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 October 28, 2006

 

 

 

 

OR

 

 

 

o

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 001-09338

 


 

MICHAELS STORES, INC.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

Delaware

 

75-1943604

(State or other jurisdiction of

 

(I.R.S. employer

incorporation or organization)

 

identification number)

 

8000 Bent Branch Drive

Irving, Texas 75063

P.O. Box 619566

DFW, Texas 75261-9566

(Address of principal executive offices, including zip code)

 

(972) 409-1300

(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 o

 

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

 

Large accelerated filer x     Accelerated filer o     Non-accelerated filer o

 

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

 

Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the Registrant’s classes of Common Stock, as of the latest practicable date.

 

Title

 

Shares Outstanding as of
October 31, 2006

Common Stock, par value $.10 per share

 

137,147,914

 

 



 

MICHAELS STORES, INC.

FORM 10-Q

 

Part I—FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1.

 

Financial Statements

 

 

 

 

Consolidated Balance Sheets at October 28, 2006, January 28, 2006, and October 29, 2005 (unaudited)

 

 

 

 

Consolidated Statements of Income for the quarter and nine months ended October 28, 2006 and October 29, 2005 (unaudited)

 

 

 

 

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the nine months ended October 28, 2006 and October 29, 2005 (unaudited)

 

 

 

 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited)

 

 

Item 2.

 

Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

 

 

Item 3.

 

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

 

 

Item 4.

 

Controls and Procedures

 

 

Part II—OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1.

 

Legal Proceedings

 

 

Item 1A.

 

Risk Factors

 

 

Item 6.

 

Exhibits

 

 

Signatures

 

 

 

 

 

2



 

MICHAELS STORES, INC.

Part I—FINANCIAL INFORMATION

 

Item 1.  Financial Statements.

 

MICHAELS STORES, INC.

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(In thousands, except share data)

(Unaudited)

 

 

 

October 28,

 

January 28,

 

October 29,

 

 

 

2006

 

2006

 

2005

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

ASSETS

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Current assets:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash and equivalents

 

$

315,249

 

$

452,449

 

$

112,517

 

Merchandise inventories

 

979,600

 

784,032

 

1,046,990

 

Prepaid expenses and other

 

52,425

 

44,042

 

49,033

 

Deferred and prepaid income taxes

 

36,692

 

34,125

 

94,021

 

Total current assets

 

1,383,966

 

1,314,648

 

1,302,561

 

Property and equipment, at cost

 

1,108,575

 

1,011,201

 

990,171

 

Less accumulated depreciation

 

(661,611

)

(586,382

)

(571,554

)

 

 

446,964

 

424,819

 

418,617

 

Goodwill

 

115,839

 

115,839

 

115,839

 

Other assets

 

24,119

 

20,249

 

18,362

 

 

 

139,958

 

136,088

 

134,201

 

Total assets

 

$

1,970,888

 

$

1,875,555

 

$

1,855,379

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Current liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Accounts payable

 

$

244,981

 

$

193,595

 

$

253,034

 

Accrued liabilities and other

 

277,725

 

282,499

 

259,154

 

Income taxes payable

 

 

20,672

 

 

Total current liabilities

 

522,706

 

496,766

 

512,188

 

Deferred income taxes

 

 

2,803

 

17,437

 

Other long-term liabilities

 

90,586

 

88,637

 

85,582

 

Total long-term liabilities

 

90,586

 

91,440

 

103,019

 

 

 

613,292

 

588,206

 

615,207

 

Commitments and contingencies

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Stockholders’ equity:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Preferred Stock, $0.10 par value, 2,000,000 shares authorized; none issued

 

 

 

 

Common Stock, $0.10 par value, 350,000,000 shares authorized; 136,313,415 shares issued and 133,547,015 shares outstanding at October 28, 2006, 133,821,417 shares issued and 132,986,517 shares outstanding at January 28, 2006, and 134,800,844 shares issued and outstanding at October 29, 2005

 

13,631

 

13,382

 

13,480

 

Additional paid-in capital

 

458,630

 

386,627

 

411,023

 

Retained earnings

 

971,389

 

907,773

 

803,889

 

Treasury Stock (2,766,400 shares at October 28, 2006, 834,900 shares at January 28, 2006, and none at October 29, 2005)

 

(94,127

)

(27,944

)

 

Accumulated other comprehensive income

 

8,073

 

7,511

 

11,780

 

Total stockholders’ equity

 

1,357,596

 

1,287,349

 

1,240,172

 

Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity

 

$

1,970,888

 

$

1,875,555

 

$

1,855,379

 

 

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

3



 

MICHAELS STORES, INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME

(In thousands, except per share data)

(Unaudited)

 

 

 

Quarter Ended

 

Nine Months Ended

 

 

 

October 28,

 

October 29,

 

October 28,

 

October 29,

 

 

 

2006

 

2005

 

2006

 

2005

 

Net sales

 

$

896,080

 

$

839,663

 

$

2,496,825

 

$

2,406,172

 

Cost of sales and occupancy expense

 

575,075

 

535,155

 

1,582,126

 

1,519,622

 

Gross profit

 

321,005

 

304,508

 

914,699

 

886,550

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Selling, general, and administrative expense

 

263,884

 

251,235

 

747,800

 

702,233

 

Store pre-opening costs

 

1,684

 

2,456

 

4,642

 

6,650

 

Operating income

 

55,437

 

50,817

 

162,257

 

177,667

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest expense

 

225

 

226

 

649

 

20,813

 

Other (income) and expense, net

 

(2,716

)

(3,038

)

(13,207

)

(8,088

)

Income before income taxes and cumulative effect of accounting change

 

57,928

 

53,629

 

174,815

 

164,942

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Provision for income taxes

 

21,868

 

20,382

 

65,993

 

62,680

 

Income before cumulative effect of accounting change

 

36,060

 

33,247

 

108,822

 

102,262

 

Cumulative effect of accounting change, net of income tax of $54.2 million

 

 

 

 

88,488

 

Net income

 

$

36,060

 

$

33,247

 

$

108,822

 

$

13,774

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic earnings per common share:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income before cumulative effect of accounting change

 

$

0.27

 

$

0.25

 

$

0.82

 

$

0.75

 

Cumulative effect of accounting change, net of income tax

 

 

 

 

(0.65

)

Net income

 

$

0.27

 

$

0.25

 

$

0.82

 

$

0.10

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Diluted earnings per common share:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income before cumulative effect of accounting change

 

$

0.27

 

$

0.24

 

$

0.81

 

$

0.74

 

Cumulative effect of accounting change, net of income tax

 

 

 

 

(0.64

)

Net income

 

$

0.27

 

$

0.24

 

$

0.81

 

$

0.10

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dividends declared per common share

 

$

0.12

 

$

0.10

 

$

0.34

 

$

0.27

 

 

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

4



 

MICHAELS STORES, INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(In thousands)

(Unaudited)

 

 

 

Nine Months Ended

 

 

 

October 28,

 

October 29,

 

 

 

2006

 

2005

 

Operating activities:

 

 

 

 

 

Net income

 

$

108,822

 

$

13,774

 

Adjustments:

 

 

 

 

 

Depreciation

 

84,778

 

72,656

 

Amortization

 

281

 

292

 

Share-based compensation

 

15,557

 

23,578

 

Tax benefits from stock options exercised

 

(20,740

)

(18,892

)

Non-cash charge for the cumulative effect of accounting change

 

 

142,723

 

Loss from early extinguishment of debt

 

 

12,136

 

Other

 

226

 

389

 

Changes in assets and liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

Merchandise inventories

 

(195,818

)

(251,848

)

Prepaid expenses and other

 

(9,166

)

(22,420

)

Deferred income taxes and other

 

(8,106

)

(14,429

)

Accounts payable

 

29,342

 

(3,232

)

Accrued liabilities and other

 

13,354

 

20,640

 

Income taxes payable

 

(2,471

)

(66,431

)

Other long-term liabilities

 

2,984

 

10,265

 

Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities

 

19,043

 

(80,799

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Investing activities:

 

 

 

 

 

Additions to property and equipment

 

(107,679

)

(85,785

)

Purchases of short-term investments

 

 

(226

)

Sales of short-term investments

 

 

50,605

 

Net proceeds from sales of property and equipment

 

14

 

 

Net cash used in investing activities

 

(107,665

)

(35,406

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Financing activities:

 

 

 

 

 

Repayment of Senior Notes

 

 

(209,250

)

Cash dividends paid to stockholders

 

(42,563

)

(32,670

)

Repurchase of Common Stock

 

(66,182

)

(119,133

)

Proceeds from stock options exercised

 

35,608

 

32,285

 

Tax benefits from stock options exercised

 

20,740

 

18,892

 

Proceeds from issuance of Common Stock and other

 

1,804

 

2,746

 

Change in cash overdraft

 

2,015

 

 

Net cash used in financing activities

 

(48,578

)

(307,130

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net decrease in cash and equivalents

 

(137,200

)

(423,335

)

Cash and equivalents at beginning of period

 

452,449

 

535,852

 

Cash and equivalents at end of period

 

$

315,249

 

$

112,517

 

 

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

5



 

MICHAELS STORES, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

For the Nine Months Ended October 28, 2006

(Unaudited)

 

Note 1.  Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

 

Basis of Presentation

 

The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Michaels Stores, Inc. and our wholly-owned subsidiaries. All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated. All expressions of “us,” “we,” “our,” and all similar expressions are references to Michaels Stores, Inc. and our consolidated, wholly-owned subsidiaries, unless otherwise expressly stated or the context otherwise requires.

 

The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles for interim financial information and with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X. Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and notes required by generally accepted accounting principles for complete financial statements. In the opinion of management, all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring accruals and other items, as disclosed) considered necessary for a fair presentation have been included. Because of the seasonal nature of our business, the results of operations for the quarter ended October 28, 2006 are not indicative of the results to be expected for the entire year.

 

The balance sheet at January 28, 2006 has been derived from the audited financial statements at that date but does not include all of the information and notes required by generally accepted accounting principles for complete financial statements. For further information, refer to the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended January 28, 2006.

 

All references herein to “fiscal 2006” relate to the 53 weeks ending February 3, 2007 and all references to “fiscal 2005” relate to the 52 weeks ended January 28, 2006. In addition, all references herein to “the third quarter of fiscal 2006” and “the first nine months of fiscal 2006” relate to the 13 and 39 weeks ended October 28, 2006, respectively, and all references to “the third quarter of fiscal 2005” and “first nine months of fiscal 2005” relate to the 13 and 39 weeks ended October 29, 2005, respectively.

 

Amounts as of and for the three and nine months ended October 29, 2005 were restated to reflect weighted average cost accounting for inventory and the impact of expensing stock options under SFAS No. 123(R). The changes to our accounting policies are more fully described in Note 2 to these financial statements.

 

Consolidation

 

Our consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Michaels Stores, Inc. and all wholly-owned subsidiaries. All intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated.

 

Estimates

 

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles requires us to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

 

Foreign Currency Translation

 

Translation adjustments result from translating our Canadian subsidiary’s financial statements into U.S. dollars. Balance sheet accounts are translated at exchange rates in effect at the balance sheet date. Income statement accounts are translated at average exchange rates during the year. Resulting translation adjustments are recorded as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income/(loss) in our Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity.

 

Cash and Equivalents

 

Cash and equivalents are comprised of highly liquid instruments with original maturities of three months or less. Cash equivalents are carried at cost, which approximates fair value. We record interest income earned from our cash and equivalents as a component of other income and expense, net, in our financial statements.

 

6



 

Merchandise Inventories

 

We value our merchandise inventories at Michaels stores at the lower of average cost or market, with cost determined using a weighted average inventory method. We utilize perpetual inventory records to value inventory in our Michaels stores. Physical inventory counts are performed in a significant number of stores at the end of each fiscal quarter by a third party inventory counting service firm, with substantially all stores open longer than one year subject to at least one annual count. We adjust our perpetual records based on the results of the physical counts.

 

Cost is calculated based upon the actual landed cost of an item at the time it is received by us using actual vendor invoices and also includes the cost of warehousing, handling, purchasing, and transporting the inventory to the stores. Vendor allowances, which primarily represent volume rebates and cooperative advertising funds, are recorded as a reduction of the cost of the merchandise inventories. The cost of warehousing, handling, purchasing, and transporting, and the vendor allowances are recognized through cost of sales based on our estimates of when the inventories are sold.

 

We maintain a provision for estimated shrinkage based on the actual historical results of our physical inventories. We compare these estimates to the actual results of the physical inventory counts as they are taken and adjust our shrink estimates accordingly. We also record adjustments to the value of inventory equal to the difference between the carrying value and the estimated market value, based on assumptions about future demand.

 

We value the inventory in our distribution centers, Aaron Brothers stores, Star Decorators Wholesale stores, and custom framing operations at the lower of average cost or market, with cost determined using a weighted average cost method. The cost of inventory also includes certain costs associated with the warehousing, handling, purchasing, and transporting of the inventory.

 

Property and Equipment

 

Property and equipment is recorded at cost. Depreciation is recorded on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful lives of the assets. We expense repairs and maintenance costs as incurred. We capitalize and depreciate significant renewals or betterments that substantially extend the life of the asset. Useful lives are generally estimated as follows (in years):

 

Buildings

 

30

 

Leasehold improvements

 

10

 

Fixtures and equipment

 

8

 

Computer equipment

 

5

 

 

Goodwill

 

Under the provisions of SFAS No. 142, Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets, we do not amortize goodwill, but instead perform annual (or, under certain circumstances, more frequent) impairment tests. We use discounted cash flow models to determine the fair value of our reporting units for purposes of our annual impairment tests.

 

Impairment of Long-Lived Assets

 

We periodically review long-lived assets for impairment by comparing the carrying value of the assets with their estimated future undiscounted cash flows. If it is determined that an impairment loss has occurred, the loss would be recognized during that period. The impairment loss is calculated as the difference between asset carrying values and the present value of estimated net cash flows or comparable market values, giving consideration to recent operating performance and pricing trends.

 

7



 

Reserve for Closed Facilities

 

We maintain a reserve for future rental obligations, carrying costs, and other closing costs related to closed facilities, primarily closed and relocated stores. In accordance with the provisions of SFAS No. 146, Costs Associated With Disposal Activities, we recognize exit costs for any store closures at the time the store is closed.

 

The cost of closing a store or facility is calculated based on management’s estimate of costs to exit the lease, which generally represents the lesser of the present value of future rental obligations remaining under the lease (less estimated sublease rental income) or the lease termination fee. Once a store has been identified for closure, we accelerate the remaining depreciation so the assets are fully depreciated at the date of closure.

 

Insurance Liabilities

 

We use a combination of insurance and self-insurance for our workers’ compensation, general liability, and employee-related health care plans. We pay premiums for these coverages, a portion of which are paid by our associates for health care costs. In addition, under our self-insurance, we pay all claims up to the limits provided for in our contracts. Liabilities associated with these plans are actuarially estimated, giving consideration to historical claims experience and industry trends. In the event our insurance carriers are unable to pay claims submitted to them, we would record a liability for such estimated payments we expect to incur.

 

Revenue Recognition

 

Revenue from sales of our merchandise is recognized at the time of the merchandise sale, excluding revenue from the sale of custom frames, which is recognized at the time of delivery. Revenue is presented net of sales taxes collected. We allow for merchandise to be returned under most circumstances and provide a reserve for estimated returns.

 

We record a gift card liability on the date we issue the gift card to the customer. We record revenue and reduce the gift card liability as the customer redeems the gift card. We escheat the value of unredeemed gift cards where required by law. Any remaining liabilities not subject to escheatment are evaluated to determine whether the likelihood of the gift card being redeemed is remote (gift card breakage). We recognize gift card breakage as revenue, by applying our estimate of the rate of gift card breakage to the amount we expect will go unused and not subject to escheatment, over the period of estimated performance. Our estimates of the gift card breakage rate are based on customers’ historical redemption rates and patterns, which may not be indicative of future redemption rates and patterns.

 

Costs of Sales and Occupancy Expenses

 

Included in our costs of sales are the following:

 

purchase price or invoiced cost of merchandise, net of vendor allowances and rebates,

inbound freight, inspection costs, and duties,

warehousing, handling, transportation, and distribution costs (including internal transfer costs such as DC to store freight costs) and purchasing and receiving costs, and

share-based compensation costs.

 

These costs are included in merchandise inventories and expensed as the merchandise is sold.

 

Included in our occupancy expenses are the following:

 

store expenses such as rent, insurance, taxes, common area maintenance, utilities, repairs and maintenance,

amortization of store buildings and leasehold improvements, and

store closure costs

 

8



 

We record rent expense ratably over the term of the lease beginning with the date we take possession of or control the physical access to the premises. We record leasehold improvement reimbursements as a liability and ratably accrete the liability as a reduction to rent expense over the lease term beginning with the date we take possession of or control the physical access to the premises.

 

Selling, General, and Administrative Costs

 

Included in our selling, general, and administrative costs are store personnel costs (including share-based compensation), store operating expenses, advertising expenses, store depreciation expense, and corporate overhead costs.

 

Advertising costs are expensed in the period in which the advertising first occurs. Our cooperative advertising allowances are accounted for as a reduction in the purchase price of merchandise since an obligation to advertise specific product does not exist in our cooperative advertising arrangements.

 

Store Pre-Opening Costs

 

We expense all start-up activity costs as incurred, which primarily include store pre-opening costs. Rent expense incurred prior to the store opening is recorded in cost of sales and occupancy expense on our consolidated income statement.

 

Income Taxes

 

We record income tax expense using the liability method for taxes and are subject to income tax in many jurisdictions, including the United States, various states and localities, and Canada. A current tax liability or asset is recognized for the estimated taxes payable or refundable on the tax returns for the current year and a deferred tax liability or asset is recognized for the estimated future tax effects attributable to temporary differences and carryforwards. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted income tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The effect of a change in tax rates is recognized as income or expense in the period that includes the enactment date. A valuation allowance is recorded to reduce the carrying amounts of deferred tax assets unless it is more likely than not that such assets will be realized. If different assumptions had been used, our tax expense, assets, and liabilities could have varied from recorded amounts. If actual results differ from estimated results or if we adjust these assumptions in the future, we may need to adjust our deferred tax assets or liabilities, which could impact our effective tax rate.

 

Share-Based Compensation

 

As more fully described in Note 2 below, we elected to early adopt SFAS No. 123(R), Share-Based Payment, in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2005. We recorded compensation expense for unvested awards based on the amounts previously determined for pro forma disclosure under SFAS No. 123, Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation, for the first three quarters of fiscal 2005 and under SFAS No. 123(R) for the fourth quarter of fiscal 2005. Beginning in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2005, compensation cost is based on the grant date fair value of the award and ratably recognized as expense over the effective vesting period.

 

Reclassifications

 

Certain prior period amounts were reclassified to conform to current year presentation.

 

9



 

Note 2.  Changes in Accounting

 

As more fully described in our fiscal 2005 Annual Report on Form 10-K, we changed our method of accounting for merchandise inventories from a retail inventory method to the weighted average cost (“WAC”) method in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2005, effective as of the beginning of that fiscal year. We also adopted SFAS No. 123(R), Share-Based Payment, during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2005 using the modified retrospective transition method from the beginning of fiscal 2005. As a result of these accounting changes, certain items on our consolidated balance sheets and statements of cash flows for the third quarter of fiscal 2005 are not comparable to previously reported amounts on our Form 10-Q, although total cash flows did not change as a result of these changes in accounting. We presented the effects on the income statement of adopting these policies in our fiscal 2005 Annual Report on Form 10-K.

