10-Q 1 a08-7012_110q.htm QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTIONS 13 OR 15(D)

 

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C.  20549

 

FORM 10-Q

 

x

 

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

 

 

For the Quarterly Period Ended January 26, 2008

 

OR

 

o

 

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

 

 

Commission file no. 333-133184-12

 

Neiman Marcus, Inc.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

Delaware
(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization)

 

20-3509435
(I.R.S. Employer
Identification No.)

 

 

 

1618 Main Street
Dallas, Texas
(Address of principal executive offices)

 

75201
(Zip code)

 

 

 

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (214) 743-7600

 

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

 

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 definition of “accelerated filer and large accelerated filer” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

 

Large accelerated filer o

 

Accelerated filer o

 

Non-accelerated filer o

 

Smaller reporting filer x

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

There were 1,012,919 shares of the registrant’s common stock, par value $.01 per share, outstanding at January 26, 2008.

 

 



 

NEIMAN MARCUS, INC.

 

 

INDEX

 

 

 

 

Part I.

Financial Information

Page

 

 

 

 Item 1.

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets as of January 26, 2008, July 28, 2007 and January 27, 2007

 

 

 

1

 

 

 

 

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Earnings for the Thirteen Weeks Ended

 

 

January 26, 2008 and Thirteen Weeks Ended January 27, 2007

2

 

 

 

 

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Earnings for the Twenty-Six Weeks Ended

 

 

January 26, 2008 and Twenty-Six Weeks Ended January 27, 2007

3

 

 

 

 

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Twenty-Six Weeks Ended

 

 

January 26, 2008 and Twenty-Six Weeks Ended January 27, 2007

4

 

 

 

 

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

5

 

 

 

 Item 2.

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

 

 

 

32

 

 

 

 Item 3.

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

49

 

 

 

 Item 4.

Controls and Procedures

49

 

 

 

Part II.

Other Information

 

 

 

 

 Item 1.

Legal Proceedings

50

 

 

 

 Item 1A.

Risk Factors

50

 

 

 

 Item 2.

Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

56

 

 

 

 Item 4.

Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders

57

 

 

 

 Item 6.

Exhibits

57

 

 

 

Signatures

 

61

 


 


 

NEIMAN MARCUS, INC.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(UNAUDITED)

 

(in thousands, except shares)

 

January 26,
2008

 

July 28,
2007

 

January 27,
2007

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

ASSETS

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Current assets:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents

 

$

235,747

 

$

141,207

 

$

188,547

 

Merchandise inventories

 

885,210

 

918,269

 

812,291

 

Deferred income taxes

 

39,728

 

39,728

 

42,197

 

Other current assets

 

135,306

 

115,765

 

128,047

 

Total current assets

 

1,295,991

 

1,214,969

 

1,171,082

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Property and equipment, net

 

1,064,734

 

1,043,711

 

1,035,014

 

Goodwill and intangible assets, net

 

4,113,202

 

4,140,019

 

4,187,693

 

Debt issuance costs

 

77,735

 

84,844

 

91,262

 

Other assets

 

14,161

 

17,456

 

24,102

 

Total assets

 

$

6,565,823

 

$

6,500,999

 

$

6,509,153

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Current liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Accounts payable

 

$

281,165

 

$

361,299

 

$

300,485

 

Accrued liabilities

 

409,393

 

403,162

 

426,985

 

Other current liabilities

 

2,946

 

3,426

 

3,425

 

Total current liabilities

 

693,504

 

767,887

 

730,895

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Long-term liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Long-term debt

 

2,946,004

 

2,945,906

 

3,020,809

 

Deferred income taxes

 

962,712

 

1,002,982

 

1,033,067

 

Deferred real estate credits, net

 

75,381

 

54,068

 

32,196

 

Other long-term liabilities

 

240,388

 

172,144

 

197,573

 

Total long-term liabilities

 

4,224,485

 

4,175,100

 

4,283,645

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Common stock (par value $0.01 per share, 1,012,919 shares issued at January 26, 2008, 1,012,919 shares issued at July 28, 2007 and 1,012,341 shares issued at January 27, 2007)

 

10

 

10

 

10

 

Additional paid-in capital

 

1,415,397

 

1,412,386

 

1,408,373

 

Accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income

 

(15,021

)

21,229

 

5,523

 

Retained earnings

 

247,448

 

124,387

 

80,707

 

Total shareholders’ equity

 

1,647,834

 

1,558,012

 

1,494,613

 

Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity

 

$

6,565,823

 

$

6,500,999

 

$

6,509,153

 

 

See Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

1



 

NEIMAN MARCUS, INC.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS

(UNAUDITED)

 

(in thousands)

 

Thirteen
weeks ended
January 26,
2008

 

Thirteen
weeks ended
January 27,
2007

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Revenues

 

$

1,373,855

 

$

1,295,836

 

Cost of goods sold including buying and occupancy costs (excluding depreciation)

 

913,234

 

850,258

 

Selling, general and administrative expenses (excluding depreciation)

 

292,572

 

283,581

 

Income from credit card program

 

(19,269

)

(17,930

)

Depreciation expense

 

35,086

 

34,073

 

Amortization of customer lists

 

13,568

 

13,581

 

Amortization of favorable lease commitments

 

4,385

 

4,469

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Operating earnings

 

134,279

 

127,804

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest expense, net

 

60,397

 

65,537

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Earnings from continuing operations before income taxes

 

73,882

 

62,267

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income taxes

 

29,579

 

24,089

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Earnings from continuing operations

 

44,303

 

38,178

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Earnings from discontinued operations, net of taxes

 

 

2,845

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net earnings

 

$

44,303

 

$

41,023

 

 

See Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

2



 

NEIMAN MARCUS, INC.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS

(UNAUDITED)

 

(in thousands)

 

Twenty-Six
weeks ended
January 26,
2008

 

Twenty-Six
weeks ended
January 27,
2007

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Revenues

 

$

2,506,098

 

$

2,335,048

 

Cost of goods sold including buying and occupancy costs (excluding depreciation)

 

1,580,370

 

1,457,037

 

Selling, general and administrative expenses (excluding depreciation)

 

564,548

 

531,113

 

Income from credit card program

 

(36,563

)

(34,301

)

Depreciation expense

 

70,221

 

67,249

 

Amortization of customer lists

 

27,179

 

27,143

 

Amortization of favorable lease commitments

 

8,770

 

8,939

 

Other income

 

(32,450

)

(4,210

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Operating earnings

 

324,023

 

282,078

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest expense, net

 

121,620

 

134,354

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Earnings from continuing operations before income taxes

 

202,403

 

147,724

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income taxes

 

79,342

 

58,091

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Earnings from continuing operations

 

123,061

 

89,633

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Loss from discontinued operations, net of taxes

 

 

(21,381

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net earnings

 

$

123,061

 

$

68,252

 

 

See Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

3



 

NEIMAN MARCUS, INC.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(UNAUDITED)

 

(in thousands)

 

Twenty-Six
weeks ended
January 26,
2008

 

Twenty-Six
weeks ended
January 27,
2007

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CASH FLOWS - OPERATING ACTIVITIES

 

 

 

 

 

Net earnings

 

$

123,061

 

$

68,252

 

Loss from discontinued operations

 

 

21,381

 

Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to net cash provided by operating activities:

 

 

 

 

 

Depreciation expense

 

70,221

 

67,249

 

Amortization of debt issue costs

 

7,109

 

7,033

 

Amortization of customer lists and favorable lease commitments

 

35,949

 

36,082

 

Gain on curtailment of defined benefit retirement obligations

 

(32,450

)

 

Deferred income taxes

 

(13,673

)

(24,147

)

Other, primarily costs related to defined benefit pension plans

 

14,568

 

12,986

 

 

 

204,785

 

188,836

 

Changes in operating assets and liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

Decrease (increase) in merchandise inventories

 

33,059

 

(18,670

)

Increase in other current assets

 

(19,541

)

(32,640

)

(Increase) decrease in other assets

 

(5,616

)

365

 

(Decrease) increase in accounts payable and accrued liabilities

 

(51,276

)

23,100

 

Increase in deferred real estate credits

 

23,375

 

1,025

 

Net cash provided by operating activities – continuing operations

 

184,786

 

162,016

 

Net cash used for operating activities – discontinued operations

 

 

(9,163

)

Net cash provided by operating activities

 

184,786

 

152,853

 

CASH FLOWS – INVESTING ACTIVITIES

 

 

 

 

 

Capital expenditures

 

(88,173

)

(70,682

)

Purchases of short-term investments

 

(10,000

)

 

Sales of short-term investments

 

10,000

 

 

Payment to minority interest holder in Kate Spade

 

 

(59,400

)

Net proceeds from sale of Kate Spade

 

 

121,469

 

Net cash used for investing activities – continuing operations

 

(88,173

)

(8,613

)

Net cash used for investing activities – discontinued operations

 

 

(128

)

Net cash used for investing activities

 

(88,173

)

(8,741

)

CASH FLOWS – FINANCING ACTIVITIES

 

 

 

 

 

Repayment of borrowings

 

(2,073

)

(3,045

)

Repayment of borrowings under senior term loan facility

 

 

(175,000

)

Debt issuance costs paid

 

 

(758

)

Proceeds from purchase of common stock

 

 

150

 

Net cash used for financing activities – continuing operations

 

(2,073

)

(178,653

)

Net cash used for financing activities – discontinued operations

 

 

(1,675

)

Net cash used for financing activities

 

(2,073

)

(180,328

)

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS

 

 

 

 

 

Increase (decrease) during the period

 

94,540

 

(36,216

)

Beginning balance

 

141,207

 

224,763

 

Ending balance - continuing operations

 

$

235,747

 

$

188,547

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Supplemental Schedule of Cash Flow Information

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash paid during the period for:

 

 

 

 

 

Interest

 

$

122,992

 

$

137,029

 

Income taxes

 

$

89,796

 

$

83,066

 

Noncash activities:

 

 

 

 

 

Additions to property and equipment

 

$

 

$

822

 

Increase to goodwill upon adoption of accounting standard

 

$

9,133

 

$

 

 

See Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

4



 

NEIMAN MARCUS, INC.

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(UNAUDITED)

 

1.              Basis of Presentation

 

We have prepared the accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles for interim financial information and the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X.  Accordingly, these financial statements do not include all of the information and footnotes required by generally accepted accounting principles for complete financial statements. Therefore, these financial statements should be read in conjunction with our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended July 28, 2007.

 

In our opinion, the accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements contain all adjustments, consisting of normal recurring adjustments, necessary to present fairly our financial position, results of operations and cash flows for the applicable interim periods.

 

The specialty retail industry is seasonal in nature, with a higher level of sales typically generated in the fall and holiday selling seasons.  Due to seasonal and other factors, the results of operations for the second quarter of fiscal year 2008 are not necessarily comparable to, or indicative of, results of any other interim period or for the fiscal year as a whole.

 

Neiman Marcus, Inc. (the Company) is a wholly-owned subsidiary of and is controlled by Newton Holding, LLC (Holding).  Holding is controlled by investment funds affiliated with TPG Capital and Warburg Pincus (collectively, the Sponsors).  The Company was formed by Holding for the purpose of acquiring The Neiman Marcus Group, Inc. (NMG), which acquisition was completed on October 6, 2005 (the Acquisition).  Prior to the Acquisition, the Company had no independent assets or operations. After the Acquisition, the Company represents the successor to NMG since the Company’s sole asset is its investment in NMG and its operations consist solely of the operating activities of NMG as well as costs incurred by the Company related to its investment in NMG.

 

  Our fiscal year ends on the Saturday closest to July 31.  All references to the second quarter of fiscal year 2008 relate to the thirteen weeks ended January 26, 2008.  All references to the second quarter of fiscal year 2007 relate to the thirteen weeks ended January 27, 2007.  All references to year-to-date fiscal 2008 relate to the twenty-six weeks ended January 26, 2008.  All references to year-to-date fiscal 2007 relate to the twenty-six weeks ended January 27, 2007.

 

A detailed description of our critical accounting policies is included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended July 28, 2007.

 

Certain prior period balances have been reclassified to conform to the current period presentation.

 

Use of Estimates.  We are required to make estimates and assumptions about future events in preparing financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles.  These estimates and assumptions affect the amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses and the disclosure of gain and loss contingencies at the date of the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.  While we believe that our past estimates and assumptions have been materially accurate, our current estimates are subject to change if different assumptions as to the outcome of future events were made. We evaluate our estimates and judgments on an ongoing basis and predicate those estimates and judgments on historical experience and on various other factors that we believe to be reasonable under the circumstances.  We make adjustments to our assumptions and judgments when facts and circumstances dictate.  Since future events and their effects cannot be determined with absolute certainty, actual results may differ from the estimates used in preparing the accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

  We believe the following critical accounting policies, among others, encompass the more significant judgments and estimates used in the preparation of our financial statements:

 

·                  Recognition of revenues;

 

·                  Valuation of merchandise inventories, including determination of original retail values, recognition of markdowns and vendor allowances, estimation of inventory shrinkage, and determination of cost of goods sold;

 

·                  Determination of impairment of long-lived assets;

 

·      Recognition of advertising and catalog costs;

 

5



 

·      Measurement of liabilities related to our loyalty programs;

 

·      Recognition of income taxes; and

 

·                  Measurement of accruals for general liability, workers’ compensation and health insurance claims and pension and postretirement health care benefits.

 

  Recent Accounting Pronouncements.  In September 2006, the FASB issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 157, “Fair Value Measurements” (SFAS 157), which provides guidance for using fair value to measure certain assets and liabilities.  SFAS 157 will apply whenever another standard requires or permits assets or liabilities to be measured at fair value.  The standard does not expand the use of fair value to any new circumstances.  SFAS 157 is effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007, or our fiscal year ending August 1, 2009.  We have not yet evaluated the impact, if any, of adopting SFAS 157 on our consolidated financial statements.

 

In February 2007, the FASB issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 159, “The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities” (SFAS 159).  SFAS 159 expands opportunities to use fair value measurement in financial reporting and permits entities to choose to measure many financial instruments and certain other items at fair value.  This Statement is effective for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007, or our fiscal year ending August 1, 2009.  We have not yet evaluated the impact, if any, of adopting SFAS 159 on our consolidated financial statements.

 

2.              Discontinued Operations

 

In February 1999, NMG acquired a 56% controlling interest in Kate Spade LLC, a designer and marketer of high—end accessories.  In April 2005, the minority investor in Kate Spade LLC exercised the put option with respect to the sale of the full amount of its 44% stake in such company to NMG. In October 2006, we entered into an agreement to settle the put option whereby we purchased the interest held by the minority investor for approximately $59.4 million.

 

In November 2006, we entered into a definitive agreement to sell 100% of the ownership interests in Kate Spade LLC to Liz Claiborne, Inc. (consisting of both our original 56% interest and the 44% minority interest subsequently purchased by NMG) for pretax net cash proceeds of approximately $121.5 million. Both the purchase of the minority interest in Kate Spade LLC and the sale of Kate Spade LLC to Liz Claiborne, Inc. were consummated in December 2006.

 

The Company’s unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements, accompanying notes and other information provided in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q reflect Kate Spade LLC as discontinued operations for all periods presented.

 

Summarized financial information with respect to the results of operations of Kate Spade LLC is as follows:

 

(in thousands)

 

Thirteen
weeks ended
January 27,
2007

 

Twenty-Six
weeks ended
January 27,
2007

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Revenues

 

$

10,704

 

$

29,612

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Earnings from discontinued operations before income taxes

 

$

2,345

 

$

3,494

 

Income taxes

 

1,289

 

1,967

 

Net earnings from discontinued operations

 

1,056

 

1,527

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gain (loss) on disposition before income taxes

 

3,467

 

(12,008

)

Income taxes

 

(1,678

)

(10,900

)

Net earnings (loss) on disposition

 

1,789

 

(22,908

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Earnings (loss) from discontinued operations, net of taxes

 

$

2,845

 

$

(21,381

)

 

In the first quarter of fiscal year 2007, we impaired the intangible assets of Kate Spade LLC by $12.5 million in order to state the net assets of Kate Spade LLC at their estimated net realizable value to NMG.

 

6



 

3.              Goodwill and Intangible Assets, Net

 

(in thousands)

 

January 26,
2008

 

July 28,
2007

 

January 27,
2007

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Goodwill

 

$

1,614,273

 

$

1,605,140

 

$

1,605,140

 

Tradenames

 

1,610,315

 

1,610,315

 

1,621,788

 

Customer lists, net

 

450,065

 

477,245

 

504,507

 

Favorable lease commitments, net

 

438,549

 

447,319

 

456,258

 

Goodwill and intangible assets, net

 

$

4,113,202

 

$

4,140,019

 

$

4,187,693

 

 

In the first quarter of fiscal year 2008, the cumulative effect of adopting FASB Interpretation No. 48, “Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes” (FIN 48) resulted in a net increase to our accruals for uncertain tax positions of $9.1 million for the derecognition of certain tax benefits.  This increase to our accruals was offset by a corresponding increase to goodwill as these uncertainties existed at the time of the Acquisition.

 

Goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets, such as tradenames, are not subject to amortization. Rather, recoverability of goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets is assessed annually and upon the occurrence of certain events. The recoverability assessment requires us to make judgments and estimates regarding fair values. Fair values are determined using estimated future cash flows, including growth assumptions for future revenues, gross margin rates and other estimates. To the extent that our estimates are not realized, future assessments could result in impairment charges. In the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2007, we recorded a $11.5 million pretax impairment charge related to the writedown to fair value in the net carrying value of the Horchow tradename based upon lower anticipated future revenues associated with the brand.

 

Customer lists are amortized using the straight-line method over their estimated useful lives, ranging from 5 to 24 years (weighted average life of 13 years).  Favorable lease commitments are amortized straight-line over the remaining lives of the leases, ranging from 6 to 49 years (weighted average life of 33 years).  Total estimated amortization of all acquisition-related intangible assets is currently estimated as follows (in thousands):

 

2008

 

$

72,278

 

2009

 

72,278

 

2010

 

72,278

 

2011

 

61,567

 

2012

 

48,922

 

2013

 

46,745

 

 

4.              Long-term Debt

 

The significant components of our long-term debt are as follows:

 

(in thousands)

 

Interest
Rate

 

January 26,
2008

 

July 28,
2007

 

January 27,
2007

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Senior Secured Term Loan Facility

 

variable

 

$1,625,000

 

$1,625,000

 

$1,700,000

 

2028 Debentures

 

7.125%

 

121,004

 

120,906

 

120,809

 

Senior Notes

 

9.0%/9.75%

 

700,000

 

700,000

 

700,000

 

Senior Subordinated Notes

 

10.375%

 

500,000

 

500,000

 

500,000

 

Long-term debt

 

 

 

$2,946,004

 

$2,945,906

 

$3,020,809

 

 

Senior Secured Asset-Based Revolving Credit Facility.  NMG’s senior secured Asset-Based Revolving Credit Facility provides financing of up to $600.0 million, subject to a borrowing base equal to at any time the lesser of 80% of eligible inventory (valued at the lower of cost or market value) and 85% of net orderly liquidation value of the eligible inventory, less certain reserves.

  The Asset-Based Revolving Credit Facility provides that NMG has the right at any time to request up to $200.0 million of additional commitments, but the lenders are under no obligation to provide any such additional commitments, and any increase in commitments will be subject to customary conditions precedent. NMG’s ability to borrow under any increased commitments would still be limited by the amount of the borrowing base.

 

7



 

As of January 26, 2008, NMG had $576.1 million of unused borrowing availability under the Asset-Based Revolving Credit Facility based on a borrowing base of over $600.0 million and after giving effect to $23.9 million used for letters of credit.  The principal amount of the loans outstanding is due and payable in full on October 6, 2010.

 

  Borrowings under the Asset-Based Revolving Credit Facility bear interest at a rate per annum equal to, at NMG’s option, either (a) a base rate determined by reference to the higher of (1) the prime rate of Deutsche Bank Trust Company Americas and (2) the federal funds effective rate plus 1/2 of 1% or (b) a LIBOR rate, subject to certain adjustments, in each case plus an applicable margin. The initial applicable margin is 0% with respect to base rate borrowings and 1.75% with respect to LIBOR borrowings, in each case subject to adjustment based on the historical availability under the Asset-Based Revolving Credit Facility. In addition, NMG is required to pay a commitment fee of 0.375% per annum in respect of the unutilized commitments, subject to downward adjustment if the average revolving loan utilization is 50% or more for any applicable period. NMG must also pay customary letter of credit fees and agency fees.

 

  All obligations under the Asset-Based Revolving Credit Facility are guaranteed by the Company and certain of NMG’s existing and future domestic subsidiaries (subsidiary guarantors). As of January 26, 2008, the liabilities of NMG’s non-guarantor subsidiaries totaled approximately $4.4 million, or 0.1% of consolidated liabilities, and the assets of NMG’s non-guarantor subsidiaries aggregated approximately $6.3 million, or 0.1% of consolidated total assets. All obligations under NMG’s Asset-Based Revolving Credit Facility, and the guarantees of those obligations, are secured, subject to certain significant exceptions, by substantially all of the assets of the Company, NMG and the subsidiary guarantors.

 

The Asset-Based Revolving Credit Facility contains a number of customary negative covenants and restrictions, but does not require NMG to comply with any financial ratio maintenance covenants.  For a more detailed description of NMG’s Asset-Based Revolving Credit Facility, refer to our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended July 28, 2007.

 

Senior Secured Term Loan Facility.  In October 2005, NMG entered into a credit agreement and related security and other agreements for a $1,975.0 million Senior Secured Term Loan Facility.  NMG voluntarily repaid $100.0 million principal amount of the loans under its Senior Secured Term Loan Facility in fiscal year 2006 and $250 million in fiscal year 2007.

 

  At January 26, 2008, borrowings under the Senior Secured Term Loan Facility bore interest at a rate per annum equal to, at NMG’s option, either (a) a base rate determined by reference to the higher of (1) the prime rate of Credit Suisse and (2) the federal funds effective rate plus 1/2 of 1% or (b) a LIBOR rate, subject to certain adjustments, in each case plus an applicable margin. At January 26, 2008, the applicable margin with respect to base rate borrowings was 0.75% and the applicable margin with respect to LIBOR borrowings was 1.75%. The interest rate on the outstanding borrowings pursuant to the Senior Secured Term Loan Facility was 6.69% at January 26, 2008.

 

  The credit agreement governing the Senior Secured Term Loan Facility requires NMG to prepay outstanding term loans with 50% (which percentage will be reduced to 25% if NMG’s total leverage ratio is less than a specified ratio and will be reduced to 0% if NMG’s total leverage ratio is less than a specified ratio) of its annual excess cash flow (as defined in the credit agreement). For fiscal year 2007, NMG was not required to prepay any outstanding term loans pursuant to the annual excess cash flow requirements.  If a change of control (as defined in the credit agreement) occurs, NMG will be required to offer to prepay all outstanding term loans, at a prepayment price equal to 101% of the principal amount to be prepaid, plus accrued and unpaid interest to the date of prepayment. NMG also must offer to prepay outstanding term loans at 100% of the principal amount to be prepaid, plus accrued and unpaid interest, with the proceeds of certain asset sales under certain circumstances.

 

  NMG may voluntarily prepay outstanding loans under the Senior Secured Term Loan Facility at any time without premium or penalty other than customary “breakage” costs with respect to LIBOR loans. There is no scheduled amortization under the Senior Secured Term Loan Facility. The principal amount of the loans outstanding is due and payable in full on April 6, 2013.

