UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

 


FORM 10-Q

 


(Mark One)

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

For the quarterly period ended May 5,November 3, 2007

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 or other jurisdiction of

incorporation or organization)

 

(I.R.S. Employer

Identification No.)

26972 Burbank, Foothill Ranch, CA 92610
(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code)

(949) 699-3900

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

 


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

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

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

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

The number of shares outstanding of the Registrant’s Class A Common Stock, par value $0.10 per share, at June 8,December 7, 2007, was 95,454,526.94,206,359. There were no shares outstanding of the Registrant’s Class B Common Stock, par value $0.10 per share, at June 8,December 7, 2007.

 



THE WET SEAL, INC.

FORM 10-Q

Index

 

PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

  

Item 1.

Financial Statements (Unaudited)

  
 

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Unaudited) as of May 5,November 3, 2007, February 3, 2007 and April 29,October 28, 2006

  2-3
 

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations (Unaudited) for the 13 and 39 Weeks Ended May 5,November 3, 2007, and April 29,October 28, 2006

  4
 

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity (Unaudited) for the 1339 Weeks Ended May 5,November 3, 2007, and April 29,October 28, 2006

  5-6
 

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited) for the 1339 Weeks Ended May 5,November 3, 2007, and April 29,October 28, 2006

  7
 

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)

  8-188-19

Item 2.

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

  19-2820-32

Item 3.

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

  28-2933

Item 4.

Controls and Procedures

  2933
PART II. OTHER INFORMATION  

Item 1.

Legal Proceedings

  3033-34

Item 1A.

Risk Factors

  3134-35

Item 2.

Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

  3135

Item 3.

Defaults Upon Senior Securities

  3135

Item 4.

Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders

  3135
Item 5.Other Information35
Item 6.Exhibits35

Item 5. Other InformationSIGNATURE PAGE

  3136

Item 6. Exhibits

32

SIGNATURE PAGE

33

EXHIBIT 31.1

  

EXHIBIT 31.2

  

EXHIBIT 32.1

  

EXHIBIT 32.2

  


Part I. Financial Information

 

Item 1.Financial Statements (Unaudited)

THE WET SEAL, INC.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(In thousands, except share data)

(Unaudited)

 

  

May 5,

2007

 

February 3,

2007

 

April 29,

2006

   

November 3,

2007

 

February 3,

2007

 

October 28,

2006

 
ASSETS        

CURRENT ASSETS:

        

Cash and cash equivalents

  $81,312  $105,254  $87,483   $19,837  $105,254  $77,099 

Marketable securities

   22,407   —     —      60,225   —     —   

Income taxes receivable

   56   56   134    168   56   75 

Other receivables

   4,123   3,604   991    5,627   3,604   4,775 

Merchandise inventories

   35,486   34,231   32,714    51,830   34,231   44,640 

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

   9,845   8,795   5,312    10,243   8,795   4,227 
                    

Total current assets

   153,229   151,940   126,634    147,930   151,940   130,816 
                    

EQUIPMENT AND LEASEHOLD IMPROVEMENTS:

        

Leasehold improvements

   92,419   84,758   75,849    98,547   84,758   83,486 

Furniture, fixtures and equipment

   59,708   55,698   49,547    64,565   55,698   54,667 
                    
   152,127   140,456   125,396    163,112   140,456   138,153 

Less accumulated depreciation and amortization

   (92,169)  (89,931)  (82,717)   (90,948)  (89,931)  (87,860)
                    

Net equipment and leasehold improvements

   59,958   50,525   42,679    72,164   50,525   50,293 
                    

OTHER ASSETS:

        

Deferred financing costs, net of accumulated amortization of $5,195 $5,159 and $4,519 at May 5, 2007, February 3, 2007, and April 29, 2006, respectively

   519   555   1,586 

Deferred financing costs, net of accumulated amortization of $5,266, $5,159 and $3,987 at November 3, 2007, February 3, 2007, and October 28, 2006, respectively

   448   555   1,530 

Other assets

   1,670   1,651   1,635    1,712   1,651   1,514 

Goodwill

   3,496   3,496   3,496    3,496   3,496   3,496 
                    

Total other assets

   5,685   5,702   6,717    5,656   5,702   6,540 
                    

TOTAL ASSETS

  $218,872  $208,167  $176,030   $225,750  $208,167  $187,649 
          
          
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY        

CURRENT LIABILITIES:

        

Accounts payable – merchandise

  $13,247  $11,143  $11,660   $19,542  $11,143  $12,333 

Accounts payable – other

   13,670   10,078   9,286    14,447   10,078   13,864 

Income taxes payable

   177   128   —      —     128   —   

Accrued liabilities

   34,341   37,256   34,909    35,958   37,256   34,660 

Current portion of deferred rent

   3,877   3,381   3,709    4,703   3,381   4,418 
                    

Total current liabilities

   65,312   61,986   59,564    74,650   61,986   65,275 
                    

LONG-TERM LIABILITIES:

        

Secured convertible notes, including accrued interest of $716, $634 and $1,134 at May 5, 2007, February 3, 2007, and April 29, 2006, respectively, and net of unamortized discount of $5,865, $5,974 and $17,824 at May 5, 2007, February 3, 2007, and April 29, 2006, respectively

   2,930   2,739   6,403 

Secured convertible notes, including accrued interest of $879, $634 and $1,574 at November 3, 2007, February 3, 2007, and October 28, 2006, respectively, and net of unamortized discount of $5,608, $5,974 and $17,242 at November 3, 2007, February 3, 2007, and October 28, 2006, respectively

   3,350   2,739   7,274 

Deferred rent

   24,762   22,501   19,352    29,247   22,501   21,553 

Other long-term liabilities

   1,952   1,977   2,970    2,001   1,977   2,916 
                    

Total long-term liabilities

   29,644   27,217   28,725    34,598   27,217   31,743 
                    

Total liabilities

   94,956   89,203   88,289    109,248   89,203   97,018 
                    

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (Note 7)

        

CONVERTIBLE PREFERRED STOCK, $0.01 par value, authorized 2,000,000 shares; 2,167, 2,167 and 9,441 shares issued and outstanding at May 5, 2007, February 3, 2007, and April 29, 2006, respectively

   2,167   2,167   9,441 

CONVERTIBLE PREFERRED STOCK, $0.01 par value, authorized 2,000,000 shares; 2,167, 2,167 and 9,441 shares issued and outstanding at November 3, 2007, February 3, 2007, and October 28, 2006, respectively

   2,167   2,167   9,441 
          

THE WET SEAL, INC.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Continued)

(In thousands, except share data)

(Unaudited)

 

  

May 5,

2007

 

February 3,

2007

 

April 29,

2006

   

November 3,

2007

 

February 3,

2007

 

October 28,

2006

 

STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY:

        

Common stock, Class A, $0.10 par value, authorized 300,000,000 shares; 97,448,226 shares issued and 96,048,226 shares outstanding at May 5, 2007; 96,218,013 shares issued and 95,818,013 shares outstanding at February 3, 2007; and 79,738,079 shares issued and 79,238,079 shares outstanding at April 29, 2006

   9,745   9,622   7,974 

Common stock, Class B convertible, $0.10 par value, authorized 10,000,000 shares; no shares issued and outstanding at May 5, 2007, February 3, 2007 and April 29, 2006

   —     —     —   

Common stock, Class A, $0.10 par value, authorized 300,000,000 shares; 98,377,559 shares issued and 94,206,359 shares outstanding at November 3, 2007; 96,218,013 shares issued and 95,818,013 shares outstanding at February 3, 2007; and 77,509,344 shares issued and outstanding at October 28, 2006

   9,838   9,622   7,751 

Common stock, Class B convertible, $0.10 par value, authorized 10,000,000 shares; no shares issued and outstanding at November 3, 2007, February 3, 2007, and October 28, 2006

   —     —     —   

Paid-in capital

   283,812   280,163   245,382    286,559   280,163   238,995 

Accumulated deficit

   (163,635)  (171,214)  (172,381)   (160,190)  (171,214)  (165,556)

Treasury stock, 1,400,000, 400,000 and 500,000 shares at cost, at May 5, 2007, February 3, 2007, and April 29, 2006, respectively

   (8,792)  (2,400)  (2,675)

Treasury stock, 4,171,200 shares; 400,000 shares; and no shares at cost, at November 3, 2007, February 3, 2007, and October 28, 2006, respectively

   (22,479)  (2,400)  —   

Accumulated other comprehensive income

   619   626   —      607   626   —   
                    

Total stockholders’ equity

   121,749   116,797   78,300    114,335   116,797   81,190 
                    

TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

  $218,872  $208,167  $176,030   $225,750  $208,167  $187,649 
                    

See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

THE WET SEAL, INC.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

(In thousands, except share data)

(Unaudited)

 

  13 Weeks Ended   13 Weeks Ended 39 Weeks Ended 
  

May 5,

2007

  

April 29,

2006

   

November 3,

2007

 

October 28,

2006

 

November 3,

2007

 

October 28,

2006

 

Net sales

  $138,020  $125,149   $150,277  $143,272  $431,611  $397,923 

Cost of sales

   89,760   78,270    107,243   95,145   290,535   260,416 
                    

Gross margin

   48,260   46,879    43,034   48,127   141,076   137,507 

Selling, general and administrative expenses

   41,577   43,131    45,914   46,095   131,334   127,958 

Store closure adjustments

   —     (446)   —     —     —     (640)

Asset impairment

   102   —      1,567   —     1,813   —   
                    

Operating income

   6,581   4,194 

Operating income (loss)

   (4,447)  2,032   7,929   10,189 
             

Interest income

   1,397   1,063   4,312   3,146 

Interest expense

   (372)  (694)  (876)  (20,517)
             

Interest income (expense), net

   1,232   (18,201)   1,025   369   3,436   (17,371)
                    

Income (loss) before provision (benefit) for income taxes

   7,813   (14,007)   (3,422)  2,401   11,365   (7,182)

Provision (benefit) for income taxes

   234   (2)   (103)  —     341   (2)
                    

Net income (loss)

  $7,579  $(14,005)  $(3,319) $2,401  $11,024  $(7,180)
                    

Net income (loss) per share, basic

  $0.08  $(0.22)  $(0.04) $0.03  $0.11  $(0.10)
                    

Net income (loss) per share, diluted

  $0.07  $(0.22)  $(0.04) $0.02  $0.11  $(0.10)
                    

Weighted-average shares outstanding, basic

   92,617,659   63,183,165    90,014,566   72,976,557   91,517,322   70,176,210 
                    

Weighted-average shares outstanding, diluted

   105,241,784   63,183,165    90,014,566   101,493,089   102,456,713   70,176,210 
                    

See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

THE WET SEAL, INC.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

(In thousands, except share data)

(Unaudited)

 

 Common Stock              Common Stock Paid-In
Capital
  Accumulated
Deficit
  Treasury
Stock
  Comprehensive
Income
  Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Income
  Total
Stockholders’
Equity
 
 Class A Class B              Class A Class B 
 Shares Par Value Shares Par Value 

Paid-In

Capital

 

Accumulated

Deficit

 Treasury
Stock
 Comprehensive
Income
 Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Income
 

Total

Stockholders’

Equity

  Shares Par Value Shares Par Value 

Balance at February 3, 2007

 96,218,013 $9,622 —   $—   $280,163  $(171,214) $(2,400)  $626  $116,797  96,218,013 $9,622 —   $—   $280,163  $(171,214) $(2,400)  $626  $116,797 

Net income

 —    —   —    —    —     7,579   —    $7,579   —     7,579  —    —   —    —    —     11,024   —    $11,024   —     11,024 

Restricted stock issued pursuant to long-term incentive plans

 272,127  27 —    —    (27)  —     —      —     —   

Stock-based compensation—directors and employees

 —    —   —    —    1,240   —     —      —     1,240 

Stock issued pursuant to long-term incentive plans

 1,201,460  120 —    —    (120)  —     —      —     —   

Stock-based compensation - directors and employees

 —    —   —    —    3,954   —     —      —     3,954 

Amortization of stock payment in lieu of rent

 —    —   —    —    54   —     —      —     54  —    —   —    —    162   —     —      —     162 

Exercise of stock options

 48,334  5 —    —    172   —     —      —     177  48,334  5 —    —    172   —     —      —     177 

Exercise of common stock warrants

 909,752  91 —    —    2,210   —     —      —     2,301  909,752  91 —    —    2,210   —     —      —     2,301 

Amortization of actuarial gain under Supplemental Employee Retirement Plan

 —    —   —    —    —     —     —     (7)  (7)  (7) —    —   —    —    —     —     —     (19)  (19)  (19)
                        

Comprehensive income

        $7,572           $11,005   
                        

Repurchase of common stock

 —    —   —    —    —     —     (6,392)   —     (6,392) —    —   —    —    —     —     (20,061)   —     (20,061)

Acquisition of forfeited common stock

 —    —   —    —    18   —     (18)   —     —   
                                                

Balance at May 5, 2007

 97,448,226 $9,745 —   $—   $283,812  $(163,635) $(8,792)  $619  $121,749 

Balance at November 3, 2007

 98,377,559 $9,838 —   $—   $286,559  $(160,190) $(22,479)  $607  $114,335 
                                                

See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

THE WET SEAL, INC.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

(In thousands, except share data)

(Unaudited)

 

  Common Stock             Common Stock Paid-In
Capital
  Deferred
Stock
Compensation
  Accumulated
Deficit
  Treasury
Stock
  Total
Stockholders’
Equity
 
  Class A  Class B             Class A Class B 
  Shares  Par Value  Shares  Par Value  

Paid-In

Capital

 Deferred
Stock
Compensation
 Accumulated
Deficit
 Treasury
Stock
 

Total

Stockholders’

Equity

  Shares Par Value Shares Par Value 

Balance at January 28, 2006

  63,636,643  $6,364  —    $—    $222,000  $(5,518) $(158,376) $—    $64,470  63,636,643  $6,364  —   $—   $222,000  $(5,518) $(158,376) $—    $64,470 

Net loss

  —     —    —     —     —     —     (14,005)  —     (14,005) —     —    —    —    —     —     (7,180)  —     (7,180)

Reclassification of deferred stock compensation to paid-in capital upon adoption of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 123(R)

  —     —    —     —     (5,518)  5,518   —     —     —    —     —    —    —    (5,518)  5,518   —     —     —   

Restricted stock issued pursuant to long-term incentive plans

  170,956   17  —     —     (17)  —     —     —     —   

Stock issued pursuant to long-term incentive plans

 359,956   36  —    —    (36)  —     —     —     —   

Stock-based compensation – directors and employees

  —     —    —     —     1,536   —     —     —     1,536  —     —    —    —    3,973   —     —     —     3,973 

Stock-based compensation – non-employee performance shares

  —     —    —     —     4,106   —     —     —     4,106  —     —    —    —    7,462   —     —     —     7,462 

Amortization of stock payment in lieu of rent

  —     —    —     —     54   —     —     —     54  —     —    —    —    162   —     —     —     162 

Exercise of stock options

  7,498   1  —     —     37   —     —     —     38  7,998   1  —    —    38   —     —     —     39 

Exercise of common stock warrants

  855,000   86  —     —     1,979   —     —     —     2,065  855,000   86  —    —    1,979   —     —     —     2,065 

Conversions of convertible preferred stock into common stock

  73,000   7  —     —     212   —     —     —     219  73,000   7  —    —    212   —     —     —     219 

Conversions of secured convertible notes into common stock

  14,994,982   1,499  —     —     20,993   —     —     —     22,492  15,094,982   1,509  —    —    21,133   —     —     —     22,642 

Repurchase of common stock

  —     —    —     —     —     —     —     (2,675)  (2,675) —     —    —    —    —     —     —     (12,662)  (12,662)

Retirement of treasury stock

 (2,518,235)  (252)    (12,410)  —     —     12,662   —   
                                                     

Balance at April 29, 2006

  79,738,079  $7,974  —    $—    $245,382  $—    ($172,381) ($2,675) $78,300 

Balance at October 28, 2006

 77,509,344  $7,751  —   $—   $238,995  $—    $(165,556) $—    $81,190 
                                                     

See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

THE WET SEAL, INC.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(In thousands, except share data)

(Unaudited)

 

  13 Weeks Ended   39 Weeks Ended 
  

May 5,

2007

 

April 29,

2006

   

November 3,

2007

 

October 28,

2006

 

CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:

      

Net income (loss)

  $7,579  $(14,005)  $11,024  $(7,180)

Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by operating activities:

      

Depreciation and amortization

   3,128   2,827    9,925   8,787 

Amortization of discount on secured convertible notes

   109   17,738    366   18,320 

Amortization of deferred financing costs

   36   2,110    107   2,333 

Adjustment of derivatives to fair value

   —     (250)   100   (290)

Amortization of stock payment in lieu of rent

   54   54    162   162 

Interest (extinguished from) added to principal of secured convertible notes

   82   (667)

Interest added to (extinguished from) principal of secured convertible notes

   245   (227)

Loss on disposal of equipment and leasehold improvements

   12   —      97   131 

Asset impairment

   102   —      1,813   —   

Store closure adjustments

   —     (446)

Stock-based compensation

   1,240   5,642    3,954   11,435 

Changes in operating assets and liabilities:

      

Income taxes receivable

   —     2    (112)  61 

Other receivables

   (519)  1,692    (2,023)  (2,394)

Merchandise inventories

   (1,255)  (7,239)   (17,599)  (19,165)

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

   (1,050)  (1,818)   (1,448)  (869)

Other non-current assets

   (19)  (2)   (61)  119 

Accounts payable and accrued liabilities

   280   (4,156)   8,537   (5,524)

Income taxes payable

   49   —      (128)  —   

Deferred rent

   2,757   (935)   8,068   1,975 

Other long-term liabilities

   (32)  (8)   (95)  (22)
              

Net cash provided by operating activities

   12,553   539    22,932   7,652 
              

CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:

      

Purchase of equipment and leasehold improvements

   (10,174)  (1,290)   (30,541)  (9,071)

Proceeds from disposal of equipment and leasehold improvements

   —     302 

Investment in marketable securities

   (25,932)  —      (84,431)  —   

Proceeds from sale of marketable securities

   3,525   —      24,206   —   
              

Net cash used in investing activities

   (32,581)  (1,290)   (90,766)  (8,769)
              

CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:

      

Repayment of term loan

   —     (8,000)   —     (8,000)

Proceeds from exercise of stock options

   177   38    177   39 

Repurchase of common stock

   (6,392)  (2,675)   (20,061)  (12,662)

Payment of deferred financing costs

   —     (32)

Proceeds from exercise of common stock warrants

   2,301   2,065    2,301   2,065 
              

Net cash used in financing activities

   (3,914)  (8,572)   (17,583)  (18,590)
              

NET DECREASE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS

   (23,942)  (9,323)   (85,417)  (19,707)

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, beginning of period

   105,254   96,806    105,254   96,806 
              

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, end of period

  $81,312  $87,483   $19,837  $77,099 
              

SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURES OF CASH FLOW INFORMATION:

      

Cash paid during the period for:

      

Interest

  $18  $393   $50  $450 

Income taxes

  $185  $—     $581  $—   

SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURE OF NON-CASH INVESTING AND FINANCING TRANSACTIONS:

      

Conversion of shares of convertible preferred stock into shares of Class A common stock

  $—    $219   $—    $219 

Conversion of secured convertible notes into shares of Class A common stock

  $—    $22,492   $—    $22,642 

Reclassification of deferred stock compensation to paid-in capital upon adoption of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 123(R)

  $—    $5,518   $—    $5,518 

Purchase of equipment and leasehold improvements on account

  $2,501  $579 

Purchase of equipment and leasehold improvements unpaid at end of period

  $6,101  $6,802 

Acquisition of forfeited Class A common stock

  $18  $—   

Retirement of treasury stock

  $—    $12,662 

Amortization of actuarial gain under Supplemental Employee Retirement Plan

  $7  $—     $19  $—   

See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

THE WET SEAL, INC.