 

The following table reconciles the line items in our consolidated balance sheets and statements of cash flows from the previously reported amounts to the adjusted amounts (in thousands):

 

 

 

As Previously
Reported

 

WAC
Adjustments

 

SFAS No.
123(R)
Adjustments

 

As Adjusted

 

Quarter Ended October 29, 2005

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Balance Sheet

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Merchandise inventories

 

$

1,214,504

 

$

(169,093

)

$

1,579

 

$

1,046,990

 

Deferred and prepaid income taxes

 

30,405

 

64,276

 

(660

)

94,021

 

Other assets

 

18,676

 

 

(314

)

18,362

 

Deferred income taxes

 

26,848

 

 

(9,411

)

17,437

 

Additional paid-in-capital

 

386,330

 

 

24,693

 

411,023

 

Retained earnings

 

922,907

 

(104,398

)

(14,620

)

803,889

 

Accumulated other comprehensive income

 

12,199

 

(419

)

 

11,780

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Nine Months Ended October 29, 2005

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Statement of Cash Flows

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income

 

132,790

 

(104,396

)

(14,620

)

13,774

 

Share-based compensation expense

 

 

 

23,578

 

23,578

 

Non-cash charge for the cumulative effect of accounting change

 

 

142,723

 

 

142,723

 

Merchandise inventories

 

(278,109

)

25,661

 

600

 

(251,848

)

Deferred income taxes and other

 

(4,871

)

 

(9,558

)

(14,429

)

Income taxes payable

 

(2,445

)

(63,986

)

 

(66,431

)

Tax benefits from stock options exercised (a reclassification from operating activities to financing activities)

 

 

 

(18,892

)

(18,892

)

 

10



 

Note 3.  Earnings per Share

 

The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted earnings per common share:

 

 

 

Quarter Ended

 

Nine Months Ended

 

 

 

October 28,

 

October 29,

 

October 28,

 

October 29,

 

 

 

2006

 

2005

 

2006

 

2005

 

 

 

(In thousands, except per share data)

 

Numerator:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income before cumulative effect of accounting change

 

$

36,060

 

$

33,247

 

$

108,822

 

$

102,262

 

Cumulative effect of accounting change, net of income tax

 

 

 

 

88,488

 

Net income

 

$

36,060

 

$

33,247

 

$

108,822

 

$

13,774

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Denominator:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Denominator for basic earnings per common share - weighted average shares

 

133,361

 

135,395

 

132,684

 

135,729

 

Effect of dilutive securities: Employee stock options

 

2,382

 

1,875

 

2,129

 

1,987

 

Denominator for diluted earnings per common share - weighted average shares adjusted for dilutive securities

 

135,743

 

137,270

 

134,813

 

137,716

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic earnings per common share:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income before cumulative effect of accounting change

 

$

0.27

 

$

0.25

 

$

0.82

 

$

0.75

 

Cumulative effect of accounting change, net of income tax

 

 

 

 

(0.65

)

Net income

 

$

0.27

 

0.25

 

0.82

 

0.10

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Diluted earnings per common share:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income before cumulative effect of accounting change

 

$

0.27

 

$

0.24

 

$

0.81

 

$

0.74

 

Cumulative effect of accounting change, net of income tax

 

 

 

 

(0.64

)

Net income

 

$

0.27

 

$

0.24

 

$

0.81

 

$

0.10

 

 

We did not repurchase any shares of our Common Stock during the third quarter of fiscal 2006. Our repurchase of 1.4 million shares of our Common Stock in the third quarter of fiscal 2005 reduced the number of weighted average shares outstanding by 650,000 for the three months ended October 29, 2005. Our purchase of 1.9 million and 3.3 million shares of our Common Stock, during the first nine months of fiscal 2006 and 2005, respectively, reduced our number of weighted average shares outstanding by 1.6 million and 1.4 million for the nine months ended October 28, 2006 and October 29, 2005, respectively.

 

11



 

Note 4.  Share-Based Compensation

 

Our Compensation Committee administered our option and awards plans that were in effect prior to the Merger as discussed in Note 9 to these consolidated financial statements. On April 21, 2006, our Compensation Committee approved amendments to the award agreements under the 1997 Stock Option Plan and the 2005 Incentive Compensation Plan to add a provision that accelerated the vesting of awards under those Plans upon a change in control. Options issued under our 2001 General Stock Option Plan and 2001 Employee Stock Option Plan already contained an acceleration provision that was triggered as a result of the Merger. Under the 2001 Plans, our Board of Directors had the power to defer the acceleration of vesting until the actual consummation of a change in control, thereby conforming the accelerated vesting of options under those plans to the accelerated vesting provision in the awards under the 1997 Stock Options Plan and the 2005 Incentive Compensation Plan.

 

Upon the Merger, which occurred subsequent to the third quarter of fiscal 2006, we accelerated approximately $23.3 million of unrecognized compensation cost related to the accelerated vesting of awards and also recognized approximately $95.8 million of incremental compensation expense related to the cash payout of the awards. Pursuant to SFAS No. 123(R), because the intrinsic value of the awards was settled in cash by Michaels, the total share-based compensation expense we were required to recognize was equal to the intrinsic value of the settled awards, less any previously recognized share-based compensation cost for those awards outstanding as of the settlement date.

 

Note 5.  Debt

 

9¼% Senior Notes due 2009

 

In fiscal 2001, we issued $200 million in principal amount of 9¼% Senior Notes due July 1, 2009, which were unsecured and interest thereon was payable semi-annually on each January 1 and July 1. On July 1, 2005, we redeemed the Senior Notes at a price of $1,046.25 per $1,000 of principal amount. This early redemption resulted in a pre-tax charge of $12.1 million in the second quarter of fiscal 2005, which represents a combination of a $9.3 million call premium and $2.8 million of unamortized costs associated with the Senior Notes, and was recorded as interest expense.

 

Credit Agreement

 

On November 18, 2005, we entered into a new five-year, $300 million senior unsecured credit facility with Bank of America, N.A. and other lenders. The $300 million Credit Agreement replaced our then-existing $200 million revolving credit facility with Fleet National Bank and the other lenders, which we terminated immediately prior to entering into our $300 million Credit Agreement. We were in compliance with all terms and conditions of our $200 million credit agreement through the termination date, and we did not incur any early termination penalties in connection with its termination. No borrowings were outstanding under our $200 million credit agreement at any time during fiscal 2005.

 

Upon the Merger of the Company, as discussed in Note 9 to these consolidated financial statements, we terminated our $300 million Credit Agreement. We were in compliance with all terms and conditions of our $300 million credit agreement through the termination date, and we did not incur any early termination penalties in connection with its termination. No borrowings were outstanding under our $300 million credit agreement at any time during fiscal 2006.

 

To finance the Merger, we issued 10% Senior Notes due 2014, 11 3/8% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2016, and 13% Subordinated Discount Notes due 2016 (collectively, the “Notes”). We also executed an asset-based revolving credit facility as well as a senior secured term loan facility (collectively, the “Senior Credit Facilities”).

 

10% Senior Notes due 2014

 

On October 31, 2006, we issued $750.0 million in principal amount of 10% Senior Notes due November 1, 2014. Interest is payable semi-annually in arrears on each May 1 and November 1, commencing on May 1, 2007. The Senior Notes are guaranteed, jointly and severally, on an unsecured senior basis, by each of our subsidiaries.

 

12



 

The Senior Notes and the guarantees thereof are our and the guarantors’ unsecured senior obligations and (i) rank senior in right of payment to all of our and the guarantors’ existing and future debt and other obligations that are, by their terms, expressly subordinated in right of payment to the Senior Notes (including the Senior Subordinated Notes and the Subordinated Discount Notes described below); (ii) rank equally in right of payment to all of our and the guarantors’ existing and future debt and other obligations that are not, by their terms, expressly subordinated in right of payment to the Senior Notes; and (iii) are effectively subordinated to all of our and the guarantors’ existing and future secured debt (including obligations under the Senior Credit Facilities) to the extent of the value of the assets securing such debt.

 

At any time prior to November 1, 2010, we may redeem all or a part of the Senior Notes at a redemption price equal to the sum of (i) 100% of the principal amount of the Senior Notes redeemed; (ii) the Applicable Premium (as defined in the Senior Indenture); and (iii) accrued and unpaid interest to the date of redemption plus Additional Interest (as defined in the Senior Indenture).

 

On and after November 1, 2010, we may redeem all or part of the Senior Notes at the redemption prices (expressed as percentages of principal amount of the Senior Notes) set forth below, plus accrued and unpaid interest and Additional Interest to the applicable date of redemption if redeemed during the twelve-month period beginning on November 1 of each of the years indicated below:

 

Year

 

Percentage

 

2010

 

105.000

%

2011

 

102.500

%

2012 and thereafter

 

100.000

%

 

In addition, until November 1, 2009, we may, at our option, on one or more occasions redeem up to 35% of the aggregate principal amount of Senior Notes at a redemption price equal to 110.000% of the aggregate principal amount thereof, plus accrued and unpaid interest and Additional Interest, to the applicable date of redemption, with the net cash proceeds of one or more Equity Offerings (as defined in the Senior Indenture); provided that at least 50% of the aggregate principal amount of Senior Notes remains outstanding immediately after the occurrence of each such redemption, and that each such redemption occurs within 90 days of the date of closing of each such Equity Offering.

 

Upon a change in control, we are required to offer to purchase all of the Senior Notes at a price in cash equal to 101% of the aggregate principal amount thereof, plus accrued and unpaid interest and Additional Interest.

 

The Senior Indenture contains covenants limiting, among other things, the Company’s ability and the ability of the Company’s restricted subsidiaries to:

 

      incur additional debt;

      pay dividends or distributions on the Company’s capital stock or repurchase the Company’s capital stock;

      issue stock of subsidiaries;

      make certain investments;

      create liens on the Company’s assets to secure debt;

      enter into transactions with affiliates;

      merge or consolidate with another company; and

      sell or otherwise transfer assets.

 

11 3/8% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2016

 

On October 31, 2006, we issued $400.0 million in principal amount of 11 3/8% Senior Subordinated Notes due November 1, 2016. Interest is payable semi-annually in arrears on each May 1 and November 1, commencing on May 1, 2007. The Senior Subordinated Notes are guaranteed, jointly and severally, on an unsecured senior subordinated basis, by each of our subsidiaries.

 

13



 

The Senior Subordinated Notes and the guarantees thereof are our and the guarantors’ unsecured senior subordinated obligations and (i) are subordinated in right of payment to all of our and the guarantors’ existing and future senior debt, including the Senior Credit Facilities and the Senior Notes; (ii) rank equally in right of payment to all of our and the guarantors’ future senior subordinated debt; (iii) are effectively subordinated to all of our and the guarantors’ existing and future secured debt (including the Senior Credit Facilities) to the extent of the value of the assets securing such debt; and (iv) rank senior in right of payment to all of our and the guarantors’ existing and future debt and other obligations that are, by their terms, expressly subordinated in right of payment to the Senior Subordinated Notes, including the Subordinated Discount Notes.

 

At any time prior to November 1, 2011, we may redeem all or a part of the Senior Subordinated Notes, at a redemption price equal to the sum of (i) 100% of the principal amount of Senior Subordinated Notes redeemed; (ii) the Applicable Premium (as defined in the Senior Subordinated Indenture); and (iii) accrued and unpaid interest to the date of redemption plus Additional Interest (as defined in the Senior Subordinated Indenture).

 

On and after November 1, 2011, we may redeem all or part of the Senior Subordinated Notes at the redemption prices (expressed as percentages of principal amount of the Senior Subordinated Notes) set forth below, plus accrued and unpaid interest and Additional Interest to the applicable date of redemption if redeemed during the twelve-month period beginning on November 1 of each of the years indicated below:

 

Year

 

Percentage

 

2011

 

105.688

%

2012

 

103.792

%

2013

 

101.896

%

2014 and thereafter

 

100.000

%

 

In addition, until November 1, 2009, we may, at our option, on one or more occasions redeem up to 35% of the aggregate principal amount of Senior Subordinated Notes at a redemption price equal to 111.375% of the aggregate principal amount thereof, plus accrued and unpaid interest and Additional Interest, to the applicable date of redemption, with the net cash proceeds of one or more Equity Offerings (as defined in the Senior Subordinated Indenture); provided that at least 50% of the aggregate principal amount of Senior Subordinated Notes remains outstanding immediately after the occurrence of each such redemption, and that each such redemption occurs within 90 days of the date of closing of each such Equity Offering.

 

Upon a change in control, we are required to offer to purchase all of the Senior Subordinated Notes at a price in cash equal to 101% of the aggregate principal amount thereof, plus accrued and unpaid interest and Additional Interest. The Senior Subordinated notes Indenture contains restrictive covenants substantially similar to those of the Senior Notes described above.

 

13% Subordinated Discount Notes due 2016

 

On October 31, 2006, we issued $469.4 million in principal amount at maturity of 13% Subordinated Discount Notes due on November 1, 2016. No cash interest is payable on the Subordinated Discount Notes prior to November 1, 2011. Beginning on November 1, 2011, cash interest will accrue and is payable semi-annually in arrears on each May 1 and November 1 (the first cash interest payment date is May 1, 2012). The Subordinated Discount Notes are guaranteed, jointly and severally, on an unsecured subordinated basis, by each of our subsidiaries.

 

The Subordinated Discount Notes and the guarantees thereof are our and the guarantors’ unsecured subordinated obligations and (i) are subordinated in right of payment to all of our and the guarantors’ existing and future senior debt (including the Senior Credit Facilities, the Senior Notes and the Senior Subordinated Notes), and (ii) are effectively subordinated to all of our and the guarantors’ secured debt (including the Senior Credit Facilities to the extent of the value of the assets securing such debt).

 

At any time prior to November 1, 2011, we may redeem all or part of the Subordinated Discount Notes at a redemption price equal to the sum of 100% of the Accreted Value (as defined in the Subordinated Discount Indenture) of the Subordinated Discount Notes

 

14



 

redeemed plus the Applicable Premium (as defined in the Subordinated Discount Indenture) as of the date of redemption.

 

On and after November 1, 2011, we may redeem all or part of the Subordinated Discount Notes at the redemption prices (expressed as percentages of Accreted Value of the Subordinated Discount Notes to be redeemed) set forth below, plus accrued and unpaid interest and Additional Interest (to the extent not already included in Accreted Value) as of the applicable date of redemption if redeemed during the twelve-month period beginning on November 1 of each of the years indicated below:

 

Year

 

Percentage

 

2011

 

106.500

%

2012

 

104.333

%

2013

 

102.167

%

2014 and thereafter

 

100.000

%

 

In addition, until November 1, 2009, we may, at our option, on one or more occasions redeem up to 35% of the aggregate principal amount of Subordinated Discount Notes at a redemption price equal to 113.000% of the Accreted Value thereof, with the net cash proceeds of one or more Equity Offerings (as defined in the Subordinated Discount Indenture); provided that at least 50% of the sum of the aggregate principal amount at maturity of Subordinated Discount Notes originally remains outstanding immediately after the occurrence of each such redemption, and that each such redemption occurs within 90 days of the date of closing of each such Equity Offering.

 

On May 1, 2012, and, if necessary, any interest payment date thereafter prior to the maturity date, we are required to redeem a portion of each Subordinated Discount Note outstanding on such date equal to an amount sufficient, but not in excess of the amount necessary, to ensure that a Subordinated Discount Note will not be an “applicable high yield discount obligation” within the meaning of Section 163(i)(1) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986. These redemptions are to be at a price equal to 100% of the Accreted Value as of the date of redemption.

 

Upon a change in control, we are required to offer to purchase all of the Subordinated Discount Notes at a price in cash equal to 101% of the Accreted Value, plus accrued and unpaid interest and Additional Interest. The Subordinated Discount indenture contains restrictive covenants substantially similar to those of the Senior Notes described above.

 

Asset-based revolving credit facility

 

On October 31, 2006, we executed a senior secured asset-based revolving credit facility with Bank of America, N.A. and other lenders (“Asset-based revolving credit facility”). The Asset-based revolving credit facility provides senior secured financing of up to $1.0 billion, subject to a borrowing base as described below. Upon consummation of the Merger, the borrowing base was $930.3 million, of which we borrowed $400.0 million. Borrowing capacity is available for letters of credit and borrowings on same-day notice (“Swingline Loans”).

 

The borrowing base equals the sum of (i) 90% of eligible credit card receivables and debit card receivables; (ii) between 85% and 90% of the appraised net orderly liquidation value of eligible inventory and of eligible letters of credit; (iii) a percentage of eligible in-transit inventory, less certain reserves; and, (iv) the sum of an additional 10% of the appraised net orderly liquidation value of eligible inventory and of eligible letters of credit plus an additional 5% of eligible credit card receivables and debit card receivables (collectively, the “last out tranche”), up to a maximum amount of $100.0 million.

 

The Asset-based revolving credit facility provides us with the right to request up to $200.0 million of additional commitments under this facility after successful syndication of the facility. The facility was since successfully syndicated. The lenders under this facility are not under any obligation to provide any such additional commitments, and any increase in commitments is subject to customary conditions precedent. If we were to request any such additional commitments, and the existing lenders or new lenders were to agree to provide such commitments, the facility size could be increased to up to $1.2 billion, but our ability to borrow under this facility would still be limited by the amount of the borrowing base.

 

15



 

Borrowings under the Asset-based revolving credit facility bear interest at a rate per annum equal to, at our option, either (a) a base rate determined by reference to the higher of (1) the prime rate of Bank of America, N.A. and (2) the federal funds effective rate plus ½ of 1% or (b) a LIBOR rate subject to certain adjustments, in each case plus an applicable margin. The initial applicable margin for borrowings is 0.50% for base rate borrowings and 1.50% for LIBOR borrowings. With respect to any last out tranche borrowings, the initial applicable margin is 1.50% for base rate borrowings and 2.50% for LIBOR borrowings. The applicable margin is subject to adjustment each fiscal quarter based on the excess availability under the Asset-based revolving credit facility. Swingline Loans bear interest at a rate per annum equal to the base rate plus the applicable margin.

 

We are required to pay a commitment fee of 0.25% per annum on the unutilized commitments under the Asset-based revolving credit facility. We must also pay customary letter of credit fees and agency fees.

 

If, at any time, the aggregate amount of outstanding loans, unreimbursed letter of credit drawings and undrawn letters of credit under the Asset-based revolving credit facility exceeds the lesser of (i) the commitment amount or (ii) the borrowing base, we will be required to repay outstanding loans and cash collateralize letters of credit in an aggregate amount equal to such excess, with no reduction of the commitment amount. If the amount available under the Asset-based revolving credit facility is less than $100.0 million for five consecutive business days, or a payment or bankruptcy event of default has occurred, we will be required to repay outstanding loans and cash collateralize letters of credit with the cash we are required to deposit daily in a collection account maintained with the agent under the Asset-based revolving credit facility. We may voluntarily reduce the unutilized portion of the commitment amount and repay outstanding loans at any time without premium or penalty other than customary breakage costs with respect to LIBOR loans. There is no scheduled amortization under the Asset-based revolving credit facility; the principal amount of the loans outstanding is due and payable in full on October 31, 2011.

