UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

Form10-K

Annual Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

For the fiscal year ended February 3, 20182, 2019

Commission file number0-20052

STEIN MART, INC.

(Name of issuer in its charter)

(904)346-1500

(Issuer’s telephone number, including area code)

Securities registered under Section 12(b) of the Act:

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:

None

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act. Yes    ☐    No☒

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act. Yes    ☐    No  ☒

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

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of RegulationS-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files). Yes   ☒    No☐

Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of RegulationS-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of registrant’s knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form10-K or any amendment to this Form10-K.     ☐

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, anon-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

Emerging growth company☐

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act.  ☐

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule12b-2 of the Exchange Act).    Yes  ☐    No  ☒

The aggregate market value of the voting common stock heldby non-affiliates of the Registrant as of July 29, 2017,August 4, 2018, was $43,627,055.$70,509,246. For purposes of this response, executive officers and directors are deemed to be affiliates of the registrant and the holdingsby non-affiliates were computed as 30,941,17431,477,342 shares. On April 30, 2018,March 25, 2019, the Registrant had issued and outstanding an aggregate of 47,911,92247,836,904 shares of its common stock.

Documents Incorporated Byby Reference

Portions of the Registrant’s Proxy Statement for its 20182019 Annual Meeting of Shareholders are incorporated by reference in Part III.

STEIN MART, INC.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

This Annual Report on Form10-K contains forward-looking statements intended to qualify for the safe harbor from liability established by the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such forward-looking statements are subject to certain risks, uncertainties or assumptions and may be affected by certain factors, including but not limited to the specific factors discussed in Part I, Item 1A under “Risk Factors” and Item 3 under “Legal Proceedings,” in Part II, Item 5 under “Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities,” and Part II, Item 7 under “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” and Item 8 under “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.” Wherever used, the words “plan,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “believe,” “estimate” and similar expressions identify forward-looking statements. Should one or more of these risks, uncertainties or other factors materialize, or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, our actual results, performance or achievements may vary materially from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements.

Forward-looking statements are based on beliefs and assumptions of our management and on information currently available to such management concerning future developments and their potential effects upon Stein Mart, Inc. and our subsidiaries. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made, and we undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise our forward-looking statements in light ofconsidering new information, future events or otherwise. Undue reliance should not be placed on such forward-looking statements, which are based on current expectations. Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance.

PART I

ITEM 1. BUSINESS

OVERVIEW

Headquartered in Jacksonville, Florida, Stein Mart, Inc. is a nationalspecialty off-price retailer offering designer and name-brand fashion apparel, home décor, accessories and shoes at everyday discount prices. Stein Mart provides real value that customers love every day both in stores and online. For more information, please visit www.steinmart.com. Begun in the early 1900’s1900s as a single store in Greenville, Mississippi, Stein Mart, Inc. was organized in Mississippi in 1968 before merging into a Florida corporation in 1992. Stein Mart, Inc. operated 293287 stores in 3130 states and ane-commerce Ecommerce retail selling site as of February 3, 2018.2, 2019.

As used herein, the terms “we,” “our,” “us” and “Stein Mart” refer to Stein Mart, Inc., a Florida corporation, and its wholly-owned subsidiaries.

KEY STRATEGIC OBJECTIVES

Our mission is to provide current season, first-quality fashion apparel, shoes, accessories and home décor merchandise at prices comparable tooff-price retail chains in a convenient, attractive andeasy-to-shop location. We believe our success and future growth will depend on the consistent execution of the following:

TARGET CUSTOMER

Our target customer is a woman who is both style conscious and value seeking. She is typically married and college educated. She may be multi-cultural, works at least part-time in a professional position and has above-average household income.

MERCHANDISING, PURCHASING AND PRICING

Our fashion assortment is driven primarily by seasonal fashion trends and a focus on name brand and designer merchandise complemented by a select program of private label and proprietary/exclusive merchandise. During 2017,2018, approximately nineseven percent of our sales were from private label or proprietary/exclusive merchandise.

Our merchants purchase products from approximately 1,1001,000 vendors. One of our vendors accounted for approximately seveneight percent of our total purchases during 2017.2018. We buy a majority of our merchandise at the same time and from many of the same manufacturers as traditional department/specialty stores, however we generally do not require the same level of front andback-end vendor concessions, such as advertising allowances, return privileges and markdown allowances, which are common and significant in the department store industry. As a result, we believe that our buyers are able tocan negotiate more favorable upfront pricing terms from our vendors. We also purchase merchandise opportunistically when we believe a combination of the product and the price makes it a compelling addition to our assortment. In both instances, we pass our savings on to our customers through everyday low pricing targeted to be competitive withoff-price retail chains.

Our shoe department and vintage luxury handbag inventory is exclusively supplied and owned by DSW, Inc. or (“DSW”). and LXRandCo, Inc. (“LXR”), respectively. DSW’s and LXR’s buyers determine each season’s fashion footwear assortment. We operateand handbag

assortment, respectively. Our commissions from the shoe department and receive a percentagesales of net revenue in accordance with a supply agreement. Commissions from this leased departmentthese licensed departments are included in Netnet sales reported inon our Consolidated Statements of Operations.

The following table sets forth the percentage of our sales by major merchandise category, including shoe department sales, for the fiscal years indicated:

LOCATIONS AND STORE APPEARANCE

On February 3, 2018,2, 2019, we operated 293287 stores in 3130 states and ane-commerce Ecommerce retail selling site. Our stores are located in the Northeast, Midwest, Southeast, Texas and the Southwest. We are most fully concentrated in the Southeast and Texas where 191185 of our stores are located. Most locations are in neighborhood,neighborhoods, community and regional shopping centers frequented by a more affluent customer. Our optimalco-tenants within these shopping centers cater to a similar target customer and include highly-frequented retail formats such as other apparel retailers,higher-end grocers and restaurants. All Stein Mart locations, including the corporate headquarters and distribution centers, are leased.

We selectively seek additional store locations that strengthen our portfolio in current as well as new markets. We utilize regional tenant representative brokers to help us identify potential sites for new or relocated stores. New and relocated store decisions are supported by independent sales forecasts, and are approved by a real estate committee made up of senior-level executives. We are not planning to open any new stores in fiscal 2019.

Our typical new store is approximately 32,00034,000 gross square feet. They have a racetrack design, conveniently centralizedcheck-out and individual dressing rooms. We display merchandise in lifestyle groupings of apparel and accessories, which we believe enables our customers to locate desired merchandise in a manner that encourages multiple purchases. We seek to create excitement in our stores through the continual flow of fashion merchandise, targeted sales promotions, store layout, merchandise presentation and the quality, value and depth of our merchandise assortment.

E-COMMERCEECOMMERCE

We sell merchandise offerings on our website atwww.steinmart.com. The website allows customers to make online purchases of many of the same products offered in our stores along with some exclusive online products. The website also provides information for customers regarding store locations, brands, products and selected sales promotion activity. Visitors to our website may apply for our credit card, sign up to be Preferred Customers, sign up for email notifications and purchase gift cards.E-commerce Ecommerce sales amounted to approximately 2.9 percent, 2.15.3 percent and 1.72.9 percent of our total sales in 2017, 20162018 and 2015,2017, respectively. Oure-commerce Ecommerce software and warehouse distribution are managed by two third-party providers and, in some cases, our vendors ship directly to customers on our behalf.

CUSTOMER SERVICE

Our stores offer many services typically found in better department or specialty stores, such as merchandise locator services, a Preferred Customer program,Program,co-branded and private label credit card programs and electronic gift cards. Each store is staffed with a number of sales associates to provideon-demand customer service.

MARKETING

Our marketing efforts are focused on deepeningdriving brand awareness, communicating our relationship with our bestvalue proposition and driving traffic for periodic short-duration events. We target existing customers in order to increase our share of her spending as well as seeking new customers.customers with these efforts. We engage in periodic market research, including customer surveys, to identify how best to reach each of these audiences and, in consultation with our outside advertising, media planning and direct-marketing agencies, we adjust our marketing focus accordingly.

Our advertising communicates brand-name fashion at a value price. We utilize a combination of full-coloruse television, direct mail, email and some newspaper inserts direct mail, newspaper run of press advertising and email to distributecommunicate our sales promotion messages.short-duration sale events. To reach a

broader audience, increase brand awareness and drive promotional events, we use both television, digital video and radio advertising. We utilize digital media, primarily paid search, paid social, affiliate marketing and display

advertising to increase brand awareness and drive traffic to oure-commerce Ecommerce site. We also use social networking sites, including Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and various blogs.

Our Preferred Customer Card Program is an important marketing tool. Preferred Customer Card Program customersCustomers receive direct mail promoting key events, members-only shopping days, birthday discounts and special email announcements. This program provides useful database information regarding customer preferences, habits and advertising receptivity. All Stein Mart Credit Card holders are members of our Preferred Customer Card Program.

STEIN MART CREDIT CARDS

Stein Mart has bothco-branded MasterCard and Private Label Credit Cards (together “Stein Mart Credit Cards”) available for our customers based on credit approvals. These cards are issued by our business partner, Synchrony Financial (“Synchrony”), who bears all credit risk associated with the cards. Synchrony provides us certain direct financial benefits based on sales on the cards and other factors.

As mentioned above, Stein Mart Credit Card holders receive advance notice of sales events and special promotional offers including Extra Savings Events which occur periodically throughout the year and provide incremental savings on purchases made with the Stein Mart Credit Card during these events. Stein Mart Credit Card holders also participate in the credit card rewards program, which provides for an incentive in the form of reward certificates based on their cumulative points earned for purchases made on the Stein Mart Credit Cards.

We launched a new program in the third quarter of fiscal 2017 with improved benefits built around our new EliteOur Stein Mart Credit Cards, whichCard programs are given to our customers who charge more than $500 on their Stein Mart Credit Cards in a year. Under the new program, all Stein Mart Credit Cards now receive points and Elite card holders will receive double points on all purchases, which accumulate until a reward certificate is earned. Elite card holders also receive free shipping on purchases made atwww.steinmart.com.

The program is designed to increase customer loyalty and sales as studies have shown that store-branded card holders spend 35 percent more thannon-card holders. We also believe that the enhanced program will continue to grow our Stein Mart Credit Card penetration will continue to grow, which gives us improved economics.

COMPETITION

We operate in an intensely competitive retail industry. Our primary competitors for both our stores ande-commerce Ecommerce are department and specialty stores, as well as conventionaloff-price retail chains. From our customer’s perspective, we believe that we differentiate ourselves from department and specialty stores with our (i) lower initial pricing, (ii) convenient locations in shopping centers and (iii) assortments that are more selective than department stores and more varied than specialty stores. We also believe that we differentiate ourselves from typicaloff-price retail chains by offering (i) primarily current season first-quality merchandise carried by better department or specialty stores, (ii) a stronger merchandising “statement,” consistently offering more depth of color and size in individual stock-keeping units, (iii) merchandise presentation and customer service more comparable to upscale retailers and (iv) competitive price levels.

