UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

 

 

FORM 10-Q

 

 

(Mark One)

x

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

For the quarterly period ended July 31,October 30, 2010

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 has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate website, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).    Yes  ¨    No  ¨

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

 

Large accelerated filer:  ¨

 

Accelerated filer:  x

  

Nonaccelerated filer:  ¨

 

Smaller reporting company:  ¨

   

(Do not check if a smaller

reporting company)

 

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

The number of shares outstanding of the registrant’s Class A common stock, par value $0.10 per share, at August 27,November 26, 2010, was 101,739,011.100,108,311. There were no shares outstanding of the registrant’s Class B common stock, par value $0.10 per share, at August 27,November 26, 2010.

 

 

 


THE WET SEAL, INC.

FORM 10-Q

Index

 

PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

  

Item 1.

  

Financial Statements (Unaudited)

  
  

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Unaudited) as of July 31,October 30, 2010, January 30, 2010, and August 1,October 31, 2009

  2-3
  

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations (Unaudited) for the 13 and 2639 Weeks Ended July 31,October  30, 2010, and August 1,October 31, 2009

  4
  

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity and Comprehensive Income (Unaudited) for the 2639 Weeks Ended July 31,October 30, 2010, and August 1,October 31, 2009

  5-6
  

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited) for the 2639 Weeks Ended July 31,October  30, 2010, and August 1,October 31, 2009

  7
  

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)

  8-208-21

Item 2.

  

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

  21-3422-36

Item 3.

  

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

  3436

Item 4.

  

Controls and Procedures

  34-3536

PART II. OTHER INFORMATION

  

Item 1.

  

Legal Proceedings

  35-3636-37

Item 1A.

  

Risk Factors

  3637-38

Item 2.

  

Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

  3638

Item 3.

  

Defaults Upon Senior Securities

  3638

Item 4.

  

Removed and Reserved

  3638

Item 5.

  

Other Information

  3638

Item 6.

  

Exhibits

  3738

SIGNATURES

  3839

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)

 

  July 31,
2010
  January 30,
2010
 August 1,
2009
  October 30,
2010
   January 30,
2010
 October 31,
2009
 
ASSETS          

CURRENT ASSETS:

          

Cash and cash equivalents

   $165,516     $161,693    $143,987      $115,617       $161,693    $144,161    

Short-term investments

   25,350       —      —       

Other receivables

   1,381     479    795      2,140       479    389    

Merchandise inventories

   39,285     29,159    38,050      40,687       29,159    39,761    

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

   12,150     10,939    10,829      12,195       10,939    11,087    

Deferred tax assets

   19,600     19,600    —     

Deferred tax assets (Note 1)

   19,600       19,600    —       
                    

Total current assets

   237,932     221,870    193,661      215,589       221,870    195,398    
                    

EQUIPMENT AND LEASEHOLD IMPROVEMENTS:

          

Leasehold improvements

   112,058     108,958    106,281      115,485       108,958    109,641    

Furniture, fixtures and equipment

   74,969     66,708    68,570      78,162       66,708    67,462    
                    
   187,027     175,666    174,851      193,647       175,666    177,103    

Less accumulated depreciation and amortization

   (99,998)   (97,603  (95,382)     (101,823)       (97,603  (95,509)   
                    

Net equipment and leasehold improvements

   87,029     78,063    79,469      91,824       78,063    81,594    
                    

LONG-TERM INVESTMENTS

   25,919       —      —       
           

OTHER ASSETS:

          

Deferred tax assets

   46,909     51,713    —     

Deferred tax assets (Note 1)

   37,891       45,153    —       

Other assets

   2,560     2,584    2,247      2,581       2,584    2,588    
                    

Total other assets

   49,469     54,297    2,247      40,472       47,737    2,588    
                    

TOTAL ASSETS

   $374,430     $354,230    $275,377      $373,804       $347,670    $279,580    
                    
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY          

CURRENT LIABILITIES:

          

Accounts payable – merchandise

   $21,970     $14,588    $19,760      $26,158       $14,588    $19,445    

Accounts payable – other

   15,665     9,480    12,434      17,320       9,480    12,713    

Income taxes payable

   —       47    103      —          47    200    

Accrued liabilities

   24,561     24,918    24,009      22,211       24,918    23,044    

Current portion of deferred rent

   2,876     2,735    3,468      3,297       2,735    2,886    
                    

Total current liabilities

   65,072     51,768    59,774      68,986       51,768    58,288    
                    

LONG-TERM LIABILITIES:

          

Secured convertible notes, including accrued interest of $0, $956 and $853 at July 31, 2010, January 30, 2010, and August 1, 2009, respectively, and net of unamortized discount of $0, $2,083 and $2,425 at July 31, 2010, January 30, 2010, and August 1, 2009, respectively

   —       3,540    3,095   

Secured convertible notes, including accrued interest of $0, $956 and $904 at October 30, 2010, January 30, 2010, and October 31, 2009, respectively, and net of unamortized discount of $0, $2,083 and $2,261 at October 30, 2010, January 30, 2010, and October 31, 2009, respectively

   —          3,540    3,310    

Deferred rent

   28,988     28,827    28,832      30,656       28,827    29,123    

Other long-term liabilities

   1,707     1,785    1,727      1,677       1,785    1,700    
                    

Total long-term liabilities

   30,695     34,152    33,654      32,333       34,152    34,133    
                    

Total liabilities

   95,767     85,920    93,428      101,319       85,920    92,421    
                    

See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

THE WET SEAL, INC.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Continued)

(In thousands, except share data)

(Unaudited)

 

  July 31,
2010
 January 30,
2010
 August 1,
2009
  October 30,
2010
   January 30,
2010
 October 31,
2009
 

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (Note 6)

         

CONVERTIBLE PREFERRED STOCK, $0.01 par value, authorized 2,000,000 shares; no shares issued and outstanding at July 31, 2010, and 1,611 shares issued and outstanding at January 30, 2010, and August 1, 2009, respectively

   —      1,611    1,611   

CONVERTIBLE PREFERRED STOCK, $0.01 par value, authorized 2,000,000 shares; no shares issued and outstanding at October 30, 2010, and 1,611 shares issued and outstanding at January 30, 2010, and October 31, 2009, respectively

   —          1,611    1,611    
                    

STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY:

         

Common stock, Class A, $0.10 par value, authorized 300,000,000 shares; 111,976,044 shares issued and 101,739,011 outstanding at July 31, 2010; 106,889,150 shares issued and 98,046,279 shares outstanding at January 30, 2010; and 103,773,868 shares issued and 97,090,443 shares outstanding at August 1, 2009

   11,198    10,689    10,377   

Common stock, Class A, $0.10 par value, authorized 300,000,000 shares; 112,234,844 shares issued and 100,108,311 outstanding at October 30, 2010; 106,889,150 shares issued and 98,046,279 shares outstanding at January 30, 2010; and 104,107,202 shares issued and 97,423,777 shares outstanding at October 31, 2009

   11,223        10,689    10,411    

Common stock, Class B convertible, $0.10 par value, authorized 10,000,000 shares; no shares issued and outstanding

   —      —      —        —          —      —       

Paid-in capital (Note 3)

   324,594    312,689    304,517   

Accumulated deficit (Note 3)

   (22,585  (27,342  (112,640)  

Treasury stock, 10,237,033 shares; 8,842,871 shares; and 6,683,425 shares; at cost, at July 31, 2010, January 30, 2010, and August 1, 2009, respectively

   (34,957  (29,758  (22,461)  

Paid-in capital (Note 1 and Note 3)

   325,400        312,689    305,185    

Accumulated deficit (Note 1 and Note 3)

   (26,584)       (33,902  (108,126)   

Treasury stock, 12,126,533 shares, 8,842,871 shares, and 6,683,425 shares, at cost, at October 30, 2010, January 30, 2010, and October 31, 2009, respectively

   (37,963)       (29,758  (22,461)   

Accumulated other comprehensive income

   413    421    545      409        421    539    
                    

Total stockholders’ equity

   278,663    266,699    180,338      272,485        260,139    185,548    
                    

TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

   $374,430    $354,230    $275,377      $373,804        $347,670    $279,580    
                    

See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

THE WET SEAL, INC.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

(In thousands, except share data)

(Unaudited)

 

  13 Weeks Ended 26 Weeks Ended   13 Weeks Ended 39 Weeks Ended 
  July 31,
2010
 August 1,
2009
 July 31,
2010
 August 1,
2009
   October 30,
2010
 October 31,
2009
 October 30,
2010
 October 31,
2009
 

Net sales

   $131,541    $136,366    $269,303    $268,375     $146,401    $141,546    $415,704    $409,921  

Cost of sales

   93,159    97,196    185,798    190,024     101,890    100,517    287,688    290,541  
                          

Gross margin

   38,382    39,170    83,505    78,351     44,511    41,029    128,016    119,380  

Selling, general, and administrative expenses

   34,737    34,321    69,801    68,294     37,851    35,995    107,652    104,289  

Asset impairment

   1,041    1,552    1,131    1,552     1,595    334    2,726    1,886  
                          

Operating income

   2,604    3,297    12,573    8,505     5,065    4,700    17,638    13,205  
                          

Interest income

   85    132    159    316     84    98    243    413  

Interest expense (Note 3)

   (25  (246  (2,992  (437   (27  (261  (3,019  (697
                          

Interest income (expense), net

   60    (114  (2,833  (121   57    (163  (2,776  (284
                          

Income before provision for income taxes

   2,664    3,183    9,740    8,384     5,122    4,537    14,862    12,921  

Provision for income taxes (Note 1)

   1,049    80    4,983    252     2,561    23    7,544    275  
                          

Net income

   $1,615    $3,103    $4,757    $8,132     $2,561    $4,514    $7,318    $12,646  
                          

Net income per share, basic

   $0.02    $0.03    $0.05    $0.08     $0.03    $0.04    $0.07    $0.13  
                          

Net income per share, diluted

   $0.02    $0.03    $0.05    $0.08     $0.03    $0.04    $0.07    $0.12  
                          

Weighted-average shares outstanding, basic

   100,257,750    95,594,834    98,756,560    95,492,536     99,927,566    95,685,372    99,146,895    95,556,814  
                          

Weighted-average shares outstanding, diluted

   100,556,634    96,159,261    99,414,245    95,988,664     99,950,790    96,405,850    99,446,077    96,134,860  
                          

See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

THE WET SEAL, INC.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

(In thousands, except share data)

(Unaudited)

 

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

Balance at January 30, 2010

  106,889,150  $10,689  —    $—    $312,689   $(27,342 $(29,758   $421   $266,699     106,889,150    $10,689     —      $—      $312,689   $(33,902 $(29,758  $421   $260,139  

Net income

  —     —    —     —     —      4,757    —     $4,757   —      4,757     —       —       —       —       —      7,318    —     $7,318    —      7,318  

Stock issued pursuant to long-term incentive plans

  213,900   21  —     —     (21  —      —      —     —      —       472,700     47     —       —       (47  —      —      —      —      —    

Stock-based compensation - directors and employees (Note 2)

  —     —    —     —     619    —      —      —     —      619     —       —       —       —       1,426    —      —      —      —      1,426  

Amortization of stock payment in lieu of rent

  —     —    —     —     49    —      —      —     —      49     —       —       —       —       73    —      —      —      —      73  

Exercise of stock options

  64,168   7  —     —     199    —      —      —     —      206     64,168     6     —       —       200    —      —      —      —      206  

Exercise of common stock warrants

  1,160,715   116  —     —     4,155    —      —      —     —      4,271     1,160,715     116     —       —       4,155    —      —      —      —      4,271  

Conversions of secured convertible notes into common stock

  3,111,111   311  —     —     5,347    —      —      —     —      5,658  

Conversions of convertible preferred stock into common stock

  537,000   54  —     —     1,557    —      —      —     —      1,611  

Conversions of secured convertible notes into common stock (Note 3)

   3,111,111     311     —       —       5,347    —      —      —      —      5,658  

Conversions of convertible preferred stock into common stock (Note 3)

   537,000     54     —       —       1,557    —      —      —      —      1,611  

Repurchase of common stock

   —       —       —       —       —      —      (8,205  —      —      (8,205

Amortization of actuarial gain under Supplemental Employee Retirement Plan

  —     —    —     —     —      —      —      (8)   (8  (8   —       —       —       —       —      —      —      (12  (12  (12
                                  

Comprehensive income

             $4,749                $7,306    
                                                    

Repurchase of common stock

  —  

 

   

 

—  

 

  —  

 

   

 

—  

 

   

 

—  

 

  

 

  

 

—  

 

  

 

  

 

(5,199)

 

  

 

    

 

—  

 

  

 

  

 

(5,199)

 

  

 

Balance at October 30, 2010

   112,234,844    $11,223     —      $—      $325,400   $(26,584 $(37,963  $409   $272,485  
                                                               

Balance at July 31, 2010

  111,976,044  $11,198  —    $—    $324,594   $(22,585 $(34,957   $413   $278,663  
                              

See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

THE WET SEAL, INC.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

(In thousands, except share data)

(Unaudited)

 

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

Balance at January 31, 2009

  103,319,360  $10,332  —    $—    $303,551   $(120,772 $(22,461   $558   $171,208     103,319,360    $10,332     —      $—      $303,551   $(120,772 $(22,461  $558   $171,208  

Net income

  —     —    —     —     —      8,132    —     $8,132   —      8,132     —       —       —       —       —      12,646    —     $12,646    —      12,646  

Stock issued pursuant to long-term incentive plans

  267,602   27  —     —     (27  —      —      —     —      —       600,936     61     —       —       (61  —      —      —      —      —    

Stock-based compensation - directors and employees (Note 2)

  —     —    —     —     471    —      —      —     —      471    —       —       —       —       1,148    —      —      —      —      1,148  

Amortization of stock payment in lieu of rent

  —     —    —     —     48    —      —      —     —      48     —       —       —       —       73    —      —      —      —      73  

Exercise of stock options

  3,334   —    —     —     8    —      —      —     —      8     3,334     —       —       —       8    —      —      —      —      8  

Exercise of common stock warrants

  183,572   18  —     —     466    —      —      —     —      484     183,572     18     —       —       466    —      —      —      —      484  

Amortization of actuarial gain under Supplemental Employee Retirement Plan

  —     —    —     —     —      —      —      (13)   (13  (13   —       —       —       —       —      —      —      (19  (19  (19
                                  

Comprehensive income

             $8,119                $12,627    
                                                                  

Balance at August 1, 2009

  103,773,868  $10,377  —    $—    $304,517   $(112,640 $(22,461   $545   $180,338  

Balance at October 31, 2009

   104,107,202    $10,411     —      $—      $305,185   $(108,126 $(22,461  $539   $185,548  
                                                               

See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

THE WET SEAL, INC.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(In thousands, except share data)

(Unaudited)

 

  26 Weeks Ended  39 Weeks Ended 
  July 31,
2010
  August 1,
2009
  October 30,
2010
   October 31,
2009
 

CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:

        

Net income

   $4,757     $8,132       $7,318      $12,646     

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

        

Depreciation and amortization

   7,988     7,270       12,315      11,166     

Amortization of premium on investments

   67      —        

Amortization/acceleration of discount on secured convertible notes

   2,083     287       2,083      451     

Amortization of deferred financing costs

   145     49       153      74     

Amortization of stock payment in lieu of rent

   49     48       73      73     

Adjustment of derivatives to fair value

   (20)    (40)      (20)     (40)    

Interest added to principal of secured convertible notes

   35     101       35      152     

Conversion inducement fee

   700     —    

Conversion inducement fee (Note 3)

   700      —        

Loss on disposal of equipment and leasehold improvements

   537     127       565      172     

Asset impairment

   1,131     1,552       2,726      1,886     

Deferred income taxes

   4,804     —       7,262      —        

Stock-based compensation (Note 2)

   619     471       1,426      1,148     

Changes in operating assets and liabilities:

        

Other receivables

   (902)    989       (1,734)     1,395     

Merchandise inventories

   (10,126)    (12,521)      (11,528)     (14,232)    

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

   (1,356)    (229)      (1,409)     (487)    

Other non-current assets

   24     (483)      3      (849)    

Accounts payable and accrued liabilities

   7,628     8,294       9,702      7,182     

Income taxes payable

   (47)    (125)      (47)     (28)    

Deferred rent

   302     (1,129)      2,391      (1,420)    

Other long-term liabilities

   (66)    (67)      (100)     (100)    
              

Net cash provided by operating activities

   18,285     12,726       31,981      19,189     
              

CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:

        

Purchase of equipment and leasehold improvements

   (13,040)    (11,295)      (22,366)     (17,584)    

Investment in marketable securities

   (51,263)     —        
              

Net cash used in investing activities

   (13,040)    (11,295)      (73,629)     (17,584)    
              

CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:

        

Proceeds from exercise of stock options

   206     8       206      8     

Conversion inducement fee

   (700)    —    

Conversion inducement fee (Note 3)

   (700)     —        

Proceeds from exercise of common stock warrants

   4,271     484       4,271      484     

Repurchase of common stock

   (5,199)    —       (8,205)     —        
              

Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities

   (1,422)    492       (4,428)     492     
              

NET INCREASE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS

   3,823     1,923    

NET (DECREASE) INCREASE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS

   (46,076)     2,097     

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, beginning of period

   161,693     142,064       161,693      142,064     
              

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, end of period

   $165,516     $143,987       $115,617      $144,161     
              

SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURES OF CASH FLOW INFORMATION:

        

Cash paid during the period for:

        

Interest

   $34     $33       $52      $49     

Income taxes

   $597     $378       $597      $378     

SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURES OF NON-CASH INVESTING AND FINANCING TRANSACTIONS:

        

Conversion of secured convertible notes into 3,111,111 shares of Class A common stock

   $5,658     $—       $5,658      $—        

Conversion of convertible preferred stock into 537,000 shares of Class A common stock

   $1,611     $—       $1,611      $—        

Purchase of equipment and leasehold improvements unpaid at end of period

   $8,209     $5,189       $9,628      $5,299     

Amortization of actuarial gain under Supplemental Employee Retirement Plan

   $(8)    $(13)      $(12)     $(19)    

See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

THE WET SEAL, INC.

