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EX-32.2 - CERTIFICATION OF C.F.O. PURSUANT TO SECTION 906 - BARNES & NOBLE INCd400022dex322.htm
EX-32.1 - CERTIFICATION OF C.E.O. PURSUANT TO SECTION 906 - BARNES & NOBLE INCd400022dex321.htm
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EX-15.1 - LETTER FROM BDO USA, LLP - BARNES & NOBLE INCd400022dex151.htm
EX-10.3 - LETTER AGREEMENT - RAVI GOPALAKRISHNAN - BARNES & NOBLE INCd400022dex103.htm
EX-10.6 - LETTER AGREEMENT - JAMIE IANNONE - BARNES & NOBLE INCd400022dex106.htm
EX-10.5 - LETTER AGREEMENT - MAX J. ROBERTS - BARNES & NOBLE INCd400022dex105.htm
EX-31.1 - CERTIFICATION BY THE C.E.O. PURSUANT TO SECTION 302 - BARNES & NOBLE INCd400022dex311.htm
EX-10.1 - DIGITAL PRODUCTS DEVICE DEVELOPMENT INCENTIVE BONUS PLAN - BARNES & NOBLE INCd400022dex101.htm
EX-10.4 - LETTER AGREEMENT - DANIEL A. GILBERT - BARNES & NOBLE INCd400022dex104.htm
EX-10.2 - FORM OF DIGITAL PRODUCTS DEVICE DEVELOPMENT INCENTIVE BONUS PLAN - BARNES & NOBLE INCd400022dex102.htm
Table of Contents

 

 

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

 

FORM 10-Q

 

 

(Mark One)

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

For the quarterly period ended July 28, 2012

OR

 

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

For the transition period from             to             

Commission File Number: 1-12302

 

 

BARNES & NOBLE, INC.

(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter)

 

 

 

Delaware   06-1196501

(State or Other Jurisdiction of

Incorporation or Organization)

 

(I.R.S. Employer

Identification No.)

122 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY   10011
(Address of Principal Executive Offices)   (Zip Code)

(212) 633-3300

(Registrant’s Telephone Number, Including Area Code)

 

 

(Former Name, Former Address and Former Fiscal Year, if Changed Since Last Report)

 

 

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  ¨

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 (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).    Yes  x    No  ¨

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 the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):

 

Large accelerated filer   x    Accelerated filer   ¨
Non-accelerated filer   ¨  (Do not check if a smaller reporting company)    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  ¨    No  x

As of July 31, 2012, 59,956,047 shares of Common Stock, par value $.001 per share, were outstanding, which number includes 1,153,694 shares of unvested restricted stock that have voting rights and are held by members of the Board of Directors and the Company’s employees.

 

 

 


Table of Contents

BARNES & NOBLE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Fiscal Quarter Ended July 28, 2012

Index to Form 10-Q

 

          Page No.  

PART I -

   FINANCIAL INFORMATION   

Item 1.

  

Financial Statements (Unaudited)

  
  

Consolidated Statements of Operations – For the 13 weeks ended July 28, 2012 and July 30, 2011

     3   
  

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) – For the 13 weeks ended July 28, 2012 and July 30, 2011

     4   
  

Consolidated Balance Sheets – July 28, 2012, July 30, 2011 and April 28, 2012

     5   
  

Consolidated Statement of Changes in Shareholders’ Equity – For the 13 weeks ended July 28, 2012

     7   
  

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows – For the 13 weeks ended July 28, 2012 and July 30, 2011

     8   
  

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

     9   
  

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

     28   

Item 2.

  

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

     29   

Item 3.

  

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

     38   

Item 4.

  

Controls and Procedures

     38   

PART II -

  

OTHER INFORMATION

  

Item 1.

  

Legal Proceedings

     39   

Item 1A.

  

Risk Factors

     43   

Item 2.

  

Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

     44   

Item 4.

  

Mine Safety Disclosure

     44   

Item 6.

  

Exhibits

     45   
  

SIGNATURES

     46   
  

Exhibit Index

     47   


Table of Contents

PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION

 

Item 1: Financial Statements

BARNES & NOBLE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Consolidated Statements of Operations

(In thousands, except per share data)

(unaudited)

 

     13 weeks ended  
     July 28,
2012
    July 30,
2011
 

Sales

   $ 1,453,507        1,418,404   

Cost of sales and occupancy

     1,039,619        1,030,846   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Gross profit

     413,888        387,558   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Selling and administrative expenses

     410,055        411,118   

Depreciation and amortization

     58,035        55,671   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Operating loss

     (54,202     (79,231

Interest expense, net and amortization of deferred financing fees

     8,941        9,442   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Loss before taxes

     (63,143     (88,673

Income taxes

     (22,163     (32,067
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net loss

   $ (40,980     (56,606
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Loss per common share

    

Basic

   $ (0.78     (0.99

Diluted

   $ (0.78     (0.99

Weighted average common shares outstanding

    

Basic

     58,021        57,153   

Diluted

     58,021        57,153   

 

3


Table of Contents

BARNES & NOBLE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss)

(In thousands, except per share data)

 

     July 28,
2012
    July 30,
2011
 

Net loss

   $ (40,980     (56,606

Other comprehensive earnings, net of tax

     —          —     
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total comprehensive loss

   $ (40,980     (56,606
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

4


Table of Contents

BARNES & NOBLE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Consolidated Balance Sheets

(In thousands, except per share data)

 

     July 28,
2012
     July 30,
2011
     April 28,
2012
 
     (unaudited)      (unaudited)         
ASSETS         

Current assets:

        

Cash and cash equivalents

   $ 20,221         22,353         54,131   

Receivables, net

     144,297         156,543         160,497   

Merchandise inventories, net

     1,947,422         1,814,436         1,561,841   

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

     192,316         156,632         221,324   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total current assets

     2,304,256         2,149,964         1,997,793   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Property and equipment:

        

Land and land improvements

     2,541         8,617         2,541   

Buildings and leasehold improvements

     1,200,928         1,208,454         1,196,764   

Fixtures and equipment

     1,804,193         1,690,529         1,784,492   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
     3,007,662         2,907,600         2,983,797   

Less accumulated depreciation and amortization

     2,410,984         2,228,562         2,361,142   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net property and equipment

     596,678         679,038         622,655   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Goodwill

     518,578         523,006         519,685   

Intangible assets, net

     562,522         563,034         564,054   

Other noncurrent assets

     62,650         56,615         61,062   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total assets

   $ 4,044,684         3,971,657         3,765,249   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

5


Table of Contents

BARNES & NOBLE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Consolidated Balance Sheets

(In thousands, except per share data)

 

     July 28,
2012
    July 30,
2011
    April 28,
2012
 
     (unaudited)     (unaudited)        
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY       

Current liabilities:

      

Accounts payable

   $ 1,387,004        1,275,708        959,423   

Accrued liabilities

     474,467        403,667        546,495   

Gift card liabilities

     312,855        301,249        321,362   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total current liabilities

     2,174,326        1,980,624        1,827,280   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Long-term debt

     302,800        509,600        324,200   

Long-term deferred taxes

     268,410        279,716        268,774   

Other long-term liabilities

     397,415        434,334        405,065   

Redeemable Preferred Shares; $.001 par value; 5,000 shares authorized; 204, zero and 204 shares issued, respectively

     192,589        —          192,273   

Shareholders’ equity:

      

Common stock; $.001 par value; 300,000 shares authorized; 91,833, 90,641 and 91,376 shares issued, respectively

     92        91        91   

Additional paid-in capital

     1,347,990        1,327,948        1,340,909   

Accumulated other comprehensive loss

     (16,635     (11,630     (16,635

Retained earnings

     436,336        505,773        481,574   

Treasury stock, at cost, 33,743, 33,453 and 33,722 shares, respectively

     (1,058,639     (1,054,799     (1,058,282
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total shareholders’ equity

     709,144        767,383        747,657   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Commitments and contingencies

     —          —          —     
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity

   $ 4,044,684        3,971,657        3,765,249   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

6


Table of Contents

BARNES & NOBLE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Consolidated Statement of Changes in Shareholders’ Equity

For the 13 weeks ended July 28, 2012

(In thousands)

(unaudited)

 

     Barnes & Noble, Inc. Shareholders’ Equity        
     Common
Stock
     Additional
Paid-In
Capital
     Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Losses
    Retained
Earnings
    Treasury
Stock at
Cost
    Total  

Balance at April 28, 2012

   $ 91         1,340,909         (16,635     481,574        (1,058,282   $ 747,657   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net loss

     —           —           —          (40,980     —          (40,980

Exercise of 153 common stock options

     1         1,979         —          —          —          1,980   

Stock options and restricted stock tax benefits

     —           62         —          —          —          62   

Stock-based compensation expense

     —           5,040         —          —          —          5,040   

Accretive dividend on preferred stockholders

     —           —           —          (316     —          (316

Accrued/paid dividends for preferred stockholders

     —           —           —          (3,942     —          (3,942

Treasury stock acquired, 21 shares

     —           —           —          —          (357     (357
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Balance at July 28, 2012

   $ 92         1,347,990         (16,635     436,336        (1,058,639   $ 709,144   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

7


Table of Contents

BARNES & NOBLE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

For the 13 weeks ended July 28, 2012 and July 30, 2011

(In thousands)

(unaudited)

 

     13 weeks ended  
     July 28,
2012
    July 30,
2011
 

Cash flows from operating activities:

    

Net loss

   $ (40,980     (56,606

Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash flows provided by (used in) operating activities:

    

Depreciation and amortization (including amortization of deferred financing fees)

     59,381        57,006   

Stock-based compensation expense

     5,040        4,689   

Deferred taxes

     743        691   

Loss on disposal of property and equipment

     40        111   

Decrease in other long-term liabilities

     (7,650     (14,313

Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net

     2,603        (194,898
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net cash flows provided by (used in) operating activities

     19,177        (203,320
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Cash flows used in investing activities:

    

Purchases of property and equipment

     (26,457     (26,625

Net increase in other noncurrent assets

     (2,943     (3,847

Other investing activities, net

     (4,100     —     
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net cash flows used in investing activities

     (33,500     (30,472
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Cash flows (used in) provided by financing activities:

    

Net (decrease) increase in credit facility

     (21,400     196,500   

Proceeds from exercise of common stock options

     1,980        678   

Purchase of treasury stock

     (357     (607

Excess tax benefit from stock-based compensation

     190        145   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net cash flows (used in) provided by financing activities

     (19,587     196,716   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents

     (33,910     (37,076

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period

     54,131        59,429   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period

   $ 20,221        22,353   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net:

    

Receivables, net

   $ 16,200        (6,249

Merchandise inventories

     (385,581     (439,074

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

     29,008        5,304   

Accounts payable and accrued liabilities

     342,976        245,121   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net

   $ 2,603        (194,898
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Supplemental cash flow information:

    

Cash paid during the period for:

    

Interest paid

   $ 10,259        10,296   

Income taxes (net of refunds)

   $ 1,660        1,872   

Non-cash financing activity:

    

Accrued dividend on redeemable preferred stock

   $ 3,942        —     

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

8


Table of Contents

BARNES & NOBLE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

For the 13 weeks ended July 28, 2012 and July 30, 2011

(Thousands of dollars, except per share data)

(unaudited)

The unaudited consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Barnes & Noble, Inc. and its subsidiaries (collectively, Barnes & Noble or the Company).

In the opinion of the Company’s management, the accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements of the Company contain all adjustments (consisting of only normal recurring adjustments) necessary to present fairly its consolidated financial position as of July 28, 2012 and the results of its operations and its cash flows for the 13 weeks then ended. These consolidated financial statements are condensed and therefore do not include all of the information and footnotes required by generally accepted accounting principles. The consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the 52 weeks ended April 28, 2012 (fiscal 2012).

Due to the seasonal nature of the business, the results of operations for the 13 weeks ended July 28, 2012 are not indicative of the results to be expected for the 52 weeks ending April 27, 2013 (fiscal 2013).

(1) Merchandise Inventories

Merchandise inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market. Cost is determined primarily by the retail inventory method under both the first-in, first-out (FIFO) basis and the last-in, first-out (LIFO) basis. B&N College’s textbook and trade book inventories are valued using the LIFO method, where the related reserve was not material to the recorded amount of the Company’s inventories or results of operations.

Market is determined based on the estimated net realizable value, which is generally the selling price. Reserves for non-returnable inventory are based on the Company’s history of liquidating non-returnable inventory.

The Company also estimates and accrues shortage for the period between the last physical count of inventory and the balance sheet date. Shortage rates are estimated and accrued based on historical rates and can be affected by changes in merchandise mix and changes in actual shortage trends.

(2) Reclassifications

Certain prior period amounts have been reclassified to conform to the current presentation.

(3) Revenue Recognition

Revenue from sales of the Company’s products is recognized at the time of sale, other than those with multiple elements and FOB destination point shipping terms. The Company’s products are considered delivered once they have been shipped and title and risk of loss have transferred. While the majority of the Company’s shipping terms are FOB shipping point, there are certain third party distribution partners with shipping terms of FOB destination point. Certain of the Company sales agreements with these distribution partners contain rights of inspection or acceptance provisions as is standard in the Company’s industry. The Company accrues for estimated sales returns in the period in which the related revenue is recognized based on historical experience and industry standards. Sales taxes collected from retail customers are excluded from reported revenues. All of the Company’s sales are recognized as revenue on a “net” basis, including sales in connection with any periodic promotions offered to customers. The Company does not treat any promotional offers as expenses.

