<PAGE> 1
AS FILED WITH THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION ON AUGUST 10, 1999
REGISTRATION NO. 1-14987
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- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
------------------------
AMENDMENT NO. 3
TO
FORM 10
GENERAL FORM FOR REGISTRATION OF SECURITIES
PURSUANT TO SECTION 12(B) OR 12(G) OF
THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
------------------------
TOO, INC.
(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter)
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<S> <C>
DELAWARE 31-1333930
(State or Other Jurisdiction of (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
Incorporation or Organization)
3885 MORSE ROAD
COLUMBUS, OHIO 43219
(Address of Principal Executive Offices) (Zip Code)
</TABLE>
(614) 479-3500
(Registrant's telephone number, including area code)
------------------------
Securities to be registered
pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Title of each class Name of each exchange on which
to be so registered each class is to be registered
------------------- ------------------------------
<S> <C>
COMMON STOCK, PAR VALUE $.01 PER SHARE THE NEW YORK STOCK EXCHANGE, INC.
Securities to be registered
pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:
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NONE
</TABLE>
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<PAGE> 2
Preliminary and Subject to Completion, dated August 10, 1999
INFORMATION STATEMENT
Too, Inc. Logo
COMMON STOCK
(PAR VALUE $.01 PER SHARE)
At this time, Too, Inc., the successor company to Limited Too, Inc., is
wholly owned by The Limited, Inc. In this spin-off, The Limited will distribute
100% of the shares of our common stock to its shareholders. Each of you, as a
holder of The Limited's common stock, will receive one share of our common stock
for every seven shares of The Limited that you hold at the close of business on
August 11, 1999, the record date for the spin-off.
We are sending you this information statement to describe the spin-off. We
expect the spin-off to occur on August 23, 1999. Effective as of this date, our
distribution agent for the spin-off, EquiServe, First Chicago Division, will
distribute shares of our common stock to each eligible holder of The Limited's
common stock by crediting book-entry accounts with that holder's proportionate
number of whole shares of our common stock. You will receive a check for the
cash value of any fractional interest in our common stock.
Immediately after the spin-off is completed, The Limited will not own any
shares of our common stock, and we will be an independent public company. We
refer to ourselves in this information statement as "Limited Too" or "Too, Inc."
No shareholder action is necessary to receive the shares of our common
stock to which you are entitled in the spin-off. This means that:
- you do not need to pay any consideration to The Limited or to Too, Inc.
- you do not need to surrender any shares of The Limited's common stock to
receive your shares of our common stock
In addition, a shareholder vote is not required for the spin-off to occur. The
Limited is not asking you for a proxy, and The Limited requests that you do not
send a proxy.
There has been no trading market for our common stock. However, we expect
that a limited market for shares of our common stock will develop on or shortly
before the record date for the spin-off, commonly known as a "when issued"
trading market. We have been approved to list our common stock on the New York
Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol "TOO".
AS YOU REVIEW THIS INFORMATION STATEMENT, YOU SHOULD CAREFULLY CONSIDER THE
MATTERS DESCRIBED IN "RISK FACTORS" BEGINNING ON PAGE 13.
------------------------
THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION AND STATE SECURITIES REGULATORS HAVE
NOT APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED OF THESE SECURITIES, OR DETERMINED IF THIS
INFORMATION STATEMENT IS TRUTHFUL OR COMPLETE. ANY REPRESENTATION TO THE
CONTRARY IS A CRIMINAL OFFENSE.
J.P. MORGAN & CO.
FINANCIAL ADVISER
The date of this information statement is , 1999.
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[SUNGLASSES PICTURE]
[BOOTS PICTURE]
[PAJAMAS PICTURE]
[SHIRT PICTURE]
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
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PAGE
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Introduction................................................ 3
Summary..................................................... 5
Risk Factors................................................ 13
The Spin-Off................................................ 24
Relationship Between Too, Inc. and The Limited.............. 29
Trading Market.............................................. 39
Dividends................................................... 40
Unaudited Pro Forma Consolidated Financial Statements....... 41
Capitalization.............................................. 47
Selected Consolidated Financial and Operating Data.......... 48
Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition
and Results of Operations................................. 50
Business.................................................... 59
Management.................................................. 74
Executive Compensation...................................... 77
Security Ownership of The Limited and Too, Inc.............. 86
Description of Capital Stock................................ 88
Statutory, Charter and Bylaw Provisions..................... 90
Independent Accountants..................................... 93
Where You Can Find More Information......................... 93
Index to the Consolidated Financial Statements of Limited
Too, Inc.................................................. F-1
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<PAGE> 5
THE LIMITED, INC.
August , 1999
Dear Limited Shareholder:
Over the last several years, The Limited, Inc. has increased its strategic
focus in order to unlock and create greater value for shareholders. The strategy
and the actions that have resulted from this focus during the last several years
are described in the accompanying information statement.
As part of these actions, The Limited, Inc. has announced a plan to
establish its Limited Too business as a fully independent public company under
the name Too, Inc. In order to implement this plan and distribute its Too, Inc.
shares, the Board of Directors of The Limited has approved a spin-off to our
shareholders of all the outstanding shares of common stock of Too, Inc. to
holders of record of The Limited's common stock on August 11, 1999. In the
spin-off, you will receive one share of Too, Inc.'s common stock for every seven
shares of The Limited's common stock that you hold at the close of business on
August 11, 1999. Your current shares of our common stock will be unchanged and
will continue to represent your ownership position in The Limited, Inc.
Your Board of Directors has concluded that the spin-off is in the best
interests of The Limited, the Limited Too business and The Limited's
shareholders, because it believes that:
- having two separate public companies will enable the financial markets to
evaluate each company more effectively, thereby maximizing shareholder
value over the long term for both The Limited and Too, Inc.
- separate management and ownership structures for Too, Inc. will provide
incentives to Too, Inc.'s management and direct accountability to public
investors
- the spin-off will provide Too, Inc.'s management with increased strategic
flexibility and decision-making power to realize the significant growth
opportunities that it has identified
Shares of Too, Inc.'s common stock are expected to trade on the New York
Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol "TOO".
The enclosed information statement explains the proposed spin-off in detail
and provides important information regarding Too, Inc. We urge you to read it
carefully. Please note that a shareholder vote is not required in connection
with this matter, and holders of The Limited's common stock are not required to
take any action to participate in the spin-off. Thus, we are not asking you for
a proxy.
Very truly yours,
Leslie H. Wexner
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
The Limited, Inc.
<PAGE> 6
TOO, INC.
August , 1999
Dear Too, Inc. Shareholder:
We welcome you as a "founding" shareholder of Too, Inc., the successor
company to Limited Too, Inc. that will be publicly traded for the first time on
August 24, 1999. You will become an owner of one share of Too, Inc.'s common
stock for every seven shares of common stock of The Limited, Inc. that you own
at the close of business on August 11, 1999. We expect that shares of our common
stock will trade on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol "TOO".
As you know, Limited Too is the leading specialty retailer specifically
targeted to fashion-aware, trend-setting young girls. Our stores sell apparel,
underwear, sleepwear, swimwear, lifestyle and personal care products for girls
aged 7 to 14 years in a fun shopping environment. In fiscal 1998, we had sales
of $377 million, and we currently have approximately 5,900 sales associates in
332 stores nationwide.
This is a very exciting time, and we are enthusiastic about what the future
holds. We believe that our Company has a great opportunity to grow, and as a new
Too, Inc. shareholder, like our customers, you have an opportunity to grow with
us.
Congratulations on becoming one of the "founding" shareholders of Too,
Inc.!
Very truly yours,
Michael W. Rayden
Chairperson of the Board, President
and
Chief Executive Officer
Too, Inc.
<PAGE> 7
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<PAGE> 8
INTRODUCTION
Over the past several years, The Limited's board of directors and senior
management have embarked upon a comprehensive review of The Limited's
organization structure and operations, with the primary goals of generating
maximum value for The Limited's shareholders and focusing its resources on its
key strategic business.
After much consideration, The Limited determined that a complete spin-off
of Too, Inc., the successor company to Limited Too, Inc., from The Limited is
consistent with these objectives and would be in the best interests of The
Limited, the Limited Too business and The Limited's shareholders. We at Limited
Too have demonstrated that we have a unique customer base, focused brand image
and a profitable growth strategy, and The Limited intends for the spin-off to
allow us greater flexibility to grow as an independent company. At the same
time, the spin-off allows The Limited to focus its resources on its other brands
where it can add more value. The Limited believes that:
- having two separate public companies will enable the financial markets to
evaluate each company more effectively, thereby maximizing shareholder
value over the long term for both The Limited and Too, Inc.
- separate management and ownership structures for Too, Inc. will provide
incentives to Too, Inc.'s management and direct accountability to public
investors
- the spin-off will provide Too, Inc.'s management with increased strategic
flexibility and decision-making power to realize the significant growth
opportunities that it has identified
In deciding to pursue the spin-off, The Limited considered several things,
including the financial advice of J.P. Morgan Securities Inc. and the legal
advice of Davis Polk & Wardwell. To review the reasons for the spin-off in
greater detail, see "The Spin-Off -- Background to and Reasons for the
Spin-Off."
The Limited has declared a dividend payable to holders of record of The
Limited's common stock at the close of business on August 11, 1999, of one share
of our common stock for every seven shares of The Limited's common stock owned
of record on this day. We expect the spin-off to occur on August 23, 1999.
Effective as of this date, our distribution agent for the spin-off, EquiServe,
First Chicago Division, will distribute shares of our common stock to each
eligible holder of The Limited's common stock by crediting book-entry accounts
with that holder's proportionate number of whole shares of our common stock. You
will receive a check for the cash value of any fractional interest in our common
stock.
In the spin-off, The Limited will distribute 100% of the outstanding shares
of our common stock to its shareholders. Immediately after the spin-off is
completed, The Limited will not own any shares of our common stock, and we will
be an independent public company. We have been approved to list our common stock
on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol "TOO".
If you have any questions relating to the spin-off, you should contact
EquiServe, First Chicago Division, which is serving as the distribution agent
for the spin-off. The contact information for EquiServe is:
EquiServe
First Chicago Division
525 Washington Boulevard
Suite 4690
Jersey City, NJ 07310
(800) 317-4445
3
<PAGE> 9
You can also contact The Limited with any questions. The Limited's contact
information is:
The Limited, Inc.
Three Limited Parkway
P.O. Box 16000
Columbus, OH 43216
(614) 415-7076
Attention: Thomas J. Katzenmeyer, Vice President of Investor Relations
After the spin-off, if you are a shareholder of Too, Inc. and have
questions relating to the spin-off, you can contact us directly. Our contact
information is:
Too, Inc.
3885 Morse Road
Columbus, OH 43219
(614) 479-3610
Attention: Kent A. Kleeberger, Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
No action is necessary to receive the shares of our common stock to which
you are entitled in the spin-off. You do not need to pay any consideration to
The Limited or to us, and you do not need to surrender any shares of The
Limited's common stock to receive your shares of our common stock.
4
<PAGE> 10
SUMMARY
This summary highlights information contained in this information
statement. You should read the entire information statement, including our
historical and pro forma consolidated financial statements and the notes to
those financial statements.
LIMITED TOO
We are a rapidly growing specialty retailer that sells apparel, underwear,
sleepwear, swimwear, lifestyle and personal care products for fashion-aware,
trend-setting young girls. As of May 1, 1999, we had 321 stores in 43 states. We
design, source and market our products under our proprietary "Limited Too" brand
name.
In 1987, The Limited established "Limited Too" brand stores adjacent to or
as departments within The Limited stores to provide similar apparel to young
girls, and apparel for infants. From 1987 to the end of fiscal 1995, we expanded
our locations from two stores to 288 stores. In 1996, a new management team
recognized that its core customer had her own emerging sense of style and
revised our strategy to focus on girls approximately 7 to 14 years of age as our
target customer group.
In the period from fiscal 1996 to fiscal 1998, this focused strategy
enabled us to:
- increase net sales to $376.9 million from $258.8 million
- improve our pretax operating income to $28.5 million from a loss of
$(8.9) million
- improve our operating income rate as a percentage of sales to 7.6% from a
loss of (3.4)%
- improve sales per average square foot to $300 from $214
We plan to continue our new store expansion program by opening
approximately 40 new stores per year in 1999 and 2000 and remodeling or
expanding approximately 20 existing stores in 1999.
BUSINESS STRENGTHS
We believe that our six core business strengths developed over the last
three years have contributed to our success and will enable us to continue
growing profitably.
- TARGET CUSTOMER GROUP. We have identified our target customer group to
be girls approximately 7 to 14 years of age who are active, creative and
image-conscious, enjoy shopping and want to describe themselves as "fun"
and "cool". We believe our target customers want a broad assortment of
merchandise for their range of dressing occasions, including school,
leisure activities and parties. To attract our target customer, we
continually update our merchandise assortment, which includes non-
apparel merchandise, such as cosmetics and lifestyle furnishings for her
room. We also create an in-store atmosphere that is visually appealing
and provides an enjoyable, safe and exciting shopping experience. We
believe that girls interested in the latest fashions are attracted to our
image and are made to feel secure in their fashion choices when they
purchase our brand. At the same time, we believe that parents defer to
many choices that their daughters make in our stores because they find
our products to be appropriate for their daughters' age.
- FOCUSED AND DIFFERENTIATED BRAND. We have created a focused and
differentiated brand image for fashion-aware girls aged 7 to 14 who
follow the latest trends. We believe that the brand's appeal has been
augmented by, and should continue to benefit from, trends that emphasize
the latest fashions and the aspirational lifestyle of today's younger
girls who want to look and dress like older girls consistent with the
latest trends in junior fashions. We communicate our brand image through
all aspects of our business, including merchandise assortment and our
exciting, colorful in-store presentation. We believe that the strength of
our brand provides opportunities for increased penetration of current
merchandise categories and entry into newer product categories such as
our "GirlCare" line of toiletries and cosmetics introduced in 1996.
5
<PAGE> 11
- ENTERTAINING STORE ENVIRONMENT. A major element of our recent success is
the consistent store-level execution of our brand strategy. We design our
stores to provide a "theme park" destination in the mall and to encourage
our customers to touch and sample our products. All of our stores contain
a wide variety of merchandise for a "one-stop shopping" experience, which
has been specifically designed to embody "a store for her" theme. Our
stores feature colorful window displays; photographic sticker booths; ear
piercing stations; gumball machines; and eye-catching photographs. Our
newer store formats may also have our daisy logo on our front signage; a
personal care sampling table in the front of the store at which our
customers can experiment with our "GirlCare" products and consult their
friends and our sales associates; light shows; and mock pay telephones
from which our customers can listen to music or call their friends within
the store. We tightly control our in-store presentation by basing it on
detailed and comprehensive store plans. These plans use visual displays
and fixtures designed to brand our stores in a manner tailored to appeal
to our target customer group.
- PROPRIETARY DESIGN AND MERCHANDISING CAPABILITIES. A cornerstone of our
business is our ability to design products which embody our brand image.
We develop substantially all of our merchandise assortment through our
own design group, which allows us to create exclusive merchandise under
our proprietary brand, develop complementary fashionable outfits, offer a
vast array of merchandise within a fashion season, introduce new
non-apparel items and bring our products to market faster. In addition,
because our merchandise is sold exclusively in our own stores, we are
able to control the presentation and pricing of our merchandise and
provide a higher level of customer service. Our merchandising strategy of
offering a broad assortment allows us to constantly introduce elements of
the latest fashion trends. We believe that these capabilities provide us
with competitive advantages over other brand manufacturers that market
their goods through department and other specialty apparel stores.
- PROVEN MANAGEMENT TEAM. Since early 1996, when some of the senior
members of our current management team assumed responsibility, we have
increased the level of brand awareness and consistently reported improved
financial results. We believe that our management has a distinct
understanding of our customers and is able to execute design, sourcing
and marketing strategies to penetrate our target customer group. With
over 125 years of collective experience in the retail industry, they have
demonstrated a track record of highly profitable growth which strongly
positions us for the future.
- ATTENTIVE CUSTOMER SERVICE. Our sales associates convey and reinforce
our brand image through their attitude, enthusiasm and awareness of
current fashion trends. We train them to greet each customer, to inform
the customer about new fashion trends, to guide her through the store and
to suggest merchandise to suit the customer's wardrobe and lifestyle
needs. We strive to give each of our young customers the same level of
respect and attention that adult customers expect in a retail shopping
experience.
GROWTH STRATEGY
We have implemented a growth strategy to capitalize on our business
strengths. Our growth strategy focuses on four goals: (1) opening approximately
40 new stores per year in 1999 and 2000, (2) remodeling and expanding
approximately 20 existing stores in 1999, (3) increasing comparable store sales
through product extensions and our continued execution of merchandise and other
initiatives to satisfy our target customers' needs and (4) increasing our
distribution channels to include direct marketing through catalog and website
initiatives.
To achieve these goals, we plan to do the following:
- STORE OPENINGS, REMODELINGS AND EXPANSIONS. Given the strength of our
brand and our customer demographics, our management believes that there
will be approximately 100 to 150 mall sites available for new stores,
with an additional 100 to 150 sites available in smaller markets,
specialty centers and major urban locations. We plan to open
approximately 40 new stores per year in 1999 and 2000. We also plan to
remodel or expand approximately 20 of our existing stores in 1999 and
continue our remodeling and expansion program for the next several years.
6
<PAGE> 12
- MERCHANDISE INITIATIVES AND PRODUCT EXTENSIONS. We plan to continue to
increase the variety of sizes offered in many of our tops and bottoms
categories and to continue to develop the new product lines we recently
introduced such as underwear, sleepwear and swimwear; personal care
products under our "GirlCare" line, such as glitter make-up and nail
polish; and lifestyle products and other accessories for our target
customer's room, such as inflatable furniture and glitter telephones.
- INCREASE CONSUMER FEEDBACK AND AWARENESS. An important source of
customer feedback has been our focus groups and other formats for
customer communication, which we intend to continue. We expect to enhance
our customer relationships and increase our brand awareness through our
frequent buyer program and our catalog and website initiatives. We use
our frequent buyer program to obtain customer information, and our
customers will also be asked to provide information when they register on
our website. Additionally, our frequent buyer program rewards our
customers with incentives based on the frequency of their purchases and
incorporates in-store events such as "Too Punch Toosday". As of May 1,
1999, our frequent buyer database contained approximately 900,000 names.
In late April 1999, we executed our first direct mail campaign that
targeted not only customers in our frequent buyer database but
prospective customers as well.
- EXPAND DISTRIBUTION CHANNELS. We plan to expand our marketing efforts by
launching our first catalog targeted for the 1999 holiday season with a
planned October mailing. We are also developing an informational website
with an expected launch in the fall of 1999. We intend to further develop
our website to allow our customers to order our products on-line during
the year 2000.
RISK FACTORS
Our business may be adversely affected by the following risks:
- we will no longer benefit from our business relationship with The Limited
and may incur costs or be forced to relocate stores adjacent to or
departments within The Limited stores
- we may not be able to obtain suitable real estate
- we may not be able to effectively manage our growth
- we may not be able to offer products that are accepted by our customers
- we may not be able to obtain sufficient quantities of merchandise on a
cost-effective basis
- we may not be able to effectively address Year 2000 issues
In addition, our industry is highly competitive. These and other risks are
addressed in the section entitled "Risk Factors" beginning on page 13 of this
information statement.
* * *
We were incorporated in Delaware on August 21, 1991. Our principal office
is located at 3885 Morse Road, Columbus, Ohio 43219, and our telephone number is
(614) 479-3500.
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<PAGE> 13
THE SPIN-OFF
The following is a brief summary of the terms of the spin-off.
DISTRIBUTING COMPANY.......... The Limited, Inc. After the spin-off, The
Limited will not own any shares of our common
stock.
SPUN-OFF COMPANY.............. Too, Inc. After the spin-off, Too, Inc. will be
an independent public company.
PRIMARY PURPOSES OF THE
SPIN-OFF...................... The Limited has determined that the spin-off is
in the best interests of The Limited, the
Limited Too business and The Limited's
shareholders. In reaching this conclusion, The
Limited considered several issues, including:
(1) having two separate public companies will
enable the financial markets to evaluate
each company more effectively, thereby
maximizing shareholder value over the long
term for both The Limited and Too, Inc.
(2) having separate management and ownership
structures for Too, Inc. will provide
incentives to Too, Inc.'s management and
direct accountability to public investors
(3) the spin-off will provide our management
with increased strategic flexibility and
decision-making power to realize the
significant growth opportunities that it
has identified
See "The Spin-Off -- Background to and Reasons
for the Spin-Off."
SECURITIES TO BE
DISTRIBUTED................... All of the outstanding shares of our common
stock. Based on the number of shares of The
Limited's common stock outstanding as of June
7, 1999, we estimate that we will distribute
approximately 30 million shares of our common
stock to The Limited's shareholders.
Immediately after the spin-off, we estimate
that approximately shareholders of
record will hold shares of our common stock,
although some of the shares may be registered
in the name of a single shareholder who
represents a number of shareholders.
DISTRIBUTION RATIO............ One share of our common stock for every seven
shares of The Limited's common stock that you
hold at the close of business on August 11,
1999, the record date for the spin-off.
RECORD DATE................... August 11, 1999 (close of business).
SPIN-OFF DATE................. August 23, 1999.
DISTRIBUTION AGENT............ EquiServe, First Chicago Division.
TRADING MARKET AND SYMBOL..... There has been no trading market for our common
stock. However, we expect that a limited market
for shares of our common stock will develop on
or shortly before the record date for the
spin-off, commonly known as a "when issued"
trading market. We have been approved to list
our common stock on the New York Stock Exchange
under the ticker symbol "TOO".
8
<PAGE> 14
TAX CONSEQUENCES.............. Before the spin-off, The Limited will receive
an opinion of counsel that the spin-off should
qualify as tax-free to The Limited and its
shareholders for United States federal income
tax purposes. An opinion of counsel is not
binding on the IRS or the courts. Whether a
spin-off qualifies as tax-free depends in part
upon the reasons for the spin-off and
satisfaction of numerous other fact-based
requirements. In rendering its opinion, counsel
has relied in part upon The Limited's
representations as to these matters. It is
possible that the IRS could view the facts
differently and assert that the spin-off does
not qualify as tax-free. It is counsel's
opinion that, if the IRS were to contest the
tax-free treatment of the spin-off, The Limited
should prevail. See "The Spin-Off -- Material
Federal Income Tax Consequences of the
Spin-Off" for a more detailed description of
the federal income tax consequences of the
spin-off.
RISK FACTORS.................. You should carefully consider the matters
described in the section entitled "Risk
Factors" beginning on page 13 in this
information statement.
BOOK-ENTRY SHAREHOLDING....... Effective as of the date of the spin-off,
EquiServe, First Chicago Division, will
distribute shares of our common stock to each
eligible holder of The Limited's common stock
by crediting book-entry accounts with that
holder's proportionate number of whole shares
of our common stock.
NO FRACTIONAL SHARES.......... We will not distribute any fractional shares of
our common stock. EquiServe will aggregate all
fractional interests, sell them on behalf of
shareholders and distribute the cash proceeds
to the shareholders who are entitled to a
fractional interest in our common stock. See
"The Spin-Off -- Description of the Spin-Off."
RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN TOO, INC.
AND THE LIMITED AFTER THE
SPIN-OFF.................... We and The Limited will enter into a
distribution agreement and other agreements
described in the section entitled "Relationship
Between Too, Inc. and The Limited." We believe
that the terms of these agreements will be
similar to terms achievable through arm's
length negotiations. We and The Limited may
enter into additional or modified agreements,
arrangements and transactions after the
spin-off, which will be negotiated at arm's
length. In connection with the spin-off, we may
hire personnel or contract with third parties
for financial, treasury, real estate, employee
benefit, tax, consulting and other services.
OUR MANAGEMENT AND MANAGEMENT
COMPENSATION AFTER THE
SPIN-OFF.................... The compensation, awards and other benefits
payable to selected members of management after
the spin-off are described in "Management" and
"Executive Compensation."
DIVIDEND POLICY............... We anticipate that future earnings will be used
principally to support operations and finance
the growth of our business. Thus, we do not
intend to pay cash dividends on our common
stock in the foreseeable future.
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SUMMARY FINANCIAL AND OPERATING DATA
The following table presents summary historical and pro forma financial as
well as operating data of Too, Inc. for the last five fiscal years and for the
thirteen weeks ended May 1, 1999 and May 2, 1998. The information for the fiscal
years ended February 3, 1996 and January 28, 1995 is derived from our unaudited
consolidated financial statements. The information for the thirteen weeks ended
May 1, 1999 and May 2, 1998 is derived from the unaudited consolidated financial
statements included in this information statement which, in the opinion of
management, reflect all adjustments, which are of a recurring nature, necessary
to present fairly the financial position and results of operations and cash
flows for the interim periods. Results for the thirteen weeks ended May 1, 1999
are not necessarily indicative of the results of operations to be expected for
the full fiscal year.
Before the spin-off, we operated as part of The Limited. Because the data
reflects periods during which we did not operate as an independent company, the
data may not reflect the results of operations or the financial condition which
would have resulted if we had operated as a separate, independent company during
the periods shown. In addition, the data may not necessarily be indicative of
our future results of operations or financial condition.
The data presented in the table below is derived from "Selected
Consolidated Financial and Operating Data," "Management's Discussion and
Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" and our historical
and pro forma consolidated financial statements and the notes to those financial
statements included in this information statement. You should read these
sections for a further explanation of the data summarized here.
Earnings per share data is presented elsewhere in this information
statement on a pro forma basis only. See "Unaudited Pro Forma Consolidated
Financial Statements."
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
FISCAL YEARS ENDED THIRTEEN WEEKS ENDED
------------------------------------------------------------------- -------------------------
JANUARY 30, JANUARY 31, FEBRUARY 1, FEBRUARY 3, JANUARY 28, MAY 1, MAY 2,
1999 1998 1997 1996(1) 1995 1999 1998
----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- -----------
(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA AND SALES PER AVERAGE SQUARE FOOT)
(UNAUDITED)
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS DATA:
Net sales.................... $376,943 $322,150 $258,818 $214,302 $173,787 $95,048 $82,257
Gross income(2).............. 125,214 95,247 60,844 38,237 47,928 31,724 24,888
General, administrative and
store operating
expenses(3)................ 96,758 82,950 69,698 57,481 44,817 30,412 24,599
Operating income (loss)...... 28,456 12,297 (8,854) (19,244) 3,111 1,312 289
Net income (loss)............ 17,056 7,397 (5,354) (11,544) 1,911 812 189
Pro forma net income
(loss)(4).................. 14,686 219 (404)
Pro forma weighted average
number of shares(5)........ 34,415 32,533 39,120
Pro forma net income (loss)
per share(5)............... 0.43 0.01 (0.01)
BALANCE SHEET DATA:
Inventories.................. $ 27,565 $ 18,661 $ 20,437 $ 16,046 $ 15,156 $23,584 $17,167
Total assets................. 89,969 72,974 74,793 72,972 57,828 89,938 71,043
Pro forma long-term debt..... 50,000
Pro forma shareholders'
equity..................... 9,236
</TABLE>
10
<PAGE> 16
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
FISCAL YEARS ENDED THIRTEEN WEEKS ENDED
------------------------------------------------------------------- -------------------------
JANUARY 30, JANUARY 31, FEBRUARY 1, FEBRUARY 3, JANUARY 28, MAY 1, MAY 2,
1999 1998 1997 1996(1) 1995 1999 1998
----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- -----------
(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA AND SALES PER AVERAGE SQUARE FOOT)
(UNAUDITED)
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
SELECTED OPERATING DATA:
Comparable store sales
increase (decrease)(6)..... 15% 20% 8% (4)% 13% 10% 23%
Total net sales growth....... 17.0% 24.5% 20.8% 23.3% 18.4% 15.6% 25.3%
Gross income rate(7)......... 33.2% 29.6% 23.5% 17.8% 27.6% 33.4% 30.3%
Operating income (loss)
rate(7).................... 7.6% 3.8% (3.4)% (9.0)% 1.8% 1.4% 0.4%
Total number of stores open
at period end.............. 319 312 308 288 212 321 313
Total square feet at period
end (thousands)............ 1,281 1,244 1,224 1,143 838 1,296 1,248
Annual sales per average
square foot(8)............. $ 300 $ 259 $ 214 $ 207 $ 226 NM NM
</TABLE>
- ---------------
NM = not meaningful
(1) Represents the 53-week fiscal year ended February 3, 1996.
(2) Gross income equals net sales less costs of goods sold, occupancy and buying
costs, including charges and allocations made by The Limited to us.
(3) General, administrative and store operating expenses include charges and
allocations made by The Limited to us.
(4) Pro forma net income (loss) includes interest expense and financing fees,
net of the related tax benefit, on approximately $52 million of indebtedness
we expect to incur under our credit facility shortly before the date of the
spin-off. Proceeds from the debt incurred will be used to pay a $50 million
dividend to The Limited and $1.75 million of financing fees to the lenders
under our credit facility. Pro forma net income (loss) does not reflect any
interest expense related to working capital advances that are likely to be
made in 1999 as the amounts and timing of such advances are not certain.
(5) Pro forma net income (loss) per share is based on pro forma net income
(loss) and an assumed number of shares outstanding as a result of the
spin-off. The number of shares outstanding is based on The Limited's
weighted average number of basic shares outstanding of 240.9 million, 227.7
million and 273.8 million for fiscal year 1998, thirteen weeks ended May 1,
1999 and thirteen weeks ended May 2, 1998, at the spin-off ratio of one
share of our common stock for every seven shares of The Limited's common
stock. The dilutive effect of our options and restricted stock that will be
granted under the Too, Inc. 1999 Stock Option and Performance Incentive Plan
and the Too, Inc. 1999 Stock Plan for Non-Associate Directors has not been
considered in the computation of pro forma net income (loss) per share.
(6) A store is included in our comparable store sales calculation once it has
completed 52 weeks of operation. Further, stores that are expanded or
downsized more than 20% in square feet are treated as new stores for
purposes of this calculation.
(7) Calculated as a percentage of net sales.
(8) Annual sales per average square foot is the result of dividing net sales for
the fiscal year by average gross square foot, which reflects the impact of
opening and closing stores throughout the year.
11
<PAGE> 17
RECENT DEVELOPMENTS
Net sales for the thirteen weeks ended July 31, 1999 increased 16% to $86.9
million from $74.7 million for the thirteen weeks ended August 1, 1998.
The gross income rate for the second quarter of 1999, expressed as a
percentage of net sales, increased from the second quarter of 1998.
Comparable store sales increased 8% during the second quarter of 1999. A
store is included in our comparable store sales calculation once it has
completed 52 weeks of operation.
12
<PAGE> 18
RISK FACTORS
You should carefully consider each of the following risks, which we believe
are the principal risks that we face, and all of the other information in this
information statement. Some of the following risks relate principally to our
spin-off from The Limited. Other risks relate principally to our business in
general and the industry in which we operate. Finally, other risks relate
principally to our corporate documents, such as our certificate of incorporation
and bylaws, as well as the legal environment and how these affect the ownership
of our stock and our ability to declare dividends. Our business may also be
adversely affected by risks and uncertainties not presently known to us or that
we currently believe to be immaterial.
If any of the following risks and uncertainties develop into actual events,
our business, financial condition or results of operations could be materially
adversely affected. If this occurs, the trading price of our common stock could
decline, and you may lose all or part of your investment.
RISK FACTORS RELATING TO SEPARATING OUR COMPANY FROM THE LIMITED
We face the following risks in connection with our spin-off from The Limited.
WE WILL NO LONGER BENEFIT FROM THE BUSINESS RELATIONSHIPS THAT THE LIMITED
EXTENDS TO US OR THE SERVICES THAT THE LIMITED PROVIDES TO US
As one of The Limited's subsidiaries, we are able to benefit from The
Limited's financial strengths and extensive network of business relationships.
After the spin-off, we will be a stand-alone company and will no longer be able
to benefit from The Limited's relationships or use The Limited's services on a
long-term basis. Although we will enter into agreements with The Limited so that
it will continue to provide services to us, these agreements will be of short
duration -- generally up to 12 months. We cannot assure you that after the
expiration of these various arrangements, we will be able to replace these
services in a timely manner and on terms and conditions, including cost, as
favorable as those we received from The Limited.
WE MAY INCUR COSTS OR BE FORCED TO RELOCATE STORES WHICH ARE ADJACENT TO OR
DEPARTMENTS
WITHIN THE LIMITED STORES
As of May 1, 1999, 131 of our stores were adjacent to or not fully
separated from The Limited stores, including six stores which were departments
within The Limited stores. 127 of our stores occupy space that The Limited, or
an affiliate of The Limited, other than us, has leased from landlords, and we
have no direct lease arrangements with the landlords of these stores. The
Limited may decide to close any or all of these 131 stores without consulting
with us, and The Limited is not obligated to consider the profitability of our
adjacent stores or departments before making its decision.
If The Limited closes one or more of these 131 stores, several things may
happen, including:
- we may, if available and on acceptable terms, lease the entire retail
space that includes our own space and The Limited's store space directly
from the landlord or from The Limited, which may involve remodeling costs
for which we are responsible, less any cash payments and loans received
from The Limited
- we may, if available and on acceptable terms, lease our own store space
directly from the landlord which may involve costs to physically separate
our stores from space occupied by The Limited stores so that our store
space is free-standing. This separation may involve building walls in the
cross-over space between the two stores, creating separate back rooms and
utilities and in some instances, creating separate access to corridors
- we may be forced to close our existing location and incur costs to
relocate to an alternative location in the same mall
- we may not be able to obtain alternative space in the same mall on
acceptable terms and may be forced to relocate to another mall, in which
case we would not receive any compensation from The Limited, as described
below
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<PAGE> 19
- we may incur incremental rent expenses whether we remain in our current
store or relocate to a new store
- we may lose sales during any period that we are remodeling an existing
store or constructing a relocated store
Under an agreement that we will enter into with The Limited in connection
with the spin-off, The Limited would compensate us with a combination of cash
payments and loans if The Limited decides to close any of those 131 stores and
we remain in the same mall. The compensation is described under "Relationship
Between Too, Inc. and The Limited -- Transitional Services and Separation
Agreements -- Store Leases Agreement -- Adjacent Stores and Departments." We
could lose our rights to all of the compensation if we breach our obligations
under that agreement in connection with two or more of our stores.
We estimate that the costs of separation for those stores that are
currently adjacent to The Limited stores would range from $50,000 to $350,000
per store, and would be, on average, approximately $170,000 per store. The
actual costs of separation would depend on the nature of the shared space
involved. For our six stores which are departments within The Limited stores, we
may need to relocate if The Limited closes its stores, which may cost up to
$500,000 in each instance.
