THE UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549 FORM 10-Q X QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15 (d) OF ---- THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 ---- FOR THE QUARTERLY PERIOD ENDED MAY 3, 1997 OR TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15 (d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 COMMISSION FILE NUMBER 0-18632 THE WET SEAL, INC. (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter) DELAWARE 33-0415940 (State of Incorporation) (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.) 64 FAIRBANKS IRVINE, CALIFORNIA 92718 (Address of principal executive offices) (Zip code) (714) 583-9029 (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 ---- --- The number of shares outstanding of the registrant's Class A Common Stock and Class B Common Stock, par value $.10 per share, at May 30, 1997 were 10,645,374 and 2,912,665, respectively. There were no shares of Preferred Stock, par value $.01 per share, outstanding at May 30, 1997. THE WET SEAL, INC. FORM 10-Q INDEX PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION Item 1. Financial Statements Balance Sheets as of May 3, 1997 (unaudited) and February 1, 1997.......................................3-4 Statements of Operations (unaudited) for the 13 weeks ended May 3, 1997 and May 4, 1996........................5 Statements of Cash Flows (unaudited) for the 13 weeks ended May 3, 1997 and May 4, 1996........................6 Notes to Financial Statements..........................7-8 Item 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations...................9-13 PART II. OTHER INFORMATION.......................................14 SIGNATURE PAGE..........................................15 THE WET SEAL, INC. BALANCE SHEETS May 3, February 1, 1997 1997 ------------- -------------- (unaudited) ASSETS CURRENT ASSETS: Cash and cash equivalents $65,631,000 $71,483,000 Marketable securities 24,200,000 17,700,000 Other receivables 1,812,000 1,577,000 Merchandise inventories 30,271,000 22,589,000 Prepaid expenses, including $5,500,000 of prepaid rent as of May 3, 1997 6,200,000 - Deferred tax charges 693,000 693,000 ------------- ------------- Total current assets 128,807,000 114,042,000 ------------- ------------- EQUIPMENT AND LEASEHOLD IMPROVEMENTS: Leasehold improvements 55,871,000 55,429,000 Furniture, fixtures and equipment 22,094,000 21,742,000 Leasehold rights 3,342,000 3,342,000 Construction in progress 1,324,000 2,000 ------------- ------------- 82,631,000 80,515,000 Less accumulated depreciation (50,072,000) (47,285,000) ------------- ------------- Net equipment and leasehold improvements 32,559,000 33,230,000 ------------- ------------- OTHER ASSETS: Deferred tax charges and other assets 6,916,000 6,914,000 Goodwill, net of accumulated amortization of $577,000 and $566,000 as of May 3, 1997 and February 1, 1997, respectively 555,000 566,000 ------------- ------------- Total other assets 7,471,000 7,480,000 ------------- ------------- $168,837,000 $154,752,000 ------------- ------------- ------------- ------------- THE WET SEAL, INC. BALANCE SHEETS MAY 3, FEBRUARY 1, 1997 1997 -------------- -------------- (unaudited) LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY CURRENT LIABILITIES: Accounts payable $41,426,000 $26,035,000 Accrued liabilities 19,851,000 24,064,000 Income taxes payable 1,984,000 2,152,000 Current portion of long-term debt 2,000,000 2,000,000 ------------- ------------ Total current liabilities 65,261,000 54,251,000 ------------- ------------ LONG-TERM LIABILITIES: Long-term debt 2,764,000 3,264,000 Deferred rent 6,177,000 6,117,000 ------------- ------------ Total long-term liabilities 8,941,000 9,381,000 ------------- ------------ Total liabilities 74,202,000 63,632,000 ------------- ------------ STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY: Preferred Stock, $.01 par value, authorized 2,000,000 shares; none issued and outstanding - - Common Stock, Class A, $.10 par value, authorized 20,000,000 shares; 10,628,874 shares issued and outstanding at May 3, 1997 and February 1, 1997, respectively 1,063,000 1,063,000 Common Stock, Class B Convertible, $.10 par value, authorized 10,000,000 shares; 2,912,665 shares issued and outstanding at May 3, 1997 and February 1, 1997, respectively 291,000 291,000 Paid-in capital 56,596,000 56,596,000 Retained earnings 36,685,000 33,170,000 ------------- ------------ Total stockholders' equity 94,635,000 91,120,000 ------------- ------------ $168,837,000 $154,752,000 ------------- ------------ ------------- ------------ THE WET SEAL, INC. STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (UNAUDITED) 