10-Q 1 d10q.htm FORM 10-Q Form 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 August 4, 2007

or

 

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

For the transition period from              to

Commission file number 1-10738

 


ANNTAYLOR STORES CORPORATION

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 


 

Delaware   13-3499319

(State or other jurisdiction of

incorporation or organization)

 

(I.R.S. Employer

Identification Number)

7 Times Square, New York, NY   10036
(Address of principal executive offices)   (Zip Code)

(212) 541-3300

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

 


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

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, or a non-accelerated filer. See definition of “accelerated filer and large accelerated filer” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):

Large accelerated filer  x    Accelerated filer  ¨    Non-accelerated filer  ¨

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

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

 

Class

 

Outstanding as of August 31, 2007

Common Stock, $.0068 par value

  62,219,264

 



Table of Contents

INDEX TO FORM 10-Q

 

     Page No.

PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1. Financial Statements

  
  

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income for the Quarters and Six Months Ended August 4, 2007 and July 29, 2006 (unaudited)

   4
  

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets at August 4, 2007 and February 3, 2007 (unaudited)

   5
  

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Six Months Ended August 4, 2007 and July 29, 2006 (unaudited)

   6
  

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited)

   7

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

   14

Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

   19

Item 4. Controls and Procedures

   19

PART II. OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1A. Risk Factors

   20

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

   20

Item 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders

   21

Item 5. Other Information

   21

Item 6. Exhibits

   22

SIGNATURES

   23

EXHIBIT INDEX

   24

 

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Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Disclosures

Certain sections of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, including Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, contain forward-looking statements made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. The forward-looking statements may use the words “expect”, “anticipate”, “plan”, “intend”, “project”, “may”, “believe” and similar expressions. Forward-looking statements also include representations of the expectations or beliefs of AnnTaylor Stores Corporation (the “Company”) concerning future events that involve risks and uncertainties, including:

 

   

the Company’s ability to predict accurately client fashion preferences;

 

   

competitive influences and decline in the demand for merchandise offered by the Company;

 

   

the Company’s ability to successfully execute brand extensions and new concepts;

 

   

effectiveness of the Company’s brand awareness and marketing programs;

 

   

the Company’s ability to secure and protect trademarks and other intellectual property rights in the United States and/or foreign countries;

 

   

general economic conditions, including the impact of higher fuel and energy prices, interest rates, a downturn in the retail industry or changes in levels of store traffic;

 

   

fluctuation in the Company’s level of sales and earnings growth;

 

   

the Company’s ability to locate new store sites or negotiate favorable lease terms for additional stores or for the lease renewal or expansion of existing stores;

 

   

risks associated with the performance and operations of the Company’s Internet operations;

 

   

a significant change in the regulatory environment applicable to the Company’s business;

 

   

risks associated with the possible inability of the Company, particularly through its sourcing and logistics functions, to operate within production and delivery constraints and the Company’s dependence on a single distribution facility;

 

   

the uncertainties of sourcing associated with the current quota environment, including changes in sourcing patterns resulting from the elimination of quota on apparel products and the re-imposition of quotas in certain categories, and other possible trade law or import restrictions;

 

   

financial or political instability in any of the countries in which the Company’s goods are manufactured;

 

   

risks associated with a failure by independent manufacturers to comply with the Company’s labor practices requirements;

 

   

the potential impact of natural disasters and public health concerns, particularly on the Company’s foreign sourcing offices and manufacturing operations of the Company’s vendors;

 

   

acts of war or terrorism in the United States or worldwide;

 

   

work stoppages, slowdowns or strikes;

 

   

the Company’s ability to hire, retain and train key personnel;

 

   

the Company’s ability to successfully upgrade and maintain its information systems, including adequate system security controls; and

 

   

the Company’s ability to continue operations in accordance with its business continuity plan in the event of an interruption.

Further description of these risks and uncertainties and other important factors are set forth in the Company’s latest Annual Report on Form 10-K, including but not limited to Item 1A – Risk Factors and Item 7 – Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations therein, and in the Company’s other filings with the SEC. Although these forward-looking statements reflect the Company’s current expectations concerning future events, actual results may differ materially from current expectations or historical results. The Company does not assume any obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements at any time for any reason.

 

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PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

 

Item 1. Financial Statements.

ANNTAYLOR STORES CORPORATION

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME

For the Quarters and Six Months Ended August 4, 2007 and July 29, 2006

(unaudited)

 

     Quarters Ended    Six Months Ended
     August 4,
2007
   July 29,
2006
   August 4,
2007
  

July 29,

2006

     (in thousands, except per share amounts)

Net sales

   $ 614,494    $ 609,998    $ 1,194,760    $ 1,166,171

Cost of sales

     303,441      279,296      572,711      520,357
                           

Gross margin

     311,053      330,702      622,049      645,814

Selling, general and administrative expenses

     260,032      262,587      521,380      514,231
                           

Operating income

     51,021      68,115      100,669      131,583

Interest income

     1,671      4,642      4,747      7,949

Interest expense

     436      558      977      1,067
                           

Income before income taxes

     52,256      72,199      104,439      138,465

Income tax provision

     20,564      29,001      41,292      56,278
                           

Net income

   $ 31,692    $ 43,198    $ 63,147    $ 82,187
                           
Earnings per share:            

Basic earnings per share of common stock

   $ 0.51    $ 0.60    $ 0.97    $ 1.15

Weighted average shares outstanding

     62,627      71,637      64,979      71,758

Diluted earnings per share of common stock

   $ 0.50    $ 0.59    $ 0.96    $ 1.13

Weighted average shares outstanding, assuming dilution

     63,379      72,772      65,892      72,893

See accompanying Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited).