 

9


Table of Contents

BARNES & NOBLE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

For the 13 weeks ended July 28, 2012 and July 30, 2011

(Thousands of dollars, except per share data)

(unaudited)

 

In accordance with Accounting Standards Codification (ASC) 605-25, Revenue Recognition, Multiple Element Arrangements and Accounting Standards Updates (ASU) 2009-13 and 2009-14, for multiple-element arrangements that involve tangible products that contain software that is essential to the tangible product’s functionality, undelivered software elements that relate to the tangible product’s essential software and other separable elements, the Company allocates revenue to all deliverables using the relative selling-price method. Under this method, revenue is allocated at the time of sale to all deliverables based on their relative selling price using a specific hierarchy. The hierarchy is as follows: vendor-specific objective evidence, third-party evidence of selling price, or best estimate of selling price. NOOK® (references to NOOK® include the Company’s NOOK 1st Edition™, NOOK Wi-Fi 1st Edition™, NOOK Color™, NOOK Simple Touch™, NOOK Tablet™ and NOOK Simple Touch™ with GlowLightTM eBook Reader devices) eBook Reader revenue is recognized at the segment point of sale.

The Company includes post-service customer support (PCS) in the form of software updates and potential increased functionality on a when-and-if-available basis, as well as wireless access and wireless connectivity with the purchase of NOOK® devices from the Company. Using the relative selling price described above, the Company allocates revenue based on the best estimate of selling price for the deliverables as no vendor-specific objective evidence or third-party evidence exists for any of the elements. Revenue allocated to NOOK® and the software essential to its functionality is recognized at the time of sale, provided all other conditions for revenue recognition are met. Revenue allocated to the PCS and the wireless access is deferred and recognized on a straight-line basis over the 2-year estimated life of NOOK®.

The average percentage of a NOOK®’s sales price that is deferred for undelivered items and recognized over its 2-year estimated life ranges between 2% and 5%, depending on the type of device sold. The amount of NOOK®-related deferred revenue as of July 28, 2012, July 30, 2011 and April 28, 2012 was $18,171, $18,338 and $19,785, respectively. These amounts are classified on the Company’s balance sheet in accrued liabilities for the portion that is subject to deferral for one year or less and other long-term liabilities for the portion that is subject to deferral for more than one year.

The Company also pays certain vendors who distribute NOOK® a commission on the content sales sold through that device. The Company accounts for these transactions as a reduction in the sales price of the NOOK® based on historical trends of content sales and a liability is established for the estimated commission expected to be paid over the life of the product. The Company recognizes revenue of the content at the point of sale of the content. The Company records revenue from sales of digital content, sales of third-party extended warranties, service contracts and other products, for which the Company is not obligated to perform, and for which the Company does not meet the criteria for gross revenue recognition under ASC 605-45-45, Reporting Revenue Gross as a Principal versus Net as an Agent, on a net basis. All other revenue is recognized on a gross basis.

 

10


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BARNES & NOBLE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

For the 13 weeks ended July 28, 2012 and July 30, 2011

(Thousands of dollars, except per share data)

(unaudited)

 

NOOK acquires the rights to distribute digital content from publishers and distributes the content on barnesandnoble.com, NOOK® devices and other eBookstore platforms. Certain digital content is distributed under an agency pricing model in which the publishers set fixed prices for eBooks and NOOK receives a fixed commission on content sold through the eBookstore. The majority of the Company’s eBook sales are sold under the agency model.

The Barnes & Noble Member Program offers members greater discounts and other benefits for products and services, as well as exclusive offers and promotions via e-mail or direct mail for an annual fee of $25.00, which is non-refundable after the first 30 days. Revenue is recognized over the twelve-month period based upon historical spending patterns for Barnes & Noble Members.

(4) Research and Development Costs for Software Products

The Company follows the guidance in ASC 985-20, Cost of Software to Be Sold, Leased or Marketed, regarding software development costs to be sold, leased, or otherwise marketed. Capitalization of software development costs begins upon the establishment of technological feasibility and is discontinued when the product is available for sale. A certain amount of judgment and estimation is required to assess when technological feasibility is established, as well as the ongoing assessment of the recoverability of capitalized costs. The Company’s products reach technological feasibility shortly before the products are released and therefore research and development costs are generally expensed as incurred.

(5) Earnings (Loss) per Share

In accordance with ASC 260-10-45, Share-Based Payment Arrangements and Participating Securities and the Two-Class Method, the Company’s unvested restricted shares, unvested restricted stock units and shares issuable under the Company’s deferred compensation plan are considered participating securities. During periods of net income, the calculation of earnings per share for common stock are reclassified to exclude the income attributable to unvested restricted shares, unvested restricted stock units and shares issuable under the Company’s deferred compensation plan from the numerator and exclude the dilutive impact of those shares from the denominator.

During periods of net loss, no effect is given to the participating securities because they do not share in the losses of the Company. Due to the net loss during the 13 weeks ended July 28, 2012 and July 30, 2011, participating securities in the amounts of 2,921,248 and 3,469,589, respectively, were excluded from the calculation of loss per share using the two-class method because the effect would be antidilutive. The Company’s outstanding stock options and accretion/payments of dividends on preferred shares were also excluded from the calculation of loss per share using the two-class method because the effect would be antidilutive.

 

11


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BARNES & NOBLE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

For the 13 weeks ended July 28, 2012 and July 30, 2011

(Thousands of dollars, except per share data)

(unaudited)

 

The following is a reconciliation of the Company’s basic and diluted loss per share calculation:

 

     13 weeks ended  
     July 28,
2012
    July 30,
2011
 

Numerator for basic loss per share:

    

Net loss

   $ (40,980     (56,606

Preferred stock dividends

     (3,942     —     

Accretion of dividends on preferred stock

     (316     —     
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net loss available to common shareholders

   $ (45,238     (56,606

Numerator for diluted loss per share:

    

Net loss available to common shareholders

   $ (45,238     (56,606

Denominator for basic and diluted loss per share:

    

Basic weighted average common shares

     58,021        57,153   

Average dilutive options

     —          —     
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Diluted weighted average common shares

     58,021        57,153   

Loss per common share

    

Basic

   $ (0.78     (0.99

Diluted

   $ (0.78     (0.99

(6) Segment Reporting

Through the third quarter of fiscal 2012, the Company reported an operating segment titled B&N.com which included both its digital business and eCommerce operations. Due to the increased focus on the digital business and the Company’s recently developed ability to review the digital business separate from its eCommerce business, the Company performed an evaluation on the effect of its impact on the identification of operating segments. The assessment considered the way the business is managed (focusing on the financial information distributed) and the manner in which the chief operating decision maker interacts with other members of management. As a result of this assessment, during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2012 the Company determined that the segment previously referred to as B&N.com is no longer applicable and created a new segment titled NOOK to report upon its digital business, moving the eCommerce business (i.e., sales of physical merchandise over the Internet) into the B&N Retail segment. Also as a result of this assessment, certain corporate office and other costs have been allocated to all three segments. The Company’s three operating segments are: B&N Retail, B&N College and NOOK.

B&N Retail

This segment includes 689 bookstores as of July 28, 2012, primarily under the Barnes & Noble Booksellers trade name. The 689 Barnes & Noble stores generally offer a NOOK® department, boutique,

 

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BARNES & NOBLE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

For the 13 weeks ended July 28, 2012 and July 30, 2011

(Thousands of dollars, except per share data)

(unaudited)

 

counter, a comprehensive trade book title base, a café, a Children’s department, a Toys & Games department, a DVDs/BluRay department, a music department, a gift department, a magazine department, bargain department and a calendar of ongoing events, including author appearances and children’s activities. The B&N Retail segment also includes the Company’s eCommerce website, barnesandnoble.com, and the publishing operation, Sterling Publishing.

B&N College

This segment includes 667 stores as of July 28, 2012 that are primarily school-owned stores operated under contracts by B&N College and sales of digital content within the higher education marketplace through NOOK Study. The 667 B&N College stores generally offer new, used, rental and digital textbooks, course-related materials, emblematic apparel and gifts, trade books, computer products and NOOK® products and related accessories, school and dorm supplies, and convenience and café items.

NOOK

This segment includes the Company’s digital business, including the development and support of the Company’s NOOK® product offerings. The digital business includes digital content such as eBooks, digital newsstand, apps and sales of NOOK® devices and accessories to third party distribution partners, B&N Retail and B&N College.

Summarized financial information concerning the Company’s reportable segments is presented below:

Sales

 

     13 weeks ended  
     July 28,
2012
    July 30,
2011
 

B&N Retail

   $ 1,119,387      $ 1,097,252   

B&N College

     220,718        220,494   

NOOK

     191,975        191,412   

Elimination  (a)

     (78,573     (90,754
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

   $ 1,453,507      $ 1,418,404   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Sales by Product Line

 

     13 weeks ended  
     July 28,     July 30,  
     2012     2011  

Media (b)

     62     61

Digital (c)

     18     20

Other (d)

     20     19
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

     100     100
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

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BARNES & NOBLE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

For the 13 weeks ended July 28, 2012 and July 30, 2011

(Thousands of dollars, except per share data)

(unaudited)

 

Depreciation and Amortization

 

     13 weeks ended  
     July 28,
2012
     July 30,
2011
 

B&N Retail

   $ 40,940       $ 39,485   

B&N College

     11,715         10,849   

NOOK

     5,380         5,337   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

   $ 58,035       $ 55,671   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Operating Profit (Loss)

 

     13 weeks ended  
     July 28,
2012
    July 30,
2011
 

B&N Retail

   $ 33,621      $ 211   

B&N College

     (25,747     (23,053

NOOK

     (62,076     (56,389
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

   $ (54,202   $ (79,231
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Capital Expenditures

 

     13 weeks ended  
     July 28,
2012
     July 30,
2011
 

B&N Retail

   $ 9,616       $ 12,390   

B&N College

     9,533         8,933   

NOOK

     7,308         5,302   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

   $ 26,457       $ 26,625   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total Assets (e)

 

     July 28,
2012
     July 30,
2011
 

B&N Retail

   $ 2,242,167       $ 2,005,773   

B&N College

     1,385,414         1,506,871   

NOOK

     417,103         459,013   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

   $ 4,044,684       $ 3,971,657   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

(a) Represents the elimination of intercompany sales from NOOK to Barnes & Noble Retail and Barnes & Noble College on a sell through basis.
(b) Includes tangible books, music, movies, rentals and newsstand.
(c)

Includes NOOK®, related accessories, eContent and warranties.

(d) Includes toys & games, café products, college apparel, gifts and miscellaneous other.
(e) Excludes intercompany balances.

 

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BARNES & NOBLE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

For the 13 weeks ended July 28, 2012 and July 30, 2011

(Thousands of dollars, except per share data)

(unaudited)

 

A reconciliation of operating profit from reportable segments to income (loss) from operations before taxes in the consolidated financial statements is as follows:

 

     13 weeks ended  
     July 28,
2012
    July 30,
2011
 

Reportable segments operating loss

   $ (54,202   $ (79,231

Interest expense, net and amortization of deferred financing costs

     8,941        9,442   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Consolidated loss before taxes

   $ (63,143   $ (88,673
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

(7) Changes in Intangible Assets and Goodwill

 

            As of July 28, 2012  

Amortizable Intangible Assets

   Useful
Life
     Gross Carrying
Amount
     Accumulated
Amortization
    Total  

Customer relationships and other acquired intangible assets

     3-25       $ 271,938       $ (36,814   $ 235,124   

Author contracts

     10         18,461         (17,511     950   

Technology

     3-10         9,950         (2,856     7,094   

Distribution contracts

     10         8,325         (5,089     3,236   

Other

     3-10         6,188         (4,806     1,382   
     

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 
      $ 314,862       $ (67,076   $ 247,786   
     

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Unamortizable Intangible Assets

                          

Trade name

           $ 293,400   

Publishing contracts

             21,336   
          

 

 

 
           $ 314,736   
          

 

 

 

Total intangible assets

           $ 562,522   
          

 

 

 

Amortizable intangible assets are generally amortized over their useful life on a straight-line basis, with the exception of certain items such as customer relationships and other acquired intangible assets, which are amortized on an accelerated basis.

 

Aggregate Amortization Expense:

      

For the 13 weeks ended July 28, 2012

   $ 5,641   

For the 13 weeks ended July 30, 2011

   $ 3,544   

 

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BARNES & NOBLE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

For the 13 weeks ended July 28, 2012 and July 30, 2011

(Thousands of dollars, except per share data)

(unaudited)

 

Estimated Amortization Expense:

      

(12 months ending on or about April 30)

  

2013

   $ 20,720   

2014

   $ 18,583   

2015

   $ 14,647   

2016

   $ 11,355   

2017

   $ 10,875   

On October 17, 2011, the Company finalized the purchase of certain intellectual property assets from the Borders Group, Inc. Chapter 11 Bankruptcy for $14,528 including acquisition related fees. These intellectual property assets include a customer list, trade names and URLs. The Company accounted for the transaction as an asset purchase, and these assets are included on its consolidated balance sheet as Intangible Assets. The intangible assets are being amortized on an accelerated basis over a three year period, commencing October 17, 2011. Amortization expense related to the acquisition for the 13 weeks ended July 28, 2012 was $1,816.

The changes in the carrying amount of goodwill by segment for the 13 weeks ended July 28, 2012 are as follows:

 

     B&N Retail     B&N College      NOOK      Total
Company
 

Balance as of April 28, 2012

   $ 225,336        274,070         20,279       $ 519,685   

Benefit of excess tax amortization (a)

     (1,107     —           —           (1,107
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Balance as of July 28, 2012

   $ 224,229        274,070         20,279       $ 518,578   
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

(a) The tax basis of goodwill arising from an acquisition during the 52 weeks ended January 29, 2005 exceeded the related basis for financial reporting purposes by approximately $96,576. In accordance with ASC 740-10-30, Accounting for Income Taxes, the Company is recognizing the tax benefits of amortizing such excess as a reduction of goodwill as it is realized on the Company’s income tax return.

