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UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, DC 20549

FORM 10-Q

COMMISSION FILE NUMBER: 1-32315

NEW YORK & COMPANY, INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

        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 ý    No o

        Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§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 ý    No o

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

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

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

        As of June 1, 2018, the registrant had 64,284,514 shares of common stock outstanding.

   

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SPECIAL NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS AND RISK FACTORS
(Cautionary Statements Under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995)

        This Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q includes forward-looking statements. Certain matters discussed in "Item 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" and other sections of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q are forward-looking statements intended to qualify for safe harbors from liability established by the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Some of these statements can be identified by terms and phrases such as "anticipate," "believe," "intend," "estimate," "expect," "continue," "could," "may," "plan," "project," "predict" and similar expressions and include references to assumptions that the Company believes are reasonable and relate to its future prospects, developments and business strategies. Such statements are subject to various risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially. These include, but are not limited to: (i) the Company's dependence on mall traffic for its sales and the continued reduction in the volume of mall traffic; (ii) the Company's ability to anticipate and respond to fashion trends; (iii) the impact of general economic conditions and their effect on consumer confidence and spending patterns; (iv) changes in the cost of raw materials, distribution services or labor; (v) the potential for economic conditions to negatively impact the Company's merchandise vendors and their ability to deliver products; (vi) the Company's ability to open and operate stores successfully; (vii) seasonal fluctuations in the Company's business; (viii) competition in the Company's market, including promotional and pricing competition; (ix) the Company's ability to retain, recruit and train key personnel; (x) the Company's reliance on third parties to manage some aspects of its business; (xi) the Company's reliance on foreign sources of production; (xii) the Company's ability to protect its trademarks and other intellectual property rights; (xiii) the Company's ability to maintain, and its reliance on, its information technology infrastructure; (xiv) the effects of government regulation; (xv) the control of the Company by its largest stockholder and any potential change of ownership; and (xvi) other risks and uncertainties as described in the Company's documents filed with the SEC, including its most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K and subsequent Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q.

        The Company undertakes no obligation to revise the forward-looking statements included in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q to reflect any future events or circumstances. The Company's actual results, performance or achievements could differ materially from the results expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements.

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PART I.
FINANCIAL INFORMATION

ITEM 1.    FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

New York & Company, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations

(Unaudited)

See accompanying notes.

New York & Company, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss)

(Unaudited)

   

See accompanying notes.

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New York & Company, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets

   

See accompanying notes.

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New York & Company, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

(Unaudited)

   

See accompanying notes.

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New York & Company, Inc.

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

May 5, 2018

(Unaudited)

1. Organization and Basis of Presentation

        New York & Company, Inc. (together with its subsidiaries, the "Company") is an omni-channel women's fashion retailer providing curated lifestyle solutions that are versatile, on-trend and stylish at a great value. The specialty retailer, first incorporated in 1918, has grown to now operate 432 retail and outlet locations in 36 states while also growing a substantial eCommerce business. The Company's branded merchandise, including collaborations with Eva Mendes and Gabrielle Union, is sold exclusively at these locations and online at www.nyandcompany.com. The target customers for the Company's merchandise are women between the ages of 25 and 49.

        The condensed consolidated financial statements as of May 5, 2018 and April 29, 2017 and for the 13 weeks ("three months") ended May 5, 2018 and April 29, 2017 are unaudited and are presented pursuant to the rules and regulations of the United States Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC"). Accordingly, these unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements and notes thereto for the 53-week fiscal year ended February 3, 2018 ("fiscal year 2017"), which were filed with the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K with the SEC on April 17, 2018. The 52-week fiscal year ending February 2, 2019 is referred to herein as "fiscal year 2018." The Company's fiscal year is a 52- or 53-week year that ends on the Saturday closest to January 31.

        The Company identifies its operating segments according to how its business activities are managed and evaluated. Its operating segments have been aggregated and are reported as one reportable segment based on the similar nature of products sold, production process, distribution process, target customers and economic characteristics. All of the Company's revenues are generated in the United States. In the opinion of management, the accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements reflect all adjustments, which are of a normal recurring nature, necessary to present fairly the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows for the interim periods. All significant intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

        Due to seasonal variations in the retail industry, the results of operations for any interim period are not necessarily indicative of the results expected for the full fiscal year.

        Certain totals that appear in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q may not equal the sum of the components due to rounding.

2. New Accounting Pronouncements

        In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") 2014-09, "Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606)," which supersedes the revenue recognition requirements in FASB Accounting Standards Codification™ ("ASC") Topic 605, "Revenue Recognition" and requires entities to recognize revenue in a way that depicts the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which an entity expects to be entitled to in exchange for those goods or services. The Company adopted Topic 606 as of February 4, 2018 using the modified retrospective method with a cumulative adjustment to the opening retained earnings balance. Please refer to Note 3, "Revenue Recognition" for further information regarding the adoption of Topic 606.

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New York & Company, Inc.

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

May 5, 2018

(Unaudited)

2. New Accounting Pronouncements (Continued)

        In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02, "Leases" ("ASU 2016-02"), which is a comprehensive new lease standard that amends various aspects of existing accounting guidance for leases. The core principle of ASU 2016-02 will require lessees to present the assets and liabilities that arise from leases on their balance sheets. ASU 2016-02 is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2018, and interim periods within those fiscal years and requires modified retrospective adoption. Early adoption is permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of the adoption of this new standard on the Company's financial position and results of operations. However, the Company expects that the adoption of ASU 2016-02 will result in a significant increase to its long-term assets and liabilities on the consolidated balance sheet.