 

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ANNTAYLOR STORES CORPORATION

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

August 4, 2007 and February 3, 2007

(unaudited)

 

     August 4,
2007
    February 3,
2007
 
     (in thousands)  
Assets   

Current assets

    

Cash and cash equivalents

   $ 93,147     $ 360,560  

Short-term investments

     21,224       —    

Accounts receivable

     22,609       16,489  

Merchandise inventories

     231,390       233,606  

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

     78,469       79,950  
                

Total current assets

     446,839       690,605  

Property and equipment, net

     565,572       564,108  

Goodwill

     286,579       286,579  

Other assets

     36,421       27,211  
                

Total assets

   $ 1,335,411     $ 1,568,503  
                
Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity     

Current liabilities

    

Accounts payable

   $ 93,821     $ 106,519  

Accrued salaries and bonus

     11,269       28,304  

Accrued tenancy

     43,611       45,024  

Gift certificates and merchandise credits redeemable

     38,000       52,989  

Accrued expenses

     86,936       66,582  
                

Total current liabilities

     273,637       299,418  

Deferred lease costs

     213,187       214,466  

Other liabilities

     10,352       4,708  

Commitments and contingencies

    

Stockholders’ equity

    

Common stock, $.0068 par value; 200,000,000 shares authorized; 82,227,718 and 82,155,607 shares issued, respectively

     559       559  

Additional paid-in capital

     771,139       753,030  

Retained earnings

     732,321       670,307  

Accumulated other comprehensive loss

     (2,339 )     (5,373 )
                
     1,501,680       1,418,523  

Treasury stock, 20,018,332 and 12,782,533 shares respectively, at cost

     (663,445 )     (368,612 )
                

Total stockholders’ equity

     838,235       1,049,911  
                

Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity

   $ 1,335,411     $ 1,568,503  
                

See accompanying Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited).

 

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ANNTAYLOR STORES CORPORATION

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

For the Six Months Ended August 4, 2007 and July 29, 2006

(unaudited)

 

     Six Months Ended  
    

August 4,

2007

   

July 29,

2006

 
     (in thousands)  

Operating activities:

    

Net income

   $ 63,147     $ 82,187  

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

    

Deferred income taxes

     (2,444 )     (7,596 )

Depreciation and amortization

     57,312       49,536  

Loss on disposal and write-down of property and equipment

     1,593       3,315  

Non-cash compensation expense

     12,747       11,630  

Non-cash interest and other non-cash items

     454       271  

Tax benefit from exercise of stock options

     2,016       8,011  

Changes in assets and liabilities:

    

Accounts receivable

     (6,120 )     (3,306 )

Merchandise inventories

     2,216       (3,771 )

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

     1,459       10,745  

Accounts payable and other current liabilities

     (42,180 )     10,630  

Other non-current assets and liabilities, net

     (19 )     3,510  
                

Net cash provided by operating activities

     90,181       165,162  
                

Investing activities:

    

Purchases of available-for-sale securities

     (42,075 )     —    

Sales of available-for-sale securities

     21,075       —    

Purchases of property and equipment

     (47,200 )     (58,799 )
                

Net cash used in investing activities

     (68,200 )     (58,799 )
                

Financing activities:

    

Issuance of common stock pursuant to Associate Discount Stock Purchase Plan

     2,067       1,625  

Proceeds from exercise of stock options

     12,206       22,661  

Excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation

     2,091       4,791  

Repurchases of common and restricted stock

     (305,758 )     (58,202 )
                

Net cash used in financing activities

     (289,394 )     (29,125 )
                

Net (decrease) increase in cash

     (267,413 )     77,238  

Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period

     360,560       380,654  
                

Cash and cash equivalents, end of period

   $ 93,147     $ 457,892  
                

Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information:

    

Cash paid during the period for:

    

Interest

   $ 769     $ 805  
                

Income taxes

   $ 43,079     $ 48,181  
                

Accrual for purchases of property and equipment

   $ 29,528     $ 26,999  
                

See accompanying Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited).

 

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ANNTAYLOR STORES CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(unaudited)

 

1. Basis of Presentation

The Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements are unaudited but, in the opinion of management, contain all adjustments (which are of a normal recurring nature) necessary to present fairly the financial position, results of operations and cash flows for the periods presented. All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated.

The results of operations for the 2007 interim period shown in the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited) are not necessarily indicative of results to be expected for Fiscal 2007.

The February 3, 2007 Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet has been derived from the audited Consolidated Balance Sheet of AnnTaylor Stores Corporation (the “Company”).

Detailed footnote information is not included in this Report. The financial information set forth herein should be read in conjunction with the Consolidated Financial Statements and notes thereto included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended February 3, 2007.

 

2. Recent Accounting Pronouncements

In September 2006, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 157, Fair Value Measurements (“SFAS No. 157”). SFAS No. 157 defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and expands disclosures about fair value measurements. SFAS No. 157 does not require any new fair value measurements; rather, it applies under other accounting pronouncements that require or permit fair value measurements. The provisions of SFAS No. 157 are to be applied prospectively as of the beginning of the fiscal year in which it is initially applied, with any transition adjustment recognized as a cumulative-effect adjustment to the opening balance of retained earnings. SFAS No. 157 is effective for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007. The Company is currently evaluating SFAS No. 157 and does not believe it will have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements upon adoption.

In February 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 159, The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities – Including an Amendment of FASB Statement No. 115. SFAS No. 159 allows companies the choice to measure many financial instruments and certain other items at fair value. This gives a company the opportunity to mitigate volatility in reported earnings caused by measuring related assets and liabilities differently without having to apply complex hedge accounting provisions. SFAS No. 159 is effective for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007. The Company is currently evaluating SFAS No. 159 and does not believe it will have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements upon adoption.

