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Table of Contents

 

 

 

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

FORM 10-Q

 

x  QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

 

For the quarterly period ended April 3, 2010

 

OR

 

o  TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

 

Commission File Number 0-24395

 

bebe stores, inc.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

California

 

94-2450490

(State or Jurisdiction of

 

(IRS Employer

Incorporation or Organization)

 

Identification Number)

 

400 Valley Drive

Brisbane, California 94005

(Address of principal executive offices)

 

Telephone: (415) 715-3900

 

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

 

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 Regulation S-T during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).  Yes o  No o

 

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

 

Large accelerated filer o

 

Accelerated filer x

 

 

 

Non-accelerated filer o

 

Smaller reporting company o

(Do not check if a smaller reporting company)

 

 

 

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

 

The number of shares of the registrant’s common stock, par value $0.001 per share, outstanding as of April 30, 2010 was 86,089,177.

 

 

 



Table of Contents

 

bebe stores, inc.

 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

 

 

Page No.

 

 

 

PART I.

FINANCIAL INFORMATION

 

 

 

 

ITEM 1.

Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

 

 

 

 

 

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets as of April 3, 2010, July 4, 2009 and April 4, 2009

3

 

 

 

 

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations for the three and nine months ended April 3, 2010 and April 4, 2009

4

 

 

 

 

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the nine months ended April 3, 2010 and April 4, 2009

5

 

 

 

 

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

6

 

 

 

ITEM 2.

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

14

 

 

 

ITEM 3.

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk

19

 

 

 

ITEM 4.

Controls and Procedures

20

 

 

 

PART II.

OTHER INFORMATION

 

 

 

 

ITEM 1.

Legal Proceedings

21

 

 

 

ITEM 1A.

Risk Factors

21

 

 

 

ITEM 2.

Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

25

 

 

 

ITEM 3.

Defaults Upon Senior Securities

25

 

 

 

ITEM 4.

Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders

25

 

 

 

ITEM 5.

Other Information

25

 

 

 

ITEM 6.

Exhibits

26

 

 

 

SIGNATURE

 

27

 

 

 

EXHIBIT INDEX

 

28

 

2



Table of Contents

 

PART I.        FINANCIAL INFORMATION

 

ITEM 1.        Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

 

bebe stores, inc.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(In thousands, except share data)

(unaudited)

 

 

 

As of
April 3, 2010

 

As of
July 4,

2009

 

As of
April 4, 2009

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Assets:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Current assets:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash and equivalents

 

$

100,740

 

$

91,390

 

$

123,059

 

Available for sale securities

 

58,990

 

40,018

 

 

Trading securities

 

58,315

 

69,504

 

 

Auction rate securities written put option

 

8,822

 

12,740

 

 

Receivables (net of allowance of $1,221, $1,277 and $1,256)

 

5,538

 

5,134

 

6,406

 

Inventories, net

 

32,284

 

39,194

 

37,433

 

Deferred income taxes, net

 

7,829

 

8,549

 

9,272

 

Prepaid and other

 

20,068

 

30,947

 

29,752

 

Total current assets

 

292,586

 

297,476

 

205,922

 

Trading securities

 

 

 

70,033

 

Available for sale securities

 

112,354

 

118,187

 

122,928

 

Auction rate securities written put option

 

 

 

12,298

 

Property and equipment, net

 

110,458

 

126,301

 

132,029

 

Deferred income taxes, net

 

26,292

 

24,272

 

24,935

 

Other assets

 

5,585

 

5,219

 

4,981

 

Total assets

 

$

547,275

 

$

571,455

 

$

573,126

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Current liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Accounts payable

 

$

18,789

 

$

26,621

 

$

23,217

 

Accrued liabilities

 

28,419

 

36,671

 

35,384

 

Total current liabilities

 

47,208

 

63,292

 

58,601

 

Deferred rent and other lease incentives

 

43,028

 

45,448

 

46,760

 

Uncertain tax positions

 

3,602

 

3,220

 

3,401

 

Total liabilities

 

93,838

 

111,960

 

108,762

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Commitments and contingencies

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Shareholders’ equity:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Preferred stock-authorized 1,000,000 shares at $0.001 par value per share; no shares issued and outstanding

 

 

 

 

Common stock-authorized 135,000,000 shares at $0.001 par value per share; issued and outstanding 86,086,896, 86,758,973 and 86,634,369 shares

 

86

 

87

 

87

 

Additional paid-in capital

 

143,261

 

139,437

 

140,763

 

Accumulated other comprehensive loss

 

(5,389

)

(12,261

)

(13,378

)

Retained earnings

 

315,479

 

332,232

 

336,892

 

Total shareholders’ equity

 

453,437

 

459,495

 

464,364

 

Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity

 

$

547,275

 

$

571,455

 

$

573,126

 

 

See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

3



Table of Contents

 

bebe stores, inc.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

(In thousands, except per share data)

(unaudited)

 

 

 

Three Months Ended

 

Nine Months Ended

 

 

 

April 3,

 

April 4,

 

April 3,

 

April 4,

 

 

 

2010

 

2009

 

2010

 

2009

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net sales

 

$

114,398

 

$

127,657

 

$

381,551

 

$

472,819

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cost of sales, including production and occupancy

 

70,057

 

79,351

 

235,639

 

281,084

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gross margin

 

44,341

 

48,306

 

145,912

 

191,735

 

Selling, general and administrative expenses

 

52,129

 

56,761

 

156,448

 

177,380

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Operating income (loss)

 

(7,788

)

(8,455

)

(10,536

)

14,355

 

Interest and other income, net

 

376

 

663

 

2,259

 

5,553

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income (loss) before income taxes

 

(7,412

)

(7,792

)

(8,277

)

19,908

 

Income tax provision (benefit)

 

(1,941

)

(2,747

)

(1,064

)

6,951

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income (loss)

 

$

(5,471

)

$

(5,045

)

$

(7,213

)

$

12,957

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic earnings (loss) per share

 

$

(0.06

)

$

(0.06

)

$

(0.08

)

$

0.15

 

Diluted earnings (loss) per share

 

$

(0.06

)

$

(0.06

)

$

(0.08

)

$

0.15

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic weighted average shares outstanding

 

86,104

 

87,387

 

86,511

 

88,366

 

Diluted weighted average shares outstanding

 

86,104

 

87,387

 

86,511

 

88,561

 

 

See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

4



Table of Contents

 

bebe stores, inc.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(In thousands)

(unaudited)

 

 

 

Nine Months Ended

 

 

 

April 3,
2010

 

April 4,
2009

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash flows from operating activities:

 

 

 

 

 

Net income (loss)

 

$

(7,213

)

$

12,957

 

Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to cash provided by operating activities

 

 

 

 

 

Non-cash compensation expense

 

4,958

 

4,300

 

Depreciation and amortization

 

19,870

 

19,714

 

Non-cash charge for asset impairment

 

4,753

 

2,877

 

Net loss on disposal of property

 

521

 

1,053

 

Loss (gain) on trading securities

 

(3,353

)

12,893

 

Loss (gain) on auction rate securities written put option

 

3,234

 

(12,298

)

Tax benefit from exercise of stock options and awards

 

75

 

80

 

Excess tax benefit from exercise of stock options and awards

 

(10

)

(30

)

Deferred rent and other lease incentives

 

(1,441

)

771

 

Deferred income taxes

 

(1,136

)

(783

)

Long term income taxes payable

 

382

 

 

Changes in operating assets and liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

Receivables

 

(965

)

(423

)

Inventories

 

7,125

 

5,110

 

Prepaid expenses and other

 

10,101

 

(14,788

)

Accounts payable

 

(7,834

)

(18

)

Accrued liabilities

 

(8,312

)

(3,625

)

Net cash provided by operating activities

 

20,755

 

27,790

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash flows from investing activities:

 

 

 

 

 

Purchase of property and equipment

 

(9,998

)

(23,709

)

Purchase of investment securities

 

(87,935

)

 

Proceeds from sales of investment securities

 

93,293

 

22,700

 

Net cash used by investing activities

 

(4,640

)

(1,009

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash flows from financing activities:

 

 

 

 

 

Net proceeds from issuance of common stock

 

210

 

431

 

Purchase of common stock

 

(4,227

)

(13,328

)

Excess tax benefit from exercise of stock options and awards

 

10

 

30

 

Cash dividends paid

 

(8,677

)

(13,074

)

Other

 

 

(38

)

Net cash used by financing activities

 

(12,684

)

(25,979

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net increase in cash and equivalents

 

3,431

 

801

 

Effect of exchange rate changes on cash

 

5,919

 

(1,086

)

Cash and equivalents:

 

 

 

 

 

Beginning of period

 

91,390

 

123,344

 

End of period

 

$

100,740

 

$

123,059

 

 

See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

5



Table of Contents

 

bebe stores, inc.

 

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

INTERIM FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

The accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheets of bebe stores, inc. (the “Company”) as of April 3, 2010, July 4, 2009 and April 4, 2009, the condensed consolidated statements of operations for the three and nine months ended April 3, 2010 and April 4, 2009 and the condensed consolidated statements of cash flows for the nine months ended April 3, 2010 and April 4, 2009 have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America for interim financial information and with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X, without audit. Accordingly, they do not include all of the information required by accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America for annual financial statements. Therefore, these condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended July 4, 2009.

 

In the opinion of management, all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring accruals) considered necessary to present fairly the financial position at the balance sheet dates and the results of operations for the periods presented have been included. The condensed consolidated balance sheet at July 4, 2009, presented herein, was derived from the audited balance sheet included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended July 4, 2009.

 

The Company’s business is affected by the pattern of seasonality common to most retail apparel businesses. The results for the periods presented are not necessarily indicative of future financial results.

 

The Company revised cash flows from operating activities for the nine months ended April 4, 2009 on its statements of cash flows to separately present the tax benefit and excess tax benefit from exercise of stock options and awards.  Net cash provided (used) by operating and financing activities for the prior year period changed by immaterial amounts.  Certain prior year amounts have been reclassified to conform to current year presentation.

