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SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-K
FOR ANNUAL AND TRANSITION REPORTS
PURSUANT TO SECTIONS 13 OR 15(d) OF THE
SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
[X] ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE
SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the fiscal year ended January 29, 2000
[ ] TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES
EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the transition period from __________ to __________
Commission File No. 1-12302
Barnes & Noble, Inc.
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(Exact name of registrant as specified in its Charter)
Delaware 06-1196501
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(State or other jurisdiction of (I.R.S. Employer
incorporation or organization) Identification No.)
122 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY 10011
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(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code)
Registrant's telephone number, including area code: (212) 633-3300
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Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:
Common Stock, $0.001 par value per share New York Stock Exchange
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(Title of Class) (Name of Exchange on
which registered)
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act: None
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant: (1) has filed all reports
required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of
1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the
registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such
filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes X No ____
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Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405
of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the
best of registrant's knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements
incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this
Form 10-K. [ ]
The aggregate market value of the voting stock held by non-affiliates of the
registrant was approximately $1,149,576,867 based upon the closing market price
of $23.4375 per share of Common Stock on the New York Stock Exchange as of March
31, 2000.
Number of shares of $.001 par value Common Stock outstanding as of March 31,
2000: 64,081,125
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DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE
Portions of the Registrant's Proxy Statement for the 2000 Annual Meeting of
Shareholders are incorporated by reference into Part III.
Portions of the Registrant's Annual Report to Shareholders for the fiscal year
ended January 29, 2000 are incorporated by reference into Parts II and IV.
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
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Page
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PART I
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Item 1. Business ............................................... 4
Item 2. Properties ............................................. 16
Item 3. Legal Proceedings ...................................... 17
Item 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders .... 18
PART II
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Item 5. Market for Registrant's Common Equity and Related
Stockholder Matters .................................... 18
Item 6. Selected Financial Data................................. 19
Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial
Condition and Results of Operations .................... 19
Item 7a. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk N/A
Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data ............ 19
Item 9. Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on
Accounting and Financial Disclosure .................... 19
PART III
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Item 10. Directors and Executive Officers of the Registrant ..... 19
Item 11. Executive Compensation ................................. 20
Item 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and
Management.............................................. 20
Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions ......... 20
PART IV
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Item 14. Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules and Reports on 20
Form 8-K ...............................................
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PART I
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ITEM 1. BUSINESS
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General
Barnes & Noble, Inc. (Barnes & Noble or the Company), the nation's
largest bookseller*, as of January 29, 2000 operated 942 bookstores and 526
video game and entertainment software stores. Of the 942 bookstores, 542 operate
under the Barnes & Noble Booksellers, Bookstop and Bookstar trade names, (38 of
which were opened in fiscal 1999), and 400 operate under the B. Dalton
Bookseller, Doubleday Book Shops and Scribner's Bookstore trade names. Through
its 40 percent interest in barnesandnoble.com llc (Barnes & Noble.com), the
Company is the second largest seller of books on the Internet and is the
exclusive bookseller on America Online (AOL). The Company, through its recent
acquisition of Babbage's Etc. LLC (Babbage's Etc.), operates 526 video game and
entertainment software stores under the Babbage's, Software Etc. and GameStop
trade names, and a Web site, gamestop.com. During fiscal 1999, the Company's
share of the consumer book market rose to approximately 15%.
The Company's principal business is the retail sale of trade books
(generally hardcover and paperback consumer titles, excluding educational
textbooks and specialized religious titles), mass market paperbacks (such as
mystery, romance, science fiction and other popular fiction), children's books,
off-price bargain books and magazines. These collectively account for
substantially all of the Company's bookstore sales. Bestsellers represent only
3% of the Barnes & Noble store sales.
On October 28, 1999, the Company acquired Babbage's Etc., one of the
nation's largest operators of video game and entertainment software stores. As a
result of the acquisition, the Company currently operates 526 video game and
entertainment software stores located in 47 states and Puerto Rico. Stores
feature video game hardware and software, PC entertainment software and a
multitude of accessories.
The Company's fiscal year is comprised of 52 or 53 weeks, ending on the
Saturday closest to the last day of January. The fiscal year ended January 29,
2000 (fiscal 1999) and the fiscal year ended January 30, 1999 (fiscal 1998) were
comprised of 52 weeks.
The Company's sales increased 16.0% during fiscal 1999 to $3.486
billion from $3.006 billion during fiscal 1998 (which includes a 7.4% increase
attributable to the inclusion of Babbage's Etc. sales for the fourth quarter of
1999). The Company reported an increased operating profit of $232.1 million
(which includes Babbage's Etc.'s fourth quarter operating profit of $15.4
million) up from last year's operating profit of $185.1 million. The Company's
bookstore operating profit increased to $216.7 million up 17.1% from the prior
year.
Expanding bookstore gross margins due to improved occupancy leverage
and a more favorable product mix, combined with solid sales growth were the
major drivers of the 1999 operating results.
On a consolidated basis, the Company's net earnings increased 34.8% in
fiscal 1999 to $124.5 million or $1.75 per diluted share, from $92.4 million or
$1.29 per diluted share for 1998. Bookstores earnings per share increased 22.7%
to $1.62 in fiscal 1999 from $1.32 in fiscal 1998. Babbage's Etc. contributed
$0.10 per diluted share in fiscal 1999.
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*Based upon information reported in trade publications and public filings.
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Barnes & Noble Stores
General
Barnes & Noble is the largest operator of book "super" stores in the
United States* with 542 Barnes & Noble stores located in 49 states and the
District of Columbia as of January 29, 2000. With more than 30 years of
bookselling experience, management has a strong sense of customers' changing
needs and the Company leads book retailing with a "community store" concept.
Barnes & Noble's typical store offers a comprehensive title base, a cafe, a
children's section, a music department, a magazine section and a calendar of
ongoing events, including author appearances and children's activities, that
make each Barnes & Noble store an active part of its community.
Barnes & Noble stores range in size from 10,000 to 60,000 square feet
depending upon market size. Barnes & Noble stores opened during fiscal 1999
added 1.0 million square feet to the Barnes & Noble base, bringing the total
square footage to 12.7 million square feet, a 7% increase over the prior year.
Fiscal 1999 sales from Barnes & Noble stores, which contributed 86% of the
Company's total bookstore sales, increased 12.2% to $2.822 billion from $2.515
billion in fiscal 1998. The Company plans to open between 40 and 45 Barnes &
Noble stores in fiscal 2000 which are expected to average 26,000 square feet in
size. The Company believes that the key elements contributing to the success of
the Barnes & Noble stores are:
Proximity to Customers. The Company's strategy is to increase its share
of the consumer book market, as well as to increase the size of the market.
Since it began its "super" store roll-out, the Company has employed a market
clustering strategy. As of January 29, 2000, Barnes & Noble had stores in 148 of
the total 210 DMA markets (Designated Market Area). In 71 of the 148 markets,
the Company has only one Barnes & Noble store. The Company believes its early
market penetration and the stores' proximity to their customers strengthen its
market position and increase its franchise value. Most Barnes & Noble stores are
located in high-traffic areas with convenient access to major commercial
thoroughfares and ample parking. Most stores offer extended shopping hours,
generally 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m., seven days a week.
Dominant Title Selection. Each Barnes & Noble store features an
authoritative selection of books, ranging between 60,000 to 175,000 titles. The
comprehensive title selection is diverse and reflects local interests. In
addition, Barnes & Noble emphasizes books published by small and independent
publishers and university presses. Bestsellers represent only 3% of Barnes &
Noble store sales. Complementing this extensive on-site selection, all Barnes &
Noble stores provide customers with access to the millions of books available to
online shoppers while offering an option to have the book sent to the store or
shipped directly to the customer. The Company believes that its tremendous
selection, including many otherwise hard-to-find titles, builds customer
loyalty. During fiscal 1999 the Company completed installation of BookMaster,
the Company's new in-store operating system, in all Barnes & Noble stores.
BookMaster enhances the Company's existing merchandise replenishment systems,
resulting in higher in-stock positions and better productivity at the store
level through efficiencies in receiving, cashiering and returns processing.
Store Design and Ambiance. Barnes & Noble stores are designed to be
reminiscent of an old world library, with wood fixtures, antique style chairs
and tables, ample public space, a cafe and public restrooms. Barnes & Noble's
literary cafes, for which the Starbucks Corporation is the sole provider of
coffee products, further the image of its "super" stores as a community meeting
place.
* Based upon information reported in trade publications and public filings.
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Music Departments. As of January 29, 2000, the Company had 237 Barnes &
Noble stores with music departments which range in size from 1,700 to 7,800
square feet. The music departments generally stock over 50,000 titles in
classical music, opera, jazz, blues and pop rock, tailored to the tastes of the
Company's core customers, the 35 to 45 year age group. Listening stations are
available for customers to preview selected compact disks.
Discount Pricing. Barnes & Noble stores employ a new aggressive
nationwide discount pricing strategy. The current pricing is 40% off publishers'
suggested retail prices for hardcover bestsellers, 30% off paperback bestsellers
and 20% off select feature titles in departments such as children's books and
computer books. The Company believes that its new pricing strategies enable the
Company to increase the discount on the books its customers buy most often while
bringing the Company closer to online pricing.
Marketing and Community Relations. Barnes & Noble stores are launched
with a major grand opening campaign involving extensive print and radio
advertising, direct-mail marketing and community events. Each store plans its
own community-based calendar of events, including author appearances, children's
storytelling hours, poetry readings and discussion groups. The Company believes
its community focus encourages customer loyalty, significant word-of-mouth
publicity and free media coverage. The Company also supports communities through
efforts on behalf of First Book, a national organization dedicated to providing
books to children with little or no access to them outside of school. In
addition, the Company is underwriting the Emmy-award winning PBS children's
television series Reading Rainbow and is the exclusive book sponser of the Poets
& Writers organization.
Merchandising and Marketing
The Company's merchandising strategy for its Barnes & Noble stores is
to be the authoritative community bookstore which carries a dominant selection
of titles in all subjects, including an extensive selection of titles from small
independent publishers and university presses. Each Barnes & Noble store stocks
from 60,000 to 175,000 titles, of which approximately 50,000 titles are common
to all stores; the balance is crafted to reflect the lifestyles and interests of
each store's customers. Before a store opens, the Company's buyers study the
community and customize the title selection with offerings from the store's
local publishers and authors. After the store opens, each Barnes & Noble store
manager is responsible for adjusting the buyers' selection to the interests,
lifestyles and demands of the store's local customers. The Company's proprietary
database, which includes catalogued sales rankings of over 950,000 titles in
over 150 subjects, provides each store with comprehensive title selections in
those subjects in which it seeks to expand. During 1999, the Company completed
the rollout of its state-of-the-art store system, BookMaster. The new store
system greatly enhances store-level customer service and productivity with its
extremely fast register transactions and its title database with more than 2.5
million titles designed specifically for book browsing.
Store Locations and Properties
The Company's experienced real estate personnel select sites for new
Barnes & Noble stores after an extensive review of demographic data and other
information relating to market potential, bookstore visibility and access,
available parking, surrounding businesses, compatible nearby tenants,
competition and the location of other Barnes & Noble stores. Most stores are
located in high-visibility areas adjacent to main traffic corridors in strip
shopping centers or freestanding buildings. The Company has been successful in
converting existing structures into dynamic bookstores in the Barnes & Noble
store format such as conversions of old movie theaters, bowling alleys, power
plants and landmark buildings.
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The number of Barnes & Noble stores located in each state and the
District of Columbia as of January 29, 2000 are listed below:
NUMBER NUMBER
STATE OF STORES STATE OF STORES
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Alaska 1 Missouri 8
Alabama 5 Montana 3
Arizona 12 Nebraska 4
Arkansas 2 Nevada 5
California 75 New Hampshire 4
Colorado 13 New Jersey 20
Connecticut 11 New Mexico 2
Delaware 1 New York 34
Dist. of Columbia 1 North Carolina 15
Florida 37 North Dakota 2
Georgia 12 Ohio 16
Hawaii 1 Oklahoma 5
Idaho 3 Oregon 8
Illinois 24 Pennsylvania 19
Indiana 7 Rhode Island 1
Iowa 3 South Carolina 9
Kansas 4 South Dakota 1
Kentucky 4 Tennessee 8
Louisiana 6 Texas 49
Maine 1 Utah 8
Maryland 9 Vermont 1
Massachusetts 17 Virginia 14
Michigan 15 Washington 16
Minnesota 16 Wisconsin 7
Mississippi 2 Wyoming 1
Expansion
The Company believes its Barnes & Noble store format offers the
greatest opportunity to increase its share of the expanding consumer book market
and intends to strengthen its position as the world's leading operator of book
superstores by opening between 40 and 45 new stores during fiscal 2000.
All stores will be opened under the Barnes & Noble Booksellers trade
name, and positions in those stores will be filled from within the Company
wherever possible.
The Company anticipates that its expansion plans will be supported by
continuing strong demand for consumer books, which has grown over the past five
years at a rate of 4.0% compounded annually and is forecasted to grow 5.9% over
the next five years compounded annually according to Veronis, Suhler &
Associates Communications Industry Forecast.
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B. Dalton Stores
General
The Company is the second largest operator of mall bookstores in the
United States.* During fiscal 1999, B. Dalton generated sales of approximately
$426.0 million, or 13.1% of the Company's total bookstore sales, compared with
15.6% of total bookstore sales during fiscal 1998.
Most B. Dalton stores range in size from 2,800 to 6,000 square feet.
These stores stock between 15,000 and 25,000 titles, feature new releases,
bestsellers and children's books, and carry a solid selection of titles in
categories such as business, computers, cooking and reference. B. Dalton employs
a market-by-market discount pricing strategy which generally discounts hardcover
bestsellers from 15% to 25% off the publishers' suggested retail prices. B.
Dalton also offers a Book$avers discount card for an annual fee which allows
customers an additional 10% discount on substantially all purchases. The
Company's 10 Doubleday and five Scribner's bookstores utilize a more upscale
format in select shopping malls and place a greater emphasis on hardcover and
gift books.
The Company is continuing to execute a strategy to maximize returns
from its B. Dalton stores in response to declining sales attributable primarily
to superstore competition. Part of the Company's strategy has been to close
underperforming stores, which has resulted in the closing of between 40 and 90
B. Dalton stores per year since 1989 as leases come up for renewal.
Merchandising and Marketing
Each B. Dalton store carries a solid selection of core titles within
a variety of subject categories which are supplemented by new releases,
bestsellers and other titles specially selected to meet local demand. B.
Dalton's merchandise strategy is to expand title assortments within categories
it believes have significant growth potential, such as children's books, mass
market paperbacks (such as mystery, romance, science fiction and other popular
fiction), publishers' remainders and other bargain books including the Company's
self-published books. B. Dalton's product offerings are merchandised to attract
shoppers responding to movies, television talk show topics and current events.
Each store has the ability to customize its selection to its local customers
based upon their interests and demands.
B. Dalton's advertising and promotional programs focus on point-of-sale
and storefront signage and other in-store promotions designed to attract walk-by
mall traffic. B. Dalton takes full advantage of cooperative advertising funds
made available by publishers and generally limits its expenditures and
promotional programs to the amount of such funds. In addition, stores
customarily incur advertising costs, often in amounts equal to a percentage of
their annual sales, for lease-required advertising of mall-related promotional
events.
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Store Locations and Properties
Approximately 90% of B. Dalton stores are located in enclosed
regional shopping malls. The remaining stores are located in strip shopping
centers and central business districts. Site selections and lease renewals for
all B. Dalton stores are made after an extensive review of demographic data,
mall tenants, location within the mall and competitive factors.
The number of B. Dalton stores located in each state and the District
of Columbia as of January 29, 2000 are listed below:
NUMBER NUMBER
STATE OF STORES STATE OF STORES
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Alabama 1 Montana 2
Arizona 10 Nebraska 3
Arkansas 1 Nevada 3
California 59 New Hampshire 2
Colorado 7 New Jersey 10
Connecticut 3 New Mexico 2
Dist. Of Columbia 3 New York 14
Florida 20 North Carolina 8
Georgia 12 North Dakota 4
Idaho 3 Ohio 20
Illinois 19 Oklahoma 4
Indiana 7 Oregon 6
Iowa 8 Pennsylvania 16
Kansas 5 South Carolina 5
Kentucky 3 South Dakota 2
Louisiana 8 Tennessee 2
Maine 2 Texas 20
Maryland 9 Utah 6
Massachusetts 5 Virginia 11
Michigan 20 Washington 13
Minnesota 18 West Virginia 1
Mississippi 1 Wisconsin 7
Missouri 13 Wyoming 2
Given the Company's continuing plans to execute its strategy to
maximize returns from its B. Dalton division, the Company anticipates it will
continue to realize a decline in the number of B. Dalton stores during fiscal
2000 primarily due to lease expirations. During fiscal 1999, the Company closed
87 B. Dalton stores, primarily as a result of electing not to renew expiring
leases.
Barnes & Noble.com
General
In 1998, the Company and Bertelsmann AG (Bertelsmann) completed the
formation of a limited liability company to operate the online retail
bookselling operations of the Company's wholly owned subsidiary,
barnesandnoble.com inc. (Barnes & Noble.com Inc.). The new entity, Barnes &
Noble.com,
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was formed by combining the online bookselling operations of the
Company with funds contributed by the international media company Bertelsmann,
one of the largest integrated media companies in the world. In 1999, Barnes &
Noble.com Inc. completed an initial public offering (IPO) of 28.75 million
shares of Class A Common Stock and used the proceeds to purchase a 20 percent
interest in Barnes & Noble.com. As a result, the Company and Bertelsmann each
retained a 40 percent interest in Barnes & Noble.com.
Barnes & Noble.com has become one of the world's largest Web sites and
the fourth largest e-commerce site, according to Media Metrix. Focused largely
on the sale of books, music, software, magazines, prints, posters and related
products, Barnes & Noble.com has capitalized on the recognized brand value of
the Barnes & Noble name to become the second largest, and one of the fastest
growing, online distributors of books. Customers can choose from millions of new
and out-of-print titles and enjoy a variety of related content such as author
chats, book synopses and reader reviews. The site also offers thousands of
bargain books discounted up to 91 percent, the most popular software and
magazine titles, as well as gift items for every occasion. Barnes & Noble.com
recently launched its Prints & Posters Gallery, a unique collection of images
that can be produced on demand on museum-quality canvas or high-quality paper,
and its eCards service, an exclusive selection of greeting card images that can
be personalized and enhanced with animation and music. With access to Barnes &
Noble's more than 750,000 in-stock titles, Barnes & Noble.com has the largest
standing inventory of any online bookseller ready for immediate delivery. The
URL makes the site easy to find. The Barnes & Noble.com
affiliate network has more than 300,000 members and maintains strategic
alliances with major Web portals and content sites, such as AOL, Lycos and MSN.
Barnes & Noble.com is also a leader in business-to-business e-commerce with its
unique Business Solutions program.
Babbage's Etc. LLC
General
On October 28, 1999, the Company acquired Babbage's Etc., one of the
nation's largest operators of video game and entertainment software stores. As a
result of the acquisition, the Company operated 526 video game and entertainment
software stores located in 47 states and Puerto Rico as of January 29, 2000,
under the Babbage's, Software Etc. and GameStop trade names, and a Web site,
gamestop.com. The Company's video game and entertainment software stores range
in size from 500 to 5,000 square feet (averaging 1,500 square feet) depending
upon market size. Stores feature video game hardware, software, PC entertainment
software and a multitude of accessories. As of January 29, 2000, the Company
offered a selection of more than 1,000 video game titles and 700 PC
entertainment software titles.
Merchandising and Marketing
Babbage's Etc. designs its stores to provide an electronic gaming
atmosphere with an engaging and visually captivating layout. Babbage's Etc.'s
store design and fixturing maximize point of sale marketing opportunities both
for Babbage's Etc. and its vendors.
The pricing strategy is designed to offer value to its customers by
maintaining competitive prices in each market while at the same time giving
customers added benefits, such as offering customer satisfaction return
privileges, accepting used game trade-ins for new products and a pre-sale
reservation service.
Store Locations and Properties
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Babbage's Etc. stores are mainly in prime locations in regional
shopping malls or other high traffic locations in markets with desirable
demographics. All new stores, lease renewals, relocations and major remodels are
evaluated on the basis of their return on investment, strategic positioning and
condition of the market.
The number of Babbage's Etc. stores located in each state and
Commonwealth as of January 29, 2000 are listed below:
NUMBER NUMBER
STATE OF STORES STATE OF STORES
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Alabama 8 Montana 4
Alaska 2 Nebraska 3
Arizona 7 Nevada 1
Arkansas 3 New Hampshire 4
California 49 New Jersey 27
Colorado 11 New Mexico 3
Connecticut 6 New York 25
Florida 26 North Carolina 11
Georgia 13 North Dakota 4
Hawaii 8 Ohio 25
Idaho 2 Oklahoma 5
Illinois 20 Oregon 6
Indiana 7 Pennsylvania 22
Iowa 8 Puerto Rico 3
Kansas 2 South Carolina 6
Kentucky 8 South Dakota 2
Louisiana 10 Tennessee 11
Maine 1 Texas 42
Maryland 13 Utah 8
Massachusetts 11 Virginia 19
Michigan 21 Vermont 1
Minnesota 6 Washington 16
Mississippi 3 West Virginia 8
Missouri 14 Wisconsin 11
Expansion
Babbage's Etc.'s aggressive growth strategy is to continue to open new
stores in its target markets and expand throughout the country. Babbage's Etc.
believes its attractive store design offers the greatest opportunity to increase
its share of the expanding video game and entertainment market and intends to
strengthen its position by opening approximately 90 new stores during fiscal
2000.
Babbage's Etc. anticipates that its expansion plans will be supported
by continuing strong demand in the interactive entertainment market, which has
grown over the past five years at a rate of 9.1% compounded annually and is
forecasted to grow 11.8% over the next five years compounded annually according
to Veronis, Suhler & Associates Communications Industry Forecast.
Other Strategies
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Proprietary Publishing. With publishing and distribution rights to over
2,000 titles covering a wide range of subject categories, Barnes & Noble offers
customers high-quality books at exceptional values. Barnes & Noble
differentiates its product offerings from those of its competitors by publishing
books under its own imprints for sale in its retail stores, online and through
direct-mail catalogs. As part of this activity, the Company licenses titles
directly from domestic and international publishers as well as from literary
agents, commissions books directly from authors, reprints classic titles in the
public domain and creates collections of fiction and non-fiction using in-house
editors. By self-publishing books, the Company is able to significantly lower
its merchandise costs and pass on a portion of the savings to its customers.
While the prices of these books represent significant value to customers, they
also generate substantially higher gross profit margins than those realized on
sales of non-proprietary books.
Strategic Investments
The Company maintains an equity investment in iUniverse.com, the
Internet's largest publishing portal. The Company also maintains an equity
investment in Calendar Club LLC, an operator of seasonal calendar kiosks both in
the United States and internationally.
Store Operations
The Company has seasoned management teams for its Barnes & Noble, B.
Dalton and Babbage's Etc. stores, including those for real estate, merchandising
and store operations. Field management includes regional store directors and
district managers supervising multiple store locations. Each Babbage's Etc.
store generally employs a manager, an assistant manager and between two and 10
sales associates, most of whom are part-time employees. Each B. Dalton store
generally employs a manager, an assistant manager and approximately seven full-
and part-time booksellers. By comparison, each Barnes & Noble store generally
employs a manager, two assistant managers and approximately 40 full- and
part-time booksellers. Most Barnes & Noble stores also employ a full-time
community relations manager. The large employee base provides the Company with
experienced booksellers and interactive gaming experts to fill positions in the
Company's new Barnes & Noble and Babbage's Etc. stores. The Company anticipates
that a significant percentage of the personnel required to manage its expanding
business will continue to come from within its existing operations.
Field management for all of the Company's bookstores and video game and
entertainment software stores, including regional store directors, district
managers and store managers, participate in a bonus program tied to sales. The
Company believes that the compensation of its field management is competitive
with that offered by other specialty retailers of comparable size.
The Company has a 12-week manager training program in which existing
store managers train new store managers in all areas of store operations. Store
managers are generally responsible for training other booksellers and video game
and entertainment software employees in accordance with detailed procedures and
guidelines prescribed by the Company, utilizing training aids available at each
bookstore and video game and entertainment software store. In addition, district
managers participate in semi-annual training and merchandising conferences.
The Company's culture of outgoing, helpful and knowledgeable
booksellers consists of 32,000 full- and part-time booksellers operating nearly
1,000 bookstores as of January 29, 2000. Barnes & Noble has created nearly 3,000
new jobs nationwide during fiscal 1999 primarily due to its Barnes & Noble
bookstore expansion. Babbage's Etc. has cultivated a work environment that
attracts
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knowledgeable employees who are actively interested in video games and
entertainment software. Babbage's Etc. employed approximately 5,400 full- and
part-time employees as of January 29, 2000.
Purchasing
Barnes & Noble's buyers negotiate terms, discounts and cooperative
advertising allowances with publishers for all of the Company's bookstores. The
Company's increased use of its distribution center enables it to maximize
available discounts and the Company's multiple strategies greatly enhance its
ability to create customized marketing programs with many of its vendors. The
Company has teams of buyers who specialize in customizing inventory for each of
the Company's bookselling strategies. Store inventories are further customized
by the store managers, who may respond to local demand by purchasing a limited
amount of fast-selling titles through a nationwide wholesaling network.
The Company purchases books on a regular basis from over 1,700
publishers and approximately 50 wholesale distributors. Purchases from the top
five suppliers (including publishers and wholesale distributors) accounted for
approximately 38% of the Company's book purchases during fiscal 1999, and no
single supplier accounted for more than 16% of the Company's purchases during
this period. Consistent with retail book industry practice, substantially all of
the Company's book purchases are returnable for full credit, a practice which
substantially reduces the Company's risk of inventory obsolescence.
Publishers control the distribution of titles by virtue of copyright
protection, which limits availability on most titles to a single publisher.
Since the retail, or list, prices of titles, as well as the retailers' cost
price, are also generally determined by publishers, the Company has limited
options concerning availability, cost and profitability of its book inventory.
However, these limitations are mitigated by (i) the substantial number of titles
available (over 2.5 million), (ii) the Company's ability to maximize available
discounts and (iii) its positive relationships with publishers, which are
enhanced by the Company's significant purchasing volume.
Publishers periodically offer their excess inventory in the form of
remainder books to book retailers and wholesalers through an auction process
which generally favors booksellers such as the Company who are able to buy
substantial quantities. These books are generally purchased in large quantities
at favorable prices and are then sold to consumers at significant discounts off
publishers' list prices.
Babbage's Etc. maintains strong relationships with each of the major
video game and PC entertainment software manufacturers and publishers. These
relationships ensure the Company has early access to "hot" titles and an
adequate supply of popular titles and hardware, especially during peak selling
seasons. The current management team has placed a strong emphasis on developing
an accounts payable tracking system that insures outstanding vendor
communications.