 

3. Short-term investments

The Company’s short-term investments consist of auction rate securities which represent funds available for current operations. In accordance with SFAS No. 115, Accounting for Certain Investments in Debt and Equity Securities, these short-term investments are classified as available-for-sale and are carried at cost, or par value which approximates the fair market value. These securities have stated maturities beyond three months but are priced and traded as short-term instruments due to the liquidity provided through the interest rate reset mechanism of 28 or 35 days.

 

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ANNTAYLOR STORES CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

(unaudited)

 

4. Earnings Per Share

Basic earnings per share is calculated by dividing net income by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted earnings per share assumes the issuance of additional shares of common stock by the Company upon exercise of all outstanding stock options and vesting of unvested restricted stock, if the effect is dilutive.

 

     Quarters Ended
     August 4, 2007    July 29, 2006
     (in thousands, except per share amounts)
     Net
Income
   Shares    Per
Share
Amount
   Net
Income
   Shares    Per
Share
Amount

Basic Earnings per Share

   $ 31,692    62,627    $ 0.51    $ 43,198    71,637    $ 0.60
                         

Effect of Dilutive Securities

     —      752         —      1,135   
                             

Diluted Earnings per Share

   $ 31,692    63,379    $ 0.50    $ 43,198    72,772    $ 0.59
                                     

 

     Six Months Ended
     August 4, 2007    July 29, 2006
     (in thousands, except per share amounts)
     Net
Income
   Shares    Per
Share
Amount
   Net
Income
   Shares    Per
Share
Amount

Basic Earnings per Share

   $ 63,147    64,979    $ 0.97    $ 82,187    71,758    $ 1.15
                         

Effect of Dilutive Securities

     —      913         —      1,135   
                             

Diluted Earnings per Share

   $ 63,147    65,892    $ 0.96    $ 82,187    72,893    $ 1.13
                                     

Options to purchase 137,000 and 109,738 shares of common stock during the quarter and six months ended August 4, 2007, respectively, and 32,744 and 18,122 shares of common stock during the quarter and six months ended July 29, 2006, respectively, were excluded from the above computations of weighted-average shares for diluted earnings per share. This was due to the antidilutive effect of the options’ exercise prices as compared to the average market price of the common shares during those periods. In addition, 215,667 shares of unvested restricted stock were excluded from the above calculation during the quarter ended August 4, 2007 due to contingencies placed on their vesting which had not yet been satisfied as of August 4, 2007.

 

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ANNTAYLOR STORES CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

(unaudited)

 

5. Share-based Payments

Stock Incentive Plans

During the quarter and six months ended August 4, 2007, the Company recognized approximately $6.7 million and $12.4 million, respectively, in total share-based compensation expense. During the quarter and six months ended July 29, 2006, the Company recognized approximately $6.4 million and $9.9 million, respectively, in total share-based compensation expense. As of August 4, 2007, there was $21.5 million of unrecognized compensation cost related to unvested options, which is expected to be recognized over a remaining weighted-average vesting period of 2.9 years. As of August 4, 2007, there was $21.3 million of unrecognized compensation cost related to unvested restricted stock awards, which is expected to be recognized over a remaining weighted-average vesting period of 2.6 years.

Stock Options

The following table summarizes stock option activity for the quarter and six months ended August 4, 2007:

 

     Quarter Ended   

Six Months Ended

   Shares     Weighted -
Average
Exercise
Price
   Shares    

Weighted -
Average

Exercise

Price

Options outstanding at beginning of period

   4,429,273     $ 28.63    3,769,832     $ 26.35

Granted

   69,500       36.86    1,043,650       35.85

Forfeited or expired

   (62,520 )     30.16    (129,513 )     30.44

Exercised

   (261,890 )     26.26    (509,606 )     23.95
                         

Options outstanding at August 4, 2007

   4,174,363     $ 28.89    4,174,363     $ 28.89
                         

Vested and exercisable at August 4, 2007

   1,662,693     $ 24.04    1,662,693     $ 24.04
                         

Options expected to vest at August 4, 2007

   1,880,173     $ 32.59    1,880,173     $ 32.59
                         

The weighted-average fair value of options granted during the quarters ended August 4, 2007 and July 29, 2006, estimated as of the grant date using the Black-Scholes option pricing model, was $12.31 and $15.85 per share, respectively. The weighted-average fair value of options granted during the six months ended August 4, 2007 and July 29, 2006, estimated as of grant date using the Black-Scholes option pricing model, was $12.24 and $15.45 per share, respectively.

 

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ANNTAYLOR STORES CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

(unaudited)

5. Share-based Payments (continued)

 

Stock Options (continued)

 

 

The fair value of options granted under the Company’s stock option plans was estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option pricing model with the following assumptions:

 

     Quarters Ended     Six Months Ended  
     August 4,
2007
    July 29,
2006
    August 4,
2007
    July 29,
2006
 

Weighted average risk-free interest rate

   4.5 %   4.8 %   4.4 %   4.8 %

Weighted average expected life (years)

   4.4     4.9     4.4     4.7  

Weighted average expected volatility

   31.5 %   38.4 %   32.9 %   38.6 %

Expected dividend yield

   —       —       —       —    

Restricted Stock

The following table summarizes restricted stock activity for the quarter and six months ended August 4, 2007:

 

     Quarter Ended    Six Months Ended
     Number of
Shares
    Weighted -
Average
Grant Date
Fair Value
   Number of
Shares
    Weighted -
Average
Grant Date
Fair Value

Restricted stock awards at beginning of period

   1,195,117     $ 32.66    1,171,086     $ 32.55

Granted

   46,020       36.62    393,520       35.89

Vested

   (59,337 )     37.95    (373,336 )     36.09

Forfeited

   (17,220 )     31.32    (26,690 )     31.80
                         

Restricted stock awards at August 4, 2007

   1,164,580     $ 32.56    1,164,580     $ 32.56
                         

 

6. Long-Term Debt

In November 2003, AnnTaylor, Inc. and certain of its subsidiaries entered into a Second Amended and Restated $175 million senior secured revolving credit facility (the “Credit Facility”) with Bank of America N.A. and a syndicate of lenders. The Credit Facility, which, at AnnTaylor, Inc.’s option, provides for an increase in the total facility and the aggregate commitments thereunder up to $250 million, matures on November 14, 2008 (unless terminated earlier) and may be used by AnnTaylor, Inc. and certain of its subsidiaries for working capital, letters of credit and other general corporate purposes.

