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Form 10-Q AEROPOSTALE INC For: Aug 01

September 8, 2015 4:09 PM EDT

 

UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, DC 20549

Form 10-Q

(Mark One)
 
þ
QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the quarterly period ended August 1, 2015
OR
¨
TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

Commission file number: 001-31314

Aéropostale, Inc.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Delaware
31-1443880
(State of incorporation)
(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
 
 
112 W. 34th Street, New York, NY
10120
(Address of Principal Executive Offices)
(Zip Code)

(646) 485-5410
(Registrant’s Telephone Number, Including Area Code)

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 þ    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 (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).  Yes þ 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 the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

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

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

The Registrant had 79,606,758 shares of common stock outstanding as of September 2, 2015.

 



AÉROPOSTALE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
 
Page
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

2



PART I — FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1.  Financial Statements

AÉROPOSTALE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(In thousands, except per share data)

 
August 1,
2015
 
January 31,
2015
 
August 2,
2014
 
(Unaudited)
 
 
 
(Unaudited)
ASSETS
 
 
 
 
 
Current Assets:
 
 
 
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents
$
86,515

 
$
151,750

 
$
152,274

Merchandise inventory
170,679

 
130,474

 
213,016

Income taxes receivable
4,006

 
18,306

 
9,000

Prepaid expenses and other current assets
42,340

 
48,757

 
43,967

Total current assets
303,540

 
349,287

 
418,257

Fixtures, equipment and improvements, net
118,941

 
130,109

 
170,504

Goodwill
13,919

 
13,919

 
13,919

Intangible assets, net
8,432

 
8,809

 
14,285

Other assets
8,551

 
10,065

 
17,817

TOTAL ASSETS
$
453,383

 
$
512,189

 
$
634,782

 
 
 
 
 
 
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
 

 
 

 
 

Current Liabilities:
 

 
 

 
 

Accounts payable
$
136,236

 
$
88,289

 
$
137,307

Accrued expenses and other current liabilities
81,185

 
110,560

 
109,556

Total current liabilities
217,421

 
198,849

 
246,863

 
 
 
 
 
 
Indebtedness to related party - non-current
142,687

 
138,540

 
133,590

 
 
 
 
 
 
Other non-current liabilities
84,421

 
81,248

 
101,828

 
 
 
 
 
 
Commitments and contingent liabilities


 


 


 
 
 
 
 
 
Stockholders’ Equity:
 

 
 

 
 

Preferred stock, $0.01 par value; 5,000 shares authorized; 1; 1 and 1 shares issued and outstanding

 

 

Common stock, $0.01 par value; 200,000 shares authorized; 80,221; 79,640 and 79,080 shares issued
802

 
796

 
791

Additional paid-in capital
252,258

 
247,775

 
243,992

Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)
3,239

 
3,098

 
(987
)
Accumulated deficit
(243,892
)
 
(154,965
)
 
(89,108
)
Treasury stock 615; 498 and 265 shares, at cost
(3,553
)
 
(3,152
)
 
(2,187
)
Total stockholders’ equity
8,854

 
93,552

 
152,501

TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
$
453,383

 
$
512,189

 
$
634,782


See Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

3



AÉROPOSTALE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(In thousands, except per share data)
(Unaudited)


 
13 weeks ended
 
26 weeks ended
 
August 1,
2015
 
August 2,
2014
 
August 1,
2015
 
August 2,
2014
Net sales
$
326,861

 
$
396,155

 
$
645,504

 
$
792,013

Cost of sales (includes certain buying, occupancy and warehousing expenses) 1
268,532

 
333,605

 
528,052

 
658,966

Gross profit
58,329

 
62,550

 
117,452

 
133,047

Selling, general and administrative expenses
101,826

 
121,182

 
201,347

 
240,627

Restructuring (benefit) charges
(6,066
)
 
3,019

 
(6,008
)
 
37,508

Loss from operations
(37,431
)
 
(61,651
)
 
(77,887
)
 
(145,088
)
Interest expense 2
2,848

 
2,424

 
6,235

 
2,773

Loss before income taxes
(40,279
)
 
(64,075
)
 
(84,122
)
 
(147,861
)
Income tax expense (benefit)
3,380

 
(256
)
 
4,805

 
(7,260
)
Net loss
$
(43,659
)
 
$
(63,819
)
 
$
(88,927
)
 
$
(140,601
)
Basic loss per share
$
(0.55
)
 
$
(0.81
)
 
$
(1.12
)
 
$
(1.79
)
Diluted loss per share
$
(0.55
)
 
$
(0.81
)
 
$
(1.12
)
 
$
(1.79
)
Weighted average basic shares
79,570

 
78,753

 
79,423

 
78,655

Weighted average diluted shares
79,570

 
78,753

 
79,423

 
78,655


1 Includes cost of merchandise from related party of $12.6 million during the second quarter of 2015 and $19.6 million during the first twenty-six weeks of 2015.

2 Includes interest expense to related party of $2.7 million during the second quarter of 2015 and $5.2 million during the first twenty-six weeks of 2015.


CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE LOSS
(In thousands)
(Unaudited)

 
13 weeks ended
 
26 weeks ended
 
August 1,
2015
 
August 2,
2014
 
August 1,
2015
 
August 2,
2014
Net loss
$
(43,659
)
 
$
(63,819
)
 
$
(88,927
)
 
$
(140,601
)
Other comprehensive income (loss):
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Pension liability, net of income taxes of $0 for all periods presented
16

 
70

 
(917
)
 
101

Foreign currency translation adjustment (See Note 6)
1,236

 
37

 
1,058

 
95

Other comprehensive income
$
1,252

 
$
107

 
$
141

 
$
196

Comprehensive loss
$
(42,407
)
 
$
(63,712
)
 
$
(88,786
)
 
$
(140,405
)


See Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

4


AÉROPOSTALE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(In thousands)
(Unaudited)
 
26 weeks ended
 
August 1,
2015
 
August 2,
2014
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
 
 
 
Net loss
$
(88,927
)
 
$
(140,601
)
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash used in operating activities:
 

 
 

Depreciation and amortization
19,882

 
27,924

Asset impairment charges

 
52,133

Amortization of intangible assets
377

 
376

Stock-based compensation
5,982

 
9,620

Other
813

 
(880
)
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
 

 
 

Merchandise inventory
(41,545
)
 
(40,573
)
Income taxes receivable and other assets
20,745

 
38,039

Accounts payable
48,055

 
(1,022
)
Advance volume purchase discount
17,500

 

Accrued expenses and other liabilities
(38,885
)
 
(10,535
)
Net cash used in operating activities
$
(56,003
)
 
$
(65,519
)
 
 
 
 
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
 

 
 

Capital expenditures
(8,546
)
 
(15,189
)
Change in restricted cash

 
(2,210
)
Net cash used in investing activities
$
(8,546
)
 
$
(17,399
)
 
 
 
 
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
 

 
 

Net proceeds from financing transaction with related party

 
137,648

Borrowings under revolving credit facility

 
75,500

Repayments under revolving credit facility

 
(75,500
)
Fees related to financing transaction with related party

 
(6,165
)
GoJane contingent consideration payment

 
(1,531
)
Financing fees related to revolving credit facility

 
(683
)
Purchase of treasury stock
(401
)
 
(580
)
Net cash provided by financing activities
$
(401
)
 
$
128,689

 
 
 
 
Effect of exchange rate changes
$
(285
)
 
$
(14
)
 
 
 
 
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents
(65,235
)
 
45,757

Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of year
151,750

 
106,517

Cash and cash equivalents, end of period
$
86,515

 
$
152,274




See Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

5


AÉROPOSTALE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

1.  Description of Business

Aéropostale, Inc. and its subsidiaries (“we”, “us”, “our”, the “Company” or “Aéropostale”) is a specialty retailer of casual apparel and accessories, principally targeting 14 to 17 year-old young women and men through its Aéropostale stores and website and 4 to 12 year-olds through its P.S. from Aéropostale stores and website.  We provide customers with a focused selection of high quality fashion and fashion basic merchandise at compelling values in an exciting and customer friendly store environment.  Aéropostale maintains control over its proprietary brands by designing, sourcing, marketing and selling all of its own merchandise, other than in licensed stores.  Aéropostale products can be purchased in Aéropostale stores and online at www.aeropostale.com (this and any other references in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q to www.aeropostale.com, www.ps4u.com or www.gojane.com are solely references to a uniform resource locator, or URL, and are inactive textual references only, not intended to incorporate the websites into this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q).  P.S. from Aéropostale products can be purchased in P.S. from Aéropostale stores, in certain Aéropostale stores and online at www.ps4u.com and www.aeropostale.com.  We also operate GoJane.com, an online women's fashion footwear and apparel retailer. GoJane products can be purchased online at www.gojane.com. As of August 1, 2015, we operated 826 stores, consisting of 759 Aéropostale stores in all 50 states and in Puerto Rico, 41 Aéropostale stores in Canada, as well as 26 P.S. from Aéropostale stores in 12 states. In addition, pursuant to various licensing agreements, our licensees operated 286 Aéropostale and P.S. from Aéropostale locations in the Middle East, Asia, Europe and Latin America as of August 1, 2015. We recently announced new licensing agreements to bring stores to India, Indonesia and the Republic of Ireland.

2.  Basis of Presentation and Liquidity

The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with Rule 10-01 of Regulation S-X and do not include all of the information and footnotes required by accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. However, in the opinion of our management, all adjustments necessary for a fair presentation of the results of the interim periods have been made. These adjustments consist primarily of normal recurring accruals and estimates that impact the carrying value of assets and liabilities. Actual results may differ materially from these estimates. The consolidated balance sheet as of January 31, 2015 was derived from audited financial statements.

Our business is highly seasonal, and historically, we have realized a significant portion of our sales and cash flows in the second half of the year, attributable to the impact of the back-to-school selling season in the third quarter and the holiday selling season in the fourth quarter.  As a result, our working capital requirements fluctuate during the year, increasing in mid-summer in anticipation of the third and fourth quarters. Our business is also subject, at certain times, to calendar shifts which may occur during key selling times such as school holidays, Easter and regional fluctuations in the calendar during the back-to-school selling season. Therefore, our interim period unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements may not be indicative of our full-year results of operations, financial condition or cash flows.  These unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with our Annual Report on Form 10-K for our fiscal year ended January 31, 2015 (“Fiscal 2014 10-K”).

Declining mall traffic, a highly promotional and competitive teen retail environment and a shift in customer demand away from logo-based product have contributed to our unfavorable financial performance.  We have experienced declining store sales and incurred net losses from operations. This has led to cash outflows from operations of $55.7 million in fiscal 2014 and $38.4 million in fiscal 2013.  We took steps to enhance our liquidity position, including amending our Credit Facility (as defined in Note 11) on August 18, 2015, to increase borrowing availability and extend the maturity date, among other things (see Note 11). Additionally, we have obtained financing from affiliates of Sycamore Partners, (see Note 4), reduced our corporate headcount, restructured our P.S. from Aéropostale business, closed under-performing Aéropostale stores (see Note 5) and taken various other strategic actions directed toward improving our profitability. Our ability to fund operations and capital expenditures in the future will be dependent on our ability to generate cash from operations, maintain or improve margins, decrease significantly the rate of decline in store sales and to borrow funds available under our loan agreements. Our ability to borrow funds is dependent, in part, on our ability to meet all covenants, including a financial covenant in our loan agreement with affiliates of Sycamore Partners which requires a minimum liquidity coverage of $70.0 million of cash and availability under the revolving credit facility. At August 1, 2015, we had working capital of $86.1 million, including cash and cash equivalents of $86.5 million, and our revolving credit facility had availability of $181.1 million with no borrowings outstanding. Our cash on hand and availability under the revolving credit facility exceeded the $70.0 million minimum availability covenant by $197.6 million. We believe that cash on hand and availability under our revolving credit facility will be sufficient to fund operations and cash flow requirements for the next twelve months. However, there can be no assurance that we will be able to achieve our strategic initiatives or obtain additional funding on favorable terms in the future which would have a significant adverse effect on our operations. If we do not generate sufficient cash flow from operations to fund our

6


working capital needs and planned capital expenditures, and our cash reserves are depleted, and our revolving credit facility is fully drawn, we may need to take various further actions, such as down-sizing and/or eliminating certain operations, which could include exit costs, or reducing or delaying capital expenditures, strategic investments or other actions.      

References to “2015” or “fiscal 2015” mean the 52-week period ending January 30, 2016 and references to “2014” or “fiscal 2014” mean the 52-week period ended January 31, 2015.  References to “the second quarter of 2015” mean the thirteen-week period ended August 1, 2015 and references to “the second quarter of 2014” mean the thirteen-week period ended August 2, 2014.

3.  Supplier Agreement

On February 2, 2015, we revised and renewed a master sourcing agreement (“Supplier Agreement”) with one of our suppliers. Under the ten-year agreement, we received an advance volume purchase discount equivalent to approximately $1.75 million per annum throughout the life of the Supplier Agreement, or a total cash payment of $17.5 million, in return for a commitment of meeting certain minimum thresholds. The Supplier Agreement requires us to meet an annual purchase minimum threshold that approximates 23% of our fiscal 2014 consolidated cost of sales. Should we fail to meet the annual purchase minimum thresholds we would be required to make a shortfall payment to the supplier based on a scaled percentage of the applicable annual purchase minimum shortfall during the applicable period. If we exceed certain minimum purchase thresholds, we would have an opportunity to receive additional advance volume purchase discounts.

4.  Closing of $150.0 Million Financing Transaction

On May 23, 2014, we entered into (i) a Loan and Security Agreement (the "Loan Agreement") with affiliates of Sycamore Partners, (ii) a Stock Purchase Agreement (the "Stock Purchase Agreement") with Aero Investors LLC, an affiliate of Sycamore Partners for the purchase of 1,000 shares of Series B Convertible Preferred Stock of the Company, $0.01 par value (the "Series B Preferred Stock") and (iii) an Investor Rights Agreement with Sycamore Partners.