(8) Gift Cards

The Company sells gift cards which can be used in its stores or on Barnes & Noble.com. The Company does not charge administrative or dormancy fees on gift cards and gift cards have no expiration dates. Upon the purchase of a gift card, a liability is established for its cash value. Revenue associated with gift cards is deferred until redemption of the gift card. Over time, some portion of the gift cards issued are not redeemed. The Company estimates the portion of the gift card liability for which the likelihood of redemption is remote based upon the Company’s historical redemption patterns. The Company records this amount in income on a straight-line basis over a 12-month period beginning in the 13th month after the month the gift card was originally sold. If actual redemption patterns vary from the Company’s estimates, actual gift card breakage may differ from the amounts recorded. The Company recognized gift card breakage of $6,045 and $5,295 during the 13 weeks ended July 28, 2012 and July 30, 2011, respectively. The Company had gift card liabilities of $312,855 and $301,249 as of July 28, 2012 and July 30, 2011, respectively.

 

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BARNES & NOBLE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

For the 13 weeks ended July 28, 2012 and July 30, 2011

(Thousands of dollars, except per share data)

(unaudited)

 

(9) Other Long-Term Liabilities

Other long-term liabilities consist primarily of deferred rent and obligations under a junior seller note related to the acquisition of B&N College. The Company provides for minimum rent expense over the lease terms (including the build-out period) on a straight-line basis. The excess of such rent expense over actual lease payments (net of tenant allowances) is classified as deferred rent. Other long-term liabilities also include accrued pension liabilities, store closing expenses and long-term deferred revenues. The Company had the following long-term liabilities at July 28, 2012, July 30, 2011 and April 28, 2012:

 

     July 28,
2012
     July 30,
2011
     April 28,
2012
 

Deferred rent

   $ 212,603       $ 257,899       $ 220,875   

Junior seller note

     150,000         150,000         150,000   

Other

     34,812         26,435         34,190   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total long-term liabilities

   $ 397,415       $ 434,334       $ 405,065   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

(10) Income Taxes

As of July 28, 2012, the Company had $17,129 of unrecognized tax benefits, all of which, if recognized, would affect the Company’s effective tax rate. The Company’s continuing practice is to recognize interest and penalties related to income tax matters in income tax expense. The Company had $4,034 accrued for interest and penalties, which is included in the $17,129 of unrecognized tax benefits noted above.

The Company is subject to U.S. federal income tax as well as income tax in jurisdictions of each state having an income tax. The tax years that remain subject to examination are primarily 2007 and forward. Some earlier years remain open for a small minority of states.

(11) Fair Values of Financial Instruments

In accordance with ASC 820, Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures, the fair value of an asset is considered to be the price at which the asset could be sold in an orderly transaction between unrelated, knowledgeable and willing parties. A liability’s fair value is defined as the amount that would be paid to transfer the liability to a new obligor, not the amount that would be paid to settle the liability with the creditor. Assets and liabilities recorded at fair value are measured using a three-tier fair value hierarchy, which prioritizes the inputs used in measuring fair value. These tiers include:

 

Level 1 – Observable inputs that reflect quoted prices in active markets

 

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BARNES & NOBLE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

For the 13 weeks ended July 28, 2012 and July 30, 2011

(Thousands of dollars, except per share data)

(unaudited)

 

Level 2 – Inputs other than quoted prices in active markets that are either directly or indirectly observable

 

Level 3 – Unobservable inputs in which little or no market data exists, therefore requiring the Company to develop its own assumptions

The Company’s financial instruments include cash, receivables and accounts payable. The fair values of cash, receivables and accounts payable approximated carrying values because of the short-term nature of these instruments. The Company believes that its credit facility approximates fair value since interest rates are adjusted to reflect current rates. The Company believes that the terms and conditions of the Seller Note are consistent with comparable market debt issues.

(12) Credit Facility

On April 27, 2012, the Company entered into an amendment (the 2012 Amended Credit Facility) to its existing agreement with Bank of America, N.A. entered into on April 29, 2011, as administrative agent, collateral agent and swing line lender, and other lenders in order to permit the transactions contemplated by the investment agreement among the Company, Morrison Investment Holdings, Inc., and Microsoft Corporation and to make certain other changes to the Company’s 2011 Amended Credit Agreement in connection therewith.

On April 29, 2011, the Company entered into an amended and restated credit agreement (the 2011 Amended Credit Agreement) with Bank of America, N.A., as administrative agent, collateral agent and swing line lender, and other lenders, which amended and restated the credit agreement (the 2009 Credit Agreement) entered into on September 30, 2009 with Bank of America, N.A., as administrative agent, collateral agent and swing line lender, and other lenders. Under the 2011 Amended Credit Agreement, Lenders are providing up to $1,000,000 in aggregate commitments under a five-year asset-backed revolving credit facility, which is secured by eligible inventory with the ability to include eligible real estate and accounts receivable and related assets. Borrowings under the 2011 Amended Credit Agreement are limited to a specified percentage of eligible inventories and accounts receivable and accrued interest, at the election of the Company, at Base Rate or LIBO Rate, plus, in each case, an Applicable Margin (each term as defined in the 2011 Amended Credit Agreement). In addition, the Company has the option to request an increase in commitments under the 2011 Amended Credit Agreement by up to $300,000, subject to certain restrictions.

The 2011 Amended Credit Agreement requires Availability (as defined in the 2011 Amended Credit Agreement) to be greater than the greater of (i) 10% of the Loan Cap (as defined in the 2011 Amended Credit Agreement) and (ii) $50,000. In addition, the 2011 Amended Credit Agreement contains covenants that limit, among other things, the Company’s ability to incur indebtedness, create liens, make investments, make restricted payments, merge or acquire assets, and contains default provisions that are typical for this type of financing, among other things. Proceeds from the 2011 Amended Credit Agreement are used for general corporate purposes, including seasonal working capital needs.

 

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BARNES & NOBLE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

For the 13 weeks ended July 28, 2012 and July 30, 2011

(Thousands of dollars, except per share data)

(unaudited)

 

As a result of the 2011 Amended Credit Agreement, $6,580 of deferred financing fees related to the 2009 Credit Facility were written off in fiscal 2011, and included in net interest expenses. The remaining unamortized deferred costs of $16,341 and new charges of $10,180 relating to the Company’s 2011 Amended Credit Facility were deferred and are being amortized over the five-year term of the 2011 Amended Credit Facility.

The Company had $302,800 of outstanding debt under the 2012 Amended Credit Facility as of July 28, 2012 compared with $509,600 as of July 30, 2011. The Company had $35,067 of outstanding letters of credit under its 2012 Amended Credit Facility as of July 28, 2012 compared with $31,214 as of July 30, 2011.

(13) Stock-Based Compensation

For the 13 weeks ended July 28, 2012 and July 30, 2011, the Company recognized stock-based compensation expense in selling and administrative expenses as follows:

 

     13 weeks ended  
     July 28,
2012
     July 30,
2011
 

Restricted stock expense

   $ 3,628         4,080   

Restricted stock unit expense

     705         371   

Stock option expense

     707         238   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Stock-based compensation expense

   $ 5,040         4,689   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

(14) Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans

As of December 31, 1999, substantially all employees of the Company were covered under a noncontributory defined benefit pension plan (the Pension Plan). As of January 1, 2000, the Pension Plan was amended so that employees no longer earn benefits for subsequent service. Effective December 31, 2004, the barnesandnoble.com llc (Barnes & Noble.com) Employees’ Retirement Plan (the B&N.com Retirement Plan) was merged with the Pension Plan. Substantially all employees of Barnes & Noble.com were covered under the B&N.com Retirement Plan. As of July 1, 2000, the B&N.com Retirement Plan was amended so that employees no longer earn benefits for subsequent service. Subsequent service continues to be the basis for vesting of benefits not yet vested at December 31, 1999 and June 30, 2000 for the Pension Plan and the B&N.com Retirement Plan, respectively, and the Pension Plan will continue to hold assets and pay benefits. The actuarial assumptions used to calculate pension costs are reviewed annually. Pension expense was $745 and $515 for the 13 weeks ended July 28, 2012 and July 30, 2011, respectively.

The Company provides certain health care and life insurance benefits (the Postretirement Plan) to certain retired employees, limited to those receiving benefits or retired as of April 1, 1993. Total Company contributions charged to employee benefit expenses for the Postretirement Plan were $38 for the 13 weeks ended July 28, 2012 and July 30, 2011, respectively.

 

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BARNES & NOBLE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

For the 13 weeks ended July 28, 2012 and July 30, 2011

(Thousands of dollars, except per share data)

(unaudited)

 

(15) Microsoft

On April 27, 2012, the Company entered into an investment agreement among the Company, Morrison Investment Holdings, Inc. (Morrison), and Microsoft Corporation (Microsoft) pursuant to which the Company will form a Delaware limited liability company (NewCo), and transfer to NewCo the Company’s digital device, digital content and college bookstore businesses and NewCo will sell to Morrison, and Morrison will purchase, 300,000 convertible preferred membership interests in NewCo (Series A Preferred) for an aggregate purchase price of $300,000.

Concurrently with its entry into this agreement, the Company has also entered into a commercial agreement with Microsoft, pursuant to which, among other things, NewCo will develop and distribute a Windows 8 application for e-reading and digital content purchases, and an intellectual property license and settlement agreement with Microsoft and Microsoft Licensing GP.

The closing conditions are set forth in the definitive documents between the parties. While there can be no assurance that the transaction will close or close by a particular date certain, the Company is actively pursuing work in connection with the closing conditions and is working to try and complete the required conditions in this Fall and, in any event, prior to the required date set forth in the definitive agreement.

Investment Agreement

Pursuant to the agreement, Microsoft would invest $300,000 in NewCo in exchange for 300,000 Series A Preferred interest, representing approximately 17.6% of the common membership interest in NewCo on an as-converted basis. Following Microsoft’s investment, the Company would retain the common membership interest in NewCo, representing approximately 82.4% of the common membership interests in NewCo (after giving effect to the conversion of the Series A Preferred interests into common membership interests).

Commercial Agreement

Under the commercial agreement, NewCo will develop certain applications for Windows 8 for purchasing and consumption of digital reading content. The commercial agreement also requires NewCo to use its good faith efforts to undertake an international expansion of the digital business.

As part of the commercial agreement, NewCo and Microsoft would share in the revenues, net of certain items, from digital content purchased from NewCo by customers using the NewCo Windows 8 applications or through certain Microsoft products and services that may be developed in the future and are designed to interact

 

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BARNES & NOBLE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

For the 13 weeks ended July 28, 2012 and July 30, 2011

(Thousands of dollars, except per share data)

(unaudited)

 

with the NewCo online bookstore. Microsoft will make certain nonrefundable advance payments to NewCo in connection with such revenue sharing. For each of the first three years after the launch of such application for Windows 8, these advance payments would be equal to $60,000 per year. These advance payments would be subject to deferral under certain circumstances. Microsoft would also pay to NewCo $25,000 each year for the first five years of the term for purposes of assisting NewCo in acquiring local digital reading content and technology development in the performance of NewCo’s obligations under the commercial agreement.

Settlement and License Agreement

The patent agreement provides for Microsoft and its subsidiaries to license to the Company and its affiliates certain intellectual property in exchange for royalty payments based on sales of certain devices. Additionally, the Company and Microsoft will dismiss certain outstanding patent litigation between the Company, Microsoft and their respective affiliates in accordance with the settlement and license agreement.

(16) Liberty Investment

On August 18, 2011, the Company entered into an investment agreement between the Company and Liberty GIC, Inc. (Liberty), a subsidiary of Liberty Media Corporation, pursuant to which the Company issued and sold to Liberty, and Liberty purchased, 204,000 shares of the Company’s Series J Preferred Stock, par value $0.001 per share (Preferred Stock), for an aggregate purchase price of $204,000, in a private placement exempt from the registration requirements of the 1933 Act. The shares of Preferred Stock will be convertible, at the option of the holders, into shares of Common Stock representing 16.6% of the Common Stock outstanding as of August 29, 2011, (after giving pro forma effect to the issuance of the Preferred Stock), based on the initial conversion rate. The initial conversion rate reflects an initial conversion price of $17.00 and is subject to adjustment in certain circumstances. The initial dividend rate for the Preferred Stock is equal to 7.75% per annum of the initial liquidation preference of the Preferred Stock, to be paid quarterly and subject to adjustment in certain circumstances. The Preferred Stock is mandatorily redeemable on August 18, 2021 and may be redeemed at the discretion of the Company anytime after August 17, 2016. Starting August 18, 2013, if the closing price of the Common Stock exceeds 150% of the then-applicable conversion price of the Preferred Stock for 20 consecutive trading days, the Company may require conversion of all the Preferred Stock to Common Stock.

The holders of shares of Series J Preferred Stock will be entitled to vote on all matters presented to the holders of common stock (as a single class with such holders), on an as-converted basis. In addition, for so long as Liberty and its affiliates continue to meet certain ownership requirements, the holders of the Series J Preferred Stock voting as a separate class will be entitled to elect two directors to the Board, and Liberty will have consent rights under the investment agreement over certain matters.