DISTRIBUTION

Our logistics network consists of consolidation centers (“CCs”) located in the Atlanta, Los Angeles and New Jersey areas, and store distribution centers (“SDCs”) located in the Atlanta, Dallas and Los Angeles areas. Approximately 55 percent of the vendor shipments are aggregated at the CCs and then shipped to the SDCs with the remaining 45 percent moving directly from vendors to SDCs. The SDCs receive, check and prepare the merchandise to ensure it is floor ready for our stores. The SDCs are automated and virtually all of our vendors are electronic data interchange (“EDI”) capable so we are able to cross-dock a high percentage of our receipts. Store deliveries are made by contract carriers once or twice a week, depending on location, store volume and store volume.the time of year. The New Jersey CC is the only facility managed by a third-party logistics provider.

EMPLOYEES

As of February 3, 2018,2, 2019, our workforce consisted of approximately 10,2009,500 employees (equivalent to 5,4005,05040-hour employees). Each of our stores employs an average of 3331 persons. The number of employees fluctuates during the year based on the particular selling season. We have no employees subject to collective bargaining agreements. We believe that our relations with our employees are generally good.

SEASONALITY

Our business is seasonal in nature. Sales and profitability are historically higher in the first and fourth quarters of the fiscal year, which include the spring and holiday seasons.

TRADEMARKS

We own the federally registered trademark Stein Mart^®, together with a number of other marks used in conjunction with our private label merchandise program. We believe that our trademarks are important, but, with the exception of Stein Mart®Mart^®, not critical to our merchandising strategy.

AVAILABLE INFORMATION

The United States Securities Commission (the “Commission”) maintains an internet site that contains reports, proxy and information statements, and other information regarding issuers that file electronically with the Commission athttp://www.sec.gov. Copies of our Annual Reports on Form10-K, Proxy Statements, Quarterly Reports on Form10-Q, Current Reports on Form8-K and any amendments to those filings are available, free of charge, on our investor relations website athttp://ir.steinmart.com (click on “SEC Filings”). Also available free of charge on the investor relations website are the Charters for the Audit Committee, Compensation Committee and Corporate Governance Committee, as well as the Code of Conduct, Corporate Governance Guidelines, Bylaws and the Conflict Minerals Policy (click on “Charters & Documents”). Paper copies of these items are available free of charge upon written request to Stein Mart, Inc., 1200 Riverplace Boulevard, Jacksonville, FL 32207, Attention: Investor Relations.

ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS

Our results of operations and financial condition can be adversely affected by numerous risks and uncertainties. In evaluating us, the risks and uncertainties described below and the matters described in “Forward-Looking Statements” should be considered carefully. Should any of these risks actually materialize, our business, financial condition and future prospects could be adversely affected.

Our sales and operating results are affected by consumer sensitivity to economic conditions and world events.

The retail apparel business is dependent upon consumer spending and, as a fashion retailer, we rely on the expenditure of discretionary income for most, if not all, of our sales. Economic factors impactingaffecting consumer confidence and levels of consumer spending include levels of employment, the housing market, the stock market, prevailing interest rates, tax policies, personal bankruptcies, energy costs and availability and cost of credit. Consumer confidence is also affected by both domestic and international events. Deterioration in the level of consumer spending could have a material adverse effect on our profitability and results of operations.

We face intense competition in the retail industry.

We face intense competition for customers from department stores, specialty stores, regional and nationaloff-price retail chains and internet and mail-order retailers. Many of these competitors are larger and have significantly greater financial and marketing resources than we do. In addition, many department stores and other competitors have become more promotional and have reduced their price points. Certain department stores and certain of our vendors have opened outlet stores which offer merchandise at prices that are competitive with ours. Many of our competitors have significante-commerce Ecommerce sales. While we maintain an internet site, oure-commerce Ecommerce sales comprised approximately 2.95.3 percent of our total sales in 2017.2018. If we fail to successfully compete, our profitability and results of operations could be adversely affected.

Unanticipated changes in fashion trends and changing consumer preferences may adversely affect our sales.

Our success depends in part upon our ability to anticipate and respond to changing consumer preferences and fashion trends in a timely manner. Although we attempt to stay abreast of the fashion tastes of our customers and provide merchandise that satisfies customer demand, fashion trends can change rapidly and we may not accurately anticipate shifts in fashion trends and adjust our merchandise mix to appeal to changing consumer tastes in a timely manner. If we misjudge the market for our products or are unsuccessful in responding to changes in fashion trends or in market demand, we could experience insufficient inventory levels and missed opportunities, or excess inventory levels and higher markdowns, either of which could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations. We may also lose customers and market share to those of our competitors who are able to better anticipate, identify and respond to such fashion trends and market demands. Because our success depends on our brand image, our business could be materially adversely affected if new product offerings are not accepted by our customers to the same extent as past product offerings.

Our ability to sustain profitable growth is subject to our successfully implementing strategic plans.plans

The success of our strategic plans is also dependent on the skills, experience and efforts of our management and other associates and our success with third parties. The loss of key management personnel could also negatively impacteffect the execution of our business strategy. Additional changes may be required if we are unable to successfully implement our plans or if we adopt new strategies for the future. There is no assurance that we will be able to successfully implement these strategic

initiatives or that the implementation of changes will result in the benefits or costs savings at the levels that we anticipate or at all, which may result in an adverse impacteffect on our businessprofitability and financial results.results of operations.

Our advertising, marketing and promotional strategies may be ineffective.

Our profitability and results of operations may be materially affected by the effectiveness and efficiency of our marketing expenditures and our ability to select the right markets and media in which to advertise. In particular, we may not be successful in our efforts to create greater awareness of our stores and promotions, identify the most effective and efficient level of spending in each market and specific media vehicle or determine the appropriate creative message and media mix for our advertising, marketing and promotional expenditures. Our planned marketing expenditures may not result in increased revenues.

We may be unable to raise additional capital, if needed, or to raise capital on favorable terms.

If our existing cash, cash generated from operations, proceeds from our term loan and funds available under our revolving credit agreement were insufficient to fund our future operations, including capital expenditures, or repay debt when it becomes due, we may need to raise additional funds through public or private equity or debt financing. If unfavorable capital or credit market conditions exist if and when we were to seek additional financing, we may not be able to raise sufficient capital on favorable terms or on a timely basis, if at all. Failure to obtain capital on acceptable terms when required could have a material adverse effect on our business including an inability to fund new growth and other capital expenditures.

We may be unable to negotiate acceptable lease terms with current and potential landlords.

Our growth and success depend in part on our ability to renew and enter into new leases for successful stores. There is no assurance that we will be able tore-negotiate leases at similar or satisfactory terms at the end of the lease, and we could be forced to move or exit trade areas if another favorable arrangement cannot be made. There is also no assurance that we will be able to negotiate satisfactory terms on new or replacement stores, which could have a materialan adverse effect on our business, financial conditionprofitability and results of operations.

Underperforming stores can result in charges and expenses.expenses

If individual stores underperform to the point that their future estimated cash flows will not cover ourun-depreciated fixed asset investment, we take an impairment charge. We also close certain underperforming stores, generally based on the lack of store profitability. Such closures subject us to costs, including lease termination payments and the write-down of leasehold improvements, equipment, furniture, fixtures and inventory. For early terminations, we may incur charges for asset write-downs and remain liable for future lease obligations, which could adversely affecthave an adverse effect on our profitability and results of operations.

Because of our focus on keeping our inventory at the forefront of fashion trends, extreme and/or unseasonable weather conditions could force us to have higher inventory markdowns. or result in lost revenue

Our business is susceptible to unseasonable weather conditions. For example, extended periods of unseasonably warm temperatures during the fall season or cool weather during the spring season could render a portion of our inventory incompatible with those unseasonable conditions. Prolonged unseasonable weather conditions could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations. In addition, extreme weather conditions over a prolonged period might make it difficult for our customers to travel to our stores, which could have a materialan adverse effect on our business, financial conditionprofitability and results of operations.

Extreme weather can also disrupt our operations and result in store closures, loss of inventory and property damage. Certain regions of the country where our stores are located, such as California and the southeastern United States, experience extreme weather patterns such as hurricanes, tornadoes, wildfires and flooding. While we maintain insurance that allows us to recover some losses from extreme weather events, extreme weather may have a negative effect on our our profitability and results of operations.

We are dependant on our Key Vendors and Factors for credit to acquire merchandise

Our business is dependent upon our ability to purchase merchandise at competitive terms through relationships with our vendors and their factors, as applicable. A significant change in vendor and factor support could limit our ability to acquire desired merchandise at competitive prices or payment terms. Additionally, if we experience declining operating performance or liquidity challenges, vendors and their factors may seek protection againstnon-payment, such as accelerated payment terms or letters of credit. This could have an adverse effect on our profitability and results of operations.

A lack of adequate sources of merchandise at acceptable prices may adversely affect our sales.

Our business is dependent to a significant degree upon our ability to purchase fashion and brand name merchandise and to do so at acceptable wholesale prices. We continuously seek out buying opportunities and compete for these opportunities with other retailers. In the event of a further decrease in retail sales and the resulting pressure on manufacturers, the opportunities to purchase merchandise could become limited by the consolidation or demise of merchandise vendors. Our ability to obtain merchandise may also dependdepends on manufacturers’ ability to obtain vendor financing through banks and factoring companies. To the extent they are unable to secure sufficient credit, they may not be able to sell to us at acceptable terms. Although we do not depend on any single vendor or group of vendors and believe we can successfully compete in seeking out new vendors, the loss of key vendors could make it difficult for us to acquire sufficient quantities and an appropriate mix of merchandise, and to do so at acceptable prices which could have a materialan adverse effect on our profitability and results of operations.

Increases in the price of merchandise could increase our costs which could negatively impacteffect our margins.

The raw materials used to manufacture our goods are subject to availability constraints and price volatility caused by high demand for fabrics, supply conditions, government regulations, trade restrictions tariffs and other unpredictable factors. Our procurement of goods and services is subject to the effects of price increases which we may or may not be able to pass through to our customers. Additionally, procurement of our merchandise is subject to increases in demand for, or the price

of, raw materials, services and labor. All of these factors may affect our ability to access suitable merchandise on acceptable terms, are beyond our control and could negatively impacthave an adverse effect on our profitability and results of operations.

We are dependent on certain key personnel and our ability to attract and retain qualified employees and increases in the cost of employee compensation and benefits could impacteffect our financial results and cash flows.