As of May 23, 2014 and August 1, 2015, Lemur LLC, an affiliate of Sycamore Partners, owned approximately 8% of our outstanding common stock. Stefan Kaluzny, a managing director at Sycamore Partners, joined our Board of Directors upon the closing of this transaction. In addition to Mr. Kaluzny, Sycamore Partners received the right to appoint one additional member to our Board, and appointed Julian R. Geiger, who subsequently agreed to become our CEO on August 18, 2014. Additionally, a third independent appointee was mutually agreed upon by Sycamore Partners and us. Mr. Kaluzny did not stand for re-election to our Board of Directors at our 2015 Annual Meeting. Sycamore Partners and its affiliates and Mr. Kaluzny are considered related parties due to their ownership interest in us (see Note 17 for a further discussion). On August 13, 2015, Kent A. Kleeberger, a Sycamore Partners appointee, joined our Board of Directors.
   
The Loan Agreement made term loans available to us in the principal amount of $150.0 million, consisting of two tranches: a five-year $100.0 million term loan facility (the "Tranche A Loan") and a 10-year $50.0 million term loan facility (the "Tranche B Loan" and, together with the Tranche A Loan, the "Term Loans").

Simultaneously with entering into the Loan Agreement, we amended our existing revolving credit facility with Bank of America, N.A. to allow for the incurrence of the additional debt under the Loan Agreement.

The accounting guidance related to multiple deliverables in an arrangement provides direction on determining if separate contracts should be evaluated as a single arrangement and if an arrangement involves a single unit of accounting or separate units of accounting. We determined that there were four units of accounting or elements of the arrangement which included Tranche A Loan, Tranche B Loan, Series B convertible preferred stock and the Sourcing Agreement (as hereinafter defined). We allocated the initial value based on the relative fair values of each element in the transaction. We estimated the fair values of Tranche A Loan and Tranche B Loan using the discounted cash flow method. Under this method, the projected interest and principal payments are projected through the life of each loan. These cash flows are then discounted to the present value at an appropriate market-derived discount rate, taking into account market yields at the date of issuance and an assessment of the credit rating applicable to us based on the consideration of various credit metrics along with the terms of each loan (such as duration, coupon rate, etc.) to derive an indication of fair value. These instruments are classified as a Level 3 measurement, as they are not publicly traded and therefore, we are unable to obtain quoted market prices. The Series B Preferred Stock represents a convertible security that can be exchanged for shares of Company common stock upon the payment of a cash conversion price of $7.25 per common share equivalent.  Effectively, the Series B Preferred Stock has the characteristic of a warrant as each share represents an option to purchase 3,932.018 shares of common stock at an exercise price of $7.25 per common share and there is no dividend or liquidation preference associated with the Series B Preferred Stock. Accordingly, the Black-Scholes model was used to determine the fair value of the Convertible Shares with

7


an expected life of 10 years, a risk free interest rate of 2.54% and expected volatility of 50%. The Sourcing Agreement was determined to be at fair value and therefore no proceeds were allocated to the agreement.

On May 23, 2014, the Term Loans were disbursed in full and we received net proceeds of $137.6 million from affiliates of Sycamore Partners, after deducting the first year interest payment and certain issuance fees.

Loan Agreement

The Tranche A Loan bears interest at an interest rate equal to 10% per annum and, at our election, up to 50% of the interest can be payable-in-kind during the first three years and up to 20% of the interest can be payable-in-kind during the final two years. The first year of interest under the Tranche A Facility in the amount of $10.0 million was prepaid in cash in full on May 23, 2014, and no other interest payments were required to be paid during the first year of the Tranche A Loan. The Tranche A Loan has no annual scheduled repayment requirements. The Tranche A Loan is scheduled to mature on May 23, 2019. The Tranche B Loan will not accrue any interest. The Tranche B Loan has no stated interest rate and will be repaid in equal annual installments of 10% per annum. The Tranche B Loan is scheduled to mature on the earlier of (a) the tenth anniversary of the end of the Start-Up Period (as such term is defined in the Sourcing Agreement) and (b) the expiration or termination of the Sourcing Agreement described below.

The Term Loans are guaranteed by certain of our domestic subsidiaries and secured by a second priority security interest in all assets of the Company and certain of our subsidiaries that were already pledged for the benefit of Bank of America, N.A., as agent, under its existing revolving credit facility, and a first priority security interest in our, and certain of our subsidiaries', remaining assets.

The Loan Agreement contains representations, covenants and events of default that are substantially consistent with our existing revolving credit facility with Bank of America, N.A. The Loan Agreement also contains a $70.0 million minimum liquidity covenant. The Company was in compliance with the minimum liquidity covenant under the Loan Agreements at August 1, 2015.

The proceeds of the Term Loans were used for working capital and other general corporate purposes. Prepayment of the Tranche A Loan will require payment of a premium of 10% of the principal amount prepaid on or before the one year anniversary of the closing and 5% of the principal amount prepaid on or before the second anniversary of the closing. There is no prepayment penalty after the second anniversary of the closing. The Tranche B Loan may be prepaid at any time without premium or penalty.

We recorded liabilities for the Term Loans using imputed interest based on our best estimate of its incremental borrowing rates. The effective interest rate used for Tranche A Loan was 7.19%, resulting in an initial present value of $101.7 million and a resulting debt premium of $1.7 million. The premium is being amortized to interest expense over the expected term of the debt using the effective interest method. The effective interest rate for Tranche B Loan used was 7.86%, resulting in an initial present value of $30.0 million and a debt discount of $20.0 million, which is also being amortized to interest expense over the expected term of the debt. Additionally, we recorded deferred financing fees of $5.9 million related to the Term Loans which are being amortized to interest expense over the expected terms of the debt.

We had fair values of $142.7 million in borrowings outstanding under the Loan Agreement, with face value of $150.0 million as of August 1, 2015. Fair value outstanding for Tranche A Loan was $109.8 million, with a face value of $100.0 million. Fair value outstanding for Tranche B Loan was $32.9 million, with a face value of $50.0 million. Total interest associated with this transaction was $2.7 million for the second quarter of 2015 and $5.2 million for the first twenty-six weeks of 2015.

Series B Convertible Preferred Stock

Concurrent with, and as a condition to, entering into the Loan Agreement, we issued 1,000 shares of Series B Preferred Stock to affiliates of Sycamore Partners at an aggregate offer price of $0.1 million. Each share of Series B Preferred Stock is convertible at any time at the option of the holder on or prior to May 23, 2024 into shares of common stock at an initial conversion rate of 3,932.018 for each share of Series B Preferred Stock. The common stock underlying the Series B Preferred Stock represents 5% of our issued and outstanding common stock as of May 23, 2014. The Series B Preferred Stock is convertible into shares of the common stock at an initial cash conversion price of $7.25 per share of the underlying common stock. The number of shares of Series B Preferred Stock or common stock to be issued upon exercise and the respective exercise prices are subject to adjustment for changes in the Series B Preferred Stock or common stock, such as stock dividends, stock splits, and similar changes. In the event of a change of control transaction, the Series B Preferred Stock will automatically convert into common stock subject to payment by the holder of such Series B Preferred Stock of the aggregate cash conversion price then in effect, if such conversion price is lower than the per share consideration to be received in the change of control transaction. If the per share consideration to be received in the change of control transaction is less than or equal to the per share cash conversion price then in effect, the Series B Preferred

8


Stock will be automatically converted into a right to receive an amount per share equal to the par value of such share of Series B Preferred Stock.

We analyzed the embedded conversion option for derivative accounting consideration under FASB ASC Subtopic 815-15, “Derivatives and Hedging” and determined that the conversion option should be classified as equity. We also analyzed the conversion option for beneficial conversion features consideration under ASC Subtopic 470-20 “Convertible Securities with Beneficial Conversion Features” and noted none. The Series B Preferred Stock was recorded in equity at a fair value of $5.9 million upon issuance, and was not recorded as a liability on the Consolidated Balance Sheet.

Non-Exclusive Sourcing Agreement

As a condition to funding the Tranche B Loan, we and one of our subsidiaries also entered into a non-exclusive Sourcing Agreement (the "Sourcing Agreement") with TSAM (Delaware) LLC (d/b/a MGF Sourcing US LLC), an affiliate of Sycamore Partners ("MGF"). The price of merchandise sold to us by MGF pursuant to the Sourcing Agreement is required to be competitive to market. We commenced sourcing goods with MGF pursuant to the Sourcing Agreement during the fourth quarter of 2014.

We guarantee the obligations of our subsidiary under the Sourcing Agreement. The Sourcing Agreement requires us to purchase a minimum volume of product for a period of 10 years commencing on our first fiscal quarter of 2016 (such period, the "Minimum Volume Commitment Period"), of between $240.0 million and $280.0 million per annum depending on the year (the "Minimum Volume Commitment"). If we fail to purchase the applicable Minimum Volume Commitment in any given year, we would be required to pay a shortfall commission to MGF, based on a scaled percentage of the applicable Minimum Volume Commitment shortfall during the applicable period.

Under the Sourcing Agreement, MGF is required to pay to us an annual rebate equal to a fixed amount multiplied by the percentage of annual purchases made by us (including purchases deemed to be made by virtue of payment of the shortfall commission) relative to the Minimum Volume Commitment to be applied towards the payment of the required amortization on the Tranche B Loan. The Sourcing Agreement also provides for certain carryover credits if we purchase a volume of product above the Minimum Volume Commitment during the applicable Minimum Volume Commitment Period.

We may terminate the Sourcing Agreement upon nine months' prior notice at any time after the first three years of the Minimum Volume Commitment Period have elapsed, subject to payment of a termination fee scaled to the term remaining under the Sourcing Agreement.

5.  Restructuring Program

On April 30, 2014, following an assessment of changing consumer shopping patterns, management and the Board of Directors approved a comprehensive plan to restructure the P.S. from Aéropostale business by the end of fiscal 2014, which is included in our retail store and e-commerce segment, and to reduce costs. As of January 31, 2015, we closed 126 P.S. from Aéropostale stores, primarily in mall locations, and streamlined and improved the Company's expense structure. We also continue to focus on sales channels with higher expectations for growth, including off-mall locations, e-commerce and international licensing of P.S. from Aéropostale. The cost reduction program also targeted direct and indirect spending across the organization during fiscal 2014. This has included the reduction of corporate headcount by eliminating approximately 100 open or occupied positions during fiscal 2014 to align with our current business strategies.

The following is a summary of (benefit) expense recognized in restructuring charges in the statement of operations associated with this program:

 
13 weeks ended
 
26 weeks ended
 
August 1, 2015
 
August 2, 2014
 
August 1, 2015
 
August 2, 2014
 
(In thousands)
Asset impairment charges
$

 
$

 
$

 
$
30,497

Severance costs

 
1,453

 

 
2,513

Lease costs, net of liability reversals
(6,149
)
 
6

 
(6,386
)
 
1,052

Other exit costs
83

 
1,560

 
378

 
3,446

Total
$
(6,066
)
 
$
3,019

 
$
(6,008
)
 
$
37,508



9


The Company accrued liabilities for the above mentioned restructuring charges as of August 1, 2015 and August 2, 2014 as follows:
 
Severance
 
Lease Costs
 
Other Exit Costs
 
Total
 
(In thousands)
Liability as of February 1, 2015
$
28

 
$
12,593

 
$

 
$
12,621

Additions

 

 
254

 
254

Paid or Utilized
(28
)
 
(6,234
)
 
(254
)
 
(6,516
)
Adjustments

 
(6,262
)
 

 
(6,262
)
Liability as of August 1, 2015
$

 
$
97

 
$

 
$
97


 
Impairments
 
Severance
 
Lease Costs
 
Other Exit Costs
 
Total
 
(In thousands)
Liability/Charge at Program Inception
$
30,497

 
$
1,060

 
$
1,046

 
$
1,886

 
$
34,489

Additions

 
1,453

 
6

 
1,560

 
3,019

Paid or Utilized
(30,497
)
 
(1,176
)
 
(77
)
 
(3,420
)
 
(35,170
)
Liability as of August 2, 2014
$

 
$
1,337

 
$
975

 
$
26

 
$
2,338


The above liabilities as of August 1, 2015 include $0.1 million recorded in non-current liabilities. The above liabilities as of August 2, 2014 include $0.6 million recorded in non-current liabilities and the balance is included in accrued expenses and other current liabilities.

We closed 115 P.S. from Aéropostale stores during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2014 related to the above mentioned restructuring program. We have elected to early adopt the provisions of ASU 2014-08, "Discontinued Operations and Disclosures of Disposals of Components of an Entity", as of the beginning of the fourth quarter of fiscal 2014. We assessed the disposal group under this guidance and concluded the closure of the disposal group to be a "strategic shift". However, this strategic shift was not determined to be a "major" strategic shift based on the portion of our consolidated business that the disposal group represented. Accordingly the disposal group was not presented in the financial statements as discontinued operations. However, we have concluded that this disposal group was an individually significant disposal group. Pretax losses for this disposal group of stores were $3.2 million for the second quarter of 2014 and $36.7 million for the first twenty-six weeks of 2014. The pretax loss included asset impairment charges of $30.1 million for the first twenty-six weeks of 2014. There were no asset impairment charges in the second quarter of 2014.

6.  Fair Value Measurements

We follow the guidance in ASC Topic 820, “Fair Value Measurement” (“ASC 820”) as it relates to financial and nonfinancial assets and liabilities. ASC 820 prioritizes inputs used in measuring fair value into a hierarchy of three levels:

Level 1 – Inputs are unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that the Company has the ability to access at the measurement date.

Level 2 – Observable inputs other than quoted prices included in Level 1, including quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets, quoted prices for identical assets or liabilities in inactive markets, inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for the asset or liability and inputs derived principally from or corroborated by observable market data.
 
Level 3 – Unobservable inputs reflecting the Company’s own assumptions about the inputs that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability based on the best information available.






10


In accordance with the fair value hierarchy described above, the following table shows the fair value of our financial assets and liabilities that are required to be remeasured at fair value on a recurring basis:
 
Level 1
 
Level 2
 
Level 3
 
August 1,
2015
 
January 31,
2015
 
August 2,
2014
 
August 1,
2015
 
January 31,
2015
 
August 2,
2014
 
August 1,
2015
 
January 31,
2015
 
August 2,
2014
 
(In thousands)
Assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash equivalents 1
$
41,060

 
$
110,022

 
$
105,750

 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$

Total
$
41,060

 
$
110,022

 
$
105,750

 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
GoJane performance plan liability 2
$

 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$
1,490

 
$
1,446

 
$
5,850

Total
$

 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$
1,490

 
$
1,446

 
$
5,850


1 Cash equivalents include money market investments valued as Level 1 inputs in the fair value hierarchy. The fair value of cash equivalents approximates their carrying value due to their short-term maturities.