Maximum availability for loans and letters of credit under the Credit Facility is governed by a monthly borrowing base, determined by the application of specified advance rates against certain eligible assets. There were no borrowings outstanding under the Credit Facility at any point during the six months ended August 4, 2007 or as of the date of this filing. Commercial and standby letters of credit outstanding under the Credit Facility totaled approximately $127.8 million and $170.5 million as of August 4, 2007 and February 3, 2007, respectively, leaving a remaining available balance for loans and letters of credit of $47.2 million and $4.5 million, respectively.

 

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ANNTAYLOR STORES CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

(unaudited)

 

6. Long-Term Debt (continued)

 

The Credit Facility permits the payment of cash dividends by the Company (and dividends by AnnTaylor, Inc. to fund such cash dividends) if, after the payment of such dividends, liquidity (as defined in the Credit Facility) is greater than $35 million. Certain subsidiaries of the Company are also permitted to: pay dividends to the Company to fund certain taxes owed by the Company; fund ordinary operating expenses of the Company not in excess of $500,000 in any fiscal year; repurchase common stock held by employees not in excess of $100,000 in any fiscal year; and for certain other stated purposes (subject to certain exceptions).

 

7. Employee Benefits

The following table summarizes the components of net periodic pension cost for the Company:

 

     Quarters Ended     Six Months Ended  
     August 4,
2007
    July 29,
2006
    August 4,
2007
    July 29,
2006
 
     (in thousands)  

Net periodic pension cost:

        

Service cost

   $ 1,525     $ 1,425     $ 3,050     $ 2,850  

Interest cost

     575       525       1,150       1,050  

Expected return on plan assets

     (725 )     (625 )     (1,450 )     (1,250 )

Amortization of prior service cost

     25       25       50       50  

Amortization of actuarial loss

     175       400       350       800  

Curtailment loss

     205       —         205       —    
                                

Net periodic pension cost

   $ 1,780     $ 1,750     $ 3,355     $ 3,500  
                                

The Company made no contributions to its pension plan during the quarter and six months ended August 4, 2007.

During the quarter ended August 4, 2007, the Company’s Board of Directors authorized management to freeze the AnnTaylor, Inc. non-contributory defined benefit pension plan (the “Plan”). Effective October 1, 2007, only those associates who are eligible under the Plan on or before September 30, 2007 will be eligible to receive benefits from the Plan once they have completed the five years of service required to become fully vested. No associate may become a participant in the Plan on or after October 1, 2007. No additional benefits will be earned under the Plan on or after October 1, 2007.

During the quarter ended August 4, 2007, the Company recorded an estimated net curtailment loss of approximately $205,000 related to the freeze of the Plan. In addition, the Company estimated that the projected benefit obligation would be reduced, and the Plan’s funded status would be increased, by approximately $4.6 million on the date of the freeze. This was recorded as a $4.6 million reduction of accumulated other comprehensive loss, a $2.0 million decrease in other liabilities and a $2.6 million increase in other assets on the Company’s balance sheet as of August 4, 2007. See Note 10, Comprehensive Income, for further discussion.

During the quarter ended August 4, 2007, the Company’s Board of Directors also authorized management to enhance the AnnTaylor, Inc. defined contribution 401(k) plan. The enhancements include, among other things, an increase to the matching contributions made by the Company for annual earnings contributed by participants, and will become effective October 1, 2007.

 

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ANNTAYLOR STORES CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

(unaudited)

 

8. Securities Repurchase Program

On March 15, 2007, the Company’s Board of Directors approved a $300 million securities repurchase program. Under the March 2007 program, which is substantially completed, purchases of shares of the Company’s common stock may be made from time to time, subject to market conditions and at prevailing market prices, through open market purchases or in privately negotiated transactions. Repurchased shares of common stock increase treasury shares available for general corporate and other purposes. During the quarter and six months ended August 4, 2007, the Company repurchased 3,761,400 and 7,950,800 shares of its common stock, respectively, at a cost of approximately $137.3 million and $299.9 million, respectively. For the six months ended August 4, 2007, 7,949,332 shares were repurchased under the March 2007 program at a cost of approximately $299.8 million.

On August 23, 2007, the Company’s Board of Directors approved a new $300 million securities repurchase program. Under the new program, purchases of shares of the Company’s common stock may be made from time to time, subject to market conditions and at prevailing market prices, through open market purchases or in privately negotiated transactions. Repurchased shares of common stock will increase treasury shares available for general corporate and other purposes.

 

9. Income Taxes

In July 2006, the FASB issued FASB Interpretation Number 48, Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes, (“FIN No. 48”) which prescribes a recognition threshold and measurement process for recording in the financial statements uncertain tax positions taken or expected to be taken in a tax return. Additionally, FIN No. 48 provides guidance on the derecognition, classification, accounting and disclosure requirements for uncertain tax positions.

The Company adopted the provisions of FIN No. 48 on February 4, 2007. The cumulative effect of applying FIN No. 48 was recorded as a decrease of $1.1 million to retained earnings as of February 4, 2007. At August 4, 2007 and February 4, 2007, the Company had unrecognized tax benefits of approximately $7.4 million and $7.6 million respectively. To the extent these unrecognized tax benefits are ultimately recognized, they will impact the Company’s effective tax rate in a future period. The Company anticipates that the amount of unrecognized tax benefits may change in the next twelve months, however it does not expect the change to have a significant impact on its financial statements.