Our business is dependent on attracting and retaining quality employees. Many of our employees are in entry-level or part-time positions with historically high rates of turnover. We also face challenges in recruiting and retaining talent in other areas, including management, accountingmerchandising and information technology for reasons such as talent availability in our geographic areas and otherwise. Our ability to meet our labor needs while controlling our labor costs, including hourly wages and costs of providing retirement, health and other employee benefits, and hiring and training new employees is subject to external factors such as unemployment levels, prevailing wage rates, minimum wage legislation, changing demographics, health and other insurance costs, including health care legislation. Departures of key personnel could be viewed in a negative light by investors or analysts, which could cause a decline in the price of our common stock. In addition, the increased costs associated with hiring and training new employees could affect our results of operations.

The seasonality of our business and fluctuations in sales and operating results could cause volatility in the price of our common stock.

Our business is seasonal with our highest sales occurring in the first and fourth quarters, which include the spring and holiday seasons. Our annual operating results depend significantly upon sales generated during these quarters, and any factor that negatively affects these selling seasons could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations for the entire year. Comparable store sales and quarterly operating results have fluctuated in the past and are expected to continue to fluctuate in the future. Our stock price is influenced by these financial fluctuations, as well as other factors, including economic conditions, the timing of promotional events, actions of competitors, inventory management, changes in fashion trends and unseasonable weather conditions.

If we experience any business interruptions or disruptions in the distribution process, our profitability could be materially affected.affected

We may not anticipate, respond adequately to or control all of the challenges of operating our distribution operations. In the event that the orderly receipt and distribution of merchandise is disrupted, including by labor disputes at ports of entry, impeding the timeliness or fulfillment quality of the products being distributed, or any of our distribution centers becomes inaccessible, or is otherwise not fully usable, it would have a material adverse effect on our ability to distribute our products, which in turn would have a material adverse effect on our sales, profitability financial condition and operating performance.results of operations.

We are subject to risks associated with importing merchandise from other countries.countries

Much of the fashion and brand name merchandise we acquire through vendors is sourced from various foreign countries. Political or financial instability, terrorism, trade restrictions, tariffs, currency exchange rates, raw material shortages, disruptions, strikes, work stoppages and other factors beyond our control could affect the availability of our merchandise inventory. Current discussion regarding increases in tariffs or reductions in deductibility for merchandise sourced from foreign vendors could materially affect our inventory costs, and if we are unable to pass those increases on to our customers, the increases could have a material adverse effect on our sales, profitability financial condition and operating performance.results of operations.

Additionally, we require our vendors and the third parties from whom they source merchandise to comply with all applicable laws and regulations, and our own sourcing policies such as the use of labor practices which are considered ethical in the United States and not using fur in our merchandise. We do not have the ability to control our vendors, their manufacturers or their employment and business practices. The failure of our vendors and their suppliers to comply with applicable laws and our policies could affect the availability and price of merchandise, damage our reputation or otherwise have a material adverse effect on our sales, profitability financial condition and operating performance.results of operations.

Failure of information technology could disrupt operations and harm our business.

The operation of our business and the effective execution of our merchandising and distribution strategies as well as our financial reporting and online selling processes are dependent in large measure on the effectiveness of our information technology systems as well as those of external service providers. The reliability and capacity of these technology systems are critical and any disruptions may have a material adverse impacteffect on our business.profitability and results of operations.

We could be adversely affected by unfavorable results of legal proceedings.proceedings

We are continually involved in various unresolved legal proceedings that arise in the ordinary course of business involving matters such as pricing and wage and hours matters. Often these claims are presented as potential class-action litigation. Regardless of the merit of particular claims, litigation may be expensive, time-consuming and disruptive to our operations and distracting to management. In recognition of these considerations, we may enter into arrangements to settle litigation.

We do not believe that the ultimate resolution of currently pending legal proceedings or claims, either individually or in the aggregate will have a material adverse effect on our overall financial condition. Litigation is inherently uncertain, however, and it is possible that an unfavorable outcome could result and that some of these matters could be material to our profitability and results of operations for any particular period.

We are subject to data security risks, which could have an adverse effect on our results of operations and consumer confidence in our security measures.measures

Our business and that of our third-party service providers employ systems and websites that allow us to process credit card transactions containing personally identifiable information (“PII”), perform onlinee-commerce Ecommerce and social media activities and store and transmit proprietary or confidential customer, employee, job applicant and other personal confidential information. Security and/or privacy breaches, acts of vandalism or terror, computer viruses, misplaced or lost data, programming, and/or human error or other similar events could exposeexposes us to a risk of loss or misuse of this information, litigation and potential liability. We may not have the resources or technical sophistication to anticipate or prevent rapidly evolving types of cyber-attacks or intrusions. Attacks may be targeted at us, our customers, our third-party service providers, our vendors, or others who have entrusted us with information. Actual or anticipated attacks may cause us to incur significant and additional costs, including, but not limited to the costs to deploy additional personnel and protection technologies, training employees, engaging third-party experts and consultants and compliance costs associated with various applicable laws or industry standards regarding use and/or unauthorized disclosure of PII. As part of our normal operations, we maintain and transmit confidential information about our customers as well as proprietary information relating to our business operations. While we have implemented measures reasonably designed to prevent security breaches and cyber incidents, our systems or ourthird-party service providers’ systems remainare subject to privacy and security incidents, including attacks by unauthorized users, corruption by computer viruses or other malicious software code, emerging cybersecurity risks, inadvertent or intentional release of confidential or proprietary information, or other similar events. We may alsoA significant data security incident would cause us to incur significant remediation costs, including liability for stolen customer, job applicant or employee information, repairing system damage or providing credit monitoring and/or other benefits to affected customers, job applicants or employees. Advances in computer capabilities, new technological discoveries or other developments may result in the breach or compromise of technology used by us to protect transaction or other data. In addition, data and security breaches can also occur as a result ofnon-technical issues, including a breach by us or by our third-party service providers that result in the unauthorized release of personal or confidential information. The legal and regulatory environment regarding PII, data security and privacy is increasingly complex at both the federal and state level. Compliance with new data protection requirements may cause us to incur substantial costs, limit our ability to obtain and utilize PII of our customers in our business and expose us to litigation and regulatory risks, each of which could have a material adverse effect on our profitability and results of operations.

We rely on a single supplier of shoes sold by our shoe department and disruptions with that supplier could materially affect our reputation, operations orand financial results.results

We have an agreement with DSW to be the exclusive supplier of shoes sold in our shoe departments. We rely on DSW to determine the quantity and mix of shoes to be sold, the prices at which such items are to be sold and the fulfillment and continuing supply of inventory. If DSW is unable to provide us with sufficient amounts of inventory or inventory that meets the fashion preferences of our customers or if DSW is unable to continue being our supplier of shoes, we may attract fewer customers and experience a loss in net sales, which could materially affect our reputation, operations or financial results.profitability and results of operations.

We utilize the services of two third-party service providers to operate and maintain oure-commerce Ecommerce website and to provide order management, customer service and fulfillment support. Disruptions with these providers or in the services they provide to us could adversely affect our reputation, operations orand financial results.results

We have contracted with a third partythird-party service provider to create, operate and host oure-commerce Ecommerce website. We have contracted with a second third-party service provider to provide order management, customer service, payment, fraud and fulfillment services. We rely on the operational, privacy and security procedures and controls of these two providers to host and operate oure-commerce Ecommerce business. Failure of either of these providers to adequately service these aspects of oure-commerce Ecommerce business could result in prolonged disruption which affects our customers’ ability to utilize our website or receive the product in a timely manner. As a result, we may lose customer sales and/or experience increased costs which could affect our reputation, operations orand financial results. In addition, thee-commerce Ecommerce operations also involve other risks which could have an effect oninfluence our results of operations including but not limited to diversion of sales from our physical stores, liability for online content, credit card fraud and risks related to the failure of the computer systems which operate the website and related support systems, any of which could have a material adverse effect on our business.profitability and results of operations.

Acts or threats of terrorism, violence or unfavorable political conditions could harm our business.

Acts of terrorism or war may disrupt commerce and undermine consumer confidence, which could negatively impactaffect our sales by causing consumer spending to decline. Also, an act of terrorism or war, or the threat thereof, could negatively impactaffect our business by interfering with our ability to obtain merchandise from vendors. Inability to obtain merchandise from our

vendors or substitute suppliers at similar costs in a timely manner could have a material adverse effect on our operatingprofitability and results and financial condition.of operations.

Failure to comply with legal and regulatory requirements may adversely impacteffect our business and results of operations.operations

Our business is subject to many legal and regulatory requirements, including, among others, employment, trade, healthcare, tax, securities and privacy laws and regulations. Our policies, procedures and internal controls are designed to help us comply with all applicable laws. Additional legal or regulatory requirements or more stringent interpretations of applicable requirements could increase the complexity of the regulatory environment in which we

operate and the cost of compliance. Failure to comply with the various laws and regulations, as well as changes in laws and regulations could have an adverse impacteffect on our reputation, operations or financial results.

We previously identifiedprofitability and have now remediated a material weakness in our internal control over financial reporting. If our remediation measures are insufficient, this may result in material misstatements in our consolidated financial statements.Our management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over our financial reporting, as defined in Rule13a-15(f) under the Securities Exchange Actresults of 1934. In the prior fiscal year, our management identified a material weakness in our internal control over financial reporting. We believe this material weakness has been fully addressed by the remediation measures put in place during the 2017 fiscal year. However, if our remediation measures are insufficient to address the material weakness, or if additional material weaknesses in our internal controls are discovered or occur in the future, our financial statements may contain material misstatements and we could be required to restate our financial results.operations.

ITEM 1B. UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS

None.

ITEM 2. PROPERTIES

Stores

The following table sets forth our store count activity during the last threetwo fiscal years:

As of February 3, 2018,2, 2019, we operated 287 stores in the following 3130 states:

We lease all of our store locations, generally for 10 years with options to extend the lease term for two or more5-year periods. We have the right to terminate some of these leases before the expiration date under specified circumstances and some with specified termination payments. The majorityMost of our leases provide for fixed minimum rents, as well as contingent amounts based on a percentage of sales in excess of specified levels, however only a small number of leases result in contingent payments, which isare currently immaterial. See Note 5 “Leases” of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for further discussion.

As of February 3, 2018,2, 2019, we leased the following additional facilities:

We also lease our 109,000 square foot corporate headquarters in Jacksonville, Florida.

As of February 3, 2018,2, 2019, the current terms of our 293287 stores (assuming we exercise all lease renewal options) were as follows:

We are involved in various routine legal proceedings incidental to the conduct of our business. While some of these matters could be material to our results of operations or cash flows for any particular period if an unfavorable outcome results, we do not believe that the ultimate resolution of currently pending legal proceedings, either individually or in the aggregate will have a material adverse effect on our overall financial condition.