        In March 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-07, "Compensation-Retirement Benefits: Improving the Presentation of Net Periodic Pension Cost and Net Periodic Postretirement Benefit Cost" ("ASU 2017-07"), which requires: (i) the disaggregation of the service cost component from the other components of net benefit costs in the income statement; (ii) provides explicit guidance on the presentation of the service cost component and the other components of net benefit cost in the income statement; and (iii) allows only the service cost component of net benefit cost to be eligible for capitalization. ASU 2017-07 is effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017, and interim periods within those fiscal years, and requires retrospective adoption. The Company prospectively adopted ASU 2017-07 on February 4, 2018, as the Company deemed the impact of prior period reclassifications to be immaterial. The impact on the three months ended April 29, 2017 would have resulted in a net decrease of "Selling, general, and administrative expenses" and "Operating loss" on the Company's condensed consolidated statements of operations by $56,000.

3. Revenue Recognition

        On February 4, 2018, the Company adopted Topic 606 using the modified retrospective method. Results for reporting periods beginning February 4, 2018 are presented under Topic 606, while prior period amounts are not adjusted and continue to be reported in accordance with the Company's historic accounting under Topic 605.

        On February 4, 2018, the Company recorded a net increase to the opening "Retained deficit" balance of $5.9 million with an offsetting adjustment to "Accrued expenses" due to the cumulative impact of adopting Topic 606. The cumulative effect adjustment related primarily to the Company's private label credit card loyalty program (the "Runway Rewards" program).

        Runway Rewards is a points-based customer loyalty program, in which customers earn points based on purchases. When customers reach predetermined point thresholds, earned points are fulfilled with rewards that can be redeemed for discounts on future purchases of New York & Company merchandise. Issued rewards expire if they are not redeemed within the stated redemption period, which is approximately 60 days. Previously under the Runway Rewards program, the Company recognized revenue for the full sale amount at the time of sale; however, the Company would accrue the estimated cost of points and rewards earned and outstanding until they were redeemed or expired, which is referred to as the incremental cost method. Under Topic 606, the Company no longer accrues the estimated cost of points and rewards earned and outstanding. Instead, it defers a portion of the

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New York & Company, Inc.

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

May 5, 2018

(Unaudited)

3. Revenue Recognition (Continued)

revenue at the time of sale using the standalone selling price method, as described in Topic 606, until the points and rewards are redeemed or expire. On the date of adoption of Topic 606, the Company established a current liability for deferred revenue equal to the estimated sales value of points and rewards earned and outstanding that are expected to be redeemed, with an offsetting adjustment to the opening balance of "Retained deficit." The Company determines the estimated redemption rate based on the historical experience of rewards being earned and redeemed. In accordance with Topic 606, the Company accounts for certain other sales incentives offered to its customers in a manner similar to the accounting for its Runway Rewards program.

        In accordance with the new revenue standard requirements, the disclosure of the impact of adoption on the Company's consolidated balance sheet on February 4, 2018 was as follows:

        There was no impact to the Company's condensed consolidated statements of operations on the date of adoption of Topic 606, and the Company does not expect the adoption of Topic 606 to have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements on a go forward basis.

Balance Sheet

        The contract liability related to the Company's Runway Rewards program and other sales incentive programs was $7.5 million as of May 5, 2018, which is recorded within "Accrued expenses" on the Company's consolidated balance sheet. Of the $7.5 million contract liability at May 5, 2018, $6.9 million related to the Runway Rewards program. The following table provides the reconciliation of the contract liability related to these programs for the three months ended May 5, 2018:

        The total contract liability related to the Company's gift cards and merchandise credits outstanding was $12.7 million and $12.1 million as of May 5, 2018 and April 29, 2017, respectively, which is recorded within "Accrued expenses" on the Company's consolidated balance sheets. The following table

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New York & Company, Inc.

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

May 5, 2018

(Unaudited)

3. Revenue Recognition (Continued)

provides the reconciliation of the contract liability related to this program for the three months ended May 5, 2018:

        In accordance with the new revenue standard requirements, the disclosure of the impact of adoption on the Company's consolidated balance sheet as of May 5, 2018 was as follows:

Income Statement

        In accordance with the new revenue standard requirements, the disclosure of the impact of adoption on the Company's condensed consolidated statement of operations during the three months ended May 5, 2018 was as follows:

        Although the adoption of Topic 606 did not have a material impact on the first quarter of the fiscal year 2018 operating results, the Company could experience a shift in revenues and gross profit between fiscal quarters in the future.

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New York & Company, Inc.

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

May 5, 2018

(Unaudited)

3. Revenue Recognition (Continued)

Accounting Policies

        Revenues are recognized when control of the promised goods or services is transferred to the Company's customers, in an amount that reflects the consideration the Company expects to be entitled to in exchange for those goods or services.

        Revenue from the sale of merchandise at the Company's stores is recognized at the time the customer takes possession of the related merchandise and the purchases are paid for, primarily with either cash or credit card. Revenue, including shipping fees billed to customers, from the sale of merchandise at the Company's eCommerce store is recognized when the merchandise is shipped to the customer and the purchases are paid for. Revenue for gift cards and merchandise credits is recognized at redemption. Prior to their redemption, gift cards and merchandise credits are recorded as a liability. Discounts and promotional coupons offered to customers are accounted for as a reduction of sales revenue at the time the coupons are tendered by the customer. For sales incentives that provide customers with a coupon for a discount on future purchases, the Company defers a portion of the revenue at the time the coupon is earned using the standalone selling price method, until the coupon is redeemed or expired. Sales taxes collected from customers are excluded from revenues.

