Destination Maternity Corporation
Table of Contents

 

 

United States

Securities and Exchange Commission

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

 

FORM 10-Q

 

 

 

x Quarterly Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

For the quarterly period ended June 30, 2009

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 0-21196

Destination Maternity Corporation

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

 

 

Delaware   13-3045573
(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization)
  (IRS Employer Identification No.)
456 North 5th Street, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania   19123
(Address of principal executive offices)   (Zip code)

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code (215) 873-2200

 

 

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

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T 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 or a smaller reporting company. See definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

 

Large accelerated filer   ¨    Accelerated filer   x
Non-accelerated filer   ¨ (Do not check if a smaller reporting company)    Smaller reporting company   ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act).    Yes  ¨    No  x

Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer’s classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date.

Common Stock, $.01 par value 6,107,760 shares outstanding as of July 31, 2009

 

 

 


Table of Contents

DESTINATION MATERNITY CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

INDEX

 

PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

  

Item 1.

  

Financial Statements (unaudited)

  
  

Consolidated Balance Sheets

   3
  

Consolidated Statements of Operations

   4
  

Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity and Comprehensive Income (Loss)

   5
  

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

   6
  

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

   7

Item 2.

  

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

   14

Item 3.

  

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

   25

Item 4.

  

Controls and Procedures

   26

PART II. OTHER INFORMATION

  

Item 1.

  

Legal Proceedings

   27

Item 1A.

  

Risk Factors

   27

Item 6.

  

Exhibits

   27

Signatures

   28

 

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Table of Contents

PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

 

Item 1. Financial Statements

DESTINATION MATERNITY CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(in thousands, except share and per share amounts)

(unaudited)

 

     June 30,
2009
    September 30,
2008
 
ASSETS     

Current assets:

    

Cash and cash equivalents

   $ 27,905      $ 12,148   

Trade receivables

     7,623        7,085   

Inventories

     72,792        88,056   

Deferred income taxes

     5,299        8,154   

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

     4,573        6,777   
                

Total current assets

     118,192        122,220   
                

Property, plant and equipment, net

     63,956        66,098   

Assets held for sale

     —          207   

Other assets:

    

Goodwill

     —          50,389   

Deferred financing costs, net of accumulated amortization of $544 and $358

     666        929   

Other intangible assets, net of accumulated amortization of $2,097 and $2,105

     890        695   

Deferred income taxes

     16,554        15,411   

Other non-current assets

     312        299   
                

Total other assets

     18,422        67,723   
                

Total assets

   $ 200,570      $ 256,248   
                
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY     

Current liabilities:

    

Line of credit borrowings

   $ —        $ —     

Current portion of long-term debt

     1,242        1,860   

Accounts payable

     16,378        20,937   

Accrued expenses and other current liabilities

     42,684        37,806   
                

Total current liabilities

     60,304        60,603   

Long-term debt

     61,596        76,786   

Deferred rent and other non-current liabilities

     30,899        29,391   
                

Total liabilities

     152,799        166,780   
                

Commitments and contingencies (Note 12)

    

Stockholders’ equity:

    

Preferred stock, 1,656,381 shares authorized:

    

Series B junior participating preferred stock, $.01 par value; 300,000 shares authorized, none outstanding

     —          —     

Common stock, $.01 par value; 20,000,000 shares authorized, 6,104,520 and 6,070,813 shares issued and outstanding, respectively

     61        61   

Additional paid-in capital

     84,039        83,274   

Retained earnings (accumulated deficit)

     (34,542     7,505   

Accumulated other comprehensive loss

     (1,787     (1,372
                

Total stockholders’ equity

     47,771        89,468   
                

Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity

   $ 200,570      $ 256,248   
                

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

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DESTINATION MATERNITY CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

(in thousands, except per share amounts)

(unaudited)

 

     Three Months Ended
June 30,
   Nine Months Ended
June 30,
     2009    2008    2009     2008

Net sales

   $ 142,529    $ 152,224    $ 407,423      $ 434,105

Cost of goods sold

     65,001      74,022      192,185        214,255
                            

Gross profit

     77,528      78,202      215,238        219,850

Selling, general and administrative expenses

     64,553      68,572      196,562        205,735

Store closing, asset impairment and asset disposal expenses

     233      985      399        2,739

Restructuring charges

     399      —        570        —  

Goodwill impairment expense

     —        —        50,389        —  
                            

Operating income (loss)

     12,343      8,645      (32,682     11,376

Interest expense, net

     1,100      1,711      3,656        5,435

Loss on extinguishment of debt

     29      59      95        97
                            

Income (loss) before income taxes

     11,214      6,875      (36,433     5,844

Income tax provision

     4,431      2,738      5,614        2,449
                            

Net income (loss)

   $ 6,783    $ 4,137    $ (42,047   $ 3,395
                            

Net income (loss) per share—Basic

   $ 1.13    $ 0.69    $ (7.02   $ 0.57
                            

Average shares outstanding—Basic

     6,002      5,956      5,987        5,915
                            

Net income (loss) per share—Diluted

   $ 1.12    $ 0.68    $ (7.02   $ 0.56
                            

Average shares outstanding—Diluted

     6,066      6,049      5,987        6,039
                            

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

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DESTINATION MATERNITY CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)

(in thousands)

(unaudited)

 

     Common Stock    Additional
Paid-in
Capital
    Retained
Earnings
(Accumulated
Deficit)
    Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Loss
    Total     Comprehensive
Income (Loss)
 
   Number
of
Shares
    Amount            Quarter    Year to
Date
 

Balance as of September 30, 2008

   6,071      $ 61    $ 83,274      $ 7,505      $ (1,372   $ 89,468        

Net income (loss)

   —          —        —          (42,047     —          (42,047   $ 6,783    $ (42,047

Amortization of prior service cost for retirement plans, net of tax

   —          —        —          —          92        92        30      92   

Change in fair value of interest rate swap, net of tax

   —          —        —          —          (507     (507     272      (507
                            

Comprehensive income (loss)

                $ 7,085    $ (42,462
                            

Stock-based compensation

   36        —        1,551        —          —          1,551        

Tax benefit shortfall from stock option exercises and restricted stock vesting

   —          —        (772     —          —          (772     

Repurchase and retirement of common shares

   (2     —        (14     —          —          (14     
                                                  

Balance as of June 30, 2009

   6,105      $ 61    $ 84,039      $ (34,542   $ (1,787   $ 47,771        
                                                  

Balance as of September 30, 2007

   5,963      $ 60    $ 81,047      $ 8,820      $ (1,404   $ 88,523        

Net income

   —          —        —          3,395        —          3,395      $ 4,137    $ 3,395   

Amortization of prior service cost for retirement plans, net of tax

   —          —        —          —          136        136        55      136   

Change in fair value of interest rate swap, net of tax

   —          —        —          —          (603     (603     885      (603

Unrealized loss on investments, net of tax

   —          —        —          —          3        3        86      3   
                            

Comprehensive income

                $ 5,163    $ 2,931   
                            

Cumulative effect of adoption of FIN No. 48 (Note 9)

   —          —        —          74        —          74        

Stock-based compensation

   40        —        1,780        —          —          1,780        

Exercise of stock options

   73        1      684        —          —          685        

Tax benefit shortfall from stock option exercises and restricted stock vesting

   —          —        (620     —          —          (620     

Repurchase and retirement of common shares

   (7     —        (118     —          —          (118     
                                                  

Balance as of June 30, 2008

   6,069      $ 61    $ 82,773      $ 12,289      $ (1,868   $ 93,255        
                                                  

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

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DESTINATION MATERNITY CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(in thousands)

(unaudited)

 

     Nine Months Ended
June 30,
 
     2009     2008  

Cash Flows from Operating Activities

    

Net income (loss)

   $ (42,047   $ 3,395   

Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by operating activities:

    

Depreciation and amortization

     11,412        11,879   

Stock-based compensation expense

     1,551        1,780   

Loss on impairment of long-lived assets

     537        1,339   

Loss on impairment of goodwill

     50,389        —     

Loss (gain) on disposal of assets

     (82     695   

Loss on extinguishment of debt

     95        97   

Deferred income tax benefit

     1,040        (1,136

Amortization of deferred financing costs

     168        187   

Changes in assets and liabilities:

    

Decrease (increase) in —

    

Trade receivables

     (538     4,449   

Inventories

     15,264        5,276   

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

     2,204        163   

Other non-current assets

     (13     246   

Increase (decrease) in —

    

Accounts payable, accrued expenses and other current liabilities

     2,922        (12,541

Deferred rent and other non-current liabilities

     551        4,119   
                

Net cash provided by operating activities

     43,453        19,948   
                

Cash Flows from Investing Activities

    

Contribution to grantor trust

     —          2,684   

Capital expenditures

     (10,883     (12,368

Proceeds from sale of assets held for sale

     526        —     

Purchase of intangible assets

     (280     (88
                

Net cash used in investing activities

     (10,637     (9,772
                

Cash Flows from Financing Activities

    

Increase (decrease) in cash overdraft

     (1,221     1,785   

Repayment of long-term debt

     (15,808     (14,115

Deferred financing costs

     —          (21

Repurchase of common stock

     (14     (118

Payout of redeemed Series A preferred stock

     (16     —     

Proceeds from exercise of stock options

     —          685   
                

Net cash used in financing activities

     (17,059     (11,784
                

Net Increase (decrease) in Cash and Cash Equivalents

     15,757        (1,608

Cash and Cash Equivalents, Beginning of Period

     12,148        10,130   
                

Cash and Cash Equivalents, End of Period

   $ 27,905      $ 8,522   
                

Supplemental Disclosures of Cash Flow Information:

    

Cash paid for interest

   $ 2,924      $ 5,587   
                

Cash paid for income taxes

   $ 315      $ 539   
                

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

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DESTINATION MATERNITY CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

June 30, 2009

(unaudited)

 

1. BASIS OF FINANCIAL STATEMENT PRESENTATION

The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the requirements for Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X and, accordingly, certain information and footnote disclosures have been condensed or omitted. Reference is made to the Annual Report on Form 10-K as of and for the year ended September 30, 2008 for Destination Maternity Corporation and subsidiaries (the “Company” or “Destination Maternity”), as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”), for additional disclosures including a summary of the Company’s accounting policies.

In the opinion of management, the consolidated financial statements contain all adjustments, consisting of normal recurring adjustments, necessary to present fairly the consolidated financial position, results of operations and cash flows of the Company for the periods presented. Since the Company’s operations are seasonal, the interim operating results of the Company may not be indicative of operating results for the full year.

