TAYLOR ANN STORES CORP
10-Q, 1996-06-18
WOMEN'S CLOTHING STORES
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                          UNITED STATES
               SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                     WASHINGTON, D.C.  20549
                                
                            FORM 10-Q

(Mark One)
X  QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE
   SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
           
           For the quarterly period ended May 4, 1996
                                
                               OR
                                
   TRANSITION  REPORT  PURSUANT TO SECTION  13  OR  15(d)  OF  THE
   SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
                                
                 Commission file number 1-10738
                                

                  ANNTAYLOR STORES CORPORATION
     ----------------------------------------------------- 
     (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)


      Delaware                                      13-3499319
- - ---------------------------------   --------------------------------------
(State of other jurisdiction of     (I.R.S. Employer Identification Number)
incorporation or organization)



142 West 57th Street, New York, NY                10019
- - ---------------------------------------        --------------
(Address of principal executive offices)         (Zip Code)
                                
                         
                         (212) 541-3300
      ---------------------------------------------------
      (Registrant's telephone number, including area code)
   
   
   Indicate  by  check mark whether registrant (1)  has  filed  all
reports  required  to  be  filed by Section  13  or  15(d)  of  the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months  (or
for  such shorter period that the registrant was required  to  file
such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements
for the past 90 days. Yes X     No____.

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

                                         Outstanding as of
          Class                             May 31, 1996
          ------                         ------------------
  Common Stock, $.0068 par value             23,087,334


   
                                
=========================================================================      
                                
                                
                       INDEX TO FORM 10-Q
                                
                                
                                
                                
  
  
                                                            Page No.
                                                            --------
  PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
     
     Item 1.   Financial Statements
            
            Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations
              for the Quarters Ended May 4, 1996
              and April 29, 1995................................. 3
            
            Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets at
              May 4, 1996 and February 3, 1996................... 4
            
            Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
              for the Quarters Ended May 4, 1996 and
              April 29, 1995..................................... 5
            
            Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements..6
          
     Item 2.   Management's Discussion and Analysis of 
                 Operations......................................10
  
  
  PART II.  OTHER INFORMATION
     
     Item 1.   Legal Proceedings.................................14
     
     
     Item 4.   Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security 
                  Holders........................................14
     
     Item 6.   Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K..................15


     ===============================================================
                  
                  PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
                                
                                
Item 1.   Financial Statements
                                
                                
                                
                  ANNTAYLOR STORES CORPORATION
         CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
      For the Quarters Ended May 4, 1996 and April 29, 1995
                           (unaudited)
                                
                                                     Quarters Ended
                                               ----------------------------
                                               May 4, 1996   April 29, 1995
                                               ------------  ---------------
                                        (in thousands, except per share amounts)

Net sales                                         $184,467       $168,306
Cost of sales                                      101,313         91,355
                                                   -------        -------

Gross profit                                        83,154         76,951

Selling, general and administrative expenses        70,254         62,451
Amortization of goodwill                             2,377          2,377
                                                   -------        -------

Operating income                                    10,523         12,123
Interest expense                                     6,121          4,498
Other (income) expense, net                           (131)            57
                                                   -------        -------
Income before income taxes                           4,533          7,568
Income tax provision                                 2,721          4,077
                                                   -------        -------
  
  Net income                                      $  1,812       $  3,491
                                                   =======        =======
  
  Net income per share of common stock            $    .08       $    .15
                                                   =======        =======
  
  Weighted average number of shares and
   share equivalents outstanding                    23,220         23,499
                                                   =======        =======
                                
                                
   See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

===========================================================================
                          
                  ANNTAYLOR STORES CORPORATION
              CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
                May 4, 1996 and February 3, 1996
                                
                                
                                          May 4, 1996  Feb. 3,1996
                                          -----------  -----------
                                          (unaudited)
                                                