2 Under the terms of the fiscal 2012 GoJane acquisition agreement, the purchase price also includes contingent cash payments of up to an aggregate of $8.0 million if certain financial metrics are achieved by the GoJane business during the five year period beginning on the acquisition date (the "GJ Performance Plan"). These performance payments are not contingent upon continuous employment by the two individual former stockholders of GoJane. The GJ Performance Plan liability is measured at fair value using Level 3 inputs as defined in the fair value hierarchy. The fair value of the contingent payments as of the acquisition date was estimated to be $7.0 million. This was based on a weighted average expected achievement probability and a discount rate over the expected payment stream. Each quarter, we remeasure the GJ Performance Plan liability at fair value. During the fourth quarter of 2014, we remeasured the liability and reversed $4.5 million based on the probability of achieving the payment targets.

The following table provides a reconciliation of the beginning and ending balances of the GJ Performance Plan measured at fair value using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3):
 
 
26 weeks ended
 
 
August 1, 2015
 
August 2, 2014
 
 
(In thousands)
Balance at beginning of period
 
$
1,446

 
$
7,416

Accretion of interest expense
 
44

 
34

GoJane consideration payment
 

 
(1,600
)
Balance at end of period
 
$
1,490

 
$
5,850


The $1.5 million liability as of August 1, 2015 was included in non-current liabilities. The $5.9 million liability as of August 2, 2014 was included in non-current liabilities.

Non-Financial Assets

Our non-financial assets, which include fixtures, equipment and improvements and intangible assets, are not required to be measured at fair value on a recurring basis.  However, if certain triggering events occur, or if an impairment test is required and we are required to evaluate the non-financial asset for impairment, we would record an impairment charge if the carrying value of the non-financial asset exceeds its fair value.
 
We did not record asset impairment charges during the second quarter of 2015 and the first twenty-six weeks of 2015. We recorded asset impairment charges of approximately $19.0 million during the second quarter of 2014 primarily for 130 retail stores. Of these charges, $19.0 million was included in cost of sales. We recorded asset impairment charges of $52.1 million during the first twenty-six weeks of 2014 primarily for 218 retail stores. Of these charges, $21.6 million was included in cost of sales and $30.5 million was included in restructuring charges for the first twenty-six weeks of 2014. These amounts included the write-down of long-lived assets at stores that were assessed for impairment because of (a) changes in circumstances that indicated the carrying

11


value of assets may not be recoverable, or (b) management’s intention to relocate or close stores.  Impairment charges were primarily related to revenues and/or gross margins not meeting targeted levels at the respective stores as a result of macroeconomic conditions, location related conditions and other factors that were negatively impacting the sales and cash flows of these locations.

Long-lived assets are measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis for purposes of calculating impairment using Level 3 inputs as defined in the fair value hierarchy.  The fair value of long-lived assets is determined by estimating the amount and timing of net future discounted net cash flows.  We estimate future net cash flows based on our experience, current trends and local market conditions. Based upon future results of operations at the store level, additional impairment charges may be recorded in future periods if loss trends continue and/or the current net cash flow projections are not achieved.

The table below sets forth by level within the fair value hierarchy the fair value of long-lived assets for which impairment was recognized for the first twenty-six weeks of 2014:

 
 
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)
 
Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)
 
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
 
 
 
Total Fair Value
 
Total Losses
 
 
(In thousands)
August 2, 2014:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Long-lived assets held and used
 
$

 
$

 
$
3,356

 
$
3,356

 
$
52,133


7.  Stockholders’ Equity

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)

The following table sets forth the components of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss):

 
August 1,
2015
 
January 31,
2015
 
August 2,
2014
 
(In thousands)
Pension liability, net of tax
$
1,020

 
$
1,937

 
$
(1,906
)
Cumulative foreign currency translation adjustment
2,219

 
1,161

 
919

Total accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)
$
3,239

 
$
3,098

 
$
(987
)

The changes in components in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) are as follows:
 
26 weeks ended
 
August 1, 2015
 
Pension Liability
 
Foreign Currency Translation
 
Total
 
(In thousands)
Beginning balance at February 1, 2015
$
1,937

 
$
1,161

 
$
3,098

Other comprehensive loss before reclassifications
(917
)
 

 
(917
)
Reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income

 
1,058

 
1,058

Net current-period other comprehensive loss
$
(917
)
 
$
1,058

 
$
141

Ending balance at August 1, 2015
$
1,020

 
$
2,219

 
$
3,239



12


 
26 weeks ended
 
August 2, 2014
 
Pension Liability
 
Foreign Currency Translation
 
Total
 
(In thousands)
Beginning balance at February 2, 2014
$
(2,007
)
 
$
824

 
$
(1,183
)
Other comprehensive income before reclassifications

 
95

 
95

Reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss
101

 

 
101

Net current-period other comprehensive income
$
101

 
$
95

 
$
196

Ending balance at August 2, 2014
$
(1,906
)
 
$
919

 
$
(987
)

Reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) for fiscal 2015 and fiscal 2014 are not material to the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

Stock Repurchase Program

We have the ability to repurchase our common stock under a stock repurchase program, which was announced on December 9, 2003. The repurchase program may be modified or terminated by the Board of Directors at any time and there is no expiration date for the program. The extent and timing of repurchases will depend upon general business and market conditions, stock prices, opening and closing of the stock trading window, and liquidity and capital resource requirements going forward. During the first twenty-six months of fiscal 2015 and 2014, we did not repurchase shares of our common stock under our stock repurchase program.  Under the program to date, we have repurchased 60.1 million shares of our common stock for $1.0 billion.  As of August 1, 2015, we have approximately $104.4 million of repurchase authorization remaining under our $1.15 billion share repurchase program.

In addition to the above program, we withheld 0.1 million shares for minimum statutory withholding taxes of $0.4 million related to the vesting of stock awards during the first twenty-six weeks of 2015 and 0.1 million shares for minimum statutory withholding taxes of $0.6 million during the first twenty-six weeks of 2014.

8.  Loss Per Share

The following table sets forth the computations of basic and diluted loss per share:

 
13 weeks ended
 
26 weeks ended
 
August 1,
2015
 
August 2,
2014
 
August 1,
2015
 
August 2,
2014
 
(In thousands, except per share data)
Net loss
$
(43,659
)
 
$
(63,819
)
 
$
(88,927
)
 
$
(140,601
)
Weighted average basic shares
79,570

 
78,753

 
79,423

 
78,655

Impact of dilutive securities

 

 

 

Weighted average diluted shares
79,570

 
78,753

 
79,423

 
78,655

Basic loss per share
$
(0.55
)
 
$
(0.81
)
 
$
(1.12
)
 
$
(1.79
)
Diluted loss per share
$
(0.55
)
 
$
(0.81
)
 
$
(1.12
)
 
$
(1.79
)

All options to purchase shares, in addition to restricted, performance shares and convertible preferred shares, were excluded from the computation of diluted loss per share because the effect would be anti-dilutive during fiscal 2015 and fiscal 2014.







13


9.  Accrued Expenses and Other Current Liabilities

Accrued expenses and other current liabilities consist of the following:

 
August 1, 2015
 
January 31, 2015
 
August 2, 2014
 
(In thousands)
Accrued gift cards
$
17,288

 
$
22,164

 
$
18,794

Accrued compensation and retirement benefit plan liabilities
14,937

 
25,814

 
26,026

Current portion of exit cost obligations
1,692

 
10,771

 
755

Other
47,268

 
51,811

 
63,981

Total accrued expenses and other current liabilities
$
81,185

 
$
110,560

 
$
109,556

 
10.  Other Non-Current Liabilities

Other non-current liabilities consist of the following:

 
August 1, 2015
 
January 31, 2015
 
August 2, 2014
 
(In thousands)
Deferred rent
$
37,647

 
$
38,407

 
$
44,454

Deferred tenant allowance
20,259

 
25,262

 
31,141

Advance volume purchase discount
12,626

 

 

Non-current portion of exit cost obligations
2,645

 
6,277

 
2,212

Retirement benefit plan liabilities
5,131

 
5,060

 
9,130

Uncertain tax contingency liabilities
1,915

 
1,917

 
2,889

Other
4,198

 
4,325

 
12,002

Total other non-current liabilities
$
84,421

 
$
81,248

 
$
101,828


11.  Revolving Credit Facility

In September 2011, we entered into the Third Amended and Restated Loan and Security Agreement with Bank of America, N.A. (as amended, the “Credit Facility”). The Credit Facility originally provided for a revolving credit line up to $175.0 million. The Credit Facility is available for working capital and general corporate purposes. The Credit Facility was scheduled to expire on September 22, 2016, and is guaranteed by all of our domestic subsidiaries (the “Guarantors”). Management has no reason at this time to believe that the participating institutions will be unable to fulfill their obligations to provide financing in accordance with the terms of the Credit Agreement in the event of our election to draw funds in the foreseeable future.

On February 21, 2014, the Company, certain of its direct and indirect subsidiaries, including GoJane LLC, the Lenders party thereto, and Bank of America, N.A., as agent for the ratable benefit of the Credit Parties (in such capacity, the “Agent”), entered into a Joinder and First Amendment to Third Amended and Restated Loan and Security Agreement and Amendment to Certain Other Loan Documents (the “First Amendment”). The First Amendment amended the Credit Facility, among other things, to increase from $175.0 million to $230.0 million the aggregate amount of loans and other extensions of credit available to the Company under the Credit Facility by (i) the addition of a $30.0 million first-in, last-out revolving loan facility based on the appraised value of certain intellectual property of the Company, and (ii) an increase in the Company’s existing revolving credit facility by $25.0 million, from $175.0 million to $200.0 million (which continued to include a $40.0 million sublimit for the issuance of letters of credit). In addition, the accordion feature of the Credit Facility, under which the Company may request an increase in the commitments of the Lenders thereunder from time to time, was reduced from $75.0 million to $50.0 million. GoJane LLC, an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company, also joined the Credit Facility as a new guarantor.

On May 23, 2014, we entered into $150.0 million secured credit facilities with affiliates of Sycamore Partners. In connection with this agreement, we further amended the Credit Facility to allow for the incurrence of this additional debt under the Loan Agreement (see Note 4).


14


On August 18, 2015, the Company entered into a Fourth Amendment to the Credit Facility and Amendment to Certain Other Loan Documents (the “Fourth Amendment”). Among other things, the Fourth Amendment extends the maturity date of the Credit Facility, until at least February 21, 2019, with automatic extensions, under certain circumstances set forth in the Fourth Amendment, to August 18, 2020; provides for a reduction in the maximum principal amount of extensions of credit that may be made under the Credit Facility from $230 million to $215 million; provides for a seasonal increase in the advance rate on inventory under the borrowing base formula for the revolving credit facility contained in the Credit Facility; increases to $40 million the maximum aggregate principal amount of loans that may be borrowed under the FILO loan facility contained in the Credit Facility and provides for an annual decrease, commencing in 2017, in the advance rate under the borrowing base formula for FILO loans; and reflects the addition of General Electric Capital Corporation as an additional lender under the Credit Facility. The reduction in the maximum principal amount of extensions of credit under the Credit Facility was primarily driven by the Company’s strategic decision to close underperforming stores over the last eighteen months, thus reducing inventory levels.

Loans under the Credit Facility are secured by substantially all of our assets and are guaranteed by the Guarantors. Upon the occurrence of a Suspension Event (which is defined in the Credit Facility as an event of default or any occurrence, circumstance or state of facts which would become an event of default after notice, or lapse of time, or both) or, in certain circumstances, a Cash Dominion Event (any event of default or failure to maintain availability in an amount greater than 12.5% of the lesser of the Borrowing Base (Revolving Credit) and Commitments (Revolving Credit) (as such terms are defined in the Credit Facility)), our ability to borrow funds, make investments, pay dividends and repurchase shares of our common stock may be limited, among other limitations. Direct borrowings under the Credit Facility bear interest at a margin over either LIBOR or the Prime Rate (as each such term is defined in the Credit Facility).

The Credit Facility also contains covenants that, subject to specified exceptions, restrict our ability to, among other things:

incur additional debt or encumber assets of the Company;
merge with or acquire other companies;
liquidate or dissolve;
sell, transfer, lease or dispose of assets; and
make loans or guarantees.

Events of default under the Credit Facility include, without limitation and subject to grace periods and notice provisions in certain circumstances, failure to pay principal amounts when due, breaches of covenants, misrepresentation, default on leases or other indebtedness, excess uninsured casualty loss, excess uninsured judgment or restraint of business, failure to maintain specified availability levels, business failure or application for bankruptcy, legal challenges to loan documents or a change in control. Upon the occurrence of an event of default under the Credit Facility, the Lenders may, including but not limited to, cease making loans, terminate the Credit Facility and declare that all amounts outstanding are immediately due and payable, and take possession of and sell all assets that have been used as collateral. 

The Company is subject to a fixed charge coverage ratio if availability levels are lower than the lesser of 10% of the Borrowing Base (Revolving Credit) or Dollar Commitments (Revolving Credit), as defined in the Credit Facility.  

Availability under the Credit Facility is based on a borrowing base consisting of merchandise inventory, certain intellectual property and receivables. As of August 1, 2015, January 31, 2015 and August 2, 2014 we had no borrowings under the Credit Facility. Our remaining availability was $181.1 million as of August 1, 2015. In June 2012, Bank of America, N.A. issued a stand-by letter of credit under the Credit Facility. As of August 1, 2015, the outstanding letter of credit was immaterial and expires on June 30, 2016. We do not have any other stand-by or commercial letters of credit outstanding as of August 1, 2015 under the Credit Facility.  
 
As of August 1, 2015, we are not aware of any instances of noncompliance with any financial covenants.  











