10-Q 1 a10-17505_110q.htm 10-Q

Table of Contents

 

 

 

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

FORM 10-Q

 

(Mark One)

 

x

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

 

For the quarterly period ended October 2, 2010

 

OR

 

o

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

 

For the transition period from            to            

 

Commission File Number: 0-10345

 

CACHE, INC.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its Charter)

 

Florida

 

59-1588181

(State or other jurisdiction of

 

(IRS Employer Identification No.)

incorporation or organization)

 

 

 

 

 

1440 Broadway, New York, New York

 

10018

(Address of principal executive offices)

 

(zip code)

 

212-575-3200

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

 

 

(Former name, address and former fiscal year, if changed since last report)

 

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

 

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

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).  Yes o 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 definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):

 

Large accelerated filer o

 

Accelerated filer o

 

 

 

Non-accelerated filer o

 

Smaller reporting company x

(Do not check if a smaller reporting company)

 

 

 

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

 

As of November 1, 2010, 12,792,844 common shares were outstanding.

 

 

 



Table of Contents

 

CACHE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

INDEX

 

PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

3

 

 

 

Item 1.

Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited)

3

 

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets as of October 2, 2010, January 2, 2010 and September 26, 2009

3

 

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations for the thirty-nine and thirteen week periods ended October 2, 2010 and September 26, 2009

4-5

 

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the thirty-nine week periods ended October 2, 2010 and September 26, 2009

6

 

Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

7

Item 2.

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

12

Item 3.

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

18

Item 4.

Controls and Procedures

18

 

 

 

PART II. OTHER INFORMATION

18

 

 

 

Item 6.

Exhibits

19

 

 

 

SIGNATURES

20

 

2



Table of Contents

 

PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION

 

ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)

 

CACHE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

 

 

 

October 2,
2010

 

January 2,
2010

 

September 26,
2009

 

 

 

(Unaudited)

 

(Audited)

 

(Unaudited)

 

ASSETS

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Current assets:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash and equivalents

 

$

2,483,000

 

$

5,516,000

 

$

5,329,000

 

Marketable securities

 

21,865,000

 

29,999,000

 

27,376,000

 

Certificates of deposit — restricted

 

2,500,000

 

1,500,000

 

1,500,000

 

Receivables, net

 

2,020,000

 

3,411,000

 

2,713,000

 

Income tax receivable, net

 

81,000

 

3,438,000

 

2,225,000

 

Inventories, net

 

19,243,000

 

16,599,000

 

20,434,000

 

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

 

6,041,000

 

4,943,000

 

1,117,000

 

Total current assets

 

54,233,000

 

65,406,000

 

60,694,000

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Equipment and leasehold improvements, net

 

26,836,000

 

31,713,000

 

35,724,000

 

Goodwill

 

9,092,000

 

9,092,000

 

9,092,000

 

Intangible assets, net

 

102,000

 

102,000

 

1,012,000

 

Other assets

 

7,965,000

 

4,684,000

 

4,274,000

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total assets

 

$

98,228,000

 

$

110,997,000

 

$

110,796,000

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Current liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Accounts payable

 

$

8,949,000

 

$

7,624,000

 

$

7,676,000

 

Note payable

 

1,751,000

 

1,408,000

 

1,294,000

 

Accrued compensation

 

1,222,000

 

2,668,000

 

2,862,000

 

Accrued liabilities

 

9,321,000

 

11,783,000

 

8,246,000

 

Total current liabilities

 

21,243,000

 

23,483,000

 

20,078,000

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Note payable

 

476,000

 

1,425,000

 

2,199,000

 

Other liabilities

 

14,103,000

 

15,806,000

 

17,202,000

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Commitments and contingencies

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Common stock, par value $.01; authorized, 40,000,000 shares; issued 16,475,043, 16,433,373 and 16,410,036

 

165,000

 

164,000

 

164,000

 

Additional paid-in capital

 

47,888,000

 

47,555,000

 

47,428,000

 

Retained earnings

 

54,148,000

 

62,359,000

 

63,520,000

 

Treasury stock 3,682,199 shares, at cost

 

(39,795,000

)

(39,795,000

)

(39,795,000

)

Total stockholders’ equity

 

62,406,000

 

70,283,000

 

71,317,000

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity

 

$

98,228,000

 

$

110,997,000

 

$

110,796,000

 

 

The accompanying Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements are an integral part of these statements.

 

3



Table of Contents

 

CACHE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

FOR THE THIRTY-NINE WEEKS ENDED

(Unaudited)

 

 

 

October 2,
2010

 

September 26,
2009

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net sales

 

$

150,649,000

 

$

154,813,000

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cost of sales, including buying and occupancy

 

93,099,000

 

93,574,000

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gross profit

 

57,550,000

 

61,239,000

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Expenses:

 

 

 

 

 

Store operating expenses

 

55,766,000

 

57,840,000

 

General and administrative expenses

 

15,048,000

 

13,341,000

 

Employee separation charge

 

 

2,121,000

 

Total expenses

 

70,814,000

 

73,302,000

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Operating loss

 

(13,264,000

)

(12,063,000

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other income (expense):

 

 

 

 

 

Interest expense

 

(94,000

)

(146,000

)

Interest income

 

117,000

 

178,000

 

Total other income, net

 

23,000

 

32,000

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Loss before income taxes

 

(13,241,000

)

(12,031,000

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income tax benefit

 

(5,030,000

)

(4,498,000

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net loss

 

$

(8,211,000

)

$

(7,533,000

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic loss per share

 

$

(0.64

)

$

(0.59

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Diluted loss per share

 

$

(0.64

)

$

(0.59

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic weighted average shares outstanding

 

12,774,000

 

12,810,000

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Diluted weighted average shares outstanding

 

12,774,000

 

12,810,000

 

 

The accompanying Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements are an integral part of these statements.

 

4



Table of Contents

 

CACHE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

FOR THE THIRTEEN WEEKS ENDED

(Unaudited)

 

 

 

October 2,
2010

 

September 26,
2009

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net sales

 

$

45,524,000

 

$

44,941,000

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cost of sales, including buying and occupancy

 

29,622,000

 

30,727,000

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gross profit

 

15,902,000

 

14,214,000

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Expenses:

 

 

 

 

 

Store operating expenses

 

17,959,000

 

18,590,000

 

General and administrative expenses

 

6,033,000

 

4,357,000

 

Employee separation charge

 

 

2,121,000

 

Total expenses

 

23,992,000

 

25,068,000

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Operating loss

 

(8,090,000

)

(10,854,000

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other income (expense):

 

 

 

 

 

Interest expense

 

(27,000

)

(48,000

)

Interest income

 

32,000

 

52,000

 

Total other income, net

 

5,000

 

4,000

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Loss before income taxes

 

(8,085,000

)

(10,850,000

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income tax benefit

 

(3,058,000

)

(4,067,000

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net loss

 

$

(5,027,000

)

$

(6,783,000

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic loss per share

 

$

(0.39

)

$

(0.53

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Diluted loss per share

 

$

(0.39

)

$

(0.53

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic weighted average shares outstanding

 

12,780,000

 

12,748,000

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Diluted weighted average shares outstanding

 

12,780,000

 

12,748,000

 

 

The accompanying Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements are an integral part of these statements.