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

For the 1339 weeks ended May 5,November 3, 2007 and April 29,October 28, 2006

(Unaudited)

NOTE 1 – Basis of Presentation, Significant Accounting Policies, Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements and New Accounting Pronouncements Not Yet Adopted

Basis of Presentation

The information set forth in these condensed consolidated financial statements is unaudited. These statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (GAAP) 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 GAAP for complete financial statements.

In the opinion of management, all adjustments necessary for a fair presentation have been included. The results of operations for the 1339 weeks ended May 5,November 3, 2007, are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the fiscal year ending February 2, 2008. For further information, refer to the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in the Annual Report on Form 10-K of The Wet Seal, Inc. (the Company) for the fiscal year ended February 3, 2007.

Reclassification

The Company has reclassified $3.7$4.4 million of deferred rent to current portion of deferred rent on the condensed consolidated balance sheet as of April 29,October 28, 2006, in order to conform to current year presentation.

Significant Accounting Policies

Revenue Recognition

Sales are recognized upon purchases by customers at the Company’s retail store locations. Taxes collected from the Company’s customers are and have been recorded on a net basis. For online sales, revenue is recognized at the estimated time goods are received by customers. Shipping and handling fees billed to customers for online sales are included in net sales. Based upon an analysis completed by the Company during the 13 weeks ended May 5,first fiscal quarter of 2007, customers typically receive goods within four days of being shipped versus a previously estimated five to seven days. This change in estimate did not have a significant effect on the amount of revenue recognized for online sales during the 1339 weeks ended May 5,November 3, 2007. The Company has recorded accruals to estimate sales returns by customers based on historical sales return results. A customer generally may return merchandise within 30 days of the original purchase date. Actual return rates have historically been within management’s estimates and the accruals established. As the accrual for merchandise returns is based on estimates, the actual returns could differ from the accrual, which could impact sales. The accrual for merchandise returns is recorded in accrued liabilities on the condensed consolidated balance sheets and was $1.0 million, $0.8 million and $0.7 million at May 5, 2007, February 3, 2007, and April 29, 2006, respectively. For the 13 weeks ended May 5, 2007, and April 29, 2006, shipping and handling fee revenues were $0.6 million and $0.3 million, respectively.

The Company recognizes the sales from gift cards, gift certificates and store credits as they are redeemed for merchandise. Prior to redemption, the Company maintains an unearned revenue liability for gift cards, gift certificates and store credits until the Company is released from such liability, which includes consideration of potential obligations arising from state escheatment laws. The Company has not recognized breakage on gift cards, gift certificates and store credits in the condensed consolidated financial statements as of May 5,November 3, 2007. The Company’s gift cards, gift certificates and store credits do not have expiration dates. The Company is in the process of analyzing its responsibility to escheat unredeemed gift cards, gift certificates and store credits to various state authorities and historical redemption patterns. The Company may have changes in the estimate of its liability depending on the results of this analysis. The unearned revenue for gift cards, gift certificates and store credits is recorded in accrued liabilities on the condensed consolidated balance sheets and was $8.3 million, $8.9 million and $7.0$6.9 million at May 5,November 3, 2007, February 3, 2007, and April 29,October 28, 2006, respectively.

THE WET SEAL, INC.

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

For the 13 weeks ended May 5, 2007 and April 29, 2006

(Unaudited

NOTE 1 – Basis of Presentation, Significant Accounting Policies, Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements and New Accounting Pronouncements Not Yet Adopted (Continued)

The Company, throughThrough its Wet Seal concept, the company has a frequent buyer program that entitles the customer to receive between a 10% andto 20% discount on all purchases made during a twelve-month period and provides the customer $5-off coupons that may be used on purchases during such period. The annual membership fee of $20 is non-refundable.

The Company recognizeshistorically recognized membership fee revenue under the frequent buyer program on a straight-line basis over the twelve-month membership period due to a lack of sufficient program history to datedetermine customer usage patterns. During November 2007, the Company changed from in-store delivery to e-mail delivery of the program’s $5-off coupons, which eliminated the customer’s ability to use such coupons at the time of initial purchases. The Company believes this change will affect customer usage patterns. The Company also continues to test alternative program structures and may decide to further modify the program in ways that could also affect customer usage patterns. As a result of the recent program change and potential further modifications, the Company believes it is appropriate to maintain straight-line recognition of membership fee revenue. The Company may, in the future, determine spending pattern under the program. that recognition of membership fee revenue on a different basis is appropriate, which would affect net sales.

Discounts received by customers on purchases using the frequent buyer program are recognized at the time of such purchases. The unearned revenue for this program is recorded in accrued liabilities on the condensed consolidated balance sheets and was $10.0$11.1 million, $10.1 million and $8.0$9.9 million at May 5,November 3, 2007, February 3, 2007, and April 29,October 28, 2006, respectively.

THE WET SEAL, INC.

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

For the 39 weeks ended November 3, 2007 and October 28, 2006

(Unaudited)

NOTE 1 – Basis of Presentation, Significant Accounting Policies, Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements and New Accounting Pronouncements Not Yet Adopted (Continued)

The Company maintains a customer loyalty program through its Arden B concept. Under the program, customers accumulate points based on purchase activity. Once a loyalty program member achieves a certain point level, the member earns awards that may be redeemed for merchandise. Merchandise redemptions are accrued as unearned revenue and recorded as a reduction of sales as points are accumulated by the member.

In the first quarter of 2006, the Company modified the terms of the Arden B loyalty program with respect to the number of points required to earn an award and the value of awards when earned. At the time of the program change, the Company also established expiration terms (i) for prospectively earned awards of two months from the date the award is earned and (ii) for pre-existing awards of either two or twelve months from the program change date. This resulted in a reduction to the Company’s estimate of ultimate award redemptions under the program. In the second quarter of 2006, the Company further reduced its estimate of ultimate redemptions based upon lower than anticipated redemption levels during the quarter under the program’s revised terms. As a result, during the 13 and 39 weeks ended October 28, 2006, respectively, the Company recorded no benefit and a benefit of $3.7 million, which was recorded as an increase to net sales and a decrease to accrued liabilities.

In the third quarter of 2007, the Company further modified the terms of the Arden B loyalty program whereby, quarterly, the Company converts into fractional awards the points accumulated by customers who have not made purchases within the preceding 18 months. Similar to all other awards currently being granted under the program, such fractional awards expire if unredeemed after 60 days.

The unearned revenue for this program is recorded in accrued liabilities on the condensed consolidated balance sheets and was $1.9$2.0 million, $1.9 million and $3.9$1.7 million at May 5,November 3, 2007, February 3, 2007, and April 29,October 28, 2006, respectively. If actual redemptions ultimately differ from accrued redemption levels, or if the Company further modifies the terms of the program in a way that affects expected redemption value and levels, the Company could record adjustments to the unearned revenue accrual, which would affect net sales.

Marketable Securities

As of May 5,November 3, 2007, the Company’s marketable securities consist of auction rate securities. Auction rate securities are variable rate bonds tied to short-term interest rates with maturities on the face of the securities in excess of 90 days. Auction rate securities have interest rate resets through a modified Dutch auction, at predetermined short-term intervals, usually every 1, 7, 28 or 35 days. The auction rate securities are classified as “available-for-sale” in accordance with the provisions of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (“SFAS”) No. 115, “Accounting for Certain Investments in Debt and Equity Securities” and are recorded at fair value. Any unrealized gains or temporary unrealized losses, net of income tax effects, are reported as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income on the condensed consolidated balance sheet. Realized gains and losses are computed on the basis of specific identification and are included in interest income in the condensed consolidated statements of operations. The Company does not invest in auction rate securities with exposure to the subprime mortgage market. As of May 5,November 3, 2007, the Company had no unrealized gains or losses associated with its $22.4approximately $60.2 million of auction rate securities investments, whichinvestments.

Long-Lived Assets

The Company evaluates the carrying value of long-lived assets for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value of such assets may not be recoverable in accordance with SFAS No. 144, “Accounting for the Impairment of Long-Lived Assets.” Factors that are classified as marketable securitiesconsidered important that could trigger an impairment review include a current-period operating or cash flow loss combined with a history of operating or cash flow losses and a projection or forecast that demonstrates continuing losses or insufficient income associated with the use of a long-lived asset or asset group. Other factors include a significant change in the manner of the use of the asset or a significant negative industry or economic trend. This evaluation is performed based on estimated undiscounted future cash flows from operating activities compared with the carrying value of the related assets. If the undiscounted future cash flows are less than the carrying value, an impairment loss is recognized, measured by the difference between the carrying value and the estimated fair value of the assets, with such estimated fair values determined using the best information available, generally the discounted future cash flows of the assets using a rate that approximates the Company’s weighted-average cost of capital.

No less frequently than quarterly, the Company assesses whether events or changes in circumstances have occurred that potentially indicate the carrying value of long-lived assets may not be recoverable. The Company’s evaluations during the 13 and 39 weeks ended November 3, 2007 indicated that operating losses or insufficient operating income existed at certain retail stores with a projection that the operating losses or insufficient operating income for these locations would continue. As such, the Company recorded non-cash charges of $1.6 million and $1.8 million during the 13 and 39 weeks ended November 3, 2007, respectively, within asset impairment in the condensed consolidated statements of operations to write-down the carrying value of these stores’ long-lived assets to their estimated fair values.

The Company conducted a similar analysis during the 13 and 39 weeks ended October 28, 2006 and the Company concluded that there were no such events or changes in circumstances.

THE WET SEAL, INC.

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

For the 39 weeks ended November 3, 2007 and October 28, 2006

(Unaudited)

NOTE 1 – Basis of Presentation, Significant Accounting Policies, Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements and New Accounting Pronouncements Not Yet Adopted (Continued)

Income Taxes

As of February 3, 2007, the Company had federal net operating loss carryforwards of $161.0 million, of which $10.1 million relates to benefits from the exercise of stock options for which the associated valuation allowance reversal will be recorded to paid-in capital on the consolidated balance sheet.sheets if and when reversed. The Company’s federal net operating loss carryforwards begin to expire in 2023. Of these net operating loss carryforwards, $139.5 million was subject to annual utilization limitations as of February 3, 2007, while the remaining $21.5 million was available immediately and was subject to no annual utilization limitations (see below). As of February 3, 2007, the Company also had federal charitable contribution carryforwards of $24.2 million, which begin to expire in 2007, alternative minimum tax credits of $1.0 million, which do not expire, and state net operating loss carryforwards of $163.7 million, which begin to expire in 2009 and are also subject to annual utilization limitations.

Section 382 of the Internal Revenue Code (“Section 382”) contains provisions that may limit the availability of net operating loss carryforwards to be used to offset taxable income in any given year upon the occurrence of certain events, including significant changes in ownership interests. Under Section 382, an ownership change that triggers potential limitations on net operating loss carryforwards occurs when there has been a greater than 50% change in ownership interest by shareholders owning 5% or more of a company over a period of three years or less. Based on our analysis, we had an ownership change on April 1, 2005, which results in Section 382 limitations applying to federal net operating loss carryforwards generated prior to that date, which were approximately $152.9 million. The Company estimates it will have approximately $103.5 million of this “pre-ownership change” federal net operating loss carryforward available within five years after the ownership change, at a rate of approximately $20.7 million annually, with the residual approximate $49.4 million becoming available prior to expiration between 2023 and 2025. Of the $152.9 million, the Company used approximately $13.4 million in fiscal 2006, leaving $139.5 million of the “pre-ownership change” federal net operating loss carryforward still available as of February 3, 2007.

The Company is currently evaluating whether an additional ownership change has occurred during fiscal 2007. If it is determined that this has occurred, the Company’s ability to utilize the $21.5 million of net operating loss carryforwards generated after April 1, 2005, may also be limited.

The Company previously estimated it would have approximately $66.6 million of federal net operating loss carryforwards available to offset taxable income in fiscal 2007. However, $21.5 million of this $66.6 million of federal operating loss carryforwards may be further limited if it is determined that an additional ownership change has occurred. If future taxable income were to exceed the sum of (i) the applicable annual loss limitations, (ii) carryforwards of prior years’ unutilized losses, if any, and (iii) carryforwards of post-ownership change losses, if any, in any given fiscal year, the Company would be required to pay federal and state income taxes on the excess amount in such fiscal year.

The Company may also generate income in future periods on a federal alternative minimum tax basis, which would result in alternative minimum taxes payable on a portion of such income. In addition, the Company may determine that varying state laws with respect to net operating loss carryforward utilization may result in lower limits, or an inability to utilize loss carryforwards in some states altogether, which could result in the Company incurring additional state income taxes.

THE WET SEAL, INC.

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

For the 39 weeks ended November 3, 2007 and October 28, 2006

(Unaudited)

NOTE 1 – Basis of Presentation, Significant Accounting Policies, Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements and New Accounting Pronouncements Not Yet Adopted (Continued)

Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements

Effective February 4, 2007, the Company adopted the provisions of Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Interpretation No. 48, “Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes – an interpretation of FASB Statement No. 109” (“FIN 48”). FIN 48 requires that a position taken or expected to be taken in a tax return be recognized in the financial statements when it is more likely than not that the position would be sustained upon examination by tax authorities. A recognized tax position is then measured at the largest amount of benefit that is greater than fifty percent likely of being realized upon ultimate settlement. The cumulative effect, if any, of applying FIN 48 is to be reported as an adjustment to the opening balance of accumulated deficit in the year of adoption. FIN 48 also requires that, subsequent to initial adoption, a change in judgment that results in subsequent recognition, derecognition or change in a measurement of a tax position taken in a prior annual period (including any related interest and penalties) be recognized as a discrete item in the period in which the change occurs. FIN 48 also requires expanded disclosures, including identification of tax positions for which it is reasonably possible that total amounts of unrecognized tax benefits will significantly change in the next twelve months, a description of tax years that remain subject to examination by major tax jurisdiction, a tabular reconciliation of the total amount of unrecognized tax benefits at the beginning and end of each annual reporting period, the total amount of unrecognized tax benefits that, if recognized, would affect the effective tax rate and the total amounts of interest and penalties recognized in the statements of operations and financial position.

THE WET SEAL, INC.

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

For the 13 weeks ended May 5, 2007 and April 29, 2006

(Unaudited)

NOTE 1 – Basis of Presentation, Significant Accounting Policies, Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements and New Accounting Pronouncements Not Yet Adopted (Continued)

The adoption of FIN 48 had no effect on the Company’s condensed consolidated financial statements. At May 5,November 3, 2007, the Company had no unrecognized tax benefits that, if recognized, would affect the Company’s effective income tax rate in future periods. ManagementThe Company is currently unaware of any issues under review that could result in significant payments, accruals or material deviations from its recognized tax positions.

Effective upon adoption of FIN 48, the Company recognizes interest and penalties accrued related to unrecognized tax benefits and penalties within its provision for income taxes. The Company had no such interest and penalties accrued at May 5,November 3, 2007. Prior to its adoption of FIN 48, the Company recognized such interest and penalties, which were immaterial in prior periods, within general and administrative expenses.