Not applicable.

PART II

Market Price and Related Matters

Our common stock trades on Thethe NASDAQ Global Select Market (“NASDAQ”) under the trading symbol “SMRT.” On April 30, 2018,March 25, 2019, there were 792766 shareholders of record. The following table sets forth the high and low sales prices per share of our common stock as reported on the NASDAQ and our quarterly cash dividends per common share for each quarter in the years ended February 3, 2018, and January 28, 2017:

Dividends

The declaration and payment of cash dividends is at the discretion of our Board of Directors and will be dependent upon our future earnings, cash flows, financial condition and capital requirements. There are no restrictions on our retained (deficit) earnings regarding our ability to pay cash dividends to our shareholders. On May 17, 2017, we suspended our quarterly cash dividend and we do not plan to pay dividends for the foreseeable future.

In 2017, we paid a quarterly cash dividend of $0.075 per common share on April 14, 2017. In 2016, we paid a quarterly cash dividend of $0.075 per common share on April 15, 2016, July 15, 2016, October 14, 2016, and January 13, 2017.

Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

The following table sets forth information regarding repurchases of shares of our common stock during the quarter ended February 3, 2018:2, 2019:

ITEM 6. SELECTED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL DATA

The information set forth below should be read in conjunction with the Consolidated Financial Statements and related notes thereto and “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” included elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form10-K.

Consolidated Statement of Operations Data: The following tables set forth the adjustments made for the adoption of Accounting Standards Update(“ASU”) No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Dollars in thousands, except per share and per square foot data):

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

The following discussion should be read in conjunction with our audited Consolidated Financial Statements and notes thereto included elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form10-K. The following discussion and analysis contain forward-looking statements which involve risks and uncertainties, and our actual results could differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements as a result of certain factors, including those set forth on page 25 and under Item 1A “Risk Factors” of this Annual Report on Form10-K. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made, and we undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise our forward-looking statements in light of new information, future events or otherwise. Undue reliance should not be placed on such forward-looking statements, which are based on current expectations. Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance.

Overview

We are a nationalspecialty off-price retailer offering designer and name-brand fashion apparel, home décor, accessories and shoes at everyday discount prices. Stein Mart provides real value that customers love every day both in stores and online.

2018 Strategic Priorities

Return to Store Sales GrowthEvolving Product Mix

Evolve Product Mix

During fiscal 2017, we have implementedWe are continually evolving our product mix so that it is more relevant to a newbroader base of customers. Using our buying model that combines a “good-better-best” pricing architecture with a “classic-modern-contemporary” lifestyle filter. This model allows us to balancefilter, we are balancing our classic offerings while growing the penetration of our modern and contemporary brands. We also realignedare optimizing our Ladies’ Appareloff-price characteristics byincreasingin-season and opportunistic buying responsibilities by brand and lifestyle. This realignment has reduced merchandise duplicates, evolved our assortmentkeeping receipts open to buy into trends. Consistently adding brands, trends and newness has increased productivity. We are bringing merchandise in more timelyproductivity and closer to the time of sale, which has kept the floor assortment fresh and increased regular pricedregular-price selling. We have also changed our markdown practices by taking initial clearance markdowns sooner and focusing more on item selling rates and not on programmed changes at the category level, which has also reduced our markdowns.

Modernize Marketing and Advertising

We implemented a clear and compelling brand strategy that was designed to energize existing customers as well as acquire new customers. In September 2017, we launched a new advertising campaign that emphasizes fashion, savings (not discounts), brands and customer experience. The new campaign optimizes our marketing spend, mainly by shifting more of our marketing spend to television and digital advertising. The additional television advertising has increased traffic to oure-commerce site. The campaign also simplifies our pricing and promotional strategy and will be completed carefully and over time in order to minimize confusion.

Improve Customer Experience

We continue to evaluate and refine changes in merchandise placement and presentation. We believe that this will improve the customer experience and make our stores easier to shop. During fiscal 2017, we reset most of our stores for a better customer experience. We introduced a new ladies’ apparel flow which groups brands together by lifestyle. We also upgraded our signage for better brand recognition and reduced the number of fixtures in order to improve customer shoppability. We tested a new, smaller Home Décor area during the third quarter of 2017. This reduced the square footage dedicated to Home Décor and reduced inventories by 35 percent allowing us to streamline the presentation. We intend to implement these changes in all of our stores in the spring of 2018 with a renewed focus on home décor trends. We also tested the removal of jewelry cases and utilized tables as an alternative in 65 stores. This has improved access to the merchandise and open sight lines to accessories.

ImproveImproved Inventory Management and Productivity

We must maintain sufficient inventory levels to meet our customers’ demands without allowing those levels to increase to such an extent that the costs to store and hold the goods unduly affects our financial results. We carefully monitor and manage our inventory levels to match quantities on hand with consumer demand. Key elements to improve our improved inventory management processand productivity include continued flow of product, with morelessin-seasonup-front buying, monitoring of historicala focus on regular-price selling and projected consumer demand, monitoring and adjustment of inventory receipt levels, editing assortments and improvingimproved markdown practices. For 2018, these initiatives have resulted in a significantly higher gross profit rate compared to 2017 from higher regular-price selling, faster turns and lower inventories. We have been able to decreasedecreased our average inventories per store by 10.44.3 percent at the end of fiscal 2017,2018 as compared to the end of fiscal 2016.

Strengthen Financial Position

We are managing our cash flow to maintain adequate borrowing availability. During fiscal 2017, we reduced our outstanding debt by $25.7 million. Followingyear-end 2017, we entered into a term loan arrangement that provides additional availability under our revolving credit facility. As discussed above, we have lowered our inventory levels for all quarters during fiscal 2017, and at the end of the year, average inventory levels per store were down 10.4 percent as compared to the end of fiscal 2016. We have also reduced our corporate headcount as well as our capital spending, as we are being as efficient as possible with our cash investments.2017.

GrowE-commerceGrowing Ecommerce

We continue to develop our online content and capabilities to enhance the online experience and fully integrate our online business with our stores providingto provide our customers with an omnichannel shopping experience. During 2018, Ecommerce sales grew by more than 60 percent as a result of several initiatives. We have recentlyrolled out our ship-from-store program to open all our store inventory to fulfill sales. This has driven significant volume, reduced delivery times for online orders and has improved inventory productivity. We expanded our product offerings with more drop shipments from vendors. We added the “Find it in Store” function which allows customers to see what is available in the stores for immediate purchase. We improved oure-commerce site with enhancements to the customer experience, new mobile functionalitycapabilities. These and development of capabilities that integrate our online presence with our brick and mortar stores, including a successful ship-from-store pilot,buy-online,return-to-store and multi-faceted marketing campaigns that are consistent across our stores and oure-commerce websites. Increased television advertising has driven brand awareness, which has increased customers to oure-commerce site. We are growing oure-commerce platform to provideother initiatives allow for a seamless customer experience between our site and our stores to enhance the customer experience while maximizing profitability and maximize profitability while continuing storesales growth. Customer visits, conversion and average order value all increased in 2018. We will continue to grow this business in 2019 with new initiatives, such asendless aisle andbuy online and pick up in store, that are increasing.focused on driving sales and profitability.

Building Brand Awareness

We alsoare building a clear and compelling brand strategy that is designed to energize our existing customers, as well as acquire new customers. To reach a broader audience, we have the abilitymade significant shifts in our media mix. We dramatically increased digital and broadcast and significantly decreased newspaper. Increasing television advertising has driven brand awareness and customers to our Ecommerce site.

Improved Financial Position

We are continuing to manage our cash flow through oure-commerce site improved inventory management, lower SG&A expenses and reduced capital spending. During fiscal 2018, we successfully negotiated credit agreements totaling $275.0 million with a five-year extension. These agreements increased our revolving credit facility to ship orders placed online from$240.0 million, decreased our retail locations, which reduces delivery times for online ordersterm loan to $35.0 million and improves inventory productivity. We have been able to increaselowered oure-commerce sales by 51.4 percent with ship-from-store, enhanced assortment and site improvements. Such improvements include real-time individualization to customize product recommendations for each customer’s view, adding “SEE BRAND” to competitively offer better brands on blended interest rates. Outstanding debt at the site, optimizing on site search and expanding out drop ship capabilities. Ship-from-store is expanding to all stores in the first quarterend of 2018 which we believe will improve conversion, inventory productivity, margins and provides valuable insight to digital demand.was $2.0 million lower than at the end of 2017.

2018 Highlights

Total sales for fiscal 20172018 decreased 3.14.6 percent compared to fiscal 20162017 and comparable store sales for 20172018 decreased 6.21.0 percent compared to 2016.2017, on a shifted basis. Gross profit increased 180 basis points. SG&A expenses decreased $28.1 million and operating income improved $36.1 million to $4.9 million in 2018. Net loss for 20172018 was $6.0 million or $0.13 per diluted share compared to net loss of $24.3 million or $0.52 per diluted share compared to net income of $0.4 million or $0.01 per diluted share for 2016.2017.

Cash and cash equivalents atyear-end 20172018 were $10.4$9.0 million compared to $10.6$10.4 million atyear-end 2016.2017. Our 20172018 balance sheet reflects capital expenditures of $21.2 million, one quarterly dividend at $0.075 per common share totaling $3.6$9.0 million and net debt payments of $25.7 million during 2017.$2.0 million.

Inventories were $255.9 million at the end of 2018 compared to $270.2 million at the end of 2017 compared to $291.1 million at the end of 2016.2017. Average inventories per store were down 10.44.3 percent from the end of 2016.2017.

Direct borrowings from our credit facilities were $156.1$154.1 million atyear-end 20172018 compared to $181.8$156.1 million at year end 2016.year-end 2017.

20182019 Outlook

We expect the following factors to influence our business in the first half of fiscal 2018:2019:

Based on these factors, we expect operating income for the first half of fiscal 2018 to be in excess of $8.0 million compared to an operating loss of $11.5 million in the first half of fiscal 2017.

Results of Operations

The following table sets forth each line item of the Consolidated Statements of Operations expressed as a percentage of net sales (1):

Fiscal Year 20172018 Compared to Fiscal Year 20162017

Net Sales.Sales

The following table sets forth net sales for fiscal 20172018 compared to fiscal 20162017 (dollar amounts in thousands):

The decrease in comparable store sales was primarily driven by decreases in the number of transactions due to lower traffic, andpartially offset by slightly higher average unit retail prices in addition to a decrease in average units per transaction.and digital sales. Comparable store sales reflect stores open throughout the period and prior fiscal year and includee-commerce sales.E-commerce Ecommerce sales and sales on an owned plus licensed basis. Ecommerce sales were approximately 2.95.3 percent of totalnet sales.E-commerce Ecommerce sales increased 34.061.6 percent and positively affected our total comparable store sales increases by 80130 basis points. Comparable store sales do not include leased department commissions.points on a shifted basis. The month of January included a 53rd week in fiscal 2017. Comparable store sales are based on52-week comparisons to fiscal 2016.2017.