The Company files income tax returns in the U.S. federal jurisdiction and various state and local jurisdictions, and generally remains open to income tax examinations by relevant tax authorities for tax years beginning with Fiscal 2003. The Company also files in foreign jurisdictions and generally remains open to income tax examinations for tax years beginning with Fiscal 2001. The Company’s policy is to recognize interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits in its provision for income taxes. The total amount of accrued income tax-related interest and penalties was $2.2 million and $1.8 million at August 4, 2007 and February 4, 2007, respectively.

 

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ANNTAYLOR STORES CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

(unaudited)

 

10. Comprehensive Income

The components of comprehensive income are shown below (in thousands):

 

     Quarters Ended    Six Months Ended
    

August 4,

2007

  

July 29,

2006

  

August 4,

2007

  

July 29,

2006

Net income

   $ 31,692    $ 43,198    $ 63,147    $ 82,187

Add back amortization of prior service cost and actuarial loss, net of taxes of $84 and $169, respectively

     116      —        231      —  

Recognition of prior service cost and unrecognized gains and losses due to curtailment, net of taxes of $2,048, respectively

     2,803      —        2,803      —  
                           

Comprehensive income

   $ 34,611    $ 43,198    $ 66,181    $ 82,187
                           

 

11. Legal Proceedings

The Company is a party to routine litigation incidental to its business. Although the amount of any liability that could arise with respect to these actions cannot be accurately predicted, in the opinion of the Company, any such liability will not have a material adverse effect on the consolidated financial position, consolidated results of operations or liquidity of the Company.

 

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

General

AnnTaylor Stores Corporation (the “Company”, “we”, “us” and “our”), through its wholly owned subsidiaries, is a leading national specialty retailer of women’s apparel, shoes and accessories sold primarily under the “Ann Taylor”, “Ann Taylor Loft” (“LOFT”) and “Ann Taylor Factory” brands. The Ann Taylor brand is focused on updated classic, yet stylish, professional and special occasion dressing that is sophisticated, versatile and of high quality. The LOFT brand is focused on fashionable updated classics that are relaxed and casual and that offer good quality and value. Ann Taylor Factory offers factory-direct product exclusively in the outlet environment. As of August 4, 2007, we operated 887 stores in 46 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico, and also Online stores at www.anntaylor.com and www.anntaylorLOFT.com. Unless the context indicates otherwise, all references herein to the Company, we, us and our include the Company and its wholly owned subsidiaries.

Management Overview

Our second quarter business remained challenging, given lingering product issues at LOFT and the tough macro-economic environment, which resulted in a decrease in traffic at both divisions and heightened competitive activity. We responded to these challenges aggressively, increasing promotional activity and management of our in-store metrics, and ended the quarter in a healthy inventory position.

At Ann Taylor, our second quarter results were mixed. While total net sales declined 3.4% and comparable store sales were down 3.1% compared to last year, we achieved solid gross margins, as we were successful in aggressively managing our in-store metrics to mitigate the impact of the decline in traffic. Our May and June store sets were well-received and, while July store set was too neutral in color, it sold well on initial mark-down, all of which helped to maintain healthy gross margin for the quarter. Looking ahead to Fall, we feel good about our product assortments and new initiatives. During the third quarter, we will introduce Ann Taylor Collection, a higher-quality collection with price points approximately 40% above existing Ann Taylor assortments. In addition, we plan to launch our new Beauty line in mid-November, and further expand the presence of our Celebrations® offering to approximately 70 stores by year-end. We will also continue to aggressively modernize our store base, and are on track to have 70% of our fleet updated and brand appropriate by year-end.

As we expected, LOFT had another difficult quarter, with total net sales down 1.8% and comparable store sales down 10.8% compared to last year. Overall, LOFT’s product offerings did not offer an appropriate balance of updated classics versus fashion, or enough color or novelty. In addition, the soft macro-environment and traffic slowdown also negatively impacted business. We were very promotional throughout the quarter to keep inventory turning, and are entering the third quarter in a solid inventory position. In addition, our assortments beginning in the third quarter are more balanced and brand appropriate, with more color and novelty than we offered last year. During the second quarter, we successfully launched LOFT maternity in 20 stores and on-line, and plan to add maternity to another 5 stores this Fall.

Ann Taylor Factory delivered another strong quarter, with solid sales and gross margin gains over last year. Plans to launch a LOFT Factory concept next summer are on track, and we feel positive about the growth potential of broadening the reach of our LOFT brand to an additional client base. Our Online businesses also experienced a strong quarter, and last quarter’s website upgrades offer improved navigation and check-out features, as well as strengthened stability to accommodate increased traffic. Finally, plans to launch our new concept, targeted at what we are calling the “modern boomer”, a segment of the women’s apparel market which we feel is significantly underserved, are on track for Fall 2008. We believe that our heritage in upscale, sophisticated and stylish fashion and proven expertise in incubating and building a new concept, position us well as we move forward with this initiative.

 

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Key Performance Indicators

In evaluating our performance, senior management reviews certain key performance indicators, including:

Comparable store sales – Comparable store sales provide a measure of existing store sales performance. A store is included in comparable store sales in its thirteenth month of operation. A store that is expanded by more than 15% is treated as a new store for the first year following the opening of the expanded store.

Gross margin – Gross margin measures our ability to control direct costs associated with the manufacturing and selling of our products. Gross margin is the difference between net sales and cost of sales, which is comprised of direct inventory costs for merchandise sold, including all costs to transport merchandise from third-party suppliers to our distribution center. Buying and occupancy costs are excluded from cost of sales.