Babbage's Etc. purchases substantially all of its products from
approximately 200 manufacturers and software publishers and approximately nine
distributors. Purchases from the top five vendors (including publishers and
distributors) accounted for approximately 45.6% of Babbage's Etc. purchases in
fiscal 1999 and no single supplier accounted for more than 12% of Babbage's
Etc.'s purchases during this period. Babbage's Etc. is among the top 10
customers of its vendors and believes that it maintains excellent relations with
the vendor community. Babbage's Etc. has negotiated selected situational price
protections and return privileges with numerous vendors in order to reduce the
risk of inventory obsolescence. In addition, Babbage's Etc. does not have
contracts with trade vendors and conducts business on an order-by-order basis, a
practice that is typical throughout the industry.
13
<PAGE>
Distribution
The Company has invested significant capital in its systems and
technology, by building new platforms, implementing new software applications
and maintaining efficient distribution centers. Barnes & Noble bookstores
operated over one million square feet of distribution centers, as of January 29,
2000. Historically, the Company replenished through its distribution network
some of its fast-moving frontlist titles and bargain and self-published books
and had the remaining inventory drop-shipped directly to the stores from
wholesalers and publishers. Significantly more inventory is now sourced through
the Company's distribution centers, increasing direct buying from publishers
rather than wholesalers. Improved just-in-time deliveries to stores and
increased inventory turnover provide added benefits.
In addition, the Company's distribution network provides a significant
competitive advantage for Barnes & Noble.com. By stocking over 750,000 titles,
the Company is currently in a position to provide overnight delivery service to
online customers at gross margins which allow Barnes & Noble.com to offer very
deep discounts.
Babbage's Etc. operates a 200,000 square foot distribution center in
Grapevine, Texas, which provides the majority of products to the Babbage's Etc.
stores. By operating with a centralized distribution facility, the Company
effectively controls and minimizes inventory levels. Technologically advanced
conveyor systems and flow-through racks control costs and improve speed of
fulfillment. The technology used in the distribution center allows for
high-volume receiving, distributions to stores and returns to vendors.
Babbage's Etc. employs a variety of rapid-response distribution methods
in its efforts to be the "first-to-market" for "hot" new video game and
entertainment software titles. Babbage's Etc. strives to deliver "hot" releases
to selected stores within hours of release and to all of its stores within 24
hours of release. To achieve this rapid delivery, Babbage's Etc. utilizes 11
"off-site" contract distribution sites to receive and air freight to all stores
"hot" titles with competitive immediacy.
Management Information and Control Systems
The Company has focused a majority of its information resources on
strategically positioning and implementing systems to support store operations,
merchandising and finance. The Company determined that an open-architecture
distributed computing environment would provide the flexibility needed in the
future and as a result a migration to a client server platform was initiated.
Building on the Company's previous proprietary inventory management
system, during 1996 the Company introduced a new client server store system
(BookMaster). BookMaster is an inventory management system with integrated point
of sale features that utilizes a proprietary data-warehouse-based replenishment
system. It enhances communications and real-time access to our network of
stores, distribution center and wholesalers. In addition, implementation of
just-in-time replenishment has provided for more rapid replenishment of books to
all Barnes & Noble stores, resulting in higher in-stock positions and better
productivity at the store level through efficiencies in receiving, cashiering
and returns processing. During the 52 weeks ended January 29, 2000 (fiscal
1999), the Company completed the rollout of the BookMaster system.
The Company continues to implement systems to improve efficiencies in
back office processing in the human resources, finance and merchandising areas.
An offsite business recovery capability has been developed and implemented to
assure uninterrupted systems support.
14
<PAGE>
Competition
The retail bookselling business is highly competitive. The Company
competes in the superstore business with Borders Group, Inc. and other national
chains which have substantially fewer superstores than the Company, and in the
mall bookstore business with Walden Book Company, Inc., a subsidiary of Borders
Group, Inc. and the largest operator of mall bookstores in the country*. The
Company also competes with regional chains, as well as independent single store
operators, local multi-store operators, department stores, variety discounters,
drug stores and warehouse clubs. Many of the Company's competitors have been
expanding in both store size and number of outlets. The Company competes with
Internet-based competition from numerous booksellers including online companies,
such as Amazon.com, Inc., traditional book retailers and publishers. The Company
expects future online competition to intensify.
The video game and entertainment software industry is intensely
competitive and subject to rapid changes in consumer preferences and frequent
new product introductions. Babbage's Etc. competes with other video game and PC
software specialty stores located in malls and other locations, as well as with
mass merchants, toy retail chains, mail-order businesses, catalogs, direct sales
by software publishers, online retailers, and office supply, computer product
and consumer electronics superstores.
Trademarks and Servicemarks
B. Dalton Bookseller, Bookstar, Book$avers, Babbage's, Supr Software
and GameStop are Company-owned service marks registered with the United States
Patent and Trademark Office. Barnes & Noble, Doubleday Book Shops and Scribner's
Bookstores are federally registered service marks which have been licensed to
the Company under long-term license agreements which are royalty-free. These
license agreements provide the Company with the exclusive right to use the
Doubleday and Scribner's service marks only in connection with the retail sale
of books.
Seasonality
The Company's business, like that of many retailers, is seasonal, with
the major portion of sales and operating profit realized during the quarter
which includes the Christmas selling season. The Company has now reported
operating profit for 15 consecutive quarters.
Employees
The Company currently employs approximately 6,400 full-time salaried,
11,500 full-time hourly and 19,500 part-time hourly employees. The Company's
employees are not represented by unions and the Company believes that its
relationship with its employees is excellent.
- ----------
* Based upon information reported in trade publications and public filings.
15
<PAGE>
ITEM 2. PROPERTIES
- ------- ----------
All but one of the Barnes & Noble stores are leased. The leases
typically provide for an initial term of 10 or 15 years with one or more renewal
options. The terms of the Barnes & Noble store leases for its 541 leased stores
open as of January 29, 2000 expire as follows:
Lease Terms to Expire During Number of
- ---------------------------- ---------
(12 months ending on or about January 31) Stores
----------
2001................................................................ 6
2002................................................................ 8
2003................................................................ 36
2004................................................................ 35
2005................................................................ 30
2006 and later...................................................... 426
All B. Dalton stores are leased. The leases generally provide for an
initial 10 year term with no renewal option. The terms of the 400 B. Dalton
leases as of January 29, 2000 expire as follows:
Lease Terms to Expire During Number of
- ---------------------------- Stores
(12 months ending on or about January 31) ---------
2001................................................................ 135
2002................................................................ 52
2003................................................................ 39
2004................................................................ 41
2005................................................................ 40
2006 and later...................................................... 93
All Babbage's Etc. stores are leased. The leases generally provide for
an initial term of seven to 10 years. The terms of the 526 Babbage's Etc. leases
as of January 29, 2000 expire as follows:
Lease Terms to Expire During Number of
- ---------------------------- Stores
(12 months ending on or about January 31) ---------
2001................................................................ 102
2002................................................................ 54
2003................................................................ 77
2004................................................................ 91
2005................................................................ 64
2006 and later...................................................... 138
The Company generally has been able to renew expiring leases on
favorable terms, and believes that renewals of leases expiring in the future
will not have a material adverse effect on the Company's financial condition or
results of operations.
16
<PAGE>
ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
- ------- -----------------
In March 1998, the American Booksellers Association (ABA) and 26
independent bookstores filed a lawsuit in the United States District Court for
the Northern District of California against the Company and Borders Group, Inc.
(Borders) alleging violations of the Robinson-Patman Act, the California Unfair
Trade Practice Act and the California Unfair Competition Law. The Complaint
seeks injunctive and declaratory relief; treble damages on behalf of each of the
bookstore plaintiffs, and, with respect to the California bookstore plaintiffs,
any other damages permitted by California law; disgorgement of money, property
and gains wrongfully obtained in connection with the purchase of books for
resale, or offered for resale, in California from March 18, 1994 until the
action is completed and pre-judgment interest on any amounts awarded in the
action, as well as attorney fees and costs. In October 1999, Barnes & Noble.com
was added as a defendant in the action. The Company intends to vigorously defend
this action.
In August 1998, The Intimate Bookshop, Inc. and its owner, Wallace
Kuralt, filed a lawsuit in the United States District Court for the Southern
District of New York against the Company, Borders, Amazon.com, Inc., certain
publishers and others alleging violation of the Robinson-Patman Act and other
federal law, New York statutes governing trade practices and common law. The
Complaint sought certification of a class consisting of all retail booksellers
in the United States, whether or not currently in business, which were in
business and were members of the ABA at any time during the four year period
preceding the filing of the Complaint. The Complaint alleged that the named
plaintiffs have suffered damages of $11,250,000 or more and requested treble
damages on behalf of the named plaintiffs and each of the purported class
members, as well as of injunctive and declaratory relief (including an
injunction requiring the closure of all of defendants' stores within 10 miles of
any location where plaintiff either has or had a retail bookstore during the
four years preceding the filing of the Complaint, and prohibiting the opening by
defendants of any bookstore in such areas for the next 10 years), disgorgement
of alleged discriminatory discounts, rebates, deductions and payments, punitive
damages, interest, costs, attorneys fees and other relief. The plaintiffs
subsequently amended their complaint to allege eight causes of action on behalf
of the Intimate Bookshop and Wallace Kuralt, accusing the Company and the other
defendants of: (i) violating Section 2(f) of the Robinson-Patman Act; (ii)
violating Section 2(c) of the Robinson-Patman Act; (iii) violating Section 13(a)
of the Clayton Act; (iv) inducing every publisher in the United States to breach
contracts with the plaintiffs; (v) interfering with the plaintiff's advantageous
business relationships; (vi) engaging in unfair competition; (vii) violating
Sections 349 and 350 of the New York General Business Law; and (viii) being
unjustly enriched. The class action allegations have been removed and the
plaintiffs voluntarily dismissed defendants Harper Collins Publishers, Inc. and
Amazon.com, Inc. from the case.
On April 13, 1999, the Company and the other defendants filed a motion
to dismiss the second through eighth causes of action in their entireties and
for a more definite statement of the remaining allegations of the first cause of
action. As a result, the plaintiffs' third through eighth causes of action were
dismissed with prejudice, as were all claims asserted by Wallace Kuralt in his
individual capacity. The Company served an Answer on April 5, 2000 denying the
material allegations of the Complaint and asserting various affirmative
defenses. The Company intends to continue to vigorously defend this action.
In fiscal 1999, following the October 28, 1999 acquisition of Babbage's
Etc., five shareholder derivative lawsuits were filed in the Chancery Court of
the State of Delaware by Harbor Finance Partners, Louis F. Mahler, Ralph Stone,
Lawrence G. Metzger and Robert Waring against Barnes & Noble, Inc. and its
directors. The lawsuits allege, among other things, a breach of fiduciary duties
to Barnes & Noble for the benefit of Leonard Riggio and seek damages and to
enjoin or rescind the transaction. The Company believes that the acquisition of
Babbage's Etc. is in the best interests of shareholders and that the allegations
are without merit. The Company intends to vigorously defend its position.
In addition to the above actions, various claims and lawsuits arising
in the normal course of business are pending against the Company. The subject
matter of these proceedings primarily includes
17
<PAGE>
commercial disputes and employment issues. The results of these proceedings are
not expected to have a material adverse effect on the Company's consolidated
financial position or results of operations.
ITEM 4. SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS
- ------- ---------------------------------------------------
There were no matters submitted to a vote of security holders during
the 13 weeks ended January 29, 2000.
PART II
-------
ITEM 5. MARKET FOR REGISTRANT'S COMMON EQUITY AND RELATED
- ------- -------------------------------------------------
STOCKHOLDER MATTERS
-------------------
Price Range of Common Stock
The Company's common stock is traded on the New York Stock Exchange
("NYSE") under the symbol "BKS". The following table sets forth, for the periods
indicated, the high and low sales prices of the common stock on the NYSE
Composite Tape.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Fiscal 1999 Fiscal 1998
---------------------------- -------------------------
High Low High Low
----------- ------------- ------------ ---------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
First Quarter $40 1/4 25 13/16 $39 13/16 30 1/4
Second Quarter 36 3/8 22 1/2 48 31 15/16
Third Quarter 27 1/2 20 1/16 41 11/16 22 3/16
Fourth Quarter 25 3/8 18 1/2 48 26 3/4
Approximate Number of
Holders of Common Equity
</TABLE>
Approximate
Number of
Record Holders
as of
Title of Class March 31, 2000
- -------------- --------------
Common stock, $0.001 par value 2,064
Dividends
The terms of the Company's debt agreements prohibits payment of cash
dividends. During fiscal 1999, the Company did not declare or pay any cash
dividends or make distributions or payments on its common stock.
18
<PAGE>
ITEM 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA
- ------- -----------------------
The information included in the Company's Annual Report to Shareholders
for the fiscal year ended January 29, 2000 (the Annual Report) under the section
entitled "Selected Financial Data" is incorporated herein by reference.
ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL
- ------- -------------------------------------------------
CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
-----------------------------------
The information included in the Annual Report under the section
entitled "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and
Results of Operations" is incorporated herein by reference.
ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA
- ------- -------------------------------------------
The information included in the Annual Report under the sections
entitled: "Consolidated Statements of Operations," "Consolidated Balance
Sheets," "Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders' Equity,"
"Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows" and "Notes to Consolidated Financial
Statements" are incorporated herein by reference.
ITEM 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON
- ------- ------------------------------------------------
ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE
-----------------------------------
None.
PART III
--------
ITEM 10. DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE REGISTRANT
- -------- --------------------------------------------------
The information with respect to directors and executive officers of the
Company is incorporated herein by reference to the Company's definitive Proxy
Statement relating to the Company's 2000 Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be
filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission within 120 days of the
Company's fiscal year ended January 29, 2000 (the "Proxy Statement").
The information with respect to compliance with Section 16(a) of the
Securities Exchange Act is incorporated herein by reference to the Proxy
Statement.
19
<PAGE>
ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
- -------- ----------------------
The information with respect to executive compensation is incorporated
herein by reference to the Proxy Statement.
The information with respect to compensation of directors is
incorporated herein by reference to the Proxy Statement.
ITEM 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND
- -------- ---------------------------------------------------
MANAGEMENT
----------
The information with respect to security ownership of certain
beneficial owners and management is incorporated herein by reference to the
Proxy Statement.
ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS
- -------- ----------------------------------------------
The information with respect to certain relationships and related
transactions is incorporated herein by reference to the Proxy Statement.
PART IV
-------
ITEM 14. EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES, AND REPORTS ON
- -------- -------------------------------------------------------
FORM 8-K
--------
(a) 1. Consolidated Financial Statements:
(i) "The Report of Independent Certified Public Accountants" included
in the Annual Report is incorporated herein by reference.
(ii) The information included in the Annual Report under the sections
entitled: "Consolidated Statements of Operations," "Consolidated
Balance Sheets," "Consolidated Statements of Changes in
Shareholders' Equity," "Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows"
and "Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements" are incorporated
herein by reference.
(b) The following reports on Form 8-K were filed during the Company's quarter
ended January 29, 2000:
On November 12, 1999, the Company filed a Form 8-K reporting
under Items 2, 5 and 7. Item 2 provided information concerning
the completed acquisition of Babbage's Etc. Item 5 reported
information pertaining to lawsuits filed against the Company
and its directors with respect to the Babbage's Etc.
transaction and Item 7 filed as an exhibit the Purchase
Agreement among the Company, Babbage's Etc. and its owners.
20
<PAGE>
2. Schedules:
All schedules are omitted because the information is either not
applicable or is contained in the consolidated financial statements
incorporated herein by reference.
3. Exhibits:
The following are filed as Exhibits to this form:
Exhibit
No. Description
--- -----------
3.1 Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of the Company, as
amended. (1)
3.2 Amendment to the Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of
the Company filed May 30, 1996. (2)
3.3 Amended and Restated By-laws of the Company. (1)
3.4 Amendment to the Company's By-laws adopted May 31, 1995. (3)
3.5 Certificate of Designation of Preferences and Rights of Preferred Stock,
Series H of Barnes & Noble, Inc. (4)
3.6 Certificate of Amendment of The Amended and Restated Certificate of
Incorporation of Barnes & Noble, Inc., dated July 17, 1998 and filed
July 17, 1998. (4)
4.1 Specimen Common Stock certificate. (1)
4.2 Rights Agreement, dated as of July 10, 1998, between Barnes & Noble,
Inc. and The Bank of New York, as Rights Agent. (4)
10.1 Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, dated as of November 18, 1997
(the "Credit Agreement"), among the Company, its subsidiaries, The Chase
Manhattan Bank (National Association), as Administrative Agent (the
"Agent") and the Banks party thereto. (5)
10.2 Amendment No. 2, dated as of October 21, 1999, to the Credit Agreement.
(12)
10.3 Pledge and Security Agreement dated as of March 15, 1996 (the "Pledge
Agreement"), among the Company, its subsidiaries and the Agent. (6)
10.4 Second Amendment dated as of October 27, 1999 to the Pledge Agreement.
(12)
10.5 Amendment to the Pledge and Security Agreement dated as of November 18,
1997. (5)
10.6 1996 Incentive Plan, as amended. (10)
10.7 1991 Employee Incentive Plan. (1)
10.8 Extended Savings Plan. (1)
21
<PAGE>
Exhibit
No. Description
--- -----------
10.9 Amendment to the Extended Savings Plan dated as of December 22, 1995.
(6)
10.10 Amended and Restated Employees' Retirement Plan dated as of January 1,
1998. (5)
10.11 Amendment to the Amended and Restated Employees' Retirement Plan dated
as of September 9,1999. (12)
10.12 Amendment to the Amended and Restated Employees' Retirement Plan dated
as of March 1, 2000. (12)
10.13 Supplemental Compensation Plan. (7)
10.14 License Agreement for "Barnes & Noble" service mark, dated as of
February 11, 1987. (1)
10.15 Consents to "Barnes & Noble" License Agreement Assignments, dated as of
November 18, 1988 and November 16, 1992, respectively. (6)
10.16 Employment Agreement between the Company and Mitchell S. Klipper, dated
as of April 1, 1993 (the "Employment Agreement"). (8)
10.17 Amendment to the Employment Agreement dated as of April 1, 1998. (5)
10.18 Employment Agreement between the Company and Stephen Riggio, dated as of
January 1, 2000. (12)
10.19 Formation Agreement dated November 12, 1998 among Barnes & Noble, Inc.,
B&N.com Holding Corp., barnesandnoble.com inc., B&N.com Member Corp.,
Bertelsmann AG and BOL.US Online, Inc. (9)
10.20 Amended and Restated Limited Liability Company Agreement of
barnesandnoble.com llc (the "LLC Agreement") among Barnes & Noble, Inc.,
B&N.com Holding Corp., Bertelsmann AG and BOL.US Online, Inc. (9)
10.21 Amendment No. 1 to the LLC Agreement. (12)
10.22 Supply Agreement, dated as of October 31, 1998, between Barnes & Noble,
Inc. and barnesandnoble.com llc. (10)
10.23 Purchase Agreement, dated as of October 6, 1999, among Barnes & Noble,
Inc., Babbage's Etc. LLC and its owners. (11)
22
<PAGE>
13.1 The sections of the Company's Annual Report entitled: "Selected
Financial Data", "Management's Discussion and Analysis of
Financial Condition and Results of Operations", "Consolidated
Statements of Operations", "Consolidated Balance Sheets",
"Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders' Equity",
"Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows", "Notes to Consolidated
Financial Statements" and "The Report of Independent Certified
Public Accountants". (12)
21.1 List of subsidiaries. (12)
23.1 Consent of BDO Seidman, LLP. (12)
23
<PAGE>
(1) Previously filed as an exhibit to the Company's Registration Statement
on Form S-4 (Commission File No. 33-59778) and incorporated herein by
reference.
(2) Previously filed as an exhibit to the Company's Form 10-Q for the fiscal
quarter ended April 27, 1996.
(3) Previously filed as an exhibit to the Company's Form 10-Q for the fiscal
quarter ended April 29, 1995.
(4) Previously filed as an exhibit to the Company's Form 10-Q for the fiscal
quarter ended August 1, 1998.
(5) Previously filed as an exhibit to the Company's Form 10K for the fiscal
year ended January 31, 1998.
(6) Previously filed as an exhibit to the Company's Form 10-K for the fiscal
year ended January 27, 1996.
(7) Previously filed as an exhibit to the Company's Form 10-Q for the fiscal
quarter ended July 29, 1995.
(8) Previously filed as an exhibit to the Company's Registration Statement
on Form S-1 (Commission File No. 33-50548) and incorporated herein by
reference.
(9) Previously filed as an exhibit to the Company's Form 10-Q for the fiscal
quarter ended October 31, 1998.
(10) Previously filed as an exhibit to the Company's Form 10-K for the fiscal
year ended January 29, 2000.
(11) Previously filed as an exhibit to the Company's Form 8-K filed with the
Securities and Exchange Commission on November 12, 1999.
(12) Filed herewith.
24
<PAGE>
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) 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.
BARNES & NOBLE, INC.
- --------------------
(Registrant)
<TABLE>
<S> <C> <C>
By: /s/Leonard Riggio By: /s/Maureen O'Connell By: /s/Michael Archbold
----------------------- ---------------------- ------------------
Leonard Riggio, Chairman Maureen O'Connell, Michael Archbold
of the Board and Chief Chief Financial Officer Vice President, Treasurer
Executive Officer April 28, 2000 (Chief Accounting
April 28, 2000 Officer)
April 28, 2000
</TABLE>
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934,
this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the
registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Name Title Date
- ---- ----- ----
<S> <C> <C>
/s/ Leonard Riggio Chairman of the Board and April 28, 2000
- ----------------------------- Chief Executive Officer
Leonard Riggio
/s/ Stephen Riggio Vice Chairman April 28, 2000
- -----------------------------
Stephen Riggio
/s/ Michael N. Rosen Secretary and Director April 28, 2000
- -----------------------------
Michael N. Rosen
/s/ Matthew A. Berdon Director April 28, 2000
- -----------------------------
Matthew A. Berdon
/s/ Michael J. Del Giudice Director April 28, 2000
- -----------------------------
Michael J. Del Giudice
/s/ William Dillard II Director April 28, 2000
- -----------------------------
William Dillard II
/s/ Irene R. Miller Director April 28, 2000
- -----------------------------
Irene R. Miller
/s/ Margaret T. Monaco Director April 28, 2000
- -----------------------------
Margaret T. Monaco
/s/ William Sheluck, Jr. Director April 28, 2000
- -----------------------------
William Sheluck, Jr.
</TABLE>
25
<PAGE>
Exhibit 10.2
- ------------
EXECUTION COPY
AMENDMENT No. 2
AMENDMENT NO. 2 (this "Amendment"), dated as of October 21, 1999,
among: BARNES & NOBLE, INC., a corporation duly organized and validly existing
under the laws of the State of Delaware (the "Company"); each of the
Subsidiaries of the Company identified under the caption "SUBSIDIARY GUARANTORS"
on the signature pages hereto (individually, a "Subsidiary Guarantor" and,
collectively, the "Subsidiary Guarantors" and, together with the Company, the
"Obligors"); each of the lenders named under the caption "Lenders" on the
signature pages hereto (individually, a "Lender" and, collectively, the
"Lenders"); THE CHASE MANHATTAN BANK, in its capacity as Swingline Bank under
Section 2.01(b) of the Credit Agreement (in such capacity, together with its
successors in such capacity, the "Swingline Bank"); and THE CHASE MANHATTAN
BANK, as agent for the Lenders (in such capacity, together with its successors
in such capacity, the "Administrative Agent").
The Company, the Subsidiary Guarantors, the Lenders and the
Administrative Agent are parties to an Amended and Restated Credit Agreement
dated as of November 18, 1997 (as heretofore modified and supplemented and in
effect on the date hereof, the "Credit Agreement"), providing, subject to the
terms and conditions thereof, for extensions of credit (by making of loans and
issuing letters of credit) to be made by said Lenders to the Company in an
aggregate principal or face amount not exceeding $850,000,000. In connection
with the proposed acquisition by the Company (or one of its Subsidiaries) of
Babbage's Etc. (as hereinafter defined), the Company, the Subsidiary Guarantors,
the Lenders and the Administrative Agent wish to amend the Credit Agreement in
certain respects and, accordingly, agree as follows:
ARTICLE I
DEFINITIONS
SECTION 1.1 Use of Defined Terms; Rules of Usage. Unless the context
shall otherwise require, capitalized terms used and not defined herein shall
have the meanings assigned thereto in Section 1 of the Credit Agreement for all
purposes hereof, including all recitals set forth above; and the rules of
interpretation set forth in Section 1 of the Credit Agreement shall apply to
this Amendment.
ARTICLE II
AMENDMENTS
SECTION 2.1 New Definitions. Section 1.01 of the Credit Agreement is
hereby amended to insert therein in the appropriate alphabetical order the
following definitions:
<PAGE>
"'Babbage's Etc. Acquisition' shall mean the acquisition by
the Company or one of its Subsidiaries of all of the membership
interests in Babbage's Etc. for a consideration consisting of cash
payable upon the consummation of the acquisition of up to $215,000,000,
cash payable in 2001 of up to $10,000,000, cash payable in 2002 of up
to $10,000,000 and an additional amount, not to exceed $50,000,000, to
repay in full outstanding Indebtedness under Babbage's Etc.'s existing
revolving credit facility.
"'Babbage's Etc.' shall mean Babbage's Etc. LLC, a limited
liability company organized under the laws of the state of Delaware."
"'Subordinated Debt' shall mean Indebtedness of the Obligors
in an aggregate principal amount not to exceed $300,000,000,
(a) which has no scheduled amortization on or prior
to the Revolving Credit Commitment Termination Date;
(b) which is subordinated to the prior payment in
full in cash of the obligations of the Obligors hereunder and
under the other Basic Documents such that (i) no payments in
respect of any such Indebtedness (whether principal, interest
or otherwise, but excluding certain subordinated securities
received in connection with a bankruptcy reorganization of an
Obligor and excluding payments made from a sinking, defeasance
or similar fund) may be made while any amount under the Credit
Agreement or any other Basic Document is due and unpaid, and
(ii) no payments (excluding certain subordinated securities
received in connection with a bankruptcy reorganization of an
Obligor and excluding payments made from a sinking, defeasance
or similar fund) in respect of any such Indebtedness may be
made during any 179-day period commencing on notice being
given to the trustee for the holders of such Indebtedness of
the occurrence of any Event of Default (other than a payment
default described in the foregoing clause (c)(i)), subject to
then-customary limitations on the number of such periods;
(c) the terms and conditions of which will not
restrict any of the Obligors from creating any Liens upon any
of their respective Properties, whether now owned or hereafter
acquired, securing the obligations of the Obligors under this
Agreement and the other Basic Documents;
(d) the terms and conditions of which do not contain
any provision permitting the maturity of such Indebtedness to
be accelerated upon the occurrence of a Default hereunder or
Event of Default hereunder (but which may contain a provision
permitting acceleration of such Indebtedness upon the
acceleration of the Loans hereunder);
(e) the terms and conditions of which contain
covenants which are no more restrictive to the Obligors than
the covenants in this Agreement; and
<PAGE>
(f) the other covenants and events of default of
which (when taken as a whole) substantially reflect
then-current market terms and conditions for similar issues
of subordinated Indebtedness."
