Table of Contents

 

 

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

 

 

FORM 10-Q

 

 

 

(Mark One)

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

For the quarterly period ended July 29, 2017

OR

 

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

For the transition period from                     to                    

Commission File Number: 1-12302

 

 

BARNES & NOBLE, INC.

(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter)

 

 

 

Delaware   06-1196501

(State or Other Jurisdiction of

Incorporation or Organization)

 

(I.R.S. Employer

Identification No.)

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

(212) 633-3300

(Registrant’s Telephone Number, Including Area Code)

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

 

 

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

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Website, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).    Yes ☒    No ☐

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

 

Large accelerated filer 

 

  

Accelerated filer

 

Non-accelerated filer

 

☐  (Do not check if a smaller reporting company)

  

Smaller reporting company 

 

    

Emerging growth company 

 

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

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

As of August 31, 2017, 72,629,065 shares of Common Stock, par value $0.001 per share, were outstanding, which number includes 76,706 shares of unvested restricted stock that have voting rights and are held by members of the Board of Directors and the Company’s employees.

 

 

 


Table of Contents

BARNES & NOBLE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Fiscal Quarter Ended July 29, 2017

Index to Form 10-Q

 

          Page No.  

PART I -

  

FINANCIAL INFORMATION

  

Item 1.

  

Financial Statements (Unaudited)

  
  

Consolidated Statements of Operations – For the 13 weeks ended July 29, 2017 and July 30, 2016

     3  
  

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Loss – For the 13 weeks ended July 29, 2017 and July 30, 2016

     4  
  

Consolidated Balance Sheets – July 29, 2017, July  30, 2016 and April 29, 2017

     5  
  

Consolidated Statement of Changes in Shareholders’ Equity – For the 13 weeks ended July 29, 2017

     6  
  

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows – For the 13 weeks ended July 29, 2017 and July 30, 2016

     7  
  

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

     8  

Item 2.

  

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

     19  

Item 3.

  

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

     26  

Item 4.

  

Controls and Procedures

     26  

PART II -

  

OTHER INFORMATION

  

Item 1.

  

Legal Proceedings

     27  

Item 1A.

  

Risk Factors

     29  

Item 2.

  

Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

     29  

Item 6.

  

Exhibits

     30  
  

SIGNATURES

     31  
  

EXHIBIT INDEX

     32  


Table of Contents

PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION

 

Item   1: Financial Statements

BARNES & NOBLE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Consolidated Statements of Operations

(In thousands, except per share data)

(unaudited)

 

     13 weeks ended  
     July 29,
2017
    July 30,
2016
 

Sales

   $ 853,316       913,882  

Cost of sales and occupancy

     599,835       636,343  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Gross profit

     253,481       277,539  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Selling and administrative expenses

     242,295       267,891  

Depreciation and amortization

     26,398       31,037  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Operating loss

     (15,212     (21,389

Interest expense, net and amortization of deferred financing fees

     2,040       1,629  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Loss before taxes

     (17,252     (23,018

Income taxes benefit

     (6,474     (8,602
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net loss

   $ (10,778     (14,416
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Loss per common share:

    

Basic

   $ (0.15     (0.20

Diluted

   $ (0.15     (0.20

Weighted average common shares outstanding:

    

Basic

     72,453       72,903  

Diluted

     72,453       72,903  

Dividends declared per common share

   $ 0.15       0.15  

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

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BARNES & NOBLE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Loss

(In thousands)

(unaudited)

 

     13 weeks ended  
     July 29,
2017
    July 30,
2016
 

Net loss

   $ (10,778     (14,416

Other comprehensive income, net of tax:

    

Decrease in postretirement plan liability (net of deferred tax expense of $0 and $30, respectively)

     —         47  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total comprehensive loss

   $ (10,778     (14,369
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

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BARNES & NOBLE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Consolidated Balance Sheets

(In thousands, except per share data)

 

     July 29,
2017
    July 30,
2016
    April 29,
2017
 
     (unaudited)     (unaudited)        
ASSETS       

Current assets:

      

Cash and cash equivalents

   $ 11,978       14,279       11,993  

Receivables, net

     64,016       102,289       67,294  

Merchandise inventories, net

     950,658       988,172       946,909  

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

     110,314       118,588       101,816  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total current assets

     1,136,966       1,223,328       1,128,012  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Property and equipment:

      

Land and land improvements

     2,541       2,541       2,541  

Buildings and leasehold improvements

     1,069,981       1,052,576       1,072,007  

Fixtures and equipment

     1,625,127       1,578,172       1,608,433  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
     2,697,649     2,633,289     2,682,981  

Less accumulated depreciation and amortization

     2,427,178       2,343,382       2,406,859  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net property and equipment

     270,471       289,907       276,122  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Goodwill

     207,381       211,276       207,381  

Intangible assets, net

     310,010       310,713       310,205  

Other non-current assets

     10,530       12,930       11,201  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total assets

   $ 1,935,358       2,048,154       1,932,921  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY       

Current liabilities:

      

Accounts payable

   $ 511,226       579,777       473,686  

Accrued liabilities

     265,400       307,374       283,157  

Gift card liabilities

     337,965       360,679       351,424  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total current liabilities

     1,114,591       1,247,830       1,108,267  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Long-term debt

     84,100       64,600       64,900  

Deferred taxes

     83,785       54,290       86,132  

Other long-term liabilities

     97,099       111,341       99,311  

Shareholders’ equity:

      

Common stock; $0.001 par value; 300,000 shares authorized; 112,092, 111,416 and 111,933 shares issued, respectively

     112       112       112  

Additional paid-in capital

     1,744,013       1,740,843       1,741,380  

Accumulated other comprehensive income

     315       198       315  

Retained earnings

     (67,131     (50,007     (46,425

Treasury stock, at cost, 39,558, 38,845 and 39,497 shares, respectively

     (1,121,526     (1,121,053     (1,121,071
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total shareholders’ equity

     555,783       570,093       574,311  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Commitments and contingencies

     —         —         —    
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity

   $ 1,935,358       2,048,154       1,932,921  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

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BARNES & NOBLE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Consolidated Statement of Changes in Shareholders’ Equity

For the 13 weeks ended July 29, 2017

(In thousands)

(unaudited)

 

     Common
Stock
     Additional
Paid-In
Capital
     Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Gains
     Retained
Earnings
    Treasury
Stock at
Cost
    Total  

Balance at April 29, 2017

   $ 112        1,741,380        315        (46,425     (1,121,071   $ 574,311  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Adoption of ASU 2016-09 (see Note 18)

     —          1,310        —          1,037       —         2,347  

Net loss

     —          —          —          (10,778     —         (10,778

Stock-based compensation expense

     —          1,323        —          —         —         1,323  

Cash dividends declared

     —          —          —          (10,877     —         (10,877

Accrued dividends for long-term incentive awards

     —          —          —          (88     —         (88

Purchase of treasury stock related to stock-based compensation, 62 shares

     —          —          —          —         (455     (455
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Balance at July 29, 2017

   $ 112        1,744,013        315        (67,131     (1,121,526   $ 555,783  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

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BARNES & NOBLE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

(In thousands)

(unaudited)

 

     13 weeks ended  
     July 29,
2017
    July 30,
2016
 

Cash flows from operating activities:

    

Net loss

   $ (10,778     (14,416

Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash flows from operating activities:

    

Depreciation and amortization (including amortization of deferred financing fees)

     26,885       31,520  

Stock-based compensation expense

     1,323       3,075  

Loss on disposal of property and equipment

     159       628  

Net decrease in other long-term liabilities

     (2,212     (2,766

Net decrease in other non-current assets

     178       220  

Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net

     (2,733     9,369  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net cash flows provided by operating activities

     12,822       27,630  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Cash flows from investing activities:

    

Purchases of property and equipment

     (20,705     (22,802
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net cash flows used in investing activities

     (20,705     (22,802
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Cash flows from financing activities:

    

Proceeds from credit facility

     238,600       296,400  

Payments on credit facility

     (219,400     (279,000

Cash dividends paid

     (10,877     (11,116

Treasury stock repurchase plan

     —         (9,743

Purchase of treasury stock related to stock-based compensation

     (455     (872

Cash dividends paid for long-term incentive awards

     —         (56
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net cash flows provided by (used in) financing activities

     7,868       (4,387
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

     (15     441  

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period

     11,993       13,838  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period

   $ 11,978       14,279  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net:

    

Receivables, net

   $ 3,278       22,628  

Merchandise inventories, net

     (3,749     (54,449

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

     (8,498     (12,706

Accounts payable, accrued liabilities and gift card liabilities

     6,236       53,896  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net

   $ (2,733     9,369  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Supplemental cash flow information

  

Cash paid during the period for:

  

Interest

   $ 1,536       1,103  

Income taxes (net of refunds)

   $ (352     1,518  

Non-cash financing activity:

  

Accrued dividends for long-term incentive awards

   $ 665       520  

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

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BARNES & NOBLE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

For the 13 weeks ended July 29, 2017 and July 30, 2016

(Thousands of dollars, except per share data)

(unaudited)

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

In the opinion of the Company’s management, the accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements of the Company contain all adjustments (consisting of only normal recurring adjustments) necessary to present fairly its consolidated financial position as of July 29, 2017 and the results of its operations for the 13 weeks and its cash flows for the 13 weeks then ended. These consolidated financial statements are condensed and therefore do not include all of the information and footnotes required by generally accepted accounting principles. The consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the 52 weeks ended April 29, 2017 (fiscal 2017).

Due to the seasonal nature of the business, the results of operations for the 13 weeks ended July 29, 2017 are not indicative of the results expected for the 52 weeks ending April 28, 2018 (fiscal 2018).

 

  1. EBook Settlement

The Company provided credits to eligible customers resulting from the settlement reached with Apple Inc. (Apple) in an antitrust lawsuit filed by various State Attorneys General and private class plaintiffs regarding the price of digital books. The Company’s customers were entitled to $95,707 in total credits as a result of the settlement, which was funded by Apple. If a customer’s credit was not used to make a purchase by June 24, 2017, the entire credit would have expired. The program concluded on July 1, 2017, through which date the Company’s customers had activated $60,385 in credits, of which $54,805 were redeemed. No balances are due from the Apple settlement fund as of July 29, 2017.

 

  2. Merchandise Inventories

Merchandise inventories, except NOOK merchandise inventories, are stated at the lower of cost or market. Cost is determined primarily by the retail inventory method under the first-in, first-out (FIFO) basis. NOOK merchandise inventories are recorded based on the average cost method and are valued at the lower of cost and net realizable value.

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

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

 

  3. Revenue Recognition

Revenue from sales of the Company’s products is recognized at the time of sale or shipment, other than those with multiple elements and Free On Board (FOB) destination point shipping terms. The Company accrues for estimated sales returns in the period in which the related revenue is recognized based on historical experience. ECommerce revenue from sales of products ordered through the Company’s websites is recognized upon estimated delivery and receipt of the shipment by its customers. Freight costs are included within the Company’s cost of sales and occupancy. Sales taxes collected from retail customers are excluded from reported revenues. All of the Company’s sales are recognized as revenue on a “net” basis, including sales in connection with any periodic promotions offered to customers. The Company does not treat any promotional offers as expenses.

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

 

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

The average percentage of a NOOK ® ’s sales price that is deferred for undelivered items and recognized over its 2-year estimated life ranges between 0% and 5%, depending on the type of device sold. The amount of NOOK ® -related deferred revenue as of July 29, 2017, July 30, 2016 and April 29, 2017 was $176, $94 and $226, respectively. These amounts are classified on the Company’s balance sheet in accrued liabilities for the portion that is subject to deferral for one year or less and other long-term liabilities for the portion that is subject to deferral for more than one year.

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

The Company rents physical textbooks. Revenue from the rental of physical textbooks is deferred and recognized over the rental period commencing at point of sale. The Company offers a buyout option to allow the purchase of a rented book at the end of the semester. The Company records the buyout purchase when the customer exercises and pays the buyout option price. In these instances, the Company would accelerate any remaining deferred rental revenue at the point of sale.

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

The Barnes & Noble Member Program offers members greater discounts and other benefits for products and services, as well as exclusive offers and promotions via e-mail or direct mail, for an annual fee of $25.00, which is non-refundable after the first 30 days. Revenue is recognized over the 12-month period based upon historical spending patterns for Barnes & Noble Members.

 

  4. Research and Development Costs for Software Products

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

 

  5. Internal-Use Software and Website Development Costs

Direct costs incurred to develop software for internal use and website development costs are capitalized and amortized over an estimated useful life of three to seven years. The Company capitalized costs, primarily related to labor, consulting, hardware and software, of $2,681 and $6,341 during the 13 weeks ended July 29, 2017 and July 30, 2016, respectively. Amortization of previously capitalized amounts was $5,374 and $6,595 during the 13 weeks ended July 29, 2017 and July 30, 2016, respectively. Costs related to the design or maintenance of internal-use software and website development are expensed as incurred.

 

  6. Net Earnings (Loss) per Share

In accordance with ASC 260-10-45, Share-Based Payment Arrangements and Participating Securities and the Two-Class Method , unvested share-based payment awards that contain rights to receive non-forfeitable dividends are considered participating securities. The Company’s unvested restricted shares and unvested restricted stock units granted prior to July 15, 2015 and shares issuable under the Company’s deferred compensation plan were considered participating securities. Cash dividends to

 

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restricted stock units and performance-based stock units granted on or after July 15, 2015 are not distributed until and except to the extent that the restricted stock units vest, and in the case of performance-based stock units, until and except to the extent that the performance metrics are achieved or are otherwise deemed satisfied. Stock options do not receive cash dividends. As such, these awards are not considered participating securities.

Basic earnings per common share are calculated by dividing the net income, adjusted for preferred dividends and income allocated to participating securities, by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted net income per common share reflects the dilution that would occur if any potentially dilutive instruments were exercised or converted into common shares. The dilutive effect of participating securities is calculated using the more dilutive of the treasury stock method or two-class method. Other potentially dilutive securities include preferred stock, stock options, restricted stock units granted after July 15, 2015, and performance-based stock units and are included in diluted shares to the extent they are dilutive under the treasury stock method for the applicable periods.

During periods of net loss, no effect is given to the participating securities because they do not share in the losses of the Company. Due to the net loss during the 13 weeks ended July 29, 2017 and July 30, 2016, participating securities in the amounts of 110,386 and 1,386,935, respectively, were excluded from the calculation of loss per share using the two-class method because the effect would be antidilutive. The Company’s outstanding non-participating securities consisting of dilutive stock options and restricted stock units of 8,417 and 206,372 for the 13 weeks ended July 29, 2017 and July 30, 2016, respectively, were excluded from the calculation of loss per share using the two-class method because the effect would be antidilutive.

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

 

     13 weeks ended  
     July 29,
2017
     July 30,
2016
 

Numerator for basic loss per share:

     

Net loss

   $ (10,778      (14,416

Less allocation of dividends to participating securities

     (11      (203
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net loss available to common shareholders

   $ (10,789      (14,619
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Numerator for diluted loss per share:

     

Net loss available to common shareholders

   $ (10,789      (14,619

Denominator for basic and diluted loss per share:

     

Basic and diluted weighted average common shares

     72,453        72,903  

Loss per common share:

     

Basic

   $ (0.15      (0.20

Diluted

   $ (0.15      (0.20

 

  7. Segment Reporting

The Company’s two operating segments are B&N Retail and NOOK.

B&N Retail

This segment includes 632 bookstores as of July 29, 2017, primarily under the Barnes & Noble Booksellers trade name. These Barnes & Noble stores generally offer a comprehensive trade book title base, a café, and departments dedicated to Juvenile, Toys & Games, DVDs, Music & Vinyl, Gift, Magazine, Bargain products and a dedicated NOOK ® area. The stores also offer a calendar of ongoing events, including author appearances and children’s activities. The B&N Retail segment also includes the Company’s eCommerce website, www.barnesandnoble.com, and its publishing operation, Sterling Publishing Co., Inc.

