SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                            Washington, D.C. 20549
                                   FORM 10-Q

(Mark One)

|X|      QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15 (d) OF THE SECURITIES 
         EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

         For the quarterly period ended May 3, 19972, 1998

                                      OR

|_|      TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15 (d) OF THE SECURITIES
         EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

         For the transition period from _______________ to ______________

                        Commission File Number: 1-12302

                             BARNES & NOBLE, INC.
                             - ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
            (Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter)

               Delaware                                  06-1196501
               - ---------------------------------         ---------------------------------------------                                  ----------
    (State or Other Jurisdiction of                   (I.R.S. Employer
    Incorporation or Organization)                   Identification No.)

         122 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY                     10011
         - ---------------------------------------                -------------------------------------------------                     -----
    (Address of Principal Executive Offices)              (Zip Code)

                                (212) 633-3300
                                - ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
             (Registrant's Telephone Number, Including Area Code)


             - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
             (Former Name, Former Address and Former Fiscal Year,
                         if Changed Since Last Report)

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|X|  No ---                -----|_|

Number of shares of $.001 par value common stock outstanding as of May 30, 1997:  33,317,786
               ----------29,
1998: 68,242,752.






                     BARNES & NOBLE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

                                  May 3, 19972, 1998

                              Index to Form 10-Q

                                                                        Page No.
                                                                        --------

PART I -  FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1:   Financial Statements

          Consolidated Statements of Operations - For the 13 weeks ended 
            May 2, 1998 and May 3, 1997 and April 27, 1996...................................................................   3

          Consolidated Balance Sheets - May 2, 1998, May 3, 1997 April 27, 1996 and
            February 1, 1997.............................................January 31, 1998 ...............................................   4

          Consolidated  Statements  of Cash Flows - For the 13 weeks ended
            May 2, 1998 and May 3, 1997 and April 27, 1996.........................1997.....................................   6

          Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.....................Statements........................   7

Item 2:   Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and 
             Results of Operations....................................      8Operations..........................................   9

PART II - OTHER INFORMATION..............................................     12INFORMATION.................................................

Item 1.   Legal Proceedings.................................................  13

Item 6.   Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K..................................  13




                        PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1:   Financial Statements

                     BARNES & NOBLE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
                     Consolidated Statements of Operations
                 (thousands of dollars, except per share data)
                                  (unaudited)


                                                           - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                           13 weeks ended
                                                   ---------------------------------------------------
                                                       May 2,           May 3,
                                                        April 27,1998            1997
                                                   1996
                                                         ------     ---------------------    ------------

Revenues ......................................... $    666,344         595,731      508,755

Cost of sales buying and occupancy 388,624      333,476
                                                      -----------    ---------......................      492,114         448,217
                                                   ------------    ------------

    Gross profit 207,107      175,279
                                                      -----------    ---------.................................      174,230         147,514
                                                   ------------    ------------

Selling and administrative expenses 120,240      104,227
Rental expense                                             62,164       53,115..............      149,608         122,811
Depreciation and amortization ....................       21,923          17,747       13,589
Pre-opening expenses .............................        2,604           3,854
                                                   4,489
                                                      -----------    ---------------------    ------------

    Operating profit (loss).............................           95           3,102         (141)

Interest (net of interest income of $112$105 and $191,$112,
    respectively) and amortization of deferred
    financing fees ...............................        5,750           9,648
                                                   8,344
                                                      -----------    ---------------------    ------------

       Loss before benefit for income taxes ......       (5,655)         (6,546)      (8,485)

Benefit for income taxes .........................       (2,320)         (2,685)
                                                   (3,092)
                                                      -----------    ---------------------    ------------

    Net loss ..................................... $     (3,335)         (3,861)
                                                   (5,393)
                                                      ===========    =====================    ============

Net loss per common share
       Basic ..................................... $      (0.12)       (0.16)(0.05)          (0.06)
       Diluted ................................... $      (0.05)          (0.06)

Weighted average common shares outstanding
       33,220,000   32,968,000Basic .....................................   68,101,000      66,441,000
       Diluted ...................................   68,101,000      66,441,000