 

All obligations under the Asset-based revolving credit facility are unconditionally guaranteed by all of the our existing subsidiaries and are required to be guaranteed by certain of our future domestic wholly-owned subsidiaries. All obligations under the Asset-based revolving credit facility, and the guarantees of those obligations, are secured, subject to certain exceptions, by substantially all of our assets and the assets of our subsidiaries (the “Subsidiary Guarantors”), including:

 

      a first-priority security interest in personal property consisting of inventory and related accounts, cash, deposit accounts, all payments received by us or the Subsidiary Guarantors from credit card clearinghouses and processors or otherwise in respect of all credit card charges and debit card charges for sales of inventory by us and the Subsidiary Guarantors, and certain related assets and proceeds of the foregoing;

      a second-priority pledge of all of the capital stock held by us (excluding the stock of Michaels of Canada, ULC) and our Subsidiary Guarantors (which pledge, in the case of the capital stock of any foreign subsidiary, is limited to 65% of the voting stock of such foreign subsidiary and 100% of the non-voting stock of such subsidiary); and

      a second-priority security interest in, and mortgages on, substantially all other tangible and intangible assets of us and each Subsidiary Guarantor, including substantially all of our owned real property and equipment.

 

The Asset-based revolving credit facility contains a number of covenants that, among other things and subject to certain exceptions, restricts the Company’s ability and the ability of its subsidiaries to:

 

      incur additional indebtedness;

      pay dividends on the Company’s capital stock or redeem, repurchase or retire the Company’s capital stock or its other indebtedness;

      make investments, loans, advances and acquisitions;

      create restrictions on the payment of dividends or other amounts to the Company from its restricted subsidiaries;

      engage in transactions with affiliates of the Company;

      sell assets, including capital stock of the Company’s subsidiaries;

      consolidate or merge; and

      create liens.

 

16



 

The covenants limiting dividends and other restricted payments, investments, loans, advances and acquisitions, and prepayments or redemptions of indebtedness, each permit the restricted actions in an unlimited amount, subject to the satisfaction of certain payment conditions, principally that we must have at least $125.0 million of pro forma excess availability under the Asset-based revolving credit facility and that we must be in pro forma compliance with the fixed charge coverage ratio described in the next paragraph.

 

Although the Asset-based revolving credit facility does not require us to comply with any financial ratio maintenance covenants, if we have less than $75.0 million of excess availability under the Asset-based revolving credit facility at any time, we are not permitted to borrow any additional amounts unless our pro forma Consolidated Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio (as defined in the Asset-based revolving credit facility) is at least 1.1 to 1.0. The Asset-based revolving credit facility also contains certain customary affirmative covenants and events of default.

 

Senior secured term loan facility

 

On October 31, 2006, we executed a $2.4 billion senior secured term loan facility with Deutsche Bank A.G. New York Branch, and other lenders. The full amount was borrowed on October 31, 2006. We are required to make scheduled quarterly payments, each equal to 0.25% of the original principal amount of the term loans, for the first six years and three quarters, with the balance payable on October 31, 2013.

 

Borrowings under the Senior secured term loan facility bear interest at a rate per annum equal to, at our option, either (a) a base rate determined by reference to the higher of (1) the prime rate of Deutsche Bank and (2) the federal funds effective rate plus ½ of 1% or (b) a LIBOR rate, subject to certain adjustments, in each case plus an applicable margin. The applicable margin is 2.00% with respect to base rate borrowings and 3.00% with respect to LIBOR borrowings, subject to downward adjustment based on the leverage and ratings thresholds set forth in the Senior secured term loan facility agreement.

 

The Senior secured term loan facility requires us to prepay outstanding term loans with (a) 100% of the net proceeds of any debt issued by us or our subsidiaries (with exceptions for certain debt permitted to be incurred under the Senior secured term loan facility) and (b) commencing with the fiscal year ending February 2, 2008, 50% (which percentage will be reduced to 25% if our total leverage ratio is less than 6.00:1.00 and will be reduced to 0% if our total leverage ratio is less than 5.00:1.00) of our annual Excess Cash Flow (as defined in the Senior secured term loan facility). We must also offer to prepay outstanding term loans at 100% of the principal amount to be prepaid, plus accrued and unpaid interest, with the proceeds of certain asset sales or casualty events under certain circumstances. We may voluntarily prepay outstanding loans under the Senior secured term loan facility at any time without premium or penalty other than customary breakage costs with respect to LIBOR loans.

 

All obligations under the Senior secured term loan facility are unconditionally guaranteed by each direct and indirect wholly-owned subsidiary that guarantees the obligations of the Company under the Asset-based revolving credit facility. All obligations under the Senior secured term loan facility, and the guarantees of those obligations, are secured, subject to certain exceptions, by substantially all of our assets and the assets of the Subsidiary Guarantors, including:

 

      a first-priority pledge of all of the capital stock held by us (excluding the stock of Michaels of Canada, ULC) and the Subsidiary Guarantors (which pledge, in the case of any foreign subsidiary, is limited to 65% of the voting stock of such foreign subsidiary and 100% of the non-voting stock of such subsidiary);

      a first-priority security interest in, and mortgages on, substantially all other tangible and intangible assets of us and each Subsidiary Guarantor, including substantially all of our owned real property and equipment, but excluding, among other things, the collateral described in the following bullet point; and

      a second-priority security interest in personal property consisting of inventory and related accounts, cash, deposit accounts, all payments received by us or the Subsidiary Guarantors from credit card clearinghouses and processors or otherwise in respect of all credit card charges and debit card charges for sales of inventory by us and the Subsidiary Guarantors, certain related assets and proceeds of the foregoing.

 

17



 

The Senior secured term loan facility requires us to satisfy and maintain a consolidated secured debt ratio that is no less than 4.0 to 1.0, with our first compliance date beginning with the twelve months ended February 2, 2008. In addition, the Senior secured term loan facility contains a number of negative covenants that are substantially similar (but more restrictive in certain respects) to those governing the Senior Notes as well as certain other customary affirmative and negative covenants and events of default.

 

Note 6.  Comprehensive Income

 

Our comprehensive income is as follows:

 

 

 

Quarter Ended

 

Nine Months Ended

 

 

 

October 28,

 

October 29,

 

October 28,

 

October 29,

 

 

 

2006

 

2005

 

2006

 

2005

 

 

 

(In thousands)

 

Net income

 

$

36,060

 

$

33,247

 

$

108,822

 

$

13,774

 

Other comprehensive income:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Foreign currency translation adjustment and other

 

240

 

2,468

 

562

 

6,458

 

Comprehensive income

 

$

36,300

 

$

35,715

 

$

109,384

 

$

20,232

 

 

Note 7.  Commitments and Contingencies

 

Shareholder Claims

 

Fathergill Claim

 

On March 21, 2003, Julie Fathergill filed a purported stockholder derivative action, which is pending in the 192nd District Court for Dallas County, Texas. The lawsuit named certain former and then-current officers and directors, including all of Michaels’ then-current directors, as individual defendants and Michaels as a nominal defendant. The derivative action related to actions prior to our announcement on November 7, 2002, that we had revised our outlook for the fourth fiscal quarter of 2002, adjusting downward guidance for annual earnings per diluted share. The plaintiff alleged that, prior to that announcement, certain of the defendants made misrepresentations and failed to disclose negative information about the financial condition of Michaels while the individual defendants were selling shares of Michaels Common Stock. The plaintiff asserted claims against the individual defendants for breach of fiduciary duties, abuse of control, gross mismanagement, waste of corporate assets, and unjust enrichment. All of these claims were asserted derivatively on behalf of Michaels. On November 7, 2005, the Court entered a written order granting the defendants’ special exceptions and ordering that the case would be dismissed with prejudice unless the plaintiff amended her petition to state an actionable claim against the defendants.

 

On December 8, 2005, the plaintiff filed an amended petition in which she reasserted many of the same factual allegations, but also added new allegations questioning, among other things, issues relating to Michaels’ inventory systems and infrastructure, as well as transactions and holdings of Michaels Common Stock by certain trusts established by or for the benefit of two of Michaels’ now former directors and/or their families. In her amended petition, the plaintiff continued to assert all her claims derivatively on behalf of Michaels against the individual defendants for breach of fiduciary duties, abuse of control, gross mismanagement, waste of corporate assets, and unjust enrichment.

 

18



 

On July 10, 2006, the plaintiff filed a Second Amended Shareholder Derivative and Class Action Petition in which she reasserted many of the same factual allegations described above, added new derivative allegations regarding the granting of stock options to certain officers and directors from 1994 through 2000, and class action allegations regarding the then-proposed merger of Michaels and entities sponsored by Bain Capital Partners, LLC (“Bain”) and The Blackstone Group (“Blackstone”) (see Note 9 to these consolidated financial statements and “Managements Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations—Recent Events” for additional information regarding the merger, which has now been consummated) and added certain additional former officers and directors as individual defendants. Among other things, the plaintiff sought (a) a declaration that the agreement and plan of merger among Michaels and the entities sponsored by Bain and Blackstone violated the individual defendants’ fiduciary duties and therefore is unlawful and unenforceable, (b) an injunction to prevent the consummation of the Merger, (c) an indeterminate amount of damages from the individual defendants, (d) certain corporate governance changes, (e) formation of a constructive trust to hold the proceeds of defendants’ alleged trading activities and (f) restitution from, and disgorgement of proceeds derived by, the named officers with respect to the alleged acts.

 

By court order dated August 18, 2006, the Gottlieb and Schuman actions (discussed below) were consolidated with the Fathergill action. On October 4, 2006, Fathergill, Gottlieb and Schuman filed a consolidated shareholder derivative class action petition that included the claims that had been asserted in any of the three actions and named as defendants each of the defendants that had been named in any of the three actions. We believe we have certain meritorious defenses and intend to defend this lawsuit vigorously.  We are unable to estimate a range of possible loss, if any, in this claim.

 

Gottlieb and Schuman Claim

 

On June 9, 2006, Feivel Gottlieb and on June 12, 2006, Roberta Schuman each filed purported stockholder derivative actions in the 191st and the 14th District Courts for Dallas County, Texas, respectively. The lawsuits named our former Chairman of the Board and Vice Chairman of the Board, both in their capacities at the time as officers of Michaels and as directors, and all of Michaels’ other then-current directors as individual defendants and Michaels as a nominal defendant. The plaintiffs asserted claims against the individual defendants for breach of fiduciary duty, abuse of control, gross mismanagement, waste of corporate assets and unjust enrichment in connection with the granting of stock options by Michaels between 1990 and October 2001 and sought, among other relief, an indeterminate amount of damages from the individual defendants and injunctive relief against Michaels with regard to various corporate governance matters. All of these claims were asserted derivatively on behalf of Michaels.

 

On July 5, 2006, each of Feivel Gottlieb and Roberta Schuman filed a First Amended Shareholder Derivative and Class Action Petition against the individual defendants, Michaels as a nominal defendant, and against Bain and Blackstone. In addition to the derivative allegations described above, these amended petitions added class action allegations against our then-current directors for breach of fiduciary duty related to the then-proposed merger of Michaels with entities sponsored by Bain and Blackstone, and a claim against Bain and Blackstone for aiding and abetting the directors’ alleged breach of fiduciary duty. In addition to the relief previously sought by the plaintiffs, as a result of these new claims, the plaintiffs sought (a) to enjoin the then-proposed merger (or declare it void, if consummated), (b) to require the defendants to disgorge the property they received as a result of their allegedly wrongful conduct and (c) an indeterminate amount of damages from the defendants, jointly and severally. As discussed above, by court order dated October 4, 2006, the Gottlieb and Schuman actions were consolidated with the Fathergill action described above.

 

Dutil Claim

 

On September 11, 2003, Leo J. Dutil filed a purported stockholder derivative action in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Texas, Dallas Division. The lawsuit named certain former and then-current officers and directors as individual defendants and Michaels as a nominal defendant. In this derivative action, the plaintiff made allegations of fact similar to those made in the March 21, 2003 Fathergill petition described above. The plaintiff asserted claims against the individual defendants for breach of fiduciary duty, misappropriation of confidential information, and contribution and indemnification. All of these claims were asserted derivatively on behalf of Michaels. On August 31, 2006, the plaintiff filed a notice of voluntary dismissal. The Court issued an order on September 7, 2006, dismissing the case in its entirety without prejudice.

 

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Hulliung Claim

 

On June 19, 2006, Albert Hulliung filed a purported stockholder derivative action, which is pending in the United States District Court, Northern District of Texas, Dallas Division. The lawsuit named our former Chairman of the Board and Vice Chairman of the Board, all of Michaels’ other then-current directors, one additional then-current officer and certain of our former officers as individual defendants and Michaels as a nominal defendant. In connection with the granting and repricing of certain stock options between 1993 and 2001, the plaintiff asserted claims of (a) breaches of fiduciary duty and violations of Section 10(b) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and Rule 10b-5 promulgated thereunder against all the individual defendants and (b) unjust enrichment against our then-Chairman of the Board, then-Vice Chairman of the Board, one other then-director and the other then-current officer and former officers named in the lawsuit. The plaintiff sought, among other relief, an indeterminate amount of damages from the individual defendants and disgorgement of certain options and any proceeds derived therefrom from the defendants against whom the unjust enrichment claim was asserted. All of these claims were asserted derivatively on behalf of Michaels.

 

On July 27, 2006, the plaintiff amended his complaint adding certain other former and then-current officers and one former director of Michaels as individual defendants and including allegations similar to those set forth in the second amended (July 10, 2006) Fathergill Petition, described above. The plaintiff asserted claims derivatively on behalf of Michaels for (a) breach of fiduciary

 

duty and violations of Section 10(b) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and Rule 10b-5 promulgated thereunder by each of the individual defendants, (b) unjust enrichment against certain of the individual defendants who received stock options during the relevant period and (c) insider selling against certain of the individual defendants who sold Michaels Common Stock during the time period. Additionally, the plaintiff purported to represent a class of Michaels’ shareholders. The plaintiff sought, among other relief, (i) an indeterminate amount of damages from the individual defendants, (ii) restitution from, and disgorgement of proceeds derived by, the individual defendants who received stock options, (iii) the imposition of a constructive trust against the individuals who were alleged to have engaged in insider sales and (iv) other unspecified equitable relief.

 

On November 7, 2006, the Ziolkowski action (discussed below) was consolidated with the Hulliung action. On November 27, 2006, the plaintiffs in Hulliung and Ziolkowski filed a Consolidated Class Action Complaint (“Consolidated Complaint”) against Michaels and certain of its former officers and directors. The Consolidated Complaint alleges that the defendants misrepresented and/or omitted material facts in Michaels’ annual proxy statements for 1993 through 2006, including, among other things, failing to disclose Michaels’ and the defendants’ alleged option backdating practices and the fact that Michaels and the defendants had reported false financial statements as a result of those practices. The Consolidated Complaint also alleges that the proxy statements failed to disclose: (a) that Michaels had problems with its internal controls that prevented it from issuing accurate financial reports and projections; (b) that because of improperly recorded stock-based compensation expenses, Michaels’ reported financial results violated GAAP; (c) that Michaels’ public disclosures presented an inflated view of Michaels’ earnings by understating the Company’s past compensation expenses; (d) that Michaels faced substantial liability for its past and ongoing backdating practices; and (e) that Michaels’ directors had received and acquiesced in the granting of backdated stock options. The plaintiff asserts claims against all defendants for violations of Section 14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and Rule 14a-9 promulgated thereunder, and seeks, among other relief, an indeterminate amount of damages from the defendants, as well as an award of attorneys fees and costs. We believe we have certain meritorious defenses and intend to defend this lawsuit vigorously.  We are unable to estimate a range of possible loss, if any, in this claim.

 

20



 

Ziolkowski Claim

 

On July 7, 2006, James and Christine Ziolkowski filed a purported stockholder derivative action, which is pending in the United States District Court, Northern District of Texas, Dallas Division. The lawsuit named certain former and then-current officers and directors of Michaels as individual defendants, and Michaels as a nominal defendant. In connection with the granting of stock options to the named officers, the plaintiffs asserted claims of (a) breaches of fiduciary duty and violations of Section 10(b) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and Rule 10b-5 promulgated thereunder by each of the individual defendants, (b) aiding and abetting of the named officers’ breach of their fiduciary duties by the director defendants and (c) unjust enrichment and rescission against the named officers. The plaintiffs sought, among other relief, (i) an indeterminate amount of damages from the individual defendants, (ii) restitution from, and disgorgement of proceeds derived by, the named officers with respect to the alleged acts, (iii) rescission of all option contracts granted to the named officers, and cancellation of any current or future obligations of Michaels under any executory contracts obtained by the named officers as a result of the alleged acts, (iv) formation of a constructive trust to hold all executory option contracts issued to the named officers and (v) punitive damages against the named officers. All of these claims were asserted derivatively on behalf of Michaels.

 

As discussed above, by court order dated November 7, 2006, the Ziolkowski action was consolidated with the Hulliung action described above, and on November 27, 2006, the plaintiffs in Hulliung and Ziolkowski filed a Consolidated Complaint.

 

Massachusetts Laborers’ Annuity Claim

 

On September 6, 2006, the Massachusetts Laborers’ Annuity Fund filed a putative class action on behalf of itself and all holders of Michaels Common Stock during the period of May 4, 2004 through the present. The lawsuit is pending in the United States District Court, Northern District of Texas, Dallas Division, and named Michaels and all of its then-current directors as defendants. The plaintiff alleged that the defendants misrepresented and/or omitted material facts in Michaels’ annual proxy statements for 2004, 2005 and 2006, including, among other things, that Michaels’ reported financial results inflated its reported earnings by not properly recording stock-based compensation expense relating to the granting of stock options, that problems with Michaels’ internal controls prevented it from issuing accurate financial reports and projections, and that Michaels’ directors had received and acquiesced in the granting of backdated stock options. The plaintiff asserted claims against all of the defendants of (a) violations of Section 14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and Rule 14a-9 promulgated thereunder and (b) violations of Section 20(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. The plaintiff sought, among other relief, an indeterminate amount of damages from the defendants and equitable or injunctive relief, including the rescission of stock option grants. We believe we have certain meritorious defenses and intend to defend this lawsuit vigorously.  We are unable to estimate a range of possible loss, if any, in this claim.

 

Employee Class Action Claims

 

Cotton Claim

 

On December 20, 2002, James Cotton, a former store manager of Michaels of Canada, ULC, our wholly-owned subsidiary, and Suzette Kennedy, a former assistant manager of Michaels of Canada, commenced a proposed class proceeding against Michaels of Canada and Michaels Stores, Inc. on behalf of themselves and current and former employees employed in Canada. The Cotton claim was filed in the Ontario Superior Court of Justice and alleges that the defendants violated employment standards legislation in Ontario and other provinces and territories of Canada by failing to pay overtime compensation as required by that legislation. The Cotton claim also alleges that this conduct was in breach of the contracts of employment of those individuals. The Cotton claim seeks a declaration that the defendants have acted in breach of applicable legislation, payment to current and former employees for overtime, damages for breach of contract, punitive, aggravated and exemplary damages, interest, and costs. In May of 2005, the plaintiffs delivered material in support of their request that this action be certified as a class proceeding. Michaels filed and served its responding materials opposing class certification on January 31, 2006. A date has not yet been set for the hearing with respect to certification. We intend to contest certification of this claim as a class action. Further, we believe we have certain defenses on the merits and intend to defend this lawsuit vigorously. We are unable to estimate a range of possible loss, if any, in this claim.