SECTION 2.2 Amendment to Definitions. The definition of "Interest Rate
Protection Agreement" in Section 1.01 of the Credit Agreement is hereby amended
in its entirety to read as follows:
"'Interest Rate Protection Agreement' shall mean, for any
Person, a swap, cap, collar or option agreement or similar arrangement
between such Person and one or more financial institutions providing
for the transfer or mitigation of interest rate or other risks either
generally or under specific contingencies."
SECTION 2.3. Amendment to Sublimit for Letters of Credit. Section 2.03
of the Credit Agreement is hereby amended by deleting the figure "$45,000,000"
from clause (ii) of the first paragraph of Section 2.03 therein and replacing
the same with the figure "$100,000,000".
SECTION 2.4. Amendment to Prohibition of Fundamental Changes. Section
9.05 of the Credit Agreement is hereby amended by deleting the period at the end
of clause (d)(v) therein and replacing the same with "; and" and (b) by adding
the following immediately after clause (d)(v) therein:
"(vi) the Company or any Subsidiary of the Company may convey,
sell, lease, transfer or otherwise dispose of, in one transaction or a
series of transactions, the gamestop.com. division of Babbage's Etc."
SECTION 2.5. Amendment to Limitation on Indebtedness.
(a) Section 9.07 of the Credit Agreement is hereby amended by (a)
deleting the period at the end of clause (i) therein and replacing the same with
"; and" and (b) by adding the following immediately after clause (i) therein:
"(j) Subordinated Debt."
(b) Section 9.12 of the Credit Agreement is hereby amended: (a) by
adding the words "or any Subordinated Debt" after the words "Senior Subordinated
Debt" and (b) by adding the words "or the documents governing such Subordinated
Debt" after the words "Senior Subordinated Debt Documents."
SECTION 2.6. Amendment to Limitation on Investments. Section 9.08 of
the Credit Agreement is hereby amended by:
(a) adding the following language immediately following the first
appearance of the word "to" in clause (j) therein:
"(x) the Babbage's Etc. Acquisition and (y)";
(b) by deleting the figure "$150,000,000" from clause (i) of
subparagraph (j) therein and replacing the same with the figure "$250,000,000";
and
<PAGE>
(c) by deleting the figure "$75,000,000" from clause (iii) of
subparagraph (g) therein and replacing the same with the figure "$100,000,000".
SECTION 2.7. Amendment to Limitation Dividend Payments. Section 9.09 of
the Credit Agreement is hereby amended by deleting the figure "$50,000,000" from
clause (ii)(x) of subparagraph (b) therein and replacing the same with the
figure "$200,000,000".
ARTICLE III
REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES
SECTION 3.1 Representations and Warranties. The Company represents and
warrants to the Lenders as follows:
(a) that the representations and warranties set forth in Section 8 of
the Credit Agreement are true and complete on the date hereof as if made on and
as of the date hereof (or, if such representation or warranty is expressly
stated to have been made as of a specific date, as of such specific date) and as
if each reference in said Section 8 to "this Agreement" included reference to
this Amendment; and
(b) no Default has occurred and is continuing.
ARTICLE IV
CONDITIONS PRECEDENT TO AMENDMENT NO. 2
SECTION 4.1 Conditions Precedent. This Amendment and all amendments to
the Credit Agreement as provided for herein shall become effective, as of the
date hereof, upon the satisfaction of the following conditions precedent:
(a) Execution. This Amendment shall have been duly executed
and delivered by each Obligor, the Administrative Agent, the Swingline
Bank and the Majority Lenders.
(b) Purchase Agreement. The Administrative Agent shall have
received certified copies of each agreement governing the Babbage's
Etc. Acquisition, together with all schedules and exhibits attached
thereto.
(c) Release of Liens, Etc. Any outstanding Indebtedness of
Babbage's Etc. (including all interest, prepayment premiums and other
amounts payable in connection therewith, but excluding any Indebtedness
of Babbage's Etc. that will remain outstanding after the Babbage's Etc.
Acquisition and is permitted to be outstanding under Section 9.07 of
the Credit Agreement) shall have been paid in full, and all Liens
securing payment of any such Indebtedness shall have been released and
the Agent shall have received appropriate Uniform Commercial Code
Termination Statements, or other appropriate instruments, evidencing
such releases. In addition, the Agent shall have received the results
of appropriate Uniform Commercial Code searches with respect to
Babbage's Etc.
<PAGE>
(d) Corporate Documents; Etc. The Administrative Agent shall
have received the documents described in Section 7.01(a) of the Credit
Agreement with respect to Babbage's Etc., and with respect to any
intermediate corporation through which the Company will hold the
membership interests in Babbage's Etc. (a "Corporate Member"), together
with the certificates representing the capital stock or any other
equity interest of Babbage's Etc. and such Corporate Member, duly
endorsed in blank in pledge to the Administrative Agent, and such duly
executed Uniform Commercial Code financing statements as the
Administrative Agent shall have requested in order to perfect the
security interests in Property of Babbage's Etc. and such Corporate
Member created pursuant to the Security Agreement.
(e) Consents, Etc. The Administrative Agent shall have
received certified copies of all documents evidencing any necessary
corporate action, consents and governmental approvals (if any) with
respect to the Babbage's Etc. Acquisition, including evidence of
compliance with the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act of
1976, as amended.
(f) Security Agreement. An Amendment to the Security
Agreement, substantially in the form of Exhibit A hereto, shall have
been duly authorized, executed and delivered by the Company, the
Subsidiary Guarantors (including Babbage's Etc. and any Corporate
Member) and the Administrative Agent.
(g) Joinder. A joinder agreement, substantially in the form
of Exhibit B hereto, shall have been duly authorized, executed and
delivered by Babbage's Etc. and any Corporate Member.
(h) Litigation. A certificate of a senior officer of the
Company to the effect that, on and as of the date of the Babbage's Etc.
Acquisition, there are no legal or arbitral proceedings, or any
proceedings by or before any governmental or regulatory agency, pending
or (to the knowledge of the Company) threatened against the Company or
any of its Subsidiaries that would reasonably be likely to have, either
individually or in the aggregate, a Material Adverse Effect.
ARTICLE V
MISCELLANEOUS
SECTION 5.1 Amendment Fee. The Company promises to pay to each Lender
that executes this Amendment on or prior to October 26, 1999 a fee in an amount
equal to 1/10 of 1% of such Lender's Revolving Credit Commitment on such day.
SECTION 5.2 Entire Agreement. Except as herein provided, the Credit
Agreement shall remain unchanged and in full force and effect (except that each
reference in the Credit Agreement to "this Agreement" shall be deemed to be a
reference to the Credit Agreement as amended by this Amendment).
SECTION 5.3 Counterparts. This Amendment may be executed in any number
of counterparts, all of which taken together shall constitute one and the same
amendatory
<PAGE>
instrument and any of the parties hereto may execute this Amendment by signing
any such counterpart.
SECTION 5.4 Governing Law. This Amendment shall be governed by, and
construed in accordance with, the law of the State of New York.
<PAGE>
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Amendment to be
duly executed and delivered as of the day and year first above written.
BARNES & NOBLE, INC.
By: /s/Michael Archbold
-----------------------
Name: Michael Archbold
Title: Vice President, Treasurer
SUBSIDIARY GUARANTORS
---------------------
B. DALTON BOOKSELLER, INC.
By: /s/Michael Archbold
-----------------------
Name: Michael Archbold
Title: Vice President, Treasurer
BARNES & NOBLE BOOKSELLERS, INC.
By: /s/Michael Archbold
-----------------------
Name: Michael Archbold
Title: Vice President, Treasurer
MARBORO BOOKS CORP.
By: /s/Michael Archbold
-----------------------
Name: Michael Archbold
Title: Vice President, Treasurer
DOUBLEDAY BOOK SHOPS, INC.
By: /s/Michael Archbold
-----------------------
Name: Michael Archbold
Title: Vice President, Treasurer
<PAGE>
CCI HOLDINGS, INC.
By: /s/Michael Archbold
-----------------------
Name: Michael Archbold
Title: Vice President, Treasurer
LENDERS
THE CHASE MANHATTAN BANK
By: /s/Barry K. Bergman
-----------------------
Name: Barry K. Bergman
Title:Vice President
CIBC INC.
By: /s/ Katherine Bass
-----------------------
Name: Katherine Bass
Title:Executive Director
ING (U.S.) CAPITAL LLC
By: /s/ Bill Redmond
-----------------------
Name: William B. Redmond
Title:Vice President
THE BANK OF NOVA SCOTIA
By: /s/ J. Alan Edwards
-----------------------
Name: J. Alan Edwards
Title:Authorized Signatory
FIRST UNION NATIONAL BANK
By: /s/ John A. Ginter
-----------------------
Name: John A. Ginter
Title:Vice President
<PAGE>
THE INDUSTRIAL BANK OF JAPAN, LIMITED
By: /s/ J. Kenneth Biegen
-----------------------
Name: J. Kenneth Biegen
Title:Senior Vice President
COoPERATIEVE CENTRALE RAIFFEISEN-
BOERENLEENBANK B.A., "RABOBANK
NEDERLAND", New York Branch
By:
Name:
Title:
By:
Name:
Title:
MELLON BANK, N.A.
By: /s/Richard J. Schaich
-----------------------
Name: Richard J. Schaich
Title:Vice President
DEUTSCHE BANK AG, New York Branch
and/or Cayman Islands Branch
By: /s/William W. McGinty
-----------------------
Name: William W. McGinty
Title:Director
By: /s/Alexander Karow
-----------------------
Name: Alexander Karow
Title:Assistant Vice President
<PAGE>
DG BANK DEUTSCHE GENOSSENSCHAFTSBANK AG
By: /s/Sabine Wendt
-----------------------
Name: Sabine Wendt
Title:Assistant Vice President
By: /s/Wolfgang Bollmann
-----------------------
Name:Wolfgang Bollmann
Title:Senior Vice President
HIBERNIA NATIONAL BANK
By: /s/Troy J. Villafarra
-----------------------
Name: Troy J. Villafarra
Title:Senior Vice President
MERITA BANK PLC, New York Branch
By: /s/Frank Maffei
-----------------------
Name: Frank Maffei
Title:Vice President
By: /s/Clifford Abramsky
-----------------------
Name: Clifford Abramsky
Title:Vice President
CREDIT LYONNAIS, New York Branch
By: /s/Scott R. Chappelka
-----------------------
Name: Scott R. Chappelka
Title:Vice President
THE BANK OF NEW YORK
By: /s/Howard F. Bascom
-----------------------
Name: Howard F. Bascom
Title:Vice President
<PAGE>
MERCANTILE BANK OF ST. LOUIS
By: /s/Amanda Smith
-----------------------
Name: Amanda Smith
Title:Officer
STB DELAWARE FUNDING TRUST I
By:
Name:
Title:
SUMMIT BANK
By: /s/Christopher P. Kleczkowski
-------------------------------
Name: Christopher P. Kleczkowski
Title:Vice President
WELLS FARGO BANK N.A.
By: /s/Theodoro L. O'Sullivan
-------------------------------
Name: Theodoro L. O'Sullivan
Title:Vice President and Relationship
Manager
By: /s/Bradley A. Hardy
-------------------------------
Name: Bradley A. Hardy
Title:Vice President
BANK OF TOKYO-MITSUBISHI TRUST COMPANY
By:
Name:
Title:
<PAGE>
THE FUJI BANK, LIMITED,
New York Branch
By: /s/Teiji Teramoto
-------------------------------
Name: Teiji Teramoto
Title:Vice President and Manager
ABN-AMRO BANK, N.V.
By: /s/Tracie Elliot
-------------------------------
Name:Tracie Elliot
Title:Vice President
By: /s/Bruce Ballentine
-------------------------------
Name: Bruce Ballentine
Title:Group Vice President
FIRST HAWAIIAN BANK
By: /s/Charles L. Jenkins
-------------------------------
Name: Charles L. Jenkins
Title:Vice President, Manager
THE SUMITOMO BANK, LIMITED,
New York Branch
By: /s/Edward D. Henderson Sr.
-------------------------------
Name: Edward D. Henderson Sr.
Title:Senior Vice President
IBJ WHITEHALL BANK & TRUST COMPANY
By: /s/Mark H. Minter
-------------------------------
Name: Mark H. Minter
Title:Managing Director
<PAGE>
BANK OF MONTREAL
By: /s/R.J. McClorey
-------------------------------
Name:R.J. McClorey
Title:Director
THE FIRST NATIONAL BANK OF CHICAGO
By:
Name:
Title:
Allfirst Bank, formerly known as
THE FIRST NATIONAL BANK OF MARYLAND
By: /s/Stewart T. Shettle
-------------------------------
Name: Stewart T. Shettle
Title:Vice President
FLEET NATIONAL BANK
By: /s/Thomas J. Bullard
-------------------------------
Name: Thomas J. Bullard
Title:Vice President
SAKURA BANK, LIMITED
By: /s/Yoshikazu Nagura
-------------------------------
Name: Yoshikazu Nagura
Title:Senior Vice President
THE SANWA BANK LIMITED
By:
Name:
Title:
<PAGE>
SUNTRUST BANK, ATLANTA
By: /s/W. David Wisdom
-------------------------------
Name:W. David Wisdom
Title:Vice President
By:
Name:
Title:
TOKAI BANK, LTD.
By:
Name:
Title:
WACHOVIA CORPORATE SERVICES, INC.
By: /s/Jennifer A. Mooney
-------------------------------
Name: Jennifer A. Mooney
Title:Vice President
BANK ONE NA
By: /s/John Runger
-------------------------------
Name:John Runger
Title:Senior Vice President
HSBC BANK USA
By: /s/Anna Yuen
-------------------------------
Name:Anna Yuen
Title:Assistant Vice President
SWINGLINE BANK
THE CHASE MANHATTAN BANK
By: /s/Barry K. Bergman
-------------------------------
Name: Barry K. Bergman
Title:Vice President
<PAGE>
ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT
THE CHASE MANHATTAN BANK
By: /s/Barry K. Bergman
-------------------------------
Name: Barry K. Bergman
Title:Vice President
<PAGE>
Exhibit 10.4
EXECUTION COPY
SECOND AMENDMENT TO PLEDGE AND SECURITY AGREEMENT
SECOND AMENDMENT TO PLEDGE AND SECURITY AGREEMENT, dated as of October
27, 1999, between BARNES & NOBLE, INC., a corporation duly organized and validly
existing under the laws of the State of Delaware (the "Company"); each of the
Subsidiaries of the Company identified under the caption "SUBSIDIARY GUARANTORS"
on the signature pages hereof (individually, a "Subsidiary Guarantor" and,
collectively, the "Subsidiary Guarantors" and, together with the Company, the
"Obligors"); and THE CHASE MANHATTAN BANK, as agent for the lenders or other
financial institutions or entities party, as lenders, to the Credit Agreement
referred to below (in such capacity, together with its successors in such
capacity, the "Administrative Agent").
The Company, the Subsidiary Guarantors, certain lenders and the
Administrative Agent (i) are parties to a Amended and Restated Credit Agreement
dated as of November 18, 1997 (as modified and supplemented and in effect from
time to time, the "Amended and Restated Credit Agreement"), providing, subject
to the terms and conditions thereof, for extensions of credit (by making of
loans and issuing letters of credit) to be made by said lenders to the Company
in an aggregate principal or face amount not exceeding $850,000,000 (as that
amount may be increased as provided therein), and (ii) concurrently herewith and
in connection with the Babbage's Etc. Acquisition, are entering into Amendment
No. 2 to the Amended and Restated Credit Agreement. The Obligors and the Agent
wish to amend the Security Agreement referred to in the Amended and Restated
Credit Agreement in certain respects and, accordingly, agree as follows:
Section 1. Definitions. Except as otherwise defined in this
Amendment, terms defined in the Amended and Restated Credit Agreement are used
herein as defined therein.
Section 2: Amendments. Subject to the satisfaction of the conditions
precedent specified in Section 3 below, but effective as of the date hereof, the
Annexes to the Security Agreement shall be amended as follows:
(a) Annex 1. Annex 1 to the Security Agreement shall be amended in its
entirety to read as Annex 1 hereto.
(b) Annex 2. Annex 2 to the Security Agreement shall be amended in its
entirety to read as Annex 2 hereto.
(c) Annex 3. Annex 3 to the Security Agreement shall be amended in its
entirety to read as Annex 3 hereto.
(d) Annex 4. Annex 4 to the Security Agreement shall be amended in its
entirety to read as Annex 4 hereto.
(e) Annex 5. Annex 5 to the Security Agreement shall be amended in its
entirety to read as Annex 5 hereto.
Section 2. Conditions Precedent. As provided in Section 2 above, the
amendments set forth in Section 2 shall become effective, as of the date hereof,
upon the due execution and delivery of this Amendment by the Obligors and the
Agent.
1
<PAGE>
Section 3. Miscellaneous. Except as herein provided, the Security
Agreement shall remain unchanged and in full force and effect. This Amendment
may be executed in any number of counterparts, all of which taken together shall
constitute one and the same amendatory instrument and any of the parties hereto
may execute this Amendment by signing any such counterpart. This Amendment shall
be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the internal laws of the State
of New York.
[signature pages to follow]
<PAGE>
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Second
Amendment to be duly executed and delivered as of the day and year first above
written.
BARNES & NOBLE, INC.
By /s/Michael Archbold
-------------------------------
Title:Vice President, Treasurer
SUBSIDIARY GUARANTORS
B. DALTON BOOKSELLER, INC.
By /s/Michael Archbold
-------------------------------
Title:Vice President, Treasurer
BARNES & NOBLE BOOKSELLERS, INC.
By /s/Michael Archbold
-------------------------------
Title:Vice President, Treasurer
MARBORO BOOKS CORP.
By /s/Michael Archbold
-------------------------------
Title:Vice President, Treasurer
DOUBLEDAY BOOK SHOPS, INC.
By /s/Michael Archbold
-------------------------------
Title:Vice President, Treasurer
<PAGE>
CCI HOLDINGS, INC.
By/s/Michael Archbold
-------------------------------
Title:Vice President, Treasurer
BABBAGE'S ETC. LLC
By /s/Leonard Riggio
-------------------------------
Title: Chairman
VENDAMERICA, INC.
By /s/Michael Archbold
-------------------------------
Title:Vice President, Treasurer
THE CHASE MANHATTAN BANK,
as Administrative Agent
By /s/Barry K. Bergman
-------------------------------
Title:Vice President
<PAGE>
ANNEX 1
PLEDGED STOCK
BARNES & NOBLE, INC.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Issuer Certificate Registered Number of Shares
Nos. Owner
- -------------------------- -------------- --------------------- --------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
B. Dalton Bookseller, C-1 Barnes & Noble, Inc. 360 shares of common stock,
Inc. par value $100
Barnes & Noble Booksellers, 1 Barnes & Noble, Inc. 100 shares of common stock,
Inc. par value $1
Marboro Books Corp. 4 Barnes & Noble, Inc. 10 shares of common stock, no
par value
CCI Holdings, Inc. 1 Barnes & Noble, Inc. 3,000 shares of common stock,
par value $1
B&N. Sub Corp 1 Barnes & Noble, Inc. 100 shares of common stock,
par value $1
B. DALTON BOOKSELLER, INC.
Issuer Certificate Registered Number of Shares
Nos. Owner
- -------------------------- -------------- --------------------- --------------------------------
Doubleday Book Shops, 5 B. Dalton 1,000 shares of common stock,
Inc. Bookseller, Inc. par value $1
Babbage's Etc. LLC N/A B. Dalton 86.5% Membership Interest
Bookseller, Inc.
Vendamerica, Inc. 2 B. Dalton 1,000 shares of common stock,
Bookseller, Inc. no par value
</TABLE>
BARNES & NOBLE BOOKSELLERS, INC.
NONE
MARBORO BOOKS CORP.
NONE
DOUBLEDAY BOOK SHOPS, INC.
NONE
<PAGE>
CCI HOLDINGS, INC.
- ------------------
NONE
BABBAGE'S ETC. LLC.
- -------------------
NONE
VENDAMERICA, INC
- ----------------
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Certificate Registered
Issuer Nos. Owner Number of Shares
-------------------- ------------ ---------------------- -------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Babbage's Etc. LLC N/A Vendamerica, Inc. 13.5% Membership
Interest
</TABLE>
<PAGE>
ANNEX 2
LIST OF PATENTS AND PATENT APPLICATIONS
BARNES & NOBLE, INC.
- --------------------
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
File Patent Country Registration No. Date
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NONE
B. DALTON BOOKSELLER, INC.
- --------------------------
File Patent Country Registration No. Date
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NONE
BARNES & NOBLE BOOKSELLERS, INC.
- --------------------------------
File Patent Country Registration No. Date
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NONE
MARBORO BOOKS CORP.
- -------------------
File Patent Country Registration No. Date
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NONE
DOUBLEDAY BOOK SHOPS, INC.
- --------------------------
File Patent Country Registration No. Date
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NONE
CCI HOLDINGS, INC.
- ------------------
File Patent Country Registration No. Date
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NONE
BABBAGE'S ETC. LLC
- ------------------
File Patent Country Registration No. Date
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NONE
</TABLE>
<PAGE>
VENDAMERICA, INC.
- -----------------
<TABLE>
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
File Patent Country Registration No. Date
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NONE
</TABLE>
<PAGE>
ANNEX 3
LIST OF TRADE NAMES, TRADEMARKS, SERVICES MARKS,
TRADEMARK AND SERVICE MARK REGISTRATIONS AND
APPLICATIONS FOR TRADEMARK AND SERVICE MARK REGISTRATIONS
A. U.S. Trademarks
------------------
BARNES & NOBLE, INC.
- --------------------
Application (A)
Registration (R)
Mark or Series (S) No.
- -------------------------------------------------------------------
Blink 75/320,806(A)
What Are You Reading 75/057,954(A)
Premier Music (Design) 1,903,140(R)
Meet Me at Barnes & Noble 1,910,598(R)
The Book Lover's Second Home 1,930,860(R)
Nite Reader 2,105,941(R)
B. DALTON BOOKSELLER, INC.
- --------------------------
Application (A)
Registration (R)
Mark or Series (S) No.
- -------------------------------------------------------------------
Books Dalton 1,667,902 (R)
B. Dalton Jr. 1,684,036 (R)
B. Dalton Jr. (Design) 1,667,039 (R)
Booksavers 1,597,933 (R)
P.B. Pages 1,814,553 (R)
B. Dalton's 1,293,494 (R)
Barnes & Noble Jr.
(Design) 1,609,403 (R)
1
<PAGE>
Barnes & Noble Jr. 1,606,005 (R)
B. Dalton Bookseller 846,824 (R)
B. Dalton 1,158,498 (R)
Hooked on Books 1,147,660 (R)
People Who Know Books
Know B. Dalton 1,306,552 (R)
Amaranth Press 1,404,928 (R)
Pickwick 1,047,832 (R)
Lamp of Learning
(Design) 1,607,811 (R)
BARNES & NOBLE BOOKSELLERS, INC.
- --------------------------------
Application (A)
Registration (R)
Mark or Series (S) No.
- -------------------------------------------------------------------
Bookstar (Design) 1,558,604 (R)
Amaranth Press 1,404,928(R)
MARBORO BOOKS CORP.
- -------------------
Application (A)
Registration (R)
Mark or Series (S) No.
- -------------------------------------------------------------------
NONE
CCI HOLDINGS, INC.
- ------------------
Application (A)
Registration (R)
Mark or Series (S) No.
- -------------------------------------------------------------------
NONE
<PAGE>
DOUBLEDAY BOOK SHOPS, INC.
- --------------------------
Application (A)
Registration (R)
Mark or Series (S) No.
- -------------------------------------------------------------------
The Old Corner (Mass.) 0025314 (R)
Bookstore
Books of All Publishers
Since 1910 (and Design) 1,516,823 (R)
BABBAGE'S ETC. LLC
- ------------------
Application (A)
Registration (R)
Mark or Series (S) No.
- -------------------------------------------------------------------
Babbage's 1,345,315 (R) and
1,569,315 (R)
America's Software for 1,547,310 (R) and
the Home 1,553,597 (R)
Babbage's Software for 1,345,205 (R)
the Home
Gamestop 1,707,460 (R)
VENDAMERICA, INC.
- -----------------
Application (A)
Registration (R)
Mark or Series (S) No.
- -------------------------------------------------------------------
NONE
<PAGE>
B. U.S. Tradenames
------------------
BABBAGE'S ETC. LLC
- ------------------
- ------------------------------------
- -----------------------------------------------------------------
Mark
- -----------------------------------------------------------------
Software Etc.
VENDAMERICA, INC.
- -----------------
- ------------------------------------
- -----------------------------------------------------------------
Mark
- -----------------------------------------------------------------
NONE
Foreign Trademarks
------------------
BARNES & NOBLE, INC.
- --------------------
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Application (A) Registration or
Mark Registration (R) Country Filing Date (F)
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NONE
B. DALTON BOOKSELLER, INC.
- --------------------------
Application (A) Registration or
Mark Registration (R) Country Filing Date (F)
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NONE
BARNES & NOBLE BOOKSELLERS, INC.
- --------------------------------
Application (A) Registration or
Mark Registration (R) Country Filing Date (F)
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
NONE
<PAGE>
MARBORO BOOKS CORP.
- -------------------
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Application (A) Registration or
Mark Registration (R) Country Filing Date (F)
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NONE
DOUBLEDAY BOOK SHOPS, INC.
- --------------------------
Application (A) Registration or
Mark Registration (R) Country Filing Date (F)
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NONE
CCI HOLDINGS, INC.
- ------------------
Application (A) Registration or
Mark Registration (R) Country Filing Date (F)
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NONE
BABBAGE'S ETC. LLC
- ------------------
Application (A) Registration or
Mark Registration (R) Country Filing Date (F)
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NONE
VENDAMERICA, INC.
- -----------------
Application (A) Registration or
Mark Registration (R) Country Filing Date (F)
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
NONE
<PAGE>
ANNEX 4
LIST OF CONTRACTS, LICENSES AND OTHER AGREEMENTS
RELATING TO INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY
BARNES & NOBLE, INC.
- --------------------
License Agreement dated as of February 11, 1989 between Barnes & Noble College
Bookstores, Inc. and Barnes & Noble Discount Bookstores, Inc. (a predecessor of
B. Dalton Bookseller, Inc.), and Consents to License Agreement Assignments,
dated as of November 18, 1988 and November 16, 1992, respectively.
B. DALTON BOOKSELLER, INC.
- --------------------------
Letter Agreement dated as of February 21, 1989 from Scribner's Book Companies,
Inc. and MacMillan, Inc. to B. Dalton Bookseller, Inc.
BARNES & NOBLE BOOKSELLERS, INC.
- --------------------------------
NONE
MARBORO BOOKS CORP.
- -------------------
NONE
DOUBLEDAY BOOK SHOPS, INC.
- --------------------------
Trade Mark and Service Mark License dated as of May 31, 1990 between Bantam
Doubleday Dell Publishing Group, Inc. and Doubleday Book Shops, Inc.
CCI HOLDINGS, INC.
- ------------------
NONE
BABBAGE'S ETC. LLC
- ------------------
NONE
VENDAMERICA, INC.
- -----------------
NONE
<PAGE>
ANNEX 5
LIST OF LOCATIONS
BARNES & NOBLE, INC. B. DALTON BOOKSELLER, INC.