The entry into the investment agreement and the issuance and sale of the Preferred Stock was approved by the Company’s Board of Directors following a recommendation made by a Special Committee of the Board of Directors. In light of the investment by Liberty, the Company and Liberty Media Corporation ceased discussions regarding Liberty Media Corporation’s previously announced acquisition proposal. The terms, rights, obligations and preferences of the Preferred Stock are set forth in a Certificate of Designations of the Company, which was filed with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware on August 18, 2011. On August 18, 2011, the Company amended the Rights Agreement to reflect the issuance of the Preferred Stock.

 

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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

For the 13 weeks ended July 28, 2012 and July 30, 2011

(Thousands of dollars, except per share data)

(unaudited)

 

The Preferred Stock does not meet the categories of ASC 480-10, Distinguishing Liabilities from Equity, and is therefore reported as temporary equity for classification purposes. The related issuance costs, which include advisory, legal and accounting fees, of $12,621 were recorded in temporary equity as a reduction of the proceeds from the Liberty investment. The Company will be required to accrete these fees on a straight line basis as dividends over the ten year term. This is in line with ASC 480-10-S99 for SEC registrants, which requires shares to be classified outside of permanent equity as temporary equity or mezzanine equity when there are events not solely within the control of the issuer that could trigger redemption. The Company has determined that the various embedded options did not require bifurcation from the Preferred Stock. Additionally, the Company concluded that a beneficial conversion feature did not exist as the effective conversion price was greater than the Company’s share price on the commitment date.

(17) Shareholders’ Equity

On November 17, 2009, the Board of Directors of the Company declared a dividend, payable to stockholders of record on November 27, 2009 of one right (a Right) per each share of outstanding Common Stock of the Company, par value $0.001 per share (Common Stock), to purchase 1/1000th of a share of Series I Preferred Stock, par value $0.001 per share, of the Company (the Preferred Stock), at a price of $100.00 per share (such amount, as may be adjusted from time to time as provided in the Rights Agreement described below, the Purchase Price). In connection therewith, on November 17, 2009, the Company entered into a Rights Agreement, dated November 17, 2009 (as amended February 17, 2010, June 23, 2010, October 29, 2010 and August 18, 2011 and as may be further amended from time to time, the Rights Agreement) with Mellon Investor Services LLC, as Rights Agent. The Rights will be exercisable upon the earlier of (i) such date the Company learns that a person or group, without Board approval, acquires or obtains the right to acquire beneficial ownership of 20% or more of the Company’s outstanding common stock or a person or group that already beneficially owns 20% or more of the Company’s outstanding common stock at the time the Rights Agreement was entered into, without Board approval, acquires any additional shares (other than pursuant to the Company’s compensation or benefit plans) (any person or group specified in this sentence, an Acquiring Person) and (ii) such date a person or group announces an intention to commence or following the commencement of (as designated by the Board) a tender or exchange offer which could result in the beneficial ownership of 20% or more of the Company’s outstanding common stock. The Rights will expire on November 17, 2012, unless earlier redeemed or canceled by the Company. If a person or group becomes an Acquiring Person, each Rights holder (other than the Acquiring Person) will be entitled to receive, upon exercise of the Right and payment of the Purchase Price, that number of 1/1000ths of a share of Preferred Stock equal to the number of shares of Common Stock which at the time of the applicable triggering transaction would have a market value of twice the Purchase Price. In the event the Company is acquired in a merger or other business combination by an Acquiring Person, or 50% or more of the Company’s assets are sold to an Acquiring Person, each Right will entitle its holder (other than an Acquiring Person) to purchase common shares in the surviving entity at 50% of the market price.

 

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BARNES & NOBLE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

For the 13 weeks ended July 28, 2012 and July 30, 2011

(Thousands of dollars, except per share data)

(unaudited)

 

(18) Legal Proceedings

The Company is involved in a variety of claims, suits, investigations and proceedings that arise from time to time in the ordinary course of its business, including actions with respect to contracts, intellectual property, taxation, employment, benefits, securities, personal injuries and other matters. The results of these proceedings in the ordinary course of business are not expected to have a material adverse effect on the Company’s consolidated financial position or results of operations.

The Company records a liability when it believes that it is both probable that a liability will be incurred, and the amount of loss can be reasonably estimated. The Company evaluates, at least quarterly, developments in its legal matters that could affect the amount of liability that has been previously accrued and makes adjustments as appropriate. Significant judgment is required to determine both probability and the estimated amount of a loss or potential loss. The Company may be unable to reasonably estimate the reasonably possible loss or range of loss for a particular legal contingency for various reasons, including, among others: (i) if the damages sought are indeterminate; (ii) if proceedings are in the early stages; (iii) if there is uncertainty as to the outcome of pending proceedings (including motions and appeals); (iv) if there is uncertainty as to the likelihood of settlement and the outcome of any negotiations with respect thereto; (v) if there are significant factual issues to be determined or resolved; (vi) if the proceedings involve a large number of parties; (vii) if relevant law is unsettled or novel or untested legal theories are presented; or (viii) if the proceedings are taking place in jurisdictions where the laws are complex or unclear. In such instances, there is considerable uncertainty regarding the ultimate resolution of such matters, including a possible eventual loss, if any. With respect to the legal matters described below, the Company has determined, based on its current knowledge, that the amount of loss or range of loss, that is reasonably possible including any reasonably possible losses in excess of amounts already accrued, is not reasonably estimable. However, legal matters are inherently unpredictable and subject to significant uncertainties, some of which are beyond the Company’s control. As such, there can be no assurance that the final outcome of these matters will not materially and adversely affect the Company’s business, financial condition, results of operations, or cash flows.

The following is a discussion of the material legal matters involving the Company.

In re Barnes & Noble Stockholder Derivative Litigation (Consolidated Cases Formerly Captioned Separately as: Louisiana Municipal Police Employees Retirement System v. Riggio et al.; Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority v. Riggio et al.; City of Ann Arbor Employees’ Retirement System v. Riggio et al.; Louise Schuman v. Riggio et al.; Virgin Islands Government Employees’ Retirement System v. Riggio et al.; Electrical Workers Pension Fund, Local 103, I.B.E.W. v. Riggio et al.)

Between August 17, 2009 and August 31, 2009, five putative shareholder derivative complaints were filed in Delaware Court of Chancery against the Company’s directors. The complaints generally allege breach of fiduciary duty, waste of corporate assets and unjust enrichment in connection with the Company’s entry into a

 

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BARNES & NOBLE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

For the 13 weeks ended July 28, 2012 and July 30, 2011

(Thousands of dollars, except per share data)

(unaudited)

 

definitive agreement to purchase Barnes & Noble College Booksellers, which was announced on August 10, 2009 (the Transaction). The complaints generally seek damages in favor of the Company in an unspecified amount; costs, fees and interest; disgorgement; restitution; and equitable relief, including injunctive relief. On September 1, 2009, the Delaware Court of Chancery issued an Order of Consolidation consolidating the five lawsuits (the Consolidated Cases) and directing plaintiffs to file a consolidated amended complaint. In a related development, on August 27, 2009, the Company received a demand pursuant to Delaware General Corporation Law, Section 220, on behalf of the Electrical Workers Pension Fund, Local 103, I.B.E.W., a shareholder, seeking to inspect certain books and records related to the Transaction. On September 18, 2009, this shareholder filed a shareholder derivative complaint in Delaware Court of Chancery against certain of the Company’s directors alleging breach of fiduciary duty and unjust enrichment and seeking to enjoin the consummation of the Transaction. On October 6, 2009, the plaintiffs in the Consolidated Cases filed a motion seeking to consolidate the later-filed sixth case with the Consolidated Cases. On November 3, 2009, a Consolidated Complaint was filed in the Consolidated Cases. On December 11, 2009, the court entered an order consolidating all actions and appointing co-lead counsel for plaintiffs. The Company and defendants filed motions to dismiss the Consolidated Complaint on January 12, 2010. Plaintiffs filed an Amended Consolidated Complaint on March 16, 2010. The Company and defendants filed motions to dismiss the Amended Consolidated Complaint on April 30, 2010. Plaintiffs filed their response to the motion to dismiss on June 2, 2010. Oral argument on the motions to dismiss was held on October 21, 2010. Following those arguments, the Court denied the Company’s motion to dismiss, denied in part and granted in part the motion to dismiss filed by Defendants Leonard Riggio, Stephen Riggio and Lawrence Zilavy, and denied in part and granted in part the motion to dismiss filed by the remaining defendants, dismissing all claims asserted against Directors George Campbell, Jr. and Patricia Higgins. All defendants except Leonard Riggio moved for summary judgment on December 21, 2011. Briefing on those motions was completed by March 2, 2012. The Court ruled on those motions on March 27, 2012, denying summary judgment as to Defendants Lawrence Zilavy and Michael Del Giudice and granting summary judgment as to, and dismissing all claims against, Defendants Stephen Riggio, Irene R. Miller, Margaret T. Monaco and William Dillard, II. On June 13, 2012, all remaining defendants agreed to settle all remaining claims, subject to receipt of court approval (the Settlement). In the Settlement, the sellers in the Transaction have agreed to waive $22,750 of the purchase price by waiving a corresponding principal amount (and interest on) of the Junior Seller Note issued by the Company to the sellers as part of the purchase price of the Transaction. A hearing will be held on September 4, 2012 to approve the Settlement and what, if any, attorney’s fees will be paid by the Company to plaintiffs. If the Settlement Agreement is approved by the Delaware Court of Chancery, the Consolidated Cases will be dismissed, on the merits, with prejudice. Upon approval, the $22,750 reduction in purchase price will be recorded as a credit to additional paid in capital.

Whitney Parker v. Leonard Riggio, et al. (formerly Stephen Strugala v. Leonard Riggio, et al.)

On December 21, 2010, a complaint was filed in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York by Stephen Strugala against the Company’s current directors and former directors Lawrence Zilavy and Michael Del Giudice. The complaint is purportedly brought both directly, on behalf of a putative class of shareholders, and derivatively, on behalf of the Company. The complaint generally alleges breaches of fiduciary duties, waste and unjust enrichment in connection with the Company’s acquisition of

 

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BARNES & NOBLE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

For the 13 weeks ended July 28, 2012 and July 30, 2011

(Thousands of dollars, except per share data)

(unaudited)

 

Barnes & Noble College Booksellers, the adoption of the Shareholder Rights Plan, and other unspecified instances of alleged mismanagement and alleged wrongful conduct. The complaint also generally alleges violations of Section 14(a) of the 1934 Act in connection with the issuance of various proxy statements by the Company. The complaint generally seeks declaratory and equitable relief, including injunctive relief, and costs and fees. On January 19, 2011, the Court granted the parties’ Stipulation and Order. On February 18, 2011, the plaintiff filed a Notice of Voluntary Dismissal of Claim, dismissing without prejudice his putative class claim for violations of Section 14(a) of the 1934 Act. On March 8, 2011, defendants filed a motion to dismiss all claims in the litigation. On October 4, 2011, the Court granted defendants’ motion to dismiss, but also granted plaintiff leave to replead within 30 days. On November 3, 2011, plaintiff requested a pre-motion conference with the Court to discuss an anticipated motion to substitute a new plaintiff, Ms. Whitney Parker, for Mr. Strugala, and simultaneously filed an amended complaint on behalf of Ms. Parker containing substantially the same claims asserted in Mr. Strugala’s original complaint. The Court held a pre-motion conference on December 9, 2011, at which the parties agreed that Ms. Parker could be substituted for Mr. Strugala without prejudice to any of defendants’ rights. On January 20, 2012, defendants moved to dismiss the amended complaint. Briefing on that motion was completed on May 4, 2012. On August 3, 2012, the Court granted defendants’ motion to dismiss, dismissing the complaint in its entirety and denying plaintiff’s request for leave to replead.

Lina v. Barnes & Noble, Inc., and Barnes & Noble Booksellers, Inc. et al.

On August 5, 2011, a purported class action complaint was filed against Barnes & Noble, Inc. and Barnes & Noble Booksellers, Inc. in the Superior Court for the State of California making the following allegations against defendants with respect to salaried Store Managers at Barnes & Noble stores located in the State of California from the period of August 5, 2007 to present: (1) failure to pay wages and overtime; (2) failure to pay for missed meal and/or rest breaks; (3) waiting time penalties; (4) failure to pay minimum wage; (5) failure to provide reimbursement for business expenses; and (6) failure to provide itemized wage statements. The claims are generally derivative of the allegation that these salaried managers were improperly classified as exempt from California’s wage and hour laws. The complaint contains no allegations concerning the number of any such alleged violations or the amount of recovery sought on behalf the purported class. The Company was served with the complaint on August 11, 2011. On August 30, 2011, the Company filed an answer in state court, and on August 31, 2011 it removed the action to federal court pursuant to the Class Action Fairness Act of 2005, 28 U.S.C. § 1332(d). On October 28, 2011, the district court granted plaintiff’s motion to remand the action back to state court, over the Company’s opposition. On November 7, 2011, the Company petitioned the Ninth Circuit for an appeal of the district court’s remand order. The Ninth Circuit affirmed the district court’s remand order on May 18, 2012. The parties are currently engaged in pre-certification discovery. The Court has not yet set a date for plaintiff’s anticipated motion for class certification, and it has not yet set a trial date.

Barnes & Noble, Inc. and Barnesandnoble.com llc v. LSI Corporation and Agere Systems, Inc.