        The Company reserves for sales returns on a gross basis through reductions in sales and gross margin based upon historical merchandise returns experience and current sales levels.

        The Company issues gift cards and merchandise credits which do not contain provisions for expiration or inactivity fees. The portion of the dollar value of gift cards and merchandise credits that ultimately is not used by customers to make purchases is known as breakage and will be recognized as revenue if the Company determines it is not required to escheat such amounts to government agencies under state escheatment laws. The Company recognizes gift card and merchandise credit breakage as revenue as each is redeemed over a two-year redemption period based on their respective historical breakage rate. The Company considers the likelihood of redemption remote beyond a two-year redemption period, at which point any unrecognized breakage is recognized as revenue. The Company determined the redemption period and the breakage rates for gift cards and merchandise credits based on their respective historical redemption patterns.

        The Company also recognizes revenue in connection with its private label credit card agreement with Comenity Bank, a bank subsidiary of Alliance Data Systems Corporation ("ADS") (the "ADS Agreement"). Pursuant to the terms of the ADS agreement, ADS has the exclusive right to provide private label credit cards to its customers. The Company's private label credit card is issued to its customers for use exclusively at New York & Company stores and online at www.nyandcompany.com, and credit is extended to such customers by Comenity Bank on a non-recourse basis to the Company. Upon execution of the ADS Agreement on July 14, 2016, the Company was entitled to a $40 million signing bonus, which was recorded as deferred revenue, and is being amortized on a straight-line basis over the 10-year term of the ADS agreement. In addition, over the term of the ADS Agreement, the Company receives royalty payments based on a percentage of private label credit card sales, which the Company recognizes as revenue as it is earned. During the three months ended May 5, 2018 and April 29, 2017, the Company recognized revenue of $5.9 million and $5.7 million, respectively, from royalties and the amortization of signing bonuses in connection with the ADS Agreement.

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New York & Company, Inc.

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

May 5, 2018

(Unaudited)

3. Revenue Recognition (Continued)

        As of May 5, 2018, $28.0 million of deferred revenue related to the ADS Agreement is included in "Other liabilities" and $4.0 million of deferred revenue is included in "Accrued expenses" on the condensed consolidated balance sheet. As of April 29, 2017, $32.0 million of deferred revenue related to the ADS Agreement is included in "Other liabilities" and $4.0 million of deferred revenue is included in "Accrued expenses" on the condensed consolidated balance sheet.

4. Earnings (Loss) Per Share

        Basic earnings (loss) per share are computed by dividing net income (loss) by the weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding for the period. Except when the effect would be anti-dilutive, diluted earnings (loss) per share are calculated based on the weighted average number of outstanding shares of common stock plus the dilutive effect of share-based awards calculated under the treasury stock method. A reconciliation between basic and diluted earnings (loss) per share is as follows:

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New York & Company, Inc.

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

May 5, 2018

(Unaudited)

4. Earnings (Loss) Per Share (Continued)

        The calculation of diluted earnings (loss) per share for the three months ended May 5, 2018 and April 29, 2017 excludes the share-based awards listed in the following table due to their anti-dilutive effect as determined under the treasury stock method:

5. Pension Plan

        The Company sponsors a single employer defined benefit pension plan ("plan") covering substantially all union employees. Employees covered by collective bargaining agreements are primarily non-management store associates, representing approximately 8% of the Company's workforce at May 5, 2018. The collective bargaining agreement with the Local 1102 unit of the Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union AFL-CIO is in effect through August 31, 2018. The Company believes its relationship with its employees is good.

        The plan provides retirement benefits for union employees who have attained the age of 21 and complete 1,000 or more hours of service in any calendar year following the date of employment. The plan provides benefits based on length of service. The Company's funding policy for the pension plan is to contribute annually the amount necessary to provide for benefits based on accrued service and to contribute at least the minimum required by ERISA rules. Net periodic benefit cost includes the following components:

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New York & Company, Inc.

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

May 5, 2018

(Unaudited)

5. Pension Plan (Continued)

        In accordance with FASB ASC Topic 220, "Comprehensive Income," comprehensive income (loss) reported on the Company's condensed consolidated statements of comprehensive income (loss) includes net income (loss) and other comprehensive income (loss). For the Company, other comprehensive income (loss) consists of the reclassification of unrecognized losses and prior service credits related to the Company's minimum pension liability. The total amount of unrecognized losses and prior service credits reclassified out of "Accumulated other comprehensive loss" on the Company's condensed consolidated balance sheets and into expense on the Company's condensed consolidated statements of operations for the three months ended May 5, 2018 and April 29, 2017 was $35,000 and $92,000, respectively. As of February 3, 2018, the Company reported a minimum pension liability of $1.2 million due to the underfunded status of the plan. The minimum pension liability is reported in "Other liabilities" on the condensed consolidated balance sheets.

6. Income Taxes

        The Company files U.S. federal income tax returns and income tax returns in various state and local jurisdictions. The Company is no longer subject to U.S. federal income tax examinations for tax years through 2013. With limited exception, the Company is no longer subject to state and local income tax examinations for tax years through 2013.