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S> <C> <C>
1. 122 Fifth Avenue 1. 122 Fifth Avenue
New York, NY 10011 New York, NY 10011
2. 1400 Old Country Road 2. 1400 Old Country Road
Westbury, New York 11590 Westbury, NY 11590
BARNES & NOBLE BOOKSELLERS, INC. 3. 100 Middlesex Center Boulevard
- -------------------------------- Jamesburg, NJ 08831
4. 331 Herrod Drive
1. 122 Fifth Avenue Jamesburg, NJ 08831
New York, NY 10011
5. 308 Herrod Drive
Jamesburg, NJ 08831
2. 1400 Old Country Road
Westbury, New York 11590
</TABLE>
MARBORO BOOKS CORP.
- -------------------
CCI HOLDINGS, INC.
1. 122 Fifth Avenue ------------------
New York, NY 10011
1. 122 Fifth Avenue
2. 1400 Old Country Road New York, NY 10011
Westbury, New York 11590
2. 1400 Old Country Road
3. One Pond Road Westbury, NY 11590
Rockleigh, NJ 07647
3. 6411 Vurleson Road
Austin, TX 78744
DOUBLEDAY BOOK SHOPS, INC.
- --------------------------
1. 122 Fifth Avenue
New York, NY 10011
2. 1400 Old Country Road
Westbury, New York 11590
BABBAGE'S ETC. LLC
- ------------------
1. 122 Fifth Avenue
New York, NY 10011
2. 1400 Old Country Road
Westbury, New York 11590
3. 2250 William D. Tate Avenue
Grapevine, TX 76051
<PAGE>
VENDAMERICA, INC
- ----------------
1. 122 Fifth Avenue
New York, NY 10011
2. 1400 Old Country Road
Westbury, New York 11590
3. 2250 William D. Tate Avenue
Grapevine, TX 76051
<PAGE>
Exhibit 10.11
- -------------
BARNES & NOBLE, INC.
RECORD OF ACTION
----------------
Pursuant to authority granted to me in my capacity as Vice President, Human
Resources Administration of Barnes & Noble, Inc. (the "Company") by the Board of
Directors of the Company (the "Board") at a special meeting of the Board held on
November 12, 1998 which extended to me authority to execute such documents or
take such actions as may be necessary or appropriate to carryout the intent and
purpose of the resolutions adopted at said meeting, the undersigned hereby takes
the following action.
RESOLVED, that the Barnes & Noble, Inc. Employees' Retirement Plan be and hereby
is amended, effective as of November 1, 1998, as hereinafter indicated:
Appendix C relating to the treatment of transfers between Barnes & Noble, Inc.
and one of its affiliated companies and barnesandnoble.com llc,
attached hereto and made part hereof, is hereby adopted and annexed to the
Barnes & Noble, Inc. Employees' Retirement Plan.
Date: September 9, 1999 /s/Michelle Smith
----------------- -----------------
<PAGE>
APPENDIX C. SPECIAL PROVISIONS APPLICABLE TO PARTICIPANTS WHO
TRANSFER DIRECTLY BETWEEN AN EMPLOYER AND
BARNESANDNOBLE.COM LLC
Except as otherwise modified or expanded in this Appendix C, the provisions of
this Plan, as contained in the text to which this Appendix is attached, shall
determine the benefits payable to or on behalf of a Participant covered under
this Appendix. The Plan Sections referenced below are hereby modified or
expanded in accordance with the following special provisions applicable to said
Participant.
ARTICLE 1. DEFINITIONS
1.09 Certified Earnings
If, after November 1, 1998, a Participant transfers directly from the
employ of an Employer to the employ of barnesandnoble.com llc
("Transferred-Out Participant"), the remuneration paid to said
Transferred-Out Participant after said transfer and during any period
of employment with barnesandnoble.com llc which is recognized under the
provisions of Section 3.01 of this Appendix C as Years of Vesting
Service shall be recognized as "Certified Earnings" under Section 1.09
and included in the calculation of Final Average Compensation under
Section 1.19 of the Plan to the extent such remuneration would have
been recognized as Certified Earnings under Section 1.09 of the Plan
had it been earned while employed as an Eligible Employee.
Notwithstanding any Plan provisions to the contrary, the provisions of
this Section 1.09 of this Appendix C shall cease to be applicable on
and after the date the barnesandnoble.com llc Employees' Retirement
Plan ceases to provide future benefit
<PAGE>
accruals for its employees (the "Freeze Date") and any remuneration
paid to a Transferred-Out Participant after the Freeze Date shall not
be recognized as Certified Earnings under the provisions of the Plan
and this Appendix C. Anything contained herein to the contrary
notwithstanding, if any Transferred-Out Participant ceases to be
employed by barnesandnoble.com llc and is subsequently reemployed by
barnesandnoble.com llc remuneration paid to said Participant during the
period of subsequent employment with barnesandnoble.com llc shall not
be recognized as Certified Earnings under Section 1.09.
If, after November 1, 1998, an Employee transfers directly from the
employ of barnesandnoble.com llc to the employ of the Employer, the
remuneration paid to said Eligible Employee prior to the transfer and
during any period of employment with barnesandnoble.com llc, as an
"eligible employee" as such term is defined under the provisions of the
barnesandnoble.com llc Employees' Retirement Plan which is recognized
under the provisions of Section 3.01 of this Appendix C as Years of
Vesting Service shall be recognized as "Certified Earnings" under
Section 1.09 and included in the calculation of Final Average
Compensation under Section 1.19 of the Plan to the extent such
remuneration would have been recognized as Certified Earnings under
Section 1.09 of the Plan had it been earned while employed as an
Eligible Employee.
1.41 Termination of Employment
If an Employee transfers directly from the employ of an Employer to the
employ of barnesandnoble.com llc, a Termination of Employment under the
provisions of this Plan shall not be deemed to have occurred while said
Employee remains in the continuous employ of barnesandnoble.com llc.
<PAGE>
ARTICLE 2. PARTICIPATION
2.02 Determination of Eligibility Service
With respect to an Eligible Employee who after November 1, 1998
transfers directly from the employ of barnesandnoble.com llc to the
employ of an Employer, the period of said Employee's service rendered
immediately prior to said transfer as an employee of barnesandnoble.com
llc shall be recognized as Years of Eligibility Service under Section
2.02 of the Plan, to the extent said period of employment would have
been recognized under the Plan had it been rendered as an Employee.
ARTICLE 3. SERVICE
3.01 Years of Vesting Service
If, after November 1, 1998, a Participant transfers directly from the
employ of an Employer to the employ of barnesandnoble.com llc, the
period of said Participant's employment with barnesandnoble.com llc
rendered after said direct transfer shall be recognized as Years of
Vesting Service under the provisions of Section 3.01, to the extent
said period of employment would have been recognized under the Plan had
it been rendered as an Employee. The increases in said Participant's
age during any period of employment with barnesandnoble.com llc, which
is recognized as Years of Vesting Service under the provisions of this
Section 3.01, shall be recognized for eligibility and early retirement
subsidy purposes under the provisions of this Plan, and such
Participant shall not incur a Termination of Employment under this Plan
while he remains in the continuous employ of barnesandnoble.com llc.
<PAGE>
Anything contained herein to the contrary notwithstanding, if any such
Participant ceases to be employed by barnesandnoble.com llc and is
subsequently reemployed by barnesandnoble.com llc, the subsequent
employment with barnesandnoble.com llc shall not be recognized as Years
of Vesting Service under Section 3.01.
If an Employee, after November 1, 1998, transfers directly from the
employ of barnesandnoble.com llc to the employ of the Employer, the period of
said Participant's employment with barnesandnoble.com llc rendered prior to said
direct transfer shall be recognized as Years of Vesting Service under the
provisions of Section 3.01, to the extent said period of employment would have
been recognized under the Plan had it been rendered as an Employee.
<PAGE>
Exhibit 10.12
- -------------
BARNES & NOBLE, INC.
RECORD OF ACTION
Pursuant to authority granted to me in my capacity as Vice President, Human
Resources Administration, of Barnes & Noble, Inc. (the "Company") by the Board
of Directors of the Company (the "Board") by written action in lieu of a meeting
of the Board of Directors on November 19, 1999 which extended to me authority to
take such actions as may be necessary to carryout the intent of the resolutions
adopted by such written action, the undersigned hereby takes the following
action:
RESOLVED, that the Barnes & Noble, Inc. Employees' Retirement Plan be, and
hereby is, amended, effective as of January 1, 2000, in the following
respects:
1. Section 1.09 is amended by the addition of the following sentence to
the end thereof:
"Notwithstanding any Plan provision to the contrary, Certified Earnings
shall not include any amount paid to an Eligible Employee on or after
January 1, 2000."
2. Section 1.12 is amended by replacing the second sentence thereof with
the following:
"In determining a Participant's Covered Compensation for any Plan Year,
the taxable wage base for the current Plan Year and any subsequent Plan
Year shall be assumed to be the same as the taxable wage base in effect
as of the beginning of the Plan Year for which the determination is
made; provided, however, in determining a Participant's Covered
Compensation for any Plan Year commencing on or after January 1, 2000,
no increases in the taxable wage base, effective after December 31,
1999, shall be taken into account."
3. Section 1.19 is amended by the addition of the following sentence to
the end thereof:
<PAGE>
"Notwithstanding any Plan provision to the contrary, Final Average
Compensation shall be determined without regard to any Certified
Earnings paid on or after January 1, 2000."
4. Section 2.01 is amended by the addition of the following sentence to
the end thereof:
"Notwithstanding the foregoing, no Eligible Employee shall become a
Participant on or after January 1, 2000, and participation in the Plan
shall be frozen as of said date, except as otherwise provided in
Section 3.03."
5. Section 3.02(b) is amended by adding the words "and prior to January 1,
2000" to the end thereof.
<PAGE>
6. Section 3.02 is amended by the addition of the following to the end
thereof:
"(e) Notwithstanding any Plan provision to the contrary, Credited
Service shall not be counted for any period of service
rendered on or after January 1, 2000."
7. Section 1.19 of Appendix B is amended by the addition of the following
to the end thereof:
"Notwithstanding any Plan provision to the contrary, Final Average
Compensation shall be determined without regard to any Compensation
paid on or after January 1, 2000."
8. Section 2.01(b) of Appendix B is amended by the addition of the
following sentence at the end thereof:
"Notwithstanding the foregoing, no Employee shall become a Participant
on or after January 1, 2000, except as otherwise provided in Section
3.03."
9. Section 3.02 of Appendix B is amended by adding in the second sentence
thereof between the words "the Employer" and "due to service" the words
"prior to January 1, 2000" and by the addition of the following to the
end thereof:
"Notwithstanding any Plan provision to the contrary, Credited Service
shall not be counted for any period of service rendered on or after
January 1, 2000."
10. Section 1.09 of Appendix C is amended by adding in the first sentence
thereof between the words "barnesandnoble.com llc" and "which is
recognized" the words "rendered prior to January 1, 2000."
11. Section 1.09 of Appendix C is amended by adding in the first sentence
of the third paragraph thereof between the words "Retirement Plan" and
"which is recognized" the words "rendered prior to January 1, 2000."
March 1, 2000 /s/Michelle Smith
- ----------------------------- ----------------------------------------------
Date Vice President, Human Resources Administration
<PAGE>
Exhibit 10.18
BARNES & NOBLE, INC.
122 Fifth Avenue
New York, New York 10011
As of January 1, 2000
Mr. Stephen Riggio
81 Post Kunhardt Road
Bernardsville, New Jersey 07924
Dear Mr. Riggio:
This letter agreement is intended to amend and restate the letter
agreement between us dated as of July 25, 1993, as amended as of April 1, 1998
(the "Original Agreement"), regarding your employment by Barnes & Noble, Inc.
The Original Agreement is hereby amended and restated to read in its entirety as
follows:
1. Employment; Duties. Barnes & Noble, Inc. (the "Company") hereby employs you,
and you hereby accept employment, as Vice Chairman of the Board of the Company.
Your principal duties shall be to oversee and develop investments in the
Company's existing and future affiliates, including but not limited to
barnesandnoble.com and iUniverse.com, and such other duties and responsibilities
as are prescribed by the Chairman of the Board or the Board of Directors of the
Company consistent with the office of Vice Chairman of the Company. While you
are the Company's employee, you agree to devote your full business time and
attention to the performance of your duties and responsibilities as Vice
Chairman of the Board of the Company. With your approval and subject to the
terms hereof, the Company may also designate you to hold officer and/or director
positions on subsidiaries and/or affiliates of the Company.
2. Term. The term of this Agreement will be for a period beginning on the date
hereof and ending on the fifth anniversary of the date hereof.
3. Compensation.
3.1. Salary. The Company will pay you, for all services you perform
hereunder, an annual salary of $500,000, or such higher amount as the
Company may determine, payable in accordance with the Company's
payroll schedule applicable to executive officers of the Company.
3.2. Bonus Compensation. In addition to your above-mentioned salary, we
will pay you, within 90 days following the end of each fiscal year of
the Company during the term of your employment, annual bonus
compensation in an amount determined in accordance with the Company's
Supplemental Compensation Plan.
<PAGE>
3.3. Options and Payments from Affiliates. You shall be eligible to receive
from affiliates of the Company stock options and similar incentives,
as agreed to by such affiliates. Unless otherwise agreed to by the
Company, you shall not be entitled to participate in any incentive
stock option or similar incentive plan maintained by the Company. To
the extent in any year during the term hereof you receive any cash
compensation from any affiliate of the Company for services rendered
by you on its behalf, such compensation shall be credited against the
annual salary and bonus due to you hereunder for such year.
3.4. Employee Benefits. Except as provided in Section 3.3 above, during the
term of your employment, you will participate in and receive any
benefits to which you are entitled under employee benefit plans which
the Company provides for all employees, as well as those benefits
which the Company provides, or may at any time in the future provide,
for its executive officers.
3.5. Expenses; Car Allowance. During the term of your employment, we will:
(a) pay you a car allowance per month in an amount to be determined by
the Company; and (b) reimburse you for all expenses incurred by you in
the performance of your duties and responsibilities under this
Agreement, including, without limitation, entertainment and travel
expenses, in accordance with the policies and procedures established
by the Board of Directors of the Company.
3.6. Life and Disability Insurance. In addition to the foregoing, we will
obtain in your name a life insurance policy providing for a death
benefit of $1,000,000 payable to any beneficiary or beneficiaries
named by you, and a disability insurance policy providing for monthly
payments to you at a rate of 60% of your then annual salary during the
period of any disability until the earlier of your attaining age 65 or
death. During the term of your employment, we will pay all premiums
due on such policies.
4. Non-Competition.
4.1. Covenant. You agree that so long as you are actively employed under
this Agreement or any agreement in renewal hereof and for a period of
two years after your voluntary termination of your employment or the
termination of your employment by the Company for cause (other than
following a change of control of the Company), you will not directly
or indirectly either as principal, agent, stockholder, employee or in
any other capacity, engage in or have a financial interest in, any
business that is competitive with the businesses operated by the
Company, its subsidiaries and affiliates.
4.2. Ownership of Other Securities. Nothing herein contained in this
Section 4 shall be construed as denying you the right to own
securities of any corporation listed on a
<PAGE>
national securities exchange or quoted in the NASDAQ System to the
extent of an aggregate of 5% of the outstanding shares of such
securities.
4.3. Reasonableness. You acknowledge that the foregoing limitations are
reasonable and properly required by the Company and that in the event
that any such limitations are found to be unreasonable by a court of
competent jurisdiction, you will submit to the reduction of such
limitations as the court shall find reasonable.
4.4. Severability. If any of the restrictions set forth in this Section 4
should for any reason whatsoever be declared invalid by a court of
competent jurisdiction, the validity or enforceability of the
remainder of such restrictions or any other provision of this
Agreement will not be adversely affected thereby.
4.5. Remedies. The remedies provided under this Section 4 are non-exclusive
and shall be in addition to, and not in lieu of, any rights or
remedies that the Company may possess.
5. Severance. In the event your employment is terminated at any time during the
term hereof other than as a result of your death, disability or resignation, the
Company will continue to pay you the annual salary which you were being paid
under Section 3.1 above during the two-year period immediately following the
termination of your employment. Such payments shall be in lieu of any other
payments which would otherwise be due you under this Agreement.
6. Miscellaneous.
6.1. Entire Agreement. This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement
between you and the Company with respect to the terms and conditions
of your employment by the Company and supersedes all prior agreements,
understandings and arrangements, oral or written, between you and the
Company with respect to the subject matter hereof, including without
limitation the Original Agreement.
6.2. Binding Effect; Benefits. This Agreement shall inure to the benefit of
and shall be binding upon you and the Company and our respective
heirs, legal representatives, successors and assigns.
6.3. Amendments and Waivers. This Agreement may not be amended or modified
except by an instrument or instruments in writing signed by the party
against whom enforcement of any modification or amendment is sought.
Either party may, by an instrument in writing, waive compliance by the
other party with any term or provision of this Agreement to be
performed or complied with by such other party.
<PAGE>
6.4. Assignment. Neither this Agreement nor any rights or obligations which
either party may have by reason of this Agreement shall be assignable
by either party without the prior written consent of the other party.
6.5. Litigation Expenses. The Company will pay any actual expenses for
reasonable attorneys' fees and disbursements incurred by you, or your
personal representative, in seeking to obtain or enforce any right or
benefit under this Agreement, if you or your representative is the
prevailing party.
6.6. No Mitigation. In the event of termination of this Agreement by you as
a result of the breach by the Company of any of its obligations
hereunder, or in the event of the termination of your employment by
the Company in breach of this Agreement, you shall not be required to
seek other employment in order to mitigate damages hereunder.
6.7. Notices. Any notice which may or must be given under this Agreement
shall be in writing and shall be personally delivered or sent by
certified or registered mail, postage prepaid, addressed to the party
at his or its respective address as set forth on the first page
hereof, or to such other address as he or it may designate in writing
in accordance with the provisions of this section.
6.8. Section and Other Headings. The section and other headings contained
in this Agreement are for reference purposes only and are not deemed
to be a part of this Agreement or to affect the meaning and
interpretation of this Agreement.
6.9. Governing Law. This Agreement shall be construed (both as to validity
and performance) and enforced in accordance with and governed by the
laws of the State of New York applicable to agreements made and to be
performed wholly within the State of New York.
If the foregoing accurately reflects our agreement, kindly date, sign and
return to us the enclosed duplicate copy of this letter.
Very truly yours,
BARNES & NOBLE, INC.
By: /s/J. Alan Kahn
------------------------------------
Name:J. Alan Kahn
Title:Chief Operating Officer
ACCEPTED AND AGREED TO:
/s/Stephen Riggio
- ------------------------
Stephen Riggio
<PAGE>
Exhibit 10.21
- -------------
AMENDMENT NO. 1 TO
SECOND AMENDED AND RESTATED
LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY AGREEMENT
OF BARNESANDNOBLE.COM LLC
THIS AMENDMENT NO. 1 (this "Amendment") amends the Second
Amended and Restated Limited Liability Company Agreement (the "Restated
Agreement") of barnesandnoble.com llc, a Delaware limited liability company (the
"Company"), made and entered into, effective as of May 28, 1999, by and among
Barnes & Noble, Inc., a corporation organized and existing under the laws of
Delaware, with its principal place of business at 122 Fifth Avenue, New York,
New York 10011 ("BN"), B&N.com Holding Corp., a corporation organized and
existing under the laws of Delaware, with its principal place of business at 122
Fifth Avenue, New York, New York 10011 ("BN Holding"), barnesandnoble.com inc.,
a corporation organized and existing under the laws of Delaware, with its
principal place of business at 76 Ninth Avenue, New York, New York 10011 (the
"Public Corp."), Bertelsmann AG, an Aktiengesellschaft organized and existing
under the laws of Germany, with its principal place of business at
Carl-Bertelsmann-Strasse 270, 33311 Gutersloh, Germany ("BAG"), and BOL.US
Online, Inc., a corporation organized and existing under the laws of Delaware,
with its principal place of business at 1540 Broadway, New York, New York 10036
("USO").
WHEREAS, the Company was formed as a limited liability company
pursuant to the Delaware Limited Liability Company Law (6 Del. C. Sections
18-101, et seq.) by the filing of a Certificate of Formation with the Office of
the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware on October 27, 1998;
WHEREAS, the parties entered into the Restated Agreement to
reflect the addition of the Public Corp. as a Member and the sole Manager of the
LLC pursuant to the terms and conditions of the Restated Agreement; and
WHEREAS, the parties hereto desire to amend the Restated
Agreement, effective as of May 28, 1999, to accurately reflect their
understanding with respect to Section 5.4(c) and Schedule I of the Restated
Agreement;
NOW, THEREFORE, the parties hereto hereby agree as follows:
Amendment to Section 5.4(c). Section 5.4(c) of the Restated Agreement
is hereby amended and restated in its entirety to read as follows:
"When the Gross Asset Value of a Company asset differs from its basis
for federal or other income tax purposes, solely for purposes of the relevant
tax and not for purposes of computing Capital Account balances, income, gain,
loss, deduction and credit with respect to such asset shall be allocated among
the Members (i) with respect to any contributions of assets to the Company on or
after May 28, 1999, under the traditional method allowed pursuant to Treasury
Regulations Section 1.704-3(b), unless otherwise determined by BN Holding and
USO, and (ii) with respect to all contributions of assets to the Company before
May 28, 1999, under the remedial allocation method under Treasury Regulation
Section 1.704-3(d). The members agree
<PAGE>
that, as of October 31, 1998, all such differences related to goodwill, and the
corresponding remedial allocations shall be made ratably over a fifteen (15)
year period."
Amendment to Schedule I. Schedule I of the Restated Agreement is hereby
amended and replaced in its entirety by Schedule I attached hereto.
References. Any references in the Restated Agreement to "the
Agreement", "this Agreement", "hereof", "herein", "hereunder" or terms of
similar import shall mean the Restated Agreement as amended by this Amendment.
No Other Changes. Except as amended hereby, all other terms and
provisions of the Restated Agreement remain unchanged and in full force and
effect.
Counterparts. This Amendment may be executed in counterparts which
together shall constitute one and the same instrument.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed this Amendment
this 14th day of January, 2000, effective and effectuating their agreement as of
May 28, 1999.
Bertelsmann AG
By: /s/ Thomas Middelhoff
---------------------
Name: Thomas Middelhoff
Title: Chief Executive Officer
BOL.US Online, Inc.
By: /s/ Robert Sorrentino
---------------------
Name: Robert Sorrentino
Title: President
Barnes & Noble, Inc.
By: /s/ Leonard Riggio
------------------
Name: Leonard Riggio
Title: Chairman
B&N.com Holding Corp.
By: /s/ Leonard Riggio
------------------
Name: Leonard Riggio
Title: Chairman
barnesandnoble.com inc.
By: /s/ Leonard Riggio
------------------
Name: Leonard Riggio
Title: Chairman
<PAGE>
SCHEDULE I
----------
MEMBERS; MEMBERSHIP UNITS; CAPITAL ACCOUNTS
Member Membership Units Capital
- ------ ---------------- Account
--------
barnesandnoble.com inc. 28,750,002 $ 517,500,000
Membership Units
B&N.com Holding Corp. 57,500,000 $1,035,000,000
Membership Units
BOL.US Online, Inc. 57,500,000 $1,035,000,000
Membership Units
<PAGE>
SELECTED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL DATA
The selected consolidated financial data of Barnes & Noble, Inc. and its
wholly owned subsidiaries (collectively, the Company) set forth on the following
pages should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements
and notes included elsewhere in this report. The Company's fiscal year is
comprised of 52 or 53 weeks, ending on the Saturday closest to the last day of
January. The Statement of Operations Data for the 52 weeks ended January 29,
2000 (fiscal 1999), the 52 weeks ended January 30, 1999 (fiscal 1998) and the 52
weeks ended January 31, 1998 (fiscal 1997) and the Balance Sheet Data as of
January 29, 2000 and January 30, 1999 are derived from, and are qualified by
reference to, audited consolidated financial statements which are included
elsewhere in this report. The Statement of Operations Data for the 53 weeks
ended February 1, 1997 (fiscal 1996) and 52 weeks ended January 27, 1996 (fiscal
1995) and the Balance Sheet Data as of January 31, 1998, February 1, 1997 and
January 27, 1996 are derived from audited consolidated financial statements not
included in this report. Certain prior-period amounts have been reclassified for
comparative purposes.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Fiscal Year 1999(1) 1998 1997 1996 1995
------- ---- ---- ---- ----
(Thousands of dollars, except per share data)
- ---------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS DATA:
Sales
Barnes & Noble stores $2,821,549 2,515,352 2,245,531 1,861,177 1,349,830
B. Dalton stores 426,018 468,414 509,389 564,926 603,204
Barnes & Noble.com -- -- 14,601 -- --
Other 14,728 21,842 27,331 22,021 23,866
--------- ---------- ---------- ---------- -----------
Total bookstore sales 3,262,295 3,005,608 2,796,852 2,448,124 1,976,900
Babbage's Etc. stores 223,748 -- -- -- --
--------- ---------- ---------- ---------- -----------
Total sales 3,486,043 3,005,608 2,796,852 2,448,124 1,976,900
Cost of sales and occupancy 2,483,729 2,142,717 2,019,291 1,785,392 1,444,555
--------- ---------- ---------- ---------- -----------
Gross profit 1,002,314 862,891 777,561 662,732 532,345
Selling and administrative expenses 651,099 580,609 542,336 467,777 383,692
Depreciation and amortization 112,304 88,345 76,951 59,806 47,881
Pre-opening expenses 6,801 8,795 12,918 17,571 12,160
Restructuring charge(2) -- -- -- -- 123,768
--------- ---------- ---------- ---------- -----------
Operating profit (loss) 232,110 185,142 145,356 117,578 (35,156)
Interest expense, net and amortization of
deferred financing fees(3) (23,765) (24,412) (37,666) (38,286) (28,142)
Equity in net loss of Barnes & Noble.com(4) (42,047) (71,334) -- -- --
Gain on formation of Barnes & Noble.com(5) 25,000 63,759 -- -- --
Other income(6) 27,337 3,414 1,913 2,090 --
--------- ---------- ---------- ---------- -----------
Earnings (loss) before provision
(benefit) for income taxes,
extraordinary charge and cumulative
effect of a change in accounting
principle 218,635 156,569 109,603 81,382 (63,298)
Provision (benefit) for income taxes 89,637 64,193 44,935 30,157 (10,322)
--------- ---------- ---------- ---------- -----------
Earnings (loss) before extraordinary
charge and cumulative effect of a
change in accounting principle 128,998 92,376 64,668 51,225 (52,976)
Extraordinary charge(7) -- -- (11,499) -- --
Cumulative effect of a change in
accounting principle (4,500) -- -- -- --
--------- ---------- ---------- ---------- -----------
Net earnings (loss) $ 124,498 92,376 53,169 51,225 (52,976)
========= ========== ========== ========== ===========
Earnings (loss) per common share
Basic
Earnings (loss) before extraordinary
charge and cumulative effect of a
change in accounting principle $ 1.87 1.35 0.96 0.77 (0.85)
Extraordinary charge $ -- -- (0.17) -- --
Cumulative effect of a change in
accounting principle $ (0.07) -- -- -- --
</TABLE>
1
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Fiscal Year 1999(1) 1998 1997 1996 1995
------- ---- ---- ---- ----
(Thousands of dollars, except per share data)
- ---------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Net earnings (loss) $ 1.80 1.35 0.79 0.77 (0.85)
Diluted
Earnings (loss) before extraordinary
charge and cumulative effect of a
change in accounting $ 1.81 1.29 0.93 0.75 (0.85)
principle
Extraordinary charge $ -- -- (0.17) -- --
Cumulative effect of a change in
accounting principle $ (0.06) -- -- -- --
Net earnings (loss) $ 1.75 1.29 0.76 0.75 (0.85)
Weighted average common shares outstanding
Basic 69,005,000 68,435,000 67,237,000 66,103,000 62,434,000
Diluted 71,354,000 71,677,000 69,836,000 67,886,000 62,434,000
OTHER OPERATING DATA:
Number of stores
Barnes & Noble stores(8) 542 520 483 431 358
B. Dalton stores(9) 400 489 528 577 639
Babbage's Etc. stores(10) 526 -- -- -- --
---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ------------
Total 1,468 1,009 1,011 1,008 997
========== ========== ========== ========== ============
Comparable store sales increase
(decrease)(11)
Barnes & Noble stores 6.1% 5.0% 9.4% 7.3% 6.9%
B. Dalton stores 0.1 (1.4) (1.1) (1.0) (4.3)
Babbage's Etc. stores 12.5 -- -- -- --
Capital expenditures $ 146,294 141,388 121,903 171,885 154,913
BALANCE SHEET DATA:
Working capital $ 318,668 315,989 264,719 212,692 226,500
Total assets $2,413,791 1,807,597 1,591,171 1,446,647 1,315,342
Long-term debt, less current portions $ 431,600 249,100 284,800 290,000 262,400
Shareholders' equity $ 846,360 678,789 531,755 455,989 400,235
</TABLE>
(1) Fiscal 1999 includes the results of operations of Babbage's Etc. from
October 28, 1999, the date of acquisition.