On June 6, 2011, Barnes & Noble, Inc. filed a complaint against LSI Corporation (LSI) in the United States District Court for the Northern District of California, Case No. 11-CV-2709 EMC. The complaint sought a declaratory judgment that Barnes & Noble, Inc. does not infringe U.S. Patent Nos. 5,546,420; 5,670,730;

 

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BARNES & NOBLE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

For the 13 weeks ended July 28, 2012 and July 30, 2011

(Thousands of dollars, except per share data)

(unaudited)

 

5,862,182; 5,920,552; 6,044,073; 6,119,091; 6,404,732; 6,452,958; 6,707,867 and 7,583,582. Barnes & Noble, Inc. amended the complaint on August 10, 2011 to add barnesandnoble.com llc as a plaintiff, to add Agere Systems, Inc. (Agere) as a defendant, to add a cause of action seeking a declaratory judgment that neither Barnes & Noble, Inc. nor barnesandnoble.com llc infringes U.S. Patent No. 7,477,633, and to add causes of action seeking a declaratory judgment that each of the eleven patents-in-suit is invalid. On November 1, 2011, LSI and Agere answered the amended complaint and asserted counterclaims against Barnes & Noble, Inc. and barnesandnoble.com llc, alleging infringement of the eleven patents-in-suit. On November 28, 2011, Barnes & Noble, Inc. and barnesandnoble.com llc answered the counterclaims and asserted several affirmative defenses, including the defense that seven of the patents-in-suit are unenforceable as a result of standard-setting misconduct. As required by the Court’s Local Patent Rules, LSI and Agere served their Disclosure of Asserted Claims and Infringement Contentions on July 2, 2012. In that disclosure, LSI and Agere asserted infringement of only six of the eleven patents that it had previously accused Barnes & Noble, Inc. and barnesandnoble.com llc of infringing. The Court has set certain pretrial dates in the case, including a claim construction hearing on March 11, 2013. The Court has not yet set a trial date in the case.

Dustin Torrez, an individual, on behalf of himself and all others similarly situated v. Barnes & Noble, Inc.

On October 11, 2011, a complaint was filed in the Superior Court for the State of California, County of San Francisco against the Company. The complaint is styled as a California state-wide class action. It alleges violations of California Civil Code section 1747.08 (the Song-Beverly Credit Card Act of 1971) due to the Company’s alleged improper requesting and recording of zip codes from California customers who used credit cards as payment. The complaint was re-filed in the Superior Court for the State of California, County of San Francisco on December 23, 2011 as a separate action. The Summons and Complaint have not been served on the Company for either action. On February 10, 2012, the plaintiff filed a request that the action filed in December be dismissed with prejudice.

Kevin Khoa Nguyen, an individual, on behalf of himself and all others similarly situated v. Barnes & Noble, Inc. 

On April 17, 2012, a complaint was filed in the Superior Court for the State of California, County of Orange against the Company. The complaint is styled as a nationwide class action and includes a California state-wide subclass based on alleged cancellations of orders for HP TouchPad Tablets placed on the Company’s website in August 2011. The lawsuit alleges claims for unfair business practices and false advertising under both New York and California state law, violation of the Consumer Legal Remedies Act under California law, and breach of contract. The complaint demands specific performance of the alleged contracts to sell HP TouchPad Tablets at a specified price, injunctive relief, and monetary relief, but does not specify an amount. The Company submitted its initial response to the complaint on May 18, 2012, and moved to compel plaintiff to arbitrate his claims on an individual basis pursuant to a contractual arbitration provision on May 25, 2012. The Company also moved to stay all proceedings pending final resolution of the motion to compel arbitration on July 20, 2012. The Court has not yet ruled on the motion to compel arbitration or the motion to stay.

 

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BARNES & NOBLE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

For the 13 weeks ended July 28, 2012 and July 30, 2011

(Thousands of dollars, except per share data)

(unaudited)

 

Deep9 Corporation v. Barnes & Noble, Inc. and barnesandnoble.com llc

On January 1, 2011, Deep9 Corporation (Deep9) filed a complaint against Barnes & Noble, Inc. and barnesandnoble.com llc in the United States District Court for the Western District of Washington. The complaint alleges that Barnes & Noble, Inc. and barnesandnoble.com llc infringe U.S. Patent Nos. 5,937,405 and 6,377,951. On February 1, 2011, Barnes & Noble, Inc. and barnesandnoble.com llc filed an answer denying infringement and asserting several affirmative defenses. At the same time, Barnes & Noble, Inc. and barnesandnoble.com llc filed counterclaims seeking a declaratory judgment that neither Barnes & Noble, Inc. nor barnesandnoble.com llc infringes the patents-in-suit and that each of the two patents-in-suit is invalid. The Court issued an order regarding claim construction on January 10, 2012 and amended that order on January 24, 2012. On July 19, 2012, each party filed motions for summary judgment, and Barnes & Noble, Inc. and barnesandnoble.com llc filed motions to exclude as unreliable certain opinions of Deep9’s technical expert and to preclude Deep9’s damages expert from testifying at trial. Briefing on those motions was completed on August 10, 2012. On August 2, 2012, Deep9 filed a Daubert motion to preclude Barnes & Noble, Inc. and barnesandnoble.com llc’s damages expert from testifying at trial, which Barnes & Noble, Inc. and barnesandnoble.com llc are opposing. Briefing on Deep9’s Daubert motion was completed on August 13, 2012. The Court has not yet ruled on any of the pending summary judgment or Daubert motions. A five day jury trial is scheduled to begin on October 22, 2012.

(19) Recent Accounting Pronouncements

In July 2012, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued Accounting Standards Update (ASU) 2012-02, Intangibles-Goodwill and Other (ASU 2012-02). ASU 2012-02 will allow the Company the option to first assess qualitative factors to determine whether the existence of events and circumstances indicates that it is more likely than not that an indefinite-lived intangible asset is impaired. Determining that it is more likely than not that an indefinite-lived intangible asset is impaired will require quantitative impairment testing, otherwise, no further action will be required. This ASU is effective for annual and interim impairment tests performed for fiscal years beginning after September 18, 2012, with early adoption permitted. The adoption is not expected to have an impact on the Company’s Fiscal 2014 Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

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Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

The Board of Directors

Barnes & Noble, Inc.

New York, New York

We have reviewed the condensed consolidated balance sheets of Barnes & Noble, Inc. and Subsidiaries as of July 28, 2012 and July 30, 2011, and the related consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive loss for the 13 week periods ended July 28, 2012 and July 30, 2011, changes in shareholders’ equity for the 13 week period ended July 28, 2012, and cash flows for the 13 week periods ended July 28, 2012 and July 30, 2011 included in the accompanying Securities and Exchange Commission Form 10-Q for the period ended July 28, 2012. These interim financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management.

We conducted our reviews in accordance with standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). A review of interim financial information consists principally of applying analytical procedures and making inquiries of persons responsible for financial and accounting matters. It is substantially less in scope than an audit conducted in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board, the objective of which is the expression of an opinion regarding the financial statements taken as a whole. Accordingly, we do not express such an opinion.

Based on our reviews, we are not aware of any material modifications that should be made to the condensed consolidated financial statements referred to above for them to be in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

We have previously audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board, the consolidated balance sheet of Barnes & Noble, Inc. and Subsidiaries as of April 28, 2012, and the related consolidated statements of operations, comprehensive loss, changes in shareholders’ equity and cash flows for the year then ended (not presented herein) and in our report dated June 27, 2012, we expressed an unqualified opinion on those consolidated financial statements. In our opinion, the information set forth in the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheet as of April 28, 2012 is fairly stated in all material respects in relation to the consolidated balance sheet from which it has been derived.

 

/s/ BDO USA, LLP
BDO USA, LLP

New York, New York

 

August 31, 2012

 

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Item 2: Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

Liquidity and Capital Resources

The primary sources of Barnes & Noble, Inc.’s (Barnes & Noble or the Company) cash are net cash flows from operating activities, funds available under its senior credit facility and short-term vendor financing.

The Company’s cash and cash equivalents were $20.2 million as of July 28, 2012, compared with $22.4 million as of July 30, 2011.

Merchandise inventories increased $133.0 million, or 7.3%, to $1.95 billion as of July 28, 2012, compared with $1.81 billion as of July 30, 2011. This increase was due to several factors, including college new stores, timing of college back-to-school rush, expanded title count and increased depth per title in the growing retail Juvenile business, and expanded footage in non-book categories such as Toys & Games and Gift. Receivables, net decreased $12.2 million or 7.8% to $144.3 million as of July 28, 2012, compared to $156.5 million as of July 30, 2011. This decrease was due to lower channel partner balances. Prepaid expenses and other current assets increased $35.7 million or 22.8% to $192.3 million as of July 28, 2012, compared to $156.6 million as of July 30, 2011. This increase was primarily due to higher short-term deferred taxes. Accounts Payable increased $111.3 million or 8.7% to $1.39 billion as of July 28, 2012, compared to $1.28 billion as of July 30, 2011. The increase in Accounts Payable was in proportion to the increase in inventory and was 71% and 70% of merchandise inventory as of July 28, 2012 and July 30, 2011, respectively. Accrued liabilities increased $70.8 million or 17.5% to $474.5 million as of July 28, 2012, compared to $403.7 million as of July 30, 2011. This increase was primarily due to several factors, including timing of expenses, compensation, legal fees, accrued taxes and deferred income. Gift card liabilities increased $11.6 million or 3.9% to $312.9 million as of July 28, 2012, compared to $301.2 million as of July 30, 2011 on higher sales.

The Company’s investing activities consist principally of capital expenditures for the Company’s website and digital initiatives, new store construction, the maintenance of existing stores and system enhancements for the Company’s stores. Capital expenditures totaled $26.5 million and $26.6 million during the 13 weeks ended July 28, 2012 and July 30, 2011, respectively.

On April 27, 2012, the Company entered into an amendment (the 2012 Amended Credit Facility) to its existing agreement with Bank of America, N.A. entered into on April 29, 2011, as administrative agent, collateral agent and swing line lender, and other lenders in order to permit the transactions contemplated by the investment agreement among the Company, Morrison Investment Holdings, Inc. (Morrison), and Microsoft Corporation (Microsoft) and to make certain other changes to the Company’s 2011 Amended Credit Agreement in connection therewith.

On April 29, 2011, the Company entered into an amended and restated credit agreement (the 2011 Amended Credit Agreement) with Bank of America, N.A., as administrative agent, collateral agent and swing line lender, and other lenders, which amended and restated the credit agreement (the 2009 Credit Agreement) entered into on September 30, 2009 with Bank of America, N.A., as administrative agent, collateral agent and swing line lender, and other lenders. Under the 2011 Amended Credit Agreement, Lenders are providing up to $1.0 billion in aggregate commitments under a five-year asset-backed revolving credit facility (the 2011 Amended Credit Facility), which is secured by eligible inventory with the ability to include eligible real estate and accounts receivable and related assets. Borrowings under the 2011 Amended Credit Agreement are limited

 

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to a specified percentage of eligible inventories with the ability to include eligible real estate, accounts receivable and accrued interest, at the election of the Company, at Base Rate or LIBO Rate, plus, in each case, an Applicable Margin (each term as defined in the 2011 Amended Credit Agreement). In addition, the Company has the option to request an increase in commitments under the 2011 Amended Credit Agreement by up to $300.0 million, subject to certain restrictions.

The 2011 Amended Credit Agreement requires Availability (as defined in the 2011 Amended Credit Agreement) to be greater than the greater of (i) 10% of the Loan Cap (as defined in the 2011 Amended Credit Agreement) and (ii) $50 million. In addition, the 2011 Amended Credit Agreement contains covenants that limit, among other things, the Company’s ability to incur indebtedness, create liens, make investments, make restricted payments, merge or acquire assets, and contains default provisions that are typical for this type of financing, among other things. Proceeds from the 2011 Amended Credit Agreement are used for general corporate purposes, including seasonal working capital needs.

On July 28, 2012, the Company had borrowings of $282.6 million net of cash on hand against its $1.0 billion credit facility. Compared to the same time last year, this is a reduction of $204.7 million as the Company used the net proceeds from the Liberty investment last August to reduce its debt. The Company had $35.1 million of outstanding letters of credit under the 2012 Amended Credit Facility as of July 28, 2012 compared with $31.2 million as of July 30, 2011.

On April 27, 2012, the Company entered into an investment agreement among the Company, Morrison and Microsoft pursuant to which the Company will form a Delaware limited liability company (NewCo), and transfer to NewCo the Company’s digital device, digital content and college bookstore businesses and NewCo will sell to Morrison, and Morrison will purchase, 300 million convertible preferred membership interests in NewCo for an aggregate purchase price of $300.0 million. Concurrently with its entry into this agreement, the Company has also entered into a commercial agreement with Microsoft, pursuant to which, among other things, NewCo will develop and distribute a Windows 8 application for e-reading and digital content purchases, and an intellectual property license and settlement agreement with Microsoft and Microsoft Licensing GP.

On August 18, 2011, the Company entered into an investment agreement between the Company and Liberty GIC, Inc. (Liberty) pursuant to which the Company issued and sold to Liberty, and Liberty purchased, 204,000 shares of the Company’s Series J Preferred Stock, par value $0.001 per share (Preferred Stock), for an aggregate purchase price of $204.0 million in a private placement exempt from the registration requirements of the 1933 Act. The shares of Preferred Stock will be convertible, at the option of the holders, into shares of Common Stock representing 16.6% of the Common Stock outstanding as of August 29, 2011, (after giving pro forma effect to the issuance of the Preferred Stock), based on the initial conversion rate. The initial conversion rate reflects an initial conversion price of $17.00 and is subject to adjustment in certain circumstances. The initial dividend rate for the Preferred Stock is equal to 7.75% per annum of the initial liquidation preference of the Preferred Stock to be paid quarterly and subject to adjustment in certain circumstances. The entry into the investment agreement and the issuance and sale of the Preferred Stock was approved by the Company’s Board of Directors following a recommendation made by a Special Committee of the Board of Directors. The terms, rights, obligations and preferences of the Preferred Stock are set forth in a Certificate of Designations of the Company, which was filed with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware on August 18, 2011.