The Company operates on a fiscal year ending September 30 of each year. All references to fiscal years of the Company refer to fiscal years, or periods within such fiscal years, ended on September 30 in those years. For example, the Company’s “fiscal 2009” will end on September 30, 2009. Certain reclassifications have been made to the prior year consolidated financial statements to conform to the current year presentation. The Company has evaluated subsequent events through August 10, 2009, the date these financial statements were issued.

 

2. EARNINGS (LOSS) PER SHARE (EPS)

Basic earnings (loss) per share (“Basic EPS”) is computed by dividing net income (loss) by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding, excluding restricted stock for which the restrictions have not lapsed. Diluted earnings (loss) per share (“Diluted EPS”) is computed by dividing net income (loss) by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding, after giving effect to the potential dilution, if applicable, from the assumed lapse of restrictions on restricted stock and from the assumed exercise of outstanding stock options.

The following tables summarize the Basic EPS and Diluted EPS calculations (in thousands, except per share amounts):

 

     Three Months Ended
June 30, 2009
    Three Months Ended
June 30, 2008
 
     Net
Income
   Shares    EPS     Net
Income
   Shares    EPS  

Basic EPS

   $ 6,783    6,002    $ 1.13      $ 4,137    5,956    $ 0.69   

Incremental shares from the assumed lapse of restrictions on restricted stock

     —      16      —             23      —     

Incremental shares from the assumed exercise of outstanding stock options

     —      48      (0.01        70      (0.01
                                        

Diluted EPS

   $ 6,783    6,066    $ 1.12      $ 4,137    6,049    $ 0.68   
                                        

 

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     Nine Months Ended
June 30, 2009
    Nine Months Ended
June 30, 2008
 
     Net
Loss
    Shares    EPS     Net
Income
   Shares    EPS  

Basic EPS

   $ (42,047   5,987    $ (7.02   $ 3,395    5,915    $ 0.57   

Incremental shares from the assumed lapse of restrictions on restricted stock

     —        —        —          —      16      —     

Incremental shares from the assumed exercise of outstanding stock options

     —        —        —          —      108      (0.01
                                         

Diluted EPS

   $ (42,047   5,987    $ (7.02   $ 3,395    6,039    $ 0.56   
                                         

For the three months ended June 30, 2009 and 2008, options and unvested restricted stock totaling 593,074 and 231,400 shares were excluded from the calculation of Diluted EPS as their effect would have been antidilutive. For the nine months ended June 30, 2008, options and unvested restricted stock totaling 218,298 shares were excluded from the calculation of Diluted EPS as their effect would have been antidilutive. Options and unvested restricted stock totaling 952,969 shares of the Company’s common stock were outstanding as of June 30, 2009 but were not included in the computation of Diluted EPS for the nine months ended June 30, 2009, due to the Company’s net loss. Had the Company reported a profit for the nine months ended June 30, 2009 the weighted average number of dilutive shares outstanding for computation of Diluted EPS would have been approximately 6,015,000.

 

3. INVENTORIES

Inventories were comprised of the following (in thousands):

 

     June 30,
2009
   September 30,
2008

Finished goods

   $ 66,437    $ 81,028

Work-in-progress

     2,552      2,904

Raw materials

     3,803      4,124
             
   $ 72,792    $ 88,056
             

 

4. RESTRUCTURING CHARGES

On July 1, 2008, the Company announced that it was streamlining its merchandise brands and store nameplates and implementing cost reductions in order to simplify its business model, reduce overhead costs and improve its merchandise assortments. Pursuant to the strategic restructuring, the Company rebranded its Mimi Maternity® merchandise brand under its A Pea in the Pod® brand beginning with the Spring 2009 collection, which initially debuted in November 2008. The Company also streamlined its store nameplates by renaming its single-brand Mimi Maternity stores as A Pea in the Pod, and by renaming its multi-brand Mimi Maternity stores as Destination Maternity®. In connection with the strategic restructuring the Company also reduced its corporate and field management headcount. During the first nine months of fiscal 2009 the Company began to implement actions to achieve further cost reductions. The Company incurred pretax expense of $936,000 from its restructuring and cost reduction actions in fiscal 2008, consisting of $691,000 for cash severance expense and severance-related benefits, and $245,000 of expense for accelerated depreciation of existing store signs resulting from planned store signage changes. The Company incurred pretax expense of $570,000 in the first nine months of fiscal 2009, consisting of $285,000 for cash severance expense, $157,000 for other cost reduction initiatives and $128,000 for accelerated depreciation. A summary of the charges incurred and reserves recorded in connection with the restructuring activities is as follows (in thousands):

 

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     Balance
Accrued
September 30,
2008
   Nine Months Ended
June 30, 2009
    Balance
Accrued
June 30,
2009
   Cumulative
Charges
Incurred to
June 30,
2009
      Charges
Incurred
   Payments/
Adjustments
      

Severance and related benefits

   $ 224    $ 285    $ (478   $ 31    $ 976

Other cost reduction initiatives

     —        157      —          157      157

Accelerated depreciation of store signage

     —        128      (128 )(1)      —        373
                                   

Total

   $ 224    $ 570    $ (606   $ 188    $ 1,506
                                   
 
  (1) Adjustment to reduce net book value of associated property, plant and equipment

 

5. GOODWILL IMPAIRMENT

For purposes of the Company’s impairment testing under Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (“SFAS”) No. 142, Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets, the Company has one reporting unit based on the Company’s reporting structure. The fair value of the Company’s single reporting unit is determined based on a combination of the fair market value of the Company’s outstanding common stock on a control basis, a discounted cash flow analysis and other generally accepted valuation methodologies and, if necessary, with the assistance of an outside independent valuation specialist. As a result of a substantial decrease in the market price of the Company’s common stock subsequent to September 30, 2008, reflecting deteriorating overall economic conditions and the very difficult equity market conditions, the Company reassessed the carrying value of its goodwill as of December 31, 2008, in accordance with the interim period requirements of SFAS No. 142, and concluded that its goodwill was impaired. Consequently, the Company recorded a preliminary non-cash goodwill impairment charge of $47,000,000, on both a pretax and after tax basis, in the first quarter of fiscal 2009. The final results of the Company’s evaluation completed during the second quarter of fiscal 2009 indicated the goodwill was fully impaired. Accordingly, the Company recorded a $3,389,000 non-cash goodwill impairment charge, on both a pretax and after tax basis, in the second quarter of fiscal 2009, representing the remaining carrying value of the goodwill as of December 31, 2008. The goodwill impairment analysis involved calculating the implied fair value of the Company’s goodwill by allocating the fair value of the Company’s single reporting unit to all assets and liabilities other than goodwill (including both recognized and unrecognized intangible assets) and comparing the residual amount to the carrying value of goodwill. The non-cash goodwill impairment charges do not have any adverse effect on the covenant calculations under the Company’s debt agreements or the Company’s overall compliance with the covenants of the Company’s debt agreements.

 

6. ACCRUED EXPENSES AND OTHER CURRENT LIABILITIES

Accrued expenses and other current liabilities were comprised of the following (in thousands):

 

     June 30,
      2009      
   September 30,
2008

Salaries, wages and employee benefits

   $ 13,592    $ 10,596

Income taxes payable

     3,626      —  

Interest

     749      1,012

Deferred rent

     3,732      4,302

Sales taxes

     2,529      2,627

Insurance

     1,540      835

Audit and legal

     1,646      1,464

Accrued store construction costs

     464      760

Gift certificates and store credits

     4,328      4,960

futuretrust® college savings program

     1,179      1,811

Supplemental executive retirement plan benefits

     1,200      1,560

Other

     8,099      7,879
             
   $ 42,684    $ 37,806
             

 

7. LONG-TERM DEBT AND LINE OF CREDIT

On March 13, 2007, the Company entered into a Term Loan and Security Agreement (the “Term Loan Agreement”) for a $90,000,000 senior secured Term Loan B due March 13, 2013 (the “Term Loan”), the proceeds of which were received on April 18, 2007 and were used to redeem the remaining $90,000,000 principal amount of its 11 1/4% senior notes (the “Senior Notes”). The interest rate on the Term Loan is equal to, at the Company’s election, either (i) the prime rate plus 1.00%, or (ii) the LIBOR rate plus the applicable margin. The applicable margin was initially fixed at 2.50% through and including the fiscal quarter ended September 30, 2007. Thereafter, the applicable margin for LIBOR rate borrowings is either 2.25% or 2.50%, depending on the Company’s Consolidated Leverage Ratio (as defined). Based upon the Company’s applicable

 

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quarterly Consolidated Leverage Ratio during the first nine months of fiscal 2009, the applicable margin for LIBOR rate borrowings remained at 2.50% for the first nine months of fiscal 2009. The Company is required to make minimum repayments of the principal amount of the Term Loan in quarterly installments of $225,000 each. The Company is also required to make an annual principal repayment equal to 25% or 50% of Excess Cash Flow (as defined) in excess of $5,000,000 for each fiscal year, with the 25% or 50% factor depending on our Consolidated Leverage Ratio. The required principal repayment for fiscal 2008, which was calculated based on the 50% factor, was $622,000 and was paid in December 2008. Additionally, the Term Loan can be prepaid at the Company’s option, in part or in whole, at any time without any prepayment premium or penalty. During the first nine months of fiscal 2009, the Company prepaid $15,000,000 of the outstanding Term Loan, including the $622,000 prepayment required under the annual excess cash flow provision of the Term Loan. At June 30, 2009, the Company’s indebtedness under the Term Loan Agreement was $59,975,000.

The Term Loan is secured by a security interest in the Company’s accounts receivable, inventory, real estate interests, letter of credit rights, cash, intangibles and certain other assets. The security interest granted to the Term Loan lenders is, in certain respects, subordinate to the security interest granted to the lender under the Credit Facility (defined below). The Term Loan Agreement imposes certain restrictions on the Company’s ability to, among other things, incur additional indebtedness, pay dividends, repurchase stock, and enter into other various types of transactions. The Term Loan Agreement also contains quarterly financial covenants that require the Company to maintain a specified maximum permitted Consolidated Leverage Ratio and a specified minimum permitted Consolidated Interest Coverage Ratio (as defined). Since the inception of the Term Loan Agreement, the Company has been in compliance with all covenants of the Term Loan Agreement.

