-----BEGIN PRIVACY-ENHANCED MESSAGE----- Proc-Type: 2001,MIC-CLEAR Originator-Name: webmaster@www.sec.gov Originator-Key-Asymmetric: MFgwCgYEVQgBAQICAf8DSgAwRwJAW2sNKK9AVtBzYZmr6aGjlWyK3XmZv3dTINen TWSM7vrzLADbmYQaionwg5sDW3P6oaM5D3tdezXMm7z1T+B+twIDAQAB MIC-Info: RSA-MD5,RSA, WdoT7UrJhNBWsnfyDG/gnzeoBsqZbCj3xIslseJ/q6nRLhMulYqqIK0RqLW6AOP2 3brCQz0dGKdqgNMRPeBJqQ== 0000850090-99-000002.txt : 19990330 0000850090-99-000002.hdr.sgml : 19990330 ACCESSION NUMBER: 0000850090-99-000002 CONFORMED SUBMISSION TYPE: 10-K PUBLIC DOCUMENT COUNT: 2 CONFORMED PERIOD OF REPORT: 19990130 FILED AS OF DATE: 19990329 FILER: COMPANY DATA: COMPANY CONFORMED NAME: ANNTAYLOR INC CENTRAL INDEX KEY: 0000850090 STANDARD INDUSTRIAL CLASSIFICATION: RETAIL-WOMEN'S CLOTHING STORES [5621] IRS NUMBER: 510297083 STATE OF INCORPORATION: DE FISCAL YEAR END: 0128 FILING VALUES: FORM TYPE: 10-K SEC ACT: SEC FILE NUMBER: 001-11980 FILM NUMBER: 99575275 BUSINESS ADDRESS: STREET 1: 142 W 57TH ST CITY: NEW YORK STATE: NY ZIP: 10019 BUSINESS PHONE: 2125413300 10-K 1 ANNTAYLOR, INC. SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION Washington, D.C. 20549 FORM 10-K --------- (Mark One) |X| ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934. For the fiscal year ended January 30, 1999 OR |_| TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934. Commission File No. 1-11980 ANNTAYLOR, INC. --------------- (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter) DELAWARE 51-0297083 (State or other jurisdiction of (I.R.S. Employer Identification Number) incorporation or organization) 142 West 57th Street, New York, NY 10019 (Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code) (212) 541-3300 (Registrant's telephone number, including area code) SECURITIES REGISTERED PURSUANT TO SECTION 12(B) OF THE ACT: Title of Each Class Name of each exchange on which registered 8-3/4% SUBORDINATED NOTES DUE 2000 THE NEW YORK STOCK EXCHANGE SECURITIES REGISTERED PURSUANT TO SECTION 12(G) OF THE ACT: NONE. Indicate by check mark whether 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 _____. As of February 26, 1999, 1 share of Common Stock was outstanding. DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE: None. The registrant meets the conditions set forth in General Instruction I (1)(a) and (b) of Form 10-K and is therefore filing this form with the reduced disclosure format. ============================================================================== PART I ITEM 1. BUSINESS GENERAL AnnTaylor, Inc. (the "Company" or "Ann Taylor") is a leading national specialty retailer of better quality women's apparel, shoes and accessories sold primarily under the Ann Taylor brand name. The Company believes that "Ann Taylor" is a highly recognized national brand that defines a distinct fashion point of view. Ann Taylor merchandise represents classic styles, updated to reflect current fashion trends. The Company's stores offer a full range of career and casual separates, weekend wear, dresses, tops, accessories and shoes, coordinated as part of a total wardrobing strategy. This total wardrobing strategy is reinforced by an emphasis on customer service. Ann Taylor sales associates are trained to assist customers in merchandise selection and wardrobe coordination, helping them achieve the "Ann Taylor look" while reflecting the customers' personal styles. As of January 30, 1999, the Company operated 365 stores in 41 states and the District of Columbia, under the names Ann Taylor, Ann Taylor Factory Store and Ann Taylor Loft. Of the 306 stores operated under the Ann Taylor name, approximately three-quarters are located in regional malls and upscale specialty retail centers, with the balance located in downtown and village locations. These stores represent the Company's core merchandise line. The Company believes that the customer base for its Ann Taylor stores consists primarily of relatively affluent, fashion-conscious women from the ages of 25 to 55, and that the majority of its customers are working women with limited time to shop, who are attracted to Ann Taylor by its focused merchandising and total wardrobing strategies, personalized customer service, efficient store layouts and continual flow of new merchandise. As of January 30, 1999, the Company operated 46 Ann Taylor Loft stores. Ann Taylor Loft is a separate moderate-price store for women who appreciate the Ann Taylor style but are more cost conscious. Merchandise is designed uniquely for these stores and is sold under the Ann Taylor Loft label. The first 30 of the Company's Ann Taylor Loft stores were located in factory outlet centers, including some Ann Taylor Factory Stores that, in 1996, were converted to Loft stores after the introduction of the Loft concept. In 1998, the Company opened its first 16 Ann Taylor Loft stores outside the factory outlet center environment, primarily in regional malls and strip shopping centers focused on the moderate-priced consumer. Management believes that Ann Taylor Loft represents a significant opportunity for the Company to compete in the moderately-priced women's apparel market. See "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations - Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Disclosures". The Company also operates 13 Ann Taylor Factory stores in factory outlet centers that serve primarily as a clearance vehicle for merchandise from Ann Taylor stores. Many of these stores also offer a limited selection of original priced Ann Taylor Loft merchandise. The Company was incorporated under the laws of the state of Delaware in 1986. All of the outstanding capital stock of the Company, consisting of one share of common stock, is owned by AnnTaylor Stores Corporation ("ATSC"). Ann Taylor was acquired by ATSC in a leveraged buyout transaction in 1989. STATEMENT REGARDING FORWARD LOOKING DISCLOSURES Sections of this Annual Report contain various forward looking statements, within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, with respect to the financial condition, results of operations and business of the Company. These forward looking statements involve certain risks and uncertainties, and no assurance can be given that any of such matters will be realized. Actual results may differ materially from those contemplated by such forward looking statements. See "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations - Statement Regarding Forward Looking Disclosures". ============================================================================== ITEM 2. PROPERTIES As of January 30, 1999, the Company operated 365 stores, all of which were leased. The store leases typically provide for initial terms of ten years, although some leases have shorter or longer initial periods, and grant the Company the right to extend the term for one or two additional five-year periods. Most of the store leases require Ann Taylor to pay a specified minimum rent, plus a contingent rent based on a percentage of the store's net sales in excess of a specified threshold. Most of the leases also require Ann Taylor to pay real estate taxes, insurance and certain common area and maintenance costs. Ann Taylor leases corporate offices at 142 West 57th Street in New York City and office space at 1372 Broadway in New York City. The Company also leases office space in New Haven, Connecticut. Ann Taylor's wholly owned subsidiary, AnnTaylor Distribution Services, Inc., owns its 256,000 square foot distribution center located in Louisville, Kentucky. Nearly all Ann Taylor merchandise is distributed to the Company's stores through this facility. The parcel on which the Louisville distribution center is located comprises approximately 20 acres and could accommodate possible future expansion of the facility. ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS On April 26, 1996, certain alleged stockholders of ATSC filed a purported class action lawsuit in the United States District Court Southern District of New York, against ATSC, the Company, certain directors and former officers of ATSC and the Company, ML&Co. and certain affiliates of ML&Co. (Novak v. Kasaks, et. al., No. 96 CIV 3073 (S.D.N.Y. 1996)). The complaint alleged causes of action under Section 10(b) and Section 20(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, by alleging that ATSC and the other defendants engaged in a fraudulent scheme and course of business that operated a fraud or deceit on purchasers of ATSC's common stock during the period commencing February 3, 1994 through May 4, 1995 due to alleged false and misleading statements about the Company and ATSC. The complaint sought, among other things, certification as a class action on behalf of all purchasers of common stock during the period commencing February 3, 1994 through May 4, 1995, the awarding of compensatory damages to the plaintiffs and purported members of the class, the awarding of costs, including pre-judgment and post-judgment interest, reasonable attorneys' fees and expert witness fees to the plaintiffs and purported members of the class and equitable and/or injunctive relief. On March 10, 1998, the Court granted the defendants' motions to dismiss the complaint. The Court found that the complaint failed to state a claim upon which relief may be granted, and failed to plead fraud with particularity and an inability to do so. The Court's Opinion granted the plaintiffs leave to amend and re-file the complaint within thirty days of the date of the Opinion, and the plaintiffs filed an amended complaint on April 9, 1998. On November 9, 1998, the Court issued an Opinion dismissing, with prejudice, the amended complaint. On or about December 15, 1998, the plaintiffs filed a notice of appeal to the U.S District Court of Appeals, Second Circuit, seeking review of the Appellate Court's decision. This appeal is presently pending, and any liability that may arise from this action cannot be predicted at this time. The Company believes that the amended complaint is without merit and intends to defend the action vigorously. The Company is also a party to routine litigation incident to its business. Although the amount of any liability that could arise with respect to these actions cannot be accurately predicted, in the opinion of the Company, any such liability will not have a material adverse effect on the financial position, results of operations or liquidity of the Company. =============================================================================== PART II ITEM 5. MARKET FOR REGISTRANT'S COMMON EQUITY AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS There is no public market for the common stock of the Company. All of the outstanding stock of the Company, consisting of one share of common stock, is owned by ATSC. The payment of dividends by Ann Taylor to ATSC is subject to certain restrictions under the Company's bank credit agreement and the indenture relating to the Company's 8 3/4% Subordinated Notes due 2000. From time to time, the Company pays dividends to ATSC in amounts sufficient to fund ATSC's operating expenses. Further, in connection with the 8 1/2% Company-Obligated Mandatorily Redeemable Convertible Preferred Securities (the "preferred securities") issued by ATSC's financing vehicle, AnnTaylor Finance Trust (the "Trust"), the Company has made dividend payments to ATSC in amounts sufficient to allow ATSC to pay interest on certain debentures issued by ATSC to the Trust. In August 1998, the Company declared a dividend of a promissory note to ATSC, in the original principal amount of $100,625,000 (the "Note Payable to ATSC"). The Note Payable to ATSC has interest and payment terms substantially similar to the terms of the debentures issued by ATSC to the Trust. See Note 2 to the Consolidated Financial Statements of the Company. ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS SALES The following table sets forth certain sales and store data for the periods indicated: Fiscal Year Ended -------------------------------------- Fiscal 1998 Fiscal 1997 Fiscal 1996 (52 weeks) (52 weeks) (52 weeks) ---------- ----------- ----------- Net sales ($000)....................... $911,939 $ 781,028 $ 798,117 Total net sales increase (decrease) percentage (52 week basis)................ 16.8% (2.1)% 10.6% Comparable store sales increase (decrease) percentage (52 week basis)..... 7.9% (5.5)% 1.8% Net sales per average square foot.................... $ 474 $ 445 $ 476 Total store square footage at end of period .............. 2,038,000 1,808,000 1,705,000 Number of New stores..................... 45 27 11 Expanded stores................ 8 9 7 Closed stores.................. 4 12 8 Total stores open at end of period...................... 365 324 309 The Company's net sales do not show significant seasonal variation, although net sales in the fourth quarter have historically been moderately higher than in the other quarters. As a result, the Company has not had significant overhead and other costs generally associated with large seasonal variations. =============================================================================== RESULTS OF OPERATIONS The following table sets forth operating statement data expressed as a percentage of net sales for the periods indicated: Fiscal Year --------------------------- 1998 1997 1996 ---- ---- ---- Net sales.............................. 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% Cost of sales.......................... 50.0 52.7 55.6 ---- ---- ---- Gross profit....................... 