The major jurisdictions in which the Company files income tax returns include the United States federal jurisdiction as well as various state jurisdictions within the United States. The Company’s fiscal year 2004 and thereafter are subject to examination by the United States federal jurisdiction, and, generally, fiscal year 2002 and thereafter are subject to examination by various state tax authorities.

In May 2007, the FASB issued FASB Staff Position No. FIN 48-1 (“FSP 48-1”), “Definition ofSettlement in FASB Interpretation No. 48”. FSP 48-1 amended FIN 48 to provide guidance on how an enterprise should determine whether a tax position is effectively settled for the purpose of recognizing previously unrecognized tax benefits. FSP 48-1 required application upon the initial adoption of FIN 48. The adoption of FSP 48-1 did not affect the Company’s condensed consolidated financial statements.

In June 2006, the FASB ratified the consensus reached on Emerging Issues Task Force (“EITF”) Issue No. 06-03,06-3, “How Taxes Collected from Customers and Remitted to Governmental Authorities Should Be Presented in the Income Statement (that is, Gross versus Net Presentation).” The EITF reached a consensus that the presentation of taxes on either a gross or net basis is an accounting policy decision that requires disclosure. EITF Issue No. 06-0306-3 was effective for the first interim or annual reporting period beginning after December 15, 2006. Taxes collected from the Company’s customers are and have been recorded on a net basis. The Company did not modify this accounting policy. As such, the adoption of EITF Issue No. 06-0306-3 did not have an effect on the Company’s condensed consolidated financial statements.

THE WET SEAL, INC.

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

For the 39 weeks ended November 3, 2007 and October 28, 2006

(Unaudited)

NOTE 1 – Basis of Presentation, Significant Accounting Policies, Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements and New Accounting Pronouncements Not Yet Adopted (Continued)

New Accounting Pronouncements Not Yet Adopted

In September 2006, the FASB issued SFAS No. 157, “Fair Value Measurements” (“SFAS No. 157”). SFAS No. 157 provides a new single authoritative definition of fair value and provides enhanced guidance for measuring the fair value of assets and liabilities and requires additional disclosures related to the extent to which companies measure assets and liabilities at fair value, the information used to measure fair value, and the effect of fair value measurements on earnings. The Company will be required to adopt SFAS No. 157 effective foras of the beginning of the fiscal year beginning February 3, 2008. The Company has not yet determined the impact that the adoption of SFAS No. 157 will have on its condensed consolidated financial statements.

THE WET SEAL, INC.

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

For the 13 weeks ended May 5, 2007 and April 29, 2006

(Unaudited)

NOTE 1 – Basis of Presentation, Significant Accounting Policies, Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements and New Accounting Pronouncements Not Yet Adopted (Continued)

In February 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 159, “The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities—Including an amendment of FASB Statement No. 115” (“SFAS No. 159”). SFAS No. 159 provides companies with an option to report many financial instruments and certain other items at fair value that are not currently required to be measured at fair value. The objective of SFAS No. 159 is to reduce both complexity in accounting for financial instruments and the volatility in earnings caused by measuring related assets and liabilities differently. The FASB believes that SFAS No. 159 helps to mitigate accounting-induced volatility by enabling companies to report related assets and liabilities at fair value, which would likely reduce the need for companies to comply with detailed rules for hedge accounting. SFAS No. 159 also establishes presentation and disclosure requirements designed to facilitate comparisons between companies that choose different measurement attributes for similar types of assets and liabilities, and would require entities to display the fair value of those assets and liabilities for which the company has chosen to use fair value on the face of the balance sheet. The new statement does not eliminate disclosure requirements included in other accounting standards, including requirements for disclosures about fair value measurements included in SFAS No. 157, “Fair Value Measurements.” This statement is effectiveThe Company will be required to adopt SFAS No. 159 as of the beginning of an entity’s firstthe fiscal year beginning after November 15, 2007.February 3, 2008. The Company hasdoes not yet determinedintend to apply the impact that thefair value option to any of its assets or liabilities upon adoption of SFAS No. 159 and, accordingly, does not believe adoption of SFAS No. 159 will have any effect on its condensed consolidated financial statements.

NOTE 2 – Stock-Based Compensation

The Company had the following two stock optionincentive plans under which shares were available for grant at May 5,November 3, 2007: the 2005 Stock Incentive Plan (the “2005 Plan”) and the 2000 Stock Incentive Plan (the “2000 Plan”). The Company also previously granted share awards under its 1996 Long-Term Incentive Plan (the “1996 Plan”) that remain unvested and/or unexercised as of May 5,November 3, 2007; however, the 1996 Plan expired during fiscal 2006, and no further share awards may be granted under the 1996 Plan. The 2005 Plan, the 2000 Plan and the 1996 Plan are collectively referred to as the “Plans.”

The 2005 Plan and 2000 Plan permit the granting of options, restricted common stock, performance shares or other equity-based awards to the Company’s employees, officers, directors and consultants. The Company believes the granting of equity-based awards helps to align the interests of its employees, officers, directors and consultants with those of its stockholders. The Company has a practice of issuing new shares to satisfy stock option exercises, as well as for restricted stock and performance share grants. The 2005 Plan was approved by the Company’s shareholders on January 10, 2005, as amended with shareholder approval on July 20, 2005, for the issuance of incentive awards covering 12,500,000 shares of Class A Common Stock. An aggregate of 19,565,55119,134,704 shares of the Company’s Class A Common Stock have been issued or may be issued pursuant to the Plans. As of May 5,November 3, 2007, 941,540342,665 shares were available for future grants.

Options

The Plans provide that the per-share exercise price of a stock option may not be less than the fair market value of the Company’s Class A Common Stock on the date the option is granted. Under the Plans, outstanding options generally vest over periods ranging from three to five years from the grant date and generally expire from five to ten years after the grant date. Certain stock option and other equity-based awards provide for accelerated vesting if there is a change in control (as defined in the Plans). The Company records compensation expense for employee stock options based on the estimated fair value of the options on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model. The Company uses historical data, the implied volatility of market-traded options and other factors to estimate the expected price volatility, option lives and forfeiture rates.

THE WET SEAL, INC.

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

For the 1339 weeks ended May 5,November 3, 2007 and April 29,October 28, 2006

(Unaudited)

NOTE 2 – Stock-Based Compensation (Continued)

Separate groups of employees that have similar historical exercise behavior are considered separately for valuation purposes. The risk-free rate is based on the U.S. Treasury yield curve in effect at the time of grant for the estimated life of the option. The following weighted-average assumptions were used to estimate the fair value of options granted during the periods indicated using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model:

 

  13 Weeks Ended   13 Weeks Ended 39 Weeks Ended 
  May 5,
2007
 April 29,
2006
   November 3,
2007
 October 28,
2006
 November 3,
2007
 October 28,
2006
 

Dividend Yield

  0.00% 0.00%  0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00%

Expected Volatility

  59.00% 63.00%  59.00% 63.00% 59.00% 63.00%

Risk-Free Interest Rate

  4.52% 4.78%  4.41% 4.89% 4.51% 4.82%

Expected Life of Options (in Years)

  3.4  3.4   6.5  3.5  3.7  3.4 

The Company recorded $0.6 million, $1.7 million, $0.5 million and $0.6$1.7 million of compensation expense, or $0.01, $0.02, $0.01 and $0.01$0.02 per basic and diluted share, related to stock options outstanding during the 13 and 39 weeks ended May 5,November 3, 2007, and April 29,the 13 and 39 weeks ended October 28, 2006, respectively.

At May 5,November 3, 2007, there was $4.1$3.0 million of total unrecognized compensation expense related to nonvested stock options under the Company’s share-based payment plans, which will be recognized over the course of the remaining vesting periods of such options through fiscal 2010.

The following table summarizes the Company’s stock option activities with respect to its Plans for the 1339 weeks ended May 5,November 3, 2007, as follows (aggregate intrinsic value in thousands):

 

Options

  

Number of

Shares

 Weighted-
Average
Exercise
Price Per
Share
  

Weighted-
Average
Remaining
Contractual Life

(in years)

  Aggregate
Intrinsic
Value
  

Number of

Shares

 Weighted-
Average
Exercise
Price Per
Share
  

Weighted-
Average
Remaining
Contractual Life

(in years)

  Aggregate
Intrinsic
Value

Outstanding at February 3, 2007

  3,460,020  $7.03      3,460,020  $7.03    

Granted

  480,600  $6.41      560,600  $6.38    

Exercised

  (48,334) $3.63      (48,334) $3.63    

Canceled

  (48,466) $6.29      (554,305) $6.65    
                  

Outstanding at May 5, 2007

  3,843,820  $7.01  4.78  $2,289

Vested and expected to vest in the future at May 5, 2007

  3,704,361  $7.05  4.79  $2,229

Exercisable at May 5, 2007

  2,194,523  $8.05  4.87  $1,294

Outstanding at November 3, 2007

  3,417,981  $7.00  3.65  $7

Vested and expected to vest in the future at November 3, 2007

  3,282,480  $6.94  3.62  $6

Exercisable at November 3, 2007

  2,212,459  $7.63  3.31  $3

Options vested and expected to vest in the future is comprised of all options outstanding at May 5,November 3, 2007, net of estimated forfeitures.

Additional information regarding stock options outstanding as of May 5, 2007, is as follows:

   Options Outstanding  Options Exercisable

Range of Exercise Prices

  

Number

Outstanding

as of

May 5,

2007

  

Weighted-
Average

Remaining

Contractual Life

(in years)

  

Weighted-
Average

Exercise

Price Per

Share

  

Number

Exercisable

as of

May 5,

2007

  

Weighted-
Average

Exercise

Price Per

Share

$ 1.77 -$ 3.15

  572,500  7.85  $3.09  378,334  $3.11

   3.39 - 5.67

  574,020  4.36   5.06  198,728   5.14

   5.70 - 5.84

  634,000  3.32   5.82  209,359   5.82

   5.88 - 6.39

  556,740  5.10   6.24  185,602   6.04

   6.45 - 8.00

  644,410  4.12   6.88  380,450   7.11

   8.08 - 11.76

  657,650  4.29   10.29  638,750   10.26

 11.79 - 23.02

  204,500  4.67   19.02  203,300   19.06
            

$ 1.77 - $23.02

  3,843,820  4.78  $7.01  2,194,523  $8.05
            

THE WET SEAL, INC.

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

For the 1339 weeks ended May 5,November 3, 2007 and April 29,October 28, 2006

(Unaudited)

NOTE 2 – Stock-Based Compensation (Continued)

Additional information regarding stock options outstanding as of November 3, 2007, is as follows:

   Options Outstanding  Options Exercisable

Range of Exercise Prices

  

Number

Outstanding

as of

November 3,

2007

  

Weighted-
Average

Remaining

Contractual Life

(in years)

  

Weighted-
Average

Exercise

Price Per

Share

  

Number

Exercisable

as of

November 3,

2007

  

Weighted-
Average

Exercise

Price Per

Share

$  1.77 - $  3.12

  345,834  0.42  $3.07  338,334  $3.10

    3.15 -     5.34

  389,146  5.26   4.38  170,349   4.39

    5.42 -     5.84

  835,001  3.10   5.73  455,707   5.77

    5.88 -     6.39

  553,740  4.55   6.24  181,769   6.05

    6.45 -     6.72

  425,660  3.01   6.62  232,200   6.72

    6.81 -   10.15

  342,950  5.19   7.96  323,950   8.02

  10.70 -   11.76

  353,650  3.95   11.48  338,750   11.48

  11.79 -   23.02

  172,000  4.15   19.20  171,400   19.23
            

$  1.77 - $23.02

  3,417,981  3.65  $7.00  2,212,459  $7.63
            

The weighted-average grant-date fair value of options granted during the 13 and 39 weeks ended May 5,November 3, 2007, and April 29,the 13 and 39 weeks ended October 28, 2006, was $2.93$2.35, $2.86, $2.36 and $2.77,$2.73, respectively. The total intrinsic value for options exercised during the 1339 weeks ended May 5,November 3, 2007, and April 29,October 28, 2006, was $0.1 million, and less than $0.1 million, respectively.

Cash received from option exercises under all Plans for the 1339 weeks ended May 5,November 3, 2007, and April 29,October 28, 2006, was approximately $0.2 million and $0.04less than $0.1 million, respectively. The Company did not record tax benefits for the tax deductions from option exercises as it has been determined that it is currently more likely than not that the Company will not generate sufficient taxable income to realize its deferred income tax assets.

Restricted Common Stock and Performance Shares

Under the 2005 Plan and 2000 Plan, the Company grants directors, certain executives and other key employees restricted common stock with vesting generally contingent upon completion of specified service periods. The Company also grants certain executives and other key employee’s performance share awards with vesting generally contingent upon a combination of specified service periods and the Company’s achievement of specified common stock price levels.

During the 13 and 39 weeks ended May 5,November 3, 2007, and April 29,the 13 and 39 weeks ended October 28, 2006, the Company granted 590,000, 590,000, none and 132,500294,500 shares, respectively, of restricted common stock to certain employees and directors under the Plans. Restricted common stock awards generally vest over a period of 3 years. The weighted-average grant-date fair value of the restricted common stock granted during the 13 and 39 weeks ended April 29,November 3, 2007, was $3.26 per share and during the 39 weeks ended October 28, 2006, was $5.33$5.08 per share. The Company recorded approximately $0.5 million, $1.6 million, $0.6 million and $0.5$1.7 million of compensation expense related to outstanding shares of restricted common stock held by employees and directors during the 13 and 39 weeks ended May 5,November 3, 2007, and April 29,the 13 and 39 weeks ended October 28, 2006, respectively.

During the 13 and 39 weeks ended May 5,November 3, 2007, and April 29,the 13 and 39 weeks ended October 28, 2006, the Company granted 267,9601,000,000, 1,267,960, none and 60,000 performance shares, respectively, to certain officers under the 2005 Plan. The weighted-average grant-date fair value of the performance share grants made during the 13 and 39 weeks ended May 5,November 3, 2007, and April 29,the 39 weeks October 28, 2006, which included consideration of the probability of such shares vesting, was $5.86,$1.90, $2.74 and $4.30 per share, respectively.

The Company recorded $0.3 million, $0.6 million, $0.1 million and $0.4$0.5 million of compensation expense during the 13 and 39 weeks ended May 5,November 3, 2007, and April 29,the 13 and 39 weeks ended October 28, 2006, respectively, related to performance shares granted to officers.

THE WET SEAL, INC.

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

For the 39 weeks ended November 3, 2007 and October 28, 2006

(Unaudited)

NOTE 2 – Stock-Based Compensation (Continued)

On October 8, 2007, the Company modified the terms of a performance share grant to the Company’s former chief executive officer, in connection with his departure from the Company, to extend his opportunity to vest in such shares from October 8, 2007, his last day with the Company, to January 31, 2008. The fair value of this change on the modification date was $0.1 million and was included in the performance share compensation expense noted above.

The fair value of nonvested restricted common stock awards is determined based on the closing trading price of the Company’s common stock on the grant date. The fair value of nonvested performance shares granted to officers is determined based on a number of factors, including the closing trading price of the Company’s common stock and the estimated probability of achieving the Company’s stock price performance conditions as of the grant date. The following table summarizes activity with respect to the Company’s nonvested restricted common stock and performance shares granted to officers for the 1339 weeks ended May 5,November 3, 2007:

 

Nonvested Restricted Common Stock and Performance Shares

  Number of
Shares
 Weighted-
Average Grant-
Date Fair Value
  Number of
Shares
 Weighted-
Average Grant-
Date Fair Value

Nonvested at February 3, 2007

  2,471,500  $2.85  2,471,500  $2.85

Granted

  267,960  $5.86  1,857,960  $2.90

Vested

  (554,167) $2.85  (604,167) $3.02

Forfeited

  (15,000) $4.44  (192,500) $5.14
          

Nonvested at May 5, 2007

  2,170,293  $3.01

Nonvested at November 3, 2007

  3,532,793  $2.73
          

The fair value of restricted common stock and performance shares that vested during the 1339 weeks ended May 5,November 3, 2007 was $3.4$3.7 million.

THE WET SEAL, INC.

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

For the 13 weeks ended May 5, 2007 and April 29, 2006

(Unaudited)

NOTE 2 – Stock-Based Compensation (Continued)

At May 5,November 3, 2007, there was $3.8$5.8 million of total unrecognized compensation expense related to nonvested restricted common stock and performance shares under the Company’s share-based payment plans, of which $2.4$3.1 million relates to restricted common stock and $1.4$2.7 million relates to performance shares. That cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 1.952.0 years. These estimates utilize subjective assumptions about expected forfeiture rates, which could potentially change over time. Therefore, the amount of unrecognized compensation expense noted above does not necessarily represent the value that will ultimately be realized by the Company in its condensed consolidated statements of operations.

NOTE 3 – Store Closures

In December 2004, the Company announced that it would close approximately 150 of its underperforming Wet Seal stores as part of a plan to return the Company to profitability. The Company initially completed its closure of Wet Seal stores pursuant to this plan in March 2005. In connection with this store closure program, the Company recorded charges related to the estimated lease termination costs for the announced store closures and related liquidation fees and expenses, partially offset by benefits related to the write-off of deferred rent associated with these stores.