We cannot assure you that the amounts that we would receive from The
Limited would be sufficient to cover the costs of separating, relocating or
reimbursing us for incremental rent increases for each store, or that the
estimated costs of separation and relocation accurately reflect what the actual
costs may be. We also cannot assure you that we will be able to enter into new
leases for alternative mall locations on agreeable terms or at all.
WE MAY NOT BE ABLE TO OBTAIN SUITABLE REAL ESTATE TO IMPLEMENT OUR GROWTH
STRATEGY
The Limited's expertise in real estate matters and The Limited's size and
reputation as one of the largest specialty retailers in the United States may
have enabled us to obtain lease terms and store sites that were more favorable
than those that we would have been able to obtain on our own. We cannot assure
you that we will be able to achieve the same economies of scale and bargaining
leverage.
110 of the existing 194 direct leases into which we have entered have been
guaranteed by The Limited. In addition, 127 of our stores occupy space that The
Limited, or an affiliate of The Limited, other than us, has leased from
landlords. Under an agreement that we will enter into with The Limited in
connection with the spin-off, as described in "Relationship Between Too, Inc.
and The Limited -- Transitional Services and Separation Agreements -- Store
Leases Agreement," the lease guarantees that The Limited provides which are in
effect on the date of the spin-off will remain in effect for the remaining
initial term of the lease unless we negotiate the elimination of these
guarantees with the landlord on acceptable terms or if we amend, extend or renew
the existing lease after the spin-off. The Limited will not guarantee any of our
new leases that we enter into after the spin-off. In addition, The Limited's
guarantee of any existing lease will expire upon the amendment, renewal or
extension of any such lease or upon any waiver by a landlord of any provision of
the lease.
Some of our stores are governed by leases that require us to notify the
landlord or obtain the landlord's consent for a change of control of the lessee.
We cannot assure you that the landlord will consent to the change of control
caused by the spin-off. Our failure to renew existing leases on historical terms
or to obtain suitable store sites on attractive terms may hinder our store
expansion plans.
WE WILL LICENSE THE "LIMITED TOO" BRAND NAME FROM THE LIMITED, WHICH MAY
RESTRICT OUR BUSINESS
In connection with the spin-off, we and The Limited intend to cause our
wholly owned subsidiaries to enter into an exclusive trademark and service mark
licensing agreement that will allow us to operate under the "Limited Too" brand
name. The agreement will be for an initial term of five years after the
spin-off, renewable annually at our option. In return, we will be required to
provide The Limited with the right to
14
<PAGE> 20
inspect our stores and distribution facilities and an ability to review and
approve our advertising. The Limited's wholly owned subsidiary will have the
right to terminate the agreement if:
- we breach any of our obligations under the agreement and do not cure the
breach within 60 days after receiving notice of the breach
- we become bankrupt or insolvent
- we experience a change of control
The agreement will also restrict the way in which we use the licensed brand
in our business. We will only be able to use the brand name "Limited Too" in
connection with any business in which we sell to our current target customer
group or to infants and toddlers.
If in the future we are unable to continue using the brand "Limited Too",
we may be forced to change our brand name. Because all of our merchandise is
currently sold under the "Limited Too" label and in stores called "Limited Too",
a name change might cause confusion for our customers and adversely affect our
brand recognition, which is a significant part of our business strategy. We may
need to expend substantial resources, which we cannot estimate at this time, to
establish brand recognition if we are required to change our name.
OUR HISTORICAL FINANCIAL INFORMATION MAY NOT BE REPRESENTATIVE OF OUR RESULTS
AS A SEPARATE COMPANY
The historical financial information we have included in this information
statement may not reflect what our results of operations, financial position and
cash flows would have been had we been a separate, stand-alone company during
the periods presented or what our results of operations, financial position and
cash flows will be in the future. This is because:
- various adjustments and allocations were made to the historical financial
statements in this information statement because The Limited did not
account for us as a single stand-alone business for all periods presented
- the historical information does not reflect many significant changes that
will occur in our financial condition, capital structure and operations
as a result of our separation from The Limited
- the historical information does not reflect the indebtedness under our
credit facility and the costs associated with borrowing under the
facility
We cannot assure you that the adjustments and allocations we have made in
preparing our historical and pro forma consolidated financial statements
appropriately reflect our operations during the periods presented as if we had
operated as a stand-alone company, nor can we predict what the actual effect of
our separation from The Limited will be.
OUR STOCK PRICE MAY FLUCTUATE SIGNIFICANTLY AFTER THE SPIN-OFF, AND YOU COULD
LOSE ALL OR PART
OF YOUR INVESTMENT AS A RESULT
Before the spin-off, there will have been no public market for our common
stock. We have been approved to list our common stock on the New York Stock
Exchange.
Once issued, we do not know how our common stock will trade in the future.
The market price of our common stock may fluctuate significantly due to a number
of factors, some of which may be beyond our control, including:
- our business profile may not fit the investment objectives of The
Limited's shareholders, causing them to sell our shares after the
spin-off
- actual or anticipated fluctuations in our operating results
- absence of securities analysts covering our company and distributing
research and investment recommendations about our company
15
<PAGE> 21
- changes in earnings estimated by securities analysts or our ability to
meet those estimates
- the operating and stock price performance of other comparable companies
- overall stock market fluctuations
- the retail environment
- economic conditions
In particular, the realization of any of the risks described in these "Risk
Factors" could have a significant and adverse impact on the market price of our
common stock. In addition, the stock market in general has experienced extreme
volatility that has often been unrelated or disproportionate to the operating
performance of particular companies. These broad market fluctuations may
adversely affect the trading price of our common stock, regardless of our actual
operating performance. Additionally, if our quarterly results of operations
fluctuate significantly as a result of the seasonality of the retail industry,
the timing and costs of new store openings and remodelings or expansions of
existing stores, the performance of new and existing stores, merchandise mix and
fashion trends, the market price of our common stock may be affected.
THE IRS COULD CHALLENGE THE TAX-FREE NATURE OF THE SPIN-OFF
Before the spin-off, The Limited will receive an opinion of Davis Polk &
Wardwell stating that the spin-off should qualify as tax-free to The Limited and
its shareholders under Section 355 of the Internal Revenue Code. Opinions of
counsel are not binding on the IRS or the courts. Whether a spin-off qualifies
as tax-free depends in part upon the reasons for the spin-off and satisfaction
of numerous other fact-based requirements. In rendering its opinion, Davis Polk
& Wardwell has relied in part upon The Limited's representations as to these
matters. It is possible that the IRS could view the facts differently and assert
that the spin-off does not qualify as tax-free. Davis Polk & Wardwell, however,
is of the opinion that if the IRS were to assert that the spin-off did not
qualify as tax-free, the IRS should not prevail in a judicial proceeding in
which the issues and the facts were properly presented. For a further
description of the tax consequences of the spin-off, see "The
Spin-Off -- Material Federal Income Tax Consequences of the Spin-Off."
RISK FACTORS RELATING TO OUR BUSINESS
Our business faces the following risks, which include risks relating to the
industry in which we operate. The Limited also faces a number of these same
risks.
WE MAY NOT BE ABLE TO SUSTAIN A GROWTH RATE SUFFICIENT TO IMPLEMENT OUR
EXPANSION STRATEGY
We have grown rapidly over the past few years. We may not be able to
continue to grow profitably or at rates consistent with our recent past. Our
future growth prospects are dependent upon a number of factors, including:
- the availability of suitable markets and sites for our stores and our
ability to negotiate leases on acceptable terms for those stores
- our ability to fulfill our plans to open new stores and remodel or expand
existing stores
- our ability to enter new distribution channels, including the launch of
our catalog and the creation of our website
- our ability to attract and retain talented personnel and to expand our
infrastructure to accommodate our growth, including our ability to
maintain high levels of customer service by hiring and training qualified
sales associates
- the capacity to expand or add distribution facilities, the effective
management of our inventory and timely delivery of our merchandise
- our ability to keep up with constantly shifting fashion trends and
develop new and appealing merchandise
16
<PAGE> 22
We will require substantial capital expenditures to implement our business
strategy, in particular our opening of new stores and our remodeling or
expansion of our existing stores, which we estimate will require capital
expenditures of approximately $25 to $29 million in fiscal 1999. If we do not
generate sufficient cash flow from operations or if we are unable to obtain
sufficient financing under our credit facility or on other acceptable terms, we
may be required to reduce our planned capital expenditures, which could have a
material adverse effect on our growth prospects and the market price of our
common stock. In the past, our capital needs, including those for working
capital, have been provided by The Limited as part of its overall capital
expenditure and treasury management strategy. After our spin-off from The
Limited, The Limited will no longer provide financing for our operations.
Further, we may not be able to obtain financing at interest rates or on terms
that are as favorable as those enjoyed historically by The Limited.
WE MAY NOT BE ABLE TO MAINTAIN OUR COMPARABLE STORE SALES GROWTH
Our comparable store sales have fluctuated significantly in the past.
Comparable store sales will continue to fluctuate and may be affected by many
factors, including:
- competition
- economic conditions
- keeping up with fashion trends
- weather conditions
- new store openings in existing markets
- procurement and management of merchandise inventory
- customer response to new and existing styles
- store remodelings and expansions
We may not maintain comparable store sales growth at our current levels.
Our stock price may be materially adversely affected by declines and
fluctuations in our comparable store sales.
OUR NET SALES, NET INCOME AND INVENTORY LEVELS FLUCTUATE ON A SEASONAL BASIS
We experience seasonal fluctuations in our net sales and net income, with a
disproportionate amount of our net sales and a majority of our net income
typically realized during our fourth quarter due to sales from the holiday
season. We also generate significant net sales during the "back to school"
period in the third quarter. Any decrease in sales or margins during those
periods could have material adverse results on our financial condition and
results of operations.
Seasonal fluctuations also affect our inventory levels, since we usually
order merchandise in advance of peak selling periods and sometimes before new
fashion trends are confirmed by customer purchases. We must carry a significant
amount of inventory, especially before the holiday season and "back to school"
selling periods.
WE MAY BE UNABLE TO COMPETE FAVORABLY IN OUR HIGHLY COMPETITIVE SEGMENT OF THE
RETAIL INDUSTRY
The girls' retail apparel and accessories industry is highly competitive.
We expect competition in this market to increase, because there are few barriers
to entry in this market and our success may attract additional competitors.
Increased competition could result in pricing pressures, increased marketing
expenditures and loss of our market share, all of which could have a material
adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.
We compete for sales primarily with specialty apparel and accessory
retailers, such as GapKids and Claire's, department stores and discount
retailers. Other specialty retailers, such as Abercrombie & Fitch, have recently
begun to enter into the market for pre-teen apparel. In addition to the
traditional store-based retailers, we also compete with direct marketers who
target customers through catalogs and Internet shopping.
17
<PAGE> 23
Direct marketers also include traditional store-based retailers like us who are
expanding into catalogs and the Internet as additional distribution channels.
Some of our competitors may have greater financial, marketing and other
resources available to them. In many cases, our primary competitors are located
in the same shopping malls as our stores, and in addition to competing for
sales, we compete for favorable site locations and lease terms in shopping
malls.
WE MAY LOSE KEY PERSONNEL
We believe that we have benefitted substantially from Leslie H. Wexner's
leadership. Mr. Wexner is the chairman, president and chief executive officer of
The Limited. Mr. Wexner's services with us will terminate after the spin-off. We
have also benefitted significantly from Michael Rayden's leadership. Mr. Rayden
is our chairperson of the board, president and chief executive officer, and the
loss of his services could have a material adverse effect on our business and
prospects. We expect to enter into an employment agreement with Mr. Rayden
shortly after the spin-off. See "Management -- Employment Agreements with
Executive Officers."
WE MAY NOT BE ABLE TO KEEP UP WITH FASHION TRENDS
Our success depends in part on our management's ability to anticipate the
fashion tastes of our young customers and to offer merchandise which appeals to
them on a timely and affordable basis. We expect our customers' fashion tastes
to change frequently. If we are unable to successfully anticipate, identify or
react to changing styles or trends, our sales will be lower and we may have
excess inventories. In response, we may be forced to increase our marketing
promotions or price markdowns, which could have a material adverse effect on our
business. Our brand image may also suffer if our young customers believe that
our merchandise misjudgments indicate that we are no longer able to offer them
the latest fashions.
OUR BUSINESS IS SENSITIVE TO ECONOMIC CONDITIONS AND CONSUMER SPENDING
Our business is sensitive to changes in the overall economic conditions and
consumer spending patterns. Our growth, sales and profitability may be adversely
affected by unfavorable local, regional or national economic conditions. In
addition, shifts in consumer discretionary spending among our customers for
other goods including music, entertainment and electronic products could also
adversely affect our business.
WE DEPEND ON A HIGH VOLUME OF MALL TRAFFIC AND THE AVAILABILITY OF SUITABLE
LEASE SPACE
Substantially all of our stores are located in regional shopping malls. Our
sales are derived, in part, from the high volume of traffic in those malls. We
benefit from the ability of the mall's "anchor" tenants, generally large
department stores, and other area attractions to generate consumer traffic in
our stores' vicinity and the continuing popularity of malls as shopping
destinations. Sales volume and mall traffic may be adversely affected by
economic downturns in a particular area, competition from non-mall retailers and
other malls where we do not have stores and the closing of anchor department
stores. In addition, a decline in the desirability of the shopping environment
in a particular mall, or a decline in the popularity of mall shopping among our
target consumers, could affect our business.
Since we are primarily a mall-based chain, our future growth is
significantly dependent on our ability to open new stores in desirable mall
locations. We cannot assure you as to when or whether such desirable locations
will become available.
OUR INABILITY TO EFFECTIVELY ADDRESS THE YEAR 2000 ISSUE MAY DISRUPT OUR
BUSINESS
The Year 2000 issue arises primarily from computer programs, commercial
systems and embedded chips that will be unable to properly interpret dates
beyond 1999. This could result in system failure or miscalculations. We have
been part of the package migration group of The Limited, which involves the
migration of software to be Year 2000 ready. We have installed those systems.
Recently, we have decided to explore redeploying our inventory planning legacy
system which is not part of the overall Year 2000 readiness efforts undertaken
by The Limited. The Limited has not committed resources to assist us in our
remediation
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<PAGE> 24
efforts on the inventory planning legacy system. We have assumed full
responsibility to make our legacy system Year 2000 ready and to identify and
respond to any Year 2000 issues associated with the interaction between our
legacy system, our other systems and new systems installed as part of The
Limited's overall efforts. We believe we will incur an additional $100,000 of
programming costs in order to make the legacy system Year 2000 ready and
integrate this system with the other newly installed systems. If we are
unsuccessful in our efforts to remediate the inventory planning legacy system,
we will continue with the planning system The Limited has already provided us as
part of The Limited's Year 2000 readiness efforts.
In addition to the inventory planning legacy system, not all of our
information systems are Year 2000 ready, and not all of the third parties with
whom we conduct our business have indicated that their information systems are
Year 2000 ready.
We cannot assure you that:
- our inventory planning legacy system will be Year 2000 ready
- remediating and integrating our inventory planning legacy system will not
negatively impact our other systems, including systems we currently
believe to be Year 2000 ready
- we will not incur additional costs beyond our current estimates
The Year 2000 issue may result in our inability to engage in normal
business activities resulting from one or more of the following:
- the loss of communications links with store locations
- disruptions in the movement of inventory to and from our vendors and
distribution center and between store locations
- the failure of our inventory management systems
- the inability to process transactions with customers or to execute
purchase orders with suppliers
- the failure of basic services, such as utilities
Except for the inventory planning legacy system, we are currently part of
the Year 2000 readiness efforts undertaken by The Limited, which will continue
after the spin-off under a services agreement with The Limited. Working with our
management team, The Limited has made changes to, or replaced, our other
information systems to make them Year 2000 ready, including installing new
software and hardware to support our inventory planning, merchandising and
finance functions. Various third parties with whom we conduct business have
notified The Limited that they are in the process of becoming Year 2000 ready.
However, if The Limited and these third parties do not complete this work
effectively or on time, we may be materially adversely affected.
We discuss The Limited's Year 2000 effort, the potential impact of the Year
2000 on our business, our expected costs to address our Year 2000 issues and our
contingency plans under "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial
Condition and Results of Operations -- Year 2000 Readiness." In connection with
the spin-off, we will indemnify The Limited against any liabilities caused by or
arising from The Limited's Year 2000 readiness assistance and in connection with
the failure of any of our systems to be Year 2000 ready. We have also agreed not
to make any claims against The Limited caused by or arising from The Limited's
Year 2000 readiness assistance.
OUR EXPANSION INTO CATALOG AND INTERNET DISTRIBUTION CHANNELS MAY NOT BE
SUCCESSFUL
Our business strategy includes exploring new channels of distribution, such
as a catalog which we plan to mail in October 1999 for the holiday season and an
informational website which we plan to launch in the fall of 1999. We have no
operating history in these new channels of distribution. We intend to establish
adequate infrastructures to allow these new distribution channels to become
self-sustaining, which includes a plan to hire additional qualified personnel.
The timing of the launch of our website and catalog may be significantly
affected by our ability to develop such infrastructure. In addition, our efforts
to enter into these
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<PAGE> 25
new channels may place a strain on our managerial, operational and financial
resources. We cannot assure you that:
- we will be able to manage effectively our expansion into these new
channels
- we will be able to establish systems, procedures and controls adequate to
support these channels
- our management will be able to achieve the rapid execution necessary to
fully exploit new market opportunities
We also face competition from established retailers in these new areas.
Our website will initially be informational, although we intend to permit
our customers to order our merchandise on-line in the future, and we intend to
link our on-line business to our catalog business. Our success will depend on
our ability to attract customers and provide them with a superior shopping
experience. In addition, we will need to coordinate the fulfillment and service
of customer orders, for which we have not established an infrastructure.
Currently, few laws or regulations directly apply to access to or commerce
on the Internet. As Internet commerce evolves, federal or state governments may
adopt regulations covering issues such as user privacy, pricing, content and
quality of products and services. If enacted, such laws or regulations, in
particular laws regulating the solicitation, collection or processing of
personal consumer information, could limit the potential for this distribution
channel.
We intend to mail our catalogs to names in our frequent buyer database, and
we may obtain additional names by purchasing or renting qualified names from
other third parties' mailing lists. There has been increasing public concern
regarding the compilation, use and distribution of information about teens and
children. The U.S. Federal Trade Commission recently proposed regulations to
implement the Children's Online Privacy Protection Act of 1998, which places
restrictions on persons, principally list brokers, that sell, purchase or
otherwise use for commercial purposes personal information about teens (under
the age of 16) and children. These and future regulations may limit our ability
to obtain lists of potential customers.
WE WILL INCUR A SIGNIFICANT AMOUNT OF DEBT WHICH WE MAY NOT BE ABLE TO SERVICE
We will incur a significant amount of indebtedness in connection with the
spin-off. On a pro forma basis, as of May 1, 1999, we had: (a) total
consolidated indebtedness of approximately $52 million; and (b) $48 million of
borrowings available under our credit facility, subject to customary conditions.
We will borrow amounts under our credit facility to repay working capital
advances made by The Limited to us in 1999 before the spin-off.
Our credit facility, which will be secured, precludes us from incurring or
securing additional indebtedness over stipulated amounts. In addition, as
previously described under "-- We May Incur Costs or Be Forced to Relocate
Stores Which Are Adjacent To or Departments Within The Limited Stores," we may
also borrow money, which may be secured, from The Limited in connection with the
closing of our stores adjacent to or departments within The Limited.
The level of our indebtedness could have important consequences, including:
- limiting cash flow available for general corporate purposes because a
portion of our cash flow from operations must be dedicated to servicing
our debt
- limiting our ability to obtain additional financing in the future for
working capital or capital expenditures
- limiting our flexibility to react to competitive and other changes in our
industry and economic conditions generally
Our ability to pay or to refinance our indebtedness will depend upon our
future operating performance, which will be affected by general economic,
financial, competitive, legislative, regulatory, business and other factors
beyond our control.
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We anticipate that our operating cash flow, together with money we can
borrow under our credit facility, will be sufficient to meet anticipated future
operating expenses, to fund capital expenditures and to service our debt as it
becomes due. If we were still unable to meet our debt service obligations, we
may attempt to restructure or refinance our indebtedness or seek additional
equity capital. We cannot assure you that we will be able to accomplish that on
satisfactory terms, if at all.
THE PLANNED UPGRADES OF THE MANAGEMENT INFORMATION SYSTEMS THAT WE USE MAY NOT
BE SUCCESSFUL
We rely on management information systems that we own or that The Limited
provides to us for all major aspects of our business. After our management
information systems become Year 2000 ready, we expect to upgrade many of these
systems. We will be materially adversely affected if these systems are not
improved, upgraded or expanded on an effective basis or if our systems are
disrupted. Current hardware and network infrastructure is being upgraded
through:
- the creation of store, marketing and customer databases to improve
controls and enhance sales and operational capabilities
- the implementation of a new warehouse management system
- the upgrading of distribution facilities to expand capacity
We may not be able to process our transactions at alternative sites and
platforms after our services agreement with The Limited expires. We cannot
assure you that we will complete our planned upgrades on a timely basis or in a
successful manner.
WE WILL NEED TO COMPLY WITH EXISTING AND NEW REGULATIONS THAT GOVERN US
Currently, much of our personal care and lifestyle merchandise are subject
to various regulations stipulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration,
Federal Trade Commission and the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. As we
expand our merchandise assortment and increase the number of our suppliers to
accommodate our growth, we may be governed by new regulations that may be more
difficult to comply with.
For example, we are required to meet federal flammability standards for
children's sleepwear. These standards require sleepwear to be flame-resistant,
and if the fabric ignites, for the flame to self-extinguish. Failure to meet the
flammability standards presents a risk of serious burn injuries to children. We
require our suppliers to ensure that these standards are met; however, they may
source products from other suppliers, in particular foreign suppliers, who,
despite our best efforts, may not adhere to these standards. We may be forced to
voluntarily recall the merchandise in question and give full refunds to our
customers.
In September 1998, in cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety
Commission, we voluntarily recalled approximately 390,000 children's satin
pajama sets. In January 1999, we voluntarily recalled approximately 17,600
girls' fleece robes. Our supplier incurred all of the costs, not including a
major portion of our lost profits, related to the recalls. These kinds of
recalls may occur in the future and may have adverse effects on sales,
performance, operating results, business opportunities and our reputation. While
we continuously update our standards for our vendor partners to ensure
compliance, we cannot assure you that these standards will be met.
WE RELY SIGNIFICANTLY ON FOREIGN SOURCES OF PRODUCTION
In 1998, we sourced over 60% of our merchandise from foreign factories
located primarily in East and Southeast Asia. We do not have any long-term
merchandise supply contracts, and many of our imports are subject to existing or
potential duties, tariffs or quotas that may limit the quantity of goods which
may be imported into the United States from countries in that region. We compete
with other companies, including The Limited and The Limited's other
subsidiaries, for production facilities and import quota capacity.
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Our business also faces a variety of other risks generally associated with
doing business in foreign markets and importing merchandise from abroad, such
as:
- political instability
- currency and exchange risks
- local business practice and political issues, including issues relating
to compliance with domestic or international labor standards
Our future performance will depend upon these factors, which are beyond our
control. These factors may have a material adverse effect on our business.
RISK FACTORS RELATING TO OUR CORPORATE DOCUMENTS AND THE LEGAL ENVIRONMENT
In connection with the ownership of our stock, you should consider the
following risks relating to our corporate documents and the legal environment.
These risks may affect our ability to execute business combinations and change
of control transactions and to declare dividends.
PROVISIONS IN OUR CORPORATE DOCUMENTS COULD DELAY OR PREVENT A CHANGE IN
CONTROL OF OUR COMPANY, WHICH COULD CAUSE THE PRICE OF OUR COMMON STOCK TO
DECLINE
Our certificate of incorporation and bylaws contain a number of provisions
that could impede a merger, consolidation, takeover or other business
combination involving us or discourage a potential acquiror from making a tender
offer or otherwise attempting to obtain control of us. Those provisions include:
- a requirement that the holders of at least 75% of our outstanding common
stock must approve:
-- a merger or consolidation with persons or entities that beneficially
own at least 5% of our common stock
-- a sale of all or substantially all of our assets to those persons or
entities
-- other control transactions
unless, in each case, the proposed transaction is approved by a majority of the
directors who were in office immediately before the time when such ownership was
acquired, or by their approved successors
- a classified board of directors in which the board members are divided
into three classes, each of which serves a staggered three-year term
- a requirement that only the holders of at least 75% of our outstanding
common stock may approve any amendment or repeal of our bylaws and
specified provisions of our certificate of incorporation
- an authorization to adopt a rights plan that may be redeemed only by a
majority of the directors who were in office when the rights plan was
adopted, or by their approved successors
After the spin-off, we expect that Mr. Wexner and his related interests
will own approximately 26.0% of the shares of our common stock, based on their
shareholdings of The Limited's common stock as of July 1, 1999. This may impede
a change in control of our company without his support.
In connection with the spin-off, we will enter into a distribution
agreement which will provide that no person or group may acquire beneficial
ownership of more than 35% of our common stock unless, before the acquisition
takes place, the acquiror has provided to The Limited a guarantee of our
indemnity and other obligations under the distribution agreement and other
agreements. In addition, if any person or group acquires such beneficial
ownership of us, The Limited may immediately stop providing transitional
services.
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WE WILL NOT BE ABLE TO PAY DIVIDENDS IN THE FORESEEABLE FUTURE
We anticipate that future earnings will be used principally to support
operations and finance the growth of our business. Thus, we do not intend to pay
cash dividends on our common stock in the foreseeable future. Payment of
dividends will also be restricted by provisions in our credit facility. If our
lenders permit us to declare dividends, the dividend amounts, if any, will be
determined by our board. Our board will consider a number of factors, including
our financial condition, capital requirements, funds generated from operations,
future business prospects, applicable contractual restrictions and any other
factors our board may deem relevant.
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THE SPIN-OFF
BACKGROUND TO AND REASONS FOR THE SPIN-OFF
Over the past several years, The Limited's board of directors and senior
management have embarked upon a comprehensive review of The Limited's
organization structure and operations, with the primary goals of generating
maximum value for The Limited's shareholders and focusing its resources on its
key strategic business. To date, The Limited has taken a number of actions in
furtherance of these goals:
- the 1995 initial public offering of common stock of Intimate Brands,
Inc., which consisted of The Limited's Victoria's Secret Stores,
Victoria's Secret Catalogue, Bath & Body Works, Cacique, Penhaligon's and
Gryphon businesses. The offering resulted in a gain of approximately $649
million. After this offering, The Limited retained approximately 83% of
the economic interests in, and approximately 94% of the total voting
power of, Intimate Brands
- the sale of our interest in approximately $1.3 billion of credit card
accounts receivable owned by World Financial Network National Bank, The
Limited's credit card bank. This transaction was completed in 1995 and
resulted in net cash proceeds of approximately $1.2 billion
- the 1995 sale of a 60% interest in World Financial Network National Bank
to an affiliate of Welsh, Carson, Anderson and Stowe VII, L.P. for
approximately $135 million in cash
- a distribution of $1.6 billion of the cash received from the foregoing
three transactions to The Limited's shareholders through an issuer self
tender in March 1996
- the 1996 initial public offering of the Class A common stock of
Abercrombie & Fitch Co. The offering resulted in a gain of approximately
$118 million. After this offering, The Limited retained approximately 84%
of the economic interest in, and approximately 94% of the total voting
power of, Abercrombie & Fitch
- the 1997 public offering of a significant portion of The Limited's
interest in Brylane, Inc., consisting principally of the Lerner and Lane
Bryant catalog businesses. In 1998, The Limited sold its remaining
interest in Brylane for approximately $131 million in cash. These actions
followed the 1993 sale by The Limited of 60% of its interest in Brylane
to an affiliate of Freeman, Spogli & Co.
- the 1997 sales of The Limited's interests in:
-- the Newport Office Tower in Jersey City, New Jersey to TrizecHahn
Office Properties for approximately $159 million in cash
-- The Mall at Tuttle Crossing in Columbus, Ohio to a unit of Taubman
Centers Inc. for approximately $76 million in cash
- the 1997 sale of Intimate Brands' Penhaligon's business
- the 1997 closure of Intimate Brands' Cacique business
- the 1997 decision to streamline The Limited's Henri Bendel business. In
1998, The Limited closed all of its Henri Bendel locations other than its
flagship store in New York City
- the complete separation of Abercrombie & Fitch from The Limited in 1998
through an exchange of shares of The Limited's common stock for shares of
the Class A common stock of Abercrombie & Fitch owned by The Limited
which resulted in the acquisition of 47.1 million shares of The Limited's
common stock from The Limited's shareholders
- the closure of 750 underperforming stores between 1995 and 1998,
primarily in women's apparel, excluding the closure of Cacique stores
- the signing of an agreement with an affiliate of Freeman, Spogli & Co.
under which The Limited has agreed to sell a 60% interest in Galyan's
Trading Co. to the Freeman, Spogli affiliate
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In early 1998, the chairman of The Limited informed shareholders that as
part of its ongoing consideration of strategic alternatives, The Limited intends
to streamline operations and focus on core brands. During this time, The Limited
began to explore various transaction structures to continue to implement these
goals with respect to The Limited's interest in our business. In late 1998, The
Limited acknowledged that Limited Too had become an established business with a
unique customer base, a focused brand image and a profitable growth strategy.
The Limited began to conduct discussions with various financial institutions,
and retained J.P. Morgan Securities Inc., as financial adviser, and Davis Polk &
Wardwell, as legal counsel, to begin an analysis of various alternatives,
including the possibility of designing, formulating and implementing a plan to
separate us from The Limited.
The Limited decided to proceed with exploring the separation of its Limited
Too business based on the following material factors:
- Separation of the Limited Too business is consistent with The Limited's
strategy of focusing on fewer businesses
- The Limited believed that having two separate public companies would
enable the financial markets to evaluate each company more effectively,
thereby maximizing shareholder value over the long term for both The
Limited and Too, Inc.
- The Limited concluded that separate management and ownership structures
for Too, Inc. would provide incentives to Too, Inc.'s management and
direct accountability to public investors
- The Limited recognized that being a separate company would provide our
management with increased strategic flexibility and decision-making power
to realize the significant growth opportunities that it has identified
- The Limited determined that the complete separation of us from The
Limited would be in the best interests of The Limited, the Limited Too
business and The Limited's shareholders
The Limited reviewed a number of issues in determining the best structure
for separating the Limited Too business. The Limited considered a separation by
means of a 100% spin-off, a sale of our company through a negotiated transaction
and an initial public offering followed by a subsequent spin-off. In this
strategic review, The Limited worked with its financial adviser and legal
counsel to analyze and evaluate issues related to the three alternative
transactions and structures.
J.P. Morgan made a presentation to the management of The Limited discussing
its analysis. The Limited's management subsequently made a presentation to its
board of directors using information from J.P. Morgan's presentation,
management's preliminary discussions with other investment banks and internal
research and analysis. Both J.P. Morgan's and management's presentations
included a discussion of the following issues:
- the strategic direction of The Limited and Limited Too businesses
- the financial impact on The Limited and Too, Inc.
- the market risk and timing involved in each of the three alternative
transactions
- the tax implications for shareholders and The Limited of each of the
three alternative transactions
- the post-spin-off market values of Limited Too and The Limited
Both J.P. Morgan's presentation and management's presentation to The
Limited's board of directors recommended pursuing actions toward separating the
Limited Too business from The Limited by means of a 100% spin-off. J.P. Morgan
and The Limited determined that a 100% spin-off had the following advantages
relative to the alternatives they considered:
- The tax-free nature of the spin-off may benefit The Limited and its
shareholders, whereas a negotiated sale or an initial public offering
followed by a subsequent spin-off may have adverse tax consequences
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- A spin-off may involve a lower level of market and execution risk,
particularly due to the timing involved. For example, based on its past
experience, The Limited was concerned that an initial public offering
followed by a spin-off might take up to two years to complete, during
which time The Limited and Too, Inc. would be faced with additional
risks, such as potential fluctuations in the stock market and operating
results
After considering the alternative transactions and structures outlined in
the presentations, The Limited's board gave the approval to proceed with actions
toward separating our business from The Limited by means of a 100% spin-off.
J.P. Morgan provided advice regarding the amount of the dividend that Too, Inc.
could pay to The Limited in connection with the spin-off, which was closely
reviewed with the management of The Limited and Too, Inc. This analysis and
recommendation was later summarized and reviewed with the board of directors of
The Limited by J.P. Morgan. The recommendation was based principally on a review
of Too Inc.'s projected balance sheet and cash flow ratios after the payment of
a $50 million dividend to The Limited and the establishment of Too, Inc.'s
credit facility, and included various comparisons to similar speciality
retailers. See "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and
Results of Operations -- Financial Condition -- Liquidity and Capital Resources"
and "Unaudited Pro Forma Consolidated Financial Statements."
The spin-off is intended to allow us to grow as an independent company,
since we have demonstrated that we have a unique customer base, a focused brand
image and a profitable growth strategy. At the same time, our separation allows
The Limited to focus its resources on its other brands where it can add more
value.
DESCRIPTION OF THE SPIN-OFF
The distribution agreement between The Limited and us provides the general
terms and conditions relating to the spin-off. See "Relationship Between Too,
Inc. and The Limited -- Distribution Agreement."
The Limited will effect the spin-off on or about August 23, 1999 by
providing for the distribution of the shares of our common stock to EquiServe,
First Chicago Division. EquiServe will distribute these shares to each holder of
record of The Limited's common stock at the close of business on August 11,
1999, the record date for the spin-off. The shares of our common stock will be
validly granted, fully paid and nonassessable, and the holders of these shares
will not be entitled to preemptive rights. See "Description of Capital Stock."
In the spin-off, The Limited will distribute 100% of the outstanding shares
of our common stock to The Limited's shareholders. Each eligible recipient of
our shares will receive one share of our common stock for every seven shares of
The Limited's common stock that the recipient holds at the close of business on
the record date for the spin-off. The actual total number of shares of our
common stock to be distributed will depend on the number of shares of The
Limited's common stock that are outstanding on the record date. Based on the
number of shares of The Limited's common stock outstanding as of June 7, 1999,
we estimate that we will distribute approximately 30 million shares of our
common stock to The Limited's shareholders. Immediately after the spin-off, we
estimate that approximately shareholders of record will hold
shares of our common stock, although some of the shares may be registered in the
name of a single shareholder who represents a number of shareholders.
