Form 10-Q
Table of Contents

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, DC 20549

 


FORM 10-Q

 


(Mark One)

x Quarterly report pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

For the quarterly period ended September 29, 2007

OR

 

¨ Transition report pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

For the transition period from              to             

Commission file number: 001-32320

 


BUILD-A-BEAR WORKSHOP, INC.

(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter)

 


 

Delaware   43-1883836

(State or Other Jurisdiction of

Incorporation or Organization)

 

(I.R.S. Employer

Identification No.)

1954 Innerbelt Business Center Drive

St. Louis, Missouri

  63114
(Address of Principal Executive Offices)   (Zip Code)

(314) 423-8000

(Registrant’s Telephone Number, Including Area Code)

 


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

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

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

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

As of November 5, 2007, there were 20,656,847 issued and outstanding shares of the registrant’s common stock.

 



Table of Contents

BUILD-A-BEAR WORKSHOP, INC.

INDEX TO FORM 10-Q

 

               Page

Part I    Financial Information

  
   Item 1.    Financial Statements (Unaudited)    3
     

Consolidated Balance Sheets

   3
     

Consolidated Statements of Operations

   4
     

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

   5
     

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

   6
   Item 2.    Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations    14
   Item 3.    Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk    27
   Item 4.    Controls and Procedures    27
Part II    Other Information   
   Item 1A.    Risk Factors    29
   Item 2.    Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds    29
   Item 5.    Other Information    30
   Item 6.    Exhibits    31
   Signatures    32

 

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Table of Contents

PART I-FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1. Financial Statements

BUILD-A-BEAR WORKSHOP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(Unaudited)

(Dollars in thousands, except share and per share data)

 

    

September 29,

2007

  

December 30,

2006

          (Revised)
ASSETS      

Current assets:

     

Cash and cash equivalents

   $ 16,990    $ 53,109

Inventories

     54,532      50,905

Receivables

     8,791      7,389

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

     16,302      11,805

Deferred tax assets

     2,690      2,388
             

Total current assets

     99,305      125,596

Property and equipment, net

     137,414      130,347

Goodwill

     43,068      41,827

Other intangible assets, net

     2,799      2,873

Other assets, net

     12,455      4,027
             

Total Assets

   $ 295,041    $ 304,670
             
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY      

Current liabilities:

     

Accounts payable

   $ 35,761    $ 45,561

Accrued expenses

     7,281      16,301

Gift cards and customer deposits

     18,610      28,128

Deferred revenue

     7,350      6,454
             

Total current liabilities

     69,002      96,444
             

Deferred franchise revenue

     2,568      2,297

Deferred rent

     39,160      34,754

Other liabilities

     221      352

Deferred tax liabilities

     476      459

Stockholders’ equity:

     

Preferred stock, par value $0.01, Shares authorized: 15,000,000; No shares issued or outstanding at September 29, 2007 and December 30, 2006

     —        —  

Common stock, par value $0.01, Shares authorized: 50,000,000; Issued and outstanding: 20,636,483 and 20,537,421 shares, respectively

     207      205

Additional paid-in capital

     87,138      88,866

Accumulated other comprehensive income

     7,447      5,103

Retained earnings

     88,822      76,190
             

Total stockholders’ equity

     183,614      170,364
             

Total Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity

   $ 295,041    $ 304,670
             

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

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Table of Contents

BUILD-A-BEAR WORKSHOP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

(Unaudited)

(Dollars in thousands, except share and per share data)

 

     Thirteen weeks ended     Thirty-nine weeks ended  
     September 29,
2007
    September 30,
2006
    September 29,
2007
    September 30,
2006
 

Revenues:

        

Net retail sales

   $ 108,357     $ 100,582     $ 323,342     $ 291,274  

Franchise fees

     934       649       2,306       1,975  

Licensing revenue

     474       288       1,314       558  
                                

Total revenues

     109,765       101,519       326,962       293,807  
                                

Costs and expenses:

        

Cost of merchandise sold

     61,387       58,130       181,176       160,180  

Selling, general and administrative

     42,547       38,073       123,374       108,307  

Store preopening

     1,430       1,127       3,487       3,324  

Interest expense (income), net

     (388 )     (192 )     (1,289 )     (1,357 )
                                

Total costs and expenses

     104,976       97,138       306,748       270,454  
                                

Income before income taxes

     4,789       4,381       20,214       23,353  

Income tax expense

     1,812       1,669       7,580       9,296  
                                

Net income

   $ 2,977     $ 2,712     $ 12,634     $ 14,057  
                                

Earnings per common share:

        

Basic

   $ 0.15     $ 0.13     $ 0.62     $ 0.70  
                                

Diluted

   $ 0.15     $ 0.13     $ 0.62     $ 0.69  
                                

Shares used in computing common per share amounts:

        

Basic

     20,242,402       20,176,642       20,248,949       20,135,944  

Diluted

     20,411,095       20,438,226       20,454,767       20,429,034  

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

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BUILD-A-BEAR WORKSHOP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(Unaudited)

(in thousands)

 

     Thirty-nine weeks ended  
     September 29,
2007
    September 30,
2006
 

Cash flows from operating activities:

    

Net income

   $ 12,634     $ 14,057  

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

    

Depreciation and amortization

     19,207       16,049  

Deferred taxes

     (627 )     (3,195 )

Tax benefit from stock option exercises

     (225 )     (802 )

Loss on disposal of property and equipment

     287       73  

Stock-based compensation

     2,213       1,959  

Change in assets and liabilities:

    

Inventories

     (4,026 )     (4,690 )

Receivables

     (1,759 )     77  

Prepaid expenses and other assets

     (5,057 )     (2,599 )

Accounts payable

     (8,332 )     (7,650 )

Accrued expenses and other liabilities

     (14,041 )     (9,899 )
                

Net cash provided by operating activities

     274       3,380  
                

Cash flows from investing activities:

    

Purchases of property and equipment, net

     (24,812 )     (46,054 )

Purchases of other assets and other intangible assets

     (8,198 )     (1,720 )

Purchases of business, net of cash acquired

     —         (39,061 )
                

Cash flow used in investing activities

     (33,010 )     (86,835 )
                

Cash flows from financing activities:

    

Exercise of employee stock options and employee stock purchases

     554       1,492  

Purchases of Company’s common stock

     (4,270 )     —    

Tax benefit from stock option exercises

     225       802  
                

Cash flow (used in) provided by financing activities

     (3,491 )     2,294  
                

Effect of exchange rates on cash

     108       48  
                

Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents

     (36,119 )     (81,113 )

Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period

     53,109       90,950  
                

Cash and cash equivalents, end of period

   $ 16,990     $ 9,837  
                

Supplemental disclsoure of cash flow information:

    

Cash paid during the period for:

    

Income taxes

   $ 19,763     $ 18,835  

Noncash Transactions:

    

Return of common stock in lieu of tax witholdings and option exercises

   $ 501     $ 211  

Return of common stock for repayment of note receivable from officer

   $ —       $ 141  

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

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Table of Contents

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

1. Basis of Presentation

The condensed consolidated financial statements included herein are unaudited and have been prepared by Build-A-Bear Workshop, Inc. and its subsidiaries (collectively, the “Company”) pursuant to the rules and regulations of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) have been condensed or omitted pursuant to such rules and regulations. The condensed consolidated balance sheet of the Company as of December 30, 2006 (revised) was derived from the Company’s audited consolidated balance sheet as of that date. All other condensed consolidated financial statements contained herein are unaudited and reflect all adjustments which are, in the opinion of management, necessary to summarize fairly the financial position of the Company and the results of the Company’s operations and cash flows for the periods presented. All of these adjustments are of a normal recurring nature. All significant intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. Because of the seasonal nature of the Company’s operations, results of operations of any single reporting period should not be considered as indicative of results for a full year. These condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the Company’s audited consolidated financial statements for the fiscal year ended December 30, 2006 included in the Company’s annual report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC on March 15, 2007.

2. Correction to Prior Periods

During the third quarter of 2007, the Company determined that it had incorrectly reported depreciation and amortization and purchases of property and equipment, net, in the consolidated statements of cash flows for the twenty-six weeks ended June 30, 2007. The $1.3 million error resulted in the understatement of cash used in operating activities and the overstatement of cash used in investing activities. The net change in cash and cash equivalents was not impacted. This also resulted in a $1.3 million overstatement of capital expenditures and depreciation and amortization for the retail segment as presented in the segment footnote. The error had no impact to the consolidated balance sheet as of June 30, 2007, the consolidated statement of operations for the twenty-six weeks ended June 30, 2007, or the net decrease in cash and cash equivalents reported in the consolidated statement of cash flows as of June 30, 2007.

In connection with the Company’s acquisition of The Bear Factory Limited, a stuffed animal retailer in the United Kingdom, and Amsbra Limited, the Company’s former United Kingdom franchisee, the Company recorded goodwill. As noted in the Company’s Form 10-Q for the second quarter of 2007, the Company determined that it had incorrectly accounted for the note receivable and related interest due from Amsbra Limited and subsequent foreign currency translation effects resulting in understatements of goodwill, other comprehensive income, and comprehensive income, and an overstatement in accounts payable. In addition, comprehensive income in the second quarter was misstated and should have been reported as $2.7 million and $10.9 million in the thirteen weeks and twenty-six weeks ended June 30, 2007, respectively. The correction had no impact on the consolidated statement of operations or consolidated statement of cash flows as of December 30, 2006. Based on the above assessments the Company has revised the December 30, 2006 consolidated balance sheet within this filing. The impact of the error as of December 30, 2006 resulted in an increase in goodwill of $4.9 million, an increase in other comprehensive income and comprehensive income of $6.1 million and a reduction in accounts payable of $1.2 million.