                                               (in thousands)
                             ASSETS
Current assets
   Cash                                      $ 1,296   $  1,283
   Accounts receivable, net                   72,615     70,395
   Merchandise inventories                    98,185    102,685
   Prepaid expenses and other 
     current assets                           12,457     12,808
   Prepaid tenancy                             7,974      8,099
   Deferred income taxes                       3,400      3,400
                                             -------    -------
     Total current assets                    195,927    198,670
Property and equipment
   Land and building                           8,923      8,923
   Leasehold improvements                     76,723     73,677
   Furniture and fixtures                    101,502     99,548
   Construction in progress                   11,291     14,190
                                             -------    -------
                                             198,439    196,338
     Less accumulated depreciation 
       and amortization                       48,236     42,443
                                             -------    -------
     Net property and equipment              150,203    153,895
Goodwill, net of accumulated amortization 
  of $69,102,000 and $66,725,000, 
  respectively                               311,148    313,525
Investment in CAT                              5,750      5,438
Deferred financing costs, net of 
  accumulated amortization of
   $2,349,000 and $1,960,000, 
   respectively                                3,569      3,933
Other assets                                   3,222      3,248
                                             -------    -------
     Total assets                           $669,819   $678,709
                                             =======    =======
                                
              
              LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY

Current liabilities
   Accounts payable                         $ 40,208   $ 42,909
   Accrued expenses                           31,452     29,018
   Current portion of long-term debt          36,269     40,266
                                             -------    -------
     Total current liabilities               107,929    112,193
Long-term debt                               142,124    232,192
Deferred income taxes                          1,300      1,300
Other liabilities                              7,564      7,336
Commitments and contingencies
Company-Obligated Mandatorily 
   Redeemable Convertible
   Preferred Securities of 
   AnnTaylor Finance Trust
   Holding Solely Convertible Debentures     83,350        ---
Stockholders' equity
   Common stock, $.0068 par value; 
     40,000,000 shares authorized;
     23,131,419 and 23,127,743 
     shares issued, respectively                157         157
   Additional paid-in capital               311,336     311,284
   Warrants to acquire 35,707 and 
     36,605 shares of
    common stock, respectively                  582         596
   Retained earnings                         15,932      14,120
   Deferred compensation on 
     restricted stock                           (25)        (33)
                                            -------     -------
                                            327,982     326,124
   Less treasury stock, 44,085 and 
     44,983 shares, respectively,
     at cost                                   (430)       (436)
                                            -------     -------
        Total stockholders' equity          327,552     325,688
                                            -------     -------
        Total liabilities and 
          stockholders' equity             $669,819    $678,709
                                            =======     =======
                                
See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

============================================================================


                  ANNTAYLOR STORES CORPORATION
         CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
      For the Quarters Ended May 4, 1996 and April 29, 1995
                           (unaudited)

                                                  Quarters Ended
                                           ---------------------------
                                           May 4, 1996   April 29, 1995
                                           -----------   --------------
                                                   (in thousands)

Operating activities:
 Net income                                   $  1,812         $ 3,491
 Adjustments to reconcile net income to 
   net cash (used by) provided by 
   operating activities:
   Equity earnings in CAT                         (312)           (247)
   Provision for loss on accounts receivable       360             122
   Depreciation and amortization                 6,002           3,566
   Amortization of goodwill                      2,377           2,377
   Amortization of deferred financing costs        389             193
   Amortization of deferred compensation             8              26
   Loss on disposal of property and equipment       81             277
   (Increase) decrease in:
     Receivables                                (2,580)         (7,932)
     Merchandise inventories                     4,500         (16,608)
     Prepaid expenses and other current assets     476            (401)
   Increase (decrease) in:
     Accounts payable                           (2,701)          2,778
     Accrued expenses                            2,434           1,274
     Other non-current assets and liabilities, 
       net                                         254             312
                                               -------         -------
 Net cash provided by (used by) operating 
   activities                                   13,100         (10,772)

Investing activities:
 Purchases of property and equipment            (2,391)        (16,412)
                                               -------         -------
 Net cash used by investing activities          (2,391)        (16,412)
Financing activities:
 Increase in bank overdrafts                       ---           1,385
 (Repayments) borrowings under revolving 
   credit agreement                            (90,000)         27,000
 Payments on mortgage                              (65)            ---
 Net proceeds from issuance of Preferred 
   Securities                                   83,350             ---
 Exercise of stock options                          44              80
 Net repayments under receivables facility      (4,000)         (1,700)