(2) Restructuring charge includes restructuring and asset impairment losses
recognized upon adoption of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards
No. 121, "Impairment of Long-Lived Assets and Assets to be Disposed
Of."
(3) Interest expense for fiscal 1999, 1998, 1997, 1996 and 1995 is net of
interest income of $1,449, $976, $446, $2,288 and $2,138, respectively.
(4) On November 12, 1998, the Company and Bertelsmann AG (Bertelsmann)
completed the formation of a limited liability company to operate the
online retail bookselling operations of the Company's wholly owned
subsidiary, barnesandnoble.com inc. (Barnes & Noble.com Inc.). Barnes &
Noble.com Inc. began operations in fiscal 1997. As a result of the
formation of barnesandnoble.com llc (Barnes & Noble.com), the Company
began accounting for its interest in Barnes & Noble.com under the
2
<PAGE>
equity method of accounting as of the beginning of fiscal 1998. Fiscal
1998 reflects a 100 percent equity interest in Barnes & Noble.com for
the first three quarters ended October 31, 1998 (also the effective
date of the limited liability company agreement), and a 50 percent
equity interest beginning on November 1, 1998 through the end of the
fiscal year. As a result of the Barnes & Noble.com Inc. initial public
offering (IPO) on May 25, 1999, the Company retained a 40 percent
interest in Barnes & Noble.com. Accordingly, fiscal 1999 reflects the
Company's 50 percent interest in the net losses of Barnes & Noble.com
through the date of the IPO and 40 percent thereafter.
(5) As a result of the formation of the limited liability company, the
Company recognized a pre-tax gain during fiscal 1998 in the amount of
$126,435, of which $63,759 has been recognized in earnings based on the
$75,000 received directly from Bertelsmann and $62,676 ($36,351 after
taxes) has been reflected in additional paid-in capital based on the
Company's share of the incremental equity of the joint venture
resulting from the $150,000 Bertelsmann contribution. As a result of
the Barnes & Noble.com Inc. IPO, the Company and Bertelsmann each
retained a 40 percent interest in Barnes & Noble.com. The Company
recorded an increase in additional paid-in capital of $200,272
($116,158 after taxes) representing the Company's incremental share in
the equity in Barnes & Noble.com. In addition, the Company recognized a
pre-tax gain of $25,000 in fiscal 1999 as a result of cash received in
connection with the joint venture agreement with Bertelsmann.
(6) Included in other income in fiscal 1999 are pre-tax gains of $22,356
and $10,975 recognized in connection with the Company's investments in
NuvoMedia Inc. and Chapters Inc., respectively, as well as a one-time
charge of $5,000 attributable to the termination of the Ingram
acquisition and losses from equity investments of $994.
(7) Reflects a net extraordinary charge during fiscal 1997 due to the early
extinguishment of debt, consisting of: (i) a pre-tax charge of $11,281
associated with the redemption premium on the Company's senior
subordinated notes; (ii) the associated write-off of $8,209 of
unamortized deferred finance costs; and (iii) the related tax benefits
of $7,991 on the extraordinary charge.
(8) Also includes 10 Bookstop and 23 Bookstar stores as of January 29,
2000.
(9) Also includes 10 Doubleday Book Shops, five Scribner's Bookstores and
five smaller format bookstores operated under the
3
<PAGE>
Barnes & Noble trade name representing the Company's original retail
strategy as of January 29, 2000.
(10) Includes 265 Software Etc., 216 Babbage's, 40 GameStop and five smaller
format stores as of January 29, 2000.
(11) Comparable store sales increase (decrease) is calculated on a 52-week
basis, and includes sales of stores that have been open for 12 months
for B. Dalton stores and 15 months for Barnes & Noble stores (due to
the high sales volume associated with grand openings). Comparable store
sales for fiscal years 1999, 1998 and 1997 include relocated Barnes &
Noble stores and exclude B. Dalton stores which the Company has closed
or has a formal plan to close. Comparable store sales increase for
Babbage's Etc. is calculated on a 52-week basis, and includes sales of
stores that have been open for 12 months.
4
<PAGE>
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS
OF OPERATIONS
The Company's fiscal year is comprised of 52 or 53 weeks, ending on the
Saturday closest to the last day of January. As used in this section, "fiscal
1999" represents the 52 weeks ended January 29, 2000, "fiscal 1998" represents
the 52 weeks ended January 30, 1999 and "fiscal 1997" represents the 52 weeks
ended January 31, 1998.
General
Barnes & Noble, Inc. (Barnes & Noble or the Company), the nation's
largest bookseller(1), as of January 29, 2000 operates 942 bookstores and 526
video game and entertainment software stores. Of the 942 bookstores, 542 operate
under the Barnes & Noble Booksellers, Bookstop and Bookstar trade names (38 of
which were opened in fiscal 1999) and 400 operate under the B. Dalton
Bookseller, Doubleday Book Shops and Scribner's Bookstore trade names. Through
its 40 percent interest in barnesandnoble.com llc (Barnes & Noble.com), the
Company is the second largest seller of books on the Internet and is the
exclusive bookseller on America Online (AOL). The Company, through its recent
acquisition of Babbage's Etc. LLC (Babbage's Etc.), operates 526 video game and
entertainment software stores under the Babbage's, Software Etc. and GameStop
trade names, and a Web site, gamestop.com. The Company employed approximately
37,400 full- and part-time employees and created nearly 3,000 new jobs
nationwide during fiscal 1999.
Barnes & Noble is the largest operator of book "super" stores in the
United States(1) with 542 Barnes & Noble bookstores located in 49 states and the
District of Columbia as of January 29, 2000. With more than 30 years of
bookselling experience, management has a strong sense of customers' changing
needs and the Company leads book retailing with a "community store" concept.
Barnes & Noble's typical bookstore offers a comprehensive title base, a cafe, a
children's section, a music department, a magazine section and a calendar of
ongoing events, including author appearances and children's activities, that
make each Barnes & Noble bookstore an active part of its community.
Barnes & Noble bookstores range in size from 10,000 to 60,000 square
feet depending upon market size, and each store features an authoritative
selection of books, ranging from 60,000 to 175,000 titles. The comprehensive
title selection is diverse and reflects local interests. In addition, Barnes &
Noble emphasizes books published by small and independent publishers and
university presses. Bestsellers represent only 3% of Barnes & Noble bookstore
sales. Complementing this extensive on-site selection, all Barnes & Noble
bookstores provide customers with access to the millions of books available to
online shoppers while offering an option to have the book sent to the store or
shipped directly to the customer. During fiscal 1999 the Company completed its
rollout of BookMaster, the Company's new in-store operating system, in all
Barnes & Noble bookstores. BookMaster enhances the Company's existing
merchandise replenishment systems, resulting in higher in-stock positions and
better productivity at the store level through efficiencies in receiving,
cashiering and returns processing.
During fiscal 1999, the Company added 1.0 million square feet to the
Barnes & Noble bookstore base, bringing the total square footage to 12.7 million
square feet, a 7% increase over the prior year. Barnes & Noble bookstores
contributed more than 86% of the Company's total bookstore sales in fiscal 1999.
The Company plans to open between 40 and 45 Barnes & Noble bookstores in fiscal
2000 which are expected to average 26,000 square feet in size.
- --------
(1) Based upon sales reported in trade publications and public filings.
5
<PAGE>
At the end of fiscal 1999, the Company operated 400 B. Dalton bookstores
in 45 states and the District of Columbia. B. Dalton bookstores employ
merchandising strategies that target the "Middle-American" consumer book market,
offering a wide range of bestsellers and general-interest titles. Most B. Dalton
bookstores range in size from 2,800 to 6,000 square feet, and while they are
appropriate to the size of adjacent mall tenants, the opening of superstores in
nearby locations continues to have a significant impact on B. Dalton bookstores.
The Company is continuing to execute a strategy to maximize returns from
its B. Dalton bookstores in response to declining sales attributable primarily
to superstore competition. Part of the Company's strategy has been to close
underperforming stores, which has resulted in the closing of between 40 to 90 B.
Dalton bookstores per year since 1989.
In 1998, the Company and Bertelsmann AG (Bertelsmann) completed the
formation of a limited liability company to operate the online retail
bookselling operations of the Company's wholly owned subsidiary,
barnesandnoble.com inc. (Barnes & Noble.com Inc.). The new entity, Barnes &
Noble.com, was formed by combining the online bookselling operations of the
Company with funds contributed by the international media company Bertelsmann,
one of the largest integrated media companies in the world. In 1999, Barnes &
Noble.com Inc. completed an initial public offering (IPO) of 28.75 million
shares of Class A Common Stock and used the proceeds to purchase a 20 percent
interest in Barnes & Noble.com. As a result, the Company and Bertelsmann each
retained a 40 percent interest in Barnes & Noble.com.
Barnes & Noble.com has become one of the world's largest Web sites and
the fourth largest e-commerce site, according to Media Metrix. Focused largely
on the sale of books, music, software, magazines, prints, posters and related
products, Barnes & Noble.com has capitalized on the recognized brand value of
the Barnes & Noble name to become the second largest, and one of the fastest
growing, online distributors of books. Customers can choose from millions of new
and out-of-print titles and enjoy a variety of related content such as author
chats, book synopses and reader reviews. The site also offers thousands of
bargain books discounted up to 91 percent, the most popular software and
magazine titles, as well as gift items for every occasion. Barnes & Noble.com
recently launched its Prints & Posters Gallery, a unique collection of images
that can be produced on demand on museum-quality canvas or high-quality paper,
and its eCards service, an exclusive selection of greeting card images that can
be personalized and enhanced with animation and music. With access to Barnes &
Noble's more than 750,000 in-stock titles, Barnes & Noble.com has the largest
standing inventory of any online bookseller ready for immediate delivery. The
URL http://www.bn.com makes the site easy to find. The Barnes & Noble.com
affiliate network has more than 300,000 members and maintains strategic
alliances with major Web portals and content sites, such as AOL, Lycos and MSN.
Barnes & Noble.com is also a leader in business-to-business e-commerce with its
unique Business Solutions program.
Barnes & Noble further differentiates its product offerings from those
of its competitors by publishing books under its own imprints for sale in its
retail stores and through Barnes & Noble.com's online and direct-mail book
sales. With publishing and distribution rights to over 2,000 titles, Barnes &
Noble Books offers customers high-quality books at exceptional values, while
generating attractive gross margins.
On October 28, 1999, the Company acquired Babbage's Etc., one of the
nation's largest operators of video game and entertainment software stores. As a
result of the acquisition, the Company currently
6
<PAGE>
operates 526 video game and entertainment software stores located in 47 states
and Puerto Rico. The Company's video game and entertainment software stores
range in size from 500 to 5,000 square feet (averaging 1,500 square feet)
depending upon market demographics. Stores feature video game hardware and
software, PC entertainment software and a multitude of accessories.
Results of Operations
The Company's sales, operating profit, comparable store sales, store
openings, store closings, number of stores open and square feet of selling space
at year end are set forth below:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Fiscal Year 1999 1998 1997
---------- --------- ---------
(Thousands of dollars)
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Sales
Bookstores (1) $3,262,295 3,005,608 2,796,852
Video game and entertainment software stores 223,748 -- --
---------- --------- ---------
Total $3,486,043 3,005,608 2,796,852
========== ========= =========
Operating Profit
Bookstores (1) $216,678 185,142 145,356
Video game and entertainment software stores 15,432 -- --
---------- --------- ---------
Total $232,110 185,142 145,356
========== ========= =========
Comparable Store Sales Increase (Decrease)(2)
Barnes & Noble stores 6.1% 5.0% 9.4%
B. Dalton stores 0.1 (1.4) (1.1)
Babbage's Etc. stores 12.5 -- --
========== ========= =========
Stores Opened
Barnes & Noble stores 38 50 65
B. Dalton stores -- 4 4
---------- --------- ---------
Total 38 54 69
========== ========= =========
Stores Closed
Barnes & Noble stores 16 13 13
B. Dalton stores 89 43 53
---------- --------- ---------
Total 105 56 66
========== ========= =========
Number of Stores Open at Year End
Barnes & Noble stores 542 520 483
B. Dalton stores 400 489 528
Babbage's Etc. stores 526 -- --
---------- --------- ---------
Total 1,468 1,009 1,011
========== ========= =========
Square Feet of Selling Space at Year End (in millions)
Barnes & Noble stores 12.7 11.9 10.8
B. Dalton stores 1.6 1.9 2.0
Babbage's Etc. stores 0.8 -- --
---------- --------- ---------
Total 15.1 13.8 12.8
========== ========= =========
</TABLE>
7
<PAGE>
(1) Included in fiscal 1997 are sales and operating losses associated with
Barnes & Noble.com of $14,601 and ($15,395), respectively. Beginning in
fiscal 1998 the Company's consolidated statement of operations presents its
equity in the results of operations of Barnes & Noble.com as a single line
item below operating profit in accordance with the equity method of
accounting. The Company's equity in the net loss of Barnes & Noble.com for
fiscal 1999 and fiscal 1998 was ($42,047) and ($71,334), respectively.
(2) Comparable store sales for B. Dalton stores are determined using stores
open at least 12 months. Comparable store sales for Barnes & Noble stores
are determined using stores open at least 15 months, due to the high sales
volume associated with grand openings. Comparable store sales for Babbage's
Etc. are calculated on a 52-week basis, and include sales of stores that
have been open for 12 months.
The following table sets forth, for the periods indicated, the percentage
relationship that certain items bear to total sales of the Company:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Fiscal Year 1999 1998 1997
------------ ------------ ------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Sales 100.0% 100.0% 100.0%
Cost of sales and occupancy 71.2 71.3 72.2
------------ ------------ ------------
Gross margin 28.8 28.7 27.8
Selling and administrative expenses 18.7 19.3 19.4
Depreciation and amortization 3.2 2.9 2.8
Pre-opening expenses 0.2 0.3 0.4
------------ ------------ ------------
Operating margin* 6.7 6.2 5.2
Interest expense, net and amortization of deferred
financing fees (0.7) (0.8) (1.4)
Equity in net loss of Barnes & Noble.com (1.2) (2.4) --
Gain on formation of Barnes & Noble.com 0.7 2.1 --
Other income 0.8 0.1 0.1
------------ ------------ ------------
Earnings before provision for income taxes,
extraordinary charge and cumulative effect of
a change in accounting principle* 6.3 5.2 3.9
Provision for income taxes* 2.6 2.1 1.6
------------ ------------ ------------
Earnings before extraordinary charge and
cumulative effect of a change in accounting
principle* 3.7 3.1 2.3
Extraordinary charge, net -- -- 0.4
------------ ------------ ------------
Earnings before cumulative effect of a change
in accounting principle 3.7 3.1 1.9
Cumulative effect of a change in accounting
principle (0.1) -- --
------------ ------------ ------------
Net earnings 3.6% 3.1% 1.9%
============ ============ ============
</TABLE>
8
<PAGE>
*If operating margin, earnings before provision for income taxes, extraordinary
charge and cumulative effect of a change in accounting principle, provision for
income taxes and earnings before extraordinary charge and cumulative effect of a
change in accounting principle were presented without Barnes & Noble.com during
fiscal 1997, the percentage relationship that these items would bear to total
sales of the Company would be 5.8%, 4.5%, 1.8% and 2.7%.
9
<PAGE>
52 Weeks Ended January 29, 2000 Compared with 52 Weeks Ended January 30, 1999
Sales
The Company's sales increased 16.0% during fiscal 1999 to $3.486 billion
from $3.006 billion during fiscal 1998. Contributing to this improvement was a
7.4% increase attributable to the inclusion of Babbage's Etc.'s sales for the
fourth quarter of 1999. Babbage's Etc., one of the nation's largest operators of
video game and entertainment software stores, was acquired by the Company on
October 28, 1999. Fiscal 1999 sales from Barnes & Noble "super" stores, which
contributed 80.9% of total sales or 86.5% of total bookstore sales, increased
12.2% to $2.822 billion from $2.515 billion in fiscal 1998.
The increase in bookstore sales was primarily attributable to the 6.1%
growth in Barnes & Noble comparable store sales, full year sales from the 50 new
stores opened during fiscal 1998 and the opening of an additional 38 Barnes &
Noble stores during 1999. This increase was partially offset by declining sales
of B. Dalton, due to 89 store closings.
Cost of Sales and Occupancy
The Company's cost of sales and occupancy includes costs such as rental
expense, common area maintenance, merchant association dues, lease-required
advertising and adjustments for LIFO.
Cost of sales and occupancy increased to $2.484 billion in fiscal 1999
from $2.143 billion in fiscal 1998 primarily due to the inclusion of Babbage's
Etc.'s cost of sales and occupancy in the fourth quarter of 1999. The Company's
gross margin rate increased to 28.8% in fiscal 1999 from 28.7% in fiscal 1998.
This increase was attributable to improved leverage on occupancy costs as well
as a favorable merchandise mix in the bookstores, partially offset by lower
gross margins in the video game and entertainment software stores.
Selling and Administrative Expenses
Selling and administrative expenses increased $70.5 million, or 12.1% to
$651.1 million in fiscal 1999 from $580.6 million in fiscal 1998 partially due
to the inclusion of Babbage's Etc.'s selling and administrative expenses in the
fourth quarter of 1999. Selling and administrative expenses decreased to 18.7%
of sales during fiscal 1999 from 19.3% during fiscal 1998.
Depreciation and Amortization
Depreciation and amortization increased $24.0 million, or 27.1%, to
$112.3 million in fiscal 1999 from $88.3 million in fiscal 1998. The increase
was primarily the result of the depreciation related to Barnes & Noble stores
opened during fiscal 1999 and fiscal 1998, as well as the depreciation on the
Company's BookMaster system and the inclusion of Babbage's Etc.'s fourth quarter
depreciation and amortization of $3.6 million.
Pre-Opening Expenses
Pre-opening expenses declined in fiscal 1999 to $6.8 million from $8.8
million in fiscal 1998 reflecting the opening of fewer new stores compared with
prior years and the first quarter adoption of
10
<PAGE>
Statement of Position 98-5, "Reporting on Costs of Start-up Activities" (SOP
98-5). SOP 98-5 requires an entity to expense all start-up activities (as
defined) as incurred. Prior to 1999, the Company amortized costs associated with
the opening of new stores over the respective store's first 12 months of
operations. The Company recorded a one-time non-cash charge reflecting the
cumulative effect of a change in accounting principle in the amount of $4,500
after taxes, representing such start-up costs capitalized as of the beginning of
fiscal year 1999. Since adoption, the Company has expensed all such start-up
costs as incurred. The effect of the change in accounting principle on earnings
in 1999 was immaterial.
Operating Profit
Operating profit increased to $232.1 million in fiscal 1999 from $185.1
million in fiscal 1998. Fiscal 1999 operating profit includes Babbage's Etc.'s
fourth quarter 1999 operating profit of $15.4 million. Bookstore operating
profit increased 17.1% to $216.7 million. Bookstore operating margin improved to
6.6% of sales during fiscal 1999 from 6.2% of sales in fiscal 1998 reflecting
better occupancy leverage and a more favorable product mix.
Interest Expense, Net and Amortization of Deferred Financing Fees
Interest expense, net of interest income, and amortization of deferred
financing fees decreased 2.5% to $23.8 million in fiscal 1999 from $24.4 million
in fiscal 1998 despite the inclusion of $3.1 million of additional interest
expense attributable to the Babbage's Etc. acquisition in fiscal 1999. The
decline was the result of strong cash flows and more favorable interest rates
under the Company's senior credit facility.
Equity in Net Loss of Barnes & Noble.com
As a result of the formation of the limited liability company with
Bertelsmann, the Company began accounting for its interest in Barnes & Noble.com
under the equity method of accounting as of the beginning of fiscal 1998. The
Company's equity in the net loss of Barnes & Noble.com for fiscal 1998 was $71.3
million. The Company's share in the net loss of Barnes & Noble.com for fiscal
1998 was based on a 100 percent equity interest for the first three quarters
ended October 31, 1998 (the effective date of the limited liability company
agreement), and a 50 percent equity interest beginning on November 1, 1998
through the end of the fiscal year.
As a result of the Barnes & Noble.com Inc. IPO on May 25, 1999, the
Company and Bertelsmann each retained a 40 percent interest in Barnes &
Noble.com. Accordingly, the Company's share in the net loss of Barnes &
Noble.com for fiscal 1999 was based on a 50 percent equity interest from the
beginning of fiscal 1999 through May 25, 1999 and 40 percent thereafter. The
Company's equity in the net loss of Barnes & Noble.com for fiscal 1999 was $42.0
million.
Gain on Formation of Barnes & Noble.com
As a result of the formation of the limited liability company, resulting
in the receipt of $75 million by the Company from Bertelsmann, a gain was
recorded in fiscal 1998 in the amount of $63.8 million. The gain represents the
excess of the amount received over the portion of the net assets of Barnes &
Noble.com sold by the Company to Bertelsmann.
Under the terms of the November 12, 1998 joint venture agreement between
the Company and
11
<PAGE>
Bertelsmann, the Company received a $25 million payment from Bertelsmann in
fiscal 1999 in connection with the Barnes & Noble.com IPO.
Other Income
Other income increased to $27.3 million in fiscal 1999 from $3.4 million
in fiscal 1998. This increase was primarily attributable to the following
transactions which occurred in fiscal 1999:
The Company and the Ingram Book Group (Ingram) announced their agreement
to terminate the Company's planned acquisition of Ingram. The Company's
application before the Federal Trade Commission for the purchase was formally
withdrawn. As a result, other income reflects a one-time charge of $5.0 million
for acquisition costs. These costs relate primarily to legal, accounting and
other transaction related costs incurred in connection with the proposed
acquisition of Ingram.
The Company sold a portion of its investment in Chapters Inc. (Chapters)
resulting in a pre-tax gain of $11.0 million.
The Company recognized a pre-tax gain of $22.4 million in connection
with the sale of its investment in NuvoMedia Inc. (NuvoMedia) to Gemstar
International Ltd., a publicly traded company.
Provision for Income Taxes
Barnes & Noble's effective tax rate was 41 percent during both fiscal
1999 and fiscal 1998.
12
<PAGE>
Earnings
Fiscal 1999 earnings increased $32.1 million, or 34.8%, to $124.5
million (or $1.75 per diluted share) from $92.4 million (or $1.29 per diluted
share) during fiscal 1998. Components of earnings per share are as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Fiscal Year 1999 1998
------------ ------------
<S> <C> <C>
Retail Earnings Per Share
Bookstores $1.62 1.32
Babbage's Etc. 0.10 --
------------ ------------
Retail EPS $1.72 1.32
EPS Impact of Investing Activities
Cash:
Gain on Barnes & Noble.com $0.21 0.53
Gain on partial sale of Chapters 0.09 --
Non-cash:
Share in net losses of Barnes & Noble.com (0.35) (0.59)
Share of net earnings (losses) from other equity investments (0.01) 0.03
Gain on sale of investment in NuvoMedia 0.19 --
------------ ------------
Total Investing Activities $0.13 (0.03)
Other Adjustments
Ingram write-off $(0.04) --
Change in accounting for pre-opening costs (0.06) --
------------ ------------
Total Other Adjustments $(0.10) --
------------ ------------
Consolidated EPS $1.75 1.29
============ ============
</TABLE>
13
<PAGE>
52 Weeks Ended January 30, 1999 Compared with 52 Weeks Ended January 31, 1998
Sales
The Company's sales increased 7.5% during fiscal 1998 to $3.006 billion
from $2.797 billion during fiscal 1997. Fiscal 1998 sales from Barnes & Noble
stores, which contributed 83.7% of total sales, increased 12.0% to $2.515
billion from $2.246 billion in fiscal 1997.
The increase in sales was primarily due to the 5.0% increase in Barnes &
Noble comparable store sales and the opening of an additional 50 Barnes & Noble
stores during 1998. This increase was slightly offset by declining sales of B.
Dalton, due to 43 store closings and a comparable store sales decline of 1.4%.
In addition, fiscal 1997 includes Barnes & Noble.com sales of $14.6 million
whereas fiscal 1998 does not include sales for Barnes & Noble.com due to the
conversion to the equity method of accounting as of the beginning of the year.
Excluding Barnes & Noble.com sales in fiscal 1997, retail sales increased 8.0%
during fiscal 1998.
Cost of Sales and Occupancy
The Company's cost of sales and occupancy includes costs such as rental
expense, common area maintenance, merchant association dues, lease-required
advertising and adjustments for LIFO.
Cost of sales and occupancy increased to $2.143 billion in fiscal 1998
from $2.019 billion in fiscal 1997. The Company's gross margin rate increased to
28.7% in fiscal 1998 from 27.8% in fiscal 1997. Excluding Barnes & Noble.com in
fiscal 1997 the retail gross margin rate was 27.9%. The fiscal 1998 improvement
in gross margin reflects more direct buying, increased distribution center
efficiencies, better shrinkage control and a more-favorable merchandise mix.
Selling and Administrative Expenses
Selling and administrative expenses increased $38.3 million, or 7.1% to
$580.6 million in fiscal 1998 from $542.3 million in fiscal 1997. Selling and
administrative expenses decreased slightly to 19.3% of sales during fiscal 1998
from 19.4% during fiscal 1997 primarily as a result of the start-up expenses
from Barnes & Noble.com included in the fiscal 1997 results. Excluding Barnes &
Noble.com, retail selling and administrative expenses would have been 18.9% of
sales in fiscal 1997 and total retail selling and administrative expenses would
have increased 10.1% in fiscal 1998. The fiscal 1998 increase in retail selling
and administrative expenses reflects the opening of an additional 50 Barnes &
Noble stores, the full year implementation of a new wage plan and expenses
associated with new store system enhancements.