As a result of the errors discussed above the Company will restate its previously reported amounts for comprehensive income for the thirteen and twenty-six weeks ended June, 30, 2007 and its statement of cash flows for the twenty-six weeks ended June 30, 2007. The errors had no impact to the consolidated balance sheet as of June 30, 2007, the consolidated statement of operations for the twenty-six weeks ended June 30, 2007, or the net decrease in cash and cash equivalents reported in the consolidated statement of cash flows as of June 30, 2007.

3. Business Acquisition

On April 2, 2006, the Company acquired all of the outstanding shares of The Bear Factory Limited (Bear Factory), a stuffed animal retailer in the United Kingdom, and Amsbra Limited (Amsbra), the Company’s former U.K. franchisee (collectively, the U.K. Acquisition). The results of the U.K. Acquisition operations have been included in the consolidated financial statements since that date. In conjunction with those transactions, we obtained 40 retail locations in the United Kingdom and Ireland. The aggregate cash purchase price for the U.K. Acquisition was $39.6 million, excluding cash acquired of $0.3 million. In addition to the cash purchase price, the Company had previously advanced $4.5 million to Amsbra as a note receivable. The amount of this note receivable and the related accrued interest is a component of the purchase price.

The following table summarizes the estimated fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed at the date of U.K. Acquisition (in thousands):

 

Current assets

   $ 7,750  

Property and equipment

     6,192  

Goodwill

     35,641  

Intangibles

     1,824  
        

Total assets acquired

     51,407  

Current liabilities assumed

     (9,357 )
        

Total purchase price

   $ 42,050  
        

 

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The following unaudited pro forma summary presents the Company’s revenue, net income, basic earnings per share and diluted earnings per share as if the U.K. Acquisition had occurred on January 1, 2006 (in thousands, except per share data):

 

     Thirteen Weeks Ended    Thirty-nine Weeks Ended
     September 29,
2007
   September 30,
2006
   September 29,
2007
   September 30,
2006

Revenue

   $ 109,765    $ 101,519    $ 326,962    $ 303,031

Net income

     2,977      2,712      12,634      12,462

Basic earnings per common share:

   $ 0.15    $ 0.13    $ 0.62    $ 0.62

Diluted earnings per common share:

   $ 0.15    $ 0.13    $ 0.62    $ 0.61

Pro forma adjustments have been made to reflect depreciation and amortization using estimated asset values recognized after applying purchase accounting adjustments.

This pro forma information is presented for informational purposes only and is not necessarily indicative of actual results had the acquisition been effected at the beginning of the respective periods presented, and is not necessarily indicative of future results.

4. Goodwill

In connection with our U.K. Acquisition, we recorded goodwill. This asset was recorded in accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 141, “Business Combinations” and is reported as a component of the Company’s retail segment. The following table summarizes the changes in goodwill for the thirty-nine weeks ended September 29, 2007 (in thousands):

 

Balance as of December 30, 2006

   $ 41,827  

Purchase price adjustments

     (245 )

Effect of foreign currency translation

     1,486  
        

Balance as of September 29, 2007

   $ 43,068  
        

Goodwill is not subject to amortization and is tested for impairment annually or more frequently if events or changes in circumstances indicate that the asset might be impaired. This testing requires comparison of carrying values to fair values, and when appropriate, the carrying values of impaired assets is reduced to fair value. Goodwill will be reviewed as of December 29, 2007.

 

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5. Stock-based Compensation

In December 2004, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued SFAS No. 123 (revised 2004), Share-Based Payment (SFAS 123R). SFAS 123R requires companies to recognize the cost of awards of equity instruments, such as stock options and restricted stock, based on the fair value of those awards at the date of grant and eliminates the choice to account for employee stock options under Accounting Principles Board (APB) Opinion No. 25, Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees (APB 25). The Company adopted SFAS 123R effective January 1, 2006 using the modified prospective method. Under this method, in addition to reflecting compensation expense for new share-based awards, expense is also recognized to reflect the remaining service period of awards that had been included in pro forma disclosures in prior periods. Prior to January 1, 2006, the fair value of restricted stock awards was expensed by the Company over the vesting period, while compensation expense for stock options was recognized over the vesting period only to the extent that the grant date market price of the stock exceeded the exercise price of the options.

For the thirteen weeks ended September 29, 2007, selling, general and administrative expense includes $0.8 million ($0.5 million after tax) of stock-based compensation expense. For the thirteen weeks ended September 30, 2006, selling, general and administrative expenses includes $0.7 million ($0.4 million after tax) of stock-based compensation expense.

For the thirty-nine weeks ended September 29, 2007, selling, general and administrative expense includes $2.3 million ($1.4 million after tax) of stock-based compensation expense. For the thirty-nine weeks ended September 30, 2006, selling, general and administrative expenses includes $2.2 million ($1.1 million after tax) of stock-based compensation expense.

As of September 29, 2007, there was $7.5 million of total unrecognized compensation expense related to nonvested restricted stock awards and options which is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 3.04 years.

Upon adoption of SFAS 123R, the Company made a policy decision that the straight-line expense attribution method would be utilized for all future stock-based compensation awards with graded vesting.

6. Stock Incentive Plans

In 2000, the Company adopted the Build-A-Bear Workshop, Inc. 2000 Stock Option Plan. In 2003, the Company adopted the Build-A-Bear Workshop, Inc. 2002 Stock Incentive Plan, and, in 2004, the Company adopted the Build-A-Bear Workshop, Inc. 2004 Stock Incentive Plan (collectively, the Plans).

Under the Plans, as amended, up to 3,700,000 shares of common stock were reserved and may be granted to employees and nonemployees of the Company. The Plans allow for the grant of incentive stock options, nonqualified stock options, and restricted stock. Options granted under the Plans expire no later than 10 years from the date of the grant. The exercise price of each incentive stock option shall not be less than 100% of the fair value of the stock subject to the option on the date the option is granted. The exercise price of the nonqualified options shall be determined from time to time by the compensation committee of the board of directors (the Committee). The vesting provision of individual awards is at the discretion of the Committee and generally ranges from one to four years.

 

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Table of Contents

(a) Stock Options

The following table is a summary of the balances and activity for the Plans related to stock options for the thirty-nine weeks ended September 29, 2007:

 

     Number of
Shares
   Weighted
Average
Exercise Price
   Weighted
Average
Remaining
Contractual Term
   Aggregate
Intrinsic
Value
                    (in thousands)

Outstanding, December 30, 2006

   529,200    $ 16.10      

Granted

   —        —        

Exercised

   74,142      7.47      

Forfeited

   29,387      33.05      

Outstanding, September 29, 2007

   425,671    $ 16.43    5.1    $ 4,134
                       

Options Exercisable As Of:

           

September 29, 2007

   425,671    $ 16.43    5.1    $ 4,134
                       

The total intrinsic value of options exercised in the thirty-nine weeks ended September 29, 2007 and September 30, 2006 was approximately $1.4 million and $3.4 million, respectively. The Company generally issues new shares to satisfy option exercises.

(b) Restricted Stock

The following table is a summary of the balances and activity for the Plans related to restricted stock granted as compensation to employees and directors for the thirty-nine weeks ended September 29, 2007:

 

     Number of
Shares
   Weighted
Average Grant
Date Fair Value
per Award

Outstanding, December 30, 2006

   228,831    $ 30.06

Granted

   230,228      27.50

Vested

   57,430      28.59

Canceled or expired

   21,366      28.26
           

Outstanding, September 29, 2007

   380,263    $ 28.83
           

The total fair value of shares vested during the thirty-nine weeks ended September 29, 2007 and September 30, 2006 was $1.6 million and $0.5 million, respectively.

(c) Associate Stock Purchase Plan

In October 2004, the Company adopted an Associate Stock Purchase Plan (ASPP). Under the ASPP, substantially all full-time employees are given the right to purchase shares of the Company’s common stock, subject to certain limitations, at 85% of the lesser of the fair market value on the purchase date or the beginning of each purchase period. Up to 1,000,000 shares of the Company’s common stock are available for issuance under the ASPP. The employees of the Company purchased 7,617 shares at $15.49 per share through the ASPP during the thirteen weeks ended September 29, 2007. The employees purchased 20,132 shares at $19.88 per share through the ASPP during the thirty-nine weeks ended September 29, 2007. The expense recorded related to the ASPP during the thirteen and thirty-nine weeks ended September 29, 2007 was determined using the Black-Scholes option pricing model and the provisions of FASB Technical Bulletin 97-1, Accounting under Statement 123 for Certain Employee

 

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Stock Purchase Plans with a Look-Back Option (FTB 97-1), as amended by SFAS 123R. The assumptions used in the option pricing model for the thirteen and thirty-nine weeks ended September 30, 2006 were: (a) dividend yield of 0%; (b) volatility of 20%; (c) risk-free interest rate of 6.0%; and (d) an expected life of 0.25 years. Prior to the adoption of SFAS 123R, the ASPP was considered noncompensatory and no expense was recorded in the consolidated statement of operations.