        At February 3, 2018, the Company reported a total liability for unrecognized tax benefits of $2.0 million, including interest and penalties. There have been no material changes during the three months ended May 5, 2018. Of the total $2.0 million of unrecognized tax benefits at February 3, 2018, approximately $1.5 million, if recognized, would impact the Company's effective tax rate. The Company does not anticipate any significant increases or decreases to the balance of unrecognized tax benefits during the next 12 months.

        The Company continues to maintain a valuation allowance against its deferred tax assets until the Company believes it is more likely than not that these assets will be realized in the future. If sufficient positive evidence arises in the future indicating that all or a portion of the deferred tax assets meet the more likely than not standard under ASC Topic 740, "Income Taxes," the valuation allowance would be reversed accordingly in the period that such determination is made. As of May 5, 2018, the Company's valuation allowance against its deferred tax assets was $56.3 million.

7. Long-Term Debt and Credit Facilities

        On October 24, 2014, Lerner New York, Inc., Lernco, Inc. and Lerner New York Outlet, LLC (f.k.a. Lerner New York Outlet, Inc.), wholly-owned indirect subsidiaries of New York & Company, Inc., entered into a Fourth Amended and Restated Loan and Security Agreement (the "Loan Agreement") with Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as Agent and Term Loan Agent and the lender party thereto. The obligations under the Loan Agreement are guaranteed by New York & Company, Inc. and its other subsidiaries.

        The Loan Agreement consists of: (i) a revolving credit facility that provides the Company with up to $100 million of credit, consisting of a $75 million revolving credit facility (which includes a sub-facility for issuance of letters of credit up to $45 million) with a fully committed accordion option

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New York & Company, Inc.

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

May 5, 2018

(Unaudited)

7. Long-Term Debt and Credit Facilities (Continued)

that allows the Company to increase the revolving credit facility up to $100 million or decrease it to a minimum of $60 million, subject to certain restrictions, and (ii) a $15 million, 5-year term loan, bearing interest at the Adjusted Eurodollar Rate plus 4.50% (the "Term Loan"). On April 5, 2018, the Company used cash on-hand to prepay in full the $11.5 million outstanding balance of this Term Loan.

        Under the terms of the Loan Agreement, the interest rates applicable to Revolving Loans are, at the Company's option, either at a floating rate equal to the Adjusted Eurodollar Rate plus a margin of between 1.50% and 1.75% per year for Eurodollar Rate Loans or a floating rate equal to the Prime Rate plus a margin of between 0.50% and 0.75% per year for Prime Rate Loans, depending upon the Company's Average Compliance Excess Availability. The Company pays to the lender under the revolving credit facility a monthly fee on outstanding commercial letters of credit at a rate of between 0.75% and 0.875% per year and on standby letters of credit at a rate of between 1.50% and 1.75% per year, depending upon the Company's Average Compliance Excess Availability, plus a monthly fee on a proportion of the unused commitments under the revolving credit facility at a rate of 0.25% per year.

        The maximum borrowing availability under the Company's revolving credit facility is determined by a monthly borrowing base calculation based on applying specified advance rates against inventory and certain other eligible assets. As of May 5, 2018, the Company had availability under its revolving credit facility of $56.7 million, net of letters of credit outstanding of $11.9 million, as compared to availability of $38.1 million, net of letters of credit outstanding of $12.5 million, as of February 3, 2018, and availability of $59.6 million, net of letters of credit outstanding of $14.2 million, as of April 29, 2017. The $11.9 million of letters of credit outstanding at May 5, 2018 represents standby letters of credit primarily related to the Company's new corporate headquarters and certain insurance contracts. Standby letters of credit related to the Company's corporate headquarters are scheduled to be reduced by $2.0 million annually, which began in October 2017, for a total reduction of $6.0 million by October 2019.

        Under the terms of the Loan Agreement, the Company is subject to a Minimum Excess Availability covenant of $7.5 million. The Loan Agreement contains other covenants and conditions, including restrictions on the Company's ability to pay dividends on its common stock, prepay the Term Loan, incur additional indebtedness and to prepay, redeem, defease or purchase other indebtedness. Subject to such restrictions, the Company may incur more indebtedness for working capital, capital expenditures, stock repurchases, acquisitions and for other purposes.

        The lender has been granted a pledge of the common stock of Lerner New York Holding, Inc. and certain of its subsidiaries, and a first priority security interest in substantially all other tangible and intangible assets of New York & Company, Inc. and its subsidiaries, as collateral for the Company's obligations under the Loan Agreement. In addition, New York & Company, Inc. and certain of its subsidiaries have fully and unconditionally guaranteed the obligations under the Loan Agreement, and such guarantees are joint and several.

        As of May 5, 2018, February 3, 2018, and April 29, 2017, the Company had $5.3 million, $5.8 million, and $6.2 million of capital lease obligations outstanding, respectively. The Company's capital lease obligations are generally required to be repaid ratably over a five-year term beginning on the respective lease commencement date.

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New York & Company, Inc.

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

May 5, 2018

(Unaudited)

8. Fair Value Measurements

        The Company measures fair value in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 820, "Fair Value Measurements" ("ASC 820"). ASC 820 establishes a three-level fair value hierarchy that requires entities to maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs when measuring fair value. The three levels of inputs used to measure fair value are as follows:

        The Company's financial instruments consist of cash and cash equivalents, short-term trade receivables, accounts payable, and long-term debt. The carrying values on the balance sheets for cash and cash equivalents, short-term trade receivables and accounts payable approximate their fair values due to the short-term maturities of such items. The carrying amount of long-term debt on the balance sheets approximates its fair value due to the variable interest rate it carries.