Depreciation and Amortization
Depreciation and amortization increased $11.3 million, or 14.8%, to
$88.3 million in fiscal 1998 from $77.0 million in fiscal 1997. The increase was
primarily the result of the new Barnes & Noble stores opened during fiscal 1998
and fiscal 1997, as well as new store system enhancements made during fiscal
1998.
14
<PAGE>
Pre-Opening Expenses
Pre-opening expenses declined in fiscal 1998 to $8.8 million from $12.9
million in fiscal 1997 reflecting fewer new stores compared with prior years.
Operating Profit
Operating profit increased to $185.1 million in fiscal 1998 from $145.4
million in fiscal 1997. Excluding the $15.4 million operating loss for Barnes &
Noble.com included in fiscal 1997, retail operating margin improved to 6.2% of
sales during fiscal 1998 from 5.8% of sales in fiscal 1997.
Interest Expense, Net and Amortization of Deferred Financing Fees
Interest expense, net of interest income, and amortization of deferred
financing fees decreased 35.2% or $13.3 million in fiscal 1998 to $24.4 million
from $37.7 million in fiscal 1997. The decline was the result of the retirement
of $190 million in 11 7/8% senior subordinated notes on January 15, 1998 as well
as the more-favorable rate environment and lower spreads over the London
Interbank Offer Rate (LIBOR) in effect since the November 1997 refinancing.
Equity in Net Loss of Barnes & Noble.com
As a result of the formation of the limited liability company with
Bertelsmann, the Company began accounting for its interest in Barnes & Noble.com
under the equity method of accounting as of the beginning of fiscal 1998. The
Company's equity in the net loss of Barnes & Noble.com for fiscal 1998 was $71.3
million. This reflects a 100 percent equity interest for the first three
quarters ended October 31, 1998 (also the effective date of the limited
liability company agreement), and a 50 percent equity interest beginning on
November 1, 1998 through the end of the fiscal year. Had the Company reported
the results of Barnes & Noble.com under the equity method of accounting during
fiscal 1997, its fiscal 1997 equity in the net loss of Barnes & Noble.com would
have been $15.4 million.
Gain on Formation of Barnes & Noble.com
As a result of the formation of the limited liability company,
resulting in the receipt of $75 million by the Company from Bertelsmann, a gain
was recorded in fiscal 1998 in the amount of $63.8 million. The gain represents
the excess of the amount received over the portion of the net assets of Barnes &
Noble.com sold by the Company to Bertelsmann.
Other Income
Other income increased to $3.4 million in fiscal 1998 from $1.9 million
in fiscal 1997 as a result of increased equity earnings from minority
investments in Chapters and Calendar Club LLC.
Provision for Income Taxes
Barnes & Noble's effective tax rate was 41 percent during both fiscal
1998 and fiscal 1997.
15
<PAGE>
Earnings
Fiscal 1998 earnings before extraordinary charge increased $27.7
million, or 42.8%, to $92.4 million (or $1.29 per diluted share) from $64.7
million (or $0.93 per diluted share) during fiscal 1997. Before the effect of
Barnes & Noble.com, retail earnings before extraordinary charge increased $23.0
million, or 31.3% to $96.8 million (or $1.35 per diluted share) from $73.8
million (or $1.06 per diluted share).
Seasonality
The Company's business, like that of many retailers, is seasonal, with
the major portion of sales and operating profit realized during the quarter
which includes the Christmas selling season. The Company has now reported
operating profit for 15 consecutive quarters.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
Working capital requirements are generally at their highest during the
Company's fiscal quarter ending on or about January 31 due to the higher
payments to vendors for holiday season merchandise purchases and the
replenishment of merchandise inventories following this period of increased
sales. In addition, the Company's sales and merchandise inventory levels will
fluctuate from quarter-to-quarter as a result of the number and timing of new
store openings, as well as the amount and timing of sales contributed by new
stores.
Cash flows from operating activities, funds available under its
revolving credit facility and vendor financing continue to provide the Company
with liquidity and capital resources for store expansion, seasonal working
capital requirements and capital investments.
Cash Flow
Cash flows provided from operating activities were $187.3 million,
$177.7 million and $167.3 million during fiscal 1999, 1998 and 1997,
respectively. In fiscal 1999, the improvement in cash flows was primarily due to
the improvement in net earnings. Fiscal 1997 cash flows from operating
activities without Barnes & Noble.com were $180.0 million. The slight decrease
in retail operating cash flows in fiscal 1998 was due to a strategic increase in
the distribution center standing inventory, the implementation of a new wage
plan in fiscal 1998 and increased operating expenses associated with
implementing the Company's new store system enhancements.
Retail earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization
(EBITDA) increased $70.9 million or 25.9% to $344.4 million in fiscal 1999 from
$273.5 million in fiscal 1998. This significant improvement in EBITDA is a
combination of the inclusion of Babbage's Etc. and the continuing maturation of
the Barnes & Noble stores. Total debt to retail EBITDA (excluding the effect of
the Babbage's Etc. acquisition) decreased to .68 times in fiscal 1999 from .91
times in fiscal 1998. Including the effect of the acquisition of Babbage's Etc.,
total debt to retail EBITDA increased to 1.25 times in fiscal 1999, primarily
attributable to the debt incurred to fund the acquisition of Babbage's Etc. The
weighted-average age per square foot of the Company's 542 Barnes & Noble stores
was 3.9 years as of January 29, 2000 and is expected to increase to
approximately 4.5 years by February 3, 2001. As the relatively young Barnes &
Noble stores mature, and as the number of new stores opened during the fiscal
year decreases as a percentage of the existing store base, the increasing
operating profits of Barnes &
16
<PAGE>
Noble stores are expected to generate a greater portion of cash flows required
for working capital, including new store inventories as well as capital
expenditures and other initiatives. Additionally, due to the Barnes & Noble.com
IPO in fiscal 1999, retail cash flows are now fully available to support the
Company's working capital requirements.
Capital Structure
Continued strong cash flows from operations and a continued emphasis on
working capital management, once again strengthened the Company's balance sheet
in fiscal 1999. Shareholders' equity increased 24.7% to $846.4 million as of
January 29, 2000, from $678.8 million as of January 30, 1999. Return on average
equity increased to 16.3% in fiscal 1999 from 15.3% during fiscal 1998.
The Company has an $850 million senior credit facility (the Facility),
obtained in November 1997, with a syndicate led by The Chase Manhattan Bank. The
Facility is structured as a five-year revolving credit. The Facility permits
borrowings at various interest rate options based on the prime rate or LIBOR
depending upon certain financial tests. In addition, the agreement requires the
Company to pay a commitment fee up to 0.25% of the unused portion depending upon
certain financial tests. The Facility contains covenants, limitations and events
of default typical of credit facilities of this size and nature.
The amount outstanding under the Facility has been classified as
long-term debt in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets due to both its
terms and the Company's intent and ability to maintain principal amounts
outstanding through November 2002.
Borrowings under the Company's senior credit facilities averaged $397.1
million, $380.3 million and $105.1 million and peaked at $693.5 million, $535.0
million and $304.9 million during fiscal 1999, 1998 and 1997, respectively.
Despite the increase in average and peak borrowings in fiscal 1999 primarily
attributable to the Babbage's Etc. acquisition, interest expense decreased 2.5%
to $23.8 million in fiscal 1999 from $24.4 million in fiscal 1998 as a result of
more favorable interest rates under the Company's senior credit facility. The
ratio of debt to equity increased to 0.51:1.00 as of January 29, 2000 from
0.37:1.00 as of January 30, 1999, primarily attributable to the increased
borrowings to fund the Babbage's Etc. acquisition.
Capital Investment
Capital expenditures totaled $146.3 million, $141.4 million and $121.9
million during fiscal 1999, 1998 and 1997, respectively. Capital expenditures in
fiscal 2000, primarily for the opening of between 40 and 45 new Barnes & Noble
stores and 90 new Babbage's Etc. stores, are expected to be between $120 million
and $130 million, although commitment to such expenditures has not yet been
made.
Based on current operating levels and the store expansion planned for
the next fiscal year, management believes cash flows generated from operating
activities, short-term vendor financing and its borrowing capacity under its
revolving credit facility will be sufficient to meet the Company's working
capital and debt service requirements, and support the development of its short-
and long-term strategies for at least the next 12 months.
In fiscal 1999, the Board of Directors authorized a common stock
repurchase program for the purchase of up to $250.0 million of the Company's
common shares. As of January 29, 2000, the Company has repurchased 4,025,900
shares at a cost of approximately $86.8 million under this program. The
17
<PAGE>
repurchased shares are held in treasury.
On July 10, 1998, the Board of Directors of the Company declared a
dividend of one Preferred Share Purchase Right (a Right) for each outstanding
share of the Company's common stock (Common Stock). The distribution of the
Rights was automatically made on July 21, 1998 to stockholders of record on that
date. Each Right entitles the holder to purchase from the Company one
four-hundredth of a share of a new series of preferred stock, designated as
Series H Preferred Stock, par value $.001 per share (the Preferred Stock), at a
price of $225 per one four-hundredth of a share. The Rights will be exercisable
only if a person or group acquires 15 percent or more of the Company's
outstanding Common Stock or announces a tender offer or exchange offer, the
consummation of which would result in such person or group owning 15 percent or
more of the Company's outstanding Common Stock. For a further discussion of the
terms of the Preferred Stock and Rights see Note 13 of Notes to Consolidated
Financial Statements.
Formation of Barnes & Noble.com
On November 12, 1998, the Company and Bertelsmann completed the
formation of a joint venture to operate the online retail bookselling operations
of the Company's wholly owned subsidiary, Barnes & Noble.com Inc. The new
entity, Barnes & Noble.com, was structured as a limited liability company. Under
the terms of the relevant agreements, effective as of October 31, 1998, the
Company and Bertelsmann each retained a 50 percent membership interest in Barnes
& Noble.com. The Company contributed substantially all of the assets and
liabilities of its online operations to the joint venture and Bertelsmann paid
$75.0 million to the Company and made a $150.0 million cash contribution to the
joint venture. Bertelsmann also agreed to contribute an additional $50.0 million
to the joint venture for future working capital requirements. The Company
recognized a pre-tax gain during fiscal 1998 in the amount of $126.4 million, of
which $63.8 million was recognized in earnings based on the $75.0 million
received directly and $62.7 million ($36.4 million after taxes) was reflected in
additional paid-in capital based on the Company's share of the incremental
equity of the joint venture resulting from the $150.0 million Bertelsmann
contribution.
On May 25, 1999, Barnes & Noble.com Inc. completed an IPO of 28.75
million shares of Class A Common Stock and used the proceeds to purchase a 20
percent interest in Barnes & Noble.com. As a result, the Company and Bertelsmann
each retained a 40 percent interest in Barnes & Noble.com. The Company recorded
an increase in additional paid-in capital of $200.3 million ($116.2 million
after taxes) representing the Company's incremental share in the equity of
Barnes & Noble.com. The Company will continue to account for its investment
under the equity method.
Under the terms of the November 12, 1998 joint venture agreement
between the Company and Bertelsmann, the Company received a $25.0 million
payment from Bertelsmann in connection with the IPO.
The accompanying consolidated financial statements, in accordance with
the equity method of accounting, reflect the Company's investment in Barnes &
Noble.com as a single line item in the consolidated balance sheets as of January
29, 2000 and January 30, 1999 and reflect the Company's interest in the net loss
of Barnes & Noble.com as a single line item in the consolidated statements of
operations for fiscal years 1999 and 1998, as if the formation of the joint
venture had occurred at the beginning of fiscal 1998. The Company's share in the
net loss of Barnes & Noble.com for fiscal 1998 was based on a 100 percent equity
interest for the first three quarters ended October 31, 1998 (the effective date
of the limited liability company agreement), and a 50 percent equity interest
beginning on
18
<PAGE>
November 1, 1998 through the end of the fiscal year.
As a result of the Barnes & Noble.com Inc. IPO on May 25, 1999, the
Company and Bertelsmann each retained a 40 percent interest in Barnes &
Noble.com. Accordingly, the Company's share in the net loss of Barnes &
Noble.com for fiscal 1999 was based on a 50 percent equity interest from the
beginning of fiscal 1999 through May 25, 1999 and 40 percent thereafter. The
accompanying consolidated financial statements reflect the financial position
and results of operations of Barnes & Noble.com as a consolidated wholly owned
subsidiary in fiscal 1997.
Acquisition of Babbage's Etc.
On October 28, 1999, the Company acquired Babbage's Etc., one of the
nation's largest operators of video game and entertainment software stores, for
approximately $183 million in cash plus the assumption of $26 million in certain
liabilities. If financial performance targets are met over the next two fiscal
years, Barnes & Noble will make additional payments of approximately $10 million
in 2001 and approximately $10 million in 2002. The acquisition was accounted for
by the purchase method. The excess of purchase price over the net assets
acquired, in the amount of approximately $202 million has been recorded as
goodwill and is being amortized using the straight-line method over an estimated
useful life of 30 years. Babbage's Etc.'s results of operations for the fourth
quarter ended January 29, 2000 are included in the consolidated financial
statements.
Newly Issued Accounting Pronouncements
In June 1998, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued Statement
of Financial Accounting Standards No. 133, "Accounting for Derivative
Instruments and Hedging Activities" (SFAS 133) which establishes accounting and
reporting standards for derivative instruments and hedging activities. SFAS 133
requires companies to recognize all derivatives contracts as either assets or
liabilities in the balance sheet and to measure them at fair value. The Company
will adopt SFAS 133 as required for its first quarterly filing of fiscal year
2001.
The Company from time to time enters into interest rate swap agreements
for the purpose of hedging risks attributable to changing interest rates
associated with the Company's revolving credit facility, and, in general, such
hedges have been fully effective. The Company may from time to time, enter into
interest rate swaps in the future and these transactions are expected to
substantially offset the effects of changes in the underlying variable interest
rates. The Company does not believe that adoption of SFAS 133 will have a
material effect on its consolidated financial statements.
In December 1999, the Securities and Exchange Commission staff released
Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 101, "Revenue Recognition in Financial Statements"
(SAB 101), which provides guidance on the recognition, presentation and
disclosure of revenue in financial statements. SAB 101 did not impact the
Company's revenue recognition policies.
Year 2000
The Company completed its Year 2000 compliance plan during 1999. The
total costs incurred to implement the plan were approximately $4.3 million. The
conversion to the Year 2000 occurred without any disruptions to the Company's
critical business systems either internally or from outside sources. The Company
has no reason to believe that Year 2000 failures will materially affect it in
the future. However,
19
<PAGE>
since it may take several additional months before it is known whether the
Company or third party vendors, suppliers or service providers may have
encountered Year 2000 problems, no assurances can be given that the Company will
not experience disruptions as a result of Year 2000 compliance failures. The
Company will continue to monitor Year 2000 exposures both internally and with
its vendors, suppliers and service providers. Such monitoring will be ongoing
and encompassed in normal operations. Associated costs are not expected to be
significant.
Disclosure Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
This report may contain certain forward-looking statements (as such
term is defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995) and
information relating to the Company that are based on the beliefs of the
management of the Company as well as assumptions made by and information
currently available to the management of the Company. When used in this report,
the words "anticipate," "believe," "estimate," "expect," "intend," "plan" and
similar expressions, as they relate to the Company or the management of the
Company, identify forward-looking statements. Such statements reflect the
current views of the Company with respect to future events, the outcome of which
is subject to certain risks, including among others general economic and market
conditions, decreased consumer demand for the Company's products, possible
disruptions in the Company's computer or telephone systems, increased or
unanticipated costs or effects associated with Year 2000 compliance by the
Company or its service or supply providers, possible work stoppages or increases
in labor costs, possible increases in shipping rates or interruptions in
shipping service, effects of competition, possible disruptions or delays in the
opening of new stores or the inability to obtain suitable sites for new stores,
higher than anticipated store closing or relocation costs, higher interest
rates, the performance of the Company's online initiatives such as Barnes &
Noble.com, unanticipated increases in merchandise or occupancy costs,
unanticipated adverse litigation results or effects, and other factors which may
be outside of the Company's control. In addition, the video game market has
historically been cyclical in nature and dependent upon the introduction of new
generation systems and related interactive software. Should one or more of these
risks or uncertainties materialize, or should underlying assumptions prove
incorrect, actual results or outcomes may vary materially from those described
as anticipated, believed, estimated, expected, intended or planned. Subsequent
written and oral forward-looking statements attributable to the Company or
persons acting on its behalf are expressly qualified in their entirety by the
cautionary statements in this paragraph.
20
<PAGE>
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Fiscal Year 1999 1998 1997
---- ---- ----
(Thousands of dollars, except per share data)
- ---------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Sales $3,486,043 3,005,608 2,796,852
Cost of sales and occupancy 2,483,729 2,142,717 2,019,291
--------- --------- ---------
Gross profit 1,002,314 862,891 777,561
--------- ------- -------
Selling and administrative expenses 651,099 580,609 542,336
Depreciation and amortization 112,304 88,345 76,951
Pre-opening expenses 6,801 8,795 12,918
--------- --------- ---------
Operating profit 232,110 185,142 145,356
Interest (net of interest income of $1,449, $976 and $446, respectively) and
amortization of deferred financing fees (23,765) (24,412) (37,666)
Equity in net loss of Barnes & Noble.com (42,047) (71,334) --
Gain on formation of Barnes & Noble.com 25,000 63,759 --
Other income 27,337 3,414 1,913
--------- --------- ---------
Earnings before provision for income taxes, extraordinary charge and
cumulative effect of a change in accounting principle 218,635 156,569 109,603
Provision for income taxes 89,637 64,193 44,935
--------- --------- ---------
Earnings before extraordinary charge and cumulative effect of a change in
accounting principle 128,998 92,376 64,668
Extraordinary charge due to early extinguishment of debt, net of tax
benefits of $7,991 -- -- (11,499)
Cumulative effect of a change in accounting principle, net of tax benefits
of $3,125 (4,500) -- --
--------- --------- ---------
Net earnings $124,498 92,376 53,169
========= ========= =========
Earnings per common share
Basic
Earnings before extraordinary charge and cumulative effect of a change
in accounting principle $ 1.87 1.35 0.96
Extraordinary charge due to early extinguishment of debt, net of tax
benefits $ -- -- (0.17)
Cumulative effect of a change in accounting principle, net of tax
benefits $ (0.07) -- --
Net earnings $ 1.80 1.35 0.79
Diluted
Earnings before extraordinary charge and cumulative effect of a change
in accounting principle $ 1.81 1.29 0.93
Extraordinary charge due to early extinguishment of debt, net of tax
benefits $ -- -- (0.17)
Cumulative effect of a change in accounting principle, net of tax
benefits $ (0.06) -- --
Net earnings $ 1.75 1.29 0.76
Weighted average common shares outstanding
Basic 69,005,000 68,435,000 67,237,000
Diluted 71,354,000 71,677,000 69,836,000
</TABLE>
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
21
<PAGE>
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
(Thousands of dollars, except per share data) January 29, 2000 January 30, 1999
- --------------------------------------------- ---------------- ----------------
<S> <C> <C>
Assets
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents $ 24,247 31,081
Receivables, net 58,240 57,523
Merchandise inventories 1,102,453 945,073
Prepaid expenses and other current assets 56,579 54,634
---------- ---------
Total current assets 1,241,519 1,088,311
---------- ---------
Property and equipment:
Land and land improvements 3,247 3,197
Buildings and leasehold improvements 417,535 383,292
Fixtures and equipment 565,345 440,488
---------- ---------
986,127 826,977
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization 418,078 316,631
---------- ---------
Net property and equipment 568,049 510,346
---------- ---------
Intangible assets, net 298,011 86,980
Investment in Barnes & Noble.com 240,531 82,307
Other noncurrent assets 65,681 39,653
---------- ---------
Total assets $2,413,791 1,807,597
========== =========
Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable $ 599,376 498,237
Accrued liabilities 323,475 274,085
---------- ---------
Total current liabilities 922,851 772,322
---------- ---------
Long-term debt 431,600 249,100
Deferred income taxes 125,006 32,449
Other long-term liabilities 87,974 74,937
Shareholders' equity:
Common stock; $.001 par value; 300,000,000 shares authorized;
69,553,839 and 68,759,111 shares issued, respectively 70 69
Additional paid-in capital 654,584 523,517
Accumulated other comprehensive loss (1,198) --
Retained earnings 279,701 155,203
Treasury stock, at cost, 4,025,900 shares at January 29, 2000 (86,797) --
---------- ---------
Total shareholders' equity 846,360 678,789
---------- ---------
Commitments and contingencies -- --
---------- ---------
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity $2,413,791 1,807,597
========== =========
</TABLE>
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
22
<PAGE>
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Accumulated
Additional Other Treasury
Common Paid-in Comprehensive Retained Stock at
(Thousands of dollars) Stock Capital Loss Earnings Cost Total
- ---------------------- ------ ---------- --------------- --------- -------- -----
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Balance at February 1, 1997 $ 66 446,265 -- 9,658 -- 455,989
Comprehensive earnings:
Net earnings -- -- -- 53,169 --
Total comprehensive earnings 53,169
Exercise of 1,545,580 common stock
options, including tax benefits of
$8,253 2 22,595 -- -- -- 22,597
--------- --------- ------------- ----------- ------------ ------------
Balance at January 31, 1998 68 468,860 -- 62,827 -- 531,755
Comprehensive earnings:
Net earnings -- -- -- 92,376 --
Total comprehensive earnings 92,376
Exercise of 837,281 common stock
options, including tax benefits of
$9,002 1 18,306 -- -- -- 18,307
Barnes & Noble.com issuance of
membership units (net of deferred
income taxes of $26,325) -- 36,351 -- -- -- 36,351
------- --------- ------------- ------------ ------------ ------------
Balance at January 30, 1999 69 523,517 -- 155,203 -- 678,789
Comprehensive earnings:
Net earnings -- -- -- 124,498 --
Other comprehensive loss (net of
deferred income taxes of $839) -- -- (1,198) -- --
Total comprehensive earnings 123,300
Exercise of 794,728 common stock
options, including tax benefits of
$6,302 1 14,909 -- -- -- 14,910
Barnes & Noble.com Inc. IPO (net of
deferred income taxes of $84,114) -- 116,158 -- -- -- 116,158
Treasury stock acquired, 4,025,900 shares -- -- -- -- (86,797) (86,797)
------- --------- ------------- ---------- -------- --------
Balance at January 29, 2000 $ 70 654,584 (1,198) 279,701 (86,797) 846,360
======= ======= ============= ======= ======== =======
</TABLE>
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
23
<PAGE>
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Fiscal Year 1999 1998 1997
---- ---- ----
(Thousands of dollars)
- ----------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net earnings $ 124,498 92,376 53,169
Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to net cash flows from
operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization 112,693 88,721 78,629
Loss on disposal of property and equipment 5,636 3,291 853
Deferred taxes 9,877 14,761 11,598
Extraordinary charge due to early extinguishment of debt, net of tax
benefits -- -- 11,499
Increase in other long-term liabilities for scheduled rent increases
in long-term leases 13,472 14,031 16,350
Cumulative effect of a change in accounting principle, net of taxes 4,500 -- --
Other income (27,337) (3,414) (1,913)
Gain on formation of Barnes & Noble.com (25,000) (63,759) --
Equity in net loss of Barnes & Noble.com 42,047 71,334 --
Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net (73,055) (39,673) (2,884)
--------- --------- ---------
Net cash flows from operating activities 187,331 177,668 167,301
--------- --------- ---------
Cash flows from investing activities:
Acquisition of consolidated subsidiaries, net of cash received (175,760) -- --
Purchases of property and equipment (146,294) (141,378) (121,903)
Investment in Barnes & Noble.com -- (75,394) --
Proceeds from formation of Barnes & Noble.com 25,000 75,000 --
Proceeds from the partial sale of Chapters 21,558 -- --
Purchase of investment in iUniverse.com (20,000) -- --
Net increase in other noncurrent assets (9,282) (119) (11,264)
--------- --------- ---------
Net cash flows from investing activities (304,778) (141,891) (133,167)
--------- --------- ---------
Cash flows from financing activities:
Net increase (decrease) in revolving credit facility 182,500 (35,700) 244,800
Repayment of long-term debt -- -- (290,000)
Proceeds from exercise of common stock options including related tax
benefits 14,910 18,307 22,597
Payment of note premium -- -- (11,281)
Purchase of treasury stock through repurchase program (86,797) -- --
--------- --------- ---------
Net cash flows from financing activities 110,613 (17,393) (33,884)
--------- --------- ---------
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents (6,834) 18,384 250
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year 31,081 12,697 12,447
--------- --------- ---------
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year $ 24,247 31,081 12,697
========= ========= =========
Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net:
Receivables, net $ 3,795 (14,012) 1,700
Merchandise inventories (69,059) (93,491) (119,904)
Prepaid expenses and other current assets (8,543) (1,047) 9,721
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities 752 68,877 105,599
--------- --------- ---------
Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net $ (73,055) (39,673) (2,884)
========= ========= =========
Supplemental cash flow information:
Cash paid during the period for:
Interest $ 24,911 25,243 37,845
Income taxes $ 72,342 18,225 20,282
Supplemental disclosure of subsidiaries acquired:
Assets acquired $ 201,910
Liabilities assumed 26,150
---------
Cash paid $ 175,760
=========
</TABLE>
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
24
<PAGE>
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Thousands of dollars, except per share data)
For the 52 weeks ended January 29, 2000 (fiscal 1999), January 30, 1999 (fiscal
1998) and January 31, 1998 (fiscal 1997).
1. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
Business
Barnes & Noble, Inc. (Barnes & Noble), through its wholly owned
subsidiaries (collectively, the Company), is primarily engaged in the sale of
books, video games and entertainment software products. The Company employs two
principal bookselling strategies: its "super" store strategy through its wholly
owned subsidiary Barnes & Noble Booksellers, Inc., under its Barnes & Noble
Booksellers, Bookstop and Bookstar trade names (hereafter collectively referred
to as Barnes & Noble stores) and its mall strategy through its wholly owned
subsidiaries B. Dalton Bookseller, Inc. and Doubleday Book Shops, Inc., under
its B. Dalton stores, Doubleday Book Shops and Scribner's Bookstore trade names
(hereafter collectively referred to as B. Dalton stores). The Company is also
engaged in the online retailing of books and other products through a 40 percent
interest in barnesandnoble.com llc (Barnes & Noble.com), as more fully described
in Note 7. The Company, through its recent acquisition of Babbage's Etc. LLC,
operates video game and entertainment software stores under the Babbage's,
Software Etc. and GameStop trade names, and a Web site, gamestop.com (hereafter
collectively referred to as Babbage's Etc.).
Consolidation
The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Barnes &
Noble and its wholly owned subsidiaries. Investments in affiliates in which
ownership interests range from 20 percent to 50 percent, principally Barnes &
Noble.com, are accounted for under the equity method. The Company's investment
in Barnes & Noble.com has been presented in the accompanying consolidated
financial statements under the equity method as of the beginning of fiscal 1998
and as a consolidated wholly owned subsidiary for all of fiscal 1997. All
significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in
consolidation.