 

The Company has evaluated all subsequent events that occurred after the balance sheet date through the date the condensed consolidated financial statements were issued.

 

FISCAL YEAR

 

The Company’s fiscal year is a 52 or 53 week period, each period ending on the first Saturday after June 30.  Fiscal years 2010 and 2009 each include 52 weeks.

 

The three month periods ended April 3, 2010 and April 4, 2009 each include 13 weeks.  The nine month periods ended April 3, 2010 and April 4, 2009 each include 39 weeks.

 

RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS

 

Codification

 

Effective July 1, 2009, the Financial Accounting Standards Board’s (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) became the single official source of authoritative, nongovernmental generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) in the United States.  The historical GAAP hierarchy was eliminated, and the ASC became the only level of authoritative GAAP, other than guidance issued by the Securities and Exchange Commission.  The Company’s accounting policies were not affected by the conversion to ASC.  However, references to specific accounting standards in the footnotes to the Company’s condensed consolidated financial statements have been changed to refer to the appropriate section of ASC.

 

Fair Value

 

In September 2006, the FASB issued guidance which defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles and expands disclosures about fair value measurements.  This guidance is contained in ASC 820, “Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures”.  In February 2008, the FASB deferred the effective date for non-financial assets and liabilities, except for certain items that are recognized or disclosed at fair value at least annually.  The Company elected to partially adopt the provisions ASC 820 as of July 6, 2008 for financial instruments. Although the partial adoption did not materially impact the Company’s financial condition, results of operations or cash flow, the Company is now required to provide additional disclosures as part of its financial statements.  The Company’s adoption of the remaining provisions of ASC 820, pertaining to fair value disclosures related to non-financial assets and liabilities, on July 5, 2009 has not had a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial position, statements of operations or cash flows.

 

6



Table of Contents

 

In April 2009, the FASB issued additional guidance in accordance with ASC 825, “Financial Instruments”.  The additional guidance adds required disclosures about fair value of financial instruments in interim financial statements as well as in annual financial statements.  The guidance also requires those disclosures in summarized financial information at interim reporting periods.  This guidance is effective for interim periods ending after June 15, 2009, with early adoption permitted for periods ending after March 15, 2009.  The Company’s adoption of this requirement has not had a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial position, statements of operations or cash flows, as it relates to disclosure only.

 

In January 2010, the FASB issued ASU No. 2010-06, “Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures (Topic 820): Improving Disclosures about Fair Value Measurements.” ASU No. 2010-06 amends ASC 820 and clarifies and provides additional disclosure requirements related to recurring and non-recurring fair value measurements and employers’ disclosures about postretirement benefit plan assets. This ASU is effective for the Company on January 3, 2010. The Company’s adoption of this requirement has not had a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial position, statements of operations or cash flows, as it relates to disclosure only.

 

INVENTORIES

 

The Company’s inventories consisted of:

 

 

 

 

 

As of

 

 

 

 

 

April 3,
 2010

 

July 4,
2009

 

April 4,
2009

 

 

 

(In thousands)

 

Merchandise available for sale

 

$

 31,295

 

$

 37,043

 

$

 34,467

 

Raw materials

 

989

 

2,151

 

2,966

 

Inventories, net

 

$

 32,284

 

$

 39,194

 

$

 37,433

 

 

EARNINGS PER SHARE

 

Basic earnings per share is computed as net earnings divided by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding for the period. Diluted earnings per share reflects the potential dilution that could occur from common shares issuable through the exercise of dilutive stock options.

 

The following is a reconciliation of the number of shares used in the basic and diluted earnings per share computations:

 

 

 

Three Months Ended

 

Nine Months Ended

 

 

 

April 3,
2010

 

April 4,
2009

 

April 3,
2010

 

April 4,
2009

 

 

 

(In thousands)

 

(In thousands)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic weighted average number of shares outstanding

 

86,104

 

87,387

 

86,511

 

88,366

 

Incremental shares from the assumed issuance of stock options

 

 

 

 

195

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Diluted weighted average number of shares outstanding

 

86,104

 

87,387

 

86,511

 

88,561

 

 

The number of incremental shares from the assumed issuance of stock options is calculated by applying the treasury stock method.

 

Excluded from the computation of the number of diluted weighted average shares outstanding were options to purchase 3,872,000 and 7,018,000 shares of common stock for the three months ended April 3, 2010 and April 4, 2009, respectively, and 4,723,000 and 6,731,000 shares of common stock for the nine months ended April 3, 2010 and April 4, 2009, respectively, which would have been anti-dilutive.

 

7



Table of Contents

 

COMMON STOCK PURCHASES

 

Share repurchases were as follows:

 

 

 

Three Months Ended

 

Nine Months Ended

 

 

 

April 3,
2010

 

April 4,
2009

 

April 3,
2010

 

April 4,
2009

 

 

 

(In thousands, except per share data)

 

(In thousands, except per share data)

 

Number of shares repurchased

 

85

 

1,851

 

729

 

2,389

 

Total cost

 

$

510

 

$

10,127

 

$

4,227

 

$

13,328

 

Average per share cost including commissions

 

$

6.00

 

$

5.47

 

$

5.80

 

$

5.58

 

 

In October 2008, the board of directors authorized a program to repurchase up to $30 million of the Company’s common stock.  The Company intends, from time to time, as business conditions warrant, to purchase stock in the open market or through private transactions.  Purchases may be increased, decreased or discontinued at any time without prior notice.  The plan does not obligate the Company to repurchase any specific number of shares and may be suspended at any time at management’s discretion.  As of April 3, 2010, there was approximately $12.5 million available for repurchase under the program.

 

COMPREHENSIVE LOSS

 

Comprehensive income consists of net income (loss) and other comprehensive income (income, expenses, gains and losses that bypass the income statement and are reported directly as a separate component of equity).  The Company’s comprehensive income consists of net income (loss), gain (loss) on available for sale securities and foreign currency translation adjustments for all periods presented.

 

 

 

Three Months Ended

 

Nine Months Ended

 

 

 

April 3,
2010

 

April 4,
2009

 

April 3,
2010

 

April 4,
2009

 

 

 

(In thousands)

 

Net income (loss)

 

$

(5,471

)

$

(5,045

)

$

(7,213

)

$

12,957

 

Gain (loss) on available for sale securities

 

(174

)

(2,317

)

2,216

 

(7,197

)

Accumulated translation adjustments

 

1,307

 

(472

)

4,656

 

(5,920

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total comprehensive loss

 

$

(4,338

)

$

(7,834

)

$

(341

)

$

(160

)

 

INVESTMENTS

 

The Company’s investment portfolio consists of treasury bills, certificates of deposit and auction rate securities. The Company holds a variety of interest bearing auction rate securities (“ARS”) consisting of federally insured student loan backed securities and insured municipal authority bonds. As of April 3, 2010, the Company’s ARS portfolio totaled approximately $170.7 million, $58.3 million classified as trading securities (net of impairment charges of $9.3 million, of which a $3.4 million gain has been recognized in the current year) and $112.4 million (net of a temporary impairment charge of $14.6 million, of which a $2.2 million unrealized gain has been recorded in the current year) classified as available for sale securities. The Company’s ARS portfolio includes approximately 98% federally insured student loan backed securities and 2% municipal authority bonds. The Company’s ARS portfolio consists of approximately 42% AAA rated investments, 3% AA rated investments, 35% A rated investments, 14% BBB rated investments and 6% CCC rated investments. This is a change from the portfolio as of July 4, 2009, which consisted of 46% AAA rated investments, 14% AA rated investments, 30% A rated investments and 10% BBB rated investments. These ARS investments are intended to provide liquidity via an auction process that resets the applicable interest rate at predetermined calendar intervals, allowing investors to either roll over their holdings or gain immediate liquidity by selling such investments at par. The uncertainties in the credit markets that began in February 2008 have affected the Company’s holdings in ARS investments and auctions for the Company’s investments in these securities have failed to settle on their respective settlement dates. Historically the fair value of ARS investments had approximated par value due to the frequent resets through the auction process. While the Company continues to earn interest on its ARS investments at the maximum contractual rate, these investments are not currently trading and therefore do not currently have a readily determinable market value. Accordingly, the estimated fair value of ARS no longer approximates par value. Consequently, the investments are not currently liquid, and the Company will not be able to access these funds until a future auction of these investments is successful, the issuer redeems the securities, or at maturity. Maturity dates for these ARS investments range from 2010 to 2044 with principal distributions occurring on certain securities prior to maturity.

 

8



Table of Contents

 

In November 2008, the Company entered into a settlement agreement related to its ARS held with UBS Financial Services, Inc. (“UBS”) that grants the Company certain rights related to these ARS (the “Right”). Beginning June 30, 2010, at the Company’s request, UBS has agreed to purchase all of the Company’s ARS currently held with them at par value. Conversely, UBS has the right, in its discretion, to purchase or sell the Company’s ARS at any time until July 2, 2012, so long as the Company receives payment at par value upon any sale or disposition. The enforceability of the Right results in a put option which should be recognized as a free standing asset separate from the ARS. Upon acceptance of the offer from UBS in November 2008, the Company recorded the put option at fair value of $11.6 million, with a corresponding credit to interest and other income, net. Although it is a financial instrument, the put option does not meet the FASB’s definition of a derivative instrument; therefore the Company has elected to measure the put option at fair value. As a result, unrealized gains and losses are included in earnings.  At April 3, 2010, the fair value of the put option is $8.8 million, net of a reserve of $0.5 million, of which a gain of $0.1 million has been recognized in the current year.

 

Prior to accepting the UBS offer, the Company recorded its ARS held with UBS as investments available for sale, with an associated unrealized loss included in other comprehensive income. In connection with our acceptance of the UBS offer in November 2008, the Company transferred approximately $84.4 million in ARS subject to the UBS settlement from investments available for sale to trading securities and recorded a loss on investments of approximately $12.1 million. As a result, subsequent changes in fair value of the ARS have been recorded as a component of net income. The Company intends to exercise the Right when it becomes available, and as such the associated investments of $58.8 million, net of impairment charges of $9.3 million, at April 3, 2010, have been classified as short term on the balance sheet.