13 WEEKS ENDED ---------------------------------- MAY 3, MAY 4, 1997 1996 ------------- --------------- SALES $95,563,000 $80,575,000 COST OF SALES (including buying, distribution and occupancy costs) 70,122,000 61,537,000 ------------ ------------ GROSS MARGIN 25,441,000 19,038,000 SELLING, GENERAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSE 20,197,000 18,264,000 INTEREST INCOME, NET (714,000) (477,000) ------------ ------------ NET OPERATING EXPENSES 19,483,000 17,787,000 ------------ ------------ INCOME BEFORE PROVISION FOR INCOME TAXES 5,958,000 1,251,000 PROVISION FOR INCOME TAXES 2,443,000 529,000 ------------ ------------ NET INCOME $3,515,000 $722,000 ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------ NET INCOME PER SHARE $0.25 $0.06 ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------ WEIGHTED AVERAGE COMMON AND COMMON EQUIVALENT SHARES OUTSTANDING 13,832,051 12,497,842 ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------ THE WET SEAL, INC. STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (UNAUDITED) 13 WEEKS ENDED ------------------------------- MAY 3, MAY 4, 1997 1996 ----------- ----------- CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES: Net income $3,515,000 $722,000 Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities: Depreciation and amortization 2,798,000 3,178,000 Loss on disposal of equipment and leasehold improvements - 2,000 Changes in operating assets and liabilities: (Increase) decrease in: Other receivables (235,000) 442,000 Merchandise inventories (7,682,000) (8,431,000) Prepaid expenses (6,200,000) (5,045,000) Other assets (2,000) 22,000 (Decrease) increase in: Accounts payable and accrued liabilities 11,178,000 13,910,000 Income taxes payable (168,000) (2,965,000) Deferred rent 60,000 211,000 ----------- ----------- Total adjustments (251,000) 1,324,000 ----------- ----------- Net cash provided by operating activities 3,264,000 2,046,000 ----------- ----------- CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES: Proceeds from sale of marketable securities 4,000,000 - Investment in equipment and leasehold improvements (2,116,000) (2,356,000) Investment in marketable securities (10,500,000) - ----------- ----------- Net cash used in investing activities (8,616,000) (2,356,000) ----------- ----------- CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES: Principal payments on long-term debt (500,000) (500,000) Proceeds from issuance of stock - 27,000 ----------- ----------- Net cash used in financing activities (500,000) (473,000 ----------- ----------- NET DECREASE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS (5,852,000) (783,000) CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS,beginning of period 71,483,000 57,153,000 ----------- ----------- CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS,end of period $65,631,000 $56,370,000 ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURES OF CASH FLOW INFORMATION: Cash paid during the period for: Interest $98,000 $172,000 Income taxes 2,611,000 3,494,000 THE WET SEAL, INC. NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS NOTE 1 - BASIS OF PRESENTATION: The information set forth in these financial statements is unaudited except for the February 1, 1997 balance sheet. These statements have been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles for interim financial information, the instructions to Form 10-Q and Rule 10-01 of Regulation S-X. Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and footnotes required by generally accepted accounting principles for complete financial statements. In the opinion of management, all adjustments, consisting only of normal recurring accruals, necessary for a fair presentation have been included. The results of operations for the 13 weeks ended May 3, 1997 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the year ending January 31, 1998. For further information, refer to the financial statements and notes thereto included in the Company's Annual Report for the year ended February 1, 1997. Effective February 2, 1997, Contempo Casuals, Inc. was merged with and into The Wet Seal, Inc. NOTE 2 - LINE OF CREDIT AND LOAN PAYABLE TO BANK: Under an unsecured revolving line-of-credit arrangement with a bank, the Company may borrow up to a maximum of $30 million on a revolving basis through July 1, 1998. The cash borrowings under the arrangement bear interest at the bank's prime rate or, at the Company's option, LIBOR plus 1.75%. As of May 3, 1997, the Company had no borrowings outstanding under the credit arrangement. In June 1995, the