-----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, IxM263v5MF9nkdfLUO+I/NPbb0PmUYu5MtCKejgTy+7l5uP0o9heQ9LeEYTF84Ha sLssFpBD/oJTTuJN2Xzq/g== 0000940510-06-000121.txt : 20060831 0000940510-06-000121.hdr.sgml : 20060831 20060831152448 ACCESSION NUMBER: 0000940510-06-000121 CONFORMED SUBMISSION TYPE: 10-Q PUBLIC DOCUMENT COUNT: 5 CONFORMED PERIOD OF REPORT: 20060729 FILED AS OF DATE: 20060831 DATE AS OF CHANGE: 20060831 FILER: COMPANY DATA: COMPANY CONFORMED NAME: BORDERS GROUP INC CENTRAL INDEX KEY: 0000940510 STANDARD INDUSTRIAL CLASSIFICATION: RETAIL-MISCELLANEOUS SHOPPING GOODS STORES [5940] IRS NUMBER: 383294588 STATE OF INCORPORATION: MI FISCAL YEAR END: 0203 FILING VALUES: FORM TYPE: 10-Q SEC ACT: 1934 Act SEC FILE NUMBER: 001-13740 FILM NUMBER: 061068327 BUSINESS ADDRESS: STREET 1: 100 PHOENIX DRIVE CITY: ANN ARBOR STATE: MI ZIP: 48108 BUSINESS PHONE: (734) 477-1100 MAIL ADDRESS: STREET 1: 100 PHOENIX DRIVE CITY: ANN ARBOR STATE: MI ZIP: 48108 10-Q 1 form10qjuly292006.htm FORM 10-Q BORDERS GROUP, INC. FOR THE PERIOD ENDING JULY 29, 2006 Form 10-Q Borders Group, Inc. for the period ending July 29, 2006

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 10 - Q
   (Mark One)
[X]
QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15 (d) OF THE
 
SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
   
 
For the quarterly period ended July 29, 2006
   
 
OR
   
[ ]
TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15 (d) OF THE
 
SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the transition period from ______ to _______.

Commission file number 1-13740

BORDERS GROUP, INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

MICHIGAN
  
38-3294588
(State or other jurisdiction of
  
(I.R.S. Employer
incorporation or organization)
  
Identification No.)

100 Phoenix Drive, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48108
(Address of principal executive offices)
(zip code)

(734) 477-1100
(Registrant's telephone number, including area code)

 
Indicate by “X” whether the registrant: (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.    Yes  x    No  ¨ 
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, or a non-accelerated filer. See definition of “accelerated filer and large accelerated filer” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):
 
Large accelerated filer  x    Accelerated filer  ¨    Non-accelerated filer  ¨ 
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act).    Yes  ¨    No  x 

The number of shares of common stock outstanding at August 25, 2006 was 62,039,803.




 


BORDERS GROUP, INC.

INDEX
       
Part I - Financial Information
      
       
   
Page
  
       
Item 1.    Financial Statements
    
1
  
Item 2.    Management's Discussion and Analysis of
        
    Financial Condition and Results of
        
    Operations
    
11
  
Item 3.     Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about
        
    Market Risk
    
27
  
Item 4.     Controls and Procedures
    
27
  
         
Part II - Other information
        
         
Item 1.     Legal Proceedings
    
27
  
Item 1A   Risk Factors
    
27
  
Item 2.     Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of
    
28
  
    Proceeds
        
Item 3.     Defaults Upon Senior Securities
    
N/A
  
Item 4.     Submission of Matters to a Vote of
    
28
  
    Securityholders
        
Item 5.     Other Information
    
N/A
  
Item 6.     Exhibits
    
29
  
         
Signatures
    
30
  


i

BORDERS GROUP, INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(dollars in millions except per share data)
(UNAUDITED)

   
13  Weeks Ended
  
 
 
  
July 29,
2006
  
July 23,
2005
  
Sales
  
$
856.0
  
$
891.6
  
Other revenue
    
10.3
    
9.5
  
Total revenue
    
866.3
    
901.1
  
               
Cost of merchandise sold, including occupancy costs
    
661.5
    
669.9
  
Gross margin
    
204.8
    
231.2
  
               
Selling, general and administrative expenses
    
223.3
    
224.0
  
Pre-opening expense
    
2.3
    
1.5
  
Asset impairments and other writedowns
    
2.0
    
0.3
  
Operating income (loss)
    
(22.8
)
  
5.4
  
               
Interest expense
    
7.7
    
3.3
  
Income (loss) before income tax
    
(30.5
)
  
2.1
  
               
Income tax provision (benefit)
    
(12.1
)
  
0.8
  
Net income (loss)
  
$
(18.4
)
$
1.3
  
               
Earnings (loss) per common share data
              
 Diluted:
              
Income (loss) per common share
  
$
(0.29
)
$
0.02
  
Weighted average common shares outstanding (in millions)
   
63.6
    
72.3
  
 Basic:
              
Income (loss) per common share
  
$
(0.29
)
$
0.02
  
Weighted average common shares outstanding (in millions)
   
63.6
    
70.7
  
               
Dividends declared per common share
  
$
0.10
  
$
0.09
  


See accompanying Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.


 
1

BORDERS GROUP, INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(dollars in millions except per share data)
(UNAUDITED)

   
26  Weeks Ended
  
 
 
  
July 29,
2006
  
July 23,
2005
  
Sales
  
$
1,716.0
  
$
1,738.8
  
Other revenue
    
18.1
    
19.6
  
Total revenue
    
1,734.1
    
1,758.4
  
               
Cost of merchandise sold, including occupancy costs
    
1,328.6
    
1,310.6
  
Gross margin
    
405.5
    
447.8
  
               
Selling, general and administrative expenses
    
448.7
    
445.3
  
Pre-opening expense
    
4.2
    
2.7
  
Asset impairments and other writedowns
    
2.6
    
0.6
  
Operating loss
    
(50.0
)
  
(0.8
)
               
Interest expense
    
13.1
    
5.5
  
Loss before income tax
    
(63.1
)
  
(6.3
)
               
Income tax benefit
   
(24.5
)
  
(2.3
)
Net loss
 
$
(38.6
)
$
(4.0
)
               
Loss per common share data
              
 Diluted:
              
Loss per common share
  
$
(0.60
)
$
(0.06
)
Weighted average common shares outstanding (in millions)
   
64.0
    
71.9
  
 Basic:
              
Loss per common share
  
$
(0.60
)
$
(0.06
)
Weighted average common shares outstanding (in millions)
    
64.0
    
71.9
  
               
Dividends declared per common share
  
$
0.20
  
$
0.18
  


See accompanying Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

 
2

BORDERS GROUP, INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(dollars in millions except per share data)
(UNAUDITED)


               
 
 
  
  July 29,
2006
  
  July 23,
2005
  
January 28,
2006
  
Assets
              
Current assets:
                    
Cash and cash equivalents
  
$
89.1
  
$
77.2
  
$
81.6
  
Merchandise inventories
    
1,391.7
    
1,346.6
    
1,405.9
  
Accounts receivable and other current assets
    
166.5
    
117.4
    
150.3
  
Total current assets
    
1,647.3
    
1,541.2
    
1,637.8
  
Property and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation of
                    
$1,023.1, $954.4 and $966.5 at July 29, 2006, July 23,
                    
2005 and January 28, 2006, respectively
    
741.3
    
652.8
    
703.9
  
Other assets
   
63.2
    
85.3
    
79.7
  
Deferred income taxes
    
40.9
    
13.9
    
26.3
  
Goodwill
    
128.3
    
122.7
    
124.5
  
Total assets
  
$
2,621.0
  
$
2,415.9
  
$
2,572.2
  
 
                    
 Liabilities, Minority Interest and Stockholders’ Equity
                    
Current liabilities:
                    
Short-term borrowings and current portion of long-term debt
  
$
560.5
  
$
147.5
  
$
207.1
  
Trade accounts payable
    
544.7
    
612.1
    
660.3
  
Accrued payroll and other liabilities
    
271.4
    
255.7
    
293.4
  
Taxes, including income taxes
    
13.0
    
64.8
    
135.8
  
Deferred income taxes
    
29.8
    
15.0
    
14.5
  
Total current liabilities
    
1,419.4
    
1,095.1
    
1,311.1
  
Long-term debt
    
5.3
    
55.0
    
5.4
  
Other long-term liabilities
    
355.8
    
300.6
    
326.6
  
Total liabilities
    
1,780.5
    
1,450.7
    
1,643.1
  
Minority interest
    
1.4
    
1.3
    
1.3
  
Total liabilities and minority interest
    
1,781.9
    
1,452.0
    
1,644.4
  
Stockholders' equity:
                    
Common stock; 300,000,000 shares authorized;
                    
62,195,625, 70,171,671, and 64,149,397 shares issued
                   
and outstanding at July 29, 2006, July 23, 2005 and
                    
January 28, 2006, respectively
    
253.0
    
424.2
    
293.9
  
Accumulated other comprehensive income
    
23.0
    
17.6
    
19.4
  
Retained earnings
    
563.1
    
522.1
    
614.5
  
Total stockholders' equity
    
839.1
    
963.9
    
927.8
  
Total liabilities, minority interest and stockholders' equity
  
$
2,621.0
  
$
2,415.9
  
$
2,572.2
  


See accompanying Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.


 
3

BORDERS GROUP, INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
FOR THE 26 WEEKS ENDED JULY 29, 2006
(dollars in millions except share amounts)
(UNAUDITED)


                   
   
 
 
 
 
Common Stock
  
 
 
Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
  
 
 
 
 
Retained
      
   
Shares
  
Amount
  
Income
  
Earnings
  
Total
  
Balance at January 28, 2006
    
64,149,397
  
$
293.9
  
$
19.4
  
$
614.5
  
$
927.8
  
Net loss
    
-
    
-
    
-
    
(38.6
)
  
(38.6
)
Currency translation adjustment
    
-
    
-
    
3.6
    
-
    
3.6
  
Comprehensive loss
                            
(35.0
)
Cash dividends declared ($0.20 per
common share)
    
-
    
-
    
-
    
(12.8
)
  
(12.8
)
Issuance of common stock
    
1,066,551
    
17.6
    
-
    
-
    
17.6
  
Repurchase and retirement of
                                
common stock
    
(3,020,323
)
  
(61.4
)
  
-
    
-
    
(61.4
)
Tax benefit of equity
                                
compensation
    
-
    
2.9
    
-
    
-
    
2.9
  
Balance at July 29, 2006
    
62,195,625
  
$
253.0
  
$
23.0
  
$
563.1
  
$
839.1
  



See accompanying Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.


 
4

BORDERS GROUP, INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(dollars in millions)
(UNAUDITED)


   
26 Weeks Ended
  
 
 
  
July 29,
2006
  
July 23,
2005
  
Cash provided by (used for):
              
Operations
              
Net loss
 
$
(38.6
)
$
(4.0
)
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to operating cash flows:
              
Depreciation
    
61.1
    
59.1
  
Gain on sale of investments
    
(5.0
)
  
-
  
Loss on disposal of assets
    
3.3
    
2.4
  
Decrease in deferred income taxes
    
1.2
    
-
  
(Increase) decrease in other long-term assets
    
0.2
    
(1.0
)
Increase in other long-term liabilities
    
20.9
    
10.3
  
Cash provided by (used for) current assets and current liabilities:
              
(Increase) decrease in inventories
    
19.0
    
(46.5
)
Decrease in accounts receivable
    
1.8
    
12.9
  
Increase in prepaid expenses
    
(11.5
)
  
(14.6
)
Decrease in accounts payable
    
(117.6
)
  
(0.3
)
Decrease in taxes payable
    
(122.7
)
  
(49.6
)
Decrease in expenses payable and accrued liabilities
    
(30.4
)
  
(44.4
)
Net cash used for operations
    
(218.3
)
  
(75.7
)
Investing
              
Capital expenditures
    
(87.2
)
  
(85.2
)
Proceeds from sale of investments
    
21.6
    
95.4
  
Net cash (used for) provided by investing
    
(65.6
)
  
10.2
  
Financing
              
Proceeds from the excess tax benefit of stock option exercises
    
2.9
    
-
  
Net funding from credit facility
    
345.4
    
15.8
  
Issuance of common stock
    
17.6
    
14.3
  
Payment of cash dividends
    
(12.8
)
  
(12.9
)
Repurchase of common stock
    
(61.4
)
  
(117.5
)
Net cash (used for) provided by financing
    
291.7
    
(100.3
)
Effect of exchange rates on cash and equivalents
    
(0.3
)
  
(1.8
)
Net increase (decrease) in cash and equivalents
    
7.5
    
(167.6
)
Cash and equivalents at beginning of year
    
81.6
    
244.8
  
Cash and equivalents at end of period
  
$
89.1
  
$
77.2
  


See accompanying Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.