50.0 47.3 44.4 Selling, general and administrative expenses............. 38.4 39.5 36.5 Studio shoe stores closing expense..... --- --- 0.4 Employment contract separation expense............................. --- --- 0.4 Retirement of assets................... 0.4 --- --- Amortization of goodwill............... 1.2 1.4 1.3 --- --- --- Operating income................... 10.0 6.4 5.8 Interest expense....................... 2.0 2.6 3.1 Other expense, net..................... --- --- --- ---- ---- ---- Income before income taxes and extraordinary loss 8.0 3.8 2.7 Income tax provision........... 3.7 2.3 1.6 ---- ---- ---- Income before extraordinary loss 4.3 1.5 1.1 Extraordinary loss............. --- --- --- ---- ---- ---- Net income..................... 4.3% 1.5% 1.1% ==== ==== ==== FISCAL 1998 COMPARED TO FISCAL 1997 The Company's net sales increased to $911,939,000 in Fiscal 1998 over $781,028,000 in Fiscal 1997, an increase of $130,911,000, or 16.8%. Comparable store sales for Fiscal 1998 increased 7.9%, compared to a decrease of 5.5% in Fiscal 1997. Management believes that the sales increase was primarily attributable to the opening of new stores, the expansion of existing stores, and a net increase in comparable store sales in 1998, as a result of improved customer acceptance of the Company's product offerings and merchandise assortment. Gross profit as a percentage of net sales increased to 50.0% in 1998 from 47.3% in 1997. As discussed in Note 1 to the Consolidated Financial Statements, the Company elected in Fiscal 1998 to change the method by which the Company accounts for inventory, from the retail method to the average cost method. The effect of this accounting change on Fiscal 1998 net income was an increase of $1,272,000. Under the retail method, gross margin as a percentage of net sales would have been approximately 49.8%. The increase in gross margin reflects continued merchandise margin improvements resulting from the maturation of the Company's sourcing organization, since the acquisition of the Company's sourcing joint venture two years ago, as well as a reduction in markdowns as a percentage of sales. See discussion of Sourcing Acquisition in Note 10 to the Company's Consolidated Financial Statements. Selling, general and administrative expenses were $349,955,000, or 38.4% of net sales, in 1998, compared to $308,232,000, or 39.5% of net sales, in 1997. The decrease in selling, general and administrative expenses as a percentage of net sales was primarily attributable to increased leverage on fixed expenses resulting from increased comparable store sales. The benefits of this leverage were partially offset by an increase in the provision for management performance bonus expense, and an increase in marketing expenditures in support of the Company's strategic initiatives to enhance the Ann Taylor brand. =============================================================================== Operating income increased to $91,587,000, or 10.0% of net sales, in 1998 from $50,000,000, or 6.4% of net sales, in 1997. Operating income in 1998 was reduced by $3,633,000, or 0.4% of net sales, for the retirement of certain assets in connection with the renovation of the Company's corporate offices. Amortization of goodwill was $11,040,000, or 1.2% of net sales, in 1998 compared to $11,040,000, or 1.4% of net sales, in 1997. Operating income without giving effect to such amortization was $102,627,000, or 11.2% of net sales, in 1998 and $61,040,000, or 7.8% of net sales, in 1997. Interest expense was $18,117,000 in 1998 compared to $19,989,000 in 1997. The decrease in interest expense was primarily attributable to a decrease in the Company's outstanding long-term debt, resulting in part from the prepayment in July 1997 of a $24,500,000 term loan referred to below, and to greater interest income earned on cash on hand. The weighted average interest rate on the Company's outstanding indebtedness at January 30, 1999 was 8.60% compared to 8.59% at January 31, 1998. The income tax provision was $33,579,000, or 46.1% of income before income taxes, in the 1998 period, compared to $17,466,000, or 59.3% of income before income taxes and extraordinary loss, in 1997. The effective tax rates for both periods were higher than the statutory rates, primarily as a result of non-deductible goodwill expense. Without giving effect to such non-deductible goodwill amortization, the Company's effective income tax rate was 40% of income before income taxes in the 1998 period, compared to 43% before income taxes and extraordinary loss in the 1997 period. The decrease in the effective income tax rate resulted primarily from the implementation of additional state tax planning and from an increase in the amount of income earned outside the United States by the Company's non-U.S. sourcing subsidiaries. As a result of the foregoing factors, the Company had net income of $39,324,000, or 4.3% of net sales, for 1998, compared to net income of $11,824,000, or 1.5% of net sales, for 1997. FISCAL 1997 COMPARED TO FISCAL 1996 The Company's net sales decreased to $781,028,000 in Fiscal 1997 from $798,117,000 in Fiscal 1996, a decrease of $17,089,000, or 2.1%. Comparable store sales for Fiscal 1997 decreased 5.5% compared to Fiscal 1996. Management believes that the decreases were primarily attributable to lower customer acceptance of certain of the Company's merchandise offerings and, to a lesser extent, planned decreases in promotional inventory for certain periods during the year. Gross profit as a percentage of net sales increased to 47.3% in 1997 from 44.4% in 1996. This increase was primarily attributable to benefits achieved by the Company's sourcing division. Selling, general and administrative expenses were $308,232,000, or 39.5% of net sales, in 1997, compared to $291,027,000, or 36.5% of net sales, in 1996. The increase in selling, general and administrative expenses as a percentage of net sales was primarily attributable to increased tenancy expense related to increased retail square footage, investments in certain strategic initiatives, such as marketing and enhanced merchandising information systems, and decreased leverage on fixed expenses due to lower sales in 1997. Operating income increased to $50,000,000, or 6.4% of net sales, in 1997 from $46,461,000, or 5.8% of net sales, in 1996. Operating income in 1996 was reduced by $3,500,000, or 0.4% of net sales, representing the estimated costs of the Company's obligations under a former executive's employment contract following her resignation in August 1996, and by a one-time charge of $3,600,000, or 0.4% of net sales, relating to the planned closing of all nine Ann Taylor Studio shoe stores announced in January 1997. Amortization of goodwill was $11,040,000, or 1.4% of net sales, in 1997 compared to $10,086,000, or 1.3% of net sales, in 1996. Operating income without giving effect to such amortization was $61,040,000, or 7.8% of net sales, in 1997 and $56,547,000, or 7.1% of net sales, in 1996. =============================================================================== Interest expense was $19,989,000 in 1997 compared to $24,416,000 in 1996. The decrease in interest expense was primarily attributable to a decrease in the Company's outstanding long-term debt, resulting in part from the prepayment in July 1997 of a $24,500,000 term loan referred to below, and to greater interest income earned on cash on hand. The weighted average interest rate on the Company's outstanding indebtedness at January 31, 1998 was 8.59% compared to 8.63% at February 1, 1997. The income tax provision was $17,466,000, or 59.3% of income before income taxes and extraordinary loss, in the 1997 period compared to $12,975,000, or 60.0% of income before income taxes, in 1996. The effective tax rates for both periods were higher than the statutory rates, primarily as a result of non-deductible goodwill expense. On July 2, 1997, the Company used available cash to prepay the outstanding balance of a $24,500,000 term loan due September 1998. This loan repayment resulted in an extraordinary charge to earnings in Fiscal 1997 of $173,000, net of income tax benefit. As a result of the foregoing factors, the Company had net income of $11,824,000, or 1.5% of net sales, for 1997, compared to net income of $8,667,000, or 1.1% of net sales, for 1996. CHANGES IN FINANCIAL POSITION Accounts receivable increased to $71,049,000 at the end of 1998 from $60,211,000 at the end of 1997, an increase of $10,838,000, or 18.0%. This increase was primarily attributable to construction allowance receivables, which increased $6,501,000 to $12,485,000 in 1998, and to third party credit card receivables (American Express, MasterCard, and Visa) which increased $2,182,000 and Ann Taylor credit card receivables, which increased $2,097,000, due to increased sales. Merchandise inventories increased to $136,748,000 at January 30, 1999 from $97,234,000 at January 31, 1998, an increase of $39,514,000, or 40.6%. The increase in merchandise inventories is primarily due to inventory purchased for new store square footage, planned increases in inventory levels and the early shipment or receipt of Spring merchandise. Merchandise inventories at January 30, 1999 and January 31, 1998 included approximately $32,329,000 and $21,124,000, respectively, of inventory associated with the Company's sourcing division. Inventory attributed to the sourcing division is principally finished goods in transit from factories. Total square footage increased to approximately 2,038,000 square feet at January 30, 1999 from approximately 1,808,000 square feet at January 31, 1998. Merchandise inventory on a per square foot basis, excluding inventory associated with the Company's sourcing division, was approximately $51 at the end of 1998, compared to approximately $42 at the end of 1997, an increase of approximately 21.4%. Inventory turned 5.0 times in 1998 compared to 5.1 times in 1997, excluding inventory associated with the Company's sourcing division. Inventory turnover is determined by dividing cost of sales by the average of the cost of inventory at the beginning and end of the period (excluding inventory associated with the sourcing division). LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES The Company's primary sources of working capital are cash flow from operations and borrowings available under the revolving credit facility described below. The following table sets forth material measures of the Company's liquidity: Fiscal Year ------------------------ 1998 1997 1996 ---- ---- ---- (dollars in thousands) Cash provided by operating activities........ $ 75,535 $ 71,589 $ 67,532 Working capital........................... $168,708 $122,181 $118,850 Current ratio............................. 2.30:1 2.39:1 2.53:1 Debt to equity ratio...................... .48:1 .22:1 .28:1 Cash provided by operating activities, as presented on the consolidated statements of cash flows, increased in 1998 principally as a result of earnings, noncash charges, and an increase in accounts payable and accrued liabilities, offset by increases in merchandise inventories, receivables and prepaid expenses and other current assets. ============================================================================== On June 30, 1998, the Company entered into a new $150,000,000 senior secured revolving credit facility (the "Credit Facility") with a syndicate of lenders. This facility replaced the Company's then-existing $122,000,000 bank credit agreement that was scheduled to expire in July 1998 and also resulted in the non-renewal by the Company's sourcing division of its $50,000,000 credit facility and in the non-renewal by AnnTaylor Funding, Inc. of a $40,000,000 accounts receivable facility. The Credit Facility is used by the Company for the issuance of commercial and standby letters of credit and to provide funds for other general corporate purposes. Loans outstanding under the Credit Facility at any time may not exceed $50,000,000. The Company did not make any borrowings under the loan provisions of the Credit Facility during Fiscal 1998, and there were no loans outstanding at fiscal year end. The outstanding loan balance is required to be reduced to zero for the thirty-day period commencing January 1 each year. This cleandown period was achieved for January 1999. Maximum availability for loans and letters of credit under the Credit Facility is governed by a monthly borrowing base, determined by the application of specified advance rates against certain eligible assets. Based on this calculation, the maximum amount available for loans and letters of credit under the Credit Facility at January 30, 1999 was approximately $131,054,000. Commercial and standby letters of credit outstanding under the Credit Facility at January 30, 1999 were approximately $65,763,000. Amounts outstanding under the Credit Facility bear interest at a rate equal to, at the Company's option, the lead lender's Base Rate or Eurodollar Rate, plus a margin ranging from 0.25% to 1.00% and from 1.25% to 2.00%, respectively. In addition, the Company is required to pay the lenders a quarterly commitment fee on the unused revolving loan commitment amount at a rate ranging from 0.375% to 0.5% per annum. Fees for outstanding commercial and standby letters of credit range from 0.625% to 1.0% and from 1.25% to 2.0%, respectively. The Credit Facility contains financial and other covenants, including limitations on indebtedness, liens, investments and capital expenditures, restrictions on