 

All obligations under the Senior Secured Term Loan Facility are unconditionally guaranteed by the Company and each direct and indirect domestic subsidiary of NMG that guarantees the obligations of NMG under its Asset-Based Revolving Credit Facility. All obligations under the Senior Secured Term Loan Facility, and the guarantees of those obligations, are secured, subject to certain significant exceptions, by substantially all of the assets of the Company, NMG and the subsidiary guarantors.

 

The credit agreement governing the Senior Secured Term Loan Facility contains a number of customary negative covenants and additional covenants related to the security arrangements for the Senior Secured Term Loan Facility. The credit agreement also contains customary affirmative covenants and events of default.  For a more detailed description of the Senior Secured Term Loan Facility, refer to our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended July 28, 2007.

 

8



 

2028 Debentures.  In May 1998, NMG issued $125.0 million aggregate principal amount of its 7.125% 2028 Debentures. NMG equally and ratably secures its 2028 Debentures by a first lien security interest on certain collateral subject to liens granted under NMG’s Senior Secured Credit Facilities. The 2028 Debentures are guaranteed on an unsecured, senior basis by the Company. For a more detailed description of the 2028 Debentures, refer to our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended July 28, 2007.

 

The fair value of the 2028 Debentures at January 26, 2008 was approximately $115.0 million.

 

Senior Notes.  NMG has $700.0 million aggregate original principal amount of 9.0% / 9.75% Senior Notes under a senior indenture (Senior Indenture).  NMG’s Senior Notes mature on October 15, 2015.

 

  For any interest payment period through October 15, 2010, NMG may, at its option, elect to pay interest on the Senior Notes entirely in cash (Cash Interest) or entirely by increasing the principal amount of the outstanding Senior Notes or by issuing additional Senior Notes (PIK Interest). Cash Interest on the Senior Notes accrues at the rate of 9% per annum. PIK Interest on the Senior Notes accrues at the rate of 9.75% per annum. To date, NMG has paid all interest obligations in cash. After October 15, 2010, NMG will make all interest payments on the Senior Notes entirely in cash. All Senior Notes mature on October 15, 2015. Interest on the Senior Notes is payable quarterly in arrears on each January 15, April 15, July 15 and October 15, commencing on January 15, 2006.

 

  The Senior Notes are fully and unconditionally guaranteed, on a joint and several unsecured, senior basis, by each of NMG’s wholly-owned domestic subsidiaries that guarantee NMG’s obligations under its Senior Secured Credit Facilities and by the Company. The Senior Notes and the guarantees thereof are NMG’s and the guarantors’ unsecured, senior obligations and rank (i) equal in the right of payment with all of NMG’s and the guarantors’ existing and future senior indebtedness, including any borrowings under NMG’s Senior Secured Credit Facilities and the guarantees thereof and NMG’s 2028 Debentures; and (ii) senior to all of NMG’s and its guarantors’ existing and future subordinated indebtedness, including the Senior Subordinated Notes due 2015 and the guarantees thereof. The Senior Notes also are effectively junior in priority to NMG’s and its guarantors’ obligations under all secured indebtedness, including NMG’s Senior Secured Credit Facilities, the 2028 Debentures, and any other secured obligations of NMG, in each case, to the extent of the value of the assets securing such obligations. In addition, the Senior Notes are structurally subordinated to all existing and future liabilities, including trade payables, of NMG’s subsidiaries that are not providing guarantees.

 

  NMG is not required to make any mandatory redemption or sinking fund payments with respect to the Senior Notes.  The indenture governing the Senior Notes contains a number of customary negative covenants and events of default.  For a more detailed description of NMG’s Senior Notes, refer to our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended July 28, 2007.

 

  The fair value of NMG’s Senior Notes at January 26, 2008 was approximately $694.8 million.

 

Senior Subordinated Notes.  NMG has $500.0 million aggregate principal amount of 10.375% Senior Subordinated Notes under a senior subordinated indenture (Senior Subordinated Indenture). NMG’s Senior Subordinated Notes mature on October 15, 2015.

 

  The Senior Subordinated Notes are fully and unconditionally guaranteed, on a joint and several unsecured, senior subordinated basis, by each of NMG’s wholly-owned domestic subsidiaries that guarantee NMG’s obligations under its Senior Secured Credit Facilities and by the Company. The Senior Subordinated Notes and the guarantees thereof are NMG’s and the guarantors’ unsecured, senior subordinated obligations and rank (i) junior to all of NMG’s and the guarantors’ existing and future senior indebtedness, including the Senior Notes and any borrowings under NMG’s Senior Secured Credit Facilities, and the guarantees thereof and NMG’s 2028 Debentures; (ii) equally with any of NMG’s and the guarantors’ future senior subordinated indebtedness; and (iii) senior to any of NMG’s and the guarantors’ future subordinated indebtedness. In addition, the Senior Subordinated Notes are structurally subordinated to all existing and future liabilities, including trade payables, of NMG’s subsidiaries that are not providing guarantees.

 

NMG is not required to make any mandatory redemption or sinking fund payments with respect to the Senior Subordinated Notes. The indenture governing the Senior Subordinated Notes contains a number of customary negative covenants and events of defaults.  For a more detailed description of NMG’s Senior Subordinated Notes, refer to our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended July 28, 2007.

 

The fair value of NMG’s Senior Subordinated Notes at January 26, 2008 was approximately $498.8 million.

 

9



 

  Maturities of Long-Term Debt.  At January 26, 2008, annual maturities of long-term debt during the next five fiscal years and thereafter are as follows (in millions):

 

2009

 

$

 

2010

 

 

2011

 

 

2012

 

 

2013

 

1,625.0

 

Thereafter

 

1,321.0

 

 

  The above table does not reflect future excess cash flow prepayments, if any, that may be required under the Senior Secured Term Loan Facility.

 

Interest Rate Swaps.  The Company uses derivative financial instruments to help manage its interest rate risk. Effective December 6, 2005, NMG entered into floating to fixed interest rate swap agreements for an aggregate notional amount of $1,000.0 million to limit its exposure to interest rate increases related to a portion of its floating rate indebtedness. The interest rate swap agreements terminate after five years.  At January 26, 2008, the fair value of NMG’s interest rate swap agreements was a loss of approximately $49.5 million, which amount is included in other long-term liabilities.

 

As of the effective date, NMG designated the interest rate swaps as cash flow hedges. As a result, changes in the fair value of NMG’s swaps are recorded as a component of other comprehensive income. At January 26, 2008, we have $31.1 million of unrecognized losses, net of tax, on our interest rate swap agreements included in other comprehensive income.

 

  As a result of the swap agreements, NMG’s effective fixed interest rates as to the $1,000.0 million in floating rate indebtedness will currently range from 6.508% to 6.733% per quarter through 2010 and result in an average fixed rate of 6.592%.

 

  Interest expense.  The significant components of interest expense are as follows:

 

 

 

Quarter-to-Date

 

Year-to-Date

 

(in thousands)

 

Thirteen
weeks
ended
January 26,
2008

 

Thirteen
weeks
ended
January 27,
2007

 

Twenty-Six
weeks
ended
January 26,
2008

 

Twenty-Six
weeks
ended
January 27,
2007

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Senior Secured Term Loan Facility

 

$

27,806

 

$

33,068

 

$

55,782

 

$

68,771

 

2028 Debentures

 

2,181

 

2,236

 

4,365

 

4,462

 

Senior Notes

 

15,453

 

15,750

 

30,906

 

31,500

 

Senior Subordinated Notes

 

12,724

 

12,969

 

25,448

 

25,937

 

Amortization of debt issue costs

 

3,554

 

3,535

 

7,109

 

7,033

 

Other

 

842

 

941

 

1,674

 

1,980

 

Total interest expense

 

62,560

 

68,499

 

125,284

 

139,683

 

Less:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest income

 

1,433

 

2,109

 

2,288

 

3,751

 

Capitalized interest

 

730

 

853

 

1,376

 

1,578

 

Interest expense, net

 

$

60,397

 

$

65,537

 

$

121,620

 

$

134,354

 

 

10



 

5.              Employee Benefit Plans

 

Description of Benefit Plans.  We sponsor a defined benefit pension plan (Pension Plan) covering substantially all full-time employees. We also sponsor an unfunded supplemental executive retirement plan (SERP Plan) which provides certain employees additional pension benefits. Benefits under both plans are based on the employees’ years of service and compensation over defined periods of employment.

 

  Retirees and active employees hired prior to March 1, 1989 are eligible for certain limited postretirement health care benefits (Postretirement Plan) if they meet certain service and minimum age requirements. The cost of these benefits is accrued during the years in which an employee provides services.

 

We have a qualified defined contribution 401(k) Plan.  Employees make contributions to the 401(k) Plan and we match an employee’s contribution up to a maximum of 6% of the employee’s compensation subject to statutory limitations.

 

Plan Redesign. On September 7, 2007, our Board of Directors approved certain changes to our long-term benefits program.  Effective January 1, 2008, we offered a new, enhanced retirement savings plan (RSP) subject to participants’ elections to participate (as more fully described below).  For associates participating in the RSP:

 

·                  Participants’ balances in our 401(k) Plan were automatically transferred to the RSP.

 

·                  Our matching contributions to the RSP increased to a potential maximum 75% of the employee contributions (up to a 6% deferral) from the potential maximum 50% to the 401(k) Plan (subject to IRS limit of $15,500 in 2008 for employee contributions).

 

·                  Our matching contributions vest to employees in two years as compared to the three year vesting under the 401(k) Plan.

 

·                  All current employees, who did not participate in the former 401(k) Plan, and future employees are automatically enrolled in the RSP at a salary deferral rate of 3% once eligibility requirements have been met.

 

Effective January 1, 2008, we also offered a new defined contribution supplemental executive retirement plan (Defined Contribution SERP Plan).

 

Concurrent with the implementation of the RSP and the new supplemental executive retirement plan, we froze benefits offered under our Pension and SERP Plans for most employees.  Employees with a minimum of ten years of service and whose ages plus years of service equaled at least 65 (“Rule of 65”) as of December 31, 2007 were allowed either 1) to continue participation in our 401(k) Plan and Pension Plan (and SERP Plan, if eligible) or 2) to freeze the benefits earned under the Pension Plan (and SERP Plan, if eligible) and participate in the RSP. No employee who met vesting requirements forfeited benefits earned prior to January 1, 2008.

 

In connection with the redesign of our long-term benefits program, we recorded a one-time pension curtailment gain of $32.5 million (recorded as other income in our condensed consolidated statements of earnings) in the first quarter of fiscal year 2008 to reflect the impact of freezing benefits provided under the Pension and SERP Plans as of December 31, 2007.

 

11



 

Costs of Benefits.  The components of the expenses incurred under our Pension Plan, SERP Plan and Postretirement Plan are as follows:

 

 

 

Quarter–to–Date

 

Year–to–Date

 

(in thousands)

 

Thirteen
weeks ended
January 26,
2008

 

Thirteen
weeks ended
January 27,
2007

 

Twenty-Six
weeks ended
January 26,
2008

 

Twenty-Six
weeks ended
January 27,
2007

 

Pension Plan:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Service cost

 

$

3,409

 

$

3,922

 

$

7,803

 

$

7,844

 

Interest cost

 

5,549

 

5,863

 

11,390

 

11,726

 

Expected return on plan assets

 

(6,019

)

(5,876

)

(12,178

)

(11,752

)

Net amortization of gains

 

188

 

 

 

 

Pension Plan expense

 

$

3,127

 

$

3,909

 

$

7,015

 

$

7,818

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Curtailment gain

 

$

 

$

 

$

26,113

 

$

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

SERP Plan:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Service cost

 

$

378

 

$

469

 

$

846

 

$

938

 

Interest cost

 

1,203

 

1,232

 

2,473

 

2,464

 

SERP Plan expense

 

$

1,581

 

$

1,701

 

$

3,319

 

$

3,402

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Curtailment gain

 

$

 

$

 

$

6,337

 

$

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Defined Contribution SERP Plan

 

$

147

 

$

 

$

147

 

$

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Postretirement Plan:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Service cost

 

$

31

 

$

14

 

$

62

 

$

28

 

Interest cost

 

339

 

227

 

678

 

454

 

Net amortization of losses

 

137

 

 

274

 

 

Postretirement Plan expense

 

$

507

 

$

241

 

$

1,014

 

$

482

 

 

Benefit Obligations.  Obligations for our employee benefit plans, included in other long-term liabilities, are as follows:

 

(in thousands)

 

January 26,
2008

 

July 28,
2007

 

January 27,
2007

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Pension Plan

 

$

40,228

 

$

55,603

 

$

86,638

 

SERP Plan

 

81,177

 

86,146

 

82,897

 

Defined Contribution SERP Plan

 

147

 

 

 

Postretirement Plan

 

22,855

 

22,091

 

15,229

 

 

 

144,407

 

163,840

 

184,764

 

Less: current portion

 

(4,019

)

(4,019

)

 

Long-term portion of benefit obligations

 

$

140,388

 

$

159,821

 

$

184,764

 

 

We adopted the provisions of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 158, “Employers’ Accounting for Defined Benefit Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans” (SFAS 158), in the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2007.  In connection with the adoption of SFAS 158, we adjusted the carrying values of our previously recorded obligations to equal their unfunded status at July 28, 2007.  These aggregate adjustments resulted in a net decrease in the carrying values of our obligations by approximately $28.7 million, which amount was recorded (net of taxes of $11.3 million) as an increase in accumulated other comprehensive income in our statement of shareholders’ equity for fiscal year 2007.

 

In the first quarter of fiscal year 2008, we reduced our recorded liability for projected benefit obligations payable by the Pension Plan by $26.1 million and by the SERP Plan by $6.3 million to reflect the impact of freezing benefits provided under these plans as of December 31, 2007.

 

12



 

Funding Policy and Plan Assets.  Our policy is to fund the Pension Plan at or above the minimum required by law. Based upon currently available information, we will not be required to make contributions to the Pension Plan during fiscal year 2008. In fiscal year 2007, we made no contributions to our Pension Plan.

 

6.              Income Taxes

 

We adopted the provisions of FASB Interpretation No. 48, “Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes” (FIN 48) in the first quarter of fiscal year 2008.  FIN 48 prescribes a recognition threshold and measurement attribute for the financial statement recognition and measurement of a tax position taken or expected to be taken in a tax return.

 

The cumulative effect of adopting FIN 48 resulted in a net increase to our accruals for uncertain tax positions of $9.1 million for the derecognition of certain tax benefits. This increase to our accruals was offset by a corresponding increase to goodwill as these uncertainties existed at the time of the Acquisition.  At adoption, the gross amount of unrecognized tax benefits was $26.7 million, of which $3.5 million of unrecognized tax benefits would impact our effective tax rate, if recognized.  We classify interest and penalties as a component of income tax expense and our liability for accrued interest and penalties was $8.5 million upon adoption of FIN 48.

 

We file income tax returns in the U.S. federal jurisdiction and various state and local jurisdictions. We closed the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) examinations of federal tax returns for fiscal years 2004 and 2003 during the first quarter of fiscal year 2007 and paid the related tax liability during the second quarter of fiscal year 2007.   The IRS is now examining our federal tax returns for fiscal years 2005 and 2006.  We believe our recorded tax liabilities as of January 26, 2008 are sufficient to cover any potential assessments to be made by the IRS upon the completion of their examinations. We will continue to monitor the progress of the IRS examinations and review our recorded tax liabilities for potential audit assessments.  With respect to state and local jurisdictions, with limited exceptions, the Company and its subsidiaries are no longer subject to income tax audits for fiscal years before 2003.  We believe it is reasonably possible that a significant increase or decrease in the amounts of our unrecognized tax benefits could occur within the next 12 months as a result of negotiated settlements with tax authorities.  However, at this time, an estimate of the range of adjustment cannot be made.

 

13



 

7.              Stock-Based Compensation

 

The Company has approved equity-based management arrangements which authorize equity awards to be granted to certain management employees for up to 87,992.0 shares of the common stock of the Company.  Options generally vest over four to five years and expire 10 years from the date of grant.

 

A summary of the status of our stock option plan as of January 26, 2008, July 28, 2007 and January 27, 2007 and changes during the periods ended on these dates is as follows:

 

 

 

January 26, 2008

 

July 28, 2007

 

January 27, 2007

 

 

 

Shares

 

Weighted
Average
Exercise
Price

 

Shares

 

Weighted
Average
Exercise
Price

 

Shares

 

Weighted
Average
Exercise
Price

 

Outstanding at beginning of period

 

83,634.3

 

$

1,430

 

81,716.3

 

$

1,416

 

81,716.3

 

$

1,416

 

Granted

 

260.0

 

2,684

 

2,496.0

 

1,942

 

2,496.0

 

1,942

 

Exercised

 

 

 

(578.0

)

1,590

 

 

 

Outstanding at end of period

 

83,894.3

 

$

1,434

 

83,634.3

 

$

1,430

 

84,212.3

 

$

1,432

 

Options exercisable at end of period

 

40,653.1

 

$

1,385

 

29,764.1

 

$

1,233

 

24,533.7

 

$

1,179

 

 

The exercise price of approximately 50% of such options escalate at a 10% compound rate per year until the earlier to occur of (i) exercise, (ii) the fifth anniversary of the date of grant or (iii) the occurrence of a change in control. However, in the event the Sponsors cause the sale of shares of the Company to an unaffiliated entity, the exercise price will cease to accrete at the time of the sale with respect to a pro rata portion of the accreting options.

 

All grants of stock options have an exercise price equal to the fair market value of our common stock on the date of grant.  Because we are privately held and there is no public market for our common stock, the fair market value of our common stock is determined by our Compensation Committee at the time option grants are awarded.  In determining the fair value of our common stock, the Compensation Committee considers such factors as the Company's actual and projected financial results, the principal amount of the Company's indebtedness, valuations of the Company performed by third parties and other factors it believes are material to the valuation process.

 

We use the Black-Scholes option-pricing model to determine the fair value of our options as of the date of grant in accordance with the provisions of SFAS 123(R).  A summary of fiscal years 2008, 2007 and 2006 grants and fair value assumptions is as follows:

 

 

 

Fiscal Year 2008
Grants

 

Fiscal Year 2007
Grants

 

Fiscal Year 2006
Grants

 

 

 

Fair Value
Options

 

Accreting
Exercise
Price
Options

 

Fair Value
Options

 

Accreting
Exercise
Price
Options

 

Fair Value
Options

 

Accreting
Exercise
Price
Options

 

Options outstanding at January 26, 2008

 

130.0

 

130.0

 

1,248.0

 

1,248.0

 

43,594.6

 

37,543.7

 

Exercise price at January 26, 2008

 

$

2,684

 

$

2,684

 

$

1,942

 

$

2,136

 

$

1,445

 

$

1,749

 

Term

 

5

 

5

 

5

 

5

 

5

 

5

 

Volatility

 

30.0

%

30.0

%

30.0

%

30.0

%

29.7

%

29.7

%

Risk-Free Rate

 

3.5

%

3.5

%

4.5

%

4.5

%

4.2

%

4.2

%

Dividend Yield

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fair Value

 

$

882

 

$

433

 

$

676

 

$

341

 

$

494

 

$

247

 

 

Expected volatility is based on a combination of NMG’s historical volatility adjusted for our new leverage and estimates of implied volatility of our peer group.

 

We recognized non-cash stock compensation expense of $3.0 million for the twenty-six weeks ended January 26, 2008 and $2.9 million for the twenty-six weeks ended January 27, 2007, which is included in selling, general and administrative expenses. At January 28, 2006, unearned non-cash stock-based compensation that we expect to recognize as expense over the next 5 years aggregates approximately $16.0 million.

 

14



 

8.              Transactions with Sponsors

 

Pursuant to a management services agreement with affiliates of the Sponsors, and in exchange for on-going consulting and management advisory services that are provided to us by the Sponsors and their affiliates, affiliates of the Sponsors receive an aggregate annual management fee equal to the lesser of (i) 0.25% of our consolidated annual revenues or (ii) $10 million. Affiliates of the Sponsors also receive reimbursement for out-of-pocket expenses incurred by them or their affiliates in connection with services provided pursuant to the agreement. These management fees are payable quarterly in arrears.  We recorded management fees of $6.3 million during the twenty-six weeks ended January 26, 2008 and $5.9 million during the twenty-six weeks ended January 27, 2007, which are included in selling, general and administrative expenses in the condensed consolidated statements of earnings.

 

The management services agreement also provides that affiliates of the Sponsors may receive future fees in connection with certain subsequent financing and acquisition or disposition transactions. The management services agreement includes customary exculpation and indemnification provisions in favor of the Sponsors and their affiliates.

 

9.              Income from Credit Card Program

 

Pursuant to a long-term marketing and servicing alliance with HSBC, HSBC offers credit card and non-card payment plans bearing our brands and we receive ongoing payments from HSBC based on credit card sales and compensation for marketing and servicing activities (HSBC Program Income).  We recognize HSBC Program Income when earned.

 

On February 14, 2008, we filed a lawsuit against HSBC Bank Nevada, N.A. and HSBC Private Label Corporation (collectively, HSBC) alleging a breach by HSBC of our existing Credit Card Program Agreement (the Program Agreement) as well as other claims, and we asked for a temporary restraining order and other injunctive relief. Subsequent to the granting of the temporary restraining order by the Court, we have negotiated and executed a letter of intent with HSBC related to certain proposed amendments to the Program Agreement. These proposed amendments will, among other things, provide for 1) the allocation between HSBC and the Company of additional income, if any, to be generated from our credit card program as a result of certain changes made to the Program Agreement, and 2) the allocation of certain credit losses between HSBC and the Company. We expect to execute the proposed amendments in the third quarter of fiscal year 2008. We do not currently believe either the filing of this lawsuit or the proposed amendments to the Program Agreement will have a material impact on the level of future program income we will earn under the Program Agreement.

 

10.       Other Income

 

In the first quarter of fiscal year 2008, we recorded a one-time pension curtailment gain of $32.5 million, or 1.3% of revenues, as a result of our decision to freeze Pension and SERP benefits as of December 31, 2007See Note 5 for more information.

 

In the first quarter of fiscal year 2007, we received consideration aggregating $4.2 million, or 0.2% of revenues, in connection with the merger of Wedding Channel.com, in which we held a minority interest, and The Knot. We accounted for our investment in Wedding Channel.com under the cost method. In prior years, we had previously reduced our carrying value of this investment to zero.

 

11.       Commitments and Contingencies

 

Long-term Incentive Plan.  The Company has a long-term incentive plan (Long-term Incentive Plan) that provides for a cash incentive payable upon a change of control, as defined, subject to the attainment of certain performance objectives to employees who had historically been eligible for stock-based compensation programs of the Predecessor.  Performance objectives and targets are based on cumulative EBITDA percentages for three year periods beginning in fiscal year 2006.  Earned awards for each completed performance period will be credited to a book account and will earn interest at a contractually defined annual rate until the award is paid.  Awards will be paid within 30 days of a change of control or the first day there is a public market of at least 20% of total outstanding common stock.

 

15



 

Cash Incentive Plan.  The Company also has a cash incentive plan (Cash Incentive Plan) to aid in the retention of certain key executives.  The Cash Incentive Plan provides for the creation of a $14 million cash bonus pool. Each participant in the Cash Incentive Plan will be entitled to a cash bonus upon the earlier to occur of a change of control or an initial public offering, as defined in the Cash Incentive Plan, provided that the internal rate of return to the Sponsors is positive.