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

For the 2639 weeks ended July 31,October 30, 2010, and August 1,October 31, 2009

(Unaudited)

NOTE 1 – Basis of Presentation, Significant Accounting Policies, 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 2639 weeks ended July 31,October 30, 2010, are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the fiscal year ending January 29, 2011. 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 January 30, 2010.

Significant Accounting Policies

Short-term and Long-term Investments

The Company’s short-term investments consist of interest-bearing corporate bonds that are guaranteed by the U.S. Government under the Temporary Liquidity Guarantee Program (“TLGP”), have maturities that are less than one year and are carried at amortized cost plus accrued income. The Company’s long-term investments also consist of interest-bearing corporate bonds that are guaranteed by the U.S. Government under the TLGP, have maturities that are greater than one year and are carried at amortized cost plus accrued income. Short-term and long-term investments are carried at amortized cost due to the Company’s intent to hold to maturity. Short-term and long-term investments on the condensed consolidated balance sheets were $25.4 million and $25.9 million, respectively, at October 30, 2010. Any unrealized gains or unrealized losses on held to maturity investments are considered temporary and are not recorded unless an other than temporary impairment has occurred. Factors considered that could result in the necessity to impair include intention to sell, more likely than not being required to sell the security before recovery of the security’s amortized cost basis and whether the Company expects to recover the entire amortized cost basis of the security. The Company has considered all impairment factors and has determined that an other than temporary impairment has not occurred as of October 30, 2010.

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. Factors that are considered important that could result in the necessity to perform 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 indicates continuing losses or insufficient income associated with the realization 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, based on discounted cash flows using the Company’s weighted average cost of capital, with such estimated fair values determined using the best information available.capital. The Company has considered all relevant valuation techniques that could be obtained without undue cost and effort and has determined that the discounted cash flow approach continues to provide the most relevant and reliable means by which to determine fair value in this circumstance.

THE WET SEAL, INC.

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

For the 39 weeks ended October 30, 2010, and October 31, 2009

(Unaudited)

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

At least 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 2639 weeks ended July 31,October 30, 2010, and August 1,October 31, 2009, 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 those locations would continue. As such, the Company recorded non-cash charges of $1.0 million, $1.1 million, $1.6 million, $2.7 million, $0.3 million and $1.6$1.9 million during the 13 and 2639 weeks ended July 31,October 30, 2010, and August 1,October 31, 2009, respectively, within asset impairment in the condensed consolidated statements of operations, to write down the carrying values of these stores’ long-lived assets to their estimated fair values.

Income Taxes

The Company beganDuring the third quarter of fiscal 2010, with approximately $116.6 millionthe Company determined it previously had interpreted federal tax rules incorrectly pertaining to expiration of federal net operating loss carryforwards (NOLs)charitable contribution carry forwards available to offset future taxable income. The Company also identified certain other minor errors in its deferred income taxes. As a result, the Company had overstated its net deferred tax assets, benefit for income taxes and net income by approximately $6.6 million as of and for the fiscal year ended January 30, 2010 or fiscal 2009. The overstatement had no net impact on the statement of cash flows or total cash flows from operating activities for fiscal 2009. The Company does not believe this amount is material to the fiscal 2009 financial statements. However, the Company has corrected deferred tax assets and stockholders’ equity on its accompanying consolidated balance sheets as of January 30, 2010, from amounts previously reported to correct this overstatement. Presentation of the Company’s statement of operations, statement of cash flows and statement of stockholders’ equity and comprehensive income for fiscal 2009, to be reported in the Company’s Form 10-K for the fiscal year ending January 29, 2011, will reflect the $6.6 million correction to reduce the benefit for income taxes, and net income and to decrease the deferred tax asset and accumulated deficit balances, and the first and second quarterly filings on Form 10-Q in fiscal 2011 will reflect the corrections related to the first two quarters of fiscal 2010.

A summary of the effects of this income tax correction, along with the interest corrections discussed in Note 3, is as follows:

   January 30, 2010  October 31, 2009 
   As previously
reported
  As
corrected
  As previously
reported
  As
corrected
 

Deferred tax assets- long term

  $51,713   $45,153    *    *  

Total other assets

   54,297    47,737    *    *  

Total assets

   354,230    347,670    *    *  

Paid-in capital

   309,745    312,689    302,241    305,185  

Accumulated deficit

   (24,398  (33,902  (105,182  (108,126

Total stockholders’ equity

   266,699    260,139    *    *  

Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity

   354,230    347,670    *    *  

*

no effect

THE WET SEAL, INC.

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

For the 39 weeks ended October 30, 2010, and thereafter, subjectOctober 31, 2009

(Unaudited)

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

During the third quarter of fiscal 2010, the Company implemented a change in tax method, upon filing its 2009 federal income tax return, which resulted in the reduction of deferred tax assets related to certain annual limitations based on the provisionsits charitable contribution carry forwards of Section 382 of the Internal Revenue Code (“Section 382”).

For the 13 weeks ended July 31, 2010,$0.5 million. This decrease was recorded as a deferred income tax charge and increased the Company’s effective income tax rate was approximately 39%, which is the rate the Company currently expects to incur for the remainder of the fiscal year. The Company incurred a higher effective income tax rate than it had in 2009 primarily as a result of the reversal of its deferred tax asset valuation allowance at the end of fiscal 2009.quarter.

The Company’s effective income tax rate for the 2639 weeks ended July 31,October 30, 2010, was approximately 51%. This rate was higherincreased due to $2.8 million in interest charges incurred in the first fiscal quarter upon the conversion of the Company’s remaining Secured Convertible Notes (the “Notes”) and Series C Convertible Preferred Stock (the “Preferred Stock”), which are not tax-deductible.tax-deductible, and the $0.5 million non-cash deferred income tax charge previously discussed. The impactimpacts of these non-deductible charges onwere increases in the effective income tax raterates in the first fiscal quarter, third fiscal quarter and the 2639 weeks ended July 31,October 30, 2010, wasof approximately 16%, 10% and 12%11%, respectively.

THE WET SEAL, INC.

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

For the 26 weeks ended July 31, 2010, and August 1, 2009

(Unaudited)

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

Due to its expected utilization of federal and state NOLnet operating loss (“NOL”) carry forwards during fiscal 2010, the Company anticipates cash income taxes for the fiscal year will be approximately 2% of pre-tax income, representing the portion of federal and state alternative minimum taxes that cannot be offset by NOLs. The difference between the effective income tax rate and the anticipated cash income taxes is recorded as a non-cash provision for deferred incomes taxes.

The Company’s current expectations regarding the federal NOL carry forwards it may use annually are based on calculations made by management. Through these calculations, management determined that, in April 2005 and December 2006, the Company incurred “ownership changes,” as defined in Section 382 of the Internal Revenue Code, that require re-calculation of NOL annual utilization limits. Such ownership changes can result merely from an accumulation of normal market trading activity in the Company’s common stock over time. The NOL annual utilization limits determined upon an ownership change depend on, among other things, the Company’s market capitalization and long-term federal interest rates on the ownership change date. If the Company were to determine it had incurred another ownership change at some time after December 2006, the Company would be required to re-calculate its annual federal NOL utilization limit, which could result in a decrease to NOL carry forwards available to offset taxable income and an increase in cash income tax payments in fiscal 2010 and/or thereafter.

New Accounting Pronouncements Not Yet Adopted

In October 2009,January 2010, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued guidance related to revenue arrangements with multiple deliverables. Under the new guidance, when vendor specific objective evidence or third party evidence for deliverables in an arrangement cannot be determined, a best estimate of the selling price is required to separate deliverables and allocate arrangement consideration using the relative selling price method. Such guidance is to be applied on a prospective basis for revenue arrangements entered into or materially modified in fiscal years beginning on or after June 15, 2010, with early adoption permitted. The Company does not believe adoption of this guidance will have any effect on its condensed consolidated financial statements.

In January 2010, the FASB issued guidance and clarifications for improving disclosures about fair value measurements. This guidance requires enhanced disclosures regarding transfers in and out of the levels within the fair value hierarchy. Separate disclosures are required for transfers in and out of Level 1 and 2 fair value measurements, and the reasons for the transfers must be disclosed. In the reconciliation for Level 3 fair value measurements, separate disclosures are required for purchases, sales, issuances, and settlements on a gross basis. The new disclosures and clarifications of existing disclosures are effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2009, except for the disclosures about purchases, sales, issuances, and settlements in the roll forward of activity in Level 3 fair value measurements, which are effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2010. Effective January 31, 2010, the Company adopted the new and updated disclosure guidance, aside from thosethat deferred to periods after December 15, 2010, and itthis did not significantly impact the Company’s condensed consolidated financial statements. The Company does not believe adoption of the remaining guidance on disclosures will have any effect on its condensed consolidated financial statements.

NOTE 2 – Stock-Based Compensation

The Company has a 2005 Stock Incentive Plan (the “2005 Plan”) under which shares were available for grant at July 31,October 30, 2010. The Company also previously granted share awards under its 1996 Long-Term Incentive Plan (the “1996 Plan”) and its 2000 Stock Incentive Plan (the “2000 Plan”) that remain unvested and/or unexercised as of July 31,October 30, 2010; however, the 1996 Plan expired during fiscal 2006 and the 2000 Plan expired during fiscal 2009, and no further share awards may be granted under the 1996 Plan and 2000 Plan. The 2005 Plan, the 2000 Plan, and the 1996 Plan are collectively referred to as the “Plans.”

THE WET SEAL, INC.

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

For the 2639 weeks ended July 31,October 30, 2010, and August 1,October 31, 2009

(Unaudited)

 

NOTE 2 – Stock-Based Compensation (Continued)

 

The 2005 Plan permits 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 stockholders on January 10, 2005, as amended with stockholder approval on July 20, 2005, for the issuance of incentive awards covering 12,500,000 shares of Class A common stock. Additionally, an amended and restated 2005 Plan was approved by the Company’s stockholders on May 19, 2010, which increased the incentive awards capacity under the 2005 Plan to 17,500,000 shares of the Company’s Class A common stock. An aggregate of 26,281,06123,080,745 shares of the Company’s Class A common stock have been issued or may be issued pursuant to the Plans. As of July 31,October 30, 2010, 6,582,1886,652,799 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 risk-free rate is based on the U.S. Treasury yield curve in effect at the time of grant and 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 26 Weeks Ended   13 Weeks Ended 39 Weeks Ended 
  July 31,
2010
 August 1,
2009
 July 31,
2010
 August 1,
2009
   October 30,
2010
 October 31,
2009
 October 30,
2010
 October 31,
2009
 

Dividend Yield

  0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00   0.00  0.00  0.00  0.00

Expected Volatility

  59.00 56.00 59.00 56.00   59.00  56.00  59.00  56.00

Risk-Free Interest Rate

  1.29 1.60 1.56 1.58   0.90  1.65  0.95  1.63

Expected Life of Options (in Years)

  3.3   3.3   3.3   3.3     3.3    3.3    3.3    3.3  

The Company recorded compensation expense of less than $0.1 million, $0.1$0.2 million, $0.2 million, and a compensation benefit of $0.2less than $0.1 million, in each case less than $0.01 per basic and diluted share, related to stock options outstanding during the 13 and 2639 weeks ended July 31,October 30, 2010, and August 1,October 31, 2009, respectively. Refer to “Change in Estimated Forfeiture Rate” later within this Note 2 for additional information.

At July 31,October 30, 2010, there was $0.6$0.9 million of total unrecognized compensation expense related to nonvested stock options under the Company’s share-based payment plans, which will be recognized over an average period of 1.72.2 years, representing the remaining vesting periods of such options through fiscal 2013.

THE WET SEAL, INC.

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

For the 39 weeks ended October 30, 2010, and October 31, 2009

(Unaudited)

NOTE 2 – Stock-Based Compensation (Continued)

The following table summarizes the Company’s stock option activities with respect to its Plans for the 2639 weeks ended July 31,October 30, 2010, 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

Outstanding at January 30, 2010

  2,234,752   $6.77    

Granted

  32,000   $4.54    

Exercised

  (64,168 $3.21    

Canceled

  (443,144 $4.81    
         

Outstanding at July 31, 2010

  1,759,440   $6.94  2.68  $148

Vested and expected to vest in the future at July 31, 2010

  1,685,572   $7.09  2.62  $140

Exercisable at July 31, 2010

  1,231,457   $8.40  2.17  $84

THE WET SEAL, INC.

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

For the 26 weeks ended July 31, 2010, and August 1, 2009

(Unaudited)

NOTE 2 – Stock-Based Compensation (Continued)

Options

  Number of
Shares
  Weighted-
Average
Exercise
Price Per
Share
   Weighted-
Average
Remaining
Contractual Life
(in years)
   Aggregate
Intrinsic
Value
 

Outstanding at January 30, 2010

   2,234,752   $6.77      

Granted

   423,000   $3.23      

Exercised

   (64,168 $3.21      

Canceled

   (478,477 $4.81      
          

Outstanding at October 30, 2010

   2,115,107   $6.26     2.82    $333  

Vested and expected to vest in the future at October 30, 2010

   1,964,575   $6.48     2.70    $289  

Exercisable at October 30, 2010

   1,354,131   $7.92     2.07    $109  

Options vested and expected to vest in the future is comprised of all options outstanding at July 31,October 30, 2010, net of estimated forfeitures. Additional information regarding stock options outstanding as of July 31,October 30, 2010, is as follows:

 

  Options Outstanding  Options Exercisable  Options Outstanding   Options Exercisable 

Range of Exercise Prices

  Number
Outstanding
as of
July 31,
2010
  Weighted-
Average
Remaining
Contractual Life
(in years)
  Weighted-
Average
Exercise
Price Per
Share
  Number
Exercisable
as of
July 31,
2010
  Weighted-
Average
Exercise
Price Per
Share
  Number
Outstanding
as of
October 30,
2010
   Weighted-
Average
Remaining
Contractual Life
(in years)
   Weighted-
Average
Exercise
Price Per
Share
   Number
Exercisable
as of
October 30,
2010
   Weighted-
Average
Exercise
Price Per
Share
 

$ 1.81 - $ 2.93

  157,500  2.80  $2.61  99,169  $2.58   162,500     2.62    $2.62     99,169    $2.58  

2.96 - 4.83

  608,500  4.11   3.70  153,180   3.95   972,167     4.21     3.49     287,521     3.87  

4.86 - 8.00

  486,440  2.03   6.39  472,108   6.44   478,940     1.71     6.40     465,941     6.44  

8.08 - 12.28

  386,500  1.57   10.62  386,500   10.62   383,500     1.25     10.62     383,500     10.62  

15.02 - 23.02

  120,500  1.43   19.40  120,500   19.40   118,000     1.31     19.32     118,000     19.32  
                          

$ 1.81 - $23.02

  1,759,440  2.68  $6.94  1,231,457  $8.40   2,115,107     2.82    $6.26     1,354,131    $7.92  
                          

The weighted-average grant-date fair value of options granted during the 13 and 2639 weeks ended July 31,October 30, 2010, and August 1,October 31, 2009, was $1.65, $1.91, $1.36$1.25, $1.30, $1.35 and $1.37,$1.35, respectively. The total intrinsic value for options exercised during the 13 and 2639 weeks ended July 31,October 30, 2010, and August 1,October 31, 2009, was in each case less than $0.1 million, $0.1 million, less than $0.1 million and less than $0.1 million, respectively.million.