Operating income – Because retailers do not uniformly record supply chain costs as a component of cost of sales or selling, general and administrative expenses, operating income allows us to benchmark our performance relative to other retailers. Operating income represents earnings before interest and income taxes and measures our earnings power from ongoing operations.

Store productivity – Store productivity, including sales per square foot, average unit retail price (AUR), number of units per transaction (UPT), dollars per transaction (DPT), traffic and conversion, is evaluated by management in assessing our operating performance.

Inventory turnover – Inventory turnover measures our ability to sell our merchandise and how many times it is replaced over time. This ratio is important for determining the need for markdowns, purchasing of inventory, and product effectiveness.

Quality of merchandise offerings – To monitor and maintain the acceptance of our merchandise offerings, we monitor sell-through levels, inventory turnover, gross margin, returns and markdown rates at a class and style level. This analysis helps identify merchandise issues at an early date and helps us plan future product development and buying.

Results of Operations

The following table sets forth condensed consolidated income statement data expressed as a percentage of net sales:

 

     Quarters Ended     Six Months Ended  
     August 4,
2007
    July 29,
2006
    August 4,
2007
    July 29,
2006
 

Net sales

   100.0 %   100.0 %   100.0 %   100.0 %

Cost of sales

   49.4     45.8     47.9     44.6  
                        

Gross margin

   50.6     54.2     52.1     55.4  

Selling, general and administrative expenses

   42.3     43.0     43.7     44.1  
                        

Operating income

   8.3     11.2     8.4     11.3  

Interest income

   0.3     0.8     0.4     0.7  

Interest expense

   0.1     0.1     0.1     0.1  
                        

Income before income taxes

   8.5     11.9     8.7     11.9  

Income tax provision

   3.3     4.8     3.4     4.8  
                        

Net income

   5.2 %   7.1 %   5.3 %   7.1 %
                        

 

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The following table sets forth select condensed consolidated income statement data expressed as a percentage change from the comparable prior year period:

 

     Quarters Ended     Six Months Ended  
     August 4,
2007
    July 29,
2006
    August 4,
2007
    July 29,
2006
 
     Increase (decrease)  

Net sales

   0.7 %   19.9 %   2.5 %   18.4 %

Operating income

   (25.1 )%   551.0 %   (23.5 )%   247.4 %

Net income

   (26.6 )%   505.1 %   (23.2 )%   240.9 %

Sales and Store Data

The following table sets forth certain sales and store data:

 

     Quarters Ended     Six Months Ended  
     August 4,
2007
    July 29,
2006
    August 4,
2007
   

July 29,

2006

 

Net sales (in thousands)

        

Total Company

   $ 614,494     $ 609,998     $ 1,194,760     $ 1,166,171  

Ann Taylor

     216,946       224,572       439,148       446,072  

LOFT

     309,972       315,533       584,246       589,156  

Other

     87,576       69,893       171,366       130,943  

Comparable stores sales percentage

        

Increase (decrease) (a)

        

Total Company

     (6.2 )%     10.3 %     (4.8 )%     8.0 %

Ann Taylor

     (3.1 )%     6.4 %     (1.1 )%     6.9 %

LOFT

     (10.8 )%     14.2 %     (10.0 )%     9.7 %

Net sales per average gross square foot (b)

   $ 119     $ 126     $ 233     $ 242  

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

     5,179       4,841      

Number of:

        

Total stores open at beginning of period

     878       824       869       824  

New stores

     10       9       22       19  

Closed stores

     (1 )     (5 )     (4 )     (15 )
                                

Total stores open at end of period

     887       828       887       828  
                                

Expanded stores

     4       3       6       6  

(a) A store is included in comparable store sales in its thirteenth month of operation. A store that is expanded by more than 15% is treated as a new store for the first year following the opening of the expanded store.
(b) Net sales per average gross square foot is determined by dividing net sales for the period by the average of the gross square feet at the beginning and end of each period. Unless otherwise indicated, references herein to square feet are to gross square feet, rather than net selling space.

Net sales increased $4.5 million or 0.7% during the quarter ended August 4, 2007 over the comparable 2006 period due to the expansion of our store base and continued growth of our Online and Ann Taylor Factory businesses, partially offset by a decline in comparable store sales. By division, Ann Taylor’s net sales decreased $7.6 million, or 3.4%, while LOFT experienced a decrease of $5.6 million, or 1.8%.

Net sales increased $28.6 million or 2.5% in the first six months of Fiscal 2007 over the comparable 2006 period due to the expansion of our store base and continued growth of our Online and Ann Taylor Factory businesses, partially offset by a decline in comparable store sales for the period. By division, Ann Taylor’s net sales decreased $6.9 million or 1.6%, while LOFT experienced a decrease of $4.9 million or 0.8%.

 

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Cost of Sales

Cost of sales is comprised of direct inventory costs for merchandise sold, including all costs to transport merchandise from third party suppliers to our distribution center. Buying and occupancy costs are excluded from cost of sales. Cost of sales as a percentage of net sales increased to 49.4% for the quarter ended August 4, 2007 from 45.8% for the quarter ended July 29, 2006. For the six months ended August 4, 2007, cost of sales as a percentage of net sales increased to 47.9% compared to 44.6% for the comparable 2006 period.

Gross Margin

Gross margin as a percentage of net sales decreased to 50.6% in the second quarter of Fiscal 2007, compared to 54.2% in the second quarter last year. For the six months ended August 4, 2007, gross margin as a percentage of net sales decreased to 52.1% from 55.4% for the six months ended July 29, 2006. The decrease in gross margin as a percentage of net sales for both the quarter and year-to-date period was primarily due to product issues at LOFT and the impact of aggressive promotional activity to keep LOFT’s inventory turning.