See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

                                      3



                     BARNES & NOBLE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
                          Consolidated Balance Sheets
                 (thousands of dollars)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                  May 3,  April 27,  February 1,
                                                   1997     1996        1997
                                                  ------  ---------  -----------
                                                     (unaudited)

         ASSETS

Current assets:

    Cash and cash equivalents                  $   10,347      9,256     12,447
    Receivables, net                               40,433     42,024     45,558
    Merchandise inventories                       731,483    705,600    732,203
    Prepaid expenses and other current assets      76,654     45,653     76,747
                                               ----------  ---------  ---------
      Total current assets                        858,917    802,533    866,955
                                               ----------  ---------  ---------
  
Property and equipment:
    Land and land improvements                        681        681        681
    Buildings and leasehold improvements          333,867    281,770    326,392
    Fixtures and equipment                        307,575    222,845    289,684
                                               ----------  ---------  ---------
                                                  642,123    505,296    616,757
      Less accumulated depreciation and 
        amortization                              198,151    146,559    181,983
                                               ----------  ---------  ---------
             Net property and equipment           443,972    358,737    434,774
                                               ----------  ---------  ---------

Intangible assets, net                             92,680     95,985     93,494
Other noncurrent assets                            51,601     59,147     51,424
                                               ----------  ---------  ---------
    Total assets                               $1,447,170  1,316,402  1,446,647dollars, except per share data)