In order to mitigate the Company’s floating rate interest risk on the variable rate Term Loan, the Company entered into an interest rate swap agreement with the agent bank for the Term Loan that commenced on April 18, 2007, the date the $90,000,000 Term Loan proceeds were received, and expires on April 18, 2012. The interest rate swap agreement effectively converts a specified amount of the Term Loan (equal to the notional amount of the interest rate swap) from a floating interest rate of LIBOR plus 2.50% (subject to reduction to LIBOR plus 2.25% if the Company achieves a specified leverage ratio), to a fixed interest rate of 7.50% (subject to reduction to 7.25% if the Company achieves a specified leverage ratio). The notional amount of the interest rate swap was $75,000,000 at the inception of the swap agreement and decreases over time to a notional amount of $5,000,000 at the expiration date. The notional amount of the swap was $42,500,000 as of June 30, 2009 and over the next eighteen months decreases as follows: to $35,000,000 starting October 19, 2009; to $27,500,000 starting April 19, 2009; and to $20,000,000 starting October 18, 2010.

In connection with the Term Loan transaction, the Company amended its existing $60,000,000 revolving credit facility (the “Credit Facility”) in order to permit the new Term Loan financing. This amendment of the Credit Facility also extended its maturity from October 15, 2009 to March 13, 2012, increased its size to $65,000,000, and reduced the LIBOR-based interest rate option under the facility by 0.25%. The interest rate on outstanding borrowings is equal to, at the Company’s election, either the lender’s prime rate or the lender’s LIBOR rate plus the applicable margin. The applicable margin for LIBOR rate borrowings is variable, ranging from 1.00% to 1.50%, based upon the availability calculation made in accordance with the Credit Facility. There are no financial covenant requirements under the Credit Facility provided that Excess Availability (as defined) does not fall below 10% of the Borrowing Base (as defined). If Excess Availability were to fall below 10% of the Borrowing Base, the Company would be required to meet a specified minimum Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio (as defined). During the first nine months of fiscal 2009 and 2008, the Company exceeded the minimum requirements for Excess Availability. As of June 30, 2009, the Company had no outstanding borrowings under the Credit Facility and $12,309,000 in letters of credit, with $32,205,000 of availability under the Credit Facility based on the Borrowing Base formula.

 

8. FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS

The Company adopted SFAS No. 157, Fair Value Measurements, on October 1, 2008. SFAS No. 157 defines fair value as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. The standard establishes a framework for measuring fair value focused on exit price and creates a fair value hierarchy in order to increase the consistency and comparability of fair value measurements as follows:

 

   

Level 1—Quoted market prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities

 

   

Level 2—Observable market-based inputs or inputs that are corroborated by observable market data

 

   

Level 3—Unobservable inputs that are not corroborated by market data

 

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The carrying values of cash and cash equivalents, trade receivables and accounts payable approximate fair value due to the short-term nature of those instruments. A substantial portion of the Company’s long-term debt bears interest at variable rates, which adjust based on market conditions and the carrying value of the long-term debt approximates fair value. A portion of the Company’s floating rate interest risk on variable rate long-term debt is mitigated through an interest rate swap agreement. The Company’s interest rate swap is required to be measured at fair value on a recurring basis. At June 30, 2009, the interest rate swap was a liability with a fair value of $2,208,000, included in deferred rent and other non-current liabilities in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheet. The fair value of the interest rate swap was derived from a discounted cash flow analysis utilizing an interest rate yield curve that is readily available to the public or can be derived from information available in publicly quoted markets, which the Company considers to be Level 2 inputs.

The Company adopted SFAS No. 159, The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities, on October 1, 2008. SFAS No. 159 provides a company with the option to report selected financial assets and liabilities on an instrument-by-instrument basis at fair value and requires such company to display the fair value of those assets and liabilities for which the company has chosen to use fair value on the face of the balance sheet. In accordance with SFAS No. 159 implementation options, the Company chose not to elect the fair value option for its financial assets and liabilities that had not been previously measured at fair value.

 

9. INCOME TAXES

In June 2006, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued FASB Interpretation (“FIN”) No. 48, Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes. FIN No. 48 clarifies the accounting for income taxes by prescribing the minimum recognition threshold a tax position is required to meet before being recognized in the financial statements. FIN No. 48 applies to all tax positions related to income taxes subject to SFAS No. 109, Accounting for Income Taxes. Under FIN No. 48, recognition of a tax benefit occurs when a tax position is more-likely-than-not to be sustained upon examination, based solely on its technical merits. Derecognition of a previously recognized tax position would occur if it is subsequently determined that the tax position no longer meets the more-likely-than-not threshold of being sustained.

The Company adopted the provisions of FIN No. 48 effective as of October 1, 2007. In accordance with FIN No. 48, the Company recorded a cumulative effect adjustment of $74,000, decreasing the liability for unrecognized tax benefits and increasing the September 30, 2007 balance of retained earnings.

As of June 30, 2009, the Company had $2,532,000 of unrecognized tax benefits, including accrued interest and penalties of $1,187,000. The Company records interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits in income tax provision (benefit). If recognized, the portion of the liabilities for unrecognized tax benefits that would impact the Company’s effective tax rate was $1,776,000.

During the twelve months subsequent to September 30, 2008, it is reasonably possible that the gross unrecognized tax benefits could potentially decrease by approximately $221,000 (of which approximately $152,000 would affect the effective tax rate, net of federal benefit) for federal and state tax positions related to the effect of expiring statutes of limitations and settlements.

The Company’s U.S. Federal income tax returns for the years ended September 30, 2006 and beyond remain subject to examination by the U.S. Internal Revenue Service. The Company also files returns in Canada and numerous state jurisdictions, which have varying statutes of limitations. Generally, Canadian and state tax returns for the years ended September 30, 2004 and beyond, depending upon the jurisdiction, remain subject to examination. However, the statutes of limitations on certain of the Company’s state returns remain open for years prior to fiscal 2004.

 

10. RETIREMENT PLANS

On March 2, 2007, the Company entered into Supplemental Executive Retirement Agreements (the “SERP Agreements”) with Dan W. Matthias, the Company’s Chairman of the Board and then Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”), and Rebecca Matthias, the Company’s President and Chief Creative Officer (together the “SERP Executives”). The Company’s Transition Agreement with Mr. Matthias in connection with his retirement as CEO effective September 30, 2008, amended his SERP Agreement to provide for full vesting of the benefits payable to Mr. Matthias and to increase the total of the amounts payable under the SERP Agreement to approximately 10% more than the amount that would have been payable on September 30, 2012 (the date the SERP Agreement had otherwise been expected to fully vest). The SERP Agreement benefits, totaling $3,960,000, will be paid to Mr. Matthias in installments, which commenced on April 1, 2009, with the final installment due on October 1, 2012. On April 1, 2009, the Company paid Mr. Matthias $960,000 representing the first installment of the SERP benefits. On July 1, 2009, the Company paid Mr. Matthias $600,000 representing the second installment of the SERP benefits.

 

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Benefits payable to Ms. Matthias under her SERP Agreement vest over time based on service rendered and are expected to fully vest by September 30, 2012.

The components of net periodic pension cost on a pretax basis were as follows (in thousands):

 

     Three Months Ended,
June 30,
   Nine Months Ended
June 30,
     2009    2008    2009    2008

Service cost

   $ 143    $ 243    $ 429    $ 729

Interest cost

     79      45      237      135

Amortization of prior service cost

     49      88      147      264
                           

Total net periodic benefit cost

   $ 271    $ 376    $ 813    $ 1,128
                           

On May 20, 2008, the Company entered into (i) a Letter Agreement with the SERP Executives and the trustee (the “Trustee”) for the grantor trust, which was established for the purpose of accumulating assets in anticipation of the Company’s payment obligations under the SERP Agreements (the “Grantor Trust”), and (ii) an amendment to the Grantor Trust agreement with the Trustee (collectively the “Agreements”). The Agreements amended the SERP Agreements and the Grantor Trust agreement to provide for the Company to deliver an irrevocable standby letter of credit to the Trustee in an amount equal to the Company’s then current funding obligation under the SERP Agreements, which was $3,885,000. The amendments affected by the Agreements also allow for, at the Company’s option, the issuance from time to time of irrevocable standby letters of credit, or the increase of size of an irrevocable standby letter of credit already held by the Trustee, in lieu of any deposit to the Grantor Trust otherwise required in the future. In addition, the Agreements permit the Company, from time to time at its sole discretion, to reduce the size of any irrevocable standby letter of credit issued to the Trustee, so long as the Company simultaneously funds the Grantor Trust with an amount of cash equal to the amount of the reduction of the letter of credit. In October 2008, the Company increased the irrevocable standby letter of credit issued to the Trustee to a total of $6,779,000, in lieu of deposits to the Grantor Trust, in connection with the full vesting of Mr. Matthias’ benefits under the Transition Agreement and the annual increase in vesting of Ms. Matthias’ benefits. In April and July 2009, the Company reduced the irrevocable standby letter of credit by $960,000 and $600,000, respectively, to a total of $5,219,000, in connection with the April and July 2009 benefit payments made to Mr. Matthias.

 

11. NEW ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS

SFAS No. 161

In March 2008, the FASB issued SFAS No. 161, Disclosures about Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities. SFAS No. 161 requires companies to provide qualitative disclosures about the objectives and strategies for using derivatives, quantitative data about the fair value of and gains and losses on derivative contracts, and details of credit-risk-related contingent features in hedged positions. SFAS No. 161 is effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2008, and interim periods within those fiscal years. The adoption of SFAS No. 161 is not expected to have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial position or results of operations.

SFAS No. 165

In May 2009, the FASB issued SFAS No. 165, Subsequent Events. SFAS No. 165 establishes general standards of accounting for and disclosure of events that occur after the balance sheet date but before financial statements are issued or are available to be issued. SFAS No. 165 is effective for interim or annual periods ending after June 15, 2009. The Company adopted SFAS No. 165 in the third quarter of fiscal 2009 and it did not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial position or results of operations.

SFAS No. 168

In June 2009, the FASB issued SFAS No. 168, The FASB Accounting Standards Codification and the Hierarchy of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles. SFAS No. 168 establishes the FASB Accounting Standards Codification (“Codification”) as the source of authoritative accounting principles recognized by the FASB to be applied to nongovernmental entities in the preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”). Rules and interpretive releases of the SEC under authority of federal securities laws are also sources of authoritative GAAP for SEC registrants. SFAS No. 168 is effective for financial statements issued for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. SFAS No. 168 and the Codification are not intended to change GAAP and the adoption of SFAS No. 168 is not expected to have any impact on the Company’s consolidated financial position or results of operations.

 

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12. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

From time to time, the Company is named as a defendant in legal actions arising from normal business activities. Litigation is inherently unpredictable and although the amount of any liability that could arise with respect to currently pending actions cannot be accurately predicted, the Company does not believe that the resolution of any pending action will have a material adverse effect on its financial position, results of operations or liquidity.