Selling, General and Administrative Expenses

Costs included in selling, general and administrative expenses include advertising, design and merchandising costs, general and administrative expenses, payroll and benefits and tenancy costs. Selling, general and administrative expenses in the second quarter of Fiscal 2007 were $260.0 million, or 42.3% of net sales, compared to $262.6 million, or 43.0% of net sales, for the same period last year. Selling, general and administrative expenses as a percentage of net sales for the six months ended August 4, 2007 decreased to 43.7% of net sales, or $521.4 million, compared to 44.1% of net sales, or $514.2 million, for the same period last year. The decrease in selling, general and administrative expenses as a percentage of net sales for both the quarter and year-to-date period was primarily due to reduced performance-based compensation, partially offset by the deleveraging impact associated with the decline in comparable store sales.

Interest Income

Interest income decreased to $1.7 million in the quarter ended August 4, 2007 from $4.6 million in the quarter ended July 29, 2006. For the six months ended August 4, 2007, interest income decreased to $4.7 million from $7.9 million in the comparable 2006 period. These decreases were primarily attributable to lower cash balances due to our aggressive stock repurchase activity during the period.

Interest Expense

Interest expense decreased to approximately $0.4 million in the second quarter of Fiscal 2007 from approximately $0.6 million in the comparable 2006 period. For the six months ended August 4, 2007, interest expense decreased to approximately $1.0 million from approximately $1.1 million in the comparable 2006 period.

 

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Liquidity and Capital Resources

Our primary source of working capital is cash flow from operations. The following table sets forth material measures of the Company’s liquidity:

 

     August 4, 2007    February 3, 2007
     (dollars in thousands)

Working capital

   $ 173,202    $ 391,187

Current ratio

     1.63:1      2.31:1

For the six months ended August 4, 2007, net cash provided by operating activities totaled approximately $90.2 million, as compared to net cash provided by operating activities of approximately $165.2 million for the same period last year. Net cash provided by operating activities during the six months ended August 4, 2007 resulted from net earnings before non-cash expenses such as depreciation, amortization and stock-based compensation offset by a decrease in accounts payable and other current liabilities and an increase in accounts receivable. Cash used in investing activities during the six months ended August 4, 2007 amounted to approximately $68.2 million due to the purchases of property and equipment and the use of cash to purchase short-term investments, partially offset by proceeds from the sale of short-term investments. During the six month period ended August 4, 2007, we opened 20 LOFT stores, one Ann Taylor store and one Ann Taylor Factory store. Cash used in financing activities amounted to approximately $289.4 million, and related primarily to the repurchase of shares of our common stock, offset by proceeds from the exercise of stock options.

On March 15, 2007, our Board of Directors approved a $300 million securities repurchase program. Under the March 2007 program, the full amount of which has been substantially used, purchases of shares of common stock may be made from time to time, subject to market conditions and at prevailing market prices, through open market purchases or in privately negotiated transactions. Repurchased shares of common stock increase treasury shares available for general corporate and other purposes. During the quarter and six months ended August 4, 2007, we repurchased 3,761,400 and 7,950,800 shares of our common stock, respectively, at a cost of approximately $137.3 million and $299.9 million, respectively. For the six months ended August 4, 2007, 7,949,332 shares were repurchased under the March 2007 program at a cost of approximately $299.8 million.

On August 23, 2007, our Board of Directors approved a new $300 million securities repurchase program. Under the new program, purchases of shares of our common stock may be made from time to time, subject to market conditions and at prevailing market prices, through open market purchases or in privately negotiated transactions. Repurchased shares of common stock will increase treasury shares available for general corporate and other purposes.

We expect our total capital expenditure requirements in Fiscal 2007 will be approximately $150 to $160 million. The actual amount of our capital expenditures will depend in part on the number of stores opened, expanded and refurbished. We expect to use cash flows from operations to fund our capital expenditure requirements.

Critical Accounting Policies

Management has determined that our most critical accounting policies are those related to merchandise inventory valuation, asset impairment, income taxes and stock-based compensation. We continue to monitor our accounting policies to ensure proper application of current rules and regulations. There have been no significant changes to these policies as discussed in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended February 3, 2007.

 

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Recent Accounting Pronouncements

In September 2006, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 157, Fair Value Measurements (“SFAS No. 157”). SFAS No. 157 defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and expands disclosures about fair value measurements. SFAS No. 157 does not require any new fair value measurements; rather, it applies under other accounting pronouncements that require or permit fair value measurements. The provisions of SFAS No. 157 are to be applied prospectively as of the beginning of the fiscal year in which it is initially applied, with any transition adjustment recognized as a cumulative-effect adjustment to the opening balance of retained earnings. SFAS No. 157 is effective for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007. We are currently evaluating SFAS No. 157 and do not believe it will have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements upon adoption.

In February 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 159, The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities – Including an Amendment of FASB Statement No. 115. SFAS No. 159 allows companies the choice to measure many financial instruments and certain other items at fair value. This gives a company the opportunity to mitigate volatility in reported earnings caused by measuring related assets and liabilities differently without having to apply complex hedge accounting provisions. SFAS No. 159 is effective for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007. We are currently evaluating SFAS No. 159 and do not believe it will have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements upon adoption.

 

Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk.

Ann Taylor Inc.’s Second Amended and Restated $175 million senior secured revolving credit facility allows for investments in financial instruments with original maturity dates of up to 360 days. Generally, less than 20% of these financial instruments have a fixed rate of return and are therefore subject to interest rate risk. Any fixed rate investments (such as auction rate securities) will decline in value if interest rates increase. Due to the short duration of these financial instruments and the small percentage of the Company’s investment portfolio they comprise, a change of 100 basis points in interest rates would not have a material effect on the Company’s financial condition.

 

Item 4. Controls and Procedures.