Company entered into an unsecured five-year, $10 million term loan. The loan bears interest at the bank's prime rate plus .25% or, at the Company's option, LIBOR plus 1.75%. The estimated annual principal payments on the loan are $2,000,000 payable in quarterly installments of $500,000 which commenced October 31, 1995. As of May 3, 1997, the loan has a remaining outstanding balance of $4,764,000. The credit arrangement and the term loan impose quarterly and annual financial covenants requiring the Company to maintain certain financial ratios and achieve certain levels of annual income. In addition, the credit arrangement and the term loan NOTE 2 - LOAN PAYABLE TO BANK AND LINE OF CREDIT (CONTINUED): require that the bank approve the payment of dividends and restrict the level of capital expenditures. At May 3, 1997, the Company was in compliance with these covenants. NOTE 3 - EARNINGS PER COMMON SHARE: Earnings per common share are based on the weighted average number of common and common stock equivalent shares outstanding, if dilutive, during the periods. In February 1997, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 128, "Earnings Per Share" ("SFAS No. 128") which is effective for financial statements issued for periods ending after December 15, 1997. SFAS No. 128 requires the disclosure of basic and diluted earnings per share. For the periods ended May 3, 1997 and May 4, 1996, the amount reported as net income per common and common equivalent share is not materially different than that which would have been reported for basic and diluted earnings per share in accordance with SFAS No. 128. ITEM 2 - MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS INTRODUCTION The Company is one of the largest national mall-based specialty retailers focusing primarily on young women's apparel, and currently operates 363 retail stores in 34 states and Puerto Rico under the names "Wet Seal", "Contempo Casuals", "Limbo Lounge" and "Next". The Company sells moderately priced, fashionable, casual apparel and accessory items designed for consumers with a young, active lifestyle. On July 1, 1995, the Company acquired Contempo Casuals. The acquisition increased the number of stores the Company operates by 237 stores. Acquiring Contempo Casuals enabled the Company to significantly reduce fixed expenses as a percentage of sales through the consolidation and integration of the two companies' management teams, corporate offices and distribution centers. This process was substantially completed at the time of the acquisition. As of May 3, 1997 the Company operated 363 stores as compared to 362 stores as of May 4, 1996, the end of the first quarter of fiscal 1996. The Company opened eleven stores during the period from May 5, 1996 to May 3, 1997 and closed ten stores. Effective February 2, 1997, Contempo Casuals, Inc. was merged with and into The Wet Seal, Inc. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations should be read in conjunction with the Company's Financial Statements and the Notes related thereto. RESULTS OF OPERATIONS THE 13 WEEKS ENDED MAY 3, 1997 (FIRST QUARTER OF FISCAL 1997) AS COMPARED TO THE 13 WEEKS ENDED MAY 4, 1996 (FIRST QUARTER OF FISCAL 1996) Sales in the first quarter of fiscal 1997 were $95,563,000 compared to sales in the first quarter of fiscal 1996 of $80,575,000, an increase of $14,988,000 or 18.6%. The dollar increase in sales was primarily due to an increase of 14.7% in comparable store sales. Comparable store sales are defined as sales in stores that were open throughout the full fiscal year and throughout the full prior fiscal year. The comparable store sales increase is due in part to the increase in inventory levels ITEM 2 - MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS, CONTINUED: compared to prior year. Inventory levels were considered to be below plan in prior year. Further contributing to the sales increases were the opening of eleven new stores with a higher sales productivity per store than the ten closed stores. Cost of sales, including buying, distribution and occupancy costs, was $70,122,000 in the first quarter of fiscal 1997 compared to $61,537,000 in the first quarter of fiscal 1996, an increase of $8,585,000. The dollar increase in cost of sales was due to the increase in sales. As a percentage of sales, cost of sales decreased from 76.4% in the first quarter of fiscal 1996 to 73.4% in the first quarter of fiscal 1997, a decrease of 3.0%. This decrease in cost of sales as a percentage of sales was related to a decrease in occupancy costs as a percentage of sales of 3.9%, offset slightly by an increase in the cost of merchandise. The