NOOK

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

 

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

 

Sales by Segment    13 weeks ended  
     July 29,
2017
    July 30,
2016
 

B&N Retail

   $ 830,036       881,713  

NOOK

     29,500       41,048  

Elimination (a)

     (6,220     (8,879
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

   $ 853,316       913,882  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 
Sales by Product Line    13 weeks ended  
     July 29,
2017
    July 30,
2016
 

Media (b)

     73     72

Digital (c)

     3     4

Other (d)

     24     24
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

     100     100
  

 

 

   

 

 

 
Depreciation and Amortization    13 weeks ended  
     July 29,
2017
    July 30,
2016
 

B&N Retail

   $ 23,079       24,962  

NOOK

     3,319       6,075  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

   $ 26,398       31,037  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 
Operating Loss    13 weeks ended  
     July 29,
2017
    July 30,
2016
 

B&N Retail

   $ (12,510     (7,367

NOOK

     (2,702     (14,022
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

   $ (15,212     (21,389
  

 

 

   

 

 

 
Capital Expenditures    13 weeks ended  
     July 29,
2017
    July 30,
2016
 

B&N Retail

   $ 18,899       21,826  

NOOK

     1,806       976  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

   $ 20,705       22,802  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 
Total Assets (e)             
     July 29,
2017
    July 30,
2016
 

B&N Retail

   $ 1,905,471       1,925,281  

NOOK (f)

     29,887       122,873  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

   $ 1,935,358       2,048,154  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

(a) Represents sales from NOOK to B&N Retail on a sell-through basis.
(b) Includes tangible books, music, movies, rentals and newsstand.
(c)   Includes NOOK ® , related accessories, eContent and warranties.
(d)   Includes Toys & Games, café products, gifts and miscellaneous other.
(e)   Excludes intercompany balances.
(f)   Decrease in assets is related to the net tax receivable position.

 

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

 

     13 weeks ended  
     July 29,
2017
     July 30,
2016
 

Reportable segments operating loss

   $ (15,212      (21,389

Interest expense, net and amortization of deferred financing fees

     2,040        1,629  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Consolidated loss before taxes

   $ (17,252      (23,018
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

  8. Intangible Assets and Goodwill

 

            As of July 29, 2017  

Amortizable Intangible Assets

   Useful
Life
     Gross Carrying
Amount
     Accumulated
Amortization
     Total  

Technology

     5-10      $ 10,710        (10,099    $ 611  

Distribution contracts

     10        8,325        (8,275      50  

Other

     3-10        6,463        (6,408      55  
     

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
      $ 25,498        (24,782    $ 716  
     

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

Unamortizable Intangible Assets

      

Trade name

   $ 293,400  

Publishing contracts

     15,894  
  

 

 

 
   $ 309,294  
  

 

 

 

Total amortizable and unamortizable intangible assets as of July 29, 2017

   $ 310,010  
  

 

 

 

 

            As of July 30, 2016  

Amortizable Intangible Assets

   Useful
Life
     Gross Carrying
Amount
     Accumulated
Amortization
     Total  

Technology

     5-10      $ 10,710        (9,691    $ 1,019  

Distribution contracts

     10        8,325        (7,979      346  

Other

     3-10        6,375        (6,321      54  
     

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
      $ 25,410        (23,991    $ 1,419  
     

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

Unamortizable Intangible Assets

      

Trade name

   $ 293,400  

Publishing contracts

     15,894  
  

 

 

 
   $ 309,294  
  

 

 

 

Total amortizable and unamortizable intangible assets as of July 30, 2016

   $ 310,713  
  

 

 

 

All amortizable intangible assets are being amortized over their useful life on a straight-line basis.

 

Aggregate Amortization Expense

      

For the 13 weeks ended July 29, 2017

   $ 200  

For the 13 weeks ended July 30, 2016

   $ 191  

 

Estimated Amortization Expense

      

(12 months ending on or about April 30)

  

2018

   $ 591  

2019

   $ 325  

The carrying amount of goodwill was $207,381 and $211,276 as of July 29, 2017 and July 30, 2016, respectively.

 

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  9. Gift Cards

The Company sells gift cards, which can be used in its stores, on www.barnesandnoble.com, on NOOK ® devices and at Barnes & Noble Education, Inc. (B&N Education) stores. The Company does not charge administrative or dormancy fees on gift cards and gift cards have no expiration dates. Upon the purchase of a gift card, a liability is established for its cash value. Revenue associated with gift cards is deferred until redemption of the gift card. Gift cards redeemed at B&N Education are funded by the gift card liability at the Company. Over time, a portion of the gift cards issued is typically not redeemed. The Company estimates the portion of the gift card liability for which the likelihood of redemption is remote based upon the Company’s historical redemption patterns. The Company records this amount in revenue on a straight-line basis over a 12-month period beginning in the 13 th month after the month the gift card was originally sold. Additional breakage may be required if gift card redemptions continue to run lower than historical patterns.

The Company recognized gift card breakage of $4,870 and $4,921 during the 13 weeks ended July 29, 2017 and July 30, 2016, respectively. The Company had gift card liabilities of $337,965 and $360,679 as of July 29, 2017 and July 30, 2016, respectively.

 

  10. Other Long-Term Liabilities

Other long-term liabilities consist primarily of deferred rent, tax liabilities and reserves, long-term insurance liabilities and asset retirement obligations. The Company provides for minimum rent expense over the lease terms (including the build-out period) on a straight-line basis. The excess of such rent expense over actual lease payments (net of tenant allowances) is classified as deferred rent. Other long-term liabilities also include store closing expenses, long-term deferred revenues and a health care and life insurance plan for certain retired employees. The Company had the following other long-term liabilities at July 29, 2017, July 30, 2016 and April 29, 2017:

 

     July 29,
2017
     July 30,
2016
     April 29,
2017
 

Deferred rent

   $ 57,273        65,190        59,142  

Tax liabilities and reserves

     8,711        13,758        8,711  

Insurance liabilities

     14,410        15,599        14,225  

Asset retirement obligations

     11,488        11,681        11,482  

Other

     5,217        5,113        5,751  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total other long-term liabilities

   $ 97,099        111,341        99,311  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

  11. Income Taxes

The Company recorded an income tax benefit of $6,474 on a pre-tax loss of $17,252 during the 13 weeks ended July 29, 2017, which represented an effective income tax rate of 37.5%. The Company recorded an income tax benefit of $8,602 on a pre-tax loss of $23,018 during the 13 weeks ended July 30, 2016, which represented an effective income tax rate of 37.4%. The Company’s effective tax rate differs from the statutory rate due to the impact of permanent items such as meals and entertainment, non-deductible executive compensation, tax credits, changes in uncertain tax positions and state tax provision, net of federal benefit. The Company continues to maintain a valuation allowance against certain state items.

During the 13 weeks ended July 29, 2017, the Company recognized $566 tax expense as a result of the adoption of ASU 2016-09, which requires all excess tax benefits or deficiencies from share-based payments to be recognized as income tax expense or benefit in the consolidated statement of operations as discrete in the reporting period in which they occur. Additionally, the Company recorded unrecognized excess tax benefits of $1,823 as a cumulative-effect adjustment, which increased retained earnings, and reduced deferred taxes by the same.

The Company believes that it is reasonably possible that the total amount of unrecognized tax benefits at July 29, 2017 could decrease by approximately $3,568 within the next twelve months, as a result of settlement of certain tax audits or lapses of statutes of limitations, which could impact the effective tax rate.

 

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  12. Fair Values of Financial Instruments

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

 

Level 1    –      Observable inputs that reflect quoted prices in active markets
Level 2    –      Inputs other than quoted prices in active markets that are either directly or indirectly observable
Level 3    –      Unobservable inputs in which little or no market data exists, therefore requiring the Company to develop its own assumptions

The Company’s financial instruments include cash, receivables, gift cards, accrued liabilities, accounts payable and its credit facility. The fair values of cash, receivables, gift cards, accrued liabilities and accounts payable approximate carrying values because of the short-term nature of these instruments. The Company believes that its credit facility approximates fair value since interest rates are adjusted to reflect current rates.

 

  13. Credit Facility

On August 3, 2015, the Company and certain of its subsidiaries entered into a credit agreement (Credit Agreement) with Bank of America, N.A., as administrative agent, collateral agent and swing line lender, and the other lenders from time to time party thereto, under which the lenders committed to provide a five-year asset-backed revolving credit facility in an aggregate committed principal amount of up to $700,000 (Revolving Credit Facility). On September 30, 2016, the Company amended the Credit Agreement to provide for a new “first-in, last-out” revolving credit facility (the FILO Credit Facility and, together with the Revolving Credit Facility, the Credit Facility) in an aggregate principal amount of up to $50,000, which supplements availability under the Revolving Credit Facility. The Company generally must draw down the FILO Credit Facility before making any borrowings under the Revolving Credit Facility.

Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated, J.P. Morgan Securities LLC, Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. and SunTrust Robinson Humphrey, Inc. are the joint lead arrangers for the Credit Facility. The Credit Facility replaced the prior credit facility. Proceeds from the Credit Facility are used for general corporate purposes, including seasonal working capital needs.

The Company and certain of its subsidiaries are permitted to borrow under the Credit Facility. The Credit Facility is secured by substantially all of the inventory, accounts receivable and related assets of the borrowers under the Credit Facility (collectively, the Loan Parties), but excluding the equity interests in the Company and its subsidiaries, intellectual property, equipment and certain other property. Borrowings under the Credit Facility are limited to a specified percentage of eligible collateral. The Company has the option to request an increase in commitments under the Credit Facility of up to $250,000, subject to certain restrictions.

The Credit Facility allows the Company to declare and pay up to $70,000 in dividends annually to its stockholders without compliance with any availability or ratio-based limitations.

Interest under the Revolving Credit Facility accrues, at the election of the Company, at a LIBOR or alternate base rate, plus, in each case, an applicable interest rate margin, which is determined by reference to the level of excess availability under the Revolving Credit Facility. Through the end of the fiscal quarter during which the closing of the Revolving Credit Facility occurred, loans under the Revolving Credit Facility bore interest at LIBOR plus 1.750% per annum, in the case of LIBOR borrowings, or at the alternate base rate plus 0.750% per annum, in the alternative, and thereafter the interest rate began to fluctuate between LIBOR plus 2.000% per annum and LIBOR plus 1.500% per annum (or between the alternate base rate plus 1.000% per annum and the alternate base rate plus 0.500% per annum), based upon the average daily availability under the Revolving Credit Facility for the immediately preceding fiscal quarter. Interest under the FILO Credit Facility accrues, at the election of the Company, at a LIBOR or alternate base rate, plus, in each case, an applicable interest rate margin, which is also determined by reference to the level of excess availability under the Revolving Credit Facility. Loans under the FILO Credit Facility bear interest at 1.000% per annum more than loans under the Revolving Credit Facility.

The Credit Agreement contains customary negative covenants, which limit the Company’s ability to incur additional indebtedness, create liens, make investments, make restricted payments or specified payments and merge or acquire assets, among other things. In addition, if excess availability under the Credit Facility were to fall below certain specified levels, certain additional

covenants (including fixed charge coverage ratio requirements) would be triggered, and the lenders would assume dominion and

control over the Loan Parties’ cash.

 

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The Credit Agreement contains customary events of default, including payment defaults, material breaches of representations and warranties, covenant defaults, default on other material indebtedness, customary ERISA events of default, bankruptcy and insolvency, material judgments, invalidity of liens on collateral, change of control or cessation of business. The Credit Agreement also contains customary affirmative covenants and representations and warranties.

The Company wrote off $460 of deferred financing fees related to the prior credit facility during the second quarter of fiscal 2016 and the remaining unamortized deferred financing fees of $3,542 were deferred and are being amortized over the five-year term of the Credit Facility. The Company also incurred $5,701 of fees to secure the Credit Facility, which are being amortized over the five-year term accordingly. During the second quarter of fiscal 2017, the Company incurred $474 of fees to secure the FILO Credit Facility, which are being amortized over the same term as the Credit Facility.

The Company had $84,100 and $64,600 of outstanding debt under the Credit Facility as of July 29, 2017 and July 30, 2016, respectively. The Company had $35,833 and $38,895 of outstanding letters of credit under its Credit Facility as of July 29, 2017 and July 30, 2016, respectively.

 

  14. Stock-Based Compensation

For the 13 weeks ended July 29, 2017 and July 30, 2016, the Company recognized stock-based compensation expense in selling and administrative expenses as follows:

 

     13 weeks ended  
     July 29,
2017
     July 30,
2016
 

Restricted Stock Expense

   $ 210        210  

Restricted Stock Units Expense

     909        2,561  

Performance-Based Stock Unit Expense

     204        304  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Stock-Based Compensation Expense

   $ 1,323        3,075  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

  15. Defined Contribution Plan

The Company maintains a defined contribution plan (the Savings Plan) for the benefit of substantially all employees. Total Company contributions charged to employee benefit expenses for the Savings Plan were $3,049 and $3,387 for the 13 weeks ended July 29, 2017 and July 30, 2016, respectively.

 

  16.    Shareholders’ Equity

On October 20, 2015, the Company’s Board of Directors authorized a stock repurchase program (prior repurchase plan) of up to $50,000 of its common shares. On March 15, 2017, subsequent to completing the prior repurchase plan, the Company’s Board of Directors authorized a new stock repurchase program of up to $50,000 of its common shares. Stock repurchases under this program may be made through open market and privately negotiated transactions from time to time and in such amounts as management deems appropriate. The new stock repurchase program has no expiration date and may be suspended or discontinued at any time. The Company’s repurchase plan is intended to comply with the requirements of Rule 10b-18 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. The Company did not repurchase shares under this plan during the 13 weeks ended July 29, 2017. During the 13 weeks ended July 30, 2016, the Company repurchased 830,583 shares at a cost of $9,743 under the prior repurchase plan. The Company has remaining capacity of $50,000 under the new repurchase program as of July 29, 2017.

As of July 29, 2017, the Company has repurchased 39,558,301 shares at a cost of approximately $1,086,869 since the inception of the Company’s stock repurchase programs. The repurchased shares are held in treasury.

 

  17. Legal Proceedings

The Company is involved in a variety of claims, suits, investigations and proceedings that arise from time to time in the ordinary course of its business, including actions with respect to contracts, intellectual property, taxation, employment, benefits,

securities, personal injuries and other matters. The results of these proceedings in the ordinary course of business are not expected to have a material adverse effect on the Company’s consolidated financial position or results of operations.

 

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The Company records a liability when it believes that it is both probable that a liability will be incurred, and the amount of loss can be reasonably estimated. The Company evaluates, at least quarterly, developments in its legal matters that could affect the amount of liability that has been previously accrued and makes adjustments as appropriate. Significant judgment is required to determine both probability and the estimated amount of a loss or potential loss. The Company may be unable to reasonably estimate the reasonably possible loss or range of loss for a particular legal contingency for various reasons, including, among others: (i) if the damages sought are indeterminate; (ii) if proceedings are in the early stages; (iii) if there is uncertainty as to the outcome of pending proceedings (including motions and appeals); (iv) if there is uncertainty as to the likelihood of settlement and the outcome of any negotiations with respect thereto; (v) if there are significant factual issues to be determined or resolved; (vi) if the proceedings involve a large number of parties; (vii) if relevant law is unsettled or novel or untested legal theories are presented; or (viii) if the proceedings are taking place in jurisdictions where the laws are complex or unclear. In such instances, there is considerable uncertainty regarding the ultimate resolution of such matters, including a possible eventual loss, if any.

Legal matters are inherently unpredictable and subject to significant uncertainties, some of which are beyond the Company’s control. As such, there can be no assurance that the final outcome of these matters will not materially and adversely affect the Company’s business, financial condition, results of operations, or cash flows.

Except as otherwise described below with respect to the Adrea LLC (Adrea) matter, the Company has determined that a loss is reasonably possible with respect to the matters described below. Based on its current knowledge, the Company has determined that the amount of loss or range of loss that is reasonably possible, including any reasonably possible losses in excess of amounts already accrued, is not estimable. With respect to the Adrea matter, the Company has determined there will be a loss, as described below.