Cash received from option exercises under all Plans for the 2639 weeks ended July 31,October 30, 2010, and August 1,October 31, 2009, was $0.2 million and less than $0.1 million, respectively. The Company did not realize tax benefits for the tax deductions from option exercises as it must first utilize its regular NOL prior to realizing the excess tax benefits.

Restricted Common Stock and Performance Shares

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

During the 2639 weeks ended July 31,October 30, 2010, and August 1,October 31, 2009, the Company granted 213,900472,700 and 263,436 shares, respectively, of restricted common stock to certain employees and directors under the Plans. The weighted-average grant-date fair value of the restricted common stock granted during the 2639 weeks ended July 31,October 30, 2010, and August 1,October 31, 2009, was $3.35$3.22 and $2.71 per share, respectively. The Company recorded approximately $0.3$0.4 million, $0.6$1.1 million, $0.3$0.4 million and $0.5$0.9 million of compensation expense related to outstanding shares of restricted common stock held by employees and directors during the 13 and 2639 weeks ended July 31,October 30, 2010, and August 1,October 31, 2009, respectively. During the 26 weeks ended July 31, 2010, and August 1, 2009, the Company granted no performance shares under the 2005 Plan. The Company recorded a compensation benefit of $0.2 million and $0.1 million, and compensation expense of $0.2 million and $0.2 million during the 13 and 26 weeks ended July 31, 2010, and August 1, 2009, respectively, related to performance shares previously granted to officers. The benefit recorded in the 13 and 26 weeks ended July 31, 2010 was related to higher forfeiture adjustment in such periods. Refer to “Change in Estimated Forfeiture Rate” later within this Note 2 for additional information.

THE WET SEAL, INC.

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

For the 2639 weeks ended July 31,October 30, 2010, and August 1,October 31, 2009

(Unaudited)

 

NOTE 2 – Stock-Based Compensation (Continued)

 

During the 39 weeks ended October 30, 2010, and October 31, 2009, the Company granted no performance shares under the 2005 Plan. The Company recorded compensation expense of $0.2 million, $0.1 million, $0.1 million and $0.3 million during the 13 and 39 weeks ended October 30, 2010, and October 31, 2009, respectively, related to performance shares previously granted to officers.

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 for the 2639 weeks ended July 31,October 30, 2010:

 

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 January 30, 2010

  1,596,318   $2.37   1,596,318   $2.37  

Granted

  213,900   $3.35   472,700   $3.22  

Vested

  (254,038 $2.81   (450,706 $3.00  

Forfeited

  (30,000 $3.09   (1,037,200 $1.94  
          

Nonvested at July 31, 2010

  1,526,180   $2.42

Nonvested at October 30, 2010

   581,112   $3.34  
          

The fair value of restricted common stock and performance shares that vested during the 2639 weeks ended July 31,October 30, 2010, was $0.9$1.6 million.

At July 31,October 30, 2010, there was $0.5$0.9 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 $0.4$0.9 million relates to restricted common stock and less than $0.1 million relates to performance shares. That cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 0.42.3 years. These estimates utilize subjective assumptions about expected forfeiture rates, which could change over time. Therefore, the amount of unrecognized compensation expense noted above does not necessarily represent the expense that will ultimately be recognized by the Company in its condensed consolidated statements of operations.

The following table summarizes stock-based compensation recorded in the condensed consolidated statements of operations (in thousands):

 

  13 Weeks Ended  26 Weeks Ended   13 Weeks Ended 39 Weeks Ended 
  July 31,
2010
 August 1,
2009
  July 31,
2010
 August 1,
2009
   October 30,
2010
   October 31,
2009
 October 30,
2010
 October 31,
2009
 

Cost of sales

  $(156 $113  $(130 $(180  $67    $(51 $(63 $(230

Selling, general, and administrative expenses

   259    539   749    651     740     728    1,489    1,378  
                           

Stock-based compensation

  $103   $652  $619   $471    $807    $677   $1,426   $1,148  
                           

Change in Estimated Forfeiture Rate

In the first quarter of fiscal 2009, based on historical experience, the Company modified the estimated annual forfeiture rate used in recognizing stock-based compensation expense, from a 10% forfeiture rate to a 15% forfeiture rate. During this same period, the Company also realized benefits from actual forfeiture experience that was higher than previously estimated for unvested stock options and restricted common stock, resulting primarily from executive and other employee departures from the Company. The impact of these events were benefitswas a benefit during the 2639 weeks ended August 1,October 31, 2009, of approximately $0.9 million, of which $0.4 million was included in cost of sales and $0.5 million was included in selling, general, and administrative expenses in the condensed consolidated statements of operations. During the 2639 weeks ended July 31,October 30, 2010, the estimated annual forfeiture rate has remained at 15%.

THE WET SEAL, INC.

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

For the 2639 weeks ended July 31,October 30, 2010, and August 1,October 31, 2009

(Unaudited)

 

NOTE 3 – 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. The Facility expires in May 2011, and the Company intends to either replace or renewis currently negotiating a renewal of 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, repurchase its Class A common stock, 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 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 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 July 31,October 30, 2010. 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.

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, LLC.

At July 31,October 30, 2010, the amount outstanding under the Facility consisted of $3.8$6.0 million in open documentary letters of credit related to merchandise purchases and $1.5$1.7 million in outstanding standby letters of credit, and the Company had $29.7$27.3 million available under the Facility for cash advances and/or the issuance of additional letters of credit.

At July 31,October 30, 2010, the Company was in compliance with all covenant requirements related to the Facility.

During the 2639 weeks ended July 31,October 30, 2010, investors in the Company’s Notes converted $4.7 million of the Notes into 3,111,111 shares of the Company’s Class A common stock. As a result of these conversions, the Company recorded non-cash interest charges of $2.1 million during the 2639 weeks ended July 31,October 30, 2010, to write-off a ratable portion of unamortized debt discount and deferred financing costs associated with the Notes. Additionally, a ratable portion of accrued interest of $1.0 million was forfeited by the holder when the Notes were converted and it was written off to paid-in capital. Finally, the Company provided the holder with a $0.7 million conversion inducement, which was recorded as an interest charge during the 2639 weeks ended July 31,October 30, 2010. The Company also repurchased an insignificant remaining Note balance from another holder. As a result of these transactions, there are no longer any remaining Notes outstanding as of July 31,October 30, 2010, and there was a satisfaction and discharge of our obligations under the Indenture governing the Notes. No Notes were converted during the 2639 weeks ended August 1,October 31, 2009.

Prior to the first quarter of fiscal 2010, the Company recognized the ratable portion of accrued interest forfeited by Note holders upon conversions as a reduction of interest expense. The Company has determined that the correct treatment of accrued interest forfeited is a credit to paid-in capital rather than a reduction of interest expense. In the condensed consolidated balance sheets as of January 30, 2010, and August 1,October 31, 2009, the Company has retrospectively reclassified $2.9 million from accumulated deficit to paid-in capital to reflect the correct treatment of accrued interest forfeited in periods prior to fiscal 2010. This reclassification has no effect on the previously reported total stockholders’ equity or cash flows and is not material to all periods presented.

During the 2639 weeks ended July 31,October 30, 2010, and August 1,October 31, 2009, certain investors exercised portions of outstanding common stock warrants, resulting in the issuance of 1,160,715 and 183,572 shares, respectively, of the Company’s Class A common stock in exchange for $4.3 million and $0.5 million, respectively, of proceeds to the Company.

During the 2639 weeks ended July 31,October 30, 2010, investors in the Company’s Preferred Stock converted $1.6 million of Preferred Stock into 537,000 shares of the Company’s Class A common stock. As a result of this transaction, there is no longer any Preferred Stock outstanding as of July 31,October 30, 2010. No Preferred Stock was converted during the 2639 weeks ended August 1,October 31, 2009.

THE WET SEAL, INC.

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

For the 2639 weeks ended July 31,October 30, 2010, and August 1,October 31, 2009

(Unaudited)

 

NOTE 4 – Fair Value Measurements

Fair value is defined as the price that would be received upon sale of an asset or paid upon transfer of a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date and in the principal or most advantageous market for that asset or liability. The fair value should be calculated based on assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability, not on assumptions specific to the entity. In addition, the fair value of liabilities should include consideration of non-performance risk, including the Company’s own credit risk.

Inputs used in measuring fair value are prioritized into a three-level hierarchy based on whether the inputs to those measurements are observable or unobservable. Observable inputs reflect market data obtained from independent sources, while unobservable inputs reflect the Company’s market assumptions. The fair-value hierarchy requires the use of observable market data when available and consists of the following levels:

 

Level 1 – Quoted prices for identical instruments in active markets;

 

Level 2 – Quoted prices for similar instruments in active markets; quoted prices for identical or similar instruments in markets that are not active; and model-derived valuations in which all significant inputs are observable in active markets; and

 

Level 3 – Valuations derived from valuation techniques in which one or more significant inputs are unobservable.

The following tables present information on the Company’s financial instruments (in thousands):

 

   Carrying
Amount
at July 31,
2010
  Fair Value Measurements
at Reporting Date Using
    Level 1  Level 2  Level 3

Financial assets:

        

Cash and cash equivalents

  $165,516  $21,095  $144,421  $—  

Long-term tenant allowance receivables

   762   —     —     762
   Carrying
Amount
January 30,
2010
  Fair Value Measurements
at Reporting Date Using
    Level 1  Level 2  Level 3

Financial assets:

        

Cash and cash equivalents

  $161,693  $17,306  $144,387  $—  

Long-term tenant allowance receivables

   728   —     —     728

Financial liabilities:

        

Embedded derivative instrument

   20   —     20   —  

Notes

   3,540   10,422   —     —  

Preferred Stock

   1,611   1,799   —     —  
   Carrying
Amount
at August 1,
2009
  Fair Value Measurements
at Reporting Date Using
    Level 1  Level 2  Level 3

Financial assets:

        

Cash and cash equivalents

  $143,987  $4,685  $139,302  $—  

Financial liabilities:

        

Embedded derivative instrument

   20   —     20   —  

Notes

   3,095   10,267   —     —  

Preferred Stock

   1,611   1,772   —     —  

   Carrying
Amount
at October 30,
2010
   Fair Value Measurements
at Reporting Date Using
 
    Level 1   Level 2   Level 3 

Financial assets:

        

Cash and cash equivalents

  $115,617    $22,435    $93,182    $—    

Short-term investments

   25,350     25,347    —       —    

Long-term investments

   25,919     25,904     —       —    

Long-term tenant allowance receivables

   780     —       —       780  
   Carrying
Amount
at January 30,
2010
   Fair Value Measurements
at Reporting Date Using
 
    Level 1   Level 2   Level 3 

Financial assets:

        

Cash and cash equivalents

  $161,693    $17,306    $144,387    $—    

Long-term tenant allowance receivables

   728     —       —       728  

Financial liabilities:

        

Embedded derivative instrument

   20     —       20     —    

Notes

   3,540     10,422     —       —    

Preferred Stock

   1,611     1,799     —       —    
   Carrying
Amount
at October 31,
2009
   Fair Value Measurements
at Reporting Date Using
 
    Level 1   Level 2   Level 3 

Financial assets:

        

Cash and cash equivalents

  $144,161    $141,161    $—      $—    

Financial liabilities:

        

Embedded derivative instrument

   20     —       20     —    

Notes

   3,310     9,924     —       —    

Preferred Stock

   1,611     1,713     —       —    

THE WET SEAL, INC.

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

For the 2639 weeks ended July 31,October 30, 2010, and August 1,October 31, 2009

(Unaudited)

 

NOTE 4 – Fair Value Measurements (Continued)

 

Cash and cash equivalents are carried at either cost or amortized cost, which approximates fair value, due to their short term maturities. Money market funds are valued through the use of quoted market prices, or $1, which is generally the net asset value of these funds. Short-term and long-term investments are carried at amortized cost due to the Company’s intent to hold to maturity. The fair value of the Company’s short-term and long-term investments is determined based on quoted market prices in active markets. The Company believes the carrying amounts of other receivables and accounts payable approximate fair value. The fair value of the long-term tenant allowance receivables was determined by discounting them to present value, and they are included in other assets within the condensed consolidated balance sheet. The Company determined the fair value of its embedded derivative instrument using a combination of the Black-Scholes model and Monte-Carlo simulation. The estimated fair values for the Notes and Preferred Stock were determined to be the market value of the Company’s Class A common stock as of January 30, 2010, and August 1,October 31, 2009, multiplied by the number of shares of common stock into which such securities could be converted. There are no longer any embedded derivatives, Notes or Preferred Stock outstanding as of July 31,October 30, 2010, as a result of the conversions discussed in Note 3.

The table below segregates all non-financial assets and liabilities as of July 31,October 30, 2010, January 30, 2010, and August 1,October 31, 2009, that are measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis in periods subsequent to initial recognition into the most appropriate level within the fair value hierarchy based on the inputs used to determine the fair value at the measurement date:

 

  Carrying
Amount
at July 31,
2010
  Fair Value Measurements
at Reporting Date Using
  Total Gains
(Losses)
   Carrying
Amount
at October 30,
2010
   Fair Value Measurements
at Reporting Date Using
   Total Gains
(Losses)
 
  Level 1  Level 2  Level 3     Level 1   Level 2   Level 3   

Long-lived assets held and used

  $87,029  $—    $—    $87,029  $(1,131  $91,824    $—      $—      $91,824    $(2,726
                                    

Total assets

  $87,029  $—    $—    $87,029  $(1,131  $91,824    $—      $—      $91,824    $(2,726
                                    
  Carrying
Amount
January 30,
2010
  Fair Value Measurements
at Reporting Date Using
  Total Gains
(Losses)
   Carrying
Amount
at January 30,
2010
   Fair Value Measurements
at Reporting Date Using
   Total Gains
(Losses)
 
  Level 1  Level 2  Level 3    Level 1   Level 2   Level 3   

Long-lived assets held and used

  $78,063  $—    $—    $78,063  $(2,341  $78,063    $—      $—      $78,063    $(2,341
                                    

Total assets

  $78,063  $—    $—    $78,063  $(2,341  $78,063    $—      $—      $78,063    $(2,341
                                    
          
  Carrying
Amount
at October 31,
2009
   Fair Value Measurements
at Reporting Date Using
   Total Gains
(Losses)
 
  Carrying
Amount
at August 1,
2009
  Fair Value Measurements
at Reporting Date Using
  Total Gains
(Losses)
   Level 1   Level 2   Level 3   
  Level 1  Level 2  Level 3  

Long-lived assets held and used

  $79,469  $—    $—    $79,469  $(1,552)  $81,594    $—      $—      $81,594    $(1,886
                                    

Total assets

  $79,469  $—    $—    $79,469  $(1,552)  $81,594    $—      $—      $81,594    $(1,886
                                    

The Company performs impairment tests whenever there are indicators of impairment. Refer to Note 1 for further information.

Long-lived assets held and used with a carrying value of $87.0$91.8 million and $79.5$81.6 million, respectively, represent their fair values after the impairment charges of $1.0 million, $1.1 million, $1.6 million, $2.7 million, $0.3 million and $1.6$1.9 million, respectively, during the 13 and 2639 weeks ended July 31,October 30, 2010, and August 1,October 31, 2009.