decrease in occupancy costs was associated primarily with the improved leverage in fixed costs which was due to the increase in comparable store sales as well as a decrease in depreciation due to the impact of fully depreciated assets. The increase in the cost of merchandise was due to an increase in markdowns in the first quarter of fiscal 1997 as compared to the first quarter of fiscal 1996. Markdowns in the first quarter of fiscal 1996 were low due to inventory levels that were below plan. Selling, general and administrative expense was $20,197,000 in the first quarter of fiscal 1997 compared to $18,264,000 in the first quarter of fiscal 1996, an increase of $1,933,000 or 10.6%. The dollar increase in selling, general and administrative expense was related to the increase in sales. As a percentage of sales, selling, general and administrative expense decreased from 22.7% in the first quarter of fiscal 1996 to 21.1% in the first quarter of fiscal 1997, a decrease of 1.6%. The decrease as a percentage of sales was related to the leverage of the fixed components of this expense, primarily store wages, as a result of the increase in comparable store sales. Interest income, net, was $714,000 in the first quarter of fiscal 1997 compared to $477,000 in the first quarter of fiscal 1996, an increase of $237,000. The increase was due to an increase in the average cash balance invested in the current year period as compared to the prior year. Income tax provision was $2,443,000 in the first quarter of fiscal 1997 compared to $529,000 in the first quarter of fiscal 1996. The effective tax rate was 41.0% compared to 42.3% in the prior year. ITEM 2 - MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS, CONTINUED Due to the factors noted above, net income was $3,515,000 in the first quarter of fiscal 1997 compared to $722,000 in the first quarter of fiscal 1996. As a percentage of sales, net income was 3.7% in the first quarter of fiscal 1997 compared to 0.9% in the first quarter of fiscal 1996. LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES Working capital at May 3, 1997 was $63,546,000 compared to $59,791,000 at February 1, 1997, an increase of $3,755,000. The Company's primary source of working capital has historically been cash flows from operating activities. Net cash flows provided by operating activities for the first quarter of fiscal 1997 was $3,264,000 compared to $2,046,000 for the first quarter of fiscal 1996. Inventory increased $7,682,000 at May 3, 1997 compared to the fiscal year end due to the seasonal nature of the business; inventory levels are typically at a low point at year end. The increase in accounts payable and accrued liabilities of $11,178,000 more than offset this increase in inventory due to the terms of the payments in relation to the receipt of the inventory. In the first quarter of fiscal 1997, the Company invested $2,116,000 in equipment and leasehold improvements. These expenditures related primarily to the one store opened in the first quarter of fiscal 1997 along with construction in progress for additional new and remodeled stores. The Company currently estimates that the capital expenditures for the remainder of fiscal 1997 will be approximately $28,000,000. These planned expenditures relate primarily to store openings and remodels as well as a new corporate office and distribution center. Under an unsecured revolving line-of-credit arrangement with a bank, the Company may borrow up to a maximum of $30 million on a revolving basis through July 1, 1998. The cash borrowings under the arrangement bear interest at the bank's prime rate or, at the Company's option, LIBOR plus 1.75%. As of May 3, 1997, the Company had no borrowings outstanding under the credit arrangement. In June 1995, the Company entered into an unsecured five-year, $10 million term loan. The loan bears interest at the bank's prime rate plus .25% or, at the Company's option, LIBOR plus 1.75%. The estimated annual principal payments on the loan are $2,000,000 payable in quarterly installments of $500,000 which commenced October 31, 1995. As of May 3, 1997, the loan ITEM 2 - MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS, CONTINUED has a remaining outstanding balance of $4,764,000. The credit arrangement and the term loan impose quarterly and annual financial covenants requiring the Company to maintain certain financial ratios and achieve certain levels of annual income. In addition, the credit arrangement and the term loan require that the bank approve the payment of dividends and restrict the level of capital expenditures. At May 3, 1997, the Company was in