 

The remainder of the Company’s ARS investment portfolio of $112.4 million, net of a temporary impairment charge of $14.6 million, remains available for sale on the Company’s balance sheet. The related temporary impairment charge remains as a loss in accumulated other comprehensive income.

 

The Company also holds short term available for sale securities totaling $59.0 million as of April 3, 2010, that consist of $40.0 million in treasury bills and $19.0 million in certificates of deposit which are classified as available for sale securities on the Company’s balance sheet at cost which approximates fair value.

 

The Company reviews its impairments in accordance with guidance issued by the FASB and SEC in order to determine the classification of the impairment as “temporary” or “other-than-temporary”. A temporary impairment charge results in an unrealized loss being recorded in the accumulated other comprehensive income component of shareholders’ equity. Such an unrealized loss does not affect net income for the applicable accounting period. An other-than-temporary impairment charge is recorded as a loss in the condensed consolidated statements of operations for the applicable accounting period. When evaluating the investments for other-than-temporary impairment, the Company estimates the expected cash flows of the underlying collateral by reviewing factors such as the length of time and extent to which fair value has been below cost basis, the financial condition of the issuer and any changes thereto, and the Company’s intent to sell, or whether it is more likely than not it will be required to sell, the investment before recovery of the investment’s amortized cost basis. The Company has not recorded any impairment loss from its available for sale investments as other-than-temporary based on such analysis.

 

The valuation of the Company’s investment portfolio is subject to uncertainties that are difficult to predict. Factors that may impact its valuation include changes to credit ratings of the securities as well as to the underlying assets supporting those securities, rates of default of the underlying assets, underlying collateral value, discount rates and ongoing strength and quality of market credit and liquidity.

 

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The following is a summary of the Company’s available for sale securities:

 

 

 

As of April 3, 2010

 

 

 

Cost

 

Unrealized
Losses
Less Than
12 Months

 

Unrealized
Losses
12 Months
or Greater

 

Estimated
Fair Value

 

 

 

(In thousands)

 

Short term treasury bills

 

$

40,000

 

$

 

$

 

$

40,000

 

Short term certificates of deposit

 

18,990

 

 

 

18,990

 

Long term auction rate securities

 

126,975

 

 

(14,621

)

112,354

 

Total

 

$

185,965

 

$

 

$

(14,621

)

$

171,344

 

 

 

 

As of April 4, 2009

 

 

 

Cost

 

Unrealized
Losses
Less Than
12 Months

 

Unrealized
Losses
12 Months
or Greater

 

Estimated
Fair Value

 

 

 

(In thousands)

 

Long term auction rate securities

 

$

137,925

 

$

(14,997

)

$

 

$

122,928

 

 

CREDIT FACILITIES

 

The Company has an unsecured commercial line of credit agreement which provides for borrowings and issuance of letters of credit of up to a combined total of $25.0 million and expires on March 31, 2012. The outstanding balance bears interest at either the bank’s reference rate (which was 3.25% as of April 3, 2010) or the LIBOR rate (which was 0.25% as of April 3, 2010) plus 1.75 percentage points. As of April 3, 2010, there were no outstanding cash borrowings and there was $1.8 million of letters of credit outstanding.

 

This credit facility requires the Company to maintain a $2.5 million compensating balance and to comply with certain financial covenants, including amounts for minimum tangible net worth, unencumbered liquid assets and profitability, and certain restrictions on making loans and investments. As of April 3, 2010, the Company was in compliance with all financial covenants.

 

UNREDEEMED GIFT CARDS

 

The Company sells gift cards with no expiration dates to customers in its retail store locations, through its online stores, and through third parties.  Income from gift cards is recognized when they are redeemed by the customer.  In addition, the Company recognizes income on unredeemed gift cards when it can determine that the likelihood of the gift card being redeemed is remote and there is no legal obligation to remit the unredeemed gift cards to relevant jurisdictions (gift card breakage).  The Company determines the gift card breakage income based on historical redemption patterns.  The Company accumulated sufficient historical data to determine elapsed time for recording breakage income during the second quarter of fiscal 2010, which the Company estimates is five years.  Gift card breakage is included as other income within selling, general and administrative expenses.  The Company recognized $1.1 million in pre-tax income related to the initial recognition of gift card breakage.

 

STOCK BASED COMPENSATION

 

The following table summarizes the stock based compensation expense recognized under the Company’s stock plan during the three months and the nine months ended April 3, 2010 and April 4, 2009:

 

 

 

Three Months Ended

 

Nine Months Ended

 

 

 

April 3,
2010

 

April 4,
2009

 

April 3,
2010

 

April 4,
2009

 

 

 

(In thousands)

 

Stock options

 

$

2,574

 

$

982

 

$

4,748

 

$

3,961

 

Unvested stock awards/units

 

161

 

79

 

210

 

339

 

Total stock based compensation expense

 

$

2,735

 

$

1,061

 

$

4,958

 

$

4,300

 

 

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Unrecognized compensation cost related to nonvested stock options and unvested stock awards/units totaled approximately $4.5 million and $0.1 million, respectively, as of April 3, 2010.  This cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 2.8 years.  The weighted average fair value of stock options at their grant date during the three months ended April 3, 2010 and April 4, 2009 was $3.41 and $2.43, respectively.  For the nine month periods ended April 3, 2010 and April 4, 2009, the weighted average fair values of stock options at their grant date were $2.90 and $3.26, respectively.

 

Adjustments During the Three and Nine Months Ended April 3, 2010:

 

Since fiscal 2006, the Company has licensed software from a third party provider to automate the administration of its employee equity programs and calculate its stock-based compensation expense (the “Software”).  Subsequent to the issuance of the Company’s June 2009 annual financial statements the Company was notified of errors in the calculation of stock based compensation expense for fiscal years 2009, 2008, 2007 and 2006 and for the three months ended October 3, 2009 and the three and six months ended January 2, 2010. The errors were identified after the Company’s third-party software provider notified its clients that it made a change to how its software program calculates stock based compensation expense. Specifically, the prior version of this software calculated stock based compensation expense by incorrectly applying a weighted average forfeiture rate to the vested portion of stock option awards until the grant’s final vest date, rather than calculating stock based compensation expense based upon the actual vested portion of the grant date fair value, resulting in an understatement of stock based compensation expense in certain periods prior to the grant’s final vest date. Thus, this error affected the timing of stock-based compensation expense recognition.

 

The Company determined that the cumulative error from the understatement of stock based compensation expense related to the periods discussed above totaled $2.5 million, net of tax effects through April 3, 2010. The impact of the errors on fiscal years 2009, 2008, 2007 and 2006, is to increase (decrease) net income by $0.1 million, $0.7 million, ($0.8) million and ($2.3) million, respectively and for three months ended October 3, 2009 and three months ended January 2, 2010 to increase (decrease) net loss by $0.3 million and ($0.1) million, respectively.

 

The Company has determined that the impact of this error is not material to the previously issued annual and interim unaudited consolidated financial statements using the guidance of SEC Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 99 (“SAB 99”) and SAB 108. Accordingly, the interim unaudited consolidated financial statements for the three and nine months ended April 3, 2010 include the cumulative adjustment to increase stock-based compensation expense by $1.8 million net of tax effect, (or $0.02 per share) and $2.5 million net of tax effect, (or $0.03 per share), respectively to correct these errors. The Company does not believe the correction of these errors is material to the consolidated financial statements for the three and nine months ended April 3, 2010 and does not believe that it will be material to the 2010 annual consolidated financial statements.

 

Offer to Exchange Certain Outstanding Options:

 

During the first quarter of 2010, the Company filed a Tender Offer Statement on Schedule TO with the SEC pursuant to which the Company extended an offer to employees and non-employee directors to exchange up to an aggregate of 2,058,475 options to purchase shares of our common stock, whether vested or unvested. Options with an exercise price greater than $10.74 per share and an expiration date after September 29, 2009 were eligible to be tendered pursuant to the offer. The closing market price on September 29, 2009 was $7.64. In accordance with the Tender Offer (the “TO”), the number of new options issued was based on exchange ratios as set forth in the table below:

 

Exercise Price Range

 

Shares Subject to Option
Surrendered

 

Shares Subject to
Replacement Option To
Be Granted

 

$ 10.75-$14.99

 

1.14

 

1

 

$ 15.00-$19.99

 

1.84

 

1

 

$ 20.00 and above

 

2.06

 

1

 

 

A total of 1,710,735 options were tendered and cancelled, and a total of 1,126,267 replacement options were granted on September 29, 2009 with an exercise price of $7.64 per share.  Replacement options granted in exchange for fully or partially unvested surrendered options at the time they were surrendered for cancellation will vest as follows: (A) vested shares subject to eligible options and unvested shares subject to eligible options scheduled to vest prior to the one-year anniversary of the replacement grant date shall vest on the one-year anniversary of the replacement grant date and (B) unvested shares subject to eligible options scheduled to vest after the one-year anniversary of the replacement grant date shall vest according to the original vest dates of the eligible option. The TO was subject to modification accounting pursuant to FASB ASC 718-20-35-3 whereby the total compensation cost measured at the date of modification was the incremental cost resulting from the modification. The incremental cost resulting from the modification is measured as the excess of the fair value of the modified award over the fair value of the original award immediately before its terms are modified. The incremental fair value of $0.3 million for the new awards was computed using an expected life of 4.07 years, a risk-free interest rate of 1.94% and a volatility of 54%. The incremental fair value of the unvested awards is being amortized over the remaining service period.

 

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FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS

 

The FASB has established a three-tier fair value hierarchy, which prioritizes the inputs used in measuring fair value. These tiers include: Level 1, defined as observable inputs such as quoted prices in active markets; Level 2, defined as inputs other than quoted prices in active markets that are either directly or indirectly observable; and Level 3, defined as unobservable inputs in which little or no market data exists, therefore requiring an entity to develop its own assumptions.