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

PIN Pad Litigation

As previously disclosed, the Company discovered that PIN pads in certain of its stores had been tampered with to allow criminal access to card data and PIN numbers on credit and debit cards swiped through the terminals. Following public disclosure of this matter on October 24, 2012, the Company was served with four putative class action complaints (three in federal district court in the Northern District of Illinois and one in the Northern District of California), each of which alleged on behalf of national and other classes of customers who swiped credit and debit cards in Barnes & Noble Retail stores common law claims such as negligence, breach of contract and invasion of privacy, as well as statutory claims such as violations of the Fair Credit Reporting Act, state data breach notification statutes, and state unfair and deceptive practices statutes. The actions sought various forms of relief including damages, injunctive or equitable relief, multiple or punitive damages, attorneys’ fees, costs, and interest. All four cases were transferred and/or assigned to a single judge in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois, and a single consolidated amended complaint was filed. The Company filed a motion to dismiss the consolidated amended complaint in its entirety, and in September 2013, the Court granted the motion to dismiss without prejudice. The Plaintiffs then filed an amended complaint, and the Company filed a second motion to dismiss. On October 3, 2016, the Court granted the second motion to dismiss, and dismissed the case without prejudice; in doing so, the Court permitted plaintiffs to file a second amended complaint by October 31, 2016. On October 31, 2016, the plaintiffs filed a second amended complaint, and on January 25, 2017 the Company filed a motion to dismiss the second amended complaint. On June 13, 2017, the Court granted the Company’s motion to dismiss with prejudice. Plaintiffs filed a notice of appeal to the United States Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit, and that appeal is currently being briefed. No hearing date has been established by the Court.

Cassandra Carag individually and on behalf of others similarly situated v. Barnes & Noble, Inc., Barnes & Noble Booksellers, Inc. and DOES 1 through 100 inclusive

On November 27, 2013, former Associate Store Manager Cassandra Carag (Carag) brought suit in Sacramento County Superior Court, asserting claims on behalf of herself and all other hourly (non-exempt) Barnes & Noble employees in California in the preceding four years for unpaid regular and overtime wages based on alleged off-the-clock work, penalties and pay based on missed meal and rest breaks, and for improper wage statements, payroll records, and untimely pay at separation as a result of the alleged pay errors during employment. Via the complaint, Carag seeks to recover unpaid wages and statutory penalties for all hourly Barnes & Noble employees within California from November 27, 2009 to present. On February 13, 2014, the Company filed an answer to the complaint in the state court and concurrently requested removal of the action to federal court. On May 30, 2014, the federal court granted Plaintiff’s motion to remand the case to state court and denied Plaintiff’s motion to strike portions of the

answer to the complaint (referring the latter motion to the lower court for future consideration). The Court has not yet scheduled any further hearings or deadlines.

 

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Adrea LLC v. Barnes & Noble, Inc., barnesandnoble.com llc and NOOK Media LLC

As previously reported, final judgment has been rendered in this case and there has been no appeal by either party on the merits. The final judgment, plus postjudgment interest, totaling $284 has been paid in full during the second quarter of fiscal 2018. Litigation continues with respect to the award of costs to the plaintiff in the amount of $45. Barnes & Noble does not intend to report on this case in future periodic reports in light of the immateriality of this amount.

Café Manager Class Actions

Two former Café Managers have filed separate actions alleging similar claims of entitlement to unpaid compensation for overtime. In each action, the plaintiff seeks to represent a class of allegedly similarly situated employees who performed the same position (Café Manager). Specifically, Christine Hartpence filed a complaint against Barnes & Noble, Inc. (Barnes & Noble) in Philadelphia County Court of Common Pleas on May 26, 2015 (Case No.: 160503426), alleging that she is entitled to unpaid compensation for overtime under Pennsylvania law and seeking to represent a class of allegedly similarly situated employees who performed the same position (Café Manager). On July 14, 2016, Ms. Hartpence amended her complaint to assert a purported collective action for alleged unpaid overtime compensation under the federal Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), by which she sought to act as a class representative for similarly situated Café Managers throughout the United States. On July 27, 2016, Barnes & Noble removed the case to the U.S. District Court of the Eastern District of Pennsylvania (Case No.: 16-4034). Ms. Hartpence then voluntarily dismissed her complaint and subsequently re-filed a similar complaint in the Philadelphia County Court of Common Pleas (Case No.: 161003213), where it is currently pending. The re-filed complaint alleges only claims of unpaid overtime under Pennsylvania law and alleges class claims under Pennsylvania law that are limited to current and former Café Managers within Pennsylvania. On June 22, 2017, Ms. Hartpence filed an additional, separate action in Philadelphia County Court of Common Pleas (Case No.: 170602515) in which she repeats her allegations under Pennsylvania law and asserts a similar claim for unpaid wages under New Jersey law, purportedly on behalf of herself and others similarly situated.

On September 20, 2016, Kelly Brown filed a complaint against Barnes & Noble in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York (Case No.: 16-7333) in which she also alleges that she is entitled to unpaid compensation under the FLSA and Illinois law. Ms. Brown seeks to represent a national class of all similarly situated Café Managers under the FLSA, as well as an Illinois-based class under Illinois law. On November 9, 2016, Ms. Brown filed an amended complaint to add an additional plaintiff named Tiffany Stewart, who is a former Café Manager who also alleges unpaid overtime compensation in violation of New York law and seeks to represent a class of similarly situated New York-based Café Managers under New York law. Since the commencement of the action, nine former Café Managers have filed consent forms to join the action as plaintiffs. On May 2, 2017, the Court denied Plaintiffs’ Motion for Conditional Certification, without prejudice.

Bernardino v. Barnes & Noble Booksellers, Inc.

On June 16, 2017, a putative class action complaint was filed against Barnes & Noble Booksellers, Inc. (B&N Booksellers) in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York, alleging violations of the federal Video Privacy Protection Act and related New York law. The plaintiff, who seeks to represent a class of subscribers of Facebook, Inc. (Facebook) who purchased DVDs or other video media from the Barnes & Noble website, seeks damages, injunctive relief and attorneys’ fees, among other things, based on her allegation that B&N Booksellers supposedly knowingly disclosed her personally identifiable information to Facebook without her consent when she bought a DVD from Barnes & Noble’s website. On July 10, 2017, the plaintiff moved for a preliminary injunction requiring Barnes & Noble to change the operation of its website, which motion B&N Booksellers opposed. On July 31, 2017, B&N Booksellers moved to compel the case to arbitration, consistent with the terms of use on Barnes & Noble’s website. On August 28, 2017, the court denied the plaintiff’s motion for a preliminary injunction.

 

  18. Recent Accounting Pronouncements

In October 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-16, Income Taxes (Topic 740) – Intra-Entity Transfers of Assets Other Than Inventory (ASU 2016-16). This standard requires that an entity should recognize the income tax consequences of an intra-entity transfer of an asset other than inventory when the transfer occurs. Consequently, the amendments in this standard eliminate the exception for an intra-entity transfer of an asset other than inventory. The amendments in this standard do not include new disclosure requirements; however, existing disclosure requirements might be applicable. The Company will be required to adopt ASU 2016-16 as of April 29, 2018 using a modified retrospective approach. Early adoption is permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the potential impact of this standard on its consolidated financial statements.

 

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In August 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-15, Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230) – Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments (ASU 2016-15). This update clarifies the classification of certain cash receipts and cash payments in the statement of cash flows, including debt prepayment or extinguishment costs, settlement of contingent consideration arising from a business combination, insurance settlement proceeds, and distributions from certain equity method investees. The new standard is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2017. Early adoption is permitted. ASU 2016-15 is effective for the Company beginning May 1, 2018 under a retrospective approach. Since the standard only impacts classification in the statements of cash flows, adoption will not affect the Company’s cash and cash equivalents.

In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-09, Compensation – Stock Compensation (Topic 718) – Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting (ASU 2016-09). ASU 2016-09 includes provisions to simplify certain aspects related to the accounting for share-based awards and the related financial statement presentation. ASU 2016-09 provides for changes to accounting for stock compensation, including: 1) excess tax benefits and tax deficiencies related to share based payment awards to be recognized as income tax benefit or expense when the awards vest or are settled (previously such amounts were recognized in additional paid-in capital); entities must apply the new guidance on accounting for excess tax benefits and tax deficiencies prospectively, except for excess tax benefits that were identified from previous transactions that had not been previously recognized because the related tax deduction did not reduce income taxes payable; entities must use a modified retrospective transition method to recognize such excess tax benefits as a credit to retained earnings; any deferred tax assets recorded in connection with the modified retrospective recognition of excess tax benefits must be assessed for realizability, and, if necessary, a valuation allowance must be recognized through a cumulative-effect adjustment to retained earnings; 2) excess tax benefits will be classified as an operating activity in the statement of cash flows; 3) the option to elect to estimate forfeitures or account for them when they occur; 4) classification of cash payments made on an employee’s behalf for withheld shares should be presented as a financing activity in the statements of cash flows; and 5) eliminating the requirement to delay the recognition of excess tax benefits until it reduces current taxes payable.

The Company adopted ASU 2016-09 during the first quarter ended July 29, 2017. Accordingly, the primary effects of the adoption are as follows: 1) excess tax expense of $566 were recorded during the 13 weeks ended July 29, 2017 related to the prospective application of excess tax benefits and tax deficiencies related to stock-based compensation settlements, 2) using a modified retrospective application, the Company recorded unrecognized excess tax benefits of $1,823 as a cumulative-effect adjustment, which increased retained earnings, and reduced deferred taxes by the same, 3) using a modified retrospective application, the Company has elected to recognize forfeitures as they occur and recorded a $1,310 increase to additional paid-in capital, a $786 reduction to retained earnings, and a $524 reduction to deferred taxes to reflect the incremental stock-based compensation expense, net of the related tax impacts, that would have been recognized in prior years under the modified guidance, and 4) $7 in excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation was reclassified from cash flows from financing activities to cash flows from operating activities for the 13 weeks ended July 30, 2016, in the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows.

In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842) (ASU 2016-02), in order to increase transparency and comparability among organizations by recognizing lease assets and lease liabilities on the balance sheet for those leases classified as operating leases under previous Generally Accepted Accounting Principles. ASU 2016-02 requires that a lessee should recognize a liability to make lease payments (the lease liability) and a right-of-use asset representing its right to use the underlying asset for the lease term on the balance sheet. ASU 2016-02 requires expanded disclosures about the nature and terms of lease agreements and is effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2018, including interim periods within that reporting period. Early adoption is permitted. A modified retrospective transition approach is required for leases existing at, or entered into after, the beginning of the earliest comparative period presented in the financial statements. The Company currently anticipates early adoption of ASU 2016-02 effective April 29, 2018 in conjunction with the adoption of ASU 2014-09. While the Company’s ability to early adopt depends on system readiness and completing the Company’s analysis of information necessary to restate prior period consolidated financial statements, the Company remains on schedule and has implemented key system functionality to enable the preparation of restated financial information. The Company is currently evaluating the potential impact of this standard on its consolidated financial statements, but expects that it will result in a significant increase to its long-term assets and liabilities on its consolidated balance sheet. However, the Company does not expect adoption will have a material impact on its consolidated statement of operations.

In July 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-11, Simplifying the Measurement of Inventory (ASU 2015-11), modifying the accounting for inventory. Under ASU 2015-11, the measurement principle for inventory will change from lower of cost or market value to lower of cost and net realizable value. ASU 2015-11 defines net realizable value as the estimated selling price in the ordinary course of business, less reasonably predictable costs of completion, disposal, and transportation. ASU 2015-11 is applicable to inventory that is accounted for under the first-in, first-out method and is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2016, including interim periods within those fiscal years, with early adoption permitted. The Company adopted ASU

 

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2015-11 effective May 1, 2017. The majority of the Company’s merchandise inventories are valued using the retail inventory method, which is outside the scope of ASU 2015-11. The remaining inventory of the Company’s merchandise inventories are valued at the lower of cost and net realizable value using the average cost method. The Company applied the amendments in this update prospectively to the measurement of inventory after the date of adoption with no material impact to the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-09. The standard provides companies with a single model for use in accounting for revenue arising from contracts with customers and supersedes current revenue recognition guidance, including industry-specific revenue guidance. The core principle of the model is to recognize revenue when control of the goods or services transfers to the customer, as opposed to recognizing revenue when the risks and rewards transfer to the customer under the existing revenue guidance. ASU 2014-09, as amended by ASU 2015-14, ASU 2016-08, ASU 2016-10, ASU 2016-12 and ASU 2016-20, is effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim periods within that reporting period. Earlier application is permitted for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016. The guidance permits companies to either apply the requirements retrospectively to all prior periods presented, or apply the requirements in the year of adoption, through a cumulative adjustment. The Company plans to adopt ASU 2014-09 effective April 29, 2018. The Company currently anticipates adopting the standard using the modified retrospective method. The Company has begun the process of implementing this standard, including performing a review of its revenue streams to identify any differences in the timing, measurement, or presentation of revenue recognition. The Company currently believes that the primary impact will be changes to the timing of recognition of revenues related to gift card breakage. The Company will continue to assess the impact on all areas of its revenue recognition, disclosure requirements and changes that may be necessary to its internal controls over financial reporting. The Company is continuing to evaluate the impact of adopting this ASU on its consolidated financial statements. The Company remains on schedule to adopt this ASU effective April 29, 2018.

 

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

Liquidity and Capital Resources

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

Credit Facility

On August 3, 2015, the Company and certain of its subsidiaries entered into a credit agreement (Credit Agreement) with Bank of America, N.A., as administrative agent, collateral agent and swing line lender, and the other lenders from time to time party thereto, under which the lenders committed to provide a five-year asset-backed revolving credit facility in an aggregate committed principal amount of up to $700.0 million (Revolving Credit Facility). On September 30, 2016, the Company amended the Credit Agreement to provide for a new “first-in, last-out” revolving credit facility (the FILO Credit Facility and, together with the Revolving Credit Facility, the Credit Facility) in an aggregate principal amount of up to $50.0 million, which supplements availability under the Revolving Credit Facility. The Company generally must draw down the FILO Credit Facility before making any borrowings under the Revolving Credit Facility.

Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated, J.P. Morgan Securities LLC, Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. and SunTrust Robinson Humphrey, Inc. are the joint lead arrangers for the Credit Facility. The Credit Facility replaced the prior credit facility. Proceeds from the Credit Facility are used for general corporate purposes, including seasonal working capital needs.

The Company and certain of its subsidiaries are permitted to borrow under the Credit Facility. The Credit Facility is secured by substantially all of the inventory, accounts receivable and related assets of the borrowers under the Credit Facility (collectively, the Loan Parties), but excluding the equity interests in the Company and its subsidiaries, intellectual property, equipment and certain other property. Borrowings under the Credit Facility are limited to a specified percentage of eligible collateral. The Company has the option to request an increase in commitments under the Credit Facility of up to $250.0 million, subject to certain restrictions.

The Credit Facility allows the Company to declare and pay up to $70.0 million in dividends annually to its stockholders without compliance with any availability or ratio-based limitations.

Interest under the Revolving Credit Facility accrues, at the election of the Company, at a LIBOR or alternate base rate, plus, in each case, an applicable interest rate margin, which is determined by reference to the level of excess availability under the Revolving Credit Facility. Through the end of the fiscal quarter during which the closing of the Revolving Credit Facility occurred, loans under the Revolving Credit Facility bore interest at LIBOR plus 1.750% per annum, in the case of LIBOR

 

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borrowings, or at the alternate base rate plus 0.750% per annum, in the alternative, and thereafter the interest rate began to fluctuate between LIBOR plus 2.000% per annum and LIBOR plus 1.500% per annum (or between the alternate base rate plus 1.000% per annum and the alternate base rate plus 0.500% per annum), based upon the average daily availability under the Revolving Credit Facility for the immediately preceding fiscal quarter. Interest under the FILO Credit Facility accrues, at the election of the Company, at a LIBOR or alternate base rate, plus, in each case, an applicable interest rate margin, which is also determined by reference to the level of excess availability under the Revolving Credit Facility. Loans under the FILO Credit Facility bear interest at 1.000% per annum more than loans under the Revolving Credit Facility.

The Credit Agreement contains customary negative covenants, which limit the Company’s ability to incur additional indebtedness, create liens, make investments, make restricted payments or specified payments and merge or acquire assets, among other things. In addition, if excess availability under the Credit Facility were to fall below certain specified levels, certain additional covenants (including fixed charge coverage ratio requirements) would be triggered, and the lenders would assume dominion and control over the Loan Parties’ cash.

