable GAAP information for the stated
periods. This non-GAAP (cid:222)nancial information includes EBITDA and ROIC.

EBITDA means earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization, and should not be considered as an
alternative to net income or any other generally accepted accounting principles measure of performance or liquidity.
EBITDA, as we have de(cid:222)ned it, may not be comparable to similarly titled measures reported by other companies.
EBITDA is a key metric used by the Company that provides a measurement of pro(cid:222)tability that eliminates the effect 
of changes resulting from (cid:222)nancing decisions, tax regulations, and capital investments.

ROIC means return on invested capital. ROIC is expressed as a percentage which is calculated as follows: net income
plus adjustments divided by average total capital for the stated periods. Average total capital includes stockholders(cid:213)
equity, plus debt and capital leases plus capitalized operating leases (operating lease rent expense multiplied by 
a factor of 8). ROIC, as we have de(cid:222)ned it, may not be comparable to similarly titled measures reported by other
companies. ROIC is a key metric used by the Company in evaluating the efficiency of its use of capital including 
debt and lease commitments.

EBITDA

(Dollars in thousands)

Net income
Provision for income taxes
Interest expense, net
Depreciation and amortization
EBITDA

2003

2002

2001

$ 52,819 

35,212

1,831

17,554

$ 107,416 

$ 38,264 
25,509
2,864
14,420
$ 81,057 

$ 23,471 
15,648 
6,241 
12,082 
$ 57,442 

Pro-Forma Net Income and Earnings Per Share   The Company believes the use of pro-forma results for prior
periods provides a more meaningful comparison to the current period results due to the signi(cid:222)cant increase in share
count since October 15, 2002 when the Company completed its initial public offering, and the related reduction in
interest expense due to the application of the net proceeds thereof. The reconciliations of the pro-forma (cid:222)nancial
information to the most directly comparable GAAP (cid:222)nancial information is presented below:

(Dollars in millions, except per share data)

Net income
Interest expense reduction (after tax)
Pro-forma net income
Diluted shares
Public offering adjustment

Pro-forma diluted shares
Pro-forma diluted earnings per share

2003

2002

$

$

$

38.3 

0.3

38.6

41.0

4.0

45.0

0.86 

$

$

$

23.5 
0.8 
24.3 
35.7 
7.8 

43.5 
0.56 

0
5

r
a
3
0

s
k
d

 
 
Return On Invested Capital (ROIC)

(Dollars in thousands)

Net income

Discontinued operations

Non-recurring charge

(Gain) on sale / loss on write-down of 

non-cash investment, after tax

Adjusted net income

Net income for ROIC calculation

Interest expense, net, after tax

Rent expense, net, after tax

Net income for ROIC after 
adjustments (numerator)

2003

2002

2001

2000

1999

1998

$

52,819

$ 38,264 

$ 23,471 

$

8,643 

$ 11,177 

$

6,325 

—   

—   

—   

—   

(2,122)

50,697 

50,697 

1,099 

60,294

1,468 

39,732 

39,732 

1,718 

52,910 

—   

—   

—   

7,304 

3,514 

—   

—   

—   

—   

23,471 

23,471 

3,745 

44,951 

15,947 

15,947 

4,178 

37,029 

14,691 

14,691 

2,112 

28,878 

1,016 

1,643 

—

8,984 

8,984 

2,897 

22,349 

$ 112,090 

$ 94,360 

$ 72,167 

$ 57,154 

$ 45,681 

$ 34,230 

Total stockholders(cid:213) equity

$ 242,981

$ 140,499 

$ 63,105 

$ 38,742 

$ (62,814)

$ (59,587)

Total mandatorily redeemable 

preferred stock

Total stockholders(cid:213) equity for 

ROIC calculation

—

—   

—   

—   

152,170 

137,766 

242,981

140,499

63,105 

38,742 

89,356 

78,179 

Total debt

3,916

3,577 

80,861 

73,647 

14,931 

28,131 

Operating leases capitalized at 8x 

annual rent expense

Total debt and operating leases  

803,912

705,464 

599,344 

493,720 

385,040 

298,152 

capitalized at 8x annual rent expense

807,828 

709,041 

680,205 

567,367 

399,971 

326,283 

Total capital (total stockholders(cid:213) equity + 

total debt and operating leases 
capitalized at 8x annual rent expense)

Average total capital (denominator)1
ROIC

ROIC using GAAP amounts2

1,050,809 

$ 950,175 

11.8%

12.0%

849,540 
$ 796,425 
11.8%
11.7%

743,310 
$ 674,710 
10.7%
10.7%

606,109 
$ 547,718 
10.4%
10.6%

489,327 
$ 446,895 
10.2%
14.0%

404,462 
$ 402,668 
8.5%
11.7%

1 Average total capital is calculated as the sum of the current and prior year-ending total capital divided by two.

2 ROIC using GAAP amounts was derived as the quotient of net income for ROIC not adjusted (numerator) and average total capital not

adjusted for the mandatorily redeemable preferred stock (denominator).