 Payment of financing costs                        (25)            ---
                                               -------         -------
 Net cash (used by) provided by financing 
   activities                                  (10,696)         26,765
                                               -------         -------
Net increase (decrease) in cash                     13            (419)
Cash, beginning of period                        1,283           1,551
                                               -------         -------
Cash, end of period                           $  1,296        $  1,132
                                               =======         =======
Supplemental Disclosures of Cash Flow 
 Information:
 Cash paid during the period for interest     $  3,357        $  1,489
                                               =======         =======
 Cash paid during the period for income taxes $    116        $  1,587
                                               =======         =======
                                
                                
See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

=========================================================================



                  ANNTAYLOR STORES CORPORATION
      NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
                           (unaudited)


1. Basis of Presentation
   ---------------------
   
   The  condensed consolidated financial statements are unaudited
but, in the opinion of management, contain all adjustments (which
are of a normal recurring nature) necessary to present fairly the
financial position, results of operations and cash flows for  the
periods  presented.   All significant intercompany  accounts  and
transactions have been eliminated.
   
   The results of operations for the 1996 interim period shown in
this  report  are  not necessarily indicative of  results  to  be
expected for the fiscal year.
   
   The  February  3,  1996 condensed consolidated  balance  sheet
amounts   have   been   derived  from  the   previously   audited
consolidated balance sheet of AnnTaylor Stores Corporation.
   
   Certain  fiscal 1995 amounts have been reclassified to conform
to the 1996 presentation.
   
   It  is  not considered necessary to include detailed  footnote
information as of May 4, 1996 and April 29, 1995.  The  financial
information  set forth herein should be read in conjunction  with
the  Notes  to  the  Company's Consolidated Financial  Statements
contained in the AnnTaylor Stores Corporation 1995 Annual  Report
to Stockholders.


2. Income Per Share
   ----------------
   
   Net  income per share is calculated by dividing net income  by
the  total  of the weighted average number of common  shares  and
common  share equivalents outstanding, assuming the  exercise  of
outstanding warrants and the dilutive effect of outstanding stock
options,  computed in accordance with the treasury stock  method.
The number of shares used in the calculation was as follows:
   
                                              
                                                Quarters Ended
                                        -----------------------------
                                        May  4, 1996   April  29, 1995
                                              
                                                (in thousands)
                                                
   Common shares.........................   23,086          23,045
   Warrants..............................       36              57
   Stock options.........................       98             397
                                            ------          ------
                                            23,220          23,499
                                            ======          ======
                           
   
   
   
   Fully  diluted income per share, assuming the conversion  into
common  stock of the 8-1/2% Convertible Trust Originated  Preferred
Securities described below is not presented for the quarter ended
May  4,  1996  due  to the anti-dilutive effect  of  the  assumed
conversion.


3. Long-Term Debt
   ---------------
   
   The following summarizes long-term debt outstanding at May  4,
1996:

                                       (in thousands)

      Revolving Credit Facility            $11,000
      Term Loan                             24,500
      8-3/4% Notes                         100,000
      Receivables Facility                  36,000
      Mortgage                               6,893
                                           -------
         Total debt                        178,393
      Less current portion                  36,269
                                           -------
         Total long-term debt             $142,124
                                           =======
      
   On  April  25,  1996,  the  Company completed  the  sale  (the
"Initial  Sale") of $87,500,000 8-1/2% Convertible Trust Originated
Preferred  Securities  ("Preferred  Securities")  issued  by  its
financing  vehicle, AnnTaylor Finance Trust, a Delaware  business
trust  (the  "Trust").   On May 17, 1996,  the  Trust  issued  an
additional  $13,125,000 of Preferred Securities pursuant  to  the
exercise of an over-allotment option (the "Over-allotment  Sale")
granted  to the Initial Purchasers (as defined herein) under  the
terms  of  the  Purchase  Agreement  (the  "Purchase  Agreement")
between  the  Company and the Initial Purchasers.  The  Preferred
Securities  have  a liquidation preference of  $50  per  security
($100,625,000 in the aggregate) and are convertible at the option
of the holders thereof into the Company's common stock at a 
conversion rate of 2.545 shares of common stock for each  
Preferred  Security (equivalent to $19.65 per share of common
stock, which represented a 20% premium to the $16.375 closing
price of the common stock on the New York Stock Exchange at the 
date of the execution of the Purchase Agreement).  A total  of  
2,012,500 Preferred Securities were issued, and are convertible
into an aggregate of 5,121,812 shares of common stock.
   