The following summarizes the store closure reserve activity associated with the store closure charges for the 13 and 39 weeks ended April 29,October 28, 2006:

 

  13 Weeks Ended
October 28,
2006
 39 Weeks Ended
October 28,
2006
 

Balance at beginning of period

  $802   $169  $802 

Adjustments

   (446)   —     (640)

Payments

   5    (76)  (69)
           

Balance at end of period

  $361   $93  $93 
           

As of February 3, 2007, the store closure reserve balance was zero. There was noThe store closure reserve activityactivities associated with the store closure reserves were completed during fiscal 2006.

THE WET SEAL, INC.

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

For the 1339 weeks ended May 5, 2007.November 3, 2007 and October 28, 2006

(Unaudited)

NOTE 4 – Senior Revolving Credit Facility, Secured Convertible Notes, Convertible Preferred Stock and Common Stock Warrants

The Company maintains a $35.0 million senior revolving credit facility (the “Facility”), which can be increased up to $50.0 million in the absence of any default and upon the satisfaction of certain conditions precedent specified in the Facility. Under the Facility, the Company is subject to borrowing base limitations on the amount that can be borrowed and certain customary covenants, including covenants limiting the ability to incur additional indebtedness, make investments and acquisitions, grant liens, pay dividends, close stores and dispose of assets, subject to certain exceptions, without the lender’s consent. The ability of the Company and its subsidiaries to borrow and request the issuance of letters of credit is subject to the requirement that the Company maintains an excess of the borrowing base over the outstanding credit extensions of not less than $5.0 million. The interest rate on the revolving line of credit under the Facility is the prime rate or, if the Company elects, the London Interbank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”) plus a margin ranging from 1.0% to 1.5%. The applicable LIBOR margin is based on the level of average Excess Availability, as defined under the Facility, at the time of election, as adjusted quarterly. The applicable LIBOR margin was 1.0% as of May 5,November 3, 2007. The Company also incurs fees on outstanding letters of credit under the Facility at a rate equal to the applicable LIBOR margin for standby letters of credit and 33.3% of the applicable LIBOR margin for commercial letters of credit.

The Facility ranks senior in right of payment to the Company’s Secured Convertible Notes.Notes (the “Notes”). Borrowings under the Facility are secured by all presently owned and hereafter acquired assets of the Company and two of its wholly-owned subsidiaries, The Wet Seal Retail, Inc. and Wet Seal Catalog, Inc., each of which may be a borrower under the Facility. The obligations of the Company and the subsidiary borrowers under the Facility are guaranteed by another wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company, Wet Seal GC, Inc.

THE WET SEAL, INC.

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

For the 13 weeks ended May 5, 2007 and April 29, 2006

(Unaudited)

NOTE 4 – Senior Revolving Credit Facility, Secured Convertible Notes, Convertible Preferred Stock and Common Stock Warrants (Continued)

At May 5,November 3, 2007, the amount outstanding under the Facility consisted of $9.0$8.6 million in open documentary letters of credit related to merchandise purchases and $1.8$1.7 million in outstanding standby letters of credit, and the Company had $24.2$24.7 million available under the Facility for cash advances and/or the issuance of additional letters of credit.

During the 1339 weeks ended April 29,October 28, 2006, investors in the Company’s Secured Convertible Notes (the “Notes”) converted $22.5$22.6 million of the Notes into 14,994,98215,094,982 shares of Class A common stock. As a result of these conversions, the Company recorded net non-cash interest charges of $18.1$18.2 million during the 1339 weeks ended April 29,October 28, 2006, to write-off a ratable portion of unamortized debt discount, deferred financing costs and accrued interest associated with the Notes.

During the 13 weeks April 29, 2006, investors in the Company’s Convertible Preferred Stock (the “Preferred Stock”) converted $0.2 million of Preferred Stock into 73,000 shares of Class A common stock.

During the 1339 weeks ended May 5,November 3, 2007, and April 29,October 28, 2006, investors also exercised portions of outstanding common stock warrants, resulting in the issuance of 909,752 and 855,000 shares of Class A common stock in exchange for $2.3 million and $2.1 million, respectively, of proceeds to the Company.

During the 39 weeks October 28, 2006, investors in the Company’s Convertible Preferred Stock (the “Preferred Stock”) converted $0.2 million of Preferred Stock into 73,000 shares of Class A common stock.

At May 5,November 3, 2007, the Company was in compliance with all covenant requirements related to the Facility and the Notes.

NOTE 5 – Consulting Agreement

From late 2004 through the end of fiscal 2006, the Company used the assistance of a consultant with its merchandising initiatives for its Wet Seal concept. On July 6, 2005, the Company entered into a related consulting agreement and an associated stock award agreement (the “Stock Award Agreement”) with the consultant that expired on January 31, 2007.

Under the terms of the consulting agreement and Stock Award Agreement, the Company recorded $4.1charges of $4.4 million and $7.5 million in non-cash stock compensation, charges and $0.3 million and $0.9 million in cash charges, within general and administrative expenses in its condensed consolidated statements of operations during the 13 and 39 weeks ended April 29, 2006.October 28, 2006, respectively.

As of May 5,November 3, 2007, the consultant may still vest in up to 1.4 million performance shares under the Stock Award Agreement. The consultant will be required to forfeit any of these performance shares that remain unvested on January 1, 2008.

Due to the completion of the consulting agreement term as of the end of fiscal 2006 and the requirement that the Company deliver shares as physical settlement if and when vesting occurs, in accordance with EITF Issue No. 96-18, “Accounting for Equity Instruments That Are Issued to Other Than Employees for Acquiring, or in Connection with Selling, Goods and Services,” and EITF Issue No. 00-19, “Accounting for Derivative Financial Instruments Indexed to, and Potentially Settled in, a Company’s Own Stock,” during the 1339 weeks ended May 5,November 3, 2007, the Company incurred no consulting expense or credit, and in future periods will incur no additional consulting expense or credit with respect to the unvested performance shares, regardless of the eventual vesting or non-vesting of such performance shares remaining as of May 5,November 3, 2007.

THE WET SEAL, INC.

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

For the 39 weeks ended November 3, 2007 and October 28, 2006

(Unaudited)

NOTE 6 – Net Income (Loss) Per Share

In accordance with SFAS No. 128, “Earnings Per Share,” and additional guidance from EITF Issue No. 03-6, “Participating Securities and the Two-Class Method under FASB Statement No. 128,” net income per share, basic, is computed based on the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding for the period, including consideration of the two-class method with respect to certain of the Company’s other equity securities (see below). Net income per share, diluted, is computed based on the weighted-average number of common and potentially dilutive common equivalent shares outstanding for the period, also with consideration given to the two-class method.

THE WET SEAL, INC.

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

For the 13 weeks ended May 5, 2007 and April 29, 2006

(Unaudited)

NOTE 6 – Net Income (Loss) Per Share (Continued)

The Notes and Preferred Stock are convertible into shares of Class A Common Stock. Both of these securities include rights whereby, upon payment of dividends or other distributions to Class A Common Stock holders, the Notes and Preferred Stock would participate ratably in such distributions based on the number of common shares into which such securities were convertible at that time. Because of these rights, under the provisions of EITF Issue No. 03-6, the Notes and Preferred Stock are considered to be participating securities requiring the use of the two-class method for the computation of basic earnings per share when the effect of such method is dilutive. The two-class method requires allocation of undistributed earnings per share among the Class A Common Stock, Notes and Preferred Stock based on the dividend and other distribution participation rights under each of these securities.

Diluted earnings per share for the 39 weeks ended November 3, 2007, and the 13 weeks ended May 5, 2007,October 28, 2006, have been computed assuming the conversion of the Notes and Preferred Stock and through application of the “treasury stock” method with respect to other dilutive securities. In accordance with EITF Issue No. 03-6, however, the “if-converted” method, whereby interest costs associated with the Notes and Preferred Stock, net of income tax effects, would be added back to the numerator in the calculation, has not been applied to these securities to calculate diluted earnings per share since the effect would be anti-dilutive. For the 39 weeks ended November 3, 2007, and the 13 weeks ended May 5, 2007,October 28, 2006, such interest costs not added back to the numerator in the diluted earnings per share calculation were $0.2 million.$0.7 million and $0.7 million, respectively.

The effect of the two-class method with respect to the Notes and Preferred Stock is dilutive for the 39 weeks ended November 3, 2007, and the 13 weeks ended May 5, 2007.October 28, 2006. Such method would be anti-dilutive, and is thus not applied, for the 13 weeks ended April 29,November 3, 2007, and the 39 weeks ended October 28, 2006. The following table summarizes the allocation of undistributed earnings among Class A Common Stock, the Notes and the Preferred Stock, using the two-class method for the 39 weeks ended November 3, 2007, and the 13 weeks ended May 5, 2007,October 28, 2006, and reconciles the weighted average common shares used in the computation of basic and diluted earnings per share (in thousands, except share data):

 

  13 Weeks Ended   13 Weeks Ended 39 Weeks Ended 
  

May 5,

2007

 

April 29,

2006

   

November 3,

2007

 

October 28,

2006

 

November 3,

2007

 

October 28,

2006

 

Numerator:

        

Net income (loss)

  $7,579  $(14,005)  $(3,319) $2,401  $11,024  $(7,180)

Less: Undistributed earnings allocable to -

        

Notes

   (414)  —      —     (403)  (608)  —   

Preferred Stock

   (55)  —      —     (83)  (82)  —   
                    

Net income (loss) allocable to Class A common stock

  $7,110  $(14,005)  $(3,319) $1,915  $10,334  $(7,180)
                    

Denominator:

        

Denominator for basic earnings per share – weighted-average Class A common stock outstanding

   92,617,659   63,183,165 

Denominator for basic earnings (loss) per share – weighted-average Class A common stock outstanding

   90,014,566   72,976,557   91,517,322   70,176,210 

Notes weighted-average shares outstanding

   5,385,918   —      —     15,352,960   5,385,918   —   

Preferred Stock weighted-average shares outstanding

   722,333   —      —     3,147,000   722,333   —   

Other dilutive securities:

        

Stock options

   256,892   —      —     151,934   178,243   —   

Stock warrants

   5,465,900   —      —     7,983,393   3,977,298   —   

Restricted stock and performance shares

   793,082   —      —     1,881,245   675,599   —   
                    

Denominator for diluted earnings per share

   105,241,784   63,183,165 

Denominator for diluted earnings (loss) per share

   90,014,566   101,493,089   102,456,713   70,176,210 
                    

Basic earnings per share – Class A common stock

  $0.08  $(0.22)

Basic earnings (loss) per share – Class A common stock

  $(0.04) $0.03  $0.11  $(0.10)
                    

Diluted earnings per share

  $0.07  $(0.22)

Diluted earnings (loss) per share

  $(0.04) $0.02  $0.11  $(0.10)
                    

THE WET SEAL, INC.

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

For the 1339 weeks ended May 5,November 3, 2007 and April 29,October 28, 2006

(Unaudited)

NOTE 6 – Net Income (Loss) Per Share (Continued)

The computations of diluted earnings and loss per share excluded the following potentially dilutive securities exercisable or convertible into Class A common stock for the periods indicated because their effect would have been anti-dilutive or, in the case of performance shares for the 39 weeks ended November 3, 2007, and the 13 weeks ended May 5, 2007,October 28, 2006, because they did not meet the criteria in SFAS No. 128 for inclusion of contingently issuable shares in diluted earnings per share as of May 5, 2007:November 3, 2007, and October 28, 2006:

 

  13-Week Period Ended  13-Week Period Ended  39-Week Period Ended
  May 5,
2007
  April 29,
2006
  November 3,
2007
  October 28,
2006
  November 3,
2007
  

October 28,

2006

Stock options outstanding

  2,970,232  4,038,347  3,417,981  3,183,401  2,773,857  4,099,797

Nonvested restricted stock awards

  —    4,821,500  1,442,333  12,000  590,000  4,149,881

Performance shares

  2,527,960  —    3,490,460  2,260,000  3,490,460  6,100,000

Stock issuable upon conversion of secured convertible notes

  —    15,394,718  5,385,918  —    —    32,845,366

Stock issuable upon conversion of preferred stock

  —    3,147,000  722,333  —    —    3,500,999

Stock issuable upon exercise of warrants -

            

June 2004 warrants

  —    2,109,275  2,109,275  —    —    2,109,275

Series B warrants

  —    1,848,324  494,466  —    —    2,140,824

Series C warrants

  —    3,849,107  1,245,536  —    —    4,411,607

Series D warrants

  —    4,607,678  2,242,989  —    —    4,607,678

Series E warrants

  —    7,486,607  6,549,107  —    —    7,500,000
                  

Total

  5,498,192  47,302,556  27,100,398  5,455,401  6,854,317  71,465,427
                  

Based upon the respective exercise prices and number of outstanding warrants, exercise of all outstanding warrants via cash payment by the warrant holders as of May 5,November 3, 2007, and April 29,October 28, 2006, would have resulted in proceeds to the Company of $45.9 million and $65.4 million, respectively. However, in limited circumstances, the warrant holders may choose “cashless exercise,” as defined in the associated warrant agreements, in which case the Company would receive no cash proceeds upon exercise in exchange for the issuance by the Company of fewer shares of Class A common stock.

NOTE 7 – Commitments and Contingencies

Between August 26, 2004, and October 12, 2004, six securities class action lawsuits were filed in the United States District Court for the Central District of California (the “Court”) on behalf of persons who purchased the Company’s Class A common stock between January 7, 2003, and August 19, 2004. The Company and certain of its former directors and former executives were named as defendants. The complaints allege violations of Sections 10(b) and 20(a) of the Exchange Act, and Rule 10b-5 of the Exchange Act, on the grounds that, among other things, the Company failed to disclose and misrepresented material adverse facts that were known to the defendants or disregarded by them. On November 17, 2004, the Court consolidated the actions and appointed lead plaintiffs and counsel. On January 29, 2005, the lead plaintiffs filed their consolidated class action complaint with the Court, which consolidated all of the previously reported class actions. The consolidated complaint alleges that the defendants, including the Company, violated the federal securities laws by making material misstatements of fact or failing to disclose material facts during the class period, from March 2003 to August 2004, concerning its prospects to stem ongoing losses in its Wet Seal concept and return that concept to profitability. The consolidated complaint also alleges that certain former directors and La Senza Corporation, a Canadian company controlled by them, unlawfully utilized material non-public information in connection with the sale of the Company’s common stock by La Senza. The consolidated complaint seeks class certification, compensatory damages, interest, costs, attorney’s fees and injunctive relief. The Company filed a motion to dismiss the consolidated complaint in April 2005. On September 15, 2005, the consolidated class action was dismissed against all defendants in the lawsuit. However, the plaintiffs were granted leave to file an amended complaint, which they did file on November 23, 2005. The Company filed a motion to dismiss the amended complaint on January 25, 2006. A court hearing on this motion was held on October 23, 2006, but2006. On August 28, 2007, the consolidated class action complaint was dismissed without leave to amend in the United States District Court. On September 28, 2007, the plaintiff appealed this decision to the Ninth Circuit Court has not yet made a ruling on the motion.of Appeals. There can be no assurance that this litigation will be resolved in a favorable manner. The Company is vigorously defending this litigation and is unable to predict the likely outcome and whether such outcome may have a material adverse effect on the Company’s results of operations or financial condition. Accordingly, no provision for a loss contingency has been accrued at May 5,November 3, 2007.

THE WET SEAL, INC.

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

For the 1339 weeks ended May 5,November 3, 2007 and April 29,October 28, 2006

(Unaudited)

NOTE 7 – Commitments and Contingencies (Continued)

On July 19, 2006, a complaint was filed in the Superior Court of the State of California for the County of Los Angeles, or the Superior Court, on behalf of certain of the Company’s current and former employees that were employed and paid by the Company on an hourly basis during the four-year period from July 19, 2002, through July 19, 2006. The Company was named as a defendant. The complaint alleged various violations under the State of California Labor Code, the State of California Business and Professions Code, and orders issued by the Industrial Welfare Commission. On November 30, 2006, the Company reached an agreement to pay approximately $0.3 million to settle this matter, subject to Superior Court approval. On May 18, 2007, the Superior Court entered an order granting preliminary approval of the class action settlement. The Company is expecting final court approval in January 2008. As of May 5,November 3, 2007, the Company had accrued within accrued liabilities on its condensed consolidated balance sheet an amount that approximates this settlement amount.

In January 2007, a class action complaint was filed against the Company in the Central District of the United States District Court of California, Southern Division alleging violations of The Fair Credit Reporting Act (the Act)“Act”), and in February 2007 a class action complaint was filed against the Company alleging similar violations in United States District Court, Central District of California, Western Division. Both parties in the February 2007 complaint have agreed to dismiss the complaint with prejudice. The Act provides in part that portions of the credit card number may not be printed together with expiration dates on credit or debit card receipts given to customers. The Act imposes significant penalties upon violators of these rules and regulations where the violation is deemed to have been willful. Otherwise, damages are limited to actual losses incurred by the card holder. On December 11, 2007, the Company reached a tentative agreement to settle this complaint for less than $0.1 million. The Company does not believeexpects final approval in December 2007. As of November 3, 2007, the Company had accrued an amount that it has any liability for the violations alleged in the complaints and will vigorously contest these allegations. The Company is unable to predict the likely outcome in these matters and whether such outcome may have a material adverse effectapproximates this settlement amount within accrued liabilities on its results of operations or financial condition.condensed consolidated balance sheet.