 

5



Table of Contents

 

CACHE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

FOR THE THIRTY-NINE WEEKS ENDED

(Unaudited)

 

 

 

October 2,
2010

 

September 26,
2009

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net loss

 

$

(8,211,000

)

$

(7,533,000

)

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

 

 

 

 

 

Depreciation and amortization

 

7,040,000

 

8,757,000

 

Employee separation charge

 

 

2,121,000

 

Provision for sales allowance and doubtful accounts, net

 

(53,000

)

(57,000

)

Stock-based compensation

 

311,000

 

273,000

 

Non-cash interest expense on note payable

 

28,000

 

48,000

 

Deferred income taxes

 

(5,039,000

)

(2,343,000

)

Gift card breakage

 

(145,000

)

(173,000

)

Amortization of deferred income for co-branded credit card

 

(490,000

)

(319,000

)

Amortization of deferred rent

 

(2,067,000

)

(1,549,000

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Change in assets and liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

Decrease in receivables and income tax receivables

 

4,826,000

 

4,900,000

 

Decrease (increase) in inventories

 

(2,685,000

)

1,887,000

 

Decrease in prepaid expenses and other current assets

 

683,000

 

671,000

 

Increase in accounts payable

 

1,325,000

 

1,301,000

 

Decrease in accrued liabilities, accrued compensation and other liabilities

 

(2,726,000

)

(951,000

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities

 

(7,203,000

)

7,033,000

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Purchase of marketable securities

 

(14,501,000

)

(31,040,000

)

Maturities of marketable securities

 

22,635,000

 

28,817,000

 

Certificates of deposit — restricted

 

(1,000,000

)

(1,500,000

)

Purchase of equipment and leasehold improvements

 

(2,455,000

)

(1,278,000

)

Proceeds from insurance recovery

 

125,000

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities

 

4,804,000

 

(5,001,000

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Repayment of note payable

 

(634,000

)

(952,000

)

Repurchase of common stock

 

 

(586,000

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net cash used in financing activities

 

(634,000

)

(1,538,000

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) in cash and equivalents

 

(3,033,000

)

494,000

 

Cash and equivalents, at beginning of period

 

5,516,000

 

4,835,000

 

Cash and equivalents, at end of period

 

$

2,483,000

 

$

5,329,000

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest paid

 

$

67,000

 

$

152,000

 

Income taxes paid

 

$

119,000

 

$

269,000

 

Accrued equipment and leasehold improvements

 

$

51,000

 

$

10,000

 

 

The accompanying Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements are an integral part of these statements.

 

6



Table of Contents

 

CACHE, INC.

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

1.              BASIS OF PRESENTATION

 

References to the “Company,” “we,” “us,” or “our” means Cache, Inc., together with its wholly-owned subsidiaries, except as expressly indicated or unless the context otherwise requires. Under the trade name “Cache”, we operated 281 women’s apparel specialty stores, as of October 2, 2010.

 

The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements include all known adjustments necessary for a fair presentation of the results of the interim periods as required by accounting principles generally accepted in the United States. These adjustments consist primarily of normal recurring accruals and estimates that impact the carrying value of assets and liabilities. Actual results may materially differ from these estimates.

 

These condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the Company’s audited consolidated financial statements for the year ended January 2, 2010, which are included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K with respect to such period filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated. The January 2, 2010 condensed consolidated balance sheet amounts are derived from the Company’s audited consolidated financial statements.

 

The Company’s fiscal year (“fiscal year” or “fiscal”) refers to the applicable 52 or 53 week period. The year ended January 2, 2010 (“fiscal 2009”) was a 53-week year and the year ending January 1, 2011 (“fiscal 2010”) is a 52-week year.

 

2.              STOCK BASED COMPENSATION

 

Stock-based compensation expense for all stock-based awards programs, including grants of stock options, is recorded in accordance with “Compensation-Stock Compensation”, Topic 718 of the Financial Accounting Standards Board Accounting Standards Codification (“FASB ASC”). During the 39 and 13-week periods ended October 2, 2010, the Company recognized approximately $311,000 and $113,000, respectively, in stock-based compensation expense and for the same periods ended September 26, 2009, the Company recognized approximately $273,000 and $156,000 respectively. The grant date fair value for stock options is calculated using the Black-Scholes option valuation model. The Company granted 40,000 options during the 39-week period ended October 2, 2010, as compared to no options being granted during the 39-week period ended September 26, 2009.  No excess tax benefits were recognized from the exercise of stock options during fiscal 2010 and 2009. During the first quarter of fiscal 2010, 20,000 shares of the Company’s common stock were issued for services to its board members. The total fair value of the issued common stock was approximately $92,000 of which, approximately $69,000 and $23,000 were included in stock-based compensation expense for the 39 and 13-week periods ended October 2, 2010, respectively. The remaining cost is expected to be recognized over the remainder of fiscal 2010.

 

During the 39 and 13-week periods ended October 2, 2010, the Company granted restricted stock awards representing 214,000 and 202,000 shares respectively, of the Company’s common stock, which had a weighted-average grant date fair value of $5.52 and $5.48, respectively. Two-thirds of these restricted stock awards will contingently vest over a four year period, based on the Company meeting performance goals, and one-third will vest over the requisite service period.

 

The weighted-average grant date fair value of options granted during the 39-week period ended October 2, 2010 was $1.79. The grant date fair value is calculated using the Black-Scholes option valuation model. The following assumptions were used during the 39-week period ended October 2, 2010:

 

Expected dividend rate

 

$

0.00

 

Expected volatility

 

59.53 - 59.61

%

Risk free interest rate

 

1.48 - 1.50

%

Expected lives (years)

 

3.00

 

 

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Table of Contents

 

3.              BASIC AND DILUTED EARNINGS PER SHARE

 

Basic loss per share has been computed based upon the weighted average of common shares outstanding. Diluted loss per share also includes the dilutive effect of potential common shares (dilutive stock options and unvested restricted stock awards) outstanding during the period. Loss per common share has been computed as follows:

 

 

 

39-Weeks Ended

 

13-Weeks Ended

 

 

 

October 2,

 

September 26,

 

October 2,

 

September 26,

 

 

 

2010

 

2009

 

2010

 

2009

 

Net loss

 

$

(8,211,000

)

$

(7,533,000

)

$

(5,027,000

)

$

(6,783,000

)

Basic weighted number of average shares outstanding

 

12,774,000

 

12,810,000

 

12,780,000

 

12,748,000

 

Diluted weighted average number of shares outstanding

 

12,774,000

 

12,810,000

 

12,780,000

 

12,748,000

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net loss per share - Basic

 

$

(0.64

)

$

(0.59

)

$

(0.39

)

$

(0.53

)

- Diluted

 

$

(0.64

)

$

(0.59

)

$

(0.39

)

$

(0.53

)

 

Options and unvested restricted common shares of 1,069,001 and 779,338 were excluded from the computation of diluted loss per share for the 39-week periods of fiscal 2010 and 2009, respectively, because of the net loss incurred by the Company.