As part of the spin-off, we will be adopting a book-entry share transfer
and registration system for our common stock. For registered holders of The
Limited's common stock, instead of sending physical share certificates,
EquiServe will credit the shares of our common stock distributed on the date of
the spin-off to book-entry accounts established for all registered holders of
our common stock. EquiServe will then mail an account statement to each of those
registered holders stating the maximum number of whole shares of our common
stock to which that holder is entitled in connection with the spin-off. After
the spin-off, registered holders of our common stock may request:
- a transfer of all or a portion of their shares to a brokerage or other
account
- receipt of one or more physical share certificates representing their
shareholding
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For those holders of The Limited's common stock who hold their shares
through a broker, bank or other nominee, EquiServe will transfer the shares of
our common stock to the registered holders of record who will make arrangements
to credit their customers' accounts with our common stock. We and The Limited
anticipate that brokers, banks and other nominees will generally credit their
customers' accounts with our common stock on or about August 25, 1999.
We will not issue any certificates representing fractional shares of our
common stock as part of the spin-off. EquiServe will aggregate all fractional
interests into whole shares and sell them in the open market at then prevailing
prices on behalf of holders who would be entitled to receive a fractional
interest in our common stock. These holders will receive cash payments in the
amount of their proportionate share of the total sale proceeds from the sale of
the aggregated fractional interests. EquiServe will pay the proceeds from these
sales based upon the average gross selling price per share of our common stock.
See "-- Material Federal Income Tax Consequences of the Spin-Off." The Limited
will bear the cost of commissions incurred in connection with these sales. We
anticipate that these sales will occur as soon after the date of the spin-off as
practicable.
The Limited, Too, Inc. or EquiServe will not guarantee any minimum sale
price for the fractional shares of our common stock. Neither we nor The Limited
will pay any interest on the proceeds from the sale of fractional shares.
If you become a registered holder of our common stock in connection with
the spin-off and you prefer to receive one or more physical share certificates
representing your shareholding of our common stock, you will receive one or more
certificates for all whole shares of our common stock and, if applicable, cash
for any fractional interest. EquiServe will mail you certificates representing
your proportionate number of whole shares of our common stock as soon after the
date of request as practicable.
We anticipate that in connection with the spin-off, options related to The
Limited's common stock and restricted shares of its common stock held by
employees of The Limited and vested options on The Limited's common stock held
by Too, Inc. employees will be equitably adjusted to reflect the spin-off. We
further anticipate that, generally, unvested options on The Limited's common
stock and restricted shares of its common stock held by Too, Inc. employees will
be equitably converted into options and restricted shares of Too, Inc.
MATERIAL FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSEQUENCES OF THE SPIN-OFF
Before the spin-off, The Limited will receive an opinion of Davis Polk &
Wardwell stating that the spin-off should qualify as tax-free to The Limited and
its shareholders under Section 355 of the Internal Revenue Code. The Limited
will not seek a private letter ruling relating to the spin-off from the IRS.
The material federal income tax consequences of a tax-free spin-off are:
- Except as described below with respect to fractional shares, shareholders
of The Limited will not recognize gain or loss as a result of the
spin-off.
- Cash received instead of a fractional share will be treated as received
in exchange for the fractional share. Gain or loss will be recognized to
a recipient shareholder to the extent of the difference between the
shareholder's basis in the fractional share and the amount received for
the fractional share. If the fractional share interest is held as a
capital asset by the recipient shareholder, the gain or loss will be a
capital gain or loss.
- You, as a shareholder of The Limited, will apportion your tax basis in
The Limited's common stock between The Limited's common stock and our
common stock received in the spin-off, including fractional shares for
which you receive cash, in proportion to the relative fair market values
of The Limited's common stock and our common stock on the date of the
spin-off.
- If you hold The Limited's common stock as a capital asset as of the date
of the spin-off, your holding period for our common stock received in the
spin-off will include the period during which you held the common stock
which enabled you to receive our common stock in the spin-off.
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- The Limited generally will not recognize any gain or loss as a result of
the spin-off.
Opinions of counsel are not binding on the IRS or the courts. Whether a
spin-off qualifies as tax-free depends in part upon the reasons for the spin-off
and satisfaction of numerous other fact-based requirements. In rendering its
opinion, Davis Polk & Wardwell has relied in part upon The Limited's
representations as to these matters. It is possible that the IRS could view the
facts differently and assert that the spin-off does not qualify as tax-free.
Davis Polk & Wardwell, however, is of the opinion that if the IRS were to assert
that the spin-off did not qualify as tax-free, the IRS should not prevail in a
judicial proceeding in which the issues and facts were properly presented.
If the spin-off does not qualify as tax-free, the fair market value of the
shares of our common stock received by The Limited's shareholders would be
taxable as a dividend to the extent of current-year and accumulated earnings and
profits. As a result, your tax basis in the shares of The Limited's common stock
would not change, and your tax basis in the shares of our common stock would be
their fair market value on the date of the spin-off. In addition, The Limited
would recognize a capital gain equal to the excess of the fair market value of
the shares of our common stock over its basis in these shares.
Current Treasury regulations require each shareholder of The Limited who
receives our common stock in the spin-off to attach a descriptive statement
concerning the spin-off to the shareholder's federal income tax return for the
year in which the spin-off occurs. The Limited, or Too, Inc. on behalf of The
Limited, will make available the required information to each shareholder of
record of The Limited as of the record date for the spin-off.
YOU SHOULD CONSULT YOUR TAX ADVISER REGARDING THE PARTICULAR FEDERAL,
FOREIGN, STATE AND LOCAL TAX CONSEQUENCES OF THE SPIN-OFF TO YOU.
For a description of the agreements under which we and The Limited have
provided for tax sharing and other tax matters, see "Relationship Between Too,
Inc. and The Limited -- Transitional Services and Separation Agreements -- Tax
Separation Agreement."
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RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN TOO, INC. AND THE LIMITED
This section of the information statement summarizes material agreements
between The Limited and us that will govern the ongoing relationships between
the two companies after the spin-off and will provide for an orderly transition
to our status as a separate, independent company. You should also read the
agreements, which we have filed as exhibits to the Form 10 of which this
information statement forms a part.
We believe that the terms of these agreements will be similar to terms
achievable through arm's length negotiations with third parties. Additional or
modified agreements, arrangements and transactions may be entered into between
The Limited and us after the spin-off, which we will attempt to negotiate at
arm's length as well.
DISTRIBUTION AGREEMENT
We and The Limited will enter into a distribution agreement in connection
with the spin-off. This agreement will:
- provide for the principal corporate transactions and procedures for
effecting the spin-off
- provide for the allocation of assets and liabilities between The Limited
and us on the date of the spin-off
CROSS INDEMNIFICATION
We and The Limited have agreed to indemnify one another against specified
liabilities. We have agreed to indemnify The Limited and its subsidiaries (The
Limited and its subsidiaries being "The Limited Group") and their directors,
officers and affiliates (collectively, "The Limited Indemnitees") from and
against any and all damage, loss, liability and expense incurred by any of The
Limited Indemnitees arising out of or due to our failure to discharge any
obligations or liabilities of us and our subsidiaries (the "Too, Inc. Group")
under the distribution agreement, as well as all liabilities, whenever arising,
of the Too, Inc. Group, liabilities arising from or in connection with our
conduct of our business or our ownership or use of assets in connection with our
business and liabilities relating to our individual account plan.
The Limited has agreed to indemnify the Too, Inc. Group and our directors,
officers and affiliates (collectively, "Too, Inc. Indemnitees") from and against
any and all damage, loss, liability and expense incurred by any of Too, Inc.
Indemnitees arising out of or due to The Limited's failure to discharge any
obligations or liabilities of The Limited Group under the distribution
agreement, as well as all liabilities, whenever arising, of The Limited Group,
liabilities arising from or in connection with the conduct of The Limited
Group's businesses, other than our business, or The Limited Group's ownership or
use of assets in connection with their businesses and liabilities relating to
the Limited Group's savings and retirement plan.
In addition, we and The Limited have generally agreed to indemnify each
other and the other's affiliates and controlling persons from specified
liabilities under the securities laws relating to the Form 10 and this
information statement or to contribute under specified circumstances to the
amount paid or payable by the other in respect of the liabilities.
None of these indemnities applies to indemnification for tax liabilities,
which are addressed in the tax separation agreement described below under
"-- Transitional Services and Separation Agreements -- Tax Separation
Agreement." We do not believe that any of these indemnities will have a material
adverse effect on our business, financial condition or results of operations.
The distribution agreement also includes procedures for notice and payment
of indemnification claims and generally provides that the indemnifying party may
assume the defense of a claim or suit brought by a third party. Any
indemnification amount paid under the indemnities will be paid net of the amount
of any insurance or other amounts that would be payable by any third party to
the indemnified party in the absence of the indemnity and net of any tax benefit
to the indemnified party that is attributable to the relevant payment or
liability. The indemnification amount will be increased so that the indemnified
party receives 100% of the after-tax amount of any payment or liability.
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CONDITIONS TO THE SPIN-OFF
The distribution agreement provides that the following conditions must be
satisfied or waived before or as of the date of the spin-off for the spin-off to
occur:
- the SEC must have declared effective the Form 10 filed with it under the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934
- the New York Stock Exchange must have approved the listing of our common
stock, subject to official notice of issuance
- The Limited's board must be satisfied that the spin-off will be paid out
of The Limited's surplus in accordance with Section 170 of the Delaware
General Corporation Law
- The Limited's board must have approved the spin-off and must not have
abandoned, deferred or modified the spin-off at any time before the
spin-off occurs
- The Limited, as our sole shareholder, must have elected our board
- our certificate of incorporation and bylaws must be in effect
- The Limited and we must have entered into the tax separation agreement
and other transitional services and separation agreements
- The Limited must have received an opinion of Davis Polk & Wardwell
relating to the tax-free nature of the spin-off
- our lenders must have made available a credit facility in an amount and
on terms satisfactory to The Limited and to us
TRANSFER OF ASSETS
Assuming that either The Limited or we can obtain the necessary consents of
third parties or governmental or regulatory bodies:
- The Limited Group will use its best efforts to transfer to the Too, Inc.
Group all assets that relate solely to the business of the Too, Inc.
Group and that are not already owned by the Too, Inc. Group. We will
assume any liabilities associated with these assets.
- The Too, Inc. Group will use its best efforts to transfer to The Limited
Group all assets that relate solely to the business of The Limited Group
and that are not already owned by The Limited Group. The Limited will
assume any liabilities associated with these assets.
- The Limited will have exclusive authority to negotiate and prosecute any
rights, claims or refunds relating to real estate that The Limited Group
or the Too, Inc. Group currently leases or subleases, or has previously
leased or subleased.
- We will assume our proportionate share of any judgment or settlement that
is ultimately reached in connection with claims against us or the Too,
Inc. Group or claims for which The Limited or The Limited Group can be
found jointly and severally liable with us or the Too, Inc. Group.
- The Limited will transfer to us or to the Too, Inc. Group all of the
outstanding stock in American Factoring, Inc., currently a wholly owned
subsidiary of The Limited.
EMPLOYEE BENEFITS
The distribution agreement provides that The Limited will generally cease
to have any liability under its employee benefit plans with respect to employees
of the Too, Inc. Group after the spin-off. However, the full account balances of
current employees of the Too, Inc. Group in The Limited's qualified and
non-qualified plans will be transferred to similar successor plans of Too, Inc.
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RESTRICTION ON SOLICITATION OR EMPLOYMENT OF EMPLOYEES
For a period of three years beginning on the date of the spin-off, we and
The Limited agree not to, and to cause our subsidiaries not to:
- solicit or otherwise attempt to induce or influence any associate of the
other party or a subsidiary to leave employment with his or her
then-current employer, without the consent of the other party
- employ any exempt or salaried associate of the other party or a
subsidiary, except for any associate who was assigned solely to a single
store location, without the consent of the other party
NET INVESTMENT BY THE LIMITED ACCOUNT
The distribution agreement eliminates all investment accounts and loan
balances between The Limited and its subsidiaries, on the one hand, and us and
our subsidiaries, on the other, outstanding as of the spin-off. For additional
information, see "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition
and Results of Operations -- Financial Condition -- Liquidity and Capital
Resources," "Unaudited Pro Forma Consolidated Financial Statements" and
"Capitalization."
RIGHTS OF THE LIMITED IF A THIRD PARTY TRIES TO ACQUIRE US
The distribution agreement generally provides that no person or group may
acquire beneficial ownership of more than 35% of our common stock unless, before
the acquisition takes place, the acquiror has provided to The Limited a
guarantee of our indemnity and other obligations under the distribution
agreement and other agreements. In addition, if any person or group acquires
such beneficial ownership of us, The Limited may immediately stop providing
transitional services.
ACCESS TO INFORMATION; PROVISION OF WITNESSES; CONFIDENTIALITY
Under the distribution agreement, we and The Limited will, for a reasonable
period of time and with specified exceptions, allow the other party and their
specified representatives reasonable access to all records in our or its
possession relating to the business and affairs of the other party as reasonably
required. Access will be allowed for such purposes as auditing, accounting,
litigation, disclosure, reporting and regulatory compliance. Each party will
also use reasonable efforts to make available to the other its officers,
directors, employees and representatives as witnesses and will otherwise
cooperate with the other party in connection with any proceeding arising out of
its or the other party's business before the spin-off.
Except as otherwise provided in the distribution agreement, we, The Limited
and our respective officers, directors, employees, agents and representatives
will hold all information in our, its or their possession concerning the other
party in strict confidence.
TRANSACTION EXPENSES
The Limited will generally be responsible for all transaction expenses
relating to the spin-off that The Limited Group or the Too, Inc. Group incurs.
However, we will be responsible for all fees and expenses incurred in connection
with our credit facility, which is described under "Management's Discussion and
Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations -- Financial
Condition -- Description of Credit Facility."
TERMINATION
Neither party will be able to terminate the distribution agreement for a
period of three years after the date of the spin-off, except upon mutual consent
by us and The Limited. After that, either party will be able to terminate the
distribution agreement with six months' prior written notice.
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<PAGE> 37
TRANSITIONAL SERVICES AND SEPARATION AGREEMENTS
Our relationship with The Limited will also be governed by agreements that
we will enter into in connection with the spin-off, including:
- a store leases agreement
- a trademark and service mark licensing agreement
- a services agreement
- a tax separation agreement
- an amendment to an existing building lease agreement
The material terms of these agreements are described below.
STORE LEASES AGREEMENT
We and The Limited or its affiliates intend to enter into a store leases
agreement effective before or as of the date of the spin-off. Under this
agreement, we will:
- formalize our sublease arrangements regarding 127 of our stores where we
occupy space that The Limited or an affiliate of The Limited, other than
us, has leased from landlords (the "Direct Limited Leases")
- receive compensation from The Limited in the form of cash payments and
loans if The Limited decides to close any of its 131 stores to which we
are adjacent and we remain in the same mall
- compensate The Limited for providing guarantees under our direct leases
for 110 stores (the "Direct Too, Inc. Leases") if we exceed specified
threshold sales levels
Direct Limited Leases. We currently operate 127 stores under the Direct
Limited Leases. Under the store leases agreement, which formalizes our interest
in those spaces, we will sublet the space which our stores currently occupy, and
assume responsibility for our proportionate share, based on the size of our
respective selling space areas, of all costs and expenses (principally rent,
maintenance and utilities) under the Direct Limited Leases. This method of
allocating costs and expenses is consistent in all material respects with the
allocation of similar costs and expenses contained in our historical
consolidated financial statements. See our historical consolidated financial
statements and the notes to those financial statements included in this
information statement. Management's estimate of the store lease and other
occupancy costs charge that we would have paid in fiscal 1998 if this agreement
had been in effect during that period is approximately $10.4 million.
Effective as of the date of the spin-off, if our store sales in those
stores governed by the Direct Limited Leases exceed specified threshold sales
levels, we will be required to make additional payments to The Limited in
connection with our interests. The threshold sales level for each store will be
determined in the store leases agreement, and we will pay The Limited a portion
of the sales amount that exceeds the threshold sales level for each store for
the remaining term of the relevant lease. Management's estimate of the amount
that we would have paid in fiscal 1998 if this agreement had been in effect
during that period is approximately $484,000. If our sales increase in these
stores, the amount of our cash payments would also increase. Assuming a 5.0%
comparable store sales growth for each of our stores operating under the Direct
Limited Leases, we estimate that the amount that we would be required to pay to
The Limited in fiscal 1999 is approximately $591,000.
Under the store leases agreement, we are committed to pay rent and related
costs through the expiration of the associated Direct Limited Leases.
Approximately 100 of the Direct Limited Leases of which we are a part are
scheduled to expire during 2005 or later. We may not assign or sublet our
interest in those premises, except to an affiliate, without The Limited's
consent, which The Limited may withhold in its sole discretion. If The Limited
intends to sublet or assign its portion of the leased premises under any of the
Direct Limited
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<PAGE> 38
Leases to any non-affiliate, it will be required to give us 60 days' notice, and
we will be allowed to terminate our interest on that basis.
All termination rights and other remedies under the Direct Limited Leases
will remain with The Limited. If The Limited decides to extend the Direct
Limited Leases, it will not be required to allow us to continue to sublet. If we
both decide to extend, we will pay our proportionate share of any costs of
separation. If The Limited decides to terminate any of the Direct Limited Leases
early, The Limited must offer to assign such lease to us. If, as a result of
such early termination by The Limited, we are forced to close our store or
relocate, The Limited will pay us compensation, as outlined below.
Under the store leases agreement, we and The Limited have agreed to
indemnify one another against specified liabilities arising in connection with
any accident or occurrence, or in connection with any construction, repair or
other act or omission, in our respective premises. Furthermore, we will
indemnify The Limited against any damages of any kind arising from a breach or
default on our part that would result in The Limited being found in default or
having to pay any charges or damages under a Direct Limited Lease.
Adjacent Stores and Departments. As of May 1, 1999, 131 of our stores were
adjacent to The Limited stores, including six stores which were departments
within The Limited stores. As described above, 127 of these stores are leased to
The Limited or an affiliate of The Limited, other than us, and we have no direct
lease arrangements with the landlords of these stores. The Limited may decide to
close any or all of these 131 stores without consulting with us, and The Limited
is not obligated to consider the profitability of our adjacent stores or
departments before making its decision.
If The Limited closes one or more of these 131 stores, several things may
happen, including:
- we may, if available and on acceptable terms, lease the entire retail
space that includes our own space and The Limited's store space directly
from the landlord or from The Limited, which may involve remodeling costs
for which we would be responsible, less any cash payments and loans
received from The Limited
- we may, if available and on acceptable terms, lease our own store space
directly from the landlord which may involve costs to physically separate
our stores from space occupied by The Limited stores so that our store
space is free-standing. This separation may involve building walls in the
cross-over space between the two stores, creating separate back rooms and
utilities and in some instances, creating separate access to corridors
- we may be forced to close our existing location and incur costs to
relocate to an alternative location in the same mall
- we may not be able to obtain alternative space in the same mall on
acceptable terms and may be forced to relocate to another mall, in which
case we would not receive any compensation from The Limited, as described
below
- we may incur incremental rent expenses whether we remain in our current
store or relocate to a new store
- we may lose sales during any period that we are remodeling an existing
store or constructing a relocated store
Under the store leases agreement, The Limited would compensate us with a
combination of cash payments and loans if The Limited decides to close any of
those 131 stores and we remain in the same mall. The cash payment and loans will
be payable in respect of any such store that The Limited closes, and will vary,
depending on the remaining term of the affected store lease at the time the
Limited closes its adjacent store, as follows:
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<PAGE> 39
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
CASH LOAN
REMAINING LEASE TERM PAYMENT AMOUNT
- -------------------- -------- --------
<S> <C> <C>
Less than one year.......................................... -- $100,000
One to two years............................................ $ 50,000 100,000
Three to four years......................................... 100,000 100,000
Greater than four years..................................... 100,000 150,000
</TABLE>
As of May 1, 1999, approximately 100 of our stores adjacent to or
departments within The Limited stores are under the Direct Limited Leases with
remaining terms greater than four years. In addition, if The Limited closes in
the aggregate 98 (75% of the 131 stores) of its stores to which we are adjacent
or within which we have departments and we remain in the same mall (the "Closure
Threshold"), we will receive, within 90 days of any additional closure by The
Limited of an adjacent store, an additional cash payment of $50,000 in respect
of such closure if our adjacent affected store has a remaining lease term
greater than four years at the time The Limited closes its store. The loans
would have a five-year term, would bear interest at The Limited's five-year
borrowing rate, would be repayable at our option at any time, would be senior to
any other indebtedness incurred by us after the spin-off (except under our
credit facility and any refinancings of the facility) and would otherwise have
customary terms and conditions. Our right to the cash payments and loans
described above will terminate if we breach our obligations under the store
leases agreement in connection with two or more of our stores.
We estimate that the costs of separation for those stores that are
currently adjacent to The Limited stores would range from $50,000 to $350,000
per store, and would be, on average, approximately $170,000 per store. The
actual costs of separation would depend on the nature of the shared space
involved. For our six stores which are departments within The Limited stores, we
may need to relocate if The Limited closes its stores, which may cost up to
$500,000 in each instance.
We cannot assure you that the amounts that we would receive from The
Limited would be sufficient to cover the costs of separating, relocating or
reimbursing us for incremental rent increases for each store, or that the
estimated costs of separation and relocation accurately reflect what the actual
costs may be. We also cannot assure you that we will be able to enter into new
leases for alternative mall locations on agreeable terms or at all. See "Risk
Factors -- Risk Factors Relating to Separating Our Company from The Limited --
We May Incur Costs or Be Forced to Relocate Stores Which Are Adjacent to or
Departments Within The Limited Stores." By agreeing to the above-described
compensation payments, we will waive our ability to make any claims against The
Limited regarding any other actual claims, losses or costs attributable to the
closing of The Limited stores.
In addition, the agreement will contain other provisions including:
- the party seeking to exercise a renewal option of a lease will pay the
costs of separating the adjacent stores. If both parties seek to renew
the lease, then we will divide the costs of separation equally
- if a party seeks to undertake a remodeling project which costs $160,000
or more, then that party will pay for the costs of separating the
adjacent stores
Lease Guarantees. Approximately 110 of the existing 194 Direct Too, Inc.
Leases into which we have entered have been guaranteed by The Limited. Under the
store leases agreement, the lease guarantees that The Limited provides which are
in effect on the date of the spin-off will remain in effect for the remaining
initial term of the lease, unless we negotiate the elimination of these
guarantees with the landlord on acceptable terms or if we amend, extend or renew
the existing lease after the spin-off. The Limited will not guarantee any of our
new leases that we enter into after the spin-off. In addition, The Limited's
guarantee of any existing lease will expire upon the amendment, renewal or
extension of any such lease or upon any waiver by a landlord of any provision of
the lease.
Some of our stores are governed by leases that require us to notify the
landlord or obtain the landlord's consent for a change of control of the lessee.
We cannot assure you that the landlord will consent to the change of control
caused by the spin-off. See "Risk Factors -- Risk Factors Relating to Separating
Our
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<PAGE> 40
Company from The Limited -- We May Not Be Able to Obtain Suitable Real Estate to
Implement Our Growth Strategy."
Effective as of the date of the spin-off, if our store sales in those
stores governed by our Direct Too, Inc. Leases exceed specified threshold sales
levels, we will be required to make additional payments to The Limited as
consideration for the guarantees that The Limited provides under such leases.
The threshold sales level for each store will be determined in the store leases
agreement, and we will pay The Limited a portion of the sales amount that exceed
the threshold sales level for each store, less any performance rents we are
required to pay to our third-party landlord, for the remaining term of the
relevant lease. Management's estimate of the amount that we would have paid in
fiscal 1998 if this agreement had been in effect during that period is
approximately $134,000. If our sales increase in these stores, the amount of our
cash payments would also increase. Assuming a 5.0% comparable store sales growth
for each of our stores operating under the Direct Too, Inc. Leases, we estimate
that the amount that we would be required to pay to The Limited in fiscal 1999
is approximately $201,000.
TRADEMARK AND SERVICE MARK LICENSING AGREEMENT
We and The Limited intend to cause our wholly owned subsidiaries to enter
into an exclusive trademark and service mark licensing agreement effective as of
the date of the spin-off that will allow us to operate under the "Limited Too"
brand name. The agreement will have an initial term of five years after the
spin-off, renewable annually at our option. All licenses granted under the
agreement will be granted free of charge. In return, we will be required to
provide The Limited with the right to inspect our stores and distribution
facilities and an ability to review and approve our advertising.
The trademark and service mark licensing agreement gives The Limited's
wholly owned subsidiary the right to terminate the agreement if:
- we breach any of our obligations under the agreement and do not cure the
breach within 60 days after receiving notice of the breach
- we become bankrupt or insolvent
- we experience a change of control
The trademark and service mark licensing agreement also provides that our
subsidiary cannot sublicense the "Limited Too" brand name to anyone without the
written consent of The Limited's subsidiary.
Under the trademark and service mark licensing agreement, we will only be
able to use the brand name "Limited Too" in connection with any business in
which we sell to our current target customer group or to infants and toddlers.
In addition, we may not expand our business to include merchandise currently
offered by The Limited or its subsidiaries, unless it is for our current target
customer group. See "Risk Factors -- Risk Factors Relating to Separating Our
Company from The Limited -- We Will License the "Limited Too" Brand Name from
The Limited, Which May Restrict Our Business." The Limited is not permitted to
use the "Limited Too" brand name during the term of the trademark and service
mark licensing agreement.
SERVICES AGREEMENT
We and The Limited intend to enter into a services agreement effective as
of the date of the spin-off. The agreement will relate to transitional services
that The Limited or its subsidiaries or affiliates will provide to us. The
purpose of the services agreement will be to ensure that The Limited continues
to provide the administrative, financial, management and other services that we
require for a limited time. Under this agreement, The Limited Group will provide
services in exchange for fees which we believe are similar in material respects
to what a third-party provider would charge, and will be based on several
billing methodologies. Under one of these billing methodologies, which is the
most prevalent, The Limited will provide us with services at costs comparable to
those charged to other businesses operated by The Limited from time to time. We
will generally be obligated to purchase those services at fees equal to The
Limited's costs of providing the services plus 5% of these costs.
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<PAGE> 41
Management's estimate of the net charge that we would have paid in fiscal
1998 if the services agreement had been in effect during that period is
approximately $9.0 million. This is approximately the amount included in our
historical consolidated financial statements for fiscal 1998. These fees will be
paid monthly in arrears.
The services that The Limited will initially provide to us include:
- compensation and benefit plan administration
- Year 2000 readiness assistance, except for services related to our
inventory planning legacy system
- management information systems, including telecommunications services
- store design services
- merchandise distribution, engineering, customs and freight services
- completion of transactions pending before the spin-off related to
identifying store sites and negotiating store leases, for up to a year
after the spin-off
- administration of the construction and design of any of our stores that
begins before December 31, 1999, for up to one year after the spin-off
- tax return preparation services
- treasury services until the earlier of when we establish our own cash
management system or a year after the spin-off
In addition to the identified services, The Limited will agree that any
insurance applicable to our assets, liabilities, business or employees will be
for our benefit as well as theirs. The Limited will agree to use reasonable
efforts to cause us to become a direct beneficiary of all applicable policies or
to arrange for us to be entitled to the benefit of those policies.
The agreement also provides that:
- we will indemnify The Limited from and against all damages arising out of
the services rendered by it or its directors, officers, agents or
employees under the services agreement, except for damages caused by The
Limited's gross negligence or willful misconduct
- we will indemnify The Limited against any liabilities caused by or
arising from The Limited's providing Year 2000 readiness assistance to us
and in connection with the failure of any of our systems to be Year 2000
ready (see "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition
and Results of Operations -- Year 2000 Readiness -- Reasonably Likely
Worst Case Scenario and Contingency Plans")
- we will not make any claims against The Limited caused by or arising from
The Limited's providing Year 2000 readiness assistance to us and in
connection with the failure of any of our systems to be Year 2000 ready
- we will reimburse The Limited for any amounts paid by The Limited under
any guarantees (other than guarantees under our stores leases which are
separately discussed) or other arrangements supporting our obligations
- we will not take actions that could materially and adversely affect our
ability to pay any obligations guaranteed or otherwise supported by The
Limited unless appropriate provision is made such that, in the reasonable
judgment of The Limited, The Limited's exposure under any such guarantee
or support arrangement is not materially increased
36
<PAGE> 42
The Limited will provide the services covered under the services agreement,
which will generally be for one year after the spin-off, except for:
- compensation and benefit plan administration, which will have a term of
nine months after the spin-off
- telecommunications services, which may be extended for up to three years
from the date of the spin-off if our principal place of business is
located in office space that is leased to us by any affiliate of The
Limited
- merchandise distribution and freight services, which will have a term of
three years after the spin-off
- engineering services, which will be provided until the earlier of:
-- the completion of the analysis and design of the new distribution
facility or
-- the first anniversary of the spin-off
- customs services, which will continue until the earlier of:
-- the completion of training of one or more managers in customs
compliance regulations or
-- the first anniversary of the spin-off
- tax return preparation services, which will continue until the completion
of income tax filings for fiscal 1999
- benefits audit report preparation services, which will continue until the
completion of reports for 1999
- treasury services, which will be provided until we develop our own cash
management system which we believe will occur within six months after the
date of the spin-off
TAX SEPARATION AGREEMENT
After the spin-off, we will no longer be included in The Limited's
consolidated group for United States federal income tax purposes. We and The
Limited will enter into a tax separation agreement to reflect our separation
from The Limited with respect to tax matters. The primary purpose of the
agreement is to reflect each party's rights and obligations relating to payments
and refunds of taxes that are attributable to periods beginning before and
including the date of the spin-off and any taxes resulting from transactions
effected in connection with the spin-off. With respect to any period before the
spin-off, The Limited will:
- continue to be the sole and exclusive agent for us in all matters
relating to the income, franchise, property, sales and use tax
liabilities of the Too, Inc. Group
- bear any costs relating to tax audits, including tax assessments and any
related interest and penalties and any legal, litigation, accounting or
consulting expenses
- continue to have the sole and exclusive responsibility for the
preparation and filing of consolidated federal and consolidated or
combined state income tax returns
- generally have the powers, in The Limited's sole discretion, to contest
or compromise any claim or refund on our behalf
The tax separation agreement will provide for payments between the two
companies to reflect tax liabilities which may arise before and after the
spin-off. It will also cover the handling of audits, settlements, elections,
accounting methods and return filing in cases where both companies have an
interest in the results of these activities.
After the spin-off, if one or more persons were to acquire a 50% or greater
interest in either The Limited or us as part of a plan that included the
spin-off, The Limited would recognize gain on the shares of our common stock
that it distributes in the spin-off. Other transactions could also jeopardize
the tax-free
37
<PAGE> 43
nature of the spin-off. To minimize these risks, we will agree to refrain from
engaging in specified transactions for two years after the spin-off without
first:
- obtaining a ruling from the IRS to the effect that the proposed
transactions will not result in the spin-off being taxable to The Limited
or its shareholders, or
- obtaining an opinion of counsel recognized as an expert in federal income
tax matters and acceptable to The Limited to the same effect
Transactions that may be affected by these restrictions relating to an
acquisition of a 50% or greater interest and other restrictions include:
- a liquidation
- a merger or consolidation with, or acquisition by, another company
- issuances and redemptions of shares of our common stock
- the granting of stock options
- the sale, distribution or other disposition of assets in a manner that
would adversely affect the tax consequences of the spin-off
- the discontinuation of material businesses
AMENDMENT TO BUILDING LEASE AGREEMENT
We currently lease office and warehouse space located at 3885 Morse Road in
Columbus, Ohio from Distribution Land Corp., a wholly owned subsidiary of The
Limited, under a building lease agreement which is scheduled to expire on June
30, 2000. We intend, on or before the spin-off, to amend that agreement to
extend the term of the lease until two years after the date of the spin-off,
with an additional year available at our option.
Under the amendment, we will lease office space at an annual base rental
rate of $11 per square foot and warehouse space at an annual base rental rate of
$2.85 per square foot. Management believes that these rates are commensurate
with market rates, although we did not seek bids from third parties. In 1998, we
paid approximately $0.6 million under our lease. We will also remain responsible
for the payment of all taxes, insurance and operating expenses in connection
with our leased premises.
Under the amendment, Distribution Land Corp. will have the right to
relocate us under specified circumstances. If we are required to relocate,
Distribution Land Corp. will provide alternative space that is comparable in
quality at the same rent. However, we will be required to bear the costs
associated with the relocation. Distribution Land Corp. will agree to use
reasonable efforts to prevent any such relocation from having to take place
before June 30, 2001.
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<PAGE> 44
TRADING MARKET
There has been no public market for our common stock. An active trading
market may not develop or be sustained in the future. However, we expect that a
limited market for shares of our common stock will develop on or shortly before
the record date for the spin-off, commonly known as a "when issued" trading
market. We have been approved to list our common stock on the New York Stock
Exchange under the ticker symbol "TOO".
We cannot predict the prices at which our common stock may trade before the
spin-off on a "when issued" basis or after the spin-off. These prices will be
determined by the marketplace and may be significantly below the book value per
share of our common stock. Prices at which trading in shares of our common stock
occurs may fluctuate significantly. These prices may be influenced by many
factors, including quarter to quarter variations in our actual or anticipated
financial results or those of other companies in the retail industry or the
markets that we serve. In addition, the stock market in general has experienced
extreme price and volume fluctuations that have affected the market price of
many retail stocks in particular and that have often been unrelated or
disproportionate to the operating performance of these companies. These are just
some factors that may adversely affect the market price of our common stock. See
"Risk Factors -- Risk Factors Relating to Separating Our Company from The
Limited -- Our Stock Price May Fluctuate Significantly After the Spin-Off, and
You Could Lose All or Part of Your Investment as a Result."
Shares of our common stock that you will receive in the spin-off will be
freely transferable, except if you are considered an "affiliate" of us under
Rule 144 under the Securities Act of 1933. Persons who can be considered our
affiliates after the spin-off generally include individuals or entities that
directly, or indirectly through one or more intermediaries, control, are
controlled by, or are under common control with, us. Our affiliates may only
sell common stock received in the spin-off:
- under a registration statement that the SEC has declared effective under
the Securities Act of 1933
- under an exemption from registration under the Securities Act of 1933,
such as the exemption afforded by Rule 144
The number of options to purchase shares of our common stock that will be
outstanding immediately after the spin-off cannot be determined until after the
spin-off. These options will be granted under the Too, Inc. 1999 Stock Option
and Performance Incentive Plan and the Too, Inc. 1999 Stock Plan for
Non-Associate Directors. See "Executive Compensation -- Too, Inc. 1999 Stock
Option and Performance Incentive Plan" and "Executive Compensation -- Too, Inc.
1999 Stock Plan for Non-Associate Directors." Shares of our common stock issued
upon exercise of these options will be registered on Form S-8 under the
Securities Act of 1933 and will, therefore, be freely transferable under the
securities laws, except by affiliates as described above.