 
5

BORDERS GROUP, INC.
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED
CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Dollars in millions except per share data)

NOTE 1 - BASIS OF PRESENTATION

The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements of Borders Group, Inc. (“the Company”) have been prepared in accordance with Rule 10-01 of Regulation S-X and do not include all the information and notes required by accounting principles generally accepted in the United States for complete financial statements. All adjustments, consisting only of normal recurring adjustments, have been made which, in the opinion of management, are necessary for a fair presentation of the results of the interim periods. The results of operations for such interim periods are not necessarily indicative of results of operations for a full year. The unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the Company's consolidated financial statements and notes thereto, included in its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended January 28, 2006.

The Company’s fiscal year ends on the Saturday closest to the last day of January. Fiscal 2006 will consist of 53 weeks, and will end on February 3, 2007. References herein to years are to the Company’s fiscal years.

At July 29, 2006, the Company operated 535 superstores under the Borders name, including 476 in the United States, 37 in the United Kingdom, 16 in Australia, three in Puerto Rico, two in New Zealand and one in Singapore. The Company also operated 655 mall-based and other bookstores, including stores operated under the Waldenbooks, Borders Express and Borders Outlet names, as well as Borders-branded airport stores, and 32 bookstores under the Books etc. name in the United Kingdom. In addition, the Company owned and operated United Kingdom-based Paperchase Products Limited (“Paperchase”), a designer and retailer of stationery, cards and gifts. As of July 29, 2006, Paperchase operated 92 stores, primarily in the United Kingdom, and Paperchase shops have been added to nearly 175 domestic Borders superstores.

NOTE 2 - COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

Litigation: Two former employees, individually and on behalf of a purported class consisting of all current and former employees who work or worked as Inventory Managers or Sales Managers in Borders stores in the State of California at any time from September 30, 2001 through the trial date, have filed an action against the Company in the Superior Court of California for the County of San Francisco. The Complaint alleges, among other things, that the individual plaintiffs and the purported class members were improperly classified as exempt employees and that the Company violated the California Labor Code and the California Business and Professions Code by failing to (i) pay required overtime, (ii) provide meal periods, rest periods, and accurate itemized wage statements, (iii) keep accurate records of employees’ hours of work, and (iv) pay all compensation owed at the time of termination of employment to certain members of the purported class. The relief sought includes damages, restitution, penalties, injunctive relief, interest, costs, and attorneys’ fees and such other relief as the court deems proper. The Company has not included any liability in its consolidated financial statements in connection with this matter and has expensed as incurred all legal costs to date.

On October 29, 2002, Gary Gerlinger, individually and on behalf of all other similarly situated consumers in the United States who, during the period from August 1, 2001 to the present, purchased books online from either Amazon.com, Inc. (“Amazon”) or the Company, instituted an action against the Company and Amazon in the United States District Court for the Northern District of California. The Complaint alleges that the agreement pursuant to which an affiliate of Amazon operates Borders.com as a co-branded site (the “Web Site”) violates federal anti-trust laws, California statutory law and the common law of unjust enrichment. The Complaint seeks injunctive relief, damages, including treble damages or statutory damages where applicable, attorneys fees, costs and disbursements, disgorgement of all sums obtained by allegedly wrongful acts, interest and declaratory relief. On November 1, 2005, the Court granted the Company’s Motion to Dismiss all of the remaining claims of the plaintiff. The anti-trust claims were dismissed with prejudice, and the unfair competition claims were dismissed without prejudice. The plaintiff has appealed the decision. The Company has not included any liability in its consolidated financial statements in connection with this matter and has expensed as incurred all legal costs to date.

Certain states and private litigants have sought to impose sales or other tax collection efforts on out-of-jurisdiction companies that engage in e-commerce. The Company and Amazon have been named as defendants in actions filed by a private litigant on behalf of the state of Illinois under the state’s False Claims Act relating to the failure to collect use taxes on Internet sales in Illinois for periods both before and after the implementation of the Web Site Agreement. The Complaints seek judgments, jointly and severally, against

6
BORDERS GROUP, INC.
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED
CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(dollars in millions except per share data)

the defendants for, among other things, injunctive relief, treble the amount of damages suffered by the state of Illinois as a result of the alleged violations of the defendants, penalties, costs and expenses, including legal fees. Similar actions previously filed against the Company in Tennessee and Nevada have been dismissed.

Although an adverse resolution of any of the matters described above could have a material adverse effect on the results of the operations of the Company for the applicable period or periods, the Company does not believe that these matters will have a material effect on its liquidity or financial position.

In addition to the matters described above, the Company is, from time to time, involved in or affected by other litigation incidental to the conduct of its businesses.

NOTE 3 - FINANCING

Credit Facility: The Company has a Multicurrency Revolving Credit Agreement (the “Credit Agreement”), which was amended in October 2005 and will expire in October 2010. The Credit Agreement provides for borrowings of up to $700.0 secured by eligible inventory and accounts receivable and related assets. Borrowings under the Credit Agreement are limited to a specified percentage of eligible inventories and accounts receivable and bear interest at a variable base rate plus an increment or LIBOR plus an increment at the Company’s option. The Credit Agreement (i) includes a fixed charge coverage ratio requirement of 1.1 to 1 that is applicable only if outstanding borrowings under the facility exceed 90% of permitted borrowings thereunder, (ii) contains covenants that limit, among other things, the Company’s ability to incur indebtedness, grant liens, make investments, consolidate or merge or dispose of assets, (iii) prohibits dividend payments and share repurchases that would result in borrowings under the facility exceeding 90% of permitted borrowings thereunder, and (iv) contains default provisions that are typical for this type of financing, including a cross default provision relating to other indebtedness of more than $25.0. The Company had borrowings outstanding under the Credit Agreement (or a prior agreement) of $506.9 at July 29, 2006, $138.6 at July 23, 2005 and $153.6 at January 28, 2006. See “Note 7 - Subsequent Events” for further discussion of the Credit Agreement.

Term Loan: On July 30, 2002, the Company issued $50.0 of senior guaranteed notes (the “Notes”) due July 30, 2006 and bearing interest at 6.31% (payable semi-annually). The proceeds of the sale of the Notes were used to refinance existing indebtedness of the Company and its subsidiaries and for general corporate purposes. The note purchase agreement relating to the Notes contains covenants which limit, among other things, the Company’s ability to incur indebtedness, grant liens, make investments, engage in any merger or consolidation, dispose of assets or change the nature of its business, and requires the Company to meet certain financial measures regarding net worth, total debt coverage and fixed charge coverage. In July 2004, the note purchase agreement was amended to permit the amendment to the Credit Agreement described above and to provide for a parity lien to secure the Notes on the same collateral as secures borrowings under the Credit Agreement. See “Note 7 - Subsequent Events” for further discussion of the Notes.

Debt of Consolidated VIEs: At July 29, 2006, the Company is the primary beneficiary of two variable interest entities (“VIEs”), due to the Company’s guarantee of the debt of these entities. As a result, the Company consolidates these VIEs and has recorded property and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation, of $5.2, long-term debt (including current portion) of $5.5 and minority interest of $0.3 at July 29, 2006.

As of July 29, 2006 the Company was in compliance with its debt covenants.

NOTE 4 - STOCK-BASED BENEFIT PLANS

In December 2004, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued FAS 123(R), which is a revision of FAS 123. FAS 123(R) supersedes APB No. 25, and amends Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 95, “Statement of Cash Flows.” Generally, the approach in FAS 123(R) is similar to the approach described in FAS 123. However, FAS 123(R) requires all share-based payments to employees, including grants of employee stock options, restricted stock and performance-based shares, to be recognized in the income statement based on their fair values. In the first quarter of fiscal 2006, the Company adopted FAS 123(R) using the modified prospective method. Under the modified prospective method, compensation cost is recognized for all share-based

7
BORDERS GROUP, INC.
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED
CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(dollars in millions except per share data)

payments granted after the adoption of FAS 123(R) and for all awards granted to employees prior to the adoption date of FAS 123(R) that remain unvested on the adoption date. Accordingly, no restatements were made to prior periods.

2004 Long-Term Incentive Plan: The Company maintains the 2004 Long-Term Incentive Plan (the “2004 Plan”), pursuant to which the Company may grant stock-based awards to employees and non-employee directors of the Company, including restricted shares and share units of its common stock and options to purchase its common stock. The 2004 Plan was approved by shareholders in May 2004, and replaced all prior stock-based benefit plans on a go-forward basis. Three million shares were authorized for the grant of stock-based awards under the 2004 Plan (plus any shares forfeited or cancelled under the 2004 Plan or any prior plan).

Under the 2004 Plan, the exercise price of options granted will not be less than the fair value per share of the Company’s common stock at the date of grant. The plan provides for vesting periods as determined by the Compensation Committee of the Company’s Board of Directors.

The Company’s senior management personnel are required to use 20%, and may use up to 100%, of their annual incentive bonuses to purchase restricted shares of the Company’s common stock, at a 20% to 40% discount from the fair value of the same number of unrestricted shares of common stock. In addition, the Company’s senior management personnel may elect to make a one-time purchase of restricted shares. Restricted shares of common stock purchased under the 2004 Plan will generally be restricted from sale or transfer for at least two and up to four years from the date of purchase.

The Company recognizes compensation expense for the discount on restricted shares of common stock purchased under the 2004 Plan (or prior plan). Such discounts are recognized as expense on a straight-line basis over the period during which the shares are restricted from sale or transfer.

The Company grants performance-based share units of its common stock (“RSUs”) to its senior management personnel. RSUs vest in amounts based on the achievement of performance goals, primarily earnings per share. The Compensation Committee of the Company’s Board of Directors establishes the RSUs performance criteria and vesting period. The Company also grants time-vested restricted stock to its senior management personnel.

The Company previously recognized compensation expense for the RSUs granted under the 2004 Plan using variable accounting, in accordance with the provisions of Accounting Principles Board Opinion No. 25, “Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees” (“APB No. 25”). Under variable accounting, estimates of compensation costs were recorded and updated each period until the measurement date, based on changes in the Company’s share price and the estimated vesting period of the RSUs. Beginning in 2006, the Company recognizes compensation expense for the RSUs in accordance with the provisions of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 123 (revised 2004), “Share-Based Payment” (“FAS 123(R)”). In accordance with FAS 123(R), the Company records compensation cost based on the fair market value of the RSUs on the date of grant.

Employee Stock Purchase Plan: The Company maintained an employee stock purchase plan (the “Employee Plan”), which allowed the Company’s associates not eligible under the 2004 Plan to purchase shares of the Company’s common stock at a 15% discount from their fair market value. The Employee Plan expired as of December 31, 2005.


 
8

BORDERS GROUP, INC.
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED
CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(dollars in millions except per share data)

Prior to the adoption of FAS 123(R), the Company applied APB No. 25 in accounting for its employee stock compensation plans. Accordingly, no compensation expense was recognized for its stock option issuances. The following table illustrates the effect on net income and earnings per share if the Company had applied the fair value recognition provisions of FAS 123 to stock-based employee compensation:

 
  
13 Weeks Ended
  
26 Weeks Ended
  
 
  
July 23,
2005
  
July 23,
2005
  
Net income (loss), as reported
  
$
1.3
  
$
(4.0
)
Add: Stock-based employee expense included in reported
net income, net of related tax effects
    
-
    
0.1
  
Deduct: Total stock-based employee compensation expense
determined under fair value method for all awards, net
of tax
    
1.5
    
2.4
  
Pro forma net income (loss)
  
$
(0.2
)
$
(6.3
)
Earnings (loss) per share:
              
Basic -- as reported
  
$
0.02
  
$
(0.06
)
Basic -- pro forma
  
$
-
  
$
(0.09
)
Diluted -- as reported
  
$
0.02
  
$
(0.06
)
Diluted -- pro forma
  
$
-
  
$
(0.09
)

A summary of the information relative to the Company’s stock option plans follows (number of shares in thousands):

 
 
All Plans
  
 
Number
of Shares
  
Weighted-
Average
Exercise Price
  
Aggregate Intrinsic Value
  
Weighted-Average Contract Life
  
Outstanding at January 28, 2006
    
6,365
  
$
22.98
              
Granted
    
525
  
$
18.57
              
Exercised
    
966
  
$
15.92
              
Forfeited
    
422
  
$
25.28
              
Outstanding at July 29, 2006
    
5,502
  
$
23.62
  
$
130.0
    
2.4 years
  
Balance exercisable at
                          
July 29, 2006
    
4,515
  
$
24.39
  
$
110.1
    
1.7 years
  

The weighted-average fair values of options at their grant date where the exercise price equals the market price on the grant date were $3.5 and $5.2 during the 13 weeks ending July 29, 2006 and July 23, 2005 respectively, and $3.8 and $6.4 during the 26 weeks ending July 29, 2006 and July 23, 2005.