 

Litigation.  We are currently involved in various legal actions and proceedings that arose in the ordinary course of business. We believe that any liability arising as a result of these actions and proceedings will not have a material adverse effect on our financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

 

12.       Accumulated Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income

 

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

 

(in thousands)

 

January 26,
2008

 

July 28,
2007

 

January 27,
2007

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Unrealized (loss) gain on financial instruments

 

$

(31,052

)

$

3,733

 

$

6,843

 

Unfunded benefit obligations

 

15,709

 

17,365

 

 

Other

 

322

 

131

 

(1,320

)

Total accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income

 

$

(15,021

)

$

21,229

 

$

5,523

 

 

(in thousands)

 

Twenty-Six
weeks ended
January 26,
2008

 

Twenty-Six
weeks ended

July 28,
2007

 

Twenty-Six
weeks ended

January 27,
2007

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net earnings from condensed consolidated statements of earnings

 

$

123,061

 

$

43,682

 

$

68,252

 

Change in unrealized loss on financial instruments

 

(34,785

)

(3,110

)

(3,794

)

Other

 

(1,465

)

1,451

 

(512

)

Total comprehensive income for the period

 

$

86,811

 

$

42,023

 

$

63,946

 

 

13.       Segment Reporting

 

We have identified two reportable segments: Specialty Retail stores and Direct Marketing. The Specialty Retail stores segment includes all Neiman Marcus and Bergdorf Goodman retail stores, including Neiman Marcus clearance stores. The Direct Marketing segment conducts both online and print catalog operations under the Neiman Marcus, Bergdorf Goodman and Horchow brand names.  Both the Specialty Retail stores and Direct Marketing segments derive their revenues from the sales of high-end fashion apparel, accessories, cosmetics and fragrances from leading designers, precious and fashion jewelry and decorative home accessories.

 

Operating earnings for the segments include 1) revenues, 2) cost of sales, 3) direct selling, general, and administrative expenses, 4) other direct operating expenses, 5) income from credit card program and 6) depreciation expense for the respective segment.  Items not allocated to our operating segments include those items not considered by management in measuring the assets and profitability of our segments. These amounts include 1) corporate expenses including, but not limited to, treasury, investor relations, legal and finance support services, and general corporate management, 2) charges related to the application of purchase accounting adjustments made in connection with the Acquisition including amortization of customer lists and favorable lease commitments and other non-cash items and 3) interest expense.  These items, while often times related to the operations of a segment, are not considered by segment operating management, corporate operating management and the chief operating decision maker in assessing segment operating performance.  The accounting policies of the operating segments are the same as those described in the summary of significant accounting policies (except with respect to purchase accounting adjustments not allocated to the operating segments). 

 

16



 

The following tables set forth the information for our reportable segments:

 

 

 

Quarter–to–Date

 

Year–to–Date

 

(in thousands)

 

Thirteen
weeks ended
January 26,
2008

 

Thirteen
weeks ended
January 27,
2007

 

Twenty-Six
weeks ended
January 26,
2008

 

Twenty-Six
weeks ended
January 27,
2007

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

REVENUES

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Specialty Retail stores

 

$

1,136,324

 

$

1,069,946

 

$

2,097,921

 

$

1,949,879

 

Direct Marketing

 

237,531

 

225,890

 

408,177

 

385,169

 

Total

 

$

1,373,855

 

$

1,295,836

 

$

2,506,098

 

$

2,335,048

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

OPERATING EARNINGS

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Specialty Retail stores

 

$

127,917

 

$

121,515

 

$

293,499

 

$

278,090

 

Direct Marketing

 

41,968

 

39,131

 

65,230

 

59,930

 

Subtotal

 

169,885

 

160,646

 

358,729

 

338,020

 

Corporate

 

(17,653

)

(14,792

)

(31,207

)

(24,070

)

Amortization of customer lists and favorable lease commitments

 

(17,953

)

(18,050

)

(35,949

)

(36,082

)

Other income (1)

 

 

 

32,450

 

4,210

 

Total

 

$

134,279

 

$

127,804

 

$

324,023

 

$

282,078

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CAPITAL EXPENDITURES

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Specialty Retail stores

 

$

36,421

 

$

23,274

 

$

76,610

 

$

61,491

 

Direct Marketing

 

5,714

 

5,989

 

11,563

 

9,191

 

Total

 

$

42,135

 

$

29,263

 

$

88,173

 

$

70,682

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

DEPRECIATION EXPENSE

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Specialty Retail stores

 

$

30,331

 

$

29,493

 

$

60,262

 

$

58,434

 

Direct Marketing

 

3,776

 

3,410

 

7,821

 

6,480

 

Subtotal

 

34,107

 

32,903

 

68,083

 

64,914

 

Depreciation expense on step-up of fixed assets made in connection with the Acquisition

 

979

 

1,170

 

2,138

 

2,335

 

Total

 

$

35,086

 

$

34,073

 

$

70,221

 

$

67,249

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

January 26,
2008

 

January 27,
2007

 

ASSETS

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Tangible assets of Specialty Retail stores

 

 

 

 

 

$

1,934,006

 

$

1,800,656

 

Tangible assets of Direct Marketing

 

 

 

 

 

175,161

 

157,400

 

Corporate assets:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Intangible assets related to Specialty Retail stores

 

 

 

 

 

3,550,983

 

3,600,475

 

Intangible assets related to Direct Marketing

 

 

 

 

 

562,219

 

587,218

 

Other

 

 

 

 

 

343,454

 

363,404

 

Total

 

 

 

 

 

$

6,565,823

 

$

6,509,153

 

 


(1) For the twenty-six weeks ended January 26, 2008, other income represents a one-time pension curtailment gain of $32.5 million as a result of our decision to freeze Pension and SERP benefits as of December 31, 2007For the twenty-six weeks ended January 27, 2007, other income represents the proceeds we received in connection with the merger of Wedding Channel.com, in which we held a minority interest, and The Knot. We had previously reduced our carrying value in this investment to zero.

 

17



 

14.       Condensed Consolidating Financial Information (with respect to NMG’s obligations under the Senior Notes and the Senior Subordinated Notes)

 

All of NMG's obligations under the Senior Notes and the Senior Subordinated Notes, as well as its obligations under the Asset-Based Revolving Credit Facility and the Senior Secured Term Loan Facility, are guaranteed by the Company and certain of NMG’s existing and future domestic subsidiaries (principally, Bergdorf Goodman, Inc. through which NMG conducts the operations of its Bergdorf Goodman stores and NM Nevada Trust which holds legal title to certain real property and intangible assets used by the Company in conducting its operations). The guarantees by the Company and each subsidiary guarantor are full and unconditional and joint and several.  Currently, the Company’s non-guarantor subsidiaries consist principally of an operating subsidiary domiciled in Canada providing support services to our Direct Marketing operations. Previously, our non-guarantor subsidiaries also included Kate Spade LLC (prior to its sale in December 2006), which is reflected in the tables below as discontinued operations.

 

The following condensed consolidating financial information represents the financial information of Neiman Marcus, Inc. and its wholly-owned subsidiary guarantors, prepared on the equity basis of accounting. The information is presented in accordance with the requirements of Rule 3-10 under the Securities and Exchange Commission's Regulation S-X. The financial information may not necessarily be indicative of results of operations, cash flows or financial position had the subsidiary guarantors operated as independent entities.

 

 

 

January 26, 2008

 

(in thousands)

 

Company

 

NMG

 

Guarantor
Subsidiaries

 

Non-
Guarantor
Subsidiaries

 

Eliminations

 

Consolidated

 

ASSETS

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Current assets:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents

 

$

 

$

234,321

 

$

881

 

$

545

 

$

 

$

235,747

 

Merchandise inventories

 

 

784,541

 

100,662

 

7

 

 

885,210

 

Other current assets

 

 

161,238

 

9,571

 

3,681

 

544

 

175,034

 

Total current assets

 

 

1,180,100

 

111,114

 

4,233

 

544

 

1,295,991

 

Property and equipment, net

 

 

925,987

 

136,681

 

2,066

 

 

1,064,734

 

Goodwill and intangible assets, net

 

 

1,922,766

 

2,190,436

 

 

 

4,113,202

 

Other assets

 

 

91,808

 

88

 

 

 

91,896

 

Investments in subsidiaries

 

1,647,834

 

2,320,138

 

 

 

(3,967,972

)

 

Total assets

 

$

1,647,834

 

$

6,440,799

 

$

2,438,319

 

$

6,299

 

$

(3,967,428

)

$

6,565,823

 

LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Current liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Accounts payable

 

$

 

$

235,147

 

$

41,145

 

$

4,329

 

$

544

 

$

281,165

 

Accrued liabilities

 

 

329,710

 

79,626

 

57

 

 

409,393

 

Other current liabilities

 

 

2,946

 

 

 

 

2,946

 

Total current liabilities

 

 

567,803

 

120,771

 

4,386

 

544

 

693,504

 

Long-term liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Long-term debt

 

 

2,946,004

 

 

 

 

2,946,004

 

Deferred income taxes

 

 

962,712

 

 

 

 

962,712

 

Other long-term liabilities

 

 

316,446

 

(677

)

 

 

315,769

 

Total long-term liabilities

 

 

4,225,162

 

(677

)

 

 

4,224,485

 

Total shareholders’ equity

 

1,647,834

 

1,647,834

 

2,318,225

 

1,913

 

(3,967,972

)

1,647,834

 

Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity

 

$

1,647,834

 

$

6,440,799

 

$

2,438,319

 

$

6,299

 

$

(3,967,428

)

$

6,565,823

 

 

18



 

 

 

July 28, 2007

 

(in thousands)

 

Company

 

NMG

 

Guarantor
Subsidiaries

 

Non-
Guarantor
Subsidiaries

 

Eliminations

 

Consolidated

 

ASSETS

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Current assets:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents

 

$

 

$

139,333

 

$

1,196

 

$

678

 

$

 

$

141,207

 

Merchandise inventories

 

 

821,749

 

96,513

 

7

 

 

918,269

 

Other current assets

 

 

142,632

 

8,636

 

3,681

 

544

 

155,493

 

Total current assets

 

 

1,103,714

 

106,345

 

4,366

 

544

 

1,214,969

 

Property and equipment, net

 

 

901,072

 

140,473

 

2,166

 

 

1,043,711

 

Goodwill and intangible assets, net

 

 

1,945,040

 

2,194,979

 

 

 

4,140,019

 

Other assets

 

 

102,108

 

192

 

 

 

102,300

 

Investments in subsidiaries

 

1,558,012

 

2,333,438

 

 

 

(3,891,450

)

 

Total assets

 

$

1,558,012

 

$

6,385,372

 

$

2,441,989

 

$

6,532

 

$

(3,890,906

)

$

6,500,999

 

LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Current liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Accounts payable

 

$

 

$

318,439

 

$

38,080

 

$

4,236

 

$

544

 

$

361,299

 

Accrued liabilities

 

 

329,625

 

73,479

 

58

 

 

403,162

 

Other current liabilities

 

 

3,426

 

 

 

 

3,426

 

Total current liabilities

 

 

651,490

 

111,559

4,294

 

544

 

767,887

 

Long-term liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Long-term debt

 

 

2,945,906

 

 

 

 

2,945,906

 

Deferred income taxes

 

 

1,002,982

 

 

 

 

1,002,982

 

Other long-term liabilities

 

 

226,982

 

(770

)

 

 

226,212

 

Total long-term liabilities

 

 

4,175,870

 

(770

)

 

 

4,175,100

 

Total shareholders’ equity

 

1,558,012

 

1,558,012

 

2,331,200

 

2,238

 

(3,891,450

)

1,558,012

 

Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity

 

$

1,558,012

 

$

6,385,372

 

$

2,441,989

 

$

6,532

 

$

(3,890,906

)

$

6,500,999

 

 

19



 

 

 

January 27, 2007

 

(in thousands)

 

Company

 

NMG

 

Guarantor
Subsidiaries

 

Non-
Guarantor
Subsidiaries

 

Eliminations

 

Consolidated

 

ASSETS

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Current assets:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents

 

$

 

$

187,772

 

$

767

 

$

8

 

$

 

$

188,547

 

Merchandise inventories

 

 

731,482

 

81,263

 

7

 

(461

)

812,291

 

Other current assets

 

 

154,994

 

11,025

 

3,681

 

544

 

170,244

 

Total current assets

 

 

1,074,248

 

93,055

 

3,696

 

83

 

1,171,082

 

Property and equipment, net

 

 

884,173

 

148,662

 

2,179

 

 

1,035,014

 

Goodwill and intangible assets, net

 

 

1,975,358

 

2,212,335

 

 

 

4,187,693

 

Other assets

 

 

115,069

 

295

 

 

 

115,364

 

Investments in subsidiaries

 

1,494,613

 

2,336,705

 

 

 

(3,831,318

)

 

Total assets

 

$

1,494,613

 

$

6,385,553

 

$

2,454,347

 

$

5,875

 

$

(3,831,235

)

$

6,509,153

 

LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Current liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Accounts payable

 

$

 

$

267,444

 

$

27,725

 

$

4,772

 

$

544

 

$

300,485

 

Accrued liabilities

 

 

344,536

 

82,367

 

82

 

 

426,985

 

Other current liabilities

 

 

3,425

 

 

 

 

3,425

 

Total current liabilities

 

 

615,405

 

110,092

 

4,854

 

544

 

730,895

 

Long-term liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Long-term debt

 

 

3,020,809

 

 

 

 

3,020,809

 

Deferred income taxes

 

 

1,033,067

 

 

 

 

1,033,067

 

Other long-term liabilities

 

 

221,659

 

8,110

 

 

 

229,769

 

Total long-term liabilities

 

 

4,275,535

 

8,110

 

 

 

4,283,645

 

Total shareholders’ equity

 

1,494,613

 

1,494,613

 

2,336,145

 

1,021

 

(3,831,779

)

1,494,613

 

Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity

 

$

1,494,613

 

$

6,385,553

 

$

2,454,347

 

$

5,875

 

$

(3,831,235

)

$

6,509,153

 

 

20



 

 

 

Thirteen weeks ended January 26, 2008

 

(in thousands)

 

Company

 

NMG

 

Guarantor
Subsidiaries

 

Non-
Guarantor
Subsidiaries

 

Eliminations

 

Consolidated

 

Revenues

 

$

 

$

1,167,217

 

$

206,638

 

$

 

$

 

$

1,373,855

 

Cost of goods sold including buying and occupancy costs (excluding depreciation)

 

 

772,879

 

140,169

 

186

 

 

913,234

 

Selling, general and administrative expenses (excluding depreciation)

 

 

255,531

 

37,487

 

(446

)

 

292,572

 

Income from credit card program

 

 

(17,506

)

(1,763

)

 

 

(19,269

)

Depreciation expense

 

 

30,679

 

4,300

 

107

 

 

35,086

 

Amortization of customer lists and favorable lease commitments

 

 

15,060

 

2,893

 

 

 

17,953

 

Operating earnings

 

 

110,574

 

23,552

 

153

 

 

134,279

 

Interest expense, net

 

 

60,394

 

3

 

 

 

60,397

 

Intercompany royalty charges (income)

 

 

83,143

 

(83,143

)

 

 

 

Equity in earnings of subsidiaries

 

(44,303

)

(106,845

)

 

 

151,148

 

 

Earnings (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes

 

44,303

 

73,882

 

106,692

 

153

 

(151,148

)

73,882

 

Income taxes

 

 

29,579

 

 

 

 

29,579

 

Net earnings (loss)

 

$

44,303

 

$

44,303

 

$

106,692

 

$

153

 

$

(151,148

)

$

44,303

 

 

 

 

Thirteen weeks ended January 27, 2007

 

(in thousands)

 

Company

 

NMG

 

Guarantor
Subsidiaries

 

Non-
Guarantor
Subsidiaries

 

Eliminations

 

Consolidated

 

Revenues

 

$

 

$

1,103,406

 

$

192,430

 

$

 

$

 

$

1,295,836

 

Cost of goods sold including buying and occupancy costs (excluding depreciation)

 

 

720,233

 

129,831

 

194

 

 

850,258

 

Selling, general and administrative expenses (excluding depreciation)

 

 

247,458

 

36,553

 

(430

)

 

283,581

 

Income from credit card program

 

 

(16,175

)

(1,755

)

 

 

(17,930

)

Depreciation expense

 

 

29,127

 

4,850

 

96

 

 

34,073

 

Amortization of customer lists and favorable lease commitments

 

 

15,109

 

2,941

 

 

 

18,050

 

Operating earnings

 

 

107,654

 

20,010

 

140

 

 

127,804

 

Interest expense, net

 

 

65,537

 

 

 

 

65,537

 

Intercompany royalty charges (income)

 

 

77,565

 

(77,565

)

 

 

 

Equity in earnings of subsidiaries

 

(41,023

)

(100,560

)

 

 

141,583

 

 

Earnings (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes

 

41,023

 

65,112

 

97,575

 

140

 

(141,583

)

62,267

 

Income taxes

 

 

24,089

 

 

 

 

24,089

 

Earnings (loss) from continuing operations

 

41,023

 

41,023

 

97,575

 

140

 

(141,583

)

38,178

 

Earnings (loss) from discontinued operations, net of taxes

 

 

 

 

3,765

 

(920

)

2,845

 

Net earnings (loss)

 

$

41,023

 

$

41,023

 

$

97,575

 

$

3,905

 

$

(142,503

)

$

41,023

 

 

21



 

 

 

Twenty-Six weeks ended January 26, 2008

 

(in thousands)

 

Company

 

NMG

 

Guarantor
Subsidiaries

 

Non-
Guarantor
Subsidiaries

 

Eliminations

 

Consolidated

 

Revenues

 

$

 

$

2,108,676

 

$

397,422

 

$

 

$

 

$

2,506,098

 

Cost of goods sold including buying and occupancy costs (excluding depreciation)

 

 

1,330,577

 

249,414

 

379

 

 

1,580,370

 

Selling, general and administrative expenses (excluding depreciation)

 

 

492,555

 

72,951

 

(958

)

 

564,548

 

Income from credit card program

 

 

(32,941

)

(3,622

)

 

 

(36,563

)

Depreciation expense

 

 

60,961

 

9,050

 

210

 

 

70,221

 

Amortization of customer lists and favorable lease commitments

 

 

30,119

 

5,830

 

 

 

35,949

 

Other income

 

 

(32,450

)

 

 

 

(32,450

)

Operating earnings

 

 

259,855

 

63,799

 

369

 

 

324,023

 

Interest expense, net

 

 

121,614

 

6

 

 

 

121,620

 

Intercompany royalty charges (income)

 

 

155,962

 

(155,962

)

 

 

 

Equity in earnings of subsidiaries

 

(123,061

)

(220,124

)

 

 

343,185

 

 

Earnings (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes

 

123,061

 

202,403

 

219,755

 

369

 

(343,185

)

202,403

 

Income taxes

 

 

79,342

 

 

 

 

79,342

 

Net earnings (loss)

 

$

123,061

 

$

123,061

 

$

219,755

 

$

369

 

$

(343,185

)

$

123,061

 

 

 

 

Twenty-Six weeks ended January 27, 2007

 

(in thousands)

 

Company

 

NMG

 

Guarantor
Subsidiaries

 

Non-
Guarantor
Subsidiaries

 

Eliminations

 

Consolidated

 

Revenues

 

$

 

$

1,973,882

 

$

361,166

 

$

 

$

 

$

2,335,048

 

Cost of goods sold including buying and occupancy costs (excluding depreciation)

 

 

1,229,552

 

227,099

 

386

 

 

1,457,037

 

Selling, general and administrative expenses (excluding depreciation)

 

 

462,447

 

69,301

 

(635

)

 

531,113

 

Income from credit card program

 

 

(30,803

)

(3,498

)

 

 

(34,301

)

Depreciation expense

 

 

57,555

 

9,503

 

191

 

 

67,249

 

Amortization of customer lists and favorable lease commitments

 

 

30,199

 

5,883

 

 

 

36,082

 

Other income

 

 

(4,210

)

 

 

 

(4,210

)

Operating earnings

 

 

229,142

 

52,878

 

58

 

 

282,078

 

Interest expense, net

 

 

134,354

 

 

 

 

134,354

 

Intercompany royalty charges (income)

 

 

143,643

 

(143,643

)

 

 

 

Equity in earnings of subsidiaries

 

(68,252

)

(175,198

)

 

 

243,450

 

 

Earnings (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes

 

68,252

 

126,343

 

196,521

 

58

 

(243,450

)

147,724

 

Income taxes

 

 

58,091

 

 

 

 

58,091

 

Earnings (loss) from continuing operations

 

68,252

 

68,252

 

196,521

 

58

 

(243,450

)

89,633

 

Loss from discontinued operations, net of taxes

 

 

 

 

(19,892

)

(1,489

)

(21,381

)

Net earnings (loss)

 

$

68,252

 

$

68,252

 

$

196,521

 

$

(19,834

)

$

(244,939

)

$

68,252

 

 

22



 

 

 

Twenty-Six weeks ended January 26, 2008

 

(in thousands)

 

Company

 

NMG

 

Guarantor
Subsidiaries

 

Non-
Guarantor
Subsidiaries

 

Eliminations

 

Consolidated

 

CASH FLOWS—OPERATING ACTIVITIES

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net earnings (loss)

 

$

123,061

 

$

123,061

 

$

219,755

 

$

369

 

$

(343,185

)

$

123,061

 

Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to net cash provided by operating activities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Depreciation

 

 

60,961

 

9,050

 

210

 

 

70,221

 

Amortization of debt issue costs

 

 

7,109

 

 

 

 

7,109

 

Amortization of customer lists and favorable lease commitments

 

 

30,119

 

5,830

 

 

 

35,949

 

Deferred income taxes

 

 

(13,673

)

 

 

 

(13,673

)

Gain on curtailment of defined benefit retirement obligations

 

 

(32,450

)

 

 

 

(32,450

)

Other, primarily costs related to defined benefit pension and other long-term benefit plans

 

 

14,605

 

(37

)

 

 

14,568

 

Intercompany royalty income payable (receivable)

 

 

155,962

 

(155,962

)

 

 

 

Equity in earnings of subsidiaries

 

(123,061

)

(220,124

)

 

 

343,185

 

 

Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net

 

 

55,281

 

(74,488

)

(792

)

 

(19,999

)

Net cash provided by (used for) operating activities

 

 

180,851

 

4,148

 

(213

)

 

184,786

 

CASH FLOWS—INVESTING ACTIVITIES

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Capital expenditures

 

 

(83,790

)

(4,463

)

80

 

 

(88,173

)

Purchases of short-term investments

 

 

(10,000

)

 

 

 

(10,000

)

Sales of short-term investments

 

 

10,000

 

 

 

 

10,000

 

Net cash (used for) provided by investing activities

 

 

(83,790

)

(4,463

)

80

 

 

(88,173

)

CASH FLOWS—FINANCING ACTIVITIES

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Repayment of borrowings

 

 

(2,073

)

 

 

 

(2,073

)

Net cash used for financing activities

 

 

(2,073

)

 

 

 

(2,073

)

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Increase (decrease) during the period

 

 

94,988

 

(315

)

(133

)

 

94,540

 

Beginning balance

 

 

139,333

 

1,196

 

678

 

 

141,207

 