dividends or other distributions to ATSC's stockholders and maintenance of certain financial ratios including specified levels of net worth. For Fiscal 1998, the capital expenditure limit was $52,000,000. For Fiscal 1999, capital expenditures are limited to a maximum of $55,000,000. The lenders have been granted a pledge of the common stock of ATSC and certain of its subsidiaries, and a security interest in substantially all other tangible and intangible assets, including accounts receivable, trademarks, inventory, store furniture and fixtures, of the Company and its subsidiaries, as collateral for the Company's obligations under the Credit Facility. The Credit Facility matures on June 30, 2000 and includes an automatic one-year extension, contingent upon the satisfaction of certain conditions. In addition, the commitments under the Credit Facility terminate on February 16, 2000 unless the Company's outstanding 8 3/4% Subordinated Notes due 2000 (the "8 3/4% Notes") are refinanced on or prior to such date with the proceeds of subordinated debt or capital stock, the terms and conditions of which are reasonably satisfactory to the Requisite Lenders under the Credit Facility. In April and May of 1996, ATSC completed the sale of an aggregate of $100,625,000 of preferred securities issued by its financing vehicle, AnnTaylor Finance Trust. The preferred securities have a liquidation preference of $50 per security and are convertible at the option of the holders thereof into shares of common stock of ATSC at a conversion rate of 2.545 shares of common stock for each preferred security. A total of 2,012,500 preferred securities were issued, and are convertible into an aggregate of 5,121,812 shares of common stock, representing approximately 16% of ATSC's outstanding common stock as of January 30, 1999. ATSC received net proceeds of $95,984,000 in connection with the sale of the preferred securities and applied $94,000,000 to reduce outstanding borrowings under the Company's then-existing revolving credit facility. The Company and its wholly owned subsidiary, AnnTaylor Distribution Services, Inc., are parties to a $7,000,000 seven-year mortgage loan maturing in Fiscal 2002. The loan is secured by the Company's distribution center land and building in Louisville, Kentucky. The mortgage loan bears interest at 7.5% and is payable in monthly installments of approximately $130,000. The mortgage balance at January 30, 1999 was $5,157,000. =============================================================================== The Company's capital expenditures totaled $45,131,000, $22,945,000, and $16,107,000 in Fiscal 1998, Fiscal 1997 and Fiscal 1996, respectively. Capital expenditures were primarily attributable to the Company's store expansion, renovation, and refurbishment programs, as well as the investment the Company made in certain information systems and, in Fiscal 1998, the Company's corporate offices. The Company expects its total capital expenditure requirements in Fiscal 1999 will be approximately $50,000,000, including capital for new store construction for a planned square footage increase of approximately 275,000 square feet, or 13.5%, as well as capital to support continued investments in information systems. The actual amount of the Company's capital expenditures will depend in part on the number of stores opened, expanded and refurbished and on the amount of construction allowances the Company receives from the landlords of its new or expanded stores. Dividends and distributions from the Company to ATSC are restricted by the Credit Facility and the Indenture for the 8 3/4% Notes. In order to finance its operations and capital requirements, the Company expects to use internally generated funds, trade credit and funds available to it under the Credit Facility. The Company believes that cash flow from operations and funds available under the Credit Facility are sufficient to enable it to meet its on-going cash needs for its business, as presently conducted, for the foreseeable future. Effective February 1, 1998, the Company elected to change its method of inventory valuation from the retail method to the average cost method. The Company believes the average cost method is a preferable method for matching the cost of merchandise with the revenues generated. The cumulative effect of this accounting change on February 1, 1998 was not material, and therefore no disclosure is noted on the Consolidated Statement of Operations. The effect of this accounting change on Fiscal 1998 net income was an increase of $1,272,000 on a diluted basis. It is not possible to determine the effect of the change on income in fiscal periods ending prior to February 1, 1998. In June 1998, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 133, "Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities" ("SFAS No. 133"), which is effective for the Company for the quarter ended October 30, 1999. SFAS No. 133 establishes accounting and reporting standards for derivatives and for hedging activities. Management is currently evaluating the impact of this standard and believes its adoption will not affect the Company's consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows. In March 1998, the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants issued Statement of Position ("SOP 98-1"), "Accounting for the Costs of Computer Software Developed or Obtained for Internal Use," which is effective for the Company for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 1998. The application of SOP 98-1 is not anticipated to have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements. YEAR 2000 STATUS Many computer systems use only two digits to identify a year (for example, "99" is used for the year "1999"). As a result, these systems may be unable to process accurately dates later than December 31, 1999, since they may recognize "00" as the year "1900", instead of the year "2000". This anomaly is often referred to as the "Year 2000 compliance" issue. Since 1997, the Company has been executing a plan to remediate or replace affected systems on a timely basis. Equipment and other non-information technology systems that use microchips or other embedded technology, such as certain conveyor systems at the Company's distribution center, are also covered by the Company's Year 2000 compliance project. The Company's Year 2000 compliance project includes four phases: (1) evaluation of the Company's owned or leased systems and equipment to identify potential Year 2000 compliance issues; (2) remediation or replacement of Company systems and equipment determined to be non-compliant (and testing of remediated systems before returning them to production); (3) inquiry regarding Year 2000 readiness of material business partners and other third parties on whom the Company's business is dependent; and (4) development of contingency plans, where feasible, to address potential third party non-compliance or failure of material Company systems. ============================================================================== The initial phase of the Company's Year 2000 compliance project was the evaluation of all software, hardware and equipment owned, leased or licensed by the Company, and identification of those systems and equipment requiring Year 2000 remediation. This analysis was completed during Fiscal 1998. All computer hardware in the Company's U.S. home offices and distribution center that was not Year 2000 compliant has been remediated or replaced, and all computer hardware in the Company's retail stores that was not Year 2000 compliant will be remediated or replaced by the end of the first quarter of Fiscal 1999. Of those software systems that were found not to be Year 2000 compliant, approximately 90% of all material systems have been remediated or replaced by Year 2000 compliant software. The Company anticipates that all remaining material systems, including certain operating systems used in the Company's distribution center, will be remediated or replaced by the end of the second quarter of Fiscal 1999. Hardware and software unique to the Company's sourcing offices located outside the United States are scheduled to be remediated or replaced by the end of the second quarter of Fiscal 1999. The Company engaged a consultant to assist in the evaluation of the equipment used in the Company's distribution center (other than computer software and hardware, which were included in the analysis and remediation efforts described above). This equipment evaluation has been completed, and remediation or replacement of distribution center equipment found not to be Year 2000 compliant is scheduled to be completed by the end of the second quarter of Fiscal 1999. Over the past few years, the Company's strategic plan has included significant investment in and modernization of many of the Company's computer systems. As a result, much of the costs and timing for replacement of certain of the Company's systems that were not Year 2000 compliant were already anticipated as part of the Company's planned information systems spending and did not need to be accelerated as a result of the Company's Year 2000 project. The total cost to the Company specifically associated with addressing the Year 2000 issue with respect to its systems and equipment has not been, and is not anticipated to be, material to the Company's financial position or results of operations in any given year. The Company estimates that the total additional cost of managing its Year 2000 project, remediating existing systems and replacing non-compliant systems, is approximately $2.1 million, of which approximately $1.1 million will be expensed as incurred (including $965,000 expensed in Fiscal 1998), and $1 million which will be capitalized (including $855,000 capitalized in Fiscal 1998). Although the Company believes its Year 2000 compliance efforts with respect to its systems will be successful, any failure or delay could result in actual costs and timing differing materially from that presently contemplated, and in a disruption of business. The Company is developing a contingency plan to permit its primary operations to continue if the Company's modifications and conversions of its systems are not successfully completed on a timely basis, but the foregoing cost estimates do not take into account any expenditures arising out of a response to any such contingencies that materialize. The Company's cost estimates also do not include time or costs that may be incurred as a result of third parties' failure to become Year 2000 compliant on a timely basis. The Company is communicating with its business partners, including key manufacturers, vendors, banks and other third parties with whom it does business, to obtain information regarding their state of readiness with respect to the Year 2000 issue. Failure of third parties to remediate Year 2000 issues affecting their respective businesses on a timely basis, or to implement contingency plans sufficient to permit uninterrupted continuation of their businesses in the event of a failure of their systems, could have a material adverse effect on the Company's business and results of operations. Assessment of third party Year 2000 readiness is expected to be substantially completed by the end of the first quarter of Fiscal 1999. The Company will not be able to determine its most reasonably likely worst case scenarios until assessment of third parties' Year 2000 compliance is completed. =============================================================================== The Company's Year 2000 compliance project also includes development of a contingency plan designed to support critical business operations in the event of the occurrence of systems failures or the occurrence of reasonably likely worst case scenarios. The Company anticipates that contingency plans will be substantially developed by the end of the second quarter of Fiscal 1999. The Company may not be able to compensate adequately for business interruption caused by certain third parties. Potential risks include suspension or significant curtailment of service or significant delays by banks, utilities or common carriers, or at U.S. ports of entry. The Company's business also could be materially adversely affected by the failure of governmental agencies to address Year 2000 issues affecting the Company's operations. For example, a significant amount of the Company's merchandise is manufactured outside the United States, and the Company is dependent upon the issuance by foreign governmental agencies of export visas for, and upon the U.S. Customs Service to process and permit entry into the United States of, such merchandise. If failures in government systems result in the suspension or delay of these agencies' services, the Company could experience significant interruption or delays in its inventory flow. The costs and timing for management's completion of Year 2000 compliance modification and testing processes are based on management's best estimates, which were derived utilizing numerous assumptions of future events, including the continued availability of certain resources, the success of third parties' Year 2000 compliance efforts and other factors. There can be no assurance that these assumptions will be realized or that actual results will not vary materially. STATEMENT REGARDING FORWARD LOOKING DISCLOSURES Sections of this Annual Report on Form 10-K, including the preceding Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, contain