On May 22, 2007, a complaint was filed in the Superior Court of the State of California for the County of Orange on behalf of certain of the Company’s current and former employees that were employed and paid by the Company during the four-year period from May 21, 2003, through May 21, 2007. The Company was named as a defendant. The complaint alleged various violations under the State of California Labor Code, the State of California Business and Professions Code, and orders issued by the Industrial Welfare Commission. The Company is vigorously defending this litigation and is unable to predict the likely outcome and whether such outcome may have a material adverse effect on the Company’s results of operations or financial condition. Accordingly, no provision for a loss contingency has been accrued at May 5,November 3, 2007.

From time to time, the Company is involved in other litigation matters relating to claims arising out of its operations in the normal course of business. Management believes that, in the event of a settlement or an adverse judgment on certain of the pending litigation, the Company has insurance coverage to cover a portion of such losses; however, certain other matters may exist or arise for which the Company does not have insurance coverage. As of May 5,November 3, 2007, the Company was not engaged in any other legal proceedings that are expected, individually or in the aggregate, to have a material adverse effect on its results of operations or financial condition.

NOTE 8 – Treasury Stock

On March 28, 2006,2007, the Company’s Boardboard of Directorsdirectors authorized the repurchase of up to 4.0 million of the outstanding shares of the Company’s Class A common stock. There is currently no expiration date for this repurchase authorization. Pursuant to this authorization, during the 1339 weeks ended May 5,November 3, 2007, the Company repurchased 1,000,0003,593,700 shares of its Class A common stock, via open market transactions, at an average market price of $6.36,$5.55, for a total cost, including commissions, of approximately $6.4$20.1 million.

As For the time being, the Company’s board of May 5,directors has suspended management’s authority to make further share repurchases under the March 28, 2007, the Company is authorized by its Board of Directors to purchase up to 3.0 million additional shares. Repurchases are at the option of the Company and can be discontinued at any time.authorization.

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

Introduction

Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations should be read in conjunction with our unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements and the notes thereto. The following discussion and analysis contains forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements include statements that are predictive in nature, which depend upon or refer to future events or conditions, and/or which include words such as “believes,” “plans,” “anticipates,” “estimates,” “expects” or similar expressions. In addition, any statements concerning future financial performance, ongoing concept strategies or prospects, and possible future actions which may be provided by our management, are also forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are based on current expectations and projections about future events and are subject to risks, uncertainties, and assumptions about our company, economic and market factors and the industry in which we do business, among other things. These statements are not guarantees of future performance and we undertake no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

Actual events and results may differ materially from those expressed or forecasted in forward-looking statements due to a number of factors. Factors that could cause our actual performance, future results and actions to differ materially from any forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, those discussed in “Risk Factors” included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended February 3, 2007, and elsewhere in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.

Executive Overview

We are a national specialty retailer operating stores selling fashionable and contemporary apparel and accessory items designed for female customers aged 15 to 45.35. We operate two nationwide, primarily mall-based, chains of retail stores under the names “Wet Seal” and “Arden B”. As of May 5,November 3, 2007, we operated 448490 retail stores in 47 states, Puerto Rico and Washington D.C. Our products can also be purchased online.

We consider the following to be key performance indicators in evaluating our performance:

Comparable store sales—For purposes of measuring comparable store sales, sales include merchandise sales as well as membership fee revenues recognized under our Wet Seal concept’s frequent buyer program during the applicable period. Stores are deemed comparable stores on the first day of the month following the one-year anniversary of their opening or significant remodel/relocation, which we define to be a square footage increase or decrease of at least 20%. Stores that are remodeled or relocated with a resulting square footage change of less than 20% are maintained in the comparable store base with no interruption. However, stores that are closed for four or more days in a fiscal month, due to remodel, relocation or other reasons, are removed from the comparable store base that fiscal month as well as for the comparable fiscal month in the following fiscal year. Comparable store sales results are important in achieving operating leverage on certain expenses such as store payroll, occupancy, depreciation and amortization, general and administrative expenses, and other costs that are at least partially fixed. Positive comparable store sales results generate greater operating leverage on expenses while negative comparable store sales results negatively affect operating leverage. Comparable store sales results also have a direct impact on our total net sales, cash, and working capital.

Average transaction counts—We consider the trend in the average number of sales transactions occurring in our stores to be a key performance metric. To the extent we are able to increase transaction counts in our stores that more than offset any decrease in the average dollar sale per transaction, we will generate increases in our comparable store sales.

Gross margins—We analyze the components of gross margin, specifically initialcumulative mark-on, markups, and markdowns, buying costs, distribution costs, shrink and store occupancy costs. Any inability to obtain acceptable levels of initial markups, a significant increase in our use of markdowns or in inventory shrink, or an inability to generate sufficient sales leverage on other components of cost of sales could have an adverse impact on our gross margin results and results of operations.

Operating income (loss)—We view operating income (loss) as a key indicator of our success. The key drivers of operating income (loss) are comparable store sales, gross margins, and our ability to controlthe changes we experience in operating costs.

Cash flow and liquidity (working capital)—We evaluate cash flow from operations, liquidity and working capital to determine our short-term operational financing needs. We expect that our cash on hand and cash flows from operations will be sufficient to finance operations without borrowing under our senior revolving credit facility, or the Facility, for at least the next 12 months.

Store Formats

Wet Seal. Wet Seal is a junior apparel brand for teenage girls that seek fashion-first clothing with a target customer age of 1513 to 19 years old. Wet Seal seeks to provide its customer base with a balance of affordably priced fashionable brand name and company-developed apparel and accessories. Wet Seal stores average approximately 4,000 square feet in size. As of May 5,November 3, 2007, we operated 356396 Wet Seal stores.

Arden B.B. Arden B is a fashion brand for the sophisticated feminine contemporary woman with sex appeal. Arden B targets customers aged 25 to 4535 and seeks to deliver contemporary collections of branded fashion separates and accessories for various

aspects of the customers’ lifestyles. Arden B stores average approximately 3,200 square feet in size. As of May 5,November 3, 2007, we operated 9294 Arden B stores.

Internet Operations. In 1999, we established Wet Seal online, a web-based store located atwww.wetseal.com, offering Wet Seal merchandise to customers over the Internet. In August 2002, we expanded our online operations with the launch ofwww.ardenb.com, offering Arden B apparel and accessories comparable to those carried in the stores. Our online stores are designed to serve as an extension of the in-store experience, and offer a wide selection of merchandise, which helps expand in-store sales. In fiscal 2006 and for the 1339 weeks ended May 5,November 3, 2007, we experienced rapid growth in our online sales and we will continue to develop our Wet Seal and Arden B websites to increase their effectiveness in marketing our brands.

Current Trends and Outlook

In December 2004, we initiatedOur comparable store sales decreased 3.4% for the 13 weeks ended November 3, 2007 primarily as a new strategy forresult of continued softness in average store transaction counts and lower than anticipated full-priced selling at both our Wet Seal stores, which, among other things, consisted of closure of approximately 150 under performing Wet Seal stores, lower retail prices, a broader assortment of fashion-rightand Arden B concepts. We believe these overall traffic trends may continue through the fiscal fourth quarter and are planning our merchandise inventories and more frequent delivery of fresh merchandise. With the introduction ofmanaging our costs with this strategy, we experienced consolidated comparable store sales growth of 44.7% in fiscal 2005. During fiscal 2006, we built upon the turnaround that started in fiscal 2005, with further comparable sales growth of 6.1%. During fiscal 2006, we also increased transaction counts per store and the number of items purchased per customer, which were partially offset by a decrease in average unit retail in comparison to the prior year.expectation. During the 13 weeks ended May 5,November 3, 2007 we continuedaggressively marked down inventories in our stores to appropriately position our inventory as we enter the positive sales trend with an increaseholiday season. The holiday season begins the week of 2.7%Thanksgiving and ends the first Saturday after Christmas. During the 4 weeks ended December 1, 2007, the first fiscal month of our fourth quarter, we experienced a 1.7% decrease in comparable store sales.

Our long term strategy is to expand our existing retail store base, take advantage of our compelling store economics, continue our trend ofreturn to positive comparable store sales growth, revive the Arden B business and expand our online business. We are also taking several steps to drive higher sales productivity in our retail stores, including improved store layout and visual displays, and have embarked on several initiatives to improve gross margins, including efforts to increase direct foreignoptimize sourcing of merchandise, enhance our inventory planning and allocation functions, better align merchandise mix with customer wants, rationalize our vendor base and improve supply chain efficiency through better synergiescoordination among and within our vendor, internal distribution and store operations organizations.

Our current operating performance trend and financing transactions completed insince fiscal 2004 and 2005 havehas resulted in increased liquidity and in turn, improved our current credit standing with suppliers, which may further improve our liquidity.suppliers. However, we may experience future declines in comparable store sales or may be unsuccessful in executing some or all of our business strategy. If our comparable store sales drop significantly for an extended period of time, or we falter in execution of our business strategy, we may not achieve our financial performance goals, which could impact our results of operations and operating cash flow, and we may be forced to seek alternatives to address cash constraints, including seeking additional debt and/or equity financing.

Appointment of New President and Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer

As we previously announced, Mr. Joel N. Waller, our former president, chief executive officer and chairman of our board of directors, resigned from the Company and Mr. Edmond S. Thomas was appointed as president and chief executive officer of the Company, effective October 8, 2007.

Additionally, as we previously announced, we recently appointed Steven H. Benrubi as our new chief financial officer effective as of September 21, 2007.

Store Openings and Closures

During the 1339 weeks ended May 5,November 3, 2007, we opened 1861 and closed three Wet Seal stores and opened onefive and closed onethree Arden B store.stores. We believe future store closures for at least the next 12 months will primarily result from lease expirations where we decide not to extend, or are unable to extend, a store lease.

We Including net store openings already completed through November 3, 2007, we expect to open 55 to 59approximately 67 new Wet Seal and/or Arden B stores, net of closings, during fiscal 2007. During November 2007, we announced our intention to slow our annual net store count growth rate, from approximately 15% in fiscal 2007 to approximately 5% in fiscal 2008, to allow time to re-assess our real estate strategy and build our backlog of store opening opportunities.

Stock-Based Compensation

Effective January 29, 2006, we adopted the provisions of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (“SFAS”) No. 123(R) (“SFAS No. 123(R)”), “Share-Based Payment,” which requires the measurement and recognition of compensation expense for all share-based payment awards to employees and directors based on estimated fair values.

The following table summarizes stock-based compensation recorded in the condensed consolidated statements of operations, including the $4.1charges of $4.4 million and $7.5 million associated with the merchandising consultant performance shares (see below) during the 13 and 39 weeks ended April 29, 2006:October 28, 2006, respectively:

 

  13 Weeks Ended  13 Weeks Ended  39 Weeks Ended
(in thousands)  

May 5,

2007

  April 29,
2006
  

November 3,

2007

  

October 28,

2006

  November 3,
2007
  October 28,
2006

Cost of sales

  $233  $213  $124  $246  $573  $748

Selling, general and administrative expenses

   1,007   5,429   1,309   5,379   3,381   10,687
                  

Stock-based compensation

  $1,240  $5,642  $1,433  $5,625  $3,954  $11,435
                  

Merchandising Consultant

From late 2004 through the end of fiscal 2006, we used the assistance of a consultant with our merchandising initiatives for our Wet Seal concept. On July 6, 2005, we entered into a related consulting agreement and an associated stock award agreement (the “Stock Award Agreement”) with the consultant that expired on January 31, 2007.

Under the terms of the consulting agreement and Stock Award Agreement, we recorded $4.1charges of $4.4 million and $7.5 million in non-cash stock compensation, charges and $0.3 million and $0.9 million in cash charges, within general and administrative expenses in our condensed consolidated statements of operations during the 13 and 39 weeks ended April 29, 2006.October 28, 2006, respectively.

As of May 5,November 3, 2007, the consultant may still vest in up to 1.4 million performance shares under the Stock Award Agreement. The consultant will be required to forfeit any of these performance shares that remain unvested on January 1, 2008.

Due to the completion of the consulting agreement term as of the end of fiscal 2006 and the requirement that we deliver shares as physical settlement if and when vesting occurs, in accordance with EITFEmerging Issues Task Force (“EITF”) Issue No. 96-18, “Accounting for Equity Instruments That Are Issued to Other Than Employees for Acquiring, or in Connection with Selling, Goods and Services,” and EITF Issue No. 00-19, “Accounting for Derivative Financial Instruments Indexed to, and Potentially Settled in, a Company’s Own Stock,” during the 1339 weeks ended May 5,November 3, 2007, we incurred no consulting expense or credit, and in future periods will incur no additional consulting expense or credit with respect to the unvested performance shares, regardless of the eventual vesting or non-vesting of such performance shares remaining as of May 5,November 3, 2007.

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

Our condensed consolidated financial statements were prepared in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (GAAP) for interim financial information and 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 GAAP for complete financial statements.

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires the appropriate application of certain accounting policies, some of which require us to make estimates and assumptions about future events and their impact on amounts reported in our condensed consolidated financial statements. Since future events and their impact cannot be determined with absolute certainty, the actual results will inevitably differ from our estimates.

We believe the application of our accounting policies, and the estimates inherently required therein, are reasonable. Our accounting policies and estimates are reevaluated on an ongoing basis, and adjustments are made when facts and circumstances dictate a change. Our accounting policies are more fully described in Note 1 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements and in Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended February 3, 2007.

The policies and estimates discussed below involve the selection or application of alternative accounting policies that are material to our condensed consolidated financial statements. Management has discussed the development and selection of these critical accounting policies and estimates with the Audit Committee of our Boardboard of Directors.directors.

We have certain accounting policies that require more significant management judgment and estimates than others. These include our accounting policies with respect to revenue recognition, merchandise inventories, long-lived assets, impairment of goodwill, stock-based compensation, income taxes, insurance reserves, marketable securities and derivative financial instruments. There have been no significant additions to or modifications of the application of the critical accounting policies described in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended February 3, 2007. However, we have made a change in estimate affecting revenue recognition with respect to the amount of time it takes for shipments of

merchandise we sell online to be received by customers.customers, and we have taken into consideration certain recent developments and their impact on revenue recognition for our frequent

buyer program membership fees. The following updates the Form 10-K discussion about our critical accounting policies regarding revenue recognition, as well as provides a discussion about our critical accounting policies with respect to marketable securities.securities, long-lived assets and factors that may limit our ability to utilize net operating loss carryforwards to offset income taxes payable.

Revenue Recognition

Sales are recognized upon purchase by customers at our retail store locations. Taxes collected from our customers are and have been recorded on a net basis. For online sales, revenue is recognized at the estimated time goods are received by customers. Shipping and handling fees billed to internet customers are classified as revenue. Based upon an analysis completed by us during the 13 weeks ended May 5,first fiscal quarter of 2007, online customers typically receive goods within four days of shipment versus a previously estimated five to seven days. This change in estimate did not have a significant effect on the amount of revenue recognized for online sales during the 1339 weeks ended May 5,November 3, 2007. We have recorded accruals to estimate sales returns by customers based on historical sales return results. A customer generally may return merchandise within 30 days of the original purchase date. Actual return rates have historically been within management’s estimates and the accruals established. As the accrual for merchandise returns is based on estimates, the actual returns could differ from the accrual, which could impact sales. The accrual for merchandise returns is recorded in accrued liabilities on the condensed consolidated balance sheets and was $1.0 million, $0.8 million and $0.7 million at May 5, 2007, February 3, 2007, and April 29, 2006, respectively.

We recognize the sales from gift cards, gift certificates and the issuance of store credits as they are redeemed for merchandise. Prior to redemption, we maintain an unearned revenue liability for gift cards, gift certificates and store credits until we are released from such liability.liability, which includes consideration of potential obligations arising from state escheatment laws. We have not recognized breakage on gift cards, gift certificates and store credits in ourthe condensed consolidated financial statements as of May 5,November 3, 2007. Our gift cards, gift certificates and store credits do not have expiration dates. We are in the process of analyzing our responsibility to escheat unredeemed gift cards, gift certificates and store credits to various state authorities and historical redemption patterns. We may have changes in the estimate of our liability depending on the results of this analysis. The unearned revenue for gift cards, gift certificates and store credits is recorded in accrued liabilities on the condensed consolidated balance sheets and was $8.3 million, $8.9 million and $7.0$6.9 million at May 5,November 3, 2007, February 3, 2007, and April 29,October 28, 2006, respectively.

Through our Wet Seal concept, we have a frequent buyer program that entitles the customer to receive a 10% to 20% discount on all purchases made during a twelve-month program period and provides the 12-month programcustomer $5-off coupons that may be used on purchases during such period. The annual membership fee of $20 is non-refundable.

We recognizehave historically recognized membership fee revenue under the frequent buyer program on a straight-line basis over the 12-monthtwelve-month membership period due to a lack of sufficient program history to datedetermine customer usage patterns. During November 2007, we changed from in-store delivery to determinee-mail delivery of the spending pattern underprogram’s $5-off coupons, which eliminated the program. Upon gaining sufficientcustomer’s ability to use such coupons at the time of initial purchases. We believe this change will affect customer usage patterns. We also continue to test alternative program historystructures and may decide to assess spending patterns,further modify the program in ways that could also affect customer usage patterns. As a result of the recent program change and potential further modifications, we believe it is appropriate to maintain straight-line recognition of membership fee revenue. We may, in the future, determine that recognition of membership fee revenue on a different basis may be appropriate. is appropriate, which would affect net sales.