THE WET SEAL, INC.

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

For the 26 weeks ended July 31, 2010, and August 1, 2009

(Unaudited)

NOTE 5 – Net Income Per Share

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 39 weeks ended October 30, 2010, and October 31, 2009

(Unaudited)

NOTE 5 – Net Income Per Share (Continued)

The dilutive effect of stock warrants is determined using the “treasury stock” method, whereby exercise is assumed at the beginning of the reporting period and proceeds from such exercise are assumed to be used to purchase the Company’s Class A common stock at the average market price during the period. The dilutive effect of stock options is also determined using the “treasury stock” method, whereby proceeds from such exercise, unamortized compensation on share-based awards, and excess tax benefits arising in connection with share-based compensation are assumed to be used to purchase the common stock at the average market price during the period.

The Notes and Preferred Stock were convertible into shares of Class A common stock. Both of these securities included rights whereby, upon payment of dividends or other distributions to Class A common stockholders, 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, the Notes and Preferred Stock were considered to be participating securities requiring the use of the two-class method for the computation of earnings per share. For the dilutive computation, under the two-class method, determination of whether the Notes and Preferred Stock were dilutive was based on the application of the “if-converted” method. Although the Notes and Preferred Stock were fully converted and represented Class A common shares outstanding as of July 31,October 30, 2010, they were included in the computation of diluted earnings for the 2639 weeks ended July 31,October 30, 2010, with respect to the period they were outstanding prior to conversion. For the 2639 weeks ended July 31,October 30, 2010, and the 13 and 2639 weeks ended August 1,October 31, 2009, the effect of the Notes and Preferred Stock was not dilutive to the computation of diluted earnings per share.

While the Company historically has paid no cash dividends, participants in the Company’s equity compensation plans who were granted restricted stock and performance shares are allowed to retainreceive cash dividends paid on unvested restricted stock and unvested performance shares. The Company’s unvested restricted stock and unvested performance shares also qualify as participating securities and are included in the computation of earnings per share pursuant to the two-class method. For the dilutive computation, under the two-class method, determination of whether the unvested share-based payment awards are dilutive is based on the application of the “treasury stock” method and whether the performance criteria has been met. For the 13 and 2639 weeks ended July 31,October 30, 2010, and August 1,October 31, 2009, the effect of the unvested share-based payment awards was anti-dilutive to the computation of diluted earnings per share.

The two-class method requires allocation of undistributed earnings per share among the common stock, Notes, Preferred Stock and unvested share-based payment awards based on the dividend and other distribution participation rights under each of these securities. The following table summarizes the allocation of undistributed earnings among common stock and other participating securities using the two-class method 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
   July 31, 2010  August 1, 2009
   Net Income  Shares  Per Share
Amount
  Net Income  Shares  Per Share
Amount

Basic earnings per share:

          

Net income

  $1,615       $3,103     

Less: Undistributed earnings allocable to participating securities

   (23      (159   
                      

Basic earnings per share

  $1,592   100,257,750  $0.02  $2,944   95,594,834  $0.03
                    

Diluted earnings per share:

          

Net income

  $1,615       $3,103     

Less: Undistributed earnings allocable to participating securities

   (23      (158   

Effect of dilutive securities

   298,884     564,427  
                      

Diluted earnings per share

  $1,592   100,556,634  $0.02  $2,945   96,159,261  $0.03
                      

   13 Weeks Ended 
   October 30, 2010   October 31, 2009 
   Net Income  Shares   Per Share
Amount
   Net Income  Shares   Per Share
Amount
 

Basic earnings per share:

          

Net income

  $2,561       $4,514     

Less: Undistributed earnings allocable to participating securities

   (40      (243   
                            

Basic earnings per share

  $2,521    99,927,566    $0.03    $4,271    95,685,372    $0.04  
                      

Diluted earnings per share:

          

Net income

  $2,561       $4,514     

Less: Undistributed earnings allocable to participating securities

   (40      (242   

Effect of dilutive securities

    23,224        720,478    
                            

Diluted earnings per share

  $2,521    99,950,790    $0.03    $4,272    96,405,850    $0.04  
                            

THE WET SEAL, INC.

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

For the 2639 weeks ended July 31,October 30, 2010, and August 1,October 31, 2009

(Unaudited)

 

NOTE 5 – Net Income Per Share (Continued)

 

   26 Weeks Ended
   July 31, 2010  August 1, 2009
   Net Income  Shares  Per Share
Amount
  Net Income  Shares  Per Share
Amount

Basic earnings per share:

          

Net income

  $4,757       $8,132     

Less: Undistributed earnings allocable to participating securities

   (127      (418   
                      

Basic earnings per share

  $4,630   98,756,560  $0.05  $7,714   95,492,536  $0.08
                    

Diluted earnings per share:

          

Net income

  $4,757       $8,132     

Less: Undistributed earnings allocable to participating securities

   (126      (416   

Effect of dilutive securities

   657,685     496,128  
                      

Diluted earnings per share

  $4,631   99,414,245  $0.05  $7,716   95,988,664  $0.08
                      

   39 Weeks Ended 
   October 30, 2010   October 31, 2009 
   Net Income  Shares   Per Share
Amount
   Net Income  Shares   Per Share
Amount
 

Basic earnings per share:

          

Net income

  $7,318       $12,646     

Less: Undistributed earnings allocable to participating securities

   (170      (686   
                            

Basic earnings per share

  $7,148    99,146,895    $0.07    $11,960    95,556,814    $0.13  
                      

Diluted earnings per share:

          

Net income

  $7,318       $12,646     

Less: Undistributed earnings allocable to participating securities

   (169      (682   

Effect of dilutive securities

    299,182        578,046    
                            

Diluted earnings per share

  $7,149    99,446,077    $0.07    $11,964    96,134,860    $0.12  
                            

The computations of diluted earnings per share excluded the following potentially dilutive securities exercisable or convertible into Class A common stock for the periods indicated because their effect would not have been dilutive.

 

  13-Week Period Ended  26-Week Period Ended  13 Weeks   39 Weeks 
  July 31,
2010
  August 1,
2009
  July 31,
2010
  August 1,
2009
  October 30,
2010
   October 31,
2009
   October 30,
2010
   October 31,
2009
 

Stock options outstanding

  1,558,143  2,082,286  1,502,585  2,080,692   1,970,107     2,009,813     1,900,023     2,004,600  

Performance shares and nonvested restricted stock awards

  1,481,180  1,508,872  1,538,774  1,525,165   1,594,590     1,785,238     1,582,784     1,833,914  

Stock issuable upon conversion of secured convertible notes

  —    3,111,113  991,453  3,111,113

Stock issuable upon conversion of preferred stock

  —    537,000  168,181  537,000

Stock issuable upon conversion of Notes

   —       3,111,113     660,969     3,111,113  

Stock issuable upon conversion of Preferred Stock

   —       537,000     112,121     537,000  

Stock issuable upon exercise of warrants:

                

June 2004 warrants

  —    1,723,705  —    1,723,705   —       1,723,705     —       1,723,705  

Series E warrants

  —    6,092,116  —    6,092,116   4,931,401    6,092,116     —       6,092,116  
                            

Total

  3,039,323  15,055,092  4,200,993  15,069,791   8,496,098     15,258,985     4,255,897     15,302,448  
                            

Based uponOn November 3, 2010, all of the respective exercise pricesCompany’s remaining Series E warrants expired unexercised. As a result, no warrants to acquire the Company’s Class A common stock remain outstanding.

THE WET SEAL, INC.

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

For the 39 weeks ended October 30, 2010, and number of outstanding warrants, exercise of all outstanding warrants via cash payment by the warrant holders as of JulyOctober 31, 2010 would have resulted in proceeds to the Company of $18.1 million.2009

(Unaudited)

NOTE 6 – Commitments and Contingencies

On July 19, 2006, a complaint was filed in the Superior Court of the State of California for the County of Los Angeles 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. On February 29, 2008, the court issued its order granting final approval of the class action settlement, subject to appeal. On April 28, 2008, a notice of appeal of the judgment was filed. On May 6, 2009, the Court reversed and remanded the case toSeptember 27, 2010, the Superior Court to re-evaluate the fairnessgranted final approval of the settlement and a final hearing will take place in September 2010.agreement. As of July 31,October 30, 2010, the Company has accrued an amount equal to the settlement amount in accrued liabilities in its condensed consolidated balance sheet.

THE WET SEAL, INC.

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

For the 26 weeks ended July 31, 2010, and August 1, 2009

(Unaudited)

NOTE 6 – Commitments and Contingencies (Continued)

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 who were employed and paid by the Company from May 22, 2003 through the present. 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. Discovery is ongoing and Plaintiffs filed their motion for class certification in July 2010. The Company’sCompany filed its opposition to Plaintiffs’the motion is duefor class certification on September 24, 2010, and theOctober 19, 2010. The class certification hearing is scheduled for October 8,December 17, 2010. 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 its results of operations or financial condition. Accordingly, no provision for a loss contingency has been accrued as of July 31,October 30, 2010.

On September 29, 2008, a complaint was filed in the Superior Court of the State of California for the County of San Francisco on behalf of certain of the Company’s current and former employees who were employed and paid by the Company from September 29, 2004 through the present. The Company was named as a defendant. The complaint alleges various violations under the State of California Labor Code and the State of California Business and Professions Code. The Plaintiffs recently filed an amended complaint, and the Company filed a motion to strike allegations of the third amended complaint on or about February 16, 2010, which was held in abeyance. The case has been transferred to the complex panel of the San Francisco Superior Court for case management purposes. NoCurrently, Plaintiffs’ motion for class certification motion filing deadline has been set by the court, and discoveryis due to be filed on April 25, 2011. Discovery is ongoing. 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 its results of operations or financial condition. Accordingly, no provision for a loss contingency has been accrued as of July 31,October 30, 2010.

On March 18, 2009, 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 from March 18, 2005 through March 18, 2009. 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 October 23, 2009, the Company reached an agreement to pay approximately $0.2 million to settle this matter, subject to Superior Court approval. The Court has preliminarily approved the settlement and set a final approval hearing for September 2, 2010.matter. The Company paid the preliminary settlement amount in August 2010 and the Superior Court dismissed the action with prejudice on September 2, 2010.

On April 24, 2009 the PennsylvaniaU.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission requested information and records relevant to several charges of discrimination by the Company against employees of the Company. In the course of this investigation, the EEOC served the Company with a subpoena seeking information related to current and former employees throughout the United States. In April 2010 the Company filed an action for declaratory and injunctive relief in the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California seeking relief from the subpoena, which action it has since voluntarily dismissed. Later that same month, the EEOC filed an application to enforce the subpoena in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania, and is in the process of a nationwide investigation. The Company is awaiting the results of the EEOC’s investigation and is unable to predict the likely outcome and whether such outcome may have a material adverse effect on itsthe Company’s results of operations or financial condition. Accordingly, no provision for a loss contingency has been accrued as of July 31,October 30, 2010.

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. The Company believes that, in the event of a settlement or an adverse judgment on certain of these claims, arising out of the normal course of business, 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 July 31,October 30, 2010, 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.

THE WET SEAL, INC.

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

For the 2639 weeks ended July 31,October 30, 2010, and August 1,October 31, 2009

(Unaudited)

 

NOTE 7 – Segment Reporting

The Company operates exclusively in the retail apparel industry in which it sells fashionable and contemporary apparel and accessoriesaccessory items, primarily through mall-based chains of retail stores, to female consumers with a young, active lifestyle. The Company has identified two operating segments (“Wet Seal” and “Arden B”). Internet operations for Wet Seal and Arden B are included in their respective operating segments.

Information for the 13 and 2639 weeks ended July 31,October 30, 2010, and August 1,October 31, 2009, for the two reportable segments is set forth below (in thousands, except percentages):

 

13 Weeks Ended July 31, 2010

  Wet Seal  Arden B  Corporate
and
Unallocated
  Total 

Net sales

  $108,875   $22,666  $—     $131,541  

Percentage of consolidated net sales

   83  17%  —      100

Operating income (loss)

  $6,219   $2,676  $(6,291) $2,604  

Depreciation and amortization expense

  $3,398   $370  $226  $3,994  

Interest income

  $—     $—     $85  $85  

Interest expense

  $—     $—     $25  $25  

Income (loss) before provision for income taxes

  $6,219   $2,676  $(6,231 $2,664  

13 Weeks Ended August 1, 2009

  Wet Seal  Arden B  Corporate
and
Unallocated
  Total 

Net sales

  $111,517   $24,849  $—     $136,366  

Percentage of consolidated net sales

   82  18%  —      100

Operating income (loss)

  $6,043   $3,253  $(5,999 $3,297  

Depreciation and amortization expense

  $2,996   $407  $228   $3,631  

Interest income

  $—     $—     $132   $132  

Interest expense

  $—     $—     $246   $246  

Income (loss) before provision for income taxes

  $6,043   $3,253  $(6,113 $3,183  

26 Weeks Ended July 31, 2010

  Wet Seal  Arden B  Corporate
and
Unallocated
  Total 

Net sales

  $222,786   $46,517  $—     $269,303  

Percentage of consolidated net sales

   83  17%  —      100

Operating income (loss)

  $20,548   $5,913  $(13,888) $12,573  

Depreciation and amortization expense

  $6,764   $743  $481  $7,988  

Interest income

  $—     $—     $159  $159  

Interest expense

  $—     $—     $2,992  $2,992  

Income (loss) before provision for income taxes

  $20,548   $5,913  $(16,721 $9,740  

26 Weeks Ended August 1, 2009

  Wet Seal  Arden B  Corporate
and
Unallocated
  Total 

Net sales

  $219,882   $48,493  $—     $268,375  

Percentage of consolidated net sales

   82  18%  —      100

Operating income (loss)

  $15,937   $5,776  $(13,208 $8,505  

Depreciation and amortization expense

  $5,982   $833  $455   $7,270  

Interest income

  $—     $—     $316   $316  

Interest expense

  $—     $—     $437   $437  

Income (loss) before provision for income taxes

  $15,937   $5,776  $(13,329 $8,384  

13 Weeks Ended October 30, 2010

  Wet Seal  Arden B  Corporate
and
Unallocated
  Total 

Net sales

  $125,475   $20,926   $—     $146,401  

Percentage of consolidated net sales

   86  14  —      100

Operating income (loss)

  $12,509   $117   $(7,561 $5,065  

Depreciation and amortization expense

  $3,732   $371   $224   $4,327  

Interest income

  $—     $—     $84   $84  

Interest expense

  $—     $—     $27   $27  

Income (loss) before provision for income taxes

  $12,509   $117   $(7,504 $5,122  

13 Weeks Ended October 31, 2009

  Wet Seal  Arden B  Corporate
and
Unallocated
  Total 

Net sales

  $119,105   $22,441   $—     $141,546  

Percentage of consolidated net sales

   84  16  —      100

Operating income (loss)

  $10,378   $1,444   $(7,122 $4,700  

Depreciation and amortization expense

  $3,266   $401   $229   $3,896  

Interest income

  $—     $—     $98   $98  

Interest expense

  $—     $—     $261   $261  

Income (loss) before provision for income taxes

  $10,378   $1,444   $(7,285 $4,537  

THE WET SEAL, INC.

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

For the 2639 weeks ended July 31,October 30, 2010, and August 1,October 31, 2009

(Unaudited)

 

NOTE 7 – Segment Reporting (Continued)

 

39 Weeks Ended October 30, 2010

  Wet Seal  Arden B  Corporate
and
Unallocated
  Total 

Net sales

  $348,260   $67,444   $—     $415,704  

Percentage of consolidated net sales

   84  16  —      100

Operating income (loss)

  $33,054   $6,029   $(21,445 $17,638  

Depreciation and amortization expense

  $10,500   $1,111   $704   $12,315  

Interest income

  $—     $—     $243   $243  

Interest expense

  $—     $—     $3,019   $3,019  

Income (loss) before provision for income taxes

  $33,054   $6,029   $(24,221 $14,862  

39 Weeks Ended October 31, 2009

  Wet Seal  Arden B  Corporate
and
Unallocated
  Total 

Net sales

  $338,987   $70,934   $—     $409,921  

Percentage of consolidated net sales

   83  17  —      100

Operating income (loss)

  $26,315   $7,221   $(20,331 $13,205  

Depreciation and amortization expense

  $9,247   $1,233   $686   $11,166  

Interest income

  $—     $—     $413   $413  

Interest expense

  $—     $—     $697   $697  

Income (loss) before provision for income taxes

  $26,315   $7,221   $(20,615 $12,921  

The “Corporate and Unallocated” column is presented solely to allow for reconciliation of segment contribution to consolidated operating income, interest income, interest expense and income before provision for income taxes. Wet Seal and Arden B segment results include net sales, cost of sales, asset impairment and other direct store and field management expenses, with no allocation of corporate overhead or interest income and expense.