various forward looking statements, within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, with respect to the financial condition, results of operations and business of the Company. Examples of forward-looking statements are statements that use the words "expect", "anticipate", "plan", "intend", "project", "believe" and similar expressions. These forward looking statements involve certain risks and uncertainties, and no assurance can be given that any of such matters will be realized. Actual results may differ materially from those contemplated by such forward looking statements as a result of, among other things, failure by the Company to predict accurately customer fashion preferences; a decline in the demand for merchandise offered by the Company; competitive influences; changes in levels of store traffic or consumer spending habits; effectiveness of the Company's brand awareness and marketing programs; lack of sufficient customer acceptance of the Ann Taylor Loft concept in the moderate-priced women's apparel market; general economic conditions that are less favorable than expected or a downturn in the retail industry; the inability of the Company to locate new store sites or negotiate favorable lease terms for additional stores or for the expansion of existing stores; a significant change in the regulatory environment applicable to the Company's business; an increase in the rate of import duties or export quotas with respect to the Company's merchandise; financial or political instability in any of the countries in which the Company's goods are manufactured; any material adverse effects of the Year 2000 issue on the business of the Company or third parties with which the Company does business; or an adverse outcome of the litigation referred to in "Legal Proceedings" that materially and adversely affects the Company's financial condition. The Company assumes no obligation to update or revise any such forward looking statements, which speak only as of their date, even if experience or future events or changes make it clear that any projected financial or operating results implied by such forward-looking statements will not be realized. =============================================================================== ITEM 7A.QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURE ABOUT MARKET RISK The Company mantains the majority of its cash and cash equivalents in financial instruments with original maturities of three months or less. These financial instruments are subject to interest rate risk and will decline in value if interest rates increase. Due to the short duration of the financial instruments, a change of 100 basis points in interest rates would not have a material effect on the Company's financial condition. The Company's outstanding long-term debt as of January 31, 1999 bears interest at fixed rates; therefore, the Company's results of operations would only be affected by interest rate changes to the extent that fluctuating rate loans are outstanding under the Credit Facility. As of January 31, 1999, the Company has no such amounts outstanding. Future borrowings would be affected by interest rate changes; however, the Company does not believe that a change of 100 basis points in interest rates would have a material effect on the Company's financial condition. ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA The following consolidated financial statements of the Company for the years ended January 30, 1999, January 31, 1998 and February 1, 1997 are included as a part of this Report (See Item 14): Consolidated Statements of Operations for the fiscal years ended January 30, 1999, January 31, 1998 and February 1, 1997. Consolidated Balance Sheets as of January 30, 1999 and January 31, 1998. Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the fiscal years ended January 30, 1999, January 31, 1998 and February 1, 1997. Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements. ITEM 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURES None. ============================================================================== PART IV ITEM 14. EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES, AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K (a) List of documents filed as part of this Annual Report: The following consolidated financial statements of the Company and the independent auditors' report are included on pages 18 through 36 and are filed as part of this Annual Report: Consolidated Statements of Operations for the fiscal years ended January 30, 1999, January 31, 1998 and February 1, 1997; Consolidated Balance Sheets as of January 30, 1999 and January 31, 1998; Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the fiscal years ended January 30, 1999, January 31, 1998, and February 1, 1997; Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements; Independent Auditors' Report. (b) Reports on Form 8-K The Company filed a report with the Commission on Form 8-K dated November 9, 1998 with respect to the dismissal of the amended complaint, filed in April 1998, of the purported class action lawsuit against ATSC, Ann Taylor, certain officers and directors of ATSC and Ann Taylor, ML&Co. and certain affiliates of ML&Co. The Company filed a report with the Commission on Form 8-K dated December 17, 1998 with respect to the plaintiffs' filing of a notice of appeal of such dismissal. (c) Exhibits The exhibits listed below are filed as a part of this Annual Report. EXHIBIT NUMBER -------------- 3.1 Certificate of Incorporation of the Company, as amended. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.3 to the Registration Statement of ATSC and Ann Taylor filed on May 3, 1989 (Registration No. 33-28522). 3.2 By-Laws of the Company. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.4 to the Registration Statement of ATSC and Ann Taylor filed on May 3, 1989 (Registration No. 33-28522). 4.1 Indenture, dated as of June 15, 1993, between Ann Taylor and Fleet Bank, N.A., as Trustee, including the form of Subordinated Note due 2000. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K of Ann Taylor filed on July 7, 1993. 4.1.1 Instrument of Resignation, Appointment and Acceptance, dated as of December 1, 1995, among Ann Taylor, Fleet Bank, N.A., as Resigning Trustee, and Norwest Bank Minnesota, N.A., the Successor Trustee. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1.1 to the Annual Report on Form 10-K of the Company filed on April 8, 1996. 10.1 1989 Stock Option Plan. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.18 to the Registration Statement of ATSC and Ann Taylor filed on May 3, 1989 (Registration No. 33-28522). 10.1.1 Amendment to 1989 Stock Option Plan. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.15.1 to the Annual Report on Form 10-K of the Company filed on April 30, 1993. 10.2 Lease, dated as of March 17, 1989, between Carven Associates and Ann Taylor concerning the West 57th Street headquarters. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.21 to the Registration Statement of ATSC and Ann Taylor filed on May 3, 1989 (Registration No. 33-28522). =============================================================================== EXHIBIT NUMBER - -------------- 10.2.1 First Amendment to Lease, dated as of November 14, 1990, between Carven Associates and Ann Taylor. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.17.1 to the Registration Statement of ATSC filed on April 11, 1991 (Registration No. 33-39905). 10.2.2 Second Amendment to Lease, dated as of February 28, 1993, between Carven Associates and Ann Taylor. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.17.2 to the Annual Report on Form 10-K of ATSC filed on April 29, 1993. 10.2.3 Extension and Amendment to Lease dated as of October 1, 1993, between Carven Associates and Ann Taylor. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.11 to the Form 10-Q of Ann Taylor for the Quarter ended October 30, 1993 filed on November 26, 1993. 10.2.4 Modification of Amendment and Extension to Lease, dated as of April 14, 1994 between Carven Associates and Ann Taylor. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.15.4 to the Annual Report on Form 10-K of ATSC filed on April 28, 1995. 10.2.5 Fifth Amendment to Lease, dated as of March 14, 1995, between Carven Associates and Ann Taylor. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.15.5 to the Annual Report on Form 10-K of ATSC filed on April 28, 1995. 10.2.6 Sixth Amendment to Lease, dated as of January 5, 1996, between Pacific Metropolitan Corporation and Ann Taylor. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.8.6 to the Annual Report on Form 10-K of ATSC filed on April 30, 1998. 10.2.7 Seventh Amendment to Lease, dated as of June 5, 1996, between Pacific Metropolitan Corporation and Ann Taylor. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.8.7 to the Annual Report on Form 10-K of ATSC filed on April 30, 1998. 10.2.8 Eighth Amendment to Lease, undated, between Pacific Metropolitan Corporation and Ann Taylor. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.8.8 to the Annual Report on Form 10-K of ATSC filed on April 30, 1998. 10.2.9 Ninth Amendment to Lease, dated as of May 13, 1997, between Pacific Metropolitan Corporation and Ann Taylor. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.8.9 to the Annual Report on Form 10-K of ATSC filed on April 30, 1998. 10.2.10 Tenth Amendment to Lease, dated as of May 21, 1997, between Pacific Metropolitan Corporation and Ann Taylor. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.8.10 to the Annual Report on Form 10-K of ATSC filed on April 30, 1998. 10.2.11 Eleventh Amendment to Lease, dated as of May 15, 1998, between Pacific Metropolitan Corporation and Ann Taylor. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3.1 to the Annual Report on Form 10-K of ATSC filed on March 26, 1999. 10.3 Tax Sharing Agreement, dated as of July 13, 1989, between ATSC and Ann Taylor. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.24 to Amendment No. 2 to the Registration Statement of ATSC and Ann Taylor filed on July 13, 1989 (Registration No. 33-28522). 10.4 Employment Agreement dated as of February 1, 1994 between ATSC and Sally Frame Kasaks. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.8 to the Form 10-Q of ATSC for the Quarter ended October 29, 1994 filed on December 9, 1994. 10.5 Employment Agreement dated February 16, 1996 between ATSC and J. Patrick Spainhour. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.4 to the Annual Report on Form 10-K of ATSC filed on April 8, 1996. =============================================================================== EXHIBIT NUMBER - -------------- 10.5.1 Amendment to the Employment Agreement, dated August 23, 1996, between ATSC and J. Patrick Spainhour. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.11.1 to the Annual Report on Form 10-K of ATSC filed on May 1, 1997. 10.6 Employment Agreement dated November 25, 1996 between ATSC and Patricia DeRosa. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to Form 10-Q of ATSC for the Quarter ended November 2, 1996 filed on December 17, 1996. 10.7 Employment Agreement dated September 20, 1996 between Ann Taylor and Dwight F. Meyer. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.4 to the Form 10-Q of Ann Taylor for the Quarter ended November 2, 1996 filed on December 17, 1996. 10.8 Separation Agreement dated July 15, 1997 between Ann Taylor and Barry Shapiro. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.15 to the Annual Report on Form 10-K of ATSC filed on April 30, 1998. 10.9 The AnnTaylor Stores Corporation 1992 Stock Option and Restricted Stock and Unit Award Plan, Amended and Restated as of February 23, 1994 (the "1992 Option Plan"). Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.15 to the Annual Report on Form 10-K of ATSC filed on May 1, 1997. 10.9.1 Amendment to the AnnTaylor Stores Corporation Amended and Restated 1992 Stock Option and Restricted Stock and Unit Award Plan, as approved by stockholders on June 18, 1997. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.15.1 to the Form 10-Q of ATSC for the Quarter Ended August 2, 1997 filed on September 12, 1997. 10.9.2 Amendment to the AnnTaylor Stores Corporation Amended and Restricted 1992 Stock Option and Restricted Stock and Unit Award Plan dated as of January 16, 1998. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10 of Form 8-K of ATSC filed on March 12, 1998. 10.9.3 Amendment to the AnnTaylor Stores Corporation Amended and Restated 1992 Stock Option and Restricted Stock and Unit Award Plan dated as of May 2, 1998. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.16.3 to the Form 10-Q of ATSC for the Quarter ended April 2, 1998 filed on June 16, 1998. 10.10 AnnTaylor Stores Corporation Amended and Restated Management Performance Compensation Plan, as approved by stockholders on June 18, 1997. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.16 to the Form 10-Q of ATSC for the Quarter Ended August 2, 1997 filed on September 12, 1997. 10.10.1 Amendment to the AnnTaylor Stores Corporation Amended and Restated Management Performance Compensation Plan dated as of March 12, 1998. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.17.1 to the Annual Report on Form 10-K of ATSC filed on April 30, 1998. 10.11 Associate Stock Purchase Plan. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.31 to the Form 10-Q of ATSC for the Quarter Ended October 31, 1992 filed on December 15, 1992. 