   The  sale  of the Preferred Securities enabled the Company  to
pay   down  $94,000,000  of  outstanding  borrowings  under   its
revolving  credit facility, without reduction of  the  commitment
thereunder.  $83,000,000 of outstanding borrowings were paid down
during the quarter ended May 4, 1996 with the net proceeds of the
Initial Sale and $11,000,000 of outstanding borrowings were  paid
down  on May 20, 1996 with the net proceeds of the Over-allotment
Sale.
   
    The Preferred  Securities were sold through Merrill  Lynch  &
Co., Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated, CS First
Boston  Corporation,  Donaldson,  Lufkin  &  Jenrette  Securities
Corporation and Robertson, Stephens & Company, LLC (collectively,
the  "Initial Purchasers") in the United States and  outside  the
United  States  in  a  private  placement  under  Rule  144A  and
Regulation S, respectively, under the Securities Act of 1933.
   

4. CAT/Cygne Transaction
   ------------------------
   In Fiscal 1995, the Company purchased approximately 16% of its
merchandise  directly from Cygne Designs, Inc. ("Cygne")  and  an
additional  38%  of its merchandise through the Company's  direct
sourcing  joint venture with Cygne known as CAT.  In April  1996,
the  Company  announced that it had entered into an agreement  in
principle,  dated  as  of April 8, 1996, pursuant  to  which  the
Company  will purchase from Cygne all the shares of CAT owned  by
Cygne  and the assets of the Ann Taylor Woven Division  of  Cygne
that  are  used  in  sourcing merchandise for  the  Company  (the
"CAT/Cygne  Transaction").  On June 7, 1996 the Company  and  its
wholly  owned  subsidiary AnnTaylor, Inc. ("Ann Taylor")  entered
into  a  definitive purchase agreement with Cygne and its  wholly
owned  subsidiary Cygne Group (F.E.) Limited, providing  for  the
CAT/Cygne  Transaction.  The purchase price for Cygne's  interest
in  CAT and the Ann Taylor Woven Division assets will consist  of
shares  of  common stock of the Company having  a  market  price,
based  on  the price of the Company's common stock  for  the  ten
trading  days  prior  to the closing of the transaction,  of  $36
million  (provided that in no event will the Company be  required
to  issue more than 2.5 million shares) and a cash payment in  an
amount  equal to the tangible net book value of the fixed  assets
(but  not to exceed $2,646,000), plus the tangible net book value
of  the  inventory  of the Ann Taylor Woven  Division,  less  the
amount  of  certain liabilities of the Division to be assumed  by
Ann  Taylor.   The Company will also pay cash in  respect  of  an
obligation under an existing employment agreement with CAT.   The
Company  has agreed to register the shares to be issued to  Cygne
for   resale,   although  Cygne  will  be  subject   to   certain
restrictions  on  the timing of sales and the  amount  of  shares
which can be sold at any one time.
   
   The  Company  has received the consent of its lenders  to  the
CAT/Cygne  Transaction and CAT has received a written  commitment
of  HongKong and Shanghai Banking Corporation to the continuation
of CAT's existing $40 million credit facility.  

   The  closing of the CAT/Cygne Transaction is subject  to  various
other  conditions, including (i) the approval of the  transaction 
by Cygne's stockholders and (ii) the consent and release of liens
by  certain  lenders to Cygne.  It is currently anticipated  that
the  transaction will close in August 1996 following approval  by
Cygne's  stockholders.  There can be no assurance, however,  that
the  conditions  referred to above will be  satisfied,  that  the
transaction will be consummated or, if consummated, that it  will
be consummated within the currently anticipated time frame.
   