May 2, May 3, January 31, 1998 1997 1998 ---------- ---------- ---------- (unaudited) ASSETS Current assets: Cash and cash equivalents .......................................... $ 10,801 10,347 12,697 Receivables, net ................................................... 29,997 40,433 43,858 Merchandise inventories ............................................ 856,582 731,483 852,107 Prepaid expenses and other current assets .......................... 99,178 76,654 68,902 ---------- ---------- ---------- Total current assets ............................................. 996,558 858,917 977,564 ---------- ---------- ---------- Property and equipment: Land and land improvements ......................................... 681 681 681 Buildings and leasehold improvements ............................... 352,083 333,867 347,598 Fixtures and equipment ............................................. 392,814 307,575 378,058 ---------- ---------- ---------- 745,578 642,123 726,337 Less accumulated depreciation and amortization 265,650 198,151 244,207 ---------- ---------- ---------- Net property and equipment ................................ 479,928 443,972 482,130 ---------- ---------- ---------- Intangible assets, net ................................................. 89,423 92,680 90,237 Other noncurrent assets ................................................ 40,704 51,601 41,240 ---------- ---------- ---------- Total assets ....................................................... $1,606,613 1,447,170 1,591,171 ========== ========== ========== ========= =========
(Continued) 4 BARNES & NOBLE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES Consolidated Balance Sheets (thousands of dollars) - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- May 3, April 27, February 1, 1997 1996 1997 ------ --------- ----------- (unaudited) LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY Current liabilities: Revolving credit facility $ 79,300 67,500 40,000 Accounts payable 364,166 347,967 373,340 Accrued liabilities 209,160 180,050 240,923 ---------- --------- ---------- Total current liabilities 652,626 595,517 654,263 ---------- --------- ---------- Long-term debt 290,000 290,000 290,000 Other long-term liabilities 50,570 35,341 46,395 Shareholders' equity: Common stock; $.001 par value; 100,000,000 shares authorized; 33,253,337, 32,989,785 and 33,188,125 shares issued and outstanding, respectively 33 33 33 Additional paid-in capital 448,144 442,471 446,298 Retained earnings (deficit) 5,797 (46,960) 9,658 ---------- --------- ---------- Total shareholders' equity 453,974 395,544 455,989 ---------- --------- ---------- Commitments and contingencies ---------- --------- ---------- Total liabilities and shareholders' equity $1,447,170 1,316,402 1,446,647dollars, except per share data)
May 2, May 3, January 31, 1998 1997 1998 ---------- ---------- ---------- (unaudited) LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY Current liabilities: Revolving credit facility .......................................... $ -- 79,300 -- Accounts payable ................................................... 432,711 364,166 459,795 Accrued liabilities ................................................ 215,524 209,160 253,050 ---------- ---------- ---------- Total current liabilities ....................................... 648,235 652,626 712,845 ---------- ---------- ---------- Long-term debt ......................................................... 358,600 290,000 284,800 Other long-term liabilities ............................................ 65,382 50,570 61,771 Shareholders' equity: Common stock; $.001 par value; 100,000,000 shares authorized; 68,235,489, 66,506,674 and 67,921,830 shares issued and outstanding, respectively .................................................... 68 67 68 Additional paid-in capital ......................................... 474,836 448,110 468,860 Retained earnings .................................................. 59,492 5,797 62,827 ---------- ---------- ---------- Total shareholders' equity ...................................... 534,396 453,974 531,755 ---------- ---------- ---------- Commitments and contingencies ---------- ---------- ---------- Total liabilities and shareholders' equity ......................... $1,606,613 1,447,170 1,591,171 ========== ========== ========== ========= =========
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements. 5 BARNES & NOBLE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (thousands of dollars) (unaudited) 13 weeks ended -------------------- May 3, April 27, 1997 1996 ------- --------- Cash flows from operating activities: Net loss $ (3,861) (5,393) Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash flows from operating activities: Depreciation and amortization 18,243 13,946 Loss on disposal of property and equipment 54 223 Increase in other long-term liabilities for scheduled rent increases in long-term leases 4,123 4,322 Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net (34,941) (48,036) --------- -------- Net cash flows from operating activities (16,382) (34,938) --------- -------- Cash flows from investing activities: Purchases of property and equipment (26,191) (51,855) Net increase in other noncurrent assets (673) (9,029) --------- -------- Net cash flows from investing activities (26,864) (60,884) --------- -------- Cash flows from financing activities: Net increase (decrease) in revolving credit facility 39,300 (4,900) Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt -- 100,000 Proceeds from exercise of common stock options 1,846 702 --------- -------- Net cash flows from financing activities 41,146 95,802 --------- -------- Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents (2,100) (20) Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period 12,447 9,276 --------- -------- Cash and cash equivalents at end of period 10,347 9,256 ========= ======== Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net: Receivables, net $ 5,125 6,995 Merchandise inventories 720 34,751 Prepaid expenses and other current assets 93 3,889 Accounts payable and accrued liabilities (40,879) (93,671) --------- -------- Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net $ (34,941) (48,036) ========= ======== Supplemental cash flow information: Cash paid during the period for: Interest $ 3,673 2,636 Income taxes