15


12.  Retirement Benefit Plans

Retirement benefit plan liabilities consisted of the following:

 
August 1,
2015
 
January 31,
2015
 
August 2,
2014
 
(In thousands)
Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan (“SERP”)
$
1,439

 
$
7,531

 
$
11,013

Other retirement plan liabilities
4,374

 
4,226

 
4,396

Total
$
5,813

 
$
11,757

 
$
15,409

Less amount classified in accrued expenses related to SERP

 
6,044

 
5,740

Less amount classified in accrued expenses related to other retirement plan liabilities
682

 
653

 
539

Long-term retirement benefit plan liabilities
$
5,131

 
$
5,060

 
$
9,130


401(k) Plan

We maintain a qualified, defined contribution retirement plan with a 401(k) salary deferral feature that covers substantially all of our employees who meet certain requirements.  Under the terms of the plan, employees may contribute, subject to statutory limitations, up to 100% of gross earnings and historically, we have provided a matching contribution of 50% of the first 5% of gross earnings contributed by the participants.  We also have the option to make additional contributions or to suspend the employer contribution at any time. The employer's matching contributions vest over a five-year service period with 20% vesting after two years and 50% vesting after year three.  Vesting increases thereafter at a rate of 25% per year so that participants will be fully vested after five years of service. We suspended the Company's matching contribution under the plan for fiscal 2014 and have re-instated it for fiscal 2015. During fiscal 2011, we established separate defined contribution plans for eligible employees in both Canada and Puerto Rico who meet certain requirements. Contribution expense for all plans was not material to the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements for any period presented.

Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan

We maintain a Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan, or "SERP". This plan is a non-qualified defined benefit plan for one remaining executive.  The plan is non-contributory and not funded and provides benefits based on years of service and compensation during employment.  Participants are fully vested upon entrance in the plan. Pension expense is determined using the projected unit credit cost method to estimate the total benefits ultimately payable to officers and this cost is allocated to service periods.  The actuarial assumptions used to calculate pension costs are reviewed annually. We expect to make contributions to the SERP when the remaining participant ceases employment with us. The amount of cash contributions we are required to make to the plan could increase or decrease depending on when the remaining employee makes a retirement election and other factors which are not in the control of the Company. Our expected cash contributions to the plan are equal to the expected benefit payments. The liabilities related to the SERP were $1.4 million as of August 1, 2015, $7.5 million as of January 31, 2015 and $11.0 million as of August 2, 2014. During March 2015, we paid Thomas P. Johnson, our former Chief Executive Officer, $6.0 million from our SERP. Accordingly, the SERP liability related to Mr. Johnson was classified as a current liability in our consolidated balance sheet as of January 31, 2015. In conjunction with the payment to Mr. Johnson, we recorded a benefit of $1.0 million in SG&A, with a corresponding amount recorded to relieve accumulated other comprehensive loss included in our stockholders' equity. This accounting treatment is in accordance with settlement accounting procedures under the provisions of ASC Topic 715, "Compensation - Retirement Benefits". This plan was not material to our unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.
 
Other Retirement Plan Liabilities

We have a long-term incentive deferred compensation plan established for the purpose of providing long-term incentives to a select group of management. The plan is a non-qualified, non-contributory defined contribution plan and is not funded. Participants in this plan include all employees designated by us as Vice President, or other higher-ranking positions that are not participants in the SERP. We record annual monetary credits to each participant's account based on compensation levels and years as a participant in the plan. Annual interest credits are applied to the balance of each participant's account based upon established benchmarks. Each annual credit is subject to a three-year cliff-vesting schedule, and participants' accounts will be fully vested upon retirement after completing five years of service and attaining age 55. The liabilities related to this plan were $4.3 million as of August 1,

16


2015, $4.2 million as of January 31, 2015 and $4.2 million as of August 2, 2014. Compensation expense related to this plan was not material to our unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements for any period presented.

We maintain a postretirement benefit plan for certain executives that provides retiree medical and dental benefits. The plan is an "other post-employment benefit plan", or "OPEB", and is not funded. Pension expense and the liability related to this plan were not material to our unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements for any period presented.

13.  Stock-Based Compensation

Under the provisions of Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") ASC Topic 718, “Compensation – Stock Compensation” (“ASC 718”), all forms of share-based payment to employees and directors, including stock options, must be treated as compensation and recognized in the statement of operations.

On May 8, 2014, the Board unanimously approved the 2014 Omnibus Incentive Plan (the “Omnibus Plan”), which is an amendment and restatement of our Second Amended and Restated 2002 Long-Term Incentive Plan, as amended (the “2002 Plan”). The Omnibus Plan became effective upon stockholder approval at the Annual Meeting of Stockholders on June 30, 2014. Stock-based compensation awarded after June 30, 2014 is awarded under the Omnibus Plan.

Restricted Stock Units

Certain of our employees have been awarded restricted stock units, pursuant to restricted stock unit agreements. The restricted stock units awarded to employees cliff vest at varying times, most typically following between one and three years of continuous service from the award date. Certain shares awarded may also vest upon a qualified retirement at or following age 65, or upon a qualified early retirement under the provisions adopted in 2012 whereby the awardee completes 10 years of service, attains age 55 and retires. All restricted stock units awarded under the 2002 Plan immediately vest upon a change in control of the Company. 

The following table summarizes restricted stock units outstanding as of August 1, 2015:

 
 
 
Shares
 
Weighted Average
Grant-Date Fair Value
 
(In thousands)
 
 
Outstanding as of February 1, 2015
398

 
$
4.60

Granted
795

 
3.14

Vested
(272
)
 
2.96

Cancelled
(86
)
 
3.16

Outstanding as of August 1, 2015
835

 
$
3.89


Total compensation expense is being amortized over the shorter of the achievement of retirement or early retirement status, or the vesting period.  Compensation expense related to restricted stock unit activity was $0.2 million for the second quarter of 2015 and $0.2 million for the second quarter of 2014.  Compensation expense related to restricted stock unit activity was $0.8 million for the first twenty-six weeks of 2015 and $1.8 million for the first twenty-six weeks of 2014. As of August 1, 2015, there was $1.7 million of unrecognized compensation cost related to restricted stock units that is expected to be recognized over the weighted average period of two years.  No restricted stock units vested during the second quarters of 2015 and 2014. The total fair value of restricted stock units vested was $0.8 million during the first twenty-six weeks of 2015 and less than $0.1 million during the first twenty-six weeks of 2014.

Additionally, certain of our employees have been awarded cash-settled restricted stock units, pursuant to cash-settled restricted stock unit agreements. The cash-settled restricted stock units awarded to employees cliff vest at varying times up to approximately three years of continuous service. Certain shares awarded may also vest upon a qualified retirement at or following age 65, or upon a qualified early retirement under the provisions adopted in 2012 whereby the awardee completes 10 years of service, attains age 55 and retires. All cash-settled restricted stock units awarded under the 2002 Plan immediately vest upon a change in control of the Company.  We may, in our sole discretion, at any time during the term, convert the cash-settled restricted stock units into stock-settled restricted stock units. The cash-settled restricted stock units are treated as liability awards in accordance with ASC 718. During January 2015, we converted 262,000 shares of cash-settled restricted stock units to stock-settled restricted stock units.
  

17


The following table summarizes cash-settled restricted stock units outstanding as of August 1, 2015:

 
 
 
Shares
 
Weighted Average
Grant-Date Fair Value
 
(In thousands)
 
 
Outstanding as of February 1, 2015
747

 
$
2.44

Granted

 

Vested
(46
)
 
3.63

Cancelled
(98
)
 
2.20

Outstanding as of August 1, 2015
603

 
$
1.51


Total compensation expense is being amortized over the shorter of the achievement of retirement or early retirement status, or the vesting period.  Compensation expense related to restricted shares activity was a benefit of $0.4 million for the second quarter of 2015 and an expense of $0.4 million for the second quarter of 2014. Compensation expense related to restricted shares activity was $0.1 million for the first twenty-six weeks of 2015 and $0.7 million for the first twenty-six weeks of 2014. As of August 1, 2015, there was $0.4 million of unrecognized compensation cost related to cash-settled restricted stock units that is expected to be recognized over the weighted average period of 1.7 years.  

Restricted Shares

Certain of our employees and all of our directors have been awarded non-vested common stock (restricted shares), pursuant to non-vested stock agreements. The restricted shares awarded to employees generally cliff vest after up to three years of continuous service.  Certain shares awarded may also vest upon a qualified retirement at or following age 65, or upon a qualified early retirement under the provisions adopted in 2012 whereby an awardee completes 10 years of service, attains age 55 and retires. All restricted shares awarded under the 2002 Plan immediately vest upon a change in control of the Company.  Grants of restricted shares awarded to directors vest in full after one year after the date of the grant.

The following table summarizes non-vested shares of stock outstanding as of August 1, 2015:

 
 
 
Shares
 
Weighted Average
Grant-Date Fair Value
 
(In thousands)
 
 
Outstanding as of February 1, 2015
1,451

 
$
11.61

Granted
372

 
3.17

Vested
(286
)
 
5.58

Cancelled
(109
)
 
13.66

Outstanding as of August 1, 2015
1,428

 
$
10.46


Total compensation expense is being amortized over the shorter of the achievement of retirement or early retirement status, or the vesting period.  Compensation expense related to restricted shares activity was $0.5 million for the second quarter of 2015 and $1.9 million for the second quarter of 2014.  Compensation expense related to restricted shares activity was $2.0 million for the first twenty-six weeks of 2015 and $3.7 million for the first twenty-six weeks of 2014. As of August 1, 2015, there was $2.7 million of unrecognized compensation expense related to restricted share awards that is expected to be recognized over the weighted average period of less than one year.  The total fair value of shares vested was $0.3 million during the second quarter of 2015 and $4.5 million during the second quarter of 2014. The total fair value of shares vested was $1.6 million during the first twenty-six weeks of 2015 and $8.3 million during the first twenty-six weeks of 2014.

In connection with the GoJane acquisition, we granted restricted shares to the two individual former stockholders of GoJane, with compensation expense recognized over the three year cliff vesting period. If the aggregate dollar value of the restricted shares on the vesting date is less than $8.0 million, then we shall pay to the two individual former stockholders an amount in cash equal to the difference between $8.0 million and the fair market value of the restricted shares on the vesting date. For the second quarter of 2015, we recorded additional compensation expense of $1.4 million and have a corresponding liability of $6.4 million based on the

18


Company's stock price as of August 1, 2015. For the first twenty-six weeks of 2015, we recorded additional compensation expense of $1.6 million. For the second quarter of 2014, we recorded additional compensation expense of $1.1 million and had a corresponding liability of $3.4 million based on the Company's stock price as of August 2, 2014. For the first twenty-six weeks of 2014, we recorded additional compensation expense of $2.0 million.
 
Performance Shares

Certain of our executives have been awarded performance shares, pursuant to performance share agreements. The performance shares cliff vest at the end of three years of continuous service with us and are contingent upon meeting various separate performance conditions based upon consolidated earnings targets or market conditions based upon total shareholder return targets. All performance shares awarded under the 2002 Plan immediately vest upon a change in control of the Company. Compensation cost for the performance shares with performance conditions related to consolidated earnings targets is periodically reviewed and adjusted based upon the probability of achieving certain performance targets. If the probability of achieving targets changes, compensation cost will be adjusted in the period that the probability of achievement changes. The fair value of performance based awards is based upon the fair value of the Company's common stock on the date of grant. For market based awards that vest based upon total shareholder return targets, the effect of the market conditions is reflected in the fair value of the awards on the date of grant using a Monte-Carlo simulation model. A Monte-Carlo simulation model estimates the fair value of the market based award based upon the expected term, risk-free interest rate, expected dividend yield and expected volatility measure for the Company and its peer group. The annual grant issued during the first quarter of 2015 included performance conditions with both a consolidated earnings target and a total shareholder return target. Compensation expense for market based awards is recognized over the vesting period regardless of whether the market conditions are expected to be achieved.

The following table summarizes performance shares of stock outstanding as of August 1, 2015:

 
Performance-based
 
Market-based
 
Performance Shares
 
Performance Shares
 
 
 
Shares
 
Weighted Average
Grant-Date Fair Value
 
Shares
 
Weighted Average
Grant-Date Fair Value
 
(In thousands)
 
 
 
(In thousands)
 
 
Outstanding as of February 1, 2015

 
$

 
489

 
$
10.25

Granted
820

 
4.44

 

 

Vested

 

 

 

Cancelled
(324
)
 
4.22

 
(145
)
 
10.03

Outstanding as of August 1, 2015
496

 
$
4.59

 
344

 
$
10.34


Total compensation expense is being amortized over the vesting period. Compensation expense related to the market-based performance shares which we granted was a benefit of $0.4 million for the second quarter of 2015 and an expense of $1.0 million for the second quarter of 2014. Compensation expense related to the market-based performance shares which we granted was a benefit of $0.1 million for the first twenty-six weeks of 2015 and an expense of $1.7 million for the first twenty-six weeks of 2014. We recognized compensation expense of $0.2 million related to performance-based performance shares during the second quarter of 2015 and $0.4 million for the first twenty-six weeks of 2015 based on our determination of the likelihood of achieving the performance conditions associated with the respective shares.

The following table summarizes unrecognized compensation cost and the weighted-average years expected to be recognized related to performance share awards outstanding as of August 1, 2015:
 
Performance-based
 
Market-based
 
Performance Shares
 
Performance Shares
Total unrecognized compensation (in thousands)
$
2,133

 
$
1,155

Weighted-average years expected to recognize compensation cost (years)
2

 
1





19


Cash-Settled Stock Appreciation Rights ("CSARs")

In conjunction with the execution of the employment agreement with Mr. Johnson, our former CEO, on May 3, 2013, we granted him an award of CSARs, with an award date value of $5.6 million. The number of CSARs granted was determined in accordance with the agreement by dividing $5.6 million by the Black Scholes value of the closing price of a share of the Company's common stock on the award date. For the second quarter of 2015, we did not record any expense or benefit related to this incentive award. For the second quarter of 2014, this incentive award did not have a material impact on the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements. As of August 1, 2015, there was no unrecognized compensation cost related to CSARs.  As a result of the departure of Mr. Johnson after the end of the second quarter of 2014, 2/3 of these CSARs were forfeited. The remaining vested shares expired on August 29, 2015. The CSARs were treated as a liability based award, our expected volatility was 51%, expected term was 0.1 years, risk-free interest rate was 0.04% and expected forfeiture rate was 0%.
 