The Black-Scholes option valuation model was used to calculate the fair market value of the options at the grant date for the purpose of disclosures required by FAS 123(R). The following assumptions were used in the calculation:

 
13 Weeks Ended
26 Weeks Ended
 
July 29,
2006
July 23,
2005
July 29,
2006
July 23,
2005
Risk-free interest rate
5.1%
3.8-4.0%
4.7-5.1%
3.8-4.0%
Expected life
3 years
5 years
3-5 years
3-5 years
Expected volatility
25.5%
27.6%
25.2-25.5%
27.6%
Expected dividends
2.3%
1.4-1.5%
1.6-2.3%
1.3-1.5%

 
Under FAS 123(R), the Company recognized $0.3 or $0.00 per share net of $0.1 tax benefit, of stock-based compensation expense related to stock options and employee stock purchases in the 13 weeks ended July 29, 2006, and $0.6 or $0.01 per share net of $0.2 tax benefit, of stock-based compensation expense related to stock options and employee stock purchases in the 26 weeks ended July 29, 2006. Stock-based compensation expense is included in Selling, general and administrative expenses. Upon adoption of FAS 123(R), the balance of $0.4 of deferred compensation was charged to additional paid-in capital.
9
BORDERS GROUP, INC.
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED
CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(dollars in millions except per share data)

NOTE 5- SEGMENT INFORMATION

The Company is organized based upon the following operating segments: domestic Borders stores, Waldenbooks Specialty Retail stores (“Waldenbooks”), International stores (including Borders, Books etc. and Paperchase stores), and Corporate (consisting of the unallocated portion of interest expense, certain corporate governance costs, and corporate incentive costs).

Segment data includes charges allocating all corporate support costs to each segment. Transactions between segments, consisting principally of inventory transfers, are recorded primarily at cost. Interest income and expense are allocated to segments based upon the cash flow generated or absorbed by those segments. The Company utilizes fixed interest rates, approximating the Company's medium-term borrowing and investing rates, in calculating segment interest income and expense. The Company evaluates the performance of its segments and allocates resources to them based on anticipated future contribution.

   
13 Weeks Ended
  
26 Weeks Ended
  
 
  
  July 29,
2006 
  
  July 23,
2005 
  
  July 29,
2006 
  
  July 23,
2005 
  
Sales
                          
Borders
  
$
600.1
  
$
618.5
  
$
1,206.5
  
$
1,197.9
  
Waldenbooks
    
126.5
    
151.0
    
253.7
    
294.1
  
International
    
129.4
    
122.1
    
255.8
    
246.8
  
Total sales
  
$
856.0
  
$
891.6
  
$
1,716.0
  
$
1,738.8
  
                           
Net income (loss)
                          
Borders
  
$
8.7
  
$
14.7
  
$
12.3
  
$
22.7
  
Waldenbooks
    
(1.7
)
  
0.5
    
(5.2
)
  
1.0
  
International
    
(14.2
)
  
(5.2
)
  
(23.7
)
  
(11.0
)
Corporate
    
(11.2
)
  
(8.7
)
  
(22.0
)
  
(16.7
)
Total net income (loss)
 
$
(18.4
)
$
1.3
  
$
(38.6
)
$
(4.0
)
                           
Total assets
                          
Borders
              
$
1,598.2
  
$
1,507.2
  
Waldenbooks
                
356.0
    
338.8
  
International
                
500.7
    
443.0
  
Corporate
                
166.1
    
126.9
  
Total assets
              
$
2,621.0
  
$
2,415.9
  

Total assets for the Corporate segment include certain corporate headquarters property and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation, of $85.7 and $79.3 at July 29, 2006 and July 23, 2005, respectively, which have not been allocated to the other segments; however, depreciation expense associated with such assets has been allocated to the other segments as follows:

   
13 Weeks Ended
  
26 Weeks Ended
  
 
  
  July 29,
2006 
  
  July 23,
2005 
  
  July 29,
2006 
  
  July 23,
2005 
  
Borders
  
$
3.2
  
$
2.5
  
$
6.3
  
$
5.0
  
Waldenbooks
    
1.5
    
1.2
    
3.0
    
2.3
  
International
    
-
    
0.1
    
0.1
    
0.1
  
Total
  
$
4.7
  
$
3.8
  
$
9.4
  
$
7.4
  

 
10

BORDERS GROUP, INC.
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED
CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(dollars in millions except per share data)

NOTE 6- CORRECTION OF PRIOR PERIOD ERRORS

In the first quarter of 2006, the Company corrected an error in the calculation of gross margin within its International segment, specifically in Books etc. The correction of the error, which relates to fiscal 2005, resulted in a decrease in Inventory for the Company’s International segment by $1.9, and increased the segment’s Cost of sales by the same amount. The after-tax impact of this non-cash adjustment was $1.2.

In the second quarter of 2006, the Company corrected errors in the reserve for aged non-returnable inventory within its International segment, specifically in Books etc. and United Kingdom Superstores. The correction of the errors, which relate to fiscal 2005 and prior, resulted in a decrease in Inventory for the Company’s International segment by $2.8, and increased the segment’s Cost of sales by the same amount. The after-tax impact of this non-cash adjustment was $1.9.

Also in the second quarter of 2006, the Company corrected an error in the calculation of transaction currency gains and losses within its International segment. The correction of the error, which relates to the first quarter of 2006, resulted in an increase in Selling, general & administrative expense of $1.2. The after-tax impact of this adjustment was $0.7.

NOTE 7- SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

On July 31, 2006, the Company amended and restated its Credit Agreement. The principal purpose was to increase the total commitment under the Credit Agreement to $1,125.0 from $700.0, and to extend the term of such Agreement until July 31, 2011.

Also subsequent to the quarter ended July 29, 2006, the Company repaid the Notes with funds from the Credit Agreement.

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

General

Borders Group, Inc., through its subsidiaries, Borders, Inc. (“Borders”), Walden Book Company, Inc. (“Waldenbooks”), Borders (UK) Limited, Borders Australia Pty Limited and others (individually and collectively, "the Company"), is the second largest operator of book, music and movie superstores and the largest operator of mall-based bookstores in the world based upon both sales and number of stores. At July 29, 2006, the Company operated 535 superstores under the Borders name, including 476 in the United States, 37 in the United Kingdom, 16 in Australia, three in Puerto Rico, two in New Zealand and one in Singapore. The Company also operated 655 mall-based and other bookstores, including stores operated under the Waldenbooks, Borders Express and Borders Outlet names, as well as Borders-branded airport stores, and 32 bookstores under the Books etc. name in the United Kingdom. In addition, the Company owned and operated United Kingdom-based Paperchase Products Limited (“Paperchase”), a designer and retailer of stationery, cards and gifts. As of July 29, 2006, Paperchase operated 92 stores, primarily in the United Kingdom, and Paperchase shops have been added to nearly 175 domestic Borders superstores.

The Company’s business strategy is to continue its growth and increase its profitability through (i) expanding and refining its core domestic superstore business, (ii) driving International growth by expanding established markets and leveraging infrastructure investments, (iii) leveraging strategic alliances and in-store technologies which enhance the customer experience, and (iv) improving cash flow and profitability at Waldenbooks Specialty Retail through a combination of selective growth, closure of under-performing stores and profit initiatives. Specifically, the Company has been engaged in an aggressive expansion and remodel program, pursuant to which it opened 15 domestic Borders superstores and completed major remodels of 100 existing domestic superstores in 2005. In 2006, the Company expects to open approximately 31 domestic superstores and complete major remodels of approximately 100 existing domestic superstores. Beginning in 2005, new stores opened, and the majority of stores remodeled, feature cafe offerings by Seattle’s Best Coffee and gifts and stationery merchandise by Paperchase. International store growth over the next several years will focus on existing markets, primarily in the United Kingdom and Australia, with approximately 12 to 14 International store openings planned in 2006. The Waldenbooks Specialty Retail segment has experienced negative comparable store sales percentages for the past several years, primarily due to the overall decrease in mall traffic, sluggish bestsellers and the impact of superstore openings. The Company is continuing to implement its plan for the optimization of the Waldenbooks Specialty Retail store base in order to improve
 
11
sales, net income and free cash flow. The Company expects the Waldenbooks Specialty Retail segment to produce negative cash flow in 2006, with cash flow defined as operating cash less capital expenditures. This plan could also result in further store closing costs or asset impairments over the next few years. In addition, Waldenbooks Specialty Retail manages the Company’s seasonal businesses and other small format stores, including those in airports and outlet malls. Selective growth in the seasonal business and in airport stores is expected in 2006. The Company’s objectives with respect to these initiatives are to continue to grow consolidated sales and earnings per share and earn an acceptable return on its investment.

During the first quarter of 2006, the Company launched Borders Rewards, a loyalty program designed to reward customers who shop at the Company’s stores throughout the U.S. Membership in Borders Rewards is free, with no enrollment costs or annual fees. Members earn rewards every time they shop, enjoy exclusive savings and may earn Personal Shopping Days every month. In addition, five percent of all qualifying purchases made by members throughout the year go into a personal Holiday Savings account, which can be used on holiday purchases made from November 15 through January 15.

The Company has signed an agreement with Berjaya Corporation Berhad (“Berjaya”), a publicly-listed diversified corporation headquartered in Malaysia, to establish a franchise arrangement under which Berjaya will operate Borders stores in Malaysia. As of July 29, 2006, Berjaya operated three Borders stores in Malaysia. The Company has also signed an agreement with Al Maya Group (“Al Maya”), a diversified corporation headquartered in the United Arab Emirates, to establish a franchise agreement under which Al Maya or its affiliates will operate Borders stores in the United Arab Emirates and other Gulf Cooperation Council (“GCC”) countries, the first of which is expected to open in Dubai during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2006.

Subject to Board approval, the Company plans to provide returns to stockholders through quarterly cash dividends and share repurchases by utilizing free cash flow generated by the business. In January 2006, the Board of Directors authorized an increase in the amount of potential share repurchases to $250.0 million. In December 2005, the Board of Directors voted to increase the quarterly cash dividend by 11.1% to $0.10 per share on the Company’s common stock.

The Company, through its subsidiaries, has agreements with Amazon.com, Inc. (“Amazon”) to operate Web sites utilizing the Borders.com, Waldenbooks.com, Borders.co.uk and Booksetc.co.uk URLs (the “Web Sites”). Under these agreements, Amazon is the merchant of record for all sales made through the Web Sites, and determines all prices and other terms and conditions applicable to such sales. Amazon is responsible for the fulfillment of all products sold through the Web Sites and retains all payments from customers. The Company receives referral fees for products purchased through the Web Sites. The agreements contain mutual indemnification provisions, including provisions that define between the parties the responsibilities with respect to any liabilities for sales, use and similar taxes, including penalties and interest, associated with products sold on the Web Sites. Currently, taxes are not collected with respect to products sold on the Web Sites except in certain states.

Results of Operations

The following table presents the Company's consolidated statements of operations data, as a percentage of sales, for the periods indicated.