Ending balance

 

$

 

$

234,321

 

$

881

 

$

545

 

$

 

$

235,747

 

 

23



 

 

 

Twenty-Six weeks ended January 27, 2007

 

(in thousands)

 

Company

 

NMG

 

Guarantor
Subsidiaries

 

Non-
Guarantor
Subsidiaries

 

Eliminations

 

Consolidated

 

CASH FLOWS—OPERATING ACTIVITIES

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net earnings (loss)

 

$

68,252

 

$

68,252

 

$

196,521

 

$

(19,834

)

$

(244,939

)

$

68,252

 

Loss from discontinued operations

 

 

 

 

19,892

 

1,489

 

21,381

 

Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to net cash provided by operating activities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Depreciation

 

 

57,555

 

9,503

 

191

 

 

67,249

 

Amortization of debt issue costs

 

 

7,033

 

 

 

 

7,033

 

Amortization of customer lists and favorable lease commitments

 

 

30,199

 

5,883

 

 

 

36,082

 

Deferred income taxes

 

 

(24,147

)

 

 

 

(24,147

)

Other, primarily costs related to defined benefit pension and other long-term benefit plans

 

 

11,380

 

1,606

 

 

 

12,986

 

Intercompany royalty income payable (receivable)

 

 

143,643

 

(143,643

)

 

 

 

Equity in earnings of subsidiaries

 

(68,252

)

(175,198

)

 

 

243,450

 

 

Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net

 

 

25,776

 

(62,936

)

10,340

 

 

(26,820

)

Net cash provided by continuing operating activities

 

 

144,493

 

6,934

 

10,589

 

 

162,016

 

Net cash used for discontinued operations

 

 

 

 

(9,163

)

 

(9,163

)

Net cash provided by operating activities

 

 

144,493

 

6,934

 

1,426

 

 

152,853

 

CASH FLOWS—INVESTING ACTIVITIES

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Capital expenditures

 

 

(62,445

)

(7,153

)

(1,084

)

 

(70,682

)

Payment to minority interest holder in Kate Spade

 

 

(59,400

)

 

 

 

(59,400

)

Net proceeds from sale of Kate Spade

 

 

121,469

 

 

 

 

121,469

 

Net cash used for continuing investing activities

 

 

(376

)

(7,153

)

(1,084

)

 

(8,613

)

Net cash used for discontinued operations

 

 

 

 

(128

)

 

(128

)

Net cash used for investing activities

 

 

(376

)

(7,153

)

(1,212

)

 

(8,741

)

CASH FLOWS—FINANCING ACTIVITIES

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Repayment of borrowings

 

 

(178,045

)

 

 

 

(178,045

)

Debt issuance costs paid

 

 

(758

)

 

 

 

(758

)

Proceeds from purchase of common stock

 

 

150

 

 

 

 

150

 

Net cash used for continuing financing activities

 

 

(178,653

)

 

 

 

(178,653

)

Net cash used for discontinued operations

 

 

 

 

(1,675

)

 

(1,675

)

Net cash used for financing activities

 

 

(178,653

)

 

(1,675

)

 

(180,328

)

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Decrease during the period

 

 

(34,536

)

(219

)

(1,461

)

 

(36,216

)

Beginning balance

 

 

222,308

 

986

 

1,469

 

 

224,763

 

Ending balance

 

$

 

$

187,772

 

$

767

 

$

8

 

$

 

$

188,547

 

 

24



 

15.  Condensed Consolidating Financial Information (with respect to NMG’s obligations under the 2028 Debentures)

 

All of NMG’s obligations under the 2028 Debentures are guaranteed by the Company. The guarantee by the Company is full and unconditional and joint and several. Currently, the Company’s non-guarantor subsidiaries consist principally of Bergdorf Goodman, Inc. through which NMG conducts the operations of its Bergdorf Goodman stores and NM Nevada Trust which holds legal title to certain real property and intangible assets used by NMG in conducting its operations. Previously, our non-guarantor subsidiaries also included Kate Spade LLC (prior to its sale in December 2006), which is reflected in the tables below as discontinued operations.

 

The following condensed consolidating financial information represents the financial information of Neiman Marcus, Inc. and its non-guarantor subsidiaries, prepared on the equity basis of accounting. The information is presented in accordance with the requirements of Rule 3-10 under the Securities and Exchange Commission’s Regulation S-X. The financial information may not necessarily be indicative of results of operations, cash flows or financial position had the non-guarantor subsidiaries operated as independent entities.

 

 

 

January 26, 2008

 

(in thousands)

 

Company

 

NMG

 

Non-
Guarantor
Subsidiaries

 

Eliminations

 

Consolidated

 

ASSETS

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Current assets:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents

 

$

 

$

234,321

 

$

1,426

 

$

 

$

235,747

 

Merchandise inventories

 

 

784,541

 

100,669

 

 

885,210

 

Other current assets

 

 

161,238

 

13,252

 

544

 

175,034

 

Total current assets

 

 

1,180,100

 

115,347

 

544

 

1,295,991

 

Property and equipment, net

 

 

925,987

 

138,747

 

 

1,064,734

 

Goodwill and intangible assets, net

 

 

1,922,766

 

2,190,436

 

 

4,113,202

 

Other assets

 

 

91,808

 

88

 

 

91,896

 

Investments in subsidiaries

 

1,647,834

 

2,320,138

 

 

(3,967,972

)

 

Total assets

 

$

1,647,834

 

$

6,440,799

 

$

2,444,618

 

$

(3,967,428

)

$

6,565,823

 

LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Current liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Accounts payable

 

$

 

$

235,147

 

$

45,474

 

$

544

 

$

281,165

 

Accrued liabilities

 

 

329,710

 

79,683

 

 

409,393

 

Other current liabilities

 

 

2,946

 

 

 

2,946

 

Total current liabilities

 

 

567,803

 

125,157

 

544

 

693,504

 

Long-term liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Long-term debt

 

 

2,946,004

 

 

 

2,946,004

 

Deferred income taxes

 

 

962,712

 

 

 

962,712

 

Other long-term liabilities

 

 

316,446

 

(677

)

 

315,769

 

Total long-term liabilities

 

 

4,225,162

 

(677

)

 

4,224,485

 

Total shareholders’ equity

 

1,647,834

 

1,647,834

 

2,320,138

 

(3,967,972

)

1,647,834

 

Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity

 

$

1,647,834

 

$

6,440,799

 

$

2,444,618

 

$

(3,967,428

)

$

6,565,823

 

 

25



 

 

 

July 28, 2007

 

(in thousands)

 

Company

 

NMG

 

Non-
Guarantor
Subsidiaries

 

Eliminations

 

Consolidated

 

ASSETS

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Current assets:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents

 

$

 

$

139,333

 

$

1,874

 

$

 

$

141,207

 

Merchandise inventories

 

 

821,749

 

96,520

 

 

918,269

 

Other current assets

 

 

142,632

 

12,317

 

544

 

155,493

 

Total current assets

 

 

1,103,714

 

110,711

 

544

 

1,214,969

 

Property and equipment, net

 

 

901,072

 

142,639

 

 

1,043,711

 

Goodwill and intangible assets, net

 

 

1,945,040

 

2,194,979

 

 

4,140,019

 

Other assets

 

 

102,108

 

192

 

 

102,300

 

Investments in subsidiaries

 

1,558,012

 

2,333,438

 

 

(3,891,450

)

 

Total assets

 

$

1,558,012

 

$

6,385,372

 

$

2,448,521

 

$

(3,890,906

)

$

6,500,999

 

LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Current liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Accounts payable

 

$

 

$

318,439

 

$

42,316

 

$

544

 

$

361,299

 

Accrued liabilities

 

 

329,625

 

73,537

 

 

403,162

 

Other current liabilities

 

 

3,426

 

 

 

3,426

 

Total current liabilities

 

 

651,490

 

115,853

 

544

 

767,887

 

Long-term liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Long-term debt

 

 

2,945,906

 

 

 

2,945,906

 

Deferred income taxes

 

 

1,002,982

 

 

 

1,002,982

 

Other long-term liabilities

 

 

226,982

 

(770

)

 

226,212

 

Total long-term liabilities

 

 

4,175,870

 

(770

)

 

4,175,100

 

Total shareholders’ equity

 

1,558,012

 

1,558,012

 

2,333,438

 

(3,891,450

)

1,558,012

 

Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity

 

$

1,558,012

 

$

6,385,372

 

$

2,448,521

 

$

(3,890,906

)

$

6,500,999

 

 

26



 

 

 

January 27, 2007

 

(in thousands)

 

Company

 

NMG

 

Non-
Guarantor
Subsidiaries

 

Eliminations

 

Consolidated

 

ASSETS

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Current assets:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents

 

$

 

$

187,772

 

$

775

 

$

 

$

188,547

 

Merchandise inventories

 

 

731,482

 

81,270

 

(461

)

812,291

 

Other current assets

 

 

154,994

 

14,706

 

544

 

170,244

 

Total current assets

 

 

1,074,248

 

96,751

 

83

 

1,171,082

 

Property and equipment, net

 

 

884,173

 

150,841

 

 

1,035,014

 

Goodwill and intangible assets, net

 

 

1,975,358

 

2,212,335

 

 

4,187,693

 

Other assets

 

 

115,069

 

295

 

 

115,364

 

Investments in subsidiaries

 

1,494,613

 

2,336,705

 

 

(3,831,318

)

 

Total assets

 

$

1,494,613

 

$

6,385,553

 

$

2,460,222

 

$

(3,831,235

)

$

6,509,153

 

LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Current liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Accounts payable

 

$

 

$

267,444

 

$

32,497

 

$

544

 

$

300,485

 

Accrued liabilities

 

 

344,536

 

82,449

 

 

 

426,985

 

Other current liabilities

 

 

3,425

 

 

 

3,425

 

Total current liabilities

 

 

615,405

 

114,946

 

544

 

730,895

 

Long-term liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Long-term debt

 

 

3,020,809

 

 

 

3,020,809

 

Deferred income taxes

 

 

1,033,067

 

 

 

1,033,067

 

Other long-term liabilities

 

 

221,659

 

8,110

 

 

229,769

 

Total long-term liabilities

 

 

4,275,535

 

8,110

 

 

4,283,645

 

Total shareholders’ equity

 

1,494,613

 

1,494,613

 

2,337,166

 

(3,831,779

)

1,494,613

 

Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity

 

$

1,494,613

 

$

6,385,553

 

$

2,460,222

 

$

(3,831,235

)

$

6,509,153

 

 

27



 

 

 

Thirteen weeks ended January 26, 2008

 

(in thousands)

 

Company

 

NMG

 

Non-
Guarantor
Subsidiaries

 

Eliminations

 

Consolidated

 

Revenues

 

$

 

$

1,167,217

 

$

206,638

 

$

 

$

1,373,855

 

Cost of goods sold including buying and occupancy costs (excluding depreciation)

 

 

772,879

 

140,355

 

 

913,234

 

Selling, general and administrative expenses (excluding depreciation)

 

 

255,531

 

37,041

 

 

292,572

 

Income from credit card program

 

 

(17,506

)

(1,763

)

 

(19,269

)

Depreciation expense

 

 

30,679

 

4,407

 

 

35,086

 

Amortization of customer lists and favorable lease commitments

 

 

15,060

 

2,893

 

 

17,953

 

Operating earnings

 

 

110,574

 

23,705

 

 

134,279

 

Interest expense, net

 

 

60,394

 

3

 

 

60,397

 

Intercompany royalty charges (income)

 

 

83,143

 

(83,143

)

 

 

Equity in earnings of subsidiaries

 

(44,303

)

(106,845

)

 

151,148

 

 

Earnings (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes

 

44,303

 

73,882

 

106,845

 

(151,148

)

73,882

 

Income taxes

 

 

29,579

 

 

 

29,579

 

Net earnings (loss)

 

$

44,303

 

$

44,303

 

$

106,845

 

$

(151,148

)

$

44,303

 

 

 

 

Thirteen weeks ended January 27, 2007

 

(in thousands)

 

Company

 

NMG

 

Non-
Guarantor
Subsidiaries

 

Eliminations

 

Consolidated

 

Revenues

 

$

 

$

1,103,406

 

$

192,430

 

$

 

$

1,295,836

 

Cost of goods sold including buying and occupancy costs (excluding depreciation)

 

 

720,233

 

130,025

 

 

850,258

 

Selling, general and administrative expenses (excluding depreciation)

 

 

247,458

 

36,123

 

 

283,581

 

Income from credit card program

 

 

(16,175

)

(1,755

)

 

(17,930

)

Depreciation expense

 

 

29,127

 

4,946

 

 

34,073

 

Amortization of customer lists and favorable lease commitments

 

 

15,109

 

2,941

 

 

18,050

 

Operating earnings

 

 

107,654

 

20,150

 

 

127,804

 

Interest expense, net

 

 

65,537

 

 

 

65,537

 

Intercompany royalty charges (income)

 

 

77,565

 

(77,565

)

 

 

Equity in earnings of subsidiaries

 

(41,023

)

(100,560

)

 

141,583

 

 

Earnings (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes

 

41,023

 

65,112

 

97,715

 

(141,583

)

62,267

 

Income taxes

 

 

24,089

 

 

 

24,089

 

Earnings (loss) from continuing operations

 

41,023

 

41,023

 

97,715

 

(141,583

)

38,178

 

Earnings (loss) from discontinued operations, net of taxes

 

 

 

3,765

 

(920

)

2,845

 

Net earnings (loss)

 

$

41,023

 

$

41,023

 

$

101,480

 

$

(142,503

)

$

41,023

 

 

28



 

 

 

Twenty-Six weeks ended January 26, 2008

 

(in thousands)

 

Company

 

NMG

 

Non-
Guarantor
Subsidiaries

 

Eliminations

 

Consolidated

 

Revenues

 

$

 

$

2,108,676

 

$

397,422

 

$

 

$

2,506,098

 

Cost of goods sold including buying and occupancy costs (excluding depreciation)

 

 

1,330,577

 

249,793

 

 

1,580,370

 

Selling, general and administrative expenses (excluding depreciation)

 

 

492,555

 

71,993

 

 

564,548

 

Income from credit card program

 

 

(32,941

)

(3,622

)

 

(36,563

)

Depreciation expense

 

 

60,961

 

9,260

 

 

70,221

 

Amortization of customer lists and favorable lease commitments

 

 

30,119

 

5,830

 

 

35,949

 

Other income

 

 

(32,450

)

 

 

(32,450

)

Operating earnings

 

 

259,855

 

64,168

 

 

324,023

 

Interest expense, net

 

 

121,614

 

6

 

 

121,620

 

Intercompany royalty charges (income)

 

 

155,962

 

(155,962

)

 

 

Equity in earnings of subsidiaries

 

(123,061

)

(220,124

)

 

343,185

 

 

Earnings (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes

 

123,061

 

202,403

 

220,124

 

(343,185

)

202,403

 

Income taxes

 

 

79,342

 

 

 

79,342

 

Net earnings (loss)

 

$

123,061

 

$

123,061

 

$

220,124

 

$

(343,185

)

$

123,061

 

 

 

 

Twenty-Six weeks ended January 27, 2007

 

(in thousands)

 

Company

 

NMG

 

Non-
Guarantor
Subsidiaries

 

Eliminations

 

Consolidated

 

Revenues

 

$

 

$

1,973,882

 

$

361,166

 

$

 

$

2,335,048

 

Cost of goods sold including buying and occupancy costs (excluding depreciation)

 

 

1,229,552

 

227,485

 

 

1,457,037

 

Selling, general and administrative expenses (excluding depreciation)

 

 

462,447

 

68,666

 

 

531,113

 

Income from credit card program

 

 

(30,803

)

(3,498

)

 

(34,301

)

Depreciation expense

 

 

57,555

 

9,694

 

 

67,249

 

Amortization of customer lists and favorable lease commitments

 

 

30,199

 

5,883

 

 

36,082

 

Other income

 

 

(4,210

)

 

 

(4,210

)

Operating earnings

 

 

229,142

 

52,936

 

 

282,078

 

Interest expense, net

 

 

134,354

 

 

 

134,354

 

Intercompany royalty charges (income)

 

 

143,643

 

(143,643

)

 

 

Equity in earnings of subsidiaries

 

(68,252

)

(175,198

)

 

243,450

 

 

Earnings (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes

 

68,252

 

126,343

 

196,579

 

(243,450

)

147,724

 

Income taxes

 

 

58,091

 

 

 

58,091

 

Earnings (loss) from continuing operations

 

68,252

 

68,252

 

196,579

 

(243,450

)

89,633

 

Loss from discontinued operations, net of taxes

 

 

 

(19,892

)

(1,489

)

(21,381

)

Net earnings (loss)

 

$

68,252

 

$

68,252

 

$

176,687

 

$

(244,939

)

$

68,252

 

 

29



 

 

 

Twenty-Six weeks ended January 26, 2008

 

(in thousands)

 

Company

 

NMG

 

Non-
Guarantor
Subsidiaries

 

Eliminations

 

Consolidated

 

CASH FLOWS—OPERATING ACTIVITIES

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net earnings (loss)

 

$

123,061

 

$

123,061

 

$

220,124

 

$

(343,185

)

$

123,061

 

Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to net cash provided by operating activities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Depreciation

 

 

60,961

 

9,260

 

 

70,221

 

Amortization of debt issue costs

 

 

7,109

 

 

 

7,109

 

Amortization of customer lists and favorable lease commitments

 

 

30,119

 

5,830

 

 

35,949

 

Deferred income taxes

 

 

(13,673

)

 

 

(13,673

)

Gain on curtailment of defined benefit retirement obligations

 

 

(32,450

)

 

 

 

(32,450

Other, primarily costs related to defined benefit pension and other long-term benefit plans

 

 

14,605

 

(37

)

 

14,568

 

Intercompany royalty income payable (receivable)

 

 

155,962

 

(155,962

)

 

 

Equity in earnings of subsidiaries

 

(123,061

)

(220,124

)

 

343,185

 

 

Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net

 

 

55,281

 

(75,280

)

 

(19,999

)

Net cash provided by operating activities

 

 

180,851

 

3,935

 

 

184,786

 

CASH FLOWS—INVESTING ACTIVITIES

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Capital expenditures

 

 

(83,790

)

(4,383

)

 

(88,173

)

Purchases of short-term investments

 

 

(10,000

)

 

 

(10,000

)

Sales of short-term investments

 

 

10,000

 

 

 

10,000

 

Net cash used for investing activities

 

 

(83,790

)

(4,383

)

 

(88,173

)

CASH FLOWS—FINANCING ACTIVITIES

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Repayment of borrowings

 

 

(2,073

)

 

 

(2,073

)

Net cash used for financing activities

 

 

(2,073

)

 

 

(2,073

)

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Increase (decrease) during the period

 

 

94,988

 

(448

)

 

94,540

 

Beginning balance

 

 

139,333

 

1,874

 

 

141,207

 

Ending balance

 

$

 

$

234,321

 

$

1,426

 

$

 

$

235,747

 

 

30



 

 

 

Twenty-Six weeks ended January 27, 2007

 

(in thousands)

 

Company

 

NMG

 

Non-
Guarantor
Subsidiaries

 

Eliminations

 

Consolidated

 

CASH FLOWS—OPERATING ACTIVITIES

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net earnings (loss)

 

$

68,252

 

$

68,252

 

$

176,687

 

$

(244,939

)

$

68,252

 

Loss from discontinued operations

 

 

 

19,892

 

1,489

 

21,381

 

Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to net cash provided by operating activities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Depreciation

 

 

57,555

 

9,694

 

 

67,249

 

Amortization of debt issue costs

 

 

7,033

 

 

 

7,033

 

Amortization of customer lists and favorable lease commitments

 

 

30,199

 

5,883

 

 

36,082

 

Deferred income taxes

 

 

(24,147

)

 

 

(24,147

)

Other, primarily costs related to defined benefit pension and other long-term benefit plans

 

 

11,380

 

1,606

 

 

12,986

 

Intercompany royalty income payable (receivable)

 

 

143,643

 

(143,643

)

 

 

Equity in earnings of subsidiaries

 

(68,252

)

(175,198

)

 

243,450

 

 

Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net

 

 

25,776

 

(52,596

)

 

(26,820

)

Net cash provided by continuing operating activities

 

 

144,493

 

17,523

 

 

162,016

 

Net cash used for discontinued operations

 

 

 

(9,163

)

 

(9,163

)

Net cash provided by operating activities

 

 

144,493

 

8,360

 

 

152,853

 

CASH FLOWS—INVESTING ACTIVITIES

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Capital expenditures

 

 

(62,445

)

(8,237

)

 

(70,682

)

Payment to minority interest holder in Kate Spade

 

 

(59,400

)

 

 

(59,400

)

Net proceeds from sale of Kate Spade

 

 

121,469

 

 

 

121,469

 

Net cash used for continuing investing activities

 

 

(376

)

(8,237

)

 

(8,613

)

Net cash used for discontinued operations

 

 

 

(128

)

 

(128

)

Net cash used for investing activities

 

 

(376

)

(8,365

)

 

(8,741

)

CASH FLOWS—FINANCING ACTIVITIES

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Repayment of borrowings

 

 

(178,045

)

 

 

(178,045

)

Debt issuance costs paid

 

 

(758

)

 

 

(758

)

Proceeds from purchase of common stock

 

 

150

 

 

 

150

 

Net cash used for continuing financing activities

 

 

(178,653

)

 

 

(178,653

)

Net cash used for discontinued operations

 

 

 

(1,675

)

 

(1,675

)

Net cash used for financing activities

 

 

(178,653

)

(1,675

)

 

(180,328

)

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Decrease during the period

 

 

(34,536

)

(1,680

)

 

(36,216

)

Beginning balance

 

 

222,308

 

2,455

 

 

224,763

 

Ending balance

 

$

 

$

187,772

 

$

775

 

$

 

$

188,547

 

 

31



 

ITEM 2.   MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

 

EXECUTIVE OVERVIEW

 

The following discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations should be read in conjunction with our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended July 28, 2007.  Unless otherwise specified, the meanings of all defined terms in Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (MD&A) are consistent with the meanings of such terms as defined in the Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements. This discussion contains forward-looking statements.  Please see “Forward-Looking Statements” for a discussion of the risks, uncertainties and assumptions relating to our forward-looking statements.

 

Overview

 

Neiman Marcus, Inc. (the Company), together with our operating segments and subsidiaries, is a high-end specialty retailer. Our operations include the Specialty Retail stores segment and the Direct Marketing segment. The Specialty Retail stores segment consists primarily of Neiman Marcus and Bergdorf Goodman stores. The Direct Marketing segment conducts both online and print catalog operations under the brand names of Neiman Marcus, Bergdorf Goodman and Horchow.

 

Our fiscal year ends on the Saturday closest to July 31.  All references to the second quarter of fiscal year 2008 relate to the thirteen weeks ended January 26, 2008.  All references to the second quarter of fiscal year 2007 relate to the thirteen weeks ended January 27, 2007.  All references to year-to-date fiscal 2008 relate to the twenty-six weeks ended January 26, 2008.  All references to year-to-date fiscal 2007 relate to the twenty-six weeks ended January 27, 2007.