13 weeks ended ---------------------------- May 2, May 3, 1998 1997 -------- -------- Cash flows from operating activities: Net loss ............................................................................... $ (3,335) (3,861) Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash flows from operating activities: Depreciation and amortization .................................................... 22,010 18,243 Loss on disposal of property and equipment ....................................... 205 54 Increase in other long-term liabilities for scheduled rent increases in long-term leases ................................................ 3,565 4,123 Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net ................................. (85,452) (34,941) -------- -------- Net cash flows from operating activities ..................................... (63,007) (16,382) -------- -------- Cash flows from investing activities: Purchases of property and equipment .................................................... (19,314) (26,191) Proceeds from sales of property and equipment .......................................... 200 -- Net decrease (increase) in other noncurrent assets ..................................... 449 (673) -------- -------- Net cash flows from investing activities ............................................ (18,665) (26,864) -------- -------- Cash flows from financing activities: Net increase in revolving credit facility .............................................. 73,800 39,300 Proceeds from exercise of common stock options including related tax benefits ........................................................................ 5,976 1,846 -------- -------- Net cash flows from financing activities .......................................... 79,776 41,146 -------- -------- Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents .................................................. (1,896) (2,100) Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period ........................................... 12,697 12,447 -------- -------- Cash and cash equivalents at end of period ................................................. $ 10,801 10,347 ======== ======== Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net: Receivables, net ....................................................................... $ 13,861 5,125 Merchandise inventories ................................................................ (4,475) 720 Prepaid expenses and other current assets .............................................. (30,276) 93 Accounts payable and accrued liabilities ............................................... (64,562) (40,879) -------- -------- Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net .................................... $(85,452) (34,941) ======== ======== Supplemental cash flow information: Cash paid during the period for: Interest ............................................................................ $ 5,171 3,673 Income taxes ........................................................................ $ 14,918 13,331 11,134
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements. 6 BARNES & NOBLE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements For the 13 weeks ended May 2, 1998 and May 3, 1997 and April 27, 1996 (thousands of dollars) (unaudited) The unaudited consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Barnes & Noble, Inc. and its wholly-ownedwholly owned subsidiaries (collectively, the Company). In the opinion of the Company's management, the accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements contain all adjustments (consisting of only normal recurring adjustments) necessary to present fairly its consolidated financial position as of May 3, 19972, 1998 and the results of its operations and its cash flows for the 13 weeks then ended. These consolidated financial statements are condensed and therefore do not include all of the information and footnotes required by generally accepted accounting principles. The consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the Company's annual report on Form 10-K for the 5352 weeks ended February 1, 1997.January 31, 1998. The Company follows the same accounting policies in preparation of interim reports. Certain prior year amounts have been reclassified to conform to the 1998 presentation. Due to the seasonal nature of the business, the results of operations for the 13 weeks ended May 3, 19972, 1998 are not indicative of the results to be expected for the 52 weeks ending January 31, 1998.30, 1999. (1) Merchandise Inventories Merchandise inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market. Cost is determined using the retail inventory method on the first-in, first-out (FIFO) basis for 79%84%, 77%79% and 79%83% of the Company's merchandise inventories as of May 2, 1998, May 3, 1997 April 27, 1996 and February 1, 1997,January 31, 1998, respectively. The remaining merchandise inventories are valued on