   
13 Weeks Ended
  
26 Weeks Ended
  
   
July 29, 2006
  
July 23, 2005
  
July 29, 2006
  
July 23, 2005
  
Sales
    
100.0
%
  
100.0
%
  
100.0
%
  
100.0
%
Other revenue
    
1.2
    
1.1
    
1.0
    
1.1
  
Total revenue
    
101.2
    
101.1
    
101.0
    
101.1
  
Cost of merchandise sold (includes occupancy)
    
77.3
    
75.2
    
77.4
    
75.5
  
Gross margin
    
23.9
    
25.9
    
23.6
    
25.6
  
Selling, general and administrative expenses
    
26.1
    
25.1
    
26.1
    
25.4
  
Pre-opening expense
    
0.3
    
0.2
    
0.2
    
0.2
  
Asset impairments and other writedowns
    
0.2
    
-
    
0.1
    
-
  
Operating income (loss)
    
(2.7
)
  
0.6
    
(2.8
)
  
-
  
Interest expense
    
0.9
    
0.4
    
0.8
    
0.3
  
Income (loss) before income tax
    
(3.6
)
  
0.2
    
(3.6
)
  
(0.3
)
Income tax provision (benefit)
    
(1.4
)
  
0.1
    
(1.4
)
  
(0.1
)
Net income (loss)
    
(2.2
)%
  
0.1
%
  
(2.2
)%
  
(0.2
)%

12

Consolidated Results -- Comparison of the 13 weeks ended July 29, 2006 to the 13 weeks ended July 23, 2005

Sales

Consolidated sales decreased $35.6 million, or 4.0%, to $856.0 million in 2006 from $891.6 million in 2005. This resulted from decreased sales in the domestic Borders superstores and Waldenbooks Specialty Retail segments, partially offset by increased sales in the International segment.

Comparable store sales measures include stores open more than one year, with new stores included in the calculation upon their 13th month of operation. Domestic Borders superstores’ comparable store sales exclude those stores not offering music, of which there are 12, representing approximately 2% of total sales. Comparable store sales measures for Waldenbooks Specialty Retail include the Company’s mall-based seasonal businesses, and comparable store sales measures for International Borders superstores include sales from licensed departments operating within the superstores. International comparable store sales are calculated in local currency.

Comparable store sales for domestic Borders superstores decreased 5.3% in the 13 weeks ended July 29, 2006. The comparable store sales decrease for 2006 was due primarily to the book category, driven by a challenging comparison to a year ago when the sixth book in the Harry Potter series was released, as well as weakness in hardcover bestsellers. Also contributing to the comparable store sales decline were negative comparable store sales in the music and movie categories. The cafe and gift and stationery categories positively impacted comparable store sales in remodeled stores, resulting primarily from the conversions of cafes to the Seattle’s Best Coffee brand and gift and stationery departments to the Paperchase brand. The impact of price changes on comparable store sales was not significant.

Waldenbooks Specialty Retail comparable store sales decreased 12.1% in the 13 weeks ended July 29, 2006. The comparable store sales decrease was primarily due to the 2005 release of the latest Harry Potter title, as well as weakness in hardcover bestsellers which impacted Waldenbooks Specialty Retail to a greater degree than Borders superstores. The impact of price changes on comparable store sales was not significant.

Comparable store sales for International Borders superstores decreased 3.4% in 2006. The decrease was due to negative comparable store sales in all markets, most significantly in the United Kingdom, primarily resulting from the 2005 release of the latest Harry Potter title, as well as an increased competitive environment. The impact of price changes on comparable store sales was not significant.

Other revenue

Other revenue for the Borders and International segments primarily consists of income recognized from unredeemed gift cards, as well as wholesale revenue earned through sales of merchandise to Berjaya, as part of a franchise agreement under which Berjaya operates Borders stores in Malaysia. Other revenue for the Borders segment also includes wholesale revenue earned through sales of merchandise to other retailers, as well as referral fees received from Amazon as part of the Web Site agreement. Other revenue for the International segment also includes license fees received from Starbucks Coffee Company (U.K.) Limited. Other revenue in the Waldenbooks Specialty Retail segment primarily consists of income recognized from unredeemed gift cards.

Until October 2004, Waldenbooks sold memberships in its Preferred Reader Program, which offered members discounts on purchases and other benefits. Waldenbooks has phased out its Preferred Reader Program and has replaced it with other promotional programs in order to maximize long-term sales and earnings. The Company recognized membership income on a straight-line basis over the 12-month term of the membership, and categorized the income as “Other revenue” in the Company’s consolidated statements of operations. Discounts on purchases were netted against “Sales” in the Company’s consolidated statements of operations.

Other revenue has increased $0.8 million, or 8.4%, to $10.3 million in 2006 from $9.5 million in 2005. This was due to an increase in the domestic Borders superstores segment, partially offset by a decrease in the Waldenbooks Specialty Retail segment. Other revenue for the International segment remained flat in 2006 as compared to 2005. The domestic Borders superstores’ increase was primarily due to increased 2006 income recognized from unredeemed gift cards as well as increased referral fees received from Amazon as part of the Web Site agreement. The Waldenbooks Specialty Retail decrease was due to the elimination of the Preferred Reader Program, partially offset by increased income recognized from unredeemed gift cards.

13
Gross margin

Consolidated gross margin decreased $26.4 million, or 11.4%, to $204.8 million in 2006 from $231.2 million in 2005. As a percentage of sales, consolidated gross margin decreased 2.0%, to 23.9% in 2006 from 25.9% in 2005. This was due to a decrease in all segments’ gross margin as a percentage of sales. The decrease in the Borders segment was primarily the result of increased promotional discounts, mainly due to the Company’s loyalty program, Borders Rewards, as well as increased supply chain and occupancy costs as a percentage of sales. The decrease in the Waldenbooks Specialty Retail segment was primarily due to increased occupancy costs as a percentage of sales due to the decline in comparable store sales. The decrease in the International segment resulted from the correction of a prior year error in the reserve for aged non-returnable inventory in Books etc. and United Kingdom superstores, and an increase in occupancy costs as a percentage of sales, primarily due to the decline in comparable store sales.

The Company classifies the following items as “Cost of merchandise sold (includes occupancy)” on its consolidated statements of operations: product costs and related discounts, markdowns, freight, shrinkage, capitalized inventory costs, distribution center costs (including payroll, rent, supplies, depreciation, and other operating expenses), and store occupancy costs (including rent, common area maintenance, depreciation, repairs and maintenance, taxes, insurance, and others). The Company’s gross margin may not be comparable to that of other retailers, which may exclude the costs related to their distribution network and store occupancy from cost of sales and include those costs in other financial statement lines.

Selling, general and administrative expenses

Consolidated selling, general and administrative expenses (SG&A) decreased $0.7 million, or 0.3%, to $223.3 million in 2006 from $224.0 million in 2005. As a percentage of sales, SG&A increased 1.0%, to 26.1% in 2006 from 25.1% in 2005. This increase primarily resulted from increased SG&A expenses as a percentage of sales for the Waldenbooks Specialty Retail and International segments, partially offset by a decrease in the domestic Borders superstores segment. The Waldenbooks Specialty Retail increase was primarily due to increases, as a percentage of sales, of store payroll and operating expenses and corporate operating expenses, driven by the decline in comparable store sales. International SG&A expenses as percentage of sales increased primarily as a result of increased store and corporate expenses and advertising costs, also driven by the decline in comparable store sales. Also negatively impacting the International segment was the correction of a prior period error in the calculation of transaction currency gains and losses. Domestic Borders superstores SG&A expenses as a percentage of sales decreased primarily due to decreased corporate payroll and operating costs, as well as a gain on the sale of investments, partially offset by increased store payroll costs as a percentage of sales due to the decline in comparable store sales.

The Company classifies the following items as “Selling, general and administrative expenses” on its consolidated statements of operations: store and administrative payroll, utilities, supplies and equipment costs, credit card and bank processing fees, bad debt, legal and consulting fees, certain advertising income and expenses and others.

Interest expense

Consolidated interest expense increased $4.4 million, or 133.3%, to $7.7 million in 2006 from $3.3 million in 2005. This was primarily a result of increased borrowings to fund capital expenditures, inventory investment and common stock repurchases.

Taxes

The effective tax rate differed for the quarters presented from the federal statutory rate primarily as a result of a change in the mix of earnings between high and low tax jurisdictions. The Company's annual effective tax rate used was 39.0% in 2006 compared to 37.0% in 2005. This increase is primarily due to a greater portion of earnings being realized in jurisdictions with higher tax rates.

Net income (loss)

Due to the factors mentioned above, net income as a percentage of sales decreased to a net loss of 2.2% in 2006 from net income of 0.1% in 2005, and net income dollars decreased to a net loss of $18.4 million in 2006 from net income of $1.3 million in 2005.


 
14

Consolidated Results -- Comparison of the 26 weeks ended July 29, 2006 to the 26 weeks ended July 23, 2005

Sales

Consolidated sales decreased $22.8 million, or 1.3%, to $1,716.0 million in 2006 from $1,738.8 million in 2005. This resulted primarily from decreased sales in the Waldenbooks Specialty Retail segment, partially offset by an increase in the domestic Borders superstores and International segments.

Comparable store sales measures include stores open more than one year, with new stores included in the calculation upon their 13th month of operation. Domestic Borders superstores’ comparable store sales exclude those stores not offering music, of which there are 12, representing approximately 2% of total sales. Comparable store sales measures for Waldenbooks Specialty Retail include the Company’s mall-based seasonal businesses, and comparable store sales measures for International Borders superstores include sales from licensed departments operating within the superstores. International comparable store sales are calculated in local currency.

Comparable store sales for domestic Borders superstores decreased 2.4% in the 26 weeks ended July 29, 2006. The comparable store sales decrease for 2006 was due primarily to the book category, driven by a challenging comparison to a year ago when the sixth book in the Harry Potter series was released, as well as weakness in hardcover bestsellers. Also contributing to the comparable store sales decline were negative comparable store sales in the music category. The cafe and gift and stationery categories positively impacted comparable store sales in remodeled stores, resulting primarily from the conversions of cafes to the Seattle’s Best Coffee brand and gift and stationery departments to the Paperchase brand. The impact of price changes on comparable store sales was not significant.

Waldenbooks’ comparable store sales decreased 9.8% in the 26 weeks ended July 29, 2006. The comparable store sales decrease was primarily due to the 2005 release of the latest Harry Potter title, as well as weakness in hardcover bestsellers which impacted Waldenbooks Specialty Retail to a greater degree than Borders superstores. The impact of price changes on comparable store sales was not significant.

Comparable store sales for International Borders superstores decreased 1.6% in 2006. The decrease was due to negative comparable store sales in the United Kingdom, Singapore, Puerto Rico and New Zealand, partially offset by positive comparable store sales in Australia. The most significant decline in comparable store sales was in the United Kingdom, primarily resulting from the 2005 release of the latest Harry Potter title, as well as an increased competitive environment. The impact of price changes on comparable store sales was not significant.

Other revenue

Other revenue for the Borders and International segments primarily consists of income recognized from unredeemed gift cards, as well as wholesale revenue earned through sales of merchandise to Berjaya, as part of a franchise agreement under which Berjaya operates Borders stores in Malaysia. Other revenue for the Borders segment also includes wholesale revenue earned through sales of merchandise to other retailers, as well as referral fees received from Amazon as part of the Web Site agreement. Other revenue for the International segment also includes license fees received from Starbucks Coffee Company (U.K.) Limited. Other revenue in the Waldenbooks Specialty Retail segment primarily consists of income recognized from unredeemed gift cards.

Until October 2004, Waldenbooks sold memberships in its Preferred Reader Program, which offered members discounts on purchases and other benefits. Waldenbooks has phased out its Preferred Reader Program and has replaced it with other promotional programs in order to maximize long-term sales and earnings. The Company recognizes membership income on a straight-line basis over the 12-month term of the Preferred Reader membership, and categorizes the income as "Other revenue" in the Company's consolidated statements of operations. Discounts on purchases are netted against "Sales" in the Company's consolidated statements of operations.

Other revenue has decreased $1.5 million, or 7.7%, to $18.1 million in 2006 from $19.6 million in 2005. The decrease is due to decreases in all segments. The decrease in domestic Borders superstores was due to greater wholesale revenue earned through the franchise agreement with Berjaya in 2005, partially offset by increased income recognized from unredeemed gift cards as well as increased referral fees received from Amazon as part of the Web Site agreement in 2006. The decrease in Waldenbooks Specialty Retail was primarily due to the elimination of the Preferred Reader Program, partially offset by an increase in income recognized from unredeemed gift cards. The decrease in International was due primarily to greater wholesale revenue earned through the franchise agreement with Berjaya in 2005, partially offset by increased license fees received from Starbucks Coffee Company (U.K.) Limited in 2006, due to increased store count.