Other Revenue

The following table sets forth other revenue for fiscal 2018 compared to fiscal 2017 (dollar amounts in thousands):

Gross Profit.Profit

The following table compares gross profit for fiscal 20172018 to fiscal 20162017 (dollar amounts in thousands):

The gross profit rate decreasedincreased primarily due to our higher merchandise margin from lower markdowns. The increase was slightly offset by the deleverage of occupancy costs during the year. The higher costs were expected with additional stores but failed to leverage withon lower sales from existing stores.sales.

Selling, General and Administrative Expenses.Expenses

The following table compares SG&A for fiscal 20172018 to fiscal 20162017 (dollar amounts in thousands):

SG&A increaseddecreased primarily as the result of higher store selling andcost saving initiatives, including closing underperforming stores, lower advertising expenses of $6.5and a $3.3 million due to new stores,decrease in accrued compensated absences from a new advertising campaign and the additional 53^rd weekchange in fiscal 2017. SG&A also increased due to $3.2 million higher consultant fees for strategic initiatives and $2.4 million in higher store closing/impairment costs,our vacation policy, partially offset by a $2.8 million decrease in personnel benefits from cost reduction initiatives and $2.2 million lower share-based compensation. Excluding $3.2$1.1 million in SG&A, variableadvisory fees for capital alternatives that resulted in the extension of our credit agreements and increased Ecommerce expenses relatedof $3.9 million. Ecommerce expenses were higher to this year’ssupport the additional 53rd week, asset impairment charges of $3.8 million and $1.4 million for the 53 weeks ended February 3, 2018, and 52 weeks ended January 28, 2017, respectively, SG&A expenses would have increased by $1.2 million.sales volume.

Interest Expense.Expense, Net

The following table compares interest expense for fiscal 20172018 to fiscal 20162017 (dollar amounts in thousands):

Interest expense increased due to anThe increase in interest rates in fiscal 2017, offset by lower borrowings.expense is due to a higher blended interest rate and overall higher interest rates.

Income Taxes.Taxes

The following table compares income tax expensebenefit for fiscal 20172018 to fiscal 20162017 (dollar amounts in thousands):

Our effective tax rate represents the applicable combined federal and state statutory rates reduced by the federal benefit of state taxes deductible on federal returns, adjusted for the effect of permanent differences. The effective rate is affected by changes in law, the location of new stores, level of earnings, and the resolution of tax positions with various taxing authorities. Our tax benefit in 2017 was primarily in relation to ourpre-tax loss, the effects of tax reform, the addition of a valuation allowance and permanent items.

Fiscal Year 2016 Compared to Fiscal Year 2015

Net Sales.The following table sets forth net sales for fiscal 2016 compared to fiscal 2015 (dollar amounts in thousands):

The decrease in comparable store salesthe effective tax rate was primarily driven by decreases in the number of transactions due to lower trafficour net operating loss carryforward position and average unit retail prices, partially offset by an increase in average units per transaction. Comparable store sales reflect stores open throughout the period and prior fiscal year and includee-commerce sales.E-commerce sales were approximately 2.1 percent of total sales.E-commerce sales increased 29 percent and positively affected our total comparable store sales increases by 50 basis points. Comparable store sales do not include leased department commissions.

Gross Profit.The following table compares gross profit for fiscal 2016 to fiscal 2015 (dollar amounts in thousands):

The gross profit rate decreased primarily due to higher markdowns incurredvaluation allowance against all net deferred tax assets established during the Fall selling season due to lower than planned sales. The gross profit rate decrease is also attributable to higher occupancy costs during the year. The higher costs were expected with additional stores but failed to leverage with lower sales from existing stores.

Selling, General and Administrative Expenses.The following table compares SG&A for fiscal 2016 to fiscal 2015 (dollar amounts in thousands):

SG&A increased $11.7 million primarily as the resultfourth quarter of higher store selling expenses of $9.6 million due to new stores and planned payroll increases, $2.7 million higher depreciation, $1.8 million higher expense for legal settlements, $1.4 million higher share-based compensation, and $1.4 million executive severance, partially offset by $7.0 million higher credit card program income. Excluding the effect of new stores in both fiscal year 2016 and 2015, fiscal 2016, SG&A expenses decreased as a result of higher credit card program income, partially offset by higher expense for legal settlements and executive severance.

Interest Expense. The following table compares interest expense for fiscal 2016 to fiscal 2015 (dollar amounts in thousands):

Interest expense increased due to a full year of borrowings on our credit facilities entered into in fiscal 2015, as well as an increase in interest rates in fiscal 2016.

Income Taxes.The following table compares income tax expense for fiscal 2016 to fiscal 2015 (dollar amounts in thousands):

Our effective tax rate represents the applicable combined federal and state statutory rates reduced by the federal benefit of state taxes deductible on federal returns, adjusted for the impact of permanent differences. The effective rate is impacted by changes in law, the location of new stores, level of earnings, and the resolution of tax positions with various taxing authorities. Our tax benefit in 2016 was primarily in relation to our smallpre-tax loss and to the impact of permanent benefit items. This caused us to have a large effective tax rate.2017.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

Capital requirements and working capital needs are funded through a combination of internally generated funds, available cash, credit terms from vendors, our $240.0 million senior secured revolving credit facility pursuant to a third amended and restated credit agreement with Wells Fargo Bank and our $35.0 million Term Loan (as discussed below).

Revolving Credit Facility and Equipment Term Loan

On February 3, 2015, we entered into a $250.0 million senior secured revolving credit facility pursuant to a second amended and restated credit agreement (the “Credit Agreement”) with Wells Fargo Bank (“Wells Fargo”) with an original maturity of February 2020 (the “Revolving Credit Agreement”Facility”). On January 22, 2018, we repaid the remaining amount of our and a secured $25.0 million master loan agreement with Wells Fargo Equipment Finance, Inc. The Second Credit Agreement Amendment (as defined below) reduced the maximum amount(the “Equipment Term Loan”) with an original maturity of the revolving credit facilityFebruary 2018. Borrowings under the Revolving Credit Agreement to $225.0 million.Facility were initially used for a special dividend but are subsequently being used for working capital, capital expenditures and other general corporate purposes. During 2015, debt issuance costs of $0.4 million were associated with the Revolving Credit Facility and the Equipment Term Loan. Debt issuance costs associated with the Revolving Credit Facility are being amortized over its respective term. We repaid the Equipment Term Loan in full on January 22, 2018, at which time the associated debt issuance costs were fully amortized.

Subsequent to year end, onOn February 19, 2018, we entered into Amendment No. 1 (the “Credit Agreement Amendment”) to the Credit Agreement.Agreement with Wells Fargo. The Credit Agreement Amendment provided for, among other things, an Accommodation Period (as defined in the Credit Agreement Amendment) during which we were not required to meet the Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio (as defined in the Credit Agreement). This change permitted us to borrow the full amount of the then applicable borrowing base until we delivered our financial statements for the Measurement Period (as defined in the Credit Agreement) ended February 28, 2018. Pursuant to the Credit Agreement Amendment, a Cash Dominion Event (as defined in the Credit Agreement Amendment) occurred as of the effective date of the Credit Agreement Amendment and at all timesalways thereafter. The Credit Agreement Amendment also changed the frequency of our delivery of Borrowing Base Certificates (as defined in the Credit Agreement) from monthly to weekly.

As a resultBecause of the Cash Dominion Event, all of our cash reciepts arereceipts were swept daily to repay outstanding borrowings under the Credit Agreement. We manage our cash on a daily basisAgreement and borrow against the Credit Agreement based on our daily cash disbursement needs. As long as we remain within the terms of the Credit Agreement, the bank is obligated to allow us to draw up to our borrowing availability. The Credit Agreement matures in February 2020; however, as a result of the Cash Dominion Event the amount outstanding under the Credit Agreement will bewas classified as a short-term obligation beginning inobligation. As noted below, the first quarter of fiscalThird Credit Agreement Amendment removed the Cash Dominion Event effective September 18, 2018.

Subsequent to year-end, onOn March 14, 2018, we entered into a Term Loan Agreement (as defined in Note 4 “Debt” to the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements) with Gordon Brothers Finance Company, as administrative agent, and Gordon Brothers Finance Company, LLC. The Term Loan Agreement provided for a term loan in the amount of $50.0 million. At the same time we entered into Amendment No. 2 (the “Second Credit Agreement Amendment”) to the Credit Agreement with Wells Fargo. The Second Credit Agreement Amendment provided for, among other things, the following: (1) the permanent repayment in full of $25.0 million of Tranche A-1 Revolving Loans (as defined in the Second Credit Agreement Amendment) were repaid in full with the proceeds of the Term Loan (as defined below), thereby reducing the maximum amount of the revolving credit facility under the Credit Agreement to $225.0 million;; (2) the entry into the Intercreditor Agreement between Wells Fargo Bank and Gordon Brothers Finance Company, LLC (as defined in Note 4 “Debt” in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements)below); and (3) certain other modifications and updates to coordinate the Revolving Credit Facility with the Term Loan.

On September 18, 2018, we entered into Amendment No. 3 (the “Third Credit Agreement Amendment”) to the Credit Agreement with Wells Fargo. The Third Credit Agreement Amendment provided for, among other things, the following: (1) the increase of Aggregate Tranche A Revolving Loan Commitments (as defined in the Second Credit Agreement Amendment) from $225.0 million to $240.0 million; (2) an extension of the maturity date of the Revolving Credit Facility to

the earlier of (a) the maturity date of the Term Loan Agreement (as defined below) or (b) September 18, 2023; and (3) the elimination of Cash Dominion Event status and a change in Cash Dominion to be triggered only in the event of (a) the occurrence and continuance of any Event of Default or (b) Excess Availability of less than (A) 10.0% of the loan cap at any time or (B) 12.5% of the loan cap for three consecutive business days. During 2018, debt issuance costs of less than $0.1 million were associated with the Third Credit Agreement Amendment and are being amortized over its respective term. Debt issuance costs of $0.1 million remaining under the initial Credit Agreement will also be amortized over the new term of the Third Credit Agreement Amendment. The elimination of cash dominion status changed the debt classification from a short-term to long-term obligation.