 

Factors Affecting Our Results

 

Revenues.  We generate our revenues from the sale of high-end merchandise through our Specialty Retail stores and Direct Marketing operation. Components of our revenues include:

 

·                  Sales of merchandise—Revenues from our Specialty Retail stores are recognized at the later of the point of sale or the delivery of goods to the customer. Revenues from our Direct Marketing operation are recognized when the merchandise is delivered to the customer. We maintain reserves for anticipated sales returns primarily based on our historical trends related to returns by both our retail and direct marketing customers. Revenues exclude sales taxes collected from our customers.

 

·                  Delivery and processing—We generate revenues from delivery and processing charges related to merchandise delivered to our customers from both our retail and direct marketing operations.

 

Our revenues can be affected by the following factors:

 

·                  changes in the level of consumer spending generally and, specifically, on luxury goods;

 

·                  changes in the level of full-price sales;

 

·                  changes in the level of promotional events conducted by our Specialty Retail stores and Direct Marketing operation;

 

·                  our ability to successfully implement our store expansion and remodeling strategies;

 

·                  the rate of growth in internet revenues by our Direct Marketing operation; and

 

·                  general economic conditions.

 

In addition, our revenues are seasonal. For a description of the seasonality of our business, see “Seasonality.”

 

32



 

Cost of goods sold including buying and occupancy costs (excluding depreciation) (COGS).  COGS consists of the following components:

 

·                  Inventory costs—We utilize the retail method of accounting. Under the retail inventory method, the valuation of inventories at cost and the resulting gross margins are determined by applying a calculated cost-to-retail ratio, for various groupings of similar items, to the retail value of our inventories. Merchandise inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market. The cost of the inventory reflected on the consolidated balance sheet is decreased by charges to cost of goods sold at the time the retail value of the inventory is lowered through the use of markdowns. Hence, earnings are negatively impacted when merchandise is marked down. With the introduction of new fashions in the first and third fiscal quarters and our emphasis on full-price selling in these quarters, a lower level of markdowns and higher margins are characteristic of these quarters.

 

·                  Buying costs—Buying costs consist primarily of salaries and expenses incurred by our merchandising and buying operations.

 

·                  Occupancy costs—Occupancy costs consist primarily of rent, property taxes and operating costs of our retail, distribution and support facilities. A significant portion of our buying and occupancy costs are fixed.

 

·                  Delivery and processing costs—Delivery and processing costs consist primarily of delivery charges we pay to third-party carriers and other costs related to the fulfillment of customer orders not delivered at the point-of-sale.

 

Consistent with industry business practice, we receive allowances from certain of our vendors in support of the merchandise we purchase for resale. Certain allowances are received to reimburse us for markdowns taken or to support the gross margins that we earn in connection with the sales of the vendor’s merchandise. These allowances result in an increase to gross margin when we earn the allowances and they are approved by the vendor. Other allowances we receive represent reductions to the amounts we pay to acquire the merchandise. These allowances reduce the cost of the acquired merchandise and are recognized at the time the goods are sold.  We received vendor allowances of $55.0 million, or 2.2% of revenues, in year-to-date fiscal 2008 and $49.0 million, or 2.1% of revenues, in year-to-date fiscal 2007.

 

Changes in our COGS as a percentage of revenues are affected primarily by the following factors:

 

·                  customer acceptance of and demand for the merchandise we offer in a given season and the related impact of such factors on the level of full-price sales;

 

·                  our ability to order an appropriate amount of merchandise to match customer demand and the related impact on the level of net markdowns incurred;

 

·                  factors affecting revenues generally;

 

·                  changes in occupancy costs primarily associated with the opening of new stores or distribution facilities; and

 

·                  the amount of vendor reimbursements we receive during the fiscal year.

 

33



 

Selling, general and administrative expenses (excluding depreciation) (SG&A).  SG&A principally consists of costs related to employee compensation and benefits in the selling and administrative support areas, advertising and catalog costs and insurance expense. A significant portion of our selling, general and administrative expenses are variable in nature and are dependent on the sales we generate.

 

Advertising costs incurred by our Specialty Retail segment consist primarily of print media costs related to promotional materials mailed to our customers, while advertising costs incurred by our Direct Marketing operation relate to the production, printing and distribution of our print catalogs and the production of the photographic content on our websites, as well as online marketing costs. We receive advertising allowances from certain of our merchandise vendors. Substantially all the advertising allowances we receive represent reimbursements of direct, specific and incremental costs that we incur to promote the vendor’s merchandise in connection with our various advertising programs, primarily catalogs and other print media. As a result, these allowances are recorded as a reduction of our advertising costs when earned. Vendor allowances earned and recorded as a reduction to selling, general and administrative expenses aggregated approximately $43.9 million, or 1.7% of revenues, in year-to-date fiscal 2008 and $33.0 million, or 1.4% of revenues, in year-to-date fiscal 2007.

 

We also receive allowances from certain merchandise vendors in conjunction with compensation programs for employees who sell the vendor’s merchandise. These allowances are netted against the related compensation expense that we incur. Amounts received from vendors related to compensation programs were $36.1 million, or 1.4% of revenues, for the twenty-six weeks ended January 26, 2008 and $33.1 million, or 1.4% of revenues, for the twenty-six weeks ended January 27, 2007.

 

Changes in our selling, general and administrative expenses are affected primarily by the following factors:

 

·                  changes in the number of sales associates primarily due to new store openings and expansion of existing stores, including increased health care and related benefits expenses;

 

·                  changes in expenses incurred in connection with our advertising and marketing programs; and

 

·                  changes in expenses related to insurance and long-term benefits due to general economic conditions such as rising health care costs.

 

Income from credit card program.  Pursuant to a long-term marketing and servicing alliance with HSBC, HSBC offers credit card and non-card payment plans bearing our brands and we receive ongoing payments from HSBC based on net credit card sales and compensation for marketing and servicing activities (HSBC Program Income). We recognize HSBC Program Income when earned. In the future, the HSBC Program Income may be:

 

·                  increased or decreased based upon future changes to our historical credit card program related to, among other things, the interest rates applied to unpaid balances and the assessment of late fees; and

 

·                  decreased based upon the level of future services we provide to HSBC.

 

34



 

Seasonality

 

We conduct our selling activities in two primary selling seasons—Fall and Spring. The Fall season is comprised of our first and second fiscal quarters and the Spring season is comprised of our third and fourth fiscal quarters.

 

Our first fiscal quarter is generally characterized by a higher level of full-price selling with a focus on the initial introduction of Fall season fashions. Aggressive in-store marketing activities designed to stimulate customer buying, a lower level of markdowns and higher margins are characteristic of this quarter. The second fiscal quarter is more focused on promotional activities related to the December holiday season, the early introduction of resort season collections from certain designers and the sale of Fall season goods on a marked down basis. As a result, margins are typically lower in the second fiscal quarter. However, due to the seasonal increase in sales that occurs during the holiday season, the second fiscal quarter is typically the quarter in which our revenues are the highest and in which expenses as a percentage of revenues are the lowest. Our working capital requirements are also the greatest in the first and second fiscal quarters as a result of higher seasonal requirements.

 

Similarly, the third fiscal quarter is generally characterized by a higher level of full-price selling with a focus on the initial introduction of Spring season fashions. Aggressive in-store marketing activities designed to stimulate customer buying, a lower level of markdowns and higher margins are again characteristic of this quarter. Revenues are generally the lowest in the fourth fiscal quarter with a focus on promotional activities offering Spring season goods to the customer on a marked down basis, resulting in lower margins during the quarter. Our working capital requirements are typically lower in the third and fourth fiscal quarters than in the other quarters.

 

A large percentage of our merchandise assortment, particularly in the apparel, fashion accessories and shoe categories, is ordered months in advance of the introduction of such goods. For example, women’s apparel, men’s apparel and shoes are typically ordered six to nine months in advance of the products being offered for sale while handbags, jewelry and other categories are typically ordered three to six months in advance. As a result, inherent in the successful execution of our business plans is our ability both to predict the fashion trends that will be of interest to our customers and to anticipate future spending patterns of our customer base.

 

We monitor the sales performance of our inventories throughout each season. We seek to order additional goods to supplement our original purchasing decisions when the level of customer demand is higher than originally anticipated. However, in certain merchandise categories, particularly fashion apparel, our ability to purchase additional goods can be limited. This can result in lost sales in the event of higher than anticipated demand of the fashion goods we offer or a higher than anticipated level of consumer spending. Conversely, in the event we buy fashion goods that are not accepted by the customer or the level of consumer spending is less than we anticipated, we typically incur a higher than anticipated level of markdowns, net of vendor allowances, to sell the goods that remain at the end of the season, resulting in lower operating profits. We believe that the experience of our merchandising and selling organizations helps to minimize the inherent risk in predicting fashion trends.

 

35



 

OPERATING RESULTS

 

Performance Summary

 

The following table sets forth certain items expressed as percentages of net revenues for the periods indicated.

 

 

 

Quarter-to-Date

 

Year-to-Date

 

 

 

Thirteen
weeks ended
January 26,
2008

 

Thirteen
weeks ended
January 27,
2007

 

Twenty-Six
weeks ended
January 26,
2008

 

Twenty-Six
weeks ended
January 27,
2007

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Revenues

 

100.0

%

100.0

%

100.0

%

100.0

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cost of goods sold including buying and occupancy costs (excluding depreciation)

 

66.5

 

65.6

 

63.1

 

62.4

 

Selling, general and administrative expenses (excluding depreciation)

 

21.3

 

21.9

 

22.5

 

22.7

 

Income from credit card program

 

(1.4

)

(1.4

)

(1.5

)

(1.5

)

Depreciation expense

 

2.6

 

2.6

 

2.8

 

2.9

 

Amortization of customer lists

 

1.0

 

1.0

 

1.1

 

1.2

 

Amortization of favorable lease commitments

 

0.3

 

0.3

 

0.3

 

0.4

 

Other income

 

 

 

(1.3

)

(0.2

)

Operating earnings

 

9.8

 

9.9

 

12.9

 

12.1

 

Interest expense, net

 

4.4

 

5.1

 

4.9

 

5.8

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Earnings from continuing operations before income taxes

 

5.4

 

4.8

 

8.1

 

6.3

 

Income taxes

 

2.2

 

1.9

 

3.2

 

2.5

 

Earnings from continuing operations

 

3.2

 

2.9

 

4.9

 

3.8

 

Earnings (loss) from discontinued operations, net of taxes

 

 

0.2

 

 

(0.9

)

Net earnings

 

3.2

%

3.2

%

4.9

%

2.9

%

 

36



 

Set forth in the following table is certain summary information with respect to our operations for the periods indicated.

 

 

 

Quarter-to-Date

 

Year-to-Date

 

(dollars in millions, except sales per square foot)

 

Thirteen
weeks
ended
January 26,
2008

 

Thirteen
weeks
ended
January 27,
2007

 

Twenty-Six
weeks
ended
January 26,
2008

 

Twenty-Six
weeks
ended
January 27,
2007

 

REVENUES

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Specialty Retail stores

 

$

1,136.3

 

$

1,069.9

 

$

2,097.9

 

$

1,949.9

 

Direct Marketing

 

237.5

 

225.9

 

408.2

 

385.1

 

Total

 

$

1,373.8

 

$

1,295.8

 

$

2,506.1

 

$

2,335.0

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

OPERATING EARNINGS

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Specialty Retail stores

 

$

127.9

 

$

121.5

 

$

293.5

 

$

278.1

 

Direct Marketing

 

42.0

 

39.1

 

65.2

 

59.9

 

Subtotal

 

169.9

 

160.6

 

358.7

 

338.0

 

Corporate

 

(17.6

)

(14.7

)

(31.2

)

(24.0

)

Amortization of customer lists and favorable lease commitments

 

(18.0

)

(18.1

)

(36.0

)

(36.1

)

Other income (1)

 

 

 

32.5

 

4.2

 

Total

 

$

134.3

 

$

127.8

 

$

324.0

 

$

282.1

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

OPERATING PROFIT MARGIN

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Specialty Retail stores

 

11.3

%

11.4

%

14.0

%

14.3

%

Direct Marketing

 

17.7

%

17.3

%

16.0

%

15.6

%

Total

 

9.8

%

9.9

%

12.9

%

12.1

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CHANGE IN COMPARABLE REVENUES (2)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Specialty Retail stores

 

3.4

%

7.0

%

4.7

%

6.3

%

Direct Marketing

 

5.2

%

6.1

%

6.0

%

9.5

%

Total

 

3.7

%

6.8

%

4.9

%

6.8

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

SALES PER SQUARE FOOT

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Specialty Retail stores

 

$

190

 

$

187

 

$

353

 

$

342

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

STORE COUNT

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Neiman Marcus and Bergdorf Goodman stores:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Open at beginning of period

 

41

 

39

 

40

 

38

 

Opened during the period

 

 

 

1

 

1

 

Open at end of period

 

41

 

39

 

41

 

39

 

Clearance centers:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Open at beginning of period

 

21

 

18

 

20

 

18

 

Opened during the period

 

1

 

1

 

2

 

1

 

Open at end of period

 

22

 

19

 

22

 

19

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

NON-GAAP FINANCIAL DATA
EBITDA (3)

 

$

187.3

 

$

180.0

 

$

430.2

 

$

385.4

 

Adjusted EBITDA (3)

 

$

187.3

 

$

180.0

 

$

397.7

 

$

385.4

 

 


(1) In year-to-date fiscal 2008, other income represents a one-time pension curtailment gain of $32.5 million as a result of our decision to freeze Pension and SERP benefits as of December 31, 2007In year-to-date fiscal 2007, other income represents the proceeds we received in connection with the merger of Wedding Channel.com, in which we held a minority interest, and The Knot. We had previously reduced our carrying value in this investment to zero.

 

(2)  Comparable revenues include 1) revenues derived from our retail stores open for more than 52 weeks, including stores that have been relocated or expanded and 2) revenues from our Direct Marketing operation. Comparable revenues exclude revenues from our discontinued operations (Kate Spade LLC).

 

(3) For an explanation of EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA, see “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations — Non-GAAP Financial Measure-EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA.”

 

37



 

Fiscal Year 2008 Highlights

 

Highlights from the second quarter of fiscal year 2008 include:

 

·                  Revenues—Our revenues for the second quarter of fiscal year 2008 were $1,373.8 million, an increase of 6.0% as compared to the second quarter of fiscal year 2007. Our revenues for the year-to-date fiscal 2008 period were $2,506.1 million, an increase of 7.3% as compared to the year-to-date fiscal 2007 period. This increase was attributable to 1) increases in comparable revenues, 2) revenues from new stores and 3) higher internet revenues.

 

Comparable revenues increased 3.7% in the second quarter of fiscal year 2008 and 4.9% in the year-to-date fiscal 2008 period.  This increase in comparable revenues was achieved on top of an increase in comparable revenues of 6.8% in both the second quarter of fiscal year 2007 and the 2007 year-to-date fiscal period.

 

For Specialty Retail stores, our sales per square foot for the last twelve trailing months increased by 4.2% to $650 as of January 2008 compared to $624 as of January 2007.

 

·                  Cost of goods sold including buying and occupancy costs (excluding depreciation)—COGS represented 66.5% of revenues in the second quarter of fiscal year 2008 and 65.6% of revenues in the second quarter of fiscal year 2007.  COGS represented 63.1% of revenues in year-to-date fiscal 2008 and 62.4% of revenues in the prior year-to-date fiscal period.  These increases in COGS were due primarily to a higher level of markdowns incurred by our Specialty Retail stores due to a lower than anticipated level of demand we experienced in the Fall season.

 

·                  Selling, general and administrative expenses (excluding depreciation)—SG&A decreased in the second quarter of fiscal year 2008 to 21.3% of revenues from 21.9% of revenues in the second quarter of fiscal year 2007. SG&A represented 22.5% of revenues in the year-to-date fiscal 2008 period and 22.7% of revenues in the prior year-to-date fiscal period. These decreases in SG&A as a percentage of revenues are primarily due to 1) a lower level of marketing and advertising costs incurred in our Direct Marketing operation due to higher internet revenues and 2) lower estimated annual incentive compensation costs to be incurred in fiscal year 2008, slightly offset by 3) higher employee benefit costs.

 

·                  Operating earnings—For the second quarter of fiscal year 2008, our operating earnings were $134.3 million, or 9.8% of revenues, compared to $127.8 million, or 9.9% of revenues, in the prior year fiscal quarter.  The decrease in operating earnings of 0.1% of revenues in the second quarter of fiscal year 2008 was primarily due to the increase in COGS by 0.9% of revenues, offset by the decrease in SG&A expenses by 0.6% of revenues described above.

 

Total operating earnings in year-to-date fiscal 2008 were $324.0 million, or 12.9% of revenues, which included a curtailment gain of $32.5 million, or 1.3% of revenues.  Total operating earnings in year-to-date fiscal 2007 were $282.1 million, or 12.1% of revenues.  Excluding the curtailment gain, operating earnings margin decreased in year-to-date fiscal 2008 by 0.5% of revenues as a result of an increase in COGS by 0.7% of revenues, offset by a decrease in SG&A expenses by 0.2% of revenues.

 

38



 

Thirteen Weeks Ended January 26, 2008 Compared to Thirteen Weeks Ended January 27, 2007

 

Revenues.  Our revenues for the second quarter of fiscal year 2008 of $1,373.8 million increased $78.0 million, or 6.0%, from $1,295.8 million in the second quarter of fiscal year 2007.  The increase in revenues was due to increases in comparable revenues, revenues from new stores and higher internet revenues.  Revenues increased in the second quarter of fiscal year 2008 compared to the prior year period at all our operating companies.

 

Comparable revenues for the second quarter of fiscal year 2008 were $1,343.7 million compared to $1,295.8 million in the prior year fiscal quarter, representing an increase of 3.7%.  Comparable revenues increased in the second quarter of fiscal year 2008 by 3.4% for Specialty Retail stores and 5.2% for Direct Marketing compared to the second quarter of fiscal year 2007.  We shifted the timing of our end-of-season clearance sale for certain Specialty Retail store locations into January from February.  With the shift of the end-of-season clearance sales at certain stores into January, revenues from end-of-season clearance sales increased approximately $18 million in the second quarter of fiscal year 2008 compared to the prior year period.

 

New stores generated sales of $30.1 million in the second quarter of fiscal year 2008. In the second quarter of fiscal year 2008, internet revenues by Direct Marketing were $180.6 million, an increase of 15.9% compared to the second quarter of fiscal year 2007. The increase in internet revenues was partially offset by decreases in catalog revenues as well as a decrease in revenues from the home décor category, primarily offered by our Horchow brand.

 

Cost of goods sold including buying and occupancy costs (excluding depreciation).  COGS for the second quarter of fiscal year 2008 were 66.5% of revenues compared to 65.6% of revenues in the second quarter of fiscal year 2007.

 

The net increase in COGS as a percentage of revenues in the second quarter of fiscal year 2008 was primarily due to:

 

·                 decreased margins generated by our Specialty Retail stores of approximately 0.7% of revenues due primarily to higher markdowns and a lower level of full-price sales in the second quarter of fiscal year 2008; and

 

·                 decreased margins generated by our Direct Marketing segment of approximately 0.2% of revenues due primarily to lower margins realized on delivery and processing revenues.

 

The higher level of markdowns incurred by our Specialty Retail stores in the second quarter of fiscal year 2008 is due to a lower than anticipated level of demand we experienced during the Fall season.  As a result, we conducted various promotions in the first and second quarters to liquidate on-hand inventories held in excess of sales trends.

 

Our Direct Marketing operation continues to use discounted and/or free shipping promotions to customers consistent with promotional activities by other direct marketing retailers.

 

Selling, general and administrative expenses (excluding depreciation).  SG&A expenses were 21.3% of revenues in the second quarter of fiscal year 2008 compared to 21.9% of revenues in the prior year fiscal period.

 

The net decrease in SG&A expenses as a percentage of revenues in the second quarter of fiscal year 2008 was primarily due to:

 

·                  a decrease in marketing and advertising costs of approximately 0.4% of revenues incurred by Direct Marketing primarily due to higher internet revenues, which have a lower expense to revenue ratio than catalog revenues; and

 

·                  lower estimated annual incentive compensation costs of approximately 0.2% of revenues.

 

Income from credit card program.  We received HSBC Program Income of $19.3 million, or 1.4% of revenues, in the second quarter of fiscal year 2008 compared to $17.9 million, or 1.4% of revenues, in the second quarter of fiscal year 2007.

 

Depreciation expense.  Depreciation expense was $35.1 million, or 2.6% of revenues, in the second quarter of fiscal year 2008 compared to $34.1 million, or 2.6% of revenues, in the prior year fiscal period.

 

Amortization expense.  Amortization of intangible assets (customer lists and favorable lease commitments) aggregated $18.0 million, or 1.3% of revenues, in the second quarter of fiscal year 2008 compared to $18.1 million, or 1.3% of revenues, in the second quarter of fiscal year 2007.

 

39



 

Segment operating earnings.  Segment operating earnings for our Specialty Retail stores and Direct Marketing segments do not reflect the impact of adjustments to revalue our assets and liabilities to estimated fair value at the Acquisition date.  See Note 13 to our unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

Operating earnings for our Specialty Retail stores segment were $127.9 million, or 11.3% of Specialty Retail stores revenues, for the second quarter of fiscal year 2008 compared to $121.5 million, or 11.4% of Specialty Retail stores revenues, for the prior year fiscal period.  The decrease in operating margin as a percentage of revenues was primarily due to 1) higher markdowns and a lower level of full-price sales as a result of lower than anticipated demand, offset by 2) lower estimated annual incentive compensation costs.

 

Operating earnings for Direct Marketing increased to $42.0 million, or 17.7% of Direct Marketing revenues, in the second quarter of fiscal year 2008 from $39.1 million, or 17.3% of Direct Marketing revenues, for the prior year period.  The increases in operating earnings and operating margin for Direct Marketing were primarily the result of 1) a decrease in advertising and marketing costs, as a percentage of revenues, due to the continued growth in internet revenues, partially offset by 2) a decrease in margins realized on delivery and processing revenues.

 

Total operating earnings in the second quarter of fiscal year 2008 were $134.3 million, or 9.8% of revenues compared to $127.8 million, or 9.9% of revenues in the prior year fiscal period.  The decrease in operating earnings in the second quarter of fiscal year 2008 was primarily due to 1) the decrease in margins related to higher markdowns incurred by our Specialty Retail stores and 2) the continued use of discounted and/or free shipping promotions at Direct Marketing, partially offset by 3) decreases in SG&A expenses (primarily advertising and incentive compensation) as a percentage of revenues.

 

Interest expense, net.  Net interest expense was $60.4 million, or 4.4% of revenues, in the second quarter of fiscal year 2008 and $65.5 million, or 5.1% of revenues, for the prior year period.   The decrease in interest expense is primarily due to the repricing of our term loan in the first and third quarters of fiscal year 2007 as well as the paydown of $250 million of debt during fiscal year 2007.  The significant components of interest expense are as follows:

 

(in thousands)

 

Thirteen
weeks
ended
January 26,
2008

 

Thirteen
weeks
ended
January 27,
2007

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Senior Secured Term Loan Facility

 

$

27,806

 

$

33,068

 

2028 Debentures

 

2,181

 

2,236

 

Senior Notes

 

15,453

 

15,750

 

Senior Subordinated Notes

 

12,724

 

12,969

 

Amortization of debt issue costs

 

3,554

 

3,535

 

Other

 

842

 

941

 

Total interest expense

 

62,560

 

68,499

 

Less:

 

 

 

 

 

Interest income

 

1,433

 

2,109

 

Capitalized interest

 

730

 

853

 

Interest expense, net

 

$

60,397

 

$

65,537

 

 

Income taxes.  Our effective income tax rate for the thirteen weeks ended January 26, 2008 was 40.0% compared to 38.7% for the thirteen weeks ended January 27, 2007.  Our effective income tax rate for the second quarter of fiscal year 2008 was unfavorably impacted by a decrease in the amount of tax-exempt interest earned and increase in reserves required for uncertain tax positions.