7. Earnings per Share

The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted earnings per share (in thousands, except share and per share data):

 

     Thirteen weeks ended    Thirty-nine weeks ended
     September 29,
2007
   September 30,
2006
   September 29,
2007
   September 30,
2006

Net income

   $ 2,977    $ 2,712    $ 12,634    $ 14,057
                           

Weighted average number of common shares outstanding

     20,242,402      20,176,642      20,248,949      20,135,944
                           

Effect of dilutive securities:

           

Stock options

     133,036      210,586      158,018      246,839

Restricted stock

     35,657      50,998      47,800      46,251
                           

Weighted average number of common shares outstanding—dilutive

     20,411,095      20,438,226      20,454,767      20,429,034
                           

Earnings per share:

           

Basic:

   $ 0.15    $ 0.13    $ 0.62    $ 0.70
                           

Diluted

   $ 0.15    $ 0.13    $ 0.62    $ 0.69
                           

In calculating diluted earnings per share for the thirteen and thirty-nine weeks ended September 29, 2007, options to purchase 141,096 shares of common stock were outstanding as of the end of the period, but were not included in the computation of diluted earnings per share due to their anti-dilutive effect. An additional 333,068 shares of restricted common stock were outstanding at the end of the period, but excluded from the calculation of diluted earnings per share due to their anti-dilutive effect under the provisions of SFAS No. 128, Earnings per Share (SFAS No. 128).

In calculating diluted earnings per share for the thirteen and thirty-nine weeks ended September 30, 2006, options to purchase 203,804 shares of common stock were outstanding as of the end of the period, but were not included in the computation of diluted earnings per share due to their anti-dilutive effect. An additional 202,381 shares of restricted common stock were outstanding at the end of the period, but excluded from the calculation of diluted earnings per share due to their anti-dilutive effect under the provisions of SFAS No. 128.

8. Comprehensive Income

Comprehensive income for the thirteen weeks ended September 29, 2007 and September 30, 2006 was $4.1 million and $3.6 million, respectively, and for the thirty-nine week period ended September 29, 2007 and September 30, 2006 was $15.0 million and $17.2 million, respectively. The difference between comprehensive income and net income resulted from foreign currency translation adjustments.

 

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9. Property and Equipment

Property and equipment consist of the following (in thousands):

 

     September 29,
2007
   December 30,
2006

Land

   $ 2,261    $ 2,261

Furniture and fixtures

     44,611      33,938

Computer hardware

     17,353      15,649

Building

     14,970      14,970

Leasehold improvements

     135,502      122,043

Computer software

     16,701      12,988

Construction in progress

     5,039      2,200
             
     236,437      204,049

Less accumulated depreciation

     99,023      73,702
             
   $ 137,414    $ 130,347
             

10. Income Taxes

The Company adopted the provisions of Financial Standards Accounting Board Interpretation No. 48 Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes an interpretation of FASB Statement No. 109 (FIN 48) on December 31, 2006. As a result of the implementation of FIN 48, the Company did not record a material adjustment in the liability for unrecognized income tax benefits. At the adoption date of December 31, 2006, there was approximately $1.2 million of unrecognized tax benefits, all of which would affect the Company’s effective tax rate if recognized. At September 29, 2007, there is approximately $1.2 million of unrecognized tax benefits. In the next twelve months, management of the Company does not expect any significant changes.

The Company recognizes interest and penalties related to uncertain tax positions in income tax expense. As of September 29, 2007, there is approximately $0.1 million of accrued interest related to uncertain tax positions.

The tax years 2004-2006 remain open to examination by the major taxing jurisdictions to which the Company is subject. During the quarter, the Company received notification that the IRS will examine the fiscal 2005 federal tax return.

11. Segment Information

The Company’s operations are conducted through three reportable segments consisting of retail, international franchising, and licensing and entertainment. The retail segment includes the operating activities of company-owned stores in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Ireland, France, and other retail delivery operations, including the Company’s web store and non-traditional store locations such as baseball ballparks. The international franchising segment includes the licensing activities of the Company’s franchise agreements with store locations in Europe, Asia, Africa, and Australia. The licensing and entertainment segment has been established to market the naming and branding rights of the Company’s intellectual properties for third party use. These operating segments represent the basis on which the Company’s chief operating decision-maker regularly evaluates the business in assessing performance, determining the allocation of resources and the pursuit of future growth opportunities. The operating segments have discrete sources of revenue, different capital structures and different cost structures. The reporting segments follow the same accounting policies used for the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

 

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Following is a summary of the financial information for the Company’s reporting segments (in thousands):

 

     Retail    International
Franchising
   Licensing &
Entertainment
   Total

Thirteen weeks ended September 29, 2007

           

Net sales to external customers

   $ 108,357    $ 934    $ 474    $ 109,765

Net income before income taxes

     3,993      470      326      4,789

Capital expenditures

     12,341      123      —        12,464

Depreciation and amortization

     6,458      127      3      6,588

Thirteen weeks ended September 30, 2006

           

Net sales to external customers

     100,582      649      288      101,519

Net income before income taxes

     4,018      349      14      4,381

Capital expenditures

     15,937      65      —        16,002

Depreciation and amortization

     5,027      148      5      5,180

Thirty-nine weeks ended September 29, 2007

           

Net sales to external customers

   $ 323,342    $ 2,306    $ 1,314    $ 326,962

Net income before income taxes

     18,382      854      978      20,214

Capital expenditures

     29,367      240      —        29,607

Depreciation and amortization

     18,828      371      8      19,207

Thirty-nine weeks ended September 30, 2006

           

Net sales to external customers

     291,274      1,975      558      293,807

Net income before income taxes

     22,361      838      154      23,353

Capital expenditures

     47,067      288      —        47,355

Depreciation and amortization

     15,533      507      9      16,049

Total Assets as of:

           

September 29, 2007

   $ 290,100    $ 2,621    $ 2,320    $ 295,041

September 30, 2006 (Revised)

     254,132      2,345      1,517      257,994

The Company’s reportable segments are primarily determined by the types of products and services that they offer. Each reportable segment may operate in many geographic areas. The Company allocates revenues to geographic areas based on the location of the customer or franchisee. The following schedule is a summary of the Company’s sales to external and long-lived assets by geographic area (in thousands):

 

     North
America
   Europe    Other    Total

Thirteen weeks ended September 29, 2007

           

Net sales to external customers

   $ 95,131    $ 13,700    $ 934    $ 109,765

Property and equipment, net

     118,328      19,075      11      137,414

Thirteen weeks ended September 30, 2006

           

Net sales to external customers

     91,450      9,420      649      101,519

Property and equipment, net

     116,627      12,521      21      129,169

Thirty-nine weeks ended September 29, 2007

           

Net sales to external customers

   $ 289,183    $ 35,473    $ 2,306    $ 326,962

Property and equipment, net

     118,328      19,075      11      137,414

Thirty-nine weeks ended September 30, 2006

           

Net sales to external customers

     274,911      16,920      1,976      293,807

Property and equipment, net

     116,627      12,521      21      129,169

 

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12. New Accounting Pronouncements

In September 2006, the FASB issued SFAS 157, Fair Value Measurements (SFAS 157). SFAS 157 defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value under GAAP, and expands disclosures about fair value measurements. SFAS 157 emphasizes that fair value is a market-based measurement, not an entity-specific measurement, and states that a fair value measurement should be determined based on assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability. The Company is required to adopt SFAS 157 in the first quarter of 2008. The Company is currently assessing the financial impact of SFAS 157 on its consolidated financial statements.

In February 2007, the FASB issued SFAS 159, The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities (SFAS 159). SFAS 159 permits an entity to measure certain financial assets and liabilities at fair value. The statement’s objective is to improve financial reporting by allowing entities to mitigate volatility in reported earnings caused by the measurement of related assets and liabilities using different attributes, without having to apply complex hedge accounting provisions. This statement becomes effective for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007 and should be applied prospectively. It is expected that this statement will not have a material effect on the Company’s financial statements.

13. Investment in Unconsolidated Subsidiary

The Company holds a minority interest in RidemakerZ, LLC, (previously Retail Entertainment Concepts, LLC). RidemakerZ is an early-stage company that has developed an interactive retail concept that allows children and families to build and customize their own personalized cars. On April 30, 2007 the Company entered into a series of agreements whereby the Company agreed to perform advisory and operational support services for RidemakerZ in exchange for additional equity. The Company records the additional equity from the performance of these services quarterly. As of September 29, 2007, the investment in Ridemakerz was approximately $4.0 million. RidemakerZ is considered a variable-interest entity, for which the Company is not the primary beneficiary of gains or losses. Accordingly, the Company does not expect to be allocated gains or losses in fiscal 2007. Under the current agreements, Build-A-Bear Workshop, Inc. could own up to approximately 34% of fully diluted equity in RidemakerZ by early 2008. Due to the structure of the Company’s investment in RidemakerZ, the Company does not anticipate incurring any loss allocation in 2007.