 

4.              RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS

 

In July 2010, Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2010-20, Receivables (Topic 310)Disclosures about the Credit Quality of Financing Receivables and the Allowance for Credit Losses, which improves the disclosures that an entity provides about the credit quality of its financing receivables and the related allowance for credit losses. As a result of these amendments, an entity is required to disaggregate by portfolio segment or class certain existing disclosures and provide certain new disclosures about its financing receivables and related allowance for credit losses. ASU 2010-20 is effective for financial statements issued for interim and annual periods ending on or after December 15, 2010 except for disclosures about activity that occurs during a reporting period, which are effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning on or after December 15, 2010. The Company does not expect the adoption of ASU 2010-20 to have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements.

 

In April 2010, FASB issued Accounting ASU 2010-18, Receivables (Topic 310) Effect of a Loan Modification When the Loan is Part of a Pool That Is Accounted for as a Single Asset, which provides that modification of loans that are accounted for within a pool will not result in the removal of those loans from the pool even if the modification of those loans would be considered a troubled debt restructuring. An entity will be required to consider whether the pool of assets in which the loan is included is impaired, if expected cash flows for the pool change. ASU 2010-18 is effective prospectively in the first interim or annual period ending on or after July 15, 2010. Effective October 2, 2010, the Company adopted ASU 2010-18, which did not have any impact on its consolidated financial statements.

 

In April 2010, FASB issued ASU 2010-13, Compensation — Stock Compensation (Topic 718) Effect of Denominating the Exercise Price of a Share-Based Payment Award in the Currency of the Market in Which the Underlying Equity Security Trades, which clarifies that an employee share-based payment award with an exercise price denominated in the currency of a market in which a substantial portion of the entity’s equity shares trades should not be considered to contain a condition that is not a market, performance or service condition. ASU 2010-13 is effective for fiscal years beginning on or after December 15, 2010, early adoption is permitted. The Company does not expect the adoption of ASU 2010-18 to have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements.

 

In January 2010, FASB issued ASU 2010-06, Improving Disclosures about Fair Measurements, which provides amendments to subtopic 820-10 that require separate disclosure of significant transfers in and out of Level 1 and Level 2 fair value measurements and the presentation of separate information regarding purchases, sales, issuances and settlements for Level 3 fair value measurements. Additionally, ASU 2010-06 provides amendments to subtopic 820-10 that clarify existing disclosures about the level of disaggregation and inputs and valuation techniques. ASU 2010-06 is effective for financial statements issued for interim and annual periods ending after December 15, 2009, except for the disclosures about purchases, sales, issuances and settlements in the rollforward of activity in Level 3 fair value measurements, which are effective for interim and annual periods ending after December 15, 2010. The Company does not expect the adoption of ASU 2010-06 to have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements.

 

5.              FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENT

 

Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures”, Topic 820 of the FASB ASC, defines fair value as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date (exit price). Topic 820 of the FASB ASC establishes a fair value hierarchy, which prioritizes the inputs used in measuring fair value into three broad levels as follows:

 

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Table of Contents

 

·                  Level 1 — Unadjusted quoted market prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that the Company has the ability to access at the measurement date.

 

·                  Level 2 — Quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets, quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in markets that are not active, inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for the asset or liability (i.e., interest rates, yield curves, etc.) and inputs that are derived principally from or corroborated by observable market data by correlation or other means.

 

·                  Level 3 — Unobservable inputs that reflect assumptions about what market participants would use in pricing assets or liabilities based on the best information available.

 

As of October 2, 2010, the Company’s marketable securities primarily consist of short-term United States Treasury bills. The Company classifies its short-term investments as held-to-maturity. Held-to-maturity securities are those securities in which the Company has the ability and intent to hold the securities until maturity. Because the Company’s held-to-maturity securities mature within one year of the purchase date, the securities are classified as short-term marketable securities. Held-to-maturity debt securities are recorded at amortized cost, adjusted for the amortization or accretion of premiums or discounts and such carrying values approximate fair value. A decline in the market value of any held-to-maturity security below cost that is deemed to be other than temporary results in a reduction in carrying amount to fair value. The impairment is charged to earnings and a new cost basis for the security is established.

 

Financial Instruments”, Topic 825 of the FASB ASC, provides entities the option to measure many financial instruments and certain other items at fair value. Entities that choose the fair value option will recognize unrealized gains and losses on items for which the fair value option was elected in earnings at each subsequent reporting date. The Company has currently chosen not to elect the fair value option for any items that are not already required to be measured at fair value in accordance with Topic 825 of the FASB ASC.

 

The fair value of our marketable securities, which was determined based upon Level 1 inputs, totaled $21.9 million, $30.0 million and $27.4 million as of October 2, 2010, January 2, 2010 and September 26, 2009, respectively. For the fiscal periods ended October 2, 2010, January 2, 2010 and September 26, 2009, the aggregate amount of marketable securities (maturing greater than 90 days and less than one year) totaled approximately $21.9 million, $30.0 million and $27.4 million, respectively. The Company noted small variances between the book value and fair value due to the remaining unamortized premiums. As a result, no impairment has occurred for the fiscal periods presented herein. Premiums and discounts are amortized or accreted over the life of the related held-to-maturity investments. Interest income is recognized when earned.

 

Fair Value of Financial Instruments

 

The carrying amounts of certificates of deposit, accounts receivable, accounts payable and accrued liabilities approximate their estimated fair values due to their short-term nature. The Company’s note payable includes imputed interest at 5% as the fair market value of this note is not readily determinable because comparable instruments do not exist. The 5% imputed interest represented the Company’s average return on its investment portfolio, at the inception of the note.

 

6.              RECEIVABLES

 

 

 

October 2,

 

January 2,

 

September 26,

 

 

 

2010

 

2010

 

2009

 

Construction allowances

 

$

126,000

 

$

507,000

 

$

177,000

 

Third party credit cards

 

1,598,000

 

2,142,000

 

1,960,000

 

Accounts receivable, net

 

 

62,000

 

101,000

 

Other

 

296,000

 

700,000

 

475,000

 

 

 

$

2,020,000

 

$

3,411,000

 

$

2,713,000

 

 

At October 2, 2010, the Company’s income tax receivable was $81,000, which represents the federal and state income tax refunds the Company expects to receive from its fiscal 2009 tax returns. During the 39-week period ended October, 2010, the Company received payments of $3.3 million against the $3.4 million receivable, which was recorded in fiscal 2009. During fiscal 2009, the Company recorded income tax receivables of $3.4 million, which resulted from estimated tax payments of approximately $200,000 made during fiscal 2009 and 2008 combined with a refund of $3.2 million, generated as a result of the carry back on the net loss incurred for fiscal 2009.