 

We closed the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) examinations of federal tax returns for fiscal years 2004 and 2003 during the first quarter of fiscal year 2007 and paid the related tax liability during the second quarter of fiscal year 2007.   The IRS is now examining our federal tax returns for fiscal years 2005 and 2006.  We believe our recorded tax liabilities as of January 26, 2008 are sufficient to cover any potential assessments to be made by the IRS upon the completion of their examinations. We will continue to monitor the progress of the IRS examinations and review our recorded tax liabilities for potential audit assessments.  With respect to state and local jurisdictions, with limited exceptions, the Company and its subsidiaries are no longer subject to income tax audits for fiscal years before 2003.  We believe it is reasonably possible that a significant increase or decrease in the amounts of our unrecognized tax benefits could occur within the next 12 months as a result of negotiated settlements with tax authorities.  However, at this time, an estimate of the range of adjustment cannot be made.

 

40



 

Twenty-Six Weeks Ended January 26, 2008 Compared to Twenty-Six Weeks Ended January 27, 2007

 

Revenues.  Our revenues for year-to-date fiscal 2008 of $2,506.1 million increased $171.1 million, or 7.3%, from $2,335.0 million in year-to-date fiscal 2007.  The increase in revenues was due to increases in comparable revenues, revenues from new stores and higher internet revenues.  Revenues increased in year-to-date fiscal 2008 compared to the prior year period at all our operating companies.

 

Comparable revenues for the twenty-six weeks ended January 26, 2008 were $2,450.2 million compared to $2,335.0 million in the prior year fiscal period, representing an increase of 4.9%.  Comparable revenues increased in the year-to-date fiscal 2008 period by 4.7% for Specialty Retail stores and 6.0% for Direct Marketing compared to the same fiscal period of 2007.  We shifted the timing of our end-of-season clearance sale for certain Specialty Retail store locations into January from February.  With the shift of the end-of-season clearance sales at certain stores into January, revenues from end-of-season clearance sales increased approximately $18 million in year-to-date fiscal 2008 compared to the prior year.

 

New stores generated sales of $55.9 million in year-to-date fiscal 2008 and internet revenues by Direct Marketing were $304.7 million, an increase of 18.6% compared to the prior year fiscal period. The increase in internet revenues was partially offset by decreases in catalog revenues as well as a decrease in revenues from the home décor category.

 

Cost of goods sold including buying and occupancy costs (excluding depreciation).  COGS for year-to-date fiscal 2008 were 63.1% of revenues compared to 62.4% of revenues for year-to-date fiscal 2007.

 

The net increase in COGS as a percentage of revenues in year-to-date fiscal 2008 was primarily due to:

 

·                 decreased margins generated by our Specialty Retail stores of approximately 0.5% of revenues due primarily to higher markdowns and a lower level of full-price sales in year-to-date fiscal 2008; and

 

·                 decreased margins generated by our Direct Marketing segment of approximately 0.2% of revenues due primarily to lower margins realized on delivery and processing revenues.

 

The higher level of markdowns incurred by our Specialty Retail stores in year-to-date fiscal 2008 is due to a lower than anticipated level of demand we experienced during the Fall season.  As a result, we conducted various promotions in the first and second quarters to liquidate on-hand inventories held in excess of sales trends.

 

Our Direct Marketing operation continues to use discounted and/or free shipping promotions to customers consistent with promotional activities by other direct marketing retailers.

 

Selling, general and administrative expenses (excluding depreciation).  SG&A expenses were 22.5% of revenues in year-to-date fiscal 2008 compared to 22.7% of revenues in the prior year fiscal period.

 

The net decrease in SG&A expenses as a percentage of revenues in year-to-date fiscal 2008 was primarily due to:

 

·                  a decrease in marketing and advertising costs of approximately 0.3% of revenues incurred by Direct Marketing primarily due to higher internet revenues, which have a lower expense to revenue ratio than catalog revenues; and

 

·                  lower estimated annual incentive compensation costs of approximately 0.3% of revenues.

 

These decreases in SG&A expenses, as a percentage of revenues, were partially offset by:

 

·                  a higher level of advertising and promotions costs of approximately 0.2% of revenues incurred by our Specialty Retail stores during fiscal year 2008 in connection with 1) the celebration of the 100th anniversary of Neiman Marcus in October 2007 and 2) promotional events and activities conducted to facilitate the sell-through of on-hand inventories held in excess of sales trends; and

 

·                  higher employee benefit costs of approximately 0.2% of revenues.

 

Income from credit card program.  We received HSBC Program Income of $36.6 million, or 1.5% of revenues, in the year-to-date fiscal 2008 compared to $34.3 million, or 1.5% of revenues, in year-to-date fiscal 2007.

 

41



 

Depreciation expense.  Depreciation expense was $70.2 million, or 2.8% of revenues, in year-to-date fiscal 2008 compared to $67.2 million, or 2.9% of revenues, in the prior year fiscal period.

 

Amortization expense.  Amortization of intangible assets (customer lists and favorable lease commitments) aggregated $36.0 million, or 1.4% of revenues, in year-to-date fiscal 2008 compared to $36.1 million, or 1.6% of revenues, in year-to-date fiscal 2007.

 

Other income. In the first quarter of fiscal year 2008, we recorded a one-time pension curtailment gain of $32.5 million, or 1.3% of revenues, as a result of our decision to freeze Pension and SERP benefits as of December 31, 2007.

 

In the first quarter of fiscal year 2007, we received consideration aggregating $4.2 million, or 0.2% of revenues, in connection with the merger of Wedding Channel.com, in which we held a minority interest, and The Knot. We accounted for our investment in Wedding Channel.com under the cost method. In prior years, we had previously reduced our carrying value of this investment to zero.

 

Segment operating earnings.  Segment operating earnings for our Specialty Retail stores and Direct Marketing segments do not reflect the impact of adjustments to revalue our assets and liabilities to estimated fair value at the Acquisition date.  See Note 13 to our unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

Operating earnings for our Specialty Retail stores segment were $293.5 million, or 14.0% of Specialty Retail stores revenues, for the twenty-six weeks ended January 26, 2008 compared to $278.1 million, or 14.3% of Specialty Retail stores revenues, for the prior year fiscal period.  The decrease in operating margin as a percentage of revenues was primarily due to 1) higher markdowns and a lower level of full-price sales as a result of lower than anticipated demand and 2) net increases in advertising and promotion costs, offset by 3) lower estimated annual incentive compensation costs.

 

Operating earnings for Direct Marketing increased to $65.2 million, or 16.0% of Direct Marketing revenues, in year-to-date fiscal 2008 from $59.9 million, or 15.6% of Direct Marketing revenues, for the prior year fiscal period.  The increases in operating earnings and operating margin for Direct Marketing were primarily the result of 1) a decrease in advertising and marketing costs, as a percentage of revenues, due to the continued growth in internet revenues, partially offset by 2) a decrease in margins realized on delivery and processing revenues.

 

Total operating earnings in year-to-date fiscal 2008 were $324.0 million, or 12.9% of revenues, which included a curtailment gain of $32.5 million, or 1.3% of revenues.  Total operating earnings in year-to-date fiscal 2007 were $282.1 million, or 12.1% of revenues.  Excluding the curtailment gain, operating earnings margin decreased in year-to-date fiscal 2008 by 0.5% of revenues as a result of 1) an increase in COGS by 0.7% of revenues due primarily to higher markdowns at Specialty Retail stores and the continued use of discounted and/or free shipping promotions at Direct Marketing, offset by 2) a decrease in SG&A expenses by 0.2% of revenues (primarily advertising and marketing and incentive compensation).

 

42



 

Interest expense, net.  Net interest expense was $121.6 million, or 4.9% of revenues, in year-to-date fiscal 2008 and $134.4 million, or 5.8% of revenues, for the prior year fiscal period.   The decrease in interest expense is primarily due to the repricing of our term loan as well as the paydown of $250 million of debt during fiscal year 2007.  The significant components of interest expense are as follows:

 

(in thousands)

 

Twenty-Six
weeks
ended
January 26,
2008

 

Twenty-Six
weeks
ended
January 27,
2007

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Senior Secured Term Loan Facility

 

$

55,782

 

$

68,771

 

2028 Debentures

 

4,365

 

4,462

 

Senior Notes

 

30,906

 

31,500

 

Senior Subordinated Notes

 

25,448

 

25,937

 

Amortization of debt issue costs

 

7,109

 

7,033

 

Other

 

1,674

 

1,980

 

Total interest expense

 

125,284

 

139,683

 

Less:

 

 

 

 

 

Interest income

 

2,288

 

3,751

 

Capitalized interest

 

1,376

 

1,578

 

Interest expense, net

 

$

121,620

 

$

134,354

 

 

Income taxes.  Our effective income tax rate for the twenty-six weeks ended January 26, 2008 was 39.2% compared to 39.3% for the twenty-six weeks ended January 27, 2007.

 

We closed the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) examinations of federal tax returns for fiscal years 2004 and 2003 during the first quarter of fiscal year 2007 and paid the related tax liability during the second quarter of fiscal year 2007.   The IRS is now examining our federal tax returns for fiscal years 2005 and 2006.  We believe our recorded tax liabilities as of January 26, 2008 are sufficient to cover any potential assessments to be made by the IRS upon the completion of their examinations. We will continue to monitor the progress of the IRS examinations and review our recorded tax liabilities for potential audit assessments.  With respect to state and local jurisdictions, with limited exceptions, the Company and its subsidiaries are no longer subject to income tax audits for fiscal years before 2003.  We believe it is reasonably possible that a significant increase or decrease in the amounts of our unrecognized tax benefits could occur within the next 12 months as a result of negotiated settlements with tax authorities.  However, at this time, an estimate of the range of adjustment cannot be made.

 

We adopted the provisions of FASB Interpretation No. 48, “Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes” (FIN 48) in the first quarter of fiscal year 2008.  The cumulative effect of adopting FIN 48 resulted in a net increase to our accruals for uncertain tax positions of $9.1 million for the derecognition of certain tax benefits. This increase to our accruals was offset by a corresponding increase to goodwill as these uncertainties existed at the time of the Acquisition.

 

Non-GAAP Financial Measure – EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA

 

We present the non-GAAP financial measure EBITDA and adjusted EBITDA because we use these measures to monitor and evaluate the performance of our business and believe the presentation of these measures will enhance investors’ ability to analyze trends in our business, evaluate our performance relative to other companies in our industry and evaluate our ability to service our debt.  In addition, we use EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA as components of the measurement of incentive compensation.

 

EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA are not presentations made in accordance with GAAP and our computation of EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA may vary from others in our industry.  In addition, EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA contain some, but not all, adjustments that are taken into account in the calculation of the components of various covenants in the indentures governing NMG’s senior secured Asset-Based Revolving Credit Facility, Senior Secured Term Loan Facility, Senior Notes and Senior Subordinated Notes.  EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA should not be considered as alternatives to operating earnings or net earnings as measures of operating performance or cash flows as measures of liquidity.  EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA have important limitations as analytical tools and should not be considered in isolation, or as a substitute for analysis of our results as reported under GAAP.  For example, EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA:

 

43



 

·                  do not reflect our cash expenditures, or future requirements, for capital expenditures or contractual commitments;

 

·                  do not reflect changes in, or cash requirements for, our working capital needs;

 

·                  do not reflect our considerable interest expense, or the cash requirements necessary to service interest or principal payments, on our debt;

 

·                  exclude tax payments that represent a reduction in cash available; and

 

·                  do not reflect any cash requirements for assets being depreciated and amortized that may have to be replaced in the future.

 

The following table reconciles earnings from continuing operations as reflected in our consolidated statements of earnings prepared in accordance with GAAP to EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA:

 

 

 

Quarter-to-Date

 

Year-to-Date

 

(dollars in millions)

 

Thirteen
weeks
ended
January 26,
2008

 

Thirteen
weeks
ended
January 27,
2007

 

Twenty-Six
weeks
ended
January 26,
2008

 

Twenty-Six
weeks
ended
January 27,
2007

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Earnings from continuing operations

 

$

44.3

 

$

38.2

 

$

123.1

 

$

89.6

 

Income taxes

 

29.5

 

24.1

 

79.3

 

58.1

 

Interest expense, net

 

60.4

 

65.5

 

121.6

 

134.4

 

Depreciation

 

35.1

 

34.1

 

70.2

 

67.2

 

Amortization of customer lists and favorable lease commitments

 

18.0

 

18.1

 

36.0

 

36.1

 

EBITDA (1)

 

187.3

 

180.0

 

430.2

 

385.4

 

Non-cash gain on curtailment of defined benefit retirement obligations (1)

 

 

 

(32.5

)

 

Adjusted EBITDA

 

$

187.3

 

$

180.0

 

$

397.7

 

$

385.4

 

 


(1)          For year-to-date fiscal 2008, operating earnings and EBITDA include a one-time pension curtailment gain of $32.5 million as a result of our decision to freeze Pension and SERP benefits.

 

Inflation and Deflation

 

We believe changes in revenues and net earnings that have resulted from inflation or deflation have not been material during the periods presented. In recent years, we have experienced certain inflationary conditions related to 1) increases in product costs due primarily to changes in foreign currency exchange rates that have reduced the purchasing power of the U.S. dollar and 2) increases in SG&A. We purchase a substantial portion of our inventory from foreign suppliers whose costs are affected by the fluctuation of their local currency against the dollar or who price their merchandise in currencies other than the dollar. Fluctuations in the Euro-U.S. dollar exchange rate affect us most significantly; however, we source goods from numerous countries and thus are affected by changes in numerous currencies and, generally, by fluctuations in the U.S. dollar relative to such currencies. Accordingly, changes in the value of the dollar relative to foreign currencies may increase our cost of goods sold and if we are unable to pass such cost increases to our customers, our gross margins, and ultimately our earnings, would decrease. Foreign currency fluctuations could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations in the future. We attempt to offset the effects of inflation through price increases and control of expenses, although our ability to increase prices may be limited by competitive factors. We attempt to offset the effects of merchandise deflation, which has occurred on a limited basis in recent years, through control of expenses. There is no assurance, however, that inflation or deflation will not materially affect our operations in the future.

 

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LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

 

Our cash requirements consist principally of:

 

·                  the funding of our merchandise purchases;

 

·                  capital expenditures for new store construction, store renovations and upgrades of our management information systems;

 

·                  debt service requirements;

 

·                  income tax payments; and

 

·                  obligations related to our Pension Plan.

 

Our primary sources of short-term liquidity are comprised of cash on hand and availability under our Asset-Based Revolving Credit Facility. The amounts of cash on hand and borrowings under the Asset-Based Revolving Credit Facility are influenced by a number of factors, including revenues, working capital levels, vendor terms, the level of capital expenditures, cash requirements related to financing instruments and debt service obligations, Pension Plan funding obligations and our tax payment obligations, among others.

 

Our working capital requirements fluctuate during the fiscal year, increasing substantially during the first and second quarters of each fiscal year as a result of higher seasonal levels of inventories.  We have typically financed the increases in working capital needs during the first and second fiscal quarters with cash flows from operations and, to a lesser extent, with cash provided from borrowings under our credit facilities. In the year-to-date periods of both fiscal 2008 and 2007, we have made no borrowings under our Asset-Based Revolving Credit Facility.

 

We believe that operating cash flows, available vendor financing and amounts available pursuant to our senior secured Asset-Based Revolving Credit Facility will be sufficient to fund our operations, anticipated capital expenditure requirements, debt service obligations, contractual obligations and commitments and Pension Plan funding requirements through the end of fiscal year 2008.

 

At January 26, 2008, cash and cash equivalents were $235.7 million compared to $188.5 million at January 27, 2007. Net cash provided by operating activities was $184.8 million year-to-date fiscal 2008 compared to net cash provided by operating activities of $152.9 million year-to-date fiscal 2007. Cash flows provided by operating activities were higher year-to-date fiscal 2008 than in the prior year fiscal period primarily due to 1) a $14.0 million decrease in pretax cash interest requirements on indebtedness incurred in connection with the Acquisition and 2) $16.4 million increase in developer construction allowances received.

 

Net cash used for investing activities, representing capital expenditures, was $88.2 million year-to-date fiscal 2008.  Net cash used for investing activities was $8.7 million year-to-date fiscal 2007 which consisted of 1) capital expenditures of $70.7 million, 2) $121.5 million received from Liz Claiborne, Inc. for the sale of Kate Spade and 3) the purchase of the minority interest held in Kate Spade for $59.4 million.

 

We incurred capital expenditures in fiscal 2008 related to the construction of new stores in Natick and Topanga (the greater Los Angeles area) and the remodel of our Atlanta store. We incurred capital expenditures in fiscal 2007 related to the construction of new stores in Charlotte, Austin and Natick and the remodels of our Houston, San Francisco and Atlanta stores. We opened our Charlotte store in September 2006, our Austin store in March 2007 and our Natick store in September 2007.  We expect to open the Topanga store in Fall 2008. We currently project capital expenditures for fiscal year 2008 to be approximately $185 to $195 million.

 

Net cash used for financing activities was $2.1 million year-to-date fiscal 2008 as compared to net cash used for financing activities of $180.3 million year-to-date fiscal 2007.  In year-to-date fiscal 2007, we voluntarily repaid $175.0 million principal amount of the loans under the Senior Secured Term Loan Facility.

 

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Financing Structure at January 26, 2008

 

Our major sources of funds are comprised of vendor financing, a $600.0 million Asset-Based Revolving Credit Facility, $1,625.0 million Senior Secured Term Loan Facility, $700.0 million Senior Notes, $500.0 million Senior Subordinated Notes, $125.0 million 2028 Debentures and operating leases.

 

Senior Secured Asset-Based Revolving Credit Facility.  NMG’s senior secured Asset-Based Revolving Credit Facility provides financing of up to $600.0 million, subject to a borrowing base equal to at any time the lesser of 80% of eligible inventory (valued at the lower of cost or market value) and 85% of net orderly liquidation value of the eligible inventory, less certain reserves. As of January 26, 2008, NMG had $576.1 million of unused borrowing availability under the Asset-Based Revolving Credit Facility based on a borrowing base of over $600.0 million and after giving effect to $23.9 million used for letters of credit.

 

See Note 4 of our Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 1 for a further description of the terms of the Asset-Based Revolving Credit Facility.

 

Senior Secured Term Loan Facility.  In October 2005, NMG entered into a credit agreement and related security and other agreements for a $1,975.0 million Senior Secured Term Loan Facility.  NMG voluntarily repaid $100.0 million principal amount of its loans under the Senior Secured Term Loan Facility in fiscal year 2006 and $250 million in fiscal year 2007.

 

At January 26, 2008, borrowings under the Senior Secured Term Loan Facility bore interest at a rate per annum equal to, at NMG’s option, either (a) a base rate determined by reference to the higher of (1) the prime rate of Credit Suisse and (2) the federal funds effective rate plus 1/2 of 1% or (b) a LIBOR rate, subject to certain adjustments, in each case plus an applicable margin. At January 26, 2008, the applicable margin with respect to base rate borrowings was 0.75% and the applicable margin with respect to LIBOR borrowings was 1.75%. The interest rate on the outstanding borrowings pursuant to the Senior Secured Term Loan Facility was 6.69% at January 26, 2008.

 

See Note 4 of our Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 1 for a further description of the terms of the Senior Secured Term Loan Facility.

 

2028 Debentures.  In May 1998, NMG issued $125.0 million aggregate principal amount of its 7.125% 2028 Debentures.

 

See Note 4 of our Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 1 for a further description of the terms of the 2028 Debentures.

 

Senior Notes.  NMG has $700.0 million aggregate original principal amount of 9.0% / 9.75% Senior Notes under a senior indenture (Senior Indenture).  NMG’s Senior Notes mature on October 15, 2015.

 

See Note 4 of our Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 1 for a further description of the terms of the Senior Notes.

 

Senior Subordinated Notes.  NMG has $500.0 million aggregate principal amount of 10.375% Senior Subordinated Notes under a senior subordinated indenture (Senior Subordinated Indenture).  NMG’s Senior Subordinated Notes mature on October 15, 2015.

 

See Note 4 of our Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 1 for a further description of the terms of the Senior Subordinated Notes.

 

Interest Rate Swaps.  NMG uses derivative financial instruments to help manage its interest rate risk. Effective December 6, 2005, NMG entered into floating to fixed interest rate swap agreements for an aggregate notional amount of $1,000.0 million to limit its exposure to interest rate increases related to a portion of its floating rate indebtedness. The interest rate swap agreements terminate after five years.  At January 26, 2008, the fair value of NMG’s interest rate swap agreements was a loss of approximately $49.5 million, which amount is included in other long-term liabilities.

 

As of the effective date, NMG designated the interest rate swaps as cash flow hedges. As a result, changes in the fair value of NMG’s swaps are recorded subsequent to the effective date as a component of other comprehensive income.

 

As a result of the swap agreements, NMG’s effective fixed interest rates as to the $1,000.0 million in floating rate indebtedness will currently range from 6.508% to 6.733% per quarter through 2010 and result in an average fixed rate of 6.592%.

 

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OTHER MATTERS

 

Factors That May Affect Future Results

 

Matters discussed in MD&A include forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements generally can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as “may,” “plan,” “predict,” “expect,” “estimate,” “intend,” “would,” “could,” “should,” “anticipate,” “believe,” “project” or “continue.” We make these forward-looking statements based on our expectations and beliefs concerning future events, as well as currently available data. These forward-looking statements involve a number of risks and uncertainties and, therefore, are not guarantees of future performance. A variety of factors could cause our actual results to differ materially from the anticipated or expected results expressed in our forward-looking statements. Factors that could affect future performance include, but are not limited, to:

 

Political and General Economic Conditions

 

·                  current political and general economic conditions or changes in such conditions including relationships between the United States and the countries from which we source our merchandise;

 

·                  terrorist activities in the United States and elsewhere;

 

·                  political, social, economic, or other events resulting in the short- or long-term disruption in business at our stores, distribution centers or offices;

 

Customer Demographic Issues

 

·                  changes in the demographic or retail environment;

 

·                  changes in consumer confidence resulting in a reduction of discretionary spending on goods;

 

·                  changes in consumer preferences or fashion trends;

 

·                  changes in our relationships with key customers;

 

·                  changes in our proprietary credit card arrangement that adversely impact the ability to provide credit to our customers;

 

Merchandise Procurement and Supply Chain Considerations

 

·                  changes in our relationships with designers, vendors and other sources of merchandise, including adverse changes in their financial viability;

 

·                  delays in receipt of merchandise ordered due to work stoppages or other causes of delay in connection with either the manufacture or shipment of such merchandise;

 

·                  changes in foreign currency exchange or inflation rates;

 

·                  significant increases in paper, printing and postage costs;

 

Industry and Competitive Factors

 

·                  competitive responses to our loyalty programs, marketing, merchandising and promotional efforts or inventory liquidations by vendors or other retailers;

 

·                  seasonality of the retail business;

 

·                  adverse weather conditions or natural disasters, particularly during peak selling seasons;

 

·                  delays in anticipated store openings and renovations;

 

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·                  our success in enforcing our intellectual property rights;

 

Employee Considerations

 

·                  changes in key management personnel and our ability to retain key management personnel;

 

·                  changes in our relationships with certain of our key sales associates and our ability to retain our key sales associates;

 

Legal and Regulatory Issues

 

·                  changes in government or regulatory requirements increasing our costs of operations;

 

·                  litigation that may have an adverse effect on our financial results or reputation;

 

Leverage Considerations

 

·                  the effects of incurring a substantial amount of indebtedness under our senior secured credit facilities and our senior notes and senior subordinated notes;

 

·                  the effects upon us of complying with the covenants contained in our senior secured credit facilities and the indentures governing our senior notes and senior subordinated notes; and

 

·                  restrictions the terms and conditions of the indebtedness under our senior secured credit facilities may place on our ability to respond to changes in our business or to take certain actions.