As of September 29, 2007 and December 30, 2006, outstanding receivables from RidemakerZ were $1.2 million and $-0-, respectively.

 

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

The following Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. Our actual results may differ materially from the results discussed in the forward-looking statements. These risks and uncertainties include, without limitation, those detailed under the caption “Risk Factors” in our annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 30, 2006, as filed with the SEC, and the following: we may be unable to generate interest in and demand for our interactive retail experience, or to identify and respond to consumer preferences in a timely fashion; we do not know the results of the strategic alternatives evaluation process announced on June 28, 2007 or whether the process will result in any changes to the company’s business plan or lead to any specific action or transaction; our marketing initiatives may not be effective in generating sufficient levels of brand awareness and guest traffic; we may be unable to generate comparable store sales growth; we may be unable to open new stores or may be unable to effectively manage our growth; we may be unable to effectively manage our international franchises or laws relating to those franchises may change; we may be unable to realize some of the expected benefits of the acquisition of Amsbra and Bear Factory including making these operations profitable; customer traffic may decrease in the shopping malls where we are located, on which we depend to attract guests to our stores; general economic conditions may deteriorate, which could lead to disproportionately reduced consumer demand for our products, which represent relatively discretionary spending; our market share could be adversely affected by a significant, or increased, number of competitors; we may lose key personnel, be unable to hire qualified additional personnel, or experience turnover of our management team; the ability of our principal vendors to deliver merchandise may be disrupted; the availability and costs of our products could be adversely affected by risks associated with international manufacturing and trade; high petroleum products prices could increase our inventory transportation costs and adversely affect our profitability; our products could become subject to recalls or product liability claims that could adversely impact our financial performance and harm our reputation among consumers; we may be unable to realize the anticipated benefits from our company-owned distribution center; fluctuations in our quarterly results of operations could cause the price of our common stock to substantially decline; we may fail to renew, register or otherwise protect our trademarks or other intellectual property; we may have disputes with, or be sued by, third parties for infringement or misappropriation of their proprietary rights; we may be unable to renew or replace our store leases, or enter into leases for new stores on favorable terms or in favorable locations, or may violate the terms of our current leases; we may suffer negative publicity or be sued due to violations of labor laws or unethical practices by manufacturers of our merchandise; and we may improperly obtain or be unable to protect information from our guests in violation of privacy or security laws or expectations.

These risks, uncertainties and other factors may adversely affect our business, growth, financial condition or profitability, or subject us to potential liability, and cause our actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from those expressed or implied by our forward-looking statements. The Company undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

Overview

We are the leading, and only international, company providing a “make your own stuffed animal” interactive entertainment experience under the Build-A-Bear Workshop brand, in which our guests stuff, fluff, dress, accessorize and name their own teddy bears and other stuffed animals. Our concept, which we developed primarily for mall-based retailing, capitalizes on what we believe is the relatively untapped demand for experience-based shopping as well as the widespread appeal of stuffed animals. The Build-A-Bear Workshop experience appeals to a broad range of age groups and demographics, including children, teens, their parents and grandparents.

As of September 29, 2007, we operated 264 stores in 46 states, Canada, and Puerto Rico, 45 stores in the United Kingdom, Ireland and France, and had 46 franchised stores operating internationally under the Build-A-Bear Workshop brand. In addition to our stores, we market our products and build our brand

 

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through our website, which simulates our interactive shopping experience, as well as non-traditional store locations in Major League Baseball® ballparks, one location in a zoo, one location in a science center and our presence at event-based locations through our mobile store.

On June 28, 2007, the Company announced that it had retained Lehman Brothers to assist it and the board of directors in an analysis and consideration of a broad range of potential strategic alternatives to enhance long-term shareholder value. While the process is underway, the Company does not expect to disclose further developments regarding the process until the Board’s review of strategic alternatives has been completed. There is no assurance that the process will result in any changes to the Company’s current business plans or lead to any specific action or transaction.

On April 2, 2006, the Company acquired all of the outstanding shares of The Bear Factory Limited (Bear Factory), a stuffed animal retailer in the United Kingdom, and Amsbra Limited (Amsbra), the Company’s former U.K. franchisee (collectively, the U.K. Acquisition). The results of the U.K. Acquisition operations have been included in the Company’s consolidated financial statements since that date. In conjunction with those transactions, we obtained 40 retail locations in the United Kingdom and Ireland. Four of those locations closed during 2006. Of those four locations, two closed due to overlapping store locations in the Amsbra and Bear Factory portfolios, and the other two locations were concessions within department stores which was a format we chose not to continue. The Company expects to improve sales performance and adopt best practices in the areas of merchandising, marketing, purchasing and store operations, across the acquired store base.

In 2007, the Company expanded its Company-owned store base to France, which was previously under a franchise agreement and had one store in operation. The Company is now operating two Company-owned stores in France.

We operate in three reportable segments (retail, international franchising, and licensing and entertainment) that share the same infrastructure, including management, systems, merchandising and marketing, and generate revenues as follows:

 

   

Company-owned retail stores located in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Ireland, France, two webstores and seasonal, event-based locations;

 

   

International stores operated under franchise agreements; and

 

   

License arrangements with third parties which manufacture and sell to other retailers merchandise carrying the Build-A-Bear Workshop brand.

Selected financial data attributable to each segment for the thirteen and thirty-nine weeks ended September 29, 2007 and September 30, 2006 are set forth in the notes to our condensed consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this quarterly report on Form 10-Q.

Store contribution, for our consolidated operations, was 20.9% for the thirty-nine weeks ended September 29, 2007 and 22.8% for the thirty-nine weeks ended September 30, 2006 and consolidated net income as a percentage of total revenues was 3.9% for the thirty-nine weeks ended September 29, 2007 and 4.8% for the thirty-nine weeks ended September 30, 2006. See “— Non-GAAP Financial Measures” for a definition of store contribution and a reconciliation of store contribution to net income. The decrease in our store contribution over the prior year was primarily due to the decline in gross margin. The decrease in gross margin primarily resulted from a lack of sales leverage on store occupancy costs. We have maintained what we believe to be a high store contribution level through the creation of economies of scale which allow us to decrease the cost of our product on a per unit basis and continued expense management through labor planning and the monitoring of store supplies and other expenses.

 

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We use comparable store sales as one of the performance measures for our business. The percentage decrease in comparable store sales for the periods presented below is as follows:

 

Thirteen Weeks Ended    

Thirty-nine Weeks Ended

 
September 29,
2007
    September 30,
2006
   

September 29,
2007

   September 30,
2006
 
(10.1 )%   (5.8 )%   (8.7)%    (4.6 )%

We believe the decline in comparable store sales for the periods presented is primarily attributable to the following factors:

 

   

A decline in shopping mall customer traffic and consumer discretionary spending.

 

   

Changes in media, online entertainment, children’s media consumption, and play patterns, particularly for girls.

 

   

Lower than expected customer purchases of select licensed movie products introduced in the fiscal 2007 second quarter.

The Company is addressing the decline in comparable store sales with the following key initiatives:

 

   

Increased emphasis on product newness and product collectibility.

 

   

Expanded national TV advertising and shifted mix of advertising between women’s and children’s TV programming.

 

   

Enhanced communications to the Company’s loyalty program members with improved timing, personalization and incentives to over 4 million members enrolled in the program.

 

   

Significant expansion and enhancement to the Company’s new virtual world website, Buildabearville.com, to create a social networking community and interactive play platform that leverages the customer store experience and creates higher brand engagement across both physical and virtual world platforms.

Expansion and Growth Potential

Retail Stores:

The table below sets forth the number of Build-A-Bear Workshop Company-owned stores in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Ireland, and France for the periods presented:

 

     Thirty-nine weeks ended  
     September 29,
2007
   September 30,
2006
 

Beginning of period

   271    200  

UK acquisition

   —      40  

Opened

   38    26  

Closed

   —      (2 )
           

End of period

   309    264  
           

During fiscal 2007, we anticipate opening 39 Build-A-Bear Workshop stores in the United States and Canada, eight new stores in the United Kingdom and Ireland, and three new stores in France. We believe there is a market potential for at least 350 Build-A-Bear Workshop stores in the United States and Canada, approximately 70 to 75 stores in the United Kingdom and Ireland, and approximately 50 stores in France.

 

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We also have store locations for our proprietary “Friends 2B Made” line of make-your-own dolls and related products. As of September 29, 2007, we operated one stand-alone Friends 2B Made store and eight Friends 2B Made stores adjacent to or within Build-A-Bear Workshop stores in the United States. Other than the one stand-alone store, these Friends 2B Made stores are not considered new stores but rather expansions of existing Build-A-Bear Workshop stores.

Non-Store Locations:

In fiscal 2004, we began offering merchandise in seasonal, event-based locations such as Major League Baseball® ballparks, as well as at temporary locations such as at the NBA All-Star Jam Session. We expect to expand our future presence at select seasonal, event-based locations contingent on their availability. As of the end of September 29, 2007, we had a total of five ballpark locations, one store within a zoo and one store within a science center.