 

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7.              INVENTORIES

 

 

 

October 2,

 

January 2,

 

September 26,

 

 

 

2010

 

2010

 

2009

 

Raw materials

 

$

1,410,000

 

$

1,253,000

 

$

1,911,000

 

Work in process

 

1,631,000

 

1,160,000

 

1,505,000

 

Finished goods

 

16,202,000

 

14,186,000

 

17,018,000

 

 

 

$

19,243,000

 

$

16,599,000

 

$

20,434,000

 

 

8.              EQUIPMENT AND LEASEHOLD IMPROVEMENTS

 

 

 

October 2,

 

January 2,

 

September 26,

 

 

 

2010

 

2010

 

2009

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Leasehold improvements

 

$

51,315,000

 

$

51,861,000

 

$

53,011,000

 

Furniture, fixtures and equipment

 

34,648,000

 

33,913,000

 

38,164,000

 

 

 

85,963,000

 

85,774,000

 

91,175,000

 

Less: accumulated depreciation and amortization

 

(59,127,000

)

(54,061,000

)

(55,451,000

)

 

 

$

26,836,000

 

$

31,713,000

 

$

35,724,000

 

 

9.              GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS

 

In accordance with “Intangibles -Goodwill and Other”, Topic 350 of the FASB ASC, the Company’s goodwill and its indefinite-lived intangible assets are reviewed annually for impairment or more frequently, if impairment indicators arise. The annual valuation process is performed during the fourth quarter of each year. The carrying value of goodwill as of October 2, 2010, January 2, 2010 and September 26, 2009 was $9.1 million.

 

The carrying amounts of net intangible assets as of October 2, 2010, January 2, 2010 and September 26, 2009 are as follows:

 

 

 

October 2,

 

January 2,

 

September 26,

 

 

 

2010

 

2010

 

2009

 

Indefinite-lived intangible assets:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Trademarks-Cache

 

$

102,000

 

$

102,000

 

$

102,000

 

Trademarks-Mary L

 

 

 

620,000

 

 

 

102,000

 

102,000

 

722,000

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Definite-lived intangible assets:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Customer relationships

 

 

 

300,000

 

Favorable market lease

 

 

 

160,000

 

 

 

 

 

460,000

 

Less: accumulated amortization

 

 

 

(170,000

)

 

 

 

 

290,000

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total intangible assets, net

 

$

102,000

 

$

102,000

 

$

1,012,000

 

 

During fiscal 2009 an impairment charge of $891,000 was recorded against the carrying value of intangible assets associated with the Company’s wholesale division—Mary L. In addition, the Company also recorded a charge of $204,000 for the remaining net book value of its definite-lived intangible asset—Non-compete agreements. This charge resulted from an employee separation agreement that the Company entered into with two of its former executive officers.

 

10.       ACCRUED LIABILITIES

 

 

 

October 2,

 

January 2,

 

September 26,

 

 

 

2010

 

2010

 

2009

 

Gift cards, merchandise credit cards and other customer deposits and credits

 

$

3,338,000

 

$

3,817,000

 

$

3,077,000

 

Taxes, including income taxes

 

2,025,000

 

2,807,000

 

1,555,000

 

Operating expenses

 

2,301,000

 

2,007,000

 

1,927,000

 

Employee separation settlement

 

 

1,375,000

 

 

Deferred income — co-branded credit card program

 

724,000

 

568,000

 

510,000

 

Sales return reserve

 

385,000

 

470,000

 

411,000

 

Group insurance

 

497,000

 

481,000

 

502,000

 

Leasehold additions

 

51,000

 

234,000

 

10,000

 

Exit costs

 

 

24,000

 

254,000

 

 

 

$

9,321,000

 

$

11,783,000

 

$

8,246,000

 

 

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Leasehold additions generally represent a liability to general contractors for a final 10% payable on construction contracts for store construction or renovations.

 

11.       OTHER LIABILITIES

 

The Company’s other liabilities are comprised of the following:

 

 

 

October 2,
2010

 

January 2,
2010

 

September 26,
2009

 

Deferred rent

 

$

12,232,000

 

$

13,913,000

 

$

14,130,000

 

Deferred income — co-branded credit card program

 

1,871,000

 

1,893,000

 

1,828,000

 

Employee separation settlement

 

 

 

1,244,000

 

 

 

$

14,103,000

 

$

15,806,000

 

$

17,202,000

 

 

12.       CREDIT FACILITY

 

On April 22, 2010, the Company entered into a new one year credit facility with Bank of America (the “Bank”). Under this facility, the Company may direct the Bank to issue letters of credit up to a total of $2,500,000. Any outstanding letters of credit under this facility are collateralized by granting to the Bank a security interest in various certificates of deposit held by the Company and its subsidiaries with the Bank amounting to a total of $2,500,000. This one year credit facility will expire on May 1, 2011.

 

Any certificates of deposit collateralized against this line of credit are reported as restricted funds. Based on the expiry dates of the letters of credits issued, the restricted cash has been reported as either Current or Non-Current. When the expiry date is within one year of the reporting period end date then the certificates of deposit are reported as Current, and when the expiry date is beyond one year the certificates of deposit are reported as Non-Current.

 

There were outstanding letters of credit of $1.7 million under this facility at October 2, 2010.

 

13.       EMPLOYEE SEPARATION CHARGE

 

On September 23, 2009, the Company entered into separation agreements with two of its then executives.  During the third quarter of fiscal 2009, the Company recorded a pre-tax charge of $2.1 million, which included future payments of $1.9 million, a charge of $204,000 for the remaining net book value of the non-compete agreements and a charge of $23,000 for the vested portion of stock-awards that the Company purchased back from these former executives.

 

Pursuant to one of these separation agreements, the former executive may receive payments of up to $500,000 in the aggregate, based on the achievement by the Company over the next 4 years of certain net income targets set forth in the agreement.  As of October 2, 2010, no accrual was recorded for this earn-out provision.

 

14.       INCOME TAXES

 

The Company accounts for income taxes in accordance with “Income Taxes”, Topic 740 of the FASB ASC. This guidance requires the Company to recognize deferred tax liabilities and assets for the expected future tax consequences of events that have been recognized in the Company’s financial statements or tax returns. Under this method, deferred tax liabilities and assets are determined based on the difference between the financial statement carrying amounts and tax bases of assets and liabilities, using applicable tax rates for the years in which the differences are expected to reverse. At January 2, 2010, the Company maintained $4.5 million of net deferred tax assets, of which approximately $919,000 related to state tax net operating loss carry-forwards. In addition, during the 39-week period ended October 2, 2010, the Company recorded an income tax benefit of $5.0 million, primarily related to the net loss incurred. The Current portion of deferred tax assets and liabilities of $2.0 million is included in prepaid expenses and other current assets, while the Non-current portion of deferred tax assets and liabilities of $7.6 million is included in other assets, on the Company’s accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheets. When tax contingencies become probable, a liability for the contingent amount is estimated based upon the Company’s best estimation of the potential exposures associated with the timing and amount of

 

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deductions, as well as various tax filing positions. As of October 2, 2010, the Company has recorded a $368,000 reserve, net of federal benefit for potential tax contingencies. As of September 26, 2009, the Company reported a reserve balance of $428,000.