Discounts received by customers on purchases using the frequent buyer program are recognized at the time of such purchases. The unearned revenue for this program is recorded in accrued liabilities on the condensed consolidated balance sheets and was $10.0$11.1 million, $10.1 million and $8.0$9.9 million at May 5,November 3, 2007, February 3, 2007, and April 29,October 28, 2006, respectively.

We maintain a customer loyalty program at Arden B. Under the program, customers accumulate points based on purchase activity. Once a loyalty program member achieves a certain point level, the member earns awards that may be redeemed for merchandise. Estimated merchandise redemptions are accrued as unearned revenue and recorded as a reduction of sales as points are accumulated by the member.

In the first quarter of 2006, we modified the terms of the Arden B loyalty program with respect to the number of points required to earn an award and the value of awards when earned. At the time of the program change, we also established expiration terms (i) for prospectively earned awards of two months from the date the award is earned and (ii) for pre-existing awards of either two or twelve months from the program change date. This resulted in a reduction to our estimate of ultimate award redemptions under the program. In the second quarter of 2006, we further reduced our estimate of ultimate redemptions based upon lower than anticipated redemption levels during the quarter under the program’s revised terms. As a result, during the 13 and 39 weeks ended October 28, 2006, respectively, we recorded no benefit and a benefit of $3.7 million, which was recorded as an increase to net sales and a decrease to accrued liabilities.

In the third quarter of 2007, we further modified the terms of the Arden B loyalty program whereby, quarterly, we convert into fractional awards the points accumulated by customers who have not made purchases within the preceding 18 months. Similar to all other awards currently being granted under the program, such fractional awards expire if unredeemed after 60 days.

The unearned revenue for this program is recorded in accrued liabilities on the condensed consolidated balance sheets and was $1.9$2.0 million, $1.9 million and $3.9$1.7 million at May 5,November 3, 2007, February 3, 2007, and April 29,October 28, 2006, respectively. If actual redemptions ultimately differ from accrued redemption levels, or if we further modify the terms of the program in a way that affects expected redemption value and levels, we could record further adjustments to the unearned revenue accrual, which would affect net sales.

Marketable Securities

As of May 5,November 3, 2007, our marketable securities consist of auction rate securities. Auction rate securities are variable rate bonds tied to short-term interest rates with maturities on the face of the securities in excess of 90 days. Auction rate securities have interest rate resets through a modified Dutch auction, at predetermined short-term intervals, usually every 1, 7, 28 or 35 days. The auction rate securities are classified as “available-for-sale” in accordance with the provisions of SFAS No. 115, “Accounting for Certain Investments in Debt and Equity Securities” and are recorded at fair value. Any unrealized gains or temporary unrealized losses, net of income tax effects, are reported as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income on the condensed consolidated balance sheet. Realized gains and losses are computed on the basis of specific identification and are included in interest income in the condensed consolidated statements of operations. We do not invest in auction rate securities with exposure to the subprime mortgage market. As of May 5,November 3, 2007,

the Company we had no unrealized gains or losses associated with its $22.4approximately $60.2 million of auction rate securities investments, which are classified as marketable securities on the condensed consolidated balance sheet.investments. However, future changes in the fair value of our investments in marketable securities could require recognition of unrealized gains or losses, which could have a significant effect on our financial position and results of operations.

Long-Lived Assets

We evaluate the carrying value of our long-lived assets for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value of such assets may not be recoverable in accordance with SFAS No. 144, “Accounting for the Impairment of Long-Lived Assets.” Factors that are considered important that could trigger an impairment review include a current-period operating or cash flow loss combined with a history of operating or cash flow losses and a projection or forecast that demonstrates continuing losses or insufficient income associated with the use of a long-lived asset or asset group. Other factors include a significant change in the manner of the use of the asset or a significant negative industry or economic trend. This evaluation is performed based on estimated undiscounted future cash flows from operating activities compared with the carrying value of the related assets. If the undiscounted future cash flows are less than the carrying value, an impairment loss is recognized, measured by the difference between the carrying value and the estimated fair value of the assets, with such estimated fair values determined using the best information available, generally the discounted future cash flows of the assets using a rate that approximates our weighted-average cost of capital.

No less frequently than quarterly, we assess whether events or changes in circumstances have occurred that potentially indicate the carrying value of long-lived assets may not be recoverable. Our evaluations during the 13 and 39 weeks ended November 3, 2007 indicated that operating losses or insufficient operating income existed at certain retail stores with a projection that the operating losses or insufficient operating income for these locations would continue. As such, we recorded non-cash charges of $1.6 million and $1.8 million during the 13 and 39 weeks ended November 3, 2007, respectively, within asset impairment in the condensed consolidated statements of operations to write-down the carrying value of these stores’ long-lived assets to their estimated fair values.

We conducted a similar analysis during the 13 and 39 weeks ended October 28, 2006 and we concluded that there were no such events or changes in circumstances.

Income Taxes

As of February 3, 2007, we had federal net operating loss carryforwards of $161.0 million, of which $10.1 million relates to benefits from the exercise of stock options for which the associated valuation allowance reversal will be recorded to paid-in capital on the consolidated balance sheets if and when reversed. Our federal net operating loss carryforwards begin to expire in 2023. Of these net operating loss carryforwards, $139.5 million was subject to annual utilization limitations as of February 3, 2007, while the remaining $21.5 million was available immediately and was subject to no annual utilization limitations (see below). As of February 3, 2007, we also had federal charitable contribution carryforwards of $24.2 million, which begin to expire in 2007, alternative minimum tax credits of $1.0 million, which do not expire, and state net operating loss carryforwards of $163.7 million, which begin to expire in 2009 and are also subject to annual utilization limitations.

Section 382 of the Internal Revenue Code (“Section 382”) contains provisions that may limit the availability of net operating loss carryforwards to be used to offset taxable income in any given year upon the occurrence of certain events, including significant changes in ownership interests. Under Section 382, an ownership change that triggers potential limitations on net operating loss carryforwards occurs when there has been a greater than 50% change in ownership interest by shareholders owning 5% or more of a company over a period of three years or less. Based on our analysis, we had an ownership change on April 1, 2005, which results in Section 382 limitations applying to federal net operating loss carryforwards generated prior to that date, which were approximately $152.9 million. We estimate we will have approximately $103.5 million of this “pre-ownership change” federal net operating loss carryforward available within five years after the ownership change, at a rate of approximately $20.7 million annually, with the residual approximate $49.4 million becoming available prior to expiration between 2023 and 2025. Of the $152.9 million, we used approximately $13.4 million in fiscal 2006, leaving $139.5 million of the “pre-ownership change” federal net operating loss carryforward still available as of February 3, 2007.

We are currently evaluating whether an additional ownership change has occurred during fiscal 2007. If it is determined that this has occurred, our ability to utilize the $21.5 million of net operating loss carryforwards generated after April 1, 2005, may also be limited.

We previously estimated we would have approximately $66.6 million of federal net operating loss carryforwards available to offset taxable income in fiscal 2007. However, $21.5 million of this $66.6 million of federal operating loss carryforwards may be further limited if it is determined that an additional ownership change has occurred. If future taxable income were to exceed the sum of (i) the applicable annual loss limitations, (ii) carryforwards of prior years’ unutilized losses, if any, and (iii) carryforwards of post-ownership change losses, if any, in any given fiscal year, we would be required to pay federal and state income taxes on the excess amount in such fiscal year.

We may also generate income in future periods on a federal alternative minimum tax basis, which would result in alternative minimum taxes payable on a portion of such income. In addition, we may determine that varying state laws with respect to net operating loss carryforward utilization may result in lower limits, or an inability to utilize loss carryforwards in some states altogether, which could result in our incurring additional state income taxes.

Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements

Effective February 4, 2007, we adopted the provisions of Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Interpretation No. 48, “Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes – an interpretation of FASB Statement No. 109” (“FIN 48”). FIN 48 requires that a position taken or expected to be taken in a tax return be recognized in the financial statements when it is more likely than not that the position would be sustained upon examination by tax authorities. A recognized tax position is then measured at the largest amount of benefit that is greater than fifty percent likely of being realized upon ultimate settlement. The cumulative effect, if any, of applying FIN 48 is to be reported as an adjustment to the opening balance of accumulated deficit in the year of adoption. FIN 48 also requires that, subsequent to initial adoption, a change in judgment that results in subsequent recognition, derecognition or change in a measurement of a tax position taken in a prior annual period (including any related interest and penalties) be recognized as a discrete item in the period in which the change occurs. FIN 48 also requires expanded disclosures, including identification of tax positions for which it is reasonably possible that total amounts of unrecognized tax benefits will significantly change in the next twelve months, a description of tax years that remain subject to examination by major tax jurisdiction, a tabular reconciliation of the total amount of unrecognized tax benefits at the beginning and end of each annual reporting period, the total amount of unrecognized tax benefits that, if recognized, would affect the effective tax rate and the total amounts of interest and penalties recognized in the statements of operations and financial position.

The adoption of FIN 48 had no effect on our condensed consolidated financial statements. At May 5,November 3, 2007, we had no unrecognized tax benefits that, if recognized, would affect our effective income tax rate in future periods. Our management isWe are currently unaware of any issues under review that could result in significant payments, accruals or material deviations from our recognized tax positions.

Effective upon adoption of FIN 48, we recognize interest and penalties accrued related to unrecognized tax benefits and penalties within our provision for income taxes. We had no such interest and penalties accrued at May 5,November 3, 2007. Prior to our adoption of FIN 48, we recognized such interest and penalties, which were immaterial in prior periods, within general and administrative expenses.

The major jurisdictions in which we file income tax returns include the United States federal jurisdiction as well as various state jurisdictions within the United States. Our fiscal year 2004 and thereafter are subject to examination by the United States federal jurisdiction, and, generally, fiscal year 2002 and thereafter are subject to examination by various state tax authorities.

In May 2007, the FASB issued FASB Staff Position No. FIN 48-1 (“FSP 48-1”), “Definition ofSettlement in FASB Interpretation No. 48”. FSP 48-1 amended FIN 48 to provide guidance on how an enterprise should determine whether a tax position is effectively settled for the purpose of recognizing previously unrecognized tax benefits. FSP 48-1 required application upon the initial adoption of FIN 48. The adoption of FSP 48-1 did not affect our condensed consolidated financial statements.

In June 2006, the FASB ratified the consensus reached on Emerging Issues Task Force (“EITF”)EITF Issue No. 06-03,06—3, “How Taxes Collected from Customers and Remitted to Governmental Authorities Should Be Presented in the Income Statement (that is, Gross versus Net Presentation).” The EITF reached a consensus that the presentation of taxes on either a gross or net basis is an accounting policy decision that requires disclosure. EITF Issue No. 06-0306-3 was effective for the first interim or annual reporting period beginning after December 15, 2006. Taxes collected from our customers are and have been recorded on a net basis. We did not modify this accounting policy. As such, the adoption of EITF Issue No. 06-0306-3 did not have an effect on our condensed consolidated financial position or results of operations.

New Accounting Pronouncements Not Yet Adopted

In September 2006, the FASB issued SFAS No. 157, “Fair Value Measurements” (“SFAS No. 157”). SFAS No. 157 provides a new single authoritative definition of fair value and provides enhanced guidance for measuring the fair value of assets and liabilities and requires additional disclosures related to the extent to which companies measure assets and liabilities at fair value, the information used to measure fair value, and the effect of fair value measurements on earnings. We will be required to adopt SFAS No. 157 effective foras of the beginning of the fiscal year beginning February 3, 2008. We have not yet determined the impact that the adoption of SFAS No. 157 will have on our condensed consolidated financial statements.

In February 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 159, “The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities—Including an amendment of FASB Statement No. 115” (“SFAS No. 159”). SFAS No. 159 provides companies with an option to report many financial instruments and certain other items at fair value that are not currently required to be measured at fair value. The objective of SFAS No. 159 is to reduce both complexity in accounting for financial instruments and the volatility in earnings caused by measuring related assets and liabilities differently. The FASB believes that SFAS No. 159 helps to mitigate accounting-induced volatility by enabling companies to report related assets and liabilities at fair value, which would likely reduce the need for companies to comply with detailed rules for hedge accounting. SFAS No. 159 also establishes presentation and disclosure requirements designed to facilitate comparisons between companies that choose different measurement attributes for similar types of assets and liabilities, and would require entities to display the fair value of those assets and liabilities for which the company has chosen to use fair value on the face of the balance sheet. The new statement does not eliminate disclosure requirements included in other accounting standards, including requirements for disclosures about fair value measurements included in SFAS No. 157, “Fair Value Measurements.” This statement is effective asWe do not intend to apply the fair value option to any of the beginningour assets or liabilities upon adoption of an entity’s first fiscal year beginning after November 15, 2007. We haveSFAS No. 159 and, accordingly, do not yet determined the impact that thebelieve adoption of SFAS No. 159 will have any effect on our condensed consolidated financial statements.

Results of Operations

The following table sets forth selected statements of operations data as a percentage of net sales for the 13-week periodand 39-week periods indicated. The discussion that follows should be read in conjunction with the table below:

 

  As a Percentage of Net Sales
13 Weeks Ended
   As a Percentage of Net Sales
13 Weeks Ended
 As a Percentage of Net Sales
39 Weeks Ended
 
  May 5,
2007
 April 29,
2006
   November 3,
2007
 October 28,
2006
 November 3,
2007
 October 28,
2006
 

Net sales

  100.0% 100.0%  100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0%

Cost of sales

  65.0  62.5   71.4  66.4  67.3  65.4 
                    

Gross margin

  35.0  37.5   28.6  33.6  32.7  34.6 

Selling, general and administrative expenses

  30.1  34.5   30.6  32.2  30.4  32.2 

Store closure adjustments

  —    (0.3)  —    —    —    (0.2)

Asset impairment

  0.1  —     1.0  —    0.4  —   
                    

Operating income

  4.8  3.3 

Operating income (loss)

  (3.0) 1.4  1.9  2.6 

Interest income (expense), net

  0.9  (14.5)  0.7  0.3  0.8  (4.4)
                    

Income (loss) before provision for income taxes

  5.7  (11.2)

Provision for income taxes

  0.2  —   

Income (loss) before provision (benefit) for income taxes

  (2.3) 1.7  2.7  (1.8)

Provision (benefit) for income taxes

  (0.1) —    0.1  —   
                    

Net income (loss)

  5.5% (11.2)%  (2.2)% 1.7% 2.6% (1.8)%
                    

Thirteen Weeks Ended May 5,November 3, 2007, Compared to Thirteen Weeks Ended April 29,October 28, 2006

Net sales

 

 

13 Weeks

Ended
May 5, 2007

  Change From
Prior Fiscal Period
 13 Weeks
Ended
April 29, 2006
  

13 Weeks

Ended
November 3, 2007

  Change From
Prior Fiscal Period
 13 Weeks
Ended
October 28, 2006
    ($ in millions)       ($ in millions)  

Net sales

 $138.0  $12.9  10.3% $125.1  $150.3  $7.0  4.9% $143.3

Comparable store sales increase

     2.7% 

Comparable store sales decrease

      (3.4)% 

Net sales for the 13 weeks ended May 5,November 3, 2007, increased as a result of the following:

Our comparable store sales increase of 2.7% as a result of a 10.6% increase in average unit retail, partially offset by a 2.1% decrease in transaction counts per store and a 6.2% decrease in units per customer;

 

An increase in the number of stores open, from 401416 stores as of April 29,October 28, 2006, to 448490 stores as of May 5,November 3, 2007; and

 

An increase of $4.5$1.4 million in net sales for our Internet business compared to the prior year, which is not a factor in calculating our comparable store sales.

InHowever, these factors were partially offset by the prior year first quarter, we modified the termsdecrease of our Arden B customer loyalty program, which resulted3.4% in recognition of sales previously deferred of $2.3 million. This adjustment was not a factor in calculating our comparable store sales.

Cost of sales

 

  13 Weeks
Ended
May 5, 2007
 Change From
Prior Fiscal Period
 13 Weeks
Ended
April 29, 2006
   13 Weeks
Ended
November 3, 2007
 Change From
Prior Fiscal Period
 13 Weeks
Ended
October 28, 2006
 
    ($ in millions)       ($ in millions)   

Cost of sales

  $89.8  $11.5  14.7% $78.3   $107.2  $12.1  12.7% $95.1 

Percentage of net sales

   65.0%   2.5%  62.5%   71.4%   5.0%  66.4%

Cost of sales includes the cost of merchandise, markdowns, inventory shortages, inventory valuation adjustments, inbound freight, payroll expenses associated with design, buying, planning and allocation, processing, receiving and other warehouse costs, and rent and depreciation and amortization expense associated with our stores and distribution center.