 

Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis:

 

As of April 3, 2010, the Company held financial instruments that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis. These included cash equivalents, trading securities, a written put option related to a UBS settlement and available for sale securities. Cash equivalents consist of money market funds. Short term available for sale securities consist of government treasury bills and certificates of deposit. Trading securities consist of auction rate securities (“ARS”) held with UBS. Long term available for sale securities consist of ARS held with another broker and a certificate of deposit. The ARS securities consist of federally insured student loan backed securities and insured municipal authority bonds.

 

The Company determined the estimated fair value of its investment in ARS as of April 3, 2010 using a discounted cash flow model. The assumptions used in preparing the discounted cash flow model include estimates for interest rates, timing, credit ratings, credit wrap and amount of cash flows and expected holding periods of the ARS. The ARS written put right is a free-standing asset separate from the ARS and represents the Company’s contractual right to require UBS to purchase its ARS at par value during the two-year period beginning June 30, 2010. In order to value the ARS written put right, the Company considered intrinsic value, time value of money and its assessment of the credit worthiness of UBS.

 

The following items are measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of April 3, 2010:

 

 

 

 

 

Using Quoted Prices
in Active Markets for
Identical Assets

 

Significant
Other
Observable
Inputs

 

Significant
Unobservable Inputs

 

 

 

April 3, 2010

 

(Level 1)

 

(Level 2)

 

(Level 3)

 

Description

 

Fair value measurements at reporting date

 

 

 

(In thousands)

 

Cash equivalents

 

$

49,007

 

$

49,007

 

$

 

$

 

Current available for sale securities

 

58,990

 

58,990

 

 

 

Trading securities

 

58,315

 

 

 

58,315

 

ARS written put option

 

8,822

 

 

 

8,822

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Non-current available for sale securities

 

112,354

 

 

 

112,354

 

Total

 

$

287,488

 

$

107,997

 

$

 

$

179,491

 

 

During the nine months ended April 3, 2010 there were no transfers of assets and liabilities between Level 1 (quoted prices in active markets for identical assets) and Level 2 (significant other observable inputs) of the fair value measurement hierarchy.  The following table presents the Company’s activity for assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) for the nine months ended April 3, 2010:

 

Description

 

Investments in Level 3
Securities

 

 

 

(In thousands)

 

Balance as of July 4, 2009

 

$

200,431

 

Total gains (realized or unrealized)

 

 

 

Included in net loss

 

119

 

Included in accumulated other comprehensive loss

 

2,216

 

 

 

 

 

Settlements

 

(23,275

)

Balance as of April 3, 2010

 

$

179,491

 

 

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Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Non-Recurring Basis:

 

The Company measures certain non-financial assets and liabilities, including long-lived assets, at fair value on a non-recurring basis.  During the three and nine months ended April 3, 2010, the Company recorded a charge of approximately $0.5 million and $4.7 million, respectively, related to the impairment of assets related to under-performing stores.  The fair market value of these assets was determined using the income approach and Level 3 inputs, which required management to make significant estimates about future cash flows.  Management estimates the amount and timing of future cash flows based on its experience and knowledge of the retail market in which each store operates.  This impairment charge is included in selling, general and administrative expenses (“SG&A”) in the accompanying condensed consolidated statements of operations.  The Company was not required to measure any other significant non-financial assets and liabilities at fair value.

 

LEGAL MATTERS

 

As of the date of this filing, the Company was involved in ongoing legal proceedings as described below.

 

A former employee sued the Company in a complaint filed July 27, 2006 in the Superior Court of California, San Mateo County (Case No. CIV 456550) alleging a failure to pay all wages, failure to pay overtime wages, failure to pay minimum wages, failure to provide meal periods, violation of Labor Code §450, violation of Labor Code §2802 and California Code of Regulations §11040(9)(A), statutory wage violations (late payment of wages), unlawful business practices under Business and Professions Code §16720 and §17200, conversion of wages and violation of Civil Code §52.1. The plaintiff purported to bring the action also on behalf of current and former California bebe employees who were similarly situated. The lawsuit seeks compensatory, statutory, punitive, restitution and injunctive relief.  The court formally denied class certification regarding certain claims Plaintiff purportedly brought on behalf of non-managers.  The Court allowed the named plaintiff to be replaced by two managers who will now try to certify a manager based class on the original claims brought in the complaint.  Discovery is ongoing and the court has not set a date for hearing on class certification.

 

A former employee sued the Company in a complaint filed in the Superior Court of California, Los Angeles County (BC 429230) and served on us February 4, 2010, alleging a failure to pay all wages, failure to provide meal periods and rest breaks, violation of Labor Code §450, §2802 and California Code of Regulations §11070(9)(A), statutory wage violations (late payment of wages), unlawful business practices under Business and Professions Code §16720 and §17200, and other associated claims.  The plaintiff purported to bring the action also on behalf of current and former California bebe employees who are similarly situated.  The plaintiff has since dismissed the matter with prejudice.

 

The Company sued Skechers, U.S.A., Inc. in a complaint filed October 8, 2009 in the Superior Court for the State of California, County of San Mateo (Case No. CIV 488671), alleging breach of contract, among other claims.  The case has been moved to the County of San Francisco.  The defendant has yet to file an answer.

 

A customer sued the Company in a complaint filed October 14, 2009 in the Superior Court for the State of California, County of Los Angeles (BC 423835) alleging the Company violated the Song-Beverly Credit Card Act, Civil Code §1747.08.  The plaintiff purported to bring the action also on behalf of other California bebe customers who are similarly situated.  The parties have since resolved the case with no liability to the Company.

 

Four former employees sued the Company in a complaint filed December 14, 2009 in the United States District Court, Southern District of Texas (C.A. NO. 4:09-CV-039777) alleging discrimination and retaliation under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and 42 U.S.C. §1981, defamation, negligent hiring, supervision, retention and training, among other claims. The Company has answered the complaint and discovery is underway.

 

The Company is also involved in various other legal proceedings arising in the normal course of business.  None of these matters, nor the matters listed above are expected, individually or in the aggregate, to have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business, financial condition or results of operations.

 

The Company will defend itself vigorously against each of these claims. However, the results of any litigation are inherently uncertain, and thus the Company cannot assure you that it will be able to successfully defend in these lawsuits. Where required, and/or otherwise appropriate, the Company has recorded an estimate of potential liabilities that the Company believes is reasonable. Any estimates are revised as further information becomes available.

 

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

 

The following Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations contains forward-looking statements, which involve risks and uncertainties. Our actual results may differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements.  Statements that are predictive in nature, that depend upon or refer to future events or conditions or that include words such as “expects,” “anticipates,” “intends,” “plans,” “believes,” “estimates,” “thinks,” and similar expressions are forward-looking statements.  Forward-looking statements include statements about our expected results of operations, capital expenditures and store openings.  Although we believe that these statements are based upon reasonable assumptions, we cannot assure you that our goals will be achieved. These forward-looking statements are made as of the date of this quarterly report, and we assume no obligation to update or revise them or provide reasons why actual results may differ. Factors that might cause such a difference include, but are not limited to, our ability to respond to changing fashion trends, obtain raw materials and find manufacturing facilities, attract and retain key management personnel, develop new concepts, successfully open future stores, successfully manage our online business, maintain and protect information technology, respond effectively to competitive pressures in the apparel industry and adverse economic conditions and protect our intellectual property as well as declines in comparable store sales performance, changes in the level of consumer spending or preferences in apparel and/or other factors discussed in “Risk Factors” and elsewhere in this quarterly report.

 

OVERVIEW

 

We design, develop and produce a distinctive line of contemporary women’s apparel and accessories. While we attract a broad audience, our target customer is a 18 to 34-year-old woman who seeks current fashion trends to suit her lifestyle. The “bebe look” appeals to a hip, sexy, sophisticated, body-conscious woman who takes pride in her appearance. The bebe customer expects value in the form of current fashion and high quality at a competitive price.

 

Our distinctive product offering includes a full range of separates, tops, sweaters, dresses, active wear and accessories in the following lifestyle categories:  career, evening, casual and active. We design and develop the majority of our merchandise in-house, which is manufactured to our specifications. The remainder of our merchandise is sourced directly from third-party manufacturers.

 

We market our products under the bebe, BEBE SPORT, bbsp, 2b bebe and PH8 brand names through our 300 retail stores, of which 214 are bebe stores, 52 are PH8 stores, 33 are 2b bebe stores and 1 is a bebe accessories store as of April 3, 2010. These stores are located in 36 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands and Canada. In addition, we have an on-line store at www.bebe.com, and our licensees operate 45 international stores as of April 3, 2010. During the nine months ended April 3, 2010, we opened 4 bebe stores and a PH8 store and closed a bebe store, 11 PH8 stores and a 2b bebe store.  We expect to open a total of approximately 5 bebe stores, a PH8 store as a pop-up location and 2 2b bebe stores during fiscal 2010. We also plan to expand an existing bebe store.  The number of anticipated store closures includes 3 bebe stores, 1 2b bebe store and up to 16 PH8 stores, including the pop-up location opened last fall.

 

bebe stores.  We were founded by Manny Mashouf, our Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board. We opened our first store in San Francisco, California in 1976, which was also the year we incorporated. We also operate one bebe accessory store that features a limited assortment of bebe merchandise, including outerwear, shoes and accessories. bebe stores offer a limited selection of BEBE SPORT and PH8 merchandise.

 

PH8. We launched BEBE SPORT during fiscal 2003 to address the performance and active lifestyle needs of the bebe customer.  In November 2009, we converted all of our BEBE SPORT storefronts to PH8 and began to offer BEBE SPORT product in bebe and 2b bebe stores in the 2009 holiday season.  In addition, we changed our product offering to offer a selection of casual weekend apparel, work-out attire and accessories such as bags, shoes and various seasonal items under the new PH8 label.  Due to the change in store fronts and product offering, we have excluded the new PH8 stores from comparable store sales as of November 2009.  During fiscal 2010, we recorded asset impairment charges of $4.1 million to write-off underperforming PH8 stores.  Management will continue to assess the performance of the PH8 concept, which may result in an evaluation of strategic alternatives for our PH8 stores.