The Credit Agreement contains customary events of default, including payment defaults, material breaches of representations and warranties, covenant defaults, default on other material indebtedness, customary ERISA events of default, bankruptcy and insolvency, material judgments, invalidity of liens on collateral, change of control or cessation of business. The Credit Agreement also contains customary affirmative covenants and representations and warranties.

The Company wrote off $0.5 million of deferred financing fees related to the prior credit facility during the second quarter of fiscal 2016 and the remaining unamortized deferred financing fees of $3.5 million were deferred and are being amortized over the five-year term of the Credit Facility. The Company also incurred $5.7 million of fees to secure the Credit Facility, which are being amortized over the five-year term accordingly. During the second quarter of fiscal 2017, the Company incurred $0.5 million of fees to secure the FILO Credit Facility, which are being amortized over the same term as the Credit Facility.

The Company had $84.1 million and $64.6 million of outstanding debt under the Credit Facility as of July 29, 2017 and July 30, 2016, respectively. The Company had $35.8 million and $38.9 million of outstanding letters of credit under its Credit Facility as of July 29, 2017 and July 30, 2016, respectively.

Cash Flows

The Company’s cash and cash equivalents were $12.0 million as of July 29, 2017, compared with $14.3 million as of July 30, 2016. The decrease in cash and cash equivalents of $2.3 million versus the prior year period was due to changes in working capital and cash flows as outlined below.

Net cash flows provided by operating activities were $12.8 million for the 13 weeks ended July 29, 2017 as compared to net cash flows provided by operating activities of $27.6 million for the 13 weeks ended July 30, 2016. The unfavorable year-over-year comparison was primarily attributable to changes in working capital.

Net cash flows used in investing activities were $20.7 million for the 13 weeks ended July 29, 2017 as compared to $22.8 million for the 13 weeks ended July 30, 2016. The Company’s investing activities primarily consisted of capital expenditures for the maintenance of existing stores, merchandising initiatives, new store construction and enhancements to systems and the website.

Net cash flows provided by financing activities were $7.9 million for the 13 weeks ended July 29, 2017 as compared to net cash flows used in financing activities of $4.4 million for the 13 weeks ended July 30, 2016. The Company’s financing activities during the 13 weeks ended July 29, 2017 consisted primarily of net proceeds on the Credit Facility, offset by common dividends. Financing activities during the 13 weeks ended July 30, 2016 consisted primarily of common dividends and share repurchases, offset by net proceeds from the Credit Facility.

Over the past 12 months, the Company has returned $57.2 million in cash to its shareholders through share repurchases and dividends. Since July 2015, the Company has returned $150.8 million in cash to its shareholders through share repurchases and dividends.

Additional year-over-year balance sheet changes include the following:

 

    Receivables, net decreased $38.3 million, or 37.4%, to $64.0 million as of July 29, 2017, compared to $102.3 million as of July 30, 2016, primarily due to collections on the prior year eBook settlement receivable.

 

    Merchandise inventories, net decreased $37.5 million, or 3.8%, to $950.7 million as of July 29, 2017, compared to $988.2 million as of July 30, 2016.

 

    Prepaid expenses and other current assets decreased $8.3 million, or 7.0%, to $110.3 million as of July 29, 2017, compared to $118.6 million as of July 30, 2016 primarily on income tax differences.

 

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    Property and equipment, net decreased $19.4 million, or 6.7%, to $270.5 million as of July 29, 2017, compared to $289.9 million as of July 30, 2016, as depreciation outpaced capital expenditures.

 

    Intangible assets, net decreased $0.7 million, or 0.2%, to $310.0 million as of July 29, 2017, compared to $310.7 million as of July 30, 2016, on additional amortization.

 

    Other non-current assets decreased $2.4 million, or 18.6%, to $10.5 million as of July 29, 2017, compared to $12.9 million as of July 30, 2016.

 

    Accounts payable decreased $68.6 million, or 11.8%, to $511.2 million as of July 29, 2017, compared to $579.8 million as of July 30, 2016. Accounts payable represented 53.8% and 58.7% of merchandise inventories as of July 29, 2017 and July 30, 2016, respectively. This ratio is subject to changes in product mix and the timing of purchases, payments and returns.

 

    Accrued liabilities decreased $42.0 million, or 13.7%, to $265.4 million as of July 29, 2017, compared to $307.4 million as of July 30, 2016. Accrued liabilities include the eBook settlement, deferred income, compensation, occupancy related, legal and other selling and administrative miscellaneous accruals.

 

    Gift card liabilities decreased $22.7 million, or 6.3%, to $338.0 million as of July 29, 2017, compared to $360.7 million as of July 30, 2016. The Company estimates the portion of the gift card liability for which the likelihood of redemption is remote based upon the Company’s historical redemption patterns. The Company recognized gift card breakage of $4.9 million during both the 13 weeks ended July 29, 2017 and the 13 weeks ended July 30, 2016. Additional breakage may be required if gift card redemptions continue to run lower than historical patterns.

 

    Deferred taxes increased $29.5 million, or 54.3%, to $83.8 million as of July 29, 2017, compared to $54.3 million as of July 30, 2016, due primarily to the filing of federal and state returns, recurring movement in temporary differences and the impact of accounting method changes.

 

    Other long-term liabilities decreased $14.2 million, or 12.8%, to $97.1 million as of July 29, 2017, compared to $111.3 million as of July 30, 2016, due to lower deferred rent and lower tax reserves.

The Company has arrangements with third-party manufacturers to produce certain NOOK ® products. These manufacturers procure and assemble unfinished parts and components from third-party suppliers based on forecasts provided by the Company. Given production lead times, commitments are generally made far in advance of finished product delivery. Based on current purchase commitments and product development plans, the Company did not record any provision for purchase commitments. Future charges may be required based on changes in forecasted sales or strategic direction.

Segments

The Company identifies its operating segments based on the way the business is managed (focusing on the financial information distributed) and the manner in which the chief operating decision maker interacts with other members of management and makes decisions on the allocation of resources. The Company’s two operating segments are B&N Retail and NOOK.

Seasonality

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

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

Business Overview

Recently, Barnes & Noble has experienced declining sales trends due primarily to lower store traffic and the challenging retail environment. Despite sales declines, the Company has been able to sustain profit levels on cost reductions. While the Company believes it has lost share on its recent sales performance, it also sees opportunities in an industry that has become more stable.

To grow sales, the Company will leverage the strength of its Barnes & Noble brand, knowledgeable booksellers, vast selection and retail footprint to attract customers to its omni-channel offerings. Merchandising initiatives are focused on increasing the number of value offers, improving SKU productivity, improving inventory management processes, testing changes to existing store layouts and remerchandising select business units in stores. The Company believes there is opportunity to increase

conversion, by improving navigation and discovery throughout the store, including a customer friendly and more intuitive organization of books and improved signage for easier browsing within and across sections.

 

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In-store events also drive traffic, reinforcing Barnes & Noble as a community center where customers can meet, browse and discover. The Company is also utilizing social media, where booksellers communicate events, promotions and new product offerings with customers at the local level.

In addition to initiatives focused on growing sales through its existing store base, the Company is also testing new bookstore formats, which it believes could foster sales growth in the future.

BN.com and NOOK are important components of the Company’s omni-channel strategy. The Company believes that in the long term, enhancements to its BN.com platform will enable it to be more competitive in the marketplace. The Company continues to improve its overall eCommerce user experience across channels, including desktop, tablet, mobile and app based, with the goal of providing a great device agnostic user experience. For customers interested in eBooks, the Company continues to judiciously bring new NOOK devices and apps to market.

The Company’s Membership program provides the Company with valuable data and insights into its customer base, enabling the Company to better understand and market to its customers. Members are more productive than Non-Members, as they spend more and visit more often. The Company continues to test programs to grow sales to both Members and Non-Members, increase Membership, improve price perception and enhance its overall customer value proposition.

In light of the declining sales trends, the Company remains committed to right sizing its cost structure. The Company is focused on simplification throughout its organization to create efficiencies and reinvest resources to support sales growth. At B&N Retail, the Company is focused on increasing store and supply chain productivity, streamlining operations and eliminating non-productive spend. At NOOK, the Company exited non-core businesses and outsourced certain functions, which enabled it to close its Santa Clara, CA and Taiwan offices. NOOK expects to continue to re-calibrate its cost structure commensurate with sales, further reducing its losses.

Results of Operations

The following tables summarize the Company’s results of operations for the 13 weeks ended July 29, 2017 compared with the 13 weeks ended July 30, 2016.

Sales

 

     13 weeks ended  

Dollars in thousands

   July 29,
2017
     % of
Total
    July 30,
2016
     % of
Total
 

B&N Retail

   $ 830,036        97.3   $ 881,713        96.5

NOOK

     29,500        3.5     41,048        4.5

Elimination

     (6,220      (0.7 )%      (8,879      (1.0 )% 
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total Sales

   $ 853,316        100.0   $ 913,882        100.0
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

During the 13 weeks ended July 29, 2017, the Company’s sales decreased $60.6 million, or 6.6%, to $853.3 million from $913.9 million during the 13 weeks ended July 30, 2016. The changes by segment are as follows:

 

    B&N Retail sales for the 13 weeks ended July 29, 2017 decreased $51.7 million, or 5.9%, to $830.0 million from $881.7 million during the same period one year ago, and accounted for 97.3% of total Company sales. Comparable store sales decreased $37.6 million, or 4.9%, as compared to the prior year on lower store traffic. Closed stores decreased sales by $9.0 million, while new stores increased sales by $3.8 million. Online sales decreased $7.1 million, or 11.3%, on lower promotional activity and comparisons to the prior year eBook settlement. B&N Retail also includes third-party sales of Sterling Publishing Co., Inc., which decreased by $1.0 million, or 12.0%, versus the prior year on lower coloring book sales.

Of the $37.6 million decrease in comparable store sales, book categories decreased sales by $14.1 million, or 2.8%, due primarily to declines in Bargain (primarily coloring books), Trade and Juvenile titles, while non-book core categories decreased sales by $21.1 million, or 8.8%. Comparable sales of NOOK ® products at B&N Retail stores decreased $2.4 million, or 26.8%, primarily on lower average selling prices.

 

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    NOOK sales decreased $11.5 million, or 28.1%, to $29.5 million during the 13 weeks ended July 29, 2017 from $41.0 million during the 13 weeks ended July 30, 2016, and accounted for 3.5% of total Company sales. Digital content sales decreased $7.2 million, or 23.8%, compared to the prior year on lower unit sales, partially offset by higher average selling prices. Device and accessories sales decreased $4.3 million, or 40.3%, primarily on lower average selling prices, partially offset by higher unit sales. Prior year NOOK sales benefited from the eBook settlement and also included a favorable channel partner settlement.

 

    Elimination sales, which represent sales from NOOK to B&N Retail on a sell-through basis, decreased $2.7 million, or 29.9%, versus the prior year. NOOK sales, net of elimination, accounted for 2.7% of total Company sales.

During the 13 weeks ended July 29, 2017, B&N Retail had no store openings and one store closing.

Cost of Sales and Occupancy

 

     13 weeks ended  

Dollars in thousands

   July 29,
2017
     % of
Sales
    July 30,
2016
     % of
Sales
 

B&N Retail

   $ 591,146        71.2   $ 623,426        70.7

NOOK

     14,909        50.5     21,796        53.1

Elimination

     (6,220      (21.1 )%      (8,879      (21.6 )% 
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total Cost of Sales and Occupancy

   $ 599,835        70.3   $ 636,343        69.6
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

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

During the 13 weeks ended July 29, 2017, cost of sales and occupancy decreased $36.5 million, or 5.7%, to $599.8 million from $636.3 million during the 13 weeks ended July 30, 2016. Cost of sales and occupancy increased as a percentage of sales to 70.3% from 69.6% during the same period one year ago. The changes by segment are as follows:

 

    B&N Retail cost of sales and occupancy increased as a percentage of sales to 71.2% from 70.7%, or 50 basis points, during the same period one year ago primarily on occupancy deleverage (65 basis points) and higher store markdowns (30 basis points). The remaining variance was attributable to sales mix and general timing differences.

 

    NOOK cost of sales and occupancy decreased as a percentage of sales to 50.5% from 53.1% during the same period one year ago primarily due to lower occupancy costs, partially offset by a prior year favorable channel partner settlement.

Gross Profit

 

     13 weeks ended  

Dollars in thousands

   July 29,
2017
     % of
Sales
    July 30,
2016
     % of
Sales
 

B&N Retail

   $ 238,890        28.8   $ 258,287        29.3

NOOK

     14,591        62.7     19,252        59.8
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total Gross Profit

   $ 253,481        29.7   $ 277,539        30.4
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

The Company’s consolidated gross profit decreased $24.1 million, or 8.7%, to $253.5 million during the 13 weeks ended July 29, 2017 from $277.5 million during the 13 weeks ended July 30, 2016. This decrease was due to the matters discussed above.

 

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Selling and Administrative Expenses

 

     13 weeks ended  

Dollars in thousands

   July 29,
2017
     % of
Sales
    July 30,
2016
     % of
Sales
 

B&N Retail

   $ 228,321        27.5   $ 240,692        27.3

NOOK

     13,974        60.0     27,199        84.6
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total Selling and Administrative Expenses

   $ 242,295        28.4   $ 267,891        29.3
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Selling and administrative expenses decreased $25.6 million, or 9.6%, to $242.3 million during the 13 weeks ended July 29, 2017 from $267.9 million during the 13 weeks ended July 30, 2016. Selling and administrative expenses decreased as a percentage of sales to 28.4% from 29.3% as compared to the same period one year ago. The changes by segment are as follows:

 

    B&N Retail selling and administrative expenses decreased $12.4 million as compared to prior year. As a percent of sales, B&N Retail expenses increased 20 basis points primarily due to higher store payroll (110 basis points on store sales) on sales deleverage and wage increases, partially offset by lower severance costs (65 basis points) and lower eCommerce advertising expense (25 basis points). The remaining variance includes sales deleverage and the general timing of expenses.

 

    NOOK selling and administrative expenses decreased $13.2 million as compared to prior year, decreasing as a percentage of sales to 60.0% from 84.6% for the quarter. The prior year included severance and transitional costs of $7.2 million related to the outsourcing of certain services and the closure of NOOK’s California and Taiwan offices. Excluding these costs, the decrease in dollars was primarily attributable to continued cost rationalization efforts, including lower compensation expense, lower consulting costs and legal expenses, as well as lower variable costs on the sales decline.

Depreciation and Amortization

 

     13 weeks ended  

Dollars in thousands

   July 29,
2017
     % of
Sales
    July 30,
2016
     % of
Sales
 

B&N Retail

   $ 23,079        2.8   $ 24,962        2.8

NOOK

     3,319        14.3     6,075        18.9
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total Depreciation and Amortization

   $ 26,398        3.1   $ 31,037        3.4
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

During the 13 weeks ended July 29, 2017, depreciation and amortization decreased $4.6 million, or 14.9%, to $26.4 million from $31.0 million during the same period one year ago. This decrease was primarily attributable to fully depreciated assets, partially offset by additional capital expenditures.

Operating Loss

 

     13 weeks ended  

Dollars in thousands

   July 29,
2017
     % of
Sales
    July 30,
2016
     % of
Sales
 

B&N Retail

   $ (12,510      (1.5 )%    $ (7,367      (0.8 )% 

NOOK

     (2,702      (11.6 )%      (14,022      (43.6 )% 
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total Operating Loss

   $ (15,212      (1.8 )%    $ (21,389      (2.3 )% 
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

The Company’s consolidated operating loss decreased $6.2 million, or 28.9%, to $15.2 million during the 13 weeks ended July 29, 2017 from $21.4 million during the 13 weeks ended July 30, 2016. This change was due to the matters discussed above.

 

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Interest Expense, Net and Amortization of Deferred Financing Fees

 

     13 weeks ended  

Dollars in thousands

   July 29,
2017
     July 30,
2016
     % of
Change
 

Interest Expense, Net and Amortization of Deferred Financing Fees

   $ 2,040      $ 1,629        25.2

Net interest expense and amortization of deferred financing fees increased $0.4 million, or 25.2%, to $2.0 million during the 13 weeks ended July 29, 2017 from $1.6 million during the 13 weeks ended July 30, 2016 on higher average borrowings.