Based upon the Company’s current operating levels, management believes cash and cash equivalents on hand, net cash flows from operating activities, short-term vendor financing and the capacity under the Amended Credit Facility will be sufficient to meet the Company’s normal working capital and debt service requirements for at least the next twelve months. The Company regularly evaluates its capital structure and conditions in the financing markets to ensure it maintains adequate flexibility to successfully execute its business plan.

 

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Segments

The Company identifies its operating segments based on the way the business is managed (focusing on the financial information distributed) and the manner in which the chief operating decision maker interacts with other members of management. The Company has three operating segments: B&N Retail, B&N College and NOOK.

Seasonality

The B&N Retail business, like that of many retailers, is seasonal, with the major portion of sales and operating profit realized during its third fiscal quarter, which includes the holiday selling season.

The B&N College business is highly seasonal, with the major portion of sales and operating profit realized during the second and third fiscal quarters, when college students generally purchase textbooks for the upcoming semesters. Textbook rentals, which primarily occur at the beginning of the semester, are being recognized over the rental period.

The NOOK business, like that of many technology companies, is impacted by the launch of new products and the promotional efforts to support those new products, as well as the traditional retail holiday selling seasonality.

Business Overview

The Company’s financial performance has been significantly impacted in recent years by a number of factors, including the economic downturn, increased competition and the expanding digital market. However, recently the Company has benefited from reduced physical bookstore competition in the marketplace, as well as the successful execution of new marketing strategies.

The Company derives the majority of its sales and net income from its B&N Retail and B&N College stores.

B&N Retail comparable store sales trends have improved as one of B&N Retail’s largest competitors in the sale of physical books, Borders Group, Inc. (Borders), completed liquidating all of its stores under Chapter 11 of the Bankruptcy Code in early fiscal 2012. While the Company expects declining physical book trends to continue industry-wide as consumer spending shifts further online and toward digital products, it expects to be the beneficiary of further market consolidation as other non-book retailers reduce their presence in the book category. Additionally, the Company continues to experience positive trends in its Juvenile, Gift and Toys & Games businesses as a result of the successful execution of new marketing strategies. Other categories such as Café and Newsstand also improved as a result of increased store traffic.

The Company has leveraged its unique assets, iconic brands and reach to become a leader in the distribution of digital content. In 2009, the Company entered the eBook market with its acquisition of Fictionwise, Inc., a leader in the eBook marketplace, and the popularity of its eBook site continues to grow. Since then, the Company launched its NOOK® brand of eReading products, which provide a fun, easy-to-use and immersive digital reading experience. With NOOK®, customers gain access to the Company’s expansive NOOK Bookstore™ of more than two million digital titles, and the ability to enjoy content access to a wide array of popular devices.

 

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In October 2010, Barnes & Noble introduced NOOK Color™, the first full-color touch Reader’s Tablet™, complementing its NOOK 1st Edition™ and NOOK Wi-Fi 1st Edition™ devices, which offer a paper-like reading experience with a color touch screen for navigation. In May 2011, the Company introduced The All-New NOOK™, The Simple Touch Reader™, the easiest-to-use, most intuitive eReader available that is ultra light, features best-in-class battery performance, a 6-inch full touchscreen and the most advanced E Ink Pearl display at a desirable market price point. On November 7, 2011, Barnes & Noble launched NOOK Tablet™, the Company’s fastest and lightest tablet with the best in entertainment. On February 21, 2012, Barnes & Noble launched NOOK Tablet™ – 8GB, a new addition to the highly rated NOOK Tablet™ line. On April 12, 2012, the Company introduced NOOK Simple Touch™ with GlowLightTM, the world’s first E Ink device with patent-pending lighting technology that lets you read in the dark.

In addition to NOOK® devices, the Company makes it easy for customers to enjoy any book, anytime, anywhere with its free line of NOOK® software specific application, which has won the Webby People’s Voice Award. Customers can use Barnes & Noble’s eReading software to access and read books from their personal Barnes & Noble digital library on devices including iPad™, iPhone®, Android™ smartphones and tablets, PC and Mac®. The Lifetime Library™ helps ensure that Barnes & Noble customers will always be able to access their digital libraries on NOOK® products and software-enabled devices and BN.com. The Company also offers NOOK Newsstand™, which provides an extensive selection of digital newspapers and magazines, available in both subscription and single copy format, NOOK Kids™, a collection of digital picture and chapter books for children and NOOK Study™, an innovative study platform and software solution for higher education.

As digital and electronic sales become a larger part of its business, the Company believes its footprint of more than 1,300 stores will continue to be a major competitive asset. The Company will continue to integrate its traditional retail, trade book and college bookstores businesses with its electronic and Internet offerings, using retail stores in attractive geographic markets to promote and sell digital devices and content. Customers can see, feel and experiment with the NOOK® in the Company’s stores.

Although the stores will be just a part of the offering, they will remain a key driver of sales and cash flow as the Company expands its multi-channel relationships with its customers. While the Company plans to open a few retail stores in new geographic markets, the Company does not expect to expand the total number of retail stores in the near future.

B&N College provides direct access to a large and well-educated demographic group, enabling the Company to build relationships with students throughout their college years and beyond. The Company also expects to be the beneficiary of market consolidation as more and more schools outsource their bookstore management. The Company is in a unique market position to benefit from this trend given its full suite of services: bookstore management, textbook rental and digital delivery.

Although the Company believes cash on hand, cash flows from operating activities, funds available from its senior credit facility and short-term vendor financing provide the Company with adequate liquidity and capital resources for seasonal working capital requirements, the Company may raise additional capital to support the growth of its digital businesses.

 

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Results of Operations

13 weeks ended July 28, 2012 compared with the 13 weeks ended July 30, 2011

Sales

The following table summarizes the Company’s sales for the 13 weeks ended July 28, 2012 and July 30, 2011:

 

     13 weeks ended  

Dollars in thousands

   July 28,
2012
    % Total     July 30,
2011
    % Total  

B&N Retail

   $ 1,119,387        77.0   $ 1,097,252        77.4

B&N College

     220,718        15.2     220,494        15.5

NOOK

     191,975        13.2     191,412        13.5

Elimination

     (78,573     (5.4 )%      (90,754     (6.4 )% 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Sales

   $ 1,453,507        100.0   $ 1,418,404        100.0
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

During the 13 weeks ended July 28, 2012, the Company’s sales increased $35.1 million, or 2.5%, to $1.45 billion from $1.42 billion during the 13 weeks ended July 30, 2011. The increase by segment is as follows:

 

   

B&N Retail sales for the 13 weeks ended July 28, 2012 increased $22.1 million, or 2.0%, to $1.12 billion from $1.10 billion during the same period a year ago, and accounted for 77.0% of total Company sales. This increase was primarily attributable to a 4.6% increase in comparable store sales, which increased sales by $43.1 million, offset by closed stores that decreased sales by $16.1 million. The comparable sales increase was driven by higher physical book sales due to the Borders liquidations and bestselling titles. B&N Retail also experienced positive comparable sales in categories where it has relayed its stores and expanded its product assortment, such as Juvenile, Toys & Games, and Gift. Sales of NOOK® products in bookstores declined due primarily to lower average selling prices. B&N Retail also includes its eCommerce business and third-party sales of Sterling Publishing Co., Inc.

 

   

B&N College sales increased $0.2 million, or 0.1%, to $220.7 million during the 13 weeks ended July 28, 2012 from $220.5 million during the 13 weeks ended July 30, 2011. Sales were essentially flat, as new store sales were offset by a higher mix of textbook rentals, which have a lower price than new or used textbooks. Comparable store sales for the 13 weeks ended July 28, 2012 decreased 2.0% during this non back-to-school rush period. New B&N College stores contributed to an increase in sales of $7.3 million during the quarter, while closed stores decreased sales by $3.0 million.

 

   

NOOK sales increased $0.5 million, or 0.3%, to $192.0 million during the 13 weeks ended July 28, 2012 from $191.4 million during the 13 weeks ended July 30, 2011. Digital content sales increased 46.1% for the quarter. Digital content sales are defined to include digital lockers, digital newsstand and the apps business. Device sales revenue declined for the quarter due to lower average selling prices and device production scaling issues related to the NOOK Simple Touch with GlowLight.

 

   

The elimination represents sales from NOOK to B&N Retail and B&N College that were sold through to the end user.

During the 13 weeks ended July 28, 2012, B&N Retail had no store openings and two store closings, and B&N College had 25 openings and five closings.

 

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Cost of Sales and Occupancy

 

     13 weeks ended  

Dollars in thousands

   July 28,
2012
     % of
Sales
    July 30,
2011
     % of
Sales
 

B&N Retail

   $ 782,651         69.9   $ 786,803         71.7

B&N College

     169,675         76.9     169,322         76.8

NOOK

     87,293         77.0     74,721         74.2
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total Cost of Sales

          

and Occupancy

   $ 1,039,619         71.5   $ 1,030,846         72.7
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

The Company’s cost of sales and occupancy includes costs such as merchandise costs, distribution center costs (including payroll, freight, supplies, depreciation and other operating expenses), rental expense, management service agreement costs with schools, common area maintenance and real estate taxes, partially offset by landlord tenant allowances amortized over the life of the lease.

During the 13 weeks ended July 28, 2012, cost of sales and occupancy increased $8.8 million, or 0.9%, to $1.04 billion from $1.03 billion during the 13 weeks ended July 30, 2011. Cost of sales and occupancy decreased as a percentage of sales to 71.5% from 72.7% during the same period one year ago. The increase or (decrease) by segment is as follows:

 

   

B&N Retail cost of sales and occupancy decreased as a percentage of sales to 69.9% from 71.7% during the same period one year ago. This decrease was primarily attributable to a higher mix of higher margin core products and slightly lower occupancy costs.

 

   

B&N College cost of sales and occupancy increased slightly as a percentage of sales to 76.9% from 76.8% during the same period one year ago.

 

   

NOOK cost of sales and occupancy increased as a percentage of sales to 77.0% from 74.2% during the same period one year ago. This increase in cost of sales and occupancy was primarily due to product markdowns on NOOK® price adjustments as well as higher occupancy costs on increased office space in Palo Alto, CA.

Gross Margin

 

     13 weeks ended  

Dollars in thousands

   July 28,
2012
     % of
Sales
    July 30,
2011
     % of
Sales
 

B&N Retail

   $ 336,736         30.1   $ 310,449         28.3

B&N College

     51,043         23.1     51,172         23.2

NOOK

     26,109         23.0     25,937         25.8
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total Gross Margin

   $ 413,888         28.5   $ 387,558         27.3
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

The Company’s consolidated gross margin increased $26.3 million, or 6.8%, to $413.9 million during the 13 weeks ended July 28, 2012 from $387.6 million during the 13 weeks ended July 30, 2011. This increase was due to the matters discussed above.

 

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Selling and Administrative Expenses

 

     13 weeks ended  

Dollars in thousands

   July 28,
2012
     % of
Sales
    July 30,
2011
     % of
Sales
 

B&N Retail

   $ 262,175         23.4   $ 270,753         24.7

B&N College

     65,075         29.5     63,376         28.7

NOOK

     82,805         73.0     76,989         76.5
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total Selling and Administrative Expenses

   $ 410,055         28.2   $ 411,118         29.0
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Selling and administrative expenses decreased $1.1 million, or 0.3%, to $410.0 million during the 13 weeks ended July 28, 2012 from $411.1 million during the 13 weeks ended July 30, 2011. Selling and administrative expenses decreased as a percentage of sales to 28.2% from 29.0% during the same period one year ago. The increase or (decrease) by segment is as follows:

 

   

B&N Retail selling and administrative expenses decreased as a percentage of sales to 23.4% from 24.7% during the same period one year ago. The current year selling and administrative expenses included the reversal of an incentive compensation accrual related to fiscal 2012. Excluding this item, selling and administrative expenses as a percentage of sales would have decreased to 23.7% from 24.7% during the same period one year ago. This decrease was primarily due to improved store productivity.

 

   

B&N College selling and administrative expenses increased as a percentage of sales to 29.5% from 28.7% during the same period one year ago primarily due to new store openings and increased expenses for digital higher education initiatives.

 

   

NOOK selling and administrative expenses decreased as a percentage of sales to 73.0% from 76.5% during the same period one year ago. The current year selling and administrative expenses included the reversal of an incentive compensation accrual related to fiscal 2012. Excluding this item, selling and administrative expenses as a percentage of sales would have decreased to 76.0% from 76.5% during the same period one year ago. Expenses increased $5.8 million for the quarter primarily to support international expansion plans as well as increased advertising.

Depreciation and Amortization

 

     13 weeks ended  

Dollars in thousands

   July 28,
2012
     % of
Sales
    July 30,
2011
     % of
Sales
 

B&N Retail

   $ 40,940         3.7   $ 39,485         3.6

B&N College

     11,715         5.3     10,849         4.9

NOOK

     5,380         4.7     5,337         5.3
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total Depreciation and Amortization

   $ 58,035         4.0   $ 55,671         3.9
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

During the 13 weeks ended July 28, 2012, depreciation and amortization increased $2.4 million, or 4.2%, to $58.0 million from $55.7 million during the same period one year ago.