 

2b bebe stores.  We currently operate 15 2b bebe stores and 18 stores operating in the outlet store design under the 2b bebe name.  The stores operating in the 2b bebe design sell bebe logo, 2b bebe merchandise and a small percentage of bebe retail markdowns.  The stores operating in the outlet design sell bebe logo, 2b bebe merchandise and a large percentage of bebe retail markdowns, including PH8.

 

On-line. bebe.com is an extension of the bebe store experience and provides a complete assortment of bebe merchandise and a limited selection of BEBE SPORT and 2b bebe merchandise. It is also used as a vehicle to communicate with our customers.

 

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Table of Contents

 

CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES

 

Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations are based upon our consolidated financial statements, which have been prepared in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

 

The preparation of these financial statements requires the appropriate application of certain accounting policies, many of which require us to make estimates and assumptions about future events and their impact on amounts reported in our financial statements and related notes. Since future events and their impact cannot be determined with certainty, the actual results will inevitably differ from our estimates. Such differences could be material to our financial statements. We believe our application of accounting policies, and the estimates inherently required therein, are reasonable. Our most critical accounting policies are those related to revenue recognition, stock based compensation, inventories, investments, impairment of long lived assets, uncertain tax positions and liabilities for self-insurance. We continually evaluate these accounting policies and estimates, and we make adjustments when facts and circumstances dictate a change. Our accounting policies are described in Note 1 to the consolidated financial statements in our annual report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended July 4, 2009. This discussion and analysis should be read in conjunction with such discussion and with our condensed consolidated financials statements and related notes included in Part 1, Item 1 of this quarterly report.

 

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

 

Our fiscal year is a 52 or 53 week period, each period ending on the first Saturday after June 30.  Fiscal years 2010 and 2009 each include 52 weeks.  The three months ended April 3, 2010 and April 4, 2009 each include 13 weeks.  The nine months ended April 3, 2010 and April 4, 2009 each include 39 weeks.

 

The following table sets forth certain financial data as a percentage of net sales for the periods indicated:

 

 

 

Three Months Ended

 

Nine Months Ended

 

 

 

April 3,

 

April 4,

 

April 3,

 

April 4,

 

 

 

2010

 

2009

 

2010

 

2009

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net sales

 

100.0

%

100.0

%

100.0

%

100.0

%

Cost of sales, including production and occupancy (1)

 

61.2

 

62.2

 

61.8

 

59.4

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gross margin

 

38.8

 

37.8

 

38.2

 

40.6

 

Selling, general and administrative expenses (2)

 

45.6

 

44.5

 

41.0

 

37.6

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Operating income (loss)

 

(6.8

)

(6.7

)

(2.8

)

3.0

 

Interest and other income, net

 

0.3

 

0.5

 

0.6

 

1.2

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income (loss) before income taxes

 

(6.5

)

(6.2

)

(2.2

)

4.2

 

Provision (benefit) for income taxes

 

(1.7

)

(2.2

)

(0.3

)

1.5

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income (loss)

 

(4.8

)%

(4.0

)%

(1.9

)%

2.7

%

 


(1)           Cost of sales includes the cost of merchandise, occupancy costs, distribution center costs and production costs.

 

(2)                                        Selling, general and administrative expenses primarily consist of non-occupancy store costs, corporate overhead and advertising costs.

 

Net Sales. Net sales decreased to $114.4 million during the three months ended April 3, 2010 from $127.7 million for the comparable period of the prior year, a decrease of $13.3 million, or 10.4%. The decrease in net sales was primarily due to an 11.2% decrease in comparable store sales resulting primarily from lower traffic in stores, a reduced customer acceptance of the merchandise offering and a 7.0% decrease in our on-line sales.  These decreases were partially offset by higher conversion in stores, an increase in wholesale sales to international licensees and an increase in royalty revenue.

 

For the nine months ended April 3, 2010, net sales decreased to $381.6 million from $472.8 million for the comparable period of the prior year, a decrease of $91.2 million, or 19.3%.  The decrease in net sales was primarily due to a 20.8% decrease in comparable store sales resulting primarily from lower traffic in stores, a reduced customer acceptance of the merchandise offering and a 12.1% decrease in our on-line sales.  These decreases were partially offset by higher conversion in stores, stores not included in the comparable store sales, an increase in wholesale sales to international licensees and an increase in royalty revenue.

 

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Three Months Ended

 

Nine Months Ended

 

 

 

April 3,

 

April 4,

 

April 3,

 

April 4,

 

 

 

2010

 

2009

 

2010

 

2009

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net sales (In thousands)

 

$

114,398

 

$

127,657

 

$

381,551

 

$

472,819

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total net sales decrease percentage

 

(10.4

)%

(15.8

)%

(19.3

)%

(8.4

)%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Comparable store decrease percentage (1)

 

(11.2

)%

(23.5

)%

(20.8

)%

(18.2

)%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net sales per average square foot (2)

 

$

100

 

$

106

 

$

331

 

$

396

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Square footage at end of period (In thousands)

 

1,135

 

1,157

 

1,135

 

1,157

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Number of store locations:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Beginning of period

 

309

 

312

 

308

 

303

 

New store locations

 

1

 

1

 

5

 

12

 

Closed store locations

 

10

 

5

 

13

 

7

 

Number of stores open at end of period

 

300

 

308

 

300

 

308

 

 


(1)                                                           Beginning in November 2009, comparable store sales excludes PH8 stores.

(2)                                                           We calculate net sales per average square foot using net store sales and monthly average store square footage.

 

Gross Margin. Gross margin decreased to $44.3 million during the three months ended April 3, 2010 from $48.3 million for the comparable period of the prior year, a decrease of $4.0 million, or 8.3%. As a percentage of net sales, gross margin increased to 38.8% for the three months ended April 3, 2010 from 37.8% in the comparable period of the prior year.  The increase in gross margin as a percentage of net sales was primarily due to lower markdowns and lower other costs including inventory shrink and damages as well as $1.2 million of income related to the expiration of loyalty points partially offset by lower initial markup, unfavorable occupancy leverage and expense related to our change in return policy from 14 days to 21 days.

 

For the nine months ended April 3, 2010, gross margin decreased to $145.9 million from $191.7 million for the comparable period of the prior year, a decrease of $45.8 million, or 23.9%.  As a percentage of net sales, gross margin decreased to 38.2% for the nine months ended April 3, 2010 from 40.6% in the comparable period of the prior year.  The decrease in gross margin as a percentage of net sales was primarily due to lower initial markup, expense related to our change in return policy from 14 days to 21 days and deleveraging of occupancy costs partially offset by lower other costs including inventory shrink and damages as well as $1.2 million of income related to expiration of loyalty points.

 

Selling, General and Administrative Expenses. Selling, general and administrative expenses, which primarily consist of non-occupancy store costs, corporate overhead and advertising costs, decreased to $52.1 million during the three months ended April 3, 2010 from $56.8 million for the comparable period of the prior year, a decrease of $4.7 million, or 8.3 %. As a percentage of net sales, selling, general and administrative expenses increased to 45.6% during the three months ended April 3, 2010 from 44.5% in the comparable period of the prior year as a result of lower sales.  The decrease in dollars over the prior year was primarily due to lower compensation, advertising, depreciation and a reduction in impairment charges in the quarter for underperforming stores partially offset by a $2.1 million non-cash stock based compensation adjustment primarily related to prior years that was a result of errors caused by flaws in third party software.  We determined that the impact of this error is not material to the previously issued annual and interim unaudited consolidated financial statements using the guidance of SEC Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 99 (“SAB 99”) and SAB 108.  We do not believe that the correction of this error is material to the consolidated financial statements for the three months ended April 3, 2010 and do not believe that it will be material to the 2010 annual financial statements.

 

For the nine months ended April 3, 2010, selling, general and administrative expenses decreased to $156.4 million from $177.4 million for the comparable period of the prior year, a decrease of $21.0 million, or 11.8%.  As a percentage of net sales, selling, general and administrative expenses increased to 41.0% from 37.6% in the comparable period of the prior year as a result of lower sales.  The decrease in dollars over the prior year was primarily due to lower compensation, advertising and gift card breakage income recorded for the first time in the second quarter of fiscal 2010 offset by a $4.7 million impairment charge related to under-performing stores, of which $4.0 million related to PH8 and BEBE SPORT stores and $0.7 million related to bebe stores versus $2.9 million in the comparable period of fiscal 2009 and a $3.0 million non-cash stock based compensation adjustment primarily related to prior years that was a result of errors caused by flaws in third party software.  We determined that the impact of this error is not material to the previously issued annual and interim unaudited consolidated financial statements using the guidance of SEC Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 99 (“SAB 99”) and SAB 108.  We do not believe that the correction of this error is material to the consolidated financial statements for the nine months ended April 3, 2010 and do not believe that it will be material to the 2010 annual financial statements.

 

Interest and Other Income, Net. We generated approximately $0.4 million of interest and other income, net of other expenses during the three months ended April 3, 2010 compared to approximately $0.7 million in the comparable period of the prior year. The decrease in interest and other income resulted from an increase in investments in lower-yielding tax-exempt investments and money market funds.

 

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For the nine month period ended April 3, 2010, we recorded approximately $2.3 million of interest and other income (net of other expenses), compared to $5.6 million in the comparable period of the prior year.  The decrease in interest and other income resulted from an increase in investments in lower-yielding tax-exempt investments and money market funds.

 

Provision for Income Taxes. Our effective tax rate decreased to 26.2% for the three months ended April 3, 2010 from 35.3% for the comparable period in the prior year.  The lower effective tax rate was primarily due to incentive stock option compensation expense offset by higher tax exempt interest income as a percent of taxable income.