the last-in, first-out (LIFO) method. If substantially all of the merchandise inventories currently valued at LIFO costs were valued at current costs, merchandise inventories would increase approximately $4,352, $8,800 $7,826 and $8,800$5,102 as of May 2, 1998, May 3, 1997 April 27, 1996 and February 1, 1997,January 31, 1998, respectively. (2) Income Taxes The tax provisions for the 13 weeksperiods ended May 2, 1998 and May 3, 1997 and April 27, 1996 are based upon management's estimate of itsthe Company's annualized effective tax rates. Permanent differences include amortizationrate. (3) Recent Accounting Pronouncements In March 1998, the Accounting Standards Executive Committee issued Statement of goodwill which decreasesPosition 98-1, "Accounting for the benefitCosts of Computer Software Developed or Obtained for income taxes. (3) Earnings Per Common ShareInternal Use" (SOP 98-1). SOP 98-1 provides guidance on accounting for the costs of computer software developed or obtained for internal use. The pronouncement requires all costs related to the development of internal use software other than those incurred during the application development stage to be expensed as incurred. Costs incurred during the application development stage are required to be capitalized and amortized over the estimated useful life of the software. In February,accordance with SOP 98-1, the Company will adopt its provisions effective for the fiscal year ending January 29, 7 BARNES & NOBLE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements For the 13 weeks ended May 2, 1998 and May 3, 1997 (thousands of dollars) (unaudited) 2000. Adoption is not expected to have a material effect on the Company's consolidated financial statements as the Company's policies are substantially in compliance with SOP 98-1. In April 1998, the Accounting Standards Executive Committee issued Statement of Position 98-5, "Reporting on the Costs of Start-Up Activities" (SOP 98-5). SOP 98-5 requires an entity to expense all start-up activities (as defined) as incurred. In accordance with SOP 98-5, the Company will adopt its provisions effective for the fiscal year ending January 29, 2000. The impact of adoption of SOP 98-5 is not expected to have a material effect on the Company's consolidated financial statements. In 1997 the Financial Accounting Standards Board issuedCompany adopted Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 128 , "Earnings per Share" ("SFAS No. 128")(SFAS 128). Under SFAS No. 128, the presentation of Primaryprimary and Fully Diluted Earningsfully diluted earnings per Share will beshare is replaced by basic and diluted earnings per share. Basic and Diluted Earningsearnings per Share. The presentation of Basic Earnings per Sharecommon share includes no potentialdilutive effect of common stock equivalents and is computed by dividing income available to common shareholders by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding. Diluted earnings per common share reflects, in periods in which they have a dilutive effect, the impact of common shares issuable upon exercise of stock options. For the first quarter of 1998 and thus no dilution. In accordance with SFAS 128,1997 incremental shares attributed to outstanding stock options were not included because the Company will adoptresult would be anti-dilutive. All historical data weighted average share and per share amounts have been restated to reflect the provisionsadoption of SFAS No. 128 effective January 31, 1998 and restate all prior periods to conform to this new pronouncement. Adoption is not expected to have any material effect on the Company's reported Earnings per Share. 7128. 8 Item 2: Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations Liquidity and Capital Resources The primary sources of the Company's cash for seasonal working capital requirements and capital investments are net cash flows from operating activities, funds available under its revolvingsenior credit facility and short-term vendor financing. CashThe Company's cash and cash equivalents were $10.8 million as of May 2, 1998 compared with $10.3 million as of May 3, 1997 in comparison to $9.3 million as of April 27, 1996. Cash1997. Consolidated cash flows from operating activities, improved significantlynet of capital expenditures, for the last twelve months rose to $7.6 million, up from a deficit of ($8.0) million during the prior period. During the 13 weeks ended May 3, 1997 to ($16.4) million from ($34.9) million during the same period of the prior fiscal year. This improvement was primarily due to improved2, 1998, consolidated earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization ("EBITDA") as well as improvements in inventory management. EBITDA(EBITDA) increased $7.4$1.2 million to $22.0 million from $20.8 million. During the first quarter, the Company's wholly owned subsidiary, barnesandnoble.com, reported a loss before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization of ($12.2) million forreflecting continuing strategic investment spending and increased operating costs. For the 13 weeks ended May 3, 1997 from $13.4 millionfirst quarter, EBITDA in the sameretail business increased $13.1 million to $34.2 million from $21.1 million during the prior year period, last year.reflecting higher gross margins and improving expense leverage (primarily in Barnes & Noble store operating, rental and pre-opening costs). Merchandise inventories increased 3.7%$125.1 million to $856.6 million as of May 2, 1998, compared with $731.5 million as of May 3, 1997, from $705.6 million as of April 27, 1996.1997. The controlled growth in consolidated inventory levels was achieved during