Income Taxes

 

     13 weeks ended  

Dollars in thousands

   July 29,
2017
     Effective
Rate
    July 30,
2016
     Effective
Rate
 

Income Taxes

   $ (6,474      37.5   $ (8,602      37.4

The Company recorded an income tax benefit of $6.5 million during the 13 weeks ended July 29, 2017 compared with an income tax benefit of $8.6 million during the 13 weeks ended July 30, 2016. The Company’s effective tax rate was 37.5% and 37.4% for the 13 weeks ended July 29, 2017 and July 30, 2016, respectively. The Company’s effective tax rate for the 13 weeks ended July 29, 2017 and July 30, 2016 differs from the statutory rate due to the impact of permanent items such as meals and entertainment, non-deductible executive compensation, tax credits, changes in uncertain tax positions and state tax provision, net of federal benefit. The Company continues to maintain a valuation allowance against certain state items.

During the 13 weeks ended July 29, 2017, the Company recognized $0.6 million tax expense as a result of the adoption of ASU 2016-09, which requires all excess tax benefits or deficiencies from share-based payments to be recognized as income tax expense or benefit in the consolidated statement of operations as discrete in the reporting period in which they occur. Additionally, the Company recorded unrecognized excess tax benefits of $1.8 million as a cumulative-effect adjustment, which increased retained earnings, and reduced deferred taxes by the same.

The Company believes that it is reasonably possible that the total amount of unrecognized tax benefits at July 29, 2017 could decrease by approximately $3.6 million within the next twelve months, as a result of settlement of certain tax audits or lapses of statutes of limitations, which could impact the effective tax rate.

Net Loss

 

     13 weeks ended  

Dollars in thousands

   July 29,
2017
     July 30,
2016
 

Net Loss

   $ (10,778    $ (14,416

As a result of the factors discussed above, the Company reported consolidated net loss of $10.8 million during the 13 weeks ended July 29, 2017, compared with consolidated net loss of $14.4 million during the 13 weeks ended July 30, 2016.

Critical Accounting Policies

During the first quarter of fiscal 2018, except for the adoption of ASU 2016-09, there were no changes in the Company’s policies regarding the use of estimates and other critical accounting policies.

See “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations,” found in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended April 29, 2017 for additional information relating to the Company’s use of estimates and other critical accounting policies.

 

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Disclosure Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

This quarterly report on Form 10-Q contains certain forward-looking statements (within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended) and information relating to Barnes & Noble that are based on the beliefs of the management of Barnes & Noble as well as assumptions made by and information currently available to the management of Barnes & Noble. When used in this communication, the words “anticipate,” “believe,” “estimate,” “expect,” “intend,” “plan,” “will,” “forecasts,” “projections,” and similar expressions, as they relate to Barnes & Noble or the management of Barnes & Noble, identify forward-looking statements.

Such statements reflect the current views of Barnes & Noble with respect to future events, the outcome of which is subject to certain risks, including, among others, the general economic environment and consumer spending patterns, decreased consumer demand for Barnes & Noble’s products, low growth or declining sales and net income due to various factors, including store closings, higher-than-anticipated or increasing costs, including with respect to store closings, relocation, occupancy (including in connection with lease renewals) and labor costs, the effects of competition, the risk of insufficient access to financing to implement future business initiatives, risks associated with data privacy and information security, risks associated with Barnes & Noble’s supply chain, including possible delays and disruptions and increases in shipping rates, various risks associated with the digital business, including the possible loss of customers, declines in digital content sales, risks and costs associated with ongoing efforts to rationalize the digital business, the risk that financial and operational forecasts and projections are not achieved, the performance of Barnes & Noble’s initiatives including but not limited to new store concepts and eCommerce initiatives, unanticipated adverse litigation results or effects, potential infringement of Barnes & Noble’s intellectual property by third parties or by Barnes & Noble of the intellectual property of third parties, and other factors, including those factors discussed in detail in Item 1A, “Risk Factors,” in Barnes & Noble’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended April 29, 2017, and in Barnes & Noble’s other filings made hereafter from time to time with the SEC.

Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results or outcomes may vary materially from those described as anticipated, believed, estimated, expected, intended or planned. Subsequent written and oral forward-looking statements attributable to Barnes & Noble or persons acting on its behalf are expressly qualified in their entirety by the cautionary statements in this paragraph. Barnes & Noble undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise after the date of this Form 10-Q.

 

Item   3: Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

The Company limits its interest rate risks by investing certain of its excess cash balances in short-term, highly-liquid instruments with an original maturity of one year or less. The Company does not expect any material losses from its invested cash balances and the Company believes that its interest rate exposure is modest. As of July 29, 2017, the Company’s cash and cash equivalents totaled approximately $12.0 million. A 50 basis point increase in annual interest rates would have increased the Company’s interest income by $0.0 million in the first quarter of fiscal 2018. Conversely, a 50 basis point decrease in annual interest rates would have reduced interest income by $0.0 million in the first quarter of fiscal 2018.

Additionally, the Company may from time to time borrow money under its credit facility at various interest rate options based on the Base Rate or LIBO Rate (each term as defined in the amended and restated credit agreement described in the Quarterly Report under the section titled “Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements”) depending upon certain financial tests. Accordingly, the Company may be exposed to interest rate risk on borrowings under its credit facility. The Company had borrowings under its credit facility of $84.1 million at July 29, 2017 and $64.6 million at July 30, 2016. A 50 basis point increase in annual interest rates would have increased the Company’s interest expense by $0.1 million in the first quarter of fiscal 2018. Conversely, a 50 basis point decrease in annual interest rates would have reduced interest expense by $0.1 million in the first quarter of fiscal 2018.

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

 

Item   4: Controls and Procedures

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

The management of the Company established and maintains disclosure controls and procedures that are designed to ensure that material information relating to the Company and its subsidiaries required to be disclosed in the reports that are filed or submitted under the Exchange Act are recorded, processed, summarized, and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms, and that such information is accumulated and communicated to management, including the Company’s Chief

 

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

Based on management’s evaluation, the principal executive officer and principal financial officer concluded that, as of the end of the period covered by this report, the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures are effective at the reasonable assurance level.

PART II - OTHER INFORMATION

 

Item   1. Legal Proceedings

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

The Company records a liability when it believes that it is both probable that a liability will be incurred, and the amount of loss can be reasonably estimated. The Company evaluates, at least quarterly, developments in its legal matters that could affect the amount of liability that has been previously accrued and makes adjustments as appropriate. Significant judgment is required to determine both probability and the estimated amount of a loss or potential loss. The Company may be unable to reasonably estimate the reasonably possible loss or range of loss for a particular legal contingency for various reasons, including, among others: (i) if the damages sought are indeterminate; (ii) if proceedings are in the early stages; (iii) if there is uncertainty as to the outcome of pending proceedings (including motions and appeals); (iv) if there is uncertainty as to the likelihood of settlement and the outcome of any negotiations with respect thereto; (v) if there are significant factual issues to be determined or resolved; (vi) if the proceedings involve a large number of parties; (vii) if relevant law is unsettled or novel or untested legal theories are presented; or (viii) if the proceedings are taking place in jurisdictions where the laws are complex or unclear. In such instances, there is considerable uncertainty regarding the ultimate resolution of such matters, including a possible eventual loss, if any.

Legal matters are inherently unpredictable and subject to significant uncertainties, some of which are beyond the Company’s control. As such, there can be no assurance that the final outcome of these matters will not materially and adversely affect the Company’s business, financial condition, results of operations, or cash flows.

Except as otherwise described below with respect to the Adrea LLC (Adrea) matter, the Company has determined that a loss is reasonably possible with respect to the matters described below. Based on its current knowledge, the Company has determined that the amount of loss or range of loss that is reasonably possible, including any reasonably possible losses in excess of amounts already accrued, is not estimable. With respect to the Adrea matter, the Company has determined there will be a loss, as described below.

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

PIN Pad Litigation

As previously disclosed, the Company discovered that PIN pads in certain of its stores had been tampered with to allow criminal access to card data and PIN numbers on credit and debit cards swiped through the terminals. Following public disclosure of this matter on October 24, 2012, the Company was served with four putative class action complaints (three in federal district court in the Northern District of Illinois and one in the Northern District of California), each of which alleged on behalf of national and other classes of customers who swiped credit and debit cards in Barnes & Noble Retail stores common law claims such as negligence, breach of contract and invasion of privacy, as well as statutory claims such as violations of the Fair Credit Reporting Act, state data breach notification statutes, and state unfair and deceptive practices statutes. The actions sought various forms of relief including damages, injunctive or equitable relief, multiple or punitive damages, attorneys’ fees, costs, and interest. All four cases were transferred and/or assigned to a single judge in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois, and a single consolidated amended complaint was filed. The Company filed a motion to dismiss the consolidated amended complaint in its entirety, and in September 2013, the Court granted the motion to dismiss without prejudice. The Plaintiffs then filed an amended

 

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complaint, and the Company filed a second motion to dismiss. On October 3, 2016, the Court granted the second motion to dismiss, and dismissed the case without prejudice; in doing so, the Court permitted plaintiffs to file a second amended complaint by October 31, 2016. On October 31, 2016, the plaintiffs filed a second amended complaint, and on January 25, 2017 the Company filed a motion to dismiss the second amended complaint. On June 13, 2017, the Court granted the Company’s motion to dismiss with prejudice. Plaintiffs filed a notice of appeal to the United States Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit, and that appeal is currently being briefed. No hearing date has been established by the Court.

Cassandra Carag individually and on behalf of others similarly situated v. Barnes & Noble, Inc., Barnes & Noble Booksellers, Inc. and DOES 1 through 100 inclusive

On November 27, 2013, former Associate Store Manager Cassandra Carag (Carag) brought suit in Sacramento County Superior Court, asserting claims on behalf of herself and all other hourly (non-exempt) Barnes & Noble employees in California in the preceding four years for unpaid regular and overtime wages based on alleged off-the-clock work, penalties and pay based on missed meal and rest breaks, and for improper wage statements, payroll records, and untimely pay at separation as a result of the alleged pay errors during employment. Via the complaint, Carag seeks to recover unpaid wages and statutory penalties for all hourly Barnes & Noble employees within California from November 27, 2009 to present. On February 13, 2014, the Company filed an answer to the complaint in the state court and concurrently requested removal of the action to federal court. On May 30, 2014, the federal court granted Plaintiff’s motion to remand the case to state court and denied Plaintiff’s motion to strike portions of the answer to the complaint (referring the latter motion to the lower court for future consideration). The Court has not yet scheduled any further hearings or deadlines.

Adrea LLC v. Barnes & Noble, Inc., barnesandnoble.com llc and NOOK Media LLC

As previously reported, final judgment has been rendered in this case and there has been no appeal by either party on the merits. The final judgment, plus postjudgment interest, totaling $284,000 has been paid in full during the second quarter of fiscal 2018. Litigation continues with respect to the award of costs to the plaintiff in the amount of $45,000. Barnes & Noble does not intend to report on this case in future periodic reports in light of the immateriality of this amount.

Café Manager Class Actions

Two former Café Managers have filed separate actions alleging similar claims of entitlement to unpaid compensation for overtime. In each action, the plaintiff seeks to represent a class of allegedly similarly situated employees who performed the same position (Café Manager). Specifically, Christine Hartpence filed a complaint against Barnes & Noble, Inc. (Barnes & Noble) in Philadelphia County Court of Common Pleas on May 26, 2015 (Case No.: 160503426), alleging that she is entitled to unpaid compensation for overtime under Pennsylvania law and seeking to represent a class of allegedly similarly situated employees who performed the same position (Café Manager). On July 14, 2016, Ms. Hartpence amended her complaint to assert a purported collective action for alleged unpaid overtime compensation under the federal Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), by which she sought to act as a class representative for similarly situated Café Managers throughout the United States. On July 27, 2016, Barnes & Noble removed the case to the U.S. District Court of the Eastern District of Pennsylvania (Case No.: 16-4034). Ms. Hartpence then voluntarily dismissed her complaint and subsequently re-filed a similar complaint in the Philadelphia County Court of Common Pleas (Case No.: 161003213), where it is currently pending. The re-filed complaint alleges only claims of unpaid overtime under Pennsylvania law and alleges class claims under Pennsylvania law that are limited to current and former Café Managers within Pennsylvania. On June 22, 2017, Ms. Hartpence filed an additional, separate action in Philadelphia County Court of Common Pleas (Case No.: 170602515) in which she repeats her allegations under Pennsylvania law and asserts a similar claim for unpaid wages under New Jersey law, purportedly on behalf of herself and others similarly situated.

On September 20, 2016, Kelly Brown filed a complaint against Barnes & Noble in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York (Case No.: 16-7333) in which she also alleges that she is entitled to unpaid compensation under the FLSA and Illinois law. Ms. Brown seeks to represent a national class of all similarly situated Café Managers under the FLSA, as well as an Illinois-based class under Illinois law. On November 9, 2016, Ms. Brown filed an amended complaint to add an additional plaintiff named Tiffany Stewart, who is a former Café Manager who also alleges unpaid overtime compensation in violation of New York law and seeks to represent a class of similarly situated New York-based Café Managers under New York law. Since the commencement of the action, nine former Café Managers have filed consent forms to join the action as plaintiffs. On May 2, 2017, the Court denied Plaintiffs’ Motion for Conditional Certification, without prejudice.

Bernardino v. Barnes & Noble Booksellers, Inc.

On June 16, 2017, a putative class action complaint was filed against Barnes & Noble Booksellers, Inc. (B&N Booksellers) in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York, alleging violations of the federal Video

 

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Privacy Protection Act and related New York law. The plaintiff, who seeks to represent a class of subscribers of Facebook, Inc. (Facebook) who purchased DVDs or other video media from the Barnes & Noble website, seeks damages, injunctive relief and attorneys’ fees, among other things, based on her allegation that B&N Booksellers supposedly knowingly disclosed her personally identifiable information to Facebook without her consent when she bought a DVD from Barnes & Noble’s website. On July 10, 2017, the plaintiff moved for a preliminary injunction requiring Barnes & Noble to change the operation of its website, which motion B&N Booksellers opposed. On July 31, 2017, B&N Booksellers moved to compel the case to arbitration, consistent with the terms of use on Barnes & Noble’s website. On August 28, 2017, the court denied the plaintiff’s motion for a preliminary injunction.

 

Item   1A. Risk Factors

There have been no material changes to the risk factors disclosed in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended April 29, 2017.

 

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

Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

The following table provides information with respect to purchases by the Company of shares of its common stock:

 

Period

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

April 30, 2017 – May 27, 2017

     —        $ —          —        $ 50,000,000  

May 28, 2017 – July 1, 2017

     —        $ —          —        $ 50,000,000  

July 2, 2017 – July 29, 2017

     61,536      $ 7.40        —        $ 50,000,000  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

Total

     61,536      $ 7.40        —       
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

(a) The shares on this table above represent shares relinquished by employees in exchange for the Company’s agreement to pay federal and state withholding obligations resulting from the vesting of the Company’s restricted stock units, which are not drawn against the Company’s stock repurchase program. All of the restricted stock units vested during these periods were originally granted pursuant to the Company’s 2009 Amended and Restated Incentive Plan. This Incentive Plan provides for the withholding of shares to satisfy tax obligations due upon the vesting of restricted stock units.

On October 20, 2015, the Company’s Board of Directors authorized a stock repurchase program (prior repurchase plan) of up to $50.0 million of its common shares. On March 15, 2017, subsequent to completing the prior repurchase plan, the Company’s Board of Directors authorized a new stock repurchase program of up to $50.0 million of its common shares. Stock repurchases under this program may be made through open market and privately negotiated transactions from time to time and in such amounts as management deems appropriate. The new stock repurchase program has no expiration date and may be suspended or discontinued at any time. The Company’s repurchase plan is intended to comply with the requirements of Rule 10b-18 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. The Company did not repurchase shares under this plan during the 13 weeks ended July 29, 2017. During the 13 weeks ended July 30, 2016, the Company repurchased 830,583 shares at a cost of $9.7 million under the prior repurchase plan. The Company has remaining capacity of $50.0 million under the new repurchase program as of July 29, 2017.