 

15.       COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

 

On June 30, 2010, Chico’s FAS, Inc. and White House|Black Market, Inc. (together referred to as “Chico’s”) filed a lawsuit against the Company in the Supreme Court of the State of New York County of New York.  The complaint alleges, among other things, that two former employees of Chico’s that are currently employed by Cache supplied the Company with confidential information and trade secrets. The Company believes that Chico’s filed the lawsuit in an effort to undermine Cache in the marketplace. Their allegations were reported in a key trade publication and in an analyst report.  The Company believes the allegations made by Chico’s are without merit and intends to vigorously defend against this lawsuit.

 

The Company is exposed to a number of asserted and unasserted potential claims.  Management does not believe that the resolution of any of these matters will result in a material loss.  The Company had no guarantees, subleases or assigned lease obligations as of October 2, 2010, January 2, 2010 or September 26, 2009.

 

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

 

Except for the historical information contained in this Form 10-Q, the matters addressed herein are forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.  Forward-looking statements represent the Company’s expectation or belief concerning future events.  Without limiting the foregoing, the words “believes,” “thinks,” “anticipates,” “estimates,” “plans,” “expects” and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements.  The Company cautions that forward-looking statements are subject to risks, uncertainties, assumptions and other important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially, or otherwise, from those expressed or implied in the forward-looking statements, including, without limitation, macroeconomic factors that have affected the retail sector, including changes in national, regional and local economic conditions, employment levels and consumer spending patterns, and the other risks detailed from time to time in the Company’s most recent Form 10-K, Forms 10-Q and other reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Continued weakness in or a further worsening of the economy generally or in a number of our markets could adversely affect our financial position and results of operations, cause us to reduce the number and frequency of new store openings, slow our re-modeling of existing locations or cause us to increase store closings. Other unknown or unpredictable factors also could harm the Company’s business, financial condition and results.  Consequently, there can be no assurance that actual results or developments anticipated by the Company will be realized or, even if substantially realized, that they will have the expected consequences to, or effects on, the Company.  The Company undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except to the extent required by applicable securities laws.

 

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

 

The following table sets forth our results of operations for the 39-week and 13-week periods ended October 2, 2010 and September 26, 2009, respectively, expressed as a percentage of net sales.

 

 

 

39-Weeks Ended

 

13-Weeks Ended

 

 

 

October 2,

 

September 26,

 

October 2,

 

September 26,

 

 

 

2010

 

2009

 

2010

 

2009

 

Sales

 

100.0

%

100.0

%

100.0

%

100.0

%

Cost of sales

 

61.8

 

60.4

 

65.1

 

68.4

 

Gross profit

 

38.2

 

39.6

 

34.9

 

31.6

 

Store operating expenses

 

37.0

 

37.4

 

39.4

 

41.4

 

General and administrative expenses

 

10.0

 

8.6

 

13.3

 

9.7

 

Employee separation charge

 

0.0

 

1.4

 

0.0

 

4.7

 

Operating loss

 

(8.8

)

(7.8

)

(17.8

)

(24.2

)

Interest expense

 

(0.1

)

(0.1

)

(0.1

)

(0.1

)

Interest income

 

0.1

 

0.1

 

0.1

 

0.1

 

Loss before income taxes

 

(8.8

)

(7.8

)

(17.8

)

(24.1

)

Income tax benefit

 

(3.3

)

(2.9

)

(6.7

)

(9.0

)

Net loss

 

(5.5

)%

(4.9

)%

(11.1

)%

(15.1

)%

 

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Table of Contents

 

We use a number of key indicators of financial condition and operating performance to evaluate the performance of our business, some of which are set forth in the following table:

 

 

 

39-Weeks Ended

 

13-Weeks Ended

 

 

 

October 2,

 

September 26,

 

October 2,

 

September 26,

 

 

 

2010

 

2009

 

2010

 

2009

 

Total store count, at end of period

 

281

 

289

 

281

 

289

 

Net sales increase (decrease)

 

(2.7

)%

(22.5

)%

1.3

%

(22.7

)%

Comparable store sales decrease

 

(0.6

)%

(21.8

)%

(0.2

)%

(21.7

)%

Average sales per transaction increase (decrease)

 

(5.5

)%

(14.0

)%

4.5

%

(21.2

)%

Average number of transactions increase (decrease)

 

5.3

%

(9.1

)%

(4.4

)%

(0.7

)%

Net sales per average square foot

 

$

248

 

$

250

 

$

75

 

$

74

 

Total square footage, at end of period (in thousands)

 

568

 

584

 

568

 

584

 

 

Net sales

 

During the 39-week period ended October 2, 2010, net sales decreased to $150.6 million from $154.8 million, a decrease of $4.2 million, or 2.7%, as compared to the same 39-week period last year. This reflects a decrease of $2.6 million from our non-comparable store sales, a decrease of $973,000 of net sales from our Mary L. division, which the Company discontinued during the first quarter of fiscal 2010, $882,000 or 0.6% decrease in comparable store sales, which were offset by a small increase in income recognized from our co-branded credit card. The decrease in net sales during the 39-week period of fiscal 2010 was primarily due to macroeconomic events, which resulted in a reduction in mall traffic where our stores are located, coupled with a shift in consumer spending patterns that favored lower priced or discounted merchandise. The decrease in net sales at our stores for the 39-week period ended October 2, 2010, reflected a 5.5% decrease in average dollars per transactions and a 5.3% increase in sales transactions.

 

During the 13-week period ended October 2, 2010, net sales increased to $45.5 million from $44.9 million, an increase of $583,000 or 1.3%, as compared to the same 13-week period last year. This reflects an increase of $660,000 from our non-comparable store sales, $121,000 or 100.0% decrease in Mary L. sales, which the Company discontinued during the first quarter of fiscal 2010, in addition to essentially flat comparable store sales along with a small increase in income recognized from our co-branded credit card. The increase in net sales in the third quarter at our stores reflected a 4.5% increase in average dollars per transaction, partially offset by a 4.4% decrease in sales transactions.

 

Gross profit

 

During the 39-week period ended October 2, 2010, gross profit decreased to $57.6 million from $61.2 million, a decrease of $3.6 million, or 6.0%, as compared to the same 39-week period last year. This decrease was primarily due to lower net sales, an increase in markdowns, coupled with an increase in operational costs related to our design, production and sourcing departments. As a percentage of net sales, gross profit decreased to 38.2% from 39.6% for the fiscal 2010 39-week period, as compared to the prior year period.

 

During the 13-week period ended October 2, 2010, gross profit increased to $15.9 million from $14.2 million, an increase of $1.7 million or 11.9%, as compared to the same 13-week period last year. This increase was primarily due to lower markdowns. As a percentage of net sales, gross profit increased to 34.9% from 31.6% for the current 13-week period, as compared to the prior year period.

 

Store operating expenses

 

During the 39-week period ended October 2, 2010, store operating expenses decreased to $55.8 million from $57.8 million, a decrease of $2.0 million, or 3.6%, as compared to the same 39-week period last year. Store operating expenses decreased primarily due to a decrease in depreciation of $1.3 million, payroll and payroll related tax expenses of $971,000, store property and real estate taxes of $503,000 and costs associated with store closing and remodeling of $199,000, partially offset by an increase in marketing expense of $1.1 million. The decrease in depreciation expense was due to certain assets being fully depreciated as of fiscal 2009, coupled with the impairment of 23 underperforming stores during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2009. The decrease in payroll and payroll related expenses was due to decrease in the number of employees, as compared to the 39-week period last year. The decrease in store property and real estate taxes was primarily due to a decrease in the number of stores in fiscal 2010, as compared to fiscal 2009. The increase in marketing expense was due to an increase in spending for direct mail and costs associated with printed materials. As a percentage of

 

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net sales, store operating expenses decreased to 37.0% from 37.4% for the fiscal 2010 39-week period, as compared to the prior year period.