Wet Seal operating segment results during the 39 weeks ended October 31, 2009, included $0.8 million of additional net sales resulting from a change in estimated breakage for unredeemed gift cards, gift certificates and store credits remaining outstanding more than two years from their respective issuance dates. Wet Seal operating income during the 13 and 2639 weeks ended July 31,October 30, 2010, and August 1,October 31, 2009 includeincludes $1.0 million, $1.1$2.1 million, $1.6$0.3 million and $1.6$1.9 million, respectively, of asset impairment charges.

Arden B operating segment results during the 39 weeks ended October 31, 2009, included $0.4 million of additional net sales resulting from a change in estimated breakage for unredeemed gift cards, gift certificates and store credits remaining outstanding more than two years from their respective issuance dates. Arden B operating income during the 13 and 39 weeks ended October 30, 2010, and October 31, 2009 includes $0.6 million, $0.6 million, less than $0.1 million and less than $0.1 million, respectively, of asset impairment charges.

Corporate expenses during the 2639 weeks ended July 31,October 30, 2010, include non-cash interest expense of $2.1 million as a result of accelerated write-off of remaining unamortized debt discount and deferred financing costs upon conversion of Notes and $0.7 million of interest expense for a conversion inducement associated with conversions of Notes and Preferred Stock.

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 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 January 30, 2010, and elsewhere in this Quarterly Report of 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 13 to 35 years old. As of July 31,October 30, 2010, we operated 508522 retail stores in 47 states, Puerto Rico and the District of Columbia. 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 division’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 for 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 the decrease, if any, 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 cumulative mark-on, markups, markdowns, shrink, buying costs, distribution costs, 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—We view operating income as a key indicator of our financial success. The key drivers of operating income are comparable store sales, gross margins, and the 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.

Business Segments

We operate two nationwide, primarily mall-based, chains of retail stores under the names “Wet Seal” and “Arden B”.B.” Although the two operating segments have many similarities in their products, production processes, distribution methods, and regulatory environment, there are differences in most of these areas and distinct differences in their economic characteristics. As a result, we consider these segments to be two distinct reportable segments.

Wet Seal. Wet Seal is a junior apparel brand for teenage girls who seek trend-focused and value-competitive clothing, with a target customer age of 13 to 19 years old. Wet Seal seeks to provide its customer base with a balance of affordably priced, fashionable and basic apparel and accessories. Wet Seal stores average approximately 3,9004,000 square feet in size. As of July 31,October 30, 2010, we operated 432444 Wet Seal stores.

Arden B. Arden B is a fashion brand at value price points for the feminine contemporary woman. Arden B targets customers aged 25 to 35 years old and seeks to deliver contemporary collections of fashion and basic separates and accessories for various aspects of the customers’ lifestyles. Arden B stores average approximately 3,1003,000 square feet in size. As of July 31,October 30, 2010, we operated 7678 Arden B stores.

We maintain a Web-based store located atwww.wetseal.com offering Wet Seal merchandise, comparable to that carried in our stores, to customers over the internet. We also maintain a Web-based store located atwww.ardenb.com offering Arden B merchandise, comparable to that carried in our stores, to customers over the internet. 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. Internet operations for both Wet Seal and Arden B are included in their respective operating segments. In fiscal 2009, 2008,For the past three years and 2007,continuing in this year, we have experienced rapid growth in both visitor traffic and our online sales, and we will continue to develop our Wet Seal and Arden B websites to increase their effectiveness in marketing our brands.

See Note 7 of the notes to condensed consolidated financial statements for financial information regarding segment reporting, which information is incorporated herein by reference.

Current Trends and Outlook

We currentlycontinue to operate in a challenging retail environment driven by several factors, including disruptions in the U.S. housing and financial markets and high unemployment rates across all regions of the U.S. Beginning in the fourth calendar quarter of 2008 and continuing through the second calendar quarter of 2009, U.S. gross domestic product decreased on a year-over-year basis. Although U.S. gross domestic product has shown improvement since the third calendar quarter of 2009, the increases have been modest, unemployment rates remain high in the teen segment and throughout the U.S. overall, and we continue to experience a volatile, and generally weak, retail environment. In addition, we have recently experienced cost pressures as a result of rising commodity prices, primarily for cotton, and increased labor costs, due to labor shortages, in China, from which a majority of our merchandise is sourced. The rising value of the currency in China relative to the U.S. dollar may also have a further impact on future product costs. Our operating performance is susceptible to these general economic conditions, which have impacted consumer confidence and discretionary consumer spending in the U.S., and the changes occurring in China that are impacting product costs. Although our operating performance improved versus the prior year periods for the 2613 and 39 weeks ended July 31,October 30, 2010, it declined during the 13 weeks ended July 31, 2010, and our initial mark-ups have held up well to date, these uncertain and volatile conditions and rising product costs could adversely affect our ability to sustain or further improve our operating performance.

Our comparable store sales decreased 4.3%0.1% for the 13 weeks ended July 31,October 30, 2010, driven by a 4.3% comparable store sales decrease in our Wet Seal division and a 4.5%2.9% comparable store sales decrease in our Arden B division, partially offset by a 0.4% comparable store sales increase in our Wet Seal division. The Wet Seal division comparable store sales decreaseincrease was primarily driven by a decrease in transaction volume, partially offset by an increase in average dollar sales.sale per transaction, which was mainly due to an increase in average unit selling price, partially offset by a decrease in transaction volume. Directionally, the shifts in transaction volume and average unit retailselling price metrics were in line with our expectations and resulted from our planned merchandise content shift at Wet Seal more towards apparel and away from lower-priced accessories relative to the prior year quarter. The Arden B division comparable store sales decrease was primarily driven by declines in its average unit selling priceunits purchased per customer and transaction volume, partially offset by an increase in units purchased per customer.

We made progress on several key initiatives since the end of fiscal 2009. Although we experienced negative comparable store sales declines during the second quarter of fiscal 2010, primarily related to weak denim business at Wet Seal, we achieved merchandise margin improvement in the Wet Seal division due to the improved merchandise mix in tops, activewear and jewelry and the use of our markdown optimization system. Arden B continued to generate stable and strong merchandise margins in the second quarter of fiscal 2010 due to strong performance in denim, accessories, related separates and knit tops. In addition, we continue to maintain slightly higher inventory levels at Arden B to support continued comparable store sales growth under our new low-price model. We continued with our Wet Seal store expansion by opening 11 new Wet Seal stores in the second fiscal quarter of 2010 and are on track to open a net 25 stores for the year. We also plan to open 60 Wet Seal stores in fiscal 2011 with a focus on off-mall power centers in select markets throughout the country and on malls in which we previously had highly productive Wet Seal stores. We expect to open a net 3 Arden B stores in fiscal 2010. We are also working on plans for continued moderate growth of Arden B stores in fiscal 2011.its average unit selling price. Lastly, we plan to

immediately increase ourincreased investment in our e-commerce inventories, marketing and team infrastructure to drive more aggressivein the third quarter and generated online sales growth online.of 24.4% over the prior year quarter.

We made progress on several key initiatives during the third quarter. We continued to achieve merchandise margin improvement versus the prior year quarter in the Wet Seal division due to the increase in merchandise mix in apparel, especially tops, and the reduction of categories that had been underperforming. However, we experienced negative comparable store sales results in our denim business during the third quarter, which we believe was caused mainly by a highly promotional competitive environment in this category, which we expect to continue through the fourth quarter. Arden B experienced higher than originally planned promotional and overall markdown levels during the third quarter, resulting in a decline in merchandise margin performance. During the quarter, we focused on increasing inventory position within our dress business at the Arden B division and, as a result, experienced stronger dress sales later in the quarter. We believe Arden B remains a key dress destination for our customers, and we expect to be well positioned in this category during the fourth quarter.

We believe the progress we have made on our key initiatives and our compelling promotional offers during the weekend after Thanksgiving led to our comparable store sales increase of 7.0% for the four weeks ended November 27, 2010, driven by an 8.3% comparable store sales increase in our Wet Seal division, partially offset by a 0.3% comparable store sales decrease in our Arden B division. Our consolidated internet business sales increased 45.5% for the four weeks ended November 27, 2010.

Our operating performance since fiscal 2005 has resulted in increased liquidity and improved credit standing with suppliers. However, we may not generate increases 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.

Store Openings and Closures

During the 26 weeks ended July 31, 2010, we openedWe continued to execute our Wet Seal store growth strategy by opening 12 and closed fournew Wet Seal stores in the third fiscal quarter of 2010, for a total of 24 openings during the 39 weeks ended October 30, 2010, and we closed four Arden B stores, supporting our plan to exit locations that are not productive and in which we do not see strong potential for improvement.

We expecton track to open a net of 2527 Wet Seal stores for the fiscal year. We currently plan to open 60 Wet Seal stores in fiscal 2011, with a focus on off-mall power centers in select markets throughout the country and on malls in which we previously had highly productive Wet Seal stores.

We opened three new Arden B stores contingent upon lease negotiations, duringin the third fiscal 2010.quarter of 2010 and for the 39 weeks ended October 30, 2010, and expect to open nine Arden B stores in fiscal 2010, for a net growth of four stores for the year. We also currently intend to continue growing the Arden B store base moderately in fiscal 2011, but have yet to establish a specific growth plan.

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 January 30, 2010.

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 Board of 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, short-term and long-term investments, merchandise inventories, long-lived assets, stock-based compensation, accounting for income taxes and insurance reserves. 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 January 30, 2010. The following updates the Form 10-K discussions of our critical accounting policies for short-term and long-term investments, long lived assets and accounting for income taxes.

Short-term and Long-term Investments

Our short-term investments consist of interest-bearing corporate bonds that are guaranteed by the U.S. Government under the Temporary Liquidity Guarantee Program (“TLGP”), have maturities that are less than one year and are carried at amortized cost plus accrued income. Our long-term investments also consist of interest-bearing, corporate bonds that are

guaranteed by the U.S. Government under the TLGP, have maturities that are greater than one year and are carried at amortized cost plus accrued income. Short-term and long-term investments are carried at amortized cost due to our intent to hold to maturity. Short-term and long-term investments on the condensed consolidated balance sheets were $25.4 million and $25.9 million, respectively, at October 30, 2010. Any unrealized gains or unrealized losses on held to maturity investments are considered temporary and are not recorded unless an other than temporary impairment has occurred. Factors considered that could result in the necessity to impair include intention to sell, more likely than not being required to sell the security before recovery of the security’s amortized cost basis and whether we expect to recover the entire amortized cost basis of the security. We have considered all impairment factors and have determined that an other than temporary impairment has not occurred as of October 30, 2010.

Long-Lived Assets

We evaluate 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. Factors that are considered important that could result in the necessity to perform 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 indicates continuing losses or insufficient income associated with the realization 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, based on discounted cash flows using our weighted average cost of capital, with such estimated fair values determined using the best information available.capital. We have considered all relevant valuation techniques that could be obtained without undue cost and effort and have determined that the discounted cash flow approach continues to provide the most relevant and reliable means by which to determine fair value in this circumstance.

At least quarterly, we assesses 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 2639 weeks ended July 31,October 30, 2010, and August 1,October 31, 2009, 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 those locations would continue. As such, we recorded non-cash charges of $1.0 million, $1.1 million, $1.6 million, $2.7 million, $0.3 million and $1.6$1.9 million during the 13 and 2639 weeks ended July 31,October 30, 2010, and August 1,October 31, 2009, respectively, within asset impairment in the condensed consolidated statements of operations, to write down the carrying values of these stores’ long-lived assets to their estimated fair values.

Accounting for Income Taxes

We beganDuring our third quarter of fiscal 2010, with approximately $116.6 millionwe determined we previously had interpreted federal tax rules incorrectly pertaining to expiration of federal net operating loss carryforwards (NOLs)charitable contribution carry forwards available to offset future taxable income. We also identified certain other minor errors in our deferred income taxes. As a result, we had overstated our net deferred tax assets, benefit for income taxes and net income by approximately $6.6 million as of the end of fiscal 2009. The overstatement had no net impact on the statement of cash flows or total cash flows from operating activities for fiscal 2009. We do not believe this amount is material to the fiscal 2009 financial statements. However, we have corrected deferred tax assets and stockholders’ equity on our consolidated balance sheet as of January 30, 2010, from amounts previously reported, to correct this overstatement. Presentation of our statement of operations, statement of cash flows and statement of stockholders’ equity and comprehensive income for fiscal 2009, to be reported in the Company’s Form 10-K for the period ended January 29, 2011, will reflect the $6.6 million correction to reduce the benefit for income taxes and net income and to decrease the deferred tax asset and accumulated deficit balances, and the first and second quarterly filings on Form 10-Q in fiscal 2011 will reflect the corrections related to the first two quarters of fiscal 2010.

During the third quarter of fiscal 2010, we implemented a change in tax method, upon filing our 2009 federal income tax return, which resulted in the reduction of deferred tax assets related to our charitable contribution carry forwards of $0.5 million. This decrease was recorded as a deferred income tax charge and thereafter, subject to certain annual limitations based on the provisions of Section 382 of the Internal Revenue Code (“Section 382”).

For the 13 weeks ended July 31, 2010,increased our effective income tax rate for the quarter.

Our effective income tax rate for the 39 weeks ended October 30, 2010, was approximately 39%, representing the51%. This rate that we currently expect to incur for the remainder of fiscal 2010. The effective rate of approximately 51% for the 26 weeks ended July 31, 2010 is higher than the expected rate for future periodswas increased due to $2.8 million in interest charges incurred in the first fiscal quarter upon the conversion of the our remaining Secured Convertible Notes (the “Notes”) and Series C Convertible Preferred Stock (the “Preferred Stock”), which are not tax-deductible.tax-deductible, and the $0.5 million non-cash deferred income tax charge previously discussed. The impactimpacts of these non-deductible charges onwere increases in the effective income tax raterates in the first fiscal quarter, third fiscal quarter and the 2639 weeks ended July 31,October 30, 2010, wasof approximately 16%, 10% and 12%11%, respectively.

Due to our expected utilization of federal and state NOLnet operating loss (“NOL”) carry forwards during fiscal 2010, we anticipate cash income taxes for the fiscal year will be approximately 2% of pre-tax income, representing the portion of federal and state alternative minimum taxes that cannot be offset by NOLs. The difference between the effective income tax rate and the anticipated cash income taxes is recorded as a non-cash provision for deferred incomes taxes.

New Accounting Pronouncements Not Yet Adopted

In October 2009,January 2010, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued guidance related to revenue arrangements with multiple deliverables. Under the new guidance, when vendor specific objective evidence or third party evidence for deliverables in an arrangement cannot be determined, a best estimate of the selling price is required to separate deliverables and allocate arrangement consideration using the relative selling price method. Such guidance is to be applied on a prospective basis for revenue arrangements entered into or materially modified in fiscal years beginning on or after June 15, 2010, with early adoption permitted. We do not believe adoption of this guidance will have any effect on our condensed consolidated financial statements.

In January 2010, the FASB issued guidance and clarifications for improving disclosures about fair value measurements. This guidance requires enhanced disclosures regarding transfers in and out of the levels within the fair value hierarchy. Separate disclosures are required for transfers in and out of Level 1 and 2 fair value measurements, and the reasons for the transfers must be disclosed. In the reconciliation for Level 3 fair value measurements, separate disclosures are required for purchases, sales, issuances, and settlements on a gross basis. The new disclosures and clarifications of existing disclosures are effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2009, except for the disclosures about purchases, sales, issuances, and settlements in the roll forward of activity in Level 3 fair value measurements, which are effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2010. Effective January 31, 2010, we adopted the new and updated guidance for disclosures, aside from thosethat deferred to periods after December 15, 2010, and itthis did not significantly impact our condensed consolidated financial statements. We do not believe adoption of the remaining disclosure guidance will have any effect on our condensed consolidated financial statements.