Except for the shares of our common stock distributed in the spin-off and
the options described above, none of our securities will be outstanding on or
immediately after the spin-off. We have not entered into any agreement or
otherwise committed to register any shares of our common stock under the
Securities Act of 1933 for sale by security holders. None of our common equity
is being, or has been publicly proposed to be, publicly registered or offered by
us, except for:
- the shares registered in connection with the spin-off on the Form 10 of
which this information statement forms a part
- common equity offered under employee benefit plans
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<PAGE> 45
DIVIDENDS
We anticipate that future earnings will be used principally to support
operations and finance the growth of our business. Thus, we do not intend to pay
cash dividends on our common stock in the foreseeable future. Payment of cash
dividends will also be restricted by provisions in our credit facility. If our
lenders permit us to declare dividends, the dividend amounts, if any, will be
determined by our board. Our board will consider a number of factors, including
our financial condition, capital requirements, funds generated from operations,
future business prospects, applicable contractual restrictions and any other
factors our board may deem relevant.
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UNAUDITED PRO FORMA CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Before the spin-off, we operated as part of The Limited. The following
unaudited pro forma consolidated financial statements provide the historical
consolidated financial statements for us, as adjusted for the spin-off and the
related transactions and events described in the notes to the unaudited pro
forma consolidated financial statements. You should read the unaudited pro forma
consolidated financial statements together with our historical consolidated
financial statements and the notes to those consolidated financial statements
and "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of
Operations" included in this information statement.
The assumptions and other matters that we note in the above paragraph and
in the notes to the unaudited pro forma consolidated financial statements
include the following:
- the spin-off as described elsewhere in this document
- the unaudited pro forma consolidated statements of operations give effect
to the spin-off as if it had occurred on February 1, 1998 and the
unaudited pro forma consolidated balance sheet gives effect to the
spin-off as if it had occurred on May 1, 1999
- long-term financing proceeds of $50 million which will be used to pay a
$50 million dividend to The Limited
- short-term financing proceeds of $1.75 million which will be used to pay
$1.75 million of financing fees to the lenders under our credit facility
Management believes that the assumptions that we have used provide a
reasonable basis on which to present the unaudited pro forma consolidated
financial statements.
WE ARE PROVIDING UNAUDITED PRO FORMA CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR
INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY. YOU SHOULD NOT CONSTRUE THEM TO BE INDICATIVE OF
OUR RESULTS OF OPERATIONS OR FINANCIAL CONDITION HAD THE SPIN-OFF AND THE
RELATED TRANSACTIONS AND EVENTS BEEN COMPLETED ON THE DATES ASSUMED. THEY MAY
NOT REFLECT THE RESULTS OF OPERATIONS OR FINANCIAL CONDITION WHICH WOULD HAVE
RESULTED HAD WE BEEN OPERATED AS A SEPARATE, INDEPENDENT COMPANY DURING SUCH
PERIODS. FINALLY, THEY ARE NOT NECESSARILY INDICATIVE OF OUR FUTURE RESULTS OF
OPERATIONS OR FINANCIAL CONDITION.
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TOO, INC.
UNAUDITED PRO FORMA CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
FISCAL YEAR ENDED JANUARY 30, 1999
--------------------------------------------
PRO FORMA
HISTORICAL ADJUSTMENTS PRO FORMA
---------- ----------- -----------
(UNAUDITED) (UNAUDITED)
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Net sales............................................. $376,943 $376,943
Costs of goods sold, occupancy and buying costs..... 251,729 251,729
-------- --------
Gross income.......................................... 125,214 125,214
General, administrative and store operating
expenses......................................... 96,758 96,758
-------- --------
Operating income...................................... 28,456 28,456
Interest expense.................................... -- $ 3,9702(a) 3,970
-------- --------
Income (loss) before income taxes..................... 28,456 24,486
Provision for (benefit from) income taxes........... 11,400 (1,600)2(b) 9,800
-------- ------- --------
Net income (loss)..................................... $ 17,056 $(2,370) $ 14,686
======== ======= ========
Pro forma net income per share........................ $ 0.43
========
Assumed weighted average number of shares............. 34,4152(c)
========
</TABLE>
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these unaudited pro forma
consolidated financial statements.
42
<PAGE> 48
TOO, INC.
UNAUDITED PRO FORMA CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
THIRTEEN WEEKS ENDED MAY 1, 1999 THIRTEEN WEEKS ENDED MAY 2, 1998
---------------------------------------- ----------------------------------------
PRO FORMA PRO FORMA
HISTORICAL ADJUSTMENTS PRO FORMA HISTORICAL ADJUSTMENTS PRO FORMA
----------- ------------ ----------- ----------- ------------ -----------
(UNAUDITED) (UNAUDITED) (UNAUDITED) (UNAUDITED) (UNAUDITED) (UNAUDITED)
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Net sales............... $95,048 $95,048 $82,257 $82,257
Costs of goods sold,
occupancy and
buying costs....... 63,324 63,324 57,369 57,369
------- ------- ------- -------
Gross income............ 31,724 31,724 24,888 24,888
General,
administrative and
store operating
expenses........... 30,412 30,412 24,599 24,599
------- ------- ------- -------
Operating income........ 1,312 1,312 289 289
Interest expense...... -- $ 9932(a) 993 -- $ 9932(a) 993
------- ----- ------- ------- ----- -------
Income (loss) before
income taxes.......... 1,312 319 289 (704)
Provision for (benefit
from) income
taxes.............. 500 (400) 2(b) 100 100 (400) 2(b) (300)
------- ----- ------- ------- ----- -------
Net income (loss)..... $ 812 $(593) $ 219 $ 189 $(593) $ (404)
======= ===== ======= ======= ===== =======
Pro forma net income
(loss) per share...... $ 0.01 $ (0.01)
======= =======
Assumed weighted average
number of shares...... 32,5332(c) 39,1202(c)
======= =======
</TABLE>
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these unaudited pro forma
consolidated financial statements.
43
<PAGE> 49
TOO, INC.
UNAUDITED PRO FORMA CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET
(IN THOUSANDS)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
AT MAY 1, 1999
---------------------------------------------
PRO FORMA
HISTORICAL ADJUSTMENTS PRO FORMA
----------- ----------- -----------
(UNAUDITED) (UNAUDITED) (UNAUDITED)
<S> <C> <C> <C>
ASSETS
Current assets:
Cash............................................... $ 558 $ 50,000(3a) $ 558
(50,000)(3c)
1,750(3b)
(1,750)(3b)
Receivables........................................ 1,750 1,750
Inventories........................................ 23,584 23,584
Store supplies..................................... 5,433 5,433
Deferred income taxes.............................. 2,951 2,951
Other.............................................. 404 404
------- -------
Total current assets....................... 34,680 34,680
Property and equipment, net........................ 48,945 48,945
Deferred income taxes.............................. 6,313 6,313
Other assets....................................... -- 1,750(3b) 1,750
------- -------
Total assets....................................... $89,938 $91,688
======= =======
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable................................... $ 4,382 $ 4,382
Accrued expenses................................... 24,206 24,206
Income taxes payable............................... 383 383
Borrowings under revolving credit agreement........ -- 1,750(3b)(3e) 1,750
------- -------
Total current liabilities.................. 28,971 30,721
Long-term debt..................................... -- 50,000(3a) 50,000
Other long-term liabilities........................ 1,731 1,731
Shareholders' equity:
Net investment by The Limited...................... 59,236 (50,000)(3c)
(9,236)(3d)
Common stock....................................... -- 327(3d) 327
Paid in capital.................................... -- 8,909(3d) 8,909
------- -------
Total shareholders' equity................. 59,236 9,236
------- -------
Total liabilities and shareholders'
equity................................... $89,938 $91,688
======= =======
</TABLE>
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these unaudited pro forma
consolidated financial statements.
44
<PAGE> 50
TOO, INC.
NOTES TO UNAUDITED PRO FORMA CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
1. BASIS OF PRESENTATION
The following summary of pro forma adjustments is based on available
information and various estimates and assumptions. We and The Limited believe
that these assumptions provide a reasonable basis for presenting all of the
significant effects of the spin-off and the related transactions and events and
that the pro forma adjustments give appropriate effect to those assumptions and
are properly applied in the unaudited pro forma consolidated financial
statements.
Historical amounts for us were derived from our historical consolidated
financial statements included in this information statement, which are adjusted
as described below.
2. PRO FORMA CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(a) To record interest expense on approximately $52 million of indebtedness
that we expect to incur under our credit facility shortly before the date of the
spin-off plus a charge for the financing fees paid in connection with the
indebtedness. The financing fee is assumed at 175 basis points, amortized
straight-line over an expected term of five years. Interest expense was
calculated using a weighted average expected borrowing rate of approximately
7.0%, based on the London Interbank Offered Rate plus a spread. A 1/2 percentage
point change in the borrowing rate would change interest expense by $260,000.
(b) To record the tax effect of the pro forma interest expense adjustment
at an estimated effective tax rate of 40.0%.
(c) To reflect an assumed number of our common stock outstanding as a
result of the spin-off. This is based on The Limited's weighted average number
of basic shares outstanding of 240.9 million, 227.7 million and 273.8 million
for fiscal year 1998, thirteen weeks ended May 1, 1999 and thirteen weeks ended
May 2, 1998, at the spin-off ratio of one share of our common stock for every
seven shares of The Limited's common stock.
We estimate that approximately 214 million shares of The Limited's common
stock will be outstanding at the date of the spin-off. Using the spin-off ratio
of one share of our common stock for every seven shares of The Limited's common
stock, approximately 30 million shares of our common stock would be issued and
outstanding on that date. Using 30 million shares, pro forma net income (loss)
per share for fiscal year 1998, thirteen weeks ended May 1, 1999 and thirteen
weeks ended May 2, 1998 would be $0.48, $0.01 and $(0.01).
The dilutive effect of our options and restricted stock that will be
granted under the Too, Inc. 1999 Stock Option and Performance Incentive Plan and
the Too, Inc. 1999 Stock Plan for Non-Associate Directors has not been
considered in the computation of pro forma net income (loss) per share.
In connection with the spin-off, unvested grants of stock options on and
restricted stock of The Limited's common stock held by Too, Inc. employees will
be replaced with awards of stock options and restricted stock of Too, Inc.'s
common stock (collectively, the "awards"). The awards will have the same ratio
of the exercise price per option to the market value per share and the same
vesting provisions, option periods and other terms as The Limited's awards that
they replace. The aggregate difference between market value and the exercise
price of the awards will not exceed the aggregate difference between market
value and the exercise price of The Limited's awards. Vested stock options on
The Limited's common stock held by Too, Inc. employees will expire 90 days after
the date of the spin-off. Additional Too, Inc. options to be granted on the date
of the spin-off to employees and independent directors will have an exercise
price equal to the market value of Too, Inc. stock on the date of the spin-off.
In addition, some Too, Inc. restricted stock awards to be granted in connection
with the spin-off may contain performance requirements.
45
<PAGE> 51
3. PRO FORMA CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET
(a) To reflect approximately $52 million of indebtedness we expect to incur
under our credit facility shortly before the date of the spin-off. Proceeds will
be used to pay a $50 million dividend to The Limited.
(b) To reflect borrowings under our revolving credit agreement, proceeds of
which will be used to pay financing fees to the lenders under our credit
facility.
(c) To reflect payment of a $50 million dividend to The Limited.
(d) To reflect the issuance of an estimated 32.7 million shares of common
stock, par value $.01 per share, as of May 1, 1999. This is based on shares of
The Limited's common stock outstanding of 228.7 million at May 1, 1999, at the
spin-off ratio of one share of our common stock for every seven shares of The
Limited's common stock. Paid in capital represents the excess historical
carrying values of our net assets at the date of the spin-off over the amount
reflected as common stock.
(e) The pro forma financial statements do not reflect borrowings under our
credit facility for our working capital needs. The Limited advanced amounts to
us for working capital in 1999. We anticipate that we will repay a portion of
these working capital advances made by The Limited before the spin-off through
proceeds from our credit facility and that our future working capital needs will
be funded by our credit facility and other sources of cash.
Management estimates that our total shareholder's equity at the time of the
spin-off will exceed the pro forma amount of $9.2 million as of May 1, 1999. We
expect this net increase in shareholder's equity to result from investments made
by The Limited in 1999 for property, plant and equipment, the estimated changes
in working capital described above and the net impact of our earnings. However,
we cannot assure you that the actual amount of total shareholder's equity at the
time of the spin-off will exceed the pro forma amount.
46
<PAGE> 52
CAPITALIZATION
The following table presents our consolidated capitalization as of May 1,
1999 and is adjusted to give effect to the spin-off and the related transactions
and events described in the notes to our unaudited pro forma consolidated
balance sheet under "Unaudited Pro Forma Consolidated Financial Statements" as
if the spin-off and the related transactions and events had been consummated on
May 1, 1999.
Management believes that the assumptions used provide a reasonable basis on
which to present our consolidated capitalization. You should read the
capitalization table below together with "Management's Discussion and Analysis
of Financial Condition and Results of Operations," our historical consolidated
financial statements and the "Unaudited Pro Forma Consolidated Financial
Statements" and the notes to those consolidated financial statements included in
this information statement.
We are providing the capitalization table below for informational purposes
only. You should not construe them to be indicative of our capitalization or
financial condition had the spin-off and the related transactions and events
been completed on the date assumed. The capitalization table below may not
reflect the capitalization or financial condition which would have resulted had
we been operated as a separate, independent company during such period and is
not necessarily indicative of our future capitalization or financial condition.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
MAY 1, 1999
--------------------------
HISTORICAL PRO FORMA
----------- -----------
(UNAUDITED) (UNAUDITED)
(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
<S> <C> <C>
Short-term debt............................................. -- $ 1,750
Long-term debt.............................................. -- 50,000
------- -------
Total indebtedness................................ -- $51,750
======= =======
Shareholders' equity:
Net investment by The Limited............................. $59,236 --
Common stock, par value $.01 per share; 100 million shares
authorized; estimated 32.7 million shares issued and
outstanding(1)......................................... -- $ 327
Paid in capital........................................... -- 8,909
------- -------
Total shareholders' equity........................ 59,236 9,236
------- -------
Total capitalization.............................. $59,236 $60,986
======= =======
Debt to total capitalization(2)............................. -- 0.85
</TABLE>
- ---------------
(1) The number of shares of our common stock outstanding reflects (a) the
spin-off ratio times (b) the number of shares of The Limited's common stock
outstanding as of May 1, 1999.
(2) Debt-to-total capitalization has been computed by dividing total
indebtedness by total capitalization.
47
<PAGE> 53
SELECTED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL AND OPERATING DATA
The following table presents selected historical and pro forma financial as
well as operating data of Too, Inc. for the last five fiscal years and for the
thirteen weeks ended May 1, 1999 and May 2, 1998. The information for the fiscal
years ended February 3, 1996 and January 28, 1995 is derived from our unaudited
consolidated financial statements. The information for the thirteen weeks ended
May 1, 1999 and May 2, 1998 is derived from the unaudited consolidated financial
statements included in this information statement which, in the opinion of
management, reflect all adjustments, which are of a recurring nature, necessary
to present fairly the financial position and results of operations and cash
flows for the interim periods. Results for the thirteen weeks ended May 1, 1999
are not necessarily indicative of the results of operations to be expected for
the full fiscal year.
Before the spin-off, we operated as part of The Limited. Because the data
reflects periods during which we did not operate as an independent company, the
data may not reflect the results of operations or the financial condition which
would have resulted if we had operated as a separate, independent company during
the periods shown. In addition, the data may not necessarily be indicative of
our future results of operations or financial condition.
The data presented in the table below is derived from "Management's
Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" and
our historical and pro forma consolidated financial statements and the notes to
those consolidated financial statements included in this information statement.
You should read these sections for a further explanation of the data summarized
here.
Earnings per share data is presented elsewhere in this information
statement on a pro forma basis only. See "Unaudited Pro Forma Consolidated
Financial Statements."
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
THIRTEEN WEEKS
FISCAL YEARS ENDED ENDED
------------------------------------------------------------------- -----------------
JANUARY 30, JANUARY 31, FEBRUARY 1, FEBRUARY 3, JANUARY 28, MAY 1, MAY 2,
1999 1998 1997 1996(1) 1995 1999 1998
----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- ------- -------
(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA AND SALES PER AVERAGE SQUARE FOOT)
(UNAUDITED)
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS DATA:
Net sales........................ $376,943 $322,150 $258,818 $214,302 $173,787 $95,048 $82,257
Gross income(2).................. 125,214 95,247 60,844 38,237 47,928 31,724 24,888
General, administrative and store
operating expenses(3).......... 96,758 82,950 69,698 57,481 44,817 30,412 24,599
Operating income (loss).......... 28,456 12,297 (8,854) (19,244) 3,111 1,312 289
Net income (loss)................ 17,056 7,397 (5,354) (11,544) 1,911 812 189
Pro forma net income (loss)(4)... 14,686 219 (404)
Pro forma weighted average number
of shares(5)................... 34,415 32,533 39,120
Pro forma net income (loss) per
share(5)....................... 0.43 0.01 (0.01)
BALANCE SHEET DATA:
Inventories...................... $ 27,565 $ 18,661 $ 20,437 $ 16,046 $ 15,156 $23,584 $17,167
Total assets..................... 89,969 72,974 74,793 72,972 57,828 89,938 71,043
Pro forma long-term debt......... 50,000
Pro forma shareholders' equity... 9,236
</TABLE>
48
<PAGE> 54
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
THIRTEEN WEEKS
FISCAL YEARS ENDED ENDED
------------------------------------------------------------------- -----------------
JANUARY 30, JANUARY 31, FEBRUARY 1, FEBRUARY 3, JANUARY 28, MAY 1, MAY 2,
1999 1998 1997 1996(1) 1995 1999 1998
----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- ------- -------
(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA AND SALES PER AVERAGE SQUARE FOOT)
(UNAUDITED)
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
SELECTED OPERATING DATA:
Comparable store sales increase
(decrease)(6).................. 15% 20% 8% (4)% 13% 10% 23%
Total net sales growth........... 17.0% 24.5% 20.8% 23.3% 18.4% 15.6% 25.3%
Gross income rate(7)............. 33.2% 29.6% 23.5% 17.8% 27.6% 33.4% 30.3%
Operating income (loss)
rate(7)........................ 7.6% 3.8% (3.4)% (9.0)% 1.8% 1.4% 0.4%
Total number of stores open at
period end..................... 319 312 308 288 212 321 313
Total square feet at period end
(thousands).................... 1,281 1,244 1,224 1,143 838 1,296 1,248
Annual sales per average square
foot(8)........................ $ 300 $ 259 $ 214 $ 207 $ 226 NM NM
</TABLE>
- ---------------
NM = not meaningful
(1) Represents the 53-week fiscal year ended February 3, 1996.
(2) Gross income equals net sales less costs of goods sold, occupancy and buying
costs, including charges and allocations made by The Limited to us.
(3) General, administrative and store operating expenses include charges and
allocations made by The Limited to us.
(4) Pro forma net income (loss) includes interest expense and financing fees,
net of the related tax benefit, on approximately $52 million of indebtedness
we expect to incur under our credit facility shortly before the date of the
spin-off. Proceeds from the debt incurred will be used to pay a $50 million
dividend to The Limited and $1.75 million of financing fees to the lenders
under our credit facility. Pro forma net income (loss) does not reflect any
interest expense related to working capital advances that are likely to be
made in 1999 as the amounts and timing of such advances are not certain.
(5) Pro forma net income (loss) per share is based on pro forma net income
(loss) and an assumed number of shares outstanding as a result of the
spin-off. The number of shares outstanding is based on The Limited's
weighted average number of basic shares outstanding of 240.9 million, 227.7
million and 273.8 million for fiscal year 1998, thirteen weeks ended May 1,
1999 and thirteen weeks ended May 2, 1998, at the spin-off ratio of one
share of our common stock for every seven shares of The Limited's common
stock. The dilutive effect of our options and restricted stock that will be
granted under the Too, Inc. 1999 Stock Option and Performance Incentive Plan
and the Too, Inc. 1999 Stock Plan for Non-Associate Directors has not been
considered in the computation of pro forma net income (loss) per share.
(6) A store is included in our comparable store sales calculation once it has
completed 52 weeks of operation. Further, stores that are expanded or
downsized more than 20% in square feet are treated as new stores for
purposes of this calculation.
(7) Calculated as a percentage of net sales.
(8) Annual sales per average square foot is the result of dividing net sales for
the fiscal year by average gross square foot, which reflects the impact of
opening and closing stores throughout the year.
49
<PAGE> 55
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL
CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
You should read the following discussion and analysis of our financial
condition and results of operations in conjunction with our historical
consolidated financial statements and the notes to those consolidated financial
statements included in this information statement and "Unaudited Pro Forma
Consolidated Financial Statements." For the purposes of the following
discussion, unless the context otherwise requires, "Too, Inc.", "Limited Too",
"we", "our" and "us" refer to Too, Inc. and our subsidiaries.
GENERAL
In 1987, The Limited established "Limited Too" brand stores adjacent to or
as departments within The Limited stores to provide similar apparel to young
girls, and also apparel for infants. Our initial target consumer was the mother
who shopped at The Limited and wanted to purchase similar apparel for her
daughter. From 1987 to the end of fiscal 1995, we expanded our locations from
two stores to 288 stores. After several years of inconsistent performance, as
indicated by a $(19.2) million operating loss in 1995, The Limited brought in
some new members of our current management team in 1996. Our current management
team recognized that its core customer had her own emerging sense of style and
revised our strategy to focus on girls approximately 7 to 14 years of age as our
target customer group. Since then, we have consistently improved our financial
performance.
In the period from fiscal 1996 to fiscal 1998, we:
- increased net sales to $376.9 million from $258.8 million
- improved our pretax operating income to $28.5 million from a loss of
$(8.9) million
- improved our operating income rate as a percentage of sales to 7.6% from
a loss of (3.4)% by increasing sales volume, improving gross income and
slowing the growth in general, administrative and store operating
expenses
- improved sales per average square foot to $300 from $214
The strong growth and improved profitability during this period resulted from an
increase in comparable store sales and gross income as we improved our
merchandise assortment and merchandise margins and strengthened our brand
awareness.
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
THIRTEEN WEEKS
FISCAL YEAR ENDED ENDED
----------------------------------------- ----------------
JANUARY 30, JANUARY 31, FEBRUARY 1, MAY 1, MAY 2,
1999 1998 1997 1999 1998
----------- ----------- ----------- ------ ------
(UNAUDITED)
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Net sales.............................. 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0%
Costs of goods sold, occupancy and
buying costs......................... 66.8 70.4 76.5 66.6 69.7
----- ----- ----- ----- -----
Gross income........................... 33.2 29.6 23.5 33.4 30.3
General, administrative and store
operating expenses................... 25.7 25.8 26.9 32.0 29.9
----- ----- ----- ----- -----
Operating income (loss)................ 7.5 3.8 (3.4) 1.4 0.4
Provision for (benefit from) income
taxes................................ 3.0 1.5 (1.3) 0.5 0.1
----- ----- ----- ----- -----
Net income (loss)...................... 4.5% 2.3% (2.1)% 0.9% 0.3%
===== ===== ===== ===== =====
</TABLE>
50
<PAGE> 56
FINANCIAL SUMMARY
Below, you will find summarized annual financial data for the fiscal
periods shown:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
FISCAL YEAR ENDED % CHANGE
----------------------------------------- --------------
JANUARY 30, JANUARY 31, FEBRUARY 1, 1997- 1996-
1999 1998 1997 1998 1997
----------- ----------- ----------- ----- -----
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Net sales (millions)...................... $376.9 $322.2 $258.8 17% 24%
Comparable store sales increase(1)........ 15% 20% 8%
Annual sales per average square foot(2)... $ 300 $ 259 $ 214 16% 21%
Sales per average store (thousands)....... $1,204 $1,039 $ 849 16% 22%
Average store size at fiscal year end
(square feet)........................... 4,015 3,987 3,974
Total square feet at fiscal year end
(thousands)............................. 1,281 1,244 1,224
Number of stores:
Beginning of year....................... 312 308 288
Opened.................................. 10 7 27
Closed.................................. (3) (3) (7)
------ ------ ------
End of period........................... 319 312 308
====== ====== ======
</TABLE>
- ---------------
(1) A store is included in our comparable store sales calculation once it has
completed 52 weeks of operation. Further, stores that are expanded or
downsized more than 20% in square feet are treated as new stores for
purposes of this calculation.
(2) Annual sales per average square foot is the result of dividing net sales for
the fiscal year by average gross square foot, which reflects the impact of
opening and closing stores throughout the year.
THIRTEEN WEEKS ENDED MAY 1, 1999 COMPARED TO THIRTEEN WEEKS ENDED MAY 2, 1998
Net Sales. Net sales for the thirteen weeks ended May 1, 1999 increased
16% to $95.0 million from $82.3 million for the thirteen weeks ended May 2,
1998. The increase was primarily a result of a 10% increase in comparable store
sales, with the balance attributable to new stores. Within the merchandise
categories, knit tops increased significantly, led by cut-and-sewn tops, graphic
T-shirts and active T-shirts. The add-on (principally underwear, sleepwear and
swimwear) and accessories categories also increased significantly.
Gross Income. The gross income rate for the first quarter of 1999,
expressed as a percentage of net sales, increased to 33.4% from 30.3% for the
first quarter of 1998. The increase in rate was primarily attributable to higher
initial mark-ups on merchandise and a decrease in buying and occupancy costs,
expressed as a percentage of net sales, due to the leverage achieved through
higher comparable store sales.
General, Administrative and Store Operating Expenses. General,
administrative and store operating expenses for the first quarter of 1999,
expressed as a percentage of net sales, increased to 32.0% from 29.9% for the
first quarter 1998. This increase was attributable to increased allocations for
services provided by The Limited, including distribution and information
technology, which included costs associated with becoming year 2000 ready. In
addition, these expenses included web site development and catalog start-up
costs, as well as costs for a direct mail campaign during the first quarter of
1999. Finally, the balance of the increase was attributable to store and home
office payroll costs, principally relating to management and incentive
compensation programs.
Operating Income. Operating income, expressed as a percentage of net
sales, increased to 1.4% for the first quarter of 1999 from 0.4% for the same
period in 1998. Operating income increased to $1.3 million for the first quarter
of 1999 from $289,000 for the same period in 1998. The increase was attributable
to higher merchandise margins and the favorable leveraging of buying and
occupancy costs, partially offset by higher general, administrative and store
operating expenses.
51
<PAGE> 57
FISCAL YEAR ENDED JANUARY 30, 1999 COMPARED TO FISCAL YEAR ENDED JANUARY 31,
1998
Net Sales. Net sales for 1998 increased 17% to $376.9 million from $322.2
million in 1997. The increase was primarily attributable to a 15% increase in
comparable store sales and the net addition of seven stores. During the third
quarter of fiscal 1997, we exited the infant merchandise category because it was
inconsistent with a store environment that appeals to our target customer.
Therefore, excluding infant sales in 1997, we experienced a 24% increase in
comparable store sales over the prior year. While sales increased across
virtually all merchandise categories, add-on, lifestyles, personal care products
under our "GirlCare" product line and tops experienced significant increases.
Net sales productivity increased 16% to $300 per average square foot.
Gross Income. The gross income rate, expressed as a percentage of net
sales, increased to 33.2% in 1998 from 29.6% in 1997. The increase in rate was
attributable to an increase in initial markup on merchandise and a decrease in
buying and occupancy costs, expressed as a percentage of net sales, due to the
leverage achieved through higher comparable store sales. The improvement in
these margin components was slightly offset by an increase in markdowns
experienced during the fall season as a result of underperformance in the
ready-to-wear category and overassortment in the bottoms category.
General, Administrative and Store Operating Expenses. General,
administrative and store operating expenses, expressed as a percentage of net
sales, improved slightly to 25.7% in 1998 from 25.8% in 1997. The favorable
leveraging of these expenses associated with improved sales productivity was
partially offset by an increase in overhead allocations from The Limited. The
increase in the allocated expenses included information technology costs,
including Year 2000 costs and central distribution center costs, driven by unit
growth of lower price accessories and "GirlCare" products, which also have
higher handling costs.
Operating Income. Operating income, expressed as a percentage of net
sales, was 7.5% and 3.8% in fiscal 1998 and 1997, respectively. The improvement
in 1998 over 1997 was due principally to the improvement in merchandise margins
and the positive leveraging of buying and occupancy expenses arising from
increases in comparable store sales.
FISCAL YEAR ENDED JANUARY 31, 1998 COMPARED TO FISCAL YEAR ENDED FEBRUARY 1,
1997
Net Sales. Net sales for 1997 increased 24% to $322.2 million from $258.8
million in 1996. The increase was primarily attributable to a 20% increase in
comparable store sales with the balance arising from the net addition of four
stores. While sales increased in most merchandise categories, the increase of
personal care products, add-on and lifestyles in the overall mix accounted for
nearly half of the sales increase over the prior year. Net sales per average
square foot increased 21% to $259 per square foot.
Gross Income. For fiscal 1997, the gross income rate improved to 29.6%
from 23.5% in 1996. The increase in rate was attributable to improved
merchandise margins as higher initial markups on merchandise were partially
offset by higher markdowns and a decline in the rate for buying and occupancy
costs as a result of an increase in comparable store sales.
General, Administrative and Store Operating Expenses. General,
administrative and store operating expenses, expressed as a percentage of net
sales, improved to 25.8% in 1997 from 26.9% in 1996, due to the favorable
leveraging of expenses associated with improved per store productivity.
Operating Income (Loss). The operating income (loss) rate, expressed as a
percentage of net sales, was 3.8% and (3.4%) in fiscal 1997 and 1996,
respectively. As with the improvement in 1998 over 1997, the improvement in 1997
over 1996 was due principally to the improvement in merchandise margins and the
positive leveraging of buying and occupancy expenses arising from increases in
comparable store sales. Also, 1997 showed further improvement over 1996 due to
the favorable leveraging of general, administrative and store operating expenses
associated with the increase in comparable store sales.
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<PAGE> 58
SEASONALITY AND QUARTERLY FLUCTUATIONS
As illustrated in the table below, our business is highly seasonal, with
significantly higher sales, gross income and net income realized during the
fourth quarter, which includes the holiday selling season. See "Risk
Factors -- Risk Factors Relating to Our Business -- Our Net Sales, Net Income
and Inventory Levels Fluctuate on a Seasonal Basis."
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1998 QUARTERS FIRST SECOND THIRD FOURTH
- ------------- ------- ------- ------- --------
(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Net sales.......................................... $82,257 $74,746 $96,720 $123,220
% of full year................................... 21.8% 19.8% 25.7% 32.7%
Gross income....................................... $24,888 $24,016 $29,870 $ 46,440
% of full year................................... 19.9% 19.2% 23.8% 37.1%
Net income......................................... $ 189 $ 240 $ 4,248 $ 12,379
% of full year................................... 1.1% 1.4% 24.9% 72.6%
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1997 QUARTERS FIRST SECOND THIRD FOURTH
- ------------- ------- ------- ------- --------
(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Net sales.......................................... $65,646 $61,263 $86,430 $108,811
% of full year................................... 20.4% 19.0% 26.8% 33.8%
Gross income....................................... $15,590 $15,170 $23,988 $ 40,499
% of full year................................... 16.4% 15.9% 25.2% 42.5%
Net income (loss).................................. $(1,686) $(1,619) $ 2,018 $ 8,684
% of full year................................... (22.8)% (21.9)% 27.3% 117.4%
</TABLE>
FINANCIAL CONDITION
Our recent improvement in operating income over the last two years provides
evidence of increased financial strength and flexibility. A more detailed
discussion of liquidity, capital resources and capital requirements follows.
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
Cash provided by operating activities and cash funding from The Limited's
centralized cash management system have historically provided the resources to
support operations, including seasonal requirements and capital expenditures.
See "Relationship Between Too, Inc. and The Limited." Cash requirements for
operating purposes during the year and for capital expenditures were met from
this source. We will continue to utilize the centralized cash management system
after the spin-off under a services agreement until the earlier of when we
establish our own system or a year after the spin-off. See "Relationship Between
Too, Inc. and The Limited -- Transitional Services and Separation
Agreements -- Services Agreement."
Below, you will find a summary of our working capital position and
capitalization.
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<PAGE> 59
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
FISCAL YEAR ENDED THIRTEEN WEEKS ENDED
----------------------------------------- --------------------
JANUARY 30, JANUARY 31, FEBRUARY 1, MAY 1, MAY 2,
1999 1998 1997 1999 1998
----------- ----------- ----------- -------- --------
(IN THOUSANDS)
(UNAUDITED)
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Net cash provided by (used for)
operating activities.............. $17,361 $30,294 $13,764 $ (486) $(1,724)
Working capital (deficit)........... 1,394 (8,137) 5,018 5,709 (2,217)
Capitalization
Net investment by The Limited..... 51,100 37,773 54,400 59,236 41,881
Cash flow to capital investment (net
cash provided by operating
activities divided by capital
expenditures)..................... $ 1.21 $ 6.34 $ 1.62 NM NM
</TABLE>
- ---------------
NM = not meaningful
Net cash used for operating activities approximated $500,000 for the first
quarter of 1999, down from $1.7 million used by such activities for the same
period in 1998. The $1.2 million improvement for the first quarter of 1999
principally resulted from the increase in net income after the impact of
depreciation and amortization and a larger decline in inventory levels from the
end of the previous fiscal year.
Net cash provided by operating activities totaled $17.4 million, $30.3
million and $13.8 million for 1998, 1997 and 1996, respectively. Net income
before depreciation and amortization increased $9.6 million from 1997. However,
the increase in inventories in 1998 coupled with an increase in income tax
payments more than offset the $9.6 million increase from operations. The $16.5
million improvement in cash provided by operating activities in 1997 over 1996
was due primarily to the increase in net income from operations.
Investing activities were for capital expenditures, which were primarily
for new and remodeled stores.
Historically, financing activities consisted primarily of activity through
The Limited's centralized cash management system. See Note 7 to the Consolidated
Financial Statements included in this information statement.
CAPITAL EXPENDITURES
Capital expenditures, primarily for new and remodeled stores, approximated
$7.3 million for the first quarter of 1999, a $6.3 million increase from the
same period in 1998. Capital expenditures, primarily for new and remodeled
stores, totaled $14.3 million, $4.8 million and $8.5 million for 1998, 1997 and
1996, respectively.
We anticipate spending between $32 to $37 million in 1999 for capital
expenditures, of which $25 to $29 million will be for new stores, remodeling or
expansion of existing stores and related improvements. We intend to add
approximately 145,000 square feet in 1999, which will represent an 11% increase
over year end 1998. We anticipate that the increase will result from the opening
of approximately 40 new stores and the remodeling or expansion of 20 stores. We
estimate that the average cost for leasehold improvements, furniture and
fixtures for stores to be opened in 1999 will be approximately $405,000 per
store, after giving effect to landlord allowances. Average pre-opening costs per
store, which will be expensed as incurred, are expected to be less than $20,000.