Performance Based Bonus

The Employment Agreement with Julian R. Geiger, our Chief Executive Officer, provides for a special performance based bonus. If, during any consecutive 90 calendar day period during the third year of the term of the Employment Agreement the average closing price per share of the Company’s common stock is $15.93 or higher, Mr. Geiger will be entitled to a performance-based cash bonus equal to 2% of the amount, if any, by which the Company’s average market capitalization during the period with the highest 90 day average stock price during the third year of the term of the Employment Agreement exceeds $255.4 million (the “Effective Date Market Cap”). If prior to the achievement of such performance metric, Mr. Geiger’s employment is terminated by the Company without Cause, by Mr. Geiger for Good Reason, upon Mr. Geiger’s death or by the Company due to his Disability, or there is a Change of Control (each a “Qualifying Event”), and as of the date of such Qualifying Event the common stock price exceeds $3.24, then, the amount of the performance-based cash bonus will instead be 2% of the amount, if any, by which the Company’s average market capitalization over the 30 calendar day period immediately preceding the Qualifying Event exceeds the Effective Date Market Cap.

This bonus is a market and service based liability award that is required to be marked-to-market under ASC 718. The fair value of this award is estimated using a Monte-Carlo simulation model. A Monte-Carlo simulation model estimates the fair value of a market based award based upon the expected term, risk-free interest rate, expected dividend yield and expected volatility measure for the Company. Compensation expense for this award is recognized over the vesting period regardless of whether the market condition is expected to be achieved. We have recorded a liability for this award that was immaterial to the unaudited condensed financial statements as of August 1, 2015.
 
Stock Options

Under the Omnibus Plan, we may grant qualified and non-qualified stock options to purchase shares of our common stock to executives, consultants, directors, or other key employees.  Stock options may not be granted at less than the fair market value at the date of grant. Stock options generally vest over four years on a pro-rata basis and expire after eight years. All outstanding stock options immediately vest upon (i) a change in control of the company (as defined in the plan) and (ii) termination of the employee within one year of such change of control.

The fair value of options granted is estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model. The Black-Scholes model requires certain assumptions, including estimating the length of time employees will retain their vested stock options before exercising them (“expected term”), the estimated volatility of our common stock price over the expected term and the number of options that will ultimately not complete their vesting requirements (“forfeitures”). For the first twenty-six weeks of 2015, our expected volatility was 61.4%, expected term was 4.70 years, risk-free interest rate was 1.40% and expected forfeiture rate was 0%. No stock options were granted during the second quarter of 2015. Changes in the subjective assumptions can materially affect the estimate of fair value of stock-based compensation and consequently, the related amount recognized in the unaudited condensed consolidated statements of operations.

The effects of applying the provisions of ASC 718 and the results obtained through the use of the Black-Scholes option-pricing model are not necessarily indicative of future values.
 







20


The following table summarizes stock option transactions for common stock during the second quarter of 2015:

 
 
 
Number of Shares
 
Weighted Average Exercise Price
 
Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Term
 
Aggregate Intrinsic Value
 
(In thousands)
 
 
 
(In years)
 
(In millions)
Outstanding as of February 1, 2015
2,247

 
$
4.62

 
 
 
 
Granted
1,500

 
3.17

 
 
 
 
Exercised

 

 
 
 
 
Cancelled1 
(159
)
 
18.00

 
 
 
 
Outstanding as of August 1, 2015
3,588

 
$
3.42

 
6.23
 
$

Options vested as of August 1, 2015 and expected to vest
3,588

 
$
3.42

 
6.23
 
$

Exercisable as of August 1, 2015
63

 
$
14.74

 
1.68
 
$


1 The number of options cancelled includes approximately 150,000 expired shares.

In accordance with his employment agreement, Mr. Geiger was granted an award of options to purchase 1.5 million shares of our common stock during the first quarter of 2015. These stock options have a strike price of $3.17 per share, vest over two years on a pro-rata basis, and have a seven year life. During the third quarter of 2014, and also in accordance with his employment agreement, Mr. Geiger was granted an award of options to purchase 2.0 million shares, that had a strike price of $3.24 and vest over three years on a pro-rata basis with a seven year life.

We recognized $0.7 million in compensation expense related to stock options during the second quarter of 2015 and less than $0.1 million during the second quarter of 2014.   We recognized $1.2 million in compensation expense related to stock options during the first twenty-six weeks of 2015 and less than $0.1 million during the first twenty-six weeks of 2014. For the first twenty-six weeks of 2015 and the first twenty-six weeks of 2014, the intrinsic value of options exercised was zero.

The following table summarizes information regarding non-vested outstanding stock options as of August 1, 2015:

 
 
 
 
Shares
 
Weighted Average
Grant-Date Fair Value
 
(In thousands)
 
 
Non-vested as of February 1, 2015
2,035

 
$
1.52

Granted
1,500

 
1.62

Vested
(10
)
 
2.70

Canceled

 

Non-vested as of August 1, 2015
3,525

 
$
1.56


As of August 1, 2015, there was $3.8 million of total unrecognized compensation cost related to non-vested options that we expect will be recognized over the remaining weighted-average vesting period of two years.

14.  Commitments and Contingent Liabilities

Legal Proceedings - In October 2011, Aéropostale, Inc. and former and current senior executive officers Thomas P. Johnson and Marc D. Miller were named as defendants in an action amended in February 2012, City of Providence v. Aéropostale, Inc., et al., No. 11-7132, a class action lawsuit alleging violations of the federal securities laws.  The lawsuit was filed in New York federal court on behalf of purchasers of Aéropostale securities between March 11, 2011 and August 18, 2011.  The lawsuit alleged that the defendants made materially false and misleading statements regarding the Company's business and prospects and failed to disclose that Aéropostale was experiencing declining demand for its women's fashion division and increasing inventory.  A motion to dismiss was denied on March 25, 2013.  Aéropostale and the plaintiffs entered into a settlement agreement resolving the claims made in this action, without any admission of liability, for the amount of $15.0 million, all of which was funded with insurance proceeds. The settlement received

21


final court approval on May 9, 2014. An individual stockholder filed an appeal of the May 9, 2014 court order approving the settlement, which appeal was denied on June 10, 2015.

During February 2014, we settled litigations related to California wage and hour matters. We made settlement payments of $3.6 million in fiscal 2014 and $0.5 million during the first twenty-six weeks of 2015. In addition, we have remaining liabilities previously recorded of $0.3 million as of August 1, 2015 related to these settlements.
 
We are also party to various litigation matters and proceedings in the ordinary course of business.  In the opinion of our management, dispositions of these matters are not expected to have a material adverse effect on our financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

Contingencies - During May 2014, we entered into a $150.0 million secured credit facility with affiliates of Sycamore Partners. In connection with this agreement, we also entered into a sourcing agreement with an affiliate of Sycamore Partners that requires us to purchase a minimum volume of product for 10 years. This purchase commitment will commence during the first quarter of fiscal 2016 and is between $240.0 million and $280.0 million per annum depending on the year (see Note 4).

On February 2, 2015, we revised and renewed a Supplier Agreement with one of our suppliers. Should we fail to meet annual purchase minimum thresholds in this agreement we would be liable to make certain agreed upon shortfall payments to this supplier (see Note 3).

In June 2012, Bank of America, N.A. issued a stand-by letter of credit under the Credit Facility. As of August 1, 2015, the outstanding letter of credit was immaterial and expires on June 30, 2016. We do not have any other stand-by or commercial letters of credit as of August 1, 2015.

We have a product license agreement that obligates us to pay the licensor at least the guaranteed minimum royalty amount based on sales of their products.

We have not issued any third party guarantees or commercial commitments as of August 1, 2015.

Executive Severance Plan - We have a Change of Control Severance Plan (“the Plan”), which entitles certain executive level employees to receive certain payments upon a termination of employment after a change of control (as defined in the Plan) of the Company. The adoption of the Plan did not have any impact on the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements for any periods presented.

15.  Income Taxes

We review the annual effective tax rate on a quarterly basis and make necessary changes if information or events merit.  The estimated annual effective tax rate is forecasted quarterly using actual historical information and forward-looking estimates.  The estimated annual effective tax rate may fluctuate due to changes in forecasted annual operating income; changes to the valuation allowance for deferred tax assets; changes to actual or forecasted permanent book to tax differences (non-deductible expenses); impacts from future tax settlements with state, federal or foreign tax authorities (such changes would be recorded discretely in the quarter in which they occur), or impacts from tax law changes.  To the extent such changes impact our deferred tax assets/liabilities, these changes would generally be recorded discretely in the quarter in which they occur. During the second quarter of 2015, we recorded an unfavorable tax provision related to expected utilization of our estimated net operating losses.

We follow the provisions of ASC Topic 740, “Income Taxes”, which includes the accounting and disclosure for uncertainty in income taxes.  We recognize interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits as a component of income tax expense. Uncertain tax positions, inclusive of interest and penalties were $7.2 million as of August 1, 2015, $7.2 million at January 31, 2015, and $9.0 million at August 2, 2014.  Of these amounts, $5.3 million was recorded as a direct reduction of the related deferred tax assets as of August 1, 2015 and January 31, 2015 and $6.2 million was recorded as of August 2, 2014. Reversal of uncertain tax positions, net of related deferred tax assets, would favorably impact our effective tax rate. These uncertain tax positions are subject to change based on future events, the timing of which is uncertain, however the Company does not anticipate that the balance of such uncertain tax positions will significantly change during the next twelve months.

We file income tax returns in the U.S. and in various states, Canada and Puerto Rico. All tax returns remain open for examination generally for our 2011 through 2014 tax years by various taxing authorities. However, certain states may keep their statute of limitations open for six to ten years. Our U.S. federal filings for the years 2010 to 2013 are currently under examination by the Internal Revenue Service.

22


16.  Segment Information

FASB ASC Topic 280, “Segment Reporting” (“ASC 280”), establishes standards for reporting information about a company’s operating segments. We have two reportable segments: a) retail stores and e-commerce; and b) international licensing. Our reportable segments were identified based on how our business is managed and evaluated. The reportable segments represent the Company’s activities for which discrete financial information is available and which is utilized on a regular basis by the Company’s chief operating decision maker (“CODM”), our Chief Executive Officer, to evaluate performance and allocate resources. The retail stores and e-commerce segment includes the aggregation of the Aéropostale U.S., Aéropostale Canada, P.S. from Aéropostale and GoJane operating segments. In identifying our reportable segments, the Company considers economic characteristics, as well as products, customers, sales growth potential and long-term profitability. The accounting policies of the Company’s reportable segments are consistent with those described in Note 1 of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended January 31, 2015. All intercompany transactions are eliminated in consolidation. We do not rely on any customer as a major source of revenue.  

The following tables provide summary financial data for each of our segments (in thousands):

 
 
13 weeks ended
 
26 weeks ended
 
 
August 1, 2015
 
August 2, 2014
 
August 1, 2015
 
August 2, 2014
Net sales:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Retail stores and e-commerce net sales                                                                                               
 
$
316,687

 
$
388,441

 
$
627,583

 
$
776,762

International licensing revenue                                                                                                   
 
10,174

 
7,714

 
17,921

 
15,251

Total net sales                                                                                                             
 
$
326,861

 
$
396,155

 
$
645,504

 
$
792,013


 
 
13 weeks ended
 
26 weeks ended
 
 
August 1, 2015
 
August 2, 2014
 
August 1, 2015
 
August 2, 2014
(Loss) income from operations:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Retail stores and e-commerce 1                                                                                                    
 
$
(41,757
)
 
$
(43,444
)
 
$
(87,583
)
 
$
(96,384
)
International licensing                                                                                                      
 
9,195

 
6,892

 
15,771

 
13,795

Other 2
 
(4,869
)
 
(25,099
)
 
(6,075
)
 
(62,499
)
Total loss from operations                                                                                             
 
$
(37,431
)
 
$
(61,651
)
 
$
(77,887
)
 
$
(145,088
)

1 Such amounts include all corporate overhead and shared service function costs and we have not allocated a portion of these costs to international licensing in this presentation.

2 Other items for all periods presented above, which are all related to the retail stores and e-commerce segment, included store closing costs, restructuring charges (See Note 5) and other income (charges) that are not included in the segment income (loss) from operations reviewed by the CODM. Other items for the second quarter of 2014 and the first twenty-six weeks of 2014 also included store asset impairment charges.

Depreciation expense and capital expenditures have not been separately disclosed as the amounts primarily relate to the retail stores and e-commerce segment. Such amounts are not material for the international licensing segment.

 
 
August 1, 2015
 
January 31, 2015
 
August 2, 2014
Total assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Retail stores and e-commerce                                                                                               
 
$
440,085

 
$
496,220

 
$
624,708

International licensing                                                                                                     
 
13,298

 
15,969

 
10,074

Total assets                                                                                                          
 
$
453,383

 
$
512,189

 
$
634,782


17.  Related Parties

During May 2014, we entered into a strategic sourcing relationship with an affiliate of Sycamore Partners, which included $150.0 million in secured credit facilities (see Note 4 for a further discussion). As of May 23, 2014 and August 1, 2015, Lemur LLC, an affiliate of Sycamore Partners owned approximately 8% of our outstanding common stock. Sycamore Partners and its

23


affiliates are considered related parties due to the agreements described above combined with their ownership interest in us. In addition to the related party transactions presented on the Consolidated Statement of Operations during the second quarter of 2015 and the first twenty-six weeks of 2015, we had the following transactions with these related parties during that period:

Merchandise purchased from an affiliate of Sycamore Partners was $16.1 million during the second quarter of 2015 and $28.3 million during the first twenty-six weeks of 2015, of which $12.8 million that was included in our merchandise inventories as of August 1, 2015,

Accounts payable of $10.6 million to an affiliate of Sycamore Partners as of August 1, 2015, and

Payments of $21.9 million to an affiliate of Sycamore Partners during the first twenty-six weeks of 2015.

Additionally, Scopia Capital Management, LLC owned approximately 12.4% of our common stock and Fidelity Management & Research Company owned approximately 10.6% of our common stock as of August 1, 2015. Both are considered related parties due to their ownership interest in us. We did not have any transactions with either of these related parties during the second quarter of 2015 or the first twenty-six weeks of 2015.