10.12 AnnTaylor Stores Corporation Deferred Compensation Plan. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.33 to the Annual Report on Form 10-K of ATSC filed on April 28, 1995. 10.12.1 Amendment to the AnnTaylor Stores Corporation Deferred Compensation Plan as approved by the Board of Directors on August 11, 1995. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.33.11 to the Form 10-Q of ATSC for the Quarter Ended July 29, 1995 filed on September 11, 1995. =============================================================================== EXHIBIT NUMBER - -------------- 10.13 Mortgage, Assignment of Rents and Leases, Security Agreement and Fixture Financing Statement dated November 20, 1995, between AnnTaylor Distribution Services, Inc., as Mortgagor, and General Electric Capital Assurance Company, as Mortgagee. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.34 to the Form 10-Q of Ann Taylor for the Quarter ended October 28, 1995 filed on December 8, 1995. 10.14 Promissory Note dated November 20, 1995 from Ann Taylor and AnnTaylor Distribution Services, Inc., collectively as Borrower, to General Electric Capital Assurance Company, as Lender. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.35 to the Form 10-Q of Ann Taylor for the Quarter ended October 28, 1995 filed on December 8, 1995. 10.15 Stock and Asset Purchase Agreement, dated as of June 7, 1996, by and among ATSC, Ann Taylor, Cygne and Cygne Group (F.E.) Limited. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2 to the Registrants' Current Report on Form 8-K filed on June 10, 1996. 10.15.1 Amendment to Stock and Asset Purchase Agreement, dated as of August 27, 1996, by and among ATSC, Ann Taylor, Cygne and Cygne Group (F.E.) Limited. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3 to the Registrants' Current Report on Form 8-K filed on August 30, 1996. 10.15.2 Stockholders Agreement, dated as of September 20, 1996, among ATSC, Cygne and Cygne Group (F.E.) Limited, a Hong Kong corporation and wholly owned subsidiary of Cygne. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.26.2 to the Annual Report on Form 10-K of ATSC filed on May 1, 1997. 10.15.3 Consulting Agreement, dated as of September 20, 1996, by and between ATSC, Cygne and Mr. Irving Benson. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.26.4 to the Annual Report on Form 10-K of ATSC filed on May 1, 1997. 10.16 Commitment Letter dated as of May 7, 1998 among the Company, Bank of America National Trust and Savings Association, BancAmerica Robertson Stephens, Citicorp USA and CoreStates Bank, N.A. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.27 to the Form 10-Q of ATSC for the Quarter Ended May 2, 1998 filed on June 16, 1998. 10.17 Credit Agreement, dated as of June 30, 1998 among the Company, Bank of America, Citicorp USA and First Union National Bank, as Co-Agents, the financial institutions from time to time party thereto, BancAmerica Robertson Stephens, as Arranger, and Bank of America, as Administrative Agent. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.28 to the Form 10-Q of ATSC for the Quarter Ended August 1, 1998 filed on September 14, 1998. 10.17.1 Trademark Security Agreement, dated as of June 30, 1998, made by Ann Taylor in favor of Bank of America, as Administrative Agent. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.28.1 to the Form 10-Q of ATSC for the Quarter Ended August 1, 1998 filed on September 14, 1998. 10.17.2 Guaranty, dated as of June 30, 1998, made by the Company in favor of Bank of America, as Administrative Agent. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.28.2 to the Form 10-Q of ATSC for the Quarter Ended August 1, 1998 filed on September 14, 1998. 10.17.3 Security and Pledge Agreement, dated as of June 30, 1998, made by ATSC in favor of Bank of America, as Administrative Agent. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.28.3 to the Form 10-Q of ATSC for the Quarter Ended August 1, 1998 filed on September 14, 1998. ============================================================================== EXHIBIT NUMBER - -------------- 10.17.4 Security and Pledge Agreement, dated as of June 30, 1998 made by AnnTaylor in favor of Bank of America, as Administrative Agent. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.28.4 to the Form 10-Q of ATSC for the Quarter Ended August 1, 1998 filed on September 14, 1998. 10.17.5 Subsidiary Guaranty, dated as of June 30, 1998 made by AnnTaylor Distribution Services in favor of Bank of America, as Administrative Agent. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.28.5 to the Form 10-Q of ATSC for the Quarter Ended August 1, 1998 filed on September 14, 1998. 10.18 AnnTaylor Stores Corporation Long-Term Cash Incentive Compensation Plan, as approved by stockholders on June 17, 1998. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit A to the Proxy Statement dated May 1, 1998 filed on May 6, 1998. 18 Preferability letter relating to the change in accounting principle. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 18 to the Form 10-Q of ATSC for the Quarter Ended May 2, 1998 filed on June 16, 1998. 27 Financial Data Schedule. ============================================================================== SIGNATURES Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) 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. ANNTAYLOR, INC. By: /s/ J. Patrick Spainhour ------------------------ J. Patrick Spainhour Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Date: March 26, 1999 PURSUANT TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934, THIS REPORT HAS BEEN SIGNED BELOW BY THE FOLLOWING PERSONS ON BEHALF OF THE REGISTRANT AND IN THE CAPACITIES AND ON THE DATES INDICATED. /s/ J. Patrick Spainhour Chairman and Chief Executive March 26, 1999 - ------------------------- Officer and Director --------------- J. Patrick Spainhour /s/ Patricia DeRosa President and Chief March 26, 1999 - -------------------------- Operating Officer -------------- Patricia DeRosa and Director /s/ Walter J. Parks Senior Vice President - March 26, 1999 - -------------------------- Chief Financial Officer -------------- Walter J. Parks and Treasurer /s/ James M. Smith Vice President and Controller March 26, 1999 - ------------------------- Principal Accounting Officer -------------- James M. Smith /s/ Gerald S. Armstrong Director March 26, 1999 - ------------------------- -------------- Gerald S. Armstrong /s/ James J. Burke, Jr. Director March 26, 1999 - ----------------------- -------------- James J. Burke, Jr. /s/ Wesley E. Cantrell Director March 26, 1999 - ---------------------- -------------- Wesley E. Cantrell /s/ Robert C. Grayson Director March 26, 1999 - ----------------------- -------------- Robert C. Grayson /s/ Ronald W. Hovsepian Director March 26, 1999 - ----------------------- -------------- Ronald W. Hovsepian /s/ Rochelle B. Lazarus Director March 26, 1999 - ----------------------- -------------- Rochelle B. Lazarus /s/ Hanne M. Merriman Director March 26, 1999 - ----------------------- -------------- Hanne M. Merriman =============================================================================== ANNTAYLOR , INC. INDEX TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Page No. Independent Auditors' Report............................. 19 Consolidated Financial Statements: Consolidated Statements of Operations for the fiscal years ended January 30, 1999, January 31, 1998 and February 1, 1997............. 20 Consolidated Balance Sheets as of January 30, 1999 and January 31, 1998......................... 21 Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the fiscal years ended January 30, 1999, January 31, 1998 and February 1, 1997............. 22 Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.......... 23 =============================================================================== INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' REPORT To the Stockholder of ANNTAYLOR, INC.: We have audited the accompanying consolidated financial statements of Ann Taylor, Inc. and its subsidiaries, listed in the accompanying index. These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits. We conducted our audits in accordance with generally accepted auditing standards. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion. In our opinion, such consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company and its subsidiaries at January 30, 1999 and January 31, 1998 and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the three fiscal years in the period ended January 30, 1999 in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles. As discussed in Note 1 to the consolidated financial statements, the Company changed its method of inventory valuation to the average cost method from the retail method. DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP New York, New York March 8, 1999 ============================================================================== ANNTAYLOR, INC. CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS For the Fiscal Years Ended January 30, 1999, January 31, 1998 and February 1, 1997 Fiscal Years Ended ------------------------------------- January 30, January 31, February 1, 1999 1998 1997 ---- ---- ---- (in thousands) Net sales..........................$911,939 $781,028 $798,117 Cost of sales...................... 455,724 411,756 443,443 ------- ------- ------- Gross profit....................... 456,215 369,272 354,674 Selling, general and administrative expenses.......... 349,955 308,232 291,027 Studio shoe stores closing expense. --- --- 3,600 Employment contract separation expense.......................... --- --- 3,500 Retirement of assets............... 3,633 --- --- Amortization of goodwill........... 11,040 11,040 10,086 ------ ------ ------ Operating income................... 91,587 50,000 46,461 Interest expense................... 18,117 19,989 24,416 Other expense, net................. 567 548 403 ------ ----- ----- Income before income taxes and extraordinary loss............... 72,903 29,463 21,642 Income tax provision............... 33,579 17,466 12,975 ------ ------ ------ Income before extraordinary loss... 39,324 11,997 8,667 Extraordinary loss (net of income tax benefit of $130,000)........................ --- 173 --- ------ ----- ----- Net income.....................$39,324 $ 11,824 $ 8,667 ====== ====== ===== See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements. ============================================================================== ANNTAYLOR, INC. CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS January 30, 1999 and January 31, 1998 January 30, January 31, 1999 1998 ---- ---- ASSETS (in thousands) Current assets Cash and cash equivalents.................$ 67,031 $31,369 Accounts receivable, net.................. 71,049 60,211 Merchandise inventories................... 136,748 97,234 Prepaid expenses and other current assets. 23,637 21,291 ------- ------- Total current assets.................. 298,465 210,105 Property and equipment, net................. 151,785 139,610 Goodwill, net............................... 319,699 330,739 Deferred financing costs, net............... 2,627 1,258 Other assets................................ 2,841 1,949 ------ ------- Total assets..........................$ 775,417 $683,661 ======= ======= LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDER'S EQUITY Current liabilities Accounts payable..........................$ 65,419 $38,185 Accrued salaries and bonus............... . 17,132 5,848 Accrued tenancy........................... 8,465 6,727 Gift certificates redeemable.............. 7,008 5,935 Accrued expenses.......................... 30,527 30,110 Current portion of long-term debt......... 1,206 1,119 -------- ------- Total current liabilities............. 129,757 87,924 Long-term debt.............................. 204,576 105,157 Other liabilities........................... 12,386 10,082 Commitments and contingencies Stockholder's equity Common stock, $1.00 par value; 1,000 shares authorized; 1 share issued and outstanding........... 1 1 Additional paid-in capital................ 354,762 445,886 Retained earnings......................... 73,935 34,611 ------- ------- Total stockholder's equity............ 428,698 480,498 ------- ------- Total liabilities and stockholder's equity $775,417 $683,661 ======== ======== See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements. ============================================================================== ANNTAYLOR, INC. CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS For the Fiscal Years Ended January 30, 1999, January 31, 1998 and February 1, 1997 Fiscal Years Ended ----------------------------- Jan. 30, Jan. 31, Feb. 1, 1999 1998 1997 ---- ---- ---- (in thousands) Operating activities: Net income.................................. $ 39,324 $ 11,824 $ 8,667 Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities: Extraordinary loss...................... --- 303 --- Equity earnings in CAT.................. --- --- (1,402) Provision for loss on accounts receivable 1,476 1,795 1,803 Depreciation and amortization............ 28,783 27,803 26,208 Amortization of goodwill................. 11,040 11,040 10,086 Amortization of deferred compensation.... 465 1,065 191 Non-cash interest........................ 1,290 1,419 1,574 Deferred income taxes.................... 3,966 (2,687) (985) Loss on disposal of property and equipment.............................. 