 

For the nine months ended April 3, 2010, our effective tax rate decreased to 12.9% from 34.9% for the comparable period in the prior year primarily due to incentive stock option compensation expense offset by higher tax exempt interest income as a percent of taxable income.

 

SEASONALITY OF BUSINESS AND QUARTERLY RESULTS

 

Our business varies with general seasonal trends that are characteristic of the retail and apparel industries. As a result, our typical store generates a higher percentage of our annual net sales and profitability in the second quarter of our fiscal year, which includes the holiday selling season, compared to the other quarters of our fiscal year. If for any reason our sales were below seasonal norms during the second quarter of our fiscal year, our annual operating results would be negatively impacted. Because of the seasonality of our business, results for any quarter are not necessarily indicative of results that may be achieved for a full fiscal year.

 

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

 

Our working capital requirements vary widely throughout the year and generally peak during the first and second fiscal quarters. As of April 3, 2010, we had approximately $330.4 million of cash and equivalents and investments on hand of which approximately $40.0 million were invested in government treasury bills, approximately $19.0 million were invested in certificates of deposit, and approximately $170.7 million, net of impairment charges of $23.9 million, were invested in auction rate securities (“ARS”). We do not anticipate the lack of liquidity in the ARS to impact our ability to fund our operations in the foreseeable future and believe we have sufficient cash and equivalents to fund ongoing operations. In addition, we have a revolving line of credit, under which we may borrow or issue letters of credit up to a combined total of $25 million. As of April 3, 2010, there were no cash borrowings outstanding under the line of credit, and letters of credit outstanding totaled $1.8 million.  This credit facility requires us to maintain a $2.5 million compensating balance and to comply with certain financial covenants, including amounts for minimum tangible net worth, unencumbered liquid assets and profitability, and certain restrictions on making loans and investments.  As of April 3, 2010, we were in compliance with all covenants under the credit facility.

 

As of April 3, 2010, we had cash and equivalents of $100.7 million held in accounts managed by third party financial institutions consisting of invested cash and cash in our operating accounts.  The invested cash is invested in interest bearing funds managed by third party financial institutions.  These funds invest in direct obligations of the government of the United States.  To date, we have experienced no loss or lack of access to our invested cash or equivalents; however, we can provide no assurances that access to our invested cash and equivalents will not be impacted by adverse conditions in the financial markets.

 

At any point in time we also have approximately $75 to $105 million of invested cash and cash in operating accounts that are with third party financial institutions.  These balances exceed the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation insurance limits.  While we monitor daily the cash balances in our operating accounts and adjust the cash balances as appropriate, these cash balances could be impacted if the underlying financial institutions fail or could be subject to other adverse conditions in the financial markets.  To date, we have experienced no loss or lack of access to invested cash or cash in our operating accounts.

 

Net cash provided by operating activities for the nine months ended April 3, 2010 was $20.8 million versus cash provided by operating activities of $27.8 million for the nine months ended April 4, 2009. The decrease of $7.0 million from the comparable period was primarily due to a decrease in net earnings of $20.2 million and lower accounts payable related to lower inventory balances offset by other changes in working capital primarily related to lower prepaid taxes as a result of a federal tax refund received during the second quarter and lower estimated tax payments made this year versus the prior due to an anticipated decrease in projected income.

 

Net cash used by investing activities for the nine months ended April 3, 2010 was $4.6 million versus $1.0 million used for the nine months ended April 4, 2009.  The increase of $3.6 million versus the prior year comparable period was primarily due to lower net proceeds on investment securities offset by lower capital expenditures.  We expect that total capital expenditures will be below $17 million in fiscal 2010.

 

Net cash used by financing activities was $12.7 million for the nine months ended April 3, 2010 versus $26.0 million for the nine months ended April 4, 2009.  The decrease in cash used of $13.3 million from the prior year comparable period was primarily due to a reduction in purchases of our common stock through our stock buyback program and lower dividends paid related to a lower rate declared for the first, second and third quarters of fiscal 2010 ($0.025 per share versus $0.05 per share in the prior year).

 

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We hold a variety of interest bearing ARS consisting of federally insured student loan backed securities and insured municipal authority bonds. As of April 3, 2010, our ARS portfolio totaled approximately $170.7 million, $58.3 million (net of an impairment charge of $9.3 million) classified as trading securities and $112.4 million (net of temporary impairment charge of $14.6 million) classified as long term available for sale securities. Our ARS portfolio includes approximately 98% federally insured student loan backed securities and 2% municipal authority bonds. Our ARS portfolio consists of approximately 42% AAA rated investments, 3% AA rated investments, 35% A rated investments, 14% BBB rated investments and 6% CCC rated investments.  This is a change from our fiscal 2009 portfolio, which consisted of 46% AAA rates investments, 14% AA rated investments, 30% A rated investments and 10% BBB related investments.  These ARS investments are intended to provide liquidity via an auction process that resets the applicable interest rate at predetermined calendar intervals, allowing investors to either roll over their holdings or gain immediate liquidity by selling such interests at par. The uncertainties in the credit markets that began in February 2008 have affected our holdings in ARS investments and auctions for our investments in these securities have failed to settle on their respective settlement dates. Historically the fair value of ARS investments had approximated par value due to the frequent resets through the auction process. While we continue to earn interest on our ARS investments at the maximum contractual rate, these investments are not currently trading and therefore do not currently have a readily determinable market value. Accordingly, the estimated fair value of ARS no longer approximates par value.  Consequently, the investments are not currently liquid, and we will not be able to access these funds until a future auction of these investments is successful, the issuer redeems the securities or at maturity. Maturity dates for these ARS investments range from 2010 to 2044 with principal distributions occurring on certain securities prior to maturity.

 

In November 2008, we entered into a settlement agreement related to our ARS held with UBS Financial Services, Inc. (“UBS”) that grants us certain rights related to these ARS (the “Right”).  Beginning June 30, 2010, at our request, UBS has agreed to purchase all of our ARS currently held with them at par value.  Conversely, UBS has the right, in its discretion, to purchase or sell our ARS at any time until July 2, 2012, so long as we receive payment at par value upon any sale or disposition.  The enforceability of the Right results in a put option which should be recognized as a free standing asset separate from the ARS.  Upon acceptance of the offer from UBS, we recorded the put option at fair value of $11.6 million, with a corresponding credit to interest income.  Although it is a financial instrument, the put option does not meet the FASB’s definition of a derivative instrument, therefore we have elected to measure the put option at fair value.  As a result, unrealized gains and losses are included in earnings.  At April 3, 2010, the fair value of the put option is $8.8 million, net of a reserve of $0.5 million, of which a gain of $0.1 million has been recognized in the current year.

 

Prior to accepting the UBS offer, we recorded our ARS held with UBS as investments available for sale, with an associated unrealized loss included in other comprehensive income.  In connection with our acceptance of the UBS offer in November 2008, we transferred approximately $84.4 million in ARS subject to the UBS settlement from investments available for sale to trading securities and recorded a loss on investments of approximately $12.1 million.  As a result, changes in fair value of the ARS are recorded as a component of net income.  We intend to exercise the Right when it becomes available, and as such the associated investments have been classified as short-term on our balance sheet.

 

In October 2008, our board of directors authorized a program to repurchase up to $30 million of our common stock.  We may, from time to time, as business conditions warrant, purchase stock in the open market or through private transactions.  Purchases may be increased, decreased or discontinued at any time without prior notice.  The plan does not obligate us to repurchase any specific number of shares and may be suspended at any time at management’s discretion.  During the third quarter of fiscal 2010 we purchased 0.1 million shares at an average price of $6.00 per share.  As of April 3, 2010, there was approximately $12.5 million available for additional purchases under the program.

 

We believe that our cash and cash equivalents on hand, will be sufficient to meet our capital and operating requirements for at least the next twelve months. Our future capital requirements, however, will depend on numerous factors, including without limitation, liquidity of our auction rate securities, the size and number of new and expanded stores and/or store concepts, investment costs for management information systems, potential acquisitions and/or joint ventures, purchases of our stock and future results of operations.

 

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ITEM 3.  QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

 

We are exposed to market risks, which include changes in U.S. interest rates and, to a lesser extent, foreign exchange rates. We do not engage in financial transactions for trading or speculative purposes.

 

Interest Rate Risk

 

We currently maintain a portfolio of variable interest rate investments consisting of cash equivalents, government treasury bills, certificates of deposit and both short-term and long-term investments consisting of ARS.  According to our investment policy, we may invest in taxable and tax-exempt instruments.  In addition, the policy establishes limits on credit quality, maturity, issuer and type of instrument. Investments are classified as “trading” or “available for sale”.  We do not use derivative financial instruments in our investment portfolio.

 

All highly liquid investments with a maturity of three months or less at the date of purchase are considered to be cash equivalents.  Investments are considered short-term available for sale securities if the original maturity is between three months and twelve months, short-term trading securities if they are ARS related to the Right with UBS, or long term investments if the original maturity is greater than twelve months. Historically the fair value of ARS investments had approximated par value due to the frequent resets through the auction process. While we continue to earn interest on our ARS investments at the maximum contractual rate, these investments are not currently trading and therefore do not currently have a readily determinable market value. Accordingly, the estimated fair value of ARS no longer approximates par value. We determined the estimated fair value of our investment in ARS as of April 3, 2010 using a discounted cash flow model to estimate the fair value of our investments in ARS. The assumptions used in preparing the discounted cash flow model include estimates for interest rates, timing and amount of cash flows and expected holding periods of the ARS. The ARS written put right is a free standing asset separate from the ARS, and represents our contractual right to require UBS to purchase our ARS at par value during the two year period beginning June 30, 2010.  In order to value the ARS written put right, we considered intrinsic value, time value of money and our assessment of the credit worthiness of UBS.  We have modified our investment strategy and increased our investments in more liquid money market investments.