15
Gross margin

Consolidated gross margin decreased $42.3 million, or 9.4%, to $405.5 million in 2006 from $447.8 million in 2005. As a percentage of sales, consolidated gross margin decreased 2.0%, to 23.6% in 2006 from 25.6% in 2005. This was due to a decrease in all segments’ gross margin as a percentage of sales. The decrease in the domestic Borders superstores segment was primarily the result of increased supply chain costs, primarily related to the cost of opening the Company’s new distribution center, increased promotional discounts and increased occupancy costs. The decrease in the Waldenbooks Specialty Retail segment was primarily due to increased occupancy costs resulting from the decline in comparable store sales, increased product markdowns, and decreased other revenue, due the elimination of the Preferred Reader Program. The decrease in the International segment primarily resulted from increased occupancy costs, due to the decline in comparable store sales, as well as the correction of prior year errors in the calculation of gross margin in Books etc. and the reserve for aged non-returnable inventory in Books etc. and United Kingdom superstores.

The Company classifies the following items as “Cost of merchandise sold (includes occupancy)” on its consolidated statements of operations: product costs and related discounts, markdowns, freight, shrinkage, capitalized inventory costs, distribution center costs (including payroll, rent, supplies, depreciation, and other operating expenses), and store occupancy costs (including rent, common area maintenance, depreciation, repairs and maintenance, taxes, insurance, and others). The Company’s gross margin may not be comparable to that of other retailers, which may exclude the costs related to their distribution network and store occupancy from cost of sales and include those costs in other financial statement lines.

Selling, general and administrative expenses

Consolidated selling, general and administrative expenses (SG&A) increased $3.4 million, or 0.8%, to $448.7 million in 2006 from $445.3 million in 2005. As a percentage of sales, SG&A increased 0.7%, to 26.1% in 2006 from 25.4% in 2005. This increase primarily resulted from increased SG&A expenses as a percentage of sales for the Waldenbooks Specialty Retail and International segments, partially offset by a decrease in the domestic Borders superstores segment. The Waldenbooks Specialty Retail increase was primarily due to increases, as a percentage of sales, of store payroll and operating expenses and corporate operating expenses, driven by the decline in comparable store sales. International SG&A expenses as percentage of sales increased primarily as a result of increased store and corporate expenses and advertising costs, also driven by the decline in comparable store sales. Domestic Borders superstores SG&A expenses as a percentage of sales decreased primarily due to decreased corporate payroll and operating costs, as well as income received from the Visa Check/MasterMoney Antitrust Litigation and a gain on the sale of investments, partially offset by increased store payroll and advertising costs as a percentage of sales, both primarily the result of the launch of Borders Rewards.

The Company classifies the following items as “Selling, general and administrative expenses” on its consolidated statements of operations: store and administrative payroll, utilities, supplies and equipment costs, credit card and bank processing fees, bad debt, legal and consulting fees, certain advertising income and expenses and others.

Interest expense

Consolidated interest expense increased $7.6 million, or 138.2%, to $13.1 million in 2006 from $5.5 million in 2005. This was primarily a result of increased borrowings to fund capital expenditures, inventory investment and common stock repurchases.

Taxes

The effective tax rate differed for the quarters presented from the federal statutory rate primarily as a result of a change in the mix of earnings between high and low tax jurisdictions. The Company's annual effective tax rate used was 39.0% in 2006 compared to 37.0% in 2005. This increase is primarily due to a greater portion of earnings being realized in jurisdictions with higher tax rates.

Net income (loss)

Due to the factors mentioned above, net loss as a percentage of sales increased to 2.2% in 2006 from 0.2% in 2005, and net loss dollars increased to $38.6 million in 2006 from $4.0 million in 2005.

Segment Results

The Company is organized based upon the following operating segments: domestic Borders superstores, Waldenbooks Specialty Retail stores, International stores (including Borders, Books etc. and Paperchase stores), and Corporate (consisting of interest expense
 
16
related to corporate activities, certain corporate governance costs and corporate incentive costs). See “Note 5 - Segment Information” in the notes to consolidated financial statements for further information relating to these segments.

Segment data includes charges allocating all corporate headquarters costs to each segment. Interest income and expense are allocated to segments based upon the cash flow generated or absorbed by those segments. The Company utilizes fixed interest rates, approximating the Company’s medium-term borrowing and investing rates, in calculating segment interest income and expense.

Domestic Borders Superstores

   
13 Weeks Ended
  
26 Weeks Ended
  
 (dollar amounts in millions)
  
July 29, 2006 
  
July 23, 2005 
  
July 29, 2006 
  
July 23, 2005 
  
Sales
  
$
600.1
  
$
618.5
  
$
1,206.5
  
$
1,197.9
  
Other revenue
  
$
7.2
  
$
6.2
  
$
12.3
  
$
12.6
  
Net income
  
$
8.7
  
$
14.7
  
$
12.3
  
$
22.7
  
Net income as % of sales
    
1.4
%
  
2.4
%
  
1.0
%
  
1.9
%
Depreciation expense
  
$
21.5
  
$
21.3
  
$
42.3
  
$
43.0
  
Interest income
  
$
3.3
  
$
2.8
  
$
7.7
  
$
5.7
  
Store openings
    
2
    
4
    
7
    
4
  
Store closings
    
4
    
1
    
4
    
2
  
Store count
    
476
    
464
    
476
    
464
  

Domestic Borders Superstores - Comparison of the 13 weeks ended July 29, 2006 to the 13 weeks ended July 23, 2005

Sales

Borders' sales decreased $18.4 million, or 3.0%, to $600.1 million in 2006 from $618.5 million in 2005. This decrease was comprised of comparable store sales decreases of $32.5 million, partially offset by non-comparable sales primarily associated with 2006 and 2005 store openings of $14.1 million.

Other revenue

Other revenue increased $1.0 million, or 16.1%, to $7.2 million in 2006 from $6.2 million in 2005. This increase was primarily due to increased income recognized from unredeemed gift cards as well as increased referral fees received from Amazon as part of the Web Site agreement in 2006.

Gross margin

Gross margin as a percentage of sales decreased 1.6%, to 26.5% in 2006 from 28.1% in 2005. This was primarily due to increased promotional discounts of 0.8% as a percentage of sales, mainly related to the Company’s loyalty program, Borders Rewards. Also contributing to the decline in gross margin were increased supply chain costs of 0.9% as a percentage of sales, primarily related to the cost of opening the Company’s new distribution center in Pennsylvania, as well as increased occupancy costs of 0.6% as a percentage of sales, due to the de-leveraging of occupancy costs driven by negative comparable store sales. Partially offsetting these items were decreased product costs of 0.7% as a percentage of sales.

Gross margin dollars decreased $14.5 million, or 8.3%, to $159.3 million in 2006 from $173.8 million in 2005, which was primarily due to decreased comparable store sales and the decrease in gross margin as a percentage of sales noted above, partially offset by new store openings.

Selling, general and administrative expenses

SG&A as a percentage of sales decreased 0.3%, to 24.2% in 2006 from 24.5% in 2005, primarily due to decreased corporate payroll and operating expenses of 0.7% as a percentage of sales, mainly due to disciplined cost controls at the corporate level. In addition, the improvement in SG&A was positively impacted by a gain on the sale of investments. Partially offsetting these improvements were increased utility costs and increased store payroll and operating expenses of 0.4% as a percentage of sales, due to the decrease in comparable store sales.
17

SG&A dollars decreased $6.6 million, or 4.4%, to $144.9 million in 2006 from $151.5 million in 2005, primarily due to income received from the sale of investments of $5.0 million. Partially offsetting this decrease were increased utility costs.


Depreciation expense

Depreciation expense increased $0.2 million, or 0.9%, to $21.5 million in 2006 from $21.3 million in 2005. This was primarily the result of increased depreciation expense recognized on new and remodeled stores’ capital expenditures, as well as accelerated depreciation related to store remodels.

Interest income

Borders interest income increased $0.5 million, or 17.9%, to $3.3 million in 2006 from $2.8 million in 2005. This was the result of Borders’ continued positive cash flow at fixed internal interest rates.

Net income

Due to the factors mentioned above, net income as a percentage of sales decreased to 1.4% in 2006 from 2.4% in 2005, and net income dollars decreased $6.0 million, or 40.8%, to $8.7 million in 2006 from $14.7 million in 2005.

Domestic Borders Superstores - Comparison of the 26 weeks ended July 29, 2006 to the 26 weeks ended July 23, 2005

Sales

Borders' sales increased $8.6 million, or 0.7%, to $1,206.5 million in 2006 from $1,197.9 million in 2005. This increase was comprised of non-comparable sales primarily associated with 2006 and 2005 store openings of $37.3 million, partially offset by comparable store sales decreases of $28.7 million.

Other revenue

Other revenue decreased $0.3 million, or 2.4%, to $12.3 million in 2006 from $12.6 million in 2005. This was primarily due to higher wholesale revenue earned through sales of merchandise in 2005, related to the opening and initial stock of inventory of the first franchise store operated by Berjaya in April of 2005. This decrease was partially offset by increased 2006 income recognized from unredeemed gift cards as well as increased referral fees received from Amazon as part of the Web Site agreement.

Gross margin

Gross margin as a percentage of sales decreased 1.6%, to 26.0% in 2006 from 27.6% in 2005. This was primarily due to increased supply chain costs of 0.7% as a percentage of sales, primarily related to the cost of opening of the Company’s new distribution center in Pennsylvania. Also contributing to the decline in gross margin were increased promotional discounts of 0.6% as a percentage of sales, mainly related to the Company’s loyalty program, Borders Rewards, as well as increased occupancy costs of 0.3% as a percentage of sales, due to the de-leveraging of occupancy costs driven by negative comparable store sales.

Gross margin dollars decreased $16.5 million, or 5.0%, to $314.3 million in 2006 from $330.8 million in 2005, which was primarily due to decreased comparable store sales and the decrease in gross margin as a percentage of sales noted above, partially offset by new store openings.

Selling, general and administrative expenses

SG&A as a percentage of sales decreased 0.3%, to 24.6% in 2006 from 24.9% in 2005, primarily due to decreased corporate payroll expenses of 0.5% as a percentage of sales, resulting from disciplined cost controls at the corporate level. Also contributing to the decrease in SG&A was a decrease of 0.3% in operating expenses as a percentage of sales, due to income received from the Visa Check/MasterMoney Antitrust Litigation settlement and a gain on the sale of investments. The Visa Check/MasterMoney Antitrust Litigation was a class action lawsuit brought against Visa and MasterCard related to their debit card policies. Also partially offsetting these decreases were increased store payroll expense of 0.3% as a percentage of sales and increased advertising expense of 0.2% as a percentage of sales, both primarily related to the launch of the Company’s loyalty program, Borders Rewards. In addition, utility costs
 
18
increased in 2006 as compared to 2005.

SG&A dollars decreased $1.1 million, or 0.4%, to $296.9 million in 2006 from $298.0 million in 2005, primarily due to decreased corporate payroll, as well as income received from the Visa Check/MasterMoney Antitrust Litigation settlement of $2.6 million. Also contributing to the decrease in SG&A was income received from the sale of investments of $5.0 million. Partially offsetting these decreases were increased utility costs and increased advertising expense to support the launch of the Company’s loyalty program, Borders Rewards.

Depreciation expense

Depreciation expense decreased $0.7 million, or 1.6%, to $42.3 million in 2006 from $43.0 million in 2005. This was primarily the result of one of the Company’s distribution centers becoming fully depreciated during the fourth quarter of 2005, partially offset by increased depreciation expense recognized on new and remodeled stores’ capital expenditures and accelerated depreciation related to store remodels.

Interest income

Borders interest income increased $2.0 million, or 35.1%, to $7.7 million in 2006 from $5.7 million in 2005. This was the result of Borders’ continued positive cash flow at fixed internal interest rates.

Net income

Due to the factors mentioned above, net income as a percentage of sales decreased to 1.0% in 2006 from 1.9% in 2005, and net income dollars decreased $10.4 million, or 45.8%, to $12.3 million in 2006 from $22.7 million in 2005.