As of July 29, 2017, the Company has repurchased 39,558,301 shares at a cost of approximately $1.09 billion since the inception of the Company’s stock repurchase programs. The repurchased shares are held in treasury.

 

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Item   6. Exhibits

Exhibits filed with this Form 10-Q:

 

  10.1    Retention Bonus Agreement, dated February 7, 2014, between the Company and Mary Amicucci.
  10.2    Letter Agreement, dated January 7, 2016, between the Company and Mary Amicucci.
  10.3    Barnes & Noble, Inc. 2017 Incentive Compensation Plan, Vice President, Merchandising.
  10.4    Consulting Agreement, dated July 18, 2017, between the Company and David Deason.
  10.5   

Form of Performance-Based Stock Unit Award Agreement pursuant to the Company’s Amended & Restated 2009 Incentive Plan.

  31.1   

Certification by the Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a)/15(d)-14(a) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

  31.2   

Certification by the Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a)/15(d)-14(a) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

  32.1   

Certification of the Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(b) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

  32.2   

Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(b) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

101.INS    XBRL Instance Document
101.SCH    XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document
101.CAL    XBRL Taxonomy Calculation Linkbase Document
101.DEF    XBRL Taxonomy Definition Linkbase Document
101.LAB    XBRL Taxonomy Label Linkbase Document
101.PRE    XBRL Taxonomy Presentation Linkbase Document

 

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SIGNATURES

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

 

BARNES & NOBLE, INC.
(Registrant)
By:  

/s/ ALLEN W. LINDSTROM

  Allen W. Lindstrom
  Chief Financial Officer
  (principal financial officer)
By:  

/s/ PETER M. HERPICH

  Peter M. Herpich
  Vice President and Corporate Controller
  (principal accounting officer)

September 7, 2017

 

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EXHIBIT INDEX

 

  10.1    Retention Bonus Agreement, dated February 7, 2014, between the Company and Mary Amicucci.
  10.2    Letter Agreement, dated January 7, 2016, between the Company and Mary Amicucci.
  10.3    Barnes & Noble, Inc. 2017 Incentive Compensation Plan, Vice President, Merchandising.
  10.4    Consulting Agreement, dated July 18, 2017, between the Company and David Deason.
  10.5   

Form of Performance-Based Stock Unit Award Agreement pursuant to the Company’s Amended & Restated 2009 Incentive Plan.

  31.1   

Certification by the Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a)/15(d)-14(a) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

  31.2   

Certification by the Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a)/15(d)-14(a) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

  32.1   

Certification of the Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(b) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

  32.2   

Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(b) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

101.INS    XBRL Instance Document
101.SCH    XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document
101.CAL    XBRL Taxonomy Calculation Linkbase Document
101.DEF    XBRL Taxonomy Definition Linkbase Document
101.LAB    XBRL Taxonomy Label Linkbase Document
101.PRE    XBRL Taxonomy Presentation Linkbase Document

 

 

32

Exhibit 10.1

RETENTION BONUS AGREEMENT

February 7, 2014

Mary Amicucci

The Company has approved a one-time retention bonus to you in the amount of $264,443 (your “ Retention Bonus ”). Your Retention Bonus will vest with respect to 50% of the amount if you are continuously employed by the Company through February  7, 2016 (the “ Initial Vesting Date ”) and with respect to the remaining 50% of the amount if you are continuously employed by the Company through February  7, 2017 (the “ Final Vesting Date ”). In the event that you voluntarily terminate your employment or the Company terminates your employment for “Cause” (as defined below), you will not receive the then-unvested portion of your Retention Bonus. If vested, payment of the applicable portion of your Retention Bonus will be made by the Company in cash, less applicable taxes and other withholdings, within 30 days after the Initial or Final Vesting Date, as appropriate. Taxes on the award shall remain your sole responsibility.

In the event that the Company involuntarily terminates your employment without “Cause,” or if your employment terminates due to death or “Permanent and Total Disability” (as defined below), prior to the Initial Vesting Date, 50% of your Retention Bonus will vest pro rata based on the number of whole months employed since the date of this letter agreement divided by 24 months. In the event that the Company involuntarily terminates your employment without “Cause,” or if your employment terminates due to death or “Permanent and Total Disability,” following the Initial Vesting Date and prior to the Final Vesting Date, the remaining unvested 50% portion of your Retention Bonus will vest pro rata based on the number of whole months employed following the Initial Vesting Date and prior to the Final Vesting Date divided by 12 months. An amount of your Retention Bonus equal to 50% of the original amount will vest upon any sale by the Company of, or distribution to the holders of the stock of the Company (by pro rata distribution or dividend, exchange offer/“split-off” or any comparable means) of, all or substantially all of the operations of either (i) the Company’s Digital segment (and any business or assets selected by the Company’s Board of Directors to be part of such sale or distribution involving the Company’s Digital segment) or (ii) the Company’s Retail segment (and any business or assets selected by the Company’s Board of Directors to be part of such sale or distribution involving the Company’s Retail segment). Payment of the applicable portion of your Retention Bonus will be made by the Company, in cash, less applicable taxes and withholding, within 30 days following the termination of your employment without “Cause” or due to death or “Permanent and Total Disability” or the sale or distribution described in the immediately preceding sentence, as applicable.

For purposes of this agreement, “Cause” means (1) your conviction of, or plea of guilty or nolo contendere to, a felony; (2) your commission of intentional acts of gross misconduct (including, without limitation, theft, fraud, embezzlement or dishonesty) that significantly impair the business of the Company or cause significant damage to its property, reputation or business; (3) your willful refusal to perform, or willful failure to use good faith efforts to perform, material duties that remains uncured after 14 days reasonable written request from the Company for cure; and (4) your willful and material breach of any material provision of any material policy governing the conduct of its employees that remains uncured after 14 days reasonable written request from the Company for cure.

For purposes of this agreement, “Permanent and Total Disability” means you are unable to engage in any substantial gainful activity by reason of any medically determinable physical or mental impairment that can be expected to result in death or which has lasted or can be expected to last for a continuous period of not less than 12 months, the permanence and degree of which is supported by medical evidence satisfactory to the Company.


Your Retention Bonus is not a guarantee of continued employment, which will remain “at will”, or a permanent or recurring element of your compensation, nor will it impact any other element of your compensation for which you may otherwise be eligible.

The terms of your Retention Bonus are to be kept strictly confidential, until such time as such terms are made public by the Company in its sole discretion.

This letter agreement will be subject to all applicable laws, rules and regulations, and will be construed and enforced in accordance with and governed by the laws of the State of New York, without giving effect to any choice of law or conflict of law provision or rule. You, every person claiming under or through you and the Company hereby waive to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law any right to a trial by jury with respect to any litigation directly or indirectly arising out of, under or in connection with this letter agreement.

This letter agreement constitutes the entire agreement between you and the Company with respect to the terms of your Retention Bonus and supersedes all prior agreements, understandings and arrangements, oral or written, between you and the Company with respect to the subject matter hereof. The terms of this arrangement may not be amended or modified except by an instrument in writing signed by both parties hereto. Neither this letter agreement nor any rights or obligations that either party may have by reason of this letter agreement will be assignable by you without the prior written consent of the Company.

Thank you again for your contribution and we look forward to continuing the opportunity to work together for our mutual success.

 

Sincerely,

            Barnes & Noble, Inc.

 

            By:  

LOGO

 

  Name: Michelle Smith
  Title: VP, Human Resources

Accepted and Agreed to:

  /s/ Mary Amicucci

Date: 11/19/14

Exhibit 10.2

January 7, 2016

Mary Amicucci

 

LOGO

Dear Mary,

It’s my pleasure to confirm our offer. The following represents the key elements of our offer:

 

  Position:    Chief Merchandising Officer
  Reports to:    Jaime Carey – Chief Operations Officer
  Starting Date:    January 4, 2016
  Base Salary:    $525,000 per annum, subject to appropriate tax withholdings and deductions, payable in accordance with the Company’s normal payroll cycle.
  Incentive Compensation:    Eligible to participate in our Incentive Compensation Plan in accordance with the terms and conditions of any applicable plan document. The target level annual bonus payment for your position is 60% of your base salary. Payments under the plan are based upon achievement of measurable objectives as defined by the Company each fiscal year. The fiscal year period is defined as May 1 st to April 30 th .
  Long-Term Incentive Plan:    Subject to the approval by our Compensation Committee, you will be eligible to participate in our annual long-term incentive program (LTIP). Given your role and responsibilities, your total target long-term incentive grant value for Fiscal Year 2017 is $450,000, which will be delivered 50% in restricted stock units (RSUs) and 50% in performance stock units (PSUs). The RSUs will be subject to a 3-year graded vesting schedule and the PSUs will vest at the end of a 3-year performance cycle based on the achievement of certain financial metrics. The actual number of RSUs and PSUs will be calculated using the closing price of our common stock on the grant date.
  Benefits:    During your employment, you will be eligible for employee benefits consistent with the Company’s practices and applicable law and in accordance with the terms of the applicable benefit plans as they currently exist and subject to any future modifications in the Company’s discretion. You will be eligible to participate in the Company’s health and welfare programs after sixty (60) days of continuous employment. Plan details to follow, upon acceptance of offer of employment.


  401(k) Savings Plan:    Eligible to contribute and to receive company matching contributions after completing after completing 1,000 hours in a year (i.e., after approximately six months of continuous full-time service) in accordance with the terms and conditions of the applicable plan.
  Vacation:    4 weeks annually
 

Severance:

  

Should your employment terminate for any reason other than your voluntary resignation or termination by the Company for “Cause” as defined below, you will be eligible to receive a severance package that will be equal to twelve (12) months of base salary, payable in bi-weekly installments, less applicable taxes and withholdings.

 

By signing below, you understand and agree that any severance benefits provided by the Company are contingent on your executing a General Release in the form provided by the Company in exchange for severance benefits at the time the severance benefits are offered.

For purposes of this letter, to the extent permitted and in accordance with applicable law, “Cause” means (A) your engaging in misconduct or gross negligence which is injurious to Company; (B) your indictment or conviction by a court of competent jurisdiction with respect to any felony or other crime or violation of law involving fraud or dishonesty (with the exception of misconduct based in good faith on the advice of professional consultants, such as attorneys and accountants), or your entry of a plea of nolo contendere with respect to any felony involving fraud or dishonesty (with the exception of misconduct based in good faith on the advice of professional consultants, such as attorneys and accountants); (C) any gross negligence, intentional acts or intentional omissions by you, as determined by the Company in connection with the performance of the duties and responsibilities of your employment hereunder; (D) engaging in any act of misconduct or moral turpitude, as determined by the Company; (E) abuse of or dependency on alcohol or drugs (illicit or otherwise) which adversely affects job performance; (F) failure or refusal by you to properly perform (as determined by the Company in its reasonable discretion and judgment) the duties, responsibilities or obligations of your employment for reasons other than Disability or authorized leave, or to properly perform or follow (as determined by the Company in its reasonable discretion and judgment) any lawful direction by the Company; or (G) breach of this Agreement or of any other duty to, written policy of, or agreement with the Company.

During your employment, you will be subject to all of the policies, rules and regulations applicable to employees of the Company, as they currently exist and subject to any future modifications in the Company’s discretion.

By signing below, you represent, and hereby confirm, that you are not subject to any currently effective employment contract, or any other contractual or other binding obligations pursuant to which your employment or employment activities with or on behalf of the Company may be subject to any restrictions, including without limitation, any agreements or other obligations or documents relating to non-competition, confidentiality, trade secrets, proprietary information or works for hire.

This offer is contingent upon verification of your identity and your ability to legally work for the Company in the United States. In addition, this offer is contingent upon satisfactory references and verification of your employment record, academic credentials and any certifications represented on your employment application and/or resume.


This letter is merely a summary of the principal terms of our employment offer, is not a contract of employment for any definite period of time and does not alter your at-will employment status. This letter supersedes any prior or subsequent oral or written representations regarding the terms of potential employment with the Company. By signing below, you acknowledge that you are not relying on any representations other than those set forth in this letter. You also will be required to sign the enclosed Terms and Conditions of Employment as a condition of your employment with the Company.

If you wish to accept this offer of employment as set forth above, please sign both documents and return to me as soon as possible. If you have any questions, please call me at your convenience at 212-633-3280.

 

Sincerely,
/s/ Michelle Smith
Michelle Smith
Vice President, Human Resources
Enclosure
Agreed and Accepted:
/s/ Mary Amicucci

Exhibit 10.3

Barnes & Noble, Inc.

2017 Incentive Compensation Plan

Vice President, Merchandising

Objective

The objective of the Incentive Compensation Plan (the “Plan”) is to reward key employees who have an impact on the overall results of the Company. Bonuses are based on achieving established Company financial goals and individual financial goals.

Eligibility and Bonus Targets

Vice Presidents are eligible for a bonus equal to 30% of the base salary they earn in fiscal year 2017.

Components and Weightings

Bonus awards are based on achievement of the following components:

 

    Consolidated EBITDA (25%) – based on the total Company meeting its profitability target as measured by Consolidated Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation and Amortization (EBITDA).

 

    Retail Sales (30%) – Actual sales versus plan for Barnes & Noble Retail stores as reported and defined in the OTB (Open To Buy) System.

 

    bn.com Sales (5%) – Actual sales versus plan for bn.com only.

 

    Gross Margin Rate (10%) – Actual gross margin rate versus plan gross margin rate as reported and defined in the Stock Ledger Gross Margin System.

 

    Gross Margin Dollar (10%) – Actual gross margin dollar versus plan gross margin dollar as reported and defined in the Stock Ledger Gross Margin System.

 

    Total Inventory Turn (20%) – Actual total inventory turn versus planned total inventory turn. Total Inventory turn calculation is total store sales divided by total 13-period average inventory for stores and the distribution center, as reported and defined in the OTB (Open To Buy) System.

Determination of Performance

Participants are eligible to receive a bonus based on each component’s performance relative to target using the corresponding performance scale.

Payout Scale for Consolidated EBITDA

 

Performance Relative to Target

   % of Component  

115% of Target or more

     150

100% of Target

     100

75% of Target

     50

Less than 75% of Target

     0

Payment amounts corresponding to levels of performance other than threshold, target and maximum will be calculated on the basis of linear interpolation. For example, 104% of Target corresponds to a 114% payout.

Payout Scale for Retail Sales, bn.com sales and Gross Margin Dollar

 

Performance Relative to Budgeted Levels

   % of Component  

Greater than 110.00%

     150

108.01% to 110.00%

     140

106.01% to 108.00%

     130

104.01% to 106.00%

     120

102.01% to 104.00%

     110

100.00% to 102.00%

     100

99.01% to 99.99%

     90

98.01% to 99.00%

     80

97.00% to 98.00%

     70


Payout Scale for Gross Margin Rate

 

Performance Relative to Budgeted Levels

   % of Component  

Greater than 2.50

     150

2.01 to 2.50

     140

1.51 to 2.00

     130

1.01 to 1.50

     120

0.51 to 1.00

     110

0.00 to 0.50

     100

(0.25) to (0.01)

     90

(0.50) to (0.26)

     80

Payout Scale for Total Inventory Turn

 

Performance Relative to Budgeted Levels

   % of Component  

Greater than 110.00%

     120

105.01% to 110.00%

     110

100.00% to 105.00%

     100

97.00% to 99.99%

     90

Plan Provisions

 

    The full bonus paid will be the aggregate of all components awarded.

 

    Base salary is defined as the base salary in an eligible position on January 31, 2017.

 

    Employees who transfer from one bonus-eligible position to another during the fiscal year are eligible for a pro-rated bonus for each position. Late entrants to the Plan will be based on the salary earned for the number of complete months during the performance period. Anyone hired after January 31 will not be eligible to participate in the Plan until the following fiscal year.

 

    Paid or unpaid time during a leave of absence exceeding three (3) months will not be considered as eligible time for bonus calculation.

 

    In order to be eligible for a bonus, employees must be actively employed and rated as “Meets Standards” or higher, not on a final warning or Improvement Plan at the time bonuses are paid. The Company will deduct any federal, state or local taxes, which are required by law.