   

5. Legal Proceedings
   -----------------
  
  On  April  26, 1996, certain alleged stockholders of  AnnTaylor
Stores  Corporation  (the  "Company"), filed  a  purported  class
action  lawsuit  in  the  United States District  Court  Southern
District  of  New  York against the Company, Ann Taylor,  certain
officers  and  directors of the Company and Ann  Taylor,  Merrill
Lynch  & Co. ("Merrill") and certain affiliates of Merrill (Novak
v.  Kasaks,  et.  al.,  No.  96 CIV 3073  (S.D.N.Y.  1996)).   The
complaint  alleges  causes  of action  under  Section  10(b)  and
Section 20(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended,
by  alleging that the Company and the other defendants engaged in
a  fraudulent scheme and course of business that operated a fraud
or  deceit on purchasers of the Company's common stock during the
period  commencing February 3, 1994 through May 4,  1995  due  to
false and misleading statements about the Company and Ann Taylor.
The complaint seeks, among other things, certification as a class
action  on  behalf of all purchasers of common stock  during  the
period  commencing  February 3, 1994 through  May  4,  1995,  the
awarding  of compensatory damages to the plaintiffs and purported
members  of  the  class,  the awarding of costs,  including  pre-
judgment  post-judgment interest, reasonable attorneys' fees  and
expert  witness fees to the plaintiffs and purported  members  of
the  class  and equitable and/or injunctive relief.  The  Company
believes  that  the  complaint is without merit  and  intends  to
defend the action vigorously.
  
   
======================================================================

Item 2.  Management's Discussion and Analysis of Operations

Results of Operations

                                                  Quarters Ended
                                          ---------------------------
                                          May 4, 1996  April 29, 1995
   Number of Stores:
   Open at beginning of period                  306       262
   Opened during period                           4        15
   Expanded during period*                      ---        12
   Closed during period                           3         2
   Open at end of period                        307       275
   Type of Stores Open at End of Period:
      Ann Taylor Stores                         258       240
      Ann Taylor Factory Stores                  23        23
      Ann Taylor Loft stores                     17         6
      Ann Taylor Studio stores                    9         6
   
   -------------------
   * Expanded stores are excluded from comparable store sales for
     the first year following expansion.




Quarter Ended May 4, 1996 Compared to Quarter Ended  April  29, 1995
- - --------------------------------------------------------------------
   
   The Company's net sales in the first quarter of 1996 increased
to  $184,467,000 from $168,306,000 in the first quarter of  1995,
an  increase of $16,161,000 or 9.6%.  The increase in  net  sales
was  attributable to the opening of new stores and the  expansion
of existing stores, offset by a 6.0% decrease in comparable store
sales in the first quarter of 1996.  Management believes that the
decrease  in  comparable store sales was  due  primarily  to  the
Company's  reduced inventory position.  During the first  quarter
of  1996, inventories were down approximately 25% on a per square
foot basis compared to the same period of the prior fiscal year.
   
   Gross  profit as a percentage of net sales decreased to  45.1%
in  the first quarter of 1996 from 45.7% in the first quarter  of
1995.   This decrease was attributable to increased cost of goods
sold resulting from lower initial markups and to higher markdowns
associated with increased promotional activity.
   
   Selling, general and administrative expenses represented 38.1%
of  net sales in the first quarter of 1996, compared to 37.1%  of
net  sales  in  the  first  quarter of  1995.   The  increase  is
primarily  attributable to higher tenancy, store maintenance  and
store selling costs.
   
   As a result of the foregoing, the Company had operating income
of  $10,523,000,  or 5.7% of net sales, in the first  quarter  of
1996, compared to operating income of $12,123,000, or 7.2% of net
sales,  in  the first quarter of 1995.  Amortization of  goodwill
was $2,377,000 in the first quarter of 1996 and $2,377,000 in the
first  quarter of 1995.  Operating income, without giving  effect
to  such amortization in either year, was $12,900,000, or 7.0% of
net  sales,  in the 1996 period and $14,500,000, or 8.6%  of  net
sales, in the 1995 period.
   
   Interest expense was $6,121,000 in the first quarter  of  1996
and  $4,498,000  in the first quarter of 1995.  The  increase  in
interest  expense  is  attributable  to  higher  interest   rates
applicable   to  the  Company's  debt  obligations   and   higher
outstanding indebtedness in 1996.
   