4,175 248 3,209 Change in assets and liabilities net of effects from purchase of sourcing division: Decrease (increase) in receivables (12,314) 1,599 4,987 Decrease (increase) in merchandise inventories................... (39,514) 3,003 9,342 Decrease (increase) in prepaid expenses and other current assets........... (5,581) 1,894 247 Decrease in other non-current assets and liabilities, net............................ 679 2,861 738 Increase in accounts payable and accrued liabilities............ 41,746 9,422 2,867 ------ ----- ----- Net cash provided by operating activities.... 75,535 71,589 67,532 Investing activities: Purchases of property and equipment.......... (45,131) (22,945) (16,107) Purchase of sourcing division................ --- --- (227) ----- ------ ------ Net cash used by investing activities........ (45,131) (22,945) (16,334) ------ ------ ------- Financing activities: Repayments under revolving credit facility... --- --- (101,000) Parent company contribution.................. 9,036 869 96,194 Repayment of term loan....................... --- (24,500) --- Term loan prepayment penalty................. --- (184) --- Payments of mortgage......................... (1,119) (416) (266) Repayments under receivables facility........ --- ------ (40,000) Payment of financing costs................... (2,659) (69) (384) ------ ------ ------ Net cash provided by (used by) financing activities................................. 5,258 (24,300) (45,456) ------ ------ ------ Net increase in cash............................ 35,662 24,344 5,742 Cash, beginning of year......................... 31,369 7,025 1,283 ------ ------ ------ Cash, end of year............................... $ 67,031 $ 31,369 $ 7,025 ====== ====== ====== Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information: Cash paid during the year for interest....... $ 18,582 $ 19,251 $22,689 ====== ====== ======= Cash paid during the year for income taxes... $ 33,934 $ 17,220 $ 8,990 ====== ====== ======= See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements. =============================================================================== ANNTAYLOR, INC. NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 1. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES Ann Taylor, Inc. (the "Company" or "Ann Taylor") is a leading national specialty retailer of better quality women's apparel, shoes and accessories sold principally under the Ann Taylor brand name. All of the outstanding capital stock of the Company, consisting of one share of common stock is owned by AnnTaylor Stores Corporation ("ATSC"). Basis of Presentation The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its subsidiaries. All intercompany accounts have been eliminated in consolidation. Certain Fiscal 1997 and 1996 amounts have been reclassified to conform to the Fiscal 1998 presentation. FISCAL YEAR The Company follows the standard fiscal year of the retail industry, which is a 52 or 53 week period ending on the Saturday closest to January 31 of the following calendar year. All fiscal years presented included 52 weeks. FINANCE SERVICE CHARGE INCOME Income from finance service charges relating to customer receivables, which is deducted from selling, general and administrative expenses, amounted to $8,422,000 for Fiscal 1998, $8,568,000 for Fiscal 1997 and $9,024,000 for Fiscal 1996. MERCHANDISE INVENTORIES Merchandise inventories are stated at the lower of average cost or market. Effective February 1, 1998, the Company elected to change its method of inventory valuation from the retail method to the average cost method. The Company believes the average cost method is a preferable method for matching the cost of merchandise with the revenues generated. The cumulative effect of this accounting change on February 1, 1998 was not material, and therefore no disclosure is noted on the Consolidated Statement of Operations. The effect of this accounting change on Fiscal 1998 net income was an increase of $1,272,000. It is not possible to determine the effect of the change on income in any previously reported fiscal years. PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT Property and equipment are recorded at cost. Depreciation and amortization are computed on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful lives of the assets (3 to 40 years) or, in the case of leasehold improvements, over the lives of the respective leases, if shorter. ============================================================================= ANNTAYLOR, INC. NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(Continued) 1. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (CONTINUED) DEFERRED FINANCING COSTS Deferred financing costs are being amortized using the interest method over the term of the related debt. Accumulated amortization at January 30, 1999 and January 31, 1998 was $3,119,000 and $4,427,000, respectively. GOODWILL Goodwill relating to the 1989 acquisition of Ann Taylor by ATSC is being amortized on a straight-line basis over 40 years. Goodwill relating to the 1996 Sourcing Acquisition (see Note 10) is being amortized on a straight-line basis over 25 years. Accumulated amortization at January 30, 1999 and January 31, 1998 was $98,891,000 and $87,851,000, respectively. On an annual basis, the Company compares the carrying value of its goodwill to an estimate of the Company's fair value to evaluate the reasonableness of the carrying value and remaining amortization period. Fair value is computed using projections of future non-discounted cash flows. INCOME TAXES The Company accounts for income taxes in accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 109, "Accounting for Income Taxes", which requires an asset and liability method of accounting for deferred income taxes. Under the asset and liability method, deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized, and income or expense is recorded, for the estimated future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases. Pursuant to a Tax Sharing Agreement, ATSC and the Company have agreed to elect to file consolidated income tax returns for federal income tax purposes and may elect to file such returns in states and other relevant jurisdictions that permit such an election, for income tax purposes. With respect to such consolidated income tax returns, the Tax Sharing Agreement generally requires the Company to pay to ATSC the entire tax shown to be due on such consolidated returns, provided that the amount paid by the Company shall not exceed the amount of taxes that would have been owed by the Company on a stand-alone basis. USE OF ESTIMATES The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amount of assets and liabilities and disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the reported period. Actual results could differ from these estimates. RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS In June 1998, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 133, "Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities" ("SFAS No. 133"), which is effective for the Company for the quarter ended October 30, 1999. SFAS No. 133 establishes accounting and reporting standards for derivatives and for hedging activities. Management is currently evaluating the impact of this standard and believes its adoption will not affect the Company's consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows. ============================================================================== ANNTAYLOR, INC. NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(Continued) 1. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (CONTINUED) In March 1998, the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (the "AICPA") issued Statement of Position ("SOP 98-1"), "Accounting for the Costs of Computer Software Developed or Obtained for Internal Use," which is effective for the Company for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 1998. The application of SOP 98-1 is not anticipated to have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements. 2. LONG-TERM DEBT The following table summarizes long-term debt outstanding at January 30, 1999 and January 31, 1998: January 30, 1999 January 31, 1998 -------------------- ------------------- Carrying Estimated Carrying Estimated Amount Fair Value Amount Fair Value ------ ---------- ------ ---------- (in thousands) Mortgage............................ $ 5,157 $ 5,157 $ 6,276 $ 6,276 8 3/4% Notes........................... 100,000 101,875 100,000 100,500 Note payable to ATSC................ 100,625 100,625 --- --- ------- ------- ------- ------- Total debt................... 205,782 207,657 106,276 106,776 Less current portion................ 1,206 1,206 1,119 1,119 ------- ------- ------- ------- Total long-term debt......... $204,576 $206,451 $105,157 $105,657 ======== ======== ======== ======== In accordance with the requirements of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 107, "Disclosures about Fair Value of Financial Instruments", the Company determined the estimated fair value of its financial instruments using quoted market information, as available. As judgement is involved, the estimates are not necessarily indicative of the amounts the Company could realize in a current market exchange. On June 30, 1998, the Company entered into a new $150,000,000 senior secured revolving credit facility (the "Credit Facility") with a syndicate of lenders. This facility replaced the Company's then-existing $122,000,000 bank credit agreement that was scheduled to expire in July 1998 and also resulted in the non-renewal by the Company's sourcing division of its $50,000,000 credit facility and in the non-renewal by AnnTaylor Funding, Inc. of a $40,000,000 accounts receivable facility. The Credit Facility is used by the Company for the issuance of commercial and standby letters of credit and to provide funds for other general corporate purposes. Loans outstanding under the Credit Facility at any time may not exceed $50,000,000. The Company did not make any borrowings under the loan provisions of the Credit Facility during Fiscal 1998 and there were no loans outstanding at fiscal year end. The outstanding loan balance is required to be reduced to zero for the thirty-day period commencing January 1 each year. This cleandown period was achieved for January 1999. Maximum availability for loans and letters of credit under the Credit Facility is governed by a monthly borrowing base, determined by the application of specified advance rates against certain eligible assets. Based on this calculation, the maximum amount available for loans and letters of credit under the Credit Facility at January 30, 1999 was approximately $131,054,000. Commercial and standby letters of credit outstanding under the Credit Facility at January 30, 1999 were approximately $65,763,000. ============================================================================== ANNTAYLOR, INC. NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(Continued) 2. LONG-TERM DEBT (CONTINUED) Amounts outstanding under the Credit Facility bear interest at a rate equal to, at the Company's option, the lead lender's Base Rate or Eurodollar Rate, plus a margin ranging from 0.25% to 1.00% and from 1.25% to 2.00%, respectively. In addition, the Company is required to pay the lenders a quarterly commitment fee on the unused revolving loan commitment amount at a rate ranging from 0.375% to 0.5% per annum. Fees for outstanding commercial and standby letters of credit range from 0.625% to 1.0% and from 1.25% to 2.0%, respectively. The Credit Facility contains financial and other covenants, including limitations on indebtedness, liens, investments and capital expenditures, restrictions on dividends or other distributions to stockholders and maintenance of certain financial ratios including specified levels of net worth. For Fiscal 1998, the capital expenditure limit was $52,000,000. For Fiscal 1999, capital expenditures are limited to a maximum of $55,000,000. The lenders have been granted a pledge of the common stock of the Company and certain of its subsidiaries, and a security interest in substantially all other tangible and intangible assets, including accounts receivable, trademarks, inventory, store furniture and fixtures, of the Company and its subsidiaries, as collateral for the Company's obligations under the Credit Facility. The Credit Facility matures on June 30, 2000 and includes an automatic one-year extension, contingent upon the satisfaction of certain conditions. In addition, the commitments under the Credit Facility terminate on February 16, 2000 unless the outstanding 8 3/4% Subordinated Notes due 2000 (the "8 3/4% Notes") are refinanced on or prior to such date with the proceeds of subordinated debt or capital stock, the terms and conditions of which are reasonably satisfactory to the Requisite Lenders under the Credit Facility. On August 13, 1998, the Company declared a dividend to its sole stockholder, ATSC, of a promissory note in the original principal amount of $100,625,000 (the "Note Payable to ATSC"). The Note Payable to ATSC was issued by the Company on August 28, 1998 and has interest and payment terms substantially similar to the terms of the 8 1/2% Convertible Subordinated Debentures Due 2016 (the "Convertible Debentures") that were issued in 1996 by ATSC to AnnTaylor Finance Trust. The Note Payable to ATSC was declared in order to (1) relieve the Company of the administrative burden associated with declaring cash dividends to ATSC quarterly, which has been necessary in order to provide ATSC with funds sufficient to meet its quarterly interest payment obligations on the Convertible Debentures, and (2) enhance financial reporting, by more closely associating the debt obligation with the entity that was the ultimate beneficiary of the cash received upon the creation of debt. ATSC has pledged the Note Payable to ATSC to the lenders as collateral for ATSC's guarantee of the Company's performance of its obligations under the Credit Facility. On June 28, 1993, Ann Taylor issued $110,000,000 principal amount of its 8 3/4% Notes. The outstanding principal amount of these notes as of January 30, 1999 was $100,000,000. In July 1993, Ann Taylor entered into a $110,000,000 (notional amount) interest rate swap agreement, which had the effect of converting the Company's interest obligations on the 8 3/4% Notes to a variable rate. Under the agreement, the Company received a fixed rate of 4.75% and paid a floating rate based on LIBOR, as determined in six month intervals. The swap agreement matured in July 1996. Net receipts or payments under the agreement were recognized as adjustments to interest expense. =============================================================================== ANNTAYLOR, INC. NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(Continued) 2. LONG-TERM DEBT (CONTINUED) The Company and its wholly owned subsidiary AnnTaylor Distribution Services, Inc. are parties to a $7,000,000 seven-year mortgage loan maturing in Fiscal 2002. The loan is secured by the Company's distribution center land and building in Louisville, Kentucky. The mortgage loan bears interest at 7.5% and is payable in monthly installments of approximately $130,000. The mortgage loan balance at January 30, 1999 was $5,157,000. The aggregate principal payments of all long-term obligations are as follows: Fiscal Year (in thousands) ----------- 1999.................................... $ 1,206 2000.................................... 