 

    Employees who transfer into a non-bonus eligible position during the fiscal year, must have been employed in an eligible role for at least three (3) months during the fiscal year.

 

    Bonuses will be paid to participants as soon as financial results are available, calculations are complete and appropriate Senior Management approval is obtained. The Compensation Committee is the ultimate authority for final approval of incentive compensation awards.

 

    The Company shall pay bonuses (under this Plan and other Company bonus plans) in the aggregate of at least the amount declared by the Compensation Committee in its last meeting before the Company’s fiscal year end, which declaration is final and binding.

Plan Administration

This 2017 Incentive Compensation Plan is the sole incentive compensation plan in effect for Vice Presidents of Merchandising superseding and replacing all other plans, arrangements and agreements. The Plan is administered by the Compensation Committee, which retains sole authority to interpret the Plan and may suspend, amend or terminate the Plan in whole or part at any time.

Any questions regarding the Plan should be directed to Michelle Smith, Vice President, Human Resources at

(212) 633-3280.

 

Page 2 of 2

Exhibit 10.4

EXECUTION COPY

CONSULTING AGREEMENT

Agreement made this 18th day of July, 2017 by and between BARNES & NOBLE, INC., a Delaware limited liability company having its principal place of business at 122 Fifth Avenue, New York, New York 10011 (“B&N”), and David Deason, having a principal place of business at                                           (“Consultant”).

1. Scope of Work. All work to be performed by Consultant shall be documented in a Statement of Work (“SOW”) signed by each party, which SOW shall be incorporated into and become part of this Agreement (such work, collectively, the “Services”). SOWs will be substantially in the form attached hereto as Exhibit 1 and will be numbered sequentially for identification. Consultant will use Consultant’s own hardware and property for all work related to this project. In the event that B&N delivers any hardware or property to Consultant in order for Consultant to use in connection with the provision of the Services (for example, laptop, e-reader, badge, or other devices, or property), then Consultant will return said hardware and property to B&N the earlier of upon request or the termination of this Agreement.

2. Compensation/Expenses. B&N shall pay Consultant for Services as requested by B&N and rendered by Consultant as set forth on the SOW. Both time and materials and fixed price SOWs may be entered into hereunder. B&N shall also reimburse Consultant for travel (except local commuting) and other reasonable and necessary out-of-pocket expenses incurred by or on behalf of Consultant in connection with the Services performed hereunder; however, out of the ordinary course expenses shall be subject to prior written approval by B&N. Consultant shall provide reasonable documentation to employer regarding any expenses. Consultant is responsible for all taxes on compensation related to this Agreement.

3. Invoices/Payment. Consultant shall furnish B&N with invoices itemizing in reasonable detail the Services performed, time spent, and amount owed for fees and expenses. B&N agrees to pay Consultant within 30 days after receipt of each invoice except for any disputed invoices and both parties agree to work in good faith to endeavor to resolve any such disputes. B&N reserves the right not to pay any invoice that fails to comply with these requirements.

4. Personnel. The Services shall be performed by Consultant personally and not subcontracted.

5. Proprietary Rights. B&N shall own all right, title and interest in and to the documents, information, ideas, techniques, inventions, processes and materials created by Consultant in connection with the performance of Services under this Agreement or arising from such Services (collectively, “Works”). Consultant hereby automatically assigns to B&N, at the time of creation of the Works and without any requirement of further consideration, all right, title and interest (including all patent rights, copyrights, trade secrets and other intellectual property rights in and to such Works). To the extent possible, such Works shall be considered a “work made for hire” for B&N within the meaning of Title 17 of the United States Code. Consultant agrees to fully cooperate with B&N to enable B&N to obtain patent, trademark, service mark and/or trade name registration or copyright protection therefor and to otherwise protect B&N’s rights in the Works including without limitation execution and delivery of instruments of conveyance, as may be appropriate to give full and proper effect to such assignment. Nothing herein shall be construed to restrict, impair or deprive Consultant of any of its rights or proprietary interest in technology or products that existed prior to and/or independent of the performance of services or provision of materials under any SOW.

6. Confidentiality. In connection with the Services to be performed hereunder, B&N may disclose technical, financial, business or other information which is confidential, proprietary and constitutes valuable trade secrets of B&N. Consultant will use such information solely for the purposes of performing Services in accordance with this Agreement. Consultant will hold all such information and all information generated in performance of the Services in strict confidence indefinitely (even beyond the term and termination of this Agreement) and will not disclose such information without prior authorization from B&N’s Chief Executive Officer, CFO, or the General Counsel. Consultant shall not use the name or any trademark of B&N in any manner, including, without limitation, in any press release or other advertising materials, without the prior written consent of B&N.

7. Warranties. Consultant warrants that he/she is not bound by any agreement with any current or former employer or other party that would prevent him/her from fully performing hereunder. Consultant further warrants that neither Services performed hereunder nor Works produced hereunder will infringe or otherwise violate the legal rights of any party, and warrants that his/her performance of the Services shall comply with all applicable laws and regulations. Consultant warrants


that all Services will be performed in a competent, professional, and workmanlike manner. Consultant warrants that he/she is authorized to perform Services in the United States. Consultant will defend, indemnify and hold B&N harmless against and from all claims, damages, injuries, cost, expenses and losses arising out of Consultant’s breach of a breach of the obligations of Confidentiality in paragraph 6, as well as the Warranties in this paragraph 7.

8. Term. This Agreement shall become effective as of the date first shown above and will continue in full force and effect for one year unless and until terminated as provided hereunder; provided that the term of each SOW shall be listed thereon. Unless explicitly set forth to the contrary in any SOW, B&N may, at its sole option, terminate this Agreement or any SOW, or any portion thereof, upon giving five (5) business days written notice to Consultant. Upon receipt of such notice, Consultant shall advise B&N of the extent to which performance has been completed through such date, and collect and deliver to B&N whatever work product then exists in the manner requested by B&N, but in no event later than ten (10) business days from such notice. Consultant shall be paid for all work performed through the date of termination. If B&N, in advance of services performed, has made any advanced payments to Consultant, Consultant shall refund B&N in respect of such services that have not been performed by Consultant. Upon termination or completion of performance, or at any time prior thereto upon B&N’s request, Consultant shall return to B&N all documentary information or materials, including all copies in all medium, received from B&N or generated by Consultant during the term of this Agreement in performance of the Services.

9. Independent Contractor. Consultant is an independent contractor and nothing contained herein shall be deemed to make him/her an employee of B&N. Consultant does not have the authority to represent or bind B&N in any manner and agrees not to hold him/herself out as having that authority. Consultant is not entitled to participate in any of the Company’s benefits plans, and expressly waives such participation, even if his/her employment is reclassified by any government agency or agency or court.

10. Governing Law/Severability. This Agreement shall be governed by the laws of the State of New York. If any provision of this Agreement is determined to be invalid or unenforceable by a court of competent jurisdiction, such determination shall not affect the validity or enforceability of any other provision of this Agreement.

11. Assignment. The rights of Consultant hereunder shall not be assigned or transferred without B&N’s prior written consent.

12. Entire Agreement. This Agreement sets forth the entire understanding between the parties and supersedes any oral negotiations and prior writing with respect to the subject matter hereof. This Agreement may not be amended except in writing signed by them. The provisions of Paragraphs 5 through 7 will survive the expiration or termination of this Agreement.

13. Non-Solicit; Non-compete. Without the prior written consent of B&N, Consultant shall not recruit or hire any employee of B&N who is or has been assigned to assist or work with any employee of Consultant until one (1) year after the completion or termination of work on any SOW. Consultant acknowledges that services performed for B&N may relate to past, present or future strategies, plans, business activities, methods, processes and/or information which afford B&N certain competitive or strategic advantages. To further ensure the protection of B&N’s interests in this regard, Consultant agrees during the term of this Agreement and for a period of six (6) months thereafter, Consultant shall not perform or agree to perform services or provide materials or information, directly or indirectly, for or in support of any Competitor of B&N. “Competitor” shall mean Amazon.com and any entity whose principal business is the retail sale of books, including, without limitation, Books a Million. Each party acknowledges and agrees that, in the event of a breach or threatened breach of this paragraph 13, the aggrieved party will have no adequate remedy in damages and, accordingly, shall be entitled to injunctive relief against such breach or threatened breach; provided, however, that no specification of a particular legal or equitable remedy shall be construed as a waiver, prohibition or limitation of any legal or equitable remedies in the event of a breach hereof.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF , the parties have executed this Agreement as if the date first written above.

 

BARNES & NOBLE, INC.

 

   

CONSULTANT

 

By:

 

 

LOGO

 

   

By:

 

 

LOGO

 

 

 

Name: Bradley A. Feuer

     

 

Name: David Deason

  Title: Vice President, General Counsel       SS#:                                      


Statement of Work No. 1

 

Consultant:

  David Deason   

Address:

    

Telephone:

    

Date:

  July 18, 2017   

This Statement of Work is issued pursuant to the Consulting Agreement, dated July 18, 2017 (“ Agreement ”) between BARNES & NOBLE, INC. and the above-named Consultant. Any term not otherwise defined herein, shall have the meaning specified in the Agreement. Set forth below is a complete description of the services, deliverables and/or other tasks to be accomplished, milestones / schedule of services, the charges and/or rates applicable to this SOW and other mutually agreeable information:

Nature and Scope of Services: David Deason (Consultant) will provide analysis, review, negotiation, and strategic management for Barnes & Noble’s existing store portfolio/real estate as well as identifying and developing new store opportunities. Recommendations for extensions and renewals will be communicated to appropriate B&N Real Estate contacts, and documentation will be delivered to Jean Rouda or other Lease Administration contacts for processing as needed. New store development opportunities will be presented to Demos Parneros (CEO) or the then current Vice President of Development (or equivalent position) for approval.

Unless otherwise agreed in writing by the parties, Consultant will provide services only for the following geographic areas: Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas, Nebraska, South Dakota, North Dakota, Wyoming, Montana, Colorado, New Mexico, Arizona, Utah, Idaho, Washington, Oregon, Nevada, California.

In addition David Deason will provide advisory services to the other members of the B&N Real Estate team as needed and as requested.

Term: Commencing July 18, 2017 and terminating the latter of a) 30 days after receipt of written notice from either party or b) December 31, 2017. Notwithstanding any other provision set forth in the Agreement, Consultant shall be guaranteed payment through December 31, 2017.

Fee: $35,000 monthly (pro-rated for any partial month)

Expenses: Travel expenses related to performing the above services will be billed to B&N and reimbursed to David Deason in accordance with the terms set forth in the Consulting Agreement.

COBRA coverage: Consultant’s employment with B&N terminated July 17, 2017. If Consultant elects COBRA coverage during the term of this SOW following such termination, B&N shall guarantee Consultant with the subsidized employee COBRA rate through December 31, 2017

IN WITNESS WHEREOF , the parties hereto have executed this SOW to the Agreement as of the date first above written.

 

BARNES & NOBLE, INC.       CONSULTANT
By:    LOGO       LOGO     
   Name: Bradley A. Feuer       David Deason
   Title: Vice President, General Counsel         

Exhibit 10.5

 

LOGO

PERFORMANCE-BASED STOCK UNIT AWARD AGREEMENT

Issued Pursuant to the

Barnes & Noble, Inc. Amended and Restated 2009 Incentive Plan

THIS PERFORMANCE-BASED STOCK UNIT AWARD AGREEMENT (“Agreement”), effective as of the grant date (“Grant Date”) set forth in the Grant Acceptance, represents the grant of such target number of performance-based stock units set forth in the Grant Acceptance, subject to performance-based vesting criteria (“PSUs”) set forth in the PSU Certificate, by Barnes & Noble, Inc. (the “Company”), to the person named in the Grant Acceptance (the “Participant”), subject to the terms and conditions set forth below, and the provisions of the Barnes & Noble, Inc. Amended and Restated 2009 Incentive Plan adopted by the Company’s Board of Directors on July 16, 2012 and approved by the Company’s stockholders on September 11, 2012 (the “Plan”).

All capitalized terms shall have the meanings ascribed to them in the Plan, unless specifically set forth otherwise herein. The parties hereto agree as follows:

1. Grant of PSUs. The Company hereby grants to the Participant the target number of PSUs set forth in the Grant Acceptance. The portion of the PSUs that will vest based on the attainment of certain financial goals (the “Performance Metrics”) during a specific period of time (the “Performance Period”) under a specified vesting formula (including the maximum number of PSUs that are eligible to vest), each of which is set forth in the PSU Certificate, shall be determined by the Committee. Following the end of the Performance Period, the Committee shall certify the level of attainment of the Performance Metrics and the PSUs vested as a result thereof.

2. Vesting Period and Settlement. (a)  In General. Subject to the terms of this Agreement and the Plan, PSUs granted hereunder are eligible to vest as indicated in the PSU Certificate at the end of the Performance Period. For such vesting to occur at the end of the Performance Period, the Participant must be continuously employed by the Company or any of its Affiliates from the Grant Date through the end of the Performance Period. Except as set forth in Section 6 or Section 12 below, if the Participant’s employment terminates before the end of the Settlement Date, all PSUs granted hereunder as of the date of termination of employment shall be forfeited.

(b) Vesting. Except as set forth in Section 6 or Section 12 below, in no event shall a Participant have any rights to the Shares underlying the PSUs granted hereunder prior to the date such PSUs vest pursuant to the vesting schedule set forth in the PSU Certificate and the PSUs are settled.

(c) Settlement. Within 60 days after the end of the Performance Period, the Committee shall determine and certify in writing (1) whether and to what extent the Performance Metrics have been achieved and (2) based on the achievement of such Performance Metrics, the number of PSUs that have vested, in each case, in accordance with the PSU Certificate. Not later than the 15th day of the third month following the end of the Performance Period (or such earlier date on which the PSUs vest in accordance with Section 6 or Section 12 below (such date, the “Settlement Date”)), the Company shall deliver to the Participant one Share, or the equivalent value in cash, other property or any combination thereof, as determined in the sole discretion of the Committee at the time of such payment, for each PSU that vested in accordance with the PSU Certificate and the terms of this Agreement and the Plan, subject to Section 10 below relating to tax withholding.

3. No Voting Rights. No PSUs granted hereunder shall have any voting rights accorded to the underlying Shares. Each PSU constitutes an unfunded and unsecured promise of the Company to deliver to the Participant a Share (or the equivalent value thereof).

 

1


4. Dividend Equivalent Rights. (a)  Cash Dividends. The Participant shall be entitled to receive an amount in cash equal to any cash dividends paid with respect to the number of Shares underlying these PSUs granted hereunder. Any such cash dividends shall not be distributed to the Participant unless, until and except to the extent that the Performance Metrics applicable to these PSUs are achieved or are otherwise deemed satisfied.

(b) Non-Cash Dividends. Any stock dividends or other distributions or dividends of property other than cash with respect to the Shares underlying these PSUs granted hereunder shall be subject to the same forfeiture restrictions and restrictions on transferability as apply to the PSUs with respect to which such property was paid.

5. Nontransferability. (a)  In General. Except as may be provided in Section 5(b) below, these PSUs granted hereunder may not be sold, transferred, pledged, assigned, or otherwise alienated or hypothecated, other than by will or by the laws of descent and distribution, except as provided in the Plan. No assignment or transfer of any PSUs in violation of this Section 5, whether voluntary or involuntary, by operation of law or otherwise, except by will or the laws of descent and distribution or as otherwise required by applicable law, shall vest in the assignee or transferee any interest whatsoever.

(b) Transfers with the Consent of the Committee. With the consent of the Committee, a Participant may assign or transfer unvested PSUs to the Participant’s spouse, domestic partner and/or children (and/or trusts and/or partnerships established for the benefit of the Participant’s spouse, domestic partner and/or children or in which the Participant is a beneficiary or partner) (each transferee thereof, a “Permitted Assignee”); provided , however , that such Permitted Assignee(s) shall be bound by and subject to all of the terms and conditions of the Plan, the PSU Certificate and this Agreement relating to the transferred PSUs and shall execute an agreement satisfactory to the Company evidencing such obligations; and provided further that such Participant shall remain bound by the terms and conditions of the Plan and this Agreement. Notwithstanding the foregoing, in no event shall the PSUs (or any rights and obligations thereunder) be transferred to a third party in exchange for value unless such transfer is specifically approved by the Company’s stockholders. The Company shall cooperate with any Permitted Assignee and the Company’s transfer agent in effectuating any transfer permitted under this Section 5(b).