Waldenbooks Specialty Retail

   
13 Weeks Ended
  
26 Weeks Ended
  
(dollar amounts in millions) 
  
July 29, 2006 
  
July 23, 2005 
  
July 29, 2006 
  
July 23, 2005 
  
Sales
  
$
126.5
  
$
151.0
  
$
253.7
  
$
294.1
  
Other revenue
  
$
0.8
  
$
1.0
  
$
1.3
  
$
2.2
  
Net income (loss)
  
$
(1.7
)
$
0.5
  
$
(5.2
)
$
1.0
  
Net income as % of sales
    
(1.3
)%
  
0.3
%
  
(2.0
)%
  
0.3
%
Depreciation expense
  
$
4.3
  
$
3.6
  
$
8.5
  
$
7.0
  
Interest income
  
$
9.8
  
$
11.0
  
$
20.0
  
$
21.9
  
Store Openings
    
-
    
8
    
3
    
11
  
Store Closings
    
10
    
6
    
26
    
12
  
Store Count
    
655
    
704
    
655
    
704
  

Waldenbooks Specialty Retail - Comparison of the 13 weeks ended July 29, 2006 to the 13 weeks ended July 23, 2005

Sales

Waldenbooks Specialty Retail sales decreased $24.5 million, or 16.2%, to $126.5 million in 2006 from $151.0 million in 2005. This decrease was comprised of decreased comparable store sales of $16.7 million and decreased non-comparable sales associated with 2006 and 2005 store closings of $7.8 million.

Other revenue

Other revenue decreased $0.2 million, or 20.0%, to $0.8 million in 2006 from $1.0 million in 2005. This was primarily due to the elimination of the Preferred Reader Program, partially offset by increased 2006 income recognized from unredeemed gift cards.

Gross margin

Gross margin as a percentage of sales decreased 1.0%, to 20.0% in 2006 from 21.0% in 2005. This was primarily due to increased occupancy costs as a percentage of sales of 2.2%, primarily due to the de-leveraging of occupancy costs driven by negative
 
19
comparable store sales. Partially offsetting the increase in occupancy as a percentage of sales were decreased product markdowns of 1.2% as a percentage of sales.

Gross margin dollars decreased $6.5 million, or 20.5%, to $25.2 million in 2006 from $31.7 million in 2005, primarily due to store closures, the decline in comparable store sales and the decrease in gross margin percentage noted above.

Selling, general and administrative expenses

SG&A as a percentage of sales increased 2.1%, to 29.6% in 2006 from 27.5% in 2005. This was primarily due to increased store payroll and operating expenses of 1.4% as a percentage of sales and increased corporate operating expenses of 1.1% as a percentage of sales, resulting from the decrease in comparable store sales. Partially offsetting this increase were decreased corporate payroll expenses of 0.2% as a percentage of sales, and decreased advertising costs of 0.2% as a percentage of sales.

SG&A dollars decreased $4.0 million, or 9.6%, to $37.5 million in 2006 from $41.5 million in 2005, primarily due to store closures.

Depreciation expense

Depreciation expense increased $0.7 million, or 19.4%, to $4.3 million in 2006 from $3.6 million in 2005. This was primarily due to depreciation recognized on assets of stores that have been converted to Borders Express during 2006 and 2005, as well as depreciation on Waldenbooks’ new merchandising system, which was put in service during the third quarter of 2005, partially offset by lower depreciation resulting from prior year asset impairments and store closings.

Interest income

Interest income decreased $1.2 million, or 10.9%, to $9.8 million in 2006 from $11.0 million in 2005. This was the result of a decline in Waldenbooks Specialty Retail’s cash flow, primarily due to the decline in comparable store sales.

Net income (loss)

Due to the factors mentioned above, net income as a percentage of sales decreased to a net loss of 1.3% in 2006 from net income of 0.3% in 2005, and net income dollars decreased $2.2 million to a net loss of $1.7 million in 2006 from net income of $0.5 million in 2005.

Waldenbooks Specialty Retail - Comparison of the 26 weeks ended July 29, 2006 to the 26 weeks ended July 23, 2005

Sales

Waldenbooks Specialty Retail sales decreased $40.4 million, or 13.7%, to $253.7 million in 2006 from $294.1 million in 2005. This decrease was comprised of decreased comparable store sales of $26.6 million and decreased non-comparable sales associated with 2006 and 2005 store closings of $13.8 million.

Other revenue

Other revenue decreased $0.9 million, or 40.9%, to $1.3 million in 2006 from $2.2 million in 2005. This was primarily due to the elimination of the Preferred Reader Program, partially offset by increased income recognized from unredeemed gift cards.

Gross margin

Gross margin as a percentage of sales decreased 2.6%, to 19.4% in 2006 from 22.0% in 2005. This was primarily due to increased occupancy costs as a percentage of sales of 2.0%, primarily due to the de-leveraging of occupancy costs driven by negative comparable store sales. Also contributing to the decline in gross margin as a percentage of sales were increased product markdowns and other costs of 0.3% as a percentage of sales, and a decrease in other revenue of 0.3% as a percentage of sales, due to the elimination of the Preferred Reader Program.

Gross margin dollars decreased $15.5 million, or 24.0%, to $49.1 million in 2006 from $64.6 million in 2005, primarily due to store closures, the decline in comparable store sales and the decrease in gross margin percentage noted above.

20

Selling, general and administrative expenses

SG&A as a percentage of sales increased 1.7%, to 30.3% in 2006 from 28.6% in 2005. This was primarily due to increased store payroll and operating expenses of 1.3% as a percentage of sales, and increased corporate operating expenses of 0.8% as a percentage of sales, resulting from the decrease in comparable store sales. Partially offsetting these increases was income received from the Visa Check/MasterMoney Antitrust Litigation settlement. Also partially offsetting the increase in these costs were decreased corporate payroll expenses of 0.2% as a percentage of sales, and decreased advertising costs of 0.2% as a percentage of sales.

SG&A dollars decreased $7.3 million, or 8.7%, to $76.8 million in 2006 from $84.1 million in 2005 primarily due to store closures and income received from the Visa Check/MasterMoney Antitrust Litigation settlement of $0.9 million. Partially offsetting these decreases were increased utility costs.

Depreciation expense

Depreciation expense increased $1.5 million, or 21.4%, to $8.5 million in 2006 from $7.0 million in 2005. This was primarily due to depreciation recognized on assets of stores that have been converted to Borders Express during 2006 and 2005, as well as depreciation on Waldenbooks’ new merchandising system, which was put in service during the third quarter of 2005, partially offset by lower depreciation resulting from prior year asset impairments and store closings.

Interest income

Interest income decreased $1.9 million, or 8.7%, to $20.0 million in 2006 from $21.9 million in 2005. This was the result of a decline in Waldenbooks Specialty Retail’s cash flow, primarily due to the decline in comparable store sales.

Net income (loss)

Due to the factors mentioned above, net income as a percentage of sales decreased to a net loss of 2.0% in 2006 from net income of 0.3% in 2005, and net income dollars decreased $6.2 million to a net loss of $5.2 million in 2006 from net income of $1.0 million in 2005.

International

   
13 Weeks Ended
  
26 Weeks Ended
  
 (dollar amounts in millions) 
  
July 29, 2006 
  
July 23, 2005 
  
July 29, 2006 
  
July 23, 2005 
  
Sales
  
$
129.4
  
$
122.1
  
$
255.8
  
$
246.8
  
Other revenue
  
$
2.3
  
$
2.3
  
$
4.5
  
$
4.8
  
Net loss
  
$
(14.2
)
$
(5.2
)
$
(23.7
)
$
(11.0
)
Net loss as % of sales
    
(11.0
)%
  
(4.3
)%
  
(9.3
)%
  
(4.5
)%
Depreciation expense
  
$
5.3
  
$
4.6
  
$
10.3
  
$
9.1
  
Interest expense
  
$
5.9
  
$
5.3
  
$
11.1
  
$
10.4
  
Superstore Store Openings
    
3
    
1
    
4
    
5
  
Superstore Store Count
    
59
    
47
    
59
    
47
  
Books etc. Store Closings
    
-
    
2
    
1
    
2
  
Books etc. Store Count
    
32
    
33
    
32
    
33
  

International - Comparison of the 13 weeks ended July 29, 2006 to the 13 weeks ended July 23, 2005

Sales

International sales increased $7.3 million, or 6.0%, to $129.4 million in 2006 from $122.1 million in 2005. Of this increase in sales, 0.3%, or $0.4 million, was due to the translation of foreign currencies to U.S. dollars. The remaining 5.7% was the result of new superstore openings, partially offset by a decline in comparable store sales.


21
Other revenue

Other revenue remained flat at $2.3 million in 2006 compared to 2005. This was due to increased license fees received from Starbucks Coffee Company (U.K.) Limited in 2006, due to increased store count, offset by decreased wholesale revenue earned through sales of merchandise to Berjaya.

Gross margin

Gross margin as a percentage of sales decreased 5.4%, to 15.6% in 2006 from 21.0% in 2005, primarily the result of the correction of a prior year error in the reserve for aged non-returnable inventory in Books etc. and United Kingdom superstores of 3.6% as a percentage of sales. Additionally, the decrease was the result of higher occupancy costs of 2.1% as a percentage of sales, mainly due to the decline in comparable store sales. Partially offsetting these items were decreased product markdowns of 0.3% as a percentage of sales.

Gross margin dollars decreased $5.4 million, or 21.0%, to $20.3 million in 2006 from $25.7 million in 2005. The decrease is due to the decline in the gross margin rate, partially offset by new superstore openings. Excluding the result of translation of foreign currencies to U.S. dollars, gross margin would have decreased an additional $0.1 million.

Selling, general and administrative expenses

SG&A as a percentage of sales increased 3.7%, to 27.6% in 2006 from 23.9% in 2005. This was primarily the result of increased corporate payroll and operating expenses of 1.2% as a percentage of sales, and increased store payroll and operating expenses of 1.1% as a percentage of sales. These increases were due to the decline in comparable store sales and the increased spending needed to support international new store growth. Also contributing to the increase was the correction of a prior period error in the calculation of transaction currency gains and losses of 1.0% as a percentage of sales, and increased advertising costs of 0.4% as a percentage of sales.

SG&A dollars increased $6.5 million, or 22.3%, to $35.7 million in 2006 from $29.2 million in 2005. Of this increase, $0.1 million is the result of translation of foreign currencies to U.S. dollars. The remainder of the increase is primarily due to new store openings and the increased store payroll and operating expenses required, as well as the error correction mentioned previously and increased advertising spending.

Depreciation expense

Depreciation expense increased $0.7 million, or 15.2%, to $5.3 million in 2006 from $4.6 million in 2005. This was primarily due to depreciation expense recognized on new stores' capital expenditures.

Interest expense

Interest expense increased $0.6 million, or 11.3%, to $5.9 million in 2006 from $5.3 million in 2005. This was primarily due to increased borrowings used to fund new stores’ inventory and capital expenditures.

Net loss

Due to the factors mentioned above, net loss as a percentage of sales increased to 11.0% in 2006 as compared to 4.3% in 2005, and net loss dollars increased $9.0 million, or 173.1%, to $14.2 million in 2006 from $5.2 million in 2005.

International - Comparison of the 26 weeks ended July 29, 2006 to the 26 weeks ended July 23, 2005

Sales

International sales increased $9.0 million, or 3.6%, to $255.8 million in 2006 from $246.8 million in 2005, primarily resulting from new superstore openings, partially offset by negative comparable store sales. The translation of foreign currencies to U.S. dollars negatively impacted sales 3.2%, or $8.0 million.

22
Other revenue

Other revenue decreased $0.3 million, or 6.3%, to $4.5 million in 2006 from $4.8 million in 2005. This was primarily due to higher wholesale revenue earned through sales of merchandise in 2005, related to the opening and initial stock of inventory of the first franchise store operated by Berjaya in April of 2005, partially offset by increased license fees received from Starbucks Coffee Company (U.K.) Limited in 2006, due to increased store count.

Gross margin

Gross margin as a percentage of sales decreased 4.7%, to 16.5% in 2006 from 21.2% in 2005, primarily the result of an increase in occupancy costs of 2.0% as a percentage of sales, mainly due to the decline in comparable store sales, and the correction of prior year errors in the calculation of gross margin in Books etc. and the reserve for aged non-returnable inventory in Books etc. and United Kingdom superstores of 1.8% as a percentage of sales. Also negatively affecting gross margin were increased product markdowns of 0.9% as a percentage of sales.