 

During the 13-week period ended October 2, 2010, store operating expenses decreased to $18.0 million from $18.6 million, a decrease of $631,000, or 3.4%, as compared to the same 13-week period last year. Store operating expenses decreased primarily due to a decrease in depreciation of $672,000, store property and real estate taxes of $147,000 and costs associated with store closing and remodeling of $152,000, partially offset by an increase in marketing expenses of $460,000. The decrease in depreciation expense was due to certain assets being fully depreciated in fiscal 2009, coupled with the impairment of 23 underperforming stores during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2009. The decrease in store property and real estate taxes was primarily due to a decrease in the number of stores in fiscal 2010, as compared to fiscal 2009. The increase in marketing expense was due to an increase in spending for direct mail and costs associated with printed materials. As a percentage of net sales, store operating expenses decreased to 39.5% from 41.4% for the fiscal 2010 13-week period, as compared to the prior year period.

 

General and administrative expenses

 

During the 39-week period ended October 2, 2010, general and administrative expenses increased to $15.0 million from $13.3 million, an increase of $1.7 million or 12.8%, due to an increase in legal fees primarily associated with the Chico’s lawsuit. See Note 15 herein for additional information. As a percentage of net sales, general and administrative expenses increased to 10.0% from 8.6% in fiscal 2010, primarily due to the reduction in net sales in fiscal 2010 and an increase in general and administrative expenses described above.

 

During the 13-week period ended October 2, 2010, general and administrative expenses increased to $6.0 million from $4.4 million, an increase of $1.6 million or 38.5%, as compared to the same 13-week period last year due to an increase in legal fees primarily associated with the Chico’s lawsuit. As a percentage of net sales, general and administrative expenses increased to 13.3% from 9.7% in fiscal 2010, due to an increase in general and administrative expenses.

 

Employee separation charge

 

For the 39 and 13-week periods ended September 26, 2009, the Company incurred a pre-tax charge $2.1 million ($1.3 million after tax or $0.10 per diluted share). The charge resulted from separation agreements entered into with its certain then executives. The $2.1 million charge also includes a charge of $204,000 for the remaining net book value of the non-compete agreements contained in their employment agreements with the Company, which were terminated pursuant to the separation agreements.

 

Other income/(expense)

 

During the 39-week period ended October 2, 2010, other income (expense) decreased to $23,000 from $32,000, a decrease of $9,000 or 28.1%, as compared to the same 39-week period last year. This decrease was due to a reduction in interest expense of $52,000 offset by a decrease in interest income of $61,000.

 

During the 13-week period ended October 2, 2010, other income (expense) increased to $5,000 from $4,000, an increase of $1,000 or 25.0%, as compared to the same 13-week period last year. This increase was due to a reduction in interest expense of $21,000 offset by a reduction in interest income of $20,000.

 

Income taxes

 

During the 39-week period ended October 2, 2010, an income tax benefit of $5.0 million was recorded, as compared to an income tax benefit of $4.5 million in the same 39-week period last year. During the 13-week period ended October 2, 2010, an income tax benefit of $3.1 million was recorded, as compared to an income tax benefit of $4.1 million in the same 13-week period last year. The estimated effective tax rate for fiscal 2010 is projected to be 38.3%, as compared to the fiscal 2009 estimate of 37.4%.

 

Net loss

 

As a result of the factors discussed above, net loss of $8.2 million and $5.0 million were recorded during the 39 and 13-week periods ended October 2, 2010, respectively. In fiscal 2009, net loss of $7.5 million and $6.8 million were recorded during the 39 and 13-week periods ended September 26, 2009, respectively.

 

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

 

The Company’s cash requirements are primarily for working capital, inventory for new stores, construction of new stores, remodeling of existing stores and to improve and enhance our information technology systems. We have historically satisfied our cash

 

14



Table of Contents

 

requirements principally through cash flow from operations. During the 39-week period ended October 2, 2010, we used $7.2 million of cash flow from operations, as compared to $7.0 million generated during the same period in fiscal 2009. We expect to continue to meet our operating cash requirements primarily through cash flows from operating activities, existing cash and equivalents, and short-term investments. At October 2, 2010, we had working capital of $33.0 million, cash and marketable securities of $26.8 million and $2.2 million in third party debt outstanding related to the purchase of Adrienne Victoria Designs, Inc. (“AVD”). The cash and marketable securities at October 2, 2010, included certificates of deposit of $2.5 million, that have been placed by the Company as collateral against a one year credit facility.

 

The following table sets forth our cash flows for the periods indicated:

 

 

 

39-Weeks Ended

 

 

 

October 2,
2010

 

September26,
2009

 

Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities

 

$

(7,203,000

)

$

7,033,000

 

Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities

 

4,804,000

 

(5,001,000

)

Net cash used in financing activities

 

(634,000

)

(1,538,000

)

Net increase (decrease) in cash and equivalents

 

$

(3,033,000

)

$

494,000

 

 

During the 39-week period ended October 2, 2010, cash and equivalents decreased by $3.0 million, primarily as a result of the operating loss incurred during fiscal 2010. Decrease in accrued liabilities, accrued compensation and other liabilities ($2.7 million) is principally due to payment on the remaining $1.4 million owed to one of the Company’s former executive, as part of an employee separation agreement entered into in fiscal 2009. Seasonal increase in inventories ($2.7 million) coupled with the purchase of equipment and leasehold improvements ($2.5 million), also contributed to the decrease in cash and equivalents. These decreases in cash were offset by net maturities of marketable securities ($8.1 million), combined with a decrease in receivables and income tax receivables ($4.8 million), primarily due to $3.3 million collected from income tax receivable recorded in fiscal 2009.

 

On April 22, 2010, the Company entered into a one year credit facility with Bank of America (the “Bank”). Under this facility, the Company may direct the Bank to issue letters of credit up to a total of $2,500,000. Any outstanding letters of credit under this facility are collateralized by granting to the Bank a security interest in various certificates of deposit held by the Company and its subsidiaries with the Bank amounting to a total of $2.5 million.  This one year credit facility will expire on May 1, 2011.

 

The Company had outstanding letters of credit of $1.7 million, $660,000 and $1.1 million at October 2, 2010, January 2, 2010 and September 26, 2009, respectively.

 

Inflation / Recession

 

The Company does not believe that its sales revenue or operating results have been materially impacted by inflation during the past two fiscal years. There can be no assurance, however, that our sales revenue or operating results will not be impacted by inflation in the future.

 

Ongoing macroeconomic conditions continue to affect the sales volume and profitability levels of our Company.  Furthermore, we believe that continuing limitations on the availability of consumer credit, especially of credit cards, continue to adversely affect customer demand for our products, which adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.