In addition, inventory purchases are expected to average approximately $100,000
per store.
We expect that substantially all future capital expenditures will be funded
by net cash provided by operating activities.
IMPACT OF TRANSITIONAL SERVICES AND SEPARATION AGREEMENTS
Excluding the store leases agreement, amounts to be charged under the new
transitional services and separation agreements are not expected to be
materially different than amounts charged by The Limited prior to the date of
the spin-off. Since amounts to be charged under the store leases agreement will
be contingently
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payable based upon positive comparable store sales performance, it is
anticipated that any amounts due will not have a material adverse impact on
liquidity, financial condition or results of operation.
For a further discussion of the transitional services and separation
agreements, see "Relationship Between Too, Inc. and The Limited -- Transitional
Services and Separation Agreements."
DESCRIPTION OF CREDIT FACILITY
Prior to the date of the spin-off, we expect to have a collateralized
credit facility for $100 million against which $52 million is expected to be
drawn to pay a $50 million dividend to The Limited. We will borrow amounts under
our credit facility to repay a portion of the working capital advances made by
The Limited to us in 1999 before the spin-off. The remainder of the credit
facility will be available to fund working capital requirements and for general
corporate purposes. We expect the credit facility to:
- consist of a $50 million amortizing term loan which will begin amortizing
at the end of the third year and a $50 million five-year revolving credit
facility
- contain customary representations and warranties and affirmative,
negative and financial covenants
- have interest rates that are based on the London Interbank Offered Rate
plus a spread or the administrative agent bank's base rate plus a spread
- be guaranteed by our present and future domestic subsidiaries
IMPACT OF INFLATION
Our results of operations and financial condition are presented based upon
historical cost. While it is difficult to accurately measure the impact of
inflation due to the imprecise nature of the estimates required, we believe that
the effects of inflation, if any, on our results of operations and financial
condition have been minor.
YEAR 2000 READINESS
The Year 2000 issue arises primarily from computer programs, commercial
systems and embedded chips that will be unable to properly interpret dates
beyond the year 1999. We are currently part of the Year 2000 readiness efforts
undertaken by The Limited, which will continue after the spin-off under a
services agreement with The Limited. We use a variety of proprietary and
third-party computer technologies -- both hardware and software -- directly in
our business. We also rely on numerous third parties and their systems' ability
to address the Year 2000 issue. Our critical information technology functions
include point-of-sale equipment, merchandise distribution, merchandise and
non-merchandise procurement, credit card and banking services, transportation
and business and accounting management systems.
READINESS
We are participating in The Limited's Year 2000 readiness efforts. We have
been part of the package migration group of The Limited, which involves the
migration of software to be Year 2000 ready. We have installed those systems.
Recently, we have decided to explore redeploying our inventory planning legacy
system which is not part of the overall Year 2000 readiness efforts undertaken
by The Limited. The Limited has not committed resources to assist us in our
remediation efforts on the inventory planning legacy system. We have assumed
full responsibility to make our legacy system Year 2000 ready and to identify
and respond to any Year 2000 issues associated with the interaction between our
legacy system, our other systems and new systems installed as part of The
Limited's overall efforts. We believe we will incur an additional $100,000 of
programming costs in order to make the legacy system Year 2000 ready and
integrate this system with the other newly installed systems. If we are
unsuccessful in our efforts to remediate the inventory planning legacy system,
we will continue with the planning system The Limited has already provided us as
part of The Limited's Year 2000 readiness efforts.
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The Limited established a program management office to oversee, monitor and
coordinate the company-wide Year 2000 effort. This office has developed and is
implementing a Year 2000 plan. The implementation includes five stages:
- awareness, which includes identifying risks and conducting an education
program regarding Year 2000 issues
- assessment, which primarily includes establishing project resources,
developing a Year 2000 renovation strategy, completing a company-wide
inventory of information technology and determining the necessary
training and testing facility requirements
- renovation/development, which includes the analysis of existing
information systems, the design of remediation activities and the coding
of necessary remedies
- validation, which primarily includes system testing
- implementation, which includes the placement of renovated systems "in
production" and training end users
There are two areas of focus:
- ASSESSMENT OF YEAR 2000 READINESS AT KEY VENDORS AND SUPPLIERS. A vast
network of vendors, suppliers and service providers located both within
and outside the United States provides us with merchandise for resale,
supplies for operational purposes and services. We have identified key
vendors, suppliers and service providers, and The Limited is making
efforts to determine their Year 2000 status. As a result, The Limited
obtained completed Year 2000 surveys from approximately 40 of our most
critical third-party vendors, representing over half of our total 1998
purchases, to determine an estimated compliance date. Of the 40 critical
third-party vendors surveyed, approximately half have indicated that they
are Year 2000 compliant. The remaining vendors have indicated estimated
compliance dates through the third quarter of 1999. Based upon the
results of the surveys, we selected three of our more significant vendors
(American Electric Power Company, Inc., BB Dakota and National Processing
Company) for on-site visits to further assess the vendors' progress and
estimated compliance dates. The Limited will continue to monitor the
status of the vendors' estimated compliance dates in order to identify
potential delays.
- EVALUATING FACILITIES AND DISTRIBUTION EQUIPMENT WITH EMBEDDED COMPUTER
TECHNOLOGY. We use various facilities and distribution equipment with
embedded computer technology, such as conveyors, elevators, security
systems, fire protection systems and energy management systems. The
Limited's assessment of these systems is complete, and all stages of its
efforts are expected to be complete in the second quarter of 1999.
In addition, The Limited also focused on:
- RENOVATION OF LEGACY SYSTEMS. The Limited's twelve operating businesses
have completed all five stages of Year 2000 implementation for renovation
of legacy systems.
- INSTALLATION OF NEW SOFTWARE PACKAGES TO REPLACE SELECTED LEGACY SYSTEMS
AT FIVE OF THE LIMITED'S TWELVE OPERATING BUSINESSES. Replacement of
their significant legacy systems with new software packages is complete.
COST TO ADDRESS THE YEAR 2000 ISSUE
Our total expenditures incurred through 1998 related to remediation,
testing, conversion, replacement and upgrading system applications were
approximately $8.1 million, of which approximately $6.0 million represents
capital assets which will be amortized principally over a period of five years
beginning in May 1999. In addition, we have incurred internal payroll costs (not
separately identified) relating to the Year 2000 initiatives.
Additional expenditures are expected to range from $3.5 million to $3.8
million through July 1999, of which approximately $2.4 million of new software
purchases will be capitalized. Total incremental expenses, primarily
depreciation and amortization of new package systems, are not expected to have a
material impact
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on our financial condition during 1999 and 2000. Included in the above costs are
expenditures associated with the development of an internal testing center,
which has enabled us to perform comprehensive testing of newly renovated systems
by processing transactions as if they had occurred in the Year 2000. This
internal testing process was used to develop the risk and cost estimates
described in this section of the information statement. Efforts by approximately
500 employees of The Limited's information technology division represent
approximately three-fourths of the total information technology budgeted hours
for the Year 2000 project. The Limited engaged external consultants, primarily
from PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP and Compuware, to assist us with program
management and new software package implementation, which represent the
remaining hours. We have allocated approximately 35% of our information
technology budget for the period from fall 1997 through fall 1999 toward Year
2000 remediation efforts.
REASONABLY LIKELY WORST CASE SCENARIO AND CONTINGENCY PLANS
We believe that the reasonably likely worst case scenario would involve
short-term disruptions of systems affecting its supply and distribution
channels. The Limited is in the early stages of developing contingency plans,
such as alternative sourcing, and identifying the necessary actions that it
would need to take if critical systems or service providers were not Year 2000
ready. The Limited expects to finalize these contingency plans in the second
half of 1999.
At the present time, we and The Limited are not aware of any Year 2000
issues that are expected to materially affect our products, services,
competitive position or financial performance. Additionally, we have not
postponed any significant information technology projects due to the Year 2000
project. Thus, we do not believe that the delay of any projects has had a
material impact on our financial condition and results of operations. However,
despite The Limited's significant efforts to make our systems, facilities and
equipment Year 2000 ready, and our efforts to make our inventory planning legacy
system Year 2000 ready, the readiness of third-party service providers and
vendors (including, for instance, governmental entities and utility companies)
is beyond our control. Thus, we cannot assure you that the failure of systems of
other companies on which The Limited's or our systems rely, or the failure of
key suppliers or other third parties to comply with Year 2000 requirements, will
not have a material adverse effect on us.
In connection with the spin-off, we will indemnify The Limited against any
liabilities caused by or arising from The Limited's Year 2000 readiness
assistance. We have also agreed not to make any claims against The Limited
caused by or arising from The Limited's Year 2000 readiness assistance and in
connection with the failure of any of our systems to be Year 2000 ready. See
"Relationship Between Too, Inc. and The Limited -- Transitional Services and
Separation Agreements -- Services Agreement."
ADOPTION OF NEW ACCOUNTING STANDARDS
In March 1998, the Accounting Standards Executive Committee of the American
Institute of Certified Public Accountants issued Statement of Position 98-1,
"Accounting for the Costs of Computer Software Developed or Obtained for
Internal Use." Statement of Position 98-1 requires that certain external costs
and internal payroll and payroll related costs be capitalized during the
application development and implementation stages of a software development
project and amortized over the software's useful life. Statement of Position
98-1 became effective in the first quarter of 1999 and did not have a material
adverse effect on our results of operations.
Additionally, the Accounting Standards Executive Committee issued Statement
of Position 98-5, "Reporting on the Costs of Start-Up Activities," in April
1998. Statement of Position 98-5 requires that entities expense start-up costs
and organization costs as they are incurred. Statement of Position 98-5 became
effective in the first quarter of 1999 and did not have a material adverse
effect on our results of operations.
SAFE HARBOR STATEMENT UNDER THE PRIVATE SECURITIES LITIGATION REFORM ACT OF 1995
Any forward-looking statements contained in this information statement or
made by our management involve risks and uncertainties and may change based on
various important factors, many of which may be beyond our control. Thus, our
future performance and financial results may differ materially from those
expressed or implied in any such forward-looking statements. Forward-looking
statements are indicated by
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words such as "anticipate," "estimate," "expect," "intend," "risk," "could,"
"may," "will," "pro forma," "likely," "possible," "potential" and similar words
and phrases and the negative forms and variations of these words and phrases.
See, for example, "Summary," "Risk Factors," "Relationship Between Too, Inc. and
The Limited," "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and
Results of Operations" and "Business."
The following factors, among others, in some cases have affected and in the
future could affect our financial performance and actual results and could cause
actual results for 1999 and beyond to differ materially from those expressed or
implied in any such forward-looking statements:
- changes in consumer spending patterns
- consumer preferences and overall economic conditions
- the impact of competition and pricing
- changes in weather patterns
- political stability, currency and exchange risks and changes in existing
or potential duties, tariffs or quotas
- the availability of suitable store locations at appropriate terms
- the ability to develop new merchandise
- the ability to hire and train personnel, including sales associates
Any forward-looking statements as to costs and dates relating to the Year
2000 effort are forward-looking and are based on our current best estimates that
may be proven incorrect as additional information becomes available. Our Year
2000-related forward-looking statements are also based on assumptions about many
important factors, including the technical skills of employees and independent
contractors, the representations and preparedness of third parties, the ability
of vendors to deliver merchandise or perform services required by us and the
collateral effects of the Year 2000 issues on our business partners and
customers. While we believe that our assumptions are reasonable, we caution that
it is impossible to predict factors that could cause actual costs or timetables
to differ materially from the expected results.
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BUSINESS
Limited Too is a rapidly growing specialty retailer that sells apparel,
underwear, sleepwear, swimwear, lifestyle and personal care products for
fashion-aware, trend-setting young girls. As of May 1, 1999, we had 321 stores
in 43 states. We design, source and market our products under our proprietary
"Limited Too" brand name. In fiscal 1998, we opened 10 new stores and remodeled
or expanded 15 existing stores.
In 1987, The Limited established "Limited Too" brand stores adjacent to or
as departments within The Limited stores to provide similar apparel to young
girls, and also apparel for infants. From 1987 to the end of fiscal 1995, we
expanded our locations from two stores to 288 stores. In 1996, a new management
team recognized that its core customer had her own emerging sense of style and
revised our strategy to focus on girls approximately 7 to 14 years of age as our
target customer group.
Our merchandise includes:
- casual clothing, such as jeans and other jeanswear and bottoms, knit tops
and T-shirts containing our brand name or other graphics, dresses and
outerwear
- accessories, such as costume jewelry, hair ornaments, slippers, key
chains, wallets, backpacks, purses and watches
- lifestyle products, such as inflatable furniture, lamps, writing
instruments, folders and posters
- personal care products under our "GirlCare" line, such as glitter
cosmetics, body splash and anti-bacterial hand gel
- add-on, such as underwear, sleepwear and swimwear
BUSINESS STRENGTHS
We believe that our six core business strengths developed over the last
three years have contributed to our success and will enable us to continue
growing profitably.
TARGET CUSTOMER GROUP. We have identified our target customer group to be
girls approximately 7 to 14 years of age who are active, creative and
image-conscious, enjoy shopping and want to describe themselves as "fun" and
"cool". We believe our target customers want a broad assortment of merchandise
for their range of dressing occasions, including school, leisure activities and
parties. To attract our target customer, we continually update our merchandise
assortment, which includes non-apparel merchandise, such as cosmetics and
lifestyle furnishings for her room. We also create an in-store atmosphere that
is visually appealing and provides an enjoyable, safe and exciting shopping
experience. We believe that girls interested in the latest fashions are
attracted to our image and are made to feel secure in their fashion choices when
they purchase our brand. At the same time, we believe that parents defer to many
choices that their daughters make in our stores because they find our products
to be appropriate for their daughters' age.
FOCUSED AND DIFFERENTIATED BRAND. We have created a focused and
differentiated brand image for fashion-aware girls aged 7 to 14 who follow the
latest trends. We believe that the brand's appeal has been augmented by, and
should continue to benefit from, trends that emphasize the latest fashions and
the aspirational lifestyle of today's younger girls who want to look and dress
like older girls consistent with the latest trends in junior fashions. We
communicate our brand image through all aspects of our business, including
merchandise assortment and our exciting, colorful in-store presentation. We
believe that the strength of our brand provides opportunities for increased
penetration of current merchandise categories and entry into newer product
categories such as our "GirlCare" line of toiletries and cosmetics introduced in
1996.
ENTERTAINING STORE ENVIRONMENT. A major element of our recent success is
the consistent store-level execution of our brand strategy. We design our stores
to provide a "theme park" destination in the mall and to encourage our customers
to touch and sample our products. All of our stores contain a wide variety of
merchandise for a "one-stop shopping" experience, which has been specifically
designed to embody "a store
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for her" theme. Our stores feature colorful window displays; photographic
sticker booths; ear piercing stations; gumball machines; and eye-catching
photographs. Our newer store formats may also have:
- our daisy logo on our front signage
- a personal care sampling table in the front of the store at which our
customers can experiment with our "GirlCare" products and consult their
friends and our sales associates
- light shows
- mock pay telephones from which our customers can listen to music or call
their friends within the store
We tightly control our in-store presentation by basing it on detailed and
comprehensive store plans. These plans use visual displays and fixtures designed
to brand our stores in a manner tailored to appeal to our target customer group.
PROPRIETARY DESIGN AND MERCHANDISING CAPABILITIES. A cornerstone of our
business is our ability to design products which embody our brand image. We
develop substantially all of our merchandise assortment through our own design
group, which allows us to:
- create exclusive merchandise under our proprietary brand
- develop complementary fashionable outfits
- offer a vast array of merchandise within a fashion season
- introduce new non-apparel items
- bring our products to market faster
In addition, because our merchandise is sold exclusively in our own stores,
we are able to control the presentation and pricing of our merchandise and
provide a higher level of customer service. Our merchandising strategy of
offering a broad assortment allows us to constantly introduce elements of the
latest fashion trends. We believe that these capabilities provide us with
competitive advantages over other brand manufacturers that market their goods
through department and other specialty apparel stores.
PROVEN MANAGEMENT TEAM. Since early 1996, when some of the senior members
of our current management team assumed responsibility, we have increased the
level of brand awareness and consistently reported improved financial results.
We believe that our management has a distinct understanding of our customers and
is able to execute design, sourcing and marketing strategies to penetrate our
target customer group. With over 125 years of collective experience in the
retail industry, they have demonstrated a track record of highly profitable
growth which strongly positions us for the future.
ATTENTIVE CUSTOMER SERVICE. Our sales associates convey and reinforce our
brand image through their attitude, enthusiasm and awareness of current fashion
trends. We train them to greet each customer, to inform the customer about new
fashion trends, to guide her through the store and to suggest merchandise to
suit the customer's wardrobe and lifestyle needs. We strive to give each of our
young customers the same level of respect and attention that adult customers
expect in a retail shopping experience.
GROWTH STRATEGY
We have implemented a growth strategy to capitalize on our business
strengths. Our growth strategy focuses on four goals:
- opening approximately 40 new stores per year in 1999 and 2000
- remodeling or expanding approximately 20 existing stores in 1999
- increasing comparable store sales through product extensions and our
continued execution of merchandise and other initiatives to satisfy our
target customers' needs
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- increasing our distribution channels to include direct marketing through
catalog and website initiatives
Below, we summarize the principal ways by which we plan to achieve these
goals:
STORE OPENINGS, REMODELINGS AND EXPANSIONS. We began our new store
expansion program in 1997, with the opening of seven new stores (four of which
were in our newest "GirlPower" format) and the opening of ten new stores in
1998. Given the strength of our brand and our customer demographics, our
management believes that there will be approximately 100 to 150 mall sites
available for new stores, with an additional 100 to 150 sites available in
smaller markets, specialty centers and major urban locations. We intend to
continue our store expansion program by opening approximately 40 new stores per
year in 1999 and 2000. Substantially all of the stores to be opened in 1999 will
be in regional shopping malls, as we believe that malls provide a heavy and
steady flow of our target customers. We intend to open new stores in non-major
cities as well as part of our expansion into smaller markets, which has proved
to be successful.
We also plan to remodel or expand approximately 20 of our existing stores
in 1999 into our "GirlPower" store format and continue our remodeling and
expansion program for the next several years.
MERCHANDISE INITIATIVES AND PRODUCT EXTENSIONS. We plan to continue to
increase the variety of sizes offered in many of our tops and bottoms categories
and to continue to develop the new product lines we recently introduced,
including add-on, such as underwear, sleepwear and swimwear; personal care
products under our "GirlCare" line, such as glitter make-up and nail polish; and
lifestyle products and other accessories for our target customer's room, such as
inflatable furniture and glitter telephones.
We believe that our ability to design and market new merchandise quickly
and effectively has been a key element of our success. In recent years, we have
significantly broadened our assortment in existing categories to increase volume
and productivity. In 1999, we will continue to expand key categories. We also
plan to continue to increase the variety of sizes offered. These changes in our
product mix allow us to offer a broader assortment of merchandise to our
customers.
INCREASE CONSUMER FEEDBACK AND AWARENESS. An important source of customer
feedback has been our focus groups and other formats for customer communication,
which we intend to continue. We expect to enhance our customer relationships and
increase our brand awareness through our frequent buyer program and our catalog
and website initiatives. We use our frequent buyer program to obtain customer
information, and our customers will also be asked to provide information when
they register on our website. Additionally, our frequent buyer program rewards
our customers with incentives based on the frequency of their purchases and
incorporates in-store events such as "Too Punch Toosday". As of May 1, 1999, our
frequent buyer database contained approximately 900,000 names. We plan to
increase this database by having our sales associates continue to encourage
customers to complete customer profile cards when they obtain frequent buyer
cards, allowing Internet browsers to provide their profile information on-line
and obtaining names from Visa and MasterCard, since over 600,000 of our
customers use these two credit cards. To further develop our marketing efforts,
we are working to improve the effectiveness of our frequent buyer database. In
late April 1999, we executed our first direct mail campaign that targeted not
only customers in our frequent buyer database but prospective customers as well.
EXPAND DISTRIBUTION CHANNELS. We are committed to enhancing our brand
recognition and plan to expand our marketing efforts in the following areas.
- CATALOG. We are currently working with a number of third parties
regarding the establishment of fulfillment infrastructures, catalog
production and circulation plans in order to launch a catalog for the
1999 holiday season with a planned October mailing. We will use our
frequent buyer database as the primary source for our catalog mailing
lists. In addition, we may purchase or rent qualified names from other
third parties' mailing lists to increase our circulation quantities.
- WEBSITE. We plan to create a fun, informational website with an expected
launch in the fall of 1999. Because more customers, especially customers
within our target demographic group, are turning to the Internet to
access consumer information and make retail purchases, we believe that an
attractive
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website will be critical to our brand-recognition efforts and, in turn,
our sales growth. We intend to further develop our website to allow our
customers to order our products on-line during the year 2000.
THE INDUSTRY
We believe that our target customer group is under-served in the specialty
apparel retailer market since no other retailer focuses exclusively on a single
gender in the 7 to 14 age group. Industry sources estimate that the amount spent
on apparel in our target customer group grew from $6.9 billion in fiscal 1995 to
$8.2 billion in fiscal 1998, or at a compound annual growth rate of
approximately 6.3%. Our 20.7% compound annual growth rate in net sales, which
includes non-apparel merchandise during this period, has outpaced that of the
industry. Industry sources also estimate that no single retailer has more than
9% of the market share for our target customer group. We believe that the size
and changing dynamics of our market, coupled with our business strengths and
growth strategies, should provide significant opportunities for growth and
increased market share in the future.
OUR STORES
EXISTING STORE ENVIRONMENTS
Our stores and point-of-sale marketing are designed to convey the principal
elements and personality of our brand -- creativity, fashion awareness and
excitement for increasingly independent girls. We thoughtfully plan and
coordinate our store design, furniture, fixtures and music to create a shopping
experience that is consistent with the fashionable and energetic lifestyle of
our target customer group. We believe that our customers experience our stores
as entertaining and multisensory destinations, in which they feel welcomed and
pampered.
As of the end of fiscal 1998, we had four store formats:
- 139 of our stores, or 44%, were modeled to be consistent with The Limited
store design using the same black marble and black woodgrain cabinets
- 121 of our stores, or 38%, were substantially similar to The Limited
store design with a front signage that includes a red script "Too"
- 30 of our stores, or 9%, also had a front signage that includes a red
script "Too" but with blond wood and light-colored fixtures
- 29 of our stores, or 9%, were developed in our newest format, or what we
refer to as "GirlPower"
In fiscal 1998, the average sales per store were substantially higher for
stores with the "GirlPower" format compared to stores with the other three
formats.
We vary the extent of the presentation detail of our stores depending on
the customer demographic or the traffic volume of a particular mall. This
enables us to be cost-effective in recognizing each store's ability to support
additional features while maintaining a uniformly positive shopping experience
for our customers.
For each store format, we maintain a uniform appearance consistent with
that particular store format throughout our store base, in terms of merchandise
display and location on the selling floor. Store managers receive detailed store
plans that dictate fixture and merchandise placement to ensure uniform execution
of the merchandising strategy at the store level and the portrayal of our brand
in a manner designed to appeal to our target customer group. Standardization of
store design and merchandise presentation also creates cost savings in store
furnishings, maximizes usage and productivity of selling space and allows us to
efficiently open new stores.
Each year, we have four major floor sets with matching window displays to
correspond with our spring, summer, "back to school" and December holiday
periods. Every two to three weeks, our management coordinates and directs our
stores to modify these floor sets, and usually the window displays at the same
time, by highlighting different merchandise and moving displays to different
areas within the store. These
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frequent changes enable us to profile new merchandise while fostering our brand
image as featuring the "hottest" fashions.
Our sales associates are a central element in creating our stores'
distinctive atmosphere. In addition to providing a high level of customer
service, our sales associates reinforce the fashion-awareness of our brand and
cater to the energetic lifestyle of today's girls. In conjunction with other
components of the store environment, we believe that our sales associates
significantly contribute to a store atmosphere that is consistent with making it
a "store for her" -- our target customer.
STORE REMODELING AND EXPANSION PROGRAM
Our stores are located principally in regional shopping malls, as we
believe that malls provide a heavy and steady flow of our target customers. At
May 1, 1999, we operated 321 stores nationwide, averaging over 4,000 gross
square feet, with approximately 3,200 selling square feet. For the number of
store locations in each state, see "-- Properties." The table below highlights
the store expansion strategy that we have pursued:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
THIRTEEN WEEKS FISCAL YEAR ENDED
ENDED -------------------------------------------------------------------
MAY 1, JANUARY 30, JANUARY 31, FEBRUARY 1, FEBRUARY 3, JANUARY 28,
1999 1999 1998 1997 1996 1995
-------------- ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- -----------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Number of stores:
Beginning of year........... 319 312 308 288 212 184
Opened...................... 9 10 7 27 78 31
Closed...................... 7 3 3 7 2 3
Remodeled................... 6 15 -- -- -- --
Total square feet at period
end (thousands)............. 1,296 1,281 1,244 1,224 1,143 838
Average store size at period
end (square feet)........... 4,034 4,015 3,987 3,974 3,969 3,953
Annual sales per average
square foot(1).............. NM $ 300 $ 259 $ 214 $ 207 $ 226
</TABLE>
- ---------------
NM = not meaningful
(1) Annual sales per average square foot is the result of dividing net sales for
the fiscal year by average gross square foot, which reflects the impact of
opening and closing stores throughout the year.
In addition to opening new stores, we are in the process of remodeling or
expanding some of our stores into our new "GirlPower" store format. The
remodeling process for our stores that are adjacent to or departments within The
Limited stores may involve building walls in the cross-over space between the
two stores, creating separate back rooms and utilities and in some instances,
creating separate access to corridors to make them into free-standing stores
completely separate from The Limited. Management believes that remodeling or
expansion has a positive impact on our sales and intends to leverage our unique
opportunity to increase profitability through remodeling or expanding existing
stores.
We plan to open approximately 40 new stores per year in 1999 and 2000, of
which nine have been opened as of May 1, 1999, and we have also signed leases
for an additional ten stores. We have identified all of the 21 stores remaining
to be opened in 1999 and expect all of them to be in operation before the
holiday season. We also plan to remodel or expand approximately 20 of our
existing stores in 1999.
In evaluating real estate locations we consider a variety of criteria.
Regional malls are measured based on:
- location of the mall and proposed stores within the mall
- strength of anchor stores
- the fashion and quality mix of other specialty tenants
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- population and income characteristics of the surrounding area
In addition to regional stores, we intend to expand our stores in smaller
markets where we believe the potential return on sales in these locations will
be high. We may also consider specialty centers and upscale strip malls, major
urban centers for non-mall locations and retail outlets for additional store
sites.
A key element of our new store strategy is to open new stores with trained
managers in place. The vast majority of managers of new stores have prior
experience in our existing stores in either the manager or assistant manager
position.
STORE ECONOMICS
Our average costs for remodeling or expanding existing stores were $470,000
per store in fiscal 1998. We estimate that the average cost for leasehold
improvements, furniture and fixtures for stores to be opened in 1999 will be
approximately $405,000 per store, after adjusting for landlord allowances.
Average pre-opening costs per store, which will be expensed as incurred, are
expected to be less than $20,000. In addition, inventory purchases are expected
to average approximately $100,000 per store.
New stores opened in fiscal 1998 have typically exceeded management's store
operating profitability and return on asset targets to date. In addition, 12 out
of 15 remodeled stores have exceeded their targets, with 10 of those stores
increasing their volume an aggregate of 33% over the previous year since the
reopening date without materially changing their gross square footage.
NEW DISTRIBUTION CHANNELS
As part of our growth strategy, we intend to launch a catalog and a website
as new distribution channels for our products:
- CATALOG. We intend to launch our first catalog for the holiday season of
1999 with an October mailing of 1.5 million copies of our premiere issue.
We have hired a vice president of catalog operations to head this effort
and are in the process of hiring additional personnel. In addition, we
have engaged third parties to assist us with print production and other
creative services, circulation and third-party fulfillment. Our catalog
format will consist primarily of merchandise content with some space
devoted to articles and other editorial content. We will use our frequent
buyer database as the primary source for our catalog mailing lists. In
addition, we may purchase or rent qualified names from other third
parties' mailing lists to increase our circulation quantities. We
executed a direct-mail campaign in late April 1999 to test our
circulation quantities and our database. During the year 2000, we intend
to publish up to six catalogs.
- WEBSITE. Because more customers, especially customers within our target
demographic group, are turning to the Internet to access consumer
information and make retail purchases, we believe that an attractive
website will be critical to our brand and, in turn, our sales growth. We
are working to launch an informational website by the fall of 1999.
During the year 2000, we intend for our customers to be able to order our
products on-line. We also intend to use our website as an additional
method of increasing our customer database because we will allow Internet
browsers to register with us at their option by providing their customer
profile information on-line.
See "Risk Factors -- Risk Factors Relating to Our Business -- Our Expansion
into Catalog and Internet Distribution Channels May Not Be Successful" for a
description of the risks that we face in launching these new distribution
channels.
MERCHANDISING
PRODUCT MIX
We design and sell all of our apparel under our proprietary "Limited Too"
brand. Our merchandise assortment covers a broad array of classifications in
girls' apparel, including jeans and other jeanswear and bottoms, knit tops,
T-shirts, shorts, skirts, dresses and outerwear. For many of these products, we
have a basic
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item that we sell at a low price point and more elaborate versions that we sell
at higher price points. To make our customers feel more secure in their fashion
choices, we generally display our merchandise as complete outfits (for example,
tops and bottoms displayed together), instead of displaying garments together
with type (for example, sweaters with other sweaters). Our outfits are
complemented by matching accessories and other related items which we believe
helps promote higher sales volume through multiple unit sales.
In addition to apparel and add-on, our other product categories are:
- related accessories including costume jewelry, hair ornaments, slippers,
key chains, wallets, backpacks, purses and watches
- our "GirlCare" line including toiletries, such as shower gel and body
splash; accessories, such as hairbrushes and manicure sets; and
cosmetics, such as glitter nail polish and lip gloss. These "GirlCare"
products are generally displayed prominently in our stores on personal
care sampling tables in the front of the stores so that our customers can
experiment with our products and consult their friends and our sales
associates. A substantial portion of this merchandise category is under
$10 so that our target customer can spend her own money
- our lifestyle products including products for her room such as inflatable
furniture, candles, lamps and posters, as well as small toys, candy,
stickers and stationery
The following table summarizes our merchandise mix by major category as a
percentage of net sales for the years 1996 to 1998:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1998 1997 1996
----- ----- -----
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Apparel..................................................... 72.1% 71.0% 75.0%
Add-on (e.g., underwear, sleepwear and swimwear),
accessories and lifestyle products........................ 21.6 17.7 14.7
"GirlCare" products......................................... 6.3 5.8 2.3
Infant...................................................... -- 5.5 8.0
----- ----- -----
Total............................................. 100.0% 100.0% 100.0%
===== ===== =====
</TABLE>
We believe that there are significant opportunities to increase volume
through both increased penetration of existing classifications and addition of
new merchandise classifications. Management believes that our ability to design
and market new merchandise quickly and effectively has been a key element of our
success. In recent years, we have broadened our assortment in existing
categories to increase volume and productivity. In 1999, we will continue to
expand key categories. An example is an increased number of sizes offered to the
7 to 14 age group. Starting in late spring of 1998, we have added "3", "5" and
"7" junior sizes, slim sizes in bottoms and "XXL" and "XXXL" sizes for tops.
Our point-of-sale information system allows management to track the
performance of merchandise items on a stock-keeping units basis. Reorder
"triggers" are used to replenish inventory of strong selling items. In addition,
performance by store at a stock-keeping units level is tracked to allow
inventory to be replenished based on differences in selling trends by store.
PRODUCT DESIGN
A cornerstone of our business is our ability to design products which
embody our brand image. Since 1996, one of our major strategies has been to
develop an internal design group. Between 1996 and 1998, the design group has
grown from a staff of two to more than 18.
The product development process begins as senior management in the
merchandising and design areas develop seasonal merchandise themes and concepts.
These concepts are used to create line lists of items that are then developed by
the designers. Designs cover not only fabric content, specifications and colors,
but also labels, hang tags and other descriptive marketing. In developing
concepts and designs, our executives identify
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trends through domestic and foreign travel, retail shopping and awareness of
activities favored by our target customer group.
We develop substantially all of our merchandise assortment through our own
design group, which allows us to create exclusive merchandise and offer a vast
array of merchandise within a fashion season. In addition, because our
merchandise is sold exclusively in our own stores, we are able to control the
presentation and pricing of our merchandise, provide a higher level of customer
service and closely monitor retail sell-through, which provides competitive
advantages over other brand manufacturers that market their goods through
department and other specialty apparel stores.
PRODUCT TIMELINESS
Since the inception of the "Limited Too" brand, we have catered to the
fashion-aware customer by providing the latest fashions featured in movies,
television and publications aimed at our target customer group. At the same
time, we believe that we can reach a broader market by appealing to mainstream
consumers who seek to feel secure in their fashion choices, rather than
experimenting with uncertain styles. We believe that this strategy is consistent
with our philosophy of responding to and respecting our customers' fashion
preferences as opposed to attempting to establish new fashion trends.
As part our strategy to deliver our merchandise in a timely manner, we
strive to stock our inventory with new merchandise reflecting the latest fashion
or trends on a continual basis.
MARKETING AND PROMOTION
Our marketing and promotional strategies are consistent with our focused
and differentiated brand. To appeal to the fun-loving nature of our target
customer group, we have created several promotional programs:
COLORFUL WINDOW DISPLAYS. We concentrate our advertising efforts on our
colorful window displays. We place bright, cheerful graphics or photographs in
at least one of our display windows, the size of which span almost the entire
window. We change our displays frequently and often pursue holiday themes. We
believe our window displays attract customer attention in a busy mall
environment and immediately allow shoppers to recognize our store as a place for
young girls. Our in-store displays include a series of distinctive color
photographs that are enlarged and prominently displayed throughout the stores.
These photographs contain images of young girls engaged in popular social
activities which we believe reinforce the peer-acceptance quality of our brand.
FREQUENT BUYER PROGRAM. Our ongoing frequent buyer program uses a
wallet-sized punch card (the "Frequent Buyer Card") that can be punched up to
ten times for every purchase over $20 made in our stores. On the first Tuesday
of every month, through our "Too Punch Toosday" program, customers receive two
punches on their Frequent Buyer Card for purchases made. For every ten punches,
a customer will receive a coupon for $20 off her next purchase. Through April
1999, approximately 2.0 million Frequent Buyer Cards have been fully punched and
redeemed since the program began in September 1996. In fiscal 1998,
approximately 27% of all transactions used a Frequent Buyer Card in the
purchase, and approximately 10% of all transactions used a Frequent Buyer Card
that was redeemed, an increase from 7.2% in fiscal 1997. In order to receive a
Frequent Buyer Card, our customers are asked to fill out an information sheet
containing their name, address, birthday and their sister's name. We use such
information to establish our frequent buyer database, which as of May 1, 1999
contained approximately 900,000 names.