Gross margin dollars decreased $10.3 million, or 19.7%, to $42.1 million in 2006 from $52.4 million in 2005. Of this decrease, $1.2 million is the result of translation of foreign currencies to U.S. dollars. The remainder of the decrease is due to the decline in the gross margin rate, partially offset by new superstore openings.

Selling, general and administrative expenses

SG&A as a percentage of sales increased 2.3%, to 26.4% in 2006 from 24.1% in 2005. This was primarily the result of increased corporate payroll and operating expenses of 1.2% as a percentage of sales and increased store payroll and operating expenses of 1.0% as a percentage of sales, resulting from the decline in comparable store sales and increased spending to support international new store growth. Also contributing to the increase were higher advertising costs of 0.1% as a percentage of sales.

SG&A dollars increased $7.9 million, or 13.3%, to $67.4 million in 2006 from $59.5 million in 2005. The increase is primarily due to new store openings and the increased store payroll and operating expenses required, as well as increased advertising spending. Excluding the result of translation of foreign currencies to U.S. dollars, SG&A would have increased an additional $2.0 million.

Depreciation expense

Depreciation expense increased $1.2 million, or 13.2%, to $10.3 million in 2006 from $9.1 million in 2005. This was primarily due to depreciation expense recognized on new stores' capital expenditures.

Interest expense

Interest expense increased $0.7 million, or 6.7%, to $11.1 million in 2006 from $10.4 million in 2005. This was primarily due to increased borrowings used to fund new stores’ inventory and capital expenditures.

Net loss

Due to the factors mentioned above, net loss as a percentage of sales increased to 9.3% in 2006 as compared to 4.5% in 2005, and net loss dollars increased $12.7 million, or 115.5%, to $23.7 million in 2006 from $11.0 million in 2005.

Corporate

   
13 Weeks Ended
  
26 Weeks Ended
  
(dollar amounts in millions) 
  
July 29, 2006 
  
July 23, 2005 
  
July 29, 2006 
  
July 23, 2005 
  
Net loss
  
$
(11.2
)
$
(8.7
)
$
(22.0
)
$
(16.7
)
Interest expense
  
$
14.9
  
$
11.8
  
$
29.7
  
$
22.7
  

The Corporate segment includes interest expense related to corporate activities, various corporate governance costs and corporate incentive costs.
23

Corporate - Comparison of the 13 weeks ended July 29, 2006 to the 13 weeks ended July 23, 2005

Net loss dollars increased $2.5 million, or 28.7%, to $11.2 million in 2006 from $8.7 million in 2005. This was primarily due to increased interest expense for this segment resulting from borrowings to fund common stock repurchases. Interest expense represents corporate-level interest costs not charged to the Company's other segments.

Corporate - Comparison of the 26 weeks ended July 29, 2006 to the 26 weeks ended July 23, 2005

Net loss dollars increased $5.3 million, or 31.7%, to $22.0 million in 2006 from $16.7 million in 2005. This was primarily due to increased interest expense for this segment resulting from borrowings to fund common stock repurchases. Interest expense represents corporate-level interest costs not charged to the Company's other segments.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

The Company's principal capital requirements are to fund the opening of new stores, the refurbishment of existing stores, continued investment in new corporate information technology systems and maintenance spending on stores, distribution centers and corporate information technology.

Net cash used for operations was $218.3 million and $75.7 million for the 26 weeks ended July 29, 2006 and July 23, 2005, respectively. Operating cash outflows for the period reflect operating results and decreases in taxes payable, accounts payable and expenses payable and accrued liabilities, as well an increase in prepaid expenses. The most significant of these was the decrease in taxes payable, which resulted from payment of the Company’s estimated 2005 taxes, and the decrease in accounts payable which is primarily due to the timing of fiscal July month-end in 2006 being later in the calendar month than in 2005. The current year operating cash inflows primarily reflect non-cash charges for depreciation and a loss on the disposal of assets related to the remodel program, as well as a decrease in inventories, accounts receivable and other long-term assets and an increase in other long-term liabilities. Also affecting operating cash was an adjustment to net income resulting from a gain on the sale of investments.

Net cash used for investing was $65.6 million in 2006, which primarily resulted from capital expenditures, offset by the sale of investments of $21.6 million. Net cash provided by investing was $10.2 million in 2005, which primarily resulted from the sale of auction rate securities of $95.4 million.
 
In fiscal 2006, capital expenditures were $87.2 million, which primarily funded capital expenditures for new stores, the refurbishment of existing stores, new corporate information technology systems and maintenance of existing stores, distribution centers and management information systems. In 2006, this included the remodeling of 70 domestic Borders superstores and the conversion of 14 Waldenbooks stores to Borders Express. Additional capital spending in 2006 reflects the opening of 11 new Borders superstores, as well as one new airport store and two new outlet stores operated by the Waldenbooks Specialty Retail segment. In fiscal 2005, capital expenditures were $85.2 million, which primarily funded the remodeling of 45 domestic Borders superstores and the conversion of 48 Waldenbooks stores to Borders Express, as well as investments in new merchandising systems. Additional capital spending in 2005 reflected the opening of five new Borders superstores, as well as four new airport stores and seven new outlet stores operated by the Waldenbooks segment.

Net cash provided by financing in 2006 was $291.7 million, resulting from funding from the Company’s credit facility of $345.4 million, proceeds from stock option exercises of $17.6 million and proceeds from the excess tax benefit of stock option exercises of $2.9 million, partially offset by the repurchase of common stock totaling $61.4 million and the payment of the Company’s quarterly cash dividends of $12.8 million. Net cash used for financing in 2005 was $100.3 million, resulting from the repurchase of common stock totaling $117.5 million and the payment of the Company’s quarterly cash dividends of $12.9 million, partially offset by $14.3 million of proceeds from stock option exercises and funding from the Company’s credit facility of $15.8 million.

The Company expects capital expenditures to approximate $200.0 million in 2006, resulting primarily from new superstore openings and a store remodel program, through which the Company plans to complete major remodels of approximately 100 domestic Borders superstore locations, most of which will include conversion to Seattle’s Best cafes and Paperchase gifts and stationery shops, and plans to convert approximately 15 Waldenbooks stores to Borders Express. In addition, capital expenditures will result from International store openings, the new distribution center, continued investment in new buying, merchandising and warehouse management systems and maintenance spending for new stores, distribution centers and management information systems. The Company currently plans to open approximately 31 domestic Borders superstores and 12 to 14 International stores in 2006. Average
 
24
cash requirements for the opening of a prototype Borders Books and Music superstore are $2.4 million, representing capital expenditures of $1.2 million, inventory requirements (net of related accounts payable) of $0.3 million to $0.8 million, depending on the size and format of the store. Average cash requirements for a major remodel of a Borders superstore are between $0.1 million to $0.5 million, and average cash requirements for a Borders Express conversion are less than $0.1 million. The Company plans to lease new store locations predominantly under operating leases.

The Company plans to execute its expansion plans for Borders superstores and other strategic initiatives principally with funds generated from operations, financing through the Credit Agreement and other sources of new financing as deemed necessary, discussed below. The Company believes funds generated from operations, borrowings under the Credit Agreement and from other sources, as necessary, will be sufficient to fund its anticipated capital requirements for the next several years.

In January 2006, the Board of Directors authorized $250.0 million of potential share repurchases. During the 26 weeks ended July 29, 2006 and July 23, 2005, $61.4 million and $117.5 million of common stock were repurchased, respectively. The Company plans to continue the repurchase of its common stock throughout fiscal 2006, subject to the Company’s share price and capital needs and availability.

In 2004, the Company began paying a regular quarterly dividend, and intends to pay regular quarterly cash dividends, subject to Board approval, going forward. In December 2005, the Board of Directors increased the quarterly dividend by 11.1% to $0.10 per share. The declaration and payment of dividends, if any, is subject to the discretion of the Board and to certain limitations under the Michigan Business Corporation Act. In addition, the Company’s ability to pay dividends is restricted by certain agreements to which the Company is a party.

The Company has a Multicurrency Revolving Credit Agreement (the “Credit Agreement”), which was restated as of July 31, 2006, and which will expire in July 2011. The Credit Agreement provides for borrowings of up to $1,125.0 million secured by eligible inventory and accounts receivable and related assets. Borrowings under the Credit Agreement are limited to a specified percentage of eligible inventories and accounts receivable and bear interest at a variable base rate plus the applicable increment or LIBOR plus the applicable increment at the Company’s option. The Credit Agreement (i) includes a fixed charge coverage ratio requirement of 1.1 to 1 that is applicable only if outstanding borrowings under the facility exceed 90% of permitted borrowings thereunder, (ii) contains covenants that limit, among other things, the Company’s ability to incur indebtedness, grant liens, make investments, consolidate or merge or dispose of assets, (iii) prohibits dividend payments and share repurchases that would result in borrowings under the facility exceeding 90% of permitted borrowings thereunder, and (iv) contains default provisions that are typical for this type of financing, including a cross default provision relating to other indebtedness of more than $25.0 million. As of July 29, 2006 the Company was in compliance with all covenants contained within this agreement. The Company had borrowings outstanding under the Credit Agreement (or a prior agreement) of $506.9 million at July 29, 2006, $138.6 million at July 23, 2005 and $153.6 million at January 28, 2006.

On July 30, 2002, the Company issued $50.0 million of senior guaranteed notes (the “Notes”) due July 30, 2006 and bearing interest at 6.31% (payable semi-annually). The proceeds of the sale of the Notes were used to refinance existing indebtedness of the Company and its subsidiaries and for general corporate purposes. The note purchase agreement relating to the Notes contains covenants which limit, among other things, the Company’s ability to incur indebtedness, grant liens, make investments, engage in any merger or consolidation, dispose of assets or change the nature of its business, and requires the Company to meet certain financial measures regarding net worth, total debt coverage and fixed charge coverage. As of July 29, 2006 the Company was in compliance with all covenants contained within this agreement. The Company repaid the Notes with funds from the Credit Agreement on July 31, 2006.

In August 2003, the Company entered into an interest rate swap agreement which effectively converted the fixed interest rate on the Company’s Notes to a variable rate based on LIBOR. In accordance with the provisions of FAS 133, the Company designated this swap agreement as a fair market value hedge. The notional amount of the swap agreement is $50.0 million, and the agreement expires concurrently with the due date of the Notes. The Company settled this swap agreement on July 31, 2006, when the Notes were repaid.

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

The Company is the primary beneficiary of two variable interest entities (“VIEs”) due to the Company’s guarantee of the debt of these entities. As a result, the Company consolidates these VIEs and has recorded property and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation, of $5.2 million, long-term debt (including current portion) of $5.5 million and minority interest of $0.3 million at July 29, 2006. These amounts have been treated as non-cash items on the consolidated statements of cash flows.

25
Seasonality

The Company’s business is highly seasonal, with significantly higher sales and substantially all operating income realized during the fourth quarter.
 
Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

In the ordinary course of business, the Company has made a number of estimates and assumptions relating to the reporting of results of operations and financial condition in the preparation of its financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States. Actual results could differ from those estimates under different assumptions and conditions. Such estimates have been disclosed in the Company's last Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended January 28, 2006. There have been no significant changes in these estimates during the second quarter of fiscal 2006.

New Accounting Guidance

In February 2006, the FASB issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 155, “Accounting for Certain Hybrid Instruments” (“FAS 155”). FAS 155 allows financial instruments that have embedded derivatives to be accounted for as a whole (eliminating the need to bifurcate the derivative from its host) if the holder elects to account for the whole instrument on a fair value basis. This statement is effective for all financial instruments acquired or issued after the beginning of an entity’s first fiscal year that begins after September 15, 2006. The Company does not expect the adoption of FAS 155 to have a material impact on its consolidated financial position or results of operations.

In June 2006, the FASB issued Statement of FASB Interpretation No. 48, “Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes - an Interpretation of FASB Statement No. 109” (“FIN 48”). FIN 48 requires that the tax effects of a position be recognized only if it is “more-likely-than-not” to be sustained based solely on its technical merits as of the reporting date. The more-likely-than-not threshold represents a positive assertion by management that a company is entitled to the economic benefits of a tax position. If a tax position is not considered more-likely-than-not to be sustained based solely on its technical merits, no benefits of the position are to be recognized. Moreover, the more-likely-than-not threshold must continue to be met in each reporting period to support continued recognition of a benefit. This Interpretation is effective as of the beginning of the first fiscal year beginning after December 15, 2006. The Company does not expect the adoption of FIN 48 to have a material impact on its consolidated financial position or results of operations.