 

13. SEGMENT AND ENTERPRISE WIDE DISCLOSURES

Operating Segment. Under SFAS No. 131, Disclosures about Segments of an Enterprise and Related Information, a company may be required to report segmented information about separately identifiable parts of its business, which both (i) meet the definition of an “operating segment” under SFAS No. 131, and (ii) exceed certain quantitative thresholds established in SFAS No. 131. The Company has determined that its business is comprised of one operating segment: the design, manufacture and sale of maternity apparel and related accessories. While the Company offers a wide range of products for sale, the substantial portion of its products are initially distributed through the same distribution facilities, many of the Company’s products are manufactured at common contract manufacturer production facilities, the Company’s products are marketed through a common marketing department, and these products are sold to a similar customer base, consisting of expectant mothers.

Geographic Information. Information concerning the Company’s operations by geographic area was as follows (in thousands):

 

     Three Months Ended,
June 30,
   Nine Months Ended
June 30,
     2009    2008    2009    2008

Net Sales to Unaffiliated Customers

           

United States

   $ 136,508    $ 146,024    $ 392,029    $ 418,268

Foreign

   $ 6,021    $ 6,200    $ 15,394    $ 15,837
     June 30,
2009
   September 30,
2008
         

Long-Lived Assets

           

United States

   $ 62,668    $ 64,699      

Foreign

   $ 2,178    $ 2,301      

Major Customers. For the periods presented, the Company did not have any one customer who represented more than 10% of its net sales.

 

14. INTEREST EXPENSE, NET

Interest expense, net was comprised of the following (in thousands):

 

     Three Months Ended,
June 30,
    Nine Months Ended
June 30,
 
     2009     2008     2009     2008  

Interest expense

   $ 1,116      $ 1,612      $ 3,685      $ 5,428   

Interest income

     (16     (6     (29     (23

Other investment loss, net

     —          105        —          30   
                                

Interest expense, net

   $ 1,100      $ 1,711      $ 3,656      $ 5,435   
                                

 

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

Our fiscal year ends on September 30. All references in this discussion to our fiscal years refer to the fiscal year, or periods within the fiscal year, ended on September 30 in the year mentioned. For example, our “fiscal 2009” will end on September 30, 2009.

Restructuring

On July 1, 2008, we announced that we were streamlining our merchandise brands and store nameplates and implementing cost reductions in order to simplify our business model, reduce overhead costs and improve and tighten our merchandise assortments. Pursuant to the strategic restructuring, we rebranded our Mimi Maternity® merchandise brand under our A Pea in the Pod® brand beginning with the Spring 2009 collection, which initially debuted in November 2008. We also streamlined our store nameplates, which began in November 2008, by renaming our single-brand Mimi Maternity stores as A Pea in the Pod, and by renaming our multi-brand Mimi Maternity stores as Destination Maternity®. In connection with the strategic restructuring we also reduced our corporate and field management headcount. During the first nine months of fiscal 2009 we began to implement actions to achieve further cost reductions. We incurred pretax expense of approximately $0.9 million from our restructuring and cost reduction actions in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2008, consisting of approximately $0.7 million for cash severance expense and severance-related benefits, and approximately $0.2 million of non-cash expense for accelerated depreciation of existing store signs resulting from planned store signage changes. We incurred pretax expense of approximately $0.6 million in the first nine months of fiscal 2009, consisting of approximately $0.3 million for cash severance expense, $0.2 million for other cost reduction initiatives and $0.1 million of non-cash expense for accelerated depreciation. We expect to incur additional pretax expense of approximately $0.3 million in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2009.

Goodwill Impairment

For purposes of our impairment testing under SFAS No. 142, Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets, we have one reporting unit based on our reporting structure. The fair value of our single reporting unit is determined based on a combination of the fair market value of our outstanding common stock on a control basis, a discounted cash flow analysis and other generally accepted valuation methodologies and, if necessary, with the assistance of an outside independent valuation specialist. As a result of a substantial decrease in the market price of our common stock subsequent to September 30, 2008, reflecting deteriorating overall economic conditions and the very difficult equity market conditions, we reassessed the carrying value of our goodwill as of December 31, 2008, in accordance with the interim period requirements of SFAS No. 142, and concluded that our goodwill was impaired. Consequently, we recorded a preliminary non-cash goodwill impairment charge of $47.0 million, on both a pretax and after tax basis, in the first quarter of fiscal 2009. The preliminary goodwill impairment charge reflected the indication from the impairment analysis performed in the first quarter of fiscal 2009, was subject to finalization of certain fair value estimates being performed with the assistance of an outside independent valuation specialist, and was subject to adjustment when all aspects of the analysis were completed. The final results of our evaluation completed during the second quarter of fiscal 2009 indicated the goodwill was fully impaired. Accordingly, we recorded a $3.4 million non-cash goodwill impairment charge, on both a pretax and after tax basis, in the second quarter of fiscal 2009, representing the remaining carrying value of the goodwill as of December 31, 2008. The goodwill impairment analysis involved calculating the implied fair value of our goodwill by allocating the fair value of our single reporting unit to all assets and liabilities other than goodwill (including both recognized and unrecognized intangible assets) and comparing the residual amount to the carrying value of goodwill. The non-cash goodwill impairment charges do not have any adverse effect on the covenant calculations under our debt agreements or our overall compliance with the covenants of our debt agreements.

 

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Results of Operations

The following tables set forth certain operating data as a percentage of net sales and as a percentage change for the three and nine months ended June 30:

 

     % of Net Sales (1)     % Period to Period
Increase (Decrease)
 
     Three
Months Ended
June 30,
    Nine
Months Ended
June 30,
    Three
Months
Ended
June 30,
2009 vs.
2008
    Nine
Months
Ended
June 30,
2009 vs.
2008
 
     2009     2008     2009     2008      

Net sales

   100.0   100.0   100.0   100.0   (6.4 )%    (6.1 )% 

Cost of goods sold (2)

   45.6      48.6      47.2      49.4      (12.2 )   (10.3 )
                            

Gross profit

   54.4      51.4      52.8      50.6      (0.9 )   (2.1 )

Selling, general and administrative expenses (3)

   45.3      45.0      48.2      47.4      (5.9 )   (4.5 )

Store closing, asset impairment and asset disposal expenses

   0.2      0.6      0.1      0.6      (76.3   (85.4

Restructuring charges

   0.3      —        0.1      —        N.M.      N.M.   

Goodwill impairment expense

   —        —        12.4      —        N.M.      N.M.   
                            

Operating income (loss)

   8.7      5.7      (8.0 )   2.6      42.8      N.M.   

Interest expense, net

   0.8      1.1      0.9      1.3      (35.7   (32.7 )

Loss on extinguishment of debt

   0.0      0.0      0.0      0.0      (50.8   (2.1
                            

Income (loss) before income taxes

   7.9      4.5      (8.9   1.3      63.1      N.M.   

Income tax provision

   3.1      1.8      1.4      0.6      61.8      129.2   
                            

Net income (loss)

   4.8   2.7   (10.3 )%    0.8   64.0      N.M.   
                            

 

N.M.—Not meaningful

 

(1) Components may not add to total due to rounding.

 

(2) The “Cost of goods sold” line item includes merchandise costs (including customs duty expenses), expenses related to inventory shrinkage, product related corporate expenses (including expenses related to our payroll, benefit costs and operating expenses of our buying departments), inventory reserves (including lower of cost or market reserves), inbound freight charges, purchasing and receiving costs, inspection costs, warehousing costs, internal transfer costs, and the other costs of our distribution network.

 

(3) The “Selling, general and administrative expenses” line item includes advertising and marketing expenses, corporate administrative expenses, store expenses (including store payroll and store occupancy expenses), and store opening expenses.

The following table sets forth certain information concerning the number of our stores and leased departments for the periods indicated:

 

     Three Months Ended  
     June 30, 2009     June 30, 2008  

Retail Locations

   Stores     Leased
Departments
    Total Retail
Locations
    Stores     Leased
Departments
    Total Retail
Locations
 

Beginning of period

   734      354      1,088      766      771      1,537   

Opened

   2      3      5      7      —        7   

Closed

   (6   —        (6   (12   (477   (489
                                    

End of period

   730      357      1,087      761      294      1,055   
                                    
     Nine Months Ended  
     June 30, 2009     June 30, 2008  

Retail Locations

   Stores     Leased
Departments
    Total Retail
Locations
    Stores     Leased
Departments
    Total Retail
Locations
 

Beginning of period

   754      278      1,032      781      795      1,576   

Opened

   11      80      91      24      4      28   

Closed

   (35   (1   (36   (44   (505   (549
                                    

End of period

   730      357      1,087      761      294      1,055   
                                    

 

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Three Months Ended June 30, 2009 and 2008

Net Sales. Our net sales for the third quarter of fiscal 2009 decreased by 6.4%, or $9.7 million, to $142.5 million from $152.2 million for the third quarter of fiscal 2008. The decrease in sales versus last year resulted primarily from a decrease in comparable store sales and a decrease in Sears® leased department sales, due to the closure of all of our remaining leased departments within Sears stores during the month of June 2008. Comparable store sales decreased by 5.5% for the third quarter of fiscal 2009, based on 958 retail locations, versus a comparable store sales increase of 2.4% for the third quarter of fiscal 2008, based on 989 retail locations.

As of June 30, 2009, we operated a total of 730 stores and 1,087 total retail locations, compared to 761 stores and 1,055 total retail locations as of June 30, 2008. In addition, our Oh Baby by Motherhood™ collection is available at Kohl’s® stores throughout the United States. During the third quarter of fiscal 2009, we opened two stores, one of which was a multi-brand store, and closed six stores, with two of the store closings related to multi-brand store openings. The increase in leased department locations at the end of June 2009 versus the end of June 2008 predominantly reflects the opening of an additional 69 Babies“R”Us® leased department locations in January and February 2009.

Gross Profit. Our gross profit for the third quarter of fiscal 2009 decreased by 0.9%, or $0.7 million, to $77.5 million from $78.2 million for the third quarter of fiscal 2008 primarily reflecting the effect of our lower sales volume compared to last year, partially offset by increased gross profit as a percentage of net sales (gross margin). Gross margin for the third quarter of fiscal 2009 was 54.4% compared to 51.4% for the third quarter of fiscal 2008. The increase in gross margin for the third quarter of fiscal 2009 compared to the third quarter of fiscal 2008 was due primarily to higher merchandise gross margin from better pricing and lower overall markdown levels.