Cost of sales increased in dollars primarily as a result of increased merchandise costs associated with the 10.3%4.9% increase in net sales.sales and an increase in occupancy costs due to our increase in store count. Cost of sales increased as a percentage of net sales primarily due to:

Ato a decrease in merchandise margin as a percentage of salessales. The merchandise margin decreased due to:

- increasedto an increase in markdown rates, as a result of additional promotional activity and permanent markdowns in response to the competitive environment experienced during the quarter, partially offset by a reduction in inventory shortages and a slight increase inhigher initial markup rates;

- the benefit inrates compared to the prior year comparable period from the modificationyear. Cost of the terms of our Arden B customer loyalty program, which resulted in recognition of sales previously deferred of $2.3 million with no corresponding cost of sales; and

- a reduction in sales mix of relatively higher margin basics merchandise during the 13 weeks ended May 5, 2007, in our Wet Seal stores;

An increase in buying, planning and allocation and distribution payroll and related costs as a percentage of sales due to higher staffing levels, and increased rent expensewas also negatively impacted by a deleveraging effect on store occupancy costs resulting from our headquarters/distribution facility lease renewal in late fiscal 2006, partially offsetcomparable store sales decrease, as well as by benefits of sales leverage; and

An increase in occupancy costs related to the increase in the number of stores open, from 401 stores as of April 29, 2006, to 448 stores as of May 5, 2007, and $0.5 million of pre-opening costs for our new stores incurred during the 13 weeks ended May 5,November 3, 2007, associated with stores opened and/or under construction and/or opened during the period, versus nominal pre-opening$0.3 million of such costs incurred in the prior year first quarter associated with two new store openings.year.

Selling, general and administrative expenses (SG&A)

 

  13 Weeks
Ended
May 5, 2007
 Change From
Prior Fiscal Period
 13 Weeks
Ended
April 29, 2006
   13 Weeks
Ended
November 3, 2007
 Change From
Prior Fiscal Period
 13 Weeks
Ended
October 28, 2006
 
    ($ in
millions)
       ($ in millions)   

Selling, general and administrative expenses

  $41.6  $(1.5) (3.6)% $43.1   $45.9  $(0.2) (0.4)% $46.1 

Percentage of net sales

   30.1%  (4.4)%  34.5%   30.6%  (1.6)%  32.2%

Our SG&A expenses are comprised of two components. Selling expenses include store and field support costs including personnel, advertising, and merchandise delivery costs as well as internet/catalog processing costs. General and administrative expenses include the cost of corporate functions such as executives, legal, finance and accounting, information systems, human resources, real estate and construction, loss prevention, and other centralized services.

Selling expenses increased approximately $4.0$2.8 million over the prior year. As a percentage of net sales, selling expenses were 23.7% of net sales, or 0.9 points higher as a percentage of net sales, than a

The following contributed to the current year ago. The increase in selling expenses and the change as a percentage of net sales from last year were primarily due to a $2.9expenses:

A $2.1 million increase in payroll and benefits costs as a result of an increase in claim costs in our employee health care plan primarily associated with one case, the increase in number of stores as noted above, and the impact of store labor during pre-opening periods for stores under construction and/or opened during the current year fiscal quarter labor-intensive store promotion set-ups and heavy inventory receipts; a $0.5an increase in claim costs in our employee health care plan, primarily associated with one case;

A $0.4 million increase in Internet productionadvertising and ordering costs due to higher Internet sales compared tomarketing expenditures;

A $0.2 million increase in merchandise delivery costs; and

the prior year; a $0.4

A $0.3 million increase in credit card and other banking fees; a $0.2 million increase in merchandise delivery costs due to increased store growth; and a $0.1 million increase in store supply costs;fees.

However, these increases were partially offset by a decrease of $0.3$0.2 million decrease in inventory counting service fees.costs.

General and administrative expenses decreased approximately $5.5$3.0 million from the prior year to $9.0$9.8 million. As a percentage of net sales, general and administrative expenses were 6.5%, or 5.1 points lower, than a year ago.

The following contributed to the current year changedecrease in general and administrative expenses:

 

Expiration of the July 2005 merchandising consultant agreement at the end of fiscal 2006, for which we incurred non-cash stock compensation charges of $4.4 million and cash compensation charges of $4.1 million and $0.3 million, respectively, in the prior year;

A $0.7 million severance charge in the prior year related to a former executive; and

A decrease of $0.7 million in legal fees due primarily to a $0.3 million insurance reimbursement of previously incurred legal fees and a general decrease in the level of necessary legal services.year.

However, the decrease in general and administrative expenses was partially offset by the following increase:increases:

 

A $0.3$0.7 million netincrease as a result of a separation agreement upon departure of our former chief executive officer;

A $0.5 million increase in other generalrecruiting fees, primarily associated with our search for a new chief executive officer; and administrative costs.

Store closure adjustments

   13 Weeks
Ended
May 5, 2007
  Change From
Prior Fiscal Period
  13 Weeks
Ended
April 29, 2006
 
      ($ in millions)    

Store closure adjustments

  $—    $0.4  100.0% $(0.4)

Percentage of net sales

   0.0%   0.3%  (0.3)%

Activity under the 2005 Wet Seal store closure program was completed during fiscal 2006. No activity occurredA $0.5 million increase in store closure costs for the current year fiscal quarter versus a creditcorporate payroll due to achievement of $0.4 millionfull staffing in the prior year fiscal quarter pertaining to the latter stages of the store closure program.several corporate support functions.

Asset impairment

 

  13 Weeks
Ended
May 5, 2007
 Change From
Prior Fiscal Period
 13 Weeks
Ended
April 29, 2006
   13 Weeks
Ended
November 3, 2007
 Change From
Prior Fiscal Period
 13 Weeks
Ended
October 28, 2006
 
    ($ in millions)       ($ in millions)   

Asset impairment

  $0.1  $0.1  N/A  $—     $1.6  $1.6  N/A  $—   

Percentage of net sales

   0.1%   0.1%  0.0%   1.0%   1.0%  0.0 %

Based on our quarterly assessment of the carrying value of long-lived assets, during the 13 weeks ended May 5,November 3, 2007, we identified certain11 retail stores with carrying values of their assets, including leasehold improvements, furniture, fixtures and equipment, in excess of such stores’ respective forecasted undiscounted cash flows. Accordingly, we reduced their respective carrying values to their estimated fair market values, as well as wrote down the value of certain capital additions made to previously impaired stores, resulting in non-cash charges of $0.1$1.6 million.

As a result of a similar analysis conducted as of April 29,October 28, 2006, we incurred no impairment charges at that time.

Interest income, (expense), net

 

  13 Weeks
Ended
May 5, 2007
 Change From
Prior Fiscal Period
 13 Weeks
Ended
April 29, 2006
   13 Weeks
Ended
November 3, 2007
 Change From
Prior Fiscal Period
 13 Weeks
Ended
October 28, 2006
 
    ($ in millions)       ($ in millions)   

Interest income (expense), net

  $1.2  $19.4  106.8% $(18.2)

Interest income, net

  $1.0  $0.6  177.8% $0.4 

Percentage of net sales

   0.9%   15.4%  (14.5)%   0.7%   0.4%  0.3%

We generated interest income, net, of $1.2$1.0 million in the 13 weeks ended May 5,November 3, 2007, comprised of:

 

Interest income of $1.5$1.3 million from investments in cash and marketable securities;

A non-cash credit of $0.1 million from capitalized interest during the construction period on new store openings;

 

Non-cash interest expense of $0.2 million with respect to our secured convertible notes comprised primarily of discount amortization and, to a lesser extent, annual interest at 3.76%, which we have elected to add to principal, and discount amortization;principal;

Non-cash interest expense of $0.1 million to recognize the increase in market value of a derivative liability; and

AmortizationInterest expense of $0.1 million for the amortization of deferred financing costs and the payment of $0.1 million associated with our Facility and secured convertible notes.letter of credit fees.

In the 13 weeks ended April 29,October 28, 2006, we incurredgenerated interest expense,income, net, of $18.2$0.4 million, comprised of $18.1 million of net accelerated interest charges upon investor conversions into Class A common stock of $22.5 million of a portion of our secured convertible notes, $0.2 million associated with the Facility and a since repaid term loan thereunder, $0.2 million to write-off unamortized deferred financing costs, $0.1 million cash interest expense for a prepayment penalty upon our repayment of an $8.0 million term loan in March 2006, $0.7 million of interest on our secured convertible notes, and $0.2 million of deferred financing cost and discount amortization, partially offset by $1.0 million of interest income from investment of cash and a non-cash interest credit of $0.3$0.1 million to interest expense to recognize athe decrease in the market value of a derivative liability, partially offset by $0.5 million of non-cash interest expense on our secured convertible notes,

amortization of deferred financing cost of $0.1 million associated with the Facility and secured convertible notes.notes, and a net accelerated interest charges of $0.1 million upon the conversion of $0.2 million of the secured convertible notes into 100,000 shares of stock.

Provision (benefit) for income taxes

 

   13 Weeks
Ended
May 5, 2007
  Change From
Prior Fiscal Period
  13 Weeks
Ended
April 29, 2006
      ($ in millions)   

Provision for income taxes

  $0.2  $ 0.2  N/A  $—  
   13 Weeks
Ended
November 3, 2007
  Change From
Prior Fiscal Period
  13 Weeks
Ended
October 28, 2006
      ($ in millions)   

Provision (benefit) for income taxes

  $(0.1) $(0.1) N/A  $—  

We have net operating loss carryforwards available, subject to certain limitation, to offset our regular taxable income in fiscal 2007. We currently are recognizing a provision for income taxes using estimated effective tax rates of 2% for federal income taxes and 1% for state income taxes. These effective rates are based on the portion of our estimated alternative minimum taxable income for fiscal 2007 that cannot be offset by net operating loss carryforwards.

Thirty-Nine Weeks Ended November 3, 2007, Compared to Thirty-Nine Weeks Ended October 28, 2006

Net sales

   

39 Weeks

Ended
November 3, 2007

  Change From
Prior Fiscal Period
  39 Weeks
Ended
October 28, 2006
      ($ in millions)   

Net sales

  $431.6  $33.7  8.5% $397.9

Comparable store sales decrease

      (0.9)% 

Net sales for the 39 weeks ended November 3, 2007, increased as a result of the following:

An increase in the number of stores open, from 416 stores as of October 28, 2006, to 490 stores as of November 3, 2007; and

An increase of $8.9 million in net sales for our Internet business compared to the prior year, which is not a factor in calculating our comparable store sales.

However, these factors were partially offset by our comparable store sales decrease of 0.9% and by the prior year modification of the terms of our Arden B customer loyalty program, which resulted in recognition of sales previously deferred of $3.7 million. This adjustment was not a factor in calculating our comparable store sales.

Cost of sales

   39 Weeks
Ended
November 3, 2007
  Change From
Prior Fiscal Period
  39 Weeks
Ended
October 28, 2006
 
      ($ in millions)    

Cost of sales

  $290.5  $30.1  11.6% $260.4 

Percentage of net sales

   67.3%   1.9%  65.4%

Cost of sales fluctuations to the prior year comparable period will be compared before the effect of the $3.7 million prior year benefit from the modification of the terms or our Arden B customer loyalty program, which resulted in recognition of sales previously deferred with no corresponding cost of sales.

Cost of sales increased in dollars primarily as a result of the increase in net sales and an increase in occupancy costs due to our increase in store count. Cost of sales increased as a percentage of net sales primarily due to a decrease in merchandise margin as a percentage of sales. The merchandise margin decreased due to an increase in markdown rates, as a result of the additional promotional activity and permanent markdowns in the third fiscal quarter in response to competitive environment, partially offset by higher initial markup rates compared to the prior year. Cost of sales as a percentage of sales was also negatively impacted by a deleveraging effect from our comparable store sales decrease as well as $1.3 million of pre-opening costs for our new stores incurred during the 39 weeks ended November 3, 2007, associated with stores under construction and/or opened during the period, versus $0.4 million of such costs incurred in the prior year.

Selling, general and administrative expenses (SG&A)

   39 Weeks
Ended
November 3, 2007
  Change From
Prior Fiscal Period
  39 Weeks
Ended
October 28, 2006
 
      ($ in millions)    

Selling, general and administrative expenses

  $131.3  $3.3  2.6% $128.0 

Percentage of net sales

   30.4%   (1.8)%  32.2%

Selling expenses increased approximately $10.9 million over the prior year.

The following contributed to the current year increase in selling expenses:

A $7.1 million increase in payroll and benefits costs as a result of the increase in the number of stores as noted above, the impact of store labor during pre-opening periods for stores under construction and/or opened during the current year and an increase in claim costs in our employee health care plan primarily associated with two cases;

A $1.2 million increase in credit card and other banking fees;

A $1.0 million increase in Internet production and ordering costs due to higher Internet sales compared to the prior year;

A $0.8 million increase in advertising and marketing expenditures;

A $0.6 million increase in merchandise delivery costs due to the increased store growth; and

A $0.6 million increase in store supply costs.

However, these increases were partially offset by a $0.4 million decrease in inventory service costs.

General and administrative expenses decreased approximately $7.5 million from the prior year to $27.7 million.

The following contributed to the current year change in general and administrative expenses:

Expiration of the July 2005 merchandising consultant agreement at the end of fiscal 2006, for which we incurred stock and cash compensation charges of $7.5 million and $0.9 million, respectively, in the prior year;

A $0.7 million severance charge in the prior year related to a former executive;

A decrease of $0.9 million in legal fees due primarily to a $0.5 million insurance reimbursement and settlement, and a general decrease in the level of legal services; and

A $0.7 million decrease in corporate bonus based on our financial performance relative to bonus targets.

However, the decrease in general and administrative expenses was partially offset by the following increases:

A $0.7 million increase as a result of a separation agreement upon departure of our former chief executive officer;

A $0.7 million increase in recruiting fees, primarily associated with our search for a new chief executive officer;

A $1.5 million increase in corporate payroll due to achievement of full staffing in several corporate support functions; and

A $0.3 million net increase in other general and administrative costs.

Store closure adjustments

   39 Weeks
Ended
November 3, 2007
  Change From
Prior Fiscal Period
  39 Weeks
Ended
October 28, 2006
 
      ($ in millions)    

Store closure adjustments

  $—    $0.6  100.0% $(0.6)

Percentage of net sales

   —  %   0.2%  (0.2)%

Activity under the 2005 Wet Seal store closure program was completed during fiscal 2006. No activity occurred in store closure costs for the current year versus a credit of $0.6 million in the prior year pertaining to the latter stages of the store closure program.

Asset impairment

   39 Weeks
Ended
November 3, 2007
  Change From
Prior Fiscal Period
  39 Weeks
Ended
October 28, 2006
 
      ($ in millions)    

Asset impairment

  $1.8  $1.8  N/A  $—   

Percentage of net sales

   0.4%   0.4%  —  %

Based on our quarterly assessments of the carrying value of long-lived assets, during the 39 weeks ended November 3, 2007, we identified certain retail stores with carrying values of their assets, including leasehold improvements, furniture, fixtures and equipment, in excess of such stores’ respective forecasted undiscounted cash flows. Accordingly, we reduced their respective carrying values to their estimated fair market values, as well as wrote down the value of certain capital additions made to previously impaired stores, resulting in non-cash charges of $1.8 million.

As a result of a similar analyses conducted during the 39 weeks ended October 28, 2006, we incurred no impairment charges at those times.

Interest income (expense), net

   39 Weeks
Ended
November 3, 2007
  Change From
Prior Fiscal Period
  39 Weeks
Ended
October 28, 2006
 
      ($ in millions)    

Interest income (expense), net

  $3.4  $20.8  119.8% $(17.4)

Percentage of net sales

   0.8%   5.2%  (4.4)%

We generated interest income, net, of $3.4 million in the 39 weeks ended November 3, 2007, comprised of:

Interest income of $4.2 million from investments in cash and marketable securities;

Non-cash credits of $0.1 million from capitalized interest during the construction period on new store openings;

Non-cash interest expense of $0.6 million with respect to our secured convertible notes comprised primarily of discount amortization with the nominal residual comprised of annual interest at 3.76%, which we have elected to add to principal;

Amortization of deferred financing costs of $0.1 million associated with the Facility and secured convertible notes;

Non-cash interest expense of $0.1 million to recognize the increase in market value of a derivative liability; and

Interest expense of $0.1 million in letter of credit fees.

In the 39 weeks ended October 28, 2006, we incurred interest expense, net, of $17.4 million, comprised of $18.2 million of net accelerated interest charges upon investor conversions into Class A common stock of $22.6 million of our secured convertible notes, $0.2 million associated with the Facility and a since repaid term loan thereunder, $0.2 million to write-off unamortized deferred financing costs, $0.1 million cash interest expense for a prepayment penalty upon our repayment of an $8.0 million term loan in March 2006, $1.7 million of interest on our secured convertible notes and discount amortization, and $0.4 million of deferred financing cost associated with the placement of the Facility, term loan and secured convertible notes, partially offset by $3.1 million of interest income from investment of cash and a non-cash interest credit of $0.3 million to recognize a decrease in the market value of a derivative liability associated with the secured convertible notes.

Provision (benefit) for income taxes

   39 Weeks
Ended
November 3, 2007
  Change From
Prior Fiscal Period
  39 Weeks
Ended
October 28, 2006
      ($ in millions)   

Provision (benefit) for income taxes

  $0.3  $0.3  N/A  $—  

We have net operating loss carryforwards available, subject to certain limitation, to offset our regular taxable income in fiscal 2007. We currently are recognizing a provision for income taxes using estimated effective tax rates of 2% for federal income taxes and 1% for state income taxes. These effective rates are based on the portion of our estimated alternative minimum taxable income for fiscal 2007 that cannot be offset by net operating loss carryforwards.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

Net cash provided by operating activities was $12.6$22.9 million for the 1339 weeks ended May 5,November 3, 2007, compared to $0.5$7.7 million for the same period last year. For the 1339 weeks ended May 5,November 3, 2007, operating cash flows were directly impacted by our net income of $7.6$11.0 million, net non-cash charges (primarily depreciation and amortization and stock-based compensation) of $4.8$16.8 million, and a decrease in merchandise inventories, net of merchandise accounts payable, of $0.8 million, partially offset by a net usesource of cash from changes in other operating assets and liabilities of $0.6$4.3 million, partially offset by an increase in merchandise inventories, net of merchandise accounts payable, of $9.2 million. For the 1339 weeks ended May 5,November 3, 2007, net cash used in investing activities of $32.6$90.8 million was comprised primarily of net investments in marketable securities of $22.4$60.2 million and capital expenditures of $10.2$30.5 million. Capital expenditures for the period were primarily for new stores and store relocations and remodeling for our Wet Seal concept and for various information technology projects. Capital expenditures do not include a $2.5$2.9 million increase since the end of fiscal 2006 in capital assets purchased on account for which we have not yet made payment due to an increase in capital expenditure activity.payment. We expect to pay nearly all of the total balance of such payments will be made primarilyamounts payable, $6.1 million, during the secondfourth quarter of fiscal 2007.