18.  Recent Accounting Developments

In April 2015, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2015-05, Customers' Accounting for Fees Paid in a Cloud Computing Arrangement ("ASU 2015-05"). ASU 2015-05 will help entities evaluate the accounting for fees paid by a customer in a cloud computing arrangement by providing guidance as to whether an arrangement includes the sale or license of software. ASU 2015-05 is effective for annual periods, including interim periods within those annual periods, beginning after December 15, 2015. The adoption of ASU 2015-05 is not expected to have a material effect on the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

In April 2015, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2015-04, Compensation—Retirement Benefits (Topic 715) ("ASU 2015-04"). This update provides a practical expedient for employers with fiscal year-ends that do not fall on a month-end by permitting those employers to measure defined benefit plan assets and obligations as of the month-end that is closest to the entity's fiscal year-end. ASU 2015-04 is effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2015, and interim periods within those fiscal years. The adoption of ASU 2015-04 is not expected to have a material effect on the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

In April 2015, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2015-03, Interest - Imputation of Interest ("ASU 2015-03"). ASU 2015-03 requires that debt issuance costs related to a recognized liability be presented in the balance sheet as a direct reduction from the carrying amount of debt liability, consistent with debt discounts or premiums. ASU 2015-03 is effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2015, and interim periods within those fiscal years. The adoption of ASU 2015-03 is not expected to have a material effect on the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

In August 2014, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2014-15, Disclosure of Uncertainties about an Entity’s Ability to Continue as a Going Concern ("ASU 2014-15"). Under ASU 2014-15, management is required to perform interim and annual assessments of an entity’s ability to continue as a going concern within one year of the date the financial statements are issued. An entity must provide certain disclosures if “conditions or events raise substantial doubt about [the] entity’s ability to continue as a going concern.” The new standard applies to all entities and is effective for annual periods ending after December 15, 2016, and interim periods thereafter, with early adoption permitted. The adoption of ASU 2014-15 is not expected to have a material effect on the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

In May 2014, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers ("ASU 2014-09"). It outlines a single comprehensive model for entities to use in accounting for revenue arising from contracts with customers and supersedes most current revenue recognition guidance, including industry-specific guidance. The core principle of the revenue model is that “an entity recognizes revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services.” ASU 2014-09 is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2016 and interim periods within those annual periods. Management is still assessing the impact of the adoption to our unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

In April 2014, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2014-08, Reporting Discontinued Operations and Disclosures of Disposals of Components of an Entity ("ASU 2014-08"). Under ASU 2014-08, only disposals that represent a strategic shift that has (or will have) a major effect on the entity’s results and operations would qualify as discontinued operations. In addition, the

24


ASU expands the disclosure requirements for disposals that meet the definition of a discontinued operation, requires entities to disclose information about disposals of individually significant components and defines “discontinued operations” similarly to how it is defined under International Financial Reporting Standards 5, Non-current Assets Held for Sale and Discontinued Operations. The ASU is effective prospectively for all disposals (except disposals classified as held for sale before the adoption date) or components initially classified as held for sale in periods beginning on or after December 15, 2014, with early adoption permitted. We elected to early adopt this guidance effective as of the beginning of the fourth quarter of fiscal 2014.

19.  Subsequent Event

On August 18, 2015, the Company entered into the Fourth Amendment to the Credit Facility (see Note 11 for a further discussion).

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

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

This Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.  Such forward-looking statements involve certain risks and uncertainties, including statements regarding our strategic direction, prospects and future results.  Forward-looking statements are generally written in the future tense and/or are preceded by words such as “will”, “may”, “could”, “expect”, “believe”, “anticipate”, “intend”, “estimate”, “seek” or other similar words. Certain factors, including factors outside of our control, may cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in the forward-looking statements.  The factors that could cause actual results to materially differ from those projected in the forward-looking statements include changes in the competitive marketplace, including the introduction of new products or pricing changes by our competitors; changes in the economy and other events leading to a reduction in discretionary consumer spending; seasonality; risks associated with changes in social, political, economic and other conditions and the possible adverse impact of changes in currency exchange rates and import restrictions; risks associated with the Company's debt arrangements; risks associated with uncertainty relating to the Company's ability to implement its strategies and risks associated with the Company’s ability to implement and realize the anticipated benefits of the Company’s strategic initiatives and cost reduction program. The following discussion as well as any evaluation of our business and future prospects should be read in conjunction with our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended January 31, 2015 and the Risk Factors in Part 1, Item 1A thereof, as well as other reports filed with the SEC. All forward-looking statements included in this report are based on information available to us as of the date hereof, and we assume no obligation to update or revise such forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances that occur after such statements are made.

Introduction

Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, or “MD&A,” is intended to provide information to help you better understand our financial condition and results of operations.  Our business is highly seasonal, and historically we realize a significant portion of our sales and cash flow in the second half of the year, driven by the impact of the back-to-school selling season in our third quarter and the holiday selling season in our fourth quarter.  Therefore, our interim period unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements may not be indicative of our full-year results of operations, financial condition or cash flows. We recommend that you read this section along with the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements and notes included in this report and along with our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended January 31, 2015.

The discussion in the following section is on a consolidated basis, unless indicated otherwise.

Overview

The teen retail environment remains highly competitive and promotional, and mall traffic continues to remain challenging. We believe that fast-fashion retailers have absorbed some market share from more traditional teen retailers.  Additionally, we believe that over the last few years, the teen market has seen a shift in demand away from logo-based product.  We also think that apparel retailers are competing with technology products, like smart phones and apps, for our core teen customer’s discretionary spending.  These factors have contributed to our unfavorable financial results.  Therefore, we are focused on executing our key merchandising,
operational and financial initiatives to improve our performance. Merchandising and operational initiatives that we are implementing include the following:

We recently implemented a vertical organization structure in Merchandising, Planning, Production and Design. Roles are primarily focused on product categories through all of our various distribution channels.

25


We have redefined our merchandising model to emphasize updated classic merchandise enhanced with contemporary additions that we believe will result in an exciting and unique total store assortment and presentation.
We are refining the manner in which we promote merchandise and our use of in-store marketing.
We are focused strategically on the development of the “tops” merchandise classification, primarily in knit tops, and also in woven tops in order to increase the number of tops sold relative to bottoms.
We are more targeted in our patterns of merchandise allocation and distribution. The demand pattern throughout our store base has been disparate and diverse. We are therefore moving towards a more targeted product allocation method rather than universally allocating product.
We continue to focus on the growth of our international licensing business. We recently announced new licensing agreements to bring Aéropostale stores to India, Indonesia and the Republic of Ireland.

We continue to make progress in achieving our key financial strategies of maintaining appropriate levels of liquidity, continuing the evaluation of our real estate portfolio and managing our capital spending prudently. With regard to liquidity, we amended our Credit Facility (as defined below) on August 18, 2015, to increase borrowing availability and extend the maturity date, among other things (see Note 11 to the Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements). Additionally, during May 2014, we entered into a strategic sourcing relationship with an affiliate of Sycamore Partners, which included $150.0 million in secured credit facilities (see Note 4 to the Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements). On February 2, 2015, we revised and renewed a master sourcing agreement (“Supplier Agreement”) with one of our suppliers. Under the ten-year agreement, we received an advance volume purchase discount equivalent to approximately $1.75 million per annum throughout the life of the Supplier Agreement as commitment of meeting certain minimum thresholds. Should we fail to meet the annual purchase minimum thresholds we would be required to make certain agreed upon shortfall payments, or if we exceed certain minimum purchase thresholds, we would have an opportunity to receive additional advance volume purchase discounts (see Note 3 to the Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements).

Operationally, during April 2014, following a strategic review and assessment of changing consumer patterns, management and the Board of Directors approved a comprehensive plan to restructure the P.S. from Aéropostale business by the end of fiscal 2014 and to reduce costs. Based on changing consumer patterns, we closed 126 P.S. from Aéropostale stores, primarily in mall locations. We also continue to focus on faster growing sales channels, including off-mall locations, e-commerce and international licensing of P.S. from Aéropostale. We are also exploring other potential third party distribution channels. The cost reduction program also targeted direct and indirect spending across the organization. This has included the reduction of approximately 100 open or occupied corporate positions during 2014 to align with our current business strategies. We incurred restructuring charges of $40.4 million during fiscal 2014. We estimate that these initiatives are generating approximately $40.0 million in annualized pre-tax savings. See Note 5 to the Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for further details.

In an ongoing effort to right size our store base and optimize our real estate portfolio, we closed 122 under-performing Aéropostale stores in the United States and Canada during fiscal 2014. We expect to eliminate pre-tax losses of approximately $10.0 million during fiscal 2015 that were generated from these stores in fiscal 2014. During the first twenty-six weeks of 2015, we closed a total of 35 Aéropostale stores. During the balance of 2015, we are considering potentially closing an additional 15 to 40 Aéropostale stores, which would bring total closures to a range of approximately 220 to 245 Aéropostale stores since 2013. Additionally, real estate consultants negotiated early store lease terminations and lease buyouts on our behalf.



















26


Results of Operations

The following table sets forth our results of operations as a percentage of net sales. We also use this information to evaluate the performance of our business:
 
13 weeks ended
 
26 weeks ended
 
August 1,
2015
 
August 2,
2014
 
August 1,
2015
 
August 2,
2014
Net sales
100.0
 %
 
100.0
 %
 
100.0
 %
 
100.0
 %
Gross profit
17.8
 %
 
15.8
 %
 
18.2
 %
 
16.8
 %
Selling, general and administrative expenses
31.2
 %
 
30.6
 %
 
31.2
 %
 
30.4
 %
Restructuring (benefit) charge
(1.9
)%
 
0.8
 %
 
(0.9
)%
 
4.7
 %
Loss from operations
(11.5
)%
 
(15.6
)%
 
(12.1
)%
 
(18.3
)%
Interest expense
0.9
 %
 
0.6
 %
 
0.9
 %
 
0.4
 %
Loss before income taxes
(12.4
)%
 
(16.2
)%
 
(13.0
)%
 
(18.7
)%
Income tax expense (benefit)
1.0
 %
 
(0.1
)%
 
0.8
 %
 
(0.9
)%
Net loss
(13.4
)%
 
(16.1
)%
 
(13.8
)%
 
(17.8
)%


27


Key Performance Indicators

We use a number of key indicators of financial condition and operating performance to evaluate the performance of our business, some of which are set forth in the following table. Comparable changes for the 13-weeks ended August 1, 2015 are compared to the 13-weeks ended August 2, 2014.

 
13 weeks ended
 
26 weeks ended
 
August 1,
2015
 
August 2,
2014
 
August 1,
2015
 
August 2,
2014
Net sales (in millions)
$
326.9

 
$
396.2

 
$
645.5

 
$
792.0

Retail stores and e-commerce net sales
$
316.7

 
$
388.4

 
627.6

 
776.8

International licensing revenue
$
10.2

 
$
7.7

 
17.9

 
15.3

Total store count at end of period
826

 
1,072

 
826

 
1,072

Comparable store count at end of period
805

 
1,008

 
805

 
1,008

Net sales change
(17
)%
 
(13
)%
 
(18
)%
 
(13
)%
Comparable sales change (including the e-commerce channel)
(8
)%
 
(13
)%
 
(9
)%
 
(13
)%
Comparable average unit retail change (including the e-commerce channel)
(7
)%
 
6
 %
 
(4
)%
 
4
 %
Comparable units per sales transaction change (including the e-commerce channel)
 %
 
(5
)%
 
(2
)%
 
(5
)%
Comparable sales transaction change (including the e-commerce channel)
(1
)%
 
(14
)%
 
(4
)%
 
(12
)%
Net sales per average square foot
$
88

 
$
88

 
$
172

 
$
174

Gross profit (in millions)
$
58.3

 
62.6

 
$
117.5

 
$
133.0

Loss from operations (in millions)
$
(37.4
)
 
$
(61.7
)
 
$
(77.9
)
 
$
(145.1
)
Retail stores and e-commerce loss from operations
$
(41.8
)
 
$
(43.4
)
 
$
(87.6
)
 
$
(96.4
)
International licensing income from operations
$
9.2

 
$
6.9

 
$
15.8

 
$
13.8

Other 1
$
(4.9
)
 
$
(25.1
)
 
$
(6.1
)
 
$
(62.5
)
Diluted loss per share
$
(0.55
)
 
$
(0.81
)
 
$
(1.12
)
 
$
(1.79
)
Average square footage growth over comparable period
(20
)%
 
(2
)%
 
(19
)%
 
(1
)%
Change in total inventory over comparable period
(20
)%
 
(15
)%
 
(20
)%
 
(15
)%
Change in store inventory per retail square foot over comparable period
 %
 
(11
)%
 
 %
 
(11
)%
Percentages of net sales by category:
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Young Women’s
65
 %
 
64
 %
 
66
 %
 
64
 %
Young Men’s
35
 %
 
36
 %
 
34
 %
 
36
 %

1 Other items include income (charges) that are not included in the segment income (loss) from operations reviewed by the Company’s chief operating decision maker, our Chief Executive Officer. See Note 16 to the Notes to the Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for a further discussion.

Comparison of the 13 weeks ended August 1, 2015 to the 13 weeks ended August 2, 2014

Net Sales

Net sales consist of our sales from comparable stores, our non-comparable stores, our e-commerce business and international licensing revenue. Our wholly-owned stores are included in comparable sales after 14 months of operation. Additionally, we have included GoJane sales in our comparable sales beginning in February of fiscal 2014. We consider a remodeled or relocated store with more than a 25% change in square feet to be a new store. Prior period sales from stores that have closed are not included in comparable sales.


28


Net sales decreased by $69.3 million, or 17%, for the second quarter of 2015. This was due to declines in average square footage of 20% resulting from store closures and a comparable sales decrease of 8% when compared to the same period last year. The net sales decrease reflects:

a decrease of $26.9 million in comparable sales (including the e-commerce channel)
a decrease of $44.9 million in non-comparable sales
an increase of $2.5 million in international licensing revenue

Consolidated comparable sales, including the e-commerce channel, decreased by 11% in our young men's category and 6% in our young women's category. The overall comparable sales, including the e-commerce channel, reflected decreases of 7% average unit retail, 1% in the number of sales transactions and flat units per sales transaction.

Cost of Sales and Gross Profit

Cost of sales includes costs related to merchandise sold, including inventory valuation adjustments, distribution and warehousing, freight from the distribution center to the stores, shipping and handling costs, payroll for our design, buying and merchandising departments and occupancy costs. Occupancy costs include rent, contingent rents, common area maintenance, real estate taxes, utilities, repairs and maintenance, depreciation and amortization and store impairment charges.

Gross profit decreased by $4.2 million for the second quarter of 2015 compared to the same period last year. The decrease was primarily due to the decrease in net sales. As a percentage of net sales, gross profit increased by 2.0 percentage points. We recorded store closing charges of 0.8 percentage points during the second quarter of 2015 and recorded asset impairment charges of 4.8 percentage points during the second quarter of 2014. The 4.0 percentage point reduction in these charges was partially offset by 1.7 percentage points of lower merchandise margin, in addition to the deleverage impact of distribution and buying expenses.