 

The following table lists our cash, cash equivalents and investments as of April 3, 2010:

 

 

 

Fair Value

 

 

 

(Dollars in thousands)

 

Cash

 

$

51,734

 

Weighted average interest rate

 

0.00

%

Cash equivalents

 

$

49,006

 

Weighted average interest rate

 

0.11

%

Current available for sale securities

 

$

58,990

 

Weighted average interest rate

 

0.36

%

Trading securities

 

$

58,315

 

Weighted average interest rate

 

0.65

%

Non-current available for sale securities

 

$

112,354

 

Weighted average interest rate

 

0.56

%

Total

 

$

330,399

 

 

The interest payable on outstanding cash borrowings under our bank line of credit is based on variable interest rates and is therefore affected by changes in market interest rates. If interest rates rose significantly, our results from operations and cash flows would not be materially affected since we have no outstanding borrowings.

 

Foreign Currency Risks

 

We enter into a significant amount of purchase obligations outside of the United States, substantially all of which are negotiated and settled in U.S. Dollars and, therefore, have only minimal exposure to foreign currency exchange risks. We also operate a subsidiary for which the functional currency is the Canadian Dollar. In accordance with FASB ASC 830, “Foreign Currency Matters”, we translate assets and liabilities of Canada’s operations into U.S. dollars at month-end rates, while we translate income and expenses at the weighted average exchange rates for the month. We record the related translation adjustments in accumulated other comprehensive income as a separate component of shareholders’ equity. Fluctuations in exchange rates therefore impact our financial condition and results of operations, as reported in U.S. Dollars.  We do not hedge against foreign currency risks and believe that foreign currency exchange risk is immaterial.

 

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Table of Contents

 

ITEM 4.               CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

 

Under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, we evaluated the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures, as such term is defined under Rule 13a-15(e) promulgated under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Based upon that evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of the end of the period covered by this quarterly report at the reasonable assurance level.

 

There has been no change in our internal control over financial reporting during the quarter ended April 3, 2010 that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

 

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Table of Contents

 

PART II                 OTHER INFORMATION

 

ITEM 1.                  LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

 

See the Legal Matters section of the Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for a discussion of legal proceedings.

 

ITEM 1A.               RISK FACTORS

 

Our past performance may not be a reliable indicator of future performance because actual future results and trends may differ materially depending on a variety of factors, including, but not limited to, the risks and uncertainties discussed below. In addition, historical trends should not be used to anticipate results or trends in future periods.

 

Factors that might cause our actual results to differ materially from the forward looking statements discussed elsewhere in this report, as well as affect our ability to achieve our financial and other goals, include, but are not limited to, those set forth below.  Except for changes to the general economic conditions risk factor, there have been no material changes in our risk factors from those disclosed in Part I, Item 1A of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended July 4, 2009.

 

RISKS RELATING TO OUR BUSINESS:

 

1. The success of our business depends in large part on our ability to identify fashion trends as well as to react to changing customer demand in a timely manner.  Consequently, we depend in part upon the customer response to the creative efforts of our merchandising, design and marketing teams and their ability to anticipate trends and fashions that will appeal to our consumer base. If we miscalculate our customers’ product preferences or the demand for our products, we may be faced with excess inventory. Historically, this type of occurrence has resulted in excess fabric for some products and markdowns and/or write-offs, which has impaired our profitability, and may do so in the future. Similarly, any failure on our part to anticipate, identify and respond effectively to changing customer demands and fashion trends will adversely affect our sales.

 

2. If we are unable to obtain raw materials, or unable to find manufacturing facilities or if our manufacturers perform unacceptably, our sales may be negatively affected and our financial condition may be harmed.  We do not own any manufacturing facilities and therefore depend on contractors and third parties to manufacture our products. We place all of our orders for production of merchandise and raw materials by purchase order and do not have any long-term contracts with any manufacturer or supplier. If we fail to maintain favorable relationships with our manufacturers and suppliers or are unable to obtain sufficient quantities of quality raw materials on commercially reasonable terms, it could harm our business and results of operations. We cannot assure you that contractors and third-party manufacturers (1) will not supply similar products to our competitors, (2) will not stop supplying products to us completely or (3) will supply products in a timely manner. Untimely receipt of products may result in lower than anticipated sales and markdowns which would have a negative impact on earnings. Furthermore, we have received in the past, and may receive in the future, shipments of products from manufacturers that fail to conform to our quality control standards. In such event, unless we are able to obtain replacement products in a timely manner, we may lose sales. Certain of our third-party manufacturers store our raw materials. In the event our inventory was damaged or destroyed and we were unable to obtain replacement raw materials, our earnings could be negatively impacted.

 

3. Our success depends on our ability to attract and retain qualified employees in order to support our existing business and future expansion.  From time to time we actively recruit qualified candidates to fill key executive positions from within our company. There is substantial competition for experienced personnel, which we expect will continue. We compete for experienced personnel with companies who have greater financial resources than we do. In the past, we have experienced significant turnover of our executive management team and retail store personnel. We are also exposed to employment practice litigation due to the large number of employees and high turnover of our sales associates. If we fail to attract, motivate and retain qualified personnel, it could harm our business and limit our ability to expand.

 

In addition, we depend on the expertise and execution of our key employees, particularly Manny Mashouf, our founder, Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board of Directors, and Kathy Lee, Chief Merchandising Officer. If we lose the services of Mr. Mashouf, Ms. Lee, or any key officers or employees, it could harm our business and results of operations.

 

4. If we are not able to successfully develop new concepts, including 2b bebe and PH8, our revenue base and earnings may be impaired.  From time to time, we may pursue new concepts.  If the 2b bebe, PH8 or other new concepts are not successful we may incur additional charges related to closed stores or store impairment and as such, our results from operations and financial condition may be harmed.  During fiscal 2010 we recorded asset impairment charges of $4.0 million to write-off underperforming PH8 stores.  Management will continue to assess the performance of the PH8 concept, which may result in an evaluation of strategic alternatives.

 

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5. General economic conditions, including increases in energy and commodity prices, that are largely out of our control may adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations.  We are sensitive to changes in general economic conditions, both nationally and locally. Recessionary economic cycles, higher interest rates, higher fuel and other energy costs, inflation, deflation, increases in commodity prices, higher levels of unemployment, higher consumer debt levels, higher tax rates and other changes in tax laws or other economic factors that may affect consumer spending or buying habits could adversely affect the demand for products we sell in our stores. In addition, the recent turmoil in the financial markets may have an adverse effect on the U.S. and world economy, which could negatively impact consumer spending patterns. We cannot assure you that government responses to the disruptions in the financial markets will restore consumer confidence.

 

Furthermore, we could experience reduced traffic in our stores or limitations on the prices we can charge for our products, either of which could reduce our sales and profit margins and have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations. Also, economic factors such as those listed above and increased transportation costs, inflation, higher costs of labor, insurance and healthcare, and changes in other laws and regulations may increase our cost of sales and our operating, selling, general and administrative expenses, and otherwise adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations.

 

6. We cannot assure you that future store openings will be successful, and new store openings may impact existing stores. We expect to open approximately 5 bebe stores, expand a bebe store, open 2 2b bebe stores and open a PH8 pop-up location in fiscal 2010.  In the past, we have closed stores as a result of poor performance, and we cannot assure you that the stores that we plan to open in fiscal 2010, or any other stores that we might open in the future, will be successful or that our overall operating profit will increase as a result of opening these stores. During fiscal 2010 we closed 13 stores and anticipate closing up to 7 additional stores during the remainder of the fiscal year. Most of our new store openings in fiscal 2010 will be in existing markets. These openings may affect the existing stores’ net sales and profitability. Our failure to predict accurately the demographic or retail environment at any future store location could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

 

Our ability to effectively obtain real estate to open new stores depends upon the availability of real estate that meets our criteria, including traffic, square footage, co-tenancies, average sales per square foot, lease economics, demographics, and other factors, and our ability to negotiate terms that meet our financial targets. In addition, we must be able to effectively renew our existing store leases. Failure to secure real estate locations adequate to meet annual targets as well as effectively managing the profitability of our existing fleet of stores could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

 

7. We are subject to risks associated with our on-line sales. We operate an on-line store at www.bebe.com to sell our merchandise, which we migrated to a third-party platform in February 2006. Although our on-line sales encompass a relatively small percentage of our total sales, our on-line operations are subject to numerous risks, including unanticipated operating problems, reliance on third-party computer hardware and software providers, system failures and the need to invest in additional computer systems. The on-line operations also involve other risks that could have an impact on our results of operations including but not limited to diversion of sales from our other stores, rapid technological change, liability for on-line content, credit card fraud and risks related to the failure of the computer systems that operate the website and its related support systems. In addition, with the use of a third-party platform, we do not have direct control of certain aspects of our on-line business. We cannot assure that our on-line store will continue to achieve sales and profitability growth or even remain at its current level.

 

8. Any serious disruption at our major facilities could have a harmful effect on our business. We currently operate a corporate office in Brisbane, California, a distribution facility in Benicia, California, and a design studio and production facility in Los Angeles, California. Any serious disruption at these facilities whether due to construction, relocation, fire, earthquake, terrorist acts or otherwise could harm our operations and could have a harmful effect on our business and results of operations. Furthermore, we have little experience operating essential functions away from our main corporate offices and are uncertain what effect operating such satellite facilities might have on business, personnel and results of operations.

 

9. We rely on information technology, the disruption of which could adversely impact our business. We rely on various information systems to manage our operations and regularly make investments to upgrade, enhance or replace such systems. Any delays or difficulties in transitioning to these or other new systems, or in integrating these systems with our current systems, or any other disruptions affecting our information systems, could have a material adverse impact on our business and results of operations. Any failure to maintain adequate system security controls to protect our computer assets and sensitive data, including customer data, from unauthorized access, disclosure or use could also damage our reputation with our customers.