 

21



 

Clark Claim

 

On July 13, 2005, Michael Clark, a former Michaels store assistant manager, and Lucinda Prouty, a former Michaels store department manager, commenced a proposed class action proceeding against Michaels Stores, Inc. on behalf of themselves and current and former hourly retail employees employed in California from July 13, 2001 to the present. The Clark suit was filed in the Superior Court of California, County of San Diego, and alleges that Michaels failed to pay overtime wages, provide meal and rest periods (or compensation in lieu thereof), and provide itemized employee wage statements. The Clark suit also alleges that this conduct was in breach of California’s unfair competition law. The plaintiffs seek injunctive relief, damages for unpaid overtime pay, meal break penalties, waiting time penalties, interest, and attorneys’ fees and costs. Under the Class Action Fairness Act, we removed the case to federal court on August 5, 2005. The parties participated in a voluntary mediation on October 16, 2006 and have reached a tentative settlement of the case. Contingent on court approval, the parties have agreed to a claims made process, with no material impact on our statement of operations, balance sheet, or cash flows for any period presented.

 

Morris Claim

 

On November 16, 2005, Geoffrey Morris, a former Aaron Brothers employee in San Diego, California, commenced a proposed class action proceeding against Aaron Brothers, Inc. on behalf of himself and current and former Aaron Brothers employees in California from November 16, 2001 to the present. The Morris suit was filed in the Superior Court of California, County of San Diego, and alleges that Aaron Brothers failed to pay overtime wages, reimburse the plaintiff for necessary expenses (including the cost of gas used in driving his car for business purposes), and provide adequate meal and rest breaks (or compensation in lieu thereof). The Morris suit also alleges that this conduct was in breach of California’s unfair competition law. The plaintiff seeks injunctive relief, damages for unpaid overtime pay, meal break penalties, waiting time penalties, interest, and attorneys’ fees and costs. Morris filed an Amended Complaint on June 8, 2006 and now seeks to represent a class of current and former assistant managers only. We believe that the Morris claim lacks merit, and we intend to vigorously defend our interests. We are unable to estimate a range of possible loss, if any, in this claim.

 

Governmental Inquiries and Related Matters

 

Non-U.S. Trust Inquiry

 

In early 2005, the District Attorney’s office of the County of New York and the SEC opened inquiries concerning non-U.S. trusts that directly or indirectly held shares of Michaels Common Stock and Common Stock options. The staff of a U.S. Senate subcommittee and a federal grand jury requested information with respect to the same facts. We are cooperating in these inquiries and have provided information in response to the requests.

 

Certain of these trusts and corporate subsidiaries of the trusts acquired securities of Michaels in transactions directly or indirectly with Charles J. Wyly, Jr. and Sam Wyly, who were, respectively, Chairman and Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors prior to the consummation of the merger of Michaels and entities sponsored by Bain and Blackstone, or with other Wyly family members. In addition, subsidiaries of certain of these trusts acquired securities directly from us in private placement transactions in 1996 and 1997 and upon the exercise of stock options transferred, directly or indirectly, to the trusts or their subsidiaries by Charles Wyly, Sam Wyly, or other Wyly family members.

 

We understand that Charles Wyly and Sam Wyly and/or certain of their family members are beneficiaries of irrevocable non-U.S. trusts. The 1996 and 1997 private placement sales by us of Michaels securities to subsidiaries of certain of these trusts were disclosed by us in filings with the SEC. The transfer by Charles Wyly and/or Sam Wyly (or by other Wyly family members or family-related entities) of Michaels securities to certain of these trusts and subsidiaries was also disclosed in filings with the SEC by us and/or by Charles Wyly and Sam Wyly. Based on information provided to us, our SEC filings did not report securities owned by the non-U.S. trusts or their corporate subsidiaries as beneficially owned by Charles Wyly and Sam Wyly prior to 2005.

 

22



 

Following the filing by Charles Wyly and Sam Wyly of an amended Schedule 13D with the SEC on April 8, 2005, stating that they may be deemed the beneficial owners of Michaels securities held directly or indirectly by the non-U.S. trusts, we disclosed in a press release that, as of March 31, 2005, under SEC Rule 13d-3, Charles Wyly may be deemed the owner of 6,045,818 shares, or 4.4% of our then outstanding Common Stock, and Sam Wyly may be deemed the beneficial owner of 4,822,534 shares, or 3.5% of our then outstanding Common Stock. In our 2005 and 2006 proxy statements, we included the securities held in the non-U.S. trusts or their separate subsidiaries, as reported by the Wylys, in the beneficial ownership table of our principal stockholders and management, with appropriate footnotes.

 

Charles Wyly and Sam Wyly had not historically reported purchases and sales of Michaels securities by the non-U.S. trusts and their subsidiaries in reports filed by them with the SEC under Section 16 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. In an April 2005 letter from their counsel, Charles Wyly and Sam Wyly undertook to file any additional required Section 16 reports and to pay us the amount of any Section 16 liability. Charles Wyly and Sam Wyly have not filed additional or amended Section 16 reports with respect to the transactions in question. They have, however, since June 2005, reported on Form 4 filings the ownership of Michaels securities by the non-U.S. trusts and their subsidiaries and the sales of such securities in connection with the merger involving Michaels and entities sponsored by Bain and Blackstone. In those filings, Charles Wyly and Sam Wyly have disclaimed beneficial ownership of the securities except to the extent of a pecuniary interest in the securities.

 

Charles Wyly and Sam Wyly made a proposal to settle the issue, without admitting or denying that they have or had, for Section 16 purposes, beneficial ownership of Michaels securities that are or were held by the non-U.S. trusts or their subsidiaries. Following that proposal, on March 15, 2006, the Board of Directors appointed a special committee of the Board to investigate and make decisions on behalf of Michaels with respect to the potential Section 16 liability issue. The special committee was also given authority to make decisions for Michaels relating to the allegations in the Fathergill derivative suit related to the transactions and holdings of Michaels Common Stock by certain of the non-U.S. trusts, and authority to investigate and respond to the governmental inquiries, described above. The special committee had retained independent counsel to advise it in these matters.

 

In connection with the consummation of the merger of Michaels with entities sponsored by Bain and Blackstone, all the members of the Board of Directors, including the members of the special committee, resigned. As a result, the committee no longer exists, and authority concerning those matters has now reverted to the new Board of Directors. The independent counsel retained by the special committee is now advising the Company. The Company and Charles Wyly, Sam Wyly and Evan Wyly entered into a tolling agreement, effective November 6, 2006, suspending the running of applicable statutes of limitations periods and similar defenses to the potential Section 16 claims from November 6, 2006 through February 1, 2007.

 

Stock Options Inquiry

 

On June 15, 2006, following Michaels’ announcement that its Audit Committee had initiated an internal review, described below, into the Company’s historical stock option practices, Michaels received a letter from the Division of Enforcement of the SEC requesting that the Company preserve all documents concerning its granting of stock options from 1990 through the present and stating that the SEC intended to request production of such documents in the future. In a letter dated November 15, 2006, the Division requested the documents. A June 16, 2006 grand jury subpoena issued by the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York requesting documents relating to the granting of stock options during the period 1996 to the present was withdrawn in connection with a July 27, 2006 grand jury subpoena issued by the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Texas on behalf of the Fraud section of the Department of Justice requesting documents relating to the granting of stock options during the same period. We are cooperating in these inquiries and have provided information in response to the requests.

 

On August 28, 2006, the Board of Directors appointed a special committee of the Board to investigate and make decisions on behalf of Michaels with respect to these subpoenas and any stock option grant issue raised by the SEC. The Board also designated the special committee to investigate and make decisions on behalf of Michaels with respect to allegations regarding Michaels’ historical stock option practices asserted in each of the Fathergill, Gottlieb and Schuman, Hulliung and Ziokowski claims, described above under “Shareholder Claims.” This committee no longer exists as a result of the resignation of the members of the Board of Directors, including the members of this committee, in connection with the consummation of the merger of Michaels with entities sponsored by Bain and Blackstone, and the authority previously given to the committee has now reverted to the new Board of Directors.

 

23



 

Internal Review of Stock Options Practices and Related Accounting

 

Based on media reports regarding historical stock options practices at other publicly traded companies regarding allegations of “backdating” option grants, the Company’s Audit Committee conducted an internal review into the Company’s historical stock option practices, including a review of the Company’s underlying option grant documentation and procedures and related accounting. The Audit Committee’s internal review was conducted with the assistance of independent legal counsel and outside accounting experts. The Company’s independent registered public accounting firm was informed about the internal review. The Company also voluntarily reported the commencement of this review to the SEC.

 

The Audit Committee review has focused principally on the question of whether there may have been intentional wrongdoing in the Company’s historical stock options granting practices. On August 25, 2006, the Audit Committee’s independent legal counsel presented its final report to the Audit Committee, which stated that the investigation conducted by independent counsel did not support a conclusion that there was intentional misconduct. Based on the independent counsel report, the Audit Committee concluded that the results of the investigation did not support a finding of intentional misconduct.

 

In connection with the Audit Committee review, the Company has substantially completed an internal review of historical stock options practices and related accounting issues from 1990 to the present. In this review, the Company has been advised, with respect to specific Delaware law issues, by independent Delaware counsel and, with respect to specific Texas law issues, by independent Texas counsel. Management of the Company has discussed its current analyses and related judgments, described below, with the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm and with the Audit Committee.

 

The Company has used its stock option program as a key component of compensation for both its officers and a broad group of non-officer employees. Historically, the Company has granted stock options principally, but not invariably, utilizing a process in which an authorized committee of the Board would approve stock option grants from time to time through unanimous written consent resolutions with specified effective dates that generally preceded the date on which the consents were fully executed by members of the applicable committee. Since October 2001, the Company has continued to use unanimous written consent resolutions to grant stock options but in a modified process based on established pre-determined effective grant dates and generally pre-determined grant levels for its stock option program. Prior to October 2001, some grants were made on the basis of pre-determined grant dates and pre-determined grant levels; others were not. Most of the stock option grants during the period under review were dated prior to the approval of the grants by the Board or a Board committee for various reasons, including the design and use of the unanimous written consent process, delays in the initiation of the written consents, general administrative deficiencies, and actions taken to correct what the Company believed were mistakes or omissions in the grant process. Notwithstanding that the Audit Committee concluded that the results of the investigation did not support a finding of intentional misconduct, the Company has identified accounting issues related to certain of the stock option grants prior to October 2001.

 

The Company has historically considered the effective date specified in an option and the effective date specified in the written consents by the applicable committee as the accounting measurement date for determining stock-based compensation expense under APB No. 25, Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees. For all of the post-October 2001 options grants and for many of the pre-October 2001 options grants, the Company has concluded that the accounting measurement date historically used was correct and appropriate, and that there is no unrecognized non-cash compensation expense with respect to those grants. However, for certain grants that were reviewed in the period 1990 to 2001, based on the advice it received and its own review of Company records, the Company currently believes that the measurement date would likely be considered to differ from the measurement date originally used in accounting for such grants. In connection with those grants, the Company is unable to definitively determine the actual measurement date based on existing records. The Company estimated the measurement date based on its knowledge of the approval process, subsequent meetings that occurred, and estimates of the time that would have lapsed to obtain documented approval for those grants. To the extent the exercise price of an option was less than the fair market value of the Company’s common stock on an estimated measurement date different than the original measurement date, the difference represents the Company’s estimate of the amount of non-cash compensation expense that should have been recorded over the vesting period of the option.

 

24



 

Based on the Company’s current analysis, the estimated amount of additional non-cash compensation cost that should have been recorded was approximately $22.5 million, net of income taxes of approximately $13.5 million, all of which relates to periods prior to fiscal 2001. The amounts do not affect results of operations or the statement of cash flows in any period presented in this report or in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for fiscal 2005. As all stock options in question were exercised prior to the end of fiscal 2005, the effect on the Company’s financial position as of January 28, 2006 and as of October 28, 2006 as presented in this report would be an adjustment to both retained earnings and accumulated paid in capital in the amount of any unrecorded non-cash compensation cost, with no impact on total stockholders’ equity. Based on the Company’s current analysis and judgments, any misstatement of the Company’s financial statements in any period presented in this report or in its fiscal 2005 Form 10-K is not considered material.

 

As the Company’s review is not complete as of the date of this filing, additional information may become available which could cause the Company’s current estimates and judgments to change materially. However, the Company currently believes that a restatement of the Company’s prior period financial statements will not be required.

 

The Company is also evaluating whether previously deducted compensation related to exercised stock options might be non-deductible under Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code, which could result in additional taxes and interest related to the prior deductions. The Company currently believes that the amount of tax deductions it would be unable to recognize, if any, would not be material to results of operations, cash flow, or the Company’s financial position, but has not finalized its assessment of this matter.

 

A number of shareholder lawsuits have been filed against the Company, the then-current and certain former directors, and certain then-current and former officers of Michaels relating to the Company’s historical stock option practices. See “— Shareholder Claims” above. The Company has received a grand jury subpoena and has received a document production request from the SEC with respect to documents relating to our historical stock option practices. See “— Governmental Inquires and Related Matters—Stock Options Inquiry” above.

 

General

 

We are a defendant from time to time in lawsuits incidental to our business. Based on currently available information, we believe that resolution of all known contingencies is uncertain. There can be no assurance that future costs of such litigation would not be material to our financial position, results of operations, or cash flows.

 

Note 8.  Segments

 

We consider our Michaels, Aaron Brothers, and Recollections stores and our Star Decorators Wholesale operations to be our operating segments for purposes of determining reportable segments based on the criteria set forth in SFAS No. 131, Disclosures About Segments of an Enterprise and Related Information. We determined that our Michaels and Aaron Brothers operating segments have similar economic characteristics and meet the aggregation criteria in paragraph 17 of SFAS No. 131. Our Aaron Brothers operating segment does not meet the quantitative thresholds for separate disclosure set forth in SFAS No. 131, and our Recollections stores and Star Decorators Wholesale operations are immaterial for segment reporting purposes individually, and in the aggregate. Therefore, we combine all operating segments into one reporting segment.

 

25



 

Our sales, operating income, and assets by country are as follows:

 

 

 

Net Sales

 

Operating
Income

 

Total Assets

 

 

 

(In thousands)

 

Quarter ended October 28, 2006:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

United States

 

$

830,223

 

$

45,930

 

$

1,877,496

 

Canada

 

65,857

 

9,507

 

93,392

 

Consolidated Total

 

$

896,080

 

$

55,437

 

$

1,970,888

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Quarter ended October 29, 2005:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

United States

 

$

784,536

 

$

44,064

 

$

1,776,102

 

Canada

 

55,127

 

6,753

 

79,277

 

Consolidated Total

 

$

839,663

 

$

50,817

 

$

1,855,379

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Nine months ended October 28, 2006:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

United States

 

$

2,326,538

 

$

139,804

 

$

1,877,496

 

Canada

 

170,287

 

22,453

 

93,392

 

Consolidated Total

 

$

2,496,825

 

$

162,257

 

$

1,970,888

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Nine months ended October 29, 2005:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

United States

 

$

2,264,724

 

$

161,792

 

$

1,776,102

 

Canada

 

141,448

 

15,875

 

79,277

 

Consolidated Total

 

$

2,406,172

 

$

177,667

 

$

1,855,379

 

 

Canada’s operating income includes corporate allocations, such as overhead, and amounts related to our distribution and Artistree operations. We present assets based on their physical, geographic location. Certain assets located in the United States are also used to support our Canadian operations, but we do not allocate those assets or their associated expenses to Canada.

 

Note 9.  Subsequent Event

 

On October 31, 2006, substantially all of the Common Stock of Michaels Stores, Inc. was acquired through a merger transaction (the “Merger”) by affiliates of two private investment firms, Bain Capital Partners, LLC and The Blackstone Group (collectively, together with their applicable affiliates, the “Sponsors”), with certain shares retained by affiliates of Highfields Capital Partners (a then-existing shareholder of Michaels Stores, Inc.). As a result of the Merger, Michaels Holdings, LLC, an entity controlled by the Sponsors, owns approximately 93.6% of our outstanding Common Stock, which is no longer publicly traded. We expect the Merger to be accounted for as a leveraged recapitalization whereby the historical book value of the assets and liabilities of Michaels will be maintained with no push down accounting required.

 

The Merger was financed by the issuance of debt as described in Note 5 to these consolidated financial statements as well as:

 

                  Equity investments from the Sponsors and the retention of certain shares held by affiliates of Highfields Capital Partners, and

                  Our available cash as of the date of the Merger.

 

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The Merger occurred simultaneously with the closing of the financing and equity transactions described above as well as the termination of our previous $300 million senior unsecured credit facility with Bank of America, N.A (Credit Agreement). For further description of the financing transactions, see Note 5 to these consolidated financial statements.

 

In connection with the completion of the Merger, we entered into management agreements with each of the Sponsors pursuant to which the Sponsors will provide management services to us until December 31, 2016, with evergreen extensions thereafter. Pursuant to these agreements, the Sponsors will receive an aggregate annual management fee equal to $12.0 million, and reimbursement for out-of-pocket expenses incurred by them in connection with the Merger prior to the closing date and in connection with the provision of services pursuant to the agreements. In addition, pursuant to these agreements, the Sponsors received, in connection with the completion of the Merger, aggregate transaction fees of approximately $60.0 million in connection with services provided by them related to the Merger. Finally, the management agreements provide that the Sponsors are entitled to receive fees in connection with certain subsequent financing, acquisition, disposition and change of control transactions of 1% of the gross transaction value of any such transaction. The management agreements include customary exculpation and indemnification provisions in favor of the Sponsors. The management agreements may be terminated by the Sponsors at any time and terminate automatically upon an initial public offering or a change of control unless we and the Sponsors determine otherwise. Upon termination, each provider of management services will be entitled to a termination fee calculated based on the present value of the annual fees due during the remaining period from the date of termination to the tenth anniversary of the date of the Merger.

 

In connection with the completion of the Merger, we entered into a management agreement with Highfields Capital Management LP, an affiliate of the Highfields Capital Partners, that provides for an annual management fee of $1.0 million for services that Highfields Capital Management LP renders to us following the completion of the Merger.

 

During our fourth quarter of fiscal 2006, we will record additional costs related to the Merger, currently expected to range between $215 million to $220 million. Some of these costs will be expensed and some will be capitalized as part of the debt issuance costs. The allocation of the Merger costs is subject to our receipt and review of final invoices associated with the Merger. Our effective tax rate of 37.75% for the three and nine months ended October 28, 2006 includes the tax benefit of certain Merger costs incurred through those respective periods. Certain Merger costs are not deductible for tax purposes. We expect to adjust our effective tax rate in future periods to reflect the portion of Merger costs that are not deductible for tax purposes, which we expect will result in a higher effective tax rate.

 

As a result of the recapitalization and issuance of the Notes and Senior Credit Facilities, our capitalization materially changed subsequent to October 28, 2006. Below is a comparison of our actual capitalization as of October 28, 2006, and our capitalization on a pro forma basis giving effect to the Merger. The unaudited proforma financial data was prepared on the basis that the Merger was accounted for as a leveraged recapitalization and accordingly, there was no change in the basis of assets and liabilities.  The unaudited proforma financial data are based upon available information and certain assumptions that we believe are reasonable.  The unaudited proforma data may materially change as more information becomes available with respect to Merger costs as described above.