 

Many of our suppliers rely on working capital financing to fund their operations.  As a result of current economic conditions, lenders continue to maintain stringent credit standards and terms. To the extent that any of our suppliers are unable to obtain adequate credit or their borrowing costs increase, the supplier may cease operations, we may experience delays in obtaining products, the suppliers may increase their wholesale prices to us or they may modify payment terms in a manner that is unfavorable to us.  Any of the foregoing or other unforeseen circumstances could adversely affect our net sales or gross margins, which could adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.

 

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

 

The Company does not have any off-balance sheet arrangements or transactions with unconsolidated, limited purpose entities. In the normal course of our business, we enter into operating leases for store locations and utilize letters of credit principally for the importation of merchandise. Other than operating lease commitments and letters of credit, we are not a party to any material off-balance sheet financing arrangements.

 

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Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

 

The Company’s accounting policies are more fully described in Note 1 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in our fiscal 2009 Form 10-K.  As disclosed in Note 1 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, the preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”), which requires management to make estimates and assumptions about future events that affect the amounts reported in the consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes. Since future events and their effects cannot be determined with absolute certainty, actual results may differ from those estimates. 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 are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances.  Actual results may differ from these under different assumptions or conditions.

 

The Company’s management believes the following critical accounting policies, among others, affect its more significant judgments and estimates used in preparation of the Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

Inventories. Our finished goods inventories at our retail stores are valued at the lower of cost or market using the retail inventory method. Under the retail inventory method (“RIM”), the valuation of inventories at cost and the resulting gross margins are calculated by applying a calculated cost to retail ratio to the retail value of inventories. RIM is an averaging method that is widely used in the retail industry due to its practicality. Additionally, it is recognized that the use of RIM will result in valuing inventories at the lower of cost or market if markdowns are currently taken as a reduction of the retail value of inventories. Inherent in the RIM calculation are certain significant management judgments including, among others, merchandise markon, markups, and markdowns, which significantly impact the ending inventory valuation at cost as well as the resulting gross margins. We take markdowns due to changes in fashion and style, based on the following factors: (i) supply on hand, (ii) historical experience and (iii) our expectations as to future sales. We do not anticipate any significant change in our markdown strategy that would cause a significant change in our earnings. We believe that our RIM provides an inventory valuation, which results in a carrying value at the lower of cost or market. Inventories other than finished goods at retail stores, called production inventory, primarily consists of piece goods, trim and work-in-process. It is the Company’s policy to value the production inventory, which makes up approximately 15.8% of Company’s total inventory, at lower of cost or market value using first-in-first-out valuation method. The Company reviews the inventory for factors such as age, obsolescence, potential use, or other factors that may indicate a decline in its value. The Company records a reserve against the cost of the production inventory to account for any decline in its value.

 

Finite long-lived assets.  The Company’s judgment regarding the existence of impairment indicators is based on market and operational performance. We assess the impairment of long-lived assets, primarily fixed assets, whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value may not be recoverable and exceeds the fair market value. Factors we consider important which could trigger an impairment review include the following:

 

·                  significant changes in the manner of our use of assets or the strategy for our overall business;

 

·                  significant negative industry or economic trends;

 

·                  store closings; or

 

·                  underperforming business trends.

 

The Company evaluates finite long-lived assets in accordance with “Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets” under Topic 360 “Property, Plant and Equipment” of the Financial Accounting Standards Board Accounting Standards Codification (“FASB ASC”). Finite-lived assets are evaluated for recoverability in accordance with Topic 360 of the FASB ASC whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that an asset may have been impaired. In evaluating an asset for recoverability, the Company estimates the future cash flows expected to result from the use and eventual disposition of the asset. If the sum of the expected future cash flows (undiscounted and without interest charges) is less than the carrying amount of the asset, an impairment loss, equal to the excess of the carrying amount over the fair market value of the asset is recognized. Various factors including future sales growth and profit margins are included in this analysis. To the extent these future projections or strategies change, the conclusion regarding impairment may differ from the current estimates. No impairment charges were recorded during the 39-week periods ended October 2, 2010 and September 26, 2009. The Company recorded an impairment charge of $1.9 million for 23 underperforming stores during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2009.

 

Goodwill and Intangible Assets. The Company evaluates its Goodwill and Intangible assets in accordance with “Intangibles -Goodwill and Other”, Topic 350 of the FASB ASC.  This guidance requires ratable amortization of goodwill be replaced with periodic tests of the goodwill’s impairment. The Company performs impairment testing, which considers the Company’s fair value to determine whether an impairment charge related to the carrying value of the Company’s recorded goodwill and other intangible assets,

 

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associated with its AVD reporting unit, is necessary. This is reevaluated annually during the fourth quarter, or more frequently if necessary. The Company considers many factors in evaluating whether the carrying value of the recorded goodwill will be recoverable. Factors used to determine this primarily include declines in stock price and the market capitalization in relation to the book value of the Company, discounted projected cash flows of the reporting unit and valuation of companies comparable to the reporting unit. No impairment charges were recorded during the 39-week periods ended October 2, 2010 and September 26, 2009. An impairment charge of $891,000 was recorded against the carrying value of intangible assets associated with its wholesale division—Mary L., during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2009, related to the discontinuance of Mary L. Pursuant to the employee separation agreements entered into with two of the Company’s then officers, the Company recorded a pre-tax charge of $204,000 during the third fiscal quarter of 2009 for the remaining net book value of the non-compete agreements contained in their employment agreements.

 

Self Insurance. The Company is self-insured for losses and liabilities related primarily to employee health and welfare claims up to certain thresholds. Losses are accrued based upon our estimates of the aggregate liability for claims incurred using certain actuarial assumptions followed in the insurance industry and based on Company experience. Adjustments to earnings resulting from changes in historical loss trends have been insignificant for fiscal 2010 and 2009. Further, we do not anticipate any significant change in loss trends, settlements or other costs that would cause a significant change in our earnings. We maintain stop-loss insurance coverage, which covers us for benefits paid in excess of limits as defined in the plan.

 

Gift Cards, Gift Certificates and Credits. The Company sells gift cards and gift certificates (“Gift Cards”) and issues credits to its customers when merchandise is returned (“Merchandise Credits”), which do not expire. The Company recognizes sales from Gift Cards when they are redeemed by the customer and income when the likelihood of the Gift Card and Merchandise Credit being redeemed by the customer is remote (“Gift Card breakage”), since the Company has determined that it does not have a legal obligation to remit the unredeemed value to the relevant jurisdiction as abandoned property. The Company determines Gift Card breakage income based upon historical redemption patterns and the remaining unredeemed percentage at the end of our historical data of 3.5 years. Historical redemptions of Gift Cards ranged from 64% in the first quarter to 0.03% in the fourteenth quarter subsequent to the issue date, resulting in an average of approximately 95% redeemed or 5% unredeemed Gift Cards over the historical data of 3.5 years. We have determined that redemption would be remote based on the fact that, by the fourteenth quarter since issue date, the redemption rate approximated 0%, indicating that the probability of such cards being redeemed is remote. As such, we have recorded breakage income based upon this 5%, which is reviewed on a quarterly basis for propriety. Breakage income represents the balance of Gift Cards and Merchandise Credit, for which the Company believes the likelihood of redemption by the customer, is remote. At that time, the Company will recognize breakage income for those Gift Cards and Merchandise Credits. The Company recorded $145,000 and $173,000 of breakage income during the 39-week periods ended October 2, 2010 and September 26, 2009, respectively.