   The  income tax provision was $2,721,000, or 60.0%  of  income
before  income  taxes, in the first quarter of 1996  compared  to
$4,077,000, or 53.9% of income before income taxes, in the  first
quarter  of 1995.  The effective income tax rate for both periods
differed  from  the  statutory rate  primarily  because  of  non-
deductible goodwill amortization.
   
   As  a  result  of the foregoing factors, the Company  had  net
income of $1,812,000, or 1.0% of net sales, for the first quarter
of  1996 compared to net income of $3,491,000, or 2.1% of net
sales, for the first quarter of 1995.
   
   AnnTaylor  Stores Corporation conducts no business other  than
the management of Ann Taylor.

==================================================================


Financial Condition
- - -------------------

   For  the first quarter of 1996, net cash provided by operating
activities  totaled $13,100,000, primarily as  a  result  of  net
income  and non-cash operating expenses.  Cash used for investing
activities   during  the  first  quarter  of  1996  amounted   to
$2,391,000,  for  the purchase of property and  equipment.   Cash
used  by  financing activities during the first quarter  of  1996
amounted  to  $10,696,000, primarily as a  result  of  repayments
under   the   revolving  credit  agreement  and  the  receivables
facility,  partially offset by net proceeds from the issuance  of
Preferred Securities.

   Accounts  receivable increased to $72,615,000 at May  4,  1996
from  $70,395,000 at February 3, 1996, an increase of  $2,220,000
or  3.2%.  This increase was primarily attributable to Ann Taylor
credit    card   receivables,   which   increased   approximately
$1,587,000.

   Merchandise  inventories  were $98,185,000  at  May  4,  1996,
compared  to  inventories of $102,685,000 at  February  3,  1996.
Total square footage increased to 1,666,000 square feet at May 4,
1996 from 1,651,000 square feet at February 3, 1996.

   At   May  4,  1996,  $11,000,000  was  outstanding  under  the
revolving credit agreement and $36,000,000 was outstanding  under
AnnTaylor  Funding, Inc.'s receivables facility.  Ann Taylor  can
borrow  up  to $122,000,000 under the revolving credit  agreement
and  AnnTaylor  Funding, Inc. can borrow up to $40,000,000  under
the  receivables facility, depending upon its accounts receivable
balance.  The receivables facility matures in January 1997.   The
Company expects to negotiate an extension of the maturity of this
facility.

   On   April  25,  1996,  the  Company  completed  the  sale  of
$87,500,000  of  Preferred Securities  issued  by  its  financing
vehicle, AnnTaylor Finance Trust, a Delaware business trust.   On
May  17,  1996,  the  Trust issued an additional  $13,125,000  of
Preferred  Securities  pursuant  to  the  exercise  of  an  Over-
allotment Sale granted to the Initial Purchasers under the  terms
of  the  Purchase Agreement between the Company and  the  Initial
Purchasers.    The  Preferred  Securities  have   a   liquidation
preference of $50 per security and are convertible at the  option
of the holders thereof into  common stock at a conversion rate of 
2.545 shares of common stock   for  each  Preferred  Security.   
A  total  of  2,012,500 Preferred  Securities were issued, and are  
convertible  into  an aggregate  of  5,121,812  shares of  common  
stock,  representing approximately 22% of the outstanding common 
stock as of  May  31, 1996.   The sale of the Preferred Securities 
enabled the  Company to  pay  down  $94,000,000 of outstanding  
borrowings  under  its revolving  credit facility, without reduction 
of the commitment thereunder.
   
   The   Company's  capital  expenditures,  which  are  primarily
attributable  to  the Company's store expansion,  renovation  and
refurbishment  programs, totaled $2,391,000 in the first  quarter
of  1996.   The  Company now expects to open 11  new  Ann  Taylor
Stores,  4  new Ann Taylor Loft Stores and expand 5 existing  Ann
Taylor  Stores  in  fiscal 1996.  Total capital expenditures  for
1996 are expected to be approximately $13,500,000.
   