 

 

 

As of October 28, 2006

 

 

 

(in millions)

 

 

 

Actual

 

Proforma

 

Cash and equivalents

 

$

315.3

 

$

79.5

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total debt

 

 

 

 

 

Senior Notes

 

 

750.0

 

Senior Subordinated Notes

 

 

400.0

 

Subordinated Discount Notes

 

 

250.0

 

Asset-based revolving credit facility

 

 

400.0

 

Senior secured term loan facility

 

 

2,400.0

 

Total debt

 

 

4,200.0

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total stockholders’ equity (deficit)

 

1,357.6

 

(2,844.9

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total capitalization

 

$

1,357.6

 

$

1,355.1

 

 

27



 

Note 10. Recent Accounting Pronouncements

 

In July 2006, the FASB issued FASB Interpretation No. 48, Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes — an interpretation of FASB Statement No. 109 (“FIN 48”), which clarifies the accounting for uncertainty in income tax positions. FIN 48 requires that a company recognize in its consolidated financial statements the impact of a tax position that is more likely than not to be sustained upon examination based on the technical merits of the position. The provisions of FIN 48 will be effective for us, as of the beginning of fiscal 2007, with early adoption permitted. Any cumulative effect recorded as a result of adopting FIN 48 will be recorded as an adjustment to opening retained earnings. We are currently evaluating the impact of adopting FIN 48 on our consolidated financial statements.

 

In September 2006, the FASB issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standard No. 158, Employers’ Accounting for Defined Benefit Pensions and Other Postretirement Plans (“FAS 158”), which requires an entity to recognize the overfunded or underfunded status of a defined benefit postretirement plan as an asset or liability in its balance sheet and to recognize changes in that funded status in the year in which the changes occur through comprehensive income. It also requires an entity to measure the funded status of a plan as of the date of its year-end balance sheet. As we have no publicly traded securities (due to the Merger), FAS 158 is effective for us at the end of fiscal 2007, with early adoption permitted. We plan to adopt FAS 158 at the end of fiscal 2007, with no material impact expected on our consolidated income statement, balance sheet, shareholders’ equity, or cash flows statement.

 

28



 

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

 

All expressions of “us,” “we,” “our,” and all similar expressions are references to Michaels Stores, Inc. and its consolidated wholly-owned subsidiaries, unless otherwise expressly stated or the context otherwise requires.

 

Disclosure Regarding Forward-Looking Information

 

The following discussion should be read in conjunction with our consolidated financial statements and related notes included elsewhere in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q. The following discussion, as well as other portions of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, contains forward-looking statements that reflect our plans, estimates, and beliefs. Any statements contained herein (including, but not limited to, statements to the effect that Michaels or its management “anticipates,” “plans,” “estimates,” “expects,” “believes,” and other similar expressions) that are not statements of historical fact should be considered forward-looking statements and should be read in conjunction with our consolidated financial statements and related notes in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended January 28, 2006. Specific examples of forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements regarding our forecasts of financial performance, capital expenditures, and working capital requirements. Our actual results could materially differ from those discussed in these forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause or contribute to such differences include, but are not limited to:

 

    our substantial leverage, which could adversely affect our ability to raise additional capital to fund our operations, limit our ability to react to changes in the economy or our industry, and expose us to interest rate risk to the extent of our variable rate debt;

 

    our ability to service the interest and principal payments of our debt;

 

    restrictions contained in our various debt agreements that limit our flexibility in operating our business, including compliance with the covenants contained therein;

 

    our ability to remain competitive in the areas of merchandise quality, price, breadth of selection, customer service, and convenience;

 

    our ability to anticipate and/or react to changes in customer demand and preferences for products and supplies used in creative activities and the related potential impact to merchandise inventories in categories that represent a significant portion of our business;

 

    changes in consumer confidence resulting in a reduction in consumer spending on items perceived to be discretionary;

 

    the effectiveness of, or unexpected consumer responses to, our promotional programs;

 

    unusual weather conditions;

 

    the execution and management of our store growth, including new concepts, the impact of new competitor stores in locations near our existing stores, and the availability of acceptable real estate locations for new store openings;

 

    the effective optimization and maintenance of our perpetual inventory and automated replenishment systems and related impacts to inventory levels;

 

    the identification and implementation of enhancements to our supply chain to enable us to distribute additional SKUs through our distribution centers;

 

    delays in the receipt of merchandise ordered from suppliers due to delays in connection with either the manufacture or shipment of such merchandise;

 

    transportation delays (including dock strikes and other work stoppages) and increases in transportation costs due to fuel surcharges and transportation regulations;

 

    restrictive actions by foreign governments or changes in United States laws and regulations affecting imports or domestic distribution;

 

    significant increases in inflation or commodity prices, such as petroleum, natural gas, electricity, steel, and paper, which may

 

29



 

adversely affect our costs, including cost of merchandise;

 

    significant increases in tariffs or duties levied on imports which may limit the availability of certain merchandise from our foreign suppliers;

 

    changes in political, economic, and social conditions;

 

    significant fluctuations in exchange rates;

 

    financial difficulties of any of our key vendors, suppliers, or insurance providers;

 

    the design and implementation of new management information systems as well as the maintenance and enhancement of existing systems, particularly in light of our continued store growth and the addition of new concepts;

 

    our ability to maintain the security of electronic and other confidential information;

 

    our ability to maintain effective internal controls over our newly implemented financial reporting system;

 

    our ability to attract and retain qualified personnel to successfully execute our operating plans;

 

    the seasonality of the retail business;

 

    other factors as set forth in “Part II. – Item 1A. Risk Factors” herein, in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended January 28, 2006 (particularly in “Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates” and “Risk Factors”), and in our other Securities and Exchange Commission filings.

 

We intend these forward-looking statements to speak only as of the time of filing this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q and do not undertake to update or revise them as more information becomes available.

 

General

 

All references herein to “fiscal 2006” relate to the 53 weeks ending February 3, 2007 and all references to “fiscal 2005” relate to the 52 weeks ended January 28, 2006. In addition, all references herein to “the third quarter of fiscal 2006” and “the first nine months of fiscal 2006” relate to the 13 and 39 weeks ended October 28, 2006, respectively, and all references to “the third quarter of fiscal 2005” and “the first nine months of fiscal 2005” relate to the 13 and 39 weeks ended October 29, 2005, respectively.

 

The following table sets forth certain of our unaudited operating data:

 

30



 

 

 

Quarter Ended

 

Nine Months Ended

 

 

 

October 28,

 

October 29,

 

October 28,

 

October 29,

 

 

 

2006

 

2005

 

2006

 

2005

 

Michaels stores:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Retail stores open at beginning of period

 

905

 

870

 

885

 

844

 

Retail stores opened during the period

 

15

 

19

 

39

 

46

 

Retail stores opened (relocations) during the period

 

2

 

7

 

7

 

18

 

Retail stores closed during the period

 

(1

)

 

(5

)

(1

)

Retail stores closed (relocations) during the period

 

(2

)

(7

)

(7

)

(18

)

Retail stores open at end of period

 

919

 

889

 

919

 

889

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Aaron Brothers stores:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Retail stores open at beginning of period

 

165

 

165

 

166

 

164

 

Retail stores opened during the period

 

 

1

 

 

2

 

Retail stores closed during the period

 

 

 

(1

)

 

Retail stores open at end of period

 

165

 

166

 

165

 

166

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Recollections stores:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Retail stores open at beginning of period

 

11

 

11

 

11

 

8

 

Retail stores opened during the period

 

 

 

 

3

 

Retail stores open at end of period

 

11

 

11

 

11

 

11

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Star Decorators Wholesale stores:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Wholesale stores open at beginning of period

 

4

 

4

 

4

 

3

 

Wholesale stores opened during the period

 

 

 

 

1

 

Wholesale stores open at end of period

 

4

 

4

 

4

 

4

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total store count at end of period

 

1,099

 

1,070

 

1,099

 

1,070

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other operating data:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Average inventory per Michaels store (in thousands) (1)

 

$

1,005

 

$

1,110

 

$

1,005

 

$

1,110

 

Comparable store sales increase (2)

 

3.3

%

0.8

%

0.1

%

4.2

%

 


(1)

 

Average inventory per Michaels store calculation excludes our Aaron Brothers, Recollections, and Star Decorators Wholesale stores.

 

 

 

(2)

 

Comparable store sales increase represents the increase in net sales for stores open the same number of months in the indicated period and the comparable period of the previous year, including stores that were relocated or expanded during either period. A store is deemed to become comparable in its 14th month of operation in order to eliminate grand opening sales distortions. A store temporarily closed more than 2 weeks due to a catastrophic event is not considered comparable during the month it closed. If a store is closed longer than 2 weeks but less than 2 months, it becomes comparable in the month in which it reopens, subject to a mid-month convention. A store closed longer than 2 months becomes comparable in its 14th month of operation after its reopening.

 

Recent Events

 

On October 31, 2006, substantially all of the Common Stock of Michaels Stores, Inc. was acquired through a merger transaction (the “Merger”) by affiliates of two private investment firms, Bain Capital Partners, LLC and The Blackstone Group (collectively, together with their applicable affiliates, the “Sponsors”), with certain shares retained by affiliates of Highfields Capital Partners (a then-existing shareholder of Michaels Stores, Inc.). As a result of the Merger, Michaels Holdings, LLC, an entity controlled by the Sponsors, owns approximately 93.6% of our outstanding Common Stock, which is no longer publicly traded. We expect the Merger to be accounted for as a leveraged recapitalization whereby the historical book value of the assets and liabilities of Michaels will be maintained with no push down accounting required.

 

31



 

Results of Operations

 

The following table sets forth the percentage relationship to net sales of each line item of our unaudited consolidated statements of income. This table should be read in conjunction with the following discussion and with our consolidated financial statements, including the related notes, contained herein.

 

 

 

Quarter Ended

 

Nine Months Ended

 

 

 

October 28,

 

October 29,

 

October 28,

 

October 29,

 

 

 

2006

 

2005

 

2006

 

2005

 

Net sales

 

100.0

%

100.0

%

100.0

%

100.0

%

Cost of sales and occupancy expense

 

64.2

 

63.7

 

63.4

 

63.2

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gross profit

 

35.8

 

36.3

 

36.6

 

36.8

 

Selling, general, and administrative expense

 

29.4

 

29.9

 

29.9

 

29.1

 

Store pre-opening costs

 

0.2

 

0.3

 

0.2

 

0.3

 

Operating income

 

6.2

 

6.1

 

6.5

 

7.4

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest expense

 

 

 

 

0.8

 

Other (income) and expense, net

 

(0.3

)

(0.3

)

(0.5

)

(0.3

)

Income before income taxes and cumulative effect of accounting change

 

6.5

 

6.4

 

7.0

 

6.9

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Provision for income taxes

 

2.5

 

2.4

 

2.6

 

2.6

 

Income before cumulative effect of accounting change

 

4.0

 

4.0

 

4.4

 

4.3

 

Cumulative effect of accounting change, net of income tax

 

 

 

 

3.7

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income

 

4.0

%

4.0

%

4.4

%

0.6

%

 

Quarter Ended October 28, 2006 Compared to the Quarter Ended October 29, 2005

 

Net Sales—Net sales increased for the third quarter of fiscal 2006 by $56.4 million, or 6.7%, over the third quarter of fiscal 2005. At the end of the third quarter of fiscal 2006, we operated 919 Michaels, 165 Aaron Brothers, 11 Recollections, and four Star Decorators Wholesale stores. The results for the third quarter of fiscal 2006 include sales from 39 Michaels stores that were opened during the 12-month period ended October 28, 2006, more than offsetting lost sales from the closure of nine Michaels and one Aaron Brothers store during the same period. Sales at our new stores (net of closures) opened since the third quarter of fiscal 2005 provided incremental revenue of $28.8 million, while comparable store sales increased $27.6 million, or 3.3%.

 

Comparable store sales increased 3.3% in the third quarter of fiscal 2006 compared to the third quarter of fiscal 2005, reflecting an increase in the average ticket of 3.5% that was partially offset by decreases in customer transactions and custom framing deliveries of 0.1% each. A favorable Canadian currency translation added approximately 0.4% to the average ticket increase for the third quarter of fiscal 2006 over the third quarter of fiscal 2005. Comparable store sales were positively impacted by increases in domestic sales of regular and promotionally priced merchandise at Michaels stores, with sales of clearance products and Yarn significantly declining. Our strongest domestic departmental performances in Michaels stores came in General Crafts (primarily due to Jewelry and Beads), ready-made Frames, Seasonal, and Ribbon and Wedding. Our ability to generate comparable store sales increases is dependent, in part, on our ability to continue to maintain store in-stock positions on the top-selling items, to properly allocate merchandise to our stores, to effectively execute our pricing and sales promotion efforts, to anticipate customer demand and trends in the arts and crafts industry, and to respond to competitors’ activities. The comparable store sales increase in our third quarter of fiscal 2006 may not be indicative of our full year comparable store sales results.

 

Cost of Sales and Occupancy Expense—Cost of sales and occupancy expense increased $39.9 million primarily due to the 3.3% increase in comparable store sales, a 2.7% increase in the number of stores operated in the third quarter of fiscal 2006 compared to the third quarter of fiscal 2005, and increases in certain occupancy expenses.

 

Cost of sales and occupancy expense, as a percentage of net sales, increased approximately 50 basis points in the third quarter of fiscal 2006 compared to the third quarter of fiscal 2005. Occupancy costs, as a percentage of sales, increased approximately 100 basis points primarily due to a variety of increased costs, such as utilities, property taxes and insurance, and incremental costs of our store standardization/remodel program. Partially offsetting the increased occupancy costs were increases in our merchandise margins of approximately 50 basis points, primarily due to higher margin rates of regular and promotional merchandise and improved sourcing.

 

32



 

Selling, General, and Administrative Expense—Selling, general, and administrative expense was $263.9 million, or 29.4% of net sales, in the third quarter of fiscal 2006 compared to $251.2 million, or 29.9% of net sales, in the third quarter of fiscal 2005. The expense increase was primarily due to expenses associated with the strategic alternative process (see – “Recent Events” above) and an increase in the number of stores we operated compared to last year, partially offset by lower share-based compensation costs.

 

As a percentage of net sales, selling, general, and administrative expense decreased approximately 50 basis points, primarily due to an approximate 90 basis point reduction in store operating expenses due to increased leverage associated with the 3.3% increase in comparable store sales. In addition, lower share-based compensation costs generated approximately 100 basis points of incremental benefit. Share-based compensation costs declined because we did not award annual stock option grants during the third quarter of fiscal 2006. These decreases, as a percentage of sales, were partially offset by a 140 basis point increase in costs related to the strategic alternative process, stock option review, and responses to governmental inquiries.

 

Operating Income—Operating income increased from $50.8 million, or 6.1% of sales, in the third quarter of fiscal 2005 to $55.4 million, or 6.2% of sales, in the third quarter of fiscal 2006.

 

Interest Expense—Interest expense of $225,000 for the third quarter of fiscal 2006 was consistent with interest expense of $226,000 for the third quarter of fiscal 2005.

 

Other Income—Other income declined slightly from $3.0 million in the third quarter of fiscal 2005 to $2.7 million during the third quarter of fiscal 2006. Other income for the third quarter of fiscal 2005 contained a $2.2 million favorable settlement related to the Visa Check/MasterMoney Antitrust Litigation.

 

Provision for Income Taxes—The effective tax rate was 37.75% for the third quarter of fiscal 2006 and 38.0% for the third quarter of fiscal 2005.

 

Net Income—As a result of the above, net income increased from $33.2 million, or $0.24 per diluted share, in the third quarter of fiscal 2005 to $36.1 million, or $0.27 per diluted share for the third quarter of fiscal 2006.

 

During our fourth quarter of fiscal 2006, we expect to recognize between $215 million and $220 million of merger-related costs, including accounting, investment banking, legal, share-based compensation, and other costs. We also expect our interest expense to materially increase in future periods as a result of the $4.2 billion of debt incurred subsequent to the end of our third quarter of fiscal 2006 to finance the merger. Also, our effective tax rate of 37.75% for the three and nine months ended October 28, 2006 includes the tax benefit of certain Merger costs incurred through those respective periods. Certain Merger costs are not deductible for tax purposes. We expect to adjust our effective tax rate in future periods to reflect the portion of Merger costs that are not deductible for tax purposes, which we expect will result in a higher effective tax rate. Therefore, we expect a material decrease in net income as a result of these increased expenses. See Liquidity and Capital Resources below for further information concerning our financing structure and debt and related interest obligations.

 

Nine Months Ended October 28, 2006 Compared to the Nine Months Ended October 29, 2005

 

Net Sales— Net sales increased in the first nine months of fiscal 2006 by $90.7 million, or 3.8%, over the first nine months of fiscal 2005. Sales at our new stores (net of closures) opened since the third quarter of fiscal 2005 provided incremental revenue of $89.1 million, while comparable store sales increased $1.6 million, or 0.1%. The comparable store sales increase of 0.1% reflects an increase in the average ticket of 2.7% that was partially offset by decreases in customer transactions of 2.5% and custom framing deliveries of 0.1%. Favorable Canadian currency translations in the first nine months of fiscal 2006 added approximately 0.5% to the average ticket increase over the first nine months of fiscal 2005. Comparable store sales were positively impacted by significant comparable store sales increases at our Recollections and Star Decorators Wholesale stores. Our strongest domestic departmental performances in Michaels stores came in General Crafts (primarily due to Jewelry and Beads), Apparel Crafts, Impulse, and Custom Floral.

 

Cost of Sales and Occupancy Expense—Cost of sales and occupancy expense increased $62.5 million primarily due to a 2.7% increase in the number of stores operated in the first nine months of fiscal 2006 compared to the first nine months of fiscal 2005, as well as an increase in certain occupancy expenses.

 

Cost of sales and occupancy expense, as a percentage of net sales, increased approximately 20 basis points through the first nine months of fiscal 2006 compared to the first nine months of fiscal 2005. This increase was primarily a result of increases in a variety of occupancy costs totaling about 80 basis points, such as utilities, property taxes and insurance, and incremental costs of our store

 

33



 

standardization/remodel program. Partially offsetting the increased occupancy costs was a 60 basis point expansion of merchandise margins, primarily due to higher margin rates of regular and promotional merchandise and improved sourcing.

 

Selling, General, and Administrative Expense—Selling, general, and administrative expense was $747.8 million, or 29.9% of net sales, for the first nine months of fiscal 2006 compared to $702.2 million, or 29.1% of net sales, in the first nine months of fiscal 2005. The expense increase was primarily due to an increase in the number of stores we operated compared to last year, in particular store operating expenses was approximately $26.3 million of the overall $45.6 million increase. Also contributing to the dollar increase were expenses associated with the strategic alternative process, stock option review, and responses to governmental inquiries.

 

As a percentage of net sales, selling, general, and administrative expense increased approximately 80 basis points, with the entire increase attributable to costs associated with the strategic alternative process, stock option review, responses to governmental inquiries, and post-employment benefits for our former CEO.

 

Operating Income—Operating income decreased from $177.7 million, or 7.4% of sales, in the first nine months of fiscal 2005 to $162.3 million, or 6.5% of sales, in the first nine months of fiscal 2006.

 

Interest Expense—Interest expense decreased $20.2 million in the nine months ending October 28, 2006 compared to the nine months ending October 29, 2005 due to the early redemption of our 9¼% Senior Notes in the second quarter of fiscal 2005.

 

Other Income—Other income increased from $8.1 million in the nine month period ending October 29, 2005 to $13.2 million during the nine month period ending October 28, 2006. This increase for fiscal 2006 was primarily due to higher interest rates associated with our invested cash balances.

 

Provision for Income Taxes—The effective tax rate was 37.75% for the first nine months of fiscal 2006 and 38.0% for the first nine months of fiscal 2005.