International Franchise Revenue:

Our first franchised location opened in November 2003. The number of international, franchised stores for the periods presented below can be summarized as follows:

 

     Thirty-nine weeks ended  
     September 29,
2007
    September 30,
2006
 

Beginning of period

   34     30  

U.K. Acquisition

   —       (11 )

Opened

   15     8  

Closed

   (3 )   —    
            

End of period

   46     27  
            

As of September 29, 2007, we had master franchise agreements, which typically grant franchise rights for a particular country or countries, covering 21 countries. We anticipate signing additional master franchise agreements in the future. We expect our franchisees to open a total of 19 stores in fiscal 2007. We believe there is a market potential for approximately 300 franchised stores outside of the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Ireland and France.

 

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Results of Operations

The following table sets forth, for the periods indicated, selected statement of operation data expressed as a percentage of total revenues, except where otherwise indicated. Percentages will not total due to the cost of merchandise sold being expressed as a percentage of net retail sales and immaterial rounding:

BUILD-A-BEAR WORKSHOP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

(Unaudited)

 

     Thirteen weeks ended     Thirty-nine weeks ended  
     September 29,
2007
    September 30,
2006
    September 29,
2007
    September 30,
2006
 

Revenues:

        

Net retail sales

   98.7     99.1     98.9     99.1  

Franchise fees

   0.9     0.6     0.7     0.7  

Licensing revenue

   0.4     0.3     0.4     0.2  
                        

Total revenues

   100.0     100.0     100.0     100.0  
                        

Costs and expenses:

        

Cost of merchandise sold (1)

   56.7     57.8     56.0     55.0  

Selling, general and administrative

   38.8     37.5     37.7     36.9  

Store preopening

   1.3     1.1     1.1     1.1  

Interest expense (income), net

   (0.4 )   (0.2 )   (0.4 )   (0.5 )
                        

Total costs and expenses

   95.6     95.7     93.8     92.1  
                        

Income before income taxes

   4.4     4.3     6.2     7.9  

Income tax expense

   1.7     1.6     2.3     3.2  
                        

Net income

   2.7     2.7     3.9     4.7  
                        

Gross Margin % (2)

   43.3 %   42.2 %   44.0 %   45.0 %

(1) Cost of merchandise sold is expressed as a percentage of net retail sales.
(2) Gross margin represents net retail sales less cost of merchandise sold. Gross margin percentage represents gross margin divided by net retail sales.

Thirteen weeks ended September 29, 2007 compared to thirteen weeks ended September 30, 2006

Total revenues. Net retail sales increased to $108.4 million for the thirteen weeks ended September 29, 2007 from $100.6 million for the thirteen weeks ended September 30, 2006, an increase of $7.8 million, or 7.8%. Net retail sales for new stores in North America contributed an $11.4 million increase in net retail sales. Store sales from European operations increased $3.3 million from the same period in the prior year. Sales over the Internet increased by $0.2 million, or 10.2%. North American comparable store sales decreased $8.9 million, or 10.1%. An increase of $1.8 million of other items, including, but not limited to the impact of foreign currency translation, deferred revenue adjustment, and decrease in non-store location sales, compared to the prior period also contributed to the increase in net retail sales.

We believe the decline in comparable store sales was attributed primarily to the following factors:

 

   

A decline in shopping mall customer traffic and consumer discretionary spending.

 

   

Changes in media, online entertainment, children’s media consumption, and play patterns, particularly for girls.

 

   

Lower than expected customer purchases of select licensed movie products introduced in the fiscal 2007 second quarter.

 

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Revenue from franchise fees increased to $0.9 million for the thirteen weeks ended September 29, 2007 from $0.6 million for the thirteen weeks ended September 30, 2006, an increase of $0.3 million. This increase was primarily due to the addition of new franchise agreements and new franchised stores opened in the past year. Revenue from licensing increased to $0.5 million for the thirteen weeks ended September 29, 2007 from $0.3 million for the thirteen weeks ended September 30, 2006, an increase of $0.2 million. This increase was primarily related to increased licensing activities.

Gross margin. Gross margin increased to $47.0 million for the thirteen weeks ended September 29, 2007 from $42.5 million for the thirteen weeks ended September 30, 2006, an increase of $4.5 million, or 10.6%. As a percentage of net retail sales, gross margin grew to 43.3% for the thirteen weeks ended September 29, 2007 from 42.2% for the thirteen weeks ended September 30, 2006, an increase of 1.1%. This increase resulted primarily from lower warehouse and distribution costs, and improvement in merchandise margin, partially offset by a lack of sales leverage on store occupancy costs as a percentage of net retail sales.

Selling, general and administrative. Selling, general and administrative expenses were $42.5 million for the thirteen weeks ended September 29, 2007 as compared to $38.1 million for the thirteen weeks ended September 30, 2006, an increase of $4.4 million, or 11.5%. As a percentage of total revenues, selling, general and administrative expenses increased to 38.8% for the thirteen weeks ended September 29, 2007 as compared to 37.5% for the thirteen weeks ended September 30, 2006, a increase of 1.3%. The dollar increase was primarily due to having 45 more stores in operation at September 29, 2007 as compared to September 30, 2006. The increase in selling, general and administrative expenses as a percent of revenue was primarily due to an increase in advertising expenses and costs associated with the review of strategic alternatives. Partially offsetting this increase were modest efficiencies in the company’s store payroll expenses. Selling, general, and administrative expenses for the thirteen weeks ended September 29, 2007 included $0.5 million of spending related to the analysis of strategic alternatives.

Store preopening. Store preopening expense was $1.4 million for the thirteen weeks ended September 29, 2007 as compared to $1.1 million for the thirteen weeks ended September 30, 2006. The increase in store preopening for the period was the result of timing of store preopening activities. We expect to open twelve stores during the fiscal 2007 fourth quarter as compared to seven stores opened during the same period in fiscal 2006. Preopening expenses include expenses for stores that opened in the current period as well as some expenses incurred for stores that will be opened in future periods.

Interest expense (income), net. Interest income, net of interest expense, was $0.4 million for the thirteen weeks ended September 29, 2007 as compared to $0.2 million for the thirteen weeks ended September 30, 2006. This increase was due to higher cash balances in the fiscal 2007 third quarter as compared to the fiscal 2006 third quarter.

Provision for income taxes. The provision for income taxes was $1.8 million for the thirteen weeks ended September 29, 2007 as compared to $1.7 million for the thirteen weeks ended September 30, 2006. The effective tax rate was 37.8% for the thirteen weeks ended September 29, 2007 compared to 38.1% for the thirteen weeks ended September 30, 2006. The decrease in the effective tax rate is primarily attributable to tax benefits associated with our company-owned distribution center.

 

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Thirty-nine weeks ended September 29, 2007 compared to thirty-nine weeks ended September 30, 2006

Total revenues. Net retail sales increased to $323.3 million for the thirty-nine weeks ended September 29, 2007 from $291.3 million for the thirty-nine weeks ended September 30, 2006, an increase of $32.0 million, or 11.0%. Net retail sales for new stores in North America contributed a $33.8 million increase in net retail sales. Store sales from European operations contributed $15.3 million in additional sales over the same period a year ago. Sales in North America from non-store locations and non-comparable stores contributed a $0.5 million increase in net retail sales. Sales over the Internet increased by $1.0 million, or 16.2%. North American comparable store sales decreased $23.0 million, or 8.8%. An increase of $4.4 million of other items, including, but not limited to, the impact of foreign currency translation and deferred revenue adjustment, compared to the prior period also contributed to the increase in net retail sales.

We believe the decline in comparable store sales was attributed primarily to the following factors:

 

   

A decline in shopping mall customer traffic and consumer discretionary spending.

 

   

Changes in media, online entertainment, children’s media consumption, and play patterns, particularly for girls.

 

   

Lower than expected customer purchases of select licensed movie products introduced in the fiscal 2007 second quarter.

Revenue from franchise fees increased to $2.3 million for the thirty-nine weeks ended September 29, 2007 from $2.0 million for the thirty-nine weeks ended September 30, 2006, an increase of $0.3 million. This increase was primarily due to the addition of new franchise agreements and new franchised stores opened in the past year. Revenue from licensing increased to $1.3 million for the thirty-nine weeks ended September 29, 2007 from $0.6 million for the thirty-nine weeks ended September 30, 2006, an increase of $0.7 million. This increase was primarily related to increased licensing activities.

Gross margin. Gross margin increased to $142.2 million for the thirty-nine weeks ended September 29, 2007 from $131.1 million for the thirty-nine weeks ended September 30, 2006, an increase of $11.1 million, or 8.5%. As a percentage of net retail sales, gross margin decreased to 44.0% for the thirty-nine weeks ended September 29, 2007 from 45.0% for the thirty-nine weeks ended September 30, 2006, a decrease of 1.0%. This decrease resulted primarily from a lack of sales leverage on store occupancy costs as a percent of net retail sales partially offset by improved merchandise margin.

Selling, general and administrative. Selling, general and administrative expenses were $123.4 million for the thirty-nine weeks ended September 29, 2007 as compared to $108.3 million for the thirty-nine weeks ended September 30, 2006, an increase of $15.1 million, or 13.9%. As a percentage of total revenues, selling, general and administrative expenses increased to 37.7% for the thirty-nine weeks ended September 29, 2007 as compared to 36.9% for the thirty-nine weeks ended September 30, 2006, an increase of 0.8%. The dollar increase was primarily due to having 45 more stores in operation at September 29, 2007 as compared to September 30, 2006, higher central office expenses required to support a larger store base, and higher selling, general and administrative costs associated with the U.K. Acquisition. The increase in selling, general and administrative expenses as a percent of revenue was primarily due to an increase in advertising expenses, language translation costs associated with the Company’s expansion into Montreal and Puerto Rico and costs associated with the review of strategic alternatives. Partially offsetting this increase were improved efficiencies in the Company’s store payroll expenses. Selling, general, and administrative expenses for the thirty-nine weeks ended September 29, 2007 included $0.7 million of spending related to our analysis of strategic alternatives.