Subsequent toyear-end, on February 26, 2019, we entered into Amendment No. 4 (the “Fourth Credit Agreement Amendment”) to the Credit Agreement with Wells Fargo. The Fourth Credit Agreement Amendment provided for, among other things, a modification to the definition of “Capital Expenditures” and “Permitted Indebtedness” as defined in the Fourth Credit Agreement Amendment.

The Credit Agreement contains customary representations and warranties, affirmative and negative covenants (including the requirement of a 1.0 to 1.0 consolidated Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio upon the occurrence and during the continuance of any Covenant Compliance Event, as defined in the Credit Agreement), and events of default for facilities of this type and is cross-collateralized and cross-defaulted. Collateral for the Revolving Credit Facility and the Equipment Term Loan consists of substantially all of our personal property. Wells Fargo has a first lien on all collateral other than equipment. Wells Fargo Equipment Finance had a first lien on equipment through January 22, 2018, when we repaid the Equipment Term Loan in full.

Borrowings under the Credit Agreement are either base rate loans or London Interbank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”) loans. LIBOR loans bear interest equal to the adjusted LIBOR plus the applicable margin (125 to 175 basis points) depending on the quarterly average excess availability. Base Rate Loans bear interest equal to the highest of (a) the Federal Funds Rate plus 0.50 percent, (b) the adjusted LIBOR plus 1.00 percent, or (c) the Wells Fargo “prime rate,” plus the Applicable Margin (25 to 75 basis points).

The weighted average interest rate for the amount outstanding under the Credit Agreement was 4.29 percent as of February 2, 2019.

Term Loan

On March 14, 2018, we entered into a Term Loan Credit Agreement with Gordon Brothers Finance Company, as administrative agent (in such capacity, the “Term Loan Agent”), and Gordon Brothers Finance Company, LLC, as lender (the “Term Loan Agreement”). The Term Loan Agreement provided for a term loan in the amount of $50.0 million (the “Term Loan”). Debt issuance costs associated with the Term Loan were capitalized in the amount of $0.9 million and will be amortized over the term of the Term Loan. The net proceeds of $49.3$49.1 million from the Term Loan were used to permanently pay off the $25.0 millionTranche A-1 Revolving Loan Commitment (as defined in Note 4 “Debt” in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements)Credit Agreement) and to pay down the outstanding Tranche A-1 Revolving Loans (as defined in the Credit Agreement).Facility. After utilizing proceeds from the Term Loan Agreement for repayment of amounts outstanding under the Credit Agreement,existingTranche A-1 Revolving Loans, the Term Loan increasedresulted in an increase in our total borrowing availabilityExcess Availability of approximately $25.0 million under the combinationCredit Agreement.

The Term Loan originally matured on the earlier of (1) the termination date specified in our Credit Agreement, as such date may be extended with the consent of the Term Loan Agent or in accordance with the Intercreditor Agreement (defined below), and (2) March 14, 2020.

On September 18, 2018, we entered into Amendment No. 2 (the “Second Term Loan Amendment”) to the Term Loan with Gordon Brothers Finance Company. The Second Term Loan Amendment provided for, among other things, the following: (1) the reduction of the maximum amount of the Term Loan to $35.0 million; (2) an extension of the maturity date of the Term Loan Agreement to the earlier of (a) the termination date specified in the Revolving Credit Facility (as defined in the Third Credit Agreement Amendment), and (b) September 18, 2023; (3) the reduction ofthe non-default interest rate applicable to the Term Loan under the Term Loan Agreement to a fluctuating rate of interest equal to three-month LIBOR (with a floor of 1.5%) plus 8.25% per annum; and (4) the elimination of Cash Dominion Event status and a change in Cash Dominion to be triggered only in the event of (a) the occurrence and continuance of any Event of Default or (b) Excess Availability of less than (A) 10.0% of the Revolving Loan Cap at any time or (B) 12.5% of the Revolving Loan Cap for three consecutive Business Days. During 2018, debt issuance costs of approximately $0.3 million were associated with the Term Loan and are being amortized over its term. The elimination of cash dominion status changed the debt classification from a short-term to long-term obligation.

Subsequent toyear-end, on February 26, 2019, we entered into Amendment No. 3 (the “Third Term Loan Amendment”) to the Term Loan Agreement. The Third Term Loan Amendment provided for, among other things, a modification to the definition of “Capital Expenditures” and “Permitted Indebtedness” as defined in the Third Term Loan Amendment.

The Term Loan Agreement contains customary representations and warranties, affirmative and negative covenants including the retention of the existing minimum 1.0 to 1.0 consolidated fixed charge coverage ratio under the Credit Agreement, andwhich limits borrowing availability if not met during periods where Revolving Excess Availability (as defined in the Term Loan Agreement) is less than the greater of $20.0 million or 10.0 percent of Combined Loan Cap (as defined in the Term Loan Agreement) for four consecutive business days, and events of default for a facility of this type. The Term Loan is secured by a second lien security interest (subordinate only to $275the liens securing the Credit Agreement) on all assets securing the Credit Agreement (which consist of substantially all of our personal property), except furniture, fixtures and equipment and intellectual property, upon which the Term Loan lenders will have a first lien security interest. If at any time prior to the first anniversary date of the Term Loan, the Revolving Excess Availability is less than $20.0 million, if requested by the Term Loan Agent, the Term Loan will also be secured by a first lien on leasehold interests in real property with an aggregate value of not less than $10.0 million, and increased our Excess Availabilitythe Credit Agreement will be secured by $25.0 million. See Note 4 “Debt”a second lien on such leasehold interests.

The Term Loan is subject to certain mandatory prepayments if an Event of Default (as defined in the Term Loan Agreement) exists. If no such Event of Default exists, proceeds of the NotesTerm Loan priority collateral are to Consolidated Financial Statementsbe applied to amounts outstanding under the Credit Agreement.

The Term Loan Agent and Wells Fargo have entered into an Intercreditor Agreement dated as of March 14, 2018 (the “Intercreditor Agreement”), acknowledged by us under the Term Loan and the Credit Agreement. The Intercreditor Agreement was also amended on September 18, 2018 to incorporate the amendment to the Revolving Credit Facility and the Term Loan Agreement.

The weighted average interest rate for further discussion.the amount outstanding under the Term Loan was 11.05 percent as of February 2, 2019.

Promissory Note

We believe we can borrow, on a short-term basis and subject to the formal agreement of the lender, amounts up to the cash surrender value of the life insurance policies related to our executive deferred compensation plans to provide additional liquidity if needed. At February 2, 2019, the cash surrender value of our life insurance policies was $14.5 million.

On February 2, 2018, we executed a short-term promissory note (“Note”) under which we borrowed approximately $13.7 million (“Sun Trust Loan”(the “Promissory Note”) from SunTrust Bank (the “Trustee”) in its capacity as the trustee under a trust agreement (the “Trust Agreement”) dated September 1, 1999. The proceedstrust established by the Trust Agreement (the “Trust”) holds certain life insurance policies related to our executive deferred compensation plans. The Trustee obtained loans from the Suninsurance policies held in the Trust Loanin an amount not less than the amount of the Promissory Note. The Promissory Note is a short-term obligation and the proceeds were used to pay down borrowings under the existing Credit Agreement to providewhich provided additional availability under the Credit Agreement to assist us during our February low working capital period following the holiday selling season. Inthat agreement.

The Promissory Note had a fixed interest rate of 3.58 percent per annum and an original maturity date of April 1, 2018. On March 7, 2018, we executed an amendment to the Promissory Note under which the Trustee extended the duematurity date of the Notenote from April 1, 2018, to July 1, 2018. See Note 4 “Debt”2018 (the “Maturity Date”). The amendment did not alter the short-term nature of the NotesPromissory Note. The Promissory Note could be prepaid in whole or in part at any time. All unpaid principal and accrued interest on the Promissory Note would have become due and payable on the Maturity Date. The Trustee could offset payments due under the Promissory Note against amounts we would otherwise be entitled to Consolidated Financial Statementswithdraw from the Trust under the terms of the Trust Agreement. On June 29, 2018, we repaid the outstanding balance of the Promissory Note.

On July 31, 2018, we executed a second promissory note from SunTrust Bank for further discussion.$13.0 million which carried a fixed interest rate of 3.58 percent per annum and an original maturity date of September 10, 2018. This note is under the same terms as the Promissory Note executed on February 2, 2018. On September 10, 2018, we repaid the outstanding balance of the Promissory Note.

Cash flows from operations are driven by sales as well as the credit terms available to us from our vendors and their factors. Our sales generate cash almost immediately and are affected by customer traffic intoto our stores and the desirability of our merchandise to those customers. Customer traffic is in turn affected by our marketing and advertising, general economic

and business conditions, and weather. Changes in these factors could have a material effect uponon our ability to generate sales and thus cash inflows to operate our business.

Our cash outflows can be materially affected by changes in credit terms and availability from our vendors and their factors. Subsequent to yearendDuring the first quarter of 2018, our vendors and factors constricted our credit terms and limits significantly. This was a reaction to our third quarter2017 third-quarter results, as well as concern about the general retail environment at the time, which included multiple bankruptcies and restructurings.restructurings by other retailers in the same business. This constriction caused us to make payments to our vendors and factors more quickly than in prior periods thus increasing our debt levels during that period. The added availability from the Term Loan Agreement was a key part of our ability to fund the accelerated payments. During this time, we successfully managed our vendor and factor relationships to maintain the flow of our merchandise during the key early spring selling period. Throughout all periods, we made our payments to vendors and their factors on a timely basis in accordance with our negotiated terms.

WhenIn March 2018, after we announced our fourth quarter 2017 results and outlook for spring 2018, in March our terms with the vendors and their factors began to be less constricted. At that same time, we also announced our Term Loan Agreement. Wehave non-disclosure agreements with the major factors, credit insurers and several of our largest vendors which allow us to communicate our operating results and cashflowscash flows to them on a regular basis. Additionally, we made presentations to larger groups of our vendors just after our fourth quarter results were announced, in March 2018. We continue to communicate our operating results and cash flows to our large vendors and factors with whom wehave non-disclosure agreements in place. These steps have contributed to the positive movement in thetheir credit arrangements we have with our vendors and their factors.us.

Our working capital fluctuates with seasonal variations which affectsaffect our borrowings and availability. Our availability is highest just after our strong seasonal spring and holiday selling seasons and is lowest just before those seasons as we build inventory levels. Working capital is also used to support capital investments for maintenance of our existing stores, system improvements and new store openings. We have reduced our capital investments to enhance our cashflows.cash flows. These reduced levels of investment can be sustained for the forseeableforeseeable future as prior to this our store base and systems have been well maintained. Positive operating results and cashflowscash flows will help us preserve satisfactory credit terms and allow us to operate well within the borrowing availability under our Credit Agreement and Term Loan Agreement. Based on our current expectations regarding our operating results we consider our resources adequate to satisfy our cash needs for at least the next 12 months.