compliance with these covenants. The Company invests its excess funds primarily in a short-term investment grade money market fund, investment grade commercial paper and U.S. Treasury and Agency obligations. Management believes the Company's working capital and cash flows from operating activities will be sufficient to meet operating and capital requirements in the foreseeable future. SEASONALITY AND QUARTERLY OPERATING RESULTS The Company's business is seasonal by nature with the Christmas season (beginning the week of Thanksgiving and ending the first Saturday after Christmas) and the back-to-school season (beginning the last week of July and ending the first week of September) historically accounting for the largest percentage of sales volume. In the Company's three fiscal years ended February 1, 1997, the Christmas and back-to-school seasons together accounted for an average of approximately 32% of the Company's annual sales, after adjusting for sales increases related to new stores. The Company does not believe that inflation has had a material effect on the results of operations during the past three years. However, there can be no assurance that the Company's business will not be affected by inflation in the future. STATEMENT REGARDING FORWARD LOOKING DISCLOSURE Certain sections of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, including the preceding "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations," contain various forward looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act"), and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, which represent the Company's expectations or beliefs concerning future events. The Company cautions that these statements are further qualified by important factors that could ITEM 2 - MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS, CONTINUED cause actual results to differ materially from those in the forward looking statements, including, without limitation, the retention by the Company of suppliers for both brand name and Company-developed merchandise, the ability of the Company to expand and to continue to increase comparable store sales, the sufficiency of the Company's working capital and cash flows from operating activities, a decline in demand for the merchandise offered by the Company, the ability of the Company to locate and obtain acceptable store sites and lease terms or renew existing leases, the ability of the Company to obtain adequate merchandise supply, the ability of the Company to hire and train employees, the ability of the Company to gauge the fashion tastes of its customers and provide merchandise that satisfies customer demand, management's ability to manage the Company's expansion, the effect of economic conditions, the effect of severe weather or natural disasters and the effect of competitive pressures from other retailers. NEW ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS In February 1997, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 128, "Earnings Per Share" ("SFAS No. 128") which is effective for financial statements issued for periods ending after December 15, 1997. SFAS No. 128 requires the disclosure of basic and diluted earnings per share. For the periods ended May 3, 1997 and May 4, 1996, the amount reported as net income per common and common equivalent share is not materially different than that which would have been reported for basic and diluted earnings per share in accordance with SFAS No. 128. PART II - OTHER INFORMATION ITEM 1 - LEGAL PROCEEDINGS. The Company is not party to any material legal proceedings, other than ordinary routine litigation incidental to the Company's business. ITEM 2 - CHANGES IN SECURITIES. Not Applicable ITEM 3 - DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES. Not Applicable ITEM 4 - SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS. Not Applicable ITEM 5 - OTHER INFORMATION. Not Applicable ITEM 6(A) - EXHIBITS. Not Applicable ITEM 6(B) - REPORTS ON FORM 8-K. Not Applicable 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. The Wet Seal, Inc. (Registrant) Date: JUNE 13, 1997 /S/KATHY BRONSTEIN --------------------------- --------------------------- Kathy Bronstein Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer (Principal Executive Officer) Date: JUNE 13, 1997 /S/EDMOND THOMAS --------------------------- --------------------------- Edmond Thomas President and Chief Operating Officer Date: JUNE 13, 1997 /S/ANN CADIER KIM --------------------------- --------------------------- Ann Cadier Kim Vice President of Finance and Chief Financial Officer (Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)