Results of Operations

The following table sets forth selected condensed consolidated statements of operations data as a percentage of net sales for the 13-week and 26-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
26 Weeks Ended
  As a Percentage of Net Sales
13 Weeks Ended
 As a Percentage of Net Sales
39 Weeks Ended
 
  July 31,
2010
  August 1,
2009
  July 31,
2010
  August 1,
2009
  October 30,
2010
 October 31,
2009
 October 30,
2010
 October 31,
2009
 

Net sales

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

Cost of sales

  70.8       71.3       69.0       70.8        69.6   71.0   69.2   70.9 
                         

Gross margin

  29.2       28.7       31.0       29.2        30.4   29.0   30.8   29.1 

Selling, general, and administrative expenses

  26.4       25.2       25.9       25.4        25.8   25.5   25.9   25.4 

Asset impairment

  0.8       1.1       0.4       0.6        1.1   0.2   0.7   0.5 
                         

Operating income

  2.0       2.4       4.7       3.2        3.5   3.3   4.2   3.2 

Interest income (expense), net

  0.0       (0.1)      (1.1)      (0.1)       0.0   (0.1)  (0.6)  (0.0)
                         

Income before provision for income taxes

  2.0       2.3       3.6       3.1        3.5   3.2   3.6   3.2 

Provision for income taxes

  0.8       0.0       1.8       0.1        1.8   0.0   1.8   0.1 
                         

Net income

  1.2%   2.3%   1.8%   3.0%    1.7%  3.2%  1.8%  3.1%
                         

Thirteen Weeks Ended July 31,October 30, 2010, Compared to Thirteen Weeks Ended August 1,October 31, 2009

Net sales

 

  13  Weeks
Ended
  July 31, 2010  
  Change From
Prior Fiscal  Period
 13  Weeks
Ended
  August 1, 2009  
  13 Weeks
Ended
October 30, 2010
   Change From
Prior Fiscal Period
 13 Weeks
Ended
October 31, 2009
 
     ($ in millions)        ($ in millions)   

Net sales

  $131.5    $(4.9)  (3.5) $136.4      $146.4   $4.9     3.4 $141.5 

Comparable store sales decrease

      (4.3)        (0.1)%  

Net sales for the 13 weeks ended July 31,October 30, 2010, decreasedincreased primarily as a result of the following:

 

An increase of $2.1 million in net sales for our internet business compared to the prior year, which is not a factor in calculating our comparable store sales; and

An increase in number of stores open, from 500 stores as of October 31, 2009, to 522 stores as of October 30, 2010.

However, these factors were partially offset by:

A decrease of 4.3%0.1% in comparable store sales resulting from an 11.4%a 4.3% decrease in comparable store average transaction counts, partially offset by a 7.5%4.0% increase in comparable store average dollar sales per transaction. Comparable store average dollar sales per transaction increased mainly due to an 10.4%a 7.9% increase in our average unit retail prices, partially offset by a 2.2%3.0% decrease in the number of units purchased per customer, primarily as a result of a merchandise content shift at Wet Seal towards apparel and away from lower-priced accessories, as compared to the prior year; and

 

The prior year includedincluding an increase of $1.2 million in net sales resulting from a change in estimated breakage for unredeemed gift cards, gift certificates and store credits remaining outstanding for more than two years from their respective issuance dates.

However, these factors were partially offset by:

An increase of $0.5 million in net sales for our internet business compared to the prior year, which is not a factor in calculating our comparable store sales; and

An increase in number of stores open, from 496 stores as of August 1, 2009, to 508 stores as of July 31, 2010.

Cost of sales

 

  13 Weeks
Ended
July 31, 2010
 Change From
Prior Fiscal Period
 13  Weeks
Ended
 August 1, 2009 
   13 Weeks
Ended
October 30, 2010
 Change From
Prior Fiscal Period
 13 Weeks
Ended
October 31, 2009
 
    ($ in millions)       ($ in millions)   

Cost of sales

  $93.2   $(4.0 (4.2)%  $97.2    $101.9   $1.4     1.4 $100.5  

Percentage of net sales

   70.8  (0.5)%   71.3   69.6    (1.4)%   71.0

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

Cost of sales as a percentage of net sales decreased due primarily to an increase in merchandise margin as a result of higher initial markup rates in both divisions, partially offset by an increase in the markdown rate for both divisions, as compared to the prior year. Additionally, cost of sales as a percentage of sales was favorably impacted due to a reduction in buying, planning and allocation costs as a result of our open Wet Seal division chief merchandise officer position and a reduction in incentive bonuses due to declining performance results. Cost of sales as a percentage of net sales and in absolute dollar amountamounts was negatively impacted by an increase in occupancy cost due to the deleveraging effect from our decrease in comparable stores sales, as well asa result of an increase in number of stores open, from 496500 stores as of August 1,October 31, 2009, to 508522 stores as of July 31,October 30, 2010. Cost of sales was also negatively impactedaffected by an increase in distribution labor costs due to a loss on disposal charge as a result of equipment replaced by our new merchandise sorter system and an increase in temporary labor as a result offrom an increase in units shipped and an increase in apparel as a variation inpercentage of the merchandise mix, of merchandise.which requires more distribution handling cost than accessories.

Selling, general, and administrative expenses (SG&A)

 

  13 Weeks
Ended
July 31, 2010
 Change From
Prior Fiscal Period
 13 Weeks
Ended
August 1, 2009
   13 Weeks
Ended
October 30, 2010
 Change From
Prior Fiscal Period
 13 Weeks
Ended
October 31, 2009
 
    ($ in millions)       ($ in millions)   

Selling, general, and administrative expenses

  $34.7   $0.4  1.2%   $34.3    $37.9   $1.9     5.2% $36.0  

Percentage of net sales

   26.4   1.2  25.2   25.8    0.3  25.5

Our selling, general and administrative expenses (“SG&A expenses&A”) are comprised of two components. Selling expenses include store and field support costs, including personnel, advertising and merchandise delivery costs, as well as internet 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 decreased less than $0.1increased $1.2 million from the prior year to $28.2$30.0 million. As a percentage of net sales, selling expense was 21.5%20.5% of net sales, or 8010 basis points higher, as a percentage of net sales, than a year ago.

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

 

A $0.2$0.6 million decreaseincrease in payroll and benefits costs as a result of decreasedincreased sales volume; and

 

A $0.2 million decrease in credit card and bad debt charges as a result of decreased sales volume.

However, the decreases in selling expenses were partially offset by the following increases:

A $0.2$0.4 million increase in advertising and marketing expenditures due to an increase in in-store signage at both divisions, an increase in direct marketing at our Wet Seal division and an increase in our internet advertising, primarily due to our increased presence on Facebook; and

 

A $0.1$0.4 million increase in internet production and orderingorder fulfillment costs due to increased internet sales volume.

However, the increases in selling expenses were partially offset by the following decrease:

A $0.2 million decrease in bags and boxes usage.

The increase in selling expenses, as a percentage of net sales, was primarily due to the unfavorable deleveraging effect on storean increase in internet order fulfillment costs and field payroll costs andan increase in advertising and marketing expenditures, as noted above.

General and administrative expenses increased approximately $0.4$0.7 million from the prior year to $6.5$7.9 million. As a percentage of net sales, general and administrative expenses were 4.9%5.3%, or 4020 basis points higher, than a year ago.

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

 

A $0.2$0.4 million increase in corporate wages;recruiting fees related to a search for a new chief executive officer;

 

A $0.3 million increase in legal fees associated with various litigation matters;accrued bonuses related to executive retention agreements;

A $0.2 million increase in corporate wages due to filled positions; and

 

A $0.1 million net increase in other general and administrative expenses.

However, the increases in general and administrative expenses were partially offset by the following decreases:

 

A $0.2 million decrease in stock-based compensation, primarily due to higher forfeitures as compared to the prior year.computer maintenance costs; and

A $0.1 million decrease in consulting fees.

Asset impairment

 

  13 Weeks
Ended
July 31, 2010
 Change From
Prior Fiscal Period
 13 Weeks
Ended
August 1, 2009
  13 Weeks
Ended
October 30, 2010
 Change From
Prior Fiscal Period
 13 Weeks
Ended
October 31, 2009
 
  ($ in millions)  ($ in millions) 

Asset impairment

  $1.0   $(0.6 (32.9)%  $1.6      $1.6   $1.3     377.5 $0.3 

Percentage of net sales

   0.8  (0.3)%   1.1%   1.1    0.9  0.2

Based on our quarterly assessments of the carrying value of long-lived assets, during the 13 weeks ended July 31,October 30, 2010, and August 1,October 31, 2009, 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, resulting in non-cash charges of $1.0$1.6 million and $1.6$0.3 million, respectively.

Interest income (expense), net

 

  13 Weeks
Ended
July 31, 2010
 Change From
Prior Fiscal Period
 13 Weeks
Ended
August 1, 2009
   13 Weeks
Ended
October 30, 2010
 Change From
Prior Fiscal Period
 13 Weeks
Ended
October 31, 2009
 
  ($ in millions)   ($ in millions) 

Interest income (expense), net

  $0.1   $0.2  152.6 $(0.1)    $0.1   $0.3     135.0 $(0.2

Percentage of net sales

   0.0   0.1  (0.1)   0.0    0.1  (0.1)% 

We generated interest income, net, of $0.1 million in the 13 weeks ended July 31,October 30, 2010, comprised of:

 

Interest income of less than $0.1 million primarily from investments in cash and cash equivalents.equivalents, and short-term and long-term investments.

We incurred a nominal amount of interest expense, net, in the 13 weeks ended August 1,October 31, 2009, comprised of:

 

Non-cash interest expense of $0.2 million with respect to ourthe Notes, comprised primarily of discount amortization and, to a lesser extent, annual interest at 3.76%, which we elected to add to principal; partially offset by

 

Interest income of less than $0.1 million from investments in cash and cash equivalents.

Provision for income taxes

 

   13 Weeks
Ended
July 31, 2010
  Change From
Prior Fiscal Period
  13 Weeks
Ended
August 1, 2009
      ($ in millions)   

Provision for income taxes

  $1.0  $    0.9  1,211.3 $0.1
   13 Weeks
Ended
October 30, 2010
   Change From
Prior Fiscal Period
  13 Weeks
Ended
October 31, 2009
 
       ($ in millions)    

Provision for income taxes

  $2.6    $2.6     11,034.8 $0.0  

In the secondthird quarter of fiscal 2010, ourwe incurred a 50% effective income tax rate, was approximately 39%, which is significantly higher than the rate we currently expect to incur for the remainder of thein fiscal year. We incurred a higher effective income tax rate than we had in 2009 primarily as a result of the reversal of our deferred tax asset valuation allowance at the end of fiscal 2009. In addition, this rate was higher than that expected for future periods due to a $0.5 million non-cash deferred income tax charge in the third fiscal quarter due to a tax method change that resulted in the reduction of deferred tax assets related to charitable contribution carry forwards. Excluding the effect of this charge, the effective income tax rate for the third quarter would have been approximately 40%, which is the rate we currently expect to incur for the remainder of the fiscal year.

Due to our expected utilization of federal and state NOL carry forwards during fiscal 2010, we anticipate cash income taxes for the fiscal year will only be approximately 2% of pre-tax income, representing the portion of federal and state

alternative minimum taxes that cannot be offset by NOLs. The difference between the effective income tax rate and the anticipated cash income taxes is recorded as a non-cash provision for deferred incomes taxes.

Segment Information

The following is a discussion of the operating results of our business segments. We consider each of our operating divisions to be a segment. In the tables below, Wet Seal and Arden B reportable segments include data from their respective stores and internet operations. Operating segment results include net sales, cost of sales, asset impairment and other direct store and field management expenses, with no allocation of corporate overhead or interest income or expense.

Wet Seal:

 

(In thousands, except sales per square foot and store count data)

  13 Weeks    
Ended    
July 31, 2010    
     13 Weeks    
Ended    
August 1, 2009    
  13 Weeks 
Ended 
October 30, 2010
 13 Weeks 
Ended 
October 31, 2009
 

Net sales

  $108,875         $    111,517       $125,475  $119,105 

Percentage of consolidated net sales

   83%       82%     86%  84%

Comparable store sales percentage decrease compared to the prior year fiscal quarter

   (4.3)%     (11.9)%

Comparable store sales percentage increase (decrease) compared to the prior year fiscal quarter

   0.4  (7.6)% 

Operating income

  $6,219         $6,043       $12,509  $10,378 

Sales per square foot

  $61         $64       $68  $68 

Number of stores as of quarter end

   432          415        444   420 

Square footage as of quarter end

   1,709          1,636        1,763   1,655 

Wet Seal comparable stores sales decreased 4.3%increased 0.4% during the 13 weeks ended July 31,October 30, 2010, compared to a prior year quarter decrease of 11.9%7.6%. The decreaseincrease during the 13 weeks ended July 31,October 30, 2010, was due primarily to an increase of 4.8% in average dollar sales per transaction, partially offset by a 12.2%4.6% decrease in comparable store average transactions, partially offset by an increase of 8.4% in average dollar sales per transaction.transactions. The increase in comparable store average dollar sales per transaction resulted from an 11.5%8.6% increase in our average unit retail prices, partially offset by a 2.2%3.3% decrease in units purchased per customer, as a result of a merchandise content shift towards apparel and away from lower-priced accessories. The net sales decreaseincrease was attributable to the comparable store sales decline and the prior year quarter including $0.8 million of additional net sales resulting fromincrease, a change in estimated breakage, partially offset by a $0.4$1.2 million increase in net sales in our internet business and the increase in the number of stores compared to the prior year.

Wet Seal’s operating income increased to 5.7%10.0% of net sales during the 13 weeks ended July 31,October 30, 2010, from 5.4%8.7% of net sales during the 13 weeks ended August 1,October 31, 2009. The increase in operating income, as a percentage of sales, was due primarily to an increase in merchandise margin as a result of higher initial markup rates, and favorable spring physical inventory shrink results, a decrease in buying, planninginventory shrink, and allocationa decrease in occupancy costs primarily due to our open chief merchandise officer position and a reduction in stock compensation expense as a result of higher forfeiture adjustments.favorable adjustments received from landlords on prior year common area maintenance costs. Additionally, during the 13 weeks ended July 31,October 30, 2010, and the 13 weeks ended August 1,October 31, 2009, operating income included asset impairment charges of $1.0 million and $1.6$0.3 million, respectively, to write down the carrying value of long-lived assets that were identified during our quarterly impairment evaluations. The increase for the 13 weeks ended August 1, 2009 was partially offset by a $0.8 million of breakage benefit resulting from a change in estimated breakage for unredeemed gift cards, gift certificates and store credits remaining outstanding more than two years from their respective issuance dates.

Arden B:

 

(In thousands, except sales per square foot and store count data )

  13 Weeks    
Ended    
July 31, 2010    
  13 Weeks
Ended
 August 1, 2009 

Net sales

  $  22,666   $24,849     

Percentage of consolidated net sales

   17  18%

Comparable store sales percentage decrease compared to the prior year fiscal quarter

   (4.5)%   (4.1)%

Operating income

  $2,676   $3,253     

Sales per square foot

  $84   $86     

Number of stores as of quarter end

   76    81     

Square footage as of quarter end

   230    247     

(In thousands, except sales per square foot and store count data )

  13 Weeks 
Ended 
October 30, 2010
  13 Weeks
Ended
October 31, 2009
 

Net sales

  $20,926   $22,441 

Percentage of consolidated net sales

   14  16

Comparable store sales percentage (decrease) increase compared to the prior year fiscal quarter

   (2.9)%   1.3

Operating income

  $117   $1,444 

Sales per square foot

  $77   $82 

Number of stores as of quarter end

   78    80  

Square footage as of quarter end

   234    244 

Arden B comparable stores sales decreased 4.5%2.9% during the 13 weeks ended July 31,October 30, 2010, compared to a prior year quarter decreaseincrease of 4.1%1.3%. The decrease during the 13 weeks ended July 31,October 30, 2010, was due primarily to a 2.6%0.5% decrease in comparable store average transactions and a 1.9%2.4% decrease in comparable store average dollar sales per transaction. The decrease in the average dollar sale per transaction resulted from a 4.9% decline3.8% decrease in units purchased per customer, partially offset by a 1.5% increase in our average unit retail prices, partially offset by a 2.8% increase in units purchased per customer.prices. The net sales decrease was attributable to the comparable store sales decrease and a decrease in the number of stores compared to the prior year, partially offset by a $0.2$0.9 million increase in net sales in our internet business.