Subsequent to yearendAs of February 2, 2019, we announced that we hired PJ Solomon to help us evaluate strategic and capital alternatives. We hired Alvarez & Marsal as advisors in 2017 to assist in evaluating our forecasting and strategic communications with our vendors and their factors. Alvarez & Marsal also advised us on cost savings and cashflow initiatives and assisted with evaluating capital alternatives which resulted in the Term Loan Agreement. It is possible that additional strategic alternatives arise from these efforts.

On May 17, 2017, we suspended our quarterly cash dividend and significantly reduced our planned capital expenditures (see below under “Cash Flows”). Capital expenditures in fiscal 2017 were $21.2 million compared to $42.4 million in fiscal 2016. Capital expenditures were lower this year due to a reduction in non-critical store remodel and I.T. investments. As discussed further below, we believe that total capital expenditures for fiscal 2018 will be approximately $10.1 million. We believe that our cash flows from operations and our availablehad cash and cash equivalents are sufficient to coverof $9.0 million and $119.1 million in borrowings under our liquidity requirements overCredit Agreement and $35.0 million in borrowings under the next 12 months.

Term Loan, for a total of $153.3 million in outstanding borrowings, net of $0.8 million in unamortized debt issuance costs. As of February 3, 2018, we had cash and cash equivalents of $10.4 million, and $142.4 million in borrowings under our Agreementcredit facilities of $142.4 million and $13.7 million in borrowings under the Sun Trust Loan,Promissory Note, for a total of $156.1 million in outstanding borrowings. As of January 28, 2017, we had cash and cash equivalents of $10.6 million and borrowings under our credit facilities were $181.8 million. The total amount available for borrowings and letters of credit under our Credit Agreement is the lesser of $250.0$240.0 million (or $225.0 million on and after the March 14, 2018 effective date of the Second Credit Agreement Amendment) or 100 percent of eligible credit card receivables and the net recovery percentage value of inventories less reserves. On February 3, 2018,2, 2019, in addition to outstanding borrowings under the Credit Agreement and SunTrustTerm Loan, we had $7.9 million of outstanding letters of credit. Our Excess Availability (as defined in the Credit Agreement) was $56.6$58.2 million on February 3, 2018.2, 2019. In addition, we had $14.5 million available to borrow, on a short term basis, which would be collateralized by life insurance policies at the end of the year. See Note 4 “Debt” of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for further discussion.

Cash Flows

The following table sets forth cash flows data for fiscal 2017, fiscal 20162018 and fiscal 20152017 (dollar amounts in thousands):

Cash provided by operating activities

Net cash provided by operating activities was $47.7$8.9 million for fiscal 20172018 compared to net cash provided by operating activities of $60.2$47.7 million for fiscal 2016.2017. The decrease in cash provided by operating activities for fiscalwas mainly due to the acceleration of vendor payments in 2018, which significantly reduced our accounts payable balance compared to 2017 as compared to fiscal 2016 was primarily due to a net loss for fiscal 2017,

well as changes in inventory and prepaid expenses and adjustments for othernon-cash chargescharges. These decreases were partially offset by a lower net loss in 2018 and changes in deferred income taxes. These decreases were partially offset by changes in inventory and changes in prepaid expenses.

Cash used in investing activities

Net cash used in investing activities was $18.5$6.2 million during fiscal 20172018 compared to net cash used in investing activities of $38.8$18.5 million during fiscal 2016. Total2017. For fiscal 2018, the total capital expenditures were $9.0 million and included approximately $3.6 million for information systems improvements, $2.7 million for new and relocated stores, and $2.7 million for existing store improvements. For fiscal 2017, the total capital expenditures were $21.2 million and included approximately $11.7 million for opening and remodeling stores. The remaining $9.5 million was primarily for information systems improvements. Capital expenditures during fiscal 2016 included approximately $27.0 million for opening and remodeling stores with the remaining amounts primarily for information systems improvements.

We expect to invest approximately $10.1$8.4 million in capital expenditures in 20182019 with $4.7$3.1 million for continuing information systems upgrades, $2.7$4.6 million for current store remodels and $2.7 million for new and relocated stores. Each new store requires capital expenditures of approximately $0.5 million for fixtures and equipment, $0.7 million for leasehold improvements, $0.2 milliondistribution center and corporate upgrades. No new or relocation stores are planned forpre-opening expenses (excluding rent during thepre-opening term) and average $1.0 million for initial inventory investment (or $0.4 million net of accounts payable). 2019. Leasehold improvements generally are either paid for by the landlord or are reimbursed by the landlord through tenant improvement allowances or recognized as a reduction of rent on a straight-line basis over the lease term. Rent during thepre-opening term generally ranges from zero to $0.2 million with higher amounts attributable to situations where we have property access during the period we are managing construction.

Cash used in financing activities

Net cash used in financing activities was $29.4$4.1 million during fiscal 20172018 compared to cash used in financing activities of $22.6$29.4 million during fiscal 2016.2017. During fiscal 2018, we had net repayments of debt of $2.0 million. We paid debt issuance costs of $1.1 million, accrued cash dividends on employee stock awards vesting in 2018 of $0.2 million and capital lease payments of $0.7 million. In addition, we repurchased 121,801 shares of common stock related to withholding taxes due on the vesting of employee stock awards for $0.1 million. We also received $0.2 million from our Employee Share Purchase Plan. During fiscal 2017, we had net repayments of debt of $25.7 million. We paid cash dividends of $3.6 million and capital lease payments of $0.2 million. In addition, we repurchased 81,232 shares of common stock related to withholding taxes due on the vesting of employee stock awards for $0.2 million. We also received $0.3 million from our Employee Share Purchase Plan. During fiscal 2016, we had net repayments of debt of $8.4 million. We also paid cash dividends of $14.7 million. In addition, we repurchased 224,344 shares of common stock for $1.7 million. We also received $2.1 million from our Employee Share Purchase Plan. See Note 8 “Shareholders’ Equity” of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for further discussion.

On May 17, 2017, we suspended our quarterly cash dividend, which saved approximately $11.0 million in cash during fiscal 2017. We expect the annual savings to be approximately $14.0 million in fiscal 2018. We are using the related annual cash savings to repay indebtedness, maximize free cash flow and improve our financial position. Any future determination to declare and pay dividends will be made at the discretion of our Board of Directors, after taking into account our future earnings, cash flows, financial condition, capital requirements and other factors that the Board may deem relevant.

Capital Leases

During fiscal 2017, we entered into a three-year capital lease agreement for networking and telephone equipment. The capital lease agreement carries a bargain purchase option for the equipment. The leased networking equipment has a useful life of three years and the telephone equipment has a useful life of five years; the equipment will be depreciated on a straight-line basis over the respective periods. The leased equipment was recorded at fair value as this amount was less than the present value of the minimum lease payments.

The gross value of assets subject to capital leases was $2.0 million as of February 3, 2018,2, 2019, and is included in Propertyproperty and equipment, net on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. The remaining capital lease obligation of $2.0$1.2 million as of February 3, 2018,2, 2019, is split between Accruedaccrued expenses and other current liabilities for the short-term portion and Otherother liabilities for the long-term portion on the Consolidated Balance Sheets.

We had no capital leases during fiscal 2016 or 2015.

ImpactEffect of Inflation

Although we expect that our operations will be influenced by general economic conditions, we do not believe that inflation has had a material effect on our results of operations. However, there can be no assurance that our business will not be affected by inflation in the future.

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

We have outstanding standby letters of credit totaling $7.9 million securing certain insurance programs at February 3, 2018.2, 2019. If specified conditions were to occur under these arrangements, we would be required to satisfy the obligations in cash. Due to the nature of these arrangements and based on historical experience, we do not expect to make any payments. There are no otheroff-balance sheet arrangements.

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

The preparation of our Consolidated Financial Statements in accordance with GAAP requires us to make certain estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, expenses and related disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities. We base our estimates and judgments on historical experience and other relevant factors, the results of which form the basis for making judgments about the carrying values of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. While we believe that the historical experience and other factors considered provide a meaningful basis for the accounting policies applied in the preparation of the consolidated financial statements, we cannot guarantee that our estimates and assumptions will be accurate, which could require adjustments of these estimates in future periods. A summary of the more significant accounting policies follows.

Retail Inventory Method and Inventory Valuation

Inventories are valued using the lower of cost or market value, determined by the retail inventory method. Under the retail inventory method (“RIM”), the valuation of inventories at cost and the resulting gross margins are calculated by applying acost-to-retail ratio to the retail value of inventories. RIM is an averaging method that is widely used in the retail industry. The use of the retail inventory method results in valuing inventories at lower of cost or market as permanent markdowns are currently taken as a reduction of the retail value of inventories. Inherent in the RIM calculation are certain significant management judgments and estimates including, among others, merchandise markon, markup, markdowns and shrinkage, which significantly affect the ending inventory valuation at cost as well as the corresponding charge to cost of goods sold. In addition, failure to take appropriate permanent markdowns currently can result in an overstatement of inventory.

We perform physical inventory counts at all stores once per year, in either the summer or January. Included in the carrying value of merchandise inventories between physical counts is a reserve for estimated shrinkage. That estimate is based on historical physical inventory results. The difference between actual and estimated shrinkage may cause fluctuations in quarterly results but was not significant in 20172018 and 2016.2017.

Vendor Allowances

We receive allowances from some of our vendors primarily related to markdown reimbursement, damaged/defective merchandise and vendor compliancenon-compliance issues. Vendor allowances are recorded when earned. Allowances received from vendors related to the profitability of inventory recently sold are reflected as reductions to cost of merchandise sold in the later of the period that the merchandise markdown is incurred or the allowance is negotiated. Allowances received from vendors related to damaged/defective inventory are reflected as reductions in the cost of merchandise as it is received. Allowances received due to vendors’ failure to comply with our policies (primarily violations of shipping and merchandise preparation requirements) are reflected as a reduction of the cost of the merchandise when identified during the receiving process. Although it is unlikely that there will be a significant reduction in historical levels of vendor support, if a reduction were to occur, we could experience a higher cost of merchandise sold.

Impairment of Long-Lived Assets

Long-lived assets are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. Factors used in the review include management’s plans for future operations,

recent operating results and projected cash flows. For long-lived assets held for use, an impairment loss is recognized if the sum of the future undiscounted cash flows from the use of the assets is less than the carrying value of the assets (net of deferred rent credits). The amount of the impairment charge is the excess of the carrying value of the asset over its fair value. Impairment reviews are performed for individual stores during the fourth quarter, or more frequently should circumstances change. A significant decrease in cash flows could result in an increase in asset impairment charges. During fiscal 2017, 20162018 and 2015,2017, we recorded $3.8 million, $1.4$2.8 million and $2.0$3.8 million, respectively, in asset impairment charges.