 

Other Factors

 

·                  impact of funding requirements related to our noncontributory defined benefit pension plan;

 

·                  the design and implementation of new information systems as well as enhancements of existing systems; and

 

·                  other risks, uncertainties and factors set forth in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, including those set forth in Item 1A, “Risk Factors”.

 

The foregoing factors are not exhaustive, and new factors may emerge or changes to the foregoing factors may occur that could impact our business. Except to the extent required by law, we undertake no obligation to update or revise (publicly or otherwise) any forward-looking statements to reflect subsequent events, new information or future circumstances.

 

Critical Accounting Policies

 

The preparation of condensed consolidated financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles requires us to make estimates and assumptions about future events.  These estimates and assumptions affect amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses and the disclosure of gain and loss contingencies at the date of the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.  Our current estimates are subject to change if different assumptions as to the outcome of future events were made.  We evaluate our estimates and judgments on an ongoing basis and predicate those estimates and judgments on historical experience and on various other factors that we believe are reasonable under the circumstances.  We make adjustments to our assumptions and judgments when facts and circumstances dictate.  Since future events and their effects cannot be determined with absolute certainty, actual results may differ from the estimates we used in preparing the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

See Note 1 of the Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 1 for a summary of our critical accounting policies.  A complete description of our critical accounting policies is included in our Annual Report to Shareholders on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended July 28, 2007.

 

Recent Accounting Pronouncements.  In September 2006, the FASB issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 157, “Fair Value Measurements” (SFAS 157), which provides guidance for using fair value to measure certain assets and liabilities.  SFAS 157 will apply whenever another standard requires or permits assets or liabilities to be measured at fair

 

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value.  The standard does not expand the use of fair value to any new circumstances.  SFAS 157 is effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007, or our fiscal year ending August 1, 2009.  We have not yet evaluated the impact, if any, of adopting SFAS 157 on our consolidated financial statements.

 

In February 2007, the FASB issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 159, “The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities” (SFAS 159).  SFAS 159 expands opportunities to use fair value measurement in financial reporting and permits entities to choose to measure many financial instruments and certain other items at fair value.  This Statement is effective for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007, or our fiscal year ending August 1, 2009.  We have not yet evaluated the impact, if any, of adopting SFAS 159 on our consolidated financial statements.

 

ITEM 3.  QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

 

The market risk inherent in the Company’s financial instruments represents the potential loss arising from adverse changes in interest rates. The Company does not enter into derivative financial instruments for trading purposes. The Company seeks to manage exposure to adverse interest rate changes through its normal operating and financing activities. The Company is exposed to interest rate risk through its borrowing activities, which are described in Note 4 to the condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

As of January 26, 2008, NMG had no borrowings outstanding under its Asset-Based Revolving Credit Facility that bears interest at floating rates. Future borrowings under NMG’s Asset-Based Revolving Facility, to the extent of outstanding borrowings, would be affected by interest rate changes.

 

At January 26, 2008, NMG had $1,625.0 million of debt under its Senior Secured Term Loan Facility issued in connection with the Acquisition that bears interest at floating rates.

 

NMG uses derivative financial instruments to help manage its interest rate risk.  Effective December 6, 2005, NMG  entered into floating to fixed interest rate swap agreements for an aggregate notional amount of $1,000.0 million to limit its exposure to interest rate increases related to a portion of its floating rate indebtedness. The interest rate swap agreements terminate after five years.  As a result of the swap agreements, NMG’s effective fixed interest rates as to the $1,000.0 million in floating rate indebtedness will currently range from 6.508% to 6.733% per quarter through 2010 and result in an average fixed rate of 6.592%. With respect to outstanding borrowings in excess of $1,000.0 million on the Senior Secured Term Loan Facility, such borrowings are at floating rates.  A 1% increase in these floating rates would increase annual interest expense by approximately $6.3 million.

 

The effects of changes in the U.S. equity and bond markets serve to increase or decrease the value of pension plan assets, resulting in increased or decreased cash funding by the Company. The Company seeks to manage exposure to adverse equity and bond returns by maintaining diversified investment portfolios and utilizing professional investment managers.

 

ITEM 4.  CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

 

a.  Disclosure Controls and Procedures.

 

In accordance with Exchange Act Rules 13a-15 and 15d-15, we carried out an evaluation as of January 26, 2008, under the supervision and with the participation of our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as well as other key members of our management, of the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) and Rule 15d-15(e) under the Exchange Act). Based on that evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective to provide reasonable assurance that information required to be disclosed in our reports filed or submitted under the Exchange Act is recorded, accumulated, processed, summarized, reported and communicated on a timely basis within the time periods specified in the Securities and Exchange Commission’s rules and forms.

 

b.  Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting.

 

In the ordinary course of business, we routinely enhance our information systems by either upgrading our current systems or implementing new systems. No change occurred in our internal controls over financial reporting during the quarter ended January 26, 2008 that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal controls over financial reporting.

 

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NEIMAN MARCUS, INC.

 

PART II

 

ITEM 1.           LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

 

On February 14, 2008, we filed a lawsuit in the 160th District Court of Dallas County, Texas against HSBC Bank Nevada, N.A. and HSBC Private Label Corporation (collectively, “HSBC”) alleging a breach by HSBC of our existing Credit Card Program Agreement (the “Program Agreement”) as well as other claims, and we asked for a temporary restraining order and other injunctive relief. Subsequent to the granting of the temporary restraining order by the Court, we have negotiated and executed a letter of intent with HSBC related to certain proposed amendments to the Program Agreement. These proposed amendments will, among other things, provide for 1) the allocation between HSBC and the Company of additional income, if any, to be generated from our credit card program as a result of certain changes made to the Program Agreement, and 2) the allocation of certain credit losses between HSBC and the Company. We expect to execute the proposed amendments in the third quarter of fiscal year 2008. We do not currently believe either the filing of this lawsuit or the proposed amendments to the Program Agreement will have a material impact on the level of future program income we will earn under the Program Agreement.

 

Note 11 of the Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements in Part I, Item 1 is incorporated herein by reference as if fully restated herein.  Note 11 contains forward-looking statements that are subject to the risks and uncertainties discussed in “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations — Factors That May Affect Future Results.”

 

ITEM 1A.        RISK FACTORS

 

Risks Related to Our Structure and NMG’s Indebtedness

 

Because our ownership of NMG accounts for substantially all of our assets and operations, we are subject to all risks applicable to NMG.

 

We are a holding company.  NMG and its subsidiaries conduct substantially all of our consolidated operations and own substantially all of our consolidated assets.  As a result, we are subject to all risks applicable to NMG.  In addition, NMG’s Asset-Based Revolving Credit Facility, NMG’s Senior Secured Term Loan Facility and the indentures governing NMG’s senior notes and senior subordinated notes contain provisions limiting NMG’s ability to distribute earnings to us, in the form of dividends or otherwise.

 

NMG has a substantial amount of indebtedness, which may adversely affect NMG’s cash flow and its ability to operate the business, to comply with debt covenants and make payments on its indebtedness.

 

We are highly leveraged.  As of January 26, 2008, the principal amount of NMG’s total indebtedness was approximately $2,953.7 million and the unused borrowing availability under the $600 million Asset-Based Revolving Credit Facility was approximately $576.1 million after giving effect to $23.9 million of letters of credit outstanding thereunder.  NMG’s substantial indebtedness, combined with its lease and other financial obligations and contractual commitments, could have other important consequences. For example, it could:

 

·                  make it more difficult for NMG to satisfy its obligations with respect to its indebtedness and any failure to comply with the obligations of any of its debt instruments, including restrictive covenants and borrowing conditions, could result in an event of default under the agreements governing NMG’s indebtedness;

 

·                  make NMG more vulnerable to adverse changes in general economic, industry and competitive conditions and adverse changes in government regulation;

 

·                  require NMG to dedicate a substantial portion of its cash flow from operations to payments on its indebtedness, thereby reducing the availability of cash flows to fund working capital, capital expenditures, acquisitions and other general corporate purposes;

 

·                  limit NMG’s flexibility in planning for, or reacting to, changes in NMG’s business and the industry in which it operates;

 

50



 

·                  place NMG at a competitive disadvantage compared to its competitors that are less highly leveraged and therefore may be able to take advantage of opportunities that its leverage prevents it from exploiting; and

 

·                  limit NMG’s ability to borrow additional amounts for working capital, capital expenditures, acquisitions, debt service requirements, execution of its business strategy or other purposes.

 

Any of the above listed factors could materially adversely affect NMG’s business, financial condition and results of operations.

 

In addition, NMG’s interest expense could increase if interest rates increase because the entire amount of the indebtedness under the senior secured credit facilities bears interest at floating rates.   As of January 26, 2008, NMG had approximately $1,625.0 million principal amount of floating rate debt, consisting of outstanding borrowings under Senior Secured Term Loan Facility.  NMG also had at that date approximately $576.1 million of unused floating rate debt borrowing capacity available under the Asset-Based Revolving Credit Facility based on a borrowing base of over $600.0 million at that date and after giving effect to $23.9 million used for letters of credit.  Effective December 6, 2005, NMG entered into floating to fixed interest rate swap agreements for an aggregate notional amount of $1,000.0 million to limit its exposure to interest rate increases related to a portion of its floating rate indebtedness.

 

To service NMG’s indebtedness, it will require a significant amount of cash. NMG’s ability to generate cash depends on many factors beyond its control, and any failure to meet the its debt service obligations could harm its business, financial condition and results of operations.

 

NMG’s ability to pay interest on and principal of the debt obligations will primarily depend upon NMG’s future operating performance. As a result, prevailing economic conditions and financial, business and other factors, many of which are beyond our control, will affect its ability to make these payments.

 

If NMG does not generate sufficient cash flow from operations to satisfy the debt service obligations, NMG may have to undertake alternative financing plans, such as refinancing or restructuring its indebtedness, selling assets, reducing or delaying capital investments or seeking to raise additional capital.  Our ability to restructure or refinance its debt will depend on the condition of the capital markets and our financial condition at such time.  Any refinancing of NMG’s debt could be at higher interest rates and may require it to comply with more onerous covenants, which could further restrict its business operations.  The terms of existing or future debt instruments may restrict NMG from adopting some of these alternatives.  In addition, any failure to make payments of interest and principal on NMG’s outstanding indebtedness on a timely basis would likely result in a reduction of NMG’s credit rating, which could harm its ability to incur additional indebtedness on acceptable terms.

 

Contractual limitations on NMG’s ability to execute any necessary alternative financing plans could exacerbate the effects of any failure to generate sufficient cash flow to satisfy its debt service obligations.  The Asset-Based Revolving Credit Facility permits NMG to borrow up to $600.0 million; however, NMG’s ability to borrow thereunder is limited by a borrowing base, which at any time will equal the lesser of 80% of eligible inventory valued at the lower of cost or market value and 85% of the net orderly liquidation value of the eligible inventory, less certain reserves.  In addition, our ability to borrow under this facility is limited by a minimum liquidity condition, providing that, if less than $60.0 million is available at any time, NMG is not permitted to borrow any additional amounts under the Asset-Based Revolving Credit Facility unless NMG’s pro forma ratio of consolidated EBITDA to consolidated Fixed Charges (as such terms are defined in the credit agreement for the senior secured asset-based revolving credit facility) is at least 1.1 to 1.0.  Our ability to meet this financial ratio may be affected by events beyond our control which may prevent us from meeting this ratio.

 

NMG’s inability to generate sufficient cash flow to satisfy its debt service obligations, or to refinance its obligations at all or on commercially reasonable terms, would have an adverse effect, which could be material, on NMG’s business, financial condition and results of operations.

 

The terms of NMG’s Asset-Based Revolving Credit Facility and Senior Secured Term Loan Facility and the indentures governing the Senior Notes, the Senior Subordinated Notes and the 2028 Debentures may restrict NMG’s current and future operations, particularly its ability to respond to changes in its business or to take certain actions.

 

The credit agreements governing NMG’s Asset-Based Revolving Credit Facility and Senior Secured Term Loan Facility credit facilities and the indentures governing the Senior Notes, the Senior Subordinated Notes and the 2028 Debentures contain, and any future indebtedness of NMG would likely contain, a number of restrictive covenants that impose significant operating and financial restrictions, including restrictions on NMG’s ability to engage in acts that may be in its best long-term interests. The indentures governing the Senior Notes, the Senior Subordinated Notes and the 2028 Debentures and the credit agreements governing the senior secured credit facilities include covenants that, among other things, restrict NMG’s ability to:

 

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·                  incur additional indebtedness;

 

·                  pay dividends on NMG’s capital stock or redeem, repurchase or retire its capital stock or indebtedness;

 

·                  make investments;

 

·                  create restrictions on the payment of dividends or other amounts to NMG from NMG’s restricted subsidiaries;

 

·                  engage in transactions with its affiliates;

 

·                  sell assets, including capital stock of NMG’s subsidiaries;

 

·                  consolidate or merge;

 

·                  create liens; and

 

·                  enter into sale and lease back transactions.

 

In addition, NMG’s ability to borrow under the Asset-Based Revolving Credit Facility is limited by a borrowing base and a minimum liquidity condition, as described above.

 

Moreover, NMG’s Asset-Based Revolving Credit Facility provides discretion to the agent bank acting on behalf of the lenders to impose additional availability and other reserves, which could materially impair the amount of borrowings that would otherwise be available to us. There can be no assurance that the agent bank will not impose such reserves or, were it to do so, that the resulting impact of this action would not materially and adversely impair NMG’s liquidity.

 

A breach of any of the restrictive covenants would result in a default under the Asset-Based Revolving Credit Facility and Senior Secured Term Loan Facility.  If any such default occurs, the lenders under the Asset-Based Revolving Credit Facility and Senior Secured Term Loan Facility may elect to declare all outstanding borrowings under such facilities, together with accrued interest and other fees, to be immediately due and payable, or enforce their security interest, any of which would result in an event of default under NMG’s Senior Notes and Senior Subordinated Notes and 2028 Debentures. The lenders would also have the right in these circumstances to terminate any commitments they have to provide further borrowings.

 

The operating and financial restrictions and covenants in these debt agreements and any future financing agreements may adversely affect NMG’s ability to finance future operations or capital needs or to engage in other business activities.

 

Risks Related to Our Business and Industry

 

The specialty retail industry is highly competitive.

 

The specialty retail industry is highly competitive and fragmented. Competition is strong both to attract and sell to customers and to establish relationships with, and obtain merchandise from, key vendors.

 

We compete for customers with specialty retailers, traditional and high-end department stores, national apparel chains, vendor-owned proprietary boutiques, individual specialty apparel stores and direct marketing firms. We compete for customers principally on the basis of quality and fashion, customer service, value, assortment and presentation of merchandise, marketing and customer loyalty programs and, in the case of Neiman Marcus and Bergdorf Goodman, store ambiance. In our Specialty Retail business, merchandise assortment is a critical competitive factor, and retail stores compete for exclusive, preferred and limited distribution arrangements with key designers. Many of our competitors are larger than we are and have greater financial resources than we do. In addition, certain designers from whom we source merchandise have established competing free-standing retail stores in the same vicinity as our stores. If we fail to successfully compete for customers or merchandise, our business will suffer.

 

We are dependent on our relationships with certain designers, vendors and other sources of merchandise.

 

Our relationships with established and emerging designers are a key factor in our position as a retailer of high-fashion merchandise, and a substantial portion of our revenues is attributable to our sales of designer merchandise. Many of our key vendors limit the number of retail channels they use to sell their merchandise and competition among luxury retailers to obtain and sell these goods is intense. Our relationships with our designers have been a significant contributor to our past success. We have no guaranteed supply arrangements with our principal merchandising sources. Accordingly, there can be no assurance that

 

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such sources will continue to meet our quality, style and volume requirements. Moreover, nearly all of the brands of our top designers are sold by competing retailers, and many of our top designers also have their own dedicated retail stores. If one or more of our top designers were to cease providing us with adequate supplies of merchandise or, conversely, were to increase sales of merchandise through its own stores or to the stores of our competitors, our business could be adversely affected. In addition, any decline in the popularity or quality of any of our designer brands could adversely affect our business.

 

If we significantly overestimate our future sales, our profitability may be adversely affected.

 

We make decisions regarding the purchase of our merchandise well in advance of the season in which it will be sold. For example, women’s apparel, men’s apparel and shoes are typically ordered six to nine months in advance of the products being offered for sale while handbags, jewelry and other categories are typically ordered three to six months in advance.  If our sales during any season, particularly a peak season, are significantly lower than we expect for any reason, we may not be able to adjust our expenditures for inventory and other expenses in a timely fashion and may be left with a substantial amount of unsold inventory. If that occurs, we may be forced to rely on markdowns or promotional sales to dispose of excess inventory. This could have an adverse effect on our margins and operating income. At the same time, if we fail to purchase a sufficient quantity of merchandise, we may not have an adequate supply of products to meet consumer demand. This may cause us to lose sales or harm our customer relationships.

 

Our failure to identify changes in consumer preferences or fashion trends may adversely affect our performance.

 

Our success depends in large part on our ability to identify fashion trends as well as to anticipate, gauge and react to changing consumer demands in a timely manner. If we fail to adequately match our product mix to prevailing customer tastes, we may be required to sell our merchandise at higher average markdown levels and lower average margins. Furthermore, the products we sell often require long lead times to order and must appeal to consumers whose preferences cannot be predicted with certainty and often change rapidly. Consequently, we must stay abreast of emerging lifestyle and consumer trends and anticipate trends and fashions that will appeal to our consumer base. Any failure on our part to anticipate, identify and respond effectively to changing consumer demands and fashion trends could adversely affect our business.

 

Our business and performance may be affected by our ability to implement our store expansion and remodeling strategies.

 

Based upon our expansion strategy, we expect that planned new stores will add over 565,000 square feet of new store space over approximately the next three fiscal years, representing an increase of approximately 10% above the current aggregate square footage of our full-line Neiman Marcus and Bergdorf Goodman stores, and that our store remodeling program will add additional new store space from remodels that are already underway.  New store openings involve certain risks, including constructing, furnishing and supplying a store in a timely and cost effective manner, accurately assessing the demographic or retail environment at a given location, hiring and training quality staff, obtaining necessary permits and zoning approvals, obtaining commitments from a core group of vendors to supply the new store, integrating the new store into our distribution network and building customer awareness and loyalty. In undertaking store remodels, we must complete the remodel in a timely, cost effective manner, minimize disruptions to our existing operations, and succeed in creating an improved shopping environment. If we fail to execute on these or other aspects of our store expansion and remodeling strategy, we could suffer harm to our sales, an increase in costs and expenses and an adverse effect on our business.

 

Acts of terrorism could adversely affect our business.

 

The economic downturn that followed the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001 had a material adverse effect on our business. Any further acts of terrorism or other future conflicts may disrupt commerce and undermine consumer confidence, cause a downturn in the economy generally, cause consumer spending or shopping center traffic to decline or reduce the desire of our customers to make discretionary purchases. Any of the foregoing factors could negatively impact our sales revenue, particularly in the case of any terrorist attack targeting retail space, such as a shopping center. Furthermore, an act of terrorism or war, or the threat thereof, could negatively impact our business by interfering with our ability to obtain merchandise from foreign manufacturers. Any future inability to obtain merchandise from our foreign manufacturers or to substitute other manufacturers, at similar costs and in a timely manner, could adversely affect our business.

 

Deterioration in economic conditions could adversely affect our business.

 

The merchandise we sell consists in large part of luxury retail goods. The purchase of these goods by customers is discretionary, and therefore highly dependent upon the level of consumer spending, particularly among affluent customers. Accordingly, sales of

 

53



 

these products may be adversely affected by an economic downturn, increases in consumer debt levels, uncertainties regarding future economic prospects or a decline in consumer confidence. An economic downturn in the United States generally or in any of the geographic areas in which we have stores, particularly in Texas, California, Florida and the New York City metropolitan area, from which we derive a significant portion of our revenues, could have a material adverse effect on our business and results of operations.

 

The loss of any of our senior management team or attrition among our buyers or key sales associates could adversely affect our business.

 

Our success in the specialty retail industry will continue to depend to a significant extent on our senior management team, buyers and key sales associates. We rely on the experience of our senior management, who have specific knowledge relating to us and our industry that would be difficult to replace. If we were to lose a portion of our buyers or key sales associates, our ability to benefit from long-standing relationships with key vendors or to provide relationship-based customer service may suffer. We may not be able to retain our current senior management team, buyers or key sales associates and the loss of any of these individuals could adversely affect our business.

 

Inflation may adversely affect our business operations in the future.

 

In recent years, we have experienced certain inflationary conditions in our cost base due primarily to (1) changes in foreign currency exchange rates that have reduced the purchasing power of the U.S. dollar and (2) increases in selling, general and administrative expenses, particularly with regard to employee benefits. Inflation can harm our margins and profitability if we are unable to increase prices or cut costs enough to offset the effects of inflation in our cost base. If inflation in these or other costs worsens, we may not be able to offset the effects of inflation and cost increases through control of expenses, passing cost increases on to customers or any other method.  Any future inflation could adversely affect our profitability and our business.

 

Failure to maintain competitive terms under our loyalty programs could adversely affect our business.

 

We maintain loyalty programs that are designed to cultivate long-term relationships with our customers and enhance the quality of service we provide to our customers. We must constantly monitor and update the terms of our loyalty programs so that they continue to meet the demands and needs of our customers and remain competitive with loyalty programs offered by other high-end specialty retailers. Given that over 50% of our revenues at Neiman Marcus stores during each of the last two calendar years were generated by our InCircle loyalty program members, our failure to continue to provide quality service and competitive loyalty programs to our customers through the InCircle loyalty program could adversely affect our business.

 

Changes in our credit card arrangements, applicable regulations and consumer credit patterns could adversely impact our ability to facilitate the provision of consumer credit to our customers and adversely affect our business.

 

We maintain a proprietary credit card program through which credit is extended to customers under the “Neiman Marcus” and “Bergdorf Goodman” names. Because a majority of our revenues were transacted through our proprietary credit cards, changes in our proprietary credit card arrangement that adversely impact our ability to facilitate the provision of consumer credit may adversely affect our performance.

 

In July 2005, we sold our approximately three million private label credit card accounts and related assets, as well as the outstanding balances associated with such accounts and we entered into a long-term marketing and servicing alliance with HSBC that expires in June 2010.  Under the terms of this alliance, HSBC offers credit cards and non-card payment plans and bears all credit risk with respect to sales transacted on the cards bearing our brands. We receive on-going payments from HSBC related to credit card sales.  In addition, we continue to handle key customer service functions, including new account processing, most transaction authorization, billing adjustments, collection services and customer inquiries for which we receive additional compensation from HSBC.  As part of this transaction, we have changed, and will continue to change, the terms of credit offered to our customers following the Credit Card Sale.