 

10. We face significant competition in the retail and apparel industry, which could harm our sales and profitability. The retail and apparel industries are highly competitive and are characterized by low barriers to entry. We expect competition in our markets to increase. The primary competitive factors in our markets are: brand name recognition, sourcing, product styling, quality, presentation and pricing, timeliness of product development and delivery, store ambiance, customer service and convenience. We compete with traditional department stores, specialty store retailers, business to consumer websites, off-price retailers and direct marketers for, among other things, raw materials, market share, retail space, finished goods, sourcing and personnel. Because many of these

 

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competitors are larger and have substantially greater financial, distribution and marketing resources than we do, we may lack the resources to adequately compete with them. If we fail to remain competitive in any way, it could harm our business, financial condition and results of operations.

 

11. Our business could be adversely impacted by unfavorable international political conditions. Due to our international operations, our sales and operating results are, and will continue to be, affected by international social, political, legal and economic conditions. In particular, our business could be adversely impacted by instability or changes resulting in the disruption of trade with the countries in which our contractors, suppliers or customers are located, significant fluctuations in the value of the United States dollar against foreign currencies or restrictions on the transfer of funds, or additional trade restrictions imposed by the United States and other foreign governments. Trade restrictions, including increased tariffs or quotas, embargoes and customs restrictions could increase the cost or reduce the supply of merchandise available to us and adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations. In addition, we purchase a substantial amount of our raw materials from China and our business and operating results may be affected by changes in the political, social or economic environment in China.

 

12. If we are not able to successfully protect our intellectual property our ability to capitalize on the value of our brand name may be impaired.  Even though we take actions to establish, register and protect our trademarks and other proprietary rights, we cannot assure you that we will be successful or that others will not imitate our products or infringe upon our intellectual property rights. In addition, we cannot assure that others will not resist or seek to block the sale of our products as infringements of their trademark and proprietary rights.

 

We are seeking to register our trademarks domestically and internationally. Obstacles may exist that may prevent us from obtaining a trademark for the bebe, BEBE SPORT, bbsp, 2b bebe and PH8 names or related names. We may not be able to register certain trademarks, purchase the right or obtain a license to use these names or related names on commercially reasonable terms. If we fail to obtain trademark, ownership or license the requisite rights, it would limit our ability to expand. In some jurisdictions, despite successful registration of our trademarks, third parties may allege infringement and bring actions against us. In addition, if our licensees fail to use our intellectual property correctly, the reputation and value associated with our trademarks may be diluted. Furthermore, if we do not demonstrate use of our trademarks, our trademark rights may lapse over time.

 

13. We may be required to record losses in future quarters as a result of the decline in value of our investments in auction rate securities or as a result of a change in our ability to hold our investment in auction rate securities.  We hold a variety of interest bearing ARS comprised of federally insured student loan backed securities and insured municipal authority bonds. These ARS investments are intended to provide liquidity via an auction process that resets the applicable interest rate at predetermined calendar intervals, allowing investors to either roll over their holdings or gain immediate liquidity by selling such interests at par. The recent uncertainties in the credit markets that began in February 2008 have affected our holdings in ARS investments and the majority of auctions for our investments in these securities have failed to settle on their respective settlement dates. Consequently, $170.7 million of our ARS are not currently liquid and we will not be able to access these funds until a future auction of these investments is successful or securities are purchased or redeemed outside of the auction process. Maturity dates for these ARS investments range from 2010 to 2044, with principal distributions occurring on certain securities prior to maturity.

 

We entered into a settlement agreement related to our ARS held with UBS Financial Services, Inc. (“UBS”) that grants us certain rights related to these ARS (the “Right”). Beginning June 30, 2010, at our request, UBS has agreed to purchase all of our ARS currently held with them at par value. Conversely, UBS has the right, in its discretion, to purchase or sell our ARS at any time until July 2, 2012, so long as we receive payment at par value upon any sale or disposition. We expect to sell our ARS under our agreement with UBS. However, if the Right is not exercised before July 2, 2012, they will expire, and UBS will have no further right or obligation to buy our ARS. So long as we hold our ARS, they will continue to accrue interest as determined by the auction process or the terms of the ARS if the auction process fails. In addition, UBS’s obligation under the Right is not secured by its assets and does not require UBS to obtain any financing to support its performance obligation under the Right. UBS has disclaimed any assurance that it will have sufficient financial resources to satisfy its obligation under the Right. If UBS has insufficient funding to buy back the ARS and the auction process continues to fail, then we may incur further losses on the carrying value of the ARS.

 

The valuation of our investment portfolio is subject to uncertainties that are difficult to predict. Factors that may impact its valuation include changes to credit ratings of the securities as well as to the underlying assets supporting those securities, rates of default of the underlying assets, underlying collateral value, discount rates and ongoing strength and quality of market credit and liquidity. If the current market conditions deteriorate further, or the anticipated recovery in market values does not occur, we may be required to record additional losses in other comprehensive income or losses in net income in future quarters.

 

14. If an independent manufacturer violates labor or other laws, or is accused of violating any such laws, or if their labor practices diverge from those generally accepted as ethical, it could harm our business and brand image.  While we maintain a policy to monitor the operations of our independent manufacturers by having an independent firm inspect these manufacturing sites, and all manufacturers are contractually required to comply with such labor practices, we cannot control the actions or the public’s perceptions of such manufacturers, nor can we assure that these manufacturers will conduct their businesses using ethical or legal labor practices. Apparel companies can be held jointly liable for the wrongdoings of the manufacturers of their products. While we do not control their employees’ employment conditions or the manufacturers’ business practices, and the manufacturers act in their own interest, they may act in a manner that results in negative public perceptions of us and/or employee allegations or court determinations that we are jointly liable.

 

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RISKS RELATING TO OUR COMMON STOCK:

 

1. Because Manny Mashouf beneficially owns a substantial portion of the outstanding shares, other shareholders may not be able to influence the direction the company takes.      As of April 30, 2010, Manny Mashouf, our Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board, beneficially owned approximately 54% of the outstanding shares of our common stock. As a result, he can control the election of directors and the outcome of all issues submitted to the shareholders. This may make it more difficult for a third party to acquire shares, may discourage acquisition bids, and could limit the price that certain investors might be willing to pay for shares of common stock. This concentration of stock ownership may have the effect of delaying, deferring or preventing a change in control of our company.

 

2. Our sales, margins and operating results are subject to seasonal and quarterly fluctuations. Our business varies with general seasonal trends that are characteristic of the retail and apparel industries, such as the timing of seasonal wholesale shipments and other events affecting retail sales. As a result, our stores typically generate a higher percentage of our annual net sales and profitability in the second quarter of our fiscal year, which includes the holiday selling season, compared to other quarters.

 

In addition, our comparable store sales have fluctuated significantly in the past, and we expect that they will continue to fluctuate in the future. For example, we incurred a net loss for the first quarter of fiscal 2010 and cannot assure you of future profitability.  A variety of factors affect comparable store sales, including fashion trends, competition, current economic conditions, the timing of release of new merchandise and promotional events, changes in our merchandise mix, the success of marketing programs and weather conditions. Our ability to deliver strong comparable store sales results and margins depends in large part on accurately forecasting demand and fashion trends, selecting effective marketing techniques, providing an appropriate mix of merchandise for our customer base, managing inventory effectively, and optimizing store performance by closing underperforming stores.  Such fluctuations may adversely affect the market price of our common stock.

 

3. Failure to comply with Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 could negatively impact investor confidence. In order to meet the requirements of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 in future periods, we must continuously document, test, monitor and enhance our internal control over financial reporting.  We cannot assure you that the periodic evaluation of our internal controls required by Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act will not result in the identification of significant control deficiencies and/or material weaknesses in our internal control over financial reporting. Failure to maintain the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting or to comply with the requirements of this Act could have a material adverse effect on our reputation, financial condition and market price of our common stock.

 

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

 

The following table presents information with respect to purchases of our common stock made during the three months ended April 3, 2010 by bebe stores, inc. or any affiliated purchaser, as defined in Rule 10b-18(a)(3) under the Exchange Act.

 

 

 

Total
Number
of
Shares
Purchased

 

Average
Price Paid
per Share

 

Total Number
of Shares
Purchased as
Part of
Publicly
Announced
Plans or
Programs

 

Maximum
Number (or
approximate
dollar amount) of
Shares that May
Yet be Purchased
Under the Plans
or Programs (1)

 

 

 

(in thousands, except per share amounts)

 

Month #1 (January 3 — January 30)

 

85

 

$

6.00

 

85

 

$

12,473

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Month #2 (January 31 — February 27)

 

 

$

 

 

$

12,473

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Month #3 (February 28 — April 3)

 

 

$

 

 

$

12,473

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total

 

85

 

$

6.00

 

85

 

 

 

 


(1)     In October 2008, our Board of Directors approved $30 million for share repurchases, which we announced on October 21, 2008. This authorization has no expiration date.

 

ITEM 3.  DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES

 

Not applicable.

 

ITEM 4.  SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS

 

Not applicable.

 

ITEM 5.  OTHER INFORMATION

 

Not applicable.

 

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ITEM 6.  EXHIBITS

 

(a) Exhibits.  The following is a list of exhibits filed as part of this Report on Form 10-Q.

 

Exhibit

 

Description

 

 

 

31.1

 

Section 302 Certification of Chief Executive Officer.

31.2

 

Section 302 Certification of Chief Financial Officer.

32.1

 

Section 906 Certification of Chief Executive Officer.

32.2

 

Section 906 Certification of Chief Financial Officer.

 

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SIGNATURE

 

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

 

 

 

Dated May 13, 2010

 

 

 

bebe stores, inc.

 

 

 

/s/ Walter Parks

 

Walter Parks, Chief Operating Officer and Chief Financial Officer

 

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EXHIBIT INDEX

 

Exhibit Number

 

Description

 

 

 

31.1

 

Section 302 Certification of Chief Executive Officer

31.2

 

Section 302 Certification of Chief Financial Officer

32.1

 

Section 906 Certification of Chief Executive Officer

32.2

 

Section 906 Certification of Chief Financial Officer

 

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