        The Company classifies long-lived store assets within Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy. The Company evaluates the impairment of long-lived assets in accordance with ASC Topic 360, "Property, Plant and Equipment." Long-lived assets are evaluated for recoverability whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that an asset may have been impaired. The evaluation is performed at the individual store level, which is the lowest level for which identifiable cash flows are largely independent of the cash flows of other groups of assets and liabilities. In evaluating long-lived assets for recoverability, the Company estimates the future cash flows at the individual store level that are expected to result from the use of each store's assets based on historical experience, omni-channel strategy, knowledge and market data assumptions. If the sum of the expected future undiscounted cash flows is less than the carrying amount of the long-lived assets, an impairment loss, equal to the excess of the carrying amount over the fair value of the assets, is recognized. During the three months ended April 29, 2017, the Company recorded $0.3 million of non-cash impairment charges related to underperforming store assets in "Selling, general and administrative expenses" on the Company's condensed consolidated statement of operations. There were no impairment charges recorded during the three months ended May 5, 2018.

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

Overview

        New York & Company, Inc. (together with its subsidiaries, the "Company") is an omni-channel women's fashion retailer providing curated lifestyle solutions that are versatile, on-trend, and stylish at a great value. The specialty retailer, first incorporated in 1918, has grown to now operate 432 retail and outlet locations in 36 states while also growing a substantial eCommerce business. The Company's branded merchandise, including collaborations with Eva Mendes and Gabrielle Union, is sold exclusively at these locations and online at www.nyandcompany.com. The target customers for the Company's merchandise are fashion-conscious, value-sensitive women between the ages of 25 and 49.

        During fiscal year 2018, the Company's key strategic initiatives are as follows: (i) leverage its celebrity collaborations and evolve as a broader lifestyle brand through the growth of the Company's sub-brand strategy, including 7th Avenue Design Studio, Soho Jeans and Soho Street, Eva Mendes Collection, and Gabrielle Union Collection; (ii) enhance brand awareness and increase customer engagement, including growth in both the number of new private label credit card holders and the Company's existing customer database, to drive traffic online and into stores; (iii) drive growth in eCommerce sales and continue to elevate its omni-channel capabilities by providing an easy and seamless customer experience; (iv) optimize the Company's existing store base; (v) continue ongoing Project Excellence initiatives; and (vi) explore opportunities to invest in growth initiatives.

        Project Excellence is the Company's ongoing business re-engineering program which consists of a continuous analysis of business processes and organizational structure in an effort to improve sales productivity and operating efficiencies, as well as to reduce the Company's overall cost structure. For further information related to Project Excellence, please refer to Note 14, "Quarterly Results" in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements appearing in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended February 3, 2018.

        In regards to new growth initiatives, in fiscal year 2017 the Company launched a subscription box service, NY&C Closet, which is available at www.nyandcompanycloset.com. During the first quarter of fiscal year 2018, the Company successfully grew its subscriber base for NY&C Closet, and going forward, the Company plans to expand customer engagement with the New York & Company brand through this platform.

        In addition, on February 2, 2018, the Company acquired certain assets of Fashion to Figure, a U.S. based retailer of trendy plus-size fashions, including intellectual property rights related to the Fashion to Figure® brand, which enables the Company to enter the Plus-size market and drive accretive growth to the New York & Company portfolio of brands. In the first quarter of fiscal year 2018, the Company relaunched the Fashion to Figure business with 8 new stores and through the Company's eCommerce platform.

        Net sales for the three months ended May 5, 2018 were $218.8 million, as compared to $209.9 million for the three months ended April 29, 2017. Comparable store sales increased 2.7% for the three months ended May 5, 2018, as compared to a decrease of 0.7% for the three months ended April 29, 2017. A store is included in the comparable store sales calculation after it has completed 13 full fiscal months of operations from the store's opening date or once it has been reopened after remodeling if the gross square footage did not change by more than 20%. Sales from the Company's eCommerce store, including Fashion to Figure eCommerce sales and private label credit card royalties and related revenue, are included in comparable store sales. Fashion to Figure retail locations are not included in comparable store sales calculations until they complete 13 full fiscal months of operations.

        Net income for the three months ended May 5, 2018 was $3.1 million, or earnings of $0.05 per diluted share, as compared to a net loss of $4.2 million, or a loss of $0.07 per diluted share, for the

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three months ended April 29, 2017. On a non-GAAP basis, adjusted net income for the three months ended May 5, 2018 was $3.9 million, or earnings of $0.06 per diluted share, which excludes $0.8 million of non-operating adjustments. This compares to non-GAAP adjusted net loss for the three months ended April 29, 2017 of $2.7 million, or a loss of $0.04 per diluted share, which excludes $1.6 million of non-operating adjustments. Please refer to the "Results of Operations" and "Reconciliation of GAAP to non-GAAP Financial Measures" sections below for a further discussion of the Company's operating results.