 

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Store preopening. Store preopening expense was $3.5 million for the thirty-nine weeks ended September 29, 2007 as compared to $3.3 million for the thirty-nine weeks ended September 30, 2006. We expect to open twelve stores during the fiscal 2007 fourth quarter as compared to seven stores opened during the same period in fiscal 2006. Preopening expenses include expenses for stores that opened in the current period as well as some expenses incurred for stores that will be opened in future periods.

Interest expense (income), net. Interest income, net of interest expense, was $1.3 million for the thirty-nine weeks ended September 29, 2007 as compared to $1.4 million for the thirty-nine weeks ended September 30, 2006. This decrease was due to higher cash balances early in the fiscal 2006 period as compared to the fiscal 2007 period.

Provision for income taxes. The provision for income taxes was $7.6 million for the thirty-nine weeks ended September 29, 2007 as compared to $9.3 million for the thirty-nine weeks ended September 30, 2006. The effective tax rate was 37.5% for the thirty-nine weeks ended September 29, 2007 and 39.8% for the thirty-nine weeks ended September 30, 2006. The decrease in the effective tax rate is attributable to tax benefits associated with our company-owned distribution center.

Non-GAAP Financial Measures

We use the term “store contribution” in this quarterly report on Form 10-Q. Store contribution consists of income before income tax expense, interest, store depreciation and amortization, store preopening expense and general and administrative expense, excluding franchise fees, income from licensing activities and contribution from our webstore and seasonal and event-based locations. This term, as we define it, may not be comparable to similarly titled measures used by other companies and is not a measure of performance presented in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP).

We use store contribution as a measure of our stores’ operating performance. Store contribution should not be considered a substitute for net income, net income per store, cash flows provided by operating activities, cash flows provided by operating activities per store, or other income or cash flow data prepared in accordance with GAAP. We believe store contribution is useful to investors in evaluating our operating performance because it, along with the number of stores in operation, directly impacts our profitability.

 

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The following table sets forth a reconciliation of store contribution to net income for our Company-owned stores located in the U.S. and Canada (North America), stores located in the U.K., Ireland and France (Europe), and for our consolidated store base (Total) (in thousands):

 

    

Thirty-nine weeks ended

September 29, 2007

   

Thirty-nine weeks ended

September 30, 2006

 
     North
America
    Europe     Total     North
America
    Europe     Total  

Net income

   $ 17,071     $ (4,437 )   $ 12,634     $ 18,843     $ (4,786 )   $ 14,057  

Income tax expense

     7,580       —         7,580       9,296       —         9,296  

Interest expense (income)

     (1,121 )     (168 )     (1,289 )     (1,357 )     —         (1,357 )

Store depreciation and amortization (1)

     12,779       1,858       14,637       11,800       1,075       12,875  

Store preopening expense

     2,910       577       3,487       2,821       503       3,324  

General and administrative expense (2)

     30,374       2,550       32,924       28,667       737       29,404  

Franchising and licensing contribution (3)

     (2,210 )     —         (2,210 )     (1,414 )     —         (1,414 )

Non-store activity contribution (4)

     (2,554 )     —         (2,554 )     (1,935 )     —         (1,935 )
                                                

Store contribution

   $ 64,829     $ 380     $ 65,209     $ 66,721     $ (2,471 )   $ 64,250  
                                                

Total revenues

   $ 291,489     $ 35,473     $ 326,962     $ 276,887     $ 16,920     $ 293,807  

Franchising and licensing revenues

     (3,620 )     —         (3,620 )     (2,533 )     —         (2,533 )

Revenues from non-store activities (4)

     (11,112 )     —         (11,112 )     (9,993 )     —         (9,993 )
                                                

Store location net retail sales

   $ 276,757     $ 35,473     $ 312,230     $ 264,361     $ 16,920     $ 281,281  
                                                

Store contribution as a percentage of store location net retail sales

     23.4 %     1.1 %     20.9 %     25.2 %     -14.6 %     22.8 %
                                                

Total net income as a percentage of total revenues

     5.9 %     -12.5 %     3.9 %     6.8 %     -28.3 %     4.8 %
                                                

(1) Store depreciation and amortization includes depreciation and amortization of all capitalized assets in store locations, including leasehold improvements, furniture and fixtures, and computer hardware and software.
(2) General and administrative expenses consist of non-store, central office general and administrative functions such as management payroll and related benefits, travel, information systems, accounting, purchasing and legal costs as well as the depreciation and amortization of central office leasehold improvements, furniture and fixtures, computer hardware and software and intellectual property. General and administrative expenses also include a central office marketing department, primarily payroll and related benefits expense, but exclude advertising expenses, such as direct mail catalogs and television advertising, which are included in store contribution.
(3) Franchising and licensing contribution includes franchising and licensing revenues and all expenses attributable to the international franchising and licensing and entertainment segments other than depreciation, amortization and interest expense/income. Depreciation and amortization related to franchising and licensing is included in the general and administrative expense caption. Interest expense/income related to franchising and licensing is included in the interest expense (income) caption.
(4) Non-store activities include our webstore, and seasonal and event-based locations.

Seasonality and Quarterly Results

Our operating results for one period may not be indicative of results for other periods, and may fluctuate significantly because of a variety of factors, including: (1) the timing of our new store openings and related expenses; (2) the profitability of our stores; (3) increases or decreases in our comparable store sales; (4) the timing and frequency of our marketing initiatives; (5) changes in general economic

 

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conditions and consumer spending patterns; (6) changes in consumer preferences; (7) the effectiveness of our inventory management; (8) the actions of our competitors or mall anchors and co-tenants; (9) seasonal shopping patterns and holiday and vacation schedules; (10) the timing and frequency of national media appearances and other public relations events; and (11) weather conditions.

The timing of new store openings may result in fluctuations in quarterly results as a result of the revenues and expenses associated with each new store location. We typically incur most preopening costs for a new store in the three months immediately preceding the store’s opening. We expect our growth, operating results and profitability to depend in some degree on our ability to increase our number of stores.

Historically, for North American stores (U.S. and Canada) open more than twelve months, seasonality has not been a significant factor in our results of operations, although we cannot assure you that this will continue to be the case. U.K.-based store sales have historically been weighted more heavily in the fourth quarter as compared to North American stores. In addition, for accounting purposes, the quarters of each fiscal year consist of 13 weeks, although we will have a 14-week quarter approximately once every six years.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

Our cash requirements are primarily for the opening of new stores, information systems and working capital. Historically, we have met these requirements through capital generated from the sale and issuance of our securities to private investors and through our initial public offering, cash flow provided by operations and our revolving line of credit.

Operating Activities. Cash provided by operating activities was $0.3 million for the thirty-nine weeks ended September 29, 2007 as compared with cash provided by operating activities of $3.4 million for the thirty-nine weeks ended September 30, 2006, or a decrease of $3.1 million. This decrease over the year ago period was primarily due to changes in the timing of inventory purchases and the increase in prepaid rent due to new stores in Europe.

Investing Activities. Cash used in investing activities was $33.0 million for the thirty-nine weeks ended September 29, 2007 as compared to $86.8 million for the thirty-nine weeks ended September 30, 2006. Cash used in investing activities during the thirty-nine weeks ended September 29, 2007 primarily relates to new store construction costs for store openings in fiscal 2007 and additional investments in RidemakerZ, LLC. Cash used in investing activities during the thirty-nine weeks ended September 30, 2006 relates primarily to the U.K. Acquisition, which used $38.3 million in cash, to progress payments on construction of the Company-owned distribution center and new store construction.

Financing Activities. Cash used in financing activities was $3.5 million in the thirty-nine weeks ended September 29, 2007 which consisted of cash spent for the repurchase of the Company’s common stock partially offset by proceeds from the exercise of stock options and the tax benefit from the exercise of stock options. Cash flows provided by financing activities of $2.3 million for the thirty-nine weeks ended September 30, 2006 consisted primarily of proceeds from the exercise of employee stock options and the tax benefit from the exercise of stock options. No borrowings were made under our line of credit in either the thirty-nine weeks ended September 29, 2007 or the thirty-nine weeks ended September 30, 2006.