a period of 17.1%increase supported the Company's revenue growth of 11.9% and 19.7% square footage growth. Duringa planned expansion in the 13 weeks ended May 3, 1997, cash flows were used primarilyCompany's distribution center inventory to over 600,000 titles available for immediate shipping to both online customers and the retail stores. The Company's investing activities consist principally of capital expenditures related to the Company's Barnes & Noblefor new store expansionconstruction, system enhancements, store relocations/remodels and to a lesser extent, for increases in working capital related to such expansion.expenditures incurred by barnesandnoble.com. Capital expenditures totaled $26.2$19.3 million and $51.9$26.1 million during the 13 weeks ended May 2, 1998 and May 3, 1997, and April 27, 1996, respectively. TheseCapital expenditures were primarily forduring the first quarter of 1998 reflected the opening of 14 fewer new Barnes & Noble stores compared with the Company's new online business and enhancementssame period of the prior year. The ratio of debt to the Company's management information and in-store systems. Total debtequity was 0.67:1.00 as of May 2, 1998, compared with 0.81:1.00 as of May 3, 19971997. This significant improvement during a period of record growth is the result of the Company's continued positive cash flows, expanded gross margin, improved operating leverage and April 27, 1996 wasstrong emphasis on working capital management. Total debt decreased 2.9% to $358.6 million as of May 2, 1998 from $369.3 million and $357.5 million, respectively. Borrowingsas of May 3, 1997. Average borrowings under the Company's senior credit facility averaged $165.2were $347.7 million and $122.5$355.2 million during the 13 weeks ended May 2, 1998 and May 3, 1997, and April 27, 1996, respectively, and peaked at $190.2$380.8 million and $180.3$380.2 million during the same periods, respectively. Asperiods. The reduced average borrowings, which were accomplished during a period of May 3, 1997,11.9.% revenue growth and strategic investment in barnesandnoble.com, reflect the Company's senior credit facility includes a $325,000 revolving credit facilitycommitment to working capital management and a $100,000 term loan facility and provides for an additional commitment of $125,000 which became available toexpense controls. Based upon the Company in May, 1997. Based uponCompany's current operating levels and the planned store expansion plans, management believes net cash flows generated from operations, short-term vendor financingoperating activities and its borrowingthe capacity under its $850.0 million senior credit facility will be sufficient to meet the Company's working capital and debt service requirements fund restructuring reserves and support the continued rolloutdevelopment of Barnes & Noble storesits short- and long-term strategies for at least the next twelve moths.months. The Company is continuing its comprehensive evaluation of all computer systems and microprocessors and is in the process of replacing, modifying and/or converting those systems which are not yet Year 2000 compliant. The incremental costs over the next two years are being determined as part of the continuing evaluation. Management 9 does not expect such costs to have a material adverse impact on the financial position or results of operations of the Company. The Company did not declare or pay any cash dividends during the 13-week periods ended May 2, 1998 and May 3, 1997 and April 27, 1996. 8 1997. Results of Operations 13 weeks ended May 2, 1998 compared with the 13 weeks ended May 3, 1997 and April 27, 1996 Revenues Revenues increased 17.1%, or $86.9During the 13 weeks ended May 2, 1998, the Company's revenues grew 11.9% to $666.3 million tofrom $595.7 million during the 13 weeks ended May 3, 1997 from $508.8 million during1997. During the 13 weeks ended April 27, 1996.first quarter, Barnes & Noble store revenues grew 26.3%rose 14.4% to $551.0 million from $481.6 million during the 13 weeks ended May 3, 1997, an increasesame period a year ago. As a percentage of $100.1 million from $381.5 million during the 13 weeks ended April 27, 1996. With the Company's continued "super" store expansion,total revenues, Barnes & Noble store revenues represented 82.7% of consolidated revenues during 1998, up from 80.8% during 1997. During the first quarter, the 14.4% increase in Barnes & Noble store revenues resulted from a same store sales gain of 6.1% coupled with 51 new stores opened since May 3, 1997 which contributed a 13.1% increase in square footage. Management attributed the strong same store sales performance to, among other things, an increase in the number of stores eligible for inclusion in the same store sales base and a reduction in self-cannibalization. The number of comparable Barnes & Noble stores, as a percentage of total revenues, rose to 80.8% during the 13 weeks ended May 3, 1997, up from 75.0% during the same period in the prior year. The increase in revenues during the 13 weeks ended May 3, 1997 was primarily attributable to an increase in comparable Barnes & Noble store sales of 9.3% and revenues from the 87 new Barnes & Noble stores, opened since April 27, 1996.increased to 85.5% as of May 2, 1998 compared with 74.0% as of May 3, 1997. First quarter revenues generated by barnesandnoble.com rose to $9.4 million, a 14.1% increase over revenues of $8.2 million reported for its fourth quarter of fiscal 1997, continuing a string of successive double digit quarterly increases. During the first quarter, B. Dalton stores generated 18.2%revenues, which represented 15.1% of total revenues in comparison with 