Selling, General and Administrative Expenses. Our selling, general and administrative expenses for the third quarter of fiscal 2009 decreased by 5.9%, or $4.0 million, to $64.6 million from $68.6 million for the third quarter of fiscal 2008. This decrease in expense for the quarter resulted primarily from lower corporate payroll from our restructuring, lower store payroll, reflecting our reduced number of stores and leased departments, and a decrease in store occupancy costs, partially offset by higher variable incentive compensation expense resulting from increased profitability. As a percentage of net sales, selling, general and administrative expenses increased to 45.3% for the third quarter of fiscal 2009 compared to 45.0% in the third quarter of fiscal 2008. This increase in the expense percentage for the quarter resulted primarily from negative expense leverage from the decrease in sales, partially offset by the $4.0 million decrease in selling, general and administrative expenses.

Store Closing, Asset Impairment and Asset Disposal Expenses. Our store closing, asset impairment, and asset disposal expenses for the third quarter of fiscal 2009 decreased significantly to $0.2 million from $1.0 million for the third quarter of fiscal 2008. We incurred charges relating to store closings and other asset disposals of $0.1 million for the third quarter of fiscal 2009, as compared to charges of $0.6 million for the third quarter of fiscal 2008. We incurred lower impairment charges for write-downs of long-lived assets of $0.2 million for the third quarter of fiscal 2009, as compared to $0.4 million for the third quarter of fiscal 2008.

Restructuring Charges. In the third quarter of fiscal 2009, we incurred pretax expense of $0.4 million from our strategic restructuring and cost reduction initiatives.

Operating Income. We had operating income of $12.3 million for the third quarter of fiscal 2009 compared to $8.6 million for the third quarter of fiscal 2008. The increase in operating income was primarily due to lower selling, general and administrative expenses. Operating income as a percentage of net sales for the third quarter of fiscal 2009 increased to 8.7% from 5.7% for the third quarter of fiscal 2008. The increase in operating income as a percentage of net sales was primarily due to our higher gross margin, partially offset by our higher operating expense ratio compared to the third quarter of fiscal 2008.

Interest Expense, Net. Our net interest expense for the third quarter of fiscal 2009 decreased by 35.7%, or $0.6 million, to $1.1 million from $1.7 million for the third quarter of fiscal 2008. This decrease was due to our lower debt level, primarily as a result of the $15.0 million of Term Loan prepayments we made in the previous 12 months, and to a lesser extent, lower interest rates and lower credit line borrowings. During the third quarter of fiscal 2009 we did not have any direct borrowings under our Credit Facility. During the third quarter of fiscal 2008 we had average daily borrowings of $3.4 million. We did not have any direct borrowings outstanding under our Credit Facility as of June 30, 2009.

 

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Loss on Extinguishment of Debt. In June 2009, we prepaid $5.0 million principal amount of our outstanding Term Loan. The $5.0 million Term Loan prepayment resulted in a third quarter fiscal 2009 pretax charge of $29,000, representing the write-off of unamortized deferred financing costs. In June 2008, we prepaid $8.0 million in principal amount of our Term Loan resulting in a pretax charge of $59,000 in the third quarter of fiscal 2008.

Income Tax Provision. Our effective tax rate was 39.5% for the third quarter of fiscal 2009 and 39.8% for the third quarter of fiscal 2008. Our effective tax rates reflect the effect of additional income tax expense recognized during the fiscal 2009 and 2008 quarters in connection with FIN No. 48. We expect our effective tax rate for the full year fiscal 2009 to be approximately 40.5%, excluding the effect of goodwill impairment charges.

Net income. Net income for the third quarter of fiscal 2009 was $6.8 million, or $1.12 per share (diluted), compared to net income of $4.1 million or $0.68 per share (diluted) for the third quarter of fiscal 2008.

Our average diluted shares outstanding of 6,066,000 for the third quarter of fiscal 2009 were 0.3% higher than the 6,049,000 average diluted shares outstanding for the third quarter of fiscal 2008. The increase in average diluted shares outstanding reflects the higher shares outstanding in the third quarter of fiscal 2009 compared to the third quarter of fiscal 2008, primarily as a result of vesting of restricted stock.

Nine Months Ended June 30, 2009 and 2008

Net Sales. Our net sales for the first nine months of fiscal 2009 decreased by 6.1%, or $26.7 million, to $407.4 million from $434.1 million for the first nine months of fiscal 2008. The decrease in sales versus last year resulted primarily from a decrease in Sears leased department sales and a decrease in comparable store sales. Comparable store sales decreased by 3.0% for the first nine months of fiscal 2009, based on 925 retail locations, versus a comparable store sales decrease of 0.6% for the first nine months of fiscal 2008, based on 842 retail locations.

During the first nine months of fiscal 2009, we opened 11 stores, four of which were multi-brand stores, and closed 35 stores, with eight of the store closings related to multi-brand store openings.

Gross Profit. Our gross profit for the first nine months of fiscal 2009 decreased by 2.1%, or approximately $4.7 million, to $215.2 million from $219.9 million for the first nine months of fiscal 2008, primarily reflecting the effect of our lower sales volume compared to last year, partially offset by increased gross profit as a percentage of net sales (gross margin). Gross margin for the first nine months of fiscal 2009 was 52.8% compared to 50.6% for the first nine months of fiscal 2008. The increase in gross margin for the first nine months of fiscal 2009 compared to the first nine months of fiscal 2008 was due primarily to higher merchandise gross margin from better pricing and lower overall markdown levels.

Selling, General and Administrative Expenses. Our selling, general and administrative expenses for the first nine months of fiscal 2009 decreased by 4.5%, or approximately $9.1 million, to $196.6 million from $205.7 million for the first nine months of fiscal 2008. This decrease in expense for the first nine months resulted primarily from lower corporate payroll from our restructuring, lower store payroll, reflecting our reduced number of stores and leased departments, and a decrease in store occupancy costs, partially offset by higher variable incentive compensation expense resulting from increased profitability. As a percentage of net sales, selling, general and administrative expenses increased to 48.2% for the first nine months of fiscal 2009 compared to 47.4% in the first nine months of fiscal 2008. This increase in the expense percentage for the nine-month period resulted primarily from negative expense leverage from the decrease in sales, partially offset by the $9.1 million decrease in selling, general and administrative expenses.

Store Closing, Asset Impairment and Asset Disposal Expenses. Our store closing, asset impairment, and asset disposal expenses for the first nine months of fiscal 2009 decreased significantly to $0.4 million from $2.7 million for the first nine months of fiscal 2008. We incurred charges relating to store closings and other asset disposals of $0.2 million for the first nine months of fiscal 2009, as compared to charges of $1.4 million for the first nine months of fiscal 2008. We incurred lower impairment charges for write-downs of long-lived assets of $0.5 million for the first nine months of fiscal 2009, as compared to $1.3 million for the first nine months of fiscal 2008. We recognized a gain of $0.3 million from the sale of the remaining Costa Rica facility acquired in a fiscal 2002 business purchase.

Restructuring Charges. In the first nine months of fiscal 2009, we incurred pretax expense of $0.6 million from our strategic restructuring and cost reduction initiatives.

 

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Goodwill Impairment Expense. We recorded non-cash goodwill impairment charges of $50.4 million in the first nine months of fiscal 2009 to reflect the full impairment of our goodwill based on the final results of the impairment analysis completed during the second quarter of fiscal 2009.

Operating Income (loss). We had operating loss of $(32.7) million for the first nine months of fiscal 2009. Excluding the goodwill impairment charges, our operating income for the first nine months of fiscal 2009 was $17.7 million, an increase of 55.7% or $6.3 million, from the $11.4 million of operating income for the first nine months of fiscal 2008, which had no goodwill impairment charge. The increase in operating income, excluding the goodwill impairment charges, was primarily due to lower selling, general and administrative expenses, and lower store closing, asset impairment and asset disposal costs, partially offset by the lower sales volume and associated gross profit reduction. Operating income, excluding the goodwill impairment charges, as a percentage of net sales for the first nine months of fiscal 2009 increased to 4.3% from 2.6% for the first nine months of fiscal 2008. The increase in operating income, excluding the goodwill impairment charges, as a percentage of net sales was primarily due to our higher gross margin, partially offset by our higher operating expense ratio compared to the first nine months of fiscal 2008.

Interest Expense, Net. Our net interest expense for the first nine months of fiscal 2009 decreased by 32.7%, or approximately $1.7 million, to $3.7 million from $5.4 million for the first nine months of fiscal 2008. This decrease was due to our lower debt level, primarily as a result of the $15.0 million of Term Loan prepayments we made in the previous 12 months, and to a lesser extent, lower interest rates and lower credit line borrowings. During the first nine months of fiscal 2009, our average daily level of direct borrowings under our Credit Facility was $0.3 million compared to $5.3 million for the first nine months of fiscal 2008. We did not have any direct borrowings outstanding under our Credit Facility as of June 30, 2009.

Loss on Extinguishment of Debt. In the first nine months of fiscal 2009, we prepaid $15.0 million principal amount of our outstanding Term Loan, which resulted in a pretax charge of $0.1 million representing the write-off of unamortized deferred financing costs, compared to prepaying $13.0 million in the first nine months of fiscal 2008 resulting in a pretax charge of $0.1 million of unamortized deferred financing costs for the first nine months of fiscal 2008.

Income Tax Provision. There was no tax benefit associated with our $50.4 million goodwill impairment charges. Excluding the goodwill impairment charges, our income before income taxes was $14.0 million and our effective tax rate was a provision of 40.2% for the first nine months of fiscal 2009. Our effective tax rate was 41.9% for the first nine months of fiscal 2008. Our effective tax rates reflect the effect of additional income tax expense recognized during the first nine months of fiscal 2009 and fiscal 2008 in connection with FIN No. 48.

Net Income (Loss). Net loss for the first nine months of fiscal 2009 was $(42.0) million, or $(7.02) per share (diluted). Net loss for the first nine months of fiscal 2009 includes the goodwill impairment charges of $50.4 million, or $(8.41) per diluted share. Excluding the goodwill impairment charges, our net income was $8.3 million or $1.39 per share (diluted), compared to $3.4 million or $0.56 per share (diluted) for the first nine months of fiscal 2008, which had no goodwill impairment charges.