        Capital spending for the three months ended May 5, 2018 was $0.3 million, as compared to $2.1 million for the three months ended April 29, 2017. During the three months ended May 5, 2018, the Company opened 1 New York & Company store, 8 Fashion to Figure stores, converted 1 existing New York & Company store to an Outlet store, closed 8 New York & Company stores and 1 Outlet store, as well as remodeled/refreshed 2 existing locations, ending the first quarter of fiscal year 2018 with 432 stores, including 119 Outlet stores, and 2.2 million selling square feet in operation. Included in the New York & Company store count at May 5, 2018 are 18 Eva Mendes side-by-side stores, 50 Eva Mendes shop-in-shop stores, and 1 free-standing Eva Mendes boutique.

        The Company views the retail apparel market as having two principal selling seasons: spring (first and second fiscal quarters) and fall (third and fourth fiscal quarters). The Company's business experiences seasonal fluctuations in net sales and operating income, with a significant portion of its operating income typically realized during its fourth quarter. Any decrease in sales or margins during either of the principal selling seasons in any given year could have a disproportionate effect on the Company's financial condition and results of operations. Seasonal fluctuations also affect inventory levels. The Company must carry a significant amount of inventory, especially before the holiday season selling period in the fourth fiscal quarter and prior to the Easter and Mother's Day holidays toward the latter part of the first fiscal quarter and beginning of the second fiscal quarter.

Results of Operations

        The following tables summarize the Company's results of operations as a percentage of net sales and selected store operating data for the three months ended May 5, 2018 and April 29, 2017:

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Three Months Ended May 5, 2018 Compared to Three Months Ended April 29, 2017

        Net Sales.    Net sales for the three months ended May 5, 2018 were $218.8 million, as compared to $209.9 million for the three months ended April 29, 2017. The increase in net sales reflects the combined effect of the shift of the calendar due to the 53rd week in fiscal year 2017, increased sales from Fashion to Figure, and growth in eCommerce sales, partially offset by a reduced store count with 30 less stores in operation during the period, representing a 6.5% reduction in store count. Comparable store sales increased 2.7% for the three months ended May 5, 2018, driven by increases in both brick-and-mortar store sales and increases in sales from the Company's eCommerce business, as compared to a decrease of 0.7% for the three months ended April 29, 2017. Included in comparable store sales for the three months ended May 5, 2018 and April 29, 2017 are royalties and other revenue totaling $5.9 million and $5.7 million recognized as a result of the ADS Agreement, respectively. In the comparable store base, average dollar sales per transaction increased by 5.3%, while the number of transactions per average store decreased 2.5%, as compared to the same period last year.

        Gross Profit.    Gross profit for the three months ended May 5, 2018 was $70.0 million, or 32.0% of net sales, as compared to $64.4 million, or 30.7% of net sales, for the three months ended April 29, 2017. The increase in gross profit as a percentage of net sales for the three months ended May 5, 2018, as compared to the three months ended April 29, 2017, reflects a 260 basis point improvement in buying and occupancy costs primarily due to a $3.4 million reduction in expenses and higher sales, partially offset by a 130 basis point decrease in merchandise margin. The decrease in merchandise margin during the three months ended May 5, 2018, as compared to the three months ended April 29, 2017, was largely driven by increased shipping costs and a slight increase in promotional activity to drive sales.

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        Selling, General and Administrative Expenses.    Selling, general and administrative expenses were $66.5 million, or 30.4% of net sales, for the three months ended May 5, 2018, as compared to $68.3 million, or 32.5% of net sales, for the three months ended April 29, 2017. Included in selling, general and administrative expenses for the three months ended May 5, 2018 is $0.5 million of non-operating charges, primarily comprised of severance expense related to the Company's recent organizational changes. Selling, general and administrative expenses for the three months ended April 29, 2017 included $1.0 million of non-operating charges, comprised of consulting expenses related to new initiatives under Project Excellence, along with certain legal expense accruals.

        Selling, general, and administrative expenses during the three months ended May 5, 2018, as compared to the three months ended April 29, 2017, reflects a reduction in store selling expenses due to a lower store count, and a decrease in marketing expenses, partially offset by an increase in variable compensation expense due to the Company's improved operating results and an increase in eCommerce expenses largely due to variable expenses associated with the growth in eCommerce sales.

        Operating Income (Loss).    For the reasons discussed above, operating income for the three months ended May 5, 2018 was $3.5 million, as compared to an operating loss of $3.9 million for the three months ended April 29, 2017.

        Interest Expense, Net.    Net interest expense decreased to $22,000 for the three months ended May 5, 2018, as compared to $0.3 million for the three months ended April 29, 2017. The decrease in net interest expense is largely due to the Company's prepayment of an $11.5 million term loan on April 5, 2018 using cash on-hand. Additional details on the $15.0 million, 5-year term loan (the "Term Loan"), are described further in the "Long-Term Debt and Credit Facilities" section below.

        Loss on Extinguishment of Debt.    On April 5, 2018, the Company used cash on-hand to prepay in full the $11.5 million outstanding balance of the Term Loan, which resulted in a $0.2 million charge during the three months ended May 5, 2018 associated with the write-off of unamortized deferred financing costs. The Company incurred no such charges during the three months ended April 29, 2017.

        Provision for Income Taxes.    As previously disclosed, the Company continues to provide for adjustments to the deferred tax valuation allowance initially recorded during the three months ended July 31, 2010. The provision for income taxes for both the three months ended May 5, 2018 and April 29, 2017 was $0.1 million.

        Net Income (Loss).    For the reasons discussed above, net income for the three months ended May 5, 2018 was $3.1 million, or earnings of $0.05 per diluted share, as compared to a net loss of $4.2 million, or a loss of $0.07 per diluted share, for the three months ended April 29, 2017.