18.2% during 1997, declined 7.7% primarily as a result of store closings and a 6.4% reduction in its square footage since May 3, 1997. In addition, B. Dalton's same store sales were flat during the 13 weeks ended May 3, 1997 in comparison to 24.0% of total revenues during the same period one year ago. B. Dalton comparable store sales decreased (4.8%) for the period.first quarter. During the 13 weeks ended May 3, 1997,first quarter, the Company opened 16two Barnes & Noble stores and closed one,four, bringing its total number of Barnes & Noble stores to 446.481 with 10.8 million square feet. The Company closed teneight B. Dalton stores, during the quarter and endedending the period with 567 stores.520 B. Dalton stores and 2.0 million square feet. As of May 3, 19972, 1998 the Company operated 1,0131,001 stores in 5049 states and the District of Columbia. Cost of Sales Buying and Occupancy During the 13 weeks ended May 3, 1997,2, 1998, cost of sales buying and occupancy increased $55.1$43.9 million, or 16.5%9.8%, to $388.6$492.1 million from $333.5$448.2 million forduring the same period one year ago.13 weeks ended May 3, 1997. As a percentage of revenues, cost of sales buying and occupancy decreased to 65.2%73.9% during the 13 weeks ended May 3, 1997first quarter from 65.5%75.2% during the 13 weeks ended April 27, 1996. The decrease in cost of sales, buying and occupancy as a percentage of revenues was primarilysame period one year ago. Less reliance on wholesalers due to improvements in merchandise mix and increased direct purchasingfulfillment through the Company's distribution center.center, a better sales mix and enhancements to the Company's inventory replenishment system, resulted in a higher in-stock position and improved gross margins. 10 Selling and Administrative Expenses Selling and administrative expenses increased $16.0$26.8 million or 15.4%, to $120.2$149.6 million during the 13 weeks ended May 3, 19972, 1998 from $104.2 million during the 13 weeks ended April 27, 1996. Selling and administrative expenses decreased as a percentage of revenues to 20.2% during the 13 weeks ended May 3, 1997 from 20.5% during the prior year period primarily due to the Company's focus on expense controls and the continued improvement in the Company's operating leverage resulting from the maturation of the Company's Barnes & Noble stores. 9 Rental Expense, Depreciation and Amortization Rental expense increased $9.1 million, or 17.0%, to $62.2$122.8 million during the 13 weeks ended May 3, 1997 from $53.1 million during2, 1997. During the 13 weeks ended April 27, 1996. Asfirst quarter, selling and administrative expenses increased as a percentage of revenues rental expenseto 22.4% from 20.6% during the prior year period. The increase was 10.4% for eachprimarily attributable to increased operating costs associated with the Company's strategic investment in barnesandnoble.com. Depreciation and Amortization During the first quarter, depreciation and amortization increased $4.2 million, or 23.5%, to $21.9 million from $17.7 million during the same period last year, as a result of the 13 weeks endeddepreciation on the 51 new Barnes & Noble stores opened since May 3, 1997 and April 27, 1996. Depreciation and amortization increased $4.1depreciation attributable to barnesandnoble.com's capital expenditures. Pre-opening Expenses Pre-opening expenses decreased $1.3 million, or 30.6%32.4%, to $17.7$2.6 million during the 13 weeks ended May 3, 19972, 1998 from $13.6 million during the 13 weeks ended April 27, 1996. The increase was primarily a result of the 87 new Barnes & Noble stores opened since April 27, 1996. Pre-opening Expenses Pre-opening expenses decreased $0.6 million, or 14.1%, to $3.9 million during the 13 weeks ended May 3, 1997, from $4.5primarily as a result of 36 fewer Barnes & Noble store openings during the 52 weeks ended May 2, 1998 in comparison to the corresponding prior year period. Operating Profit The Company's consolidated operating profit decreased to $0.1 million during the 13 weeks ended April 27, 1996 primarily as a result of fewer Barnes & Noble stores opened in the twelve month period ended May 3, 1997 as compared to the corresponding period of the prior year. Operating Profit As a result of the factors discussed above, the Company's operating profit improved to2, 1998 from $3.1 million during the 13 weeks ended May 3, 1997 from1997. barnesandnoble.com's first quarter operating loss of ($13.6) million was offset by a ($0.1)$13.7 million operating loss duringprofit generated by the 13 weeks ended April 27, 1996. This marks the first time the Company posted a first-quarterretail business. The $13.7 million operating profit since it began its "super" store expansion. As a percentage of revenues, operating profit increased to 0.5% for the 13 weeks ended May 3, 1997retail business was up over 300% from virtually break even for$3.4 million in the 13 weeks ended April 27, 1996prior year, reflecting strong Barnes & Noble comparable store sales,revenue gains, expanding gross margins and improvingincreasing operating leverage. Interest Expense, Net and Amortization of Deferred Financing Fees InterestNet interest expense net of interest income, and amortization of deferred financing fees increaseddecreased to $5.8 million during the 13 weeks ended May 2, 1998 from $9.6 million during the 13 weeks ended May 3, 1997. Interest expense decreased due to a decrease in the average interest rate on borrowings as a result of the Company's refinancing of its senior credit facility in November 1997 from $8.3 million during the 13 weeks ended April 27, 1996. The increase in net interest expense reflects an increase inand lower average borrowings during the 13 weeks ended May 2, 1998 as compared with the 13 weeks ended May 3, 1997 in comparison to the prior year period related to the funding of capital expenditures and working capital1997. Benefit for the Company's Barnes & Noble store expansion program. Benefit For Income Taxes The benefit for income taxes during the 13 weeks ended May 3, 19972, 1998 was $2.7$ 2.3 million compared to $3.1with $2.7 million during the 13 weeks ended April 27, 1996. The taxMay 3, 1997. Tax benefits were based upon management's estimate of the Company's annualized effective tax rates. 