Use of Estimates
In preparing financial statements in conformity with generally accepted
accounting principles, the Company is required to make estimates and assumptions
that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and the disclosure of
contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and
revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ
from those estimates.
Cash and Cash Equivalents
The Company considers all short-term, highly liquid instruments
purchased with an original maturity of three months or less to be cash
equivalents.
25
<PAGE>
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS CONTINUED
Merchandise Inventories
Merchandise inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market. Cost
is determined primarily by the retail inventory method on the first-in,
first-out (FIFO) basis for 83 percent and 86 percent of the Company's
merchandise inventories as of January 29, 2000 and January 30, 1999,
respectively. Merchandise inventories of Babbage's Etc., which represent 6
percent of merchandise inventories as of January 29, 2000, are recorded based on
the average cost method. The remaining merchandise inventories are valued on the
last-in, first-out (LIFO) method.
If substantially all of the merchandise inventories currently valued at
LIFO costs were valued at current costs, merchandise inventories would remain
unchanged as of January 29, 2000 and January 30, 1999.
Property and Equipment
Property and equipment are carried at cost, less accumulated
depreciation and amortization. For financial reporting purposes, depreciation is
computed using the straight-line method over estimated useful lives. For tax
purposes, different methods are used. Maintenance and repairs are expensed as
incurred, while betterments and major remodeling costs are capitalized.
Leasehold improvements are capitalized and amortized over the shorter of their
estimated useful lives or the terms of the respective leases. Capitalized lease
acquisition costs are being amortized over the lease terms of the underlying
leases. Costs incurred in purchasing management information systems are
capitalized and included in property and equipment. These costs are amortized
over their estimated useful lives from the date the systems become operational.
Intangible Assets and Amortization
The costs in excess of net assets of businesses acquired are carried as
intangible assets, net of accumulated amortization, in the accompanying
consolidated balance sheets. The net intangible assets, consisting primarily of
goodwill and trade names of $272,505 and $25,506 as of January 29, 2000 and
$59,365 and $27,615 as of January 30, 1999, are amortized using the
straight-line method over periods ranging from 30 to 40 years.
Amortization of goodwill and trade names included in depreciation and
amortization in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations is
$5,148, $3,257 and $3,257 during fiscal 1999, 1998 and 1997, respectively.
Accumulated amortization at January 29, 2000 and January 30, 1999 was $49,699
and $44,551, respectively.
The Company periodically evaluates the recoverability of goodwill and
considers whether this goodwill should be completely or partially written off or
the amortization periods accelerated. The Company assesses the recoverability of
this goodwill based upon several factors, including management's intention with
respect to the acquired operations and those operations' projected undiscounted
store-level cash flows.
Deferred Charges
Costs incurred to obtain long-term financing are amortized over the
terms of the respective debt agreements using the straight-line method, which
approximates the interest method. Unamortized costs
26
<PAGE>
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS CONTINUED
included in other noncurrent assets as of January 29, 2000 and January 30, 1999
were $1,969 and $1,397, respectively. Unamortized costs of $8,209 were included
in the extraordinary loss due to the early extinguishment of debt for fiscal
1997. Amortization expense included in interest and amortization of deferred
financing fees is $389, $376 and $1,678 during fiscal 1999, 1998 and 1997,
respectively.
Marketable Equity Securities
All marketable equity securities included in other noncurrent assets
are classified as available-for-sale under FASB Statement No. 115, with
unrealized gains and losses (net of taxes) shown as a component of shareholders'
equity.
Revenue Recognition
Revenue from sales of the Company's products is recognized at the time
of sale.
The Company sells memberships which entitle purchasers to additional
discounts. The membership revenue is deferred and recognized as income over the
12-month membership period.
Sales returns (which are not significant) are recognized at the time
returns are made.
Pre-opening Expenses
In April 1998, the Accounting Standards Executive Committee issued
Statement of Position 98-5, "Reporting on the Costs of Start-Up Activities" (SOP
98-5). SOP 98-5 requires an entity to expense all start-up activities, as
defined, when incurred. Prior to 1999, the Company amortized costs associated
with the opening of new stores over the respective store's first 12 months of
operations. In accordance with SOP 98-5, the Company recorded a one-time
non-cash charge reflecting the cumulative effect of a change in accounting
principle in the amount of $4,500 after taxes, representing such start-up costs
capitalized as of the beginning of fiscal year 1999. Since adoption, the Company
has expensed all such start-up costs as incurred. The effect of the change in
accounting principle on earnings in 1999 was immaterial.
Closed Store Expenses
Upon a formal decision to close or relocate a store, the Company charges
unrecoverable costs to expense. Such costs include the net book value of
abandoned fixtures and leasehold improvements and a provision for future lease
obligations, net of expected sublease recoveries. Costs associated with store
closings of $5,447 and $1,208 during fiscal 1999 and fiscal 1998, respectively,
are included in selling and administrative expenses in the accompanying
consolidated statements of operations.
Net Earnings Per Common Share
Basic earnings per share is computed by dividing income available to
common shareholders by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding.
Diluted earnings per share reflect, in periods in which they have a dilutive
effect, the impact of common shares issuable upon exercise of stock options.
27
<PAGE>
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS CONTINUED
Income Taxes
The provision for income taxes includes federal, state and local income
taxes currently payable and those deferred because of temporary differences
between the financial statement and tax bases of assets and liabilities. The
deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using the enacted tax rates and
laws that are expected to be in effect when the differences reverse.
Stock Options
The Company accounts for all transactions under which employees receive
shares of stock or other equity instruments in the Company or the Company incurs
liabilities to employees in amounts based on the price of its stock in
accordance with the provisions of Accounting Principles Board Opinion No. 25,
"Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees."
Reclassifications
Certain prior-period amounts have been reclassified for comparative
purposes to conform with the 1999 presentation.
Reporting Period
The Company's fiscal year is comprised of 52 or 53 weeks, ending on the
Saturday closest to the last day of January. The reporting periods ended January
29, 2000, January 30, 1999 and January 31, 1998 each consisted of 52 weeks.
2. Receivables, Net
Receivables represent customer, bankcard, landlord and other receivables
due within one year as follows:
January 29, January 30,
2000 1999
----------- -----------
Trade accounts $9,558 6,743
Bankcard receivables 21,309 19,421
Receivables from landlords for
leasehold improvements 12,807 23,659
Other receivables 14,566 7,700
------- ------
Total receivables, net $58,240 57,523
======= ======
3. Debt
On November 18, 1997, the Company obtained an $850,000 five-year senior
revolving credit facility (the Revolving Credit Facility) with a syndicate led
by The Chase Manhattan Bank. The Revolving Credit Facility refinanced an
existing $450,000 revolving credit and $100,000 term loan facility (the Old
Facility). The Revolving Credit Facility permits borrowings at various interest
rate
28
<PAGE>
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS CONTINUED
options based on the prime rate or London Interbank Offer Rate (LIBOR)
depending upon certain financial tests. In addition, the agreement requires the
Company to pay a commitment fee up to 0.25 percent of the unused portion
depending upon certain financial tests. The Revolving Credit Facility contains
covenants, limitations and events of default typical of credit facilities of
this size and nature, including financial covenants which require the Company to
meet, among other things, cash flow and interest coverage ratios and which limit
capital expenditures. The Revolving Credit Facility is secured by the capital
stock, accounts receivable and general intangibles of the Company's
subsidiaries.
Net proceeds from the Revolving Credit Facility are available for
general corporate purposes and were used to redeem all of the Company's
outstanding $190,000 11-7/8 percent senior subordinated notes on January 15,
1998. As a result of the refinancings, the Company recorded an extraordinary
charge of $11,499 (net of applicable taxes) due to the early extinguishment of
debt during fiscal 1997. The extraordinary charge represents the payment of a
call premium associated with the redemption of the senior subordinated notes of
$6,656 (net of applicable taxes) and the write-off of unamortized fees of $4,843
(net of applicable taxes).
The Company from time to time enters into interest rate swap agreements
to manage interest costs and risk associated with changes in interest rates.
These agreements effectively convert underlying variable-rate debt based on
prime rate or LIBOR to fixed-rate debt through the exchange of fixed and
floating interest payment obligations without the exchange of underlying
principal amounts. As of January 29, 2000 and January 30, 1999 the Company had
outstanding $85,000 and $125,000 of swaps, respectively, with maturities ranging
from 2000 to 2003. The Company recorded interest expense associated with these
agreements of $470 and $440 during fiscal years 1999 and 1998, respectively.
Selected information related to the Company's revolving credit facility
is as follows:
Fiscal Year 1999 1998 1997
- ----------- -------- ------- -------
Balance at end of year $431,600 249,100 284,800
Average balance outstanding during the year $397,114 380,315 105,127
Maximum borrowings outstanding during the year $693,500 535,000 304,900
Weighted average interest rate during the year 6.01% 6.29% 7.12%
Interest rate at end of year 6.26% 5.77% 6.60%
Fees expensed with respect to the unused portion of the Company's
revolving credit commitment were $664, $733 and $1,204, during fiscal 1999, 1998
and 1997, respectively.
The amounts outstanding under the Company's Revolving Credit Facility
of $431,600 and $249,100 as of January 29, 2000 and January 30, 1999,
respectively, have been classified as long-term debt based on the terms of the
credit agreement and the Company's intention to maintain principal amounts
outstanding through November 2002.
The Company has no agreements to maintain compensating balances.
4. Fair Values of Financial Instruments
The carrying values of cash and cash equivalents reported in the
accompanying consolidated balance sheets approximate fair value due to the
short-term maturities of these assets. The aggregate fair
29
<PAGE>
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS CONTINUED
value of the Revolving Credit Facility approximates its carrying amount, because
of its recent and frequent repricing based upon market conditions. Investments
in publicly traded securities accounted for under Statement of Financial
Accounting Standards No. 115, "Accounting for Certain Investments in Debt and
Equity Securities" (SFAS 115) are carried at amounts approximating fair value.
The Company maintains an investment in Chapters Inc. (Chapters), a
Canadian book retailer. The carrying value and fair value (based on quoted
market prices and conversion rates) of this investment was $18,827 and $33,201,
respectively, at January 30, 1999. Due to the partial sale of its investment in
Chapters, as more fully discussed in Note 5, the Company currently accounts for
this investment as an available-for-sale security.
Interest rate swap agreements are valued based on market quotes
obtained from dealers. The carrying value and estimated fair value of the
interest rate swaps asset (liability) was $0 and $447, respectively, at January
29, 2000, and $0 and ($2,189), respectively, at January 30, 1999.
5. Marketable Equity Securities
Marketable equity securities are carried on the balance sheet at their
fair market value as a component of other noncurrent assets. The Company did not
have any marketable equity securities on January 30, 1999 as defined by SFAS
115. The following marketable equity securities have been classified as
available-for-sale securities:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Unrealized January 29, 2000
Cost Losses Market Value
---------- ------------- ----------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Gemstar International Ltd. $27,137 $(1,684) $25,453
Chapters 8,294 (353) 7,941
---------- ------------- --------------
$35,431 $(2,037) $33,394
========== ============= ==============
</TABLE>
In fiscal 1998, the Company accounted for its investment in NuvoMedia
Inc. (NuvoMedia) under the cost method. In fiscal 1999, NuvoMedia was acquired
by Gemstar International Ltd. (Gemstar), a publicly traded company. Under the
terms of the agreement, NuvoMedia shareholders received Gemstar shares in
exchange for their ownership interests.
Prior to fiscal 1999, the Company accounted for its investment in
Chapters under the equity method. During fiscal 1999, the Company sold a portion
of its investment in Chapters. Subsequent to the partial sale of its investment,
the Company retained a seven percent interest in Chapters and accordingly, has
recorded the remaining investment as an available-for-sale security.
30
<PAGE>
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS CONTINUED
6. Other Income
The following table sets forth the components of other income (expense), in
thousands of dollars:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Fiscal Year 1999 1998 1997
----------- ---------- ---------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Gain on sale of NuvoMedia (1) $22,356 -- --
Gain on partial sale of Chapters (2) 10,975 -- --
Equity in net earnings (losses) of
Chapters (2) (101) 1,140 1,016
Equity in net losses of iUniverse.com (3) (2,121) -- --
Equity in net earnings of Calendar Club
LLC (4) 1,228 2,274 897
Termination of planned acquisition of
Ingram Book Group (5) (5,000) -- --
----------- ---------- ---------
$27,337 3,414 1,913
=========== ========== =========
</TABLE>
(1) In fiscal 1999, in connection with the sale of NuvoMedia as more
fully discussed in Note 5, the Company recognized a pre-tax gain
of $22,356.
(2) During fiscal 1999, the Company sold a portion of its investment
in Chapters resulting in a pre-tax gain of $10,975. Prior to this
transaction, the Company accounted for its investment in Chapters
under the equity method.
(3) During 1999, the Company acquired a 41 percent interest in
iUniverse.com for $20,000. Subsequent to the fiscal 1999 year end,
the Company invested an additional $8,000 in iUniverse.com thereby
increasing its percentage ownership interest to 49 percent. This
investment is being accounted for under the equity method and is
reflected as a component of other noncurrent assets.
(4) The Company's 50 percent interest in Calendar Club LLC (Calendar
Club) is being accounted for under the equity method and is
reflected as a component of other noncurrent assets.
(5) In 1999, the Company and the Ingram Book Group (Ingram) announced
their agreement to terminate the Company's planned acquisition of
Ingram. The Company's application before the Federal Trade
Commission for the purchase was formally withdrawn. As a result,
other income reflects a one-time charge of $5,000 for acquisition
costs relating primarily to legal, accounting and other
transaction related costs.
7. Barnes & Noble.com
On November 12, 1998, the Company and Bertelsmann AG (Bertelsmann)
completed the formation of a limited liability company to operate the online
retail bookselling operations of the Company's wholly owned subsidiary,
barnesandnoble.com inc. (Barnes & Noble.com Inc.). The new entity, Barnes &
Noble.com, was structured as a limited liability company. Under the terms of the
relevant agreements, effective as of October 31, 1998, the Company and
Bertelsmann each retained a 50 percent membership interest in Barnes &
Noble.com. The Company contributed substantially all of the assets and
liabilities of its online operations to the joint venture and Bertelsmann paid
$75,000 to the Company and made a $150,000 cash contribution to the joint
venture. Bertelsmann also agreed to contribute an additional $50,000 to the
joint venture for future working capital requirements. The Company recognized a
pre-tax gain during fiscal 1998 in the amount of $126,435, of which $63,759 was
31
<PAGE>
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS CONTINUED
recognized in earnings based on the $75,000 received directly and $62,676
($36,351 after taxes) was reflected in additional paid-in capital based on the
Company's share of the incremental equity of the joint venture resulting from
the $150,000 Bertelsmann contribution.
On May 25, 1999, Barnes & Noble.com Inc. completed an initial public
offering (IPO) of 28.75 million shares of Class A Common Stock and used the
proceeds to purchase a 20 percent interest in Barnes & Noble.com. As a result,
the Company and Bertelsmann each retained a 40 percent interest in Barnes &
Noble.com. The Company recorded an increase in additional paid-in capital of
$116,158 after taxes representing the Company's incremental share in the equity
of Barnes & Noble.com. The Company will continue to account for its investment
under the equity method.
Under the terms of the November 12, 1998 joint venture agreement between
the Company and Bertelsmann, the Company received a $25,000 payment from
Bertelsmann in connection with the IPO. The Company recognized the $25,000
pre-tax gain in the second quarter of 1999. The estimated fair market value of
Barnes & Noble.com at January 29, 2000 was $742,000.
Summarized financial information for Barnes & Noble.com follows:
12 months ended
December 31,
-------------------------
1999 1998
--------- ----------
Net sales $ 202,567 61,834
Gross profit $ 42,630 14,265
Loss before taxes $ (102,405) (83,148)
Cash and cash equivalents $ 478,047 96,940
Other current assets 27,567 14,736
Noncurrent assets 173,904 90,468
Current liabilities 75,940 32,995
---------- ---------
Net assets $ 603,578 169,149
========== =========
8. Employees' Retirement and Defined Contribution Plans
As of December 31, 1999, substantially all employees of the Company were
covered under a noncontributory defined benefit pension plan (the Pension Plan).
As of January 1, 2000, the Pension Plan was amended and frozen so that employees
no longer earn benefits for subsequent service. Subsequent service continues to
be the basis for vesting of benefits not yet vested at December 31, 1999 and the
Pension Plan will continue to hold assets and pay benefits. The amendment was
treated as a curtailment in fiscal 1999 resulting in a pre-tax gain of $14,142
which is included as a reduction of selling and administrative expenses.
The Company maintains defined contribution plans (the Savings Plans) for
the benefit of substantially all employees. In addition, the Company provides
certain health care and life insurance benefits (the Postretirement Plan) to
retired employees, limited to those receiving benefits or retired as of April 1,
1993.
32
<PAGE>
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS CONTINUED
A summary of the components of net periodic cost for the Pension Plan
and the Postretirement Plan follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Pension Plan Postretirement Plan
---------------------------------- ----------------------------------
Fiscal Year 1999 1998 1997 1999 1998 1997
- ----------- ---------- ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Service cost $4,535 4,157 3,294 -- -- --
Interest cost 2,349 2,039 1,666 151 149 315
Expected return on plan assets (2,494) (2,208) (1,803) -- -- --
Net amortization and deferral 32 36 36 (123) (135) --
--------- ---------- ---------- ----- ----- -----
Net periodic cost $4,422 4,024 3,193 28 14 315
========= ========== ========== ===== ===== =====
</TABLE>
Total Company contributions charged to employee benefit expenses for
the Savings Plans were $3,374, $3,090 and $2,545 during fiscal 1999, 1998 and
1997, respectively.
Weighted-average actuarial assumptions used in determining the net
periodic costs of the Pension Plan and the Postretirement Plan are as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Pension Plan Postretirement Plan
---------------------------------- ----------------------------------
Fiscal Year 1999 1998 1997 1999 1998 1997
- ----------- ---------- ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Discount rate 7.8% 7.3% 7.3% 7.8% 7.3% 7.3%
Expected return on plan assets 9.5% 9.5% 9.5% -- -- --
Assumed rate of compensation
increase 4.8% 4.3% 4.3% -- -- --
</TABLE>
As a result of the formation of Barnes & Noble.com, as more fully
described in Note 7, certain assets of the Pension Plan and a portion of the
benefit obligation, were transferred to Barnes & Noble.com's defined benefit
pension plan as of the date of the formation.
33
<PAGE>
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS CONTINUED
The following table provides a reconciliation of benefit obligations,
plan assets and funded status of the Pension Plan and the Postretirement Plan:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Pension Plan Postretirement Plan
----------------------------------- -----------------------------------
Fiscal Year 1999 1998 1999 1998
- ----------- ----------------- ----------------- ----------------- -----------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Change in benefit obligation:
Benefit obligation at beginning of
year $33,064 30,734 2,145 1,975
Service cost 4,535 4,157 -- --
Interest cost 2,349 2,039 151 149
Transfer to Barnes & Noble.com -- (642) -- --
Actuarial (gain) loss (1,707) (2,427) 272 136
Benefits paid (1,062) (797) (515) (115)
Curtailment (14,142) -- -- --
-------- ------- ------- -------
Benefit obligation at end of year $23,037 33,064 2,053 2,145
-------- ------- ------- -------
Change in plan assets:
Fair value of plan assets at
beginning of year $25,331 22,909 -- --
Actual return on assets 1,393 2,255 -- --
Employer contributions 3,374 1,395 -- --
Benefits paid (1,062) (797) -- --
Transfer to Barnes & Noble.com -- (431) -- --
-------- ------- ------- -------
Fair value of plan assets at end of
year $29,036 25,331 -- --
-------- ------- ------- -------
Funded status $5,999 (7,733) (2,053) (2,145)
Unrecognized net actuarial (gain)
loss 200 805 (1,741) (2,136)
Unrecognized prior service cost -- (183) -- --
Unrecognized net obligation
remaining -- 166 -- --
-------- ------- ------- -------
Prepaid (accrued) benefit cost $6,199 (6,945) (3,794) (4,281)
======== ======= ======= =======
</TABLE>
The health care cost trend rate used to measure the expected cost of
the Postretirement Plan benefits is assumed to be seven percent in 2000,
declining at one-half percent decrements each year through 2004 to five percent
in 2004 and each year thereafter. The health care cost trend assumption has a
significant effect on the amounts reported. For example, a one percent increase
or decrease in the health care cost trend rate would change the accumulated
postretirement benefit obligation by approximately $193 and $171, respectively,
as of January 29, 2000, and would change the net periodic cost by approximately
$15 and $13, respectively, during fiscal 1999.
34
<PAGE>
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS CONTINUED
9. Income Taxes
The Company files a consolidated federal return. Federal and state
income tax provisions for fiscal 1999, 1998 and 1997 are as follows:
Fiscal Year 1999 1998 1997
- ----------- ------- ------ ------
Current:
Federal $64,454 39,286 26,324
State 15,306 10,146 7,013
------- ------ ------
79,760 49,432 33,337
------- ------ ------
Deferred:
Federal 7,193 11,697 9,575
State 2,684 3,064 2,023
------- ------ ------
9,877 14,761 11,598
------- ------ ------
Total $89,637 64,193 44,935
======= ====== ======
A reconciliation between the provision for income taxes and the
expected provision for income taxes at the federal statutory rate of 35 percent
during fiscal 1999, 1998 and 1997, is as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Fiscal Year 1999 1998 1997
- ----------- ------ ------ ------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Expected provision for income taxes at federal
statutory rate $76,522 54,799 38,361
Amortization of non-deductible goodwill and
trade names 1,342 1,251 1,140
State income taxes, net of federal income tax
benefit 11,694 8,596 5,873
Other, net 79 (453) (439)
------- ------ ------
Provision for income taxes $89,637 64,193 44,935
======= ====== ======
</TABLE>
35
<PAGE>
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS CONTINUED
The tax effects of temporary differences that give rise to significant
components of the Company's deferred tax assets and liabilities as of January
29, 2000 and January 30, 1999 are as follows:
January 29, January 30,
2000 1999
----------- -----------
Deferred tax liabilities:
Operating expenses $(15,437) (12,528)
Depreciation (31,289) (29,829)
Gain on equity increase in Barnes &
Noble.com (110,439) (26,325)
--------- ---------
Total deferred tax liabilities (157,165) (68,682)
--------- ---------
Deferred tax assets:
Inventory 4,312 4,043
Lease transactions 18,664 15,025
Reversal of estimated accruals 4,246 5,692
Restructuring charge 14,537 16,931
Insurance liability 2,673 2,502
Deferred income 4,015 11,411
Unrealized holding losses on
available-for-sale securities 839 --
Other 7,278 5,632
--------- ---------
Total deferred tax assets 56,564 61,236
--------- ---------
Net deferred tax liabilities $(100,601) (7,446)
========= =========
Deferred tax liabilities are recorded on the deferred income tax line
and deferred tax assets are recorded as a component of prepaid and other current
assets on the accompanying balance sheet.
10. Acquisition of Babbage's Etc.
On October 28, 1999, the Company acquired Babbage's Etc., one of the
nation's largest operators of video game and entertainment software stores, for
$208,670 (including assumed liabilities). If financial performance targets are
met over the next two fiscal years, the Company will make additional payments of
approximately $10,000 in 2001 and approximately $10,000 in 2002. The acquisition
was accounted for under the purchase method of accounting and, accordingly, the
results of operations for the period subsequent to the acquisition are included
in the consolidated financial statements. The excess of purchase price over the
net assets acquired, in the amount of $202,386, has been recorded as goodwill
and is being amortized using the straight-line method over an estimated useful
life of 30 years.
36
<PAGE>
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS CONTINUED
The following table summarizes pro forma results as if the Company had
entered into the agreement on the first day of fiscal year 1998:
Fiscal Year 1999 1998
- ----------------------------------------------- -------------- --------------
Sales $3,815,435 3,470,774
Earnings before cumulative effect of a change
in accounting principle $125,011 93,298
Net earnings $120,511 93,298
Net earnings per common share:
Basic $1.75 1.36
Diluted $1.69 1.30
The pro forma results of operations include adjustments to give effect
to amortization of goodwill and interest expense on debt related to the
acquisition, together with related income tax effects. The information has been
prepared for comparative purposes only and does not purport to be indicative of
the results of operations which actually would have resulted had the acquisition
occurred on the date indicated, or which may result in the future.
11. Segment Information
Historically, the Company operated as a single segment. As a result of
the acquisition of Babbage's Etc. in 1999, the Company is currently operating
under two segments and accordingly, is required to disclose information in
accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 131,
"Disclosures about Segments of an Enterprise and Related Information" (SFAS
131). The Company's reportable segments are strategic groups that offer
different products. These groups have been aggregated into two segments:
bookstores and video game and entertainment software stores.
Bookstores
This segment includes 542 book "super" stores under the Barnes & Noble
Booksellers, Bookstop and Bookstar names which generally offer a comprehensive
title base, a cafe, a children's section, a music department, a magazine section
and a calendar of ongoing events, including author appearances and children's
activities. Additionally, this segment includes 400 small format mall-based
stores under the B. Dalton Bookseller, Doubleday Book Shops and Scribner's
Bookstore trade names.
Video Game and Entertainment Software Stores
This segment includes 526 video game and entertainment software stores
under the Babbage's, Software Etc. and GameStop names, and a Web site,
gamestop.com. The principal products of these stores are comprised of video game
hardware and software and PC entertainment software. The Company's consolidated
financial statements reflect the results of Babbage's Etc. for the fourth
quarter of 1999 only.
The accounting policies of the segments are the same as those described
in the summary of significant accounting policies. Segment operating profit
includes corporate expenses in each operating segment. Barnes & Noble evaluates
the performance of its segments and allocates resources to them
37
<PAGE>
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS CONTINUED
based on operating profit.