 

The purchaser of our credit card business has discretion over certain policies and arrangements with our credit card customers and may change these policies and arrangements in ways that affect our relationship with these customers. In addition, there can be no assurance that, upon expiration of the current alliance with HSBC, that we will be able to enter into a replacement arrangement on terms comparable to the current arrangement. Any changes in our credit card arrangements may adversely affect our credit card program and ultimately, our business.

 

54



 

Credit card operations are subject to numerous federal and state laws that impose disclosure and other requirements upon the origination, servicing and enforcement of credit accounts and limitations on the maximum amount of finance charges that may be charged by a credit provider. The purchaser of our credit card business is subject to regulations to which we were not subject prior to the Credit Card Sale. Any effect of these regulations or change in the regulation of credit arrangements that would materially limit the availability of credit to our customer base could adversely affect our business. In addition, changes in credit card use, payment patterns, and default rates may result from a variety of economic, legal, social, and other factors that we cannot control or predict with certainty.

 

Our business can be affected by extreme or unseasonable weather conditions.

 

Extreme weather conditions in the areas in which our stores are located could adversely affect our business. For example, heavy snowfall, rainfall or other extreme weather conditions over a prolonged period might make it difficult for our customers to travel to our stores and thereby reduce our sales and profitability. Our business is also susceptible to unseasonable weather conditions. For example, extended periods of unseasonably warm temperatures during the winter season or cool weather during the summer season could render a portion of our inventory incompatible with those unseasonable conditions. Reduced sales from extreme or prolonged unseasonable weather conditions would adversely affect our business.

 

We are subject to numerous regulations that could affect our operations.

 

We are subject to customs, truth-in-advertising and other laws, including consumer protection regulations and zoning and occupancy ordinances that regulate retailers generally and/or govern the importation, promotion and sale of merchandise and the operation of retail stores and warehouse facilities. Although we undertake to monitor changes in these laws, if these laws change without our knowledge, or are violated by importers, designers, manufacturers or distributors, we could experience delays in shipments and receipt of goods or be subject to fines or other penalties under the controlling regulations, any of which could adversely affect our business.

 

Our revenues and cash requirements are affected by the seasonal nature of our business.

 

The specialty retail industry is seasonal in nature, with a higher level of sales typically generated in the fall and holiday selling seasons. We have in the past experienced significant fluctuation in our revenues from quarter to quarter with a disproportionate amount of our revenues falling in our second fiscal quarter, which coincides with the holiday season. In addition, we have significant additional cash requirements in the period leading up to the months of November and December in anticipation of higher sales volume in those periods, including payments relating to additional inventory, advertising and employees.

 

Our business is affected by foreign currency fluctuations.

 

We purchase a substantial portion of our inventory from foreign suppliers whose cost to us is affected by the fluctuation of their local currency against the dollar or who price their merchandise in currencies other than the dollar. Fluctuations in the Euro-U.S. dollar exchange rate affect us most significantly; however, we source goods from numerous countries and thus are affected by changes in numerous currencies and, generally, by fluctuations in the U.S. dollar relative to such currencies.  Accordingly, changes in the value of the dollar relative to foreign currencies may increase our cost of goods sold and if we are unable to pass such cost increases on to our customers, our gross margins, and ultimately our earnings, would decrease. Foreign currency fluctuations could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations in the future.

 

Conditions in, and the United States’ relationship with, the countries where we source our merchandise could affect our sales.

 

A substantial majority of our merchandise is manufactured overseas, mostly in Europe. As a result, political instability or other events resulting in the disruption of trade from other countries or the imposition of additional regulations relating to or duties upon imports could cause significant delays or interruptions in the supply of our merchandise or increase our costs, either of which could have a material adverse effect on our business. If we are forced to source merchandise from other countries, those goods may be more expensive or of a different or inferior quality from the ones we now sell. The importance to us of our existing designer relationships could present additional difficulties, as it may not be possible to source merchandise from a given designer from alternative jurisdictions. If we were unable to adequately replace the merchandise we currently source with merchandise produced elsewhere, our business could be adversely affected.

 

55



 

Significant increases in costs associated with the production of catalogs and other promotional materials may adversely affect our operating income.

 

We advertise and promote in-store events, new merchandise and fashion trends through print catalogs and other promotional materials mailed on a targeted basis to our customers. Significant increases in paper, printing and postage costs could affect the cost of producing these materials and as a result, may adversely affect our operating income.

 

We are indirectly owned and controlled by the Sponsors, and their interests as equity holders may conflict with those of our creditors.

 

We are indirectly owned and controlled by the Sponsors and certain other equity investors, and the Sponsors have the ability to control our policies and operations. The interests of the Sponsors may not in all cases be aligned with those of our creditors. For example, if we encounter financial difficulties or are unable to pay our debts as they mature, the interests of our equity holders might conflict with our creditors’ interests. In addition, our equity holders may have an interest in pursuing acquisitions, divestitures, financings or other transactions that, in their judgment, could enhance their equity investments, even though such transactions might involve risks to holders of our indebtedness. Furthermore, the Sponsors may in the future own businesses that directly or indirectly compete with us. One or more of the Sponsors also may pursue acquisition opportunities that may be complementary to our business, and as a result, those acquisition opportunities may not be available to us.

 

If we are unable to enforce our intellectual property rights, or if we are accused of infringing on a third party’s intellectual property rights, our net income may decline.

 

We and our subsidiaries currently own our tradenames and service marks, including the “Neiman Marcus” and “Bergdorf Goodman” marks. Our tradenames and service marks are registered in the United States and in various foreign countries, primarily in Europe. The laws of some foreign countries do not protect proprietary rights to the same extent as do the laws of the United States. Moreover, we are unable to predict the effect that any future foreign or domestic intellectual property legislation or regulation may have on our existing or future business. The loss or reduction of any of our significant proprietary rights could have an adverse effect on our business.

 

Additionally, third parties may assert claims against us alleging infringement, misappropriation or other violations of their tradename or other proprietary rights, whether or not the claims have merit. Claims like these may be time consuming and expensive to defend and could result in our being required to cease using the tradename or other rights and selling the allegedly infringing products. This might have an adverse affect on our sales and cause us to incur significant litigation costs and expenses.

 

Failure to successfully maintain and update information technology systems and enhance existing systems may adversely affect our business.

 

To keep pace with changing technology, we must continuously provide for the design and implementation of new information technology systems as well as enhancements of our existing systems. Any failure to adequately maintain and update the information technology systems supporting our online operations, sales operations or inventory control could prevent our customers from purchasing merchandise on our websites or prevent us from processing and delivering merchandise, which could adversely affect our business.

 

Delays in receipt of merchandise in connection with either the manufacturing or shipment of such merchandise can affect our performance.

 

Substantially all of our merchandise is delivered to us by our vendors as finished goods and is manufactured in numerous locations, including Europe and the United States and, to a lesser extent, China, Mexico and South America. Our vendors rely on third party carriers to deliver merchandise to our distribution facilities. In addition, our success depends on our ability to source and distribute merchandise efficiently to our Specialty Retail stores and Direct Marketing customers. Events such as U.S. or foreign labor strikes, natural disasters, work stoppages or boycotts affecting the manufacturing or transportation sectors could increase the cost or reduce the supply of merchandise available to us and could adversely affect our results of operations.

 

ITEM 2.               UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS
 

None.

 

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ITEM 4.            SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS

 

None.

 

ITEM 6.           EXHIBITS

 

2.1

 

Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated May 1, 2005, among The Neiman Marcus Group, Inc., Newton Acquisition, Inc., and Newton Merger Sub, Inc., incorporated herein by reference to The Neiman Marcus Group, Inc.’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated May 4, 2005.

 

 

 

2.2

 

Purchase, Sale and Servicing Transfer Agreement dated as of June 8, 2005, among The Neiman Marcus Group, Inc., Bergdorf Goodman, Inc., HSBC Bank Nevada, N.A. and HSBC Finance Corporation, incorporated herein by reference to The Neiman Marcus Group, Inc.’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated June 8, 2005.

 

 

 

3.1

 

Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of Neiman Marcus, Inc., incorporated herein by reference to The Neiman Marcus Group, Inc.’s Registration Statement on Form S-1 (Registration No. 333-133184) dated April 10, 2006.

 

 

 

3.2

 

Amended and Restated Bylaws of Neiman Marcus, Inc., incorporated herein by reference to The Neiman Marcus Group, Inc.’s Registration Statement on Form S-1 (Registration No. 333-133184) dated April 10, 2006.

 

 

 

4.1

 

Indenture, dated as of May 27, 1998, between The Neiman Marcus Group, Inc. and The Bank of New York, as trustee, incorporated herein by reference to The Neiman Marcus Group, Inc.’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended July 31, 2004.

 

 

 

4.2

 

Form of 7.125% Senior Notes Due 2028, dated May 27, 1998, incorporated herein by reference to The Neiman Marcus Group, Inc.’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended July 31, 2004.

 

 

 

4.3

 

Senior Indenture dated as of October 6, 2005, among Newton Acquisition, Inc., Newton Acquisition Merger Sub, Inc., the Subsidiary Guarantors, and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, trustee, incorporated herein by reference to The Neiman Marcus Group, Inc.’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated October 12, 2005.

 

 

 

4.4

 

Senior Subordinated Indenture dated as of October 6, 2005, among Newton Acquisition, Inc., Newton Acquisition Merger Sub, Inc., the Subsidiary Guarantors, and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, trustee, incorporated herein by reference to The Neiman Marcus Group, Inc.’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated October 12, 2005.

 

 

 

4.5

 

Form of 9%/9 3/4% Senior Notes due 2015, incorporated herein by reference to The Neiman Marcus Group, Inc.’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated October 12, 2005.

 

 

 

4.6

 

Form of 10 3/8% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2015, incorporated herein by reference to The Neiman Marcus Group, Inc.’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated October 12, 2005.

 

 

 

4.7

 

Registration Rights Agreement dated October 6, 2005, among Newton Acquisition, Inc., Newton Acquisition Merger Sub, Inc., the Subsidiary Guarantors, The Neiman Marcus Group, Inc., and the Initial Purchasers, incorporated herein by reference to The Neiman Marcus Group, Inc.’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated October 12, 2005.

 

 

 

4.8

 

First Supplemental Indenture, dated as of July 11, 2006, to the Indenture, dated as of May 27, 1998, among The Neiman Marcus Group, Inc., Neiman Marcus, Inc., and The Bank of New York Trust Company, N.A., as successor trustee, incorporated herein by reference to The Neiman Marcus Group, Inc.’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated July 11, 2006.

 

 

 

4.9

 

Second Supplemental Indenture, dated as of August 14, 2006, to the Indenture, dated as of May 27, 1998, among The Neiman Marcus Group, Inc., Neiman Marcus, Inc., and The Bank of New York Trust Company, N.A., as successor trustee, incorporated herein by reference to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated August 15, 2006.

 

57



 

10.1*

 

Employment Agreement dated as of October 6, 2005 by and among The Neiman Marcus Group, Inc., Newton Acquisition Merger Sub, Inc., Newton Acquisition, Inc., and Burton M. Tansky, incorporated herein by reference to The Neiman Marcus Group, Inc.’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated October 12, 2005.

 

 

 

10.2*

 

First Amendment to Employment Agreement by and between The Neiman Marcus Group, Inc., a Delaware corporation, Neiman Marcus, Inc., a Delaware corporation, and Burton M. Tansky effective December 21, 2007 incorporated herein by reference to the Neiman Marcus, Inc.’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated December 21, 2007.

 

 

 

10.3*

 

Rollover Agreement dated as of October 4, 2005 by and among The Neiman Marcus Group, Inc., Newton Acquisition, Inc., and Burton M. Tansky, incorporated herein by reference to The Neiman Marcus Group, Inc.’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated October 12, 2005.

 

 

 

10.4*

 

Form of Rollover Agreement by and among The Neiman Marcus Group, Inc., Newton Acquisition, Inc., and certain members of management, incorporated herein by reference to The Neiman Marcus Group, Inc.’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated October 12, 2005.

 

 

 

10.5

 

Credit Agreement dated as of October 6, 2005, among Newton Acquisition, Inc., Newton Acquisition Merger Sub, Inc., The Neiman Marcus Group, Inc., the Subsidiary Guarantors, Deutsche Bank Trust Company Americas, as administrative agent and collateral agent, Credit Suisse and Deutsche Bank Securities Inc., as joint lead arrangers, Banc of America Securities LLC and Goldman Sachs Credit Partners L.P., as co-arrangers, Credit Suisse, Deutsche Bank Securities Inc., Banc of America Securities LLC and Goldman Sachs Credit Partners L.P., as joint bookrunners, and Credit Suisse, Banc of America Securities LLC and Goldman Sachs Credit Partners L.P., as co-syndication agents, General Electric Capital Corporation as documentation agent and the lenders thereunder, incorporated herein by reference to The Neiman Marcus Group, Inc.’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated October 12, 2005.

 

 

 

10.6

 

Credit Agreement dated as of October 6, 2005, among Newton Acquisition, Inc., Newton Acquisition Merger Sub, Inc., The Neiman Marcus Group, Inc., the Subsidiary Guarantors, Credit Suisse, as administrative agent and collateral agent, Credit Suisse and Deutsche Bank Securities Inc. as joint lead arrangers, Banc of America Securities LLC and Goldman Sachs Credit Partners L.P. as co-arrangers, Credit Suisse, Deutsche Bank Securities Inc., Banc of America Securities LLC and Goldman Sachs Credit Partners L.P. as joint bookrunners, Deutsche Bank Securities Inc., Banc of America Securities LLC and Goldman Sachs Credit Partners L.P. as co-syndication agents and the lenders thereunder, incorporated herein by reference to The Neiman Marcus Group, Inc.’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated October 12, 2005.

 

 

 

10.7

 

Pledge and Security Agreement dated as of October 6, 2005 among Newton Acquisition Merger Sub, Inc., The Neiman Marcus Group, Inc., Newton Acquisition, Inc., the Subsidiary Guarantors and Deutsche Bank Trust Company Americas, as administrative agent and collateral agent, incorporated herein by reference to The Neiman Marcus Group, Inc.’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated October 12, 2005.

 

 

 

10.8

 

Pledge and Security and Intercreditor Agreement dated as of October 6, 2005, among Newton Acquisition Merger Sub, Inc., The Neiman Marcus Group, Inc., Newton Acquisition, Inc., the Subsidiary Guarantors and Credit Suisse, as administrative agent and collateral agent, incorporated herein by reference to The Neiman Marcus Group, Inc.’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated October 12, 2005.

 

 

 

10.9

 

Lien Subordination and Intercreditor Agreement dated as of October 6, 2005, among Newton Acquisition, Inc., Newton Acquisition Merger Sub, Inc., the Subsidiary Guarantors, Deutsche Bank Trust Company Americas, as revolving facility agent, and Credit Suisse, as term loan agent, incorporated herein by reference to The Neiman Marcus Group, Inc.’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated October 12, 2005.

 

 

 

10.10

 

Form of First Priority Mortgage, Assignment of Leases and Rents, Security Agreement and Financing Statement from The Neiman Marcus Group, Inc. to Credit Suisse, incorporated herein by reference to The Neiman Marcus Group, Inc.’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated October 12, 2005.

 

 

 

10.11

 

Form of First Priority Leasehold Mortgage, Assignment of Leases and Rents, Security Agreement and Financing Statement from The Neiman Marcus Group, Inc. to Credit Suisse, incorporated herein by reference to The Neiman Marcus Group, Inc.’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated October 12, 2005.

 

58



 

10.12

 

Form of Second Priority Mortgage, Assignment of Leases and Rents, Security Agreement and Financing Statement from The Neiman Marcus Group, Inc. to Deutsche Bank Trust Company Americas, incorporated herein by reference to The Neiman Marcus Group, Inc.’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated October 12, 2005.

 

 

 

10.13

 

Form of Second Priority Leasehold Mortgage, Assignment of Lease and Rents, Security Agreement and Financing Statement from The Neiman Marcus Group, Inc. to Deutsche Bank Trust Company Americas, incorporated herein by reference to The Neiman Marcus Group, Inc.’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated October 12, 2005.

 

 

 

10.14

 

Amendment No. 1 dated as of October 6, 2005 to the Credit Agreement dated as of October 6, 2005 among The Neiman Marcus Group, Inc., Newton Acquisition, Inc., each subsidiary of The Neiman Marcus Group, Inc. from time to time party thereto, the Lenders thereunder, and Credit Suisse, as administrative agent and as collateral agent for the Lenders, incorporated herein by reference to The Neiman Marcus Group, Inc.’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated October 12, 2005.

 

 

 

10.15*

 

Newton Acquisition, Inc. Management Equity Incentive Plan, incorporated herein by reference to The Neiman Marcus Group, Inc.’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated December 5, 2005.

 

 

 

10.16*

 

Stock Option Grant Agreement made as of November 29, 2005 between Newton Acquisition, Inc. and Burton M. Tansky, incorporated herein by reference to The Neiman Marcus Group, Inc.’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated December 5, 2005.

 

 

 

10.17*

 

Form of Stock Option Grant Agreement made as of November 29, 2005 between Newton Acquisition, Inc. and certain eligible key employees, incorporated herein by reference to The Neiman Marcus Group, Inc.’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated December 5, 2005.

 

 

 

10.18

 

Amendment No. 2 dated as of January 26, 2006 to the Credit Agreement dated as of October 6, 2005, as amended, among The Neiman Marcus Group, Inc., Newton Acquisition, Inc., each subsidiary of The Neiman Marcus Group, Inc. from time to time party thereto, the Lenders thereunder and Credit Suisse, as administrative agent and collateral agent for the Lenders, incorporated by reference to The Neiman Marcus Group, Inc.’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated January 30, 2006.

 

 

 

10.19*

 

Employment Agreement between The Neiman Marcus Group, Inc. and Karen Katz, dated February 1, 2006, effective as of October 6, 2005, incorporated herein by reference to The Neiman Marcus Group, Inc.’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated February 1, 2006.

 

 

 

10.20

 

Management Services Agreement, dated as of October 6, 2005 among Newton Acquisition Merger Sub, Inc., Newton Acquisition, Inc., TPG GenPar IV, L.P., TPG GenPar III, L.P. and Warburg Pincus LLC incorporated herein by reference to The Neiman Marcus Group, Inc.’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended January 28, 2006.

 

 

 

10.21

 

Registration Rights Agreement, dated as of October 6, 2005, among Newton Acquisition Merger Sub, Inc., Newton Acquisition, Inc., Newton Holding, LLC and the “Holders” identified therein as parties thereto incorporated herein by reference to The Neiman Marcus Group, Inc.’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended January 28, 2006.

 

 

 

10.22

 

Amendment No. 1, dated as of March 28, 2006, to the Pledge and Security Intercreditor Agreement dated as of October 6, 2005, among Neiman Marcus, Inc., The Neiman Marcus Group, Inc., the Subsidiaries party thereto and Credit Suisse, as administrative agent and collateral agent, incorporated herein by reference to The Neiman Marcus Group, Inc.’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated March 29, 2006.

 

 

 

10.23

 

Credit Card Program Agreement, dated as of June 8, 2005, by and among The Neiman Marcus Group, Inc., Bergdorf Goodman, Inc., HSBC Bank Nevada, N.A. and Household Corporation, incorporated herein by reference to The Neiman Marcus Group, Inc.’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated June 8, 2005.

 

 

 

10.24

 

Form of Servicing Agreement, by and between The Neiman Marcus Group, Inc. and HSBC Bank Nevada, N.A., incorporated herein by reference to The Neiman Marcus Group, Inc.’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated June 8, 2005.

 

59



 

10.25*

 

Confidentiality, Non-Competition and Termination Benefits Agreement between Bergdorf Goodman, Inc. and James J. Gold dated May 3, 2004, incorporated herein by reference to The Neiman Marcus Group, Inc.’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended July 31, 2004.

 

 

 

10.26

 

Stockholder Agreement, dated as of May 1, 2005, among Newton Acquisition, Inc., Newton Acquisition Merger Sub, Inc. and the other parties signatory thereto, incorporated herein by reference to The Neiman Marcus Group, Inc.’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated May 4, 2005.

 

 

 

10.27*

 

Confidentiality, Non-Competition and Termination Benefits Agreement between The Neiman Marcus Group, Inc. and Steven P. Dennis dated September 9, 2004, incorporated herein by reference to The Neiman Marcus Group, Inc.’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated September 9, 2004.

 

 

 

10.28*

 

Newton Acquisition, Inc. Cash Incentive Plan effective as of November 29, 2005, incorporated herein by reference to the Neiman Marcus, Inc. Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended July 29, 2006.

 

 

 

10.29

 

Management Stockholders’ Agreement dated as of October 6, 2005 between Newton Acquisition, Inc., Newton Holding, LLC, TPG Newton III, LLC, TPG Partners IV, L.P., TPG Newton Co-Invest I, LLC, Warburg Pincus Private Equity VIII, L.P., Warburg Pincus Netherlands Private Equity VIII C.V. I, Warburg Pincus Germany Private Equity VIII K.G , Warburg Pincus Private Equity IX, L.P., and the other parties signatory thereto, incorporated herein by reference to the Neiman Marcus, Inc. Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended July 29, 2006.

 

 

 

10.30*

 

The Neiman Marcus Group, Inc. Key Employee Deferred Compensation Plan effective as of January 1, 2006, incorporated herein by reference to the Neiman Marcus, Inc. Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended July 29, 2006.

 

 

 

10.31

 

Amendment No. 3 dated as of October 12, 2006 to the Credit Agreement dated as of October 6, 2005 among The Neiman Marcus Group, Inc., Neiman Marcus, Inc., each subsidiary of The Neiman Marcus Group, Inc. from time to time party thereto, the Lenders thereunder and Credit Suisse, as administrative agent and collateral agent for the Lenders, incorporated by reference to Neiman Marcus, Inc.’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated October 17, 2006.

 

 

 

10.32

 

Amendment No. 4 dated as of February 8, 2007 to the Credit Agreement dated as of October 6, 2005, among The Neiman Marcus Group, Inc., Neiman Marcus, Inc., each subsidiary of The Neiman Marcus Group, Inc. from time to time party thereto, the lenders thereunder, and Credit Suisse, as administrative agent and collateral agent for the lenders incorporated herein by reference to The Neiman Marcus Group, Inc.’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated February 14, 2007.

 

 

 

10.33

 

Amendment to the Newton Acquisition, Inc. Cash Incentive Plan effective as of January 21, 2008. (1)

 

 

 

31.1

 

Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. (1)

 

 

 

31.2

 

Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. (1)

 

 

 

32

 

Certifications of Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. (1)

 


(1)

 

Filed herewith.

 

 

 

*

 

Current management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement.

 

60



 

SIGNATURES

 

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

 

 

 

NEIMAN MARCUS, INC.

 

 

 

 

            (Registrant)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Signature

 

Title

 

Date

 

 

 

 

 

/s/ T. Dale Stapleton

 

Vice President and Controller

 

March 5, 2008

T. Dale Stapleton

 

and Duly Authorized Officer

 

 

 

 

(principal accounting officer)

 

 

 

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