SG&A

SG&A includes costs related to selling expenses, store management and corporate expenses such as payroll and employee benefits, marketing expenses, employment taxes, information technology maintenance costs and expenses, insurance and legal expenses, e-commerce transaction expenses, store pre-opening costs and other corporate level expenses. Store pre-opening costs include store level payroll, grand opening event marketing, travel, supplies and other store pre-opening expenses.

SG&A decreased by $19.4 million, or by 16%, for the second quarter of 2015 compared to the second quarter of 2014. The decrease was due to $10.2 million of lower store expenses, mainly payroll, resulting from store closings and cost savings initiatives, lower corporate expenses of $6.9 million, lower e-commerce and store transaction expenses of $1.6 million, and lower marketing expenses of $0.6 million.

As a percentage of net sales, SG&A was 31.2% for the second quarter of 2015 compared to 30.6% for the same period last year. The increase in SG&A, as a percentage of sales, was due to the deleverage impact of marketing expenses of 0.5 percentage points and e-commerce and store transaction expenses of 0.2 percentage points.

Restructuring Charges

Restructuring charges related to the cost reduction program discussed above were a benefit of $6.1 million for the second quarter of 2015 compared to expense of $3.0 million for the second quarter of 2014. The restructuring benefit for the second quarter of 2015 was due to reversals of exit cost obligation liabilities resulting from subsequent lease terminations. The restructuring charges during the second quarter of 2014 included P.S. from Aéropostale stores severance of $1.5 million and other exit costs of $1.5 million.

Loss from Operations

As a result of the above, consolidated loss from operations was $37.4 million for the second quarter of 2015, compared to $61.7 million for the second quarter of 2014. The consolidated loss from operations included income from our international licensing segment of $9.2 million for the second quarter of 2015 compared to $6.9 million for the prior period. In addition, consolidated loss from operations included net restructuring and other charges of $4.9 million for the second quarter of 2015 and $25.1 million for the second quarter of 2014.



29


Income taxes

We recorded tax expense at a rate of 8.4% for the second quarter of 2015 versus a tax benefit rate of 0.4% for the second quarter of 2014. The tax rates for both periods were unfavorably impacted by the establishment of valuation allowances against deferred tax assets. Tax expense for the second quarter of 2015 also included foreign tax liabilities and certain state minimum taxes in addition to an unfavorable tax provision related to expected utilization of our estimated net operating losses. We expect that the tax rate for the balance of fiscal 2015 will continue to be unfavorably impacted by these items, other than the tax provision adjustment.

Net loss

As a result of the above, net loss was $43.7 million, or $0.55 per diluted share, for the second quarter of 2015, compared to net loss of $63.8 million, or $0.81 per diluted share, for the second quarter of 2014.

Comparison of the 26 weeks ended August 1, 2015 to the 26 weeks ended August 2, 2014

Net Sales

Net sales decreased by $146.5 million, or 18%, for the first twenty-six weeks of 2015. This was due to declines in average square footage of 19% resulting from store closures and a comparable sales decrease of 9% when compared to the same period last year. The net sales decrease reflects:

a decrease of $62.9 million in comparable sales (including the e-commerce channel)
a decrease of $86.3 million in non-comparable sales
an increase of $2.7 million in international licensing revenue

Consolidated comparable sales, including the e-commerce channel, decreased by 14% in our young men's category and 7% in our young women's category. The overall comparable sales, including the e-commerce channel, reflected decreases of 4% in the number of sales transactions, 4% in average unit retail and 2% in units per sales transaction.

Cost of Sales and Gross Profit

Cost of sales includes costs related to merchandise sold, including inventory valuation adjustments, distribution and warehousing, freight from the distribution center to the stores, shipping and handling costs, payroll for our design, buying and merchandising departments and occupancy costs. Occupancy costs include rent, contingent rents, common area maintenance, real estate taxes, utilities, repairs and maintenance, depreciation and amortization and store impairment charges.

Gross profit decreased by $15.6 million for the first twenty-six weeks of 2015 compared to the same period last year. As a percentage of net sales, gross profit increased by 1.4 percentage points. We recorded store closing charges of 0.7 percentage points during the first twenty-six weeks of 2015 and recorded asset impairment charges of 2.7 percentage points during the first twenty-six weeks of 2014. The 2.0 percentage point reduction in these charges was partially offset by the deleverage impact of distribution and buying expenses.

SG&A

SG&A includes costs related to selling expenses, store management and corporate expenses such as payroll and employee benefits, marketing expenses, employment taxes, information technology maintenance costs and expenses, insurance and legal expenses, e-commerce transaction expenses, store pre-opening costs and other corporate level expenses. Store pre-opening costs include store level payroll, grand opening event marketing, travel, supplies and other store pre-opening expenses.

SG&A decreased by $39.3 million for the first twenty-six weeks of 2015 compared to the first twenty-six weeks of 2014. The decrease was due to $22.1 million of lower store-line expenses, mainly payroll, resulting from store closings and cost savings initiatives, lower corporate expenses of $11.7 million, lower marketing expenses of $3.0 million and lower transaction expenses of $2.5 million primarily due to lower sales.

As a percentage of net sales, SG&A was 31.2% for the first twenty-six weeks of 2015 compared to 30.4% for the same period last year. The increase in SG&A, as a percentage of sales, was due primarily to the deleverage impact of marketing, store and e-commerce transaction related, and other expenses.


30


Restructuring Charges

Restructuring charges related to the cost reduction program discussed above were a benefit of $6.0 million for the first twenty-six weeks of 2015 compared to expense of $37.5 million the first twenty-six weeks of 2014. The restructuring benefit for the first twenty-six weeks of 2015 is due to reversals of exit cost obligation liabilities resulting from subsequent lease terminations. The restructuring charges for the first twenty-six weeks of 2014 included P.S. from Aéropostale store impairment charges of $30.5 million, other exit costs of $3.4 million, severance charges of $2.5 million and lease costs of $1.1 million.

Loss from Operations

As a result of the above, consolidated loss from operations was $77.9 million for the first twenty-six weeks of 2015, compared to $145.1 million for the first twenty-six weeks of 2014. The consolidated loss from operations included income from operations from our international licensing segment of $15.8 million for the first twenty-six weeks of 2015 compared with $13.8 million for the first twenty-six weeks of 2014. In addition, consolidated loss from operations included net restructuring and other charges of $6.1 million for the first twenty-six weeks of 2015 and $62.5 million for the first twenty-six weeks of 2014.

Income taxes

We recorded tax expense at a rate of 5.7% for the first twenty-six weeks of 2015 versus a tax benefit rate of 4.9% for the first twenty-six weeks of 2014. Please see the comparison of the 13 weeks ended August 1, 2015 to the 13 weeks ended August 2, 2014 for a further discussion about the effective tax rates.
  
Net loss

Net loss was $88.9 million, or $1.12 per diluted share, for the first twenty-six weeks of 2015, compared to net loss of $140.6 million, or $1.79 per diluted share, for the first twenty-six weeks of 2014.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

Our cash requirements are primarily for working capital, remodeling or updating existing stores, the improvement or enhancement of our information technology systems and the construction of a limited number of new stores. Due to the seasonality of our business, we have historically realized a significant portion of our cash flows from operations during the second half of the year.

Declining mall traffic, a highly promotional and competitive teen retail environment and a shift in customer demand away from logo-based product have contributed to unfavorable financial performance.  We have incurred declining comparable sales and net losses from operations. This has led to cash outflows from operations of $55.7 million in fiscal 2014 and $38.4 million in fiscal 2013. We recently took the following steps to enhance our liquidity position:

On August 18, 2015, we amended our Credit Facility to increase borrowing availability and extend the maturity date, among other things (see Note 11 to the Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements). 
On February 2, 2015, we received an advance volume purchase discount of $17.5 million from a supplier (see Note 3 to the Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for a further discussion).
On May 23, 2014, we received net proceeds of $137.6 million from the $150.0 million debt facilities with affiliates of
Sycamore Partners.  We used the proceeds of this financing transaction for working capital and other general corporate purposes. In conjunction with this arrangement, we also entered into a sourcing agreement with an affiliate of Sycamore Partners. Beginning in 2016, should we fail to meet annual purchase minimum thresholds, we would be required to make certain agreed upon principal payments and shortfall payments (see Note 4 to the Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for a further discussion).
In April 2014, and as discussed above, following a strategic review and assessment of changing consumer patterns, management and the Board of Directors approved a comprehensive plan to restructure the P.S. from Aéropostale business and to reduce costs. As of January 31, 2015, we closed 126 P.S. from Aéropostale stores, primarily in mall locations (see Note 5 to the Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements). We estimate that these and other savings initiatives will generate approximately $40.0 million in annualized pre-tax savings.
Separate and apart from the above mentioned restructuring program, as discussed above, we also closed 122 under-performing Aéropostale stores in the United States and Canada during fiscal 2014. We estimate that these closures will generate annual savings of approximately $10.0 million (see Note 5 to the Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements).

31


During fiscal 2014, we reduced our capital expenditures to $23.8 million from $84.1 million in fiscal 2013, and expect to further reduce capital expenditures to approximately $16.0 million during fiscal 2015.
We have focused on strategic initiatives to improve our financial performance as discussed above under the Overview section of Item 2.

At August 1, 2015, we had working capital of $86.1 million, including cash and cash equivalents of $86.5 million, and our revolving credit facility had availability of $181.1 million with no borrowings outstanding. Our cash on hand and availability under the revolving credit facility exceeded the $70.0 million minimum availability covenant under the Loan Agreement with affiliates of Sycamore Partners by $197.6 million. We believe that cash on hand and availability under our revolving credit facility will be sufficient to fund operations and cash flow requirements for the next twelve months. However, there can be no assurance that we will be able to achieve our strategic initiatives or obtain additional funding on favorable terms in the future which could have a significant adverse effect on our operations. Our ability to fund operations and capital expenditures in the future will be dependent on our ability to generate cash from operations, maintain or improve margins, decrease significantly the rate of decline in comparable sales and to borrow funds available under our loan agreements. Our ability to borrow funds is dependent in part on our ability to meet all covenants, including a financial covenant in our loan agreement with affiliates of Sycamore Partners which requires a minimum liquidity coverage of $70.0 million of cash and availability under the revolving credit facility. Accordingly, if we do not generate sufficient cash flow from operations to fund our working capital needs and planned capital expenditures, and our cash reserves are depleted, and our revolving credit facility is fully drawn, we may need to take various further actions, such as down-sizing and/or eliminating certain operations, which could include exit costs, or reducing or delaying capital expenditures, strategic investments or other actions.

The following table sets forth our cash flows for the period indicated:
 
26 weeks ended
 
August 1,
2015
 
August 2,
2014
 
(In thousands)
Net cash used in operating activities
$
(56,003
)
 
$
(65,519
)
Net cash used in investing activities
(8,546
)
 
(17,399
)
Net cash provided by financing activities
(401
)
 
128,689

Effect of exchange rate changes
(285
)
 
(14
)
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents
$
(65,235
)
 
$
45,757


Operating activities - Net cash used in operating activities decreased by $9.5 million for the first twenty-six weeks of 2015 compared to the same period in 2014. Net cash used in operations for the first quarter of 2015 included the previously discussed advance volume purchase discount. This was partially offset by an increase in cash used due to the increase in net loss adjusted for impairment charges and other non-cash items of $12.6 million and the increase in cash used for accrued expenses and prepaid expenses offset by a decrease in cash used for accounts payable.
    
Investing activities - Investments in capital expenditures are principally for the construction of new stores, remodeling of existing stores and investments in information technology. Net cash used in investing activities decreased by $8.9 million for the first twenty-six weeks of 2015 compared to the same period in 2014 primarily due to lower capital expenditures. Our future capital requirements will depend primarily on the number of new stores we open, the number of existing stores we remodel and other strategic investments. During fiscal 2015, we plan to invest a total of approximately $16.0 million in capital expenditures. During the first twenty-six weeks of 2015, we invested $8.5 million, which excludes accruals related to purchases of property and equipment. During the first twenty-six weeks of 2015, we opened one Aéropostale store and remodeled 16 Aéropostale stores.

During the first twenty-six weeks of 2014, we invested $15.2 million in capital expenditures, primarily to open four Aéropostale stores, one combination store, remodel ten Aéropostale stores and for a number of information technology investments.

Financing activities - Net cash provided by financing activities in 2014 included net cash proceeds of $137.6 million resulting from the transaction with affiliates of Sycamore Partners (see below and Note 4 to the Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements).





32


Transaction with Affiliates of Sycamore Partners

On May 23, 2014, we entered into (i) a Loan and Security Agreement (the "Loan Agreement") with affiliates of Sycamore Partners, (ii) a Stock Purchase Agreement (the "Stock Purchase Agreement") with Aero Investors LLC, an affiliate of Sycamore Partners for the purchase of 1,000 shares of Series B Convertible Preferred Stock of the Company, $0.01 par value (the "Series B Preferred Stock") and (iii) an Investor Rights Agreement with Sycamore Partners (see Note 4 to the Notes to the Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for a further discussion). The Loan Agreement makes available to us term loans in the principal amount of $150.0 million, consisting of two tranches: a five-year $100.0 million term loan facility (the "Tranche A Loan") and a 10-year $50.0 million term loan facility (the "Tranche B Loan" and, together with the Tranche A Loan, the "Term Loans"). On May 23, 2014, the Term Loans were disbursed in full and we received net proceeds of $137.6 million from affiliates of Sycamore Partners, after deducting the first year interest payment and certain issuance fees. The net proceeds of the Term Loans were used for working capital and other general corporate purposes.

The Tranche A Loan bears interest at an interest rate equal to 10% per annum and, at our election, up to 50% of the interest can be payable-in-kind during the first three years and up to 20% of the interest can be payable-in-kind during the final two years. The first year of interest under the Tranche A Facility in the amount of $10.0 million was prepaid in cash in full on May 23, 2014, and no other interest payments are required to be paid during the first year of the Tranche A Loan. The Tranche A Loan has no annual scheduled repayment requirements. The Tranche A Loan is scheduled to mature on May 23, 2019. The Tranche B Loan will not accrue any interest. The Tranche B Loan has no stated interest rate and will be repaid in equal annual installments of 10% per annum. The Tranche B Loan is scheduled to mature on the earlier of (a) the tenth anniversary of the end of the Start-Up Period (as such term is defined in the Sourcing Agreement described in Note 4 to the Notes to the Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements) and (b) the expiration or termination of the Sourcing Agreement described below.