Reconciliation of GAAP to Non-GAAP Financial Measures

        A reconciliation of the Company's GAAP to non-GAAP financial statement information for the three months ended May 5, 2018 and April 29, 2017 is indicated below. This information reflects, on a non-GAAP basis, the Company's adjusted operating results after excluding certain non-operating adjustments, as described below. This non-GAAP financial information is provided to enhance the reader's overall understanding of the Company's current financial performance. Specifically, the Company believes the non-GAAP adjusted results provide useful information to both management and investors by excluding expenses that the Company believes are not indicative of the Company's continuing operating results. The non-GAAP financial information should be considered in addition to,

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not as a substitute for or as being superior to, measures of financial performance prepared in accordance with GAAP.

 

Liquidity and Capital Resources

        The Company's primary uses of cash are to fund working capital, operating expenses, debt service and capital expenditures related primarily to the construction of new stores, remodeling/refreshing of existing stores and the development of the Company's information technology infrastructure and omni-channel strategy. Historically, the Company has financed these requirements from internally generated cash flow. The Company intends to fund its ongoing capital and working capital requirements, as well as debt service obligations, primarily through cash flows from operations, supplemented by borrowings under its credit facility, if needed. As of the date of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, the Company is in compliance with all debt covenants.

        The Company plans to make strategic investments to drive top line sales growth, improve profitability and increase long-term shareholder value. These strategic investments include the expansion of the Company's successful collaborations with a third celebrity in the Fall of 2018, the continued expansion of the Company's digital footprint as it continues the transformation to a digitally dominant retailer, the potential expansion of Fashion to Figure, and new opportunities to broaden the Company's brand presence into new product categories.

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        The following tables contain information regarding the Company's liquidity and capital resources:

 

Operating Activities

        Net cash used in operating activities was $0.5 million for the three months ended May 5, 2018, as compared to $9.9 million for the three months ended April 29, 2017. The decrease in net cash used in operating activities during the three months ended May 5, 2018, as compared to the three months ended April 29, 2017, is primarily the result of an increase in net income combined with fluctuations in operating assets and liabilities.

Investing Activities

        Net cash used in investing activities was $0.1 million for the three months ended May 5, 2018, as compared to $2.1 million for the three months ended April 29, 2017. During the three months ended May 5, 2018, the Company opened 1 New York & Company store, 8 Fashion to Figure stores, converted 1 existing New York & Company store to an Outlet store, closed 8 New York & Company stores and 1 Outlet store, as well as remodeled/refreshed 2 existing stores, ending the first quarter of fiscal year 2018 with 432 stores, including 119 Outlet stores, and 2.2 million selling square feet in operation. Included in the New York & Company store count at May 5, 2018 are 18 Eva Mendes side-by-side stores, 50 Eva Mendes shop-in-shop stores, and 1 free-standing Eva Mendes boutique.

        Net cash used in investing activities during the three months ended April 29, 2017 represents capital expenditures of $1.2 million for store-related projects and $0.8 million related to the Company's information technology infrastructure. During the three months ended April 29, 2017, the Company opened 5 New York & Company stores and 1 new Outlet store, remodeled/refreshed 3 existing stores, and closed 8 New York & Company stores and 1 Outlet store, ending the first quarter of 2017 with 463 stores, including 123 Outlet stores, and 2.3 million selling square feet in operation. Included in the New York & Company store count at April 29, 2017 are 18 Eva Mendes side-by-side stores, 51 Eva Mendes shop-in-shop stores, and 1 free-standing Eva Mendes boutique.

        For fiscal year 2018, capital expenditures are expected to be between $10 million and $12 million, including capital required for the Company's new Fashion to Figure business. In total, fiscal year 2018 capital expenditures reflect continued investments in the Company's information technology, including its omni-channel infrastructure, eCommerce store and mobile applications, and real estate spending to support opening a select number of new stores and remodeling/refreshing existing locations. In fiscal year 2018, the Company expects to open approximately 5 New York & Company stores and 1 new Outlet store, open 10 Fashion to Figure stores, convert 2 existing New York & Company stores to Outlet stores, remodel/refresh 10 existing stores, and close between 35 and 45 stores ending the fiscal

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year with between 403 and 413 stores, including 119 Outlet stores, and approximately 2.0 million selling square feet.

        As of May 5, 2018, approximately 65% of the Company's store leases could be terminated by the Company before fiscal year end 2019.

Financing Activities

        Net cash used in financing activities for the three months ended May 5, 2018 was $12.3 million, which consists primarily of a $0.3 million quarterly amortization payment of the Term Loan, the $11.5 million early repayment of the Term Loan, $0.5 million of principal payments on capital lease obligations, and $0.1 million of employee payroll taxes for which shares were withheld. Net cash used in financing activities for the three months ended April 29, 2017 was $1.1 million, which consists primarily of $0.4 million for the purchase of treasury stock, $0.4 million of principal payments on capital lease obligations, and a $0.3 million quarterly amortization payment of the Term Loan.

Long-Term Debt and Credit Facilities

        On October 24, 2014, Lerner New York, Inc., Lernco, Inc. and Lerner New York Outlet, LLC (f.k.a. Lerner New York Outlet, Inc.), wholly-owned indirect subsidiaries of New York & Company, Inc., entered into a Fourth Amended and Restated Loan and Security Agreement (the "Loan Agreement") with Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as Agent and Term Loan Agent and the lender party thereto. The obligations under the Loan Agreement are guaranteed by New York & Company, Inc. and its other subsidiaries.