Capital Resources. As of September 29, 2007, we had a cash balance of $17.0 million. We also have a line of credit, which we can use to finance capital expenditures and seasonal working capital needs throughout the year. The credit agreement is with U.S. Bank, National Association and was amended effective June 19, 2007 to include a seasonal overline from July 1 to December 31 each year during which the line availability increases from $15 million to $30 million. Borrowings under the credit agreement are not collateralized, but availability under the credit agreement can be limited by the vendor based on our level of accounts receivable, inventory, and property and equipment. The credit agreement expires on September 30, 2008 and contains various restrictions on indebtedness, liens, guarantees, redemptions,

 

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mergers, acquisitions or sale of assets, loans, transactions with affiliates, and investments. It also prohibits us from declaring dividends without the bank’s prior consent, unless such payment of dividends would not violate any terms of the credit agreement. Borrowings bear interest at our option of prime minus 1.0% or LIBOR plus 1.5%. Financial covenants include maintaining a minimum tangible net worth, maintaining a minimum fixed charge cover ratio (as defined in the credit agreement) and not exceeding a maximum funded debt to earnings before interest, depreciation and amortization ratio. As of September 29, 2007, we were in compliance with these covenants. There were no borrowings under our line of credit as of September 29, 2007. There was a standby letter of credit of approximately $1.1 million outstanding under the credit agreement as of September 29, 2007. Accordingly, there was approximately $28.9 million available for borrowing under the line of credit as of September 29, 2007.

Most of our retail stores are located within shopping malls and all are operated under leases classified as operating leases. Our leases in North America typically have a ten-year term and contain provisions for base rent plus percentage rent based on defined sales levels. Many of the leases contain a provision whereby either we or the landlord may terminate the lease after a certain time, typically in the third to fourth year of the lease, if a certain minimum sales volume is not achieved. In addition, some of these leases contain various restrictions relating to change of control of our company. Our leases also subject us to risks relating to compliance with changing mall rules and the exercise of discretion by our landlords on various matters, including rights of termination in some cases.

Our leases in the U.K. and Ireland typically have terms of 10-15 years and generally contain a provision whereby every fifth year the rental rate can be adjusted to reflect the current market rates. The leases typically provide the lessee with the first right for renewal at the end of the lease. We may also be required to make deposits and rent guarantees to secure new leases as we expand. Real estate taxes also change according to government time schedules to reflect current market rental rates for the locations we lease. Rents are charged quarterly and paid in advance.

Our French leases each have terms of 10 years. French leases for premier retail properties frequently have entry fees and/or key money payments required to be made in conjunction with signature of the leases. Such entry fees or key money payments may be recovered, in whole or in part, upon disposal of the leases. The leases typically provide the lessee with the first right for renewal at the end of the lease. Rent deposits consisting of three months rent are also required to be paid on execution of the leases. Rents are negotiated on a fixed basis, but are reviewed annually in relation to an inflation index and therefore also have a variable rent component. Rents are charged quarterly and paid in advance.

In fiscal 2007, we expect to spend a total of $35 to $40 million on capital expenditures. Capital spending through the thirty-nine weeks ended September 29, 2007 totaled $15.8 million, on track with our full year plans. Capital spending in fiscal 2007 is primarily for the opening of approximately 50 new stores (39 in North America and 8 in the United Kingdom and 3 in France), and the continued installation and upgrades of central office information technology systems. In fiscal 2006, the average investment per new store in North America, which includes leasehold improvements, fixtures, equipment and inventory, was approximately $0.5 million.

We believe that cash generated from operations and borrowings under our credit agreement will be sufficient to fund our working capital and other cash flow requirements for at least the next 18 months. Our credit agreement expires on September 30, 2008.

On February 20, 2007 we announced a $25 million share repurchase program of our outstanding stock. During the thirteen weeks ended September 29, 2007 we did not repurchase any stock under the program. During the thirty-nine weeks ended September 29, 2007, we repurchased and retired 176,500 shares of common stock for $4.7 million.

 

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Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

We do not have any arrangements classified as off-balance sheet arrangements.

Inflation

We do not believe that inflation has had a material adverse impact on our business or operating results during the periods presented. We cannot provide assurance, however, that our business will not be affected by inflation in the future.

Critical Accounting Policies

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles requires the appropriate application of certain accounting policies, many of which require us to make estimates and assumptions about future events and their impact on amounts reported in our financial statements and related notes. Since future events and their impact cannot be determined with certainty, the actual results will inevitably differ from our estimates. Such differences could be material to the financial statements.

We believe our selection and application of accounting policies, and the estimates inherently required therein, is reasonable. These accounting policies and estimates are periodically reevaluated, and adjustments are made when facts and circumstances dictate a change. Historically, we have found our application of accounting policies to be appropriate, and actual results have not differed materially from those determined using necessary estimates.

Our accounting policies and use of estimates are discussed in and should be read in conjunction with the annual consolidated financial statements and notes included in our annual report on Form 10-K, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 15, 2007, which includes audited consolidated financial statements for our 2006, 2005 and 2004 fiscal years. We have identified certain critical accounting policies which are described below.

Inventory

Inventory is stated at the lower of cost or market, with cost determined on an average cost basis. Historically, we have not conducted sales whereby we offer significant discounts or markdowns, nor have we experienced significant occurrences of obsolete or slow moving inventory. However, future changes in circumstances, such as changes in guest merchandise preference, could cause reclassification of inventory as obsolete or slow-moving inventory. The effect of this reclassification would be the recording of a reduction in the value of inventory to realizable values.

Throughout the year we record an estimated cost of shortage based on past historical results. Periodic physical inventories are taken and any difference between the actual physical count of merchandise and the recorded amount in our records are adjusted and recorded as shortage. Historically, the timing of the physical inventory has been near the end of the fiscal year so that no material amount of shortage was required to be estimated on activity between the date of the physical count and year-end. However, future physical counts of merchandise may not be at times at or near the end of a fiscal quarter or fiscal year-end, and our estimate of shortage for the intervening period may be material based on the amount of time between the date of the physical inventory and the date of the fiscal quarter or year-end.

Long-Lived Assets

If facts and circumstances indicate that a long-lived asset, including property and equipment, may be impaired, the carrying value is reviewed. If this review indicates that the carrying value of the asset will not be recovered as determined based on projected undiscounted cash flows related to the asset over its remaining life, the carrying value of the asset is reduced to its estimated fair value.

 

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Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets

Intangible assets deemed to have indefinite lives and goodwill are not subject to amortization. All other intangible assets are amortized over their estimated useful lives. Goodwill and other intangible assets not subject to amortization are tested for impairment annually or more frequently if events or changes in circumstances indicate that the asset might be impaired. This testing requires comparison of carrying values to fair values, and when appropriate, the carrying values of impaired assets is reduced to fair value. We reviewed our goodwill and other intangible assets as of December 30, 2006 and determined that no impairment existed.

Revenue Recognition

Revenues from retail sales, net of discounts and excluding sales tax, are recognized at the time of sale. Guest returns have not been significant. Revenues from gift certificates are recognized at the time of redemption. Unredeemed gift cards are included in current liabilities on the consolidated balance sheets.

We have an automated frequent shopper program in the United States, the Stuff Fur Stuff® club, whereby guests enroll in the program and receive one point for every dollar or partial dollar spent and after reaching 100 points receive a $10 discount on a future purchase. This program was automated in July 2006 and replaced our former Buy Stuff Program, which was a manual punch card system with limited tracking capability. The reward earned under the new program did not change. An estimate of the obligation related to the program, based on historical redemption rates, is recorded as deferred revenue and a reduction of net retail sales at the time of purchase. The deferred revenue obligation is reduced, and a corresponding amount is recognized in net retail sales, in the amount of and at the time of redemption of the $10 discount.

Under the previous Buy Stuff Program, the first card had no expiration date. Beginning in June 2002, and continuing each summer up to September 30, 2006, a series of cards were issued that had an expiration date of December 31 of the year following the year in which that series of cards was first issued. Beginning in July 2006, the automated Stuff Fur Stuff® club was introduced which provides greater visibility to the rewards earned by our guests and the historical redemption rates. We track redemptions of these various cards and use actual redemption rates by card series and historical results to estimate how much revenue to defer. We review these redemption rates and assess the adequacy of the deferred revenue account at the end of each fiscal quarter. Due to the estimates involved in these assessments, adjustments to the deferral rate are generally made no more often than bi-annually in order to allow time for more definite trends to emerge.

In the fiscal 2007 second quarter, the Company made an adjustment to the frequent shopper program resulting in a reduction in deferred revenue of $0.3 million with a corresponding increase in net sales and a $0.2 million increase in net income. This adjustment reflected the fact that the paper card program continues to decline with all paper cards expiring in August 2007.

At the end of fiscal 2006, the deferred revenue account was adjusted downward by $3.6 million, effective at the beginning of fiscal 2006, with a corresponding increase to net sales, and a $2.2 million increase in net income. Additionally, the amount of revenue being deferred for future periods has been decreased by 0.6%, to give effect to the change in redemption experience and the increased visibility of the redemptions with the automated system. An additional 0.1% adjustment of the ultimate redemption rate at the end of fiscal 2006 for the current cards expiring on December 30, 2006 and December 29, 2007 would have an approximate impact of $0.5 million on the deferred revenue balance and net retail sales.

 

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Leases

We lease all of our store locations and our corporate headquarters. We account for our leases under the provisions of FASB Statement No. 13, Accounting for Leases (SFAS 13) and subsequent amendments, which require that our leases be evaluated and classified as operating or capital leases for financial reporting purposes. All of our store leases are classified as operating leases pursuant to the requirements of SFAS 13. We disburse cash for leasehold improvements and furniture fixtures and equipment to build out and equip our leased premises. We may also expend cash for permanent improvements that we make to leased premises that generally are reimbursed to us by our landlords as construction allowances (also known as tenant improvement allowances) pursuant to agreed-upon terms in our leases. Landlord allowances can take the form of up-front cash, full or partial credits against minimum or percentage rents otherwise payable by us, or a combination thereof. Under the provisions of FASB Technical Bulletin No. 88-1, “Issues Relating to Accounting for Leases,” we account for these landlord allowances as lease incentives resulting in a deferred credit to be recognized over the term of the lease as a reduction of rent expense.