Please see Note 4 to the Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for a further discussion.

Revolving Credit Facility

On August 18, 2015, the Company entered into a Fourth Amendment to the Credit Facility and Amendment to Certain Other Loan Documents (the “Fourth Amendment”). Among other things, the Fourth Amendment extends the maturity date of the Credit Facility, until at least February 21, 2019, with automatic extensions, under certain circumstances set forth in the Fourth Amendment, to August 18, 2020; provides for a reduction in the maximum principal amount of extensions of credit that may be made under the Credit Facility from $230 million to $215 million; provides for a seasonal increase in the advance rate on inventory under the borrowing base formula for the revolving credit facility contained in the Credit Facility; increases to $40 million the maximum aggregate principal amount of loans that may be borrowed under the FILO loan facility contained in the Credit Facility and provides for an annual decrease, commencing in 2017, in the advance rate under the borrowing base formula for FILO loans; and reflects the addition of General Electric Capital Corporation as an additional lender under the Credit Facility. The reduction in the maximum principal amount of extensions of credit under the Credit Facility was primarily driven by the Company’s strategic decision to close underperforming stores over the last eighteen months, thus reducing inventory levels.

Please see Note 11 to the Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for a further discussion.



















33


Contractual Obligations

The following table summarizes our contractual obligations as of August 1, 2015:

 
 
 
Payments Due
 
Total
 
Balance of
2015
 
In 2016
and 2017
 
In 2018
and 2019
 
After
2019
 
(In thousands)
Contractual Obligations
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Real estate operating leases
$
664,167

 
$
65,259

 
$
218,672

 
$
158,477

 
$
221,759

Sycamore Tranche A Loan principal
100,000

 

 

 
100,000

 

Sycamore Tranche B Loan principal 1
50,000

 

 
10,000

 
10,000

 
30,000

Sycamore Tranche A Loan interest
38,944

 
5,000

 
20,000

 
13,944

 

Employment agreement 2
3,000

 
750

 
2,250

 

 

Equipment operating leases
5,469

 
1,451

 
3,084

 
934

 

Total contractual obligations
$
861,580

 
$
72,460

 
$
254,006

 
$
283,355

 
$
251,759


1 Although interest is imputed on the Tranche B Loan and recorded as interest expense, the Tranche B Loan does not require any contractual interest payments. The Tranche B Loan will be paid off in equal annual installments of 10% per annum. The Tranche B Loan is scheduled to mature on the earlier of (a) the tenth anniversary of the end of the Start-Up Period (as such term is defined in the Sourcing Agreement) and (b) the expiration or termination of the Sourcing Agreement. Under the Sourcing Agreement, and beginning in 2016, an affiliate of Sycamore Partners is required to pay to us an annual rebate equal to a fixed amount multiplied by the percentage of annual purchases made by us (including purchases deemed to be made by virtue of payment of the shortfall commission) relative to the Minimum Volume Commitment to be applied towards the payment of the required amortization on the Tranche B Loan. Beginning in 2016 the Minimum Volume Commitment is between $240.0 million and $280.0 million per annum depending on the year. If we fail to purchase the applicable Minimum Volume Commitment in any given year, we will pay a shortfall commission to an affiliate of Sycamore Partners, based on a scaled percentage of the applicable Minimum Volume Commitment shortfall during the applicable period. The Sourcing Agreement also provides for certain carryover credits if we purchase a volume of product above the Minimum Volume Commitment during the applicable Minimum Volume Commitment Period. The Minimum Volume Commitment is not included in the above table. Additionally, no potential rebates or shortfall commissions are included in the above table. See Note 4 to the Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for a further discussion.

2 On August 18, 2014 we entered into an Employment Agreement with Mr. Geiger pursuant to which he will serve as our Chief Executive Officer. The Employment Agreement has a three-year term at a base salary of $1.5 million per annum and is included in the above table.

The real estate operating leases included in the above table do not include contingent rent based upon sales volume, which amounted to approximately 5% of minimum lease obligations in fiscal 2014. In addition, the above table does not include variable costs paid to landlords such as maintenance, insurance and taxes, which represented approximately 60% of minimum lease obligations in fiscal 2014.

As discussed in Note 12 to the Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements, we have a SERP liability of $1.4 million and other retirement plan liabilities of $4.4 million at August 1, 2015.  Such liability amounts are not reflected in the table above.

Our total liabilities for unrecognized tax benefits were $7.2 million at August 1, 2015. Of this amount, $5.3 million was recorded as a direct reduction of the related deferred tax assets.  We cannot make a reasonable estimate of the amount and timing of related future payments for these non-current liabilities. Therefore these liabilities were not included in the above table.

In June 2012, Bank of America, N.A. issued a stand-by letter of credit under the Credit Facility. As of August 1, 2015, the outstanding letter of credit was immaterial and expires on June 30, 2016. We do not have any other stand-by or commercial letters of credit as of August 1, 2015.


34


The above table also does not include contingent bonus compensation agreements with certain of our employees. The bonuses become payable if the individual is employed by us on the future payment date. The amount of conditional bonuses that may be paid is $0.2 million during the remainder of fiscal 2015 and $0.5 million during fiscal 2016 and $0.3 million during fiscal 2017.

The above table does not reflect contingent purchase consideration related to the fiscal 2012 acquisition of GoJane that is discussed in Note 6 to the Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements. The purchase price includes contingent cash payments of up to an aggregate of $8.0 million if certain financial metrics are achieved by the GoJane business during the five year period beginning on the acquisition date. The fair value of the contingent payments as of August 1, 2015 was estimated to be $1.5 million based on expected probability of payment and we have recorded such liability on a discounted basis. In addition, we granted restricted shares to the two individual former stockholders of GoJane, with compensation expense recognized over the three year cliff vesting period. If the aggregate dollar value of the restricted shares on the vesting date is less than $8.0 million, then we shall pay to the two individual former stockholders an amount in cash equal to the difference between $8.0 million and the fair market value of the restricted shares on the vesting date. For the second quarter of 2015, we recorded additional compensation expense of $1.4 million and have a corresponding liability of $6.4 million based on the Company's stock price as of August 1, 2015.

On February 2, 2015, we revised and renewed a Supplier Agreement with one of our suppliers. Under the agreement, we will have a ten-year commitment. If we fail to meet annual purchase minimum thresholds, we would be liable to make certain agreed upon shortfall payments to this supplier. Currently, we do not expect to be liable for any shortfall payments. Accordingly, we have not recorded any shortfall payments or included any in the table above (see Note 3 to the Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for a further discussion).
  
The above table does not include a product license agreement that obligates us to pay the licensor at least the guaranteed minimum royalty amount based on sales of their products.

We have not issued any third party guarantees or commercial commitments as of August 1, 2015.

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

Other than operating lease commitments set forth in the table above, and an immaterial outstanding letter of credit, we are not party to any material off-balance sheet financing arrangements.  We have not created, and are not party to, any special-purpose or off-balance sheet entities for the purpose of raising capital, incurring debt or operating our business.  We do not have any arrangements or relationships with entities that are not consolidated into the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements that are reasonably likely to materially affect our liquidity or the availability of capital resources.  As of August 1, 2015, we have not issued any letters of credit for the purchase of merchandise inventory or any capital expenditures.

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires 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 the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements. These estimates and assumptions also affect the reported amounts of revenues and expenses. Estimates by their nature are based on judgments and available information. Therefore, actual results could materially differ from those estimates under different assumptions and conditions.

Critical accounting policies are those that are most important to the portrayal of our financial condition and the results of operations and require management's most difficult, subjective and complex judgments as a result of the need to make estimates about the effect of matters that are inherently uncertain. Our most critical accounting policies have been discussed in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended January 31, 2015.  In applying such policies, management must use significant estimates that are based on its informed judgment. Because of the uncertainty inherent in these estimates, actual results could differ from estimates used in applying the critical accounting policies. Changes in such estimates, based on more accurate future information, may affect amounts reported in future periods.

As of August 1, 2015, there have been no material changes to any of the critical accounting policies as disclosed in our Annual
Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended January 31, 2015.


35


Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

We maintain our cash equivalents in financial instruments, primarily money market funds, with original maturities of three months or less.

As of August 1, 2015, we had no outstanding borrowings under our Credit Facility. In June 2012, Bank of America, N.A. issued a stand-by letter of credit under the Credit Facility. As of August 1, 2015, the outstanding letter of credit was immaterial and expires on June 30, 2016. We have not issued any other stand-by or commercial letters of credit as of August 1, 2015 under the Credit Facility. To the extent that we may borrow pursuant to the Credit Facility in the future, we may be exposed to market risk from interest rate fluctuations.

Unrealized foreign currency gains and losses, resulting from the translation of our Canadian subsidiary financial statements into our U.S. dollar reporting currency, are reflected in the equity section of our unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheet in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss). The unrealized gain of approximately $2.2 million is included in accumulated other comprehensive loss as of August 1, 2015. A 10% movement in quoted foreign currency exchange rates could result in a fair value translation fluctuation of approximately $2.1 million, which would be recorded in other comprehensive income (loss) as an unrealized gain or loss.

We also face transactional currency exposures relating to merchandise that our Canadian subsidiary purchases using U.S. dollars.  These foreign currency transaction gains and losses are charged or credited to earnings as incurred. We do not hedge our exposure to this currency exchange fluctuation and transaction gains and losses to date have not been significant.

Item 4. Controls and Procedures

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures: Pursuant to Rule 13a-15(b) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), our management carried out an evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation of our Chief Executive Officer along with our Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) of the Exchange Act). Based upon that evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer along with our Chief Financial Officer concluded that as of the end of our second quarter ended August 1, 2015, our disclosure controls and procedures are effective.

Changes in Internal Controls Over Financial Reporting: During our second fiscal quarter, there have been no changes in our internal controls over our financial reporting that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal controls over our financial reporting.


36


PART II — OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1. Legal Proceedings

For a description of our legal proceedings, please see the description set forth in the “Legal Proceedings” section in Note 14 to the Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

Item 1A. Risk Factors

Other than as set forth below, there are no material changes from the Risk Factors as previously disclosed in our Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended January 31, 2015.

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

Not applicable.

Item 3. Defaults Upon Senior Securities

Not applicable.

Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures

Not applicable.

Item 5. Other Information

Not applicable.

Item 6. Exhibits

Exhibit No.       
 
 
Description
31.1
 
Certification by Julian R. Geiger, Chief Executive Officer, pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.*
31.2
 
Certification by David J. Dick, Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.*
32.1
 
Certification by Julian R. Geiger pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.**
32.2
 
Certification by David J. Dick pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.**
101.INS
 
XBRL Instance Document.*
101. SCH
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema.*
101.CAL
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase.*
101.DEF
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase.*
101.LAB
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase.*
101.PRE
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase.*
____________
*
Filed herewith.
**
Furnished herewith.






37


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.

 
Aéropostale, Inc.
 
 
 
/s/ JULIAN R. GEIGER
 
Julian R. Geiger
 
Chief Executive Officer
 
(Principal Executive Officer)
 
 
 
/s/ DAVID J. DICK
 
David J. Dick
 
Senior Vice President — Chief Financial Officer
 
(Principal Financial Officer)



Dated: September 8, 2015
 

38


Exhibit Index

Exhibit No.       
 
 
Exhibit
31.1
 
Certification by Julian R. Geiger, Chief Executive Officer, pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.*
31.2
 
Certification by David J. Dick, Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.*
32.1
 
Certification by Julian R. Geiger pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.**
32.2
 
Certification by David J. Dick pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.**
101.INS
 
XBRL Instance Document.*
101. SCH
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema.*
101.CAL
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase.*
101.DEF
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase.*
101.LAB
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase.*
101.PRE
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase.*


39
Exhibit 31.1

CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO
SECTION 302 OF
THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

I, Julian R. Geiger, certify that:

1. I have reviewed this report on Form 10-Q of Aéropostale, Inc.;

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

(a) All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal controls over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant's ability to record, process, summarize and report financial data; and

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


 
/s/ JULIAN R. GEIGER
 
Julian R. Geiger
 
Chief Executive Officer
 
(Principal Executive Officer)

Date: September 8, 2015


Exhibit 31.2

CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO
SECTION 302 OF
THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

I, David J. Dick, certify that:

1. I have reviewed this report on Form 10-Q of Aéropostale, Inc.;

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

(a) All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal controls over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant's ability to record, process, summarize and report financial data; and

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


 
/s/ DAVID J. DICK
 
David J. Dick
 
Senior Vice President - Chief Financial Officer
 
(Principal Financial Officer)

Date: September 8, 2015


Exhibit 32.1

CERTIFICATE OF CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
PURSUANT TO SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002
(18 U.S.C. 1350)

The undersigned, Julian R. Geiger has executed this certificate in connection with the filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission of the Company's report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended August 1, 2015 (the “Report”).

The undersigned hereby certifies that to his knowledge:

1. The Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”); and

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

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has executed this certification as of the 8th day of September 2015.


 
/s/ JULIAN R. GEIGER
 
Julian R. Geiger
 
Chief Executive Officer
 
(Principal Executive Officer)

This certification accompanies the Report pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 and shall not, except to the extent required by the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, be deemed filed by the Company for purposes of Section 18 of the Exchange Act. A signed original of this written statement required by Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 has been provided to the Company and will be retained by the Company and furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission or its staff upon request.



 

 


Exhibit 32.2

CERTIFICATE OF CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER
PURSUANT TO SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002
(18 U.S.C. 1350)

The undersigned, David J. Dick has executed this certificate in connection with the filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission of the Company's report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended August 1, 2015 (the “Report”).

The undersigned hereby certifies that to his knowledge:

1. The Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”); and

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

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has executed this certification as of the 8th day of September 2015.


 
/s/ DAVID J. DICK
 
David J. Dick
 
Senior Vice President - Chief Financial Officer
 
(Principal Financial Officer)

This certification accompanies the Report pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 and shall not, except to the extent required by the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, be deemed filed by the Company for purposes of Section 18 of the Exchange Act. A signed original of this written statement required by Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 has been provided to the Company and will be retained by the Company and furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission or its staff upon request.







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