 

Cumulative Effect of Accounting Change—In fiscal 2005, we changed our method of accounting for merchandise inventories from a retail inventory method to the weighted average cost method. As a result, we recorded a non-cash charge of $88.5 million, net of income tax, or $0.64 per diluted share, in the first quarter of fiscal 2005 for the cumulative effect of accounting change on fiscal years prior to fiscal 2005.

 

Net Income—Net income, after the cumulative effect of accounting change, increased from $13.8 million, or $0.10 per diluted share, in the first nine months of fiscal 2005 to $108.8 million, or $0.81 per diluted share for the first nine months of fiscal 2006.

 

Liquidity and Capital Resources

 

Our cash and equivalents decreased $137.2 million, or 30.3%, from $452.4 million at the end of fiscal 2005 to $315.2 million at the end of the third quarter of fiscal 2006. Compared to the end of the third quarter of fiscal 2005, cash and equivalents increased $202.7 million, or 180.2%, primarily because of cash generated by operations, partially offset by the repurchases of our Common Stock and capital expenditures.

 

Cash Flow from Operating Activities

 

Cash flow provided by operating activities during the first nine months of fiscal 2006 was $19.0 million compared to $80.8 million used during the first nine months of fiscal 2005. The $99.8 million increase in cash provided by operating activities was primarily due to a reduction in merchandise inventories, net of accounts payable. The working capital leverage we experienced with respect to inventories and accounts payable during the first nine months of fiscal 2006 may not be indicative of full year results.

 

Inventories per Michaels store (including supporting distribution centers) decreased 9.5% from October 29, 2005 to October 28, 2006. We do not expect our current quarter’s decreases in average inventory per store to be indicative of results as of the end of fiscal 2006.

 

34



 

Cash Flow used in Investing Activities

 

Cash flow used in investing activities was primarily the result of the following capital expenditure activities:

 

 

 

Nine Months Ended

 

 

 

October 28,

 

October 29,

 

 

 

2006 (1)

 

2005 (2)

 

 

 

(In thousands)

 

New and relocated stores and stores not yet opened

 

$

25,800

 

$

31,725

 

Existing stores

 

42,454

 

23,489

 

Distribution system expansion

 

12,371

 

4,839

 

Information systems

 

23,726

 

17,485

 

Corporate and other

 

3,328

 

8,247

 

 

 

$

107,679

 

$

85,785

 

 


(1)

 

In the first nine months of fiscal 2006, we incurred capital expenditures related to the opening of 39 Michaels stores and the relocation of seven Michaels stores. Capital expenditures for existing stores for the first nine months of fiscal 2006 increased $19.0 million over the first nine months of fiscal 2005 primarily due to incremental expenditures associated with our store standardization/remodel program.

 

 

 

(2)

 

In the first nine months of fiscal 2005, we incurred capital expenditures related to the opening of 46 Michaels, two Aaron Brothers, three Recollections, and one Star Decorators Wholesale store, and the relocation of 18 Michaels stores.

 

During the first nine months of fiscal 2005, we liquidated our investment in a Massachusetts business trust for proceeds of approximately $50.6 million, which was classified as a short-term investment for the fiscal year ended January 29, 2005.

 

Cash Flow used in Financing Activities

 

Proceeds from the exercise of outstanding stock options historically served as a source of cash flow for us. Proceeds from the exercise of stock options were $35.6 million for the nine month period ending October 28, 2006 and $32.3 million for the nine month period ending October 29, 2005. As a result of the Merger, we do not expect that stock option exercise proceeds will serve as a future source of cash flow.

 

Cash used for repurchases of our Common Stock decreased $52.9 million from $119.1 million during the nine month period ended October 29, 2005 to $66.2 million during the nine month period ended October 28, 2006. As a result of the merger agreement, we ceased the repurchase of our Common Stock under the repurchase plans that were previously authorized by the Board of Directors.

 

We paid dividends of $0.12 per share during the fiscal quarter ended October 28, 2006. We did not pay any dividends during the fiscal quarter ended October 29, 2005, as that quarter’s dividends were paid during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2005. For the nine months ended October 28, 2006 and October 29, 2005 we paid dividends of $0.32 per share and $0.27 per share respectively. The dividend of $0.12 per share declared during the third quarter of fiscal 2006 was paid during our fiscal fourth quarter.

 

Debt

 

Prior to the Merger, our primary sources of short-term liquidity were cash generated by operations and proceeds from stock option exercises. To finance the completion of the Merger, we issued 10% Senior Notes due 2014, 11 3/8% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2016, and 13% Subordinated Discount Notes due 2016 (collectively, the “Notes”). We also executed an asset-based revolving credit facility as well as a senior secured term loan facility (collectively, the “Senior Credit Facilities”). Subsequent to the Merger, we expect that our primary sources of liquidity will be cash generated by operations and borrowings under the asset-based revolving credit facility. Borrowings under our asset-based revolving credit facility are influenced by a number of factors as more fully described below, including working capital (inclusive of inventory, credit card receivables, and gift card liabilities) and stand-by letters of credit.

 

On October 31, 2006, we issued (i) $750.0 million in principal amount of 10% Senior Notes due November 1, 2014; (ii) $400.0 million in principal amount at maturity of 11 3/8% Senior Subordinated Notes due November 1, 2016; and (iii) $469.4 million in principal amount at maturity of 13% Subordinated Discount Notes due November 1, 2016. Interest on the Senior Notes and the Senior Subordinated Notes is payable semi-annually in arrears on each May 1 and November 1, commencing on May 1, 2007. No cash interest is payable on the Subordinated Discount Notes prior to November 1, 2011. Beginning on November 1, 2011, cash interest will accrue on the Subordinated Discount Notes and is payable semi-annually in arrears on each May 1 and November 1 (the first cash

 

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interest payment is May 1, 2012). The Senior Notes are guaranteed, jointly and severally, on an unsecured basis, the Senior Subordinated Notes are guaranteed, jointly and severally, on an unsecured senior subordinated basis, and the Subordinated Discount Notes are guaranteed, jointly and severally, on an unsecured subordinated basis, in each case, by each of our subsidiaries.

 

The indentures governing the Notes contain covenants limiting, among other things, the Company’s ability and the ability of the Company’s restricted subsidiaries to:

 

                  incur additional debt;

                  pay dividends or distributions on the Company’s capital stock or repurchase the Company’s capital stock;

                  issue stock of subsidiaries;

                  make certain investments;

                  create liens on the Company’s assets to secure debt;

                  enter into transactions with affiliates;

                  merge or consolidate with another company; and

                  sell or otherwise transfer assets.

 

Prior to November 1, 2009, we may redeem up to 35% of the aggregate principal amount of each of the Notes with the net cash proceeds of one or more Equity Offerings (as defined in the indentures governing the Notes) at redemption prices that include a premium and subject to certain other terms and conditions, as described in the applicable indenture. The Notes are also redeemable in whole or in part, at our option, at any time at redemption prices that include varying premiums until a certain date. In addition, upon a change of control, we are required to make an offer to redeem all of the Notes at a premium with accrued and unpaid interest.

 

Asset-based revolving credit facility

 

On October 31, 2006, we executed a senior secured asset-based revolving credit facility with Bank of America, N.A. and other lenders (“Asset-based revolving credit facility”). The Asset-based revolving credit facility provides senior secured financing of up to $1.0 billion, subject to a borrowing base as described below. Upon consummation of the Merger, the borrowing base was $930.3 million, of which we borrowed $400.0 million. Borrowing capacity is available for letters of credit and borrowings on same-day notice (“Swingline Loans”).

 

The borrowing base equals the sum of (i) 90% of eligible credit card receivables and debit card receivables; (ii) between 85% and 90% of the appraised net orderly liquidation value of eligible inventory and of eligible letters of credit; (iii) a percentage of eligible in-transit inventory, less certain reserves; and, (iv) the sum of an additional 10% of the appraised net orderly liquidation value of eligible inventory and of eligible letters of credit plus an additional 5% of eligible credit card receivables and debit card receivables (collectively, the “last out tranche”), up to a maximum amount of $100.0 million.

 

The Asset-based revolving credit facility provides us with the right to request up to $200.0 million of additional commitments under this facility after successful syndication of the facility. The facility was since successfully syndicated. The lenders under this facility are not under any obligation to provide any such additional commitments, and any increase in commitments is subject to customary conditions precedent. If we were to request any such additional commitments, and the existing lenders or new lenders were to agree to provide such commitments, the facility size could be increased to up to $1.2 billion, but our ability to borrow under this facility would still be limited by the amount of the borrowing base.

 

Borrowings under the Asset-based revolving credit facility bear interest at a rate per annum equal to, at our option, either (a) a base rate determined by reference to the higher of (1) the prime rate of Bank of America, N.A. and (2) the federal funds effective rate plus ½ of 1% or (b) a LIBOR rate subject to certain adjustments, in each case plus an applicable margin. The initial applicable margin for borrowings is 0.50% for base rate borrowings and 1.50% for LIBOR borrowings. With respect to any last out tranche borrowings, the initial applicable margin is 1.50% for base rate borrowings and 2.50% for LIBOR borrowings. The applicable margin is subject to adjustment each fiscal quarter based on the excess availability under the Asset-based revolving credit facility. Swingline Loans bear interest at a rate per annum equal to the base rate plus the applicable margin.

 

We are required to pay a commitment fee of 0.25% per annum on the unutilized commitments under Asset-based revolving credit facility. We must also pay customary letter of credit fees and agency fees.

 

If, at any time, the aggregate amount of outstanding loans, unreimbursed letter of credit drawings and undrawn letters of credit under the Asset-based revolving credit facility exceeds the lesser of (i) the commitment amount or (ii) the borrowing base, we will be required to repay outstanding loans and cash collateralize letters of credit in an aggregate amount equal to such excess, with no reduction of the

 

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commitment amount. If the amount available under the Asset-based revolving credit facility is less than $100.0 million for five consecutive business days, or a payment or bankruptcy event of default has occurred, we will be required to repay outstanding loans and cash collateralize letters of credit with the cash we are required to deposit daily in a collection account maintained with the agent under the Asset-based revolving credit facility. We may voluntarily reduce the unutilized portion of the commitment amount and repay outstanding loans at any time without premium or penalty other than customary breakage costs with respect to LIBOR loans. There is no scheduled amortization under the Asset-based revolving credit facility; the principal amount of the loans outstanding is due and payable in full on October 31, 2011.

 

The Asset-based revolving credit facility contains a number of covenants that, among other things and subject to certain exceptions, restricts the Company’s ability and the ability of its subsidiaries to:

 

                  incur additional indebtedness,

                  pay dividends on the Company’s capital stock or redeem, repurchase or retire the Company’s capital stock or its other indebtedness,

                  make investments, loans, advances and acquisitions;

                  create restrictions on the payment of dividends or other amounts to the Company from its restricted subsidiaries;

                  engage in transactions with affiliates of the Company;

                  sell assets, including capital stock of the Company’s subsidiaries;

                  consolidate or merge; and

                  create liens.

 

The covenants limiting dividends and other restricted payments; investments, loans, advances and acquisitions; and prepayments or redemptions of indebtedness, each permit the restricted actions in an unlimited amount, subject to the satisfaction of certain payment conditions, principally that we must have at least $125.0 million of pro forma excess availability under the Asset-based revolving credit facility and that we must be in pro forma compliance with the fixed charge coverage ratio described in the next paragraph.

 

Although the Asset-based revolving credit facility does not require us to comply with any financial ratio maintenance covenants, if we have less than $75.0 million of excess availability under the Asset-based revolving credit facility at any time, we are not permitted to borrow any additional amounts unless our pro forma consolidated fixed charge coverage ratio (as defined in the Asset-based revolving credit facility) is at least 1.1 to 1.0. The Asset-based revolving credit facility also contains certain customary affirmative covenants and events of default.

 

Senior secured term loan facility

 

On October 31, 2006, we executed a $2.4 billion senior secured term loan facility with Deutsche Bank A.G. New York Branch, and other lenders. The full amount was borrowed on October 31, 2006. We are required to make scheduled quarterly payments, each equal to 0.25% of the original principal amount of the term loans, for the first six years and three quarters, with the balance payable on October 31, 2013.

 

Borrowings under the Senior secured term loan facility bear interest at a rate per annum equal to, at our option, either (a) a base rate determined by reference to the higher of (1) the prime rate of Deutsche Bank and (2) the federal funds effective rate plus ½ of 1% or (b) a LIBOR rate, subject to certain adjustments, in each case plus an applicable margin. The applicable margin is 2.00% with respect to base rate borrowings and 3.00% with respect to LIBOR borrowings, subject to downward adjustment based on the leverage and ratings thresholds set forth in the Senior secured term loan facility.

 

The Senior secured term loan facility requires us to prepay outstanding term loans with (a) 100% of the net proceeds of any debt issued by us or our subsidiaries (with exceptions for certain debt permitted to be incurred under the Senior secured term loan facility) and (b) commencing with the fiscal year ending February 2, 2008, 50% (which percentage will be reduced to 25% if our total leverage ratio is less than a 6.00:1.00 and will be reduced to 0% if our total leverage ratio is less than 5.00:1.00) of our annual Excess Cash Flow (as defined in the Senior secured term loan facility). We must also offer to prepay outstanding term loans at 100% of the principal amount to be prepaid, plus accrued and unpaid interest, with the proceeds of certain asset sales or casualty events under certain circumstances. We may voluntarily prepay outstanding loans under the Senior secured term loan facility at any time without premium or penalty other than customary breakage costs with respect to LIBOR loans.

 

The Senior secured term loan facility requires us to maintain compliance with the consolidated secured debt ratio that is no less than 4.0 to 1.0, with our first compliance date beginning with the twelve months ended February 2, 2008. In addition, the Senior secured term loan facility contains a number of negative covenants that are substantially similar (but more restrictive in certain respects) to those

 

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governing the Notes as well as certain other customary affirmative and negative covenants and events of default.

 

In fiscal 2001, we issued $200 million in principal amount of 9¼% Senior Notes due July 1, 2009, which were unsecured and interest thereon was payable semi-annually on each January 1 and July 1. On July 1, 2005, we redeemed the Senior Notes at a price of $1,046.25 per $1,000 of principal amount. This early redemption resulted in a pre-tax charge of $12.1 million in the second quarter of fiscal 2005, which represents a combination of a $9.3 million call premium and $2.8 million of unamortized costs associated with the Senior Notes, which was recorded as interest expense.

 

We require cash principally for day-to-day operations and to finance capital investments, inventory for new stores, inventory replenishment for existing stores, and seasonal working capital needs. In recent years, we have financed our operations, new store openings, Common Stock repurchases, dividend payments, and other capital investments with cash from operations and proceeds from stock option exercises. We expect that our available cash, cash flow generated from operating activities, and funds available under our Asset-based revolving credit facility will be sufficient to fund planned capital expenditures, working capital requirements, debt repayments, debt service requirements, and future growth through the end of fiscal 2007. As of December 6, 2006, our borrowing base under our Asset-based revolving credit facility was $994.5 million and we had $715.2 million of remaining availability under that facility.

 

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

 

In July 2006, the FASB issued FASB Interpretation No. 48, Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes — an interpretation of FASB Statement No. 109 (“FIN 48”), which clarifies the accounting for uncertainty in income tax positions. FIN 48 requires that a company recognize in its consolidated financial statements the impact of a tax position that is more likely than not to be sustained upon examination based on the technical merits of the position. The provisions of FIN 48 will be effective for us, as of the beginning of fiscal 2007 year, with early adoption permitted. Any cumulative effect recorded as a result of adopting FIN 48 will be recorded as an adjustment to opening retained earnings. We are currently evaluating the impact of adopting FIN 48 on our consolidated financial statements.

 

In September 2006, the FASB issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standard No. 158, Employers’ Accounting for Defined Benefit Pensions and Other Postretirement Plans (“FAS 158”), which requires an entity to recognize the overfunded or underfunded status of a defined benefit postretirement plan as an asset or liability in its balance sheet and to recognize changes in that funded status in the year in which the changes occur through comprehensive income. It also requires an entity to measure the funded status of a plan as of the date of its year-end balance sheet. As we have no publicly traded securities (due to the Merger), FAS 158 is effective for us at the end of fiscal 2007, with early adoption permitted. We plan to adopt FAS 158 at the end of fiscal 2007, with no material impact expected on our consolidated income statement, balance sheet, shareholders’ equity, or cash flows statement.

 

Item 3.  Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk.

 

We typically invest cash balances in excess of operating requirements primarily in money market mutual funds and short-term interest-bearing securities, generally with maturities of 90 days or less. Due to the short-term nature of our investments, the fair value of our cash and equivalents at October 28, 2006 approximated carrying value.

 

Upon completion of the Merger, we terminated our $300 million Credit Agreement and issued certain debt securities and entered into certain agreements to finance the recapitalization. See “Part I. – Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations – Liquidity and Capital Resources – Debt.”  We have market risk exposure arising from changes in interest rates on our new Senior Credit Facilities. The interest rates on our Senior Credit Facilities will reprice periodically. The interest rates on our Notes issued in connection with the Merger are fixed.

 

Item 4.  Controls and Procedures.

 

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

 

We maintain a set of disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) promulgated by the SEC under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934). An evaluation was carried out under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our President and Chief Financial Officer and our President and Chief Operating Officer, of the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures as of the end of the period covered by this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q. Based on that evaluation, our President and Chief Financial Officer and our President and Chief Operating Officer concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures are effective to provide reasonable assurance that information required to be disclosed in the reports that we

 

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file or submit under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 is recorded, processed, summarized, and reported within the time periods specified in SEC rules and forms. Such controls and procedures are designed to ensure that information we are required to disclose in our reports is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our principal executive officers and principal financial officer, to allow timely disclosure decisions. We note that 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.

 

Change in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

 

There has not been any change in our internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) as promulgated by the SEC under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934) during our most recently completed fiscal quarter that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

 

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MICHAELS STORES, INC.

Part II—OTHER INFORMATION

 

Item 1.  Legal Proceedings.

 

Shareholder Claims

 

Fathergill Claim

 

On March 21, 2003, Julie Fathergill filed a purported stockholder derivative action, which is pending in the 192nd District Court for Dallas County, Texas. The lawsuit named certain former and then-current officers and directors, including all of Michaels’ then-current directors, as individual defendants and Michaels as a nominal defendant. The derivative action related to actions prior to our announcement on November 7, 2002, that we had revised our outlook for the fourth fiscal quarter of 2002, adjusting downward guidance for annual earnings per diluted share. The plaintiff alleged that, prior to that announcement, certain of the defendants made misrepresentations and failed to disclose negative information about the financial condition of Michaels while the individual defendants were selling shares of Michaels Common Stock. The plaintiff asserted claims against the individual defendants for breach of fiduciary duties, abuse of control, gross mismanagement, waste of corporate assets, and unjust enrichment. All of these claims were asserted derivatively on behalf of Michaels. On November 7, 2005, the Court entered a written order granting the defendants’ special exceptions and ordering that the case would be dismissed with prejudice unless the plaintiff amended her petition to state an actionable claim against the defendants.

 

On December 8, 2005, the plaintiff filed an amended petition in which she reasserted many of the same factual allegations, but also added new allegations questioning, among other things, issues relating to Michaels’ inventory systems and infrastructure, as well as transactions and holdings of Michaels Common Stock by certain trusts established by or for the benefit of two of Michaels’ now former directors and/or their families. In her amended petition, the plaintiff continued to assert all her claims derivatively on behalf of Michaels against the individual defendants for breach of fiduciary duties, abuse of control, gross mismanagement, waste of corporate assets, and unjust enrichment.