 

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Operating Profit (Loss)

 

     13 weeks ended  

Dollars in thousands

   July 28,
2012
    % of
Sales
    July 30,
2011
    % of
Sales
 

B&N Retail

   $ 33,621        3.0   $ 211        0.0

B&N College

     (25,747     (11.7 )%      (23,053     (10.5 )% 

NOOK

     (62,076     (54.7 )%      (56,389     (56.0 )% 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Operating Loss

   $ (54,202     (3.7 )%    $ (79,231     (5.6 )% 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

The Company’s consolidated operating loss decreased $25.1 million, or 31.7%, to $(54.2) million during the 13 weeks ended July 28, 2012 from $(79.2) million during the 13 weeks ended July 30, 2011. This decrease was due to the matters discussed above.

Interest Expense, Net and Amortization of Deferred Financing Fees

 

     13 weeks ended  

Dollars in thousands

   July 28,
2012
     July 30,
2011
     % of
Change
 

Interest Expense, Net and Amortization of Deferred Financing Fees

   $ 8,941       $ 9,442         (5.3 )% 
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net interest expense and amortization of deferred financing fees decreased $0.5 million to $8.9 million during the 13 weeks ended July 28, 2012 from $9.4 million during the 13 weeks ended July 30, 2011.

Income Taxes

 

     13 weeks ended  

Dollars in thousands

   July 28,
2012
    Effective
Rate
    July 30,
2011
    Effective
Rate
 

Income Taxes

   $ (22,163     35.1   $ (32,067     36.2
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

The Company had an income tax benefit of $22.2 million during the 13 weeks ended July 28, 2012 compared with an income tax benefit of $32.1 million during the 13 weeks ended July 30, 2011. The Company’s effective tax rate was 35.1% and 36.2% for the 13 weeks ended July 28, 2012 and July 30, 2011, respectively.

Net Loss

 

     13 weeks ended  

Dollars in thousands

   July 28,
2012
    July 30,
2011
 

Net Loss

   $ (40,980   $ (56,606
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

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As a result of the factors discussed above, the Company reported consolidated net loss of $(41.0) million during the 13 weeks ended July 28, 2012, compared with consolidated net loss of $(56.6) million during the 13 weeks ended July 30, 2011.

Critical Accounting Policies

During the first quarter of fiscal 2013, there were no changes in the Company’s policies regarding the use of estimates and other critical accounting policies. See “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations,” found in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended April 28, 2012 for additional information relating to the Company’s use of estimates and other critical accounting policies.

Disclosure Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

This quarterly report on Form 10-Q may contain certain forward-looking statements (within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the Securities Act), and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the Exchange Act)) and information relating to the Company that are based on the beliefs of the management of the Company as well as assumptions made by and information currently available to the management of the Company. When used in this report, the words “anticipate,” “believe,” “estimate,” “expect,” “intend,” “plan,” “will” and similar expressions, as they relate to the Company or the management of the Company, identify forward-looking statements. Such statements reflect the current views of the Company with respect to future events, the outcome of which is subject to certain risks, including, among others, the general economic environment and consumer spending patterns, decreased consumer demand for the Company’s products, low growth or declining sales and net income due to various factors, risk that international expansion will not be successfully achieved or may be achieved later than expected, possible disruptions in the Company’s computer systems, telephone systems or supply chain, possible risks associated with data privacy, information security and intellectual property, possible work stoppages or increases in labor costs, possible increases in shipping rates or interruptions in shipping service, effects of competition, possible risks that inventory in channels of distribution may be larger than able to be sold, possible risk that returns from consumers or channels of distribution may be greater than estimated, the risk that the expected sales lift from Borders’ store closures is not achieved in whole or part, the risk that digital sales growth is less than expectations and the risk that it does not exceed the rate of investment spend, higher-than-anticipated store closing or relocation costs, higher interest rates, the performance of the Company’s online, digital and other initiatives, the performance and successful integration of acquired businesses, the success of the Company’s strategic investments, unanticipated increases in merchandise, component or occupancy costs, unanticipated adverse litigation results or effects, product and component shortages, the potential adverse impact on the business resulting from the review of a potential separation of the NOOK digital business, the risk that the transactions contemplated by the partnership with Microsoft Corporation (Microsoft) to form a new Company subsidiary (NewCo) to be comprised of NOOK and B&N College, including with respect to any spin-off, split-off or other disposition by the Company of its interest in NewCo, are not able to be implemented on the terms contemplated or at all, the risk that the transactions do not achieve the expected benefits for the parties including the risk that NewCo’s applications are not commercially successful or that the expected distribution of those applications is not achieved, the risk that the separation of the digital and college businesses or any subsequent spin-off, split-off or other disposition by the Company of its interest in NewCo results in adverse impacts on the

 

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Company or NewCo (including as a result of termination of agreements and other adverse impacts), the potential impact on the Company’s retail business of the separation, the potential tax consequences for the Company and its shareholders of a subsequent spin-off, split-off or other disposition by the Company of its interest in NewCo, the risk that the international expansion contemplated by the relationship is not successful, the risk that NewCo is not able to perform its obligations under the commercial agreement, including with respect to the development of applications and international expansion, and the consequences thereof, the costs and disruptions arising out of any such separation of NOOK and B&N College, the risk that Barnes & Noble may not recoup its investments in NOOK as part of any separation, the risks, difficulties, and uncertainties that may result from the separation of businesses that were previously co-mingled including necessary ongoing relationships, and potential for adverse customer impacts and other factors which may be outside of Barnes & Noble’s control, including those factors discussed in detail in Item 1A, “Risk Factors,” in Barnes & Noble’s Annual Report on Form 10-K and Form 10-K/A, and in Barnes & Noble’s other filings made hereafter from time to time with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The forward looking statements relating to international expansion are also subject to the following risks, among others that may affect the introduction, success and timing of the NOOK® eReader and content in countries outside the United States: the Company may not be successful in reaching agreements with international companies, the terms of agreements that the Company reaches may not be advantageous to the Company, the Company’s NOOK® device may require technological changes to comply with applicable laws, and marketplace acceptance and other companies have already entered the marketplace with products that have achieved some customer acceptance. Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results or outcomes may vary materially from those described as anticipated, believed, estimated, expected, intended or planned. Subsequent written and oral forward-looking statements attributable to the Company or persons acting on its behalf are expressly qualified in their entirety by the cautionary statements in this paragraph. The Company undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise after the date of this Form 10-Q.

 

Item 3: Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

The Company limits its interest rate risks by investing certain of its excess cash balances in short-term, highly-liquid instruments with an original maturity of one year or less. The Company does not expect any material losses from its invested cash balances and the Company believes that its interest rate exposure is modest. As of July 28, 2012, the Company’s cash and cash equivalents totaled approximately $20.2 million.

Additionally, the Company may from time to time borrow money under the 2011 Amended Credit Facility at various interest rate options based on the Base Rate or LIBO Rate (each term as defined in the 2011 Amended Credit Agreement) depending upon certain financial tests. Accordingly, the Company may be exposed to interest rate risk on borrowings under its credit facility. The Company had $302.8 million and $509.6 million in borrowings under its credit facility at July 28, 2012 and July 30, 2011, respectively.

The Company does not have any material foreign currency exposure as nearly all of its business is transacted in United States currency.

 

Item 4: Controls and Procedures

(a) Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

 

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As of the end of the period covered by this report, the Company’s management conducted an evaluation (as required under Rules 13a-15(b) and 15d-15(b) under the Exchange Act), under the supervision and with the participation of the principal executive officer and principal financial officer, of the Company’s “disclosure controls and procedures” (as such term is defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Exchange Act). A control system, no matter how well designed and operated, can provide only reasonable, not absolute, assurance that it will detect or uncover failures within the Company to disclose material information otherwise required to be set forth in the Company’s periodic reports. Based on management’s evaluation, the principal executive officer and principal financial officer concluded that, as of the end of the period covered by this report, the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures are effective at the reasonable assurance level.

(b) Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting

There have been no changes in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting (as such term is defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) under the Exchange Act) during the fiscal quarter covered by this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.

PART II - OTHER INFORMATION

 

Item 1. Legal Proceedings

The Company is involved in a variety of claims, suits, investigations and proceedings that arise from time to time in the ordinary course of its business, including actions with respect to contracts, intellectual property, taxation, employment, benefits, securities, personal injuries and other matters. The results of these proceedings in the ordinary course of business are not expected to have a material adverse effect on the Company’s consolidated financial position or results of operations.

The Company records a liability when it believes that it is both probable that a liability will be incurred, and the amount of loss can be reasonably estimated. The Company evaluates, at least quarterly, developments in its legal matters that could affect the amount of liability that has been previously accrued and makes adjustments as appropriate. Significant judgment is required to determine both probability and the estimated amount of a loss or potential loss. The Company may be unable to reasonably estimate the reasonably possible loss or range of loss for a particular legal contingency for various reasons, including, among others: (i) if the damages sought are indeterminate; (ii) if proceedings are in the early stages; (iii) if there is uncertainty as to the outcome of pending proceedings (including motions and appeals); (iv) if there is uncertainty as to the likelihood of settlement and the outcome of any negotiations with respect thereto; (v) if there are significant factual issues to be determined or resolved; (vi) if the proceedings involve a large number of parties; (vii) if relevant law is unsettled or novel or untested legal theories are presented; or (viii) if the proceedings are taking place in jurisdictions where the laws are complex or unclear. In such instances, there is considerable uncertainty regarding the ultimate resolution of such matters, including a possible eventual loss, if any. With respect to the legal matters described below, the Company has determined, based on its current knowledge, that the amount of loss or range of loss, that is reasonably possible including any reasonably possible losses in excess of amounts already accrued, is not reasonably estimable. However, legal matters are inherently unpredictable and subject to significant uncertainties, some of which are beyond the Company’s control. As such, there can be no assurance that the final outcome of these matters will not materially and adversely affect the Company’s business, financial condition, results of operations, or cash flows.

 

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Table of Contents

The following is a discussion of the material legal matters involving the Company.

In re Barnes & Noble Stockholder Derivative Litigation (Consolidated Cases Formerly Captioned Separately as: Louisiana Municipal Police Employees Retirement System v. Riggio et al.; Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority v. Riggio et al.; City of Ann Arbor Employees’ Retirement System v. Riggio et al.; Louise Schuman v. Riggio et al.; Virgin Islands Government Employees’ Retirement System v. Riggio et al.; Electrical Workers Pension Fund, Local 103, I.B.E.W. v. Riggio et al.)

Between August 17, 2009 and August 31, 2009, five putative shareholder derivative complaints were filed in Delaware Court of Chancery against the Company’s directors. The complaints generally allege breach of fiduciary duty, waste of corporate assets and unjust enrichment in connection with the Company’s entry into a definitive agreement to purchase Barnes & Noble College Booksellers, which was announced on August 10, 2009 (the Transaction). The complaints generally seek damages in favor of the Company in an unspecified amount; costs, fees and interest; disgorgement; restitution; and equitable relief, including injunctive relief. On September 1, 2009, the Delaware Court of Chancery issued an Order of Consolidation consolidating the five lawsuits (the Consolidated Cases) and directing plaintiffs to file a consolidated amended complaint. In a related development, on August 27, 2009, the Company received a demand pursuant to Delaware General Corporation Law, Section 220, on behalf of the Electrical Workers Pension Fund, Local 103, I.B.E.W., a shareholder, seeking to inspect certain books and records related to the Transaction. On September 18, 2009, this shareholder filed a shareholder derivative complaint in Delaware Court of Chancery against certain of the Company’s directors alleging breach of fiduciary duty and unjust enrichment and seeking to enjoin the consummation of the Transaction. On October 6, 2009, the plaintiffs in the Consolidated Cases filed a motion seeking to consolidate the later-filed sixth case with the Consolidated Cases. On November 3, 2009, a Consolidated Complaint was filed in the Consolidated Cases. On December 11, 2009, the court entered an order consolidating all actions and appointing co-lead counsel for plaintiffs. The Company and defendants filed motions to dismiss the Consolidated Complaint on January 12, 2010. Plaintiffs filed an Amended Consolidated Complaint on March 16, 2010. The Company and defendants filed motions to dismiss the Amended Consolidated Complaint on April 30, 2010. Plaintiffs filed their response to the motion to dismiss on June 2, 2010. Oral argument on the motions to dismiss was held on October 21, 2010. Following those arguments, the Court denied the Company’s motion to dismiss, denied in part and granted in part the motion to dismiss filed by Defendants Leonard Riggio, Stephen Riggio and Lawrence Zilavy, and denied in part and granted in part the motion to dismiss filed by the remaining defendants, dismissing all claims asserted against Directors George Campbell, Jr. and Patricia Higgins. All defendants except Leonard Riggio moved for summary judgment on December 21, 2011. Briefing on those motions was completed by March 2, 2012. The Court ruled on those motions on March 27, 2012, denying summary judgment as to Defendants Lawrence Zilavy and Michael Del Giudice and granting summary judgment as to, and dismissing all claims against, Defendants Stephen Riggio, Irene R. Miller, Margaret T. Monaco and William Dillard, II. On June 13, 2012, all remaining defendants agreed to settle all remaining claims, subject to receipt of court approval (the Settlement). In the Settlement, the sellers in the Transaction have agreed to waive $22,750 of the purchase price by waiving a corresponding principal amount (and interest on) of the Junior Seller Note issued by the Company to the sellers as part of the purchase price of the Transaction. A hearing will be held on September 4, 2012 to approve the Settlement and what, if any, attorney’s fees will be paid by the Company to plaintiffs. If the Settlement Agreement is approved by the Delaware Court of Chancery, the Consolidated Cases will be dismissed, on the merits, with prejudice. Upon approval, the $22,750 reduction in purchase price will be recorded as a credit to additional paid in capital.

 

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Whitney Parker v. Leonard Riggio, et al. (formerly Stephen Strugala v. Leonard Riggio, et al.)