Our average shares outstanding (basic and diluted) of 5,987,000 for the first nine months of fiscal 2009 were 0.9% lower than the 6,039,000 average shares outstanding diluted for the first nine months of fiscal 2008. The decrease in average diluted shares outstanding reflects the elimination of the dilutive impact of outstanding stock options and restricted stock in the first nine months of fiscal 2009 due to the net loss, compared to the dilutive impact of outstanding stock options and restricted stock awards in the first nine months of fiscal 2008, when we generated net income, partially offset by higher shares outstanding in the first nine months of fiscal 2009 compared to the first nine months of fiscal 2008, as a result of stock option exercises and vesting of restricted stock awards. Had we reported a profit for the nine month period ended June 30, 2009, the weighted average number of dilutive shares outstanding for computation of Diluted EPS would have been approximately 6,015,000.

 

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Following is a reconciliation of net income (loss) and net income (loss) per share (diluted) to net income and net income per share (diluted) excluding goodwill impairment expense for the nine months ended June 30, 2009 and 2008 (in thousands, except per share amounts):

 

     Nine Months Ended
June 30, 2009
    Nine Months Ended
June 30, 2008
   Net
Income
(Loss)
    Shares    Diluted
EPS
    Net
Income
   Shares    Diluted
EPS

As reported

   $ (42,047   5,987    $ (7.02   $ 3,395    6,039    $ 0.56

Goodwill impairment expense, net of tax

     50,389      —          —      —     

Incremental shares from the assumed lapse of restrictions on restricted stock

     —        11        —      —     

Incremental shares from the assumed exercise of outstanding stock options

     —        17        —      —     
                             

Excluding goodwill impairment expense

   $ 8,342      6,015    $ 1.39      $ 3,395    6,039    $ 0.56
                             

Seasonality

Our business, like that of many other retailers, is seasonal. Our quarterly net sales have historically been highest in our third fiscal quarter, corresponding to the Spring selling season, followed by the first fiscal quarter, corresponding to the Fall/holiday selling season. Given the typically higher gross margin we experience in the third fiscal quarter compared to other quarters, the relatively fixed nature of most of our operating expenses and interest expense, and the historically higher sales level in the third quarter, we have typically generated a very significant percentage of our full year operating income and net income during the third quarter. Results for any quarter are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be achieved for a full fiscal year. Quarterly results may fluctuate materially depending upon, among other things, the timing of new store openings and new leased department openings, net sales and profitability contributed by new stores and leased departments, increases or decreases in comparable store sales, the timing of the fulfillment of purchase orders under our product and license arrangements, adverse weather conditions, shifts in the timing of certain holidays and promotions, changes in inventory and production levels and the timing of deliveries of inventory, and changes in our merchandise mix.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

Our cash needs have primarily been for (i) debt service, including prepayments, (ii) capital expenditures, including leasehold improvements, fixtures and equipment for new stores, store relocations and expansions of our existing stores, as well as improvements and new equipment for our distribution and corporate facilities and information systems, and (iii) working capital, including inventory to support our business. We have historically financed these capital requirements from cash flows from operations, borrowings under our Credit Facility or available cash balances.

Cash and cash equivalents increased by $15.8 million during the first nine months of fiscal 2009 compared to a decrease of $1.6 million for the first nine months of fiscal 2008. Cash provided by operations of approximately $43.4 million for the first nine months of fiscal 2009 increased by $23.5 million from the $19.9 million cash provided by operations for the first nine months of fiscal 2008. This increase in cash provided by operations was primarily the result of working capital changes that provided more cash in the first nine months of fiscal 2009 compared to the first nine months of fiscal 2008 and to a lesser extent, the increased net income, excluding goodwill impairment charges, for the first nine months of fiscal 2009 compared to net income for the first nine months of fiscal 2008. The working capital changes were primarily (i) an increase in accounts payable, accrued expenses and other current liabilities in the first nine months of fiscal 2009 compared to a decrease in the first nine months of fiscal 2008, and (ii) a significantly larger decrease in inventories in the first nine months of fiscal 2009 compared to the first nine months of fiscal 2008, partially offset by an increase in trade accounts receivable in the first nine months of fiscal 2009 compared to a decrease for the first nine months of fiscal 2008. Our quarterly net income or loss, cash flow adjustments and working capital changes may fluctuate significantly and net cash provided by operating activities for any interim fiscal period is not necessarily indicative of the results that may be achieved for a full fiscal year.

During the first nine months of fiscal 2009, we used cash provided by operations primarily to fund repayments of long-term debt and to pay for capital expenditures. Our repayments of long-term debt in the first nine months of fiscal 2009 included $15.0 million of prepayments of our Term Loan. For the first nine months of fiscal 2009, we spent $10.9 million on capital expenditures, including $8.2 million for leasehold improvements, fixtures and equipment for new store facilities, as well as improvements to existing stores, and $2.7 million for our information systems and distribution and corporate

 

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facilities. The remaining cash provided by operations was used to increase available cash. During the first nine months of fiscal 2008, we used a significant majority of our cash provided by operations to pay for capital expenditures. We funded repayments of long-term debt, including $13.0 million of prepayments of our Term Loan in the first nine months of 2008, with the remaining cash provided by operations, the cash received from the Grantor Trust, cash generated from cash overdraft timing, and the drawdown of a portion of our cash balance. For the first nine months of fiscal 2008, we spent $12.4 million on capital expenditures, including $9.3 million for leasehold improvements, fixtures and equipment for new store facilities, as well as improvements to existing stores, and $3.1 million for our information systems and distribution and corporate facilities.

On March 13, 2007, we entered into a Term Loan Agreement for a $90.0 million senior secured Term Loan B due March 13, 2013, the proceeds of which were received on April 18, 2007 and were used to redeem the remaining $90.0 million principal amount of our Senior Notes. The interest rate on the Term Loan is equal to, at our election, either (i) the prime rate plus 1.00%, or (ii) the LIBOR rate plus the applicable margin. The applicable margin was initially fixed at 2.50% through and including the fiscal quarter ended September 30, 2007. Thereafter, the applicable margin for LIBOR rate borrowings is either 2.25% or 2.50%, depending on our Consolidated Leverage Ratio (as defined). Based upon our applicable quarterly Consolidated Leverage Ratio during the first nine months of fiscal 2009, the applicable margin for LIBOR rate borrowings remained at 2.50% for the first nine months of fiscal 2009. We are required to make minimum repayments of the principal amount of the Term Loan in quarterly installments of $225,000 each. We are also required to make an annual principal repayment equal to 25% or 50% of Excess Cash Flow (as defined) in excess of $5,000,000 for each fiscal year, with the 25% or 50% factor depending on our Consolidated Leverage Ratio. The effect of any non-cash goodwill impairment charges is excluded from the calculation of Excess Cash Flow under our Term Loan Agreement. The required principal repayment for fiscal 2008, which was calculated based on the 50% factor, was $0.6 million and was paid in December 2008. Additionally, the Term Loan can be prepaid at our option, in part or in whole, at any time without any prepayment premium or penalty. During the first nine months of fiscal 2009, we prepaid $15.0 million of the outstanding Term Loan, including the $0.6 million prepayment required under the annual excess cash flow provision of the Term Loan ($10.0 million in December 2008 and $5.0 million in June 2009). At June 30, 2009, our indebtedness under the Term Loan Agreement was $60.0 million.

The Term Loan is secured by a security interest in our accounts receivable, inventory, real estate interests, letter of credit rights, cash, intangibles and certain other assets. The security interest granted to the Term Lenders is, in certain respects, subordinate to the security interest granted to the Credit Facility Lender. The Term Loan Agreement imposes certain restrictions on our ability to, among other things, incur additional indebtedness, pay dividends, repurchase stock, and enter into other various types of transactions. The Term Loan Agreement also contains quarterly financial covenants that require us to maintain a specified maximum permitted Consolidated Leverage Ratio and a specified minimum permitted Consolidated Interest Coverage Ratio (as defined). Since the inception of the Term Loan Agreement we have been in compliance with all covenants of our Term Loan Agreement.

In order to mitigate our floating rate interest risk on the variable rate Term Loan, we entered into an interest rate swap agreement with the Agent bank for the Term Loan that commenced on April 18, 2007, the date the $90.0 million Term Loan proceeds were received, and expires on April 18, 2012. The interest rate swap agreement effectively converts a specified amount of the Term Loan (equal to the notional amount of the interest rate swap) from a floating interest rate of LIBOR plus 2.50% (subject to reduction to LIBOR plus 2.25% if we achieve a specified leverage ratio), to a fixed interest rate of 7.50% (subject to reduction to 7.25% if we achieve a specified leverage ratio). The notional amount of the interest rate swap was $75.0 million at the inception of the swap agreement and decreases over time to a notional amount of $5.0 million at the expiration date. The notional amount of the swap was $42.5 million as of June 30, 2009 and over the next eighteen months decreases as follows: to $35.0 million starting October 19, 2009; to $27.5 million starting April 19, 2010; and to $20.0 million starting October 18, 2010.

In connection with the Term Loan transaction, we amended our existing $60.0 million Credit Facility in order to permit the new Term Loan financing. This amendment of the Credit Facility also extended its maturity from October 15, 2009 to March 13, 2012, increased its size to $65.0 million, and reduced the LIBOR-based interest rate option under the facility by 0.25%. The interest rate on outstanding borrowings is equal to, at our election, either the lender’s prime rate or the lender’s LIBOR rate plus the applicable margin. The applicable margin for LIBOR rate borrowings is variable, ranging from 1.00% to 1.50%, based upon the availability calculation made in accordance with the Credit Facility. There are no financial covenant requirements under the Credit Facility provided that Excess Availability (as defined) does not fall below 10% of the Borrowing Base (as defined). If Excess Availability were to fall below 10% of the Borrowing Base, we would be required to meet a specified minimum Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio (as defined). During the first nine months of fiscal 2009 and 2008, we exceeded the minimum requirements for Excess Availability.

 

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As of June 30, 2009, we had no outstanding borrowings under the Credit Facility and $12.3 million in letters of credit, with $32.2 million of availability under our credit line based on our Borrowing Base formula. We had average daily direct borrowings of $0.3 million under our Credit Facility for the first nine months of fiscal 2009, compared to average daily direct borrowings of $5.3 million during the first nine months of fiscal 2008.