6. Termination. (a)  Death. In the event a Participant dies while employed by the Company or any of its Affiliates, a number of PSUs equal to the target number of PSUs awarded shall immediately vest in the estate of such Participant or in any person who acquired such PSUs by bequest or inheritance, or by the Permitted Assignee. References in this Agreement to a Participant shall include any person who acquired PSUs from such Participant by bequest or inheritance.

(b) Disability. In the event a Participant ceases to perform services of any kind for the Company or any of its Affiliates due to permanent and total disability, a number of PSUs equal to the target number of PSUs awarded shall immediately vest in the Participant, or his guardian or legal representative, or a Permitted Assignee, as of the first date of permanent and total disability (as determined in the sole discretion of the Committee). For purposes of this Agreement, the term “permanent and total disability” means the Participant is unable to engage in any substantial gainful activity by reason of any medically determinable physical or mental impairment that can be expected to result in death or which has lasted or can be expected to last for a continuous period of not less than 12 months, and the permanence and degree of which shall be supported by medical evidence satisfactory to the Committee. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary set forth herein, the Committee shall determine, in its sole and absolute discretion, (1) whether a Participant has ceased to perform services of any kind due to a permanent and total disability and, if so, (2) the first date of such permanent and total disability.

7. Administration. (a)  Generally. This Agreement and the rights of the Participant hereunder are subject to all the terms and conditions of the Plan, as the same may be amended from time to time, as well as to such rules and regulations as the Committee may adopt for administration of the Plan. It is expressly understood that the Committee is authorized to administer, construe, and make all determinations necessary or appropriate to the administration of the Plan and this Agreement, all of which shall be binding upon the Participant and Permitted Assignees. Any inconsistency between this Agreement (on the one hand) and the Plan (on the other hand) shall be resolved in favor of the Plan.

 

2


(b) Conflicts. The order of precedence as between the Plan, this Agreement and any written employment agreement between the Participant and the Company shall be as follows: If there is any inconsistency between (i) the terms of this Agreement (on the one hand) and the terms of the Plan (on the other hand); or (ii) any such written employment agreement (on the one hand) and the terms of the Plan (on the other hand), the Plan’s terms shall completely supersede and replace the conflicting terms of this Agreement or the written employment agreement (as the case may be). If there is any inconsistency between the terms of this Agreement (on the one hand) and the terms of Participant’s written employment agreement, if any (on the other hand), the terms of this Agreement shall completely supersede and replace the conflicting terms of the written employment agreement unless such written employment agreement was approved by the Committee, in which event such written employment agreement shall completely supersede and replace the conflicting terms of this Agreement.

8. Adjustments. The number of PSUs granted hereunder shall be subject to adjustment in accordance with Sections 10.3 and 12.2 of the Plan.

9. Exclusion from Other Computations. By acceptance of these PSUs granted hereunder, the Participant hereby agrees that any income or gain realized upon the receipt or settlement of the PSUs, or upon disposition of any Shares received upon settlement, is special incentive compensation and shall not be taken into account, to the extent permissible under applicable law, as “wages,” “salary” or “compensation” in determining the amount of any payment under any pension, retirement, incentive, profit sharing, bonus, severance, or deferred compensation plan of the Company or any of its Affiliates.

10. Withholding Taxes. The Company shall have the right to withhold from wages or other amounts otherwise payable to the Participant (or a Permitted Assignee thereof), or otherwise require the Participant or Permitted Assignee to pay, any federal, state, local or foreign income taxes, withholding taxes, or employment taxes required to be withheld by law or regulations (“Withholding Taxes”) arising as a result of the grant or vesting of PSUs, the transfer of any PSUs or any other taxable event occurring pursuant to the Plan or this Agreement. If, notwithstanding the foregoing, the Participant (or Permitted Assignee) shall fail to actually or constructively make such tax payments as are required, the Company (or its Affiliates) shall, to the extent permitted by law, have the right to deduct any such Withholding Taxes from any payment of any kind otherwise due to such Participant or Permitted Assignee or to take such other action as may be necessary to satisfy such Withholding Taxes. In satisfaction of the requirement to pay Withholding Taxes, the Company, in its sole discretion, may elect to satisfy the obligation for Withholding Taxes by retaining a sufficient number of Shares that it would otherwise deliver on a particular Settlement Date equal to the amount of any Withholding Taxes due on such Settlement Date. Notwithstanding the foregoing discretion, the Company shall satisfy the obligation for Withholding Taxes by retaining a sufficient number of Shares that it would otherwise deliver on a particular Settlement Date equal to the amount of any Withholding Taxes due on such Settlement Date. For purposes of the preceding two sentences, where the Company is to retain Shares to satisfy the obligation for Withholding Taxes, the net amount of Shares to be delivered to the Participant on a Settlement Date shall equal the total number of Shares otherwise deliverable to the Participant on such Settlement Date, less such number of Shares having an aggregate Fair Market Value equal to the amount of such Withholding Taxes (as determined in the Committee’s sole discretion).

11. Registration; Legend. The Company may postpone the issuance and delivery of any Shares upon settlement of these PSUs granted hereunder until (a) the admission of such Shares to listing on any stock exchange or exchanges on which Shares of the Company of the same class are then listed and (b) the completion of such registration or other qualification of such Shares under any state or federal law, rule or regulation as the Company shall determine to be necessary or advisable. The Participant shall make such representations and furnish such information as may, in the opinion of counsel for the Company, be appropriate to permit the Company, in light of the then existence or non-existence with respect to such Shares of an effective Registration Statement under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, to issue the Shares in compliance with the provisions of that or any comparable act.

 

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The Company may cause the following or a similar legend to be set forth on each certificate representing Shares issuable upon settlement of these PSUs granted hereunder unless counsel for the Company is of the opinion as to any such certificate that such legend is unnecessary:

THE SECURITIES REPRESENTED BY THIS CERTIFICATE MAY BE SUBJECT TO FORFEITURE AND OTHER LIMITATIONS AND RESTRICTIONS AS SET FORTH IN A PERFORMANCE-BASED STOCK UNIT AWARD AGREEMENT ON FILE WITH THE COMPANY. IN ADDITION, THE SECURITIES REPRESENTED BY THIS CERTIFICATE MAY NOT BE OFFERED FOR SALE, SOLD OR OTHERWISE TRANSFERRED EXCEPT PURSUANT TO AN EFFECTIVE REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, AS AMENDED (THE “ACT”), OR PURSUANT TO AN EXEMPTION FROM REGISTRATION UNDER THE ACT, THE AVAILABILITY OF WHICH IS ESTABLISHED BY AN OPINION FROM COUNSEL TO THE COMPANY.

12. Change of Control. (a) In the event of a Change of Control of the Company, unless the Committee, in its sole discretion, determines otherwise, , the Performance Metrics set forth in the PSU Certificate applicable to these PSUs granted hereunder shall cease to apply to these PSUs and be deemed achieved at the greater of the target level performance or the actual level of performance, as determined by the Committee, in its sole discretion, and the number of PSUs based on such performance level shall vest and be settled on the last day of the Performance Period, subject to the Participant’s continuous employment by the Company or any of its Affiliates from the date of the Change of Control through the end of the Performance Period.

(b) Notwithstanding the foregoing, in the event of a termination of the Participant’s employment by the successor company following such Change of Control, these PSUs granted hereunder or any award substituted therefor held by such Participant at the time of the Change of Control shall vest as of the day immediately preceding the date of termination unless the termination was made by the successor company for cause. For purposes of this Agreement, “cause” shall mean either (i) material failure by the Participant to perform his or her duties (other than as a result of incapacity due to physical or mental illness) during his or her employment with the Company after written notice of such breach or failure and the Participant failed to cure such breach or failure to the Company’s reasonable satisfaction within five days after receiving such written notice; or (ii) any act of fraud, misappropriation, misuse, embezzlement or any other material act of dishonesty in respect of the Company or its funds, properties, assets or other employees.

13. Recoupment. The Committee may, in its sole discretion, direct that the PSUs be cancelled or that the Company recoup, and upon demand by the Company, the Participant agrees to return to the Company, any gain realized under a previously paid PSU if (a) the Participant, without the consent of the Company, while employed by or providing services to the Company or any of its Affiliates, (i) violates a non-competition, non-solicitation or non-disclosure agreement, (ii) engages in fraud or other conduct contributing to any financial restatements or irregularities or (iii) to the extent applicable to the Participant, otherwise violates any policy adopted by the Company or any of its Affiliates relating to the recovery of compensation granted, paid, delivered, awarded or otherwise provided to the Participant by the Company or any of its Affiliates as such policy is in effect on the date of grant of the PSUs or, to the extent necessary to address the requirements of applicable law (including Section 954 of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act of 2010, as codified in Section 10D of the Exchange Act, Section 304 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 or any other applicable law), as may be amended from time to time or (b) if a financial restatement reduces the amount that would have been earned under such PSU. The amount to be recouped shall be determined by the Committee in its sole discretion but shall not exceed the Fair Market Value of the PSUs that vested under this Agreement. If after a demand for recoupment under this Section 13, the Participant fails to return any amount paid by the Company, the Participant acknowledges that the Company has the right to effect the recovery, from other owed compensation, of the amount paid and the amount of its court costs, attorneys’ fees and other costs and expenses incurred in connection with enforcing this Agreement.

 

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14. Miscellaneous. (a)  No Right to Employment. This Agreement shall not confer upon the Participant any right to continuation of employment by the Company, nor shall this Agreement interfere in any way with the Company’s right to terminate the Participant’s employment at any time.

(b) Successors. All obligations of the Company under the Plan and this Agreement, with respect to these PSUs granted hereunder, shall be binding on any successor to the Company, whether the existence of such successor is the result of a direct or indirect purchase, merger, consolidation or otherwise, of all or substantially all of the business and/or assets of the Company.

(c) Severability. The provisions of this Agreement are severable and if any one or more provisions are determined to be illegal or otherwise unenforceable, in whole or in part, the remaining provisions shall nevertheless be binding and enforceable.

(d) Consent to Board or Committee Action. By accepting this grant of PSUs, the Participant and each person claiming under or through the Participant shall be conclusively deemed to have indicated their acceptance and ratification of, and consent to, any action taken under the Plan by the Company, the Board or the Committee.

(e) Amendment. The Committee may, with the consent of the Participant, at any time or from time to time amend the terms and conditions of this grant of PSUs. In addition, the Committee may at any time or from time to time amend the terms and conditions of this grant of PSUs in accordance with the Plan.

(f) Governmental Approvals. This Agreement shall be subject to all applicable laws, rules and regulations, and to such approvals by any governmental agencies or national securities exchanges as may be required.

(g) Governing Law. To the extent not preempted by federal law, this Agreement shall be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the laws of the State of Delaware.

(h) Compliance with Code Section  409A. The settlement of these PSUs granted hereunder is intended to comply with Code Section 409A, and this Agreement shall be interpreted, operated and administered consistent with this intent. Notwithstanding the preceding, the Company makes no representations concerning the tax consequences of this Agreement under Code Section 409A or any other federal, state, local, foreign or other taxes. Tax consequences will depend, in part, upon the application of the relevant tax law to the relevant facts and circumstances. The Participant should consult a competent and independent tax advisor regarding the tax consequences of this Agreement.

(i) Section 162(m). To the extent the Committee determines it is desirable with respect to the PSUs, all payments under this Agreement shall be intended to constitute “qualified performance-based compensation” within the meaning of Section 162(m) of the Code. This Award shall be construed and administered in a manner consistent with such intent.

(j) Waiver of Trial by Jury. The Participant, every person claiming under or through the Participant, and the Company hereby waives to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law any right to a trial by jury with respect to any litigation directly or indirectly arising out of, under or in connection with the Plan or this Agreement.

(k) Exculpation. These PSUs granted hereunder and all documents, agreements, understandings and arrangements relating hereto have been issued on behalf of the Company by officers acting on its behalf and not by any person individually. None of the Directors, officers or stockholders of the Company nor the Directors, officers or stockholders of any Affiliate of the Company shall have any personal liability hereunder or thereunder. The Participant shall look solely to the assets of the Company for satisfaction of any liability of the Company in respect of these PSUs granted hereunder and all documents, agreements, understandings and arrangements relating hereto and will not seek recourse or commence any action against any of the Directors, officers or stockholders of the Company or any of the Directors, officers or stockholders of any Affiliate, or any of their personal assets, for the performance or payment of any obligation hereunder or thereunder. The foregoing shall also apply to any future documents, agreements, understandings, arrangements and transactions between the parties hereto with respect to these PSUs granted hereunder.

 

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(l) Captions. The captions in this Agreement are for convenience of reference only, and are not intended to narrow, limit or affect the substance or interpretation of the provisions contained herein.

(m) Notices. Any notice that either party hereto may be required or permitted to give to the other shall be in writing, and may be delivered personally or by mail, postage prepaid or overnight courier, addressed as follows: if to the Company, at its office at 122 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY 10011, Attn: Human Resources, or at such other address as the Company by notice to the Participant may designate in writing from time to time; and if to the Participant, at the Participant’s home or such other address as the Participant by notice to the Company may designate in writing from time to time. Notices shall be effective upon receipt.

 

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Exhibit 31.1

CERTIFICATION BY THE

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER PURSUANT TO

17 CFR 240.13a-14(a)/15(d)-14(a),

AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO

SECTION 302 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

I, Demos Parneros, certify that:

 

  1. I have reviewed this report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended July 29, 2017 of Barnes & Noble, 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 officer 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 officer 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: September 7, 2017

 

By:  

/s/ Demos Parneros

  Demos Parneros
 

Chief Executive Officer

Barnes & Noble, Inc.

 

Exhibit 31.2

CERTIFICATION BY THE

CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER PURSUANT TO

17 CFR 240.13a-14(a)/15(d)-14(a),

AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO

SECTION 302 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

I, Allen W. Lindstrom, certify that:

 

  1. I have reviewed this report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended July 29, 2017 of Barnes & Noble, 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 officer 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 officer 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: September 7, 2017

 

By:  

/s/ Allen W. Lindstrom

  Allen W. Lindstrom
 

Chief Financial Officer

Barnes & Noble, Inc.

 

Exhibit 32.1

CERTIFICATION OF THE CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER PURSUANT TO

RULE 13a-14(b) UNDER THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

AND 18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350,

AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO

SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

In connection with the quarterly report of Barnes & Noble, Inc. (the “Company”) on Form 10-Q for the period ended July 29, 2017, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the “Report”), I, Demos Parneros, Chief Executive Officer of the Company, certify, to the best of my knowledge, pursuant to Rule 13a-14(b) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that:

 

  (1) The Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and

 

  (2) The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.

 

/s/ Demos Parneros

Demos Parneros

Chief Executive Officer

Barnes & Noble, Inc.

September 7, 2017

A signed original of this written statement required by Section 906, or other document authenticating, acknowledging, or otherwise adopting the signature that appears in typed form within the electronic version of this written statement required by Section 906, has been provided to the Company and will be retained by the Company and furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission or its staff upon request.

Exhibit 32.2

CERTIFICATION OF CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER PURSUANT TO

RULE 13a-14(b) UNDER THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

AND 18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350,

AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO

SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

In connection with the quarterly report of Barnes & Noble, Inc. (the “Company”) on Form 10-Q for the period ended July 29, 2017, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the “Report”), I, Allen W. Lindstrom, Chief Financial Officer of the Company, certify, to the best of my knowledge, pursuant to Rule 13a-14(b) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that:

 

  (1) The Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and

 

  (2) The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.

 

/s/ Allen W. Lindstrom

Allen W. Lindstrom

Chief Financial Officer

Barnes & Noble, Inc.

September 7, 2017

A signed original of this written statement required by Section 906, or other document authenticating, acknowledging, or otherwise adopting the signature that appears in typed form within the electronic version of this written statement required by Section 906, has been provided to the Company and will be retained by the Company and furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission or its staff upon request.