101,300 2001.................................... 1,401 2002.................................... 1,250 2003.................................... --- 2004 and thereafter..................... 100,625 ------- Total................................ $205,782 ======== 3. PREFERRED SECURITIES In April and May of Fiscal 1996, ATSC completed the sale of an aggregate of $100,625,000 of 8 1/2% Company-Obligated Mandatorily Redeemable Convertible Preferred Securities (the "preferred securities") issued by its financing vehicle, AnnTaylor Finance Trust, a Delaware business trust (the "Trust"). The preferred securities have a liquidation preference of $50 per security ($100,625,000 in the aggregate) and are convertible at the option of the holders thereof into ATSC's common stock at a conversion rate of 2.545 shares of common stock for each preferred security (equivalent to $19.65 per share of common stock, which represented a 20% premium to the $16.375 closing price of the common stock on the New York Stock Exchange at the date of the execution of the purchase agreement relating to the sale of the preferred securities). The sole assets of the Trust are $103,700,000 of 8 1/2% Convertible Subordinated Debentures of ATSC maturing on April 15, 2016. A total of 2,012,500 preferred securities were issued, and are convertible into an aggregate of 5,121,812 shares of ATSC's common stock. ATSC received net proceeds of $95,984,000 in connection with the sale of the preferred securities. The carrying value and estimated fair value of the preferred securities at January 30, 1999 were $96,624,000 and $196,219,000, respectively. ============================================================================== ANNTAYLOR, INC. NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(Continued) 4. ALLOWANCE FOR DOUBTFUL ACCOUNTS A summary of activity in the allowance for doubtful accounts for the fiscal years ended January 30, 1999, January 31, 1998 and February 1, 1997 is as follows: Fiscal Years Ended ------------------------------------- January 30, January 31, February 1, 1999 1998 1997 ---- ---- ---- (in thousands) Balance at beginning of year.......... $ 812 $ 811 $ 736 Provision for loss on accounts receivable.......................... 1,476 1,795 1,803 Accounts written off.................. (1,468) (1,794) (1,728) ------- ------- ----- Balance at end of year................ $ 820 $ 812 $ 811 ====== ====== ====== 5. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES RENTAL COMMITMENTS Ann Taylor occupies its retail stores and administrative facilities under operating leases, most of which are non-cancelable. Some leases contain renewal options for periods ranging from one to ten years under substantially the same terms and conditions as the original leases. Most of the store leases require Ann Taylor to pay a specified minimum rent, plus a contingent rent based on a percentage of the store's net sales in excess of a specified threshold. In addition, most of the leases require Ann Taylor to pay real estate taxes, insurance and certain common area and maintenance costs in addition to the future minimum lease payments shown below. Future minimum lease payments under non-cancelable operating leases at January 30, 1999 are as follows: Fiscal Year (in thousands) ----------- 1999..................................$ 78,042 2000.................................. 77,068 2001.................................. 73,767 2002.................................. 71,265 2003.................................. 64,978 2004 and thereafter................... 252,340 ---- ------- Total.................................$617,460 ======== Rent expense for the fiscal years ended January 30, 1999, January 31, 1998 and February 1, 1997 was as follows: Fiscal Years Ended ------------------------------------------- January 30, January 31, February 1, 1999 1998 1997 ---- ---- ---- (in thousands) Minimum rent................ $66,358 $59,495 $55,571 Percentage rent............. 2,414 1,671 2,433 ----- ----- ----- Total.................. $68,772 $61,166 $58,004 ====== ====== ====== Litigation The Company has been named as a defendant in several legal actions arising from its normal business activities. Although the amount of any liability that could arise with respect to these actions cannot be accurately predicted, in the opinion of the Company, any such liability will not have a material adverse effect on the financial position, results of operations or liquidity of the Company. ============================================================================== ANNTAYLOR, INC. NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(Continued) 5. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (CONTINUED) In addition, ATSC, Ann Taylor, certain directors and former officers and directors of ATSC and Ann Taylor, Merrill Lynch & Co. ("ML&Co.") and certain affiliates of ML&Co. have been named as defendants in a purported class action lawsuit filed in April 1996 by certain alleged stockholders alleging that ATSC and the other defendants engaged in a fraudulent scheme and course of business that operated a fraud or deceit on purchasers of ATSC's common stock during the period from February 3, 1994 through May 4, 1995. On March 10, 1998, the Court issued an Opinion dismissing the complaint. The Court's Opinion granted the plaintiffs leave to amend and re-file the complaint within thirty days of the date of the Opinion, and an amended complaint was filed by the plaintiffs on April 9, 1998. On November 9, 1998, the Court issued an Opinion dismissing, with prejudice, the amended complaint. On or about December 15, 1998, the plaintiffs filed a notice of appeal to the U.S District Court of Appeals, Second Circuit, seeking review of the Appellate Court's decision. The appeal is presently pending, and any liability that may arise from this action cannot be predicted at this time. The Company believes that the amended complaint is without merit and intends to defend the action vigorously. 6. ENTERPRISE-WIDE OPERATING INFORMATION In Fiscal 1998, the Company adopted Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 131, "Disclosure About Segments of an Enterprise and Related Information", which establishes annual and interim reporting standards for an enterprise's operating segments and related disclosures about its products, services, major customers and the material countries in which the entity holds assets and reports revenues. The Company is a specialty retailer of women's apparel, shoes and accessories. Given the economic characteristics of the store formats, the similar nature of the products sold, the type of customer and method of distribution, the operations of the Company are aggregated into one reportable segment. The Company believes that the customer base for its stores consists primarily of relatively affluent, fashion-conscious women from the ages of 25 to 55, and that the majority of its customers are working women with limited time to shop. 7. PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT Property and equipment consists of the following: Fiscal Years Ended ------------------------------------- January 30, 1999 January 31, 1998 ---------------- ---------------- (in thousands) Land and building................... $ 8,683 $ 8,625 Leasehold improvements.............. 93,168 85,332 Furniture and fixtures.............. 153,395 136,314 Construction in progress............ 11,059 6,422 ------- ------- 266,305 236,693 Less accumulated depreciation and amortization.................. 114,520 97,083 ------- ------- Net property and equipment..... $ 151,785 $139,610 ======= ======= 8. EXTRAORDINARY ITEM On July 2, 1997, the Company used available cash to prepay $24,500,000, the outstanding balance of its term loan due September 1998, which resulted in an extraordinary charge to earnings in Fiscal 1997 of $173,000, net of income tax benefit. =============================================================================== ANNTAYLOR, INC. NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(Continued) 9. NONRECURRING CHARGES STUDIO SHOE STORES CLOSING In connection with the planned closing of all of the Company's Ann Taylor Studio shoe stores, announced in January 1997, the Company recorded a pre-tax charge of $3,600,000 in Fiscal 1996. Of the total impairment loss, $2,500,000 represented impairment of long-lived assets such as properties and store fixtures and $1,100,000 pertained to lease and other related costs for these locations until the properties are sublet. RESIGNATION OF A FORMER EXECUTIVE Effective August 23, 1996, a former executive and Director of the Company and Ann Taylor resigned. In connection with this resignation, a one-time pre-tax charge of $3,500,000 was recorded in Fiscal 1996 relating to the estimated costs of the Company's obligations under the former executive's employment contract with the Company. RETIREMENT OF ASSETS In the fourth quarter of Fiscal 1998, the Company recorded a $3,633,000 non-cash pre-tax charge for the retirement of certain assets. This charge related to the write-off of the net book value of the assets relinquished during the renovation of the Company's corporate offices. 10. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS TRANSACTIONS WITH MERRILL LYNCH AND ITS AFFILIATES At January 30, 1999, certain affiliates of ML&Co. held approximately 6.7% of ATSC's outstanding common stock. Two of the members of the Board of Directors of the Company and ATSC serve as representatives of ML&Co. and its affiliates. As a result, ML&Co. and such affiliates are in a position to influence the management of the Company and ATSC. In Fiscal 1996, ATSC paid approximately $1,207,500 to ML&Co. and Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith, Incorporated ("Merrill Lynch") in connection with their services as placement agents for the sale of the preferred securities (see Note 3). ATSC agreed to indemnify ML&Co. and Merrill Lynch, as placement agents, against certain liabilities, including certain liabilities under the federal securities law, in connection with the sale of the preferred securities. ============================================================================== ANNTAYLOR, INC. NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(Continued) 10. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS (CONTINUED) SOURCING ACQUISITION In Fiscal 1995, the Company purchased approximately 16% of its merchandise directly from Cygne Designs, Inc. ("Cygne") and an additional 38% of its merchandise through the Company's direct sourcing joint venture with Cygne known as CAT. On September 20, 1996 (the "Effective Date"), pursuant to the Stock and Asset Purchase Agreement dated as of June 7, 1996, by and among ATSC, Ann Taylor, Cygne and Cygne Group F.E. Limited (as amended, the "Purchase Agreement"), Ann Taylor acquired the entire interest of Cygne in CAT and certain of the assets (the "Assets") of the Ann Taylor Woven Division of Cygne (the "Division") that were used for sourcing merchandise for Ann Taylor (the "Sourcing Acquisition"). As a result of the Sourcing Acquisition, CAT became an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of the Company. CAT was subsequently merged into Ann Taylor and now performs all of Ann Taylor's direct sourcing functions, including those previously provided by the Division, as a division of Ann Taylor. For financial reporting purposes, the transaction has been accounted for as of the Effective Date under the purchase method of accounting in accordance with Accounting Principles Board Opinion No. 16, "Accounting for Business Combinations". In consideration for Cygne's interest in CAT and the Assets, ATSC and the Company paid (i) 2,348,145 shares of common stock of ATSC having an aggregate value, as of the Effective Date, of $36,000,000, (ii) $3,200,000 in cash as payment for inventory and fixed assets and (iii) approximately $6,500,000 in cash in settlement of open accounts payable by Ann Taylor to Cygne for merchandise delivered by Cygne prior to the closing. The Company also assumed certain liabilities related to the operations of the Division. The purchase price was subject to post-closing adjustments based upon final determination of the value of certain of the assets purchased and liabilities assumed. As of February 1, 1997, certain post-closing adjustments reduced the net cash paid to approximately $227,000. The total purchase price to the Company of the Sourcing Acquisition has been allocated to the tangible and intangible assets and liabilities of CAT and the Division that were acquired, based on estimates of their respective fair values. The excess of the purchase price over the fair value of the net assets acquired was recorded as goodwill and is being amortized on a straight-line basis over 25 years. The following unaudited proforma consolidated data for the Company for the fiscal year ended February 1, 1997 has been presented to reflect the Sourcing Acquisition as if it had occurred at the beginning of such period: Fiscal Year Ended February 1, 1997 ---------------- Actual Proforma ------ -------- (in thousands) Net sales...............................$798,117 $798,117 Net income..............................$ 8,667 $ 11,595 The proforma data set forth above does not purport to be indicative of the results that actually would have occurred if the Sourcing Acquisition had occurred at the beginning of the period presented or of results which may occur in the future. =============================================================================== ANNTAYLOR, INC. NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(Continued) 10. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS (CONTINUED) A summary of the noncash activity that occurred in the fiscal year ended February 1, 1997 in conjunction with the Sourcing Acquisition is as follows: (in thousands) Fair value of assets acquired .................... $ 4,727 Excess of purchase price over the fair value of net assets acquired.................. 38,340 Ann Taylor's previous investment in CAT........... (6,840) Issuance of ATSC's common stock................... (36,000) ------- Cash paid ........................................ $ 227 ======== 11. STOCK OPTION PLANS ATSC accounts for stock options in accordance with Accounting Principles Board Opinion No. 25, under which no compensation costs have been recognized for stock option awards. Had compensation costs of option awards been determined under a fair value alternative method as stated in Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 123, "Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation", ATSC would have been required to prepare a fair value model for such options and record such amount in the financial statements as compensation expense. Proforma net income before extraordinary loss for Fiscal 1998, Fiscal 1997 and Fiscal 1996 after taking into account such expense would have been $38.4 million, $11.0 million and $8.2 million, respectively. For purposes of this calculation, ATSC arrived at the fair value of each stock grant at the date of grant by using the Black Scholes option pricing model with the following weighted average assumptions used for grants for the fiscal years ended January 30, 1999, January 31, 1998 and February 1, 1997: risk-free interest rate of 5.4%, 6.2% and 5.8%, respectively; expected life of 4.0 years, 5.0 years and 4.3 years, respectively; and expected volatility of 59.4%, 67.9% and 55.2%, respectively. =============================================================================== ANNTAYLOR, INC. NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(Continued) 12. INCOME TAXES The provision for income taxes for the fiscal years ended January 30, 1999, January 31, 1998 and February 1, 1997 consists of the following: Fiscal Years Ended --------------------------------------- January 30, January 31, February 1, 1999 1998 1997 ---- ---- ---- (in thousands) Federal: Current.......................$21,589 $14,427 $ 9,898 Deferred...................... 2,748 (1,917) (802) ------ ------- ----- Total federal............... 24,337 12,510 9,096 ------ ------ ----- State and local: Current....................... 7,869 5,538 3,844 Deferred...................... 1,217 (769) (152) ------ ------- ----- Total state and local....... 9,086 4,769 3,692 ------ ------ ----- Foreign: Current....................... 156 187 187 Deferred...................... --- --- --- ------ ------ ----- Total foreign............... 156 187 187 ------ ------ ----- Total.........................$33,579 $17,466 $12,975 ====== ====== ====== The reconciliation between the provision for income taxes and the provision for income taxes at the federal statutory rate for the fiscal years ended January 30, 1999, January 31, 1998 and February 1, 1997 is as follows: Fiscal Years Ended ------------------------------------- January 30, January 31, February 1, 1999 1998 1997 ---- ---- ---- (in thousands) Income before income taxes and extraordinary loss.............. $72,903 $29,463 $21,642 ====== ====== ====== Federal statutory rate............. 35% 35% 35% ====== ====== ====== Provision for income taxes at federal statutory rate......... $ 25,516 10,312 $ 7,575 State and local income taxes, net of federal income tax benefit.............. 4,660 3,800 2,273 Non-deductible amortization of goodwill....................... 3,500 3,500 3,429 Unremitted earnings of foreign subsidiaries.................. (188) (314) (382) Other.............................. 91 168 80 ------ ------ ------ Provision for income taxes......... $33,579 $17,466 $12,975 ======= ======= ======= ============================================================================ ANNTAYLOR, INC. NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(Continued) 12. INCOME TAXES (CONTINUED) The tax effects of significant items comprising the Company's net deferred tax assets as of January 30, 1999 and January 31, 1998 are as follows: January 30, January 31, 1999 1998 ---- ---- (in thousands) Current: Inventory............................ $ 128 $ 2,854 Accrued expenses..................... 3,812 4,269 Real estate.......................... (1,686) (1,634) Other................................ --- --- ------ ------ Total current......................... $ 2,254 $ 5,489 ====== ====== Noncurrent: Depreciation and amortization........ $(5,510) $(4,982) Rent expense......................... 4,786 4,364 Other................................ 276 901 ------ ------ Total noncurrent...................... $ (448) $ 283 ======= ====== Income taxes provided reflect the current and deferred tax consequences of events that have been recognized in the Company's financial statements or tax returns. U.S. federal income taxes are provided on unremitted foreign earnings except those that are considered permanently reinvested, which at January 30, 1999 amounted to approximately $6,864,000. However, if these earnings were not considered permanently reinvested, under current law, the incremental tax on such undistributed earnings would be approximately $2,149,000. 13. RETIREMENT PLANS Savings Plan. The Company maintains a defined contribution 401(k) savings plan for substantially all full-time employees of the Company and its subsidiaries. Participants may contribute to the plan an aggregate of up to 10% of their annual earnings. The Company makes a matching contribution of 50% with respect to the first 3% of each participant's annual earnings contributed to the plan. The Company's contributions to the plan for Fiscal 1998, Fiscal 1997 and Fiscal 1996 were $592,000, $519,000 and $390,000, respectively. Pension Plan. Substantially all full-time employees of the Company and its subsidiaries are covered under a noncontributory defined benefit pension plan. Through December 31, 1997, the pension plan was a "cash balance pension plan". Each participant accrued a benefit based on compensation and years of service with the Company. As of January 1, 1998, the Plan was amended and the formula to calculate benefits was changed to a career average formula. The new career average formula was used to determine the funding status of the plan beginning in Fiscal 1997. The Company's funding policy for the plan is to contribute annually the amount necessary to provide for benefits based on accrued service and projected pay increases. Plan assets consist primarily of cash, equity and fixed income securities. In Fiscal 1998, the Company adopted Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 132, "Employers' Disclosures about Pensions and Other Postretirement Benefits", which standardizes the disclosure requirements for pension and other postretirement benefits, eliminates certain disclosures, and requires additional information on the changes in the benefit obligations and fair value of plan assets. ============================================================================== ANNTAYLOR , INC. NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(Continued) 13. Retirement Plans (continued) The following table provides information for the Pension Plan at January 30, 1999, January 31, 1998 and February 1, 1997: Fiscal Years Ended ----------------------------- Jan. 30, Jan. 31, Feb. 1, 1999 1998 1997 ---- ---- ---- (in thousands) Change in benefit obligation: Benefit obligation, beginning of year................. $3,820 $3,413 $2,893 Service cost........................ 669 571 981 Interest............................ 292 250 212 Plan amendments..................... --- 81 --- Actuarial loss (gain)............... 348 (103) (316) Benefits paid....................... (487) (392) (357) ----- ----- ------ Benefit obligation, end of year..... $4,642 $3,820 $3,413 ------ ------ ------ Change in plan assets: Fair value of plan assets, beginning of year........................... 5,128 4,745 2,537 Actual return on plan assets........ 1,205 907 2,333 Employer contribution (refund)...... 1,640 (132) 232 Benefits paid....................... (487) (392) (357) ----- ------- ------ Fair value of plan assets, end of year 7,486 5,128 4,745 ----- ----- ----- Funded status (fair value of plan assets less benefit obligation)... 2,844 1,308 1,332 Unrecognized net actuarial gain...... (1,675) (1,361) (802) Unrecognized prior service cost...... 69 75 --- ----- ----- ----- Prepaid benefit cost................. $ 1,238 $ 22 $ 530 ======= ======= ====== Net pension cost includes the following components: Fiscal Years Ended --------------------------------------- January 30, January 31, February 1, 1999 1998 1997 ---- ---- ---- Service cost........................$ 669 $ 571 $ 981 Interest cost....................... 292 250 213 Expected return on assets........... (481) (409) (218) Amortization of prior gains......... (61) (42) (9) Amortization of prior service cost.. 6 6 --- ----- ------ ------ Net periodic pension cost...........$ 425 $ 376 $ 967 ===== ====== ====== For the fiscal years ended January 30, 1999, January 31, 1998 and February 1, 1997, the following actuarial assumptions were used: Fiscal Years Ended --------------------------------- January 30, January 31, February 1, 1999 1998 1997 ---- ---- ---- Discount rate....................... 6.75% 7.50% 8.00% Long-term rate of return on assets.. 9.00% 9.00% 9.00% Rate of increase in future compensation 4.00% 4.00% 4.00% ============================================================================== ANNTAYLOR, INC. NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(Continued) 14. STOCKHOLDER'S EQUITY The following summarizes the changes in stockholder's equity during Fiscal 1998, Fiscal 1997 and Fiscal 1996: Additional Total Common Paid-in Retained Stockholder's Stock Capital Earnings Equity ----- ------- -------- ------ (in thousands) Balance at February 3, 1996....... $ 1 $311,567 $ 14,120 $325,688 Net income..................... --- --- 8,667 8,667 Parent company contributions... --- 132,385 --- 132,385 --- ------- ------ ------- Balance at February 1, 1997....... 1 443,952 22,787 466,740 Net income..................... --- --- 11,824 11,824 Parent company contributions... --- 1,934 --- 1,934 --- ----- ------ ------- Balance at January 31, 1998....... 1 445,886 34,611 480,498 Net income..................... --- --- 39,324 39,324 Parent company contributions... --- 9,501 --- 9,501 Note payable to ATSC........... --- (100,625) --- (100,625) --- -------- ------ ------- Balance at January 30, 1999....... $ 1 $354,762 $ 73,935 $428,698 === ======= ====== ======= EX-27 2 FDS
5 THIS SCHEDULE CONTAINS SUMMARY FINANCIAL INFORMATION EXTRACTED FROM THE CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS AND THE CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS AND IS QUALIFIED IN ITS ENTIRETY BY REFERENCE TO SUCH FINANCIAL STATEMENTS. 0000850090 AnnTaylor, Inc. 1000 12-MOS JAN-30-1999 JAN-30-1999 67031 0 71869 820 136748 298465 266305 114520 775417 129757 200625 0 0 1 428697 775417 911939 911939 455724 455724 365195 0 18117 72903 33579 39324 0 0 0 39324 0 0
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