"TOO BUCKS" PROGRAM. Our event-oriented frequent buyer program occurs
three times a year around Easter, the fall "back to school" period and
Christmas. The program provides customers who purchase $50 or more in our stores
with $25 off coupons which can be used toward purchases over $50 made during the
two or three weeks after distribution. Aggregating the three campaigns, the
coupons are distributed for approximately 15 weeks and redeemed for seven weeks;
therefore, the campaign is part of our promotion strategy for 22 weeks of the
year. For fiscal 1998, approximately 45% of the coupons were redeemed.
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SALES ASSOCIATES
Customer service is a defining feature of our corporate culture and one of
our core business strengths. We believe that knowledgeable and enthusiastic
sales associates have a direct impact on our customers' perception of the brand.
Thus, we focus significant resources on the selection and training of sales
associates. Our sales associates are expected to convey and reinforce our brand
image through their attitude, enthusiasm and awareness of current fashion
trends.
Our sales associates are required to be familiar with the full range of our
merchandise. They are trained to be particularly sensitive to the needs of our
target customer and the concerns of her parents. Our sales associates provide a
high level of customer service by talking with our customers, assisting them in
putting together fashionable outfits and related accessories and helping them
experiment with our "GirlCare" products. We encourage our sales associates to
focus primarily on being friendly and helpful rather than aggressively pursuing
a sale. We minimize sales associates' time spent on administrative functions by
centrally determining merchandise display and replenishment, markdowns and labor
scheduling. By emphasizing friendliness, product knowledge and personal
attention, management believes that we have established a reputation for a high
level of customer service.
The typical management of one of our stores consists of one store manager
and two to three assistant managers. We compensate our district and store
managers with a base salary plus a performance bonus based primarily on store
sales. Our store, district and regional managers spend a majority of their work
week on our selling floors, providing leadership through coaching the staff and
assisting customers.
At January 30, 1999, we had approximately 6,200 sales associates, of whom
approximately 800 were full-time salaried sales associates and approximately 300
were full-time hourly sales associates. A significant number of sales associates
are hired on a seasonal basis to meet demand during holiday gift-buying seasons.
The balance were part-time hourly associates. None of our sales associates is
represented by a labor union. We believe that our relationship with our sales
associates is good.
SOURCING
We use a variety of sourcing arrangements. Historically, our largest
apparel supplier has been Mast Industries, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of
The Limited. Mast Industries supplied approximately 29% of the apparel that we
purchased in 1998 and will supply approximately 30% of our 1999 business. We
believe that all transactions that we have entered into with Mast Industries
have been on terms that would have been obtained on an arm's length basis since
we treat them as if they were a third party. We were not, and will not be,
obligated to source products through Mast Industries.
In 1998, we sourced over 60% of our merchandise from foreign factories
located primarily in East and Southeast Asia. We do not have any long-term
merchandise supply contracts, and many of our imports are subject to existing or
potential duties, tariffs or quotas that may limit the quantity of goods which
may be imported into the United States from countries in that region. We compete
with other companies, including The Limited and The Limited's other
subsidiaries, for production facilities and import quota capacity. In addition,
although the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade adopted on December 8, 1994
requires the elimination of duties, tariffs and quotas on apparel and textile
products by January 1, 2005, the GATT treaty is not expected to have any
meaningful effect on the import of merchandise used in our business for several
years. We attempt to monitor manufacturing to ensure that no one company or
country is responsible for a disproportionate amount of our merchandise.
We typically transact business on an order-by-order basis and do not
maintain any long-term or exclusive commitments or arrangements to purchase from
any vendor. We believe that we have good relationships with our vendors and
that, as the number of our stores increases, there will be adequate sources to
produce a sufficient supply of quality goods in a timely manner and on
satisfactory economic terms. See "Risk Factors -- Risk Factors Relating to Our
Business -- We Rely Significantly on Foreign Sources of Production."
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CENTRAL STORE PLANNING
Our store design and construction operations are handled centrally by
Limited Store Planning, the store planning division of The Limited. Limited
Store Planning is organized into teams comprised of designers, construction
managers, architects, purchasing agents and financial personnel who are
responsible for all phases of store design and construction. Teams are assigned
to work with the senior management of a specific retail business of The Limited,
including us, and to develop and implement store designs that are consistent
with and promote the image of a given retail business. We intend to enter into
an agreement under which The Limited will continue to provide such services to
us on a basis consistent with past practices for a year following the spin-off.
The Limited will charge us fees based on its costs of providing such services
plus 5% of these costs. See "Relationship Between Too, Inc. and The
Limited -- Transitional Services and Separation Agreements -- Services
Agreement." We intend to add in-house staff and contract for outside services
before the services agreement expires.
CENTRAL REAL ESTATE MANAGEMENT
The Limited's real estate division centrally handles our real estate
operations, including all aspects of lease negotiations. We intend to enter into
an agreement under which The Limited will continue to provide such services to
us on a basis consistent with past practices for a year following the spin-off.
The Limited will charge us fees based on its costs of providing such services
plus 5% of these costs. See "Relationship Between Too, Inc. and The
Limited -- Transitional Services and Separation Agreements -- Services
Agreement." We intend to add in-house staff and contract for outside services
before the services agreement expires.
Potential new stores, locations, expansions and relocations are identified
by us and by The Limited's real estate division. In choosing new sites for
retail stores, The Limited's real estate division provides us with financial
details regarding the proposed lease arrangement. We then evaluate the net
required investment and potential rates of return relative to our expected store
sales and profits, before we sign the lease and approve the store for
construction. The actual construction of the store is managed by Limited Store
Planning. Although the real estate division retains control over the allocation
of space within a given mall among the various retail businesses of The Limited,
including us, each individual business is entitled to reject any transaction
negotiated by the real estate division of The Limited. Real estate decisions are
based on a number of factors, including:
- location of the mall and proposed store location within the mall
- consistency with our target customer group and market
- sales and profit potential
- the overall economic condition, demographic characteristics of the market
and shopping patterns of the market
- the identity of the other tenants in close proximity
- the availability of acceptable lease terms
We also consider a variety of other criteria related to the malls in which
we locate our stores. Although our arrangement with The Limited may raise the
potential for conflicts of interest, management believes that the arrangement
has provided us with a significant competitive strength. Given The Limited's
substantial size, our management believes that The Limited has been able to
obtain lease terms and store sites on our behalf that were more favorable than
those that we would have been able to obtain on our own. At the same time,
management has been able to draw from The Limited's experience. While we believe
that the transitional period will give us ample time to develop our own
resources in these areas, we cannot assure you we will be able to achieve the
same economies of scale and bargaining leverage as does The Limited. In
addition, some of our direct leases which are guaranteed by The Limited may be
affected. See "Risk Factors -- Risk Factors Relating to Separating Our Company
from The Limited -- We May Not Be Able to Obtain Suitable Real Estate to
Implement Our Growth Strategy."
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MERCHANDISE DISTRIBUTION
Our distribution operations are managed in a warehouse leased from
Distribution Land Corp., a wholly owned subsidiary of The Limited. See
"Relationship Between Too, Inc. and The Limited -- Transitional Services and
Separation Agreements -- Amendment to Building Lease Agreement." The warehouse
is located in Columbus, Ohio. Once the warehouse receives any merchandise, the
merchandise is inspected, packed for delivery to the stores and forwarded to a
central shipping facility operated by Limited Distribution Services Inc., a
wholly owned subsidiary of The Limited, which also provides engineering services
to the warehouse.
Limited Distribution Services also maintains a worldwide logistics network
of agents and space availability arrangements to support the in-bound movement
of merchandise into the warehouse. The outbound shipping system consists of
common carrier line routes connecting the distribution complex to a network of
delivery agents. Each store receives several deliveries each week and receives
daily deliveries during the peak holiday shopping season. We believe that this
delivery schedule ensures more frequent deliveries than those of our smaller
competitors. Limited Distribution Services does not own or operate trucks or
trucking facilities.
We intend to enter into an agreement under which Limited Distribution
Services will continue to provide such services to us on a basis consistent with
past practices for three years. The Limited will charge us fees based on its
costs of providing such services plus 5% of these costs. See "Relationship
Between Too, Inc. and The Limited -- Transitional Services and Separation
Agreements -- Services Agreement."
MANAGEMENT INFORMATION SYSTEMS
Our management information systems and electronic data processing systems
consist of a full range of retail, financial and merchandising systems,
including:
- credit
- inventory distribution and control
- sales reporting
- accounts payable
- merchandise reporting
- distribution
- financial reporting
Our information system is uniquely structured to address the needs of our
business. The Limited owns some of the equipment used in the management
information systems. We intend to enter into an agreement under which The
Limited will continue to provide these information technology services to us on
a basis consistent with past practices for a year following the spin-off. The
Limited will charge us fees based on its costs of providing such services plus
5% of these costs. See "Relationship Between Too, Inc. and The
Limited -- Transitional Services and Separation Agreements -- Services
Agreement."
Our merchandise reporting system updates sales information on a daily basis
by polling the information from each store's point-of-sale, or POS, terminals.
Our POS system consists of registers providing price look-up, scanning of
bar-coded tickets and credit authorization. Through daily two-way electronic
communication with each store:
- sales information, payroll hours, store-initiated inventory transfers and
details of physical inventory counts are uploaded to the host system
- price changes are downloaded to in-store POS devices
- we are able to send electronic mail
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We evaluate information obtained through daily reporting to implement
merchandising decisions regarding markdowns and allocation of merchandise.
Current hardware and network infrastructure in being upgraded through:
- the creation of store, marketing and customer databases to improve
controls and enhance sales and operational capabilities
- the implementation of a new warehouse management system
- the upgrading of distribution facilities to expand capacity
We may not be able to complete our planned upgrades on a timely basis or in
a successful manner. See "Risk Factors -- Risk Factors Relating to Our
Business -- The Planned Upgrades of the Management Information Systems That We
Use May Not Be Successful."
TRADEMARKS AND SERVICE MARKS
Limco, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of The Limited owns the brand name
"Limited Too", which is registered in the United States and in numerous foreign
countries. Limco, Inc. licenses the brand name to LimToo, Inc., our wholly owned
subsidiary. We and The Limited intend to cause Limco, Inc. and LimToo, Inc. to
enter into a trademark and service mark licensing agreement that will allow us
to operate under the "Limited Too" brand name in connection with our business.
The agreement will be for an initial term of five years after the spin-off,
renewable annually at our option. See "Relationship Between Too, Inc. and The
Limited -- Transitional Services and Separation Agreements -- Trademark and
Service Mark Licensing Agreement."
We are the owner in the United States of trademarks and service marks used
to identify our merchandise and services, other than our brand name. Many of
these merchandise marks are registered in the United States Patent and Trademark
Office. These merchandise marks are important to us, and we intend to, directly
or indirectly, maintain these marks and their registrations. However, we may
choose not to renew a registration of one or more of our merchandise marks if we
determine that the mark is no longer important to our business. We do not
believe that any material claims of infringement or other challenges to our
right to register or use our merchandise marks in the United States in a manner
consistent with our current practices are pending.
We also conduct business in foreign countries, principally because a
substantial portion of our merchandise is manufactured outside the United
States. We own registrations of our merchandise marks in foreign countries to
the degree necessary to protect these marks, although there may be restrictions
on the use of our marks in a limited number of foreign jurisdictions.
We have not licensed any of our trademarks or service marks to any other
entity.
COMPETITION
Although no other specialty apparel retailer focuses exclusively on our
target customers, all aspects of our business are highly competitive since other
retailers offer merchandise designed for our customers.
Our primary competitors target the same customer group and include:
- other specialty apparel and accessory retailers, such as GapKids,
abercrombie and Claire's
- department stores, such as J.C. Penney's
- discount retailers, such as Target and Kohl's
Newly emerging store-based retailers may provide additional competition to
the existing competitive market.
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In addition to the traditional store-based retailers, we also compete with
direct marketers who target customers through catalogs and Internet shopping.
Direct marketers also include traditional store-based retailers like us who are
expanding into catalogs and the Internet as additional distribution channels.
We believe that the principal bases upon which we compete are design,
price, service, selection, quality and distribution channels:
- DESIGN. We believe that we have a significant advantage over our
competitors in this area because substantially all of our merchandise is
designed internally and sold exclusively through our stores. See
"-- Merchandising -- Product Design."
- PRICE. We determine appropriate initial markups for all items and
determine when prices should be lowered so that older inventory can make
way for new inventory.
- SERVICE. Our sales associates are expected to personify our brand image
through their attitude, enthusiasm and awareness of current fashion
trends. See "-- Sales Associates."
- SELECTION. We offer a wide range of apparel for our target customer
group, as well as a broad assortment of non-apparel items, including
related accessories, personal care products under our "GirlCare" line and
lifestyle products, such as furnishings for our target customer's room.
See "-- Merchandising -- Product Mix."
- QUALITY. Because we target fashion-aware customers, quality is important
to us. Currently, we believe that we source our merchandise from reliable
suppliers and we require our suppliers to test our products to ensure
that they comply with federal and state standards and regulations.
- DISTRIBUTION CHANNELS. Our exciting stores located throughout the United
States are our premiere distribution channel for our merchandise. See
"-- Our Stores -- Existing Store Environment" and "-- Properties." As
part of our growth strategy, we intend to launch a catalog and a website
as new distribution channels for our products. See "-- Our Stores -- New
Distribution Channels."
We believe that we have significant competitive advantages because of high
consumer recognition, acceptance of our brand name, our strong presence in the
major shopping malls in the United States, our history with The Limited and the
experience of our management team and sales associates. Most of our competitors
provide clothing to both boys and girls. We believe that among single-gender
retailers, we are the only specialty retailer to specifically target girls
approximately 7 to 14 years of age. This unique aspect of our retail strategy
contributes to our "just for her" brand image. However, some of our competitors
have greater financial, marketing and other resources available to them. We
cannot assure you that we will be able to compete successfully with them in the
future, particularly in distribution channels in which we have less experience,
such as catalogs and the Internet. See "Risk Factors -- Relating to Our
Business -- Our Expansion into Catalog and Internet Distribution Channels May
Not Be Successful."
PROPERTIES
Our main offices are located in Columbus, Ohio. These headquarters are
owned by Distribution Land Corp., a wholly owned subsidiary of The Limited, and
leased to us. See "Relationship Between Too, Inc. and The
Limited -- Transitional Services and Separation Agreements -- Amendment to
Building Lease Agreement." We believe that our facilities are well maintained,
in good operating condition and adequate for our current needs.
As of May 1, 1999, we operated 321 stores, which are located primarily in
shopping malls throughout the United States. Of these stores, 194 were leased
directly from third parties -- principally shopping mall developers -- and 127
are governed by leases where the tenant is The Limited or an affiliate of The
Limited, other than us. See "Relationship Between Too, Inc. and The
Limited -- Transitional Services and Separation Agreements -- Store Leases
Agreement." We believe that as approximately 98% of our stores are located in
shopping malls, there are growth opportunities for expansion to free-standing
locations.
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<PAGE> 77
Leases with third parties are typically between 10 and 15 years in
duration. In most cases, the business unit pays an annual base rent plus a
contingent rent based on the store's annual sales in excess of pre-established
performance milestones. Leases with The Limited or an affiliate of The Limited,
other than us, are on terms that represent the proportionate share of the base
rent payable in accordance with the underlying lease plus the portion of any
contingent rent payable in accordance with the underlying lease attributable to
our performance.
Some of the leases that we enter into are guaranteed by The Limited. See
"Risk Factors -- We May Not Be Able to Obtain Suitable Real Estate to Implement
Our Growth Strategy" and "Relationship Between Too, Inc. and The
Limited -- Transitional Services and Separation Agreements -- Store Leases
Agreement."
The map below provides the number of stores by state that we operate in the
continental United States as of May 1, 1999:
[Number of Stores Per State/U.S. Map Graphic]
ENVIRONMENTAL MATTERS
Various federal, state and local environmental protection and health and
safety laws and regulations govern our activities, including the manufacture and
transportation of our products and the disposal of waste. We also could be held
responsible as owners or operators of real property for all of the costs
relating to any contamination at our past or present facilities. These laws
often impose liability even if the owner or operator did not know of, or was not
responsible for, the contamination.
Based on our present knowledge and current laws and regulations, we do not
believe that environmental matters are likely to have a material adverse effect
on our business, assets or financial condition. However, if we become aware of
additional facts or if the laws change, environmental matters could become
material to us.
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LITIGATION
We are a defendant in lawsuits arising in the ordinary course of business.
On November 13, 1997, the United States District Court for the Southern
District of Ohio, Eastern Division, dismissed with prejudice an amended
complaint that had been filed against The Limited and some of its subsidiaries,
including us, by the American Textile Manufacturers Institute ("ATMI"), a
textile industry trade association. The amended complaint alleged that the
defendants violated the federal False Claims Act by submitting false country of
origin records to the U.S. Customs Service. On November 26, 1997, ATMI served a
motion to alter or amend judgment and a motion to disqualify the presiding judge
and to vacate the order of dismissal. The motion to disqualify was denied on
December 22, 1997, but as a matter of his personal discretion, the presiding
judge elected to recuse himself from further proceedings and this matter was
transferred to a judge of the United States District Court for the Southern
District of Ohio, Western Division. On May 21, 1998, this judge denied all
pending motions seeking to alter, amend or vacate the judgment that had been
entered in favor of The Limited. On June 5, 1998, ATMI appealed to the United
States Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit, where the matter remains pending.
Although it is not possible to predict with certainty the eventual outcome
of any litigation, in the opinion of management, the foregoing proceeding is not
expected to have a material adverse effect on our financial position or results
of operations.
EMPLOYEES
As of May 1, 1999, we had approximately 5,900 employees, of whom
approximately 1,350 were employed full-time and 4,550 were part-time employees.
We also hire temporary employees during the peak "back to school" and holiday
seasons. We believe that we have good relationships with our employees.
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<PAGE> 79
MANAGEMENT
The following table provides material information concerning our board of
directors and our executive officers who will be serving or in office as of the
date of the spin-off.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
NAME AGE POSITION
- ---- --- --------
<S> <C> <C>
Michael W. Rayden.................... 50 Chairperson of the Board of Directors, President and
Chief Executive Officer and Director
Sally A. Boyer....................... 38 Vice President -- Merchandising Operations
Kent A. Kleeberger................... 47 Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
Kathleen C. Maurer................... 39 Vice President -- Human Resources
James C. Petty....................... 40 Vice President -- Stores
Nancy Jean Kramer.................... 43 Director
David A. Krinsky..................... 50 Director
James U. McNeal...................... 67 Director
Kenneth James Strottman.............. 50 Director
</TABLE>
Michael W. Rayden. Mr. Rayden has served as our President and Chief
Executive Officer since March 1996. For the past 28 years, Mr. Rayden's career
has been focused on the retail industry. Before joining us, he served as the
President, Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board of Pacific Sunwear
of California, Inc. from 1990 to 1996, the President and Chief Executive Officer
of The Stride Rite Corporation from 1987 to 1989 and the President and Chief
Executive Officer of Eddie Bauer Inc. from 1984 to 1987. In connection with the
spin-off, Mr. Rayden will be elected the chairperson of our board.
Sally A. Boyer. Ms. Boyer has served as our Vice
President -- Merchandising Operations since May 1998. Ms. Boyer previously held
various positions with us and The Limited, including as our Vice
President -- Planning and Distribution from 1995 to 1998. Before joining The
Limited in 1991, she served as a Financial Consultant for Andersen Consulting
from 1990 to 1991, a Merchandise Planner for The Limited from 1989 to 1990 and
Merchandise Controller of Youthland, Inc. from 1984 to 1989.
Kent A. Kleeberger. Mr. Kleeberger joined us as Vice President and Chief
Financial Officer in March 1998 after a 10-year career with The Limited,
including Victoria's Secret Catalogue. From 1995 to 1998, Mr. Kleeberger served
as Corporate Controller of The Limited. Before that, he was Vice President and
Controller of Victoria's Secret Catalogue after having worked there for
approximately four years. Before joining The Limited in 1988, he held various
positions, including Senior Manager, Audit, with Peat Marwick during his 13-year
tenure.
Kathleen C. Maurer. Ms. Maurer has served as our Vice President -- Human
Resources since April 1996 after serving 13 years in the human resources sector
of the retail apparel industry. Before her current position with us, Ms. Maurer
was the Vice President -- Human Resources of Structure from 1991 to 1996, a
Director of Human Resources of Express from 1985 to 1991 and a Personnel
Administrator of The Limited from 1984 to 1985.
James C. Petty. Mr. Petty has served as our Vice President -- Stores since
June 1997. Mr. Petty previously held various positions involving store
management and operations with Old Navy Inc., Banana Republic, Inc. and The Gap,
Inc. during his 13-year tenure with The Gap and its subsidiaries, including Vice
President -- Store Operations of Old Navy from 1994 to 1997 and Vice
President -- Store Operations of Banana Republic from 1991 to 1994.
Nancy Jean Kramer. Ms. Kramer has been the President and Chief Executive
Officer of Resource Marketing, Inc. since 1981. Resource Marketing, Inc. was
founded by Ms. Kramer and specializes in integrated marketing solutions for high
technology clients.
David A. Krinsky. Mr. Krinsky is a member of the firm of O'Melveny & Myers
LLP in Newport Beach, California. Before joining that firm as a partner in 1994,
he was a partner at the law firm of Pettis, Tester, Kruse & Krinsky. He
practices as a business and securities lawyer.
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James U. McNeal. Dr. McNeal has been Professor of Marketing at Texas A&M
University since 1967. Dr. McNeal established the Department of Marketing and
was head of this department from 1967 to 1975. Dr. McNeal is a frequent
consultant to public companies and the federal government. Since 1976, he has
been a marketing consultant specializing in marketing to children as consumers.
Kenneth James Strottman. Mr. Strottman is the founder, President and Chief
Executive Officer of Strottman International, Inc., a marketing agency
specializing in developing promotional programs targeting children and families.
Before founding his firm in 1983, Mr. Strottmann served as Vice President,
Marketing, at Mattel, Inc.
Before the spin-off, we will amend our certificate of incorporation to
provide for a classified board consisting of a total of five directors. Members
of our board will be divided into three classes and will serve staggered
three-year terms. The term of office of our first class of directors will expire
at the 2000 annual meeting of shareholders (expected to occur in the second
quarter of 2000). The term of office of our second class of directors will
expire at the 2001 annual meeting of shareholders. The term of office of our
third class of directors will expire at the 2002 annual meeting of shareholders.
Our board will have an audit committee, consisting entirely of independent
directors, which will review the results and scope of the audit and other
services provided by our independent accountants. In addition, our board will
have a compensation committee, comprised of two or more members of our board who
qualify as "outside directors" within the meaning of Section 162(m) of the
Internal Revenue Code and "non-employee directors" within the meaning of Rule
16b-3(b)(3)(i) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. The compensation
committee will determine the compensation, including salaries, bonuses,
restricted stock and option grants, for our executive officers.
COMPENSATION OF DIRECTORS
Directors who are not associates of Too, Inc. will receive an annual
retainer of $10,000 per year (increased by $1,500 for each committee chair
held), plus a fee of $1,000 for each board meeting attended ($400 for a
telephonic meeting). As committee members, they will also receive $600 per
committee meeting attended ($200 for a telephonic meeting). Each action in
writing that our board or any committee of our board takes entitles each
director on the board or the committee to be paid $200. Associates and officers
who are directors receive no additional compensation for services rendered as
directors. Under the Too, Inc. 1999 Non-Associate Director Stock Plan, each
director who is not an associate of Too, Inc. will:
- receive an initial grant to purchase of 5,000 shares of our common stock
- receive annual grants of options to purchase 1,000 shares of our common
stock at a price equal to the fair market value of the shares at the
grant date
- be paid 50% of the annual retainer in shares of Too, Inc.'s common stock
EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENTS WITH EXECUTIVE OFFICERS
We expect to enter into an employment agreement with Mr. Rayden shortly
after the spin-off. We anticipate that Mr. Rayden's agreement will have an
initial multi-year term and will be renewable automatically for one year every
year after the initial term, unless either party gives written notice to the
contrary. We also anticipate that Mr. Rayden's agreement will provide for:
- an initial base salary comparable to his current salary
- a grant of an option to purchase shares of our common stock
- a grant of performance-based awards of restricted shares of our common
stock
- participation in our Incentive Compensation Performance Plan and our
Stock Option and Performance Incentive Plan, as determined by our board
(for a discussion of these plans, see "Executive Compensation")
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<PAGE> 81
- additional life insurance coverage
- additional disability benefits
- severance benefits under specified circumstances
- non-solicitation and non-competition covenants
We also anticipate that after the spin-off, we will enter into employment
agreements, which could include non-compete covenants, with some of our other
named executive officers.
TRANSACTIONS WITH MANAGEMENT
During its fiscal year ended June 30, 1998, a division of Strottman
International, Inc. purchased approximately $456,000 of lifestyle products from
us in an arm's length transaction. The president and chief executive officer of
Strottman International is Kenneth James Strottman. Mr. Strottman will be
serving as one of our directors as of the date of the spin-off.
SHARES ELIGIBLE FOR FUTURE SALE
Shares of our common stock that you will receive in the spin-off will be
freely transferable, except if you can be considered an "affiliate" of us under
Rule 144 under the Securities Act of 1933. Persons who can be considered our
affiliates after the spin-off generally include individuals or entities that
directly, or indirectly through one or more intermediaries, control, are
controlled by, or are under common control with, us. Our affiliates may only
sell common stock received in the spin-off pursuant to an effective registration
statement under the Securities Act of 1933 or pursuant to an exemption from
registration under the Securities Act of 1933, such as the exemption afforded by
Rule 144.
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EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
SUMMARY
The following table presents specific information regarding the
compensation that The Limited has paid for the period indicated to:
- Michael W. Rayden, our Chairperson of the Board of Directors, President
and Chief Executive Officer
- Sally A. Boyer, our Vice President -- Merchandising Operations
- Kent A. Kleeberger, our Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
- Kathleen C. Maurer, our Vice President -- Human Resources
- James C. Petty, our Vice President -- Stores
who have become our executive officers. Before the named individuals became our
executive officers, they were associates of The Limited. The named executive
officers will not continue their employment with The Limited after the spin-off.
After the spin-off, we anticipate that we will make future awards of options to
purchase our common stock and restricted shares of our common stock to a number
of our executive officers, including the named executive officers under the Too,
Inc. 1999 Stock Option and Performance Incentive Plan described below. The
Limited paid the compensation stated below to these individuals because of their
employment with The Limited.
The principal components of each named executive officer's cash
compensation from The Limited have been:
- the annual base salary
- a bonus
as shown in the "Summary Compensation Table." The bonus amounts represent
amounts that the compensation committee of The Limited's board approved for each
named individual based on the performance of The Limited and us during 1998. The
long-term compensation shown in the "Summary Compensation Table" was provided
under The Limited, Inc. 1993 Stock Option and Performance Incentive Plan (as
amended and restated from time to time, "The Limited's Stock Plan"), which
provides for various types of awards such as options to acquire common stock of
The Limited and restricted common stock of The Limited. The Limited will be
responsible for payments relating to equity-based awards relating to The
Limited's common stock that it granted before the spin-off. We will pay all of
the other compensation to be paid to our named executive officers after the
spin-off.
Immediately after the spin-off, the annual base salaries and annual bonus
opportunities of the named executive officers will be at the levels as was
determined by The Limited's compensation committee. Subsequently, the annual
base salary and the annual bonus opportunity of the named executive officers
will be determined by our compensation committee. We anticipate that the base
salary that we pay to the named executive officers and to all other executive
officers will initially be generally comparable to present levels of base salary
received from The Limited, subject to such adjustments as may be determined in
the normal course of business.
In addition, in connection with the spin-off, we anticipate that we will
adopt a number of compensation plans. Under the Too, Inc. 1999 Non-Associate
Director Stock Plan described below, on the date of initial election to our
board, we will grant each of our non-associate directors an option to purchase
5,000 shares of our common stock. On the day of each annual meeting of
shareholders beginning after the spin-off, we will also grant each of our
non-associate directors an option to purchase 1,000 shares of our common stock.
Under the Too, Inc. 1999 Incentive Compensation Performance Plan described
below, our named executive officers and other eligible associates will be
eligible to receive cash bonuses based on attainment by us of specified
performance goals.
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<PAGE> 83
All of the named executive officers will be eligible to participate in our
Stock Option and Performance Incentive Plan and our Incentive Compensation
Performance Plan, under which we anticipate granting incentive compensation
awards after the spin-off.
We also expect that in connection with the spin-off, options related to The
Limited's common stock and restricted shares of its common stock held by
employees of The Limited and vested options on The Limited's common stock held
by Too, Inc. employees will be equitably adjusted to reflect the spin-off. These
equitable adjustments may involve:
- adjustments of the exercise price and number of shares subject to the
options, or
- conversion into options to purchase our common stock, or
- a combination of both
We further anticipate that, generally, unvested options on The Limited's
common stock and restricted shares of The Limited held by Too, Inc. employees
will be equitably converted into options and restricted shares of Too, Inc.
The following table presents specific information regarding the
compensation that The Limited has paid for the period indicated to all of the
persons listed below who have become our executive officers.
LONG-TERM INCENTIVE PLANS -- AWARDS IN FISCAL 1998
No awards were granted in respect of fiscal 1998 to the named executive
officers, other than the restricted stock performance awards granted in shares
of The Limited's common stock to our named executive officers, as disclosed in
the "Summary Compensation Table."
SUMMARY COMPENSATION TABLE
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
ANNUAL COMPENSATION LONG-TERM COMPENSATION AWARDS
-------------------------------------------------- ---------------------------------------------
OTHER RESTRICTED SECURITIES ALL
ANNUAL STOCK UNDERLYING OTHER
NAME AND PRINCIPAL FISCAL YEAR BONUS COMPENSATION AWARDS OPTIONS AWARDED COMPENSATION
POSITION (1) SALARY ($)(2) ($)(3) ($)(4) (#)(5) ($)(6)
- ------------------ ----------- -------- ---------- ------------ ------------ --------------- ------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Michael W. Rayden
Chairperson of the
Board of Directors,
President and Chief
Executive
Officer............ 1998 $669,231 $1,188,250 $12,383 $141,311 101,770 $189,819
Sally A. Boyer
Vice President --
Merchandising
Operations......... 1998 216,538 157,520 -- 122,615 5,088 43,993
Kent A. Kleeberger
Vice President and
Chief Financial
Officer............ 1998 237,308 171,840 -- 183,923 10,177 42,982
Kathleen C. Maurer
Vice President --
Human Resources.... 1998 193,846 139,620 -- 122,615 5,089 44,271
James C. Petty
Vice President --
Stores............. 1998 238,846 171,840 -- 183,923 5,089 14,940
</TABLE>
- ---------------
(1) Under rules promulgated by the SEC, since we were not a reporting company
during the three immediately preceding fiscal years, only the information
with respect to the most recent completed fiscal year is noted in the
"Summary Compensation Table."
(2) Represents for fiscal 1998 the aggregate of the performance-based incentive
compensation for the spring and fall selling seasons.
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<PAGE> 84
(3) Represents reimbursement of taxes on term life insurance premiums paid on
behalf of Mr. Rayden.
(4) Represents for each executive officer the restricted stock awards for fiscal
1998 under The Limited's Stock Plan. The information in the table is based
on the closing price of The Limited's common stock on the date that the
awards were made.
On June 1, 1998, 4,266 restricted shares of The Limited's Common Stock were
granted to Mr. Rayden. The per share value of The Limited's common stock on
this date was $33.125. This award was granted in connection with the May 1998
split-off of Abercrombie & Fitch. The vesting of this award is the same as
the vesting of the previously granted restricted stock awards to which this
adjustment grant relates.
On February 1, 1999, 3,580, 5,370, 3,580 and 5,370 restricted shares of The
Limited's common stock were granted to Ms. Boyer, Mr. Kleeberger, Ms. Maurer
and Mr. Petty, respectively, based on business performance for fiscal 1998.
The per share value of The Limited's common stock on this date was $34.25.
These awards vest 10% on the grant date and 20%, 30% and 40% on the first
through third anniversaries of the grant date, in each case, subject to
continued employment with The Limited.
Dividends will not be paid or accrue with respect to shares of restricted
stock until such shares vest.
As of January 30, 1999, the aggregate restricted stock holdings and the value
of such holdings for each of the named executive officers were: Mr. Rayden,
245,286 shares, $8,370,385; Ms. Boyer, 9,017 shares, $307,705; Mr.
Kleeberger, 7,826 shares, $267,062; Ms. Maurer, 9,017 shares, $307,705; and
Mr. Petty,10,770 shares, $367,526 (based on the $34.125 fair market value of
a share of The Limited's common stock as of Friday, January 29, 1999).
(5) Options have been adjusted to reflect the May 1998 split-off of Abercrombie
& Fitch.
(6) Includes employer matching and supplemental contributions allocated to each
executive officer's account under qualified and non-qualified defined
contribution plans maintained by The Limited during the 1998 calendar year
in the amount of $176,294, $40,840, $41,558 and $41,118 and $11,808, for Mr.
Rayden, Ms. Boyer, Mr. Kleeberger, Ms. Maurer and Mr. Petty, respectively.
We anticipate that after the spin-off, the named executive officers will
continue to participate in similar plans that we will adopt.
Includes term life insurance premiums in the amount of $13,525 paid on behalf
of Mr. Rayden.
Includes one-time cash payments related to the May 1998 split-off of
Abercrombie & Fitch. The payments are in the amount of $3,153, $1,424, $3,153
and $3,132 to Ms. Boyer, Mr. Kleeberger, Ms. Maurer and Mr. Petty,
respectively.
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STOCK OPTIONS
The following table provides material information regarding options to
acquire The Limited's common stock that The Limited granted to the named
executive officers during The Limited's 1998 fiscal year.