On December 21, 2010, a complaint was filed in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York by Stephen Strugala against the Company’s current directors and former directors Lawrence Zilavy and Michael Del Giudice. The complaint is purportedly brought both directly, on behalf of a putative class of shareholders, and derivatively, on behalf of the Company. The complaint generally alleges breaches of fiduciary duties, waste and unjust enrichment in connection with the Company’s acquisition of Barnes & Noble College Booksellers, the adoption of the Shareholder Rights Plan, and other unspecified instances of alleged mismanagement and alleged wrongful conduct. The complaint also generally alleges violations of Section 14(a) of the 1934 Act in connection with the issuance of various proxy statements by the Company. The complaint generally seeks declaratory and equitable relief, including injunctive relief, and costs and fees. On January 19, 2011, the Court granted the parties’ Stipulation and Order. On February 18, 2011, the plaintiff filed a Notice of Voluntary Dismissal of Claim, dismissing without prejudice his putative class claim for violations of Section 14(a) of the 1934 Act. On March 8, 2011, defendants filed a motion to dismiss all claims in the litigation. On October 4, 2011, the Court granted defendants’ motion to dismiss, but also granted plaintiff leave to replead within 30 days. On November 3, 2011, plaintiff requested a pre-motion conference with the Court to discuss an anticipated motion to substitute a new plaintiff, Ms. Whitney Parker, for Mr. Strugala, and simultaneously filed an amended complaint on behalf of Ms. Parker containing substantially the same claims asserted in Mr. Strugala’s original complaint. The Court held a pre-motion conference on December 9, 2011, at which the parties agreed that Ms. Parker could be substituted for Mr. Strugala without prejudice to any of defendants’ rights. On January 20, 2012, defendants moved to dismiss the amended complaint. Briefing on that motion was completed on May 4, 2012. On August 3, 2012, the Court granted defendants’ motion to dismiss, dismissing the complaint in its entirety and denying plaintiff’s request for leave to replead.

Lina v. Barnes & Noble, Inc., and Barnes & Noble Booksellers, Inc. et al.

On August 5, 2011, a purported class action complaint was filed against Barnes & Noble, Inc. and Barnes & Noble Booksellers, Inc. in the Superior Court for the State of California making the following allegations against defendants with respect to salaried Store Managers at Barnes & Noble stores located in the State of California from the period of August 5, 2007 to present: (1) failure to pay wages and overtime; (2) failure to pay for missed meal and/or rest breaks; (3) waiting time penalties; (4) failure to pay minimum wage; (5) failure to provide reimbursement for business expenses; and (6) failure to provide itemized wage statements. The claims are generally derivative of the allegation that these salaried managers were improperly classified as exempt from California’s wage and hour laws. The complaint contains no allegations concerning the number of any such alleged violations or the amount of recovery sought on behalf the purported class. The Company was served with the complaint on August 11, 2011. On August 30, 2011, the Company filed an answer in state court, and on August 31, 2011 it removed the action to federal court pursuant to the Class Action Fairness Act of 2005, 28 U.S.C. § 1332(d). On October 28, 2011, the district court granted plaintiff’s motion to remand the action back to state court, over the Company’s opposition. On November 7, 2011, the Company petitioned the Ninth Circuit for an appeal of the district court’s remand order. The Ninth Circuit affirmed the district court’s remand order on May 18, 2012. The parties are currently engaged in pre-certification discovery. The Court has not yet set a date for plaintiff’s anticipated motion for class certification, and it has not yet set a trial date.

 

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Barnes & Noble, Inc. and Barnesandnoble.com llc v. LSI Corporation and Agere Systems, Inc.

On June 6, 2011, Barnes & Noble, Inc. filed a complaint against LSI Corporation (LSI) in the United States District Court for the Northern District of California, Case No. 11-CV-2709 EMC. The complaint sought a declaratory judgment that Barnes & Noble, Inc. does not infringe U.S. Patent Nos. 5,546,420; 5,670,730; 5,862,182; 5,920,552; 6,044,073; 6,119,091; 6,404,732; 6,452,958; 6,707,867 and 7,583,582. Barnes & Noble, Inc. amended the complaint on August 10, 2011 to add barnesandnoble.com llc as a plaintiff, to add Agere Systems, Inc. (Agere) as a defendant, to add a cause of action seeking a declaratory judgment that neither Barnes & Noble, Inc. nor barnesandnoble.com llc infringes U.S. Patent No. 7,477,633, and to add causes of action seeking a declaratory judgment that each of the eleven patents-in-suit is invalid. On November 1, 2011, LSI and Agere answered the amended complaint and asserted counterclaims against Barnes & Noble, Inc. and barnesandnoble.com llc, alleging infringement of the eleven patents-in-suit. On November 28, 2011, Barnes & Noble, Inc. and barnesandnoble.com llc answered the counterclaims and asserted several affirmative defenses, including the defense that seven of the patents-in-suit are unenforceable as a result of standard-setting misconduct. As required by the Court’s Local Patent Rules, LSI and Agere served their Disclosure of Asserted Claims and Infringement Contentions on July 2, 2012. In that disclosure, LSI and Agere asserted infringement of only six of the eleven patents that it had previously accused Barnes & Noble, Inc. and barnesandnoble.com llc of infringing. The Court has set certain pretrial dates in the case, including a claim construction hearing on March 11, 2013. The Court has not yet set a trial date in the case.

Dustin Torrez, an individual, on behalf of himself and all others similarly situated v. Barnes & Noble, Inc.

On October 11, 2011, a complaint was filed in the Superior Court for the State of California, County of San Francisco against the Company. The complaint is styled as a California state-wide class action. It alleges violations of California Civil Code section 1747.08 (the Song-Beverly Credit Card Act of 1971) due to the Company’s alleged improper requesting and recording of zip codes from California customers who used credit cards as payment. The complaint was re-filed in the Superior Court for the State of California, County of San Francisco on December 23, 2011 as a separate action. The Summons and Complaint have not been served on the Company for either action. On February 10, 2012, the plaintiff filed a request that the action filed in December be dismissed with prejudice.

Kevin Khoa Nguyen, an individual, on behalf of himself and all others similarly situated v. Barnes & Noble, Inc. 

On April 17, 2012, a complaint was filed in the Superior Court for the State of California, County of Orange against the Company. The complaint is styled as a nationwide class action and includes a California state-wide subclass based on alleged cancellations of orders for HP TouchPad Tablets placed on the Company’s website in August 2011. The lawsuit alleges claims for unfair business practices and false advertising under both New York and California state law, violation of the Consumer Legal Remedies Act under California law, and breach of contract. The complaint demands specific performance of the alleged contracts to sell HP TouchPad Tablets at a specified price, injunctive relief, and monetary relief, but does not specify an amount. The Company submitted its initial response to the complaint on May 18, 2012, and moved to compel plaintiff to arbitrate his claims on an individual basis pursuant to a contractual arbitration provision on May 25, 2012. The Company also moved to stay all proceedings pending final resolution of the motion to compel arbitration on July 20, 2012. The Court has not yet ruled on the motion to compel arbitration or the motion to stay.

 

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Deep9 Corporation v. Barnes & Noble, Inc. and barnesandnoble.com llc

On January 1, 2011, Deep9 Corporation (Deep9) filed a complaint against Barnes & Noble, Inc. and barnesandnoble.com llc in the United States District Court for the Western District of Washington. The complaint alleges that Barnes & Noble, Inc. and barnesandnoble.com llc infringe U.S. Patent Nos. 5,937,405 and 6,377,951. On February 1, 2011, Barnes & Noble, Inc. and barnesandnoble.com llc filed an answer denying infringement and asserting several affirmative defenses. At the same time, Barnes & Noble, Inc. and barnesandnoble.com llc filed counterclaims seeking a declaratory judgment that neither Barnes & Noble, Inc. nor barnesandnoble.com llc infringes the patents-in-suit and that each of the two patents-in-suit is invalid. The Court issued an order regarding claim construction on January 10, 2012 and amended that order on January 24, 2012. On July 19, 2012, each party filed motions for summary judgment, and Barnes & Noble, Inc. and barnesandnoble.com llc filed motions to exclude as unreliable certain opinions of Deep9’s technical expert and to preclude Deep9’s damages expert from testifying at trial. Briefing on those motions was completed on August 10, 2012. On August 2, 2012, Deep9 filed a Daubert motion to preclude Barnes & Noble, Inc. and barnesandnoble.com llc’s damages expert from testifying at trial, which Barnes & Noble, Inc. and barnesandnoble.com llc are opposing. Briefing on Deep9’s Daubert motion was completed on August 13, 2012. The Court has not yet ruled on any of the pending summary judgment or Daubert motions. A five day jury trial is scheduled to begin on October 22, 2012.

 

Item 1A. Risk Factors

There have been no material changes to the risk factors disclosed in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended April 28, 2012.

 

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Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

 

Period

   Total
Number
of Shares
Purchased
(a)
     Average
Price Paid
per Share
     Total
Number of
Shares
Purchased as
Part of
Publicly
Announced
Plans or
Programs
     Approximate
Dollar Value of
Shares That
May Yet Be
Purchased
Under the
Plans or
Programs
 

April 29, 2012 – May 28, 2012

     12,618       $ 18.08         —         $ 2,470,561   

May 29, 2012 – June 27, 2012

     1,764       $ 15.36         —         $ 2,470,561   

June 28, 2012 – July 28, 2012

     6,179       $ 16.46         —         $ 2,470,561   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

Total

     20,561       $ 17.36         —        
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

(a) All of the shares on this table above were originally granted to employees as restricted stock pursuant to the Company’s 2004 Incentive Plan and 2009 Incentive Plan. Both Incentive Plans provide for the withholding of shares to satisfy tax obligations due upon the vesting of restricted stock, and pursuant to the 2004 Incentive Plan and the 2009 Incentive Plan, the shares reflected above were relinquished by employees in exchange for the Company’s agreement to pay federal and state withholding obligations resulting from the vesting of the Company’s restricted stock.

On May 15, 2007, the Company announced its Board of Directors authorized a stock repurchase program for the purchase of up to $400.0 million of the Company’s common stock. The maximum dollar value of common stock that may yet be purchased under this program is approximately $2.5 million as of July 28, 2012.

Stock repurchases under this program may be made through open market and privately negotiated transactions from time to time and in such amounts as management deems appropriate. As of July 28, 2012, the Company has repurchased 33,742,825 shares at a cost of approximately $1.06 billion. The repurchased shares are held in treasury.

 

Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosure

Not Applicable.

 

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Item 6. Exhibits

(a) Exhibits filed with this Form 10-Q:

 

  10.1    Barnes & Noble.com Digital Products Device Development Incentive Bonus Plan, dated as of May 2, 2010.
  10.2    Form of Barnes & Noble.com Digital Products Device Development Incentive Bonus Plan Participation Agreement.
  10.3    Letter Agreement between Barnes & Noble.com, llc and Ravi Gopalakrishnan, dated as of March 5, 2009.
  10.4    Letter Agreement between Barnes & Noble.com, llc and Daniel A. Gilbert, dated as of March 22, 2010.
  10.5    Letter Agreement between Barnes & Noble College Booksellers, LLC and Max J. Roberts, dated as of September 30, 2009.
  10.6    Letter Agreement between Barnes & Noble.com, llc and Jamie Iannone, dated as of March 29, 2009.
  15.1    Letter from BDO USA, LLP regarding unaudited interim financial information.
  31.1    Certification by the Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a)/15(d)-14(a) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
  31.2    Certification by the Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a)/15(d)-14(a) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
  32.1    Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(b) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
  32.2    Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(b) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
101.INS    XBRL Instance Document
101.SCH    XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document
101.CAL    XBRL Taxonomy Calculation Linkbase Document
101.DEF    XBRL Taxonomy Definition Linkbase Document
101.LAB    XBRL Taxonomy Label Linkbase Document
101.PRE    XBRL Taxonomy Presentation Linkbase Document

 

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SIGNATURES

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.

 

BARNES & NOBLE, INC.
(Registrant)
By:   /s/    MICHAEL P. HUSEBY        
  Michael P. Huseby
  Chief Financial Officer
  (principal financial officer)

 

By:   /s/    ALLEN LINDSTROM        
  Allen Lindstrom
  Vice President, Corporate Controller
  (principal accounting officer)

August 31, 2012

 

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EXHIBIT INDEX

 

  10.1    Barnes & Noble.com Digital Products Device Development Incentive Bonus Plan, dated as of May 2, 2010.
  10.2    Form of Barnes & Noble.com Digital Products Device Development Incentive Bonus Plan Participation Agreement.
  10.3    Letter Agreement between Barnes & Noble.com, llc and Ravi Gopalakrishnan, dated as of March 5, 2009.
  10.4    Letter Agreement between Barnes & Noble.com, llc and Daniel A. Gilbert, dated as of March 22, 2010.
  10.5    Letter Agreement between Barnes & Noble College Booksellers, LLC and Max J. Roberts, dated as of September 30, 2009.
  10.6    Letter Agreement between Barnes & Noble.com, llc and Jamie Iannone, dated as of March 29, 2009.
  15.1    Letter from BDO USA, LLP regarding unaudited interim financial information.
  31.1    Certification by the Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a)/15(d)-14(a) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
  31.2    Certification by the Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a)/15(d)-14(a) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
  32.1    Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(b) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
  32.2    Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(b) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
101.INS    XBRL Instance Document
101.SCH    XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document
101.CAL    XBRL Taxonomy Calculation Linkbase Document
101.DEF    XBRL Taxonomy Definition Linkbase Document
101.LAB    XBRL Taxonomy Label Linkbase Document
101.PRE    XBRL Taxonomy Presentation Linkbase Document

 

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