Insurance Reserves

We use a combination of insurance and self-insurance for various risks including workers’ compensation, general liability and associate-related health care benefits. We are responsible for paying the claims that are less than the insured limits. The reserves recorded for these claims are actuarially estimated based on claims filed and claims incurred but not reported. These reserve estimates are adjusted based upon actual claims filed and settled. The estimated accruals for these reserves could be significantly affected if future claims differ from historical trends and other actuarial assumptions. As of February 2, 2019, and February 3, 2018, and January 28, 2017, insurance reserves of $17.3$16.3 million and $18.5$17.3 million, respectively, were included in Accruedaccrued expenses and other current liabilities and Otherother liabilities in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets. Historically, our actuarial estimates have not been materially different from actual results.

For a complete listing of our significant accounting policies, see Note 1, Summary of Significant Accounting Policies and Other Information, of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

Recently issued accounting pronouncements are discussed in Note 1, Summary of Significant Accounting Policies and Other Information, of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA

The consolidated financial statements and the Report of Independent Registered Certified Public Accounting Firm thereon are filed pursuant to this Item 8 and are included in this report beginning on pageF-1.

ITEM 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE

None

ITEM 9A. Controls9A.Controls and Procedures

(a) Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

As of the end of the fiscal year covered by this report and under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, we have evaluated the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures, as defined in Rules13a-15(e) and15d-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”). Based on this evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and our Chief Financial Officer have concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of February 3, 20182, 2019 to provide reasonable assurance that information required to be disclosed in our reports under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms and that such information is accumulated and communicated to our management as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

(b) Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting

Our management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting, as such term is defined in the Exchange Act Rules13a-15(f) and15d-15(f). Our internal control over financial reporting is designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles.

Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

Our management assessed the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of February 3, 2018,2, 2019, using the criteria set forth in Internal Control-Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring

Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). Based on that assessment, our management concluded that our internal control over financial reporting was effective as of February 3, 2018.2, 2019.

(c) Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting

Other than the changes in internal control over financial reporting discussed below, thereThere were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting (as that term is defined in Rules13a-15(f) and15d-15(f) under the Exchange Act) during the most recent fiscal quarter that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

(d)    Remediation of Previously Disclosed Material Weakness

As previously disclosed in our 2016 Annual Report onForm 10-K/A filed with the SEC on April 18, 2017, we identified a material weakness in the design and effectiveness in the operation of our controls that are intended to ensure that the data contained in a report used by our management to reviewthe lower-of-cost-or-market adjustment for our aged inventory was complete and accurate.

During fiscal 2017 we implemented new policies and procedures to enhance our risk assessment process to effectively design and implement control activities that verify the completeness and accuracy of data in reports that support management review controls. We also tested the completeness and accuracy of all key reports used in the performance of internal controls over financial reporting.

These new policies and procedures have strengthened our internal control over financial reporting and provided reasonable assurance to our management that reports used to support management review controls are complete and accurate.

The design and operating effectiveness of our internal controls and procedures were tested during fiscal 2017, and as of February 3, 2018, the material weakness is considered remediated.

ITEM 9B. OTHER INFORMATION

None

PART III

ITEM 10. DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

The information required by this item is incorporated herein by reference to the disclosure found in the Proxy Statement for our June 19, 2018,25, 2019, Annual Meeting of Shareholders.

We have adopted a code of conduct applicable to all of our officers, directors and employees, including the principal executive officer, principal financial officer, principal accounting officer and persons performing similar functions. The text of this code of conduct may be found on our investor relations website athttp://ir.steinmart.com (click on “Charters & Documents”). We intend to post notice of any waiver from, or amendment to, any provision of our code of conduct on our website.

ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATIONEXECUTIVECOMPENSATION

The information required by this item is incorporated herein by reference to the disclosure found in the Proxy Statement for our June 19, 2018,25, 2019, Annual Meeting of Shareholders.

ITEM 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS

The information required by this item is incorporated herein by reference to the disclosure found in the Proxy Statement for our June 19, 2018,25, 2019, Annual Meeting of Shareholders.

Equity Compensation Plan Information

The following table sets forth information about our common stock that may be issued under equity-based compensation plans as of February 3, 2018:2, 2019:

ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPSCERTAINRELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS AND DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE

The information required by this item is incorporated herein by reference to the disclosure found in the Proxy Statement for our June 19, 2018,25, 2019, Annual Meeting of Shareholders.

ITEM 14. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTING FEES AND SERVICES

The information required by this item is incorporated herein by reference to the disclosure found in the Proxy Statement for our June 19, 2018,25, 2019, Annual Meeting of Shareholders.

PART IV

ITEM 15. EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES

(a) The following financial statements and exhibits are filed as part of this report or are incorporated herein as indicated.

1. List of Financial Statements

2. List of Financial Statement Schedules

All schedules are omitted because they are not applicable or the required information is presented in the financial statements or notes thereto.

3. List of Exhibits

See “Exhibit Index” below.

In reviewing the agreements included as exhibits to this report, please remember they are included to provide you with information regarding their terms and are not intended to provide any other factual or disclosure information about us, our subsidiaries or other parties to the agreements. The agreements contain representations and warranties by each of the parties to the applicable agreement. These representations and warranties have been made solely for the benefit of the other parties to the applicable agreement and:

Accordingly, these representations and warranties may not describe the actual state of affairs as of the date they were made or at any other time. We acknowledge that, notwithstanding the inclusion of the foregoing cautionary statements, we are responsible for considering whether additional specific disclosures of material information regarding material contractual provisions are required to make the statements in this report not misleading. Additional information about us may be found elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form10-K and our other public files, which are available without charge through the SEC’s website athttp://www.sec.gov.

Unless otherwise indicated below, the Commission file number for the exhibit isNo. 0-20052.

EXHIBIT INDEX

10.11*		Form of Restricted Stock Award Agreement for Key Employees (Incentive/Retention) (2017), pursuant to the Stein Mart Inc. 2001 Omnibus Plan, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.11 to the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form10-K for the year ended January 28, 2017
10.12*		Form of Performance Share Award Agreement for Key Employees (2017), pursuant to the Stein Mart Inc. 2001 Omnibus Plan, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.12 to the Registrant’s Annual Report on FormForm 10-K for the year ended January 28, 2017

10.2710.26		Master LoanAmendment No. 3 to Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, No. 0220792 dated February 3, 2015,as of September 18, 2018, by and among Stein Mart, Inc. and Stein Mart Buying Corp., as Borrowers, Wells Fargo Equipment Finance, Inc., as Lender, and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as Administrative Agent,administrative agent, the lenders party thereto, Stein Mart, Inc., Stein Mart Buying Corp. and Stein Mart Holding Corp., incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form8-K filed on September 19, 2018
10.27 ++		Amendment No. 4 to Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, dated as of February  4, 201526, 2019, by and among Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as administrative agent, the lenders party thereto, Stein Mart, Inc., Stein Mart Buying Corp. and Stein Mart Holding Corp.
10.28		Amended and Restated Supply Agreement, dated May 30, 2006, between DSW Inc. and Stein Mart, Inc., incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form8-K filed on June 5, 2006

10.4210.46++		Third Amendment to Term Loan Credit Agreement, dated February  26, 2019, by and among Stein Mart, Inc., Stein Mart Buying Corp., the guarantors named therein, Gordon Brothers Finance Company and the other lenders named therein
10.47		Intercreditor Agreement, dated as of March 14, 2018, by and between Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, and Gordon Brothers Finance Company, and acknowledged by Stein Mart. Inc., the other borrowers signatory thereto, and the other guarantors signatory thereto, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form8-K filed March 14, 2018
10.43*10.48		Gary L. Pierce AmendedAmendment No.  1 to Intercreditor Agreement, dated September 18, 2018, by and Restated Employmentamong Wells Fargo Bank, National Association and Gordon Brothers Finance Company, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form8-K filed on September 19, 2018
10.49		Renewal of Law Firm Agreement withbetween Stein Mart, Inc. and Kirschner & Legler, P.A., effective Maydated April 1, 2017, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.44 to the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form10-K for the fiscal year ended February 3, 2018
10.50*		Change of Control Agreement, dated December 17, 2018, bybetween Stein Mart, Inc. and between the Company and Gary L. Pierce,James B. Brown, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form8-K filed April 6,on December 18, 2018
10.44++10.51*		Renewal of Law Firm Agreement between Stein Mart, Inc. and Kirschner & Legler, P.A.,Severance Policy effective January 22, 2019, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form8-K filed on January 28, 2019
10.52*		Gregory Kleffner Consulting Agreement, dated AprilFebruary 1, 20172019, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form8-K/A (Amendment No. 1) filed on February 7, 2019
21.1++		Subsidiaries of the Company
23.1++		Consent of KPMG LLP
31.1++		Certification of the Chief Executive Officer Pursuant to Section  302 of the Sarbanes Oxley Act of 2002
31.2++		Certification of Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to Section  302 of the Sarbanes Oxley Act of 2002
32.1++		Certification of the Chief Executive Officer Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350
32.2++		Certification of the Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350
101.1		Interactive data files from Stein Mart, Inc.’s Annual Report on Form10-K for the year ended February 3, 2018,2, 2019, formatted in XBRL (eXtensible Business Reporting Language): (i) the Consolidated Balance Sheets, (ii) the Consolidated Statements of Operations, (iii) the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Operations,Loss, (iv) the Consolidated Statements of Shareholders’ Equity (v) the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows, and (vi) the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, incorporated by reference to the Registrant’s Annual Report onForm 10-K for the year ended February 3, 20182, 2019.
*		Management contract or compensatory plan or arrangements.

ITEM 16. FORM10-K SUMMARY

None.An optional summary of the information required by this Form10-K is not included in this Form10-K.

SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities indicated on the 4th28th day of May 2018.March 2019.

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

To the Shareholders and Board of Directors

Stein Mart, Inc.:

Opinion on the Consolidated Financial Statements

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Stein Mart, Inc. and subsidiaries (the “Company”)Company) as of February 2, 2019 and February 3, 2018, and January 28, 2017, the related consolidated statements of operations, comprehensive (loss) income,loss, shareholders’ equity, and cash flows for each of the years in thethree-year two-year period ended February 3, 2018,2, 2019, and the related notes (collectively, the consolidated financial statements). In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company as of February 2, 2019 and February 3, 2018, and January 28, 2017, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the years in thethree-year two-year period ended February 3, 2018,2, 2019, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.