 

On July 10, 2006, the plaintiff filed a Second Amended Shareholder Derivative and Class Action Petition in which she reasserted many of the same factual allegations described above, added new derivative allegations regarding the granting of stock options to certain officers and directors from 1994 through 2000, and class action allegations regarding the then-proposed merger of Michaels and entities sponsored by Bain Capital Partners, LLC (“Bain”) and The Blackstone Group (“Blackstone”) (see Note 9 in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements and “Managements Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations—Recent Events” for additional information regarding the merger, which has now been consummated) and added certain additional former officers and directors as individual defendants. Among other things, the plaintiff sought (a) a declaration that the agreement and plan of merger among Michaels and the entities sponsored by Bain and Blackstone violated the individual defendants’ fiduciary duties and therefore is unlawful and unenforceable, (b) an injunction to prevent the consummation of the Merger, (c) an indeterminate amount of damages from the individual defendants, (d) certain corporate governance changes, (e) formation of a constructive trust to hold the proceeds of defendants’ alleged trading activities and (f) restitution from, and disgorgement of proceeds derived by, the named officers with respect to the alleged acts.

 

By court order dated August 18, 2006, the Gottlieb and Schuman actions (discussed below) were consolidated with the Fathergill action. On October 4, 2006, Fathergill, Gottlieb and Schuman filed a consolidated shareholder derivative class action petition that included the claims that had been asserted in any of the three actions and named as defendants each of the defendants that had been named in any of the three actions. We believe we have certain meritorious defenses and intend to defend this lawsuit vigorously.  We are unable to estimate a range of possible loss, if any, in this claim.

 

Gottlieb and Schuman Claim

 

On June 9, 2006, Feivel Gottlieb and on June 12, 2006, Roberta Schuman each filed purported stockholder derivative actions in the 191st and the 14th District Courts for Dallas County, Texas, respectively. The lawsuits named our former Chairman of the Board and Vice Chairman of the Board, both in their capacities at the time as officers of Michaels and as directors, and all of Michaels’ other current directors as individual defendants and Michaels as a nominal defendant. The plaintiffs asserted claims against the individual defendants for breach of fiduciary duty, abuse of control, gross mismanagement, waste of corporate assets and unjust enrichment in connection with the granting of stock options by Michaels between 1990 and October 2001 and sought, among other relief, an

 

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indeterminate amount of damages from the individual defendants and injunctive relief against Michaels with regard to various corporate governance matters. All of these claims were asserted derivatively on behalf of Michaels.

 

On July 5, 2006, each of Feivel Gottlieb and Roberta Schuman filed a First Amended Shareholder Derivative and Class Action Petition against the individual defendants, Michaels as a nominal defendant, and against Bain and Blackstone. In addition to the derivative allegations described above, these amended petitions added class action allegations against our then-current directors for breach of fiduciary duty related to the then-proposed merger of Michaels with entities sponsored by Bain and Blackstone, and a claim against Bain and Blackstone for aiding and abetting the directors’ alleged breach of fiduciary duty. In addition to the relief previously sought by the plaintiffs, as a result of these new claims, the plaintiffs sought (a) to enjoin then- proposed merger (or declare it void, if consummated), (b) to require the defendants to disgorge the property they received as a result of their allegedly wrongful conduct and (c) an indeterminate amount of damages from the defendants, jointly and severally. As discussed above, by court order dated October 4, 2006, the Gottlieb and Schuman actions were consolidated with the Fathergill action described above.

 

By court order dated August 18, 2006, the Gottlieb and Schuman actions were consolidated with the Fathergill action described above. On October 4, 2006, Fathergill, Gottlieb and Schuman filed a consolidated shareholder derivative class action petition that included the claims that had been asserted in any of the three actions and named as defendants each of the defendants that had been named in any of the three actions.

 

Dutil Claim

 

On September 11, 2003, Leo J. Dutil filed a purported stockholder derivative action in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Texas, Dallas Division. The lawsuit named certain former and then-current officers and directors as individual defendants and Michaels as a nominal defendant. In this derivative action, the plaintiff made allegations of fact similar to those made in the March 21, 2003 Fathergill petition described above. The plaintiff asserted claims against the individual defendants for breach of fiduciary duty, misappropriation of confidential information, and contribution and indemnification. All of these claims were asserted derivatively on behalf of Michaels. On August 31, 2006, the plaintiff filed a notice of voluntary dismissal.. The Court issued an order on September 7, 2006, dismissing the case in its entirety without prejudice.

 

Hulliung Claim

 

On June 19, 2006, Albert Hulliung filed a purported stockholder derivative action, which is pending in the United States District Court, Northern District of Texas, Dallas Division. The lawsuit named our former Chairman of the Board and Vice Chairman of the Board, all of Michaels’ other then-current directors, one additional then-current officer and certain of our former officers as individual defendants and Michaels as a nominal defendant. In connection with the granting and repricing of certain stock options between 1993 and 2001, the plaintiff asserted claims of (a) breaches of fiduciary duty and violations of Section 10(b) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and Rule 10b-5 promulgated thereunder against all the individual defendants and (b) unjust enrichment against our then-Chairman of the Board, then-Vice Chairman of the Board, one other then-director and the other then-current officer and former officers named in the lawsuit. The plaintiff sought, among other relief, an indeterminate amount of damages from the individual defendants and disgorgement of certain options and any proceeds derived therefrom from the defendants against whom the unjust enrichment claim was asserted. All of these claims were asserted derivatively on behalf of Michaels.

 

On July 27, 2006, the plaintiff amended his complaint adding certain other former and then-current officers and one former director of Michaels as individual defendants and including allegations similar to those set forth in the second amended (July 10, 2006) Fathergill Petition, described above. The plaintiff asserted claims derivatively on behalf of Michaels for (a) breach of fiduciary duty and violations of Section 10(b) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and Rule 10b-5 promulgated thereunder by each of the individual defendants, (b) unjust enrichment against certain of the individual defendants who received stock options during the relevant period and (c) insider selling against certain of the individual defendants who sold Michaels Common Stock during the time period. Additionally, the plaintiff purported to represent a class of Michaels’ shareholders. The plaintiff sought, among other relief, (i) an indeterminate amount of damages from the individual defendants, (ii) restitution from, and disgorgement of proceeds derived by, the individual defendants who received stock options, (iii) the imposition of a constructive trust against the individuals who were alleged to have engaged in insider sales and (iv) other unspecified equitable relief.

 

On November 7, 2006, the Ziolkowski action (discussed below) was consolidated with the Hulliung action. On November 27, 2006, the plaintiffs in Hulliung and Ziolkowski filed a Consolidated Class Action Complaint (“Consolidated Complaint”) against Michaels and certain of its former officers and directors. The Consolidated Complaint alleges that the defendants misrepresented and/or omitted material facts in Michaels’ annual proxy statements for 1993 through 2006, including, among other things, failing to disclose Michaels’ and the defendants’ alleged option backdating practices and the fact that Michaels and the defendants had reported

 

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false financial statements as a result of those practices. The Consolidated Complaint also alleges that the proxy statements failed to disclose: (a) that Michaels had problems with its internal controls that prevented it from issuing accurate financial reports and projections; (b) that because of improperly recorded stock-based compensation expenses, Michaels’ reported financial results violated GAAP; (c) that Michaels’ public disclosures presented an inflated view of Michaels’ earnings by understating the Company’s past compensation expenses; (d) that Michaels faced substantial liability for its past and ongoing backdating practices; and (e) that Michaels’ directors had received and acquiesced in the granting of backdated stock options. The plaintiff asserts claims against all defendants for violations of Section 14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and Rule 14a-9 promulgated thereunder, and seeks, among other relief, an indeterminate amount of damages from the defendants, as well as an award of attorneys fees and costs. We believe we have certain meritorious defenses and intend to defend this lawsuit vigorously.  We are unable to estimate a range of possible loss, if any, in this claim.

 

Ziolkowski Claim

 

On July 7, 2006, James and Christine Ziolkowski filed a purported stockholder derivative action, which is pending in the United States District Court, Northern District of Texas, Dallas Division. The lawsuit named certain former and then-current officers and directors of Michaels as individual defendants, and Michaels as a nominal defendant. In connection with the granting of stock options to the named officers, the plaintiffs asserted claims of (a) breaches of fiduciary duty and violations of Section 10(b) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and Rule 10b-5 promulgated thereunder by each of the individual defendants, (b) aiding and abetting of the named officers’ breach of their fiduciary duties by the director defendants and (c) unjust enrichment and rescission against the named officers. The plaintiffs sought, among other relief, (i) an indeterminate amount of damages from the individual defendants, (ii) restitution from, and disgorgement of proceeds derived by, the named officers with respect to the alleged acts, (iii) rescission of all option contracts granted to the named officers, and cancellation of any current or future obligations of Michaels under any executory contracts obtained by the named officers as a result of the alleged acts, (iv) formation of a constructive trust to hold all executory option contracts issued to the named officers and (v) punitive damages against the named officers. All of these claims were asserted derivatively on behalf of Michaels.

 

As discussed above, by court order dated November 7, 2006, the Ziolkowski action was consolidated with the Hulliung action described above and on November 27, 2006, the plaintiffs in Hulliung and Ziolkowski filed a Consolidated Complaint.

 

Massachusetts Laborers’ Annuity Fund Claim

 

On September 6, 2006, the Massachusetts Laborers’ Annuity Fund filed a putative class action on behalf of itself and all holders of Michaels Common Stock during the period of May 4, 2004 through the present. The lawsuit is pending in the United States District Court, Northern District of Texas, Dallas Division, and named Michaels and all of its then-current directors as defendants. The plaintiff alleged that the defendants misrepresented and/or omitted material facts in Michaels’ annual proxy statements for 2004, 2005 and 2006, including, among other things, that Michaels’ reported financial results inflated its reported earnings by not properly recording stock-based compensation expense relating to the granting of stock options, that problems with Michaels’ internal controls prevented it from issuing accurate financial reports and projections, and that Michaels’ directors had received and acquiesced in the granting of backdated stock options. The plaintiff asserted claims against all of the defendants of (a) violations of Section 14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and Rule 14a-9 promulgated thereunder and (b) violations of Section 20(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. The plaintiff sought, among other relief, an indeterminate amount of damages from the defendants and equitable or injunctive relief, including the rescission of stock option grants. We believe we have certain meritorious defenses and intend to defend this lawsuit vigorously.  We are unable to estimate a range of possible loss, if any, in this claim.

 

Employee Class Action Claims

 

Cotton Claim

 

On December 20, 2002, James Cotton, a former store manager of Michaels of Canada, ULC, our wholly-owned subsidiary, and Suzette Kennedy, a former assistant manager of Michaels of Canada, commenced a proposed class proceeding against Michaels of Canada and Michaels Stores, Inc. on behalf of themselves and current and former employees employed in Canada. The Cotton claim was filed in the Ontario Superior Court of Justice and alleges that the defendants violated employment standards legislation in Ontario and other provinces and territories of Canada by failing to pay overtime compensation as required by that legislation. The Cotton claim also alleges that this conduct was in breach of the contracts of employment of those individuals. The Cotton claim seeks a

 

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declaration that the defendants have acted in breach of applicable legislation, payment to current and former employees for overtime, damages for breach of contract, punitive, aggravated and exemplary damages, interest, and costs. In May of 2005, the plaintiffs delivered material in support of their request that this action be certified as a class proceeding. Michaels filed and served its responding materials opposing class certification on January 31, 2006. A date has not yet been set for the hearing with respect to certification. We intend to contest certification of this claim as a class action. Further, we believe we have certain defenses on the merits and intend to defend this lawsuit vigorously. We are unable to estimate a range of possible loss, if any, in this claim.

 

Clark Claim

 

On July 13, 2005, Michael Clark, a former Michaels store assistant manager, and Lucinda Prouty, a former Michaels store department manager, commenced a proposed class action proceeding against Michaels Stores, Inc. on behalf of themselves and current and former hourly retail employees employed in California from July 13, 2001 to the present. The Clark suit was filed in the Superior Court of California, County of San Diego, and alleges that Michaels failed to pay overtime wages, provide meal and rest periods (or compensation in lieu thereof), and provide itemized employee wage statements. The Clark suit also alleges that this conduct was in breach of California’s unfair competition law. The plaintiffs seek injunctive relief, damages for unpaid overtime pay, meal break penalties, waiting time penalties, interest, and attorneys’ fees and costs. Under the Class Action Fairness Act, we removed the case to federal court on August 5, 2005. The parties participated in a voluntary mediation on October 16, 2006 and have reached a tentative settlement of the case. Contingent on court approval, the parties have agreed to a claims made process, with no material impact on our statement of operations, balance sheet, or cash flows for any period presented.

 

Morris Claim

 

On November 16, 2005, Geoffrey Morris, a former Aaron Brothers employee in San Diego, California, commenced a proposed class action proceeding against Aaron Brothers, Inc. on behalf of himself and current and former Aaron Brothers employees in California from November 16, 2001 to the present. The Morris suit was filed in the Superior Court of California, County of San Diego, and alleges that Aaron Brothers failed to pay overtime wages, reimburse the plaintiff for necessary expenses (including the cost of gas used in driving his car for business purposes), and provide adequate meal and rest breaks (or compensation in lieu thereof). The Morris suit also alleges that this conduct was in breach of California’s unfair competition law. The plaintiff seeks injunctive relief, damages for unpaid overtime pay, meal break penalties, waiting time penalties, interest, and attorneys’ fees and costs. Morris filed an Amended Complaint on June 8, 2006 and now seeks to represent a class of current and former assistant managers only. We believe that the Morris claim lacks merit, and we intend to vigorously defend our interests. We are unable to estimate a range of possible loss, if any, in this claim.

 

Governmental Inquiries and Related Matters

 

Non-U.S. Trust Inquiry

 

In early 2005, the District Attorney’s office of the County of New York and the SEC opened inquiries concerning non-U.S. trusts that directly or indirectly held shares of Michaels Common Stock and Common Stock options. The staff of a U.S. Senate subcommittee and a federal grand jury requested information with respect to the same facts. We are cooperating in these inquiries and have provided information in response to the requests.

 

Certain of these trusts and corporate subsidiaries of the trusts acquired securities of Michaels in transactions directly or indirectly with Charles J. Wyly, Jr. and Sam Wyly, who were, respectively, Chairman and Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors prior to the consummation of the merger of Michaels and entities sponsored by Bain and Blackstone, or with other Wyly family members. In addition, subsidiaries of certain of these trusts acquired securities directly from us in private placement transactions in 1996 and 1997 and upon the exercise of stock options transferred, directly or indirectly, to the trusts or their subsidiaries by Charles Wyly, Sam Wyly, or other Wyly family members.

 

We understand that Charles Wyly and Sam Wyly and/or certain of their family members are beneficiaries of irrevocable non-U.S. trusts. The 1996 and 1997 private placement sales by us of Michaels securities to subsidiaries of certain of these trusts were disclosed by us in filings with the SEC. The transfer by Charles Wyly and/or Sam Wyly (or by other Wyly family members or family-related entities) of Michaels securities to certain of these trusts and subsidiaries was also disclosed in filings with the SEC by us and/or by Charles Wyly and Sam Wyly. Based on information provided to us, our SEC filings did not report securities owned by the non-U.S. trusts or their corporate subsidiaries as beneficially owned by Charles Wyly and Sam Wyly prior to 2005.

 

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Following the filing by Charles Wyly and Sam Wyly of an amended Schedule 13D with the SEC on April 8, 2005, stating that they may be deemed the beneficial owners of Michaels securities held directly or indirectly by the non-U.S. trusts, we disclosed in a press release that, as of March 31, 2005, under SEC Rule 13d-3, Charles Wyly may be deemed the owner of 6,045,818 shares, or 4.4% of our then outstanding Common Stock, and Sam Wyly may be deemed the beneficial owner of 4,822,534 shares, or 3.5% of our then outstanding Common Stock. In our 2005 and 2006 proxy statements, we included the securities held in the non-U.S. trusts or their separate subsidiaries, as reported by the Wylys, in the beneficial ownership table of our principal stockholders and management, with appropriate footnotes.

 

Charles Wyly and Sam Wyly had not historically reported purchases and sales of Michaels securities by the non-U.S. trusts and their subsidiaries in reports filed by them with the SEC under Section 16 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. In an April 2005 letter from their counsel, Charles Wyly and Sam Wyly undertook to file any additional required Section 16 reports and to pay us the amount of any Section 16 liability. Counsel for Michaels and counsel for the Wylys have exchanged factual information and engaged in discussions of legal issues. Charles Wyly and Sam Wyly have not filed additional or amended Section 16 reports with respect to the transactions in question. They have, however, since June 2005, reported on Form 4 filings the ownership of Michaels securities by the non-U.S. trusts and their subsidiaries and the sales of such securities in connection with the merger involving Michaels and entities sponsored by Bain and Blackstone. In those filings, Charles Wyly and Sam Wyly have disclaimed beneficial ownership of the securities except to the extent of a pecuniary interest in the securities.

 

Charles Wyly and Sam Wyly made a proposal to settle the issue, without admitting or denying that they have or had, for Section 16 purposes, beneficial ownership of Michaels securities that are or were held by the non-U.S. trusts or their subsidiaries. Following that proposal, on March 15, 2006, the Board of Directors appointed a special committee of the Board to investigate and make decisions on behalf of Michaels with respect to the potential Section 16 liability issue. The special committee was also given authority to make decisions for Michaels relating to the allegations in the Fathergill derivative suit related to the transactions and holdings of Michaels Common Stock by certain of the non-U.S. trusts, and authority to investigate and respond to the governmental inquiries, described above. The special committee had retained independent counsel to advise it in these matters.

 

In connection with the consummation of the merger of Michaels with entities sponsored by Bain and Blackstone, all the members of the Board of Directors, including the members of the special committee, resigned. As a result, the committee no longer exists, and authority concerning those matters has now reverted to the new Board of Directors. The independent counsel retained by the special committee is now advising the Company. The Company and Charles Wyly, Sam Wyly and Evan Wyly entered into a tolling agreement, effective November 6, 2006, suspending the running of applicable statutes of limitations and similar defenses to the potential Section 16 claims from November 6, 2006 through February 1, 2007.

 

Stock Options Inquiry

 

On June 15, 2006, following Michaels’ announcement that its Audit Committee had initiated an internal review, described below, into the Company’s historical stock option practices, Michaels received a letter from the Division of Enforcement of the SEC requesting that the Company preserve all documents concerning its granting of stock options from 1990 through the present and stating that the SEC intended to request production of such documents in the future. In a letter dated November 15, 2006, the Division requested the documents. A June 16, 2006 grand jury subpoena issued by the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York requesting documents relating to the granting of stock options during the period 1996 to the present was withdrawn in connection with a July 27, 2006 grand jury subpoena issued by the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Texas on behalf of the Fraud section of the Department of Justice requesting documents relating to the granting of stock options during the same period. We are cooperating in these inquiries and have provided information in response to the requests.

 

On August 28, 2006, the Board of Directors appointed a special committee of the Board to investigate and make decisions on behalf of Michaels with respect to these subpoenas and any stock option grant issue raised by the SEC. The Board also designated the special committee to investigate and make decisions on behalf of Michaels with respect to allegations regarding Michaels’ historical stock option practices asserted in each of the Fathergill, Gottlieb and Schuman, Hulliung and Ziokowski claims, described above under “Shareholder Claims.” This committee no longer exists as a result of the resignation of the members of the Board of Directors, including the members of this committee, in connection with the consummation of the merger of Michaels with entities sponsored by Bain and Blackstone, and the authority previously given to the committee has now reverted to the new Board of Directors.