We estimate that, in fiscal 2007, capital expenditures will be approximately $47.0$40.9 million, primarily for the construction of 69 to 73approximately 78 new stores, remodeling or relocation of existing stores and various other store-related and information technology capital projects. We anticipate receiving approximately $10$11.6 million in landlord tenant improvement allowances in connection with certain of our new store lease agreements. We anticipate closing approximately 1411 stores upon lease expirations during the course of the year, of which we have already closed six stores during the 39 weeks ended November 3, 2007, which would result in a net store count increase of approximately 55 to 5967 stores in fiscal 2007.

For the 1339 weeks ended May 5,November 3, 2007, net cash used in financing activities was $3.9$17.6 million, comprised primarily of $6.4$20.1 million used to repurchase 1.03.6 million shares of our Class A common stock pursuant to a 4.0 million share repurchase authorization granted by our Boardboard of Directorsdirectors on March 28, 2006,2007, partially offset by $2.3 million in proceeds from investor exercises of common stock warrants. FutureFor the time being, our board of directors has suspended our authority to make further share repurchases by us of our Class A common stock are at our option and can be discontinued at any time.under the March 28, 2007, authorization.

Total cash and cash equivalents at May 5,November 3, 2007, was $81.3$19.8 million, compared to $105.3 million at February 3, 2007. Combined cash and cash equivalents and marketable securities, which are comprised of highly liquid auction rate securities, totaled $80.1 million as of November 3, 2007.

We maintain a $35.0 million senior revolving credit facility (the Facility),Facility, which can be increased up to $50.0 million in the absence of any default and upon the satisfaction of certain conditions precedent specified in the Facility. Under the Facility, we are subject to borrowing base limitations on the amount that can be borrowed and certain customary covenants, including covenants limiting our ability to incur additional indebtedness, make investments and acquisitions, grant liens, pay dividends, close stores and dispose of assets, subject to certain exceptions. Our ability to borrow and request the issuance of letters of credit is subject to the requirement that we maintain an excess of the borrowing base over the outstanding credit extensions of not less than $5.0 million. The interest rate on the revolving line of credit under the Facility is the prime rate or, if we elect, the London Interbank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”) plus a margin ranging from 1.0% to 1.5%. The applicable LIBOR

margin is based on the level of average Excess Availability, as defined under the Facility, at the time of election, as adjusted quarterly. The applicable LIBOR margin was 1.0% as of May 5,November 3, 2007. We also incur fees on outstanding letters of credit under the Facility in effect at a rate equal to the applicable LIBOR margin for standby letters of credit and 33.3% of the applicable LIBOR margin for commercial letters of credit.

The Facility ranks senior in right of payment to our secured convertible notes. Borrowings under the Facility are secured by all of our presently owned and hereafter acquired assets. Our obligations thereunder are guaranteed by one of our wholly owned subsidiaries, Wet Seal GC, Inc.

At May 5,November 3, 2007, the amount outstanding under the Facility consisted of $9.0$8.6 million in open documentary letters of credit related to merchandise purchases and $1.8$1.7 million in standby letters of credit. At May 5,November 3, 2007, we had $24.2$24.7 million available for cash advances and/or for the issuance of additional letters of credit. At May 5,November 3, 2007, we were in compliance with all covenant requirements in the Facility.

We believe we will have sufficient cash and credit availability to meet our operating and capital requirements for at least the next 12 months. However, we may experience futurecontinued declines in comparable store sales or experience other events that negatively affect our operating results. Such declineIf our comparable store sales drop significantly for an extended period of time, or we falter in execution of our business strategy, we may not achieve our financial performance goals, which could result in a reduction inimpact our results of operations and operating cash flows andflow. This could also cause a decrease in or elimination of excess availability under ourthe Facility, which could force us to seek alternatives to address our cash constraints, including seeking additional debt and/or equity financing.

Seasonality and Inflation

Our business is seasonal in 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 ofin late July and ending in mid-September, historically accounting for a large

percentage of our sales volume. For the past three fiscal years, the Christmas and back-to-school seasons together accounted for an average of slightly more than 30% of our annual net sales. We do not believe that inflation has had a material effect on our results of operations during the past three years. However, we cannot be certain that our business will not be affected by inflation in the future.

 

Item 3.Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

Market Value Risk

We are susceptible to market value fluctuations with regard to our marketable securities. However, due to the relatively short-term intervals between interest rate resets on our auction rate securities investments, usually every 1, 7, 28 or 35 days, the risk of material market value fluctuations is not expected to be significant.

Interest Rate Risk

To the extent that we borrow under ourthe Facility, we are exposed to market risk related to changes in interest rates. At May 5,November 3, 2007, no borrowings were outstanding under the Facility. As of May 5,November 3, 2007, we are not a party to any significant derivative financial instruments, except as discussed in “Market Risk—Change in Value of our Common Stock” below.instruments.

Foreign Currency Exchange Rate Risk

We contract for and settle all purchases in US dollars, and in the 13 weeks ended May 5, 2007, we directly imported less than 20%dollars. We only purchase a modest amount of our merchandise inventories.goods from international vendors. Thus, we consider the effect of currency rate changes to be indirect and given the small amount of imported product, we believe the effect of a major shift in currency exchange rates on short-term results would be insignificant to our results.

Market Risk—Change in Value of our Common Stock

Our secured convertible notes contain an embedded derivative, which uponminimal. Over a longer period, the occurrence of a change of control, as defined, allows each note holder the option to require us to redeem all or a portion of the notes at a price equal to the greater of (i) the product of (x) the conversion amount being redeemed and (y) the quotient determined by dividing (A) the closing sale price of our Class A common stock on the business day on which the first public announcementimpact of such proposed change of control is made by (B) the conversion price and (ii) 125% of the conversion amount being redeemed. We account for this derivative at fair value on the consolidated balance sheets within other long-term liabilitieschanges could be significant, albeit indirectly, through increased charges in accordance with SFAS No. 133, “Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities.” We determine the fair value of the derivative instrument using a combination of the Black-Scholes model and the Monte-Carlo simulation model. Such models are complex and require significant judgments in the estimation of fair values in the absence of quoted market prices. Changes in the fair market value of the derivative liability are recognized in earnings.

In applying the Black-Scholes and Monte-Carlo simulation models, changes and volatility inUS dollars from our common stock price, and changes in risk-free interest rates, our expected dividend yield and expected returns on our common stock could significantly affect the fair value of this derivative instrument, which could then result in significant charges or credits to interest expense in our condensed consolidated statements of operations. During the 13 weeks ended May 5, 2007, there was no change in the fair value of this derivative.vendors that source their product through international sources.

 

Item 4.Controls and Procedures

Disclosure Controls and Procedures

We conducted an evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation of our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures (as such term is defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”)) as of the end of the period covered by this report. Based on such evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have concluded that, as of the end of such period, our disclosure controls and procedures are effective in recording, processing, summarizing and reporting, on a timely basis, information required to be disclosed by us in the reports that we file or submit under the Exchange Act and are effective in ensuring that information required to be disclosed by us in the reports that we file or submit under the Exchange Act is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

During the fiscal quarter ended May 5,November 3, 2007, no changes occurred with respect to our internal control over financial reporting that materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, internal control over financial reporting.

PART II. Other Information

 

Item 1.Legal Proceedings

Between August 26, 2004, and October 12, 2004, six securities class action lawsuits were filed in the United States District Court for the Central District of California, or the Court, on behalf of persons who purchased our Class A common stock between January 7, 2003, and August 19, 2004. We and certain of our former directors and former executives were named as defendants. The complaints allege violations of Sections 10(b) and 20(a) of the Exchange Act, and Rule 10b-5 of the Exchange Act, on the grounds that, among other things, we failed to disclose and misrepresented material adverse facts that were known to us or disregarded by us. On November 17, 2004, the Court consolidated the actions and appointed lead plaintiffs and counsel. On January 29, 2005, the lead plaintiffs filed their consolidated class action complaint with the Court, which consolidated all of the previously reported class actions. The consolidated complaint alleges that we violated the federal securities laws by making material misstatements of fact or failing to disclose material facts during the class period, from March 2003 to August 2004, concerning our prospects to stem ongoing losses in our Wet Seal concept and return that business to profitability. The consolidated complaint also alleges that our former directors and La Senza Corporation, a Canadian company controlled by them, unlawfully utilized material non-public information in connection with the sale of our common stock by La Senza. The consolidated complaint seeks class certification, compensatory damages, interest, costs, attorney’s fees and injunctive relief. We filed a motion to dismiss the consolidated complaint in April 2005. On September 15, 2005, the consolidated class action was dismissed against us in the lawsuit. However, plaintiffs were granted leave to file an amended complaint, which they did file on November 23, 2005. We filed a motion to dismiss the amended complaint on January 25, 2006. A

court hearing on this motion was held on October 23, 2006, but2006. On August 28, 2007, the consolidated class action complaint was dismissed without leave to amend in the United States District Court. On September 28, 2007, the plaintiff appealed the decision to the Ninth Circuit Court has not yet made a ruling on the motion.of Appeals. There can be no assurance that this litigation will be resolved in a favorable manner. We are vigorously defending this litigation and are unable to predict the likely outcome in this matter and whether such outcome may have a material adverse effect on our results of operations or financial condition.

On July 19, 2006, a complaint was filed in the Superior Court of the State of California for the County of Los Angeles, or the Superior Court, on behalf of certain of our current and former employees that were employed and paid by us on an hourly basis during the four-year period from July 19, 2002, through July 19, 2006. We were named as defendants. The complaint alleged various violations under the State of California Labor Code, the State of California Business and Professions Code, and orders issued by the Industrial Welfare Commission. On November 30, 2006, we reached an agreement to pay approximately $0.3 million to settle this matter, subject to Superior Court approval. On May 18, 2007, the Superior Court entered an order granting preliminary approval of the class action settlement. We expect final court approval in January 2008. As of May 5,November 3, 2007, we had accrued an amount that approximates this settlement amount within accrued liabilities on our condensed consolidated balance sheet.

In January 2007, a class action complaint was filed against us in the Central District of the United States District Court of California, Southern Division alleging violations of The Fair Credit Reporting Act (or “the Act”), and in February 2007 a class action complaint was filed against us alleging similar violations in United States District Court, Central District of California, Western Division. Both parties in the February 2007 complaint have agreed to dismiss the complaint with prejudice. The Act provides in part that expiration dates may not be printed on credit or debit card receipts given to customers. The Act imposes significant penalties upon violators of these rules and regulations where the violation is deemed to have been willful. Otherwise damages are limited to actual losses incurred by the card holder. On December 11, 2007, we reached a tentative agreement to settle this complaint for less than $0.1 million. We do not believeexpect final approval in December 2007. As of November 3, 2007, we had accrued an amount that we have any liability for the violations alleged in the complaints and will vigorously contest these allegations. We are unable to predict the likely outcome in these matters and whether such outcome may have a material adverse effectapproximates this settlement amount within accrued liabilities on our results of operations or financial condition.condensed consolidated balance sheet.

On May 22, 2007, a complaint was filed in the Superior Court of the State of California for the County of Orange on behalf of certain of our current and former employees that were employed and paid by us during the four-year period from May 21, 2003, through May 21, 2007. We were named as a defendant. The complaint alleged various violations under the State of California Labor Code, the State of California Business and Professions Code, and orders issued by the Industrial Welfare Commission. We are vigorously defending this litigation and are unable to predict the likely outcome and whether such outcome may have a material adverse effect on our results of operations or financial condition. Accordingly, no provision for a loss contingency has been accrued at May 5,November 3, 2007.

From time to time, we are involved in other litigation matters relating to claims arising out of our operations in the normal course of business. We believe that, in the event of a settlement or an adverse judgment on certain of our pending litigation, we are adequately covered by insurance; however, certain other matters may exist or arise for which we do not have insurance coverage. As of May 5,November 3, 2007, we were not engaged in any such other legal proceedings that are expected, individually or in the aggregate, to have a material adverse effect on our results of operations or financial condition.

Item 1A.Risk Factors

There are no material changes fromThe following risk factor represents an addition to the risk factors previously disclosed in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended February 3, 2007.

We recently hired a new chief executive officer and chief financial officer and these changes in senior management may impact our ability to execute our business strategy in the near term.

We recently appointed Edmond S. Thomas as our new president and chief executive officer and Steven H. Benrubi as our new chief financial officer. Although Mr. Thomas served as the president and chief operating officer of our company from 1992 to 2000 and Mr. Benrubi has most recently served as our vice president and controller, we anticipate that we will experience a transition period as Mr. Thomas becomes fully integrated with the rest of the management team and our board of directors and as Mr. Benrubi assumes his new role.

These recent changes in our senior management team may impact our ability to execute our business strategy in the near term.

We may not be successful in achieving improvements in the business and operations of our company that have been identified by our new management team.

Since his appointment, our new chief executive officer has identified areas in which our company’s business and operations can be improved. Our chief executive officer has focused on increasing comparable store sales for our retail concepts, improving our company’s gross margin, enhancing new store productivity, reviving the Arden B business and expanding our online business.

Although our new chief executive officer is highly qualified and has extensive experience in the retail industry, including with our company, we may not be able to implement our strategy in the desired time frame and/or achieve the intended results and level of improvement desired by our management and board of directors.

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

 

(a)None.

 

(b)None.

 

(c)Issuer Purchases of Equity SecuritiesNone.

 

Period

  

Total Number of

Shares Purchased

  

Average Price Paid per

Share

  

Total Number of Shares

Purchased as Part of

Publicly Announced Plans

or Programs (1)

  

Maximum Number of

Shares that May Yet Be

Purchased Under the

Plans or Programs

February 4, 2007 to March 3, 2007

  —    $—    —    1,909,865

March 4, 2007 to April 7, 2007

  —    $—    —    4,000,000

April 8, 2007 to May 5, 2007

  1,000,000  $6.36  1,000,000  3,000,000

(1)In October 2002, the Company’s Board of Directors had authorized the repurchase of up to 5.4 million of the outstanding shares of the Company’s Class A common stock. As of February 3, 2007, up to 1,909,865 shares had remained available for repurchase under this authorization. On March 28, 2006, the Company’s Board of Directors superseded the October 2002 repurchase plan with an authorization to repurchase prospectively up to 4.0 million of the outstanding shares of the Company’s Class A common stock. Pursuant to the March 2006 repurchase plan, during the 13 weeks ended May 5, 2007, the Company repurchased 1,000,000 shares of its Class A common stock at an average market price of $6.36, for a total cost, including commissions, of approximately $6.4 million, and up to 3,000,000 shares had remained available for repurchase as of May 5, 2007. The March 2006 repurchase plan does not have an expiration date.

Item 3.Defaults Upon Senior Securities

None.

 

Item 4.Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders

We held our most recent Annual Meeting on May 22, 2007. Following is a brief description of the proposals voted upon at the meeting and the tabulation of the voting therefore:

Proposal – Election of Directors.None.

 

Directors

  For  Withheld  

Broker Non-

Votes

Jonathan Duskin

  79,436,694  1,047,053  —  

Sidney M. Horn

  79,152,316  1,331,431  —  

Harold D. Kahn

  79,040,446  1,443,301  —  

Kenneth M. Reiss

  79,432,507  1,051,240  —  

Alan Siegel

  76,206,386  4,277,361  —  

Joel N. Waller

  78,837,905  1,645,842  —  

Henry D. Winterstern

  79,433,527  1,050,220  —  

Michael Zimmerman

  61,551,454  18,932,293  —  
    For  Withheld  

Broker Non-

Votes

Proposal—To ratify the appointment of Deloitte & Touche LLP as independent registered public accounting firm for fiscal year 2007.

  79,818,787  664,959  —  

Item 5.Other Information

None.

Item 6.Exhibits

 

31.1  Certification of the Chief Executive Officer filed herewith pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
31.2  Certification of the Chief Financial Officer filed herewith pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
32.1  Certification of the Chief Executive Officer furnished herewith pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
32.2  Certification of the Chief Financial Officer furnished herewith pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

 

 

THE WET SEAL, INC.

(REGISTRANT)

Date: June 13, 2007

By:

/s/ Joel N. Waller

  Joel N. Waller(REGISTRANT)
Date: December 13, 2007By:/s/ Edmond S. Thomas
Edmond S. Thomas
  President and Chief Executive Officer

Date: JuneDecember 13, 2007

 By: 

/s/ John J. Luttrell

Steven H. Benrubi
  John J. LuttrellSteven H. Benrubi
  Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

 

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