Also in June 2006, the FASB ratified the Emerging Issues Task Force (“EITF”) consensus on EITF Issue No. 06-3, “How Taxes Collected from Customers and Remitted to Governmental Authorities Should Be Presented in the Income Statement (That Is, Gross versus Net Presentation) (“EITF 06-3”). EITF 06-3 states that the classification of taxes as gross or net is an accounting policy decision that is dependent on the type of tax and that similar taxes are to be presented in a similar manner. EITF 06-3 is effective for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2006. The Company does not expect the adoption of EITF 06-3 to have an impact on its consolidated financial position or results of operations.

Related Party Transactions

The Company has not engaged in any related party transactions that would have had a material effect on the Company's financial position, cash flows, or results of operations.

Forward Looking Statements

This Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q contains forward-looking statements as defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements reflect management's current expectations and are inherently uncertain. The Company's actual results may differ significantly from management's expectations.


 
26

Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

The Company is exposed to market risk during the normal course of business from changes in interest rates and foreign currency exchange rates. The exposure to these risks is managed though a combination of normal operating and financing activities, which include the use of derivative financial instruments in the form of interest rate swaps and forward foreign currency exchange contracts.

There have been no material changes in this Item since the Company’s last Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended January 28, 2006.

Item 4. Controls and Procedures

Controls and Procedures: The Company’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have evaluated the effectiveness of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures, as such term is defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), as of July 29, 2006 (the “Evaluation Date”). Based on such evaluation, such officers have concluded that, as of the Evaluation Date, the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures were effective in alerting them on a timely basis to material information relating to the Company (including its consolidated subsidiaries) required to be included in the Company’s periodic filings under the Exchange Act. In reaching its conclusion, the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer took into account the event described in the final paragraph of this Item 4.

Changes in Internal Control: During the quarter ended July 29, 2006, the Company continued implementation of a new merchandising system in Waldenbooks, which it began during the third quarter of 2005. The Company believes the controls over the processes affected by the implementation are functioning effectively as of July 29, 2006.

During the quarter ended July 29, 2006, the Company undertook a review of both its disclosure controls and procedures and its internal control over financial reporting specific to the International segment. As a result of this review, the Company discovered errors in the reserve for aged non-returnable inventory in the Books etc. and United Kingdom Superstores divisions, and an error in the calculation of transaction currency gains and losses. The Company has corrected these errors, and as of the Evaluation Date, does not believe that it resulted from any material weakness in its internal control over financial reporting. The Company will continue its review of internal controls specific to the International segment and will also continue to take steps to remediate the procedures which led to the errors.

Part II - Other Information

Item 1. Legal Proceedings

For a description of certain legal proceedings affecting the Company, please review “Note 2 - Commitments and Contingencies”, on page 6 of this Report, which is incorporated herein by reference.

Item 1A. Risk Factors

The Company is subject to numerous risks and uncertainties which could adversely affect the Company’s business, financial condition, operating results and cash flows. Such risks and uncertainties have been disclosed in the Company's last Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended January 28, 2006. There have been no significant changes in these risks and uncertainties during the first quarter of fiscal 2006.


 
27

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

(c)  
The table below presents the total number of shares repurchased during the second quarter of fiscal 2006.

 
 
 
Fiscal Period
  
 
 
Total Number of Shares (1)
  
Average Price Paid per Share
(2)
  
Total Number of Shares Purchased as Part of Publicly Announced Plans or Programs (3)
  
Approximate Dollar Value of Shares that May Yet Be Purchased Under the Plans or Programs
  
                   
April 30 2006
through
May 27, 2006
    
50,000
  
$
21.17
    
50,000
  
$
222,735,422
  
                           
May 28, 2006
through
June 24, 2006
    
1,100,476
  
$
19.78
    
1,100,000
  
$
200,977,759
  
                           
June 25, 2006
through
July 29, 2006
    
1,128,364
  
$
18.50
    
1,125,000
  
$
180,167,427
  
                           
Total
   
2,278,840
  
$
19.18
    
2,275,000
  
$
180,167,427
  

(1)  
During the second quarter of 2006, the company retired 3,840 shares which were acquired pursuant to the Company’s employee benefit plans.

(2)  
Average price paid per share includes commissions and is rounded to the nearest two decimal places.

(3)  
On January 11, 2006, the Company announced that the Board of Directors authorized an increase in the amount of share repurchases to $250 million.

Item 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Securityholders

The following actions were taken at the Annual Meeting of the Company held on May 25, 2006, with the votes on such matters being indicated as below:

1. The following individuals were elected to serve as directors for one year terms expiring in 2007:

  Name 
  For 
Withheld 
Donald G. Campbell
58,056,022
1,226,988
Joel J. Cohen
58,724,364
558,646
Gregory P. Josefowicz
57,995,563
1,287,447
Amy B. Lane
58,717,311
565,699
Brian T. Light
58,731,609
551,401
Victor L. Lund
58,724,149
558,861
Dr. Edna Greene Medford
58,722,955
560,055
Lawrence I. Pollock
58,052,811
1,230,199
Beth M. Pritchard
58,712,917
570,093
Michael Weiss
51,801,901
7,481,109


 
28

2. Ratification of the selection of Ernst & Young LLP as the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm for fiscal 2006:

For
58,061,248 Shares
Against
1,206,048 Shares
Abstain
15,714 Shares
Broker Non-Votes
0 Shares

3. Shareholder proposal entitled “Director Election Majority Vote Standard.”

For
30,931,384 Shares
Against
21,294,744 Shares
Abstain
675,012 Shares
Broker Non-Votes
6,381,870 Shares

4. Shareholder proposal entitled “Separate the Roles of CEO and Board Chair.”

For
33,124,311 Shares
Against
19,669,691 Shares
Abstain
107,138 Shares
Broker Non-Votes
6,381,870 Shares

Item 6. Exhibits

Exhibits:

3.1(1)
Restated Articles of Incorporation of Borders Group, Inc.
3.2(2)
Restated bylaws of Borders Group, Inc.
3.3(3)
First Amendment to the Restated Bylaws of Borders Group, Inc.
10.30(3)
Employment Agreement between Mr. Jones and the Company
10.31(4)
Second Amended and Restated Multicurrency Revolving Credit Agreement dated as of July 31, 2006 among Borders Group, Inc., its subsidiaries and Parties thereto
31.1
Statement of George L. Jones, President and Chief Executive Officer of Borders Group, Inc. pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
31.2
Statement of Edward W. Wilhelm, Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Borders Group,
 
Inc. pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
32.1
Statement of George L. Jones, President and Chief Executive Officer of Borders Group, Inc. pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
32.2
Statement of Edward W. Wilhelm, Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Borders Group,
 
Inc. pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
   
 
 
(1)
Incorporated by reference from the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K dated January 24, 1999 (File No. 1-13740).
(2)
Incorporated by reference from the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K dated January 27, 2002 (File No. 1-13740).
(3)
Incorporated by reference from the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated July 13, 2006 (File No. 1-13740).
(4)
Incorporated by reference from the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated July 31, 2006 (File No. 1-13740).




 
29

SIGNATURES

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

BORDERS GROUP, INC.
(REGISTRANT)

Date: August 31, 2006                    By:/s/ Edward W. Wilhelm
Edward W. Wilhelm
Senior Vice President and
Chief Financial Officer
(Principal Financial and
Accounting Officer)


 
30

EXHIBIT INDEX
DESCRIPTION OF EXHIBITS

Exhibits:

3.1(1)
Restated Articles of Incorporation of Borders Group, Inc.
3.2(2)
Restated bylaws of Borders Group, Inc.
3.3(3)
First Amendment to the Restated Bylaws of Borders Group, Inc.
10.30(3)
Employment Agreement between Mr. Jones and the Company
10.31(4)
Second Amended and Restated Multicurrency Revolving Credit Agreement dated as of July 31, 2006 among Borders Group, Inc., its subsidiaries and Parties thereto
31.1
Statement of George L. Jones, President and Chief Executive Officer of Borders Group, Inc. pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
31.2
Statement of Edward W. Wilhelm, Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Borders Group,
 
Inc. pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
32.1
Statement of George L. Jones, President and Chief Executive Officer of Borders Group, Inc. pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
32.2
Statement of Edward W. Wilhelm, Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Borders Group,
 
Inc. pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
 
 
(1)
Incorporated by reference from the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K dated January 24, 1999 (File No. 1-13740).
(2)
Incorporated by reference from the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K dated January 27, 2002 (File No. 1-13740).
(3)
Incorporated by reference from the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated July 13, 2006 (File No. 1-13740).
(4)
Incorporated by reference from the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated July 31, 2006 (File No. 1-13740).

31
 EX-31.1 2 exh31ceo302.htm EXHIBIT 31.1 SOX 302 CERTIFICATION CEO Exhibit 31.1 SOX 302 Certification CEO

EXHIBIT 31.1


STATEMENT OF GEORGE L. JONES,
PRESIDENT AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER OF BORDERS GROUP, INC.
PURSUANT TO SECTION 302 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

I, George L. Jones, certify that:

1) I have reviewed this quarterly report on Form 10-Q of Borders Group, Inc.;

2) Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact  necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading  with respect to the period covered by this report;

3) Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all  material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented  in this report;

4) The registrant’s other certifying officers and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures  (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange  Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f))for the registrant and have:

 
a.
Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

 
b.
Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;

 
c.
Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

 
d.
Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and

5) The registrant’s other certifying officers and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over  financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors (or persons  performing the equivalent functions):

 
a.
all significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

 
b.
any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.


Date: August 31, 2006
 
By: /s/ George L. Jones
George L. Jones
President and Chief Executive Officer
Borders Group, Inc.

 EX-31.2 3 exh31cfo302.htm EXHIBIT 31.2 SOX 302 CERTIFICATION CFO Exhibit 31.2 SOX 302 certification CFO


EXHIBIT 31.2


STATEMENT OF EDWARD W. WILHELM,
SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT AND CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER OF BORDERS GROUP, INC.
PURSUANT TO SECTION 302 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

I, Edward W. Wilhelm, certify that:

1) I have reviewed this quarterly report on Form 10-Q of Borders Group, Inc.;

2) Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact  necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading  with respect to the period covered by this report;

3) Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all  material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented  in this report;

4) The registrant’s other certifying officers and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures  (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange  Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f))for the registrant and have:

 
a.
Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

 
b.
Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;

 
c.
Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

 
d.
Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and

5) The registrant’s other certifying officers and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over  financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors (or persons  performing the equivalent functions):

 
a.
all significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

b.  
any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.


Date: August 31, 2006
 
By: /s/ Edward W. Wilhelm
Edward W. Wilhelm
Senior Vice President and
Chief Financial Officer
(Principal Financial and
Accounting Officer)

 EX-32.1 4 exh32soc906ceo.htm EXHIBIT 32.1 SOX 906 CERTIFICATION CEO Exhibit 32.1 SOX 906 Certification CEO
 

 
 
I, George L. Jones, certify that the Form 10-Q for the quarter ended July 29, 2006, of Borders Group, Inc. fully complies with the requirements of section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (15 U.S.C. 78m or 78o(d)) and that the information contained in the periodic report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of Borders Group, Inc.
 
 


 
 
 
Date: August 31, 2006
 

/s/ George L. Jones
George L. Jones
President and Chief Executive Officer
Borders Group, Inc.



 EX-32.2 5 exh32sox906cfo.htm EXHIBIT 32.2 SOX 906 CERTIFICATION CFO Exhibit 32.2 SOX 906 Certification CFO

 
 
I, Edward W. Wilhelm, certify that the Form 10-Q for the quarter ended July 29, 2006, of Borders Group, Inc. fully complies with the requirements of section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (15 U.S.C. 78m or 78o(d)) and that the information contained in the periodic report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of Borders Group, Inc.
 
 

 
 
Date: August 31, 2006
 

/s/ Edward W. Wilhelm
Edward W. Wilhelm
Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
Borders Group, Inc.



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