Arden B generated operating income of 11.8%0.6% of net sales during the 13 weeks ended July 31,October 30, 2010, compared to operating income of 13.1%6.4% of net sales during the 13 weeks ended August 1,October 31, 2009. The decrease in operating results was due primarily to a decrease in merchandise margin as a result of higher markdown rates, an increase in occupancy costs as a percentage of net sales, as the prior year included a rent benefit for early termination of store leases, and the deleveraging effect from the decrease in comparable store sales, and an increase in internet production orderingorder fulfillment costs as a result of increased net sales in our internet business compared to the prior year. Additionally, operating income forduring the 13 weeks ended August 1,October 30, 2010, and the 13 weeks ended October 31, 2009, operating income included $0.4asset impairment charges of $0.6 million and less than $0.1 million, respectively, to write down the carrying value of breakage benefit resulting from a change in estimated breakage for unredeemed gift cards, gift certificates and store credits remaining outstanding more than two years from their respective issuance dates.long-lived assets that were identified during our quarterly impairment evaluations.

Twenty-SixThirty-Nine Weeks Ended July 31,October 30, 2010, Compared to Twenty-SixThirty-Nine Weeks Ended August 1,October 31, 2009

Net sales

 

  26 Weeks
Ended
July 31, 2010
  Change From
Prior Fiscal Period
 26 Weeks
Ended
August 1, 2009
  39 Weeks
Ended
October 30, 2010
   Change From
Prior Fiscal Period
 39 Weeks
Ended
October 31, 2009
 
     ($ in millions)        ($ in millions)   

Net sales

  $269.3  $0.9  0.3 $268.4  $415.7    $5.8     1.4 $409.9  

Comparable store sales decrease

      (1.1)%         (0.8)%  

Net sales for the 2639 weeks ended July 31,October 30, 2010, increased primarily as a result of the following:

 

An increase of $1.7$3.8 million in net sales for our internet business compared to the prior year, which is not a factor in calculating our comparable store sales; and

 

An increase in number of stores open, from 496500 stores as of August 1,October 31, 2009, to 508522 stores as of July 31,October 30, 2010.

However, these factors were partially offset by:

 

A decrease of 1.1%0.8% in comparable store sales resulting from an 8.5%a 7.1% decrease in comparable store average transaction counts,transactions, partially offset by an 8.3%6.8% increase in comparable store average dollar sales per transaction. Comparable store average dollar sales per transaction increased mainly due to an 11.0%a 10.0% increase in our average unit retail prices, partially offset by a 2.6%3.0% decrease in the number of units purchased per customer, as compared to the prior year;customer; and

 

The prior year includedincluding an increase of $1.2 million in net sales resulting from a change in estimated breakage for unredeemed gift cards, gift certificates and store credits remaining outstanding for more than two years from their respective issuance dates.

Cost of sales

 

  26 Weeks
Ended
July 31, 2010
 Change From
Prior Fiscal Period
 26 Weeks
Ended
August 1, 2009
   39 Weeks
Ended
October 30, 2010
 Change From
Prior Fiscal Period
 39 Weeks
Ended
October 31, 2009
 
    ($ in millions)       ($ in millions)   

Cost of sales

  $185.8   $(4.2 (2.2)%  $190.0    $287.7   $(2.8  (1.0)%  $290.5  

Percentage of net sales

   69.0  (1.8)%   70.8   69.2   (1.7)%   70.9

Cost of sales as a percentage of net sales decreased due primarily to an increase in merchandise margin as a result of higher initial markup rates in both divisions and favorable spring physical inventory shrink results, as compared to the prior year, partially offset by an increase in markdown rates due to the highly promotional retail environment. Cost of sales as a percentage of sales andin absolute dollar amount was negatively impacted dueby an increase in occupancy cost due to the deleveraging effect from our comparable stores sales decrease, as well asa result of an increase in number of stores, open, from 496500 stores as of August 1,October 31, 2009, to 508522 stores as of July 31,October 30, 2010.

Selling, general, and administrative expenses (SG&A)

 

  26 Weeks
Ended
July 31, 2010
 Change From
Prior Fiscal Period
 26 Weeks
Ended
August 1, 2009
   39 Weeks
Ended
October 30, 2010
 Change From
Prior Fiscal Period
 39 Weeks
Ended
October 31, 2009
 
    ($ in millions)       ($ in millions)   

Selling, general, and administrative expenses

  $69.8   $1.5  2.2% $68.3    $107.7   $3.4     3.2 $104.3  

Percentage of net sales

   25.9   0.5  25.4   25.9    0.5  25.4

Selling expenses increased approximately $0.3$1.5 million from the prior year to $55.5$85.5 million. As a percentage of net sales, selling expense was 20.6% of net sales, or 10 basis points higher as a percentage of net sales as compared tothan a year ago.

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

 

A $0.5$0.8 million increase in advertising and marketing expenditures due to an increase in in-store signage at both divisions, an increase in direct marketing at our Wet Seal division and an increase in our internet advertising, primarily due to our increased presence on Facebook;

 

A $0.3$0.7 million increase in internet production and orderingorder fulfillment costs due to increased internet sales volume;

A $0.5 million increase in payroll and benefits costs as a result of increased sales volume; and

 

A $0.1 million net increase in other selling expenses.

However, the increases in selling expenses were partially offset by the following decreases:

 

A $0.3$0.4 million decrease in bags and boxes usage; and

 

A $0.2 million decrease in bad debt and bank charges; and

A $0.1 million decrease in payroll and benefits costs.charges.

General and administrative expenses increased approximately $1.2$1.9 million from the prior year, to $14.3$22.2 million. As a percentage of net sales, general and administrative expenses were 5.3%, or 40 basis points higher than a year ago.

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

 

A $0.5 million increase in corporate wages;

A $0.4 million increase in legal fees associated with various litigation matters;

 

A $0.3$0.4 million increase in corporate wages;recruiting fees related to our search for a new chief executive officer;

 

A $0.1$0.4 million increase in corporateaccrued bonuses as the prior year included a greater benefit based on prior year’s financial performance relativerelated to bonus targets;

A $0.1 million increase in stock-based compensation, as a result of higher forfeiture adjustments;retention agreements;

 

A $0.2 million increase in consulting fees due to timing of services performed and audit fees, compared to the prior year;

A $0.1 million increase in stock-based compensation, as a result of higher forfeiture adjustments; and

 

A $0.2 million net increase in other general and administrative costs.

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

A $0.1 million decrease in general office and supplies;

A $0.1 million decrease in computer maintenance costs; and

 

A $0.1 million decrease in board of director fees due to fewer Boardboard members as compared to the prior year.

Asset impairment

 

  26 Weeks
Ended
July 31, 2010
 Change From
Prior Fiscal Period
 26 Weeks
Ended
August 1, 2009
   39 Weeks
Ended
October 30, 2010
 Change From
Prior Fiscal Period
 39 Weeks
Ended
October 31, 2009
 
  ($ in millions)   ($ in millions) 

Asset impairment

  $1.1   $(0.5 (27.1)%  $1.6   $2.7   $0.8     44.5 $1.9  

Percentage of net sales

   0.4  (0.2)%   0.6   0.7    0.2  0.5

Based on our quarterly assessments of the carrying value of long-lived assets, during the 2639 weeks ended July 31,October 30, 2010, and August 1,October 31, 2009, 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, resulting in non-cash charges of $1.1$2.7 million and $1.6$1.9 million, respectively.

Interest expense, net

 

  26 Weeks
Ended
July 31, 2010
 Change From
Prior Fiscal Period
 26 Weeks
Ended
August 1, 2009
   39 Weeks
Ended
October 30, 2010
 Change From
Prior Fiscal Period
 39 Weeks
Ended
October 31, 2009
 
  ($ in millions)   ($ in millions) 

Interest expense, net

  $(2.8 $(2.7 (2,241.3)%  $(0.1  $(2.8 $(2.5  (877.5)%  $(0.3

Percentage of net sales

   (1.1)%   (1.0)%   (0.1)%    (0.6)%    (0.6)%   (0.0)% 

We incurred interest expense, net, of $2.8 million in the 2639 weeks ended July 31,October 30, 2010, comprised of:

 

Interest charges of $2.8 million, consisting of $2.1 million of non-cash charges and a $0.7 million conversion/exercise inducement, related to the conversion of $4.7 million of ourthe Notes into 3,111,111 shares of our common stock and $1.6 million of ourthe Preferred Stock into 537,000 shares of our common stock, and the exercise of Series E warrants into 625,000 shares of our common stock;

 

Non-cash interest expense of $0.1 million on ourthe Notes prior to conversion, and comprised primarily of discount amortization and, to a lesser extent, annual interest at 3.76%, which we elected to add to principal;

Interest expense of $0.1 million from fees for the unused portion of our credit facility; partially offset by

 

Interest income of $0.1$0.2 million from investments in cash and cash equivalents.equivalents, and short-term and long-term investments.

We incurred interest expense, net, of $0.1$0.3 million in the 2639 weeks ended August 1,October 31, 2009, comprised of:

 

Non-cash interest expense of $0.4$0.6 million on ourthe Notes, comprised primarily of discount amortization and, to a lesser extent, annual interest at 3.76%, which we elected to add to principal; partially offset by

 

Interest income of less than $0.3 million from investments in cash and cash equivalents.

Provision for income taxes

 

   26 Weeks
Ended
July 31, 2010
  Change From
Prior Fiscal Period
  26 Weeks
Ended
August 1, 2009
      ($ in millions)   

Provision for income taxes

  $5.0  $4.7  1,887.4 $0.3
   39 Weeks
Ended
October 30, 2010
   Change From
Prior Fiscal Period
  39 Weeks
Ended
October 31, 2009
 
       ($ in millions)    

Provision for income taxes

  $7.5    $7.2     2,643.3 $0.3  

We have NOL carry forwards available, subject to certain limitation, to offset our regular taxable income. We recognizedDuring the 39 weeks ended October 30, 2010, we incurred a provision for51% effective income taxes that resulted in an effective tax rate, which is significantly higher than the rate in fiscal 2009 primarily as a result of 51% for federal and state income taxes. Thisthe reversal of our deferred tax asset valuation allowance at the end of fiscal 2009. In addition, this rate was higher than that expected for future periods due to $2.8 million in interest charges incurred upon the Note conversions which are not tax-deductible in the first fiscal quarter 2010, which are not tax deductible, and a $0.5 million non-cash deferred income tax charge in the third fiscal quarter due to a tax method change that resulted in the reduction of 2010.deferred tax assets related to charitable contribution carry forwards. Excluding the effect of these non-deductible charges, the effective income tax rate for the first half of fiscal39 weeks ended October 30, 2010 would have been approximately 39%40%, which is the rate we currently expect to incur for the remainder of the fiscal year.

Due to our expected utilization of federal and state NOL carry forwards during fiscal 2010, we anticipate cash income taxes for the fiscal year will be approximately 2% of pre-tax income, representing the portion of federal and state alternative minimum taxes that cannot be offset by NOLs. The difference between the effective income tax rate and the anticipated cash income taxes is recorded as a non-cash provision for deferred incomes taxes.

Segment Information

The following is a discussion of the operating results of our business segments. We consider each of our operating divisions to be a segment. In the tables below, Wet Seal and Arden B reportable segments include data from their respective stores and internet operations. Operating segment results include net sales, cost of sales and other direct store and field management expenses, with no allocation of corporate overhead or interest income or expense.

Wet Seal:

 

(In thousands, except sales per square foot and store count data)

  26 Weeks    
Ended    
July 31, 2010    
     26 Weeks    
Ended    
August 1, 2009    
  39 Weeks 
Ended 
October 30, 2010
 39 Weeks 
Ended 
October 31, 2009
 

Net sales

  $222,786        $    219,882       $348,260  $338,987 

Percentage of consolidated net sales

   83%     82%     84  83%

Comparable store sales percentage decrease compared to the prior year period

   (1.4)%     (10.0)%   (0.8)%   (9.2)% 

Operating income

  $20,548        $15,937       $33,054  $26,315 

Sales per square foot

  $126        $128       $194  $196 

Number of stores as of period end

   432         415        444   420 

Square footage as of period end

   1,709         1,636        1,763   1,655 

Wet Seal comparable stores sales decreased 1.4%0.8% during the 2639 weeks ended July 31,October 30, 2010, compared to a prior year decrease of 10.0%9.2%. The decrease during the 2639 weeks ended July 31,October 30, 2010, was due primarily to a 9.4%7.8% decrease in comparable store average transactions, partially offset by a 9.0%7.6% increase in comparable store average dollar sales per transaction. The increase in comparable store average dollar sales per transaction resulted from a 12.1%10.9% increase in our average unit retail prices, partially offset by a 2.9% decrease in units purchased per customer, as a result of a merchandise content shift towards apparel and away from lower-priced accessories. The net sales increase was attributable to the increase in the number of stores compared to the prior year and a $1.0$2.2 million increase in net sales in our internet business, partially offset by athe comparable store sales decline and the prior year including a $0.8 million of additional net sales resulting from a change in estimated breakage.breakage for unredeemed gift cards, gift certificates and store credits remaining outstanding more than two years from their respective issuance dates.

Wet Seal’s operating income increased to 9.2%9.5% of net sales during the 2639 weeks ended July 31,October 30, 2010, from 7.2%7.8% during the 2639 weeks ended August 1,October 31, 2009. The increase in operating income, as a percentage of sales, was due primarily to an increase in merchandise margin as a result of an increase in initial markup rates and favorable spring physical inventory shrink results, and a decrease in buying planning and allocation costs primarily due to our open chief merchandise officer position and a reduction in stock compensation expense as a result of higher forfeiture adjustments.expense. Additionally, during the 2639 weeks ended July 31,October 30, 2010, and the 2639 weeks ended August 1,October 31, 2009, operating income included asset impairment charges of $1.1$2.1 million and $1.6$1.9 million, respectively, to write down the carrying value of long-lived assets that were identified during our quarterly impairment evaluations. The increaseOperating income for the 2639 weeks ended August 1,October 31, 2009, included the $0.8 million breakage benefit noted above.

Arden B:

(In thousands, except sales per square foot and store count data )

  39 Weeks 
Ended 
October 30, 2010
  39 Weeks 
Ended 
October 31, 2009
 

Net sales

  $67,444  $70,934 

Percentage of consolidated net sales

   16  17%

Comparable store sales percentage decrease compared to the prior year period

   (0.8)%   (2.5)% 

Operating income

  $6,029  $7,221 

Sales per square foot

  $234  $251 

Number of stores as of period end

   78   80 

Square footage as of period end

   249   244 

Arden B comparable stores sales decreased 0.8% during the 39 weeks ended October 30, 2010, compared to a prior year decrease of 2.5%. The decrease during the 39 weeks ended October 30, 2010, was due primarily to a 1.8% decrease in comparable store average dollar sales per transaction, partially offset by a $0.81.0% increase in comparable store average transactions. The decrease in the average dollar sales per transaction resulted from a 4.7% decline in average unit retail prices, partially offset by a 2.8% increase in units purchased per customer. The net sales decrease was primarily attributable to the decrease in the number of stores compared to the prior year, the comparable store sales decrease and the prior year including $0.4 million of breakage benefitadditional net sales resulting from a change in estimated breakage for unredeemed gift cards, gift certificates and store credits remaining outstanding more than two years from their respective issuance dates.