        The Loan Agreement consists of: (i) a revolving credit facility that provides the Company with up to $100 million of credit, consisting of a $75 million revolving credit facility (which includes a sub-facility for issuance of letters of credit up to $45 million) with a fully committed accordion option that allows the Company to increase the revolving credit facility up to $100 million or decrease it to a minimum of $60 million, subject to certain restrictions, and (ii) a $15 million, 5-year term loan, bearing interest at the Adjusted Eurodollar Rate plus 4.50% (the "Term Loan"). On April 5, 2018, the Company used cash on-hand to prepay in full the $11.5 million outstanding balance of this Term Loan.

        Under the terms of the Loan Agreement, the interest rates applicable to Revolving Loans are, at the Company's option, either at a floating rate equal to the Adjusted Eurodollar Rate plus a margin of between 1.50% and 1.75% per year for Eurodollar Rate Loans or a floating rate equal to the Prime Rate plus a margin of between 0.50% and 0.75% per year for Prime Rate Loans, depending upon the Company's Average Compliance Excess Availability. The Company pays to the lender under the revolving credit facility a monthly fee on outstanding commercial letters of credit at a rate of between 0.75% and 0.875% per year and on standby letters of credit at a rate of between 1.50% and 1.75% per year, depending upon the Company's Average Compliance Excess Availability, plus a monthly fee on a proportion of the unused commitments under the revolving credit facility at a rate of 0.25% per year.

        The maximum borrowing availability under the Company's revolving credit facility is determined by a monthly borrowing base calculation based on applying specified advance rates against inventory and certain other eligible assets. As of May 5, 2018, the Company had availability under its revolving credit facility of $56.7 million, net of letters of credit outstanding of $11.9 million, as compared to availability of $38.1 million, net of letters of credit outstanding of $12.5 million, as of February 3, 2018, and availability of $59.6 million, net of letters of credit outstanding of $14.2 million, as of April 29, 2017. The $11.9 million of letters of credit outstanding at May 5, 2018 represents standby letters of credit primarily related to the Company's new corporate headquarters and certain insurance contracts. Standby letters of credit related to the Company's corporate headquarters are scheduled to be reduced by $2.0 million annually, which began in October 2017, for a total reduction of $6.0 million by October 2019.

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        Under the terms of the Loan Agreement, the Company is subject to a Minimum Excess Availability covenant of $7.5 million. The Loan Agreement contains other covenants and conditions, including restrictions on the Company's ability to pay dividends on its common stock, prepay the Term Loan, incur additional indebtedness and to prepay, redeem, defease or purchase other indebtedness. Subject to such restrictions, the Company may incur more indebtedness for working capital, capital expenditures, stock repurchases, acquisitions and for other purposes.

        The lender has been granted a pledge of the common stock of Lerner New York Holding, Inc. and certain of its subsidiaries, and a first priority security interest in substantially all other tangible and intangible assets of New York & Company, Inc. and its subsidiaries, as collateral for the Company's obligations under the Loan Agreement. In addition, New York & Company, Inc. and certain of its subsidiaries have fully and unconditionally guaranteed the obligations under the Loan Agreement, and such guarantees are joint and several.

Critical Accounting Policies

        Management has determined the Company's most critical accounting policies are those related to inventories, long-lived assets, intangible assets and income taxes. Management continues to monitor these accounting policies to ensure proper application of current rules and regulations. There have been no significant changes to these policies as discussed in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC on April 17, 2018.

Adoption of New Accounting Standards

        Please refer to Note 2, "New Accounting Pronouncements" in the Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements appearing elsewhere in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.

ITEM 3.    QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

        There have been no material changes in the Company's quantitative and qualitative disclosures about market risk from what was reported in its Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC on April 17, 2018.

ITEM 4.    CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

        (a)   Evaluation of disclosure controls and procedures.    The Company carried out an evaluation, as of May 5, 2018, under the supervision and with the participation of the Company's management, including the Company's Principal Executive Officer and Principal Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of the Company's disclosure controls and procedures pursuant to Rule 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Based upon that evaluation, the Principal Executive Officer and Principal Financial Officer concluded that the Company's disclosure controls and procedures are effective in ensuring that all information required to be filed in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q was (i) recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time period specified in the Securities and Exchange Commission's rules and forms (ii) and that the disclosure controls and procedures include, without limitation, controls and procedures designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by the Company in the reports that the Company files or submits under the Exchange Act is accumulated and communicated to the Company's management, including its Principal Executive and Principal Financial Officers, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

        (b)   Changes in internal control over financial reporting.    There has been no change in the Company's internal control over financial reporting identified in connection with the evaluation required by paragraph (d) of Exchange Act Rule 13a-15 or 15d-15 that occurred during the Company's last fiscal quarter (the Company's fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company's internal control over financial reporting.

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PART II.
OTHER INFORMATION

ITEM 1.    LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

        There have been no material changes in the Company's legal proceedings from what was reported in its Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC on April 17, 2018.

ITEM 1A.    RISK FACTORS

        There have been no material changes in the Company's risk factors from what was reported in its Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC on April 17, 2018.

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

        None.

ITEM 3.    DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES

        None.

ITEM 4.    MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES

        None.

ITEM 5.    OTHER INFORMATION

        None.

ITEM 6.    EXHIBITS

        The following exhibits are filed with this report and made a part hereof.

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SIGNATURES

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

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