Under the supervision and with the participation of the Company’s management, including the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, the Company has conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of the design and operation of its disclosure controls and procedures (as such term is defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”)) as of the end of the period covered by this report (the “Evaluation Date”). 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 such evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have concluded that, as of the Evaluation Date, the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures are effective in alerting them on a timely basis to material information relating to the Company (including its consolidated subsidiaries) required to be included in the Company’s reports filed or submitted under the Exchange Act.

There was no change in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting during the quarterly period covered by this report that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.

 

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PART II. OTHER INFORMATION

 

Item 1A. Risk Factors.

There have been no material changes from the risk factors previously disclosed in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended February 3, 2007.

 

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

The following table sets forth information concerning purchases made by the Company of its common stock for the periods indicated:

 

     Total Number
of Shares
Purchased (a)
   Average
Price Paid
Per Share
   Total Number
of Shares
Purchased as
Part of
Publicly
Announced
Program (b)
   Approximate
Dollar Value of
Shares that May
Yet Be
Purchased
Under Publicly
Announced
Program
                    (in thousands)

May 6, 2007 to June 2, 2007

   1,075,424    $ 37.21    1,032,200    $ 99,034

June 3, 2007 to July 7, 2007

   1,754,867      36.59    1,754,300      34,852

July 8, 2007 to August 4, 2007

   976,135      35.63    974,900      110
               
   3,806,426       3,761,400   
               

(a) Includes 45,026 shares of restricted stock purchased in connection with employee tax withholding obligations under employee compensation plans and the repurchase of certain restricted shares from a former executive officer, which are not purchases under the Company’s publicly announced program.
(b) These shares were part of the $300 million securities repurchase program approved by our Board of Directors on March 15, 2007. Substantially all purchases under this program have been made, and the program will expire when the Company has repurchased all securities authorized for repurchase thereunder, unless terminated earlier by resolution of the Board of Directors.

As previously disclosed on a Form 8-K filed by the Company on September 1, 2005, the Company granted Laura Weil, its former Senior Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, 175,000 time-vesting stock options and 75,000 time-vesting shares of restricted stock in connection with her joining the Company. The stock options vested and restrictions on restricted stock lapsed 50% on March 31, 2006 and 50% on March 31, 2007. In March 2006, the Company issued to Ms. Weil the shares of restricted stock for which restrictions had lapsed. During the quarter ended August 4, 2007, the Company issued to Ms. Weil 175,000 shares of the Company’s common stock in connection with the exercise of stock options and 37,500 shares of common stock in connection with the lapse of restrictions on her grant of restricted stock. The issuance of the shares of common stock was made in reliance on the exemption from registration provided by Section 4(2) of the Securities Act of 1933.

 

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Item 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders.

The AnnTaylor Stores Corporation 2007 Annual Meeting of Stockholders was held on May 17, 2007. The following matters were voted upon and approved by the Company’s stockholders at the meeting:

 

  1. Election of Class I Directors.

 

     For    Withheld

Robert C. Grayson

   60,585,500    875,191

Michael W. Trapp

   60,885,670    575,021

 

  2. Approval of the Company’s Management Performance Compensation Plan, as amended and restated.

 

For

 

Against

 

Abstain

59,691,037

  1,682,916   86,738

 

  3. Ratification of the appointment of Deloitte & Touche LLP as the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm for fiscal year 2007.

 

For

 

Against

 

Abstain

60,686,624

  694,048   80,019

 

Item 5. Other Information.

On September 11, 2007, the Company entered into a letter agreement (the “Agreement”) with Brian Lynch, President of the AnnTaylor Factory division of the Company. A copy of the Agreement is attached hereto as Exhibit 10.2 and incorporated herein by reference.

Under the Agreement, if the Company terminates his employment (other than for “Cause”), Mr. Lynch is entitled to receive separation payments equal to his annual base salary in effect at the time of termination of his employment plus his targeted annual cash bonus, payable in substantially equal bi-monthly installments over a period of 12 months. The separation payments are contingent upon Mr. Lynch executing a general waiver and release of claims against the Company. In addition, Mr. Lynch is subject to non-solicitation, non-compete and confidentiality obligations under the Agreement.

 

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Table of Contents
Item 6. Exhibits.

 

Exhibit
Number

 

Description

    3.2

  Bylaws of AnnTaylor Stores Corporation, as amended through August 23, 2007. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.2 of the Current Report on Form 8-K of the Company filed on August 24, 2007.

  10.1

  Letter Agreement, dated August 16, 2007, between AnnTaylor Inc. and James Smith. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of the Current Report on Form 8-K of the Company filed on August 16, 2007.

*10.2

  Agreement between AnnTaylor Stores Corporation and Brian Lynch, dated as of September 11, 2007.

*31.1

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

*31.2

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

*32.1

  Certification of Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

* Filed electronically herewith.

 

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Table of Contents

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.

 

    AnnTaylor Stores Corporation
Date: September 11, 2007     By:  

/s/ Kay Krill

      Kay Krill
      President & Chief Executive Officer
      (Principal Executive Officer)
Date: September 11, 2007     By:  

/s/ James M. Smith

      James M. Smith
      Executive Vice President,
      Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer
      (Principal Financial Officer)

 

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Table of Contents

Exhibit Index

 

Exhibit
Number

 

Description

    3.2

  Bylaws of AnnTaylor Stores Corporation, as amended through August 23, 2007. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.2 of the Current Report on Form 8-K of the Company filed on August 24, 2007.

  10.1

  Letter Agreement, dated August 16, 2007, between AnnTaylor Inc. and James Smith. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of the Current Report on Form 8-K of the Company filed on August 16, 2007.

*10.2

  Agreement between AnnTaylor Stores Corporation and Brian Lynch, dated as of September 11, 2007.

*31.1

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

*31.2

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

*32.1

  Certification of Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

* Filed electronically herewith.

 

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