   Dividends and distributions from Ann Taylor to the Company are
restricted by the Bank Credit Agreement, the Receivables Facility
and  the  Indenture  for the 8-3/4% Notes.   The  payment  of  cash
dividends by the Company on its capital stock is also subject  to
certain restrictions contained in the Company's guarantee of  Ann
Taylor's  obligations  under  the  Bank  Credit  Agreement.   Any
determination to pay cash dividends in the future will be at  the
discretion  of  the  Company's Board of  Directors  and  will  be
dependent  upon  the  Company's results of operations,  financial
condition,  contractual  restrictions and  other  factors  deemed
relevant at that time by the Company's Board of Directors.
   
   Distributions on the Preferred Securities accrue from the date
of  the original issuance of the Preferred Securities and will be
payable  at the annual rate of 8-1/2% of the liquidation amount  of
$50  per  Preferred  Security.  Subject to  certain  distribution
deferral  provisions,  distributions on the Preferred  Securities
will  be  payable quarterly in arrears on each January 15,  April
15, July 15 and October 15, commencing July 15, 1996.  Payment of
distributions  on  the  Preferred  Securities  by  the  Trust  is
dependent  upon receipt of payment of interest by the Company  on
its  8-1/2% Convertible Subordinated Debentures held by the  Trust.
The Company's ability to make such interest payments is dependent
upon  its  receipt of dividends or other distributions  from  Ann
Taylor.   As  indicated  above,  the  payment  of  dividends  and
distributions  from  Ann  Taylor to the  Company  is  subject  to
certain  restrictions contained in the Bank Credit Agreement  and
the Indenture for the 8-3/4% Notes.  The Company currently believes
that  Ann Taylor will be able to make such distributions  to  the
Company  in  the  foreseeable future within the  limitations  set
forth in the Indenture for the 8-3/4% Notes.  In addition, provided
that  Ann  Taylor  is not then in default under the  Bank  Credit
Agreement at the time of any such distribution, the lenders under
the Bank Credit Agreement have consented to quarterly
distributions by Ann Taylor to the Company equal to the amount of
interest due on the Convertible Subordinated Debentures.
   
   In  order  to finance its operations and capital requirements,
the  Company  expects  to use internally generated  funds,  trade
credit,  and  funds  available to it under the  revolving  credit
facility and the receivables facility.  The Company believes that
cash flow from operations and funds available under the revolving
credit  facility and the receivables facility are  sufficient  to
enable  it  to  meet its ongoing cash needs for  the  foreseeable
future.

=================================================================
                                
                   PART II.  OTHER INFORMATION




Item 1.  Legal Proceedings
         -----------------
  
  On  April 26, 1996, certain alleged stockholders of the Company
filed  a  purported  class action lawsuit in  the  United  States
District Court Southern District of New York against the Company,
Ann Taylor, certain officers and directors of the Company and Ann
Taylor,  Merrill  and  certain affiliates of  Merrill  (Novak  v.
Kasaks,   et.  al.,  No.  96  CIV  3073  (S.D.N.Y.  1996)).   The
allegations in the complaint are described above in Footnote 5 to
the  Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements in this  filing.
The  Company  believes that the complaint is  without  merit  and
intends to defend the action vigorously.
  
  

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

  AnnTaylor   Stores   Corporation's  1995  Annual   Meeting   of
Stockholders  was  held on June 14, 1996.  The following  matters
were voted upon and approved by the Company's stockholders at the
meeting:

1.  Ms.  Sally  Frame  Kasaks  and Mr. James  J.  Burke,  Jr.  were
    reelected as Class I Directors of the Company, for terms
    expiring in 1999.  21,604,678 and 21,604,548 shares were voted
    in favor of, and 266,143 and 266,273 shares were voted  against
    or  abstained  from voting on the proposal for the  re-election
    of  Ms.  Kasaks  and Mr. Burke, respectively.   Mr.  Gerald  S.
    Armstrong,  Mr.  Paul  E. Francis and  Ms.  Hanne  M.  Merriman
    continued as Class II Directors, with terms expiring  in  1997,
    and  Ms. Rochelle B. Lazarus, Mr. Robert C. Grayson and Mr.  J.
    Patrick  Spainhour continued as Class III Directors with  terms
    expiring in 1998.