OPTION GRANTS IN 1998 FISCAL YEAR(1)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
POTENTIAL REALIZABLE
VALUE AT ASSUMED
INDIVIDUAL GRANTS ANNUAL RATES OF
------------------------------------------------------------------ STOCK PRICE
SECURITIES PERCENTAGE OF TOTAL APPRECIATION FOR OPTION
UNDERLYING OPTIONS GRANTED TO TERM(3)
OPTIONS ASSOCIATES IN EXERCISE PRICE EXPIRATION -----------------------
NAME GRANTED(#)(2) FISCAL YEAR PER SHARE($) DATE 5%($) 10%($)
- ---- ------------- ------------------- -------------- ---------- ---------- ----------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Michael W. Rayden............ 101,770 2.41% $26.6532 02/02/08 $1,784,086 $4,447,559
Sally A. Boyer............... 5,088 0.12% 26.6532 02/02/08 89,196 222,356
Kent A. Kleeberger........... 7,633 0.18% 26.6532 02/02/08 133,811 333,578
2,544 0.06% 27.9429 03/23/08 46,756 116,558
Kathleen C. Maurer........... 5,089 0.12% 26.6532 02/02/08 89,213 222,400
James C. Petty............... 5,089 0.12% 26.6532 02/02/08 89,213 222,400
</TABLE>
- ---------------
(1) All options granted relate to shares of The Limited's common stock.
(2) On February 2, 1998, options were granted to Mr. Rayden, Ms. Boyer, Mr.
Kleeberger, Ms. Maurer and Mr. Petty pursuant to The Limited's Stock Plan.
The options granted to Mr. Rayden vest 10%, 10%, 10%, 15%, 20% and 35% on
the first through sixth anniversaries of the grant date, respectively,
subject to continued employment with The Limited. The options granted to Ms.
Boyer, Mr. Kleeberger, Ms. Maurer and Mr. Petty become exercisable in four
equal annual installments commencing on the first anniversary of the grant
date, in each case, subject to the holder's continued employment with The
Limited.
On March 23, 1998, options were granted to Mr. Kleeberger pursuant to The
Limited's Stock Plan. These options become exercisable in four equal annual
installments commencing on the first anniversary of the grant date, subject
to continued employment with The Limited.
Options have been adjusted to reflect the May 1998 split-off of Abercrombie &
Fitch.
(3) The assumed rates of growth were selected by the SEC for illustrative
purposes only and are not intended to predict or forecast future stock
prices.
The following table provides information relating to the number and value
of shares of The Limited's common stock subject to options held by the named
executive officers as of January 30, 1999.
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<PAGE> 86
AGGREGATED OPTION EXERCISES IN 1998 FISCAL YEAR
AND FISCAL YEAR-END OPTION VALUES
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
NUMBER OF SECURITIES
UNDERLYING UNEXERCISED VALUE OF UNEXERCISED
OPTIONS AT FISCAL IN-THE-MONEY OPTIONS AT
SHARES YEAR-END(#) FISCAL YEAR-END($)(2)
ACQUIRED ON VALUE REALIZED ---------------------------- ----------------------------
NAME EXERCISE (#) ($)(1) EXERCISABLE UNEXERCISABLE EXERCISABLE UNEXERCISABLE
- ---- ------------ -------------- ----------- ------------- ----------- -------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Michael W. Rayden..... -- -- 36,636 382,656 $552,725 $4,968,111
Sally A. Boyer........ -- -- 13,484 12,977 226,774 175,198
Kent A. Kleeberger.... 18,000 $152,426 13,610 20,482 218,089 247,061
Kathleen C. Maurer.... -- -- 17,809 12,214 260,845 162,490
James C. Petty........ -- -- 2,544 12,722 36,194 146,620
</TABLE>
- ---------------
(1) Calculated on the basis of the number of shares exercised, multiplied by the
excess of the fair market value of a share of The Limited's common stock on
the date of exercise over the exercise price of such option.
(2) Value is calculated on the basis of the number of shares of The Limited's
common stock subject to each such option multiplied by the excess of the
$34.125 fair market value of a share of The Limited's common stock at fiscal
year-end over the exercise price of such option.
Options have been adjusted to reflect the split-off of Abercrombie & Fitch
in May 1998.
TOO, INC. 1999 INCENTIVE COMPENSATION PERFORMANCE PLAN
We anticipate that before the spin-off occurs, our board will adopt, and
The Limited, as our sole shareholder, will approve, effective on the completion
of the spin-off, the Too, Inc. 1999 Incentive Compensation Performance Plan.
This section of the information statement summarizes the material provisions of
the plan. You should also read the Incentive Compensation Performance Plan,
which we have filed as an exhibit to the Form 10 of which this information
statement forms a part.
This plan is intended to satisfy the applicable provisions of Section
162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code. Our compensation committee will select
those key executives of our company with significant operating and financial
responsibility and who are likely to be "covered employees" within the meaning
of Section 162(m) for the relevant fiscal year to be eligible to receive
seasonal or annual incentive compensation payments under the plan.
Before the beginning of each spring and fall selling season, our
compensation committee may establish our performance goals. The performance
goals that our compensation committee selects will be based on one or more of
the following:
- price of our common stock or the stock of any affiliate
- shareholder return
- return on equity
- return on investment
- sales productivity
- comparable store sales growth
- economic profit
- net income growth
- market share
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These factors will have a minimum performance standard below which, and a
maximum performance standard above which, no payments will be made. Our
compensation committee may base our performance goals on an analysis of
historical performance and growth expectations for the business, financial
results of other comparable businesses and progress towards achieving the
long-range strategic plan for our business. These objectives and determination
of results are based entirely on financial measures, and discretion may not be
used to modify award results. Our compensation committee may not use any
discretion to modify results except as permitted under Section 162(m) of the
Internal Revenue Code.
Annual incentive compensation targets established for eligible executives
will range from 10% to 150% of base salary. Incentive compensation targets would
equal a percentage of an eligible executive's total compensation as established
by the pay guidelines. Executives earn their target incentive compensation if
the business achieves the established performance goals. The target incentive
compensation percentage for each executive is based on the following:
- the level of the officer's position
- the functional responsibility of the officer's position
- competitive practices
in that order of priority. For the named executive officers, annual incentive
compensation targets can range from 30% to 150% of base salary. Incentive
compensation paid to executives can range from zero to double their targets,
based upon the extent to which performance goals are achieved. Except as
permitted by Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code, the minimum level at
which an executive would earn any incentive payment, and the level at which an
executive would earn the maximum incentive payment of double the target, are
established by our compensation committee before the commencement of each bonus
period. Actual payouts must be based on a preestablished interpolation based on
these minimum and maximum levels and the performance goals.
The maximum dollar amount to be paid for any year under our Incentive
Compensation Performance Plan to each participant may not exceed $3,000,000.
TOO, INC. 1999 STOCK OPTION AND PERFORMANCE INCENTIVE PLAN
We anticipate that before the spin-off occurs, our board will adopt, and
The Limited, as our sole shareholder, will approve, effective on the completion
of the spin-off, the Too, Inc. 1999 Stock Option and Performance Incentive Plan.
This section of the information statement summarizes the material provisions of
the plan. You should also read our Stock Option and Performance Incentive Plan,
which we have filed as an exhibit to the Form 10 of which this information
statement forms a part.
PURPOSE OF PLAN
The purpose of our Stock Option and Performance Incentive Plan is to
attract and retain the best available executive and key management associates
for us and our subsidiaries and to encourage the highest level of performance by
those associates, thereby enhancing our value for the benefit of our
shareholders. The plan is also intended to motivate executive and key management
associates to contribute to our future growth and profitability and to reward
their performance in a manner that provides them with a means to increase their
holdings of our common stock and aligns their interests with the interests of
our shareholders.
ADMINISTRATION OF PLAN
Our Stock Option and Performance Incentive Plan will be administered by our
compensation committee. Our compensation committee will have the power, in its
discretion, to grant awards under the plan, to determine the terms of these
awards, to interpret the provisions of the plan and to take any action that it
deems necessary or advisable for the administration of the plan.
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ELIGIBILITY AND PARTICIPATION
Eligibility to participate in our Stock Option and Performance Incentive
Plan is limited to our executive and key management associates and those of our
subsidiaries. Participation in the plan is at the discretion of our compensation
committee and will be based upon the associate's present and potential
contributions to our success and such other factors as our compensation
committee deems relevant. No associate may be granted in any calendar year
awards covering more than 1,100,000 shares of our common stock.
TYPE OF AWARDS UNDER OUR STOCK OPTION AND PERFORMANCE INCENTIVE PLAN
The Stock Option and Performance Incentive Plan provides that our
compensation committee may grant awards to eligible associates in any of the
following forms, subject to such terms, conditions and provisions as our
compensation committee may determine to be necessary or desirable:
- incentive stock options
- nonstatutory stock options
- stock appreciation rights
- restricted shares of our common stock
- performance shares
- performance units
- unrestricted shares of our common stock
- tax reimbursement payments
NUMBER OF AUTHORIZED SHARES
We have authorized a maximum of shares of our common stock for
our associates and those of our subsidiaries under the Stock Option and
Performance Incentive Plan during the term of the plan. Corresponding tax
reimbursement payments also may be awarded at the discretion of our compensation
committee. Our compensation committee may adjust the number and class of shares
available under the plan and/or subject to outstanding awards to prevent
dilution or enlargement of rights in the event of various changes in our
capitalization.
TERM OF OUR STOCK OPTION AND PERFORMANCE INCENTIVE PLAN
Unless earlier terminated by our board, our Stock Option and Performance
Incentive Plan will terminate on the tenth anniversary of the earlier of the
adoption of the plan by our board or the date of the spin-off.
AMENDMENT AND TERMINATION
Our board may suspend, terminate, modify or amend our Stock Option and
Performance Incentive Plan at any time. Any material increase in the maximum
number of shares that may be issued under the plan or any repricing of
outstanding options, other than antidilution or equitable adjustments, must be
approved by our shareholders.
TOO, INC. 1999 STOCK PLAN FOR NON-ASSOCIATE DIRECTORS
We anticipate that, before the spin-off occurs, our board will adopt and
The Limited, as our sole shareholder, will approve, effective on the completion
of the spin-off, the Too, Inc. 1999 Stock Plan for Non-Associate Directors. This
section of the information statement summarizes the material provisions of the
plan. You should also read the Non-Associate Director Stock Plan, which we have
filed as an exhibit to the Form 10 of which this information statement forms a
part.
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PURPOSE OF PLAN AND ADMINISTRATION
The purpose of the Non-Associate Director Stock Plan is to promote our
interests and those of our shareholders by increasing the proprietary interest
of non-associate directors in our growth and performance.
Our board will administer the Non-Associate Director Stock Plan. Subject to
the provisions of the plan, our board will be authorized to interpret the plan,
to establish, amend and rescind any rules and regulations relating to it and to
make all other determinations necessary or advisable for its administration.
However, our board will have no discretion with respect to the selection of
directors to receive options, the number of shares of our common stock subject
to any such options, the purchase price of these options or the timing or term
of grants of options. The determinations of our board in the administration of
the plan will be final and conclusive.
ELIGIBILITY
The Non-Associate Director Stock Plan provides for awards of nonqualified
options to our directors who are not associates of us or our affiliates
("Eligible Directors").
TYPES OF AWARDS
Under the Non-Associate Director Stock Plan, on the date of initial
election to our board, each Eligible Director will be granted an option to
purchase 5,000 shares of our common stock with a fair market value exercise
price. Subsequently, on the day of each annual meeting of our shareholders
beginning after the spin-off, each Eligible Director will be granted an option
to purchase 1,000 shares of our common stock as of the day of the annual meeting
at a per share exercise price equal to the fair market value of a share of our
common stock on that date. Each option will:
- vest in annual 25% increments beginning on the first anniversary of the
grant date
- expire on the earlier of the tenth anniversary of the grant date or one
year from the date on which the optionee ceases to be an Eligible
Director
The exercise price of options must be satisfied in cash.
In addition, the Non-Associate Director Stock Plan provides that each
Eligible Director may receive 50% of his or her annual retainer in unrestricted
shares of our common stock in quarterly installments, valued as of the last
business day of each fiscal quarter beginning after the date of the spin-off.
NUMBER OF AUTHORIZED SHARES
We have authorized a maximum of 50,000 shares of our common stock to grant
options and to award shares of our common stock instead of giving an Eligible
Director 50% of his or her annual retainer under the Non-Associate Director
Stock Plan. Shares of our common stock subject to options that are forfeited,
terminated or canceled will again be available for awards. The shares of our
common stock to be delivered under the plan will be made available from the
authorized but unissued shares of our common stock or from treasury shares. The
number and class of shares available under the plan and/or subject to
outstanding options may be adjusted by our board to prevent dilution or
enlargement of rights in the event of various changes in our capitalization.
TRANSFERABILITY
The options granted under the Non-Associate Director Stock Plan may not be
assigned or transferred, except by will or the laws of descent and distribution
or pursuant to a qualified domestic relations order.
Shares issued in payment of the annual retainer are transferable.
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TERM OF PLAN
Our board may not grant any shares under the Non-Associate Director Stock
Plan after the tenth annual meeting of our shareholders after the date of the
spin-off.
AMENDMENTS
Our board may amend the Non-Associate Director Stock Plan as it deems
advisable or to conform to any change in any law or regulation applicable to the
plan subject, to the extent deemed necessary or desirable to comply with
applicable law, to the approval of our shareholders.
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SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF THE LIMITED AND TOO, INC.
The Limited beneficially and of record holds, and will hold before the
spin-off, all of the outstanding shares of our common stock. Below, you will
find a table with information as of February 28, 1999 providing the number of
shares of The Limited's common stock beneficially owned by:
- each of our directors and nominees as directors
- each of our named executive officers
- all of our directors and named executive officers as a group
To our knowledge, other than as disclosed below, there are no persons or
entities that own more than 5% of the outstanding common stock of The Limited.
The table also provides the number of shares of our common stock, rounded
to the nearest whole share, that each such person or entity would own
immediately after the spin-off on a pro forma basis. To our knowledge, unless we
state otherwise, each person or entity has sole voting and investment power with
respect to the shares set forth opposite the person's name.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
THE LIMITED TOO, INC. PRO FORMA
------------------------------- ---------------------------
NUMBER OF NUMBER OF
SHARES PERCENT OF SHARES PERCENT OF
BENEFICIALLY OUTSTANDING BENEFICIALLY OUTSTANDING
BENEFICIAL OWNER OWNED(1) SHARES OWNED SHARES
---------------- ------------ ----------- ------------ -----------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
The Limited's Directors and Named Executive
Officers(2)
Leslie H. Wexner............................. 58,625,235(3)(4)(5) 25.8% 8,375,033 25.8%
Kenneth B. Gilman............................ 449,302(3)(6) * 64,186 *
Martin Trust................................. 2,505,229(3)(6) * 357,889 *
Arnold F. Kanarick........................... 166,594(3) * 23,799 *
V. Ann Hailey................................ 34,914 * 4,987 *
Eugene M. Freedman........................... 6,430 * 918 *
E. Gordon Gee................................ 3,492 * 498 *
David T. Kollat.............................. 202,492 * 28,927 *
Claudine B. Malone........................... 4,517 * 645 *
Leonard A. Schlesinger....................... 3,492 * 498 *
Donald B. Shackelford........................ 72,430(6) * 10,347 *
Allan R. Tessler............................. 22,694(6) * 3,242 *
Abigail S. Wexner............................ 1,009 * 144 *
Raymond Zimmerman............................ 8,692(7) * 1,241 *
All Directors and Named Executive Officers of
The Limited as a Group (14 persons).......... 62,106,522(3)(8) 27.2 8,872,354 27.2
Too, Inc.'s Directors and Named Executive
Officers(9)
Michael W. Rayden............................ 70,995 * 10,142 *
Kent A. Kleeberger........................... 18,890 * 2,698 *
Sally A. Boyer............................... 22,136 * 3,162 *
Kathleen C. Maurer........................... 36,934(10) * 5,276 *
James C. Petty............................... 4,816 * 688 *
Nancy Jean Kramer............................ 310 * 44 *
David A. Krinsky............................. -- -- -- --
James U. McNeal.............................. -- -- -- --
Kenneth James Strottman...................... -- -- -- --
All Directors and Officers of Too, Inc. as a
Group (9 persons)............................ 154,081 * 22,010 *
</TABLE>
- ---------------
(*) Less than 1%.
(1) Of the shares of stock shown as beneficially owned, the following shares
are not currently owned but are subject to options which were outstanding
on February 28, 1999 and were exercisable within 60 days after that: Mr.
Wexner, 437,610; Mr. Gilman, 253,981; Mr. Trust, 165,884; Mr. Kanarick,
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127,210; Ms. Hailey, 26,714; Mr. Freedman, 1,271; Dr. Gee, 1,272; Mr.
Kollat, 1,272; Ms. Malone, 1,272; Dr. Schlesinger, 1,272; Mr. Shackelford,
1,272; Mr. Tessler, 1,272; Ms. Wexner, 254; Mr. Zimmerman, 1,272; Mr.
Rayden, 49,866; Ms. Boyer, 19,081; Mr. Kleeberger, 17,378; Ms. Maurer,
22,516; and Mr. Petty, 3,816. The foregoing information does not reflect
any adjustments to the options to be made as a result of the spin-off.
(2) The address of each director and named executive officer of The Limited is
c/o The Limited, Inc., Three Limited Parkway, Columbus, Ohio 43230.
(3) Includes the following number of shares held as of February 28, 1999 in an
employee benefit plan under which the participant has the power to dispose
or withdraw shares: Mr. Wexner, 539,436; Mr. Gilman, 34,270; Mr. Kanarick,
422; Mr. Trust, 29,077; and all directors and named executive officers of
The Limited as a group, 603,205. Also includes the following number of
shares held as of February 28, 1999 in an employment benefit plan under
which the participant has the power to dispose or withdraw shares: Mr.
Kleeberger, 282; Ms. Maurer, 2,708; and all directors and named executive
officers of Too, Inc. as a group, 3,090.
(4) Includes 350,000 shares held by Health and Science Interests II, 883,317
shares held by the Wexner Foundation, 81,081 shares held by the Harry,
Hannah & David Wexner Trust, 5,000,000 shares held by the Harry, Hannah,
David & Sarah Wexner Trust and 18,750,000 shares held by The Wexner
Children's Trust. Mr. Wexner disclaims beneficial ownership of the shares
held by Health and Science Interests II and the Wexner Foundation. Mr.
Wexner shares investment and voting power with others with respect to
shares held by the Wexner Foundation.
(5) On June 10, 1999, The Limited announced the final results of its modified
"Dutch Auction" tender offer. The Limited accepted for purchase 15 million
shares of its outstanding common stock. After this purchase, approximately
214 million shares of The Limited's common stock were outstanding.
On June 23, 1999, Mr. Wexner contributed 10,000,000 shares of The Limited's
common stock to ASW Investments, a trust organized under the laws of Ohio.
On that same date, ASW Investments contributed its 10,000,000 shares of The
Limited's common stock to ASW Holdings, Inc. ("ASW Holdings"), a Delaware
corporation, in consideration of the issuance to ASW Investments of all of
the outstanding shares of capital stock of ASW Holdings. The sole trustee
of ASW Investments is Abigail S. Wexner, Mr. Wexner's wife. The directors
and executive officers of ASW Holdings are Ms. Wexner and Jeffrey E.
Epstein.
On June 30, 1999, ASW Holdings transmitted a Form 144 for filing with the
SEC indicating its intention to sell a total of 4,600,000 shares of The
Limited's common stock. This amount includes 2,800,000 shares of The
Limited's common stock, which were sold on the New York Stock Exchange on
June 30, 1999.
As of July 1, 1999, Mr. Wexner and his related interests owned
approximately 26.0% of The Limited's outstanding common stock.
(6) Includes the following number of shares owned by family members, as to
which beneficial ownership is disclaimed: Mr. Gilman, 1,117; Mr.
Shackelford, 18,955; Mr. Tessler, 202; and Mr. Trust, 207,890.
(7) Includes 1,200 shares, which are Mr. Zimmerman's proportionate share of
3,600 shares owned by a corporation of which Mr. Zimmerman is president and
a 33% shareholder plus 2,000 shares held by a partnership which is 45%
owned by Mr. Zimmerman and 45% owned by his wife.
(8) Includes 1,461,481 shares, as to which beneficial ownership is disclaimed.
(9) The address of each director and named executive officer of Too, Inc. is
c/o Too, Inc., 3885 Morse Road, Columbus, Ohio 43219.
(10) Includes the following number of shares owned by family members, as to
which beneficial ownership is disclaimed: Ms. Maurer, 6,476.23.
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DESCRIPTION OF CAPITAL STOCK
GENERAL
Our authorized capital stock will consist of:
- 100 million shares of our common stock, par value $.01 per share
- 50 million shares of our preferred stock, of which no shares are
outstanding as of the date of this information statement
Below, you will find a summary of the material provisions of our certificate of
incorporation affecting the relative rights of our common and preferred stock.
You should also read our certificate of incorporation, which we have filed as an
exhibit to the Form 10 of which this information statement forms a part.
COMMON STOCK
VOTING RIGHTS
The holders of our common stock will be entitled to one vote per share on
all matters to be voted on by shareholders. Holders of our common stock will not
be entitled to cumulate their votes in the election of directors. Generally, all
matters on which shareholders will vote must be approved by a majority of the
votes entitled to be cast by all shares of common stock present in person or
represented by proxy, subject to any voting rights granted to holders of any
preferred stock. However, our certificate of incorporation includes some
supermajority requirements, including:
- a requirement that the holders of at least 75% of our outstanding common
stock must approve:
-- a merger or consolidation with persons or entities that beneficially
own at least 5% of our common stock
-- a sale of all or substantially all of our assets to those persons or
entities
-- other control transactions
unless, in each case, the proposed transaction is approved by a majority of the
directors who were in office immediately before the time when such ownership was
acquired, or by their approved successors
- a requirement that the vote of 75% of our outstanding voting shares is
required to remove a director for cause
- a requirement that only the holders of at least 75% of our outstanding
common stock may approve any amendment or repeal of our bylaws and
specified provisions of our certificate of incorporation
DIVIDENDS
We anticipate that future earnings will be used principally to support
operations and finance the growth of our business. Thus, we do not intend to pay
cash dividends on our common stock in the foreseeable future. Payment of
dividends will also be restricted by provisions in our credit facility. If our
lenders permit us to declare dividends, the dividend amounts, if any, will be
determined by our board. Our board will consider a number of factors, including
our financial condition, capital requirements, funds generated from operations,
future business prospects, applicable contractual restrictions and any other
factors our board may deem relevant.
OTHER RIGHTS
If we are liquidated, dissolved or wound up, we will pay the full amounts
required to be paid to holders of shares of any outstanding preferred stock
before we make any payments to holders of shares of our common stock. All
holders of shares of our common stock are entitled to share ratably in any
assets available for distribution to these holders, after all of our other
creditors have been satisfied.
No shares of our common stock may be redeemed. Holders of shares of our
common stock do not have any preemptive rights to purchase additional shares of
our common stock.
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Immediately after the spin-off, all of the outstanding shares of our common
stock will be validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable.
PREFERRED STOCK
We may issue preferred stock from time to time in one or more series and
with the terms of each series stated in our board's resolutions providing for
the designation and issue of that series. Our certificate of incorporation
authorizes our board to determine the dividend, voting, conversion, redemption
and liquidation preferences, rights, privileges and limitations pertaining to
each series of preferred stock that we issue. Without seeking any shareholder
approval, our board may issue preferred stock with voting and other rights that
could adversely affect the voting power of the holders of our common stock and
could have anti-takeover effects. Specifically, our certificate of incorporation
authorizes our board to adopt a rights plan with continuing director provisions,
which means that the rights plan may be redeemed only by:
- a majority of directors who were in office when the rights plan was
adopted
- their successors whose nomination is recommended or approved by a
majority of those directors
The ability of our board to adopt a rights plan to issue preferred stock without
shareholder approval could delay, defer or prevent a change in control of us or
the removal of existing management.
We do not have any shares of preferred stock outstanding as of the date of
this information statement.
TRANSFER AGENT
The transfer agent and registrar for our common stock is First Chicago
Trust Company of New York. The contact information for First Chicago is:
First Chicago Trust Company of New York
P.O. Box 2500
Jersey City, NJ 07303-2500
(800) 317-4445
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STATUTORY, CHARTER AND BYLAW PROVISIONS
Below, you will find a summary of the provisions of our certificate of
incorporation and bylaws that may have anti-takeover effects and may delay,
defer or prevent a tender offer or takeover attempt that a shareholder might
consider in its best interest, including those attempts that might result in a
premium over the market price for the shares held by shareholders. You should
also read our certificate of incorporation and bylaws, which we have filed as
exhibits to the Form 10 of which this information statement forms a part.
CLASSIFIED BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Our certificate of incorporation provides for our board to be divided into
three classes of directors. The term of office of the first class expires at the
2000 annual meeting, the term of office of the second class expires at the 2001
annual meeting and the term of office of the third class expires at the 2002
annual meeting. At each annual meeting held after 2002, a class of directors
will be elected to replace the class whose term has then expired. As a result,
approximately one-third of the members of our board will be elected each year
and, except as described above, each of the directors will serve a staggered
three-year term. See "Management." Moreover, our certificate of incorporation
provides that directors may be removed only for cause, upon the vote of 75% of
our outstanding voting shares, as permitted by the Delaware General Corporation
Law only in the case of a corporation having a classified board.
These provisions could prevent a shareholder (or group of shareholders)
having majority voting power from obtaining control of our board until the
second annual shareholders' meeting following the date that the shareholder, or
group of shareholders, obtains majority voting power. Thus, these provisions may
discourage a potential acquiror from making a tender offer or otherwise
attempting to obtain control of us.
SHAREHOLDER ACTION BY WRITTEN CONSENT; SPECIAL MEETINGS
Our certificate of incorporation provides that no action may be taken by
the shareholders except at an annual or special meeting of shareholders. As a
result, our shareholders may not take any action by written consent instead of a
meeting. Our bylaws provide that special meetings of our shareholders may only
be called by our board or the chairperson of our board, or his or her designee.
These provisions may make it more difficult for shareholders to take an action
that our board opposes.
ADVANCE NOTICE PROVISIONS
Our bylaws establish an advance written notice procedure for shareholders
seeking:
- to nominate candidates for election as directors at any annual meeting of
shareholders
- to bring business before an annual meeting of our shareholders
Our bylaws provide that only persons who are nominated by our board, or by
a shareholder who has given timely written notice to our secretary before the
meeting to elect directors, will be eligible for election as our directors. Our
bylaws also provide that the business to be conducted at any meeting of
shareholders must be brought either by our board or by a shareholder in
compliance with the written notice procedures. In the case of an annual meeting
of shareholders, a shareholder must give timely written notice to our secretary
of its intention to bring business before the meeting, which is then considered
by our board.
Under our bylaws, for any shareholder notice to be timely, we must receive
the notice between 120 days to 150 days before the first anniversary of our last
proxy statement. Under our bylaws, a shareholder's notice must also contain the
information specified in the bylaws. These provisions may preclude or deter some
shareholders from bringing matters before a shareholders' meeting or from making
nominations for directors at an annual meeting.
PREFERRED STOCK
Under our certificate of incorporation, our board will have the authority,
without further shareholder approval:
- to create one or more series of preferred stock
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- to issue shares of preferred stock in a series up to the maximum number
of shares of preferred stock authorized
- to determine the preferences, rights, privileges, qualifications,
limitations and restrictions of any series, including the dividend
rights, voting rights, conversion privileges, rights and terms of
redemption, liquidation preferences, the number of shares constituting
any series and the designation of any series
With this authority, our board could create and issue a series of preferred
stock with such rights, privileges or restrictions as it may decide upon and
could adopt a rights plan. Our board is also authorized to adopt a rights plan
that may be redeemed only by a majority of the directors who were in office when
the plan was adopted (or by their successors whose nomination is recommended or
approved by a majority of those directors). These actions could have the effect
of discriminating against an existing or prospective shareholder who
beneficially owns, or tenders for, a substantial amount of shares of our
outstanding common stock. One possible effect of authorized, but unissued and
unreserved, shares of capital stock could be to ensure the continuity of
management by rendering it more difficult for a potential acquiror to obtain
control of us. If we issue shares of our capital stock, we may be able to delay
or prevent a change in control of us without any further action by our
shareholders.
AMENDMENT OF CHARTER AND BYLAW PROVISIONS
Our certificate of incorporation provides that our board may adopt, repeal,
alter, amend or rescind any provision of our bylaws. Our certificate of
incorporation also provides that only the holders of at least 75% of the total
number of votes entitled to vote generally in the election of directors may
adopt, repeal, alter, amend or rescind bylaw provisions.
The affirmative vote of holders of at least 75% of the total number of
votes entitled to vote generally in the election of directors is also required
for any amendment, modification or repeal of the provisions of our certificate
of incorporation or bylaws relating to:
- the amendment of our certificate of incorporation
- classified board provisions
- the prohibition on action by written consent
- the limitation of liability
- the election and removal of directors
- a vote required to effect specified business combinations
- the authorization of a rights plan that may be redeemed only by a
majority of the directors who were in office when the plan was adopted or
by their approved successors
- the right to call special meetings
- indemnification of officers and directors
In all other cases, our charter may be amended by the affirmative vote of 50% of
the number of votes entitled to vote generally in the election of directors.
DELAWARE GENERAL CORPORATION LAW
Because we are a Delaware corporation, Section 203 of the Delaware General
Corporation Law applies to us. Section 203 provides that, except for
transactions specified in Section 203, a corporation will not engage in any
"business combination" with any "interested shareholder" for a three-year period
after the date that the shareholder became an interested shareholder unless:
- before the date that the shareholder became an interested shareholder,
the board approved either the business combination or the transaction
which resulted in the shareholder becoming an interested shareholder
- upon completion of the transaction which resulted in the shareholder
becoming an interested shareholder, the interested shareholder owned at
least 85% of the voting stock of the corporation
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outstanding at the time the transaction commenced, excluding for purposes
of determining the number of shares outstanding, shares owned by:
-- persons who are both directors and officers
-- employee stock plans in some circumstances
- on or after the date that the shareholder became an interested
shareholder, the business combination is approved by the board of the
corporation and authorized at an annual or special meeting of
shareholders by the affirmative vote of at least 66% of the outstanding
voting stock which is not owned by the interested shareholder
A "business combination" includes a merger, consolidation, asset sale or
other transaction resulting in a financial benefit to an interested shareholder.
An "interested shareholder" is a person who, together with affiliates and
associates, owns (or within three years, did own) 15% or more of a corporation's
outstanding voting stock.
Section 203 makes it more difficult under some circumstances for an
interested shareholder to effect a business combination with us for a three-year
period, although our shareholders may elect to exclude us from the restrictions
imposed under Section 203.
The restrictions imposed by Section 203 will not apply to a corporation in
some circumstances, including if:
- the corporation's original certificate of incorporation contains a
provision expressly electing not to be governed by Section 203
- twelve months have passed after the corporation, by action of its
shareholders holding a majority of the shares entitled to vote, amends
its certificate of incorporation expressly electing not to be governed by
Section 203
We have not elected to opt out of Section 203. Thus, the restrictions imposed by
Section 203 will apply to us.
LIABILITY AND INDEMNIFICATION OF DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS
Delaware General Corporation Law, our certificate of incorporation and our
bylaws contain provisions relating to the limitation of liability and
indemnification of our directors and officers. We describe these provisions
below.
Our certificate of incorporation provides that our directors are not
personally liable to us or our shareholders for monetary damages for breach of
their fiduciary duties as directors to the fullest extent permitted by Delaware
law. Existing Delaware law permits the elimination or limitation of directors'
personal liability to us or our shareholders for monetary damages for breach of
their fiduciary duties as directors, except liability for:
- any breach of a director's duty of loyalty to us or our shareholders
- acts or omissions not in good faith or involving intentional misconduct
or a knowing violation of law
- any transaction from which a director derived improper personal benefit
- the unlawful payment of dividends
- unlawful stock repurchases or redemptions
Because of these exculpation provisions, shareholders may be unable to
recover monetary damages against directors for actions taken by them that
constitute negligence or that otherwise violate their fiduciary duties as
directors, although it may be possible to obtain injunctive or other equitable
relief with respect to such actions. If equitable remedies are not available to
shareholders, shareholders may not have an effective remedy against a director
in connection with the director's conduct.
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Our bylaws also provide that we will indemnify and hold harmless any person
who was or is a party or is threatened to be made a party to, or is involved in,
any threatened, pending or completed civil, criminal, administrative or
investigative action, suit or proceeding by reason of the fact that the person:
- is or was one of our directors or officers
- is or was serving at our request as a director, officer, employee or
agent of another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust or other
enterprise or as a member of any committee or similar body
to the fullest extent permitted by Delaware law. We will also pay the expenses
incurred in connection with any such proceeding in advance of its final
disposition to the fullest extent authorized by Delaware law. This right to
indemnification will be a contract right. We may, by action of our board,
provide indemnification to our employees and agents to the extent and to the
effect that our board determines to be appropriate and authorized by Delaware
law.
We intend to purchase and maintain insurance on behalf of any person who:
- is or was one of our directors, officers, employees or agents
- is or was serving at our request as a director, officer, employee or
agent of another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust or other
enterprise
against any liability asserted against and incurred by the person in any such
capacity, or arising out of the person's status as such, whether or not we would
have the power or obligation to indemnify the person against such liability
under our bylaws.
INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS
The Limited has appointed PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP as our independent
accountants to audit our historical consolidated financial statements included
in this information statement for fiscal years 1998, 1997 and 1996.
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP has served as The Limited's independent accountants
throughout the periods covered by the consolidated financial statements included
in this information statement.
WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION
We have filed with the SEC the Form 10 with respect to the shares of our
common stock that The Limited's shareholders will receive in the spin-off. This
information statement does not contain all of the information contained in the
Form 10 and the exhibits and schedules to the Form 10. Some items are omitted in
accordance with the rules and regulations of the SEC. For additional information
relating to us and the spin-off, reference is made to the Form 10 and the
exhibits to the Form 10, which are on file at the offices of the SEC. Statements
contained in this information statement as to the contents of any contract or
other document referred to are not necessarily complete and in each instance, if
the contract or document is filed as an exhibit, reference is made to the copy
of the contract or other document filed as an exhibit to the Form 10. Each
statement is qualified in all respects by the relevant reference.
You may inspect and copy the Form 10 and the exhibits to the Form 10 that
we have filed with the SEC at the SEC's Public Reference Room at 450 Fifth
Street, N.W., Washington, DC 20549, as well as at the Regional Offices of the
SEC at Citicorp Center, 500 West Madison Street, Suite 1400, Chicago, Illinois
60661-2511 and 7 World Trade Center, Suite 1300, New York, New York 10048.
Please call the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330 for further information on the Public
Reference Room. In addition, the SEC maintains an Internet site at
http://www.sec.gov, from which you can electronically access the Form 10,
including the exhibits and schedules to the Form 10.
Because of the spin-off, we will be required to comply with the full
informational requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. We will
fulfill our obligations with respect to these requirements by filing periodic
reports and other information with the SEC.
93
<PAGE> 99
INDEX TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS OF LIMITED TOO, INC.