Arden B:

(In thousands, except sales per square foot and store count data )

  26 Weeks    
Ended    
July 31, 2010    
     26 Weeks    
Ended    
August 1, 2009    

Net sales

  $46,517        $48,493     

Percentage of consolidated net sales

   17%     18%  

Comparable store sales percentage increase (decrease) compared to the prior year period

   0.1%     (4.1)%

Operating income

  $5,913        $5,776     

Sales per square foot

  $172        $169     

Number of stores as of period end

   76         81     

Square footage as of period end

   230         247     

Arden B comparable stores sales increased 0.1% during the 26 weeks ended July 31, 2010, compared to a prior year decrease of 4.1%. The increase during the 26 weeks ended July 31, 2010, was due primarily to a 2.1% increase in comparable store average transactions,dates, partially offset by a 1.6% decrease in comparable store average dollar sales per transaction. The decrease in the average dollar sales per transaction resulted from a 7.5% decline in our average unit retail prices, partially offset by a 6.4% increase in units purchased per customer. The net sales decrease was primarily attributable to the decrease in the number of stores compared to the prior year and the prior year including a $0.4 million of additional net sales resulting from a change in estimated breakage, partially offset by the comparable store sales increase and a $0.7$1.6 million increase in net sales in our internet business.

Arden B generated operating income of 12.7%8.9% of net sales during the 2639 weeks ended July 31,October 30, 2010, compared to operating income of 11.9%10.2% of net sales during the 2639 weeks ended August 1,October 31, 2009. The improvementdecrease in operating resultsincome was due primarily to a decrease in occupancy costs due to a reduction in minimum rent and common area maintenance chargesmerchandise margin as a result of favorable lease negotiations,higher markdown rates, an increase in buying wages and an increase in stock compensation expense. Additionally, during the decrease in store counts from 81 stores as of August 1, 2009, to 76 stores as of July 31,39 weeks ended October 30, 2010, and a decrease in store payroll costs as a resultthe 39 weeks ended October 31, 2009, operating income included asset impairment charges of improved efficiency on higher sales volume compared$0.6 million and less than $0.1 million, respectively, to write down the prior year. These increasescarrying value of long-lived assets that were partially offset byidentified during our quarterly impairment evaluations. Also, operating income for the 2639 weeks ended August 1,October 31, 2009, including aincluded the $0.4 million of breakage benefit resulting from a change in estimated breakage for unredeemed gift cards, gift certificates and store credits remaining outstanding more than two years from their respective issuance dates.noted above.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

Net cash provided by operating activities was $18.3$32.0 million for the 2639 weeks ended July 31,October 30, 2010, compared to $12.7$19.2 million for the same period last year. For the 2639 weeks ended July 31,October 30, 2010, cash provided by operating activities was comprised of our net income of $4.8$7.3 million, net non-cash charges, primarily depreciation and amortization, asset impairment, stock-based compensation, provision for deferred income taxes and non-cash interest expense, of $17.4$26.7 million, and a $0.7 million add back for a conversion/exerciseconversion inducement fee, partially offset byand an increase in merchandise inventoriespayables over the increase inof merchandise payablesinventories of $2.7less than $0.1 million, andpartially offset by a net use of cash from changes in other operating assets and liabilities of $1.9$2.8 million. For the 2639 weeks ending July 31,October 30, 2010, net cash used in investing activities of $13.0$73.6 million was comprised entirely of $22.4 million for capital expenditures, primarily for remodeling of existing Wet Seal and Arden B stores upon lease renewals and/or store relocations, the construction of new Wet Seal and Arden B stores, and investment in the development of new retail merchandising and point-of-sale operating systems and a merchandise sorting system installed in our distribution sorting system.center, and $51.2 million for investment of cash from money market funds into short-term and long-term investments. Capital expenditures that remain unpaid as of July 31,October 30, 2010, have increased $5.6$7.0 million since the end of fiscal 2009. We expect to pay nearly all of the total balance of such amounts payable in the amount of $8.2$9.6 million during the thirdfourth quarter of fiscal 2010.

We estimate that, in fiscal 2010, capital expenditures will be approximately between $31$29.0 million and $32$30.0 million, net of approximately $4$5.4 million in landlord tenant improvement allowances. Of the total net capital expenditures, approximately $20$18.0 million to $21$19.0 million is expected to be for the remodeling of existing Wet Seal and Arden B stores upon lease renewals and/or store relocations and the construction of new Wet Seal and Arden B stores.

For the 2639 weeks ending July 31,October 30, 2010, net cash used by financing activities was $1.4$4.4 million, comprised of $5.2$8.2 million used to repurchase 1,394,1622,276,462 shares of our Class A common stock, which utilized all remaining capacity under a $12.5 million repurchase authorization granted by our Board of Directors in November 2009 and a portion of the capacity under a $25 million repurchase authorization granted by our Board of Directors in September 2010, and a $0.7 million conversion inducement fee to a Note holder, partially offset by $4.3 million of proceeds from investor exercises of common

stock warrants, which resulted in the issuance of 1,160,715 shares of our Class A common stock, and $0.2 million of proceeds from the exercise of stock options.

In March 2010, a holder of ourthe Notes, preferred stockPreferred Stock and Series E warrants converted $4.7 million in principal amount of our Notes into 3,111,111 shares of our Class A common stock and 1,611 shares of ourthe Preferred Stock into 537,000 shares of our Class A common stock, and exercised Series E warrants into 625,000 shares of our Class A common stock for an exercise price of $2.3 million. As an inducement for the holder to undertake these conversions and/or exercises of the Notes, Preferred Stock and Series E warrants, we provided the holder with a $0.7 million inducement fee. We also repurchased an insignificant remaining Note balance from another holder. As a result of these transactions, there are no longer any remaining Notes and Preferred Stock outstanding and there was a satisfaction and discharge of our obligations under the Indenture governing the Notes.

On November 3, 2010, all of the Company’s remaining Series E Warrants expired unexercised. As a result, no warrants to acquire the Company’s Class A common stock remain outstanding.

Total cash, and cash equivalents and investments at July 31,October 30, 2010, was $165.5$166.7 million compared to $161.7 million at January 30, 2010.

We maintain a $35.0 million 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 agreement.Facility. The Facility expires in May 2011, and we intend to either replace or renew ourare currently negotiating a renewal of the Facility. Under ourthe 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, repurchase our common stock, 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 our 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 ourthe Facility, at the time of election, as adjusted quarterly. The applicable LIBOR margin was 1.0% as of July 31,October 30, 2010. We also incur 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.

Borrowings under the Facility are secured by all of our presently owned and hereafter acquired assets.assets of us and our wholly owned subsidiaries, The Wet Seal Retail, Inc. and Wet Seal Catalog, Inc., each of which may be a borrower under the Facility. Our obligations thereunder and the subsidiary borrowers under the Facility are guaranteed by one of our wholly owned subsidiaries, Wet Seal GC, LLC.

At July 31,October 30, 2010, the amount outstanding under the Facility consisted of $3.8$6.0 million in open documentary letters of credit related to merchandise purchases and $1.5$1.7 million in outstanding standby letters of credit. At July 31,October 30, 2010, we had $29.7$27.3 million available for cash advances and/or for the issuance of additional letters of credit and we were in compliance with all covenant requirements inunder 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, the significant deterioration in consumer confidence and spending experienced over the past few years could remain depressed for an extended period. As a result of this continuing economic crisis, we may experience continued declines in consolidated comparable store sales or experience other events that negatively affect our operating results. If our consolidated comparable store sales drop significantly for an extended period, or we falter in the execution of our business strategy, we may not achieve our financial performance goals, which could adversely impact our results of operations and operating cash flow. This could also cause a decrease in or elimination of excess availability under ourthe Facility, which could force us to seek alternatives to address potential cash constraints, including seeking additional debt and/or equity financing.

The financial performance of our business is susceptible to declines in discretionary consumer spending, availability of consumer credit and low consumer confidence in the United States. Volatile fuel prices and increasing commodity costs may also cause a shift in consumer demand away from the retail clothing products that we offer. There are no guarantees that government or other initiatives will limit the duration or severity of the current economic recessionchallenges or stabilize factors that affect our sales and profitability. RecentContinuing adverse economic trends could affect us more significantly than companies in other industries.

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 of July and ending during 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 less than 30% of our annual sales. We do not believe that inflation has had a material effect on our results of operations during the past three years. However, we have recently experienced cost pressures as a result of the rising commodity prices, primarily for cotton, and increased labor costs, due to labor shortages, in China, from which a majority of our merchandise is sourced. In addition, the rising value of the currency in China relative to the U.S. dollar may also have a further impact on future product costs. Although our initial mark ups have held up well to date, we have experienced some deterioration in mark-up rates in fourth quarter 2010 merchandise receipts and are experiencing further cost increases on first quarter 2011 orders. We will continue to diligently monitor our costs as well as the competitive pricing environment in order to mitigate potential margin erosion. 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

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 July 31,October 30, 2010, no borrowings were outstanding under ourthe Facility. As of July 31,October 30, 2010, we are not a party to any derivative financial instruments.

Foreign Currency Exchange Rate Risk

We contract for and settle all purchases in U.S. dollars. We only purchase a modest amount of goods directly from international vendors. Thus, we consider the effect of currency rate changes to be indirect and we believe the effect of a major shift in currency exchange rates on short-term results would be minimal. Over a longer period, the impact of such changes, especially the exchange rate between the currency in China and the U.S. dollar, could be significant, albeit indirectly, through increased charges in U.S. dollars from our vendors that source their products internationally.

 

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 our disclosure controls and procedures, as such term is defined in Rule 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)

promulgated under the Exchange Act. These disclosure controls and procedures are designed to provide reasonable assurance that the information required to be disclosed by the Company in the reports that it files or submits under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified by the Commission’s rules and forms. Our disclosure controls and procedures are also designed to provide reasonable assurance that information required to be disclosed 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, in order to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosures. Based on this evaluation, our chief executive officer and our chief financial officer concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective at a reasonable assurance level as of July 31,October 30, 2010.

Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

During the fiscal quarter ended July 31,October 30, 2010, 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

On July 19, 2006, a complaint was filed in the Superior Court of the State of California for the County of Los Angeles 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 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, 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. On February 29, 2008, the court issued its order granting final approval of the class action settlement, subject to appeal. On April 28, 2008, a notice of appeal of the judgment was filed. On May 6, 2009, the Court reversed and remanded the case toSeptember 27, 2010, the Superior Court to re-evaluate the fairnessgranted final approval of the settlement and a final hearing will take place in September 2010.agreement. As of July 31,October 30, 2010, we have accrued an amount equal to the settlement amount in accrued liabilities in our 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 who were employed and paid by us from May 22, 2003 through the present. 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. Discovery is ongoing and Plaintiffs filed their motion for class certification in July 2010. OurWe filed our opposition to Plaintiffs’the motion is duefor class certification on September 24, 2010, and theOctober 19, 2010. The class certification hearing is scheduled for October 8,December 17, 2010. 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 as of July 31,October 30, 2010.

On September 29, 2008, a complaint was filed in the Superior Court of the State of California for the County of San Francisco on behalf of certain of our current and former employees who were employed and paid by us from September 29, 2004 through the present. We were named as a defendant. The complaint alleges various violations under the State of California Labor Code and the State of California Business and Professions Code. Plaintiffs recently filed an amended complaint, and we filed a motion to strike allegations of the third amended complaint on or about February 16, 2010.2010, which was held in abeyance. The case has been transferred to the complex panel of the San Francisco Superior Court for case management purposes. NoCurrently, Plaintiffs’ motion for class certification motion filing deadline has been set by the court, and discoveryis due to be filed on April 25, 2011. Discovery is ongoing. 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 as of July 31,October 30, 2010.

On March 18, 2009, 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 from March 18, 2005 through March 18, 2009. 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. On October 23, 2009, we reached an agreement to pay approximately $0.2 million to settle this matter, subject to Superior Court approval. The Court has preliminarily approved the settlement and set a final approval hearing for September 2, 2010.matter. We paid the preliminary settlement amount in August 2010 and the Superior Court dismissed the action with prejudice on September 2, 2010.

On April 24, 2009 the PennsylvaniaU.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission requested information and records relevant to several charges of discrimination by our company against employees of our company. In the course of this investigation, the EEOC served us with a subpoena seeking information related to current and former employees throughout the United States. In April 2010 we filed an action for declaratory and injunctive relief in the U.S. District Court for the

Central District of California seeking relief from the subpoena, which action it has since voluntarily dismissed. Later that same month, the EEOC filed an application to enforce the subpoena in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania, and is in the process of a nationwide investigation. We are awaiting the results of the EEOC’s investigation 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 as of July 31,October 30, 2010.

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 these claims, arising out of the normal course of business, we have insurance coverage to cover a portion of such losses; however, certain other matters may exist or arise for which we do not have insurance coverage. As of July 31,October 30, 2010, we were not engaged in any 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

The 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 January 30, 2010.

We are in the process of identifying a successor to ournew president and chief executive officer for our Company and the resulting successiontransition and integration of this person may impact our ability to execute our business strategy in the near term.term and has caused us to delay our search for a new chief merchandise officer for our Wet Seal division.

As previously announced, on October 8, 2010, Mr. Edmond S. Thomas, ourresigned as a director and his term as president and chief executive officer and a director, will resign from his positions withof our companyCompany concluded upon the expiration of his existing employment agreement on October 8, 2010. that date.

We have entered into a transition services agreement with Mr. Thomas, for a period of four months following the end of his employment agreement. During this period,pursuant to which Mr. Thomas will serveis currently serving as interim president and interim chief executive officer andfor a transition period that will be compensated for such services rendered pursuant to the terms of the transition services agreement.conclude no later than February 8, 2011. However, there can be no assurance that Mr. Thomas will continue to serve in any capacity during the entire transition period or that

period. In addition, we willhave not been able find a suitable replacement for Mr. Thomas to date and do not know if we will be able to do so before the expiration of Mr. Thomas’ employment agreement or the conclusion of his transition period.

If Mr. Thomas ceases to render services prior to the end of his transition period and we are not able to appoint a new president and chief executive officer in a timely manner, our business, financial condition, and results of operations could be materially and adversely affected. In addition, we anticipate that we will experience a transition period before our new president and chief executive officer is fully integrated into his/his or her new roles. We cannot provide any assurance that there will not be any disruption that adversely impacts our customer relationships, employee morale and/or our business during such period.

As previously disclosed, we have a search underway to identify a chief merchandise officer for our Wet Seal division. However, as a result of our search for a new president and chief executive officer, we have delayed the search for a chief merchandise officer and will resume it at the time a president and chief executive officer is identified and can assist in the process. This delay may further impact our business.ability to execute our business strategy in the near term.

 

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

 

(a)

None.

 

(b)

None.

 

(c)

None.Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

 

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 (2)
 

August 29, 2010 to October 2, 2010

   882,300   $3.39    882,300    6,284,093 

(1)

On September 7, 2010, our company’s Board of Directors authorized a program to repurchase up to $25.0 million of the outstanding shares of our Class A common stock from time to time in the open market or in privately negotiated transactions. Repurchases are at the option of our company and can be suspended or discontinued at any time. Pursuant to this plan, we repurchased 882,300 shares of our Class A common stock at an average market price of $3.39, for a total cost, including commissions, of approximately $3.0 million. No such repurchases occurred during fiscal August or fiscal October.

(2)

Calculated as the balance remaining of the authorized spending of approximately $22.0 million divided by the closing price of our Class A common stock as of October 29, 2010, the last trading day of the third quarter of fiscal 2010.

Item 3.Defaults Upon Senior Securities

 

(a)

None.

 

(b)

None.

 

Item 4.Removed and Reserved

 

Item 5.Other Information

None.

Item 6.Exhibits

 

4.4.4

Satisfaction and Discharge of Indenture entered into between our company the The Bank of New York Mellon, dated as of May 3, 2010 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.1 of our company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on May 7, 2010)

10.5.2

Amendment to the 2005 Stock Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference in Exhibit B of our company’s Definitive Proxy Statement of Form DEF 14A, dated April 19, 2010)

31.1  

Certification of the Interim 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 Interim 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: August 31,December 2, 2010

 

By:

 

  /s/ Edmond S. Thomas

  

  Edmond S. Thomas

  

  Interim President and Chief Executive Officer

Date: August 31,December 2, 2010

 

By:

 

  /s/ Steven H. Benrubi

  

  Steven H. Benrubi

  

  Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

 

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