The after-tax amounts were calculated using a 40% effective tax rate.

1
5

r
a
3
0

s
k
d

 
 
corporate and stockholder information

CORPORATE OFFICE

DIVIDEND POLICY

We have never declared or paid any cash dividends
on our common stock and do not anticipate paying
any cash dividends in the foreseeable future. 
Our current senior secured revolving credit facility
prohibits payment of any dividends. 

NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES

For any non-GAAP (cid:222)nancial measures used in this
report, see page 50 for a presentation of the most
directly comparable GAAP (cid:222)nancial measure 
and a quantitative reconciliation to that GAAP
(cid:222)nancial measure.

ANNUAL MEETING

June 2nd at 1:30 p.m.
Wyndham Hotel
777 Aten Road
Coraopolis, PA

FORM 10-K

A Form 10-K is available without charge online 
at www.dickssportinggoods.com/investors, e-mail 
at investors@dcsg.com or through www.sec.gov.

It is also available upon request to:

Investor Relations
200 Industry Drive
RIDC Park West
Pittsburgh, PA  15275
412-809-0100

200 Industry Drive
RIDC Park West
Pittsburgh, PA  15275
412-809-0100

THE DICK(cid:213)S SPORTING GOODS WEBSITE

www.dickssportinggoods.com 

TRANSFER AGENT AND REGISTRAR

Wachovia Bank, National Association
Equity Services Group NC  1153
1525 West W.T. Harris Blvd., 3C3
Charlotte, NC 28288-1153

INDEPENDENT AUDITORS

Deloitte & Touche LLP
2500 One PPG Place
Pittsburgh, PA  15222

COMMON STOCK

The shares of Dick(cid:213)s Sporting Goods, Inc. common
stock are listed and traded on the New York Stock
Exchange (NYSE), under the symbol (cid:210)DKS.(cid:211) The
shares of the Company(cid:213)s Class B common stock 
are neither listed nor traded on any stock exchange
or other market. 

The number of holders of record of shares of 
the Company(cid:213)s common stock and Class B 
common stock as of April 12, 2004 was 120 
and 11, respectively.

QUARTERLY STOCK PRICE RANGE

Set forth below, for the applicable periods indicated,
are the high and low closing sales prices per share 
of the Company(cid:213)s common stock as reported by 
the NYSE.

Fiscal Quarter Ended

May 3, 2003

August 2, 2003

High

Low

$ 15.10

$ 8.65

$ 19.88 

$ 13.62

November 1, 2003

$ 23.85

$ 17.17

January 31, 2004

$ 26.50 

$ 22.12

Note: The closing prices have been adjusted for the two-
for-one stock split in the form of a stock dividend, which
became effective April 5, 2004.

2
5

r
a
3
0

s
k
d

 
 
BOARD OF DIRECTORS

(from left to right)

Edward W. Stack
Director since 1984
Chairman and 
Chief Executive Officer
Dick(cid:213)s Sporting Goods, Inc.

William J. Colombo
Director since 2002
President and 
Chief Operating Officer
Dick(cid:213)s Sporting Goods, Inc.

David I. Fuente
Director since 1993
Previous Chairman of the Board 
and Chief Executive Officer
Office Depot, Inc.

Steven E. Lebow
Director since 1999
Managing Partner 
and Co-founder
GRP Partners

Walter Rossi
Director since 1993
Previous Chairman of the Retail Group 
at Phillips-Van Heusen Corporation 
and Chairman and Chief Executive 
Officer of Mervyn(cid:213)s

Lawrence J. Schorr
Director since 1985
Chief Executive Officer
Empire Plastics, Inc. 
and Co-Managing Partner 
of Levene, Gouldin & Thompson, LLP

Emanuel Chirico
Director since 2003
Executive Vice President 
and Chief Financial Officer
Phillips-Van Heusen Corporation

CORPORATE OFFICERS

Edward W. Stack
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer 

William J. Colombo
President and Chief Operating Officer

William R. Newlin
Executive Vice President 
and Chief Administrative Officer

Michael F. Hines
Executive Vice President 
and Chief Financial Officer

Bill Dandy
Senior Vice President 
and Chief Marketing Officer

Eileen Gabriel
Senior Vice President 
and Chief Information Officer

Jeffrey R. Hennion
Senior Vice President
Strategic Planning

Jerel Hollens
Senior Vice President
Supply Chain

Joseph J. Queri, Jr. 
Senior Vice President
Real Estate

Gary M. Sterling
Senior Vice President
Merchandising

Lee Belitsky
Vice President
Controller and Treasurer

Joseph H. Schmidt
Vice President
Store Operations

.
c
n

I

,
s
e
t
a
i
c
o
s
s
A

n
g

i
s
e
D

i

h
a
r
z
i
M
n
g

i

s
e
D

 
 
 
Dick(cid:213)s Sporting Goods, Inc. 200 Industry Drive, RIDC Park West, Pittsburgh, PA  15275  412.809.0100  www.dickssportinggoods.com