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
Report of Independent Accountants........................... F-2
Consolidated Statements of Operations....................... F-3
Consolidated Balance Sheets................................. F-4
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows....................... F-5
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.................. F-6
</TABLE>
<PAGE> 100
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS
To the Shareholder of Limited Too, Inc.
In our opinion, the accompanying consolidated balance sheets and the
related consolidated statements of operations and cash flows present fairly, in
all material respects, the consolidated financial position of Limited Too, Inc.
and its subsidiaries at January 30, 1999 and January 31, 1998, and the
consolidated results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the
three fiscal years in the period ended January 30, 1999 in conformity with
generally accepted accounting principles. These financial statements are the
responsibility of the Company's management; our responsibility is to express an
opinion on these financial statements based on our audits. We conducted our
audits of these consolidated statements in accordance with generally accepted
auditing standards which require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain
reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material
misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting
the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements, assessing the
accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, and
evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our
audits provide a reasonable basis for the opinion expressed above.
PRICEWATERHOUSECOOPERS LLP
Columbus, Ohio
April 22, 1999
F-2
<PAGE> 101
LIMITED TOO, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(IN THOUSANDS)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
FISCAL YEARS ENDED THIRTEEN WEEKS ENDED
---------------------------------------------- --------------------
JANUARY 30, JANUARY 31, FEBRUARY 1, MAY 1, MAY 2,
1999 1998 1997 1999 1998
----------- ----------- ---------------- -------- --------
(UNAUDITED)
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Net sales....................... $376,943 $322,150 $258,818 $95,048 $82,257
Costs of goods sold, occupancy
and buying costs........... 251,729 226,903 197,974 63,324 57,369
-------- -------- -------- ------- -------
Gross income.................... 125,214 95,247 60,844 31,724 24,888
General, administrative and
store operating expenses... 96,758 82,950 69,698 30,412 24,599
-------- -------- -------- ------- -------
Operating income (loss)......... 28,456 12,297 (8,854) 1,312 289
-------- -------- -------- ------- -------
Provision for (benefit from)
income taxes.................. 11,400 4,900 (3,500) 500 100
-------- -------- -------- ------- -------
Net income (loss)............... $ 17,056 $ 7,397 $ (5,354) $ 812 $ 189
======== ======== ======== ======= =======
</TABLE>
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these Consolidated Financial
Statements.
F-3
<PAGE> 102
LIMITED TOO, INC.
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(IN THOUSANDS)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
FISCAL YEARS ENDED THIRTEEN
-------------------------- WEEKS
JANUARY 30, JANUARY 31, ENDED
1999 1998 MAY 1, 1999
----------- ----------- -----------
(UNAUDITED)
<S> <C> <C> <C>
ASSETS
CURRENT ASSETS:
Cash................................................... $ 987 $ 1,649 $ 558
Receivables............................................ 1,440 1,090 1,750
Inventories............................................ 27,565 18,661 23,584
Store supplies......................................... 5,237 3,701 5,433
Deferred income taxes.................................. 2,951 776 2,951
Other.................................................. 582 183 404
------- ------- -------
Total current assets..................................... 38,762 26,060 34,680
Property, plant and equipment, net....................... 44,894 42,871 48,945
Deferred income taxes.................................... 6,313 4,043 6,313
------- ------- -------
Total assets............................................. $89,969 $72,974 $89,938
======= ======= =======
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDER'S EQUITY
CURRENT LIABILITIES:
Accounts payable....................................... $ 3,108 $ 2,454 $ 4,382
Accrued expenses....................................... 22,377 21,391 24,206
Income taxes payable................................... 11,883 10,352 383
------- ------- -------
Total current liabilities................................ 37,368 34,197 28,971
Other long-term liabilities.............................. 1,501 1,004 1,731
Commitments and contingencies
Net investment by The Limited............................ 51,100 37,773 59,236
------- ------- -------
Total liabilities and shareholder's equity............... $89,969 $72,974 $89,938
======= ======= =======
</TABLE>
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these Consolidated Financial
Statements.
F-4
<PAGE> 103
LIMITED TOO, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(IN THOUSANDS)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
FISCAL YEARS ENDED THIRTEEN WEEKS ENDED
--------------------------------------- ---------------------
JANUARY 30, JANUARY 31, FEBRUARY 1, MAY 1, MAY 2,
1999 1998 1997 1999 1998
----------- ----------- ----------- --------- ---------
(UNAUDITED)
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES
Net income (loss).................... $ 17,056 $ 7,397 $(5,354) $ 812 $ 189
IMPACT OF OTHER OPERATING ACTIVITIES ON
CASH FLOWS
Depreciation and amortization........ 10,563 10,626 9,959 3,216 2,589
CHANGE IN ASSETS AND LIABILITIES
Inventories....................... (8,904) 1,776 (4,391) 3,981 1,494
Accounts payable and accrued
expenses........................ 1,640 235 8,441 3,103 4,125
Income taxes...................... (2,914) 9,448 4,468 (11,500) (10,394)
Other assets and liabilities...... (80) 812 641 (98) 273
-------- -------- ------- -------- --------
NET CASH PROVIDED BY (USED FOR)
OPERATING ACTIVITIES.............. 17,361 30,294 13,764 (486) (1,724)
-------- -------- ------- -------- --------
INVESTING ACTIVITIES
Capital expenditures................. (14,294) (4,780) (8,504) (7,267) (1,005)
-------- -------- ------- -------- --------
CASH USED FOR INVESTING
ACTIVITIES...................... (14,294) (4,780) (8,504) (7,267) (1,005)
FINANCING ACTIVITIES
Increase (decrease) in net investment
by The Limited.................... (3,729) (24,024) (5,213) 7,324 3,919
-------- -------- ------- -------- --------
NET CASH PROVIDED BY (USED FOR)
FINANCING ACTIVITIES............ (3,729) (24,024) (5,213) 7,324 3,919
NET INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH........ (662) 1,490 47 (429) 1,190
Cash, beginning of period............ 1,649 159 112 987 1,649
-------- -------- ------- -------- --------
Cash, end of period.................. $ 987 $ 1,649 $ 159 $ 558 $ 2,839
======== ======== ======= ======== ========
</TABLE>
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these Consolidated Financial
Statements.
F-5
<PAGE> 104
LIMITED TOO, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
1. BASIS OF FINANCIAL STATEMENT PRESENTATION
The accompanying financial statements include the accounts of Limited Too,
Inc. and its subsidiaries ("Limited Too" or the "Company") and reflect the
Company's assets, liabilities, results of operations and cash flows on a
historical cost basis. The Company was established in 1987 and is a wholly-owned
subsidiary of The Limited, Inc.
The accompanying interim consolidated financial statements as of and for
the thirteen week periods ended May 1, 1999 and May 2, 1998 are unaudited and
are presented to comply with the rules and regulations of the Securities and
Exchange Commission. In the opinion of management, the accompanying interim
consolidated financial statements reflect all adjustments (which are of a normal
recurring nature) necessary to present fairly the financial position and results
of operations and cash flows for the interim period, but are not necessarily
indicative of the results of operations for a full fiscal year.
Limited Too is a specialty retailer that sells apparel, underwear,
sleepwear, swimwear, lifestyle and personal care products for girls aged seven
to fourteen years and has stores in over 40 states. The Company has one
reportable segment which includes all of its products.
2. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
PRINCIPLES OF CONSOLIDATION
The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Limited Too
and all significant subsidiaries which are more than 50% owned and controlled.
All significant intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in
consolidation.
FISCAL YEAR
The Company's fiscal year ends on the Saturday closest to January 31.
Fiscal years are designated in the financial statements and notes by the
calendar year in which the fiscal year commences. The results for the first
quarter of 1999 and 1998 represent the thirteen week periods ended May 1, 1999
and May 2, 1998. The results for fiscal years 1998, 1997 and 1996 represent the
52-week periods ended January 30, 1999, January 31, 1998 and February 1, 1997.
INVENTORIES
Inventories are principally valued at the lower of average cost or market,
on a first-in first-out basis, utilizing the retail method.
STORE SUPPLIES
The initial inventory of supplies for new stores including, but not limited
to, hangers, signage, security tags, packaging and point-of-sale supplies is
capitalized at the store opening date. In lieu of amortizing the initial
balance, subsequent shipments are expensed, except for new merchandise
presentation programs, which are capitalized. Store supplies are periodically
inventoried and adjusted as appropriate for changes in supply levels or costs.
ADVERTISING
Advertising costs consist of in-store photographs and promotions in
selected national publications and are expensed at the time the promotion first
appears in media or in the store. Advertising costs amounted to $227,000 and
$199,000 in the first quarters of 1999 and 1998, and $567,000, $755,000 and
$615,000 for the fiscal years 1998, 1997 and 1996.
F-6
<PAGE> 105
LIMITED TOO, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT
Depreciation and amortization of property and equipment are computed for
financial reporting purposes on a straight-line basis, using service lives
ranging principally from 7 to 10 years for building improvements and 3 to 10
years for other property and equipment. The cost of assets sold or retired and
the related accumulated depreciation or amortization are removed from the
accounts, with any resulting gain or loss included in net income. Maintenance
and repairs are charged to expense as incurred. Major renewals and betterments
that extend service lives are capitalized. Long-lived assets are reviewed for
impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that full
recoverability is questionable. The store assets are reviewed by district, in
accordance with the method by which management reviews store performance.
Factors used in the valuation include, but are not limited to, management's
plans for future operations, recent operating results and projected cash flows.
No impairment charges have been taken based on management's review.
INCOME TAXES
The Company accounts for income taxes in accordance with Statement of
Financial Accounting Standards ("SFAS") No. 109, "Accounting for Income Taxes,"
which requires the use of the liability method. Under this method, deferred tax
assets and liabilities are recognized based on the difference between the
financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and
their respective tax bases. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured
using enacted tax rates in effect in the years in which those temporary
differences are expected to reverse. Under SFAS No. 109, the effect on deferred
taxes of a change in tax rates is recognized in income in the period that
includes the enactment date.
The Company is included in The Limited's consolidated federal and certain
state income tax groups for income tax reporting purposes and is responsible for
its proportionate share of income taxes calculated upon its federal taxable
income at a current estimate of the annual effective tax rate.
REVENUE RECOGNITION
Sales are recorded when the customer takes possession of
merchandise -- that is, the point of sale. Markdowns associated with the
Frequent Buyer and "Too Bucks" Programs are recognized upon redemption in
conjunction with a qualifying purchase.
STORE PRE-OPENING EXPENSES
Pre-opening expenses related to new store openings are charged to
operations as incurred.
FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
The recorded values of financial instruments, including cash, accounts
receivable and accounts payable, approximate fair value due to their short
maturity.
EARNINGS PER SHARE
Historical earnings per share data is omitted from the consolidated
statements of operations as it is not meaningful.
USE OF ESTIMATES IN THE PREPARATION OF FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally
accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and
assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities at the
date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and
expenses during the
F-7
<PAGE> 106
LIMITED TOO, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
reporting period. Since actual results may differ from those estimates, the
Company revises its estimates and assumptions as new information becomes
available.
ADOPTION OF NEW ACCOUNTING STANDARDS
In March 1998, the Accounting Standards Executive Committee of the American
Institute of Certified Public Accountants issued Statement of Position ("SOP")
98-1, "Accounting for the Costs of Computer Software Developed or Obtained for
Internal Use." The SOP requires that certain external costs and internal payroll
and payroll related costs be capitalized during the application development and
implementation stages of a software development project and amortized over the
software's useful life. The SOP was effective in the first quarter of 1999 and
its adoption did not have a material adverse effect on the Company's results of
operations.
Additionally, SOP 98-5, "Reporting on the Costs of Start-Up Activities,"
was issued in April 1998. The SOP requires that entities expense start-up costs
and organization costs as they are incurred. The SOP was effective in the first
quarter of 1999 and its adoption did not have a material adverse effect on the
Company's results of operations.
3. PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT
Property and equipment, at cost, consisted of (in thousands):
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
JANUARY 30, JANUARY 31, MAY 1,
1999 1998 1999
----------- ----------- -----------
(UNAUDITED)
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Furniture, fixtures and equipment................ $69,523 $62,581 $74,058
Leaseholds and improvements...................... 28,950 28,186 31,929
------- ------- -------
Total............................................ 98,473 90,767 105,987
Less: accumulated depreciation and
amortization................................... 53,579 47,896 57,042
------- ------- -------
Property and equipment, net...................... $44,894 $42,871 $48,945
======= ======= =======
</TABLE>
4. LEASED FACILITIES AND COMMITMENTS
Annual store rent is comprised of a fixed minimum amount, plus contingent
rent based on a percentage of sales exceeding a stipulated amount. Store lease
terms generally require additional payments covering taxes, common area costs
and certain other expenses.
A summary of rent expense for the thirteen weeks ended May 1, 1999 and May
2, 1998 and the years 1998, 1997 and 1996 follows (in thousands):
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
YEAR THIRTEEN THIRTEEN
--------------------------- WEEKS ENDED WEEKS ENDED
1998 1997 1996 MAY 1, 1999 MAY 2, 1998
------- ------- ------- ----------- -----------
(UNAUDITED)
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Fixed minimum...................... $28,916 $28,198 $27,400 $7,509 $7,149
Contingent......................... 375 296 435 51 86
------- ------- ------- ------ ------
Total store rent................... 29,291 28,494 27,835 7,560 7,235
Equipment and other................ 880 879 925 293 203
------- ------- ------- ------ ------
Total rent expense................. $30,171 $29,373 $28,760 $7,853 $7,438
======= ======= ======= ====== ======
</TABLE>
Rent expense includes charges from The Limited and its subsidiaries for
store, office and warehouse space. Limited Too is committed to noncancellable
leases with remaining terms of one to fourteen years.
F-8
<PAGE> 107
LIMITED TOO, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
These commitments primarily include store leases with an initial term of ten to
fifteen years. Certain store leases have been guaranteed by The Limited. A
summary of minimum rent commitments under noncancellable leases as of January
30, 1999 follows (in thousands):
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
1999........................................................ $29,247
2000........................................................ 28,909
2001........................................................ 28,457
2002........................................................ 27,479
2003........................................................ 26,578
Thereafter.................................................. 69,585
</TABLE>
5. ACCRUED EXPENSES
Accrued expenses consisted of (in thousands):
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
JANUARY 30, JANUARY 31, MAY 1,
1999 1998 1999
----------- ----------- -----------
(UNAUDITED)
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Compensation, payroll taxes and benefits......... $ 5,907 $ 6,133 $ 6,373
Rent............................................. 7,187 5,922 7,469
Taxes, other than income......................... 2,252 1,310 2,346
Other............................................ 7,031 8,026 8,018
------- ------- -------
Total............................................ $22,377 $21,391 $24,206
======= ======= =======
</TABLE>
6. INCOME TAXES
Limited Too consolidated financial statements reflect a charge (benefit)
for federal and state income taxes as if Limited Too had been subject to tax on
a separate company basis during the periods presented.
This provision for (benefit from) income taxes consisted of (in thousands):
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
YEAR THIRTEEN WEEKS ENDED
---------------------------- --------------------------
1998 1997 1996 MAY 1, 1999 MAY 2, 1998
------- ------ ------- ----------- -----------
(UNAUDITED)
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Currently payable
Current:
Federal.................. $12,326 $7,804 $(3,045) $441 $ 87
State.................... 2,832 1,790 (762) 59 13
------- ------ ------- ---- ----
15,158 9,594 (3,807) 500 100
Deferred:
Federal.................. (2,893) (3,800) 230 -- --
State.................... (865) (894) 77 -- --
------- ------ ------- ---- ----
(3,758) (4,694) 307 -- --
------- ------ ------- ---- ----
Total provision (benefit)..... $11,400 $4,900 $(3,500) $500 $100
======= ====== ======= ==== ====
</TABLE>
F-9
<PAGE> 108
LIMITED TOO, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
A reconciliation between the statutory federal income tax rate and the
effective income tax rate follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
YEAR THIRTEEN WEEKS ENDED
-------------------- --------------------------
1998 1997 1996 MAY 1, 1999 MAY 2, 1998
---- ---- ---- ----------- -----------
(UNAUDITED)
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Federal income tax rate............... 35.0% 35.0% 35.0% 35.0% 35.0%
State income taxes, net of federal
income tax effect................... 4.5 4.5 4.5 4.5 3.5
Other items, net...................... 0.5 0.3 -- (1.4) (3.9)
---- ---- ---- ---- ----
Total................................. 40.0% 39.8% 39.5% 38.1% 34.6%
==== ==== ==== ==== ====
</TABLE>
Income tax obligations (benefits) are treated as having been settled
through the net investment by The Limited account as if the Company were filing
its income tax returns on a separate company basis. Such amounts were
approximately $12,000 and $10,500 for the thirteen weeks ended May 1, 1999 and
May 2, 1998 and $14,300, $(4,500) and $(8,000) for the years 1998, 1997 and
1996.
The effect of temporary differences which give rise to deferred income tax
balances was as follows (in thousands):
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
JANUARY 30, JANUARY 31,
1999 1998
----------- -----------
ASSETS ASSETS
----------- -----------
<S> <C> <C>
Tax under book depreciation................................. $3,204 $1,865
Rent........................................................ 2,476 1,737
Inventory................................................... 881 160
Other....................................................... 2,732 1,081
------ ------
Total deferred income taxes................................. $9,293 $4,843
====== ======
</TABLE>
No valuation allowance has been provided for deferred tax assets because
management believes that it is more likely than not that the full amount of the
net deferred tax assets will be realized in the future.
7. RELATED PARTY AND EQUITY TRANSACTIONS
Transactions between Limited Too and The Limited and its wholly owned
subsidiaries have primarily consisted of the following:
Merchandise purchases
Capital expenditures
Inbound and outbound shipping
Store leasing, construction and management
Distribution center, MIS and home office expenses
Corporate services and centrally managed benefits
Information with regard to these transactions is as follows:
Significant purchases are made from Mast, a wholly-owned subsidiary of The
Limited. Purchases are also made from Gryphon, an indirect subsidiary of The
Limited. Mast is a contract manufacturer and apparel importer while Gryphon is a
developer of fragrance and personal care products and also a contract
manufacturer. Prices are negotiated on a competitive basis by merchants of
Limited Too with Mast, Gryphon and manufacturers.
Limited Too's inbound and outbound transportation expenses are managed
centrally by Limited Distribution Services, a wholly owned subsidiary of The
Limited. Inbound freight is charged to Limited Too
F-10
<PAGE> 109
LIMITED TOO, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
based on actual receipts and related charges, while outbound freight is charged
based on a percentage of cartons shipped.
Limited Too's real estate operations, including all aspects of lease
negotiations and ongoing dealings with landlords and developers, are handled
centrally by the real estate division of The Limited ("Real Estate Division").
Real Estate Division expenses are allocated to Limited Too based on a
combination of Limited Too's pro rata share of new and remodeled store
construction projects and open selling square feet. Additionally, Limited Too is
charged rent expense, common area maintenance charges and utilities for stores
shared with other consolidated subsidiaries of The Limited. The charges are
based on square footage and represent the proportionate share of the underlying
leases with third parties.
Limited Too is charged for usage of certain of The Limited's MIS
facilities. Limited Too is also charged rent expense and utilities for certain
distribution and home office space occupied.
Limited Too's store design and construction operations are coordinated
centrally by the store planning division of The Limited ("Store Planning
Division"). The Store Planning Division facilitates the design and construction
of the stores and upon completion transfers the stores to Limited Too at actual
cost net of construction allowances, if any. Store Planning Division expenses
are charged to Limited Too based on a combination of Limited Too's pro rata
share of new and remodeled store construction projects and open selling square
feet.
The Limited provides certain services to Limited Too including, among other
things, certain tax, treasury, legal, corporate secretary, accounting, auditing,
corporate development, risk management, associate benefit plan administration,
human resource and compensation, government affairs and public relations
services. Identifiable costs are charged directly to Limited Too. All other
services-related costs not specifically attributable to an operating business
have been allocated to Limited Too based upon a percentage of sales.
Limited Too has participated in The Limited's centralized cash management
system. Under this system, cash received from Limited Too operations was
transferred to The Limited's centralized cash accounts and cash disbursements
were funded from the centralized cash accounts on a daily basis. No interest has
been charged or earned on the cash management account.
Management believes the charges and allocations described above are fair
and reasonable. However, these charges and allocations are not necessarily
indicative of the amounts that would have been or that will be recorded by
Limited Too on a stand-alone basis.
The following table summarizes the related party transactions between
Limited Too and The Limited and its other wholly owned subsidiaries, for the
periods indicated (in thousands):
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
YEAR
------------------------------ THIRTEEN WEEKS
1998 1997 1996 ENDED MAY 1, 1999
-------- ------- ------- -----------------
(UNAUDITED)
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Merchandise purchases............... $ 58,456 $42,255 $39,171 $ 3,737
Capital expenditures................ 11,818 2,359 7,964 5,890
Inbound and outbound shipping....... 6,023 5,702 4,290 1,110
Store leasing, construction and
management........................ 50,044 23,044 21,856 13,985
Distribution center, MIS and home
office expenses................... 9,140 6,675 5,948 2,656
Corporate services and centrally
managed benefits.................. 13,920 9,153 8,792 4,904
-------- ------- ------- -------
$149,401 $89,188 $88,021 $32,282
======== ======= ======= =======
</TABLE>
F-11
<PAGE> 110
LIMITED TOO, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
The following is a summary of the activity in the net investment by The
Limited account (in thousands):
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
YEAR
---------------------------------- THIRTEEN WEEKS
1998 1997 1996 ENDED MAY 1, 1999
--------- --------- -------- -----------------
(UNAUDITED)
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Beginning balance................ $ 37,773 $ 54,400 $ 64,967 $ 51,100
Transactions with related
parties........................ 149,401 89,188 88,021 32,282
Centralized cash management...... (167,444) (108,664) (85,266) (36,958)
Settlement of income taxes....... 14,314 (4,548) (7,968) 12,000
Net income (loss)................ 17,056 7,397 (5,354) 812
--------- --------- -------- --------
Ending balance................... $ 51,100 $ 37,773 $ 54,400 $ 59,236
========= ========= ======== ========
</TABLE>
The Company has no arrangements with The Limited which result in the
Company's guarantee, pledge of assets or stock to provide security for The
Limited's debt obligations.
8. RETIREMENT BENEFITS
The Company participates in a qualified defined contribution retirement
plan and a nonqualified supplemental retirement plan sponsored by The Limited.
Participation in the qualified plan is available to all associates who have
completed 1,000 or more hours of service with the Company during certain
12-month periods and attained the age of 21. Participation in the nonqualified
plan is subject to service and compensation requirements. The Company's
contributions to these plans are based on a percentage of the associates'
eligible annual compensation. The cost of these plans was $1.2 million, $1.9
million and $1.6 million in years 1998, 1997 and 1996.
9. EMPLOYEE BENEFITS
Officers and key employees were granted options to participate in The
Limited stock option and restricted stock plans. The market value of The
Limited's restricted stock granted to the Company's employees is being amortized
ratably as compensation expense over the vesting period. Compensation expense
for The Limited's restricted stock granted to the Company's employees amounted
to $1.2 million and $1.0 million in 1998 and 1997.
Limited Too adopted the disclosure requirements of SFAS No. 123,
"Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation," effective with the 1996 financial
statements, but elected to continue to measure compensation expense in
accordance with APB Opinion No. 25, "Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees."
Accordingly, no compensation expense for The Limited stock options has been
recognized. If compensation had been determined based on the estimated fair
value of The Limited options granted since 1995, consistent with the methodology
in SFAS No. 123, the pro forma effects on net income would have been a reduction
of approximately $375,000 in 1998, $225,000 in 1997 and $45,000 in 1996.
The weighted average per share fair value of The Limited options granted
($6.61, $5.22 and $4.83 during 1998, 1997 and 1996) was used to calculate the
pro forma compensation expense. The fair value was estimated using the
Black-Scholes option-pricing model with the following weighted average
assumptions for 1998, 1997 and 1996: dividend yields of 2.2%, 3.1% and 2.8%;
volatility of 29%, 27% and 31%; risk-free interest rates of 5%, 6% and 5.25%;
assumed forfeiture rates of 20%, 15% and 20% and expected lives of 6.0 years,
7.0 years and 5.0 years. The pro forma effect on net income for 1997 and 1996 is
not representative of the pro forma effect on net income in future years because
it does not take into consideration pro forma compensation expense related to
grants made before 1995.
F-12
<PAGE> 111
LIMITED TOO, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
Information about The Limited stock options held by the Company's employees
and related activity is as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
OPTIONS OUTSTANDING OPTIONS EXERCISABLE
----------------------------------------------- ----------------------------
WEIGHTED
AVERAGE WEIGHTED WEIGHTED
NUMBER REMAINING AVERAGE NUMBER AVERAGE
RANGE OF EXERCISE PRICES OUTSTANDING CONTRACTUAL LIFE EXERCISE PRICE EXERCISABLE EXERCISE PRICE
- ------------------------ ----------- ---------------- -------------- ----------- --------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
$15-$19................... 435,000 7.5 $19 88,000 $18
$20-$24................... 37,000 6.0 21 24,000 21
$25-$29................... 191,000 8.3 27 10,000 27
$30-$34................... 12,000 8.9 33 -- --
------- --- --- ------- ---
$15-$34................... 675,000 7.7 $21 122,000 $19
======= === === ======= ===
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1998 1997 1996
---------------------------- -------------------- --------------------
WEIGHTED WEIGHTED WEIGHTED
AVERAGE AVERAGE AVERAGE
OPTION NUMBER OPTION NUMBER OPTION
NUMBER OF PRICE PER OF PRICE PER OF PRICE PER
STOCK OPTION ACTIVITY SHARES SHARE SHARES SHARE SHARES SHARE
- --------------------- --------- ---------------- -------- --------- -------- ---------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Outstanding at beginning
of year................ 534,000 $19 180,000 $19 176,000 $19
Granted.................. 191,000 27 378,000 19 49,000 16
Exercised................ (47,000) 19 (23,000) 19 (7,000) 17
Canceled................. (3,000) 17 (1,000) 17 (38,000) 19
------- --- ------- --- ------- ---
Outstanding at end of
year................... 675,000 $21 534,000 $19 180,000 $19
======= === ======= === ======= ===
Options exercisable at
end of year............ 122,000 $19 97,000 $20 84,000 $20
======= === ======= === ======= ===
</TABLE>
The pro forma amounts above are not necessarily representative of the
effects of stock-based awards on future pro forma net earnings, because (1)
future grants of employee stock options by the Company may not be comparable to
awards made to employees while the Company was a part of The Limited and (2) the
assumptions used to compute the fair value of any future stock option awards
will be specific to the Company and therefore may not be comparable to the
assumptions used.
In connection with the spin-off, unvested grants of The Limited stock
options and restricted stock held by Company employees will be replaced with
awards of the Company's stock options and restricted stock (collectively, the
"awards"). The awards will have the same ratio of the exercise price per option
to the market value per share and the same vesting provisions, option periods
and other terms as The Limited's awards that they replace. The aggregate
difference between market value and the exercise price of the awards will not
exceed the aggregate difference between market value and the exercise price of
The Limited's awards. The Limited stock options that have vested and are held by
Company employees will expire 90 days after the date of the spin-off. Additional
options on the Company's common stock to be granted on the date of the spin-off
to employees and independent directors will have an exercise price equal to the
market value of the Company's common stock on the date of the spin-off. In
addition, some Company restricted stock awards to be granted in connection with
the spin-off may contain performance requirements.
F-13
<PAGE> 112
LIMITED TOO, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
10. LEGAL MATTERS
There are various claims, lawsuits and pending actions against Limited Too
incident to the operations of its business. It is the opinion of management that
the ultimate resolution of these matters will not have a material effect on
Limited Too's results of operations, cash flows or financial position.
11. QUARTERLY FINANCIAL DATA (UNAUDITED) (IN THOUSANDS)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
FIRST SECOND THIRD FOURTH
------- ------- ------- --------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
1998 QUARTER
Net sales.......................................... $82,257 $74,746 $96,720 $123,220
Gross income....................................... 24,888 24,016 29,870 46,440
Net income......................................... 189 240 4,248 12,379
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
FIRST SECOND THIRD FOURTH
------- ------- ------- --------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
1997 QUARTER
Net sales.......................................... $65,646 $61,263 $86,430 $108,811
Gross income....................................... 15,590 15,170 23,988 40,499
Net income (loss).................................. (1,686) (1,619) 2,018 8,684
</TABLE>
12. SUBSEQUENT EVENTS (UNAUDITED)
On May 3, 1999, the Company announced its plans to establish its Limited
Too business as a fully independent public company under the name Too, Inc. The
business will be separated via a 100% spin-off which is expected to occur on
August 23, 1999.
Based on the number of shares of The Limited's common stock outstanding as
of June 7, 1999, The Limited estimates that approximately 30 million shares of
common stock in Too, Inc. will be distributed to The Limited's shareholders. The
Limited intends to distribute one share of Too, Inc. common stock for every
seven shares of The Limited's common stock held at the close of business on
August 11, 1999, the record date for the spin-off.
CREDIT FACILITY
Before the spin-off, the Company will pay a $50 million dividend to The
Limited. Prior to the date of the spin-off, the Company expects to have a
collateralized $100 million credit facility in place, proceeds from which will
fund the dividend.
The Company expects the credit facility to:
- consist of a $50 million amortizing term loan which will begin amortizing
at the end of the third year and a $50 million five-year revolving credit
facility
- contain customary representations and warranties and affirmative,
negative and financial covenants
- have interest rates that are based on the London Interbank Offered Rate
plus a spread or the administrative agent bank's base rate plus a spread
- be guaranteed by the Company's present and future domestic subsidiaries
F-14
<PAGE> 113
LIMITED TOO, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
PLANS
Before the spin-off, the Company's board of directors will adopt, and The
Limited, as the sole shareholder of the Company, will approve, effective on the
completion of the spin-off:
- the Too, Inc. 1999 Incentive Compensation Performance Plan (the
"Incentive Compensation Performance Plan")
- the Too, Inc. 1999 Stock Option and Performance Incentive Plan (the
"Stock Option and Performance Incentive Plan")
- the Too, Inc. 1999 Stock Plan for Non-Associate Directors (the
"Non-Associate Director Stock Plan")
The Incentive Compensation Performance Plan is intended to satisfy the
applicable provisions of Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code. Awards
will be based on the satisfaction of performance goals, and annual incentive
compensation targets established for eligible executives will range from 10% to
150% of base salary.
Under the Stock Option and Performance Incentive Plan and the Non-Associate
Director Stock Plan, eligible directors and executive and key management
associates may be granted stock options and other incentive awards to purchase
shares of the Company's common stock. Each option will vest over four to six
years and will have a maximum term of ten years from the grant date.
DISTRIBUTION AGREEMENT AND OTHER AGREEMENTS
In connection with the spin-off, the Company, The Limited and/or their
respective subsidiaries will enter into a distribution agreement and various
transitional services and separation agreements, including a store leases
agreement, trademark and service mark licensing agreement, a services agreement,
a tax separation agreement and an amendment to an existing building lease
agreement.
Excluding the store leases agreement, amounts to be charged under the new
transitional services and separation agreements are not expected to be
materially different than amounts charged by The Limited prior to the date of
the spin-off. Since amounts to be charged under the stores leases agreement will
be contingently payable based upon positive comparable store sales performance,
it is anticipated that any amounts due will not have a material adverse impact
on liquidity, financial condition or results of operations.
F-15
<PAGE> 114
Too, Inc. Logo
If you have any questions relating to the spin-off, you should contact
EquiServe, First Chicago Division, which is serving as the distribution agent
for the spin-off. The contact information for EquiServe is:
EquiServe
First Chicago Division
525 Washington Boulevard
Suite 4690
Jersey City, NJ 07310
(800) 317-4445
You can also contact The Limited with any questions. The Limited's contact
information is:
The Limited, Inc.
Three Limited Parkway
P.O. Box 16000
Columbus, OH 43216
(614) 415-7076
Attention: Thomas J. Katzenmeyer, Vice President of Investor Relations
After the spin-off, if you are a shareholder of Too, Inc. and have
questions relating to the spin-off, you can contact us directly. Our contact
information is:
Too, Inc.
3885 Morse Road
Columbus, OH 43219
(614) 479-3610
Attention: Kent A. Kleeberger, Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
No action is necessary to receive the shares of our common stock to which
you are entitled in the spin-off. You do not need to pay any consideration to
The Limited or to us, and you do not need to surrender any shares of The
Limited's common stock to receive your shares of our common stock.
<PAGE> 115
TOO, INC.
ITEM 15. EXHIBITS.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
EXHIBIT
NUMBER DESCRIPTION
- ------- -----------
<C> <S>
2.1 Form of Distribution Agreement between The Limited, Inc. and
Too, Inc.*
3.1 Form of Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of
Too, Inc.*
3.2 Form of amended and restated Bylaws of Too, Inc.*
4.1 Specimen Certificate of Common Stock of Too, Inc.**
10.1 Form of Credit Agreement among Too, Inc., the banks listed
in the Credit Agreement and Morgan Guaranty Trust Company of
New York, as Agent.**
10.2 Form of Store Leases Agreement by and among The Limited
Stores, Inc., Victoria's Secret Stores, Inc., Lerner New
York, Inc., Express, LLC, Structure, Inc., The Limited, Inc.
and Too, Inc.*
10.3 Form of Trademark and Service Mark Licensing Agreement
between Limco, Inc. and LimToo, Inc.*
10.4 Form of Services Agreement by and between The Limited, Inc.
and Too, Inc.**
10.5 Form of Tax Separation Agreement between The Limited, Inc.,
on behalf of itself and the members of The Limited Group,
and Too, Inc., on behalf of itself and the members of the
Too Group.*
10.6 Building Lease Agreement dated July 1, 1995 by and between
Distribution Land Corp. and Limited Too, Inc., the
predecessor company of Too, Inc.*
10.7 Form of Amendment to Building Lease Agreement between
Distribution Land Corp. and Too, Inc.**
10.8 Form of Too, Inc. 1999 Incentive Compensation Performance
Plan.*
10.9 Form of Too, Inc. 1999 Stock Option and Performance
Incentive Plan.*
10.10 Form of Too, Inc. 1999 Stock Plan for Non-Associate
Directors.*
21.1 Subsidiaries of Too, Inc.*
</TABLE>
- ---------------
* Filed previously.
** To be filed by post-effective amendment or on a Form 8-K.
<PAGE> 116
TOO, INC.
SIGNATURE
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 12 of the Securities Exchange Act
of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this registration statement to be signed
on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
TOO, INC.
By: /s/ KENT A. KLEEBERGER
------------------------------------
Name: Kent A. Kleeberger
Title: Vice President and Chief
Financial Officer
Date: August 10, 1999