Summarized financial information concerning the Company's reportable
segments is presented below:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Sales Depreciation and Amortization
------------------------------------------- -----------------------------------
Fiscal Year 1999 1998 1997 1999 1998 1997
- ----------- -------------- -------------- ------------- ------------ ---------- -----------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Bookstores $3,262,295 3,005,608 2,796,852 $108,691 88,345 76,951
Video game & entertainment
software stores 223,748 -- -- 3,613 -- --
-------------- -------------- ------------- ------------ ---------- -----------
Total $3,486,043 3,005,608 2,796,852 $112,304 88,345 76,951
============== ============== ============= ============ ========== ===========
<CAPTION>
Equity Investment in
Operating Profit Barnes & Noble.com
-------------- -------------- ------------- ------------ ---------- -----------
Fiscal Year 1999 1998 1997 1999 1998 1997
- ----------- -------------- -------------- ------------- ------------ ---------- -----------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Bookstores $216,678 185,142 145,356 $240,531 82,307 --
Operating margin 6.64% 6.16% 5.20%
Video game & entertainment
software stores 15,432 -- -- -- -- --
Operating margin 6.90% NA NA
-------------- -------------- ------------- ------------ ---------- -----------
Total $232,110 185,142 145,356 $240,531 82,307 --
============== ============== ============= ============ ========== ===========
<CAPTION>
Capital Expenditures Total Assets
------------ ----------- ----------- -------------- ------------- -------------
Fiscal Year 1999 1998 1997 1999 1998 1997
- ----------- ------------ ----------- ----------- -------------- ------------- -------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Bookstores $142,005 141,378 121,903 $2,076,795 1,807,597 1,591,171
Video game & entertainment
software stores 4,289 -- -- 336,996 -- --
------------ ----------- ----------- -------------- ------------- -------------
Total $146,294 141,378 121,903 $2,413,791 1,807,597 1,591,171
============ =========== =========== ============== ============= =============
</TABLE>
A reconciliation of operating profit reported by reportable segments to
earnings before income taxes, extraordinary charge and cumulative effect of a
change in accounting principle in the consolidated financial statements is as
follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Fiscal Year 1999 1998 1997
- ----------- -------------- -------------- ---------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Reportable segments operating profit $232,110 185,142 145,356
Interest, net (23,765) (24,412) (37,666)
Equity in net loss of Barnes & Noble.com (42,047) (71,334) --
Gain on formation of Barnes & Noble.com 25,000 63,759 --
Other income 27,337 3,414 1,913
-------------- -------------- ---------------
Consolidated earnings before income taxes, extraordinary
charge and cumulative effect of a change in accounting
principle $218,635 156,569 109,603
============== ============== ===============
</TABLE>
38
<PAGE>
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS CONTINUED
12. Comprehensive Earnings
In 1999, as a result of the Company's investment activities (see Note
5), the Company adopted Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 130,
"Reporting Comprehensive Income" which establishes standards for reporting and
display of comprehensive earnings and its components in the financial
statements. Comprehensive earnings are net earnings, plus certain other items
that are recorded directly to shareholders' equity. The only such item currently
applicable to the Company is the unrealized loss on available-for-sale
securities, as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Fiscal Year 1999 1998 1997
- ----------- ------------- ------------ ------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Net earnings $124,498 92,376 53,169
Other comprehensive loss:
Unrealized loss on available-for-sale securities, net of
deferred income tax benefit of $839 (1,198) -- --
------------- ------------ ------------
Total comprehensive earnings $123,300 92,376 53,169
============= ============ ============
</TABLE>
13. Shareholders' Equity
In fiscal 1999, the Board of Directors authorized a common stock
repurchase program for the purchase of up to $250,000 of the Company's common
shares. As of January 29, 2000, the Company has repurchased 4,025,900 shares at
a cost of approximately $86,797 under this program. The repurchased shares are
held in treasury.
As discussed more fully in Note 7, shareholders' equity as of January
29, 2000 includes an increase in additional paid-in capital of $116,158
representing the Company's incremental share in the equity of Barnes & Noble.com
as a result of the IPO. Shareholders' equity as of January 30, 1999 includes an
increase in additional paid-in capital of $36,351 as a result of the formation
of Barnes & Noble.com.
On July 10, 1998, the Board of Directors of the Company declared a
dividend of one Preferred Share Purchase Right (a Right) for each outstanding
share of the Company's common stock (Common Stock). The distribution of the
Rights was made on July 21, 1998 to stockholders of record on that date. Each
Right entitles the holder to purchase from the Company one four-hundredth of a
share of a new series of preferred stock, designated as Series H Preferred
Stock, at a price of $225 per one four-hundredth of a share. The Rights will be
exercisable only if a person or group acquires 15 percent or more of the
Company's outstanding Common Stock or announces a tender offer or exchange
offer, the consummation of which would result in such person or group owning 15
percent or more of the Company's outstanding Common Stock.
If a person or group acquires 15 percent or more of the Company's
outstanding Common Stock, each Right will entitle a holder (other than such
person or any member of such group) to purchase, at the Right's then current
exercise price, a number of shares of Common Stock having a market value of
twice the exercise price of the Right. In addition, if the Company is acquired
in a merger or other business combination transaction or 50 percent or more of
its consolidated assets or earning power are sold at any time after the Rights
have become exercisable, each Right will entitle its holder to purchase, at the
Right's then current exercise price, a number of the acquiring company's common
shares having a market value at
39
<PAGE>
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS CONTINUED
that time of twice the exercise price of the Right. Furthermore, at any time
after a person or group acquires 15 percent or more of the outstanding Common
Stock of the Company but prior to the acquisition of 50 percent of such stock,
the Board of Directors may, at its option, exchange part or all of the Rights
(other than Rights held by the acquiring person or group) at an exchange rate of
one four-hundredth of a share of Series H Preferred Stock or one share of the
Company's Common Stock for each Right.
The Company will be entitled to redeem the Rights at any time prior to
the acquisition by a person or group of 15 percent or more of the outstanding
Common Stock of the Company, at a price of $.01 per Right. The Rights will
expire on July 20, 2008.
The Company has 5,000,000 shares of $.001 par value preferred stock
authorized for issuance, of which 250,000 shares have been designated by the
Board of Directors as Series H Preferred Stock and reserved for issuance upon
exercise of the Rights. Each such share of Series H Preferred Stock will be
nonredeemable and junior to any other series of preferred stock the Company may
issue (unless otherwise provided in the terms of such stock) and will be
entitled to a preferred dividend equal to the greater of $2.00 per share or 400
times any dividend declared on the Company's Common Stock. In the event of
liquidation, the holders of Series H Preferred Stock will receive a preferred
liquidation payment of $1,000 per share, plus an amount equal to accrued and
unpaid dividends and distributions thereon. Each share of Series H Preferred
Stock will have 400 votes, voting together with the Company's Common Stock.
However, in the event that dividends on the Series H Preferred Stock shall be in
arrears in an amount equal to six quarterly dividends thereon, holders of the
Series H Preferred Stock shall have the right, voting as a class, to elect two
of the Company's Directors, whose terms shall extend until such time when all
accrued and unpaid dividends for all previous quarterly dividend periods and for
the current quarterly dividend period on all shares of Series H Preferred Stock
then outstanding shall have been declared and paid or set apart for payment. In
the event of any merger, consolidation or other transaction in which the
Company's Common Stock is exchanged, each share of Series H Preferred Stock will
be entitled to receive 400 times the amount and type of consideration received
per share of the Company's Common Stock. As of January 29, 2000, there were no
shares of Series H Preferred Stock outstanding.
14. Restructuring Charge
From 1989 through 1995, the Company closed, on average, between 40 and
60 mall bookstores per year primarily due to increasing competition from
superstores and declining mall traffic. During the fourth quarter of fiscal
1995, the Company accelerated its mall bookstore closing program with the aim of
forming a core of more profitable B. Dalton stores, and provided for these
closing costs and asset valuation adjustments through a non-cash restructuring
charge, and early adoption of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No.
121, "Accounting for Impairment of Long-Lived Assets and Assets to be Disposed
Of" (SFAS 121). In the fourth quarter of fiscal 1995, the Company recorded a
non-cash charge to operating earnings of $123,768 ($87,303 after tax or $1.32
per share) to reflect the aggregate impact of its restructuring plan and change
in accounting policy. The charge to earnings included a $33,000 write-down of
goodwill, and $45,862 related to the write-down of fixed assets and other
long-term assets. The Company has completed this store closing program. Costs
incurred in excess of the amount provided by the restructuring charge were
immaterial and have been included in selling and administrative expenses.
40
<PAGE>
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS CONTINUED
The following table sets forth the restructuring liability activity:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Lease
Provision for Termination
Store Closing Costs Other Total
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Balance at February 1, 1997 $1,532 30,462 1,602 33,596
Fiscal 1997 payments 1,532 9,026 1,602 12,160
------- ------- ------ ------
Balance at January 31, 1998 -- 21,436 -- 21,436
Fiscal 1998 payments -- 12,968 -- 12,968
------- ------- ------ ------
Balance at January 30, 1999 -- 8,468 -- 8,468
Fiscal 1999 payments -- 8,468 -- 8,468
------- ------- ------ ------
Balance at January 29, 2000 $ -- -- -- --
======= ======= ====== ======
</TABLE>
15. Stock Option Plans
The Company currently has two incentive plans under which stock options
have been or may be granted to officers, directors and key employees of the
Company - the 1991 Employee Incentive Plan (the 1991 Plan) and the 1996
Incentive Plan (the 1996 Plan). The options to purchase common shares generally
are issued at fair market value on the date of the grant, begin vesting after
one year in 33-1/3 percent or 25 percent increments per year, expire 10 years
from issuance and are conditioned upon continual employment during the vesting
period.
The Company increased the number of shares available for issuance under
the 1996 Plan from 6,000,000 to 11,000,000. The 1996 Plan and the 1991 Plan
allow the Company to grant options to purchase up to 11,000,000 and 4,732,704
shares of common stock, respectively.
In addition to the two incentive plans, the Company has granted stock
options to certain key executives and directors. The vesting terms and
contractual lives of these grants are similar to that of the incentive plans.
In accordance with the Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No.
123, "Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation" (SFAS 123), the Company discloses
the pro forma impact of recording compensation expense utilizing the
Black-Scholes model. The Black-Scholes option valuation model was developed for
use in estimating the fair value of traded options which have no vesting
restrictions and are fully transferable. In addition, option valuation models
require the input of highly subjective assumptions including the expected stock
price volatility. Because the Company's stock options have characteristics
significantly different from those of traded options, and because changes in the
subjective input assumptions can materially affect the fair value estimate, in
management's opinion, the Black-Scholes model does not necessarily provide a
reliable measure of the fair value of its stock options.
Had compensation cost for the Company's stock option grants been
determined based on the fair value at the stock option grant dates consistent
with the pro forma method of SFAS 123, the Company's net earnings and diluted
earnings per share for fiscal 1999, 1998 and 1997, would have been reduced by
approximately $6,298 or $0.09 per share, $6,188 or $0.09 per share, and $3,863
or $0.06 per share, respectively.
Because the application of the pro forma disclosure provision of SFAS
123 are required only to
41
<PAGE>
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS CONTINUED
be applied to grants of options made by the Company during fiscal 1995 and
after, the above pro forma amounts may not be representative of the effects of
applying SFAS 123 to future years.
The weighted -average fair value of the options granted during fiscal
1999, 1998 and 1997 were estimated at $10.00, $12.96 and $8.05 respectively,
using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model with the following assumptions:
volatility of 35 percent for fiscal 1999 and fiscal 1998 grants, 28 percent for
fiscal 1997 grants, risk-free interest rate of 5.90 percent in fiscal 1999, 5.33
percent in fiscal 1998, and 6.54 percent in fiscal 1997, and an expected life of
6.0 years for fiscal 1999, 5.4 years for fiscal 1998 and 6.0 years for fiscal
1997.
A summary of the status of the Company's stock options is presented
below:
Weighted-Average
(Thousands of shares) Shares Exercise Price
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Balance, February 1, 1997 9,142 $ 11.07
Granted 2,254 19.31
Exercised (1,546) 9.28
Forfeited (186) 16.25
------
Balance, January 31, 1998 9,664 13.17
Granted 1,841 31.12
Exercised (837) 11.11
Forfeited (390) 22.35
------
Balance, January 30, 1999 10,278 16.22
Granted 2,148 22.31
Exercised (795) 11.39
Forfeited (488) 26.91
------
Balance, January 29, 2000 11,143 $ 17.27
======
Options exercisable as of January 29, 2000, January 30, 1999 and
January 31, 1998 were 7,133,000, 6,780,000 and 6,558,000, respectively. Options
available for grant under the plans were 4,243,000, 5,902,000 and 2,354,000 at
January 29, 2000, January 30, 1999 and January 31, 1998, respectively.
42
<PAGE>
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS CONTINUED
The following table summarizes information as of January 29, 2000
concerning outstanding and exercisable options:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Options Outstanding Options Exercisable
Weighted-
Average Weighted-
Range of Number Remaining Average Number Weighted-
Exercise Outstanding Contractual Exercise Exercisable Average
Prices (000s) Life Price (000s) Exercise Price
- ----------------------- ------------- -------------- ------------- --------------- -----------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
$3.21 - $3.77 556 3.36 $ 3.59 556 $ 3.59
$10.00 - $15.00 5,068 3.89 $ 12.06 5,068 $ 12.06
$17.13 - $24.25 3,729 8.27 $ 19.92 1,230 $ 19.29
$26.50 - $34.75 1,790 8.52 $ 30.73 279 $ 33.90
------ ------
$3.21 - $34.75 11,143 6.07 $ 17.27 7,133 $ 13.50
====== ======
</TABLE>
16. Leases
The Company leases retail stores, warehouse facilities, office space and
equipment. Substantially all of the retail stores are leased under noncancelable
agreements which expire at various dates through 2036 with various renewal
options for additional periods. The agreements, which have been classified as
operating leases, generally provide for both minimum and percentage rentals and
require the Company to pay all insurance, taxes and other maintenance costs.
Percentage rentals are based on sales performance in excess of specified
minimums at various stores.
Rental expense under operating leases are as follows:
Fiscal Year 1999 1998 1997
- ----------- ---- ---- ----
Minimum rentals $291,964 271,201 253,472
Percentage rentals 7,502 3,183 3,216
----- ----- -----
$299,466 274,384 256,688
======== ======= =======
Future minimum annual rentals, excluding percentage rentals, required
under leases that had initial, noncancelable lease terms greater than one year,
as of January 29, 2000 are:
Fiscal Year
- -----------
2000 $301,622
2001 294,336
2002 279,017
2003 257,289
2004 236,072
After 2004 1,541,439
---------
$2,909,775
==========
43
<PAGE>
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS CONTINUED
17. Litigation
In March 1998, the American Booksellers Association (ABA) and 26
independent bookstores filed a lawsuit in the United States District Court for
the Northern District of California against the Company and Borders Group, Inc.
(Borders) alleging violations of the Robinson-Patman Act, the California Unfair
Trade Practice Act and the California Unfair Competition Law. The Complaint
seeks injunctive and declaratory relief; treble damages on behalf of each of the
bookstore plaintiffs, and, with respect to the California bookstore plaintiffs,
any other damages permitted by California law; disgorgement of money, property
and gains wrongfully obtained in connection with the purchase of books for
resale, or offered for resale, in California from March 18, 1994 until the
action is completed and pre-judgment interest on any amounts awarded in the
action, as well as attorney fees and costs. In October 1999, Barnes & Noble.com
was added as a defendant in the action. The Company intends to vigorously defend
this action.
In August 1998, The Intimate Bookshop, Inc. and its owner, Wallace
Kuralt, filed a lawsuit in the United States District Court for the Southern
District of New York against the Company, Borders, Amazon.com, Inc., certain
publishers and others alleging violation of the Robinson-Patman Act and other
federal law, New York statutes governing trade practices and common law. The
Complaint sought certification of a class consisting of all retail booksellers
in the United States, whether or not currently in business, which were in
business and were members of the ABA at any time during the four year period
preceding the filing of the Complaint. The Complaint alleged that the named
plaintiffs have suffered damages of $11,250 or more and requested treble damages
on behalf of the named plaintiffs and each of the purported class members, as
well as of injunctive and declaratory relief (including an injunction requiring
the closure of all of defendants' stores within 10 miles of any location where
plaintiff either has or had a retail bookstore during the four years preceding
the filing of the Complaint, and prohibiting the opening by defendants of any
bookstore in such areas for the next 10 years), disgorgement of alleged
discriminatory discounts, rebates, deductions and payments, punitive damages,
interest, costs, attorneys fees and other relief. The plaintiffs subsequently
amended their complaint to allege eight causes of action on behalf of the
Intimate Bookshop and Wallace Kuralt, accusing the Company and the other
defendants of: (i) violating Section 2(f) the Robinson-Patman Act; (ii)
violating Section 2(c) of the Robinson-Patman Act; (iii) violating Section
13(a)of the Clayton Act; (iv) inducing every publisher in the United States to
breach contracts with the plaintiffs; (v) interfering with the plaintiff's
advantageous business relationships; (vi) engaging in unfair competition; (vii)
violating Sections 349 and 350 of the New York General Business Law; and (viii)
being unjustly enriched. The class action allegations have been removed and the
plaintiffs voluntarily dismissed defendants Harper Collins Publishers, Inc. and
Amazon.com, Inc. from the case.
On April 13, 1999, the Company and the other defendants filed a motion
to dismiss the second through eighth causes of action in their entireties and
for a more definite statement of the remaining allegations of the first cause of
action. As a result, the plaintiffs' third through eighth causes of action were
dismissed with prejudice, as were all claims asserted by Wallace Kuralt in his
individual capacity. The Company served an Answer on April 5, 2000 denying the
material allegations of the Complaint and asserting various affirmative
defenses. The Company intends to continue to vigorously defend this action.
In addition to the above actions, various claims and lawsuits arising
in the normal course of business are pending against the Company. The subject
matter of these proceedings primarily includes
44
<PAGE>
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS CONTINUED
commercial disputes and employment issues. The results of these proceedings are
not expected to have a material adverse effect on the Company's consolidated
financial position or results of operations.
18. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions
The Company leases space for its executive offices in properties in
which Leonard Riggio, chairman, chief executive officer and principal
stockholder of Barnes & Noble, has a minority interest. The space was rented at
an aggregate annual rent including real estate taxes of approximately $2,753,
$1,316 and $1,309 in fiscal years 1999, 1998 and 1997, respectively.
The Company leases a 75,000 square foot office/warehouse from a
partnership in which Leonard Riggio has a 50 percent interest, pursuant to a
lease expiring in 2023. Pursuant to such lease, the Company paid $573, $737 and
$743 in fiscal years 1999, 1998 and 1997, respectively.
The Company is provided with certain package shipping services by the
LTA Group, Inc. (LTA), a company in which a brother of Leonard Riggio owns a 20
percent interest. The Company paid LTA $13,118, $12,571 and $11,528 for such
services during fiscal years 1999, 1998 and 1997, respectively.
The Company leases retail space in a building in which Barnes & Noble
College Bookstores, Inc. (B&N College), a company owned by Leonard Riggio,
subleases space for its executive offices. Occupancy costs allocated by the
Company to B&N College for this space totaled $686, $725 and $634 for fiscal
years 1999, 1998 and 1997, respectively. In connection with the space, the
Company reimbursed B&N College during fiscal 1997, for a landmark tax credit
totaling $726.
B&N College allocated to the Company certain operating costs it
incurred on its behalf. These charges are included in the accompanying
consolidated statements of operations and approximated $193, $48 and $75 for
fiscal 1999, 1998 and 1997, respectively. The Company charged B&N College $1,042
and $972 for fiscal years 1999 and 1998, respectively, for capital expenditures,
business insurance and other operating costs incurred on its behalf.
The Company uses a jet aircraft owned by B&N College and pays for the
costs and expenses of operating the aircraft based upon the Company's usage.
Such costs which include fuel, insurance, personnel and other costs approximate
$2,205, $1,760 and $1,910 during fiscal 1999, 1998 and 1997, respectively, and
are included in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations.
On October 28, 1999, the Company acquired Babbage's Etc., one of the
nation's largest operators of video game and entertainment software stores, a
company majority owned by Leonard Riggio, for $208,670. If financial performance
targets are met over the next two fiscal years, the Company will make additional
payments of approximately $10,000 in 2001 and approximately $10,000 in 2002.
Barnes & Noble.com purchased $74,682 and $33,444 of merchandise from
the Company during fiscal 1999 and 1998, respectively, and Barnes & Noble.com
expects to source purchases through the Company in the future. The Company has
entered into an agreement (the Supply Agreement) with Barnes & Noble.com whereby
the Company charges Barnes & Noble.com the costs associated with such purchases
plus incremental overhead incurred by the Company in connection with providing
such inventory. The Supply Agreement is subject to certain termination
provisions.
The Company has entered into agreements (the Service Agreements)
whereby Barnes &
45
<PAGE>
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS CONTINUED
Noble.com receives various services from the Company, including, among others,
services for payroll processing, benefits administration, insurance (property
and casualty, medical, dental and life), tax, traffic, fulfillment and
telecommunications. In accordance with the terms of such agreements the Company
has received, and expects to continue to receive, fees in an amount equal to the
direct costs plus incremental expenses associated with providing such services.
The Company received $2,037, $856 and $250 for such services during fiscal 1999,
1998 and 1997, respectively.
The Company subleases to Barnes & Noble.com approximately one-third of
a 300,000 square foot warehouse facility located in New Jersey. The Company has
received from Barnes & Noble.com $473 and $310 for such subleased space during
fiscal 1999 and 1998, respectively.
Since 1993, the Company has used the music distributor AEC One Stop
Group, Inc. (AEC) as its primary music and video supplier and to provide a music
and video database. In 1999, AEC's parent corporation was acquired by an
investor group in which Leonard Riggio was a significant minority investor. The
Company paid AEC $126,241 in connection with this agreement during fiscal 1999.
19. Selected Quarterly Financial Information (Unaudited)
A summary of quarterly financial information for each of the last two
fiscal years is as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Total
Fiscal 1999 Quarter End April July October January Fiscal
On or About 1999 1999 1999 2000 Year 1999
- -------------------------------------------------- ---- ---- ---- ---- ---------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Sales $ 718,336 727,165 715,903 1,324,639 3,486,043
Gross profit $ 192,371 199,275 200,490 410,178 1,002,314
Equity in net loss of Barnes & Noble.com (a) $ (11,544) (6,532) (8,736) (15,235) (42,047)
Earnings (loss) before cumulative effect of a
change in accounting principle $ (1,444) 23,543 3,387 103,512 128,998
Net earnings (loss) (b) (c) $ (5,944) 23,543 3,387 103,512 124,498
Basic earnings (loss) per common share
Earnings (loss) before cumulative effect of a
change in accounting principle $ (0.02) 0.34 0.05 1.52 1.87
Net earnings (loss) $ (0.09) 0.34 0.05 1.52 1.80
Diluted earnings (loss) per common share
Earnings (loss) before cumulative effect of a
change in accounting principle $ (0.02) 0.33 0.05 1.48 1.81
Net earnings (loss) $ (0.09) 0.33 0.05 1.48 1.75
<CAPTION>
Total
Fiscal 1998 Quarter End April July October January Fiscal
On or About 1998 1998 1998 1999 Year 1998
- -------------------------------------------------- ---- ---- ---- ---- ---------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Sales $ 656,976 662,507 656,837 1,029,288 3,005,608
Gross profit $ 172,387 179,844 182,967 327,693 862,891
Equity in net loss of Barnes & Noble.com (d) $ (13,603) (23,003) (20,472) (14,256) (71,334)
Net earnings (loss) (e) $ (3,335) (5,709) (4,596) 106,016 92,376
Basic earnings (loss) per common share $ (0.05) (0.08) (0.07) 1.54 1.35
Diluted earnings (loss) per common share $ (0.05) (0.08) (0.07) 1.47 1.29
</TABLE>
(a) As a result of the Barnes & Noble.com Inc. initial public offering on May
25, 1999, the Company retained a 40 percent interest in Barnes
46
<PAGE>
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS CONTINUED
& Noble.com. Accordingly, fiscal 1999 reflects the Company's 50 percent
interest in the net losses of Barnes & Noble.com through the date of the
IPO and 40 percent thereafter.
(b) Included in net earnings for the second quarter of fiscal 1999 is a pre-tax
gain of $25,000 ($14,750 after tax) or $0.21 per diluted share from the
receipt of $25,000 from Bertelsmann as a result of the Barnes & Noble.com
initial public offering, as well as a pre-tax gain of $10,975 ($6,475 after
tax) or $0.09 per basic and diluted common share resulting from the partial
sale of the Company's investment in Chapters.
(c) Included in net earnings for the fourth quarter of fiscal 1999 is a pre-tax
gain of $22,356 ($13,190 net of tax) or $0.18 per diluted share in
connection with the sale of the Company's investment in NuvoMedia as more
fully discussed in Note 6 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial
Statements. In addition, the fourth quarter of fiscal 1999 includes the
results of the Company's acquisition of Babbage's Etc. as more fully
discussed in Note 10 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
(d) As a result of the formation of Barnes & Noble.com on October 31, 1998,
each quarter of fiscal 1998 presents the Company's equity in net loss of
Barnes & Noble.com as a separate line item in accordance with the equity
method of accounting. Accordingly, the first three quarters of fiscal 1998
reflect the Company's 100 percent equity in net losses of Barnes &
Noble.com and the fourth quarter reflects the Company's 50 percent interest
in the net losses of Barnes & Noble.com.
(e) Included in net earnings for the fourth quarter of fiscal 1998 is a pre-tax
gain on the formation of Barnes & Noble.com of $63,759 ($37,618 after tax)
or $0.52 per diluted share.
47
<PAGE>
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT CERTIFIED PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS
The Board of Directors
Barnes & Noble, Inc.
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Barnes &
Noble, Inc. and subsidiaries as of January 29, 2000 and January 30, 1999 and the
related consolidated statements of operations, changes in shareholders' equity
and cash flows for each of the three fiscal years in the period ended January
29, 2000. 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 in accordance with generally accepted auditing
standards. Those standards 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. An audit also includes
assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by
management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation.
We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above
present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Barnes &
Noble, Inc. and its subsidiaries as of January 29, 2000 and January 30, 1999 and
the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the three
fiscal years in the period ended January 29, 2000, in conformity with generally
accepted accounting principles.
As discussed in Note 1 to the Consolidated Financial Statements,
effective January 31, 1999, the Company changed its method of accounting for
pre-opening expenses.
New York, New York
March 16, 2000
BDO Seidman, LLP
48
<PAGE>
Exhibit 21.1
Subsidiaries of Barnes & Noble, Inc.
1. Barnes & Noble Booksellers, Inc., a Delaware corporation, a wholly owned
subsidiary of Barnes & Noble, Inc. (the "Company").
2. B. Dalton Bookseller, Inc., a Minnesota corporation ("B. Dalton"), a wholly
owned subsidiary of the Company.
3. Doubleday Book Shops, Inc., a Delaware corporation, a wholly owned
subsidiary of B. Dalton.
4. CCI Holdings, Inc., a Texas corporation, a wholly owned subsidiary of the
Company.
5. B&N Sub Corp., a Delaware corporation, a wholly owned subsidiary of the
Company.
6. B&N.com Holding Corp., a Delaware corporation, a wholly owned subsidiary of
the Company.
7. B&N.com Member Corp., a Delaware corporation, a wholly owned subsidiary of
the Company.
8. Vendamerica, Inc. ("Vendamerica"), a Connecticut Corporation, a wholly
owned subsidiary of B. Dalton.
9. Babbage's Etc. LLC, a Delaware limited liability company, a wholly owned
subsidiary of B. Dalton and Vendamerica.
<PAGE>
EXHIBIT 23.1
CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT
CERTIFIED PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS
Barnes & Noble, Inc.
New York, New York
We hereby consent to the incorporation by reference of our report dated March
16, 2000 relating to the consolidated financial statements of Barnes & Noble,
Inc. and subsidiaries, incorporated by reference into the Company's Annual
Report on Form 10-K for the year ended January 29, 2000, into the prospectuses
constituting a part of the following registration statements: No. 33-84826 on
Form S-3, No. 33-89258 on Form S-3, No. 33-270333 on Form S-8, No. 33-89260 on
Form S-8, and No. 33-97410 on Form S-3.
We also consent to the references to us under the caption "Experts" in the
Prospectuses.
BDO Seidman, LLP
New York, New York
April 28, 2000