2.  The  appointment  of  Deloitte & Touche LLP as  the  Company's
    independent accountants for the 1996 fiscal year was  ratified.
    21,805,010 shares were voted in favor of, and 65,811 shares
    were voted against or abstained from voting on, this proposal.




Item 6.  Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K
         --------------------------------
      
      (a)  Exhibits:
                     
               None
      
      
      (b)  Reports on Form 8-K:
               
               The Company filed a report with the Commission  on
               Form  8-K  dated  April  8,  1996  announcing  the
               proposed  acquisition by the Company of (i)  Cygne
               Designs, Inc.'s ("Cygne") entire interest  in  the
               Company's  direct  sourcing  joint  venture   with
               Cygne, known as CAT US, Inc. and C.A.T. (Far East)
               Limited,  and (ii) the assets of Cygne's AnnTaylor
               Woven   Division  that  are  used   for   sourcing
               merchandise for Ann Taylor.
               
               The Company filed a report with the Commission  on
               Form  8-K  dated  May 3, 1996 with  respect  to  a
               purported class action lawsuit filed in the United
               States  District  Court Southern District  of  New
               York  State filed against the Company, its  wholly
               owned subsidiary Ann Taylor, certain officers  and
               directors  of the Company and Ann Taylor,  Merrill
               and  certain  affiliates of Merrill on  April  26,
               1996  by  certain  alleged  stockholders  of   the
               Company.
               
               The Company filed a report with the Commission  on
               Form  8-K dated June 10, 1996 with respect to  the
               execution  by  the Company and  Ann  Taylor  of  a
               definitive purchase agreement with Cygne  and  its
               wholly   owned   subsidiary  Cygne  Group   (F.E.)
               Limited,  providing  for the Company's  previously
               announced proposed acquisition of Cygne's interest
               in  the  Company's direct sourcing  joint  venture
               with  Cygne and the assets of the Ann Taylor Woven
               Division of Cygne that sources merchandise for Ann
               Taylor.
      
==================================================================            
                           
                           SIGNATURES
                                
                                
   Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of
1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed  on
its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.
   
                                   AnnTaylor Stores Corporation



Date:      June 18, 1996            By: /s/  J. Patrick Spainhour
     ------------------------           --------------------------
                                        J. Patrick Spainhour
                                        President and Chief
                                         Operating Officer





Date:      June 18, 1996             By: /s/  Walter J. Parks
      ------------------------          ---------------------------
                                        Walter J. Parks
                                        Senior Vice President -
                                         Finance
                                         (Principal Accounting
                                         Officer)




<TABLE> <S> <C>

<ARTICLE> 5
<LEGEND>
This schedule contains summary financial information extracted from the
condensed consolidated statements of operations and condensed consolidated
balance sheets and is qualified in its entirety by reference to such financial
statements.
</LEGEND>
<CIK> 0000874214
<NAME> ANN TAYLOR STORES CORPORATION
<MULTIPLIER> 1,000
       
<S>                             <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   3-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          FEB-01-1997
<PERIOD-END>                               MAY-04-1996
<CASH>                                           1,296
<SECURITIES>                                         0
<RECEIVABLES>                                   73,318
<ALLOWANCES>                                       703
<INVENTORY>                                     98,185
<CURRENT-ASSETS>                               195,927
<PP&E>                                         198,439
<DEPRECIATION>                                  48,236
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                                 669,819
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES>                          107,929
<BONDS>                                              0
                                0
                                          0
<COMMON>                                           157
<OTHER-SE>                                     327,395
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY>                   669,819
<SALES>                                        184,467
<TOTAL-REVENUES>                               184,467
<CGS>                                          101,313
<TOTAL-COSTS>                                  101,313
<OTHER-EXPENSES>                                72,500
<LOSS-PROVISION>                                     0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                               6,121
<INCOME-PRETAX>                                  4,533
<INCOME-TAX>                                     2,721
<INCOME-CONTINUING>                                  0
<DISCONTINUED>                                       0
<EXTRAORDINARY>                                      0
<CHANGES>                                            0
<NET-INCOME>                                     1,812
<EPS-PRIMARY>                                        0
<EPS-DILUTED>                                      .08
        

</TABLE>


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