New Accounting Pronouncements

In September 2006, the FASB issued SFAS 157, Fair Value Measurements (SFAS 157). SFAS 157 defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value under GAAP, and expands disclosures about fair value measurements. SFAS 157 emphasizes that fair value is a market-based measurement, not an entity-specific measurement, and states that a fair value measurement should be determined based on assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability. We are required to adopt SFAS 157 in the first quarter of 2008. We are currently assessing the financial impact of SFAS 157 on our consolidated financial statements.

In February 2007, the FASB issued SFAS 159, The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities (SFAS 159). SFAS 159 permits an entity to measure certain financial assets and liabilities at fair value. The statement’s objective is to improve financial reporting by allowing entities to mitigate volatility in reported earnings caused by the measurement of related assets and liabilities using different attributes, without having to apply complex hedge accounting provisions. This statement becomes effective for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007 and should be applied prospectively. It is expected that this statement will not have a material effect on the our financial statements.

Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk.

Our market risks relate primarily to changes in interest rates. We bear this risk in two specific ways. First, our revolving credit facility carries a variable interest rate that is tied to market indices and, therefore, our results of operations and our cash flows could have been impacted by changes in interest rates. We had no borrowings outstanding under our revolving credit facility during the thirteen weeks ended September 29, 2007. The second component of interest rate risk involves the short term investment of excess cash in short term, investment grade interest-bearing securities. These investments are considered to be cash equivalents and are shown that way on our balance sheet. If there are changes in interest rates, those changes would affect the investment income we earn on these investments and, therefore, impact our cash flows and results of operations.

Item 4. Controls and Procedures.

Disclosure Controls and Procedures: The Company’s management, with the participation of the Company’s Chief Executive Bear and Chief Financial Bear, has evaluated the effectiveness of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures (as such term is defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”)), as of the end of the period

 

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covered by this report. Based on such evaluation, the Company’s management, including the Chief Executive Bear and Chief Financial Bear, have concluded that the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of September 29, 2007, the end of the period covered by this quarterly report.

It should be noted that our management, including the Chief Executive Bear and the Chief Financial Bear, does not expect that the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures or internal controls will prevent all error and all fraud. A control system, no matter how well conceived or operated, can provide only reasonable, not absolute, assurance that the objectives of the control system are met. Further, the design of a control system must reflect the fact that there are resource constraints, and the benefits of controls must be considered relative to their costs. Because of the inherent limitations in all control systems, no evaluation of controls can provide absolute assurance that all control issues and instances of fraud, if any, within the Company have been detected. These inherent limitations include the realities that judgments in decision-making can be faulty, and that breakdowns can occur because of simple error or mistake. Additionally, controls can be circumvented by the individual acts of some persons, by collusion of two or more people, or by management override of the controls. The design of any system of controls is based in part upon certain assumptions about the likelihood of future events, and there can be no assurance that any design will succeed in achieving its stated goals under all potential future conditions; over time, controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate. Because of the inherent limitations in a cost-effective control system, misstatements due to error or fraud may occur and not be detected.

Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting: The Company’s management, with the participation of the Company’s Chief Executive Bear and Chief Financial Bear, also conducted an evaluation of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) to determine whether any changes occurred during the period covered by this report that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting. Based on that evaluation, there has been no such change during the period covered by this report.

 

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PART II – OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1A. Risk Factors

There have been no changes to our Risk Factors as disclosed in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 30, 2006 as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 15, 2007, except for the addition of a risk factor related to the Company’s announcement on June 28, 2007 that it is evaluating strategic alternatives; the results of that process are not known, nor is whether the process will result in any changes to the company’s business plan or lead to any specific action or transaction. Furthermore, our current risk factors include potential product recalls or product liability claims that could adversely impact our financial performance and harm our reputation among consumers.

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

ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES

 

Period

  

(a)

Total Number of
Shares (or Units)
Purchased

  

(b)

Average
Price Paid
Per Share
(or Unit)

  

(c)

Total Number of
Shares (or Units)
Purchased as Part of
Publicly Announced
Plans or Program

  

(d)

Maximum Number
(or Approximate
Dollar Value) of
Shares (or Units)
that May Yet Be
Purchased Under
the

Plans or Programs

Jul. 1, 2007 – Jul. 28, 2007

   —        N/A    —      —  

Jul. 29, 2007 – Aug. 25, 2007

   —        N/A    —      —  

Aug. 26, 2007 – Sep. 29, 2007 (1)

   1,604    $ 16.46    —      —  

Total

   1,604    $ 16.46    —      —  

(1) Represents shares of our common stock delivered to us in satisfaction of the tax withholding obligation of holders of restricted shares which vested during the quarter. Our equity incentive plans provide that the value of shares delivered to us to pay the withheld to cover tax obligations is calculated as the average of the high and low trading price of our common stock on the date the relevant transaction occurs.

On February 20, 2007 we announced a $25 million share repurchase program of our outstanding common stock over the next twelve months. The program was authorized by our board of directors. Purchases may be made in the open market or in privately negotiated transactions, with the level and timing of activity depending on market conditions, other investment opportunities, and other factors. Purchases may be increased, decreased or discontinued at any time without notice. Shares repurchased under the program were subsequently retired. No shares were repurchased under this stock repurchase program during the period covered by this report.

 

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Item 5. Other Information

(a) The following individuals maintain Rule 10b5-1 trading plans (each, a “Plan” and together, the “Plans”): (1) Maxine Clark, Chairman, Board of Directors and Chief Executive Bear, (2) Scott Seay, President and Chief Operating Bear, (3) Tina Klocke, Chief Financial Bear, Treasurer and Secretary, and (4) Teresa Kroll, Chief Marketing Bear. Barry Erdos terminated his Rule 10b5-1 plan in conjunction with his departure on January 5, 2007. Barney Ebsworth, Director Emeritus, terminated his Rule 10b5-1 plan effective April 30, 2007.

Chief Executive Bear Maxine Clark’s Plan was adopted under the name of Smart Stuff, Inc. Ms. Clark controls the voting and/or investment power for the shares held by Smart Stuff, Inc, as its president and sole shareholder. Ms. Clark currently owns 2,943,614 shares of the Company (including vested options and the shares she owns through Smart Stuff, Inc.). Ms. Clark’s Plan permits no more than a maximum of 8% of her current share holdings (including vested options) to be sold per year (in each of 2007 and 2008). Accordingly, Ms. Clark will continue to have a significant ownership interest in the Company.

The participants in the Plans will have no control over the timing of any sales under their respective Plans and there can be no assurance that the shares covered by the Plans actually will be sold. The participants entered into the Plans in order to diversify their respective financial holdings.

The Plans are intended to comply with Rule 10b5-1 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and the Company’s insider trading policy. Rule 10b5-1 allows corporate insiders to establish prearranged written plans to buy or sell a specified number of shares of a company stock over a set period of time. The specified number of shares sold may be determined pursuant to a formula or may be at the discretion of a third party, so long as such person is not aware of material non-public information. Among other things, the Company’s insider trading policy allows insiders to implement a written trading plan provided such person is not in possession of material non-public information about the Company at the time the plan is entered into, consistent with Rule 10b5-1. The Plans were established during an “open window” under the Company’s insider trading policy.

Except as may be required by law, the Company does not undertake to report written trading plans established by other Company officers or directors, nor to report modifications, terminations, transactions or other activities under the Plans or the plan of any other officer or director. Actual sales made pursuant to the Plans will be disclosed publicly through Form 4 and Form 144 filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

(b) In connection with the Board’s consideration of certain strategic alternatives the Company’s Board of Directors formed a special committee comprised of four independent non-management directors. On July 25, 2007, the Board passed a resolution to compensate these directors. Each non-management director serving on the special committee (including the Chairman of the committee) will be paid $6,000 per month, with a maximum total potential payment of $30,000 per member. The Chair of the special committee will receive an additional $10,000 per month, with a maximum total potential payment of $50,000. The Company will also reimburse the special committee members for all out-of-pocket expenses.

 

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Item 6. Exhibits

The following is a list of exhibits filed as a part of the quarterly report on Form 10-Q:

 

Exhibit No.   

Description

31.1    Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) certification (pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, executed by the Chief Executive Bear)
31.2    Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) certification (pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, executed by the Chief Financial Bear)
32.1    Section 1350 Certification (pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, executed by the Chief Executive Bear)
32.2    Section 1350 Certification (pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, executed by the Chief Financial Bear)

 

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BUILD-A-BEAR WORKSHOP, INC.

SIGNATURES

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

Date: November 8, 2007

 

BUILD-A-BEAR WORKSHOP, INC.
(Registrant)
By:   /s/ Maxine Clark
  Maxine Clark
  Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Bear

 

By:   /s/ Tina Klocke
  Tina Klocke
  Chief Financial Bear, Treasurer and Secretary

 

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