 

Revenue Recognition.  Sales are recognized at the “point of sale,” which occurs when merchandise is sold in an “over-the-counter” transaction or upon receipt by a customer. Sales of merchandise via our website are recognized at the expected time of delivery to the customer. Our customers have the right to return merchandise. Sales are reported net of actual and estimated returns. We maintain a reserve for potential product returns and record, as a reduction to sales, a provision for estimated product returns, which is determined based on historical experience. Charges/(credits) resulting from revisions to estimates on our sales return provision were approximately $(85,000) and $(139,000) for the 39-week periods ended October 2, 2010 and September 26, 2009, respectively. Amounts billed to customers for shipping and handling fees are included in net sales at the time of shipment. Costs incurred at our stores for shipping and handling are included in cost of sales. The Company records revenues net of applicable sales tax.

 

The Company’s co-branded customer credit card program, which was introduced during fiscal 2007, entitles the Company to receive from the issuing bank a non-refundable credit card activation fee for each new account that is opened and activated. These fees are initially deferred and recognized in consolidated net sales as revenue over the life of the contract. During the 39-week periods ended October 2, 2010 and September 26, 2009, the Company received $623,000 and $884,000, respectively, in connection with activated credit cards. The amount of fee income recorded in connection with activated credit cards was $490,000 and $319,000 for the 39-week periods ended October 2, 2010 and September 26, 2009, respectively.

 

The Company also receives from the issuing bank and Visa U.S.A Inc. a sales royalty, which is based on a percentage of net purchases made by cardholders at Cache or other businesses. Cache has determined that since it has not incurred any significant or recurring costs in relation to the co-branded credit card program the sales royalties earned in connection to the agreement will be recorded under net sales. The fees that are incurred by the Company are cardholder incentives, which are funded from the fees paid by the issuing bank and Visa U.S.A Inc. The amount of sales royalty income recorded was $267,000 and $230,000 for the 39-week periods ended October 2, 2010 and September 26, 2009, respectively.

 

The Company also offers its card holders a program whereby points can be earned on net purchases made with the co-branded credit card. Five reward points are awarded for each dollar spent at Cache and one reward point is awarded for each dollar spent at non-Cache businesses.  A cardholder whose credit card account is not delinquent, in default or closed will be automatically eligible to receive a $25 Cache gift card upon accrual of 2,500 reward points. The issuing bank bears the cost of the reward program and is

 

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responsible for the administration and management of the program.

 

Income Taxes. The Company accounts for income taxes in accordance with “Income Taxes”, Topic 740 of the FASB ASC. This guidance requires the Company to recognize deferred tax liabilities and assets for the expected future tax consequences of events that have been recognized in the Company’s financial statements or tax returns. Under this method, deferred tax liabilities and assets are determined based on the difference between the financial statement carrying amounts and tax bases of assets and liabilities, using applicable tax rates for the years in which the differences are expected to reverse. At January 2, 2010, the Company maintained $4.5 million of net deferred tax assets, of which, approximately $919,000 related to state tax net operating loss carry-forwards. In addition, during the 39-week period ended October 2, 2010, the Company recorded an income tax benefit of $5.0 million, primarily related to the net loss incurred. When tax contingencies become probable, a liability for the contingent amount is estimated based upon the Company’s best estimation of the potential exposures associated with the timing and amount of deductions, as well as various tax filing positions. As of October 2, 2010, the Company has recorded a $368,000 reserve, net of federal benefit for potential tax contingencies. As of September 26, 2009, the Company reported a reserve balance of $428,000.

 

Seasonality. The Company experiences seasonal and quarterly fluctuations in net sales and operating income. Quarterly results of operations may fluctuate significantly as a result of a variety of factors, including the timing of new store openings, fashion trends, shifts in timing of certain holidays, economic conditions and competition.  Our business is subject to seasonal influences, characterized by highest sales during the fourth quarter (October, November and December) and lowest sales during the third quarter (July, August and September).

 

ITEM 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

 

Our market risk relates primarily to changes in interest rates. The interest rate risk involves the short-term investment of excess cash in short-term, investment-grade interest-bearing securities. These investments are included in cash and equivalents, marketable securities, and certificates of deposit — restricted on our balance sheet. If there are changes in interest rates, those changes would affect the investment income we earn on these investments and, therefore, impact our cash flows and results of operations.

 

ITEM 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

 

The Company is committed to maintaining disclosure controls and procedures designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in our periodic reports filed under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms, and that such information is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our chief executive officer and chief financial officer, as appropriate, to allow for timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

 

Under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our principal executive officer and principal financial officer, we conducted an evaluation of our disclosure controls and procedures, as such term is defined under Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Exchange Act, as of the end of the period covered by this Report.  Management used the criteria set forth by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO) in Internal Control — Integrated Framework to evaluate the effectiveness of the Company’s internal controls. There are inherent limitations to the effectiveness of any system of disclosure controls and procedures, including the possibility of human error and the circumvention or overriding of the controls and procedures.  Accordingly, even effective disclosure controls and procedures can only provide reasonable assurance of achieving their control objectives.  Based on this evaluation, our principal executive officer and our principal financial officer concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of the end of the period covered by this Report.

 

During the 13-weeks ended October 2, 2010 there has been no change in our internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) of the Exchange Act) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s  internal control over financial reporting.

 

PART II - OTHER INFORMATION

 

ITEM 1.  LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

 

On June 30, 2010, Chico’s FAS, Inc. and White House|Black Market, Inc. (together referred to as “Chico’s”) filed a lawsuit against the Company in the Supreme Court of the State of New York County of New York. The complaint alleges, among other things, that two former employees of Chico’s that are currently employed by Cache supplied the Company with confidential information and trade secrets. The Company believes that Chico’s filed the lawsuit in an effort to undermine Cache in the marketplace. Their allegations were reported in a key trade publication and in an analyst report.  The Company believes the allegations made by Chico’s are without merit and intends to vigorously defend against this lawsuit.

 

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The Company is exposed to a number of asserted and unasserted potential claims.  Management does not believe that the resolution of any of these matters will result in a material loss.  The Company had no guarantees, subleases or assigned lease obligations as of October 2, 2010, January 2, 2010 or September 26, 2009.

 

ITEM 6.  EXHIBITS

 

31.1*

Certification Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

31.2*

Certification Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

32.1*

Certification Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

 


* Filed herewith

 

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Signatures

 

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

 

 

Dated: November 10, 2010

 

CACHE, INC.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

BY:

/s/ Thomas E. Reinckens

 

 

Thomas E. Reinckens

 

 

Chairman and Chief Executive Officer

 

 

(Principal Executive Officer)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

BY:

/s/ Margaret Feeney

 

 

Margaret Feeney

 

 

Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

 

 

(Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)

 

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