In March 2007, we entered into the SERP Agreements with the SERP Executives. In April 2007, we made an initial required contribution of $2.7 million to the Grantor Trust. In November 2007, we made an additional required contribution to the Grantor Trust of $1.2 million. In order to impact positively our ability to comply with the Consolidated Leverage Ratio covenant of our Term Loan Agreement at March 31, 2008, with the consent of the SERP Executives we withdrew $1.0 million from the Grantor Trust on March 28, 2008. The withdrawn funds were used to repay indebtedness under our Credit Facility. On May 20, 2008, we entered into (i) a Letter Agreement with the SERP Executives and the Trustee, and (ii) an amendment to the Grantor Trust agreement with the Trustee (collectively the “Agreements”). The Agreements amended the SERP Agreements and the Grantor Trust agreement to provide for us to deliver an irrevocable standby letter of credit to the Trustee in an amount equal to our then current funding obligation under the SERP Agreements, which was $3.9 million. As provided in the Agreements, in the third quarter of fiscal 2008 we received a distribution of the remaining assets held in the Grantor Trust amounting to $2.8 million. The amendments affected by the Agreements also allow for the issuance, from time to time, of irrevocable standby letters of credit, or the increase of size of an irrevocable standby letter of credit already held by the Trustee, in lieu of any deposit to the Grantor Trust otherwise required in the future. In addition, the Agreements permit us, from time to time at our sole discretion, to reduce the size of any irrevocable standby letter of credit issued to the Trustee, so long as we simultaneously fund the Grantor Trust with an amount of cash equal to the amount of the reduction of the letter of credit. In October 2008, we increased the irrevocable standby letter of credit issued to the Trustee to a total of $6.8 million, in lieu of deposits to the Grantor Trust, in connection with additional vesting of the SERP Executives’ benefits. In April and July 2009, we reduced the irrevocable standby letter of credit by $1.0 million and $0.6 million, respectively, to a total of $5.2 million, in connection with the April and July 2009 SERP benefit payments.

Our management believes that our current cash and working capital positions, expected operating cash flows and available borrowing capacity under our Credit Facility, will be sufficient to fund our working capital, capital expenditures and debt repayment requirements and to fund stock and/or debt repurchases, if any, for at least the next twelve months.

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

Our consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States. These generally accepted accounting principles require management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of our consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of net sales and expenses during the reporting period.

Our significant accounting policies are described in Note 2 of “Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended September 30, 2008. We believe that the following discussion addresses our critical accounting policies, which are those that are most important to the portrayal of our financial condition and results of operations and require management’s most difficult, subjective and complex judgments, often as a result of the need to make estimates about the effect of matters that are inherently uncertain. If actual results were to differ significantly from estimates made, future reported results could be materially affected. However, we are not currently aware of any reasonably likely events or circumstances that would result in materially different results. Except as disclosed below and in the financial statements and accompanying notes included in Item 1 of this report, there were no material changes in, or additions to, our critical accounting policies or in the assumptions or estimates we used to prepare the financial information appearing in this report.

Our senior management has reviewed these critical accounting policies and estimates and the related Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations with the Audit Committee of our Board of Directors.

 

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Inventories. We value our inventories, which consist primarily of maternity apparel, at the lower of cost or market. Cost is determined on the first-in, first-out method (FIFO) and includes the cost of merchandise, freight, duty and broker fees, as well as applied product related overhead. A periodic review of inventory quantities on hand is performed in order to determine if inventory is properly valued at the lower of cost or market. Factors related to current inventories such as future consumer demand and fashion trends, current aging, current analysis of merchandise based on receipt date, current and anticipated retail markdowns or wholesale discounts, and class or type of inventory are analyzed to determine estimated net realizable values. Criteria utilized by us to quantify aging trends include factors such as the amount of merchandise received within the past twelve months, merchandise received more than one year prior with quantities on-hand in excess of 12 months of sales, and merchandise currently selling below cost. A provision is recorded to reduce the cost of inventories to its estimated net realizable value, if required. Inventories as of June 30, 2009 and September 30, 2008 totaled $72.8 million and $88.1 million, respectively, representing 36.3% and 34.4% of total assets, respectively. Given the significance of inventories to our consolidated financial statements, the determination of net realizable values is considered to be a critical accounting estimate. Any significant unanticipated changes in the factors noted above could have a significant impact on the value of our inventories and our reported operating results.

Long-Lived Assets. Our long-lived assets consist principally of store leasehold improvements (included in the “property, plant and equipment, net” line item in our consolidated balance sheets) and, to a much lesser extent, lease acquisition and other intangible asset costs (included in the “other intangible assets, net” line item in our consolidated balance sheets). These long-lived assets are recorded at cost and are amortized using the straight-line method over the shorter of the lease term or their useful life. Net long-lived assets as of June 30, 2009 and September 30, 2008 totaled $64.8 million and $66.8 million, respectively, representing 32.3% and 26.1% of total assets, respectively.

In assessing potential impairment of these assets, we periodically evaluate the historical and forecasted operating results and cash flows on a store-by-store basis. Newly opened stores may take time to generate positive operating and cash flow results. Factors such as: (i) store type, that is, Company store or leased department, (ii) store concept, that is, Motherhood Maternity®, A Pea in the Pod® or Destination Maternity®, (iii) store location, for example, urban area versus suburb, (iv) current marketplace awareness of our brands, (v) local customer demographic data, (vi) anchor stores within the mall in which our store is located and (vii) current fashion trends are all considered in determining the time frame required for a store to achieve positive financial results, which is assumed to be within two years from the date a store location is opened. If economic conditions are substantially different from our expectations, the carrying value of certain of our long-lived assets may become impaired. As a result of our impairment assessment, we recorded write-downs of long-lived assets of $0.5 million for the first nine months of fiscal 2009, and $1.3 million for the first nine months of fiscal 2008, respectively.

Goodwill. The purchase method of accounting for business combinations requires the use of estimates and judgments to allocate the purchase price paid for acquisitions to the fair value of the net tangible and identifiable intangible assets. Goodwill represents the excess of the aggregate purchase price over the fair value of net assets acquired in business combinations and is separately disclosed in our consolidated balance sheets. In June 2001, the FASB issued SFAS No. 142, Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets. SFAS No. 142 requires that goodwill no longer be amortized, but instead be tested for impairment at least annually or as impairment indicators arise. As of June 30, 2009 and September 30, 2008, goodwill totaled zero and $50.4 million, respectively, representing 0.0% and 19.7% of total assets, respectively.

The impairment test requires us to compare the fair value of business reporting units to their carrying value, including assigned goodwill. In assessing potential impairment of goodwill, we have determined that we have one reporting unit for purposes of applying SFAS No. 142 based on our reporting structure. As of September 30, 2008, our book value was $14.74 per share of outstanding common stock and the closing trading price of our common stock was $13.88 per share. The fair value of our single reporting unit is determined based on a combination of the fair market value of our outstanding common stock on a control basis, a discounted cash flow analysis and other generally accepted valuation methodologies and, if necessary, with the assistance of an outside independent valuation specialist. To arrive at the fair market value of our outstanding common stock we consider our market capitalization as of the valuation date and comparative market multiples of other companies generally influenced by similar business and economic conditions. Our discounted cash flow analysis is based on assumptions that are consistent with our estimates of future growth used to manage the underlying business. Factors requiring significant judgment include assumptions related to future growth rates, discount factors and control premium, among other considerations. The carrying value of our single reporting unit, expressed on a per share basis, is represented by the book value per share of our outstanding common stock. As part of the Company’s annual impairment test performed as of September 30, 2008, an outside independent valuation was obtained and the results indicated the fair value of the Company’s single reporting unit exceeded the carrying value. If the per share fair value of our single reporting unit was less than the book value per share on September 30, 2008, our goodwill would have been impaired.

 

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Our goodwill also needs to be tested for impairment between annual tests if an event occurs or circumstances change that would more likely than not reduce the fair value of our single reporting unit below its carrying value. As a result of a substantial decrease in the market price of our common stock subsequent to September 30, 2008, reflecting deteriorating overall economic conditions and the very difficult equity market conditions, we reassessed the carrying value of our goodwill as of December 31, 2008, in accordance with the interim period requirements of SFAS No. 142 and concluded that our goodwill was impaired. Consequently, we recorded a preliminary non-cash goodwill impairment charge of $47.0 million, on both a pretax and after tax basis, in the first quarter of fiscal 2009. The preliminary goodwill impairment charge reflected the indication from the impairment analysis performed in the first quarter of fiscal 2009, was subject to finalization of certain fair value estimates being performed with the assistance of an outside independent valuation specialist, and was subject to adjustment when all aspects of the analysis were completed. The final results of our evaluation completed during the second quarter of fiscal 2009 indicated the goodwill was fully impaired. Accordingly, we recorded a $3.4 million non-cash goodwill impairment charge, on both a pretax and after tax basis, in the second quarter of fiscal 2009, representing the remaining carrying value of the goodwill as of December 31, 2008. The goodwill impairment analysis involved calculating the implied fair value of our goodwill by allocating the fair value of our single reporting unit to all assets and liabilities other than goodwill (including both recognized and unrecognized intangible assets) and comparing the residual amount to the carrying value of goodwill.

Accounting for Income Taxes. We adopted the provisions of FIN No. 48 effective as of October 1, 2007 (see “Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements; Note 9. Income Taxes”).

As part of the process of preparing our consolidated financial statements, we are required to estimate our income taxes in each of the jurisdictions in which we operate. This process requires us to estimate our actual current tax exposure (including interest and penalties) together with assessing temporary differences resulting from differing treatment of items, such as depreciation of property and equipment and valuation of inventories, for tax and accounting purposes. We establish reserves for certain tax positions that we believe are supportable, but such tax positions are potentially subject to successful challenge by the applicable taxing authority. We determine our provision for income taxes based on federal and state tax laws and regulations currently in effect, some of which have been recently revised. Legislation changes currently proposed by certain of the states in which we operate, if enacted, could increase our transactions or activities subject to tax. Any such legislation that becomes law could result in an increase in our state income tax expense and our state income taxes paid, which could have a material and adverse effect on our net income or cash flow.

The temporary differences between the book and tax treatment of income and expenses result in deferred tax assets and liabilities, which are included within our consolidated balance sheets. We must then assess the likelihood that our deferred tax assets will be recovered from future taxable income. Actual results could differ from our assessments if adequate taxable income is not generated in future periods. Net deferred tax assets as of June 30, 2009 and September 30, 2008 totaled $21.9 million and $23.6 million, respectively, representing 10.9% and 9.2% of total assets, respectively. To the extent we believe that recovery is not more likely than not, we must establish a valuation allowance. To the extent we establish a valuation allowance or change the allowance in a future period, income tax expense will be impacted.