10 Net Loss As a result of the factors discussed above, the Company's resultsCompany reported a consolidated net loss of operations were($3.3) million during the 13 weeks ended May 2, 1998 compared with a net loss of ($3.9) million during the 13 weeks ended May 3, 1997 compared to a net loss of ($5.4) million during the 13 weeks ended April 27, 1996.1997. During the 13 weeks ended May 3, 1997,first quarter, the net loss per common share improved towas ($0.05) per share (based on 68.1 million shares) compared with a net loss of ($0.06) per share (based on 66.4 million shares) during the same period a year ago. The consolidated first quarter net loss reflects barnesandnoble.com's net loss of ($8.0) million or ($0.12) per share from ($0.16)share. Excluding barnesandnoble.com, net earnings for the Company's retail operations increased to $4.7 million or $0.07 per share forduring the same period in13 weeks ending May 2, 1998 compared with a net loss of ($3.7) million or ($0.06) per share during the prior year.13 weeks ending May 3, 1997. 11 Forward-Looking Statements This report containsmay contain certain forward-looking statements (as such term is defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995) and information relating to the Company that are based on the beliefs of the management of the Company as well as assumptions made by and information currently available to the management of the Company. When used in this report, the words "anticipate," believe,"believe," "estimate," "expect," "intend," "plan" and similar expressions, as they relate to the Company or the management of the Company, identify forward-looking statements. Such statements reflect the current views of the Company with respect to future events, the outcome of which is subject to certain risks, including among others general economic and market conditions, decreased consumer demand for the Company's products, possible disruptions in the Company's computer or telephone systems, increased or unanticipated costs or effects associated with year 2000 compliance by the Company or its service or supply providers, possible work stoppages, or increases in labor costs, possible increases in shipping rates or interruptions in shipping service, effects of competition, possible disruptions or delays in the opening of new stores or the level and volatility ofinability to relocation suitable sites for new stores, higher than anticipated store closing or relocation costs, higher interest rates, the performance of the Company's online initiatives such as barnesandnoble.com, unanticipated increases in merchandise or occupancy costs, and other factors which may be outside of the Company's control. Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results or outcomes may vary materially from those described hereintherein as anticipated, believed, estimated, expected, intended or planned. Subsequent written and oral forward-looking statements attributable to the Company or persons acting on its behalf are expressly qualified in their entirety by the cautionary statements in this paragraph. 1112 PART II - OTHER INFORMATION Item 1: Legal Proceedings In March 1998, the American Booksellers Association and twenty-six independent bookstores filed a lawsuit in the United States District Court for the Northern District of California against the Company and Borders Group Inc. alleging violations of the Robinson-Patman Act, the California Unfair Trade Practice Act and the California Unfair Competition Law. The Complaint seeks injunctive and declaratory relief; treble damages on behalf of each of the bookstore plaintiffs, and, with respect to the California bookstore plaintiffs, any other damages permitted by California law; disgorgement of money, property and gains wrongfully obtained in connection with the purchase of books for resale, or offered for resale, in California from March 18, 1994 until the action is completed and pre-judgment interest on any amounts awarded in the action, as well as attorney fees and costs. The Company intends to vigorously defend this action. In addition to the above action, various claims and lawsuits arising in the normal course of business are pending against the Company. The subject matter of these proceedings primarily includes commercial disputes and employment issues. The results of these proceedings are not expected to have a material adverse effect on the Company's consolidated financial position or results of operations. Item 6: Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K (a) Exhibit filed with this Form 10-Q: None.Exhibit 27 : Financial Data Schedule (b) No report on Form 8-K was filed by the registrant during the fiscal quarter for which this report is filed. 1213 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. BARNES & NOBLE, INC. -------------------- (Registrant) Date: __________, 1997June 16, 1998 By: /s/ William F. Duffy -------------------- William F. DuffyMarie J. Toulantis ---------------------- Marie J. Toulantis Executive Vice President, Finance and Chief Accounting Officer 1314