 

Internal Review of Stock Options Practices and Related Accounting

 

Based on media reports regarding historical stock options practices at other publicly traded companies regarding allegations of “backdating” option grants, the Company’s Audit Committee has conducted an internal review into the Company’s historical stock

 

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option practices, including a review of the Company’s underlying option grant documentation and procedures and related accounting. The Audit Committee’s internal review was conducted with the assistance of independent legal counsel and outside accounting experts. The Company’s independent registered public accounting firm was informed about the internal review. The Company also voluntarily reported the commencement of this review to the SEC.

 

The Audit Committee review focused principally on the question of whether there may have been intentional wrongdoing in the Company’s historical stock options granting practices. On August 25, 2006, the Audit Committee’s independent legal counsel presented its final report to the Audit Committee, which stated that the investigation conducted by independent counsel did not support a conclusion that there was intentional misconduct. Based on the independent counsel report, the Audit Committee concluded that the results of the investigation did not support a finding of intentional misconduct.

 

In connection with the Audit Committee review, the Company has substantially completed an internal review of historical stock options practices and related accounting issues from 1990 to the present. In this review, the Company has been advised, with respect to specific Delaware law issues, by independent Delaware counsel and, with respect to specific Texas law issues, by independent Texas counsel. Management of the Company has discussed its current analyses and related judgments, described below, with the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm and with the Audit Committee.

 

The Company has used its stock option program as a key component of compensation for both its officers and a broad group of non-officer employees. Historically, the Company has granted stock options principally, but not invariably, utilizing a process in which an authorized committee of the Board would approve stock option grants from time to time through unanimous written consent resolutions with specified effective dates that generally preceded the date on which the consents were fully executed by members of the applicable committee. Since October 2001, the Company has continued to use unanimous written consent resolutions to grant stock options but in a modified process based on established pre-determined effective grant dates and generally pre-determined grant levels for its stock option program. Prior to October 2001, some grants were made on the basis of pre-determined grant dates and pre-determined grant levels; others were not. Most of the stock option grants during the period under review were dated prior to the approval of the grants by the Board or a Board committee for various reasons, including the design and use of the unanimous written consent process, delays in the initiation of the written consents, general administrative deficiencies, and actions taken to correct what the Company believed were mistakes or omissions in the grant process. Notwithstanding that the Audit Committee concluded that the results of the investigation did not support a finding of intentional misconduct, the Company has identified accounting issues related to certain of the stock option grants prior to October 2001.

 

The Company has historically considered the effective date specified in an option and the effective date specified in the written consents by the applicable committee as the accounting measurement date for determining stock-based compensation expense under APB No. 25, Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees. For all of the post-October 2001 options grants and for many of the pre-October 2001 options grants, the Company has concluded that the accounting measurement date historically used was correct and appropriate, and that there is no unrecognized non-cash compensation expense with respect to those grants. However, for certain grants that were reviewed in the period 1990 to 2001, based on the advice it received and its own review of Company records, the Company currently believes that the measurement date would likely be considered to differ from the measurement date originally used in accounting for such grants. In connection with those grants, the Company is unable to definitively determine the actual measurement date based on existing records. The Company estimated the measurement date based on its knowledge of the approval process, subsequent meetings that occurred, and estimates of the time that would have lapsed to obtain documented approval for those grants. To the extent the exercise price of an option was less than the fair market value of the Company’s common stock on an estimated measurement date different than the original measurement date, the difference represents the Company’s estimate of the amount of non-cash compensation expense that should have been recorded over the vesting period of the option.

 

Based on the Company’s current analysis, the estimated amount of additional non-cash compensation cost that should have been recorded was approximately $22.5 million, net of income taxes of approximately $13.5 million, all of which relates to periods prior to fiscal 2001. The amounts do not affect results of operations or the statement of cash flows in any period presented in this report or in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for fiscal 2005. As all stock options in question were exercised prior to the end of fiscal 2005, the effect on the Company’s financial position as of January 28, 2006 and as of October 28, 2006 as presented in this report would be an adjustment to both retained earnings and accumulated paid in capital in the amount of any unrecorded non-cash compensation cost, with no impact on total stockholders’ equity. Based on the Company’s current analysis and judgments, any misstatement of the Company’s financial statements in any period presented in this report or in its fiscal 2005 Form 10-K is not considered material.

 

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As the Company’s review is not complete as of the date of this filing, additional information may become available which could cause the Company’s current estimates and judgments to change materially. However, the Company currently believes that a restatement of the Company’s prior period financial statements will not be required.

 

The Company is also evaluating whether previously deducted compensation related to exercised stock options might be non-deductible under Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code, which could result in additional taxes and interest related to the prior deductions. The Company currently believes that the amount of tax deductions it would be unable to recognize, if any, would not be material to results of operations, cash flow, or the Company’s financial position, but has not finalized its assessment of this matter.

 

A number of shareholder lawsuits have been filed against the Company, the then-current and certain former directors, and certain then-current and former officers of Michaels relating to the Company’s historical stock option practices. See “— Shareholder Claims” above. The Company has received a grand jury subpoena and has received a document production request from the SEC with respect to documents relating to our historical stock option practices. See “— Governmental Inquires and Related Matters—Stock Options Inquiry” above.

 

General

 

We are a defendant from time to time in lawsuits incidental to our business. Based on currently available information, we believe that resolution of all known contingencies is uncertain. There can be no assurance that future costs of such litigation would not be material to our financial position, results of operations, or cash flows.

 

Item 1A.  Risk Factors.

 

We face risks relating to our historical stock option practices.

 

Our former Audit Committee conducted an internal review, with the assistance of independent legal counsel and outside accounting experts, into our historical stock option practices. The Audit Committee concluded that the results of the investigation did not support a finding of intentional misconduct. However, we have identified accounting issues related to certain stock option grants prior to October 2001. Based on our current analysis and judgments, we do not currently believe a restatement of our prior period financial statements will be required; however, our review is not complete as of the filing date of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q. Additional information may become available which could cause our current judgments and estimates to change materially. In addition, our historical stock option practices are under investigation by the Department of Justice, and the SEC has requested that we produce documents concerning the grant of stock options since 1990. It is possible that, as a result of these investigations and inquiries or other guidance from the SEC, the SEC may direct us to, or we may conclude that we should, restate prior period financial statements or record a non-cash charge in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2006 for estimated unrecorded stock compensation expense. See “Part II.–Item 1.–Legal Proceedings–Governmental Inquiries and Related Matters–Stock Options Inquiry” and “Part II.–Item 1.–Legal Proceedings–Internal Review of Stock Options Practices and Related Accounting.”  In addition, our historical stock option practices are the subject of certain lawsuits. If any of these suits is resolved adversely, we may be adversely impacted.

 

We face risks related to unresolved SEC staff comments.

 

We received written comments from the SEC staff regarding our Annual Report on Form 10-K for fiscal 2005 and our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the three months ended April 29, 2006. The SEC staff requested further explanation of (a) the changes to our calculation for deferring costs related to preparing inventory for sale and vendor allowance recognition, (b) the transition to weighted average cost accounting, and (c) our current and deferred income tax balances. If the SEC staff disagrees with our accounting treatment of these matters, we might have to revise disclosures in future filings, amend disclosures in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for fiscal 2005 and subsequent periodic reports, or restate prior period financial statements. We continue to believe that our accounting treatment with respect to these matters is in conformity with U.S generally accepted accounting principles and that a restatement of our historical financial statements is not required.

 

We face risks related to our substantial indebtedness.

 

Our substantial leverage could adversely affect our ability to raise additional capital to fund our operations, limit our ability to react to changes in the economy or our industry, expose us to interest rate risk to the extent of our variable rate debt and prevent us from meeting our obligations under our Notes and Senior Credit Facilities. Our high degree of leverage could have important consequences to us, including:

 

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                  making it more difficult for us to make payments on our indebtedness;

                  increasing our vulnerability to general economic and industry conditions;

                  requiring a substantial portion of cash flow from operations to be dedicated to the payment of principal and interest on our indebtedness, thereby reducing our ability to use our cash flow to fund our operations, capital expenditures and future business opportunities;

                  exposing us to the risk of increased interest rates as our borrowings under our Senior Credit Facilities are at variable rates of interest;

                  restricting us from making strategic acquisitions or causing us to make non-strategic divestitures;

                  limiting our ability to obtain additional financing for working capital, capital expenditures, product development, debt service requirements, acquisitions and general corporate or other purposes; and

                  limiting our ability to adjust to changing market conditions and placing us at a competitive disadvantage compared to our competitors who are less highly leveraged.

 

Our debt agreements contain restrictions that limit our flexibility in operating our business.

 

Our Senior Credit Facilities and the indentures governing our Notes contain various covenants that limit our ability to engage in specified types of transactions. These covenants limit our and our restricted subsidiaries’ ability to, among other things:

 

                  incur additional debt;

                  pay dividends or distributions on our capital stock or repurchase our capital stock;

                  issue stock of subsidiaries;

                  make certain investments;

                  create liens on our assets to secure debt;

                  enter into transactions with affiliates;

                  merge or consolidate with another company; and

                  sell or otherwise transfer assets.

 

In addition, under our Senior secured term loan facility, we will be required to satisfy and maintain a consolidated secured debt ratio. Our ability to meet such a ratio can be affected by events beyond our control, and there can be no assurance that we will meet the required ratio.

 

Upon the occurrence of an event of default under our Senior Credit Facilities, the lenders could elect to declare all amounts outstanding under the Senior Credit Facilities to be immediately due and payable and terminate all commitments to extend further credit. If we were unable to repay those amounts, the lenders under the Senior Credit Facilities could proceed against the collateral granted to them to secure that indebtedness. We will pledge a significant portion of our assets as collateral under the Senior Credit Facilities. If the lenders under the Senior Credit Facilities accelerate the repayment of borrowings, we may not have sufficient assets to repay the Senior Credit Facilities, as well as our unsecured indebtedness, including our Notes.

 

Our Asset-based revolving credit facility permits us to borrow up to $1.0 billion; however, our ability to borrow thereunder is limited by a borrowing base. The borrowing base equals the sum of (i) 90% of eligible credit card receivables and debit card receivables; (ii) between 85% and 90% of the appraised net orderly liquidation value of eligible inventory and of eligible letters of credit; (iii) a percentage of eligible in-transit inventory, less certain reserves; and, (iv) the sum of an additional 10% of the appraised net orderly liquidation value of eligible inventory and of eligible letters of credit plus an additional 5% of eligible credit card receivables and debit card receivables, up to a maximum amount of $200.0 million. In addition, our ability to borrow under this facility is limited by a minimum liquidity condition, providing that, if excess availability is less than $75.0 million at any time, we are not permitted to borrow any additional amounts under the Asset-based revolving credit facility unless our pro forma Consolidated Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio (as defined in the credit agreement for our Asset-based revolving credit facility) is at least 1.1 to 1.0. Moreover, our Asset-based revolving credit facility provides discretion to the agent bank acting on behalf of the lenders to impose additional availability reserves, which could materially impair the amount of borrowings that would otherwise be available to us. There can be no assurance that the agent bank will not impose such reserves or, were it to do so, that the resulting impact of this action would not materially and adversely impair our liquidity.

 

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Item 6.  Exhibits.

 

(a) Exhibits:

 

Exhibit
Number

 

Description of Exhibit

3.1

 

Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of Michaels Stores, Inc. (previously filed as Exhibit 3.1 to Form 8-K filed by Registrant on November 6, 2006, SEC File No. 001-09338).

 

 

 

3.2

 

Amended and Restated Bylaws of Michaels Stores, Inc. (previously filed as Exhibit 3.2 to Form 8-K filed by Registrant on November 6, 2006, SEC File No. 001-09338).

 

 

 

4.1

 

Senior Indenture, dated as of October 31, 2006, among Michaels Stores, Inc., the guarantors named therein and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as trustee (filed herewith).

 

 

 

4.2

 

Senior Subordinated Indenture, dated as of October 31, 2006, among Michaels Stores, Inc., the guarantors named therein and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as trustee (filed herewith).

 

 

 

4.3

 

Subordinated Discount Indenture, dated as of October 31, 2006, among Michaels Stores, Inc., the guarantors named therein and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as trustee (filed herewith).

 

 

 

4.4

 

Registration Rights Agreement for the Senior Notes, dated as of October 31, 2006, among Michaels Stores, Inc., the guarantors named therein and Deutsche Bank Securities Inc., J.P. Morgan Securities Inc., Banc of America Securities LLC and Credit Suisse Securities (USA) LLC (filed herewith).

 

 

 

4.5

 

Registration Rights Agreement for the Senior Subordinated Notes, dated as of October 31, 2006, among Michaels Stores, Inc., the guarantors named therein and Deutsche Bank Securities Inc., J.P. Morgan Securities Inc., Banc of America Securities LLC and Credit Suisse Securities (USA) LLC (filed herewith).

 

 

 

4.6

 

Registration Rights Agreement for the Subordinated Discount Notes, dated as of October 31, 2006, among Michaels Stores, Inc., the guarantors named therein and Deutsche Bank Securities Inc., J.P. Morgan Securities Inc., Banc of America Securities LLC and Credit Suisse Securities (USA) LLC (filed herewith).

 

 

 

4.7

 

Registration Rights Agreement, dated as of October 31, 2006, among Michaels Stores, Inc. and certain stockholders thereof (filed herewith).

 

 

 

10.1

 

Stockholders Agreement, dated as of October 31, 2006, among Michaels Stores, Inc. and certain stockholders thereof (filed herewith).

 

 

 

10.2

 

Management Agreement, dated as of October 31, 2006, among Michaels Stores, Inc., Bain Capital Partners, LLC and Blackstone Management Partners V LLC (filed herewith).

 

 

 

10.3

 

Management Agreement, dated as of October 31, 2006, between Michaels Stores, Inc. and Highfields Capital Management LP (filed herewith).

 

 

 

10.4

 

Credit Agreement, dated as of October 31, 2006, among Michaels Stores, Inc., as lead borrower, the facility guarantors named therein, Bank of America, N.A., as administrative agent and collateral agent, Deutsche Bank Securities Inc., as syndication agent, Credit Suisse, JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., Wells Fargo Retail Finance, LLC, as co-documentation agents, the lenders named therein, and Banc of America Securities LLC, Deutsche Bank Securities Inc. and J.P. Morgan Securities Inc., as joint lead arrangers and joint bookrunners (filed herewith).

 

 

 

10.5

 

Credit Agreement, dated as of October 31, 2006, among Michaels Stores, Inc., Deutsche Bank AG New York Branch, as administrative agent, the other lenders named therein, JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as syndication agent, and Bank of America, N.A. and Credit Suisse, as co-documentation agents, and Deutsche Bank Securities Inc., J.P. Morgan Securities Inc. and Banc of America Securities LLC as co-lead arrangers and joint bookrunners (filed herewith).

 

 

 

31.1

 

Certifications of Jeffrey N. Boyer pursuant to §302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (filed herewith).

 

 

 

31.2

 

Certifications of Gregory A. Sandfort pursuant to §302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (filed herewith).

 

 

 

32.1

 

Certification pursuant to 18 U.S.C. §1350, as adopted pursuant to §906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (filed herewith).

 

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MICHAELS STORES, 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.

 

 

MICHAELS STORES, INC.

 

 

 

 

By:

/s/  Jeffrey N. Boyer

 

 

 

Jeffrey N. Boyer

 

 

President and Chief Financial Officer

 

 

(Principal Financial Officer)

 

Dated: December 7, 2006

 

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INDEX TO EXHIBITS

 

Exhibit
Number

 

Description of Exhibit

3.1

 

Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of Michaels Stores, Inc. (previously filed as Exhibit 3.1 to Form 8-K filed by Registrant on November 6, 2006, SEC File No. 001-09338).

 

 

 

3.2

 

Amended and Restated Bylaws of Michaels Stores, Inc. (previously filed as Exhibit 3.2 to Form 8-K filed by Registrant on November 6, 2006, SEC File No. 001-09338).

 

 

 

4.1

 

Senior Indenture, dated as of October 31, 2006, among Michaels Stores, Inc., the guarantors named therein and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as trustee (filed herewith).

 

 

 

4.2

 

Senior Subordinated Indenture, dated as of October 31, 2006, among Michaels Stores, Inc., the guarantors named therein and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as trustee (filed herewith).

 

 

 

4.3

 

Subordinated Discount Indenture, dated as of October 31, 2006, among Michaels Stores, Inc., the guarantors named therein and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as trustee (filed herewith).

 

 

 

4.4

 

Registration Rights Agreement for the Senior Notes, dated as of October 31, 2006, among Michaels Stores, Inc., the guarantors named therein and Deutsche Bank Securities Inc., J.P. Morgan Securities Inc., Banc of America Securities LLC and Credit Suisse Securities (USA) LLC (filed herewith).

 

 

 

4.5

 

Registration Rights Agreement for the Senior Subordinated Notes, dated as of October 31, 2006, among Michaels Stores, Inc., the guarantors named therein and Deutsche Bank Securities Inc., J.P. Morgan Securities Inc., Banc of America Securities LLC and Credit Suisse Securities (USA) LLC (filed herewith).

 

 

 

4.6

 

Registration Rights Agreement for the Subordinated Discount Notes, dated as of October 31, 2006, among Michaels Stores, Inc., the guarantors named therein and Deutsche Bank Securities Inc., J.P. Morgan Securities Inc., Banc of America Securities LLC and Credit Suisse Securities (USA) LLC (filed herewith).

 

 

 

4.7

 

Registration Rights Agreement, dated as of October 31, 2006, among Michaels Stores, Inc. and certain stockholders thereof (filed herewith).

 

 

 

10.1

 

Stockholders Agreement, dated as of October 31, 2006, among Michaels Stores, Inc. and certain stockholders thereof (filed herewith).

 

 

 

10.2

 

Management Agreement, dated as of October 31, 2006, among Michaels Stores, Inc., Bain Capital Partners, LLC and Blackstone Management Partners V LLC (filed herewith).

 

 

 

10.3

 

Management Agreement, dated as of October 31, 2006, between Michaels Stores, Inc. and Highfields Capital Management LP (filed herewith).

 

 

 

10.4

 

Credit Agreement, dated as of October 31, 2006, among Michaels Stores, Inc., as lead borrower, the facility guarantors named therein, Bank of America, N.A., as administrative agent and collateral agent, Deutsche Bank Securities Inc., as syndication agent, Credit Suisse, JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., Wells Fargo Retail Finance, LLC, as co-documentation agents, the lenders named therein, and Banc of America Securities LLC, Deutsche Bank Securities Inc. and J.P. Morgan Securities Inc., as joint lead arrangers and joint bookrunners (filed herewith).

 

 

 

10.5

 

Credit Agreement, dated as of October 31, 2006, among Michaels Stores, Inc., Deutsche Bank AG New York Branch, as administrative agent, the other lenders named therein, JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as syndication agent, and Bank of America, N.A. and Credit Suisse, as co-documentation agents, and Deutsche Bank Securities Inc., J.P. Morgan Securities Inc. and Banc of America Securities LLC as co-lead arrangers and joint bookrunners (filed herewith).

 

 

 

31.1

 

Certifications of Jeffrey N. Boyer pursuant to §302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (filed herewith).

 

 

 

31.2

 

Certifications of Gregory A. Sandfort pursuant to §302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (filed herewith).

 

 

 

32.1

 

Certification pursuant to 18 U.S.C. §1350, as adopted pursuant to §906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (filed herewith).

 

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