Accounting for Contingencies. From time to time, we are named as a defendant in legal actions arising from our normal business activities. We account for contingencies such as these in accordance with SFAS No. 5, Accounting for Contingencies, including the provisions of Emerging Issues Task Force Issue D-77, Accounting for Legal Costs Expected to Be Incurred in Connection with a Loss Contingency. SFAS No. 5 requires us to record an estimated loss contingency when information available prior to issuance of our financial statements indicates that it is probable that an asset has been impaired or a liability has been incurred at the date of the financial statements and the amount of the loss can be reasonably estimated. An interpretation of SFAS No. 5 further states that when there is a range of loss and no amount within that range is a better estimate than any other, then the minimum amount of the range shall be accrued. Accounting for contingencies arising from contractual or legal proceedings requires management, after consultation with outside legal counsel, to use its best judgment when estimating an accrual related to such contingencies. As additional information becomes known, our accrual for a loss contingency could fluctuate, thereby creating variability in our results of operations from period to period. Likewise, an actual loss arising from a loss contingency which significantly exceeds the amount accrued for in our financial statements could have a material adverse impact on our operating results for the period in which such actual loss becomes known.

 

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Recent Accounting Pronouncements

SFAS No. 161

In March 2008, the FASB issued SFAS No. 161, Disclosures about Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities. SFAS No. 161 requires companies to provide qualitative disclosures about the objectives and strategies for using derivatives, quantitative data about the fair value of and gains and losses on derivative contracts, and details of credit-risk-related contingent features in hedged positions. SFAS No. 161 is effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2008, and interim periods within those fiscal years. The adoption of SFAS No. 161 is not expected to have a material impact on our consolidated financial position or results of operations.

SFAS No. 165

In May 2009, the FASB issued SFAS No. 165, Subsequent Events. SFAS No. 165 establishes general standards of accounting for and disclosure of events that occur after the balance sheet date but before financial statements are issued or are available to be issued. SFAS No. 165 is effective for interim or annual periods ending after June 15, 2009. We adopted SFAS No. 165 in the third quarter of fiscal 2009 and it did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial position or results of operations.

SFAS No. 168

In June 2009, the FASB issued SFAS No. 168, The FASB Accounting Standards Codification and the Hierarchy of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles. SFAS No. 168 establishes the FASB Codification as the source of authoritative accounting principles recognized by the FASB to be applied to nongovernmental entities in the preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP. Rules and interpretive releases of the SEC under authority of federal securities laws are also sources of authoritative GAAP for SEC registrants. SFAS No. 168 is effective for financial statements issued for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. SFAS No. 168 and the Codification are not intended to change GAAP and the adoption of SFAS No. 168 is not expected to have any impact on our consolidated financial position or results of operations.

Forward-Looking Statements

Some of the information in this report, including the information incorporated by reference (as well as information included in oral statements or other written statements made or to be made by us), contains 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 (the “Exchange Act”). The forward-looking statements involve a number of risks and uncertainties. A number of factors could cause our actual results, performance, achievements or industry results to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. These factors include, but are not limited to the following: our ability to successfully manage our various business initiatives, our ability to successfully implement our merchandise brand and retail nameplate restructuring, the success of our international expansion, our ability to successfully manage and retain our leased department and licensed relationships and marketing partnerships, future sales trends in our existing store base, unusual weather patterns, changes in consumer preferences and spending patterns, demographics and other macroeconomic factors that may impact the level of spending for maternity apparel, overall economic conditions and other factors affecting consumer confidence, the impact of competition, fluctuations in the price, availability and quality of raw materials and contracted products, availability of suitable store locations, continued availability of capital and financing, goodwill impairment charges, ability to hire and develop senior management and sales associates, ability to develop and source merchandise, ability to receive production from foreign sources on a timely basis, potential stock repurchases, potential debt prepayments, changes in market interest rates, war or acts of terrorism and other factors referenced in our Annual Report on Form 10-K, including those set forth under the caption “Risk Factors.”

In addition, these forward-looking statements necessarily depend upon assumptions, estimates and dates that may be incorrect or imprecise and involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors. Accordingly, any forward-looking statements included in this report do not purport to be predictions of future events or circumstances and may not be realized. Forward-looking statements can be identified by, among other things, the use of forward-looking terms such as “believes,” “expects,” “may,” “will,” “should,” “seeks,” “pro forma,” “anticipates,” “intends,” “continues,” “could,” “estimates,” “plans,” “potential,” “predicts,” “goal,” “objective,” or the negative of any of these terms, or comparable terminology, or by discussions of our outlook, plans, goals, strategy or intentions. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date made. Except as required by applicable law, including the securities laws of the United States and the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission, we assume no obligation to update any of these forward-looking statements to reflect actual results, changes in assumptions or changes in other factors affecting these forward-looking statements.

 

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Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

Destination Maternity is exposed to market risk from changes in interest rates. We have not entered into any market sensitive instruments for trading purposes. The analysis below presents the sensitivity of the market value of our financial instruments to selected changes in market interest rates. The range of changes presented reflects our view of changes that are reasonably possible over a one-year period.

As of June 30, 2009, we had cash and cash equivalents of $27.9 million. Our cash equivalents consist of money market accounts that bear interest at variable rates. A change in market interest rates earned on our investments impacts the interest income and cash flows, but does not materially impact the fair market value of the financial instruments. Due to the average maturity and conservative nature of our investment portfolio, we believe a sudden change in interest rates would not have a material effect on the value of our investment portfolio.

As of June 30, 2009, the principal components of our debt portfolio were the $60.0 million Term Loan and the $65.0 million Credit Facility, both of which are denominated in U.S. dollars.

Our Credit Facility carries a variable interest rate that is tied to market indices. As of June 30, 2009, we had no direct borrowings and $12.3 million of letters of credit outstanding under our Credit Facility. Borrowings under the Credit Facility would have resulted in interest at a rate between approximately 1.31% and 3.25% per annum as of June 30, 2009. Interest on any future borrowings under the Credit Facility would, to the extent of outstanding borrowings, be affected by changes in market interest rates. A change in market interest rates on the variable rate portion of the debt portfolio impacts the interest expense incurred and cash flows.

The Term Loan carries a variable interest rate that is tied to market indices. The sensitivity analysis as it relates to this portion of our debt portfolio assumes an instantaneous 100 basis point move in interest rates from their levels as of June 30, 2009, with all other variables held constant. The principal amount of the Term Loan was $60.0 million as of June 30, 2009. A 100 basis point increase in market interest rates would result in additional annual interest expense on the Term Loan of approximately $0.6 million. A 100 basis point decline in market interest rates would correspondingly lower our annual interest expense on the Term Loan by approximately $0.6 million.

In order to mitigate our floating rate interest risk on the variable rate Term Loan, we entered into an interest rate swap agreement with the Agent bank for the Term Loan that commenced on April 18, 2007. The interest rate swap agreement effectively converts a specified amount of the Term Loan (equal to the notional amount of the interest rate swap) from a floating interest rate (LIBOR plus 2.50%), to a fixed interest rate (7.50%). The notional amount of the interest rate swap was $75.0 million at inception of the swap agreement and decreases over time to a notional amount of $5.0 million at the expiration date. The notional amount of the swap was $42.5 million as of June 30, 2009 and over the next twelve months decreases as follows: to $35.0 million starting October 19, 2009; and to $27.5 million starting April 19, 2010. Based on the scheduled swap notional amount during the next 12 months of the swap agreement, a 100 basis point increase in market interest rates would result in interest expense savings for the year of approximately $0.4 million. A 100 basis point decline in market interest rates would correspondingly increase our interest expense for the year by approximately $0.4 million. Thus, a 100 basis point increase in market interest rates during the next 12 months of the swap agreement would result in additional interest expense for the year of approximately $0.2 million on the Term Loan and swap agreement combined. A 100 basis point decline in market interest rates during the next 12 months of the swap agreement would correspondingly lower our interest expense for the year by approximately $0.2 million on the Term Loan and swap agreement combined.

Based on the limited other variable rate debt included in our debt portfolio as of June 30, 2009, a 100 basis point increase in interest rates would result in additional interest expense incurred for the year of less than $0.1 million. A 100 basis point decrease in interest rates would correspondingly lower our interest expense for the year by less than $0.1 million.

Other than as described above, we do not believe that the market risk exposure on other financial instruments is material.

 

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Item 4. Controls and Procedures

Disclosure Controls and Procedures

Our disclosure controls and procedures are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by us in the reports that are filed or submitted under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the Securities and Exchange Commission’s rules and forms. These disclosure controls and procedures include controls and procedures designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed under the Exchange Act is accumulated and communicated to our management on a timely basis to allow decisions regarding required disclosure. We evaluated the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures as of June 30, 2009. Based on this evaluation, the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have concluded that as of June 30, 2009, these controls and procedures were effective.

Internal Control over Financial Reporting

There have been no changes in internal control over financial reporting identified in connection with the foregoing evaluation that occurred during the fiscal quarter ended June 30, 2009, that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

 

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PART II. OTHER INFORMATION

 

Item 1. Legal Proceedings

From time to time, we are named as a defendant in legal actions arising from our normal business activities. Although the amount of any liability that could arise with respect to currently pending actions cannot be accurately predicted, we do not believe that the resolution of any pending action will have a material adverse effect on our financial position or liquidity.

 

Item 1A. Risk Factors

In addition to the other information set forth in this Form 10-Q, you should carefully consider the factors discussed in Part I, Item 1A “Risk Factors” of our Form 10-K for the year ended September 30, 2008. The risks described in our Form 10-K are not the only risks that we face. Additional risks not presently known to us or that we do not currently consider significant may also have an adverse effect on us. If any of the risks actually occur, our business, results of operations, cash flows or financial condition could suffer.

 

Item 6. Exhibits

 

Exhibit
No.

  

Description

31.1    Certification of the Chief Executive Officer Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
31.2    Certification of the Senior Vice President & Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
32.1    Certification of the Chief Executive Officer Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
32.2    Certification of the Senior Vice President & Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

 

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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.

 

    DESTINATION MATERNITY CORPORATION

Date: August 10, 2009

    By:   /s/    EDWARD M. KRELL        
     

Edward M. Krell

Chief Executive Officer

Date: August 10, 2009

    By:   /s/    JUDD P. TIRNAUER        
     

Judd P. Tirnauer

Senior Vice President & Chief Financial Officer

 

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INDEX OF EXHIBITS FILED WITH

FORM 10-Q OF DESTINATION MATERNITY CORPORATION

FOR THE QUARTER ENDED JUNE 30, 2009

 

Exhibit
No.

  

Description

31.1    Certification of the Chief Executive Officer Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
31.2    Certification of the Senior Vice President & Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
32.1    Certification of the Chief Executive Officer Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
32.2    Certification of the Senior Vice President & Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

 

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